Reading Today, March 9, 2023

WE COVER READING BOROUGH

Keep testing your smoke alarms

RESIDENTS are being asked to test their smoke alarms regularly by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS).

The fire service has laid out steps people can take to ensure their alarms are in working order as part of the national Fire Kills campaign.

Smoke alarms give occupants extra moments to escape property in the event of a fire, and have an average lifespan of 10 years.

Nicola Smith, prevention manager at RBFRS, said: “It only takes a few seconds to test a smoke alarm but it could save your life. Smoke alarms offer vital protection in the event of an emergency, but often people fit them and forget.

“They don’t realise their smoke alarm might be coming to the end of its lifespan or not working at all.

“For most of us, there is nothing more important than keeping our families safe and secure. So, if your alarm isn’t working or a floor in your

In

home is missing an alarm of its own, fit new ones, test them at weekly intervals and keep your home safe.”

She added that people experiencing difficulties fitting their alarms should contact RBFRS for assistance.

The fire service is advising residents across Berkshire to keep their smoke alarms in good working order by following the following steps:

n Make sure there is at least one

Appeal for witnesses

Silver Street robbery

smoke alarm on every level of the home;

n Test smoke alarms by pushing the button, ideally once a week;

n Check that smoke alarms are less than 10-years-old;

n Change the batteries every yearnever remove them temporarily;

n Fit smoke alarms in the right place – on landings and hallways and near bedrooms. Avoid placing them in kitchens or bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident;

n Take a moment to check on friends and family members who may need help installing and testing smoke alarms in their homes.

As well as testing smoke alarms weekly, residents should change the batteries at least once a year, unless they are using a 10-year alarm.

Alarms should be gently vacuumed twice a year to remove dust and must be replaced in their entirety every ten years.

n For more information, visit: www. rbfrs.co.uk

Jail for motorcyclist who killed pedestrian

By STAFF WRITER news@rdg.today

A MAN has been sentenced for causing death by dangerous driving following a hearing at Reading Crown Court.

On Friday, February 24, Lawrence Tozer, aged 26 and of no fixed abode, was convicted by unanimous jury and sentenced to six-and-a-half years imprisonment.

He was also served a four-year driving ban.

The sentencing follows an incident on Saturday, May 23, 2020, when Tozer was riding a Yamaha motorcycle with excess speed and in an erratic manner on Kings Road.

While passing the pedestrian crossing in Cemetery Junction, Tozer was involved in a collision with a 76-year-old pedestrian, Brigid Ita Guidera.

She was struck by the motorcycle and died as a result.

Tozer was later found to

of the Serious Collison Investigation Unit, said: ‘’I would like to thank the jury for their swift decision in this case and the large number of witnesses that provided evidence at court throughout the week.

“I know that no sentence passed will make amends for the tragic loss of Brigid, who was also known as Ita to her family and friends, as she was full of life, fit and healthy.

“I would also like to thank the family for their support throughout our investigation, which I know has been a very difficult time for them.

“Tozer showed no regard for other road users, he recklessly changed lane at the very last second and rode through a busy junction at excessive speed.

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a robbery in Reading.

A woman in her 60s was walking along Silver Street at around 9.30pm on Saturday, March 4, when she was approached from behind by two offenders.

They pulled her to the floor and stole her bag, though the victim was not injured.

One of the offenders is described as a man wearing a zipped, hooded top with blue jeans and black Nike trainers with a white tick.

He was also wearing a blue face covering and a grey cap.

Investigating officer, PC Philip Marchant, based at Reading police station, said: “We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to please come forward.

“We’d also ask anyone who may have dash-cams to please check the footage in case it may have captured something that could assist our investigation.

“Anyone with information can make a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43230098991.

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

Bike stolen from shed

THIEVES broke into a shed last month and stole a mountain bike.

The cycle has pink and orange markings, and was stored in the property on Tidmarsh Road.

have been travelling in excess of 60mph, more than twice the speed limit of 30mph, and had cannabis in his blood, exceeding the legal limit.

Detective Sergeant Tony Jenkins,

“This highlights again the fatal four contributors to deaths on our roads, with excessive speed and drug-driving being significant factors in this case.’’

The burglars struck between Wednesday, February 22, and Monday, February 27.

Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

They can call 101, quoting reference 43230088086.

BERKSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE IS URGING RESIDENTS TO TEST THEIR SMOKE ALARMS REGULARLY. PICTURE: Stein-Ove

JAILED: Lawrence Tozer has also been banned from driving for four years

Paddington enjoys stories during visit to Broad St. Mall

Extra energy bill support plan

RESIDENTS in Reading could be due extra support with their energy bills, according to the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.

Households without a direct relationship to a domestic electricity supplier will be eligible to apply for support from the government with their energy bills.

Ministers are urging the more than 900,000 households to apply as soon as possible through the online portal, or via a dedicated helpline.

Government support will see a £400 lump sum given to eligible homes to help with the cost of heating and electricity.

The support will apply to those without a direct relationship to suppliers, which includes those living in park homes or care homes, as well as those in houseboats and caravans, heat-network or private wire homes, and off-grid or domestic farmhouse homes.

The support is part of the ‘alternative funding’ route of the government’s Energy Bills Support Scheme, and is intended to reach those that the government’s original support scheme didn’t reach.

Minister at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Amanda Solloway, said: “We understand the pressure households are under which is why we’ve already stepped in to pay around half of people’s energy bills this winter, and from today, thousands more will be able to apply securely for their £400.

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

YOUNGSTERS could bearly believe it when they went not to the woods, but a Reading shopping centre, to find a big surprise.

For Saturday was the day when Paddington brought his marmalade sandwich to Broad St Mall to meet his fans.

The duffel coat wearing star was in town to celebrate World Book Day.

During his visit, he have out hugs and highfives, posed for photos and read stories to his adoring followers.

And there were also craft workshops for families to enjoy.

Steven Connolly, centre manager, said: “It was great to see so many families come to Broad Street Mall this weekend to see Paddington.

“We hope everyone enjoyed meeting him and getting involved in the free crafts.”

Chalk Restaurant offers residents and locals the perfect place to come together and catch up while enjoying a range of quality drinks or some food from our mouthwatering menu that focuses on simple fresh ingredients done well

“I’m urging everyone who couldn’t get their EBSS discounts in the regular way to apply via our secure channels. If you don’t have a direct contract with an electricity supplier, it’s essential you submit your application as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the sooner help can get to you.”

Once customers have applied, details will be shared with Local Authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, who will deliver the support.

Local authorities may request additional information to assist their verification process, but only once an application has been made via the secure portal or helpline.

Applicants will only be able to submit information through these channels and should not contact their local authority.

n Applications for the support can be made via the helpline at 0808 175 3287, or online via: www.gov. uk/apply-energy-bill-support-if-not-automatic

Hello there: Paddington Bear delighted young fans at Broad St. Mall Picture: Dijana Capan/ DVision Images

Mum Alice with 6 year old Izzy, Paddington with 7 year old Lottie

Saliha (7), mum Tania and Iqra (4) enjoy a craft activity

One-year-old Theia with mum Tasha and their furry friend Sophie (8) making a Paddington Bear mask

The Paddington story sessions were hugely popular

Three-year-old Joshua meeting Paddington Bear James (6) enjoys a bear hug

Police share £100k Community Fund with 39 groups

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THAMES Valley Police has released the latest round of funding for organisations supporting police priorities.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber, and the Chief Constable, John Campbell, have awarded more than £105,000 to groups around Berkshire.

The investment is the result of the Community Fund, which sees money raised through the sale of unreturnable stolen property and awarded to community organisations twice a year.

Funding is given to volunteer and community groups who support the objectives of the Police and Criminal Justice plan put together by the PCC. Funding was granted to 39 organisations after more than 190 applied.

Announcing the funding, Mr Barber (pictured) said: “I’m delighted to award this funding to the community and voluntary organisations who are providing valuable services across the Thames Valley.

“Many of the communities benefitting from these funds will see improved CCTV, better provision for young people and support for groups making our streets safer after dark.

“A key element in my Police & Criminal Justice Plan is to enable organisations to collaborate and tackle local issues.

“These organisations are all working hard in support of my Police & Criminal Justice Plan priorities for the region.

“It’s great to be able to provide this funding through the Community Fund, which is money that has been recovered from criminals, to support a range of projects across the Thames Valley.

“I continue to visit a number of previously funded organisations, to find out how this funding has benefited them.

“This engagement work allows me to meet many organisations who are doing some fantastic work in

reducing crime and supporting their local community.

“I look forward to meeting this round’s successful recipients at our presentation event.”

John Campbell, Chief Constable for Thames Valley Police, said: “Both the Police and Crime Commissioner and I are pleased to award over £105,000 of funding to 39 voluntary and community groups in the first round of this year’s Community Fund.

“The Community Fund provides an important source of bi-annual funding to organisations which are supporting the PCC’s priorities to tackle crime and keep our communities safe.

“I look forward to meeting the successful applicants at the presentation event in Reading.”

Successful recipients have been invited to attend a presentation ceremony on the morning of Thursday, March 30, in Reading.

HISTORY

Discovering Untold Histories: New heritage collaboration examines

A NEW exhibition has been installed at Reading Museum sharing the artwork, collections, and stories of people in and around Reading.

Communities working with the High Street Heritage Action Zone submitted exhibits for the new display at the museum which takes a look at how local people and artists respond to everyday life and the rich cultural diversity of the town.

Discovering Untold Histories features artworks created by Reading residents as well as a series of recipe cards collated by Caroline Streatfield celebrating the Oxford Road and

its diverse culinary traditions.

It also features interactive and multimedia elements as part of the museum’s dedicated audio and visual installations, with spoken stories from residents put together with Baker Street Productions.

One of the contributors, Chris, took part in the Lifespring Stories project which explores the lives and experiences of those who attend the church.

After struggling with drug addiction, he visited the church on Oxford Road, which would go on to be a huge part of his recovery as he found religion.

“My life was totally turned

Free lunch for mums,

grannies and caregivers

USUALLY, when restaurants offer free meals to families it’s the children who eat free, but later this month a Reading diner is letting Mum enjoy the freebie.

The Coconut Tree on Kings Road is hosting the offer on Mothering Sunday, March 19.

Serving Sri Lankan food, the diner is letting one mother, grandmother or caregiver enjoy up to three items from its menu for free, for each paying customer.

The company’s owners say many of its dishes were inspired by their mothers and grandmothers, including a Black Pork which uses a spice blend created by Granny Gertie.

How a teen ended up in cemetery

SHE was an African teenager who came to Reading to train as a teacher.

But within a year, 16-yearold Mary Smart was dead and buried in an unmarked grave in the town’s cemetery.

Mary’s tragic story is the subject of the latest meeting of the History of Reading Society.

Richard Stowell, who has

Rashintha Rodrigo said:

“At The Coconut Tree, we highly value family and consider mums, and all those who demonstrate love and care towards others on a daily basis, as heroes.

“To show our appreciation, we wanted to do something to express our gratitude and say thank you from our team to them.”

Some of the dishes in the offer include The Coconut Tree’s Egg Hopper, a bowl-shaped coconut milk pancake, and Kotthu, made with finely chopped Rotti, veggies and/or meat.

n For more details, log on to: www.thecoconut-tree.com

lived and worked in Sierra Leone where Mary was born, began researching her life on the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery.

She arrived in Reading in 1848 hoping to become a teacher. She died the following year and was described in the Berkshire Record Office as “a pious African girl.”

Her father, Okoroafor, was a member of the ruling family in Imo State in eastern Nigeria. After being captured by slave

around – I was saved, and I called out, and because of that day I’m still here now.

“The church and its community is making such an impact in this area.”

He said that the exhibit would help bring the church’s work to a wider audience in a secular setting, and is just one example of the stories of local people which the High Street Heritage Action Zone is telling.

Discovering Untold Histories is showing at Reading Museum’s Welcome Gallery until Saturday, June 3.

n Entry to the exhibition is free. Details: readingmuseum.org.uk

Phones reunited

THAMES Valley Police is looking to reunite stolen phones with their original owners after they were recovered from what police believe was a series of thefts. They are thought to have been taken from within the Reading area, particularly near The Oracle, or in Oxford, on or around Saturday, February 4. Aa 27-year-old from Enfield and a 40-year-old from Redbridge have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal and theft from a person. They are both on bail. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Chloe Winchcombe, said: “Proof of ownership will be required to be able to return them to their rightful owner.

“If you believe one of these phones is yours, call 101, quoting reference 43230053337.”

traders in 1816 he was rescued by a British frigate then released at Freetown in Sierra Leone.

Richard’s talk, From the White Man’s Grave to Cemetery Junction, takes place at the Abbey Baptist Church in Abbey Square on Wednesday, March 15 beginning at 7.30pm.

The meeting is open to members and visitors (visitors £2 each). No need to book, just turn up on the night.

n For more details, log on to: historyofreadingsociety.org.uk

MAKERS: Mayor of Reading Cllr Rachel Eden, Baker Street Productions’ executive producer Caroline Bishop, and Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward.

Picture: Jake Clothier

IT error locks parents out of school places decision

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

READING Borough Council’s children’s services company has apologised to parents and children after an IT error meant they were unable to find out which secondary school they were being offered.

Last Wednesday, families of Year 6 children were expecting the information to be readily available to them on a new admissions portal. However, the new computer system being implemented at a national level glitched, causing issues locally.

Brighter Futures For Children (BFfc) is a councilowned company that operates statutory children’s services in the Ding.

A spokesperson admitted the technical difficulties with the admissions portal and said: “We would like to apologise to parents and children for any anxiety this caused.

“The admissions portal is now working and emails were also sent to parents with secondary school place offers for their children on Wednesday.”

Computer gremlins side, the company said that 95%

of students were offered a place at one of their preferred secondary schools, with the number of students receiving their first preference school increasing from last year’s 69% to 74% – almost threequarters.

And 92% will go to one of their top three choices, while 5% - down from 7% last yearwill go to a secondary school, but not one of their choices.

In all, they received 1,958 applications, and all pupils have been a place in September.

Brian Grady, director of education at BFfC, said: “I am

pleased that we are offering so many Reading children a place at one of their preferred secondary schools this year.

“Our admissions team has worked hard to ensure all applicants have a school place this September, and we will continue to work with Reading Borough Council and other partners to keep up with future demand for secondary places in the borough.

“It is such an exciting time for children when they start at secondary schools and we would like to send our best

WAITING GAME: Year 6 pupils had to wait to find out which secondary school they were attending after an IT glitch Picture: WOKANDAPIX from Pixabay

March through town to help save Reading Gaol

wishes to all Reading pupils in their new schools.”

Cllr Ruth McEwan, is Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for education and public health. She was pleased that almost all Reading children will join one of their preferred secondary schools in September.

“We continue to plan for the future with the construction of the new River Academy (at Rivermead) progressing well and with further investment in our existing school properties,” she added.

A NEW way for Reading to show their support for the gaol is being launched at the end of the month, and organisers want as many people as possible to turn up.

A March to Reading Gaol is planned from noon on Saturday, March 25.

It will go from The Hexagon, through the town centre to the Forbury site.

Organisers say: “This march will celebrate Reading’s culture and heritage and will show the Ministry of Justice the strength and vibrancy of Reading’s character, giving them a clear message:

“We don’t want the historical Gaol to become luxury flats, we want it to be a world-class arts and heritage site, open to all, and an asset to the whole community.”

The campaign is backed by both of Reading’s MPs, Sir Alok Sharma and Matt Rodda, as well as leading lights from the arts world including Dame Judi Dench.

But the Ministry of Justice could sell the site, and it is feared a decision could be made soon, so this public display of support will help show Whitehall how much affection there is for the site, and the plan to turn it into an arts centre.

The march starts at noon, and people are asked to bring banners and placards.

A community Samba band will be part of the event, and it is possible to join it.

n For more details, including a registration link, log on to: facebook. com/savereadinggaol

SUPPORT: The Reading Gaol hug in 2019 Picture: Phil Creighton

Mods get rocking and raise £4,000 for charity

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

sets as part of the line-up.

Organiser Trevor Absolom said that the response to the event: “Blows me away, to be honest.

ReadiPop

reveals line-up including Professor Green, Jungle Brothers & Roni Size

ONE OF Reading’s festivals has announced the line-up for this summer’s event.

Readipop Festival is due to return in July, and has made its long-awaited first announcement of who will be performing.

Topping the bill for this year is songwriter and rapper Professor Green, who brings influences from dance and electronica to his brand of grime and hip hop.

He will be joined hip hop trio Jungle Brothers, who have been fusing their house, jazz, and rap sensibilities since 1987.

Sleeper will also be taking to the stage following their reunion in 2017, having recently toured their 1996 album The It Girl.

Mercury Prize-winning DJ and producer Roni Size is among the acts announced for the festival, bringing influences of reggae, jungle, big beat, and hip hop to his sets.

The final act announced is London-based post-punk outfit Snapped Ankles, whose misanthropic style has been described as a combination of warehouse parties, Lightning Bolt,

and Morris Dancing.

Readipop brings locally-brewed ales and craft beers to Caversham, as well as an indie urban market, arts, and workshops spread over three days.

All of the proceeds of the event will fund Readipop’s charity work, as it support sartists and young people in Reading with a range of programmes.

This includes the operation of its own music label, which helps musicians access career and skills support as well as musical equipment and spaces.

It also provides one-on-one support, workshops, events, and community projects to help develop musicianship and foster creativity for young artists, and this year will see the 15th anniversary of the Readipop charity.

Readipop Festival 2023 takes place in Christchurch Meadows from Friday-Sunday, July 14-16.

Early Bird tickets, which give access to all three days of the event, cost £37.50 for adults and with concessions to be announced.

n Early Bird tickets are now on sale, available via: readipop.co.uk

Uni chemist wins fellowship to help drugs stick in the wet

A UNIVERSITY of Reading professor has won a prestigious fellowship grant to support new drug development.

Prof Vitaliy Khutoryanskiy received a Royal Society Industry Fellowship in recognition for his work, which utilises adhesive substances in pharmaceutical preparations.

The award is worth £180,000 and will support the university’s continued research to help support business and innovation.

Prof Khutoryanskiy, of Reading School of Pharmacy, said: “When we treat an area of the body such as the mouth, eye or bladder, with topical medicine, there is a tendency for the drug to be washed away by the wet environment.

“This Fellowship is a great opportunity to see if we can make

these drugs a bit more efficient.

“For example, we are working on substances that adhere well to the surfaces on and around the eye, and therefore increase the effectiveness of drug delivery via eye drops.”

The Industry Fellowship supports academics to split their time between an academic institution and an industry partner.

Prof Khutoryanskiy will look to develop the collaboration between the university and MC2 Therapeutics, a Guildfordbased commercial stage pharmaceutical company, to apply knowledge about sticky substances to drug delivery.

The fellowship will run for four years and covers his salary, plus an allowance for research consumables.

THEY REVVED in, they rode in, they marched in ... the Mods were back in town.

ON SATURDAY, the March of the Mods, saw a host of rockers celebrate some of the best music ever created.

Members of the mod community rode across town before attending the Face Bar for an evening of music and festivities. The event saw a number of bands and DJs take to the stage at the venue in aid of The Teenage Cancer Trust.

Personal Issue, The Highwasters, Wardour Street, The Echo, The Junction Band, and Pressure Drop all performed

“We had two packed bars, with bands playing to 300 or so people, and DJs playing more Northern Soul.

“With the raffle, we had donations from Reading Football Club, Tesco, and Morrisons.”

He said that in total, the event made more than £4,325

“The easy job is putting it on, the hard part is turning up and donating your money,” he continued.

“But Sharon at the venue was an absolute diamond, so my thanks go to her and all of the door and bar staff,

“It is humbling to be able to raise this kind of money for the Teenage Cancer Trust and knowing it’s going to such a fantastic charity.”

ON THE BILL: Professor Green will join Roni Size, Snapped Ankles, Jungle Brothers, and Sleeper when he performs at Readipop Festival in July. Picture: Eva Rinaldi via Wikimedia Commons

MODS EN MASSE. PICTURE: Steve Smyth

The Face Bar was packed with Mods all celebrating the music of the era All audience pictures: Dijana Capan / DVision Images

Audience members enjoyed a range of bands and DJs across the day

Narinder of Reading Mods and his bike. Picture: Steve Smyth

Ancient graffiti

IF you thought graffiti was a modern form of art – or vandalism – then think again.

Pilgrims travelling across Britain 1,000 years ago left their own scribblings and they can tell us about their understanding of worship.

One man who knows more than most about this historic graffiti is Dr Jamie Ingram, an expert in mediaeval archaeology.

If you want to learn what our ancestors drew and why, without the aid of spray paint, then pop along to St James Church, Forbury Road, where Dr Ingram is presenting a talk entitled The Medieval Pilgrimage Experience: Arrival, Destination and Engagement.

The talk, the Professor Brian Kemp Memorial Lecture in memory of the founder and former President of the Friends of Reading Abbey, will explore some of the historic and archaeological evidence found at pilgrimage sites.

Combined with literary sources, Dr Ingram will explain how people interacted with those sites as a means to engage with the divine.

The lecture takes place on Saturday, March 18, at 2.30pm. Entry to the lecture is free, there will be a retiring collection.

n For details: readingabbey.org.uk

Easter market

TO HELP people prepare for Easter gatherings, a Southcote his holding a special seasonal market.

The event on Saturday, March 18 will include a mixture of stalls selling crafts, homemade cakes, preserves, books, jigsaws and bric-a-brac. There will also be charity stalls from groups such as Thames Valley Animal Welfare and Duchess of Kent Hospice.

Refreshments including tea, coffee, hot cross buns and Ploughman’s Lunches will be on sale, and there will be a raffle and a tombola.

The event runs from 11.30am to 1.30pm at Grange United Reformed Church in Circuit Lane. Entry is 50p, and children get in free.

n For more details, call: 0118 956 0380.

BIKING: The March of the Mods Ride Out saw a number of attendees bringing their bikes across town for the event.

Picture: Steve Smyth

Wardour Street entertain audiences at the March of the Mods event at The Face Bar Band pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Imaghes

On the drums: Personal Issue Belting out a tune from personal Issue

Guitar licks from The Highwasters

DJ sets took place in the Face Bar’s second stage

Reading man sentenced to five years for assault

A READING man has been sentenced after being found guilty of coercive control, following a nine-day hearing at Oxford Crown Court.

Imran Beg, 35 and of Brighton Road, has been found guilty by a majority jury verdict of one count of coercive control, three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and one count each of malicious communications and intimidation of a witness.

He was also acquitted of one count of assault.

Beg had also pleaded guilty to a count of possession of a Class B drug, namely cannabis, at a previous hearing.

He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and given an additional year after he was classified as dangerous on Wednesday, March 1.

Between November 2021 and June 2022, Beg assaulted the victim on multiple occasions, with the victim sustaining black eyes, a sore throat, and bruising to their body and feet.

He also controlled the victim’s choice of clothing, who they spoke with, and stopped them from seeing friends and family.

He was arrested on Tuesday, June 28, last year and charged the following day.

MP welcomes Thames Water’s £1.6bn sewage discharge plan

EXCLUSIVE

JAILED: Beg was sentenced to four years in prison, plus an additional year due to him being classified as dangerous.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Sian Lewis, of the Domestic Abuse Investigations Unit, said: “No person should have to endure what the victim was subjected to by Imran Beg.

“Beg has rightly been given a custodial sentence and I hope this allows the victim to move on from the terrible ordeal she underwent and the sentence can bring some form of closure as she rebuilds her life.

“It is never acceptable for someone to act in this manner, making others’ lives a misery and we would encourage anyone experiencing coercive behaviour to come forward and report it to us either online or by calling 101.

“We will listen and support you.”

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THAMES WATER’S plans to spend £1.6 billion on reducing sewage discharges into rivers and seas has been welcomed by one of Reading’s two MPs, but he says more needs to be done.

Last week, the water firm announced upgrades to some of its sewage treatment works and sewer networks over the next two years, to cut down on storm discharges and pollution incidents.

It says this will help reduce the total annual duration of discharges by 50% by 2030 compared to a 2020 baseline, and would include an 80% reduction in discharges in particularly sensitive catchments.

Sarah Bentley, chief executive of Thames Water, said: “The discharge of untreated sewage is unacceptable, and we are committed to tackling this problem.

“We are investing record sums in upgrading our sewer systems and treatment works and are striving every day to reduce the discharge of untreated sewage into our rivers.

“There are no quick fixes. Population growth will increase the strain on our sewage network and treatment

centres. And because of climate change, the south east of England is experiencing heavier downpours, which can overwhelm some sewage treatment works.

“The scale of the challenge demands urgent and systemic reform with a shared undertaking from all stakeholders.”

Smart Works

Reading is teaming up with Henley resident Vicky Thornley, who scooped a silver medal in the 2016 Rio games with fellow rower Katherine Grainger

Olympian’s new role for charity

A CHARITY that helps women get back to work by providing clothes and support for job interviews has signed an Olympic medal winner as an ambassador.

Smart Works Reading is teaming up with Henley resident Vicky Thornley, who scooped a silver medal in the 2016 Rio games with fellow rower Katherine Grainger.

A former model, she has a passion for fashion and wellness and is a regular speaker on the importance of motivation and teamwork to achieve success.

Her first role as the charity’s ambassador was to spearhead its Cycle for Smart Works event, which saw teams of five cycle a collective 500 miles between Wednesday, March 1 and International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8.

None of the projects announced would have an impact on Reading and Wokingham borough’s waterways.

Reading East MP Matt Rodda says the water firm’s plan is a step forward, but wanted the company to go further.

“Labour are calling for greater fines for water companies, annual parliamentary scrutiny of Defra, Ofwat and the Environment Agency, and a proper plan for reducing raw sewage being discharged,” he said.

“Our rivers are a vital natural resource and should not be polluted in this way, for too long water companies have ignored the concerns of residents and continued to pump sewage into the Thames and our other rivers.”

He felt that the borough was particularly affected by Thames Water’s practise of sewage discharges.

“Reading and Woodley are particularly badly affected by this dreadful practice as they sit downstream of a number of sewage treatment works where sewage is regularly discharged into the river,” he said.

“The riverside is such an important open space for residents to walk and enjoy being in a green space or for boating and fishing.”

In January, Mr Rodda wrote to Ms Bentley, to raise the issue of sewage discharge and met with a Thames Water representative regarding river pollution at the end of that month.

Divorce support

SEPARATION and divorce are often devastating and traumatic and the depth of emotional suffering not always understood.

That’s the view of the Berkshire branch of UK charity, Divorce Recovery Workshop (DRW) which is running a course in Reading on Saturdays March 18 and 25.

A spokesperson said DRW is for anyone of any background, at any stage of a separation or a divorce. It helps people come to terms with a relationship that is breaking or has broken down.

Ms Thornley said: “I am delighted to become an Ambassador for Smart Works Reading.

“The charity’s mission of supporting women back into employment through clothes, coaching and confidence is fantastic and invaluable in these challenging times.”

And the appointment has been welcomed by Smart Works Reading’s chair, Helen Francis, who said it was wonderful to welcome the sporting star.

“Determination, hard work and resilience have led her to Olympic glory, and we hope her story will help inspire confidence in our clients,” Ms Francis said.

“Her appointment strengthens our already impressive line-up of ambassadors. We cannot wait to work together in the future.”

Participants give consistently positive feedback including: “This workshop has been enlightening and inspiring.

“I thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot in a comfortable environment. It helped me to realise that other people go through the same feelings and emotions.”

The course is run by the charity’s volunteers who have all experienced a significant relationship breakup and have been on a course themselves.

Course details: Saturday, March 18, 9.30am-4.30pm, sessions one-three. Saturday, March 25, 9.30-4.30pm sessions four-six. The £60 charge covers attendance, lunches and other refreshments.

n Contact Seamus for more details: reading@drw.org.uk or 07887 800521.

CLEAN WATER: Reading East MP Matt Rodda by the River Thames Picture: Matt Rodda’s office

Jack Dee hosts an evening of inspired nonsense with Rory Bremner, Pippa Evans, Milton Jones & Marcus Brigstocke

Panto pals to reunite for Hexagon show

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THEY’RE an award-winning double act, a festive treat and they’re coming back: CBeebies megastar

Justin Fletcher will once again team up with Paul Morse for Reading’s pantomime this Christmas.

The duo will be returning to The Hexagon for a new take on Sleeping Beauty, following on the success of Jack and the Beanstalk last Christmas.

And the pair cannot wait.

Justin, who was awarded an MBE for his services to children’s television, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to the wonderful Hexagon Theatre this year in Sleeping Beauty, and performing alongside Paul.

“We have such a great time performing to Reading audiences, and I know that this year is going to be truly magical.”

Paul, who has twice won Best Dame in the UK Panto Fan Awards, said: “I’m so thrilled to be back in Reading for my 10th year this Christmas.

“Looking forward to a spectacular show for a very special year.”

The show tells what happens when the wicked fairy Carabosse

places a spell that causes a princess to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and fall into an enchanted sleep.

Justin, Paul and their gang are tasked with rescuing her from the magical slumber, with much silliness, fun and adventure along the way.

The show will once again be produced by Imagine Theatre for The Hexagon, continuing a partnership that started with a previous production of Sleeping Beauty back in 2010.

Sarah Cox from The Hexagon said the team were “absolutely delighted” with the continuing relationship.

“We are thrilled to be able to welcome back our favourite duo Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse to this year’s fabulous Christmas Panto – Sleeping Beauty,” she said.

“We can’t wait to see what mischief these two will get up to.”

Tickets for the show, which runs from Saturday, December 9, through to Sunday, January 7, are already on sale and cost from £14, with group discounts available. Relaxed and signed performances will be available.

n For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060.

Trott (aka

Morse) helped

Panto dame Paul cuts the ribbon to new library

HOW do you celebrate the opening of a new school library? Well, as the famous song goes, there’s nothing like a dame.

Children from Battle Primary Academy in Cranbury Road welcomed a very special visitor as they celebrated their new Forest of Books. Nanny Trott, aka actor Paul Morse, cut the ribbon to the new attic-style reading room.

Visiting on Friday, March 3, the Hexagon pantomime favourite toured the school, greeting pupils, signing books and causing much merriment.

He then attended an assembly where he was asked to choose his favourite door design: each class had decorated the entrance to their classrooms on the

theme of a different book. The winner was Snow White.

And Mr Morse also put his hand into some boxes to try and guess their mystery content.

Afterwards, he joined some pupils from the school council to formally open the new library.

It is decorated to look like a enchanted forest and includes a grass-style mat for children to sit on, along with a reading chair for teachers.

School principal Louise Burridge made a short speech, thanking those who had made the project possible, including deputy headteacher Heidi Ray.

“This has been a long time in coming,”

she said. “It’s a resource for classes to use.

“Learn to read, and you can do anything.”

Afterwards, pupils were invited to raise a toast to the new library by enjoying a glass of fizzy pop and a slice of cake.

As it was World Book Day, staff and children came in literary-themed fancy dress.

Paul’s visit came on the same day it was announced that he will once again team up with CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher for this year’s Hexagon pantomime, which will be Sleeping Beauty.

READY TO READ: Nanny

Paul

children at Battle Primary School celebrate their new library Picture: Phil Creighton

THIEVES struck in the early hours of Thursday, March 2 to take a vehicle from a Calcot driveway.

At some point between 3am and 6am, the burglars made off with a white Mercedes Benz from a home in Willow Tree Glade.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly if they have dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that could help their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43230094277.

Mercedes stolen from driveway Library exhibition

READING Central Library is hosting a new exhibition of visual works in it Holybrook Gallery.

Reading artists Isobel Brimelow and Geoff Sawers will present a new selection of paintings and drawings for their first-ever joint exhibition.

Geoff Sawers has produced several books, and provided illustrations for a number of other works such as A Ladder for Mr Oscar Wilde.

Isobel Brimelow’s works often feature natural elements. wildlife and landscapes.

The exhibition is at Reading Central Library’s Holybrook Gallery from Tuesday, March 7, to Saturday, March 18. Entry is free.

£2.8m boost will see council offer new support to town’s homeless

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A NEW strategy is being implemented to try and help Reading’s homeless population receive appropriate support.

Reading Borough Council says a recent poll of rough sleepers in the borough found that 25 of the 36 had no connections here, leading them to launch a new service aimed at helping them reconnect with their hometowns, and receive support there.

The number of rough sleepers have increased from 22 last year.

The council says that of this year’s total, 11 of the rough sleepers had a confirmed connection to the town via current or previous residence, family, or employment.

As such, they were known to services and had been offer help, such as an immediate accommodation offer, or as a priority for forthcoming temporary or supported accommodation bed spaces.

The number of women sleeping rough is low.

The Council believes is attributable to the Nova Project – a specialist women-only supported accommodation

support provision from the charity St Mungo’s.

A new ‘navigator’ post has been created to work with people who sleep rough who do not hold an immigration status and have limited access to public funds, while a cross-Berkshire strategic role has also been created to support with reconnecting rough sleepers in Reading across neighbouring local authority borders.

Funding comes from a £2.8m allocation from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing &

Communities (DLUHC), and lasts for two-and-a-half years.

It will also be used to strengthen of existing provision in Reading, which includes an expanded Housing First service to make at least 20 properties available for clients with multiple and complex needs.

Cllr Ellie Emberson, lead member for housing at Reading Borough Council, said the borough offered ‘significant support’ for rough sleepers.

“It is important that as a Council we show compassion

SUPPORT: Reading Borough Council has launched a new statregy aimed at helping the homeless population Picture: Reading Borough Council

of immediate accommodation, but through a holistic approach, including one-to-one support in the hope of breaking the cycle of rough sleeping for those struggling.”

This support, she continued, included 274 beds in supported accommodation, and the additional outreach staff would help broaden its support particularly at weekends.

This was also welcomed by Cllr Jason Brock, the leader of the council, who said he was pleased to see the extra resources being made available.

and extend the support already on offer, by reconnecting people with their hometown where they will be eligible for support,” she said.

“We know that homelessness and rough sleeping is a complex issue. The ongoing cost of living crisis combined with the rising number of people nationally with no recourse to public funds, sadly means that figure is on the up.

“The Council’s direction will continue to aim for a sustained reduction in rough sleeping in Reading, not only through offers

“There was a time in the recent past when we know that other local councils would direct people sleeping rough in their areas to go to Reading. While I am assured that is no longer the case, it is important that this reconnection work takes place so that people with no local connection can access the support they need in their hometowns,” he said.

“Reading Borough Council and our voluntary sector partners offer a comprehensive approach and wraparound support to those sleeping rough in our town, but our ability to continue to develop that offer is contingent on neighbouring authorities playing their part too.”

Students urged to apply for finance now, even if waiting for a uni place

STUDENTS in the South East are being advised to apply for next year’s finance even if they are still waiting for a university place.

The early bird scheme takes just 30 minutes to complete and can be tracked online with most applications processed within two months.

Last year more than £22 billion was paid out to over 1.5 million students in maintenance loans, grants and tuition fees and the Student Loans Company expects the same number of applications for the 23/24 academic session.

Jackie Currie, interim SLC executive director of operations, said: “Deciding to pursue study through higher education is a big decision for

every potential student and there’s a lot to organise and manage before their course starts.

“Many aspiring students will be in the middle of studying and getting themselves ready for important exams in the months ahead, which is why I highly recommend submitting a student finance application as early as possible. That way they can focus on their studies and working towards making their education goals a reality.”

Students should have their National Insurance Number, bank and passport details to hand before starting their application.

Full information, including guides on how to apply, what funding is available and videos

to help students through the SLC executive director of operations, said: “Deciding to pursue study through higher education is a big decision for every potential student and there’s a lot to organise and manage before their course starts.

“Many aspiring students will be in the middle of studying and getting themselves ready for important exams in the months ahead, which is why I highly recommend submitting a student finance application as early as possible.

“That way they can focus on their studies and working towards making their application process.”

n For more, visit: studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk

Radio and electronics rally

A GROUP of radio fans will hope Reading will be on the right frequency when it holds a rally and car boot sale this summer.

The annual McMichael Radio & Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale will be held at Reading Rugby Club in Sonning Lane, Sonning on Sunday, July 16.

The event will let radio amateurs and electronics enthusiasts find that special

component, start a new project, discover a retail bargain or meet-up with like-minded colleagues.

Groups attending include the Reading and District Amateur Radio Club (RaDARC) and Burnham Beeches Radio Club (BBRC) and Bracknell Amateur Radio Club (BARC).

Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue will be in attendance to provide a First Response Service.

Organisers say there is good bar and catering will include a barbecue.

There is also free parking available.

Entry is £3 per person, and it costs £10 per table.

The rally runs from 9am, with set-up at 8am.

n For more details, email: rally@ radarc.org, call Colin Ashley on: 07706 512505, or log on to: mcmichaelrally.org.uk

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Thursday, March 9, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 11

From Monday, it’s just £3.50 for day of unlimited use on Reading’s buses

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

IT’S ALL change for small change on Reading’s buses as a radical shake-up launches next week.

Following Reading Borough Council’s successful bid for government funding, it is introducing a new flat rate £3.50 day fare for all bus services from Monday, March 13, regardless of which company is operating the services.

This means a resident could catch a Reading Bus to the town centre, but then use Thames Travel or Arriva for their next journey.

The tickets will be 10p cheaper if ordered via the online apps, and the child allday, all-bus fare will be £2.80, or £2.60 on the app.

Group tickets for up to four passengers will be £9 peak time, and £5.50 off-peak: this starts at 9.30am on weekdays, and all-day at weekends and bank holidays.

The prices only apply to the Simply Reading zone.

For journeys outside of it, the best fare will remain the £2 single ticket offer, which is subsidised by the government.

This scheme is currently due to finish at the end of March, but it could be extended to the end of June.

The tickets have been funded from a £26.3 million grant from the Department of Transport for various investments in the borough’s public transport network. Reading received the

BMW stolen from driveway

A BLUE BMW 420D was taken from the driveway of a home in Rushmoor Gardens, Calcot.

looking forward to the Reading All-Bus ticket launching.

Robert Williams, chief executive officer of Reading Buses said it would help make bus services in the town even more attractive.

“We are particularly excited about the new infrastructure that will help our customers get to their destination more quickly and comfortably,” he added. “We have worked very closely on the development of an Enhanced Partnership, and will be ensuring that all of the benefits will be reinvested into the services that we provide.”

third highest funding award in the country per head of population out of the 31 local authorities who were given the support.

Reading Borough Council will use the money to make a number of enhancements to the town’s bus network.

They include plans to extend the the Buzz 42 service and South Reading services, develop park and ride services to the RBH and the University, and update bus information and shelters.

There will be changes to the road layouts, including new bus lanes on the Oxford Road, Bath Road, Southampton Street and London Road.

An expansion of the South Reading MRT scheme for the A33 in a bid to speed up journey times between Mereoak park and ride and the town centre.

And there will be a Passenger Charter created with the aim of giving passengers a voice.

Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said the funding was excellent news for the town, its transport network, passenger and the environment.

“Our bus services in Reading are already acknowledged as some of the very best in the country with high passenger numbers putting us third in the country for bus trips per head of population and a range of routes and priority corridors which serve existing bus passengers very well and at competitive prices,” he said.

“This injection of funding now allows us to work alongside our bus operators and neighbouring councils on

Beer drinkers across the south east help raise nearly £400,000 for Macmillan

BEER drinkers across the south east have helped raise nearly £400,000 for a cancer charity, bringing the total raised over the past 10 years to more than £14 million – that’s a lot of pints.

Brewery chain Greene King has been supporting Macmillan Cancer Support to help people living with cancer. The £397,800 raised during 2022 – part of £3 million raised across the country in that time – will help fund 128 Macmillan professionals, including pecialist dietitians, therapists and Macmillan nurses.

Greene King runs pubs across the Reading and Wokingham region, including The Good Companions in Woodley, The Sportsman in Shinfield, The Rose & Thistle in West Reading, and The Three Frogs in Wokingham.

Alison Ramsay, senior social impact manager at Greene King, said: “This is proof that charity really is at the heart of all our pubs.

“What better way is there to celebrate our 10-year partnership with Macmillan than by having

a record-breaking 12-months of fundraising. Our teams and customers are simply brilliant.

“Sadly, we all know someone living with cancer but we know every single pound raised in our pubs helps.”

The gesture is appreciated by the charity. Its relationship fundraising manager, Megan Watson, said: Right now, Macmillan is needed now more than ever, and we want to be there for people living with cancer in our communities.

“The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centres provide practical advice and emotional support in a welcoming and warm space, and make a real difference to the lives of people living with cancer.

“We simply couldn’t be there for people living with cancer without our fundraisers.

initiatives to further enhance the travelling experience.

“We hope to attract new bus passengers to even faster, more reliable and better integrated bus services in Reading.”

Cllr Page felt the investment was necessary as the bus network was “an essential component” of the council’s strategy to create affordable alternatives to car journeys, improve air quality and help with the council’s 2030 net zero plans.

“It sits alongside a range of sustainable travel investment by the Council which includes a brand-new railway station at Reading Green Park, opening soon, and a refurbished one at Reading West, as well as key new Active Travel cycle lanes on Shinfield Road and on Bath Road/Castle Hill,” he said.

The bus companies are also

And Luke Marion, managing director of Thames Travel said the firm was looking forward to working with the Council and other bus operators to deliver improvements for passengers.

“We know the new Reading All-Bus multi-operator day travel ticket is something that many of our existing customers have been asking for, and we believe this scheme will make bus travel a lot more convenient, particularly in the Caversham area.”

n Reading’s Bus Service Improvement Plan was drawn up early last year and is a blueprint for improvements and major investment in Reading’s bus services. It can be found at https://www.reading. gov.uk/BSIP and has been prepared in conjunction with all bus operators, including the Council-owned Reading Buses, and all neighbouring local authorities to the Greater Reading urban area.

The thieves struck around 4am on Thursday, March 2.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, particularly if they have dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that could help their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43230094296.

Laundry catches fire in blaze

A PILE of laundry that was on fire was tackled by fire crews late last month.

The incident happened at 7.43am on Thursday, February 23, to a commercial address on Wokingham Road.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service sent teams from Caversham Road in Reading, and Wokingham Road in Earley, to tackle the blaze.

They used a hose reel to put it out, and were on the scene for just under an hour.

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ON ALL THE BUSES: Representatives from Reading Council, Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses, Arriva and Thames Travel celebrate the launch of the new £3.50 bus fare from Monday Picture: Reading Borough Council

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

Solo adventures

WELL I made it to Lisbon. Sunny, beautiful Lisbon. It was a delight.

A treat in every way.

I felt as though I’d stepped into another world entirely.

I emerged from the metro into the hustle and bustle of a mild Lisbon evening.

The colourful tiles and architecture, the trams, the general exciting newness and unfamiliarity of a foreign city.

I arrived at the hostel around 7pm. (A beautiful building that felt more like a hotel with its gorgeous interiors and tall ceilings.)

After settling into my room and making several excited videos of my room, I was hungry for dinner. Tired, I wasn’t up for roaming the streets to find food, so I opted for the hostel restaurant.

“Please wait to be seated,” the sign read. This place was nicer than I’d envisaged. I’d brought a book. I was more hungry than self-conscious about being alone at this point anyway.

A tall elegant woman with an expensive coat joined me in the line.

“She’s probably meeting someone,” I thought. We started chatting, discovering we were both solo-travellers. I quietly hoped she’d be up for eating together so we could continue our conversation.

“Table for two?” The waitress asked.

We glanced at each other, trying to read the other one’s mind. I didn’t want to impose if she really did want to eat alone.

“Yes please,” we said simultaneously.

I was relieved to have a friend for dinner.

“How romantic,” she joked as we were shown to our table. The lighting was low but warm, lively music played and the leaves of a giant plant of some kind hung around her seat.

We clicked straight away. Talked about everything.

Travel, books, art, writing, families, friends, relationships, Damien Hirst.

I was fascinated by her job in the art world and she was intrigued about motherhood.

Two women, leading very different lives, yet with so many shared interests, and so much to talk and laugh about.

It was a sharing menu, so we ordered several plates of food I’d never ordinarily consume, like squid with green froth and raw prawns with fried chicken skin (tasted better than it sounds).

I remember thinking how funny it was to be deciding on what we should order to share, having only met minutes earlier.

As empowering as eating alone can be, I was thrilled to have such wonderful company that first evening. A perfect welcome to the city.

Stepping out of my hostel the following morning, I was met with the most glorious view; a perfect backdrop of Lisbon. Buildings in shades of white, yellow, pink and blue sprawled across a hilly landscape, I took a moment to absorb it all before snapping away.

This was a highly photogenic city and I think I photographed every second building that first day.

I took my time exploring the streets, soaking up the sun and the charming architecture, wondering how many tiles I could fit into my suitcase. Poring over postcards and tacky magnets made me feel like a true tourist.

Following several recommendations, on day two I took the train to Sintra, where I explored Pena Palace and the ruins of the Castelo dos Mouros. They did not disappoint.

By the end of my trip I’d walked over 17 miles, fuelled by seafood, ice cream and Pastéis de Natas.

I flew home feeling light and happy and of course eager to book my next trip. Where to next?

Angela blogs at The Colourful Kind

Ex-Royals star now scores with

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

Observing Ramadan while managing diabetes

A CHARITY is supporting members of the Muslim community who live with diabetes to help them stay healthy during Ramadan.

Diabetes UK is offering important health advice to those who need it and will continue to do so throughout the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan, starting from Wednesday, March 22.

The Qur’an teaches Muslims to fast from sunrise to sunset during the holy month, an opportunity to focus on prayer, reflection and community.

There are exceptions, as people who are unwell or have medical conditions are not expected to fast.

Douglas Twenefour, head of care at Diabetes UK, said: “Choosing whether to fast is a personal choice. However, getting information and advice ahead of Ramadan can help you decide whether it is right and safe for you to do so.

“That is because if you have diabetes, fasting can risk aggravating complications associated with the condition, such as poor vision, heart or kidney disease and hypoglycaemia, as well as diabetic ketoacidosis - a condition that can require emergency hospital treatment.”

The charity is asking those preparing for Ramadan to speak to the team and their Imam to help

them decide how best to observe the holy month, while managing their diabetes safely.

Diabetes UK offers the following advice to those who choose to fast:

n If feeling unwell or have any symptoms of Covid-19, do not fast and call 111 for further advice;

n Before starting, include more slowly absorbed foods, such as basmati rice and dhal, in your meal along with fruit and vegetables;

n During the fast, people who check their blood sugar levels should do this more often than usual;

n When breaking the fast, have only small quantities of food, and avoid only eating sweet or fatty foods.

Mr Twenefour added: “If you are fasting and you feel unwell or that you are having a hypo, check your blood sugars and, if you are, break your fast and take your usual hypo treatment followed by starchy food.

“If you’re showing any symptoms of Covid-19 or feeling unwell, our advice would be to not fast.

“It’s also important to know that taking diabetes medication, testing your blood glucose levels or getting a Covid vaccination will not break your fast.”

n For more information, visit: www.diabetes.org.uk/ramadan

Beans on Toast’s single is a song about peace

AN EVENING of music coming to Reading next month will form a protest against Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Beans on Toast is marking the first anniversary of Putin’s actions with his latest tour, marking his new single Against The War.

The UK folk singer says it’s a timely protest song that needs little explanation.

“It’s a song about peace written in a time of war,” he says.

“It wasn’t an easy song to write, but like everyone, the horrors of the Ukraine invasion have been at the forefront of my mind for the past year.”

Beans follows in the footsteps of singers such as Neil Young, Pete Seeger, and Bob Dylan to make a stand against conflict.

His song contains the lyrics: “Peace is what I’m standing for and I’m Against the War”.

The song is available on Bandcamp as a “pay what you feel” release, all proceeds going to the

Mick Gooding, who played for the Royals almost 400 times between 1989 and 1997, runs his own estate agency Gooding and Co, which he established two years ago.

After spells in management, he decided to make his career change in Reading, a town he developed an affection for during his playing and managing years.

Mick says: “I remember playing against Reading a number of times before I moved and always found it a difficult place to play.

“Ian Porterfield had just been appointed, I played for him at Rotherham and so I thought it would be a good fit. He was a good manager and the team was in a good position.

“I just felt at home.”

Born in Newcastle, Gooding describes his move down south as one made ‘in stages’, enjoying spells at Rotherham, Peterborough and Wolves before joining the Royals.

Away from the pitch, he considers Reading to be one of the best places to live – something which wasn’t immediately apparent on his arrival.

“The town’s hugely changed,” Gooding said.

“I remember signing just before Christmas and I was staying in a bed and breakfast that the club had booked me into.

“I was bored in the guest house so I popped myself in a taxi and asked the driver to take me to the busiest place in town.”

He recollected feeling disappointed to find just three people at the hotel he was taken to.

Southend proved to be his last managerial post in 2000, at which point Gooding was forced to look into a prospective career change.

A job listing in our predecessor, the Reading Evening Post, encouraged Gooding to pick up the phone and interview for Mann and Co, Tilehurst, where he honed his knowledge of the industry.

A change in senior management encouraged him to set up his own venture.

Gooding and Co aims to make the experience of buying a house one that is “smooth, stress-free and exciting”, also assisting clients in finding the most suitable solicitors and surveyors.

New music festival coming to Wasing estate this summer

TICKETS have gone on sale for a new series of concerts taking place in a natural amphitheatre this summer.

The Wasing estate near Aldermaston is opening its doors for On The Mount, five different events showcasing a range of musical styles and acts.

The first concert will be on Thursday, June 22, and see BritishAmerican trio Gabriels perform.

The group were shortlisted for the BRIT Awards International Group of the Year, following the release of the first half of their debut album Angels and Queens.

released his eighth studio album, Meet The Moonlight. Previous albums On and On, and In Between Dreams, went platinum and multi-platinum respectively.

Primal Scream will be performing on Friday, June 30, and they will be fronted by founding member Bobby Gillespie.

Along with hit singles such as Movin’ On Up, Rocks and Loaded, the band have achieved seven Top 10 albums and were the first winners of the Mercury Music Prize in 1992.

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND).

A limited edition T-shirt is also available.

n Beans will be at The Face bar in Reading on Friday, March 24, and tickets are on sale at: www.beansontoastmusic.com

They will be supported at this show by Olivia Dean, and Rachel Chinouriri, one of The Guardian’s Ones to Watch for 2023.

On Sunday, June 25, it will be the turn of Hawaiian-born, Californiaraised Jack Johnson. He is a Grammynominated, BRIT Award-winning singer-songwriter who last year

On Saturday, July 1, BRIT Awardwinning singer-songwriter Ben Howard makes an appearance. He’s used to festivals, having performed on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury.

The final set is Sunday, July 2, and sees Icelandic post-rock icons Sigur Ros perform a UK Festival Exclusive.

Wasing previously hosted the Glade dance music festival in the

HOLY MONTH: Diabetes UK is supporting members of the Muslim community who live with diabetes. PICTURE: TOWFIQU BARBHUIYA

A FORMER Reading FC legend is making moves in the town’s property industry.

SAFE AS HOUSES: Mick Gooding made almost and Co. Picture: Gooding and Co

TO A TEE: Beans on Toast has created a limited edition T-shirt

Mick Gooding with mortgages

WHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN

St Paul’s Mews: The flats that housed an air raid shelter

Reader travel

TORQUAY Weekend

With the development of the Oracle and other businesses, Gooding believes that more “Reading people” are choosing to stay in the area, without travelling to other cities for work.

Although work comes first for the former midfielder, Gooding also offers his thoughts as a pundit for Reading games on BBC Radio Berkshire, and has been impressed with the Royals’ progress under manager Paul Ince.

The team have been hampered

mid-late 2000s, and currently hosts the Medicine Festival, which invites people to envision a more enlightened, peaceful and sustainable world.

On The Mount curators are John Empson and Ollie Rosenblatt of Senbla.

They said: “We’re delighted to bring such a diverse and wonderful lineup to the inaugural year of On The Mount, with artists that match the beauty and spectacular nature of The Mount at Wasing.

“We can’t wait for audiences to really experience something different

with a transfer embargo after breaching the EFL’s profit and sustainability guidelines, meaning they have only been able to sign free agents and loan players.

“What’s happened with the transfer embargo and injuries, it’s the worst that I can remember. Of all the teams I played for, I’ve never seen this many,” he says.

“No disrespect to the youngsters who have come in, because they’ve done a good job, but Ince has had a tough job and I think he’s doing a good job.”

SOUTH Reading residents have been reminiscing about one of its most recognisable landmarks.

This building on the corner of Whitley Wood Lane and Basingstoke Road has survived the test of time, including Second World War, and has been put to a wide range of uses since the 1920s.

Made of brick and flint, the hall has housed schools, churches, Scouts, Brownies, youth clubs and wedding receptions.

It has recently been converted into flats, which are known as St Paul’s Mews.

Having been shared on Whitley Community Museum’s Facebook page, the picture garnered interest amongst its members, with some recalling jumble sales, film screenings and an air raid shelter.

The museum’s curator, David Turner, said: “This building is unlike any other building in Whitley and in 1978 was given a Grade I listing status.

The building raises questions as the materials used are not what you would expect a church to be

POETRY CORNER

built from. I would love to know for instance where the flint material was sourced as it would certainly not be locally.

“Based on the information from residents, it was built to be a school but there are more questions in my mind than answers.”

With over 4,800 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an accessible online and in-person resource.

The group serves as a platform for residents past and present to share memories through photographs and comments.

It also allows group members to reconnect, with members reacquainting themselves with friends and schoolmates from decades ago.

The museum held a Whitley Way Back When event at the Community Cafe on Northumberland Avenue earlier this year to showcase its photographs and exhibits inperson.

n For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com

Departing Fri 23 Jun ‘23

Take in a weekend of south-west scenery in Torquay, where the gorgeous sea views and sandy beaches make it the perfect place to escape for a few days of rest and relaxation, with excursions to some of the most inspiring destinations along the south coast.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 3 nights at the Trecarn Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast

 Entertainment every evening

 Excursions to Dawlish & Teignmouth

Optional excursion to Dartmouth (£8pp)

4 Days by Coach ly £189.99

HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Flower Show & RHS Wisley

Departing Fri 7 Jul ‘23

Enjoy two wonderful days of horticultural

with visits to two of the UK’s leading gardens, the elegant RHS Wisley and the majestic Hampton Court Palace Flower Show on this getaway that is sure to get your inspiration sprouting.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 Overnight stay at a selected 3-star hotel outside London with dinner & breakfast

 Admission to Hampton Court Palace

Flower Show

 Excursion to RHS Garden Wisley

on these summer evenings beneath the stars and surrounded by the woodland.”

And this anticipation was matched by Andrew Perkins, CEO of Wasing Estate.

“We are exceptionally excited to launch The Mount, bringing audiences and artists together to harmonise in nature and community through restorative musical experiences,” he said.

The On The Mount events will be preceded by a Summer Solstice opening event on June 21. n For more, log on to: www.wasing.co.uk

Snow falls, world is white. Children play enjoy the site. Gone by tomorrow night.

Seed beneath the ground hiding ‘til the sun comes round At last light is found

2 Days by Coach

ly £169

Sunshine, flowers grow. Natures colours out on show Gentle stream in flow

Wind blows shakes the tree Old leaves forced to flee New buds wait to be RICHARD STEPHENSON

We love receiving your poems and have set up a dedicated email address – poems@wokingham.today

HISTORY: The building which preceded the St Paul’s Mews flats had a wide range of uses over the years. Picture: Whitley Community Museum

almost 400 appearances for Reading Football Club. He is now the director of estate agents Gooding

to the essentials they need.

Matt Rodda

£3.50

bus deal is great news

FROM Monday, residents can catch any bus, and either pay £2 for a single fare or £3.50 for all day travel.

It doesn’t matter whether the journey is via Reading Buses, Arriva or Thames Travel, one ticket does it all.

It is fantastic news, and something that can make a real, practical difference to our borough’s roads.

Our bus network is extensive and covers much of town and its surrounds.

Yes, it’s not perfect – Cow Lane and Richfield Avenue, for example, remains under utilised – but it is excellent compared other towns and cities.

It is also good value, even more so with this offer and the ability to get to Bracknell or Wokingham – of, if you can stomach the long journey – to central London for just £2.

Reading Borough Council’s cash injection of £26.3 million is going to pay dividends going forward, as long as it is spent wisely, on projects that will have a tangible difference.

But at the same time, the council must take the residents and the motorists with them. There must be carrots too, especially with plans that will be controversial, such as a bus lane on London Road, or even trying to resurrect the bonkers plan to concrete over the River Thames to create bus lane bridge. With great spending power comes great responsibility. Let’s use it carefully, for the benefit of us all.

CHURCH NOTES

Windsor Framework is long overdue

IN 2019 the then Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and the Conservatives, offered the country an “oven ready” Brexit deal which he lauded as being the best possible deal with the EU to maintain trade, ensure stability and – with the inclusion of the Northern Ireland protocol that the Prime Minister himself negotiated – prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland and safeguard the Good Friday agreement.

He promised no checks in the Irish Sea. Sunak, like all the Tories, backed the deal.

Fast forward to February 2022 and the picture painted by Boris Johnson was very different to the reality on the ground.

Trade across the Irish Sea faced new barriers. Businesses were reporting huge new burdens and checks had brought the roads in Kent to a complete stand still.

The EU and the UK were facing a legal stand-off with the UK threatening to unilaterally tear up legally binding international treaty. Trust and goodwill with the EU had been squandered.

But it was in Northern Ireland where the hubris of Boris Johnson and the Conservatives’

From the Chamber

Cllr Rob White

deal was having the biggest impact.

Unable to import chilled meats, plants, or seed potatoes and concerned about a customs border in the Irish Sea, the DUP – Northern Ireland’s largest Unionist Party and, at the time, the party who held the role of First Minister – walked away from the power-sharing Northern Ireland Executive and collapsed the Northern Ireland assembly.

And the Conservatives were busy telling anyone who listened that the very protocol they negotiated was terrible and needed to be ripped up.

Today, the Assembly is still not functioning and, in the May 2022 Assembly elections, the DUP were replaced as the largest party by Sinn Fein, who advocate a united Ireland.

Everyone in Westminster agreed that the status quo could not continue.

The Labour Party urged the Government to work collegiately with all parties in Northern Ireland and in Westminster to find a lasting solution that protected peace and reduced trade friction.

And we urged the EU to be more flexible.

We desperately wanted to see the Northern Ireland assembly up and running and for the people of Northern Ireland to have access

We welcome this new agreement on the Protocol dubbed the ‘Windsor Framework’, which is long overdue and fixes some of the trade problems in their original deal. The government has let this drag on for two years causing yet more uncertainty for business. We have repeatedly urged them to reach a negotiated settlement. The outline of a deal had been clear for months.

We’re glad the PM has finally shown he is willing to confront those in his own party who were holding a deal hostage.

When it comes to the House of Commons for decision, I will be voting for it along with my fellow Labour MPs because, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, stability in Northern Ireland is key.

If the PM needs our support in getting this over the line he will have it.

Ten years after David Cameron announced we would be having a referendum on our membership of the EU, we need to start looking forward to our new place in the world.

A new era of relations with Europe without the rancour caused by successive Conservative Prime Ministers can only be a good thing for our country and our economy.

The challenge now is for those Conservative MPs who want to continue the Brexit debate to ask themselves whose interests they are trying to serve.

By attempting to sink ‘The Windsor Framework’ we can be sure it is neither Northern Ireland’s or the United Kingdom’s.

Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East

Fellow Redlands Green Councillor Dave McElroy says: “Kate is a caring and diligent campaigner and would make a fantastic councillor. Getting her elected would give Redlands more active, visible representation all year round.”

IN the Christian calendar, we are now a couple of weeks into Lent.

Traditionally, this has been a time of sober self-examination and abstinence.

But perhaps we don’t need a liturgical calendar to encourage this in 2023.

After all, abstinence has become a way of life for many people this year, given the cost of living crisis.

And there’s enough sobering news in our world to drive us to solemn reflection.

So how might we make good use of this traditional time of preparation, which leads us to the joys of spring and the joyful Christian celebration of Easter?

In Reading Today last week, Cllr Brock drew our attention to the ‘climate stripes’ which feature on the sleeves of Reading FC’s kit.

He reminded us that we all have a part to play in reducing the carbon footprint of our town.

Maybe Lent, at its best, isn’t about modifying our lifestyle for a few weeks.

Perhaps it’s a good opportunity for each of us to ask ourselves how our way of life needs to change now and into the future, if we are to limit climate change and safeguard the precious resources of God’s good earth.

The Revd Ann Cogle, curate at Reading Minster, writing on behalf of Churches

Together in the Centre of Reading

Greens want rent freeze and ban on evictions

IN Reading under this Labour Council and government imposed austerity unfortunately poverty is getting worse.

Sadly in Reading rough sleeping has gone up by a massive 60%. And rising energy and food bills are leaving many people with tough choices.

Greens voted against Labour’s plan to hike council rents by an eye watering 7%. For a family with a couple of children in a three-bedroom property a 7% increase in rent is an extra £435 per year.

Unfortunately, Labour voted this through.

Things are even worse in the private sector with rents in some areas going up by as much as 20%.

Greens want to see a freeze in rents and a ban on evictions.

From the Chamber

Cllr Jason Brock

Compassion for our rough sleepers

IT’S my experience that people in Reading have always shown great empathy to those who find themselves in difficulty. It’s something I thought about last week when the annual count of rough sleepers was published.

That spirit of empathy and compassion is something the local Council has always mirrored when it comes to supporting people who, for whatever reason, find themselves bedding down on Reading’s streets for the night.

Our offer goes well above and beyond those of most local authorities.

It may surprise you to know that our level of provision for rough sleepers, across statutory and Council-funded voluntary sector services, amount to 274 bed spaces. In theory, no one should be sleeping rough on the streets of Reading.

The reality, though, is that offers of support and of a bed for the night are very often refused. Rough sleeping is a complex issue and there can be a number of reasons for refusal.

In terms of the local figures released last week, 36 people were rough sleeping on Reading streets on a particular night, up from 22 the previous year.

It’s a rise which is mirrored nationally, with 3,069 people founding sleeping outside on a single night – an increase of 26% on the previous year.

What’s interesting about the Reading figures this year is that, out of the total of 36 counted rough sleeping, 25 (or more than two thirds) either had no connection to Reading or had no recourse to public funds.

It is likely, of course, that our significant level of support for rough sleepers attracts people to Reading from other areas, where their local council does not offer the same level of support.

To address the issue of rough sleepers with no local connection, the Council is now investing in more resources and staff to help those sleeping rough to reconnect with their hometown where they are eligible for support, or towards support for settled status where this is necessary.

Donate to fund Green Party campaigning materials

Spotlight on Redlands Green Party candidate Kate Nikulina

The local Green Party has selected hard-working campaigner Kate Nikulina to stand in Redlands at the council election on Thursday, May 4.

Kate works in logistics and volunteers teaching English to Ukrainians.

Kate says: “It has been great to work with Redlands Green councillors Dave McElroy and Kathryn McCann to improve Redlands.

“We’ve tackled rubbish problems, antisocial behaviour and supported residents. It would be a privilege to represent Redlands if I’m elected.”

The Green Party doesn’t have hedge fund managers making large donations. We rely on our many supporters giving a little when they can to pay for campaigning materials.

With elections coming up we need funding to elect Green councillors to make a difference and consolidate our position as the second-largest party on Reading Council.

If you have a spare £5, £10 or more please donate to our Crowdfunder campaign to pay for campaigning materials.

All donations will be doubled. www.bit.ly/rdggreencrowd

Alternatively if you’re keen on being part of the change in Reading, get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner: reading.greenparty.org.uk/getinvolved

Green Party councillor Rob White is leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council

A cross-Berkshire strategic role has also been created to support the reconnection of people sleeping rough in Reading to our neighbour local authorities.

We are building on existing provision for rough sleepers, including an expanded Housing First service to make at least 20 properties available for those with multiple and complex needs. That is in addition to two existing centres which directly provide those rough sleeping with the stability, warmth, and new start they need to get their lives back on track – The Nova Project (a specialist women-only supported accommodation provision) and our 40 modular homes on Caversham Road, which come with 24-hour wraparound care.

And beyond all of this, we are in the process of delivering Reading’s largest Council house building programme in a generation, creating 400 new affordable homes between 2021 and 2026. This doesn’t solve the problem on its own, but it does help to ease the pressure on a growing housing register and give people some hope of one day having a place of their own to call home.

Finally, if you are concerned about anyone you think might be sleeping rough, call Street Link on 0300 500 0914, or go to www.streetlink.org.

And if you, or someone you know, is at risk of rough sleeping or ending up sofa surfing, please let our Homelessness Prevention Team know by contacting our Housing Advice Service, call 0118 937 2165 or email housing.advice@reading.gov.uk

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

Abstinence has become a way of life for many

Teachers hold rally through town in second round of strikes

VOLUNTEER CORNER

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

TEACHERS from around Reading joined thousands across the country in taking a second round of industrial action last week

Educators and supporters marched to Forbury Gardens, where union representatives gave addresses calling for better pay and conditions for the education system.

Hundreds marched through town bearing placards and chanting, protesting cuts to funding.

General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade unions and former member of NEU’s National Executive Committee, Gawain Little, said: “The GFTU stand with you.”

“It is incredible to see so many of you here in Reading standing up for your school, standing up for your children, standing up for your communities.

He explained: “I’m a primary school teacher, so I know it is not easy to take strike action – none of us wants to be here.

“It’s not because we like to avoid hard work, in fact, taking this action is probably one of the hardest things you’ve ever done, and we want to be in the classroom.

“But this government has made that impossible – we cannot stand aside as education budgets are slashed.”

He said that the government was the government has “not shown willingness to listen to teachers, to listen to the parents, and others who support us.

“The offer is that if we suspend all action, if we sit back and do nothing, they might be willing to talk to us.

“But they won’t tell us what’s on your table–what kind of an offer is that?”

Dr. Dominic Coughlin of the NEU’s national executive committee said: “This is the final warning– we need to make good choices, and this is a sombre day.

“There’s nothing more I want to be doing at this time than teaching – but this hasn’t happened overnight.

“It’s happened over a number of years of eroding our funding and resources – when teachers and support staff workers win, education wins.”

Katie Gumbrell, of the Reading district of the NEU, said: “Strike action has been threatened since April last year, and we are on our fifth education secretary since then.

“None of them has taken this threat seriously–they thought that we wouldn’t be bothered to return our ballot papers and that we weren’t powerful enough to tell them that education right now is not okay.

She explained: “The government had accepted the recommendations of the independent pay review body.

“We know that one-in-eight maths lessons, and one-in-four physics lessons, are taught by nonspecialists.”

She continued: “The current situation isn’t good enough for any child – we cannot go on watching their education suffer and they cannot wait.

“We cannot go on watching our toxic system break enthusiastic, well-qualified, excellent new teachers.

“We cannot go on with our school leaders being forced into unreasonable, unethical and unsustainable.”

Education secretary Gillian Keegan had invited unions to talks over pay, aiming to “build on the constructive discussions that have already taken place and move into formal talks on pay, conditions and reform.”

These talks were predicated on the condition called off strike action, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Education.

Ms Keegan said that the rejection of the invitation to talks by unions was “disappointing,” and that unions had chosen to “once again cause disruption for children and families.”

A Wokingham teacher attending the protest in Forbury Gardens said: “Our education system is struggling with lack of funding, and it’s impacting it in a whole variety of ways.

“As it gets worse and worse, our children are suffering and our teachers are suffering too.”

They explained: “This is my tenth year teaching, and education has always been a political football, but since the beginning of this Tory government it has just got worse and worse.”

Speaking on how what they thought the education system needed, they said: “Where do we start?

“We need to look at retention and recruitment–we’re losing good quality teachers, without which we are struggling,

“This means funding, for good enough training, for support assistants, and for learning support assistants who can help those children who are most in need.”

n Formed in 2002

The Children’s Air Ambulance is a lifesaving transfer service for critically ill babies and children.

Right now, they need your help to raise awareness and increase income for The Air Ambulance Service by having more people taking part in their planned bucket collections.

As a Volunteer Bucket Collector in Reading you would be supporting the fundraising team by joining them at their planned bucket collections at large events and approaching local businesses, such as supermarkets, to arrange and coordinate more bucket collections.

n Assisting Berkshire Children to Read (ABC to Read) is an award-winning charity that supports children who are struggling to read by finding, training and supporting volunteers to work with them in primary schools around Berkshire.

They are looking for caring volunteers to become reading helpers, boosting student’s confidence and helping them directly in one-to-one sessions outside of the classroom environment to give students the opportunity to catch up.

If you enjoy reading and want to help children gain one the most essential skills for success in life then please join ABC to Read.

Sign up for their next volunteer training session, which takes place on March 29 via Zoom.

n The Rising Sun Arts Centre is an award winning, independent arts centre, which for 27 years has been staffed and run by volunteers.

A team of volunteers oversee their marketing for the Rising Sun and right now they are currently recruiting more volunteers with specific social media skills to help them develop the team.

Volunteers will work closely with the Centre Manager and Assistant Manager to establish the team and a system of working together, with an end goal of becoming autonomous. More specifically they want volunteers to help run their social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), attend events, take photos and more.

n Take a look at our new platform for details of these and more opportunities to volunteer via www. rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

TAKING ACTION: Some of the teachers and educators at the strike demo last week Pictures: Jake Clothier

The strikers heard speeches from union members

The protests last Thursday saw a procession through Reading town centre

M O T H E R ' S D A Y L U N C H

Mothers Day

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Mother'sDay

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The Lord Raglan offers everything there is to love about modern British pubs

By CLAIRE WORSFOLD advertising@wokingham.today

WE ARE privileged in Wokingham to have restaurants offering exotic dishes from around the world on our doorstep, but there is still a charm to the Great British pub menu.

The Lord Raglan offers everything there is to love about modern, British pubs - freshly prepared food, a huge range of beer sourced from independent breweries, wine and spirits, comfortable surroundings.

It’s perfect for a Sunday Lunch.

We were seated in the bright and airy conservatory with overhead heaters to keep us warm, and given a preview of its Mothering Sunday menu.

We have eaten in The Lord Raglan many times, but never on a Sunday.

Although the full menu will be on offer, there will also be a

selection of roasts. Everything is prepared on site using fresh and ethically sourced ingredients.

The menu offers gluten free, Vegan and vegetarian options.

My teenage son chose the Roast Sirloin of Beef (£18.95).

He was impressed with the large and plentiful portion of beef, which was juicy and flavoursome.

Accompanying it were roast potatoes, which were crispy and flavoured with Rosemary for added flavour.

The maple roasted root veg were again perfectly cooked and the Yorkshire pudding was enormous.

Seasonal greens included savoy cabbage and green beans cooked al dente, just the way we like them. The cauliflower cheese was rich and luxurious.

In my opinion you can ‘make or break’ a roast with the gravy, and it certainly didn’t disappoint, named as ‘proper gravy’ it certainly lived up to its name with a perfect consistency and flavour.

My husband opted for the Half

T

Chicken Roast for £17.95, with the same accompaniments as the beef roast.

The chicken was moist, but with a lovely crispy skin.

As committed meat eater, I wanted to try the Vegan Wellington roast dinner (£15.95), to see if I would enjoy a meat-free option as much.

The Wellington is made with mushrooms and cashew nuts, encased in a lattice pastry was absolutely delicious. The puff pastry was perfectly baked, the filling was moist, the texture was smooth, the dish was very flavoursome.

Served with roast potatoes, root veg, seasonal greens, braised red cabbage and a vegan gravy. I would most definitely have this again.

My daughter had the a Cheeseburger and Fries for £6.95 from the children’s menu. This was a homemade beef patty topped with American cheese and was met with great approval.

Although the restaurant was

very busy, the food was served in a timely manner, piping hot and perfectly presented. Moving on to desserts, our server highly recommended the

E L O R D R A G L A N

Sharing Baked Cookie Dough

Skillet (£9.95). It came with two large scoops of vanilla ice cream on top.

This is large enough for three,

especially after a roast meal. It definitely satisfied our sweet palates.

My son decided on the Vegan Cheesecake With Blueberry Compote for £5.95. Made with cashew milk, the texture was creamy, but not too sweet. The sharpness of the blueberry compote was the perfect accompaniment.

With regards to drinks, The Lord Raglan loves beer and sources it from all around the world, including their very own Big Smoke Brew Company. Keg and cask, there is a large selection.

It’s the same for red wines, rose, white, Champagne and sparkling wines, and gins too. On Mothering Sunday, all mothers will be treated to a special gift on arrival.

The staff at the Lord Raglan are friendly and welcoming and the service was excellent. n For more information, visit: www.thelordraglan.co.uk, or call: 0118 978 3282.

‘The Sultan is one of the best curry houses I’ve been to’

By CLAIRE WORSFOLD advertising@wokingham.today

IT MIGHT be Wokingham town’s oldest curry house, but it’s looking to the future.

The Sultan in Market Place has launched a new menu, bringing Indian fine cuisine to the borough. It’s been devised by owner Raja Majid and his chef, Kuldeep, who has worked in some of London’s finest restaurants and won the prestigious London Evening Standard Indian Restaurant of the year award.

“Chef Kuldeep has created an exciting, innovative menu and I believe you won’t taste anything like it anywhere else in Wokingham - it really makes us stand out. We’re not a regular curry house,” Raja said.

“The menu is bursting with authentic dishes that many people may not have heard of,

and you certainly won’t be able to get anywhere else locally. It’s proper Indian food with a modern presentation.”

The ingredients used in Sultan’s ‘exquisite dishes’ are sourced from local suppliers.

These include feature ingredients such as duck, mussels, and rabbit, and Venison, together with a range of plant-based creations which vegans will love.

The interior decor of the restaurant reflects the age of building with oak beams throughout. Table are adorned with crisp white table cloths, and the waiters are immaculately dressed. This is an experience.

We began with a selection of starters including Patiala Lamb Chops (£6). Chargrilled best-ends of lamb with beetroot and ginger marinade with coriander chutney. The presentation was exquisite, the lamb was perfectly tender and flavoursome.

The Spinach and Feta Cheese Samosa Chaat (£6.45) was my personal favourite.

This is a samosa topped with coriander and dates, tamarind chutney and chickpeas vermicelli. It is amazing, so tasty with an array of flavours.

The Venison Seekh Kebab (£9.95) is a dish that I’ve never seen on an Indian restaurant menu, so I was intrigued to sample it.

It is minced venison with peppers and onion served with coriander chutney and smoked paprika raita. The venison had a delicate flavour, was cooked to perfection, the chutney and raita made the perfect accompaniment.

Moving on to the Main courses. Our teenage son chose the Prawn Biryani (£18.95). This is not just any Biryani. Dum Pukht is a traditional way of slow cooking in a sealed pot, this

means none of the flavours can escape. The pot is topped with a thick chapati keeping all the warmth contained.

Our son was impressed with the amount of prawns and the presentation.

For my main, I plumped for Dhaba Methi Murgh (£12.95), an Indian roadside shakc-style chicken curry, rustic and bustling

with flavours tempered with fresh fenugreek.

The presentation was a delight, the aromatic flavours were invigorating to my nose and taste buds. I was very impressed with the amount of chicken in this dish, the portion size was very generous.

My husband chose the Guinea Fowl Banjara (£16.95),

a dish from the nomadic tribes of Ladakh: grilled guinea fowl breast in dry mango and peanut marinade, filled with spinach and mushroom, and with a half egg masala.

He described the meat as extra tasty, and he enjoyed the dish immensely.

We shared some side dishes which included Bainghan Mirch Ka Salan (£6.95) – baby aubergines and chillies in a tangy tamarind and jaggery sauce. Aloo Anardana (£5.95) is slow cooked potatoes with tangy pomegranate and mango powder, pomegranate seeds and garlic. Naan bread is (£3.95).

The Service at the Sultan was second-to-none.The ambience was perfect. The waiters were absolutely fantastic throughout our visit; topping up our water glasses as soon as they reached empty, regularly coming over to check if we needed anything and best of all professionally and passionately explaining the dishes one by one, some of which sounded obscure to us.

The Sultan, hands down has to be one of the best curry houses I have ever been to – it excels on every front.

n To see the menu or to book, log on to: sultanindian.co.uk, or call: 0118 977 4397.

Compelling comedy and dark drama in The Lonesome West

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

PROGRESS Theatre’s latest production is Martin McDonagh’s The Lonesome West, which follows two brothers after the death of their father.

Set in rural Ireland, the play explores themes of contrition, sibling rivalry, and the damage that spite inflicts upon those we love the most.

Coleman and Valene are living in their father’s house after Coleman has accidentally killed him with a shotgun, and begins in the aftermath of the funeral.

Coleman, portrayed by Damien Passmore, is constantly fighting with his brother, Valene, portrayed by Paul Gittus, and the situation escalates as the reality of their father’s passing sets in.

The play’s opening scene comes thick and fast with jokes as the brothers speak with Father Welsh, portrayed by Adam Wells.

They are also joined by Girleen, a young girl and member of Father Welsh’s flock, portrayed by Imogen Lilley.

All are notable not only for

REVIEW

their control of Irish accents, but also the feeling of an understanding of the particular tone, style, and rhythms of speech and sense of humour which come along with them.

Both Passmore and Gittus portray the brotherly animosity with conviction, with the constant bickering between the two feeling like the manifestation of deeper resentment.

Neither lets the darker moments of the first half cloud the jovial tone too much, but they also avoid stripping those moments of their dramatic impact.

Similarly, it feels like the cast

has fun with the lighter parts of the play, especially in the opening scene.

As the light-heartedness falls away in the second half, each actor comes into their own.

Wells’ portrayal of an alcoholic priest, who is wrestling with crises of faith following multiple grisly deaths in his parish, builds in intensity through the play.

This comes to a head in an especially striking monologue from Father Welsh, during which Wells gives an assured, confident performance in the face of dark and weighty subject matter, especially when dwelling on the fleeting

Mates Rates brings stand-up to the Taproom

MATES RATES brings some of the UK’s best stand-ups to venues across Reading, with its latest offering seeing Ria Lina, Jake Steers, and President Obonjo performing sets at Double Barrelled’s taproom.

The event was hosted by Carl Richard, whose crowd work effortlessly assured the audience that they would be in safe hands.

President Obonjo was the first of the evening’s guest acts, taking to the stage with an immediately arresting and imposing presence. His character comedy is loaded with political commentary both on the surface and its subtler implications.

The set included cheeky jabs at the British parliamentary system, the royal family, international relations, and democracy at large.

These are all knitted together to build a tongue-in-cheek routine about life in Britain more generally which is equal parts well-considered satire and throwaway silliness.

Jake Steers followed with an easy, laid-back charm which complements the relatability of his material perfectly.

Steers brings a personal angle to his stand-up, such as when discussing his own health issues, and displays a comfortable confidence, even going so far as to tell anecdotes about his less successful gigs.

Overall his approachability and

Thieves steal car from Calcot home

A GREY Mercedes was taken from the driveway of a home in Palmera Avenue, Calcot earlier this month.

LINE-UP: Ria Line performing at Double Barrelled taproom, Reading. Picture: One Studio Events, Mates Rates Comedy

natural delivery gives the “mates in the pub” feel to his stand-up which many comedians work hard to achieve, particularly with a bit about being heckled by his mum at a show.

Headliner Ria Lina closed the show with an assured set tackling divorce, parenthood, and dating in the 2020s, combining the brash, often titillating subject matter with disarming charm and tenderness.

Ria’s incisive observation turned towards topics of sending racy pictures and online dating, both subverting stereotypical expectations and making the whole system look ridiculous with often forensic scrutiny.

Particular highlights included the discussion of her ex-partner and material exploring age gaps in marriages, especially in relation

to having children.

Overall, Mates Rates provided a mix of performers with different perspectives, from a diverse range of backgrounds and personal experiences, contributing to a rich and eclectic offering of live comedy.

Double Barrelled’s taproom also lends itself to stand-up, with the benches providing a good mix of easy access to the bar and laid-back seating which accommodates disparate groups better than more traditional theatre seating.

Naturally, their offerings of locally-brewed beers and ciders is a welcome addition, too.

n Mates Rates Comedy hosts a number of stand-up events around Reading, including a new comedy festival set to take place from Friday-Sunday, May 19-21.

ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT?:

From Left, Paul Gittus as Valene, Adam Wells as Father Welsh, and Damien Passmore as Coleman.

Picture: Progress Theatre

moments of comedic respite during the scene.

Imogen Lilley’s Girleen, who feels like comic relief as a character during the first half, also blossoms into something else entirely.

Lilley’s performance makes this about-turn all the more impactful through its accomplished combination of youthful naivety and an underlying longing, again contributing to the heart-break of the play’s final act.

As the play draws to a close, it becomes clear that while all four actors have the ability to throw the script around during its comedy moments,

each can also show the deeper, compelling humanity of the characters.

The set is also excellently imagined, evoking the close and cosy interior of a humble Irish home, complete with convincing and well-observed touches.

The very final image of the production is particularly powerful as a result of a choice practical effect which is very well executed.

Overall, The Lonesome West is a triumph of the duality of theatre, with the production celebrating the humour and levity of small-town life while also contemplating the darkest responses of the human psyche well.

The show runs at Progress Theatre, The Mount, from Friday, March 3, to Saturday, March 11.

Progress Theatre will see the rest of the season out with productions of Moira Buffini’s Dinner, Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining, and a performance of Twelfth Night for its annual open air event in the Abbey Ruins in the summer.

n Tickets are available via: progresstheatre.co.uk/2023-thelonesome-west

Thames Valley Police have launched an appeal to try and trace the thieves.

The car was stolen between 6pm on Wednesday, March 1, and 6am on Tuesday, March 7. Police are appealing for dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that could help their investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43230094328.

Toddler group

PARENTS are being invited to bring their young ones to a weekly toddler group.

Reading Family Church’s Rainbows group is open to parents with babies and preschool children and meets on Thursdays.

Meet-ups include play, story time and singing, as well as a ‘minute wisdom’ slot to encourage mums and dads in their parenting journeys.

Sessions take place from 10am-11.30am during term time at Reading Family Church, Basingstoke Road.

n For more information, visit: readingfamilychurch.org.uk

Telecommunications firm BT Group’s £3bn boost to South East economy

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

ONE of the country’s biggest telecommunications firms says it has provided a £3bn boost the South East economy.

And it says around £1.9bn of that was spent with suppliers from across the region.

Consultancy firm Hatch was commissioned to look at the spend of employees and suppliers of The BT Group, which includes EE, BT, Plusnet and Openreach – and the estimated knock-on impact that has on economies across the country.

It directly employs 6,500 people across the South East, who made a direct contribution to the region’s economy estimated at £1 billion in the last financial year (2021/22).

And through the company’s employees and its supply chain, and their subsequent spending, Hatch estimates the resulting boost to the region’s economy came to a total of £3.2 billion.

According to the study, BT Group’s combined activities supported a knock-on total of 34,400 jobs across the region.

The report highlights BT Group’s presence across the South East and its current major investment in the rollout of full-fibre broadband and 5G across the country.

It also profiles the range of activities by BT Group colleagues across the UK, from the volunteers helping care home residents avoid isolation and loneliness, to the teams protecting customers and the UK from cyber threats.

BT Group says it is transforming its offices and contact centres across the UK and has already opened two brand new regional hubs in Birmingham and Bristol.

New hubs are set to open in Manchester and Cardiff this year, and offices in Belfast and Glasgow have undergone

major refurbishments.

It is part of the company’s Better Workplace Programme, one of the largest workplace improvement schemes of its type ever undertaken in the UK. The five-year programme will see the company shift from having around 300 locations in the UK to around 30, with a focus on creating new, modern workspaces.

Philip Jansen, Chief Executive of BT Group, said: “BT Group plays a vital role at the heart of the UK economy. We’re one of only a handful of companies that serves customers in every corner of the country.

“We’ve continued our major investment in building next

generation full fibre and mobile connectivity rapidly across the UK. We’ve already reached 9.6 million premises with full fibre, and our 5G mobile network now reaches 60% of the UK population.

“The benefits to families and businesses are huge: new jobs, economic growth and innovation, across every nation and region.

“We’re also transforming BT Group so that we’re fit to power the UK economy of the future. Our new state-of-theart offices, spread across the UK, are a central part of that, bringing colleagues together in brilliant spaces that will enable collaboration and help us to better serve our customers.”

SUNDAY SUCCESS: Sarah Jones, owner of My Anxious Dog, with Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis

Den star Theo shines a light on Binfield-based business

Dragon’s

A SMALL business owner who helps people who have anxious pets has been given a boost thanks to a dragon.

Every weekend, Theo Paphitis picks six businesses to give a boost on social media as part of his Small Business Sunday initiative.

Last month, he picked Binfield-based My Anxious Dog. The etailer offers a range of yellow space awareness products so people can see at a glance they should give a much-loved pet distance.

Mr Paphitis, who used to be a panel member on Dragon’s Den, shared a post from the firm on Twitter and, as a

result,www.myanxiousdog.

co.uk attracted more followers and extra orders for the products, which are all designed by its owner Sarah Jones.

As a winner, the business is also profiled on the #SBS website that is exclusive to all Small Business Sunday winners.

“Running your own business is incredibly rewarding but when you are working on your own it can be hard work,” said Ms Jones.

“It is great to have support from Theo to help raise the brand profile for our #dogsinyellow. Theo has

recognised my hard work and helped spread the word about our campaign.”

And Mr Paphitis is pleased to play a small part in help entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through the scheme.

“We are thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support our small businesses here in the UK,” he said.

“My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS retweet from me become part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings.”

Crispin now showing at Showcase

AN INDUSTRY titan is preparing for a new adventure with the big screen in a blockbuster move.

Showcase Cinemas UK, which includes a branch in Winnersh, has appointed Crispin Lilly as its new managing director.

The box office draw will join the firm at the end of next month, and says he will build on the company’s in-cinema experience and the company’s strategy to drive admissions in the post-lockdown phase of the covid pandemic.

And he knows all about the popcorn as well as the silver screen: he started his film career as a cashier at his local cinema in Southampton.

He worked his way up the

top ranks, including stints at Cineworld, Everyman and, more recently working on a consultancy basis with The Really Local Group, bringing accessible cinema to smaller catchment areas, alongside his charitable work as trustee of MediCinema.

“I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Showcase team and helping them

continue to deliver amazing cinema experiences across the country,” Mr Lilly said.

“Cinema remains a powerful and affordable moment of escape and excitement that is more important than ever for our guests.

“I look forward to helping us bring the Showcase experience to an even larger audience.” Duncan Short, senior vice president USA and international operations, said: “We are extremely pleased to have appointed Crispin to head up our UK business.

“He will lead a dynamic and passionate team that delivers an unrivalled experience for guests across the country, and his experience and leadership will only further enhance this.”

ON CALL: The BT Group says it contributes more than £3bn to the South East economy Picture: Erich Westendarp from Pixabay

Nearly 400 trees planted in Reading since November

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

TREESY does it… Nearly 400 trees have been planted across Reading since November, as the council continues its climate emergency plan to see 3,000 new branches spring up by the end of the decade.

Tree number 382 was placed into the ground in Kidmore Road late last month. An Acer Platanoides Cleveland, it is replacing a London Plane which died last year. It was chosen by residents as a worthy successor to the tree that was planted by Victorians.

The residents included Dan Winchester, who helped to plant the new tree alongside Reading’s lead member for Environmental Services & Community Safety, Cllr Karen Rowland.

The Acer is one of 82 specifically planted to replace those that have died or have had to be removed.

This is alongside 300 saplings planted since November, with five more due to be installed by the end of this month.

It’s all part of Reading’s tree strategy, adopted in 2021, in response to the climate emergency.

The council says that by

planting trees, they can help absorb carbon dioxide from the air, as well as reducing flooding and noise, improving wildlife habitats, providing shade against rising summer temperatures and boosting the character and colour of the town.

Nearly every ward has seen tree planting in the past four

Cllr Rowland said: “Our tree planting strategy is hugely ambitious, and planting 387 trees in just five months demonstrates our commitment to that.

“We’re doing all we can to make smart decisions about putting in ‘the right tree in the right location’ for the climate and the future of Reading, and doing so involves a good deal of thought and science in ensuring we plant trees that will enhance Reading for decades to come.

Ricky and Chris back trophy hunting ban

SOME OF Berkshire’s most famous residents are backing a bill to ban the import of hunting trophies as it passes through the report stage.

Sally’s Law, a bill which aims to end British hunters bringing home to bodies of endangered animals which have been hunted for ‘sport,’ is currently scheduled for a third reading and a vote by MPs on Friday, March 17.

Set up in 2018, the bill is the result of a campaign to ban trophy hunting created by Eduardo Goncalves, Jean-Paul Jeanrenaud, Sir Ranulph Feinnes OBE, and Mill at Sonning regular Peter Egan, and is named after a tiger cub safely rescued from South Africa.

Now the bill has seen public support from a number of celebrities, including Reading’s Ricky Gervais and Chris Tarrant.

“They laugh about shooting cats out of trees, they brag about luring leopards with bait so they can shoot them at point-blank range.

“They celebrate blasting big holes out of zebras, and killing some of the world’s biggest lions, elephants, and rhinos.

He added: “All trophy hunting needs to stop. It’s just as wrong to kill a reindeer for kicks as it is to kill a rhino. We don’t have the right to murder living creatures for entertainment.”

Mr Rodda said of his selection to the committee: “I’m pleased to be involved in a bill to introduce the world’s toughest trophy hunting ban.

“All residents should expect to see the benefits of enhanced tree cover in their local area in the coming years.”

She added: “I’m really proud to see the collaborative efforts in Kidmore Road come to fruition. This interaction and interest from the community has been a fine example of how the Council and residents can work together to achieve results, and it was great to see them out earlier this week to help bring this project to a really positive conclusion.”

They join the likes Dame Joanna Lumley and Dame Judi Dench in showing support for the bill, and figures recently released by Survation showed more than 80% of members of the public surveyed felt MPs should attend the vote and enact the ban.

The Private Members Bill, tabled by Henry Smith, Conservative MP for Crawley, has the support of a number of MPs from across the house, including Reading East MP, Matt Rodda, who was selected to sit on the committee which oversees it during the committee phase.

Reading-born Ricky Gervais said: “British trophy hunters are among the most ruthless of the lot – they joke about having a few beers and shooting monkeys.

“The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill proposes to ban British trophy hunters from bringing back body parts of threatened species from Africa and other parts of the world.

“Animal populations have plummeted in the last 100 years with trophy hunting partly to blame. Support for the world’s toughest ban comes from scientists, conservation groups and politicians.”

The Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species lists elephants, hippos, leopards, zebra, and lions as among the most popular African animals killed by British hunters.

Around 5,000 of these “trophies” from CITES-listed endangered species are thought to have been brought back to the UK since 1980.

FOR THE FUTURE: From left Lead Member for Environmental Services and Community Safety Karen Rowland, Caversham ward councillors Matt Yeo and Jan Gavin, and residents (including Dan Winchester on far right) plant the tree in Kidmore Road

LICENSING ACT 2003 PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that we Jieli Restaurant Ltd has applied to Reading Borough Council for a Premises Licence

For the following premises: Jieli Restaurant, 7 The Village, 19-23 Kings Street, Reading RG1 2HG

Details of the application can be viewed on the council’s website www.reading.gov.uk or by contacting the licensing team on 0118 937 3762

Anyone wishing to make representation in respect of this application must notify the Licensing Team, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU in writing or via email: licensing@reading.gov.uk by 28/03/2023 No written representations will have personal details removed unless the licensing authority deems it appropriate to do so Any request for personal details to be removed should be notified to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the representation

It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine for doing so upon summary conviction is unlimited.

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015 Notice of applications for planning permission under Article 15 of the Order

APPLICATIONS AFFECTING LISTED BUILDINGS AND/OR CONSERVATION AREAS

All comments must be received within 7 days and will go on public view.

230210: 10 St Lukes Way, Reading, RG4 8QB - Single storey side extension.

230114: 41-41a Eastern Avenue, Reading, RG1 5RX - Erection of new boundary wall at rear of back garden.

230014: 183a Oxford Road, Reading - Upgrades to the front facade of 183a Oxford Road. This includes removing modern shop frontage and uPVC doors and windows, installing new timber shop front with timber doors and windows, and re-painting shop front and down pipe.

230015: 183a Oxford Road, Reading - New shop front with hand painted timber fascias to match the size and location of the existing modern fascias. A concealed external slim cowl light is to be fixed within the top of the fascia.

230043: 84 Oxford Road, Reading, RG1 7LJ - Removal of modern fascia and replacement with timber hand painted fascia with concealed slim cowl light. These applications can be viewed online http://planning.reading.gov.uk/fastweb_PL/welcome.asp

Anyone wishing to make representations can submit comments online or write, quoting the application number, to Planning, Reading Borough Council, Civic Centre, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU.

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For an informal discussion please call David Riley on 07860 462 882 or email at driley@wokingham.today

A day out by special train to Plymouth

The South Devon Explorer

Saturday 27th May 2023

From Reading. Join our special train at Reading for a day out to remember. We will be met by an historic steam locomotive at Bristol to steam along the Kennet and Avon Canal, through Somerset countryside and the Culm Valley to Exeter. A run along the famous Dawlish sea wall, one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway, will be a highlight of the journey. A break at maritime Plymouth provides chance to explore the Hoe and the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps or the city’s shops On the return our vintage train will leave our steam loco behind at Taunton to complete our journey diesel hauled.

• Premier Dining £295 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £195 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £130 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHS

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express

Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 2023

From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a day out departing from Slough or Reading to the Bristol Channel coast by train featuring two historic steam locomotives. This seaside special will be hauled by a magnificent steam loco along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and through the pretty Vale of Pewsey. Our train will join the West Somerset Railway and a WSR steam loco will take over for the stretch past Dunster Castle and into the resort of Minehead, where you can enjoy the sea and sand before we steam for home.

• Premier Dining £285 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHU

A day out to Cornwall The Royal Duchy

Sunday 30th July 2023

From Slough and Reading. Step on board our special train at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol ready for an exhilarating run beside the Exe Estuary and along the famous Dawlish sea wall. The Royal Duchy will stop at Plymouth, where you can explore the Hoe, ancient Barbican, seafront or National Marine Aquarium. Alternatively, stay on board for Cornwall to Par, where we shall have coaches ready to take you to the pretty seaside village of Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre and location for the BBC’s Poldark.

• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHV

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Walk on the wildside

Gordon Buchanan to visit The Hexagon

WILDLIFE filmmaker Gordon Buchanan is heading to Reading this month to share insights into his life and career.

Having produced some of the most popular wildlife programmes on the BBC, he shares hidden animal worlds to an audience.

In the show, at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre on Monday, March 20, Gordon unpacks 30 years of being behind and in front of the camera.

He grew up on the Isle of Mull, and he feels this was the inspiration for his career.

“It is a very wild part of Scotland, and I think that drove my passion for being outside, and close to nature,” he says.

“School didn’t do it for me: academically I wasn’t really present - all I wanted was to be outside, and the classroom was torture. I was a daydreamer, and I always knew I was never going to work in an office. I’d see the scallop divers, and I’d think: that’s a

really good way to spend your working life.”

Growing up in the 70s and 80s, he was watching some of David Attenborough’s landmark natural history documentaries, saying he devoured them.

“Attenborough is tremendous: his career has lasted so long, he’s such an important voice, and he has so much respect, right across the globe.

“I thought my admiration for him could go no higher - but then I met him, and it soared even more,” he said.

But that’s not how his career started. It’s all down to a weekend job in a restaurant.

“The husband of the owner was a cameraman,” he recalls. “He was going to Sierra Leone for 18 months to make a film about the animals in the Gola rainforest, and he asked me if I wanted to come along as his assistant.

“I knew nothing about what it involved, and I had no idea really what I was getting into - but I knew it was

the sort of life I wanted, and I never wavered from that belief.

“So having never been abroadnever even been on a plane - there I was a month after leaving school, setting off for a year and a half on the other side of the world.”

Gordon says it was the best break he ever had, even though those 18 months were tough going for a lad who had never been away for so long before.

“I knew it was the way forward, I knew it was an incredible opportunity - and I knew I’d be able to build on it and move into the life I’d love,” he said. Fast forward, and Gordon has been filming jaguars in Brazil, something that he has loved.

“Big cats are the pinnacle for me - watching them hunt is utterly fascinating,” he says.

“The technology has changed hugely over the three decades since I started out - it’s always been about showing viewers the parts of nature we’ve never been able to see before,

and technology allows us to do that more and more.

“But the other huge change across the years has been the increased realisation about how vulnerable and fragile these areas of the world where I’m filming actually are.

“Thirty years ago we didn’t knowthe world was a lot bigger then, and we simply didn’t realise the impact human beings were having on wildlife.

“Now we understand that so much better, and I’m acutely aware of it in every way, from my own carbon footprint to questions around changes that need to be made by governments across the globe, if we’re going to stop the damage.

“Right now we’re losing animals before we even knew their species existed - that’s a tragedy.”

Wildlife filming involves being in remote locations, where anything could happen. How does that feel?

“Sometimes it’s me completely on my own - and when you’re trying to

witness something that requires great sensitivity, that’s the best way to do it,” Gordon says.

“But usually I’m working in a team of four - the camera operator, sound operator and director. We tend to be a pretty tight bunch, because you’re relying heavily on one another, especially when you’re in a dangerous situation.”

That includes some hair-raising moments that would scare off even the strongest of explorers.

“I’ve been chased by bears, tigers and elephants - but not all at the same time. And let me tell you: that’s when you discover how fast you really can run.”

Thankfully, audiences at The Hexagon will be more sedate.

Tickets cost £27, or £24.50. NHS staff pay a special rate of £12.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

PHIL CREIGHTON

Clueless about what’s going on

I HAVEN’T A Clue, BBC Radio’s multi award-winning antidote to panel games, returns to the Hexagon in 2023 with its touring show.

Jack Dee, Rory Bremner, Pippa Evans, Milton Jones and Marcus Brigstock will entertain with an evening of inspired nonsense.

With musical accompaniment from Colin Sell.

The event takes place at The Hexagon Theatre on Saturday, March 18.

The evening show is sold out, but an afternoon performance has been added.

Shows are at 3pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £29.50, with a maximum of six sold per customer.

Only available through the Reading Arts box office or online, they must not be resold.

Tickets purchased through other channels will not be valid for entry.

Returns may be available.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

A concert to celebrate the best of the 80s

CALLING Planet Earth is a live band show, with symphonic arrangements of songs from a remarkable decade of British popular music.

The New Romantic Symphony band takes its audience on a journey through the electrifying 80’s.

The performance features songs from artists such as: Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, The Human League, Ultravox, Tears For Fears, Depeche Mode, OMD, Japan, ABC, Soft Cell and more.

The event is at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre, on Friday, March 17.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £27.50.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or visit: whatsonreading.com

Scary days, not on the door, but as a dad

EMMANUEL SONUBI’S Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated show looks at his life, including being the only boy and the youngest of six children.

The show also covers his time as a

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell –South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk

01344 484123

A Century of Swing. Thurs 9.

Conservatoire: Imogen Royce and Imma Setiadi. Fri 10. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 10. Youth and Community Galas.

Sat 11-Sun 12. Heartfakers:

The Music of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Wed 15. Chris McCausland. Thurs

16. Conservatoire: Students from the Purcell School. Fri 17. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 17.

Raymond Burley: Music From Spain and Beyond. Sat 18. And

Finally… Phil Collins. Sat 18. Romeo & Juliet. Sun 19.

FILMS: Mary Cassatt: Painting The Modern Woman. Sun

12. Till (12a). Fri 10-Sun 12.

The Sound of Music. Mon 13.

Bracknell Film Society: Tori and Lolkita (15). Mon 13-Tues

14. Anything Goes. Wed 15, Sun 19. Moonage Daydream (15). Thurs 16. Tar (15). Fri 17-Thurs 23.

Known for its bold and progressive fusion of sounds, the work will be performed with a full live band.

Described as a journey through classical, jazz, folk, progressive rock and electronic music, the album was conceived by the English

doorman in some of the scariest clubs in London, his career in musical theatre and life as a parent to two young children.

Through his storytelling, he takes a deeper look at the experiences that shaped his personality and opinions today.

Emmanuel made his TV debut on Comedy Central UK, and has since appeared on ITV1 and ITV2, as well as BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show.

His show, Emancipated, is at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead on Tuesday, April 11.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available at £16.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01628 788977, or log on to: norden.farm

Meng Yang Pan’s big piano performance

NEXT MONTH, the pianists at Norden Farm series presents an evening of music with Meng Yang Pan.

She has made several concerto

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz

01276 707600

The Savoy Singers presents Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Grand Duke. Until Sat 11. Baby Ballet. Sat 12.

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

01483 440000

A Room of One’s Own. Fri 10-Sat 11. Mrs Warren’s Profession. Tues 14-Sat 18. Luke Wright: The Remains of Logan Dankworth. Thurs 16. Nothing On Earth. Sat 18.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk

01494 512000

Total 90s. Thurs 9. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 9. Kate

Mosse: Warrior Queens and Quiet Revolutionaires. Fri 10.

Fanny’s Bingo Brunch. Sat 11. Mamma

musician, composer and songwriter when he was 17.

It was released two years later, in 1973, Olfield having played and recorded nearly all the instruments himself.

The work gained acclaim when the opening theme was used for the soundtrack of the horror film, The Exorcist.

appearances with St John’s Chamber Orchestra, and returns with a solo recital.

Her virtuoso programme includes: Wagner’s Liszt Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde; Schubert’s Liszt Erlkönig; and Schumann’s Carnaval.

Rachmaninov’s Prelude in B flat Major, and Vocalise remembers the 150th anniversary year of his birth.

Audiences will also hear Glinka’s Balakirev The Lark; Gershwin’s Wild Etude No 7, Fascinating Rhythm, and his Rhapsody in Blue.

The event takes place at Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Thursday, April 17. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £18.

Under 18s enter free of charge.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01628 788977, or log on to: norden.farm

What’s it all about Eshaan? No idea

ESHAAN’S show, The Pretender,

The event takes place at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre, on Wednesday, March 15.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £22, £30, £37, £47, and £57, depending on seat location.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

laughs at the fact that no-one really has a clue.

Whether it’s us, the person we go on a date with, our boss, or the TV opinion-makers, Eshaan says we’re all pretending, and invites us all to see the funny side.

He has appeared on BBC1’s Mock The Week and QI, and podcasts Have A Word, Ninetwentynine and Spitting Image, as well as LBC, Times Radio and BBC Radio 4.

The event is at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, on Thursday, April 13.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available for £18.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01628 788977, or log on to: norden.farm

There’s something in the air for Phil’s show

FOR OVER 40 years, Phil Collins has written a diverse range of songs that have defined generations.

Tribute band, And Finally… Phil Collins, brings to the stage the charisma and characteristics of the man who fronted Genesis.

Singer Chris O’Connell’s high-energy show performs Phil’s solo hits, including In the Air Tonight, Another Day in Paradise, and Sussudio, along with a selection of Genesis tracks.

The event is at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Saturday, March 18.

Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available for £23.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Wherefore art thou Romeo?

BALLET Theatre UK performs a passionate portrayal of one of the world’s greatest love stories.

The theatrical production tells the star-crossed lovers’ fateful romance with grace and intimacy.

Its costumes and stage sets promise to transport audiences to Renaissance Verona where the tragic tale of the Capulet and Montague families unfolds.

The event is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell on Sunday, March 19.

Doors open at 3pm, with tickets on sale at £22.50, concessions for £21.50, and £13.50 for under 16s.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

All the world’s a stage for pupil showcase

CORAM Shakespeare Schools Foundation presents the world’s largest youth drama festival.

The event promises to provide an exhilarating evening of live theatre.

It features a series of unique abridged Shakespeare productions, brought to life by local schools.

Philip Pullman, author and the group’s patron, says that every child ought to experience this magical process.

The Shakespeare Schools Festival is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, on Monday and Tuesday, March 13 and 14.

Doors open at 7pm on both evenings, with tickets available for £11.95, with all concessions costing £10.50.

n For tickets and information, call the box office on: 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Dance. Sat 11. Sensational 60s Experience. Sat 11. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. Sun

12. Keith James: The Songs of Leonard Cohen. Thurs 16. Babatunde Aleshe: Babahood. Fri 17. Pull Uppp Presents Baby D and Sweet Female Attitude.

Sat 18. Fanny’s Mother’s Day

Buns and Bubbles. Sun 19

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk

01491 525050

Blackadder: The Whole Damn Dynasty – Almost. Until Sat 11. Henley Youth Festival. Thurs 9-Sat 11. Sold!. Sun 12. The Parent Trap. Fri 17-Sat 18.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997

Maidenhead Music Society: Chamber Philharmonic Europe.

Thurs 9. The Vinyl Frontier: Another Evening with Martyn Ware. Fri 10. Martin Turner ex-Wishbone Ash. Fri 10. Hulla

Balloony Moon Time. Sat 11. Blue Jean (15). Fri 10, Sat 11. Robin Morgan: Snip, Snap Bitch. Sat 11. Anything Goes - The Musical. Wed 15-Thurs 16. Songs From Ireland. Fri 17. SOLD. Fri 17. Broker (12a). Sat 18. Michelle de Swarte: Moved. Sat 18.

Newbury –The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com

0845 5218 218

Rosie Holt: The Woman’s Hour.

Thurs 9. Vincent Simone: Tango Passions. Fri 10. Come

What May: A Tribute to Moulin Rouge. Sat 11. Mad March Hares. Sun 12. Talk: The Wildlife of West Berkshire. Thurs 16. Around The World in 80 Days. Thurs 16-18.

Newbury –The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

Notes From A Small Island. Until Sat 18.

Reading –South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Poets Cafe. Fri 10. Sophie Duker: Hag. Fri 10. John Kearns: The Varnishing Days. Sat 11. Poets Cafe Online. Fri 17. Rhys James: Spilt Milk. Sat 18.

Reading –The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Tim Peake: My Journey to Space. Thurs 9. 90s Live. Sat 11.

WASMA: Happy and Glorious.

Sun 12. Children Helping Children. Tues 14. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. Wed 15. Russell Howard. Thurs 16. Calling Planet Earth. Fri 17. I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue official stage tour. Sat 18.

Reading – Concert Hall

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Tine Thing Helseth: Open

rehearsal and Q&A. Thurs 9.

Tine Thing Helseth Trumpet.

Thurs 9. Art of Believing: Flamenco. Fri 10.

Reading – Progress

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

The Lonesome West. Until Sat 11.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

Hedda Gabler. Until Sat.

NEXT SHOW: Peter Pan. Apr 6-29.

Shinfield – Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

0118 975 8880

NEXT SHOW: Ravenscroft.

Wed Apr 26-Fri Apr 29.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com

0118 969 8000

We’ll Always Have Paris. Until Sat 11. Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Thurs 16-May 13.

Windsor –Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

The Grass Is Greener. Until Sat 18.

Wokingham –Wokingham Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

0118 978 5363

Things I Know To be True. Thurs 16-Sat 25.

Wokingham –The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org

0118 974 3247

Wokingham In Need talent show spectacular.

MIKE Oldfield’s musical masterpiece, Tubular Bells, is 50 years old.

Ibsen’s work is more engaging than ever

READING Repertory Theatre has brought a new adaptation of Hedda Gabler to the stage for its latest production, coproduced with A Girl Called Stephen.

The adaptation by Harriet Madeley sets the titular character on the same journey as the Henrik Ibsen classic, but with new twists on the characters themselves rather than the story.

Anna Popplewell’s Hedda is still recently wed to husband George, portrayed by Mark Desebrock, who bores her with his hum-drum domestic ideals and historical fascination.

The lack of inspiration from the couple’s life is readily present, with George’s overly chipper outlook dropping in and out in place of a deeper anger and a lack of suitability, well-performed by Desebrock.

The smaller implications of his darker aspects may be subtle but are there to be seen in the intricacies of the performance.

Anna Popplewell’s portrayal of Hedda is to be commended for the instant relatability and misanthropy grounding the play and providing the all-important audience surrogate during the opening scenes.

Her dissatisfaction is clear from the outset, writ large in the first scene where she is forced to interact with an aunt of George’s, with a consummate portrayal of a modern, independent woman at the behest of circumstances.

The scene is an instant introduction to the relentless monotony of George’s partnership and the sense of loathing which is barely concealed, which both Desebrock and Popplewell played with engagement and energy.

George’s publisher, Brack, is portrayed by Ryan Gerald with an energy and alacrity which doesn’t always belie the deeper, more manipulative aspects to the character.

The introduction of Thea brings a welcome distraction to the pair’s plight, especially with her accomplished portrayal by Natalie Perera.

She walks a fine balance of showing that the character can be irritating to other characters without making the character themselves difficult to watch, especially as some of her ditzier aspects fall away as the play develops.

When Thea arrives seeking Isla, a rival of George’s and ex-lover of Hedda’s the couple is thrown into a series of events which sees them completely rethink their relationships with the rest of the characters.

Rounding out the cast is Jessica Temple, whose portrayal of Isla glows with intensity almost immediately.

The character’s introduction feels like a firework has gone off in the room, and every minute of her time on stage is exciting and engaging, deftly combining a burning lust for life and the constant wrestling with self-destruction.

Overall, the diversification of the characters from Ibsen’s original work lends an extra dimension to the production, bringing new depth to the relationship between Isla and Hedda especially. It lends itself also to the feeling of

complicated entanglement and unspoken feelings between the play’s principal cast, which reflects the queer experience beautifully.

Brack’s lasciviousness is also complemented by his care-free attitude to gender, again reinforcing the character’s seeming fondness for chaos and unpredictability.

The set design is effective in engendering a sense of transience to the circumstances of the play.

Not only does it practically portray the process of having recently moved in but the dust sheets and cardboard boxes also give the feeling of a life of domestic detachment.

Lighting and sound are used in choice ways which add to the production’s more dynamic and thrilling sections without distracting, and always complement the tone of events in a stylised and captivating way.

Overall, Harriet Madeley’s adaptation, along with Annie Kershaw’s selective directorship, has brought fresh life into a play which already bubbles with modernity.

The production has smoothed over some of the sharper, less desirable features of Ibsen’s original work while holding on to the aspects which make it more relevant than ever.

It has also transposed the play’s themes on the freedom– or lack thereof – women have when part of a patriarchal society to include the struggles with acceptance for queer people, and to wonderful effect.

n Hedda Gabler is showing at Reading Repertory Theatre, Kings Road, until Saturday, March 11. As part of Reading Rep’s tenth anniversary season, 10% of all tickets to Hedda Gabler will be free for those who can’t afford them. All general tickets are priced under £20 and thirty tickets for each performance during the show’s first week are priced at £5 for under 30s. For more information or to book tickets, visit: readingrep.com JAKE CLOTHIER

A charming farce, The Grass Is Greener is sure to please

The Grass is Greener

Theatre Royal Windsor

Until March 18 01753 853 888

theatreroyalwindsor.

co.uk

FROM the drama of Westerberg High School and Heathers last month, the Theatre Royal Windsor now plays host to a more genteel setting for Hugh and Margaret Williams’

The Grass is Greener.

The curtain lifts on what appears to be the interior of a National Trust property with ornate fireplace, antique furniture and portraits on the walls.

The cast of just five, led by Tom Conti, still acting in his 80s, and Janie Dee tell a story of love, loyalty and temptation.

Forced to open their stately home to the paying public, happily married couple Victor (Conti, who also directs) and

Who needs the Oscars when Kate Winslet’s mum makes pickled onions?

THE showbiz world may be glued to the Oscars ceremony this Sunday at Hollywood’s famous Dolby Theatre, but in Reading all eyes will be on the town’s equally renowned pub, The Retreat in St John’s Street.

That’s where the annual Pickled Onion Contest takes place, with the winner walking away with a prize arguably more coveted than a certain gold statue.

Fans of swollen edible vegetable bulbs fondly remember when Reading’s own Kate Winslet won the Oscar for Best Actress in the 2009 film, The Reader.

As the delighted thespian clutched her Oscar, she informed the world’s media that her mum, Sally, had just won The Retreat’s pickled onion competition.

Since that auspicious day, the pub has held the event at the same time as the Oscars ceremony as a tribute to one of Reading’s most famous daughters – and the mother of all tunicated vegetable champions.

“Kate’s younger sister, Beth, came third that same year so obviously the talent for making great onions runs in the family.”

This year’s entries have been flooding in although there is still time for onion lovers to show what they have to offer.

The rules are simple – competitors must make their own pickled onions from raw onions or shallots and add their own ingredients.

The judges will base their decision on three criteria, colour, crunch and taste.

The competition is free to enter and all onions should be brought to the pub by 3pm in a sealed container with no name on it.

Spectators are advised to come early for the best seats from where they can watch the winner raise the famed Pickled Onion trophy and make their acceptance speech.

The Grass is Greener is currently being performed at the Theatre Royal Windsor Picture: Simon Vail

Hilary (Dee) have little control over who they will encounter.

When confident, charming American millionaire Charles (Tristan Gemmill) intrudes into their private rooms there unfolds a tale of betrayal, dilemma and a small element of farce.

As the cuckoo starts his call outside their window at the start of the second act, Victor suspects his wife may not be as faithful as he had hoped.

Although not a straightup comedy, frequent ripples of laughter made their way through the packed house as the audience appreciated some of the witty remarks and the increasing absurdity of the situation.

Butler Sellers (Malcolm James) was given some amusing lines but the role of insolent butler was kept very much in check, instead more

that of a confidante. The final cast member is Victor’s one-time flame Hattie (Elizabeth Payne) who visits the family and takes on the role of Victor’s conscience as he decides whether to fight for his wife or let her go.

So for a charming, genteel evening of gentle amusement, The Grass is Greener is sure to please.

JUDITH CREIGHTON

Manager of The Retreat, Di Whitaker, said: “Sally has actually won the competition several times so you could say she really knows her onions.

After the judges have deliberated over their difficult task, there will be plenty of opportunity for the audience to sample all the entries while the runners dream that next year will be the year when their allium cepa lifts the coveted prize.

JAMES HASTINGS

Queen of Glory screening at Reading Biscuit Factory

ON SUNDAY, a Reading town centre arts venue will mark International Women’s Day with an event aimed at connecting the creative community.

Through A Different Lens says it is on a mission to highlight the work of underrepresented stories and connect filmmakers and creatives.

It is to screen Queen of Glory at the Reading Biscuit Factory in Broad St Mall, followed by a panel discussion featuring photographer Berni Palumbo and make up artist Joyce Connor sharing their experiences, creative know-how and skills.

The panel will be led by Jocelyn Chandler-Hawkins, who is the founder, producer and curator of the event.

She wants to use film to connect the experiences of local creatives

to inspire and share, as well as celebrating female-led stories from diverse women and creative business leaders.

“I’m thrilled to have developed these events to highlight the creative community in Reading,” Ms ChandlerHawkins said.

“With so many projects happening along with a wealth of talent in the area, it feels like a really positive step to bring people together, screen great independent film and to learn from local creatives who have used their unique talents to create their own businesses and projects.”

The event is aimed at people aged 16 upwards, and starts at 2pm. Tickets cost £6.50.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com

NEW LOOK: Scenes between Hedda and Isla burn with intense, engaging passion thanks to assured performances from Popplewell and Temple. Picture: Harry Elletson

The Retreat is hosting the annual pickled onions contest Picture: Steve Smyth

Trio of tunes for choral concert

THREE classic pieces will be performed by the Wokingham Choral Society at its spring concert.

The first is Beatus Vir by Monteverdi, the second is Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, and the third is Vivaldi’s Gloria.

It takes place on Saturday, March 18, from 7.30pm at the Great Hall in the University of Reading’s London Road campus.

Tickets cost £17.50, or £5 for under 18s and students. They can be bought in advance from Wokingham Town Hall, the Broad Street branch of Newbury Building Society, and Jay Design and Print in Denmark Street, as well as via the group’s website. n For more, log on to: www. wokingham-choral-society.org.uk

Creation team-up

HADYN’S The Creation will be performed by Bracknell Choral Society and Reading Festival Chorus at their joint spring concert.

The groups will be performing in the Great Hall at the University of Reading’s London Road campus on Saturday, March 25 from 7.30pm.

Joining the choirs will be three soloists: soprano Emily Vine, tenor Graham Neal, and bass Frederick Long.

Tickets cost £20, with under 18s able to enjoy the programme for free.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.bracknellchoral. org.uk

Orchestra to spring into the new season

AN ORCHESTRA will perform two pieces to mark the end of Winter.

Reading Youth Orchestra’s annual Spring Concert will include Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, and Bob Good’s Sinfonietta, Silver, which the group premiered in October.

The programme will also include a movement from a Nonet by Farrenc, performed by guest players from the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra.

The group’s music director Mel Le Breuilly says: “Bob Good’s sinfonietta, or little symphony, was written especially for families to enjoy. It’s very pleasant to listen to and everyone will find something to like.

“It starts very serenely, with a tuneful melody. Then it becomes lively, rhythmic and upbeat, and the musical story gets bounced around all the instruments, before it finally ends peacefully.”

The group’s other item on the programme is a full symphony.

“It’s three years since we’ve played one, following the cancellation of our last symphony performance due to Covid,” says Mel. “Beethoven’s Fifth is probably one of the most famous of all orchestral symphonies.

“With a number of our senior members going to university in the autumn, we wanted to give

them the opportunity to play it as part of a special goodbye.

“Most people will have heard the opening notes of the symphony: ba-ba-ba-baaaam.

“It’s such a powerful, exciting, dramatic and ominous piece of music.

“Rumour has it that Beethoven wrote it about Fate knocking on the door, which you can hear in those first four notes.

“It starts darkly, but ends in a triumphant major key.

“Beethoven carried the theme all the way through the symphony – he was one of the first composers to do so.

“He was a bit of a trailblazer.”

Reading Youth Orchestra is a sone of the oldest youth

Turning Japanese

orchestras in the UK, and has a long history of providing local students with a place to play music in a supportive environment.

“We’re always keen to take new musicians, and would love to hear from any budding players who want to come and join us,” says Mel.

Most young players are of secondary school or college age, and the equivalent of Grade 5 or above.

The orchestra’s Spring Concert takes place at St Joseph’s College, Reading, on Sunday, March 12. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets cost £10, £5 for children, or £20 for a family ticket. n readingyouthorchestra.co.uk

READING is turning Japanese next month when a musical act from the 80s prepares to return.

Shonen Knife will be performing at Sub89 as part of their 40th UK tour.

Hailing from Japan, they started out in 1981.

Heavily influenced by 1960s girl bands, The Beach Boys, and early punk bands, such as the Ramones, the trio crafts strippeddown songs with simple yet unconventional lyrics sung both in Japanese and English, going on to release 22 albums.

and came to the attention of Kurt Cobian and the rest of Nirvana in the late 80s.

Kurt said they were his favourite band: “When I finally got to see them live, I was transformed into a hysterical

nine-year-old girl at a Beatles concert.”

Other bands that count among their fans include Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Red Kross and the Beastie Boys.

The trio maintains a distinctly garage rock sound rooted in DIY aesthetics, and they have been credited with making “the international pop underground more international” by “opening it up to bands from Japan”.

The event is organised by Club Velocity, who say Shonen Knife are a must-see band.

Support for the event, on Thursday, April 13, comes from Reading Billy Punk legends The Go Go Cult.

n Tickets are on sale via wegottickets.comor sub89.com

Let’s hear it from the children

PUPILS from across the Reading area will be celebrating their musical talents at a special concert taking place next week.

The Hexagon is the venue for the Children Helping Children concert, taking place on Tuesday, March 14.

Starting at 7pm, the event aims to celebrate children’s performing skills in dance, song, and drama.

The event has a heart, raising funds for Daisy’s Dream, a

charity which supports children and their families affected by life-threatening illness or bereavement of someone close to them.

It will also raise funds for Bounce Back 4 Kids (BB4K), a support programme that uses therapeutic techniques to support children who have been affected by or witnessed domestic abuse.

The programme works with

Smiles with Gyles

HE’S GIVEN an after-dinner speech that lasted for 12-and-a-half hours, but his show at The Hexagon this autumn won’t go on quite as long. Raconteur, jumper-lover and former Conservative MP Gyles Brandreth is coming to Reading to share stories from his long career.

He’s been in Countdown’s dictionary corner, popped up on Pointless, sat on the This Morning sofa, shared his immense knowledge on QI, told some porkies on Would I Lie To You?, and been a regular on The One Show.

He’s also a regular on BBC Radio 4 quiz Just A Minute - his gift for talking makes him the ideal panellist.

But the man who is rarely lost for words is on a mission to find out why he can’t keep his mouth shut, even in his sleep.

The show, on Sunday, October 1, starts at the respectable time of 3pm, and will see Gyles talk about his life and career in a rollercoaster of revelations.

And to add some spontaneity to the proceedings, an audience member will get a chance to spin a wheel to decide what he will talk about next.

And in case you think he’s just a blowhard who can spout

children and their parents or carers to heal from trauma through a series of therapeutic support sessions.

This event includes a British Sign Language interpreter. Tickets for the show cost £13, or £9.50 for concessions, or £14.50 on the door. n For more information, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to www. whatsonreading.com

nonsense, Gyles won the audience award for most popular show on the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as receiving multiple five-star reviews and selling out every time he’s been the Scottish festival.

n Tickets for the show cost £27, and are available by calling the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or logging on to: whatsonreading. com

TUNE UP: The orchestra performing a previous concert in St Joseph’s School. Picture courtesy of RYO

SHONEN SHOWCASE: Shonen Knife are coming to Reading’s Sub89 in April, thanks to Club Velocity

call

RaW Sounds

Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

WEDNESDAY was International Women’s Day, and it is a day of celebration.

One of the ways it was marked this year was the release of a new single from one of our favourite bands, Selina and the Howlin Dogs.

It’s top of our playlist this week, while two other favourites, A Better Life and Third Lung, are our other new entries.

It’s a great listen - tune in for free on Spotify. It’s a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Woman

This new single was released this week to coincide with International Women’s Day.

The band describe the song as ‘a tribute to all women, keeping it real and full of passion as you’d expect from the blues’.

That’s what we’ve come to expect from this band as it’s a very good single and shows their quality continuing following their appearance in our Top three of 2022.

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, March 9

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. A Century of Swing with Down For The Count All-Stars. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hugh Turner Funk Quartet.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Tine Thing Helseth, Trumpet. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Levellers. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Heavy Pop presents The Go! Team.

Details: 0118 959 5395

READING – The Walkabout, Wiston Terrace RG1 1DG. RSVP: Open Mic, A night of Poetry, Music and Vibes. Details: 0118 953 0000.

Friday, March 10

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. No Good Sons album launch party with Dead Jackals. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Solid Groove Foundation: Soul, Motown and RnB. Details: 01344 303333.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Mark Harrison. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

GORING – Community Jazz Club. Debby Bracknell. Details: https://www. ticketsource.co.uk/goring-communityjazz-club

LITTLEWICK GREEN – The Cricketers, Coronation Road SL6 3RA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01628 822888.

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Blue Collar’s first birthday with The Showhawk Duo. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

They will be live at Ram Jam Records Club in Kingston Upon Thames this Saturday, March 11 –https://www.selinaandthehowlindogs.com/

A Better Life (ft. Pete Rawcliffe)

I’m on Fire – Whenever A Better Life release something new you know it’s going to be well worth a listen. This new single is no exception.

It’s a unique, atmospheric and beautiful interpretation of a Bruce Springsteen classic with a wonderfully chilled instrumental backing to an incredible vocal performance by regular A Better Life collaborator, Pete Rawcliffe. – https:// abetterlifemusic.com/

Third Lung – Dance Me Lover

Third Lung were at the summit of our Top 20 of 2022 due to their brilliant singles and stunning debut album,Gameplay.

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street.

Art of Believing: Flamenco. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. InAir, All Ears Avow, Bitter

Kisses. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Waiola.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP.

Live request supper club. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street.

Live music with Amanda’s Music Events.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. BAT. Details: 07889 226309.

TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Bullfrogs Sunday Session.

Details: 07889 226309. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Off the Record. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Saturday, March 11

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Leech. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. NBS.

Details: 01344 303333.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Northbrook Road, Caversham Park Village RG4 6PF. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 334 1040.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Sports & Social Club, Wellington Road RG45 7LD. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 773389.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Coles Family and Black Market. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. 90s Live. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car

leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. The SoulTones. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Lost Saturdays.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Live request supper club. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Pauly’s Disco. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 957 6930

READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street. Live music with Amanda’s Music Events.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Evolution party band. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – The Gig House, The Plaza, Denmark Street. Rila’s Edge.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. The Tim Shez Band. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce. Details: 0118 977 4548.

Sunday, March 12

READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Launchpad fundraiser with Third Lung and special guests.

Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Bass and Taylor. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Monday, March 13

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test.. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic Cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, March 14

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and

NEW RELEASE: Selina from Selina and the Howlin’ Dogs performing at Wokingham Festival Picture: Andrew Merritt

This song is one of our faves from the album and as the band has just released it as the fourth single from the album, we had to include it here this week. Dance around to this one as it’s a song that you can’t help move to or sing-along to with its driving rhythm and ear worm melody – http://www. thirdlungband.com/

OSP – Tun Up

One of our faves from Wokingham Festival last year have just released this new single for 2023. It’s another good one with a brilliantly uplifting energetic track featuring excellent vocal performances – https://www.facebook.com/ ospmusicuk

Chumbawamba – Tubthumping

This Saturday, Club Velocity and New Mind Promotions have a Q&A with Dunstan Bruce of Chumbawamba at Reading’s Biscuit Factory, as

more. Free entry, donations welcome. Details: 07866 251216.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic night with Kristian Wilkins and Friends. Details: 0118 958 8964.

Wednesday, March 15

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Heartfakers: The Music of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Thursday, March 16

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Clem Johnson.

Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Karaoke. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity/New Mind presents Funke And The Two Tone Baby. Details: 0118 959 5500.

Friday, March 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Atom Heart Floyd. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. These Certain People. Details: 01344 303333.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Calling Planet Earth. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Marky Dawson. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Propa Ammo, DJ Rap, Dope Ammo, Sublow HZ, Scopes, Magnum, Chris Turner and more.. Details: 0118 959 7196.

well as a showing of I Get Knocked Down, a film about the band – https://www.facebook.com/ thatwasthenandthisisnow/

Daviid B – Midnight Wine

If you enjoy jazzy/bluesy originals with guitar sax and flute, here’s a single which features a wonderful sax intro into a song which has a very cool blues club feel. Watch out for live shows from Daviid B & Dinos – https://www.instagram.com/daviidbmusic

BDD – Dream for the Future

This is from, Songs for an Angel Vol 1 – Music for Eric Bouillette, a tribute album to the late guitarist. BDD is the alter ego of The Room bassist Andy Rowe – https://www.ftf-music.com/de/ tributetoericbouillette/tributetoericbouillette.htm

Mark Harrison – Tribulation Time

Mark is a unique singer-songwriter, an excellent guitarist and a wonderful storyteller, and he will be bringing his distinctive style to Wokingham Music Club this Friday, March 10 – https://www. markharrisonrootsmusic.com/

Small Town Heroes – Only 18

Here’s a new single from this young Berkshire based band and it’s a very good piece of melodic uplifting indie pop, recorded at Dean Nelson’s Generation Studio – https://bio.site/ smalltownheroes

Dakorra – All Eyes to the Floor

Based in the Reading area, Dakorra (aka Kate Herridge), has established herself as a talented dynamic artist – https://www.facebook.com/ dakorraband

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Zoe Gilby Quartet. Details: www. jazzinreading.com

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana. Details: 0118 959 5395

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. St Patrick’s Night. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Full Flavour.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. Karaoke with Waynie. Details: 0118 977 4548.

WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road RG41 2NU. Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute.

Details: 0118 978 0590.

YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Soultrax with Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872105.

Saturday, March 18

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Skaema, Sebastian and Me. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Boy George Experience. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Raymond Burley: Music from Spain and Beyond. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. And Finally … Phil Collins.

Details: 01344 484123.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Freddy B.

Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 0118 935 4103.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Panic Button, Hoof, Personal Issue, Eric Tildiss Function Band, and Non Drama. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Church of Madness v Karkasaurus. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. This Is Queen tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Oakford Centre, Blagrave Street. Burning House, K*ll Comittee, Television Gods.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Live request supper club. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Tribute night: Beyonce and Destiny’s Child. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Stoney Lane. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Resist: Underground House and Tech House. Details: 0118 959 5395

SHINFIELD – The Sportsman, Shinfield Road RG2 7DS. Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute. Details: 0118 975 2089.

WINNERSH – Royal British Legion RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents The AC/DC Experience. 8pm. £19.

Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Groove X. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM – The Station Tap, Station Road RG40 2AD. DJ Bounce.

Details: 0118 977 4548.

WINKFIELD ROW – Carnation Hall. The Supertonics big band with Sarah Jane Eveleigh. £12. Details: thesupertonics.co.uk

Sunday, March 19

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night Law and Order. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER

Quiz Challenge

1. The Sheffield Shield is the premier national cricket trophy in which country?

2. The civil rights leader Martin Luther King was assassinated in which US city?

3. Which bird makes the nests used in the Chinese dish bird’s nest soup?

4. The action of ultraviolet radiation on oxygen produces which gas?

5. Which classic sitcom character said: ‘This time next year we’ll be millionaires.’?

FIVE ALIVE EQUALISER

CROSS CODE

6. In which city did J.K. Rowling begin writing her Harry Potter books in cafes in order to stay out of her cold bedsit?

7. Who won Celebrity MasterChef 2022?

8. What C is the title of a 2022 UK top 10 song by Ed Sheeran and an astronomical term?

9. A capybara is a type of large what?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

QUICK CROSSWORD

10. Which royal dynasty ruled England from 1154 to 1485? ACROSS

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Twist most of the crustacean backwards (4)

4. Endlessly tired as a result of duty (7)

8. It’s always a laugh when someone removes the seat (8,4)

9. He may get sea tonic upset on the river (8)

10. Exchange was arranged quietly (4)

12. Invisible passage not previously prepared (6)

14. Burn that is treated in Asia (6)

16. Not cross for a short time (4)

17. Report that one has been shot? (8)

20. One who studies earthshaking events (12)

21. Denied the existence of entrance Ned circled (7)

22. Always the night before Richard the First (4)

the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

addition and subtraction.

2. Football club on the house in Birmingham (5)

3. Considered small lake with unusual reed (8)

4. Weak copy (6)

5. Move first to an African country (4)

6. Splendid victory on the sands (7)

7. Having been given it, one is not liable (9)

9. Our stance troubled the mistress (9)

11. Go up possibly with new role in the introduction (8)

13. Dismissing the material (7)

15. Had influence before Edward removed the feathers perhaps (6)

18. Have the sense to try something (5)

19. To come up round the motorway? Leave it out (4)

NONAGRAM

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 12 T 345 A 678910111213 1415161718 L 1920212223242526

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.

SUDOKU

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

2. Letter holder (7)

7. Ring of light (4)

8. Vegetable (4)

9. African language (7)

10. Smoothing tool (4)

12. Male voice (4)

15. Exists (5)

17. French brandy (6)

18. Steering mechanism (6)

19. Go without food (6)

21. Short sleep (6)

22. Thespian (5)

23. Afresh (4)

26. Join metal (4)

28. Blood deficiency (7)

29. Rip (4) 30. Immense (4)

31. Oppression (7)

SOLUTIONS

1. Indian garment (4)

2. Stance (4)

3. Inactive (6)

4. Water heater (6)

5. Slick (4)

6. Belonging to a woman (4)

10. Shrub with droopy flowers (7)

11. Baggage (7)

13. Moderately slow (mus.) (7)

14. Spirted (anag.) (7)

15. Immature creature (5)

16. Natural sweetener (5)

20. Cream cake (6)

21. Swindler (3,3)

24. Require (4)

25. Skin blemish (4) 26. Undulating (4) 27. Lean (4)

anti; atilt; instal; instant; INSTANTLY; ital; laity; last; lint; linty; list; litany; litas; nastily; nasty; nattily; natty; nitty; nystatin; saint; saintly; salt; salty; sanity; sati; satin; satiny; silt; silty; slant; slat; slaty; slit; snit; stain; stat; statin; stay; stilt; stint; tail; taint; tansy; tastily; tasty; tian; tilt; tinny; tint; tiny; titan.

EQUALISER:

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.

26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 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).

Down – 1 Sari; 2 Pose; 3 Static;

65 19 42 95 8 8954 26 7 8 6 238 9 32 3 4 8 7 7 2 35 7 4

Catnap; 22 Actor; 23 Anew; 26 Weld; 28 Anaemia; 29 Tear; 30

Vast; 31 Tyranny.

Bass; 15 Lives; 17 Cognac; 18 Rudder; 19 Starve; 21

Across – 2 Postbag; 7 Halo; 8 Leek; 9 Swahili; 10 File; 12

QUICK CROSSWORD:

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:

Fools and Horses; 6 Edinburgh; 7 Lisa Snowdon; 8 Celestial; 9 Rodent; 10 The Plantagenets.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Australia; 2 Memphis, Tennessee; 3 Swiftlet; 4 Ozone; 5 Del Boy, in Only

ACROSS DOWN

Be kind and involve others

Time for kindness

Sarah Browning

ONE way to be kind is to include other people and involve them in the things that you are doing.

With loneliness and division often getting a mention when we turn on our TV or radio, it seems to me that involving others is a great way for us all to do our bit for a kind world.

There are already lots of examples of inclusion in action, such as:

n Many Ukrainian families have been welcomed as visitors to our borough, with their host families helping them to settle in and

become part of the community.

n I was at the Woodley Business Club networking meeting recently, a group that is all about making connections.

With new members joining us for the first time, we made sure to move around the space and talk to new people as well as the ones we already knew.

n If you visit a local play park, you will often see children who didn’t already know each other joining in to play a game together. This is particularly true for younger children.

Small but powerful

As with all acts of kindness, including someone in your activities doesn’t have to be the big deal we sometimes make it seem in our own heads. Small actions and words are just as powerful in showing another human being that we are connected.

Here are some ideas for including people:

n Smile and catch the eye of a newcomer when they walk through the door.

n Ask someone for their opinion on a matter and really listen to what they say. Thank them for sharing their views.

n Share a few kind words with someone if you see them looking nervous or scared – you will show them that you recognise what they are feeling and that they are not alone.

Where to start?

One of my favourite

Plasticfreehome

David Lamont

stories from my Time for Kindness website was about a shop assistant who helped two young children buy a Mothering Sunday present for their mum.

As she was a single mum it was difficult for the kids to buy anything as a surprise for her.

By helping them choose a gift while she looked away, the assistant made sure that this family could truly be involved in Mothering Sunday, on an equal basis.

If we want to show kindness by including

people like the shop assistant did, where is a good place to start? I’d recommend being really deliberate with your thinking.

Regularly ask yourself who is involved and who might be left out. Consider what a situation might be like from someone else’s perspective, rather than your own.

Choose to welcome them in a way that makes their experience more positive for them.

There are many benefits to involving a

wider range of people in an activity, including people who are different to you.

You bring in new perspectives and previous experiences.

You learn something new. You make new friends and connections.

Together we can create a more positive, kinder experience for everyone.

Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader,

Communicator

Strategist.

Avoiding hidden sugars

and

For more, timeforkindness. co.uk

What happened when we tried to charge our electric car at public charging points

SOME of you may have read the earlier piece about how we bit the bullet at the end of last year and ordered our first electric vehicle (EV).

Three months on, I thought I’d give you a quick update on how life with an EV is going.

In short, extremely well.

It’s a remarkably refined driving experience and you can’t help having a smile on your face when you pass other cars churning out visible exhaust fumes on a cold morning.

To date, we’ve done 1,500 miles in the new car in three months.

Around 95% of that distance has been powered by home charging.

We opted for the Ohme Pro Smart Home Charger, fitted by our energy supplier, Octopus Energy, and it’s been easy to use and reliable so far.

The EV is also leased through their sister company, Octopus Electric Vehicles, with servicing and maintenance, breakdown, tax (where applicable) and the first 5,000 miles of home charging (this offer has changed slightly since) included.

We signed up to the Intelligent Octopus tariff, which mean the car can be set to charge when grid demand, and therefore unit prices, are at their lowest. During the hours of 11.30pm and 5.30am, we can charge our EV for just 10p kw/h.

Some quick maths last week showed that those 1,500 miles have cost us 55% less in electricity than fuel would have cost to travel

the same distance.

And, in terms of the journeys alone, nearly half a metric tonne of carbon dioxide was saved.

Yes, manufacturing a new EV produces a decent footprint but when we compared our car’s anticipated footprint over its lifetime versus its petrol equivalent, it was between 10% and 50% better off, depending on how it is charged and driven.

Progress, not perfection.

So, on to our first ever public charging experience. Drum roll … it was easy.

We had driven around 150 miles to our destination in the Midlands, where we were staying for a couple of nights. We arrived with around half the battery’s life still intact. The car

advised us that a charge was needed to ensure we had sufficient range to get home.

Expected.

On our last evening, we went for dinner at a well-known chain restaurant that sells pizza and doesn’t end with ‘Hut’. It was located at the heart of a busy retail park, which offered not one but three shiny electric charge points. All available and working, something we were able to check in advance and en route using the free Zap-Map app.

The car charged while we were having dinner and we were good to go. It was a slower charger, costing 35p kw/h. Fine, as we had time on our hands that evening.

On our way home the next day,

we pulled into a services on the M40 for lunch. I instantly spotted several available ‘Gridserve’ fast-chargers, and having done the deed the night before, I was on a roll and couldn’t resist another go.

Of course, I didn’t need much of a boost by this point but, again, it was simple and straightforward. It cost 65p kw/h this time however, due to location and convenience of fast charging.

I may have been lulled into a false sense of security – I fully expect it to be a little harder going in some parts of the UK that we normally visit during the course of a year.

But the point with an EV is how often do you drive more than 150-200 miles in one go? Not often, in most cases.

According to Government data, the average car journey in this country is… 8.4 miles. Job done.

REDUCING our intake of sugar can have a beneficial impact on our heart health and reduce our risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Consuming some sugar in our diet is perfectly fine, and many healthy foods such as fruit contain naturally occurring sugars. However, it is the added sugar we need to be cautious of as this is usually what pushes our intake above healthy levels.

We all understand that table sugar, soft drinks, sweets, and cakes contain high levels of added sugar and we can choose to eat these in moderation. Many foods that we may not be aware of can contain high levels of sugar.

Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a great source of calcium and protein, but it can also be full of hidden sugars.

Opt for natural, unsweetened yogurt and avoid flavoured varieties, you can add fruit if you want to add some natural sweetness.

It’s also a good idea to choose a live yoghurt, meaning it contains beneficial bacteria that our guts love, look for the word live on the packet.

Condiments and sauces

Ketchup is one of the most popular condiments worldwide. Most of us probably know it’s high in sugar, containing on average one teaspoon of sugar per one tablespoon of sauce.

Many other shop-bought condiments and sauces we don’t think of as sweet can contain high levels of added sugar. Always check the label when shopping and consider swapping your shop-bought sauces for homemade, added sugar free versions like this veggiepacked tomato sauce.

Fruit juice

Although 100% pressed juice does contain vitamins and minerals, it’s devoid of fibre and very high in sugar.

Swap your fruit juices for eating the whole fruit which contains lots of fibre which also protects the heart.

Save the fruit juice for special occasions, as you would other soft drinks, and only drink it alongside a balanced meal.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch. org.uk/healthy-tips

PLUGGED IN: Electric charging points are becoming more common and, as David Lamont found out, are easy to use Picture: Pixabay

ROYALS BOOST SURVIVAL HOPES

ROWE HAMMERS HOME WINNER

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN increased their chances of remaining in the Women’s Super League after they defeated West Ham United on Sunday.

Needing their first league win of

DERBY DELIGHT FOR ABBEY WOMEN

By ANNETTE TOMAS sport@wokingham.today

IT WAS a derby day encounter that met every expectation of the Friday night crowd, with Henley Hawks Women pushing Abbey Women all the way.

The defence of the home fortress held firm and Abbey avenged their heavy defeat from earlier in the season.

A try in each half from Jess Williams and Maggie Simpson sealed the 12-7 win for the home side. Eventually, the deadlock was broken with Henley’s second-row Sam Page crashing over from short range.

The home side were not fazed and responded well. Eventually, after another strong attacking scrummaging platform, Ellie Denton-Rice winged the ball to Bevan, releasing Jess Williams, who stormed 50 metres to score underneath the posts. Alice Denton-Rice converted and the scores were level.

The match was turning into everything a derby day encounter should be; end to end action, huge tackles and breathtaking runs.

After a quiet first half, Abbey’s dynamic fullback Kelsea Montgomery enjoyed threatening the Henley half but it was in-form flanker Simpson who grabbed Abbey’s second after strong carries to the line from her back-row partners Tori Kiff and Fern Edgar.

the calendar year to take them further clear of the relegation zone, Charlie Wellings put them ahead before Viviane Asseyi levelled up less than 10 minutes later for the Irons.

But Rachel Rowe came to the Royals’ rescue again as hit what is becoming a trademark strike in her

catalogue with a venomous effort that flew into the roof of Mackenzie Arnold’s net to restore Reading’s lead in the 84th minute.

After a few late scares, Kelly Chambers’ team managed to hold on to claim their third league win of the campaign and move four points ahead of bottom

placed Leicester City.

Reading will need to maintain their improved form to stay clear of the relegation fight up against Leicester, Brighton and Spurs who all remain in danger of the drop.

n Next up for the Royals is an away visit to Arsenal on Sunday (6.45pm kick-off).

For the first time all match, Abbey were five points in front and felt like they had the upper hand in what had been a tense and exciting encounter.

In the final 15 minutes, Henley were not about to accept defeat readily. Eventually, referee Meg Mason’s whistle blew.

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

READING 26-55 WITNEY

RAMS

52-24 LEEDS

ROSSITER RACKS UP HAT-TRICK AS RAMS EXTEND WINNING STREAK READING TAKE BONUS POINT DESPITE DEFEAT

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS Director of Rugby Seb

Reynolds hailed his side’s evolution after they scored another eight tries in a 52-24 victory against a dynamic Leeds Tykes side.

Six five-pointers came from the outside backs as the returning Jak Rossiter grabbed a hat-trick, fellow wing Zach Clow a double and centre Connor Hayhow his seventh of the season.

Captain Robbie Stapley had earlier carved his way over to level matters following Kieran Davies’ opening score, the skipper touching down for his 96th Rams try on his 200th appearance.

Rams other try came from Stapley’s fellow back row, James McRae, the Eton College geography teacher

claiming a stunner as he raced in from some 50 metres midway through the second half.

The hosts have been playing free-flowing rugby all season – picking up 20 try bonus-points in their 21 games – but Reynolds admitted the quality shown from his backs has been a work in progress.

He said: “It’s something we’ve had to work on over the years, it maybe hasn’t come too naturally for us – historically we built our game on the foundations of the defence and the set-piece.

“But it does make things a lot easier when you’ve got the likes of Zach, Jak, Birdy and the others getting the ball in the outside channels.

“And you could see Jak had the bit between his teeth and he looked fresh – it was

great to have him back.”

Things had begun badly for Rams as Leeds full-back Davies ran in a secondminute try, and they looked threatening throughout as Tom Williams, John Okafor and Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley also crossed the whitewash as the visitors belied their position second-bottom in the league.

Reynolds said: “I thought it was a very skilful game and both sides played some good stuff. Credit to Leeds, they really are a good side and a threat from anywhere.

“Kieran Davies is a superb player and he cut us open early on to put them in the lead, so we had to try and establish ourselves in the game.

“We did that by putting on our own attacking brand of rugby and high-tempo game,

and we looked very good at times.

“It’s not cliché, it’s just fact when we say there are no poor sides in National One. Every team can win on any given day.”

Plenty of Rams players caught the eye, with Vince Everitt again providing an all-action display, captain Stapley imperious as he reached his double ton, Niall Kidd back on song and Rowan Grundy pulling the strings at stand-off. Reynolds said: “Rowan added his game to the way we play. We’ve got guys who do different things at fly-half and he has to be himself, and I saw that in what was potentially a man-of-thematch performance.

“It was fantastic to see Niall back and doing the 80 minutes in a great performance.”

By PETER CHDIGEY sport@wokingham.today

READING went down to their fourth defeat in a row as Witney ran in nine tries – six of them in the second half, three of which in the last 10 minutes.

Reading number 10, Matt Smart, had been red carded for a high tackle, with the team’s only consolation was a bonus point for scoring four tries themselves.

Despite issues with their line out, Reading looked the more likely winners in the first half. They took the lead from a Harry Wilson try after a good run by Proctor-Searle which Smart converted.

A typically forceful run from Smith was moved on to Gomez who showed the defence a clean pair of heels to score under the posts.

Smart’s conversion gave Reading a 14-12 lead.

Worse was to follow as Witney worked the ball into the Reading 22 and a misunderstanding in the Reading line out allowed Witney to score an easy try.

Then Smart who had been directing matters from outside half was red carded for a high tackle. Witney immediately took advantage of the extra man to work an overlap and score again near the posts to give themselves a 21-45 lead.

Witney ran in two more tries in the final minutes taking advantage of the now disorganised Reading defence to make the final score 26-55.

Reading play Salisbury at home next Saturday in hope of ending their poor run of results.

Ollie Monye attacks for Rams Pictures: Paul Clark

Reading were soundly beaten by Witney Pictures: John Newport

Reading’s Matt Smart was dismissed in the second-half

Connor Hayhow got on the scoresheet for Rams

Captain Robbie Stapley scored Rams’ first try

Rams captain Robbie Stapley made his 200th appearance for his side

Zach Clow scored two tries for Rams

FOOTBALL

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FOOTBALL

CITYZENS WIN TO KEEP TITLE FIGHT ON TRACK

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties Premier North

READING CITY kept their title bid on track with a hard fought home win over Spelthorne Sports.

Spelthorne went in front just before half-time, but the Cityzens found a response right after the break when Eddie Lee hit the leveller.

The goals kept coming as City went ahead when Lee found his second of the game, but Spelthorne found a quick equaliser just three minutes after.

The Cityzens struck the winner with 10 minutes to go when Tyler D’Cruz finished from a Michael Butcher set-piece.

The win keeps Reading in third with games in hand on both teams above them in the standings.

ASCOT UNITED continued their reign at the top of the table with a spirited win over Edgware & Kingsbury.

The Yellas went behind a minute into the game, but turned the game on its head with a quickfire double from Brendan Matthew in the 33rd and then the 36th minute.

Edgware levelled the match just

SUMAS TAKE STEP TOWARDS SAFETY WITH WEMBLEY WIN

Combined Counties

Premier North

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK took a step towards safety with a vital win over Wembley at Lowther Road.

Sam Mead got the hosts off to a flying start when he converted from close range to give Wokingham a breakthrough in the fourth minute.

Wembley hit back and levelled the game in the 26th minute, but the Sumas replied again less than 10 minutes later when Joao Jardim restored their lead.

The Sumas held on to take three points in their fifth league win of the campaign.

The result puts them four points clear of bottom side

Oxhey Jets having played three more matches and moves them within a point of 18th placed Windsor.

Combined Counties Division 1

BERKS COUNTY stormed to a massive win over CB Hounslow United by hitting eight without reply.

The Swords displayed attacking excellence as an astounding five goal display from Luke Hayden helped them earn an 8-0 victory.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA added three points to their total with a comfortable away win at Spartans Youth.

The Boars raced into the lead after five minutes through Ben Anderson and doubled their advantage through Jamie Griggs.

Eversley scored a third to seal the game when Ash Howes netted.

WOODLEY UNITED picked up a point on their travels to Bedfont.

Bedfont scored the first goal of the game in the 49th minute, but the Kestrels ensured they would return with a point when Sig G netted from the penalty spot with 10 minutes to go.

Thames Valley Premier League WARGRAVE got the better of Westwood Wanderers in a seven goal battle to collect three points.

A frantic first-half saw the teams go into the break level at 3-3 before Wargrave netted the decisive goal with 10 minutes to play.

The win puts them up to eighth in the table on 16 points from 14 matches.

READING YMCA scored six times as they saw off Wraysbury Village.

Archie Denton hit a second-half hat-trick, while a brace from Pele

Hagger and a goal from Sam Tucker ensured a 6-3 success for YMCA which puts them up to fourth in the standings.

BURGHFIELD are in third place after they defeated READING CITY U23s.

Daniel Langford scored a hat-trick for the Fielders and Thomas McClellan was also on the scoresheet to help them to a 4-2 away win.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

MORTIMER moved up to second

seven minutes after the restart, but Ascot ensured they collected maximum points when Usman Lalustani lobbed the keeper to score the winner.

Ascot have an eight point lead over second placed Egham and third placed Reading City.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division

ASCOT UNITED are on course to finish as runners-up after they scored five past Winchester City Flyers away from home.

A stunning performance from Nicole Brown saw her find the net four times, while Isabel Woods also scored to help the Yellas to a 5-2 triumph.

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

Champions WOODLEY UNITED concluded their season in style with a convincing win away to Kidlington Youth.

Mollie Steadman and Lucy Routledge both scored braces and May Hamblin also netted to see the Kestrels race to a 5-0 success. Woodley end the season at the top of the table after winning 12 of their 14 matches to end on 37 points.

after they earned a narrow win over Slough Town.

Ayala Truelove found the only goal of the game to see Mortimer take three points to move up the table on 28 points from 12 games.

WARGRAVE picked up a point in their contest with ASCOT UNITED RESERVES

Keira Lourdes and Saffron Rafter scored for the Yellas in the 2-2 draw.

TILEHURST PANTHERS added a point to their total in a goalless draw with league leaders New Bradwell.

Joao Jardim scored the winner for the Sumas

City goalkeeper Charlie York rushes out to try and make a save

Sumas celebrate Sam Mead’s opener Pictures: Andrew Batt

Victory keeps City on the toes of leaders Ascot

The Cityzens find the net

Eddie Lee scored twice for the Cityzens

Reading City enjoyed a good win over Spelthorne Sports Pictures: Steve Smyth

ROWE’S ROCKET SEES ROYALS GRAB VITAL WIN TO BOOST SURVIVAL HOPES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN earned their first win of 2023 to take three crucial points in their fight for Women’s Super League survival.

Rachel Rowe’s thunderous strike six minutes from time gave the Royals just their third league win of the season.

Charlie Wellings put Reading ahead in the 66th minute, before Viviane Asseyi levelled 10 minutes later for the Hammers.

But Rowe found the decisive goal to ensure the Royals climb up two places into ninth and four points above the drop zone.

Searching for their first win of the calendar year, Reading were looking to push on in the WSL having knocked Spurs out of the FA Women’s Cup last weekend.

The Royals knew any kind of positive result would take them further away from the danger zone after relegation rivals Leicester City were defeated 5-1 at league leaders Manchester United earlier in the day.

It was a shaky start from Reading which saw goalkeeper Grace Moloney called into action twice in the matter of moments.

The first she did well to save from Honoka Hyassi who arrowed a low shot at goal

before she got down to the corner to tip away a header from Amalie Thestrup who connected with Lucy Parker’s cross.

Kelly Chambers’ team looked to create some chances of their own and almost forged an opening from a corner, but Justine Vanhaevermaet couldn’t quite latch onto a flick on in the area.

Moloney was kept busy again and made her best save of the half to keep out a close range header from Thestrup..

The clearest chance of the half came Reading’s way in stoppage time when a dinked cross from Amalie Eikeland found Charlie Wellings free and just five yards out from goal,

but she volleyed over the bar with the goal at her mercy.

Reading came out after the break and started positively as skipper Emma Mukandi burst down the left and showed neat footwork before picking out Wellings, but she miscued her shot.

The hosts kept pushing to find a breakthrough and came close when Mukandi hit a stinging effort that was tipped over by the fingertips of Mackenzie Arnold.

Having set the tone throughout the second-half, the home team found their reward with 66 minutes on the clock as Wellings made amends for the chance she missed in the first-half.

Rachel Rowe put the ball into the path of Wellings on the left hand side of the box and she smacked a fierce effort that flew past Arnold to find the corner and put her team in front.

With 20 minutes to go, Chambers made her first substitution as Sanne Troelsgaard replaced Emma Harries.

The Irons replied to put the game back on level terms when Asseyi was picked out at the back post and poked the ball past Moloney.

With just six minutes of the 90 left to contest, Rowe unleashed a piledriver into the roof of the net to score a vitally important goal to try and

maintain Reading’s top flight status.

West Ham came agonsingly close to snatching a point when they hit the crossbar with 90 minutes played, but Reading held on to claim three points.

n Reading are away against Arsenal next Sunday in the WSL (6.45pm kick-off).

READING: Moloney, Mukandi (c), Mayi Kith, Evans, Bryson, Moore, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland, Rowe, Harries, Wellings

Subs: Burns, Hendrix, Caldwell, Troelsgaard, Meadows-Tuson, Wade WEST HAM: Arnold, Shimzu, Cissoko, Fisk, Smith, Snerle, Parker, Longjurst, Asseyi, Hayashi, Thestrup

Goals: Wellings 66’, Asseyi 76’, Rowe 84’ Player of the match: Easther Mayi Kith

READING 2-1 WEST HAM

Rachel Rowe’s stunning winner saw Reading ease their relegation fears Pictures: Steve Smyth

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CHAMBERS: ‘WE ABSOLUTELY DESERVED THE THREE POINTS’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers admitted that her team produced a ‘massive’ result with their victory over West Ham.

The Royals picked up their third Women’s Super League win of the campaign with goals from Charlie Wellings and Rachel Rowe.

The victory puts them lifts them up to 10th in the table and four points clear of the relegation zone.

“That performance, and the result was absolutely massive for us,” said Chambers.

“I thought the girls were outstanding in the execution of what we had done in training.

“We were excellent and absolutely deserve the three points.

“We felt that in the first half, we were getting into really good areas in and around the goal, but just weren’t pulling the trigger, we kept trying to play the extra pass or dribble a little longer than we should have.

“So we gave them a bit of urgency to shoot when they could, and Charlie (Wellings) did that too, two great goals, and it’s ended up being a massive three points.

“It could have been quite easy for the girls to drop their heads after conceding and for a few moments

PREVIEW

after their goal we were asked to be brave and resilient.

“Then to grow back into the game and score the goal we did, and what an unbelievable goal it was.”

As well as managing to score twice, Chambers was praising of her team’s defensive display.

She continued: “As well as our attacking display, you of course have to look at us defensively.

“I thought she (Grace Moloney) was exceptional again. I’m blessed with two fantastic goalkeepers.

“I decided to stick with Grace for her performance last week and she was outstanding from start to finish.

“I said this week this game begins a huge window of opportunity for us to lay down a marker and pick up points and

Reading FC boss Kelly Chambers enjoyed seeing her side win against West Ham Picture: Steve Smyth

REACTION

INCE AGGRIEVED BY ‘POOR’ REFEREEING AT BORO

West Ham was all about picking up points.

“Obviously the three points now takes a little bit of pressure off now going into Arsenal, we know it’s going to be a tough game, but the way the girls are performing right now, what they’re delivering, we just need to go out there to keep on performing to these levels and who knows what we can achieve.”

ROYALS FIND CONFIDENCE AHEAD OF GUNNERS GAME

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN are searching for their first away win of the Women’s Super League season in a tough away trip to Arsenal.

The Royals go into Sunday’s contest on the back of two consecutive wins after returning from the international break.

Kelly Chambers’ team followed up their FA Cup shootout success at Tottenham Hotspur by defeating West Ham United in the WSL last Sunday.

The win lifts the Royals up to 10th in the table and four points above bottom placed Leicester City, having played one more match than the Foxes.

Arsenal will go into the match in high spirits having captured the Conti Cup last weekend against Chelsea.

The Gunners ended their four year trophy drought with an impressive comeback to beat the current WSL champions.

The Blues burst into life when

Sam Kerr put them in front after just two minutes, but Jonas Edievall’s side reposed valiantly and struck three times before the break with goals from Stina Blackstenius, Kim Little and Rafaelle Souza.

A goalless second-half ensured that Arsenal clinched the cup to win the first trophy up for grabs this campaign.

The north London side will be

title rivals Manchester City which leaves them off the pace.

They sit five points behind Chelsea on the same games and six points behind second placed Man City and trial leaders Manchester United by nine points, both of whom have played two more matches.

After being unfortunate to lose two of their essential players to ACL injuries, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, Arsenal have struggled to find a killer edge to get them across the line in recent WSL matches.

The previous meeting between the team’s this season was a close affair at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

desperate for three points in the league to keep their title challenge alive.

Arsenal go into the game in fourth position on 26 points from 12 matches and have picked up just two points from their last three league games.

The Gunners were left frustrated in away goalless draw at West Ham before they lost out 2-1 to fellow

Reading put up a resolute fight and made Arsenal work to get all three points as Blackstenuis scored the only goal of the game in which goalkeeper Jackie Burns stopped a penalty from Little on her league debut.

On their last visit to Arsenal, Reading lost 4-0, conceding goals to Miedema, Blackstenius, Katie McCabe and Leah Williamson.

READING FC manager Paul Ince felt ‘aggrieved’ by refereeing decisions in the Royals’ defeat thumping defeat at Middlesbrough.

Ince’s side shipped five goals on the road as their away troubles continued, however the Royals boss believes that they were harshly done by.

“No, it wasn’t tortuous. It was poor refereeing,” said Ince after Saturday’s fixture.

“The decision on Shane Long changed the concept of the game.

“First-half they started quickly and we started to find our feet and quiet the crowd down.

“The penalty on Yids (Andy Yiadom) is ridiculous; he’s got his arm down by his side two yards away.

“It changes the whole concept of the game. I am aggrieved.

“I feel the referee made two diabolical decisions and that cost us a chance of winning this game.

“I said to them if we can get the next goal then we’re in the game.

“We didn’t and conceded two in three minutes and capitulated.

“It all stems from that moment on Shane (Long) and that was a defining moment.”

But he was deteremined the side should bounce back on the pitch, even if there were problems off it.

Ince continued: “We can’t let it damage our confidence.

“It could be coming this week (the points deduction).

“We’re not sure if it will be but we have to deal with it.”

Reading manager Paul Ince Picture: Luke Adams

Amalie Eikeland on the run for Reading Picture: Steve Smyth

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

How they rated

Joe Lumley

Made a couple of smart saves to deny Bogle and Sharp. Came off his line quickly when required.

Andy Yiadom

Improved as the game went on and could have even got on the scoresheet. Ultimately gave the ball away too many times.

Tom Holmes

A quiet night for the vice-captain, who perhaps could have done better to stop Ndiaye bundling home from close range.

Scott Dann

One of his stronger performances since returning from injury. Used his experience to negotiate his duels with Ndiaye and McBurnie.

Naby Sarr

Handled the various threats offered by United’s front line on the whole. Positioned himself well to avoid engaging in footraces.

Nesta Guinness-Walker

Got caught out on a number of occasions early on, but grew into the game, putting in some quality deliveries.

Tom McIntyre

Did his best to pick up the Blades’ forwards who popped up between the lines, but wasn’t able to advance the ball up the pitch.

Jeff Hendrick

Worked hard and put himself about, but struggled to make an imprint on the game.

Tom Ince

Had a few sighters at goal. Looked to make runs in behind, particularly in the first half. Seemed to tire as the game entered the latter stages.

Andy Carroll

Imposed himself on the aerial duels, also playing some neat balls around the corner for either Long or Ince to run onto.

Shane Long

Worked hard out of possession and was a nuisance to the visitors’ back line. Could not really have done more with the service he was given.

SUBS

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5 6 6

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5 5

ROYALS BLUNTED AS BLADES

READING 0 SHEFF UTD 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC were unable to preserve their formidable home record as Sheffield United continued their push for a Premier League return.

Needing a swift response after their hammering at Middlesbrough, the Royals more than held their own throughout a goalless first-half.

But it was the Blades who drew first blood when Illiman Ndiaye met Oli McBurnie’s cut back to put them ahead after an hour.

Despite coming close, Reading were unable to provide a response and were dealt just their fourth home defeat of the campaign.

The defeat leaves Reading in 15th on 44 points from 35 games with a six-point deduction set to be announced in the coming days.

Paul Ince made four changes from the 5-0 thrashing at Middlesbrough.

He reverted to a five at the back formation as Joe Lumley returned in goal, while Nesta GuinnessWalker was selected to start at left wing-back.

There was also a place in the squad for former captain Liam Moore for the first time this season.

The Blades lined up with plenty of quality throughout their squad which saw former Royals Oliver Norwood and Jayden Bogle start, while prolific Championship scorer Billy Sharp was on the bench.

Tom Ince had the first effort of the game as he was given room by the Blades defence to drift into the box, but he scuffed his shot

Match stats

Reading: Lumley, Holmes, Sarr, Dann, Yiadom (c), McIntyre, GuinnessWalker, Hendrick, Ince, Carroll, Long

Subs: Bouzanis, Joao, Azeez, Fornah, Casadei, Moore, Mbengue

Sheffield United: Foderingham, Basham, Robinson, Egan (c), Lowe, Norwood, Bogle, Berge, McAtee, Ndiaye, McBurnie

Subs: Davies, Baldock, Fleck, Sharp, Doyle, Clark, Jebbison

Goals: Ndiaye 60’

MIDDLESBROUGH 5-0 READING

READING FC were on the end of another heavy defeat on the road as Middlesbrough smacked five past the Royals without reply.

In what has been a troubling week for the Royals, the team’s troubles on the road showed again.

Championship top scorer Chuba Akpom pounced twice and Aaron Ramsey added two, before Marcus Forss netted a penalty to see Boro thrash the Royals.

The defeat leaves Reading in 15th position, but they are likely to drop further down the table with an imminent deduction.

The hosts started the game with plenty of possession, but were unable to forge too many chances to threaten the Royals defence in the opening 20 minutes.

When Aaron Ramsey chipped the ball into the box, Boro were awarded a spot kick as the ball struck Yiadom, whose arm was deemed to be in an unnatural position.

Championship top scorer Akpom dispatched the penalty past Bouzanis to claim his 20th goal of the campaign.

The Royals looked to reply and were left dumbfounded as to how they weren’t given a penalty of their own when Shane Long appeared to be grappled to the ground in the box.

Boro quickly went on the counter and nearly doubled their lead but were thwarted by an important block from Amadou Mbengue on Cameron Archer.

just wide of the far post.

United’s first shot came from Oli McBurnie who fought in the air to get on the end of Chris Basham’s cross, but he could only manage a tame header that was comfortably collected by Lumley.

Reading grew into the game and troubled the visitors on a few occasions with some neatly worked counter attacks.

United showed they still posed a threat when Sander Berge took aim from 20 yards with a curling

CHAMPIONSHIP DAMAGING WEEK ENDS WITH BATTERING AT BORO

With the match on the brink of half-time, Reading shot themselves in the foot and went in two goals down at the break.

After a disappointing free-kick delivery from Ince, Mbengue was caught on the ball and left Aaron Ramsey a clear run at goal and he took the invitation and converted past Bouzanis.

Reading got off to the worst start possible after the restart as Boro added a third goal to kill off the game.

shot that was parried behind by Lumley.

A swift counter from the Royals was led by Ince and Shane Long before Nesta Guinness-Walker swung in a cross towards Andy Yiadom that went well wide of the target.

Yiadom and Ince were both booked towards the end of the half.

The Royals showed more promise in the final five minutes of the half and almost had a great opening with Long free at the back

A low cross into the box from Ryan Giles was tucked in by Akpom who claimed his second of the match.

It didn’t take long for Boro to add a fourth goal as Reading’s away troubles reared their head again as Ramsey netted his second of the game.

The disaster continued when Boro were awarded a second penalty of the game after Marcus Forss was tripped by Tom McIntyre.

Forss took the penalty and squeezed the ball past Bouzanis to put more gloss on the scoreline.

Hendrick battles with Berge

Yiadom’s shot goes close

Ince expresses his annoyance at getting booked

Andy Carroll appeals for a free-kick

The Royals lost out for just the

Lucas Joao 5, Femi Azeez 5, Cesare Casadei n/a, Liam Moore n/a

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

CONTINUE PROMOTION PUSH

From the middle Silent weekend for youth football

TWO weekends ago saw what in youth football, is called a Silent Weekend. In other words, parents who are watching youth matches must remain silent, apart from clapping.

This was the second weekend of an experiment by the FA but there was a slight change from the first weekend, in that coaches were allowed to coach.

The idea is to allow the youngsters to enjoy their games without any pressure.

It is hoped the coaches would keep their comments to a minimum as they can be part of the problem.

As I said, this has been a trial for couple of weekends, but this idea was started many years ago in the US and the Netherlands.

I wonder how much the FA has been in touch with footballing authorities in these countries, to learn from their experiences. What worked well and what didn’t.

Lao Tu, the Chinese philosopher, said that a fool learns from his own mistakes, a wise man learns from the mistakes of others.

post, but Ince couldn’t keep his cross away from goalkeeper Wes Foderginham who intercepted.

Ince attempted a wonderstrike from more than 25 yards out that flew just past the top left hand corner as the teams went into the break goalless.

The Royals looked to keep their threat on the counter and almost pounced when Ince burst down the left and tried to pick out an unmarked Andy Carroll only to have his path blocked by John Egan.

With half-an-hour left on the clock, the Blades broke the deadlock when Illiman Ndiaye squeezed the ball in from close range after

latching onto McBurnie’s cut back.

The goal ignited the Blades into life and they almost grabbed a second with McBurnie lurking at the back post, but Lumley was brave to beat him to the ball and put it behind for a corner.

The Blades kept applying the pressure and forced Naby Sarr to be alert to prevent the ball finding McBurnie alone in the box.

Reading pushed for a response when the ball fell for Yiadom to strike and he hit a fierce effort that flew just past the top corner. Still needing a goal to get level, Ince made his first change as Lucas Joao replaced Long up top.

The Royals continued to fight when Guinness-Walker whipped in a pinpoint cross for Carroll to send a bullet header towards goal, but Foderingham was equal to it to keep it out.

Another change saw Femi Azeez take the place of Guinness-Walker for the final 10 minutes of the contest.

Lumley kept Reading in the game when he denied Sharp from doubling the visitors’ advantage in the 83rd minute.

A late double change came as Moore and Cesare Casadei came on for Hendrick and Holmes, but United held on to take the points.

‘It’s about being positive because the performance warrants that’

READING FC manager Paul Ince believes that his team deserved a result after their narrow defeat to Sheffield United.

The Royals lost out by a solitary goal which came from Illiman Ndiaye’s 60th minute winner which leaves them in 15th before the points deduction.

“We played well today, really well,” said Ince after the match on Tuesday night.

“It’s disappointing we didn’t get anything from the game.

“It was a great response after the poor second half against Boro

last weekend.

“We’re playing a team that could go up automatically and we competed with them.

“We played well today and deserved something from the game.”

Having had a strong home record all campaign, the Royals lost out at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for just the fourth time this season.

Ince continued: “Some things just wouldn’t fall for us in the box.

“It’s about being positive because the performance warrants that. It was one minor detail that cost us the game.

“They’re disappointed in there, but I said to them that you’ve got 11 games.

“Not just at home, we should be able to perform like this away – there’s no reason why you can’t.

“ That’s the level that you have to perform at, on a consistent basis.

“We saw Naby Sarr, outstanding today, we need that consistency from our players. Tom McIntyre was very, very good, Shane Long looked like he was 18 again.

“That performance shouldn’t be because Sheffield United have come to town, it should be

for whoever comes to town and whoever we play away.

“That’s on them now. They’ve taken responsibility to say we can perform like that, now you have to do it for 11 games.”

Tthere was some bad news for Reading on the injury front as Ince confirmed that forward Yakou Meite, who missed out on the matchday squad, will be out for three to four weeks.

Ince said: “Yakou is injured, not sure if it is going to be three or four weeks. That’s another blow to us, because he was just finding his feet and playing well.”

Why not also learn from the successes of others?

Another trial being conducted this season in a certain number of youth competitions, is the banning of deliberately heading the ball.

This is for under 12s and below, because their brains are not yet fully formed, and therefore more likely to be damaged.

Deliberate heading is seen as a player moving their head towards the ball or into the path of the ball.

Heading is already banned in over 50s walking football, where a deliberate heading results in an indirect free kick.

Personally, I doubt whether it will be much of a problem in youth football as it is not often you see 12-year-old or under heading the ball.

However, I wonder if the FA’s research has extended to America where they have banned heading for under elevens for some years.

One other experiment this year is the use of body cameras for referees.

The FA claim they are the first national association to take this step, although young referees in particular have campaigned some years for this, even going on strike because their use was not allowed.

It was originally to be trialled next season and I said at the time, why wait?

Now 100 referees in grass roots adult football are being equipped with body cams.

The hope is that this will reduce the abuse, both physical and verbal, suffered by referees, or at least provide reliable evidence.

fourth time at home this season Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Royals keeper Joe Lumley

Tom Holmes Nesta Guinness-Walker on the ball

Ince is cautioned

Ince goes past McBurnie

McIntyre picks a pass

Naby Sarr enjoyed a solid game at the back

Dick Sawdon-Smith

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

HOCKEY

SONNING KNOCKED OFF TOP SPOT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Men’s North Division 1

SONNING were knocked off top spot after they suffered a home defeat to Marlow 2s.

The 3-0 loss means that the team’s title hopes took a severe blow as they were overtaken by Oxford Hawks 3s.

Sonning still remain in contention for the title and are on 36 points from 18 games having lost just two matches all season.

They are now one point behind league leaders Oxford and three ahead of third placed Marlow.

READING 3s lost out as Oxford Hawks 3s stormed to the top of the table.

Reading are in fourth place on 29 points from 17 matches.

South Central Women’s Premier 1

SONNING sit in 10th position after they were beaten for the 11th time this season.

Sonning shipped four goals without reply to Southampton.

South Central Men’s Premier 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE added to their winning streak by picking up

three points at home to Wycombe.

The 3-1 victory means South Berks are in third place after 17 matches on 34 points.

That puts them level with second placed Haslemere, but 13 points behind runaway leaders Oxford Hawks 2s.

South Central Women’s North Division 1

READING 3s extended their lead at the summit by taking their 15th

win of the campaign.

A 2-1 away success at Wallingford ensured they stay seven points ahead at the top having picked up 46 points from 19 matches.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE kept the pressure up on league leaders Reading after their away success at Staines.

Goals from Alessia Osborne, Sarah Kelly, Kelly Hancock and Chloe Willougby saw them run out as 4-1 victors.

Sonning attempt to claw back possession Pictures: Steve Smyth

RESULTS

Saturday, March 4

FOOTBALL Championship

Middlesbrough 5-0 Reading

Southern League Premier South

North Leigh 0-5 Bracknell Town

Isthmian South Central Sutton Rovers 0-3 Binfield

Combined Counties Premier North

Ascot United 3-2 Edgware & Kingsbury

Reading City 3-2 Spelthorne Sports Sumas 2-1 Wembley

Combined Counties Division One

Berks County 8-0 CB

Hounslow United

Bedfont 1-1 Woodley United

Spartans Youth 0-3 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Premier League

Reading City U23s 2-4

Burghfield

South Berks are in second position, six points above third placed Leighton Buzzard.

South Central Men’s North Division 2

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s missed out on the chance to climb the table after they lost at home to Bicester. Having missed out 4-2, South Berks are in 10th position and just one point ahead of Reading 4s who have a game in hand to play.

BASKETBALL: ROCKETS 80-86 RIDERS TABLE TENNIS

TOP FOUR HOPES TAKE A HIT AS ROCKETS BEATEN BY RIDERS KINGFISHER A WIN TITLE

By STAFF WRITER

sport@wokingham.today

IN a back and forth game throughout, the Rockets’ push for fourth place took a hit as they fell 86-80 to the Loughborough Riders.

The Rockets would go ice cold late in the fourth quarter to allow the Riders to claim, what could be, a key victory in the standings.

Jeremiah Jenkins led the Rockets in scoring with 22 points on eight-for-14 shooting.

Troy Cracknell had 14 points to go with seven rebounds and four assists.

Lewis Champion also had 14 points, adding seven assists.

Jenkins got into the game early, scoring the Rockets opening eight points but it was slow going for the rest of the players.

With three minutes left in the first quarter, the game was tied at 10 which Jenkins broke with a nice mid-range effort.

The Rockets managed to bring their lead to five with less than a minute to go but the Riders ended the quarter the strongest, cutting it back to a one point game.

After three Cracknell free throws to retake the lead, the Rockets would keep Loughborough at arms length throughout the quarter, the lead reaching as high as nine.

Four straight points by the Riders at the end of the quarter brought the half to a close with the Rockets up five.

In the opening four-anda-half minutes, a Joe Bielak three would be their only points in this span.

This was taken advantage of by the Rockets, with Jenkins hitting a three to bring the Reading lead to eight.

However, it was now the Rockets turn to go cold with the Riders turning the eight point deficit to a one-point lead in just two minutes.

The two teams would trade

buckets back and forth in crazy fashion, getting the crowd going, especially when, late in the fourth, the two teams would combine for 10 points in less than a minute.

Going into the final quarter up three, the Rockets continued their scoring, this time Zack Powell and Ben DIxon getting involved in the scoring.

The two teams would continue the war of attrition throughout most of the fourth, trading buckets back and forth until there was just three minutes left.

A Fin Porter dunk would get Loddon Valley rocking and bring the Rockets within two. However, the well would completely run dry for the Rockets, allowing Loughborough to pull a gap and win an incredible game 86-80.

The Rockets continue their March homestand on Sunday as they look to bounce back against the Westminster Warriors.

THE core Kingfisher A quartet of Martin Adams, Ross Saxby, Darren Jones and Hari, Gehlot, who remains undefeated, have retained their title with little difficulty over the season.

Their lead became unassailable this week as they breezed past SONNING COMMON AND PEPPARD B 10-0. Elsewhere second place OUR LADY OF PEACE A defeated struggling KINGFISHER C 7-3 despite an excellent triple from young Prayrit Ahluwalia.

The points were shared as SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD A hosted KINGFISHER D in a rearranged fixture. Kingfisher’s Graham Mendick remained unbeaten although a crunch match with Gary Morgan could not be completed after Gary suffered an injury.

The team doubled up this week to defeat bottom club READING FC 7-3, all three defeats originating from the bat of Michael Childs.

Notably, Sonning reserve Malcolm Gregory contributed a useful double including a tight victory over Tony Alleyne 11-8 11-9 9-11 4-11 11-9.

TIDMARSH A narrowly defeated Tilehurst RBL A 6-4. Lee Calcutt, Simon Barter and Antony Baker all scored excellent wins over Marc Brent who was outscored by double victories by Jon Willis and reserve, Kate Maksimenko.

SONNING SPORTS A continued their good form with a 7-3 home victory to a two-player KINGFISHER B.

Dave Croucher was the only undefeated player but opponents Alan Cummings and reserve Luca Bianchi both contributed useful consolation points, Luca pushing aside Division one regular Nick Sears 11-5 11-7 11-6.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Burghfield 4-0 Hillingdon Abbots

Caversham AFC 2-3 Thatcham & Newbury Shinfield Rangers 3-1 Hawley Wargrave 0-2 Eversley & California Reserves

Tuesday, March 7

FOOTBALL Championship

Reading 0-1 Sheffield United

FIXTURES

Saturday, March 11

FOOTBALL Championship Reading v Millwall

Southern League Premier South Bracknell Town v Dorchester Town

Isthmian South Central Binfield v South Park

Combined Counties Premier North

Flackwell Heath v Sumas

Reading YMCA 6-3 Wraysbury Village

Westwood Wanderers 3-4 Wargrave

RUGBY UNION National League One

Rams 52-24 Leeds Tykes

South West Regional 2 Reading 26-55 Witney

HOCKEY

South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire 3-1 Wycombe

South Central Women’s North Division 2 Staines 1-4 South Berkshire

Sunday, March 5

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading 2-1 West Ham

HOCKEY

Men’s National Premier League

Reading v Surbiton

Women’s National Premier League UOB v Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier

Winchester City Flyers 2-5 Ascot United

Southern Region Women’s Division One North

Kidlington Youth 0-5 Woodley United

Milton United 6-1 Eversley & California

Thames Valley Women’s Division One New Bradwell 0-0 Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave 2-2 Ascot United Reserves

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two S4K Berks County 1-2 Goring United

Chalfont St Peter v Reading City

FA Vase sixth round

West Didsbury & Chorlton v Ascot United

Combined Counties Division One London Samurai Rovers v Sandhurst Town

Penn & Tylers Green v Eversley & California

Woodley United v Molesey

Thames Valley Premier League

Reading YMCA v Slough

Heating Laurencians Cup

Finchampstead v Westwood Wanderers

Yateley United v Burghfield

RUGBY UNION

National Division One

Plymouth Albion v Rams

South Central Regional 2 Reading v Salisbury

South Central Men’s Premier 2

Staines 2s v South Berkshire

South Central Women’s North Division 1

South Berkshire v Amersham & Chalfont

Sunday, March 12

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Arsenal v Reading

Cup

Ascot United v Wycombe Wanderers

Chichester City v Woodley United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves v New Bradwell

Banbury United v Mortimer

Procision Oxford v Tilehurst Panthers

Wargrave v Oxford Athletic

Sonning on the attack Sonning Men’s 1s v Marlow Men’s 2s Sonning Mens 1s v Marlow Mens 2s