Reading Today, June 1, 2022

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BRILLIANTLEISURETODAY PAPERS IN ONE Your guide to what’s on

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Sugar Hill Gang to headline Readipop

READING FC midfielder John Swift has left the club to sign for West Bromwich Albion

READING RISE UP FOR WIN

In a statement released by Reading last week that listed the players being released by the at the end of their contracts club , stated that Swift was one they of five first-team players to be offered new deals by the club.

However, the midfielder has opted not to extend his stay with the club and has joined West Brom.

Swift made an excellent start to the campaign last season and finished with 11 goals and 13 assists from 38 games.

The 26-year-old has made league appearances during 187 his in Berkshire across six seasons,time scoring 31 times.

West Brom endured a disappointing season as they failed to win back instant promotion to the Premier League.

They eventually finished in 10th position under Steve Bruce after the former Newcastle manager took over from Valerian Ismael who was sacked as Albion boss when the club were fifth in the Championship.

Swift said: “There were ups and downs, there was injuries a nd a hat-trick along the way, my time has made me the but player I am today and I can’t thank the fans enough for supportin g through all.

“Thank you for everythin g Reading FC, hopefully see you all soon and best of luck for the future.”

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EADIPOP, the three-da y

Among those taking to the charity festival, is now festival of Bewilderbeast, with his just stage is hip-hop headliner single You six weeks away. s The Sugar Were Right hitting number Hill Gang.

9 on the UK With this year marking its singles chart in late 2002.

Hailing from New Jersey, fifth anniversary, the event the duo is set Mr Wheeler said: “Badly produced the first rap single take over Christchurch Meadowsto Drawn Boy to make it is the one act we are most once into the top 40 in the Billboard Hot 100 excited for again with a diverse mix of musicians as he gave us a taster of charts with Rapper’s Delight his set when and performers. in 1979. he took part in our Virtual Mr Wheeler said:”We can’t Readipop Pete Wheeler, festival programm wait Festival in 2020. er, for the headliners we have said: “This year’s line-up coming to is very special “He’s got great in-betwee Christchurch Meadows for us as it’s for the fifth n song but, as with birthday of chat as well as a treasure every year, we’re exceeding trove filled Readipop Festival, which proud we can finally with excellent songs.” of the quality and diversity celebrate after two years of acts off.

His latest studio album, Banana across the whole line-up “Our headliners have been Skin from Friday to Shoes, released in 2020, getting Sunday.” was his first in bigger over the last few years a decade as more They will be joined by Badly people have supported the Drawn festival, Mr Wheeler also explains Boy who has made a huge come along for all three how local impact on days to see artists’ performances are the indie music scene since also worth smaller acts as well as the his first EP bigger catching this year. in 1997. In 2000, he won internationally known artists. the Mercury ” “Local talent is particular Music Prize for his album ly strong The Hour across the genres this year.

Reading

hip hop collective OSP have built into a phenomenal live act that blew everyone away at our launch party in March.

“We also have a four-hour showcase of local artists on Saturday, July 9, featuring performa nces from Readipop’s AAA project, which supports young people in Reading to develop their musical skills with help from professional musicians and technicians.”

As well as performers, there will also be breweries keen to show off their talents.

“Local beer will also feature highly this year with Purple Turtle selling craft beer and real ale from Double Barrelled, Siren, Phantom and Loddon

By ANDY PRESTON apreston Breweries.” @wokingham.today MrREADING Wheeler explained that was 2s upitthe clear after the popularitymarched of the festival istable they defeated Bracknell by 10 growing. wickets with an astonishi ng batting “We’re delighted with the response display. from everyone so far Bracknell withaticket posted sales in first innings excesstotal of any previous of 141 year’swere after they Readipop bowled Festival already.

“If you’re still to get yours, we strongly recommend doing so soon, especially while tickets are still available from just £19 per day and £52 for the full weekend.”

DOORS CONSERV n ForWINDOWS more informati on on the full ATORIES line-up and list of venues, visit: www. readipop.co.uk n To book tickets, visit: www. eventbrite.co.uk

out after 38.4 overs after Jack Beaven collected 3-16 for Reading.

Shreyas Narayanasamy, Sukchain Singh Grewal and Raheel Farooq all took two wickets each for Reading in what was a clinical bowling spell.

With 142 to catch to take the game, Reading made light work of claiming victory.

It was a flawless batting performance from Waqas Ahmed and Harminder Singh who guided Reading to victory.

Singh hit 56 runs, while Ahmed amassed 70 which saw Reading clinch the game after 24.5 overs without dropping a single wicket.

The win puts Reading up to

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second in the table, level on points with league leaders Newbury, with three victories from their opening four league matches.

Meanwhile, Bracknell are in fifth with two wins and two defeats.

n Full cricket round-up and pictures on pages 21 & 22

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ON SNOW: A special portrait of the Queen has been created using artificial snow in the window of Reading town centre estate agency Haslams. Full story on page 10

Final preparations being made for four days of Platinum Jubilee celebrations

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today IT’S BEEN 70 years in the making, and this weekend we can celebrate like never before.

The Jubilee weekend will see events take place across the four days, including a beacon lighting ceremony, the return of

Water Fest, and two special concerts.

There will also be one of the largest street parties in the country in Goring and Streatley, as well as a ‘street party’ picnic organised by Churches Together in Christchurch Meadows on Sunday.

It’s all to celebrate the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the country’s longest-serving monarch.

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Man guilty of pensioner’s murder

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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.

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FOLLOWING an investigation

by Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, a man has been convicted of the murder of 77-year-old David Allen in Reading, last year.

Jacob Trussler, aged 37, of no fixed abode, was found guilty of murder on Friday, May 27, by unanimous jury verdict following a trial at Reading Crown Court.

On Wednesday, December 1, last year, Trussler arrived at David Allen’s house and stabbed him multiple times.

Officers attended the property, where Mr Allen was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Trussler was arrested on the morning of the following day.

Trussler was charged with Mr Allen’s murder on December 8, and was remanded into custody.

He will be sentenced at GUILTY: Jacob Trussler has been convicted of the Reading Crown Court on a date murder of David Allen in Elgar Road last year still yet to be confirmed.

Main picture: Steve Smyth

Charity helps tenants tackle exploitation and anti-social behaviour

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today A READING charity is looking to tackle a recent increase in property exploitation and anti-social behaviour (ASB).

Launchpad holds weekly surgeries at the South Reading Community Hub in Whitley, helping tenants safeguard their properties.

The support offered includes treatment for substance misuse, front door management advice and help setting up Universal Credit to avoid rent arrears.

The initiative is run by Nikki Uphill, floating support specialist officer at Launchpad, who was excited to bring the surgery to south Reading.

“Our drop-in service is open three days a week at our offices in the town centre but we know that not everyone is able to access it,” she said.

“Which is why we are so pleased to be offering specialist housing information and support as an outreach service.”

Tenants can access the surgery via referral from their housing officer, the police, a social worker or their housing association, with assistance available between 11am and 3pm every Thursday.

“In the two weeks we’ve been open, we have started to work with seven vulnerable tenants who didn’t know where to turn,” Ms Uphill explained.

“We referred a number to our floating support service so they receive further help in tackling their housing issue with a dedicated support worker and a personalised support plan.”

“We expect to support many more south Reading tenants at the surgery over the coming weeks and months.”

Since the pandemic, propertybased exploitation has been on the rise, with drug dealers conducting

their activities in houses owned by vulnerable people in a phenomenon known as cuckooing.

Thames Valley Police have been forced to issue an increasing number of closure orders, prohibiting anyone other than those named in the order from accessing the property.

Ms Uphill was grateful for the assistance the surgery has received, saying: “We are incredibly grateful to Whitley Community Development Association, who kindly donated a room for us to use at the South Reading Community Hub.” “And also to be working with PC Jonathan Bowness, Reading Borough Council and local housing associations to overcome these issues in south Reading.” n For more information or to report an incidence of exploitation, call: 0118 929 1111 or email: support@ launchpadreading.org.uk

Police sign up to new race action plan to boost trust THAMES VALLEY POLICE says it welcomes a new race action plan aimed at boosting trust and confidence across the region’s diverse communities.

The brainchild of the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the College of Policing, it aims to help the force fight racism and tackle head-on the low levels of trust and confidence among some Black people towards the police.

To help, the force has launched a public to enable anyone with expertise or an interest in race in policing to share their views and shape this important work.

Key actions in the plan include training for every officer, trialing new methods of engagement with the black community, changes to the way tools such as stop and search are deployed, and aiming to improve support to officers from ethnic background.

Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray will spearhead Thames Valley Police’s work.

“The service we provide to our communities and the environment we create for our people must be actively antiracist, anti-discriminatory and inclusive for all,” he said.

“We are fully committed to the national Race Action Plan.

“While it focuses on Black communities, we recognise our Thames Valley communities are diverse and they are also affected by some of the same issues.”

Six in the bin A KNIFE amnesty saw just six blades handed in across the whole of Berkshire.

Thames Valley Police held Operation Sceptre from May 16-22, and revealed the results last week.

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School children send message to the future at Rivermead

The time capsules are buried at the site of the new Rivermead leisure centre

FOR THE FUTURE: The time Capsule prepared by Oxford Road Community School is buried Picture: Reading Birough Council

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

Cllr Rachel Eden with staff and children from Oxford Road Community School

SCHOOL children have sent a message to the future at a new leisure centre site in Reading.

On Thursday, May 26, pupils and staff from Oxford Road Community School in West Reading buried four time capsules at Rivermead, which is due to open in spring 2023.

The children, from Years 3 to 6, all gave mementos for future residents of Reading to show what life was like in 2022, including everyday and on-this-day items such as a national newspaper and even a copy of Reading.

Today.

Also included were toys, a chocolate bar, a school jumper, transport information, facts about prices in 2022, information on living through covid and personal letters to people in the future.

A commemorative plaque will be added to the site of the time capsules, with a recommendation they are to be opened in at least 50 years time.

Nevaeh and Freddy, both Year 6 pupils at the school, said their class were very excited to take part in the time capsule project.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a very enjoyable memory to have,” said Nevaeh.

“I think whoever opens the capsules will be interested and surprised to see what life is like now. I think the future will be much more hi-tech.”

The students were joined on the day by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, lead councillor for leisure, Adele Barnett-Ward and representatives from Reading Council, GLL and Pellikaan Construction Ltd.

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THE findings of an independent review of the work to reduce reoffending across the Thames Valley have been released.

Matthew Barber, police and crime commissioner for Thames Valley, commissioned the £50,000 review which took place over a number of months.

Mr Barber said: “In line with my Police and Criminal Justice Plan, I commissioned this vital review to further understand our criminal justice system locally.”

The review included workshops, interviews and shadowing of services from prison, probation and in the community across 30 different organisations.

Results from the independent review have now been adopted by the Thames Valley Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB) along with the 21 recommendations it made.

The report says there is “no clear overall ownership of the prison leavers’ system” and there is a lack of a defined overall shared purpose and shared focus on priorities”.

The report shows there is a “line of accountability” to the Reducing Reoffending Board and Local Criminal Justice Board (LCJB), but it is not for the entire system.

Mr Barber says this is already being addressed with recommendations being implemented by the LCJB and a pilot scheme called “Restart Thames Valley”, which is set to launch in June.

He said: “Restart Thames Valley will be a yearlong pilot, running from June this year, working with more than 350 offenders leaving both Bullingdon and Bronzefield prisons.”

“It will build on the experience of those currently being released from prison, those who have successfully resettled and frontline staff working hard to help people maintain successful outcomes such as stable accommodation and support networks.

“The findings from my independently commissioned review will be given directly to decision makers across prison, probation and commissioned services so that they can act on and test improvements during the Restart Thames Valley pilot.

“I look forward to seeing the impact Restart Thames Valley will have to increase the chances for those leaving prison to lead a successful life with the right support.” n To view the report visit: matthewbarber.co.uk/ news

Pupils from Oxford Road Community School

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Crossrail saving time for commuters IT MIGHT not be the fastest route from the Ding to Paddington, but Crossrail is saving time in the capital.

Great Western Railway says it now takes 17 minutes to get from the London station to Canary Wharf, half the previous time.

The train firm’s managing director, Mark Hopwood, described the opening of the line as a game-changer, with 81% of passengers heading to another London destination on arrival at Paddington.

“The Elizabeth line will be completely transformational for Great Western Railway customers, improving connectivity and reducing overall journey times from Paddington into other key points in the city,” he explained.

“If you’re travelling from Reading, Paddington becomes a much more attractive option as you’re able to reach the heart of the city in half the time it would have taken previously.”

Other advantages include five minutes to get to Tottenham Court Road, compared to 14 minutes, and 11 minutes to Liverpool Street Station, down from 25 minutes.

Customers travelling from Reading and Twyford into London will initially need to change at Paddington for services into the central section of the route. This will change in the autumn.

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FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL

Reading and Hong Kong communities unite for some Ceilidh dancing

The Ceilidh dancing was enjoyed by all

The Mayor addresses visitors

The Reading Friendship Festival provided the perfect opportunity for Reading to welcome its new arrivals

SO MUCH FUN: Joanne and son Matthew take a breather Pictures: Dijana Capan

A warm Reading welcome for settling Hong Kongers

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg,today READING welcomed its new arrivals from Hong Kong in a colourful and vibrant celebration at Caversham Meadows.

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Saturday’s Friendship Festival provided the perfect setting for the two communities to meet and learn about one another’s heritage.

Visitors bonded over a ceilidh dancing, arts and crafts, and a postcode Olympics, which featured fiercely-contested space hopper and football contests.

Various food and information stalls ensured that everyone left with a true taste of what the two cultures are all about.

Reading Mayor Cllr Rachel Eden was in attendance, and was keen to offer the town’s newest family members a warm reception.

“It was really important to me to be here to make sure people from Hong Kong know that they are welcome here in Reading, and that it is now their second hometown,” she said in a video posted on her Twitter account.

The event was organised by UKHK, Coffee & Craft, Wycliffe Baptist and Reading Chinese churches.

Wycliffe pastor Paul Lapworth was delighted by the event’s success.

“It’s great to see so many here today,” he said. “It’s been a massive effort by the team to set up today, so it’s just really exciting to see everything that’s happening.”

With the Reading Chinese Church, Wycliffe has assisted Hong Kongers’ integration into British life, introducing English classes, health and wellbeing workshops and networking opportunities.

“I know that transition takes time,” Mr Lapworth explained.

“There’s always a grieving period, because there’s a loss of sorts, as well as a scary period before you start making friends, settling and building your life again.”

“So to have some friends who can journey with you, encouraging you to ask whatever questions you want, saying ‘we’ll do our best to help you’, is what we’re trying to do.”

Efforts were made to ensure that Hong Kongers left the festival with more than just a fleeting sense of acceptance, with practical information available at many of the stalls.

Organisations such as Launchpad, Costco, Barnardo’s and Co-op were on hand to provide advice on making the transition as smooth as possible.

Hailey Yuen moved to

Reading in October 2020, and has since co-founded Reading Hong Kongers CIC, a volunteerled initiative that helps new arrivals integrate into the UK. “We work together to show how beautiful Reading is and to introduce the town to the new people from Hong Kong,” she said.

“We find Reading very welcoming, and this makes us very happy.”

Ms Yuen admitted she hadn’t heard of Reading before making the move, but, on arrival, was able to draw on some heartening similarities to her homeland.

“I had never been to England before, not even Europe, so this is a very new country to me,” she explained.

“When I decided to come here, I just looked at a map and found this place. I found out about the [Maiwand] Lion, the river and the old historic buildings and we have the same things in Hong Kong.”

Ms Yuen was full of praise for the festival’s role in helping the new arrivals adapt to their new surroundings.

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FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL

Visitors and volunteers bring the sunshine

Rayna and father Ming enjoyed the face painting stall

Unsuccessful thieves target garage THIEVES fled empty handed from a home in Caversham last weekend.

Now police are appealing for witnesses to come forward in a bid to catch them.

The would-be burglar attempted to gain entry to a garage and side gate of the home in Upper Woodcote Road.

The incident took place around 2.50am on Saturday, May 28.

As they were unable to get in, nothing was stolen.

Anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage, is asked to contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference number: 4322023435.

Vehicle break-in in Calcot

Children take part in cultural arts and crafts

A VEHICLE was broken into in Calcot last week and police are appealing for witnesses.

It was parked on Latimer Drive, and targeted by thieves between 9.30pm and 10.10pm on Wednesday, May 25.

Thames Valley Police said that various, unnamed, items were stolen.

Anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage, is asked to contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220228534.

For the best start in life Krish Kandiah, founder of UKHK, addresses visitors “This event has been fantastic. It’s really important for the integration of Hong Kongers. You can see that the Hong Kong people are enjoying themselves, and the local people too.”

“When you walk down Broad Street, you see lots of Hong Kong people and there may be some misunderstanding about whether we are just visitors.”

“Some might ask why we are there, so this is a great chance for them to get to know us and for us to get to know them.”

Reading’s Hong Kongers

have taken an active approach in establishing themselves within the community.

A demonstration of that is Reading Hong Kong Runners, which occupied a stall at the festival.

The group uses running as a medium to bring people together, regardless of background, while promoting positive physical and mental health.

“We gather every week on Sunday and Monday,” member Thomas Yeung explained.

“Many people only started

running after moving to Reading. Others, like me, have run full marathons a few times, so we have all different types of runners.”

“We are thankful to the UK government for granting us a very good immigration policy, so we want to contribute to the community as well, and not just speak to each other in Cantonese.”

“We want to integrate, learn how to live here and speak the language, because this is our new home.”

There was something for all the family at Reading Friendship Festival Picture: Dijana Capan

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Tilehurst home hit by thieves A HOME was raided by thieves last month.

They took a number of items including a laptop, a wallet, and a vehicle.

The incident took place between 10pm on Sunday, May 15, and 6.45am on Monday, May 16, at a home in Tuscan Close, Tilehurst.

It is thought the burglar gained entry via the letterbox.

Anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage, is asked to contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220211110.

Vinyl record fair this Friday

Now taking registrations

A VINYL record fair is taking place in Reading this Friday, June 3.

The Reading Vinyl Record Collectors Fair will be held at the Rivermead Leisure Complex on Richfield Avenue.

There will be a range of vinyl on offer with more than 150 tables of records expected.

The fair will take place between 9am and 3pm, and is hugely popular with audiophiles.

Admission is £4 and tickets are available on the day.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Tamil students gear up for final test

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today TAMIL students are finetuning their language skills ahead of their year-ending examinations.

Reading Tamil School is preparing more than 100 students for the International General Examination on Saturday, June 4, held in 12 test centres across the UK. The assessment will evaluate all four facets of students’ command of the language: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Tamil originates from the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu and parts of Sri Lanka.

According to Thanikasalam Thayaparan, the school’s headteacher, there are over 250 Tamil families in Reading, and 400,000 in the UK. “We established the Reading Tamil Association in 2009,” Mr Thayaparan explained.

“Later that year, in October, we started a school for our children to learn the language.

It was important to us that our children knew how to speak the language as well as English.”

“At first, there were students coming in from places like Newbury and Langley.”

“We found it was quite far

for people to travel, so we separated into separate schools in Reading and Langley.”

The school takes a holistic approach to teaching, promoting the culture’s values and traditions.

Part of the syllabus is based on the Thirukkural, a traditional text, which features 1,330 couplets (kurals) promoting messages of virtue, wealth and love.

“Aside from the language, we also teach our students about our values,” Mr Thayaparan said.

“For instance, welcoming people is one of our basic cultures.”

“If you visit a Tamil person’s house, the first thing they will do is offer you food or drink. In that way, we are teaching them to respect others.”

Throughout the year, the community organises various events such as their annual day celebration, harvest festival and sports day.

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SUPPORT: Shirley Pearce at the Understanding Dementia stall, in the Select Car Leasing Stadium Picture: Understanding Dementia

Dementia walk held in the SCL Stadium A SPECIAL walk took place in Reading last month aimed at helping people with dementia.

In all, 68 people took part, comprising people who have the illness and their carers.

Organised by Age UK Berkshire, Dementia Friendly West Berkshire and The Reading FC Community Trust, it was held at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Those taking part walked twice around the pitch, with some even opting for a victory lap.

Afterwards, there was an opportunity to enjoy refreshments and meet with representatives from 16 organisations.

Helping out were students from The Avenue School in Tilehurst and staff from the

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While the Tamil community is proud of its heritage, it also plays a major role within the wider Reading family.

“It’s really important to us that our children integrate into the community well,” Mr Thayaparan explained.

“Before Covid, we organised a voluntary initiative, which involved us going to Reading town centre to clean the streets.”

“We are looking to collaborate with the Council to continue similar activities.

We teach our young people to care about and take an interest in the environment and to love it.”

In addition to the language classes, the school offers workshops in cultural fine art, chess and Bharatanatyam – an Indian classical dance.

These classes are open to anyone who is interested in learning about the culture, with adult language classes also available.

CAFE MAMBO Ibiza has announced that it is bringing back its music event to Stonor Park.

Cafe Mambo Ibiza in the Park will see a full evening of giants of the dance music scene performing DJ sets.

BBC Radio 1’s Danny Howard headlines, bringing his years experience as a talent searcher, label owner, and DJ to the decks.

He is joined by trio Disciples, whose collaborative single with Calvin Harris How Deep Is Your Love went triple platinum and catapulted them to wider public consciousness when it went to number two in the UK. The single also made the top ten in more than 20 countries.

Mela returns to celebrate Asia AFTER its first event in 2016, Reading Mela is to return for another celebration of South Asian culture.

It showcases the very best of music, arts, and performances from the community.

It will feature dance and music performances, including Mela, Bollywood, street and

Also among those performing is Riton, whose collaboration with Oliver Heldens, Kah-Lo, and Mufasa & Hypeman evidence his extensive experience in the dance scene.

Host of the Capital dance evening show and Capital weekender Coco Cole is in attendance, too.

She runs her own music label, and her experience includes residencies in Ibiza and at Shoreditch’s XOYO. The lineup is rounded out by long-time Cafe Mambo stalwart, Erik Hagleton.

The event takes place at Stonor Park, Henley-onThames, on Friday, August 12. n Tickets are £33.50, available from: mamboibiza.seetickets.com

belly dancing, and singing.

There will also be children’s shows and activities such as a funfair and arts and crafts.

A number of stalls will provide cuisine from around the world as well as festive produce.

Reading Mela will take place at Palmer Park on Sunday, August 7, from noon-7pm. Entry is free.

n For more information, visit: readingmela.com

Reading FC Community Trust.

Shirley Pearce, from Twyfordbased Understanding Dementia, said: “It was great to see so many people with dementia and their carers enjoying a walk on such a lovely day, and also to speak to both family carers and professionals afterwards about the courses we offer.

“We were proud to be one of many organisations in attendance, offering support to dementia carers.

“I encourage anyone who wasn’t there on the day or who didn’t get to talk to us, to contact us and see how our training may be of help.” n For more details, email: lucy.w@understandingdementia. co.uk or log on to: www. understandingdementia.co.uk

Assault in Whitley THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an assault which occurred in Whitley.

The incident took place on Saturday, May 28, shortly after midnight, in Cedar Road at the junction of Linden Road.

The incident then progressed into the Shinfield Road Recreation Park.

The victim, a 28-year-old man, was set upon by a group of offenders who assaulted him and then stabbed him twice in the legs.

He received hospital treatment but his injuries are not reported to be life-changing or life threatening.

He has since been discharged from hospital.

No descriptions of the offenders are available.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant James Jackson, based at Reading police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of this incident to come forward.

“I would also ask that anyone who lives nearby with video door bells to please check them for any relevant footage, as well as dash cam recordings.

“If you have any information which you think could be useful to us, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43220232468.”

7

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Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Councillors honoured for their service to Reading

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter THREE Reading citizens have been honoured for their service to the town by being made aldermen of the borough.

At a special annual council meeting held last week, three former councillors, were given the special title.

The first was Tony Jones, who served as a councillor for Battle, Whitley and Redlands wards.

Mr Jones, who grew up in Wales, was nominated

by Cllr John Ennis (Labour, Southcote).

He explained how he met Mr Jones in the early 1980s, and was inspired by his political convictions.

Cllr Ennis said Mr Jones was “passionate about socialism”, adding: “he was going to lead us to the Promised Land.”

In his own speech, Mr Jones praised all councillors present.

He said: “I salute each and every one of you.”

“Well done to all of you for putting your name forward, and the hours of unrecognised work you have and will put in.”

Mr Jones served as mayor in 2001/2 and 2014/15.

Jeannette Skeats was nominated by deputy leader of the council Cllr Tony Page (Labour, Abbey).

He praised her work as a Conservative opposition councillor and her mayorship in 2003/4, when she ran the Reading Half Marathon.

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Skeats said: “Reading is

H

ello hello hello and welcome to June at Double-Barrelled – Tilehurst’s favourite family-owned microbrewery! Founded by myself Luci and my husband Mike we started brewing in our garage in 2018 and haven’t looked back. You may already be familiar with some of our most popular beers in and around Reading – and if not, you will be soon! Take our house Keller Lager Ding for example – named for our hometown this beautifully crisp and refreshing beer has been popping up in some of the Ding’s favourite beer spots!

The sunny days are back in Reading and this month our events calendar is chock full of exciting, beer filled and local focused fun! We are really excited about getting out and about this month, and of course the jubilee is upon us! Whether you’re head to toe in bunting and making a bee line for a street party or looking to escape the hubbub we’ve got you covered.

Here’s where you can find delicious Double-Barrelled beer over the jubilee weekend:

HONOUR: New aldermen Tony Jones, Joe Williams and Jeannette Skeats. Picture: Chris Forsey / Reading Borough Council a vibrant town with a great community.

“I thank the electorate, council officers, and all my colleagues, from all parties.

I will continue to promote Reading as much as I can in my new role as a new alderwoman.

“Thank you Reading.”

Former Berkshire County Councillor Joe Williams was the third person to be made alderman in the ceremony.

He migrated to Reading from Guyana and represented

Katesgrove as the first Black councillor on Berkshire County Council in the 1980s.

He was nominated by former Labour councillor Sophia James, who stood down ahead of this year’s elections.

She called Mr Williams “a pinnacle of the Black community” in the town.

Mr Williams himself said it had been “a privilege and an honour” to represent his community, remembering the work he had done liaising

Council tax rebates underway in Reading THE process for residents in Reading to receive council tax rebates has started.

Earlier this year, chancellor Rishi Sunak announced taxpayers would get a £150 rebate on their council tax bill to help with rising energy bills.

Rebates have already been distributed to nearly 40,000 residents who pay their bill via direct debit.

Those who pay their council tax any other way can now apply for the rebate online by visiting Reading Borough Council’s rebate page.

Anyone who pays via direct debit and is yet to receive the rebate is also asked to fill out the same form.

To apply, taxpayers need to submit their council tax reference number, a property reference to ensure only one rebate is paid and their bank account details for it to be paid.

The rebate has been reserved for residents living in band A to D properties and will not have to be repaid.

Anyone who needs assistance with making the application should contact the council’s customer service team by calling: 0118 937 3727.

Assistance with applications is also being provided by Reading Citizens Advice Bureau, Age UK, Reading Welfare Rights and Reading Communicare.

For residents ineligible for this support, the council is setting a similar discretionary support for those living in band E to H properties.

Residents in these properties will be able to apply for a sum of £150 with a separate application page to be set up next month.

This additional support has been made possible by government funding.

with police and improving educational opportunities as a councillor.

All three of the aldermen were sworn in by a unanimous vote by councillors.

Cllr Debs Edwards (Labour, Southcote) was made the new deputy mayor after the previous deputy Ayo Sokale stood down before May’s elections.

The current mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, will serve another 12 months due to covid.

Flat pack fun: IKEA is home to host of free family events IKEA is holding a range of free events across the summer, including weekly entertainment and a jubilee party.

They include hosting a jubilee celebration featuring free face painting, children’s activities, and halfpriced meatballs today (Wednesday).

This will be followed by a jubilee crafts workshop where those attending will be shown how to create personal crowns, memory mugs and their own Queen’s guard.

IKEA will also feature balloon artists and face-painting in store on Saturdays throughout the summer.

The jubilee event will take place on Wednesday, June 1, from 6pm-8pm.

Face painting and balloon modelling will be in-store from 11am-5pm every Saturday, from Saturday, June 4, through to Saturday, August 20. n For more details, visit: www.ikea.com

The Taproom: Our onsite bar and bottle shop is an oasis of craft beer chill – with extended opening hours across the weekend (Wednesday 4 - 8.30pm, Thursday, Friday AND Saturday 1 – 8.30pm, and our super chilled Sunday session from 12 – 5.30pm), mouth-watering street food, beer cocktails, Luci and Mike, co-founders and more, the brewery is the ultimate bank holiday destination! And if keeping things low key at home or taking your favourite tins to the street party is more your bag then be sure to swing by the brewery for last minute case deals and bulk discounts!

Blue Collar: We love working with our good friends at Blue Collar – bringing the best food and drink to the Ding! Find our beers permanently on tap at Blue Collar Corner, and at their jubilee event in Forbury Gardens on Saturday!

Purley on Thames “Goosecroft Extravaganza”: Come and find us at the Purley on Thames jubilee celebrations on Thursday – the perfect chance to let the kids go wild whilst you sneak off for a few pints of Ding – just look out for the Double-Barrelled flag!

Phew! That’s a lot of jubilee events – now for the rest of the month.

On Sunday 12th June we see the return of one of our favourite events at the Taproom – Reading’s Indie Market! For one day only we transform our Taproom into a pop-up indoor market hall, celebrating the best of Reading’s independent crafters, creators, bakers and more!

With street food from The Fat Tabby Catering Co and coffee from Anonymous Coffee why not make a day of it and join us from 12 – 5.00pm?

And finally looking ahead to the beginning of July – Reading’s most loved local beer festival Craft Theory is back! Headed up by local legends The Grumpy Goat Craft Theory shines a light on all of the amazing breweries in Reading (and beyond!). Returning to one of Reading’s cultural hubs at South Street Arts Centre we’ll be pouring our latest beers all weekend long alongside other favourites such as Siren Craft Brew and Elusive Brewing – and many more!

Keep your eyes peeled for heaps of exciting fringe events at the Taproom and in and around the town! Tickets are available at www.crafttheoryfestival.co.uk Have an amazing June – whether you’re saluting the Union Jack or kicking back, we look forward to catching you up with all things Double-Barrelled next month! Can’t wait that long?

Make sure you follow us on our social media channels below or sign up to our mailing list on our website. Cheers!

UNIT

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8 | NEWS

Volunteer Corner

Reading Voluntary Action

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Meet the companies who Creamdesign: Design: Fundraiser of the Year Creamn Fundraiser of the yuear

C

REAM Design is supporting Fundraiser of the Year, which celebrates an individual or organisation that has shown outstanding skills or dedication to fundraising.

T

HE British Red Cross has been helping millions of people in the UK and around the world get the support they need when a crisis strikes.

Right now they are seeking a Customer Service Volunteer in their Thames Valley Area branch.

If you enjoy being in an office environment, are compassionate and like meeting people then this could be the role for you.

This vital service enables people to maintain their independence and quality of life after an illness or injury.

Whether it is to help take a relative out, or take a child to school, it makes a difficult and distressing time a little bit easier.

Enrych Berkshire is a Registered Charity that provides support to people with a disability, helping them get access to leisure, social and learning activities.

They are currently seeking a female volunteer to help one of their female members that uses a wheelchair to go out and visit places again.

You could be the person that builds their confidence.

And of course there are many more volunteer opportunities with Enrych Berkshire that helps even more people one-on-one, ranging from just being a person to lend an ear or being a volunteer that assists in taking them to social events.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is the leading dementia and Alzheimer’s disease research charity and they are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join their Cheer Squad at Endure 24 Reading 2022.

They want you, your family and your friends to cheer as loud as you can to give their #TeamARUK runners and all the other runners a boost as they go past, encouraging them to keep going and helping them achieve their goals.

The Endure 24 Reading 2022 is a one-off 24 hour event taking place on Saturday, June 18, Sunday, June 19.

Volunteers will be able to pick from four sixhour slots available. 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.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Helen Waring, account director at Cream Design (pictured with BBC presenter Matt Allwright), says: “Pride of Reading is our favourite day of the year.”

Senior designer Andy Taplin said that Cream was a big support of charities.

“We work with a lot of charities and organisations, and we see that income streams for them are really important,” he said.

“And it’s really fascinating to see new ways to raise money for family members, and charities more generally.”

Ms Waring agreed: “Cream is very community based in that way, we like being right in the centre.

“We’ve worked with organisations like Launchpad, the Reading FC

Former Players Association, Berkshire Youth, and Berkshire Vision.

“And it’s so nice to be able to give something back.”

Mr Taplin said that though Reading has much to boast of, some of it goes unnoticed.

“It’s quite nice being the largest town, it’s not one of those showing-off kind of places,” he said.

“There’s so much great stuff that goes on here that just goes under the radar.”

“A lot of great people do brilliant work here, doing brilliant things, that don’t get showcased.”

Cream Design were the recipients of the Business in Action award in 2016, where it was celebrated for more than 20 years of commitment to the community.

Now the company is continuing to lend its support with the sponsorship of the Fundraiser of the Year Category.

IKEA: Gifts and prizes support IKEA is among the supporters who are continuing to help the Pride of Reading awards, providing gifts and prizes to the event.

Matt Snape, marketing specialist at IKEA, said: “It was amazing to be here at the launch of the 2022 Pride of Reading awards.

“It feels great to be part of the community, being involved supporting people.

“And I think for us as one of the supporters and previous sponsors, it’s really exciting for us to find out the theme.”

This year’s awards have been given the theme of celebrations.

He explained: “Because we supply a lot of the gifts, it’s really good to know what the theme so we can tailor it to match that.

“It’s a really exciting thing that we can

then come together as a store and start brainstorming what can we do and what we can bring.”

IKEA has sponsored categories at the awards for a number of years following its first sponsorship in 2017.

When the awards returned after the pandemic last year, IKEA had moved to a supporting role.

Mr Snape said: “Pride of Reading is such a great organisation, that even though we’re not directly sponsoring, we still have made it very apparent that we still want to support and be a part of the community.”

“And the fact that they’re accepting that and saying that that’s fine, they still want us to come on board, it’s great to feel a part of the bigger picture.”

Reading Buses: Employee of the Year READING Buses is sponsoring the Employee of the Year award at this year’s Pride of Reading Awards.

Laurence Jenkins, finance director at Reading Buses, said: “It’s something that we’re extremely proud to support, and we’ve sponsored the employee award for a number of years.

“We’re one of the biggest employers in the town, and we recognise that the amazing things that employees of various organisations and companies in the town achieve and deliver .”

The company was founded in 1901, and has come to be part of the town’s identity.

“Reading Buses has been the heart of the community for over 100 years, now.

“We consider ourselves to be part of the fabric of Reading, so we love to support Reading and showcase it to the rest of the UK in the world.”

Reading Buses was given a Pride of Reading Award in 2017, winning the Business in Action award in recognition of its community work, charity fundraising, and focus on environmental targets.

“We love being here, keeping the town connected, keeping the key workers in the town connected,” said Mr Jenkins.

Reading Buses has worked to make their services greener, with a number of them making use of biofuels or hybrid buses.

Currently all of its buses meet Euro VI standards, meaning a significantly reduced effect on air quality in the town.

“We like to do things a bit differently,” Mr Jenkins said, “and we like to offer a bit extra to our customers, too, because we feel they’re worth it.”

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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help Pride of Reading McDonalds sponsors Inspiration Award MCDONALDS returns as the sponsor for the Inspiration award, now for the third time.

The award which recognises someone who has inspired a community initiative or inspired others to do the same.

It can also recognise someone who is a positive role model for young people in the town.

Richard Forte, brand franchisee, said: “It’s great to be here, since we got together last year for the awards a bit later than planned.

“But it feels really good to be planning the Pride of Reading awards from the start of the year.”

“This is our third year of sponsoring the awards and it’s really nice to celebrate and see people from around the town, and hear some great stories.

“It’s great walking up to the Select Car Leasing Stadium each year for the awards ceremony, knowing that you’re going to have an afternoon of celebration, which is this year’s theme.”

With this year’s theme of celebration, Mr Forte says that he appreciates the event’s atmosphere almost as much as its aims.

“But the Pride of Reading Awards encapsulates and provides the best platform to recognise people’s achievements, for those unsung heroes.

“The nominees don’t do what they do because of the awards, so it’s great way of surprising people and when you recognise it’s very heartfelt.

“And that’s what communities do, they do things like that without expecting to be recognised or given any awards.”

Tesco: Gifts and prizes sponsor TESCO is sponsoring the Pride of Reading Awards, providing prizes and gifts for the ceremony, which will take place in December.

It is the second year in a row that they have supported the event after it returned last year.

Emma McLaren, lead manager at Tesco, and Amal Narayanasamy, store manager, attended the launch event, with Ms McLaren saying: “It is an incredible event.

“And such a humbling experience to see all these people that do such an amazing things all come together.

“So we reached out to the Pride of Reading Award to see if we can support in any way shape or form.”

Tesco has worked with charities and

food banks across Reading, with Tesco Community Grant.

In 2019, it gave its support to Sport in Mind, granting £10,000 to help it provide help to those struggling with mental health.

Earlier this year, it short-listed a number of community projects for further funding, including Hawkedon School in Lower Earley which put in a bid for £1,000 to help build play equipment for students.

Also nominated are the Faith Christian Group, which runs a number of support services in Reading, as well as the Reading Sea Cadets.

“With the thousands and thousands of people that live in Reading, it can still feel like such a small community, so helping each other out, and to be a part of that is just an amazing feeling.”

NEWS | 9 The Inspiration Award, sponsored by McDonalds Someone who has inspired a community initiative or inspired others to do the same. Or simply someone who is a positive role model for young people

Cultural Contribution, sponsored by M&G Real Estate To raise the profile of, and give recognition to the projects, people and organisations that contribute to the cultural life of Reading, covering music, drama, art and heritage.

School of the Year, sponsored by Qwerty For exceptional achievement, open to nursery, primary, secondary and special schools in Reading.

Community Champion, sponsored by Reading Football Club

Someone who works tirelessly in their community as an individual, in the voluntary sector, as a carer, for a community group or in public service who devotes their time for others

Local Hero, sponsored by Green Park Someone who, through a special act of kindness or bravery, has made a positive difference to their community.

Charity of the Year, sponsored by ROC Search

Recognising a local charity or community group that has made an amazing impact to our community through partnership working with businesses, other charities and the public sector to further its cause.

Business in Action (under 50) and (over 50), sponsored by Boyes Turner

Companies, large or small, who get involved in community work. There are two awards for firms with under 50 and over 50 employees.

Employee of Year, sponsored by Reading Buses An employee who goes the extra mile for their firm or customer.

Child of Courage, sponsored by IQVIA The town’s bravest youngster. Some become heroic lifesavers; others demonstrate courage through battling illness or other difficult circumstances. We want to hear about these amazing under 16-year-olds.

The Chris Tarrant Pride of Reading Award, sponsored by The Oracle

Someone from Reading who deserves special recognition.

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Macbeth Insurance

Mental Health Champion: Funky Barnet, Kool Kidz Kutz and Premier & Angels School of Motoring THIS year’s sponsors for the Mental Health Champion are the Funky Barnet, Kool Kidz Kutz, and Premier & Angels School of Motoring.

The award celebrates an individual or organisation who has that has helped people, especially the young, cope with mental problems.

Lynne Pyke (pictured with Prideo of Reading launch host Matt Whitelock) owns all three of the businesses.

She said the companies wished to get involved with Pride of Reading for this award because of recent events: “Particularly over the pandemic, that lack of socialising, it was very difficult,” she explained.

“And that leads to so many people suffering with their mental health.

“It can mean struggling with anxiety,

social interaction, bullying, really anything can affect it.”

Ms Pyke said that she had a lot of experience of seeing others struggling with their mental health, both personally close to her, and through her professional outlets.

She wanted to support the category specifically as a result.

“I asked to sponsor mental health, since we see people struggling with mental health all the time, “And we see what it does to people.”

She says also that those struggles can often be hard to identify, with many hiding them.

“They can keep a lot of it in, and little do we know that they’re crying and hurting, “And days later, it might be too late – that’s what we see it doing to people.”

Enterprise award for an individual or group with a business venture in Reading – and the judges especially want to hear from those who think the town has helped them achieve their goals

Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Cream Design

An individual or organisation that has shown outstanding skills or dedication to fundraising

Volunteer/Volunteers of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker

An individual or team engaged in diverse and challenging tasks, or simply who have stepped up when needed.

Mental Health Champion, sponsored by Lynne Pyke An individual or organisation that has helped people, especially young people, cope with problems

Community of the Year, Hilton Reading A neighbourhood that has encouraged community spirit and by working together have made their area a better place to live and thrive.

This could be a street, a community group or a residents’ association. n Nominate at porawards.co.uk

10 | NEWS

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Riseley Jubilee celebration VISITORS are invited to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at The Bull at Riseley.

The pub will mark the occasion by hosting a fun-filled day of live music, activities and hog roast. There will be a lucky dip contest, quiz and tug-of-war on the green. There will also be a fancy dress competition, with prizes available for adult and age group winners.

The event takes place from noon on Friday, June 3. n For more, search The Bull at Riseley on: www.facebook.com

Town Crier in action

AS PART of the Platinum Jubilee celebration, town criers across the nation will be called up to declare the lighting of the beacons on Thursday, June 2.

At 2pm, Reading’s town crier, Nigel Hopkins, will make the announcement at Reading Minster, heralding the lighting of the beacons that evening with a special proclamation.

The Minster’s bells will ring, led by Steve Rossiter, from 1.30-2pm, and after the proclamation. Then, attendees will be invited into the church for tea and cake.

Those unable to attend the lighting of the beacons in the evening are able to live stream the event via Reading Borough Council’s Facebook page.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Reading ready to celebrate 70 years of the Queen’s reign over us

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THE big weekend is here – Reading is ready to celebrate 70 years of the Queen reigning over us.

Over the coming four days, the town is set to party like never before, with concerts, street parties, special events and gatherings round the clock.

It’s all to mark the Platinum Jubilee, and the festivities launch in spectacular fashion tomorrow evening with a beacon lighting ceremony in the Abbey Ruins.

Reading Scottish Pipe Band and Reading Male Voice Choir will help lead the festivities under the stars in the special ticket-only gathering. The highlight will be the lighting of the beacon, one of 1,500 across the country.

It will also be available to watch virtually.

Jubilee Friday will see the Abbey Ruins play host to a pop concert featuring acts from across the Queen’s reign including tributes to the band Queen, The Beatles and George Michael. It starts from 4.30pm and continues until late.

There will be DJs, entertainers, street food stalls, and the opportunity to purchase craft beers and cocktails.

MAKING A SPLASH: Water Fest returns to Reading on Jubilee Saturday Picture: Reading Borough Council Reading Water Fest is the main event on Saturday, taking place from 11am to 5pm in the Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins, along the Kennet and by the Riverside Museum. There will be live entertainment, children’s activities and refreshments.

Sunday is street party day.

There will be 57 of them taking place in Reading itself, as residents come together for the nation’s biggest party.

For those who want to get together, there will be a special event organised by Churches Together in Caversham

and Reading. Taking place in Christchurch Meadows between noon and 4pm. The Bishop of Reading will speak at a short service at 2.30pm, with music from the Reading Central Salvation Army Band, and there will be the chance to bring a picnic, play games and meet people from across the town.

A marquee will be available to shelter from rain and sun.

Organisers say everyone is welcome to this special event.

And from 3pm, the sound of music will be heard in Forbury Gardens as Trinity Concert

Band hold a children’s concert, bringing to an end this year’s Children’s Festival.

There’s more fun too, as Christchurch Meadows Paddling Pool has opened for the summer, while libraries, arts centres, museums, pubs, cafes, and shops are all hosting special events for the jubilee.

Broad St Mall will have a musical performance every day, while The Oracle will screen jubilee events on its big screens on the Riverside, where there will be a mojito beach bar.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward,

Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “It’s going to be a fantastic weekend for Reading, and for the whole country.

“We’ve got so many street parties across the borough, and we’re also celebrating 200 years of Huntley and Palmers with our Biscuit Town events.”

One of the big highlights for Cllr Barnett-Ward is Water Fest.

“It’s a free event,” she said.

“There’s loads of different stalls and things to get involved in.

“Also, the Forbury Gardens concert for children on the Sunday is going to be wonderful.”

Reading Borough Council waived fees for road closures to make it easy for residents to organise street parties over the jubilee weekend.

“It’s brilliant,” Cllr BarnettWard said over plans for the 57 street parties - the largest ever amount recorded by the council in recent years.

“We’ve been able to support residents by helping them with road closures.

“We’ve all been shut in our homes for so long over the last couple of years that it’s more important that ever that we get out, spend time with our neighbours and celebrate.” n For more on WaterFest, log on to: reading.gov.uk/waterfest

WOOF: Video footage of three corgis roaming round the Haslams offices Picture: Haslams

READING TODAY

The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebrate 70 Glorious years

Order the June 7th and 8th editions of the paper as keepsake souvenirs WOKINGHAM TODAY

Haslams thinks of snow and corgis for amazing tribute to the monarch A READING town centre-based estate agency wanted something special to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, so they turned to snow.

The company, based on Friar Street, welcomed back Tom Baker who creates highly detailed pictures using fake snow.

He crafted a recreation of Arnold Machin’s famous portrait used on our stamps since 1967, which can be seen in its window.

The picture isn’t the only way that the company has been celebrating the Queen’s big

milestone – they’ve taken one of the Queen’s favourite animals and created a special video tribute.

A Haslams’ team member owns three corgis, and they came into the office for some regal walkies … and workies. The resulting footage is now being screened on the company’s video wall, delighting visitors.

A spokesperson for Haslams said the company was delighted to take part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

“Encouraged by our MD Steve Woodford, at Haslams we

are big supporters of the local community, and we are making the most of our huge window displays to spread a bit of joy for Reading’s visitors and residents,” they explained.

“We have received amazing feedback from members of the public who have popped in to our office to share how much they enjoy the pictures of the Corgis and The Queen in our windows.”

She added: “We are lucky to have a staff member here at Haslams who has three of her own Corgis, so we took this opportunity to create some fun videos and images to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.”

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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...Not everyone is looking forward to the celebrations AS READING prepares to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, billboards calling for the country to become a republic have erected across the town.

The bright red posters are headed ‘make Elizabeth the last’ and have been seen in Caversham and off Elgar Road South.

They have since been defaced, with parts of the messages painted over to prevent them from being seen.

They are from the campaign group Republic, which says they are part of its response to this weekend’s celebrations.

It argues that the number of street parties planned for next weekend has fallen compared to 2012, while support for the monarchy has fallen.

Republic says polls show one in four favour the abolition of the monarchy, and ten years there were 10,000 street parties registered compared to 1,700 this year – this latter figure may not be the most up-to-date: Reading Borough Council said it has received 57 road closure applications, a record

TIME FOR CHANGE?: An anti-monarchy group has paid for billboards to go up around Reading sharing its message Picture: Phil Creighton number for the town.

After raising £43,000 for the posters, they have been pasted in number of towns and cities including Manchester, Bournemouth, Birmingham, Dundee, Leeds, Glasgow

and Bristol.

Republic spokesperson Graham Smith said they were launching the campaign due to its research suggesting a fall in support for a royal family in recent years.

“As we approach the end of the Queen’s reign the country needs to start talking about moving on and getting rid of the monarchy,” he said.

“The Queen is the monarchy for most people, she’s the one who sustains support for the institution.

The idea that we should all sit back and accept Charles as our head of state is going to be questioned by a lot of people.”

He added: “The monarchy is wrong in principle, wrong in practice and it’s bad for British politics.

Without the Queen protecting the royals, with more controversial and divisive men in charge of the monarchy change will be much easier to achieve.

“These billboards are part of a wider move to generate a bigger, louder public debate about the future of the monarchy. The monarchy is increasingly out of touch and out of time. We need to prepare to move on and start electing our head of state.”

Fire and Rescue Service offer safety advice ahead of parties

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today AS THE nation prepares to party, advice is being given to enjoy the festivities safely.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued the guidance to cover all four days of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The first key message is to inform them if a jubilee beacon lighting ceremony is planned. Calling the non-emergency fire control number of 0118 938 4900 will ensure it is recorded as a controlled burn, and avoid fire engines being sent out to a false alarm, when they could be responding to a real emergency.

Beacons should be set up away from anything that could catch fire, taking into account wind direction.

It should not be lit with accelerants such as lighter fluid, petrol, paraffin, white or methylated spirits, and tapers on long poles of at least 2m in length. Water should be kept nearby in case the fire needs putting out, and a first aid kit, including a burns pack, on hand.

The smoke plume should not affect residential areas, roads, and access points, again, taking into account the wind direction.

It is illegal to leave a fire unattended or to have too few people to control it.

Those witnessing the beacon should be in a well-constructed cordon away from the fire, with highly visible marshals who have received some instruction to help control them.

Water should be used to put the fire out, and it should be completely extinguished before leaving. It needs to be checked on Jubilee Friday to ensure it did not reignite.

When it comes to street parties, access is still needed for emergency vehicles such as fire engines and ambulances, who could need access at any time.

Emergency services should also be aware of any road closures, but permission should have been granted by the council, who consult with the emergency services as part of the process.

At gatherings where fireworks

will be used, the fire and rescue service warns that anyone who has consumed alcohol should not be involved in the display, or take a turn at the barbecue.

People should also plan their journey home and not be tempted to drink and drive.

Only fireworks with a CE mark should be used and they should be kept in a closed box before use, never in a pocket, or thrown.

Under fives should not use sparklers, others need gloves.

As ever, the firework code applies – never return to a lit firework, as it could still explode.

The fire and rescue service do not recommend using flying lanterns due to the fire hazards and risks they pose to property, crops, animals and the environment.

Finally, the fire and rescue service have issued guidance on the use of barbecues.

They should be sited away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs, and on level ground.

If gas, the cylinders should stored outside, and lighter fluids should only be used on cold coals.

A bucket of water, sand, or a garden hose should be kept nearby for emergencies, while children should be kept well away. The barbecue should never be left unattended.

When cooking fatty foods, care should be taken as the dripping fat can cause the barbecue to flare up.

Barbecue should not be used indoors – even when the flames aren’t visible, it can still give off carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.

And those under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs are advised not to cook. n For more details and advice, log on to: www.rbfrs.co.uk

Jubilee spirit takes root as college branches out READING College is getting into the spirit of the jubilee with a new addition to its campus.

Students and staff planted a commemorative tree on the site on Tuesday, May 24, to honour The Queen’s 70 years on the throne.

Michael Penny, head chaplain for Activate Learning, was joined by Charlotte Morgan, head of campus student experience, along with a number of students, in the planting ceremony.

It was supported by members of the Reading College Green Team, which assists with gardening and litter around campus as part of its sustainability efforts.

Gary Headland, chief executive officer at Activate Learning, said:

“It has been wonderful to come together as a college community, with the wider community we are part of, to mark this incredibly special occasion and celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“This is but a small token of our appreciation and respect for everything Her Majesty has done for the people of this country in her time as monarch, but one that I hope will be enjoyed by many generations to come.”

The ceremony saw a Prunus Fukubana tree planted in front of the college, which will soon be adorned with a plaque in honour of the celebrations and the Queen.

Charlotte Morgan, head of

campus student experience, at Reading College, Activate Learning, said “We are really proud to be planting a tree to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee because as a college we pride ourselves on celebrating current events and being an active member of our community.

“Earlier this year, four of our Lifeskills students planted four trees for The Queen’s Green Canopy which inspired Activate Learning to plant a tree at each of our campuses.

“We strive for sustainability as one of our organisation’s key drivers, and we hope that this tree will support wildlife and the environment.

“Thank you to our Head Chaplain, Michael Penny, and our Lifeskills students, who took part in the tree planting and to all staff and students who attended the ceremony.”

Activate Learning also coordinated the planting of a commemorative tree at Bracknell and Wokingham college.

The Mayor of the borough of Bracknell Forest, Cllr Ankur Shiv Bhandari, and the Mayoress, Rishi Bhandari, were joined by foundation and supported studies students from the Church Road Campus.

An Acer Davidii Viper tree was planted by the college car park, also on Tuesday, May 24.

NEWS | 11

12 | NEWS

Life of Brian Brian Hicks

Championing German music

I

T was heartening to see the Ukraine win the Eurovision Song Contest and the UK entry come in second. The German song came in at 25th and last place.

Bhim’s back on Sunday AFTER dazzling the audience and most of the judges on Britain’s Got Talent in 2020, Bhim Niroula is back.

He’s released his original song, Sunday Morning Love You, now available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

His memorable performance of the song saw him go through the auditions stage, despite Simon Cowell’s lack of approval.

Mr Cowell was very much on his own, however, as fellow judge Alesha Dixon described the song as a “hit record” on the show.

Now Bhim has recorded and released the song, complete with a brand new music video.

The song also features a cheeky nod to Simon’s disapproval with the noise of a buzzer, mimicking the moment where he buzzed during the original audition.

Orginally from Nepal, Bhim works as a hotel manager in Reading, but now he could be destined for chart domination with the catchy tune.

During his audition on the show, he told the judges that he’d written the love song for his wife, who was watching on from the crowd as he performed.

Bhim Niroula on Britain’s Got Talent Picture courtesy of Bee Influence

Clips of the audition have garnered more than 1.5 million views on Youtube.

After three yeses from the judges, Bhim went through to the semi-finals.

It wasn’t the first time he’d appeared on the show – he was on India’s Got Talent in 2018.

Nor is it his first music release, with a string of original songs prior to his audition.

It is, however, the first joint venture release between Karman Records and Sengge Zangbo.

The well-produced music video sees Bhim showing off his moves and his vocals with dancers and performers, all set inside a corner shop. n Sunday Morning Love You is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube

CHARLIE

It is a pity that none of the big German names in Schlager music, such as Helene Fischer, Andrea Berg, Roland Kaiser or Howard Carpendale, have entered the contest. Presumably their managers have advised against it. It would have brought some extra razzamatazz to the event and no doubt a few more victories for Germans.

The UK has won five times and Germany twice.

A few of the lesser Schlager stars have appeared in Eurovision, including Nicole (winner in 1982), Nino de Angelo, Michelle, Mary Roos, Lena Valaitis and Guildo Horn.

Germany last won in 2010, and has had two top 10 finishers in the last 10 Eurovision song contests. The UK last won in 1997. It came close this year, had it not been for Ukraine’s winning entry.

It is good to see that a Schlager music scene is developing in the UK. A lively new album, Crash Course, from the Crash Helmuts, was released on May 13, the day before Eurovision. It is being distributed by leading UK Indie music company Wienerworld.

They contacted me as I am one of the few UK journalists to write about Schlager.

The Crash Helmuts comprise the brothers Norbert and Johann Helmut. With the lockdown restrictions of 2020/2021 well in place and, under pressure from family and friends, the Crash Helmuts, started penning their album of happy and up-tempo music to raise a smile.

When I first heard the album, I thought this band was doing well to sing Schlager songs in English so well, although a little German had slipped into one of the songs.

I searched the internet to find out more about them, but found nothing much. I emailed the PR man at Wienerworld for more information, including whether Norbert and Johann were Germans brought up in the UK or a German group wanting to get into the UK market.

I later managed to get hold of the managing director, Anthony Broza. He told me that Norbert and Johann were not their real names and that this album was a departure from their usual blues music. They do not want to confuse their existing fans by playing a different genre of music as they are a leading blues band.

Anthony offered to set up an interview with Norbert, or Norman as he called him, another alias.He told me the idea for getting into Schlager music had come from a friend of the band, Monika, whose father is called Helmut.

They were in Kelheim, near Regensburg, at the time.

Norman realised that he had unused songs from his past that could provide new material.

His band play about 60 gigs a year in Germany and the album is already selling there through the Saturn electrical stores. The other albums are going mainly to the US, the Benelux and the UK. I asked Norman/Norbert if he was prepared to reveal his and Johann’s real names, as I still had no idea who the band might be. There was some hesitation. He said everyone will find out eventually, but that I would be the first journalist to know: “I am Norman Beaker and Johann is John Price.”

Norman is a blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter and band leader and has been active since the early 1970s.

His band usually has five performers, but has also recorded as a trio.

He was inducted into the American Heritage Society Blues Hall of Fame in San Diego five years ago. If his new catchy Schlager songs succeed, he could well become a Schlager star as well as a blues star in the autumn of his career. n Email: bhicks@wokingham.today

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I DON'T GET THIS 'PLATINUM' EDITION, I'D RATHER HAVE THE ORANGE ONE

To pickle or not to pickle?

AN OXFORD scientist has revealed that pickles are proven to improve a burger in research inspired by the new film, The Bob’s Burgers Movie.

Professor Charles Spence, a food scientist from Oxford University has released a report detailing how gherkins are a vital ingredient in the perfect hamburger.

The report considered a number of factors which affect the enjoyment of a burger, including taste, texture, and visual appeal, and concluded that each was improved by the inclusion of pickles.

It also looked at how popular they were, reporting that 51% of people choose to remove pickles from their meals.

Of those, however, more than one in ten removed them because they preferred them on their own.

Those aged 18-24 are least likely to enjoy pickles, while those aged 35-54 were most likely to include them.

In fact, 38% of 35-54s considered them a “classic burger topping.”

Professor Spence said: “Pickles

are undoubtedly one of the most contentious additions to a burger, with the population seemingly split right down in the middle.

“There is no right or wrong way to eat a burger, however keeping pickles inside your burger is the best way to get the full potential out of every bite.”

The report detailed how the acidic taste of pickled gherkins can compliment the umami, or savoury, taste of burgers, creating a balance of flavours.

It also noted that the crunchiness compliments the softer textures in a burger, giving a more satisfying bite, and a more satisfying sound.

Professor Spence explained: “The evidence suggests that different sensory elements all play a different role for different consumers, but ultimately keeping pickles in your burger is the best way to optimise their taste.

“Their sensory properties compliment the other burger ingredients perfectly.”

The Bob’s Burgers Movie is now in cinemas.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Lesley’s feast of pays tribute to h

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

A

N adventurous woman planned her own funeral to include unusual entertainment at her wake: morris dancing and a jazz band.

Lesley Over, who worked at BG Group, Reading in administration before she retired, died on April 22.

She had been ill for some time.

Her wake was held at The Butler pub in Chatham Street, Reading, where her husband Richard said: “We had watched morris dancing in Reading in the past. She liked the colour and liveliness of it.

“She was a lively person herself.

“We also enjoyed jazz at places including The Falcon Hotel in Bude.

“Lesley lived life to the full and was so adventurous. She was once watching a nature programme with filming under water and she enjoyed seeing the turtles.

“She said she’d like to swim with them herself.

“Straightaway we were both booked onto a scuba diving course.

“She was 55 at the time.”

It was at Sipadan Island, Borneo, that the couple fulfilled Lesley’s idea to swim with turtles.

Richard said Lesley would have loved the events held at the pub for her wake.

The couple’s sons Alan and Tim Over were there, along with Tim’s wife Louise and many other people. Lesley’s funeral was at Reading Crematorium.

Brought up in Reading, she moved with Richard to Somerset about three years ago.

Fulfilling Lesley’s wishes on Thursday, May 19, were the dancers and musicians of Hurst Morris

IT’S WHAT SHE WOULD HAVE WANTED: Hum (right, seated ) whose wife asked for morris da Nicky Waywell and Debbie Puckett People and Hajamala Jazz, based in Reading.

A Hurst Morris spokesperson said the side had been delighted to dance for Lesley’s family and friends.

Hurst Morris are dancing at the Fox and Hounds at Sheffield Bottom, Theale on Thursday, June 9, at 8pm with Old Speckled Hen dancers.

n The Hurst team are offering the chance for musicians and dancers to have a go at morris at Hurst Village Hall, Hurst on September 22 and 29 at 8pm.

They welcome people to take part.

For more details or to sign up, log on to: www.hump.org.uk or search Facebook for hurstmorris

Forget Oscar Wilde’s Ballad of Professor Peter has written th A PROFESSOR campaigning to preserve the old Reading Gaol buildings has written a short history about them.

Professor Peter Stoneley of Reading University believes the gaol should be preserved and used for cultural events and the teaching and learning of history.

Reading-based Two Rivers Press publishers say the book is a history of Reading’s iconic gaol: architectural landmark, cultural emblem and symbol for a community determined to cherish the town’s heritage.

“Layers of history and art are carefully peeled back as Peter Stoneley reveals its past as architectural showcase for Sir George Gilbert Scott’s decorative (and expensive) style,” they add.

The gaol was also the “location for experiments in prison reform,

training ground for the leaders of the Irish Independence movement and, of course, the inspiration for Oscar Wilde’s famous Ballad of Reading Gaol.

“Bringing the narrative right up to the present day with the discussions over its future use and Banksy’s graffiti, this book is a timely platform for the building to tell us its story.”

Peter Stoneley is professor emeritus of English literature at Reading University.

There’s a chance to meet him on the Whiteknights Studio Trail at a Two Rivers Press venue, 24 New Road, Reading RG1 5JD, on Saturday, June 11, at 11am.

His book also includes artwork by local artists produced for the exhibition In Reading Gaol by Reading Town: Martin Andrews, Sally Castle, Jenny Halstead, Martina Hildebrandt, Carole Pembrooke and Linda Saul.

NEWS | 29

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Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

f entertainment her love for life

That’s the best £2 Harry has ever spent ...

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

The age of the tantrum

M

Y son has reached the age of the tantrum. He has learnt, through rigorous repeated testing, that if he screams enough, he might just get his own way.

HAPPY MAN: Harry Baker celebrates winning the BOTB prize draw for a Porsche 911 and £20,000 in cash with Christian Williams Picture: BOTB

mp Morris perform at The Butler in memory of Lesley Over. Below: Husnand Richard Over ancing and a jazz band at her wake. With him from the left at the table are Chris, Gary and

f Reading Gaol, he booklet of…

NEVER mind the bride getting to the church on time, a groom-tobe definitely will be … unless he’s tempted to take his new wheels for a spin.

Harry Baker is the proud owner of a brand-new Porsche 911. And it was a bargain as it cost him just £2.

Not only did he scoop the flash set of wheels, but there was a cool £20,000 in the boot.

Last week, the 28-year-old from Charvil was surprised by BOTB presenter Christian Williams who popped round to give him the new motor.

He had entered the company’s Dream Car Competition, and hit the jackpot on just his second time of playing.

The moment was captured on video by the BOTB team, and Harry couldn’t believe his luck.

“No way,” he said, almost speechless. “Oh my days!”

Harry, who works as a quality control manager at GSK, said he’s a huge Porsche fan: “I’ve always been into Porsches, I get it from my Dad. “I’ve got a 2008 Porsche Cayman at the moment which I will probably give to my dad now.”

Holding back the tears he added: “This is unbelievable, I’m shaking.

And what perfect timing ready for the summer.”

But it wasn’t just the car that Harry won as he also scooped £20,000 cash as part of the prize.

“That will pay for the wedding,” he laughed, revealing he’s planning to wed his fiancee Catherine, 28, next year. “It will definitely go to the wedding and honeymoon fund - hopefully we can go somewhere a bit more luxurious now like the Maldives.”

BOTB’s Christian said: “Harry played for a fantastic prize and I’m so excited for him. A new Porsche, wedding and a honeymoon to the Maldives? He is certainly in for an exciting couple of years.

“Have the best time, Harry.”

BOTB awards two cars each week as well as a ‘lifestyle’ prize.

Recent winners have bagged a quad bike and a holiday to the Arctic.

Since being founded in 1999 by William Hindmarch, it has given away more than £47million worth of vehicles. n To see Harry’s shock reaction alongside a host of other lucky winners, head over to BOTB.com

POETRY CORNER Freedom Song (With love to our wonderful Queen, and warmest wishes on your Platinum Jubilee.)

Picture: Raph_PH/Wikimedia Commons

A detail from the cover of Professor Peter Stoneley’s new book about Reading Gaol’s history, published by Two Rivers Press

I walked through a wood, one cold winter’s day, Where one shining leaf seemed certain to stay And along my own street, a cheerful friend smiled...

“I have freedom at last - I’ve just retired !”

“I can do what I want the whole day through I can paint. I can dance.

I can talk to you !”

I walked around Windsor one April day, Where one busy woman seemed here to stay...

Although she was weary, she always

tried To serve every moment - with patience and pride.

And there, like the leaf that gleamed from its tree Our Queen is a Hero, To stay - or break Free.

Clare Bevan

We love sharing your verse. Email poetry to news@rdg.today and we’ll print a selection in this space

At 21 months old, he knows, he is mentally stronger than his mother.

Here are just a handful of the things Leo has screamed about over the last week: Sitting in his car-seat/pushchair/highchair/ supermarket trolley-seat, having to come indoors, closing the front or back door, not being given the key to put into the front door, not wanting a bath, one of us touching his walker, peeling a banana for him…

Because much of his resistance is to sitting still, I try and let him walk as much as possible. This often presents more challenges than one might imagine, and is not always helped by the array of objects-on-wheels Leo likes to push around.

The first being his actual pushchair, which he regularly enjoys crusading along with. I have no problem with this, as long as he remains on the pavement, which of course he doesn’t. (Mainly because he can’t actually see where he’s going.)

If I try and guide the pushchair so we’re not as close to the road, he will bat my hand away. The same goes if there are people coming towards us and I need to steer to the side; more batting away. It is only when we have landed in the road one too many times that I finally lose my cool completely, take control of the pushchair and attempt to plonk him in it. The crying commences.

Then there is the shopping trolley. An object that’s been on more journeys than all of his favourite toys combined. If you’ve been in or around Wokingham town centre in the last month or so, you may well have seen a little boy pushing a tiny (toddler size) plastic orange Sainsbury’s trolley.

You may well have also seen a woman, hovering inches away, looking somewhat unhinged.

Perhaps you’re one of the lucky few to have dodged out of his way as he came charging towards you. Or one of the unlucky few who had to witness me attempt to prize the trolley away when it all got too much.

Frequently running too near the road is enough to prompt a removal of the trolley. Though he has the firm grip of a large primate so I delay this for as long as I can bear it. Often he will continue to hold the trolley even when sat in his pram; unwavering in his commitment to this basket-on-wheels.

“So sweet!” people will say as he marches past them, looking very intentional, clearly with somewhere to be.

I smile through palpitations.

From one trolley to another, I took the children to Tesco recently, a fairly large supermarket where any parent in their right mind would put a toddler in their trolley seat right away. Because I have never quite learnt my lesson, I like to delay making my life easier until I am at my wit’s end. I allow Leo to roam around, completely unattached to anything on wheels. This is unwise.

There are lovely calm moments met with utter chaos as he begins removing cans from shelves and placing them in the trolley, then realises he has access to all the chocolate and why not help himself to some Smarties?

Half the supermarket knows about it when I eventually decide enough is enough and I cannot get through my food shop whilst chasing him down aisle 12. He cries and screams and stiffens his legs so it’s impossible to slot him in the seat. With the help of some Veggie Sticks (and Maia guiding his legs through) he eventually gives in.

Distraction and bribery are a toddler-parent’s greatest ammunition. I would never be on time for Maia’s school pick-ups if it weren’t for the toy/book/ rock/rice-cake/bowl of pasta at hand.

Well, truth be told, I am rarely on time. I blame that trolley.

30 | VIEWPOINTS

Thank you for your service THIS WEEKEND is one for the history books.

The Queen has been on the throne for 70 years, a milestone that we are unlikely to see again for a very long time.

Over those years, she has worked tirelessly, diligently, stoically, on behalf of us all.

It is not a role that many of us could cope with easily.

And over those years, she has seen everything from war-time rationing to the swinging sixties, the three-day week, and Cool Brittannia.

Throughout it all, she has chosen to be a servant to the nation, to the commonwealth.

It is right and proper that over the next four days we celebrate every aspect of her reign over us.

There will be moments to look back, moments to look forward, and moments to celebrate all that is good about Her Majesty.

Ma’am, thank you for your service.

CHURCH NOTES

Seventy years of service

T

HE first time I saw the Queen was when I was in my last year of primary school in Tredegar.

We walked from school to catch the train to Newport, and from there walked to a large wide road and waited.

Eventually the procession of cars drove by, and there she was in the back seat, waving and smiling.

The next time I saw her was when I was in my last year of grammar school in Abergavenny, she was passing through the town on her way to Brecon.

Again, the procession arrived and she was there, in the back seat, waving and smiling.

The third time was very different. Some four years ago the then Bishop of Reading nominated me to receive the Maundy Money from the Queen for my services to Christianity, the church and the community.

The ceremony was held at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. There were 92 women and 92 men gathered from all parts of the United Kingdom, and Her Majesty personally presented this award to every individual.

As she delivered into my hands the two small leather pouches, she looked up a me and with the faintest smile and the quietest voice said, ‘Thank you’.

I was really taken aback that someone who had done so much for so many years could thank a person who had done relatively little.

And not only has she done so much, she has also set such an example by her commitment and dedication to her office. In a society where commitment is waning she is a shining beacon and has been a great role model that we can all look up to and follow.

And I am looking forward to the Jubilee Service in Christchurch Meadows at 2.30pm on Sunday afternoon when we can all thank God for the services of this incredible lady. Please do join me and come along.

Michael Penny, Chair of Churches Together in Reading and Berkshire

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Letters

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today

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

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

From the Chamber Jason Brock

Why axe park and ride?

I have just read that the Thames 400 bus is being scrapped because of poor usage, well, I used it to go into Reading, and the Winnersh one before!

A useful bus, and cheaper than parking, I now will not go and park, hate big car parks.

I read that the Winnersh Triangle one won’t open to next year, well why not, it was supposed to open this summer, not good enough! I probably won’t take my A4 bus into Reading for Xmas shopping, and will buy stuff online! Also to get to RBH, it was useful, better times that the 3 bus.

Where will the new Park and Ride at Keephatch go, can’t that go to Reading? And when will that open?

Jane Bingham, via email

Thank you, your majesty As we celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years of service, I would like to thank Her Royal Highness for her continuous support of the RAF Benevolent Fund, being the charity’s Patron since 1952.

One memorable event for the Fund was in June 2012, when Her Majesty attended the unveiling of the Fund’s Bomber Command Memorial in Green Park, London, the ten year anniversary of which is on June 26. The memorial pays

The cost of living tribute to the 55,573 airmen who lost their lives serving in Bomber Command during the Second World War and the unveiling was attended by thousands of veterans and relatives.

Her Majesty The Queen has always been a tireless supporter of the Fund’s work, providing welfare services for the whole RAF Family – from serving personnel and veterans to their partners and children.

It is a privilege to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee with cherished memories of Her Majesty’s commitment not only to the RAF but to all the Armed Forces.

Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief Executive, RAF Benevolent Fund

Walk for bowel cancer I wanted to make your readers aware that Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity, are calling on everyone to Walk Together this June.

Complete a five mile walk on Saturday 11 June, or another day in June that suits you, and ask

From the ViceChancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort

Celebrating the Queen .. and more

A

S we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, it is worth remembering there is another 96-year-old institution in Berkshire.

A full 35 days before the then Princess Elizabeth was born in 1926, England’s 10th university was created – the University of Reading.

Courtesy of a Royal Charter of Incorporation granted by the Queen’s grandfather – George V – the former University College Reading was given permission to confer its own degrees, meaning Reading now had equal status with its former parent institution, a few miles upstream the river Thames.

We are proud of our many royal connections.

That Royal Charter stipulated that George V, and his heirs, would hold the status of Visitor of the University, and Queen Elizabeth II remains personally

A

NOTHER week, another raft of worrying forecasts on the spiralling cost of living.

connected to the University of Reading to this day.

If you have been to our Whiteknights campus, you might know the name of the road leading from the main entrance on Shinfield Road is known as Queen’s Drive, in honour of our royal visitor.

Of course, we are based in Berkshire, a county that plays not only host, but is also home to the Royal Family.

And the Queen has certainly visited us many times. Early in her reign in 1957, Her Majesty came to Reading to open one of the first purpose-built academic buildings on Whiteknights – the Faculty of Letters.

The building is still there and being used every day, although it is now named after another trailblazing female, England’s first female professor, Edith Morley.

Her Majesty returned in 1992 to open another building, the Department of Microbiology.

friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you. All you need to do is raise a minimum of £100, which will go towards their vital services and lifesaving research.

Walk Together is a great way to show your support for those undergoing treatment and also remember loved ones. My mum sadly died of bowel cancer when she was only 54, which had a huge impact on my life. Bowel cancer is the UK’s second biggest cancer killer, but it shouldn’t be as it’s treatable and curable, especially when diagnosed early.

Bowel Cancer UK are entirely reliant on the generous support of people like you. Your fundraising will help them save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.

To find out more about Walk Together and sign up, visit Bowel Cancer UK’s website: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/ walktogether

Sean Fletcher, Bowel Cancer UK ambassador and TV presenter

And a decade ago, in 2012, Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Henley Business School’s Greenlands campus, alongside 4,000 guests, as part of the UK-wide Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

We have also been fortunate to be blessed with the Queen’s royal patronage for our leading role in British higher education, through the award of five Queen’s Anniversary Prizes over the past 25 years – for our work studying Shakespeare, weather, archaeology, typography, and most recently, climate change.

It is strange to think of a person as ‘an institution’, but after 70 years on the throne that is what the Queen is.

The University is similarly an institution.

We are not a collection of science labs, lecture theatres and residential halls.

We are a group of people – many thousands of students, academics and other staff. We are also made up of our former students, and the members of the communities in which we are located.

As resident of Reading or Wokingham, you too are part of this institution.

Like any institution, together we are bigger than the sum of our parts, and together, we stand for something important.

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

We’ve now heard that Ofgem is raising the energy price cap to £2,800 in October – around £1,000 higher than last October. With inflation now running at 9%, a 40-year high, and the tax burden on individuals and families at its highest in 70 years, these are tremendously worrying times for many people.

The charity Action for Children has warned that some poorer families were skipping meals, wearing coats indoors to stay warm, and living in the dark because they cannot afford to switch on lights. And the Office for National Statistics has said earnings, when adjusted for inflation, dropped by 1.2% between January and March – the biggest fall since 2013.

As the Leader of the Council, my priority remains ensuring every individual in Reading, no matter their circumstances or background, can share in the town’s success. We know our town’s powerful economy sits alongside areas with low incomes and high unemployment.

This makes Reading the third most unequal place in England. Along with our partners, we are creating more apprenticeships to open new doors for young people. We are putting pressure on more employers to join the Council in embracing the real Living Wage and we are empowering Reading’s incredible voluntary and community sector to create new opportunities and pathways for people, which would not otherwise exist. There is little doubt, however, that the growing cost of living crisis makes achieving this so much more difficult.

As a local authority, and aside from our work to create better life chances for residents, we can ensure we design local funding schemes which get support to the people in Reading who need it the most. To that end, we will once again be distributing vouchers to support families, individuals and older residents across Reading struggling with the increased cost of living in the challenging weeks and months to come.

The latest package of support from the Household Support Fund totals £1.13 million in our town. For eligible residents struggling with soaring energy bills, energy vouchers worth £49 per family will be sent to around 4,000 families in Reading with school-age children eligible for Pupil Premium Free School Meals, vulnerable children up to nursery age and care leavers. Energy vouchers worth £98 per individual will be sent to around 4,300 older Reading residents receiving state pension and who are also on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme or who are in receipt of pension credit.

And if you ever wanted any evidence that this cost of living crisis is worsening by the day locally, Council officers have predicted they expect more than 400 additional people to become eligible for energy vouchers over the next six month period. It’s a sobering thought.

For families struggling to pay for food during school holidays, food vouchers will once again be sent to around 6,000 families with school age children eligible for Pupil Premium Free School Meals, vulnerable children up to nursery age and care leavers by the Council. One £15 voucher per child will be sent for the May half-term break.

The Council is also providing additional grant support to local community organisations who continue to do a tremendous job in helping vulnerable families with food.

They are Readifood, the Whitley Community Development Agency, Weller Centre, New Beginnings and Wycliffe. An additional £150,000 grant support will be passed to Citizens Advice Reading to support vulnerable individuals or families with energy vouchers and energy packs. £10,000 in funding has also been allocated to support residents struggling with housing arrears.

The Government’s announcement of further support is welcome, but it’s still short of the Emergency Budget the country really needs to address the crisis – we’re simply bailing out water without patching the hull. The failure to think systematically simply means we keep having to be responsive as things inevitably, and entirely foreseeably, worsen. Since the Government is evidently picking up Labour’s policies and advice, though, perhaps I should be hopeful that they’ll eventually follow suit on this too.

Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council

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Pupil designs mural for new community fire station in Theale

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today NEW artwork has been installed in the lobby area of Theale Community Fire Station, following a competition run with art students from a secondary school.

GIFT: Sue Holderness (third from left) accepts the donation to Thames Hospice by Berkshire Freemasons during a ceremony held at the hospice last week

Masons’ gift to help Hospice ONLY FOOLS and Horses star Sue Holderness visited Thames Hospice last week to accept a donation from Berkshire’s masons.

A trio from the organisation have £8,000 worth of gifts to the palliative care centre just outside Maidenhead.

Michael Saunders, the deputy provincial grand master and chair of the Berkshire Mark Benevolent Fund gave £5,000 in memory of the Duke of Edinburgh, while the remaining £3,000 was given by the Berkshire Mark Benevolent Association as a sign of its commitment to fundraise for the hospice over the next three years.

Joining the presentation was Raymond Head, the vice chairman of the association, and treasurer Brian McCormack.

Mr Sanders said: “The work and support given by the staff of Thames Hospice is invaluable and the

members of Berkshire Mark Masonry are delighted to be able to support a superb facility.”

And Lisa Church, director of clinical services at Thames Hospice, said: “I cannot thank the three Masonic Brethren enough for their generous donations and ongoing support. These donations will make a real difference to the care and support we provide to patients and their families.”

Ms Holderness, has been a supporter and ambassador of the Hospice for many years and was pleased to able to join the presentation.

“Brian and I are dear friends and I’m thrilled that he and his colleagues so generously support the work of Thames Hospice,” she said. “Their incredible donation will help many families in our community facing a terminal illness who urgently need the compassionate care and support of our local Hospice.”

Section 60 in Whitley A SECTION 60 Order was put in place earlier this week, following two reports of males fighting with bladed weapons in the Whitley area on Sunday, May 29.

The order gave police officers extra stop and search powers will cover the area shown on the map below.

It was in place for a period of 24 hours and will expired at 8.45pm on Monday.

No one was hurt in either of the incidents and no arrests have been made.

Inspector Iain Swadling from Thames Valey Police said: “We do not believe there is any threat to the wider public as

a result of either of these incidents.

“But to help our investigation and to help us track down those responsible and remove weapons from the streets, we have put in place a Section 60 Order.

“This will temporarily give our officers extra powers to stop and search people within a certain part of the town.

“If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to approach our officers and ask them questions.

“If you need to report anything to us, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43220235062, or 999 in an emergency.”

The Year 8 and Year 11 pupils from Theale Green School were set the challenge to design a graphic which could be applied to a wall in the entrance to the building. More than 40 entries were whittled down to a single choice, and the judging panel - representatives from the fire station and the Fire Authority said it had been difficult as the standard was high.

The winner was Evan Rose, from the Year 8 group.

Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service said that his work was a striking design, which included a representation of emergency services, through the colours and shapes used. Triangles were used to represent the station as a tri-service community fire station and the main colours used represent fire, ambulance and police partners.

Evan worked with

SUCCESS: Evan Rose winner of artwork competition with his installed artwork Picture: RBFRS professional designers from Apple Print and Creative based in Newbury, who donated their services to turn the vision into reality.

Last week, Evan visited the station to see his artwork in place, and was congratulated on his achievement by Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Wokingham Borough Council’s Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons, Vice Chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority.

Wayne Bowcock, Chief Fire Officer, Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Evan’s great artwork really brings to life the importance and contribution of local young people and schools in this community fire station.”

This view was echoed by cllr Helliar-Symons. “Overall, we felt that Evan’s artwork was a fantastic representation of emergency services partners working together from Theale Community Fire Station. It is very eye catching.”

Free membership and lessons to refugees LEISURE Centres across Reading are launching a new initiative which will help Ukrainian refugees access their services.

The scheme by Better is offering free membership, lessons, and course membership for three months.

The initiative will see international refugees who have been granted asylum or refugee status, and those who were living in Ukraine prior to January 2022, given the opportunity to apply for use of leisure services.

Individuals can apply directly via email, though family hosts, and charities may also apply on behalf of others.

Email applications will require the inclusion of the first name and

Picture: Daniel Perrig Via Pixabay

surname, date of birth, contact details, and gender of the applicant, as well as their selected centre and services.

Applicants are also asked to provide proof of eligibility, such as a letter for the Home Office confirming refugee or asylum status, proof of application to the UK government as a refugee, or a

Ukrainian family scheme visa.

Craig Woodward, partnership manager for Better leisure centres in Reading said: “We have all been moved by the plight of Ukraine’s refugees and those from other countries who have found sanctuary in the UK in recent years.

“We know the huge benefits that all forms of exercise can have our physical and mental well-being and hope that this initiative will play a small part in making refugees’ experience of life in the UK a positive one.”

Better’s centres include the Meadway Sports Centre, Rivermead, Palmer Park sports stadium, and South Reading. n For more information, including about how to apply, visit: www.better.org.uk

32 | BUSINESS

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BUSINESSTODAY business park that is changing Summer AFun at Winnersh Triangle

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A business park that is changing

Waylands Volvo secures hat-trick of awards EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

With temperatures set to be hotter than Turkey this summer, you don’t need to go abroad to enjoy the sun. But going to work when the sun is shining can be hard work, unless you work at Winnersh Triangle. With award-winning landscaping for all to enjoy, direct access to Dinton Pastures and the fabulous events taking place for our occupiers throughout the summer, you don’t need to go far to get some fresh air and have some fun.

Fabulous food The Exchange co-working space and Gather & Gather cafés across the park are the perfect place to grab a tasty breakfast, salad, sandwich, hot lunch, or snack. We are delighted that we have a new talented head chef on site. Lee Mildenhall developed his skills at Tom Kerridge‘s The Hand and Flowers and worked at the Vodafone HQ. He brings with him a wealth of experience and knows exactly what hungry occupiers want to eat! Don’t forget to check out Gather & Gather’s hydration station, to make sure you keep focussed and refreshed. We also have free fruit baskets in multi-let receptions across the park; occupiers can just help themselves to a piece of fruit as they pass to promote wellness and be one of their five a day.

Fitness for all We have invested heavily in creating a welcoming and healthy space for our occupiers this summer. As well as Move HQ, the state-of-the-art gym we have onsite, we have free weekly bootcamps which are proving very popular and the perfect way to burn some energy off during your lunchbreak. The newly built The Cabin, is a multi-purpose sports studio which hosts classes including yoga, Zumba, circuits, and boxercise all just for £5 a session. At that price, you can’t afford to miss them. Our astro-turf pitch is available for occupiers to either hire or join in the football league or netball matches that Move HQ organise.

If occupiers prefer to take it easy, but still enjoy some fresh air, then they can hop on one of the Ryde bikes, which are free to borrow for up to 72 hours. You can even take them home and enjoy a bike ride over the weekend. With fitness and fun being at the heart of Winnersh Triangle to promote a healthy working environment, each company was recently gifted a free boule set, so that everyone can enjoy our boules court. It’s the ideal way to take some time away from screens or catch up with colleagues after work. We really do have something for everyone when it comes to fitness at the park.

Entertaining events At Winnersh Triangle we love putting on fantastic events and initiatives for our occupiers and the local community. Recently our occupiers took part in a bee keeping session. A fantastic opportunity working with our landscaping team to check in on our beehives. They also enjoyed biodiversity walks around the park, spotting bat boxes, hedgehog houses and bug offices! Food trucks visit regularly, and we have a host of pop-up shops in the diary, including the very popular Benefit Cosmetics. The highlight of our summer programme is the summer party which will be held at the heart of Winnersh Triangle. This free event is open to all occupiers and involves fabulous music, food, drink, and sunshine on our Green. People can laze on our deckchairs and enjoy all that we have to offer.

What are you waiting for, don’t you think it’s time you moved to Winnersh Triangle?

A CAR dealer in Reading is celebrating after being recognised at a national award ceremony

Waylands Automotive, which operates Waylands Volvo Reading, on Imperial Way, was crowned Dealer Group of the Year for the third year running in the Automotive Management (AM) awards on Thursday, May 12.

The awards bring together the UK’s best car dealers and repairers to celebrate business successes and excellence within the automotive retail industry.

The award recognised Waylands’ focus and achievements on digital sales, acknowledging the group’s continued investment in digital capabilities to complement its showrooms and carpurchasing experience.

In 2021, this saw the group increasing its digital sales teams to allow customers to seek support and advice online, outside of the showroom’s hours.

The award also recognises the improvements Waylands Volvo Reading has made to its website and virtual sales appointment process, which now offers an easier-to-navigate online experience, improving customer satisfaction and the sales of vehicles.

John O’Hanlon, CEO at Waylands Volvo, said: “We are delighted to have been named Dealer Group of the Year for the third year in a row – a truly fantastic achievement for our teams.

WINNER: Waylands Volvo Reading Picture: Volvo “This award demonstrates our commitment to our digital capabilities and achievements so far, recognising our strong sales performances online, which do not compromise on our primary goal of customer satisfaction.

“Against a backdrop of ongoing pandemic restrictions and obstacles in supply chain logistics, 2021 remained a challenging year for business, yet despite this, we have continued to provide a premium and tailored service for our customers, both virtually and in person.

“A huge congratulations to the hard work and dedication of everyone who makes up the Waylands team.”

Volvo Cars UK is also one of the industry leaders in sustainability as it was the first manufacturer to offer a plug-in hybrid version of every car it sells.

By 2025 the manufacturer aims for 50% of its global sales to consist of fully electric cars, with the rest hybrids.

By 2030, Volvo plans for every car it sells to be fully electric.

Winnersh Triangle community team helps give hospice a makeover STAFF from a facilities management team put their skills into use last month by helping clean up a hospice.

The team from MAPP, who work for Frasers Property, the owners of Winnersh Triangle business park, organised a Community Action Day to help people at the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice at Farnham. This helps people living with cancer and other terminal illnesses to receive palliative care.

The work included painting sheds, upcycling benches, helping with garden maintenance and cleaning vans.

Mapp work with the charity CMPP to organise Community Actions Days as part of their social value strategy and to give back to the local community.

CMPP helps companies in the Thames Valley to get active in their communities, by providing a fully-managed diverse range of corporate

HELPERS: The MAPP team from Winnersh Triangle

volunteering and community fundraising events. Katy Mailey, parks occupier engagement manager at MAPP, said: “It was fantastic to see the team support a local charity and be able to give back during the community action day.

“Community is at the heart of Winnersh Triangle and the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice is such an amazing charity.

“It was brilliant to be able to get involved and see everyone get stuck in.”

Rachel Austen, corporate

volunteer manager for CMPP said: “The team worked so hard, and we know that community action days make a real difference to local charities. It was great to see everyone work together and we appreciate all their hard work.”

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Artists making final preparations for return of annual studio trail

WPR_2022-05-30_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

Reader travel CHATSWORTH Country Fair

Credit: shoot-lifestyle.co.uk

YorkLeeds&HarrogateExplorer_D.pdf

Departing Sat 3 Sep ‘22 Join us as we head to the Chatsworth Country Fair, one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, set against the backdrop of Chatsworth House. There are plenty of attractions and entertainment on offer making this a memorable day out for all the family!

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Admission to Chatsworth Country Fair En-route visit to Buxton

SHOWCASE: Ursula Waechter will be showcasing her earthenware at the Museum of English Rural Life, along with Machi de Waard (below), who is exhibiting her jewellery work. Picture: Courtesy of Whiteknights Studio Trail

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

Single Supplement £35

& Stunning Snowdonia

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Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22 On this relaxing break to the peaceful coast of North Wales we enjoy the genteel ambience of Llandudno, famed for its golden beach flanked by two headlands, Betws-y-Coed on the edge of Snowdonia National Park and the remarkable medieval town of Conwy.

Another artist being hosted at MERL is Machi De Waard, who creates jewellery, often focussing on round or circular forms.

As well as specialising in modern silver and gold, she has exhibited at the Cheltenham Craft Festival and more recently as part of the Henley Arts Trail.

She will also be holding jewellery making classes at Maiden Erlegh School as part of the community

arts programme.

Ms de Waard, said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing people in person again after the trials and tribulations of Covid.

“I can’t wait to chat about jewellery making and talk about my evening classes.

“The arts trail is ideal not only for people interested in buying a special piece of jewellery, but also those wanting to find out when and

Jollibee gifts holiday of a lifetime to one lucky customer to mark summer ONE of Reading’s newest fast food restaurants is giving its customers the chance to win a £10,000 gift card to be used for a dream holiday with Flight Centre.

The contest runs until Jubilee Sunday at the Jolibee in Broad

only £144

LLANDUDNO AT LEISURE

ARTISTS are preparing their pieces as the Whiteknights Studio Trail returns for its 22nd year.

Works from 38 artists will be exhibited across 24 venues, with many available to buy.

Guest exhibitors have been invited to appear to discuss, showcase, and sell their work.

Among the contributors this year is Ursula Waechter, who creates earthenware pottery.

Her designs are both decorative and functional, formed from hand thrown red clay which is dipped in tin-glaze and painted.

She will be showcasing her work at the Museum of English Rural Life.

She said: “I am delighted to be exhibiting at the Whiteknights Trail, which gives me the opportunity to connect with both visitors and the artists, to give people in Reading the opportunity to see my work firsthand.

“It gives visitors the chance to discuss in person commissions they might have in mind and learn more about my making processes.”

“I’m delighted to be at MERL with their collections of tools, which I find hugely inspiring.”

2 Days by Coach

Street. To take part, chicken lovers need to order at least £10 worth of food via the company’s phone app.

Each order is entered into a prize draw.

Adam Parkinson, business head of Jollibee UK, said: “It’s been a

tough couple of years for people, so we wanted to do something really special for our loyal customers.

“Bringing joy through food is

where there are jewellery classes in the local area.”

MERL is just one of five venues serving refreshments alongside the artwork displays.

The Whiteknights Studio Trail is taking place in venues across Reading from Saturday to Sunday, June 11-12, from 11am-6pm. n For more information, including a full list of artists and venues, visit: www.studiotrail.co.uk.

something very important to us all here at Jollibee and we wanted to extend that joy to people’s everyday lives with our huge giveaway.

“What’s not to love about eating fried chicken to win a once-in-alifetime experience?”

Previous prizes winners include Samantha from Berkshire, who won a £500 Ticketmaster Gift Card. n For more details, log on to: www. jollibee.uk/win-a-10k-holiday

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Marine Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Betws-y-Coed, Trefriw Woollen Mills & Conwy Optional excursions to Llanberis & Caernarfon (£12pp) and Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris & Bangor (£12pp)

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

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34 | NEWS

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Thieves try to steal from garage A GARAGE in Hexham Road was targeted unsuccessfully by thieves last month.

The incident took place in Hexham Road in Whitley around 5.40pm on Sunday, May 22.

The would-be thief attempted to force the door, but was unable to do so and nothing was stolen.

Anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage, is asked to contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220223415.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

CARE AWARDS 2022

The Target Trial team accept their award

Tools, iPhone and van stolen A VAN was stolen in Calcot last week.

It contained a number of tools and a iPhone 12.

The incident took place between 9pm on Saturday, May 21, and 7.30am on Monday, May 23.

Thames Valley Police are keen to catch the culprit.

Anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage, is asked to contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220223435.

Karen O’Leary won the equality award

Barbara Harris won a lifetime achievement award

Riel De Guzman was the educator of the year

A lifetime achievement award was given to Pandian Jayakumar

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Barbara Harris and Pandian Jayakumar (right) both received a standing ovation

The best of the best at heathcare awards

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

AN OPPORTUNITY to celebrate some of the best of the best took place in Reading town hall last month, as the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust held its annual awards.

The CARE Awards aims to champion the hard work of the staff and volunteers that make the RBH what it is – and this year’s awards were an opportunity to thank all staff for their efforts during the covid pandemic.

It was the first time that staff has been able to gather together in this way since 2019, and naturally the focus was on how the trust had helped the community during the various lockdown periods and beyond.

More than 650 nominations were received from across the organisation and, for the first time, from the public. There were 13 winners chosen from 12 different categories.

The judges focus was on compassionate care to patients, helping the Trust become more sustainable, or reducing inequalities in healthcare.

During the evening, there were numerous standing ovations for the amazing work that the trust had produced.

Steve McManus, the Chief Executive Officer for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, introduced the awards.

He said: “It was a fantastic evening filled with positivity and celebration for the many achievements of our colleagues over the past year – as well as being joined by partners to

thank them for their support and friendship over the past two years.

“The Trust has been through one of the most challenging periods in its history so it was amazing to get together with staff and volunteers to highlight just some of the outstanding work that happens right across the Trust.”

The winners

Sustainability and Efficiency Award – Guy Kieser Awarded for his work delivering the Royal Berkshire Hospital de-steaming project which saw the replacement of three kilometres of piping across the site: saving at least 800 tonnes of carbon and £1.3 million in cost each year.

Innovation and Research Award – TARGET Trial

The TARGET Trial – codesigned by Chris Blick and Mark Little – is a first-in theworld study. Funded by the Health Innovation Partnership with the University of Reading, the study uses augmented reality to allow clinicians to interact with 3D images of prostate biopsies.

Excellence in Safety Award – COVID Vaccination Team

Recognised for their outstanding contribution to protecting our colleagues, patients, families and wider communities during one of the most challenging periods in our history: delivering more than 14,000 vaccinations to staff and

ensuring that more than 98% of our staff have had at least one vaccine.

Equality Award – Karen O’Leary

Karen has been awarded for her work championing the rights of carers within the Trust.

In addition to advocating on behalf of staff and patients who are carers, during the past year she has driven the development of the Carers booklet, charter, passport and staff forum within the organisation.

Compassion in Care Award – Hayley Clark

Hayley was nominated by multiple members of the public who praised her for her excellent care, compassion, patience and respect while supporting bereaved families in our maternity service.

Working in Partnership Award – Berkshire Long COVID Integrated Service Set up in November 2020 in the space of just two weeks, the Berkshire Long COVID Integrated Service provides support for patients with postCOVID syndrome. Made up of a multi-disciplinary team of psychologists, GPs, pain consultants, physiotherapists and occupational therapists: the service’s success is thanks to collaboration across a variety of organisations from Berkshire West CCG, BOB ICS, and Primary Care Networks.

Making a Difference Award – Karen Kendall

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CARE AWARDS 2022 The covid Vaccination team with their award

The Covid Vaccination Team won the Excellence in Safety award

Kennet and Loddon wards won team of the year Hayley Clark won Compassion in Care award Guy Kieser accepts the Sustainability award Karen is the Trust’s Voluntary Services Assistant and has been awarded in recognition of her work supporting a team of more than 300 volunteers.

During the pandemic, she took on additional challenges of keeping in touch with isolated volunteers, and helping manage the many donations received from members of the public.

Volunteer of the Year – Laurence and Vanessa Forster This husband and wife team have supported the Trust for many years but stepped up during the pandemic to help anyway they could. During the height of COVID-19 they volunteered five days a week as blood runners, carrying samples and swabs from the Emergency Department to Pathology, supporting our staff wellbeing centre and delivering public donations.

Educator of the Year – Riel De Guzman

Working within his specialty of Cardiology, Riel has provided up-skill training for all staff across the department during the beginning of the pandemic: teaming up with colleagues to mobilise allied health professionals to perform basic nursing skills. Additionally, his work encompasses creating ECG interpretation sessions to nurses, providing CSW study days and improving trust policies around fall prevention, and pressure ulcer prevention.

Leader of the Year – Sarah Stangroom

Sarah Stangroom joined Speech and Language Therapy

The Berkshire Long Covid Servie team won the Working in Partnership Award

as their new professional lead in May 2021. Working during a difficult period, she has helped optimise the delivery of the service through staff training, as well as improving staff retention.

Her colleagues praised her for being empathetic, innovative, compassionate and supportive.

Team of the Year – Kennet & Loddon Ward

Kennet and Loddon Ward have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19.

Having to deal with an unprecedented situation, the Karen Kendall won the Making a team demonstrated innovation Difference award through upskilling staff and improving equipment, as well as huge levels of compassion towards patients as well as to each other during an emotional and challenging period.

Lifetime Achievement – Barbara Harris and Pandian Jeyakumar Barbara Harris has been with the Trust for nearly forth years and has been a constant driving force for improvement and clinical excellence. She has played a key role in developing the peritoneal dialysis and home therapies service, and Steve McManus takes to the stage through her leadership has led to them being amongst the best performing in the country.

Pandian Jeyakumar received 41 nominations from colleagues praising him as an inspiration through his humility, clinical knowledge, and dedication to teaching.

His achievements include the introduction of ultrasound in the Emergency Department and its physical move to its The stage is set for the awards current location.

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36 | NEWS

Attempted burglary in Whitley THIEVES attempted to gain access to a home in Whitley last week – by trying the front door.

Police said that the unknown intruder attempted to enter a home in Callington Road around 7.30am on Monday, May 23.

They tried the handle on the door, but were unable to enter, and nothing was stolen.

However, Thames Valley Police are keen to catch the culprit.

Anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage, is asked to contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220225441.

Yobs break home window YOBS broke the window to a home in Calcot last month and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident took place in Carters Rise, around 8.15pm on Friday, May 20.

Anyone with information, dashcam or doorbell footage, is asked to contact the force by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220220868.

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From Ukraine with Love: Family grateful for British welcome

By Ji-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

A UKRAINIAN family has thanked the community for welcoming them to the UK with open arms.

Denis and Alyona Sobolev, with their children, have spent the past two months in Spencers Wood, a far cry from their hometown of Kharkiv.

The city is located in the northeast of Ukraine and shares a border with Russia.

The damage to its homes and infrastructure during the conflict has been extensive.

“From the very first day of the war, there were bombings, missiles and a lack of information,” Alyona said. “We were not even aware of what was going on in the streets.”

The family sought refuge in the basement of their apartment block for six days, before deciding to flee the country.

“We didn’t have a choice,” the mother of three explained. “We were just thinking about our kids. If it weren’t for the kids, we would have stayed there.”

The next three days saw the family driving and waiting in lines at borders between cities.

They woke up each morning without knowing where they would spend the night.

WELCOME: Alyona and Denis Sobolev’s family have called Spencers Wood home for the past two months.

Pictured here with compatriot Vika at Shinfield Baptist Church Picture: Ji-Min Lee “It was mostly actions under adrenaline,” said Denis, who was only able to leave the country with his family by virtue of having three young children.

The Sobolevs eventually made it through the Romanian border and waited two weeks to receive their visas. They then made their way to the UK, where Alyona’s sister has lived for 18 years.

Despite the trying nature of their arrival, the pair were full of praise for the British people’s hospitality and goodwill.

“As Ukrainians, we are very thankful,” Alyona said. “We are very appreciative of this opportunity and we’re very thankful to all the families who have come forward and opened up their homes. That has really touched our hearts.”

“I think the British people are very brave to just share their houses with families from Ukraine,” Denis said.

“It’s a brave thing to do. The fact that you have unknown people coming to your house, but you’re ready to share. That’s so nice.”

The parents were particularly grateful to the Spencers Wood and Shinfield communities,

Travelodge to launch CPR app

A HOTEL chain is rolling out a new web-based app that teaches life-saving CPR in just 15 minutes.

Travelodge is rolling out RevivR, devised by the British Heart Foundation, across its group, including hotels in Reading, Winnersh and Binfield.

The British Heart Foundation BHF has been the company’s nominated charity since 2017, raising nearly £700,000.

Also taking part in the RevivR app training are are Royal Mail and Tesco.

It teaches users how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback when practising chest compressions and allows users to practice using a defibrillator.

Tom Edwards, Travelodge Chief Revenue Officer, said: “Our nationwide staff trials, which includes colleagues from our hotels in Berkshire as well as members of our Executive Operating Board, have been extremely successful.

“This summer, we will further support this great lifesaving initiative by raising awareness of the importance of CPR to over 10,000 colleagues and to our nationwide customer base, which includes millions of business and leisure travellers.”

who helped enrol their children into school and nursery.

Regaining a routine has helped the children adjust to life in the UK. “The oldest one is 11. His English was good before we came because he had been studying it in Ukraine,” Alyona explained.

“Our middle one is eight, she’d only been studying English in Ukraine for a year and a half so it’s a little bit harder for her, but thankfully there is another Ukrainian girl in her class.”

“The teachers have been very helpful and the school environment is very friendly, so we’re really happy about that.”

“For our little one, when we first came, they said they didn’t have any places but would do what they could. The next day, they called us and said they had found a place for her.”

“All of the kids are settled and I’m very happy about that.”

Alyona and Denis both credited their faith in helping them endure the trials of the past three months.

“We believe in God and if it weren’t for that emotional and spiritual support, it would be even harder,” Alyona said.

“We still connect with our church members and friends online to pray together and share news.”

Beware of Ofgem scam

A WARNING has been issued after hundreds of people reported fake emails claiming to be from Ofgem offering rebates over high energy bills.

Action Fraud said it received 752 reports in just four days, each offering cash back under a government scheme.

They invite the recipient to click through to genuine-looking website, but they have been set up to steal personal and financial information.

In their warning, Action Fraud said: “Remember, your bank, or any other official organisation, won’t ask you to share personal information over email or text.

“If you need to check that it’s a genuine message, contact the company using details from their official website or app.”

Suspicious emails can be reported by emailing: report@phishing.gov.uk

Rogues are not council workers AN URGENT warning has gone out to residents to be wary of rogue traders claiming to be agents of the council.

The Public Protection Partnership has said that it has received reports of a company calling borough residents, telling them they were carrying out free repairs of homes.

The PPP said that this is not the case, and Wokingham Borough Council is not working with this company.

It adds that residents should check with the council before letting into the house anyone claiming to be working on the council’s behalf, and the authenticity of the caller should be verified.

It says that when checking out the ID of the cold caller, do not use any telephone numbers they provide. Instead look up the number independently to double check the information is correct.

A spokesperson added: “Please report the matter to Trading Standards. When doing so, and to assist us, it would be really helpful to gather as much information as possible, like vehicle details, descriptions of caller, any telephone numbers, addresses or leaflets.

“To report such incidents call: 01635 519930 or email: tsadvice@westberks.gov.uk” n For more, log on to: public protectionpartnership.org.uk

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Licensable activities: Provision ofMonday regulated Sale of Alcohol, off the premises, to entrainment09:00hrs and supply alcohol to 4999 capacity on Wednesday to of 20:00hrs, Thursday 09:00hrs one SaturdayFriday per year only from09:00hrs 12:00 toto 22:00.

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LEISURETODAY

01.06.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Sugar Hill Gang to headline Readipop R

EADIPOP, the three-day charity festival, is now just six weeks away.

With this year marking its fifth anniversary, the event is set to take over Christchurch Meadows once again with a diverse mix of musicians and performers.

Pete Wheeler, festival programmer, said: “This year’s line-up is very special for us as it’s for the fifth birthday of Readipop Festival, which we can finally celebrate after two years off.

“Our headliners have been getting bigger over the last few years as more people have supported the festival, come along for all three days to see smaller acts as well as the bigger internationally known artists.”

Among those taking to the festival stage is hip-hop headliners The Sugar Hill Gang.

Hailing from New Jersey, the duo produced the first rap single to make it into the top 40 in the Billboard Hot 100 charts with Rapper’s Delight in 1979.

Mr Wheeler said:”We can’t wait for the headliners we have coming to Christchurch Meadows but, as with every year, we’re exceeding proud of the quality and diversity of acts across the whole line-up from Friday to Sunday.”

They will be joined by Badly Drawn Boy who has made a huge impact on the indie music scene since his first EP in 1997. In 2000, he won the Mercury Music Prize for his album The Hour

of Bewilderbeast, with his single You Were Right hitting number 9 on the UK singles chart in late 2002.

Mr Wheeler said: “Badly Drawn Boy is the one act we are most excited for as he gave us a taster of his set when he took part in our Virtual Readipop Festival in 2020.

“He’s got great in-between song chat as well as a treasure trove filled with excellent songs.”

His latest studio album, Banana Skin Shoes, released in 2020, was his first in a decade Mr Wheeler also explains how local artists’ performances are also worth catching this year.

“Local talent is particularly strong across the genres this year. Reading

hip hop collective OSP have built into a phenomenal live act that blew everyone away at our launch party in March.

“We also have a four-hour showcase of local artists on Saturday, July 9, featuring performances from Readipop’s AAA project, which supports young people in Reading to develop their musical skills with help from professional musicians and technicians.”

As well as performers, there will also be breweries keen to show off their talents.

“Local beer will also feature highly this year with Purple Turtle selling craft beer and real ale from Double Barrelled, Siren, Phantom and Loddon

Breweries.”

Mr Wheeler explained that it was clear the popularity of the festival is growing.

“We’re delighted with the response from everyone so far with ticket sales in excess of any previous year’s Readipop Festival already.

“If you’re still to get yours, we strongly recommend doing so soon, especially while tickets are still available from just £19 per day and £52 for the full weekend.” n For more information on the full line-up and list of venues, visit: www. readipop.co.uk n To book tickets, visit: www. eventbrite.co.uk

JAKE CLOTHIER

14 | LEISURE

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Diva forever SOME of the UK’s favourite female pop stars will feature together on the same stage, as tribute performers bring them to the stage.

In a night of tributes to numerous favourite female pop stars, Pop Divas Live promises to bring the ‘stars’ together on the same stage for the first time ever.

It claims that the best acts from the social media generation will perform live and on stage, the way it should be.

A tribute to Little Mix starts the show, alongside Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa, JoJo Siwa and many more.

The audience should expect two hours of non stop hits that should please mums and dads who listen on the radio or little divas who watch on a tablets.

There’s even a chance to join the stars live on stage.

Pop Divas Live! performs at the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, on Thursday, June 2.

Tickets cost £14, £12 for under 16s, family and friends tickets cost £48. n For tickets and information visit: www. norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997

Gardeners’ question time for tots

GUILDFORD will be visited by Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy, Makka Pakka and friends.

If you haven’t heard of these, you probably don’t have very young children.

But for some tinies this could be a most exciting afternoon.

In The Night Garden comes to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud theatre.

Favourite characters will be brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and music.

The show lasts just under an hour and little ones will have a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk.

Families can head over to the theatre on Friday, June 3 and Saturday, June 4.

Performances on Friday are at 1pm and 4pm, and on Saturday at 10am, 1pm and 4pm.

Tickets from £15.50. n For tickets and information visit: www. tickets.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office on: 01483 44 00 00

60 not out for Hollies

ONE of the most iconic British pop bands of the 60s and 70s, The Hollies are celebrating their 60th anniversary.

Their 60th anniversary tour will see The Hollies perform best known hits such

ACT TWO. Joined by dance partners and a world class singer, they will perform a range of dances including the waltz, the foxtrot, the rhumba, and the Argentine tango routine.

The Ballroom Boys perform at the Hexagon, Reading on Wednesday, June 8.

The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost from £32.

VIP tickets with pre-show meet and greet cost £62. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060

Colourful music

10 minutes staring at a banana A BAFTA and Perrier award winning comedian is coming to Reading.

We Got This, is Dylan Moran’s brand new show.

It promises to be a ‘joyously furious romp through the frustration and folly of modern day life’. as: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, The Air That I Breathe, Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress), Bus Stop, Carrie-Anne and Sorry Suzanne.

Drummer Bobby Elliott, and singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist Tony Hicks play.

Both original members of the band, they are joined by lead singer Peter Howarth, as well as bass player Ray Stiles, Keyboardist Ian Parker, and Steve Lauri on Rhythm Guitar.

The band say of their tour: “This is something no other band gets to do, celebrate six decades together, 60 years of these songs that mean so much to us and so many others.”

One of the most influential bands from the 1960s, alongside the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the Hollies have had over 20 world-wide hits, including number one singles in both the US and UK. They have performed continuously since forming in 1962.

Moran’s tour looks at life as it is and asks questions such as: “How can it be you have spent a whole 10 minutes staring at a banana? Why do you always do stuff like that?”

He’s described as: punch-drunk and sick of it all, but determined to wring black humour out of the proceedings.

Join this ‘Irish master of grumpiness’ for an evening that explores ‘how to See them at the Hexagon on Sunday, June 5.

The event starts at 7pm, and tickets cost from £33. n For tickets and information, visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060

Straight from the heart

FANS of 70s and 80s TV shows Dallas and Happy Days will be excited.

Dallas actor Patrick Duffy and Happy Days actress Linda Purl come to Windsor.

Following their previous show, Catch Me If You Can, they are back with A.R Gurney’s Love Letters.

Debuted in 1988, the play was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

It tells how Andrew Makepeace Ladd III, played by Duffy, accepts an invitation to Melissa Gardner’s birthday party.

Melissa, played by Purl, writes a thank you note and a romantic friendship and

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Festival of Food and Music: Jubilee event. Fri-Sun. A Room of One’s Own. Wed. Marc Woosnam Album Launch.

Wed. California Dreamers. Fri 10. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 10.

Supreme Queen. Sat 11.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Bring The Laughter. Fri. Marty Wilde. Sat. Housewives on Holiday. Thurs 9. Strong Enough: Cher. Fri 10. The Roy Orbinson Story. Sat 11.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

01483 440000 In The Night Garden Live. ThursFri. Dead Lies. Tues-Sat 11.

Offside. Thurs 9-Fri 10.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Private Peaceful. Until Sat. The Carpenters Story. Wed . The Ronnie Scott’s Story. Thurs 9.

Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 9.

Oti Mahuse: I Am Here. Fri 10.

Oye Santana. Sat 11. Russell Kane Live: The Essex Variant.

Sat 11. Morgan and West.

Sun 12.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Mark Steel: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. Thurs. Made In Tennessee. Fri. The Navy Lark. Sat. Howerd’s End. Thurs

9. Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It. Fri 10. Woodley Light Operatic Society presents Sister Act. Wed-Sat 18.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Northman (15). Thurs. Old McDonald and The Three Pigs plus. Fri. Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Fri-Sat. Hundred Watt Club: A Right Royal Evening of Burlesque. Fri. Norden Farm Market. Sat4.

Lovely Jub(i)le: Come Together.

Sat 4. Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts (tbc). Sat. Flo & Joan: Sweet Release. Fri 9-Sat 10. In The Weeds. Sat 10. Everything Everywhere All at Once (tbc).

Sun 11. Dean Owens with Jim Maving. Sun 11.

Newbury –

The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Pop Princesses. Sat. Fascinating Aida. Wed-Thurs 9. An Evening of Burlesque. Fri 10. The Rocket Man: A Tribute to Sir Elton John. Sat 11.

Newbury – The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Bleak Expectations. Until Jul 2.

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Swings and Roundabouts. Thurs.

Catch That Beast! Fri. The Council of the Birds by Bee in my Beanie. Sat. SITELINES present The Final Whistle.

Tues-Sat 11.

make breakfast not even knowing you are out of bed, reasoning with mice and boiling yoghurt blindfolded’.

Dylan Moran performs at Reading’s Concert Hall, Blagrave Street, on Sunday, June 5.

The show begins at 8pm and tickets cost £27. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call Reading Arts box office: 0118 960 6060. correspondence destined to last for almost half a century is born.

Love Letters plays at Windsor Theatre Royal on Monday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 7.

Performances are at 7.30pm on Monday, and 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Tuesday. Tickets cost from £24. n For tickets , visit: theatreroyalwindsor. co.uk or call: 01753 853 888

Variety is the dance of life

AN EVENING that promises old-fashioned variety, with dance, comedy and song is coming to Reading.

The audience can expect ‘beautiful costumes, gorgeous lighting and world class routines’.

Strictly Come Dancing stars, The Ballroom Boys, are back in town.

Double act Ian Waite and Vincent Simone return with their brand new show, Ian Waite and Vincent Simone...

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Hollies. Sun. Ian Waite and Vincent Simone Act Two. Wed. Whitney Queen of the Night.

Thurs 9. Henning Wehn: It’ll All Come Out in the Wash. Sat 11.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Dylan Moran: We Got This. Sun.

Reading – Progress Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. June 20-July 2.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com

MAIDENHEAD Music welcomes Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective.

The group will perform a celebratory concert to conclude Maidenhead Music’s 75th season.

Tom Poster on piano and his fellow musicians aim ‘to inspire and educate audiences of all generations in the joys of chamber music, and bring a bit of happiness and unity to our currently fractured-seeming world’.

The programme includes: Edward MacDowell’s,To a Wild Rose, for piano; Edward Elgar’s, Soliloquy, for oboe and piano; Frank Bridge’s Phantasie, for piano trio; Benjamin Britten’s Phantasy Quartet, for oboe and strings; and Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet.

Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective perform at the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead, on Wednesday, June 8.

Tickets cost: £20, under 18s £5, or free with an adult. n For tickets and information visit: www. maidenheadmusicsociety.org n For information about the collective visit: www.kaleidoscopecc.com or call the Norden Farm box office on: 01628 788997

Home from home

BRIAN Blessed directs a play by Dorothy L. Sayers, crime novelist.

Busman’s Holiday is filled with thrills and humour.

It concerns Lord Peter Wimsey, uppercrust sleuth, who has married his fiance Harriet Vane.

The honeymoon bliss is shattered when the dead body of the house’s previous owner turns up in the cellar.

The play is on throughout June at the Mill at Sonning. Tickets cost £67.50 each and include a two-course meal. n For tickets and information visit: millatsonning.savoysystems.co.uk or contact the box office on: 0118 969 8000

0118 370 2620 A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Until Sat.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage – NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

June 15-18.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until June 25. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sun 12.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Best of Queen. Wed. Swing ‘N’ Sinatra. Thurs 9. Dreams of

Fleetwood Mac. Thurs 9. Abba Forever. Fri 10. Pop Princesses.

Sat 11. Beyond the Barricade.

Sat 11. A Beautiful Noise: A tribute to Neil Diamond featuring Fisher Stevens.

Sun 12.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Stones In His Pockets. Wed-Sat 18.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club: John Coghlan’s Quo: The Final Tour.

Fri 10.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LEISURE | 15

New-look Bull on Bell Street aims to be the top spot for alfresco dining in Henley The Bull on Bell Street Bell Street Henley RG9 2BA www.bullonbell.co.uk 01491 576554

A

HENLEY town centre pub is set to become the top spot in town for alfresco dining and drinking in its newlook courtyard area this summer.

That’s the aim at The Bull on Bell Street, which has re-opened after a major refurbishment.

The Bull, dating back to the 15th century, is one of Brakspear’s 10 managed pubs.

It’s next to the company’s head office and just yards from the original Brakspear brewery building. Marston’s now contract brew Brakspear ales now at its Witney brewery.

The pub’s courtyard can seat 100 diners – double what it could before. It has a huge, new, retractable roof which can be moved in four separate sections, to give protection from glaring sunshine – or rain.

The area has lots of greenery, a water feature, an outdoor fireplace, as well as comfy settees and armchairs among the tables.

For those who despaired of grey-themed interiors seemingly everywhere, the pub’s interior is a colourful joy of coral, pretty greens and other shades. There are bold and beautiful floral wallpapers and furnishings set against plain colours. Botanical and bird prints hang on the walls and real plants and flowers are in profusion.

It’s all change for The Bull on Bell Street in Henley, after a makeover Picture: Nick Osborne A rowing boat and paddles nod to Henley’s rowing heritage. Bee and honeycomb designs are from the Brakspear company logo – and Honeycomb Houses, the group name for the managed pubs.

The first English pope, Nicholas Breakspear, was a distant relative of the Brakspear family.

Pope Nicholas’s papal seal (logo) was a bee.

The makeover by Brakspear’s in-house design team works well.

The pub is offering a brunch menu. And main courses include steaks, burgers,

sourdough pizzas, vegetarian dishes, salads, filled ciabattas and sharing boards. There is a specials board and also Sunday roasts.

Drinks range from Brakspear cask ales to wines, many gins and also cocktails including one called the Bees Knees.

I enjoyed fresh English asparagus, homemade tomato, pepper and garlic Romesco sauce and a poached egg (£7.50). The filleted Cornish plaice, pea velouté, sugar snap peas and semi-dried tomatoes with gnocci (£20) was fresh and

summery.

The Eton mess (£7.50), without piles of whipped cream, but with cheesecake, meringue and fruit was delicious.

My husband enjoyed his lightly battered squid with garlic aioli (£9.50), followed by a British wagyu burger (this kind of burger deservedly being all the rage for taste), with its light and fresh bun and skin on fries (£18).

His apple crumble with Bailey’s custard was topped with honey comb (£8).

SUE CORCORAN

Head back to the summer of love ... no, not Woodstock 1969, but Newbury 1996 thanks to The Watermill

T

HE CAST has been announced for a new open-air theatre show about to head to The Watermill in Newbury.

Camp Albion will be performed at The Watermill from July 6 PIcture: The Watermill

Camp Albion is to tour villages in Berkshire and beyond from June 15, before coming to the Newbury stage for a summer season.

The play is set in Newbury, back in 1996.

With nine miles of ancient woodland under threat, and a local community bitterly divided over the proposed route of the new bypass, the backdrop is a poignant one.

When Cassie returns home for the university holidays, she meets Dylan, a beguiling road protester who draws her into a world of rickety treehouses, lentil stew, druidic rituals and stoic resistance. But her mother has other ideas, and as battle lines are drawn, Cassie must face the personal cost of activism.

In a time before smartphones, Twitter, Greta Thunberg and Extinction Rebellion, the ‘Third Battle of Newbury’ was one of the definitive environmental campaigns of the 1990s.

A new play with music, Camp Albion explores the heroism, humour and heated debate of this extraordinary moment in the town’s history.

Hannah Brown (The Magician’s Elephant – RSC, Preludes – Southwark Playhouse) will play ‘Cassie’, Kate Russell-Smith (Harry Potter and The Cursed Child - The Palace Theatre, A Curmudgeon’s Guide To Round Robin Christmas Letters - The Hope Theatre - Offie nominated for Best Actress) will play ‘Foxglove Sue / Viv’ and Joe Swift (Pool (No Water) - The Royal Court, The Greatest Hits Of Lily And John - The Other Palace) will play ‘Dylan’.

The play’s author, Danielle Pearson, said: “Camp Albion is a story I’ve been itching to tell for years.

“It’s a love letter to my hometown, a coming-ofage tale, and an exploration of the personal cost of activism.

“It’s a true honour to be bringing it to life with this fantastic cast and creative team, and I can’t wait to share this piece as part of the Watermill’s 2022 rural tour.”

Camp Albion will run from Wednesday, July 6, until Saturday, July 16.

A Camp Albion Festival will run alongside the production, with interactive workshops for all the family to explore the themes of the play.

For more details, call the box office on: 01635 46044, or log on to: WWW.WATERMILL.ORG.UK

16 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Film screening to explore issues related to refugees TWO groups are teaming up to present a true story for its next screening.

Members of Wokingham Film Society will look back with central character Amin on his journey of escape, as they watch Flee on Thursday, June 16.

Amin is on the verge of marriage but must first come to terms with his past.

Jonas Poher Rsmussen’s film is animated to protect the identity of the real Amin in this story of belonging and the search for identity.

The film is shown in association with Refugee Support Group during Refugee Week.

After the screen has taken place, a panel will take part in a discussion about issues coming from the film.

There will also be a chance to find out more about the group, which has recently rebranded from Reading Refugee Support Group.

Tickets are available on the night for £6.50, or £4 for members.

It will be screened at The Whitty Theatre in Wokingham, with doors opening at 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. n For more information visit: www.wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Rave on! Some of the biggest DJ to play family-friendly gig THROW shapes and not toys is the motto for a music festival aimed at families with young children.

Raver Tots is returning and promising to be bigger and better than ever, with a line-up including Judge Jules, Brandon Block and the Artful Dodger.

The events include free fun fair rides, soft play, crazy golf, circus schools and huge stage shows with dancers as well as street food market with a licenced bar.

And music is always kept at safe noise levels for children, with every event is fully risk assessed by a qualified Health and Safety planning professional.

The team will be visiting Reading’s Prospect Park on Sunday, July 24.

Saoirse Holland for Raver Tots, said: “Over 40,000 people attended Raver Tots events last year and it felt more magical than ever after such a long wait.

“As ever, we are planning to expand our events and add even more fun and memorable entertainment for families.

“We were especially proud to have raised over £55,000 for charitable causes last year which was only made possible thanks to all the lovely families who attended.

Apply soon to be part of South Hill Park’s musical theatre gala. Picture courtesy of South Hill Park.

Get ready to Lift Off

Raver Tots will be throwing shapes when they come to Prospect Park this July “We are really excited to do it all again this year even bigger and better.”

And Brandon Block, Raver Tots resident and Ibiza legend, said: “Raver Tots is definitely the most fun festival I have played at in a long time, and I’ve played at some incredible events. You have to get yourself down there, you will love it.”

This view was echoed by MC Alastair of Artful Dodger added “Raver Tots is the most innovative festival out there. It teaches kids about the importance of dance music and brings families

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Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Tor Park Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park Cruise on the River Dart Excursions to Buckfast Abbey, Princetown, Tavistock, Dartmouth & Totnes

Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion

Optional excursion to Brixham & Teignmouth (£12pp)

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together. Us being fathers of young kids, we love playing there and taking them along with us.”

The setlist includes Wideboys, Heartless Crew, DJ Phantasy, Nicky Blackmarket, Woody Cook, Charlotte Devaney and the Guinness World Record holder, DJ Archie, the world’s youngest club DJ, having picked up the prestigious title at a Raver Tots festival two years ago. n Tickets cost £20, and are now on sale. For more information, log on to: www.ravertots.co.uk/ events

INDIVIDUALS and groups that love to perform are invited to apply to be part of a musical theatre gala this autumn.

Community groups, youth groups, current or retired professionals, people who sing in the shower and those who long for a chance to perform on stage.

All are welcomed by South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, to apply for their annual Lift Off Festival.

The festival has been running for over 20 years, mainly concentrating on dance.

This year it launches a new performance branch for musical theatre.

Festival producer, Lena Dee says: “We hope to bring many new faces to South Hill Park.

“Our musical theatre gala will be an opportunity not just for people already in local performance groups, but for

those inspired by TV talent shows or who have enjoyed watching live theatre and just want to have a go.

“This is such a rare opportunity to be part of something so unique and to perform in our professional theatre.

“I can’t wait to see what talent is out there.”

Applications are open to all ages. Performances can be anything from solos and duets through to large ensemble pieces.

Applicants will need to submit a rehearsal video of a theatre piece, which can include dance or just voice if preferred.

Successful performers will be able to take part in the festival, in South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre.

Applications close on Friday, June 10. n For more information, email: liftoffdance@gmail.com

Beanstalk seeks young climbers

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PANTOMIME preparations are already under way at South Hill Park.

The Bracknell-based arts centre is looking for young people between the ages of eight and 18 years to audition for junior cast roles in Jack and The Beanstalk at South Hill Park later this year.

Auditionees will be taught part of a song and a dance routine at the audition, but will also need to prepare in advance a 30-second monologue of their choice and three jokes.

All applicants must bring a passport-style head shot photograph on the day, water to drink, casual clothes and shoes they can dance in.

Auditions will take place on Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, between 9am and 4.30pm.

Applications cost £6.50, and auditions must be prebooked.

The pantomime production will follow country boy Jack on his fun-filled adventure as he

sells the family cow for a handful of magic beans and climbs the towering beanstalk.

The show promises to be filled with laughter, silly songs, colourful characters, slapstick comedy, and enchanted harps and hens.

Jack and The Beanstalk will run at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park from Friday, November 25 through to Saturday, December 31, 2022. n To apply to audition, visit: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Perform a show in a week YOUNG people can enjoy a fun filled week of theatremaking at the start of August.

Professionals will work with them to create a show that they will perform at the end of the week.

It is run by Reading-based Rabble Theatre and there are three productions this time round.

The courses are suitable for young people interested in a wide variety of theatre roles, including acting, directing, lighting, dance and movement and stage management.

Our Wonderful World is for ages eight to 13, and is a new piece of theatre created by the young people of Reading. It is based on the issues surrounding sustainability and the global

climate crisis.

Tash Marks directs, with movement direction from Nyroy Dixon.

Henry I is for ages 14 upwards and is a condensed version of Rabble Theatre’s recent version.

Students who love acting, history and Game of Thrones will enjoy this course.

Rabble Theatre’s professional team will direct.

Matilda The Musical is for ages six to 16.

Participants will work with a professional team to produce this musical in a week.

Emily Evan directs, with musical direction from Chris Mitchel and choreography from Nyroy Dixon.

Each five-day course costs £150. Additional siblings receive

a 10% discount, and cost £135 each.

An optional additional £12.50 per child will cover lunches for the five days: two packed lunches, two hot lunches and one barbecue.

The courses run from Monday, August 1 to Friday, August 5, between 10am and 4pm at The Abbey School, Kendrick Road, Reading.

All three groups will then perform at the Minghella Theatre, in the University of Reading on Friday afternoon/evening.

Matilda will be from 3.30pm to 4.30pm; Our Wonderful World 5.30pm to 6.30pm; and Henry I 7.30pm to 8.30pm. n For more information and to book a place on a course, visit: www.rabbletheatre.com

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

quality of the band if songs like this are considered a B side so we’ll certainly look forward to their new A sides when released.

The band will be at Readipop in July, Wokingham Festival in August and their own Loddfest in September so don’t miss them if you are going along to those - http://thirdlungband.com/

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

Katie Ellwood – Hour Glass

T

HIS week, we welcome back Mordecai Smyth and Third Lung to the playlist, for both have some new music we want to plonk into your aural cavities.

In Your Dark Place comes from Mordecai’s new album with some awesome sounds well worth listening out for.

And Ghosts won’t leave you afraid of the dark, but it’s certainly better than the B-side status Third Lung tell us it has.

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).

Here’s two great bands that prove just how brilliant our music scene is.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into.

You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Mordecai Smyth

Katie, from Wokingham who is studying at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, with a piece from her genre-defying debut album, Interference. She will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// www.katieellwood.com/

Mordecai Smyth – In Your Dark Place

Leoni Jane Kennedy – Life Like This

Here’s the opening track from Things Are Getting Stranger On The Shore, the excellent new album from local musician Mordecai Smyth.

He’s created another album of psych moods and melody on Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records and it’s well worth a listen. Check out the sax, synth and guitar sounds on this piece.

It’s a great opener and as well as the skills of Mordecai, the album also features guest performances from artists such as Deborah Pike and The Honey Pot’s Icarus Peel and Crystal Jacqueline https://www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust

Leoni is a Blackpool-born, Guildford-based singer-songwriter with a rock sound with progressive leanings and soulful vocals which she will be showcasing with her band at Wokingham Festival - https://www.leonijanekennedy.com/

Reliant – Heaven or Hell

Third Lung – Ghosts

Adomania – Heavy Rain

Playlist faves Third Lung have released a new single that they describe as a B side. It shows the

Here’s a debut single from a new young Wokingham band. It has a vibrant enthusiastic

Reading Road RG41 4LR. Full Flavour Band. Details: 0118 978 4529.

WOKINGHAM – The Lord Raglan, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Live music.

Details: 0118 978 3282.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke night with DJ Waynie and Decking Street Party. From 9pm. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Acoustic Garden – featuring Vicagra & Kayleigh, Peter Penfold and Nicole Allen Starts. 3pm.

Details: 0118 979 7402.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Anna Nightingale from 2pm.

Details: 01252 870648.

Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Gary Roman as Elvis. 1pm-4pm. Details: 0118 942 9606.

Here’s the new single from local favourite, Reliant, and it’s an exciting piece of powerful indie rock recorded at Generation Studio. Another band that will be at Wokingham Festival - https://www. facebook.com/WeAreReliant

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, June 2

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Pink Fish. Details: 01344 420690.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Michael Jackson tribute.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest from 3pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Rd RG4 9RB. Ray Gelato and the Giants.

Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. University of Reading Rock Society in aid of Launchpad.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Jubilee weekend of DJs. DJ Parker: Drum & base and house.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun St RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

STANFORD DINGLEY – The Bull RG7 6LS. Self Preservation Society.

Details: 0118 074 4582.

WHISTLEY GREEN – The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Pixi Devalle. Details: 0118 934 0886.

WOKINGHAM – The Lord Raglan, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Family games, arts and games. Noon-3pm.

Live music from 8pm.

Details: 0118 978 3282.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Best of British biggest hits with DJ Dave. Details: 0118 977 4548.

Friday, June 3

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Family fun day in aid of Poppy Appeal. Arborfield Military Wives Choir, MisterSister, Audiotonic,

Basil and crew mobile farm, Cookie the Clown, Bluebell Box, Crepeaway, Howe’s fish and chips, Rachel’s fudge, Bouncy Castle, Face painter and more. £20 family, adults £6, child £4. Live music from 6pm. Details: Search Eventbrite for Arborfield RBL Family Fun Day. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Adele tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318.

BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Abi Powell.

Details: 0118 959 8067.

LOWER SHIPLAKE – The Baskerville, Station Road RG9 3NY. Leech. Details: 0118 940 3332.

READING – Abbey Ruins, The Forbury. The Jubilee Tribute Concert: Queen, The Beatles, George Michael, Ed Sheeran, DJs and more.

Details: whatsonreading.com READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Botanist, King Road. Live music.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity: New MindWonk Unit, Launch Control, As Loud As… Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. DJ Parker: reggae and bashment.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Doors Alive.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

SWALLOWFIELD – The Crown, The Street. Jubilee Party with Within The Blood.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE – The Bell Inn, The Street.

Majestix. From 6pm.

WINNERSH – The Pheasant,

Saturday, June 4

BRACKNELL – Blues Smokehouse, High Street RG12 1DS. Mudslide Morris and the Revelators. Details: 01344 867575.

BRACKNELL – Bracknell Rugby Football Club. Bracknell Real Ale Festival. Live music including The Shelf Side.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm.

Self Preservation Society.

Details: 01344 484123.

HURST – The Green, Martinea Lake. Hurst Jubilee Concert from 3pm. Glee Club, Forbury, Bottle Kids, Dandy Man, Rick Sinfield,Third Lung. Free entry. Details: hurst-jubilee.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing

Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Botanist, King Road. Live music.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Soundjam. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam jazz night.

Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Turks, London Rd RG1 5BJ. The Highwasters and The Jammed. Details: 0118 957 6930.

THEALE – The Bull, High Street RG7 5AH. Mythicals.

Details: 0118 930 3478.

THEALE – The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Hippyhaze. Details: 0118 930 2295.

WOKINGHAM – Elms Field.

Platinum Jubilee Party In The Park: Music from across the decades. Free.

2pm-9.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chilli Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jubilee Dance Hits with DJ Dave. Details: 0118 977 4548.

Sunday, June 5

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Stonesthrow. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. The Hollies.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.

Tuesday, June 7

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: theacousticcouch.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner open mic. Details: 0118 969 8978.

SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes.

Equinox jazz night with Sarah Jane Eveleigh. Details: 01256 882296

Wednesday, June 8

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open mic night. Details: theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Marc Woosnam album launch.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

Thursday, June 9

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Linda Moylan and Paul Alexander Low. Details: theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity: Millie Manders and The Shutup.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

READING – The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. Whitney: Queen of the Night. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Friday, June 10

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Heathrow Jets. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. California Dreamers. 3pm.

Details: 01344 484123.

GRAZELEY – Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. These Hills Are Ours. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Transmission: The Sound of Joy Division.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

TWYFORD – Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Beer Festival.

Ticket only. £15 per person.

Noon-11pm. Details: www. twyfordbeerfest.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Majestix. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Andy Fairweather Low and the Low Rider. 7.30pm. £27.50. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Gig House, Erftstadt Court.

Love Fridays presents Koho Funds live.

feel with great melodies. The band are supporting Cascade at Reading Facebar on Wednesday, June 8 https://www.facebook.com/AdomaniaBand

Spriggan Mist – Remember the Day They just released their album, ‘Isambard the Mechanical Dragon’ and it’s their best yet. Following a successful appearance at HRH Prog, Spriggan Mist are back at Wokingham Festival in August. - https:// www.sprigganmist.com/

Bex Ruth – Scratching my Head Bex is a singe- songwriter from London who creates electronic soundscapes overlayed with soulful vocals. She visited Reading to perform at the Loddfest Takeover Show. See her at Loddfest in September - https://linktr.ee/bexruth

OSP – When?

OSP stands for ‘Only Speak Positive’ and they are a four piece from Reading looking to deliver a powerful message of tolerance and respect. They will be at Readipop on Sunday, July 10 - https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk

Split the Dealer – Dreamstate Split the Dealer is a fave at RaW Sounds.Today and he performed at an incredible headlining show at Reading’s Sub 89.

Here’s one of his excellent single releases.

He’ll be at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// linktr.ee/splitthedealer

Saturday, June 11

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Punk Night: Who Killed Nancy Johnson, Punk Dylan Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Soultones. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Ear Candy. Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Supreme Queen. Details: 01344 484123.

GRAZELEY – Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. The Hawkmen. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler,

Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Dirtbag Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Flashback Band. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TWYFORD – Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Beer Festival.

Ticket only. £15 per person, accompanied under 18s free. Noon-10pm. Details: www.twyfordbeerfest.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Peach Place.

The Skangsters and Guests live in Peach Place. From 6pm.

WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. The Junction. Details: 0118 969 3325.

CELEBRATING THE QUEENS PLATINUM JUBILEE Live music in the festival garden various popular local solo artists

Friday 3rd June 3pm - late THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF

0118 979 7402

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory this week

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include The Bad Guys (U). Thurs. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (12a). Thurs.

Top Gun: Maverock (12a). Thurs. Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (PG). Thurs.

Encanto (U). Thurs.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (15). Thurs.

Keep It Cult II: Pulp Fiction (18). Fri. Reading Film Theatre Presents La Mif (15). Wed. Jurassic World: Dominion (12a).

Fri 10-Thurs 16. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Jubilee Thursday, June 2

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display.

Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham.

In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. HURST - Community Orchard, Church Hill RG10 0SL. Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting. From 8pm.

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Salvation Army. 11am12.30pm. Free. Details: www.broadstreetmall.com READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair TWYFORD - Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Fearlessly ODD Festival: performances, workshops, food and activities for all ages.

From 12.30pm. £7, under 6 free. Details: https:// www.ticketsource.co.uk/ Fof2022 WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Shakespeare in Ancient rome: Does Shakespeare celebrate monarchy. A talk

by Martin Hughes. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT Pinewood Cafe and Bar, Unit 8, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road. Platinum Jubilee Street Party: face painting, balloon modelling, entertainment and more.

Party box for children, cream tea and Pimm’s for adults. Ticket only. 1pm4pm. £5. Details: 01344 778543.

WOODLEY - Woodford Park, Headley Road. Woodley Town Council beacon lighting by town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel. 9.45pm, arrive by 9.30pm.

Jubilee Friday, June 3

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display.

Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham.

In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. ARBORFIELD - Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Family fun day in aid of Poppy Appeal.

Arborfield Military Wives Choir, MisterSister, Audiotonic, Basil and crew mobile farm, Cookie the Clown, Bluebell Box, Crepeaway, Howe’s fish and chips, Rachel’s fudge, Bouncy Castle, Face painter and more. £20 family, adults £6, child £4. Live music from 6pm.

Details: Search Eventbrite for Arborfield RBL Family Fun Day. BRACKNELL - South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Food and Music festival. Noon8pm. Free entry. Details: 01344 484123.

HURST - Diane Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, Nelsons Lane RG10 0RR. Big Jubilee Schnauzer Tea Party. 11am-4pm. £2.50 per entry.

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Reading Male Vocie Choir.

Noon-2pm. Free. Details: www.broadstreetmall.com READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. Reading Vinyl Record Collectors Fair. 9am-3pm. £4.

SPENCERS WOOD Recreation Ground, Clares Green Road. Platinum Jubilee bring your own picnic: live music, children’s entertainment, games, face painting and more.

From 2pm.

WINNERSH - The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Queen’s jubilee celebration: barbecue, Full Flavour Band and more. From noon. Booking essential.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents classic car show.

9.30am-3.30pm. www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Jubilee Saturday, June 4

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display.

Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham.

In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. BARKHAM - Village Hall, Church Lane RG40 4PL. Jubilee celebration and family fun day, organised

by Barkham Parish Council and Barkham Village Residents Association.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk 11am-4pm. Details: barkham-parishcouncil. org.uk BRACKNELL - South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Food and Music festival. Noon8pm. Free entry. Details: 01344 484123.

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Make a fairy place or a castle of doom. Free dropin craft session for ages 4-10. 11am-2pm. Details: 0118 937 5103.

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. A Date With Nature Monthly Saturday morning walk. £2 donation to RSPB. Meet ing main car park.

9am, event to take around three-and-a-half hours.

Details: ww2.rspb.org.uk HURST - Martineau Lane RG10 0SF. Jubilee concert on the green, including performances from St Nicholas Primary School, Glee UK, Noa Ransby Craigs, Rick Sinfield, Third Lung, Dandy Man, Forbury, and Bottle Kids. From 3pm.

Details: www.hurst-jubilee. co.uk/jubilee-concert LOWER EARLEY – Events field, Kilnsea Drive. Lower Earley Baptist Church Queens Jubilee afternoon Tea. 2-4pm.

PANGBOURNE - Pangbourne College. Pangbourne Classic Car Show. 9am5pm.

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

RASPO Steel Band. 11amnoon. Free. Details: www. broadstreetmall.com READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING - Across The Forbury. Waterfest 2022.

11am-5pm.

READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road.

Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society lecture: Paolo Scremin, Bringing the Past to Life: Photographing the Tombs of Ancient Egypt, Oakwood Centre, Woodley In-Person only, £4 visitors. Details: www. tvaes.org.uk

Jubilee Sunday, June 5

ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display.

Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham.

In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. ARBORFIELD - Recreation Ground, Swallofield Road.

Jubilee picnic in the park.

Noon-5pm. Fancy dress, live music and more. Bring your own picnic.

BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Basingstoke Road.

Jubilee celebration. 11am church sevrice, 12.30pm a toast to the Queen, 1pm buffet lunch. Pudding competition, cash bar.

Booking essential. Detais: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ beech-hill-memorial-hall/tlyqlvn BRACKNELL - South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Food and Music festival. Noon6pm. Free entry. Details: 01344 484123.

READING - Broad Street Mall, Broad Street. Jubilee: The Silver Tones Choir. 1pm.

READING – Forbury Gardens.

Jubilee children’s concert with Trinity Concert band.

3pm-4.30pm.

READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING - Prospect Park, Bath Road. The Reading Society of Model Engineers Public running day. Tickets 60p per ride, £5 for 10.

Noon-3.45pm. Details: http://www.rsme.org/ READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam.

7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org THEALE - Recreation Ground.

Theale Parish Council presents Jubilee fete: morris dancing, produce, baking, art, fancy dress, funfair, games and stalls.

From noon.

TWYFORD - Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Together presents a Platinum Jubilee outdoor service. 10am.

TWYFORD - King George V Playing Fields. Twyford Donkey Derby and Jubilee fair. From 12.30pm5pm. Free entry. Scouts barbecue, Maidenhead Concert Band, travelling fair, stalls and more.

WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Jubilee Party in the Paddock.

11am-3pm. Barbecue or bring your own picnic, games to play and more.

Details: 0118 977 6715.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Platinum Jubilee Family Day, Bring y our own chair, tables and picnics. www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green. Jubilee Celebration in conjunction with RG2 Radio: Windrush radio, dance music and more. A toast to the queen at 5pm.

Monday, June 6

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details:

linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, June 7

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 - From Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Crime and Punishment in Reading - Guided Walk with Terry Dixon. 10am-noon.

Advance booking essential, places limited. £5, £4 Bekrshire Family History Society members. Details: https://berksfhs.org/ WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, June 8 BARKHAM – Village Hall, Church Road RG40 4PL. Berkshire Bonsai Society meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www.berkshirebonsai. co.uk EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, June 9

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Stand and Deliver comedy club. £10.

7.30pm. Details: www. standanddelivercomedy. com READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Queen Victoria’s Daughters, a talk by Colin Parrish. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Summer social.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363

Friday, June 10

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org GRAZELEY - Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com KIDMORE END - Kidmore House, Garden and Vineyward RG4 9AR. 14 acre open garden for National Garden Society.

1pm-4pm. £6, children free. 1pm-4pm. Details: https://ngs.org.uk READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe.

8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

TWYFORD - Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Beer Festival. Ticket only. £15 per person, accompanied under 18s free. Noon11pm. Details: www. twyfordbeerfest.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham

Music Club presents Andy Fairweather Low and The Low Riders. £27.50. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub 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, June 11

ACROSS WHITEKNIGHTS AREA. Whiteknights Studio Trail 2022. 11am6pm. Details: studiotrail. co.uk CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair.

10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

GRAZELEY - Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com READING - 7 The Knapp RG6 7DD. Open garden for NGS: mature suburban garden, surrounded by trees and divided into rooms with lawns, island beds, mixed borders, gravel area, pond and an area with natural planting and beehives. 10.30am3.30pm. £4, children free.

Pre-booking essential.

Refreshments available.

Details: https://ngs.org.uk READING - Reading Deaf Club, Cardiff Road.

Reading Deaf Club celebrates 20 years of the club, and the Platinum Jubilee. Afternoon tea, games, raffle, Deaf Funny Way performance group. £7, £5 members, £3.50 under 16s.

READING – Tutu’s Ethopian Table, Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Poetry in the Park. 11am.

SHINFIELD - St Mary’s Church, Church Lane. Blue Sky Big Band presents a Summer Evening of Jazz and Swing. 7.30pm. Details: Search eventbrite.co.uk for Blue Sky Big Band TWYFORD - Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road RG10 0AB. Twyford Beer Festival. Ticket only. £15 per person, accompanied under 18s free. Noon10pm. Details: www. twyfordbeerfest.co.uk UPPER WOOLHAMPTON

- Douai Abbey RG7 5TQ. Reading Bach Choir presents: What Lies Beyond Sense and Knowledge: music by William Byrd and Ralph vaughan Williams.

7.30pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: http://www. readingbachchoir.org.uk WHITCHURCH HILL - Off Hill Bottom. Stoke Row RG8 7PU. Steam Rally: steam engines, tractors, cars, trucks, military, motorcycles, plant machinery, food and bars, fair rides, craft tent, and more. Live music in evening. Camping available. £10, concessions £8, children free. Details: stokerowsteamrally.com WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Woodford Park.

Woodley Carnival. No procession. Showground open noon-5pm: games, stalls, dog show, beer tent, displays, fairground and more. Party in the Park from 6pm: Vintage Sound Collective supported by Chestnuts, The Echo and Mike and the Rockbelly.

Evening £10, £5 under 16s. Afternoon £4 adults, £1 under 16s. Details: woodleycarnival.org.uk

Sunday, June 12

ACROSS WHITEKNIGHTS AREA. Whiteknights Studio Trail 2022. 11am6pm. Details: studiotrail. co.uk GRAZELEY - Gravelly Bridge Farm, Grazeley Green Road RG7 1LG. Reading Motorcycle Action Group presents the 2022 Lion Rally: bands, bikes and more. Details: www. lionrally.com SONNING COMMON – Village Hall, Wood Lane RG4 9SL. Craft fair. 10am-4pm. Details: mumadoracrafts.co.uk TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market. From noon-5pm.

Crafts, food, and more.

Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk WHITCHURCH HILL - Off Hill Bottom. Stoke Row RG8 7PU. Steam Rally: steam engines, tractors, cars, trucks, military, motorcycles, plant machinery, food and bars, fair rides, craft tent, and more. Live music in evening. Camping available. £10, concessions £8, children free. Details: stokerowsteamrally.com WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: 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

No. 5416

Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

5416

Quiz Challenge

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1. What is the collective noun for a group of partridges or quail?

2. What J is the title of a Peter Benchley novel and the name of a James Bond villain?

3. In November 2021, Steven Gerrard became manager of which Premier League football club?

4. Which New Zealand scientist was the first person to split the atom in 1919?

5. The root vegetable Pastinaca sativa is better known as what?

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NONAGRAM

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A E E

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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C

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

DIRE LEISURE RIDES

R C N 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: 21 Good; 25 Very Good; 29 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 P through openings in the walls. The L first letter may appear in any chamber.

A Y

OU

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HI

EN

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SUDOKU Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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ACROSS 1. Thinly scattered boxes by the point (6) 4. One’s inseparable companion, a dark figure (6) 9. One taking stock of others (7) 10. Bore right into the plant (5) 11. Tails Queen’s old financial backer! (9) 12. Zambian leader loves a menagerie (3) 13. Having a good understanding, not being drunk? (5-6) 18. Lout does not start to embrace (3) 19. Mean to pay a visit but have a narrow escape (5,4) 21. Left one article that’s supple (5) 22. Cut a tea break to get going (7) 23. Attempting to be testing another’s patience (6) 24. Pressing to get run out (6)

24

DOWN 1. Scott’s started to plagiarise English writer (6) 2. As mentioned, almost very musical (5) 3. Aunt Sal devouring a dried grape (7) 5. Water monster from Hardy novel (5) 6. Fine weather? No, fine spots of weather (7) 7. Shall give a shout of pain in the tree (6) 8. The foreign lady takes in lieutenant’s film (11) 14. Fairly gracefully (7) 15. One who assists in wrongdoing, a gambler, say (7) 16. Talk about the French villa (6) 17. Alarm involving British watch (6) 19. Uncle Andrew in part is a companion to jerk (5) 20. A network of hedges will astonish (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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WORD PYRAMID: Playing the field.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; multiply; add; divide. Total 4.

SOLUTIONS

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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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RY

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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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Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

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EQUALISER 10 1 8 6 2 2 3 9 3 1 2 1

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C U B

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6. Which is the largest town in the Channel Islands?

7. Toni Collette, who stars in the 2022 Netflix drama Pieces of Her, was born in which country?

8. The Cullinan I diamond, also known as the Star of Africa, decorates which object in the Queen’s regalia?

9. What is the main ingredient of the Chinese dish chow mein?

10. In the 2022 film The Batman, which actor plays the caped crusader?

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5416

CROSS CODE

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24 25 29

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23. Manner of ACROSS walking (4) 1. Navel (9) 27. Express an 6. Bread roll (3) opinion (5) 8. Anxious (7) 28. Worker in brass (7) 9. Fellows (5) 30. First woman (3) 10. Golf stroke (4) 11. Type of lettuce (3) 31. Savage (9) DOWN 13. Wise men (4) 1. Large vase (3) 14. Fundamental (5) 2. Explode (5) 16. Harvested (6) 3. Weaving frame (4) 18. Continent (6) 4. Universe (6) 19. Dig into (5) 5. Large bag (4) 21. Roasting skewer (4) 6. Show of boldness (7) 22. Bind (3)

7. Pernicious (9) 10. Optical instrument (9) 11. Military trainee (5) 12. Sift (5) 14. Item of furniture (3) 15. Prompt (3) 17. Foolish (7) 20. Supple (6) 24. Legal defence (5) 25. Aromatic plant (4) 26. Heroic tale (4) 29. Move quickly (3)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Umbilicus; 6 Bap; 8 Nervous; 9 Chaps; 10 Putt; 11 Cos; 13 Magi; 14 Basic; 16 Reaped; 18 Europe; 19 Delve; 21 Spit; 22 Tie; 23 Gait; 27 Opine; 28 Brazier; 30 Eve; 31 Barbarian.

Down – 1 Urn; 2 Burst; 3 Loom; 4 Cosmos; 5 Sack; 6 Bravado; 7 Pestilent; 10 Periscope; 11 Cadet; 12 Sieve; 14 Bed; 15 Cue; 17 Asinine; 20 Limber; 24 Alibi; 25 Herb; 26 Saga; 29 Run.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 A covey; 2 Jaws; 3 Aston Villa; 4 Ernest Rutherford; 5 Parsnip; 6 St Helier; 7 Australia; 8 The gold sceptre; 9 Fried FIVE ALIVE: noodles; 10 Robert Pattinson.

(1) Across – Doing; Valet; Natty.

Down – Divan; Inlet; Gutsy.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Sparse; 4 Shadow; 9 Rustler; 10 Drill; 11 Britannia; 12 (2) Across – Tuned; Issue; Fryer.

Z J E N F I H R M X O S P Zoo; 13 Clear-headed; 18 Hug; 19 Close call; 21 Lithe; 22 Down – Thief; Nasty; Drear.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Actuate; 23 Trying; 24 Urgent.

W B Q D K A Y V U L T C G Down – 1 Scribe; 2 Assai; 3 Sultana; 5 Hydra; 6 Drizzle; 7 Willow; NONAGRAM: accrue; acer; acerb; acne; acre; bane; 8 Frenchwoman; 14 Lightly; 15 Abetter; 16 Chalet; 17 Albert; 19 bare; bean; bear; beau; been; beer; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU iris; rude; idle; seer. Clean; 20 Amaze. brace; brae; brane; BUCCANEER; bunce; caber; cancer; cane; caner; care; careen; cere; crane; creance; cube; cure; earn; ecru; enure; erne; nacre; near; race; ranee; rebec; recce; rune; urbane; urea.

28 | LIFE

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Understanding dietary fats Healthy Heart Tip

‘bad’ cholesterol in your body, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Look after your heart by switching to unsaturated fats, such as oily fish such (e.g. salmon, mackerel and sardines), rapeseed oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, unsalted nuts, seeds and choose products that are avocados. lower in fat.

Find healthier For example, you cooking methods could switch from If you fry your food, cheddar cheese (34g why not try baking, fat per 100g) to low-fat grilling, boiling or cheese spread (11g fat steaming instead? per 100g) or cottage Rather than roasting cheese (5g per 100g). potatoes in fat, switch Switch from to boiled new potatoes saturated and trans fats or a baked potato. to unsaturated fat Cut away visible fat Foods high in from fatty meats, such saturated fat include as bacon and lamb. fatty meats, hard Use a small amount cheeses, coconut oil, of unsaturated oil palm oil, butter, ghee, for cooking, such as lard and cream. Trans rapeseed oil, rather than fat is present in hard butter, ghee, lard or margarine, fried food, goose fat. biscuits, cakes and By cutting down on pastries. the amount of fat in Saturated and trans your diet and switching fats can increase the from saturated or trans

Heart Research UK

A

SMALL quantity of fat is an important part of a healthy diet, but not all fats are the same.

Saturated and trans fats can raise ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Here are some tips to help you manage the amount and type of fat in your diet.

Choose products with a lower total fat content All fats are high in energy and too much can lead to weight gain. By reading the fat content on food labels you can

fats to unsaturated fats, you will take an important step towards reducing your risk of heart disease. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, 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 from our website: 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-researchuk-cookbook/

In the garden June

Go green in the garden

B

EING in the garden is great at this time of year – the days are longer and warmer and you can really enjoy your outside living space as somewhere to relax and unwind.

As part of that enjoyment sit back and have a think about how you can do your bit for the environment by employing some basic organic gardening principles to make your gardening experience even greener.

Organic gardening is all about gardening in a natural holistic way - growing plants without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.

By working with nature your garden can protect itself and plants will thrive with minimal intervention.

Here are some simple tips that can help you garden in a more environmentally-friendly way...

Get into compost Feeding the soil is the key to success and homemade compost is free.

Fill compost bins with a mix of green and brown material – garden waste and shredded paper or cardboard – and turn it regularly.

You can use it as mulch after about a year.

Keep on top of weeds The trick is not to let weeds grow too big as they can quickly take over a garden. If you regularly hoe or pick them out at the seedling stage it’s an easy task, but if you let them get

established – with large tap roots such as dandelions – then weeding becomes a major chore.

Grow in raised beds Try using raised beds instead of planting direct into the soil. They are easier to manage and keep weed-free.

Also, the soil in raised beds warms up sooner than the ground at the start of the growing season, so you can sow seeds earlier in the year.

Grow companion plants The theory behind companion planting, or planting combinations of specific plants for their mutual benefit, is that certain plants may help each other take up nutrients, improve pest resistance or attract pollinators.

So by planting onions with carrots you can ward off carrot root fly;

cabbages and lettuces planted among beans will benefit from the nitrogen fixed in the soil by the beans’ roots; and planting garlic with roses can help to repel rose pests.

Watch out for slugs and snails You may struggle to grow seedlings without using some form of slug and snail control.

Traditional slug pellets can be extremely harmful to hedgehogs, birds and other wildlife, but organic pellets - made using iron phosphate - are a suitable wildlife-friendly alternative.

You can also use copper tape around pots to deter them.

If you are growing your own veg then now is a good time to plant out your pumpkins.

All the cucurbit family (pumpkins, squash, cucumbers) need heat to

survive and thrive.

Now that the nights are warming up overnight temperatures aren’t that low so it’s a good growing environment for them.

All pumpkins and squashes need lots of water, lots of nutrients and lots of sun. For a bumper harvest use a fertile soil enriched with well-rotted manure or compost when planting out.

If you are limited for space, try training your plant into a circle.

As it starts to trail, gently pin down the stem with pegs and grow it into a spiral – making sure you mark the middle of the plant with a stick so you know where to water.

There is a huge variety to choose from but some of the most popular are Baby Bear - a compact pumpkin, perfect for smaller gardens; Crown Prince - one of the best squashes for storing with a blue-grey skin and bright orange flesh; and Marketmore - a reliable and prolific cucumber, mildew-resistant with straight fruit.

Summer has definitely arrived, and so have the weeds. As the RHS says … June 21 is the longest day of the year, and the extra light and warmth encourages the garden to put on an exuberant burst of growth.

But this extra light and warmth also means weeds will sprout up from seemingly nowhere.

Keep on top of them by hoeing regularly in dry conditions.

Top three jobs this month – put summer hanging baskets and containers outside, be water-wise especially in drought affected areas, and pinch out sideshoots on tomato plants.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 1, 2022

It was ‘the most brutal experience’ of my life

A

FATHER-OF-TWO who struggled with the “most brutal experience” of his life wants others to get the life changing help he had.

Police officer Pete O’Brien, of Woodley, was struggling to cope with the breakdown of his 14-year-old marriage when he discovered charity Divorce Recovery Workshop.

Their workshop course provided the support he so badly needed.

Pete, 46, is now helping spread the word about the DRW course starting on June 10 at Brookside Hall, Earley.

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

And it’s run by volunteers who have been on a DRW course.

Pete said: “My marriage breakdown came as a shock, I was quite hopeless. Searching on the internet I found DRW – the timing was spot on.

“I was looking for a coping strategy. I felt a failure and needed some hope. At DRW I found people who had been through something like I had – and come out the other side.

“I got so much out of the workshop, it was very positive. It was reassuring to discover it wasn’t just me going through this. It really struck me when I discovered that people’s partners were probably struggling as well.

That gave me understanding and perspective.

Afterwards I felt I had hope that I’d get through this.”

The new course is on Friday evenings June 10 and 17 and during the day on June 11 and 18.

Seamus of Reading, helping lead the course, said: “You will be warmly greeted with a cup of tea or coffee before every session. A light lunch is also provided. Please contact me on 07887 800521 with any queries.”

A modest charge covers costs.

Topics covered include: Is this really happening to me?

Coping with your ex-partner.

Assuming new responsibilities.

Letting go and forgiveness.

Family matters.

Thinking about new relationships. n For details: call Seamus on 07887 800521, email reading@drw.org.uk or go to Twitter @ ReadingDRW, or Facebook: facebook.com/ readingdrw. DRW’s website is at: www.drw.org.uk

SPORT TODAY READING

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

01.06.22

BEST FOR CRICKET

FINCH HIT FIELDERS FOR 4

RANGERS MISS OUT ON TREBLE

PERFECT BATTING DISPLAY

SWIFT SNUBS ROYALS TO SIGN FOR WEST BROM READING FC midfielder John Swift has left the club to sign for West Bromwich Albion

READING RISE UP FOR WIN

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING 2s marched up the table after they defeated Bracknell by 10 wickets with an astonishing batting display.

Bracknell posted a first innings total of 141 after they were bowled

out after 38.4 overs after Jack Beaven collected 3-16 for Reading.

Shreyas Narayanasamy, Sukchain Singh Grewal and Raheel Farooq all took two wickets each for Reading in what was a clinical bowling spell.

With 142 to catch to take the game, Reading made light work of claiming victory.

It was a flawless batting performance from Waqas Ahmed and Harminder Singh who guided Reading to victory.

Singh hit 56 runs, while Ahmed amassed 70 which saw Reading clinch the game after 24.5 overs without dropping a single wicket.

The win puts Reading up to

second in the table, level on points with league leaders Newbury, with three victories from their opening four league matches.

Meanwhile, Bracknell are in fifth with two wins and two defeats.

n Full cricket round-up and pictures on pages 21 & 22

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In a statement released by Reading last week that listed the players being released by the club at the end of their contracts, they stated that Swift was one of five first-team players to be offered new deals by the club.

However, the midfielder has opted not to extend his stay with the club and has joined West Brom.

Swift made an excellent start to the campaign last season and finished with 11 goals and 13 assists from 38 games.

The 26-year-old has made 187 league appearances during his time in Berkshire across six seasons, scoring 31 times.

West Brom endured a disappointing season as they failed to win back instant promotion to the Premier League.

They eventually finished in 10th position under Steve Bruce after the former Newcastle manager took over from Valerian Ismael who was sacked as Albion boss when the club were fifth in the Championship.

Swift said: “There were ups and downs, there was injuries a nd a hat-trick along the way, but my time has made me the player I am today and I can’t thank the fans enough for supporting through all.

“Thank you for everything Reading FC, hopefully see you all soon and best of luck for the future.”

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Rangers and Fleet battle for the ball

FC Fleet v Bracknell Rangers Pictures: Andrew Batt

Bracknell Rangers have won two trophies this season

FOOTBALL

BRACKNELL RANGERS MISS OUT ON TREBLE IN CUP FINAL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Aldershot Invitational Senior Cup final

BRACKNELL RANGERS missed out on the chance to complete a treble after they were beaten by FC Fleet.

Having already won the Bracknell & District Sunday Premier Division and the Sunday League Senior Cup, Rangers were looking to add a third trophy to their cabinet.

But in a well contested final, it was Fleet who took the trophy home with a 4-2 success.

FC Fleet v Bracknell Rangers

However, it has been a season to remember for Bracknell Rangers who stormed to the league title.

Rangers won 10 of their 15 league matches which saw them collect 33 points.

Despite finishing level on points with Crowthorne Inn, Rangers took the title with a much better goal difference (+25) compared to Crowthorne’s (+14).

They followed up their league success by adding the Senior Cup to their ranks with a penalty shootout victory over Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW in the final.

Pre-season

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA and BINFIELD FC will face each other in July for a preseason friendly fixture.

The Boars, who enjoyed a superb season in the Combined Counties Division One where they reached the play-off semi-finals, will be looking to build ahead of the new campaign.

They host the Moles on Tuesday, July 5 as Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers’ team are looking to progress having impressed on their debut season at step four in the Isthmian South Central.

Eversley will also face an away trip to READING CITY at the Rivermoor on Saturday, July 9.

Matty Angell’s team will also play North Greenford United, Hythe & Disdain, Burnham, Hartley Whitney and Guildford City in their preparations for the new season.

After their trip to face Eversley, Binfield will play Maidenhead United, Wallingford Town, Flackwell Heath, Thame United, Ascot United, Slough Town, Metropolitan Police FC and Hamworthy United in a packed pre-season calendar.

FC Fleet v Bracknell Rangers

Wokingham & Emmbrook celebrate after scoring against Wembley

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC

MULLAN SCOOPS DOUBLE AWARD FOR SUMAS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC handed out their end of season awards in a presentation night on Friday evening.

First-team Nathan Mindomba capped off his debut season at the Sumas by being awarded the Manager’s Player of the Season for the first-team.

Meanwhile, Jack Mullan was given both the Supporter’s Player of the Season and the Player’s Player of the Season awards.

Allied Counties team Among the award winners for the Allied team were Matt Kirk who won the Manager’s Player of the Season, meanwhile Jack Webb won the Player’s Player of the Season in an excellent campaign that saw him win the Allied Counties League golden boot with 33 goals.

Reserves

Wokingham & Emmbrook Reserves captain Max Treacher was awarded as the Manager’s Player of the Season, while Sam Martin was given the Player’s Player of the Season award.

Jack Mullan (right) with club president Mark Ashwell Picture: Andrew Batt

SPORT | 19

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SUMAS SECURE SECOND IN POKEMON FUTSAL

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today Burnham Junior Pokémon’s Futsal Tournament

Wokingham & Emmbrook Pokémon’s Futsal Tournament

Blewbury Amazon Girls Pokémon’s Futsal Tournament

Holmer Green Minors U14’s Pokemon Futsal

Blewbury Amazon Girls U12’s Pokémon’s Futsal Tournament

BERKS & Bucks teams Wokingham & Emmbrook U12 Boys and Holmer Green Minors U14 boys both finished runners up in their respective competitions in the Pokemon Futsal Youth Cup.

This tournament is a showcase of the fantastic club futsal talent in the UK and the partnership between Pokémon and England Football.

The Pokémon Futsal Youth Cup regional rounds are currently taking place, with the final round this Sunday.

This set of games will decide the final teams that will participate in the finals tournament on June 18 and 19.

Futsal is an fast-paced form of the game that originates in South America; several world stars have roots in the game.

Played on hard pitches with small-sided teams, futsal places emphasis on technical skill in restricted spaces and creates an environment that allows young people to simulate and develop many skills and proficiencies that are transferrable to the 11-a-side game.

Pokémon is the title partner of the FA’s Youth Futsal Programme which aims to work with boys and girls aged eight–16.

Round three of the regional stage of the competition took place on the Saturday, May 21 and Sunday May 22, 2022 at Medway Sports Centre, with teams from Berks & Bucks, Hampshire, Surrey, Essex, Middlesex and Sussex taking part.

Berks & Bucks teams Wokingham & Emmbrook U12 Boys and Holmer Green Minors U14 boys both finished runners up in their respective competitions.

The winning teams from the regional finals now face the winners of the other regional rounds in the grand final on June 18 and 19 at The University of Wolverhampton.

The regional rounds saw a brilliant display from all teams involved with tightly fought contests throughout.

Helen Weber, Coach for the Holmer Green Minors U14 Boys, said: “A great tournament that was well organised.

“Met new players, and even Pikachu, and extended our Futsal skills even further.

“The games were competitive but good fun, against friendly teams, in a nice sports centre.”

FOOTBALL

Former Bracknell Town manager leaves role at Crystal Palace FORMER Bracknell Town manager and Wokingham Town player Phil Alexander has left his role as Crystal Palace chief executive after 26 years at the Club.

Phil had a career in both professional football and American football.

Having been born in Slough, Alexander came through the youth ranks at Reading FC. He then joined Wokingham Town in 1980, before playing for Norwich City and Miramar Rangers. He also made five appearances for England U19’s.

Alexander returned to Wokingham Town for four more years in 1986 and then joined Bracknell Town in 1992 as a player.

He went on to manage Bracknell Town for two years from 1992-1994 After leaving Bracknell, Alexander joined Crystal Palace in 1996.

He led the Club through two periods of administrations in 1999

and 2010, as well as experiencing relegation twice and promotion to the top-flight three times.

He became the longest-serving Premier League CEO and was a member of the FA Council, representing the Premier League, and sat on the FA’s Professional Game Board.

Phil was presented with a gold watch by chairman Steve Parish on Selhurst Park pitch last Sunday after the Club’s final match of the season against Manchester United, in which Patrick Vieira’s side came out with a 1-0 victory.

After a short break, Phil will be engaged by the Club from April 1t as a special projects consultant.

“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Phil for his outstanding contribution to the Club for well over two decades,” said Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish.

“He has been a fixture at Selhurst

Phil Alexander (right) at the Crystal Palace v Manchester United game last month Park for as long as any of us can remember and has always put the Club’s interests first.

“We owe him a debt of gratitude for his loyalty to the Club, even at the most challenging periods in its history, and we have benefited greatly from his experience.

“I am delighted that we will be able to work with Phil in his forthcoming

consultancy role as we embark on several significant projects that will shape the Club’s future.”

Phil Alexander said: “It has been an immense privilege to serve as Chief Executive of Crystal Palace for 26 years.

“I am proud of all the Club has achieved during my time at Selhurst Park, from the tumultuous early days,

when our survival was under threat, to our status today as a respected, long-established Premier League club, known for its community ethos.

“I want to thank all my colleagues who have helped me over the years and the supporters, who make Crystal Palace a unique Club. I look forward to continuing my association with the Club in a new capacity.”

20

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Reading 2’s (batting) v Bracknell Pictures: Steve Smyth

THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

FLAWLESS BATTING PERFORMANCE SEES READING RISE AFTER VICTORY OVER BRACKNELL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokoingham. today

Thames Valley Division 1 EVERSLEY are in seventh after they lost out to Cookham Dean.

Kyle Bienefeld and Oli Parsons both took three wickets as Cookham finished with 244.

Eversley were all out on 199 after their 50 allotted overs.

Thames Valley Division 2B

READING stay in second after they got the better of Sulhamstead & Ufton by 60 runs.

Arram smashed 114 runs for

Reading, while Beavan took four wickets in the second innings to see them to victory.

BINFIELD lost by five wickets against Royal Ascot.

Strong batting displays from Miller (72) and Jackson (58) saw Binfield record 214, but Ascot took the game after 46.2 overs.

WOKINGHAM 2s are in fourth after they won on their trip to HURST. James Watt’s brilliant innings saw him score 107 for Hurst, while Salman Kahlid collected 3-30 for the Oaks.

Imran Malik (75) and Jacob Clark (57) guided Wokingham to victory, despite 4-60 from Abhir Joshi.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s rode to a comfortable 160-run win

over Fleet.

Several strong totals including 71 each from J Simmons and B Simmons, as well as 96 from Carstens saw Finch record a huge total of 326.

Kite (5-38) and Ahmed (4-38) helped to skittle Fleet all out on 166.

Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING moved up to third after they thrashed WHITE WALTHAM by 172 runs.

Connor Wardlaw top scored for Sonning with 76 before they skittled Waltham all out on 123 to take a comfortable victory.

THEALE & TILEHURST got past WARGRAVE 2s by 50 runs.

Davidson-Soler top scored

with 56, while 4-44 from Jefferey saw Wargrave all out on 166.

total of 225 to take the win after 44 overs with four wickets left.

WOKINGHAM 3s are up to second after they earned a nail biting win at Taplow.

The Oaks sealed the win by just two runs after Taplow finished just short of the first innings target.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s dropped down to third after they lost out by 15 runs to Thatcham Town 2s.

READING 2s stormed to victory over BRACKNELL. After bowling Bracknell all out on 141, Reading batted flawlessly and didn’t drop a wicket as Ahmed (56*) and Singh (70R*) saw them to victory.

EVERSLEY 3s are up to third after they earned success over Bagshot 2s.

Harry Maxfield smashed a century for Eversley and finished with 125 as Eversley amassed 306.

Bagshot fell 78 runs short of victory as Eversley

Thames Valley Division 4A Thames Valley Division 5B

Thames Valley Division 5A

WARGRAVE 3s are just two points off the top after they beat Hayes 2s.

They chased down Hayes’

took 23 points.

BINFIELD 2s suffered their first defeat of the campaign against Royal Ascot 2s.

They lost out by just one wicket in a tense affair.

SONNING 2s suffered a 45run loss at Purley-on-Thames, while FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s lost out by 149 runs to Newbury.

Thames Valley Division 6B

THEALE & TILEHURST continued their 100% win record by beating WOKINGHAM 4s.

Toby Barker (3-31) helped to see them to victory with a sixwicket win.

EVERSLEY 3s were dealt defeat at Chalfont St Peter by 140 runs.

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TEAMS BATTLE IT OUT IN RANGERS TOURNAMENT

By ANKUSH KAPOOR sport@wokingham.today

SIXTEEN teams battled it out in the Rangers six-a-side cricket tournament in a quest to be crowned champions.

In this year’s edition of the soft ball tournament, teams had two separate cups to play for – Champions Cup and Rangers Cup. Teams were divided in groups of four teams each and played three group games before top 12 teams were promoted to the qualifiers and semi-final stages.

The tournament attracted local communities’ attention and about 150+ people turned up and enjoyed a beautiful sunny day of Cricket.

The food stall run by the Rangers Ladies group did an excellent job by keeping the hunger in check for the cricketers and visitors with some really delicious breakfast and lunch menu items on display.

After a series of group and terminator games, the four finalists for the two cups were: Champions Cup: Lower Earley Eagles (LEE) and Toli

Rangers Sports

Rangers Cup: Reading Knights and Reading Lions The two Finals were played in great spirits with the sun still shining and bright light enabling perfect cricketing conditions until late in the evening.

Champions Cup

Reading Lions - Rangers Cup Winners

Lower Earley Eagles - Champions Cup Winners

Toli won the toss and invited LEE

Harvana Lions - Spirit of Cricket to bat first. Just like the group and knock out games, LEE got off to a great start posting a total of 80+ runs for Toli to chase.

Toli looked comfortable to chase down the target until the penultimate over where they lost crucial wickets and could not really recover from that.

The final over from Rahul needed Toli to score more than 20 runs and with few dot balls the win was all but secured for LEE.

Rangers Cup

This was a nail-biting thriller with all three results being possible until the very last ball. Reading Knights looked on course to win but the final over from Reading Lion’s Keerthi ensured Lions victory.

At the presentation ceremony there were more winners with Haryana Lions getting the Spirit of Cricket Award.

THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

WOKINGHAM 2S MOVE UP WITH FOUR-WICKET WIN OVER HURST WOKINGHAM 2s collected 23 points after they earned a four-wicket win over Hurst in Thames Valley Division 2b.

Hurst won the toss and Lewis Smith decided to bat first and James Watt faced Iain Muirden but a leg bye put Sam Warren on strike.

Watt faced McDonald for three fours in over 10 then Clark replaced Muirden as Watt scored six runs from Clark’s first over and the 50 showing the total with a two after a four on the last ball of the 11th over.

McDonald bowled a maiden over then Watt reached the boundary for four in over 13. McDonald bowled another maiden over to Watt who sent Clark for a four in an over that produced eight runs.

Jack Fisher’s first spell produced 12 runs and Watt gained two boundaries. Clark and Fisher bowled more sparingly and a total of 80 was reached by Watt and Warren by the

end of over 18.

In the 20th over, Fisher took the wicket of Sam Warren when Ben Myles caught Warren to make it 82-1.

Skipper, Lewis Smith, joined Watt and score rate dropped until the last ball of over 22 when Watt sent the ball to the boundary off Fisher’s last ball of the over.

Both bats ran a three off Clark in over 25 and the 100 was posted on the board.

Skipper, Jarrett Bobb, came on to bowl instead of Clark bowling sparingly along with Fisher until over 31 when Bobb conceded ninr runs including a four to Smith.

There was a similar sparingly bowled spell until over 35 when Bobb had a four dispatched by Smith to the boundary and singles made another nine runs to Hurst.

Over 39 was a heavier time for Bobb who had 11 runs taken from him.

Max Carroll entered the arena but

Craig Rintoul (batting) watches Shaun Miller make a leap he was dismissed for three in over 44 bowled Khalid.

The 200 arrived with a single and Khalid’s next over saw Lovegrove leave the field caught Fisher for three, with the score 208-6.

Kayser was then left with Joshi to bat out the next two overs but Joe Warren was run out by Bobb, with 50 overs completed for 217-7.

Wokingham replied with Turner facing first ball but two wide balls in succession were followed up by runs, nine off the first over.

Over three saw the early

Wokingham 2s in action Pictures: Steve Smyth

breakthrough that Hurst required.

Salman Khalid was LBW bowled Joshi for four. 12-1.

Turner was caught Hibbs, bowled Nick Reynolds, for 21, bringing Ben Myles to the crease. By over 15 , Malik had increased the low run rate by scoring a boundary and the seven runs added in that over made it 85-2.

By the end of the 16th over the total on the board was 91-2, Myles hitting four.

18 overs in to the innings, 100 was posted when Malik ran two and almost halfway to the target. Ben

Myles was bowled by Reynolds in the 20th over for 16. 1 Abhir Joshi came on to bowl instead of Smith and Clark hit two fours with one to Malik in over 35.

Jayden Barson started with a boundary off Kayser’s bowling but first ball of the next over, Clark was bowled by Joshi for 57.The last ball of over 39, Barson was out LBW bowled Joshi, for four. 197-6. Mac Dasouza added to the total as did Jack Fisher who hit three fours in the last overs including the winning runs.

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FINCHES CLIMB UP THE TABLE WHILE OAKS CRICKET

Finchhampstead (batting) v Buckingham Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Home Counties Division 1

FINCHAMPSTEAD climbed up to fifth by inflicting defeat on Buckingham Town.

Having elected to bat first, Finch got off to a strong start with the opening pair of Ben Moffar and Gregory Smith.

Their strong platform with 53 from Moffat and 82 from Smith saw them finish on 264 from 50 overs.

James Woodford collected

Wargrave (batting) v Oxford Downs

three wickets for Finch as they had Buckingham all out on 210 to wrap up a 54-run win.

WOKINGHAM dropped down to seventh after they lost on the road at Aston Rowant.

The Oaks posted a first innings score of 209 with a top score of 68 from Shaan Khan.

Andy Rishton and Shaan Khan took two wickets each but the hosts got over the line with four wickets to spare.

Home Counties Division 2

WARGRAVE sit at the top of

the table with four wins from four after they beat Oxford Downs.

Rhys Lewis ended with the highest total for Wargrave on 43 as the hosts totalled 191.

John Child helped to decimate Aston’s innings by taking four wickets, while Rhodri Lewis took three as Wargrave bowled them all out on 128.

Championship

WEST READING have a healthy lead in first position after they beat Braywood.

Usman Tariq and Saqib Gulfraz both finished one run short of completing a half century for Reading as they ended on 228.

They secured victory when four wickets from Hafeez Ul-Wahab and three from Muhammad Zameer had Braywood all out for 203.

SHINFIELD won on their travels with an 80-run triumph over Great Kingshill.

71 from Abhishek Chatterjee and a huge total of 109 from 63 balls from Muhammad Hafeez

saw Shinfield finish with 323.

Shinfield secured the win after 44.5 overs.

CMB Premiership EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD took 35 points on the road at Braywood 2s.

There were several solid innings from Emmbrook as they dropped just three wickets on their way to hitting 248, which included 67 not out from Andy Lazenbury and a half century not out from Jack Narraway.

Andy Robertson bowled fantastically to take four wickets to secure a comfortable 143-run win for Emmbrook.

Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s are in second after they got the better of Hurley 2s.

With a target of 267 to catch, the Bears won the match after 41 overs which saw an exceptional innings from Jamie Goodwin (135 not out).

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DEFEAT SEES THEM SLIP DOWN Crows Coyotes make strong start to Berkshire softball title defence CROWS Coyotes made a great start towards their defence of the ‘Berkshire Women’s Softball League’ title.

BCL Premier Division

FARLEY HILL are still in second despite losing out to Goring on Thames.

They fell just short of reaching the target set by Goring as they were all out just six runs shy of winning the match.

SHINFIELD 2s dropped down to sixth after they lost at home to Woodcote.

WEST READING 2s moved to seventh after they dealt defeat to bottom of the table WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE. A half century from Mehdi Harees helped West Reading score 290.

Opening batsman Ankush Gandhi totalled 66 for Waltham and Ravi Sainani was 61 not out, but Reading

took the match with four wickets from Jawad Ahmad.

BCL Division 1A READING UNITED lead the way after they were victorious away at Stallions.

Reading finished on 280 after an astonishing innings of 114 from 52 balls from Daud Sardar.

Stallions were all out on 217 after three wickets from SriHarsha Cherukuri.

EARLEY put 35 points on the board with an eight wicket win over Checkendon.

Kiran Susarla had four wickets to his name for Earley and 93 not out from Araving Gururajan

helped them to win after 28.4 overs.

BERKSHIRE ROYALS earned a convincing 233-run success over WEST READING 3s.

Arshad Kaffar hit 87 for Berkshire, while West Reading were skittled out for 84.

BCL Division 1B CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s lost out to top of the table Rangers.

Dan finucane scored 72 for Crows which helped them to 218 from 40 overs.

But Rangers took the win with four wickets to spare.

WOODLEY are up to third after

they got past TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE. In a tight contest, Woodley got over the line with one wicket to spare after 74 runs from Pradeep Kadloor.

READING UNITED 2s won by one wicket against EARLEY 2s.

Jegannathan Srinivasen collected for wickets for United, while Hlf century from Sushant Jain helped them to take the match.

FARLEY HILL 2s won by 11 runs against Stallions.

Jos Clarke was in scintillating form with 168 runs from 105 balls to help Farley to total 308.

SHINFIELD 3s took 35 points after they beat Warfield by 50 runs.

RUGBY UNION

BERKSHIRE TEAMS ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY IN RESPECTIVE FINALS

By WAYNE FONCETTE sport@wokingham.today BOTH Berkshire RFU Women and Men’s will prepare to play under the bright lights at Twickenham after qualifying for their respective finals.

Berkshire Women made history in their first division 1 (Gill Burns) County Championship by making it through to the finals for the first ever time.

Having had the heartache of losing out in the semi-finals on three separate occasions in the

past, Berkshire got over that hurdle this year and will now compete at the home of English rugby with a trophy on the line.

The Berkshire side is filled with talent including players from both Reading and Reading Abbey and will now prepare to take on Leicestershire RFU Women in the final of the competition.

Berkshire RFU captain Annette Bevan said: “We’re excited, but we know we have work to do to tighten up our play in the last two training sessions. Playing at Twickenham with the best facilities in England

will be very special. We believe we can win, and we will do our very best to achieve that.”

Berkshire RFU Men’s also achieved the feat of making it to a County Championship final for the first time in 20 years.

Berkshire will face Oxfordshire County in the Bill Beaumont Men’s County Championship division three final.

Captain of the team and young Rams RFC player Max Hayman said: “After what has been a ling season but getting to the final is a great way to see the season out and

hopefully we can end it with a big performance and a win. I will just be telling the boys to enjoy it. Last game of the season, the first final in 20 years that will set the tone for the next 20, whatever the result at the end of the 80 minutes, just enjoy it.” n Berkshire Men’s team will play Oxforshire at Richmond RFC on Saturday, June 4 (12.15pm kickoff), while Berkshire Women face Leicestershire at Twickenham on the same day (1pm kick-off) with both finals offering free entry to spectators.

The first of the four-way West Berks tournaments took place under a hot sun and in an idyllic setting. The Coyotes put on an excellent team performance to beat Binfield, Warfield, and the hosts West Ilsley.

In the Binfield match there was particularly sharp batting by Gabi Jones (scoring 20) and Gillian Finucane (13).

Best bowling stats went to Helena Jones (2-4) and Gill O’Loughlin (2-7).

In the Warfield match the dynamic opening pair of Gabi Jones and Lou Roberts scored an impressive 38 runs off their 18 balls.

Then the fielding innings ended with three powerful wickets off the last three balls from Gillian Finucane (bowled, run-out, caught).

In the final game, against West Ilsley, top batting stats belonged to Gill O’Loughlin (18), Lily Mansfield (18) and Gabi Jones (17); and in the field Lily Mansfield bowled 2-9 and Lou Roberts 1-6.

All 10 squad members were pivotal to the success of the day, with positive attitudes and boundless energy throughout.

The Coyotes played in their Super 8’s third double header hosted by Binfield CC on Sunday.

With everything to play for, having won two and lost two, they were fully charged to face their hosts Binfield CC and East & West Hendred.

Binfield (293-3) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (226-7)

The Crows lost the toss and were sent in to bat against sharp bowling that the hosts were confident would keep the run rate down.

Attacking fielding left Crowthorne with little wriggle room and, although Jones, with the highest runs, gave the Coyotes hope it was not enough to present a challenge. Restricted to 226-7 in the innings, unfortunately the valiant attempts from skipper Finucane with a wicket and maiden over and two further wickets from Roberts the Crows’ women’s push for survival was a stretch too far.

East & West Hendred (278-1) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (269-6)

Winning the toss, a revived Crows team batted first and started positively with H. Jones and G. O’Loughlin pairing up to run 11 off 16 balls.

The Crows women then defended until Pobjoy and Blake stepped up to give the team a much needed boost.

O’Loughlin and Finucane walked up for the last four overs; a partnership that secured a further 27 runs for the team to finish on a respectable 269-6.

The fielding innings saw the Coyotes push hard to keep the run rate down.

Maiden overs from Nair, Jones and Finucane and a first league wicket from Pobjoy took the Coyotes on a winning trajectory, only to be sent off course by the final batting pair, one of whom tidied up with 30 runs for the narrow win.

24 | SPORT

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TENNIS

RESULTS

BRACKNELL TENNIS HELPS CHARITY

Saturday, May 28 Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club’s charity day raised £1000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation

CRICKET Home Counties Premier League Aston Rowant (213-6) beat Wokingham (209-9) Finchampstead 264-9) beat Buckingham Town (210-8)

Sunday, May 29

BCM Championship Great Kingshill (243 all out) lost to Shinfield (323-9) West Reading (228-7) beat Braywood (203 all out)

Saturday, June 4

CMB Premiership Braywood (105 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (248-3) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (267-4) beat Hurley 2s (266-6)

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today BRACKNELL Lawn Tennis Club hosted its first ever charity day and raised £1,000 for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) a charity close to the heart of one of its members.

“CLDF have provided our family with information and support ever since my daughter, Isabella who is now 15, was diagnosed with the rare liver disease, biliary atresia,” said club member, John Pascoe.

“Her first year was very difficult, particularly when she had to undergo a liver transplant, but the charity was there when we needed them and continue to support Isabella through her teenage years.

“We wanted to give something back and to know that all families in our situation would still receive this kind of help, so I suggested the idea of a charity day to the tennis club and was delighted to receive such a positive response.”

The day took the form of a

morning session for families and an afternoon tournament for adults, culminating in a final with medals and a trophy for the winners. Funds were raised from an entry fee, buffet and a raffle and the day was such a success, it is now to be an annual event with a different charity to be nominated each year.

Katherine Myles, Interim Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood

BOWLS

WOKINGHAM ENJOY SUCCESSFUL WEEK

By Pat Rutherford sport@wokingham.today

IT was another successful week for Wokingham Bowling Club which saw wins for Wokingham Oak Apples and an away victory at Three Mile Cross.

Despite having to substitute two ladies at the last minute due to illness, Wokingham Oak Apples managed to win with six points to Oak Apples and four points to Three Mile Cross giving 56 to Wokingham and 46 to TMX. Wokingham also visited Three Mile Cross for a men’s friendly match on Saturday, May 28 and came out on top, winning all four rinks ending up with a score of 113 to Wokingham and 62 to Three Mile Cross.

The Winning rink was skipped by Len Cooke with Chris Barnes and Ron Swan.

Wokingham’s Kennet League A team played its third match of the 2022 season away to Royal Household on Tuesday, May 24.

Wokingham bowled well, winning on three rinks and losing by just one shot on what was effectively a last end shoot-out on the other. The aggregate score was 84-40.

Wokingham secured a win against Suttons C team in the KLV Division 3 Central East with 60 shots to Wokingham C and 49 shots to Suttons C on May 20.

This was followed by a win against Maiden Erlegh C team with Wokingham taking 53 shots to Maiden Erlegh 48 shots, played on Friday. May 27.

Miaden Erlegh Bowls Club

May 24: KL - Home match against Maidenhead Thicket.

Victory for MEBC after another tight match against a strong opponent, winning on 3 rinks by one shot and drawing the other. Shots score 66-63, but a 13-1 result on points. Rink scores: 18-17; 13-12; 18-17 and 17-17 Skips: Mark Hiley, Mike Fraser, Keith Hawkins and Frank Parkinson respectively.

May 25: OTL – MEBC hosted Hurst. A very strong opponent

saw MEBC lose 58 – 102 shots, meaning MEBC score only 2 points out of a possible 14.

Individual rink scores, 12-16, 14-30, 17-14, 7-18, 8-24.

Skips: Roy Clarke, Janet Silvester, Chris Fellow, Franks Parkinson, Mary Parkinson.

May 26: KLV-B, MEBC hosted Hurst and secured a win 8 – 2 on points. Overall score was 58 – 27. Individual rinks were 13-18, 30-9, 15-0 (No-show on 3rd rink), Skips: Guy O’Connor and Keith Boulter

May 27: KLV-A MEBC travelled away to Twyford. A win on 2 of the 3 rinks saw MEBC come away with 8 – 2 points. Overall score was close at 51 – 47. Individual rinks were 18-16, 14-17, 19-14, Skips: Keith Hawkins, Mark Hiley and David Van Beeston.

KLV-C MEBC travelled away to Wokingham. Unfortunately, they were one player short and the penalty cost them, with overall score of 48.5 - 53 shots. Points were 2 - 8 to Wokingham. Individual rinks 18-22, 14-19, 21-13 Skips: Roy Clarke, Paul Dieppe, Ray Pontet.

liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely on voluntary donations.

“We are delighted that Bracknell Lawn Tennis Club decided to support us in this way.

“The funds raised will enable us to continue to make a difference to families affected by childhood liver disease throughout the UK.”

n For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.

READING FC

FORMER ROYALS CAPTAIN CALLS TIME ON CAREER FORMER Reading FC captain Paul McShane has called time on his playing career at the age of 36.

The defender who made 33 international caps for the Republic of Ireland, joined the Royals in 2015 and spent four years at the club, making over 100 appearances.

McShane started his youth career at Manchester United and played for West Bromwich Albion, Sunderland, Hull City, Barnsley and Crystal Palace before joining Steve Clarke’s Reading side.

The Irish defender helped the Royals reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2016 after he scored in a 3-1 win over Premier League West Brom, before Reading were beaten by two late goals to Crystal Palace with a place in the final four up for grabs.

After being released by Reading in 2019, McShane played two seasons at League One Rochdale and will now take up an academy coaching role with Man United.

McShane said: “Twenty years of fulfilling my boyhood dream of being a professional footballer, but the time has come to retire from playing.

“Thank you to all the players, staff and coaches that I’ve had the pleasure of working with – it’s been the best rollercoaster I’ve ever been on.

“Thank you also to the fans – it was an honour to play in front of you. A day I thought I’d dread but I’m excited and ready for the future.”

Royal Ascot 2s (155-9) Finchampstead 4s (100 all out) lost to Newbury (249-9)

BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (208-5) beat Farley Hill (202 all out) Shinfield 2s (240-7) lost to Woodcote (265-3) Waltham St Lawrence (258-7) lost to West Reading 2s (290-8) BCL Division 1A Earley (179-2) beat Checkendon (178-8) Stallions (217 all out) lost to Reading United (280-9) West Reading 3s (84 all out) lost to Berkshire Royals (317-5) BCL Division 1B Farley Hill 2s (308-4) beat Stallions (297-4) Rangers (222-6) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (218-6) Reading United 2s (168-9) beat Earley 2s (167 all out) Shinfield 3s (240-7) beat Warfield (180 all out) Twyford and Ruscombe (2064) lost to Woodley (209-9) Thames Valley Division 1 Cookham Dean (244 all out) beat Eversley (199-8) Thames Valley Division 2B Finchampstead 2s (326-7) beat Fleet (166 all out) Wokingham 2s (220-6) beat Hurst (217-7) Royal Ascot (216-5) beat Binfield (214 all out) Sulhamstead & Ufton (239 all out) lost to Reading (299-6) Thames Valley Division 3A Theale & Tilehurst (216-9) beat Wargrave 2s (166 all out) Sonning (295-8) beat White Waltham (123 all out) Thames Valley Division 4A Thatcham town 2s (218-5) beat Finchampstead 3s (203 all out) Wokingham 3s (206-8) beat Taplow (204-7) Thames Valley Division 5B Reading 2s (142-0) beat Bracknell (141 all out) Eversley 2s (306-7) beat Bagshot 2s (228-7) Purley-on-Thames 2s (200-9) beat Sonning 2s (155 all out) Binfield 2s (154 all out) lost to

FOOTBALL Aldershot Invitational Cup Final Bracknell Rangers 2-4 FC Fleet

FIXTURES

CRICKET Home Counties Division 1 Henley v Finchampstead Wokingham v high Wycombe Home Counties Division 2 Harefield v Wargrave BCM Championship Holmer Green v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Shinfield v Ballinger Waggoners CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Hurley BCL Premier Division Farley Hill v Welford Park Sandhurst v Shinfield West Reading 2s v Goring on Thames Woodcote v Waltham St Lawrence BCL Division 1A Checkendon v Berkshire Royals Peppard Stoke Row 2s v West Reading 3s Reading Lions v Silchester BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Twyofrd and Ruscombe Earley 2s v Farley Hill 2s Stallions 2s v Shinfield 3s Woodley v Reading United 2s Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Gerrards Cross Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Wokingham 2s Hurst v Fleet Reading v Cove Finchampstead 2s v Sulhamstead & Ufton Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham v Kidmore End Harpsden v Theale & Tilehurst Wargrave 2s v Aldershot Windsor v Sonning Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s v Maidenhead & Bray 2s Wokingham 3s v Henley 3s Thames Valley Division 5B Sonning 2s v Eversley 2s Bagshot 2s v Reading 2s Newbury v Binfield 2s Bracknell v Finchampstead 4s

Sunday, June 5

CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8s Wargrave v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Sonning v Binfield