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BRILLIANTLEISURETODAY PAPERS IN ONE SPO
Reading gets funding boost for its accessible toilets By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today READING is to receive a share of a £30 million pot to upgrade its toilets.
The Changing Places Fund has been made available from the government’s department for levelling up, housing and communities, and is aimed at boosting the number of accessible toilets for people who need additional facilities such as hoists, curtains, changing benches and spaces for carers. It is thought there are just 1,300 Changing Places toilets currently in England, so the funding boost has been welcomed by Reading West MP Alok Sharma. The scheme will be delivered in partnership with the charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, co-chairs of the Changing Places Consortium, who will support local authorities with technical advice and training, and the focus will be on venues identified as priorities through user research, including art galleries, cinemas, concert halls, shopping centres. Also under consideration will be libraries, museums, visitor centres, beaches, parks and gardens. It’s all aimed at ensuring more people can enjoy the venues. “I am delighted to learn that Reading Borough Council will receive over £162,000 and West Berkshire Council will receive £40,000 from the Changing Places Fund,” Mr Sharma said. “This should help to increase the provision of vital Changing Places toilets in our local area.” And this view has been echoed by Eddie Hughes MP, Ministerial Disability Champion. “It goes without saying that people with severe disabilities, their families and carers should be able to go shopping, plan a day out or travel without needing to worry about whether they will have access to suitable toilet facilities,” he said. “I am delighted that this funding will help provide over 500 new Changing Places toilets in England, enabling people to enjoy everything their local area has to offer with dignity and freedom.”
30.03.22
Your guide to what’s on
across Reading and Wok ingham
READING
23.03.22
SOUTH BERKS 3S: CHAMPIONS
BOARS CELEBRATE FUN IN THE SUN
Farewell Viva la Vega! to Fabric Land S
HE is a musical legend, one of the best songwriters around , and going to be bringing a touch she’s York to Reading this summe of New
r. Suzanne Vega needs little introduction, and is heading to The Hexagon for a special summer headline show.
also known to be the place where Jackie Kennedy met Audrey Hepburn. “I love it for its bohemian old-world glamour.” She adds: “I included songs that were inspired by New York City or for which New York provided the backdrop, including Walk on the Wild Side by my late, great friend, Lou Reed — a song I rarely
heard him sing himself.” The album was recorded in those prelockdown days, and includes old favourites such as Luka, Tom’s Diner, Frank and Ava, and Ludlow Street. Suzanne is one of those artists that need little introduction.
KESTRELS KEEP A CLEAN SHEET
ILS SHARED IN DERBY CLASH POINT EACH FOR SUMAS & CITY
has released An Evening Of New York Songs and Stories, a celebration of the city that never sleeps. “I recorded these songs at the Café Carlyle in New York City,” she says. “It’s a small, exclusive club that has hosted legends from Eartha Kitt to Judy Collins, and is
PACKED WITH NEWS, WHAT’S ON AND SPORT
SPORT NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US TODAY
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
THE POINTS were shared after Wokingham & Emmbroo k and Reading City couldn’t be separated in a local clash.
The visitors, Reading City, came into the game with more points on the board and above Sumas in the table, however the it was
Wokingham who claimed maximum points with a 3-2 victory when the teams met at the Rivermoo r Stadium. Simon Johnson’s team took a onegoal lead into half-time courtesy of Dan Davies’ volley. Jack Mullan ensured the game was levelled from the penalty but the Cityzens reclaimed spot, their lead when Davies went down in the box,
and the referee awarded the second spot-kick of the match. Josh Baines took responsib ility and scored to put Reading in front again. The scoring wasn’t done and the Sumas made sure that they added a point to their tally by finding second equaliser in the game a when Toby Raggett scored. The Sumas are still in the midst of
ROCKETS FIRE UP FOR ONE LAST TIME AT RIVERMEAD
a relegation battle where they have a three point lead over Holyport and a four point advantage and a game in hand over bottom side CB Hounslow United. City sit comfortably in midtable in ninth with 37 points from 30 games, while both teams have four games left.
n Full football round-up on pages 20 & 21
READING ROCKETS earned victory in their final match at the Rivermead Leisure Centre by scoring 101 points against Team Newcastle University. The Sunday afternoon fixture was the Rockets’ final game at Rivermead after 25 years of playing there. With the Rockets already poised to face the first-seed Team Solent Kestrels in the playoffs, this matchup offered Reading a chance to continue their strong form and build momentum ahead of the postseason. It was a chance that they took with style, putting on a great in front of a lively Rivermea show d crowd and earning a command ing 101-82 victory. Yet another thrilling dunk Cartaino, assisted by Meshack,by continued the Rockets’ strong inside scoring. Jaz Bains and Meshack both scored inside through cuts to the basket and free throws and the Rockets went into the final three minutes with a 14-point advantage. The Rockets capped off a dominant display with a pair of Toluwase dunks in the dying minutes. Reis Pinnock got himself one last layup with the last play, earning himself a triple-dou ble and pushing the Rockets to triple-digi t scoring to give Rivermea d a memorable send-off.
She was a leading figure in the folk revival in the early 1980s, before going to perform at sellout concerts all over the world. More recently, she was in the cast of the Off-Broadway production of Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. Now she’s preparing for a Reading date, which will take place at The Hexagon on Friday, June 24. Tickets have just gone on sale, and cost £34.50 or £39.50. A maximum of six tickets per order, and they must not be resold. n For more details, or to book, log on to www. whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
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RIVERMEAD COMES TOGETHER P3
A party, a film, a band .. Full story p5
MALL’S BATH TIME TREAT FOR MUM P37
From Reading to Ukraine with love & hope
Schools and churches unite to send five tonnes of aid to wartorn country
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
EXCLUSIVE By LINDA SERCK news@rdg.today SCHOOLS and churches in Reading have collected nearly five tonnes of food and supplies that will offer a vital lifeline to thousands of adults and children suffering from the horrors of war in Ukraine.
Reading School, The Abbey School, King’s Academy Prospect, St Mary’s School in Burghfield and churches – including Caversham Heights Methodist
Church, St Mary’s in Burghfield Common, and Trinity Church in Lower Earley – have filled a convoy of six trucks and three trailers that left on Sunday for the Polish-Ukrainian border, with donations then being taken onwards to Kyiv and Kharkiv in Ukraine. Ashley Robson, headmaster of Reading School in Erleigh Road, thanked the hundreds of families across Reading who responded to the school’s appeals in the previous weeks. n Continued on page 6
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Jail for man who assaulted ex
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Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Natalie Burton, Jake Clothier Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a 22-year-old man has been jailed for two years and eight months at Oxford Crown Court.
George Hassall, of Burghclere, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to one count each of section 18 wounding with intent and possession of an offensive weapon at Reading Crown Court on Monday, March 7. Police say at around 2pm on Wednesday, November 24, last year, Hassall repeatedly hit his ex-partner, a woman in her twenties, in the head on Wensley Road, Reading. The victim fell to the floor and Hassall stabbed her in the head with a knife, causing a deep cut and fracturing her skull. Hassall tried to stab her again but she put her hands around her own neck in order to defend herself, causing cuts to her right hand.
JAILED: George Hassall Hassall fled the scene while members of the public, police officers and paramedics treated the victim before she was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital. She was discharged the next day. Hassall was arrested later that day
School expansion plan to be voted on
after police stopped his vehicle on the M40. He was charged on Thursday, November 24, and sentenced on Thursday, March 24. Detective constable Jessica Rodgerson, of the domestic abuse investigation unit based at Reading police station, said: “This was a concerted attack that left the victim with injuries to her head and her hand, and the extreme level of force used against the victim was acknowledged by the judge. “Thames Valley Police takes violence against women and girls extremely seriously and we encourage any victims to come forward and report any incidents of domestic violence to us.” n For advice and more information about reporting domestic abuse, visit: ThamesValleyPolice.co.uk
Developer wins homes appeal on old SSE site By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter A DEVELOPER has won its appeal against Reading Borough Council.
Berkeley Homes had submitted a plan to build 209 homes at the former SSE site on Vastern Road, but the application was refused by the council in April 2021. The council’s committee rejected the plans because it failed to provide an adequate northsouth pedestrian and cycle travel link between Reading and Caversham. It also judged the development would overshadow the River Thames, and that Berkeley Homes didn’t give enough information on how it would mitigate the impact on the borough as well as contribute to Reading’s housing needs. Following an appeal to the government planning inspectorate, the decision has been overturned. Andrea Mageean, planning inspector, said: “The appeal scheme would deliver a significant amount of new housing on part of an allocated brownfield site, in a highly sustainable location.”
The locally listed Reading Power Plant building on Vastern Road. Picture: Built Heritage Consultancy Ms Mageean also judged the pedestrian and cycle route in the developer’s plan to be adequate and said it could be controlled through planning conditions. The council argues the route would be too narrow and could have an “alleyway feel”. Although the site is listed for development in the Reading Local Plan, the council said the scheme breached a number of different policies including
design, protection of the River Thames and safeguarding amenities for residents. The developer’s plan also involves demolishing the Reading Power Plant building at 55 Vastern Road, which dates back to 1903 and is locally listed. Developers can apply to demolish locally listed buildings as they are not given the same protection as nationally listed buildings. Ms Mageean said locally listed buildings have a “low level or modest degree of significance”, whereas the loss of a nationally listed building would be significant. The 209 homes will be contained within seven buildings in the development, which would have names associated with the site’s past. The buildings will range from one to 11 storeys tall, with the tallest containing 78 apartments. Plans also show a Thameside café and a new link to Christchurch Bridge. It is understood the council’s planning department is considering its legal options on how to proceed. n To view the planning application, visit: planning.reading.gov.uk
A TILEHURST primary school could be set for a transformation. Reading Borough Council has applied to redevelop the Ranikhet Academy, which would double its capacity. Plans show the redevelopment would involve knocking down all buildings and replacing them with a two-storey structure. It would allow the school to become a two-form entry, meaning there would be two classes of pupils for each year from reception to year 6. Ranikhet Academy is currently a one-form entry for up to 210 pupils and a 26 place nursery. The new school would accept 420 pupils, with the numbers for the nursery remaining the same. The astroturf pitch would be retained but the two-court multi-use games area would be replaced. Staff and parents would also make use of a 46-space car park accessed from Eddleston Way, which would feature three wheelchair accessible spaces and six electric charging points. The project has received no objections and could be approved at the council’s Planning Applications Committee meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 30. The school opened in 1970, on a site that has previously been used as a farm, a golf course, allotments and an army training depot. The Royal Berkshire Regiment was based at the training depot during, and after, the second world war. The depot was named “Ranikhet Camp” after a hill station in India near the Tibetan border, where the regiment was garrisoned in the 1920s. It translates as “Queen’s field”. The school’s dragon logo comes from the cap badge used by the Royal Berkshire Regiment. Queen Victoria awarded the regiment the honour of the emblem in recognition of distinguished services during the Opium wars of the 19th centuries. Ranikhet is run as an academy as part of the REach2 Trust, which runs a total of 60 schools, including Civitas primary in Great Knollys Street.
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Rivermead’s new look takes shape BUILDING ON UP: Counciullors and members of GLL Leisure celebrate the installation of the steel structure that underpins the new Rivermead leisure centre Pictures: Reading Borough Council / Chris Forsey
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today THE new Rivermead leisure centre is starting to take shape.
On Wednesday last week, a number of councillors and representatives attended the site to see the progression of the steel frame being constructed. The new leisure centre forms a key part of the council’s £40 million investment in modern leisure facilities for the town, including delivering brand new pools, a modern leisure centre and improvements to existing leisure facilities, by spring 2023. Cllr Graeme Hoskin, lead councillor for sport at the council, said: “I’m delighted to see the start of the new centre’s steel frame alongside the outline of the pools, both really beginning to take shape. “This well and truly provides residents with tangible evidence of our commitment to delivering the new facilities.”
The new Rivermead leisure centre will have a 25-metre, eight lane competition swimming pool with a moveable floor, a combined teaching and diving pool with moveable floor and a 25-metre, five-lane lesson pool. It will also feature a six-court sports hall with 250 spectator seats, a 120-station gym with three studios, a soft play, an outside play area and a café. Craig Woodward, GLL’s Partnership Manager for Reading, said: “The benefits that the new Rivermead leisure centre and pool will offer the local community are huge. “Reading’s new and upgraded leisure provision will offer an inviting and welcoming environment, for all local residents to enjoy, in addition to enabling us to provide dedicated courses and activities that encourage better health and wellbeing.” Work at the site is being completed in two phases with
Rivermead leisure centre’s new steel frame
the construction of the new centre and the external public spaces completed first. The demolition of the existing facility will follow which will make way for the remaining external areas, new sections of car park and new play area. The existing leisure centre will remain open until the new centre is complete to ensure no gap in leisure services to residents. Work is also progressing at Palmer Park where there will be a new community pool, a gym with three studios and an activity zone for children with a party room. The council is also refurbishing the existing stadium building and expects the facility to open later this year. Improvements to the facilities at Meadway Leisure Centre started this month, with work already complete at South Reading Leisure Centre.
Drone footage of the new Rivermead in progress
Collision leaves two with life-threatening injuries TWO pedestrians have been seriously injured following a road traffic collision in Shinfield, and Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward. The incident happened around 10.40am on Friday, March 25, on Shinfield Road at its junction with Cressingham Road. Police said that a blue saloon car, travelling from the town centre, was involved in the collision. The two pedestrians, one of whom is a man in his 30s, have
SCENE: Shinfield Road at its junction with Cressingham Road Picture: Phil Creighton
been taken to hospital with serious injuries and remain in a life-threatening condition. Two men, aged 31 and 35 and both from Reading, have been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. They remain in custody. Investigating officer Sergeant Joe Clamp, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “We have spoken to a number of witnesses following this incident and have obtained some dashcam footage, however I am
appealing for anyone who may have witnessed what happened and who has not yet spoken to us, to please come forward. “Additionally, I would ask anyone who was in the area around the time of this collision and who has a dashcam, to please review any footage in case it may have captured something that could assist our investigation. “Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43220129599.”
Man threatened during assault in Reading park THIEVES threatened to stab a man in a Reading park unless he gave up his bike. The incident took place in Palmer Park around 7pm on Sunday, March 27. The victim, a man in his 50s, also had his phone and bank cards taken in the robbery. Thames Valley Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward. They said the victim was cycling through the park when two men, one of whom was on a bike, approached him. They dragged him off the bike and then threatened him, before taking his possessions. The offenders are both described as white men, aged in their mid to late 20s with skinny builds and both around 5ft 8ins in height. Both had dirty, short lightcoloured hair and were wearing dark coloured clothing and baseball caps. They also both had disposable blue face masks. The victim suffered a minor back injury as a result of the attack, but he did not require any hospital treatment. His bike is described as black with green writing on the tubes. Investigating officer Detective Constable Sophie Connor, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing to anybody who was in the area of Palmer Park on Sunday and believes that they witnessed this incident to please contact Thames Valley Police. “You can do so by calling 101, or by making a report online, quoting reference number 43220133114. “Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can all the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
READING RECORD FAIR 1,000,s & 1,000,s of Vinyl Records also CD,s, Music Memorabilia etc The UK's biggest Record Fair with 200 x 6ft tables. Free entry with this advert from 11am – 3pm
FRIDAY 15TH APRIL - 9AM – 3PM f VinylRecordCollectorsFair Rivermead Leisure Complex, Richfield Avenue, Reading,RG18EQ
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Two sentenced for drug supply offences
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TWO men have been sentenced for drug supply offences in Reading, following a Thames Valley Police investigation. Daniel Smith, aged 39, of Carey Street, Reading, was sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days at Reading Crown Court on Wednesday, March 23. Smith pleaded guilty to one count each of being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin at the same court on Wednesday, January 5. Lumko Nkanyuza, aged 29, of Westbrook Road, Croydon, was given a six-month conditional discharge at the same court on Wednesday, March 23. Nkanyuza pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to supply the same drugs at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 25, last year. On Saturday, February 22, 2020, police found three bags of suspected class A drugs hidden in a brick wall in Anstey Road, Reading. Following the seizure and related enquiries, Smith was arrested the same day on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply. The drugs were forensically examined and were found to be 201 wraps of heroin and 494
wraps of crack cocaine, with a total value of around £9,000. The forensic examination linked Smith and Nkanyuza to the drugs packaging and they were charged on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Investigating officer Inspector Iain Watkinson said: “This was a very large quantity of class A drugs that was found hidden in a public area. “Taking this quantity of drugs off the streets would have made a dent in the ability of drug dealers to target vulnerable people on the streets of Reading. “Thames Valley Police will always do its best to investigate matters such as this to protect those at risk and vulnerable in the communities we police. “Through Stronghold, we are committed to working in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation, such as county lines drug dealing. “We continue to need the support of the public in this, and we would ask them to report any information that they have about drug dealing. “This can be shared with Thames Valley Police on our website or by calling 101.” “You can also report information anonymously by calling independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Four jailed for killing man in Tilehurst By JAKE CLOTHIER news@rdg.today TWO people have been jailed after being found guilty of murdering a Tilehurst man, with a further two guilty of manslaughter.
Abas Khan, aged 24, of Helmsdale Road, Reading, and Kamran Chowdhary, aged 18, of Carey Street, Reading, were found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of murder following a trial lasting 10 weeks, which concluded at Reading Crown Court on Friday, January 14. Chowdhary was also found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of possession of an offensive weapon. Humzah Sikander, aged 18, of Brunel Road, Reading, and Shekuh Conteh, aged 17, formerly of Frilsham Road, Reading, were found not guilty of murder but convicted of manslaughter by unanimous jury verdict. Conteh can now been named following the lifting of reporting restrictions by the trial judge. Sikander had also previously pleaded guilty to one count of grievous bodily harm without intent on a second victim, Raheem’s father, Abdul. The other three defendants, Khan, Chowdhary and Conteh,
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Abas Khan, jailed for life, with minimum term of 26 years
Kamran Chowdhary, sentenced to life with a minimum of 14 years
Humzah Sikander, jailed for six years for manslaughter
Shekuh Conteh, jailed for four years for manslaughter
were found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm without intent on Abdul. At the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, March 23, Khan was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 26 years, while Chowdhary was sentenced to a minimum term of 14 years. Sikander was jailed for six years and Conteh for four years for manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm without intent. At approximately 6.55pm on Saturday, February 6, 2021, a Ford Transit van was driven into the car park of a residential address in Dulnan Close, Tilehurst. The van was driven by Abdul Hanif, who was 47 at the time, and in the passenger seat was his son, Raheem, who was 26. The van was followed into the car park by a Range Rover Evoque, which circled the car park until it drove into the front of Mr Hanif’s van several times. Several people got out of the Range Rover, some carrying weapons, including baseball bats and large knives, and these weapons were used to attack the body of the van. During this initial attack, the driver side window was broken and Abdul Hanif was struck, causing a broken arm. Mr Hanif’s son, Raheem, was stabbed in the chest through the window of the van and died as a result of this injury. Khan and Chowdhary were proven to have carried out this attack in a joint enterprise,
alongside Sikander and Conteh. The attack had arisen as a result of a dispute between Raheem Hanif and two of the defendants, Abas Khan and Kamran Chowdhary. A series of previous incidents had occurred, one of which was on the day before Raheem’s murder on Sunday, February 5, in Oxford Road, Reading. There was a fight between Raheem and Chowdhary, which was captured on phone and street cameras and witnessed by several members of the public. Following this fight, Raheem received treatment in hospital for a small wound to his nose. Later the same afternoon, Raheem’s car was parked near his address in Dulnan Close and while in the car park, his vehicle was attacked, with all the windows being smashed and tyres slashed. These incidents were proven to be a forerunner to the incident on Monday, February 6, which resulted in Raheem’s death. Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Stuart Bosley said: “This needless and tragic murder occurred amid a background of animosity between Raheem and the defendants who were convicted. “There had been a number of incidents leading up to the evening of February 6, and the day before, Raheem had been involved in a fight with one of the defendants. “The murder of Raheem on
February 6 was retribution for this ongoing animosity, and the violence that met him that night was completely unjustified. “Raheem’s father suffered a serious injury, and had the terrible ordeal of seeing his son being stabbed in front of him. “None of the defendants have ever shown any remorse or taken any responsibility for Raheem’s death, and I am pleased that a jury has seen through their accounts to convict Khan and Chowdhary of murder. “Sikander and Conteh were acquitted of murder, but were found guilty of manslaughter. “Arriving with weapons that night, it was very clear that Khan and Chowdhary intended to cause at the very least, really serious harm to Raheem, in this horrific joint enterprise attack. “Although not all four would have inflicted the fatal wound to Raheem, we were able to prove beyond reasonable doubt that all four were involved in the attack in some capacity, and, in the case of Khan and Chowdhary, arrived at the scene intent on causing really serious harm. Detective Superintendent Bosley said that the attack was another example of the very real dangers of carrying weapons, particularly knives. “If you carry a knife, you put yourself in danger of either using it yourself, or it being used against you. “Carrying a knife can never be justified in any circumstance, and we will continue to pursue those who look to do so and bring offenders to justice. “I would like to pay tribute to Raheem’s family and friends for their dignity and courage throughout the course of this investigation. “Raheem’s father, Abdul, suffered a significant injury himself during this incident, but his evidence and account of what happened and his support of our investigation has helped us bring his son’s killers to justice. “All four defendants will now serve substantial prison sentences, and although I know that no sentence will bring solace to Raheem’s family and friends, I hope that they will be able to move on with their lives in the knowledge that justice has been served. “I would like to extend my sincere condolences on behalf of Thames Valley Police to Raheem’s family and friends for their loss.”
Appeal for witnesses to aggravated burglary THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to an aggravated burglary in Tilehurst on Wednesday, March 23. At around 4.50pm, a man with a knife stole a large quantity of cash from a business on School Road before leaving on foot towards Armour Road. The man is described as white, of slim build, around 5ft 10-11ins tall, wearing a dark blue or black T-shirt and black
trousers and carrying a black rucksack over one shoulder. Sergeant Sam Toulson, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have information about it to please get in touch. “Also, if you have any CCTV footage or any dash-cam footage if you were in the area around the time, I’d also ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured
something that could assist our investigation. “You can make a report by calling 101 or via our website, quoting reference 43220121190.” “Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
n Reports can be made online at www.ThamesValley.Police.uk.
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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Trailer stolen in Spencers Wood
PARTY TIME: street performers joined the revelry to bid farewell to the store. Picture: Dijana Capan
A THIEF has stolen a trailer in Spencers Wood. The incident took place between 5pm on Monday, March 21, and 12.30am, on Tuesday, March 22. Thames Valley Police said the trailer was stolen from outside a property in Beech Hill Road. Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220123662.
Attempted burglary in Lower Earley A THIEF attempted to break into a Lower Earley home. The incident took place sometime between Monday, March 7, and Monday March 21. Thames Valley Police said the burglar tried to gain access to the property in Wokingham Road by forcing the patio door. Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220123853.
IT’S THE FUTURE: Customers may still order supplies from the Fabric Land website, only without the service and a smile. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision
Fabric Land is all sewn up AFTER more than two decades of serving Reading, Fabric Land has closed down. On Saturday, its final day of business, the store celebrated its 25 years of providing residents with all of their haberdashery needs. The celebration was organised by Matt Hulse, a member of the creative arts charity Jelly, who is also creating a documentary film about the store. There was a live performance by the Reading All Steel Pan Orchestra, as well as other street musicians.
Customers were encouraged to attend the event wearing costumes and designs they’d made from the store’s supplies over the years. Hester Casey, a costume designer at Progress Theatre, said: “For the last 25 years, Fabric Land has been my main source of materials. “They have a gorgeous array of fabrics for historic and fantasy costumes, I’m devastated to see the shop close down.” While customers can still buy fabric and other items online, Mr Casey said: “It’s not
the same as being able to feel the texture and weight of the fabric in the shop and compare how one colour looks with another.” Mr Casey also said that textiles students may struggle to find resources elsewhere. “I feel sorry that students and young people new to working with textiles will no longer have the chance to go to a shop for materials and get to know the qualities of different fabrics.” n Fabrics and materials can still be bought online from www.fabricland.co.uk
Fabric Land will be sorely missed by Progress Theatre, who source costumes and materials from the store. Picture: Dijana Capan
Customers were invited to don costumes and clothes crafted from Fabric Land supplies over the years. Picture: Dijana Capan
Reading All Steel Pan Orchestra performed
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Woodley man died prior to starting university By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter
A MAN described as a “larger than life character”, tragically died just before starting university.
Taylor Sharpley-Grace, who died aged 23, has been remembered in a tribute read by his mother at an inquest into his death. Mr Sharpley-Grace, from Woodley, died a few weeks before starting a course at Portsmouth University, and a few months after being diagnosed with epilepsy. He was found by neighbour Linda Bishop at his home in Burns Close, Woodley, on Saturday, September 11 last year. His mother, Dionne SharpleyGrace, said: “He was our only child, he was a larger than life character, an intelligent young
man who had aspirations of a career in cyber security. “Going to university would be a new phase in his life. “He had organised everything himself, I was very proud of how self reliant he was. “He had purchased everything he needed for his new venture. “He was loved by his friends, coaching them in maths and computing. “Many attribute where they are now to him. “They say ‘it was Taylor who got me to that interview’, and he went out of his way to get his friends home safe. “He laughed a lot and loved watching comedians like Ricky Gervais. “I will miss his laughter forever.” The inquest heard epilepsy had “cast a shadow” over his life according to Ms Sharpley-
Grace, who’s statement was read out by assistant coroner Alison McCormick at Reading Coroner’s Court on Monday, March 28. The day prior to his death, Mr Sharpley-Grace was left alone to look after the family dog, Luna, while his parents visited Portsmouth. Although they implored him to have some friends round, Mr Sharpley-Grace let out a big sigh and said “no mum”. Mr Sharpley-Grace spoke to his parents at 11pm on Friday, September 10, 2021, saying: “I love you”. He was later found dead by Ms Bishop, at around 2pm on Saturday, September 11, 2021. Ms Bishop entered the home using a spare key having been asked to let Luna out, as Mr Sharpley-Grace was not responding to his mum’s phone calls.
According to PC Sarah Tidball, who was present at the scene, there were no life-saving opportunities. Mr Sharpley-Grace had been diagnosed with epilepsy on June 21, 2021, and was subsequently prescribed Keppra, a brand name for Levetiracetam. The inquest heard a toxicology report showed he had taken “a number of different drugs” immediately prior to his death. Coroner McCormick said: “This is a tragic accidental overdose of a mix of drugs. “I offer my condolences for the unexpected and tragic passing of Taylor at such a young age at a time when he had so much to look forward to.” She concluded it was “likely he passed away peacefully” and there was no evidence he intended to end his life.
Call for doorstep glass recycling scheme OPPOSITION councillors are pushing for doorstep glass collections to be launched across Reading, in a bid to make it easier for residents to recycle. Currently, glass has to be taken to bottle banks or to the re3 recycling centres in Smallmead or Bracknell. Both Conservative and Green councillors made the call during a meeting of the council on Tuesday last week, after we had gone to press. Cllr Raj Singh (Conservative, Kentwood) made the call, but Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward (Labour, Caversham) – the lead member for neighbourhoods and communities – doorstep pick-ups could only be undertaken once the council knows it could be funded. Changes to the funding of waste and recycling services were made in the Environment Act 2021, but the exact nature of the changes have not been finalised and the council is waiting for
more guidance. “We are unable to do any detailed work on the introduction of a kerbside glass collection service until the Government release the secondary legislation details for the Environment Act 2021,” Cllr BarnettWard said. “It is impossible to project even an approximate cost of delivering a glass collection service until the Government release the detail that will be contained in that secondary legislation. “If Cllr Singh has got any influence over his national party and could maybe hurry
them up that would be fantastic.” Cllr Barnett- Ward said the council is working with waste company re3, and partners Wokingham Borough Council and Bracknell Forest Council to prepare for the possibility of kerbside glass collections. Cllr Singh also raised concerns about flytipping at bottle banks, including an incident on Erleigh Road last August. CCTV cameras are being used to monitor flytipping incidents, with three sets in Howard Street, Kensington Road and Amity Road. Cllr Barnett- Ward said: “If Cllr Singh has got a location that he would like considered for CCTV cameras I would welcome that suggestion.” Residents are encouraged to report flytipping on the Love Clean Reading app: https://loveclean.reading.gov.uk/reports The issue of kerbside glass recyling was also raised at the full council meeting on February 23 by cllr Rob White (Green, Park).
GIFTS: Collection of donated goods by Reading School and the local community, held, sorted and packed by Reading School students within the Reading School chapel
Generous donations will help Ukrainians n Continued from front page He added: “We would also like to ask for your prayers for those whose efforts over the next few days will see this load arriving in town and villages from Krakow to Kharkiv. “In particular please think of those who are still sheltering underground, and for whom the current situation is becoming desperate.” Mr Robson said donations of goods and funds had amounted to: 3.5 tonnes of fish, 2.5 tonnes of meat, 2 tonnes of baby food, 25 boxes of sanitary products, 300 sleeping bags, 300 can openers, and 1,250 bags for life. These are all higher-value foods which are “almost impossible” for people in Kyiv and Kharkiv to find, said Mr Robson, and which humanitarian aid volunteers in Ukraine had specifically requested. He added that 75 students from Reading School as well as parents and staff had spent last Friday packing the almost five tonnes of goods, which had been stored in the grammar school’s large chapel. Mr Robson said: “For those sheltering from hypersonic missiles, from cluster bombs and from barbaric and inhuman acts, your kindness will make a
difference. Thanks to everyone who gave anything. n Reading Borough Council’s mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, has launched a financial appeal for refugees coming to Reading. She is calling for readers to support the work of the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre with financial donations to help with the costs of sending aid to Ukraine and to prepare them for the arrival of Ukrainian refugees in Reading. The money raised in the Mayoral Appeal will go directly to the Community Centre to enable it to support fellow Ukrainians in any way it can. A secure webpage has been specially set up on the council’s website : http://www.reading.gov. uk/mayorsappeal n First Days Children’s Charity, based in Wokingham, has an appeal to help children arriving in the country. It is collecting as-new items such as beds, baby and toddler equipment, safety equipment, toiletries, school uniforms, laptops and tablets for children to use at school, children’s toys and books, and clothes for children aged up to 13. For more details, log on to: www.firstdays.net/ukraineappeal
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To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today NEW TECH: Emily Ellis from Vodafone shows Matt Rodda MP and Karen Rowland the Vodafone 4Gtechnology Picture: Tom Dymond Photography
MP discovers phone box add-on to boost 4G
FOR years, they stood on street corners, an invaluable lifeline for people who needed to make a call on the move. Since the advent of the mobile phone, they’ve started to become obsolete, and in recent years BT has been removing phone boxes where they’ve fallen out of use. But we still hold the boxes with affection, particularly the famous red ones which have become a symbol of Britain. Reading East MP Matt Rodda discovered how they are being given a 21st century makeover. Mobile phone giant Vodafone has placed its 4G kit into three payphones in Reading’s town centre, boosting mobile coverage and capacity, and the company showed how it worked to Mr Rodda and Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for culture, heritage and recreation at Reading Borough Council. Vodafone says that as the country comes out of lockdown and returns to work, the demand
for data on the move is growing. The technology has been placed on the roof of the boxes, giving a 4G boost within a 200-metre radius. “I am grateful to Vodafone for showing me their new miniature 4G units in Reading. I understand how important it is to keep connected and I am thrilled that this new technology is being rolled out in Reading,” Mr Rodda said. The move comes as Vodafone seeks to improve its 4G and 5G network for customers. Next year, the 3G network will be phased out, with the faster, more reliable technology replacing it. Vodafone UK network and development director, Andrea Dona, said: “Using these phone boxes to house mini 4G technology means we can keep up with demand and make the most out of existing structures on our streets. “Adding more 4G coverage is important to us.”
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Loopholes ended: Don’t use your phone while driving EXCLUSIVE
By Phil Creighton news@rdg.today LOOPHOLES around mobile phone use while driving have been closed and new rules are now in effect. The consequences of breaking them, Thames Valley Police say, can be catastrophic.
From last Friday, drivers touching their phone for any reason bar emergency use or making toll bridge payments will be fined £200, and face receiving penalty points of their licence. The rules forbid everything from checking the time, checking notifications, unlocking the device, and illuminating the screen. Making, receiving or rejecting a telephone or internet-based call is off-limits, as is using the camera to take photos, make video or sound recordings. Accessing any stored data, apps or the internet is not allowed, nor can you draft any text. There are just two exemptions: allowing for a call
DON’T DO IT: Using a mobile phone while driving is now an offence that could see you fined £200 and receive points on your license Picture: StockSnap from Pixabay to be made in an emergency where is it not practical to stop, and for contactless payment provided that the vehicle has been stopped. The aim is to prevent drivers from getting distracted. Sergeant Dave Hazlett, of Thames Valley Police’s Road Safety Unit, said: “Data shows you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision if you use a mobile phone while driving. “The consequences of using a mobile phone at the wheel can be catastrophic, and you are placing not only yourself but other road users at significant risk.” The rules, he said, needed to be changed because smartphones had changed. When the current laws were put together, phones were used mainly to make calls or send text messages. Now, Sgt Hazlett says, “the modern mobile phone is part of people’s everyday lives. “The first thing you would probably pick up in the morning
when you wake up is your phone to check what’s going on, looking at notifications, reading the news. “They are a mobile office for some people.” This reliance means the temptation is there to keep checking while on the move, so Sgt Hazlett is grateful that the law has been, like phones, upgraded from their earlier iteration. “The law change, while strong welcomed, is frankly long overdue,” he says. “Mobile phones are a significant cause of distraction in vehicles.” He said he has dealt with, and been to, collisions involving unlawful, illegal mobile phone use, so he has seen first hand the danger the mobile phone use can cause, adding that those making calls or checking messages would be “hard pressed to convince any family of someone who has been killed or seriously injured that it’s an incidental product of people using them behind the wheel”.
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OO LA LA! Forget bangers n mash, jellied eels or roast beef … it’s time to go continental. Reading is to host a two-day French market over Easter. Running in Broad Street on Good Friday, April 15, and Low Saturday, April 16, the event will be a chance to try a range of sweet and savoury delicacies from across the Channel. On offer will be a large variety of French cheeses, breads, pastries, and street food such as tartiflettes, creamy chicken, garlic potatoes. And there will also be some wines available. Nigel Horton-Baker of Reading UK said: “Reading has a real taste for good food. “You can see that in the popularity of our street food markets, the new Blue Collar
Corner, events such as Eat Reading, new delis springing up in the town centre, as well as the demand from the restaurant industry for space in Reading. “The French Market will offer something different again over two days this Easter so come and vive la difference. “Bon appetit.” The event is run by France at Home, who have been bringing French traders from Normandy to the UK since 1994. Stalls will be open from 9am to 5pm on both days.
“Even in slow moving or stationary traffic, the driver’s attention is diverted from things they need to be aware of, such as a pedestrian who has crossed the road in front of them, or the person walking behind the vehicle while reversing. “There’s this significant distraction that a phone provides, and it does lead, unfortunately, to unnecessary and devastating collisions. We want to do and reduce that.” Using a phone as a sat nav needs to follow the Highway Code – so phones need to be secured either by a windscreen mount or a permanent fixture. It should also be Bluetooth and voice command enabled, to prevent phones from being touched. If drivers need to change the destination, they need to pull over. “If you’re in queueing in traffic, you’re still in the act of driving, and you do leave yourself open to potential prosecution if you are seen,” Sgt Hazlett said. “Some will say that’s harsh. However, the laws have been changed for a reason.” And he warned “simply having your phone in your hand would be good enough for a prosecution to take place”. Sgt Hazlett said: “When you kill someone if you’ve been driving while using your phone, then you’re the reason someone has been killed. “You’re placing yourself in a position where you could in a have a term of imprisonment for checking an email, is it really worth that?” He added: “It is incumbent on drivers to take the responsible decision. “Don’t take that call, wait and then phone that person back and have an undistracted conversation where you can be immersed in that call without putting myself and other people at risk.”
FOD night returns READING’S only dedicated LGBTQ+ night has returned to the Blagrave Arms. Hosted on the last Saturday of every month, Club Friends of Dorothy was shut down shortly before its first anniversary in early 2020 due to lockdown. The club night has now returned, with the next event on Saturday, March 26. Previous events have included drag acts, live music, and a traffic light party, which was hosted last month. This month’s fancy dress theme is TV characters. Club FOD raises funds for its Fund of Diversity, which tackles social isolation in the queer community and aims to provide safe spaces for all members of the LGTBQ+ spectrum. Club FOD takes place at the Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street, on Saturday, March 26, from 8pm, and returns on the last Saturday of every month.
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READING HALF MARATHON PREVIEW
A tale of one half: Reading is ready for its race day EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today ON SUNDAY, the streets of Reading will be packed not with cars but runners as the annual half marathon returns to its traditional April slot.
This year is the 40th anniversary of the popular race, which attracts thousands of athletes and fun runners to the town. More than 12,000 of them are expected to line up at Green Park for the start. The route takes them through the town, including going through the town centre, before finishing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. “It’s an amazing finish,” says race director Judith Manson. “It’s definitely the highlight of people’s day when they enter the stadium and hear the roar of the crowds. It’s a finish like no other, it really is.” Judith is full of praise for the rest of the route: Green Park is, she says, a lovely place to start, while “the bit in the middle is pretty special as well”. She adds: “The whole route, it’s fantastic.” And with the crowds lining the streets to cheer runners on, she’s not wrong. “The Reading community has really embraced the event,” she says. “We definitely feel that.” There will be some road closures and to the non-runners, she promises to keep disruption to the minimum. “We have rolling road closures, as soon as we can open the road and get that area of Reading moving again, we will. “It’s nothing new,” she adds. “The route hasn’t changed for a number of years, the timings haven’t changed, which means the road closures are the
BACK AGAIN: The Unleashed Reading Half Marathon back in November. The race is returning to Reading on Sunday Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision same as they were last year, two years ago, the year before that … People know what to expect, and we try and keep consistency.” One of the things that helps make Reading special is the way in which residents line the streets with entertainment to cheer runners on. “There will be pop-up entertainment that we won’t know about until the day,” she says. “People just come out and start banging their drums or whatever. “There will be things that happen around the route that we haven’t organised – the community comes out and supports everyone. It’s just fantastic.” And there are also a team working
hard to ensure the Marathon takes place smoothly. “We couldn’t do it without the support of so many people,” Judith says. “Obviously we’ve got our headline sponsor, Unleashed Performance, who joined us for the first time last year, and they’ve been incredible. “And there is also the statutory services, Reading Borough Council, the police, the NHS services … all of those cogs in this massive wheel. “We really couldn’t do it without the support of them all.” Of course, there’s also the runners – and we’ll be telling their story in next week’s round-up. Demand will be huge, order your copy today.
Road closures in place ROAD CLOSURES will be place on Sunday, April 3, as runners take over the streets. The Unleashed Performance Reading Half Marathon is back this Sunday, and 12,000 runners are expected to take part in the annual event. It has been disrupted in recent years due to covid but, following a November date last year, it is returning to the town this weekend. The race attracts charity runners as well as elite athletes and starts at Green Park, before finishing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. The first road closure starts at 7am, and there will be a series of rolling closures and openings through to 4pm. Diversions will be in place and residents will still be able to access the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s emergency department if needed. Roads will be re-opened as soon as runners have passed through and it is safe to do so. Residents and visitors are being asked to plan ahead and allow extra
time for any journeys they intend to make on the day. Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for health, wellbeing and sport, said: “The Unleashed Performance Reading Half Marathon is a landmark event for Reading, as well as being one of the largest Half Marathons in the country. “As always, there will be a number of road closures throughout the day. This is necessary to host such a large road race and residents are asked for patience and cooperation during the short time the race will be passing around Reading. “I would encourage residents and visitors to check their journey plans ahead of Sunday.” For up-to-date information and full details of all affected roads visit www. readinghalfmarathon.com or call the Residents’ helpline on 0118 937 2771.
Main arterial routes in the town centre will remain open:
North: A4074 Woodcote Rd to A4155
to IDR and A4155 Henley Rd to IDR. East: J10 – A329 Wokingham Rd – London Rd – Sidmouth St – Queen’s Rd – IDR. West: J12 – Bath Rd – Honey End Lane – Tilehurst Rd – Water Rd & Grovelands Rd – Oxford Rd – Chatham St –IDR. Access from the South will be restricted as runners get under way. Visitors travelling into Reading on the M4 are advised to use junctions 10 and12 until 2 pm to avoid delays.
Access to Hospitals: Royal Berkshire Hospital: Access from London Road; Berkshire Independent Hospital: access from Bath Rd/Berkeley Avenue; Dunedin Hospital: access from IDR – Castle Hill – Bath Rd access lane (allow for delays). Circle Hospital: access via Basingstoke Rd and Manor Farm Road. All Town Centre car parks will open as normal, apart from Oracle Riverside, which will open at 12.40pm – use Oracle Holy Brook. Smallmead Household Waste Recycling Centre and access to Link Retail Park will open around 3pm.
Simon’s ruby Reading run SIMON Brown is set to join elite club of runners at this weekend’s event. He is one of six people who will have competed in each of the 40 Reading half marathons held since the first event in 1983. To celebrate the occasion, Mr Brown and his fellow runners have been given free life time entry. Reading half marathon was the long first distance race he ever took part in, aged 17. “Someone at Key Markets in Tilehurst, where I worked at the time, was taking part,” Mr Brown said. “I didn’t do any training and I hadn’t even run even five or 10 kilometres at the time.” “It was a new event, so I wanted to join in.” Once he got in to the habit of entering the Reading half marathon after the first few years, Mr Brown said that he became motivated by reaching milestone targets. “It has become part of the calendar now,” he added. “And I have kept all of the medals too.”
He lives in Thailand over t he winter — where he now regularly takes parts in long distance runs as part of his training regime — and returns in time for the half marathon. Mr Brown hopes to finish in a time between two hours and 30 minutes and two hours and 45 minutes, despite carrying a knee injury. He has never knowingly met any of the other five people who have taken part in all 40 races. “But about 10 years ago, my mum randomly got talking to a woman while she was walking to the start with me,” he said. “It turned out that her husband had taken part in every race up until that point.” The other runners who have taken part in each race are Caroline White, Malcolm Booker, Jeff Kinghorn, Paul Studd and Kevin Taylor. Spectators can look out for Mr Brown’s distinctive “1983 Simon 2022” label at this Sunday’s event.
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Places open for Sue Ryder’s summer fundraiser By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
SUE Ryder is planning a summer ball to raise much needed funds for the charity.
The event will feature a drinks reception, a thre- course meal, a charity auction, and live music from the Vodka Martinis. It will also be hosted by local comedian Adger Brown, and will take place on Saturday, July 2, at the Hilton Hotel, Reading. Fern Haynes, Sue Ryder’s head of fundraising for Thames Valley, said: “The past couple of years have been challenging for our patients but also their loved ones. “By attending our Summer Ball you will be helping local people get the vital support
they need at what is a really difficult time. “The funded post will support families who have experienced the loss of a loved one.” The family support coordinator oversees two family support teams, made up of professionals and trained volunteers who provide palliative care, social care, spiritual care, and bereavement support. The role is currently held by Ken Blanton, who works across both the Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading and the Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire in Wallingford. Mr Blanton said: “Experiences of grief have been so difficult for so many people over the past two years amidst the pandemic, but here at Sue Ryder we have
continued to reach out to local families offering our support. “It is so important we remind people that grief doesn’t have one face and although everyone handles loss and bereavement in different ways which are unique to them, everyone hurts and it is so important people have the opportunity to be able to talk about it.” The ball takes at the Hilton Hotel, Reading, on Saturday, July 2, from 7pm. Tickets including three course meals for a table of six are £420, for tables of 10 are £700, and for tables of 12 are £840. Individual tickets are also available at www.SueRyder.org
n For more information, email special.events@sueryder.org or call 07976422792.
All for scrum and scrum for all at mixed ability rugby festival
SPORT FOR ALL: Berkshire Brigands is open to all players, including those with special or specific needs, those who are on the Autistic spectrum, and those with other barriers to play. Picture: Chris Reading via Pixabay
A BERKSHIRE rugby club is hosting its inaugural rugby festival. Berkshire Brigands has announced it is preparing for its first mixed abilities rugby festival at Windsor RFC on Saturday, April 9, which is open to all. Berkshire Brigands is a community rugby team which is open to neuro-diverse members, including those with special learning needs and other barriers, as well as those without, aged 17 and over. Now they are bring the game
to an even wider audience, welcoming any body who is willing to take part in the festival. Games will include both contact and tag rugby from 12 mixed ability teams, with awards and presentations afterwards. The event will also feature a DJ, as well as food stalls and access to the Windsor RFC clubhouse and bar facilities. Players of all abilities are invited to take part, encourage new players, and help raise
awareness of mixed ability sport. Berkshire Brigands has welcomed players who may have experienced barriers to the sport since it started in 2020, and is the first in the county to do so. The Mixed Ability Rugby Festival takes place at Windsor Rugby Football Club on Saturday, April 9. Rugby matches will be held from noon to 3pm, and awards presentations at 4pm. n For more information, visit berkshirebrigands.co.uk.
Reading Youth Orchestra brings the sound of spring READING Youth Orchestra is hosting its spring concert, with special guests the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra. Pieces from Haydn, Mendelssohn, and Vaugh Williams will feature, as well as arrangements of songs from the African-American Railroad. Founded in 1944, RYO is one
of the oldest youth orchestras in the country. Currently led by Oliver Quinn nand conducted by Mel Le Breuilly, it has played venues as prestigious as the Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. The spring concert takes place at St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road, on
Sunday, April 3, at 6pm. Tickets are £10 for adults, under 18s and concessions are £5, and family tickets are available for £20.
n Tickets are available to buy from reading-youth-orchestra. square.site.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Top of the pumps: Pub Ding’s stars with spec EXCLUSIVE By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today THE READING Pubwatch Star winners for 2022 have been announced.
Three winners were awarded at the Pubwatch conference in Sub89, Friar Street, on Tuesday, March 22. The awards recognise the people and venues which maintain best practices in the pub and club industry. Awards were presented by Steve Baker OBE, the chair of National Pubwatch, and nominees were put forward by the Reading Pubwatch secretary, Bill Donne. Stuart McNaught, the general manager of the Purple Turtle, was the first to be given an award. He was a founding member of the Reading Licensees Association, which supports and advocates for licensed venues and businesses, and which developed into the Reading Pubwatch scheme the following year. Mr McNaught said of winning the award: “It’s really cool, and the scheme is really positive for the development of the town centre.” He chaired the scheme from 2005 to 2018, where he hosted six annual conferences, and was voted back onto
the committee shortly after stepping down. He said; “I’d like to thank Bill Donne and Alexa Volker, since without them we wouldn’t be having the awards today.” The second award went to Sally Leonard, the coordinator of the Reading Street Pastors since 2012. Street Pastors is a volunteer organisation which works with churches and community groups, as well as the police, to provide pastoral support to the community. She has also been on the First Stop management committee, which oversees the provision of first aid facilities during late nights hours during the weekend. Mr Baker said of Ms Leonard; “As well as attendance at monthly meetings, Sally meets with the chair to discuss additional cover by the street pastors when required for new events by venues, such as Hallowe’en or freshers weeks.” The third award went to Alexa Volker, head of operations of the Reading Central and Abbey Quarter business improvement district. Ms Volker has represented the BID at Pubwatch meetings since 2017, as well as procuring cardiac defibrillator kits and drink spiking testing kits for licensed venues throughout
LINE-UP: Reading Pubwatch Star Award Pubwatch chairman, Steve Baker. Picture: Reading. Mar Baker said: “Alexa is a key member of the nighttime economy partnership, contributing ideas and concepts and ensuring that guest speakers receive their joining
Best Bar None: Pubwatch launches By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
AIM: best Bar None aims to raise standards of venue safety, community safeguarding, and levels of community engagement in venues. Picture: Manfred Richter via Pixabay
READING Pubwatch has begun auditing applicant venues for its accreditation scheme.
The organisation, which promotes best practises in pubs, clubs, and licensed venues, has opened the Best Bar None scheme to venues in Reading. Best Bar None is a voluntary scheme which sees eligible venues rewarded with accredited status based on their operating standards each year. Venues are encouraged to volunteer for consideration, after which they will be subject to a pre-arranged audit. Steve Baker OBE, chair of National Pubwatch, said that it would be the best thing to have in the night-time economy. “Because I know it addresses the issues of people who are threatening those businesses. “But from a processes and management perspective, I think it gives you some of the skills and materials to manage the internal processes of venues.” The audit will ensure venues are following safety regulations and industry standards, as well as providing sufficient training for staff.
Venues will be assessed on drug policy, fire and electrical safety policy, risk assessment standards, levels of inclusion and community safeguarding. There will also be extra bands of accreditation for venues which exceed expectations, and for engagement with other venue standards groups, such as regular representation at Pubwatch meetings. The scheme will be of no cost to the venues, and will provide policy templates for businesses where needed, as well as advice and support for those venues which do not meet prerequisites. Mr Baker said: “If I was looking at anything I’d like to add to what we do in PubWatch,
I’d look at Best bar None first. “I think its a good fit for licensees.” He noted that PubWatch has already begun to make a difference in Reading, citing Reading’s continued diligence with nuisance or problem patrons getting banned from venues. “By far the most communication we’ve had is people who’ve been banned from local PubWatch schemes, and quite a significant number of them come from Reading.” Patrons who’ve been banned from PubWatch venues are often also excluded from the other participating venues. “It’s certainly an indication
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
watch honours the ial awards ceremony
Plans for former 210-FM studios revealed By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
THE SOUND of radio could soon be heard once again from the former 210FM base in Calcot if a multi-million pound plan goes ahead.
winners (from left): Sally Leonard (leftmost), Stuart McNaught, and Alexa Volker (second from right), with National Jake Clothier instructions, and hosting the meeting providing support to the Chair. “She’s a driving force behind the Purple Flag Status.” Purple Flag accreditation recognises maintenance of
standards in the evening and night-time economy, and was awarded to Reading for three years running from 2017-2019. Reading’s accreditation has been paused due to assessment difficulties cause by the
coronavirus pandemic. National Pubwatch was established in 1997, and has worked to achieve safe and responsible drinking environments in licensed premises since.
venue standards scheme
HELP: The Best Bar None scheme provides templates for safety and standards policies, as well as advice and support for venues. Picture: Pexels via Pixabay that you’re being effective. “Because we wouldn’t receive that correspondence if you weren’t doing something here which makes such an impact on crime and disorder.” Piloted in Manchester in 2003, the scheme has been rolled out to a number of towns and cities, including Cardiff, Nottingham, Coventry, Swansea, and Plymouth. Stuart McNaught, general manager of the Purple Turtle, was one of the founding members of the Reading Licensee Association, which later became PubWatch, and also chaired the scheme until 2018. He said it was a pleasure to work with great individuals and
organisations: “To get the nighttime economy back to where we want to be. “The working partnership between Thames Valley Police, Reading Borough Council, PubWatch, the business improvement district and members of the public, I don’t think it’s ever been so good.” Mr McNaught said that the Best Bar None accreditation would be an opportunity to continue improving nightlife in Reading. “Not just to go back to 2019, but to move more positively towards improving the standards of the night-time economy. “Not only making it the best we’ve ever seen in Reading, but
also making Reading one of the safest and best places to go out for any age group.” Mike Worthington, regional coordinator of Best Bar None for Northamptonshire, says that there is no compulsion to join the scheme. “But we hope venues will want to join because they can see the benefits of raising standards in their industry. “The scheme creates a universal national standard, reducing the harmful effects of binge-drinking, and fosters a sense of community among the licensees. He says that the scheme will raise the profile of operators and venues, with certificates or plaques to display for customers. “Best Bar None offers free advice, policy developments, templates, and a good working relationship between those in the industry.” Venues are currently undergoing audits until August. Results will be announced at a black tie ceremony in September.
n Venues who would like to participate in the future can put themselves forward at www. NationalPubWatch.org.uk
But it won’t be from the studios. Instead, it will be from the radio sets and smart speakers installed in a potential care home. LNT Care Developemnts has made a £3.5 million deal for the former home of 2-Ten FM, which eventually became Heart Berkshire. The 13,570 sq ft property in The Chase, off the A4 Bath Road, is to be repurposed as a 66-bedroom care home. The two-storey building was built in 2000, and sits on a 1.43-acre site with ample car parking. Vail Williams acted for the vendors, commercial property portfolio specialists Lewis Investment. Vail Williams Thames Valley region Partner Guy Parkes, based at The Thames Valley office, said: “This is a wellknown property, just three miles from town, and is steeped in local radio history. “Now it is to get a new lease of life as LNT Care Developments transforms
NEW LEASE OF LIFE: The Fliberts in Reading, the former home of Heart Radio which is to be transformed into a 66-bedroom care home after the property was sold in a deal negotiated by property consultancy Vail Williams the site into a 66-bedroom, three-storey care home offering 16 sq m bedrooms with fully en-suite wet room facilities. “The premium specification for the home includes a cinema room, hairdressing salon, garden room, library and coffee shop – all to be set within landscaped gardens with approved parking facilities.” LNT Care Developments, based in West Yorkshire, specialises in developing care homes, and is currently working on 20 sites across the UK with more than 100 under consideration. Andrew Long, of LNT Care Developments, said: “These are exciting times as we continue
to build state-of-the-art care homes across the UK. “Our new Reading site is perfectly located for residents, staff and visitors and we look forward to beginning construction work.” Lewis Investment is an independent financial services firm whose specialisms include facilitating commercial property investments through pension syndicates and property clubs. Alastair Warwick-Smith, director of Lewis Property Services who asset manages the expanding portfolio, said: “We are delighted with Vail Williams for securing this important property disposal which will benefit our valued clients.”
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Let’s hear it for t Bus firm celebr
Volunteer Corner Reading Voluntary Action
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
THEY’RE the people who keep Reading moving, and usually they’re our unsung heroes too.
WALK: Whiteknights Lake is one of the destinations on the nature trail Picture: University of Reading
T
HRIVE uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or are isolated. They have been using social therapeutic horticulture and gardening to change people’s lives since 1979. Thrive is currently seeking volunteers to assist on their minibuses. Some of the tasks volunteers may be involved in are: supervising clients boarding and disembarking the bus, ensuring seat belts are worn by all passengers, general supervision of clients while travelling, and more. This opportunity will suit supportive volunteers that have the ability to grasp and convey information clearly. There will also be training in relation to health and safety and any necessary tasks. n Reading Blind Aid Society was formed in 1883, and then changed to Reading Association for the Blind in 1926, and has supported the people of Reading ever since. Right now they want more volunteers to assist members that experience varying degrees of sight loss at their Bowls Club on Tuesday mornings. No prior experience of Bowls is necessary and necessary training will be provided. It’s a relaxed environment where you can get to help members do a fun activity they wouldn’t normally be able to do. n Dimensions have supported people with learning disabilities and autism for decades, helping them in their local communities. If you enjoy swimming and have some free time on a Monday or Wednesday mornings Dimensions are currently seeking volunteers to assist two people that they support in Wokingham, that love going for their weekly swim at a local pool. Activities as a volunteer will include: swimming and having a general chat during and after the session. You will not be required to teach them how to swim. The volunteer would be accompanied with a Dimensions colleague during these activities. 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.
Get back to nature thanks to Uni’s new trail
AS ANY student who attends the University of Reading can testify, the lecture rooms and halls of residence are set in some beautiful grounds. They include the Harris Gardens and Whiteknights Lake. And to make the most of it, the University has unveiled a new nature trail, giving evenyone the chance to enjoy the splendours of Mother Nature. Self-guided, it is marked by a series of signs around some of the notable habitats on the Whiteknights campus. Each sign has a unique QR code which directs the walker to a URL with more information about the habitat and the species that can be found there. Nature lovers can get lost in the Wilderness, feed the ducks that call Whiteknights Lake home, look out for butterflies on the Meadows and bees on the Pollinator Lawns, visit the Rewilding Area to see the
change over time and enjoy a picnic on the Wooded Meadows. The trail takes around 30 minutes and can be completed as a circular walk, starting and finishing close to central campus bars and cafes, or visited in sections. Professor Mark Fellowes, ProVice Chancellor (Academic Planning & Resource), says: “Whiteknights Campus is a haven for wildlife in urban Reading. Colleagues across the University have ensured that it has stayed this way, and given the biodiversity crisis these green oases become ever more important. “We hope that this new trail will help staff, students and the local community engage even more with the nature that surrounds them every day.” The signs were funded by the Friends of the University of Reading and were designed by Gaia Zwiers-Mortier, a final year Zoology student.
How much does Reading pay for the gym? WE ALL love a bargain, but it seems that Reading is a bit flabby when it comes to gym prices. A new survey from sportswear brand Reebok has revealed that people in the Royal County’s favourite town have to pay a bit more for working out than other parts of the country. Maybe it’s because they’re Londoners, but they’re the ones who pay the most, on average: £47.23 for the privilege of pumping iron. The Ding is in second place, coming in at £38.90 per month. Brighton and Hove, where there’s a marvellous seafront to run along, is in third place at £35.50, while Scots in Edinburgh and Glasgow both pay £33.24 a month. By comparison, Southamptonites pay just £20.50 – nearly half what The Ding pays. Liverpool is next for value, at £24.14 a month, while those sent to Coventry pay £24.38. Of course, while the gym has some great equipment, there are exercises people can
TONE-UP: Reeebok’s suggested exercises can save money on the gym do at home for free. Reebok teamed up with fitness trainer Joe Mitton to share five ideas anyone can do at home. They are star jumps, squats, press-ups, lunges and crunches.
n For more details and ideas, log on to: www.reebok.co.uk/blog/822685fitness_training-trainer-index
But that all changed thanks to a special awards ceremony aimed at celebrating the best of Reading Buses. The firm holds a Stars of the Month award, designed to recognise staff who have gone above and beyond during their duties. And once a year, they celebrate them all with a Stars of the Year ceremony. For the first time since covid pandemic started, they were able to return to an inperson ceremony, celebrating some of the most challenging times the company has faced. The ceremony was held at The Hilton Hotel on Kennet Island, and saw Sharmila Perera named Star of the Year for playing a pivotal role in the company’s financial survival since the start of the pandemic. She had been named Support Star of the Year earlier in the evening. Honours also went to driving star Anthony Farmer, 50 and from Tilehurst, described as a role model and ambassador for Reading Buses, and engineering star Jordan McKie, 23 and who lives in Reading, a great team member with a brilliant can-do attitude towards everything. The company’s chief executive officer Robert Williams said: “While our whole team has been amazing during the pandemic, these three individuals have truly epitomised everything that is outstanding within the company.” Group management accountant Sharmila, who has worked at Reading
BEST OF THE BEST: Sharmila Perera with Rea star Jordan McKie Buses for 16 years, was thrilled with her win, given for creating and managing a sustainable way of handling the company’s Covid-19 Bus Service Support Grant reconciliation submissions. Caroline Anscombe, Reading Buses HR director, said: “Sharmila created a system that took a lot of manual work out of the process of submitting information for the funding, saving a huge amount of resource. “Where questions were posed, Sharmila was able to answer them quickly and follow up with supporting evidence and documentation leading to all queries being fully closed out and resolved allowing us to receive the funding in a timely manner.” Anthony, who unfortunately was unable to attend the event, was praised or demonstrating kindness,
Historic England archive reveals 20th century Berkshire from above HUNDREDS of photos of Berkshire in the early 20th century have been made available online for the first time. The new Historic England aerial photograph explorer tool allows users to search more than 400,000 images taken from the sky, with some from as early as 1919. It means that the public can get a bird’s eye view of the changing urban and rural landscape of the county over the past 100 years. Many of the photographs show military defences and 20th century industrial sites, both before and after the second world war. Some of these have since been developed for housing or shopping centres as the population of Reading and Wokingham boroughs grew. For example, an Aerofilms Ltd image taken over Reading in 1932 shows Messrs H G Simonds brewery on the River Kennet. This is where the Oracle shopping centre now stands. Also visible are the station, St Mary’s the Minster Church and the town square around St Laurence’s Church — which was destroyed by bombing in February 1943.
Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, said that he is “delighted” with the online tool. “It will allow people to access easily our wonderful collection of aerial images and enjoy using historic photography to unlock the mysteries of England’s past,” he adds. It is hoped that the aerial photograph explorer tool will encourage people to make their own discoveries about their local areas, and provide a resource for planning applications, heritage projects and archaeological investigation. Other photos available as part of the collection show Reading Aerodrome in Woodley as it was in 1932, shortly after Douglas Badar lost both of his legs in an accident flying aerobatics there. Also online are images taken by the RAF in 1946, of the Suttons Seeds beds and gas towers of east Reading, and Arborfield Garrison. The former home to the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers is now being developed for 4,000 new homes. For those interested in areas further afield, some pictures show second world war bomb damage over
the accountants! brates its stars
ading Buses CEO Robert Williams and fellow patience and helpfulness towards a disabled person when he was driving the 17 bus. The man was unsuccessfully trying to manoeuvre a mobility scooter when Anthony helped him to steer. It took a long time to help the customer, but Anthony was said to have been patient, cheerful and encouraging the whole time. When another customer on the bus said he wanted to tell Reading Buses how marvellous he was, modest Anthony said it was just part of his job and was reluctant to give his name. The customer, who insisted, said he just wanted Anthony’s employers to know how well he did. Caroline said: “Whenever our drivers encounter unusual situations, we are always delighted to see them remain calm, friendly and helpful.
“Anthony was definitely this and was recognised not just for the individual nomination, but his consistently excellent performance throughout his time with the company.” Engineer Jordan was said to have stepped into the fold without hesitation to fuel and clean vehicles to have them ready as soon as possible after another team member become ill. As part of the engineering crew, he has been praised for always showing attention to detail and being proactive in his communication with other departments He was praised as a great team member with an unrelenting positive can-do attitude, outstandingly helpful to the control room team and drivers. Caroline said of Jordan: “Like both Sharmila and Anthony, Jordan was recognised for his ongoing performance and development as much as for the nomination itself. He is highly praised for his positive attitude and helpful demeanour.” Mr Williams added: “Celebrating employees is especially important this year as we’re celebrating two years’ worth of employee achievements across the pandemic. “We held special ‘GEM Awards’ last year, but couldn’t have a proper ceremony due to Covid. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate with our team in person this year. “This is even more special than ever before as it covers the challenging time where employees were key workers, but still helping people get around Reading with a smile. “I can’t emphasise enough how hard it was to select Sharmila, Anthony and Jordan as I believe all our employees are stars. AS YOU WERE: East Reading, 1946 Picture: Source Historic England Archive (RAF photography
Southampton and Liverpool, and there are views of St James’ Park in Newcastle as it stood in 1927. Archaeological features such as a Neolithic long barrows, Iron Age forts and medieval villages can also be seen. Historic England aims to expand the platform in the future with a project to digitise 6,000,000 aerial images held in its archive. The aerial photography explorer
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joins the recently launched aerial archaeology mapping explorer.
n For more information, visit: historicengland.org.uk/aerialphotos n More of Berkshire’s past from above can be explored at Berkshire Record Office on Coley Avenue, Reading. It holds eight series of aerial photographs taken by Berkshire County Council between 1964 and 1996. n For more information, visit: berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk
Teacher’s treasure hunt brought reading to the fore HAPPY FIND: Books were hidden around Woodley for youngsters to find Picture: StockSnap via Pixabay
A PRIMARY school teacher from Woodley has brought new meaning to finding a good book with the Big Book Hunt. Emma Ballard, who teaches in Earley, hid more than 500 books to be hunted out by children during the recent half-term. Ms Ballard encouraged children in the area to seek out the books. She said: “I love to develop children’s reading skills. “Its been very popular, and everybody seems to want more books.” The books were sponsored by numerous small businesses, packed into book bags with information about the event, and hidden away, with photographs as hints to guide book-seekers. “I have to thank all of our sponsors, without whom it wouldn’t
have been possible,” Ms Ballard said. Young readers are encouraged to send pictures of their finds to the event’s Facebook page, and re-hide their finds once they’ve read them so that others may also enjoy them. Ms Ballard admits that making the trips by bicycle is “lots of work, but it makes the children who get the books very happy”. “There are areas in the community that are in need, and I’ll keep trying to get books to them,” she added. “My mission is to get more books into more schools and nurseries, and we’re always looking for new sponsors.” Ms Ballard started the project as part of Once Upon A Story, a fledgling book shop that she has started, working in partnership with publisher Usborne.
POETRY CORNER Blue and Yellow In twenty twenty-two the world changed colour, Adopting both yellow and blue; These are the colours of Ukraine’s flag, So no other colours will do. Russia invaded that country With no provocation at all, They wreaked devastation widely, Causing hundreds of buildings to fall. The result of this terrible onslaught Has put much of the world against Russia; Multinationals have severed connections, And countries have imposed more sanctions; Individuals are supporting Ukraine By displaying that Nation’s hues, With badges and ribbons or clothes Which are mostly in yellows and blues. Some countries are highlighting buildings, Two colours being projected in beams; Many sportsmen have the flag on their Tshirts In support of Ukrainian teams. Politicians are also conforming With promotion of Ukraine’s plight, Wearing lapel badges showing the colours, Which is preferable to joining the fight. In the glittering world of the cinema There were BAFTA awards last week, The actors all dressed up in D.J’s
WPR_2022‑03‑28_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go
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Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Jurys Inn, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast Guided tour of Hadrian’s Wall Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Alnwick Castle, Hadrian’s Wall & Chesters Fort Optional excursion to Durham (£12pp)
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Wearing two colour badges to complete. Now Russia has spectacularly succeeded In uniting the whole world against it, Putin’s managed this all on his own, And it’s well past the time he should quit. He controls all the news on TV With a bias which is blatantly wrong, Thus the truth is kept from the people Who believe the wars end won’t be long. But an ever-growing number of Russians Get the facts from outside their State, This makes them aghast at their country Killing innocents with weapons and hate. But a protest in Russia is illegal, With long prison sentences imposed, So they daren’t wave the flag of Ukraine As there’s a risk of being deposed. Instead they stay stoically silent, Unaware of what lies in store, For this invasion has lasted 4 weeks now, But no-one must call it a war!
Lorna Minton
We love receiving your poetry, printing a selection every week. Send your verse to news@rdg.today
Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22 We explore the spectacular scenery and historic railways of North Wales on this fantastic five‑day break. Combined with North Wales’ rugged coastline, magnificent castles and the endless panoramas, this memorable break makes for a charming few days away.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion
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To every runner, we wish you luck
FOR many, Sunday is a big day. An incredible 12,000 runners are expected to line-up at the start line for the 2022 Reading Half Marathon. The town will once again turn out in large numbers to spur everyone on, cheering every runner, be they running for fun, for charity or for their club. It is an impressive sight seeing the pavements and roads become a race track for the day. There is colour, costumes, blisters and sweat ... it’s the perfect day. It seems hard to believe that this year’s race is the 40th anniversary. It feels like only yesterday the first runners were lining up. But we’re proud of it, and we’re thrilled with the team behind it. Have a great day!
CHURCH NOTES
Does God understand our suffering?
H
E was despised and rejected, a man of suffering, and familiar with grief.’ Isaiah chapter 53 verse 3
Does God know what it’s like to suffer? Does He know how we feel when we see dreadful suffering around us and feel helpless to stop it? Does He know how we feel when we’re grieving? Maybe you have asked those questions as you have seen the news in recent weeks. Maybe you have asked for personal reasons too? It’s not long now until Easter, and Good Friday two days earlier when Christians remember the death of Jesus on the cross, a dreadful event nonetheless full of positive meaning. Part of that positive meaning is that in Jesus’ cruel torture and crucifixion Christians believe we see God himself experiencing the full depths of the violence and suffering of the world we humans experience. The idea of God suffering can be a hard one to grasp. Surely a real God couldn’t suffer! But Christians say that actually in Jesus we see a God who feels pain, just as we all do. And that’s so important when we see so much suffering around us, including in Ukraine, and for many much closer to home than that. But there’s more: as Jesus was suffering, God the Father was suffering too. While the Son chose to die for us, the Father had to stand by and see it happen. So God also understands what it’s like to watch a loved one experience terrible pain and death, and to feel deep grief and loss. This is a God worth believing in: a God ‘familiar with grief’. To this God we can turn in our own pain and our own grieving and give it to Him, knowing He understands. You may want to do that right now.
The Revd Nick Hudson is Minister of Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
Letters Get involved in Autism week events We want as many of your readers, local schools and businesses to get involved in World Autism Acceptance Week (28 March - 3 April). There’s been a huge increase in awareness of autism over the past 20 years. But not enough people understand the different perspectives, passions and skills autistic people can have and also what it’s like to be autistic, including how hard life can be if you don’t have the right support. This is why World Autism Acceptance Week is so important. It’s a chance to get society talking about autism and finding out from autistic people what it’s like to be autistic. Anyone can get involved by visiting autism.org.uk/waaw where we’ve got information and free resources like assembly plans for schools, quizzes and posters for the workplace. Better understanding of autism across society and appropriate Government funding for support and services would transform hundreds of thousands of lives.
Amanda Makoka, Principal of the National Autistic Society Academies Trust’s Thames Valley School, Tilehurst
Helping the relief effort
Join in our cycle ride The UK Wide Cycle Ride challenge runs throughout April – and it is the perfect opportunity for people to take their fitness up a gear, while raising money for Diabetes UK along the way. Challengers can pick from one of four virtual ‘coast-to-coast’ distances, ranging from 150 miles through to 950 miles for more experienced cyclists, or they can select their own target. You will have the entire month of April to reach your chosen target. Cycling is a fantastic way to help you get fit and healthy, to have fun and set yourself a goal. And with spring on the way, bringing lighter evenings and warmer weather, this challenge comes at the perfect time for anyone looking to saddle up and give it a try. You can cycle the miles however you wish over the 30 days of April, by embracing the outdoors or staying at home and using an exercise bike. Or you can do a bit of both. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship. So please sign up to the UK Wide Cycle Ride at cycle. diabetes.org.uk and get pedalling to make every mile count. Your support can change lives. Thank you,
Jill Steaton Diabetes UK
From the Chamber
Cllr Jason Brock
The missing link
L
AST week, the Council was told it has been successful in securing funding for a new cycle route on Bath Road.
The scheme will help to resolve a key ‘missing link’ in our town’s cycling infrastructure, running from Castle Street to Berkeley Avenue and then connecting with the existing scheme to the west of the railway bridge. This builds on the success we have already had in securing funding for a segregated scheme on Shinfield Road, which will help to connect south Reading with the University and the Royal Berks. It’s also part of a shift towards thinking about active travel in a more joined-up and strategic way. Taken collectively, our cycle schemes cover quite a long distance, but they obviously need to integrate with one another to deliver the most value. Ultimately, this matters because we want to encourage
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
out of their cars. I don’t mind if people prefer to walk, cycle, take the bus or catch the train, but we need to make each alternative as straightforward as possible. That’s exactly why we’re investing in railway stations, installing more pedestrian crossings on roads, and working to deliver new cycle schemes. We’re also very lucky to have an excellent and award-winning bus company serving our town. Reading Buses has a strong ethos on delivering social value rather than shareholder dividend because it is owned by the Council, which is a rarity among modern operators. Our bus network is (literally) the envy of towns and cities across the country and Reading was one of the few places to have year-on-year increases in bus usage pre-pandemic. Like most sectors, the buses have had a hard time during the pandemic. I’m a very regular bus passenger (occasionally with the
I’ve been in Poland since the start of March with the international disaster relief charity ShelterBox, working closely with other organisations to help people affected by the deteriorating crisis in Ukraine. The number of people who’ve had to leave their homes is close to 10 million – that’s almost a quarter of Ukraine’s entire population uprooted. At ShelterBox, we specialise in emergency shelter, and we’ll be supporting people who have stayed in Ukraine, or been displaced internally, as well as those who’ve fled the country. We are drawing on our significant experience of working in conflict areas around the world, including cross-border working with partners in Syria over the last 10 years. The people with the fewest resources or options to leave are often those who stay behind, living or sheltering in buildings that have been damaged. We are preparing to provide shelter kits with tools, rope, solar lights, hygiene kits, and water carriers to help people survive. We already have thousands of mattresses arriving in collective centres like schools, churches and sports centres in Lviv to help people keep warm at night. It’s been possible thanks to supporters of our Ukraine Appeal, and close working with local agencies, the UN, other international aid organisations and Rotary.
Martin Strutton,
dog), and it’s been really nice to see so many people getting back on board during the past few months. Getting out of the car has health benefits for individuals because all the alternatives involve at least some increase in physical activity. But the principal benefit is a collective one – improving our town’s air quality. In time – when the national electricity supply can actually cope with the mass demand – electric vehicles might be part of the answer, but they are no silver bullet. Fundamentally, I don’t think we really want to swap petrol engines for electric motors and still get caught in congestion. Instead, we need to move ourselves individually and collectively to a place where the car is not our default option. This isn’t some moral crusade for me, I just know it makes sense environmentally and economically to do so, and I also know that cars are not going to just disappear. But I’m aware that we, as politicians, have to make the alternatives as easy as we possibly can and, wherever possible, ensure that they are better and faster than the car too. So, a lot of work to do, but I am proud that we’re making strides already.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and councillor for Southcote
From the vicechancellor Prof Robert Van de Noort
Reading ready for the final
H Buzz!
ERE’S a starter for ten: which longrunning university TV quiz show has been set alight by the exploits of four fabulous Reading students?
Reading, Van De Noort! University Challenge, of course! I am sure many of you have been closely following the progress of Reading’s University Challenge team over the last few months. After storming through the first, second and third rounds, the Reading team gave us a thrilling semi-final match on Monday night, which saw them defeat the University of Edinburgh 145-115 to reach the final. This achievement marks the furthest a Reading team has ever gone in the show. Of course, we hope the team manage to go one step further, and we can’t wait to see their appearance in the final, to be broadcast this coming Monday (4 April). Whether they bring the trophy back to Reading or not, the team’s achievement has been about more than just winning. They have impressed the world with how they have played the game. These students represent the great talent and diversity that we have here at Reading. Our people are our University. We are an international community, with staff and students from more than 140 countries. This mix of people helps to make Reading so special, in a community that celebrates excellence, inclusivity and engagement with the outside world. Each of our University Challenge team members helps to embody this spirit. Team captain, Michael Hutchinson, who has impressed with his encyclopaedic knowledge and inclusive leadership, is now a teacher at Highdown School in Emmer Green, after completing his PGCE post-graduate certificate in education. You may recognise Margaret Ounsley, who has lived in Reading for 45 years and is a former Reading Borough councillor, now studying for a doctorate in history. Sylvian Jesudoss, a PhD student from Henley Business School, has been joined by second year undergraduate Kira Bishop, who is studying maths and psychology and replaced English literature master’s student Alex Skopic, who appeared in earlier matches before returning home to the US. The team includes people from the local area who are making the most of the university on their doorstep. Many people think of universities as places for people in their late teens and twenties, continuing their studies straight after finishing school. While that is true for some students, many people come to university later in life, for a variety of reasons: to further their existing careers, to train themselves for a new career, or simply for the love of learning. Study can be undertaken either full-time or part-time, to work around existing jobs or family commitments. We all have our fingers crossed for our quiz show heroes. Whatever happens in the final, they have done Reading proud. They have shown the world a snapshot sample of our amazing students, for whom each and every day is an achievement in their own personal university challenge.
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Artists raise thousands to support Ukrainian refugees
Picnics and pedals at Palmer Park family cycle meet A FAMILY cycle meet is taking place on Saturday, April 2. The cycle will follow a supervised route from Palmer Park to Forbury Gardens. Children riding on bikes, on scooters, and in trailers are all welcome, and safety marshals will be present to help with the supervision and safety of vulnerable riders. Riders will meet by Tutu’s Ethiopian Table in Palmer Park and follow the route at their own pace. The route finishes in Forbury gardens, where attendees are invited to picnic and home-made cake will be provided. The event is organised by Family Cycling Reading, a group which arranges similar meetings and campaign efforts for families who enjoy cycling. The cycle meet starts at 11.30am. To find out more information, search ‘Family Cycling Reading’ on Facebook.
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today A GROUP of artists based in Reading has helped raise more than £13,000 to support Ukrainian refugees.
Artists for Ukraine hosted an emergency art sale at the 571 Oxford Road Galley on Thursday, March 24. The unique initiative was co-led by artists at the University of Reading and from Reading town. The exhibition featured donations from more than 50 international artists as well as from members of the Reading art community. Cllr Ayo Sokale, deputy mayor of Reading, said: “This is a testament to what Reading does and what the people of Reading are like. “We call ourselves a sanctuary town and we don’t just mean this in words, but in action as well. “To hear the story of how students, schools and everyone in the community has come together at this very challenging time is inspiring.“ All funds from the exhibition will go directly to supporting ‘Kuhknia’ (Kitchen) a private network of artists and activist volunteers who are cooking meals, sourcing medicine and other vital supplies and arranging temporary accommodation for refugees stranded in Western Ukraine. Andriy Solotkyi, a student filmmaker and journalist from Ukraine studying in Reading, said: “This war has impacted me personally in a lot of ways, but
Go wild at church thanks to Dotty the donkey ART WITH A HEART: Some of the work created by artists for the emergency art sale held in Reading’s Oxford Road Gallery last Thursday. The event raised more than £13,000 to help refugees Picture: Artists For Ukraine more importantly it has impacted the lives of my friends. “Some of them lost their family members, some of them are hiding in bomb shelters as we speak, every day, every hour and it’s not easy when you hear air raid sirens 10 hours of the day. “We are fighting for the same principles that your society lives by, freedom and peace.” Stefan Bomok, from the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, also attended and gave a passionate statement on behalf of the centre.
He said: “I would like to thank the public for overwhelming support, and the organisers of tonight’s event. “We thank you all for attending and showing your solidarity with the Ukrainian people fighting for peace and democracy, fighting not only for peace in Ukraine but for peace in the whole of Europe. “Someone has to stop the aggressor, and he will not stop at Ukraine. “Ukraine will not
perish. Glory to Ukraine. Glory to the heroes. Slava Ukraini.” So far £13,330 has been raised through art sales, tickets to the exhibition and donations – which are still being accepted. There is also a range of artwork still available to purchase.
n For more information, or to make or donation, visit: artistsforukraine.org
FAMILIES are invited to go wild at church this Sunday. Woodley Wild Church will be meeting at 4pm in the yard of St John’s Church on Church Road. The themes of the April Gathering are Lent and Easter. Join Dotty the Donkey to find out about her story on an adventure trail around the church grounds. And there will be hot chocolate and marshmallows on the fire afterwards. n For more information, contact susie@stjohnwoodley.com
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HOPE FOR PEACE: Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK held a stall in Reading town centre on Saturday as part of its national Stop World War Three campaign Picture: Dijana Capan / DVision
Campaigner spread peace message CAMPAIGNERS pushing for peace took to Reading town centre on Saturday to spread their message. Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK launched its Stop World World Three campaign across the country. The Reading branch had a stall outside John Lewis in
Broad Street, speaking with people and sharing literature about their views and activities. The group said that in 1905, its founder Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad warned the world of a calamitous global war that would topple the Tsar of Russia and usher in a new social order.
They say that this predication came true in the the First World War (1914-1918). His name was. And the group says its current Caliph, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has been warning the world of its calamitous direction, which could lead to another world war.
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BUSINESSTODAY A business park that is changing
Construction firm marks its highest-ever operating profit A FAMILY-owned construction group with offices in Newbury has reported record profits. The Wates Group, which specialises in residential development, and property services companies, says the operating profit of £40m comes on the back of securing £2.3bn of new work during 2021. Its forward order book is £7.1bn, up 7% from the previous year, and another record figure. The group is entering its 125th anniversary year, and says that its total tax contribution to the Exchequer rise from £107m in 2020 to £233m in 2021. And the firm says that it has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability, cutting carbon emissions by 53% since 2019. It also continued to give back to the communities where it operates, generating £116m in social value over the course of the year. The Group will shortly be announcing details of a significant new sustainability-linked loan facility. David Allen, chief executive, the Wates Group, said: “I feel enormous gratitude for and pride in what the team here at Wates achieved in 2021. It is incredible that
in a year that was frequently - and for extended periods - very challenging, we continued to work safely and produced the highest operating profit in Wates’ 125-year history. “What we’ve accomplished shows that our strategy – of focusing on the performance priorities that will help us achieve our goals of being more trusted, sustainable and progressive - is working. “This strategy is supported by significant new investments in our residential and developments businesses, and by the investments we’re making in data and modern methods of construction to enable us to offer marketleading services to all our customers and partners.” He added: “Despite the economic and political pressures that are affecting everyone right now, the strength of our performance in 2021; the size of our order book; our proven ability to help customers and partners meet their sustainability goals; the clarity of our strategy; and the quality of our amazing team mean we’re looking forward to the future with confidence and excitement.”
Pandemic property boom sees first-time buyer prices soar By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE PANDEMIC property boom has moved the goalposts again for first-time buyers, with the average cost of a starter home increasing by £33,000.
Research by online platform Stipendium has revealed that in December 2019, the average firsttime buyer paid £195,267. Today this has climbed to £228,627, a 17% increase. And it is even bigger in the South East region - the price of getting on the property ladder has increased, on average, by £42,344. Only the South West has seen a bigger increase, at £43,291. London has seen the smallest increase in the average price paid by a first-time buyer at 8%. However, this increase does amount to £31,759,
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THE LAKES & DALES
FOLKESTONE
Narrowboat, Steam & Sail
TheLakes&DalesNarrowboatSteam&Sail_F.pdf
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Departing Fri 14 Oct ‘22
Departing Fri 21 Oct ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4‑star hotel in the North West area with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Cruise on Lake Windermere Narrow boat cruise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal
Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Excursion to Boulogne‑sur‑Mer & Canterbury
194
3 Days by Coach only £
164.99
4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45
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even further out of grasp for the nation’s first-time buyers.” She added: “While prepandemic life may seem a long time ago, the financial commitment for the average firsttime buyer is now £30,000 higher than it was just two years ago. “Unfortunately, until the government addresses the current housing crisis by actually building more homes, we can expect to see more of the same over the coming years. “All we can do in the meantime, is best educate those looking to buy their first home on how they can save money during the overall process and what to expect when looking to buy.”
Call for more help on cost of living
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making it the sixth largest monetary increase. Christina Melling is the CEO of Stipendium, a platform focused around simplifying complex life events such as moving home. She said: “The pandemic property market boom has been widely regarded as a positive to be taken from an otherwise tough period and in some cases, this is certainly true. “However, the introduction of yet another demand focused government initiative in the form of the stamp duty holiday has only caused greater imbalance within the market, pushing the affordability of homeownership
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SMALL businesses will benefit from some changes announced by the Chancellor last week, but more needed to be done to address the cost of living. In last week’s Spring Statement, the chancellor announced that National Insurance will kick in from £12,570, an increase of £3,000. David Hedges, Partner and Head of Employment Taxes at Azets, a regional accountancy and business advisors to SMEs and Top 10 accountancy firm, said that it will help employees. And the Employment Allowance for employers will rise by £1,000 to £5,000. “The eligibility for Employment Allowance is where an employer’s NIC liability is less than £100,000 in the previous tax year.
“This will be a helpful easement for small employers which goes some way to mitigate the fact that there is no change in the Employer National Insurance threshold and which the Chancellor estimated will benefit around half a million SMEs.” He said that Azets welcomed planned discussions on reliefs such as training, qualifications and R&D tax credits, but for SMEs, these measures would be unlikely to fully mitigate the inflationary impact of the Health and Social Care levy from April. “This means there will be more pressure on SMEs from their employees to increase wages to offset the effects of increased inflation – which is predicted to rise to 8% this year – in order to
Housebuilder makes £50k donation to Red Cross A HOUSEBUILDER is doing its bit to help Ukrainians caught up in Putin’s invasion of the European country. The Barratt Foundation has given £50,000 to the Red Cross, via The Sun newspaper’s appeal. The donation from Barratt Developments – parent company of Barratt and David Wilson Homes - will help efforts inside the country, and also at its borders, in a bid to ease the suffering of those caught in the conflict. David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments and a trustee of the Barratt
retain valued staff,” he said. “The tax cuts outlined for 2024 are welcome, but SME employees are struggling with steeply rising living costs now. “We would urge the Chancellor to go further in his support particularly for the SME community.” He said that this could include help with working from home arrangements. “This is proving attractive to many employees who would like to combine their personal and business lives more effectively, while employers may be able to reduce overhead costs,” Mr Hedges said. “Some encouragement to accelerate this would have sent a positive message to employer and employee alike.”
Foundation, said: “We’ve all been affected by the distressing news from Ukraine. “We are happy to donate to support the vital work the Red Cross is doing to ease suffering and helping families.” The donation has been welcomed by Mike Adamson, the chief executive of British Red Cross, who said: “It will help us reach people with food, water, medicine, medical equipment and other essentials. We thank you for your kind support.” Last year, the foundation gave £4.5 million in grants, and it has been set up to build strong community relationships and ensuring it creates a positive legacy that helps local communities to thrive. n For more, visit: barrattfoundation.org.uk
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Readipop hits the jackpot thanks to £100,000 lottery grant
TUNES: Readipop has been using music to change lives since 1998
By Phil Creighton pcreighton@wokingham.today
A MUSIC charity that works to remove barriers for entry has been given a massive boost, thanks to the National Lottery.
Readipop, based in Trafford Road, has received £100,000 for the Lottery’s youth Music fund. As a result, it’s expecting to support around 2,000 vulnerable and disadvantaged young people over the next three years. They will be able to take part in its Access All Areas (AAA) programme. This includes mentoring sessions, youth clubs, outreach and school workshops, creative employment, and performance opportunities for children across Reading and Wokingham, and the immediate area. To celebrate the funding, a group of participants are set to play an Access All Areas Take-Over for the first time at Readipop Festival in July. Also on the bill to the Christchurch Meadows event are Rapper’s Delight legends The Sugarhill Gang, trip hop pioneers Morcheeba and Mercury Music Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy. Amy Hodder, Readipop’s executive director, said: “We’re truly passionate about using the power of music to make a
Swap crop THERE is a chance to swap crops with other veg growers this weekend. Reading Food Growers Network will be running a seed swap at Reading Farmers Market on Saturday, April 3. Visitors can swap their own surplus for many varieties of fruit, vegetable and flower seeds, or make a cash donation. The market takes place at the Cattle Market on Great Knollys Street between 8.15am and noon. n For more information, including an up to date list of seeds available, visit: facebook.com/ ReadingFoodGrowingNetwork
Easter market
positive difference in people’s lives. This new funding from Youth Music will give many more children amazing opportunities they have always dreamed of. “We know our sessions are a lifeline for many young people in our area, allowing them to express their feelings and emotions, grow in confidence and make positive decisions for their future. “With the support of our brilliant mentors, I can’t wait to hear what our next generation
of artists produce, and being able to watch them on the Readipop stage next year will be amazing.” Established in 1998, Readipop is an innovative music and arts charity with a strong reputation for inspirational, engaging arts projects. The creative sessions include a weekly free-to-access music youth club taking place at Readipop Studios in Trafford Road, a monthly Family Jam for all ages to learn how to play, and one-to-one music-
based-mentoring sessions led by experienced musicians for at-risk young people facing barriers to participation. The charity also provides paid employment opportunities for musicians aged 18-25 leaving education and seeking employment in the arts, and has hosted outreach sessions with partners including Reading Children in Care. It’s In the Mix youth club at Amersham Road in Caversham runs every Monday during term time.
Youth Music is a national charity investing in musicmaking projects for children and young people experiencing challenging circumstances. It is funded by the National Lottery via Arts Council England, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and support from partners, fundraisers and donors. n For more information on Readipop and the annual festival which takes place in July, visit: www.readipop.co.uk
THERE will be plenty of treats on offer at April’s community farmers market in Spencers Wood. It pops up at the Village Hall on Sunday, April 10. Stalls offering a range of food, drink, and gift items will open at 10am. Among the traders will be Fernworth Farm and Butler’s Farm, selling a range of fresh produce and dairy, Longdog Brewery and Three Roasters Coffee. A variety of other goods will be on offer, including savoury and sweet baked goods, cosmetics, hand made gifts, books and plants. For more information, follow the market’s event page on Facebook.
a South hill park production
Based on the dreamWorks animation motion picture and the Book By William steig
Book and lyrics by david lindsay-abaire
music by Jeanine tesori
originally produced on Broadway by dreamWorks theatricals and neal street productions
COMING OF AGE: Next week, Progress Theatre in Reading presents its production of Yous Two, a drama about, among other things, teenage angst Picture: Aidan Moran
Progress Theatre debuts Yous Two PROGRESS Theatre has kickstarted the year with its first fulllength show, writes Jake Clothier. The play follows 15-yearold Billie as she struggles with teenage life and the responsibilities of her dad. Director Penny Wenham said: “We see our teenage selves in the characters initially, and we should be able to laugh at ourselves.” Billie, played by Isabel Mayes, is at odds with Jonny, played by Jo-William Tanner, who is
grappling with fatherhood and unemployment. Producer Chris Moran said: “It’s a coming of age story about people who are looking for a way out. “Billie, who’s bright and aspirational, and Jonny, who’s experiencing something of a disconnect as a single father” Set in the family bathroom, the play uses a fully functional sink, bath, and toilet as part of the set. Ms Moran said: “We’re not scared of a challenge.
“Actually, we like to find challenges and then MacGyver our way out of them to produce what we want.” Yous Two is showing at Progress Theatre, The Mount, from Monday, March 28, to Saturday, April 2. The play features strong language and brief male nudity. For more details, tickets or to book, log on to: www. ticketsource.co.uk, or call: 0333 666 3366.
georgie Banks as Princess Fiona
Brad Clapson as Shrek
poppy ridell as Donkey
ashleigh Wells as Lord Farquaad
This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe) All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe www.mtishows.co.uk
Mon 11 – Mon 18 april 2022 Wilde theatre, South hill park, Bracknell rg12 7pa box office 01344 484123 · Southhillpark.org.uk @southhillpark
/southhillparkartscentre
southhillpark
Registered charity 265656 Please support the future of the Arts
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Easter fundraiser A READING network of community gardens is holding a fundraising event on Saturday, April 9. Food4families will be running an activity afternoon at Whitley GrowAllot on Meavy Gardens, between noon and 2pm. There will be an Easter egg hunt, pond dipping, a bug hunt, and chance to plant an edible flower salad. The new children’s play area will be open for youngsters to try out. It costs £5 and must be booked in advance. Youngsters also get a chocolate Easter egg to take home. All profits go towards keeping Whitley GrowAllot going for the local community this year. n For more information or to book tickets, visit: ticketsource. co.uk/food4families
Man charged A WOKINGHAM man has been charged with assault and criminal damage in connection with incidents in Reading. Thomas Clarke, 36, of Highfield Road, Wokingham, has been charged with assault by beating and criminal damage. It is in connection with incidents on Monday, January 17, and Tuesday, March 22, in Shinfield Road. Clarke has been remanded in custody to appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday, March 30).
A couple enjoy a drink in The Weather Station’s beer garden
TASTING SUCCESS: Chris Duffield and Kane Preston at The Weather Station raising their glasses to the new Wild Weather Ales’ Cephalopod beer Pictures: Dijana Capan
Stout success A READING pub hosted the launch of a popular ale last Saturday, March 26. The Weather Station on Eldon Terrace began pouring this year’s edition of Wild Weather Ales’ Cephalopod at 2.30pm. General manager Kane Preston explained that the unusual launch time was down to a joke among bar staff. “Cephalopod is a honeybased imperial stout, and with honey being sweet and sugary, consuming enough of it will make your tooth hurty,” he said. “We actually open at
noon on a Saturday, but the joke stuck.” The Wild Weather Ales brew team is led by Chris Duffield. Imperial stouts are brewed using malt and typically have a higher ABV than other beers. Their flavour profiles are usually dark and complex, including roasted coffee, caramel and treacle. This edition of Cephalopod is 12% is fermented on honey to give a full-bodied floral taste. “Honey is highly fermentable and not often used to brew an imperial
stout, because it requires a lot of skill,” Mr Preston said. “There is a danger that it will produce a thin beer, but the malt bill thickens it up to produce a wonderful fullbodied stout which doesn’t compromise the flavour of honey.” Cephalopod was last served up in 2020, when a heather honey was used. The beer is available on keg and cask, and by the can. n For more information, follow The Weather Station Reading on social media or visit: wildweatherales.com
Cephalopod is a honey-infused imperial stout
Kane Preston, general manager of The Weather Station, pulls a pint of Cephalopod at last Saturday’s launch The Weather Station is the tap room for Silechesterbased brewery, Wild Weather Ales
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Council awarded funding for ‘missing cycle link’ in Reading
Pub to launch new beer A READING pub is launching a new beer tomorrow. The Castle Tap brewed Multiplayer on International Women’s Day to celebrate women in the brewing industry. It will be available in the pub on Castle Street from 7pm on Thursday, March 31. Multiplayer was made in collaboration between Wokingham-based breweries Elusive and Siren, and home brew suppliers The Malt Miller. Those who made their own at home using kits from The Malt Miller are invited to bring some bottles to share. For more information, follow The Castle Tap on social media.
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
READING Borough Council is set to receive more than £1million to fund a ‘missing link’ in the towns cycle network.
The funding will be used for improvements stretching from Berkeley Avenue, along the Bath Road to Castle Hill, then running over the IDR to Castle Street. These improvements will include the Bath Road/Castle Hill roundabout across the IDR junction and into and out of the town centre, alongside enhancement to facilities for pedestrians. The £1.3 million has been awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT) as part of the national Active Travel Fund scheme. Cllr Tony Page, lead councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, said: “I’m delighted that by displaying ambition and vision for Active Travel in Reading the government has responded by awarding us increased funding to deliver another one of our key cycling schemes. “Following our public consultation in 2021, 60.1% supported or strongly supported the proposed mostly segregated cycle lanes from Southcote
Hop to Dobbies ON YOUR BIKE: More than £1 million has been awarded for the scheme Picture: Reading Borough Council Road to the IDR. “The Bath Road/Castle Hill scheme very much delivers a key ‘missing link’ which would allow cyclists to travel more safely to and from the town Centre and across the busy IDR.” As part of the DfT funding conditions, councils are now required to create completely segregated cycle lanes. This is to encourage less confident cyclists to switch to
their bikes more frequently. Cllr Page said: “It has never been more important to promote realistic alternatives to the private car, so as to tackle congestion and improve air quality for the residents and local communities who live on these key routes. “This excellent news comes in the wake of our work to implement cycling and walking improvements
Christians to walk Clay’s on the move through town for Holy Week start CHRISTIANS will be marking the start of Holy Week with a procession through Reading town centre. Churches Together in Reading is organising the walk of witness on Palm Sunday, April 10. Starting on Broad Street close to the junction with St Mary’s Butts from 12.30pm, the believers will walk down the main town centre street led by the Reading Central Salvation Army band. Then, from 1.15pm, there will be a short celebration service on Broad Street, outside Marks & Spencer. Palm Sunday is the day Christians remember Jesus riding through the streets of Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, and the walk mimics that act. Different churches will come together to take part in the event. For more details, call the chair of Churches Together in Reading, Michael Penny, on 01491 671357.
A POPULAR Reading town centre restaurant is on the move. Clay’s Hyderabadi Kitchen is set to take over the former Baron of Cadogan pub in Caversham. Owners Nandana and Sharat Syamala announced the move from London Street on the restaurant’s Facebook page last Sunday, March 27, “The cat’s out of the bag,” they said in their post. “It will be Clay’s very soon.” Interior and kitchen designers are working on plans to convert the pub. It is a bigger space than Clay’s current premises. “We are planning some exciting things for it,” the couple said. “We have always felt guilty that we could not provide the atmosphere or the ambience that our customers deserve and we hope to rectify this now. “We hope that you won’t mind crossing the bridge for us.” The couple plan to start a kickstarter campaign for works on the new premises early next month.
DBB to launch IWD beer on Friday A TILEHURST brewery is set to launch a special edition collaboration brew this Friday. Double-Barrelled Brewery on Stadium Way brewed Ikaru at an event held to celebrate International Women’s Day earlier in March. The ale was made to encourage more women to find our more about beer and get involved in the industry. Luci Clayton-Jones, cofounder of DBB, said that the
name was found by assistant brewer Chelsea Craigie. “She was reading the book called A Woman’s Place is in the Brewhouse,” Ms ClaytonJones explained. “It outlines the forgotten history of women in brewing. We found out that Sumerians used specific words such as Ikaru to refer light beers, which our IWD brew is.” Ikaru is a pale ale with peach flavours and an ABV of 5.7%.
It is hopped with El Dorado, Citra and Nectaron to give tropical notes. The ale will be pouring in the tap room from 5pm on Friday, April 1 and will also be available to buy online. Laura Skelton, associate artist at Jelly, designed the can’s artwork. And every can purchased includes a 20p donation to DBB’s chosen charity Choose Love, supporting refugees.
along the Shinfield Road, from Christchurch Green to Whitley Wood Road.” In November 2020, the council received £1.179m from the DfT for further investment in sustainable travel options for Reading, as part of “Tranche 2” of the national Active Travel Fund. The investment aims to improve cycling, walking and public transport in the area,
including safe, dedicated cycle lanes, new crossings and wider footpaths. With the latest announcement of “Tranche 3”, the total funding is nearly £2.5 million. Proposals for the Bath Road/ Castle Hill concept are still at the design phase. The council is hoping to launch a more focused public consultation this summer.
A GARDEN centre chain has invited young fans of a famous Beatrix Potter character to celebrate his 120th birthday. Dobbies stores in Hare Hatch and Reading will be serving up a Peter Rabbit themed breakfast over Easter There will be bunny activities for children to take part in, and they will receive a Peter Rabbit gift to take home. Suitable for families with children between one and 10. The Peter Rabbit breakfasts will be served from Thursday, April 14, until Monday, April 18. n For more information, visit: dobbies.com/events
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OXFORD
FOLKESTONE
& Cream of the Cotswolds Oxford&CreamoftheCotswolds_F.pdf
& France Weekend Folkestone&FranceWeekend_F.pdf
Departing Fri 9 Sep ‘22
Departing Fri 21 Oct ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Crawley 3 nights at a selected hotel in the Coventry area with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm‑9pm) on selected drinks Excursions to Bourton‑on‑the‑Water, Stow‑on‑the‑Wold & Oxford
Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Excursion to Boulogne‑sur‑Mer & Canterbury
144.99
4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45
164.99
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
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033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Cowshed’s Little Black Dress helps make a difference
& Cruising Lake Windermere BlackpoolBrightLights&CruisingLakeWindermere_D.pdf
Departing Mon 13 Jun ‘22 Vibrant, timeless and fun, Blackpool has remained one of the UK’s favourite seaside destinations thanks to its iconic tower, sandy beaches and old‑fashioned trams. From here we explore the Lake District with its natural beauty and stunning scenery.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Crawley 4 nights at the Melville Hotel, Blackpool with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Cruise on Lake Windermere Heritage train journey on the East Lancashire Railway Excursions to Kendal, Bowness‑on‑Windermere & Bury Market
5 Days by Coach
only £264
Single Supplement £60
NORFOLK’S TRAINS
& the Mississippi Paddle Steamer LittleTrainsofNorfolk&theMississippiPaddleSteamer_D.pdf
Departing Mon 19 Sep ‘22 The beautiful county of Norfolk is characterised by charming seaside towns, unspoilt coastline and unique scenery. On this relaxing break we experience the striking landscape of the Norfolk Broads by paddle steamer and enjoy journeys on heritage railways.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Crawley 4 nights at the Waverley hotel, Great Yarmouth with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage train journeys on the North Norfolk Railway & Bure Valley Railway Mississippi paddle steamer cruise on the Norfolk Broads Excursion to Cromer & Sheringham Optional excursion to Norwich (£12pp)
5 Days by Coach
only £314
By Daniel Blackham dblackham@rdg.today A BERKSHIRE charity has opened a “Little Black Dress Shop”.
The Cowshed, which supports vulnerable people around Reading and Wokingham, is offering a range of formal wear to raise money for the people it helps. A spokesperson for the charity said: “Some of the donations received are not suitable for our referrals and so we have a wonderful selection of evening and formal wear, shoes and accessories which are available for sale. “Many of the items are new with labels and unworn so do pop in and grab a bargain.” The Cowshed receives between 75 to 100 referrals a week from people in difficult situations including those fleeing domestic abuse, experiencing emergency rehousing, health issues resulting in poverty, the homeless, emergency custody situations and poor housing conditions. Within the last year, the charity has helped more than 6,000 individuals, providing more than 75,000 items. Since being founded in 2018,
There’s something for everyone at The Cowshed’s Little Black Dress shop the charity has been based at its HQ in Hurst but due to increased demand for its services, and a rise in donations, it opened a second referral centre last month. Items in the Little Black Dress Shop range in price from £5 to £30, and all proceeds go towards the charity’s purchase of essential items needed for its referrals. The shop is located in the charity’s new centre at Unit 2 Bennet Court, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 0QX. It is open 10am to 3pm, Monday to Thursday and Saturday.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Single Supplement £60
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.
Save the date for the Berkshire Vision volunteer open day ARE you interested in making a difference in your local community? Why not come along to the Berkshire Vision Volunteer Open Day on Wednesday, April 6.
Berkshire Vision provides vital practical and friendly support to visually impaired adults, children and their families. We also offer a wide range of
sports and activities, which help with confidence, independence, and social interaction. The Berkshire Vision team of volunteers make a real difference to the lives of many individuals who live in Berkshire, many who may feel vulnerable and alone. Volunteers are at the heart of everything Berkshire Vision does and there are a wide range of roles available that include: telephone and face-to-face befriending, driving, a wide range of sport and
social activities assistants and helping members with technology, plus much more. If you would like to find out more, pop in and meet the friendly team for a chat on Wednesday, April 6 between 10am and 3pm at Berkshire Vision’s offices at Midleton House, 5 Erleigh Road, Reading RG1 5LR. n If you have any questions, call our volunteering team on 0118 987 2803 or email volunteering@ berkshirevision.org.uk
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Shinfield Players faces extensive repairs after storm damage RAISED: Storm Eunice lifted the roof off the Shinfield Players’ Theatre, causing extensive damage inside Picture: Dijana Capan/Dvision By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today THE SHINFIELD Players Theatre is appealing for help as it begins work on building repair.
The theatre is undergoing consultation after its roof was torn away during Storm Eunice in February. Damage to the roof left the theatre exposed to the rain, which led to considerable water damage. After an assessment of the damage, Jess Wilkins, a member of SPT, said that the theatre’s fears of extensive repairs have come true. “We have had a lot of water damage inside. “The stage will need replacing as it’s bowing, the walls and plasterboard are damaged, along with a lot of our set pieces and flats. “Our carpets are also ruined.” While contractors have begun work on repairing the roof, the new roof is only a like-for-like replacement for the time being. SPT has decided that the quality of the roofing needs considerable
improvement, and has started a GoFundMe page to raise money for a more robust solution. The appeal has raised just over three quarters of the estimated £4,000 cost of an upgraded roof. Ms Wilkins said: “It’s heartbreaking for everyone involved with the theatre, and such a shame. “But we should be watertight by next week, and then we can begin work inside the theatre.” She said that insurance evaluators would review the rest of the damage once the space was watertight. So far, the company has not cancelled any of its shows, though its current production, Our House, has been postponed. Now pushed back to October, this is the second time the production has been postponed. SPT posted their thanks to the local community the GoFundMe page for their donations. n You can donate to the Shinfield Players Theatre’s roof fund at www. GoFundMe.com.
COMING TOGETHER: Children mixing their bath bombs, ready to give as a Mother’s Day present Pictures: Dijana Capan / Dvision
Mall gets busy with the fizzy to make mum’s day READUY TO GIVE: Broad St Mall held a bath bomb making workshop on Saturday. Also perofrming was a choir. Picture: Dijana Capan / Dvision
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today CHILDREN looking for a gift for Mother’s Day with that personal touch were welcomed to Broad St Mall on Saturday. The popular shopping centre in Reading’s town centre held a free bath bomb making workshop. Held in its Central Square across the day, both adults and children were able to get busy with the fizzy and make something to present to a mother figure in their life, be it their own mum, a friend, or a carer. The centre also shared a post on Mother’s Day itself to show it was thinking of Mums doing a great job, those who have lost mothers, mothers who have lost a child, those who cannot be mothers, those who have lost a wife, and those who are stepping in as a mother. Now, it’s busy preparing for the Easter rush ... and with chicks being one of the festival’s key images, you can be sure things will be going cheep.
Earley community band unveil 2022 events AN EARLEY-BASED band is set to celebrate a special anniversary this year. The Trinity Concert Band (TCB) will mark its 21st birthday with an exciting concert season of events after being forced to cancel dates last year due to covid. Founded in 2001, the nonprofessional community wind band has 45 members who range in ability, from talented amateurs to professional musicians. Kicking off celebrations will be a song and dance themed concert on Saturday, April 2, at the Michael Malnick Centre at Leighton Park School in Reading. Paul Speed, musical director at TCB, said: “From Riverdance to Benny Goodman and everything in between, this incredibly choreographed programme of music is going to be something really special.” The band will play two events to celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with the first on Sunday, June 5, at The Big Jubilee Lunch, forming part of the jubilee celebrations at Forbury Gardens. TCB will then play its own tribute to the Queen with a special concert featuring music from her 70-year reign on Saturday, July 16, at Leighton Park School in
Reading. On Saturday, September 24, the band will celebrate its birthday with an official anniversary concert at the Reading University Great Hall and will take the audience on a musical journey back through the band’s history. In a bid to address gender inequality in classical music, TCB will be featuring music from female composer Julie Giroux. The band will bring the season to a close with the ever-popular, family-friendly Christmas concert at Reading Minster on Saturday, December 10. As if one anniversary wasn’t enough, TCB will also be celebrating Mr Speed’s 10th anniversary as its music director. Mr Speed said: “I am fortunate to have been musical director for nearly 10 years now and have followed on from some fine conductors. “We are lucky to have experienced players throughout all sections of the band, which adds real strength and depth to the overall sound they produce. “I do hope you’ll join us for this exciting anniversary year.”
n For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit: trinityband. co.uk
Police release CCTV following thefts THAMES Valley Police is releasing an image of a man officers wish to speak to in connection to a conspiracy to commit burglary investigation. A group of offenders are suspected of committing 30 offences, including residential burglaries and motor vehicle thefts. The offences took place in Thames Valley and other areas of the country between Wednesday, August 4, and Saturday, August 21, last year. The offences were in Reading, Cherwell and West Oxfordshire, South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse local policing areas in the Thames Valley, as well as Wiltshire, the West Midlands and West Mercia. Detective Constable Jamie
APPEAL: Police would like to speak to the person pictured in relation to around 30 offences committed by a group of suspects, including residential burglaries and motor vehicle thefts, in the Thames Valley last August.. Picture: Thames Valley Police Lawes, based at Abingdon police station, said: “We are releasing the image of this man as we believe he may have information that could assist us with our investigation. “If it is you pictured, or you
recognise the man in the image, please get in touch. “You can report information by calling 101 or visiting our website, quoting reference number 43210382986. “Alternatively, if you wish
to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.” n Online reports can be made via www.thamesvalley.police. uk.
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
30.03.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
S
HE is a musical legend, one of the best songwriters around, and she’s going to be bringing a touch of New York to Reading this summer.
Suzanne Vega needs little introduction, and is heading to The Hexagon for a special summer headline show. has released An Evening Of New York Songs and Stories, a celebration of the city that never sleeps. “I recorded these songs at the Café Carlyle in New York City,” she says. “It’s a small, exclusive club that has hosted legends from Eartha Kitt to Judy Collins, and is
Viva la Vega! also known to be the place where Jackie Kennedy met Audrey Hepburn. “I love it for its bohemian old-world glamour.” She adds: “I included songs that were inspired by New York City or for which New York provided the backdrop, including Walk on the Wild Side by my late, great friend, Lou Reed — a song I rarely
heard him sing himself.” The album was recorded in those prelockdown days, and includes old favourites such as Luka, Tom’s Diner, Frank and Ava, and Ludlow Street. Suzanne is one of those artists that need little introduction.
She was a leading figure in the folk revival in the early 1980s, before going to perform at sellout concerts all over the world. More recently, she was in the cast of the Off-Broadway production of Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice. Now she’s preparing for a Reading date, which will take place at The Hexagon on Friday, June 24. Tickets have just gone on sale, and cost £34.50 or £39.50. A maximum of six tickets per order, and they must not be resold. n For more details, or to book, log on to www. whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
14 | LEISURE
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Suzi will Ruffell some feathers THE LAST few tickets remain to see a Chortle Award winning comedian in Maidenhead. Suzi Ruffell and Friends take over Norden Farm on Thursday, April 7. Described as a “stand up gem” by critics at the Guardian, her many television and radio appearances include Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week and The News Quiz for the BBC, and Roast Battle and Stand Up Central for Comedy Central. Tickets are £15 and the show starts at 8pm. n For more details or to book, visit: norden.farm or call: 01628 788997.
Family-friendly fools
THE HEXAGON will host a tribute to two comedy greats from 7.30pm on Friday, April 1. Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens hit all the right notes as they recreate some of the sketches of Eric Morecombe and Ernie Wise. The show is crammed full of classics including Grieg’s Piano concerto, Mr Memory…Arsenal, and the paper bag trick. Ian and Jonty earned an Olivier Award nomination for their nostalgic show, which also features musical guest star. Tickets cost £24.50. n For more details or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call: 0118 960 6060.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Theatre in this production. Run time 75 minutes, suitable for an audience aged 10 and up. Tickets cost £12. n For more details or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call: 0118 960 6060.
SINGER James Morrison is on the road for the first time in two-and-a-half years. And next week, he brings his greatest hits tour to Reading. James will be performing chart hits from his 15-year career, including You Give Me Something, Wonderful World, You Make It Real, Broken Strings and I Won’t Let You Go. He says that he is excited to be back on tour again. “Playing live is something I’ve really missed,” he explains. “And many of my songs have taken on new emotions and new meanings in the way my band plays them. “I can’t wait to be back on stage and sharing my songs with fans, it’s going to be amazing.” The show takes place at the Hexagon on Tuesday, April 5. Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are priced from £24.50 and under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. n For more details or to book, visit: whatsonreading.com or call: 0118 960 6060.
Classic Reading
CLASSICAL music returns to the Concert Hall in Reading on Tuesday, April 5. The European Union Chamber Orchestra, directed by Darragh Morgan, will play the venue at 7.30pm. The orchestra are a firm favourite with Classical Music Alive audiences and bring an energetic and refreshing performance style with them. Oboist Alex Harmon joins the orchestra to play a programme which includes Bach’s concerto for oboe and violin in D minor, A Moorside Suite by Holst and Bartok’s Romanian Dances. A free pre-concert talk by the orchestra will take place at 6.30pm. Prices start from £15.50, with tickets for under 18s priced at £6. Other concessions are available. n For more details or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.
Radio romance in Windsor
Adults-only fools
COMEDY comes to Henley this Friday, April 1. Three comedians are on the line up for The Comedy Network at the Kenton Theatre. Garrett Millerick has performed on the late-night US talk show Conan. He is one of the hosts of the podcast Laughable, picked by the Guardian as one of the funniest podcasts to listen to during the pandemic. Ahir Shah is a double Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee for Best Show. His sharp, intellectual brand of standup features a blend of philosophical inquiry, political vigour, and sweet gags. Irish comic Marise Gaughan has a
dark and honest comedy style. She has supported Rob Delaney, Ari Shaffir and Jim Norton on tour. The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £17. n For more details or to book, call: 01491 525050 or visit: kentontheatre.co.uk
Totally Wilde
THE WILDE Sundays season at Bracknell’s South Hill Park continues this weekend. Live music from three bands will begin at 2pm on Sunday, April 3. Dragonfly Sky is an award-winning acoustic harmony duo from Surrey. Amy Whiter and Chris Lee-Delisle write and perform their own
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 An Evening with Pam Ayres. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Wilde Sundays: Dragonfly Sky, Union Blue, Grand Old Uke of Dork. Sun. Bracknell Jazz: Trish Clowes - My Iris. Fri 8. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 8. FILMS: Ali & Ava. Thurs. Death on the Nile. Fri-Sun, Wed-Thurs. Coppelia. Sat, Wed-Thurs. Ailey. Mon. Exhibition on Screen: Easter In Art. Tues. Nightmare Alley. Fri 8-Sun 10. Sing 2. Sat 9-Sun 10.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Herman’s Hermits. Thurs. Terri Jayne Theatre Arts. Fri-Sun. Sandi Toksvig. Tues. Dinosaur Adventure Live. Wed. Revenge. Thurs 7. Lou Sanders: One Word - Wow. Fri
8. Spontaneous Potter Kidz. Sat 9. The Wind in the Willows. Sun 10.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 An Hour and a Half Late. Until Sat. Luke Wright: An Evening of Poetry and Spoken Word. Sat. Dracula. Sun. Some Mothers Do ‘Ave ‘Em. Tues-Sat 9.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 The Drifters. Thurs. Lost In Music. Fri. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sat. John Bishop: Right Here, Right Now. Mon. Seven Drunken Nights. Tues. Lesley Garrett: A Diva and a Piano. Thurs 7. Live/ Wire - The AC/DC Show. Fri 8. Showwaddywaddy. Fri 8. DJ Luck and MC Neat Live! The UK Garage Showcase. Sat 9. Gyles Brandreth. Sun 10.
atmospheric songs. Bracknell-based duo Union Blue will play a wide range of music from Blue through to Country to light Rock. Completing the line up is The Grand Old Uke of Dork. The musician invites audiences to join him on a journey through musical madness, with irreverent original songs, a side of covers and just a dash of stupidity. Tickets cost £8.50. n For more details or to book, visit: southhillpark.org.uk or call: 01344 484123.
Life from a different perspective
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Concert For Ukraine SOLD OUT, digital tickets available. Thurs. The Comedy Network. Fri 1. The Searchers and Hollies Experience. Sat 2. Bryn Ballet Academy: Scenes from famous ballets, musicals and more. Sun. Mary Blandy: A Retrial. Tues. Jazz at the Kenton: Max Wright Trio with Rob Luft. Wed. Gary In Punderland. Thurs 7. Beatles Ballet. Fri 8. The Wind In the Willows. Sat 9.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Disraeli: Queen Victoria’s Favourite Prime Minister. Thurs. The Beatles: Get Back, the Rooftop Concert (12a). Fri. Flee (15). Fri. Norden Farm Market. Sat. Soul Kinda Wonderful. Sun. Tits, Gits and Little Shits. Tues-Wed. Suzi
Ruffell and Friends. Thurs 7. The Real Charlie Chaplin (12a). Fri 8. Ma Bessie and her Pig Foot Band. Fri 8. Cyrano (12a). Fri 8-Sat 9. St John’s Chamber Orchestra. Sat 9.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Oh, and another thing: An evening with Su Pollard. Thurs. The Comedy Network. Fri. Seven Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners. Sat. West Side Story (12a). Fri-Tues. Flee (15). Sat-Wed. A Tale of Two Cities. Tues-Wed. Ali and Ava (15). FriThurs 7. The Power of the Dog (12a). Fri-Thurs 7. The Sound of Springsteen. Sat 9. An Evening with Pam Ayres. Sun 10.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Girl of Ink and Stars. Until Sat. Our Man in Havana. Thurs 7-Sat May 21.
A COMPANY of young actors present an anthology of their life stories on Tuesday, April 5. Make/Sense Theatre will perform When This Is Over at 11am and 7pm at South Street, Reading. The play began on Zoom in February last year, when the company was chosen to work with North London-based community theatre, Company Three. The play is based on the cast’s own experiences of being neurodivergent people navigating a neurotypical world. Some are hilarious, some extraordinary, and some are almost too uncomfortable to hear. Make/Sense are aged between 16 and 24, and were supported by Reading Rep
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Heidi Talbot. Thurs. Heavy Pop presents Melt-Banana. Fri. Chris McCausland. Sat. When This Is Over. Tues. Lou Sanders: One Word - Wow SOLD OUT. Wed. Bas Jan and support. Thurs 7. Morgan and West: Unbelievable Science. Fri 8-Sat 9. Poets Cafe. Fri 8.
Reading – Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens as Eric and Ern. Fri. Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour. Sat. James Morrison. Tues. Nish Kumar. Wed. The Sensational 60s Experience. Fri 8. An Audience with Harry Redknapp. Sat 10.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 South Chiltern Choral Society, Parenthesis and the Reading Symphony Orchestra in
A CLASSIC romance gets an adaptation for radio in Windsor next week. The Windsor on Air season continues with Pygmalion by Geroge Bernard Shaw, which runs from Tuesday, April 5 until Saturday, April 9. The 1964 musical My Fair Lady, starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn, was based on the play. When phonetician Henry Higgins takes on a bet to transform the voice of a cockney flower seller, Eliza Doolittle, to become passable for that of a Lady in just six months, little does he know that it’s not only Eliza’s life that will be changed by their encounters. The story of love, comedy and class stars Sue Holderness as Mrs Higgins. Evening performances are at 7.30pm, with matinees at 2.30pm. Tickets from £24. n For more details or to book, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
concert. Sat. European Union Chamber Orchestra 2022. Tues. Gwyn Arch: A Celebration. Sat 9.
Sat 9. Dire Straits: Money For Nothing. Sun 10.
Windsor – Royal
Reading – Progress
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Windsor On Air: A Thousand Clowns. Until Sat. Pygmalion: Windsor on Air. Tues-Sat 9.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
Wokingham – Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Alby The Penguin Saves The World. Wed-Mon 18.
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 John Pilkington: The Silk Road. Tues. NEXT SHOW: The Father. April 28-May 7.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Yous Two. Until Sat.
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed, due to Storm Eunice damage. NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Still Life. Until April 8. Glenn Miller Orchestra. Sat. Simon and Garfunkel. Sun. Beyond Faith.
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society presents: Limbo (PG). Thurs.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOWS: Things We Do For Live. May 17-21. Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat May 28.
LEISURE | 15
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He saved Christmas, now Alby will save the world
A
LBY the Penguin is waddling back to Reading Repertory Theatre.
After saving Christmas back in 2017, he returns in Alby the Penguin Saves the World. Written and directed by Helen Eastman, the show tackles climate change and its effects on wildlife. It will take place at the Reading Rep Theatre on Kings Road this Easter. The loveable penguin puppet finds himself in Reading after finding a stray Huntley and Palmers tin, kick-starting an adventure to save his friends and the world. Ms Eastman says: “The show is a joyful, riotous musical for a family audience.” The show is aimed at children aged three to six, but children of all ages are welcome, said Ms Eastman. Performances of the show can also cater to families with specific needs, with touch tours of the set and the characters available for those with visual impairment. Relaxed performances are also available, where lighting, sound, and story elements are reduced, and any provisions for those with specific needs can be made. Ms Eastman said that inclusion and acceptance was a key part of the show. “Even parts of the show have been created by children, such as some of the set pieces which were dressed and drawn by kids from schools in Reading. “There are also multi-lingual sections which have also been contributed by children, too.” The show is the second to have been created in partnership with the Reading Repertory Theatre. “Reading Rep has a real energy for working with families and bringing children into the theatre. “They’re a positive force in Reading, they’re engaged with the community, and they support local artists.”
The Quartet at the Queens THE QUEENS Head once again welcomes the sound of jazz. The Claire Jones Quartet will
Star power from Clare Grogan at the Altered Images gig Pictures: Dijana Capan
Some of the many fans who packed Sub89 out for the Altered Images gig
READY TO DROP IN: Alby The Penguin is flying into Reading for Easter Ms Eastman said that the pandemic has caused many young children to have missed out on their first theatre experiences early on. “Everyone remembers their first show, the first time they saw that spark of magic come alive in front of them. “The show is designed to be an opportunity for young families to come together for that experience, and to give them the opportunity for theatre to be a part of their lives.” The show’s set design reflects its climatic themes, too, with recycled and up-
be the latest musical act to be featured at the pub’s semiregular jazz evenings. The group is headed by Claire Jones, who trained as a classical pianist and singer at the Guildhall school of music, who also takes part
cycled materials being used to make the production more sustainable. “Theatre is often ephemeral,” Ms Eastman said, “and can therefore often be disposable. “We, and theatres more broadly, have to think beyond that so that our work can incorporate sustainability.” n Alby the Penguin Saves the World is showing numerous times daily at the Reading Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, from Wednesday, April 6, to Monday, April 18. For more details, or to book tickets, log on to www.readingrep.com
in an all-female close harmony jazz group. The outfit also features Phil Craddock on piano, Brian Throup on bass, and Jim Wade on drums. The Queens Head has previously featured acts such
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A PREVIEW of an artist’s new album came to Reading last week. Altered Images visited Sub89 to perform tracks from Mascara Streakz. And Clare Grogan, who fronts the popular 80s group, also sang a lot of hits from yesteryear, including their
smash-hit Happy Birthday. The audience included fans from the group’s early days, right up to the present. Support came from The Metatrons, who describe themselves as a noisy riot-pop group.
as the Gareth Chelley quartet, with another jazz evening set for June. The Claire Jones Quartet will play the Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road, on Saturday, April 2, from 8pm. Entry is free.
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0118 304 7777
Clare Grogan showcases her Mascara Streakz
Mates Rates Comedy Club is bringing Live Stand-Up Comedy to Reading W h e t h e r i t i s TV n a m e s o r n u rt u ri n g n ew ta l e n t a t t h e g ra s s ro o t s , i f yo u l ove s ta n d-u p co m e d y, M a te s Ra te s Co m e d y h a s a s h ow fo r yo u ! Fo r m o re i n fo r m a ti o n c h e c k o u t t h e l i n ks be l ow a n d s ca n t h e Q R co d e to bo o k yo u r ti c ke t s .
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16 | LEISURE
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Funk, soul and Wishbone Ash thanks to Wokingham Music Club
Young actors look to the Stars for new play
TWO nights of great music are coming up thanks to Wokingham Music Club. On Friday, April 1, the club will welcome back Martin Turner, formerly of Wishbone Ash. He will be bringing his band to Emmbrook Sports and Social Club in Lowther Road. The evening will see him perform two of Wishbone Ash’s greatest albums in their entirety. And on Friday, April 8, the Club will be at the Winnersh Royal British Legion for the return of City Funk Orchestra Organisers from the club say that they went down a storm in January 2020, leading to many people asking for a return. Expect top class musicians playing some of the greatest soul and funk songs ever written. Tickets should be booked in advance - many of the gigs sell out. n For more details, or to see what’s around the corner, log on to www.wokinghammusicclub. co.uk
The Girl of Ink and Stars is based on Kiran Millwood Hargrave’s novel and adapted by Becca Chadder. It will be performed by The Watermill’s Youth Ensemble, comprising youngsters aged 11 upwards, and includes actors with additional needs, including autism and hearing impairments. The cast also includes children who are home-schooled. The play tells the story of Isabella. Inspired by her cartographer father, she longs to follow in his footsteps and explore her island home of Joya. But when her best friend goes missing, her dreams of adventure come true sooner than she thinks. She must lead the search party into the dangerous Forgotten Territories before it’s too late... The Girl of Ink and Stars is directed by The Watermill Theatre’s Outreach Director, Heidi Bird. “We are thrilled to introduce our newly formed Youth Ensemble who have come together to tell this gripping and unique tale,” she says. “Our brilliant cast is made up of young people aged 11+ who take part in one of The Watermill’s regular weekly
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Cast members rehearse The Girl of Ink and Stars at The Watermill Picture: Phillip Tull
NEW play featuring a young cast will be performed in Newbury this week.
Will Young stars in A Thousand Clowns groups. I am incredibly touched and proud to see how these young people have rehearsed with such energy, humour and kindness to create this magical tale - we can’t wait to share the adventure with audiences.” There will be audio described and British Sign Language integrated performances during the run. Heidi says: “We run a drama group specifically for deaf young people and it’s important that our deaf young people have the option to act in our Youth Ensemble productions. Additionally, two deaf young actors have chosen to take on the challenge of also performing sections in BSL for the sign integrated show.” “We’ve had the very good fortune of working with a fantastic associate director on this production, Mary-Jayne
Russell de Clifford. “Mary-Jayne is Deaf herself and has a wealth of experience in directing and performance BSL. Our young sign performers have been able to work with MaryJayne throughout rehearsals, giving them loads of time to develop and learn.” And it means so much for the cast. One of the children says: “It’s really exciting to know that my deaf friends will come and watch me and know exactly what’s going on because of me.” The Girl of Ink and Stars runs from Thursday, March 31, through to Saturday, April 2, with a BSL integrated performance for the Saturday matinee at 2.30pm and an audio described performance in the evening at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01635 46044, or log on to www.watermill.org.uk
Will is clowning around A WOKINGHAM-born musician and actor is preparing to tread the boards for a slightly different play this week. Former Pop Idol Will Young is taking one of the lead roles at the Theatre Royal Windsor’s recreation of the old radio days. A Thousand Clowns is part of the 2022 Windsor On Air season, and also stars Harry Potter‘s Luna Lovegood Evanna Lynch, The Bill‘s Andrew Lancel and CBBC legend Dave Benson Phillips. Set in 1962m Uncle Murray Burns is endeavouring to rear his precocious nephew in New York City. When social services arrive on the scene to ensure that the nephew is receiving a proper upbringing, he finds himself solving their problems and
mayhem ensues in this comedy drama. A radio play is a slightly different way of presenting a performance and is based on the old adage that the best pictures are on the wireless. Instead of staging, costumes and bangs and flashes, this is a play for voices. It depends on dialogue, music and sound effects to tell its story. The season is directed by veteran actor Roy Marsden and celebrates this remarkable and ground-breaking medium by staging it for a live audience. A Thousand Clowns starring Will Young is on until Saturday. n For more details, call the box office on 01753 853 888, or log on to theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
Bracknell’s day of music A SPRING celebration is coming to The Lexicon early next month, with a day of music and dance. A special stage is being set up in Bond Square to host the entertainment, as part of the Forest Springs events. Acts will include dancers, singers and an up-and-coming boyband and takes place at the specially named Riverbank Stage. The fun starts at 1pm on Saturday, April 3, with The North Ascot Academy of Performing Arts At 2pm, community choir, Vocalese will take to the stage, singing a wide range of favourite pop songs.
Jen Merchant, will perform a retro twist on some vintage jazz and swing classics at 3pm, while at 4pm, singer and songwriter James Grant will perform a series of rock and pop anthems. Next on the line-up at 5pm, is songwriter Abi Powell performing a mix of her own songs alongside some well-known classics. At 6pm, the Riverbank Stage will be filled with The Originals, a five-piece band performing a collection of reggae, blues, and more. And at 7pm, TikTok sensation, Here At Last, will take the stage for the celebration finale.
Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon says: “Due to covid, we haven’t been able to bring all the community together for a while and are absolutely delighted that we can do this again.” The event is organised in conjunction between The Lexicon and Bracknell Forest Council. The council’s executive member for economic development and regeneration, Cllr Marc Brunel-Walker, says: “The Riverbank Saturday Celebration is just one of the many exciting activities that we have planned for visitors to the town centre.”
Lindisfarne to celebrate 50 years SCURRILOUS gossip will be mixed with folk classics on Monday, April 4, and it’s all thanks to Nettlebed Folk Club. The group will be welcoming Lindisfarne for a belated 50th anniversary celebration. Back in 1971, the group released their first album, setting them on the road to success It was their second album, Fog On The Tyne, that topped the UK charts for six weeks this time in 1972. To celebrate, frontman Billy Mitchell and founder member Ray Laidlaw are back on the road, to tell the group’s story, perform classic hits, tell tall tales and share some of the magic from the past five decades. The set list will include acoustic performances of Lady Eleanor, Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne,
Run For Home One reviewer noted: “A fantastic night with The Lindisfarne Story. There are so many words to describe the show and you will feel many emotions with it. “It is a real insight into the history of the band and the talented individuals that have forged many fantastic songs over five decades. It really is very special. “Catch it before it’s gone.” The club is running at 80% capacity due to covid. It takes place in the village club on Nettlebed’s High Street. n Doors open at 7.50pm on Monday, and tickets should be booked in advance by calling 01628 636620 between 10am and 8pm, or from: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
LEISURE | 25
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LIVEMUSIC RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
T
HERE’S nothing finer than discovering an amazing singer with a talent that knocks your socks off.
And that’s what we’ve got this week with That Joe Payne. He’s heading up our playlist with a track from his debut album, and if this doesn’t whet your appetite for Wokingham Festival, what else will? The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page. To hear this week’s set, simply head to https://bit. ly/rawsoundstoday and 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 ome up.
GIG GUIDE
Friday, April 1
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Daybreakers and Dr Satso.. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. 21st Century Abba. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Lewis and the Sound of the Suburbs. Details: 01344 457318 EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Martin Turner, ex-Wishbone Ash Vintage Albums: Back To Back Tour.. Details: www. 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. Bass Kingz: Back With A Bang. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Motley Cruide and Poizon. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – South Street Arts Centre. Heavy Pop presents Melt-Banana. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The MK II’s: 60s, soul and Motown. Details: 0118 958 6048. WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road. Fleece Lined.
Saturday, April 2
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Scarlet Vixens. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Vintage Sound Collective. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak,
London Road RG12 2NN. Ear Candy. Details: 01344 422622 CAVERSHAM – The Travellers’ Rest, Henley Road RG4 5DL. Groovin’ with DJ Jim The Syrip Day, Everything Soulful and Ray Goodridge. Details: 0118 947 9441. CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Karaoke and disco. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North. Baby and Children’s market: new and nearly new goods. 2pm-3.30pm. Details: babyandchildrensmarket. co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Noasis. Somewhat Damaged. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Jewels and the Jacuzzis. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jazz at the Queen’s Head: Claire Jones Quintet. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Arachana. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Bootlegs Band. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – Up The Junction, London Road RG1 3NY. Bounce and Step. Details: 0118 926 0544. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Glenn Miller Orchestra. Details: 0118 969 8000. THEALE – Social Club RG7 5AS. Audiotonic. Details: audiotonic.co.uk
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662 That Joe Payne – End of the Tunnel In 2019, Joe performed a wonderful set at Wokingham Festival and since then he has gone from strength to strength with the release of his debut album, By Name.By Nature. This year he will be returning to headline the Wokingham Music Club Stage at the festival on August Bank Holiday Monday with his solo set. Joe is a brilliant live performer with one of the best voices around at the moment and his star is on the rise so this is one not to be missed – https:// www.thatjoepayne.com/
A Better Life – A Moment of Nothing This chill-out collective based around local music producer, musician and songwriter, Phil Daniels featured in our Top 10 of 2021, and they have recently released a brand new video to this track. It’s taken from their acclaimed debut album, Take A Deep Breath which was released last year and it features guest vocals from Pete Rawcliffe. It’s a crazy world out there at the moment so take a pause, sit back, press play and chill out TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Salty Dogs. Details: 0118 942 9606. WOKINGHAM – Unit 3 & 4 South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road RG40 3AS. Bond Brews Tap Yard event. Noon-6pm. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. David Julien. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, April 3
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Dragonfly Sky, Union Blue, Grand Old Uke of Dork.. Details: 01344 484123. 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. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme Night: But Is It Folk?. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Smon and Garfunkel. Details: 0118 969 8000. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Sunday Session with the Bullfrog Band. Details: 07889 226309. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Monday, April 4
NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: The Lindisfarne Story. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. The Skids, Richard Jobson unplugged. Details: 01491 681048.
Tuesday, April 5
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner Unplugged. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. James Morrison. Details: 0118 960 6060. SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes. Equinox jazz night with Pro-Am Challenge with Simon Allen. Details: 01256 882296 SINDLESHAM - The Half Moon, Church Road GU20 6BN. Gavin Thomas. Details: 01276 473329. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. The Skids, Richard Jobson unplugged. Details: 01491 681048. THEALE – Village Hall, RG7 5AS. Graeme Hewitt’s High Society Jazz Band. Noon2.30pm.
Thursday, April 7
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Bracknell Blues Club: Selina and the Howlin Dogs. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING - Bar 77, Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Singer Soup Kitchen: Music mixed to perfection. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. BBC Introducing. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts centre. Bas Jan and support. Details: 0118 960 6060.
Friday, April 8
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Clay Soldiers, Chashing Violet. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Odyssey Live. Plus:
to A Better Life – https://abetterlifemusic.com/
Focus – Sylvia Exciting news that legendary rock band, Focus, will be headlining Wokingham Festival this year on August Bank Holiday Monday, August 29. This song is from their Focus 3 album and No. 4 in the UK singles chart – https://focustheband.co.uk/
The Go Go Cult – Town Called Sorrow Club Velocity celebrated an impressive 19 years of putting on events with a Birthday Party Gig at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading last week, featuring these psychobilly punks – http://www.thegogocult. com/
Wishbone Ash – Sometime World It’s from the band’s classic album, Argus, and Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash are returning to Wokingham Music Club on April 1, to perform the album in full, as well as their Wishbone Four album – https://www.martinturnermusic.com/
Rachel Redman – You Set Me Free Rachel is a singer songwriter from the local area and she’s recently released this wonderful new single. It’s another well-crafted song with Rachel’s distinctive country pop feel – https://www.facebook. com/rachelredmanmusic/ All About You. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Trish Clowes - My Iris Details: 01344 484123. GORING – Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Jazz night with Mike Wilkins, Nick Hall, Howard King and Mike Goff. 7.30pm. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/goringcommunity-jazz-club READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Swamp featuring Morass of Molasses. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1. Dolly and the Clothespegs. READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Sensational 60s Experience: Mike Pender from The Searchers, The Trems, Dozy Beaky Mick and Tich, The Fortunes and The Dakotas. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Wakey Blakey and the Ingham-Davison Sextet. Details: www. jazzinreading.com READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Nothing Will Change Events, a collective of the alternative of alternative music: Pej and Dr Satso, Viaska, FFO, Masquerader. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Kokoroko. Details: 0118 959 5395. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Mythicals. Details: 0118 942 9606. WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Funkin
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Soul’d Out. £18. Details: wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Chestnuts. Details: 0118 977 3706. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Logicaltramp: The Spirit of Supertramp. 7.30pm. £20. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk
Saturday, April 9
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Paul Tino. Details: 01344 420690. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Tequila Chase. Details: 01344 422622 CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Live music. Details: 01344 530615. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. De Satso. Details: 0118 958 0473.
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 were live at Readipop Festival’s Launch Party at Purple Turtle on March 19, along with Brother Zulu and Hatty Taylor – https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk
Grandad – About Him 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 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 READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Viaska and special guests. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Abba tribute.. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Pond House, Oxford Road RG30 1EH. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 958 3664. READING – Q-Club, Friar St. We Are Saturdays/Jay1. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Echo. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 957 6930. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Beyond Faith. Details: 0118 969 8000. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Mythicals. Details: 0118 942 9606. WHITLEY – Whitley GrowAllot, Meavy Gardens RG2 7RD. Food4Families fundraiser: pond dipping, planting seeds, Easter egg hunt, and more. Noon-2pm. £5. Details: https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/ food4families
WOKINGHAM – The Rifle Volunteer, Reading Road. The Midnight Rebel Band. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. The DoubleShots. Details: 0118 979 7402. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Steve Brookes. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, April 10
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Steve Turner. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Primitai. Details: 0118 959 5395. RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. B Side at the Bull.. Details: 0118 343 0565. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Fire Straits: Money For Nothing. Details: 0118 969 8000.
THE CHRISTIANS By Arrangement with Selective Agency and Club Velocity presents
Friday April 15th 2022 - Doors 7:00pm Advance tickets £25.00
www.wegottickets.com / www.seetickets.com / www.eventbrite.com
Sub89 110-117 Friar Street Reading RG1 1EP 0118 959 5395
26 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WHAT’SON Exhibitions
READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Community Voices. A series of displays showcasing responses to The MERL’s collections. Open daily except Monday. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Museum: Discover the beauty of Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 378 6990. READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. People of Oxford Road, an exhibition by Caroline Streatfield. Until March 31. Free entry. Mon 10am-5pm, Tues 10am7pm, Wed Closed, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5950 READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Museum presents Collected: 150 Years of Reading FC. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (Sat 5pm). Free, suggested donation of £5. Details: 0118 937 3400.
Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include The Batman (15). Thurs. The Worst Person In the World (15). Thurs. Morbius (15). Thurs. X (18). Thurs. Ambulance (15). Thurs. Keep It Cult: Fight Club (18). Fri. Keep It Cult: Risky Business (18). Mon, Fri Apr 8. Easter In Art: Exhibition on Screen. Sun 10. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Thursday, March 31
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club. Over 18s only. £8. 7pm Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. International Women’s Day beer, Multiplayer, launch party featuring Siren Craft Brew, The Malt Miller and more. 7pm. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL.
Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk. READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Family History Society presents: one-to-one family history advice session on Merchant Navy. 1pm-3pm. Online, booking essential. Details: berksfhs.org READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Berkshire Family History Society Reading branch presents:T rade and occupation sources: where and how to find them. 7.45pm-9pm. Online, booking essential. Details: berksfhs.org SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Friday, April 1
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk. TILEHURST – British Legion, Downing Road Rg31 5BB. Reading Lions presents a quiz night for Ukraine, includings fish n chip supper. £15. 7pm. Details: www.readinglions.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, April 2
CROWTHORNE – St John The Baptist parish church, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Thames Voyces in concert: Dixit Dominus. 7.30pm. Details: www. thamesvoyces.org.uk. READING –All Saints Church, Downshire Square. Coffee hour in aid of the DEC’s Ukraine appeal. 11amnoon. Details: 0118 958 4131. READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: www. thamesvall eyfarmersmarket.co.uk READING – From Palmer Park. Kidical Mass family bike ride. Meet by Tutu’s, enjoy short, slow ride to Forbury Gardens, with other families, followed by a picnic. 11.30am. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Yous Two. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. 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 - St Joseph’s College, Upper Redlands Road RG1 5JT. Reading Youth Orchestra spring concert with Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra. 6pm. Details: www. readingyouthorchestra. co.uk/future-concerts READING – The Warehouse, Cumberland Road. Charity art sale and pre-loved sale in aid of Ukraine. 10am-2pm. SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church. Lunchtime concert with Belle Canto. Free entry, followed by light lunch. Retiring collection in aid of church funds. Details: www.loddonreach. org.uk SHINFIELD – The Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton
Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Trinity Concert Band spring concert: Song and Dance. 7pm. £14, students £7, under 16s free. Details: 0118 449 2099. TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting. Over 18s only. Booking essential. 1pm. £13.50. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk TILEHURST – Birch Copse School, Wittenham Avenue RG31 5LN. Baby and children’s pre-loved sale and craft market. 1pm-4pm. £2. Stalls available for hire. Details: bcptafundraising@gmail. com WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk YATELEY – St Swithun’s Church, Firgrove Road GU46 6NH. Yateley Choral Society present’s Haydn’s Nelson Mass. 7.45pm. £15, students £5, under 16s free. Details: www.yateleychoral.org.uk
Wednesday, April 6
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Interview presentation skills. 9.30am12.30pm. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 921 0555. EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am-1.30pm Details: 0118 921 0555. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Saturday, April 9
charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.
Address
Thursday, April 7 EARLEY – Trinity Church,
Address
Postcode
Time of event: Contact number for readers:
Friday, April 8
Postcode
ACROSS READING – Reading Half Marathon. Road closures will be in place. BURGHFIELD – St Mary’s Church.Crafty church Easter fun. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: craftyeasterfun.eventbrite. co.uk READING – Prospect Park, Bath Road. Prospect Park Railway public running organised by the reading Society of Model Engineers. From 1pm-3pm. 60p a ride, 10 tickets £4. Traines will run until 3.45pm. Details: prospectparkrailway. wordpress.com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: risingsunartscentre.org TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie
Name Name
What will happen:
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM – Art Jam Studio, Prospect Street. Pottery and Prosecco evening. 7.30pm. Booking essential. Details: 0118 945 4417. CHARVIL – Village Hall, Park Lane. The Project Singers, a choir for female voices, open evening. 8pm-9.30pm. Details: 0118 934 5089. EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Interview skills presentation workshop. Free, booking essential. 9.30am. Details: 0118 921 0555. 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
Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.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. Dave Tollow Creative Challenge. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road. Ladies Fashion Show in aid of WADE. £10, includes a glass of wine/soft drink. Details: www.wadecentre. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Whitty Theatre, Luckley School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents:Limbo (PG). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Sunday, April 3
Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,
Venue of event:
Monday, April 4
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 – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. The Old Silk Road to Afghanistan, a talk by adventurer John Pilkington. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokinghamtheatre. org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon.: linkvisiting.org WINNERSH – Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Funlkin Souled Out. £18. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Patti Boulaye’s one-woman show Aretha and Me. £20. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form Date of event:
Market. From noon-5pm. Crafts, food, and more. Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk TWYFORD – Stanlake Park, Waltham Road RG10 0BN. Wedding fair. 11am-3pm. Details: 07990 711444. WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. An evening of music and meditation with the South Berkshire Singers. Free. 7pm. Details: 01344 779979. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – St John The Evangelist Church, Church Road. Woodley Wild Church: meet Dotty the Donkey, learn about Lent and Easter. Details: Facebook WoodleyWildChurch
Tuesday, April 5
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Village Hall, Emmbrook Road RG41 1JN. SAFE (Saving Abandoned FlyGrazing Equines) Easter Fair: Tombolas, raffle,
Easter crafts and local small business stalls. £1, children free. Noon4.30pm. READING – New Hope Community Church, York Road RG1 8DU. Easter Fete plus family-freindly events, games, and more. 10am-3pm. 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 SOUTHCOTE – Grange United Reformed Church, Circuit Lane RG30 3HD. Easter market. 11.30am-1.30pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 956 0380. TILEHURST – Double Barrelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting. Over 18s only. Booking essential. 1pm. £13.50. Details: doublebarrelled. co.uk WOKINGHAM – WH Smith, Market Place RG40 1AN. Booking signing by Justin Newland: The Genes of Isis. From 10.30am. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, April 10
PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Classic car and bike meet. From 9.30am. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – Global Cafe, RISC, London Street. 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”. 12.30pm4pm. Free, donations welcome. READING – From Broad Street/St Mary’s Butts Junction. Churches Together in Reading Palm Sunday procession. 12.30pm. Palm Sunday celebration until 1.15pm, outside Marks & Spencer. Details: 01491 671357. SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Village Hall Easter Community Farmers Market. 10am. Details: www.spencerswoodhall. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
No. 5407
Your weekly puzzle challenge
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Wednesday, March 30, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
Quiz Challenge
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1. The port of Haifa is in which Middle Eastern country?
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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
AHA, I AM MASTER HERE
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.
A M O L U E
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: 18 Good; 22 Very Good; 25 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).
10. Which battle in 1704 resulted in the first English victory on the European mainland since Agincourt?
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DOWN 2. Bird is taking about half a bite (4) 3. A worn-out species of 6. Record strip (4) tree (5) 8. Obscure humour of a stupid 4. Taught you in France to person (6) read missing article (7) 9. Making domestic flyover to 5. Irishman on church plot (5) include motorway (6) 6. Circular frame used by a 10. Travelling up on a map? (10) doctor during the trip (7) 12. Satisfied that it had 7. Piece of cutlery writer first occupied the whole area (6) used as a pocket utensil (8) 14. Off course raft I’d 11. Left one with bitter recovered (6) exchange in the words used on stage (8) 15. We trek with Arab to find 13 & 14. The first thing one tidal barrier (10) looks for in a newspaper? 19. Way to encircle with a (7,7) narrow cord (6) 16. Bet a facetious person 20. Background for painting takes with the cockney sail? (6) lady (5) 21. Many in Greek capital from 17. In Iran get up into the Chinese dynasty (4) mountains (5) 18. Report on sausage 22. Appear for the second or hesitantly left (4) third time? (2-6)
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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ACROSS 1. Pen an encouragement to eat more roughage (5,3)
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
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WORD PYRAMID: Anyone for tennis? EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; divide; subtract; multiply. Total: 8.
SOLUTIONS
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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
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WORD PYRAMID 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 N through openings in the walls. The N first letter may appear in any chamber. S I
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9. Who composed the ‘Moonlight’ Sonata?
5. Actress Brenda Blethyn plays a detective in which TV crime series?
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8. What is the literal meaning taken from the Latin of the word hippopotamus?
4. Which dish is made from offal and oatmeal stuffed into the stomach lining of a sheep?
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7. Who directed the 2021 film version of West Side Story?
3. A red fallow deer appears on the badge of which Premier League football club?
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6. What H is a pleasant emotional state and the title of a 2013 Pharrell Williams song?
2. The Hoover Dam was built on which American river?
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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
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CROSS CODE
5407
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ACROSS 1. Knave (6) 4. Chesty (anag.) (6) 8. Human being (6) 10. Pious (6) 11. Watered silk (5) 12. Soviet leader (6) 14. Correctly (6) 16. Chop finely (4) 17. Legend (4) 19. Type of lily (4) 22. Door frame (4) 26. Photographic device (6) 27. Bearlike (6)
28. Author of fairy tales (5) 29. Topics (6) 30. Surface sheen (6) 31. Wellbeing (6) 32. Grammatical case (6) DOWN 1. Rest (6) 2. Disperse (6) 3. Nuclear (6) 5. Bright (6) 6. Gutter (6) 7. Landed property (6)
9. Not any (4) 10. Small measure (4) 13. Liquid measure (5) 15. Articles (5) 18. Whisky (6) 19. Primitive organism (6) 20. Pressing (6) 21. Planet (4) 22. Leap (4) 23. Fleet of ships (6) 24. Two-piece swimsuit (6) 25. Disfigure (6)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Rascal; 4 Scythe; 8 Person; 10 Devout; 11 Moire; 12 Stalin; 14 Aright; 16 Dice; 17 Myth; 19 Arum; 22 Jamb; 26 Camera; 27 Ursine; 28 Grimm; 29 Themes; 30 Patina; 31 Health; 32 Dative. Down – 1 Repose; 2 Spread; 3 Atomic; 5 Cheery; 6 Trough; 7 Estate; 9 None; 10 Dram; 13 Litre; 15 Items; 18 Scotch; 19 Amoeba; 20 Urgent; 21 Mars; 22 Jump; 23 Armada; 24 Bikini; 25 Deface.
FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Israel; 2 The Colorado; 3 Watford; 4 Haggis; 5 Vera; 6 Happy; 7 Steven Spielberg; 8 River horse; 9 Ludwig van Beethoven; 10 Blenheim. (1) Across – Amuse; Depot; Derma. Down – Aided; Upper; Extra. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Fibre tip; 6 Tape; 8 Dimwit; 9 Taming; 10 Northbound; (2) Across – Coach; Liege; Codas. N H I R T O V C L J Q P Y 12 Filled; 14 Adrift; 15 Breakwater; 19 String; 20 Canvas; 21 Down – Colic; Ahead; Heels. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Ming; 22 Re-emerge. S K D A E M B U W Z G X F Down – 2 Ibis; 3 Rowan; 4 Tutored; 5 Patch; 6 Tambour; 7 NONAGRAM: alum; ammo; amuse; emulous; lame; Penknife; 11 Libretti; 13 & 14 Leading article; 16 Wager; 17 lemma; loam; luma; lumme; male; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Range; 18 Bang. sham; hire; area; malm; maul; MAUSOLEUM; meal; meat. mela; memo; mesa; mola; mole; moue; mouse; mule; muse; museum; oleum; omasum; same; seam; slam; slum; soma; some; summa; sumo; ulema; umma.
28 | LIFE
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
Pesto Coronation Chicken In the kitchen
chopped n 50g mange tout n 15g toasted pine nuts n Parmesan shavings n Balsamic glaze n Basil to garnish Dressing: n 130g Sacla’ Classic Basil Pesto n 130g mayonnaise n 130g crème fraiche n Black Pepper
Sacla
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HE original recipe was created by renowned florist Constance Spry and Cordon Bleu chef Rosemary Hume for a royal banquet to celebrate the coronation of Elizabeth II.
It’s believed Coronation Chicken may actually have been inspired by Jubilee Chicken, the dish prepared for the Silver Jubilee of George V in 1935. Chicken with mayonnaise and curry has been a firm favourite ever since. The team at Italian Pesto Pioneers Sacla have adapted the original recipe to create a street party celebration dish – Platinum Pesto Chicken.
Meningitis now urges young people to take up lifesaving vaccine
For more party platter inspiration and a range of delicious authentic cakes and treats prfect for this unique and special weekend, log on to: www.sacla.co.uk
Platinum Jubilee Pesto Coronation Chicken Serves 4-6 Cooking Time: 20 minutes + 20 minutes cooling
Ingredients n 3 chicken breasts n 6 slices Parma ham n Olive oil n 250g cherry tomatoes n 120g cucumber, sliced n 400g cooked Risotto rice, cooled n 120g celery, sliced n Small bunch of chives,
A
Method Preheat the oven to 200°C fan setting. Wrap each chicken breast with 2 slices of Parma ham then place on a baking tray, drizzle with a little olive oil and roast in the oven for 20 minutes until the ham is crispy and the chicken is cooked through. Take the chicken out of the oven and leave to cool before slicing. While the chicken is cooling prepare the cherry tomatoes by slicing around the middles in a zig-zag pattern to make little flower shapes then use a flower shaped cutter to make
cucumber flower slices. Make the dressing in a large bowl by mixing the Pesto, mayonnaise and crème fraiche together with some freshly ground black pepper. Stir the rice through the dressing along with
the celery, chives and cooled chicken. Then gently mix through the tomato and cucumber flowers and spoon onto a serving platter. Use a smaller flower cutter to cut out little mange tout flowers and sprinkle these over the platter
along with the pine nuts and parmesan shavings. Drizzle over some balsamic glaze and a few basil leaves and enjoy! n Sacla’ Classic Basil Pesto is available in retailers nationwide and www.sacla.co.uk with an RRP of £2.80.
National Trust vows to ‘bring blossom back’ as new research reveals massive drop in orchards
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SIGNS OF SPRING: Cherry blossom at Greys Court Picture: Hugh Mothersole
HE area of orchards in England and Wales has halved since the early 1900s, according to new research by the National Trust.
This has resulted in huge losses in habitats for nature, and meaning far fewer people can enjoy one of nature’s spectacular, yet fleeting, moments – spring blossom. The charity has launched the first comprehensive review of both traditional and modern orchards in England and Wales using data from the National Library of Scotland’s historic map collection, data from People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) and Natural England, and analyzed using artificial intelligence (AI) mapping technologies from ArchAI Ltd. The results, announced earlier this week as part of its #BlossomWatch campaign, show that an area the size of the Isle of Wight has been lost over 100 years. And, even worse, there has been an 81% decline in traditional orchards, roughly an area the size of the West Midlands. London and the south-east had the smallest overall orchard losses of 24%, largely due to the number of significant modern orchards which have been planted. However, the region has seen a reduction of 84% in the area of traditional orchards. In the early 1900s in the Bucks, Berks and Oxon region, Berkshire had the least area of orchards with 492 hectares, followed by Oxfordshire with 803Ha and Buckinghamshire
with a generous 1446Ha. Berkshire has seen a 74% loss in traditional orchards, Oxfordshire a 68% loss and Buckinghamshire a 75% loss in traditional orchards. Since 1900, the Reading area has lost 93% of its 34Ha and Oxford has lost 82% of its traditional orchards. Emma McNamara, gardens consultant for the South East: “It’s a tragedy that over 80% of the South East’s heritage orchards have been
lost, but we’re working hard to bring back some of that lost blossom, in our gardens and parks too, with mixes of fruit and ornamental blossom trees, sometimes in creative layouts for visual impact. “Trees like cherry plum Prunus cerasifera and sweet cherry Prunus avium; their nectar and fruit provide a terrific food source for birds, and insects like butterflies and bees. “And of course they’re a beautiful
spectacle in spring; in autumn too, when they are laden with fruit.” The National Trust’s estates do have orchards. At Greys Court, there is a traditional orchard in its walled garden and, this year, seven new pear and cherry trees were planted to create the Jubilee Tree Circle in support of the Queens Green Canopy. Greys Court’s cherry garden is also undergoing restoration at the moment with many new cherry trees being planted to create a blossom tunnel in spring. And Cliveden’s Round Garden orchard has been under restoration for more than 10 years. It was originally laid out in the mid-19th century and is possibly the only surviving example in the UK of a circular fruit orchard form this period. It was highly ornamental, with apple, plum, cherry and pear trees growing up and over seven-foot tall iron hoops arranged around and across the 250 foot diameter. It continues to be a haven for wildlife, with rare bats, birds, fungi and insects taking up residence. In a bid to bring blossom back to landscapes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the National Trust has now vowed to plant four million blossoming trees as part of its commitment to plant and establish 20 million trees across England, Wales and Northern Ireland by 2030. n For more information or to make a donation towards the charity’s tree planting ambitions visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/blossom-watch
CHARITY that tackles meningitis is urging young adults to take a potentially lifesaving vaccine. Meningitis Now says the latest Government figures on the uptake of the routine schoolbased MenACWY teenage vaccination show an increase from 58.3% of those eligible to receive it in 2019-20 to 76.5% last year. But it wants to see the figure return to the pre-covid level of 88%, with concerns that under 25s are putting themselves at risk. One of the areas that has the highest take up is West Berkshire, where 98.2% of people have had the vaccine. Meningitis Now chief executive Dr Tom Nutt said: “It’s good to see these figures moving in the right direction and more of our young people getting protected against MenACWY through the programme. “I would urge everybody to take advantage of the MenACWY vaccination when it is offered – as we know vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the devastation that meningitis can bring. “Of course, school attendance rates were lower than normal last year due to the pandemic, which will have had an impact on these figures. “As we hopefully start to emerge from this pandemic I’m hopeful we can see further improvement in these rates and in the protection of our young people.” Dr Nutt said that research shows that up to a quarter of 15- to 24-year-olds carry the bacteria that cause meningococcal meningitis and septicaemia in the back of their throats compared to one in 10 of the general population. The early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can be similar to ‘flu, tummy bug or a hangover and include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle pain, stomach cramps and fever with cold hands and feet. More specific signs and symptoms include fever with cold hands and feet, drowsiness, confusion, pale blotchy skin, stiff neck, dislike of bright lights and a rash which doesn’t fade under pressure. If meningitis is suspected, people are urged to seek urgent medical attention. Meningitis Now has free information for parents and young people and lifesaving Signs and Symptoms cards. n Find out more at www.MeningitisNow.org
SPORT TODAY READING
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
23.03.22
SOUTH BERKS 3S: CHAMPIONS
BOARS CELEBRATE FUN IN THE SUN
KESTRELS KEEP A CLEAN SHEET
SPOILS SHARED IN DERBY CLASH POINT EACH FOR SUMAS & CITY
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
THE POINTS were shared after Wokingham & Emmbrook and Reading City couldn’t be separated in a local clash.
The visitors, Reading City, came into the game with more points on the board and above the Sumas in the table, however it was
Wokingham who claimed maximum points with a 3-2 victory when the teams met at the Rivermoor Stadium. Simon Johnson’s team took a onegoal lead into half-time courtesy of Dan Davies’ volley. Jack Mullan ensured the game was levelled from the penalty spot, but the Cityzens reclaimed their lead when Davies went down in the box,
and the referee awarded the second spot-kick of the match. Josh Baines took responsibility and scored to put Reading in front again. The scoring wasn’t done and the Sumas made sure that they added a point to their tally by finding a second equaliser in the game when Toby Raggett scored. The Sumas are still in the midst of
a relegation battle where they have a three point lead over Holyport and a four point advantage and a game in hand over bottom side CB Hounslow United. City sit comfortably in midtable in ninth with 37 points from 30 games, while both teams have four games left. n Full football round-up on pages 20 & 21
ROCKETS FIRE UP FOR ONE LAST TIME AT RIVERMEAD READING ROCKETS earned victory in their final match at the Rivermead Leisure Centre by scoring 101 points against Team Newcastle University. The Sunday afternoon fixture was the Rockets’ final game at Rivermead after 25 years of playing there. With the Rockets already poised to face the first-seed Team Solent Kestrels in the playoffs, this matchup offered Reading a chance to continue their strong form and build momentum ahead of the postseason. It was a chance that they took with style, putting on a great show in front of a lively Rivermead crowd and earning a commanding 101-82 victory. Yet another thrilling dunk by Cartaino, assisted by Meshack, continued the Rockets’ strong inside scoring. Jaz Bains and Meshack both scored inside through cuts to the basket and free throws and the Rockets went into the final three minutes with a 14-point advantage. The Rockets capped off a dominant display with a pair of Toluwase dunks in the dying minutes. Reis Pinnock got himself one last layup with the last play, earning himself a triple-double and pushing the Rockets to triple-digit scoring to give Rivermead a memorable send-off.
18 | SPORT
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 30, 2022
HOCKEY
SOUTH BERKS LADIES 3S ARE CHAMPIONS
South Berkshire Ladies 3s celebrate title success
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
South Central Women’s Thames 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s are in celebration mode after they wrapped up the league title on the weekend. They hit three past Newbury & Thatcham without reply to give them three points that was enough to secure the league title. It has been an exceptional campaign for South Berks who now have an unassailable lead at the top over Wallingford 3s. They have won 14 of their 20 matches so far this season to put them on 45 points.
South Central Men’s Premier 2
South Berkshire Ladies 3s with the trophy
SOUTH BERKSHIRE strolled
to victory with an impressive win over Havant. They smashed in seven goals and kept a clean sheet. The win puts them in seventh on 26 points with two league games left.
South Central Women’s Division 1
SOUTH BERKSHIRE remain in seventh after they were defeated at home by
Wallingford. One goal from the visitors was enough to take the points away from South Berks.
South Central Men’s Division 1
SONNING hit READING 3s for six as they wrapped up a comfortable home success. The 6-1 win puts Sonning in third, while Reading are one place off the bottom.
HOCKEY
READING CLOSE IN ON LEAGUE TITLE WITH VITAL VICTORY
By RONAN DAFFEY sport@wokingham.today
Reading Men 3 Canterbury 1 IN what may turn out to be a “winner takes all” promotion decider, Reading were worthy and comfortable winners against Canterbury.
With only one game left to play, they are now three points clear of Canterbury with a much better goal difference so it would take quite a turnaround for their fortunes to be reversed. Despite still missing some key players through injury and unavailability, Reading always seemed to be in control of the game – even when it was being played mainly in midfield. Both teams sought out weaknesses in their opponents that could be exploited to create an opening.
Reading Rascals v South Berks 5s
Reading’s determination was rewarded when a slick passing move ended with Toby Heywood Bourne sliding in to connect with a fast and accurate cross from the left. Sensing their moment of domination, Reading continued to press forward and there were a series of goalmouth scrambles where the final touch eluded the forwards before their star midfielder Nick Parkes showed them how to finish with a deft shot past the diving goalkeeper. Halfway through the second quarter, Canterbury’s sporadic efforts were rewarded with a scrappy goal. Reading keeper Chris Wyver later described it as soft. It halved the deficit, and nerves started to jangle in the Reading camp, more because it had seemed unlikely than that their
opponents were taking more control, which they weren’t. Those nerves were emphatically put back in their box when, on the stroke of half time, their penalty corner specialist Connor Beauchamp rammed home his first and Reading’s third goal to restore their two goal advantage. The remainder of the game was controlled by Reading, now in management mode, with the exciting and energetic Ryan Crowe causing the Canterbury defence multiple problems as he constantly surged up the pitch to take the ball well out of the way of any danger. Freddie Newbold, too, showed maturity and composure to keep Reading in control, and Nick Parkes was always on hand to snuff out any embryonic attacks, and regain possession for his team. There was a minor scare
when captain Olly Deasy, returning after injury, was sent to the sin bin for five minutes after breaking down play to stop a Canterbury breakaway, but this was soon followed by a Canterbury player joining him for a dangerous intervention in a desperate attempt to score. As the final whistle blew, the Reading players embraced each other to celebrate their victory which should assure them of promotion back to the top flight of English hockey. At the end of a weekend in which Reading Ladies had assured themselves of promotion back to the top level with a draw against Surbiton, it will be one that lives long in the memory of all members of the club who are so proud of what their stars have achieved over a long season.
Reading Rascals v South Berks 5s
Connor Beauchamp for Reading Pictures: Helen Ritchie Also in action at the weekend were Reading Rascals, who played against South Berks 5s Pictures: Steve Smyth
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RUGBY UNION
RAMS MAULED ON THE ROAD BY CINDERFORD By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Cinderford v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield
Cinderford v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield
Cinderford v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield
Cinderford v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield
Rams touch down
THERE was no fun in the sun for Rams as they were made to pay for a slow start at Cinderford with the hosts mauling their way to a 38-17 victory at Dockham Road.
The home side came flying out of the traps and took an early lead when hooker Nathan Taylor grabbed the first of his four tries, touching down at the back of a powerful rolling maul. Reece Boughton landed an excellent conversion from the left, and the fly-half repeated the trick from the other side of the field after Taylor doubled his tally with a carbon-copy of his first score. With the wind at their backs, the Foresters extended their advantage even further when they grabbed another score from close range. On this occasion Rams were able to halt the maul, but Cindy hammered away with a series of pick-and-goes before prop Tim Brockett burrowed over. Another Boughton conversion made it 21-0 at the end of the first quarter, but the visitors got themselves on the scoreboard when scrum-half Ollie Cole darted over from five metres out after skipper Robbie Stapley had controlled the ball superbly from the base of an attacking scrum.
Drew Humberstone added the extras and Rams had a couple of chances to further cut the deficit before the break, but it was the home side who landed a sucker punch on the brink of half-time when Taylor completed his hattrick, again from the maul after Paul Englezos had been yellow carded. Boughton’s kick made it 28-7, but the visitors landed the first blow of the second half when a remarkable through-the-legs pass from hooker Ben Henderson enabled Ollie Taylor to cross on the right. Yet Cinderford went back to the set-piece, and after Connor Stapley became the second Ram to be sinbinned, the hosts’ Taylor chalked up his fourth before Boughton converted for 35-12. However, Rams remained in contention when they got their own maul going, Henderson crossing at the back of a maul to reduce the gap to 18 points. A Boughton penalty pushed the lead back to 38-17, but the away side kept coming and were given further encouragement when replacement Aaron Ryan was sent to the sin-bin after accidentally making contact with the head of Vince Everitt at a ruck. Despite Connor Hayhow touching down on the left with the final play the centre put his foot in touch en route to the line.
REACTION
‘WE GAVE AWAY A 21-0 LEAD, ALWAYS A BIT TRICKY’ DIRECTOR of Rugby Seb Reynolds saw positives in defeat, but rued a slow start as Rams went down 38-17 to an impressive Cinderford side. The visitors fell 21-0 inside the first quarter as Reece Boughton converted two Nathan Taylor tries direct from the maul, while a third from prop Tim Brockett came following a series of pick-and-goes near the line. Ollie Cole converted for a score added to by Drew Humberstone as the away side rallied, but they were dealt a sucker-punch when a third Taylor try, again converted by Boughton, with the last play of the first period. Ollie Taylor gave Rams hope, but Taylor’s fourth, Boughton slotting the kick, made it 35-12. Again the visitors hit back, this time through hooker Ben Henderson, but Boughton’s penalty proved the last points of the day despite Rams having a number of opportunities to snatch a bonus-point.
Reynolds said: “In these kind of games you want a bit of a feeling out period where even against the wind you can be 0-0 after or even 5-0 to them, but unfortunately we gave them a 21-0 lead which was always going to be a bit tricky. “You’ve got to give credit to Cinderford – they’re a very good side and they managed to get their platform going. “They had strength at the scrum and maul and had good field position with the wind behind their backs (in the first half). “But just before half-time I thought we were coming back nicely, and it was unfortunate we conceded again. “And I thought if we could have nicked another score at the start of the second half, we could have got back into it, but they deserved it.” He continued: “Obviously, you want to win, but I don’t think it was a poor performance and I thought our guys
RAMS’ Seb Reynolds
Rams aim to get the ball down
stuck at it really well. “I credit our lads for the way they went to the end, we were knocking on the door, and we almost got two or three more scores which would have brought us back into it. “The way Henry Bird chased down their line break at the end – the game is done, it’s 38-17 and yet he still went the length of the pitch to stop the try and that’s so important in teams. “If you don’t have that, you’re done.” Despite defeat, which leaves Rams sixth in the table with five games remaining, Reynolds was not too downbeat. “The positives were we got into
good attacking positions and looked to off-load – some of those didn’t go to hand and went to ground instead, but that’s the risk you take when you play a continuity game,” he said. “I don’t mind that, we’ll just look at it and try and improve the decisionmaking. “Paul Englezos did really well – he had an interesting experience against Cinderford in pre-season when up against George Porter, but he got better and has definitely improved through the season. He’ll be better again for the experience. “Alex Sparkes when he came on did a really good job. He’s been injured
for a long time but had a really good tempo.” Reynolds thanked the Cinderford supporters applauded Bird after he was down for a couple of minutes, concluding: “This is a great club – they play rugby the way it should be played which is hard, tough, hit you hard, try and dominate you at the scrum and maul.“But if you get an injury and get back on your feet, they’ll clap you warmly and it’s why there’s a great respect for this team. “I really like coming here, they’re good people and it’s a big challenge, and we’ll get back to the drawing board for when we do next time.”
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SUMAS HIT BACK TO CLAIM POINT FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
Wokingham & Emmbrook v Reading City Pictures: Andrew Batt By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Combined Counties Premier North WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK and READING CITY gained a point each after an entertaining affair at Lowther Road. The Cityzens took a one-goal lead into the break after Dan Davies looped a volley into the net just prior to half-time. The Sumas clapped back to
level the game four minutes after the restart when Jack Mullan slotted from the penalty spot. But City restored their lead just five minutes later when they were awarded a penalty of their own that was converted by Josh Baines. On the hour mark, the Sumas netted the fourth goal of the game which proved to be the final strike of the afternoon when Toby Raggett ensured the points were shared.
Sumas (orange) and Reading City (blue) fight for the ball
Wokingham are in 6th while Reading are in ninth after 30 games each.
Isthmian South Central BINFIELD climbed up to eighth after they earned three points away at Tooting & Mitcham United. Goals from Ollie Harris and Sean Moore ensured maximum points on the road for the Moles.
Cup
FINCHAMPSTEAD flew into the next round of the cup with a stunning ten-goal show against FC IMAAN LIONS. Dylan Chaffin netted four times, Joel Day scored a brace and goals from Nick Payne, Alex Woodhead, Daniel Pawson and Nathan Rodgers totted up a spectacular 10-0 victory. BURGHFIELD RESERVES booked their place in the next round with Lewis Buthcer’s goal in extra-time giving them
victory over Windlesham & Chobham Development. WARGRAVE were knocked out in an entertaining eightgoal spectacle away at Windlesham & Chobham. BERKS COUNTY ROVERS stormed through with a 6-1 triumph over Henley Town Development. Matthew Dickson scored a hat-trick, Nathan Oliver-James notched a brace and Charlie Nicholls netted to consolidate a 6-1 win.
HARCHESTER HAWKS went through with a 2-0 success against Farnham Royal Maericks. One goal was enough to see READING YMCA RAPIDS get past Mortimer Development. TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE went out to Goring United Reserves after they lost 5-4 on penalties HURST were also eliminated after they lost out in a one-goal contest at Yateley United.
Wednesday, March 30, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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AGAINST READING CITY
From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith
What’s the rule on where thrown-ins are played?
K
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED remain at the bottom of the table after they lost out to relegation rivals Oxford City. Ellen Surtees scored a free-kick for the Kestrels but they fell to a 4-1 loss.
Southern Region Women’s Division 1 South EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Bournemouth Sports. An 8-1 defeat leaves the Boars in last place on 10 points,
three adrift of ninth placed Milton United.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One CAVERSHAM UNITED earned three points in style by hitting six past Stonesfield Strikers. Freya Jenkins bagged a hat-trick, while goals from Sophie Ali and Caitlin Levy helped the Billygoats to a 6-1 triumph. TILEHURST PANTHERS got the better of WARGRAVE in a tightly contested battle. Goals from Lydia Vettese, Leah Why and Celia Spanu helped them to a 3-2 win.
READING FC
ROYALS BOLSTER DEFENSIVE OPTIONS FOR REMAINING GAMES READING FC have bolstered their defence for the remaining eight games of the season with the singing of Terell Thomas.
26-year-old centre back Thomas has signed a short term deal that sees him join the first-team squad for the remainder of the 2021/22 season. The Royals face eight crucial matches in the Championship to try and secure their status in the league in what is the club’s 150th anniversary year. Paul Ince’s men bolstered their
chances of survival with a point away at AFC Bournemouth before they earned a crucial win at home to Blackburn Rovers prior to the international break to put them five points above the relegation zone. They now head into what is arguably the biggest game of the season this Saturday away at relegation rivals Barnsley, with potential victory giving them a sizeable gap from the drop zone. Thomas had been training with the Royals under 23’s team for a number of weeks and twice
featured in matches for them whilst on trial, with his impressive performances winning him a contract with the first-team. Thomas started his youth career at Arsenal before joining Charlton Athletic. The 6ft 3in defender has also featured for Wigan Athletic and made close to 100 appearances for MK Dons before he spent the first half of the current campaign with Crewe Alexandra in League One. Chief executive Dayong Pang said, “We have eight games
remaining this season and we want to give ourselves the very best chance of winning our fight for second tier survival in the last six weeks of the campaign. “Terell has been training well with our first team and has been professional and patient in his attitude and application on the training pitch and adding him to our first team group will bring competition for places at the back, helping to push our players to be at their very best in search of the points we need to stay up.”
EEN eyed Reading supporters may have noticed in recent games, that referees have been pointing out to players where throw-ins should take place. For some time, players have happily taken them anywhere up to 10 or even 20 yards from where the ball has crossed the touchline to go out of play, which is where Law 15 says they should be returned into play. This is a key hate of supporters, making their feelings known when it is done by the opposition. Of course, it is not just at Reading where this change is taking place. If you watch the games on television you will see that it is happening throughout the Football League. It would therefore seem an edict has been issued. Years ago, there was no penalty for throwing the ball in at the wrong place, except that the throw-in had to be taken again. In fact, in general, it was taken roughly where it went out (no one worried about a yard or two). However, if a team was winning by one goal and time was running out, they used this part of the Law as a little time waster. They would throw the ball in at a great distance forward from the correct position, knowing that the referee would just make them throw it again at the correct place, to which they would walk slowly. This would knock a few more seconds off the clock. The law makers at the IFAB spotted this scam and in 1987 made stealing ground to be treated the same as any other foul throws, which is that the throw reverts to the opposing team. This stopped that particular practice. In recent years however, players have taken to throwing the ball in where they wanted, which has been ignored by referees, at least in the senior leagues. No doubt in the demand of speeding up the game, or being told it’s not what the game expects. There are I feel, two aspects to be looked at. First, can taking throw-ins from the wrong area (usually too far forward) be stopped? The answer is certainly yes. We have the tools. We just award the throw-in to the opposing team when the Law is breached. I have done this many times, admittedly after a first warning as local footballers tend to copy what they see happening on television. The other point is, is it worth it? It’s such a minor part of the game, does it matter if players get the game under way with a throw-in from the wrong place, even if it is further up field. My argument is why do we have Laws of the Game, if we are just going to ignore them?
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Eversley & California v Hillingdon Pictures: Richard Milam
BADMINTON
FOOTBALL
EVERSLEY CONTINUE HUNT FOR PLAY-OFF PLACES WITH HOME WIN
Eversley & California v Hillingdon Pictures: Richard Milam
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.todayv
Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA stay in the race for the play-offs after they defeated Hillingdon Borough. Jamie Griggs added to his hattrick from the previous week by opening the scoring for the Boars in the 35th minute. Ben Anderson doubled the lead to give Eversley a 2-0 half-time lead after he fired into the bottom corner from Paras Gill’s pass. Gill then got on the scoresheet himself to wrap up the points early in the second-half. It was a satisfactory win for Eversley who stayed resolute to keep another clean sheet and consolidated their chances of finishing inside the top four. Matty Angell’s team are in an excellent position with 63 points from 33 games, which gives them a four point lead over the two teams below them in the table, Wallingford Town and Sandhurst Town. Wallingford however, do have three games in hand to catch up on. The Boars are on the road this weekend when they travel to face Kensington & Ealing Boro, who are currently eighth in the standings.
Reading & District Sunday League
Senior: AFC Bradfield 4-1 Woodley Wanderers, Burghfield 5-0 Arborfield, Mortimer 2-4 Maiden Place Division One: Reading Kits 0-7 Caversham United, Rose & Thistle 1-2 Woodley Saints Hobnob, Give Back 3-0 Burghfield Reserves Cup: Loxwood Park Rangers 3-4 116 Exiles, Westwood Wanderers 1-3 Emmer Green
TEAMS DO BATTLE IN BADMINTON TOURNAMENT By ANKUSH KAPOOR sport@wokingham.today
BADMINTON players played hard and fair in the spring version of the 2022 Rangers Sports Badminton Tournament which returned last weekend.
The Badminton tournament was played in the Loddon Valley Leisure centre on Sunday, March 27 following a successful version in autumn last year. The tournament attracted a lot of badminton enthusiasts from the area with 45 teams participating and many members of the public turned up to witness it. The teams were divided in nine groups of five teams each and the top teams were to qualify for the next round playing for two separate Trophies – Champions Cup and Rangers Cup. While most Shuttlers were pleased with their performance in their four group games, only the remaining 16 went on to play in the pre-quarterfinals which produced eight quarterfinalists which were then down to the four semi-finalists for the two cups.
Champions Cup Final Arguably the two most consistent teams made it to the finals and there was not a dull moment in the two set game. Arijit / Bharat took an early lead in the first set but Jack / Jazz filled the deficient before the magic 21st point. The second set was equally interesting with some critical rallies ending on unforced errors on either side. In the end Jack / Jazz held their ground and emerged winner with a 2-0 victory taking them on top on the podium.
Rangers Cup Final
Jamie Griggs celebrates his goal
Eversley & California v Hillingdon Pictures: Richard Milam
Division Two: Barton Rovers 3-2 Calcot Royals, Southbank 1-3 Romania United Division Three: Berkshire Royals 2-0 New England, Burghfield B 1-2 Thames Valley Railway, FC Woodley 3-2 Sanctuary Strikers, RE United 3-1 Royal Albion Division Four: Core FC 4-1 Brothers United, RG6 1-3 FC Whitley Wood,
Bracknell & District Sunday League Premier: Crowthorne Inn 1-2 Bracknell Rangers, Raglan 2-2 Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW Division One: Winnersh Rangers 1-2 FC Showcase Division Two: Bracknell Athletic 2-6 Harts
of Bracknell, Woodley Saints Tigers 0-9 Braybrooke Athletic Cup: Bracknell Spartan Vets 7-2 Ashridge Park, Division Three: Bracknell Bisons 1-2 SF7 Division Four: Bracknell Spartan 1-0 Bracknell Athletic Reserves, Harts of Bracknell Stags 2-1 Wokingham Wanderers
Rangers Cup final was a battle of techniques and power which was equally divided between the two finalists. The first set was balanced and proved to be closer than initially anticipated. Shuja / Zaid took an early lead in the game with a very close 21-19 finish. In the second set Yogi / Keerthi came back stronger with some serious muscle power in their armoury but in the end it was Yogi / Keerthi who took away the glory with a 2-0 win getting their hands on the Rangers cup trophy.
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FOOTBALL
The win sees Kestrels move eight points clear of the relegation zone
CAROLAN STRIKES FAST TO HELP WOODLEY WIN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOODLEY UNITED earned another crucial win after Ciaron Carolan’s wonder goal hit the ball of the net just 14 seconds after kick-off.
Woodley stayed in command during the game against Enfield
Woodley celebrate Picture: Peter Toft
It was a hard-fought victory
Woodley’s defence held out against an Enfield onslaught
United recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season and moved a further place up the league table and in doing so opened up an eight-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone. This league victory was Woodley’s tenth of the season and all have been by a single goal. From Woodley’s kick off, Kai Stubbs-Alleyne’s headed Tahir Carmichael’s forward ball into the path of Ciaron Carolan who with one touch calmly lobbed the advancing Dragos Stefanoaica for his ninth goal of the season. Stefanoaica denied Bevan Van Wyk from extending the score two minutes later, parrying the midfielder’s shot from Monay MillsChandlers’ pass. This was followed by United’s Ashley East using his legs to block an Enfield shot while Dominic Simpson-Last saw his corner kick float in the wind before being cleared at Woodley’s far post in the ninth minute. After this explosive start the half subsided into one of a few half chances and fouls being conceded.
From a Carmichael free kick in the 25th minute Stubbs-Alleyne header over the cross bar. This was shortly followed by Simpson-Last seeing his cross from Enfield’s right hand side going through the hosts’ penalty area and out of play for a throw in. The second half saw the visitors twice denied. Carl Adiku shot took a deflection of Stuart Birkett, hit the post before being cleared for a corner by the recovering defender and Birkett was again called on to clear in the 67th minute when Adam Pollock’ header came back into play having hit the post. During this period of time Woodley had done little to trouble the away goal but Stefanoaica was required in the 70th minute to save Kaylum Barlow’s shot. As the half progressed the game became stretched and defences saved by off-side decisions. The 86th minute saw Barlow flagged off-side from a Deshawn Denny pass, while Enfield’s Kevin Mussunda was similarly penalised a minute into second-half stoppage time. The last action of the game came in the third stoppage time minute when following a foul on Woodley’s Joe Salter on the edge of the visitors’ penalty area, MillsChandler put the resultant free kick over the cross bar.
READING FC WOMEN
WINLESS ROYALS RUN CONTINUES WITH DRAW AT VILLA Reading Women 1 Aston Villa 1
READING FC WOMEN dropped down to eighth in the Women’s Super League after they were pegged back by Aston Villa.
Justine Vanheaevermaet put the Royals in front but they conceded to Ramona Petzelberger to leave them with just a point from their trip to the Midlands. Reading have now gone six games in the WSL without a win. Reading had their chances in the first-half to go in front, one of which came when they stole possession high up the pitch from a loose Villa pass but Natasha Dowie shot harmlessly at Hannah Hampton in the Villa goal.
The hosts tried their luck from a couple of occasions with strikes outside the box only to be denied by Royals keeper Grace Moloney. Kelly Chambers’ team were given the chance to break the deadlock when the referee pointed to the penalty spot in the 69th minute after former Royals defender Maz Pacheco fouled Amalie Eikeland. Vanhaevermaet stepped up to take responsibility from 12 yards out and confidently dispatched the spot-kick which sent Hampton the wrong way to put the Royals ahead. But Villa weren’t down for long and levelled the game up just seven minutes later. Laura Blindkidle got down the right byline and delivered an excellent cross
to find Petzelberger at the back post who towered above to plant a header into the net. Villa had a chance to snatch all three points at the end when another former Royal, Remi Allen, squeezed through the defence, but Moloney got enough of a hand to the ball to prevent it going in before it was cleared. Moloney then did well to keep her cool and tip the ball over the bar following a late Villa corner that was almost diverted into the net by one of her own teammates as the game ended all square. Next up for the Royals is a tricky away test against title pushing Chelsea. The Blues are now in pole
position for their push to be crowned champions for the second consecutive season after they overtook Arsenal into first place after their exceptional nine goal show at Leicester City at the weekend. Emma Hayes’ team were in a ruthless mood as they smashed nine past Leicester without conceding. They raced into a six goal lead by half-time and added three more in the second-half to confirm the thrashing. There were braces for Guro Reiten, Sam Kerr and Beth England, while Aniek Nouwen, Lauren James and Jessie Fleming completed the rout. Despite their contrasting positions
in the table, Reading already have the bragging rights over Chelsea this season after shocking them at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.. The Royals got their first ever WSL win over the Blues in December in what was arguably Reading’s best moment of the season so far. Up against a Chelsea side full of world class talent, including former Royal Fran Kirby, Reading marshalled the Chelsea attack to keep a shut out after forward Deanne Rose stole the show and put Reading in front after four minutes. The Canadian international’s goal proved to be the only goal of the contest as Reading defended resolutely to earn three crucial points.
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HOCKEY
SCHOOLS COMPETE IN ANNUAL CONTEST
Shinfield St Mary’s won gold for their efforts in the annual Wokingham Schools hockey tournament
By CHRIS MANNING sport@wokingham.today
THE annual Wokingham School Games In2Hockey final was held on Thursday, March 17 at Sonning Hockey Club for children in years five and six.
The four teams who made it through via a qualifying round to get to the competition, played in mixed 6-a-side matches. Shinfield St Mary’s CE Junior School won Gold, Hawkedon Primary School, Silver, Radstock Primary School, Bronze with Emmbrook Junior School in fourth place. Chris Manning, from Sonning Hockey club was responsible for engaging club players to umpire the matches. In addition to goals from open play, this year, for the first time, the 4v2 power play was introduced instead of penalty corners. It resulted in lots of exciting goals being scored. Gold medal winners Shinfield St Mary’s CE scored 14 goals and conceded only two. One player, Felix (Year 6) said: “We were incredibly proud of where we got to. We improved game after game and are looking forward to Bisham Abbey, representing not only Shinfield St. Mary’s CE Junior School, but Wokingham, too.” Shinfield St Mary’s and Hawkedon now go through to
Saturday, March 26
FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Aston Villa 1-1 Reading Isthmian South Central Tooting & Mitcham United 0-2 Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 2-2 Reading City Combined Counties Division One Berks County 8-0 Cove Eversley & California 3-1 Hillingdon Borough Woodley United 1-0 Enfield Borough Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s 0-0 Woodley United Royals
represent Wokingham in the Berkshire School Games Final at Bisham Abbey on Tuesday, March 29 where they will compete against winning schools from all over Berkshire. Gwenda Lappin, Wokingham School Games Organiser, said: “We were delighted to host this tournament once again, after a year’s hiatus due to the Covid pandemic. It was wonderful to see so many children enjoying playing hockey, with all matches played in a great spirit.”
Cup FC Imaan Lions 0-10 Finchampstead Windlesham & Chobham 5-3 Wargrave Yateley United 1-0 Hurst Reading YMCA Rapids 1-0 Mortimer Development Berks County Rovers 6-1 Henley Town Development Harchester Hawks 2-0 Farnham Royal Mavericks RUGBY UNION National League One Cinderford 38-17 Rams South West 1 East Bracknell 30-22 Marlborough
Hawkedon Primary will go through to the Berkshire School Games Final
READING FC PREVIEW
ROYALS FACE SEASON DEFINING CLASH AGAINST RELEGATION RIVALS
Flashback: The Royals were the better side in their home fixture against Barnsley last October Picture: Steve Smyth
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING travel to take on Barnsley at Oakwell in a relegation battle that could be season-defining.
With both teams fighting for their lives for Championship survival, the Royals head into the match five points clear of Barnsley who are in 22nd. Paul Ince’s men went into the international break with renewed hope after they picked up a valuable away point at Bournemouth before they beat Blackburn Rovers to improve their survival chances. Since their costly defeat away to Derby County earlier in the month, the Tykes have picked up five points from their last four games. They were pegged back late by both Stoke City and Fulham and had to settle for draw, but picked up a vital win at home to Bristol City. However, they were dealt defeat at Sheffield United in
RESULTS
their last game prior to the break to leave them still in the relegation places. 36-year-old Barnley manager Poya Asbaghi will face Reading for the first time after taking charge at Oakwell in November. While Reading will be hoping to complete a league double over Barnsley that could be pivotal to securing life in the Championship. Reading earned three points at the Select Car Leasing Stadium over the Tykes in October thanks to John Swift’s superb solo effort
in the 77th minute. Barnsley have conceded 19 fewer goals than the Royals this season, but their problems have mainly come at the other end of the pitch where they have scored less goals than any other team in the division this season. They have found thet net just 28 times from 38 games which has put them in serious danger of facing the drop to League One just a year after reaching the play-offs last year under previous head coach Valerien Ismael.
RUGBY UNION
BERKSHIRE BRIGANDS TO HOST RUGBY FESTIVAL BERKSHIRE Brigands are set to host an exciting mixed ability rugby festival at Windsor Rugby Club.
Taking place on Saturday, April 9, the community rugby team that welcomes players with learning disabilities, autism and other barriers, and those without, from ages 17 and above will host a day filled with rugby action. Berkshire Brigands was formed in September 2020 in the first year of the Covid pandemic. Despite that, the club grew and thrived quickly, surviving lockdowns and restrictions to have a regular core of 20-25 players who train twice weekly and have played several matches and tournaments against other mixed ability sides, and also touch games with mainstream rugby teams. The players come from a wide range of backgrounds and ability levels are truly mixed, which is the essence of the Mixed Ability Sport ethos. Players support and encourage each other and skill levels are improving all the time. They will now host their inaugural mixed ability rugby festival that will take place at Windsor Rugby Club. 12 mixed ability rugby teams from across the country will play a mixture of contact and tag rugby matches between 12pm – 3pm, with presentations and awards at 4pm. To make the day more special and inclusive to all there will also be a DJ, food outlets and the Windsor RFC clubhouse and bar.
HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Surbiton 2s v Reading South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning 6-1 Reading 3s South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 2-5 Marlow South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 7-0 Havant 2s South Central Women’s Division 3 South Berkshire 0-1 Wallingford
Sunday, March 27
Tuesday, March 29 FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Kensington & Ealing Boro Woodley United v Chalvey Sports FC Deportivo Galicia v Eversley & California
FIXTURES
Saturday, April 2
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Barnsley v Reading Isthmian South Central Binfield v Uxbridge Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v Windsor Sumas v Burnham Combined Counties Division One British Airways v Berks County Kensington & Ealing v Eversley & California Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Wraysbury Finchampstead v Reading City U23’s Reading YMCA v Maidenhead Town Westwood Wanderers v Wargrave RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Birmingham Moseley South West1 East Oxford Harlequins v Bracknell HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Reading v Wimbledon 2s South Central Men’s Division 1 Oxford 2s v Sonning South Central Women’s Premier 1 Oxford v Sonning South Central Men’s Premier 2 Oxford Hawks 2s v South Berkshire South Central Women’s Division 1 Oxford Hawks 3s v South Berkshire
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Oxford City 4-1 Woodley United
Sunday, April 3
Southern Region Women’s Division 1 South Bournemouth Sports 8-1 Eversley & California
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Winchester City Flyers v Woodley United
Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United 6-1 Stonesfield Strikers Wargrave 2-3 Tilehurst Panthers
Southern Region Women’s Division One South Eversley & California v AFC Stoneham
HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading 3-1 Canterbury
FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Chelsea v Reading
Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham United v Wargrave Cup Tilehurst Panthers v Mortimer