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PACKED WITH NEWS, BRILLIANTLEISURETODAY WHAT’S ON PAPERS AND SPORT IN ONE DROP SPORT NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US TODAY 16.03.22
Your guide to what’s on
across Reading and Wok ingham
READING
16.03.22
RED DEVILS GET BETTER OF WOMEN
SCRUM ON DOWN FOR FRIDAY FUN
BROWN BAGS
BOARS HAT-TRICK
ROYALS FALL AT FOREST
WOODLEY United complete d their first league double of the season and their first clean sheet since the opening day of the season.
ZONE CREEPS CLOSER
Alby flies in for Easter treat W
ITH spring here, thought s are of warmer weathe r, sunnier days and some sunshine.
But a Reading-based theatre has more chilly ideas on its mind, thanks to its Easter adventure. Alby The Penguin Saves The World is a new play written and directed by Helen and will be at the Kings Road-ba Eastman, sed Reading Rep theatre during April. Aimed at children aged three to eight, the show is a magical adventu re with a heart. Told with puppets guided by Victoria Jane, it tells Alby’s story: his home is melting due to the climate emergency. Wherever Alby goes, adventu By ANDY PRESTON re is not remainde r of the first-half, Reading apreston far@wokingh behind, and am.today he quickly findscouldn’t himselfclaw on themselves back into a mission to help save his the(and game.the They collapsed with three friends READING are creeping closer world), second-half strikes. before it’s towards too late. the relegatio n zone after Reading Victoriadisaster have the joint worst another defensive Jane hasaway extensiv experienrecord at edefensive ce in the league Nottingha working m Forest with on family-fr Saturday.iendly theatre, having conceded including It took 72 times from 36 just 17 seconds an internati for the onal tour of Sesame games. Street, a UK Royals to fall behind at the tour of Fireman Sam, Cityand Prior to their Tuesday night Ground as their In The Night Garden continued. Live.improving game at promotion Shewoes has also Despite pushing AFC Teletubbies, in theappeared onBournemo and The Morgana uth (report online at rdg. Show. Alby runs at the new theatre from Thursday, April 7, through to Monday, April 18. And to whet appetites for the show, Reading Rep is organisin g a talk on Climate Activism, taking place next week. On Tuesday, March 22, young climate activists Savinu Hettiara chchi, Ishaan Moitra, Pravi Pratheepan and Akash Ramesh will be part of a panel that will dissect the themes of the production, with the aim to engage young people on global issues and discuss the role of young people and the community in combatting the global climate crisis. The panel is hosted by Reading Rep Theatre, and chaired by Dr Holly University of Reading postdoct Ayres, oral research assistant on Polar climate, Sea ice, Southern Ocean. The event is free and open to the public, tickets need to be booked via the Reading Rep website. n For more details, or to book, log on to www. readingrep.com
Rising fuel costs won’t impact bus fares By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
today), Reading are four points above the Championship relegation zone. With more tough games on the horizon, and Blackburn Rovers visiting the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday, interim boss Paul Ince will need to rejuvenat e his team and find quick solutions to prevent them from plumeting down to League One.
KESTRELS MOVE UP WITH CLEAN SHEET WIN
An international break follows the weekend’s match, which give Reading time to prepare will trip to Oakwell on Saturday, for a April 2, to face relegation rivals Barnsley in a game that could potentiall y be the difference between relegation and survival come the end of the campaign.
n Match report, reaction and pictures on pages 20 & 21
The win also helped them move above their opponents, London Samurai Rovers, on goal difference in the Combined Counties Division One table. Rovers were under pressure from their kick off as Woodley pressed the visitors in their half with an opening chance which Hubert Szczech saved well to right from Bevan Van Wyk’s his header to concede a corner kick. The 19th minute saw Rafa Brandao’s shot blocked with loose ball falling to Sykes whose powerful drive was turned away for a corner by the diving Szczech. The resulting kick went across the visitors’ six yard box, where Gary Smith failed to make contact, and the ball went out of play. The pace of the game slowed down with the teams entering half time goalless. The second half started as first with Woodley enjoying the good possession in the Samurai half but, in doing so, were susceptib le to a counter attack. United’s efforts were rewarded in the 63rd minute when Van Wyk found Brandao on the left winger whose low cross into the opponents’ penalty area found the unmarked Kaylum Barlow, who shot it past Szczech. Rovers’ best chance to level came in the 75th minute when Walker blocked a shot, following a corner, from close range and Stuart Birkett reacted quickest to divert the ball over the home cross bar from the follow up shot. Following receiving two cautions in quick successio n, Samurai were reduce to 10 players with the sending off of full-back Blessing Lama. Rovers looked to level leaving themselves exposed in defence. The closest Woodley came to extending their lead was when Seun Akintola was flagged offside, while the last action of the game saw Walker catch the ball in a crowed penalty area from a free kick.
No. 21 90p
FINAL BOW FOR 90-YEAR-OLD P3
READING Buses has confirmed there are no planned fare increases, despite rising fuel costs.
Following a price rise in January this year, the transport provider has no intention of rising fares again. Reading Buses generally increased most single fares by 10p and most return or day tickets by 20p. Robert Williams, chief executive officer at Reading Buses, said: “We currently have no planned fare increases in response to the rise in fuel prices. “In January, we raised our fares for the first time in two years. To increase fares again so soon would be unfair to our passengers as they return to public transport, many for the first time since the pandemic started.” The average price for a litre of petrol hit a record-high of £1.63 last week, with diesel above £1.73. Crude oil costs have risen following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and this has impacted the price at the pump. Although the UK is not dependent on Russia for oil, with imports around 6% of the total, it is affected by global shifts in price. Mr Williams is encouraging drivers to avoid soaring prices by travelling by bus. He said: “There couldn’t be a better time to consider changing from the car to the bus for a lot of local journeys. “You can sit back, relax, and let our fantastic drivers do all the hard work, knowing that you have saved all the fuel from your own vehicle, and helped to improve congestion and the environment.” Reading Buses has a variety of ticketing options to suit individual needs.
Wednesday, March 16, 2021
UNITED: MPs, councillors and the Reading mayor joined people at the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre on Sunday Picture: Phil Creighton
Mayor launches Ukrainian appeal
DONATE AND HELP REFUGEES RELOCATE EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A BIG thank you has been expressed by Ukrainians for support given to them by Reading residents over the past few weeks.
Now, the appeal is for financial support ahead of the arrival of refugees fleeing Putin’s illegal invasion. The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre in Sid-
mouth Street has been the focal point for donations of clothing, medical supplies, sanitary items, and toys. So much was donated the centre has had to ask for people to stop giving items, and instead give cash. On Sunday, the centre held a small event so MPs, council leaders and centre members could be acknowledged for their support. Among the attendees was Reading West MP Alok Sharma, Reading East MP Matt Rodda, Reading
Borough mayor Cllr Rachel Eden, and Cllr Jason Brock and Cllr John Halsall, the council leaders for Reading and Wokingham respectively. Cllr Eden said that Reading stood ready to help the centre as refugees arrived, with an appeal to be set up in the coming days to ensure the Ukrainian Centre has the funds it needed to support. “I know that Reading will, as we always do, stand ready to welcome people,
and I know the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre will be at the heart of that,” she said, referencing the town’s City of Sanctuary status. “As I said at the recent vigil, Ukrainians have two homes: your beautiful Ukrainian home, and you also have Reading as your second home. “Your Reading home stands with you, and we will always stand with you.
TIME FOR TEA ... ON THE RIVER P3
COMIC ARTIST MARTIN SIGNS IN P5
BREWER’S CHEER P12 FOR WOMEN’S DAY ISSN 2754-2785 11
n Continued on page 7 9 772754 278509
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
All change on the buses …
WE COVER READING BOROUGH EMMER GREEN CAVERSHAM CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS LOWER CAVERSHAM TILEHURST
NORCOT
WEST READING SOUTHCOTE
READING COLEY
EAST READING
KATESGROVE
WHITLEY
SOME bus services will see their frequency reduced as a bus company juggles the effects of covid, inflation and increases in fuel costs. From Monday, April 4, the Lion 4 and X4 service, which links Reading to Bracknell via Wokingham’s town centre, will switch to every 20 minutes – the loss of one journey per hour. There will also be changes to the 13/14 Orange routes between Woodley and Reading, with the Friday and Saturday late-night journeys axed. The frequency of claret 21/21a will be reduced from 15 to 20 minutes with combined frequency to the University now up to every 10 minutes. There will also be changes to the royal blue 33 timetable during the morning and afternoon peaks, while the temporary changes that were made to ruby 10, greenwave 50 and mereoak park & ride 600 in January, due to a slower recovery and a shortage
of drivers, will also remain in place. Reading Buses’ chief executive officer Robert Williams: “Since the beginning of the pandemic the government has been providing funding to replace missing customer fares and help us keep the community connected. “This was reduced last September and will be phased out by October as customers continue to return. “We are also seeing an impact
FEWER LIONS: From April, Reading Buses is reducing the frequency of some services as a result of reduced passenger numbers
from increases in costs like national insurance and fuel. “While we are seeing an increase in passenger numbers, the expected growth was heavily impacted by the Omicron variant. “These changes ensure that we can maintain our services longer term as people return to offices and increase their leisure travel.”
n Full timetable details can be found on the Reading Buses website www. reading-buses.co.uk
In print
It’s good! Ofsted upgrades Reading fostering service
Online
IT’S GOOD, and that’s official. Reading-based fostering service Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) is celebrating success following a recent Ofsted inspection.
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By Phil Creighton news@rdg.today
Inspectors awarded a ‘Good’ rating to the three key areas: overall experience of children and young people, how well children and young people are helped and protected and the effectiveness of leaders and managers. Published earlier this month, the report covers all aspects of the agency, and follows on from a previous inspection in February 2020, which said it required improvements to reach the good status. The inspectors, who visited between January 18 and 24, found that children in care have a sense of permanence and stability and are well matched to foster carers who have the relevant experience and skills to care for them. Their report notes: “Their lives are
enhanced by the care and nurture that fostering families give. Supervising social workers and foster carers advocate on their behalf and ensure that children’s needs are put first.” Foster carers were praised for going above and beyond to ensure children see their family and friends, which helps them develop secure and trusting relationships. Despite the pandemic, foster carers enabled children to meet up with family and friends safely by organising picnics and outside activities. And helping this is BFfC, including additional training, access to specialist clinical advice and support groups which, inspectors say, has resulted in children’s lives being enhanced and their voices heard. BFfC is a not-for-profit fostering service that operates on behalf of Reading Borough Council. The report says its management arrangements have recently been strengthened. It says: “There is a clear vision for the service which is ambitious and forward-thinking. Positive outcomes for children and
support for foster carers has already improved.” Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said she was delighted with the inspection’s results. “I am pleased the inspectors have highlighted how everyone involved in the fostering service has played a part in its improvement,” she said. “The IFA staff, management, foster carers, supervising social workers and other professionals are all working together to achieve the best possible outcomes for Reading children. “While we are very pleased with this finding, we will continue to focus on further, long-term improvements to the service we offer. “I would like to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment and invite anyone thinking about becoming a foster carer in Reading to come and join the team.” n For details, log on to: www. readingfostering.co.uk, call: 0118 469 3020, or email: foster@ brighterfuturesforchildren.org
Tribute to woman following fatal crash on M4
THE family of a woman who died after a road traffic collision on the M4 have released a tribute to her. Pulvinder Dhillon, 68, died as a result of the collision just before junction 12 on the M4 westbound, on Monday, March 7. Her family is being supported by trained officers. In a tribute they said: “She was a beautiful, kind mother, mother-in-law, sister, Grandma and friend who was loved and respected by all she knew. “It’s a tragic accident and we would want the respect of the public to let the family come to terms with what has happened and grieve in peace.” Thames Valley Police are still appealing to anybody who was driving on the M4 on Monday at around the time of the collision. Anybody who may have witnessed it is asked to call 101, quoting incident reference 320 (7/3).
Witness appeal THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a collision in Reading which resulted in a man being seriously injured. The incident happened on Thursday, March 10, at around 10am on the A4 Bath Road in Calcot. A driver in a Mercedes A200 collided with a BMW R1250 motorcycle on the roundabout near to the exit with Royal Avenue. As a result, the motorcyclist, a 60-year-old man, suffered a broken ankle. He was taken to hospital for treatment. Investigating officer, PC Jamie Payne, of the roads policing unit, said: “We are carrying out an investigation into this incident, and I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed it, or who has any dash cam footage of it. “If you can help, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43220105631, or make a report online.”
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Late retirement for Earley man, David – 90 – hangs up his baton ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE: David Wilson conducted the Slough Philharmonic Orchestra for the final time just two weeks before his 90th birthday. Picture: Emma Ramskill
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today AN EARLEY man has retired after 66 years conducting the Slough Philharmonic Orchestra. David Wilson led the musicians for his final time with the orchestra on Saturday, March 5 – just two weeks before his 90th birthday. His daughter, Sally, said that conducting could be the secret to his longevity. “It has kept him fit,” She said, “and he’s very sprightly indeed, and he wanted to go out on a high.” The final concert of his tenure was attended by Sally, and his partner Jan, who has missed only two of his concerts in 66 years. Mr Wilson was educated in Maidstone, where he played piano with the school orchestra. He later went on to study at the Royal College of Music, before completing national service in the RAF Central Band. After National Service he went into teaching at Ranelagh School in Bracknell, where he taught for 38 years. As well as conductor, he has served as the director of music for the orchestra.
The concert earlier this month began with a rendition of the Ukrainian national anthem in a show of solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Ms Wilson said that this was an emotional start to an already emotional evening. “When dad heard the air raid sirens in Kyiv on the news, it really reawoke memories that he’d parked
almost a lifetime ago.” But the evening was also a happy occasion, and he celebrated afterwards in the pub with friends and family until late. Ms Wilson said that he still helps teach GCSE and A-level students, and will continue to offer to help out with the philharmonic. Though he has retired, Ms Wilson said that he had a lot of interests, including painting and travelling.
“He’ll be busy still, for sure.” He was also awarded a British Empire Medal in the New Year’s Honours List in 2018 for his service to music and to young people. Mr Wilson was given an award by Slough Borough Council for his individual contribution to the arts. The Slough Philharmonic Society was founded in 1941 by SEGRO, which continues to support the group.
Unique tea room celebrates 10 years afloat By NATALIE BURTON news@rdg.today A UNIQUE Reading tea room will celebrate its 10th year afloat this summer. Whittington’s Tea Barge is moored on the north bank of the River Thames alongside Hills Meadows. It reopens for the season on Saturday, March 26. For owners Andrew Craig and Lesley Banks, this year is an opportunity to say thank you to their regular customers, many of whom have now become friends of the couple. “Neither of us are from Reading, we didn’t know anybody,” Andrew says. “We moved purely for the barge because we needed navigable waterways. “Walking down the Thames Path, we felt that the stretch of river between Caversham and Reading was perfect.” The couple were living in Yateley when they came up with the idea for a floating tea room. Andrew had a background in catering, and a higher national diploma in hotel management. Lesley is a professional singer, with a degree from Royal Academy of Music and no previous experience in the hospitality industry. Andrew explains that it was Lesley who suggested a floating tea room: “The idea was to have something quirky and not on the high street, and I was living on a boat at the time too. “We discovered that it was
ATTACK: An image released by police of a man they believe could help their investigation after a man was assaulted in Palmer Park last week
Man in hospital after assault
A MAN suffered a serious head injury during a late-night assault in a Reading park. The incident took place between 11pm and midnight on Thursday, March 10 at Palmer Park, off Wokingham Road. The victim, a 31-year-old man, is still receiving treatment in hospital, while a 31-year-old man has been arrested, and is in police custody. Now, police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, and have released a CCTV image of a man they believe may have witnessed the assault. Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Laura Corscadden, based at Reading police station, said: “This was a very serious assault which resulted in a man sustaining a serious injury which has required him to receive ongoing hospital treatment. “We are releasing this image as we believe that the man pictured may have witnessed the assault and could have information that could assist our investigation. “I would like to speak to anyone who saw this incident, or who has any information which they think could be useful to our investigation. “If you can help, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43220107473. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or make a report online.”
They’re making it up again THEY enjoyed making it up in February, now they’re preparing to go again. The Mad Monkey Improv troupe is returning to BrewDog in Reading town centre this weekend. MISSION:IMPROVable sees the troupe improvise comedy skits based on audience suggestions. The troupe currently includes Alexander McWilliam, Seamus Allen, and guest improviser Amelia Stevenson.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY: Andrew Craig and Lesley Banks in Whittington’s Tea Barge at Hill’s Meadow. It reopens at the end of the month Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision cheaper to build a boat from scratch than to have a premises on land.” The couple are grateful to Reading Borough Council employees who have helped them to navigate planning and licensing requirements for the barge over the past decade, particularly Marcus Herman and his successor Luke Lloyd. “Our tea barge was quite unusual back then,” Andrew explains. “We like to think we inspired barge cafés and restaurants which have opened around the UK since.” Construction of the barge began in November 2011, and took eight months. It was delivered to the couple on August 1, 2012, and opened to the public 10 days later, August 11, at its original site on Christchurch Meadows.
“Our customer base built up steadily, mostly by word-of-mouth,” Andrew says. “It was pretty good when we won coffee shop of the year at the Reading Retail Awards in 2012, given that we’re only open for nine months of the year. “Being on the Thames Path means that lots of people pass by. “We’re a destination café too now, one lady came to us after
having had tea at The Ritz and said that our scones are better, and to be mentioned in the same breath as Cliveden House Hotel as a top place to have afternoon tea is amazing.” Lockdown closures meant that Andrew was placed on furlough. Self-employed Lesley was able to offer a cream tea hamper home delivery service, which proved to be popular. “The Whittington’s at Home service meant that we gained new customers from people wanting to try something a bit different,” she said. “Deliveries were made out to Henley, Charvil and Twyford. “We hope they will come and visit us on the barge this year.” Plans for the Whittingtons season include invitation only 10th anniversary cruises for Andrew and Lesley’s friends and regulars. Bookings for Mothering Sunday, which falls on March 27, are now being taken. n For more information, visit: facebook.com/whittingtonsteabarge
n MISSION:IMPROVable, on Friday, March 18, from 8pm. Tickets are £5, for details, search www.eventbrite.co.uk
4 | NEWS
Arrest over alleged assault A READING man has been arrested on suspicion of assault, possessing a knife, blade, or sharp pointed article in a public place, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, and intimidating a witness or juror. The 52-year-old has been released on police bail until Sunday, April 3. Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to the assault. A man in his forties was attacked with a hammer and a knife outside Wickes on Oxford Road at around 2.50pm on Monday, March 7. The victim suffered a cut and bruising to his face and soreness to his shoulder but did not require hospital treatment. Detective Constable Adam Tarrant, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses of this incident, or anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious, to get in touch. “Anyone who can help should call us on 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220101137. “Alternatively, contact the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting its website.” Reports can be made to Thames Valley Police at www.thamesvalley.police.uk
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Royal visitor helps make charity’s birthday special
PICTURE: Stewart Turkington A READING charity had a special guest visit to celebrate its birthday. Parenting Special Children welcomed HRH Sophie Countess of Wessex to an anniversary event earlier this month. The charity, founded in 2006, offers specialist support across Berkshire to families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including families who foster and adopt. Ruth Pearse, Parenting Special
Children’s founder and CEO said: “Thank you to HRH The Countess of Wessex for joining us to celebrate our 15th anniversary, it was an honour and privilege to welcome you to meet our families. “I will remember the pure delight on the children’s faces for a long time to come, especially my daughter presenting your gift, special memories to treasure forever.” Ms Pearse founded the charity after identifying an unmet
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need while receiving a diagnosis for her daughter. At the time she found there was a lack of support and very few specialist programmes that families could access which would help them learn more about the diagnosis their child or young person had received. Since its inception, the charity has supported more than 10,000 families with courses, workshops and clinics, informed and influenced by the families who have attended them.
Following the event, Tess Eagles, partnership manager and neurodiverse children/young people’s lead at the charity, said: “This will be a highlight of the year. “The event was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the fantastic work undertaken by the charity in the last 15 years and also to look forward to the next 15, made more memorable by a royal visit.” The Countess of Wessex
took part in games of Uno with the children who also enjoyed colouring activities and making a mosaic. Other guests included Parenting Special Children’s past and present staff team, trustees, parent carers, volunteers and supporters including the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden and her deputy, Cllr Ayo Sokale. n For more information on Parenting Special Children visit: parentingspecialchildren.co.uk
Council’s £1m boost to improve town By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter READING Borough Council has confirmed more than £1 million will be spent improving infrastructure across the borough.
The funding will come from developer contributions and will be used to improve parks, play areas and road safety measures in Reading. When a development is confirmed, developers commit funds to a community infrastructure levy (CIL) and 15% of the money must be invested in improving amenities. At the Policy Committee meeting on Monday, March 7, the council agreed which 18 projects will receive a share of the £1.623 million investment. Victoria Recreation Ground in Tilehurst will see the largest investment with £230,000 allocated to improve the park. Elsewhere £200,000 will be spent on the Waterloo Meadows playground in Katesgrove, and £200,000 will also be spent on a ’20mph is plenty’ speed limit zone on streets around the Oxford Road.
In Whitley, £150,000 will be spent improving pedestrian crossings on Imperial Way and Basingstoke Road, near to the Reading Gateway retail park. Cllr Rob White, leader of the Green Group in Reading, welcomed the projects but was keen to highlight that £142,000 of funding remained unallocated. He said: “Green councillors think the list of projects to be funded looks good, however given there is an underspend on the CIL pot of money, we think a few more projects could’ve been funded. “My Green party colleagues and I will keep working to make sure every drop of money is spent on improving the town.”
Projects planned n £231,000 for improvements to Victoria Recreation Ground n £20,000 for new street lights in town centre streets lacking adequate lighting n £200,000 for speed reduction measures in Northcourt Avenue n £200,000 for Waterloo Meadows playground in Katesgrove n £100,000 for Robert Hewitt
Recreation Ground in Tilehurst Road n £50,000 for traffic calming measures in Shaw Road and Boston Avenue in Coley n £3,000 for staggered barriers in Sheeps Lane, Coley n £20,000 for Moriston Close playground in Norcot n £200,000 for a ’20mph is plenty’ zone on streets around the Oxford Road n £75,000 for green gym equipment at Palmer Park in East Reading n £15,000 towards a facelift for the Hexham Road Community Centre in Whitley n £33,000 for green space improvements at the Lower Mount in the university area n £13,000 for improvements to Southcote Linear Park in Brunel Road n £8,000 for a new westbound bus shelter in Coronation Square, Southcote n £25,000 for lighting improvements at Coronation Square n £170,000 for improvements to South Whitley Park n £150,000 for Gateway area pedestrian crossings n £110,000 for communal area improvements in Lulworth Road, Whitley.
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National Insurance rise ‘will cost Reading £25m’ By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@rdg.today
WARNING: Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock has concerns over the rise in National Insurance contributions next month
THE AVERAGE working person in Reading is facing an extra £348 per year as a result of changes to National Insurance, according to Labour.
The party says that plans to increase the tax next month will hit households across the town as the costof-living crisis starts to bite. In recent weeks, prices for fuel and food have risen, while energy bills will also increase from April 1. Reading Labour says it wants the government to change course, and are hoping that the chancellor will use his spring statement next week to do so. However, on Sunday, Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove appeared to indicate on the BBC’s Sunday Morning programme that the planned National Insurance rise will go ahead as planned. “What we have to do at the moment is to provide support in every way possible that is targeted,” he said. “We have cut taxes by cutting council tax for people who are on the lower bands, we’re doing that deliberately in order to target support at
those on lower incomes at a time when we know that they face considerable pressures. “But behind your question may be a suggestion that we should do away with the national insurance increase. No, we’re not doing that. “We need that national insurance increase in order to make sure that we can fund the NHS and social care to deal with the Covid backlog.” The support measures he referred to include a £200 loan for energy bills, payable in the autumn, with repayments in £50 instalments over the
following four years. There will also be a £150 council tax rebate for people in council tax bands A-D. Reading Labour says that the National Insurance hike will see the town’s workers bill rise by £24.9 million, and pushes the tax burden up to a 70-year high. Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Families in our town are facing a cost of living crisis. Yet, incredibly, instead of helping people to get by, the Conservatives are making things worse by raising
National Insurance at the worst possible time. “Energy prices are soaring, inflation is the highest it’s been in decades, and families are struggling to make ends meet. This government will write-off billions in fraud and waste, but when it comes to the people of Reading, the Conservatives tell us they need a £24.9 million tax hike. “The truth is that the Conservative government is failing at the basics. With energy bills soaring, they force families to take a loan. And with the cost of living crisis deepening, they force workers and businesses to pay higher taxes.” He added: “This is hurting families in Reading. Although the Council has been able to support those on lower incomes with energy and food costs last winter, and we’ve enhanced our Council Tax Support Scheme this year, we’re at the limit with the finances we have. “Nationally, Labour would scrap the National Insurance tax hike and offer families real support with their energy bills – it’s a terrible shame this government is too wilfully ignorant to do the same.”
TALENT: Martin Simmonds with Brian Wong from Crunch Comics ahead of a signing of his Department of Truth series Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision
Crunch time for artist Martin as he signs in COMIC book fans were queuing out the door to meet one of the hottest talents in the business when he paid a visit to Reading on Saturday. Shoppers at Crunch Comics in Harris Arcade were able to meet artist Martin Simmonds. He was on hand at the store to sign copies of the Department of Truth series, published by Image Comics both as a monthly title and also as a graphic novel series. The series tells the tale of Cole Turner, a man who has spent a lifetime studying conspiracy theories, but has his life changed when he finds out that they are all true, from the JFK assassination to flat Earth theory and reptilian shapeshifters. One organisation has been
covering them up for generations. Hugely popular, it uses Martin’s talents as an artist to tell the story. Brian Wong, who runs Crunch Comics, was delighted with how the event went. “Martin said he really enjoyed meeting our customers and Department of Truth fans,” he said. “He was with us for three hours, and was kind enough to sign people’s comics and graphic novels, plus he did a ‘remarque’ sketch on the covers of his graphic novel for those who asked for one.” Crunch Comics moved to larger premises in Harris Arcade in December last year, taking over the unit formally occupied by a letting agent.
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Health club’s football match
In a show of support for Ukraine, Reading Borough Council lit up the pedestrian bridge in Christchurch Meadows last week Picture: Reading Borough Council
n From front page
Cllr Eden continued: “Although it’s incredibly generous that people have given gifts in kind, we know that money and cash is going to be vital, both to the international appeals, but locally as well. “We need to help (the Ukrainian Centre) and step up, and that’s why I’m launching a mayoral appeal, asking people to donate directly to the centre as a charity. “I know there are hundreds, probably thousands, of people in Reading just waiting to know what link to click.” She said that the centre would know how best to use the donations when they came in. “I think that will make a small difference, but I hope it will also make a difference in your hearts,” she told the centre’s members. “With every pound that someone donates, you know their heart is with you as well. “And our hearts are with you.” At the start of the gathering, there was a short time of prayer and reflection, led by Father Stan Gibziński, parish priest of Our Lady of Peace and Blessed Dominic Barberi and Catholic chaplain to the University of Reading. His prayers included moments of silence to remember those who had lost their lives. The Ukrainian centre’s chair, Tony Gresko, then summarised the recent aid collections. “Last week, we called out to the people of Reading to donate aid to Ukraine. We were overwhelmed by kindness and generosity,” he said. Medical items were packed into an ambulance which left for Ukraine on Saturday, March 12, while earlier on the Sunday, the second shipment of essential clothing and goods left the centre. “Each shipment is getting more difficult and dangerous to deliver,” Mr Gresko said. “But we are doing everything we can to
track the safety of our drivers.” And on the sheer quantity of donations, he said: “We were inundated with boxes … we weren’t expecting so much kindness. I would like to thank the public for the overwhelming support to my amazing team.” He called for the government to do more to help the situation in Ukraine, including helping refugees, but also thanked them for the support it had given. “I urge you both MPs, please go back and see whether NATO can protect our skies, protect our people, protect Ukrainian troops working alongside NATO,” he said, adding his gratitude that he could live in a democracy where he had free speech and could be critical of government. Reading West MP Alok Sharma reminded people of how, when the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet Union collapsed, people did not think that the Iron Curtain would fall again across Europe. “Unfortunately, it is happening in front of our very eyes,” he said. “All our thoughts are with the incredibly brave and courage people of Ukraine who are facing an unimaginable situation in the face of what is a totally illegal invasion from Putin. “We must ensure he is ultimately held to account for this.” He added: “What is really vital is that we stand together … it is important we continue to show that solidarity, that unity of purpose, across our country and our politics. “The one thing we have to ensure we cannot do is rest until Putin has failed … for the security of all of us.” Reading East MP Matt Rodda said: “This is Putin’s war, it’s a war of choice, a brutal war against a country which has every right to exist, and has every right to defend itself as well.” He added: “We stand wholeheartedly behind the Ukrainian people.”
On the donations that have been given, he thanked people and pledged to do what he could to help them get to Ukraine quickly. “I would like to thank the centre for the work in potentially sponsoring and supporting refugees as they come here, I think that’s incredibly valuable,” he continued. “Thank you again and we will continue to support you in the very difficult weeks ahead.” Reading Borough Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said: “It’s clear to me that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine has to be defended, and it must be considered inviolable.” He thanked the volunteers at the centre for the works they had done in recent weeks, adding that Reading was lucky to have it. “I know that for those involved in the centre, (welcoming refugees) will bring additional pressure on you .. there will be a great degree of expectation upon you, from the community locally and from refugees from Ukraine. “The council will do whatever it can to support you in that endeavour.” He pledged to work closely with other local councils, particularly Wokingham, “so it works as seamlessly as it possibly can, and in an entirely non-partisan way as well.” And at the council meeting planned for Tuesday, March 22, he said there would be a motion passed by councillors that would affirm “formally that support for the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, and also our commitment to go above and beyond whatever the legal minimum requirement is for Reading to take in terms of refugees, as we always have done.” “We will continue to play our role as a city of sanctuary, and provide a genuine and meaningful home for the people who are seeking refuge from conflict.”
Beer Box to donate profits to help appeal A CRAFT ale subscription box scheme is donating all profits this month to aid humanitarian efforts for people who have left Ukraine. Jymi Plumer of Berkshire Beer Box will give all proceeds from the monthly selection box to the cause. “I saw the scale of what is happening and thought that as I am in a position to be able to help, I should,” Mr Plumer explained. “I know some Ukrainians who live and work in the UK too. “I hope that what I am doing encourages others to donate.” An optional £10 donation has also been added to the cost of this month’s box. Funds raised will be given towards the most appropriate cause at the end of
Now taking registrations
Ukraine: A moment of thanks ahead of the big welcome
Lu Garcia’s candles will be in this month’s box Picture: Lu Garcia
March, due to the rapidly changing situation. Mr Plumer said that money raised “will directly buy and send supplies, or into a charity fund.” Boxes will also contain a candle in the colours of the Ukrainian flag, made by Lu Garcia of Readingbased Scatter and Bloom. “We’d been thinking of working together for a while, but this seemed like the right time,” Ms Garcia said. “I hope that everyone will light their candle and have a beer together somehow.” There are limited number of March selection boxes remaining. n For more information, visit: berkshirebeerbox.co.uk
THE Atrium Health Club has opened up its football pitch for a charity game in aid of Ukraine. The match will take place on Sunday, March 20, with kick-off currently set to start at 2pm. While plans are still being drawn up, players of all abilities are invited to take part. The Atrium Health Club is offering the use of its football pitch free of charge, and all proceeds will be donated to charities supporting Ukrainians. n To register your interest, sign up at www.facebook.com, or search for ‘football game for Ukraine’ on Facebook
Sale of art prints for Ukraine AN EAST Reading community hall is to be the venue for a special fundraising sale next month. Prints and postcards of art, including images of the gas tower that is currently being dismantled, and photography will be on sale, as well as clothes and mementos. At least 50% of sales will go to Ukraine. The sale will be taking place at The Warehouse in Cumberland Road, from 10am2pm on Saturday, April 2, and is organised by Newtown residents.
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Call for council to buy smaller bin lorries By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter A COUNCILLOR has called on Reading Borough Council to introduce smaller bin lorries.
According to Cllr Dave McElroy, Green Party councillor for Redlands Ward, drivers often struggle to get down narrow streets for weekly red and grey bin collections. This has led to a suggestion to use smaller vehicles like those used for food waste. Cllr McElroy, Green Party councillor for Redlands Ward, said: “Many times the lorry that collects waste from the grey and red bins has not been able to access some of the narrower roads and this has meant bins haven’t been emptied. “The food waste collection uses a smaller vehicle and is able to access narrower roads with greater ease.” Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, lead councillor for neighbourhoods and communities, acknowledged that issues could arise on bin collection days, specifically referring to Blenheim Road. In Blenheim Road, like many residential roads in the area, vehicles are often parked on both sides of the street.
NARROW STREETS: Some of Reading’s terraced roads are hard to navigate, such as Blenheim Road Picture: James Aldridge Cllr Barnett-Ward said this issue had only been identified as recurring on 10 roads in the borough, and downsizing to smaller waste collection vehicles would not be a solution. She said: “A food waste sized vehicle, collecting recycling or residual waste, could only collect 150 households a day, making it a highly inefficient model with significant environmental and financial impacts. “We could not justify removing a full sized lorry from the fleet to accommodate one.” An additional food collection
sized vehicle would cost around £92,000 a year to operate but has a 7.5 tonne weight restriction and can’t compact waste it collects. Cllr Barnett-Ward said the council’s waste collection fleet is already at “full capacity” meaning it can only replace vehicles rather than add to them. The council is looking at other alternatives to resolve the issue including sack collections loaded into a tipper vehicle and imposing parking restrictions on waste collection days. There is no timescale for this issue to be resolved.
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STORY TIME: Friends of Old Cemetery is seeking stories from the cemetery at Cemetery Junction, and hopes to start the conversation about grief and bereavement. They are also helping to maintain the site Picture: Leslee Barron
Friends of Old Cemetery collecting stories from beyond the graveyard A GROUP dedicated to maintaining an historic graveyard is appealing for the community to come forward with their memories. The Friends of Old Cemetery cares for the site, based at Cemetery Junction. Formed in 2013, it advocates for its maintenance, seeks to help the conservation of wildlife and charts its history. It also works with Reading Borough Council to help to manage the site and its wildlife. Now they are asking people who may be related to or know the history of people buried at the graveyard to come forward. Dr Yota Dimitriadi, a member of the Friends of Old Cemetery, said: “We want to encourage a conversation, both about Reading’s history and about death and grief generally.”
The group is working with Reading Crematorium and speaking to the families of those buried at the cemetery. Ms Dimitriadi said that there is some important and widereaching history connected to the site. “There are graves of activists and racers, as well as paupers’ graves and connections to both world wars.” She said that there were plans to bring the stories together to commemorate the history of Reading, but also to dispel some of the misconceptions about it. The group is looking to create a way of guests being able to hear an oral history of the site and those buried there. Ms Dimitriadi said, “Like everywhere, there are dark stories here, and people can be
quite reactive with regards to grief and bereavement.” The group wants to encourage people to talk more openly about death, including wills and digital access. It plans to host events to promote the stories it collects, and is in talks with artists to help. Ms Dimitriadi said that the group also hopes that the conversations about grieving and bereavement will help those who struggle with loss, as well as bring the community together. “Despite our differences as people, what unites us is grief, and what we learn about one another in moments of grief is very powerful.” n To contact the group, search for Friends of Reading Old Cemetery on Facebook
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THAMES Valley Police has arrested a man following a road traffic collision in Reading The 33-year-old man from Reading has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of driving without due care and attention, driving a vehicle with a proportion of a specific controlled drug above the specified limit. He is also under suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled class A drug and being in possession of a controlled class A drug, in
connection with this incident. The incident occurred at around 8.20am on Tuesday, March 8, on Northumberland Avenue, near to the junction with Callington Road. Police say a black Vauxhall Corsa was involved in a collision with a speed camera and two pedestrians, a man in his 30s and a girl under the age of five. The man sustained broken ribs and an injury to his arm while the girl suffered injuries to her face.
They were both taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital where they remain. PC Tom Dickinson, investigating officer based at Three Mile Cross, said: “I am appealing to anybody who may have witnessed the collision or the events leading up to it to please get in touch.” Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number:43220102091.
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Mother’s Day
To advertise in a similar feature, call Kevin on 0118 327 2662 Advertisement feature n RACHELS NAILS Our salon has been in Tilehurst Village for over eight years. We are proud to bring you the best service. We specialize in gel, acrylic nails, manicure, pedicure, eyebrow waxing and tinting... With a lot of benefits like: free parking
right in front of the salon, staying locally, free online booking system and with hundreds of five-star reviews on Google and Facebook, we are confident to bring you the best nail experience. Come to see us at 12a Norcot Road, Tilehurst RG30 6BU. Call us on 07402 286 286.
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Happy Mother's Day When was the last time your mum had a manicure and pedicure? Why not pamper her this mother's day with a set of beautiful nails and a nice pedicure because she deserves it.
Cut this £5 voucher and bring it to the salon to get the discount. Call 07402 286 286 www.rachelsnails.co.uk Follow us on Instagram @rachelsnails.uk 12A Norcot Rd, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 6BU
n VENDELA ROSE FLORAL DESIGN Vendela Rose Floral Design has been established since 2010 and is the brainwave of dynamic duo, Sara and Caroline. Both talented florists with a passion for modern flower designs, imaginative floral creations and over 24 years’ of experience between them, the pair decided to branch out and open their very own florist shop in Tilehurst village just outside of Reading. As joint business partners, Sara and Caroline work side by side running their unique flower shop – everything from hand conditioning a new delivery of stems at 5am, creating bespoke bouquets and grand event flowers, deep cleaning buckets, and chatting to customers who pop in for some friendly flower advice. Sara and Caroline are immensely proud of Vendela Rose Floral Design, and all their hard work has paid off as the business has been blooming since 2010. Vendela Rose has an outstanding reputation in Tilehurst and throughout Berkshire for their strong branding, exceptional level of customer care and bespoke flowers. Sara Local girl Sara was born and raised in Tilehurst village, so has always had a close connection with the area. From a very young age, Sara had a passion for nature, eye for design
Spoil someone you love this Mother’s Day
and fascinated with flowers. It was a natural progression after school to follow her dream and enrol at her local college on a floristry course. Whilst studying Sara also worked part time in a local florist shop, learning tricks of the trade and invaluable hands on experience. After gaining her NVQ Level 2 in Floristry, she progressed to working full time in the florist shop she trained in. After a few years working alongside expert floral designers, learning new trade techniques and evolving her own floral style, Sara by luck met Caroline through the floristry network. Caroline
As a little girl Caroline loved arts and crafts, and was surrounded by flowers and plants growing up. Going on to utilise her artistic flair and passion for creativity, Caroline studied Art and Graphics at college. Moving to one of the Channel Islands Guernsey in her 20s, Caroline by chance came across a job in the village florist shop, and never looked back! She was bench trained by a highly qualified designer from Latvia and loved every minute – combining her creative skills and green fingered passion. In 2010 Caroline made the move back to Berkshire, and after meeting Sara the pair set up Vendela Rose Floral Design in Tilehurst village. Caroline and Sara have run Vendela Rose floral design since 2010. We pride ourselves in beautiful fresh and modern flower displays for any occasion, including weddings, funerals, anniversaries and birthday gifts. Find us at 92 school Road Tilehurst RG31 5AU or order from our website 24/7, www.vendelarose.co.uk. Don’t forget mothering Sunday on the 27th of March 2022, we are open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4pm Saturday and 9 am to 2 pm Sunday 27th. n Please use discount code MD2022 for 10% off this Mother’s Day.
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Mother’s Day
To advertise in a similar feature, call Kevin on 0118 327 2662 Advertisement feature n JOJOES CUT & GO Jo Joes Cut & Go Unisex Salon are a team of fun-loving hairdressers located in the heart of Tilehurst. We offer affordable services by experienced hairdressers and have been open since 2006. We are a nonappointment, walk in, unisex salon specialising in up to date cutting (adults and children), styling, blow-drying, perming, colouring and hair up. Our highly trained, fully qualified stylists will ensure you leave the salon looking and feeling fabulous. Every member of staff at Jo Joes have something they specialise in the most such as colouring, perming, straightening and cutting to name a few. We offer an inviting, friendly, comfortable environment and will listen to your needs intently during your consultation, ensuring your new or continuing hairstyle fits in with your lifestyle. We have all really struggled these last few years due to difficult times and we are very grateful for all our existing clients that have kept us smiling throughout. We can’t wait to welcome new clients this year and hope to carry on for many more years to come. To show our appreciation we will be running more offers throughout the year as tough times are still here. Go to our Facebook page and take advantage
of all our seasonal offers. Lastly, but not least, we offer senior citizen prices from Monday to Friday, please come in and speak to us. We are located at 109a School Road, Tilehurst. Reading RG31 5BH. You can contact us on 0118 942 5572. Our opening hours are Monday to Wednesday 9am-5.30pm, Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 9a,-5.30pm and Saturday 9am-5pm. We are stockists of GHD, Schwarzkopf, Osis and Milkshake products. n KRISZTI NAILS & BEAUTY My name is Krisztina Bori and I am the owner and founder of Kriszti Nails and Beauty. I focus on using high quality and natural products in my salon, which do not damage nor harm your nails and skin but instead enhance and empower the beauty that is within. My favourite treatment is the Alexandria Professional body sugaring hair removal and skin conditioning, in which I specialised over eight years ago and recently became an Educator for the brand. I love all their products because they are completely natural, vegan and a cruelty-free way to remove hair. They will change the texture, colour and clarity of your skin from the very first time and can lead to permanent hair reduction. These products have benefits beyond hair removal and are able to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and keratosis and keep these issues at bay. I look forward to welcoming you in my salon! For enquiries, call me on 07735 503 916 16 Hildens Drive, Tilehurst, Reading. RG31 5HU.
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Brewery raises International
Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action
By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today AN EVENT held to encourage women to explore the brewing process was held at a Tilehurst brewery last week.
INSPIRATION: WPC Crockford of Berkshire Constabulary Pictures: Ruth D’Alessandro
A candid look at Berkshire’s first female police constable
Opportunities to help Reading n Reading Association for the Blind is an organisation that provides support and social activities for people living with sight loss across Reading. They currently need more Craft Helpers at their Social Club. They have an arts and crafts table in the club where volunteers can participate and help members out with something creative. The volunteering opportunity is not limited to just hands-on experiences with arts and crafts either, making sure the environment is safe and being social and chatting with members would be great qualities at the Social Club. The Social Club is open at Walford Hall on Tuesdays and Fridays. n Could you join the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity, the Royal British Legion, the heart of a national network that supports our Armed Forces as a Poppy Appeal Organiser. They are looking for more members to promote and organise the Poppy Appeal in your area, volunteers will be supported by a Community Fundraiser. Tasks will include: ordering and distributing poppies and other fundraising items for the appeal, as well as recruiting, supporting, and deploying a network of fellow volunteer Poppy Appeal Collectors to help you. You do not need to be a Legion member or have links to the Armed Forces community to volunteer with the Royal British Legion, but you do need to be passionate about the Legion’s vision and values, with experience planning and coordinating resources and people. n Engage is a charity that works to alleviate loneliness and social isolation around Reading with their Engage Befriending Programme. The programme matches isolated people within the local community with a volunteer befriender. Can you give just one hour a week to befriend someone who needs support? Engage are seeking to recruit more befriending volunteers that can visit a member of this programme once a week or fortnight for a friendly chat. After a DBS check volunteers will receive training in Safeguarding (Level 1) and a full induction to Engage Befriending. An empathetic and friendly volunteer could make a large positive impact on someone’s life from simply lending an ear. 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.
A NEW memoir of the first female police constable in Berkshire Constabulary has been released, writes Jake Clothier. Written by Ruth D’Alessandro, Calling WPC Crockford tells the story of the author’s mother as she navigates life as a WPC in Berkshire in the early 1950s. The book is Ms D’Alessandro first narrative non-fiction work, and she says that her mother loved to tell stories. “I’d wanted to sit her down and really go through things with her.” But after her mother’s brief and surprising passing, this wasn’t possible. “Women have been very much airbrushed out of history, and her story is so much bigger.” Ms D’Alessandro was born in Shinfield, and remembers the house she was brought up in, saying “it was this funny little hut by the police station.” “I went to St Mary’s primary, and then the Abbey school, so Wokingham is of course very close to my heart.” “In fact, her story is kind of a love letter to Wokingham, and I wanted to put it into the wider context of the social history.” She says that it is clear that
issues of gender still matter today. “When you look at how Cressida Dick was treated recently, you wonder whether a man might have been treated similarly.” But Ms D’Alessandro says that those who are marginalised can be helped. “When people are recognised, and their stories are being told, it contributes to their normalisation.” She says that the early 1950s was something of a golden era for women in policing, as women were more respected in the post-war period. “Women were making their own way, and it was quite an enabling time for a while.” Though it is only her first memoir, two further books of memoirs have been commissioned. These will focus on WPC Crockford’s continued career, during which she became one of the first female police detectives. Ms D’Alessandro says that though the book follows her struggles as a WPC, it’s not about policewomen being down-trodden. “The horror of, say, finding a body is similar whether you’re a police officer or a dog walker. “Human emotions, in essence, don’t really change.”
Shots fired at Putin
THE Purple Turtle bar has created a new shot in aid of Ukraine, writes Jake Clothier. It has been named the ‘F*ck Putin’. The bar posted on social media inviting patrons to try the drink. Stuart McNaught, the bar’s manager, says that the public’s response to the shot has been amazing. “We started selling them on Friday, and we’d sold out by Saturday. “We ended up having to buy extra stock from the supermarket.” The drink combines Advocaat and Blue Curacao to create a layered shot which resembles the Ukrainian flag. Mr McNaught said: “The flavour is quite sweet, and people keep coming back for them.” The shots cost £3 each, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal.
SHOTS UP: The Purple Turtle is selling a new shot Picture: Jake Clothier Mr McNaught said that the Purple Turtle had been championing noble causes for 20 years. He continued: “We’re a community venue, and everybody is part of the community, across genders, across cultures, everybody is a VIP here.” n The F*ck Putin is available at Purple Turtle on Gun Street, with proceeds going towards the Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal
Double-Barrelled Brewery held an collaboration brew to celebrate International Women’s Day, on Tuesday, March 8, at their taproom on Stadium Way. The sell-out day was attended by 50 women, including Reading mayor Cllr Rachel Eden. They were all there to learn from DBB’s female staff and to take part in making a special IWD beer. Cllr Eden — who is a fan of real ale — enjoyed a tour of the brewery with Luci Clayton-Jones, Double-Barrelled’s co-founder and managing director. “Lots has changed for women, but there is still work to be done,” Cllr Eden says. “Beer still has a stereotype that it’s not for women, so the ethos of this event is really important. “It’s also lots of fun.” It was the first public IWD event held at the brewery. For Luci, it was a chance to address a misconception that a drink can be associated with gender. “The UK has low numbers of women who drink beer and it has a knock on effect on the industry,” she says. “So even though I run the business equally with Mike, people still tend to gravitate to him. “Representation of women in craft beer in Reading is pretty good, but elsewhere it is very male.” Assistant brewer Chelsea Craigie created the recipe for the collaboration brew, which will be on sale in early April. She moved to brewing from being a member of bar staff at DoubleBarrelled. “I met the brewers here and decided that I wanted to get involved,” she adds. The artwork for the can was painted by another member of DBB staff, Laura
CHEERS: The International Women’s Day colla Skelton. She is an abstract artist, and an associate at Jelly. “Chelsea did last year’s IWD can artwork and thought that my work would fit this year’s theme, which is celebration,” Laura explains. “My process changed, because I was working specifically for the can — the painting will become a thing in someone’s hand. “But I love that so many people
Explore maps of Victorian Reading online MAPS of Victorian Reading drawn up in 1853 have been published online, writes Natalie Burton. Residents and history lovers can use the maps at home to explore the history of a house, street or neighbourhood in the town. The collection of 29 maps was digitised in a partnership between Reading Borough Council’s high street heritage action zone project and Berkshire Record Office, the county archive. Cllr Karen Rowland, borough lead for culture, heritage and recreation, said that she is “delighted” with the results. “I’ve spent many a pleasant hour pouring over these maps at the county archive,” she says. “They are a fascinating link between the past and present and are useful for regeneration and conservation projects, along with anyone that is curious about
their own Victorian home. “I know these maps are virtually the best record we have of Reading from that time period — so precise, you can see where the water intake and output pipes are located in each property.” Architect and surveyor John Clacy was commissioned to draw up the maps by Reading’s board of health, as part of its public health responsibility. Under the first ever Public Health Act in the UK, passed in 1848, any town with a high death rate from diseases such as cholera had to monitor the maintenance of streets, public cleanliness, water supply and sewerage. Mark Stevens, county archivist, said that: “Victorian Reading comes alive through these highly detailed plans.” “They offer a chance to admire the work that the town’s engineers
NEWS | 29
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s its glasses to Women’s Day
My Iris set to headline Bracknell Jazz in April HEADLINER: Trish Clowes leads four piece band My Iris, which is set to release its fourth album, A View with a Room, on Saturday, April 23. Picture: Rose Hendry
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Reader travel RHS MALVERN Spring Festival
RHSMalvernSpringFestival2daysbyCoach_D.pdf
©RHS/Neil Hepworth
Wednesday, March 16, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Departing Sat 7 May ‘22 Don’t miss the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, set against the magnificent Malvern Hills! Bursting with stunning displays and show gardens, as well as a range of talks and demonstrations, this is a show to inspire hardy perennials and young buds alike.
Your break includes
aboration brew event Picture: Double Barrelled Brewery and Natalie Burton will see my work.” For some of the women who attended, the event was also a chance to spend time with friends and meet new people. Rebecca Riley and Eleonor Wigmore are two friends who went to the collaboration brew day together. “We both like a beer,” Rebecca says. “So we took the opportunity to learn more about the process and
spend time together in a female-only environment.” Eleanor agrees, adding: “This is a comfortable event to ask questions at, because women are so visible,” “Sometimes I am the only woman in a pub and it can feel a bit awkward.” Double-Barrelled co-founder Luci hopes to run more female-only events. n For more information, visit: doublebarrelled.co.uk
AS WE WERE: Maps of Victorian Reading are now available to search online
MY Iris is set to headline Bracknell Jazz on Friday, April 8. After some time away due to covid restrictions, the recital has returned to South Hill Park. April’s recital features My Iris, with Trish Clowes leading on saxophone, along with bandmates Ross Stanley, Chris Montague, and James Maddren. My Iris are set to release their fourth album, A View With a Room on Saturday, April 23. All but one of the songs on the album are pieces composed for livestreamed events during the pandemic, Ms Clowes said that many of the tracks make direct reference to issues created and exacerbated by the pandemic. “But not as a response, really, it wasn’t planned like that.” Three of the tracks were written to celebrate women who had been inspirational to her, including Amber, a song for Amber Bauer, CEO of Donate4Refugees. Ms Clowes said that music composition naturally reflects the individual who is writing. “What matters most as an artist
Or could they all have magic habits... They hide in hats like artful rabbits.
n For more information, visit: maps. berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk
Or else - they leap the Gates of Time? Or lurk in dust and fluff and grime Beneath my bed (where no one dares Disturb the spiders’ ancient lairs)?
2 Days by Coach
only £139
Single Supplement £35
STRATFORD-UPON-AVON & Cotswold Steam
StratforduponAvon&CotswoldSteam_D.pdf
Departing Fri 8 Jul ‘22 Join us for a lovely short break combining the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon with the charm of the Cotswolds! We include a trip on the heritage Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, where we meander through idyllic landscapes dotted with quaint hamlets.
Your break includes
Where do all my Lost Socks go? Someone, somewhere ought to know?
Perhaps they leave in search of fun Or sail away to chase the Sun. Maybe they vanish into Space, Stolen by a Martian race?
Street to the south. Some of the outer areas of modern Reading, such as Caversham and Tilehurst, are not shown since the borough’s boundaries were smaller.
n Tickets are available at uk.patronbase.com or on 01344 484 123
POETRY CORNER The missing socks mystery
All my socks are HALF a pair The matching set are never there; The missing ones are seldom here... I take them off - they disappear!
did and that we still rely on today to protect us.” The maps cover the area from Oxford Road to the west, Reading railway station to the north, London Road to the east, Southampton Street and Whitley
is to present your music as your own individual, and we write in quite and organic way.” The quartet’s freedom of musical expression is something that she feels extends into other aspects of her life. “To be into jazz, you kind of have to embrace whatever happens.” MsClowes studied at the Royal Academy of Music, of which she was later honoured as an associate. Bracknell Jazz is the second show of a 21 date tour of the album, with a launch performance in London on Saturday, April 23. Ms Clowes said she was enjoying performing live again, and said: “It’s great to play at familiar venues and see old faces, but also to play in new places.” The monthly jazz recital has showcased jazz performers since 2013. My Iris will be performing at South Hill Park’s recital room on Friday, April 8, from 7.30pm. Tickets are £16, or £8 for under 18s.
Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Admission to the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, with coach transfer
I hope I’ll find my socks once more All neatly darned inside my drawer? I’ll try them on - I’ll wonder who Has made my dearest wish come true? Their joyful mates will hug them too When Red greets Red and Blue finds Blue! But all the same - I’d love to know WHERE Do all my Lost Socks go?
CLARE BEVAN
We love to receive your poems. Email yours to: news@rdg.today – we’ll print a selection every week
Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at the Holiday Inn Birmingham Bromsgrove with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Excursions to Stratford-upon-Avon, Worcester & Tewkesbury
3 Days by Coach
only £169
Single Supplement £50
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.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
30 | VIEWPOINTS
Dig deep, and keep on giving ON SUNDAY, the small gathering at the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre represented the best of us. Politicians from across the political divide, across borough boundaries and across viewpoints, united for Ukraine. Putin’s invasion continues to shock us. His attacks on hospitals and homes are horrific. Ordering troops to capture mayors a severe injustice. It is a war without merit. But it is a war with consequences. Over the past few weeks, we have given generously to help total strangers. Our shared humanity is the reason. Now, we are being asked to dig a little deeper and prepare to welcome refugees into our hearts and homes. Reading is a city of sanctuary for a reason: we welcome everyone. The mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, deserves praise for launching an appeal for cash donations to allow the Ukrainian Centre to help its new members. The finer details are being worked through, but it will be a sign of solidarity, and hope. Whatever you can give, do. Ukraine needs a neighbour, we are here.
CHURCH NOTES
A call to unity, despite conflict
G
OD calls his people to live in unity with one another. We are told in Galatians 3:28 that ‘we are all one in Christ Jesus’ despite our differences.
But what does this look like, or mean, to us when we are surrounded by division and conflict? How do we unite when there are great chasms between us? The people of Ukraine have shown us a great example of how to unite in the face of conflict. Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen pictures of the destruction there, but we have also seen the unity, strength and solidarity of its people. I have read stories of people offering their homes as places of sanctuary to those fleeing the conflict, people driving across borders to deliver medical provisions to those in need and people marrying their loved ones in the midst of this war-zone. Also, I have read of the many Ukrainians who have a faith and how they approach this dreadful situation with zealous prayer. Prayer seems to be such a vast spiritual movement that is uniting those in Ukraine. What do you sense unites our community? We saw glimpses of this at the beginning of the pandemic when our community pulled together to help those in need. My encouragement and prayer for you this week is that you find an opportunity to reach out to those in need around you, and by doing so, continue to build on the foundations of unity in our community.
Savannah Bell is Pioneer Minister in Training at Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
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Supporting apprenticeships It is a great surprise and disappointment to read that Reading has one of the highest rate of achievements in apprenticeship schemes yet only 24% of starters actually completed their apprenticeships. Ten months ago TVBerkshire LEP and Reading University wrote to the government pointing out that £60m of Apprenticeship Levy funds in Berkshire were upspent and we offered to join a working group to agree more flexible ways to use the levy. Our LEP has identified skills gaps in Berkshire and have the contacts with providers. We heard nothing and this opportunity remains. The need is more urgent than ever.
Robert Beveridge, Thames Valley Berkshire LEP
Marathon achievement On Monday, hundreds of thousands of people who entered the ballot to run the 2022 TCS
London Marathon found out if they have been successful or not. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) is Charity of the Year for the 2022 TCS London Marathon and I am delighted to have taken up the position as Team BHF manager to support all those participants taking part to raise money for this brilliant charity. I’m urging all those who have secured a place to run and fundraise for the BHF. The charity aims to help heal hearts across the UK by raising £3 million for pioneering research into regenerative medicine that could one day find a cure for heart failure. There are around 920,000 people living with heart failure in the UK: around 18 times the number who take part in the London Marathon each year. Every step our runners take towards the finish live will help the BHF researchers push the boundaries of medicine - hopefully leading to new treatments within a generation. The race is really on, and you could be part of it. Use your ballot place to join Team BHF.
From the Chamber Cllr Josh Williams
Vote Green for councillors who will work with the community Labour councillors’ repeated failure to listen to residents costs us all
Recently, the Labour council funded a review to find out whether it should work more with the voluntary sector and partner with the community. That review told them what anyone could have told them - that there are ‘key strategic benefits’ to working with the voluntary sector and community, and that the council’s approach is ‘fragmented’ and without a coordinating point or sufficient resource. For years now Greens have called on the council to do what it should be doing anyway, and work with the community in Reading, not against it.
Ignoring residents over the future of Central Club
When Central Club came up for sale in Katesgrove – did the Labour council work with the African Caribbean community to ensure the future of an important local asset? Did the council find creative ways to partner with them, develop a workable plan and sell
it to them at a reasonable price? No. They ignored the community, sold it to a private developer and the building is still empty, slowly decaying.
Ignoring residents over the future of Arthur Hill Swimming Pool When the local community raised thousands of pounds, putting together a rescue plan to save the Arthur Hill Swimming Baths from demolition did Labour councillors work with them to ensure it stayed open until a new pool was built? No. They ignored the community, then sold the pool to the highest bidder for the inevitable block of flats. The deal fell through, so the council gave itself permission to build a set of tiny flats. The building has been demolished but we wait to see any actual homes.
Ignoring residents over protecting the Thames Side When the community in Reading said no to a huge concrete and tarmac road beside the Thames, did the Labour council reconsider?
For more information, visit: www.bhf.org.uk/ londonmarathon2022
Harry Redknapp, Manager of Team BHF for the 2022 TCS London Marathon
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
From the Chamber
Cllr Jason Brock
Importance of meals I wouldn’t blame the children of South Sudan if they just gave up. One third are suffering chronic malnutrition. Half are missing school. Millions are displaced. And none of them have ever known anything but war. One of my colleagues there, a 45-year-old man, tells me he has never seen peace in his lifetime. But he has seen hope. He has witnessed the hope our colourful bowls full of maize and beans bring to some of the poorest children on earth. Mary’s Meals feeds more than two million children every school day in 20 of the world’s poorest countries. We are already reaching around 70,000 hungry children in South Sudan, and – with your support – we can serve our life-changing meals in even more schools. Please visit marysmeals. org.uk to find out more about our appeal. The children of South Sudan aren’t giving up. And nor are we.
Magnus MacFarlaneBarrow, founder of Mary’s Meals No, Reading Borough Council pushed the plans through anyway, against the clearly expressed wishes of local people. It was only thanks to councillors in Wokingham that this environmental blight was averted. That failed plan still cost Reading Council and residents over £800,000.
What would Greens do differently?
We will listen, work with local people and not oppose and block them at every turn, because that’s the way it should be. We will empower community groups. We will build community through more street parties and other initiatives. We don’t need to pay for a review to tell us that, we’ve been saying it for ages.
Vote Green in May for councillors who will stand up for you Thousands vote Green every year in Reading because we stand up for their local communities. Make your voice heard on 5th May, and vote Green. We already have a strong presence on Reading Council with councillors in Park Ward and Redlands Ward. We came within a whisker of winning in the last local council elections in new wards like Katesgrove. In May we hope that our hard work, year-round will get three Green councillors elected there. We care about standing-up for residents, working for the common good and showing how decisions can be made for the benefit of everyone in Reading.
Cllr Josh Williams is a Green Party councillor on Park Ward at Reading Borough Council
We’re a brilliant Little Big Town
R
EADING is a seemingly everchanging town. If you look around, you’d see plenty of evidence of this.
The Station Hill development is revitalising a run-down area. New leisure centres are springing up at Rivermead and Palmer Park. Preparatory works for a new Reading West Station are underway. A landmark new Council housing development is being built on Wensley Road. The former Arthur Hill site is being transformed into key worker housing. A family activity centre is on its way in Prospect Park. Huge numbers of roads continue to be resurfaced across the town. You can add to this a list of past successes and future plans. We have bus services that are literally the envy of every provincial town and city. The Dee Park regeneration has delivered so much already and is now moving forward again, with a new community centre open soon. Green Park Station is almost complete, and I can now scarcely remember what the old Reading Station was like. Families are fully settled in our Conwy Close Council homes. Playgrounds are to be revamped across Reading. I can’t wait to get the Minster Quarter development properly moving along (where the old Civic Centre was). I’m proud of the Council’s role in all these projects, but not because of the things you can reach out and touch. I like a nice built aesthetic, of course, but it’s what this all means for people that really matters to me. Playgrounds are nothing without play, welldesigned houses are only meaningful if they’re homes, and a flagship leisure centre needs to be a community facility. My point is that, despite the prominence of the financial investment and development, what truly makes Reading more than just a town – what makes it our home – is something else entirely. The real essence of Reading is that it has somehow maintained a small community feel while being a growing place. Despite all the people who move here, all the businesses, and all the construction, we’re still a ‘little big town’. That sense of being a tight community that punches above its weight is an important one, and we need to hold on to it. It’s what allows us, for example, to have an incredible voluntary sector and flourishing cultural institutions. It makes us open to the world and establishes us a place of sanctuary for those seeking to build a new life – this will be a quality in great demand in the coming months. If you’ve never lived anywhere else, you might not know how unique Reading’s civic pride and community spirit is. I’ve had the displeasure of living elsewhere. Take it from me that, in a part of the world characterised by dull commuter towns and neighbourhoods full of what are essentially dormitories, we’re very lucky indeed.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and a councillor for Southcote ward
31
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Fans of Cosmo fear it won’t come back if development goes ahead THE future of a popular restaurant in Reading town centre is unclear following plans to revamp the site it stands on.
Attempted burglary in South Street have smaller units for other food outlets and a residential co-working space. During the session residents were also keen to learn more about the details of the development, including plans for a children’s play area on the seventh floor. Of the 103 properties, plans show 41 will be one-bedroom and 56 would be two-bedroom, meaning only six flats would be three-bedroom. Richard Bennett, of Reading Civic Society, asked if all the
THE ROYAL Berks Charity has launched this year’s Walk for Wards campaign. Places are now available at the fundraiser, which will be held at Mapledurham House on Sunday, September 25. It has moved to a bigger location following last year’s successful event at Dinton Pasture County Park, Hurst. There is a 5km and 10km route on offer and both offer views across the Mapledurham Estate and river Thames. Martin Butler, community fundraising manager for the charity said he is looking forward to the event. “The event starts and finishes in front of the beautiful Mapledurham House,” he said. “We are inviting participants to bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds after the walk –there might even be a few onsite goodies!” Money raised will go to support the work of Royal Berkshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Tickets are £7 for the 5km route and £10 for the 10km route. For more information, visit: royalberkscharity.co.uk/walk-for-wards
READING Children’s Festival s to returns for its 33rd year. For three weeks, the festival will bring sport, music workshops, and craft sessions to to venues across Reading. This year, the focus is on celebrating 200 years of Huntley and Palmers, promising biscuitthemed events. The festival will begin with the Forbury Fiesta on Saturday, May 14, featuring stalls and attractions at Forbury Gardens. The festival was last held in 2019, when it celebrated it’s 30th year. Previous festivals have included performances from Calcot School Choir, the Small Strings ukulele band, and The Abbey School’s production of Roald Dahl’s The Witches. Reading Children’s festival aims to continue to provide as many free events and services for families as possible. Organisers are still looking for events, groups and charities to get involved with the festival. Visit self.reading.gov.uk to sign up as an event or organisation.
Lions club to host Ukraine quiz the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, as well as other Lions clubs in Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. The Lions are also currently accepting donations of raffle prizes and auction items. Tickets are £15, and are available at www.eventbrite. co.uk. Doors open at 7pm, with food served after 7.45pm.
flats would be child-friendly and also what safety provisions would be made within the development for children. Stefan Shaw, the architect for the scheme, said there would be no steps in the rooms and communal spaces, eliminating trip hazards for children. Mr Shaw added: “This is a dense, urban environment and the child yield of an area such as this is going to be significantly lower than would have been found in a suburban environment,
A THIEF attempted to break into a Reading home. The incident took place sometime between 2.28am and 2.31am on Thursday, March 10. Thames Valley Police said the burglar tried to gain access to the property in South Street via the back door. Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220105323.
“That said, it’s going to provide wonderful facilities for the kids that do end up living there. “I for one would have been delighted, if when I was growing up, I’d have been given doorstep play and amenities such as this.” The developers have not submitted a formal planning application for the proposal but will do so in the near future with hopes for an approval by the end of this year.
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WorcesterObserver
Reader travel
ANDRÉ RIEU
ISLE OF WIGHT
& his Johann Strauss Orchestra
Weekend
AndreRieu&JohannStraussOrchestraLiveinNottingham_F.pdf
IsleofWightWeekend_F.pdf
© Marcel van Hoorn
to come back two years later when they could just relocate elsewhere.” Keith Mapingire, a representative for Shaviram Group, said: “We have an existing agreement with Cosmo to provide them the space within our site. “They love being in this location and they want to stay, so we’re happy to accommodate them.” As well as a replacement restaurant unit for Cosmo to occupy, the building would also
Charity launches Children’s Walk for Wards Festival to return
READING Lions Club is hosting a quiz night in aid of the people of Ukraine. Quizzers can help to raise funds at the Tilehurst British Legion, Downing Road, on Friday, April 1st. The event will feature a raffle as well as a quiz, and also includes a fish supper. Teams of up to six are invited to take part and test their wits to support
A THIEF broke into a home in Tilehurst and stole jewellery. The incident took place sometime between 3.21pm on Thursday, February 24, and 3.21pm on Sunday, March 6. Thames Valley Police said the burglar gained access to the property in Hildens Drive by smashing a patio door. Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220099695.
POPULAR: Cosmo would need to relocate from its Friar Street base if a plan for flats goes ahead; the restaurant has a space in the new development but its fans fear it may not return Picture: James Aldridge / Local Democracy Reporting Service
By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter
Last month, a developer announced plans for an apartment building at 35-39 Friar Street, which could result in Cosmo closing. Shaviram Group, the developers, stated its plan for 103 flats would be “the final piece of the jigsaw puzzle” at the Station Hill development, providing sustainable, affordable homes with rooftop gardens for occupants. Diners in Reading are concerned that Cosmo, one of the town’s only buffets, would be forced to relocate while the works take place. CGIs for the new development show restaurant space when the site is completed. However, there are concerns that the restaurant – which offers an all-you-can-eat buffet of world cuisine – may not come back when the site is finished. At a public consultation on Thursday, March 3, Peter Robinson asked the developers: “What’s the deal with Cosmo? “Seems odd to plan for them
Jewellery stolen from Tilehurst
Departing Wed 18 May ‘22
Departing Fri 3 Jun ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel outside London with breakfast Ticket to André Rieu concert at Wembley Arena Return coach transfers from the hotel to Wembley Arena En-route visit to London
Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Crawley 3 nights at the Holliers Hotel, Shanklin with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Newport Optional Island Highlights tour (£13pp)
Ticket upgrades available
199
2 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £35
139.99
4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45
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.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit us online at
justgoholidays.com/WPR
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
justgohols JGTravelGroup
32 | BUSINESS
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
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A business park that is changing
Med tech firms’ virtual fundraiser is a success
Gold for sprinter A FINCHAMPSTEADbased sprinter who trained at a new gym in Winnersh Triangle is celebrating after scooping a gold medal. Adam Thomas won the honour at the British Indoor Athletic Championships. He switched to sprinting after quitting non-league league football and captured the British 60 metres title earlier this month in 6.56 seconds, making him the new Scottish record holder. He will be representing Great Britain at the World Indoor Championships and then Scotland in Commonwealth Games being held in Birmingham this July. Frasers Property, which runs Winnersh Triangle, sponsors Adam’s membership to train at MOVE HQ, the state-of-the-art gym, giving him the edge for the games. The 17,000sq ft facility is the largest of its kind in the UK, and supports elite athletes. as well as providing some of the best facilities for the borough. It includes a three-lane 35m sprint track, lifting racks, Olympic lifting stations and cardiovascular
By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today equipment, with regular sessions and workshops available for all abilities. There are also treatment rooms run by Active Health Clinics, including chiropractic treatments, sports massage, acupuncture, and reflexology. Mark Munroe, director at MOVE HQ, was thrilled. “We are so pleased that Adam got to bring home the gold, as has been training so hard,” he said. “It’s fantastic that he also achieved a personal best. We look forward to him continuing to train at MOVE HQ as he prepares for the Commonwealth Games.” Frasers Property UK Commercial Director Rupert Batho added: “It’s a great accolade for the MOVE HQ team that it is already supporting the development of gold-winning athletes. “We look forward to following Adam’s journey and seeing him achieve further success, hopefully in Birmingham.”
A MED TECH company is supporting Blood Cancer UK with virtual fundraising event. Becton Dickinson (BD) is a leading med tech company and partner to the global healthcare industry for more than 120 years, with its UK headquarters in Winnersh. BD supported Blood Cancer UK with its ‘Go the Distance’ challenge to help raise awareness around early diagnosis and funds for crucial research. With the goal of beating blood cancer, BD employees took part in the virtual event. Illustrative of their commitment to the cause, there were double the number of participants than originally planned. The team walked, ran, cycled, swam, among other
GO THE DISTANCE: Becton Dickinson (BD)’s biosciences country leader Jeffrey Dern enjoys a walk as part of his fundraising challenge activities, the equivalent distance from Plymouth, BD’s manufacturing plant location, to Limerick, the site of its R&D hub – 1,742km (1,082 miles) across the month – with Winnersh as one of the stops. Due to impressive efforts and level of participation, the team actually collectively travelled 9,692km (6,022 miles). Jeffrey Dern, BD
Biosciences Country Leader, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team and our achievements. “Our strong culture of ‘doing well by doing good’ and strive to stay connected to our customers and their patients really spurred us on – come rain, wind, and little shine. “With that attitude, we have more than quadrupled
our distance, achieved our fundraising goals, and crucially, raised awareness around the importance of early detection of blood cancer.” BD participants raised more than £5,000 for Blood Cancer UK, which will contribute to a month’s worth of funding for its Support Service, which includes a team of blood cancer support officers, social workers and clinical staff who provide information, advice, and emotional support for those suffering with the disease, as well as helping family members. Breakthrough research is vital to advancing detection and treatment of blood cancer.
n For more about the disease, and the work that Blood Cancer UK is doing, log on to: bloodcancer.org.uk
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WARNER ENTERTAINMENT Lakeside Coastal Village
WarnerEntertainmentBreakLakesideCoastalVillage_F.pdf
Reader travel
ANDRÉ RIEU
& his Johann Strauss Orchestra
© Marcel van Hoorn
AndreRieu&JohannStraussOrchestraLiveinNottingham_F.pdf
Departing Mon 16 May ‘22
Departing Wed 18 May ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Warner Lakeside Coastal Village with dinner & breakfast Daytime activities in resort Entertainment every evening Excursions to Portsmouth & Winchester
Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel outside London with breakfast Ticket to André Rieu concert at Wembley Arena Return coach transfers from the hotel to Wembley Arena En-route visit to London
Optional excursion to Bognor Regis & Chichester (£12pp)
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60
379
Ticket upgrades available
199
2 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £35
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit us online at
justgoholidays.com/WPR
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
justgohols JGTravelGroup
TREAD THE BOARDS: South Hill Park is offering team building sessions including the chance to take part on stage Picture: Alex Harvey-Brown
New team-building venue launches, and its location may surprise you ARTS centre South Hill Park has been known for decades as a real community hub. Not just a venue for touring productions, music and arts, it houses exhibitions, festivals and workshops. Now it is branching out to offer team building exercises from its impressive venue. The centre says that research shows engagement with the Arts leads to a higher
level of subjective wellbeing, improves cognitive abilities and has the power to facilitate social interaction. It is launching four packages aimed at helping teams bond. Tapping into its array of creative arts tutors, everything from a chance to tread the boards to having a go at creating something are all on offer. For those who want
something akin to usual training days, there is a moving session, which includes a yoga session, while the adventure package features a treasure hunt around the grounds; taking in landscaped gardens, lakes and life-sized sculptures – and utilising a wide variety of fitness equipment.
n For more details, log on to www. southhillpark.org.uk or email: hospitality@southhillpark.org.uk
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Foodie venue opens doors to new town centre home
CHEERS: Double-Barrelled Brewery have working in collaboration with Blue Collar on a lager for the venue
NEW VENUE: The Blue Collar lights up at night Picture: Natalie Burton
CHICKEN TONIGHT: Customers enjoying awardwinning chicken wings from Gurt Wings
By NATALIE BURTON news@rdg.today READING’S newest food and bar venue opened to the public last Saturday.
The hotly anticipated launch of Blue Collar Arena was well received on social media and saw queues forming for traders throughout the day. Shipping containers have been converted into a bar and kitchens for the food village, which is inspired by similar ventures in Brixton and Shoreditch. The arena features undercover seating and balcony area, and blankets and heaters are on hand to keep visitors — and their food — warm in the evenings. Blue Collar’s yellow stairwell container and light up lettering are already a feature of the town centre. Owner Glen Dinning said that he hopes the site will revive an area of Reading town centre which has been “neglected.” “I hope that we add to the night-time economy as well,” Mr Dinning said. “During the summer, we are planning to have more stalls in front of the container village.” The public opening followed a soft launch to an invite-only crowd on Friday evening. It was attended by social media influencers and food bloggers as well as regulars at Blue Collar’s events over the past six years. Blue Collar Arena on Hosier Street will open Thursdays to Sundays, 11am until late. Vendors on site are Gurt Wings, Sarv’s Slice, The Taco Tree, You Bao and Urban Cheesecake. The bar serves a selection of craft beers from Tilehurst’s Double-Barrelled Brewery, including an exclusive lager. The arena will run alongside the twice weekly pop-up market in Market Place, on Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes.
The downstairs seating area is undercover
Blue Collar’s Glen Dinning Pictures: Dijana Capan
Blue Collar Arena is set over two floors
Oak planting kickstarts jubilee plans AN ENGLISH Oak has been planted outside Reading civic offices in the run-up to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The tree was planted as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy scheme, which encourages people to plant a tree for the jubilee. The planting ceremony was attended by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden; lead councillor for heritage and recreation, Cllr Karen Rowland; and children from Kennet Day Nursery. The oak was placed into one of the planters outside the civic offices on Bridge Street along with a plaque to mark 70 years of the Queen’s reign. Cllr Eden said that Reading’s contribution to the scheme was: “one symbolic act that represents Reading’s much bigger commitment to sustainability.” The Queen’s Green Canopy is an initiative to encourage the planting of trees to mark the jubilee, which began in October 2021, and continues through the planting season until the end of March. Planting will continue when the next season begins in October. Plans for the jubilee this summer were also announced, which included a performance by the Trinity Concert Band in Forbury Gardens, an augmented-reality trail across Reading, and an exhibition at the Berkshire Records Office. The council is also inviting communities to stage street parties during the jubilee weekend, from Thursday to Sunday, June 2 to June 5. Cllr Eden said: “I’m also really excited that we’re announcing activities for the Jubilee bank holiday, including the ever popular Water Fest on Saturday, June 4.” n You can apply to hold a street party free of charge by visiting www.reading.gov.uk/streetparties
34 | NEWS
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Council works to narrow the pay gap By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today READING Borough Council has continued to narrow the pay gap between its male and female employees, according its latest figures.
The annual Gender Pay Gap Report examines the difference in pay and bonuses for full-time council employees based on their gender. The report shows that the mean hourly rate for men is still around 2% higher then that of women. Men earn £16.68 an hour on average compared to £16.33 for women, a shortfall of 55p an hour, or 2.06%. Last year’s report showed that in the 2019/2020 period, women were paid 5% less than men on average. This year’s pay gap of just over 2% is smaller than the UK average of 7.9%, according to the Office for National Statistics’s data for the same time period. This follows a period of continuous narrowing of the pay gap. The report also compares the amount of bonus pay received by men and women, as well as
the proportion of employees of each gender who received bonuses. Last year’s figures showed that on average, women were paid 6.6% less than men in bonuses in 2019/2020. Figures for 2020/2021 show that the difference has now shrunk to just 2.8%. However, this two percent difference in bonus pay could be attributed to a single employee, due to how bonuses are paid to council employees. All employee bonuses are set at a one-off award of £1000, though portions of bonus pay can be swapped for extra days leave. The report indicates that of the 30 employees who were eligible for bonuses, only one chose a smaller bonus in exchange for more leave. The reduced bonus amount for this female employee affected the mean average of bonus pay for women as a whole, causing the gap. The report also shows that the majority of employees at RBC are women, with only 41% of full-time employees being men.
NOW OPEN: B Radio’s new studio officially opened by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden. The station is based at the University of Reading’s students union and is run by volunteers and students Picture: Jake Clothier
B on the air: mayor opens station’s studios THE mayor of Reading has officially opened a Reading-based radio station’s new studios. Run by volunteers, B Radio’s new studio on the University of Reading’s campus will give the station the ability to provide opportunities for students looking for experience in broadcast and production. Last Wednesday, Cllr Rachel Eden cut the ribbon to declare the studios open. Afterwards, she was
interviewed by Robert Hogge, a student who volunteers at the station. The interview featured as part of the station’s regular political segment. Richard Lines, head of business operations and development at Reading University student union, said that the union was “excited” to be working with B Radio. “By harnessing the experience and opportunities of B Radio,
students will have access to a wider audience and technical skills.” Tarek Ahmed, a second year student, said the radio station has given him the opportunity to work with industry experts. “It will hopefully make me stand out to future employers by giving me hands-on experience in a professional environment.” He said that this would provide him with “the right
Berkshire seventh best for driver safety
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BERKSHIRE has placed seventh most safe place to drive in a road safety report conducted by an insurance comparison website. Data analysed by quotezone. co.uk included the number of road casualties, and number and severity of crashes, and ranked 168 districts based on a combination of these factors. The county came 48th for road casualties with 132 per million people, 40 fewer than the average across all areas. Berkshire has half of the the average number of road collisions for all of the places studied, at just 243 per 100,000 registered vehicles. The report also considered the severity of the crashes, counting the average number
Attempted burglary in Coley A THIEF attempted to break into a Coley home. The incident took place on Tuesday, March 8, at 2.30am. Thames Valley Police said
of casualties per vehicle. The county is also 5% lower than the average for casualties per vehicle, with a rate of 0.66. A rate of 0.66 means that for every 100 vehicles involved in a collision in Berkshire, 66 people suffer injuries. When analysed as a whole, the data collected by quotezone.co.uk placed the county seventh overall for driver safety. The rankings showed that eight of the ten worst districts for number of casualties are in London. South Wales was shown to be among the safest place to drive, with Swansea, Cardiff, and Bridgend and Neath Port Talbot all coming in the top five.
the burglar tried to gain access to the property in Portway Close via the front door. Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220102719.
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knowledge and skills to thrive in radio.” B Radio has been broadcasting since July 2021, after Junction 11, the student union’s previous radio station, closed in 2020. The not-for-profit station is run by students and volunteers, and is currently the only OFCOM licensed community radio station in Reading. n You can listen to B Radio on 95.6 FM or online at www.bradio.co.uk
Festival acts READING Festival has announced the next wave of artists performing at the festival this Summer. Headliners Arctic Monkeys and Rage Against the Machine will now be joined Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, Sigma, and All Time Low. Festival Republic also announced that festival main-stays Enter Shikari, indie darlings The Sherlocks, and Australian rockers DMA’s will be performing. The festival now features two main stages, and features two headliners per day for each of the three days of music. Bastille, Glass Animals, Circa Waves, and Denzel Curry are all set to play one of either main stages. The festival at Richfield Avenue will be headlined by Dave and Megan Thee Stallion on Friday, Arctic Monkeys and Bring Me the Horizon on Saturday, and Rage Against the Machine and Halsey on Sunday. Reading Festival also features live stand-up, film screenings, and numerous stalls and shops. Weekend Tickets for the event have sold out, as well as day tickets for Friday and Saturday. Reading Festival takes place at Little John’s Farm on Richfield Avenue from Friday, August 26, to Sunday, August 28. www.readingfestival.com
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Craft session’s funding will help Hong Kong residents
SAFE SPACE: Coffee and Craft awarded funding to help Hong kongers settle in Reading. Picture: Courtesy of Coffee and Craft
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
AN EAST READING-based club is one of 47 national and regional projects awarded funding to help people from Hong Kong to settle in the UK.
Based out of Wycliffe Baptist Church off Kings Road, Coffee and Craft holds workshops and classes as well as coffee circles, encouraging creativity and community among its attendees. Classes include a cooking club, painting and arts, and needlecraft circles. Kathryn, Coffee and Craft’s community facilitator, said that the group provides somewhere those who attend don’t have to worry. “People need a space where they don’t have to worry that their kids will make a mess or a noise, and this can be that space.” The project was awarded £36,990 to support its work in helping British Nationals from overseas to settle in the community. Funds were allocated to help settle Hong Kongers who have taken up British National status from overseas. Kathryn said that people who move to the UK for safety reasons often find the
experience difficult as they adjust to a new life. She said: “People think of attachment trauma as something only associated with adoption, but we see the effects of it in those rehoused in the UK.” More than £2.6 million of funding was awarded across 47 projects. Kathryn said that the fund given to the group was split to cover three main areas of help for the community. Part of the fund will provide counselling and classes to help trauma and attachment related issues. “Even if they feel they may not need it themselves, we can make them aware of what to look out for in their children.”
Another portion of the fund will also help Coffee and Craft to cater to those with special educational needs too. “We are working with CommuniCare to make sure that things are in place for those with special needs.” The third portion is for social integration, which Kathryn says the group is still consulting on. Kathryn said: “We want to show people that they shouldn’t be scared of foreigners, that they want to integrate.” Coffee and Craft is also working with Hope Counselling to help Hong Kongers convert overseas qualifications to UK qualifications. Those who have travelled to the UK through a new
immigration route opened last year were given British National status as part of a bespoke arrangement. Now they’re being helped to settle with the funding of projects which provide educational resources, access to mental health services, and business and employment support. Peggy Ng, a member of the group, said: “Reading is quite diverse, and people here are welcoming to those from Hong Kong.” “In Hong Kong, the lifestyle is not too different, except for learning to drive, since public transport isn’t always easy.”
n Next month, Coffee and Craft will celebrate 20 years of service to the Reading community.
FAMILY FUN: Palmer Park is the venue for the East Reading Festival
East Reading Festival returns for 2022 EAST Reading Festival is returning this summer. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, organisers have announced that Palmer Park will once again be used for the popular family-friendly event. And applications are still open for stalls, sponsors, volunteers, performers, and services. Some old favourites will be returning. The well-established music stage set to return, as is Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, which has supported the festival for a number of years and now runs a cafe by the main play park. Matthew Foster, a member of the organising committee, said the festival was still open for businesses and volunteers to apply to take part. “We’re looking for people to help on the committee,
for commercial stalls and information services, for bands and performers, even advertising,” he said. “However anyone can help, do get in touch.” Previous festivals have featured stalls selling clothes and toys, hands-on exhibits from museums, poetry and dance, funfair rides, and even cycle maintenance workshops from Reading Bicycle Kitchen. Mr Foster said that the festival has always evolved, but that he was pleased to be able to bring the festival back. The East Reading Festival is returning to Palmer Park on Sunday, June 26, from noon to 6pm.
n Businesses and volunteers can register their interest at www. eastreadingfestival.co.uk or search for East Reading Festival on Facebook.
keeping you and your family pain free and mobile Do you h ave a pai n fu l i n grow n to e n ai l ? Are you worrie d abo u t u n si gh tl y fu n gal to e n ai l s, o r a pai n fu l ve rr u ca th at wo n 't sh i ft? Do yo u h ave a pai n fu l h e e l ? TOGETHER: The new Victoria Park residents association will help community spirit Picture: David Neale
Residents take action to launch new community group A NEW community group has been formed, with the aim of serving residents living around the Great Knolly’s Street and George Street areas. Called the Victoria Park Community Group, it formalises arrangements started during the 2020 lockdown, following a survey by resident and now chair, Maria Trevis. She says that they wanted to make the area a better place to live. Following discussions with ward councillor Karen Rowland, they launched the Community Group.
By becoming a constituted charity, it will be able to promote the regeneration of the area and connect with residents, schools, businesses and the council on an official basis. Its aims include bringing residents together for activities that conserve, protect or improve the character of the area, and activities that reduce isolation and build community spirit. Victoria Park is a highly populated area with social and economic deprivation, and the hope is that the group will foster community spirit.
The first trustees of the committee are Maria Trevis (chairperson), Quinten Taylor (secretary) and Mara Campbell (treasurer). The group’s first campaigns include working with Reading Borough Council on the park improvements and organising a Jubilee celebration in Victoria Park. Residents living the area who want to get involved can email: vicpkcommunity@outlook. com n The group is online at: www.facebook.com/groups/ vicpkcommunity
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INTHECOMMUNITY Council steps up rewilding project for its second year READING Borough Council is continuing its rewilding project after a successful first year. The project seeks to increase the biodiversity of green spaces in Reading as part of the council’s Biodiversity Action Plan. The scheme is just one of numerous national campaigns to preserve biodiversity across urban areas, such as those from the Royal Horticultural Society, and the Blue Campaign. To encourage more wild plant life to grow, the council plans to use natural solutions to challenges created by climate change. This includes new plans for mowing practises. Since long grass can compete with other species of plants, the council is proposing repeated cutting to reduce soil fertility which encourages more diverse plant species. Proposals would see grass cut more regularly, rising from once annually on most sites to three times annually. Twelve areas are considered in the proposal, including Kings Meadow, Palmer Park, Prospect Park, and Coley Recreation Ground. Diversification of plant species leads encourages diversity of animal species, especially insects, which in turn encourages more stable natural habitats. Grass mowing is one aspect of the council’s Biodiversity Action Plan, which also includes restrictions for new building developments, tackling light and plastic pollution, and increasing levels of education and awareness about ecology. Reading Borough Council is still consulting with the public regarding the plans, and set to review the plans again at the end of the summer.
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The story of the Maiwand Lion told in new booklet A NEW booklet published by Reading Libraries details the history of the Maiwand Lion, including how it was constructed and what its name means. Written by historians Katie Amos, Mike Cooper, and Andrew Scott, it tells the story of the Battle of Maiwand, as well as the statue’s role as a commemoration to the people who died there. The authors also explore the representation of the statue in local arts and culture, including some of the myths and legend which surround it. Cllr Karen Rowland said that the statue has “come to mean more to the people of Reading beyond just its noble commemoration.” She said that the statue
had recently also become the symbol of Reading Together following the terrorist attack in Forbury Gardens in June 2020. in which three people died. “Thanks are due to the hard work of the authors, Mike, Katie and Andrew, for compiling this tribute to Reading’s most iconic monument,” Cllr Rowland added. The Maiwand Lion has been standing in Forbury Gardens since 1886, it measures 31ft in length from nose to tail, and its nine separate pieces weigh approximately 16 tonnes altogether. n Copies of the book are available at Reading Central Library for £3, or available as a digital copy by contacting info@readinglibraries.org.uk for £2.
The Great British Spring Clean calls for volunteers to come forward
n Views on the project can be sent to rewilding@reading.gov.uk.
Royal nod for three Reading and Wokingham charities THREE charities from Reading and Wokingham have been given royal seal of approval. Alana House, based in Reading, and Chemogiftbags and Wokingham in Need from Wokingham have been nominated for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Charity representatives were presented with certificates in recognition of their nomination by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Graham Barker. He thanked all of the groups for providing support and help over the past year at a reception held at Shaw House in Newbury, on Tuesday, March 8. It was attended by mayors and chairs of all six unitary authorities in Berkshire, deputy lieutenants and those who nominated the charities. Mr Barker was accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant’s cadets on duty, petty officer cadet Andrew Lindley from Maidenhead and cadet corporal Daniel Wakelin from Arborfield. The annual award was founded in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee year to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements by groups of volunteers. Results for the national awards will be announced in June.
Left: Emmer Green Brownies are ready to play their part Above: Jason is also keeping our parks clean KEEP Britain Tidy is calling for fresh volunteers for its annual Great British Spring Clean. From Friday, March 25, volunteers can take part in the spring clean, an initiative to keep streets, parks, and open spaces free of litter. Volunteers are encouraged to join the scheme to help clear litter from public spaces. Now in its seventh year, the Great British Spring Clean is challenging those who pledge to join take part in its #BigBagChallenge. Keep Britain Tidy, who organise the scheme, have made litter
picking equipment available to buy directly from them for the first time. Reading Borough Council has also made equipment available for free, through its Reading Adopt Your Street scheme. The RAYS scheme provides individuals or groups with equipment, including pickers, bags, gloves, and high-vis jackets. This year, RBC has also enhanced the RAYS scheme, offering larger bags and extra support for rubbish collection through RAYS+. Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s lead councillor for neighbourhoods, said: “the quality
of the environment around us is so important to our wellbeing and pride in our town.” “That’s why we want to encourage everyone to to take part, and we’ll be out ourselves getting stuck in.” The Great British Spring Clean also coincides with RBS’s relaunch of it’s anti-littering campaign, Love Your Park. Residents are encouraged by the campaign to dispose of their litter properly or take it home with them. Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for recreation, said: “we have a huge job to keep all of our parks litter-free, and we really need
your help to keep our open spaces clean. She added: “The message is about personal responsibility too –we need everyone to take responsibility for their litter, and encourage others to do the same.” Schools, businesses, groups, or individuals can sign up to the Great British Spring Clean at www. KeepBritainTidy.org To join the Reading Adopt Your Street scheme, visit www.reading. gov.uk/rays or contact RAYS@ reading.gov.uk The Great British Spring Clean takes place from Friday, March 25, to Sunday, April 10.
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WHAT TRAINING WILL I UNDERTAKE? All reporters will work towards an NCTJ qualification either as a standalone qualification or as part of an apprenticeship. Recruits will either study towards the Diploma in Journalism, or the National Qualification in Journalism for those who already have the diploma. Reporters will also attend digital skills training from Meta and receive regular, additional training support from the NCTJ.
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
16.03.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Alby flies in for Easter treat W
ITH spring here, thoughts are of warmer weather, sunnier days and some sunshine.
But a Reading-based theatre has more chilly ideas on its mind, thanks to its Easter adventure. Alby The Penguin Saves The World is a new play written and directed by Helen Eastman, and will be at the Kings Road-based Reading Rep theatre during April. Aimed at children aged three to eight, the show is a magical adventure with a heart. Told with puppets guided by Victoria Jane, it tells Alby’s story: his home is melting due to the climate emergency. Wherever Alby goes, adventure is not far behind, and he quickly finds himself on a mission to help save his friends (and the world), before it’s too late. Victoria Jane has extensive experience working with family-friendly theatre, including an international tour of Sesame Street, a UK tour of Fireman Sam, and In The Night Garden Live. She has also appeared on Teletubbies, and The Morgana Show. Alby runs at the new theatre from Thursday, April 7, through to Monday, April 18. And to whet appetites for the show, Reading Rep is organising a talk on Climate Activism, taking place next week. On Tuesday, March 22, young climate activists Savinu Hettiarachchi, Ishaan Moitra, Pravi Pratheepan and Akash Ramesh will be part of a panel that will dissect the themes of the production, with the aim to engage young people on global issues and discuss the role of young people and the community in combatting the global climate crisis. The panel is hosted by Reading Rep Theatre, and chaired by Dr Holly Ayres, University of Reading postdoctoral research assistant on Polar climate, Sea ice, Southern Ocean. The event is free and open to the public, tickets need to be booked via the Reading Rep website. n For more details, or to book, log on to www. readingrep.com
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What can you see? PLAY I Spy in Bracknell with the children this weekend. The People’s Theatre Company invites the Wilde Theatre audience to join Molly and Bingo the dog to celebrate Molly’s sixth birthday on Sunday, March 20. There’ll be a treasure hunt, songs and lots of party games, including Molly’s favourite, I Spy with My Little Eye. Based on the brand new picture book by Steven Lee — who also wrote Don’t Dribble on the Dragon and How the Koala Learnt to Hug — this family musical celebrates everything great about being a child, and everything great about having one. There will be the chance to meet and greet the cast after the show. I Spy with My Little Eye begins at 3pm. Run time is one hour and tickets cost £11. n For details or to book, visit: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.
No time for niceties
A COMEDIAN will be tackling head-on the subjects that others skirt around in High Wycombe on Sunday evening. Reginald D Hunter is back at the Wycombe Swan with his new show, Bombe Shuffleur at 8pm. Climate change. Mass unemployment. Economic pandemics. The rise of global fascism. So what could this man possibly say to upset you? Welcome to the world of the Bombe Shuffleur. Described as the voice of his generation, Reginald D Hunter delivers a searingly honest, brutally funny and unique commentary on the unfolding meltdown of life as we know it. Hunter has been nominated for a Perrier Award three times. His TV appearances include Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News for You on the BBC, and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown on Channel 4. Tickets cost £27.50. n For details or to book, log on to: wycombeswan.co.uk or call the box office on: 0343 3100060.
That’s a surprise
THERE is a surprising start to the Windsor on Air season which begins its run on Tuesday, March 22. The Unexpected Guest, by Agatha Christie, is the first of Theatre Royal’s radio plays staged for a live audience.
at 11.30am on Friday, March 25. The screening on Thursday, March 31 at 8pm is a talking table screening, and the film is rated 12A. Tickets cost £10.50, £9.50 concessions. n For more details or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.
Knocking on Henley’s door
her parents. But she lives a double life as she seeks vengeance for terrible events from her past. Starring Carey Mulligan as Cassie Thomas, Promising Young Woman was Emerald Fennell’s directorial debut. Her script won the 2021 Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and she was also nominated for Best Director.
LIFE looks promising for Wokingham Film Society next week. There is a screening of Promising Young Woman at the Whitty Theatre, Luckley Road, at 7.30pm on Thursday, March 24. Emerald Fennell’s multi-winning revenge thriller tells the story of Cassie, a medical school dropout working as a waitress in a coffee bar and living with Christie’s thriller will be brought to life by dialogue, music and sound effects, in the style of a vintage radio drama. When Michael Starkwedder’s car breaks down, he seeks assistance in a nearby country house. He enters to find the body of Richard Warwick, and Warwick’s wife Laura holding a gun. Unconvinced by Laura’s murder confession, the Unexpected Guest assists her in creating an alibi. Once the police are involved further revelations unfold and the mystery deepens. Kris Marshall and Sally Bretton star in this adaptation, directed by Roy Marsden. The run finishes on Saturday, March 26. There are performances daily at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets from £24. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01753 853888 or visit: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
This charming man
NIGEL Havers plays the charming lead, Elyot, in a production of a Noël Coward classic next week. Private Lives opens for a run at the
Carey Mulligan’s performance was described in The Guardian as “her ice-cold best.” The film also stars Bo Burnham and Alison Brie. Rated 15. Tickets cost £4 members, £6.50 non-members and must be booked in advance. n For more information or to book, visit: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, on Tuesday, March 22. Elyot and Amanda were once married. They find themselves on honeymoon with their new partners in the same hotel on the French Riviera, admiring the view from adjoining balconies. Their initial horror quickly evaporates and soon they are sharing cocktails. What will the future hold for them now? This is the inaugural show from The Nigel Havers Theatre Company and also stars Patricia Hodge as Amanda. The run finishes on Saturday, March 26. There are performances daily at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Tickets from £29.50. n For details or to book, call the box office on: 01483 440000 or visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
If Reading won’t go to the mountains…
THE MOUNTAINS will come to Reading on Thursday, March 24. The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour reaches The Hexagon theatre at 7.30pm. Embark on a night of adventure with
a new collection of short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival. Watch film-makers and explorers as they push themselves to the limits in the most remote corners of the globe. The series of short films featuring human-powered feats, life-affirming challenges and amazing cinematography. The line-up follows Banff’s red film programme, which includes films about a trip to the peaks of Iran, and an elite mountain bike race across the West Highland Way in Scotland. Tickets priced from £14.50. n For details or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.
A bite of the Apple
TAKE a bite of The Beatles’ final concert at Norden Farm later this month. Get Back: The Rooftop Concert, directed by Peter Jackson, shows the Fab Four’s rooftop concert at Apple Corps’ Savile Row headquarters on January 30, 1969. It is a 65-minute extract of the Get Back documentary Jackson made for Disney+ in 2021. There are two screenings. The first is
AT THE THEATRE
As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment. Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Conservatoire International Concert Series: Elisabeth Pion. Fri. Crowthorne Musical Players Presents Curtain Up. Fri-Sat. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. I Spy With My Little Eye. Sun. Gyles Brandreth: break A Leg. Mon 21. The Navy Lark. Tues 22. Forbidden Nights. Wed. Keith James: Concert for a Changing World. Wed. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Thurs 24. Conservatoire International Concert
Series:Antoine Preat. Fri 25. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 25. Youth and Community Dance Galas. Sat 26-Sun 27.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Some Guys Have All The Luck. Thurs. Simon and Garfunkel. Fri. Silly Squirrel. Sat. Thank You For the Music. Sat. Let’s Dance. Sun. Ed Byrne. Thurs 23. The Real Magic Show. Sat 26. Baby Ballet. Sun 27.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Two Cigarettes in the Dark – CANCELLED. Until Sat. Private Lives. Tues-Sat 26. An Evening With Carol Klein. Sun 27.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk
01494 512000 Derren Brown: Showman. Until Sat. Reginald D Hunter. Sun. Blood Brothers. Tues-Sat 26. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 24. Harris and Baker’s Backstage Pass. Sun 27.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 The Real Thing. Until Sat. Bill! Sun. Three Degrees. Thurs 24. The Bob Dylan Story. Fri 25. Ben Hart: Wonder. Sat 26. The Art Theme Trio: Thane and the Villeins. Sun 27.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Band of the Household Cavalry Lunchtime Recital. Thurs. Tom houghton Honour Tour. Thurs. The Eyes of Tammy Faye (12a). Fri-Sat. Andy Zaltman Satirist For Hire. Fri. Alan Barnes (sax). Fri. The Souvenir Part II (15). Sat. Taplow Girls’ Choir:
Sing, Rejoice. Sun. Taming The Garden (15). Wed-Thurs 24. The Beatles: get Back The Rooftop Concert. Fri 25. Dire Streets. Fri 25. A Night at the Movies. Sat 26.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Ben Hart: Wonder. Thurs. Lipstick on your Collar. Fri. You Win Again: Celebrating the Music of the Bee Gees. Sat. Crimes, Camera, Action. Tues-Wed. Iain Stirling: Failing Upwards. Thurs 24. Menopause The Musical 2: Cruising Through Menopause. Sat 26.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Wicker Husband. Until Sat 26.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jamali Maddix: King Crud. Thurs. Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Home Truths. Fri. Peter Knight and John Spiers. Thurs 24.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Count Arthur Strong: And This Is Me. Thurs. Diversity. Fri-Sat. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour. Sat 24. The Bootleg Beatles in Concert. Fri 25.
Reading – Concert Hall
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jeneba Kanneh-Mason: piano. Thurs. NEXT SHOW: South Chiltern Choral Society and the Reading Symphony Orchestra. Apr 2.
THE STORY of a music icon will be told at the Kenton Theatre next Friday, March 25. Bob Dylan and The Band are the subject of The Bob Dylan Story, which will tell the tales behind the hits and promises to transport the audience back to the 1960s. Songs including Subterranean Homesick Blues, All Along The Watchtower and Mr Tambourine Man will be performed by a tribute act described as “superb” and “brilliant” in reviews by Weekend Notes and Southend Theatre Scene. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £21, including a £1 theatre restoration levy. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or visit: kentontheatre.co.uk
Su speaks
ACTRESS Su Pollard reaches Newbury at the end of the month on her first ever solo tour. Oh.. And Another Thing… starts at 8pm in the Corn Exchange, on Thursday, March 31. Su will be talking about her life and career in entertainment, and promises laughter and a few tears along the way. She made her television debut on Opportunity Knocks, where she came second to a singing Jack Russell dog. She is best known for her role as Peggy in the BAFTA award-winning BBC sitcom Hi-De-Hi, and was honoured to be the subject of This is Your Life. With many credits in television, film, theatres including in the West End, as well as a few pantomimes - she has many tales to tell. The show will conclude with the chance to ask Su questions. Meet and greet tickets and VIP seats are priced at £46, general admission is £21. n For more details or to book, visit: cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 5218218
Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Yous Two. Mar 28-Apr 2.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: National Theatre Connections. Mar 16-18.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Apr 29-30, May 5-7
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The House on Cold Hill. Until Mar 26. Piccadilly Dance Orchestra. Sun.
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Father Brown: Murderer in the Mirror. Until Sat. Mane Chance. Sun. Windsor on Air: The Unexpected Guest. Tues-Sat 26.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Hobson’s Choice. Until Sat 26.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 The Wizard of Oz. Until Fri. Wokingham Film Society: A Promising Young Woman (15). Thurs 24.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat May 28.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LEISURE | 15
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Ricky rocks Sub89 with visit from his Fighting Hearts
R
OCKER Ricky Warwick brought his Fighting Hearts to Reading last week, for a night to remember.
Joining him at Sub89 was support acts the VirginMarys, and The Howling Tides. The gig, on Tuesday, March 8, saw him back on the road for the first time since the pandemic started. Last year saw him release his fifth solo album, When Life Was Hard and Fast. Of it, he said: “I wanted to create an album that had the simplistic melodies of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers charged with the electric hedonistic fury of Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers. Working with Keith Nelson was a no brainer for me as we are kindred spirits..plus he has a great vintage guitar collection.” The tour is his chance to perform songs from it. “I’m grateful that after 30 years of making records my appetite for writing and playing is the same as it was that day all those years ago when I got my first electric guitar,” he said, referring to saving up takings from his newspaper round to buy the instrument when he was just 14. Our photographer Dijana Capan was on hand to capture the moment.
GOOD ROCKING TONIGHT: Top left, above and below left: Ricky Martin and the Fighting Hearts; below right: VirginMarys; bottom: The Howling Tides Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision
Family fun as Ascot prepares to go back to the races ASCOT is gearing up for the first family race day of the year, taking place later this month. Some top-class jumps racing is promised, including the Veterans Chase and a a two-mile juvenile hurdle. And there will be a host of free activities for all ages to enjoy. They include dog agility performers, ferret racing, themed treasure hunts, pony rides, face painting, arts and crafts, petting farms and climbing walls.
A spokesperson for Ascot said that with so many activities to enjoy and gripping races to watch, there is no shortage of entertainment. And the event takes place on Mothering Sunday – March 27 – so a special selfie wall will also be available for families to have their pictures taken the mark the day. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.ascot.com/horse-races-andevents/spring-family-raceday/springfamily-raceday-sunday
The live music scene is back and it’s more exciting than ever WE checked out two recent Jamma promoted live shows, writes Chris Hillman. I’d been hearing good things about local music promoter Jamma, so myself and Andrew Merritt (with his trusty camera) decided to pop along to their first show of the year at The Purple Turtle a couple of weeks ago. First up was one of the artists that we’ve championed in our RaW Sounds.Today playlist feature, Split the Dealer. Split, aka Sam Brett, usually plays with a full band but here he was doing a solo acoustic set. I’ve seen many such sets in my time and often it can be hard for the artist to engage with a crowd when just singing and strumming an acoustic guitar. That certainly wasn’t the case with Sam. He showed what an impressive performer he is - great songs delivered with power and passion and what a voice. A brilliant set. Next up was headliner Jazz Mino a Manchester-born, Somerset raised singersongwriter whose electro indiepop performed by herself with the help of a very good guitarist was great. Infectious, uplifting and fun, it was just what you needed if you have been missing live music. It was a great night and
as it was a show that been rescheduled, we saw that the next Jamma promoted gig was only the following week. As we’d been so impressed and had such a good time we decided to go along to that too. What a good move that was since it was the launch party for the new single, by one of our favourite new bands, Third Lung. First up was support from Nicky Booty, who many will know as she is a producer for Radio Berkshire’s BBC Introducing show. She’s clearly very talented since, as well as her radio skills, she is a good singer and songwriter, as she showed with her live set. There was certainly a buzz in
The Purple Turtle as Third Lung took the stage. The four-piece showed their great musicianship as they performed many of their popular songs such as I A Fire, Hold the Line and of course their excellent new single, Laura. Singer and guitarist Tom Farrelly also took to the piano where he played and sang
brilliantly on a couple of songs, The Art of Stealing and a wonderful new song. In fact, there were a number of brand new songs throughout the set and they were great. If they are anything to go by, the band’s new album, Gameplay, due out later in the year, is going to be well worth getting.
Clockwise from top left: Nicky Booty, Jazz Mino, Split The Dealer, and Third Lung, all taking part in Jamma’s gigs at the Turtle Pictures: Andrew Merritt
The two shows we attended were excellent and you know there is something exciting going on when in the audience for the show you see members of other bands plus people from recording studios, record labels, radio shows and press. If you want to come along and be part of the exciting local music
scene, check out other shows coming up from Jamma and all the other promoters in the area. There’s some great music out there and it’s a great night out. n The next Jamma show is Friday, April 29. If you are a band or artist you could have the chance to play on the night. For more details, log on to: jammamusic.com
16 | LEISURE
Shrek to entertain at South Hill Park EVERYONE’S favourite ogre is back this Easter thanks to South Hill Park. The Bracknell-based arts centre is to stage its take on the Oscar-winning film and Broadway musical, Shrek The Musical. It needs little introduction: unlikely hero Shrek, and his wisecracking friend Donkey, lead a cast of fairytale misfits – cast off by tiny terror Lord Farquaad – on an adventure to rescue a feisty princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek The Musical is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family. Director Mark Hooper said: “It has been an absolute joy to work on a theatrical presentation of such an iconic film. “Donkey, Farquaad, Fiona and, of course, Shrek himself are ready to take you on a hilarious, actionpacked, musical adventure unlike any other; with foot-thumping songs, larger-than-life costumes and a set so gorgeous, you would believe you have fallen through the cinema screen straight into the Dreamworks’ film.” The show is performed from Monday, April 11 to Monday, April 18, and the cast includes Brad Clapson, who played the dame in South Hill Park’s pantomimes in recent years. Tickets cost from £20. n For more details, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to southhillpark.org.uk
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Music festival unveils latest acts to perform
M
ORE artists have been announced for this year’s Are You Listening? festival.
The independent music event will take place in multiple venues in Reading on Saturday, May 7, and tier two tickets are now on sale. A further 30 artists have now been added to the line-up. This adds to the 20 names announced in February, covered by Reading Today here. Hotly tipped Manchester trio Porij lead the second announcement. The BBC 6Music favourites will bring their blend of dance, indie & lo-fi pop to the stage. Indie-pop producer and multi-instrumentalist Pixey, who describes herself as “the indie Britney Spears”, will also perform. Joining the bill are post-punk new wave band deep tan, punkinfused vocalist and DJ Grove, and psychedelic indie-rock group The Goa Express. More artists revealed for the festival’s line up are experimental hip-hop and electronica collective Nukuluk, raw punk band Talk Show and iPhone produced daydream pop by tinyumbrellas. The festival’s offering this year now includes alt-folk duo Memorial, who are songwriters Jack Watts and Oliver Spalding,
LAUGHTER TRACK: A comedy night for Ukraine will feature (clockwise from top left) Lloyd Griffith, Matt Rees, Ross Smith and Tom Little
Comics to crack jokes in aid of Ukraine LISTEN UP: Are You Listening? returns to venues across Reading town centre on Saturday, May 7 “post-macho” noise pop trio The Byker Grove Fan Club, pianist Isaac Stuart, and Canadian post-rock group Slow Down, Molasses. Musicians representing the local scene are Oxford’s Aphra Taylor, instrumental post-rock duo Boredoms in The Bathroom and Reading’s Afro-fusion group Limpopo Groove. Festival venues in Reading town centre are the AYL? Market Place Hub, Sub 89, Milk, Purple Turtle, Oakford Social Club, Rising Sun Arts Centre, The Facebar and Saint Laurence Church.
Since starting in 2013 the festival has raised over £70,000 for their partner, learning disability charity Reading Mencap. The charity is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Tickets cost £15 aged 14 to 17, and £25 for adults. Previous AYL? guests include IDLES, Ezra Furman, BC Camplight, Field Music and Anna Meredith. n Tickets and a full list of bands can be found on the festival’s website areyoulistening.org.uk
NATALIE BURTON
A COMEDY night on Saturday will be a serious affair. Just The Tonic, which meets from Popworld/Sub89 in Friar Street, is welcoming four comics for a show that will raise funds for Ukraine. Organisers say all proceeds will go to a charity working to help the country which has been invaded by Putin’s troops. Acts and tech crews are being paid for their work, but everything else will go the charity. On the bill are Lloyd Griffith, Ross Smith, Tom Little and Matt Rees. The Evening Standard says that Lloyd delivers punchy gags
while revealing a jaw-dropping singing voice. Ross is a someone who was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe and is seen as a rising star. Tom has produced a series of witty Twitter videos in which he has put lyrics to famous television programmes, including Grandstand. And Matt has been described by Metro as disarmingly funny, laid back but hysterical. Like a walking chillum. Doors open at 6.45pm, with the comedy starting at 8pm. Tickets cost £16.50, or £11 for concessions. n For more details, log on to: www.justthetonic.com
Ronan Keatin’s day at the races BOYZONE star Ronan Keating will be performing at Windsor Racecourse this summer with a huge open-air show. Taking place on Saturday, August 27, he will be performing as part of its Live After Racing event, where music fans can enjoy a day at the races before taking in the show. In it, he will whirl through nearly three decades of pop hits, helped by his band. Since his time in one of the most successful boy bands in
history, Ronan Keating has crafted an epic solo career with 30 consecutive Top 10 singles, 10 studio albums and over 20 million records sold, and counting… In addition, his talents have expanded to the biggest international judging seats on the X Factor and The Voice in Australia and time in a highly acclaimed West End show. He has also been part of BBC One’s The One Show, and hosted a breakfast show on Magic FM.
Last year, he released Songs From Home, an album that celebrates Celtic poetry and folklore, drawing on his Irish heritage. Tickets go on sale today (Wednesday) for O2 customers, while general tickets go on sale from Friday. They cost £40 and a booking fee, or £25 for under 18s, who must be accompanied by an adult. n For more details, log on to: www.windsor-racecourse.co.uk
Father Brown takes to the stage … to find the murderer
FOR years, they’ve been a popular series of books. Recently, they’ve been a staple of afternoon television. Now, Father Brown is once again sleuthing on stage. The mild-mannered priest has a knack of being in the right place at the right time … if you count being around for a murder as being in the right place… In this latest production, The Murderer in the Mirror, Father Brown is trying to solve the mystery of the death of a famous actor just before the dress rehearsal of a West End production. When he sees a shattered mirror in the dressing room, he quickly realises sinister forces are at work. But if all the possible
suspects were on stage at the time of the murder, whodunit? It’s up to Father Brown to find out. The play, starring John Lyons, is being performed at the Theatre Royal in Windsor this week, until Saturday, March 19.
Performances are at 7.30pm nightly, with an audio described performance on Thursday, at 2.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to theatreroyalwindsor. co.uk
LEISURE | 25
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Wednesday, March 16, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662
RaW Sounds Today
PLAY ON: Martin Turner at Wokingham Festival 2019 Picture: Andrew Merritt
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
Wishbone Ash – Sometime World
A
MUSICAL odyssey is coming to Wokingham next month, and we’re not joking.
Yes, the gig date might be April Fools’ Day, but Martin Turner is deadly serious about his music. He will be performing Wishbone Ash’s classic album Argus when he visits Wokingham Music Club. To whet your appetite, we have one of the tracks from it in this week’s playlist. Enjoy. The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page. To hear this week’s set, simply head to bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and pump up the volume. There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, March 17 CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. Some Guys Have All The Luck - The Rod Stewart Story. Details: 01276 707600. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Amapiano Afrohouse Afrobeat. Details: 0118 959 7196. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. St Patrick’s Day: Fiddle. Details: 01491 681048. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, March 18
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Scemata Theory and My Latest Failure.. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. CLOSED. Details: 01344 303333. CAMBERLEY – Theatre, Knoll Road GU15 3SY. Simon and Garfunkel Through The Years. Details: 01276 707600. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents My Darling Clementine. £15. Details: wokinghammusicclub. co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Perk. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Sub89, Friar St RG1 1EP. Pearl Jamm. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Saturday, March 19
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Replays. Details: 01344 303333. CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. The Self Preservation Society. Details: 01344 772161. EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club, Pitts Lane RG6 1BT. T Roze and Co. Details: 0118 926 5936. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. CurryOke. Details: 0118 966 7153 GORING - Goring Social Club, High Street RG8 9BA. Wise Monkeys. Details: 01491 873105. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Crazy Cowboy Festival 7: Ransom. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Like .. The Beatles. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING - Cafe Iguana, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LN. 2 Step Jam. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Hugh Turner Trio. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Readipop 2022 launch party with Brother Zulu, OSP and Hatty Taylor. Propa Ammo: DJ Rap, Dope Ammo, Kenny Ken. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Under Radarz Presents: Nu-Topia W/ Nicky Blackmarket & Disrupta. Details: 0118 959 5395.
It’s from the band’s classic album, Argus, and it’s here as Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash is returning to Wokingham Music Club on Friday, April 1 to perform the whole of the album. He and his band of excellent musicians will also be performing the Wishbone Four album. If you saw Martin last time he played at WMC or his headlining performance at Wokingham Festival, you’ll know how good he and his band are and, if you didn’t, you should really take this opportunity – https://www.martinturnermusic.com/
Rachel Redman – You Set Me Free Rachel is a singer-songwriter from the local area and, even though we’ve featured her in the playlist before, it’s well worth including her again as she’s recently released this wonderful new single. It’s another well-crafted song with Rachel’s distinctive country-pop feel. The song has been receiving radio plays and Rachel has also released a lyric video that is worth checking out.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930. SHINFIELD – The Sportsman, Shinfield Rd RG2 7DS. The Beatle and Buddy Show. Details: 0118 975 2089. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Ska Britannia. Details: 0118 942 9606. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. The Makeshifts. Details: 0118 979 7402. WOODLEY – The Chequers, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JH. Wardour Street CANCELLED. Details: 0118 969 3477. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Lorraine and Neil. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, March 20
EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm.. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Scarecrow. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Tuesday, March 22 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring
RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
Wednesday, March 23
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Keith James: Concert for the Changing World. Details: 01344 484123.
Thursday, March 24 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Rag and Moan Men. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Buddy Holly and the Crickters. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Tailgunner and special guests. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Amapiano Afrohouse Afrobeat. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts centre. Peter Knight and John Spiers. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Altered Images. Details: 0118 959 5395. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, March 25
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ditch The Demon and Solcura. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: B Funkt. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Newtown
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
We’ll look forward to seeing Rachel live at gigs and festivals during the year – https://www. facebook.com/rachelredmanmusic/
Third Lung – Laura This is the band’s first release of 2022 and they are certainly showing that they can maintain the quality of their previous excellent single releases. It’s from their forthcoming album, Gameplay. We’ll look forward to that. – http://thirdlungband. com/
OSP – Breathe Here’s the debut single from Reading-based rap collective OSP. They will be live at Readipop Festival’s Launch Party at Purple Turtle on Saturday, March 19 along with Brother Zulu AND Hatty Taylor – https://www.facebook.com/ospmusicuk
My Darling Clementine – I Lost You This duo have become part of the country and Americana landscape with their wonderful songs and live shows and they are visiting the area to play at Wokingham Music Club on Friday, March 18 – https:// mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk/
overlaid with melodies – https://www.facebook. com/wearegrandad
Reliant – Pain of It All They made our Top 10 of our best of 2020 list and now they are back with a new single. It’s another uplifting powerful indie-rock anthem and it was recorded at Generation Studio in Maidenhead – https://www.facebook.com/ WeAreReliant
Steve Anderson – Coda Steve, from The Room, has just released his solo album, Journeyman’s Progress – Part One which is a wonderful album of instrumentals showcasing Steve’s skills as a guitarist and musician – https:// journeymansprogress.co.uk/
Split the Dealer – Hard To Take He was in our Top 10 of the year list in both 2020 and 2021 and here’s his new single. Split the Dealer will be headlining at Reading’s Sub 89 with his full band on Friday, May 13 – https://www.facebook. com/splitthedealer
Lonely Robot – Under Stars
Here’s a new band from Bracknell with a single taken from their debut EP, Walk Around Me. The alt-rock four-piece have a grungy shoegaze style
Lonely Robot was created by John Mitchell who works from his Reading-based recording studio, Outhouse as songwriter, musician AND producer. He played a special show at Everyman in Kings Cross last month – https://johnmitchellhq.com
Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. DisCover. Details: 03144 426298. CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Monkey Shock. Details: 0118 934 0700. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Hexagon. The Bootleg Beatles in Concert. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Housebase. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity 19th Birthday Party: The Go Go Cult, Abrasive Trees, This. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Evil Scarecrow. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street RG1 2LR. Stephen Roper. Details: 0118 959 7959. RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. Tequila Chase.
01344 422622 BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Little Eden. Details: 01344 457318 READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Swallow. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Nasty Fishmonger. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Bottomless Magical Brunch. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. 4Ever80s. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING - The Spread Eagle, Norfolk Road, RG30 2EG. The Midnight Rebel Band. Details: 0118 957 4507. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Sidemen. Details: 0118 376 9159. TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. The Junction. Details: 0118 941 5064. WOODLEY – The Good Companions, Loddon
Grandad – About Him
Details: 0118 343 0565. WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Women In Rock. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Neon Daze Live. Details: 0118 977 3706. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Rd RG1 4HX. Stoney Lane. Details: 0118 926 5804.
Saturday, March 26
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The Shelf Side. Details: 01344 420690. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Kintek Takoever Drum and Base Extravaganza. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Solid Groove Foundation. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details:
Bridge Road RG5 4AG. The Beatle and Buddy Show. Details: 0118 969 3325. WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Paddington. Details: 0118 969 9756. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Neil Samuels. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, March 27
EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington St RG1 4RJ. Readifolk Singers Night. Details: readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Mates Rates Comedy Club is bringing Live Stand-Up Comedy to Reading W h e t h e r i t i s TV n a m e s o r n u r t u r i n g n ew ta l e n t a t t h e g ra s s ro o t s , i f yo u l ove s ta n d - u p co m e d y, M a te s Ra te s Co m e d y h a s a s h ow fo r yo u ! Fo r m o re i n fo r m a ti o n c h e c k o u t t h e l i n ks be l ow a n d s ca n t h e Q R co d e to bo o k yo u r ti c ke t s .
Fo l l ow u s o n: f: / M a te s Ra te s C o m e d y c: @ M a te s ra te s co m e d y www. m a te s ra te s co m e d y. co . u k
26 | LEISURE
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WHAT’SON
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. The Batman (15). Thurs. The Duke (12a). Thurs. Ali & Ava (15). Thurs. Cyrano (12a). Thurs. The Duke (12a). Thurs. Red Rocket (18). Thurs.. Keep It Cult: The Fly (18). Fri. Keep It Cult: Fight Club (18). Mon, Fri April 1. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Friday, March 18
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe Online lunchtime session. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. 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. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, March 19
COLEY PARK – Coley Park Baptist Church, Wensley Road RG1 6DU. Coley Craft: create, craft and chat over a brew. 10am-noon. Details: coleychurch.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Wellington College Chapel, Wellington College, Dukes RIde RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Choral Society’s spring concert. Dvorak: Mass in D Major. Tickets £12, £2 students. Details: www. crowthornechoral.org.uk. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting: Spring Equinox. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church RG8 9DS. The Heart Starts Singing: a concert by Reading Bach Choir. Musical director Daniel Mahoney. 7.30pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: www.readingbachchoir. org.uk LOWER EARLEY – Lower Earley Baptist Church, Maiden Place. The A Team: Awesome Autism/ADHD – Craft Session. For Autistic and/or ADHD girls (age 5-18) who live, or attend
a school, in Berkshire. Booking essential, £18. 10am-noon. READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides. Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk READING – The Weller Centre, Amersham Road RG4 5NA. Craft Club clear out: sale of fabric remnants, craft fabrics, wood, embroidery, and more. 2pm-4pm. In aid of The Weller Centre. Details: 07986 905784. ROTHERFIELD PEPPARD – Springwater Peppard Congregational Church, Blounts Court Road RG9 5EU. Spring craft fair. 10am-1pm. Free entry. Cafe with lunches. Details: www.springwaterchurch. org.uk SONNING COMMON – Village Hall, Wood Lane RG4 9SL. Craft fair. 10am-4pm. Details: mumadoracrafts.co.uk TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting. Over 18s only. Booking essential. 1pm. SOLD OUT. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Choral Society spring concert. 7.30pm. £12.50, £5 under 18s and students. Details: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, March 20
CHARVIL – Village Hall, Park Lane. Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre Super Sunday Sale. 11am3pm. Details: www.dbarc. org.uk EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road. Wokingham Music Club presents My Darling
Clementine. £15. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub READING – Crucible Sports and Social Club, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. McGuinnes and Whitham: Back on Tour. £25. Details: 07932 724462. READING – Reading Hackspace rLab, Unit C1, Weldale Street RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome. SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Farmers & Community market. 9am-noon. Details: www.spencerswoodhall. co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5. 1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Goals, Woodlands Avenue RG5 4FG. League of Friends of the Royal Berkshire Hospital charity football tournament. £60 per team of up to eight. Prizes, stalls, activities for all ages. From 10am. Details: lof@ royalberkshire.nhs.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Monday March 21
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org BINFIELD – Newbold College Church, Popeswood Road, RG42 4AN. The Arts Society Wokingham’s monthly lecture ‘Denys Lasdun and the National Theatre’ by Alan Read at 7.45pm. Also live streamed via YouTube. Details www.TheArtsSociey Wokingham.org.uk READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Family History Society presents: one-to-one family history advice session. 2pm-4pm. Online, booking essential. Details: berksfhs.org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363. WOKINGHAM – Methodist Church, Rose Street. Extniction Rebellion Reading presents: Heading For Extinction...and what to do about it. 7.30pm-9pm. Free. Booking essential, via Eventbrite, search for Heading For Extinction.
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 WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, RG5 3LA. Network Fellowship: Newspaper cuttings. 2pm. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons Art and Crafts. Try something new, relax, enjoy tea and biscuits. £3 per craft, materials supplied. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: 0118 969 9956.
Tuesday, March 22
EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, March 23
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Community and Charity hub, Erfstadt Court, Denmark Street. Volunteer Recruitment Fair. 11am-2pm. Details: volunteerwokingham borough.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way
RG5 4UX. Coffee morning. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 969 9956. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Thursday, March 24
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Family History Society presents: 150 years of Reading Football Club, an online talk by David Downs. 2pm. Booking essential. £5, £4 BFHS members. Details: berksfhs.org SILCHESTER – Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Silchester Players present: Aladdin A Panto. 7.30pm. Tickets: £7, £8, £9. Details: silchesterplayers. org SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Focus group feedback. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: A Promising Young Woman (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363
Friday, March 25
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org SILCHESTER – Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Silchester Players: Aladdin A Panto. 7.30pm. Tickets: £7, £8, £9. Details: silchesterplayers.org WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. Friendship
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022 table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat. 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, March 26
READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. The Friends of Reading Abbey spring lecture: The Reading Abbey Formulary, by Dr Frederica Teale. 2pm. Free. Details: www. readingabbey.org.uk READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Abbey Quarter tours: explore the heart of medieval Reading led by trained volunteer guides. Ninety-minute tour from 11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. readingmuseum.org.uk READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Reading Haydn Choir spring concert: Mozart’s Requiem and short works by Bach and Bruckner. Soloists Milly Forrest, Anna Cooper, Oliver Johnston and Edward Jowle, keyboard Ian Westley and musicians from Sinfonia Musicisti are conducted by Mandy
Kesel. 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions, £1 discount for advance bookings. Under 19s £5, under 19s free. Details: www. haydnchoir.org.uk SILCHESTER – Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Silchester Players present: Aladdin A Panto. 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Tickets: £7, £8, £9. Details: silchesterplayers.org TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting. Over 18s only. Booking essential. 1pm. £13.50. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road. Twyford and Ruscombe Horticultural Association spring show. 2pm. Raffle and awards, 3.30pm. £1. Details: trhamembership@ gmail.com WINNERSH – St Mary’s Church Hall RG41 5NA. FROM 10AM -2.PM. A Grand Sale , raising funds for 2 orphanages in S India Charity SalGoAssist supporting the rural poor in Bapatla WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Hobson’s Choice. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
South Chiltern Choral Society presents ~
70th Anniversary Spring Concert
Fauré ~ Requiem Debussy ~ La Mer Nielsen ~ Helios Overture South Chiltern Choral Society Parenthesis Reading Symphony Orchestra Conductor ~ Stefan Hofkes
Saturday 2nd April 2022 at 7.30 pm Concert Hall, Blagrave St, Reading RG1 1QH Tickets £23.50 £20.50 £15.50 Students under 25 £10 whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
www.southchilternchoralsociety.org.uk
Registered Charity no. 297583
No. 5405
Your weekly puzzle challenge
27
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, March 16, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
Quiz Challenge
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1. What is commonly known as the fourth dimension after length, width and height? 2. A gurnard is what type of creature? 3. Henry Cavill plays a magical monster-slayer in which popular Netflix fantasy series? 4. Which Australian batsman scored two centuries during the fourth Ashes 2021-22 Test match? 5. The clay compound bauxite is extracted from which metal ore?
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NONAGRAM
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
DIG LARGE HEADLINE
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T A G
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: 27 Good; 32 Very Good; 38 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.
7. What is the common name for the constellation formed by the stars Castor and Pollux? 8. In The Lord of the Rings films, which role did Sir Ian McKellen play?
10. Which TV game-show host coined the phrase ‘give us a twirl’?
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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.
8 4 3 9 6 8 4 7 1 3 2 6 9 2 4 1 8 7 8 5 3 2 8 4 3 5 8 9 7 2 1 3 6 8 9 2 3 9
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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QUICK CROSSWORD 1
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com © Sirius Media Services Ltd
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ACROSS 1. Tedious (8) 5. Lure (4) 9. Removes contents (7) 10. Shadow (5) 11. Large cask (3) 12. Erase (6) 15. Repairs by sewing (5) 17. Operatic song (4) 19. Evaluate (6) 22. Recount (6) 24. Tropical vegetable (4) 26. Panache (5)
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WORD PYRAMID: Double-barrelled. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; multiply; subtract; divide. Total: 7.
SOLUTIONS
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15 15
This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
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DOWN 1. Youngster has the very thing for an old measure (5) 2. Incline to have to live off the 7. Creature has heart of grizzly fat now? (4,4) bear transplanted (5) 3. Arrange class at last (6) 8. Nonsense, it belongs in the 4. Old boy about to go round bin (7) in a gown (4) 10. Theoretical idea advanced 5. Frigidity is nice maybe up to by a novice (8) a point (7) 11. Thoroughly fit (4) 6. One underweight hen creates an atmosphere! 13. Key to the cabinet? (6) (5,5) 15. One can get it baked - but 9. Only 50% off? (4,6) it’s unlikely in this state (6) 12. Equipment required for 17. You will call it a feast (4) plucky guitarist (8) 14. Plays around in company 18. Fag with ulcer bursting during the song (7) turned out to be elegant (8) 16. Beginning alternatively with 21. Tearing open – that’s one drink (6) excellent, some say (7) 19. Establish there is nothing in 22. Nothing true about this the kitty (5) way (5) 20. Politician under 51 is 23. As furious as a frog? (7,3) drooping (4)
Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
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ACROSS 1. In Carolina somehow provided another state (10)
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 4 3 3 4 1 10 4 16 2 1 2 5
Hard
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FIVE ALIVE OL
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9. What H is a Madonna song and another word for a vacation?
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 D through openings in the walls. The O first letter may appear in any chamber. U B
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WORD PYRAMID
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1
6. Edward Teller was a major contributor to the development of which weapon?
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PZ1P5405
CROSS CODE 8
5405
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35
27. 30. 32. 33.
Correspond (6) Small cake (3) Picture (5) Observe carefully (7) 34. Consumes (4) 35. Sense organ (8) DOWN 1. Digits (4) 2. Indian monetary unit (5) 3. Grin (5) 4. Skipper (6) 6. Canadian province (7) 7. Move over (8)
8. Ice cream dessert (6) 13. Downwind (3) 14. Chore (4) 16. Stimulant (8) 18. Middle Eastern country (4) 20. Gap filler (7) 21. Water ice (6) 23. Pasture (3) 25. Go back on (6) 28. Accepted practice (5) 29. Distort (5) 31. Be dressed in (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Tiresome; 5 Bait; 9 Empties; 10 Umbra; 11 Tun; 12 Delete; 15 Darns; 17 Aria; 19 Assess; 22 Relate; 24 Okra; 26 Flair; 27 Equate; 30 Bun; 32 Image; 33 Examine; 34 Eats; 35 Receptor. Down – 1 Toes; 2 Rupee; 3 Smile; 4 Master; 6 Alberta; 7 Transfer; 8 Sundae; 13 Lee; 14 Task; 16 Caffeine; 18 Iraq; 20 Sealant; 21 Sorbet; 23 Lea; 25 Renege; 28 Usage; 29 Twist; 31 Wear.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Time; 2 Fish; 3 The Witcher; 4 Usman Khawaja; 5 Aluminium; 6 The hydrogen bomb; 7 Gemini or the Heavenly Twins; FIVE ALIVE: 8 Gandalf; 9 Holiday; 10 Bruce Forsyth. (1) Across – Offal; Tacit; Suave. Down – Oaths; Facia; Lathe. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 California; 7 Zebra; 8 Rubbish; 10 Notional; 11 Well; (2) Across – Lilts; Mêlée; Nicer. K F T P H Q L S N B Z Y E 13 Locker; 15 Alaska; 17 Yule; 18 Graceful; 21 Ripping; 22 Route; Down – Lemon; Lilac; Swear. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 23 Hopping mad. R J O G A X C I W V D M U Down – 1 Cubit; 2 Lean over; 3 Format; 4 Robe; 5 Iciness; 6 NONAGRAM: agar; area; aria; attar; attire; aver; Ozone layer; 9 Half asleep; 12 Plectrum; 14 Calypso; 16 Origin; avert; gaiter; gear; girt; giver; grate; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 19 Found; 20 Limp. hale; arid; ling; grave; GRAVITATE; great; grit; irate; edge. raga; rage; riata; rata; rate; ratite; ravage; rave; regatta; rite; rive; rivet; tare; targe; target; tart; tater; tear; terai; tetra; tiara; tier; tiger; tire; titre; trait; treat; tret; triage; trig; trite; trivet; vair; variate; vert; virga; virgate.
28 | LIFE
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
Breakfast hash In the kitchen Milk & More
B
ORED with breakfast? Short on time? Or simply want to do your bit for the planet? Online doorstep delivery service Milk & More has you covered, with a range of delicious recipes, to help you create brilliant breakfasts featuring best of British produce, all delivered to your door by 7am. This month’s recipes are to celebrate the most important meal of the day, part of its Milk & More’s first annual Breakfast Week, which runs next week. It serves a range of milks and juices delivered in one-pint
zero waste packaging glass bottles (reused on average 25 times), yoghurt, fruit, eggs, bread and more with no pointless plastic… In fact, 97% of all of its product packaging fits into the circular economy, meaning its fully reusable, recyclable or compostable. From easy weekend brunches like Avocado Toasties and mouthwatering Pancakes with Bacon and Maple Syrup to Layered Muesli Pots and Smoothies, perfect for on-the-go… it’s time to rethink breakfast and start your day the right way. Whether you want to reinvigorate your porridge, upgrade your
Spacephiller Phil Creighton
morning eggs or simply try something new, get ready to mix up your morning routine with one of these new recipes. To get involved in this year’s Breakfast Week and find out more, visit breakfastweek.co.uk or follow @milkandmore on Facebook and @ freshmilkandmore on Instagram.
Time, travel and birthday presents
I
T WAS Mrs C’s birthday last week.
BREAKFAST HASH Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Serves 2 n 350g potatoes, diced n 2 tbsp oil n 1 onion, diced (180g) n 4 rashers back bacon, chopped (125g) n 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped (180g) n 2 medium eggs n 2 tbsp roughly chopped flat leaf parsley Cook the potatoes in boiling water for 5 minutes, drain. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the potatoes, onion and bacon for
5-6 minutes until browned. Add in the tomatoes and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until softened, season and stir in half the parsley.
Meanwhile, poach the eggs in simmering water for 3-4 minutes, drain. Serve the breakfast hash topped with the poached eggs and sprinkle over the
remaining parsley to serve. Cook’s tip Replace the bacon with sliced mushrooms and omit the egg for a vegan alternative.
Tips to stay safe as fuel theft set to spiral due to huge hikes in prices
A
JOKE doing the rounds at the moment shows a couple dining out at a petrol station. The caption reads, ‘“You said you wanted to be taken somewhere expensive”.
If you drive, you can’t have failed to have noticed that the cost of a litre of fuel has risen sharply in recent days, and there’s talk that it could reach £2 in the weeks to come. With oil becoming the new gold, used car buying service ChooseMyCar is warning drivers to be mindful of fuel theft, as the level of the crime is set to significantly rise. Syphoning fuel from vehicles is a crime that costs UK drivers millions of pounds, every single year. In 2018, £1.1 million was stolen from London alone. And just only one per cent of these thefts were prosecuted, meaning it’s almost an unpunishable crime. In figures estimated by Crown Oil, it was claimed that the cost of fuel theft to the UK was over £9 million. In the US, some police departments are already reporting a significant increase in fuel thefts from private vehicles. Thames Valley Police, North Wales Police and Devon and Cornwall Police are just some of the police services that are warning of rises in fuel theft crimes in the last few days, as prices soar. Founder of ChooseMyCar.com, Nick Zapolski, has compiled a list of top tips to keep drivers safe as the rate of fuel theft rises. “The price of fuel is now so high that no one can afford to lose any
through theft. Sadly, it’s extremely likely that the UK will see a sharp increase in this crime as fuel prices continue to go through the roof. “The good news is that there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your vehicle from fuel theft. We’re urging drivers to take steps to not become a victim - by taking small steps you could prevent yourself from becoming a target.”
Secure the area where your car is parked If you have a garage to park in overnight, you should be safe. But for those of us who don’t have that luxury, consider how to secure the area in which your vehicle is parked. If possible, park in well-lit areas where criminals would not be able to go unnoticed. If that’s not possible, consider installing security lighting or motion sensors.
Practice defensive parking It sounds counterintuitive to those of us who care about our paintwork, but parking Close to over vehicles seriously limits a criminal’s ability to syphon off your fuel. Where it’s safe, park close to a wall or another vehicle for the best chance to avoid fuel theft. At the very least, make sure your fuel cap side is parked on the side of the road as opposed to the pavement.
Fit a lockable filler cap Although some thieves may get around this, having a lockable filler cap is a quick way to seriously deter fuel theft. Just make sure you keep it locked.
Install some sort of alarm system
This could be a full-scale car alarm, a fuel level or alarm, or something
as similar as laying gravel where you usually park at home. Noise deterrents are particularly effective as syphoning off fuel takes time, unlike a theft from inside a vehicle or even the theft of the vehicle itself.
Think about installing CCTV New systems such as Nest make this surprisingly easy - practically and on the pocket. Camera systems are essential to prevent crime and to catch criminals - so it’s worth doing not just for fuel theft but for wider vehicle and property crime.
Consider whether you need to take that trip in your car If it’s just a short trip or one you could take on public transport, consider whether you need to take your car at all. If your car is safe at home, do what you can to leave it there.
Now, running a busy newspaper means opportunities for long, leisurely shopping trips and spending hours pondering over the perfect present are a dim and distant memory. So I’d like to introduce you to my tried and tested method for ensuring the birthday person gets the gifts without the stress and hassle of dither and delay. It’s all thanks to Reading Buses, and it is a bit like that old ITV lunchtime show 60 Minute Makeover. Well, almost. There’s more makeovers, no DIY and no TV cameras. But it does take 60 minutes. Reading Buses sells an epic ticket that allows as much travel as you like on its network – any bus you fancy, any destination you choose, as many as you like. The catch is, it has to take place in just 60 minutes. The beauty is the ticket is £2.50. Given the single fare is £2.10, the dim and distant Scotsman in me (no idea how far back the family tree goes to find him, but he has to be there) the chance to save £1.70 is a chance to get a third of a pint later. The ticket starts from the moment you activate on the smartphone app, so as soon as you step on the bus. Make sure you’re the last one on for extra, precious seconds – the clock is now ticking. Last week, there was a traffic jam, which meant the bus took longer to get to the town centre. But, I’m a pro. I’ve done this before and I was ready. Thankfully the Purple 17 stops in Minster Street meaning it was a quick stroll to The Oracle. One shop, one look round, one admiration of the precious things and then one outfit straight to the till – a cardigan, a T-shirt, some trousers, and some amusing socks. Tap out, in the bag, out the door. In and out in five minutes. Straight out the doors and off to Heelas (it’s very confusing when people pronounce it John Lewis) where the cards and puzzles are handily right next to each other. Another quick pick-up, a bit of chit-chat with the cashier, and a nod at the security guard wondering who the mad man with a bag is. Finally, a few tasty goodies: Straight out of Heelas, on to Friar Street, into a supermarket, items off the shelf, and whizz through the checkouts. Mission almost accomplished … there’s normally time for a pint at The Alehouse. Alas not today as there’s another appointment to get to, so it’s straight to Jackson’s Corner and on to a bus. This trip had taken 25 minutes, and it took another 20 for the bus to navigate the misery that is Kings Road almost rush hour traffic. So, office door to office door in 45 minutes – I think that’s a record. The 60-minute ticket is a marvel, not just for saving money, but for focusing your mind when there’s a mission to be run. In, out, no time for thinking, just make a decision and go for it. It’s perfect for ensuring the objective is met without agonising. Admitedly, the strategy has been honed over many years, helped by favourite high street stores are no longer with us - farewell Debenhams, Gap and Muji. There are some stores not on the possible list; we’re not big fans of fast fashion, preferring more durable pieces for our wardrobes. The principle is sound. Sixty minutes, door to door, to create one happy birthday girl. In fact, it look longer to wrap the presents up than it did to buy them. And the gift receipt is in the bottom of the bag, just in case. After all, money can buy you many things, including a bit of time, but it can’t always buy you taste.
SPORT TODAY READING
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
16.03.22
RED DEVILS GET BETTER OF WOMEN
SCRUM ON DOWN FOR FRIDAY FUN
DROP ZONE CREEPS CLOSER
BROWN BAGS HAT-TRICK
ROYALS FALL AT FOREST
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
READING are creeping closer towards the relegation zone after another defensive disaster away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
It took just 17 seconds for the Royals to fall behind at the City Ground as their woes continued. Despite improving in the
remainder of the first-half, Reading couldn’t claw themselves back into the game. They collapsed with three second-half strikes. Reading have the joint worst defensive record in the league having conceded 72 times from 36 games. Prior to their Tuesday night game at promotion pushing AFC Bournemouth (report online at rdg.
today), Reading are four points above the Championship relegation zone. With more tough games on the horizon, and Blackburn Rovers visiting the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday, interim boss Paul Ince will need to rejuvenate his team and find quick solutions to prevent them from plumeting down to League One.
An international break follows the weekend’s match, which will give Reading time to prepare for a trip to Oakwell on Saturday, April 2, to face relegation rivals Barnsley in a game that could potentially be the difference between relegation and survival come the end of the campaign.
n Match report, reaction and pictures on pages 20 & 21
KESTRELS MOVE UP WITH CLEAN SHEET WIN
WOODLEY United completed their first league double of the season and their first clean sheet since the opening day of the season.
The win also helped them move above their opponents, London Samurai Rovers, on goal difference in the Combined Counties Division One table. Rovers were under pressure from their kick off as Woodley pressed the visitors in their half with an opening chance which Hubert Szczech saved well to his right from Bevan Van Wyk’s header to concede a corner kick. The 19th minute saw Rafa Brandao’s shot blocked with loose ball falling to Sykes whose powerful drive was turned away for a corner by the diving Szczech. The resulting kick went across the visitors’ six yard box, where Gary Smith failed to make contact, and the ball went out of play. The pace of the game slowed down with the teams entering half time goalless. The second half started as the first with Woodley enjoying good possession in the Samurai half but, in doing so, were susceptible to a counter attack. United’s efforts were rewarded in the 63rd minute when Van Wyk found Brandao on the left winger whose low cross into the opponents’ penalty area found the unmarked Kaylum Barlow, who shot it past Szczech. Rovers’ best chance to level came in the 75th minute when Walker blocked a shot, following a corner, from close range and Stuart Birkett reacted quickest to divert the ball over the home cross bar from the follow up shot. Following receiving two cautions in quick succession, Samurai were reduce to 10 players with the sending off of full-back Blessing Lama. Rovers looked to level leaving themselves exposed in defence. The closest Woodley came to extending their lead was when Seun Akintola was flagged offside, while the last action of the game saw Walker catch the ball in a crowed penalty area from a free kick.
18 | SPORT
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
RUGBY UNION
RAMS READY FOR BIG NIGHT OUT By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
RAMS’ longest-serving player James Baker has admitted he could never have imagined his side would be hosting a National One Friday Night Lights encounter ahead of this week’s clash with local rivals Chinnor when he first joined way back in 2004.
The legendary tight-head prop, who has more than 350 first-team caps and enjoyed four promotions as Rams have climbed from Southern Counties South to Level Three, is still going strong as he gets set for what should be an incredible evening. Reminiscing on his time at Old Bath Road, Baker stated: “It’s been a whirlwind – I’ve been lucky to be here for some of the best times the club has had with all the promotions. “We’ve had some great victories, some bitter losses, and it’s been
amazing being with the team through all of it. “Back at the start we had quite a young side with potential, but who would have thought all these years later we’d get to National One. “A lot of the boys from back when we were in Southern Counties aren’t playing any more – I was the youngest then and now I’m the oldest so I’m very proud of that. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” Baker – named in the National Two South Team of the Season in the title-winning campaign of 2018/19 – said there has been an evolution in training methods and is amazed at the club’s off-field progress as well. “I believe the training was actually harder at the start – there wasn’t the same understanding there is now,” he said. “Back then everyone thought ‘beast them and they’ll get better’, but now
James Baker in action for Rams Picture: Paul Clark always been an inspirational leader in it’s a bit more technical and specific the team,” he said. to positions, and that helps more than “I used to play with some of the just beasting everyone every week. coaches like Paddy (Conlon), Seb “It’s also hard to believe with the (Reynolds) and Owen (Root) and clubhouse and facilities we have they’re all still at the club, so that’s now, what it used to be like – it used fantastic.” to be a shack. A lot of teams who’d Having scored 47 tries during his visit complained about how bad the time at the club – and contributed to facilities were, but it’s 100% better countless penalty tries – Baker has now – it’s great.” a target and also recalls his greatest Baker was also quick to point out effort fondly, as well as his favourite the on-field continuity at the club, memory. with special praise for the skipper. “I’ll definitely get to 50,” he said. “Robbie (Stapley)’s a great guy “The most memorable is from quite whose only a couple of seasons a few years ago and no-one believes behind how long I’ve played – he’s
me, but I ran from our own five-metre line at Newton Abbot to score at their end with an interception. “It was probably more luck than anything – and it must have been quite a sight to see a prop running down the wing. “I remember our last promotion (as National Two South champions) the most, because we had so many people around and a big celebration.” n There are hopes a record-breaking Old Bath Road crowd on Friday night, so to ensure smooth access, supporters are urged to pre-book tickets via the Rams website – www.ramsrugby.com
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
FC BAPCO’S LUCKY 11 SEES THEM PICK UP SILVERWARE
Berks & Bucks FA Sunday Cup Final FC BAPCO executed an attacking masterclass as they struck 11 past Paggies Bar on their way to winning silverware. It wasn’t all plain sailing for BAPCO despite the scoreline as they fell behind after five minutes. Bapco brought the game level in the 32nd minute, but Paggies replied quickly to regain their lead. In a frantic end to the first-half, Bapco remarkably netted three times to turn the game on its head to be able to take a 4-2 advantage into the break. Ten minutes after the restart, Bapco netted a fifth before Paggies went down to 10 players after receiving a red card. Bapco took full control of the contest and enjoyed a magnificent attacking performance by hitting in five more to wrap up a convincing victory to take the cup.
Reading & District Sunday League Senior Division
TWYFORD COMETS moved away from the bottom of the table with just their second win of the campaign with a 2-1 win over BURGHFIELD. WOODLEY WANDERERS shared the points with MORTIMER after a 2-2 stalemate between the teams
in fifth and sixth in the table.
Division One 116 EXILES lost out in a five-goal contest to WAYBACK WANDERERS. GC UNITED took the points with a 2-1 victory over CAVERSHAM UNITED. EMMER GREEN strolled to a 6-0 triumph over ROSE & THISTLE, while league leaders WESTWOOD WANDERERS were held to a 1-1 draw by GIVE BACK.
Division Two GORING UNITED stay at the top of the league after they smashed seven past AFC PANGBOURNE.
Division Three HURST are top of the table after they edged past bottom side THAMES VALLEY RAILWAY 2-1. RACING CLUB DE WOKO stay in the hunt in the top three after they beat FC WOODLEY 4-2, while SANCTUARY STRIKERS beat NEW ENGLAND 2-1.
Division Four results Barton Rovers Reserves 2-5 Whitley Wood, Brothers United 2-1 RG6, Calcot 2-1 MAC, Give Back Reserves 2-4 Hype Train
WINNERS: FC BAPCO lift the trophy Picture: Berks & Bucks FA
Bracknell & District Sunday League Premier BRACKNELL RANGERS stay in third after they earned a 1-0 win over FINCHAMPSTEAD ATHLETIC. Bracknell with have their sights on the top with two games in hand on leaders Crowthorne Inn and three games in hand on second-placed Raglan. RAGLAN stayed second after they earned a 1-0 victory over top of the table CROWTHORNE INN.
Division One FREEMAN ROYALS smacked 12 past WOODLEY UNITED in a stunning
clean sheet win.
Cup FC SHOWCASE got the better of AFC Dukes in a thrilling cup tie that ended 6-4.
Division Two SILVER BIRCH won on the road 2-1 at FC HARMANSWATER, while HARTS OF BRACKNELL defeated WOODLEY SAINTS TIGERS 4-2. BRAYBROOKE ATHLETIC and BRACKNELL ATHLETIC couldn’t be separated in a 2-2 stalemate.
Division Three
ASHRIDGE PARK beat FINCHAMPSTEAD ATHLETIC A 2-1, BRACKNELL ROYALS earned three points with a 4-1 away win at BRACKNELL BISONS and CROWTHORNE A won 5-2 against BRACKNELL SAINT-GERMAIN.
Cup semi-final WOKINGHAM WANDERERS booked their place in the cup final with a 3-0 win over FINCHAMPSTEAD ATHLETIC B. AFC DUKES RESERVES breezed past BRACKNELL TITANS with an 11-0 triumph.
Wednesday, March 16, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
SPORT | 19
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BOARS MAKE STUNNING COMEBACK FOOTBALL
Eversley & California completed a comeback: Richard Milam By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Isthmian South Central BINFIELD took three points away from home with a clean sheet victory at Thatcham Town. Scoring on the stroke of halftime, James Beauchamp’s strike proved to be the only goal of the game as the Moles came away with a 1-0 win.
Combined Counties Premier North WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK’s two game winning run came to an end with an away loss at North Greenford United. The home team went in front after 30 minutes and extended
their lead in the secondhalf with two more goals to consolidate the result. The Sumas are in 16th after 27 games on 25 points, four above 17th and five above 18th with games in hand on both.
Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA pulled off a magnificent comeback thanks to Bradley Brown’s hat-trick. A disappointing start for the Boars saw them fall two goals behind when FC Deportivo Galicia scored in the 16th minute and then again in the 25th minute. But Eversley regrouped, fought back and got themselves level before half-time with two goals in quick succession from
Lewis Robson battles with his opponent
Brown to cancel out Deportivo’s advantage. With confidence and momentum on their side, Brown sealed his hat-trick when he slotted the ball past the keeper in the 57th minute which completed the turnaround. Eversley are in fourth after 30 games and have two games in hand on third placed Rayners Lane, who they currently trail by seven points. BERKS COUNTY are in ninth after they kept a clean sheet in their win over Hillingdon Borough. Goals from Kai Hobbs and Harry Lee gifted the Swords three points.
Berks & Bucks semi-final FINCHAMPSTEAD suffered penalty heartbreak as they
were eliminated from the cup by SB Phoenix. A 1-1 draw meant the game decided by a shootout which was won by Phoenix 4-3 which meant they progressed past the current Thames Valley Premier League champions.
BTC Senior Cup WARGRAVE stormed through with the next round with an emphatic victory over Eldon Celtic. Sam Wild and Sam Guze both netted hat-tricks, Joe Wigmore scored a brace and goals from Torben Rees and Calum Hunter helped them to a 9-2 triumph. BURGHFIELD were knocked out of the cup after a defeat to Yateley United. Lorenzo Medford got on the scoresheet for the Fielders but
they were beaten 2-1. HURST got through with a penalty shootout win over Mortimer. The teams were locked at 0-0 at the end of 120 minutes, but Hurst went through with a 4-3 shootout success. READING YMCA went out after a 6-3 loss to Windlesham & Chobham, while WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS went down to a 2-0 defeat to Westwood Wanderers.
Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy Final CAVERSHAM UNITED fell at the final hurdle in a magnificent cup run that ended in defeat to Penn & Tylers Green. Caversham goalkeeper Nina Merritt did brilliantly to keep Penn at bay before they
eventually went in front to take a lead into the break. After soaking up some pressure from the Billygoats, Penn hit on the counter with two more goals to win the final.
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED fell to a heavy defeat against league champions Moneyfields. The Kestrels conceded two in the first-half and four more in the second as the visitors sealed the league title in an unbeaten campaign.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One WARGRAVE were beaten in seven-goal contest away at Stonesfield Strikers.
20 | SPORT
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HOW THEY RATED
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
RUINOUS ROYALS THU SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
FOREST 4 READING 0
LUKE SOUTHWOOD
His confidence looks to be extremely low and who can blame him given how many goals the team ship?
ANDY YIADOM
Wasn’t able to get forward and create an overlap on the right as often as he usually does; he was part of another dismal defensive display.
MICHAEL MORRISON
Probably had the best chance of the match when the ball dropped to him in the box from close range, but the keeper made a smart stop.
SCOTT DANN
A rusty performance in his first game back after a two-month absence. Spun by Davis all too easily before the striker curled in a shot.
TOM MCINTYRE
Didn’t track Djed Spence’s run down the right which led to Forest’s opener. Had a very tricky afternoon, albeit playing out of position.
JOSH LAURENT
Worked exceptionally hard in the midfield having also been out with injury but slotted back in seamlessly. Missed a golden chance.
DANNY DRINKWATER
Another underwhelming display. Picked up a needless booking in the first-half and was eventually taken off in the 72nd minute for Joao.
ANDY RINOMHOTA
Gave away possession far too many times with some sloppy passes that prevented Reading being able to start attacks.
JUNIOR HOILETT
Didn’t have any chances of note in front of goal and didn’t do enough to create much for any of his teammates.
TOM INCE
Went on some brilliant driving runs. Faded as the game went on though.
YAKOU MEITE
His first full 90 minutes since returning from his eight-month ACL injury layoff. He played the full game after Lucas Joao’s illness.
SUBS Ovie Ejaria, Brandon Barker
4 5 4 4 3 6 3 3 4 5 5
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING dropped closer to the Championship drop zone after they shipped another four goals away at Nottingham Forest.
The first 17 seconds set the tone for the afternoon as the Royals fell behind mere moments into the match when Keinan Davis scored. Forest strolled to victory in the second-half as Davis added his second which was followed by goals from Ryan Yates and Sam Surridge. Reading now sit four points above the relegation zone after Barnsley picked up a point against league leaders Fulham. Paul Ince made three changes from Reading’s defeat at home to Millwall. Scott Dann, Yakou Meite and Josh Laurent all returned to the starting line-up. Meanwhile, top scorer John Swift was absent from the matchday squad and the Championship’s Player of the Month for February, Lucas Joao, was named on the bench after missing some training sessions through illness. Forest flew out of the traps and with just 17 seconds gone in the match, they took the lead as Reading were caught napping despite having two experienced defenders in the line-up in Dann and Michael Morrison. Lively full-back Djed Spence burst forward and delivered a cross to find Keinan Davis in the middle and he converted to give the hosts a lightning quick start. Tom Ince picked up an early booking after showing his fury to the referee who decided not to award a free-kick to Reading instead
The Royals concede a fourth
Michael Morrison heads at goal
Yakou Meite makes a tackle
Match stats Nottingham Forest: Horvath, Worrall, Cook, McKenna, Spence, Yates, Garner, Colback, Lowe, Johnson, Davis Subs: Samba, Silva, Surridge, Mighten, Cafu, Lolley, Figueiredo Reading: Southwood, Yiadom, Morrison (c), Dann, McIntyre, Laurent, Drinkwater, Rinomhota, Hoilett, Ince, Meite Subs: Nyland, Abrefa, Dele-Bashiru, Ejaria, Barker, Joao, Clarke Goals: Davis 1’, 62’, Yates 75’, Surridge 80’
Forest go ahead after just 17 seconds of allowing the winger to play advantage. Ince provided Reading;s best moments in attack throughout the first-half, which were few and far between. He looked to set up Yakou Meite with a pull back after beating two defenders only for his cross to be intercepted. A big chance came and went for Reading when the ball dropped inside the box for Morrison to hit, while Forest’s goalkeeper Ethan Horvath came to the rescue to keep
Forest condemned Reading to an his team in front. Andy Yiadom picked up a yellow card as did Danny Drinkwater and Jack Colback for the hosts. Reading’s best opportunity of the half came following a surging run from Ince who moved forward with purpose and picked out Josh Laurent’s run from deep at the back post but the midfielder headed over the top. Another chance came the way of the Royals when Morrison headed the ball across the face of goal but
REACTION
INCE ‘EMBARRASSED’ BY COLLAPSE IN FOREST DEFEAT READING FC manager Paul Ince admitted that he was ‘embarrassed’ by his team’s second-half performance in their defeat to Nottingham Forest.
The Royals conceded after just 17 seconds and collapsed in the second-half where they conceded three more. “I’m very disappointed with the second half. It was embarrassing,” said Ince. “We see how this team leaks goals, we’ve got a soft underbelly. “You set up a game plan and 18 seconds gone, it’s out of the window. You can’t concede goals after 18 seconds. “After that, we were brilliant in the first-half; they never had a shot. “We had two wonderful chances
with Morro (Morrison) the captain and Josh (Laurent) who I thought was outstanding for his first game back. “When we lost the second goal, we capitulated. You can’t be like that. “This is a team that spent the last two years playing lovely football and all of a sudden they’re in a dog fight. I’ve told them, forget all the tippy tappy crap you’ve been doing for the last few years, it’s not working. “You have to roll your sleeves up and fight and there weren’t enough of them that did that. “It’s hard to change players’ mentality. I’m embarrassed for the fans that came here. “The fans stuck with us and
know the situation. I’ve told the lads in no uncertain terms I’m not happy with it one bit.” Ince was critical of the way his side ‘capitulated’ in the secondhalf and urged his team to fight for their chance to stay in the Championship. He continued: “They’ve got to learn quickly with 10 games to go and we’ve got some tough games. “We’re not digging in when we got two goals down and if you don’t dig in, you know where you’re going to be. “The second half annoys me, it winds me up.
“I’ve told the lads they need to dig in for the fans, for the s taff. “Some of these players won’t be here next year, a lot of them are free agents (in the summer). “Whether they care or not I don’t know, but I do. “They might swan off next year at different clubs, but there are people here and staff that will be out of jobs. “So I suggest they all roll their sleeves up and when they do leave, leave with a bit of credit and say they’ve kept this club in the league.”
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UMPED AT FOREST
Meite protests his innocence
LAURENT: THE GOALS CAME TOO EASILY FOR FOREST READING midfielder Josh Laurent admitted that Nottingham Forest’s goals came ‘too easily’ in the Royals’ loss at the City Ground.
Josh Laurent involved in a tussle Lucas Joao
Scott Dann battles against Djed Spence Ejaria evades a tackle
nother costly defeat in their fight to stay up Pictures: Steve Smyth
Ovie Ejaria puts in a challenge
Forest keeper Horvath managed to flap the ball away and Steve Cooper’s team eventually cleared. That brought a close to the half in what was a lacklustre display from Reading following a sloppy start to the afternoon. Reading captain Morrison was next to go in the referee’s notebook after the restart when he went in hard on Cafu. Luke Southwood was required to make a stop when he palmed away James Garner’s cross-shot. Interim boss Ince made a first change in the 57th minute when Ovie Ejaria replaced Andy Rinomhota. Tom Ince holds off a defender
Forest extended their advantage just after the hour mark when Davis spun into the box and dispatched the ball past Southwood after his shot kissed the inside of the post before finding the net. A second switch was made to try and recover something from the game with 20 minutes to go as Lucas Joao came on for Drinkwater. With 15 minutes left, Forest found a third to seal the points when a speculative strike from Ryan Yates went through the gloves of Southwood to find the corner. Brandon Barker entered the game to make his Royals debut in place of Junior Hoilett.
Just moments later, Forest added insult to injury by adding a fourth of the afternoon. Substitute Sam Surridge latched onto the end of and swept the ball past Southwood. Reading’s calamitous defence has now seen them conceded 72 goals in the league this season which leaves them in the midst of a tense battle for survival. Ince’s men faced another tough trip last night when they face promotion pushing AFC Bournemouth – the match was after we went to press, and a report is online at rdg.today
Reading went behind just 17 seconds and Laurent, who returned after missing the five previous games through injury, believes his side responded well after falling behind so early. “It’s frustrating. Apart from the first minute, we did alright in the first half,” said Laurent. “We were in the game and had the better chances and grew into it. “We did well in that first half other than the first 20 seconds, and of course we can’t gives teams headstart in games. “We were tight, structured, they couldn’t really break us down and when we needed to defend, we did it well and created our chances. “We were quite solid and they didn’t get much out of us.” However, it was a different story in the second-half as the Royals conceded three times in another heavy defeat. Laurent continued: “In the second-half we capitulated a bit, and it’s not the first time it’s happened. “It’s something we’ve got to fix, and quick. “All four goals came too easily. “It’s not just about the back four and the goalkeeper. It’s all of us on the pitch. “We need to defender better and be harder to beat for 90 minutes. “This is when you need to start turning out results. “The good thing is that it is in our hands still. We are the ones in the driving seat and teams have to catch us. “We need to take pride in that, relish this challenge and drive forward. We have the squad to do it, we just need to start having the spirit and belief to do it. “It’s in there but there’s a bit of a mental block and a bit of belief that is lacking. “That’s not something that the manager can give us. “He can give us information, but at the end of the day it’s the players that go out there that need to have that fight and desire.”
PREVIEW
BLACKBURN TEST NEXT AS READING BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL READING host play-off pushing Blackburn Rovers as their bid for Championship survival continues. The Royals are just four points above the drop zone prior to Tuesday night’s away trip to face second-placed AFC Bournemouth (match report online at rdg.today). They are back on home soil on Saturday when they host promotion hopefuls Blackburn. Tony Mowbray’s side are currently fifth in the Championship before their Tuesday night fixture at home to Reading’s relegation rivals Derby County. Blackburn had put themself
in the hunt for the automatic promotion places but have since hit a snag that has seen their form dip. Despite their lapse in form, which has seen pick up just four points from their last five games which includes three defeats, they remain in a strong position. The race to finish in the top six to secure a play-off place is also heating up with teams as low as 14th placed West Brom still hoping for a late push despite it being an outside shot. Blackburn are only one point above sixth-placed Sheffield United
and seventh-placed Luton Town, both of which have a game in hand to catch up on Rovers. Ben Brereton Diaz has enjoyed an excellent campaign to help push Rovers up the table and leads the goalscoring charts for his team with 20 in 30 appearances. Blackburn’s poor run of results has coincided with the loss of Brereton Diaz to injury and he isn’t expected to return in time for the trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday. Mowbray’s team suffered a disappointing blow at the weekend
after Andreas Weimann netted a 92nd-minute goal to gift Bristol City a rare away win. Blackburn have failed to score in their last three Championship matches and have won just one of their last nine matches which has seen them drop out of the automatic promotion places. Reading’s trip to Ewood Park in October ended in a 2-0 defeat with quickfire goals courtesy of Sam Gallagher and Tyrhys Dolan. Rovers’ last visit to Berkshire finished with a 1-0 win for the home side with a goal from George Puscas.
Josh Laurent in an aerial duel
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
FRANTIC FIRST-HALF SEES R WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
How they rated
READING 1 MAN UNITED 3 GRACE MOLONEY
Couldn’t have done much to prevent the goals, especially the third which was a sumptuous strike that flew into the far corner.
FAYE BRYSON
Caught out a couple of times as Reading tried to play a high defensive line but were punished by United.
GEMMA EVANS
Put in some important defensive blocks and should have scored on the stroke of half-time to make it 3-2, but she hit the crossbar.
DEANNA COOPER
Stopped a certain goal when she got back onto the line to prevent Martha Thomas’ shot from hitting the net.
LILY WOODHAM
Delivered some promising setpieces that almost led to chances, including the one that dropped for Evans just before the break.
TASH HARDING
Struggled to get into the game and didn’t have too much impact. Showed her versatility by being asked to play in an advanced role.
SANNE TROELSGAARD
Assured and composed despite being involved in a frantic match. Came close with a volley; taken off in the 78th minute for Chloe Peplow.
JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET Shored up the game defensively in the second-half as the Royals managed to keep United at bay, having looked very open in the first.
RACHEL ROWE
Superbly anticipated a loose pass at the back from United which set up Deanne Rose’s equaliser. Had a couple of strikes at goal.
EMMA HARRIES
Combined nicely at times with Rose in attack but didn’t have too many chances at goal despite working hard for her side
DEANNE ROSE
Looked a threat all game. Took her goal expertly with a cool finish and was unlucky not to score after being denied by a double save.
SUBS Chloe Peplow n/a
6 6 6 7 6 6 7 6 7 6 8
By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC WOMEN were caught out by Manchester United’s attack after a breathless first-half of action in the Women’s Super League.
A frantic start ensued when Leah Galton put United ahead after they had struck the bar with just 18 seconds on the block. Deanne Rose levelled for Reading but the visitors had a two-goal lead after Galton finished expertly before Alessia Russo hit a sweet strike into the corner. Reading tried to respond in the second-half but were kept at bay as United took the points. The result leaves Reading in sixth in the WSL after 16 matches. Kelly Chambers made two changes from Reading’s goalless draw at home to Tottenham Hotspur as Sanne Troeslgaard and Emma Harries were selected to start, while the Royals were without their top scorer Natasha Dowie and Amalie Eikeland. United came within inches away of making a blistering start when they attacked with purpose straight from kick-off and with just 18 seconds on the clock, Alessia Russo found space to unleash a strike that crashed off the crossbar. The visitors didn’t let that early missed chance deter them and kept up the early pressure and found their reward just a few minutes later. Winning the ball high up the pitch, United stormed down the left through Hannah Blundell who clipped in a cross that was met by the head of Leah Galton who
The crowd at the SCL
The Royals fall to defeat
Justine Vanhaevermaet
Match stats Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Evans, Cooper, Woodham, Harding (c), Rowe, Troelsgaard, Vanhaevermaet, Rose, Harries Subs: Stewart, Peplow, Balgent, Roberts, Poulter Manchester United: Earps, Thorsdottir, Caldwell, Battle, Blundell, Groenen, Zelem, Russo, Toone, Galton, Thomas Subs: Risa, Baggaley, Fuso, Harris, Murphy, Barry, Hanson Goals: Galton 5’, 25’, Rose 16’, Russo 43’
Reading celebrate Rose’s equaliser glanced the ball into the far corner. Rachel Rowe worked an opportunity to respond when her first touch set her up to hit a half volley that flew just wide of the target. The hosts drew level in the 16th minute thanks to some persistent work and anticipation from Rowe. She picked up on a loose pass at the back from Blundell, the ball dropped for Rose who took a touch to settle herself and slotted the ball past Mary Earps.
An all action first-half saw Manch United were back in front in the 25th minute when Reading’s high defensive line was caught out by a perfectly threaded through ball from Russo to pick out Galton and the forward finished excellently by rounding Grace Moloney and finishing into the empty net. A slick move down the right nearly brought a chance when Harries and Rose combined to win a corner that was eventually headed over the top by Rowe.
REACTION
CHAMBERS LEFT TO RUE MISSED CHANCES IN HOME LOSS KELLY Chambers believes her team should have scored more after Reading FC Women lost out to Manchester United.
In an action packed opening 45 minutes, the Royals found themselves 3-1 down at the break and were unable to put away their chances to force their way back into the contest . “If I’m honest, I think we were 45 minutes late to the party,” said Chambers. “We didn’t set up and defend our goal properly how we usually do and take a lot of pride in doing. “I think we certainly created enough chances to threaten them, and I come away from the game, especially the secondhalf, asking how have we not
scored more than we have. “For me, that’s probably the most frustrating thing as with the momentum we had built in the second-half, had we scored one, I believe we would have scored another. “I think whilst you can give some praise to their keeper, the clear cut chances we had fall on us for not being clinical enough. “The chances where we are six yards from goal in and around their box, we have to be more ruthless to give ourselves a chance especially when you come up against these top sides who won’t usually give you that many chances.” Despite missing top scorer Natasha Dowie from the team, Chambers believes that her side
had enough attacking firepower to put away more chances. She continued: “We wanted to ask questions of the United backline as I believe we had the quality to do that with Deanne (Rose, Emma (Harries) and Tash (Harding) all up there. “In the first-half our reactions getting to second balls were nowhere good enough and it’s what put us on the back foot. “Had we started the first like we did the second, I think we’d be talking about a different result.
“Of course missing the likes of Tash [Dowie] and Am [Eikeland], are huge for us, but we do have good quality to cover those areas. I think in the first half particularly we saw how much Am gives us, with her constant running and going after the first and second balls, defensively she gives us an all round performance. “In the first half we didn’t defend our goal well enough, and we were quite slow to react to transitions. In the second half, we were much better at that, getting into the front foot but weren’t clinical enough in key moments.”
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ROYALS OUSTED BY UNITED Gemma Evans is denied by the crossbar
From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith
A referee’s yellow armband
I Lily Woodham leaps Faye Bryson
The Royals lead out with the mascots Tash Harding wins the ball from a corner
hester United take the points at the SCL Pictures: Neil Graham
Rowe embraces with Rose
The away side should have scored a third when they again burst forward after breaking past Reading’s high line. Martha Thomas was set through on goal with two teammates in support, but instead of putting it on a plate for one of her fellow forwards to finish, she opted to shoot and was denied by a tremendous block on the line from Deanna Cooper. A breathless passage of play followed when Ona Battle hit a thunderous strike that hit the underside of the bar and crossed the line, but was not spotted by the officials who waved play on. Emma Harries takes control
Just seconds later, Russo picked out the top corner with a sublime strike to spare the match officials from making a mistake that looked to have cost United a goal. The goal mouth action wasn’t done for the half when on the brink of the whistle, Gemma Evans should have reduced the deficit when the ball dropped for her from close range but she poked a shot goalwards that bounced off the bar. There was more defending for Reading to contend with after the restart as United looked for a fourth to consolidate their lead.
Rose proved to be the focal point in attack for Reading and set up a chance with a cut back for Rowe that was mishit by the Welsh international. But the attack was kept alive only for Rose to be denied by a double save by Earps after two powerful hits from the Canadian forward. A couple of chances broke the way of Rose in the box late on but she was thwarted by some strong defending. The final whistle blew as the visitors took all three points to leave the Royals in sixth in the table.
READING FC
NEW RECRUIT NYLAND RELISHES SURVIVAL CHALLENGE READING FC’s latest recruit Orjan Nyland has explained what he can bring to the club to help their fight for Championship survival.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper joined as a free agent and met up with his new teammates at Bearwood Park last Thursday. Reading had to go back into the market for a goalkeeper after Arsenal loanee Karl Hein had to return to his parent club having suffered a ligament injury in his finger that requires surgery and will keep him out for the rest of the campaign. “I’ve been speaking to the club
for a couple of weeks and I had a chat with the manager at the weekend,” said Nyland. “I had a couple of options and I weighed them up and I think this will be a good fit for both parties. “I just hope I can do well and participate to help the club in the best way that I can. “Now it’s just about kicking on, getting to know my teammates, meeting up with the lada and bringing what I can offer.” Nyland has previous Championship experience having played a season at Aston Villa and he has also made one appearance
in the league this season for AFC Bournemouth. The shot-stopper also has 33 caps for Norway. He continued: “I like to play with pressure. I’ve done it before and it brings your A game if you’re up to it. “That’s what I want to do here. “This is definitely a club that should be in this division, so that has to be the number one goal for everyone involved to make that happen. ”It’s a tough schedule, but we can definitely do it and I’m really looking forward to it..
“I know what the Championship is about – and now it’s about using that experience in the best way that I can to help the club. “There is always a group of goalkeepers and goalkeepers behind the one that is playing. So it’s about making the best team that you can and helping each other to develop in the right direction. It is healthy to have competition so you have to use it for the best. “Now we have to take it gameby-game and focus on what you can do in each game. We can be difficult to play against and we can cause problems for the opposition.”
F you watch any youth football in our local parks, you may see in future, the younger referees wearing a yellow arm band. This is so the players parents, and their coaches will recognise that here is a young person, who is still learning about being a referee and trying to remember the 210 pages of the Laws of the Game and the requirements of refereeing. You would think it would be obvious but it is surprising how much abuse they get from parents and coaches. When we had our own training team in Reading, we would call the trainees back after a few games and asked them to write down the biggest problem they had faced so far. Always the highest number would put ‘parents’. In The Sunday Telegraph recently, one mother who’s young son has just joined a football club, complained that unlike other sports where parents drop their children off and then stand lazily by, football parents are a different brand. “My biggest bugbear,” she said, “is the hordes of parents, mainly men, who are very keen to get involved. “They lambast their kids if they appear to be having fun instead of concentrating 100%. “Why not let their children enjoy their football and watch with a smile on your face.” This isn’t just true of this country it happens all over the world. I know that in America and Holland, they hold events like Silent Saturdays, when no one, not even coaches, are allowed to shout at players or referees. I’m told that the players enjoy this enormously, as I’m sure do any young referees. We told our young referees to report any abuse to the coaches. I have found when mentoring young referees however, that sometime the coaches are as bad. I ran the line for a 16-year-old boy while mentoring him at an under 16 academy game, Reading v another football League club. At the end of the game, I had to physically block the away coach, charging after the referee. “Yes,” I said, “he made mistakes but so did your young players, they are all learning. “Your job is to develop your young players not harass young referees.” Yellow armbands are intended to stop parents and coaches from hurling abuse at 14- to 18-year-old referees, especially at their first matches. They will only work, if clubs tell parents and coaches what they signify, and are not additional adornment to the ref’s uniform.
24 | SPORT
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HOCKEY
CAMERON WINS WALES CALL UP
By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today
“I’ve got a small home gym where I do weights, then I do cardio four times a week – a 5km run or sprint training.” “I started playing hockey at three, but that wasn’t my only sport. I used to do competitive swimming until I was about 12, and I love skiing and rugby. If I had the time to play rugby too I still would.” Right now he’s working on his hockey skills, which he says are coordination and agility, especially for goalkeepers. “If you’re not agile, when you go down you can’t get back up quickly, so you end up conceding silly rebounds. If your coordination isn’t on point you just end up missing the ball – it comes quite fast.” UTC principal Jonathan Nicholls said: “We are all immensely proud of Cameron’s selection. The constant juggle of priorities in life is a challenge for anyone. To see a young man, managing the demands of a rigorous training programme whilst continuing to focus on his studies at the UTC is nothing short of an inspiration. “UTC Reading works with students to foster a culture where they are Ready, Respectful and Relentless. It is wonderful to see Cameron demonstrating all three of these elements at this early stage of his life and I have no doubt these foundations will help him grow towards further success in the future.”
UTC Reading student Cameron Mitchell has taken another step closer to making his dreams come true on the hockey field after he was selected for the Welsh U18s National Squad.
Cameron, who is half Welsh on his mum’s side, successfully made it through the trials for the U16 squad after a coach at his local team, Reading Hockey Club, encouraged him to try out. Having gone up against other hopefuls from across the country, Cameron thoroughly impressed the coaches and has since gone on to qualify for the U18 squad, where he is a goalkeeper. The Year 12 student said: “I play for Wales whenever I’m needed. Every half-term there’s a training camp or a test series and the club have their version of regional level training every other week.” “With the hockey world it’s quite private-school based, and the GB squad is mostly made up of English players. “I want to try and prove a point – that a Welsh keeper who went to a state school can get into the GB squad – you don’t have to be privately educated or have the best training in the world to get there.” “I do a lot of fitness outside of hockey so I’m able to perform at my best.
Cameron Mitchell
HOCKEY ROUND-UP
READING CLOSE IN ON LEAGUE TITLE TRIUMPH WITH TROJANS VICTORY By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
South Central Men’s Division 2
Women’s National Division 1 South
SONNING 2s returned with an emphatic win away at Maidenhead 2s. They earned a clean sheet while they smacked six past Maidenhead on their way to picking up three points. Sonning are in third on 36 points after 18 games, level on points with Yateley and one behind league leaders Phoenix & Ranelagh. SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s missed out after a nine-goal thriller at home to Thame. Despite scoring four, South Berks were left without a point after they lost 5-4. South Berks are seventh on 23 points after 18 games.
READING maintained their push to be crowned league champions after they saw off Trojans. Reading hit four past their opponents without reply to earn another valuable three points. The win keeps them at the top after 15 matches with a six point lead over second placed Sevenoaks.
Men’s National Division 1 South READING got back to winning ways with a win on the road at Sevenoaks. Reading got the better of Sevenoaks with a 2-1 triumph.
South Central Women’s Premier 1 SONNING lost out in a 10-goal contest at home to Bournemouth.
Sonning netted three times but conceded seven in their 7-3 loss. Sonning stay one place off the bottom of the table but are 14 points above Winchester.
South Central Men’s Premier 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s added three points to their tally with a win over Basingstoke. The 2-1 success takes South Berks up to seventh in the table on 23 points after 18 matches.
South Central Women’s Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE played out their fourth draw of the campaign against LEIGHTON BUZZARD. Ella Martin scored South Berks’ goal in a 1-1 draw which leaves them in sixth on 25 points.
TABLE TENNIS
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 16, 2022
RESULTS
Saturday, March 12 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Nottingham Forest 4-0 Reading
Women’s Super League Reading 1-3 Manchester United Isthmian South Central Thatcham Town 0-1 Binfield Combined Counties Premier North North Greenford United 3-0 Sumas Combined Counties Division One Berks County 2-0 Hillingdon Borough Eversley & California 3-2 FC Deportivo Galicia Woodley United 1-0 London Samurai Rovers Cup Finchampstead 0-0 SB Phoenix (4-5 on pens) RUGBY UNION South West 1 East Newbury Blues 14-10 Bracknell HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Reading v Trojans South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 3-7 Bournemouth South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 2-1 Basingstoke
Berks County v AFC Aldermaston Sandhurst Town v Eversley & California Wallingford v Woodley United
Wednesday, March 16 Women’s Super League Manchester City v Reading
FIXTURES
Saturday, March 19 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Blackburn Rovers
Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Edgware Town Tadley Calleva v Sumas Combined Counties Division One AFC Hayes v Eversley & California Berks County v Sandhurst Town Hilltop v Woodley United Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Windlesham & Chobham Reading YMCA v Wraysbury Wargrave v Burghfield Westwood Wanderers v Reading City U23’s Woodley United Royals v Marlow United Cup Twyford & Ruscombe v AFC Winkfield Robertswood v Reading City Development Windlesham & Chobham A v Finchampstead United Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Goring United
SONNING & PEPPARD BREEZE PAST KINGFISHER
South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 1-1 Leighton Buzzard
IN Division 1 Gary Morgan and Neil Huirford both got trebles as SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A won 8-2 at KINGFISHER D, Kingfisher’s Julian Telford beating Jason Roberts, while Graham Mendick also grabbed a win over Jason.
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United 0-6 Moneyfields
Thames Valley Division Three Burghfield Reserves v Taplow United Reserves Hambleden Reserves v Reading YMCA Rapids
Thames Valley Women’s Division One Stonesfield Strikers 4-3 Wargrave
HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading v Southgate
Cup Final Penn & Tylers 3-0 Caversham United
Women’s National Division 1 South Slough v Reading
HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Sevenoaks 1-2 Reading
South Central Women’s Premier 1 Fareham v Sonning
Tuesday, March 15
FOOTBALL Cup Chichester City v Woodley United
Mo Cook, Steve Murgatroyd and Phil Davenport all got maximums as OUR LADY OF PEACE won 10-0 against bottom side TILEHURST RBL A, while Phil Mead’s hat trick and a double from Nigel Keedy saw KINGFISHER B triumph 7-3 at TIDMARSH A. In Division 2 KINGFISHER E’S Clive Gold had to retire, following a serious injury in the first set, conceding three points to club mates KINGFISHER G. Neil Dellar, Satej Jaywant and Hamid Mohseni all proceeded to each win a further singles set, Neil & Satej also taking the doubles, this enabled the G team to win 7-3, Andrew Adair winning twice and Abhay Gore defeating Satej. READING FC A emerged victorious from their top of the table clash with SONNING SPORTS A, winning 6-4 thanks to a treble from Mike Childs, a double from Wayne Alleyne and a single from Tony Alleyne, Wayne defeating Nick Sears 13-11 11-9 11-4, in the 10th set to guarantee the win. Nick earned his single by beating Tony 11-5 11-5 9-11 12-10, Paul Savage also winning twice, and although Bob Woodmansee was unable to add to his wins, his closest contest possibly the 5-11 9-11 10-12 loss to Tony, Sonning’s fourth point was courtesy of their doubles win.
Sunday, March 13
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Bournemouth v Reading Isthmian South Central Westfield v Binfield
Combined Counties Premier North Sumas v Abbey Rangers Combined Counties Division One
Thames Valley Division Two Windlesham & Chobham Development v Hurst Reserves
Sunday, March 20
Thames Valley Women’s Division One Mortimer v Caversham United Tilehurst Panthers v Carterton Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC v Wargrave Development