Reading Today, May 11, 2022

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

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Man jailed for drug offences

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FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for drug offences in Reading.

Ryan Kinuthia, aged 20, of Dee Road, Tilehurst, was sentenced to five years and seven months’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, April 26.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, namely cocaine and heroin, two counts of concerned in the supply of class A drugs, namely cocaine and heroin and one count of possession of criminal property.

At just before 5am on Friday, March 4, officers executed a Section 8 warrant at an address on Dee Road in Tilehurst, Reading.

Officers located quantities of crack cocaine and heroin, weighing over 28g.

BEHIND BARS: Ryan Kinuthia Kinuthia was charged the following day.

Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Jon Nicholls, of the Stronghold team, based at Reading police station, said: “We will never tolerate drug-dealing in

our communities and I hope this conviction and sentence sends a clear message to anybody involved in this criminal activity in Reading that we will robustly target you and bring you to justice.

“County lines drug dealers target the most vulnerable in our society and we remain absolutely resolute in our determination to remove them, and their drugs, from our communities and protect victims.

“Tackling county lines drugdealing continues to need the support of the public.

“If anybody has any information relating to drug dealing, please report it to police on our website or by calling 101.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, by contacting the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling on 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

Charging up: Alok visits Theale-based eco firm VISITOR: Alok Sharma with and Pasquale Romano, CEO, ChargePoint, on the MP’s recent tour of the eco-friendly company’s Theale headquarters

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today ONE of Reading’s two MPs charged up their diary with a visit to the Reading-based headquarters of an environmentally friendly firm.

Alok Sharma met Pasquale Romano, the CEO and President of ChargePoint, and learnt about the firm’s work to mitigate transport emissions around the world by developing high quality, software-led charging solutions.

Based in Arlington Business Park in Theale, the company’s engineering lab and office iis its largest European location, housing 60 engineers specialising in mechanical engineering, power electronics and software.

It is also home to what the company says is a growing sales force and network of resellers and installers, offering a boost to employment in the local area.

On his visit, Mr Sharma toured ChargePoint’s research and development facility, meeting engineers behind the company’s growth, and discussed the company’s investment and future plans in

Reading West, the UK and Europe, as well as its contribution to global transport decarbonisation.

Mr Romano said he took the opportunity to note ChargePoint’s support for the UK government’s continued policies in EV infrastructure, particularly the emphasis on contactless payment on charging stations, mandating roaming and introducing an ambitious California-style Zero Emission Vehicle mandate.

These policies will help ensure that EV drivers can make the switch to EV with ease and confidence, supported by charging technology leaders like ChargePoint.

Mr Romano said: “I am delighted to

have COP26 President Alok Sharma visit ChargePoint.

“We know that to support EV growth, charging services should always offer the driver a seamless and reliable experience with charging infrastructure installed ahead of demand.

“To make meaningful and genuine progress on EV charging, private sector leadership and innovation is key - along with continued government support.

“To this end, we’re excited to invest in the UK and beyond in EV charging solutions which optimise the driver experience and encourage the speedy electrification of all transportation.”

Roll-out of council tax rebates AN ESTIMATED 50,000 Reading residents are expected to receive £150 council tax rebates over the next two weeks.

Reading Borough Council is set to begin distributing the payments this week as part of the government’s response to the rising cost of living.

Individuals living in band A to D properties who pay their council tax by direct debit will be first in line to receive the energy rebate.

Once the majority of these payments have been made, eligible residents who do not pay by direct debit will be able to apply for their £150 payments online.

Discretionary funding will also be available to vulnerable people, low income individuals who do not pay council tax and band E to H households who require assistance to pay energy bills.

Applications for residents who don’t pay by direct debit or are applying for discretionary payments will start later in May. The government has said that rebate payments can be received up to October 2022, giving applicants several months to complete online applications. n For more information, visit: www.reading.gov.uk/council-tax

Annie, get your gun THAMES VALLEY POLICE is launching a weapons amnesty.

Running from Thursday, May 12, through to Sunday, May 29, the public are encouraged to hand in unwanted, unlicensed or illegal guns as part of a national surrender of firearms and ammunition.

During the appeal, they can be handed in to the front desk of the Castle Street police station in Reading town centre, or Loddon Valley station in Rushey Way, from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

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Chris Tarrant puts his Compost Corner T-shirt up for auction EXCLUSIVE

BLAST FROM THE PAST: The Four Bucketeers signed photo, 10 x 8 inches.

The estimate at Ewbank’s is £10-100.

Image courtesy of Ewbank’s Auctions.

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A CHANCE to own a piece of televisual history is being offered, thanks to a charity auction.

Reading-born Chris Tarrant was the host of Tiswas, a Saturday morning children’s programme.

Initially broadcast in the ATV ITV region – Southern got The Saturday Banana with Bill Oddie – its mixture of anarchic humour and slapstick fun, saw it become a firm favourite across the country.

As well as making Mr Tarrant a household name, it helped launch the careers of Spit the Dog, Lenny Henry, and Sally James.

Part of its appeal was from its penchant for throwing buckets of water on guests ... if they hadn’t received a custard pie in the face from the Phantom Pie Flinger.

Now, Surrey-based auctioneers Ewbank’s is putting some classic Tiswas items up for sale, and it’s aid of Children’s Hospice South West.

The online auction features T-shirts, scripts, photographs and buckets used either during the 1970s show, or a reunion stage show, held in Bristol last month.

This saw Mr Tarrant, who hosts the Pride of Reading awards, once again team up with Tiswas regulars Bob Carolgees, Sally James and John Gorman, took place as part of the annual Slapstick Festival.

The performers recalled their exploits, brought out their buckets to soak the audience and recreated the mayhem of those days 40 years ago.

They then donated the 29 lots for auction at Ewbank’s.

The items available include Mr Tarrant’s Compost Corner T-shirt, worn during filming and signed by the star as well as Sally James, Bob Carolgees and John Gorman.

Signed scripts from Tiswas and spin-off show OTT are also available, as well as exclusive photos of the cast from the series, vinyl records and T-shirts.

“Tiswas was a joy for so many years for so many people that it is no surprise the Slapstick festival awarded the cast with Slapstick’s Comedy Legacy Medal at the festival in April,” said Ewbank’s specialist Alastair McCrea.

“We have deliberately kept estimates low to give as many people as possible the chance to bid for these items.

“But we are also hoping that this will help bring in multiple bids for each lot so that we raise as much money as possible for the Children’s Hospice South West.”

The online auction runs until Friday, May 20. n For more details, log on to: www. ewbankauctions.co.uk

Above: John Gorman’s OTT original pilot script, dated Oct 3 1981 and signed to the front by Chris Tarrant, Sally James, Bob Carolgees and John Gorman. The estimate at Ewbank’s is £10-100. Image courtesy of Ewbank’s Auctions.

More than half of those eligible for a spring booster have been jabbed THE SPRING booster covid jab campaign has been hailed a success as more than half of eligible people in the south east have had it.

The NHS in the South East said that more than half a million (533,683) of the most vulnerable to covid came forward in just six weeks of the latest phase of the NHS Covid vaccination programme.

In total, around 974,185 people across the South East are eligible for this dose, in line

with JCVI guidance.

Now, they are appealing for others to come forward.

Those eligible are over 75, or immunosupresent.

Caroline Reid, covid vaccination programme lead for the NHS in the South East of England, said: “It’s a testament to the hardworking NHS staff and volunteers across the region that in just over six weeks more than half of those entitled to a spring booster are now protected.

“The NHS is continuing to invite thousands of people every single week and I’d encourage everyone offered the dose to take it up – it has always been, and remains, our best defence against covid.

“Please come forward as soon as you’re eligible to protect yourself.”

Spring booster jab appointments can be booked on the NHS website or by calling 119.

Chris Tarrant’s Compost Corner signed T-shirt, as worn during filming of the original series. The estimate at Ewbank’s is £10-100

Consultation on box junction fines EVERYONE knows that a thing in the Ding is jams – so a new consultation could be just the (non-speeding) ticket for the borough.

Reading Borough Council has announced plans to enforce moving traffic offences across the town, in a move aimed to boost road safety, reduce congestion and improve air quality.

But before it’s green for go, it is asking residents for their views.

If agreed, initial enforcement would be for tackling drivers who block yellow box junctions, but other measures tackled could include driving the wrong way down a one-way street, ignoring no entry signs, and making illegal turns.

Other enforcements could include driving in bus and taxi lanes, and turning left or right when not allowed to do so.

Council outside of London have only now been granted the option to apply for the same powers by Central Government, and Reading wants to be one of those with access to this enforcement.

If, following the consultation, the Council opts to make an application to the Department for Transport and is granted the powers, it would initially envisage enforcement on a number of existing ‘yellow box’ junctions across Reading which are regularly blocked by motorists, causing congestion and poor air quality through increased emissions.

Reading Buses has also identified yellow box junctions as an issue which regularly delay its services and bus passengers.

An application will be made to DfT and all responses will be considered over the summer before a final decision is made.

Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “The Council has lobbied for many years for local authorities outside of London to be given these powers, in order to be able to take action against people who break the Highway Code through illegal manoeuvres, causing delays and inconvenience for others.

“In Reading we have a particular issue with people blocking key yellow box junctions at strategic locations, which can have a massive knock-on effect for other road users. “This consultation is an opportunity for all road users, residents, businesses and other interested parties to have their say ahead of the Council deciding whether to adopt these powers or not.

I’d urge as many people as possible to take a few minutes to complete the consultation so that we can get a broad range of views for consideration.”

n The consultation is open until Friday, May 20, at https://consult.reading.gov.uk/dens/moving-trafficoffences-consultation

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Thames Hospice’s new site wins two awards

The Thames Hospice site

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

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By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A NEW purpose-built hospice aimed at providing palliative care has won two architectural awards.

Last week, it was announced that Thames Hospice scooped the 2022 RIBA South Award, and the RIBA South Client of the Year.

Winners automatically go forward to the national awards which take place later this year.

The 28-bed site opened in October 2020, helping families who face a life-limiting illness.

Surrounded by eight acres of stunning landscaped gardens

by Bray Lake near Maidenhead, the facilities have been designed to offer a safe and tranquil haven to support people aged 16 and over.

It also aim to provide a calming environment to enhance the wellbeing of staff and all those who visit.

Phil Kavanagh, of KKE Architects

who helped design the site, said: “We are really proud that the project received both these accolades.

“It is highly deserved as the Hospice leadership and the design team have created a very special place.”

And Debbie Raven, Chief Executive, Thames Hospice added: “I am absolutely thrilled that our iconic building as well as all those involved in the project have been given the recognition they so richly deserved.

“My Hospice team, architects, builders and design team worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to complete the build programme on time and on budget.

“This facility enables us to offer world-class hospice care to even more people in our community who need our support now and for generations to come.”

Appeal for witnesses THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a robbery in Reading on Saturday, May 7.

Sometime between 2.30pm and 3.30pm, the victim, a man in his twenties, was sat in the park behind Linden Road when he was approached by an unknown man.

The man then stabbed the victim repeatedly before taking his backpack and making off towards South Whitley.

The black bag contained bank cards, a quantity of cash and house keys.

The victim suffered stab wounds to their back, elbow and stomach and required hospital treatment, but he has since been discharged.

The offender is described as of stocky build wearing a black tracksuit and a black balaclava.

Detective Constable Rebecca Oliver, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information about this incident to please come forward.

“If you have any CCTV footage in the area or any dash-cam footage if you were in the area around the time, I’d also ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.

“To contact us, call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220187144.

“Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

EAT READING marked another successful year, leaving the town full of festival food from around the world, and with no washing up.

For a two-day event from Saturday to Sunday, May 7-8, Broad Street was beseiged with food stalls selling cuisine from India, Thailand, Japan, Peru, Argentina, Ethipoa, and Jamaica.

Noodles and curries were served up alongside bao buns, spicy sausages, and chocolate-covered churros.

Peckish patrons were also treated to live music from the Los Dos Gringos and Natalie Gray, as well as performances from Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra and the Woodley ukelele group No Strings Attached.

As well as food and a bar, this year also saw the giant dining table, seating 24 people at more than eight metres long.

It is the first time the festival was able to go ahead since 2019.

Now hosted by Blue Collar, the food festival has been bringing world cuisine to the streets of Reading for more than a decade.

Blue Collar also hosts a bar and street foods at its permanent site on Dusseldorf Way from Thursdays to Sundays, and pop-up lunchtime stalls in Market Place on Wednesdays and Fridays.

THAT TAKES SKILLET: Peru Sabor served a slice of traditinional Peruvian antichuchos, with grilled meats, quinoa, corn, and potatoes. Pictures: Dijana Capan Spanish churros were served fresh from the fryer at Churros Garcia, a family-run company more than 50 years old

PITTA PARTY: the Berlin Doner serves up kebabs, the German way.

Picture: Dijana Capan

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Reading wraps for another year

SOUND ON: The Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra delighted patrons with striking traditional Caribbean steel pan music to really hit the spot. Picture: Dijana Capan

Freshly made speciality coffee was roasted and brewed by Anonymous Coffee Co.

The festival also featured Makan Malaysia, Heavenly Sausage, Dirty Snax, Sharian’s Jamiacan food, Mainstreet Tacos, Royal Tandoori, and Kat’s Slush Bar.

The giant table returned for another year, with plenty of space for attendees to knock elbows and chew the fat

Two men sentenced for drug offences TWO men have been sentenced for drug offences in Reading following an investigation by Thames Valley Police.

Vasco De Almeida, 36, of Silchester Road, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, May 5.

At the same hearing, Pavlin Nikoci, 29, of London Road, was sentenced to 17 months’ imprisonment.

De Almeida pleaded guilty to one count of assisting an organised crime group midway through the trial.

Nikoci plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to produce cannabis on the first day of the trial.

Nikoci will also be deported at the end of his sentence.

These sentences are the result of a series of warrants carried out on Wednesday, March 3, last year when police officers seized a large amount of drugs and cash.

Investigating officer, detective inspector Natalie Hall, of the Serious Organised Crime Unit, said: “The production and supply of drugs within our communities is not tolerated by Thames Valley Police.

“I am pleased that De Almeida and Nikoci have now been sentenced for their actions and will spend time in prison as a result.

“We will continue to tackle drug supply and will to bring offenders before the courts where they belong.”

Crunch brings the joy of comics to all on Free Comic Book Day

READ ON: Customers flocked to claim their free comics, and take advantage of the sales to celebrate Free Comic Book Day at Crunch Comics. Picture: Jake Clothier

CRUNCH Comics celebrated a successful Free Comic Book Day on Saturday.

The shop marked the event by handing out two free comics to every customer, and also held sales on its comics and toys.

EJ Walker, who works at Crunch Comics, said: “It’s been a really busy one, we’ve done loads and the store has been absolutely rammed all morning.”

The event sees comic shops giving away free editions of comics from franchises such as the Avengers, Doctor Who,

Stranger Things, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Pokémon.

They said: “We’ve had a good mix of new faces and old customers, “We’ve got local comic store day coming up in November, and that’s for the more diehard regulars looking for variant covers and things like that.”

Store owner Brian Wong said: “Free Comic Book Day is co-ordinated by Diamond Comics Distributors and independent comic shops like us have the choice to buy special edition comic books,

and we then give them away to customers for free.

“The whole event does require a great deal of co-ordination across many organisations, but if it encourages more people to discover the joy of comics then hopefully it will continue to thrive.”

Local Comic Shop Day celebrates specialist stores and encourages patrons to visit their local comic retailers.

It will take place on November 24, with follow-up events every Wednesday in December.

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To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today MUSIC: The Refugee Support Group is holdint the gospel concert on Saturday, May 14

Gospel concert to help refugee charity’s work A CONCERT this weekend will help raise funds for Ukrainian refugees who have come to Berkshire.

The newly-renamed Refugee Support Group is organising the event on Saturday, which will see Reading Community Gospel Choir perform.

The concert comes after nearly two years wait, as charity faced the double disappointment of having its Christmas concerts in both 2020 and 2021 cancelled due to the covid pandemic.

The Gospel spring concert will take place in Reading Minster Church from 6.30pm, and is raising money for the Reading-based charity’s Ukraine Emergency Appeal.

The charity says that following the Afghanistan crisis last August, demand for their services flew by more than 460%.

Now refugees from Ukraine have started arriving in the area, and the charity needs public support to help its work.

Nick Harborne, CEO of Refugee Support Group, explained: “We’ve barely managed to cope with the

Afghanistan Crisis and the hundreds of people being housed in hotels locally. Now with the horrific war in Ukraine, we’re seeing more and more Ukrainian families arriving in the area needing our help.

“We’re already supporting those families with information, advice, mental health support and practical help, but we’re expecting many more families to arrive in the coming months, and we need the public’s help to give them the support they urgently need.”

All the money raised from the Spring Gospel Concert will go directly to Reading Refugee Support Group’s Ukraine Emergency Appeal to give refugees arriving in Berkshire the help they need.

Reading Refugee Support Group are asking people to buy a ticket, enjoy the concert and help Ukrainian refugees arriving here in Berkshire. n For more details, or to book, log on to: https:// refugeesupportgroup.org.uk/ rescheduled-spring-gospelconcert

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Whitley takes a trip down memory lane with history day EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today THROWBACK Thursday was replaced by sepia-toned Saturday as ‘Whitley Way Back When’ took residents for a trip down memory lane.

Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA) hosted a retrospective museum event, which saw visitors relive memories through photographs and artefacts.

The 1945 Victory Day party on Torrington Road, Rabson Rovers’ glory days and frivolities at Ashmead School were among some of the moments captured.

Visitors spent the morning exchanging anecdotes, with many spotting relatives and friends in the images on display.

Trevor Thomas Dymond, who lived in Whitley between 1940 and 1960, was pleased to recognise some familiar faces.

“I’ve seen my father and my sister,” he said.

“My father was an electrician, but we didn’t have electricity at home, so how he learned everything I’ll never know.”

Mr Dymond also shared

LOOK BACK: Whitley Community Development Association trustees with Cllr Eden, Mayor of Reading Picture: Ji-Min Lee fond memories of representing Ashmead School in both football and cricket.

“We went to play matches at Bradfield College and Leighton Park School,” he said. “I must admit, having tea and cake at these posh places was really quite special.”

The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, was in attendance and took some time to enjoy the exhibits.

“It was lovely to see pictures and also just chat to people because Whitley has

an interesting history and heritage,” she said.

“Knowing about our community’s background is really important in terms of our sense of community pride.”

The museum event was followed by the WCDA’s annual general meeting, which was open to all members of the community.

Many of the points raised highlighted the prominent work the organisation has accomplished this year, notably the success of the food surplus

programme.

Store food within the use by date is collected and stocked at the community centre, where individuals can fill up a plastic bag for £1.

The Mayor also highlighted the key role the WCDA plays within the community.

“We’ve seen, especially over the last couple of years, how vital coming together as a community is and the WCDA has been a really important part of that in our community.” Ms Eden said.

“It’s the nice things like the social club, it’s the difficult things like people needing food and particularly at the moment with all the pressures of the cost of living, this is not a problem that’s going to go away. We need to work together and the WCDA can be a really important part of that.”

Also in attendance was newly-appointed Church ward councillor Andrew HornsbySmith, who had already witnessed the WCDA’s work in action.

“When I first started getting involved in this area, this is one of the first places I came to,” Immediately, I felt a real sense of welcome and a real sense of hope,” Mr Hornsby-Smith said.

“I was helping unload some food from the van [for the food surplus] and that’s what it’s all about. It’s about getting stuck into the community, helping people where they need help and this is a place where people can come to get support and feel welcome.”

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HIRING APPEAL: CCTV has been released of two men Thames Valley Police believe can help them after a victim was approached by the offender who punched him in the leg and stole the phone and £40 in cash.

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CCTV images released in connection with robbery in Reading THAMES Valley Police is releasing images of two men officers would like to speak to in connection with a robbery in Reading.

At around 12.35pm on Sunday, April 24, the victim, a man in his twenties, was meeting someone to sell a phone in Wentworth Avenue.

He was approached by the offender who punched him in the leg and stole the phone, a Google Pixel 6, and £40 in cash.

He then left the scene with another man.

Investigating officer,

Detective Constable Abigail Carver, based at Reading police station, said: “We are releasing these images as we believe the men pictured may have information about the robbery.

“If you are one of the men pictured, or if you recognise them, please get in touch by calling 101, or making a report online, quoting reference 43220175489.

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

A CHARITY that helps children get to grips with reading has launched a project to help Ukrainian families coming to Berkshire.

ABC to Read is planning to support new arrivals, starting with a scheme to help those arriving in Windsor. So far, 50 families are in the royal town, and that is expected to increase in coming weeks.

Through its work, the charity will offer support with vocabulary and reading skills.

Marcia Rowlinson, ABC to Read CEO, said: “This immediate and practical support will be a lifeline for families arriving in our area in coming weeks.

“They will each have their own stories and their own set of circumstances but we are ready and willing to come alongside parents and their children to provide vital skills as they step into an unfamiliar and daunting new life.”

ABC to Read is looking for new volunteers to take part in training, with the next session on Tuesday, June 7.

For more information, email: info@abctoread.org.uk The charity is also asking bilingual books to support Ukrainian families. To help, visit: waterstones.com/ booklist/2084860/marciarowlinson-story-books-forukrainian-children

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Readipop boosted by £738,000 grant

By Daniel Blackham dblackham@rdg.today A MUSIC charity in Reading that works to remove barriers for entry has been given a massive boost, thanks to Arts Council England.

Now taking registrations

Readipop, based in Trafford Road, is set to receive £738,000 from the Arts Council’s Capital investment Programme.

The charity runs a number of music programmes focusing on young people, community participation, artist development, and an annual inclusive festival.

Funding will develop Readipop’s studios into a fully accessible, environmentally sustainable creative hub for musicians, and digital artists and producers.

The new facilities will strengthen how the organisation meets the needs of creative communities.

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England “World class creativity and culture needs a resilient and sustainable infrastructure to allow it to flourish.

“With these investments in the buildings, equipment and digital systems of cultural organisations, we are helping to secure the future of that

infrastructure, and making sure that people from every part of the country can continue enjoying all the benefits it delivers for years to come.”

The money awarded to Readipop is part of more than £20 million of funding from Arts Council England to help 66 cultural organisations across the country.

The grants, ranging from £100,000 to £750,000, will be used to transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely postpandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities and reduce environmental impact.

Arts minister Lord Parkinson said: “Cultural organisations play a vital role in communities up and down the country by bringing people together, helping them tell and share their stories, and boosting both wellbeing and the economy.

“I want to make sure that everyone has access to the arts, no matter where they live.

“This funding will make sure that cherished institutions

have the infrastructure they need to succeed for years to come.”

For the first time, applicants had to demonstrate how their project would address four principles set out in Arts Council England’s 10year strategy, Let’s Create.

The aim of the principles – ambition and quality, inclusivity and relevance, dynamism, and environmental responsibility – is to steer change so organisations are of greater benefit to the public.

Hazel Edwards, area director for the south east at Arts Council England, said: “Opportunity is at the heart of ‘Let’s Create’ and it is wonderful to see this brought to life.

“Through supporting these organisations we’re helping them to provide their communities with vital opportunities to experience and participate in high-quality cultural activities for many years to come.”

n For more information on the Arts Council’s Capital Investment Programme, visit: artscouncil. org.uk

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

RATED OUTSTANDING IN THE PAST FOUR OFSTED INSPECTIONS

“Children are happy, settled and keen to acquire new knowledge and skills. They are exceptionally confident learners who play an active role in leading their own play and making decisions. Children of all ages explore their environment with confidence and ease, and show exceptionally high levels of self-assurance and emotional well-being.”

Ofsted inspection 2020, www.ofsted.gov.uk

Please call 01189 733231 or email oaktree.nursery@childbase.com

Oak Tree Day Nursery and Preschool, 13 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4QD

WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU www.childbasepartnership.com

Tributes paid to much-loved priest THE funeral of a much loved and respected parish priest, Father Vincent Flanagan takes place in Twyford next week, writes Sue Corcoran.

Father Flanagan, who died on April 13, aged 95, was priest at St Thomas More and Our Lady of Peace, Wargrave, for more than 20 years until 2015.

He had previously served as parish priest at Christ the King, Reading, St Joseph’s, Maidenhead, and Our Lady of Peace, Earley.

He was born in Ireland.

After he was ordained in 1953 as a priest for the St Patrick’s

Missionary Society, the Kiltegan Fathers, he served in Nigeria.

He returned to Ireland on health grounds in 1955 and, on his recovery, a year later went to the United States where he travelled widely, raising funds for the missionary work of his order.

While in the US he also spent time in Brazil. Later he became an assistant priest at St Joseph’s, Maidenhead from 1966 to 1972.

In 2013, he celebrated 60 years since his ordination with a special mass and a gathering at Loddon Hall, Twyford. Both were packed with people wishing him well. He retired from St Thomas

Appeal for witnesses to dangerous driving

Fun is an essential ingredient at Oak Tree Day Nursery and Preschool where the care and education opportunities for each and every child are as extraordinary as our colleagues who provide them.

FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS

FAREWELL: The funeral of a much loved and respected parish priest, Father Vincent Flanagan takes place in Twyford next week

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to a dangerous driving incident in Three Mile Cross.

The incident occurred at around 1.40am on Monday, May 2, at the junction of Basingstoke Road and Tabby Drive.

There was a single vehicle collision involving a black Jaguar and the passenger of the vehicle sustained a broken vertebrae, two fractured ribs and a cracked knee.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Jessica Rodgerson, based at Reading police station, said: “I am

Friendship Festival will welcome newcomers A FRIENDSHIP festival will take place in Reading later this month, in a bid to welcome people who have come to the town from Hong Kong.

The event will be held on Saturday, May 28, at Christchurch Meadows and is organised by churches from across the Ding.

It runs from 11am to 4pm, and has an Olympic theme.

appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident or have information about it to please get in touch.

“Also, if you were in the area around the time and have a dash-cam, I’d also ask that you check the recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.

“You can make a report by calling 101 or via our website, quoting reference 43220187688.

“Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

All participants will have a colour wrist band to indicate their postcode area, which will be used for a game, and there will be some fun activities, such as an egg and spoon race.

It is hoped there will be arts and crafts activities, a balloon modeller and face painters.

And there will be a serious side, with support for settling into the UK. More than 500 people are expected to attend the event, and they are asked to bring a picnic to enjoy.

Places should be booked in advance. n For more details, log on to: https://bit.ly/ukhkRDG

More to live at Kiln Green convent.

He died at Bridge Court care home in Twyford.

Parishioners have been recalling how he “really cared for his flock.”

He worked hard to provide good parish meeting spaces for social and other events. He rebuilt the Twyford hall and built parish centres at Earley and at Christ the King. He also enlarged the presbytery at Maidenhead.

The funeral takes place on Monday, May 16 at 10.30am, at St Thomas More Roman Catholic Church in London Road, Twyford.

Royals ball person applications open READING Football Club are holding trials for new ball persons ahead of the 2022-23 season.

Prospective applicants will be put through their paces at the Reading FC Indoor Training Centre on Saturday, June 18.

The opportunity is open to children aged between 12 and 18-years-old on Monday, August 1.

Successful candidates will be required to work at all first team home matches held at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, as well as additional age-group and women’s fixtures.

Applications can be made via email or post, and must be received by Friday, May 27.

Trials will take place on Saturday, June 18, between 9am and 11am. n For more information or to apply, visit: www.readingfc.co.uk

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Children’s festival to celebrate 200 years of biscuit firm

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

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Fobury Gardens will be transformed into a wonderland for Saturday’s event, marking the start of the 33rd children’s festival, and includes a giant tea party to mark Huntley & Palmer’s 200th anniversary.

Entertainment includes The Mad Hatter’s biscuit party and parade, the Larger than Life circus and theatre workshops, flag making, face painting and storytimes.

The festivities continue through to the Jubilee weekend.

Reading’s libraries are hosting free sessions, including crafting, planting, and making a unicorn. from crafting for the Platinum Jubilee, to planting and decorating your own flowerpot, and A royalthemed augmented reality (AR) Jubilee Beacon Trail runs across Reading from Saturday, with seven magical characters to find, with digital stamps as a reward.

Reading Museum will open its Victorian classroom, and there is a chance to help Bertie the biscuitloving badger design a new biscuit to go on show in the Welcome Gallery, at a special event planned for Saturday, May 28.

In partnership with the MERL, ‘Museum’s, My Way’ are sessions for neurodiverse visitors of all ages,

Call to hold a teddy bears’ picnic A CHARITY that helps children in Reading and Wokingham is asking people to go down to the woods and enjoy a big surprise. Well, kind of.

Dingley’s Promise has declared May to be teddy bear’s picnic month.

Those taking part hold their own outdoor meal, with their cuddly friends. Everyone signing up for a fundraising pack will receive a special Dingley Bear to be special guest at the picnic, along with ideas for their event.

It hopes schools, workplaces and families will all take part.

Its Wokingham team took part in the Wokingham Walk on Sunday, walking five miles in the spring sunshine.

And this weekend, the Reading team will take part in the Forbury Fiesta, where attractions include a raffle to win a champagne afternoon tea at Cliveden House.

Tickets can be bought via its website.

Dingley’s Promise supports under fives with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), and donations from the picnic will allow it to further its work. n You can find more information about hosting a picnic at www.dingley. org.uk/dingleybearpicnic

Credit: shoot-lifestyle.co.uk

A THREE-WEEK festival bursting with fun for Reading’s youngsters will be launching on Saturday with a fiesta.

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

Your break includes

FUN: The Forbury Fiesta is back this Saturday Picture: Reading Borough Council developed with Autism Berkshire.

A session on Monday, May 30is themed around Biscuits and Food, and includes sensory backpacks and ear defenders, reduced volume of gallery interactive sounds, and break out spaces.

Budding musicians can head to Culturemix’s steel pan music taster sessions, on Tuesdays, May 24 and 31, while trials of the ukulele and songwriting is available from the Rock Academy, on Monday, May 30.

And across the festival, Guyatts Fair will be in Prospect Park. It opens on Friday, through to Sunday, May 16, and again from Thursday, May 19, through to Saturday, May 22.

Donna Pentelow, assistant director of culture at Reading Borough Council, was pleased that the Children’s Festival was returning, saying an amazing range of activities and events would take plae.

“The deliciously biscuit-themed

Author’s visit is a thriller – BP Walter signs books

AN AUTHOR made a surprise visit to Reading last week, and quickly got his pen out.

BP Walter, who penned thrillers such as The Dinner Guest, The Woman on the Pier, and Hold Your Breath, popped into Waterstones’ Broad Street branch.

It was a bit of a busman’s holiday, as his day job involves social media coordination for the company’s head office.

During his visit to the historic store, build on a former chapel, Mr Walter signed copies of The Dinner

Guest and The Woman on the Pier.

In a tweet, Waterstones Reading said: “We were delighted to welcome lovely author @BarnabyWalter, who dropped in to sign some copies of his thrillers this week.

“We were also very excited to hear more about ‘The Locked Attic’ - due out this Nov. “If you’re after a well plotted pageturner, look no further than these.”

And BP replied: “Was so lovely to drop in and say hi.”

Forbury Fiesta on Saturday kicks off three weeks of exciting events for young people and it promises plenty of dancing, singing, playing and partying,” she said.

“This feels like a summer of celebrations for many reasons and we are delighted to welcome you all to an amazing three weeks of fun events and activities. n Full details of the programme are available from www.reading.gov.uk and clicking on the leisure option

Free lunchtime tacos on offer A FAST FOOD venue in Reading town centre is offering a free lunch deal this week as it seeks to end ‘lame lunches’.

Running until Sunday, May 15, the Broad St Mall-based diner is giving away a Seasoned Beef or a Black Bean Crunchy Taco worth £1.29, for people visiting between noon and 2pm.

The company said that it wants to improve the nation’s lunchtimes by offering the Taco Swap deal.

And to celebrate the offer, it has launched a Taco Swap Internet Taco-ver, an extension on the Google Chrome store that allows users to prank friends and colleagues by swapping images on any website with tacos. The company says this Chrome extension can ‘hack their friend’s lunchtime decision making with some not-so-subtle subliminal messages’.

Gino Casciani, General Manager for Taco Bell UK & Europe. said: “Our hope is that Taco Swap brings our customers in for a crunchy, crave-able taco when they’re looking to break free from the everyday.”

Taco Bell says that no purchase necessary, and the offer is available for dine-in or take out, excluding delivery and click and collect.

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

2 Days by Coach

only £144

Single Supplement £35

LLANDUDNO AT LEISURE & Stunning Snowdonia

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

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

5 Days by Coach

only £334

Single Supplement £100

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

For more information, or to book, please call

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ARE YOU LISTENING FESTIVAL 2022

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PICTURES: DIJANA CAPAN & JAKE CLOTHIER

Usually flanked by his band, Buildings on Fire, Ryan O’Donohue performed a stripped-back set of original songs, with a few covers thrown in for good measure.

Bob Vylan behind the mic St Peter’s Dream at Purple Turtle

Were you listening?

A

RE YOU Listening? festival has wrapped for another year, in aid of Reading Mencap.

Matthew Greener combined double bass with a sonorous, soothing vocals for an unplugged, unassuming set which proved unmissable.

More than 50 acts performed across eight venues through out the day on Saturday, May 7.

Local and international acts alike joined the line-up, with performances stretching into the early hours of the morning.

Duo Matthew Greener kicked off proceedings with their acoustic set in Market Square, followed quickly by a solo set from Buildings on Fire’s Ryan O’Donoghue.

Gag Salon, Horse Rock, and Readiophonics were among the acts hailing from Reading, each drawing loyal home crowds.

Lauran Hibberd stormed Sub89 with their off-the-rails, punk-with-a-heart performance.

Alfie Templeman was hot on their heels, his sunny, danceable set bringing the festival to a head.

His set included instant classics Happiness in Liquid Form and Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody, as well as three brand new tracks from his upcoming album, Mellow Moon, including the first ever performance of Cotton Candy.

Indie pop powerhouses Peaness brought the event to dizzying heights at the Oakford Social Club, before Pip Blom closed the evening’s instrumental performances with riotous aplomb at St Lawrence’s church.

The event raised funds for Reading Mencap.

Hardcore duo Bob Vylan played hardball at The Facebar.

Dakorra gave a heavenly performance in St Laurence’s Church, their first performance as the electro-rock outfit. Picture: Dijana Capan The Oakford Social Club was one of the venues

Reading’s own Ellis Ballard tugs on the heartstrings with an acoustic set in Market Square. Picture: Dijana Capan People flocked to venues to enjoy a day of music

Peaness

Lauren Hibberd performing

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ARE YOU LISTENING FESTIVAL 2022 As Loud as a Mouse at the Facebar

Almost half of Reading businesses have employees suffering from long Covid

A

recent survey has shown that 46% of businesses have employees who have suffered with symptoms of long Covid in the past 12 months.

A quarter of these even list long Covid as a main cause of long-term sickness.

However, it seems that around 20% of businesses are still unaware that their employees were experiencing ongoing symptoms.

Uncle Peanut performs at Milk

The day gave people the chance to discover bands

There were lots to choose from

The event raises funds for Reading Mencap

Uncle Peanut wows the crowds

As a local HR agency we urge business owners and managers to take a keen interest in the health and wellbeing of their people. Long Covid is an ongoing issue, and cases seem to be rising all the time and to deal with it, we believe it’s especially important that employers create a supportive and open working environment where employees feel able to highlight their health concerns.

While many employers are doing as much as they can to help employees who are struggling, and while long Covid itself isn’t classed as a disability. In serious cases it may become something to consider due to the length of time it affects day to day life. So, it’s a good idea to suggest employees who are struggling get a proper diagnosis.

Not only does this allow employers to make reasonable adjustments to roles like flexible working or adjusting hybrid working arrangements - it also gives employers increased loyalty and productivity in return from those workers in the long term.

It can be a difficult situation to navigate, and communication is key. If you’re unsure about the best way to handle a case of long Covid, you can always seek professional HR advice to avoid making a costly decision.

For a short time, we are offering local businesses a free HR Health Check and to answer any tricky HR questions business owners may have. Contact us today to find out how we might help you.

Organic P&O Solutions

T: +44 1344 441 043 The Oakford Social Club was praying at the alter of Parlour as they laid down their particular brand of soulful psychedelia. Picture: Jake Clothier

E: contactus@organicposolutions.co.uk Bands performed throughout the day

www.organicposolutions.co.uk

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

How a Reading Germany head

Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THERE are few things more exciting than a world cup, and Germany is busy preparing for theirs, thanks to a Reading man.

SIGN-UP: Fundraisers will be able to choose from any of three picturesque routes around the hospice, choosing either 2.5km, 4km, or 10km, or remotely. Picture: Courtesy of Thames Hospice

Walking on sunflowers

T

HE Museum of English Rural Life provides cultural opportunities for Reading’s young people and diverse communities, through schools, volunteering, digital engagement and exhibitions.

As of right now they are looking for a Friday Fledglings Volunteer to support their highly popular outdoor toddler sessions that attract an average of 50 children each week.

Friday Fledglings is led by a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader.

Each session involves story-telling, craft activities and singing. You will become part of the team to help ensure the smooth running of sessions. n Epilepsy Berkshire has been set up to help people living with Epilepsy.

It is run by people living with Epilepsy, carers and people who have volunteered to support us in our aims.

They want to recruit a volunteer, for approximately two hours a week, to help organise and support adult members Epilepsy Berkshire.

They are looking for an enthusiastic person who has the aptitude and approach required for this role, with good organisational, social and communication skills. n Reading Association for the Blind’s mission is to provide support and social activities for people living with sight loss in Reading Borough.

They want more helpers at their Social Club at Walford Hall Club on Tuesday and Friday mornings.

The Social Club is run by volunteers and provides a safe, much needed, social environment for their members that are experiencing varying degrees of sight loss.

They need help with tasks such as: a bit of washing up, food prep, helping with Teas and Coffees, helping members onto the Minibus, helping members access the activities on offer, and more. n Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

THAMES Hospice has announced the return of the Sunflower Walk, but with a jubilee theme.

After receiving more than £7,000 from the Jubilee Arts Fund, the charity has organised a number of events throughout the summer.

For its Sunflower Walk, it is encouraging supporters to walk in memory of loved ones they have lost to raise funds for the charity.

As well as the three separate routes to walk, Thames Hospice is also hosting a jubilee-themed event.

The event will also open up the hospice’s gardens to a dance performance, songs from the Tamesis Chamber Choir, magic, story-telling, and a performer on stilts.

Fundraisers will be able to choose from any of three picturesque routes around the hospice, one 2.5km long, one 4km long, and one 10km long, or from a remote location of their choice.

They will also be invited to leave a message for a loved one which will be displayed on a special memory tree in the hospice gardens.

Alison Evans, head of events and community fundraising at Thames Hospice said: “We are so thrilled to be hosting our much-loved Sunflower Walk at the hospice this year.

“It means everything to us to be amongst our supporters once again after the restrictions of our events over the past two years.

“This year is special in so many ways and we want to make it the biggest and best sunflower walk ever.

“I would like to encourage everyone to please sign up, spread the word and help raise vital funds so we can continue to give people dignity, compassion and the best possible hospice care and support now and always.”

Thames Hospice has served east Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire for more than 30 years, providing inpatient and community palliative and end-oflife care services to people aged 16 and above.

Those who take part in the walk are asked to raise a minimum of £70, and those who raise more than £250 will receive a free jubilee sunflower walk hoodie.

Tickets are £20 per adult and £10 per child, which includes a sunflower walk t-shirt and medal.

Family tickets for two adults and two children are £55. Tickets are not required for remote walkers.

The event will take place at the Thames Hospice, Windsor Road, Maidenhead on Saturday, June 18, from 10am-4pm.

n www.thameshospice.org.uk

Vistry Thames Valley donated £2,000 to help the team as they get ready for the World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) World Cup in Turkey in October.

The link-up came about after Reading-based senior site manager Dan Knowles told the company’s managing director about the team, which his son Jamie is part of.

The 16-year-old was born with a bone missing in his left leg and had an amputation below the knee when he was just one, and plays in midfield for the German team.

Dan, who oversees construction at Shinfield Meadows in Reading where Vistry is building Bovis Homes and Linden Homes properties, set up an online appeal to raise £8,000 to help fund the side’s appearance.

He also asked Trevor Wicks, managing director at Vistry Thames Valley, if he could help.

“To my delight Trevor did not hesitate and said the company would donate £2,000 to the appeal,” said Dan. “It is a very generous gesture from Vistry Thames Valley and a brilliant boost for the team and will pay for a full kit with money left over to assist with other expenses.

“The team was not supposed to be going to the World Cup but, as Russia has been banned from the competition, the German side was invited as it was first reserve after finishing ninth at the European Amputee Football Championships last year.

“The team has suddenly had to

READY TO PLAY: The German amputee footba try to find the money to allow it to compete and thanks to fundraising has just about raised the £11,000 or so that they need.”

Dan adds: ”Unlike the Premier League, the world of amputee football is not awash with millions of pounds and it can be difficult for teams to secure sponsorship.

Jamie and the rest of the team are very excited about making the most of this unexpected chance to play in a world cup, which is every footballer’s dream.”

Dan saw Jamie, who lives in

Meet Winnie and her tunes Fashion collaboration bags sustainability award

AN OPPORTUNITY to play all the right notes, and not necessarily in the right order, has arrived at Reading’s railway station.

Yesterday, Great Western Railway and Network Rail unveiled Winnie the Wellbeing Piano on the northside of the station.

And the launch was not a ribbon cutting, but a tinkling of the ivories by railway chaplain John Roe, playing the ABBA classics Mamma Mia! and I Have A Dream, plus Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

He was accompanied by the newly-formed 13-strong GWR Wellbeing Choir and colleagues from Network Rail.

The piano has been installed to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, and was sourced by GWR Train Manager and Wellbeing Champion Beth Witney, who found it listed for free on Facebook Marketplace.

“We were discussing lots of ideas in a wellbeing meeting and when a piano was suggested I thought I’d

READY TO PLAY: Winnie at the station grab the bull by the horns and find one,” she said.

“I found one listed for free on Facebook 10 minutes from my home in Tilehurst. It was being given away by a lady who’d had it since she was a little girl. If we hadn’t turned up it was going to be sent to landfill.”

And Network Rail Station Operations Manager at Reading station, Harry Smith, said: “We are delighted to welcome Winnie the Wellbeing Piano to Reading station, which I am sure will be a welcome addition and something passengers and visitors alike will enjoy playing.”

A CLOTHING range created by the University of Reading has won a national prize for sustainable fashion.

After appearing at London Fashion Week, outfits and accessories designed in collaboration with University of Reading and couturiers Tammam were awarded the Best Customer Engagement Campaign by fashion magazine Drapers.

The range’s design features the warming stripes, a visual data set which charts the changing annual temperatures around the globe since 1850, created by the university’s professor Ed Hawkins.

Since their creation in 2018, the stripes have become a symbol of the continuing climate crisis.

The range was given the award for its campaign to bring the issue of the climate crisis to a range of audiences, which judges noted for its ambitious scope.

Professor Hawkins, professor of climate science at the University of Reading, said: “Bringing about vital climate action cannot be achieved unless we do things differently and this fashion partnership demonstrates a novel approach.

“It’s brilliant to see the impact of the partnership and I hope it will help bring home the reality of climate change to more people, which will lead to more awareness and more action.”

The award comes less than two weeks after the university led the Climate Ambassadors Scheme, which provides schools and colleges access to climate experts and resources.

Lucy Tammam, the fashion designer behind the range of clothing, said: “We set out to make starting conversations about climate change stylish and

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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all team with Jamie Knowles (front row second left) Germany with his mother, make his international debut on his 16th birthday at last year’s European Amputee Football Championship and the proud father has booked his flights to Turkey to attend the WAFF World Cup to watch him play.

And Vistry is pleased to be playing its part in making the team’s trip to Turkey possible.

Trevor says: “It is a pleasure to be able to help ensure that Jamie’s team gets the funding together to enable the side to participate at this

ON SHOW: A dress designed Lucy Tammam, left, using graphics created by Professor Ed Hawkins. Picture: University of Reading

international competition.

“At Vistry, we are one big family and always try to look after each other, so it was not a difficult decision to donate the money to help Dan’s son Jamie pursue his sporting dream to play in a world cup.

“It is great to see amputee football emerging as an international sport and we are delighted to be able to help back one of the teams in its challenge for honours.” n Details about Dan’s appeal can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/daniel-knowles-2

fashionable and we are so delighted to see the impact this is having.

“Our sustainable scarves, showcased at London Fashion Week, have now been sent across the world and worn by some incredible people, including top scientists at COP26.”

Silk scarves created by Tammam, also featuring the stripes, were worn by some of the attendees to the Glasgow COP26 climate conference in November 2021.

The 2022 limited edition collection used fabrics such as hand-loomed organic cottons, peace silks and Tammam’s exclusive eco-tulle.

The collection also features “reinvented” vintage suits, where luxury fabrics that no longer serve their original purpose are reused.

Professor Hawkins’ climate stripes were described by Enter Shikari frontman Rou Reynolds as “one of the most defining, most crucial images of our time” when they were displayed during the band’s main stage set at Reading Festival in 2019.

IT’S NO secret that Reading is proud of its bus network. Coloured routes, frequent services, USB charging, and … well, they keep us moving.

Now, there’s a chance to toast them with their own beer.

Thanks to Tilehurst-based brewers Double-Barelled Brewery, Reading Buses is able to celebrate the launch of The Number Seventeen, a brand-new pale ale.

To mark the first cans out of the brewery, the team from DoubleBarelled headed to Reading Buses’ Great Knollys Street base last week to let Number Seventeen meet its purple numbersake.

No drivers were harmed during the making of the picture … they had to wait until their shift had finished before they could sample any.

Reading Buses marketing manager Jake Osman said: “Beer connoisseurs will find it a great taste and they can enjoy a can of The Number Seventeen at the Double-Barrelled Brewery tap room before catching the purple 17 bus home – you drink, we drive.

“Our purple 17 has been running along the Wokingham Road to Tilehurst route for around 100 years, including its incarnation using trolley buses, and has become an iconic element of the town.

“So it is no surprise that Double-

Barrelled have opted to use it for their latest offering, especially as the bus runs a short walk away from their taproom.”

He added: “The buses have evolved lots in that time, they now run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and have been at the forefront of convincing more people to choose public transport and try and keep the air clean in the town.

“We can honestly say that we are thrilled that a local brewery has recognised our most loved and well-used route by naming the beer after it.

“Who knows, maybe this will be the start of a Reading Buses network of beers from local breweries.”

And Luci Clayton-Jones, managing director of DoubleBarrelled Brewery: “We are so excited to share our new pale ale The Number Seventeen with the people of Reading.

“We love being a local family owned business and wanted this beer to be a fitting tribute to a real slice of the Ding’s popular culture.

“Whether your regular is the 17, the pink 24 or if you’re riding the leopard from afar, we’ve all relied on the fab Reading Buses at some point - keeping Reading moving.”

The beer can be ordered from https://doublebarrelled.co.uk/

POETRY CORNER The Silkie

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Tor Park Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park Cruise on the River Dart Excursions to Buckfast Abbey, Princetown, Tavistock, Dartmouth & Totnes Optional excursion to Brixham & Teignmouth (£12pp)

5 Days by Coach

only £324

Single Supplement £60

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Credit: shoot-lifestyle.co.uk

CHEERS: Jake Osman (right) enjoying a can of ‘The Number 17’ with Max Holderness, Double Barrelled Marketing & Communications Manager, on a purple 17 bus

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

“Why do you watch the great, grey sea ?

And why do you turn your face from me ?”

“I found my love On the stony shore, Her hair was as soft As the silk she wore.

Her eyes were as deep As the coral caves, Her song was as wild As the moonlit waves.

Her hands were as cold As the swirling water And she gave me a single Silver daughter.”

“I lost my love On the morning tide...

When I let her go My Silkie Bride.

Then I watched her take My child from me, And I saw them skim Untamed and free While I was left On the stony shore To hear them sing No more. No more.”

“That’s why I watch the great, grey sea, And wait, In case they call to me.”

Clare Bevan

We love receiving your poetry, and print a selection each week. Send your verse to news@rdg.today

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30 | VIEWPOINTS

The talk is over, now to deliver IN THE end, a day of surprises.

Reading now has a new opposition, with the Conservatives the third-placed party.

If the Greens wish to cement their newfound status, they need to work hard over the next 12 months to increase their share in the chamber.

The reason? It doesn’t take much detective work to figure that the Conservatives will be doing just the same in their target seats.

And with the council elections going back to a third of seats, it will be easier to manage.

For Labour, an increased majority. A decisive vote of confidence from Reading.

All councillors are elected to serve their residents first and foremost. With a challenging year ahead, the time for talking is over. It’s time to deliver.

CHURCH NOTES

Meeting the needs of those on the edge of society…

T

HE young man who doesn’t want to engage with school and is heading towards a life of crime, the young woman being drawn in to sex working through bad friendships, the man who is in A&E as it is there where people listen to him, the older person who is isolated and only sees another human being once a week…

We all know that they are there but how much time to we give to them?

Jesus healed the lepers and the man who was paralysed for 38 years. He ate supper with tax collectors and prostitutes. Jesus loved the unloved and he calls us to do the same.

In the 21st century what does that mean?

There are no outcasts living on the edge of Reading and there are no camps of people who have been ostracised by their family due to disease. But they are around us and as Christians, we can be their voice and meet them where they are, as Jesus meets us where we are.

John 4:4-30 tells the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus, a Jew, was socialising with a Samaritan woman – even more – a woman of disrepute. He reached out to the unloved and offered them hope; he reached out to those on the edge of society, the difficult to reach and those who all hope was lost and showed them his love for them.

At The Mustard Tree, we are passionate that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We do this by meeting people where they are at, inspired by the example of Jesus.

The young man who didn’t want to engage at school joined our Starting Point programme and is now heading for training, the young woman who was sex working is trying to turn her life around. The man in A&E met one of our team and is now in employment and the older person has a befriender who plays dominoes with her once a week.

‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’ Galatians 6:2

Katherine Shepherd, CEO of The Mustard Tree, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Letters

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

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today Greens have overtaken the Conservatives on Reading Council Last week, we asked voters in Reading to trust their Green Party candidates with the responsibility of representing them on Reading Borough Council.

We’re delighted to say that they responded in unprecedented numbers, returning a record number of seven Green councillors.

Greens are now the second party on the Council having more councillors than the Conservatives and the Lib Dems. A big thank you to everyone who voted Green.

We won overwhelmingly in Park Ward and delivered councillors in both Redlands and Katesgrove.It’s due to the year-round hard work of local Green candidates and campaigners – showing residents that change can happen when ordinary people get involved.

What to expect from Greens on Reading Council? Hard work all year round.

We’re now the second largest party on Reading Council and we will continue to put our agenda forward to make Reading a fairer, greener, more affordable place to live. It is still Labour who have a majority of councillors and run the council but we will work for: n Decent affordable housing and action on fuel poverty n Healthier, more sustainable transport and reducing air pollution n Cleaner and greener streets Change is coming to Reading council – help us and be a part of our Green future.

The Green Party is made up of ordinary people working for the common good. We have the opportunity in Reading to show how decisions can be made for the benefit of everyone, to improve the space we share.

If you’re interested in making a difference, get involved here: https:// reading.greenparty.org.uk/getinvolved Thanks again to everyone who voted for the Green Party we will keep working hard all year round to improve Reading.

Cllr Rob White and Reading Green Party

Labour thanks n As Labour Party candidate for South Lake, I’d like to thank everybody who voted for me in the local elections last week.

David Field, Reading

n We would like to relay our thanks to all the residents who took time out last Thursday to vote for us, Jo Lovelock, Graeme Hoskin, and Colette Dennis in Norcot Ward.

We are humbled to have been elected to serve and be the voice of our residents.

Norcot ward councillors

n I would like to thank everyone in Whitley ward who voted for me and my fellow Labour candidates Alice Mpofu-Coles and Micky Leng last Thursday.

We are very proud to have been elected as councillors to serve the ward, which includes South Whitley, Whitley Wood, Green Park Village and Kennet Island.

Whether you voted for us or not we will do our best to represent you and support the community at all times.

Rachel Eden, Whitley Councillor

n I am very thankful to the constituents for voting for me as a Labour candidate. I am very grateful for your great support.

Amjad Tarar, Labour Candidate Redlands Ward

n I was surprised and grateful to receive so many votes - thank you to every single person who voted for me, and extra thanks to those who helped deliver the Reading Banner across the

ward; your help was so appreciated.

Rachel Jones, Labour candidate in Emmer Green

n Dear voters of Caversham Heights, I want to let you know how honoured and delighted I am to have been chosen as your Labour Councillor for the new ward of Caversham Heights.

Such a big thank-you to all those who voted for me! And whether you voted for me or not I am now your representative and will do my level best to look after your interests and seek out your views on local issues.

Looking forward to working with you,

Councillor Sue Kitchingham

n On behalf of the Abbey Ward councillors we would like to thank the residents of Abbey Ward for their support and keeping faith in us. We will raise and try to resolve their issues and concerns within the Council.

Once again many thanks for your continued support.

Councillors Mohammed Ayub, Tony Page and Karen Rowland

From the Lib Dems The Reading Lib Dems are extremely grateful to the thousands of voters who gave us their backing at the local elections, whether because they share our principles of liberty, equality and community, and our conviction that no-one should be enslaved by poverty, ignorance or conformity, or because they wanted to send a message to our Conservative government and Labour council administration.

In Tilehurst, Meri, James and Anne were blown away by the positive reception they received on the campaign trail, and are humbled by the size of the majorities they received this year.

Within hours of the votes being counted on the 6th, they were

attending their first meetings and hosting their first Councillors’ surgery for local residents to share their concerns.

With 48 councillors being elected from 142 candidates in 16 wards, and with 844 valid ballot configurations to be counted, we are also immensely grateful to the elections office staff and volunteers for running a marathon polling day and count so smoothly.

We look forward to working with new and returning councillors from all parties in the weeks and months ahead to make Reading a better place to live.

Reading Liberal Democrats

Thanks from Conservatives Our huge thanks to the people of Emmer Green for the honour of electing us all to represent them.

Myself, Simon Robinson and Harry Kretchmer are immensely grateful for the continuing trust that has been placed in us to ensure our community retains a strong voice within the Reading Borough Council chamber.

We - and our Conservative Councillor colleagues Isobel Ballsdon and Paul Carnell, who were re-elected in the new Caversham Heights ward, and Raj Singh, similarly re-elected in Kentwood - will continue to do our utmost to ensure that every resident’s voice is heard and that their concerns are addressed swiftly and effectively over the coming years.

More widely, thank you so much, too, to everyone who voted for any of our 48 Conservative candidates who stood across all of the 16 wards in both Reading East and Reading West this time. For those of us who were successful, we know what a privilege it is to represent our respective Reading communities.

.

Cllr Clarence Mitchell, Conservative Group Leader, Councillor for Emmer Green

Council leader Jason Brock’s From the Chamber column is on page 33 Westminster diary Matt Rodda

We need action now on the cost of living crisis

N

OW that the dust has settled, the full picture of last Thursday’s local elections has become clear. Across England, Wales and Scotland, the Labour Party won over 3,000 council seats, increasing our number of councillors by 108.

By comparison, the Conservatives lost 487 seats – including five in Wokingham, which has denied them a majority on the Council.

I want to congratulate Andy Croy

on his result and his re-election to Wokingham Borough after a 12-month absence and Councillor Rachel Burgess on being re-elected in Norreys ward and Majid Nagra who came just 120 votes short in Loddon.

Across the South of England, we now have Labour Councils in Southampton, Worthing and Crawley and made significant steps forward in terms of vote shares in key marginal constituencies.

And in Reading, the Labour Party was returned with an increased

majority and the conservative group was reduced to just six councillors.

This set of elections marked a turning point for the Labour Party.

We still have work to do but these results are step forward towards electing a Labour Government.

I want to thank and pay tribute to all the candidates who put themselves forward at this election.

The country, however, cannot wait another two years before that Government is elected. Over the course of this campaign, I knocked hundreds of doors and spoke to voters both at home in Reading and Woodley and in across the Berkshire.

The message I heard on almost every door was clear – real help is needed now to deal with the spiralling cost of living which is causing real hardship on so many people. The cost of fuel for the family car; a fear of the increase in household energy bills happening both now and the increase likely at the end of the year and inflation driving up the price of food has put a squeeze on wages.

For pensioners and those on Universal credit – the pinch is even

more acute as the Government scrapped the triple lock and removed the £20 uplift that really was the difference for some families between heating and eating.

To add insult to injury, while we all feel the pinch, the oil and gas giants are reporting record profits totalling billions of pounds – and the Government is claiming record VAT receipts from our fuel bills and yet the help promised is too little, too late.

A windfall tax; a cut in VAT and additional support to those most in need would drastically improve the finances of millions of families but the Government resists these measures for reasons unknown.

However, while the Government drags its feet, I know that the thousands of Labour Councillors elected last week will be in their communities; assisting those in need and providing the help and support that is needed.

Labour Councils and Labour Councillors make a difference. Now we must get to work.

Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

31

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Residents ‘devastated’ after grass mown in rewilding gardens

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

NEWTOWN residents were dismayed to find that the concept of No Mow May had been ignored by council contractors.

In recent months, a group came together to create a community garden in the cut through between Amity Road and Cumberland Road.

The area had been ignored in recent years, and the aim of the group is to create a vibrant space that allows nature to flourish in the densely populated east Reading neighbourhood.

But earlier this week, an area set aside for rewilding was mown down, much to the ire of residents who were enjoying seeing Mother Nature get to work. The area had sprouting alliums, dahlia and lilac.

And there was a handpainted sign nearby asking people not to mow the area.

Unfortunately, they hadn’t placed one in the rewilding patch.

One of the people behind the scheme, Leslee Barron, revealed the news in a tweet, using angry emojis to express her disappointment.

“When you create a #rewilding project in the middle of an #urban area with

CUT DOWN: The mown down area of the Newtown community garden - the area had been intended to be set aside for rewilding Pictures: Leslee Barron the support of the local council (and) then the sun-contracted mowers cut down the sprouting alliums, dahlias & lilac,” she wrote.

She told Reading Today: “I was devastated to learn the grass had been mowed, we were promised that the area was taken off the mow list. We have made signs for the main area but sadly hadn’t got round to making signs for those areas yet.”

Her disappointment was echoed by Park ward councillor

Josh Williams (Green), who remembered that in November

2019, the council’s contractors accidentally mowed down 800

saplings planted in Palmer Park.

He said: “It’s hard to watch as the community does something for its local area, and for the planet, and then the council literally mows it down.

“This isn’t the first time, but hopefully it’s the last - the wonderful hand-painted ‘DON’T MOW HERE’ signs had some effect, and the local gardeners will be back, alongside the wild flowers, lilac, and bulbs.”

A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said that the actions had been “regretful”, and wanted to say sorry to Newtown residents.

“Following a visit by our grounds maintenance team today, we can confirm that the main garden, which is clearly identified by signs created by the community was untouched, but some outer verge areas have regretfully been mown,” they said.

“We apologise for the upset this will have caused to local residents who care for and cultivate this area.

“We will look to work with the community to introduce further checks to prevent this re-occurring such as discussing and agreeing extensions to areas that they wish to rewild and ensuring that any such areas agreed are properly signed.”

Reading School of Art Graduate Show returns THE READING School of Art’s Graduate Show returns this June - the first in-person exhibition since the pandemic.

Over 50 final-year undergraduate and 11 postgraduate students will be showcasing their work in an exhibition entitled, The Common Room.

The show marks the culmination of the artists’ time at the university, with some pieces representing the fruits of four year’s worth of endeavour.

There will be a plethora of media on show, including painting, multimedia and ceramics.

Diversity runs through the core of the exhibition, not only in the range of disciplines used, but also in the range of interests and concerns addressed.

Prior to the open exhibition, an exclusive private view will take place, featuring a bar, charity stalls and live music.

The private view will take place between 4pm and 8pm on Wednesday, June 1, with the open exhibition available to view between 11am and 5pm from Monday, June 6 to Friday, June 10. n For more information, visit: www.reading.ac.uk/fineart/

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Schools take on Big Walk challenge ELEVEN schools in Reading have contributed more than 16,000 journeys to the UK’s largest walking, wheeling, cycling and scooting to school challenge.

Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, saw schools across the UK complete active journeys and physical activities between Monday, March 21, and Friday, April 1.

During the competition, thousands of school children in Reading were walking, cycling, wheeling and scooting, contributing 16,744 journeys and physical activities in the area.

If those journeys in Reading had been made by car, this could have created 12,000 tonnes of CO2.

Speaking about the results of the Big Walk and Wheel

competition, Sarah Leeming, interim director for south of England at Sustrans, said: “Travelling sustainably for the equivalent of so many trips around the world, goes to show the positive impact we can have together by swapping to active travel for everyday journeys like the school run.”

Top of the leaderboard in Reading for the “Small Primary School” category was New Christ Church CE Primary.

The school finished 150th nationally with a daily average of 75% of pupils logging active travel journeys and physical activity.

Coming top in the “Large Primary School” category for Reading was Coley Primary who secured 291st place nationally

with an average daily score of 65.4%.

Frances Martin, Reading Borough Council’s executive director for economic growth and neighbourhood services, said: “It is now three years since the council declared a climate emergency and we remain committed to creating a net zero carbon Reading by 2030 “The success of that pledge depends on buy-in from the whole of Reading’s community, which is why it is so wonderful to hear of the tremendous efforts of local schools.

“We will continue to support efforts to encourage more walking, scooting and cycling.” n For more information and a list of the overall winners visit: bigwalkandwheel.org.uk

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

VOTE 2022

Reading East MP thanks voters for making a ‘complete turnaround’ READING EAST MP said that this year’s local elections show a “complete turnaround” for Labour across the country.

“In Reading, people have shown great support – in the town and in neighbouring areas such as Woodley (where Cllr Andy Croy won a seat). We very much appreciate the support,” Matt Rodda told Reading Today at the count, held at Rivermead.

“In Wokingham, the borough council has now moved to No Overall Control, which I think shows people’s feelings about the Conservative government, the need for change and for a Labour government to replace the current one.”

Reading East MP Matt Rodda

‘I didn’t expect to be at the centre of a political earthquake’ Reading Labour councillors celebrate their success in the local elections Picture: Phil Creighton

Leader pledges to get on with his day one priority: tackling inequality

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today LABOUR’S newest councillor said that she certainly wasn’t expecting to be at the centre of a “political earthquake”.

Sue Kitchingham made history by winning a seat in the traditionally Conservative ward of Caversham Heights, with 1343 votes.

One of the last wards to be declared, she came second to Tory winner Isobel Ballsdon (1629 votes), and just three votes ahead of third placed Conservative Paul Carnell on 1340.

She polled 400 votes more than Labour’s last placed candidate, Vikram Duhan, who had 974.

“I’m surprised, and I am also thoroughly delighted,” she said.

“I’m going to give it my all to do the best job I can of being a councillor because I absolutely believe it’s important. I’m honoured to have the opportunity to do it.”

Ms Kitchingham said that on

the doorsteps, she had heard from residents angry with the national government.

“There’s a lot of discontent towards them,” she said. “Obviously, a local election is a way of making a protest vote.

“I think there’s a lot of feeling now that the Labour Party is in for a revival. Things had been getting a bit rocky in the last couple of years, but it’s not going much more smoothly and effectively.

“I regard that as a good endorsement of the Labour Party nationally, as well as the efforts from my fellow candidates and I in Caversham Heights.”

She said this included placing a lot of leaflets through letterboxes, and the hard work had paid off.

But she wasn’t planning to stop and celebrate her success.

“When I left the house to get to the count, I had quite a lot of work to do. I now have a little bit more,” she said. “I will be working on my priorities, and get stuck in.”

THE ELECTORATE’S decision to give Reading’s Labour party an even greater share of the council chamber has been welcomed. The party gained four seats in the local elections, taking them to 32 out of a possible 48.

This year’s poll saw every seat being contested, and the party made big gains.

Council leader Jason Brock said: “It’s amazing to have the vote of confidence from residents right across Reading.

They think that Reading Labour are delivering for them, they think Reading Labour are best for them.

“On the doorstep, it was fundamentally local issues that were coming up.

“In that context, I’m really pleased and humbled that residents have decided to stick with Reading Labour.”

On Caversham Heights, where Labour campaigner Sue Kitchingham snatched a seat from the Conservatives, Cllr Brock said: “It is an extraordinary result and well done to Sue for achieving that.

“I think it shows we’re moving forward against the Tories, and that’s

exactly where we want to be, as a general election is looming in a couple of years.

“We are poised to take both seats – Reading East and West.”

If they did, it would be another scalp as Alok Sharma is now a government minister.

Cllr Brock was sad that former mayor David Stevens wasn’t elected to Kentwood as a Labour councillor after defecting from the Conservatives earlier this year.

“Kentwood is always a great challenge,” Cllr Brock said. “I’m delighted for Glenn Dennis and Mark Keeping, but I am disappointed for David. He’s given years of service to people in this town.

“He’s a relative newcomer to the Labour Party and I hope he’s going to stick around. I’m sure next year, we’ll see him as a candidate somewhere else.”

The change in Reading’s opposition from Conservatives to the Greens is something that Cllr Brock says is a “humiliation” for the blue team.

“Of course, the Greens have been pitching themselves as the party of nimbyism, and as the new Conservatives of East Reading. That’s something we’ve now got to combat, and show that Labour delivers meaningful benefits for

residents right across the town, including in those wards in the east where (the Greens) have moved forward.”

One of the changes caused by the switch in opposition is a different opposition leader in the chamber.

How does he think he’ll get on with Green party leader Cllr Rob White?

Cllr Brock doesn’t mince his words: “Rob White has always been the least collaborative of all the opposition group leaders. It’s a shame and I hope he will change his approach.

“I hope that he will make use of the committee system we have here, which is designed to build collaboration between the parties for the benefit of the residents. If he doesn’t do that, it’s a great shame.”

But for now, Cllr Brock is not focused on party politics but on the job that residents have elected Reading Labour back into office to do.

“Tackling inequality is my day one priority, and we have to get on with it,” he said. “We’ve got to move forward with a programme of work that seeks to help those people in our most deprived neighbourhoods and help open new opportunities for them.

“That’s how we’ll really transform people’s lives here in Reading.”

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 33

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VOTE 2022

Reading Greens delighted at ‘big gains in town and across the country’

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today AFTER making further gains at the local election, the Green Party has cemented themselves as the party of opposition in Reading Borough Council.

With seven seats across three wards, the party is now the second largest in terms of council representation, followed by the Conservative Party with six.

Councillor Rob White said: “It’s amazing that we made big gains in Reading and around the country, “That’s all based on us being out working hard all year round and making a difference, and it’s amazing to see that people have recognised that.”

Cllr White was elected in Park, a Green Party majority seat since 2016, along with cllrs Brenda McGonigle and Josh Williams.

He is the longest standing Green councillor in Reading.

He said: “We’re always out talking to residents, letting them know what we’ve done and what’s going on in the local area.

“Everything, from tackling waste and antisocial behaviour, tackling fuel poverty, and climate change.”

As well as all three seats in Park ward, two were won by Green candidates in Katesgrove.

Cllr Louise Keane, who was elected in Katesgrove, said: “I think national politics has affected the Conservative result.

From left to right: Green Party councillors Kathrynn McCann, Brenda McGonigle, David McElroy, Louise Keane, and Rob White. Picture: Jake Clothier “But we’re not really affected so much by national politics, as our votes are from all our work we do locally, with local campaigns, and that’s how we spread our word and our vote.

“We’re out in all weathers in the community, getting to know everyone, and we’re very grateful to the good people of Katesgrove who put their trust in us.”

The third Green candidate in Katesgrove, Jamie Whitham, lost the final seat to Labour’s Cllr Liam Challenger by a handful of votes.

Cllr White said: “It’s great to have elected all three councillors in Park, and in Redlands we’ve got two, which is great.”

The Green Party also took two further seats in Redlands, again losing out on the third seat by a margin of just 37 votes.

Jamie Whitham was not reelected, with Labour’s Will Cross taking the third seat.

Cllr White said: “It’s a real shame that Jamie wasn’t re-elected because he is hard working, I mean a real community champion, “But Kat McCann was elected,

and Louise got the highest voteshare there.”

Green candidates had a strong showing in a number of wards, including Abbey, where the Green candidate was in fourth place, behind the three Labour candidates.

“It was a really close margin,” said Cllr White, “and you can go back and think what if I did this or that, “But we’ll celebrating our hard work because it’s not just the month of the election, it’s the years before.

“And in the case of Louise Keane who’s been a real hard worker for the community, it’s many years, “It’s been re-assuring to see that she’s working hard and the vote building up to this year’s elections where she was elected.”

Overall, the Green Party now has seven seats in Reading Borough Council, making it the largest opposition party in terms of representation.

Cllr Keane admitted she was surprised to see the results in her ward, saying: “As the results were being counted, it looked like we might have got a seat.

“So coming first was a massive shock– my head’s still spinning a little.”

Cllr White said: “From here, it’s onwards and upwards.

“We’re going to keep working hard, and keep making the difference.”

Conservatives vow to return, and to make make their voice heard. Oh, and their view on Partygate too…

THE LEADER of Reading Conservatives has promised that his party will be back, after it lost its status as official opposition in this year’s local election.

The party lost three seats, including one in Caversham Heights, meaning it now has six seats, one fewer than Reading Greens.

But party leader Clarence Mitchell has promised that the party will carry on representing residents in the council chamber and with their issues.

“It would be foolish to dney that we’re not disappointed with this result,” he told Reading Today. “Of course, you don’t want to lose a third of the group in one go.

“But that said, it’s not the disaster that many commentators were predicting for the party across the country, and we have simply reflected the national trend here in Reading.”

He continued: “Sadly, we are no longer the official opposition on the council, but we will still be holding Labour and the Greens fully to account for all of their actions.

“We will make sure that we still represent everybody who was kind and good enough to vote.”

Cllr Mitchell said that the party would continue to be a “vocal opposition”.

“Under my leadership, I’m

Clarence Mitchell Picture: Phil Creighton determined that we get an even higher profile, even if we don’t have the seats this time,” he said.

“There’s another election for a third of the council next year, there are lots of opportunities to come where we will continue to make the case for lower council tax, better services, and a council that listens to residents rather than ignoring them, particularly over planning applications.

“We’re going to continue to challenge everything to ensure that the endemic congestion, for example, that Reading suffers is eased where possible.”

He added: “(Reading Conservatives) are not going anywhere.

“We are still effectively the voice of opposition, the voice of sensible,

low tax, economically responsible Conservativism in Reading.”

Cllr Mitchell said that Partygate had been “undoubtably a factor” in the change in the national mood, but he wasn’t going to blame that for his party’s fortunes in this election.

“We were finding that many staunch Conservative voters were not going to vote for us this time,” he said.

“Locally, we made the case on the door and people understand (this election was) about local services, and (the Reading party) was not responsible (for Partygate).

“I’m afraid the brand of the party has been damaged by that, and it’s going to take some time to recover.

“Partygate was a factor, but that’s not being offered as an excuse.”

He said Reading Conservatives had been hopeful of getting “a gain or two” in the election, but that wasn’t to be.

“In a ‘normal year’ (where the council was elected in thirds) the party would have been in an even stronger position,” Cllr Mitchell said.

“But we haven’t been wiped out despite what some commentators may claim.”

He promised: “We will continue to work closely with Westminster but, through our MPs locally, and through

our own voice and local government channels, we will make it quite clear that lessons must be learned from this.

“We will fight on to improve representation for Reading as a whole.”

And Cllr Mitchell wanted to thank the thousands of people across the town who had voted for the Conservatives “despite the national mood”.

“Our key message is that we are going to continue to represent everyone who has entrusted us with their support to the best of our abilities,” he promised.

“This Labour-run administration has been in power for too long.

Frankly, in my view, it’s become complacent.

“It doesn’t listen to people’s objections, particularly around planning applications and, on top of that, we will always argue for lower council tax, and we’ll do what we can to assist on the cost of living.

“I’m acutely aware of the problems that many people in Reading and beyond are facing, we are not ignoring that in any shape or form.

“We have a reduced capacity in the council chamber now, but that will not diminish our voice.”

PHIL CREIGHTON

From the Chamber Cllr Jason Brock

Vote is an endorsement for Labour’s vision

L

AST Thursday, people across Reading cast their votes in the local elections.

I am naturally delighted and honoured that residents have again placed their trust in Labour to run Reading Borough Council and elected our candidates in 32 seats.

This includes an unprecedented victory for Labour in the Caversham Heights ward, but I know that the new Cllr Sue Kitchingham will wear her victory with the dignity and humility that befits public service.

Alongside her are lots of new councillors full of energy and ideas – a wonderful and diverse group that reflects our town.

Of course, several of my colleagues were unsuccessful in close contests across the Borough.

I am so very proud of all of them, and they all did a brilliant job of representing their party and their communities. I have no doubt that you will see many of them sat in the Council chamber within the next few years.

The election was an endorsement of Reading Labour’s vision and plans for the town, so it’s now incumbent upon us to deliver it.

We’ve got a lot of work to get on with – 100 commitments in our 2022 Manifesto – and much of it will entail multi-year projects. With many of our flagship investments coming to fruition over the next couple of years, it’s important to focus on the positive human impact that these can have.

From swimming pools and leisure centres to railway stations and cycle lanes to new playgrounds – all these investments will have positive effects on our lives as residents.

Yet we also know that ensuring everyone can access these benefits is key, so tackling economic inequalities is a fundamental priority for me and for Labour.

But elections are also great ways of making sure that we don’t forget the everyday challenges and issues people have.

It can be easy sometimes to get caught up in the glamour (relatively speaking… it is a Council, after all) of big infrastructure at the expense of the frustrations people have with litter and fly tipping, anti-social behaviour, and traffic.

I genuinely enjoy speaking to people across the town and it’s always helpful to be told about the things that the Council could be doing better.

We’ve got schemes to help address some of these day-to-day issues, like free doorstep bulky waste collections and kickstarting youth programmes across Reading, but I know there’s always more to do.

One of the doorstep conversations that sticks in my head was a gentleman in Southcote who felt we could make accessing some services just a bit easier for the older generations. Rather than taking a scattergun approach to this, I’m going to think systematically about it over the coming weeks and see what we can do.

With so many bold plans we will, doubtless, not always get everything right, but I’m always willing to admit that neither I nor Labour have a monopoly on wisdom. One of the virtues of our Council’s committee-based system is that it is more deliberative, discursive, and collegial than the more adversarial executive system in our neighbouring boroughs.

The opposition parties have a useful role in our decision making, and I hope they’ll use it constructively as we in Labour exercise our renewed and decisive mandate to lead Reading forward.

34 | NEWS

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

VOTE 2022

How you voted

Elected candidates are in bold Abbey   

Mohammed Ayub, Labour Party, 861 Simon Bazley, Conservatives, 269 Jim Brennan, Conservatives, 314 Howard Darby, The Green Party, 450 Stephen Goss, Conservatives, 288 Tony Page, Labour Party, 876 Karen Rowland, Labour Party, 936 Christopher Ward, Liberal Democrats, 291 Electorate: 6,396 Total votes cast: 4,285 Turnout: 24% Spoilt: 7

Battle   

Wendy Griffith, Labour Party, 1330 John Grout, Liberal Democrats, 267 Sarah Hacker, Labour Party, 1410 Callum Harling, The Green Party, 422 Michael Hey, Conservatives, 308 Gul Khan , Labour Party, 1180 John Murray, Conservatives, 287 Lizzy Sheppard, Conservatives, 288 Electorate: 7,412 Total votes cast: 5,978 Turnout: 27% Spoilt: 15

Caversham   

Andrew Ballsdon, Conservatives, 895 Ian Binge, Conservatives, 771 Juliet England, Liberal Democrats, 545 Jan Gavin, Labour Party, 1622 Jacopo Lanzoni, Labour Party, 1915 Sally Newman, The Green Party, 873 Saadia Saadat, Conservatives, 704 Matt Yeo, Labour Party, 1793 Electorate: 7,614 Total votes cast: 9,750 Turnout: 43% Spoilt: 14

Caversham Heights    Isobel Ballsdon, Conservatives, 1629 Matt Buckley, Labour Party, 1141 Christopher Burden, Liberal Democrats, 741 Paul Carnell, Conservatives, 1340 Vikram Duhan, Labour Party, 974 Sue Kitchingham, Labour Party, 1343 Dave Luckett, Conservatives, 1283 Danny Mcnamara, The Green Party, 901 Joanna Ramsay, Liberal Democrats, 937 Thomas Weir, Liberal Democrats, 421 Electorate: 7,521 Total votes cast: 11,281 Turnout: 50% Spoilt: 14

Church   

Peter Boardley, Liberal Democrats, 296 Mike Harling, The Green Party, 381 Andrew Hornsby-Smith, Labour Party, 1277 Ruth Mcewan, Labour Party, 1337 James Mugo, Conservatives, 842 Adam Phelps, Conservatives, 755 Alanzo Seville, Conservatives, 663 Paul Richard Woodward, Labour Party, 1156 Electorate: 8,232 Total votes cast: 7,269 Turnout: 29% Spoilt: 3

Coley   

Ellie Emberson, Labour Party, 1529 Paul Gittings, Labour Party, 1335 Isobel Hoskins , The Green Party, 529 David Mcmahon, Conservatives, 509 Mas Shepherd, Conservatives, 457 Benjamin Sims, Liberal Democrats, 403 Grace Taylor, Conservatives, 508 Liz Terry, Labour Party, 1368 Electorate: 7,013 Total votes cast: 7,081 Turnout: 34% Spoilt: 10

Emmer Green   

Mazin Khalid Abdalla, The Green Party, 888 Pieter De Boiserie, Liberal Democrats, 698

Robert Dimmick, Labour Party, 1235 Rachel Jones, Labour Party, 1123 Harry George Kretchmer, Conservatives, 1299 Len Middleton, Labour Party, 858 Clarence Mitchell, Conservatives, 1380 Simon Robinson, Conservatives, 1372 Electorate: 7,595 Total votes cast: 9,596 Turnout: 42% Spoilt: 13

Katesgrove   

Edward Belderbos, Conservatives, 260 Liam Jefferson Challenger, Labour Party, 1025 Doug Cresswell, The Green Party, 1002 Daniel Hughes, Conservatives, 243 Louise Keane, The Green Party, 1177 George Mathew, Labour Party, 789 Margaret Mcneill, Liberal Democrats, 182 Mike Milner, Conservatives, 238 Mamuna Naz, Labour Party, 801 Kate Nikulina, The Green Party, 952 Electorate: 7,632 Total votes cast: 6,960 Turnout: 31% Spoilt: 8

Kentwood   

Jonathan Barker, Liberal Democrats, 316 Glenn Dennis, Labour Party, 1322 Nick Fudge, Conservatives, 1017 Caroline Hearst, The Green Party, 357 Mark Keeping, Labour Party, 1236 Jenny Rynn, Conservatives, 1105 Raj Singh, Conservatives, 1120 Brent Smith, The Green Party, 268 David Bryan Stevens, Labour Party, 1091

Norcot   

Jen Bottom, Trade Unionist And Socialist Coalition, 114 Colette Dennis, Labour Party, 1286 Luke Ellis, Conservatives, 473 Dorothy Gibert, Liberal Democrats, 271 Alan Gulliver, Independent, 180 Graeme Hoskin, Labour Party, 1319 Jo Lovelock, Labour Party, 1390 Zach Okeyo, Conservatives, 422 Suzanne Rowe, Conservatives, 439 Richard Walkem, The Green Party, 419

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NEWS | 35

VOTE 2022

Park   

Sheldon Allen, Labour Party, 1083 Chris Dodson, Liberal Democrats, 120 Andy Gilpin, Labour Party, 982 Niki Haywood, Conservatives, 224 Brenda Mcgonigle, The Green Party, 1607 Nathan O’Brien, Conservatives, 200 Sagar Patel, Conservatives, 195 Rob White, The Green Party, 1736 Josh Williams, The Green Party, 1504 Oliver Williamson, Labour Party, 950

Redlands   

Allison Carnell, Conservatives, 282 Marg Cobb, Labour And Co-Operative Party, 1148 Will Cross, Labour And Co-Operative Party, 1193 Shivraj Hawaldar, Conservatives, 242 Simon Holden, Conservatives, 243 Francis Jakeman, Liberal Democrats, 180 Kathryn McCann, The Green Party, 1308 David McElroy, The Green Party, 1246 Amjad Tarar, Labour And Co-Operative Party, 1057 Jamie Whitham, The Green Party, 1156

Southcote   

Neil Adams, Trade Unionist And Socialist Coalition, 85 Ben Blackmore, Conservatives, 578 Jason Brock, Labour Party, 1424 Debs Edwards, Labour Party, 1569 John Ennis, Labour Party, 1356 Gabriella Kirkby, Conservatives, 651 Riccardo Mancuso-Marcello, Liberal Democrats, 283 Robert Vickers, Conservatives, 609 Sarah Watchman, The Green Party, 408 Electorate 7755 Turn out 32% Total votes cast: 7437 Spolit: 36

Thames   

Adele Barnett-Ward, Labour Party, 1272 Vania Costa-Krol, Liberal Democrats, 294 David Cozens, Conservatives, 466 Richard Davies, Labour Party, 1143 Daisy Parsons, Conservatives, 438 Abdoulaye Sow, Conservatives, 354 Nusrat Sultan, Labour Party, 1027 Anthea West, The Green Party, 507 Electorate: 5,574 Total votes cast: 5,908

Turnout: 35% Spoilt: 17

Tilehurst   

Gabriel Berry-Khan, The Green Party, 272 Casey Byrne, Conservatives, 633 Russell Frain, Conservatives, 586 Sikandar Hayat, Labour Party, 400 James Moore, Liberal Democrats, 1160 Meri O`Connell, Liberal Democrats, 1427 Benjamin Perry-Stone, Labour Party, 410 Malcolm Powers, Labour Party, 406 Anne Thompson, Liberal Democrats, 1129 Sandra Vickers, Conservatives, 634

Whitley   

Femi Afolabi, Conservatives, 450 Nick Brown, Conservatives, 484 Rachel Eden , Labour Party, 1285 Vani Goel , Conservatives, 406 Micky Leng, Labour Party, 1153 Alice Mpofu-Coles, Labour Party, 1087 Kathleen Smith, The Green Party, 300 Ian Westby, Liberal Democrats, 217 Electorate: 7,622 Total votes cast: 5,871 Turnout: 26% Spoilt: 9

The new council: Labour 32, Greens 7, Conservatives 6, Lib Dem 3

36 | BUSINESS

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A business park that is changing

Blandy & Blandy advises M’s Building Supplies on sale A READING-based builders’ merchants utilised the help of a town centre-based law firm during its recent sale.

Blandy & Blandy said that it helped shareholders of M’s Building Supplies during its transaction with Sydenhams Ltd. After running a two-stage competitive process Sydenhams was selected as the preferred party to take over the business, established in 2012, and with an annual turnover of £3million.

The process consisted of 100% share sale of the business and a separate sale of the land and property.

Sydenhams is an independent family-run company with a long tradition of supplying timber and building materials throughout central and southwest England.

The sale of M’s provides Sydenhams the opportunity to develop and expand Blandy’s Corporate partner David Few, assisted by solicitor Emma Ford, advised on the transaction, alongside Commercial Property partner Katja Wigham.

Rob Starr, corporate finance director at UHY, supported by Irfan Topia, corporate finance assistant manager, also advised on the deal.

n For further information or legal advice, please visit www.blandy.co.uk.

‘It’s the largest office leasing deal in the Thames Valley’

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today IT’S DESCRIBED as one of the largest office leasing deals that the Thames Valley will see this year, as a a global company moves into Reading town centre.

M&G Real Estate – part of M&G plc’s £71 billion private and alternative assets division – has signed a 10-year letting with cybersecurity company, Rapid7, to take 22,616 sq ft at 2 Forbury Place.

The company is relocating from its current premises in Theale, and will see it occupy the first floor of the Grade A 192,000 sq ft building in the town’s central business district.

The 14,116 sq ft premises expansion indicates the company’s focus on its workforce by selecting a workspace that benefits from excellent connectivity, exceptional infrastructure, and a vast array of amenities.

Rapid 7 joins a high-quality line up of tenants across the portfolio

NEW HOME: Rapid7 is moving into 2 Forbury Place including KPMG, SSE, PWC and Osborne Clarke.

Completed by M&G Real Estate alongside development partner Bell Hammer in 2017, 2 Forbury Place is one of Reading’s largest office developments.

The company said that it had been built to the highest environmental specifications, and occupiers ahave extensive cycle

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Aaron Pope, director of Asset Management at M&G Real Estate, said: “This significant display of confidence in Forbury Place and the Reading town centre office

market more widely, highlights the continued demand for prime workspaces in the business districts of key urban centres.

“2 Forbury Place is a prime example of why M&G Real Estate continues to develop, reposition and invest in high quality office assets across the UK and Europe’s major towns and cities, to command premium rents from UK and international occupiers which have sustainability and wellbeing at their core.”

And Michael Keimig, senior real estate manager for Rapid7, added: “We are excited to be moving into our new offices at 2 Forbury Place later this year.

“We selected the space because of its great location as well as the many amenities available to our employees, and we are confident Forbury Place will provide the next evolution in our workplace and a great home for our UK-based team.”

Savills acted as advisor to Rapid 7 on this letting.

Shinfield Studios submits plans for temporary extension FILMING demands have prompted a proposal to build an extra film studio at the Thames Valley Science Park, dubbed “Cine Valley”, writes Grant Williams, Local Democracy Reporter.

Shinfield Studios has submitted plans for a temporary building, named Workshop T1.2, for five years as the company requires additional workshop space.

The plans to transform Thames Valley Science Park, which is owned by the University of Reading, into a ‘creative media hub’ for film and TV production were approved in October last year.

While much of the park will be dedicated to scientific research, a substantial portion of it is being dedicated to cinematography at Shinfield Studios, which has been described as a ‘new powerhouse of British film, TV production and innovation’.

If the extension is approved, the site will be up and running this summer after an urgent request for the space from the studio occupier to support its film production – ahead of other buildings.

The proposed new 750 square-metre workshop would be located in the southern area

ACTION: Plans have been submitted for a five year temporary extension

by Shinfield Studios Picture: LDRS of Shinfield Studios, which lies to the south of Cutbush Lane.

Workshop T1.2 would be 30 metres by 25 metres, with a total height of 10.3 metres.

The proposal also includes the provision of 15 car parking spaces on the agricultural field to the south of the site.

Construction of the previously approved plans have already begun, which will eventually see the development of 18 sound stages and seven workshops for film and TV making, five offices to support filming activities, and a central hub.

Four of the stages have now been built and it is hoped that the remaining 14 will be completed in 2024.

Shinfield Studios joint managing director, Nick Smith, said: “We are now well on our

way to creating a world-leading media hub in the heart of Berkshire.

“Alongside the four stages already constructed, we expect another two stages to open at the end of this year, seven in 2023 and the completion of the entire 18 stage facility in 2024.”

Last December, it was confirmed that Disney will be the first clients to use Shinfield Studios once some of the stages are ready for use.

When complete, the hub will have spaces for 1,375 cars, 154 electric vehicle charging points, 64 motorbike spaces and 160 cycle spaces.

Shinfield Studios, part of Blackhall Global Partners, expects the hub to generate around £600m a year for the UK economy and estimates the project will bring more than 3,000 jobs to the area.

37

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ACCOUNTANCY All representations made are open to public inspection.

Representations (which must relate to the Licensing Objectives) must be made by 6th May 2022

Any person wishing to view this application may do so at Reading Borough Council by prior arrangement between the hours of 9am to 5pm please ring 0118 937 3762 to make an appointment or via email to licensing@reading.gov.uk Any person wishing to make representation to this application must do so in writing within 28 days of the application, as detailed above to: Reading Borough Council, Licensing Section, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. 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.

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LEISURETODAY

11.05.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

‘Reading, born and bred’

The Amazon’s Matt Thomson on albums, alcohol, and authenticity

T

HE AMAZONS have just finished supporting Royal Blood on their three-week UK tour, culminating in what lead vocalist Matt Thomson describes as a “gloves off” show.

It is as a result of this show that he confesses he is a little hungover.

“There’s nothing like an arena tour to get you back into what has been a big part of our lives for a couple of years now.”

With their support spot for Royal Blood wrapped, the band is looking down the barrel of a busy festival season, as well it’s own headline tour later in 2022.

Matt explains that the band had taken a step back after their sophomore album, Future Dust, released in March 2019, followed by the two-year hiatus that everybody was put on.

“We were back in the lion’s den, re-igniting old friendships and excited to get back out, and I don’t think we could’ve done it with a better band.

“We feel really, super lucky, this tour has felt like a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Despite the hangover, Matt notes that it’s not all late-nights and partying on the circuit.

Speaking about the pressure on bands to be “rock ‘n’ roll”, he says: “In the past, I would have said that we felt that pressure, but now, not at all.

“For me the priority is keeping my voice well and healthy, and that means sleep, good diet, and not drinking too much.”

In fact, he says, touring can cause a lot of strain.

“It’s actually really anxiety-ridden experience, it’s really full on. “You don’t sleep on the tour bus, not really, so you’re sleep deprived, “But also you just don’t need to go crazy every night.”

That said, he also admits that it’s not entirely sensible either.

“I think Ben, their drummer, did appreciate having someone to share his tequila with.”

The Amazon’s first album, self-titled, hit number eight in the British album charts in 2017, and their second hit number nine.

Now in the process of finalising their third album, due for release in

September, Matt says that the band doesn’t really take the charts into consideration.

“We don’t check them, really, and its just not a big part of it.

“Although it probably will be in September,” he jokes.

He also says the medium of music consumption has created a shift in a band’s outlook as well as the consumer’s.

“It globalises your outlook a bit more,” he said.

“The charts just don’t tell the story of your music in the way that they perhaps used to.

“It’s incredibly important in terms of opportunities for your music to be heard more, which is ultimately what we want to do.

“But I don’t feel that pressure.”

In fact, he feels that putting that kind of consideration out of your mind is easy.

“It’s easy to not think about it when you’re in the flow of writing, where your end goal is getting a great bassline, and perfecting a snare sound.

“That’s how you know you’re onto something good.

“Then after you’ve put it all together, we can play that game, getting the music out, that’s fine.”

With their third album now largely finished, Matt says that his songwriting has continued to develop throughout his work.

“Every album has been different, we’re not really a band that has found a formula, “This album specifically was about nailing the songs before we arranged them, “That means the melody, the lyrics, the title, and it needs to move us or excite us when it’s just a voice and piano.

“If you can’t connect to a song on a really fundamental level, there really isn’t much for us to move on with.”

However, he says the band’s productivity has increased very sharply.

“We used to write twelve songs, because that’s what we needed and had time for.

“For this one, we wrote 35, and we whittled them down to the ones that spoke to us the most, “The ones which told the themes of the album, sonically.”

Matt, along with Chris Alderton, Elliot Briggs, and Joe Emmett, hails from Reading.

“We’re all four of us Reading, born and bred, and proud of it.

“We’d love to play the Rising Sun Arts centre is where we got our first break, and we’d love to play there again.

“Oakford was our local, too, where we’d just hang out, often with Sundara Karma or Palm Honey.

“And you just can’t beat the Purple Turtle.”

And his advice for those looking to leave the sleepy suburbs to become rock ‘n’ roll legends?

“Self promotion and using social apps, Instagram, Tiktok, they are very important.

“But they are trumped absolutely by songwriting, which shoukld be your number one priority.

“Everything else will come, and that’s what’ll make it last.”

The Amazons’ third album, How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me, is due for release on Friday, September 2, and they kick off their headline tour in October.

JAKE CLOTHIER

14 | LEISURE

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Brewery organises a music night in a bar

FORMER BBC New Generation Artists are now performing as the Galliard Ensemble and they are coming to The Concert Hall on Tuesday, May 17 for an evening of music.

The chamber group’s repertoire ranging from Mozart and Beethoven to Berio and Birtwistle, and they comprise Kathryn Thomas, Owen Dennis, Katherine Spencer, Richard Bayliss, and Helen Storey.

Their programme includes McDowall’s Subject to the Weather, Berio’s Opus Number Zoo, Grainger’s Walking Tune, and Patterson’s Westerley Winds.

The concert is preceded by a free talk in the Town hall at 6.30pm.

Tickets cost from £13.50, through to £21.50, under 18s can enjoy the show for £6, and there are discounts for groups. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www. whatsonreading.com

THE LODDON Brewery is taking over The Purple Turtle on Friday for an evening of music with Third Lung.

The event features three bands, The Wave Machine, Bex Ruth and Liam Barnes, all of whom will be on the bill of Loddfest, taking place in September.

This event is a warm-up so people know what to expect.

Liam Barnes performs country Americana, Bex Ruth promises luscious reverb-laden vocals and sonic landscapes, while Brighton-based Wave Machine promises sing-a-long chill classics.

The show is part of Jamma’s monthly residence at the Turtle, and doors open at 7pm.

Tickets cost £10 on the door, or £8 in advance. n For more details, log on to: www.purpleturtlebar.com

Summer sounds in the grounds

WITH THE warmer weather here, thoughts are turning to al fresco experiences, and to help South Hill Park has a new regular event launching.

Live Music on the Terrace does exactly what it says on the tin.

Every Saturday between 3pm and 5pm, there will be some live music on the Terrace of the Bracknell-based arts centre.

Entry is free, and South Hill Park hopes you will buy some food and drink from the Atrium Bar and Restaurant.

Launching the series is Helen The Vintage Singer, perofrming 1940s swing and jive, and some 1950s rock n roll.

On Saturday, May 21, Mike Tuffery will appear, and Abi Powell will be on Saturday, May 28.

The series takes a break for the Jubilee before returning in June. n For more details, call 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk

See it for real

CLASSIC John Carpenter film They Live is coming to Reading’s Biscuit Factory next week as part of its Keep It Cult season.

The 15-rated movie tells the story of Nada, a down-on-his-luck construction worker who comes across a pair of special sunglasses that allow him to see the world as it really is.

And while some of the messages he

discovers are signs such as Submit To Authority, it’s some of the people that he meets that is really eye-opening: they’re actually aliens in charge of a secret campaign to subdue humanity.

The film came out in 1988, and stars Roddy Piper and Meg Foster.

It is shown at the Broad St Mall-based venue on Monday and Friday, May 20.

Tickets cost £7.50, or £6 for under 25s and over 65s. n For more details, log on to: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Edinburgh nights

A SNEAK PEEK at comedians’ planned Edinburgh shows is coming to Norden Farm next week in a double bill of laughter Glenn Moore, who has appeared on Mock The Week, The Stand Up Sketch Show and Rob Delaney’s Stand Up Central, is first up.

Then there’s a set from Jarlath Regan, who is host of the podcast An Irishman Abroad. He’s also appeared on Tonight at the Palladium, Russell Howard’s Good News, and Last Comic Standing.

Tickets cost £12, for the show which takes place on Wednesday, May 18. n For more details, call the box office on

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Cult Figure: Kenneth Williams.

Thurs. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Wonderland. Sat-Sun. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat. Feeling The Beat. Sat. Into Dance. Tues. Chris Batchelor’s Zoetic. Fri 20. Bugsy Malone.

Fri 20-Sat 21. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 20. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat 21. Bracknell Together Walk. Sun 22. Wilde Sundays. Sun 22.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Sun Records. Thurs 12. Youth Wind Orchestra. Fri-Sat. Mark Thomas. Fri 20. Dame Dolly Does Goldilocks. Sat 21.

Upstage Arts. Sat 21-Sun 22.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

01483 440000 Marvels of Mystery. Thurs. Patricia Gets Ready (For a Date With The Man That Used to Hit Her).

Thurs. Stewart Lee: Snowflake/ Tornado. Fri-Sat. Riot Act. Fri-Sat. The Mountaintop.

Tues-Sat 21.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Be Bop A Lula. Thurs. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. An Audience with Anton Du Beke.

Fri. Mania: the ABBA tribute.

Sat. Some Guys Have All The Luck. Sun. The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time.

Tues-Sat 21. Tony Adams. Wed 18. Murder At Goodbottom Manor. Sat 21. Movie Mayhem and Showtime at the Musicals Dinner Dance. Sat 21.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Great Expectations. Fri. The Music

01628 788997, or log on to Norden.farm

Stand-up with Tarot

AN EVENING of stand-up sketch comedies is coming to South Street next week, thanks to the fifth-best reviewed show of Edinburgh Festival 2019.

Tarot was also the number one show on Chortle in the same year.

The show focuses on Tarot, the lovechild of Goose and Gein’s Family Giftshop. By which we mean it’s a drain on our bank accounts and we don’t talk to our parents about it.

The Guardian says the show is ‘bark out loud funny’, which sounds good enough to us.

The show is on Friday, May 20, and tickets cost £16. It is suitable for ages 16 upwards. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www.whatsonreading.com

Splurge time

GET ready to splurge… Bugsy Malone is coming back.

Pupils from Eagle House School have been hard at work rehearsing for this new production of the classic musical.

of George Harrison. Sat. Dance.

Sun. Off The Kerb: Laura Lexx, Marcus Brigstocke. Thurs 19.

Tony Christie: Avenues and Alleyways. Fri 20. The Songs of Leonard Cohen. Sat 21. Best of British TV Comedy. Sun 22.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Outfit (15). Thurs. Northern Ballet’s Merlin. Thurs. Tongues on Fire presents Gandhi and Co (tbc). Fri. Tongues of Fire: Lines (tbc). Fri. Tongues on Fire: The Brittle Thread (tbc). Fri. Tongues on Fire presents: Bring on the Bollywood (tbc). Fri. The Grahams. Fri. Benedetta (18). Sat. Oysland. Sat. Little Mix Live. Sat. Compartment No 6 (15). Tues-Wed. Avalon Edinburgh preview: Glenn Moore and Jarlath Regan. Wed. Maidenhead Drama Festival.

Thurs 19-Sat 21. Alex Garnett and Friends: Gerry Mulligan and the Cool Era. Fri 20. Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted.

(PG). Sat 21.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Rant. Thurs. Young Frankenstein.

Thurs. Jeremy Summerly: The English Hymnal. Thurs. Words Spoken and Sung. Fri. Duo. Fri. The Sheepdrove Recital.

Fri. Young Artists Recital 3: Trio Doyenne. Fri. Masterclass with Tasmin Little. Sat. BBC Symphony Orchestra. Sat. Thus Much I know To Be True. Fri-Sat. Yolanda Brown.

Sat. Yolanda’s Band Jam. Sat. Tredegar Town Band. Sun. Cabaret at Combe. Sun. A Taste of England. Mon. Young Artists Recital 4: Piano Competition WInner. Mon. The Kakatasti Master Drummers. Tues.

Northern Chords. Tues. My Fair Lady. Wed. Voces8 - SOLD OUT. Wed. Young Artists Recital: Deschanel Gordon.

Wed. Oculi Ensemble. Thurs 19. Ballet Central. Thurs 19. Dame Jane Glover: The Genius of Mozart. Thurs 19.

Young Artists Recital: Echea Quartet. Fri 20. The Sixteen

It tells the story of two gangs, in a city populated only by children, who are locked in a Capone-ian rivalry.

Dandy Dan has the upper hand since obtaining the infamous ‘splurge’ gun.

Bugsy Malone becomes the last chance Fat Sam’s hapless gang has of surviving.

All Bugsy really wants to do is spend time with his new love Blousey – but that just isn’t going to happen The musical comedy is performed on Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, at South Hill Park.

Tickets cost £17, or £15 for members. n For more details, call 01344 484123 or log on to www.southhillpark.org.uk

He knows the way to go

TONY CHRISTIE will know the way to Henley once he’s performed a gig at the Kenton Theatre.

He is coming to the town centre venue on Friday, May 20.

The legendary singer needs little introduction: he has recorded albums that have sold in their millions, performed all over the world, and appeared at Glastonbury. at Douai Abbey. Fri 20. Julian Joseph Trio. Fri 20. Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sat 21. Julian Jospeh Jazz Academy. Sat 21. Roll Over Beethoven. Sat 21. Swan Lake.

Sun 22.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Our Man In Havana. Until Sat 21.

Wonky. Sat.

Reading – South St

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Daoiri Farrell. Thurs 12. An Evening With Kristin Hersh.

Fri 13. Poets’ Cafe. Fri 13. Sam Sweeney Band. Sat. Tarot: Cautionary Tales. Fri 20. Heavy Pop presents FEET. Sat 21.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Giovanni Pernice. Thurs. Sainsbury Singers presents Chess. WedSat 21.

Reading – Concert Hall

Such is his pulling power that he’s been performing for five decades, and this show features a range of hits including I Did What I Did For Maria, Walk Like A Panther, Las Vegas, Avenues & Alleyways, and the Number 1 single (Is This The Way To) Amarillo. n Tickets cost £25, and can be ordered by calling the box office between 11am and 3pm Mondays to Saturdays on 01491 525050, or logging on to kentontheatre. co.uk

Nostalgia and laughs

THE FIRST rule of comedy is to listen to Spike from Hi-de-Hi. Well, his alter ego, Jeffrey Holland.

The sitcom legend is teaming up with ‘Allo ‘Allo star Sue Hodge, April Walker from The Two Ronnies and The Navy Lark, Rising Damp’s Judy Buxton, and comedy star Debbie Hudd, to look back at some of the best of British TV Comedy.

The show features Keith ‘Paddington’ Richards on the piano, and the screening of some rare TV Comedy moments.

Add in a question and answer session and you’ve got a hilarious afternoon out.

It takes place at The Kenton Theatre in Henley from 2.30pm on Sunday, May 22.

Tickets cost £22. n They can be ordered by calling the box office between 11am and 3pm Mondays to Saturdays on 01491 525050, or logging on to kentontheatre.co.uk

Get back to the Mill for Beatles night

A MAGICAL MYSTERY ride is promised

by The Mill at Sonning, thanks to a Beatles night.

The greatest band to come out of Merseyside will be paid tribute to in this new show from The Magic of the Beatles.

The bandmates look and sound like John, Paul, George and Ringo, and aim to replicate their cheeky humour too.

The evening will feature a two-course meal before getting down to the serious business of recreating Beatlemania.

Songs performed will include She Loves You, A Hard Day’s Night, Help, I Feel Fine, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Hey Jude, Here Comes The Sun, and Get Back.

It takes place on Sunday, May 22, with the bar opening at 6pm and dinner from 6.15pm, with the show at 8.15pm.

Tickets include the meal and cost £61. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to: millatsonning.com

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Galliard Ensemble. Tues. NEXT SHOW: Dylan Moran: We Got This. Jun 5.

Reading – Progress

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 The Alex Hitchock Quartet.

Fri. NEXT SHOW: Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. June 20-July 2.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Until Jun 5.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until

June 25. The Bourne Again Shadows. Sun. Magic of The Beatles. Sun 22.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 NEXT SHOW: The Best of Queen.

Wed, Jun 8.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Comedy Night. Fri, May 27. NEXT SHOW: Stones In His Pockets.

June 8-18.

Wokingham – Whitty

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: Ali and Ava (15). Thur. Alice In Wonderland. Sun. Wokingham Music Club: Patti Boulaye Aretha and Me. Fri 20.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 The Things We Do For Love. Thurs 17-Sat 21.

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LEISURE | 15

Amateur dramatics ... A tense moment from rehearsals of Chess, the new production from Sainbsury Singers. The group will be performing at The Hexagon next week from Wednesday, May 11 through to Saturday, May 21. Set during the Cold War, the musical uses Chess as a metaphor. Tickets cost £20, £17 for concessions and there are discounts for groups. For more details, log on to www.whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

Progress Theatre’s Catch 22 is a paradoxical delight PROGRESS Theatre continues its slate of 2022 shows, this time with Joseph Heller’s Catch 22, directed by Guy Nicholls.

The play follows the fortunes of John Yossarian, a fighter pilot at an outpost of the US Army, as he navigates the maze of misdirections and mistruths created by his superiors, his doctors, and his fellow soldiers.

As his friends and colleagues die around him, he quickly loses sense of something he doesn’t understand to begin with.

Firstly, the cast works hard to spin the plates of the play’s characters, with nearly 40 of them played by the production’s nine actors.

The principal cast switches between the characters with dizzying speed and ease during the first half of the play.

During the second half, however, the characters start to merge, deliberately mirroring the constantly building confusion the play invokes as well as Yossarian’s own reaction to the events.

Incidentally, Adrian Tang’s portrayal of Yossarian holds the production together, as his embodiment of one of the few seemingly sane characters is believable.

His directorial experience shows too, as he acts with a considered technicality.

Paul Haigh’s portrayal as the chaplain is similarly commendable in its pathos, especially as it is his theatre debut.

Elsewhere in the cast, Jose Tornadijo’s portrayal as both the psychiatrist and Wintergreen give the roles a fresh, confident humour which shines through.

Katie Moreton and Emilia Sammons also bring a comical vibrance to their roles which jumps from the stage, especially when the two finally share a protracted scene together towards the close of the play.

This is particularly true of the Texan, played by Moreton, and Captain Black, played by Sammons, who steal the show in many of their scenes.

The production’s set design does a good job of evoking the mid-1940s aesthetic without being over-dressed or getting in the way.

It also hits the practical beats that the play needs, including the all-important window for Major Major.

Overall, this production encapsulates the pure paradoxes at the heart of the source material.

In fact, it embraces them and knowingly pits them against one another to create a cacophony of contradictions.

Catch 22 ran at Progress Theatre, The Mount, from Tuesday to Saturday, May 2 to May 7.

JAKE CLOTHIER

16 | LEISURE

Victorian songs for charity A FREE concert will help Ukrainian refugees later this month.

The programme features music from the Victorian era, including works by Gilbert and Sullivan, church music, parlour pieces, and tunes from the music hall.

It will be given by Readingbased Gratis Choir at St. Mary the Virgin church, Winnersh.

The event takes place on Saturday, 28 May at 7:30pm.

Entry is free, with a retiring collection for Ukrainian refugees. n For information, visit: gratischoir.org.uk

It’s tea and cake with royal memories AS QUEEN Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee approaches there’s a chance for residents to share memories.

Chat about special times and celebrations over tea, coffee and cake.

Dates include: Monday May 16, 10.30 to noon, Woodley library Monday May 23, 10.30 to noon, Lower Earley library Monday May 30, 2pm to 3.30pm, Wokingham library The events are free. n To find out more, visit: www. wokingham.gov.uk

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Drag returns with an all-out talent show

B

AR77 will once again be hosting Reading’s Got Drag on Saturday, May 21.

The event showcases the diverse drag acts, and this time it’s an all-out talent contest.

Ten performers will demonstrate their fiercest talents, with the top two lipsyncing for the crown.

The winner will take home a cash price, and be given a one-off drag night of their very own at Bar 77.

The evening will be hosted by Big Jay, who says that they prefer to allow performers to choose their own performances.

“I wanted the category to be completely open, setting it as a talent show gives drag performers of all levels the freedom to enjoy their time on stage and show us what they got, “Some drag artists use their drag to showcase other talents, whether that be singing, dancing, comedy, creative arts, “For me, I loved acting when I was a child, and I am rediscovering this through drag.”

Competitors include Mx Mel Anin, Powdered Sugar, and Niph.

Meatgirl will also be performing, combining her classic, vintage aesthetic with uncanny, unhinged humour.

Big Jay said: “The drag competitions I’m aware of are

The multi-BAFTA award winning presenters will be bringing their live show to the Hexagon on September 24. Picture: Steve Ullathorne JOIN IN: Host Big Jay also holds a free drag night at Bar 77 on the second Thursday of the month. Picture: Viola Tucks

quite judgemental and impose their views of drag on the competitors which can limit diversity and original ideas, “I hope my competition is a space for people to be themselves and feel supported– we’re also offering small travel bursaries raised from ticket sales and cash tips, to make it more accessible for competitors from out of town.”

The competition will be judged

by Sera Tonin, Xena Morph, and Ridi Clueless.

There will be performances from guest judges as well as the competitors, and places are still open for participants.

Big Jay said that she hoped shows like this one and her free drag nights every second Thursday would help others to perform.

“There is so much diverse drag talent in Reading that is kind of underground, as there aren’t really spaces for the whole queer community, “Hopefully the shows run by people like myself help to encourage new talent to the surface and highlight that Reading does indeed got drag– young, fresh, funny, original, creative, artistic, weird and wonderful drag.”

If you would like to participate as a performer, contact @ iotaevents on Instagram.

Reading’s Got Drag takes place at Bar 77, downstairs in the Outlook, King’s Road, from 7.30pm on Saturday, May 21. n Tickets are £7, available from www.outsavvy.com.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Back in Da Bungalow CELEBRATING 20 years since their hit show, Dick and Dom are bringing “Da Bungalow” to the stage.

With a new live show, the boys behind Bogies have adapted their 2002 cult TV show into a live performance.

Staples such as two-word tango, musical splatues, pants dance, and bogies have been worked into the interactive experience, which is touring the UK in September.

It will also feature plenty of fairly hairy fizzogs and the now infamous creamy muck muck game.

Dick and Dom in Da Bungalow began on August 31st, 2002, airing on CBBC. The pair have performed together for 25 years, beginning

as links presenters on CBBC in 1996. Since, they’ve completed a sell-out season at Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2018, just a year after a nation-wide theatre tour.

Dick and Dom said: “20 years since those lift doors slid open and we welcomed you to Da Bungalow. It’s going to blow your mind as we take you on a nostalgia fuelled trip to relive the best show ever to be on your telly.

“The most asked question we get is when are you going to bring Da Bungalow back– well, it’s back.”

The presenters have also appeared in Horrid Henry: The Movie, as well as Monty Python’s West End revival of Spamalot. n It will be showing at the Hexagon on Saturday, September 24. www.whatsonreading.com

Reading Rep’s anniversary programme READING Repertory Theatre has laid out its plans to celebrate a decade of theatre, including new works and pricing changes.

In October, it will mark its tenth anniversary with a season of new shows, called Reading Rep: 10.

As well as its new shows, the theatre has announced an overhaul of ticket prices in the approaching season.

It pledges that all tickets will be under £20, with a number of £5 tickets for under 30s for each show.

Paul Stacey, artistic director of Reading Repertory Theatre said of the season: “It has been an extraordinary 10 years of making theatre in Reading, and this upcoming season celebrates every artist, audience and team member who got us to this point.

The theatre has championed accessibility through programs such as ENGAGE, which provides hundreds of hours of free workshops to disadvantaged or underserved communities.

“Accessibility and connection is at the heart of Reading Rep– we refuse to let the price point of our tickets be a barrier for our audiences, especially when the cost of living across the UK is so excruciatingly high.

“Ten percent of all our tickets remain free for those underserved in the arts, and there will be 210 £5 tickets per show

for Under 30s.

“This season promises to radically engage with our future, whilst memorialising our decade long past” The ENGAGE project will be form part of each production in the theatre’s Reading Rep: 10 season, with companion productions and workshops.

The season will begin with Gary McNair’s stage adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Jekyll & Hyde.

It will run alongside ENGAGE’s Stranger Than Fiction, which will explore the real-life inspiration behind the story.

The theatre is also bringing back its sell-out production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, set in Reading, and written

by Beth Flintoff.

The season will continue into 2023 with a queer adaptation of Frank Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler.

It is producing the show association with A Girl Called Stephen, a Reading-based theatre company which promotes work by and for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Hear Our Voice, a workshop which looks at the need for queer spaces in Reading will run alongside it, working with members of the community to create empowering autobiographical pieces.

It will be followed by a musical adaptation of Peter Pan, the first musical production in the

theatre’s new venue.

It will close the season with Helen Eastman’s The Rumble Under the Rug, an interactive workshop which will go on to tour schools and libraries around Reading.

Reading Rep: 10 will also see the theatre present its first full-scale digital project, Reborn in Film, which celebrates the new venue’s first series of productions.

As well as the film, it is also set to host the ENGAGE festival in July 2023, where performances, exhibitions, and workshops will explore the outreach and community work the theatre has done in its first ten years. n Jekyll & Hyde and Stranger Than Fiction will run from, October 10, to October 29 n A Christmas Carol and ENGAGE’s Dear Mr Scrooge will run from November 30, to December 31. n Hedda Gabler and Hear Our Voice will run from February 22, to March 11, 2023. n Peter Pan and Discovering Neverland will run from *April 6, to April 29, 2023. n The Rumble Under the Rug will run from May 31, to June 3, 2023. n Tickets are now on sale for all of the shows in the Reading Rep: 10 season, available at: www. readingrep.com

JAKE CLOTHIER

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

VOLUNME UP: Spriggan Mist

by Andrew Merritt

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday

Rocket Kings – Rendezvous This ukulele pop band are at Wokingham Festival in August and here’s a song with a very sing-along hook from their Everyday Adventure’ album. Check out the video on You Tube - https://www.facebook. com/rocketkings/

W

E LOVE Spriggan Mist, a talented band that holds special events such as its Enchanted Market, as well as performing extensively.

The band has been hard at work on its latest album, and it’s to them that we are putting top of this week’s hit parade. Remember The Day is certainly one to remember - tune in to our free Spotify playlist and find out why.

All songs in the RaW Sounds Today have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstodayand keep dancing.

There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Spriggan Mist – Remember the Day They have just released their album, Isambard the Mechanical Dragon, and it’s their best yet.

The addition to the Spriggan Mist lineup of singer Fay Brotherhood with her dramatic stage presence and powerful vocals has certainly enhanced the band.

The band always go down a storm live as shown at their album launch in Reading and a successful appearance at HRH Prog Festival.

They will be at Wokingham Festival in August.

Remember that day, it will be a good one - https:// www.sprigganmist.com/

In Albion – Burning the Candle at Both Ends

An exciting up-and-coming theatrical prog band who will also be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August. Have a listen to this and their previous single, Earth - https://allmylinks.com/inalbionband

Phantom Booth – The World Outside My Door

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Americana Night with Jack Cade Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Bobby V: The RnB Addictaion Tour.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING - South Street. Daoiri Farrell.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, May 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. OASISesque. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Whitney Houston tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Fleur Stevenson, Stuart Henderson, Nick Hill, Howard King, Mike Goff.

Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ goring-community-jazz-club READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Metal Fridays: Gotlocker, Sore Teeth, Goad, Bring The Onslaught.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Third Lung and Loddfest, powered by Jamma. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents The Alex Hitchcock Sextet. Details: www.jazzinreading.com

Here’s a wonderful single from a new band based in Reading and London who were on the lineup at the recent Reading Rising event at The Facebar - https:// linktr.ee/phantombooth

Bex Ruth – Scratching my Head

OSP – When?

Bex is a singer-songwriter from London who creates electronic soundscapes overlayed with wonderful soulful vocals.

This song is taken from her Serenity album and she will be visiting Reading this Friday to perform at the Third Lung and Loddon Brewery, Loddfest Takeover Show at The Purple Turtle.

The night is being promoted by Jamma and is to showcase three artists appearing at Loddfest in September.

As well as Bex, there will be appearances by Liam Barnes and The Wave Machine - https://linktr.ee/ bexruth

OSP stands for ‘Only Speak Positive’ and they are a four-piece from Reading looking to deliver a powerful message of tolerance and respect. They will be at Readipop on Sunday, July 10 - https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk

Split the Dealer – Dreamstate Split the Dealer is a fave at RaW Sounds.Today and we are looking forward to his headlining show at Reading’s Sub 89 on Friday. To get in the mood for that, here’s a Split the Dealer single from last year - https://linktr.ee/splitthedealer

The Mezz – Yesterday You Said Tomorrow

GIG GUIDE Thursday, May 12

The Mezz is a new indie four-piece band and this single is well worth a listen.

They support Split the Dealer at his Sub 89 Reading show mentioned above.

Watch out for another new single very soon too https://www.themezz.uk/

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Split the Dealer. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING - South Street. An Evening with Kristin Hersh. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Saturday, May 14

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The Silver Searchers..

Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Rock Night with Weird Boyfriend and Redhead. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL - The Bridge, Wokingham Road RG42 1PP. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 862912.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pink Fish.. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Asylum Affair.

Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace.

3pm. Details: 01344 484123.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Sing-a-long-a Nick in aid of DEC Ukraine appeal.

Ticket only. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Reading Fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees: The Highwasters, The Deckchairs, The Echo, The Skavengers, The Skangsters. From 6pm. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Marisa And The Moths, and Metamorphosis. Two Weeks In Nashville. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dean Friedman in concert.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Lord John

Band. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING - South Street. Sam Sweeney Band. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Turn. Details: 0118 957 6930.

THEALE – The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 930 2295.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Horizon. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Soultime. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Tequila Chase. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, May 15

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Sunday Funday Karaoke from 2pm. Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Bourne Again Shadows. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Monday, May 16

READING - Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street. Personal Trainer.

Tuesday, May 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce

Abana. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Thursday, May 19

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Pippa and the Players.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.

Friday, May 20

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Sleep Room with George Alfie Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sugar and Sax, plus I Got Soul: Mix A Lot..

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Chris Batchelor’s Zoetic. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.Tim Kay Band.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. HeavyPop presents Red Snapper with Cities In Dust and The Push DJ. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. London Calling and The Ramonas.

Details: 0118 959 5395.

WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 934 0886.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Patti Boulaye’s Aretha and Me. 7.30pm. £20. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Selina and the Howlin Dogs – Slow Train Blues

Here’s a song from this band’s debut album, Blues Revisited. Following the launch of the album they have been added to the bill at Wokingham Festival https://www.selinaandthehowlindogs.com/

Modesty Blue – Sea of Emotion From the sound of the blues we go to the sound of the 80s with the new single from Modesty Blue.

It’s their second single and is another catchy summer feel pop song - https://www.facebook.com/ modestybluemusic

Saturday, May 21

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Solcura, Fuzz Pills, Static Fires.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. These Certain People. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Lee Aaron Band.

Details: 01344 422622.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace.

3pm. Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road. The Skavengers.

Details: www.cpva.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Never Was. Details: 01344 772161.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Bare Jams.

Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Cafe Iguana, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LN. 2 Step Jam part 2. Details: 07748 257310.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Bob Marley Tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800 READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Church of Madness v DJs Cinderlox and Omega. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. Soul Brothers. Details: 0118 304 3648.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights soul and motown band.

Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Damien A Passmore/ Tom Webber/ Uncle Peanut. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Jason Stretch.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop presents FEET. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Full Flavour.

Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Memories of Wokingham featuring Jamie Trick, Nicole Allan and Dezzie.

Starts at 2pm Tickets £5. Details: 0118 979 7402.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. JJ & The Dukes. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, May 22

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Tamsin Quin, Phil Cooper, Jamie R Hawkins.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Dave Ellis and Boo Howard. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Magic of the Beatles.

Details: 0118 969 8000.

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WHAT’SON

Holding a community event?

Send your listings to events@wokingham.today

Exhibitions

READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Community Voices A series of displays showcasing responses to The MERL’s collections.

Open daily except Monday.

Details: 0118 378 8660.

READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Museum presents: Discover the beauty of Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm.

Free. Details: 0118 378 6990.

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside. A Walk Along The Kennet: Newtown artists showcase the area. Until Monday, May 16.

RREADING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Museum presents Collected: 150 Years of Reading FC. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (Sat 5pm). Free, suggested donation of £5.

Details: 0118 937 3400.

READING – 571 Oxford Road Gallery RG30 1EG. Artists For Ukraine Exhibition.

Until June 30. 11am5pm, Tues-Sun. Details: artistsforukraine.org

Films at Reading Biscuit Factory

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Operation Mincemeat (12a). Thurs. Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG).

Thurs. Casablanca Beats (12a). Thurs. The Northman (15). Thurs.

Keep It Cult: Thelma and Louise (15). Fri. Keep It Cult II: They Live (15). Mon. Royal Ballet Season: Swan Lake. Thurs. Everything Everywhere All At Once.

Fri 20-Sun 22. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Friday, May 13

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8pm.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

TWYFORD - Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10.

Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group presents Ladies Day. £10 and £12.

8pm. Details: twyrusdrama. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, May 14

ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: https://cavershamartstrail. co.uk/ ARBORFIELD – St Eligius Church, Tope Road. Free Dr Bike Surergy. 12.30pm2.30pm.

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair.

10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CHARVIL - Village Hall. Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh presents a brunch in aid of the Karun School in India. 10.15am. £15. Details: 0118 934 2883, or email: iwcrme@ gmail.com FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential.

GORING - Thule Grange RG8 9QH. Open Garden for National Garden Scheme.

Recently developed one acre garden set around country house (not open).

Centred upon a splendid catalpa tree with a rosefilled parterre, wildflower area, yew avenue and richly planted herbaceous borders. 10am-4pm.

Combined admission with Wynders £6, children free.

Cream teas available.

GORING - Wynders RG8 9QA. Open Garden for National Garden Scheme. Grass borders, formal garden, orchard, wildflower meadow, roses, shrub borders, ferns and vegetable plots. Classic cars on display. 10am-4pm.

Combined admission with Thurle Grange £6, children free. Cream teas available.

Details: 07920 712571.

PANGBOURNE - Outside Garlands Organic Shop, Reading Road RG8 7LY. Pangbourne Allotment plant sale. 10am-12.30pm.

Details: 0118 984 5898.

READING - Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square.

Reading Civic Society presents The Rise and Fall of Biscuit Town: Developing and Redeveloping Huntley & Palmers Biscuit Factory 1800-2000, a talk by Joe Doak. 1.30pm. £3. Details: readingcivicsociety.org.uk READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE.

Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm.

Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. 50th anniversary celebrations for Broad St Mall: face painting, balloon modelling, Topsy the mascot, Jelly activity, visit from Sue Ryder and more. 11am2pm. Details: www. broadstreetmall.com READING - Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Reading Children’s Festival from 11am-4pm. Events across the day, including a Mad Hatters Tea Party, theatre workshops and Dr Bike checks. Free. Details: whatsonreading.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair TWYFORD - Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10.

Twyford and Ruscombe Theatre Group presents Ladies Day. £10 and £12.

8pm. Details: twyrusdrama. org.uk WOKINGHAM - Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bon Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews.co.uk WOKINGHAM - St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Reading Phoenix Choir concert for Ukraine. 7.30pm. £15, under 16s £5. Details: www.rpchoir.com/ukraine WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Horticultural Association Trading Store, Ormonde Road, RG41 2RB. Annual Bring and Buy Plant Sale 10.30-12.30. Details www.w-h-a.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, May 15

ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: https://cavershamartstrail. co.uk/ EYE AND DUNSDEN - Village Hall, Dundsen Way. Mack Strrig Quartet present Mack Movements. 4pm.

GORING - Thule Grange RG8 9QH. Open Garden for National Garden Scheme.

Recently developed one acre garden set around country house (not open).

Centred upon a splendid catalpa tree with a rosefilled parterre, wildflower area, yew avenue and richly planted herbaceous borders. 10am-4pm.

Combined admission with Wynders £6, children free.

Cream teas available.

GORING - Wynders RG8 9QA. Open Garden

for National Garden Scheme. Grass borders, formal garden, orchard, wildflower meadow, roses, shrub borders, ferns and vegetable plots. Classic cars on display. 10am-4pm.

Combined admission with Thurle Grange £6, children free. Cream teas available.

Details: 07920 712571.

READING – From Palmer Park. Kidical Mass family bike ride. Meet by Tutu’s, enjoy short, slow ride to Forbury Gardens, with other families, followed by a picnic. 11.30am.

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Reading Hackspace rLab, Unit C1, Weldale Street RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Farmers & Community market. 9am-noon. Details: www.spencerswoodhall. co.uk STREATLEY - St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG8 9HU. Piano recital

by Ikuko Inoguchi: Jean Philip Rameau, Franz Schubert, M. Glinka/M. Balakirev, Noriko Koide and Ludwig van Beethoven.

4pm. £10, £9 concessions.

Cash only. Details: StMarysConcerts@ hotmail.co.uk WOKINGHAM - Wokingham Bowls Club, Reading Road.

Open day. Wear flat shoes and have a go. 10am-2pm.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5.

1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday May 16

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org BINFIELD - Newbold College Church, Popeswood Road, RG42 4AN. The Arts Society Wokingham’s monthly lecture ‘The Life and Works of James McNeill Whistler’ by John Iddon at 7.45pm.

Also live streamed via YouTube. Details www.TheArtsSociey Wokingham.org.uk SOUTHCOTE – Children’s Centre, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Messy Play session for ages 2-5.

Free, booking essential.

Details: 0118 937 2535.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Library, Headley Road RG5 4JA. Tea and chat: Jubilee memories.

Free. 10.30am-noon.

Details: 0118 969 0304.

Tuesday, May 17

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Milk Bar, Merchants Place. Comedy night. 7pm.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm.

Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Ranikhet Children’s Centre, Spey Road RG30 4ED. DiddiDance session for ages 2-5, part of Reading Children’s Festival. 10am.

Free, booking essential.

Details: 0118 937 5221.

TILEHURST – Library, School Lane RG31 5AS. Make a Finger bug. Drop-in craft session. Free entry.

10am-11am. Details: 0118 937 5114.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, May 18 EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. History of Reading Society presents The Black Arts in Reading: The story of our local printing industry.

7.30pm. £2 visitors, members free. Details: historyofreadingsociety@ yahoo.com READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Bumps and Babes for expectant parents and those with babies under 12 months.

1pm-2.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 931 2111.

WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Under 1s messy play. Free. Details: 0118 937 3894.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Coronation Catwalk: a costume presentation with Meridith Towne.

Booking essential. 2pm3.30pm. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, May 19

ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Libraries present Women In Art: new Kids of the Block, a talk by Chris Holley. Free. 2pm-3pm.

To book a place, email libraries@wokingham. gov.uk EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm.

Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Rhyme and Song for under fives. Free.

Details: 0118 937 3894.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Treasure Hunt Judging. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.

Friday, May 20

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for up to 4 years.

Free, booking essential.

10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 908 8176.

READING – Battle Library,

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022 Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm.

Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. DiddiDance session for ages 2-5, part of Reading Children’s Festival. 10am.

Free, booking essential.

Details: 0118 931 2111.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Comedy Night: Mike Simmons, Jos Railf, Calum Ross and Carl Richards.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Brewdog Reading, Castle Street RG1 7SB. Mad Monkey Improv comedy. £5 in advance.

TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Patti Boulaye’s Aretha and Me. 7.30pm. £20. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, May 21

ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: https://cavershamartstrail. co.uk/ EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church, Church Road RG6 1EY. Erleigh Cantors concert: Sacred Music Through the Cenuries.

7pm. £10, £8 students, under 18s free. Details: maggie.nunn@btinternet. com FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential.

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Outdoor cinema and indie party, street food, bar and DJ. £10. Screening of Made of Stone. Details: Gocinemas.co.uk/events READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-

noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Create a Platinum Jubilee Stamp. Free entry, drop-in when library is open.

Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Bar 77 (The Outlook), Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Reading’s Got Drag talent show. 8pm. £7 in advance, £10 on door.

Details: eventsiota@gmail. com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172.

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Reading Minster, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2XH. Reading Symphony Orchestra Children’s Concert. 3pm. £7.50, under 18s free. Details: www.rso. org.uk TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Towards The Arc, a creative workshop by sculptor Nicola Anthony.

9.30am-11.30am, or 12.30pm-2.30pm. Booking essential. Details: 0118 978 1368.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Horticultural Association Trading Store, Ormonde Road, RG41 2RB. Spring Flower Show 1.45-3.30pm.

Details www.w-h-a.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, May 22 ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: https://cavershamartstrail. co.uk/ READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Sunday Alternative: helping. Guest speaker Keegan Neave. 10.30am.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

No. 5413

Your weekly puzzle challenge

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To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, May 11, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

CREATE EMPIRE MAPS

I

7

7. What type of creature is an albacore?

9

N

O R R G E E

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 28 Good; 33 Very Good; 39 Excellent.

EL

OY

RN

EO

OA

PM

FW

LG

NT

IA

NI

SUDOKU Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

8 2 9 5 9 3

1 6 6

2 7 9 5 4

8 4 2 7

6 6 8

6 4 1 5 9 4 2 8 5

9

E I

S D

P

E N

A

3

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

YD

18

15

14

15

18

16

19

20

20 21

23

1

2

DOWN 1. Slander when I appear in person (9) 2. Unusually agile behind the vehicle with tissue (9) 3. Dare to change in bed for this fairground lady (7) 4. Run back before noon in a Belgian town (5) 5. Lakeland town doesn’t involve team in walk (5) 6. Companies merge over a drink (5) 10. Joined together but failed to make a connection (5) 11. Tell Simon about a heavy burden (9) 12. Sustained Oscar in run-up I discarded (9) 15. Persecute reporters after work (7) 18. He takes policeman back in time (5) 19. Settle down to defend and start eating (3,2) 20. Leonard is pursuing the Spanish woman (5)

3

4

5

5

6

7

8 9

10 10

11

12

13 15

17

19 22

24

14

16

18

20

21

23

25

26

27

28

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

1

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

7

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

29

30 31

32 4 6 3 5 8 2 1 9 7

1 4 7 8 2 6 5 3 9

5 8 9 4 3 1 6 7 2

3 2 6 7 5 9 8 1 4

WORD PYRAMID: Cheese and pickle.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; add; divide; multiply.

Total: 12.

SOLUTIONS

14

12

QUICK CROSSWORD

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

6

17

13

ACROSS 3. Steps taken on the granary floor perhaps (4,5) 7 & 8. Return to acting?

(5,1,8) 9. Apple coming from a tree (5) 10. Does it cost him nothing when in town? (7) 13. Eccentric loves to explain the mystery (5) 14. Sidney returns with company from the party (5) 16. Directly opposed to river god (5) 17. Wanted to include beginner who was provoked (7) 21. Just claims audibly they are ceremonial acts (5) 22. Clot requires a new catalogue (9) 23. Perceive the meaning (5) 24. Remarkably she pins on unreality (9)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

8

7 5 1 6 9 4 2 8 3

3

7 9 5 4 2

3

8 9 2 1 7 3 4 6 5

7 1 7 5 9 4 8

9 5 7 1

7

2 7 4 9 1 8 3 5 6

1

9

E

EQUALISER 6 10 10 4 6 2 14 4 6 2 3 2

Hard

6 1 5 3 4 7 9 2 8

Easy

6

24

H

HU

MN

5

11

21

C

OS

UR

4

24

RI

AI

3

22

DP

PE

3

13

FIVE ALIVE GK

2

10

10. Who played The Joker in the 1989 film Batman?

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed C through openings in the walls. The K first letter may appear in any chamber.

E L

2

8

WORD PYRAMID

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

6. What S are the parallel lines on sheet music and the side planks of a barrel?

9. A person with cynophobia has an overwhelming fear of what?

5. The Nepalese philosopher Prince Gautama Siddhartha was better known to the world by what name?

8

1

8. Rafael Nadal’s win at the 2022 Australian Open sealed how many grand slam titles for him?

4. What would you do with a rambutan?

25

11

5

17

25 15

13

4

7 6

21

3 6

25

9 3 8 2 6 5 7 4 1

1

25

18

3 4 5 9 1 2 8 6 7

18

15

6 8 9 7 4 3 5 1 2

3

23

1 7 2 6 5 8 3 4 9

15

4

5 2 8 3 6 4 9 7 1

13

15

7 1 6 8 9 5 4 2 3

3

6

19

9 3 4 2 7 1 6 8 5

15

4 9 1 5 2 6 7 3 8

5

2 5 3 4 8 7 1 9 6

8

8 6 7 1 3 9 2 5 4

16

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5413

CROSS CODE

5413

ACROSS 1. Laughable (7) 5. Throttle (5) 8. Pitch (3) 9. Marsh plant (7) 10. Beneath (5) 11. Entrances (5) 13. Shift (7) 15. Otherwise (4) 17. Death (6) 19. Reddish-brown (6) 22. Sharpen (4) 24. Porch (7)

33

26. Tines (anag.) (5) 29. Ankle bone (5) 30. Stringed instruments (7) 31. --- chi, oriental exercise (3) 32. Tricky (5) 33. Define clearly (7) DOWN 1. Fanatical (5) 2. Fusillade (5) 3. Contusions (7) 4. Moral values (6) 5. Coarse (5)

6.

7.

12.

14.

16.

17.

18.

20.

21.

23.

25.

27.

28.

Decrees (7) Serious (7) Singleton (3) In this place (4) Lascivious (4) Dedicated (7) Patterned with veins (7) Employ (7) Female sheep (3) Scottish dish (6) Offensive (5) Hindu idol (5) Appetising (5)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Risible; 5 Choke; 8 Tar; 9 Bulrush; 10 Under; 11 Doors; 13 Chemise; 15 Else; 17 Demise; 19 Russet; 22 Whet; 24 Veranda; 26 Inset; 29 Talus; 30 Guitars; 31 Tai; 32 Dodgy; 33 Specify.

Down – 1 Rabid; 2 Salvo; 3 Bruises; 4 Ethics; 5 Crude; 6 Ordains; 7 Earnest; 12 One; 14 Here; 16 Lewd; 17 Devoted; 18 Marbled; 20 Utilise; 21 Ewe; 23 Haggis; 25 Nasty; 27 Swami; 28 Tasty.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 In a hi-fi system (they are speakers); 2 Orwell; 3 The Masked Singer; 4 Eat it - it’s a fruit; 5 Buddha; 6 Staves; 7 A fish FIVE ALIVE: of the tuna family; 8 21; 9 Dogs; 10 Jack Nicholson.

(1) Across – Gloop; Amigo; Timid.

Down – Graft; Opium; Proud.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 3 Barn dance; 7 & 8 Stage a comeback; 9 Eater; 10 (2) Across – Keyed; Opals; Nanny.

Y P A N R U S H D W L Z B Freeman; 13 Solve; 14 Disco; 16 Polar; 17 Needled; 21 Rites; 22 Down – Known; Yearn; Dishy.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Coagulate; 23 Sense; 24 Phoniness.

X I T K C V F Q O G M E J Down – 1 Aspersion; 2 Cartilage; 3 Bearded; 4 Namur; 5 Amble; NONAGRAM: ergo; erigeron; erne; erring; fern; 6 Cocoa; 10 Fused; 11 Millstone; 12 Nourished; 15 Oppress; 18 finer; finger; fire; firer; fore; foreign; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Epoch; 19 Dig in; 20 Ellen. cram; ripe; apse; FOREIGNER; forge; forger; free; meet. freeing; freer; fringe; froe; frog; genre; girn; giro; goer; gofer; goner; gore; gorier; green; grief; grin; groin; ignore; ignorer; infer; inro; iron; ironer; noir; nori; ogre; orfe; reef; reefing; refer; refine; refiner; region; reign; rein; rife; rigor; ring; ringer; roger.

28 | LIFE

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Walking Healthy Heart Tip

Heart Research UK

M

AY is National Walking Month, which encourages us to leave the car at home and find ways to incorporate more walking into our days.

Walking a little each day can offer a great benefit to our overall health and wellbeing, including our heart.

It is a low-impact form of exercise so most people can give it a go.

Right now is also the perfect time of year to get outside as the evenings lighten and temperatures start to warm up.

Here are some ideas to help you clock up more steps this May and beyond.

Set a Goal This can really help you make walking a daily habit.

A good example would be aiming to walk for 20 minutes a day, five days a week.

Plan your week every Sunday evening and schedule in you walking times to make sure they happen.

You could even ask a friend to commit to walking with you to help you stay motivated.

Blooming good ideas to save water

Set up Walking Meetings For those of us working from offices, swap your usual desk-based meetings for walking ones. This can be done in person with colleagues, or on the telephone, using headphones.

G

Make it Fun Get the kids involved by going on a scavenger hunt or wildlife spotting walk. You could simply head out with the family and look out for certain colour cars, anything to add an element of fun! n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from: heartresearch.org. uk/heart-research-ukrecipes-2/

10 tips to help during hay fever season ... and beyond

S

PRING is well underway, as the country enjoys some warmer temperatures and brighter, longer days.

But the incoming summer season also brings with it itchy eyes, sneezing and discomfort, all in the form of hay fever.

According to Met Office data, hay fever negatively affects the lives of roughly 10 million people.

Last month, Google searches for ‘hay fever symptoms’ spiked 306%.

But hay fever season isn’t the only trigger for allergies.

Common dust mites, dead skin and even animal fur often result in hay fever-like symptoms. Ivan Ivanov, spokesperson for cleaning company End of Tenancy London, https://www. end-of-tenancy-london.co.uk/, wanted to help eliminate home allergies by offering 10 fantastic and simple cleaning tips to keep your house dust-free.

“We’re now at the beginning of hay fever season, and quite rightly people are getting prepared for their allergies to hit,” he said.

“Although antihistamines and other over-the-counter pharmaceuticals can help alleviate allergy symptoms, the best course of action is to remove any triggers.

“This means tackling dust within your own home first and foremost, and it doesn’t have to be an arduous task. With these tips, it should make your life a lot easier, and help make your spring and summer as allergyfree as possible.”

Get those bed sheets washed Let’s start with the basics. Clean your bed sheets. Microscopic dust mites love to nestle into the fibres

cleaning the floor is warm water with a couple splashes of vinegar, to ease some of the dirt off of the ground. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a clean shiny floor with no dust on.

to charity instead of throwing it out. If you simply can’t live without it, put the items in the attic or the garage.

Air Purifiers are a great investment

If you have light fixtures or blinds that are made of a delicate material, put down the damp cloth or vacuum and instead invest in lint rollers.

Designed primarily for clothing, lint rollers have a sticky outside that lends itself beautifully to removing dust.

Just be cautious not to apply too much pressure to what you’re cleaning or else you run the risk of breaking it.

If you’re someone that prefers tech over toil, a great addition to the home is an air purifier. Using extremely fine filters, they suck in air and cleanse it to remove any allergen particles.

Whilst they aren’t infallible, they are extremely effective at removing dust.

An air purifier is definitely something to consider.

WATCH OUT: Hay fever season is here of the sheets, causing unwanted irritation on the skin. Plus, with the close proximity of the duvet sheet to your mouth, you run the risk of breathing in the dust mites, which is unhygienic and a potential trigger point for allergies.

Wash your sheets and dry them away from the floor.

DIY can help U Dust can build up inside cracks, such as in the walls or in the ceiling. To stop the tide of dust building up and causing irritation, be sure to try and cover up all the cracks inside. Plus, eliminating cracks that lead to the outside also have a positive effect on your energy bills.

Time to re-learn how to dust

Speaking of, time to up that vacuuming regime. Dust falls perfectly into carpet crevices, meaning the only way to avoid dust build-up is to vacuum frequently, with special attention being paid to thick carpets.

Also consider transitioning to hardwood flooring, as it makes spotting dust a whole lot easier.

The most important facet of dusting is having a damp cloth over a dry one. A dry one just disperses dust particles into the air, which unfortunately makes allergies a whole lot worse. A damp cloth collects all the dust with ease.

Don’t bother getting on all fours to reach tight corners and skirting boards, instead use the vacuum’s long attachment, it’ll save you hassle.

Become a Mopping Pro

Let’s get organised

If you do have a hard floor already, then mopping is a super speedy and effective way of lowering the amount of allergy triggers in the home.

A simple and cost-effective way of

Be wary of clutter. Dust LOVES to settle into cracks and crevices, and can build up surprisingly quickly. Declutter your spaces, as a clean home is a clean mind. Consider donating your clutter

Hate vacuuming? Suck it up

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Don’t be blind to the dust

Dust can hide in surprising places

Have you ever noticed how your computer keyboard attracts dust?

Typing removes microscopic amounts of dead skin, and eventually that forms into dust. When typing, all that settled dust comes up again into the air, becoming a potential irritant. To stop this happening, take a cotton bud and run it along the rows and columns of keys carefully, collecting all the buildup.

Make cleaning enjoyable Have fun with it. Cleaning can be a monotonous task, and therefore it can be easy to fall into the trap of doing the minimum work needed. Instead, put music on in the background. Work to a beat to maintain a rhythm. Or, let your mind wander as you listen to a podcast. It can make even the most menial cleaning task a whole lot more enjoyable.

“Combining all these tips should result in a dust-less and healthy home, free from allergy irritants and just in time for the start of the warmer months,” Mr Ivanov said.

ARDENERS are being asked to take action now to adopt money and water saving habits while protecting the environment as they take advantage of the warmer weather in what is traditionally one of the busiest times in the garden.

South East Water, which provides drinking water to 2.2 million customers including Wokingham borough, has some top tips that can easily be applied to keep flowers blooming throughout the summer.

These include installing a water butt as just one can collect 24,000 litres of water from a roof every year – enough to make 160,000 cups of tea or coffee.

Roy Chandler, who owns Gardeners Paradise, in Canterbury, says using coconut coir as a mulch saves money and water because it retains moisture easily and naturally.

“Coir mulch is a natural by-product from the inside of a coconut which in the garden both holds water and drains well keeping plants hydrated,” he explained.

“In addition, it slowly breaks down, adding nutrients back into the soil as compost. Coir also helps control weeds and lasts up to three years.”

Lee Dance, Head of Water Resources at South East Water, said: “National Gardening Week, held earlier this month, highlighted the difference gardens and gardening can make in our daily lives while inspiring the next generation of gardeners to experience the joy of growing and creating green spaces.

“But with the squeeze on household budgets this year there are a number of ways that gardeners can get into the habit of saving water in the garden.

“Saving rainwater is the best way to minimise water use in the garden and to do this water butts can be fixed to every downpipe on the home, shed, greenhouse or garage.”

He added: “Water-retaining crystals can be used to retain water in containers so they do not need watering so often and mulch can be used around plants to prevent evaporation of water.

“Finally, water less frequently as this encourages plants to develop deep root systems. A good soak once every 10 days or so is sufficient for most shrubs.”

n Water saving gadgets along with more tips and hints can be found at southeastwater.co.uk/ watersavingtips

Other tips include: n Install a water butt to collect free rainwater n Lay a holed hose beneath the surface of a

flower bed to drip feed saved water to plant roots n Cut the bottoms off plastic bottles, upend them next to plants and allow gravity to drip feed water into the soil n Mulch flower beds to preserve moisture n Leave grass cuttings on the lawn to conserve moisture n Water early in the morning and late at night to prevent excess evaporation n Plant drought tolerant species of plants n Don’t worry if the lawn goes brown. It will turn green again in the autumn n Use bath water and washing up water in the garden

SPORT TODAY READING

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

11.05.22

FINAL JOY

BRACKNELL TAKE THE TROPHY

CITY PILE ON THE MISERY

BOWEN BOUNCES BACK

EYES ON THE PRIZE

ROYALS RETURN?

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

FORMER READING FC manager Mark Bowen looks to be set for a shock return to the club in an executive role.

According to reports, Bowen is set to leave his managerial role at AFC Wimbledon and return to the Royals, where has previously been manager

and sporting director.

A statement released by AFC Wimbledon said: “Mark will be taking a role at a club much higher up the pyramid which will be formally announced next week.”

The Welshman initially joined the Royals in March 2019 as a technical consultant.

Bowen was tasked in drawing up a list of potential successors to Jose

Gomes after he was dismissed as manager in October.

However, Reading’s owner Mr Dai Yongge asked Bowen to take the post as manager, which he did so.

He helped to guide Reading away from the relegation zone in the 2019/20 season, rising up nine places in the table where they eventually finished in 14th.

He signed a contract extension

until the end of the 2020/21, however the Reading hierarchy opted for a change just two weeks prior to the new season.

Veljko Paunovic was appointed as the new manager in August 2020, with the club asking Bowen to take up his previous role as sporting director.

However, Bowen rejected the offer and departed the club.

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FINCH LOOK TO COMPLETE LEAGUE AND CUP DOUBLE

FINCHAMPSTEAD FC will be hoping to complete a league and cup double when they take on Richings Park this Friday.

Finch face their fellow Thames Valley Premier League side in the final of the BTC Senior Cup. Finch wrapped up the league title at the weekend to make it back-to-back title successes.

They claimed 20 wins, two draws and four defeats from their 26 league matches to finish on 64 points as they held off a valiant challenge from Burghfield.

Meanwhile, Richings Park finished in fifth position on 39 points with 11 wins, six draws and nine defeats to their name.

Finch’s last meeting with Richings cme in February which saw the league champions come out on top with a 4-0 victory with a double from Alex Woodhead and goals from Aqeel Butt and Nick Payne.

However, in their first meeting of the league campaign, it was Richings who emerged as victors with a 2-0 win in October 2021.

The match will take place at the home of Reading FC at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Kick off is at 7pm, entry for adults is £5, concessions £1 and under five’s free.

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18

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Finchampstead retained their TVPL title with victory at Wraysbury Village Pictures: Andrew Batt

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

FINCHAMPSTEAD SEAL TVPL TITLE, TILEHURST PANTHERS SUFFER PENALTY HEARTACHE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD were crowned TVPL champions for a second consecutive season.

Finch ensured they ended their season with a win after they defeated Wraysbury away from home.

Joel Day netted a first-half brace to help his team to a 2-0 victory.

The champions end the season on top with 64 points after 20 wins from 26 matches in what has been an enthralling title battle with Burghfield.

BURGHFIELD finished just

four points behind the leaders after they won on the final day against Richings Park.

The Fielders went two in front thanks to Teoman Atik before goals from James McClellan and Josh Cook sealed a 4-1 win.

READING YMCA ended their campaign with an emphatic win over Maidenhead Town.

Goals from Mark Lemm, Joel Burton, Craig Fitzpatrick and Jamie Froud wrapped up a 4-1 success.

Reading YMCA are in ninth on 31 points but may drop down the table if the teams below them win their game in hand.

READING CITY were edged out in a seven-goal contest at

home to Marlow United.

The Cityzens lost out 4-3 which means they finish in 12th on 24 points.

Thames Valley Women’s League Cup final TILEHURST PANTHERS suffered penalty shootout heartbreak in the final against Badshot Lea. Lydia Vettese scored to put Panthers ahead in the tie, but Badshot replied to take the game to extra-time.

The teams couldn’t be separated throughout 120 minutes which took the game to penalties, with Badshot taking the trophy with a 4-2 shootout success.

Bracknell & District Sunday League Division Two SANDHURST suffered a home defeat at the hands of BRACKNELL ATHLETIC. Sandhurst finish at the foot of the table on 12 points, while Bracknell Athletic finished in fourth on 29 points.

Bracknell & District Sunday Junior Cup Final BRACKNELL SPARTANS ensured they took silverware in an entertaining cup final against WOKINGHAM WANDERERS. Wokingham found

themselves 3-1 in front after an excellent start which included a stunning free-kick from Ryan Keeley.

In the aftermath of a superb penalty save, Wanderers were reduced to 10 players when a defender handled the ball on the line and was sent off.

That inspired an impressive comeback from the division two side who managed to overcome the team two divisions below them in a clinical display that saw them as 6-3 victors.

Supplementary Cup

3M overcame BRACKNELL BISONS in the Supplementary Cup with a 3-1 victory.

WILLIAM TWIGG FC RESERVES progressed over BRACKNELL ATHLETIC RESERVES in a 10-goal game.

Twigg made it through with a 6-4 win.

Reading & District Sunday League Senior Division

FC BAPCO completed a remarkable unbeaten campaign on their way to clinching the title.

They defeated second placed FC SPORTY 2-1 to conclude their season with 58 points, dropping just two points across the whole season.

MORTIMER finished with a 3-2 away win over BURGHFIELD.

SPORT | 19

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YOUTH FOOTBALL

FC BRACKNELL ENJOY FOOTBALL FUN AT BINFIELD FC

By Staff Writer sport@wokingham.today FC BRACKNELL U06’s and U07’s celebrated a weekend of success at Binfield FC’s youth football tournament.

FC Bracknell display their medals and trophies

Binfield FC FC Bracknell at Binfield FC’s tournament

FC Bracknell with their medals

The Blues U7’s won the tournament and went on to collect the winning trophy and medals after an outstanding performance.

Player of the tournament went to Oscar Hewett who helped contribute to a fantastic team display.

FC Bracknell U12’s also competed at the tournament and did themselves proud with their performances.

Coaches, parents and players of the FC Bracknell U7 blues were all super proud of their team’s achievement having scooped the trophy for best in group for their top performance at the Binfield FC tournament.

FC Bracknell’s U7’s coach said: “With some superb defending and attacking alike, along with several clean sheets, the team played their hearts out from start to finish with nothing but passion for the sport.

“We would like to thank Binfield FC for the warm welcome and fantastically organised morning.”

CRICKET

PRIMARY SCHOOLS TURN OUT FOR SOME FUN IN THE SUN

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today MORE than 70 youngsters enjoyed some fun in the sun as they took part in Peppard Stoke Row’s first primary schools Kwik Cricket competition for Years Four and Five on Wednesday.

Emmer Green, Caversham primary and Thameside all provided two teams for the afternoon, while one each came from Woodcote and Pangbourne.

The sides all played four matches at Peppard Common, with Woodcote eventually crowned the inaugural champions on a day when enjoyment was the number one aim.

The club’s first-team wicketkeeper Michael Chard, who runs MNR Coaching, led the organisation and

Emmer Green’s two sides up against each other

The young Pangbourne side

running of the event and said: “It was a fabulous day, and we expertly evaded the flash floods by around 10 minutes.

“Well done to everyone who made the day so enjoyable, but especially The Oratory School young helpers who controlled the matches by scoring and

umpiring, Priya Sukul and Nichola Watts for sorting the refreshments, and Director of Junior cricket, Adam Lotery, for his support.

“Rachel Homer (sports co-ordinator at Caversham Primary) also did a wonderful job using her cluster network to ensure we had eight teams.

“However, the most important people were the players and there was some fabulous cricket on show.

“My thanks to all the teachers who brought their pupils along.

“It was brilliant to see so much action and hopefully the kids will continue to play

cricket as they get older.”

Peppard Stoke Row CC runs junior cricket from Under 6s to U19s, including for girls.

n If you would like to get involved, please contact Nichola Watts on 07880 743 112 or via email at nichola2watts@yahoo. co.uk

20 | SPORT

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FINAL DAY DEFEAT AS CITY WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

How they rated

READING 0 MAN CITY 4 GRACE MOLONEY

Pulled off some decent stops. Will be disappointed to have been beaten on near post for first goal, but couldn’t have done much with the others.

FAYE BRYSON

Had a difficult afternoon due to City’s potent threat. Caught out very early on which could have led to a goal for Hemp.

DEANNA COOPER

Kept Reading organised for the opening half-hour alongside her centre-back partner, but wasn’t able to stop City from scoring four.

GEMMA EVANS

Found it hard to cope with Shaw at times as she caused the defence problems all game.

LILY WOODHAM

Tried to help out getting forward in the first-half but was pushed back as City threatened and went on to win the game comfortably.

TASH HARDING

Her final ever appearance for the Royals. Battled hard and tracked back effectively on a few occasions as City threatened constantly

JUSTINE VANHAEVERMAET Struggled in the middle as City had the ball for long spells as she tried to provide protection for her defence.

RACHEL ROWE

Played some nice passes in behind. Bright in the first half and found Rose with an excellent through ball that led to a big chance.

AMALIE EIKELAND

Worked hard as usual and was required to do plenty of defending with the lethal attacking threat of City.

NATASHA DOWIE

Didn’t have too many opportunities in front of goal. Almost got on the end of a couple of crosses from Rose.

DEANNE ROSE

A bright spark throughout the game. Expressed her pace and creativity on numerous occasions to pose a threat to City’s defence.

6 4 5 5 5 5 4 7 5 5 8

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC Women’s winless streak continued as their Women’s Super League campaign finished with a loss to Manchester City.

The Royals ended the season in disappointing style that has seen them not pick up a league win since February.

Kelly Chambers’ team finish the season in eighth in the WSL on 25 points.

Chambers made one change from their goalless draw at Leicester City as club captain Natasha Harding came into the side to make her final appearance for the club.

City started strongly and got down the left after Alex Greenwood found Lauren Hemp in acres of space down the left before her ball across the face of goal was cut out

by Deanna Cooper.

The first shot on target from the visitors came in the ninth minute when Grace Moloneygot down low to push away Georgia Stanway’s strike.

Gareth Taylor’s side worked the ball around neatly in the opening stages but Reading’s organised shape managed to keep them at bay.

The Royals attempted to hurt City on the counter attack and almost did so when Deanne Rose accelerated down the line and tried to find her strike partner Natasha Dow in the middle, but the defence managed to clear.

Reading were beginning to get more joy going forward as the pace of Rose continued to pose problems for the visitors.

The Canadian international had a big chance when she got through on goal after a superb pass from Rachel Rowe, but she smacked her shot into

Brooke Chaplen is presented with a shirt by manager Kelly Chambers Rachel Rowe commands the midfield for Reading

Amalie Eikeland is fouled

Match stats Chaplen receives a guard of honour

Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Cooper, Evans, Woodham, Harding, Rowe, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland, Rose, Dowie Subs: Stewart, Peplow, Roberts, Primmer, Poulter, Troelsgaard Man City: Roebuck, Bronze, Kennedy, Greenwood, Blakstad, Walsh, Stanway, Weir, Kelly, Shaw, Hemp Subs: Coombs, Mace, Keating, Raso, Losada, Angeldahl, Benameur

White,

Goals: Hemp 33’, Shaw 40’, White 85, Greenwood 90+1’ (pen)

the side netting.

Just moments after that chance for Reading, they were punished by City who opened the scoring with 33 minutes on the clock.

A ball dinked into the box was met by Hemp who brought it under control and slammed the ball past Moloney.

Caroline Weir went close with a low driving effort that whistled past the post.

Weir’s excellent work down the left paid off as she managed to keep the ball in play and find Khadija Shaw in the middle who applied the

Reading are beaten on the final d finishing touch to double the lead.

Reading’s bright spark throughout the half, Rose, almost grabbed a goal at the end of the half when she showed brilliant trickery to breeze past Alex Greenwood but she couldn’t keep her shot on target.

Rose continued to shine in the second-half when she got down the left and lifted a cross in the direction of Dowie who tried to connect with a diving header but couldn’t quite reach it.

Kelly came agonisingly close to claiming a third for City when Moloney rescued her side by pushing away the looping effort.

REACTION

CHAMBERS PLEASED WITH ‘PERFORMANCE TO BE PROUD OF’ THE Royals concluded their Women’s Super League campaign on Sunday as they finished in eighth position.

Manager Kelly Chambers said was pleased with her team’s performance against City despite the 4-0 loss.

“Performance was excellent.

I don’t think it was a 4-0 game, I think if I look back at every single goal there were costly individual errors,” said Chambers.

“I said to the girls at the end, we put in a performance we can be proud of, but when you make those errors against top sides like this they will get punished.

“There were two spells of five minutes where we let our standards drop, and when you switch off slightly when you’re up against the likes of Hemp, Kelly, White, they have that killer instinct to wrap up the game.

“We had two golden opportunities in the first half, and then again in the second half, we had some crosses into the box that we just didn’t get on the end of.

“We showed glimpses, glimpses of in terms of being able to score against sides like this and when you work that hard, we got to be able to capitalise, we’ve got to be ruthless.”

Chambers reflected on what has been a turbulent season for the Royals, with some excellent form followed by a disappointing end to the campaign.

She continued: “For me it’s been a season of two halves. Starting with a squad that had eight to 10 changes in one transfer window.

“So, what I’m excited about next season is there’s a big

foundation of this squad that stay for next season. And we’ve laid that foundation now and it’s for us, it’s kind of what’s next.

“We need to look towards next season and go right, this is us, how do we progress moving forward?

“That’s what excites me.

“We haven’t got big turnovers and we’ve got a solid squad already, and if we can add a few to that we could be a little bit stronger.”

SPORT | 21

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PROVE TO BE TOO STRONG Reading fans in attendance

CHAPLEN MAKES EMOTIONAL GOODBYE BROOKE Chaplen shared an emotional farewell at the Select Car Leasing Stadium after she was forced into retirement.

Rose holds off Greenwood Woodham stands over a free-kick Rowe looks to find a teammate

day by Manchester City Pictures: Neil Graham

Gemma Evans picks a pass

Sanne Troeslgaard came on to replace Justine Vanhaevermaet for the final 15 minutes of the contest.

A double switch came with less than 10 minutes to go as Chloe Peplow and Tia Primmer took the place of Amalie Eikeland and Rowe.

City controlled proceedings throughout the second-half and added a third goal in the 85th minute when Ellen White was left unmarked in the middle from a corner and she nodded the ball into the bottom corner as the away team confirmed their Champions League qualification with a third placed finish.

Greenwood added more gloss to the scoreline when she netted in the 90th minute from the penalty spot.

Reading finish the season in eighth position after a miserable second-half to their league campaign.

Harding on her final appearance

The Royals 2021/22 squad

Chaplen was given a guard of honour by both sets of players prior to Reading’s final Women’s Super League game of the season against Manchester City.

The Royals midfielder announced in April that she would be calling time on her career after being advised by healthcare professionals to stop playing football after she received treatment for a bone tumour.

Chaplen, who spent five seasons with Reading, was presented with a commemorative shirt prior to kick-off and given a send-off by her teammates, staff and fans.

“It’s overwhelming,” said Chaplen.

“Obviously it’s a very emotional time and I was desperately trying not to cry as I walked in between everyone, but the support that I’ve had from everyone has been incredible.

“It’s been a really tough six months, just to share that moment with my family, friends, and even some players from City.

“It was a lovely way to say goodbye.

“Obviously it’s not an ideal situation. With my age, I’ve done other things outside of football which I think makes that transition a lot easier.

“I’m very grateful the tumour was found and I was able to get treatment, sometimes you just look for the positives in these really difficult situations.

“And as sad as it is, there’s other things in life that are really important to me, and I’m lucky to have those as well.

“I’ve recovered well from the surgery so it’s a case of focusing on the original injury before Christmas which is still causing me some problems.

“It’s not great, but I’m healthy and able to do most things and now is the time to focus on getting strong again, doing my rehab and seeing a few surgeons to see what the best thing for me is going forward.

“What happens next? I’m not sure. But in the immediate future I’m going to take some time this summer to see my family, now I don’t have football on the weekends. So we can go out, go on holiday, just spend more time with the people closest to me.

“Then hopefully one day you’ll see me around women’s football in the future.”

YOUTH FOOTBALL

YOUNG ROYALS ARE BERKS & BUCKS SENIOR CUP CHAMPIONS READING U23 4 ASCOT UNITED 0

READING FC UNDER 23’s were crowned as Berks & Bucks Senior Cup champions with victory over Ascot United.

The young Royals side took the lead in the 15th minute when

Ajani Giscombe found the net from outside the box.

They doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark when a well-worked move was finished off by Nahum Melvin-Lambert who nodded home from 10 yards out.

Reading established a three-goal lead before the break when Imari

Samuels put Noel Hunt’s team in control of the contest with an excellent finish that smacked the post before finding the back of the net.

The Royals added a fourth of the afternoon at Arbor Park deep into stoppage time when Lambert found is second of the game

READING: Andresson, Sackey, Samuels, Craig, Holzman, Ashcroft, Giscombe, Leavy (c), Camara, Bristow, Melvin-Lambert Subs: Norcroft, Abbey, Scott, Okine-Peters, Ehibhatiomhan ASCOT UNITED: Gray, Lock, Masters, Merrick, Bouwers (c), Bailey, McCormack, Scott, Morgan, Surpanu, Ellis Goals: Giscombe 15’, Melvin-Lambert 29’, 90+4’, Samuels 38’

Brooke Chaplen

22 | SPORT

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How they rated

KEEPER HOWLER COSTS ROYALS LUTON TOWN 1 READING 0

ORJAN NYLAND

Complete lack of awareness for the bizarre goal as he rolled ball out and was robbed by Cornick. Made a tremendous save in second-half.

TERELL THOMAS

Just his second appearance for the club. Solid enough performance without being anything too special.

TOM HOLMES

Almost caught out in the opening 30 seconds when Cameron Jerome broke free. Struggled up against the striker for much of the game.

MICHAEL MORRISON

Had two half-chances fall for him in the box in the second-half, the second of which was brilliantly blocked by Bradley.

BABA RAHMAN

Wayward with his crosses when he did have a chance to get forward.

TOM MCINTYRE

Pushed into midfield in absence of Danny Drinkwater. A relatively quiet game given his recent scoring exploits. Better in the second half.

JOSH LAURENT

Robbed of possession just 30 seconds in, that should have led to a Luton goal. Better in the second half, created a few decent chances.

OVIE EJAIRA

Deployed in the middle and looked much more comfortable than on the wing. Allowed him to get on the ball and create which he did.

JUNIOR HOILETT

Threw in some crosses but to no prevail before he was subbed off in the second-half.

YAKOU MEITE

A rare start for the Ivorian but he failed to make much of an impact and was subbed off for Rashawn Scott to make his debut in the second-half.

LUCAS JOAO

One of those games for him where he had absolutely no service but didn’t do enough to create anything for himself.

SUBS Rashawn Scott, Tom Dele-Bashiru

4 5 4 5 4 5 5 7 5 5 4

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC’s championship campaign concluded with defeat as Luton Town confirmed their place in the play-offs.

The only goal of the game, in first-half stoppage time, came in strange circumstances when goalkeeper Orjan Nyland rolled the ball out only to have the ball stolen

by Harry Cornick who tapped it into the empty net with the keeper unaware of his presence.

The Royals finish the season in 21st in what could be interim manager Paul Ince’s final game in charge, as he is set to decide his future at the club.

Tom Holmes returned to the Reading line-up, while Danny Drinkwater dropped out with injury which saw Tom McIntyre pushed into midfield. There was a start for Yakou Meite as Tom Ince and top scorer John Swift missed out with injuries.

With the hosts pushing to confirm their place in the play-offs, they came out of the traps in search of an early goal.

Defensive issues have plagued the Royals all season and should have been behind inside 30 seconds when Josh Laurent had his pocket picked in the middle.

That led to Cameron Jerome being played in on goal on the left, but Royals keeper Orjan Nyland got down low to make a vital save as the forward tried to place the ball in the bottom corner.

It was all Luton in the opening 15 minutes which kept Nyland busy in between the sticks.

Jerome nodded the ball down for

Baba Rahman hooks the ball away

Rahman shields the ball

Players applaud the sold out away

Match stats Luton Town: Ingram, Burke, Bradley, Naismith, Bree, Lansbury, Campbell, Bell, Clark, Cornick, Jerome Subs: Lockyer, Snodgrass, Hylton, Muskwe, Isted, Potts, Mendes-Gomes Reading: Nyland, Thomas, Morrison (c), Holmes, Rahman, McIntyre, Laurent, Ejaria, Hoilett, Meite, Joao Subs: Southwood, Abrefa, Abbey, Tetek, DeleBashiru, Scott, Ehibhationham Goals: Cornick 45+1’

Thomas and Joao compete for the ball Allan Campbell who took a swipe on the half volley just outside the box but blazed his effort high over the target.

The early chances kept coming for the Hatters when Campbell drifted away from Tom Holmes at the back post only to have his header comfortably caught by Nyland.

A dangerous free-kick from Luton saw Sonny Bradley find space at the back post as Nyland was called into action once again to stop

The Royals’ season ends in defea his goalbound header.

Reading’s first promising venture forward saw Ovie Ejaria work his way into the box and he blasted a shot towards goal on his left foot that was parried out by Matt Ingram.

Luton had a golden chance to test Nyland when they were awarded a free-kick from 20 yards, but James Bree hit a harmless attempt wide of the post.

Baba Rahman was the first player to go into the referee’s

REACTION

PAUL INCE: ‘IT’S A MASSIVE JOB’ SAYS BOSS ON HIS FUTURE READING FC interim manager Paul Ince has admitted that taking on the Royals role full-time would be a ‘massive job’.

Having suffered three consecutive defeats to end the championship season, Ince is set to decide his future at the club in the coming days.

“It’s a massive job. It’s a good job because it’s a challenge.” said Ince.

“I always like a challenge. The structure needs to change and that’s something we’re looking to change in some departments.

“There is a long way to go.

Whoever is in charge, the aim next season is to stay in this league and then start building.

“We’ve got an owner who wants to be successful.

“He’s someone who is ambitious and wants to take this club forward.”

The Royals boss reflected on his time at the club and reiterated his delight to keep the team in the Championship.

He continued: “I still wanted to win today so that disappoints me.

“The relationship I’ve had with the fans, the players, it’s been great.

“Not just me but Alex Rae has been unbelievable with the help of Gilksey (Michael Gilkes) and Ledge (Mikele Liegertwood) to have a turnaround in a short space of time.

“The lads have given me everything.

“My focus has been on the game today but I will sit down tonight, put my feet up and have a breather

for a day and reassess it and then go from there.

“Our fans sold out today and they were magnificent so we wanted to get some points on the board for them.

“In the secondhalf we had a right go and hopefully they can see the signs of what we are trying to do.

“That’s all the fans want them to do is put in a shift and work hard.

“That’s what Luton have here.

That’s how they’ve done so well

and credit to them.

“Credit to Luton and Nathan Jones , no-one would have envisaged what he’s done with the team he’s got.

But from my point of view, I thought in the second half we were immense.

“Ovie Ejaria was unbelievable, unreal - we just missed chances. I’m glad the fans came to see it, they gave us applause after the game which means so much to me and the players and hopefully we come back in a positive mood next season.”

SPORT | 23

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FROM THE MIDDLE

AS SEASON ENDS IN MISERY

Dick Sawdon-Smith Orjan Nyland clutches the ball

A unique occasion

R Michael Morrison wins a duel Tom McIntyre

Ovie Ejaria tricks his marker Morrison holds off Cameron Jerome

at at Kenilworth Road against Luton Town Pictures: Steve Smyth

Lucas Joao is held back

notebook after he tripped Campbell’s attempt at starting an attack on the halfway line.

It looked as if Reading would get into half-time unscaved, but Luton opened the scoring in stoppage time with the most bizarre of goals.

Nyland rolled the ball out in front of him, not knowing that Luton’s Harry Cornick was lurking behind him and he snatched the ball and tapped it into the empty net to put his team in front going into the break.

Reading’s Championship survival saw them set a new record as the team with the lowest ever points total to avoid relegation after Cornick takes advantage to score

finishing in 21st with 41 points.

Luton came out all guns blazing in search of doubling their advantage and came a fraction away from doing so when Jerome cut inside in the box, unleashed a fierce effort on goal that was magnificently tipped onto the crossbar by Nyland.

The Royals created their first chance of the half in the 62nd minute when Josh Laurent’s floated cross was met by Michael Morrison who tried to squeeze it in at the far post but was denied by Ingram.

Another chance dropped for Morrison following a corner but Brafdley got his body in the way to block his powerful strike.

Paul Ince’s first change came in the 74th minute as Meite was replaced by 18-year-old winger Rashawn Scott for his first-team debut.

With little over 10 minutes to play, Tom Dele-Bashiru took the place of Junior Hoilett.

Lucas Joao should have made more of a chance in the 87th minute when Laurent drove into the box and cut the ball back for the forward, but he lost control after trying to spin away from his marker.

But the visitors were unable to grab a leveller as their season ended with three consecutive defeats.

CRICKET

WOKINGHAM AND WEST READING PICK UP OPENING WINS Home Counties Premier 1

WOKINGHAM fell to defeat in their league season opener against Datchet.

The hosts batted excellently to tot up 322 runs from 50 overs, dropping just four wickets.

The Oaks put up a valiant fight, including 79 from batting opener Michael Cowdell but they were eventually all out on 297.

Wokingham picked up seven points despite the loss.

FINCHAMPSTEAD opened their league season with a one wicket win over Slough.

Ollie Thilo collected three

wickets as Slough finished on 185.

A top score of 45 from Zac Leonard helped Finch on their way to victory as they surpassed the target set with just one ball and one wicket to spare.

BCM Championship

WEST READING claimed a 38-run victory at home to Ballinger Waggoners.

Hafeez Ul-Wahab hit 35 from 34 to help West Reading collect 181 runs before they were all out.

But they consolidated a comfortable win after Inshaf Akram picked up three wickets to bowl

their opponents out on 143.

SHINFIELD lost out in away defeat to Holmer Green.

Three wickets each from Anuraag Shukla and Muhammed Hafeez couldn’t prevent a two wicket loss for Shinfield.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD fell to a 68-run loss to Penn & Tylers Green.

Sinith Chandran got three wickets, while Daniel Cartledge scored 38 for the Crows, but they lost out.

CMB Premiership

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD

picked up eight points despite losing to Cadmore End. An incredible innings of 183 from Cadmore’s Adnan Ahmed saw them to 280 runs. The Bears had some decent scores of their own as Andy Lazenbury scored 38, but they fell 70 runs short.

Chilterns Division 2

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s were defeated on their travels to Fulmer.

Simon Humphrey scored 52 with the bat for the Bears but they lost by 139 runs.

EADING FC Women took part in what was a unique occasion in English professional football.

In Reading’s Women’s Super League match against Chelsea, the referee, Emily Heaslip, was wearing a microphone.

Now I’m sure you will say that referees in top football competitions are always mic’d up these days, but of course the referees comments can only be heard by the assistant referees, the fourth official and the VAR where these are installed.

The difference on this occasion is that thanks to Sky Sports, anyone could tune in and listen to what the referee was saying and the replies of her assistants.

As a referee I find many of Emily’s comments interesting. If we start when she gave a penalty, no histrionics she just pointed at the spot and then when one player was aligning the ball, she asked ‘You taking it?’.

Why is that important?

The Law says that the kicker must be clearly identified.

This is to prevent another player sneaking in and taking the kick before the goalkeeper is ready.

Emily then told the kicker, ‘wait for my whistle please’. Two points here.

The law says the kick must be taken after the referee has given a signal, the whistle being the obvious choice.

This gives the referee time to make sure everybody is in the right place for the kick. The other word I liked was ‘please’. and when the players reacted to her request ‘feet out’ (of the penalty area} she said ‘thank you. I’ve always believed that referees should be polite.

Emily spoke to the goalkeeper, reminding her how she should stand and pointing out that her assistant would be watching her, which is the assistant referee’s job at penalty kicks.

I was particularly intrigued by the way Emily and her team used their intercom for offside.

Offside is difficult because the decision has to be made the moment the ball is kicked, so Emily would shout ‘now’ when the pass was made and her assistants replied with ‘onside’ or ‘waiting-flagging’.

Rugby followers will tell us that their game introduced this many years ago, spectators could listen in for an extra fee.

Why has it not been introduced into football’s Premier League?

The story is that because the players could also be heard when speaking to the referee, their language was considered too expletive for spectators.

Emily and her team suffered no such problem.

24 | SPORT

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RUGBY

BERKSHIRE SET UP EPIC VICTORY

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

It was one of the home club’s own players, wing Alex Manhardt, who opened the scoring, but the Londoners hit back strongly and took a commanding 21-5 lead into the interval thanks to converted tries from James Smith, Iwan Humphrey and Angus Brown, Joe Carolan on target with the boot.

Yet Berkshire got back into the game with two more Rams stars doing the damage, fly-half Steffan James firstly adding the extras to his own score, before No. 8 Ross Crame went over in Clubhouse Corner following good work from the forwards.

The home side hit the front as replacement Tom Williams and Newbury centre Dan Thorne crossed the whitewash.

Leading 27-21 with the clock running down, Berkshire sealed the deal as firstly Jordan Souter touched down before Will Janes became the fourth Rams man to score on their home ground.

Berkshire next travel to Sussex on Saturday, May 21.

Thames Valley Division 2B

BINFIELD got the better of READING in the opening match of the season.

Reading scored 233 with a century from Luke Beaven, while Theo Penn bowled exceptionally for Binfield to take 6-41.

64 from Dan Humphrey and 54 from Tom Andrews saw them take a three-wicket win.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s got off to winning ways up against

Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 4-1 Richings Park Reading City U23’s 3-4 Marlow United Reading YMCA 4-1 Maidenhead Town Wraysbury 0-2 Finchampstead

Berkshire touch down for a try

CRICKET Home Counties Premier 1 Datchet (322-4) beat Wokingham (297 all out) BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood (143 all out) lost to Penn & Tylers Green (211 all out) Holmer Green (193-8) beat Shinfield (192 all out) West Reading (181 all out) beat Ballinger Waggoners (143 all out)

Berkshire v Middlesex Pictures: Paul Clark In the Gill Burns Women’s County Championship, Charlotte Faux and Annabel Hawkins were among the Berkshire try-scorers as they hung on to beat Kent 22-15 at Reading on Sunday.

The home side marched into a 17-0 half-time lead, but despite moving further ahead early in the second period, they were forced to hold on as their visitors rallied as the game went on.

Berkshire welcome Sussex to Maidenhead next Sunday.

CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood (210 all out) lost to Cadmore End (280-5) Chilterns Division 2 Fulmer (326-9) beat Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (187 all out)

Berkshire carry the ball forward in attack

GREAT START FOR TITLE HOLDERS EVERSLEY AS CRICKET RETURNS Current title holders EVERSLEY kicked off their season with an assertive performance against Falkland.

They totalled a huge 326 runs after 78 from Oli Parsons to set a challenging target.

Kyle Bienefeld (3-36) and Kam Khanna (3-14) helped them to a convincing victory.

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One play-offs Hilltop 5-1 Eversley & California FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Luton Town 1-0 Reading

CRICKET

Thames Valley Division 1

Wednesday, May 4

Saturday, May 7

A BREATH-TAKING second-half show from Berkshire helped them overturn a 16-point deficit in overcoming visitors Middlesex 37-21 in their opening Bill Beaumont County Championship Division Three game at Rams’ Old Bath Road ground.

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

RESULTS

Slough 2s.

WOKINGHAM 2s made a winning start by thrashing Royal Ascot. Jayden Barson hit a huge century, while Mac Dsouza was 76 not out. Billy Rogers (3-26) and Jarrett Bobb (3-62) bowled strongly to see the Oaks to victory.

Thames Valley Division 3A

WHITE WALTHAM started their season with a win after they beat Thatcham Town by six wickets.

WARGRAVE 2s edged out Bagshot with a one wicket win.

S French scored 75 not out for Wargrave, while J Clark (415) and M Meader (3-40) bowled well.

SONNING earned a conclusive triumph over Aldershot with a 116-run success.

Thames Valley Division 4A FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s began their campaign with victory over Taplow.

Wes Roberts hit 107 runs not

out, while Gary Loveday added 77 to help Finch to 311.

Jamie Brown then took 4-74 as they won by 46 runs.

WOKINGHAM 3s started the season with a seven-wicket loss to Cove 2s. Jake Turner (53) and Joe Drabble (54) batted strongly for the Oakds but they lost out in their season opener.

Thames Valley Division 5A

WARGRAVE 3S (191-1) beat Kew 2s (189-8)

Thames Valley Division 5B Bracknell (176-5) beat Royal Ascot (172 all out), Sonning 2s (206-6) lost to Newbury (246-8), Bagshot (198-6) beat Finchampstead 4s (108 all out), Reading 2s (209-9) lost to Binfield (233-6), Eversley 2s (2347) beat Purley-on-Thames (167-9)

Thames Valley Division 6B Wokingham 4s (138 all out) lost to Boyne Hill (212 all out), Bradfield (87 all out) beat Eversley 3s (73 all out) Thames Valley Division 7A Maidenhead & Bray 3s (238-8) beat Hurst 2s (207-7), Newbury 2s (206-9) lost to Wokingham 5s (207-6), Falkland 3s (177-8) lost to White Waltham 2s (248-7)

Berkshire win the ball from a lineout

FOOTBALL

FEMALE TEAMS SEEK NEW PLAYERS WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC and Berks County FC are both on the lookout for new players to join their teams.

After a season off, the Sumas will once again be entering a ladies team to compete in the Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League.

They will be hosting trials which will take place on Thursday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 25 from 7pm to 8.30pm at Emmbrook School.

The club are also on the lookout for coaches and assistant to join new manager Stuart Grieg in coaching the team for the 2022/23 season.

Anyone interested in playing women’s football with the Sumas should contact manager Stuart Greig on ladies@wefc.club or 07982 236193. n Berks County FC are inviting girls to join their football sessions.

The football training sessions wll be open to girls of any ability aged between five and eight.

They will take place on Saturday’s from 11am to noon at Bracknell Leisure Centre.

BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (154-8) beat Woodcote (132 all out) Mortimer West End (257-6) lost to West Reading 2s (258-6) Sandhurst (131-2) beat Waltham St Lawrence (127 all out) Shinfield 2s (74-3) beat Goring on Thames (71 all out) BCL Division 1A Checkendon (241-8) beat Berkshire Royals (161 all out) Peppard Stoke Row (164 all out) lost to Reading United (170-8) Reading Lions (97-1) beat West Reading 3s (96 all out) BCL Division 2 Knowl Hill (131-3) beat Reading United 3s (130 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Falkland (88 all out) lost to Eversley (326-9) Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s (209 all out) lost to Finchampstead 2s (211-7) Binfield (236-7) beat Reading (233 all out) Hurst (205-2) beat Sulhamstead & Ufton (204 all out) Wokingham 2s (386-7) beat Royal Ascot (230 all out)

Sunday, May 8

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading 0-4 Manchester City

Thames Valley Women’s Cup Tilehurst Panthers 1-1 Badshot Lea (2-4 pens) CRICKET ECB Women’s T20 Cup Stony Stratford (189-1) beat Wargrave (133-6) Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Crowthorne & Crown Wood Steventon

FIXTURES

Friday, May 13

BTC Senior Cup final Finchampstead v Richings Park

Saturday, May 14

CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Wokingham v Finchampstead BCM Championship Braywood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Penn & Tylers Green v West Reading Shinfield v Ley Hill CMB Premiership Denham v Emmbrook & Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Knotty Green 3s BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames v Sandhurst Waltham St Lawrence v Mortimer West End Welford Park v Shinfield West Reading 2s v Farley Hill BCL Division 1A Earley v Silchester Peppard Stoke Row 2s v Berkshire Royals Stallions v Reading Lions West Reading 3s v Checkendon BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Shinfield 3s Farley Hill 2s v Rangers Reading United 2s v Warfield Twyford & Ruscombe v Stallions 2s Woodley v Earley 2s Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Stoke Green Thames Valley Division 2B Cove v Hurst Sulhamstead & Ufton v Binfield Reading v Slough 2s Finchampstead 2s v Wokingham 2s

Sunday, May 15

FOOTBALL Bracknell & District Premier Division Finchampstead Athletic v William Twigg CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Wargrave v Crowthorne & Crown Wood East & West Hendred v Sonning Binfield v Moreton