3 GREAT READS: NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE
Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Bus firm welcomes government support
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ALE TRAIL RETURNS TO READING P3
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today PLANS to support bus services with £150 million of funding has been welcomed by Reading Buses.
Last week, the Government announced it would continue to support bus and light rail operators across England as the country emerges from the pandemic. Passenger numbers are still to recover to normal levels, and it is hoped that this new support will be the final funding support needed. The aim is to help local authorities to work closely with bus companies to enhance routes and services. Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “As we look ahead and continue our work to overhaul services and build back better from the pandemic, this funding will also help authorities and operators work together to provide even better services for people right across the country.” The Government is investing over £3 billion into bus services by 2025, including £1.2 billion to improve fares, services and infrastructure, and a further £525 million for zero emission buses. Reading Buses’ chief executive officer Robert Williams said: “We welcome the extension of the Bus Recovery Grant as the original recovery timeline was heavily disrupted by Omicron. “With the government having spent so much money keeping services running during the pandemic, it would have been an absolute waste to force services to be reduced or withdrawn before a recovery had been allowed to take place.” He added: “We continue to welcome more and more customers back onto our frequent, excellent value and low carbon services, and whilst we face significant cost pressures from the increases to National Insurance and fuel prices, the recovery funding will help.”
PANCAKE RACE P10 PICTURE SPECIAL
TOGETHER: Town unites to support Ukraine • pages 8-9
‘SHED CENTRE OPENS DOORS Vulnerable EXCLUSIVE
can access help, clothes, homeware and more
By DANIEL BLACKHAM news@rdg.today
A BERKSHIRE charity has opened its second support centre to meet with increased demand.
The Cowshed’s new centre, based in Whitley enables people to access quality clothes and other essentials for free to anyone in need. The charity 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. Since being founded in 2018, the charity has been based at its HQ in Hurst but due to increased demand for their services, and a rise in donations, a second centre was needed. n Continued on page 11
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Licence revoked: Taxi driver loses appeal over safety fears A CAB driver who lost his licence after being caught jumping a red light, speeding and failing to give way has lost an appeal to have it restored. Joynal Abdin, 41, of Belmont Road faced Reading Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee in June last year, following a statement from a Licensing and Enforcement Officer who witnessed Mr Abdin driving dangerously and showing a lack of consideration for other drivers. In their statement, the officer recounted that on Saturday, April 10 last year, whilst travelling along The Meadway, Tilehurst, they witnessed a black Mercedes belonging to Mr Abdin jump a red light, fail to give way at a roundabout, break the 30mph speed limit, and make an illegal right turn. Mr Abdin was later found to not have the appropriate insurance from February 26 last year. The Sub-Committee revoked his licence with immediate effect on public safety grounds, agreeing
Police raid pub
CANCELLED: Joynal Adbin will not have his cab licence restored that the driver’s standards fell well below that to be considered fit and proper to hold a private hire vehicle driver’s licence in Reading. At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court last month, Mr Abdin’s appeal was dismissed after magistrates found the Licensing Officer’s evidence to be more credible than Mr Abdin’s. As a result, Mr Abdin was ordered to pay legal costs of £1,700 to Reading
Borough Council. Cllr Tony Page, lead councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, said: “This is another excellent result from the council’s licensing team who work hard to enforce regulations in place to protect the travelling public. “I sincerely hope the outcome of this case will deter any drivers from contravening the law, as such activity will not be tolerated.”
Gym instructor jailed for raping girl during 1970s By STAFF WRITER news@rdg.today A GYMNASTICS instructor who groomed and raped victims has been jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of historic offences.
Jeffrey Quirk, now 74 and from Reading Road in Stratfield Turgis, was found guilty by a unanimous jury sitting at Reading Crown Court of four counts of rape, and four indecent assaults. He was jailed on Friday, March 4. Quirk was acquitted of two other counts of rape. The court heard that all the offences occurred in the mid- to late1970s, while working as a gymnastics instructor. Quirk targeted his victim, who was then a teenager, by sexual grooming
at locations in both Berkshire and Surrey. The court heard that he groomed both her and her family and embarked on a pattern of sexual abuse over a long period, raping and indecently assaulting her on numerous occasions. He assaulted his victim in a number of locations, including schools, vehicles and his own addresses. Quirk was reported to Thames Valley Police in April 2019, via Operation Hydrant, which was established in 2014 to provide operational coordination for non-recent child sexual abuse investigations involving people of public prominence and where offending took place within an institution. He was charged via a postal requisition on Friday, April 16, last year.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Kathryn Webb of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, said: “This has been a lengthy investigation that has only been possible due to the courage of the victim who was abused by an older man who was in a position of trust. “She has had to live with the consequences of Quirk’s actions for nearly 50 years, and we are pleased to see that justice has now been served. “Thames Valley Police take all reports of sexual abuse seriously, no matter what the passage of time. “Anyone wishing to make a report should contact 101. “We are committed to investigating non-recent offences, and will always look to put offenders before the courts.”
AN OXFORD ROAD pub was one of five venues targeted by police in an early morning drugs raid. Thames Valley Police said they have arrested five people in Reading on suspicion of supplying class A drugs. Under Section 8 of the PACE Act officers from the force executed warrants to addresses in Grovelands Road, Dee Road, St Georges Road, Goldsmid Road and at The Royal Albion pub on Friday, March 4. A quantity of drugs, believed to be class A – the strongest kind – have been recovered, along with a number of weapons. Four men, aged 20, 38, 37 and 41, and a 36-year-old woman, all from Reading, have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. Anyone with any information relating to drug dealing is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, or for 100% anonymity, via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
West Street theft THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a robbery in Reading. Police reported that at around 4.15am on Wednesday, February 23, a man was assaulted and had a black backpack stolen on West Street, near to the Oxford Road, in Reading. The offender is described by police as being a black man with short, curly dark hair. Becky Oliver, detective constable at Reading police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who saw this incident, or who has any information which could help our investigation, to get in touch.” Anyone with information is asked to contact the police via 101, quoting reference number: 43220063996. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Follow the Reading Ale Trail to discover a new favourite
Pulling a pint of real ale at Saturday’s launch of Reading Ale Trail at The Retreat
A group of trailers begin their Reading Ale Trail sticker collection at The Retreat
A Reading Ale Trail regular, pint and sticker book in hand, is happy to be back on the road
By NATALIE BURTON news@rdg.today THE READING Ale Trail was officially launched on Saturday with a party in a pub.
A special event to celebrate its return after a two year absence was held in The Retreat on St John’s Street, Reading. Real ale fans turned up throughout the day to pick up a booklet and collect their first stickers before heading off to some of the other pubs on this year’s list. Organisers decided to go ahead with the trail despite the cancellation of this year’s Reading Beer and Cider Festival. The full list was announced last month, but trailers had to wait until Saturday to pick up the official guide. Pubs are chosen by a team from the Reading and Mid Berkshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale from across its area, which extends out to Tilehurst, Shinfield, Burghfield and Knowl Hill. They are selected based on a number of criteria, including accessibility of location and the selection of real ales and ciders available to punters. Participants then visit each of the featured bars, buy a pint or half pint of real ale or cider, and collect a unique sticker to mark their trip. Designated drivers of those buying alcohol on the trail will also receive a sticker.
Real ale fans enjoy a pint at The Retreat
A booklet containing the full details of this year’s trail can be bought from The Retreat, Nags Head and Alehouse, all in Reading. They cost £2 each and there is a limited run of 700 available. The pubs taking part are: The Greyfriar, The Alehouse, The Allied Arms, The Castle Tap, The Nags Head, The Butler, The Victoria in Tilehurst, The Fox & Hounds in Tilehurst, The Griffin in Caversham, The Fox & Hounds in Caversham, Loddon Tap Room in Dunsden Green, The Hop Leaf, Park House at the University of Reading, The Turks Head, The Retreat, The Weather Station, The Three Tuns, The Horse & Groom in Hare Hatch, The Royal Oak in Knowl Hill, The Bell in Waltham St Lawrence, The Crispin in Wokingham, The George & Dragon in Swallowfield, The Elm Tree in Beech Hill, The Six Bells in Burghfield. n For more information on this year’s trail, visit: reading.camra.org.uk/aletrail
Reading’s new radio station goes on air THE HUB, a new internet radio station, went on the air on Saturday with a broadcast hosted by Mr Marvellous. The Hub is a new project from the Aurora Family, a community interest company which provides activities and safe spaces. The station is now broadcasting from its namesake, The Hub, a multifunctional space on Cholmeley Road in east Reading. The station is streamed through the iLive website, mobile app, or via TuneIn, Amazon Echo, AppleTV, and iTunes Radio. Nancy Magon, Aurora Family’s safeguarding, said the work the group was doing was just getting started: “The radio station is the final pillar of what we want to build.” Ms Magon said that all of the staff at the station were local. “Aurora Family is all about community work, and we’re opening up the station to work experience for students from Reading College. “We want to introduce young people to strengths they didn’t know they had.” To celebrate the first broadcast, Aurora hosted a party at Up The Junction, featuring music from Eagle Bliss, Ezra, and Eclipse the Darkness. From The Hub, Aurora Family provides community events, including yoga classes, chess club, art workshops, and self-defence teaching, some of which are free to attend. Ms Magon, who has worked in social care in Reading for more than 10 years, said that many young people were finding it hard to get back into society. “People are starting to come out to events again, but it can be difficult connecting people and reducing isolation.” Ms Magon said that the company would continue to strive to support families and the community in different ways: “We want to expand into more events, with more classes and workshops, and we’re still building. “Watch this space.” The station’s platform, iLive, is run by volunteers. They also provide training opportunities for those who wish to learn studio production skills, and other aspects of running an internet radio station.
- ‘’Dram Lovers’’ - Whisky Club 13th March at 5pm A 'club' is just a name.We bring open-minded, thirsty for knowledge and adventure Whisk(e)y lovers and guide them on their journey through our selection of interesting Whiskies. At Chalk Restaurant the idea is to learn and discover new whisky at each of our tastings. Each whisky has a story behind it , to the flavours, and the distillery and all these stories add up to the finished product, the product you are about to taste at each of our events. So whether you’re a whisky fanatic or just beginning your own whisky journey, join us at Chalk to socialise and learn more.
Welcome Cocktail | Whisk(e)y Tasting | Finish off with a glencairn glass of your favourite dram
Whisky Selection - Speyside | Cardhu 12 Years Old | Discovery Glenrothes 11 Years Old | Balvenie 14 Years Old Caribbean Cask | Craigellachie 13 Years Old Once you’ve developed an appetite, we invite you to stay for dinner with a very special twenty percent off food. £29.95 per person
Pulling a pint of real ale at Saturday’s launch of Reading Ale Trail at The Retreat
Real ale fans enjoy a pint at The Retreat
To book please call us direct on 0118 979 8805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU
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Reading Haydn Choir to return THE Reading Haydn Choir is set to perform at St Joseph’s College on Saturday, March 26. Directed by Mandy Kesel, the choir has been running more than 30 years. Beginning originally with religious music, the group has since diversified and now performs a wide range of styles, including jazz and classical. Doors open at 7.30pm on Saturday, March 26, at St Joseph’s College on Saturday, March 26. Tickets are £12 in advance, £14 on the door, and just £5 for under-19s. n To book, email rdghaydnchoir+tickets@ gmail.com.
Tea for Ukraine A READING café is to hold a fundraising event for a Ukraine emergency appeal this week. Whittingtons Tea Barge, moored on the river Thames at Hill’s Meadow, is hosting the one-off curry and quiz night on Friday, March 11. Tickets are £25 per person and teams are limited to a maximum of six. All profits will go to the appeal by Reading Ukrainian Community Centre to support its homeland. n For more information or to book, contact the tea barge online via: facebook.com/pg/ whittingtonsteabarge
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
54 eco-friendly homes to be built in Chatham Street By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
A NEW development is planned for a Reading town centre site, with all 54 homes planned to be eco-friendly and affordable.
Development company Abri says it has bought land at 115 Chatham Street, close to the multi-storey car park and The Butler pub. It is part of a £15 million project from the company to build at least 12,500 new homes by 2030. And the company says that because its values include everyone having the right to a safe, warm and sustainable home, it is aiming to tackle climate change through its builds. This means the 54 homes will be heated solely by air source heat pumps with no gas boilers on site. The air source heat pumps which extract renewable heat from the outside air, and are considered to be a greener alternative to gas. Forty two of the homes will be available to buy through a shared ownership scheme,
SUCCESS: The Growing Solidarity project at Hempen Cooperative in Goring Heath
Charities award project Garden of Sanctuary status NEW LOOK: An artist’s impression of the 54 new homes which will be built in Chatham Street, just around the corner from The Butler pub while 12 of the homes will be available to rent. There will be 27 one-bedroom homes, 25 two-beds and two three-beds. And each will be built through the company’s own construction management team. Work is expected to begin this summer, on the site of the former Bottomline Technologies Europe offices. Gavin Board, Senior Land Manager at Abri said: “One of our priorities is to make sure Abri has a carbon neutral impact
and by moving away from gas heating we’re helping to make these homes sustainable long term. “Abri is committed to building at least 1,500 new homes a year by 2030 and using our own in-house construction team will help us make sure the homes are of the very best quality. “We want to improve opportunities for home ownership for more people and these affordable homes will do that in an area where they’re so vitally needed.”
A VEGETABLE growing outreach programme has been recognised for its work with refugees. Reading Refugee Support Group and Reading City of Sanctuary awarded Hempen with garden of sanctuary status last month. The farming not-for-profit cooperative, based in Goring Heath, launched the Growing Solidarity project with RRSG in 2019. It aims to provide refugees and asylum seekers supported by RRSG with an opportunity to experience the outdoors, grow their own crops and make friends. Hempen founder Patrick Gillett said that he is proud of the group’s achievement. “The group makes use of a polytunnel which would
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ROYAL Berkshire Hospital is one of the NHS services across three counties that worked together to reduce wait times for ocular surgery. Trusts in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire cooperated on reducing the backlog of patients who need eye surgery. The backlog included some patients who had to wait more than six months after referral. Ophthalmology departments from the trusts worked more closely with one another and pushed for increased surgical activity in a two-week period in January. More than 700 ophthalmology operations
Free bus rides a success A CHRISTMAS gift has seen bus usage increase, according to official figures released last week. Reading Buses offered free rides to people using the Newbury & District Jet Black routes on two Saturdays in December. The scheme funded by West Berkshire Council saw more than 1,500 people use the service on the first week, and more than 2,000 the second.
were performed in the two week surge, with Royal Berkshire Hospital, West Berkshire Community Hospital, and the Prince Charles Eye Unit in Windsor completing 315 cataract surgeries, corneal transplants and squint operations across the period. This represented around 50% more than usual, Dom Hardy, chief operating officer for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “the past several years have seen us face unprecedented challenges and high levels of demand.” “We’re really proud of the innovative work being done by teams like Ophthalmology to reduce waiting lists.” The bus company said that this was 10% better than in 2019, the last pre-covid Christmas. Jake Osman, marketing and communications manager for the Great Knollys Street based firm, said that the initiative was a “great incentive” to get people on the buses, especially at a time when people had been avoiding public transport due to covid. “This was designed to ease congestion and promote more environmentally and sustainable ways to travel,” Mr Osman said.
otherwise have been empty,” he said. “Farm volunteers Sophie Gale and Tom Venner Woodcock thought it could be used to support people who would otherwise be vulnerable to food insecurity. “It felt good, as part of the vision for the farm is outreach to marginalised groups and there has been amazing enthusiasm for Growing Solidarity.” The polytunnels were empty as the farm had its hemp growing licence revoked by the Home Office in July 2019. Hempen is campaigning for hemp licensing rules to be changed. It is also looking for volunteers to support the Growing Solidarity project. n For more information, visit: hempen.co.uk
Meet comic book artist at Reading’s Crunch Comics this Saturday THE ARTIST behind one of the breakout hits of 2020 is coming to a Reading store on Saturday for a signing. Martin Simmonds is part of the creative team behind Images Comics’ series Department of Truth. The series tells the tale of Cole Turner, a man who has spent a lifetime studying conspiracy theories, but has his life changed when he finds out that they are all true, from the JFK assassination to flat Earth theory and reptilian shapeshifters. One organisation has been covering them up for generations. What is the deep, dark secret behind the Department of Truth? The series has been collected into graphic novel format, as well as an ongoing series. Artist Martin will be visiting Crunch Comics in the Harris Arcade from 1pm to meet fans and sign copies of his work. n For more details, log on to www.crunchcomics.com
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Selco supports local club with football kit giveaway By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
SQUAD GOALS: The Reading YMCA Under 10s team are looking smart in their new kit, donated by Selco Builders Warehouse
A JUNIOR football team in Reading is enjoying the perfect start to the new year by getting its hands on a stylish new kit – thanks to a builders’ merchant.
On the back of an unforgettable summer of football which saw England reach the final of Euro 2020, Selco Builders Warehouse offered a special incentive for teams wanting to give its youngsters a surprise following the disruption caused by the pandemic. Selco has given away 10 sets of kits to junior teams across the UK playing at under 16 level or younger who compete in a recognised league. And among them are the Reading YMCA football club’s Under 10 team. Jamie Froude was thrilled that the team now have the new kit to enjoy. “We would like to say a massive thank you to Selco Builders Warehouse, the kits are absolutely fantastic,” he said. “Like nearly all sectors of society, junior football clubs up and down the country have been heavily affected
by the pandemic. It’s been difficult both financially but also in terms of the mental wellbeing of the children, so it’s been great to get them back playing matches this season. “The reaction we had from the kids and their parents when we showed them the new kits was so positive and it’s given them a much-needed boost after a tough period in their young lives. “We cannot thank Selco enough for putting smiles
back on the faces of our players.” The donation has also pleased Selco, which has a branch in Portman Road. The company’s marketing director, Carin Jessamine, said that the company is delighted to be supporting the club. “It’s really important that we continue to give something back to the communities in which we operate, and grassroots sports is integral to the lives of our customers, colleagues and the wider public,” she said.
“After such an unbelievable summer of football following the performance of the England team, we felt that it was a good opportunity to continue the feel-good factor as children started returning to the pitch with their teammates. “I would like to take this opportunity to wish Reading YMCA the very best of luck for the remainder of the season, and hopefully the new kits will inspire them to a fantastic run of results.”
WELCOME: AlokSharma visited CGI in Green Park to meet people in its WorkFit programme. It empowers people with Down’s Syndrome into employment and career opportunities
MP’s praise for IT firm A GREEN PARK-based IT and business consultancy firm welcomed a special visit from Reading West MP Alok Sharma last week. CGI, which has more than 900 employees at its Reading office, used the visit to showcase the firm’s work in managing Critical National Infrastructure projects, including work for the UK Government, Policing and Energy and Utilities industry. Mr Sharma met with professionals from across the UK operations of the global IT and business consultancy firm, including Tara McGeehan, president of CGI in the UK and Australia, and Michael Herron, senior Vice President for Central Government and CGI’s Global lead for Net-Zero. The organisation has also recently started working with WorkFit, the Down’s Syndrome Association’s employment programme, and during his visit Mr Sharma met with some of those employed through the scheme in the on-site café. Ms McGeehan said: “As a major
employer in the Reading area and an active member of the COP Business Leaders Forum, it was great to meet with Alok in person to discuss our local community activities and what responsible businesses can do for a more sustainable world. “We were able to share our sustainability plans here at CGI to reach net-zero by 2026 in the UK and how we are enabling clients achieve their plans through digital technology.” Mr Sharma was pleased to make the visit, saying it was very enjoyable and informative. “I learnt about their support for the Down’s Syndrome Association WorkFit employment programme, tech sustainability programme to tackle climate change and work on the smart meter rollout. “I was also pleased to meet an organisation which puts a priority on being a responsible business, in terms of supporting the local community and the wider environment.” CGI was founded in 1976, and has 82,000 consultants across the globe.
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
KEEP EMMER GREEN CAMPAIGN
Campaigners protest in the rain ahead of decision
TO BE HOMES: The Reading Golf Club site seen from the air Picture: LDRS
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today MORE than 200 protestors gathered in pouring rain on Wednesday night in a last-ditch bid to prevent a golf course from being turned into housing.
The protest took place outside Reading Borough Council’s civic offices ahead of a meeting of its planning committee. While the council met to discuss plans to redevelop parts of Reading Golf Club, campaigners from Keep Emmer Green (KEG) made their voice heard against the plans to demolish the golf course – which has closed – and build 223 homes on the site. Planning officers at the council had recommended approval of the plans, and in the meeting a majority of councillors agreed with them. However, members of the Keep Emmer Green campaign say the plans would not only cause problems for nearby residents and wildlife, but also contradict the council’s own local plan. KEG campaigners believe
Committee approves plans
SPEAKING UP: Keep Emmer Green protesters outside the council offices Picture: Jake Clothier this contradicts the council’s own local plan, adopted in 2019, which aims to provide more affordable housing, while reducing the impact of climate change. They argue that the proposed development could see a drop in biodiversity in the area, also contrary to the local plan. Ian Morgan, a member of
Keep Emmer Green, said: “The local plan is there because the council plan what local infrastructure can take. “They plan for services and housing requirements, but even in the council office’s response to this application they say there is no requirement for housing.” As the planning permission
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meeting continued, protesters chanted calls of “RBC, stick to the plan” and “dirty air, don’t you care?” Mr Morgan said: “The application is against many other policies, like the protection of local land. “If they can’t defend it, then what was the point of the local plan.”
PLANS to turn an Emmer Green golf course into a new 223-home estate have been approved. On Wednesday night, members of Reading Borough Council’s planning committee voted in favour of the scheme, despite fierce opposition. The site at Reading Golf Club has been subject to multiple planning applications with a previous application for 257 homes refused after more than 3,000 objections. Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for culture, heritage and recreation, said: “I take good heart that there is affordable housing which is going to help families who really need these properties. “The opportunity for real affordable housing, and not as flats, is really an incredible thing that we can’t overlook.” Cllr Rowland did express “extreme concern” over the
climate change impact and the effects on biodiversity at the site but “on balance” voted in favour of the plans. Proposals show 67 affordable homes in total with 12 four-bedroom homes, four three-bedroom homes available through shared ownership and 13 properties available through social rent. A spokesperson for KEG said on social media: “Our local councillors were aware the planning meeting was predetermined so have already requested that the application is called in by the Secretary of State for housing. “We will be working with local community groups, and our local councillors, to get this application subjected to proper scrutiny which was sadly lacking this evening.” Nine councillors voted in favour, three were against and one abstained.
Leisure centre to get revamp WORK starts this week on a Tilehurst leisure centre as part of the council’s £40 million investment in the town’s facilities. When complete, users of The Meadway can enjoy a larger gym area, a new dedicated studio space, enhanced changing rooms, and a refurbishment of the squash court. Work is expected to take three months, and during this time, the gym will be closed. The swimming pool will remain open, and it is planned to revamp the wetside changing rooms later in the year. Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for sport, said: “Despite the unprecedented challenges of the past two years, the Council and our leisure partners, GLL, remain fully committed to delivering the modern leisure facilities a town of our size and status deserves. “By spring 2023, Reading will boast a 25m eight-lane competition pool with dedicated diving provision at Rivermead
What’s the cost of green energy? THE climate emergency and rising energy bills are causing many of us to look at alternative means of generating electricity. A new talk next week from
COMING SOON: The gym at The Meadway in Tilehurst will be given a makeover Picture: Reading Borough Council and by winter 2022 a brand new 25m six-lane community pool at Palmer Park, linked to existing sports facilities – combining the benefits of a sizable pool, velodrome and athletics stadium all in one accessible location – delivering a fairly unique facility in the region and putting Reading firmly on the map as a top sports destination.” He continued: “As well as the improved facilities across all leisure sites being delivered over the next year, there is also a drive to increase physical activity, health and wellbeing
RISC will explore the cost of green energy. Asad Reham, the dynamic director of War on Want, will talk about the materials used in green power, such as windmills, solar panels, and electric cars. They will ask if we using the materials in a sustainable way? The talk will also look at
across the borough, with weight management courses, cardiac and cancer rehabilitation and targeted work in the community to reach those in most need and work towards reducing health inequalities.” Craig Woodward is GLL’s Partnership Manager for Reading. The company runs the council’s leisure facilities. He said the improvement work at Meadway Leisure Centre is great news. “The benefits these updated facilities will offer the local community are invaluable. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of keeping physically active and maintaining a healthy weight,” he said. “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.”
the people who produce the materials and whether they are being treated fairly. It takes place at RISC in London Street from 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 16. A Zoom link is also available for viewing from home.
n For more details, search Facebook for ‘Green Energy – costing the earth?’
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Mixed ability rugby pioneers score community funding By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A RUGBY club is looking to expand after being awarded a special grant.
Berkshire’s first mixed ability rugby team, the Berkshire Brigands, has received funding from the Community Fund, a joint initiative between the University of Reading and the John Sykes Foundation. Set up by Colin Stonehouse, a member of the Security team at the university, the club is open to anyone over 16, regardless of whether they have a disability or not. He was inspired to start it after his youngest son, Duncan, wanted to play rugby like his older brother Drew. However, he has Down Syndrome, which prevents him from taking part in contact rugby. The Community Fund backing will help the Brigands become a team that can play other mixed ability teams, social sides and regular club teams across the country. And it could help them take part in the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament, the equivalent of the Rugby World Cup. This takes place in Ireland in June.
TACKLING DIVERSITY: The Berkshire Brigands has received a grant from the University of Reading and the John Sykes Foundation The team has been awarded financial support to help them provide additional training for four coaches and volunteers. Head coach Duncan Jones said: “I coach the Brigands because I strongly believe in complete inclusivity in sport. Because of rugby, I have been able to travel around the world and make amazing lifetime memories. “I feel anyone should be able to reap the many benefits of team sport, whether that be making lifelong friendships, challenging yourself or just feeling part of something. “Leading as a coach for Berkshire’s first mixed
ability rugby team, is incredibly inspiring to me. It is giving people in Berkshire who beforehand may have felt it to be a huge obstacle, an opportunity to join a rugby team,” The club is open to new players, and it has a focus on rugby union’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship is valued by both players and their families. “My 21-year-old son went to play with the Berkshire Brigands, and I couldn’t believe it,” one parent said. “It was the first time in 12 years he had been anywhere
without me. It’s the best part of his life.” Kate Stonehouse is team manager for the Brigands, and Duncan’s mum. She said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received since suggesting the idea, and how committed everyone has been to making it happen. “And it is finally happening. “Duncan is playing rugby with his brother, and with other like-minded players, with learning disabilities and autism and without.” She continued: “The standard of rugby is astonishing, and just watching is a truly joyful experience. We are already finding that wherever Duncan goes, he is finding others equally loving their rugby, and ready to offer friendship rooted in it.” The Community Fund was launched in April last year, by the University of Reading and the John Sykes Foundation. It offers financial support to projects that benefit the people and community of Reading. This is the first year of a two-year pilot, with both organisations contributing financially.
JAILED: Conall BascombeMcCarthy and Preston Francis
Two jailed after being caught with heroin and cocaine wraps TWO WHITLEY men have been jailed for possession of the class A drugs heroin and cocaine, following a trial at Reading Crown Court. Conall Bascombe-McCarthy, 29, and of Byworth Close, was sentenced to five years and 10 months for possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug – cocaine and possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug – heroin. Preston Francis, 22, and of Alphington Road, was sentenced to three years for possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug – cocaine, possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug – heroin, and driving without a license and no insurance. Francis pleaded guilty to the offences while Bacombe-McCarthy was found guilty by a jury verdict. The pair were sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Monday, February 28. The offences date back to May last year, when the pair attempted
to escape from police in a VW Polo, before leaving the vehicle in Merton Road South. However, Francis left a mobile phone in the car, which was found by police. McCarthy was located hiding behind some bins, along with 26 wraps of cocaine and heroin. He was arrested on the spot, while Francis was arrested a day later. Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Jon Nicholls of the Thames Valley Police Stronghold team, based at Reading police station, said: “We will proactively and robustly target offenders. “We constantly aim to disrupt and pursue offenders involved in the supply of drugs. “The information from the public around the drug supply offences in Reading plays an important role in our investigations. “If you have any information we would encourage you to report it to us by calling 101 or through the online reporting on our website.”
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
UKRAINE INVASION
MP and mayor speak at peace vigil MORE than 200 people gathered in Reading’s town centre on Friday to show solidarity with Ukraine. Speakers included Reading East MP Matt Rodda, and mayor Cllr Rachel Eden. Many attending lit candles, or held placards and banners calling for peace, after the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops acting on the orders of president Putin. Attendees gathered from 6pm outside Reading town hall. Reading Peace Group organised the vigil, and member Pete Burt said the it was the largest such gathering in nearly 20 years. “It’s the biggest protest in Reading since 2003 for the Iraq war,” he explained. “Tonight, there were two mayors, a bishop, an MP, and more than 200 people, and I thank them all.” Attendees heard a number of speakers, including Mayor Rachel Eden. “Our voices will not be drowned, we stand with our Ukrainian friends and family, and we feel their anger and their pride,” she said. “Here, we can feel powerless, helpless even, but we have power. “The Ukrainian community has always been part of our past, part of our present, and they will be part of our future. “To our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, this is your town,
and those here tonight to show support are your neighbours, your friends, and your family.” Mr Rodda said: “This is a clear message that we wholly support Ukraine”. He said the Ukrainian community has contributed to the town’s way of life for more 50 years. “I fully support the connections between Reading and Ukraine, and hope that the community knows that it has two homes: one in Ukraine and one here,” he continued Mr Rodda also encouraged attendees to contact their local MPs. “There’s growing consensus for increasing pressure on our government to do more,” he said. “We need unity, and we need to work together. “Justice will prevail.” Kate Nikulina also spoke, and said that she was ethnically Russian, but had come from Estonia. Like many Russians, she does not support Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. “I have friends in Ukraine, and friends in Russia. Many asked me to support the vigil because they couldn’t risk their lives,” she said. “Russians are scared too, for it is they who will have to overthrow Putin, but they asked to come here today with the message: peace to Ukraine, freedom to Russia.”
Among those attending were the Bishop of Reading (right) Pictures: Steve Smyth
A protester wears traditional Ukrainian national dress A spokesman for the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre said he was proud his country’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, saying, “He is our Churchill.” He also expressed his thanks to those from Poland
and Bulgaria who had offered support, to Cllr Eden, as well as the council. “And especially I thank the people of Reading, for your incredible donations, your help, and your kindness.”
Mick Pollek, also a member of the RUCC, said: “I’m a Reading boy. I was born in Newtown, on Leopold Road. “One day, Ukraine will be free again. “We will prevail, and then I
invite you all for a drink in our capital, Kyiv.” Not all those who gathered were in full support. One woman from the crowd interrupted to shout “But what are you going to do?”
Labour call for action on Russian donations By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today READING Labour has called on Alok Sharma to forward Russian donations to support Ukrainians.
According to the Daily Mail, the West Reading MP has received £25,000 in donations from businesses associated with Russian businessman, Alexander Temerko. Currently director of Aquind, an energy company based in the UK, Mr Temerko has personally donated more than £700,000 to the Conservative party. In an open letter to Mr Sharma, Cllr Sophia James, chair of Reading Labour party and Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, have requested Mr Sharma donate £25,000 to groups supporting Ukrainian refugees. The open letter can be read in full below: Dear Alok, We are writing with regard to the tragedy that is unfolding as a result of Vladimir Putin’s war of aggression against Ukraine. This is a war that has, rightly, been condemned internationally. It is a war without justification and is
being perpetrated against a free democratic state. Moreover, it is clear that Russian forces are targeting residential areas of Ukrainian cities, already resulting in a number of civilian deaths. Targeting civilians is, as you will know, a war crime. We are therefore sure that people in Reading West, and across Reading, would be disturbed to learn that you have received £25,000 in donations from businesses associated with Alexander Temerko, a Russian businessman who has spoken in positive terms about one of Vladimir Putin’s closest allies, Nikolai Patrushev, the head of Russia’s Security Council. We stand by Ukraine through this appalling attack on human rights, democracy and freedom. Given that sanctions make returning donations to Mr Temerko’s companies inappropriate, we are therefore asking that you make a donation equivalent to the
amount that you received to one of the charities that is supporting Ukrainian refugees. Yours sincerely, Cllr Sophia James Cllr Jason Brock Chair of Reading Labour Party Leader of Reading Borough Council. In response to the letter, Mr Sharma said: “Individuals have to be on the UK electoral register in order to give to a UK political party, and companies have to be UK registered. “These donations have been have been declared in line with Parliamentary rules and were published with full transparency on the Register of Members’ Interests. “In your letter you make reference to Alexander Temerko, who I would note is a Ukrainian-born British citizen, and has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” Mr Sharma joined Cllr Brock and Cllr James in condemning the invasion of Ukraine, calling it “illegal and barbaric”.
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halve UKRAINE INVASION Screeings BREAST cancer screenings in
Generous donations made to appeal By JAKE CLOTHIER news@rdg.today VOLUNTEERS from Reading’s Ukrainian Community Centre say they have been overwhelmed by donations on Saturday, March 5, for the second time in seven days.
Following an appeal for donations of items such as clothes and first aid supplies to the centre, volunteers helped to coordinate donation efforts at the community centre in aid of those in need in Ukraine. Appeals for blankets, socks, sanitary products and medical supplies were made in Reading Today and on social media, and the centre opened to receive donations from 10am. The centre had filled up before noon, and had to stop accepting donations due to a lack of space, with items piled up around the front and the side of the building. Pawlo Woloszyn, former chairman of the Sidmouth Street centre, said that the donations had been overwhelming, and the levels of support the centre received was unbelievable. “We had support right across the board, people working right until the end of the day. “They wouldn’t even stop for tea.” Despite the support that the community had been shown, Mr Woloszyn said that Ukrainians still felt powerless.
“We’re frustrated, and we’re angry, because we are here, and they are there. During a peace vigil which was held to show support for Ukraine in Reading on Friday, March 4, MP Matt Rodda called for supporters to put more pressure on the government to help Mr Woloszyn said that he felt the UK government should do much more, and said: “The things we can do to help feel like very little, and the powers that be are dragging their feet.” As donations of necessary items are no longer being accepted, the RUCC is directing supporters to make monetary donations to the International Red Cross and the AUGD for medical and humanitarian aid, as well as the London Euromaidan, which supports the Ukrainian army. Mr Woloszy said: “Donated items are hard to get to Ukraine, so at the moment donating money to the charities is the best way to support the people there.” To help Ukrainians in Reading, he encouraged supporters to put pressure on the government, and said: “You have to petition or lobby parliament to do what needs to be done.” n Donations can be made to the Red Cross at donate.redcross.org.uk and to the Disasters Emergency Committee at donation.dec.org.uk
SORTING: Some of the many donations brought to the Reading Ukrainian Centre Picture: Dijana Capan
Reading is a City of Sanctuary pledges council leader READING will do all it can to help refugees fleeing Ukraine, promises council leader Jason Brock. He says that the council is awaiting details from the government but will play its part when the time comes. “I’m certain that, like me, Reading residents are watching on in horror at the harrowing scenes coming out of Ukraine every day. “Reading is a town with a long and proud history of taking in refugees fleeing the conflict in their homeland, and we stand ready to do so again in any way we can,” he said. “The Government has announced it intends to allow immediate and extended
family members of British nationals to seek refuge in this country, but it is now essential the Government extends the scope of its scheme to include Ukrainian citizens with no link to the UK. “Local councils like Reading now await the details from Government and the support they will make available to local authorities to accommodate poor people who have been uprooted from their homes, whether that means providing basic needs like a roof over their heads, food or schooling where needed.” He continued: “Reading is a City of Sanctuary not only in name, but through the actions of local residents
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who have once again stepped forward with generous offers of support. “I know the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre has been overwhelmed by the tremendous local reaction and donations received, so much so that it has had to temporarily ask people to stop bringing items to their building in Sidmouth Street. “We are lucky to be home to the RUCC and we will continue to provide support the organisation. “In the meantime, Reading sends a message of solidarity to Ukrainians everywhere around the world, and our thoughts and prayers remain, in particular, with the people in Ukraine during this reprehensible invasion.”
women over 45 nearly halved during the last year, according to the NHS The number of women receiving screenings in England dropped by 44% according to the NHS Digital’s statistics. The NHS screened 1.19 million women in the 2020/2021 period, compared to 2.69 million in 2019/2020. All 78 breast clinics paused screening for around three months from March 2020 to help with the coronavirus . The Breast Screening Program’s figures marked a small increase from 8.4 cases per 1000 women in 2019/2020 to 8.9 cases in 2020/2021.
Copper attacked A MAN from Tilehurst has been given a suspended sentence for assaulting a police officer. Matthew Davies, 29, of The Ridings, Tilehurst, pleaded guilty to the offence at Reading Magistrates Court on Friday, February 25. Davies was given a six-week sentence, suspended for six months. The offence took place on Thursday, February 24. Sergeant John Heatley, based at Newbury police station, said:“Being assaulted is not and should never be regarded as ‘part of the job’. “We will always look to prosecute anyone who assaults an emergency worker.”
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Blue Collar to open on Saturday READING’S newest food and bar venue opens this weekend. Blue Collar Corner on Hosier Street will open to the public at 11am on Saturday, March 12, offering a variety of flavours to street food fans from a twofloor container village. It also has a bar serving drinks including DoubleBarrelled Brewery’s craft beers, and will host DJ slots to provide a musical backdrop to the site. Blue Collar’s Wednesday and Friday lunchtime pop-ups in Market Place will continue. Glen Dinning, the man behind the venture, has being running food events around Reading for six years. “A permanent container village has always been my ambition,” Mr Dinning said. “I was inspired by similar set-ups in places like Brixton, Peckham and Shoreditch.” The process began a year ago, when Mr Dinning found the plot on Hosier Street. “It’s been a long time coming, now that it is finally happening it’s a relief,” he added. “Lots of contractors have been involved, and Sonning Flowers have made the canopy displays.” It will be open Thursdays to Sundays, 11am until late. DJs interested in playing are invited to contact Mr Dinning. n For more information, visit: bluecollarstreetfood.co.uk
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
READING PANCAKE RACE
Concentrating on the flipping
Double Barrelled Brewery dressed up as, what else? pints of beer The Air IT team had a space-aged theme
FLIPPING AMAZING: The Charles Hunter Associates team won best fancy dress award for
A day at the races ... with pancakes!
The Broad St Mall team wore T-shirts promising, ‘Will run for pancakes’
This old man, he flipped pancakes ...
Contenders ready ... A heat gets going
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today MORE than £6,000 has been raised for charity at a pancake race in Reading.
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Launchpad hosted its 25th pancake race on Broad Street last Tuesday, March 1. An egg-citing event saw 32 teams in fancy dress representing businesses from across Reading in a bid to raise money for the homeless charity. Teams of four took part in a series of relay races in knockout heats with each team member having to flip a pancake three times as they ran. Despite the rain – and the start being delayed due to an oil spill in the town centre – the competitors were cheered on by a crowd of spectators to the finish line as they battled it out for the coveted frying pan trophy. Prizes were awarded to
the top three teams, most fundraised, best team spirit and best fancy dress. Crowe UK took victory, edging out Air IT and Savills in the final. So far the total raised is £6,911 but this figure is still rising and will allow Launchpad to continue helping vulnerable people across Reading. The charity offers supported housing, a free drop-in service for anyone in a housing crisis and a work and life skills centre. Kirsti Wilson, head of
fundraising and marketing at Launchpad, said: “We are so chuffed with the fundraising total and incredibly grateful to all involved in the day. “Without our local businesses who are game for a laugh, the event sponsors and people donating to the pancake race, we simply couldn’t continue running our vital services for people in need in Reading.” For more information on Launchpad, visit: launchpadreading.org.uk
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The astronauts from Air IT were judged to have the best team spirit
The team from Calcot Services For Children were the top fundraisers Picture: Simon Kemp
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Wednesday, March 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
READING PANCAKE RACE
AND WE’RE OPEN: Graham Barker alongside The Cowshed founders, Sally Russell and Kester Russell Pictures: Daniel Blackham
Eyes on the prize ... Broad St Mall entered a team determined to run for pancakes
Cowshed opens second referral centre n Continued from front page
their inflatable dinosaur costumes Pictures: Daniel Blackham
The challenge is to keep the pancake in the pan while tossing it on the run Beware the Tiger ... Calcot Services For Children goes on the run
Face of concentration ... a team member from Bellway Homes
A team from Reading Minster church entered into the spirit of the day
A dash of ketchup with your pancake? A team member from McDonald’s in mid-air action
A Shaggy dog story from Field Seymour Parkes Scooby Doo-themed team
Its services include prom dresses, bra fitting, and kitchen essentials, all to ensure people are able to feel valued and welcome during times of intense need. Access is by referral, and details are available on its website. Kester Russell, first trustee and co-founder of the charity, said: “We’re delighted to be in a position where we can now open this as a second centre, supporting all of Reading and West Berkshire.” Mr Russell was also keen to thank the businesses who have volunteered time and materials to fit out the centre over the past eight weeks. The new Bennett Road centre was officially opened on Monday, by Graham Barker, vice lord lieutenant of Berkshire and Cllr Ayo Sokale, deputy mayor of Reading. Mr Barker highlighted the work the charity has done throughout the pandemic and believes it will play a pivotal part in assisting refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine. He said: “It’s a huge pleasure for me to be here at the opening of the second referral centre in Reading. “Not only have we seen a need to support people facing intense personal crisis throughout covid, but we now have a war in Ukraine which may result in more refugees needing help. “In its short life as a charity The Cowshed has already achieved so much and I’m sure it will go from strength to strength.”
The Cowshed relies on donations from the public as well as retailers and manufacturers; clothing is then sorted, washed and ironed before being delivered or collected. Clients are made to feel like they are receiving a gift to assist them rather than some old clothes that are over worn, marked or damaged. To help with this the Bennett Road centre is laid out as if it were a clothes showroom, giving people the chance to feel they are shopping rather than receiving hand-me-downs. A similar approach was pioneered with a Christmas shop in Wokingham in December. The charity ensures all people are facilitated with a range of help available such as a bra-fitting service, school uniforms and a wide range of sizes stocked. Speaking at the opening, Cllr Sokale said: “It’s a privilege to see what happens when people come together to help others when they’re at those crisis points. “I hope that, even though we are facing quite perilous times in the world right now, there’ll be amazing people like The Cowshed to make the world a better place.” Donations to The Cowshed can be dropped off at Unit 2 Bennet Court, Bennet Road, RG2 0QX. The centre is open Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm and Saturday 10am to 3pm. n For more information on the charity’s work, visit: thecowshed.org
We do want fries with that... a team member from McDonald’s WINNERS: Crowe UK scooped the 2022 title Picture: Simon Kemp
Compere for the day was singing superstar and Reading legend Danyl Johnson
READY FOR USE: Some of the donated items at The Cowshed cleaned, washed and available for clients to choose from
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Dean’s on scre the interio
Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action
By JAKE CLOTHIER news@rdg.today
S
TARTING Point supports young people aged 11-25 through various mentoring programmes and are looking for more people to join their team of volunteer mentors around Reading.
Mentoring at Starting Point takes a relational, tailored, and holistic approach. By taking time to get to know mentees and taking a genuine interest in them. The young person is treated as an individual and supported accordingly. It is through this approach that they see the biggest impact upon the lives of the young people we support. A great opportunity for passionate, emotionally robust volunteers who are enthusiastic about making a positive difference for the young people of Reading.
n Reading Repertory Theatre is a company that has been having a directly positive impact on the artistic and cultural landscape of Reading for years. Reading Rep Theatre are currently seeking volunteers to welcome all visitors to their venue. Tasks will include controlling entry to the auditorium, supervising the audience during performances and helping to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the building. This role will be best suited to those that are vigilant, to help maintain the safety and security of visitors, confident to communicate with people of all ages and can provide excellent customer service. n The Green Economics Institute, founded in 2003, is an international institute for green economics professionals, green jobs and careers. They are looking for volunteers to help coordinate and create content for their magazines. The magazines will promote the work of the charity and inform the public of their campaigns which can range from: Climate, Biodiversity, Environmental Issues and much more. The role would be to create four magazines a year, two issues each. The role can be done entirely from home virtually but would need the volunteers to come to online meetings with the team at least once a week. n Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
TONIGHT, Reading’s newest TV star will take to our screens in a new BBC One contest.
TASTY: The World Turned Upside Down has joined the Magic Bags scheme
Now that’s magic! World Turned Upside Down joins fight against food waste A WHITLEY-based carvery is joining the fight against food waste by signing up to an app that allows people to pick up a bargain. The World Turned Upside Down on Basingstoke Road is one of a number of venues to be part of the Too Good To Go app. Customers can now log in and sign up to collect surplus roast dinners to stop them going to landfill. Known as Magic Bags, they are available to collect at allotted times and cost from £2.29 for a vegetarian bag, and £3.20 for one containing a roast carvery meal. The World Turned Upside Down is part of Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery, and the company says that since it joined the scheme last month, it has already served 9,000 magic bags that would have otherwise been sent to the bin. In the process, it has saved more than 22,000kg of carbon dioxide emissions.
David Hoyland, Operations Director for Stonehouse Pizza & Carvery, said: “We’re delighted to be helping to reduce food waste at the end of the day by having Magic Bags available. “We have always been considered as great value for money and now guests can help us to have a positive impact on the environment too.” Paschalis Loucaides, managing director of Too Good To Go, said he was thrilled with the new partnership. “I know our app users across the country are going to jump at the chance to save their Magic Bags, while helping to reduce food waste and its impact on the planet,” he said. “Our partnership shows that you can still enjoy your favourite comfort food, help the planet and get a great deal – it’s a win-winwin.” n For more details, log on to: www.toogoodtogo.co.uk
Reading is one of the best places for seniors
WE ALREADY know it – the Ding is one of the best places to be live in the country. And now a new survey has found Reading is top for seniors too. It seems our mixture of access to healthcare, public transport and mix of hobbies has been noticed, as the town has been dubbed the fourth most senior-friendly place to live in the country. Stoke was top, scoring highly for its parks, community centres and gardening clubs, according to the data compiled by the Live In Care Company. London also features; despite it being perceived as a “young city” it actually ranks highly for outdoor space, number of gardening clubs, and train stations for connected trips. According to the data, 12.6% – one in eight – of Reading’s population is a senior. The ratio per GP is 431 elderly people per doctor. We have 31 community centres, 22 parks, two railway stations and and impressive 37 gardening clubs. And, to get to them, we have Reading Buses. Luca Rado, co-founder of The Live In Care Company, said: “This study has been really eye-opening in terms of resources and amenities
for seniors around the UK. “What might not be important to some younger demographics – such as a community centre or gardening club – can be a lifeline for a senior looking to maintain an active social life.” “Likewise, with increasingly dispersed families in the UK, geographical connection is important, as is GP access for peace of mind. Naturally, the older we get, the more we rely on doctors and healthcare, but if we can ensure that seniors can exercise (walks in local parks), have regular GP access, and an engaging social life, their mental and physical wellbeing is much more looked after and we can support from afar, and when needed, rather than relying on care homes by default.” While Reading was judged to be fourth best, ahead of it was Stoke, Leeds and Nottingham. In fifth place was London, with Birmingham and Cambridge in sixth and seventh respectively.
Dean Powell is one of the contestants in this year’s Interior Design Masters, hosted by Alan Carr. He can’t wait for people to see his handiwork. “It’s been nice – an honour, actually,” he says. A store manager by day, Dean is one of 10 new competitors on the show’s third series, all vying for a design contract for a London bar. With him hailing from Reading, there must be some places where the interior design niggles him? “I’d love to go darker with St Mary’s,” he says of the Reading Minster Church on Chain Street. “It would be a real character project, which modernisation could push even further, and you just don’t see that many modern churches.” For him, interior design is about expression. “It’s like food, in that if it’s bland it just doesn’t inspire you,” he explains. “You want to feel an energy from the space you’re in, you want be comfortable, and when you get both it lifts you up.” This could sound counter-intuitive considering Dean loves dark colours, particularly black. “It can give real character to a space, and a space has got to move you.” He was excited to be a part of the show, especially considering what he feels it means for his children. “I’m not trained, it’s not my fulltime work, so I wanted to show my boys they can do what they enjoy, to inspire them,” he says. But there is also the matter of the judges, which can be nerve-racking for any competitor. Alongside host Alan Carr there are
Michelle Ogundehin and guests such as Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, among others. Dean says he feels his ‘amateur’ position makes the judges’ critiques easier to work with. “I think it makes me a little more receptive,” he says. “I’m used to compromise and critique in retail, so while you may not agree with your critiques, Michelle has got those pearls of wisdom. “She’s got that experience, she’s helping you improve, and all of the judges were amazing.”
Vic’s new exhibition puts Reading on the map A NEW collection of pieces by Wokingham artist Vic Delaney has just gone on show at Royal Berkshire Hospital. The collection now being exhibited at the radiology department, with 25% of proceeds going to RBH. Ms Delaney said that she’s been working with her seven-year-old son to create some of the pieces. “He got into art over the pandemic, so I thought it would help to build his confidence to work with him,” she explained. “He saw some of Bridget Riley’s work, which really seemed to inspire him.” Riley’s influence on the collection is clear, with two of the five pieces focusing on bold, colourful patterns. Ms Delaney has also handillustrated a map of Reading, a development of a similar print she created of Wokingham.
During the first lockdown, she created the map as a gift for the parents of a friend who were moving away. “They wanted something personal, so I illustrated a map of places they’d recognise and remember.” “So for the hospital, it seemed appropriate to try a map of Reading.” Ms Delany said that the Wokingham map proved popular after it was seen, so she produced further prints. Proceeds from the Wokingham prints raised more than £200 for Walter Infant School and Nursery. “I like art for myself,” she said, “but especially if there’s also another purpose, if it can help.” The collection also includes two block prints. One features a drawing by her son, and the other is a striking print of the Forbury Lion, both in red.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
een and living ior dream
NEWS | 29
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Judy’s Tiger started life as a can of Siren’s beer
WPR_2022-03-07_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go
Reader travel LLANDUDNO
& the Snowdon Mountain Railway Llandudno&theSnowdonMountainRailway_D.pdf
Departing Fri 29 Apr ‘22 Experience the rugged landscapes of North Wales on this brilliant three-day break where we enjoy a wonderful rack railway journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway and time in the lovely seaside resort of Llandudno.
Your break includes
TIGER TIME: Roaring Drunk – A Tiger sculpted from a can of Siren Craft Brew’s Calypso Tiger. Picture: Judy Brown
CHALLENGE: Dean Powell (inset) and fellow contestants in Interior Design Masters Competitors often have to compete in pairs or teams, and Dean says he enjoys working with others too. “It’s nice to collaborate, but you have to bring your own design DNA into whatever you do. “There’s an aspect of competing, of course, but the other contestants also really know what you’re going through.” Dean speaks of the meeting of creativity and practical considerations that lay at the heart of interior design. “There’s practicality which has to come into play,” he says. “No matter your space, you’ve got to make it a home too.
“Comfort is a right of passage, especially if you’re there all the time.” Dean says he enjoyed his experience on the show, especially interacting with the judges. “They’re all real characters, and what you see with them on TV is what you get,” he says. “It was an honour and a pleasure.” n The third series of Interior Design Masters begins at 9pm on BBC One tonight (Wednesday, March 9). n Applications for series four of Interior Design Masters are now open. Contestants must be aged 18 or older, and a legal resident of the UK to take part. For more details, search bbc.co.uk for ‘Take Part’
AN ILLUSTRATOR and author has created a sculpture entirely from a can of beer. Judy Brown fashions sculptures of animals, with occasional exceptions, to populate the Tin Can Zoo, a side-project that now features more than 50 “Canimals”. Judy was commissioned to produce a tiger, and created the Siren Calypso Tiger. It was made using a black and yellow can from Finchampsteadbased Siren Craft Brew. Her metal menagerie includes an owl crafted from cans of Siren’s Soundwave, a fox crafted from a can of Fanta, and three blind mice crafted from cans of Brewdog. Judy had the idea after attempting to recycle a beer keg in 2019, which was refused for household recycling. After trying to make something
from the keg, she was inspired a few days later to create a bird from a smaller empty can. Judy says: “It was a bit more difficult than the little cans.” She adds: “The base he’s standing on is the lid of our old broken kettle — that was very handy.” The sculptures, many of which are commissions, have been well received. She says: “Everybody loves them, almost as much as I love making them. “A lot of people say they are just very me. Everything you do has a little bit of you in it, otherwise it doesn’t work. “I think that goes with the territory.” Both illustrations and sculptures are available for commission.
n Illustrations can be found at: www. judybrown.co.uk, and the Tin Can Zoo at: www.tincanzoo.com
Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Train journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursion to Betws-y-Coed
3 Days by Coach
only £139
Single Supplement £30
DISCOVERING BRIDGERTON & Historic York
Departing Fri 1 Jul ‘22 Dear reader, Lady Whistledown requests your presence on this delightful break, set to be the diamond of your holiday season! We discover Castle Howard, which provided the exterior for Clyvedone Castle; the home of the Duke and Duchess of Hastings in Bridgerton.
Your break includes
POETRY CORNER Blind
ON SHOW: Vic Delaney’s collection of artwork to be exhibited at RBH Radiology department. Picture: Vic Delaney Ms Delaney currently teaches, but admits that even working part time it’s hard to make time for her artwork, with some pieces take more than 30 hours to complete. “Even working three days a week, it’s very hard, so I’m hoping to be able to support myself fully with my artwork.” She hopes to leave teaching soon
to commit fully to her craft, saying that she was excited. “It’s all up in the air at the moment, but I think it’s a sign that I should see where it takes me. “It feels like the beginning of something.”
n The collection will be displayed at Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Radiology department until Sunday, April 24.
Blind. It’s what I am. But I see with my hands, With my heart. I hear your sorrows, Feel your joys. I perceieve the flutter of butterfly wings upon my face. I touch your laughter, listen to your thoughts. Blind. No. I see.
LYNN ANTINK
We love receiving your poetry for this slot. Email news@rdg.today and we’ll print a selection every week
Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at the Yorkshire Gateway Hotel, South Milford with dinner & breakfast Excursion to Castle Howard & Harrogate En-route visit to York
3 Days by Coach
only £169
Single Supplement £50
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
30 | VIEWPOINTS
In the darkness, light still shines
THE SITUATION in Ukraine seems even bleaker this week. Ceasefires have been renaged on. Towns and cities are being bombed. Putin shows no signs of backing down, and his army have been attacking nuclear power stations. Millions are trying to flee, and have nowhere to go. Yet despite the darkness, the light is still shining. Brave Ukrainians are standing up, often peacefully, against the troops that Putin has sent in. Across Europe, countries are flocking to help those escaping the terror. And here, in Reading, our community is rising to the occasion. The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre has paused collections as so much has been donated. Instead, they want us to make donations to the International Red Cross, to ensure aid can get to where it is needed, in the right form. We don’t know how the events are going to unfold. But we can be sure that we will continue to be that light in the dark, and do our bit to help.
CHURCH NOTES
Love among the horror
I
WONDER which part of the all the coverage of the Ukraine crisis has impacted you the most?
It’s hard to narrow it down to only one. Early in the exodus of escaping Ukrainians I found myself struck by a young Polish mother’s generous hospitality to her unknown neighbours who’d just come across the border. The news item showed her going out amid the crowds to invite as many people as she could to come and stay in her house, to offer them protection, food and care. On this occasion, a mother with a young daughter, who’d just had to leave her son behind to go and fight, was welcomed to her home. She came into what was a comfortable and largish house, unsurprisingly disorientated, to find several other similar novice refugees settling in and relaxing – there was plenty of laughter. She came in from the extreme cold, with all her fears and tiredness and entered a warm home full of life and love. For those given shelter by this dear woman their journey was not over, and their future remained very unclear, but the love shown to them, and repeated in so many ways by so many people as the horror of this crisis unravels must surely have fuelled their hope that good will overcome evil. It does mine and my guess is it will for many. It’s the kind of love that Jesus showed and continues to show, and is a reminder of what he considered so important, “to love your neighbour as yourself.” This Polish woman is an inspiration to me in Reading given all the migrants, asylum seekers and refugees who’ve found their way here.
Jon Salmon, Trinity Church, Lower Earley, on behalf of Churches Together in Reading
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Letters
From the Chamber Cllr Ellie Emberson
Email: news@rdg.today Help Ukraine We must help the Ukrainians more and give them what they have been asking for – a no fly zone. Their plea goes on deaf ears. It is shameful and not human for Nato to watch Ukraine babies, children, women and men murdered by a lunatic that hides away from assassination. The rest of the world, including Britain, does not lift one finger to help. I am sure Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Regan would have given Russia a bloody nose by now. Nato is scared just talk and waffle and watch them die. Russia will wipe out Europe if Nato does not act now. Putin has attacked a nuclear power plant already it is sheer genocide. Please speak up.
Victor Rones, via email
Make mum’s day
Thoughts for many of your more organised readers may already be turning to what flowers, chocolates, celeb autobiography, or scented candle to buy this Mother’s Day. For others, they’ll be anticipating that growing feeling of dread as they’re faced with another lastminute present dash. As head bookworm at the international disaster relief charity, I can’t help but wonder whether it’s time to think outside the box? ShelterBox Book Club focuses on international stories inspired by the communities we support around the world. For a donation of £10 a month, members vote for the next title, receive their new book in the post and join an online discussion every six weeks. It’s even suitable for those who, like me, will inevitably leave
From the Chamber Cllr Simon Robinson
Reading deserves much better
L
AST week was a very difficult one for many residents in our neighbourhoods north of the river and I am sure for many in central Reading too.
The decision made by the Labour Group at the planning applications meeting last Wednesday to approve outline planning permission for the building of 223 houses on the former Reading Golf Club course was simply wrong. Wrong for the community of Emmer Green, wrong for the residents of Caversham who will face additional traffic and pollution, and wrong for Reading. Despite the arguments made on numerous occasions by the Labour councillors on the planning committee – that we desperately need affordable housing, that the land of the former golf course is private property and that Reading’s Local Plan was no longer relevant as the developers had changed their approach – this was simply not acceptable. In firmly opposing the development, along with my Conservative colleagues, Cllr Clarence Mitchell, Cllr Jane Stanford-Beale and Cllr Paul Carnell, I stated that Reading has 137 identified brownfield sites that could provide up to 13,000 new homes so we have no shortage of available land for development. Why build on beautiful open space and lose more than 100 trees? There is no
need especially given the council’s regular boasts of being a leader in fighting climate change. As for the golf course being private land, yes it is, as are most sites that come before the council for planning permission. This was not an issue but the Labour group seemed to think this was justification for granting permission and as for the ridiculous excuses made for climbing down on the Local Plan; simply put, if the Labour group had thought that this was no longer valid then they should have voted through the necessary changes and we would have a new Local Plan. This is not the first time we have seen this Labour-run council push disastrous decisions through and ignore the very people and the communities they are supposed to serve. 4,500 objections from the residents this time – some 10,000 overall – as well as objections by all the leading resident associations and groups on the environment; all were ignored in favour of the developers and Reading Golf Club. After my speech to the committee, I was accused of being anti-capitalist and other arguments were made in an attempt to divert from the realities that I had presented in the committee members. In answer to this, yes I do believe in a free market but one that is beneficial to all not one that drives an unsustainable
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
it to the morning of Sunday, March 27, to turn their attention to the perfect gift.
Catherine Thornhill, ShelterBox
In the swim Diabetes UK is inviting people to dive into a sponsored swimming challenge that raises vital funds for diabetes research. Swim22 will run from 22 March to 22 June and involves swimming a total of 22 miles – the same distance as the English Channel. Participants can take on the challenge at their own pace, accumulating the miles across the course of the 12 weeks. To register for Swim22, visit swim22.diabetes.org.uk. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship. So, please, sign up to Swim22 this year and make a splash for Diabetes UK.
Jill Steaton, Diabetes UK development in our community leaving the outcomes of increased traffic that will cause further misery, increased pollution, the lack of valuable open space and irreparable damage to our environment along with increased pressure on our already overstretched infrastructure north of the river. And, for what? So that Reading Golf Club members and the developer can exit stage left with handsome profits? After so many years of Labour rule locally, we clearly need real change in Reading and the elections in May, being all out elections, will be a great opportunity for the residents of our town to make a change for the better and to vote out this Labour-run council. An administration that for far too long has not acted in the best interests of our community and certainly doesn’t care about the views of residents or their local environment as can be seen from the decision they took over the golf club land in Emmer Green last week. While I appreciate the Conservative brand may sometimes be dented by headlines about what happens, or has happened, in Westminster, I urge Reading’s voters to see beyond what the newspapers and broadcast media put across and to recognise that at a local level we genuinely care about our communities, our people, the environment, our jobs and our local economy. All those are what really matter for your local Conservative councillors. So please think carefully about what you wish to see in future as regards who runs our council. Labour have been failing Reading for too long. In just two months’ time, you have the choice to start changing our town for the better.
Cllr Simon Robinson, Conservative Member for Peppard Ward, Reading Borough Council
Home, sweet home
E
VERYONE deserves a home. It’s a simple sentiment, but the state of the British housing market turns this basic need into a challenge for so many in our town.
Reading meets its Government-imposed housing targets year after year, yet – as my colleagues have said elsewhere – these targets don’t reflect the reality of what is needed. Private developers build too few family homes in our town, and even within those that are built there is a lack of truly affordable provision. Like many people, I was born in Reading, grew up in Reading, went to school here, my family are here. And like many people too, I’ve struggled to afford to stay in my home town, as have my friends. But I don’t just want people to stay here, I want people to be able to move here – I want us to thrive through our diversity of backgrounds. As a Council, we only have so many levers at hand to alleviate this situation. But as a Labourcontrolled Council, we do recognise our duty to use every opportunity we have to tackle the housing crisis and in doing so, we set an example for private developers to follow. That’s why we’re investing £88 million in over 300 new Council homes across Reading, building exactly the kind of homes that will help families to stay here. We also know that some of our social workers, nurses, teachers and those in need of care can face a horrible choice between affordability and the town they love – so we’re ensuring that new keyworker and extra-care housing is part of our provision. We’re setting an example on tackling fuel poverty too by putting £34 million into retrofitting our own housing stock with energy efficiency measures. It’s good for the environment, but it’s the benefit in people’s pockets that will help transform lives most. Setting an example is only part of the equation, though. We also have a very high bar in terms of what affordable housing supply we demand from private developments seeking planning permission. Do we always get what we want? Frankly, no – the national rules don’t always favour Reading’s real needs – but we’ve had some significant success in requiring contributions and seeking our Reading Affordable Rent (70% of median rent in our town). Lives have been positively transformed by gaining access to housing that would otherwise not exist. Since land is at a premium in Reading, we’re also acting to stop Conservative Governmentendorsed ‘permitted developments’ which lead to office blocks being turned into sub-standard flats without any planning permission or any financial contribution from the developers to the necessary infrastructure – schools, GPs, community space, parks, roads – to allow communities to flourish. Let’s be clear, though, that the Government could still intervene and stop all the good we’re able to achieve, both through Council housing and through planning controls. They’ve done it before, including trying to stop us getting affordable housing contributions from private developers. On that occasion, we fought them in the courts and won. Reading really is a ‘little big town’ – a busy, booming place with a small-town feel and a strong community. I passionately want to keep the ‘little’ alongside the ‘big’, I want sustainable communities and I’m proud of what Labour is doing in Reading to help achieve this. I hope that the Government will recognise the need to help us, because it’s to everyone’s benefit.
Cllr Ellie Emberson is Labour councillor for Minster ward and Reading Borough Council lead for housing
BUSINESS | 31
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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today
A business park that is changing
A LAW firm with offices in Wokingham says it is delighted to acquire a respected law firm that will see it expand its business. Bonnetts Solicitors, based in Ascot and Whitton, was established in 1929, and is now part of Herrington Carmichael Solicitors. The company said that the acquisition strengthens its ambitions of becoming a top 100 UK law firm, while continuing its long-standing commitment to the region. And Bonnetts will boost its commercial property and property development team, as well as expanding its residential property and private client services. Liz Hailey, Steve Wareham and Graeme Black shall be joining as Partners. Herrington Carmichael says that it has seen excellent year-on-year organic growth, with turnover at £14.5 million. The move to acquire Bonnetts will see combined turnover reach £18 million. Ms Hailey said: “From the outset, it was clear our practices were similarly aligned.” Herrington Carmichael will maintain its new headquarters in Camberley with further offices in Ascot, Wokingham and London. The move adds a further 18 employees to teams, taking total employee numbers to over 160. Yavan Brar, managing partner and head of corporate and commercial at Herrington Carmichael, said: “We believe that Bonnetts is an excellent addition to Herrington Carmichael.”
Tax grab warning as borrowing soars and interest rates rise By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A THAMES VALLEY-based SME tax expert is urging businesses to take advantage of new and extended schemes while they still can, ahead of rising inflation and a likely ‘tax grab’ by the chancellor this year.
Paul Attridge, partner of tax advisory at Azets, is predicting that harsher rules could be introduced this spring, along with the withdrawal of existing support measures. In the autumn budget, the Chancellor confirmed that the economy is forecast to return to its pre-Covid levels, and unemployment is also at a lower level than it was initially forecast – expected to peak at 5.2% rather than the previously predicted 12%. The Office for Budget Responsibility forecast for business investment has also gone up.
FORECAST: Paul Attridge from Azets Accounting Despite a business-friendly Budget, Mr Attridge is predicting further challenges for SMEs, with inflation expected to rise to an average of 4% in the next year,
Bright sparks wanted: National Grid seeks new apprentices AN APPRENTICESHIP scheme is looking for people who have the power … it’s with the National Grid. The company is looking to take on 16 trainees for its power system engineer high apprenticeship programme, based in Wokingham or Warwick. The apprentices will get an opportunity to study for a foundation degree in engineering while learning about the operations of the electricity system and helping build a greener energy future. Technical training is delivered via national training centre, situated in Eakring, Nottinghamshire and is the only one of its kind in the UK. Centre facilities include fully equipped training rooms, state of the art practical training workshops and residential accommodation for the trainees. Huma Ali, Head of Human Resources at National Grid ESO, said: “At a time when young people can feel pressure to find engaging and exciting work opportunities, this apprenticeship programme is an amazing chance for people to take the first steps into their career. “National Grid ESO wants to find the next generation of
SEARCH: Huma Ali from National Grid is looking for apprentices Picture: Zafar Jamati engineering problem-solvers, to help us lead the way to a net-zero carbon electricity grid of the very near future. “This is a fantastic chance to earn a salary whilst gaining practical work experience and industry knowledge – plus receive a qualification at the end of it, without having to pay fees.” National Grid ESO is the electricity system operator for Great Britain. It is responsible for moving electricity around the system to keep homes and businesses supplied with the
energy they need 24 hours a day, seven days a week, always keeping supply and demand in balance. It has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. It already operates the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world. It is also working to deliver zero carbon operation for periods by 2025, and to ensure 100% clean, green generation on the system by 2035. Applicants will need a GCSE in English language, and maths, both at grade C/4 or above, as well as at least two A-levels, with one either maths or physics, or a BTEC National Certificate or Diploma Level 3 in an Engineering discipline, an ONC in an electrical discipline, an HNC/HND in electrical engineering, or a degrees in maths, physics, chemistry, or engineering. Applicants must hold a valid full UK car driving licence or be willing to learn to drive and hold a full UK licence three months before the start date. The closing date for applications is Sunday, March 13. n For more details, log on to: https://jobs.nationalgrid.com// job-invite/29101/
and demand exceeding supply across most industries, creating manufacturing delays and product shortages. Many SMEs are struggling to recover following the end of the furlough scheme and surging energy requirements putting a strain on prices. Mr Attridge said: “For many SMEs, the support measures available today won’t be sufficient to offset higher bills over the coming 12 months. “SMEs should seek professional advice to ensure they take full advantage of every available allowance, with inflation set to keep rising and the extended Recovery Loan Scheme ending on June 30, 2022.” The Chancellor also announced a range of business rate cuts, with the retail, hospitality and leisure sector receiving a 50% discount on business rates, worth around £7 billion. Paul Attridge is urging SME businesses to take advantage
of these schemes, with 1.25% increases to National Insurance Contributions already confirmed from April 2022 and Corporation Tax increasing from 19% to 25% from April 2023, as well as predicted changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) and Capital Gains Tax (CGT) following recent simplification reviews by the Office of Tax Simplification. “Businesses must plan ahead, with Spring just round the corner and no confirmation on what further measures could be introduced at the next Budget,” he said. “Soaring public borrowing and the continuing rise in interest rates will force the Government to increase the tax take in order to cope with crippling costs. “As ever, SMEs could be hit hardest and need to optimise their financial position in readiness for a potential tax grab as early as April 2022.”
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Reader travel
ANDRÉ RIEU
ISLE OF WIGHT
& his Johann Strauss Orchestra
Weekend
AndreRieu&JohannStraussOrchestraLiveinNottingham_F.pdf
IsleofWightWeekend_F.pdf
© Marcel van Hoorn
Law firm makes new acquisition
Departing Wed 18 May ‘22
Departing Fri 3 Jun ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel outside London with breakfast Ticket to André Rieu concert at Wembley Arena Return coach transfers from the hotel to Wembley Arena En-route visit to London
Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Crawley 3 nights at the Holliers Hotel, Shanklin with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Newport Optional Island Highlights tour (£13pp)
Ticket upgrades available
199
2 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £35
139.99
4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit us online at
justgoholidays.com/WPR
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
justgohols JGTravelGroup
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Mother’s Day
To advertise in a similar feature, call Kevin on 0118 327 2662 Advertisement feature n JOJOES CUT & GO Jo Joes Cut & Go Unisex Salon are a team of fun-loving hairdressers located in the heart of Tilehurst. We offer affordable services by experienced hairdressers and have been open since 2006. We are a non-appointment, walk in, unisex salon specialising in up to date cutting (adults and children), styling, blow-drying, perming, colouring and hair up. Our highly trained, fully qualified stylists will ensure you leave the salon looking and feeling fabulous. Every member of staff at Jo Joes have something they specialise in the most such as colouring, perming, straightening and cutting to name a few. We offer an inviting, friendly, comfortable environment and will listen to your needs intently during your consultation, ensuring your new or continuing hairstyle fits in with your lifestyle. We have all really struggled these last few years due to difficult times and we are very grateful for all our existing clients that have kept us smiling throughout. We can’t wait to welcome new clients this year and hope to carry on for many more years to come. To show our appreciation we will be running more offers throughout the year as tough times are still here. Go to our Facebook page and take advantage of all our seasonal offers. Lastly, but not least, we offer senior citizen prices from Monday to Friday, please
Mother’s Day Special Offer “15% off a wash, cut and blowdry. Prices from £28.” - Please produce this advert to receive discount -
Call us on 0118 942 5572
www.jojoes.co.uk
f c jojoes_cut_and_go
109a School Road, Tilehurst, Reading. RG31 5BH
come in and speak to us. We are located at 109a School Road, Tilehurst. Reading RG31 5BH. You can contact us on 0118 942 5572. Our opening hours are Monday to Wednesday 9am-5.30pm, Thursday 9am-7pm, Friday 9a,5.30pm and Saturday 9am-5pm. We are stockists of GHD, Schwarzkopf, Osis and Milkshake products.
33
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Wednesday, March 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Mother’s Day
To advertise in a similar feature, call Kevin on 0118 327 2662 Advertisement feature n KRISZTI NAILS & BEAUTY My name is Krisztina Bori and I am the owner and founder of Kriszti Nails and Beauty. I focus on using high quality and natural products in my salon, which do not damage nor harm your nails and skin but instead enhance and empower the beauty that is within. My favourite treatment is the Alexandria Professional body sugaring hair removal and skin conditioning, in which I specialised over eight years ago and recently became an Educator for the brand. I love all their products because they are completely natural, vegan and a crueltyfree way to remove hair. They will change the texture, colour and clarity of your skin from the very first time and can lead to permanent hair reduction. These products have benefits beyond hair removal and are able to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and keratosis and keep these issues at bay. I look forward to welcoming you in my salon! For enquiries please contact me on 07735 503 916
n VENDELA ROSE FLORAL DESIGN Vendela Rose Floral Design has been established since 2010 and is the brainwave of dynamic duo, Sara and Caroline. Both talented florists with a passion for modern flower designs, imaginative floral creations and over 24 years’ of experience between them, the pair decided to branch out and open their very own florist shop in Tilehurst village just outside of Reading. As joint business partners, Sara and Caroline work side by side running their unique flower shop – everything from hand conditioning a new delivery of stems at 5am, creating bespoke bouquets and grand event flowers, deep cleaning buckets, and chatting to customers who pop in for some friendly flower advice. Sara and Caroline are immensely proud of Vendela Rose Floral Design, and all their hard work has paid off as the business has been blooming since 2010. Vendela Rose has an outstanding reputation in Tilehurst and throughout Berkshire for their strong branding, exceptional level of
customer care and bespoke flowers. Sara Local girl Sara was born and raised in Tilehurst village, so has always had a close connection with the area. From a very young age, Sara had a passion for nature, eye for design and fascinated with flowers. It was a natural progression after school to follow her dream and enrol at her local college on a floristry course. Whilst studying Sara also worked part time in a local florist shop, learning tricks of the trade and invaluable hands
Spoil someone you love this Mother’s Day
on experience. After gaining her NVQ Level 2 in Floristry, she progressed to working full time in the florist shop she trained in. After a few years working alongside expert floral designers, learning new trade techniques and evolving her own floral style, Sara by luck met Caroline through the floristry network. Caroline As a little girl Caroline loved arts and crafts, and was surrounded by flowers and plants growing up. Going on to utilise her artistic flair and passion for creativity, Caroline studied Art and Graphics at college.
Moving to one of the Channel Islands Guernsey in her 20s, Caroline by chance came across a job in the village florist shop, and never looked back! She was bench trained by a highly qualified designer from Latvia and loved every minute – combining her creative skills and green fingered passion. In 2010 Caroline made the move back to Berkshire, and after meeting Sara the pair set up Vendela Rose Floral Design in Tilehurst village. Caroline and Sara have run Vendela Rose floral design since 2010. We pride ourselves in beautiful fresh and modern flower displays for any occasion, including weddings, funerals, anniversaries and birthday gifts. Find us at 92 school Road Tilehurst RG31 5AU or order from our website 24/7, www. vendelarose.co.uk. Don’t forget mothering Sunday on the 27th of March 2022, we are open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4pm Saturday and 9 am to 2 pm Sunday 27th. n Please use discount code MD2022 for 10% off this Mother’s Day.
Co
vid
Sa
fe
Beautiful Mother’s Day jewellery Manufacturers of fine silver 9/18ct gold, palladium and platinum, diamond and gem set jewellery. Matching engagement and wedding rings, gifts for brides, grooms, bridesmaids and best man.
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Top tips for town’s retailers from business guru Graham Soult
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
READING’S retail centre is looking forward to a boost, thanks to a virtual visit from a business guru.
Graham Soult will be holding two online retail and marketing workshops this month, and also making one in person appearance, all aimed at helping businesses enjoy some top tips for success. The first session takes place on Tuesday, March 15, and will discuss kerb appeal: how businesses can grab the attention of customers as they window shop, to then get them inside. A week later, on Tuesday, March 22, he will look at Google’s tools, including Maps, and how they can help businesses. The third and final session will see him visit the town, with a session designed to help people tackle marketing, including creating a good website, how to use images and video, and showcase their products on social media. All sessions start at 5pm, and are open to businesses in retail and hospitality, as well as other interested businesses. Mr Soult has been described as a North East Mary Portas, and said to be among the most
BUSINESS BRAIN: Graham Soult is offering three free workshops to help Reading businesses influential retail people on Twitter. He said: “Reading is a vibrant town with many fantastic independent businesses, and I’m looking forward to paying a return visit and sharing my tips and insights. “Whether a business is already confident in its brand and marketing, or needs some help getting started, my workshops are designed to be full of practical tips that retail and hospitality businesses can start acting upon straight away. “As high streets evolve, and
businesses work ever-smarter to win over customers, it’s never been more important to make a great first impression with the frontage of your premises, your presence on Google, or the digital footprint of your website and social media.” And his sessions – and knowledge – has been welcomed by Reading Borough Council. Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Recreation, said: “We are honoured that Graham has been able to come along
virtually and in person to share some positive and practical advice that local businesses can learn from and use, whether or not they are also benefitting from physical improvements to their premises.” And Alexa Volker, Head of Operations at Reading Central and Abbey Quarter BIDs, which is helping to promote the sessions, added: “I’ve followed Graham on social media for some time, and it’s a pleasure to be able to bring one of the country’s foremost high-
street champions to Reading. “From hearing Graham speak before, I know his workshops are enjoyable, engaging and useful, and I would encourage all BID businesses to take advantage of these free sessions.” The funding comes from Reading Borough Council’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) – a heritageled regeneration partnership that brings together Historic England and the Council. The HSHAZs are a heritageled regeneration initiative led by Historic England, working with local councils and the community to create economic growth and improve the quality of life in our historic high streets. Reading is one of 68 areas of England to receive a share of a £95 million government fund, having secured HSHAZ status for three conservation areas in the centre of the town. As a result, Reading is receiving up to £806,500 for the implementation of a fouryear programme agreed with Historic England, match funded by Reading Borough Council. For more details, log on to: www.reading.gov.uk/planning/ reading-high-streets-heritageaction-zone/.
n To sign up for the workshops, email HSHAZ@reading.gov.uk
Man jailed for machete attack AN EMMER GREEN man has been jailed for six years for modern slavery offences. Romario Harding, 27, and of Birchwood Close, was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for subjecting a man in his 40s to forced labour between October 2020 and May last year. On May 5 last year Harding attacked the victim with a machete. At Reading Crown Court, Harding pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm on September 8, last year, and was found guilty by unanimous jury of one count of modern slavery, following a four-day trial, on December 23. He was sentenced on Friday, February 25. Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant James Jackson, based at Reading police station, said: “This is a great outcome for victims of these types of offences. “We are committed to investigating allegations of Modern Day Slavery offences.” “The sentence imposed reflects the seriousness of his behaviour as Harding caused great distress to the victim over an extended period of time.” He added: “I wish to thank the victim for his continued support throughout this entire investigation and for his bravery and courage in giving evidence during the trial.”
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TASTER: Year 5 pupils from Whitley enjoyed a day at the University to see what campus can be like
Pupils get a taste for university life THE OLD adage that students are getting younger every year came true last month, as primary school children from south Reading were given the chance to try higher education. Hosted by the University of Reading, the Year 5 University Day aimed to give a taste of academic life and was, for many of those taking part, the first school trip since the covid pandemic. The children each attended a lecture in one of the university’s lecture theatres, on topics such as The Atmosphere, Music Education, Science of the Brain, the Built Environment and Life’s Not Fair. Delivered by university lecturers, they included
interactive activities and experiments. Afterwards, the pupils enjoyed a tour of the university campus and were able to explore what life is really like as a student. The experience was welcomed by those taking part. Cynthia described her day as “really fun, especially the lecture about philosophy” and Masad said: “I am really excited as I haven’t seen a university before. I think I would like to go to university to study English”. Debi Linton, from the University of Reading, said: “It’s lovely to be able to invite primary aged children to the university again, and to show off our campus, which has felt very quiet over the last two years.
“The university is proud of our links with the local community and we hope that this experience will help children think of coming to university when they’re older.” Helen Bligh, from Aspire2 Whitley which organised the day, said she was delighted that these trips are starting up again. “The children who come on these trips rarely get this sort of opportunity, especially over the last two years. “It’s wonderful to see their happiness, enthusiasm and wonder as they experience a possible future they may have never considered. “We are so proud of their good behaviour and engagement in the lectures – there were some brilliant questions for the lecturers.”
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Golf Club reveals fundraising total for dementia charity
Row place like Home-Start
A GOLF club has revealed the fundraising total for its 2021 charity of the year.
Sonning Golf Club presented Understanding Dementia with a cheque for £2,300 at an event held last week The money was raised from fundraising events held throughout the year, including the club’s annual drivein event, a members’ golf competition, and several raffles. Elspeth Cooper, lady captain at Sonning Golf Club said that she wanted to support a smaller charity. “I also have personal experience of dementia within my wider family so when I heard about the work of Understanding Dementia, I was very interested,” she added. “Many people who I have spoken with during the year have been affected in some way by dementia and so they have been keen to contribute.” The Twyford-based charity aims to promote a clear understanding of dementia, how it affects the person and how it can lessen the impact on those who live with it. Founded by Shirley Pearce in 2018, the organisation offers free training to family dementia carers as well as paid-for training to health and care professionals. Following the announcement, Ms Pearce said: “Elspeth and the lady
LEND US YOUR OARS: Alan Campbell will be running the Reading Half next month foir Home-Start Reading Picture: Home-Start Reading
PRESENTATION: Sonning Golf Club made a donation to Understanding Dementia members of Sonning Golf Club have gone the extra mile to raise funds for us this past year when face to face events have been restricted. “Their very generous donation will help us to continue providing free training and support to family carers.”
The cheque presentation was also attended by Understanding Dementia’s chair Martin Solway and fundraiser and training co-ordinator Lucy White, and last year’s Sonning Golf Club’s men’s captain Glyn Duff. n For more information, visit: understandingdementia.co.uk
Inner Wheel celebrates its 20th Charter lunch TOGETHER: Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erelgh celebrating its 20th Charter lunch at Sonning Golf Course
WE were very pleased to be able to get together to celebrate the 20th Charter of our club. More than 80 members, former members, partners, fellow Inner Wheel Club members, Rotary members and friends met up at Sonning Golf Club for a lovely two-course lunch followed by a slice of celebration cake donated by the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh. We were pleased to welcome the current Association President, Betty Roberts and her husband. Betty has chosen the Stroke Association as her charity for the year and the club gave her a cheque for £100. Members of the Caversham club, which was our ‘mother’ club, gave us their bell and Friendship bowl. We congratulated a former member Daphne on her 90th birthday. Our speaker was Colin Evans – gardening expert from Radio Berkshire who gave an informative and funny talk starting with how he entered the
profession to how he ended up where he is now, and useful gardening tips. One of the funny anecdotes he mentioned was that he had once given his sister an artificial orchid, with instructions to make sure it was kept well watered. She complied with this advice, not realising the orchid was not real. Although being happy to buy an artificial flower, Colin still ribbed one of his fellow guests for having recently
installed a plastic AstroTurf lawn. Colin then answered questions from his audience, giving advice on moss on a driveway and a recommendation for a climbing rose. Prior to the lunch photographs were taken of all the RME Club Presidents (past and present) who were attending and then photographs of all the members, the cake and honoured guests. TONI TRATHEN
AN OLYMPIC rower will run in aid of the charity Home-Start at this year’s Reading Half Marathon. Alan Campbell will be joining 21 others who signed up to run for the charity at the event. Mr Campbell, who now lives in Henley, has competed at the Olympics in the Men’s Single Scull four times. After winning bronze at the London 2012 games, he was the first British medallist in the event since 1926. Mr Campbell said that the last two years has been brutal on families. “Home-Start provide ongoing, non-judgmental, compassionate support for those families facing crisis.” Home-Start relies on volunteers to provide aid to families. Volunteers offer support with childcare for essential trips, as well as help with dealing with difficult behaviour and encouraging social development in children.
They also provide weekly family groups in Whitley and Tilehurst, where parents can be access help and support. All of Home-Start’s services are provided free of charge. Frankie Smith, also running in aid of the charity, said that it was due to their support that she had received. Ms Smith said “They gave me somewhere to go, once a week, to meet other mums and for my youngest to play and make friends. “I cannot thank Home-Start enough for the few years they helped me.” Mr Campbell said of the charity: “Please donate whatever you can to support their important work.” The Reading Half Marathon began in 1983, and this year will be the 40th that the half marathon has been run. n Those running in aid of Home-Start can be sponsored at www.home-startreading.org.uk
Life in 13th century Reading ... talk will look back at town’s historic past
READING ABBEY PICTURE: Phil Creighton A LOOK at Reading’s historic past will be the focus for the spring lecture from the Friends of Reading Abbey. The group will be meeting at Abbey Baptist Church in Reading’s town centre on Saturday, March 26. Dr Frederica Teale will explore the Reading Formulary, a collection of legal and other documents written for
use in Reading Abbey. She will explain what they tell us about the relationships between people at all levels of society in the late 13th and 14th centuries. The event takes place from 2pm, and entry is free. For more details, log on to www.
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Students’ upcycling is picture perfect
SMART FASHION: Students form Reading College took part in an upcycling challenge
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today
STUDENTS from Reading College’s supported learning programme have tried their hand at upcycling.
Following a donation of bedding and off-cuts, the students turned the material into clothing for a photoshoot. As a break from working on their qualifications, they were encouraged to use “Wonderland” as their theme. A range of garments were made including a Peter Pan outfit from a T-shirt and offcuts, a dress made from a white valance and some material flowers. Once the outfits were finished, the students took part in a studio photoshoot. Some students modelled the clothes, others took photographs or helped behind the scenes with make-up or face painting. Jess, studying a Work Preparations Horizons programme at Reading College, said: “ I was quite nervous about having my photograph taken but once I got into it, I really enjoyed it. “I also did the make-up for myself and some of the other students.” Students on the supported
learning programme are assisted via Activate Learning’s award-winning Learner with Learning Difficulties or Disabilities provision (LLD/D). Ms Qian Chen, casual teacher and LLD/D lecturer at Activate Learning, said: “We thought, let’s upcycle the fabric into clothing because it’s good for the environment and we’ve got some talented students who are good at art. “Of course, they’re not fashion students, so some of the details aren’t quite right but it still turned out alright.” Ms Chen said the project allowed students to improve their confidence and selfesteem with one of the pupils
adding it to their CV as they were so proud of their work. There are also plans to hold a photoshoot outside as some of the participants were unable to take part in the studio as they are sensitive to flash photography. Ms Chen wanted to thank to Keith and Sarah from Creative Industries for letting the college use their studio equipment and helping to set up the photoshoot. The project forms part of Activate Learning’s long-term commitment to sustainability with the college recognising it has a duty to create learners who are environmentally aware.
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IN THE MOMENT: Owner Heather Reilly on her way to the podium to accept the Florist of the Year award at the Wedding Industry Award ceremony in London. Picture courtesy of Sonning Flowers
Best of the bunch: florist wins top award SONNING Flowers has been awarded Florist of the Year at The Wedding Industry Awards. Regional winners were put forward for the event, held in London last month. And it was Heather Reilly’s company that came out top. She said winning the national award came as a complete surprise. “It was very unexpected, and I had to pinch myself, really,” she said. “We won in our category, South Central, and then there was immense competition for the national award.” Sonning Flowers received more than 70 nominations from clients.
Only brides and grooms who have used their services within the last year were able to nominate. Ms Reilly said that while the company put its heart into its arrangements, she was also excited about meeting her other competitors. She said: “It was an amazing evening, meeting other florists who we follow and being able to sincerely recommend them whenever we get brides from elsewhere.” The florist also offers a range of workshops on how to arrange wedding bouquets, flower crowns and wreaths, as well as business courses in floristry. Sonning Flowers has provided
arrangements to the Chelsea Flower Show, Ascot Races and Henley Regatta. They have also worked to support charities such as the Breast Cancer Achievement Awards, International Women’s Day and remembrance services in Reading. This is the second award given to Sonning Flowers in the past year after receiving a Muddy Stiletto award in July. Ms Reilly said the business was looking forward to lots of events this year, and the National Wedding Industry Award has given her team a real kickstart. “From here, the future is looking rosy,” she said.
NHS appeals for plasma donations NHS BLOOD and Transplant is appealing for donations of blood plasma. Donors are being encouraged to come forward after 20 years of donations being banned in the UK. Blood plasma is used to protect patients from infections. It can be used to stabilise a patient’s immune system and create immunoglobin medicine. This forms part of the treatment for immunodeficiencies and autoimmune disorders. In many cases immunoglobin is the only available treatment. Lee Wright, NHS Blood and Transplant Plasma Donor
Centre’s area manager, said that many people have never heard of plasma donation or immunoglobin. “But for those who need it, it’s a lifesaver, and in many cases no other treatment is available,” he said. In the last year 17,000 people in England were treated with medicines made using blood plasma, including 750 from the Thames Valley. “Please register to donate if you can,” Mr Wright said. “Your plasma will be made into immunoglobulin medicine, helping to save the lives of people with rare and potentially fatal diseases.”
The Reading Plasma Centre on Kings Road is one of only three in the UK. Plasma donations ceased in the UK in 1998 in response to concerns over Creutzfeldt Jakob disease. The NHS relied on imported immunoglobin, but the Commission on Human Medicines has now deemed plasma sourced from the UK safe to use with safety measures in place. The authority noted that blood plasma will be stored until a full supply and manufacturing chain can be put in place. n For more information, visit: blood.co.uk
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WHAT TRAINING WILL I UNDERTAKE? All reporters will work towards an NCTJ qualification either as a standalone qualification or as part of an apprenticeship. Recruits will either study towards the Diploma in Journalism, or the National Qualification in Journalism for those who already have the diploma. Reporters will also attend digital skills training from Meta and receive regular, additional training support from the NCTJ.
HOW TO APPLY To apply, email David Riley at driley@wokingham.today by Friday, April 1. Include a CV and a brief outline of why you would like the role and why we should choose you for it. The Wokingham Paper Ltd Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS | 0118 327 2662 www.wokingham.today | www.rdg.today
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
09.03.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Oh boy! A night to remember Buddy
H
E IS the godfather of rock ‘n’ roll, a pioneer, a legend and sadly a musical genius who left us far too soon.
Later this month, South Hill Park will celebrate the music of Buddy Holly and his band, the Cricketeers, with an evening of some of the greatest music ever created. Sixty three years ago, Rock ’n’ Roll and the world - lost its brightest star. The unparalleled catalogue of music that Buddy Holly left behind has
entertained, inspired and moved every subsequent generation to laughter, tears and an irrepressible desire to dance. Although he lived a short life, Buddy left a great musical legacy that lives on today. Songs include all-time favourites such as; That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Heartbeat, It Doesn’t Matter Anymore, Raining In My Heart, Oh Boy! – and much, much more. Producer Simon Fielder of Simon Fielder Productions, a former actor in
the original touring and West End show said: “I’m so lucky to present shows that feature people and subjects about which I am really passionate. “Buddy Holly was pivotal in my development as a guitarist and songwriter. “Buddy’s music has touched the heart of millions around the world and influenced many famous artists such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Brian May and many others. “This will be a show to remember.” Buddy Holly and The Cricketers is
a dynamic show featuring authentic arrangements, driving rhythms, energetic performances and skilled musicianship that has audiences literally dancing in the aisles. It has been delighting audiences for 30 years and has performed in many locations around the world including Europe and a tour of the US. The show stars some of the finest actor-musicians in the UK and was endorsed as Britain’s most popular Buddy Holly act when the show appeared on BBC One’s The One and Only, with Graham Norton.
Whatever the season, whatever the excuse to party, and if you’re wondering What To Do this spring, make your Heartbeat a little faster with the show that has thousands of fans across the world saying, “I can’t believe it’s not Buddy!”. Buddy Holly and The Cricketers is at South Hill Park on Thursday, March 24. Tickets cost £21, £20 concessions and £19 for members. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to southhillpark.org.uk
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Bracknell goes Jazz JAZZ lovers have a chance to see a musician who can count the late Humphey Lyttleton as one of his fans, thanks to a gig tomorrow night at South Hill Park. Mark Bassey is a jazz trombonist who has been described as a “superb, witty player” by Dave Gelly. He has played with Alan Barnes, Julian Arguelles, Nikki Iles, and recently with Billy Jenkins and the BBC Big Band. He has also appeared at Ronnie Scotts with Liane Carroll. Mark plays the Recital Room on Friday, March 11 at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £8 for under 18 year olds and £16 for adults. n For more details, or to book, call: 01344 484123 or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk
Should’ve seen it coming
Experience the freewheeling Charleston era of Flappers, Cocktails and Bright Young Things with a selection of great songs, jazz and dance numbers, performed by the orchestra and a female vocalist. Tickets cost £53.50 and include a two course meal in the theatre’s restaurant before the show. The bar opens at 6pm, with dinner from 6.15pm. The performance is at 8.15pm. n For more details, or to book, log on to: millatsonning.com or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000.
A BRITISH Comedy Award winner comes to Reading for a tour warm-up later this month. Nina Conti performs at South Street on Saturday, March 19, at 8pm. She will be working through ideas for her new show The Dating Show before she tours it across the UK. There’s no promise that true love will be found, but a firm guarantee that big laughs will be had in the reign of the woman who Evening Standard critics have crowned the “voicethrowing queen”. Nina has appeared on BBC’s Live at the Apollo, made a BAFTA-nominated film and has enjoyed sell-out shows across the world – all without moving her lips. Suitable for an audience aged 14 and up, tickets cost £17. For more details, or to book, visit: whatsonreading. com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.
THERE are three chances to see the film Nightmare Alley at Norden Farm next week. The film directed by Guillermo del Toro tells the story of Stanton Carlisle, a man down on his luck. He meets a clairvoyant named Zeena and her has-been mentalist husband Pete at a travelling fayre. Using the knowledge he acquires from them, he grifts the wealthy elite of 1940s New York society. With the virtuous Molly by his side, Stanton plots to con a dangerous tycoon who might be his most formidable opponent yet. Nightmare Alley has a cast including Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette and Willem Dafoe. Rated 15 and with a run time of 150 minutes, tickets for each of the three screenings start from £9.50. The showing on Tuesday, March 15 at 8pm is a Talking Tables screening. Other screenings take place on Saturday, March 12, at 11am and Wednesday, March 16, at 2pm. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.
dance along to The Proclaimers hits, which include I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), Misty Blue and Oh Jean. Written by Stephen Greenhorn, the musical’s plot explores a sense of home and community, identity and Scottishness, and love. Performances begin at 7.30pm in 3Sixty, in the Reading University Student Union building on Whiteknights Campus. There is no performance on Wednesday, March 16. Tickets cost £6.15 for RUDS members and £8.15 for non-members. n For more details, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading. com
STUDENTS will take centre stage in a show featuring the music of The Proclaimers. Reading University Drama Society presents Sunshine On Leith from Monday, March 14, until Thursday, March 17. Audiences are invited to sing and
TWO ex-Strictly Come Dancing professionals will entertain fans at Basingstoke next Thursday, March 17. Karen Hauer and Gorka Marquez present their show Firedance at The Anvil, beginning at 7.30pm. Accompanied by live Latin musicians
Letter from America
Hot stuff
Biscuit Factory for wine lovers
A BLIND tasting of wines is taking place at the Biscuit Factory next Thursday, March 17. The evening will explore six wines from lesser known French wine producing regions, in an alternative Tour de France. Where the wines are from and how they are made will be revealed after they have been tried. No previous wine tasting knowledge or experience is required for the informal event, hosted by Berks Fizz. Tasting begins at 7pm and tickets cost £30. n For more information, visit: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk and a dynamic dance ensemble, Karen and Gorka promise an experience Strictly fans won’t forget. Expect pulsing beats, seductive choreography and breathtaking passion set to songs including In the Air Tonight, Relight My Fire, Bamboleo and many more. Tickets from £28.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01256 844244 or visit: anvilarts.org.uk
Count on him
COMEDY royalty visits Reading next week. Count Arthur Strong’s 20th anniversary tour And This Is Me will grace the stage of The Hexagon on Thursday, March 17. After many years of giving his wonderful lecture talks of his he does, Count Arthur Strong has at last bowed to substantial pubic demand and allowed himself be talked into making the show about himself for once. And that had never occurred to him
before because of him being highly magnanimous. From his breakthrough Edinburgh Fringe show Forgotten Egypt in 2002, Arthur has two decades of memories from his 10 national tours, 15 years of his award-winning radio show and three series of his BAFTA nominated TV sitcom. The show starts at 8pm and tickets are priced at £24.50. n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.
Back in time
GO BACK in time in Sonning later this month. Michael Law’s Piccadilly Dance Orchestra presents Back to the Roaring Twenties at The Mill on Sunday, March 20. The audience is invited to banish lockdown blues and celebrate the new twenties decade by returning into the 1920s.
AT THE THEATRE
Coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment. Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 I, Elizabeth. Thurs. Bracknell Jazz: Mark Bassey. Fri. Susie Dent: The Secret Lives of Words. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Purple Zeppelin. Sat. Wilde Sundays: The Gillies, Paul Alexander Low, Kev Minney. Sun. Christine Bovill’s Piaf. Tues. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Elisabeth Pion. Fri 18. Crowthorne Musical Players Presents Curtain Up. Fri 18-Sat 19. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 18. I Spy With My Little Eye. Sun 20.
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FILMS: Royal Opera House: Rigoletto. Thurs, Sun. Carry On Up The Kyhber. Mon. National Theatre Live: Hex. Thurs 17.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 The Savoy Singers. Until Sat. Baby Broadway. Sat. Some Guys Have All The Luck. Thurs 17. Simon and Garfunkel. Fri 18. Silly Squirrel. Sat 19. Thank You For the Music. Sat 19. Let’s Dance. Sun 20.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Six. Until Sat. Two Cigarettes in the Dark – CANCELLED. Tues-Sat 19.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Cinderella. Thurs. Hellfire Comedy
Club. Thurs. Romeo and Juliet. Fri. Swan Lake. Sat. Ray Mears. Sun. Derren Brown: Showman. Tues-Sat 19. Reginald D Hunter. Sun 20.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Henley Youth Festival. Until Sat. The Real Thing. Wed-Sat 19. Bill!. Sun 20.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Royal Opera House Live: Rigoletto. Thurs, Fri. Matt Chorley: Who Is In Charge Here. Fri. Budapest Cafe Orchestra. Fri. Nightmare Alley (15). Sat. Parallel Mothers (15). Sat. The Vinyl Frontier: The Best Years of our Lives. Sat. Rebel Dread (tbc). Sat. Simon Brodkin: Troublemaker. Wed. Band of the Household Cavalry Lunchtime Recital. Thurs 17. Tom houghton Honour Tour. Thurs 17. The Eyes of Tammy
Faye (12a). Fri 18-Sat 19. Andy Zaltman Satirist For Hire. Fri 18. Alan Barnes (sax). Fri 18. The Souvenir Part II (15). Sat 19. Taplow Girls’ Choir: Sing, Rejoice. Sun 20.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Thurs-Sat. Royal Opera Encore: Rigoletto. Sun. Reginald D Hunter: Bombe Shuffleur. Wed. Ben Hart: Wonder. Thurs 17. Lipstick on your Collar. Fri 18. You Win Again: Celebrating the Music of the Bee Gees. Sat 19.
Newbury – Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Wicker Husband. Until Sat 26.
Reading – South St
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Poets Cafe. Fri. TalkShow presents
Telethon. Fri. Faustus. Sat. Nothing Happens (Twice). Tues-Wed. Jamali Maddix: King Crud. Thurs 17. Kiri PritchardMcLean: Home Truths. Fri 18.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Chris Ramsey. Thurs. Bowie Live. Sat. Henley Symphony Orchestra. Sun. What’s Love Got To Do With It?. Wed. Count Arthur Strong: And This Is Me. Thurs 17. Diversity. Fri 18-Sat 19.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jeneba Kanneh-Mason: piano. Thurs 17.
Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Yous Two. Mar 28-Apr 2.
Last chance for the Lou
LAST few tickets remain for comedian Lou Sanders in Maidenhead later this month. Her stand up show One Word, Wow comes to Norden Farm on Wednesday, March 30. Lou wants to have a cosy chat with the audience, sharing some of her irreverent life stories with them. She promises to bring her skates if the audience brings their wallets Described as a “comedian who leaves you wanting more” in The Times and “terrific” in The Guardian, Lou wonders if maybe her show is the real vaccine. Television appearances include Channel 4’s Taskmaster, BBC2’s QI and she co-hosts Mel Giedroyc’s Unforgivable on Dave. Tickets cost £16, and she takes to the stage at 8pm. n For more details, or to book, log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788997.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 National Theatre Connections. Mar 16-18.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Apr 29-30, May 5-7
Sonning – The Mill
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 The House on Cold Hill. Until Mar 26. Gimme Gimme Abba. Sun. Piccadilly Dance Orchestra. Sun 20.
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Lost In Music. Thurs. Frankie The
Concert. Fri. Alice In Wonderland. Sat. Some Guys Have All The Luck: the Rod Stewart Story. Sun. Father Brown: The Murderer in the Mirror. Mon-Sat 19. Mane Chance. Sun 20.
Wokingham – Wokingham Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Hobson’s Choice. Wed-Mar 26.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 The Wizard of Oz. Tues-Fri 18
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Sat May 28.
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LEISURE | 15
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Rock along with Purple Zeppelin’s Wilde night out
Park.
Purple Zeppelin will be taking to the stage of the Wilde Theatre to perform a unique tribute to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin. They aim to capture the essence of the two iconic bands because they are huge fans of both Zeppelin and Purple. Their theatrical show dedicated to these two giants of rock which includes special effects, onstage ‘artistic differences’, crowd participation and a few things that audiences might not expected. There are so many great songs to choose from, the band had to develop a new approach that includes as many of the most famous tracks as possible. They call it playing “the best bits all of the time” and it enables them to include many classic songs, so fans will definitely hear their favourites plus one or two surprises. The accent is firmly on entertainment with Ritchie
Blackmore’s on stage antics, Jimmy Page’s twin neck Guitar and Theremin, a Drum Duet and a very special Violin Bow Solo. The tribute group said that whether you were lucky enough to have seen the originals live or not, they will take you back to the magic, the excitement and the sheer raw energy generated by the incredible musicians. Respected rock biographer Chris Welch who saw both bands at their peak and has written many books about Led Zeppelin, saw the show and said: “This highly entertaining and musically authentic tribute band dared to match the brilliance of the originators.” And they have twice been voted the Best UK Tribute Band. The show is from 7.45pm on Saturday, March 12. Tickets cost £20 or £18 for concessions. n For more details or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123 or log on to www. southhillpark.org.uk n For more details on the band, visit www.purplezeppelin.com
Purple Zeppelin
This amateur production of “Ladies’ Day” is presented by arrangement with Nick Hern Books
T
HERE will be a whole lotta lovin’ going on this Saturday, thanks to South Hill
Where were we? Theatre group prepares to return
PHIL CREIGHTON
Party time for Club Velocity TO CELEBRATE the 19th anniversary of a popular music night, a party is going to be held. Club Velocity launched in March 2003, with a set from The Vaults, The Snags and yumiyumi. And another triple bill of music will take place when it parties on Friday, March 25. The venue for the bash will be Rising Sun Arts Centre in Silver Street, Reading. Organisers are promising lots of cake and plenty of shizzle. A Club Velocity spokesperson said: “Over the years-the night has put on very early gigs by Bloc Party, Amazons, Sundara Karma,
Matt Maltese, Ben Marwood and many, many others. “There has been more than 400 gigs; various heavy weight music industry types
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have attended. What really has been the most vital part of 19 years of gigs is this: bands have formed, record labels created, people have got married,
lifelong friendships made and lives have been changed for the better.” The anniversary line-up is east Reading band The Go Go Cult (pictured), a punk and billy rock rock band of the highest order; Abrasive Trees, who are making their debut Reading gig and featuring former Reading chap Jay Newtown; completing the bill is This, a new supergroup that Club Velocity says ‘deal in sublime pop guitar sex’. Doors open at 8pm, tickets cost £8 in advance from www. wegottickets.com – search for Club Velocity. Don’t forget the party hat.
TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE THEATRE GROUP PRESENTS
Saturd by amanda whittington
www.tw
Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group are preparing to return to the stage with Ladies Day
A
THEATRE group is preparing to stage the play they were rehearsing two years ago when covid struck.
In fact Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group managed to perform the play, Ladies’ Day by Amanda Whittington, in 2020 – by Zoom. Director then Frank Kaye said: “Covid halted our normal rehearsals but somehow we managed to find this thing called Zoom. It meant everyone could rehearse [and perform] in their own homes.” They went on to produce a highly successful radio play type performance, via Zoom, with up to 130 in the audience. “It was absolutely amazing,” said Frank. But now they’re getting ready to perform a traditionally staged version of the play at Loddon Hall, Twyford on May 12, 13 and 14. The play tells the story of four women having what seems an innocuous chat in a factory. They burst out of their monotony and go off to the races, encountering a wide range of men and revealing a lot about themselves. There’s growing interest in the
outcome of the day’s races as the play progresses. The group says the play “maintains a bubbling humour throughout. The young cast is excellent, and we are having a lot of fun playing with the many different vignettes of the ladies’ lives.” Frank has stepped in to the stage manager’s role, which was hard to fill this time, and is also assistant director. Hazel Evans is the director. “It’s delightful to put the play on stage properly,” added Frank. “Two of the original cast’s ladies are in it, along with two new ladies. “The play has been staged professionally with one actor playing all six men. We have two playing three each. It’s absolutely brilliant. “It’s a comedy all the way through. But each of the four ladies has a more serious aspect to their lives. Amanda Whittington is a modern playwright, who knows exactly what she is doing.” In January this year the group managed to get back on stage to perform their panto, Rapunzel, which proved a big hit. n Tickets for Ladies’ Day are £10 - £12 and available by calling 0118 328 2825, or log on to twyrusdrama.org.uk
SUE CORCORAN
Mates Rates Comedy Club is bringing Live Stand-Up Comedy to Reading W h e t h e r i t i s TV n a m e s o r n u r t u r i n g n ew ta l e n t a t t h e g ra s s ro o t s , i f yo u l ove s ta n d-u p co m e d y, M a te s Ra te s Co m e d y h a s a s h ow fo r yo u ! Fo r m o re i n fo r m a ti o n c h e c k o u t t h e l i n ks be l ow a n d s ca n t h e Q R co d e to bo o k yo u r ti c ke t s .
Fo l l ow u s o n : f: / M a te s Ra te s C o m e d y c: @ M a te s ra te s co m e d y www. m a te s ra te s co m e d y. co . u k
16 | LEISURE
Rock at the Legion AN ECLECTIC musical setlist is promised for visitors to a Wokingham Music Club show on Friday, March 25. Women In Rock will be performing at the Royal British Legion in Winnersh. They play everything from Janice Joplin to Suzi Quatro, with a mixture of Tina Turner, Blondie, Cher and Joan Jett for good measure. This is a fully choreographed show celebrating some great music. The show takes place from 8pm, and tickets cost £20 in advance. n For details, log on to www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
Sing a spring song WOKINGHAM Choral Society is presenting its first concert of 2022 on Saturday, March 19. They will be at St Paul’s Church on Reading Road in Wokingham to celebrate spring. The programme includes Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Five Mystical Songs, and Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms. The society will be conducted by James Morley Potter. n Tickets cost £12.50, or £5 for students and under 18s, and can be bought from the Wokingham Town Hall information centre, Newbury Building Society in Broad Street, Jay Design and Print in Denmark Street. For more, log on to www.wokingham-choralsociety.org.uk
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Tomorrow Bird celebrates success
T
OMORROW Bird have been awarded the Graham Steele Music Company Single of the Year award. The acoustic duo was given the award for their single What Comes Next, and was among acts such as Blondie tribute band Atomic Rapture and the Starlite Campbell Band. The award is their fourth from GSMC, having received the award for best duo in both 2017 and 2018, and best single in 2020. The duo were awarded best single last year for their song Not All Heroes Wear Capes, a charity single in aid of the NHS. Formed in 2017, Tomorrow Bird is the collaboration of Simon Driscoll, frontman of Readingbased band Burnt Tomorrow, and Jen Bird, whose solo work has included two solo albums and work on the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise. Tomorrow Bird said they “genuinely did not expect” the award. “We worked really hard on this track, and it is a personal favourite of ours, so it meant the world to us to have it recognised in this way.” “We can only thank each and every single person who voted for us.” Other bands honoured by the awards included The Lost Trades,
COMING SOON: Dutty Moonshine Band will be at Sub89 in May Picture: Lauren Southam Photography
Dutty Moonshine to bring City of Sin to life WINNERS: Tomorrow Bird at the GSMC Awards. Picture: Andrew Merritt who won album of the year, and Tu-Kay & Ryan, who won for best newcomer. Tomorrow Bird congratulated their fellow winners, saying “what’s better than winning a GSMC music award? When your friends win one too.” The duo also thanked the company’s director Graham Steel. “We are also beyond thankful to the good people at GSMC, headed up by the legend that is Graham Steel.” They said that work like Graham’s has given independent musicians “an online platform
to stay connected and keep performing.” “We don’t know what we would have done without that.” Wokingham-based Atomic Rapture were also among the winners of the annual awards, winning in the best cover/tribute category for their Blondie tribute act. This is also their third time winning in the category, having won in 2019 and 2020. n Tomorrow Bird will be supporting The Christians at Sub89 on Friday, April 15.
JAKE CLOTHIER
AN ELECTRONIC collective is preparing to visit Reading as part of their latest UK tour. The 12-piece band Dutty Moonshine promise a big brass sound with an even bigger bass. Formed in 2015, the group say they have been destroying dancefloors with their unique take on bass music. Two years ago, they enjoyed a Top 40 album success with City of Sin. Now, they are finally able to take their idiosyncratic electronic-rap collective show on tour, with a visit to Sub89 on the cards. City of Sin, released via the Rum Runners label, is a concoction of 11 gritty tunes that the group say are coated in heavy bass wobbles, flying vocals and serious dub work; perfecting their sound through
a variation of addictive tunes. Taking influence from snippets of each music scene, together the 12-piece band chop and chew their love for jazz, drill, electronica, jungle and more into one gigantic pot of honey. Fans at the shows can expect a seven-piece brass selection, a drummer who experiments with an acoustic and digital kit, a bluestrained pianist, a DJ, two backing vocalists and last and not least: all fronted by band leader Dutty Moonshine himself. A spokesperson for the band said: “A guaranteed entertaining performance for anyone watching, be prepared to dance and dance hard”. For the show on Thursday, May 12, they will be joined by Funke and the Two Tone Baby. n For more details, or to book, log on to sub89.com
Help choir celebrate birthday TWYFORD Singers are continuing their 60th birthday celebrations with their Easter performance on Palm Sunday, April 10. The concert will include excerpts from Maunder’s Olivet to Calvary and Stainers’s Crucifixion. There is also a special new anniversary arrangement by a previous Twyford Singers musical director, Simon Rigby, of Gloria, laus et honor. The concert will be led by the choir’s musical director, Helen
Styles and accompanied by Judith Creighton. Entry to the choir’s 60th Anniversary Composition Competition has closed. The choir says it is delighted to have received so many submissions. Composers were asked to write reflecting the anniversary year’s themes of hope, joy and celebration. The entries will be shortlisted and the final three works will be sung for the first time at the Singers’ summer
concert on June 25 at Loddon Hall, Twyford. A panel of distinguished judges will decide the winner. Twyford Singers, founded in 1962, say they’re a friendly village choir with a young enthusiastic musical director and around 40 members. They welcome new members and no auditions are required. n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to: twyford-singers. org.uk
SUE CORCORAN
Breabach head to folk club on Monday ON MONDAY, the visitors of the Nettlebed Folk Club will be Scottish band Breabach. Ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts, Breabach unite deep roots in Highland and Island tradition with the innovative musical ferment of their Glasgow base. They have released six increasingly acclaimed albums and a film soundtrack, while fuelling their creative appetites in collaboration with indigenous Australasian artists, Quebec’s Le Vent du Nord, and most recently as artists-in-residence Celtic Colours festival with Cape Bretoners, Beolach. Their latest project Dùsgadh, saw them collaborate with
Scottish Bafta winning animator, Cat Bruce to create a short film with original score. Previous winners of Live Act of the Year at the Scots Trad Music Awards and also nominated for BBC Best Group, Braebach are seriously talented. This multi award-winning band are dynamic and fun and have a
distinct sound with songs, tunes and step dance accompanied by double bagpipes and bass, flute, fiddle and guitar. The show takes place at the Village Club in the High Street on Monday, March 14 from 8pm. n For more details, call: 01628 636620 between 10am and 8pm, or visit nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
LEISURE | 25
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Wednesday, March 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662
RaW Sounds Today
LOVELY LAURA: Third Lung performed their new single at The Purple Turtle on Friday evening Picture: Andrew Merritt
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
W
E GOT into the editor’s bad books this week by being late sending over the RaW Sounds Today playlist, but it was worth it.
Last Friday night, Third Lung launched its new single with a special night in Reading’s Purple Turtle. It was a gig we had to attend before writing this week’s list, so we’ve no regrets, and nor will you when you tune in to hear Laura for the first, or 70th, time. The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing – make sure you bookmark the Spotify page. To hear this week’s set, simply head to bit.ly/rawsoundstodayand pump up the volume. There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
Third Lung – Laura What a brilliant night last week at the band’s launch party, presented by Jamma at Purple Turtle, for this new single. They were No.2 in our Top 20 of 2021 with their I A Fire single which was one of a number of quality singles they released during the year. Laura is their first release of 2022, and they are certainly showing that they can maintain that quality as it’s another powerful melodic anthem. It’s the first single release from their forthcoming album, Gameplay. We’ll look forward to that – http://thirdlungband.com/
OSP – Breathe We’ve been looking out for some good hip hop and so were really pleased to hear this new release.
It’s a debut single from Reading-based rap collective OSP, comprised of Esa Kwame, J Blackz, Silqe and Subject and it’s a great track. With a cool groove, an infectious melody and thought-provoking lyrics it’s a strong debut release, They will be live at Readipop Festival’s Launch Party at Purple Turtle on Saturday, March 19, along with Brother Zulu and Hatty Taylor – https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk
My Darling Clementine – I Lost You This duo have become part of the country and Americana landscape with their wonderful songs and live shows and they are visiting the area to play at Wokingham Music Club on Friday, March 18 – https://mydarlingclementinemusic.co.uk/
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
Lonely Robot – Under Stars Lonely Robot was created by John Mitchell who works from his Reading-based recording studio, Outhouse as songwriter, musician and producer. He played a special show at Everyman in Kings Cross last month – https://johnmitchellhq.com
Steve Anderson – Coda
Mordecai Smyth – Fear of Flying
Steve, from The Room, has just released his solo album, Journeyman’s Progress – Part One which is a wonderful album of instrumentals showcasing Steve’s skills as a guitarist and musician – https:// journeymansprogress.co.uk/
Here’s some wonderful psychedelic pop sounds released on Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records. Mordecai has a new album due in May and has just released this single, Fear of Flying from it – https:// www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust
Split the Dealer – Hard To Take
The Wave Machine – Don’t Pretend
He was in our Top 10 of the year list in both 2020 and 2021 and here’s his new single. Split the Dealer will be headlining at Reading’s Sub 89 with his full band on Friday, May 13 – https:// www.facebook.com/splitthedealer
Angus Trott, aka The Wave Machine, appeared in our best of 2021 list with ‘Ocean’s Brew’ and now here’s his new single. It’s another uplifting positive song that makes you smile – https://www.facebook.com/ thewavemachine
GIG GUIDE Thursday, March 10
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead. Mark Basset with the Simon Cook Trio. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Beardyman. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Friday, March 11
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. CLOSED. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Mark Bassey. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Blagrave, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. The Tim Kay Band. Details: 0118 958 6775. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. It Was Never A Phase – Feeling This. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Electrick Live Orchestra. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Storm In A Teacup presents: making
Friends, Missing The Scene, Tape It Shut, As Loud as A Mouse. Details: 0118 958 6048. WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Gimme Gimme Gimme Abba. £20. Details: www.wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Gas Trick Band. Details: 0118 977 3706. YATELEY – The Royal Oak, Reading Road, GU46 7UG. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872459.
Saturday, March 12
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Charity Fundraiser Tribute Band Evening. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. !daft! Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Soul’d OUt. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Full flavour. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Purple Zeppelin. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle
Street RG1 7RJ. The Rainbow Barn Dance. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Bowie Live. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Las Nova. The Mirror Pictures. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Broken Bones UK. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – South Street. Faustus. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Fusion 6. Details: 0118 376 9159. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. The Right Times. Details: 0118 942 9606. WHISTLEY GREEN – The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Jamie Trick. Details: 0118 934 0886. WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Soultime. WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Pink Fish. Details: 0118 979 7402. WOODLEY – The Chequers, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JH. Brick Top. Details: 0118 969 3477. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. John Newman. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, March 13
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: The Gillies, Paul Alexander Low, Kev Minney. Details: 01344 484123. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Anthony John Clarke. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Masquerader, The Byker Grove Fan Club, Muscle Vest, Basic Dicks. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Monday, March 14
NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Breabach. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk
Tuesday, March 15
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Christine Bovill’s Piad. Details: 01344 484123. WOKINGHAM – Baranda, Peach Street RG40 1XG. The Sting Operation. Details: 0118 977 6100.
Wednesday, March 16
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. What’s Love Got To Do With It? Details: 0118 960 6060.
Thursday, March 17
STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. St Patrick’s Day: Fiddle. Details: 01491 681048.
Friday, March 18
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Scemata Theory and My Latest Failure.. Details: theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. CLOSED. Details: 01344 303333. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents My Darling Clementine. £15. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Saturday, March 19
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Replays. Details: 01344 303333. CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. The Self Preservation Society. Details: 01344 772161. EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club, Pitts Lane RG6 1BT. T Roze and Co. Details: 0118 926 5936. GORING – Goring Social Club, High Street RG8 9BA. Wise Monkeys. Details: 01491 873105. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Ransom. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Like ... The Beatles. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Hugh Turner Trio. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Readipop 2022 launch party with Brother Zulu, OSP and Hatty Taylor. Propa Ammo: DJ Rap, Dope Ammo, Kenny Ken. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Oxford Improvisers Collation No. 1. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX.
Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930. SHINFIELD – The Sportsman, Shinfield Road RG2 7DS. The Beatle and Buddy Show. Details: 0118 975 2089. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Ska Britannia.. Details: 0118 942 9606. WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. The Makeshifts. Details: 0118 979 7402. WOODLEY – The Chequers, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JH. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 969 3477. YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Lorraine and Neil. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, March 20
EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon Karaoke. 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Scarecrow. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.
26 | LEISURE
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WHAT’SON Films
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include The Batman (15). Thurs. The Duke (12a). Thurs. Parallel Mothers (15). Thurs. Royal Opera:Rioletto (12a). Thurs. Belfast (12a). Thurs. Ali & Ava (15). Mon. Keep It Cult: The Fly (18). Mon, Fri 18. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Thursday, March 10
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Reading’s Second Railway – The Early Days, a talk from Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Cantley Hotel, Milton Road RG40 1JY.Wokingham Women In Business networking meeting. £28. Noon-2pm. Details: sarahvandort@ wibn.co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Image selection and sequencing with Mike Holderness and Phil Blanchard. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Sedero Lounge, Bailey’s House, Central Walk RG40 1AZ. International Women’s Day get-together, hosted by the Women’s Equality Party Reading and
Wokingham. 7pm-9pm.
Friday, March 11
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Big Untidy Torchlight Book Club. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060. WINNERSH – Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Gimme Gimme Gimme ABBA in concert. £20. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, March 12 CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928. READING – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue RG1 6JE. Walk Through The New Testament. 9.30am4pm. £12. Details: www. allnationselim.org/walkthrough
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING – Crunch Comics, Harris Arcade, Friar Street. Martin Simmonds artist signing: meet the cocreator of The Department of Truth from Image Comics. 1pm. WOKINGHAM – Caudwell Hall Theatre, Holme Grange School, Heathlands Road RG40 3AL. CANCELLED: Reading Male Voice Choir concert, with support from Hannah Lebrecht, in aid of the Rotary Club of Easthampstead and The Link Visiting Scheme. £15. 7.30pm. Details: www. rmvc.net WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Coronation Hall. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society presents Kings in Thebes? Harwa, Montuemhat and Padiuamunope and the perfect Egyptian tomb. £4. 2pm. Details: www.tvaes. org.uk WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Reading Male Voice Choir concert, with support from Hannah Lebrecht, in aid of the Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal. 7.30pm. Free entry, booking via ticketsource.co.uk. Details: www.rmvc.net
Sunday, March 13
BINFIELD – Salisbury Hall, Newbold College RG42 4AN. Bracknell Choral Society presents A Glorious Celebration. 6pm. £15, under 18s free. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk READING – Jelly, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Sunday life drawing with
guest artist Mark Webber. 11.30am-1pm. £12. Details: www.jelly.org.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Henley Symphony Orchestra. Details: 0118 960 6060. STREATLEY – St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG8 9HU. Piano Recital by Glynne Stackhouse and Felicity Burrell. 4pm. £6, £5 concessions. Details: stmarysconcerts@hotmail. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, RG5 3LA. Messy Church. 4pm. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Monday, March 14
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Jelly presents a life-drawing class. 6.30pm. £20 Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Jelly, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Book Club online: Bewilderment with Richard Powers. £2. 7pm. Details: www.jelly. 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 WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons Art and Crafts. Try something new, relax,
enjoy tea and biscuits. £3 per craft, materials supplied. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: 0118 969 9956.
Tuesday, March 15
EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – RISC, London Street RG1 4PS. Nonviolent action: A force for Change. 9.30am-3.30pm. Free. Booking essential. Details: kirsty@risc.org.uk WOKINGHAM – California Country Park, Nine Mile Ride RG40 4HU. CLASP presents a Sensory Stroll with Wokingham Park Rangers. All welcome, and in particular anyone with sensory needs, disabilities, learning disabilities or difficulties.10am-noon. Details: wokinghamclasp. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, March 16
PURLEY – St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Avenue. Alpha course. 7.30pm: meal followed by talk and discussion on the Christian fiath. 7.30pm. Details: www.stmaryspurley.org.uk READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square. History of Reading Society lecture: The History of Reading’s Hospitals, with Lionel Williams. Includes an AGM. 7pm. £2. Details: historyofreadingsociety. org.uk READING – RISC, London
Street RG1 4PS. Green Energy – costing the earth? Asad Reham, the dynamic director of War on Want, will talk about the materials that we are using for a green transition – in windmills, solar panels, electric cars etc. Are we using the materials in a sustainable way? 7.30pm. TILEHURST – Tilehurst Methodist Church, School Road. Tilehurst GLOBE meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www.tilehurst-globe.org.uk WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Coffee morning. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 969 9956. WOODLEY – Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road, RG5 3LA. Wesley Guild: A Visit To The Holy Land. 2pm. Details: www.christchurch-woodley.org.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Thursday, March 17
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. The Alternative Tour De France wine tasting. 7pm. £30. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk 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 – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Nevil Shute: Aeronautical engineer and author. A talk on Zoom by John Andrew. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk
What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form 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,
Name Name
charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.
Address
Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:
Address
Postcode Email Postcode
Time of event: Contact number for readers:
Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Round 4 PDI competition: This is England judged by Peter Orr. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.
Friday, March 18
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, March 19
COLEY PARK – Coley Park Baptist Church, Wensley Road RG1 6DU. Coley Craft: create, craft and chat over a brew. 10am-noon. Details: coleychurch.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Wellington College Chapel, Wellington College, Dukes RIde RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Choral Society’s spring concert. Dvorak: Mass in D Major. Tickets £12, £2 students. Details: www. crowthornechoral.org.uk. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting: Spring Equinox. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com GORING – St Thomas of Canterbury Church RG8 9DS. The Heart Starts Singing: a concert by Reading Bach Choir. Musical director Daniel Mahoney. 7.30pm. £15, under 18s £5. Details: www.readingbachchoir. org.uk LOWER EARLEY – Lower Earley Baptist Church, Maiden Place. The A Team: Awesome Autism/ADHD – Craft Session. For Autistic and/or ADHD girls (age 5-18) who live, or attend a school, in Berkshire. Booking essential, £18. 10am-noon. READING – The Weller Centre, Amersham Road RG4 5NA. Craft Club clear out: sale of fabric remnants, craft fabrics, wood, embroidery, and more. 2pm-4pm. In aid of The Weller Centre. Details: 07986 905784.
ROTHERFIELD PEPPARD – Springwater Peppard Congregational Church, Blounts Court Road RG9 5EU. Spring craft fair. 10am-1pm. Free entry. Cafe with lunches. Details: www.springwaterchurch. org.uk SONNING COMMON – Village Hall, Wood Lane RG4 9SL. Craft fair. 10am-4pm. Details: mumadoracrafts.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Choral Society spring concert. 7.30pm. £12.50, £5 under 18s and students. Details: www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, March 20
CHARVIL – Village Hall, Park Lane. Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre Super Sunday Sale. 11am3pm. Details: www.dbarc. org.uk EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, Lowther Road. Wokingham Music Club presents My Darling Clementine. £15. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub READING – Crucible Sports and Social Club, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. McGuinnes and Whitham: Back on Tour. £25. Details: 07932 724462. READING – Reading Hackspace Lab, Unit C1, Weldale Street RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome. SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Farmers & Community market. 9am-noon. Details: www.spencerswoodhall. co.uk WOODLEY – Goals, Woodlands Avenue RG5 4FG. League of Friends of the Royal Berkshire Hospital charity football tournament. £60 per team of up to eight. Prizes, stalls, activities for all ages. From 10am. Details: lof@ royalberkshire.nhs.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
No. 5404
Your weekly puzzle challenge
27
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Wednesday, March 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
Quiz Challenge
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1. What colour are the three vertical panels on the flag of Italy? 2. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was mayor of which city from 2008 to 2016? 3. What M is a type of knitting stitch and a small flowerless plant? 4. Where might you encounter Ono’s inequality? 5. The infamous headmaster Wackford Squeers appears in which novel by Charles Dickens?
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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
ESTIMATE WISE LEAP
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: 30 Good; 36 Very Good; 42 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed A through openings in the walls. The R first letter may appear in any chamber. E M
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
DOWN 1. Fates organise you initially to be out of harm’s way (6) 2. The accent is on most of the small stones (5) 3. Order a set of books for the officer (10) 4. Bird entitled to appear within (3) 6. Leonard and I got remarkable freckles (7) 7. It doesn’t amount to much of a dessert (6) 10. Express respect for remark about twisted lip (10) 12. Made a ruling on paper perhaps (5) 15. Casual way to describe unused glove? (7) 16. Chap stumbled, giving a shout of pain (6) 17. Mater’s coming to the brook (6) 20. Bloodsucker left on the river (5) 23. Endlessly tense step (3)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
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ACROSS 1. Coming to power (9) 6. Distant (3) 8. Inert medication (7) 9. Child’s toy (5) 10. Bygone (4) 11. Harden (3) 13. Tablet (4) 14. Woody perennial (5) 16. Leaseholder (6) 18. Shellfish (6) 19. Protection (5)
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WORD PYRAMID: Mad as a March hare. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; divide; add; subtract. Total: 12.
SOLUTIONS
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ACROSS 1. Wisdom found in community for the over-50s! (8) 5. Plan left in the vessel (4) 8. Dejected friend sharing accommodation (8) 9. Opposed to some triumphant invasions (4) 11. Another note on trouble afflicting part of one’s foot (7) 13. Window reveals bend in Loire (5) 14. Booby prize given for stirring in the kitchen? (6,5) 18. Spritely number in fine arrangement (5) 19. Allowed bird to fly over first for a drop (7) 21. Look now at the burden (4) 22. Various helpers going round the bend for ball (8) 24. Extra roomy (4) 25. Line on map is nothing but a unit of heat (8)
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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
SUDOKU Easy
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1
6. Ed Sheeran and Elton John joined LadBaby on which 2021 Christmas song? 7. A territorial outpost of which country is immediately north of Poland? 8. Which disease is caused by infectious bacteria in water tanks and humidifiers? 9. Ibrox Stadium is the home of which football club? 10. The 2021 BBC TV drama A Very British Scandal portrays the bitter divorce of which English aristocrats?
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PZ1P5404
CROSS CODE 24
5404
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21. Nipple (4) 22. Seedcase (3) 23. Wind instrument (4) 27. Asian republic (5) 28. Frothy (7) 30. Written record (3) 31. Scandinavian (9) DOWN 1. Viper (3) 2. Category (5) 3. Hotpot (4) 4. Chemical compound (6) 5. Naked (4)
6. Young female horses (7) 7. Regal colour (5,4) 10. Governmental (9) 11. Farm animal (5) 12. Swollen (5) 14. Ocean (3) 15. Passenger vehicle (3) 17. Forming (7) 20. Sportsman (6) 24. Russian pancake (5) 25. Abel’s brother (4) 26. Infant (4) 29. Firearm (3)
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Green, white and red; 2 London; 3 Moss; 4 Geometry; 5 Nicholas Nickleby; 6 Sausage Rolls for Everyone; 7 Russia; 8 FIVE ALIVE: Legionnaires’ Disease; 9 Glasgow Rangers; 10 The Duke and Duchess of Argyll. (1) Across – Heirs; Upset; Stern. Down – Hours; Issue; Satan. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Sagacity; 5 Plot; 8 Flatmate; 9 Anti; 11 Toenail; 13 (2) Across – Youth; Child; Aisle. D A W X B N H J K Y T Z E Oriel; 14 Wooden spoon; 18 Elfin; 19 Driblet; 21 Load; 22 Down – Yucca; Units; Hedge. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Spherule; 24 Wide; 25 Isotherm. G U Q F L I S M C V P R O Down – 1 Safety; 2 Grave; 3 Commandant; 4 Tit; 6 Lentigo; 7 NONAGRAM: akin; asker; inker; kaiser; kepi; kern; Trifle; 10 Compliment; 12 Lined; 15 Offhand; 16 Fellow; 17 kina; kinase; kirpan; knap; knar; kris; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Stream; 20 Louse; 23 Pas. wait; apse; isle; naker; napkin; nark; nerk; park; parkin; teem. peak; pekan; perk; pika; pike; piker; pink; pinker; prank; prink; rake; raki; rank; rink; risk; sake; saker; saki; sank; sark; sika; sink; sinker; skarn; skean; skein; skep; skier; skin; skinner; skip; snake; snakier; snark; sneak; spake; spank; spanker; spark; speak; spike; SPINNAKER. QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Accession; 6 Far; 8 Placebo; 9 Dolly; 10 Past; 11 Set; 13 Pill; 14 Shrub; 16 Lessee; 18 Mussel; 19 Aegis; 21 Teat; 22 Pod; 23 Oboe; 27 China; 28 Foaming; 30 Log; 31 Norwegian. Down – 1 Asp; 2 Class; 3 Stew; 4 Isomer; 5 Nude; 6 Fillies; 7 Royal blue; 10 Political; 11 Sheep; 12 Tumid; 14 Sea; 15 Bus; 17 Shaping; 20 Golfer; 24 Blini; 25 Cain; 26 Babe; 29 Gun.
28 | LIFE
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
Pancakes With Bacon and Maple Syrup In the kitchen
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Milk & More
Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Serves 4
B
ORED with breakfast? Short on time? Or simply want to do your bit for the planet? Online doorstep delivery service Milk & More says it has you covered, with a range of delicious recipes, to help you create brilliant breakfasts featuring best of British produce, all delivered to your door by 7am. So get ready to celebrate the most important meal of the day during Milk & More’s first annual Breakfast Week is running from March 21 through to March 27. A range of milks and juices can be delivered in one-pint zero waste packaging glass bottles
Ingredients (reused on average 25 times), yoghurt, fruit, eggs, bread and more with no pointless plastic. In fact, 97% of all of its product packaging fits into the circular economy, meaning its fully reusable, recyclable or compostable. Over the next few weeks, we’ll feature some of the recipes including this first one, for Pancakes with Bacon and Maple Syrup. Whether you want to reinvigorate your porridge, upgrade your morning eggs or simply try something new, get ready to mix up your morning routine with one of these new recipes. To get involved in this year’s Breakfast Week and find out more, visit breakfastweek.co.uk or
Beware of UFOs, not in the skies, but in the kitchen
n 200g self raising flour n 1½ tsp baking powder n 1 tbsp caster sugar (15g) n 3 medium eggs n 25g butter, melted n 200ml semi skimmed milk n 2 tbsp natural yoghurt n Oil for frying n 12 slices streaky bacon (180g) n Maple syrup to serve
A
Method Place the flour, baking powder and sugar in a large bowl. Make a hollow in the centre and crack in the eggs and add the butter, milk and yoghurt. With a balloon whisk, mix until a smooth batter forms. Heat a little oil in a large non-stick frying pan and add 3 large
tablespoons of batter, fry for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form in the batter, flip over and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden. Repeat to make 12 pancakes. Meanwhile, place the
bacon on a foil-lined grill pan and place under a preheated grill for 6-7 minutes, turning once until crispy. Serve the pancakes topped with bacon and drizzled with maple syrup.
Cook’s tip Try serving the pancakes with fresh fruit instead of the bacon and syrup or omit the sugar and serve with bacon and ketchup for a savoury alternative.
Smile, you’re on camera … tips for teeth in the Zoom age
I
T SEEMS that people are looking for a bright new future following a couple of years of video conferencing.
A new survey commissioned by Bupa Dental Care shows that there is a demand for sprucing up smiles, be it whitening teeth or straightening them up. And the experts predict that the so-called Zoom Boom, which saw people increase their investment in their personal health and wellness during the pandemic, will continue this year. The most popular teeth whitening and straightening treatments have been taken up by almost a quarter (24%) of Brits, and owe their increased popularity to video conferencing calls, with Brits citing the top reasons for their treatments as looking to improve their dental health (41%), improving their smiles (32%), and the way they look (29%). For those seeking a smile makeover but finding it a bit of minefield, Dr Richard Jones, an Orthodontist from Bupa Dental Care has prepared an explainer. When starting your teeth straightening journey, Dr Jones says: “There are many options to consider when you’re thinking of having braces fitted, including the type of braces that are most suitable for you and how they look. “You need to understand which type of treatment will give you the results you want and which will be the most suitable for your teeth.” Braces often fall into four different categories:
Fixed braces: commonly known as ‘train tracks’. These have brackets which are glued onto your teeth and joined together with metal wire, guiding the movement of the teeth, gradually over time. Lingual braces: also known as ‘hidden braces’ or ‘braces behind the teeth’, which work in a similar way to fixed braces, except the brackets are fixed to the inner, rather than outer, surface of your teeth Removable, near-invisible aligners: a popular example would be Invisalign. These are custom made to gradually straighten your teeth in stages without the need for any metal wires or brackets Removable braces: simple braces used for specific treatments; for example, if you have an under or overbite, you may be given a
functional removable brace as a pretreatment before having a fixed brace or aligners. Once you have chosen the most suitable alignment option for you, it’s important to look after them. “In order to both minimise damage to both your braces and teeth, you must maintain proper and consistent care throughout your journey; otherwise, it will reverse the progress your teeth have made and result in the overall process taking even longer,” Dr Jones said. Braces are generally relatively pain-free, but with fixed braces, you may get more sensitive teeth in the first week or two after you’ve had them fitted as your teeth adjust, Dr Jones said. Most patients don’t need to take painkillers, but an anti-inflammatory
option, such as Ibuprofen, is recommended. Those experiencing irritation, orthodontic wax is a useful tool and protects the inside of your gums, lips, and cheeks from the brackets, minimising friction. Eating softer foods such as pasta, soup, low-sugar or natural yoghurts, or cheese, that need little or no chewing, can also ease discomfort. Avoid foods such as Bolognese, curry, and anything strong in spices, will avoid fixed braces trapping food and encouraging staining. And drinks such as red wine may stain the teeth slightly, in the same way as coffee and tea would, so it’s important to clean around your fixed braces properly. To safely clean your aligners or retainers, brush them with water and your toothbrush. Dr Jones said: “Teeth move with age and have a ‘memory’ – they’ll do their best to move back to where they were before you had braces. “Teeth straightening is truly a lifelong commitment, and regularly wearing a retainer will help you maintain the effect of your treatment. “Start by wearing your retainer every night, and then after a while, you’ll be able to reduce this gradually. Fixed retainers can also be a great option for those that worry they might forget this crucial step. “While this might seem like a lengthy process, the treatment and proper aftercare will leave you with a confident smile.” n For more details, log on to: www.bupadentalcare.co.uk
S AGENT Dana Scully once said, the truth is out there. Now, a Masterchef host is asking people to look out for UFOs … but not in the night sky. Instead, these unidentified frozen objects are turning up in freezers across the land. Gregg Wallace wants us to give them the cold shoulder, thanks to Food Waste Action Week, which runs until Sunday. The aim is to raise people’s awareness of the huge impact of household food waste on climate change, with a particular attention to the UFOs that get stuck in our freezer and never find their way on to our plates. With only around one-in-three people in the UK seeing a clear link between wasting food and climate change, Gregg has been working with Love Food Hate Waste to create a food waste installation to show the scale of the issue. He said: “No one hates seeing good food go to waste more than I do, and often it’s simple changes in how we store food that make the biggest difference. That’s why I’m delighted to support this year’s Food Waste Action Week and Love Food Hate Waste. “The fact is, we are all responsible for the vast majority of food waste that happens in the UK – 70% – so we really need to be part of the solution for the sake of the planet. “And with food prices going up and other pressures on disposable income, the savings you’ll make to the family budget by wasting less food are significant.” As a nation, we throw away 6.6 million tonnes of household food waste a year in the UK. This food waste is responsible for nearly 25 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to 5.4% of the UK’s territorial emissions. The majority, 4.5 million tonnes is food that could have been eaten and is worth approximately £14 billion (or £60 a month an average family with two children). It requires an area almost the size of Wales to produce all the food and drink currently wasted in the UK. Love Food Hate Waste is keen to show that used properly, the freezer is the king of the kitchen. In fact, freezing and defrosting just three key meat items that are commonly not used in time (fresh chicken, bacon, and sausages) could reduce waste of those items by as much as 15,000 tonnes per annum. And, when it comes to defrosting, busy households can avoid a lengthy overnight defrost by using their microwave instead – as people use a toaster to defrost sliced bread from the freezer. Sarah Clayton, Love Food Hate Waste, “Getting to grips with freezing and defrosting are big factors in preventing food from going to waste at home. At a time of rising food prices alongside huge public concern about climate change, tackling food waste at home is one way we can all make a difference and save money. “For the average family with children, the cost of binning food can be more than £700 per year. “So, Food Waste Action Week is all about avoiding those UFOs and being savvy in how we store but then use our food.”
SPORT TODAY READING
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
09.03.22
MANY UNHAPPY RETURNS
ROCKETS WIN
KESTRELS TAKE THE DRAW
ROYALS DIG DEEP TO KEEP IT CLEAN
BEN BAGS BIATHLON SILVER MEDAL
WOMEN END LOSING RUN
By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today
READING FC WOMEN dug in to stop a run of three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
Although they were unable to find the target in Sunday’s encounter at home to Tottenham Hotspur, the Royals displayed immense character at the back to
keep a clean sheet and take a point. The draw puts them back up to sixth in the Women’s Super League above Brighton & Hove Albion in a result that hurt Spurs’ hopes of qualifying for European football next season. With just seven league matches left to play this season, Kelly Chambers will be hoping from a strong push from her side to
consolidate themselves in the table. They still have hopes of pushing up the table and are currently level on points with fifth placed Manchester City having played one more match. Reading now prepare to face both Manchester sides in the space of a week. They host Manchester United this Saturday at the Select Car Leasing
A SCHOOLBOY has left his mark on the national stage after winning a silver medal in the British Biathlon Championships.
Stadium (11.30am kick-off) in front of the Sky Sports cameras. The tricky run of fixtures then continues on Wednesday, March 16 when they face Manchester City away from home in a game that could determine whether the Royals have the capacity to finish above City come the end of the campaign.
n Full match report, reaction and pictures on page 21 & 22
Hosted at the University of Bath Sports Village, 11-year-old Ben Lucas enjoyed an excellent event that saw him finish on the podium to take second place. The British Modern Biathlon Championships are run by Pentathlon GB who are the UK Olympic Governing Body for the Sport. These events are a stepping stone in progressing to representing the country at an International and Olympic Level in either Pentathlon or Triathlon. Arborfield-born Ben won qualification to the national championships after he saw off competition to win the South East Regional qualifier. The event at Under 12s consists of an 800m run and a 50m swim, the faster the swim and run the more points are accumulated. The top-ranked points scorers in the country are then invited to compete nationally. This year’s event was held at the impressive Bath University Sports Village, home of Pentathlon UK and is the training facility for many GB athletes. Ben qualified for the event by winning gold in the South East Biathlon Championship at Aldershot Garrison in December 2021 and then went on to win a silver medal where he represented Bohunt School. Ben has been a competitive swimmer for four years and competes in the Arena League and to County standard and is a member of Tilehurst Swimming Club.
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FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
KESTRELS RECOVER AS BARLOW BAGS BRACE
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Combined Counties Division One
WOODLEY UNITED recovered from two goals down to take a point thanks to a brace from Kaylum Barlow. The visitors FC Deportivo Galicia raced into a two goal lead heading into the break, but the Kestrels fought back to ensure they took a well deserved draw in a 2-2 stalemate. BERKS COUNTY had to settle for a point in an entertaining six-goal contest at home to Wallingford Town. The Swords got off the mark within three minutes when Dan Money capitilised, but Wallingford responded quickly to equalise. Berks were back ahead when Leigh Allen smacked in a finish from 18 yards out. The away team levelled for a second time in the match with a long range strike to square the game at the break. Berks went ahead for a third time when Shaun Wylie popped up at the back post, but Wallingford again came from behind to level as the points were shared.
Isthmian South Central
BINFIELD recovered from one goal down to score three and take three points away at Hanwell Town. Hanwell went in front from a free-kick in the 17th minute, but a double from Beauchamp and a goal from Sean Moore gave the Moles victory.
Combined Counties Premier North
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK made it backto-back league wins with an empathic victory over St Panteleimon.
Jaz Bains on the ball at Worthing
BASKETBALL
THUNDER STRUCK DOWN BY RAMPANT ROCKETS By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today
Worthing Thunder 82 Reading Rockets 89 Kaylum Barlow in action for Woodley United Pictures: Peter Toft The visitors took an early lead at Lowther Road when they opened the scoring in the 10th minute. James Clark got the Sumas back on terms in the 37th minute and then Brandon Curtis scored an excellent solo goal in the second half to put his side ahead. Allen Bossman scored and a deflected strike from Jack Mullan gave the Sumas a convincing win.
Berkshire Trophy Centre Senior Cup
FINCHAMPSTEAD made it through in the cup
Wokingham & Emmbrook v CB Hounslow United
with a narrow victory over Henley Town FC. Kai Arndell, Joel Day and Ethan Simons got on the scoresheet to help Finch to a 3-2 triumph to book their place in the next round.
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division
WOODLEY UNITED lost out against title challengers Abingdon United. Rebecca Gooch scored for the Kestrels in their 4-1 loss that keeps them at the bottom of the standings on three points.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS took an impressive point away at league leaders Badshot Lea. The hosts had won 12 of their 13 fixtures heading into the match, but the Panthers came from behind to take a 1-1 draw.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES picked up three points on the road with an exceptional away display at Goring United in a 3-0 success.
Wokingham & Emmbrook v CB Hounslow United
READING ROCKETS kept their challenge for the play-off Championship on track with a win over Worthing Thunder.
With power forward Meshack Lufile spinning to score and Jaz Bains hitting the first of his three trebles, Rockets led 16-8 mid way through the opening quarter. Bains hit a pull up jump shot either side of a Danny Carter spin followed by a hook shot keeping Rockets four points ahead before Lewis Champion made the first of his six assists to Lufile to see Rockets with a 26-21 advantage at the end of the opening period.
Champion hit one from two from the free throw line to give Rockets what turned out to be their biggest lead of the game at 33-21. Thunder struck consecutive trebles as they found their shooting form and fought back to just five points adrift at 36-31 mid way into the second period. Rockets clawed their way back into the game as Cartaino hit a treble and Dixon made a jump shot before the pair worked together again as Dixon gave a great assist to Cartaino to cut the deficit to 50-54. An 11-2 Rockets run hurt Thunder and though they got back to just two down in the end game scenario, it was the experienced Rockets who used the clock well and scored at crucial times to secure a well-deserved victory in Worthing by 89-82. Tyler in action for Rockets
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RUGBY UNION
RUGBY UNION
RAMS SUCKER PUNCHED BY SALE By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today BATTLING Rams suffered a heart-breaking 22-21 defeat at high-flying Sale as a James Robins penalty with the last kick of the game gave the hosts their seventh consecutive National One victory.
The visitors suffered a brace of blows even before the kick-off as firstly captain Robbie Stapley was forced out due to the impending birth of his second child, and then his replacement as skipper, Tom Vooght, tweaked a calf in the warm-up. Yet despite this double setback – which saw Vince Everitt and James McRae step into the back row and Connor Stapley come onto the bench – the away side weathered an early storm before taking the lead. The outstanding Ollie Cole took a quick tap penalty in his own half before surging some 30 metres upfield, the ball recycled to allow Connor
Sale v Rams Pictures: Tim Pitfield Hayhow to find Henry Bird for the wing’s ninth try of the season. Drew Humberstone added the extras and then repeated the trick when the electric Cole again went quickly to snipe over from 10 metres out. Sale hit back, however, and got on the scoreboard themselves when a long
mis-pass found full back Joe Carpenter who showed quick feet to dance his way over the line. Rams then lost their third captain of the day, Jamie Guttridge, to a hand injury, but some magnificent play ensured they went 21-5 up when Robins was adjudged to have illegally brought down a rolling maul
to donate a penalty try. However, a lack of clinical finishing meant they failed to turn a succession of line-outs and scrums into what would almost certainly have been a match-winning score. And they were made to pay when the Dogs gave themselves hope as the prolific Jack Metcalf carved his way over for a score Robins converted. Things got even better for the hosts when they grabbed a third try, this time through hooker Ollie Longmore at the back of a maul. Robins added the extras to cut the deficit to two points with eight minutes remaining, but Rams regathered themselves and seemingly had the game under control. However, they lost Max Hayman to a yellow card for a dangerous tackle, and after Sale worked their way into the visitors half, Robins landed a 30-metre kick awarded for a breakdown infringement to snatch a dramatic victory for his side.
BRACKNELL BOOST TALLY WITH BONUS POINT WIN Bracknell 29 Grove 14
BRACKNELL added five points to their tally with a bonus point win over Grove at home.
Grove were first on the scoresheet after a Bracknell penalty lineout was won but was eventually cleared by Grove, a kick on was grounded under the posts to put the visitors 0-7 up. Bracknell responded minutes later, the ball was spun out by the backs to Ian Burch on the wing to score in the corner to level the game. The home side were in front five minutes later. A kick from the back of the scrum was charged down by Jake Hodge and grounded by Simon Bayliss, the unconverted try took the score to 12-7. Bracknell scored their third try whenthe backs secured the ball withBirch, May and Bayliss all involved, the ball was moved back inside before Henderson touched down in the corner. Bracknell secured the try bonus point. A penalty, a rolling maul at the far end, Bracknell scored with
Bracknell v Grove Picture: pgrphotography the conversion good to make it 24-7. Grove came back strong and were next to score witha converted try making it 24-14. From the penalty an attacking kick and with the ball retained, the backs had the ball down the line to Simon Bayliss on the wing, who dotted the ball down in the corner. With the conversion hitting the post, the final score was 29-14.
© RAMSRUGBY 2022
National One Rugby debuts under lights at Old Bath Road on Friday 18th March 2022 K.O. 7.45pm. Bars open at 5.30pm. 1st XV v Chinnor RFC A range of great food and drink is available for you to savour. Great Beer, Great Food and Great Rugby! E tickets can be pre-purchased via our Ticket Office at: Entry is £15 for over 18s for non-season ticket holders, FREE for under 18s.
FREE Park and Ride available for this fixture.
Game live streamed @ncarugby.com by
Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ 160mmx8 columns (265mm) Chinnor Home 18th March - Wokingham and Reading Paper 9-10.03.22.indd 1
07/03/2022 15:59:59
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RESILIENT ROYALS HOLD O WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
How they rated
READING 0 SPURS 0 GRACE MOLONEY
Made some excellent stops to keep a well deserved clean sheet to mark her 200th appearance for the club
FAYE BRYSON
A comfortable defensive display from the full-back who did well in her own half but didn’t provide too much threat going forward.
GEMMA EVANS
A busy afternoon for the Royals defence but she helped keep discipline at the back and stood up to all that Spurs had to throw at them.
DEANNA COOPER
Assured at the back for most of the game but was beaten too easily by Williams only for the Spurs striker to miss a golden chance.
LILY WOODHAM
Linked well down the left to start plenty of attacks and delivered some inviting crosses into the box, one of which hit the top of the bar.
TASH HARDING
Worked tirelessly in midfield to press Spurs all game and had some bright moments in attack when she linked effectively with the forwards.
JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET Unlucky not to have provided an assist when she knocked the ball down for Evans who missed the target from close range.
RACHEL ROWE
Played some nice passes in behind the Spurs defence to look to try and release Rose on the counter. Replaced by Troelsgaard.
AMALIE EIKELAND
Had Reading’s best opening of the game when she met the ball on the volley and forced an excellent save from the keeper.
NATASHA DOWIE
A quiet afternoon for Reading’s top scorer who is usually deadly given a chance, however her opportunities were limited.
DEANNE ROSE
Looked to exploit the Tottenham defence with her pace and caused them trouble on a few occasions but she was marshalled well by their back line.
Subs
Sanne Troelsgaard 6, Emma Harries n/a
7 6 7 6 8 7 6 6 6 6 6
By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today READING FC WOMEN battled to hold Spurs to a goalless draw at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
Kelly Chambers’ team ended a run of three straight defeats in all competitions by keeping a clean sheet at home in a dogged defensive showing. The Royals boss made four changes to her team after their 4-0 midweek defeat away at top of the table Arsenal. Grace Moloney returned in goal to make her 200th appearance for the club, while Rachel Rowe, Justine Vanhaevermaet and Deanne Rose were rewarded with starts. Spurs started strongly and threw plenty of crosses into the Reading box to test their backline, but the hosts stood up to the test with defender Deanna Cooper taking a knock to her head for her troubles. After a quiet opening period from the Royals, they burst into life just before the half hour mark when Rose showcased her lightning speed to get down the right byline and drive a cross into the box that was blocked by the defence to prevent a blue and white hooped shirt latching onto it. Reading had a chance courtesy of Amalie Eikeland as they looked to force an opening. A move started by Rachel Rowe saw her find Lily Woodham on the left and she picked out Eiekland’s run in the middle who directed a shot goalwars that was kept out smartly by Tinja-Riikka Korpela. A bright ending to the half for the home team saw them create another opening when Rowe and Woodham
Deanne Rose moves past Bartrip
Gemma Evans keeps it in play
Reading captain Tash Harding
Match stats Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Evans, Cooper, Woodham, Harding (c), Vanhaevermaet, Rowe, Eikeland, Dowie, Rose Subs: Peplow, Harries, Stewart, Roberts, Baigent, Primmer, Thomann, Poulter, Troelsgaard
Tottenham: Korpela, Ale, Bartrip, Harrop, Zadorsky, Clemaron, Summanen, Neville, Percival, Simon, Williams Subs: Green, Cho, Tang, Schanderbeck, Addison, Spencer, Ayane
The Royals huddle before kick-off linked effectively again, while captain Tash Harding swivelled to volley after meeting Natasha Dowie’s cross but put it over the top. Reading flew out of the traps after the break when Rowe spotted the run of Rose to set her on her way with the Spurs defence scrambling to get back to block her effort behind for a corner. Ther were scares for Reading which they survived thanks to a combination of excellent defensive shape and some good fortune.
Reading stopped a run of three de With 15 minutes to go, Spurs came a whisker away from edging in front when a deflected shot rolled across Moloney’s goal line that she managed to hook away from danger. The Royals came closest to finding a breakthrough when Woodham’s free-kick was collected by Vanhaevermaet at the back post and nodded in the path for Gemma Evans whose header sailed over the target. Another golden chance came and went for Reading to snatch the
REACTION
CHAMBERS PRAISES ‘EXCELLENT’ DISPLAY IN CLEAN SHEET READING FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers believes her team deserved more after their goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite not being able to take maximum points, Chambers was praising of her players after an intense week of action. “I thought the performance was excellent, especially after the back of a three game week,” said Chambers. “To come out with the energy and pressing, it was really impressive. “Before the game in terms of the week we’ve had, we would have taken a point but after watching the 90 minutes I think we could have taken, and possibly deserved all three.
“We’re not quite sure how this game ended goalless. “I think we had chances to go on to win the game and that’s the only frustration from me on the girls’ performance.” The Royals were able to stop the rot after three straight losses in all competitions and Chambers were delighted to keep a clean sheet. She continued: “It’s also nice to pick up a clean sheet, we’ve not had many of those this season and again after the week we’ve been disappointed with the results and that way we’ve conceded. “So picking up a point and a clean sheet was crucial. “I think our ability to be resilient and hard to beat defensively is something we’ve shown on more
than once occasion this season. “You look back to the Chelsea game and other games where we’ve had to defend hard, and we’ve gone right to the wire to ensure the ball doesn’t go in the back of our net. “To get back to that resilience when we were on the good run of games is what we wanted, so I’m pleased with what the girls showed.” Chambers also gave a special mention to goalkeeper Grace Moloney who made her 200th appearance for the club on Sunday.
“Grace has been at the club a king time, it’s great to have her ack. “Although it must be said I think Rhiannon (Stewart) has been excellent between the sticks, but Grace gives us that experience, voice and leadership from the back which we need in difficult games where we’re expected to come under a lot of pressure. “Grace is such an important figure in the camp both on and off the pitch. “I’m pleased we had a good crowd here to congratulate her on a top accomplishment.”
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OFF SPURS TO TAKE POINT Deanna Cooper tries to steal possession
Woodham drifts past Neville
Justine Vanhaevermaet
efeats with a clean sheet against Spurs Pictures: Neil Graham
Amalie Eikeland slides in
points in the final three minutes of the 90 when Rose burst forward with Emma Harries and Harding in support. She found Harding who couldn’t get a strong enough connection to test the keeper. The match ended goalless after an entertaining and hotly contested bout between two sides who are pushing for European qualification next season. The result leaves Reading in sixth on 23 points, level with Manchester City and still five points away from fourth placed Spurs. The Royals face another tricky test this Saturday when they host Manchester United at the SCL. Rachel Rowe sprints forward
Woodham
Moloney makes her 200th appearance
PREVIEW
READING HOST HIGH FLYING UNITED READING FC WOMEN are looking to dent Manchester United’s hopes of European qualification when they meet on Saturday.
The Royals take on United in the Women’s Super League on Saturday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports (11.30am kick-off). Reading stopped a run of three straight losses in all competitions by holding Tottenham Hotspur to a goalless draw on Sunday. Meanwhile, Man United are hot on the heels of second placed Chelsea after they thumped Leicester City 4-0 on Saturday.
Goals from Martha Thomas, Alessia Russo and a brace from Katie Zelem saw them move within a point of Chelsea having played two games more. Marc Skinner’s side find themselves in a strong position of finishing inside the top three of the WSL which would see them secure a place in next season’s Champions League. It has been a mixed run of form in the league for United who have beaten Spurs and Leicester and they held league leaders Arsenal to a 1-1 draw having led the game for well over an hour.
They fell to back-to-back Manchester derby defeats to Man City. First up they lost 1-0 in the league after Caroline Weir’s superb late strike before they were knocked out of the FA Cup by their City rivals in a 4-1 thrashing. United took all three points when Kelly Chambers’ team travelled to Manchester in September near the beginning of the season Kirsty Hanson and Ona Battle netted to give United the points. Royals boss Chambers said:
“We know Manchester United is on an excellent run of form, obviously pushing for that Champions League spot, so we know the challenge ahead with the quality of players they’ve got in all areas of the pitch. “But for me, we need to build on what we’ve done. “The second half against Arsenal we were pleased, this game we managed to carry on from that performance, and we have things to work on. “Analysing each game we’ve played, taking a piece from each game, and looking to improve in the next one.”
From the middle
Dick Sawdon-Smith
Referee’s answers to ‘know alls’
I
F you watched the final of the African Cup of Nations you may have wondered why the South African referee was offering his note pad and pencils, and probably his whistle, to a player. The player was obviously one of those players who referees call a ‘Know All’. Without doubt he will have been telling the referee what he should do or not do throughout the match. I can assure you that there are plenty of Know All’s among players, at every level of the game. This won’t have been the first time a referee, fed up with the constant criticism has offered to hand over the handling on the match. Different referees will handle it in different ways, I remember one well-known local referee fed up with the constant carping from a player said, ‘look, there’s only one referee at this game’, to which the player replied. ‘One would be nice’. Other referees have not been as polite. After a local Reading League game, the referee on another match, related to me in the referees changing room, his reaction to the constant bickering of such a player. ‘I told him he was like a cockney sparrow’, and when he asked me what I meant by that, I said, “you are all chirrup and sh..”. Not perhaps the language you might expect from a referee but these players can become very exasperating when you have to listen to it all match long. There are also players known as parrots or rabbits, because they rabbit on all match, then there are the out and out moaners. There was one local centre forward who made referees hate being appointed to his club because they knew they were going to get one long dirge of complaints. A football league referee once told me in the days before the Premier League, that one of one of England’s most revered centre forwards, moaned throughout the match. When the FA relaxed it’s shackles on women’s football, I refereed in the South West Woman’s League. The centre forward and captain of Plymouth Argyle Ladies, cleverly badgered me the whole match long . After every decision against her team she would ask, ‘what was that for?’ and if there was a strong tackle by an opponent, it would be ’why wasn’t that a foul?’ Some suggested I should have cautioned her for dissent, but what would I have put on the report form, ‘I cautioned her for asking questions’?
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FORMER ROYAL RETURNS SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
How they rated
READING 0 MILLWALL 1 LUKE SOUTHWOOD
Didn’t have a whole lot to do as Millwall didn’t create many chances. Made a good save but Millwall scored from the resulting corner.
ANDY YIADOM
Made a crucial block in the second-half to prevent Reading from being punished on the counter attack.
MICHAEL MORRISON
Went on a super mazy run in the first-half that was abruptly ended. Beaten in the air for Cooper’s goal, as were the rest of the defence.
TOM HOLMES
Put in a big tackle in the first-half to stop Millwall going through. Didn’t look comfortable up against Cooper when marking in set pieces.
TOM MCINTYRE
Did OK defensively but never really provided enough going forward in what in all fairness is not his natural position.
DANNY DRINKWATER
Sloppy with his passing once again at times that cost Reading getting much going in attack.
ANDY RINOMHOTA
More than likely stopped a goal with a crunching sliding tackle to stop Millwall going through on the counter from a Reading corner.
JOHN SWIFT
Showed some good glimpses but it never clicked for him and Joao linking up in attack. Had a few wayward efforts at goal.
JUNIOR HOILETT
Didn’t provide much threat down the left and was eventually substituted in the 79th minute for Ovie Ejaria.
TOM INCE
Looked bright in the early exchanges and had a couple of shots at goal but faded as the game went on.
LUCAS JOAO
Isolated up top a lot of the time and didn’t have too many chances created for him and therefore wasn’t able to have his usual impact.
Subs Ovie Ejaria, Yakou Meite, Scott Dann
5 6 5 5 5 4 6 6 4 4 5
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING’S hopes of Championship survival took a hit after they were beaten at home by Millwall.
Former Reading academy graduate Jake Cooper provided the only goal of the game with a header from a corner in the 37th minute to take maximum points for the visitors. The Royals now only have a five-point gap separating them and the relegation places after Derby County moved above Barnsley after defeating the Tykes. Paul Ince made one change from Reading’s defeat at Blackpool as Tom Holmes returned to the starting line-up to replace Tom Dele-Bashiru. Millwall had two early chances to strike at goal from free-kicks. With set-piece specialist Jed Wallace among their ranks, the visitors may have fancied their chances at taking an early lead. The first free-kick struck Junior Hoilett in the wall and the second ballooned well over the target. Reading’s first chance came in the seventh minute when Tom Ince unleashed a shot from the edge of the box that was parried out by Bartosz Bialkowski. Murray Wallace picked up the first card of the game when he tripped Hoilett to prevent a promising attack. Ince tried his luck again after the Royals worked a nice move out wide, but his shot was comfortably held by the keeper. The Lions searched to work a short corner and had a goalward
Andy Yiadom shields the ball
Danny Drinkwater strikes at goal
Rinomhota and Drinkwater
Match stats Reading: Southwood, Yiadom, Morrison (c), Holmes, McIntyre, Drinkwater, Rinomhota, Swift, Ince, Hoilett, Joao Subs: Barker, Clarke, Dele-Bashiru, Meite, Boyce-Clarke, Dann, Ejaria Millwall: Bialkowski, Ballard, Cooper, Wallace, McNamara, Mitchell, Saville, Malone, Wallace, Burey, Afobe Subs: Briscoe, Pearce, Muller, Evans, Mahoney, Lovelace, Long Goals: Cooper 37’
Jake Cooper heads Millwall in front header vitally blocked by Tom McIntyre. After a quiet spell in the match, there was some end-to-end action when Andy Yiadom worked to win a corner. Millwall countered quickly after a disappointing delivery and Andy Rinomohta had to rush across to make a superbly timed sliding tackle. Luke Southwood was then called into action to tip the ball over the bar from Danny McNamara’s effort.
Reading went down to another From the resulting corner, defending set pieces proved to be the scourge of the Royals once again as they conceded their 20th goal from a set piece this season. Former Reading academy graduate Jake Cooper returned to haunt his former club when he towered above to power a header into the top corner to give Gary Rowett’s team the lead. Reading looked for some spark in attack when Lucas Joao and John Swift traded passes but
REACTION
‘WE NEED TO STOP CONCEDING, SCORE GOALS AND WIN GAMES’ READING FC interim assistant manager Michael Gilkes was left frustrated by the Royals’ inability to ‘break down’ Millwall in their home defeat.
“We lacked quality in the final third and struggled to break them down and the most crucial part is scoring goals. “One of their strengths is set pieces. They had one shot which led to the corner and then led to the goal. “Jake Cooper is a threat in both boxes as we knew and that proved to be the difference. “I’ve known him since he was about 11. “He’s a great lad, a weapon in both boxes, defensively outstanding.
“We’re not the only club who have struggled to mark him. He seems to find a way to get on the end of it. “We’re very disappointed about the game, by the way, we are at
home and expect to gain at least a point, and if not three. Gilkes is determined for the Royals to fix their form to help in their fight to stay in the Championship. He continued: “We need to docs on what we need to do. “After this week we’ve got three games in seven days. “When the ball doesn’t go in the net everyone talks about it and when it does, you get punished for it like we did.
“Millwall are a good team. They’re not just about set-plays and they caused us a few problems. “In the first 20 minutes, we dealt with it well, conceded at the wrong time but then we went from strength to strength. We came out in the second half, dictated the game but in those crucial moments, we couldn’t break the lines. “We’re all together in this and we’re going to do everything we can to keep this team up. “We need to stop conceding, score goals and win games. “The preparation has been spot on but we got punished and didn’t do enough to get something but performance wise, we are heading in the right direction.”
SPORT | 23
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Wednesday, March 9, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
TO HURT SURVIVAL HOPES Ince takes aim
From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen
Ince’s honeymoon period short lived
P
AUL Ince’s honeymoon period at Reading was the equivalent of booking a week’s stay at Butlin’s before getting food poisoning four days in.
Rinomhota rises in the air
McIntyre
home defeat as former Royal Jake Cooper scored Pictures: Steve Smyth
Tom Ince controls Luke Southwood makes an acrobatic save
Morrison competes against Afobe
Swift lifted his shot over the top as the half came to a close. The second-half started with some hope for the hosts when Danny Drinkwater played a spectacular long ball to try and find Hoilett. The ball dropped kindly for Joao who could have fired at goal but instead tried to beat the defender and eventually lost possession. The bright start continued when Ince’s low drive was deflected behind for a corner. Swift’s delivery found Joao at the near post who glanced his header inches over the top. Reading saw plenty of the ball Lucas Joao
throughout the half but couldn’t create an opening and were almost caught out on the counter had it not been for an excellent block from Andy Yiadom. Ince didn’t make his first switch until the 79th minute when Ovie Ejaria came on in place of Hoilett. He looked to create an instant impact down the left when he got into the box to deliver a ball across
the face of goal but there was no blue and white hooped shirt on the end to convert. With five minutes to go, Yakou Meite entered the action to replace Rinomhota. There wasn’t enough time for the Ivorian to make a mark on the game as the Royals fell to defeat. Reading are back in action on Saturday away at Nottingham Forest, kick-0ff 3pm.
PREVIEW
TOUGH RUN BEGINS AGAINST PLAY-OFF PUSHING FOREST A tough run of fixtures begins for Reading with a trip to face play-off hopefuls Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The Royals will be hoping to stop the rot of two consecutive defeats after back-to-back losses to Blackpool and Millwall. Interim manager Paul Ince is looking to steer his team away from the relegation zone with a daunting run of fixtures against teams competing for promotion on the horizon. Forest go into Saturday’s match with the play-offs still in their sights after an impressive
run of form. They had made a disastrous start to the season under Chris Hughton and were sitting at the bottom of the league when he was replaced by Steve Cooper. Cooper has galvanised his side in which they have flown up the table and are now in ninth after 34 matches, just three points outside of the play-off places. Forest continued their habit of scoring late goals on Friday when they snatched a last gasp equaliser against fellow top-six hopefuls Sheffield United. Having missed a host of chances
throughout the match, Forest finally breached the Blades defence in the 95th minute when Ryan Yates headed in to make it 1-1. Unbeaten in their last five league matches, Forest have 46 goals to their name and have conceded 34 from 34 games. Their top scorer is former Royals loanee Lewis Grabban who has 12 goals and four assist from 27 matches. However, he will be unable to face his former team as he currently on the sidelines with an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for a few more weeks.
Second top scorer Brennan Johnson has 10 goals and six assists to his name. When the two teams met in November earlier in this campaign, the points were shared in a 1-1 draw. Philip Zinckernagel gave Forest an early lead after four minutes, but Scott Dann scored in the second half to see the game locked in a stalemate. Reading’s last trip to the City Ground also ended 1-1 in March 2021 after Yakou Meite grabbed an 81st minute leveller to cancel out Tom Holmes’ own goal.
Hiring him in the first place was probably a bad idea and any early enjoyment came to an abrupt end. The ‘new manager bounce’, and it really feels a stretch to call it that, lasted exactly one game - a 2-1 triumph over a poor Birmingham side. Reading were then humbled by Ince’s old club Blackpool and beaten by Millwall courtesy of former Royal Jake Cooper’s header. A week that proved you can never be friends with your exes. One of the headlines when Ince was appointed was that he hadn’t managed in over eight years and despite his claim that “you don’t forget how to ride a bike”, his lack of recent dugout experience has shown. I saw a few comments after the defeat to Millwall that it felt like a very Veljko Paunovic performance and I’d certainly agree, particularly in regard to game management. Reading trailed from the 37th minute but Ince did not make a substitution until the 79th. Yakou Meite, arguably Reading’s second biggest goal threat behind Lucas Joao, did not come off the bench until the 85th minute. Scott Dann came on as a stoppage time substitute to play upfront, as Tom Ince was finally taken off after a disappointing afternoon. If Ince Sr wanted to avoid any claims of nepotism, he didn’t help himself last weekend. It also didn’t sit quite right that Ince didn’t front up after the loss, instead sending out Michael Gilkes to appease the masses in post-match interviews. Ince might only be interim manager, but by all accounts he is here until at least the end of the season so the so-called ‘Guvnor’ should take more responsibility. The worry is that things may get worse before they get better. Reading now face one of the toughest weeks of Championship football they could have asked for. There seems a very real possibility that we will get zero points out of those games and by the time the international break rolls around at the end of the month, we could be right in the thick of the relegation battle again. A huge game then awaits at the start of April as we travel to Oakwell, which kicks off a period which will ultimately define our Championship status – five games in three weeks against sides currently in the bottom 10. It’s in Reading’s hands, but Ince needs to get a grip. Quickly.
Interim manager Paul Ince
24 | SPORT
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, March 9, 2022
HOCKEY
SONNING SAIL PAST AYLESBURY
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Men’s National Division 1 South READING suffered an away defeat after they lost out to Old Cranleighans in a 6-3 loss.
RESULTS
Saturday, March 5 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 0-1 Millwall
Sonning 2s v Henley 2s No goal due to infringement of the law Pictures: Steve Smyth
READING are at the top of the tree after they saw off Sevenoaks in a battle between the top two sides. Reading kept a clean sheet on their way to earning three points with a 2-0 triumph. The win puts them three points clear of Sevenoaks having both played the same number of games.
Cup Finchampstead 3-2 Henley Town Thames Valley Premier League Reading YMCA v Windlesham & Chobham Richings Park 7-2 Woodley United Royals
Sonning 2s v Henley 2s
SONNING moved closer to the teams above them after they got the better of Aylesbury. The 4-2 away win put a dent in the hopes of the hosts’ title challenge as Sonning found their ninth win of the campaign.
the drop zone after they lost to Amersham & Chalfont. The 3-1 defeat leaves them in 10th on 16 points.
South Central Women’s Premier 1
SONNING 2s lost at home after they let in three against Staines. They stay in eighth on 25 points.
SONNING stay just above
South Central Women’s Division 2
Sonning 2s v Henley 2s
South Central Men’s Division 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE fell just short in a seven-goal contest at Amersham & Chalfont. South Berks are in fifth on 23 points.
South Central Women’s Division 1
Sonning 2s v Henley 2s
South West 1 East Bracknell 29-14 Grove
South Central Women’s Division 3
HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Old Cranleighans 6-3 Reading
SOUTH BERKSHIRE lost out 4-1 away at Witney 2 which keeps them in eighth from 16 games.
Lee Calcutt and Tony Baker both managed wins over Cath Venning for Tidmarsh, Lee beating Cath 11-4 7-11 11-9 6-11 13-11. SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A were in top form as they managed a fine 9-1 win over second placed OUR LADY OF PEACE A, Neil Hurford and Jason Roberts both getting maximums, while for OLOP Steve Murgatroyd just held off Gary Morgan to win 10-12 11-8 11-7 14-12. In Division 2, READING FC A maintained their lead at the top of the table following their 6-4 win at TIDMARSH C, Mike Childs undefeated in both singles and doubles, with team mates Wayne Alleyne and Tony Alleyne each overcoming Richard Hudson, Wayne losing in five sets to both Ian Wu and Simon Craig, SONNING SPORTS A remain in the hunt for the title following their 6-4 victory over Tidmarsh B, thanks to a treble from Nick Sears and two wins from Paul Savage.
Women’s National Division 1 South Reading 2-0 Sevenoaks South Central Men’s Division 1 Aylesbury 2-4 Sonning
KINGFISHER D ENJOY MAXIMUMS FROM MENDICK AND YICK
GRAHAM Mendick and Hugo Yick both got maximums as KINGFISHER D kept up their recent good run with a 8-2 trouncing of Tidmarsh A in division 1.
RUGBY UNION National League One Sale 22-21 Rams
SOUTH BERKSHIRE picked up a point on the road after a goalless draw against Aylesbury.
TABLE TENNIS
By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today
Combined Counties Premier North Sumas 4-1 St Panteleimon Combined Counties Division One Berks County 3-3 Wallingford Town Woodley United 2-2 FC Deportivo Galicia
Women’s National Division 1 South
South Central Men’s Division 1
Isthmian South Central Hanwell Town 1-3 Binfield
KINGFISHER E and OUR LADY OF PEACE B fought to a 5-5 draw with everyone winning at least once and no-one undefeated. For Kingfisher, Clive Gold won the first set, against Alistair Richardson, 11-6 4-11 8-11 11-5 12-10, then lost to Darek Kaminski, while team mates Andrew Adair and Abhay Gore each won twice. Andrew managed to beat Dave 11-9 6-11 11-9 10-12 11-9, then lost to Alistair before having another close contest, with Darek, just coming out on top 12-10 7-11 12-14 14-12 119, while Abhay lost his opening set against Darek, before winning the next two, Alistair & Darek winning what proved to be a crucial doubles Continuing the theme, OUR LADY OF PEACE C also drew 5-5 with KINGFISHER F, OLOP’s Binit Bhaskar beating Eapen John, in the final set, to record his first win and tie the match. Pradeep Desh also defeating Eapen and, in his final set, denying Ajai Kamath his treble, substitute Morgan Sykes losing to Ajai 11-9 6-11 9-11 11-13, then defeating Eapen, before losing to Roger Pritchard 11-6 7-11 11-6 2-11 9-11, Roger needing this win to record his treble, Binit & Pradeep just beating Ajai & Roger 13-11 11-8 13-15 12-10, to record a doubles win.
Second placed TILEHURST RBL B’S promotion hopes from division 3 were knocked by a 6-4 defeat at Tidmarsh D. Ray Webb was in excellent form for Tidmarsh getting a maximum which included coming back from two games down to beat Linda King 13-11 in the fifth. Third placed PANGBOURNE WMC took full advantage of their promotion rivals slip up by beating bottom team SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD E 10-0 with skipper Leroy
Wilson playing particularly well. SC&P’s Jim Warren was unfortunate not to pick up at least one win as he was two games up against John Simmonds and only lost 11-9 in the fifth to Pangbourne’s star player Clive Taylor. KINGFISHER H beat OUR LADY OF PEACE E 9-1, a result which just about seals OLOP’s relegation fate. OLOP’s Parvin Baishkiyar put up a good fight with all of his games going to five and he beat Eyup Odemis 11-8 in the fifth.
READING FC
DANN SIGNS UP UNTIL 2023 DEFENDER Scott Dann has extended his stay at Reading FC which will keep him at the club until the end of next season.
The Royals signed Dann on a free transfer after he was released by Premier League Crystal Palace in the summer. The former Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Palace deffender has a wealth of experience and knowledge to add to the squad having made almost 250 Premier League games in his career to date. Dann has struggled with injury problems in his first season at
the club but has managed to make 16 league appearances this season in as struggling defence that has leaked masses of goals throughout the campaign to put them in a relegation battle. The 35-year-old also has two league goals to his name having scored against Blackpool in October and against Nottingham Forest in December. The centre-back has recently returned from injury and will be hoping to have a significant impact to help Reading maintain their Championship status this season.
South Central Women’s Premier 1 Amersham & Chalfont 3-1 Sonning
FIXTURES
Saturday, March 12
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Nottingham Forest v Reading Women’s Super League Reading v Manchester United Isthmian South Central Thatcham Town v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North North Greenford United v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Berks County v Hillingdon Borough Eversley & California v FC Deportivo Galicia Woodley United v London Samurai Rovers Cup Finchampstead v SB Phoenix Burghfield v Yateley United Eldon Celtic v Wargrave Hurst v Mortimer Reading YMCA v Windlesham & Chobham Westwood Wanderers v Woodley United Royals Thames Valley Premier League Reading City U23’s v Maidenhead Town RUGBY UNION South West 1 East Newbury Blues v Bracknell HOCKEY Women’s National Division 1 South Reading v Trojans South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Berkhamsted & Hemel Hempstead
South Central Men’s Premier 2 Amersham & Chalfont 4-3 South Berkshire
South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Bournemouth
South Central Women’s Division 1 Aylesbury 0-0 South Berkshire
South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Basingstoke
Sunday, March 6
South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire v Leighton Buzzard
FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading 0-0 Tottenham
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Abingdon United 4-1 Woodley United Southern Region Women’s Division 1 South Abbey Rangers 2-0 Chichester City Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers 1-1 Badshot Lea Carterton 3=1 Wargrave Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC 2-3 Yateley United Goring United 0-3 Eversley & California Reserves Wargrave Development 2-3 Wallingford Town
Sunday, March 13
Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Woodley United v Moneyfields Thames Valley Women’s Division One Mortimer v Tilehurst Panthers Stonesfield Strikers v Wargrave Cup Penn & Tylers v Caversham United Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC v Yateley United Eversley & California Reserves v Wargrave Development HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Sevenoaks v Reading
