Reading Today, July 6, 2022

THREE GREAT PAPERS IN ONE: NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

No. 37 90p

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Green Park station to open

by Christmas

CRIME

INVESTMENT

MUSIC

Towpath cyclist stabbed

Major plans to revamp Hexagon

Readipop ready for musical treat

2 | NEWS

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Reading CID’s work commended

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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@rdg.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 Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

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

THAMES Valley Police has presented a number of awards, including to members of Reading’s Criminal investigation Department.

Chief constable John Campbell gave commendations and long service awards to officers and staff from across the force at a ceremony held last month.

Reading CID was among those commended for its work in 20202021. This period saw a number of high-profile stabbings, including the terrorist attacks in Forbury Gardens in June 2020.

The commendation also made note of Reading CID’s increased workload, and that it had more charges for serious assaults than any other local policing area in the force.

Commander Nick John, of the Metropolitan Police Service and formerly LPA commander for Reading, nominated the team for the award.

“While it can be difficult at times to single out staff or teams at a time

HONOUR: Detective Chief Inspector Dave Turton accepting the award from Chief Constable John Campbell.

Picture: Courtesy of Thames Valley Police

when so many have performed above what is expected, my view is that the CID team in particular has really shone while under constant, intense pressure,” he said.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Turton, of Reading CID, said: “When teams deliver a consistently exceptional performance over a sustained period of time, they should be recognised.

“This award for the team has been

really well received by all staff and sends a clear message across the organisation that we value our staff and appreciate the hard work they put in on a daily basis.”

Detective Sergeant Lara Pinder, also of Reading CID, said: “It’s a rewarding feeling to know that all our hard work during what was an exceptionally busy and relentless period on Reading CID has been recognised.”

Census: Ding population soars 12% in 10 years

By GRANT WILLIAMS Local democracry reporter THE make-up of Reading Borough’s population has been transformed over the last decade, the Census reveals.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released the results which provide estimates on the population of England and Wales, as well as age and sex profiles of local authorities.

The 2021 Census achieved a record response, with more than 20 million households completing questionnaires, 89% of which were done online. The information will be used to shape the future of public services.

Deputy national statistician Pete Benton said the data will provide a “crucial baseline” from which to monitor and manage change post pandemic.

The latest Census shows that the population of England and Wales has increased by more than 3.5 million,

6.3%, to 59,597,300 in the 10 years leading up to the data capture.

Over the same period, the population of Reading has gone up by 18,502, from 155,698 in 2011 to 174,200 in 2021 – an increase of 11.9%.

This is well above the average for the south-east of England, which increased by 7.5% from a total population of 9.3 million in 2011, but below nearby Wokingham’s population increase which is 15% – double the national average.

The trend of population ageing has continued, with more people than ever before in the older age groups, which is also reflected in Reading.

The 65+ age group has increased by 17.21% in the last 10 years, from 17,832 in 2011 to 20,900 in 2021, with the category now making up 12% of the borough’s population.

The lowest increase is seen in the under 15 age group, which make up 17.79% of Reading’s population, where there was an increase of 28,461 – 8.57% – to 30,900.

The category that makes up the largest proportion of the borough is the 15-64 group, 70.21% of the total population.

This group has risen by 11.7% over the last 10 years to 122,200.

The balance of men and women in the area has changed, Reading’s population is now 49.8% male and 50.2% female. In 2011, people living in Reading were 50.1% male and 49.9% female.

In line with the national outlook, population density in the borough has also been on the rise, with an 11.9% increase since 2011.

Up from 3,855 in 2011, there are now 4,313 people per square metre in Reading, which equates to a ‘population per football pitch’ of 30.8 people.

Following these population estimates, the ONS will release further results from the Census in September. These will include data on ethnicity, religion, the labour market, education and housing.

Jail for drug dealer FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for drug offences in Reading.

Marcus Franco, aged 24 and of Foundry Place, pleaded guilty to one count each of being concerned in the supply of a controlled class A drug and possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug: crack cocaine and heroin.

He was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Reading Crown Court on Friday, June 24.

On Wednesday, April 20, this year, officers observed a suspected drugs exchange take place involving a black BMW in Waterloo Road, Reading.

Franco was in the BMW and subsequently arrested.

His home address was then searched and £23,000 worth of crack cocaine and heroin was located, as well as cash and scales.

Investigating officer, PC Richard Flitcroft, based at Reading police station, said: “Our Stronghold team will proactively and robustly target and prosecute offenders and our activity will be both visible and covert aimed at disrupting and pursuing offenders involved in the supply of drugs.

“The information from the public around the drug supply offences in Reading plays an important role in developing intelligence into a proactive investigation.

“If you have any information we would encourage you to report it to us by calling 101 or through the online reporting on our website.”

Car boot sale at Woodley school WILLOW BANK primary school is to hold a car boot sale on Sunday, July 17.

The Duffield Road venue will welcome sellers from 10am, at a cost of £7 per vehicle.

Buyers can attend from 11am, and pay 50p entry.

Refreshments will be available, and funds will go to the Woodley school’s PTA.

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Every good boy does fine at Berkshire Maestros dog show

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HOT DOG: Penny (8 years) and her owner, Megan Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Loki nearly 2 years having a day out; Originaly a rescue dog from the Forget Me Not Rescue

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A HOTLY contested dog show helped raise more than £1,400 for a charity that provides a musical youth.

On Sunday, all creatures great and small descended on the Berkshire Maestros Tilehurst base for the fun day out.

There were 12 classes to enter including best trick, the waggiest tail, most appealing eyes, and beautiful babies.

A fancy dress category saw dogs dressed as musical instruments, Where’s Wally, a bee with a beekeeper, and Fred Flinstone.

Prizes were offered in each class for the first six dogs.

And there was a best in show award, which went to a dog named Penny.

The event was judged to be a success, with some categories attracting up to 50 entries.

Jessica Wilkins from Berkshire Maestros said: “We raised just over £1,400, which was nearly triple our goal which left us all speechless.

“This money is going towards our students tour to Scotland where Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra and Berkshire Youth Choir will perform in multiple locations.

“The money will be used for parents who can’t afford the tour cost, and also towards extra excursions we can take the students to.”

This weekend, the Maestros will be holding a Singing Picnic at its Windsor centre, based in Dedworth Middle School. This will include singing games on the field.

THAMES Valley police is appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed on Monday.

At around 3.25pm, the victim, a teenager, was cycling on the Kennetside towpath when he was stabbed to the chest by a male near to Avon Place.

The victim suffered serious but not lifethreatening injuries. He was taken to hospital for further treatment, where he remains in a stable condition.

The offender is described as a light-skinned black male, around 6ft 1ins.

As a result, Thames Valley Police enacted a Section 60 order for East Reading for 24 hours from 6.40pm. This was due to expire after we had gone to press, and it may be extended.

A Section 60 order can only be put in place in a defined area at a specific time when a senior officer believes there is a possibility of serious violence, or weapons being carried.

The order temporarily enhances powers for officers, meaning they can stop and search anyone in the area announced.

The order covers the railway line to north then within the following roads: Vastern Road, Forbury Road, Watlington Street, Queen’s Road, A327, Christchurch Road, Elmhurst Road, Upper Redlands Road, Whiteknights Road, Wilderness Road, B3350 Church Road and A3290.

Detective Sergeant Alex Willis, of Reading CID, said: “We are carrying out a thorough investigation following this stabbing and I am appealing for any witnesses to please come forward.

“We believe this was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.

“We have put the Section 60 order in place while we carry out our investigation into this incident.”

He added: “Anyone with any information relating to this incident should call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220293616.

“Also I would ask anyone who has CCTV, a dash-cam or a video doorbell to please check their footage and get in touch if it shows anything that could assist our enquiries.

“Alternatively, you can provide information completely anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

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Motor Show has a

By Jake Clothier THE BERKSHIRE Motor Show has raced past for another year with an assortment of classic cars and attractions.

ON SONG: Alok Sharma MP joined more than 350 guests and 250 children to attend the concert, raising vital funds for Voice of Children, helping war-affected children in Ukraine. Picture: Courtesy of Alok Sharma via www.aloksharma.co.uk

Alok Sharma attends Heal the World concert in support of Ukraine appeal ALOK SHARMA MP was among those attending the Heal the World concert on Saturday, June 25.

The concert, held at the Abbey School, raised funds for Voice of Children, which supports children affected by war though psychological and psychosocial support, currently working in Ukraine.

It say performances from 22 musical ensembles, with more than 350 guests attending from diverse south Asian communities.

The event was organised by Harmoniverse, a Reading-based music school which provides private music education.

Mr Sharma said: “It was an honour to attend the Heal the World concert on Saturday as the chief guest, especially

for such a worthy cause.

“Many congratulations to Anannya and the rest of the Harmoniverse teams for organising such a great and well-attended event.”

Anannya Sarkar, founder and CEO of Harmoniverse, said: “We were very honoured to have Alok with us on 25 June for our maiden music performance by our students for the children in Ukraine.

“We really appreciate him taking out time for us from his busy schedule.

“It was a moment of truth for me personally, to be able to meet him in person, and be able to appreciate the strong personality with so much dignity and humility that he possesses.”

Just Stop Oil group to hold discussion event A DISCUSSION evening looking at the future of the planet will be timely given the cost of a litre of petrol.

Just Stop Oil is holding a public meeting on Wednesday, July 13, at The Queen’s Head in Christchurch Road.

The group will welcome Stefania Morosi, an activist from Extinction Rebellion, Insulate Britain and Just Stop Oil, to speak on the theme on Our Responsibilities At This Time.

In the blurb for the talk, the group notes: “The science couldn’t be more clear.

“Our actions in the next couple of years will determine the future of the next generation.

“In line with the global scientific community, the United Nations and

the International Energy Agency, Just Stop Oil is demanding that no new oil fields are commissioned, but the UK government is ignoring this, and doing the exact opposite.”

And Ms Morosi said: “I deal with lots of criticism for what I do, as well as the deafening silence of the vast majority of the middle class community which I am part of.

“Despite it all, I am determined to try and do my best to stop this death march we are on, for all children, not just my own.”

The event takes place from 7.30pm, and places should be booked in advance. n For more details, search eventbrite. co.uk for Our Responsiblities At The Time Reading.

This years show saw the return of a number of car categories and clubs, including the 4x4 without a club, the Rg Cruisers, Middlesex County Automobile Club, the Craven Motor Club, and the Berkshire Street Cruisers.

A number of classic cars were put on display, with enthusiasts able to see historical models such as the 1962 Mercury Monterey, a 1954 MG Model TF, a Morris 8 Series E, and a New York Taxi Cab. It also put on displays by the South Central Ambulance Service, Red Watch Fire Brigade, and the Wolves of Midgard, as well as a rally car tribute to Colin McRae. Musical performances were provided by Omari Johnson-Daley, and Matthew Allman.

It also saw a brand new dog show, with pets competing for best puppy, best rescue, most handsome, best trick, and dog most like its owner.

Rosettes were awarded to pooches in first, second, third, and fourth place.

Event founder Steph Awbery said: “It was the busiest show we’ve had yet, and the marshals did their utmost to make sure it all went smoothly.”

“Whitley fire service and the Red Watch put on some fantastic displays, including a demonstration of cutting up a car, which was fabulous.”

Ms Awbery was joined by Gareth Monks of WLMG car dealership to present awards to the winning motors in each category.

“It was lovely to present the awards for the car winners with Gareth, too– everyone was shocked when they saw the winners’ cards on their windscreens.”

With the show over for another year, Ms Awbery said

Classic car winners Julie Hitchcock, Hannah Taylor, Lydia Hitchcock, and Colin Hitchcock, from left, with their blue Fiat 500.A 1966 Singer Gazelle with Terry Wood. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision that she’s not making a start on next year’s event just yet.

“There’s still lots of wrapping up to do for this year, so I’ll have a little break, but there’s plenty to do before next year.

“But a huge thank you to the marshals who made everything run smoothly, and to our performers Omari and Matt, who will definitely be invited back.”

Members of the fire and rescue service during a safety demonstration.

Picture: Courtesy of the Berkshire Motor Show

Matthew Allman performing for guests. Picture: Courtesy of the Berkshire Motor Show

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wheely good day out PACT is hosting a garden party at Englefield House, which will show off the estate’s rarely-seen gardens.

Picture: BabelStone via Wikimedia Commons

PACT garden party at Englefield House

Racing Driver Rebecca Jackson fielded questions from attendees about her profession. Picture: Mick and Julie, from Andover, with a modified original MK2 Cortine Courtesy of the Berkshire Motor Show 16E. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

PARENTS and Children Together is holding a garden party fundraiser to support its work with children and families in the local community.

On Monday, July 18, the charity will host the party at Englefield House, West Berkshire.

As well as a celebration of the charity’s work, the event will also take the opportunity to show off the site’s rarely-seen gardens, and will include an appearance by the estate’s head gardener, who will be able to answer any questions about her work.

There will also be live music, as well as a raffle and cakes and refreshments provided byt the Alana House cafe team.

Top prize at the raffle will be tea for two at the Ritz.

The event takes place from 2pm-5pm at Englefield House on Monday, July 18.

Tickets are £20, though accompanying children may enter for free, and dogs are not permitted.

Registration closes on Monday, July 11. n Tickets are available via: www.pactcharity.org

That’s one heck of a spoiler. Picture: Mark Apcar Courtesy of the Berkshire Motor Show

A pickup from the Burrfield Motor Co. Picture: Mark Apcar, Courtesy of the Berkshire Motor Show

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CityFibre set to face questioning over town’s traffic disruption

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

DIRECTORS from CityFibre will appear before members of Reading Borough Council this week to face questions about the company’s installation works.

After a number of complaints were lodged about the disruption caused by di works across Reading earlier this year, RBC held a series of meetings with the company.

Councillors raised concerns about poor working practises and the heavy impact on traffic around Reading which resulted, and in April asked representatives of CityFibre to prepare a presentation of its future plans.

The hearing will now take place on Thursday, with Roy Griffin, regional delivery director for CityFibre, and Stacey King, its regional partnership director, appearing before the Strategic Environment Planning and Transport committee.

The committee will also hear from GrainConnect’s Peter Murphy about the similar work planned by the new telecoms utility company.

Cllr Tony Page said: “Residents in Reading will understand that this is a significant investment by City

Fibre in superfast broadband in the town.

“Nevertheless, there have been phases of this project where roads have essentially been gridlocked, with an unacceptable knock-on effect on people’s lives and livelihoods.

“That was particularly the case both along the Oxford Road last year and more recently in Caversham when City Fibre’s works along Church Street saw huge tailbacks build up over our two bridges and along St Peter’s Hill.

Cllr Page said that this was in spite of assurances made to the council by City Fibre and its contractor, Instalcom.

Currently, the council has no powers to prevent CityFibre from carrying out its work, as the provider is legally contracted and has legislative powers to carry out the works.

However in April, members of the SEPT committee announced that it had considered “removing permissions” given to the contractors who were performing the works, Instalcom.

Cllr Page said: “City Fibre’s roll-out will continue across Reading for some months yet before completion, including at other traffic sensitive locations.

“I am certain that, like me,

INSTALL PROBLEMS: CityFibre will attend a council hearing to face questioning over ongoing disruptions around Reading as a result of the company’s installation works. Picture: Peter Bowyer other councillors will want to seek assurances from the company and its contractor at Thursday’s Committee meeting that everything possible will be done to minimise disruption in the weeks and months ahead.

“We will also want to understand what improvements are being made to ensure this level of disruption is not repeated in Reading.”

The Leader of RBC’s Conservative Group, Cllr Clarence Mitchell said: “It’s absolutely right that City Fibre and Grain Connect executives are questioned publicly and made to justify their plans before Councillors this week.

“While we all accept the need for substantial work to be carried out to improve Reading’s connectivity, the sheer level of

traffic disruption that was seen recently, particularly around Caversham, was entirely unacceptable.

“Much more detailed logistical planning, not least around more appropriate times of day for the work to be completed and the associated traffic phasing, needs to be done if such disruption is to be minimised in future.

“Councillors of all parties will be making their views crystal clear to the tech companies.”

And Cllr James Moore, the Liberal Democrat sitting on the committee, said: “Although improvements to super-fast broadband are welcome, especially in the age of working from home and hybrid working, residents have been adversely affected by traffic disruption caused by these works.

“I’m especially concerned about how this is likely to happen all over again when other competitor companies come along and dig up the roads again to do similar work.

“We’ll be pushing for disruption to be minimised, and having the chance to question the companies directly at the Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee is welcome.”

Speaking on City Fibre’s behalf, Stacey King said:

“CityFibre is investing £58m into Reading to transform its digital infrastructure and bring next generation full fibre connectivity to almost every home and business in the city.

“This is a major undertaking, which is why we are working closely with our build partner, local authorities and the council’s highways team to ensure all works are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible.

“We’d like to reassure residents that we are doing everything possible to manage disruption.

“In Reading, we recently carried out works during offpeak hours with a diversion route in place to minimise traffic.

“And we do everything we can to inform the community well ahead of work starting.

“We’d like to thank residents and commuters for their patience during any recent delays they may have encountered.

“We are extremely grateful for the support we’ve received from the wider community to date while we deliver this major investment programme.”

The works are being undertaken by Instalcom, City Fibre’s highways contractor. n The full hearing will take place at 6.30pm on Thursday, July 7.

Members of the public may view proceedings via: democracy. reading.gov.uk

Additional reporting: Phil Creighton and James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter.

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B&M opens new store in Calcot 4 Steps to Managing Under Performance

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OR your business to operate like a well-oiled machine, you need everyone in your team to be consistently at their best. Even just one person performing below par can significantly impact an organisation’s efficiency and productivity.

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By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today READING has a brand new discount store.

On Friday, the doors opened to a new branch of B&M – the company’s third in the Ding. This one is based at the Savacentre site in Calcot.

Shoppers can pick up a range of fresh foods, homeware, toys, health and beauty goods.

John Grouse, store manager, said: “The team pulled together really well, so I’m pleased team we’ve managed to recruit.

“It’s been three months of putting it all together but we’ve got some really good people here.

“And I think this side of Reading definitely needed something, especially further for those out in Thatcham or Newbury.”

And the store’s staff were determined to support Reading-area charities at the launch.

The new colleagues chose the West Berkshire Food Bank, which has supplied food and supplies to those in crisis in Berkshire since 2004.

Representatives of the charity have been invited to officially open the store, but will also receive a donation of £250 worth of vouchers to redeem at the store to help with their work.

“We’re just starting a relationship, really, and going forward we can build that relationship,” Mr Grouse said.

“And we’re so looking forward to working with them in the future.

“It’s very worthwhile cause, especially in current climate, it’s something which is needed, especially if we can help by giving a little bit back.”

Some of the garden furniture available

There is plenty to discover at the new B&M store in Calcot

B&M’s new store is located in Calcot Retail Centre, near Sainsbury’s, on Bath Road.

Police appeal for witnesses to Friar Street assault THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an assault in Reading.

At around 4.35pm on Friday, July 1, there was an altercation between a man and a group

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of men in Friar Street.

A 30-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of assault by beating and has been released on bail.

Investigating officer, PC Benjamin Cunningham, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident

to please come forward.

“If anyone has any information they can call 101 or make a report online, quoting reference 43220288966.

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

Often, disagreement will come down to a mismatch in expectations. In my experience, following a simple, 4-step process will help business owners and team managers deal with a range of under performance issues and bring out the best in their colleagues: Step 1: Awareness Before an issue can be addressed, both parties have to be aware of it.

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Step 2: Acceptance To change an individual's behaviour, acceptance of the situation and acceptance that there is a need for something to change – for good or bad – is key.

Step 3: Action Having acknowledged that something needs to change, you need to decide how to make it happen. The action you choose to implement will be informed by the conversations you have with the individual concerned, the nature of the issue and how critical it is to your business.

Step 4: Assessment Maintaining consistent performance is an ongoing process and assessing the effect of any action you take is essential. As with all the other steps in the process, this needs to be a collaboration between you and your employee or team member.

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Council plans to revitalise Hexagon and Central Library

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

READING Borough Council has revealed proposals to revitalise the town’s cultural offering by transforming the Hexagon Theatre and building a new Central Library.

The plans were released on Tuesday, June 28, and the council is now set to submit a £20 million bid to the Government for “Levelling Up” funding.

Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Both the Hexagon Theatre and Reading Central Library are major institutions in our town which continue to be very wellused and extremely popular.

“I think most people would agree with me, however, when I say that both buildings are dated and present limitations to improving our future cultural and learning offer to local residents.

“If we are successful in our bid, it will offer us a once-ina-generation opportunity to revitalise and breathe new life into the cultural and learning offer in this part of Reading.”

The council’s bid is made up

FACE OF THE FUTURE: The proposal for the new Hexagon Building - artists impression Picture: Reading Borough Council of an £8 million investment to rebuild the Central Library at the Council’s Civic Offices in Bridge Street.

This would involve a brandnew custom-built Central Library, added to the current Civic Offices site, which would create a “modern and open space, offering a much-improved, accessible environment for everyone”.

The council’s ambition is to to create a flexible space for the whole community that embraces traditional book loans and looks to the future with digital and learning offerings.

A further £12 million investment would revitalise The Hexagon Theatre to create an “attractive, flexible and exciting new space for performances and community use”.

The proposal is to extend to the right-hand side of the existing building, with an entrance directly off Queens Walk, offering improved accessibility and new multifunction community space that can accommodate a wider variety of performances and uses.

If the council’s bid is successful, this will form the

first phase of a longer-term regeneration of the Hexagon.

The Hexagon development feeds into the council’s wider plans to create the Minster Quarter, transforming an area of the town centre by building hundreds of new homes.

Both proposals focus on improved sustainability as part of the council’s commitment to working towards a net-zero carbon Reading by 2030.

The council’s bid is to the government’s Round 2 Levelling Up Fund and, if successful, would be match-funded 10% by the council from its own capital investment fund.

A bid is set to be submitted in July, with news of whether it has been successful expected in autumn 2022.

Green councillor Rob White, leader of the second largest party on Reading Council, said: “Over recent years Labour councillors have cut money to libraries and neglected The Hexagon.

“My initial reaction is that I am pleased to see a plan for some investment.

“However it’s not just the central library that needs investment it’s the branch libraries as well such as Palmer Park which is only open twoand-a-half days per week.”

Cllr Meri O’Connell, leader of the Reading Liberal Democrats, said: “We’ve known that the Hexagon is long past it’s sell by date and that regeneration of the theatre and the area is long overdue.”

She felt atht the investment

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

An artist’s impression of a new Library facade would be worthwhile to make Reading a destination town.

“We need a showcase theatre that will attract the big shows from the West End,” she said.

“It’ll provide employment to an industry that suffered much harder than most due to the covid shutdowns.

“Once built there will be benefits to local hotels and restaurants from people making a proper visit to the town.”

She added: “We need reassurance that the changes won’t lead to any increase in ticket prices for shows and events and that the new facilities are built to the highest standards for accessibility.

“We would also want reassurances that library space will not be downsized.

“Reading has a real lack of quiet spaces where people can go and read or study, we would want to see consideration of this in any plans.”

And the Leader of Reading Borough Council’s Conservative

Group, Cllr Clarence Mitchell said: “The Hexagon is such an integral part of the fabric of our town centre, one that continues to give Reading a national profile, particularly amongst the legions of snooker fans who’ve watched the televised games from there in the past.

“After some 50 years, its distinctive architecture is clearly showing its age, so it’s only right that this bid for Government funding is made to help regenerate it for the next 50.

“For the Central Library, modernised physical and digital access is a vital improvement for our town’s cultural services, provided that the new building is created sympathetically and does not impinge on the provision of current RBC services at the Civic.

“This is ‘levelling up’ for everyone in Reading that we welcome and we will urge the Government to view the RBC bid positively.”

Sound Machine back in the groove

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THE SOUND machine hosted its annual vintage vinyl weekend at its premises in Harris Arcade, Reading.

The event was the biggest held by the store to day, which has been trading in Reading for more than two decades.

The event saw the team sell a specially curated collection of rare, vintage and hard-to-find discs, It covered all genres including rock, punk, indie, reggae, jazz, blues, hip-hop and funk.

Manager Steve Edwards said: “It was very busy, and we had a lot of footfall, especially in the mornings, “Most people that we had through the door were regulars, so it was very very good.

“We’re done for this year, but we will be doing the same again

next year– though it takes a few months to build the collection back up again, of course.”

The Sound Machine is Reading’s longest-established independent record collector’s shop, and hosts the vintage vinyl weekend event every year.

It specialises in second hand records, with much of the market

ABOVE: Some of the records for sale at The Sound Machine.

LEFT: Chris outside the store.

Pictures: Dijana Capan / DVision Images

preferring second-hand over newer pressings.

As such, it created the weekend event to cater to a second-hand audience which is underserved by record store day’s newer releases. n For more information, visit: www.thesoundmachine.uk.com

9

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Wednesday, July 6, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Green Park station is finally due to open by the end of the year

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

READING’S newest train station is expected to open before the end of the year, after the council announced the construction of the site is nearing completion.

The Green Park station will have two 150m platforms, and be fully accessible, enhancing links from the town centre to the site, which is home to a business park and a growing housing complex, as well as the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

There will also be a bus interchange, two car parks and cycle parking facilities.

Now that the station is nearly constructed, work can beg in of preparing it for daily use. This includes a safety validation process which has to be completed before the station can welcome its first trains and serve passengers. The new station is expected to be open by the end of the year.

It will operate a halfhourly service to Reading and Basingstoke throughout the day, and it is hoped that the station will reduce traffic on the A33.

Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said

NOW ARRIVING: A CGI of the Green Park station he was delighted that the construction of the new Green Park Station will be completed this month.

“We have faced challenges on the schedule from material shortages, but the completion of the building work is a significant step forward,” he explained.

“When operational, Green Park Station will form an integral part of Reading’s evergrowing sustainable transport infrastructure with more homes, businesses and leisure developments planned in the

south of the borough. It will also be another option for football fans heading to the Stadium on match days, again taking the pressure off our busy roads.”

It has been a long journey to get the station to this point.

It was originally announced in July 2007 – 15 years ago – and approved by the Office of Rail Regulation in 2009. It had originally been expected to be in use by 2010.

Planning permission for the station was granted again in 2015, and had then been expected to open in 2018.

However, construction did not start until 2019, and the intended opening date of summer 2019 had to be put back.

Such delays are common with large infrastructure projects like this. The Elizabeth Line has also undergone delays before it was ready.

However, the end date is now in sight, and it will not be long before Reading can take advantage of the new service.

GWR Business Development Director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “It’s exciting to see Reading Green Park Station taking shape. We are working closely with the Council and Network Rail to deliver half-hourly services, better connecting the communities we serve.

“Reading is a key destination on our network and this new station will help to secure the economic prosperity of the region as we seek to build back better from the pandemic.”

And Joanna Grew, Network Rail industry programme director – Heathrow & Thames Valley, said: “The safety of passengers and our staff is our number one priority and following the completion of the construction, we will be working closely with GWR to complete a detailed safety evaluation to ensure the station

Education Sec visits school

is safe and ready to welcome its first trains and passengers by the end of the year.”

The Green Park Station scheme was granted approval by the Berkshire Local Transport body in November 2014 with £9.15 million funded through Thames Valley Berkshire LEP’s Local Growth Fund.

A further £5.6 million has come from s106 developer contributions.

In July 2017 the Department for Transport announced a further £2.3 million of funding to ensure the station keeps pace with demand expected from proposed major new developments in the area.

In November 2019 the Council secured an additional £2.477 million from the Government’s New Stations Fund, and £550 thousand from Thames Valley Berkshire LEP’s (Local Enterprise Partnership) Local Growth Fund, for Green Park Station bringing the overall budget for Green Park to £20.077 million.

The project received additional funding of £1.25 million from GWR and £2.015 million from Network Rail in March. n Reading Borough Council has set up a webpage for details on the project: www.reading.gov.uk/ GreenParkStation

EDUCATION Secretary Nadhim Zahawi paid a visit to Theale Green School last month, ahead of a government investment announcement.

Secretary of Satate for education was shown around

by Theale Green headteacher Joanna Halliday.

During his visit, he described the school as “an incredible turnaround story,” referring to its recent award of a Good Ofsted rating.

“The focus on music and sport has been very part of much the ethos of this incredible school,” he said.

“We are announcing a £400 million investment in sports and music education and £320 million in the PE and sport premium to enable schools to deliver the sort of work this incredible school has been delivering.”

Headteacher Joanna Halliday said: ““It is terrific news to hear that this Government are recognising the need to focus on children being happy and having fun as part of their daily diet in school.

“We want every child to able to be active and recognise what their body and mind can achieve through both sport and music and we were privileged to demonstrate this first hand the Mr Zahawi and his team.”

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Jobs fair to take place at Reading FC’s stadium A JOBS fair will take place at the Select Car Leasing Stadium later this month.

A range of companies looking for staff will be exhibiting at the event.

It is free to attend for all job seekers, and will be a great opportunity to make quick introductions for potential employers.

It runs from 10am to 1pm, on Wedesday, July 20. n For more details, log on to: thejobfairs.co.uk

Motorbike stolen in Burghfield A MOTORBIKE has been stolen in Burghfield and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident took place between 7pm and 8.10pm on Monday, June 27.

The unknown thieves made off with a Yamaha XP 500 motorcycle near to Burghfield Bridge.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage that could help their investigation to come forward.

Reports can be made online or by calling 101, using reference number 43220282452.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

New eco-friendly offices opened

by Diocese Reading Church team

GREEN AND PLEASANT LAND: The new buildings created for the Diocese of Oxford’s Reading team to work from Picture: Jacqueline Cross

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

AN ECO-FRIENDLY office building has been created for the Anglican church’s regional team.

Staff from the Reading area of the Diocese of Reading are now working from St Birinus House, one of the country’s most sustainable buildings.

Based in Theale, it has a green roof, a fabric-first approach for insulation, a sustainable drainage system, an air source heat pump, and energy and water-saving fixtures and appliances.

There are also electric car charging points in the grounds.

The Diocese created the space in the rectory garden of Holy Trinity Church after a fiveyear search.

The resulting building has been designed so it can be altered and repurposed in the future, and materials recycled, limiting any future negative impact on the environment.

The outside space, including the roof, has been landscaped to enhance the ecology and biodiversity of the area and bird boxes and bat boxes have been installed to provide for wildlife.

Construction was completed

in December 2021 and the Reading Area Team, including the Bishop of Reading and Archdeacon of Berkshire, who support churches and parishes in the Archdeaconry of Berkshire, moved into the new space late last month.

Another plus point for Theale was its links to public transport.

The Rt Revd Olivia Graham, Bishop of Reading, who has an electric car, said: “We are delighted to have this beautiful new building in which we can not only house the whole Area

Team, but also offer ‘hot desk hospitality’ to other staff who are working in Berkshire.

“It was very much part of the vision to use the build to showcase our diocesan commitment to the environment, and the result does just that.

“We are incredibly grateful for the skill and commitment of everyone who was involved in bringing this vision to reality, and for Dave Mitchell’s wonderful design.”

She added: “We continue

to work towards making a real and tangible difference to environmental sustainability in all the choices we make, including the spaces we live and work in, how we travel, and the energy we use.”

And David Mitchell, Deputy Surveyor in the Diocese of Oxford, said the single-storey building had been designed to fit with the adjacent historic church building and rectory and make efficient use of the space.

“The building exterior is covered in natural Larch

Training course

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A TRAINING course will help people prepare for job interviews.

The event takes place on Monday, July 11, at the Earley CResCent Resource Centre, between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

The free session looks at how to use visual aids and electronic devices, to how engage with interviewers, how to sell personal strengths, and how to practise presentation skills.

Places must be booked in advance, and the centre is on the 21 bus route from Reading. The stop is Beech Lane. n For more details, call the Warbler Drive centre on 0118 921 0555, or email earleycrescent@btconnect. com.

cladding, a durable and sustainable material, and as it naturally silvers over time will reflect the stonework of the church and rectory,” he explained.

“Sustainability and environmental impact have been at the forefront of the construction. All materials from paint to flooring to the bicycle storage are made from natural and non-toxic materials, and the air quality rating is the best achieved of any building in the diocese.”

Dance festival planned for Lagoona Park

A DANCE music festival is coming to Reading later this month, and it’s down by the river.

Lagoona Park is the venue for Lakestock.

Organisers say it is the first festival of its kind to take place in the Ding, and will be aiming to make it one to a remember.

They are promised five stages of music, street food, cocktails and a host of surprises.

The line-up includes Darius Syrossian, Sidney Charles, Djoko, Tommy Vercetti , Prunk, JSRP, Paige Tomlinson and Max Dean among others.

Suitable for over 18s, the event takes place from noon on Saturday, July 30, at the venue in Pingewood. n For more details, log on to: www.lakestock.co.uk

Beer launch at University of Reading’s Student Union thanks to Siren Craft Brew

Join us at Complete Childcare to make it happen!

FOUR new beers will be launched by a Finchapsteadbased brewery with a party.

Siren Craft Brew is teaming up with the University of Reading’s students’ union for Time Hops.

The event will be held in the 360 bar, and marks different eras in the brewing world.

As well as the four new beers created by Siren, there will be several pop-up bars set up serving more than 30 different beers to enjoy.

There will be beer tasting sessions, street food and some exclusive merchandise to enjoy.

Bands and DJs will provide

entertainment while people enjoy the party.

Entry is £12, and includes a special Time Hops beer glass, a festival programme, and five £1

beer tokens.

It takes place on Saturday, July 30.

n For more details, log on to: tkts. me/tl/qwch

Wednesday, July 6, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Budding actors take to the red carpet for their own big premiere

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

YOUNGSTERS from across Reading enjoyed their own red carpet experience on Sunday, for a special movie premiere.

The Children’s TV and Film school at Pinewood Studios has held its summer award ceremony and screening with stars of its two groups – aged six to nine, and nine to 14.

They visited the Roseate Hotel, Reading, to attend a screening of projects they’ve been working on during this term.

Children in the 9-16s group have already been approached to work on a short film called Do They See What I See? and a commercial for the Co-op.

Children were also selected for a number of roles for a new animated series following a casting session by Michelle Jones.

Another of the children who was part of the school’s agency arm, Spotted Talent Agency, attended the world premiere of The Railway Children Return, in West Yorkshire.

Zac Cudby, who auditioned last year, was shortly signed to the agency, and has a lead role in the film, playing Ted. As well as the children’s own work, a trailer for the film was

SHOWTIME: Young actors from the Children’s TV and Film School collecting awards as they attend the screening event.

Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

screened, ahead of the gala premiere on Friday, July 15.

Jenny Henwood, director of Spotted Talent Agency said: “It was very exciting, and the young actors all had a great time.

“This term we focused on the voice in acting, and covered a number of areas such as voiceover, voicing animation, and we had a voice and dialect coach, Ryan O’Grady, lead a session.”

Ms Henwood said: “We’re looking at three-hour sessions, and hoping to LAMDA-approved teaching.

“During the October halfterm, we’re going to provide a full script-to-film holiday club, where groups will be able to work on both acting and technical skills.

“It will include working on a script, as well as all of the other aspects of film making – children will be able to take part in the acting group or in the technical group, and hopefully we’ll be able to bring the film to some of the festivals.”

Children’s TV and Film School is based at Pinewood Studios, teaching screen acting and technical skills. n For more information, visit: childrenstvandfilmschool.com and: www.spottedtalent.com

Bikes stolen from Island shed TWO bikes were stolen from a shed in Kennet Island and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident took place between Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4, at a home in Drake Way. The thief broke into a bike shed and removed the twowheeled vehicles.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage that could help their investigation to come forward.

Reports can be made online or by calling 101, using reference number 43220292860.

Green Park bike marking event on Thursday

A BIKE marking event will take place tomorrow at Green Park.

Thames Valley Police’s neighbourhood team will be setting up a stall outside the Green Park Village Primary Academy to allow popele to get a security mark placed on their bike.

They will also be inviting members of the public to have their say.

The event runs from 2pm to 3.30pm on Thursday, July 7.

Attendance is free.

Who tells you what's on?

ONCE UPON A TIME: Aida H Dee’s show promotes inclusivity and accecptance of others in a family-friendly, interactive performance. Picture: Courtesy of Drag Queen Story Time UK.

Libraries to host drag queen story time READING Libraries will host a nationally acclaimed drag queen for an interactive story time event.

Aida H Dee, the storytime drag queen, will host a series of events as part of their summer tour, including a number of libraries across Reading.

Drag Queen Story Hour UK is an established children’s entertainment troupe, which sees drag performers travelling around the country holding free interactive shows for children.

The events aim to promote diversity and acceptance of others, as well as encourage families to visit and use libraries, take up reading, and promote the art of storytelling.

Aida H Dee is an advocate for neurodivergence, an author, and a patron of Autistic Inclusive Meets London, which supports families and individuals with autism.

The shows are part of an ongoing programme of diverse events provided by Reading

Borough Council, and are suitable for younger and family audiences.

The free story hour sessions will be on offer on Monday, July 25, at Central Library at 10.30am, and Tilehurst Library at 2pm.

Further free sessions will take place on Tuesday, July 26, at Whitley Library at 10.30am, and at Southcote Library at 2pm. n To book a place, visit: www. dragqueenstoryhour.co.uk or contact a library directly

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‘Five-person tra fan complete

Another view Neil Coupe

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

Go woke and have happier staff

I

A READING FC fan has been successful in his bid to collect every shirt the Royals have played in since he was born.

S it my imagination or on a weekly basis does yet another phony culture war break out?

Radio and TV stations have been set up to stir this very pot. And what a waste of energy this whole thing seems to be.

Two particular items have caught my eye. One concerns name badges and the other is to do with a sneering article about construction workers.

Apparently, employees of the Halifax will have name badges with a pronoun (He/him or She/ her) added. This is not an issue on which I have a particularly strong opinion on this, but it is a reminder of a simpler time when name badges used to have clues about people’s gender through the use of titles such as Mr, Mrs, or Miss.

As far as I remember, not too many people were offended by this.

Having a preferred pronoun is on obviously important for some people. What is interesting is the over-reaction of people supposedly closing their Halifax accounts in droves because of this, proudly citing the expression ‘Go Woke Go Broke’.

Why are certain people so easily aroused into a fury because a minor change which has zero effect on their day-to-day life? It is a very odd thing to become so exercised by, like objecting to someone’s choice of sauce on their bacon sandwich and launching a campaign against people choosing brown sauce instead of ketchup.

Oh, and good luck to the people supposedly leaving in droves as they attempt to gather the deluge of documentation to open an account somewhere else. Wait until they find out the processes the other banks have to make sure that their angry new customers are not in fact money launderers.

The other much more disturbing attempt at stoking division was an article sneering about the outcome of a survey into construction workers’ mental health.

Construction workers are 3.4 times more likely than other occupations to take their own life.

According to a recent survey, apparently 75% of them actually talk about their feelings and participate on self-care by meditating, reading etc. This was of course dismissed as ‘Builders going woke’ and as something unusual or weird.

The undercurrent of course being that big tough working-class men do not worry about mental health issues.

Back in the real world, I work in the construction industry and a few years ago attended a Mental Health First Aid course. This was set up to help to safeguard people’s mental health, where working hours can be long, the tasks physically demanding, and if not done properly can be dangerous. It is nobody’s interests for individuals to be driving enormous cranes, working at the top of tall buildings, or using drills or other dangerous equipment if they are struggling mentally.

In our company the name of the Mental Health First Aider is as prominent as that of the conventional First Aiders and it is no surprise that the Mental Health First Aider has been the busier, very possibly leading indirectly to a lower workload for the physical first aiders, and of course hopefully assisting the employees to be able to deal with the challenges of the day more easily than they would have done without the conversation.

Accidents in the construction industry can be far more serious than simple paper cuts.

Mental health is of critical importance in the workplace, especially when the tasks undertaken are so unrelentingly demanding. Sneering at people safeguarding themselves and their colleagues is yet another salvo in the increasingly desperate and pathetic culture war.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

DID IT: Steve and Sheena completed the 100km Nightrider challenge in aid of Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice Picture: Daniel Crawford

Cycling under the stars A HUSBAND and wife team from Reading have cycled 100km (60 miles) overnight to raise funds for the hospice which cared for their family member at the end of her life.

Sheena and Steve Masoero took part in the NightRider cycling challenge last month, riding through the streets of London under the night sky to raise vital funds for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

The fundraising challenge was in memory of Emma Daly (nee Campbell), Sheena’s half-sister, who lived in Newbury and received specialist palliative care and support from the hospice before she passed away from cervical cancer in January, aged 40.

“Emma’s cancer progressed quickly and it became evident that her battle could very sadly not be won,” Sheena said.

“Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice was there to care for and support Emma when she needed them most – without question or delay. For this I will always be thankful.

“It was important to us to take on this challenge so we could help ensure that the service is available to others who may find themselves in a similar situation.”

The couple set out with a fundraising target of £400, but have over tripled this, raising a total of £1,515 and counting.

Sheena said: “It was a great experience riding round London through the night - dodging buses, potholes, late night revellers and foxes, and taking in all the iconic landmarks.

“We had perfect conditions and padded shorts and we were really truly spurred on by all the amazing support shown to us by everyone who has donated for a great charity.

“We did it in Emma’s memory and that made it all worthwhile.

Thank you so much to everyone who supported us with kind wishes, messages and donations.”

The support has been appreciated by the charity.

Georgia Thornton, Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Sheena and Steve for taking on this brilliant challenge to support our hospice.

“We’re reliant on generous supporters, which means we can continue to provide the expert and compassionate care we are so well known for in the local community.” n To donate, log on to: justgiving. com/fundraising/SheenaSteveCyclingforDoK

Just how instagrammable is Reading Festival?

THIS week’s Henley Festival marks the start of the summer season.

Around the corner we’ve got Rewind, Marvellous, Ravertots, Englefield Live, Wokingham Festival and … well, that rather big one over the August bank holiday weekend.

Thousands of people descend on Rivermead for the annual Reading Festival and it’s one of the biggest events in the music calendar.

Online firm Cazaar.co.uk looked into the most Instagrammable music festivals, utilising the number of posts each festival has accrued under its most relevant hashtag.

And unsurprisingly, Reading was the third best (we’re demanding a recount, but at least it didn’t lose out to Milton Keynes this time round).

Glastonbury was top with 1,014,770 Insta posts, Creamfields had 482,309, while Reading had 292,452. Tthis is 153,000 more posts than its partner festival, Leeds, in

With the help of the club’s fanbase, Miles Wood-Blagrove now owns every home and away jersey from the 199899 season onwards.

One particular shirt was acquired via a five-way chain of trades.

“It’s interesting, I grew up as a Reading fan but only really got a few shirts here and there using paper round money,” he explained.

“It was only when lockdown started that I actively began looking for the odd one if it was available.”

The software engineer eventually compiled a list and realised he was only missing a handful.

Facebook Marketplace and eBay initially came to his aid, although several older shirts proved more challenging to track down.

Miles took to online fans forums, a move which ultimately helped achieve his goal.

“Once you found someone who had the kit you wanted, it was actually pretty easy to get ahold of,” he said.

“When people found out I was trying to complete a challenge, they were really helpful. At the end of the day, we’re all Reading fans.”

The loyal Royal is especially fond of his four match-worn shirts, which he has framed and now take pride of place in his bedroom.

One of these was worn during a particularly memorable match in the club’s 150th anniversary season.

Defender Tom McIntyre netted a 95th minute equaliser in a frenetic 4-4 draw at the Select Car Leasing Stadium last year.

The point helped Reading retain Championship status, and Miles was able to get his hands on the very shirt McIntyre wore that day.

“It was a big game in our survival push last year, so it definitely holds a lot of meaning,” Miles said.

“To get hold of that shirt involved a really long hunt because [McIntyre] initially gave it away through the

COMPLETED: Miles Wood-Blagrove is the prou charity Kixx.

“I actually knew the person who won it and we ended up doing a long line of swaps which turned into a fiveperson trade.”

Perhaps the most unique shirt in his collection is one potentially no other Reading fan owns.

“I have one that was worn during pre-season in Holland before the 201718 season,” Miles said.

“The actual kit hadn’t been released yet, so they had a mock one with just the numbers on the back. I’ve never met someone who’s got that one.

“They were worn in four matches on the tour and I know it was worn

by Liam Kelly, and I think Andy Rinomhota also played in it.

“I looked back at the pictures and footage from the game but it’s really hard to make out.”

Since 1998, the aesthetic of football kits has changed dramatically, with

Rachael hopes she can Make It To Market sixth place.

Cazaar.co.uk has three top tips for creating memorial festival photos: 1. A classic festival photo is taken in front of the big festival sign - why not mix it up and take the photo from a low angle to capture the scale of the sign?

2. Capture the sheer size of the event by attempting to gain a vantage point above the crowd even if it means sitting on a friend’s shoulders to get the shot.

3. Tell the entire festival story by uploading 10 photos in one Instagram post - the more mud, laughter and fun the better.

READING-BASED artist Rachael Moreland is set to appear in a new BBC show, Make It To Market.

The series will see The Repair Shop’s Dom Chinea work with a team of craft and business experts to help a group of creators make a living from their hobbies.

They will take part in a number of challenges to see if they have what it takes to make a living from their talents, and explore business models for those with potential.

One of the makers taking part is Rachael Moreland, an artist living in Reading.

She has been carving for just over two years, with a particular love for carving wooden spoons.

Rachael will be joined by fellow amateur creators, ranging from fellow woodworkers to weavers, jewellers, potters, and blackmsiths.

She said: “I’ve been someone that likes making stuff my whole life, really.

“Carving is a very therapeutic, calming thing to do – I could sit carving for hours, well, before my hand cramps up, anyway,” she jokes.

“I’m still figuring things out, but I’d love to have my own workshop – that would be the dream.”

Dom Chinean says: “We have already started filming this series and it has been really inspirational to watch the amateurs develop and bloom.

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Reader travel THE RAILWAY CHILDREN’S Green Dragon Steam Train

© Tom Marshall/KWVR Archive

ade’ helps Royals kit collection

In the dough: pizza chef from Whitley celebrates

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to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Miles cited Jobi McAnuff as his favourite player, speaking highly of the former skipper’s disposition on the occasions he has met him.

He also recalled an interaction with midfielder James Harper, who was part of the club’s record-breaking 2005-06 squad which secured promotion to the Premier League.

“James Harper is the first pro I ever met and I actually played football with him too,” he said.

“He used to play with a friend of ours at Hayes & Yeading, who sadly passed away a few years ago.

“We organised a charity match in his honour and invited James to it. He was delighted to be invited.

“I played and warmed up with him.

It was big for me; I’ve got the 200708 shirt from when we were in the Premier League with his name on the back.”

ME AND MY SPOON: Rachael has been carving for over two years, and would like to own a workshop of her own.

Picture: Courtesy of Rachael Moreland, via @ RachaelCarves on Instagram

“They have the skills already, but it’s great to see them really shine and fulfil their potential of making a viable business that will undoubtedly change their lives.”

Acting head of BBC daytime and early peak, Lindsay Bradbury, says: “Make it at Market reveals the

extraordinary skills that, with a helping hand, people can use to change the course of their lives.”

Make It To Market will be hitting screens later this year.

n You can view more of Rachael’s work on her Instagram page, @RachaelCarves

POETRY CORNER This is your Life This is you in your bed.

Losing the fight against the sunlight and reality.

So you stagger out of bed. You head still swinging. Swinging to the rhythm of the night club you left too late. It feels too late to be waking up, but you have nothing to do today.

So you think back to last night.

Think back to what might have been.

Which wasn’t that good anyway.

You stagger down stairs. Not pretending the stagger is a dance. ...Unlike last night.

When you believed the stagger was a dance. When you hoped the person you were staggering with could be the one.

Now you wonder if you will ever find the one.

In a club like that, where the noise of the drums throbbed like you’re head does now.

Not deafening, but always in the background.

And you wondered if you had taken a wrong turn into the club, Just following a route you know too well.

Until the beat which felt so sweet took command of your feet.

And in the trace of a dance took you by chance to meet the one.

Loneliness was gone, For you had found someone.

Though not for long.

You never made a start, before you drifted apart time to depart, with nothing in your heart.

Back in now you stagger into you own kitchen.

Too late for breakfast.

So you stare into the fridge for inspiration.

While the food lies silent, maybe hoping you won’t see it.

This is your life and this is the road it is going down.

Maybe tomorrow the morning will greet you, the sun will shine, and joy will own your heart.

But as you look down the rest of today your road looks empty and your destination unseen beyond the hazy horizon.

The Legend that is Richard Stephenson

n We love receiving your verse and print a selection every week. Email your poems to news@rdg.today

Departing Sun 11 Sep ‘22 All aboard! Join us for a trip down memory lane on this Yorkshire getaway. We enjoy a journey on the heritage Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, steam-hauled by the Green Dragon, the famous Victorian locomotive which starred in the iconic film The Railway Children!

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Train journey behind the Green Dragon on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (includes one goodie bag per person) En-route visits to Leeds & Haworth

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© Marcel van Hoorn

materials and styles moving with the times.

Miles took time to list his top three kits based on appearance, declaring a preference for the retro feel of both collared and long sleeve shirts.

“I really like the one from the 199899 season, which has a collar, the new crest and Auto Trader sponsor. I also liked the anniversary shirt, the club did a great job with it,” he said.

“The Macron away shirt from 201920 was really special. I was able to get the NHS version, and as my mum works for the NHS, it also means something to me.

“I managed to get that one signed by the team.”

The millennial has also used his hobby to discover more about the club’s history.

Through collecting shirts, Miles has learned about former players, managers and the move from Elm Park

current homes on Northumberland Avenue.

Sarah said she was thrilled for her friend’s win: “It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person.”

Kellie returned the sentiment and added: “I’ll second that.”

Also scooping up £30,000 was Sarah Goddard (52) who said that her win must have been: “My mum helping us out.”

The local learning assistant’s mum passed away just two weeks prior to her receiving the news of her lottery win, with her husband Kevin also losing his father in November 2020.

The mum-of-four plans to use the cash to renovate her kitchen and plans to join her sister on a holiday to Jamaica next May. The couple plan to celebrate with a takeaway, joined by their family.

Jasbiner Sohal (46) was also among the £30,000 winners.

The remaining six winners chose to stay anonymous.

Mr Johnson said: “It’s always an amazing feeling to present good news to our winners, but I’m especially thrilled to be in my home town handing out cheques.

“A massive congratulations to our Reading winners and I hope they enjoy spending the cash on themselves and their families.”

Departing Sat 15 Apr ‘23

©

ud owner of every Reading FC shirt since he was born in 1998. Picture: Miles Wood-Blagrove

A PIZZA chef from Whitley now has plenty of dough, after scooping a top prize in a People’s Postcode Lottery draw.

Sarah Daniels was presented with a £30,000 jackpot by fellow Reading resident, lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson.

And she wasn’t the only person who is celebrating. Nine of her neighbours have also scooped prizes in the draw, the results of which were announced on Sunday.

The 52-year-old who works for Spinners in Broad Street Mall plans to book her dream cruise to the Caribbean as a result of her good fortune.

She said her win is: “Absolutely flipping fabulous.”

The mum-of-two first travelled abroad in 2019. She had been pondering whether to book the cruise or not, but the win now makes that a possibility.

And there’s another treat she’s set her sights on: some new shoes.

But not any old pair.

“I’m going to go to the Croc outlet and buy 20 pairs of Crocs in different colours,” she said.

Sarah’s neighbour and friend of 30 years, Kellie Slade (52), was also a winner with the lottery. The pair were neighbours at their previous addresses before moving to their

Violin master André Rieu is back with a springtime UK 2023 tour, including a date at the Resorts World Arena in Birmingham. Don’t miss the chance to see the ‘Modern King of Waltz’ perform with his 60-piece Johann Strauss Orchestra – a show to remember!

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30 | VIEWPOINTS

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From the Chamber

Westminster diary

Station will make a difference

GREEN PARK station, long promised and long delayed, is finally nearly here.

As the old adage says, the best things come for those who wait.

Orginally announced 15 years ago, it has been honed and refined in that time as the development and plans for Green Park area have changed.

Now, we have a rail station that will help the businesses and the new communities settling there.

It will make a massive difference and help encourage people to ditch their cars in favour of more eco-friendly forms of transport.

Sure, we are not quite there yet – there are safety checks to be do before it can open, but the end is in sight.

We’re sure that the new services will be popular and well used.

Our railways are often maligned, but here is some genuinely exciting news.

This is a step in the right direction and we can’t wait to catch the train.

CHURCH NOTES

Never give up hope

A

London.

S a fairly new minister, I’ve recently returned from a Year 1 Seminar (Into Officership) at William Booth training college in

This involved times of Worship, Bible Study, retreat and also time for sharing testimonies, together and in small groups.

One of the main themes that came out of this time was that of hope. Hope for ourselves and hope for our churches.

Whatever our circumstances were, we all had that assurance that God would be in the midst of it all.

This brought to mind that one verse from Hosea that says, “I will make the Valley of Achor (or troubles) a door of hope”.

The message that God had for Israel through Hosea was that he would transform her valley of troubles into a door of hope.

Hosea didn’t know much about hope; he seemed to have more troubles than anything else.

He was married to a prostitute who worshipped other gods.

But God promises that he will make a way out.

There was a door of hope for Hosea, but he had to walk through it to gain the victory.

During our lifetime, some doors open for us, while others close. Sometimes we miss the open door and we stand outside without going through, even though all the good things are on the other side. Sometimes we deliberately shut the door because we’re scared to face what’s on the other side; scared to do what God is calling us to do.

But Jesus is there with us, standing right beside us, encouraging us through. When we realise that, we wonder why it’s been so difficult to take that step through the open door into the life that God has mapped out for us.

The door of hope opens to a life that God has prepared for us that is more wonderful than we can ever imagine.

Lt Portia Stirling-Mack, Officer at Reading West Salvation Army, writing on behalf Churches Together in Reading

Cllr Rob White

Matt Rodda

Fixing the planning system so it works for communities

A

S local residents know only too well, our planning system is broken. To make matters worse, the Government is failing to step in and help local communities.

On the face of it, the Government talks about ‘localism’ and ‘local plans’ but the reality is a system in which the Government puts local choice and local councillors in a straitjacket.

The National Planning Policy Framework was meant to provide the basis for reasonable growth in housing to meet the needs of local families. It was supposed to help guide development in communities in a way which was sympathetic to the existing area and allow communities to shape their own future.

Instead, it has become a go-to charter for eager developers to show-horn in over-sized housing developments despite reasonable objections from local people.

It has skewed the system in favour of those who want to build and make a profit over those who want to enjoy our countryside and protect their neighbourhoods.

We do need to build more homes, to help younger people can get a foot on the housing ladder and make sure that our children and grandchildren are able to buy homes in the places they grew up.

However, the Government is failing

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

to manage this in a way that protects our green spaces.

For example, it is failing to do enough to make sure brownfield land is used for development rather than countryside.

The current planning system also allows major developers to claim that demand isn’t being met or that the lack of available alternative land requires permission to be granted – regardless of local opinion.

Councillors then face the impossible choice of granting permission, knowing that the development is not suited to their local area, or refusing planning permission, safe in the knowledge that developers will appeal, costing the council tens of thousands of pounds only for permission to be granted by the Government.

It is lose – lose for councils who try and stand up for local people when the developers have the government in their corner, writing rules purely designed to enable builders to build despite objections.

As demand for housing continues to grow and more and more people choose to leave big cities, it is even more important that local communities like Woodley and Earley and towns and villages across Berkshire have the right to shape their own futures.

L

AST week I joined councillors from From acrossthe the country at the Local Government Association’s annual Leader conference.

Cllr Jason Brock When you are so Reading-focused, this event can sometimes be helpful in terms of understanding the bigger picture in local government, whether that’s hearing fresh ideas which could be of benefit here or discussing challenges that we have in common.

Soaring costs and their impact

Y

OU may have seen the key headline coming out of the conference was how rising costs – the same rises which are affecting every one of us in our day-to-day lives – also pose a serious threat to the viability of some councils and threaten the essential services they provide to residents.

The LGA report states that soaring energy costs and spiralling inflation will combine add another £2.4 billion in extra costs onto council budgets this year. This is predicted to rise to £3.6 billion in 2024/25.

I always think quoting astronomical figures such as these doesn’t really mean a lot to the ordinary person on the street. It’s not really something any of us can relate to, unless you’re a billionaire yourself… which I’m not.

What we can relate to is the possible impact on the council services we all use. I’m thinking of things like bin collections, road resurfacing and pothole repairs, street

Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East

Cleaning up Reading’s air

R

EADING is one of the best places to live in the South East so why are we breathing some of the dirtiest air in the UK?

According to a recent Sunday Times Article, Reading is one of the ten best places to live in southeast England! It’s our inclusive, vibrant culture and great parks (not to mention a surging Green Party movement) that makes Reading great.

That’s the good news! But there’s a big issue in Reading that nobody seems keen to discuss and it’s one of the most important issues we face as a community, the quality of the air we breathe.

Our air exceeds three different international standards for air quality and safety If you live in Reading, there’s a very good chance that the air outside your front door exceeds not one, but three World Health Organisation air-pollution limits (PM2.5, PM10 and NO2)! In parts of central Reading you’re breathing in more double the World Health Organisation restrictions for Nitrogen Dioxide and taking in dangerous levels of lots of other unpleasant particles.

If you’re on the fence about air pollution and how it might be affecting you and your family – take a visit to www.addresspollution.org and enter your postcode…

Sadly, Labour-run Reading Council don’t really have a joined-up plan. They refer to vague ‘ambitions’ but crucially they don’t seem to have a firm grip on improving air-quality.

Newly elected Green councillor

cleaning, libraries, leisure centres, theatres, community centres, homeless prevention, and adult and children’s social care, to name just a few of the higher-profile services.

Just as all of us make decisions about what we spend our household money when the cost of living soars, so every local authority will have to do the same about their own budgets.

Local government has been here before, of course.

Under Labour, Reading Borough Council worked tremendously hard to successfully stabilise its finances after a decade of huge cuts in funding for local government at a time of increased demands in services, all driven by Conservative austerity.

The LGA estimated that between 2010 and 2020 councils lost almost 60p out of every £1 the Government had provided for services.

While other councils shut libraries for good (and Surrey County Council famously proposed a 15% per cent Council Tax increase in 2017), in Reading we kept our libraries open and worked tirelessly to squeeze out savings which minimised the impact on the frontline, finding better ways of working and making the very best use of our buildings to work more efficiently.

I think what’s different this time around is that many local authorities are already stretched to the limit after the austerity years.

Savings are going to be hard to find when so many have already been made.

With the cost of living rising unabated and showing no signs of slowing anytime soon, the LGA said last week that councils are facing a perfect storm with demand for services rising while the cost of providing services escalates.

Doug Cresswell prepares some difficult questions

Councillor Doug Cresswell is one of Katesgrove’s new Green councillors (one of two new councillors we gained in May, making us the official opposition in Reading) and he’s already bringing pressure to bear on the council to clean up the town’s air. Doug has a question scheduled for Full Council this week to request urgent action on improving Reading’s air quality. Stay in contact to see the response: https://reading. greenparty.org.uk

The Green Party has a plan for clean air

Improving air quality is a challenge we can’t postpone any longer, the longterm health effects of breathing highly polluted air are significant – so we need action. We must: 1. Make walking, cycling, and public transport the main forms of urban transport.

2. Improve people’s health by improving walking and cycling infrastructure.

3. Make public transport cleaner, more affordable and more joined up.

4. Make it easier to charge electric cars.

5. Make our streets safe and friendly places where people choose to spend time.

We have a right to breathable air – and we expect the Labour-run council to work harder to deliver on air quality in Reading. If you’d like to help the Green Party campaign for a fairer, greener, cleaner town then please get in contact rob@readinggreenparty.org.uk

Green councillor Rob White, Leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council

Councils are often the first port of call for people struggling with rising food and energy bills. The LGA was also clear that central Government needs to step-up to ensure councils have the resources they need to help protect services that are helping our communities recover from the pandemic while helping residents through this crisis.

This Government likes to talk about its ambition of ‘levelling up’, but that’s something this Council has been talking about in Reading for a number of years now.

It’s interesting to me that it can make over £5 billion available nationally for projects which fit this agenda (indeed the Council is bidding for its own portion of this money to modernise the Hexagon and build a new Central Library), yet when it comes to the mechanics of day-to-day council business, the Conservatives fail to see the link between funding local authorities properly and levelling up local communities.

I also think it can sometimes be easy to dismiss criticism from politicians as partisan gesturing. I understand that, but I find it’s particularly important to listen when those words come from a politician of the same political hue as the current Government. Here are the words of Cllr James Jamieson, the Conservative Chairman of the LGA, last week: “Inflation is not going to come down overnight. As our analysis shows, the impact on our local services could be disastrous. This will stifle our economic recovery, entrench disadvantage, and undermine government ambitions to level up the country.”

We can only hope that his Government is listening.

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

31

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A light for Reading’s dark paths: Charity Torch celebrates new phase of its work

TO THE FUTURE: Torch boasts a team of 80 volunteers, who were celebrated and prayed for at the commissioning service at Greyfriars Church last Wednesday Picture: Ji-Min Lee

EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today A READING charity celebrated the merging of its 20 Reading help hubs with a special gathering last week.

Torch’s commissioning service at Greyfriars Church brought together organisers, volunteers, service users and partners.

The network offers free practical help to those in need, primarily through churches based in the Reading area.

Its provision ranges from delivering prescriptions to carrying out gardening tasks.

The Mayor of Earley, Cllr Tahir Maher was in attendance.

He said: “It was inspiring. I think the main thing is really that there are a lot of people out there who for one reason or another need help.

“Any help given by any charity and organisations that get together, especially this organisation, Torch, to get better synergy, is fantastic.

“As a community, that’s what we’re here to do. We must support each other, we cannot live in isolation.

“These kind of initiatives emphasise that and I am very grateful to be invited and any

help I can give I’ll be more than happy to be involved in.”

Torch was established in response to the pandemic, delivering groceries to those unable to leave their homes.

The charity has delivered on an estimated 1,000 requests since its inception.

“We noticed changes in the patterns of requests we were receiving,” Torch’s chair and pastor of Trinity Church in Lower Earley Jon Salmon said.

“There were definitely fewer people who needed

food deliveries as friends and families started being able to visit each other.

“There was a suggestion that we could make a network through one hub, creating a place in the local service provision that does not duplicate what other organisations are doing.

“Where we are not able to help, we wanted to signpost cases to those who are able to give more specialised advice.”

The charity now boasts a team of 80 volunteers, headed by a leadership team, which was unveiled during the service.

In a significant step for Torch, the Diocese of Oxford recently committed to funding its first paid position.

During the evening, the audience was left captivated by Argyle Community Church pastor Jamie Carter’s performance of his own poem I See Torch in a powerful video.

“I see a town, set on fire

with Torch flames, each flame a name, each name refreshed with the rain of God’s blessing,” read one of the lines.

Amy Perry, from St Agnes Church, was delighted to return to her old stomping ground of Greyfriars for the service, which was held on Wednesday, June 29.

She was seeking help for those living in her building.

“It’d be great if some volunteers could come and meet with the residents who are trapped in their flats, and have

been throughout lockdown,” she explained.

“If someone could come and push their wheelchairs around the garden, that’d be great.

“I thought it’d be easier to come down here and speak to people who could potentially help.

By the end of the service, Ms Perry had spoken to a Torch helper who had advised her on next steps. n For more information, visit: www.torchhub.org.uk

Rail Pastors need Trio to bring some sunshine volunteers on Reading’s tracks to Silchester A FAMILIAR part of Reading’s nightlife are the Street Pastors, a group of volunteers who patrol the town to ensure people are safe on their night out.

The group has a sister organisation, and they are looking for volunteers to help their work.

Rail Pastors operate during the day, visiting stations around Reading, including Slough, Windsor, Newbury and Didcot.

There are two shifts: 10am to 1pm, and 1pm to 4pm.

They aim to support people who might be vulnerable or at risk of harming themselves, and use training from British Transport Police and The Samaritans.

The team are looking for people who could commit to at least one patrol a month, and operate a flexible rota. n For more details, email Roger Clark on: ReadingRailPastors@gmail.com

THE BELLE CANTO trio will be performing a summer celebration in Silchester this weekend.

The music group say they will Bring You Sunshine, and Putting On The Ritz with their fun showtune selection.

The concert takes place at St Mary The Virgin in Church Lane from 7.30pm on Sunday, July 9.

There will be two halves with an interval where guests can enjoy a glass of wine or a soft drink.

Tickets cost £10, and are available on the door, while school-age children get in free.

Money raised will be shared between Farm Africa and the church’s funds. n For more details, or to book, email: concerts@ silchesterchurch.co.uk, or log on to: http://www. facebook.com/bellecantotrio

Theologian on sacred nature A RESPECTED theologian will be visiting Reading this Saturday to take part in a question and answer session about her book.

Karen Armstrong will be speaking at Reading Minster in Chain Street about Sacred Nature, which explores the climate emergency.

She argues that if the global population wants to avert environmental catastrophe, we need to learn to think and

feel differently about the natural world, as well as taking action.

This will, she adds, rekindle a spiritual bond with nature.

She says the book is for anyone interested in humanity’s relationship with nature, worried about the destruction of our environment, and searching for new ways of thinking to shape the action needed to save our planet.

The event includes a presentation by Ms Armstrong, an interview and a chance to buy signed copies.

It is sponsored by Reading Minster with the support of Reading’s Café Theologique and the World Congress of Faiths, and takes place from 6pm to 7.30pm, on Saturday, July 8. n For more details, or to register to attend, email: events@ readingminster.org.uk

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A business park that is changing

association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

Consultancy pioneering net zero lands in Reading

SETTLING IN: Daniel Smith (left) and Ian Dodd – Co-founders of Good Management Group

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A new sustainability consultancy has recently moved into Theale.

Good Management Group is a sustainability, ESG & CSR consultancy working with companies to help them create, implement and manage their sustainability strategies and projects.

Founder Dan Smith said the space in the Arlington Business Park was the obvious place for the firm’s head office.

“The University of Reading has an excellent track record of sustainability and the calibre of graduates is very high, so we expect to benefit from that whilst providing a route for them to enter into the sustainability consulting sector,” he said.

Good Management Group Ltd was founded in 2020 following a merger between the two co-founders’ consulting firms and now counts clients in sectors including Real Estate and construction, professional sport, tech, retail, manufacturing and professional services.

High-profile clients include American Golf, University of London, BNY Mellon, Kings Cross developers Argent, and Unily.

Mr Smith said since re-launching the business as Good Management Group and moving to Theale, the business has gone from strength-to-strength.

“We recently rebranded the company because, to be honest, there is a lot of confusion about what companies need to do to get to Net Zero or to have a positive impact on their people, local communities and the environment,” he said.

“There are dozens of acronyms and terms for what is ultimately the business of ‘doing good’. So whatever you call it, Sustainability, CSR, ESG, Net Zero, Carbon Neutral, Socially responsible we call it Good

Management and we’re here to help companies Do Good, Better.”

Mr Smith and co-founder Ian Dodd aim to simplify the way that companies in Reading manage their social and environmental impacts.

“A credible sustainability strategy is vital to future proof every business,” he continued.

“Companies of all sizes often don’t need to hire full-time employees to manage their sustainability strategies, but it’s also not the kind of thing that should just be tagged onto someone’s role. That’s where Good Management comes in.

“We work with our clients to assess their impact performance, create a winning sustainability strategy, write their key policies and compile their annual ESG & sustainability reports.

“It’s really varied work, one day we’re working with a professional rugby team, the next with a £22 billion real estate company or a boutique marketing agency.

“Our clients come in all shapes and sizes, but they recognise one thing they want to understand and improve their impacts on people and the planet.”

Mr Smith’s background is travel and real estate. Seeing a gap in the market for a cost-effective consultancy solution to the environmental and social issues facing companies in the UK, he joined forces with Environmental Scientist and sustainability consultant Ian Dodd to launch Good Management.

Mr Dodds said: “There is a lot of noise surrounding ESG, CSR or sustainability but until companies put credible strategies into action there will be a significant lack of impact.

“Everybody’s talking about Net zero but what does it mean to your business and how do you actually make a positive impact?

“We founded Good Management to ensure that companies can lean on our experienced consultants with full flexibility.”

Smart Works appoints new chair A CHARITY that aims to help unemployed women succeed at job interviews has appointed a new chair.

Launched in Reading in 2015, the charity provides clothes and coaching.

Now it will be led by Helen Francis.

A volunteer dresser and coach for nearly four years, Helen also has more than 25 years’ experience leading Global Professional Services teams.

She has specialised in creating and developing teams to address specialist delivery needs all over the world.

WELCOME: Helen Francis is the new chair of Smart Works Reading Having a successful track record in delivering large-scale

programmes to external clients, she is looking forward to

implementing this knowledge to help reach more women across the Berkshire area.

“I am immensely proud to be associated with the vital role we play in getting women back into work, enabling them to support themselves and their families, and also to be associated with an incredibly talented group of women that are the Smart Works organisation,” Ms Francis said.

“I am particularly looking forward to using my skills and experience at Smart Works Reading to achieve the ambitious goals of the next three-year plan.”

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Silver recognition for Zzoomm for employing military personnel

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

ONE of the region’s housebuilders said that last year it built 555 homes, and contributed nearly £100 million to the UK’s economic output.

The results from David Wilson Homes Southern were highlighted in a new report looking at its financial year from June 30, 2020 through to June 30, 2021 – this is despite the covid pandemic, which saw the industry in lockdown for many weeks.

The developments were in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, and employed 1,474 people, through contractors and suppliers.

It also worked with 228 subcontractor companies and 315 supplier companies.

Financially, it contributed £13 million for its Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 funds, which help pay for schools, infrastructure and parks It also spent £33.8 million on physical works benefiting local communities including highway and environmental improvements and community facilities. This included creating 6.2 hectares of green space in the area for residents and the public to use.

Campbell Gregg, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “As a leading housebuilder, we are very aware of the pivotal role we play in helping to boost the local economy.

“We are committed to a strategy that includes leaving a positive and lasting legacy in the communities in which we build homes, be that through job creation, bolstering surrounding businesses or enhancing and protecting the local environment.

“We are proud to be a major force in the growth and prosperity of our region, and look forward to continuing our work in 2022.”

The report on David Wilson Homes’ SocioEconomic Footprint in 2021 was carried out

by Lichfields planning and development consultancy. n For more information on David Wilson Homes and the properties it has available, call 033 3355 8487.

Alternatively, visit www.dwh.co.uk.

A FULL-FIBRE internet to the home company has been recognised for its stance on employing military personnel.

Zzoomm, which is installing the fibre-to-the-home service in parts of Henley, was given the Silver ERS (Employment Recognition Scheme), which acknowledges that the firm is a forces-friendly employer and supports Serving personnel and their families, Service Leavers, Veterans and Cadet Forces.

It comes just eight months after the business achieved the Bronze version.

Richard Sinclair MBE, who is also an army veteran, and is now Zzoomm’s chief operations officer, said: “I am delighted that our focus on the military community has been recognised.

“We are working very closely with the armed forces to support servicemen and women transferring into the civilian workplace as well as those who are reservists.

“Currently, we have 47 veterans, reservists and/or family members of the armed forces working at Zzoomm – some 10% of the total workforce.

“As we are actively recruiting from this valued pool of talent, I expect this number to continue to increase.”

He continued: “Two examples of ex-military Zzoommer are Allan Fairhurst and Joanne Hitchmough.

“Allan is now one of our Lead Build Assurance Engineers, having served for several years in the Royal Logistics Corp including in Afghanistan. He is also a reservist.

“Joanne is a Lead Recruiter for Civils across all Zzoomm towns.

Blandy among the top planning firms A READING-based law firm is one of the best in the country when it comes to planning.

A new survey by Planning Magazine has placed Blandy & Blandy joint 15th in its annual Planning Law Survey.

The rankings are compiled based on peer-led interviews and research and sees Blandy & Blandy its position with the likes of BDB Pitmans, Gateley and Burges Salmon.

The company says it is one of the highest-rated regional firms in this year’s rankings, traditionally dominated by national and City firms.

Partner Karen Jones said: “Blandy & Blandy is home to one of the most experienced Planning & Environmental Law teams in the region. We pride ourselves on providing significant expertise and an unrivalled service in this specialist area of law.

“We believe that our extensive knowledge of the Thames Valley, our longterm involvement in key projects and our established relationships with other leading professional services firms helps to further set us apart.”

She added: “We work closely with colleagues across our firm, with dedicated expertise in areas including Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution and Venue Licensing.”

Blandy & Blandy is also ranked as a top-tier firm for both Planning and ‘Envrionment’ in the UK’s leading guides to law firms, Chambers UK and The Legal 500, with the latter also recognising Karen Jones as a leading individual in her field. n For more details, log on to: blandy.co.uk or call: 0118 951 6800.

TOP: Allan Fairhurst, Lead Build Assurance Engineer for Zzoomm BOTTOM: Joanne Hitchmough is a lead recruiter for Zzoomm WPR_2022-07-04_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go

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She joined Zzoomm directly having served 30 years in the Army latterly as an Army Recruiter.”

Ms Hitchmough said that her manager understood it would take time to settle in to the new way of working.

“From day one it has felt like I was part of a team – it seemed like I had been posted into a new unit.”

And the company’s chief executive said he was proud the firm had achieved this recognition.

“We will continue to welcome and support Zzoommers from a military background and those who want to continue in the reservists,” said Matthew Hare.

“They are all a key part of the rapidly expanding Zzoommer community.”

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Summer camp for young musicians BUDDING performers and producers are invited to apply for four-day music camps at the Whitley Community Centre.

The Reading Rock Academy is set to run two weeks starting on Monday, August 8, and Monday, August 15.

The programmes are open to children aged between 10 and 16-years-old, with no previous musical experience required.

Each week will offer distinct music creation and performance pathways.

The former programme will teach attendees how to compose and record music using software to create a compilation album.

There will also be an opportunity to design an album cover. Digital copies will be made available to share with family and friends.

In the performance pathway, youngsters will put together a vocal show, which may include dancing, movement and acting.

Alongside a music leader, songs will be chosen for a video-recorded performance at the end of the week.

All equipment will be provided, although those who play instruments are encouraged to bring them.

The events are free to attend, although bookings must be made through the Rock Academy Foundation.

Sessions run between 10am-2.30pm from Monday to Friday on both weeks.

Visitors will need a HAF code to register for these activities, which can be obtained via the Brighter Futures for Children website. n To register, visit: www. therockacademyfoundation.org

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Reading Abbey Revealed seeks to continue conservation work

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

CONSERVATION project Reading Abbey Revealed has put forward a report to the council seeking to continue its work on the abbey.

The project is looking to keep up its work with conservation specialists to protect and preserve the site.

An evaluation report was sent from the project to be considered by the council’s housing, neighbourhoods, and leisure committee on Wednesday, June 29.

Now in its fourth year since the reopening of the abbey, the project submitted its proposals for the next steps to be taken to preserve the abbey for consideration.

These include ensuring key findings and recommendations of the project are disseminated among colleagues and the wider heritage and placemaking sector.

They also include the continuation of work with both conservation specialists, consultants, and local heritage organisations such as the High Street Heritage Action Zone.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward,

VENUE: Reading Abbey has been host to a number of major events since it reopened, including the beacon ceremony during the Platinum Jubilee. Picture: Phil Creighton Reading’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “Reading’s Abbey is now at the heart of culture and heritage in our town.

“Thanks to our vision, the Abbey Quarter is now a thriving landmark and an important destination for residents and visitors to Reading.

“The project celebrates the historic importance of the site as Reading’s royal abbey and burial

place of King Henry I without stuffiness: the ruins host lively events and are a place to relax as well as learn.”

Efforts to preserve the site through Reading Abbey Revealed began in 2014, when the National Lottery Heritage Fund offered £1.7 million towards restoration.

This was matched by Reading Borough Council, who offered a

further £1.38 million.

Since its launch, the scheme has completed major restoration work on the abbey’s ruins and gateway, drawn together the grounds into a unified heritage site including displays and wayfinders, and continued to promote and showcase the site.

It celebrated the reopening of the Abbey site in 2018, which saw more than 18,000 visitors in a single day, as well as its 900th anniversary in 2021.

The commitment to community engagement and participation has led to the site receiving a number of national awards, including a planning award in 2020 for heritage in placemaking and a Green Flag award in 2021.

“This is a project of national importance and we are immensely proud of the benefits it brings to Reading.

As a champion of community engagement, I am particularly pleased by of the level of community, volunteer and educational participation the project has generated, and I hope to see this continue for years to come.

35

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Wednesday, July 6, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Chemogiftbags receives Covid-19 grant from John Sykes Foundation

DONATION: John Sykes, Founder & Chair of Trustees, John Sykes Foundation, Lynne Shipton Founder and Stephen Newport, Trustee/ Treasurer.

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A WOODLEY charity that helps breast cancer patients by providing care packages has received a covid grant from the John Sykes Foundation.

Chemogiftbags applied for the cash boost to help provide supplies for items to go into their gift bags, including stuffing for heart shaped cushions, which help relieve some discomfort after surgery and while having chemotherapy, word search books that occupy the long hours of treatment, and wool for their blankets.

The charity aims to bring some hope and positivity to people going through the chemotherapy due to breast cancer.

Lynne Shipton, the charity’s founder, said: “Our bags provide support in so many ways.

“Whether it be a financial aspect as our bags are valued at £100 and at such times when having treatment for cancer it can become a costly time.

“So we have taken some of that financial burden away by providing items that they will need whist undergoing chemo.”

She continued: “They educate, as the bags let people know what they might use, they also relieve some of the anxiety as we have provided a bag full

HI-TECH equipment was stolen from a home in Whitley last month.

Thieves broke into an address in Kingsley via an insecure door.

Once inside, they took a laptop and a mobile phone.

The incident took place on Saturday, June 25, between 8am and 8.40am.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage that could help their investigation to come forward.

Reports can be made online or by calling 101, using reference number 43220281393.

Vacuum theft

of products so there is no need to be thinking what is required, we have done the thinking for them.”

And there is a practical aspect to the bags, which Ms Shipton says are “individually packed with love” “It’s about offering support through our Chemogiftbags to breast cancer patients,” she added. “When they receive our bags, many patients are

overwhelmed that we have taken the trouble and thought about what others need for their treatment.

“It’s also the fact that many of us have been there and so many people send messages saying I wish we had this back when I had my chemo it would have made such a difference.”

John Sykes, the founder and chair of trustees at the John Sykes Foundation, visited Ms

AWARD: Awais Iqbal with his Reading Buses star of the month award

Reading Buses recognises its latest stars of the month THREE members of Reading Buses’ finance team are among those the firm has named as its stars.

The Great Knollys Streetbased public transport firm recognises its key players every month, and in June, it also recognised a network supervisor.

From the finance team the Star awards have been made to Owen Lovelock, 61 from Earley, Joanna Zajac, 48 from Thatcham, and Jo Buckland from Lower Earley for ‘rising to the challenge’.

The company said that while it was recruiting a new payroll manager, the finance team

Laptop and phone stolen from home

professionally processed the payrolls from start to finish to ensure everyone was paid accurately and on time.

And the team continued to support each other during this period which also included the financial year end and several bank holidays adding further challenges to the process.

Network Supervisor Awais Iqbal, 31 from Newtown, received his Star of the Month award for ‘remaining calm under pressure’ and dealing professionally with all stakeholders.

The company said he had also

successfully managed to cover another department and spent many hours finessing future work allocation to make sure everybody continues to be in the right place at the right time – described as ‘giant jig-saw’ and a ‘rare skill’ that not many possess.

Caroline Anscombe, Reading Buses’ human resources director, said, “Owen, Joanna, Jo and Awais are true credits to the team at Reading Buses for consistently delivering on the challenges they have faced, and I am delighted that they have all earned the Star of the Month award.”

Shipton and Stephen Newport, a trustee and treasurer at Chemogiftbags, to present the grant.

“I have seen first-hand the ideas, energy, and commitment of Lynne and her team at Chemogiftbags to reach more people who are experiencing Chemotherapy treatment for Breast Cancer,” Mr Sykes said.

“To be able to provide a donation of £1,000 to continue

their passion is very exciting and a real honour.

“We look forward to a longlasting relationship and seeing how the charity evolves in the coming years.”

n For more information on Chemogiftbags, or to find out how to request a bag, visit: www. chemogiftbags.org n To find out more about John Sykes Foundation’s grants, visit: www.johnsykesfoundation.org

THIEVES looking for a cleaner home stole a vacuum cleaner when they broke into an Earley home last month.

The incident happened in Green Road between midnight and 6am on Sunday, June 26.

The broke in via a side door to the property.

In addition to the Hoover, they also took bicycles.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage that could help their investigation to come forward.

Reports can be by calling 101, using reference number 43220280124.

36 | NEWS

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INTHECOMMUNITY New president for Pangbourne Rotary Club

Share news from your groups, clubs and societies.

Send reports to news@rdg.today

PANGBOURNE Rotary Club has elected Saerah Hopley as its President for 2022/23.

Saerah Hopley was presented with her chain of office by the outgoing President, the Revd Derek Spears at a celebratory dinner on Wednesday, June 29.

Saerah’s wishes for the Club for the upcoming year were to grow, be creative, have fun doing what we are good at – raising funds for a variety of causes, locally, nationally and internationally.

If you would like to join Saerah and the other 35 members of our Club on this exciting journey, please contact membership@ pangbournerotary.org.uk Brian Davies

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

CHAINS: Saerah Hopley was presented with her chain of office by the outgoing President, Reverend Derek Spears at a celebratory dinner

Book about RAF’s unsung heroes takes to the skies

A Ukraine war story wins short story competition from Thames Valley Writers’ Circle THE Thames Valley Writers’ Circle has emerged from its Zoom-only meetings to have the presentation of the Barbara Olive Smith Trophy, for its major annual competition, at an open meeting.

The competition was judged by national short story writer and judge, Iain Pattison, who awarded first place to David Burnell for his up-to-date story about the war in Ukraine, The Flight from Maripole.

A Russian war correspondent realises the truth of the war and is determined to get back to Moscow to convince her brother, a Russian Air force pilot to help her spread the word. Instead, they planned to kill Premier Putin during the Victory Parade when he was to be a pilot in the fly past.

The highest praise I can give this, said the judge, is to say, “I wish I had written it”.

As runner-up, Iain Pattison chose The Last Crossing by one of the Circle’s newest members, Jim Gault.

This was another tale of a journey from a war zone but which he said had taken him completely by surprise, as its destination was Heven or Hell.

In third spot he placed One Way Ticket by Neil Somerville, in which a terrorist attempt to blow up a London tube train in a suicide attack goes wrong.

“Plenty of tension to keep the reader gripped and written with cinematic quality,” he noted.

Ian Pattison also felt that Frank and

WINNER: David Burnell with the Barbara Olive Smith trophy from the Thames Valley Writers Circle Franz, by Helen Collett, was worthy of a Highly commended.

A much gentler tale of a shy German living in Ireland whose life is improved by a stray dog. n Full details of the Circle can be found on its website, thamesvalleywriterscircle.org

DICK SAWDON-SMITH

Reading Nagar celebrates International Day of Yoga IN POSITION: Yoga events were held to mark a special celebration of the art Picture: StockSnap from Pixabay

IN PRINT: At the book launch at Hurst Cricket Club were: John Osborne, Ivor Fiennes, John Penney, David Lochman, John Vimpany, David Boyd, Mark Blois-Brooke, Jane Fiennes and Ken Fostekew Picture: Sue Corcoran

EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@rdg.today A NEW book about unsung heroes of the Royal Air Force took to the skies in fine form when it was launched by its two authors.

A crowd of more than 50 people were at Hurst Cricket Club last week for the launch of To Force the Enemy off the Sea – the Story of the RAF’s North Coates Strike Wing.

Among the crowd was Ken Fostekew of the Museum of Berkshire Aviation in Woodley.

The museum is selling copies of the book written by John Vimpany and David Boyd who both live in Hurst.

John’s father Dick was a navigator in a Beaufighter plane which sank and damaged enemy ships in the North Sea

during the Second World War. He flew from RAF North Coates near Grimsby.

He later worked in civil aviation at Woodley Aerodrome, living at Wargrave Road, Twyford.

After the launch Mr Fostekew welcomed the book, saying: “It’s good to have this history collated.”

He was interested in finding out more about Dick Vimpany’s role at Woodley.

John Vimpany said: “We had over 50 at the launch, it was a really good evening. David and I talked about the story in the book and showed some slides.

“We sold copies of the book.

“It’s the story of how three squadrons of Beaufighter aircraft succeeded in clearing the North Sea of German convoys that were attempting to supply iron ore from Sweden to the armament factories of the Ruhr in Germany.

“This was between 1943 and 1945.”

The authors are taking the book ‘home’ to promote it at North Coates Airfield, now a flying club.

They will be at the airfield’s air day event which is from July 15-17.

On the evening of Friday, July 15 they will talk about the book at the Royal Air Force Association club at Cleethorpes where there is a memorial to North Coates Strike Wing.

The book costing £19.95 Including UK delivery is also available from Helion Books by visiting www.helion. co.uk The Museum of Berkshire Aviation is at the historic site of Woodley Airfield, once the centre of a thriving aircraft industry. Its summer opening times are Wednesdays and weekends, 10.30am-5pm.

Visit its website at museumofberkshireaviation.co.uk

ON Tuesday, June 21, Reading shaka hosted two yoga sessions for the samaj to mark the International Day of Yoga.

The morning session started at 4.30am and included meditation, warm-ups, 108 Surya namaskars, pranayams and gayatri mantra chanting.

The evening session at 6pm included gentle asanas, shavasana, pranayams as well as laughter yoga.

Supported by United Nations, every year, the International Day of Yoga is commemorated all over the world. The date ties in with the summer solstice and also considered to be auspicious in many cultures.

This year the theme is “Yoga for wellness” with focus on practising yoga for physical and mental wellbeing which is relevant to current times as the society is recovering from the pandemic and lockdowns which has had a profound effect on people’s mental health.

The UN website states that yoga can promote both physical and mental health. https://www.un.org/en/ observances/yoga-day People around the world are embracing it to stay healthy, o vercome depression, alleviate anxiety, and it plays a vital role in rehabilitation.

Wednesday, July 6, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Police museum’s display on Great Train Robbery

Young athletes to benefit from £4,300 fund A GROUP of Reading athletes are set to receive £4,300 worth of support for their competitive journeys.

Thanks to the GLL Sport Foundation (GSF), eight budding stars will have access to free memberships for practice facilities, cash bursaries and other services.

Charlie Beeson, who competes nationally in kayaking, was delighted to be one of the beneficiaries.

“I’ve been kayaking for over seven years now and even today I still really enjoy it,” he said.

“My aim this year is to get to Olympic hopes and be able to represent my country. I always try and work my hardest and am really competitive. The GSF award will help me with this.”

The social enterprise has looked to keep the community’s sporting dreams alive throughout the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

GSF manages leisure centres across Reading under the ‘Better’ brand in partnership with Reading Borough Council.

It has supported emerging and established national sporting talent for 14 years, tackling

inequalities in funding.

Peter Bundey, GSF chair, said: “These last 2 years since the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic have had an unprecedented impact across sport, especially with younger emerging talent.

“For young talented athletes, restrictions of their training, travel and competitions appear to have impacted significantly.

“But these awards offer a welcome boost for athletes to continue the richly diverse sports they love and excel in – allowing us to reach deep into communities across the UK to remove barriers to participation.

The foundation has granted 20,000 athlete awards, totalling almost £13 million.

Funding contributes towards free access to 260 sporting facilities, physiotherapy and other athlete services.

Former Olympic champion Sally Gunnell is a GSF patron. She spoke highly of the impact its had on youth development.

“Sport is such an important part of all our lives and has the power to inspire young people to excel and harness their talent towards their future,” she explained.

AWARD: Charlie Beeson heads list of eight talented Reading athletes receiving training awards. Picture courtesy of GLL

“From my own experience starting out as a young athlete and progressing through my sport, I understand how important the recognition and support from organisations like the GLL Sport Foundation can be to a young athlete. It can make the difference in achieving sporting ambitions.

“This is ever-more important today as we recover from a difficult and challenging year, where dreams have been put

on hold and sport had to stop.

Athletes can now refocus and start competition and working towards those goals with the support of the GLL Sport Foundation.

“This support can positively impact communities by promoting the opportunity that sport can bring and promoting the benefits it brings in wellbeing from someone within that community.”

While GSF focuses on

A CHANCE to learn more about the Great Train Robbery is on offer for visitors to the Thames Valley Police Museum.

Based in Sulhamstead, in the police training centre, the venue is open on Wednesdays during the summer holidays between 10am and noon.

During these times there is no need to make an appointment, or pay a visitors fee.

There is also a display dedicated to Amelia Dyer, who murdered children over a 30-year period.

supporting grassroots athletes, many have gone on to Olympic and Paralympic success.

Award holders have amassed an impressive 77 medals.

Notable beneficiaries include Tom Daley, Ellie Simmonds, Susie Rogers, Michael McKillop, Dina Asher-Smith and Charlotte Worthington.

Funding covers Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflymptic, Special Olympic and Commonwealth sporting disciplines.

Azerbaijani School to open Reading branch THE British European Azerbaijani School is preparing to open a branch in Reading.

The school will hold language lessons, chess games, and craft sessions.

It will meet at the Quakers Community Centre off London Street.

The first session is Saturday, July 9, from 1pm and 3pm.

For more details, search for British European Azerbaijani School on Facebook.

Former Gas Works Road social club listed as “locally-important”

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

DOING COPYRIGHT, RIGHT

THE BUILDING of the former Southern Gas Social Club has been approved for listing as one of Reading’s “locallyimportant” buildings.

The site on Gas Works Road opened as a social club for the workers of Southern Gas in 1903 and features two separate buildings.

The site has been disused since around 1993 and forms the only physical remains of gas production in Reading, since the demolition of the gas tower close by was completed earlier this year.

After having failed to sell at auction, the property is now in the hands of receivers Quantuma.

Members of the Conservation Advisory Committee put forward an application for it to be locally listed, and the Planning Applications Committee formally approved the addition on Wednesday, June 22.

The list recognises structures of significance, but does not afford any additional legal protection than they already have.

It means, however, that the building’s status would be taken into account if demolition or significant alteration is proposed.

Any planning application on the site will then be considered against the council’s Local

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Plan policy, which states that development should conserve architectural, archaeological, or historical significance.

It states also that any harm or loss of the asset would only be allowed where it can be demonstrated that the “benefits of the development significantly outweigh the asset’s significance.”

Cllr Kathryn McCann set up a Facebook group for people who wished to protect the site in 2020, which has since grown in number to 125 members.

Cllr McCann said:“I’ve always loved the Southern Gas Social Club building, with its classic red brick industrial styling, rising dramatically out of the canal, it’s an important relic of the industrial character of that part of Reading.”

Cllr McCann is now looking to submit the building for a national listing.

A national listing would provide further limits on how

the site could be developed, and protect the building.

“I knew that planning permission had been granted to redevelop the site into 20 flats, extending the social club building and reworking the governor house to the left.

“Knowing the site had since been sold on and was still sitting undeveloped, I saw an opportunity to bring people together to share ideas about it.

“My hope was that a viable plan to save it as something that would benefit the local community might evolve.”

She added that she would like to see the social club come back to life “as a multifunction venue, combining social space with workshop space for making, repairing, restoring and upcycling, where practical, creative and eco-minded people can cross paths, collaborate, learn from and inspire each other.”

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LEISURETODAY

06.07.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Henley Literary Festival to welcome the stars Books for all ages will be opened, explored, recounted and read when Henley Literary Festival returns this October. The programme is packed with a galaxy of famous faces – here’s what audiences can expect

H

ENLEY Literary Festival is set to return for its 16th year in October, this time with a stellar programme of writers, comedians, TV stars, musicians, and even astronauts.

The festival celebrates literature, and has grown to be one of the UK’s biggest since it launched in 2007.

This year will see more than 120

events come to venues in Henley-onThames and online over nine days.

Irvine Welsh, Robert Harris, Nina Stibbe, and Jeffrey Archer will all be attending to speak about their written works, joined by debut novelists such as Jessie Cave, Salma El-Wardany, and Bonnie Garmus.

Comedians Lenny Henry, Julian Clary, and Ruth Jones are also speaking

about their latest books.

Tim Peake, one of only seven Britons to go into space, will return this year to discuss his new non-fiction children’s book, The Cosmic Diary of Our Incredible Universe, after a popular talk at last year’s festival.

Gavin & Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones, wildlife expert Ray Mears, leading lexicographer Susie Dent, and baking doyenne Mary Berry are also among those holding talks during the festival.

A number of events for families and children are on the timetable, including talks by children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell will hold a talk, a draw-along event with Rob Biddulph, and talks

hosted by award winning authors Manjeet Mann and Katherine Rundell.

Festival director Harriet Reed-Ryan said: “After an above-expectations return to in-person last year we are so excited to welcome audiences old and new, in Henley and online wherever they are to our most accessible and varied Festival yet.”

As well as acts from the worlds of literature and TV, a number of musicians will be making contributions to the festivals, such as ACDC frontman Brian Johnson, Melanie Chism, PP Arnold, and Duncan Ross, speaking about their memoirs.

Events will take place across three venues in Henley-on-Thames; The

Kenton Theatre, Henley Town Hall, and the Baillie Gifford Marquee.

Investment partnership Baillie Gifford returns as the festival’s headline sponsor for a second year, having supported the festival for over a decade.

Almost all events will be available to stream online. n Tickets will be available to friends of the festival go on general sale from Monday, July 18.

Tickets will be available via: www. henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk or by calling 01491 575 948.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Picture of Ruth Jones: Tom Jackson Photography

14 | LEISURE

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Jazz, bang up to date

The audience can expect to hear traditional music from South Africa, USA and Guyana, and pieces by Arvo Pärt, Florence Price and Undine Smith Moore.

The event takes place in the Recital Room at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell.

Glass Ensemble perform on Sunday, July 10 at 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £15. n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123

LONDON-BASED musicians are to perform new works inspired by Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Lennie Tristano.

Alban Claret and Evan Clegg: The Collection, is a quintet of guitar, trumpet, tenor sax, double bass and drums.

The group promises to bring the jazz and bebop tradition ‘bang up to date’.

Their music is described as ‘compelling yet accessible’.

The event takes place at The Progress Theatre, Reading.

Doors open at 7.30pm on Friday, July 8. Tickets cost £16 for adults, £14 for students and over 60s, and £8 for under 16s. n For tickets and information log on to: www.progresstheatre.co.uk or email: boxoffice@progresstheatre.co.uk

All stars from Ronnie Scott in Bracknell

DIRECT from London’s world-famous jazz club, The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars are coming to Bracknell.

The group celebrates the famous venue by performing music from the greats who have starred there during its 60 year history.

Expect a night of world class live jazz, narration, rare archive photos and video footage, along with tales of old Soho, miscreant musicians and police raids.

The Ronnie Scott’s Story plays at The Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell.

The event takes place on Thursday, July 7, at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £22, or £20 for members. n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123

Stories of Love to delight audiences

NEXT Wednesday Steve Nieve and Kessada will play in Maidenhead.

Their show, Stories of Love, is a collection of songs by Tom Waits, Neil Young, Elvis Costello mixed with some of their own works.

Keyboard player Steve Nieve has performed with Elvis Costello for more than thirty years.

In this performance he teams up with vocalist and drummer Kessada to bring songs and anecdotes of Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, and others.

Stories of Love plays in The Studio at Norden Park Farm, Maidenhead.

The event takes place on Wednesday,

Pieces of eight

WITH a mystery guest star at every performance, this comedy show is loving celebration of the much loved TV duo, Morecambe and Wise.

Thom has written a play, an epic set in the French Revolution called A Tight Squeeze for the Scarlet Pimple.

Dennis, on the other hand, wants to continue with their double act.

He believes that if they perform a tribute to Morecambe and Wise, Thom’s confidence will be restored and July 13 at 8pm, and tickets cost £16. n For details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977 n For information about the music, visit Steve Nieve’s website: www.stevenieve. com

Love and lentil stew, all the way from 1996 IT’S NEWBURY, and the year is 1996.

Nine miles of ancient woodland are under threat because of the proposed route for a new bypass.

When university student Cassie meets protester Dylan, she is drawn into a world of rickety treehouses, lentil stew, druidic rituals and stoic resistance.

But her family is wary, and she must pay the price for her activism in this new play with music.

Camp Albion explores the heroism, humour and heated debate when Newbury’s environmental campaign captured the attention of the nation.

The play runs at The Watermill Theatre, Bagnor throughout this week

the double act will go on.

But first Dennis needs to persuade a guest star to appear in the play what Thom wrote...

Previous mystery guest stars have included Ralph Fiennes, Ewan McGregor, Joanna Lumley, Daniel Radcliffe, Kylie Minogue, Nigel Havers, Tom Hiddleston, Sue Holderness, Charles Dance, Dawn French and Sting.

Which mystery guest star will the audience see tonight? until Wednesday, July 16.

Performances are every evening at 7.30pm except for Sunday.

Matinées take place on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £25, £20 or £10 depending on seating.

Concessions are available for groups, over 65s, students and schools.

For patrons wishing to eat at the theatre, a two course menu is available for £20.50 n For tickets and information visit: www. watermill.org.uk or call the box office on: 01635 46044

There’s no such thing as The Gruffalo

The Play What I Wrote is performed at The Yvonne Arnaud theatre, Guildford.

There are performances this week until Saturday, July 9. Evening performances start at 7.30pm.

Matinées on Thursday and Saturday start at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £29.50 n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000.

The event takes place in The Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell.

It can be seen on Wednesday, July 13 and Thursday, July 14.

On Wednesday there are two performances, at 1pm and 4.30pm.

A single performance on Thursday is at 10.30am.

Tickets cost £15.50 for adults, £13.50 for under 16s, £54 for a family of four, and £9.50 for schools. n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123

A capella protest

YOUNG children will love a production based on Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s The Gruffalo, it follows Mouse on his daring adventure through the woods.

A magical and musical show it brings the picture book to life and is suitable for everyone three years old or over.

BERKSHIRE-BASED choir, Glass Ensemble presents a collection of protest songs.

The 20-strong group will perform an a capella program of music.

Songs of Dissent is the choir’s sung history of music that shook the world.

It recalls songs that have been linked to change, whether during adverse political times or in moments of celebration.

TREASURE Island comes to Newbury, thanks to theatre company Le Navet Bete.

Swashbuckling comedy, dastardly pirates, tropical islands and a mermaid you’ll never forget are all part of this show.

Audiences will set sail on the Jolly Todger with Jim Lad, Long John Silver and a whole host of other characters for a hilarious voyage across the seas.

Will they get there in one piece?

Is everyone who they say they are?

And does ‘X’ really mark the spot?

The physical comedy company ensure that this is Robert Louis Stevenson’s legendary tale as never seen before.

The event takes place at the Corn Exchange, Newbury on From Thursday, July 7 through to Saturday, July 9.

Performances start at 7pm.

Tickets cost £19 for adults, £17 for concessions, and £15 for under 18s. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.

Hurdy gurdy and more for folk music night

THERE will be a night of folk music next week. Damian Clarke’s solo folk concert features the hammer dulcimer and a hurdy gurdy.

It contains traditional and self-penned songs from all over Europe.

Clarke’s latest album Covered4Cancer is raising money for Cancer Research UK and The Stroke Association.

It features 10 well-known songs that the audience can be sing along with.

The tracks have been re-arranged for the magical hammer dulcimer with its bright, bouncy sound.

The event takes place at the Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Wednesday, July 13. The concert starts at 8pm and tickets cost £12, or £10 for members. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars present: The Ronnie Scott’s Story. Thurs 7. Karen Street’s L’Espirit Du Jazz. Fri 8.

Edinburgh Previews. Fri 8.

Steppin Out Stars of Tomorrow summer show: Wishes. Sat 9-Sun 10. Live Music on the Terrace. Sun 10. Songs of Dissent. Sun 10. The Grufalo.

Wed 13-Thurs 14. Folk Night: Damian Clarke and Support.

Wed 13. Edinburgh Previews.

Fri 15. Ruby. Sat 16-Sun 17.

Live Music on the Terrace.

Sun 17.

FILMS: Father Stu. Fri 8-Sat 9.

The Northman. Fri 8-Sun 10.

Carmen Jones. Mon 11. Luzzu.

Mon 11-Tues 12. Swan Song.

Wed 13-Thurs 14. The Quiet Girl. Fri 15-Sun 17. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of

Madness. Fri 15-Sun 17.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Camberley Comedy Festival. Sat 9. Be Bop A Lula. Thurs 14.

Richard Jones. Fri 15. Circus Skills With Patches. Sat 16.

WNBF UK Event: First Timers/ Novice. Sun 17.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Play Wot I Wrote. Until Sat.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Walk Right Back. Thurs 7.

Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 7. Pat Steel & Bucks School of Dance. Sat 9-Sun 10.

Youth Theatre End of Year

Sharing. Mon 11. Zog and the Flying Doctors. Fri 15-Sun 17.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Legally Blonde: The Musical. Thurs 14-Sun 17.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Fri 8. Chance To Dance Stars CIC Annual Showcase 2022. Sat 9. Jurassic World: Dominion (12a). Sat 9, Wed 13. All My Friends Hate Me (15). Thurs 7, Sat 9. Youth Theatre Presents Peter Pan. Wed 13. Steve Nieve and Kessada - Stories of Love. Wed 13. Between Two Worlds (12a).

Thurs 14. Don Vappie and Jazz Creole. Thurs 14. Everything

Went Fine (15). Fri 15. Terry Alderton: It’s Terry. Fri 15. Tony Kofi Quartet: A Portrait of Cannonball. Fri 15. Good Luck to You Leo Grande (15). Sat 16, Tues 19.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Treasure Island. Thurs 7-Sat 9.

Bowie Experience. Fri 15. Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour.

Sat 16.

Newbury – The Watermill

Shaparak Khorsandi: It was the 90s. Fri 8. Poets Cafe 2022. Fri 8. South Street Youth Theatre presents Biscuit Town. Mon 11. Alice In Boogieland. Thurs 14, Fri 15. The Monochrome Set and support. Sat 16..

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Sarah Millican: Bobby Dazzler.

Thurs7-Sat 9. The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Sat 16-Sun 17.

Reading – Concert Hall

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 NEXT SHOW: Whistle Down The Wind. Jul 22-Sep 10.

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Brindley Sherratt.

Sep 10.

Reading – South Street

Reading – Progress Theatre

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

Great Expectations: Open air in Abbey Ruins. Wed 20-Sat 30.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde.

Oct 10-29.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 At the Alan Cornish theatre in Woodley: Senior Youth Group show Saturday Night Fever. Fri 8-Sun 10.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Barefoot in the Park. Until Aug 20. The Definitive Rat Pack.

Sun 10. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Sun 17.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 A Touch of Danger: Windsor on Air. Tues 12-Sat 16. Private Lives: Windsor on Air. Tues 19-Sat 23.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Daisy Pulls It Off. July 13-23.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film theatre: King Richard (12a). Thurs 14.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.

Wednesday, July 6, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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The Purrfect teatime tail: Why David Wood loves The Tiger That Came To Tea The Tiger Who Came to Tea is celebrating 12 years on stage and over 50 years as Britain’s best-loved picture book. David Wood OBE is one of the country’s leading writers and directors of plays and musicals for children. We spoke to him as the play comes to Reading next week

W

HAT most excited you about bringing The Tiger Who Came to Tea to the stage?

It was both of my daughters’ favourite book, and my wife and I never tired of reading it to them.

For some inexplicable reason I never considered adapting it for the stage, until Nick Brooke and Judith Kerr herself invited me to have a go! I was delighted that the first production was so well received, both by our audiences and Judith, who was wonderfully supportive of the enterprise.

Why do you think The Tiger Who Came to Tea is still so popular 50 years after it was written?

Children identify with Sophie, the child protagonist, and the familiar domestic situation of family meal times. Children enjoy stories with animals and food, and the arrival of the Tiger and his enjoyment of all the food on offer, is both amusing and intriguing.

The surreal nature of the story undoubtedly adds to the enjoyment. And a night time stroll through the streets to a café for a tasty supper is an exciting novelty.

Do you have a favourite line or moment in the show?

I love being in the audience witnessing the excitement when the Tiger arrives. The children see him before Mummy and Sophie, and love telling them about this unlikely visitor.

The line, ‘he drank all the water in the tap’ is the line that most people remember, and I’m no exception. Interestingly, the publishers of the book advised Judith to remove it, saying that it

went a bit too far. Luckily Judith firmly insisted the line should stay.

For many young children who come to see The Tiger Who Came to Tea, it is their first experience of theatre. Do you remember the first time you went to the theatre and did it have a lasting effect on you?

The first time I experienced the thrill of watching a play was when I was at kindergarten, aged about four.

The older children performed it and I loved it.

The first professional performance I saw was probably Peter Pan at the Scala Theatre.

I was so taken with it that I insisted on returning annually for three or four years.

Ever since, Peter Pan has been of endless fascination to me.

Like the best children’s stories, it works on several levels, and can be appreciated in different ways as one gets older.

Do you ever feel a pressure to do an author justice when adapting books for the stage?

I have been fortunate enough to adapt the books of several famous authors, bringing them from page to stage over the last 50 years.

Roald Dahl, Dick King-Smith, Philippa Pearce, Philip Pullman, Enid Blyton and Michelle Magorian amongst them.

My aim is always to be faithful to the author’s original intentions, and to carefully preserve the spirit of the book, even when having to rearrange some of the key moments or even lose a few characters.

It seems to me that if a book

The Tiger That Came To Tea is coming to The Hexagon is worth adapting, it is important to be faithful, rather than simply use the basic idea to introduce my own take on the story.

It always surprises me when so many films are so different from their source material.

The Times have called you ‘the National Children’s Dramatist’. What do you think is the key to making an inclusive, family-friendly production?

This is such a big question that some years ago I wrote a book about it. I aim to tell the story with clarity, striving to retain the interest and emotional involvement of the children.

I don’t worry too much about the adults. If the children enjoy

the performance, the adults will.

One of my aims, when writing and directing, is to create ‘lots of suddenlies’.

These are moments of excitement or revelation that change and progress the story.

They may be new characters arriving, lighting changes, sound effects, musical ‘stings’, characters’ reactions to new events or the use of movement.

Action is important.

You can’t just have a couple of characters sitting down and talking for 10 pages.

By emotional involvement I mean that I am trying to make the children care. Sometimes this may involve an injustice.

Children know all about fairness and unfairness. They want fairness to prevail.

What was your inspiration behind the music of the show?

For many years I have written my own songs for my children’s plays. I want the music to be catchy and appealing, but even more importantly, to help further the story, rather than stop it in its tracks.

I don’t know who my influences are, but I have always enjoyed musical theatre, as well as popular music.

I have never trained to write music, but enjoy, having written the words, usually with rhyme, finding suitable tunes in different

styles to contribute to the action.

Did you have a favourite book growing up?

Enid Blyton undoubtedly taught me to read. One of the Famous Five books was the first book I read all on my own, in one long session. I also loved a series of books about a koala bear called Wonk. I don’t think many people have come across these books since they were published in probably the late 1940s or early 1950s. And I can’t really remember why I enjoyed them so much. But I did.

What gave you the idea to introduce the magic elements into the show?

From an early age I was interested in magic tricks, and started entertaining at children’s birthday parties when I was 12.

As a teenager, I performed for grown ups as well. And, as the years went by, having become an actor, I started touring The David Wood Magic and Music Show to theatres up and down the country.

I was quite well-known by then, because I performed on children’s television in shows like Play Away, Jackanory and Tricky Business. So it was natural for me to want to introduce magic elements into my children’s plays, when appropriate.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea gave me lots of opportunities.

The Tiger eating all the food needed to look ‘real’, and our magic supervisor, Scott Penrose, was able to make this happen.

I also love the way Mummy’s shopping trolley, seen to be empty, magically fills up with all the food necessary to replace what tiger has eaten. n The Tiger Who Came to Tea is at The Hexagon in Readingon Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17. For details or to book, log on to whatsonreading.comor call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

For tour dates & bookings visit https://www.tigerstealive.com/

A weekend of great music awaits at Readipop

R

EADIPOP is gearing up for another weekend of musical acts at the top of their game, with some of the heaviest hitters in R&B, rock, pop, and more set to take to the stage.

Sugarhill Gang and Furious 5 set to headline Readipop Festival in 2022

Friday will kick off the festival with Mike Wagner, followed by The Skandal, Amya-Ray, and King Kuda, on the main stage.

Suncreem will take over, with Jesus Jones teeing up headliners Morcheeba, who will close the night.

On Saturday, the main stage will see the likes of K.Kayne and Hatty Taylor, followed by The Menstrual Cramps, Too Many T’s, and Romeo and Michele Stodart.

DJ Format, Stealing Sheep, and Melle Mel and Scorpio will perform before Sugar Hill Gang play the closing set.

Sunday’s main stage line-up will start with Junior Watson and the Reading Reggae Collective, then

Brother Zulu, OSP, Nigel Clark, and Transglobal Underground. Badly Drawn Boy will then bring proceedings to a close.

Across the weekend, BBC Introducing in Berkshire will see a number of local bands and acts performing, joining the likes of The Pink Diamond Revue, No Feathers, Readiphonics, Hoopy Frood, and 4FINGAZ on the weekend’s bill.

The festival will also feature an In Conversation interview with Stephen Morris, of Joy Division and New Order; Richard Jobson, of the Skids; and Stealing Sheep.

It will host the Reading Indie Urban Market too, as well as local beers and ales, street food, and workshops. n ReadiPop takes place at venues across Reading this weekend, from Friday-Sunday, July 8-10. Tickets are available online via: www.eventbrite.co.uk

JAKE CLOTHIER

16 | LEISURE

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New York romance is a fun night out, thanks to The Mill Barefoot in the Park The Mill at Sonning until August 20 0118 969 8000 millatsonning.com

B

AREFOOT in the park opened last week at the Mill at Sonning.

It’s a feel-good romantic farce, delivered with warmth and humour.

The story unfolds in the top floor apartment of a Manhattan condominium in the mid sixties. it’s February and newly weds Corrie and Paul are setting up home together.

The space is not ideal - there’s no bathtub and the closet is leaky.

But there is the expectation of a ‘wonderful new life’ ahead of them.

Corrie is young and lovely, the sort of girl to ‘jump straight in’ to whatever life offers her.

Paul is an aspiring lawyer who ‘looks first’ before he jumps, and irons his ties.

Corrie adores the apartment.

Paul does not.

They are gloriously in love, but clearly expect different things from life and from marriage.

Will they find common ground and flourish together?

When Corrie’s mildly depressed mother unexpectedly drops in, tensions begin to rise.

And the couple meet their new

and eccentric neighbour, Victor Velasco.

Then Corrie sets up her mother on a date with this enthusiastically impractical man, and a wild night out follows.

All the ingredients of a farce now in place, emotions fly, heated accusations are thrown and a suitable amount of doorslamming follows.

Neil Simon’s comic play first appeared on Broadway in 1963.

It was his longest running show and has been warmly received since then.

It was filmed in 1967, and starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda as Paul and Corrie.

Robin Herford directs this production with affection and humour.

The cast is strong throughout and the actors keep a tight ship.

Their physical comedy is slick, the humour is well delivered, and the audience is warmly invited into the story from the outset.

Hannah Pauley is delightfully warm and appealing as Corrie.

Jonny Labey is suitably devoted, yet uptight as Paul.

Rachel Fielding is charmingly manipulative as pink pill popping mother, Mrs Banks.

James Simmons is irresponsible and flamboyant as the down at heel neighour, Velasco.

TOUCHDOWN: Major Tim Peake brings his brand new live show to The Hexagon, in which he speaks about his experiences as an astronaut in the European Space Agency. Picture: NASA via Wikimedia Commons NEWLYWEDS: Jonny Labey as Paul Bratter, Hannah Pauley as Corrie Bratter. Picture: Andreas Lambis And Oliver Stanley, as the phone technician, manages to remain cheerfully awkward in the thick of it.

Stylistically, the production nods appropriately to the 1960s but deftly avoids creating a museum piece.

Because of this the play feels fresh, and its modern audience can engage readily with the story.

And the production is sprinkled with the warm sounds of Simon and Garfunkel, which complement the themes perfectly.

Michael Holt’s set is beguilingly simple and elegant.

Uncluttered, but with touches of bold colour, it neatly conveys

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THE LAKES & DALES Narrowboat, Steam & Sail

ANDRÉ RIEU

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Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel in the North West area with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Cruise on Lake Windermere Narrow boat cruise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

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both inside and outside the apartment.

Finally, the stairs probably should get a mention.

Almost another character, they are never actually seen, yet provide great opportunities for laughs.

The Mill at Sonning regulars love their theatre and this show should give its audiences a warm glow during its run.

On the opening night one audience member described it as ‘a lovely night out.’

And they weren’t wrong.

All tickets include a twocourse meal in the theatre’s impressive waterside restaurant.

EMMA MERCHANT

From the ISS to the IDR: Tim Peake’s UK tour comes to The Hexagon BRITISH astronaut Tim Peake is setting out on a new live show, coming to The Hexagon next year, and tickets have just gone on sale.

As part of his work with the European Space Agency, Major Peake became the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station to conduct a space walk while orbiting the Earth.

In his new live show, he will give audiences a guide to life in space, including previouslyunseen footage and photographs.

The show will follow his experiences with training,

launching, space-walking, and re-entry, and his time running a marathon in space.

As well as his time at the ESA, Major Peake spent 17 years in military service, which included serving as platoon Commander in the Royal Green Jackets, and as a flying instructor and test pilot.

Tim Peake: My Journey to Space is showing at The Hexagon on Thursday, March 9, at 7.30pm.

Tickets start from £27, available via: www. whatsonreading.com.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Seventy harmonious years

A

FTER more than two years of Covid disruption Wokingham Choral Society has taken a big stride back to normality with an accomplished performance of Bach’s Mass in B Minor.

The concert was held in The Great Hall of Reading University on Saturday, June 25.

Bach’s masterpiece was chosen as a fitting celebration of seventy years since the Society’s foundation and was marked by Prosecco offered to the audience in the interval.

The Society has long been led by a brilliant line of young musical directors, including Graeme Jenkins, Paul Daniel, Edward Gardner and Stephen Layton.

The latest in the line, James Morley Potter, in his pre-concert talk demonstrated why Bach’s genius in Baroque composition, emotional range and intellectual vigour made the work so apt a choice for the celebratory concert.

In performance, the choir captured the challenging demands of the choruses with expressive feeling.

The soloists, Helena Moon (soprano), Catherine Backhouse (mezzo-soprano), Edward Woodhouse (tenor), and Greg Skidmore (bass) responded with moving empathy to the exquisite playing of Time and Truth on period instruments.

This was the last occasion, however, when Benedict Lewis-Smith (continuo) was to accompany the choir, a role in which he will be greatly missed.

The autumn concert will be held again in the Great Hall on Saturday, November 19.

R.J.E.

The Mission at Sub 89 I REMEMBER seeing The Mission at a packed London Show in the 80’s when they unveiled their new name after briefly being known as The Sisterhood.

It was a brilliant night and was the start of a period of international success for the band as one of the best goth rock bands in the world.

When I saw that they were touring this year with a night at Sub89 I had to take the opportunity to see them again and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

It was a packed, hot and sweaty sold-out Sub89 and following a great set from

local psychobilly rockers, Go-Go Cult, The Mission took the stage.

Performing songs from throughout their career, they showed that they still have the power and the energy they always had and the atmosphere was incredible with crowd singalongs to their classics such as Wasteland, Deliverance and the song that closed their second encore, Tower of Strength.

A band still sounding as exciting today as they did in the 80’s.

CHRIS HILLMAN

Picture: Andrew Merritt

LEISURE | 25

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Wednesday, July 6, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

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RaW Sounds Today

debut album, Gameplay, which will be released later in the year.

They have just announced a special album launch show at Sub89 on November 10, so make sure you grab your tickets for that one and see them at Wokingham Festival in August and their own Loddfest in September - http://www.thirdlungband. com

Chris Hillman bit.ly/RAW Soundstoday

Phantom Booth – Blind Emotion

L

ONELY ROBOT makes a welcome return to our playlist this week, with a sneak peek at his latest album.

It’s not released until the tail end of summer, but you can tune in to the first track from it Recalibrating is heading up this week’s RaW Sounds Today playlist: our mission is to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).

We’ve got 10 fantastic tracks for you to enjoy as part of this, an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. And best of all, there’s no charge to listen.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is 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.

Lonely Robot – Recalibrating Producer, musician, vocalist and songwriter John Mitchell releases A Model Life, his fifth album

Lonely Robot, aka John Mitchell under the Lonely Robot name, on August 26, and Recalibrating is the first single from it.

Lonely Robot is a solo project in all but name and this album is certainly John’s most personal yet.

On this single he reflects on the aftermath of a broken relationship.

Musically the album again showcases John’s incredible talents and includes some of his brilliant guitar playing, as on this single - https:// johnmitchellhq.com

Third Lung – Lo-hi This band have just come out of the playlist. How can they be here again so soon?

Well, they’ve just released another excellent single so they deserve to be.

Lo-hi is the second single from their forthcoming

This Reading band describe their second single as ‘a cheerful bittersweet bop’ and it certainly is.

Wonderful melodic indie.

They are live in Reading on September 29 at Heavy Pop’s Roseate Sessions - https://linktr.ee/ phantombooth

Char – Control Char’s pop/R&B style has already got her noticed

by Kiss FM & the BBC so we’ll look forward to seeing her at Wokingham Festival on Saturday, August 27.

This song is from the Simpler Times EP that Char released last year - https://linktr.ee/CHARmusic

Yaoki – Brand New Life They played their first-ever gig, opening the night, at Split the Dealer’s amazing Sub89 show recently and what a great gig it was. Here’s their first-ever single which combines melody and power - https:// www.facebook.com/YaokiBand

The Paradox Twin – Prism Descent They topped our Best of 2021 list and following

an appearance last week at the impressive Prog For Peart Charity event in Abingdon we are looking forward to their return to Wokingham Festival -https://www.facebook.com/YaokiBand

The Lovely Eggs - You Can Go Now Recently The Lovely Eggs, a duo from Lancaster, visited to play at Reading’s Facebar and showed what an exciting and energetic act they are! Here’s something from their latest album I Am Moron https://www.thelovelyeggs.co.uk/

Hoopy Frood – Atoms & Molecules It’s not long until this weekend’s Readipop and one of the local artists playing there is Hoopy Frood. The band will also be at Wokingham Festival, opening the main stage on Sunday, August 28 https://linktr.ee/Hoopyfroodmusic

Deva St.John – DIE! Another artist playing at both Readipop and Wokingham Festival and here’s her latest single.

With a positive message and with her melodic indie rock sound, Deva St. John has created another good one - https://www.devastjohn.com/

The Room – It’s Not My Home Here’s a powerful epic from The Room’s Caught by the Machine album.

Following great performances at Cambridge Rock Festival and Alfold Rock & Blues Festival, they will be at Wokingham Festival on August 29 - https:// theroom.band/

GIG GUIDE Thursday, July 7

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Bracknell Blues Club: Steve Summers Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Ronnie Scott’s All Stars present: The Ronnie Scott’s Story. Details: 01344 484123.

READING - Mojito Beach Bar, The Oracle RG1 2AG. Solo acoustic gig. 6pm. Details: www.theoracle.com READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Friday, July 8

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Soul Reggae, UKG, Bashment, Funky House.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Karen Street’s L’Espirit Du Jazz. Details: 01344 484123.

CAVERSHAM - Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Morcheeba, Jesus Jones Sunscreem, King Kuda, Amya-Ray, The Skandal, Air Circus, Forje, Lilac, Mike Wagner, Skills C. 6pm-11pm. Details: www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Wicked Jackals.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING - The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. Stars in their Minds Karaoke and disco.

READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests with Marky Dawson. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Alban Claet and Evan Clegg: The Collection. Details: www. jazzinreading.com WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Neon Daze. Details: 0118 977 3706.

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvisl.

Details: 01252 872105.

YATTENDON - West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions.

Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, July 9

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Strats. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Lord John Band.

Details: 01344 422622.

BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Frankie The Fish. Details: 0118 983 2220.

CAVERSHAM - Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Sugarhill Gang + Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio (Furious 5), Stealing Sheep, Romeo & Michele Stodart (The Magic Numbers), DJ Format, In Conversation: Stephen Morris (New Order/Joy Division) & Richard Jobson (The Skids), The Drop, Hatty Taylor, Readipop AAA Takeover w/ K.Kayne & more, Alive

By Night, Deva St John,

Imogen Halsey, Jess Tuthill, Shard Project. 1pm-11pm.

Details: www.readipop. co.uk/readipopfestival READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Real Magic, a tribute to Queen. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Don’t Compromise The Vibe with Mr Marvellous, Eagle Bliss.

READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Summer of Love Garage Brunch.

3pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. SOS Out of this World drag night. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Relics.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Glenn Wool. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Big Black Boots. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Charity Festival- featuring DriveIN-Saturday, Old Park Road, Hancocks Half Hour, Nicole Allen and Dezzie. £5 per adult. From 3pm.

Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOKINGHAM - The Lord Raglan, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Wily Bo Walker. Details: 0118 978 3282.

YATTENDON - Village Hall RG18 0UR. Brewhouse Music presents The Daisy Chains and Liza Marshall. £16. Details: 01635 201236.

Sunday, July 10

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm.

Songs of Dissent. Details: 01344 484123.

CAVERSHAM - Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Badly Drawn Boy, Transglobal Underground, Nigel Clark (Dodgy), Brother Zulu, OSP, Jnr Watson + Reading Reggae Collective, 4Fingaz, Beatroots, Corvid, Darcey Hope, Danny Lampo, doops, Du’val, Elucidate, Hoopy Frood, No Feathers, Split The Dealer, Surya, Tea & Jam, Third Lung, Wynona. Details: www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Elizabeth and Jameson.

Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Stefan J Doyle.

Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

THEALE – The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Acoustic music.

Details: 0118 960 2295.

READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street. CRIOLA Reading Kizomba classes and party with DJ Visser.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack.

Details: 0118 969 8000.

Tuesday, July 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music

Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

Wednesday, July 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open mic night. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Folk Night with Damian Clarke and Support. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

Thursday, July 14

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Flying Visit.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Lou Kyme Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Friday, July 15

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Country Moans. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Failed Authors. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1.

The Rocket Kings and The Unaccompanied Live.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Summer Love party. Details: 0118 968 1442.

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests.

Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Trevor Nelson Soul Nation Reading. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 977 3706.

YATTENDON - West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions. Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, July 16

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael Solo Tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Flint Moore. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Club Velocity presents: An evening all things Joe Meek hosted by Alan Wilson.

Exclusive talk and special film screening. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Dub in the Pub 3.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Wardour Street.

Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Boy Bands Bottomless Brunch.

3pm. Saturday Night

Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING - Pyramid Studios, Nelson Road. Sweet Johnny. 2pm. Details: www.sweeetjonny.co.uk READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Rob Sowden. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING - South Street Arts Centre. Heavy Pop presents The Monochrome Set and Peerless Pirates. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Andrew Bird. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Blue Hayz.

Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM – Unit 3 & 4 South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road RG40 3AS. Bond Brews Tap Yard event.

Noon-6pm.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Plato and the

Bees. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Sound Intentions. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, July 17

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.

Sunday Karaoke.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Details: 0118 969 8000.

ROCKAID CHARITY EVENT FOR CANCER RESEARCH £5 DONATIONS ENTRY High Quality Live acts Saturday 9th July 3pm - 10.30pm THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF

0118 979 7402

26 | LEISURE

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WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Thor: Love and Thunder (12a). From Thurs 7. Keep It Cult: Jumanji (PG). Fri 8.

Top Gun: Maverick (12a).

Thurs. Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Thurs. Elvis (12a). Thurs. The Black Phone (15). Thurs. Explorer (PG). Thurs 14. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Thursday, July 7

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Line dancing. £5, non-members £6. 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org SOUTHCOTE – Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am10.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives.

2.15pm-2.45pm. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: SJ Perelman. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.

Friday, July 8

CAMBERLEY – High Cross Church, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. Rushmoor ‘Odd Fellows’ Male Voice Choir Summer Concert.

7.30pm. £12.50. Details: rushmoormvc.com CAVERSHAM – Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Morcheeba, Jesus Jones, Sunscreem, King Kuda, Amya-Ray, The Skandal, Air Circus, Forje, Lilac, Mike Wagner, Skills C. 6pm-11pm. Details: www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with

Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe: Mary Ford Neal, host AF Harrold.

8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM – Cricket Club, Sadlers End RG41 5AW. Bear in the Air Productions presents Much Ado About Nothing. 6pm. Outdoor show, bring picnic blanket or chairs.. Tickets from £8.68. Details: www. bearintheairproductions. com WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, July 9

BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane.

Crafty Church. 10.30amnoon. Teddy Bears picnic, from noon. Includes games and activities.

CAVERSHAM – Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Sugarhill Gang + Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio (Furious 5), Stealing Sheep, Romeo & Michele Stodart (The Magic Numbers), DJ Format, In Conversation: Stephen Morris (New Order/Joy Division) & Richard Jobson (The Skids), The Drop, Hatty Taylor, Readipop AAA Takeover w/ K.Kayne & more, Alive

By Night, Deva St John, Imogen Halsey, Jess Tuthill, Shard Project. 1pm-11pm.

Details: www.readipop. co.uk/readipopfestival CAVERSHAM – Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road RG4 6DX. South Chiltern Choral Society presents Cinema Classics including The Wizard of Oz, Rodgers & Hammerstein on Broadway, The Best of Bond and Mamma Mia!.

7.30pm, grounds open 5.30pm for picnic. £15 includes refreshments, Under 16s £7.50.

Details: http://www. southchilternchoralsociety. org.uk/ CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Flower Festival: The Platinum Years 1952-2022: Monarchy, Music and Mayhem.

In aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust. 10am-6pm.

Details: facebook.com/ crowthorneflowerfestival

READING – Forbury Gardens RG1 3BB. Bastille Day 2022: A celebration of everything French, including singers, food and activities. 11am5pm. Details: http:// bastilledayreading.co.uk/ READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Sacred Nature: How we can recover our bond with the natural world, by Karen Armstrong. 6pm-7.30pm.

Refreshments and book signing after Q&A. Details and to register: Events@ readingminster.org.uk READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. SOS Out of the This World Drag ight. 7pm. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org SILCHESTER – St Mary The Virgin, Church Lane RG7 2HH. Belle Canto Trio in concert: Celebrate. 7.30pm. £10, includes interval refreshments. In aid of church funds and Farm Africa. Tickets available on door. Details: concerts@ silchesterchurch.co.uk TWYFORD – St Mary’s Church, Station Road RG10 9NT. THRU Meets BBQ It with live music.

6.30pm. £6, £3 children, £15 family. Details: http:// thru-christ.org.uk/ WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road. Sing Healthy Choirs in concert with Ascot Brass, in aid of COATS Crowthrone.

7.30pm. Details: singhealthy.co.uk/tickets WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, RG40 3AL. South Berkshire Singers summer concert: Thank You For The Music.

7.30pm. £10. In aid of Sport In Mind. Details: 0118 989 2092.

WOKINGHAM – Evendons Primary School, Finchampstead Road.

Evendons Summer garden party. 1pm-3p. £5 for unlimited inflatable use for children aged 4-11.

Tombola, bar, cakes.

WOKINGHAM – Town Hall and Elms Field.

Wokingham Pride 2022: meet for photos by town hall at 11.30am, then parade to Elms Field for picnic at noon. Bring flags and friends. Afterparty at The Station Tap. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – ONLINE. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society talk: The Burials of the 25th Dynasty and Napatan Kings, by Dr Peter Lacovara. Takes place on Zoom. 4pm. Details and

booking: http://www.tvaes. org.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org YATELEY – Fyson Blum Hall, Yateley Manor School, Reading Road GU46 7UQ. Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado, performed by Yateley Choral Society. £15, students £5, under 16s free. Details: www. yateley-choral.org.uk

Sunday, July 10

CAVERSHAM – Christchurch Meadows RG4 8BY. Readipop Festival: Badly Drawn Boy, Transglobal Underground, Nigel Clark (Dodgy), Brother Zulu, OSP, Jnr Watson + Reading Reggae Collective, 4Fingaz, Beatroots, Corvid, Darcey Hope, Danny Lampo, doops, Du’val, Elucidate, Hoopy Frood, No Feathers, Split The Dealer, Surya, Tea & Jam, Third Lung, Wynona. Details: www.readipop.co.uk/ readipopfestival CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair.

10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Flower Festival: The Platinum Years 1952-2022: Monarchy, Music and Mayhem. In aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust. Noon-5.30pm.

Songs of Praise 6pm.

Details: facebook.com/ crowthorneflowerfestival, PADWORTH – Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Padworth & Aldermaston Wharf Craft & Produce Show: dog show, craft stalls, refreshments and a main arena with Falconry display, Arborfield Military Wives Choir. Noon5pm. Details: https:// padworthshow.simdif.com/ READING – Forbury Gardens RG1 3BB. Bastille Day 2022: A celebration of everything French, including singers, food and activities. 11am5pm. Details: http:// bastilledayreading.co.uk/ READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Laugh or Lemon open mic comedy event – five minutes on a lemon clock.

5pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 6048.

TIDMARSH – Village Hall RG8 8ES. Art exhibition and sale in aid of Duchess of Kent Hospice. Free entry, refreshments available.

10.30am-4.30pm. Free parking, wheelchair accessible.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars

£10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Waingles College, Waingels Road RG5 4RF. Waingels College 50th anniversary celebrations. 2pm-8pm.

Bar, barbecue, band, plaque unveiling, guided tours, games, stalls, photos, and more. Details: 50thanniversary@ waingels.wokingham. sch.uk

Monday, July 11

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Flower Festival: The Platinum Years 1952-2022: Monarchy, Music and Mayhem.

In aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust. 10am-4pm.

Details: facebook.com/ crowthorneflowerfestival EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Interview presentation skills course.

9.30am-12.30pm. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 921 0555.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am-10.15am, 10.45am-11.15am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5109.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, July 12

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30-11am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road

RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Coronation Hall, Headley Road RG5 4JB. WISE over 50s forum. Neil Hutton from Brightcall talks about computers and technology. £3. 2pm-4pm.

Raffle tickets 50p. Details: Woodleywise@gmail.com or 0118 969 6206.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022 wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, July 15

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Just Stop Oil presents: Our Responsibilities At This Time, a talk and discussion.

7.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 931 0232.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun St RG1 2JR. Comedy night with Bobby Mair.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

WINKFIELD ROW – Lambrook School RG42 6LU. Bracknell Choral society presents Songs For A Summer Evening.

7.30pm. £18, under 18s £5. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Thursday, July 14

Saturday, July 16

Wednesday, July 13

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Sixth birthday celebrations: DJ, facepainter, balloon modellers and party crafts.

6pm-8pm. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org SOUTHCOTE – Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am10.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives.

2.15pm-2.45pm. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: King Richard (12a). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details:

BRACKNELL – Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare RG42 6BQ. Jealotts Hill Community Landshare open garden for NGS. 1pm4pm. £4.50, children free.

1pm-4pm. Details: https:// ngs.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. A night of music and laughter by Simeon Wood. 7pm. Details: www. crowthornebaptistchurch. org.uk EARLEY – Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre, London Road RG6 1BW. Eid Family Fun Day: barbecue, Gladiators inflatable, perfurme stalls, candy floss, sweet treats, clothes, henna, live music, food court, bouncy castle, face painting, and more. Free entry. 2pm-8pm.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Green Park, South Oak Way. Kidical Mass bike ride from Green Park to Waterloo Meadows for picnic, play and cake.

Details: Search Facebook for Family Cycling Reading SHINFIELD – The Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Trinity Concert Band’s Platinum Jubilee Concert, with Indigo May. Includes music from across the Queen’s

reign. £12 advance, £14 on door, students £7, under 16s and newcomers free. www.trinityband.co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents International Dance Festival. 1pm-3pm. Details: www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, July 17

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. SISATA presents an open air adaptation of Wuthering Heights. £15 plus booking fee. 5.45pm. Details: whatsonreading.com GALLOWSTREE COMMON – Kidmore End Cricket Club, The Hamlet RG4 9BU. Bear In The Air: Much Ado About Nothing. 1pm and 5pm. Open-air show. Bar and barbecue available.

Tickets from £8.68. Search Eventbrite.co.uk for Much Ado About Nothing.

READING – Reading Hackspace rLab, Unit C1, Weldale Street RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Village Hall Community Farmers Market.

10am. Details: www. spencerswoodhall.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road, RG41 1EH. A Festival For Peace. Bring your own outdoor picnic 4.15pm.

Festival Choral Evensong, including prayers for peace.

6.15pm. Come and Sing rehearsal 2.30pm-4.15pm.

Details: 0118 979 2122.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5.

1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Willow Bank junior School, Duffield Road RG5 4RL. Car boot sale. Sellers 10am, £7. Buyers 11am, 50p.

Refreshments available.

No. 5421

Your weekly puzzle challenge

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To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 6, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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1. Where in the human body is the epiglottis?

2. Which desert region, running through Chile and Peru, has one of the lowest rainfalls in the world?

3. What name is given to the bright ring around the sun which is visible during a total eclipse?

4. A rorqual is a type of which marine mammal?

5. Comedian Sara Pascoe replaced Joe Lycett as the 2022 host of which TV show?

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

ASKED SKILLED SILK

I G O

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How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 23 Good; 27 Very Good; 32 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed U through openings in the walls. The E first letter may appear in any chamber.

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

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DOWN 1. Discordant blare from agricultural machine (5) 2. International peacekeepers ruined what was natural (8) 3. Doctor East in the vehicle finds arch in the road (6) 4. Deposited article in cap (4) 5. French friend capable of being pleasant (7) 6. Animal goes round pine maze after church (10) 9. Relatively large pawnbroker? (5-5) 12. Girl goes round America in a drunken feast (8) 14. Effeminate in a young way? (7) 16. Child brings three cardinals to Devon town (6) 19. Praise guide leader’s parrot (5) 20. Still no shirt on the shelf (4)

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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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WORD PYRAMID: The Queen of Sheba.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; multiply; subtract; divide.

Total: 12.

SOLUTIONS

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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.

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QUICK CROSSWORD

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

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ACROSS 1. Coloured part of garment of a manual worker (4-6) 7. Lieutenant has gone round but stops (5) 8. Posting to a large number who are sick (7) 10. There’s a greater amount in surplus also (8) 11. Graduate returns to be a priest (4) 13. One goal that has been converted in Africa (6) 15. Copyright is obvious (6) 17. There was nothing in the freezer once (4) 18. Sledge to go bang in explosion (8) 21. Reprint of one I noted in tatters (7) 22. Rings back for a tape holder (5) 23. Young actor finds this very easy (6,4)

EQUALISER 10 6 2 2 3 14 3 15 1 3 2 6

Hard

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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

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SUDOKU Easy

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V E T

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6. Which fashion designer was shot dead outside his Miami Beach mansion in 1997?

7. What B was a German art school that strove to combine aesthetics with everyday function?

8. Who did Ronnie O’Sullivan beat in the final of the 2022 World Snooker Championship?

9. Which American Revolutionary naval captain led raids on the English coast?

10. Which colour of the rainbow is also the title of a Joni Mitchell album?

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5421

CROSS CODE

5421

ACROSS 1. Accepts (8) 6. Intend (4) 8. Toilet (inf.) (3) 9. Musical composition (8) 10. Wise man (4) 12. Warhorse (5) 14. Keyboard instrument (5) 17. Pontiff (4) 18. American politician (8) 20. Concealed (8) 24. Ballot (4)

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25. Seraglio (5) 26. Mature (5) 29. Chief (4) 30. Sailing vessel (8) 31. Donkey (3) 32. Front of vessel (4) 33. Otic medicine (8) DOWN 2. Greek deity (4) 3. Arouse (6) 4. Diversified (6) 5. Unhurried (4) 6. Tessellated design (6) 7. Heart condition (6)

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Era (5) Animal track (5) Discourage (5) Burst (3) Inert gas (5) River mammal (5) Precious stone (3) Toil (6) Playground item (6) Prevaricate (6) Louvre (anag.) (6) Existence (4) Seaweed (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Receives; 6 Mean; 8 Loo; 9 Concerto; 10 Sage; 12 Steed; 14 Piano; 17 Pope; 18 Democrat; 20 Closeted; 24 Vote; 25 Harem; 26 Ripen; 29 Boss; 30 Schooner; 31 Ass; 32 Prow; 33 Eardrops.

Down – 2 Eros; 3 Excite; 4 Varied; 5 Slow; 6 Mosaic; 7 Angina; 11 Epoch; 12 Spoor; 13 Deter; 14 Pop; 15 Argon; 16 Otter; 19 Gem; 21 Labour; 22 Seesaw; 23 Dither; 24 Velour; 27 Esse; 28 Kelp.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Throat; 2 The Atacama Desert; 3 Corona; 4 Whale; 5 The Great British Sewing Bee; 6 Gianni Versace; 7 Bauhaus; 8 FIVE ALIVE: Judd Trump; 9 John Paul Jones; 10 Blue.

(1) Across – Quoit; Incur; Screw.

Down – Quids; Occur; Throw.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Blue-collar; 7 Halts; 8 Mailing; 10 Moreover; 11 Abbé; (2) Across – Peach; Scoot; Ditch.

S G X K A Y W E P B V H T 13 Angola; 15 Patent; 17 Zero; 18 Toboggan; 21 Edition; 22 Down – Posed; Abort; Hatch.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Spool; 23 Child’s play.

F J L Z I C Q O N U M D R Down – 1 Baler; 2 Unspoilt; 3 Camber; 4 Laid; 5 Amiable; 6 NONAGRAM: eying; gelt; gent; gently; gilet; gilt; gite; Chimpanzee; 9 Great-uncle; 12 Carousal; 14 Girlish; 16 Totnes; give; given; glen; glint; glove; gone; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU skid; kale; ills; desk. 19 Glory; 20 Sill. gyve; ingle; ingot; legion; legit; lentigo; levying; ling; lingo; loge; login; logy; long; longe; LONGEVITY; loving; lying; ogive; ogle; tigon; ting; tinge; tingle; tingly; toeing; tong; toying; tying; vetoing; voting; vying; yogi.

28 | LIFE

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Keep an eye on your waistline Healthy Heart tip Heart Research UK

Y

OUR waist circumference is an indicator of your risk of developing heart disease.

If you carry too much fat around your middle, your risk of developing heart disease is higher, however this risk can be reduced by losing weight.

We explain how to measure your waistline and tips for maintaining a healthy waistline.

What is a healthy waistline?

A healthy waistline for men is anything below 94cm (37 inches)

and anything below 80cm (31.5 inches) for women. You are at a high risk if your waist circumference is 102cm (40 inches) or over for men or 88cm (34.6 inches) or over for women.

If you are a man from African Caribbean, South Asian, Chinese or Japanese origin, a healthy waist circumference is anything below 90cm (35.4 inches).

How to measure your waistline

Checking your waist circumference will help you to identify whether you are carrying too

If your waist circumference is within the healthy range, this is great news.

You should keep an eye on your waist circumference by measuring it from time to time.

If your waist

circumference is above the healthy range, you should try to lose weight through healthy eating and exercise. You can find lots of ideas for healthy eating and physical activity from the healthy tips and recipe pages on our website. n Sign up for our weekly

healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/. n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled

with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook/. n Why not find out if you’re at risk by measuring your waistline today. There are many steps you can take towards a healthier heart.

Inthegarden

Taking it easy in the garden

J

Consider not mowing your lawn, or changing your routine, during July picnic and simply the feel of it, but you could consider reducing the overall size of it by keeping a small area of short grass in the most formal area of the garden but letting other areas grow long.

You can also experiment with different frequencies of cut, maybe just once a fortnight, while some ‘wilder’ areas could be left un-mown between March and September.

You can even add interest with wildflower plug plants.

If you are growing your own veg then plant out runner beans that you sowed in pots or trays last month.

Runner beans are one of the easiest crops to grow, bearing masses of long, sweet-tasting beans all summer long.

Push strong tall supports – bamboo canes or hazel – into the ground sloping inwards so they can be tied at the top.

Plant one plant per cane about 15cm apart and tie each one loosely to the support.

Water well and pinch out the tops once they outgrow the canes.

‘Scarlet Emperor’ has bright red flowers and a heavy crop and is a favourite heritage variety that has been grown in Britain for centuries; ‘White Lady’ has pure white flowers and is a reliable heavy cropper with stringless, tender pods with white seeds; and ‘Painted Lady’ is a Victorian variety that is grown for its pretty bicoloured red and white flowers and its large

G

RAFT Thames Valley is a charity that supports people from disadvantaged backgrounds and with disabilities or other complex needs into employment, training and other work-related activities.

Right now they are looking for a number of friendly volunteers to assist at their Reading Job Club, which helps unemployed people looking for work.

The role includes: Helping clients apply for work on online job sites, working on CVs and Cover Letters for applications, helping clients with interviews through preparation and practice, giving IT skills support to prepare for work and more. n Reading Blind Aid Society was formed in 1883, and then changed to Reading Association for the Blind in 1926. It has supported the sight impaired people of Reading ever since.

Currently they want a volunteer to take care of their small garden that their members enjoy to sit in and also help do a bit of gardening.

This would suit anyone enthusiastic about gardening and being outdoors.

The main goal is to have a volunteer maintain the garden and assist their members.

This would mainly take place during their Social Club sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, 10am to 1pm.

ULY is the month for you to get out and enjoy your garden whether it’s an open area in the country or a more compact urban space.

The lazy, hazy days of summer are best spent enjoying the plants that you have lovingly nurtured and cared for over the past months that are now in full flower.

You can also relax a little … the grass may grow slightly too long, plants may not be regularly deadheaded and the odd weed may show its head – but you will still love being outside in the garden and so will the wildlife.

If you keep it simple and make your garden low maintenance but still looking beautiful you can spend longer relaxing in it.

Key to a low-maintenance garden is good plant planning.

Use shrubs to add texture and create focal points. They offer all year round structure and require minimal care. You can also cover the ground with plants.

Ensure that bare areas in your borders are filled with easy perennials so you don’t have to spend hours weeding.

Also, plant some bulbs.

They extend the garden’s season of interest with hardly any attention needed, coming up year after year.

And, of course, plant the right plant in the right place. Always ensure that you choose plants that are suited to your garden’s soil type, location and size.

If you have a lawn then hang on to it – for wildlife benefits, the fun of a

Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action

much fat around your middle.

To measure your waist, you first need to find the bone at the top of your hip and your bottom rib.

You need to wrap a tape measure around your middle at the centre of these two points.

Relax and breathe out when the measurement is taken.

Ensure the tape measure is touching your skin, but not pulled too tightly. You can repeat the measure two more times and take the average.

Maintaining a healthy waistline

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

crop of tender, flavoursome beans.

Summer is progressing and as the RHS says … this is often one of the hottest months of the year and a great time to sit out and enjoy your garden.

Keep plants looking good by regularly dead-heading, and you’ll enjoy a longer display of blooms.

Make sure you keep new plants well-watered, using grey water where possible, and hoe off weeds, which thrive in the sunshine.

Top three jobs this month – dead head bedding plants and repeat flowering perennials to ensure continuous flowering; care for houseplants whilst on holiday; and water tubs and new plants if dry but be water wise.

n Tilehurst Parish Council offers a wide range of services to improve the quality of life for their residents, such as their new youth clubs they are establishing.

They are looking for volunteers to help in setting up and running a new Art Club, initially on Tuesday evenings 7pm-8.30pm (volunteers required 6.30pm-9pm).

The Art Club is aimed towards children.

They anticipate the Art Club would allow young people to enrol for six to eight weeks and, if it is successful, it would be repeated.

This is an exciting opportunity to help set up something from scratch and make it work, and volunteers will be supported by the Tilehurst Parish Council itself and their partners Berkshire Youth. n Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

SPORT TODAY

READING

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

06.07.22

TEAMS START PRE-SEASON CAMPAIGNS

RECORD THROW FOR CHARLOTTE

CROWS SECURE TOP SPOT

VICTORY FOR HOME SIDE

NEW SEASON COUNTDOWN

WEST READING ON TARGET

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

WEST READING 2s ensured that they stayed above Sandhurst in the BCL Premier Division with a home victory.

A superb start to Sandhurst’s innings saw Adam Birch (61) and Savir Sharma (82) build a formidable partnership.

Sandhurst finished with a big total

of 277 from 40 overs, while Zulfiaqar Khan collected three wickets for West Reading.

West Reading set about their task of reaching a revised target of 221 in 30 overs in strong style as opening batsman Haris Lone struck 42 runs.

Munir Khan proved to be the difference by knocking 73 runs not out which helped West Reading over

the line with three wickets to spare after 30 overs.

The win keeps them in sixth, while Sandhurst are in seventh.

West Reading have played 10 of their 18 league games this season and are 31 points ahead of Sandhurst who have a game in hand.

n Full cricket reports and pictures on pages 18 & 19

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WINDOWS

DOORS

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LONG LINKS INTENSIFY AFTER FORMER ROYAL RELEASED

TRANSFER speculation regarding Shane Long has intensified after Southampton confirmed that he has been officially released.

Long, who is now a free agent after his eight year spell on the South Coast, has been linked with a spectacular return to Reading FC. Speaking yesterday about the links to Long, Reading’s head of football operations Mark Bowen said: “I worked with him (Long) at Southampton and I’ve worked with Andre Gray as well.

“They are players we have looked at and continue to look at.

“It’s in that complicated process.

Are they suitable for us as players first and foremost, are they suitable financially and it might come down to one or two players, but they are players we are looking at.”

Long became a fans favourite during his first spell in Berkshire after he joined as a relatively unknown prospect from Cork City in 2005.

Long became a reliable Premier League striker and spent eight seasons with the Saints and netted 37 goals in all competitions where he made almost 250 appearances for the South Coast club.

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 6, 2022

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CROWS 2S SEC

CRICKET

Wokingham earned a home victory over Slough to put them in second Pictures: Steve Smyth

Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (batting) v Farley Hill 2s: Mike Brundish narrowly avoids Gurung to stump him out. Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BCM Championship

CRICKET ROUND-

OAKS SINK SLOUGH TO MOVE UP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

all round display and victory for the hosts.

WOKINGHAM are in second place after they got the better of Slough at home.

Four wickets each from Iain Muirden and Max Uttley helped to decimate Slough’s innings as the visitors finished on 158 from 55.4 overs.

With 159 to catch to win the game, the Oaks batted consistently with 44 from Billy Rogers and 37 from captain Danny Housego to see them to victory after 49.3 overs with five wickets spare.

FINCHAMPSTEAD are in eighth position after they were defeated away at Banbury.

Despite a strong score of 43 from Gregory Smith, Finch only managed to put 102 on the board which was surpassed by the hosts with eight wickets left after 23.4 overs.

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD are in fourth after they won by five wickets at Knotty Green.

Andy Robertson and David Healey took three wickets each for the Bears to end Knotty’s innings on 149.

A top score of 64 from Matt Loxton not out helped Emmbrook to clinch victory after 34 overs.

Home Counties Division 2

Home Counties Women’s Division 1

WARGRAVE boosted themselves up to second by recording a home success over Cumnor.

Euan Woods collected a five-wicket haul as Wargrave bowled Cumnor all out for 204.

Half centuries from Jack Winterbottom and Sraven Konidena helped Wargrave on their way, while 92 not out from Woods sealed an excellent

BINFIELD confirmed their status as league leaders after they continued their perfect start to the campaign.

Binfield were put into the field by Stony Stratford and the hosts got off to a strong start by taking two early wickets.

Amelia Ridgway was run out by Zoe Dochery, before Poppy Tulloch bowled out Rosie Burton-Pye to put Stratford on 14-2.

Home Counties Premier Division 1 CMB Premiership

Chilterns Division 2 EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s are in second after they got past Little Marlow 2s.

Alec McNab and Tommy Alborough both had three wickets to their name before 66 not out from Ravi Balakrishnan saw Emmbrook seal the win after 27.4 overs with three wickets to spare.

Stratford recovered well to make it to 48 before the next wicket came the way of Binfield.

But Binfield managed to keep the score down as Nellie Baumgart and Docherty both finished with two wickets each to their name which saw Stratford’s innings ended after 34 overs with 106 on the board.

Binfield set about their task of chasing down 107 to win the match with a strong platform as opening batters Isobel Carson ad Tulloch provided an excellent start.

The first wicket came with Carson out for 23 with 72-1 on the board with Binfield close to the chase.

Tulloch survived the entire innings and amassed 66 runs, while Humphrey joined her at the crease (8*) to see Binfield over the line after a commanding batting display to clinch victory after 17.2 overs with eight wickets in reserve.

The win puts them top of the table with three wins from three matches.

FINCHAMPSTEAD were dealt their first defeat of the season which leaves them in sixth position.

Frankie Nicklin was in exceptional form with the ball for Finch which saw her take six wickets.

Nicklin added to her stunning bowling display by totalling 60 runs without losing her wicket, but Finch fell just 21 runs shy of taking the win as they were all out on 132.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD earned an away win by five wickets at Ballinger Waggoners.

Peter Emes took three wickets in the first innings, while a half century from Anthony Cluett helped Crows over the line after 31.5 overs with five wickets left WEST READING’S match at Great Kingshill was abandoned in the second innings.

Kingshill hit 233 and with West Reading on 92-3, the match was stopped for rain.

BCL Premier Division SHINFIELD are in second after they got the better of WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE. A huge 114 not out from Chris Sharpe for Waltham in the first innings saw them put 235 on the scoreboard.

But 98 not out from Arijit Ghosh helped Shinfield to take the points with six wickets to spare.

FARLEY HILL took eight points in their home defeat to Mortimer West End. Michael Sheridan top scored with 71, but Mortimer chased down the target of 150 to take the game.

BCL Division 1A READING UNITED remain as league leaders after they beat Checkendon by six wickets.

Three wickets each from Haroon Naseer, SriHarsha Cherukuri and Kiran Alluri saw Checkendon all out on 170.

68 not out from Naseer saw United get over the line with six wickets left.

EARLEY lost out away at PEPPARD STOKE ROW 2S. Earley fell just five runs short of reaching the revised target as 83 not out from Vish Shende wasn’t quite enough for them to seal the game.

WEST READING were skittled all out for 201 as Silchester succeeded by 201 runs.

BCL Division 1B CROWTHORNE AND CROWN WOOD 2s keep their status at the top after they tied with FARLEY HILL 2s.

Half centuries from Dan Finucane and Mike Brundish (64) saw Crows put 208 on the scoreboard.

The game went right down to the wire as four wickets from Crows bowler Andrew Baines eventually saw the match tied when Farley’s innings was ended also on 208.

Crows collected 23 points, while Farley took 20.

RANGERS remain in second after they amassed 35 points in their away win at TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE. Farooq Hussain smashed a century for Rangers, while Twyford fell agonisingly short of taking the win after they finished just five runs off the chase.

WOODLEY lost out at home to Warfield by 23 runs.

Sudhir Kashetty hit 83 for Woodley but they ended 23 runs shy of the target.

READING UNITED 2s added 37 points to their tally with a five

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C URE TOP SPOT AFTER TIE Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (batting) v Farley Hill 2s: David Shaw batting

Babu Mani bowling for Farley Hill 2s.

being out as Farley Hill wicketkeeper, Sanjay wicket win over SHINFIELD 3s.

Sushant Agarwal knocked a century for Shinfield, but United took victory after 37.4 overs.

EARLEY 2s lost out at home to Stallions by seven wickets.

West Reading 2s pose for the cameras

Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (batting) v Farley Hill 2s

Wicketkeeper, Haris Lone catches Harpreet Singh out.

THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

FORD AND PARSONS BATTING MASTERCLASS SEES EVERSLEY RISE TO SIXTH

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Division 1

EVERSLEY rose up to sixth with a stunning 244-run victory over Beaconsfield.

Eversley built up a huge first innings total as Oli Parsons (156) and Jack Ford (118) were in superb form with the bat tot total 349.

Kyle Bienefeld collected four wickets as Beaconsfield were skittled all out for 105 to confirm a comprehensive win for Eversley.

BOWLING

Frankie Nicklin - Finchampstead v Charlbury - 6-24 James Coker - Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Cookham Dean 4s - 5-52 Frankie Nickin - Wokingham 4s v Yateley - 5-63 Euan Woods - Wargrave v Cumnor - 5-66 David Bishop - Wokingham 3s v Finchampstead 3s - 5-65 Thiru - Bracknell 2s v Reading 3s - 4-21 Kyle Bienefeld - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 4-33 Andrew Baines - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Farley Hill 2s - 4-34 Ajay Singh - Woodley v Warfield - 4-34 Max Uttley - Wokingham v Slough - 4-38 Jack Surral - Eversley 3s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 4-40 Matthew McDonald - Wokingham 2s v Cove - 4-45 Sateesh Polepaka - Twyford and Ruscombe v Rangers - 4-55 Iain Muirden - Wokingham v Slough - 4-56 James Eaglesham - Finchampstead 3s v Wokingham 3s - 4-58 Dan Anderson - Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 4-63 Edward Campion - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 3-5 Tommy Alborough - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Little Marlow 2s - 3-14 W Lamprecht - Binfield v Slough 2s - 3-21 SriHarsha Cherukuri - Reading United v Checkendon - 3-22 David Healey - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green 3-23 Hussain - Reading 3s v Bracknell 2s - 3-28 Ranganath Deshpande - Rangers v Twyford and Ruscombe 3-29 E Folwell - Binfield 4s v Finchampstead 5s - 3-30 Bryn - Reading 3s v Bracknell 2s - 3-31 Andy Robertson - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green - 3-31 Preyum Nahata - Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Cookham Dean 4s - 3-32 A Sharma - Sonning 4s v Wokingham Oaks & Acorns - 3-33

BATTING

BCL Division 3 SANDHURST 2s made progress in the table after they defeated EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 3s.

Sandhurst totalled 159 from 40 overs as Dan Chesterman top scored with 39.

Dylan Waters was top scorer for Emmbrook with 21, but they removed all out for just 63 after three wickets from Ejaz Rafique.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 3s got the better of TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE 2s by seven wickets.

Three wickets each from Dave McQuitty and Prakash Singh helped to remove Twyford for 142.

Crows surpassed the target in comfortable style after 34.1 overs with seven wickets left.

Honours board

Thames Valley Division 2B

WOKINGHAM 2s are still in top spot despite being beaten by second placed Cove.

Matthew McDonald had four wickets to his name but Cove managed to total 226 from 52 overs.

The Oaks were removed for 127 as they fell 99 runs short of the target.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s dropped down to third after they could only manage a draw with Royal Ascot.

Loveday struck 83 runs for Finch as they finished on 262,

while Ascot hit 248 from 48 overs which saw the match drawn.

READING remain in fourth after losing at home to HURST. BINFIELD moved closer to Reading by beating Slough 2s by 21 runs.

up 30 runs short.

WARGRAVE 2s moved up the table despite losing out by five wickets to Windsor.

O Newton collected a century, but Windsor surpassed the target after 41.3 overs.

SONNING are still top of the table after they got the better of THEALE & TILEHURST. M Rawat totalled 83 not out which helped his side to a big total of 278 and a second innings total of 248 meant Tilehurst

WOKINGHAM 3s took a draw against FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s which keeps them as table toppers.

M Jones top scored with 87 for Finch, while D Bishop took five wickets for the Oaks.

Thames Valley Division 3A

Thames Valley Division 4A

Oli Parsons - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 156 Jack Ford - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 118 N Tahir - Sonning 3s v Binfield 3s - 117* Chris Sharpe - Waltham St Lawrence v Shinfield 2s - 114 Arnav Kulkarni - Wokingham 4s v Yateley - 112 Oliver Newton - Wargrave 2s v Windsor - 111 Sohail Arshad - Theale & Tilehurst 3s v Cookham Dean 4s 104* Farooq Hussain - Rangers v Twyford and Ruscombe - 102 Sushant Agarwal - Shinfield 3s v Reading United 2s - 101 Raoul Harding - Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 99* Adil Pervaiz - White Waltham 2s v Slough 5s - 98 Arijit Ghosh - Shinfield 2s v Waltham St Lawrence - 98 Euan Woods - Wargrave v Cumnor - 92* James White - Theale & Tilehurst 2s v Eversley 3s - 92 Calum Thompson - White Waltham v Harpsden - 87 Mike Jones - Finchampstead 3s v Wokingham 3s - 87 Sabya Sen - Wokingham 5s v Falkland 3s - 87 Nicky Dhillon - Eversley 4s v Wokingham 6s - 85* Daniel Orford - Binfield 4s v Finchampstead 5s - 85 M Rawat - Sonning v Theale & Tilehurst - 83* Matt Loxton - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green - 83* Vish Shende - Earley v Peppard Stoke Row - 83 Sudhir Kashetty - Woodley v Warfield - 83 Gary Loveday - Finchampstead 2s v Royal Ascot - 83 Savir Sharma - Sandhurst v West Reading 2s - 82 L Dean - Sonning v Theale & Tilehurst - 78 Jason Stotesbury - Wokingham Oaks & Acorns v Sonning 4s - 74 M Khan - West Reading 2s v Sandhurst - 73* Michael Sheridan - Farley Hill v Mortimer West End - 71 Tom Andrews - Binfield v Slough 2s - 71 Haroon Naseer - Reading United v Checkendon - 68 James Heywood - Eversley 3s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 67* Karan Bisht - Reading United 2s v Shinfield 3s - 67 Poppy Tulloch - Binfield v Stony Stratford - 66* Maneesh Mali - Eversley 3s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 66* Ravi Balakrishnan - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Little Marlow - 66 Ashif Jaufer - Berkshire Royals v Stallions - 66 Matt Loxton - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green - 64 Mike Brundish - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Farley Hill 2s - 64 Mark Higgins - Twyford and Ruscombe v Rangers - 62 Adam Birch - Sandhurst v West Reading 2s - 61 Gopi Kolluru - Reading United 2s v Shinfield 3s - 61 Frankie Nicklin - Finchampstead v Charlbury - 60 Saksham Tyagi - Shinfield 2s v Waltham St Lawrence - 56 Ankush Gandhi - Waltham St Lawrence v Shinfield 2s - 55 Andrew Miller - Twyford and Ruscombe v Rangers - 55 Sraven Konidena - Wargrave v Cumnor - 54* Ranvir Rana - Earley v Peppard Stoke Row - 54 Ranganath Deshpande - Rangers v Twyford and Ruscombe - 52 Dan Finucane - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Farley Hill 2s - 51 Matt Eldridge - Finchampstead 2s v Royal Ascot - 51

20 | SPORT

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SONNING 10K

RUNNERS OUT IN FORCE FOR SONNING EVENT

Three different courses were available to runners, 5/10k and the Kids Fun Run Pictures: Jen Poulton

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today MORE than 300 local runners took to the course at Sonning once again for the fourth consecutive year on Sunday.

Hosted at Berkshire County Sports Club in Sonning and starting from 8.30am, participants in the race got to take in the picturesque village of sonning and the Thames Path with one small hill from the River Thames through Bluecoats School.

Runners had the choice to take part in the 5k or 10k course, while there was also a 2k Kids Fun Run. Race competitors included local running clubs such as Bracknell Forest Runners, Reading Athletics Club, Reading Road Runners, Shinfield Running Club Reading Joggers, Bracknell Athletics Club, Finch Coasters, Maidenhead Athletics Club, Wargrave Runners and more.

In the 5k race, Simon Bennison from Bracknell Forest

Participants enjoy the 2km Kids Fun Run

Runners took pole position with a time of 18 minutes, 35 seconds.

Joshua Mckenzie from Reading Athletics Club finished just behind in second place with a time of 20 minutes, 15 seconds while third place went to Alex Stewart with 21 minutes, 35 seconds.

The highest female finisher, Grace Haldane from Reading AC finished with a time of 22 minute, 47 seconds which placed her in fourth in the overall standings.

In the 10k event, Neil Kevern from Bracknell Athletics Club claimed top spot with a time of 33 minutes, 44 seconds.

Andrew Stay from Finch Coasters clinched second position with a time of 37 minutes, 41 seconds.

Third spot also went to Finch Coasters as Enda Ward posted a time of 37 minutes, 55 seconds to complete the top three.

The strongest female finisher in the 10k was Vicki Taylor from Finch Coasters who

recorded a time of 40 minutes, seven seconds.

Thom Sharp finished first in the Kids Fun Run, while Matilda Brewer-Curran and Alice Haldane from Reading Athletics Club both made the top six.

Race organiser Ellie Barnes said: “Now in its fourth year, Sonning 5km, 10km and the Kids Fun Run was a great success with more than 300 local Reading runners attending the event along with those from further afield.

“With three distances

to choose from, there was something for everyone.

“Berkshire County Sports Club laid on free bacon rolls for every finisher which was most welcomed by all especially after running up the small hill from Thames Footpath to Bluecoats School.

“We’re very grateful to all the event sponsors for getting behind and supporting the event with 100% energy.”

n For full race results, visit: results.eventchiptiming.com/ results

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INTERVIEW

‘We’re not allowed to pay transfer fees’: Bowen gives update on embargo

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC head of football operations Mark Bowen have an update given the situation regarding the Royals’ transfer embargo.

For the second consecutive season, the Royals are under a transfer embargo which will limit them to only signing loans and free agents after they breached profit and sustainability rules.

“It’s not a secret in terms of the embargo and the different situations,” said Bowen.

“We’re not allowed to pay transfer fees, there’s no point in me trying to hide that.

“We can’t pay transfer fees, loan fees or compensation fees for young players.

“It narrows down our market of where we can entice players from.”

Despite the restrictions placed on the club, Bowen is confident that his staff can build a competitive squad ahead of the new Championship season.

He continued: “I genuinely think there is enough quality if you do your homework and have the right contacts, which I feel myself and the staff have now.

“It’s a long protracted situation.

Reading FC head of football operations Mark Bowen Picture: Steve Smyth “You speak to agents and players back and forth, and when it eventually comes to it when you have an agreement, it has to go off

to the Football League and they will tell us whether they are happy with that.

“So it’s back and forth because

we have to check with the EFL. “They want to see that we are governing ourselves from a financial point of view with care.

“We’re limited in terms of what we can offer with wages and the structure.

“That’s why its not as simple as drafting a contract because there are different areas that our secretary has to be in contact with the league to follow those lines.

“There’s no definite plan for when we get certain players in.

If a player we like and we think we can take us forward, sometimes you have to do it there and then.

“In terms of numbers we know we have to address that and we are in the process of doing that.

“Paul (Ince) has made his feelings known of who he would like and we act on that.”

Bowen also reiterated that he expects that the club will not receive a further points deduction this season.

He said: “I’m confident because we have to play within the rules because we can’t do anything until it’s run by the Football League anyway so yes of course.

“We know where we are with having to clear things with them so I’m confident we can take those restrictions on board and go forward as a club.”

INTERVIEW

‘We managed to sell the vision to them’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today MARK Bowen expressed his delight after Reading FC were able to keep Andy Yiadom and Tom Holmes at the club.

Both players put pen to paper on long-term contracts with the Royals after their previous deals were due to expire at the end of this month.

“It’s massive. Not just because of the history they have with the club, and with these guys they could have possibly pursued a situation with a better deal somewhere else,” said Bowen.

“We’re relying on selling a vision of what we are trying to be and what we’re going to as a club.

“I know the attributes they’ve got as players and we managed to sell the vision to get them to sign contracts and hopefully we can push on as a club and make things better.

“He’s (Holmes) a kid that has grown up at the club and

Tom Holmes is staying with the Royals Picture: Steve Smyth is a man now.

“I still think he’s got a lot to come in his game but first and

foremost, he has signed because he is a top player.

“He is a very good player and

he is going to get even better, we hope.”

Despite the positive contract news, Reading have lost John Swift, Andy Rinomhota and Josh Laurent all on free transfers to fellow Championship clubs this summer.

Bowen continued: “When you have an idea of the players you want to keep and then you can’t keep them because of financial reasons, it can come down to the financial decision for individuals and you have to wish them well.

“It’s a disappointment but you have to live with that.

“When bringing Josh (Laurent) to the club, I spoke to him and his Dad a lot, we gave him the opportunity to step up when a lot of clubs weren’t sure and he grasped it with both hands.

“He felt it was the one and only time he had a chance to secure his family so I felt it was a financial decision more than anything.

“We tried our best but we know he did a sterling club for the job while he was here.”

READING FC

Meite on target as trialists feature in pre-season win

Yakou Meite played in the pre-season friendly READING FC made a winning start to pre-season in a behind closed doors friendly at Bearwood Park against Colchester United.

Paul Ince’s team, which included new loan signing Joe Lumley in goal, Tom Holmes, Yakou Meite and Lucas Joao, as well as several trialists, went ahead early on courtesy of an own goal.

The Royals doubled their lead when Joao was knocked over inside the box just as he was about to shoot.

Meite stepped up to take responsibility from the spot and drilled the ball low into the corner to extend Reading’s advantage.

Luke Southwood came on towards the end of the first-half, while Tom McIntyre, Ovie Ejaria, Dejan Tetek, Louie Holzman, Kian Leavy and Jeriel Dorsett all entered the contest in the second-half.

Believed to be among the trailists in the Reading team included Connor Wickham and Massimo Luongo.

29-year-old striker Wickham has had an injury hit career after making a promising start to his career.

He spent four years in the Reading academy from 2002-2006 before joining Ipswich Town, where he made his breakthrough.

After leaving Ipswich, he has had spells with Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds united, Crystal Palace, Preston North end and most recently Milton Keynes Dons.

He played 13 league games and scored once for League One side MK Dons in the 2021/22 season.

Meanwhile, 29-year-old midfielder Luongo is a free agent after being released by Sheffield Wednesday.

After a youth career with Tottenham, Luongo has played for Ipswich, Swindon Town, Queens Park Rangers and then spent three years with Wednesday.

He has vast experience at Championship level having turned out 142 times for QPR, scoring 10 goals, while he made 64 league appearances for Wednesday.

The Australian international, who has played 43 times for his country, made 25 appearances for Wednesday in League One last campaign.

22 | SPORT

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Tom Ince has signed a permanent contract with the club

Femi Azeez in action against West Ham last season Reading forwards Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite during the previous season

READING FC

Dejan Tetek takes a shot during one of last term’s big games

ROYALS STEP UP PRE-SEASON PREPARATIONS AT ST GEORGE’S

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC are at England’s training base, St George’s Park, as they step up their pre-season preparations.

After taking to the pitch for the first time this preseason in a 2-0 win over Colchester United, Paul Ince’s squad are now taking part in a one week training camp.

Reading’s next friendly match will also take part at St George’s Park which is against Portuguese side Benfica.

Benfica are under new management after they appointed German boss Roger Schmidt in May. They ended the 2021/22 season in third place under caretaker manager Nelson Verissimo after previous manager Jorge Jesus left by

mutual consent in December 2021.

They finished a disappointing 17 points behind champions Porto in what was the club’s third consecutive season without silverware.

Among Benfica’s ranks are three former Premier League players. Nicolas Otamendi who played for Manchester City for five seasons, Jan Vertonghtne who spent eight seasons at Tottenham Hotspur and Adel Taarabt who starred for Queens Park Rangers.

Benfica enjoyed a good run in last season’s Champions League which saw them progress through the group stages after finishing as runners-up behind Bayern Munich.

They fought off competition from Barcelona

and Dynamo Kiev as Benfica thumped Barca 3-0 at home and earned a goalless draw at the Camp Nou to finish in second on eight points, one above the Spanish giants.

Benfica made it past Dutch champions Ajax in the round of 16 after they snatched a 1-0 away win at the Johan Cruyff Arena courtesy of Nunez’ second-half strike to complete a 3-2 aggregate win.

They were eliminated in the quarter finals despite putting up a stern test against Liverpool where they eventually lost 6-4 on aggregate after another impressive showing from young forward Nunez who netted in both matches.

Ince still has plenty of work to do to get his squad

READING FC

ROYALS SECURE SERVICES OF YOUNG STAR AZEEZ

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ready ahead of the 2022/23 Championship season but work has begun with the additions of Joe Lumley, Dean Bouzanis and Tom Ince, while Tom Holmes, Andy Yiadom and Femi Azeez have signed up to new deals.

After facing Benfica, Reading host two Premier League sides at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

In between the Brighton meeting, the Royals travel away to Mark Bowen’s former side AFC Wimbledon.

Reading FC training squad: Kelvin Abrefa, Jokull Andresson, Femi Azeez, Dean Bouzanis, Scott Dann, Ovie Ejaria, Tom Holmes, Louie Holzman, Tom Ince, Lucas Joao, Kian Leavy, Joe Lumley, Tom McIntyre, Yakou Meite, Rashawn Scott, Luke Southwood, Dejan Tetek, Andy Yiadom

READING FC has secured the future of young prospect Femi Azeez by signing him to a new contract.

The 21-year-old forward was reportedly a target for several clubs around Europe, but Reading has managed to keep hold of him for two more years.

Azeez’ contract was due to expire this summer but he ahas now extended his stay in Berkshire.

The forward, who is the older brother of promising Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez, signed for the Royals in 2019 He had a breakthrough campaign in the 2021/22 season having made his debut for the first-team the previous season.

However, his promising start was disrupted by injury which saw him miss a large period of the season.

Azees scored his first goal for the club in Reading’s 2-1 Championship win over Preston North End in August 2021 He followed that up with another home goal when he netted against Bristol City as Reading lost out 3-2 in an entertaining contest to Bristol City.

Head of football operations, Mark Bowen said: “Femi is a young, hungry, talented player with the right attitude and an obvious desire to develop and earn regular first team football this season.

“He is exactly the type of player we want at this club and I’m delighted he has committed the next two years of his career to this club.”

Reading defender Andy Yiadom

Reading manager Paul Ince Pictures: Steve Smyth

Azeez nets his first Championship goal against Preston Pictures: Steve Smyth

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Enow Ojong netted for the Sumas in a draw against Knaphill Pictures: Andrew Batt

Michael Morrison has left the Royals

READING FC

The Sumas in action against Knaphill at Emmbrook School

A Knaphill player strides through midfield

MORRISON CHECKS OUT WITH FAREWELL MESSAGE SUMAS SHAKE OFF FOOTBALL

COBWEBS IN PRESEASON FRIENDLY

FORMER club captain Michael Morrison has confirmed that he has left Reading FC after the expiration of his contract.

Morrison was one of several first-team players whose contracts were up for renewal this summer which has seen John Swift, Andy Rinomhota and Josh Laurent all leave the club on free transfers.

Morrison said: “My time at Reading FC has now come to an end. I look back on my time with immense pride having played over 100 games and having the honour to captain the club.

“I’ve been lucky to meet some great people and play with some special talent over the last three years.

“Enjoying a promotion push that ultimately fell short and experienced one of the best away days at Sheffield United. Not forgetting my goal at Bristol.

“Thank you for all the support over these last few years, which no doubt have been made harder

By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today

In action against Blackburn Rovers with covid restrictions and points deductions. Good luck to everyone involved at Reading FC in the future.”

Morrison joined the Royals on a free transfer from Birmingham City in 2019.

The 34-year-old central defender played 108 Championship games for Reading and scored eight times.

He was made club captain after Liam Moore was stripped of captaincy in January.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC first-team returned to the pitch this weekend for their first run out of pre-season.

Taking on Knaphill FC, the Sumas earned a 1-1 draw with a goal from Enow Ojong as the team earned valuable minutes in the tank ahead of a new league campaign.

Among the Sumas’ coaching staff, Eliot Whitehouse has added a new face to his backroom team as Chris Sweetman, who is an A licensed coach who works at Reading FC academy, has joined.

Jamie Shepherd, Sam Wilson and Ben Winship will continue to work in the coaching set-up, while Finlay Ward and Erin Macdonald are also

to continue as club physios.

Speaking after the Sumas’ first pre-season outing, Whitehouse said: “I’m absolutely delighted on the first day of pre-season with the first opportunity to get the boys back together.

“To throw them into a game straight away is a different approach to whatI’ve been used to as a player and what I’ve seen as a coach and manager, but for us today it worked really well.

“We got 22 players through some minutes and it looks like we’ve got a good opportunity now to progress our pre-season.”

The next test for Wokingham comes this weekend when they host Thatcham Town at Emmbrook School (2pm kick-off).

Sumas rise to win a header

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ATHLETICS

CHARLOTTE HAMMERS STADIUM RECORD Charlotte Payne

RESULTS

Saturday, July 2 FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading 2-0 Colchester Sumas 1-1 Knaphill

CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Banbury (108-2) beat Finchampstead (102-9) Wokingham (159-5) beat Slough (158 all out) Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave (205-2) beat Cumnor (204 all out) BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners (164 all out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (165-5) Great Kingshill (233-6) abandoned West Reading (92-3) CBM Premiership Knotty Green (149 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (150-5) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (119-7) beat Little Marlow 2s (117 all out)

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today READING Athletics Club’s Charlotte Payne became the UK hammer throw champion after competing at the UK Athletics Championships.

Competing in the Championships in Manchester on Saturday, June 26, Charlotte managed a huge 70.59m throw as she smashed the stadium record and became the youngest

ever woman to break the 70m barrier and only the third female athlete to surpass that distance.

The outstanding throw ensured that Charlotte won the competition as she threw four metres further than the next best. She also set a new personal best, beating 69.58m at the Berkshire County Championships in May. The 20-year-old is also hoping that her throw has set a new Deaf

BOWLS

WOKINGHAM OAKAPPLES ENJOY WIN AT WOODLEY Wokingham Bowls Club

Wokingham Ladies Oakapples played against Woodley and came away successful with a win of 58 to Oakapples and 45 to Woodley. winning on two out of three rinks plus four points for the highest overall score.

Following the disappointment of losing 2-12 to Bracknell in the Kennet League on Tuesday, June 14, Wokingham A have won their last 2 games beating Caversham A 14-0 on Tuesday, June 21 and beating Suttons A 12-2 on Tuesday, June 280.

After the first eight games of the 14-game season, Wokingham A sit third in Division 1 East.

Maiden Erlegh Bowls Club In the OTL, MEBC hosted Shiplake. A strong showing by the visitors saw MEBC lose on three rinks.

However, MEBC were able to win the overall match on shots.

Final scores 8-6 points, 94-85

shots.

Individual rink scores 16-19, 11-22, 22-10, 37-9, 8-25. Skips Frank Parkinson, Mary Parkinson, Chris Fellows, Mike Fraser, Ken Cheshire.

In the KLV-C, MEBC hosted Sutton C. A strong performance from the visitors saw MEBC lose on two rinks, claiming only 2 points. Final scores 2-8 points, 46-49 shots.

Skips were Ray Pontet, Roy Clarke, and Paul Dieppe.

In KLV-A, MEBC travelled away to Palmer Park.

Despite wins on two rink a heavy defeat on the third rink meant MEBC only came away with four points.

The final score 53-58 shots, 4-6 points.

Rinks 21-11, 18-14, 14-33. Skips Mike Fraser, Mike Lewis and Keith Hawkins.

In the KL, MEBC were at home to Great Hollands.

They earned a strong win, powering through after a slow start.

Final score 87-58 shots and 12-2 on points. Rink scores:, 22-15, 30-5,

World Record while her entry has been submitted to the ICSD for recognition.

“It’s the best feeling ever,” said Payne.

“I came in today (Saturday) in the best shape possible, but the fact that I managed to pull out 70m with conditions like that is an amazing feeling.

“The standard of women’s hammer throwing in the UK this

year has been crazy.”

Charlotte was also in action at the weekend where she set a new league record in the National Athletics League Premiership in Bournemouth.

Just a week after her incredible throw in Manchester, she was just seven centimetres shy of matching that when she helped Reading AC enjoy an excellent weekend on the coast.

READING FC WOMEN

‘I LOVE THIS CLUB’ BROOKE CHAPLEN RETURNS AS GENERAL MANAGER BROOKE Chaplen has returned to Reading FC Women as the club’s new general manager.

Having been forced into retirement at the end of last season, Chaplen will now return as an important member of Kelly Chambers’ backroom staff ahead of the new Women’s Super League campaign.

Chaplen, who played for the Royals for five seasons had to end her playing career after advice from healthcare professional as she received treatment for a bone tumour.

Chaplen was signed by the Royals in 2017 from Sunderland, and became the club’s top scorer in her debut season.

She has played a vital part in Reading’s forward line over the

past few seasons and scored 16 goals in 37 league appearances for the club.

After successful recovery and rehabilitation, Chaplen is now ready for a new challenge in Berkshire.

Chaplin said: “I’m really looking forward to this new chapter.

“It’s been a great couple of months, spending time with my family, focusing on my recovery but now it’s time for something new.

“When Kelly approached me with this opportunity, there was no doubt in my mind about it.

“I love this club, so having this chance to continuing being here, I had to take it.

“It will certainly take some getting used to, but I’m raring to go and excited to get started.”

BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (150-9) lost to Mortimer West End (153-3) Waltham St Lawrence (235-3) lost to Shinfield 2s (239-4) West Reading 2s (213-7) lost to Sandhurst (277-6) BCL Division 1A Peppard Stoke Row 2s (253-3) beat Earley (206-4) Reading United (171-4) beat Checkendon (170 all out) West Reading 3s (78 all out) lost to Silchester (279-6) BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (208-7) tied Farley Hill 2s (208 all out) Earley 2s (134 all out) lost to Stallions 2s (136-3) Reading United 2s (276-5) beat Shinfield 3s (275-9) Twyford and Ruscombe (2397) lost to Rangers (250-9) Woodley (203-8) lost to Warfield (226 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (349-4) beat Beaconsfield (105 all out) Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s (177 all out) lost to Binfield (198 all out) Cove (226-9) beat Wokingham 2s (127 all out) Reading (110 all out) lost to Hurst (147-9) Finchampstead 2s (262-6) drew Royal Ascot (248-5) Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (244-7) drew Harpsden (241-9) Sonning (278-5) beat Theale & Tilehurst (248 all out) Windsor (206-5) beat Wargrave 2s (203-9) Thames Valley Division 4A Wokingham 3s (243-7) drew Finchampstead 3s (244 all out)

Thames Valley Division 5B Royal Ascot 2s (231-8) beat Sonning 2s (227-9) Binfield 2s (233 all out) lost to Eversley 2s (237-5) Finchampstead 4s (146 all out) lost to Reading 2s (147-9) Bracknell (263-9) beat Purley on Thames 2s (197 all out)

Sunday, July 3

CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Division 1 Finchampstead (132 all out) lost to Charlbury (153 all out) Binfield (107-2) beat Stony Stratford (106-9)

FIXTURES

Saturday, July 9

FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading v Benfica Sumas v Thatcham Town Binfield v Maidenhead United CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Slough v Finchampstead Wokingham v Datchet Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave v Chesham BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners v West Reading Penn & Tylers v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Shinfield v Holmer Green CMB Premiership Cadmore End v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Fulmer BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames v Shinfield 2s Waltham St Lawrence v Sandhurst West Reading 2s v Mortimer West End Woodcote v Farley Hill BCL Division 1A Earley v Berkshire Royals West Reading 3s v Reading Lions Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Falkland Thames Valley Division 2B Royal Ascot v Wokingham 2s Sulhamstead & Ufton v Hurst Reading v Binfield Finchampstead 2s v Slough 2s Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning v Aldershot Kidmore End v Theale & Tilehurst Bagshot v Wargrave 2s Thatcham Town v White Waltham Thames Valley Division 4A Taplow v Finchampstead 3s Wokingham 3s v Cove 2s

Sunday, July 10 Home Counties Women’s League Oxford v Finchampstead