Reading Today, January 26, 2022

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Your guide to what’s on Reading and Wokingha across m

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 He’s one of our most-love A pioneer, with a sharp witd comics. of the absurd. Now he’s the and a sense play from Private Eye edito focus of a new PHIL CREIGHTON looks r Ian Hislop. at Spike NEW

Egg-citing WE’LL DRINK A news … pancake race TO THAT is returning Runners enjoy play co-written by the editor of Private Eye will look at the life of much-loved silly man Spike Milligan.

The Watermill in Newbury is premièring the work, simply called Spike, from Thursday this week.

Set nearly 70 years ago, it looks the life and times of the comedian at , as he pushes the boundaries of taste and decency, all the name of getting a laugh.

At the time, radio dominate d our homes rather than the gogglebo x, and the nation rushed home to listen to

Will Spike’s dogged obsession with finding the funny elevate The Goons to soaring new heights, or will the whole thing come crashing down with the stroke of a potato peeler?

Of course, with the benefit of history on our side, we know how the story unfolds: The Goons have become part of our national fabric, and Spike is still celebrated today, even though his gravestone sadly says, ‘I told you I was ill’.

Spike is co-written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, and it is directed

by Paul Hart.

the antics of The Goon Show, starring Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers, Michael Benetine and, of course, Spike.

While the rest of the team are happy being overnight celebritie s, Spike, the show’s chief writer, Spike finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC. The cast includes Stephen Flanked by his fellow Goons Fry as the and BBC announcer, while Olivier bolstered by the efforts Awardof irrepressible winning actor John Dagleish sound assistant Janet, Spike is Spike. takes Joining him is TV comedian a flourishing nosedive off the cliffs Margaret Cabourn-Smith of respectability, and mashes (Motherland, up his Miranda, Buffering) as Janet, haunted past to create the George comedy of Kemp (recently seen in Bridgerto the future. n, and soon to star in Amazon’s Call My

No. 14 90p

Agent) as Peter Sellers, Jeremy Lloyd and Nick on this homage (The Comedy About a Bank to one of the Robbery, most iconic voices in modern Trial by Laughter) as Harry comedy.

Secombe, The play will commemorate James Mack (The Watermi 20 years ll’s The since his death (he’s still Hound of the Baskervilles, ill then?) and The Rivals, will be equally good fun Macbeth and Journey’s End) to those as Denis know the Goons and to audiencewho Main-Wilson / Peter Eton, s who Ellie Morris are new to Spike’s distinctiv (The Play That Goes Wrong, e brand of Mischief humour. And how we all Movie Night, The Comedy need a laugh at About A the moment.”

Bank Robbery for Mischief Theatre The show runs until March company) playing ‘June’ 5, and Robert and The Watermill has a Mountford (The Habit of number of Art, The measures in place to ensure Haunting of Alice Bowles the site is for Original covid-safe.

Theatre Company, House and Garden To help audiences to book for The Watermill) as BBC with Executive. confidence, The Watermi Ian and Nick said: “Writing ll operates a Spike flexible booking policy. In gave us the opportunity the event that to celebrate their booking is affected the genius of the founding

by Covid-19, father of audience members will be modern comedy, explore offered what inspired a ticket exchange, account him and steal all his jokes”. credit or refund.

And Paul Hart was thrilled to bring n For more details, or to the show to life. book, log on to www.watermill.org.uk, or “It’s been great to work with call the box Ian office on: 01635 46044.

alcohol-free treat after 5k • p8-9

COVID GRANT HELPS CHARITY P3

IT’S egg-citing, it’s egg-cellent and, well, even Humpty Dumpty would think it’s all it’s cracked up to be.

After a two-year gap for covid, the annual pancake race is returning to Reading’s town centre.

The popular event – now in its 25th year – sees teams from businesses across Reading take part in heats, to see who is the greatest at tossing pancakes while running.

The event raises funds for Launchpad, which works with the town’s homeless people.

This year, the fun starts at 12.30pm on Tuesday, March 1. It once again takes place at the Broad Street Mall end of Broad Street.

Each team comprises four people, who are encouraged to don fancy dress while taking part. Previous years have seen traffic cones, chickens, Jamaican bobsleigh athletes, brides, barristers and morph suits.

The winning team will receive the coveted frying pan trophy, and bragging rights. Vicki Lewis, Launchpad’s fundraising manager, said: “We are so pleased to be bringing the Pancake Race back to the high street after last year’s pandemic-related cancellation.

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

She added: “The event has raised thousands of pounds over the years and we hope that this March, as well as putting smiles on faces, the Pancake Race continues raising vital funds so Launchpad are able to provide a lifeline for Reading’s most vulnerable people – into 2022 and beyond.”

It costs £95 to enter, and teams must be entered by Tuesday, February 15. n For more details, email fundraising@ launchpadreading.org.uk

A QUICK PICTURE BEFORE YOU GO... P4

COVID FRAUD: ANGER OVER £4bn WRITE-OFF

‘Decision costs every Reading home £156’

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today READING’S Labour party has condemned chancellor Rishi Sunak for writing off more than £4 billion worth of Covid-19 fraud.

According to reports, the treasury estimates it will be unable to regain £4.3 billion taken by fraudsters from furlough and other business support during lockdowns.

Analysis by Labour has revealed that this will cost each household

in Reading £156, equating to more than £10 million across the town.

Cllr Liz Terry, lead councillor for children at Reading Borough Council, said: “Families in Reading are facing a cost of living crisis – thanks in no small part to this government.”

She added: “Now we know that while they are hammering people in Reading – with household budgets under huge pressure and financial support for families falling – they are, at the very same time, happy to write off more than £4 billion in fraud.” n Continued on page 2

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Work continues to make WE COVER Rowe Court building safe

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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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n Continued from front page

WORK to make a burnt down building safe is preventing police from confirming the identities of two missing people.

In the early hours of Wednesday, December 15, a major fire took place at a block of flats in Rowe Court, off Grovelands Road in Reading.

One person died, while the body of a second person was located in the building on Thursday, December 30.

However, the instability of the remaining structure means emergency services are unable to enter it at this time.

Two people have been reported missing and, in an update released by Thames Valley Police, they said they are supporting the affected families.

“Our priority remains to recover those within the building respectfully, identify them and return them to their families,” a statement said.

“The building remains unsafe to enter as it is likely to collapse. Our plan to recover those inside involves carefully taking down sections of the building in a controlled way.

“The exclusion zone already in place will continue to protect surrounding properties and keep residents safe.”

To gain access, a Police Victim Identification and Recovery Team, the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, crime scene investigators and contractors are working together to remove individual parts of the building.

The force said that this is a planned approach and would dismantle the building, from top to bottom, in 4m sections. They will be working from the most severely damaged, righthand side.

Uncertainty over the construction materials used is also hindering progress. The teams need to assess for dangerous materials such as asbestos, and fibreglass insulation.

Thames Valley Police warned that those living nearby would see people wearing protective equipment to ensure their safety and that this was a normal safety measure.

Superintendent Steve Raffield,

Covid fraud: Reading Labour condemns response

ON SITE: Police and fire crews are supervising demolition work at Rowe Court local policing area commander for Reading, said: “We expect this work to be ongoing every day, aside from bank holidays, into the spring months as it needs a careful approach.

“While it is taking place we will do our best to keep noise and dust to a minimum.

“You may notice larger vehicles in the area as they’ll be used to take material away from the building site.”

He warned that the building is now “very delicate” and the work could trigger a spontaneous collapse.

“If this does happen, please do not be alarmed. Contractors on site are equipped to deal with this and there will be no danger to the public,” he said.

“We would advise you close windows to minimise any impact of dust entering your home.”

He added: “I know that this remains a very distressing and difficult time for so many people, and my thoughts and sympathies remain with all those who are affected.

“Please be reassured that we are all working together to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as we can.”

His views were echoed by Tregear Thomas, area manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who thanked residents for their patience while the recovery work continued.

“We understand that this has been

a difficult time for everyone and our top priority remains to resume the recovery efforts of those within the building as soon as safely possible,” he said.

“At this time, the building remains structurally unsafe and parts of the building would have to be removed in a careful and controlled manner in order to recover those within the building without compromising the safety of teams’ onsite.

“Preparation work for this is underway and, as part of this, we have determined that due to the complexity and the extensive damage to the building, teams will likely have to remain onsite until approximately spring time.

“We understand that those nearby may be experiencing disruption while these essential works continue and so want to say thank you to the local community for their continued patience and cooperation.”

He added: “While work at the scene is ongoing, our staff will be visiting properties in the nearby area to offer advice to local residents.

“We recognise that this continues to be a challenging incident for all those affected and would like to reassure residents that we, alongside partners, are working to resume all recovery efforts as swiftly and as safely as possible.”

A taskforce set up to recover the missing billions has so far recovered £500 million, and is expected to find a further £1bn by the end of next year.

Labour’s shadow chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, said: “While prices soar, billions in hardearned taxpayer cash has been frittered away by fraud — and the chancellor is happy to shrug his shoulders and lose it forever.

“Government should be able to get money to the right places, without losing billions in taxpayers’ cash.”

Lord Theodore Agnew, a treasury and cabinet office minister, also cited the £4.3 billion write-off when he resigned in the House of Lords on Monday, saying oversight of the loans scheme had been “nothing less than woeful”.

Cllr Rob White, Reading Green Party leader and Park ward councillor, said: “It’s very disappointing that this money may be written off given that 250,000 workers were selfisolating last month without decent sick pay.”

Cllr Terry believes the timing is even more damning as it follow the removal of the £20 uplift in Universal Credit and a planned National Insurance rise.

“The Conservatives are the party of high tax because they are the party of low growth,” she said. “That means higher National Insurance and cuts to support for working families.”

She continued: “Set in the context of their cut to Universal Credit last year, which has had a terrible impact on working families across Reading, this is all the more shocking.

“Whether it is lockdown parties in Downing Street or raising our National Insurance bills while fraudsters get off Scot free – this government is seeking to take us for fools.”

Reading’s other political parties had not responded as we went to press.

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Enryching: charity that helps Berkshire’s disabled receives covid grant

GRANT: Enrych Berkshire ‘s Martin Jeffery and Marie Garland with John Sykes

BACK OF THE NET: A team from Grahams Plumbers’ Merchants will take on players from Resideo on Friday in a charity footie match

Match of the Day: plumbers merchant ready for big game

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A TEAM from a Craddock Road plumbing merchants are preparing not for a rush on stopcocks, but for some footballing action.

On Friday, the special match takes place in Ascot, and one of the sides limbering up for action will be from Graham Plumbers’ Merchant, against Resideo’s finest eleven.

In addition to the charity football match, Resideo which makes thermostats - will also be hosting a silent auction on the night, along with a raffle draw.

Prizes have been donated by local businesses, including Graham Plumbers’ Merchant and include a signed England shirt by Declan Rice and a

four-ball round of golf at a choice of venues.

And the aim isn’t (well, necessarily) to win, it’s to raise funds for the construction charity Band of Builders, which completes practical projects to help members of the UK construction industry who are battling illness or injury.

With training already underway, the Resideo team is being managed by the business’ commercial leader, Martin Wilson, while technical training specialist, Scott Young, is taking charge of its training programme to ensure the team is match ready.

Daniel Kent, area sales manager at Resideo, is the brains behind the latest charity activity. He said: “Football has always been

brilliant at uniting people, so when it came to looking at how we could further support the incredible work that Band of Builders does for our industry, a charity football match seemed like the obvious choice.

“Yet, while it’s a charity match, that doesn’t mean we’re taking it any less seriously, and would love to see as many faces in the crowd cheering us on.”

Dominic Yeandle, for Graham Plumbers’ Merchant said: “Giving back is something we’re always committed to doing, so when Resideo approached us about putting together a team to raise funds for Band of Builders we immediately accepted.

“Over the past few weeks our team has been putting

in the hours at training to ensure the match is an exciting one - all in the name of a very worthy cause.”

Peter Cape from Band of Builders the support was really important to the work the charity carries out.

“For those working in the construction industry, being able to access the support they need is crucial and our ongoing collaboration with Resideo will go a long way to ensuring this work continues,” he said.

The game takes place at Ascot United’s ground in Winkfield Road. Kick-off is at 8pm on Friday, January 28, doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £5, or £1 for teenagers.

Under 12s get in free. n For more details, log on to: https://resideoinstallertoolbox. com/charitymatch

Matthew Barber defends allegations of cutting safety funding THAMES Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, has defended allegations of cuts made to Reading Borough Council’s community safety funding.

Labour councillors in Reading accuse Mr Barber of reducing Reading’s fund by more than 52% and not delivering the full budget of £3 million across the Thames Valley Police Area, with only £2.58 million to be spent in 2022/23 The allegations come following the council’s policy committee meeting on Monday, January 17, which Mr Barber attended.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, lead councillor for neighbourhoods and communities, said: “This PCC is out of touch with what Reading needs to be safe and to thrive.”

She continued: “While our community is grieving victims of knife attacks, he has cut £250,000 from the budget that seeks to tackle youth offending, anti-social behaviour and drug and alcohol-based criminality.

“His priorities are those of sleepy Tory shires, not our lively, diverse, and aspirational town. Our residents and overstretched, hard-working local policing team need him to restore our Community Safety funding and give Reading the focus we deserve.”

Cllr Graeme Hoskin, lead councillor for health, wellbeing and sport, also called on the commissioner to "do the right thing and cancel cuts to vital services".

Mr Barber rejected the allegations and believes the funding awarded to Reading

is fair and represents equal distribution across the Thames Valley region.

Mr Barber said: “My office is committed to working in partnership with both local communities and councils to tackle issues of neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour.”

He continued: “The funding awarded to Reading, through the Community Safety Partnership, is based on a fair funding formula that ensures every part of the Thames Valley is funded equally based on population, crime figures and anti-social behaviour.”

He said it was in addition to more than £400,000 for the Safer Streets project.

Mr Barber said that three-year funding shows commitment to supporting local projects to reduce crime.

A CHARITY that helps Reading people who have physical disabilities is the first to receive a covid grant in 2022 from the John Sykes Foundation.

The foundation has been supporting groups, schools and voluntary organisations as part of its Covid-19 Relief Fund Scheme.

The latest donation, of £1,000, was presented last week to Enrych Berkshire by John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees of the foundation, to Martin Jeffery, chair and treasurer, and Marie Garland, volunteer project coordinator, both from Enrych Berkshire at their offices based at the University of Reading.

Launched in 2008, the charity helps disabled adults access leisure and learning activities of their choice through a partnership with a likeminded volunteer.

Mr Jeffrey said: “Our volunteers support and enable people with a physical disability to take up, or return to, a hobby, interest, sporting activity or learning opportunity which they cannot do without some help or support. This support is mainly about giving confidence, understanding,and emotional support to bring colour to our members’ lives.

“Although there are leisure centres, special interest/sports clubs, and colleges in the area, people with disabilities can still feel isolated. They need the impetus and practical help to

take up an interest or activity.”

Like all charities, fundraising activities have been curtailed due to the pandemic. Enrych said that while they had made applications to trusts and foundations, they were not successful as other charities were vying for the same funds.

“We have made many applications to trusts and foundations in the last year but have not been successful, mainly because of the enormous increase (sometimes 300%) in the number of applications they are now receiving,” Mr Jeffrey explained.

But the John Sykes Foundation, which has been offering grants of £1,000 to help, has stepped in to support the charity.

Mr Skyes said that his team enjoyed meeting Enrych when presenting them with the funding.

“We loved listening to such heartwarming stories about the service users being able to undertake their passion or interest with a volunteer that is matched up to fit their needs and more often than not form a longlasting relationship,” he said. n For more about Enrych Berkshire, log on to: http://www. enrychberkshire.org.uk n Charity or organisations who would like to know more or apply for one of the John Sykes Foundation’s £1,000 grants, visit: www. johnsykesfoundation.org

4 | NEWS

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SINGER Phil Collins might not have been thinking of Newtown when he sang his hit song Groovy Kind of Love, but the words seem quite apt.

“When I’m feeling blue, all I have to do, is take a look at you,” he sang in the cover version of The Mindbenders’ 60s classic.

And it sums up how the east Reading residents feel about the gas tower that is soon to be demolished.

Officially known as Gas Holder No. 4, it is in the process of being dismantled after more than a century of standing guard over the Reading skyline.

It is to be replaced with a block of flats, providing 130 homes.

At the time of the decision, BBC News reported that former Reading councillor Richard Stainthorpe said that the flats would be “a significant improvement” for the area.

But Newtown residents have some love for the structure that was erected in 1887 – 135 years ago this year.

Before Christmas, an exhibition was held at St John and St Stephen’s parish church in Orts Road, featuring pictures, photos and artwork all featuring the gas tower.

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photographer Sapna Odlin challenged residents to take a #gastowerselfie, sharing them on social media.

On these pages we present some of them, before the tower disappears.

Last week, decoy birds of prey were installed on the structure in a bid to prevent peregrine falcons from nesting there, a sign that the deconstruction is imminent.

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Elizabeth Line on target for autumn A REVISED plan of the full opening of the Elizabeth Line has been announced.

Transport for London hope that services from Reading will connect with the central tunnels of the line from autumn, with final timetables in place by May 2023.

TfL said that passenger services between Abbey Wood, south east London, and Paddington will commence “in the first half of 2022,” with eight of the 10 central London stations now completed.

TfL commissioner, Andy Byford, said the announcement is “extremely exciting.”

When the route initially opens, Reading and Twyford passengers will need to change at Paddington to access central London.

The opening of the central section will not happen until trial operations have been successfully completed.

This phase “will continue until it is clear that he highest levels of safety and reliability are in place before the railway opens to customers,” Mr Byford said.

It will involve exercises involving volunteers and emergency services to test how organisations respond to emergency scenarios on the network and at stations.

Other exercises, testing technical aspects of the line, will involve TfL, London Underground, operators MTR Elizabeth Line and Network Rail.

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Home sweet home: school offers refugee football team a new base

TEAM WORK: The Sanctuary Strikers can now use Leighton Park School as their home ground Picture: Tomson Chauke

By NATALIE BURTON news@rdg.today

A FOOTBALL team set up to support refugees and asylum seekers has found a home at a Reading school.

The members of Sanctuary Strikers now have access to top class training facilities thanks to Leighton Park School.

Club founder and chair, Tomson Chauke, first set up the club in 2015 as a kick about in his local park to encourage his children and those of fellow refugees to get to know each other. It was also a way for their families to mix.

“I decided that it would be a great way for people who all live far from home to connect,” Mr Chauke explained.

“But then a lot of the boys got picked up by Eldon Celtic, a football club for young people in Whitley, and there was a bit of a gap.

“We decided to carry on with the club as it is a great way of meeting people.”

Mr Chauke was motivated by volunteering for Reading Refugee Support Group, and a determination to build integration and community cohesion with refugees.

“I saw refugees coming to England and I knew from my own experience that

when everyone around you is speaking English, you learn better,” he said.

“I also knew that groups like the football team are way for people to share information and help each other.”

One Sanctuary Striker regular had grown in confidence so much since starting with the club, he learned how to drive.

“I am so proud of him,” Mr Chauke said.

He founded the club with friend, Joel Joseph.

Neither man had any prior experience of setting up a football team.

Mr Chauke, a musician, came to Reading from Zimbabwe.

His band Limpopo Grove has played gigs and events across the area.

Mr Joseph came to Reading from Tanzania and manages the running of the club.

The team has grown since its casual beginnings, and is becoming increasingly successful, which prompted conversations about how they could expand.

“To begin with we were losing matches 10-nil, but it didn’t matter as we were building connections,” Mr Chauke said.

“Now we are progressing through the local cup and could get to the semi-finals, and

we’ve never even made it to the second round before.

“So when Leighton Park offered their wonderful facilities, it was amazing.

“They are so community minded, to just give the space to us like this.

“Reading is a wonderful place to live, and if we all keep our ears and eyes open, we can all learn so much from each other,” he said.

The club reached a deal to begin training at Leighton Park just before Christmas.

At the second training session at their new home they had 29 players, almost double what sessions

were attracting before.

There are now 50 people on the club’s books, 16 of which are refugees.

Mr Chauke expects the numbers will grow as they are currently working to include Afgan refugees who have recently arrived.

Mr Chauke is grateful to have the support of many local organisations, including RRSG, John Sykes Foundation, University of Reading, and Reading City of Sanctuary.

Sanctuary Strikers are now looking for commercial sponsorship and support. n For more information, visit: rrsg.org.uk/sanctuary-strikers

RIBBON: The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, opens the new Age UK Berkshire offices in Broad Street Mall Picture: Age UK

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Mayor cuts ribbon to new offices for Age UK A CHARITY that helps older residents across the county has a new home.

Reading mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, cut the ribbon of Age UK Berkshire’s Broad Street Mall offices on Tuesday, January 18.

For the opening ceremony, she was joined by Age UK staff, friends and community stakeholders to celebrate.

After she declared the offices open, there was tea and cake to celebrate.

The charity hopes that its new location will make it more accessible for those who need its help and support.

Wheelchair friendly, there are disabled toilets nearby, and it is a short walk from Reading’s

railway station. Bus stops and taxi ranks are outside the Broad Street Mall, while there is also a car park in the shopping centre.

A spokesperson said: “As their doors are now open, feel free

to drop in and visit for a chat, a cup of tea and an abundance of resources, leaflets and friendly faces.

“Age UK Berkshire look forward to seeing you in their shiny new office.”

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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GRUMPY GOAT 5k

PACESETTER: Anne-Marie Beatty leads the way

ROUTE MASTER: Anne-Marie Beatty from The Grumpy Goat holds up a map showing the path of the 5k run WINNERS: Andrew Fursedon (3rd place), Owen Turpin (1st place) and Stewart Wharton (2nd place) with their prizes

Not so Grumpy: shop celebrates ‘fantastic’ 5k run

By NATALIE BURTON news@rdg.today THE OWNERS of a Reading town centre shop are celebrating the success of their firstever charity run event last weekend.

The Grumpy Goat, on Union Street, held the 3.1 miles, or five kilometre, race on Sunday, January 23.

Fifty participants took part, raising more than £300 for Reading Refugee Support Group.

Anne-Marie Beatty one of the cheese and beer shop’s owners, said that she initially expected

THIRSTY: John Hargan serving up the Big Drop Brewery non-alcoholic beer to runner, Judy Hicks-Davies

around 20 people to enter.

“We had a few people sign up the night before the race too,” Ms Beatty said.

“Out customers are really supportive, it was such a fantastic, feel-good atmosphere.

“People want us to do it again, so watch this space.”

The runners headed out from The Grumpy Goat on a route which took in the town centre, Christchurch Meadows and the riverside, and Forbury Gardens, before heading back to Union Street.

Big Drop Brewing sponsored the event, and gave out alcohol-

CHEERS: Refreshing themselves after completing the run, Rosie Johnson & Cal Noble

Pictures: Steve Smyth

free beer and goodie bags to runners.

All the runners received a race medal and the first three finishers each received a special Grumpy Goat goodie bag.

RRSG spokesperson Jonjo Warrick thanked The Grumpy Goat, Big Drop Brewing, and all who took part in the run.

“The shop team have always been tireless supporters of refugees,” he said.

“And their support means a great deal now as we are working hard to support hundreds of Afghan refugees in the area.”

FIRST PINT: Owen Turpin enjoyed a non-alcoholic drink from Big Drop Brewing

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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GRUMPY GOAT 5k

Teen ‘with weapons’ arrested after reports of car theft

TOW AWAY: Police watch as a car is loaded on to a rescue vehicle in Lowfield Road, Caversham Park Village Picture: Steve Smyth

CHILL: Christian Bishop relaxed after the race with a pint

By STAFF WRITER news@rdg.today THREE teenagers – two of whom are alleged to have had weapons – have been arrested after police were called to Caversham Park Village on Sunday morning.

SUCCESS: Jocelyne Mandereau and Kathy Tytler

Police officers were seen in the Lowfield Road area following reports of a vehicle theft.

Later in the day, they were supervising the placement of a vehicle on to a

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recovery truck so it could be towed away.

As a result of their investigation, two of the teenagers were bailed, while a third was in police custody.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We received reports of theft of a motor vehicle around 11.35am on Sunday, January 23.

“Officers located the vehicle in Caversham.

“A 16-year-old boy, from Wokingham, was arrested on

suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon.

“A 16-year-old boy, from Reading, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm without a certificate.

They have both been released on bail.

“A 14-year-old boy, from Reading, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. He currently remains in police custody.”

10 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today PERFORM: Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra in rehearsals in January 2020 Picture: Phil Creighton

Another world premiere! Aldworth Philharmonic teams up with composer A READING-based orchestra has been picked to take part in a scheme that champions the creation of new music.

The Making Music project has paired the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra with composer Caitlin Harrison. They will be working with the Reading Youth Orchestra on the project, called Adopt a Music Creator.

The scheme is simple: music groups and music creators are brought together to collaborate on creating a new piece of music.

When finished, there will be a premiere performance of the piece, a recording and a radio broadcast.

The Aldworth Philharmonic’s last collaboration, Samara by Laura Shipsey, was broadcast earlier this month on BBC Radio 3, after its evening concert.

After the pairing of APO/RYO and Ms Harrison was revealed on Sunday, January 16, the three groups had some initial discussions about the way ahead.

Over the next few weeks, the young composer will visit rehearsals of both the Aldworth and Reading Youth Orchestra,

to meet the musicians and learn more about how they work.

Her final creation will be performed at Aldworth’s 20th anniversary concert, which is pencilled in for Saturday, October 29. Members of the Youth Orchestra will take part in that performance.

A spokesperson for the orchestra said: “We’re really pleased to be part of the project, collaborating with one of, if not the, oldest youth orchestras in the country, of which APO music director and string principal Chico are alumni.

“We’re delighted to have been paired with Caitlin. We’re looking forward to a fruitful partnership and adding to the nearly 30 pieces and five hours of new music performed by APO over the last 20 years.”

And the composer said in a social media post: “I am over the moon. A very exciting collaboration and project awaits. n Aldworth Philharmonic will be performing on Saturday, February 5. For more details, or to book, log on to: www. aldworthphilharmonic.org.uk

Holocaust Memorial Service to take place this evening

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THE SON of Viennese Jewish refugees will explain how the Nazi Holocaust affected his family during a moving and emotional evening tonight.

Reading Borough Council is holding annual evening to mark Holocaust Memorial Day will be held both in person and online, and Tom Lake is one of two guest speakers.

Born between the end of the Second World War in Europe and the Far East, he is now retired.

Also speaking is Professor Dan Stone, a professor of modern history and the director of the Holocaust Research Institute at Royal Holloway University in London.

The event, which is jointly organised by the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE), is supported by the Reading Hebrew Congregation, Maidenhead Synagogue, Reading Refugee Support Group, and the Berkshire Rwandese Community.

The free event will be a mix of live and online elements,

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TIME TO REMEMBER: The service of relection and remembrance will be broadcast on Reading Borough Council’s Facebook page Picture: Pixabay including speakers, choral performances, and an address from Mr Lake. It has the theme of One Day. The aim is to allow people to remember and learn about the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and the genocides that have followed since.

The evening will also feature a candle lighting and memorial ceremony, The Maidenhead

Synagogue Choir, and The Impact of Hate speech by Prof Stone.

Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock said: “Holocaust Memorial Day allows us to reflect on the lives tragically lost during the Holocaust, and in genocides that have followed across the world.

“It is a vital opportunity

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Beech Hill-based gardening charity bowled over by club’s support

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to learn and raise awareness, just as it also offers a chance to reflect on how to chart a way forward that seeks to bring us all together in the common pursuit of a safer, better future.”

He added: “I’d like to encourage residents to join the ceremony online via our Facebook page, and if they are able, light a candle to illuminate the darkness to remember those who were murdered for who they were, and stand against prejudice and hatred in society today.”

This was echoed by Victor Koroma, general manager at ACRE, who said: “In this post-truth world that we are now living, hate speech and disregard of the impact on minority communities, especially those defined by ethnicity, and religion continue to be underestimated and dismissed as ‘woke’.

“ACRE continues to call on Reading residents to stand together and protect the most vulnerable in our society.”

The event will begin at 7.30pm in the Council chamber with seats limited to 30, and will be live-streamed on the Reading Council Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ Readingcouncil.

Places are free but must be booked in advance and will be allocated on a first-come, firstserved basis. No walk-ins on the night will be accepted.

GIFT: Caversham Bowling Club has made a donation to Beech Hill-based charity Thrive

MEMBERS of a bowling club in Caversham managed to raise £889 for charity last year, despite the pandemic affecting its activities.

Earlier this month, Caversham Bowling Club president Margaret Taylor made a presentation to Thrive, which provides therapeutic gardening sessions to people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable.

Stacey Lewis, from the Beech Hill-based charity, accepted the donation.

Now, the club is preparing to support its 2022 charity of the

Co-op and Cruse to share tips on how to talk about grief A CAMPAIGN to make it easier to talk about death and grief has been launched with a new partnership.

The Co-op and Cruse Bereavement Support have teamed up after research revealed that at least four in 10 adults who have not experienced a bereavement admit to being unprepared in knowing how to help a bereaved friend or relative, with many not knowing what to say to those grieving.

The partnership aims to

empower people in their local communities to provide everyday bereavement support to those who have experienced a bereavement.

Funded through the Co-op’s Community Partnership Fund, the campaign launches with a suite of bite-size resources featuring Cruse experts and people in the community.

Andy Langford, clinical director at Cruse Bereavement Support, said: “Our research clearly tells us that people don’t always know what to say to someone experiencing grief

and feel, in some cases, it’s better to do nothing than risk causing upset.

“This partnership will not only help educate people on the importance of good grief support, but offer practical ways to help people through some of the most painful times in their life.”

n Freely available for anyone to access at Co-op’s online community centre Co-operate, www.co-op.co.uk/griefsupport the new resources will be shared with communities right across the UK.

Reclining chairs for RBH, with a bit of help from jewellers

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A JEWELLERS in Reading has raised a huge amount in support of the Royal Berks Charity paediatric appeal.

The target is £44,000, enough for 44 reclining chairs to improve overnight sleeping facilities on the children’s ward.

Clare Allen, communications officer at the charity said:”At the moment the beds are very basic and don’t offer much comfort if you have to stay with your child overnight.

“The new chairs will offer a much more comfortable seat during the day but can then be reclined to provide the best night’s sleep possible.”

Jacobs the Jewellers has raised £13,000, including from its recent ‘guess the crystals’ and ‘chair share’ schemes.

Adam Jacobs, partner at Kings Road jewellers, said: “We support the community that supports us, and have been fundraising with the charity for more than a decade.”

Jacobs has had a longrunning relationship with the charity and in 2018 raised more than £90,000 towards new equipment for the Berkshire Cancer Centre.

Despite a disruptive couple of years due to the pandemic, Mr Jacobs and his colleagues were keen to continue their fundraising efforts for the hospital.

SUPPORT: Jacobs The Jewellers Picture: Steve Smyth Mr Jacobs continued: “Once we got the team back together everyone was keen to restart our work with the charity.

“We like to support a specific appeal and the paediatric appeal made a lot of sense to us as we have lots of customers who are parents/grandparents and have been through the children’s ward and slept on rickety chairs.”

The paediatric ward cares for patients who range in age from newborn babies to 16, and the staff are always looking for ways to enhance the experience.

Delivery of the first 10 chairs was made earlier this month and the charity is hopeful the fantastic support they have received from the community will continue.

Kate Martin, fundraising manager at the charity, said: “Some of our appeals had

to take a backseat whilst we focused on our NHS staff and ensured their wellbeing was looked after.

“We are really lucky to have people like Adam in our community, doing events and fundraising and we’ve had to really rely on our community to do our fundraising for us with many events being cancelled due to Covid-19.”

Another element of the project is to refurbish the playroom as therapeutic play can often reduce anxiety for children when making their first visits to a hospital. n To learn more about the charitable work of Jacobs the Jewellers, or to partake in their chair share scheme, visit: jacobsthejewellers.com n To make a donation, log on to: royalberkscharity.co.uk/ paediatric-appeal

Earley-based course aims to help people newly divorced or separated SUPPORT: Divorce Recovery Workshop offers advice and care from people who have been in similar circumstances

CHARITY Divorce Recovery Workshop has just announced the dates of its new course to help overcome the pain of separation and divorce.

The course run by the Berkshire branch will be at Brookside Hall, Earley, over two Friday evenings and two Saturdays, on February 18, 19, 25 and 26.

Seamus, who is helping run the new workshop course, said: “We’re delighted to be back offering help again after a two year break due to covid.”

The charity’s workshops are for people whose relationship has broken down, whether they’re divorced or separated, and whenever the breakdown was.

At the course, videos are shown which prompt confidential discussion in small groups.

All DRW’s volunteer leaders have been on a course themselves.

The workshops, run across the UK since 1992, are for both men and women. DRW is keen

that more men should give them a try.

Graham, 63, of Reading, said: “Generally, I think men find it harder to talk about their feelings when separation or divorce occurs. DRW gives a safe, non judgmental, understanding and accepting place to do this – and to gain hope for the future.”

Others have said: “There is emphasis on your wellbeing so you can have a better life, so you don’t spend your future dogged by the unhappiness and disappointment of a previous relationship.”

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“It can be a horrible, tough, awful time. DRW showed me a way through. I never imagined I could live life to the full again.”

A modest charge covers course costs including lunch.

The website, at www.drw.org. uk, gives tips for going through separation or divorce. n To find out how DRW can help, call Seamus on: 07887 800521 or email: info@drw.org.uk.

Alternatively, phone the national enquiries line on 0333 335 0489. n A female DRW representative, Susan, is available via the national line.

Pre-school needs £10,000 ... here’s how buying a curry can help A BURGHFIELD-based pre-school will benefit from generous curry lovers this evening.

Every meal ordered from Burghfield Spices will see a donation made to The Mrs Williams’ Preschool.

Like most charities and community groups, the pandemic has hit their fundraising, and it faces permanent closure without a helping hand.

It needs to raise £10,000.

Tonight, any curry or pizza ordered for dining in or takeaway from the restaurant will see 100% of the profits go to the pre-school, as long as the customer says ‘school fundraising’ on order. n It is also possible to support the pre-school by making a donation at: https://gofund.me/cb2076d5

Tandoori chicken Picture: Pixabay

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Honest motherhood

Why Nicola to Month: Mara

Angela Garwood

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

Chipping away at Janaury

W

A NEW year is always a good time to challenge yourself and that’s exactly what a Reading woman has done.

ELL January has flown by as I hoped it would.

I’m not one to wish away time but we can all agree this particular month is not one of the better ones. (I’m a Summer person, June and July hit the spot nicely.)

The most obvious reason for this being the weather.

My one irritation with January so far is not the cold itself, but what the cold is doing to my punctuality. It is harming it. The minutes it takes to de-ice the windscreen of my little Golf in the morning are minutes I do not have. (And despite this happening repeatedly, I have not learnt to factor them in yet).

I stand there, like a lemon, chipping away at inches of ice that won’t budge while resenting the fact Joel won’t let me pour boiling water over it.

“It’ll crack the windscreen,” he laments as I boil the kettle.

“We’re 15 minutes late. Crack away I say. At least I’ll have good vision.”

(A Google search revealed he is right, it’s not good for the glass, though my parents used to do this all the time and their glass seemed to survive.)

Occasionally, like this morning, he will bark remarks at me through an open window: “Angie!

You’ve got to really give it a good swipe. Put some welly into it. Big swipe.”

He’s dangling out of Maia’s bedroom unnecessarily miming the action, but on a large exaggerated scale, which only enrages me more.

“What? GO AWAY JOEL. GO AWAY.” The ice is rock solid and seemingly dense, no matter how much “welly” I put into it, it is in fact, frozen. My useless scraper is barely scratching the surface, literally.

Minutes pass by and Maia grows more and more restless in the back: “Mummy we’re going to be late. Mummy can we just go? You can drive in this Mummy, you can see.”

Sure, I can if I crane my neck to peek through the bottom 20cm of transparent windscreen. But no, I said, I could not safely drive in this.

“Sorry darling, we’ll leave earlier tomorrow, I promise...”

I have learnt to stop making promises I cannot keep. This has happened a handful of times now and can only be put down to sheer disorganisation and failure to get up on time. (Should I ever have to write on some kind of late-note at school, this is exactly what I plan to say.)

Somehow, we still made it to school on time.

By the time we’d got to school, more organised parents had left, freeing up spaces along the road.

Well, it worked out most of the time. Friday was not one of those times. I have blocked out the finer details of that morning, probably because of all the shame, but what I can recall is feeling immensely frazzled. And the anger, I can remember Maia’s sadness and anger very clearly. And her disappointment in me.

“It won’t happen again Maia. We will be on time on Monday.” (We were...)

“You said that last time Mummy.”

We were not “Quick, the gate is still open, go, go, go. Love you darling, bye,” kind of late. We were, “Please walk your child to the school OFFICE” kind of late. Which is every parent’s nightmare kind of late. A true parenting blunder.

It’s not completely unforgivable, it’s just… embarrassing. For everyone.

Though that wasn’t my main emotion. My main emotions were guilt and sympathy for Maia.

She does not like being in the wrong in any way.

And being this late was wrong, wrong, wrong.

I’ve promised myself I will not let it happen again… I bought some de-icer today.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

HAPPY DAYS: Family Support Worker Tanya (left) and Keira, from the Reading Centre, with what they enjoy most about their work with Dingley’s Promise

Charity celebrates Childcare and Early Education Week A CHARITY based in Reading has been taking part in a campaign to highlight the role of Early Years Educators this week.

Dingley’s Promise is a member of the initiative, which was created by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Childcare and Early Education.

The special Childcare and Early Education Week aims to celebrate the positive impact workers in the sector have on children and families they work with.

Dingley’s Promise Wokingham Centre worker Shakila said that she is proud to be an Early Years Practitioner.

“It’s challenging but it’s really satisfying,” she said.

“Every day, I go home feeling that I have achieved something significant because I am making a difference to lives of the children we work with.”

The charity’s three centres in Reading, Wokingham and Newbury provide specialist support to children with special educational needs and disabilities.

As part of the week, Chief executive Catherine McLeod MBE presented to MPs and Lords about the experiences of children with SEND in early years settings. n For more information, visit: dingley. org.uk

Even the birthday card is going hi-tech GREETINGS card company Hallmark is taking the birthday card into the 21st century with its new personalised video greetings.

Available from branches of Morrisons, people can now create a card for keeps.

The sender records a heartfelt message – such as a simple Happy Birthday or a more elaborate celebration – that the recipient will be able to access via a QR code printed in the card.

All they have to do is scan it, and the video plays on the phone.

And the video can be downloaded and treasured forever, or shared with friends.

Hallmark says that this is an exciting new way to keep people connected, something that’s really important in the current pandemic.

Rachel Goodman, creative, product and marketing director at Hallmark UK&I, said: “We’re so excited to introduce this new way of connecting people – no matter where they are in the world – and encouraging them to share special moments through personalised videos.

“No matter what the occasion, whether it’s a birthday, new baby announcement or even just because, customers can now co-create the perfect card to connect with their loved ones through an

Nicola Tallet, the acting CEO and head of fundraising and supporter engagement for Prostate Cancer UK, has put her best foot forward to raise funds for the charity.

She has taken part in its virtual running challenge, Run The Month: Marathon Edition.

Those taking part had to run a total of 26.2 miles across the 31 days of the first month of the year, raising money for the men’s health charity and to raise awareness of the disease, the most common cancer in men.

And Nicola has raised more than £700 so far.

She says that this cash will fund research into treatments for prostate cancer and provide practical support to men and their families affected by the disease.

And despite the pandemic, Nicola is part of a team that has raised £9 million through virtual events since January last year.

These have included running, cycling and walking challenges. Run the Month launched last October, and more than 30,000 runners have run more than 500,000 miles, raising £4.5 million … so far. ‘ Nicola, 52, is one of 11,400 runners taking part in this January’s challenge.

She said: “I’ve never really taken running seriously, but at the start of 2022 it was time to lace up my trainers again and do something great for such a brilliant charity.

“I’m really enjoying it.”

She added: “There are so many amazing and inspiring people taking on this challenge, all with their own reasons to run, and I’m hugely proud to be part of that wonderful community, all raising money to help fund lifesaving research and support

CHALLENGE: Nicola Tallett from Prostate Can for men and their families affected by prostate cancer.

“The success of this challenge shows how families, friends and communities can work together, locally and across the UK to help save lives. We thank everyone who is taking part in Run the Month: Marathon Edition – and all of our fundraisers – for their support.”

Nicola has been joined in the challenge by reality television star Elliott Wright, who is running in memory of his late father Eddie.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to taking on Run the Month:

National Trust walks in Berkshire to make the most of winter

immersive, digital and tangible way.

“This truly is a card for keeps that can be replayed again and again.”

The Hallmark Video Greetings Cards are available online at www. hallmarkcollections.co.uk or in Morrison’s stores.

THE NATIONAL Trust is encouraging everyone to make the most of short daylight hours during winter by getting out for a walk.

It has compiled a list of five walks in Berkshire at properties or land they manage, which it says will suit every mood and boost wellbeing this season. The National Trust hope that their list will help people to enjoy the outdoors, even when the days are grey and muddy.

The full list includes buggyfriendly winter wanders for little ones, long hikes over rolling hills for mindful meanders, or country estate walks for a little escapism.

Some of the walks are across countryside looked after by the National Trust which do not require membership to access, others require membership or an entrance fee.

One of the properties walkers are being encouraged to visit is Basildon Park, just outside of Reading. It has four marked routes from half a mile to three miles to follow, all on easy terrain. The shorter routes are suitable for buggies if it’s dry, and dogs are welcome on leads.

The woodland walks offer views across the Palladian façade of the house, with evergreen yew trees and cedars providing colour, as well as opportunities to spot birds and wildlife.

Normal admission applies, and there is a café available.

For those who would like a challenge, Streatley’s chalk grasslands trail is a seven mile route over hills.

This walk takes in three adjacent areas of National Trust land, Lardon Chase, the Holies and Lough Down

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ook on Run the athon Edition

Golf coach Ben is in the country’s top 50 SIMPLY THE BEST: Ben Emerson features in Golf Monthly’s Top 50 coaches

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Your break includes

ncer UK is taking part in Run The Month Marathon Edition in January for a brilliant charity, Prostate Cancer UK. It’s the perfect time for a challenge too - all for such a brilliant cause.

“I know all too well about the dangers of prostate cancer, as it hit my family. For those who don’t know prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, affects one in eight men.

“Sadly, one of those affected was my Dad Eddie, who was diagnosed in 2013. By that stage, the cancer had spread outside the prostate and the news was devastating for the family.”

He continued: “My dad was a great

family man, a strong man; always upbeat and happy. Despite being dealt such a tough hand he fought the disease with all he could, never moaning or complaining. We were naturally devastated when he passed away in March after fighting covid.

“I’ve been thinking of him when I pull on my Prostate Cancer UK running top, and I’m delighted the rest of my family have been kitted out as well.”

n To sponsor Nicola, visit https:// runthemonthme.prostatecanceruk. org/fundraising/nicola-talletts-run-themonth-marathon-editio

IN THE COUNTY: A series of winter walks on our doorstep has been compiled by the National Trust, including a visit to Cliveden Picture: Hugh Mothersole

and offers views over Streatley and the Goring Gap. Parts of the area were once used as a motorbike scrambling course, but the habitat has gradually been restored and now it is one of the largest remaining areas of chalk grassland in the country.

The other Berkshire walks are at Simons Wood, Finchampstead, Cliveden, just outside of Taplow, and the Wind in the Willows walk at Maidenhead and Cookham Commons. n For more information,visit: nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/walking-inthe-south-east

A COACH at a Wokingham golf club has been named as one of the top 50 in the UK. Ben Emerson of Sand Martins Golf Club was included in the list by Golf Monthly magazine, which was announced earlier this month.

It is the first time that the magazine have published a list of the nation’s best golf coaches for several years.

“It was a huge thing, the list being updated,” Ben says.

“When I was asked if I’d like to be included it was hugely flattering.”

Originally from Henley, Ben’s career took him to Bath before taking up the coaching role at Sand Martins in December 2020.

Ben is also one of a handful of professional golf coaches to be included in the UK top 50 for both Golf Monthly and Today’s Golfer magazines.

“There are thousands of pros who can be considered for these lists, so the pressure is on now to stay on them,” he says.

“It’s a bit like a chef getting a Michelin star — they want to keep it otherwise people will

believe that they’ve gone downhill.”

He finds the challenge of keeping his accolades an exciting prospect.

Lockdown was spent upgrading his teaching studio at Sand Martins and keeping up top date with latest golf teaching techniques and technology.

“We have motion capture cameras similar to those used on film sets, pressure mats and radars to track balls,” he explains.

“Golf is not an old-fashioned sport.”

Throughout his 20-year career in golf, Ben has enjoyed the challenge of adapting his teaching for each of his pupils. He is also grateful that he has a supportive club and family behind him.

“I work with really nice people and I am fortunate that people return for more,” he says.

“Sand Martins has a great club feeling, the members really make the community atmosphere.”

Ben Emerson Golf Academy is based at Sand Martins Golf Club.

n For more information, visit: benemersongolfperformance.com or log on to: sandmartins.com

POETRY CORNER Simplicity When I am old, I will walk slowly, while my grandchildren scamper and run, chasing the wind, until breathless.

Together we will sit on the ground, with our legs stretched out in front of us, and feel the sun on our faces, the rough-barked tree at our backs.

Together we will gravely examine an earthworm, a beetle, a leaf.

We will listen to the pigeons, the sparrows, (like the children they chatter and cheep), maybe hear a mellifluous blackbird.

We will listen to each other.

We will talk of small child things, and laugh together over funny words and silly jokes.

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And when they ask: ‘What’s that mean?’

I’ll have to say: ‘I don’t know either’.

When its time for tea, with bread and jam, the children will haul me to my feet, mindful of old grandmotherly knees.

When I am old, I will walk hand-in-hand with my own childhood wonder, and simply be – with my grandchildren.

By Rosi MorganBarry

We love receiving your verse. Send poems to news@rdg.today and we’ll print a selection here

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READING’S NEW CHAMPION

We must never forget

TODAY, Reading marks Holocaust Memorial Day. It is a solemn occasion, remembering the lives lost from some of the darkest points of human history.

No one who has visited concentration camps such as Auschwitz can fail to be moved, appalled, horrified by what they find there.

No one who has visited holocaust memorial museums can come out without feeling shock and repulsion at the sheer horrific crimes against humanity.

So much work has gone on in recent years to ensure that all those who entered the camps are remembered.

For those survivors, they have been bravely telling their stories, sharing the horror, to ensure that we never forget.

Tonight’s ceremony is an annual occasion that gives us a chance to listen again. To remind ourselves that just as we are capable of great good, we are also capable of great evil.

The genocide of the Second World War is not unique. Such awful atrocities still go on today in all corners of the globe.

Tonight is a chance for us all to draw a line in the sand and say we will not let it happen again.

The service is broadcast on the council’s Facebook page, tune in.

CHURCH NOTES

How many of you have pets?

H

OW many of you have pets?

I have three cats, one who was given to me as a tiny kitten 18 years ago, one whom I adopted four years ago, and my little girl cat Rosie, who I took ownership of in September.

They all have very different personalities – Rosie is very affectionate and follows me around when I am at home.

Spike the eldest, spends a lot of time asleep now, but he too is affectionate.

The third one is independent, aloof and displays quite quirky behaviour.

They are all different, bit I love them dearly.

I am always amazed how astute these animals are, they know (winter and summer) when it’s 5pm, their dinner time, they suddenly appear and demand food.

If they are out in the evening they return home, each going to their own bed. They look to me for love, food and home comforts, and if they are under the weather they turn to me for help.

This reminds me of that wonderful verse Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”.

I don’t think my cats are heavily burdened or weary, but they certainly come to me for rest.

When you are burdened with the stress and strains of life, who do you turn to? These words of Jesus invite us to turn to Our Heavenly Father who wants to help carry our heaviness.

This in turn gives us real internal peace.

Of course, we have to sort out the worldly problems we encounter, but if God is with us we will never be alone.

The Revd Marina Brian is the community centre manager for the Wokingham Salvation Army Corps

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today

Thank you for getting vaccinated I noticed that Sir John Redwood’s ‘Westminster diary’ from Wednesday Jan 19th noted that ‘Enforcement [of the BBC licence fee] occupied too much time and resource in magistrates courts’ – but the ‘From the courts’ page contained no mention of BBC enforcement notices.

Is Sir John feeling okay?

Colin King, Caversham

Sir john – hands off the BBC Is the licence fee really becoming more difficult to collect?

And is the fee really being resented?

And is support for the BBC really dropping ?

Isn’t the real reason for your attack – the Government does not like tough questions, and an attempt to change the subject as the Government is going through a difficult time.

I recall that similar criticism was levelled at the BBC by Labour when they were in power.

To weaken the BBC would damage its highly respected independent voice not only in the UK but in the world.

Gagging independent media is a tactic adopted by authoritarian regimes in the world – to the damage of democracy.

Keep the BBC and its funding wholly independent of Government and let us support a service that is rightly the envy of the world.

Dennis Eyriey, Wokingham

White Ribbon status Following a review by the Equalities Working Group at neighbouring Wokingham Borough Council, of the proposal for Wokingham Borough Council to seek White Ribbon accreditation, Cllr Laura Blumenthal, who heads this group, brought forward a motion entitled “White Ribbon” to the council meeting on 20 January.

This motion makes no reference to White Ribbon, or indeed to its aims, which are to champion the culture

ON Friday, January 14, in the early afternoon I was walking home on Reading Road, after a visit to Wokingham Town Centre travelling in the Reading direction and walking on the right hand pavement.

I stopped to look at some trees when I reached the Oxford Road junction.

I suddenly heard some very loud birdsong. I did not know where it came from because the loud sound was all around me.

I did notice some movement inside the roadside hedge out of the corner of my right eye which turned out to be a male robin redbreast which was on the other side of the roadside hedge singing away.

I slowly reached for my camera and slowly pulled it out trying trying not to startle the robin.

I was able to do this because the robin and myself were on opposite sides of the roadside hedge and could not see each other.

I managed to take two pictures change necessary to prevent violence against women and girls (VAWG) before it starts.

An amendment was proposed which would have rectified this, however Conservative Councillors voted against the amendment and the approved motion therefore contains no clear objectives or actions aiming to prevent VAWG. The cost of White Ribbon accreditation was mentioned twice during the meeting as a barrier.

This cost would be approximately £1,000, an absolutely negligible amount which I could crowd-fund in a couple of hours if this was really the issue.

Duplication was also referenced, yet few specifics were given regarding how the actions WBC are taking would duplicate the work required for White Ribbon accreditation.

The real issue seems to be the lack of accountability WBC feels regarding prevention of VAWG.

Sir John Redwood

The Bank of England plunges us into inflation

T

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

Little robin redbreast

Westminster diary

HE Establishment tells us the Bank of England is independent.

They remind us that the Bank is charged by law to control the creation of money and the rate of interest in order to keep inflation at around 2%.

Inflation is currently at 5.4% and

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

is widely forecast to rise above 6%

by April, more than three times the target. Inflation as measured by the old RPI index is already at 7.5%.

It is curious that the defenders of the idea of an independent Bank do not criticise it for such a failure, nor offer

without startling the robin.

Eventually the robin saw me through the roadside hedge and left.

The robin looked well fed but

that is an illusion, a lot of birds in the winter fluff up their coats to retain the maximum amount of body heat.

Harry Atkinson, Wokingham

In public questions I asked what actions WBC are planning to prevent VAWG. Another member of the public asked for clarity on prevention tactics included in the council’s Domestic Violence strategy.

Repeatedly the answers given were focussed on support for domestic violence victims rather than prevention of all forms of violence against women.

Cllr Blumenthal stated that the most important part of the motion was communicating to the public what an excellent job WBC is doing with regards Domestic Violence support.

Brushing aside the egotism of self-congratulation being the most important aspect of their domestic violence strategy, the public may wish to know that six months after being awarded the contract to provide domestic abuse support in Wokingham, Cranstoun still do not have a refuge in Wokingham. Refuge

continues to be provided by Berkshire Women’s Aid. Two women a week are killed by their partner or ex-partner in the UK. My ask of the council is to put party politics and personal grudges aside.

VAWG is not a party political issue.

WBC alone cannot bring an end to VAWG but they can act as a role model, acknowledge the cultural and societal causes of VAWG, and put in place measures which are not just focussed on the council, but also demonstrate their commitment to cultural change in our community.

Lastly, as I asked Cllr Blumenthal, an easy first step would be for every male councillor to publicly take the White Ribbon promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about violence against women.

I can see no reason why they would choose not to do this.

explanations of why this has happened.

Most are happy for the government to take the blame , forgetting they could not tell the Bank to print less money or to raise the interest rate.

I supported the massive creation of cash in 2020 and the ultra low rates. The anti covid measures were a huge hit to output and incomes so there did need to be a large offset.

When the recovery gathered pace in 2021 I advised the ending of money printing or QE by the Bank.

It was obvious inflation would take off if the Bank kept boosting the amount of money.

The government got away with the massive money printing when the economy was in covid measures depression.

They could allow the Bank to print and they could spend it routed to them as near zero interest loans which the

state then bought up.

These are not state debts we now have to pay off as the state owns the debt as well as owes it.

Once the economy showed strong recovery then printing, borrowing and spending returned to being inflationary as Latin America and Zimbabwe can tell you.

The Bank was right at the end of last year to at last end QE or money printing.

The Fed has carried on printing and has presided over a worse inflation than we have. It should stop immediately.

The Bank of England should now be careful not to overdo further tightening as they and the Treasury are now slowing the economy too much.

It would be quite wrong for the Bank to tighten when the Treasury is about to increase taxes far too much.

Louise Timlin, Reading and Wokingham branch of the Women’s Equality Party

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Volunteer corner

From the vicechancellor

Reading Voluntary Action

Professor Robert Van de Noort

Partnerships to make Reading a better place

I

ALWAYS like the start of a new year. It’s a chance to re-focus our priorities after the Christmas break and look ahead to new opportunities on the horizon.

Despite the additional uncertainties around Covid towards the end of last year, I am pleased that we have been able to start the new term with students back on campus and the continuation of face-to-face teaching.

We are, of course, continuing to implement extra measures to ensure the safety of our colleagues and students. But we know that many students benefit so much more from in-person teaching, so it is important that we strive to make this possible where we can.

As we march on into 2022, one thing I am particularly looking forward to is hearing more about how our new Community Fund initiative is helping local communities in and around Reading and Wokingham.

We launched this scheme last year,

in partnership with the John Sykes Foundation.

This is the first year of a two-year pilot which sees both organisations contributing financial support to projects that benefit the people and community of Reading and surrounding areas.

Last summer, we invited University staff members to apply for funding to support projects they are involved with either as part of their job, or in a voluntary capacity.

We received a great response with 29 applications for funding. It made the job of the funding award panel rather tough, but, in the end, we chose 12 projects covering a diverse range of areas, including art, music, education, sport and heritage, which are aimed at helping those with disabilities, the homeless, refugees, school pupils and many more.

A total of £50,000 was donated.

Among other projects, the money will help fund a refugee football team based in Reading, helping Reading’s homeless develop work skills and build confidence, and improve literacy in

From the chamber

Cllr Paul Carnell

Education, education, education...

A

S Covid begins to recede and we start looking towards a gradual return to normal life, the “new normal” may feel very different to the old one.

How that new normal will look, though, is a question all councillors should now be asking themselves, swiftly followed by how can we help the people of Reading achieve their aims?

One area of the debate that we need to look at closely is education.

As the world emerges from the shadow of the pandemic, Brexit will bring forward new opportunities and Reading, with its superb international links, is well placed to benefit. To reap those benefits, both locally and nationally, we must look at how education is delivered.

Tony Blair once famously said his priorities were education, education, education. Yet it is Conservative governments which truly bring our young people opportunity and

equality through improved education.

Historically it was a Conservative government which opened up university education. Some students studying in our greatest institutions today are the first generation of their family to have been to university.

For schools, though, a visit from Ofsted can be a worrying time – but this shouldn’t be the case. Ofsted can and should be viewed as a critical friend, one who sees things which normally go unnoticed.

This, in turn, can bring forward improvements in the school and the education it delivers.

While such regulatory scrutiny fulfils the critical role it can also highlight strengths.

Recently, our schools locally have been praised for their inclusive approach, for having a warm and nurturing environment and for leadership that has taken effective improvement action to achieve a good rating.

So, thanks to Ofsted, standards have risen, but that doesn’t mean we

n Have you got Green Fingers? Experienced young children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

My personal favourite is a project to make Reading Old Cemetery, a wonderful place for contemplation and wildlife, more accessible.

We are working on a series of case studies of each of the projects so we can understand the impact the money has made and the benefits that local people have seen.

And we will open the funding round again later this year, so that we can help even more community projects.

I hope that these initial projects will encourage others to participate in the future. After all, as a University, we

exist to be a University For Reading, as well as the University of Reading.

Of course, my thanks go to the John Sykes Foundation, without whom this initiative would not be possible.

I know that the work of voluntary groups and charities across Reading and Wokingham already does a huge amount to improve the lives and wellbeing of individuals and communities, so we really appreciate the ongoing support for this scheme.

It is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together.

should rest on our laurels.

Apathy, complacency – or both – are always the enemy of improvement.

While Covid has undoubtedly caused problems with delivering education in Reading – and nationally – now is the time to push forward again.

Our teachers and their assistants have rightly been praised for continuing to deliver lessons throughout the lockdowns; they were hard times for staff and pupils alike and everyone rose to the challenge.

However, now is the time for a Conservative-run council, working with a Conservative government, to lead Reading’s schools forward once again.

With the local elections for Reading Borough Council this May, Reading’s voters will have the opportunity to make that important choice.

Raising standards isn’t about raising teaching staff workloads. It is about working with teachers, with Heads, with teaching assistants and all the school staff to embrace the latest in teaching.

Nationally new schemes will continue to be rolled out to improve numeracy and literacy.

These are the backbone of education and children must be supported in grasping the basics before they can move on in life.

Alongside these new schemes we would also increase support for our local school libraries.

Being able to read is perhaps the most important life skill a child can learn.

Without the ability to read, a child’s future education will always be a struggle. Whether reading to learn, reading for fun, reading to entertain

or reading for enjoyment it is never time wasted. Reading’s school libraries must continue to play their critical part in improving knowledge and vocabulary.

A solid grounding in literacy and numeracy is also vital but it is only the first step.

GCSEs, A-levels and beyond are all valuable qualifications. That said, the academic route isn’t always right for everyone.

I was delighted with the government introducing T-levels.

T-levels offer one day a week in a workplace, putting into practice what is learnt in the classroom on the other four days.

This will lead to a valued qualification that provides greater employment opportunities.

Being more academic than a traditional apprenticeship, but more vocational than A-levels, the T-level fills a gap and I welcome the news that Reading College is introducing two. It will certainly be of benefit as a pupil moves into the workplace.

That first step into adult life can be daunting and anything which eases the transition for our young people should be welcomed.

With the roll out of new schemes to improve learning, new qualifications and Reading’s schools continuing to improve, our town can only build on its growth and reputation as a great place for businesses to locate to and prosper by recruiting the talent of Reading’s young people.

Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading

Cllr Paul Carnell is the Reading Conservative Party Education Spokesperson and member for Thames Ward at Reading Borough Council

with gardening and maintaining our outdoor space?

The Elizabeth Fry Charity are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help create a relaxing and welcoming space for their residents.

This will suit those who are happy to work alongside a small group of residents, enabling them to develop their skills and enjoy the benefits of working outdoors too.

They are looking for someone who is able to commit to a minimum of five hours a week over one or two afternoons.

n The Advocacy People are looking for

a reliable volunteer to assist with Team Administration!

Tasks will include setting up the monthly team meetings, taking minutes, liaising with other team members to form the meeting agenda and more This role would be perfect for someone with previous office administration experience, however training will be provided, so would also suit someone willing to learn new skills.

They are also ideally looking for someone who is able to commit to the role for at least 6 months due to the nature of the service provided.

n Help improve the quality of life for older

people in our town Age UK Reading has a Befriending service to offer contact, warmth, and access to a support network for the many people who experience chronic loneliness.

As a volunteer you will be providing a caring ear to those that need it every week, checking in on how they are doing and reporting back any concerns.

Contact can be via the telephone or through visits to an older person’s home.

A perfect role for a volunteer that is a warm and caring person who has empathy with the clients and can chat on a diversity of topics.

A flexible role that requires a lot of maturity and emotional robustness!

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 01189 372 27

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A business park that is changing

Construction of final plot begins WORK has begun on the final plot at a Bracknellbased business park, after a pre-let agreement was reached.

The SEGRO Park Bracknell, off Peacock Lane, will be completed once the final tennant moves in. They have signed a 15-year lease for an 83,000 sq ft unit, which will become a distribution hub.

Plans for the site include a four-storey parking facility that can accommodate more than 350 electric vans, while solar paels will be used, saving an estimated 19,700kg of carbon dioxide per year.

And SEGRO will install a range of biodiversity measures such as bug hotels.

It is hoped that the tenant will be able to start moving in from the spring, with the unit completed by the summer.

James Craddock, Managing Director, Thames Valley at SEGRO, said: “The signing of the pre-let and the start of construction on this final plot is a notable milestone both for SEGRO Park Bracknell and our broader aspirations in the Thames Valley.

“It is further evidence that there is strong demand for modern, sustainable warehousing and industrial space that is well-located in the Thames Valley.

“With SEGRO Park Bracknell fully let, we’re actively seeking new land and development opportunities in the Thames Valley to meet the needs of both our existing and potential new customers.”

Two into one: environmental companies join forces

T

WO companies have joined forces after being integrated into their Canadian parent company.

Specialist remediation contractor Celtic and soil treatment facility operator Biogenie, which have their UK base in Arlington Business Park in Theale, are now Englobe, and will work together to provide end-toend contaminated land, soil treatment, engineering and environmental solutions.

Celtic has more than 30 years of experience of solving a wide range of contaminated land problems, including complex contaminants, constrained site logistics and stakeholder challenges.

More than 1,000 sites in the UK have undergone remediation by Celtic, including gasworks,

petrochemical refineries, chemical works, waste lagoons, landfills, petrol stations, manufacturing sites, military sites and engineering works.

The Biogenie arm will continue its services at five treatment facilities across the UK, with a sixth planned.

As Englobe, the company says that it can reduce costs and traffic pollution while increasing sustainability and helps UK industries reach their net zero objectives.

Existing and new clients will see no change in the services provided and the internal management structure will remain the same. All current projects will be led by the same dedicated team of experts and executed to clients’ original contract specifications.

DOLPHIN SCHOOL

An independent Prep School for Boys & Girls aged 3-13

SITE: Aerial image of Redhill Soil Treatment Facility and Biffa landfill area restoration scheme.

Julia Roberts, managing director for Englobe UK said: “The renaming of Celtic and Biogenie is the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle for Englobe as we continue to build upon our international experience and reputation in the UK after acquiring Celtic in 2008.

“Working under one name will enable Englobe to develop and grow by providing the full suite of engineering and

environmental services to some of the UK’s most exciting developments.”

She added: “This is a very exciting time for our highly thought of employees, to grow and learn from our wider group of companies adding to their own continuous personal development and allowing us to give more opportunity and retain the very best talent that our marketplace has to offer.”

That’s a lot of real estate: turnover doubles

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today THE SOUTH East office of independent global property consultancy Knight Frank has seen a record investment turnover of £4.02 billion.

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Englobe co-president Alain Robichaud added: “Englobe has always prided itself on delivering excellent work for our clients time and time again.

“We are delighted that Biogenie and Celtic will be continuing to deliver their award-winning projects and services under the Englobe name in the future and build on our already well respected reputation in the UK.”

After more than doubling the 2020 figure of £1.93 billion, the year witnessed a record Q4 with £1.54 billion of office stock traded.

The increase in turnover represents a significant growth in the region with figures 45% above the 10-year average.

UK Funds were the biggest seller of South East offices in 2021, accounting for over a third of all sales as they continued to exit non-core assets and capitalise on increased demand from alternative investors in certain locations.

A growing number of investors targeted office assets for repurposing opportunities into industrial space or data centres, with £600 million allocated in the final quarter with this intention.

Demand was particularly strong in the M4 corridor, with take up totalling 1.4 million sq ft.

This is three times higher than the total volume registered in 2020, with the average deal size 18,500 sq ft being the highest since 2012.

Emma Goodford, head of national offices at Knight Frank said: “The long-awaited arrival of the Crossrail will create additional demand in key connected towns, with Maidenhead and Reading expected to benefit considerably in terms of office requirements.”

With relocations and office upgrades materialising, particularly among larger corporates, 2021 saw nine deals completed for offices larger than 50,000 sq ft, the highest total since 2018.

Despite fears of a rise in supply, vacancy in the South East was 6.9 % at the end of 2021, unchanged from the close of 2020 and still below the 10-yr average of 7.0%.

Simon Rickards, head of south east capital markets at Knight Frank commented: “We expect the level of equity primed for investment into South East offices to remain high and potentially increase, as confidence in the sector continues to gather momentum.”

He continued: “The best multi-let offices will perform well going forward, but this will be to the detriment of secondary stock so further polarisation of the market will be evident in 2022.”

n For more information, log on to: knightfrank.com

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Alexander Devine receives £1,000 to help children’s hospice running

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today

A BERKSHIRE charity has received a cash gift to help it continue supporting children with life-threatening conditions.

David Wilson Homes Southern donated £1,000 to Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service as part of its Community Fund scheme.

The hospice provides specialist care and lifeline support to children with lifelimiting conditions, and their families.

Its team of staff and volunteers work across Berkshire and into surrounding counties, to help more than 135 children.

The charity receives minimal government funding to meets its annual running cost of £1.8 million.

Jenni Green, trusts and foundations fundraiser at Alexander Devine, said: “We’re thrilled to have received this donation and would like to say a huge thank you to David Wilson Homes for choosing to support us through its Community Fund scheme.

“We are a local charity that is nearly entirely reliant on fundraising and donations to run our vital children’s hospice service. This donation will

CASH BOOST: Representatives at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Servicereceiving the donation from David Wilson Homes make a such a difference to those children and families that rely on our services.

“We’re caring for more children with complex medical needs than ever before and we can only continue doing so with the support of incredible organisations like David Wilson Homes.”

Ms Green said that £1,000 could help fund nearly 23 hours

Fire Authority consults on changing Automatic Fire Alarm response THE FIRE service is consulting on how it should respond to Automatic Fire Alarms.

The Royal Berkshire Fire Authority is called out to an average of 2,200 Automatic Fire Alarms each year, but it said that 99% of these are false alarms.

The service is now asking residents how they should respond to these in lower risk, occupied buildings.

There will be no changes to higher risk buildings such as care homes, hotels, student accommodation and high-rise buildings, where firefighters will be sent immediately.

Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Cllr Colin Dudley, said: “We are asking you to consider

the two options as part of this public consultation, one which reflects a change to our current policy to help reduce the burden of false alarms and one in which our current policy remains the same.

“No decisions have been made and your feedback will be vital for the decision-making process.”

Cllr Dexter Smith, community risk management plan lead, said said that changing the response could save up to 1,300 hours of firefighter time each year.

The consultation ends on Monday, March 28.

The chosen option will be implemented in the summer.

n To take part, visit: www.rbfrs. co.uk/your-service

of specialist nursing care for a child with a life-limiting or lifethreatening condition.

“This precious time will allow parents much-needed respite and give a child the opportunity to experience fun, joy and adventures at our hospice or in their own home,” she said.

“The Community Fund scheme is a wonderful and generous way for charities like

Bike gear stolen from shed A THIEF broke into a shed in Reading and stole motorbike accessories.

The incident took place sometime between 10pm on Sunday, January 23, and 8am on Monday, January 24.

Thames Valley Police said the burglar gained entry to the shed in Northcourt Avenue by forcing the door.

Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220034391.

Charity thanks Dashers’ efforts A CHARITY has thanked people from across Berkshire who took part in a daily exercise challenge last month.

Sue Ryder’s December Daily Dash campaign asked participants to walk, jog or run five kilometres each day of the month.

An eight-strong team from the Theale headquarters of home-delivery wine specialist, Laithwaites, were amongst those who took part.

Its chosen charity parter is Sue Ryder’s Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading.

Roxy Dandridge, corporate account manager at Laithwaites, said that the team found the challenge rewarding because they knew that they were making a difference.

“Having the team behind me, even on the darkest, coldest of mornings, was an inspiration,” she said.

“We walked, jogged and even danced our daily five kilometres.

“And we were delighted to raise £728, which will be matched pound for pound by Direct Wines.”

In total, more than £100,000 was raised across the UK to support Sue Ryder’s palliative, neurological and bereavement support services. n For more information, visit: sueryder.org/events

ours to benefit from muchneeded funding. We can’t thank David Wilson enough for its kindness.”

Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service has a holistic approach that is bespoke for each child and family and the care and support that they need.

This could be at the children’s hospice in Maidenhead, out in

Handbag stolen from Reading home A THIEF broke into a home in Calcot and stole a handbag.

The incident took place at approximately 5.40pm on Saturday, January 22.

Thames Valley Police said the burglar gained entry to the shed in Fontwell Drive via the rear door.

Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220032123.

the community in a family’s home, hospital or school.

Support includes respite care, specialist play, symptom management, family support, end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Campbell Gregg, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said that the hospice carries out admirable work in Berkshire and beyond.

“We’re proud that we can support the charity in continuing to make a difference to so many lives in the community,” he said.

“The role of our Community Fund scheme is to help the wonderful charities and organisations in the areas in which we build and we’re thrilled we’ve been able to support Alexander Devine with our donation.”

The charity was founded

by Fiona and John Devine in memory of their son, Alexander, who passed away from a rare brain tumour in 2006.

Their experience led them to realise the need for a children’s hospice in Berkshire.

Vandals damage Tilehurst car A CAR has been damaged in Tilehurst.

The incident took place sometime between 4.45pm on Saturday, January 22, and 8.30am on Sunday, January 23.

Thames Valley Police said the offender broke the rear window of the vehicle in Cotswold Way, Tilehurst.

Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220032891.

n For more information about Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, visit: www. alexanderdevine.org n For more information about David Wilson Homes, visit: www.dwh.co.uk

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CRAMPT: Borough council says more than 350 families live in overcrowded social houses

Spencers Wood mum sleeps on mattress in living room as leak drips from bathroom EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A SPENCERS Wood family are desperately seeking help as they struggle with overcrowding in their council house.

And they are one of hundreds of families in this situation.

Natasha Kelly lives in a two-bed maisonette with her partner and four children.

She moved into the council property a decade ago with her partner and then four-year-old, but following the arrival of her three other children, she has yet to be moved to a bigger home.

She said that she currently sleeps on a mattress on her living room floor with her partner, two-year-old James, and 11-month-old Jasmine after giving Joshua (13) and Jessica (7) the rooms upstairs.

As the four of them bed down each night, they are forced to dodge water dripping through the ceiling from the bathroom — in seven different places, she said.

Ms Kelly said that the living situation is putting a strain on her mental health, and she is

Leaks come through to the kitchen CROWDED: Natasha is having to sleep with two of the children on a mattress on the floor All pictures: Steve Smyth concerned about the impact it is having on her family.

“I’m really struggling because of this property,” she said. “There is nowhere that I can go to just breathe by myself.

“I sleep in the living room,

and live in it too.”

Due to the ages of her children, Ms Kelly is entitled to a four-bedroom property.

“They said I’m at the top of the list, but don’t say when I’ll be moving,” she said.

In Wokingham borough, more than 350 families are living in overcrowded homes due to a huge demand for social housing, said Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing.

“Unfortunately the demand far outweighs the supply,” he said.

“Each case is assessed and awarded a priority banding in line with our allocations policy based on the applicant’s current housing situation and need.”

He also said that vacancies are unpredictable.

Ms Kelly said that her family have been moved out of the building three times for repairs.

They include once, when the living room ceiling fell through, and, most recently, when a hole around five inches wide and three inches deep appeared in her living room floor before Christmas.

She said that council contractors have found asbestos in the ceiling, and is worried it could cause a health hazard to her family.

“The people who checked the asbestos came in dressed like spacemen,” she said. “And there’s me and my children living in it.

“My aunt died of asbestos cancer. If it was just me, I wouldn’t care so much, but I’ve got children living in the house.”

Cllr Kaiser said that repairs have been made at the property, and a surveyor has made requests for additional work to be done.

Ms Kelly said that on Monday,

workmen arrived to repair her bathroom and the leaks.

“They pulled back the floor and said they hadn’t had a report for asbestos,” she said.

Ms Kelly said that the floor was left pulled back after the contractors left.

“I don’t see how they can leave me like that, with water leaking from my ceiling.”

Cllr Kaiser said there is an established repairs process.

“We ensure that our properties are kept in a good state of repair, comply with all relevant legislation and are fit for purpose,” he said.

Cllr Kaiser said that when a council house becomes available, staff look at its size and location, and then look to the housing register and consider the resident’s priority banding, their areas of choice, and size of the property required.

He added: “There is a limited number of council and partner housing association homes within the borough.

“We encourage households who are current social housing tenants to register for mutual exchanges so that they can be considered for housing association properties on Homeswapper.”

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Amazon donates to Theale Green School THEALE Green School has welcomed ‘thousands of pounds’ worth of donations from Amazon.

The global giant, which has a depot in Theale, provided a mix of equipment to the academy as part of its community programme.

Included in the delivery were; 68 large desks, 156 chairs, 30 water filled barriers, two wheelchairs and two adjustable tables for disabled use.

Charlotte Badarello, deputy head at Theale Green School, said: “We’re so, so grateful to Amazon as it has allowed us to spruce up areas of the school.

“Like most schools, finances are always a challenge and we are always looking for innovative ways to improve the environment for students, but this was certainly an amazing surprise.”

Most of the equipment will be used in the music room as the desks donated are large enough to accommodate keyboards and other large instruments.

Ms Badarello continued: “At the same time as we were talking to Amazon we secured some extra funding, which meant that the music rooms could be decorated.

“We’ve had new carpets and new lighting, so along with the new furniture it’s now stunning and an area to make us feel really proud.”

Delivery of the equipment was made in mid-January and it is also being made available to other schools within the Activate Learning Education Trust, to which the school belongs.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 35

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School principal prepares to take on a mega marathon challenge IN TRAINING: Reddam House Principal Rick Cross is training for the Marathon Des Sables. Picture: Rick Cross

By NATALIE BURTON news@rdg.today

THE PRINCIPAL of a Sindlesham private school has signed up to an athletic challenge to raise money.

Rick Cross, who joined the school in September last year, will compete in the Marathon Des Sables endurance race at the end of March. He is collecting sponsorship for two charities, First Days Children’s Charity and Camfed.

The event sees participants attempt to run 250 km (155 miles) in a multi-staged race over seven days in the Moroccan Sahara desert.

Runners must be completely self-sufficient and carry their own backpacks containing food, sleeping gear and other items.

Mr Cross is no stranger to endurance events.

“I completed the Iron Man UK ultra triathlon last year,” he said.

“Of the three disciplines, I enjoyed the running element the most, so I started looking around for other challenges while the race was postponed due to lockdown.

“I was drawn to the event’s catchphrase ‘My Everest’ and felt that it was for me.”

The Marathon Des Sables

takes place in stages. Runners complete three marathons — 26 miles or 42 km — over three consecutive days, followed by a double marathon on day four. After a rest day, entrants attempt a final marathon.

“Once I had made the decision to enter and start training, the distances seemed

less intimidating,” he explained.

“It’s amazing what the human body can do.”

The charities that Mr Cross has chosen support are both close to his heart.

As a teacher, he wanted to support organisations working with children.

His sister-in-law, Lucy

PAST TIMES: Crosfields school pupils taking part in a previous Woodley Festival Picture: Phil Creighton

Woodley Festival team delighted to be back LIVE PERFORMANCES will be returning to Woodley again this spring, thanks to a much-loved festival.

In March, the Woodley Festival of Music and Arts will be back in action, following a virtual event last year.

It lasts for three weekends, from Saturday, March 5, to Sunday, March 20, with a finale concert on Sunday, March 27.

With entries now closed, more than 560 performers and 19 choirs have signed up to perform throughout the month.

It is a competition, however organisers are keen to stress that the aim is to enjoy the performances.

“Many schools encourage their pupils to enter the wide variety

of speech and drama, vocal, instrumental and piano classes and the well-supported choir classes are always particularly popular with the audience,” said Kuan Ang, publicity officer for the festival.

He said that the festival has provided a platform for young people to develop their talents during last 52 years.

“Last year due to the pandemic the festival was unable to run in its full format, but nevertheless organised a virtual festival for instrumental solo and ensemble performers,” he said.

“It was a great success and a new experience for all of us which have allowed us to carry on the annual event.

“For this year there appears to

be a greater sense of hope in the air and the festival committee are delighted to be able to focus on providing performers of all ages the chance to perform live.”

Throughout March, parents, friends of entrants and residents across the borough are invited to view performances.

Tickets are available for each day’s events on the door.

Mr Ang said that the success of the festival year-on-year can be attributed to volunteers and the event’s sponsor for the last 17 years, Ann Manning, managing director of Manning UK Insurance Brokers. n Organisers are now looking for volunteers. Anyone interested can email: admin@ woodleyfestival.org.uk

Lake, is an executive officer of Camfed International, a charity that works to advance the education of girls in countries across southern Africa. After researching charities who work in Wokingham borough, he found First Days Children’s Charity.

“Both do great work,” he said.

And Mr Cross has the support of both charities.

Ms Lake and Angeline Murimirwa, who are coexecutive officers of Camfed, said that they are in awe of Mr Cross for taking on the challenge and using it as an opportunity to support girls’ education in Africa.

“We wish Rick all the best,” they said. “We’re thrilled that his run will open the door to many more girls in the most difficult circumstances to be able to take up their rightful place in school.”

First Days spokesperson Monica Dunne also thanked Mr Cross on behalf of the charity, and said the team would be cheering him on from their office in Wokingham.

“The Marathon Des Sables is such an epic event,” she added.

“We would not be able to support as many children in Berkshire without the help of generous fundraisers like Rick.”

Nirvana Spa, also in Sindlesham, is lending Mr Cross its support too. The spa is interested in supporting his chosen charities, and has offered use of its sauna facilities to help him to acclimatise to the 40 degree Saharan heat.

n For more information, visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ rick-cross

Public urged not to touch dead birds over flu fear OUTBREAKS of bird flu in wild birds across the county has led to a reminder not to touch dead or sick birds.

Pets should also be kept away, as the disease is highly infectious.

The reminder comes after an avian flu disease control zone was put in place around Windsor and Eton earlier this month, after dead swans were found.

Dead swans, ducks or other dead wild birds must be reported to Defra by calling: 0345 933 557 or by visiting: gov. uk/guidance/avian-influenzabird-flu#public

Thieves break into Pangbourne home THIEVES broke into a home in Pangbourne.

The incident took place sometime on Saturday, January 22.

Thames Valley Police said the burglars gained unauthorised access to the property in St James Close, Pangbourne.

Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220032195.

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36 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today GRANTS: The Tesco Extra store in Reading Picture: Phil Creighton

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Tuition group sponsors 10 children on 10th anniversary BIRTHDAY GIFT: Marie Redmond Tuition is marking its anniversary by giving away support to a charity that helps disadvantaged children

By JESS WARREN news@rdg.today

Tescos offers charities a share of £300,000

Now taking registrations

A NATIONAL supermarket chain hopes to bring a positive start to good causes across Reading borough this year.

Tesco has teamed up with Heart and Smooth radio to launch a campaign offering charities or not-for-profit organisations the chance to apply for a £5,000 grant. The chain has made a pot of £300,000 available nationwide.

The campaign will run until Sunday, February 6.

Priority will be given to projects that provide food and support to young people, such as school breakfast clubs, food banks, or charities supporting young people to manage mental health.

The campaign is running in addition to Tesco Community Grants, the in-store scheme where customers vote with blue tokens for community projects and groups.

Among the Reading groups to receive funding for recent projects was YMCA Reading,

which used its £1,000 grant towards providing an outdoor learning facility for the local community.

Another was Utulivu Women’s Group, which was given £500 to assist members who needed assistance with food, medical supplies and loneliness.

Claire de Silva, head of community at Tesco, said that the chain is proud to have launched the campaign and wanted to give something extra to communities.

“We hope that listeners will help us celebrate all the community groups who make such a difference to young people and families, not just in January but year round too,” she said.

Heart and Smooth FM presenters will be telling listeners how to nominate their favourite groups on air until the end of this month. n To more information, including how to nominate a charity or community group, visit: tescocommunitygrants.org.uk

A TUITION company is marking 10 years in business by supporting 10 underprivileged children with their development.

Marie Redmond Tuition, which has a centre in Winnersh, has partnered with Sponsorstars, a charity that helps young people achieve their full potential by supplying them with school equipment, clothing and other essential items to level the playing field.

The company will be making a monthly donation throughout 2022 for stationery, clothing, sports equipment, books, feminine care products and any other items required.

Marie Redmond (pictured) said: “We’re incredibly proud of our achievements over the last 10 years and this is our way of giving back and supporting children who may be in need of equipment to assist with their education and development.

“We know that child poverty can have a long-lasting effect on a child’s future and as an education company this is a cause that’s very close to our heart.

“Sponsorstars is a fantastic charity, and their work makes

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said. “They are cold in winter and many miss out on the benefits of education simply due to their lack of money.

“We’re delighted that Marie Redmond Tuition is supporting Sponsorstars. It’s partnerships such as this that ensure we can continue to offer vital support to underprivileged children across the country.

“A small sum of money can make a big difference. If you can sponsor a child with a regular donation, you can ensure that child won’t have to miss out on

basic things.

“Our aim is to reduce the impact that this poverty has on education and opportunities – every young star needs to be able to fulfil their potential and shine.”

Ms Redmond has more than 20 years of education experience and now runs Ofsted registered tuition centres across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. n For more information, visit: www.marieredmond.co.uk or call 01494 956809.

University of Reading secures grant to help decarbonise heating systems

Fun is an essential ingredient at Oak Tree Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS

a real difference to the lives of the children they support, especially when it comes to learning and development.”

Donations also pay for transport if needed, with the ultimate aim of reducing the impact that poverty has on education and opportunities.

Sue Laidlaw, co-founder of Sponsorstars, said that one in four children in the UK are affected by poverty.

“In our consumer-driven society, many children go hungry on a regular basis,” she

THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has been given £100,000 by the Government to help decarbonise its heating systems.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) awarded the funding, which will be matched by the University to support design work to introduce a large heat pump into the Whiteknights Energy Centre.

The Energy Centre, which opened in 2015, heats 16 buildings on the Whiteknights campus through a 3.3km underground district heating network.

Its original design included space for low carbon technology in the future.

By adding a 1.1 megawatt heat pump, this could provide up to 40% of the Energy Centre’s heat output each year.

It would cut carbon emissions by more than 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide cumulatively by 2030.

This will be complemented other initiatives, such as insulation and control system improvements.

The development of a small district cooling network will also be

TOASTY: The money will be used to support design work to introduce a large heat pump into the Whiteknights Energy Centre considered for the University’s science buildings.

Dan Fernbank, energy and sustainability director at the University said: “Decarbonising our heating systems is a key part of our plans toreach net zero carbon by 2030.

“This grant will enable us to progress a very significant opportunity to begin decarbonising our campus heating, setting us on the

right path for the years ahead.”

This is the fifth major grant the University has secured since November 2020, in pursuit of its Net Zero Carbon goal for 2030.

A further-BEIS funded project through Salix Finance is currently looking at opportunities to replace gas heating on the Earley Gate side of Whiteknights campus with low carbon alternatives.

37

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Wednesday, January 26, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE READING BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT I MARY GENIS APPLIED ON 20/01/2022 TO READING BOROUGH COUNCIL IN RESPECT OF THE PREMISES KNOWN AS: CULTUREMIX ARTS & MUSIC CENTRE, 7 QUEENS WALK, READING RG1 7QF.

Please recycle me !

TREE SURGEONS Adver t i se r eg ul a r l y a nd save ££££s Sp ec i al

Under the provisions of Licensing Act 2003 (Premises Licences & Club Premises Certificates) Regulations 2005 the above named person has applied for the GRANT of the premises licence.

rates for 4 , 12, 26

For licensable activities of:

weeks

2. Recorded music Monday-Wednesday 17.00-22.00, Thursday 17.00-23.00, Friday 17.00-01.00, Saturday 12.00-01.00 Sunday 12.00-22.00

Hours open to the public: Monday-Wednesday 15.00-22.00 Thursday 12.00-21.00 (23.00 for programmed events)

ACCOUNTANCY

and 52

1. Provision of live music and dancing MondayWednesday 17.00-22.00, Thursday 17.00-23.00, Friday 17.00-01.00, Saturday 12.00-01.00 Sunday 12.00-22.00

3. Supply of alcohol Monday-Wednesday 17.00-21.30, Thursday 17.00-22.30, Friday 17.00-00.30, Saturday 12.00-00.30 Sunday 12.00-21.30

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Fr i e n d l y

It’s good news for everyone

Service Email us t o d ay f o r a

Friday 12.00-22.30 (01.00 for programmed events)

price

Saturday 12.00-19.00 (01.00 for programmed events) Sunday 12.00-22.00 (for workshops and events only) Any person wishing to view this application should contact Reading Borough Council on 0118 9373762 or via email to licensing@reading.gov.uk.

WELL BEING

RECYCLING

Any person wishing to make a representation must do so in writing within 28 days of the application (by 17/02/2022), as detailed above to: Reading Borough Council, Licensing Section, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. No written representations will have personal details removed unless the Licensing Authority deems it appropriate to do so. Any request for personal details to be removed should be notified to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the representation.

It is an offence under Section 158 of the Licensing Act 2003 for anyone to recklessly or knowingly to make a false statement in connection with a licensing application. The maximum fine upon conviction is unlimited.

Dated: 26th January 2022

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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

26.01.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

First rule of comedy

He’s one of our most-loved comics.

A pioneer, with a sharp wit and a sense of the absurd. Now he’s the focus of a new play from Private Eye editor Ian Hislop.

PHIL CREIGHTON looks at Spike

A

NEW play co-written by the editor of Private Eye will look at the life of much-loved silly man Spike Milligan.

The Watermill in Newbury is premièring the work, simply called Spike, from Thursday this week.

Set nearly 70 years ago, it looks at the life and times of the comedian, as he pushes the boundaries of taste and decency, all the name of getting a laugh.

At the time, radio dominated our homes rather than the gogglebox, and the nation rushed home to listen to

the antics of The Goon Show, starring Harry Secombe, Peter Sellers, Michael Benetine and, of course, Spike.

While the rest of the team are happy being overnight celebrities, Spike, the show’s chief writer, Spike finds himself pushing the boundaries of comedy, and testing the patience of the BBC. Flanked by his fellow Goons and bolstered by the efforts of irrepressible sound assistant Janet, Spike takes a flourishing nosedive off the cliffs of respectability, and mashes up his haunted past to create the comedy of the future.

Will Spike’s dogged obsession with finding the funny elevate The Goons to soaring new heights, or will the whole thing come crashing down with the stroke of a potato peeler?

Of course, with the benefit of history on our side, we know how the story unfolds: The Goons have become part of our national fabric, and Spike is still celebrated today, even though his gravestone sadly says, ‘I told you I was ill’.

Spike is co-written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, and it is directed by Paul Hart.

The cast includes Stephen Fry as the BBC announcer, while Olivier Awardwinning actor John Dagleish is Spike.

Joining him is TV comedian Margaret Cabourn-Smith (Motherland, Miranda, Buffering) as Janet, George Kemp (recently seen in Bridgerton, and soon to star in Amazon’s Call My

Agent) as Peter Sellers, Jeremy Lloyd (The Comedy About a Bank Robbery, Trial by Laughter) as Harry Secombe, James Mack (The Watermill’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Rivals, Macbeth and Journey’s End) as Denis Main-Wilson / Peter Eton, Ellie Morris (The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Movie Night, The Comedy About A Bank Robbery for Mischief Theatre company) playing ‘June’ and Robert Mountford (The Habit of Art, The Haunting of Alice Bowles for Original Theatre Company, House and Garden for The Watermill) as BBC Executive.

Ian and Nick said: “Writing Spike gave us the opportunity to celebrate the genius of the founding father of modern comedy, explore what inspired him and steal all his jokes”.

And Paul Hart was thrilled to bring the show to life.

“It’s been great to work with Ian

and Nick on this homage to one of the most iconic voices in modern comedy.

The play will commemorate 20 years since his death (he’s still ill then?) and will be equally good fun to those who know the Goons and to audiences who are new to Spike’s distinctive brand of humour. And how we all need a laugh at the moment.”

The show runs until March 5, and The Watermill has a number of measures in place to ensure the site is covid-safe.

To help audiences to book with confidence, The Watermill operates a flexible booking policy. In the event that their booking is affected by Covid-19, audience members will be offered a ticket exchange, account credit or refund. n For more details, or to book, log on to www.watermill.org.uk, or call the box office on: 01635 46044.

14 | LEISURE

Indie comes to Henley A NEW series of gigs highlighting emerging musical talent launches in Henley this Friday.

Ghost Lights promises to bring a mixture of genres from the independent music scene to the Kenton Theatre.

There are three bands on tomorrow’s line-up.

Reading’s Rocket Kings, described as a uke pop band, will be joined by Oxford-based electronica duo Means of Production and Enjoyable Listens, a solo project of Londoner Luke Duffett.

Tickets cost £7, including a £1 theatre restoration levy. The gig begins at 8pm, with three sets of approximately 40 minutes, and a 20 minute interval between sets. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk

A wicked experiment

THERE will be strange things happening at Norden Farm next week.

Isosceles Theatre Company, also known as actors Pat Abernethy and Dave Marsden, will be performing their acclaimed adaptation of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde on Thursday, February 3.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale tells the story of Dr Jekyll’s experiment to separate virtue from wickedness. It results in Jekyll releasing his inner

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demon, a malevolent force which eventually takes over his body.

The performance starts at 7.30pm Tickets are £15 adults, £13 concessions. Under 18s also get in for £13. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

prevailing trends of 1990s electronic music, and beyond.

Tickets cost £16. The show will start at 8pm.

For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.

Pushing a piano up mountains

Quick step or miss out

BALLROOM dancing takes centre stage in Reading on Saturday.

Strictly Come Dancing professional Kevin Clifton joins international dance company Burn the Floor for their rescheduled Hexagon performance.

The show promises a mix of eclectic music, jaw-dropping choreography and groundbreaking moves. The company will be taking the audience on a journey through ballroom dance, from the intensity of the passionate Tango to the romance of the Waltz.

Final tickets remain, prices start from £36.

The show begins at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

Stairway to Basingstoke

A ROCK tribute show will be making some noise in Basingstoke next Wednesday, February 2.

The Classic Rock Show at The Anvil will celebrate the very best of classic rock.

THE TALE of three generations of African women will be told at South Street on Wednesday, February 2.

Here’s What She Said to Me, written by Oladipo Agboluaje, follows Agbeke, her daughter Omotola and grand-daughter Aramide, three women connecting with each other across two continents and across time and space. Their lives from 1960s Nigeria to present day Leeds, and the factors which influence their decisions, are explored.

Together they share their struggles, their joys, Paying tribute to its favourite rock heroes, the show thunders through songs from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits, Steely Dan, Eric Clapton, AC/DC, Queen, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Who and many more.

tragedies and broken dreams in order to find healing in the present.

The play, directed by Mojisola Elufowoju, combines drama with music, poetry and movement to explore adult themes.

Suitable for an audience 15 years old and over.

The performance starts at 8pm. Tickets are priced at £14.50. n For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

The show promises to bring original era defining recordings back to life, with a sound and light show to match.

For the show’s finale, musicians will battle it out in a guitar duel.

The show starts at 7.30pm, with ticket prices from £30.50. n For more details, or to book, log on to: anvilarts.org.uk or call: 01256 844244.

Family-friendly youth theatre

BALTIMORE comes to Bracknell next week, thanks to a community youth theatre.

Rare Productions will be taking to the stage at South Hill Park to perform the familyfriendly musical, Hairspray.

Set in 1960s America, it tells the story of dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad (played by Nikki Blonsky) who auditions for a spot on The Corny Collins Show, and wins.

Tracy becomes an overnight celebrity, a trendsetter in dance, fun and fashion.

Will her new status as a teen sensation be enough to topple Corny’s reigning dance queen and bring racial integration to the show?

Evening performances on Thursday, February 3, and Friday, February 4, begin at 7.30pm.

There will be a 2pm matinee on Saturday, February 5, with the evening performance beginning at the earlier time of 6.30pm.

Adult tickets are £20.50, concessions £19.50 and children £18.50. n For more details, or to book, log on to: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

Laugh away the January blues COMEDY from Just the Tonic Comedy Club’s Reading residency continues this Saturday.

As usual, four comedians will be hoping to tickle the audience’s funny bones at Sub 89 on Friar Street.

Award-winning comedian Dan Antopolski is joined by Stefano Paolini, described by critics as the best voice-merchant on the circuit, Welsh comic Jenny Collier, and cheeky bloke Robin Morgan.

Doors to the venue will open at 6.45pm and the show starts at 8pm.

Tickets cost £16.50, concessions £11, and include entry to Popworld afterwards.

Over 18s only. n For more information and for tickets, visit: justthetonic.com

Ziggy plays the Farm

ONE of the UK’s top tribute acts is coming to Maidenhead next month.

David Bowie tribute Pop Up Bowie will play Norden Farm on Saturday, February 5.

Fronted by Paul Anthony, the band scooped the prize for Best David Bowie Tribute Act at the National Tribute Awards 2016.

The group will perform two hours of Bowie’s biggest hits, taking the audience on a musical journey through every era of the revolutionary music icon’s career.

It will cover Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and glam rock phase of the 1970s right through to Earthling, his 1997 album heavily influenced by the

AN ACCLAIMED film about a retired piano tuner screens at South Hill Park next week.

Piano to Zanskar is an eccentric film documentary which tells the story of Desmond O’Keeffe, also known as Mr Gentle.

Faced with retirement, Desmond decides to take on the most challenging and perilous delivery of his career – taking a 100-year-old upright piano from Camden Town, London, to a remote primary school in the Indian Himalayas.

Aided by a team of local Sherpas, Desmond and his assistants are tested to their limits as they cross the mountain passes to reach their destination.

The certificate 12A film was directed by Michal Sulima and has an original score by Werner Herzog.

Screenings are at 7pm on Monday, January 31 and Wednesday, February 2.

Tickets start at £7.50. n For more details, or to book, log on to: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.

How old is she?

THE LAST few tickets remain to see one of Britain’s most successful female comedians in Camberley next month.

Jenny Éclair reaches the Camberley Theatre on her rescheduled tour, Sixty! (FFS!), on Thursday, February 3.

She was the first woman to win the Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival and is a critically acclaimed novelist.

Having hit 60, but still a year younger than Madonna, Jenny confronts a new age of decrepitude by considering whether she should celebrate it taking 20 minutes to scroll down to her date of birth when she’s filling in online forms.

Her last stand-up show How to be a Middle-Aged Woman (Without Going Insane) sold out in venues across the UK and as far afield as Australia.

The show begins at 7.30pm, with tickets from £21. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01276 707600 or log on to: camberleytheatre.co.uk

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LEISURE | 15

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February feast of the arts planned by South Hill Park

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FEAST of arts is coming to Bracknell next month, thanks to South Hill Park.

The arts centre is promising a diverse mixture of theatre, live music, dance and family fun.

One of the first events of the month is a performance from music scholars of Farnborough Sixth Form College.

They will demonstrate their learning with an evening of live classical, jazz and rock music on Thursday, February 3.

There’s more music thanks to Wilde Sundays, on February 6. The afternoon event features folk, Americana, and acoustic tunes from Tu Kay & Ryan, Downtown Roundabout and Alex Seel.

Also on Sunday, February 6, is The Beautiful Game, a laugh-out-loud look at our national obsession with football, celebrating everything from weird match-day rituals to ridiculous armchair punditry. It may even attempt to explain the offside rule.

Coram Shakespeare Schools Foundation will present the world’s largest youth drama festival at South Hill Park.

There will be an evening of live theatre, featuring a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions by local schools on Tuesday, February 8.

Then, on Wednesday, February 9, through to Saturday, February 12, The Studio Theatre Company will present Road, a look at a scruffy, depressed road in a small town.

Classical music continues with the Conservatoire International Concert Series. Pianist Florian Mitrea performs on Friday, February 11, the annual visit of students from the Purcell School will be an evening solo instrumental and chamber music.

This takes place on Friday, February 25.

Pop Divas Live! is a pop concert tribute experience featuring favourite female pop stars on the same stage for

Coram Shakespeare Schools Festival the first time. It’s suitable for all ages, and takes place on Saturday, February 12.

West Forest Sinfonia are performing in the Recital Room on Sunday, February 13, with a concert of chamber music. The performance will include piano, flute, clarinet and more.

BARTA Theatre Academy as they revolt in their performance of Matilda the Musical Jr from Wednesday, February 16, to Saturday, February 19.

It features popular Matilda songs including Miracle, Naughty, and When I Grow Up.

A Blues and Roots Double Bill with Mark T and Ajay Srivastav will take place in the Cellar Bar on Wednesday, February 16.

These artists push the boundaries of the Blues at the same time entrenched in the tradition.

Tom Smith is this month’s Bracknell Jazz artist, appearing on Friday, February 18. The saxophonist was twice finalist of the BBC Young Jazz Musician of the Year programme in 2014 and 2016.

From the producers of the UK tours of The Goon Show and Hancock’s Half Hour comes another radio comedy classic live on stage on Sunday, February 20.

Round the Horne was one of the biggest and best radio comedy shows of all time, and still endures today, 50 years on.

An accidental meeting in the woods.

A spark of friendship, of connection – maybe even romance.

That’s the premise for Corner Shop Sweets, running from Thursday, February

24, through to Saturday, February 26.

It explores the relationships that young carers share and the struggles they face when growing up.

Same Time, Next Year charts the lives of Doris and George who met at a Californian Hotel in 1951.

Their chance encounter leads to a passionate one-night stand in which they promise to meet 12 months later. So begins a romantic love affair that lasts 25 years. This will be performed on Friday, February 25, and Saturday, February 26.

In time for half-term, The Twirlywoos are back for a great big adventure.

Join Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends as they discover the wonderful world around us.

Expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as they set sail in their big red boat on Sunday, February 27. n For more details, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: www. southhillpark.org.uk

PHIL CREIGHTON

Sea Power ready to sail with new album

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BAND that formed more than two decades ago in Reading is preparing to release its 12th album.

And one of the singles has already been a hit with BBC Radio 6 Music.

Sea Power, formerly known as British Sea Power, met at the University of Reading in 2000.

They progressed from battle of the bands at their student union to Reading venues The Purple Turtle and The Rising Sun Arts Centre.

More than 20 years and many albums later, Sea Power are just months away from their next tour to mark the release their new album, Everything Was Forever, on Friday, February 11.

Guitarist Martin Noble, who now lives near Brighton, said that the album is a curated selection of tracks — some of which have been in the works for years.

His favourite, We Only Want To Make You Happy, features brothers Yan and Neil Wilkinson singing.

“It’s a kind of ballad-esque, post-rock duet,” he said. “It’s really uplifting and it’s nice to get the two brothers to sing together.”

Martin said that it was important for all of the songs to stand together, and be emotionally consistent.

The hope is that the 10 tracks will get listeners more in touch with their feelings.

“The two brothers lost both of

their parents in the pandemic,” Martin explained.

Some of the tracks have been influenced by their childhood memories, including Lakeland Echo, which was named after a newspaper that Yan, Neil and their father used to deliver in the Lake District.

“The tracks aren’t really trying too hard, or forcing anything,” Martin added.

The first single released from the upcoming album was Two Fingers, which has been featured heavily by BBC Radio 6 Music, and was premiered by the station’s former DJ, Shaun Keaveny.

The band said that Two Fingers is a potential anthem for troubled times, with symbols of both contempt and resolution.

It has been described as a rock song to talk back to “sundry self-serving figureheads of this era”.

Yet is also moves with hope and oppositional vigour.

One of the other singles released, Folly, is an “apocalyptic anthem” said Martin.

“Everyone [is] ambling down the road to a multitude of catastrophes,” he said.

“Party on.”

“You might find yourself standing up on the South Downs, up on the fells or the dales, looking down at the world, a world where we seem to avoid the decisions and changes to stop the rot. It’s

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Sea Power are set to release their new album on Friday, February 11. Picture: Hollywood

all folly, but in this case set to some pretty life-affirming music ... maybe making you think it’s not all over, not quite, not yet.”

Martin said that their album is not shy on addressing things, and said that musically, it is fairly positive.

Last year, the group had a fortnightlong tour that had been previously postponed due to the pandemic.

“It was weird for everyone,” Martin said. “I felt like I had never been on stage before.”

He said that the adrenaline alone was like nothing else.

“By the end of it, you felt like you had never been away,” he added. “You could tell that everyone was loving it. I was glad to be back, it was a long time coming.”

He has the same hopes for the band’s upcoming tour in April. They will be playing at seven venues across the country, throughout the month.

The nearest venues are in Southampton and London. n For more information, or tickets, visit: www.seapowerband.com

JESS WARREN

Mates Rates Comedy Club is bringing Live Stand-Up Comedy to Reading W h e t h e r i t i s TV n a m e s o r n u r t u r i n g n ew ta l e n t a t t h e g ra s s ro o t s , i f yo u l ove s ta n d-u p co m e d y, M a te s Ra te s Co m e d y h a s a s h ow fo r yo u !

Fo r m o re i n fo r m a ti o n c h e c k o u t t h e l i n ks be l ow a n d s ca n t h e Q R co d e to bo o k yo u r ti c ke t s .

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16 | LEISURE

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Hurst Panto gives people plenty to smile about

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URST Pantomime Group performed their tenth production to sell-out audiences last week, gaining glowing praise all round.

A Lad in the Wild West told the classic Aladdin story but set in Nevada for a cowboy-themed twist.

Featuring not one, but two pantomime horses, and a large cast of adults and children, it proved to be a very entertaining outing for young and old alike.

Director Hannah Guile said: “We are so proud that we achieved our objective of giving the people of Hurst and the wider community something to look forward to and enjoy, and a way out of the really difficult past two years.

“It’s not been an easy road to get here, with the challenges of rehearsing and performing under covid restrictions, but everyone involved has been incredibly supportive of the additional measures we’ve had to take.”

I attended with family members who ranged from eight to 78; its Saturday evening show had something for everyone to enjoy.

My son loved the slapstick humour and audience participation, while his grandma tapped her toes to the excellent

SPEAKING UP: Black is the Color of my Voice stars Florence Odumosu and will be in Henley in March Picture: Peter Dibdin

Music and activism combine for Kenton Theatre show HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN: Hurst Pantomime Group returned to the stage with a Wild West take on Aladdin Picture: Michael Gribble

mix of classic and modern musical numbers from the band and giggled at the more adult jokes that went over his head. A perfect combination.

It was inspiring to see some of the main characters played so expertly by such young, talented actors – AJ Saliba, 15, playing Al and Hannah, 18, playing Jasmine alongside her directing role. The impressive vocal talents of both actors made for some stunning duets.

Experienced principals Joe de Mounteney and Keith Milner had

us in hysterics and booing loudly respectively at their portrayals of Dame Twang and villain Big Bad John, while Hope Lawrence’s Jeannie brought some marvellous Wild West sass to the traditional role.

We were so impressed that there were so many children in the cast, some as young as eight, all who seemed to be having a ball up on stage.

Watch this space for some future stars of pantomimes to come.

The performance ended with

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Hurst Village Hall erupting into a rousing sing-a-long finale with the audience on their feet to both join in and give a well-deserved standing ovation.

The whole evening absolutely flew by for us, despite being over two hours long, and we loved every minute.

The show had such a fantastic feel-good factor - we left with big smiles on our faces, concluding that a night of music and laughter was just the tonic needed for a dark January evening.

VIKKI RANDLES

THE life of one of the most famous jazz singers of all time forms the backdrop for a new play coming to the Kenton Theatre this spring.

Black Is The Colour Of My Voice tells the story of a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

The play is by Apphia Campbell, and is currently on a national tour following sell-out

seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh, and in the West End, and is inspired by Nina Simone.

She wrote Black Is The Color Of My Voice in 2013, making its West End debut in 2019, at Trafalgar Studios, while her next play, Woke, had a London premiere of Woke at Battersea Arts Centre.

It is performed by FLorence Odumosu, and is suitable for ages 12 upwards.

It takes place at 5pm at the Kenton Theatre in Henley on Sunday, March 6. n For more details, call the box office on 01491 525050, or log on to kentontheatre.co.uk

Independence party at Rising Sun PLAY DAY: Tom Webber (Picture: V ictoria Holt) and Tomorrow Bird (below) are taking part in a celebration of venues that support live music

TO MARK next month’s Independent Venue Week, a Reading independent venue is holding some independent gigs.

Club Velocity will be returning to The Rising Sun Arts Centre in Silver Street on Friday, February 4, and Saturday, February 5, for a double header of music.

The special week aims to celebrate and champion venues like the Rising Sun, which are run by communities.

Often, they give artists their first experience of playing live in front of an audience –and fans get the chance to discover someone before they were famous, ahead of the days when they swap the intimate

venues for festival main stages.

On Friday, February 4, there are three acts performing.

Nicky Booty is said to have a

voice of an angel, with her song Father earmarked as a stand-out.

Didcot-based Tom Webber is only 21 but already getting a lot of people in London very excited.

And Hatty Taylor, formerly of Vienna Ditto, is now a solo artist.

The Saturday date sees male/ female duo Tomorrow Bird perform their heartfelt songs.

Colours & Fire are said to have songs with a huge thumping heart; while One Eyed Man is a songwriter that is said to have a huge talent. n Doors for both evenings are at 8pm, with advance tickets costing £8. Search for Rising Sun on wegottickets.com

PHIL CREIGHTON

LEISURE | 25

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LIVEMUSIC

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RaW Sounds Today

HOME TIME: The Paradox Twin will be performing a gig at The Facebar next month Picture: Andrew Merritt Photography

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday

E

VERY week, we bring you a round-up of the best bands performing or from the Reading and Wokingham areas.

Some bands are so good we have to bring their latest efforts to your attention every time. And that’s the case this week, with a check-in from The Paradox Twin.

Fresh from topping our playlist of 2021, they’re back and raring to go with a gig at Reading’s Facebar next month.

It’s just one song from 10 great tunes that you can listen, for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist.

The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page.

To hear this week’s set, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and get ready to rock.

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

The Paradox Twin – Perfect Circles They headed up our Top 20 of 2021 and appeared in many best of year lists around the world but despite this acclaim they have never appeared in their home town of Reading.

However that changes on February 4, when The Paradox Twin will be performing the whole of their Silence from Signals album, from which this track is taken, at a very special homecoming event at Reading’s Facebar.

Well worth popping along to see why so many

The Room – Run This band with members from the local area were invited as special guests at the Hammersmith Club in London on January 22, by a brand-new band, Little Finger, whose members are made up of Gary Numan’s backing band - https://theroom.band/

Penelope Isles – Have You Heard Penelope Isles are from Brighton and were due to be appearing at Reading’s Facebar on Friday.

Unfortunately, however, their tour has been cancelled but this is still well worth a listen - https:// www.penelopeisles.com/

Toyah – Levitate She’s an iconic performer who first came to fame with some classic 80s hits and she headed to Wokingham Music Club (WMC) at Whitty Theatre last week. Levitate is from Toyah’s latest album Posh Pop - https://toyahwillcox.com/

Sam Handy – Done

people are getting excited about this band - https:// www.theparadoxtwin.com/

Harriet – I’m Not in Love Harriet has a truly wonderful voice reminiscent of the great Karen Carpenter and we are going to be lucky to get the chance to hear her live when she visits Wokingham next month.

She will be performing her intimate piano sessions show for Wokingham Music Club at Whitty Theatre on February 18.

Have a listen to this beautiful version of 10cc’s classic and pop along to the show which promises to be a magical evening of quality music - https://www. harrietsmusic.com/

The Honey Pot – Somewhere Between Here and Anywhere The Honey Pot, who released their latest album, The Secret, on Wokingham’s Billywitch Records, will be performing in the legendary Half Moon Putney on Sunday - https://www.facebook.com/ thehoneypotband

Quantum Pig – Statement of Intent This Progressive Music Awards nominated duo will be supporting The Paradox Twin at Reading’s Facebar on February 4. The song is from their acclaimed debut album Songs of Industry and Sunshine – http://quantumpig.net

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 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

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2 courses with a value up to £50 plus get a bottle of house Red or White wine To enter visit www.facebook.com/wokinghamtoday for your chance to win this Meal for Two Call us on: 0118 996 8567 Email us at: brotherton@thequeensoak.com

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Your weekly puzzle challenge

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Quiz Challenge

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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

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Guidelines: 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent.

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

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

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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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22. Notes main diversion from state (9) 23. Straight man in charge of government (5) 24. Hired an accountant (9)

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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

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

DOWN 1. Angry words overheard on the telephone? (5-4) 2. Confined to exchanging ten cents with British currency inside (9) 3. Support record accumulation (7) 4. Give some to all moving round (5) 5. Quick, it is likely to bite! (5) 6. How one comes to confess (5) 10. Removed satin with a dirty mark (5) 11. Faint line sort of childish (9) 12. Raw youth finds a colourful instrument (9) 15. Notice return of a Swiss mountain holiday greeting (7) 18. Section of choir is hounded from the Emerald Isle (5) 19. US politician at a loss with Spaniard (5) 20. Question children (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

15

17

22

18

19

22

21

22

23

24

25 27

28 29

30

31 32

2 3 8 7 4 5 6 1 9

5 7 1 6 3 9 8 4 2

8 2 3 9 6 1 7 5 4

9 1 5 4 7 3 2 6 8

7 4 6 5 8 2 9 3 1

WORD PYRAMID: Orange marmalade.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; add; divide. Total: 8.

SOLUTIONS

4 6 9 1 2 8 3 7 5

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

2 7

3 8 4 2 1 7 5 9 6

7 8

E

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

Hard

1 5 2 3 9 6 4 8 7

4

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

18

14

12

24

A

EG

TE

13

21

M

DH

PD

6

11

24

TO

EI

5

22

OD

NR

SUDOKU Easy

17

FIVE ALIVE MA

4

13

WORD PYRAMID

AR

3

10

10. The name of which bird appears in the title of a 1992 novel by John Grisham?

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 E through openings in the walls. The D first letter may appear in any chamber.

A L

3

9

9. If you were served rollmops, what would you be eating?

5. Who composed the opera Hansel and Gretel?

21

9 3

9

2

8

8. Monica Galetti has been a judge on which BBC cooking show since 2009?

4. The Chinese crested dog is divided into what two varieties?

2

7

7. The Cape of Good Hope is on which continent?

3. What R is the title of a Beatles album and a type of weapon?

16

16 6

5

1

6. The horizontal rows of squares on a chessboard are called ranks. What are the vertical rows called?

2. The Kyoto Protocol was an international agreement that called for the reduction of what?

12

17

9

9

7

20

24

7

11 16

3

26

9

15

16

2

12

15

20

7

20 7

23

22 10

2

19

22 9

18

9

7

1

22

5

12

7

6 9 7 8 5 4 1 2 3

26

9

7

2 7 4 3 5 9 1 8 6

16

2

8

6 3 5 8 7 1 2 9 4

9

5

8 1 9 4 2 6 5 7 3

7

7

4 6 8 5 1 2 9 3 7

3

12

9 5 1 7 8 3 4 6 2

15

3

16

3 2 7 6 9 4 8 1 5

26

7 8 6 1 4 5 3 2 9

2

5 9 3 2 6 8 7 4 1

24

1 4 2 9 3 7 6 5 8

7

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5398

CROSS CODE

5398

ACROSS 1. Chastise (9) 9. Horn (6) 10. Competent (4) 11. River mud (4) 12. Mythical sea monster (6) 13. Time between (7) 16. Heathland (4) 17. Acute discomfort (4) 18. Greek letter (3) 20. Light brown (3) 21. Beat severely (4) 23. Rotate (4)

25.

26.

29.

30.

31.

Battlement (7) Plan of action (6) Cipher (4) Fruit peel (4) Commencement (6) 32. Sonority (9) DOWN 2. Pink-eyed person (6) 3. Move unsteadily (6) 4. Natter (6) 5. Speak (4) 6. Competitor (7)

7. Anti-aircraft fire (4) 8. Passing (9) 13. Copy (9) 14. Urban area (4) 15. Civic dignitary (5) 18. Developing insect (4) 19. Policeman (7) 22. Summerhouse (6) 23. Ancient Greek city (6) 24. Sarcastic (6) 27. Refer to (4) 28. Animal shelter (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Castigate; 9 Antler; 10 Able; 11 Silt; 12 Kraken; 13 Interim; 16 Moor; 17 Pain; 18 Phi; 20 Tan; 21 Flog; 23 Spin; 25 Rampart; 26 Tactic; 29 Code; 30 Rind; 31 Outset; 32 Resonance.

Down – 2 Albino; 3 Teeter; 4 Gossip; 5 Talk; 6 Entrant; 7 Flak; 8 Transient; 13 Imitation; 14 Town; 15 Mayor; 18 Pupa; 19 Officer; 22 Gazebo; 23 Sparta; 24 Ironic; 27 Cite; 28 Cote.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Hickstead, Sussex; 2 Greenhouse gas emissions; 3 Revolver; 4 Powderpuff and Hairless; 5 Engelbert Humperdinck; 6 FIVE ALIVE: Files; 7 Africa; 8 MasterChef: The Professionals; 9 Pickled herrings; 10 Pelican (The Pelican Brief).

(1) Across – Amigo; Fresh; Later.

Down – Awful; Inept; Other.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 3 Breakneck; 7 Rumba; 8 Collapsed; 9 Stock; 10 (2) Across – Rabid; Weird; Niece.

G S P K D H A J E F Y I Q Staying; 13 Tango; 14 Grasp; 16 Lease; 17 Kidskin; 21 Catch; 22 Down – Rowan; Bride; Dodge.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Minnesota; 23 Ruler; 24 Chartered.

W O R Z V M N C L X U B T Down – 1 Cross-talk; 2 Impounded; 3 Backlog; 4 Allot; 5 Nippy; NONAGRAM: armpit; harp; hump; impart; lamp; 6 Clean; 10 Stain; 11 Infantile; 12 Greenhorn; 15 Placard; 18 Irish; limp; lipa; lump; pail; pair; palm; part; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 19 Señor; 20 Issue. pink; iron; note; path; phial; phut; pilau; pita; pith; knee. plait; plat; plum; prahu; pram; prat; prau; prial; prim; primal; primula; pula; puli; puma; puri; purl; ramp; rapt; rump; rupiah; tamp; tapir; tarp; thrip; thump; tramp; trap; trip; triumph; TRIUMPHAL; trump; tulip; tump; umph.

Wednesday, January 26, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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LEISURE | 27

Clothespegs, Batgirl and Pink Diamonds come together for Rising Sun celebration It’s quirky, it’s loved and it’s very Reading.

On Saturday, a party helped The Rising Sun reach its fundraising target. PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more. Pictures: DIJANA CAPAN

I

T’S THE VENTILATION that love built.

A gig on Saturday night has been hailed as “fabulous”, and it also had a heart as it helped a Readingbased arts centre hit its fundraising target.

The Big Vent Event at South Street arts centre saw four bands perform to a capacity crowd. But the event wasn’t in aid of that arts centre, but its near neighbour just up the road, the Rising Sun. It was organised by members of Dolly and the Clothespegs, one of the bands performing. Joining them were Captain Batgirl, The Pink Diamond Revue, Daughter of the Water, Damien A Passmore, and The Mark II. They performed on the main stage and the studio stage, making it feel like a mini-festival.

Larry Watson, manager of the Rising Sun, was thrilled that the event helped it complete its goal of raising enough money to pay for a special ventilation system designed to filter air particles so it can be a covid-safe venue.

“The Big Vent Event went really well,” Larry said. “The event itself was fabulous. The bands that were playing were amazing. The atmosphere was amazing. It was a really nice event and everybody seemed really happy – there was a lovely feeling about the place.”

The event raised more than the £1,000 Larry needed to complete his target, so the excess – thought to be around £600 – will go to the Berkshire Cancer Centre.

And the ventilation is already in place meaning it won’t be too long before the Rising Sun rises again.

“We got to a point where we judged that the appeal was going to get there, one way or another,” Larry says. “We felt we could spend the money on installing it because we were going to raise it.

“We’re obviously really grateful to South Street for hosting it, and for Dolly and the Clothespegs for doing all the work to organise it.”

With so many people turning out for a great night of music, Larry was thrilled to see the vote of confidence for the Rising Sun, which supports local artists, musicians and the community as a whole. Regular events include a poetry night, music nights, dance lessons and open mic sessions.

“Something that came out from the event was a kind of feeling that

people were there for us. Some of the musicians on stage even said that was why there were there, and we were important to them,” Larry says. “That was great to hear, from our point of view, and really nice.”

Of course, now that the current Plan B restrictions are phasing out, eyes are optimistically on what’s around the future. And with the ventilation in place that means events can start to return again.

“We are now working towards gradually getting our programme back up to full speed,” Larry says.

“We’re looking at recruiting and training new volunteers, because we come out of lockdown with slightly less volunteers than when we went in.

“We’re really just looking at our capacity as a result. Otherwise, we’re set to go.

“We’ll do it slowly, we’ll come out of lockdown steadily. We’re on track and we’re getting there.

“We’re doing some great events, and there’s some stuff in the programme – it’s looking good.”

Above: Captain Batgirl sings Top right: The Pink Diamond Revue entertains. Right, and below: Fun at the Great Big Vent Event

n To see what’s coming up, log on to www.risingsunartscentre.org

Your packed what’s on guide will return next week

28 | LIFE

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Sweet chilli prawn stir-fry

Simple tips that could help save on your fuel bills this winter

In the kitchen

F

ANCY a stir fry that’s packed with seafood, chunky greens and just the right amount of spice?

Try Love Seafood’s sweet chilli prawn stir fry, a delicious meal which will guarantee clean plates for under £10.

Blanching the broccoli in advance is a great tip, allowing the rest of the ingredients to be quickly stir fried without overcooking for an easy weeknight win.

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

A

S FUEL bills rise, a housebuilder has offered some tips on how to make homes more energy efficient – and environmentally friendly in the process.

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 and for more recipe inspiration visit www.loveseafood. co.uk.

Skill Level: Easy Serves: 4 Cooking time: 15 minutes cut into batons • 2 sachets (around 120g each) of sweet • 350-400g cooked and chilli stir fry sauce peeled king prawns • 1 head of broccoli, cut • 2 x 250g packs of ready-to-heat rice into bite size florets • 1 tbsp sesame or other • Sesame seeds, to garnish (optional) frying oil • 1 onion, sliced • 1-2 carrots (depending Method on size), peeled and 1. Boil or steam the

Ingredients

During the pandemic, working from home have meant domestic energy usage has increased and gas prices have more than quadrupled in the space of 12 months from December 2020.

Here are some ideas that could make a difference in the home:

Changing use of water habits

broccoli for around 2–3 minutes, then drain (if necessary) and set aside.

2. Heat the oil in a wok or large non-stick frying pan on a medium heat. Add the onions and fry for a few minutes, until they start to brown.

3. Add the carrots to the pan and stir-fry for a couple of minutes before adding the drained broccoli.

4. Next, add the prawns and the sweet chilli sauce, mixing together and heating for a few minutes

until the prawns are piping hot.

5. Prepare the rice according to the pack instructions and serve with the prawn stir fry, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, and your favourite condiments.

M

ANY of us promise to become more sustainable at the start of a new year, but how are we going to do that?

Whether it’s a tomato plant, lettuce, spinach, or carrots – opt for the New Year to be a year where you grow your own vegetables.

Not only might this knock some money off your grocery bills, but it’s also great to become more sustainable about what you’re eating.

Here are 11 steps from Sustainable Housebuilder of the Year 2021, Barratt Homes, on how to make your home and life eco-friendlier this year.

9. Looking for a new home?

An energy-efficient new-build will be a better option

1. Use bamboo toilet paper

2. Get better at recycling It’s hard to determine which items can be recycled and which items must go into the bin, so study the packaging closely to see what advice is given.

If you can’t find any answers, do a quick Google search to see if the item that you’re throwing away can be recycled.

For items such as clothes and household objects, if re-usable, donate them to a charity shop.

3. Unplug electricals when not in use Many of us are guilty of leaving lights and TVs on whilst we’re not around, or even having them on in

the background when not being used.

Not only is this wasting energy, but also adds to the cost of energy bills.

If you’re not around or not using an electrical appliance, then simply unplug it.

4. Turn off all plug sockets while you’re away

When it comes to going on holiday you could save energy by turning off all plug sockets completely. It could also help prevent a fire whilst you’re not around.

When it comes to the end of the month, you should have less money to pay for your energy bills too.

5. Hand wash clothes if you only have small pieces to wash Overusing a washing machine will simply add to your energy bills, especially if you are only washing a small handful of items.

Instead of putting a small load into a washing cycle, opt for handwashing

With the increase in people washing hands and sanitising to protect themselves from coronavirus, this leads to a direct increase in water usage, with hot water taking more energy to produce than cold water.

Research has proven that cold water is just as effective as hot water when it comes to killing the virus, so making the switch to cold water where possible will help to keep bills down.

Taking showers instead of baths can also make a tremendous difference when reducing how much water is used on a daily basis.

Other methods can also lead to reduced water bills, such as turning the tap off when brushing teeth, only using dishwashers and washing machines when they are full, throwing tissues in the bin rather than flushing them away and collecting rainwater to use to water any houseplants.

Switch-off, don’t stand-by

11 ways to live lightly

Using an alternative to toilet paper is something that most of us probably wouldn’t think of.

However, when it comes to trees and deforestation, lastobject. com said that to make 127 rolls of toilet paper (which is what one person in the UK uses annually), 27,000 trees are cut down to make them. Purchase bamboo toilet rolls instead of your supermarket-boughtbased rolls.

Bamboo is made from grass, and not a tree which means that bamboo paper is more eco-friendly.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

them instead, this uses much less water detergent and electricity.

With many people looking to move into a new home in 2022, a new build home will be much more energyefficient than purchasing or renting an old one.

An energy-efficient home might mean a cheaper mortgage, with some lenders offering ‘green mortgages’ to help with sustainability

6. Stop purchasing bottled water

10. Only use a dishwasher when its full

Instead, take a flask that you have at home, or re-use a plastic bottle.

If you’re at work for five days and purchase a bottle every day for lunch, that’s 240 plastic bottles you’re using a year. Instead, opt for reusable ones.

It takes 450 years for a plastic bottle to break down.

7. Contact places that send you letters rather than emails

Some shops and companies still bombard letterboxes with deals or reminders, but you can ask for them to be sent to your email rather than have them sent to you by post.

Having less junk mail sent to you is more environmentally friendly.

8. Start growing your own vegetables

Like a washing machine, you should only put on a dishwasher when it’s full, and even then, you should be putting it on an eco-setting.

A dishwashing cycle in an ecofriendly setting uses less water than washing up manually.

11. Eat seasonally and reduce food waste

Eat foods that are naturally in the harvest. For instance, this means eating sprouts in the winter and eating strawberries in the summer.

Purchasing leeks, parsnips, and swede are great winter harvest vegetables.

Equally, purchase wonky veg.

By doing so, you’re helping reduce food waste and become more sustainable.

Many may not realise but leaving electrical items on standby as opposed to turning them off completely can cost homeowners hundreds for items they aren’t even using.

Once the credits roll or the full time whistle blows and it’s time for bed, it may be better to start turning the plug sockets off at the wall instead of just leaving it on standby overnight until the following evening.

The same can be said for any chargers; even if the device is not plugged in to the charger, this will still use a little bit of energy and shorten the lifespan of the charger itself.

The worst offenders of all are games consoles.

Due to their built-in automatic standby modes, ‘quick start’ features and constant need to perform updates in the background, they will regularly consume a lot of energy when not being used.

Feeling the heat It may sound like something a grumpy parent may say, but putting on a jumper or an extra pair of socks instead of turning the heating up can make a huge difference to your monthly bills in the colder months.

This is not flawless – no-one can be expected to keep their heating off all winter on the coldest nights – but there are ways to make the most of the heating.

Ensuring radiators are unobstructed by furniture and bleeding them regularly can help rooms feel warmer at lower temperatures.

Rob Allen, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “It can save residents money, help protect the planet and teach our children about being environmentally friendly.

“With many people continuing to work from home, finding this balance is tougher than ever.

New-build homes are proven to be more energy efficient than older properties and we are constantly developing innovative and sustainable practices when building our developments.

“Our properties are expertly designed to comply with energy efficiency regulations. They are built with superior insulation, ensuring the heat stays in your home and energy consumption is minimised, meaning modern living and working from home is easy and manageable.”

YOUR BRILLIANT GRASSROOTS SPORT NEWSPAPER READING EDITION

26.01.22

ANOTHER DEFEAT FOR MEN’S TEAM

RECORDBREAKING WOMEN CONTINUE WINNING STREAK

THE FAB FOUR

BEST FOR HOCKEY

BOARS CLIP THE KESTRELS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC WOMEN made club history on Sunday after they turned the game around to beat Birmingham City.

Looking to make it four Women’s Super League wins on the bounce for the first ever time, Reading got off to a poor start at the Select car Leasing Stadium when the Blues took a shock lead in the third minute.

Birmingham looked determined to end Reading’s winning run and kickstart their season when they added a second.

But Kelly Chambers’ side fought back with a goal before half-time through Justine Vanheaevermaet.

A spirited second-half display saw the Royals fly out of the traps and turn the game on its head within 10 minutes of the restart.

Natasha Dowie netted from the penalty spot to level the match before Emma Harries scored with a spectacular volley in what turned out to be the game winning moment.

Reading sit in sixth position in the WSL table after their superb run of form.

Reading captain Natasha Harding said: “It wasn’t pretty by all means, but these women dig in and grind out results when backs are against the wall.

“Never say die attitude.

Demanding peopleto bring their best in that moment, make it all count.

“Onto the next one. Enjoy this Royals.” n Full match report, pictures and reaction on page 20 & 21

RAMS LOSE OUT AGAINST LEEDS

TRIBUTES PAID TO BINFIELD’S CHRISTIAN TRIBUTES have poured in from the football community after the death of Binfield FC player Christian Rowe.

The 19-year-old died following a road traffic accident.

Rowe joined Binfield on loan from Slough and played in a County Cup match at Long Crendon as recently as last week.

A statement released by Binfield FC reads: “It is with a heavy heart that we write to all our football friends, players, managers, members and volunteers to share the devastating news that one of our current first team players, Christian Rowe, has sadly passed away while travelling home after our Berks & Bucks County Cup fixture on Wednesday evening last week.

“Christian had only recently joined up with our first team and represented the club five times.

“He was a hugely talented player and quickly earned the respect of his fellow players, fans and our management team here at Binfield FC. “A 19-year-old young man, Christian had quickly established himself as an extremely popular and capable member of our first team here at Binfield FC. “We are all devastated by the news of his passing and we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Christian’s family, friends, Slough Town FC and all that knew him.

“A wonderful talent and popular young man, we will always hold a special memory of Christian here at Binfield FC.” The statement ends: “Our thoughts are with all of Christian’s family and loved ones at this difficult and hugely painful time.

“Sending you all our love and thoughts. Binfield Football Club.”

18 | SPORT

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Leeds Tykes v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield

RUGBY UNION

AGONISING DEFEAT RAMS LOSE LEAD AS TYKES PUNISH AT THE SYCAMORES Leeds Tykes v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield

RUGBY UNION

VISITORS TO TAKE THE POINTS

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

DISAPPOINTED Rams Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds was left frustrated after his side were unable to back up an encouraging first-half display in a narrow 25-22 reverse at Leeds Tykes.

The visitors made a sensational start with tries from debutant Charlie Robson – with his first touch in National One – and Tom Vooght, added to by a Drew Humberstone conversion giving them a 12-0 lead.

Charlie Venables added the extras to a Jake Brady score to cut the gap, but Max Hayman and Connor Hayhow crossed to wrap up the try bonus-point and send Rams into the break 22-7 in front.

With conditions and an increasingly vocal crowd in

their favour, tries from Matt Burke and Alex Pleasants, along with eight points from the boot of Venables snuck Leeds in front in the 79th minute before they held on for the win.

Reynolds said: “I thought our energy was excellent early on and we started very well.

“We got into the game and took the platform of good field position and played some decent rugby, going out into a lead.

“I don’t know if at half-time we thought we had enough, because there was a lot of rugby left to be played and the slope is quite prominent.

“We perhaps didn’t play the rugby I’d have expected us to play in the second half – we needed to get a couple more scores and my one criticism of our game management would probably be we were

Leeds Tykes v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield

looking to see the game out with 15 minutes to go.

“It was a bit naïve, there are things to work on, but these things happen.”

He continued: “(Overall) I think Leeds thoroughly deserved it. They had good intent in the first half up the hill and into a little bit of a breeze, and they got a good score.

“At the scrum I thought they stayed in the fight well – we had moments of dominance, but they actually secured their side up pretty well.

“Our front row did a good job, and I thought Charlie was excellent all game, but it wasn’t to be.”

The game bore a frustrating likeness to the last-play 18-17 defeat at Taunton Titans back in October and Reynolds admitted his troops must learn to kill off possible home

comebacks before they gain momentum.

He said: “You’ve got to try and shut it down by continuing to do what you do well and we stopped doing that.

“We almost slowed our own game down at times and we’ve seen it before where sometimes you can have a platform at scrum and maul, and then breaking out from that is hard to do.

“There were moments in the first half when we did play and we looked good and we needed to keep doing that. But we weren’t able to and that’s the way it goes sometimes.”

Rams host Taunton Titans this Saturday (3pm) and supporters are asked to pre-purchase tickets through the club’s website – www. ramsrugby.com – in order to make entry to the ground as smooth as possible.

Leeds Tykes v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS slipped to an agonising 25-22 defeat as Leeds Tykes produced a rollicking second-half comeback to take the honours at The Sycamores.

The visitors made a dream start and took the lead in the opening minute as 19-year-old wing Charlie Robson scored with his first touch in National One, receiving the ball some 30 metres out following a brilliant Steffan James break before showing his terrific speed to touch down on the right.

Drew Humberstone landed an excellent touchline conversion, and things got even better for Rams shortly after as the outstanding Tom Vooght charged down an attempted clearing box kick and gathered the ball before running in on the left.

The conversion attempt drifted wide, and Leeds then responded as they gained strong field position with a rolling maul which was ultimately held up just short, only for second row Jake Brady to burrow over from close range.

Charlie Venables added the extras, but Rams then took a strong grip on the game with two tries before the break.

Firstly, having won a couple of penalties in the Tykes’ 22, they kicked to the corner and powered over with a maul, hooker Max Hayman the beneficiary for his second try in as many weeks.

The bonus-point was secured in somewhat bizarre fashion as a dominant scrum had Leeds retreating towards their own line,

only for the ball to squirt out into midfield.

However, Connor Hayhow chipped the ball behind the line and dived on it for a score which made it 22-7 at the break, both attempted conversions drifting left of the uprights.

Playing down the slope, Tykes came out flying and despite some good goal-line defence from the visitors, they eventually conceded a penalty in front of the posts which Venables kicked.

A magnificent break from Robson, who dashed 40 metres towards the line, was halted inside the Leeds’ 22 as the hosts breathed a sigh of relief, and they then clawed their way further into the game with a second try.

Having pounded away at the Rams’ line, the ball came loose and was hacked downfield by Caolan Englefield, only for Tykes to regain it in their own 22 and go the length of the field before Xavier Valentine barged over after a number of phases.

Another close range try from Alex Pleasants levelled the scores, only for a magnificent Ollie Cole charge down to stop Venables’ straight-forward conversion going over.

However, Leeds were not to be denied, and with the momentum behind them, were awarded a soft decision for a raised foot at a scrum in midfield.

They then won a penalty for not rolling away with a minute to play, and with Venables this time on target, took a lead which they saw out by claiming the restart and booting the ball out.

19 | SPORT

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

COMBINED COUNTIES

SINGH DOUBLE SEES BOARS BEAT KESTRELS

By MARK ROZZIER sport@wokingham.today

Joe Pantony strides down the wing

Harinder Singh Hunjan scored twice as Eversley beat Woodley Pictures: Richard Milam

Ali Dickie finds the net for Eversley’s third

Woodley defend a goal mouth scramble

Ross McKernan and Gary Smith in an aerial duel

AGAINST high flying Eversley California, United gave a much improved performance from that of the previous week only to go down to three goals conceded from set pieces.

Goalkeeper Max Reid was called into action as early as the second minute when he used his body well to block an attempted shot in a high tempo opening.

The visiting keeper, Henry Pidgeon, was called upon to clear the ball with his feet, Reid blocked another shot with Ben Anderson putting wide following a low cross from Ciaran Carolan, all in the opening 10 minutes.

Eversley took the lead in the 14th minute when Harinder Singh Hunjan strucka free kick from the left hand side that curled his inside the left top corner of Reid’s goal.

Anderson saw a tame shot easily saved by Pidgeon in the 24th minute before Caleb Lucas beat teammate Imani Likita to the ball to prod home from close range three minutes later.

Carolan beat Pidgeon in a one-on-one with the ball finding Anderson whose goal bound shot was cleared to safety by a covering defender.

Reid was called upon to save well for a corner as the half ended but could do nothing a minute into stoppage time when Singh scored with another sensational free kick.

Two minutes into the second half Anderson put over the cross bar from a Rafa Brandao cross but the opening period of the half saw Woodley slow to get into the game with the half-time break seeming to disrupt the team’s momentum.

The deciding goal came in 53rd minute when Ali Dickie reacted quickest to United clearing a corner and was allowed to control and fire a low shot inside Reid’s far post.

Woodley gradually got back into the game with Brando forcing Pidgeon to parry and then block the winger’s follow up shot in the 66th minute.

Carolan, Brandao and Anderson created a good chance that was cleared while Lucas had a low cross go across the visitor’s goal line and to safety as the ball narrowly avoided the oncoming Woodley forwards.

With the game nearing full-time Singh was denied a hat trick with Reid making a low one handed save for a corner but with Eversley retaining the ball well, United were denied possession as the game wound down to enable the Boars continue their long unbeaten run.

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

FINCH OVERTAKE BURGHFIELD TO CLAIM TOP SPOT Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD soared to the top of the table after they beat Wraysbury.

Alex Woodhead, Ethan Simons and Connor Richardson got on the scoresheet to earn all three points for Finch in a 3-2 victory.

They now lead the division, one point in front of Burghfield and have a game in hand left to play.

BURGHFIELD dropped down to second after they were held by READING CITY U23’s.

Teoman Atik netted for Burghfield to ensure they picked up a point to stay in the title fight.

WARGRAVE added a point to their tally with a 2-2 draw away at Marlow United.

Sam Wild notched a brace to help his team to a point to put them up to sixth in the standings.

READING YMCA fell to a 4-1 away defeat to Windlesham & Chobham, while WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS lost

out 4-0 at home to Yateley United.

Combined Counties Division One BERKS COUNTY went down to a heavy home defeat against FC Deportivo Galicia.

They scored a late consolation goal but the Swords were beaten 5-1.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED stay at the foot of the table after they shipped three goals without reply away at Abingdon Town.

The Kestrels are in the midst of a difficult run that has seen them pick up just three points from 11 league games so far this campaign.

Southern Region Women’s Division One South

Ross McKernan challenges Woodley goalkeeper Reid EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were edged out at home by bottom side Milton United.

The 3-2 triumph for the away side means that they are now level on points with Eversley with two games in hand to play.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One CAVERSHAM UNITED climbed up to sixth in the table after they picked up three points against Mortimer.

Luke Farrugia and Harinder Singh Hunjan compete

Stacey Butler opened the scoring for the Billygoats and Rosie Page-Smith wrapped up victory with a second late in the second-half to secure a 2-0 success.

TILEHURST PANTHERS conceded five without reply in their home loss to Long Crendon.

WARGRAVE came up short in a thrilling 10-goal contest against Penn & Tylers Green.

Millie Bilcliff, Sian Blissett and Hannah Sheehan scored for Wargrave but they lost out 7-3.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

S4K BERKS COUNTY continue their domination at the summit of the division after they hit six past Thatcham & Newbury Town.

Megan Cox earned a hat-trick, Kiah Owen hit a brace and Grace Belstone added to the score to secure a 6-1 win.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES were victims of a heavy 7-0 home loss to Rushmoor Community.

CAVERSHAM AFC stay in midtable after they earned a draw on their travels to Goring United.

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TWO DOWN, THREE UP: ROY WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

HOW THEY RATED

READING 3 BIRMINGHAM CITY 2 GRACE MOLONEY

Had to be stretchered off after a nasty looking collision. Thankfully the club provided an update to confirm that she is ok.

FAYE BRYSON

A tricky start to the game as the Royals went two behind but got forward well when chasing goals to get back in the contest.

NATASHA HARDING

A much better collective defensive display in the second-half but was exposed particularly for Birmingham’s second goal.

GEMMA EVANS

Will be disappointed with the two Birmingham goals as Reading conceded early on from a set piece after failing to organise sufficiently.

LILY WOODHAM

Her brilliantly struck free-kick found the head of Vanhaevermaet who looped a header past the keeper to get the game back on track.

JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET Got on the scoresheet with a towering header moments before the break which proved to be the turning point in the contest.

SANNE TROELSGAARD

Showed her experience that came into play when Reading took control of the game in the second-half after a shaky opening 45 minutes.

AMALIE EIKELAND

An energetic display down the left where she provided plenty of vigour in attack when the Royals had to chase the game.

EMMA HARRIES

Her tenacious work won the penalty and she sent a carefully placed volley into the top corner to win the match.

DEANNA ROSE

Her pace behind the Birmingham defence caused them all kinds of problems and her cross set up Emma Harries for the winning goal.

NATASHA DOWIE

Made amends after her missed penalty last week by stepping up to the spot and confidently dispatching her kick to level the game.

Subs Rhiannon Stewart 6

5 6 6 6 7 7 7 6 9 8 7

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC WOMEN overturned a two-goal deficit to make it four consecutive wins in the Women’s Super League.

The Blues took the lead inside three minutes through Gemma Lawley and the league’s bottom side shocked their opponents further when Jade Pennock netted.

But the Royals didn’t let that deter them and turned the game on its head with goals from Justine Vanhaevermaet, Natasha Dowie and Emma Harries to take maximum points.

Kelly Chambers’ team went in the game hoping to make it a clubrecord four wins on the bounce in the WSL, while Birmingham were looking to lift themselves off the bottom of the table.

Birmingham took a shock lead in the third minute with the first clear cut chance of the game when Lawley rose highest from the corner to power a header past Grace Moloney.

In a frustrating opening to the game for Reading, they were unable to forge too many chances to try and get back level as Birmingham bosses the game and enjoyed the majority of possession.

The Blues then added to their lead in the 35th minute when Pennock got on the end of Libby Smith’s through ball and poked the ball past Moloney to put Darren Carter’s side in an unfamiliar position of being two goals to the good.

Following the incident that led to Birmingham’s, there was great

Reading celebrate Harries’ winner

Dowie scores from the penalty spot

Amalie Eikeland flies into a tackle

Team stats Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Harding, Evans, Woodham, Troelsgaard, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland, Harries, Rose, Dowie Subs: Stewart, Roberts, Lister, Baigent, MacDonald, Primmer, Poulter Birmingham City: Ramsey, Lawley, Quinn, Scott, Finn, Quinn, Murray, Sarri, Holloway, Smith, Pennock Subs: Robertson, Ewens, Whipp, Ryan-Doyle, Whelan, Jenner, Jones, Cowie, Worsey Goals: Lawley 3’, Pennock 36’, Vanhaevermaet 45+4’, Dowie (pen) 48’, Harries 55’

Vanhaevermaet scores with a header concern after goalkeeper Moloney stayed down after a collision with Pennock.

A long break in play followed as the Royals keeper received treatment from the medical team and had to be stretchered off the field of play and was replaced by backup goalkeeper Rhiannon Stewart.

With plenty of work to do to claw the game back in their favour, the Royals gave the home crowd at the Select Car Leasing

Reading Women made it four WS something to cheer as they grabbed a beacon of hope to get back in the game before half-time.

In the first minute of stoppage time before the break, Justine Vanhaevermaet towered above the Blues defence to latch onto the end of Lily Woodham’s inviting cross from a free-kick and looped a header beyond goalkeeper Emily Ramsey.

Reading came out all guns blazing afte the restart in search of getting back on level terms and

REACTION

CHAMBERS PRAISES TEAM’S ‘MENTAL STRENGTH’

READING FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers hailed her team’s ‘mental strength’ after they came from behind to beat Birmingham City.

Despite the victory, Chambers was displeased with the performance from her team in the first-half after they went two goals behind before bringing the game back.

“The first half was nowhere near good enough, especially when you compare it to the last six or seven games,” said Chambers.

“Obviously the Grace injury was disappointing, but it gave us the time to regroup and try to find something in that little period before half-time.

“We were fortunate to get that goal which was massive for us at half-time.

“We didn’t match them in the first-half, the fight, grit, determination. All things we know we are better at, and that showed in the second-half.”

However, it was a contrasting second-half display from the Royals who made sure they extended their winning streak with goals from Natasha Dowie and Emma Harries.

Chambers continued: “Going into the second-half, we had to change a few things and fair play to the girls they absolutely delivered and got the three points we needed.

“The mental strength is what the group have got at the minute.

“They are a bunch of winners and show it every single day on the training pitch fighting for one another.

“After analysing the first-half, we managed to find a few areas we wanted to exploit, using those wide areas and when we are blessed with the pace of Emma (Harries and Deanne (Rose), they were brilliant running those channels and both were rewards in making the goals.

“Emma has come on leaps and

bounds, and it’s so good to see someone who has been with us since eight years old putting in the performances she has recently.

“She has always been someone who wanted to be the best version of herself on the pitch, constantly looking at ways to improve.

“After winning the penalty and scoring that goal, we are really starting to see how good she is and still can be.

“I said to her after the game her performances are outstanding and if she keeps going, she is going to be unplayable.”

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YALS COMPLETE COMEBACK Deanne Rose gets down the wing

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

A diverse view on divers

I Dowie powers past her marker The Royals

SL wins in a row with a comeback win Pictures: Neil Graham they wasted no time in their quest.

Two minutes into the second half, the referee pointed to the penalty spot to award Reading a spot kick after Emma Harries’ tricky work in the box saw her tripped.

Having missed her last penalty at home to Leicester City, Natasha Dowie stepped up to make amends and did exactly that by confidently dispatching the ball into the right corner to level the game with plenty of time remaining.

With the momentum now firmly in their grasp, Reading took advantage of their intense start to the half and found themselves in front not long after the equaliser.

Completing a remarkable turnaround, Harries got on the Eikeland brings the ball under control

Vanhaevermaet celebrates her goal

Birmingham take an early lead

Emma Harries dribbles forward

scoresheet with the pick of the bunch in what turned out to be the winning goal.

Deanne Rose got down the left touchline and dinked in a cross towards the Reading academy product who connected on the volley with a sublime finish that found the top left hand corner.

The hosts could have had a fourth when Evans was first to meet Woodham’s corner, but she was denied by Ramsey in the Blues goal.

The next chance then came the way of Sanne Troelsgaard after Faye Bryson delivered a well placed

corner, but the midfielder got a tad too much on her header that flew over the bar.

Birmingham came close to grabbing a n equaliser when RyanDoyle looked to poach on a chance at the back post, but Troelsgaard was excellently placed to make a vital challenge.

Reading held onto their lead to take the points to continue their fantastic form to put them in sixth place on 19 points after four straight victories in the league.

The Royals are in FA Women’s Cup action next weekend away at Brighton & Hove Albion.

PREVIEW

UP FOR THE CUP: SEAGULLS AWAIT IN CUP CLASH

READING FC WOMEN are looking to translate their league form into the cup when they take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.

The Royals take on fellow Women’s Super League side Brighton in the FA Women’s Cup fourth round.

Kelly Chambers’ Reading side have been in exceptional form in the league as they made it a record breaking fourth league win in a row on Sunday.

Reading are sixth in the Women’s

Super League table and face the side just two places below them in the standings.

The Seagulls are on 16 points from 12 matches after they made a promising start to the campaign, however their recent form has seen them slip down the table.

Reading instigated Brighton’s downturn in results when they defeated them 2-0 at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in November with goals from Natasha Dowie and Emma Harries.

Going into last weekend, Hope Powell’s side six games on the spin in all competitions, including a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City and a disappointing 1-0 away loss at Leicester City.

Facing a tricky test at home to current WSL champions Chelsea, Brighton put up a resilient front to end their losing streak by holding the Blues to a goalless draw.

Despite Chelsea having 26 shots in total, they managed just five

on target and were subsequently frustrated by Brighton who put a dent in Emma Hayes’ team’s title hopes as they missed out on the chance to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal.

Reading have already been knocked out of the FA WSL Cup this season when they exited from the group stages after a penalty shootout loss to Lewes.

The Royals also fell out of the FA Cup at this stage last campaign when they were eliminated by Tottenham Hotspur 3-2.

’VE been reading a couple of books by two former England centre forwards.

My granddaughter gave me Chris Sutton’s book You’re Better Than That for Christmas and I treated myself to Peter Crouch’s How To Be A Footballer.

Two very different books.

Sutton devotes a whole chapter to diving, which he abhors, calling for the football authorities to properly punish the divers.

On his Radio 5 Live programme, they had a session called The Simulation Game, in which, Chris and his co-host, Ali Bruce-Ball, named and shamed the players, who by their theatrical tumbles that week, they felt had brought the game into disrepute.

Calling it simply cheating, he wanted a three-match ban, wondering why they hadn’t been caught on the VAR’s cameras.

Peter Crouch in his much-acclaimed book, doesn’t look much at playing the game, but at top flight players way of living, such as their cars, their weird haircuts and dodgy tattoos, as well as blowing the gaff on transfers, of which he had more than his fair share.

However, in his newspaper column, he claimed referees were responsible for the amount of diving.

Players knew if they didn’t go down after a tackle, referees would play on, so it was their way to get justice.

Of course, according to the law, it is a foul even if the tackle doesn’t bring the player down, as it says, ‘trips or attempts to trip’.

There is another aspect, which I doubt whether even many referees are aware of.

In the book containing the Laws of the Game, there is a Glossary with a 2020 addition stating, ‘a holding offence occurs only when a player’s contact with an opponent’s body or equipment, impedes the player’s movement’.

Should referees therefore only punish a trip, if it actually brings the opponent down?

Also, for diving to be an offence, the player must be attempting to deceive the referee.

Peter Crouch suggests that players only dive to influence the referee. Is this the same as deceiving?

I remember attending a training session with David Elleray of the IFAB. He invited a helper to walk across in front of him.

When he reached him, David stuck out his foot and the poor unsuspecting helper fell over it on to the floor. We all gasped, but David asked, did you notice what he did with his hands?. ‘He put them out to protect his fall’, we all cried out. Correct, said David but when they dive, players invariably put their hands above their heads. On so many occasions since, I have seen that proved correct.

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George Puscas celebrates his first league goal of the season

Made an absolute mess for Huddersfield’s third goal. Dropped what should have been a routine catch at the feet of Danny Ward.

ANDY YIADOM

Back for the first time since returning from AFCON. Got forward well in the first-half but wasn’t always switched on defensively.

TOM HOLMES

Wasn’t at fault individually for any of the four goals but was part of a collectively poor defensive display from the team.

MICHAEL MORRISON

Made some vital blocks to prevent what could have been an even worse day at the back. Also got on the scoresheet.

JOSH LAURENT

Dropped into a back three as a centre-back where didn’t always look comfortable. An improved second-half and went close.

BABA RAHMAN

Got forward well early on and slotted a nice through ball to set up Lucas Joao’s goal. Defensively shaky, as were the entirety of the team.

DANNY DRINKWATER

Another disappointing display.

Didn’t provide enough cover for his defence.

ANDY RINOMHOTA

Making an impact since returning from injury. Works tirelessly regardless of where he’s asked to play.

JOHN SWIFT

A really nice through pass to Puscas who found the net. Had a couple of nice strikes at goal, much better than recent performances.

GEORGE PUSCAS

Easily his best performance of the season, Worked hard, made intelligent runs and finally got off the mark in the league with a fine finish

LUCAS JOAO

Showed the team what they’ve been missing during his absence.

Provided a physical threat and started the scoring in the fifth minute.

ROYALS FALL SHORT IN G SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated

LUKE SOUTHWOOD

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, January 26, 2022

3 5 4 6 4 5 4 6 6 8 8

READING 3 HUDDERSFIELD 4

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING fell to a fourth consecutive Championship defeat after a frantic goal packed match against Huddersfield Town at home.

Lucas Joao gave the Royals an ideal start by putting them in front after just five minutes.

But in a first-half packed with goals, Huddersfield twice had the lead but were snuffed out just before the break by Michael Morrison’s header.

One goal in the second-half was enough to win the game for the visitors as Danny Ward hit a sensational strike to seal his hattrick.

Reading are now winless at home in their last nine matches.

Lucas Joao was named up front alongside George Puscas in his first start of the season, while Andy Yiadom and Baba Rahman returned to the starting eleven after their early exit from the African Cup of Nations.

Veljko Paunovic’s side went into the contest without a win in their last eight home matches, leaving them just a place outside of the relegation zone, while Huddersfield were unbeaten in their last five away trips.

A change of shape from Wednesday’s defeat to Luton Town saw Josh Laurent drop into a back three with Tom Holmes and captain Michael Morrison.

The change in formation benefitted the Royals when Baba Rahman got forward and slotted a pass through to Lucas Joao, and the striker took a touch into his stride and then fired the ball in for the opener.

Huddersfield looked to hit back

Rahman and Laurent challenge instantly but Morrison got in the way with two vital blocks.

But with luck going against the Royals, Huddersfield found the net when Danel Sinani’s shot from the edge of the box took a wicked deflection off Morrison to find its way in.

The Terriers turned the game on its head with a quick turnaround when they took the lead in the 15th minute. Morrison got his body in the way of two shots but it wasn’t enough as the ball dropped for Danny Ward who stroked it past Luke Southwood into the corner.

But the frantic action continued at each end and it wasn’t long before Reading levelled the game.

John Swift opened up the Huddersfield defence to slide a through ball to Puscas who charged into the box and arrowed an excellent finish into the far corner to score his first Championship goal of the season.

Just two minutes after squaring the game, Reading found themselves behind again in a relentless opening 25 minutes at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Southwood came out to pluck the ball from the air from Huddersfield’s free-kick, but he dropped the ball on his landing straight at the feet of Ward who was left with an easy tap- in for his second of the afternoon.

The visitors were slicing open

John Swift looks to pick a pass

Reading suffer defeat after

Team stats Reading: Southwood, Yiadom, Holmes, Morrison (c), Rahman, Laurent, Drinkwater, Rinomhota, Swift, Joao, Puscas Subs: Holden, Bristow, Ashcroft, Bashiru, Hoilett, Camara, Clarke

Dele-

Huddersfield: Nicholls, Pipa, Toffolo, Pearson, Hogg (c), O’Brien, Koroma, Thomas, Sinani, Ward, Lees Subs: Bilokapic, Rhodes, Ruffels, Turton, Sarr, Rowe, Russell Goals: Joao 5’, Sinani 9’, Ward 15’,25’, 53’, Puscas 23’

the Reading defence at will and threatened to bag a fourth but Tom Holmes did superbly to protect his goalkeeper with a last ditch block.

The scoring wasn’t done yet for the half which saw the Royals net an equaliser just before the break in a breathless first-half.

Morrison got on the end of Swift’s corner and found the net via a deflection to wrap up an astounding first 45 minutes.

The goalscoring action was far from done and Huddersfield picked up where they left off in the firsthalf.

Just seven minutes after the restart, Ward scored a stunner

REACTION

PAUNOVIC: ‘THIS HAS BEEN A HORRIBLE MONTH’ READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic said there was ‘improvement’ despite his team’s defeat to Huddersfield Town.

The Royals went down to a fourth loss on the bounce in a goal packed game where they lost 4-3.

“Overall it was better than the last games in this horrible month,” said Paunovic.

“We improved our cohesion and were more aggressive from the start.

“But unfortunately our problems in defence and as a whole team are still here.

“The improvement we have seen in our team today is in attack.

“The guys that worked in the front line worked very well and that’s something we’re looking to build on.

“The whole block is still shaky.

When we close down one side, sometimes we are late to jump on their midfielders and late to close forwards.

“We have to be more solid and compact and that will come with a few more performances.

“This has been a horrible month.

We are competing with teams in a

better shape than us, and it’s looking like pre-season.”

Paunovic praised forward George Puscas after he found his first Championship goal of the season.

He continued: “It was his best performance today since I’ve been here with a good goal and a fantastic mentality to fight.

“He worked very hard and put a lot of pressure on their defence.

Paunovic also commented on the club captaincy situation at the club.

“It’s a fluid situation but he (Michael Morrison) is the next one we think is capable of leading this team because he knows the environment, the positives and negatives we have and knows how to deal with it.”

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GOAL-FILLED ENCOUNTER

From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen

A switch to two up top

V

Danny Ward nets his second goal of the game

a goal fest at the Select Car Leasing Stadium Pictures: Steve Smyth to notch his hat-trick. From just outside the box, he let fly with an unstoppable shot that flew into the top corner.

Reading pressed to find another leveller when Morrison and Holmes both came close from a corner.

With 20 minutes left, Andy Rinomhota crossed for Josh Laurent, but the midfielder miscued his volley that dribbled wide.

The Terriers had a chance to seal the game with a fifth goal on the break when Sorba Thomas burst down the right. But instead of squaring the ball to tee up his teammate, he struck for goal and was stopped by a strong Southwood

Baba Rahman assists the opener save..

Reading’s first switch saw Junior Hoilett replace Laurent as Paunovic’s men pushed hard to get a result with just 15 minutes left on

George Puscas finds the net the clock.

Puscas had another sniff at goal with a tricky chance but didn’t connect properly with a volley that sailed high and wide.

Tom Dele-Bashiru entered the pitch for the final five minutes.

The hosts dominated the ball in search of a fourth goal, but were frustrated as Huddersfield held on to claim three points.

Reading remain in 21st position, just three points above the relegation zone after their fourth consecutive loss.

The Royals are back in Championship action next weekend away at Queens Park Rangers.

Luke Southwood

PREVIEW

READING MAKE TRIP TO PROMOTION HOPEFULS QPR READING are seeking to end a miserable run of four straight defeats in the Championship when they travel to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.

The Royals are struggling at the bottom end of the table and in the midst of a relegation battle where they sit just one place and three points above 22nd placed Peterborough.

However, Reading could be in further danger if Peterborough are able to take advantage of their two games in hand.

Veljko Paunovic’s team are in dreadful form which has seen

them go eight games without a win with their leaky defence costing them points.

Reading have now conceded the joint most amount of goals in the entire division (51).

Meanwhile, QPR are fighting at the other end of the table and in the hunt for promotion after their impressive form of late.

Rangers have won their last four Championship matches which puts them up to fourth.

They are just two points off an automatic promotion spot with a game in hand to

play on all three sides above them.

Mark Warbuton’s team have won three away games on the bounce with the same scoreline, the latest being a 2-1 away victory at Coventry City on Saturday.

Albert Adomah secured the points with an 88th minute winner to continue their rise up the table.

Late winners have been a theme in recent games for QPR as Charlie Austin netted an 89th minute decisive goal in a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in

their last match at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium QPR snatched a last gasp point earlier in the season on their visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium as late goals from Andre Gray and Stefan Johansen saw the points shared in a 3-3 draw after John Swift’s hat-trick wasn’t enough for Reading.

Meanwhile, it was Reading who enjoyed the jubilation of a late winner on their last trip to QPR when Michael Olise hit a stunning strike in the 89th minute to take the points in December 2020.

ELJKO Paunovic deserved credit where it was due last Saturday for naming the team he did for Reading’s clash against Huddersfield Town.

After four successive defeats, the Serbian had to change something in the way that the Royals set up. And so he did, naming two strikers – Lucas Joao and George Puscas – in the starting line-up. It was only the fifth time under Paunovic that the two had begun a game together.

Paunovic was also boosted by the returning Andy Yiadom and Baba Rahman at full-back, back from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier than expected after Ghana’s shock group stage exit.

In part, the change in system clearly worked. After two home games without scoring, Reading found the net inside five minutes against the Terriers through Joao, assisted by Rahman.

There was a goal for Puscas too – his first in 28 Championship games since April 2021 – highlighting how the Romanian performs considerably better in a front two than as a lone striker.

The problems came at the other end of the pitch, as four goals went past Luke Southwood.

The defence remained open and easily penetrable, as if Reading had learned nothing from their woeful display in this season’s reverse fixture when Huddersfield stuck four past them at the John Smith’s Stadium in August.

Thus, ultimately, Reading were beaten again.

And that is all that really matters.

Yes, there were signs of improvement, but right now the Royals just need to stop the rot results-wise and scoring three goals is futile if you’re going to concede four.

Until Reading win a game, or at the very least keep a clean sheet, the statistics are only going to point to a team in deep trouble.

We’ve seen Reading lose in every way possible this month. We’ve had the embarrassing cup exit to non-league opposition, the humiliating thrashing on home turf, the last-minute defeat after being ahead, the loss with a complete lack of effort and now the utterly chaotic seven-goal thriller.

With a trip to Queens Park Rangers to come this weekend – a side who have won four matches in a row and sit fourth in the table – it is no longer a question of whether Reading will lose.

It is by how many.

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HOCKEY

READING TAKE POINTS AGAINST SONNING Reading (red) and Sonning (blue) compete for the ball

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Women’s Premier 1 READING 2 collected three points after their short trip to face SONNING in a local derby.

In a five-goal contest, Reading ensured they maintained their lead at the top of the table with a 3-2 victory.

Reading are two points in front at the top having played a game more than second placed Oxford Hawks.

Meanwhile, Sonning are down in ninth with 13 points from 12 games.

Sonning are in seventh on 20, but remarkably just two points behind Reading in a tightly contested top half of the table.

READING 4s and SONNING 2s shared the points after they couldn’t be separated.

The 1-1 draw leaves Reading still in the hunt for the title where they trail league leaders Amersham & Chalfont 2s by just two points.

South Central Women’s Division 3 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s fell to their sixth league defeat of the season at home to Marlow.

South Berks are now in eighth position after collecting 11 points from 11 games.

Sonning Ladies 1s v Reading Ladies 2s Pictures: Steve Smyth

South Central Men’s Premier 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE put a point on the board after their stalemate with Witney.

The 2-2 draw leaves South Berks in sixth on 16 points from 12 games.

South Central Men’s Division 1 SONNING suffered defeat at

TABLE TENNIS

KINGFISHER EDGE CLOSER TO TITLE

By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today KINGFISHER A all but wrapped up the division 1 title after a comprehensive 9-1 win against nearest rivals Our Lady of Peace A 9-1.

Hari Gehlot and Martin Adams both starred with hat tricks, Hari just holding off Sam Ricks 11-8 9-11 11-9 11-13 11-8. For OLOP Sam managed a 14-12 11-5 15-13 win over Darren Jones.

SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B and TILEHURST RBL A battled out a 5-5 draw, Jamie Barlow with a treble for Sonning Common while for Tilehurst Keith Winter won twice, Jon Willis managed a win over Nigel Maltby and John Willcocks defeated Brian Meheux.

At the bottom SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD C boosted their chances of staying up by gaining a fine 7-3 win at KINGFISHER C, Ed Lush with a good treble, supporting by doubles from Matt Stone and Matt Isherwood.

Emanuel Sandu picked up

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 3-4 Huddersfield Town Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 1-2 Southall

Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 1-1 Reading City U23’s Finchampstead 3-2 Wraysbury Marlow United 2-2 Wargrave Windlesham & Chobham 4-1 Reading YMCA Woodley United Royals 0-4 Yateley United

Reading come forward with possession

South Central Women’s Division 2

Saturday, January 22

Combined Counties Division One Berks County 1-5 FC Deportivo Galicia Woodley United 1-3 Eversley & California

South Central Women’s Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE were on the end of a home defeat at the hands of Phoenix & Ranelagh.

South Berks are seventh in the table with 15 points from 11 matches.

RESULTS

two wins for the Kingfisher outfit.

In Division 2 KINGFISHER F beat club mates KINGFISHER G 7-3, climbing two places to take fourth spot, Ajai Kamath defeating Satej Jaywant then Mick Mitcham and finally Hamid Mohseni, to record his maximum, while team mates Roger Pritchard and Eapen John only lost to Satej.

Roger denied his treble in narrowly losing 11-13 11-7 11-7 9-11 11-13.

OUR LADY OF PEACE B defeated TILEHURST METHODISTS A 6-4, Dave Godfrey beating Eric Van Looy 12-10 11-13 13-11 8-11 11-7 but then losing his final set against Phil Jones, which denied him a treble, Alistair Richardson earning his win in a close contest with Phil, emerging victorious 9-11 10-12 11-8 11-7 12-10, Darek Kaminski beating Jes Eassom and Phil.

Methodists’ other point courtesy of Jes, who beat Alistair.

TIDMARSH B had a creditable 5-5 draw with

READING FC A, Dale Ballard and Barry Carter both losing to Mike Childs, although they each defeated Wayne Alleyne and Tony Alleyne, with team mate Mike Aistrop losing to Tony 9-11 8-11 11-5 11-2 7-11 but subsequently beating Wayne.

Despite Pradeep Desh recording a treble, OUR LADY OF PEACE C could only draw 5-5 with KINGFISHER E, Binit Bhaskar helping the points tally with a singles victory over Luca Bianchi and a doubles victory, with team mate Pradeep, while OLOP’s points were thanks to two wins apiece for Stephen Leggett and Clive Gold, with Luca’s 8-11 11-8 8-11 11-2 11-9 win over Arun Rajagopal crucial for the draw.

The third 5-5 draw of the week was between SONNING SPORTS A and SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D, Nick Sears’ treble and Paul Savage’s double earning the points for Sonning Sports while, for the Commoners, Danny Dockree won twice, with Jon Abbott and Mark Jones each earning one win.

Reading fight to win back the ball home to Wycombe 1s.

Despite the loss, Sonning remain in fourth position in the table with games in hand to play on all three of the sides above them in the standings.

South Central Men’s Division 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s added three points on their travels with a successful trip to Newbury & Thatcham 2s.

READING FC

HEIN SIGNS: READING LOAN KEEPER FROM ARSENAL READING FC have signed goalkeeper Karl Hein on loan from Arsenal until the end of the season.

In their first acquisition of the January transfer window, the Estonian keeper joins the Royals to help them in their bid to retain their Championship status.

The 6ft 4in shotstopper joins the squad to replace the void filled by Rafael Carbal, who left Reading to move to Brazilian side Cruzeiro after he terminated his contract by mutual consent.

Reading manager Veljko Paunovic said: “Karl is an international goalkeeper with good temperament, obvious ability and the hunger to improve and impress.

“He is a welcome addition to our squad and will increase the strength of our team for our remaining fixtures.”

Hein has been a member of Arsenal’s squad since joining the north London club in 2018, but is yet to make a senior appearance for them.

He is experienced at international level and has played 12 times for Estonia and signed a new long term contract with the Gunners in September 2021.

Chief executive Dayong Pang said: “We are delighted to be able to bring Karl to Reading.

“At the age of 19, he is an exciting prospect but importantly he has already shown himself to be a very capable goalkeeper at full international level and he will add quality to our squad in this crucial period.”

Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions 3-7 Henley Town Holyport Reserves 5-2 Eldon Celtic Hurst 0-3 Westwood Wanderers Reserves Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves 3-4 Datchet Berks County Swords 0-6 Hambleden Thames Valley Division Three Reading YMCA Rapids 0-0 Goring United Reserves SB Phoenix A 2-3 Reading City Development RUGBY UNION National League One Leeds Tykes 25-22 Rams South West 1 East Witney 12-24 Bracknell

Sunday, January 23 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading 3-2 Birmingham City

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Abingdon Town 3-0 Woodley United Southern Region Women’s Division One Eversley & California 2-3 Milton United Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United 2-0 Mortimer Tilehurst Panthers 0-5 Long Crendon Wargrave 3-7 Penn & Tylers Green Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Goring United 2-2 Caversham AFC S4K Berks County 6-1 Thatcham & Newbury Wallingford Town 7-0 Wargrave Development

Tuesday, January 25

FOOTBALL Esoteric Recordings Division One Challenge Cup Berks County v AFC Aldermaston Woodley United v Cove

FIXTURES

Saturday, January 29

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship QPR v Reading Isthmian South Central Binfield v Ashford Town Combined Counties Premier North Edgware Town v Sumas Reading City v Wembley Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Berks County Kensington & Ealing Boro v Woodley United Thames Valley Premier League Marlow United v Reading City U23’s Reading YMCA v Wargrave Woodley United Royals v Richings Park Wraysbury v Burghfield Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Eldon Celtic Hurst v Henley Town HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 Fareham 2s v South Berkshire South Central Men’s Division 1 Marlow 2s v Sonning South Central Women’s Premier 1 Maidenhead v Sonning South Central Women’s Division 1 Reading 3s v South Berkshire RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Taunton South West 1 East Buckingham v Bracknell

Sunday, January 30

FOOTBALL FA Women’s Cup Brighton & Hove Albion v Reading Southern Region League Cup Bournemouth Sports v Woodley United Cup Kidlington Youth v Caversham United Tilehurst Panthers v Easington Sports Wargrave v Ruislip Rangers Bletchley Shamrocks v S4K Berks County RUGBY UNION Women’s Championship South 1 Reading Abbey v Bath Ladies