Reading Today, January 19, 2022

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Two guilty of murdering man in Tilehurst

No. 13 90p

WEAVERS TAKE OVER MALL P3

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today TWO men have been found guilty of murder, while a further two have been convicted of manslaughter.

On Saturday, February 6, last year, Raheem Hanif was stabbed in a car park in Dulnan Close, Tilehurst.

The 26-year-old died of his injuries, while his father, Abdul, sustained a broken arm.

Reading Crown Court convicted four people on Friday, January 14.

Abas Khan, aged 24, of Helmsdale Road, Reading, and a 17-year-old boy also from Reading, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were found guilty of murder, following a trial lasting ten weeks at Reading Crown Court. The jury gave a unanimous verdict.

The 17-year-old boy was also found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of possession of an offensive weapon.

Humzah Sikander, aged 18, of Brunel Road, Reading, and another 17-yearold boy from Reading, were found not guilty of murder, but convicted of manslaughter, also by unanimous jury verdict.

Sikander had also previously pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm without intent on a second victim, Raheem’s father, Abdul. n Continued on page 10

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OFSTED SUCCESS FOR SCHOOL P9

PROTEST SONGS: Punk band aim to Kill The Bill • P10

MP urges Parliament take action over problematic media social posts

‘FOR OLLY, LET’S MAKE ONLINE SAFE’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

WE ALL have a responsibility in keeping young people safe online and offline – that’s the challenge made by the Bishop of Reading.

The Rt Revd Olivia Graham is backing Reading East MP Matt Rodda’s campaign to see action in the wake of the death of Emmer Green teenager Olly Stephens.

Last week, Mr Rodda told the House of Commons about Olly during a debate on the problems

caused by knife crime and the use of social media by youngsters.

“He was killed in a most brutal attack, a knifing, in a park where he was lured through social media,” Mr Rodda told the chamber.

“He was just 13 when he died, and he had his whole life ahead of him.

“He was a livewire at school and a likable boy.

“It is simply impossible to imagine what his parents and his family are going through.” n Continued on page 4

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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.

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Caversham family can hit the road again thanks to charity

By JESS WARREN news@reading.today

SAFE: George, 14, can now ride safely wiht his siblings in the car Picture: Remap

A CAVERSHAM teenager is ready for his travels after some help from Berkshire engineeers.

Davina Turnbull had been struggling to keep her children safe in car journeys, causing her family a logistical challenge when it came to getting around.

Her oldest son George, 14, suffers with a rare brain abnormnality which causes mental, physical, medical and behavioural difficulties, especially when he is anxious or travelling.

Sitting in the back of the car next to his younger siblings, Harry, 10, and Amelie, 7, meant they were unsafe.

But sitting in the front passenger seat was a recipe for continuous driver distraction.

Ms Turnbull said: “For years I’d wanted to create a simple dividing screen for the rear seats, but I couldn’t find anything suitable to buy, and didn’t have the knowledge of what plastics were safe.

“It had got to the stage when I couldn’t take my three children out in the same car.”

That’s when Remap Berkshire stepped in. The charity’s volunteer MakeAbility engineers design and create free bespoke equipment and gadgets for people with a special need or disability where nothing suitable is available commercially.

Volunteer John Williams designed and made a 4mm twin-wall

polycarbonate screen to fit between the individual rear seats, keeping George apart from his brother and sister.

It didn’t require any fittings, as Mr Williams designed the screen to be clamped in place by the seats.

Car journeys went from dangerous, to giggles and fun, said Ms Turnbull.

“I am thrilled, relieved and very grateful to Remap, who give up their time to help people in need of equipment that just doesn’t exist to buy,” she said. “They really go above and beyond. Wow, wow,

and wow again.”

There are eight Remap MakeAbility engineers in the Reading area.

They solve problems for clients of all ages, with some of their creations including long-reach window openers, bespoke access ramps, washroom access steps.

More complex projects are often worked through in consultation with occupational therapists or physiotherapists.

All gadgets and equipment are provided for free. n To find out more, email: berks. caseofficer@remapgroups.org.uk

Duo armed with bats and knives smash car parked on driveway of Caversham home MEN armed with bats and knives smashed a car parked on a Caversham driveway on Tuesday.

Police are now appealing for witnesses for the aggravated burglary.

The incident took place at a home on George Street around 5.10pm on Tuesday, January 11.

Officers said that two men turned up at the home, and used the bats and knives to damage the car which belonged to the victim, a man in his forties.

Both of the offenders are described as black men of slim build.

One is around 6ft 5ins tall and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and had a short beard.

The other is around 5ft 5ins tall and was wearing a black puffer jacket and had his hood up.

A dark blue Mercedes with the partial registration of VK09 is also believed to be connected with the offence.

No injuries were sustained during the incident.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emma Pointon based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed or knows anything about this incident to please come forward.

“To report any information, you can call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 43220014743.

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

Transport police release CCTV of men following fight on train BRITISH Transport Police are appealing for help from three men.

Officers investigating an affray on board a train from Reading to Newbury last year.

Last week, they released three images in connection with the fight, which happened on Saturday, November 20.

At around 9.10pm, a group of males began fighting in a carriage.

Officers believe the men in the CCTV images may have information which could help their investigation.

Residents who recognise the men pictured, or have any information are urged to contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 2100089531.

Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Reading families create community art on the loom

NEWS | 3

New chair of trustees for Reading’s Launchpad CHAIR: Sean Sutcliffe is the new chair of trustees at Launchpad

BRIGHT: Recycled fabrics were used to create the art

GETTING STUCK IN: The free weaving workshop was held at Broad Street Mall All Pictures: Dijana Capan

ALL INVITED: Each visitor was given a strip of fabric to add to the giant loom

By JESS WARREN news@reading.today FAMILIES worked to create a joint piece of art last week.

From Wednesday, January 12, until Saturday, January 15, a large loom was placed in Broad Street Mall.

All visitors to the shopping centre could try their hand at weaving, thanks to organisers Jelly, a creative arts charity.

People were given colourful recycled fabrics to make a community textile.

The finished piece will be displayed in Jelly’s studio, located on the first floor in Broad St Mall.

And on the Saturday, the charity gave out smaller handmade cardboard looms to children and their families, so that they could take their woven art home to finish.

Emma Bradbury, from Jelly, said: “It was a lovely event.

“I have missed making and creating with our community.

She continued: “We had people join us who had never woven before and were curious to see what we were making and wanting to learn something new, and older people who shared stories with us of memories of making with their grandparents and a craft skill long forgotten.

“That is the magic of craft and making together, stories are shared, skills are swapped and new friends made.”

MADE TOGETHER: The piece has been made by hordes of residents

SMALL VERSION: Children were given smaller looms to take home and create a woven piece with

FAMILY FUN: The crafts were enjoyed by youngsters

HOSTS:The event was organised by Jelly

A LEADING homeless charity in Reading has announced a new chair of trustees.

Launchpad, which aims to break the cycle of homelessness, has confirmed the appointment of Sean Sutcliffe to the most senior volunteer role within the organisation.

Replacing Suzanne Stallard, who will continue as vice-chair, Mr Sutcliffe will be responsible for strategic leadership and management.

After accepting the position, Mr Sutcliffe said: “It is a real privilege to be taking on the role, and exciting to be doing so at such a pivotal time for the charity.

“The last two years have been challenging – fundraising has been a struggle and it was imperative we remained open to ensure people received the support they desperately needed.”

Following seven years as a trustee, Mr Sutcliffe believes that there is a foundation of success to build on as he looks .

“I have seen the tremendous difference that Launchpad makes to people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home,” he said.

“Whether it is through our new work and life skills centre, Launchpad 135, supported housing, floating support or our legal and drop-in services — we want to reach more vulnerable people in Reading.”

Launchpad’s CEO, Su Hamblyn, was “delighted” at Mr Sutcliffe’s election and believes his background as a director and chief executive for tech business will serve the charity well.

“He brings a real passion for the cause, significant experience in growing and leading small businesses, and an innovative approach,” she said.

“I look forward to working with him to develop our services and champion the amazing work Launchpad’s staff and volunteers do to prevent homelessness in Reading.”

4 | NEWS

Walkers raise £20,000 for hospice A CHARITY has thanked Berkshire residents for raising £20,000 during October last year.

Sue Ryder supporters from across the county put their best foot forward and headed out on a Walk to Remember throughout the month to honour someone special to them.

The walkers completed any distance they could manage in locations where they live, and following routes that meant something to them.

One of those who laced up their trainers was Caroline Parry from Wokingham, who walked in tribute to her husband, Patrick. He received care at Sue Ryder’s Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading before his death in January 2018.

Ms Parry chose to walk at Dinton Pastures Country Park on the day that would have been her husband’s 80th birthday.

“I wanted to take part in Walk to Remember to help Sue Ryder because of all of the incredible support they gave us as a family,” she explained.

“Patrick wasn’t in the hospice for a long time, but the help that was given to us was just amazing and the charity will always be close to my heart.”

Laura Kell from Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, thanked everyone who took part in Walk to Remember.

“Every step that was taken and every pound that was raised will help us to continue to offer our compassionate care and support and be there for families when it matters most,” she said.

The hospice is currently on the lookout for people who want to challenge themselves by running the Reading Half Marathon in April. n For more information, visit: sueryder.org

Reading craft beer shop plans Dry January 5k event A DRY January special is being planned from a Reading-based cheese and beer shop.

The Grumpy Goat is hosting the Big Drop Brewing charity 5k on Sunday, January 23.

Runners start from the shop in Union Street, aka Smelly Alley, from noon. The course will take them back to the shop, where there will be a free Big Drop Beer to enjoy as a reward.

The company brews alcohol free beer and regularly runs Big Sunday Challenges, of which this is one.

The brewery will also have merchandise and other goodies available to enjoy.

Entry costs £5, which will go to Reading Refugee Support Group. n For more details, or to enter, log on to: thegrumpygoat.co.uk

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Thames Valley PCC climbs Scafell Pike for charity

BIG CLIMB: Matthew Barber will be climbing Scafell Pike next month Picture: George Bannister on Unsplash

THE POLICE and crime commissioner is taking on a challenge next month for charity.

Matthew Barber will be climbing Scafell Pike to support servicemen and women who were injured either mentally or physically during their service.

He is raising money for Pilgrim Bandits, a charity that supports emergency service staff, and has helped some officers from Thames Valley Police.

Mr Barber will not be climbing the 3,209ft mountain alone.

He will be joined by officers from the force to reach the summit on Friday, February 4.

“The summit was donated to the National Trust by Lord Leconfield ‘in perpetual memory of the men of the Lake District who fell for God and King,

for freedom peace and right in the Great War’,” Mr Barber said. “ As a natural war memorial, what better place to support the work of Pilgrim Bandits. “[The charity] uses trips just like this to restore self-confidence and instil self-belief in those who have suffered a physical or mental injury.”

Mr Barber will be raising money for Pilgrim Bandits throughout the year.

As part of this, he is giving up alcohol for 365 days He hopes that residents will sponsor him in the challenges, and has raised almost £500 so far. n For more information, or to donate, visit: www.totalgiving. co.uk/mypage/ matthewbarber

‘Let’s keep young people safe online and offline for Olly’s sake’ n From Front page

Since Olly’s death a year ago, his parents, Stuart and Amanda Stephens have campaigned to raise awareness of knife crime and its connection between it and social media.

“The background to the attack and the way in which it involved social media is very clear and quite shocking,” Mr Rodda said, adding that the killers were using 11 different social media platforms, “sharing images of knives”.

“Imagine teenagers flicking and playing with knives in their bedroom, videoing it and putting that shocking content up on social media.

“None of those 11 platforms took down that content.

That is the level we are talking about, which is why I urge the Minister particularly to address the connection between knife crime and social media.”

He added: “I call for action from the Government on behalf of Olly’s parents and on behalf of the local community in Reading and Woodley.”

Social media companies should, he added, co-operate with the police, saying in Olly’s case it was possible this did not happen.

“I therefore ask the Minister also to ensure that companies operating in the UK are regulated in the UK, so that we can protect our young people from this dreadful form of crime.”

Damian Collins, the government minister behind the draft online safety bill, thanked Mr Rodda for his contribution, adding: “We know

ourselves, from our personal experience and the experience of our constituents, why it is necessary for legislation on this.”

Afterwards, Bishop Olivia echoed her support for the Stephens and their campaign.

“Our young people have a lot on their plates, and the pressure and power exerted by social media is constant,” she said.

“They are connected 24 hours a day with no hiding place, subject to a constant stream of all kinds of unregulated content and messaging.

“Every day our children are exposed to harmful content, which has a significant negative impact on their mental health. Both the Online Safety Bill and Age Assurance Bill, currently making their passage through parliament, will be really important in tackling these issues and holding social media platforms to account for the harms they enable and that which their algorithms can promote.”

She added: “Our young people deserve to be safe in both the online and offline worlds.

“We all have a responsibility in this.

“As well as legislative change and increased funding for crucial support services, we need to work together in our homes and communities across the whole of society to support our young people who are living in these dangerous and difficult times.

“They are the adults of tomorrow. We must not fail them.”

‘We must not fail them’

K

NIFE crime and youth violence is a problem which is still on the rise, and it isn’t going away anytime soon.

Figures from the government show that nearly a fifth of all weapon possession offences in 2021 were among those aged as young as 10 to 17.

That’s really sobering and should concern us all.

Our young people have a lot on their plates, and the pressure and power exerted by social media is constant.

They are connected 24 hours a day with no hiding place, subject to a constant stream of all kinds of unregulated content and messaging.

This is something we will all live with increasingly as the online world and technology develop and integrate into more areas of our daily lives.

Managing it and its use by young people and children appropriately is crucial but is a big challenge.

We know that social media when it is unregulated plays a part in promoting violence when it is unregulated.

We also know that these platforms are widely used by teenagers themselves to share harmful images.

The children who murdered Olly Stephens posted images of their knives online.

Every day our children are exposed to harmful content, which has a significant negative impact on their mental health.

Both the Online Safety Bill and Age Assurance Bill, currently

making their passage through parliament, will be really important in tackling these issues and holding social media platforms to account for the harms they enable and that which their algorithms can promote.

Early years intervention funding has been slashed by up to 81% in areas with the highest levels of child poverty over the past decade, and as many as 1,000 Sure Start children’s centres have closed.

This is significant because early years provision is strongly related to good teenage outcomes, especially for young men. And funding to youth services has also been cut by two-thirds in real terms over the past decade.

This is deeply damaging and has a direct impact on our young people who have lost their safe

spaces and trusted adults in the community.

Young people need reliable adults in their lives, those who can be good role models, mentors and sources of advice and safety, helping them to navigate their complex lives.

All of this fuels the rise in knife crime.

Our young people deserve to be safe in both the online and offline worlds.

We all have a responsibility in this. As well as legislative change and increased funding for crucial support services, we need to work together in our homes and communities across the whole of society to support our young people who are living in these dangerous and difficult times.

They are the adults of tomorrow.

We must not fail them.

The Rt Revd Olivia Graham The Bishop of Reading

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Candidates wanted for Liberal Party

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A POLITICAL party is looking for candidates to stand in Reading in the forthcoming local elections.

Stephen Graham, who has represented the party in Norcot Ward since 2016, is asking people to contact him to discuss the opportunity.

This year’s local elections are an all-out situation, due to boundary changes, meaning every seat is up for grabs.

The Liberal Party – distinct from the Liberal Democrats – are hoping it can put forward a full slate of candidates for the electorate.

Mr Graham said: “We would like to hear from people who are passionate about the area and want to make a difference in Reading.

“The Liberal Party believes in communities and aims to support and represent them on key issues affecting local life.”

The party’s website states: “The Liberal Party exists to build a liberal society in which every citizen shall possess liberty, property and security, and none shall be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity. “[The party’s] chief care is for the rights and opportunities of the individual and in all

spheres it sets freedom first.”

Mr Graham was keen to stress candidates don’t need to have experience in politics or align with every word of their manifesto.

“You are not expected to agree with all of the policies set out but if you endorse most of them, and feel up for the task, then we would invite you to contact us,” he explained.

The deadline to get involved is approaching and applications must be submitted to Mr Graham by Friday, March 4.

Mr Graham estimates the role will require ‘a few hours per week’ to attend local planning and council meetings as well as dealing with correspondence.

Scheduled for Thursday, May 5, the all-out election will see 48 councillors elected across 16 wards to make up Reading Borough Council.

There are currently 30 Labour councillors, nine Conservatives, five Green Party seats and two Liberal Democrats making a total of 46.

The increase to 48 is a result of boundary changes within wards, which was announced in 2020. n Anyone interested in discussing the opportunity of representing the Liberal Party, can send an email to the party: stephen.grahamg5@gmail.com

NEWS | 5

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Air pollution confuses butterflies and bees

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today AIR POLLUTION is confusing butterflies and bees and reducing pollination, scientists at the University of Reading have discovered.

The pollutants, including diesel exhausts, stop insects from sniffing out the crops and wildflowers that depend on them.

Scientists from the University of Reading, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and the University of Birmingham found that there were up to 70% fewer pollinators, up to 90% fewer flower visits when there was groundlevel air pollution.

This led to an overall 31% reduction in pollination.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Pollution, is the first to observe a negative impact of common air pollutants on pollination.

The theory is that the pollutants react with and change the scents of flowers, making them harder to find.

Dr Robbie Girling, Associate Professor in Agroecology at the University of Reading, led the project.

He said that the findings were much more dramatic than the team expected.

Dr James Ryalls, a Leverhulme Trust Research Fellow at the University of Reading, who conducted the study, said: “The findings are worrying because these pollutants are commonly found in the air many of us breathe every day.

“We know that these pollutants are bad for our health, and the significant reductions we saw in pollinator numbers and activity shows that there are also clear implications for the natural ecosystems we depend on.”

Previous studies by the Reading team have shown that diesel fumes can alter floral odours.

This work suggested that pollution could make it harder for them to locate their food – pollen and nectar.

The study, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, used a purpose-built fumigation facility in an open field environment.

They used pollution concentrations well below maximum average levels — equating to 40-50% of the limits currently defined by US law as safe for the environment Observations revealed that there were 62-70% fewer pollinator visits to the plants located in polluted air.

This was seen in seven groups, including bees, moths, hoverflies and butterflies.

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Each year, insect pollination delivers hundreds of billions of pounds worth of economic value.

It supports around 8% of the total value of agricultural food production worldwide, and 70% of all crop species, including apples, strawberries and cocoa, rely on it.

If pollination drops, this would have a knock-on effect on food production.

Dr Christian Pfrang, Reader in Atmospheric Science at the University of Birmingham and a co-author on the study, said: “This truly crossdisciplinary work demonstrated very clearly how atmospheric pollutants negatively impact on pollination with direct consequences for food production as well as the resilience of our natural environment.”

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Arrest after teen goes missing from nightclub NIGHTCLUB: Police have arrested a man from Reading after a teenager from Bracknell went missing after visiting a Windsor nightclub

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A READING man has been arrested after a woman went missing from a nightclub in Windsor. She has been found safe and well.

Marnie Clayton, 18, was last seen leaving the Atik in Windsor in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A nationwide search was launched to find her and, on Monday evening, it was revealed she had been located at an address in Basingstoke.

Thames Valley Police worked with colleagues from Hampshire Constabulary on the case.

In a statement, they revealed that the 21-year-old man had been arrested in Basingstoke by officers from Hampshire Constabulary on suspicion of battery, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, breach of police bail, false imprisonment and making threats to kill.

He remains in police custody as we went to press.

Local Policing Area Commander for Windsor and

Maidenhead, Superintendent Michael Greenwood, said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm that we have located Marnie safe and well and returned her home to her family, who were naturally extremely concerned for her.

“This outcome is the result of fantastic work from officers and staff from both Thames Valley Police and our colleagues in Hampshire, when, working on information received from some of the hundreds of calls since Marnie was reported missing, we have managed to locate her.

“I would like to extend my

sincere thanks to the many thousands of members of the public who shared our appeal to locate her and extend this also to the local and national media.

“It cannot be underestimated how important the information received was in locating Marnie safe and well.”

He added: “I am very proud of all of our officers and staff and colleagues in Hampshire for their work, and also all of the members of our local community who shared appeals and called us with the information which has helped us bring Marnie home.”

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ART: Banksy-style artwork appears on Reading Gaol Picture: Daniel Blackham

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Banksy – that’s a Portus Abonae ARTWORK, inspired by Banksy’s ‘Create Escape’, has appeared on the walls of Reading Gaol, writes Daniel Blackham.

The piece shows a figure, holding a book, leant against a wall and is accompanied by an excerpt from Oscar Wilde’s poem, The Ballad of Reading Gaol.

The text reads: “I never saw a man who looked, with such a wistful eye, upon that little tent of blue, which prisoners call the sky, and at every drifting cloud that went, with sails of silver by.”

An artist by the name of Portus Abonae has claimed responsibility for the work and drew on Banksy’s influence when creating the motif.

“I started drawing it, just after Banksy painted the

Create Escape,’’ said Portus.

They continued: “I thought about how we had all been so trapped in our homes, and our only contact with each other and the arts was social media and television.”

It comes as campaigners continue their efforts to turn the former jail into an arts hub, rather than be sold to developers.

Banksy has offered to support the cause by selling the stencil used on Reading Jail and experts estimate this could raise up to £10m.

The artist said: “Too much of our sovereign state-owned and public funded property is not being remodelled or re-used for the common good.

“There is now a fantastic

opportunity to enrich lives through access to the arts, and development of the culture of the nation.”

Portus believes it is crucial to protect the arts industry for future generations to flourish by using different creative outlets to express themselves.

They said: “The music, art, film and television industry is our greatest British asset, yet it’s being cut from schools and society by people who have no love for our country or its greatest assets - untapped talents.”

The painting is situated along the Oscar Wilde memorial walk and there has been no confirmation whether it is set to be removed.

Ex-con to speak at church A MAN whose life of drugs, violence and jail was turned round after he met Christian street evangelists, is speaking at a local church this Sunday.

Dougie March from Newcastle will be preaching at Three Mile Cross Church, Mitford Close, Reading this Sunday, January 23, at 6.30pm.

The church hopes for a big crowd to hear him.

Ray Crossman of Twyford who attends the church urged

people to go along, saying: “Dougie is a ‘down to earth’ preacher - he knows how tough life can be, he’s been there, but he also knows there is a God who heals and delivers, who wants to give you life, and life more abundant.

“His is a very punchy message, about Jesus Christ changing lives.

“I know of some drug addicts whose lives were led onto a different path after hearing him.

“Please bring others, the curious, those in need.”

Mr March is offering personal ministry to those who request it on the evening.

n For more details visit https:// tmc-church.org.uk/

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Water companies team up to address supply shortages

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today

WATER companies in the South East have joined forces in a bid to address looming water supply shortfalls.

The first-ever regional water resources plan has been published by Water Resources South East (WRSE), an alliance of the six water companies working in the south east of England.

It documents the scale of the future water security challenge facing the region — which could include a shortfall of one billion litres per day, in the next 15 years.

This is a fifth of the amount of water supplied each day across the south east.

Chris Murray, independent chair of WRSE, said that the south east faces the most severe pressure on its water supplies of any region of the country.

Mr Murray said: “It is warmer, more densely populated and is the home of more of the iconic chalk streams that we are seeking to preserve than any other part of the country.”

The plan sets out action that could be needed to avoid the

shortfall, and is now open to consultation.

Reasons for the predicted shortfall are climate change and population growth, WRSE said.

Mr Murray said: “The climate emergency will continue to have a profound impact on our water environment, so this plan aims to mitigate that through a long-term programme of investment that prepares us for the years ahead.”

There is also a need to protect the water environment and make supplies more resilient to drought, the group said, which could bear a cost of £8 billion, rising to £17 billion by 2060.

At the moment, water companies use chalk rivers and groundwater among other sources, but these can be vulnerable to climate change.

The report identifies alternative sources, and suggests building three new reservoirs in the region to store water.

Other solutions proposed include spending around £5 billion to reduce leakage and help customers use water more efficiently.

The group also suggest

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schemes that will enhance the treatment of wastewater so it can be returned to the environment and used again.

More than 200 naturebased schemes have also been included, in a bid to improve the region’s rivers and streams that provide water supplies.

“This plan is a huge step forward in regional water resource planning and in developing it we have considered thousands of options that have resulted in an emerging plan that shows the potential for more connectivity than we have ever seen before,” Mr Murray said.

“The degree of collaboration in getting us to this point is beyond what has we have previously witnessed, and I am grateful to those who have engaged with us so far.

“This consultation is an important part of our journey to develop a regional plan that not only provides enough water for future generations but delivers wider benefits to people and places.”

The consultation closes on Monday, March 14.

n To find out more, visit: www. wrse.org.uk

Young readers invited to tackle climate change

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

PRIMARY school children are being encouraged to tackle climate change while also enjoying a good read.

ABC To Read has launched a contest asking pupils to review a book on the hot topic.

The review should encourage others to pick up a copy.

Prizes include a whole class video chat and/or school visit with poet AF Harrold, school library as well as individual book vouchers – donated

by Fourbears Bookshop in Caversham – climate change themed books – donated by ABC to Read – and published reviews.

Marcia Rowlinson, ABC to Read CEO, is excited about the contest.

“Not only will this encourage more of our local children to read, but it will also help inform them about critical issues that are relevant to them,” she said.

“Offering opportunities, and permission, to critique and discuss books lays the foundations for a generation who understand that reading, being informed and engaging passionately in global issues can create genuine and lasting change – and that they can be a part of it.”

OPEN MINDS: A reading and review contest has been launched by ABC To Read to raise awareness of climate change issues The charity offers mentoring to schools, with volunteers visiting to help support children get to grips with literacy.

It says that its team invests an average of 12,000 hours into improving not only children’s reading ability but their enjoyment of the pastime as well as their general attitudes and confidence.

This competition is aimed to boost both.

If children haven’t already read any books on the topic, they are being encouraged to do so with books about forests, human activity and more recommended.

Be a Book Critic for a Day will open during Storytelling Week, which starts on Saturday, January 30, and will close at the end of World Book Day in March. n For more details, log on to: abctoread.org.uk

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Garage break-in on Shinfield Road A THIEF forced the lock of a garage door and stole a bike.

They then went round the back of the home in Shinfield Road and stole a second bike.

The incident took place between 9pm on Friday, January 14, and 6am on Saturday, January 15.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, or if anyone has any CCTV, dashcam footage or doorbell footage.

People can contact the force by calling 101, or via its website, quoting reference 43220022730.

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Former Reading doctor has his day at The Yorkshire Auction House

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A FORMER doctor from Reading has starred in a recent episode of new reality TV show The Yorkshire Auction House.

Joubert Gama welcomed a filming crew into his home and allowed auctioneer and host, Angus Ashworth, to rummage through a 50-year build-up of nick-nacks and family treasures in the hope of

raising money for charity.

“I always look out for updates on Lost in TV and saw the opportunity to do the show so I sent off an application to the show and I was really surprised when they replied,” Mr Gama said.

“After moving back into the family home, there were a lot of items that belonged to my parents and me which I felt deserved to be moved on and given a good home.’’

A huge collection of silverplated trophies awarded to Mr Gama’s father, Indian artwork and classic medical equipment made the 250-mile journey north to Ryedale Auctioneers in Kirkbymoorside.

Alongside his daughter, Sasha, Mr Gama also headed to North Yorkshire to see how his trinkets and heirlooms fared.

“We set off the night before and stayed at a hotel right near the auction house where the show is filmed,” he explained.

“There was another couple being filmed auctioning their items so we had a walk around and said our final goodbyes to the items and waited for our turn,” said Mr Gama.

The highlight of the auction was a set of 1950s Everett glass syringes,which sold for an impressive £90.

Mr Gama said: “We had a real mix of items on the day and some pieces did better than I expected, so Angus did a great job.”

After the sales were tallied, £611 was the total raised and that was assisted by Angus waiving his auctioneer’s fee.

“It was great of Angus to waive his fee so the full amount could go to the charities,” Mr Gama said.

“He is exactly how he comes across on TV, a really nice and

SALE: Sasha and Joubert in the Yorkshire Auction House. The show is screened on Mondays at 9pm on Really and available to stream on discovery+ caring man.”

The money from the auction has been split between three charities that are close to Mr Gama’s heart in the hope of giving much needed aid to those in need.

He explained: “I have donated the money equally to UNICEF, Shelterbox and Catholic Aid for Overseas Development so people can get better access to health, emergency aid and vaccines.

“My parents always brought me up to think of other people first and if we can help

somebody who’s less fortunate than ourselves then we should do it.”

Mr Gama said that the whole experience was a fun day out.

“All of the filming team behind the scenes were so great,” he said. “A genuinely lovely experience.”

The Yorkshire Auction House, now in its second season, is shown on TV channel Really at 9pm every Monday.

To catch up on previous episodes, including Mr Gama’s day at the auction, you can stream via Discovery+.

COMING SOON: Black Sheep Coffee set for Reading - Daniel Blackham

Black Sheep Coffee awaits green light for new Reading site A NEW coffee shop in Reading town centre is awaiting the result of its planning application.

Black Sheep Coffee is set to replace Caffè Nero, which closed last year, on the junction of Queen Victoria Street and Friar Street.

The proposal requests advertising consent for the addition of the three new fascias, two projecting signs and graphics to existing awnings.

After receiving grade II listed status in December 1978, the building now requires approval for any alterations to be made.

The shop is going to have 20 seats indoors and 16 seats outside.

According to the planning statement, the changes will be minimal and cause “less than substantial harm to a designated heritage asset and make a positive contribution

to local character and distinctiveness.”

The company has 45 branches across the UK and offers its own range of signature drinks, Norwegian waffles and a coffee bean subscription for its own roasts.

The deadline for comments on the application is Thursday, January 27.

They can be submitted at: planning.reading.gov.uk

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Reading Girls’ School head proud of ‘good’ Ofsted rating EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKMAN dblackham@rdg.today READING Girls’ School is celebrating after receiving its Ofsted result.

Following the inspection in November 2021, the school was awarded ‘good’ overall with ‘outstanding features’.

Ofsted reports are based on four key aspects and the school received ‘outstanding’ in behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management with ‘good’ effectiveness recorded in quality of education and personal development.

Head Principal at the school, Marika Farrugia, is happy to see the dedication of the staff and pupils rewarded.

“I am really proud to be the principal for such an amazing community,” she said.

“It is wonderful that the passion, commitment and hard work of our staff, pupils and parents has been recognised.”

Before joining the Thames Learning Trust and becoming a sponsored academy in 2017, the school was graded as ‘inadequate’ on their most recent Ofsted report in April 2016.

The trust, formed in 2015, comprises four schools across Berkshire and aims to improve performance by working together and sharing expertise, resources and knowledge.

Ofsted inspectors were also keen to highlight the pupils at the school and were impressed by their aspirations.

“Pupils are very proud of their school, they are keen to achieve academically and are exceptionally ambitious for their futures,” they said.

NEW RATING:The school was awarded ‘good’ overall with ‘outstanding features’ Picture: Dijana Capan Within the report, specific praise was attributed to developing a range of subjects on offer to students and the quality in which they are delivered.

“The curriculum gives pupils what they need to be lifelong learners,” it said.

“This includes considering different role models of successful women, which encourages pupils to be ambitious for their future careers.”

It continued: “The school has

Tilehurst school happy about late present A SCHOOL association is receiving a late Christmas present, and it’s one they won’t be returning to the store for an exchange.

Last month, insurer Ecclesiastical sought nominations to share in its £120,000 prize pot. Each of the 120 winners have received £1,000.

And Brookfields School Association, based in Sage Road in Tilehurst was one of the recipients.

The charity supports the work of the special needs schools.

In all, 3,744 Berkshire residents nominated a cause close to their hearts, with 187 charitable causes in the area receiving votes.

The 120 winning charities across the UK were picked at random from those nominated.

Thanking supporters in

Berkshire, Mark Hews, group CEO at Ecclesiastical, said: “Charitable giving is at the heart of our business. In fact, we are the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK.” He added: “We are able to give away so much because uniquely, as a financial services group, we are owned by a charity.

“In these challenging times, we are delighted to be giving back to good courses once more with our annual 12 days of giving Christmas campaign.

“Having supported thousands of charities over the past four years of the campaign, we know that £1,000 can make a real difference to the incredible work that charities do.”

n The full list of the 120 charity winners is available to view online at www.movementforgood. com/12days

an ambitious science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum alongside a broad curriculum offer.”

Additionally, the report focuses on arrangements for safeguarding of pupils and the school was recorded as having ‘effective’ practices in place.

“The school is a close-knit community and everyone looks out for each other,” said the inspectors.

“Pupils know how to report their worries or concerns and staff act on

these quickly.”

Cllr Ashley Pearce, lead for Education at Reading Borough Council, also welcomed the news by congratulating the staff on Twitter.

“Well done to everyone at Reading Girls’ School for their recent Ofsted inspection result,” he said.

“So much excellent work has gone in over the last few years and recognition of this is very welcome.” n For more information, or to read the full Ofsted inspection, visit: readinggirlsschool.co.uk

Courage Park to reopen in February after revamp A COLEY play park is almost ready for action, as the council prepares to open it next month.

Courage Park, which closed in December, will see more than £116,000 of improvements as part of a wider regeneration of the Wensley Road Estate.

Cllr Karen Rowland, lead member for culture, heritage and recreation at the borough council, said: “Positive open spaces and play areas are key elements for healthy and wellintegrated communities and these plans form the bedrock of the exciting future planned for the area’s enhancement.”

The park will feature a new multiplay unit with two slides, fireman’s pole and a bridge, three-way see-saw, trampoline,

swings and roundabout.

In an effort to offer better value, the council also negotiated an additional obstacle course within the original budget.

The obstacle course, aimed at older children, will include a climbing wall/net, overhead ladder with steps, balance beam, over and under bars and step pods.

Cllr Ellie Emberson, lead member for housing said: “I know residents across Coley are really excited for the playground to open.

“The imminent opening of the new Courage Park playground is just the start with development work continuing at Wensley Road.”

“Coming soon will also be a new play area for smaller children on the

estate, new windows and communal entrances for our tenants in the blocks, and new homes to allow our growing families to move within the estate,” she said.

Following a number of similar investments to play areas in 2021, the council is hoping to provide more opportunities to children of all abilities.

Cllr Rowland said, “It is one of our key priorities to provide high quality, accessible equipment in as many of our playgrounds as possible so that children of all abilities can play together and the Courage Park enhancements will help us achieve our goal on this.”

With work already under way, it is hoped the park will be open by the end of February.

Physiotherapy for the elderly in and around Berkshire

PARKINSON'S specialist physiotherapy and occupational therapy services in Wokingham and surrounding areas.

Parkinson's is a condition that must be managed in the right way to improve quality of life. Therapies on Thames has worked with many patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's and has experienced the full spectrum of the disorder. It effects each person in a different way and can really vary in the speed at which it progresses.

Therapies on Thames offers patients a multidisciplinary service, where patients can undergo physiotherapy, occupational therapy as well as access any specialist equipment required to help day to day life. This can either take place in a patient's home, or patients can come to the WADE day care centre and speak to a specialist from Therapies on Thames.

There is also an inpatient (residential) physiotherapy option, where patients can benefit from in-patient or respite care with Bridge House of Twyford. This will give an opportunity for people with Parkinson’s and their loved ones to have respite . The therapists can see patients as often as they need and there is also the option to use the specialised on-site gym.

Physiotherapy for patients with Parkinson's is vital to help maintain their general fitness in the earlier stages. In the later stages physiotherapy is beneficial to improve balance, transfers and reduce risk of falls. As experts in the field, Therapies on Thames can give expert advice and support about what will specifically help the patient. They will carry out exercises to help keep the joints and muscles as flexible as possible. This will aid the stiffness felt and enable smoother more fluid movement.

The physiotherapists can teach effective stretching techniques to maintain suppleness in the limbs and muscles. The Occupational Therapists can help patients with the practicalities of daily tasks such as getting dressed and offer advice to changes that could be made in the home to make life easier and safer.

New Opportunity - Registered Manager (NVQ Level 5) The Therapies on Thames founder is in the stages of lunching a brand-new home care company, specialising is domiciliary care. Having built such an excellent reputation for Therapies on Thames, it was an obvious move to make and fill a gap in the market for excellent home care services. We are currently recruiting for a Registered Manager for this exciting start up.

We are looking for someone who has an NVQ Level 5 in Health and Social care, a passion for delivering the best care to elderly people, and someone who has the entrepreneurial drive to succeed in a new business venture. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the right candidate to grow and progress their career to the next level. � If this sounds interesting to you, please get in touch with tanya.campbell@therapiesonthames.co. uk or call 0118 907 6345.

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Last chance to recycle your tree THE council’s push to recycle Christmas trees ends this weekend.

Residents have until Sunday to leave their trees in parks for collection. They will be chipped and used in landscaping schemes.

Trees can be left at:

n Mapledurham Playing Fields n Clayfield Copse n Hills Meadow n Rivermead Leisure Complex n Kensington Road Rec n Prospect Park n Meadway Recreation Ground n Tilehurst allotments, Armour Hill n Palmer Park Sports Stadium n Whitley Wood Rec n South Reading Leisure Centre

Residents are advised not to be alarmed if they see piles of trees as it takes a few days to get around to each location.

Shed break-in – nothing stolen A SHED was broken into on Armour Hill in Tilehurst last month.

The break-in happened overnight Saturday, December 11, into Sunday, December 12.

However, nothing was stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference number 43210560301.

Residents are urged to register valuables at www. immobilise.com

ALL CHANGE: Reading Buses has made alterations to its Greenwave services as a result of the covid pandemic

KILL BILL: The Glitchers took over part of Broad Street on Saturday for a punk protest Picture: Dijana Capan

Punk rockers protest in Broad Street THE old adage is if you’ve got something to say, say it with flowers but a punk band preferred to say it with music.

On Broad Street on Saturday, shoppers could hear The Glitchers perform a range of songs to show their support for the Kill The Bill initiative.

It was part of a national day of protest against a new bill that the House of Lords considered on Monday. They argue that if passed it will make certain protests illegal, and put harsh

restrictions on society and the economy.

The Glitchers describe themselves as a two-piece punk group who are a “true protest band where our actions match our words”.

In a post on social media, the band said that as well as Reading, they had played in Northampton and Oxford and had an “incredible” reaction.

“Thank you to everyone who took a leaflet (it was surprising how many people had no idea

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about the PCSC Bill, many of whom were surprised themselves they hadn’t heard of it),” they posted.

“We were able to give out 500 over these street gigs.

“They make politics difficult to understand for a reason.

Together we can help each other fight back.”

The band also performed at the University of Reading’s students union last week. n For more on the band, log on to www.glitchersband.co.uk

Temporary cuts and shake-ups to bus services due to Omicron A SHAKE-UP to some bus services has been announced as a result of the ongoing covid pandemic.

Reading Buses says that low usage, plus the impact of the omicron variant on the company, means it is reducing the frequency of services of some of its lesser-used services.

From Monday, January 17, the Ruby 10 service switched to every 30 minutes.

This service goes from the town centre to Kennet Island.

The Greenwave 50 will run from Green Park to Reading

every 15 minutes, while the Mereoak park and ride service will be every 20 minutes.

It will also see its Sunday service withdrawn due to lack of use.

A spokesperson said the timetable changes are temporary until the company can reassess the services once the surge in positive covid cases has subsided.

By making these changes, it can free up drivers to support the rest of the bus network.

n For more details, and revised timetables, log on to: www. reading-buses.co.uk

Two guilty of murder while another guilty of manslaughter n Continued from front page

The other three defendants, Khan and the two 17-year-old boys, were found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm without intent on Abdul.

Sentencing will be carried out at a later date.

Thames Valley Police’s senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Stuart Bosley, said: “This needless and tragic murder occurred amid a background of animosity between Raheem and the defendants who were convicted.

“There had been a number of incidents leading up to the evening of February 6, 2021, and the day before, Raheem had been involved in a fight with one of the defendants.

“None of the defendants have ever shown any remorse or taken any responsibility for Raheem’s death, and I am pleased that a jury has convicted two of them of murder and two of manslaughter.

“This tragic case is yet another example of the very real dangers of carrying weapons, particularly knives.

Abas Khan, aged 24, convicted of murder and GBH without intent

Humzah Sikander, aged 18, guilty of manslaughter; he pleaded guilty to GBH without intent

“If you carry a knife, you put yourself in danger of either using it yourself, or it being used against you.

“Carrying a knife can never be justified in any circumstance, and we will continue to pursue those who look to do so and bring offenders to justice.

He continued: “I would like to pay tribute to Raheem’s family and friends for their dignity and courage throughout the course of this investigation.

“I know that no sentence will bring solace to Raheem’s family and friends, I hope that they will be able to move on with their lives in the knowledge that those responsible for his death will serve extremely long prison sentences as a result of their actions.

“I would like to extend my sincere condolences on behalf of Thames Valley Police to Raheem’s family and friends for their unimaginable loss.”

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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What will you s Big Garden B

Life of Brian Brian Hicks

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

Why the Germans love Cornwall

TWEET tweet, chatter, cluck, cuckoo.

A bird call or two has gone out to Reading residents to take part in the annual campaign to keep track of our feathered friends.

M

Y ancestors originate from Cornwall and some were pirates and smugglers.

I often wondered why so many of my German friends came to Cornwall on holiday and found out the reason when I moved to Düsseldorf in 2011.

I had to buy a TV licence for my flat, as it is compulsory to have one for every German residence, whether you watch TV or not.

The licence now costs over £15 per month, even though state-supported broadcasters like ARD and ZDF take some advertising. I wanted to get my money’s worth and started watching all sorts of programmes.

My favourites were the German crime series.

They are often set in big cities like Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich, but also in the smaller ones like Bochum, Münster, Wismar and Potsdam.

There was even one in Düsseldorf, Kommissar Stolberg.

Most are about an hour long, but some, like ARD’s Tatort (crime scene) run for 90 minutes.

Its first episode was screened in 1970.

It is set in various German cities, as well as Vienna and Luzern, with separate teams of detectives.

There are usually elements of humour in these shows, especially Rosenheim Cops, which is more of a comedy than a crime series. After The Bill had ended its long run on ITV, I was amazed to see many of the characters appearing in two episodes of the German series, SOKO Leipzig, speaking perfect German and co-operating with their German counterparts.

BBC’s Crimewatch programme, first broadcast in 1984, is based on the German programme Aktenzeichen XY … ungelöst (Unsolved Cases), now in its 55th year.

One evening I watched a ZDF film based on a romance written by the English author, Rosamunde Pilcher. I was impressed by the beautiful Cornish scenery, grand houses, flashy cars and leading German actors playing British characters.

It was amusing to hear them saying “Guten Tag, Mrs Trewithick”, and no doubt for them too.

Nearly every Sunday evening a Pilcher film was broadcast and I got hooked on these Liebe und Landschaft (love and landscape) films.

It was not surprising that six million Germans were tuning in as well and converting their enthusiasm into Cornish holidays.

Pilcher was born in Lelant in Cornwall in 1924, and moved permanently to Scotland in 1946, after getting married.

Her first international success was The Shell Seekers in 1987, which was made into a Hollywood film starring Vanessa Redgrave und Maximilian Schell.

The German translation, Die Muschelsucher, sold two million copies. She only stopped writing at 87. Over 60 million of her books have been sold, including 15 million in Germany.

ZDF bought up the rights to most of the books and short stories by Pilcher and have broadcast more than 100 films since the first in 1993.

More than 350,000 Germans were holidaying in Cornwall each year until Covid came.

A handful of Pilcher’s books have been made into films for UK television, including Channel 4’s The Other Wife with John Hanna.

It is a pity that British viewers have not been able to see all the ZDF films, whether dubbed or with subtitles.

Mind you, if they had, Cornwall might not be able to cope with the extra hordes of visitors.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

WELL CAUGHT: Haggis is on the menu at Wetherspoons for Burns’ Night

If catching a haggis is too much work...

HAVE you ever caught a haggis?

Found in the highlands of Scotland, it is a shy creature that, during the mating season, makes a sound similar to bagpipes.

The foot-long beast has legs longer on one side than the other, making it easier to stand on the steep slopes of the Scottish Highlands.

It also can only run round in circles.

This is crucial for catching it.

Experts say you need to disguise your scent by downing liberal amounts of and adopt a stumbling gait, swerving from side to side, so that the haggis won’t see you.

Work out which direction it is running in and then approach it from the opposite way.

Once confused the wee beastie can be captured easily.

Traipsing up to the Scottish

highlands sound like too much hard work?

Wetherspoon is here to help.

The Back of Beyond and The Hope Tap in Reading town centre are currently serving some haggis it prepared earlier.

The wee timorous beastie is on the menu to mark Tuesday’s Burns Night.

Between now and Wednesday, January 26, it has two special meals: haggis, neeps and tatties for those that want a traditional celebration.

Alternatively, there is the Caledonian burger, a 6oz beef patty burger with haggis and whisky sauce, served with chips and six beer-battered onion rings.

And to accompany the meals there are a mixture of Scottish gins, whiskies, rum and beer.

Enjoy the sound of silence ... sweet dreams are made of this FOR some, visions softly creeping come from the sound of silence, but for others it’s not the flash of a neon light that splits the night, it’s a snorer.

A new contest has been launched by bed specialists Silentnight, aimed at giving people well, a silent night.

One in four sleepers say they are kept awake by their partner’s snoring, so to help Silentnight has launched a search for volunteers to test its sleep products. And the serious snorers will also receive £300 for their troubles.

The prize includes a sleep bundle worth up to £700: a king-size, rolled mattress from the Studio

by Silentnight collection, a pair of innovative Anti-Snore pillows designed to encourage improved breathing, and a So Snug 13.5 tog winter duvet to keep snorers cosy while they doze.

Kat Collins, senior brand manager for Silentnight, said: “This is official business and we’re looking for applicants who take their sleep seriously.

“As part of our mission to change how people sleep for the better,

The annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch returns over the weekend of January 28-30.

Hundreds and thousands of people are invited to watch and count the feathered visitors to their back gardens.

Last year, more than a million people took part and in Berkshire, it was 16,000.

The charity says that over the past year, the country has seen how important the natural world is to our mental health and wellbeing.

As a result, there has been a surge in interest in the nature on our doorsteps and many people have come to rely on garden birds to bring joy and comfort in these unsettling times.

Those taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch are asked to set aside an hour recording the birds that land as seen from their windows, balconies or gardens, and submitting their results to the wildlife charity.

Now in its 43rd year, more than 150 million birds have been counted giving the RSPB an astonishing amount of insight into how our wildlife is faring.

It is the largest garden wildlife citizen science project going.

Last year, the house sparrow topped of Berkshire’s rankings as the most commonly seen garden bird. The house sparrow and woodpigeon completed the top three.

House sparrows and starlings are the UK’s most sighted birds, but a closer look at Big Garden Birdwatch data shows that numbers have in fact dropped dramatically since the Birdwatch began in 1979. House sparrows are down 58% while starlings are down 83%.

Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s chief

GARDEN SIGHT: A long-tailed tit Picture: RSP executive, said: “We were blown away by the enthusiasm with which people took part in the Birdwatch in 2021.

“We know that for many people, garden birds provide an important connection to the wider natural world and bring enormous joy.

“Over the last year, there has been a broad and much-needed realisation that nature is an important and necessary part of our lives especially for our mental health and wellbeing.

But nature needs us too.”

She added: “By taking part in the Birdwatch, you are helping to build an annual snapshot of how our birdlife is doing across the UK.

Mikey’s virtual LEJOG with mental health in Mind

we know that customers’ feedback on our products is fundamental to our future launches so can’t wait to hear our new ‘employees’ thoughts.”

To take part, visit the firm’s website and sign up to its newsletter, and follow @silentnightbeds on Instagram or Facebook.

Winners will be contacted by email and Silentnight will remove the old mattress as well.

Forget Simon and Garfunkel, the best sign-off line comes from Eurythmics: sweet dreams are made of this. Who am I to disagree?

A KEEN runner from Wokingham is taking on a virtual long-distance charity fundraising challenge, writes Natalie Burton.

Michael Kirkwood — known as Mikey — is attempting to run 874 miles, which is the same distance as LEJOG or Lands End to John O’ Groats.

He will build up the miles over the course of the year to raise money for Mind, a mental health charity.

The distance is part of Mikey’s training for two half marathons – Wokingham and Reading – and a 50 kilometre (32 miles) ultra marathon. A normal marathon is 42 kilometres or 26.2 miles.

“I’m looking forward to the Wokingham half next month, as it’s my first time doing it,” Mikey says.

“But my biggest challenge will be in October, when I take part in the South Downs ultra marathon.”

Joining his local running club, Finchampstead Coasters, encouraged

him to push his love for running further. Mikey says they are a “very friendly group of people.”

He is also motivated by his own experiences with mental health and wants to give back to the charity which helped him.

“Mind helped me to get out of a low point I was having three years ago,” he says. “Having someone to talk to really helped me.”

Fundraising for Mind is a family affair too, as Mikey’s wife Gemma took part in the hundred miles for Mind challenge last year.

“She’s encouraged me a lot,” he adds.

As well as being supported by his wife and two children, Mind have also got behind his efforts.

Ian O’Reilly, head of community and events fundraising at the charity, wished Mikey all the best with the challenge and says the charity are grateful Mikey for his support.

PB information as it helps us build a picture of how our garden birds are faring from one year to the next.”

The parallel event RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch is running until February 21.

Since its launch, more than a million school children and teachers have taken part. Further information can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/ schoolswatch n For a free Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 70030 or visit www.rspb.org.uk/ birdwatch

CHALLENGE: Keen runner Mikey Kirkwood is fundraising for Mind Picture: Mikey Kirkwood

To complete one of these running challenges is impressive enough, let alone all the others on his list,” Ian says.

“One in four of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year, and it’s so important that no one has to face this alone.

“Every donation that Mind receives allows us to support as many people as possible.” n For more on Mikey’s challenge, log on to: justgiving.com/fundraising/MichaelKirkwood2 n For more information on Mind, visit: mind.org.uk

Make January a red letter month

WPR_2022‑01‑17_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

Reader travel STRATFORD

& Cotswolds Weekend Special

JANUARY is more than just a red letter day for a Reading-based sporting company, it’s a red letter month.

Decathlon, which has a branch in the Forbury Retail Park, is taking part in RED January, an initiative aimed at helping people get active to boost their mental health.

Participants are encouraged to “Move every day, your way”, be it a run, cycling, or simply walking. Physical activity is proven to help reduce stress levels, anxiety and depression, all of which works to improve mental health.

To help, Decathlon has launched a new range of co-branded merchandise, including T-shirts made with an Eco-design fabric, and a RED January snood. Profits from the range will be donated to UK mental health sports’ charity, Sport in Mind.

January is typically a challenging month for many people’s mental health and following the past two years, Hannah Beecham, founder and CEO of RED January, says: “I was originally inspired to start RED January after witnessing the transformative effect that regular movement had on my mum’s mental health.

“Since then, over 250,000 people have kick started their year in a positive way.

“We know that the nation needs a positive goal to get them through this challenging period in time, and we strongly believe that RED January 2022 can help.”

Participants can pick their own favourite way to move and set their own goals for activity levels. While many do an activity they know well, more than a quarter (28%) pick a new one.

Chris Gilroy, marketing and communications director at Decathlon UK, added: “As one of the UK’s largest sports providers, we strongly believe in our responsibility to help empower the British public to get physically active and healthy through a passion for sport.

“We are very proud to partner with RED January because we’ve seen the impact it has on people’s lives.

“We want to bring the joy and benefits of sport to everyone in the UK and this partnership represents our commitment to improving the lives of British people.

“So, let’s go RED for January, and move for our mind.”

Departing Sat 26 Mar ‘22 Join us as we soak up the peaceful ambience and charm of the Cotswolds, with their gently rolling hills scattered with honey‑coloured stone towns and villages. We also discover Shakespeare’s Stratford‑upon‑Avon on what promises to be a lovely weekend getaway.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at a selected hotel in Coventry with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm‑9pm) on selected drinks Excursion to the Cotswolds (Bourton‑on‑the‑Water, Stow‑on‑the‑Wold & Broadway) En‑route visit to Stratford‑upon‑Avon

3 Days by Coach

only £99

Single Supplement £30

ANDRÉ RIEU

& his Johann Strauss Orchestra AndreRieu&JohannStraussOrchestraLiveinGlasgow_D.pdf

n To get involved, log on to redtogether.co.uk

© Marcel van Hoorn

see during the Birdwatch?

“It is only by us understanding how our wildlife is faring that we can protect it.

“We know that nature is in crisis but together, we can take action to solve the problems facing nature.”

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2022, watch the birds in your garden or local park for one hour at some point over the three days.

Only count the birds that land, not those flying over.

Count the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.

Beccy added: “Whether you saw one blackbird, 20 starlings or no birds whatsoever, it is really valuable

NEWS | 29

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

POETRY CORNER A woodland anchorite “This is a place where prayer has been valid” (T S Eliot) This ancient wood, hallowed by more than time, Carries within its depths a quiet space, Where under years of fallen leaves there lie Foundation stones, marking a place, a home.

Hundreds of days have come and gone; sunset, Sunrise, cloud-fall and starlight, trees bare, Trees green, and birth and death of woodland Creatures. Here once, grew herbs of healing, Here, once, lived John the Hermit, his little cell Open to all: bird, beast and womankind.

Here he lived, sent up his quiet prayers, Studied the Holy Book, tended his garden.

Here, his candle-flame and glowing fire Made nightly a sacred ring, beyond which The darkness prowled.

Those who sought him came for help We love receiving your poetry.

Email submissions to news@rdg. today and we’ll print a selection every week and healing; Mostly the women, anxious with the cares Of home and children, worldly concerns, spiritual Poverty. Always they left comforted, And graced with wisdom, knowing the Hermit’s prayers Would follow and guide them home, For here, all prayer was valid.

But some there were who came to mock and scorn His lowliness, and one, jealous of John’s Simplicity, came at last to kill.

The bones of Hermit John lie here, beneath What was his garden, tended once with beauty.

All fell at last to ruin, but stones and bones, And herbs run wild, make this a blessed space, Sacred to holy memory.

Rosi Morgan-Barry

We love receiving your poetry. Email submissions to news@rdg.today and we’ll print a selection every week

Departing Wed 18 May ‘22 Violin virtuoso André Rieu returns to the UK for an evening of mesmerising music at Wembley Arena! Don’t miss the ‘King of Waltz’ perform with his Johann Strauss Orchestra at Britain’s most exciting arena with their signature‑style of spectacle and flair.

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

2 Days by Coach

only £199

Single Supplement £35

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

After winter comes the spring

THIS week, talk is of covid restrictions being lifted at the end of the month.

With infection rates still high, this might seem premature, but at the same time it appears that Omicron may not have the intensity that other variants of covid have had.

We are not out of the woods, but signs are starting to look positive.

And it is pleasing to be able to report on a number of events across the borough that have taken place or will do.

For many, the announcement of the beer festival date will be welcomed and something to look forward to.

We should, as it is a jewel is our crown, and a hark back to the days when Reading was known for the three Bs (we really should have a biscuit festival as well).

For some, taking part in Jelly’s weaving event in the Broad Street Mall is a welcome sign of some kind of normality.

And for others, it will be events at South Street, such as the comedy club, that hark to brigher – and funnier – times.

Narnia was a land that was always winter and never Christmas. It has felt like for much of the past two years – no parties for us unlike Downing Street – so we look forward to the thaw.

Spring is coming, let’s ease into it.

CHURCH NOTES

‘It’s your turn!’

S

O where can we pay attention in our ordinary lives to the extraordinary impact of the Resurrection? Where can the holy break through into the ordinary? Perhaps WASHING DISHES can help us?

We used to say ‘you wash, I’ll dry’. Nowadays its often ‘you load, I’ll unload’.

Some people sing while washing the dishes, some stare out of the window and zone out of all that’s going on around them.

There’s a sense in which we wash dishes because We have to For some, it’s taking their turn to help when their other half has done the cooking.

We want to show appreciation We want to show our love We want to show our thanks for what’s gone before We want to show our readiness to go through it all again We realise there will always be more to do. . .

Whatever the reason, on reflection, there’s always an element of love (and suffering) to it.

It takes effort, it costs us, to pay attention, to do a little work.

So. . . Washing up’s a bit like the Resurrection: we may not understand everything – how people can use so many pots, pans dishes and plates etc.. We quickly learn there is always more to do, that it involves some suffering and loss for the sake of others and that it leads us to joy ~ the prospect of another meal. . . Washing the dishes can lead us to see the bigger picture, to catch a glimpse of the resurrection in an ordinary place in ordinary time, even when we find ourselves saying ‘Why do I have to do it again?

Father Chris Heaps is the parish priest of St James Church in Reading, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

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Your letters

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

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today

Opposing a show your papers society OPPOSITION to covid passports was widespread amongst Conservative MPs, including from Wokingham’s own John Redwood MP who joined 98 other rebels in voting against the plans.

But John Redwood MP has not always taken such a stand against a move to what many Conservatives have called ‘a show your papers’ society.

Indeed, they have said little on the dangerous proposals for mandatory voter ID which returned to parliament earlier this week – supporting the government’s plans to require photo ID at polling stations.

These plans are a dangerous threat to democratic equality in the UK and, as groups like the Electoral Reform Society have shown, risk locking millions of legitimate voters out of our elections.

I hope John Redwood MP’s recent concern for the risks of the increased use of ID now extend to access to the ballot box – surely something we can all agree is more key to our rights than getting into a nightclub or large venue.

Chris Mitchell, Winnersh

Disappointment at vote ID bill

I’m disappointed to see that the government look set to bring their dangerous plans for voter ID back to parliament.

Opposition is widespread amongst campaign groups like the Electoral Reform Society, elections experts, academics, and civil society – yet few conservative MPs have spoken out against the policy.

But just before Christmas John Redwood MP rebelled against the government’s plans to introduce covid passports – a ‘show your papers policy’ – to access some large events and venues.

I can only hope John Redwood MP takes a similar stand on this attempt by the government to demand identification before law abiding citizens can exercise their democratic rights.

Surely the risk of being locked out

Picture of the week A fabulous sunrise over Hennerton Golf Club at Wargrave as the Dawn Patrol group of players set off for their monthly nine hole game. The beautiful photo was taken by player John Duffy of Binfield. The popular Dawn Patrol is run by Derick Silver who pairs people up to play and organises the prizes. The event gives new members the chance to meet other players - and also raises money for a good cause. of the ballot box is far more serious than missing out on a concert or event.

Ian Aitken, Earley

Thanks for your help I just wanted to say a huge thanks for the story you ran on our free dementia training for family carers.

The article directly resulted in two more people booking onto the course, who are already starting to benefit from the techniques that we teach, and the chance to meet other likeminded carers.

We greatly appreciate your ongoing support for our local charity.

Lucy White, Fundraiser and Training Co-ordinator, Understanding Dementia

Time to drain the swamp

Boris, Partygate, Handcock, Jenrick, Cummings, Corbyn, Starmer, the Jackie Weaver experience, the Downing Street social club, the list goes on and on – and is growing daily.

All of these recent events have highlighted that the ‘political and administration world’ has become a bit of a ‘swamp’.

Donald Trump got many things wrong but on the ‘swamp’ he was spot on.

One set of rules for them and one set for the rest of us is wrong and needs to change.

It’s time to clear the swamp.

Westminster diary Sir John Redwood

The future of the BBC

A

COUPLE of tweets by the Culture Secretary does not create a new policy.

It appears for the next few years the Licence Fee remains, though for a couple of years it may not increase.

What she has done is invite those interested to debate the future financing of this important national institution.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

The Licence fee is becoming increasingly difficult to collect as many people turn to social media and commercial entertainment and news services which they say they can legally access without paying the Licence fee.

The Fee is also resented by more people who are paying for access to non BBC service but still have to pay the tax because of the way

Just over three years ago, after being aggressively and arrogantly told by a local councilolr that there was nothing I could do because (quote) ‘I was only a resident’, I stood as an Independent candidate and was surprisingly elected.

I am under no illusion that this was due more to Shinfield residents being totally fed up with Wokingham Borough Council and the incumbent Cllrs than it was about me.

I am told that being elected as an Independent is extremely rare and something I should be proud of.

Yet when asked what I do, why do I find myself justifying being a Cllr?

Instinctively I feel a level of embarrassment about being associated with a culture and set of behaviours that appear common place.

It should not be like that.

I find myself in a place where you would not believe how hard is to get a street light bulb changed, where vehicles get lifted to paint double yellow lines and then ticketed before the paint is dry, where getting action for families living under significant health risks from damp housing or trying to prevent repeated fatalities on a stretch of road, takes far too long.

A place where the local plan is so far removed from being fair and equitable that it really highlights the culture and mind set of those in our local ‘swamp’.

Is this really how we want our area to be?

It is not all bad, there are some really good people, who truly care about the ‘real world’ and a lot of good things can and do happen. But it needs to change.

Public service should be about serving the community. If political parties and political leaders cannot recognise this or are unwilling to do so, then it’s time to kick them out. It is time for communities to take back control.

There are local Council’s that have moved away from party politics and become independent.

There are Councils where political parties have learned to work together.

Could this work here? Could we have an independent and/or a collaborative council, where the political and administrative focus was on our community and not party politics or self-interest. Why not?

they watch other services.

The BBC continues to antagonise people who legally do not need to pay with their intimidating emails and messages demanding payment.

One of the reasons BBC support is dropping is the attitudes and content of much BBC output.

Although the BBC sought to be impartial over the formal period of the EU referendum for the rest of the time before and after , it is remorselessly pro-EU putting the EU case against the UK and refusing to treat the EU to critical pieces on its policies and on its ways of arriving at them in the way it does for any UK government.

It campaigns relentlessly for net zero policies, weaving them into the fabric of many of its programmes, and favours the experts of world organisations however wrong they turn out to be.

It plays up Scottish and Welsh identity but refuses similar treatment for England.

It also has some great back catalogue material, employs some talented and interesting people and produces some good programmes.

If it wishes to re establish itself as the accepted voices of the UK it needs to become the people’s BBC. I suggest that the government should now move to decriminalise the licence fee, making it a bill like other household bills.

Enforcement occupies too much time and resource in magistrates courts.

The BBC should also be told to offer the same level of support and service to England that it shows to Scotland by having BBC Scotland.

Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham

Cllr Jim Frewin Wokingham Borough Council Shinfield South

Speak up for animals As a nation of animal lovers we are calling on your readers to speak up for animals to make sure that animal sentience becomes enshrined in UK law.

Animal sentience was the only issue which was not carried over after Brexit and so the RSPCA has been campaigning to ensure the

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

needs of sentient animals are taken into account by Governments when making policy decisions.

We are now at a critical stage in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill finally becoming law as it gets its second reading in the House of Commons this week.

The RSPCA is urging people to show their support for the Bill by tweeting their local MP as well as lobbying their MP by email to ensure they continue to support this Bill as it makes its way through Parliament.

We know that many animals are sentient with the ability to feel pain and suffering, and emotions such as pleasure, joy and fear and so in order to protect these animals, their sentience must be considered in law.

A wide and growing body of research reveals that many animals, from our much-loved pets like dogs and cats, to chickens and lobsters, rats and fish, are all sentient beings.

There is already overwhelming support with 86% of people in favour of a law on animal sentience and so we want to ensure that MPs are listening to their constituents and the groundswell of support for this important Bill.

Now is the time to speak up for animals and lobby your MP to do the same.

The Government promised this law in its manifesto, it is what the public wants, and it must not be a missed opportunity for animals.

For more details and help on how to contact your MP, please visit the RSPCA’s webpage.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA

Maths adds up to fundraising day

Still time for Berkshire schools to take part in NSPCC Maths fun fundraising day On February 4, schools across the UK will come together for a day filled with fun educational maths activities, as part of the NSPCC’s Number Day. Number Day is an annual event that sees teachers and pupils raise vital funds for the NSPCC so it can continue its important work protecting children from abuse and supporting them with any issues they may face. It is free for any school to sign up and there’s still time Berkshire to get involved.

Once a school has registered, the NSPCC will send it everything it needs to make its Number Day a success.

This will include resources that can be used in the classroom, including games and activities such as Buddy’s Key Challenge.

This features the NSPCC mascot Buddy the speech bubble, which pupils may recognise from the charity’s Speak Out. Stay Safe assembly.

For this challenge, pupils complete maths puzzles to create a key which can unlock a door so Buddy can visit their school.

Schools will also be sent tips and ideas on how to fundraise, resources to help promote Number Day and teachers will have access to a wide range of games and tasks.

VIEWPOINTS | 31

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 This includes information on keeping children safe from harm and supporting their school’s safeguarding, as well online safety quizzes that can be used with pupils of all ages.

After the challenges of the past 18 months and the disruption that children have faced, we hope that Number Day will be a day of fun that children look forward to. I’d encourage any school that hasn’t already signed up to visit the NSPCC website and get involved.

The fallout of the pandemic has been huge for children and young people and by fundraising for the NSPCC through Number Day, schools will help our staff continue to be here for those facing abuse, neglect or struggling with their mental health.

I’d also like to thank all our partners that have helped with the resources for Number Day this year including Maths Circle, Man Group, Oxford University Press and Maths on Toast.

To sign up to take part in Number Day, all you need to do is visit the NSPCC’s website and search for Number Day and fill in your school’s details using the registration form.

From Andrew Skea, NSPCC Assistant Director for the East of England

Be an everyday hero As CEO of international development organisation Sightsavers, I see many examples of ‘everyday hero’ local communities supporting societal challenges.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery are one group in South East England whose goodwill astounds me.

Since 2018 players across Britain have raised over £6.5 million for Sightsavers. This money has helped achieve nearly 9,000 cataract operations, 150,000+ eye examinations and 1 million+ eyesight tests.

A heartfelt thank you to players for helping transform lives through our eye health, inclusive education and neglected tropical disease projects.

Lives like Enock’s, a young boy with cerebral malaria, a neurological complication of malaria, who’s now happily learning and developing alongside his peers thanks to an inclusive early childhood development project in Malawi.

Enock’s father, Chikumbutso, told us that before the project, his son kept himself to himself and was an unhappy child, but he now chats with friends and seems content.

Chikumbutso sees a good future for Enock and is more confident about his transition to primary school.

Any readers interested in supporting our vision of a world where no one is blind from avoidable causes and where people with disabilities can participate equally in society, can visit www.sightsavers.org for more information.

Dr Caroline Harper, CBE, CEO of Sightsavers, Bumpers Way, Bumpers Farm, Chippenham SN14 6NG

From the chamber

Cllr David McElroy

Reading’s older homes need decent insulation to cut fuel bills, tackle poverty, cut carbon emissions and create jobs

I

N Reading over 7,000 households are living in fuel poverty and can’t afford their energy bills.

They have to choose between heating and eating, and we’re seeing a government more focussed on its own problems than those of the country.

The price of heating is set to soar, and our campaign for a mass insulation scheme to cut fuel poverty and tackle climate change has never been so important. If you agree sign our petition here https://bit.ly/ warmerreading

Reading’s Labour-run council refuses to help residents meet the cost of insulation Many of us in Reading live in poorly insulated and draughty houses, full of history and gaps in the walls.

Friends of the Earth estimate that in Reading 4,000 homes per year need to be properly insulated to cut climate changing pollution and poverty.

Each year at budget time we’ve called on the Council to invest in insulation grants and to create the role of Home Energy Conservation Officer to help residents get their homes insulated.

Each year this has been voted down by the Labour administration.

But we aren’t giving up on a greener, warmer town.

Join us in calling on Reading Borough Council to do everything it can to insulate more homes in the town https://bit.ly/warmerreading

The Tories axed the Green Homes Grant in 2021 and have no sensible replacement plan The Green Homes Grant, that offered households the opportunity to insulate their homes and power them with renewable energy, was axed by the Conservative government last year.

The Green Party has called for emergency grants to homeowners,

landlords and councils to fund immediate insulation improvements to those at risk of fuel poverty.

So many of our politicians declare things an emergency because it sounds as though they should, and then they go back to treating it as they always have done – someone else’s problem.

That’s why it’s so important to have Greens on the Council.

When we call something an emergency, we also call for immediate action.

There have been years of inaction on fuel poverty at a local and national level.

We need a large-scale insulation programme to ensure our homes are warm and comfortable, reduce carbon emissions and create thousands of green jobs.

Vote Green in May for a better future for Reading

Sometimes (whisper it!) a little while after the Green Party suggests something, the Labour party adopts it as their own policy. So we don’t give up hope.

Thousands of people voted Green in Reading at the last local elections, and we know they’ve voted for hope in a better future.

Across Reading, the Green Party are now the third party ahead of the Lib Dems.

There are now five Green Party councillors and we were the only party to make a gain at the last council elections.

At the May 2022 boundary change council elections all Reading councillors are up for election.

Based on our year-round hard work we hope to make gains like in Katesgrove ward where last time Louise Keane had the biggest vote increase of any party and almost won.

We don’t just want to win for the sake of winning, but to give a voice to so many residents without one, to make a real difference, and to show how better decisions for people and planet can be made if there’s a Green in the room.

Cllr David McElroy is a Green Party councillor for Redlands Ward on Reading Borough Council

Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action

C

OULD you provide support with various tasks in the Royal Berks Charity Action Team?

In this role as a member of the Action Team volunteers provide additional support with the various tasks that arise throughout Royal Berks Charity’s calendar such as: attending events as a marshall, assisting with fundraising, campaigning for them, general in-office support and other adhoc activities that may arise.

This is a wonderful chance to demonstrate your commitment to protecting your local hospital and the services it provides.

From marathons and festivals to supermarket collections and black tie events there are plenty of events to get involved with where your time will make a difference to your local NHS charity and your community.

The role is flexible, commitment can be a few hours every few months, or more if you have the time.

Volunteers will be notified of new opportunities by email and phone. n ABC to Read are looking for assistance to fundraise and build crowds through their Social Media.

Typically their fundraising has been achieved through grants.

Volunteers would be working alongside the CEO and other fundraising volunteers to help raise funds through social media and crowdfunding methods.

The charity’s mission is to transform children’s lives by working with schools, families and the children themselves to provide high quality support in developing literacy skills and building confidence amongst primary school children.

Help them achieve their goals, positively impact the community and more with this opportunity.

Plus you can work on this opportunity from home. n Support those living with dementia by helping Age UK Berkshire in their Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (MCST) programme.

In this programme, group members take part in meaningful and stimulating activities that are proven to help maintain memory and mental function.

Activities include word games, discussions and quizzes.

Volunteers will be helping the project lead set up, welcome clients, observing sessions, liaising with carers to note and changes in participants after the sessions and more.

They are looking for volunteers that are available to attend their Tuesday fortnightly sessions at Grazeley Village Hall between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

You will not be expected to deliver the sessions, but in cases of holiday, sickness or emergency you may be asked to step in. n You can find further details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch?

Drop us an email at: volunteering@rva.org.uk or call: 0118 937 2273.

32 | BUSINESS

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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Got a business story?

Email news@wokingham.today

A business park that is changing

Time for a refreshing cuppa

By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today

New home supply challenges in 2022 THE HOUSING sector will continue to face a lack of supply this year.

That’s one of the takeaways from the WhatHouse? Predictions Report for 2022.

It says that while 71% of housebuilders are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead, 73% predict the impact of supply chain problems – specifically material shortages of bricks and timber – would be a key issue going into 2022.

Inflation and product prices are also concerns, with logistical issues from Brexit also cited as concerns: 67% of housebuilders said that an increase to the supply of new housing stock would be hampered by a scarcity of bricklayers and plasters and planning constraints, as well.

Daniel Hill, managing director of WhatHouse? said: “Throughout 2021, UK housebuilders raised concerns around supply chain shortages.

“The problem was reported by volume and SME housebuilders alike, with almost threequarters of both groups reporting supply shortages of key building materials.

“Looking ahead, more than a quarter said supply chain delays would have the greatest impact on the housebuilding sector in 2022.”

His view was echoed by housebuilders.

Kelly Sharman, the sales and marketing director of Hayfield Homes, said: “These ongoing issues – which have been significantly affected by the pandemic and Brexit – are having an impact on output and ultimately the number of new homes being delivered to customers.”

A NEW Winnersh-based business is bringing a medicinal herb from West Africa to the UK in the form of tea.

Respite Tea is made from dried Vernonia amygdaliana, commonly known as bitter leaf. It has been used for centuries in West Africa as a traditional remedy for inflammatory ailments and is grown all over the region. It is used like a vegetable in cooking.

Business owner Ngozi Fakeye says that for her, it has been beneficial in treating the symptoms of endometriosis.

It is a long-term condition affecting women, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It can be hereditary, and symptoms include extremely painful periods. Ngozi uses bitter leaf alongside prescribed and overthe-counter medication.

“It was my Nigerian grandmother who reminded me about the benefits of bitter leaf,” Ngozi says.

“This kind of knowledge gets forgotten or not passed down in

second generation immigrant families.”

The idea for the business came after it became more challenging during 2020 to get fresh bitter leaf in the UK. Ngozi and her sister Kate Adetola went in search of alternatives.

“We found a supplier of dried leaves, but it is just not the same using it for cooking.

“So we wondered how we could use the dried bitter leaf and still get the benefits, and we realised that turning it into a herbal tea would be a great solution.

“We were really surprised that it was not already being produced in the UK.” Ngozi began to research tea production and the food development process needed to

bring her idea to market. Respite Tea took 12 months of development and testing before being registered and launched in July.

Respite Tea has a range of five bitter leaf tea blends.

“My background is in business development for IT software, so I had some idea of questions to ask about the process,” she explains.

“But I had no idea that I would be able to blend the bitter leaf when I started out.

“The warm blend with chilli flakes is my favourite.”

She has chosen to grow the business slowly, by going to markets and using word-ofmouth. As well as having a small production site in Caversham, Ngozi’s daughter Kishi helps make teabags at home in Winnersh.

Next steps include getting the teabags into local delis and launching an advertising campaign.

“It’s about bringing my heritage and culture to a new place,” Ngozi says.

“And so far, it’s going really well.”

n For more information, visit: respitetea.com

Job loss lights a new flame for Gemma and Ivan THE FOUNDER of a candlemaking business based in Twyford is celebrating the end of a successful year. And it began with losing her job, writes Natalie Burton.

Gemma Chadwick had been working in the event planning industry for 15 years before the pandemic hit. Work dried up as a result, and she was made redundant at the beginning of this year.

Her business, A Late Night Tale, was born after a conversation over a bottle of wine one evening with her husband, Ivan.

“We noticed that many of the bottles and beer cans we had waiting to go for recycling had attractive labels and we wondered whether they could be used for something else,” Gemma explains.

“It was Ivan who suggested that we upcycle them into candles.

“The name we came up with is about how empty bottles and cans tell a story of the moment when the contents were consumed.”

Gemma researched how to set up her own business.

She also learned about candlemaking and began to experiment with the process.

It included learning how to use specialist glass cutting equipment, and making the cut edges of bottles and cans smooth and safe.

A Late Night Tale’s website was launched in February, with Gemma using the couple’s own empties to make orders.

“To begin with, I was making the

BRIGHT IDEA: A Late Night Tale sells upcycled candles, using recycled bottles from companies including Loddon Brewery and Stanlake Vineyard

candles alongside homeschooling,” she adds. The Chadwicks have two daughters, Lizzie, who is 11, and Millie, six.

Business began to pick up once lockdown restrictions were lifted.

Gemma says that she initially thought the idea would develop into making upcycled candles with bespoke labels for events such as weddings and festivals.

“But then I had a call from Natalia at Stanlake Vineyard, a

sking whether I could make their empties into candles for their shop.

“Now I have other vineyards and breweries I make for, including Chiltern Valley Winery and Loddon Brewery.”

Other shops supplied by Gemma include Twyford’s Rural Pie Co. and a vegan store in Lechalde, Gloucestershire.

Her products also sell at fayres and online, and customers give their own empties for upcycling too.

“All of my candles are made in small batches of between 20 and 40 and use soy wax as I found this was the best method,” she says.

She is enjoying the experience and says that she probably always wanted to run her own business deep down.

“I did not ever think this time last year I would be where I am this year.

“Without redundancy I would never had made a change.” n For more, visit: alatenighttale.com

33

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Wokingham council leader writes to Gove over housing numbers

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE LEADER of neighbouring Wokingham Borough Council has written to the secretary of state for housing over building targets for the borough.

Now taking registrations

Cllr John Halsall has penned a letter to Michael Gove MP calling for the required number of new houses to be dropped in Wokingham.

He invited Mr Gove to the borough to see for himself the work of the council, and how planning reforms could help the community.

Wokingham is currently consulting on its new local plan update, which could include 4,500 homes on Hall Farm in Shinfield, after plans to build a new garden village in Grazeley was vetoed by the Ministry of Defence.

In his letter, Cllr Halsall called for “urgent reform” of the current system, and said that it “must work for everyone”.

“It must be one of common sense and must be trusted by communities to be fair and consistent,” he wrote.

“Current national planning policy and guidance has lost sight of the big picture of housing land supply, by applying unchecked formulae, and inviting speculation.”

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats, said that he welcomes the letter, but thinks that Cllr Halsall has only written to Mr Gove in reaction to

LETTER: Wokingham leader John Halsall Picture: Stewart Turkington a Lib Dem petition calling for the house numbers to be lowered.

“We have stunned the council leadership into some action,” Cllr Jones said. “[Cllr Halsall] should have been trying to get Gove to reduce the numbers a long time ago.”

Cllr Jones said Cllr Halsall does not explicitly call for Wokingham’s housing numbers to be reduced, and said that he “should have been more specific”.

Cllr Halsall said that the housing numbers for Wokingham borough must be “realistic and proportionate” and consider historical housebuilding as well as whether there are more “opportunities” for development or not.

Almost 6,500 homes have been delivered since 2016, Cllr Halsall said in his letter.

But Cllr Jones said that around 11,000 homes have been built since 2006, and that this statistic should have been included too.

“The government’s focus and

energy should be firmly on the real issues of non-delivery,” Cllr Halsall wrote. “Government thinking to date has been on granting additional planning permissions in the hope that someone will build.”

Cllr Halsall called for the fiveyear housing land supply test to be removed, and said that it has led to developers suggesting uncertainty in supply in the hope of their scheme being approved.

“The best thing the government could do would be to delete it without delay as suggested in the white paper,” Cllr Halsall wrote. “The test unfairly places the outcome on the willingness, not the capability of developers who can choose when to build out a scheme.

“Developers are using the existing five-year housing land supply rules and the resetting principle to wipe out the relevance of past oversupply to circumvent the plan-led approach to challenge us with proposals for small and medium sized ad-hoc largely greenfield development proposals without providing any infrastructure.

“This ties up our resources in knots and makes the strategic approach look fruitless and toothless to protect itself.”

Cllr Halsall told Mr Gove that the method of calculating housebuilding targets has led many local authorities to be reliant on large scale developments.

“Delivery from such

developments can be lumpy,” he wrote, “sometimes being higher, sometimes being lower, often because of infrastructure needs.

“Allowing planning authorities to take account of both over delivery and under delivery over time, would allow phases to be balanced out.”

Cllr Rachel Burgess, leader of Wokingham Labour, said that she is concerned about the “power” that developers are given in housebuilding.

“Cllr Halsall notes that developers are using the existing system to their own benefit – and they are being allowed to do so,” she said.

“Efforts to change the system will be in vain until the Conservative Party reduces the power they hand to developers.

“These developers have given millions of pounds in donations to the Conservative Party – truly eye watering sums – and they want to see a return on their investment.

“The unrealistically high housing numbers which continue to be imposed on the borough, and a lack of enough affordable housing, are symptoms of this Conservative-led imbalance of power in favour of developers.”

Cllr Jones said that Cllr Halsall “should be encouraging residents to sign it” to show Mr Gove the strength of feeling in Wokingham. n For more information about the Liberal Democrat petition, visit: www. wokinghamlibdems.org.uk/housing

Beer Festival announces 2022 date

A CELEBRATION of real ale is returning to Reading.

Dates for the delayed 25th Reading CAMRA Beer and Cider Festival have been announced.

It had been due to take place in 2021 over the Whitsun bank holiday, but due to covid it had to be postponed.

The 2020 event was also held back as a result of the pandemic.

However, organisers revealed at the weekend that this year’s event will once again be held at King’s Meadow – a short walk from Reading’s railway station – over four days.

It will open on Thursday, June 23, and carry on until Sunday, June 26.

Full details will be announced in due course including ticket details, but fans can expect the usual mixture of beers, ciders and perries from a mixture of specialist and local breweries. There will also be food, games and music.

The event is organised by a dedicated team of volunteers, and they welcome more hands to the pumps. n For more, log on to readingbeerfestival.org.uk

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Woodley’s deputy mayor cuts the ribbon to new superstore in town centre A NEW supermarket was opened in Woodley this week.

On Wednesday, January 12, deputy town mayor, Cllr Kay Gilder, cut the ribbon to declare HK Superstore officially open.

The shop, in the Crockhamwell Road precinct, is managed

by Suyashi Prrasad and owned

by Harbal Singh and Kashif Asghar.

It stocks a wide range of fresh

produce, including miniature pineapples, okra and a large selection of fresh chillies.

The supermarket also has an extensive range of spices, meats, sweets and traditional Indian foods.

Cllr Gilder was given an extensive tour of the shop.

“It was fascinating to see so many different fruits and vegetables, many of which I have

never seen before,” she said.

“The staff were so helpful and told us about the different regions across India and how the ingredients were used in different ways.”

Cllr Gilder said that it was wonderful to welcome a new shop to the precinct and bring more variety to the “wonderful town”.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIFE | 35

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FROMTHECOURTS n A READING man has been jailed for 12 weeks.

Robert Srebzynski, 35 and from Oxford Road, was stopped in Reading on December 16, 2019. Police found on him bolt croppers and a spanner.

Although he pleaded not guilty, and elected for a summary trial, his case was proved in absence by Reading Magistrates on August 20, 2021.

At a hearing on November 1, he was given the jail sentence.

Magistrates also took into consideration the fact he failed to appear in court on August 20, for this he received a concurrent four-week jail term.

Srebzynski must pay £128 to victim services. n A MAN who assaulted two people has been ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service.

Albert John Waite, 53 and from Lyndhurst Road in Tilehurst, was sentenced by Reading Magistrates Court on November 2.

The court heard that the offences took place on August 5, 2020, in Reading, and was carried out in conjunction with Jack Albert Waite, 22 and of the same address.

Waite was ordered to pay £400 costs and £95 to victim services.

At the same sitting of the Magistrates, Waite Junior was ordered to carry out 240 hours of community service, pay £30 compensation, £375 costs and £95 to victim services. n A READING man who had a flagrant disregard for court orders has been jailed for 10 weeks.

Justin Mark Clift, 33 and from Salcombe Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 8, where he pleaded guilty to harassing his victim. The court said it was both racially and religiously aggravated.

Clift must pay £100 compensation in addition to his custodial sentence. n A SOUTHCOTE man has been given a suspended jail sentence for driving while disqualified.

Kallum Vincent Warwock, 28 and from Granville Road, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on Ambrook Road in Reading on September 16, 2019.

He was also driving without insurance in place.

At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on November 8, his previous record was taken into consideration, and he was put behind bars for 12 weeks, suspended for 18 months.

Warwick was also banned from driving for 18 months, ordered to pay £622 costs and £122 to victim services. n A READING man who stole a Milawawkee Hole Dozer Hole Saw set from a branch

of Screwfix has been ordered to undertake a rehabilitation activity.

Biondino Alessandro Fappiano, 39 and from Prince of Wales Avenue, stole the items worth £69.99 on October 7, 2019.

On the same day, he assaulted a man.

At a hearing of Reading Magistrates Court on November 10, he was ordered to pay £100 compensation, £600 costs and £95 to victim services.

At the same hearing, the court heard that he stole four car tyres worth £2,100 from a Lexus car dealership on March 8, 2019.

On October 18, 2019, he failed to provide a blood specimen from police after being stopped in Earley.

On the same day, he was driving without a licence or insurance on Berkeley Avenue in Reading, and was in a car that he had stolen.

For this, he was ordered to pay £175 compensation, and banned from driving for 12 months.

n DRINK DRIVING has seen a Whitley Wood man banned from getting behind the wheel for 20 months.

Kevin Daniel Geary, 39 and of Kingsly Close, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 10.

The court heard that on August 14, 2021, he had been stopped on Blandford Road.

A test found he had 77 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

He was also driving without a licence and insurance.

His ban will be reduced by 20 weeks on completion of a safe driving course, and he must carry out 40 hours of community service.

Geary was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £95 to victim services, at a rate of £50 per month. n FAILING to provide a blood specimen has seen a Reading woman banned from driving for 24 months.

Paulina Alili-Gorna, 36 and from Granville Road, was stopped in Maidenhead on July 20, 2020.

Reading Magistrates Court, sitting on November 10, ordered that she undertake 200 hours of community service by November 10 this year, and pay £300 costs and £95 to victim services. n A READING man who resisted arrest and used racial abuse has been ordered to undertake 150 hours of community service.

Nagy Attila, 39 and of Chester Street, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 11.

The offences that took place on February 25 last year:

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks pleaded guilty to the offence which took place on April 2, 2021.

At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on November 18, she was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services.

He was ordered to pay £200 costs.

At the same sitting, the court heard that on September 21, 2021, Attila assaulted a man at the M&A Convenience Store in Duke Street, Reading.

He was ordered to pay £50 compensation, £85 costs and 150 hours of community service for this offence.

He was also guilty of failing to appear at the court on October 12, for this he was given 150 hours community service. n A READING man who breached an order preventing him from entering St Mary’s Butts has been sent to prison for six weeks.

Benjamin Robert Taylor, 35 and from Russell Street, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 11, where he was found guilty of the offence on August 27, 2020.

This was a further offence made while he was under a suspended sentence made on June 1, 2021.

He was given additional two-week jail sentences, for a total of 50 weeks, for breaches of his suspended sentence where he entered various parts of Reading town centre.

In addition to the porridge, he must pay £128 to victim services. n STEALING a chainsaw has seen a Tilehurst man given a 12-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months.

John Anthony Mullin, 45 and from Cranbourne Gardens, took the item worth £243.60, from a garden container in Reading on July 22, 2020.

At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on November 15, he pleaded guilty to the offence, and also to failing to appear at the court on July 26, 2021.

As he had been detained in the courthouse, Mullin was deemed to have served his sentence.

He was ordered to pay £128 to victim services.

In addition to his unpaid work, he must undertake a rehabilitation activity, was ordered to pay £250 compensation, £200 costs and £95 to victim services.

n A SOUTHCOTE man has been ordered to undertake 120 community service after being found guilty of assault.

Peter Stuart Garnett, 32 and from Southcote Farm Lane, had pleaded not guilty to the beating, which took place on October 28, 2020, in Reading.

However, he was found guilty by magistrates at a hearing on November 16.

n A READING woman has been fined £120 for stealing food worth £20.15 from a branch of Tesco.

Lorna McCulloch, 38 and from Russell Street,

n A READING man who shared private photographs of a sexual nature was given a 12-week jail sentence.

Kevor Anthony Shakes, 28 and from Kingsley Close, shared the images of his victim without their consent on December 10, 2020.

He had pleaded not guilty, and elected for a summary trial, held on November 19, 2021, where magistrates found him guilty.

The images were ordered to be destroyed, Shakes is not allowed to contact his victim directly or indirectly, and he must pay £128 to victim services.

No order for costs was made due to his sentence, while his time spent in the courthouse was deemed sufficient for his jail sentence.

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Charity offers dementia training

Leighton Park School achieves top marks in latest report

A CHARITY based in Twyford is offering specialist training for healthcare professionals.

Understanding Dementia will be running a course for people who work with dementia patients. The nineweek programme will be taught online, beginning later this month. The date is yet to be confirmed.

The hour-long interactive sessions will be on Wednesday evenings. The charity also hopes to offer a daytime option.

It costs £175, including online sessions, an accompanying booklet and a certificate.

A PRIVATE school in Shinfield is celebrating after being awarded top marks.

Leighton Park School was awarded a double excellent by the Independent School Inspectorate (ISI). It is the highest award an independent school can be given, which recognises both the quality of pupils’ personal development and academic progress.

Findings include the progress made by pupils with special educational needs and the outstanding commitment pupils have to contributing to the school and wider community. It is the first time the school has gained the top category in all areas of inspection.

Headteacher Matthew Judd said that he is pleased that the report is so positive about every aspect of his school.

“This is testament to the collective commitment and dedication of the whole school community — students, parents, staff, governors and Old Leightonians,” he said.

“Leighton Park is a truly remarkable school and I am tremendously pleased that the work and character of all of the community has been recognised this way.”

The report follows several accolades for Leighton Park in recent years, including gaining the Independent Schools Association award for outstanding local community involvement last year, for the second year running. In 2020, the school won a national award for excellence in science, technology and maths education.

n For more, email: lucy.w@ understandingdementia.co.uk

A THIEF broke into a shed in Reading and stole a bicycle.

The incident took place sometime between midnight on Friday, January 7, and 10.30am on Sunday, January 9.

Thames Valley Police said the burglar gained entry to the shed in Edgehill Street by breaking the lock.

Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220011087.

PICTURE: Leighton Park School

Bicycle stolen during break-in

Who tells you what's on?

Council’s contracts aim to offer real benefits to residents

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

READING Borough Council says it has continued to make progress on social value in its contracts.

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The council is committed to ensuring external spending offers a benefit to Reading residents.

After adopting a social value policy in December 2020, there are now more than £34m worth of agreements which contain an explicit level Cllr Ruth McEwan, lead councillor for corporate and consumer services, said: “While Reading is a hugely successful town, we also know that significant groups of people do not benefit from its success.

“A golden thread through all of the council’s work is to ensure that everyone who lives and works here can share the benefits.

“There are many ways the council is looking to close that gap and ensure that, where possible, there are elements of social value in our external contracts is just one way.”

While the Council is increasing the amount of social value across its contracts, those with it still only make up a small proportion of those held.

The aim of the social value policy is to increase that number moving forward.

All contracts in excess of £100,000 are encouraged to include a social value plan within a bid.

Companies and charities bidding for agreements worth less than £100,000 are encouraged to lay out social value plans where possible as well.

Throughout 2021, a career training programme for young people, improved broadband connections to community

properties and local employment and workforce training were all implemented..

“Progress has been made with nearly 14% of the council’s total external contract spend now including explicit social value, but work is ongoing to increase that total in future years,” said Cllr McEwan.

The total of contracts containing this element is expected to grow by 11 over the next 12 months, representing £52.06m of the council’s overall spend. n An annual update on the progress of the social value report was held by the council’s policy committee on Monday, January 17 and can be found at democracy.reading.gov.uk

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022

LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

19.01.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

A Siberian front you’ll welcome The Russian State Ballet of Siberia is preparing to return to The Hexagon for three favourite ballets.

PHIL CREIGHTON takes to the barre to find out more

A

COLD front will be descending on The Hexagon, and it will receive a warm reception.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia is once again returning to tour the UK – its 20th anniversary.

Accompanied by the Russian State Ballet Orchestra, they will present Cinderella, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet at the end of the month.

It will be a real winter warmer as the ballet will melt hearts and enchant audiences.

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia is led by artistic director Sergei Bobrov, and music director Anatoly Tchepurnoi.

Over the past 20 years, it has established itself as one of Russia’s leading ballet companies and built an international reputation for delivering performances of outstanding quality and depth.

Since their first Christmas season at St David’s Hall in Cardiff in 2002, the Company has completed 18 UK tours and also performed in Italy, Spain, Slovakia, Japan, Turkey, Bulgaria, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

But it is to The Hexagon, and other similar venues, that the company can’t wait to perform in.

Sergei says: “I am delighted to return to the UK this year.

“The response of audiences wherever the company performs is overwhelming.

“We can’t wait to be back on stage again in front of UK audiences once again.”

The Russian State Ballet of Siberia was formed in 1978 by talented graduates from choreographic

schools in Moscow, St Petersburg, Kiev, Novosibirsk and Yekaterinburg.

Many have gone on to become award winning artists and made prominent appearances at international ballet competitions and festivals.

The company is proud of its dancers who are highly acclaimed worldwide for their unique interpretation of both dramatic and comic roles, delivering performances of sincere emotional and dramatic integrity.

Here’s a look at the shows in store:

Swan Lake The greatest romantic ballet of all time is brought to life by Tchaikovsky’s haunting and unforgettable score.

From the impressive splendour of the Palace ballroom to the moon-lit lake where swans glide in perfect formation, this compelling tale of tragic romance has it all. From Odile, the temptress in black tutu as she seduces the Prince by spinning with captivating precision to the spellbound purity of the swan queen, Odette, as she flutters with emotional intensity, the dual role of Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s most unmissable technical challenges.

Romeo and Juliet Shakespeare’s tale of primal passion and timeless tragedy is brought to life

by Prokofiev’s soaring score, set in bustling Renaissance Verona and with an emotionally charged choreography that befits the world’s greatest love story.

From the grandeur of the masked ball to the intimacy of the lovers’ balcony, this star-crossed story of duels, bitter family feuds and love that cannot be, is unmissable.

Cinderella The world’s favourite rags-to-riches fairy-tale where dreams can come true is a magical mix of Prokofiev’s energetic score, lively choreography and colourful costumes.

While her bad stepmother and her ill-mannered daughters prepare for the Royal Ball, graceful Cinderella can

only dream of dancing with the dashing Prince.

Later that evening, her rags become a glittering gown and she is swept magically to the Ball. From that very moment the Prince is smitten, midnight strikes and one lost crystal slipper later, he must now embark on a journey to find his lost love…

The performances run over three nights. Cinderella on Monday, January 31; Romeo & Juliet on Tuesday, February 1; and Swan Lake on Wednesday, February 2. n For more details, log on to: www.raymondgubbay.co.uk or whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

14 | LEISURE

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Happy birthday Mozart

their show, Sweet Release, ahead of their UK tour at the Kenton Theatre on Sunday.

The siblings’ unique, sharp-tongued style has taken them around the world with multiple sell-out tours.

They have also featured on BBC Two’s Live at the Apollo and their viral songs have had more than 50 million views. Alive on Stage, an Amazon Prime special, is available to stream now.

Armed with a piano and a percussion section, expect to hear all the hot topics of the day covered, including overthinking and fringes.

Tickets cost £12, including a £10 theatre restoration levy. The show begins at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

THE MUSIC of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart returns to Norden Farm at the end of the month, a few days after the Austrian composer’s 278th birthday.

George Ku, pianist, and Katie Mazur, violinist, will perform Mozart’s final pieces in this special concert.

The programme includes Symphony No.27 in G, K.199, Violin Concerto in A, K.219 and Piano Concerto No.27 in B flat, K.595.

They will join the St John’s Chamber Orchestra to perform the pieces and be conducted by Nigel Wilkinson.

Live stream tickets are also available for this event.

The concert takes place on Saturday, January 29, from 8pm. Tickets are £18 adults and per livestream, £16.50 concessions. Under 16s get in for £5. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

What’s on?

Watson!

TASKMASTER survivor, author and comedian Mark Watson’s tour stops off in Reading’s Concert Hall early next month.

Spiritual enquiry meets observational comedy in his show This Can’t Be It. The self-confessed pathological overthinker will attempt to answer questions about the fragility of life, but he isn’t making any promises on a solution.

Mark Watson is one of the three friends behind cult lockdown game No More Jockeys, with Taskmaster creator and presenter Alex Horne, and Tim Key, best known as playing Alan Partridge’s sidekick Simon.

The show takes place from 7.30pm on Thursday, February 3. Tickets are £22. n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

In suspense

AN AWARD-WINNING international physical theatre company is bringing a classic suspense thriller to Newbury.

The Voloz Collective will stage it’s version of The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much on Wednesday, February 2.

Roger Clement is a Frenchman in 1950’s New York. His days have always followed a highly predictable yet not-

Monster mash will be a graveyard smash

A CELEBRATION of Merseybeat and so much more will be coming to South Hill Park next week.

The R ‘n’ Beatles show focuses on the band’s early, pre-Fab Four days.

The set list includes Long Tall Sally, Twist and Shout & Lucille. Smooch and sway to You Really Got A Hold On Me & Till There Was You. The show aims to celebrate the Cavern Club days of the unpleasant routine, until a minor delay saves him from an explosion. A powderkeg of twists and turns is ignited as Roger chases his wannabe assassins around the world to discover the truth.

The company promise to delight and stun in this fast-paced whodunnit.

The performance takes place at the Corn Exchange and begins at 7.45pm.

Tickets £15, £13 concessions. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0845 5218218 or log on to: cornexchangenew.com

Charting the lives across generations

NATIONAL Theatre Live hits the screens in Maidenhead with an award-winning show next week.

Leopoldstadt, by Tom Stoppard and directed by Patrick Marber, won an Olivier Award for best new play in 2020.

The play is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance which is inspired

by Stoppard’s Czech roots.

band, when they weren’t so much mop tops as all leather trousers.

And to help with the recreation of the Cavern, it takes place in South Hill Park’s cellar bar.

The show takes place on Wednesday, January 26, from 8pm. Tickets are £14. n For more details, or to book, log on: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

The story is set in Leopoldstadt, the crowded Jewish quarter of Vienna, Austria. It follows the family of Hermann Merz, a Jew, and his wife Gretl, a Catholic, across half a century. The family pass through war, revolution, impoverishment, annexation by Nazi Germany and the Holocaust.

Tickets cost £15. Screenings are on Thursday, January 27 at 7pm, and 2pm on Friday, January 28 and Wednesday, February 2. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

I told you I was ill

A PLAY about one of the 20th century Britain’s best-loved comedians has its world premiere in Newbury next week.

Spike is a new piece by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman. It tells the story of Spike Milligan during the 1950s, at the height of his success with ground-breaking radio programme The Goon Show.

While fellow Goons Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers get down to the serious business of becoming celebrities, chief writer Spike finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC. The role of Spike Milligan will be played by Olivier award-winning actor John Dagleish.

Spike runs from Thursday, January 27 to Saturday, March 5.

Tickets start from £10. Performances begin at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Thursdays and Saturdays.

There are no Sunday performances. n For more details, or to book, log on to: watermill.org.uk or call the box office on: 01635 46044.

Go with the Flo (and Joan)

A MULTI-AWARD winning musical comedy duo will be making sure their show is up to scratch in Henley this weekend.

Sisters Flo and Joan are previewing

A LEADING touring theatre company is bringing one of literature’s most famous Gothic horrors to life next week in Bracknell.

Blackeyed Theatre begin their tour of John Ginman’s stage adaptation of Frankenstein in the Wilde Theatre on Thursday, January 27.

Set in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1816, Mary Shelley’s novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a man obsessed with the elixir of life itself. But nothing can prepare him for what he creates.

The production fuses ensemble storytelling, live music and puppetry and is suitable for those 11 and up.

Performances take place until Saturday, January 29. Tickets start from £18. n For more details, or to book, log on to: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

Singers welcomed

A CENTRAL Reading folk music club is holding its first Singers Night of the year this Sunday.

Readifolk will be holding the informal evening of singing, playing, poetry and jokes at the community hall of Watlington House on Watlington Street.

The group will happily entertain you, so there is no pressure to perform and all will be made welcome.

Singers Night costs £2, starting at 8pm. n For more details, visit: readifolk.org.uk

AT THE THEATRE As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Polcas E Boas: An Evening of Brazilian Music. Sat. The R ‘n’ Beatles.

Wed. Blackeyed Theatre presents Frankenstein. Thurs 27-Sat 29. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Lotte Betts-Dean and Cristian Sandrin. Fri 28. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 28.

FILMS: C’mon C’mon. Thurs-Sun. The Power the Dog. Fri-Sun. Natural Light. Mon-Tues. House of Gucci. Wed-Fri 28. National

Theatre Live: Leopoldstadt.

Thurs 27. West Side Story. Fri 28-Sun 30.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Lorna Timms Theatre Arts show.

Fri-Sun. Gladys Knight: Midnight Train to Georgia.

Thurs 27. The Elvis Years.

Fri 28. Sweet Caroline CANCELLED. Sat 29.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Magic Goes Wrong by Mischief and Penn & Teller. Tues-Jan 30. Robin’s Winter Adventure.

Sat. The Hare and the Tortoise.

Wed.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Etoile Dance Company: Moving

Through the Movies. Sun. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs.

Rave On: Starring the Bluejays.

Sat 29. Dirty Dancing v Grease Dinner Dancer. Sat 29. Be Bop A Lula. Sun 30.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Phoney Fools and Horses. Thurs.

The Elton John Show: A Tribute To Rocketman. Fri. Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Sat. Flo and Joan: A Work In Progress.

Sun. Jazz at the Kenton: The Max Wright Trio with Lilli Unwin. Wed. Off The Kerb at the Kenton: Andy Parsons and Angela Barnes. Thurs 27. Ghost Lights. Fri 28. The History of Rock. Sat 29.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Sound of Springsteen. Fri. Wildfire (15). Sat. The Power of Dog (12a). Sat. Art Themen

Quartet. Sat. National Theatre Live: Leopoldstadt. Thurs 27-Fri 28. Endymion Ensemble.

Thurs 28. King Richard (12a).

Sat 29. Mozart Birthday Concert. Sat 29.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Matilda The Musical Jr. Thurs-Sat. The Tragedy of Macbeth (15).

Fri-Thurs 27. The Electrical Life of Louis Wain (12a). Fri-Thurs 27. Bolshoi Live: Jewels. Sun. What’s Love Got To Do With It? Thurs 27. The Rat Pack Live.

Fri 28. Showaddywaddy. Sat 29. National Theatre Encore: Leopoldstadt. Sun 30.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Spike. From Jan 27-Mar 5.

Reading – South St www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Ed Gamble: Work in Progress. Thurs. Poets Cafe Online. Fri. Flo & Joan: Work in Progress. Fri. The Great Big Vent Event: The MKII, Dolly & The Clothespegs, The Pink Diamond Revue, Damien A Passmore, Daughter of the Water, Captain Batgirl. Sat. Matt Forde and Luke Kempner: Works in Progress. Wed 26.

The Acquisitions Panel. Fri 28Sat 29. South Street Comedy Club. Sat 29.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Lost In Music. Sat. American Superslam Wrestling. Sun. The Music of Prince. Thurs 27.

Kevin Clifton: Burn The Floor.

Sat 29.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Red Priest: Truly, Madly, Baroque.

Tues.

Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Dark Sublime. Until Sat.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Alby the Penguin Saves The World. April 6-18.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars. Fri-Sun.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Still Life. Thurs-Sat 29.

The Freddie and Queen Experience. Sat. An Evening with Rick Wakeman and Peter Egan. Sun. Voice of the Heart: Karen Carpenter.

Sat 29.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Blood Brothers. Until Sat 29.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Apologia. Jan 27-Feb 5.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club: Toyah Wilcox. Fri. My Mountain Live: Simon Yates. Mon. Wokingham Film Society: Sound of Metal (15).

Thurs 27.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Jazz Concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat Jan 22.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LEISURE | 15

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From Mansun to Sub89, Paul know the answer to life

Standing ovation for Blood Brothers revival

Paul Draper is preparing to come to Reading to showcase tracks from his latest album, Cult Leader Tactics. NATALIE BURTON meets the musical legend

T

HE FRONTMAN of 90s alternative rock group Mansun is coming to Reading next month.

Paul Draper is touring his new album, Cult Leader Tactics, and plays at Sub 89 on Monday, February 28.

The album, which will be released on Friday, January 28, is a dark satire on selfhelp books. It explores using dirty tricks and Machiavellian tactics to achieve life goals. The songs cover themes including manipulation, nationalism, lying and back-stabbing, before concluding that the only real answer in life is love.

“It’s really dark,” Paul says.

“The self-help manual I wrote to go with the album carries a disclaimer that it’s not to be taken seriously.”

The album is a reflection on behaviour he has witnessed over a 28 year career in the music industry, as well as on politics and personal experiences.

“Never underestimate the shallowness of the music industry,” he adds.

After Mansun split in 2003, Paul became a record producer.

He released his debut album Spooky Action in 2017. Cult Leader Tactics is his second album.

He says “it’s a bit covid rock” due to pandemic restrictions: “I was trapped on my own with it, so there’s a lot of electronic instruments.”

Niki Evans in Blood Brothers – the show is at Theatre Royal Windsor until Saturday, Janaury 29

Blood Brothers Theatre Royal Windsor Until January 29 01753 853888 Theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Paul Draper is on stage at Sub 89 at the end of February Picture: Tina Korhonen Lockdown prevented Paul from using a choir on the album’s closing song, so instead he appealed to fans to record the end refrain on their mobile phones and email them to him.

A virtual choir of 266 voices was put together instead.

His gig at Sub 89 will be the second time Paul has performed with a band in front of an audience this decade.

Touring again is something he is looking forwards to, as the process of recording and touring the album was disrupted by covid.

“I’d just got going again, so it now feels like a false start,” he says.

“But Mansun was a live band and now, in digital music age, musicians need to tour as we

cannot rely on album sales.

“I see myself as a troubadour — I need to get out, sing well and play well.”

Paul is also influenced by conversations he had with David Bowie when Mansun supported his 1997 Earthling Tour.

“He said that by working within your box, you won’t achieve anything,” Paul explains.

“By doing the same thing over and over again, it’s easy to lose interest.

“Bowie moved and assimilated, he changed direction to keep things fresh.

“I think it’s really important.”

One of the things he is looking forwards to about the upcoming tour is seeing

the demographic make up of the crowds in person. Paul believes that on of the good thing about music streaming sites is the ability to see what kind of people are listening to his music.

“It’s fascinating,” he says.

“Some appeal to fans of prog rock and others to pop fans.

“And it’s not just people who are old enough remember Mansun either.”

Advance tickets for Paul Draper, Cult Leader Tactics at Sub 89, Friar Street, cost £16.50.

The gig takes place on Monday, February 28, at 7.30pm. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: heavypop. co.uk

Jon’s folk to come to Nettlebed FOLK music is returning to Nettlebed at the end of the month, following a Christmas break.

Running at 80% capacity due to the ongoing covid situation, the Nettlebed Folk Club will welcome Jon Boden on Monday, January 31.

He is well-known as the lead singer of the progressive folk group Bellowhead.

The group has sold more than 250,000 albums, had seven singles playlisted on Radio 2 and sold out hundreds venues including The Royal Albert Hall.

Since Bellowhead split up in 2016 Jon has continued to perform a mixture of English folk music.

Solo Jon performs material from Bellowhead and his duo - Spiers & Boden, self-penned

songs from his albums Songs From The Floodplain, Painted

Lady, Afterglow and Rose In June, plus his A Folk Song A Day project in which he recorded 365 folk songs in one year.

He also released a new album Last Mile Home in March 2021, the final part in the trilogy of post-climate change albums.

And he also appeared in the Richard Curtis film About Time, performing some of his music in the time-travel romantic comedy.

His gig takes place at Nettlebed Village Club, in the High Street of the village.

Doors open at 7.50pm, and the music starting shortly after. n For more details, or to book, call the box office between 10am and 8pm on 01628 636620, or log on to www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

B

LOOD Brothers, the acclaimed musical depicting societal differences in 1960’s Liverpool, opened to a packed house in Windsor on Friday, January 14.

As the house lights slowly went down the band set the scene with a sombre overture, against an evocative, bloodstained backdrop.

The musical tells the story of Mickey (Sean Jones) and Eddie (Joel Benedict), twins separated at birth – one child given away as the mother had too many mouths to feed.

Eddie is brought up by a wealthy family with the accompanying privileges and opportunities, while Mickey, the youngest of seven siblings, hangs around on street corners getting up to mischief.

Despite a hard-working and loving single mother (Mrs Johnstone, played

by X-Factor star Niki Evans), the challenges of growing up with poverty and deprivation are clearly portrayed.

The boys meet by chance when they are seven – nearly eight – and, discovering they share a birthday, decide to become ‘blood brothers.’

Despite not being a typical feel-good musical, Blood Brothers contains some incredible songs, from That Guy, where Mickey and Eddie reflect on the differences between them, both physically and socially, to the well-known Tell me It’s not True, where Mrs Johnstone laments the way life has turned out for her children.

Containing some hard-hitting scenes including fighting, knife and gun crime, drug-taking and more, this is not a show for young children and at times provides uncomfortable viewing.

However, the juxtaposition of lighter scenes – such as where the seven-year-old characters are played by their adult actors to great comic effect, relieve the tension of the heavier parts of the story.

The audience, clearly moved by the story that had been so skilfully and convincingly told, gave the company a standing ovation.

There will be sure to be many more before the run at Windsor ends on Saturday, January 29.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

Mates Rates Comedy Club is bringing Live Stand-Up Comedy to Reading W h e t h e r i t i s TV n a m e s o r n u rt u ri n g n ew ta l e n t a t t h e g ra s s ro o t s , i f yo u l ove s ta n d - u p co m e d y, M a te s Ra te s Co m e d y h a s a s h ow fo r yo u !

Fo r m o re i n fo r m a ti o n c h e c k o u t t h e l i n ks be l ow a n d s ca n t h e Q R co d e to bo o k yo u r ti c ke t s .

Fo l l ow u s o n: f: / M a te s Ra te 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

A celebration of English music MEMBERS of the West Forest Sinfonia are busy preparing for their first concert of 2022, following a two-year absence.

The orchestra will be performing three 20th century English music pieces: Bax’s Garden of Fand, Walton’s Viola Concerto, and Elgar’s Symphony No 2.

The guest soloist is Yue Yu. It takes place at the University of Reading’s Great Hall on London Road from 4.30pm on Sunday, January 30.

Tickets cost £15, or £5 for under 18s or students. n For more details, log on to: www.westforestsinfonia.org

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Prepare to tickle your funnybones LAUGHS: South Street’s Comedy Club finally returns on Saturday, January 29 ENTERING OUR VELOCITY: The Hawkmen

Make a date for The Hawkmen, thanks to Reading’s Club Velocity

The organist entertains MEMBERS of the Berkshire Organist Association are resuming their activities.

In addition to the lunchtime concerts at Reading’s concert hall in Blagrave Street, the first of which took place on Monday, the group will be looking forward to another recital this Friday.

Reading Minster Church in Chain Street is the venue for the performance. It will be given

by John Halsey, the organist for Windsor Parish Church.

The music takes place from 12.30pm to 1.15pm. Entry is free.

A retiring collection will be taken. n For more details, log on to: www.berkshireorganists.org.uk

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

A

month.

FTER a long hiatus, club comedy will return to South Street later this

The evening of laughter is a partnership between Reading Arts and Mates Rates Comedy, and there’s a great line-up for the return night.

Headlining is Catherine Bohart an Irish stand-up comedian, writer and actor. She’s appeared on shows such as The Mash Report, Eight out of 10 Cats, Richard Osman’s Celebrity House of Games and Pointless Celebrities.

Supporting her are Ria Lina, who has appeared on Yesterday Today and The Day Before, Mock The Week, Steph’s Packed Lunch, among others.

And there will also be gags from Iszi Lawrence, the co-host of BBC Radio 4’s Making History and author of Billie Swift Takes Flight.

The team behind Mates Rates can’t wait for the gig to get started.

Resident MC Carl Richard said: “Catherine Bohart, Iszi Lawrence and Rai Lina on the same line-up is going to be something special.”

And Nick Byard, Mates Rates Comedy’s promoter, said: “I am excited for the show, it is a big moment in my career as a Comedy Promoter, and I think it is going to be a good thing for Reading’s comedy scene.”

The gags start from 8pm on Saturday, January 29, with doors from 7.15pm. A bar will be available.

The night is for over 18s only, and tickets cost £18.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www. whatsonreading.com

PHIL CREIGHTON

TICKETS have gone on sale for a double header of great music.

The Hawkmen are headlining a show for Club Velocity at the Face Bar in Reading’s Ambrose Place, on Thursday, March 3.

The group draw from an array of influences such as rhythm’ n’ blues, soul, and rock ’n’ roll which they bring together in a classic, rootsy, hybrid blend.

The band emerged as a full, live act in 2017 following the early successes of soul 45 and Craig Charles favourite, Don’t Judge A Book By Its Cover (Record Kicks), a Northern Soul remix of Emma Beatson’s debut single Do It. It was selected by Craig Charles for the second volume of his Freestyle Records compilation series.

The Hawkmen’s Keep On Working EP yielded another 45, and was widely played on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 6.

In 2017 Love Is Blind was released and features on the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club Vol.5 compilation and received more BBC 6 Music airplay.

The band have toured both Germany and the UK, and will be looking forward to their Reading date.

Joining them will be Tom Webber, a Didcot-based singersongwriter.

The 21-year-old is a relative newcomer to the scene, but is getting people excited.

Tickets cost £12.10 including a booking fee. n For more details, or to book, log on to www.readingarts.com

Happy birthday Mozart A CELEBRATION of Mozart will be coming to Norden Farm later this month.

The Maidenhead arts centre will be marking the birthday with a concert featuring some of his most famous work.

It’s easier than baking a cake and putting 256 candles on it.

For the event, St John’s Chamber Orchestra perform a programme of the composer’s work, conducted by Nigel Wilkinson. They are joined by George Fu and Katie Mazur.

George Fu is an American pianist and composer. George performs regularly as a soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician in venues around the world.

George has been praised for his performances of distinctive intelligence, sensitivity and virtuosity.

He has performed as a soloist

with orchestras such as the National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and North Carolina Symphony.

He has appeared at international venues such as the Konzerthaus Berlin, Kennedy Center, New York’s Carnegie Hall and Wigmore Hall in London.

Katie Mazur is a violinist at the Royal College of Music. She has

played with various orchestras including at the International Music Festival in Malta, The International Music Festival in the Lake District and with The National Youth Orchestra.

The concert’s programme includes Mozart’s final, poetic concerto; one of the most sparkling of the violin concertos; and a rare outing for Symphony No.27.

The annual Mozart Birthday Concert takes place at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts on Saturday, January 29, at 8pm.

The concert is also being livestreamed.

Tickets are £18, £16.50 concessions and £5 under 16s.

A live stream ticket: £18 per household. n For more details, call the Box Office on 01628 788997 or visit: www.nordenfarm.org

Wargrave holds court with Camelot CONNIE CLATTERBOTTOM, Sir Laughalot and King Uther are all the comedy characters you can look forward to seeing when you head to Camelot this week.

And don’t get lost – it’s not near Tintagel, but located in the heart of Wargrave.

For Camelot is the title of this year’s pantomime from the Wargrave Theatre Workshop.

The group are currently preparing their very own tale of

the knights of the round table, with magic from Merlin, trouble from Morgan Le Fay and her evil sisterhood, and laughter from the Wargrave Dame.

Will they help or hinder Prince Arthur’s quest for the love of Guinevere?

The group will be performing the show from Wednesday, January 26, through to Sunday, January 30. There are nightly perofrmances at 8pm apart from the Sunday, and matinees at 1pm and 4pm on the Saturday, and 1pm on Sunday. n For more details, or to book, log on to wargravetheatre.co.uk

LEISURE | 25

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LIVEMUSIC

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RaW Sounds Today

ON THE ROAD: The Honey Pot are Somewhere Between Here and Everywhere Picture: Mega Dodo Records Wokingham

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ RaWSoundsToday

W

E’VE GOT two great new entries in this week’s RaW Sounds Today playlist.

The Honey Pot are one of the signings to a new record label, and you can hear one of their latest songs as a prelude to a big gig in London at the end of the month.

And Quantum Pig make a statement of intent about their music with a new song called, well, Statement of Intent.

These are just a couple of the 10 great tracks in our list, all with connections to the area.

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.

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

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

The Honey Pot – Somewhere Between Here and Anywhere

Billywitch Records is an offshoot of Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records and late last year they released The Secret, a new album by psychedelic popsters The Honey Pot, from which this track is taken.

The band will be performing at The Honey Pot Extravaganza in the legendary Half Moon Putney on Sunday, January 30, together with four other bands that have been on Mega Dodo and/or the

Toyah – Levitate She’s an iconic performer who first came to fame with some classic 80s hits and she will be heading to Wokingham Music Club (WMC) at Whitty Theatre on Friday, January 21.

Levitate is from Toyah’s latest album Posh Pop – https://toyahwillcox.com/

Sam Handy – Done Sam is a singer-songwriter from Reading who has released a number of singles with a soulful alternative pop feel and Done is his latest. It has a melody that sticks in your head, delivered by Sam’s silky smooth vocals – https://www.samhandy.com/

Wille and the Bandits – Solid Ground What a great live band this is, as shown by their headlining performance at Wokingham Festival.

This is from their new album, When the World Stood Still which gets a full release this month – https://www.willeandthebandits.com/

Rachel Redman (ft. Damian C Carruthers) – Obvious

renowned Fruits De Mer Records label – https:// www.facebook.com/thehoneypotband

Quantum Pig – Statement of Intent Ian Faragher and Mark Stevenson played their first-ever gig as Quantum Pig, headlining the Wokingham Music Club stage at Wokingham Festival last year.

They performed an acoustic set and they will be doing the same at their second gig when they support The Paradox Twin at Reading’s Facebar on Friday, February 4.

This song is taken from their acclaimed debut album Songs of Industry and Sunshine which resulted in the duo being nominated for an award at the prestigious Progressive

Rachel is a local singer-songwriter who has appeared in our playlist previously and she has just released a new single with talented musician, Damian Carruthers – https://www.facebook.com/ rachelredmanmusic

Music Awards – http://quantumpig.net

The Room – Run This band with members from the local area have been invited as special guests at the Hammersmith Club in London on Friday, January 22, by a brandnew band, Little Finger, whose members are made up of Gary Numan’s backing band – https://theroom.band/

Beans on Toast – Humans Beans has just released his new album Survival of the Friendliest. Humans is a single from the album.

He’s on an extensive UK tour at the moment which included a recent visit to Reading’s Facebar – https:// beansontoastmusic.com/

Penelope Isles – Have You Heard

Ocean Ruins – Teen Drama

Penelope Isles are from Brighton and will be appearing at Reading’s Facebar on Friday, January 28, as part of their extensive UK tour, before they head off to a North American tour in March – https://www.penelopeisles.com/

Here’s a melodic alt-rock band from Reading who have released a string of singles including this one.

If you missed it then, it’s well worth a listen, with its uplifting sing-along chorus – https://www.facebook. com/OceanRuins

GIG GUIDE Thursday, January 20

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Graham Steel Music Company: Music awards night. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, January 21

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG.Split the Dealer and Lyra. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Porridge Radio. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Small Fakers and Who’s Next. Details: 0118 959 5395.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. The Elton John Show – A Tribute. Details: 01491 525050.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Junkyard Rocket. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Toyah Acoustica.

7.30pm. £25. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Saturday, January 22

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Double Bill Rock Bands: Black Tree Crow, The Whiskey Knights. Details: www.

theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Polca E Boas: An Evening of Brazlian Music Details: 01344 484123.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music.

Details: 01344 530615.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. Ronnie Scott’s All Stars. Details: 01491 525050.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk.

Lost In Music. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Mythicals.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – South Street arts centre. The Great Big Vent Event: The MkII, Dolly and the Clothespegs, the Pink Diamond Revue, Damien A Passmore, Daughter of the Water, Captain Batgirl. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Freddie and Queen Experience. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Woodley Theatre presents The Martin Hart Trio. Details: 0748 833 7838.

Sunday, January 23

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. Flo & Joan: A Work In Progress. Details: 01491 525050.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm..

Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night.

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

Monday, January 24

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Bully Wee Band. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Tuesday, January 25

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesdays.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Burns Night Celebration: ceilidh, kippers and kilts. Details: 01491 681048.

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

Wednesday, January 26

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The R ‘n’ Beatles. Details: 01344 484123.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. Jazz at the Keton: The Max Wright Trio with Lilli Unwin.

Details: 01491 525050.

Thursday, January 27 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ryewolf. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. A Midnight Train to Georgia, a tribute to Gladys Knight. Details: 01276 707600.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk.

The Music of Prince. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen,

Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, January 28

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Karaoke with DJ Alex.

Details: 01344 457318.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. The Elvis Years. Details: 01276 707600.

CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Trim.

Details: 0118 934 0700.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. Ghost Lights. Details: 01491 525050.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Boom Boom Racoon. Details: 0118 958 0473 READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Penelope Isles. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Vasilis Xenopoulos Dexterity Quintet.

Details: www.jazzinreading.com READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Jah Wobble and the Invaders of the Heart. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.

RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The Right Times.

Details: 0118 343 0565.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents

Richard Digance. £19. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Saturday, January 29

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Reggae Fever. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Crazy Little Thing Called Queen.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Subway. Details: 01344 457318.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music.

Details: 01344 530615.

HENLEY – The Kenton Theatre, New Street RG9 2BS. The History of Rock.

Details: 01491 525050.

READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Readi2Listen. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Bad Hombre.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Voice of the Heart: Karen Carpenter. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. The Echo. Details: 0118 969 9756.

Sunday, January 30

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm..

Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. 3.30pm Details: 0118 376 9159 READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Pete Morton.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

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

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. Thomas Heppel Live: blues and originals. Details: 07889 226309.

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

Monday, January 31

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Open mic. Details: 0118 958 0473.

Tuesday, February 1

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

Thursday, February 3

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Graham Steel Music Company Christmas Party: Atomic Rapture and The Filthy Llamas. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, February 4

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Lilac supported

by The Minkees. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Melvenia. Details: 01344 303333.

CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. The Counterfeit Stones. Details: 01276 707600.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

No. 5397

Your weekly puzzle challenge

26

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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1. Norwich City football club has what nickname?

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NONAGRAM

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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

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

MAGIC SQUARE

ACE DRIVING AGREED

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.

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U O 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: 28 Good; 33 Very Good; 39 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).

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

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

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

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DOWN 2. Not disturbed by French translation of ‘flea’ as ‘puce’ (8) 3. Assert in court with some legal legerdemain (6) 4. Manner of take-off on the runway (8) 5. Band of soldiers needing help to start with (4) 6. Evade the way round town (6) 7. Argue about a boy (6) 10. Mistakenly I ask for alcoholic drink (4) 14. Rod has notes as prompt to cook outdoors (8) 15. Leaving out nothing with young lady I take on (8) 16. Outlook is tense (6) 17. Yes, the pig’s home is insubstantial (6) 18. Cut down and dismissed (4) 19. Open a French piece of wax (6) 22. Most important shareholder? (4)

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

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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WORD PYRAMID: Hurricane season.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; multiply; add; divide. Total: 4.

SOLUTIONS

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QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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.

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ACROSS 1. Encouraging words in child-raising (3-1-5) 8. Yorkshireman initially takes wrong key (4) 9. A lady who will suit you? (9) 11. Donkey follows a hare and badger (6) 12. Delay action, say, for a heavy load (6) 13. Novel Swiss family (8) 16. Cook apple and fry stick insect with it (8) 20. Prohibition his undoing – dismiss the thought from your mind (6) 21. Some extra velocipedes needed for journey (6) 23. Tried to change record first – what disgrace! (9) 24. Go off with a cycle of duty (4) 25. Emphasise where one can find a sleeper (9)

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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.

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EQUALISER 9 1 5 3 2 1 2 6 2 1 2 2

Hard

9 4 5 1 3 6 8 2 7

Easy

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FIVE ALIVE JK

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10. Which famous architect designed the Guggenheim Museum in New York?

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 S through openings in the walls. The A first letter may appear in any chamber.

E S

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WORD PYRAMID

E U S

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9. Who was the first member of the Royal Family to gain a university degree?

5. What A is the name of a species of seabird and a word meaning a burden or encumbrance?

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8. Rapper, singer and songwriter Drake was born in which country?

4. Which Roman town in Britain was the first target of the Boudican Revolt?

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7. Alexander Armstrong and Richard Osman present which TV game show?

3. Algernon Moncrieff is a principal character in which Oscar Wilde play?

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6. The muscle-relaxing drug curare was discovered by tribes in the Amazon Basin who used it for what?

2. In the Dr Who TV series, what was the name of the robotic dog?

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5397

CROSS CODE

5397

ACROSS 1. Potency (8) 6. Pack to capacity (4) 8. Poem (3) 9. In the fresh air (8) 10. Slat (4) 12. Sound of young bird (5) 14. ----- Callas, opera singer (5) 17. Pale (4) 18. Tropical tree (8) 20. High acidity of the blood (8)

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24. Mistake (4) 25. Glaringly bright (5) 26. Small boat (5) 29. Jupiter (4) 30. Unfriendly (8) 31. Scarlet (3) 32. Vertical spar (4) 33. Small telescope (8) DOWN 2. Work the soil (4) 3. Coarse (6) 4. Seal (6) 5. Cowl (4) 6. Wine store (6) 7. Reach (6)

11. Trite (5) 12. Chorus (5) 13. Overwhelming fear (5) 14. Chart (3) 15. Firearm (5) 16. Adjust (5) 19. Pole (3) 21. Dome (6) 22. Turn aside (6) 23. Soundness of mind (6) 24. Convivial (6) 27. Covers (4) 28. Church service (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Strength; 6 Cram; 8 Ode; 9 Alfresco; 10 Lath; 12 Cheep; 14 Maria; 17 Ashy; 18 Tamarind; 20 Acidosis; 24 Slip; 25 Lurid; 26 Canoe; 29 Jove; 30 Inimical; 31 Red; 32 Mast; 33 Spyglass.

Down – 2 Till; 3 Earthy; 4 Gasket; 5 Hood; 6 Cellar; 7 Attain; 11 Banal; 12 Choir; 13 Panic; 14 Map; 15 Rifle; 16 Adapt; 19 Rod; 21 Cupola; 22 Divert; 23 Sanity; 24 Social; 27 Lids; 28 Mass.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Canaries; 2 K9; 3 The Importance of Being Earnest; 4 Camulodunum (present-day Colchester); 5 Albatross; 6 To FIVE ALIVE: tip poison arrows for stunning game; 7 Pointless; 8 Canada; 9 Prince Charles; 10 Frank Lloyd Wright.

(1) Across – Jaunt; Young; Dales.

Down – Joyed; Usual; Togas.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Ups-a-daisy; 8 Tyke; 9 Tailoress; 11 Harass; 12 (2) Across – Kites; Diary; Seedy.

A U I K W D R C P N Q G M Weight; 13 Robinson; 16 Flypaper; 20 Banish; 21 Travel; 23 Down – Kudos; Trace; Shyly.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Discredit; 24 Rota; 25 Underline.

Z J X B Y F T L E O V H S Down – 2 Peaceful; 3 Allege; 4 Airstrip; 5 Sash; 6 Bypass; 7 NONAGRAM: erst; etui; oust; ouster; outer; outré; Reason; 10 Saki; 14 Barbecue; 15 Omission; 16 Future; 17 querist; quest; questor; quiet; quietus; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Yeasty; 18 Axed; 19 Unseal; 22 Lion. care; avid; ring; quirt; quit; quite; quoit; quote; resit; edge. rest; riot; rite; roquet; rote; roti; roust; rout; route; rust; site; sort; sortie; souter; squirt; squit; stir; store; stour; suet; suit; suite; suitor; suture; tier; tire; tiro; toque; tore; torque; torse; torus; tour; trio; triose; true; TURQUOISE; uterus.

WHAT’SON Wednesday, January 19

ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society Woodley branch presents: The New 1921 Census, a talk

by Mary McKee from Findmypast. 7.15pm.

Details: berksfhs.org 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.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dark Sublime. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

Thursday, January 20

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Over 50s group. 2.15pm4.15pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

HURST – Village Hall, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Pantomime group presents A Lad In The Wild West.

7.30pm. From £7. Details: www.hurstpanto.org.uk LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Wellbeing cafe: coffe and chat in the church. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 931 3124.

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club. Over 18s only. £8. 7pm Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dark Sublime. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace.

Do You Do The Brew? A chance to find out more

about one of the breweries’ favourite beers. From 6.30pm.

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. 15 Minutes of Fame. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Friday, January 21

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org HURST – Village Hall, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Pantomime group presents A Lad In The Wild West.

7.30pm. From £7. Details: www.hurstpanto.org.uk READING – Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin, Chain Street. Lunchtime organ recital by John Halsey from Windsor Parish Church. Free, retiring colection.

12.30pm-1.15pm.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars. 7.30pm. £14, £13 concessions, £7 children. Details: 0118 975 8880.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dark Sublime. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street. Big Soulscape Coffee Morning. 10am11.30am.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

LEISURE | 27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk 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, January 22

ONLINE. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society online meeting: Thutmose III Temple Project: same late period tombs located outside the enclosure wall.

2pm. Details: www.tvaes. org.uk ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society workshop: Getting More Out of Ancestry and Findmypast.

2pm. Details: berksfhs.org HURST – Village Hall, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Pantomime group presents A Lad In The Wild West.

2pm and 7.30pm. From £7.

Details: www.hurstpanto. org.uk SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars. 2pm and 6.30pm. £14, £13 concessions, £7 children.

Details: 0118 975 8880.

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Come and Sing Little Masses workshop: Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, Bob Chilcott’s Little Jazz Mass. 1pm. Performance at end of workshop. £25.

READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Nonvioolent action: A force for Chaneg. 9.30am-3.30pm.

Free. Details: kirsty@risc. org.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Dark Sublime. 7.45pm. £12,

concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – Town Hall. Second Life fashion pop-up. 10am4pm. Details: hello@weare. shop WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Quiz night. 7pm. 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

Sunday, January 23

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

BEECH HILL – Trunkwell House Hotel, Beech Hill Road RG7 2AT. Wedding fair. 11am3pm. Details: www. berkshireweddingfairs. co.uk READING – Union Street RG1 1EU. The Big Drop 5k in aid of Reading Refugee Support Group. Noon-2pm.

Details: 0118 958 1765.

SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars. 2pm. £14, £13 concessions, £7 children. Details: 0118 975 8880.

SOUTHCOTE – St Matthew’s Church, Southcote Lane RG30 3AX. Service for week of prayer for Christian Unity with the Revd Dr Andreas Andreopoulos (Reader in Orthodox Christianity at the University of Winchester. 6.30pm.

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, January 24

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

Tuesday, January 25

Wednesday, January 26

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace.

Battle of the Brains: a pub quiz. From 7pm.

WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall, High Street.

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents

Camelot, the Panto. 8pm.

Details: wargravetheatre. co.uk 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, January 27

ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society presents: A Potpourri of Social History Talks. £12.50. 2pm. Details: berksfhs.org ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society presents: Georgian Reading, a talk by Professor John Missenden. £5. 2pm. Details: berksfhs. org ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society Reading branch presents: Posted in the Past. 7.45pm. Details: berksfhs.org EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Over 50s group. 2.15pm4.15pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Wellbeing cafe: coffe and chat in the church. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 931 3124.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall, High Street.

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents Camelot, the Panto. 8pm.

Details: wargravetheatre. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury

What’s event submission submissionform form What’s on event Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,

Name Name

charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Address

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Address

Postcode Email Postcode

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

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 three PDI competition, open, judged

by Kelly Louise Jennings.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Sound of Metal (15). £6.50, £4 members.

7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, January 28

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, January 29

CAVERSHAM – Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road RG4 6DX. Mum2Mum children’s and baby nearly new sale. £2. 2pm-4pm. Details: www.mum2mummarket WARFIELD – Jealotts Hill Community Lanedhare, Wellers Lane RG42 6BQ. Walk and Wassail.

One-hour walk from noon, arrive at 11.45am, dress for the weather. 2pm Wassail ceremony. Free entry and parking. Details: WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall, High Street.

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents Camelot, the Panto.

1pm, 4pm, 8pm. Details: wargravetheatre.co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org 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, january 30

PANGBOURNE – Village Hall RG8 7AN. Pangbourne Twinning Association French Film Night ‘Cezanne et Moi’. £6. Doors 6.45pm, film 7.30pm.

Details: 0118 984 4401.

BRACKNELL – The Lexicon.

Bracknell Vegan Market.

11am-4pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. West Forest Sinfonia orchestral concert: Bax’s Garden of Fand, Walton’s Viola Concerto, Elgar’s Symphony Number 2..

4.30pm. £15, students £5.

Season tickets £40. Details: www.wokingham-choralsociety.org.uk WARGRAVE – Woodclyffe Hall, High Street.

Wargrave Theatre Workshop presents Camelot, the Panto. 1pm.

Details: wargravetheatre. co.uk

Monday, January 31

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. Quiz night. 7pm. 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, January 25

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

28 | LIFE

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Italian-style Fish Stew with Kale and Gnocchi In the kitchen

F

This is a hearty Italian-inspired meal that takes no time to prepare thanks to a few store-cupboard heroes.

Tasty and filling, you can feed four for under a tenner with this recipe – helping you to bring on better living.

Leftovers can easily be reheated for lunch the next day.

Love Seafood is focusing on how seafood can Bring on Better Living, showcasing how easy and tasty seafood is to cook at home.

It’s simple, budgetfriendly and encourages

consumers from across the UK to bring more balance into their diets with a high-protein seafood option.

Shop your local fishmonger for a great choice of sustainably sourced seafood.

For more recipe inspiration visit www. loveseafood.co.uk.

Skill Level: Easy Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients n 400g boneless, skinless cod loin or fillets (Cod loin tends to be a little firmer and will hold together better than cod fillets, but either option will taste delicious.) n 1 reduced-salt

Heart Research UK

T vegetable stock cube n 500ml passata with garlic n 400g can chopped tomatoes n 2 tsp dried oregano or mixed Italian herbs n 500g pack gnocchi n 1 bag chopped kale, stalks removed n Crusty bread, to serve (optional)

Method 1. Prepare the fish by patting it dry with kitchen roll, then cut it into 5cm chunks.

Cover and set aside.

2. Dissolve the stock cube in 500ml boiling water.

3. Put the passata, chopped tomatoes,

herbs and stock into a large pan. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce by one third.

4. Add the gnocchi and kale and bring back to a simmer to allow the gnocchi and kale to cook through.

5. Gently drop the cod chunks into the stew and cook for a further 3-4 minutes, or until the cod is cooked through and flakes easily.

6. Serve the stew in large bowls, with fresh crusty bread, if desired.

Get fit and be powered by potatoes

S

HINTY, climbing, martial arts, kickboxing and water sports are just some of the activities on offer in a special promotion, and it all starts with spuds.

Potato brand Albert Bartlett is on a mission to help the nation get fighting fit by offering free sports sessions The initiative is an opportunity for those looking to kick off 2022 with a healthy mindset by getting active after the festive season.

The sessions are ideal for couples, friends and families seeking fun activities to enjoy.

To sign up, buy a promotional pack of Albert Bartlett Rooster potatoes.

The offer runs until the end of February and the company says it is not to be missed.

It is ideal for those looking to tackle a brand new sport and challenge.

And the company says that its Rooster potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates to fuel any workout and can be enjoyed pre or post workout session.

Michael Jarvis, head of marketing at Albert Bartlett, is thrilled with the offer.

“With many people entering the new year with a healthy mindset, the sports sessions are an excellent way to get fit and active in a fun

Healthy heart tips

Making dry January work

Love Seafood

OR those nights your craving comfort food, Love Seafood’s Italian fish stew is the perfect dish for a faff-free mealtime.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

HIS month is Dry January, which sees many people take on the challenge of curbing their drinking habits for a whole month.

Heart Research UK says that drinking too much alcohol can lead to increased blood pressure, some types of cancer and weight gain.

If you think you could benefit from taking on this challenge or would like to take steps to reduce your alcohol intake, try out some of the below tips from the charity to get you started.

Know Your Numbers Knowing how much alcohol you are consuming can be the first step towards making a change. It is recommended to drink less than 14 units of alcohol per week, which is equivalent to approximately seven medium glasses of wine, or six pints of regular strength beer.

You can calculate your exact intake at www.drinkaware.co.uk

Find Alternatives Most of the time we can satisfy a craving with an alternative option.

Try buying some alcohol-free beer or soft drinks to have when you’re next craving an alcoholic drink.

Repace Habits It can be useful to distract yourself with another activity at the time when you would usually drink.

Try going for a short walk or organise to speak with a friend at a time when you would usually drink alcohol.

Be Smart

and exciting way,” he said.

“We’ve tried to offer as wide a variety as possible so people can choose something totally up their street, whether that’s a sport they already enjoy or something completely different that they fancy taking up.

“The activities are suitable for families too and make for a great day out, particularly in January which can be tedious at the best of times.

“To take part, just pick up a promotional pack of Albert Bartlett Rooster potatoes to claim your free session.”

He adds: “Why not finish off your day with a healthy potato dish? It’s the best carbohydrate to fuel your workouts.

“It’s a win-win.”

Some of the sports on offer in England are yoga, trampolining, tennis, rugby, martial arts, hockey, gymnastics, fitness, fencing,

boxing, badminton, athletics, climbing and golf.

To take part, use the code on the promotional pack of Albert Bartlett Rooster Potatoes to book the session online.

Customers have until Saturday, July 30, to redeem the voucher and until Wednesday, August 31 to have their session.

n To check out what’s available in your area visit www.poweredbypotatoes. co.uk

We can still enjoy alcohol whilst reducing our overall consumption. Some great tactics you can use to reduce your intake include: n having a soft drink for every other drink n adding one or more alcohol-free days to your week n opting for lower strength drinks such as a single spirit mixer instead of a glass of wine, which has over half of the units and calories when you opt for a low-calorie mixer. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up to Heart Research UK’s weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/healthy-tips n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from its website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heartresearch-uk-recipes-2/ n Or have a look through the Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-ukcookbook/

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US READING EDITION

19.01.22

S BERKS HELD BUT STAY AT SUMMIT

ABBEY STEP UP IN AWAY WIN

BEST FOR RUGBY

STRIPPED OF THE ARMBAND

CAPTAIN NO MOORE: LIAM LOSES HONOUR AFTER ASKING TO QUIT ROYALS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today LIAM MOORE has been stripped of the captaincy at Reading FC after expressing his desire to leave the club.

Moore told manager Veljko Paunovic and the club directors that he intends to leave the club and pursue his career elsewhere.

A statement released on the club’s website on Saturday night reads: “Obviously we are disappointed that

Liam, a player awarded one of the club’s most significant contracts, has now stated his intention to move on.

“While we have patiently waited for his representatives to provide us with options for us to consider in helping him fulfil that request, no offer or opportunity has been presented to the club to date.

“Our club, together with its manager, is intent on selecting players in the first team squad who are dedicated to giving their absolute all to Reading Football Club.

“That starts with our captain.

“As a result, Moore will no longer be given the honour of our club captaincy.”

Moore has been at Reading since 2016 when he joined from Leicester City.

At the beginning of the 2019/20 Championship campaign, Moore was handed the club captaincy.

“Our owner, Mr Dai, has made significant financial commitment to Reading Football Club and continues to invest wholeheartedly in a project

which remains very close to his heart,” the statement continues.

“And we expect our players, particularly our new captain, to wear the crest with pride and dedicate their total focus to the club on behalf of its loyal fanbase.

“Mr Dai is fully supportive of the manager and his decisions and understanding of the hard few months we have endured both on and off the pitch. Together we are stronger and will prevail.”

MOLES AT HOME PIC SPECIAL

BURGHFIELD REACH FA SUNDAY CUP LAST 16

BURGHFIELD FC have booked their place in the last 16 of the FA Sunday Cup thanks to a great victory over Banstead Rovers.

The hosts stormed into the lead with 15 minutes on the clock when Elliot Telford fired them in front.

Burghfield then had appeals for a penalty turned down when Telford was fellled in the box.

Banstead hit back and ensured the teams would go into the break level with their 36th minute equaliser.

Just 12 minutes after the restart, Burghfield restored their lead when Josh Howell’s free-kick delivery led to an own goal.

With 15 minutes left to play, Burghfield were awarded a penalty.

Howell ensured his team would have a two-goal advantage after he powered his spot kick past the keeper.

Banstead were reduced to 10 men with a red card in the dying embers of the match and Brughfield put the icing on the cake with a fourth goal through Rhys Iremonger to put their name into the draw for the next round.

Burghfield’s manager Liam Gillis said: “What can we say about this group of players?

“To a man they set up and implemented a game plan to go out and beat a really strong Banstead team and put us among the 16 best in the country.

“I love this club.”

Burghfield have been given an away tie in the next round where they will make the trip to Highgate Albion on Sunday, February 13.

Burghfield: Royden, Cook, Kerr (c), A Telford, Smalley-Ward, Simmons, E Telford, Howell, Brown, Bowyer, McClellan Subs: Green, Iremonger, Sharp, Butcher, Beales, Marbell-Ahrendts, Lynch

18 | SPORT

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

HOCKEY ROUND-UP

SOUTH BERKS 3S STAY TOP DESPITE DRAW

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Women’s Thames 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s were held to a draw at home against Maidenhead 3s.

Despite the draw, South Berks remain at the summit of the table, level on points with Wallingford.

South Central Women’s Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s pocketed three points on the road with a clean sheet victory at Newbury & Thatcham.

Emily Yorke-Goldney, Yellie Powley and Lola Theodoulou netted to help their side to a 3-0 success.

The win puts them up to seventh in the standings.

SONNING 1s took a point away from home against Henley.

South Berks fight for the ball

South Central Men’s Division 2

South Berks Ladies 3s in possession

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s were hit with a heavy home loss against Phoenix & Ranelagh.

South Berks are in sixth after their 7-1 defeat.

South Central Women’s Division 2

South Central Men’s Division 4

SONNING 2s hit four past Henley 2s without reply.

The victory lifts them up to eighth in the table.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s collected three points after they got the better of Buckingham.

Keegan Nienaber, Daniel Ray and Sam Coombes got on the scoresheet to secure a 3-2 triumph for South Berks.

The victory keepes South Berks within touching distance of first place, where they sit in second just three points off the top.

South Central Women’s Division 3 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s added a point to their tally with a 2-2 draw against Amersham & Chalfont.

South Berkshire Ladies 3s drew against Maidenhead Pictures: Steve Smyth

South Central Men’s Premier 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE suffered an away defeat at Eastcote.

They went down to a 3-2 loss

that leaves them in fifth in the table after they were leapfrogged by their opponents.

ATHLETICS

Roadrunners take to the cross country for Prospect Park fixture

By DAVID LEWIS sport@rdg.today SATURDAY saw Reading AC play host to the third Hampshire League Cross-Country fixture of the season.

Prospect Park would be the venue for the proceedings, and one small lap followed by two larger laps totalling approximately 9.25km would await the men in red, white and blue.

As was to be expected for a fixture held in the middle of January, conditions underfoot were somewhat slippery, and the runners would have to navigate their way around some particularly treacherous sections of the park, in particular the steep downhill stretch at the far end of the course.

With a pack totalling more than 200 runners from various clubs across the South of England, home advantage meant that Reading’s men were out in force, with a total of 18 runners ranging from U20 right through to V60 lining up on the start line.

The mud and undulating terrain were no match for Dan Thorne, as he successfully made his way

around the course to cross the finish line in sixth place in a time of 31:49, making him the first Reading man home.

Close behind him was the in-form Isaac Farnworth, with a clocking of 31:59.

Making it three Reading men in the top-10 was James Rennie, who was ninth in 32:26; Rennie was also the first U20 finisher, 58 seconds ahead of his closest rival.

Fourth scorer was Richard Price, who came through in 23rd position in a time of 33:27, enough to earn him a very impressive second place ranking among the Vets.

The fifth and final scorer was Sarab Dhillon, who posted a decent performance to finish in 28th position in a time of 33:53. Not far behind Dhillon was Ryan O’Brien, who, in spite of an unfortunate incident involving a concrete pillar earlier on in the week, managed to get round in a very respectful time of 34:55, earning him 42nd position.

Following on from O’Brien was Haider Razzaq, who ran a very good race for his Reading AC debut to come through the finishing funnel in 44th position, and 35:12 on the clock.

Next through was Tom Nike, who as always had a solid outing to get himself home in 55th position, and a time of 36:20.

Arturo Martínez de Murguia continued a run of good form to be the next Reading man home, positioning himself in 76th place, with Vet Jeff Titmas not far behind in 37:56, the two of them clocking 37:16 and 37:56 respectively.

The next man through was David Lewis, who is just beginning to get back into fitness, and who was just outside of the top 100 in 108th position, with a time of 39:16. U20 Aryan Gupta was not far behind David, having a decent run to cross the line in 39:46, earning him 116th.

Veteran Charlie Madelaine mastered the mud to earn himself 135th and a time of 41:19, followed

by Andy McDonald, who rounded off a solid afternoon of running with 158th position and 43:52 on the clock.

Hot on the heels of McDonald was Neil Walker, who successfully navigated the course in a time of 44:19, giving him 163rd place.

Fellow Vet Sergej Filippov was just two places behind Walker, crossing the line in 165th position, and with

44:29 on the watch.

Finishing in 197th place was George Reich, who ran a time of 48:27, and rounding off the Reading contingent was Gerry O’Driscoll, who had a very decent outing to finish in 203rd position, and a time of 48:57.

In terms of the team results, as always the first five runners formed the scoring team. With an impressive tally of 73 points, this was enough for a very decent third position behind AFD (38 points) and Southampton (49 points); this cements us into third place after three fixtures.

As for the individual rankings, Richard Price is currently joint leader amongst the Veterans, along with James Baker of City of Portsmouth AC. Dan Thorne is ranked in seventh position across on the Senior Men’s leaderboard; very impressive indeed.

A reminder that the fourth fixture of the Hampshire League will be held on Saturday, February 19, at Popham Airfield near Basingstoke, As always, a big thank you to Ray Stevens for all his organisation as team manager.

BASKETBALL

COVID HIT ROCKETS FALL TO SOLENT

FOLLOWING Saturday evening’s game in the Midlands, Rockets entertained the league champions and National Cup finalists on Sunday afternoon.

They were without head coach Dan Pearson, suffering with covid. The illness had befallen some players too the previous week.

Reis Pinnock, who transferred from Solent early in the season, drove determinedly to the basket and flew high to take down rebounds in an excellent performance which inspired the team.

Pinnock opened Rockets scoring with a drive and lay up which Jaz Bains followed with a fade away score before Lewis Champion drove and scored.

When Bains struck a treble from way beyond the top of the key, Rivermead was rocking with delight.

Sam Toluwase then scored off an offensive rebound and Lufile worked an opening inside giving Rockets a 20-11 lead. A Solent time-out changed their focus and they hit five of the last seven points to finish adrift of Rockets who led 26-20 at the first break.

Solent scored off their first possession but a Bains assist to Lufile helped him to a jump score before Pinnock rose high to take down a defensive rebound and then stormed up court to hit a top of the key treble.

Unfortunately Rockets found themselves in team foul trouble which Kestrels capitalised on together with hitting a brace of trebles to reduce Rockets lead to just a single point with three minutes to the interval.

More penalty free throws gave Kestrels the lead but a superb treble from way out wide by Ashley Kitchen saw the score 46-43 in Kestrels favour at half time.

Pinnock spun and made a similar three point play before Dixon stroked a treble to see the teams drawn on 56 and then 59 points apiece.

Kestrels went on a game winning streak as they hit four trebles before the quarter ended with Rockets trailing 60-75.

Then they continued their dominance with another eight quick points to take the game away from a somewhat tired Rockets.

But this Rocket team has style and tenacity and fought right to the buzzer as the four Academy students played together for the last couple of minutes giving them very useful court time against the best team in the league for the last three seasons, fighting with scores from Isaac Round and Live Kivuvu to see Rockets finish 77-91.

SPORT | 19

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Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

REACTION

RENOLDS PRAISES SPIRITED RAMS RAMS 41 PLYMOUTH 27 RAMS’ Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds hailed his players after they overcame Jak Rossiter’s first-quarter red card to beat Plymouth Albion 41-27 in a cracking encounter.

Two Connor Eastgate penalties put the visitors in front before hat-trick hero Connor Hayhow crossed for the first of his treble, Drew Humberstone’s conversion pushing his side a point in front.

Rossiter was then given an early exit after being ruled to have taken Shea Cornish out in the air, leaving Rams with more than an hour to play with a man down.

Reynolds said: “Credit to the players the way they managed it.

“The first thing they had to do was not drop their heads and get upset about the whole thing.

Rams v Plymouth Albion Pictures: Paul Clark “I was glad their lad was okay and was able to carry on and it was one of those occasions where Caolan (Englefield)’s box kick was almost too good, and two players got caught up underneath it – there was no malice and it’s just part of the game.

“The way the guys responded to going down to 14 men – we do have a

plan for it and we’ve always discussed what we would do – was excellent and they executed it so well in terms of the shift in how you have to defend.”

He continued: “Sometimes it’s tricky for the team who remain with 15 and I felt for 10 or 15 minutes Plymouth weren’t sure how to play, and it is hard for a team in that position.

“It doesn’t mean gaps suddenly open up everywhere and you can tear a team apart – it normally means you get some gaps towards the end and that happened because you get a dip in energy levels as every player has to work a little bit harder (earlier on).”

While the pack were outstanding, inside centre Hayhow was the try-scoring star of the show, resembling a dominant NFL running back as the American Football season hits the start of the play-offs.

And Tennessee Titans fan Reynolds beamed: “He reminds me of Derek Henry – he’s the best! Connor’s a powerful runner and if he takes the ball on the gain-line at pace he can break tackles, but he’s also got other elements to his game.

“He’s got great skills, chip-kicks the ball well and we’ve been waiting for him to deliver and he did it brilliantly, so I’m very pleased for him.”

RUGBY UNION

HAT-TRICK HERO: HAYHOW HELPS 14-MAN RAMS TO WIN HAT-TRICK hero Connor Hayhow starred as Rams produced a magnificent display to overcome the early sending off of Jak Rossiter and record a stunning five-try 41-27 home win against Plymouth Albion.

The hosts started slowly, conceding a succession of penalties in their own 22, and deservedly fell behind to a brace of Connor Eastgate penalties.

However, they responded emphatically on the quarter-ofan-hour mark as Hayhow opened his account after barrelling over from close range following a strong rolling maul.

Jak Rossiter was sent off having been ruled to have taken an opponent out in the air.

With James Baker yellow carded Rams were down to 13, but they made light of that as Hayhow completed his hat-trick on the hour-mark and a penalty try from a scrum then made it 38-13 as the forwards’ endeavours were again rewarded.

Despite having substitute Dan Collier sin-binned Plymouth

Rams v Plymouth Albion Pictures: Paul Clark showed their resilience and grabbed a second try courtesy of scrumhalf Henry Clement at the end of a flowing backs move, replacement Tom Putt swiftly drop-kicking the conversion.

Jake Clemson then went over and Putt added the extras almost immediately from the restart, but Rams had the final word as Humberstone landed a penalty with the last action of the afternoon.

National League One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on Saturday 29th January 2022 K.O. 3.00pm 1st XV v Taunton Titans 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) Taunton Titans Home 29th January - Wokingham and Reading Paper 19-20.01.22 copy.indd 1

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

BINFIELD FRUSTRATED AFTER LATE MIS FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Binfield missed the chance to take a point after a saved penalty in stoppage time Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Isthmian South Central

BINFIELD fell short in their home encounter with Chalfont after a missed penalty in stoppage time.

With 15 minutes gone, Chalfont went in front from the penalty spot when they were awarded a spot kick.

The Moles were then hit on the counter attack in the second-half as the visitors were clinical to score on the

counter attack.

Binfield replied halved the deficit with just three minutes to go as captain Sean Moore got on the scoresheet.

The hosts had the chance to take a point when they were awarded a penalty in stoppage time, but Chalfont’s keeper performed heroics to keep it out and help his team to victory.

Combined Counties Premier North

Binfield player/manager Jamie McClurg

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK took a step towards safety with three points away at Burnham.

The Sumas got off the mark in the eighth minute when Luke Scope was perfectly placed to profit from a spill from the Burnham keeper and tap the ball into the unguarded net.

The hosts responded well in hope of finding a quick reply, but they couldn’t find a way past Sean Woodward in the Wokingham goal who made several important stops to keep

his team in front going into the break.

Woodward was called into action again in the second-half and looked determined to keep a clean sheet.

The Sumas then endured a late flurry of action to settle the match with two late goals.

Callum Eagle got on the end of Charley Tuttle’s corner to power an effort into the net.

Nathan Mindomba then got on the scoresheet to seal the points when he turned oe

Cummuskey’s volley past the keeper.

The win lifts the Sumas up to 16th in the table and they will be looking to venture further up the standings with games in hand on the teams above them.

READING CITY stay in 11th despite tasting defeat away at Abbey Rangers.

The third-placed side ensured they would collect all three points after they netted three times in the second-half following a tight opening 45.

Russell Coates Cup

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA made progress in the cup last Wednesday with a penalty shootout victory.

Up against Lockheath, the Boars took the upper hand in the 36th minute when Lewis Wall score from outside the box.

But the away side forced the game to penalties after Joe Pantony scored an own goal with virtually the last play of the game.

Eversley booked their

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From the middle

SSED PENALTY

Dick Sawdon-Smith

Automatic offside is on its way

A

place in the next round after Liam Vaughan made a stop before Joe Moriarty notched the winning kick to give them a 4-2 shootout success.

Eversley manager Matty Angell said: “Great to make it into semifinal of Russel Coates Cup. “We weren’t at our best at all which needs to change but we continue our run of 11 games unbeaten and shows the direction this squad has made this season.”

Thames Valley Premier League League leaders BURGHFIELD consolidated their place at the top

with a 5-1 win at WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS. Goals from Lewis Butcher, Lorenzo Medford, Oliver Brown, Josh Cook and Adam Telford saw them fire five past the Kestrels.

FINCHAMPSTEAD stormed to an 8-1 triumph away at Mortimer Village to keep their title charge intact.

Dylan Chaffin netted a hattrick, while braces from Callum Vallance and Ethan Simmons, and a goal from Alex Woodhead saw Finch put in an astonishing performance.

Finch are just one point off league leaders Burghfield, with a game in hand.

WARGRAVE took a point after the game was shared in a six-goal contest against Marlow United.

READING CITY U23’s also picked up a draw on the road against Windlesham & Chobham.

READING YMCA suffered an away loss by shipping three goals without reply to Yateley United.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One CAVERSHAM UNITED earned their fourth league win of the season against Long Crendon.

Holly Swan and Ellanor Dorey scored to gift Caversham a 2-1 away victory.

WARGRAVE got the better of TILEHURST PANTHERS in their league clash.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K BERKS COUNTY extended their stay at the top after hitting five past CAVERSHAM AFC. Megan Cox struck a hat-trick, while Kiah Owen and Samantha Sadler added to the score to secure a 5-3 win.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES added a point on the board in a 2-2 stalemate at Yateley United.

COMBINED COUNTIES

KESTRELS LOSE TO LANGLEY AS SQUAD RETURNS TO ACTION

By MARK ROZZIER sport@wokingham.today WOODLEY UNITED experienced defeat in their first match of 2022 after four weeks out of action.

Woodley started sprightly and took the lead in the ninth minute when Rafa Brandao lobbed visiting keeper Shane Farrer to score his first goal for the club.

Ashley East was called upon to make a good save in the 11th minute but Langley were level on the quarter hour mark through Antonio Denis and then proceeded to enjoy

the better of the first half.

Samuel Essien was allowed an unchallenged corner while East was again required to make a save in the 34th minute.

With the game approaching half time, a Woodley ball played forward to Ciaran Carolan deep in the visitors half saw the United slip allowing Langley to gain possession and hit the hosts on counter attack which saw Flavio Gyawu-Kyem beat East one-on-one in the second minute of stoppage time.

As with the first half United started positively and levelled

in the 54th minute when Farrer parried Carolan’s shot for Caleb Lucas to react first and level from close range.

It was from a Woodley free kick that Langley retook the lead.

Having defended the kick in their penalty area and then Woodley’s resulting second ball into the area, Langley broke on the counter attack and a cross from their left hand side allowed Kushon Lewis-Thomas to score unmarked at the far post in the 66th minute.

Max Reid was introduced in the 77th minute and immediately

forced Farrer to save for a corner with Farrer doing likewise to deny Carolan following a good run by the Woodley forward.

East was required to deny Savva with 18 minutes remaining as the game opened up.

A Reid challenge in the 78th minute saw a penalty awarded and converted by Rodgers Omondi. With players tiring on the pitch that was becoming increasingly heavy and slippery United found it difficult to gain momentum with Langley seeing out remaining time to take the match points.

NYONE who is not a fan of VAR might be dismayed to learn that another piece of football technology is on its way.

It was recently confirmed at the IFAB business meeting, that the experiment with the Automatic Offside Alert is being trialled.

This is something that has been on the boil for a few years.

Basically it is more technology to assist the correctness of offside decisions.

Offside, as I have often said, is a complicated decision mainly because there are three separate sections to it.

The player has to be in an offside position at the moment the ball is played by a team mate, who could, of course, be a considerable distance away.

This is where they are going to use this technology.

The original concept was for this information to be relayed to the VAR who would pass it on the assistant referee but it was decided that would take too long.

The updated version is that the assistant referee involved will be alerted directly that a player is offside.

But of course, the third part of the offside law is that the player in an offside position is not committing an offence unless he/she plays the ball or interferes with play or an opponent.

The technology can’t cope with this, so this has to be left to the assistant referee.

One of the things that I have been critical about with VAR is that the cameras are static, they don’t go up and down like an assistant referee, keeping in line with the last but one defender.

So when you see a photo from the VAR, the camera is seldom in line with the player.

I have probably run more than 1,000 lines in my refereeing career and it is quite obvious that to get the decision correct you have to be in line with the last but one defender.

When illustrating this to trainee referees, I have used a magnetic or felt board marked out as a pitch and put three ‘players’ in a straight line across the pitch.

Then, placing a set square just in front or behind the first two players, it shows how just a small difference gives you an entirely different decision.

However, we are told that there will be 10-12 cameras, checking 29 points on the body of a player 50 times a second, and software will be analysing the data in real time, to calculate the exact moment the ball is played and the position of every player.

It will also include grids to make offside clear, presumably for the VAR to peruse.

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

How they rated Royals midfielder Danny Drinkwater

LUKE SOUTHWOOD

7

ETHAN BRISTOW

4

TOM HOLMES

7

Made some really important saves to keep Reading in the match.

Will be gutted he couldn’t keep them out.

The inexperienced defender really struggled up against a tricky winger in Isaiah Jones. Got a booking early on.

A much-improved performance after Tuesday’s defensive disaster.

Came up with several important blocks and clearances.

JOSH LAURENT

5

DEJAN TETEK

6

Again required at centre back due to injury shortages. Similarly to Holmes, a better display from Tuesday but couldn’t keep Boro out.

Filled in at right-back which he probably will for the remainder of Yiadom’s time at AFCON. Worked hard and did a solid job.

DANNY DRINKWATER

A disappointing game from the experienced midfielder. Sloppy with his passing with is usually his strong suit and gave the ball away cheaply.

ANDY RINOMHOTA

Showed Reading what they’ve been missing. Energetic and tenacious, big boost to have him back from injury.

4 8

TOM DELE-BASHIRU

7

JOHN SWIFT

6

His burst of pace upfield almost led to a goal early in the secondhalf and he provided the assist for Carroll’s goal.

Still not replicating the brilliant performances that we saw so often early on in the season, but improved on his performance from midweek.

JUNIOR HOILETT

6

ANDY CARROLL

8

A decent display on the rightwing. Had a couple of attempts at goal but was taken off early in the second-half with injury.

Should have been the perfect parting gift with his headed goal. Put in a great shift in what could have been his final appearance for us.

SUBS Mamadi Camara 6, Lucas Joao n/a

Reading winger Junior Hoilett

Andy Carroll put Reading in front but two late goals saw them beaten Archive pictures: Steve Smyth

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

NOT AGAIN: ROYALS HURT

BY STOPPAGE TIME WINNER MIDDLESBROUGH 2 READING 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING were dealt a sickening blow deep into stoppage time as Matt Crooks snatched three points for Middlesbrough after he scored two late goals.

The Royals have now gone six games in all competitions without a win after Crooks scored a leveller to cancel out Andy Carroll’s 68th-minute opener and he then snatched a winner deep into stoppage time.

Carroll’s short-term deal with the club is due to expire this weekend with the striker attracting the attention of several clubs in England after his impressive performances, but he was denied leaving the Royals fans with a parting gift.

The defeat leaves Veljko Pauovic under immense pressure with his team still just a place outside of the Championship relegation places.

Reading came into the match on the back of an abhorrent seven days for the club after an exit in the FA Cup to non-league Kidderminster Harriers was followed up with a 7-0 home loss to Fulham in the league.

There was a boost on the bench with the return of last season’s top scorer Lucas Joao, who returned to the matchday squad for the first time in more than 150 days.

Andy Rinomhota was handed

his first start since September after his recent comeback from injury, while Andy Carroll lined up as the central striker.

The Royals started the day just one place outside of the Championship relegation zone.

The first attack and subsequent corner of the match came Reading’s way after some smart work from John Swift. But Boro keeper Joe Lumley made his presence felt and came out to claim a simple catch from Swift’s delivery.

The first yellow card of the game was distributed after 12 minutes when young full back Ethan Bristow was penalised for fouling Isaiah Jones.

The hosts almost had joy getting in behind Reading with a simple ball over the top but goalkeeper Luke Southwood was quick to rush off his line and head away the danger from the onrushing Aaron Connolly.

Reading’s first move of promise came in the 23rd minute when Swift and Junior Hoilett traded passes but the Canadian international snatched a shot well wide of the target.

Middlesbrough came into life and went close on a few occasions as they pressed for an opener.

Captain Jonny Howson’s shot took a wicked deflection off Josh Laurent to wrongfoot Southwood, but to Reading’s fortune, the ball spun just wide of the post.

The hosts then came even closer a few minutes later when Southwood initially made a fine

stop to deny Andraz Sporar before the rebound bounced off Laurent and struck the post.

There was some end-to-end action to end the half. Southwood bailed out Tom Dele-Bashiru with a save after the midfielder lost possession deep inside his own half.

Hoilett broke down the other end and had a shot saved before Boro countered but couldn’t take advantage through Connolly who curled his shot wide.

Connolly had another opportunity presented at his feet but couldn’t direct a shot on target and he also had the final chance of the half after Tom Holmes lost the ball cheaply, but Southwood came up with another block to end the half goalless.

Match stats MIDDLESBROUGH: Lumley, Dijksteel, Taylor, Fry, Tavernier, Sporar, Howson (c), McNair, Crooks, Connolly, Jones SUBS: Daniels, Payero, Peltier, Watmore, Bamba, Coburn, Balogun READING: Southwood, Bristow, Holmes, Laurent (c), Tetek, Rinomhota, Drinkwater, Dele-Bashiru, Swift, Hoilett, Carroll SUBS: Collins, Joao, Camara, Clarke, Puscas, Holzman GOALS: Carroll 68’, Crooks 84’, 90+5’

A bright start to the second-half from the Royals saw Dele-Bashiru bear down on goal and win a corner after his shot took a ricochet off a Boro defender.

Veljko Paunovic made his first switch in the 55th minute as Mamadi Camara replaced Hoilett who went down with an injury.

With 68 minutes on the clock, Carroll gave the Reading fans what could be a parting gift by heading them in front.

Dele-Bahsiru whipped a cross into the box and the rangy striker rose highest in the air and looped a header past Lumley.

Reading held off Boro who continued to grow in frustration in their quest to find an equaliser.

Southwood had to come up with another important stop to claw the ball away from his goal, but just moments later he couldn’t keep out Matt Crooks who pulled Boro level.

Joao entered the action with his first appearance of the campaign for the final five minutes of the match.

Laurent had a chance on the counter to snatch a win but couldn’t muster enough power in his shot.

But deep into injury time, there was more anguish for the Royals after Crooks prodded the ball in at the back post with his second of the afternoon.

Reading have two successive home games on the horizon. They host Luton Town on Wednesday evening (8pm) and Huddersfield Town on Saturday (3pm).

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

PREVIEW

ROYALS TO HOST TOP SIX HOPEFULS HUDDERSFIELD

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING are looking to bounce back after what has been a catastrophic last week for the club.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup by non-league Kidderminster Harriers, the Royals shipped seven goals at home to Fulham and were then beaten deep into stoppage time at Middlesbrough.

The defeat leaves Veljko Paunovic’s team just one place above the drop zone in the Championship heading into Wednesday night’s match at home to Luton Town (match report and reaction online at Rdg.Today).

After Wednesday night’s action at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Reading are back at home again on Saturday when they play host to Huddersfield Town.

Huddersfield are going well in the league this season following a couple of lacklustre campaigns since returning to the championship after a two-year stint in the Premier League.

They are well within the hunt for the play-off places, sitting in seventh place in the table prior to the midweek fixtures.

Reading v Huddersfield Town last season Picture: Steve Smyth Their impressive form of late has allowed them to stay within touching distance of the top six, where they are just a point behind

sixth placed Middlesbrough.

The Terriers are on a run of seven games without defeat in the league.

A 1-1 stalemate at home to Swansea City at the weekend followed an impressive point on the road at high flying Blackburn Rovers in between an inspired FA Cup display where they eliminated Premier League outfit Burnley at Turf Moor.

Town have netted just three more times than the Royals in the league with 33 goals, but their much sterner defence sees a large gap in the standings between the sides.

Huddersfield have conceded 30 times in 27 matches, while Reading have let in 45 goals from 25 games.

Carlos Corberan is at the helm for Huddersfield since taking over as manager at the beginning of the season and so far has enjoyed a positive debut season in England.

Danny Ward is Huddersfield’s top scorer this campaign with seven goals and two assists from 24 matches.

Huddersfield’s last trip to the SCL came in the final game of the 2020/21 season where they earned a point in a 2-2 draw.

Rakani Edmonds-Green salvaged a last gasp point with a 93rd minute leveller after goals from Michael Olise and Yakou Meite had seen the Royals overturn a one goal deficit.

REACTION

PAUNOVIC: ‘FOOTBALL WAS CRUEL TO US’ READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic admitted he needs to ‘fix his team’s mentality’ after their stoppage-time defeat to Middlesbrough.

The Royals had led after Andy Carroll’s opener but Matt Crooks bagged a late double to snatch the points away from Reading.

“Football was cruel to us today,” said Paunovic.

“We were severely punished. It was an amazing performance for 86 minutes and a recovery after the hardest loss in a long time.

“I was pleased with how we reestablished our spirit and game.

I’m proud of the effort of the guys.

“We still need to fix our mentality and game management and get the job done until the end, don’t stop.”

The Serbian boss believes that his team’s inexperience cost them the ability to see out the game, which has been the case in several matches this season.

“There is a mix of lack of experience and adjustments we have to make because of lack of

Reading manager Veljko Paunovic options because of the injuries we always mention,” he continued.

“That remains an issue.

“We lost Junior (Hoilett) with his hamstring injury and have to make a substitiution. It’s part of the game “The team in the last minutes cant cope with the pressure “You have to know the last minutes of the game are the most important.

“Every opportunity you have to slow them down you have to take and that’s something because of inexperience we don’t do well.

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“Otherwise, we would have been in a different situation.

“And everyone after the game was disappointed. The first feeling was one of frustration.

“It was loud, everyone had to say something about it – things were thrown around the dressing room.

“But after that energy had been released, we wrapped it up.

“And we encouraged the guys, telling them that we did really well today.

“I was envisioning the game against Cardiff, the games at Fulham and Birmingham and Swansea – although I think we played better today in some of those games. I was hoping this could be a chance for our fans and our players to celebrate together again.

“We appreciate them coming, we appreciate their support and we will keep fighting.

“Now we have to step up to the occasion.

“It’s just much more composure and courage, and avoiding mistakes.

The second goal is after an

unforced mistake in our backline. It leads to a corner and consequently a few minutes of having to defend our own box.”

“And we need action. We’re going to go into Wednesday night and aim to show an even better performance and chase the points on offer.

“We’re not going to give up.

Paunovic is still hopeful that the club can extend Andy Carroll’s stay.

“Today is his last contractual day with us but hopefully, we can have him back as soon as possible, that’s our desire.

“We submitted our offer to his representatives three weeks ago and are still waiting.

“Performances like today, and the whole time he has been with us, he was one of our best players and will have a lot of opportunities so we will see.

“My relationship with him and conversations were always positive so I remain in hope.

“We have to look at what we can do to get him to stay with us.”

READING FC

GOALKEEPER TERMINATES CONTRACT

Rafael Cabral is leaving Reading FC READING FC goalkeeper Rafael Cabral has left the club after cancelling his contract so he can join Brazilian side Cruzerio.

The shotstopper’s contract was due to expire in the summer, however the player and the club have mutually agreed to terminate his deal.

Rafael joined the Berkshire club on a free transfer in the summer of 2019 from Sampdoria and consolidated his place as the first-team goalkeeper since his arrival.

He has gone on to make 89 league appearances for the club and was awarded as Reading’s player of the season for the 2019/20 campaign.

He began the current season as the first choice keeper, but has since lost his place to academy graduate Luke Southwood after the Brazilian initially lost his spot after suffering a hand injury.

But Veljko Paunovic has opted to stick with Southwood despite Rafael’s quick recovery from injury after several impressive displays.

Rafael’s final appearance came in the Royals’ disastrous FA Cup third-round exit to Kidderminster Harriers.

A ststament on the Reading FC website reads: “We would like to thank Rafael for his hard work and profesionalism during his time at Reading Football Club and wish him the best of luck in the next stage of his career.”

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RUGBY UNION

AWAY WIN SEES ABBEY RISE TO SIXTH

By ANNETTE THOMAS sport@wokingham.today ABBEY Women’s secured an away victory over Blackheath Women with prop Jess Potter and winger Olivia Grane spearheading an impressive performance.

The cohesive team performance moves them up to sixth position in Championship South 1.

Blackheath started the brighter team, with their useful forwards Sue Neuman and Vanessa Adok challenging Abbey’s half early on.

The physicality of the game was set from the off and huge tackles were made by prop Hannah Gale and second-row Kath Sheppard to keep the home side at bay, before fly-half Annette Bevan jackled well to relieve the pressure.

Intelligent kicking for touch up the pitch by the multitude of Abbey kickers, Alice Denton-Rice, Lou Pullan and Mia McCreesh ensured Abbey responded well, combined with box-kicking from scrum-half Ellie Denton-Rice.

A solid scrum ensured clean ball for the backs, and a move straight off the training park released winger Grane, who stretched her legs and finished well.

Line breaks from back row pairing Abi Wall and Tori Kiff, as well as centres Denton-Rice and McCreesh, kept Blackheath on the back foot.

Abbey Women RFC It wasn’t long before Grane grabbed her second, with a scintillating 70m run, escaping the tackles of five defenders as she did so.

Moments later, McCreesh and winger Caroline Shephard combined well in defence to allow McCreesh to dribble the ball 40m and dive down over the line, with Denton-Rice adding the extras.

It was Blackheath who would have the final say of the half,

however, as Abbey’s discipline slipped momentarily with a series of team infringements, resulting in skipper Annabel Hawkins seeing yellow, and Neumann crashing over from a close-range penalty.

By this time, the Abbey bench had come into play with centre Kelsea Montgomery making an immediate impact with some storming runs and her trademark hand-offs.

With Hawkins back on the pitch, she made amends for her yellow to

release the fresh legs of Fern Edgar and Pippa Robinson, and Abbey threatened Blackheath’s try line once more.

After quick play from Joey Fowler, the forward pack continued to press towards the line, allowing Bevan to swing the play back round to Montgomery, who crossed with ease, securing the bonus-point.

Moments later, fullback Pullan took a quick tap from a penalty to round off proceedings for her team.

ROBERTS HAT-TRICK HELPS SONNING A TO DERBY WIN A FINE hat trick from Jason Roberts helped Sonning Common & Peppard A to a 7-3 derby win against Sonning Common & Peppard B.

Jason beat highly rated Jamie Barlow 11-7 11-5 11-3 in some style.

Jamie hit back for the B team by earning a good win over Neil Hurford 7-11 11-2 8-11 11-9 13-11, while Brian Meheux managed a win over Malcolm Gregory.

A two-player KINGFISHER C team still managed a 5-5 draw at TIDMARSH A thanks to a maximum from Daniel McTiernan and two wins from Emma Blachford including an excellent 12-10 11-9 11-9 win against Tony Baker.

KINGFISHER B battled hard in their match at OUR LADY OF PEACE A, despite only having two players available.

Alan Cummings won twice and Nigel Keedy once, but a hat trick from Sam Ricks ensured the OLOP team ran out 7-3 winners.

In Division 2 KINGFISHER G drew 5-5 with OUR LADY OF PEACE C, thanks to Satej Jaywant’s treble and Hamid Mohseni’s double,

RESULTS Saturday, January 15

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Middlesbrough 2-1 Reading Isthmian South Central Binfield 1-2 Chalfont St Peter Combined Counties Premier North Abbey Rangers 3-0 Reading City Burnham 0-3 Sumas Combined Counties Division One Woodley United 2-4 Langley Thames Valley Premier League Mortimer 1-8 Finchampstead Wargrave 3-3 Marlow United Windlesham & Chobham 3-3 Reading City U23’s Woodley United Royals 1-5 Burghfield Yateley United 3-0 Reading YMCA Thames Valley Division One Maidenhead Town Reserves v Hurst

TABLE TENNIS

By Nigel Maltby sport@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Hamid’s dreams of a treble destroyed after he lost his opener to Binit Bhaskar.

OLOP’s Binit, Arun Rajagopal and Pradeep Desh each defeated Mick Mitcham, with Binit & Pradeep also winning the doubles.

SONNING SPORTS A ensured they remained top by beating TIDMARSH C 8-2, Nick Sears and Paul Savage both recording maximums, although they lost their 100% doubles record to David Sheppard & Ian Wu, Ian also beating Bob Woodmansee to deny Bob his first treble.

READING FC A beat TILEHURST METHODISTS A 9-1 to close the gap at the top of the table, Mike Childs and Jazz Dhillon both recording maximums, Wayne Alleyne having to settle for a double after losing his opening set to Phil Jones, with Phil’s teammates Bill Stamatiou and Jes Eassom both leaving empty-handed.

Danny Dockree recorded a maximum to ensure the win as SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D beat TIDMARSH B 6-4, Angus Jones’ double and Jon Abbott’s single, earned by defeating Chris Webb, also crucial for the win while, for Tidmarsh, Francois Durand won

twice, narrowly beating Jon 11-9 11-8 4-11 9-11 14-12, and Barry Carter won once.

OUR LADY OF PEACE B earned a 6-4 win over KINGFISHER F, despite no-one being able to defeat Roger Pritchard, Chris West and Dave Godfrey both recording two wins apiece, as well as partnering each other to a Doubles win, the sixth point courtesy of Louise Forster, who lost the opening set, to Ajai Kamath 7-11 12-10 5-11 11-7 6-11, but guaranteed victory when she beat John Liddle in the final set.

Two wins in a week has seen the youngsters from KINGFISHER I go to the top of the division 3 table. Firstly they beat OUR LADY OF PEACE E 8-2 with their youngest player Rishaan Sawant getting an excellent double, there were also two good wins for OLOP’s Parvin Baishkiyar.

Two days later Kingfisher beat TIDMARSH D 7-3 with maximums from Theo Kniep and the unbeaten Ryan Chung. Dave Edwards played well for Tidmarsh and he almost took Ryan’s 100% record before just losing 11-8 in the fifth.

MILESTONE A kept in the promotion hunt with a 9-1 win over SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD E.

The set of the night was between Anthony Reeve and Sachin Mundra with Anthony almost recovering from two games down before just losing out 11-7 in the fifth. Zoltan Keleman and Sachin Mundra both got trebles as Milestone. Springfield beat OUR LADY OF PEACE D 7-3 to open up a gap between themselves and the two teams in the relegation places. Rob Wilkie got a good maximum for Springfield and was well supported by Peter Gurney and Jason King who both picked up doubles.

TILEHURST METHODISTS B surprisingly lost 6-4 at home to SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD F in their division 4 encounter, despite a Martin Wetherell hat trick for Tilehurst. Martin’s victory over Gerry Bacon was a bit tight winning 19-17 12-10 12-10. OUR LADY OF PEACE F beat a two-man READING FC B 7-3. For the Biscuitmen Joe Bull gained a fine maximum.

Peter Bennett starred for KINGFISHER J by winning all three to help them beat SONNING SPORTS C 6-4, while SONNING SPORTS B beat a two-man Milestone B team 10–0.

Cris Reynolds, Harry Brough and Brett Hastings all won two each.

RUGBY UNION National League One Rams 41-27 Plymouth Albion South West 1 East Bracknell 31-8 Beaconsfield HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 Eastcote 3-2 South Berkshire South Central Men’s Division 2 South Berkshire 1-7 Phoenix & Ranelagh Sonning 2s 3-1 Eastcote 2s South Central Women’s Premier 1 Henley 2-2 Sonning South Central Women’s Division 1 Newbury & Thatcham 0-3 South Berkshire South Central Women’s Division 2 Sonning 2s 4-0 Henley 2s South Central Women’s Division 3 Amersham & Chalfont 2-2 South Berkshire 2s

Sunday, January 16

Women’s Super League Arsenal P-P Reading FA Sunday Cup second-round Burghfield 4-1 Banstead Rovers Thames Valley Women’s Division One Long Crendon 1-2 Caversham United Tilehurst 1-2 Wargrave Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Berks County 5-3 Caversham AFC RUGBY UNION Championship South 1 Blackheath 12-27 Abbey

Tuesday, January 18 FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Hilltop v Berks County

Wednesday, January 19

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Luton Town

FIXTURES Saturday, January 22

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Huddersfield Town Isthmian South Central Staines Town v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Sumas v Southall Combined Counties Division One Berks County v FC Deportivo Galicia Woodley United v Eversley & California Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Reading City U23’s Finchampstead v Wraysbury Marlow United v Wargrave Windlesham & Chobham v Reading YMCA Woodley United Royals v Yateley United Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Henley Town Holyport Reserves v Eldon Celtic Hurst v Westwood Wanderers Reserves Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves v Datchet Berks County Swords v Hambleden Thames Valley Division Three Reading YMCA Rapids v Goring United Reserves SB Phoenix A v Reading City Development Thames Valley Division Four Harchester Hawks v Henley Town Development White Eagles v Finchampstead Development Windlesham & Chobham A v Finchampstead United RUGBY UNION National League One Leeds Tykes v Rams South West 1 East Witney v Bracknell HOCKEY South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Reading 2s South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire v Phoenix & Ranelagh South Central Women’s Division 2 Reading 4s v Sonning 2s South Central Women’s Division 3 South Berkshire 2s v Marlow 4s South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Wycombe South Central Men’s Division 2 Bicester v Sonning 2s

Tuesday, January 25

FOOTBALL Esoteric Recordings Division One Challenge Cup Berks County v AFC Aldermaston Woodley United v Cove