PLAN YOUR JUBILEE WEEKEND WITH OUR GREAT GUIDE INSIDE OVERING CALCOT, CAVERSHAM, COLEY, KATESGROVE,EARLEY, NEWTOWN, TILEHURST, WHITLEY & SURROUNDING AREAS
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022
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Everyone seems to know the score .. They’ve seen it all before .. They just know .. They’re so sure .. That Reading’s gonna throw it away .. Gonna blow it away .. But I know they can say .. ‘Cause I remember .. One Lion in Forbury .. Purple Turtle still gleaming ..
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today IN THE end, it didn’t even come down to penalties.
Milton Keynes was among the eight new cities announced for the Queen’s platinum jubilee, and Reading once again had its bid turned down. It had previously applied for city status in 2000, 2002 and 2012. Now, the Ding remains the largest town in the country. Council leader Jason Brock says Reading is a little big town, while MPs Alok Sharma and Matt Rodda both expressed their disappointment.
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22 YEARS OF HURT, NEVER STOPPED US DREAMING ..
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Man jailed for Post Office raid
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A MAN has been jailed for a robbery in Tilehurst. Gavin Mackie, 30 and of Josephine Court, Reading, was sentenced to four years in prison at Reading Crown Court on Monday, May 15. He pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of possession of a bladed article. At approximately 4.45pm on Wednesday, March 23, this year, Mackie jumped over the counter in the Post Office on School Road while holding a kitchen knife. Mackie then forced a staff member to open the till, from which he stole a large quantity of cash before leaving. The shop manager chased Mackie but lost sight of him along Armour Road. CCTV captured the incident in full and a fingerprint from the scene was identified as Mackie’s.
BEHIND BARS: Gavin Mackie will serve four years On April 11, he was arrested at his home address and clothing that matched what the man was wearing on the CCTV footage was seized. Mackie was charged the same day.
In addition, the staff member positively identified him in an identity procedure. Investigating officer Detective Constable Phil Marchant, based at Reading police station, said: “I’m pleased for the victim that justice has been served as this was a terrifying ordeal for them while they were at work. “I would like to thank them for putting their trust in us to investigate this horrible crime which has resulted in the offender pleading guilty and being jailed due to the strength of our investigation. “Tackling knife crime remains a priority for the force and we are committed to bringing those that use knives to commit crimes to justice. “We will not tolerate such criminality within Reading and the wider Thames Valley.”
University appoints new chancellor By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has appointed a new Chancellor – the eighth in its 96-year history.
Paul Lindley takes over from the current Chancellor, Baron William Waldegrave, who has held the position since 2016. “I am honoured to be asked to become Chancellor of the University of Reading,” he said. “The University, including Henley Business School, has a worldwide reputation for exceptional research, knowledge and expertise that offers solutions to so many of the world’s critical challenges.” “I will seek to be an ambassador for this work, a guardian of the university’s values, a challenger to grasp its tremendous opportunities and a voice for its amazing diverse community.” The university will celebrate its centenary in 2026, a landmark Mr Lindley is already looking to work towards and beyond. “As the university approaches its 10th birthday, I am looking forward to working closely with everyone to
NEW ROLE: Paul Lindley ensure that its next century is built on a culture of belief that a better world is possible, and a confidence that equips its students, staff and alumni with the skills and vision to lead in delivering it,” he explained. Mr Lindley is known as one of the country’s leading entrepreneurs, founding Ella’s Kitchen, the largest baby food company in the UK. He currently chairs social equity initiatives such as the May of London’s Child Obesity Taskforce and Robert F Kennedy
Human Rights UK, and sits on the board of the US media and education giant Sesame Workshop, creator of Sesame Street. The University of Reading awarded Mr Lindley an honorary doctorate in 2013, and was awarded an OBE in 2019 for his contribution to the British food industry and entrepreneurship. Lord Waldegrave was full of praise for his successor. “In Paul, I think the university has made a really excellent appointment,” he said. “I wish him every success, and am sure he will help the University by bringing his trademark energy and enthusiasm to the office of Chancellor.” He added: “I have very much enjoyed my time in office as Chancellor of the University, particularly meeting students and families as they graduate with their degrees. “The University is in a strong position to grow its vital work in the region, the UK and the world, and I will continue to follow the successes of its students, alumni and staff with great interest.”
Underage teens buy vapes prompts warning to shopkeeps SHOPKEEPERS are being urged to check for ID after four out of five shops failed a recent test purchase exercise. Trading Standards visited the stores across Reading, asking teens aged 15 and 16 to try and buy vaping products – and all bar one store let them. Reading Borough Council warns it will act against any shop that breaches the restrictions on underage sales. Trading standards said that they took action earlier this month after seeing a sharp increase in complaints about shops selling vapes under 18s, the legal age. Free training is being offered to shop keepers to help them enforce the challenge 25 scheme, to help them provide regular staff training and improve protection of minors. They have also been warned that future breaches could lead to prosecution. Cllr Ruth McEwan, Reading Borough Council’s lead for corporate and consumer services, said the test purchases should be a wake-up call to all retailers when it comes to selling age-restricted products like tobacco. “Protection of young people is a priority for the Council, and we will take appropriate action against shops who cannot be trusted to retail these products responsibly,” she said. Residents concerned about any sales of products to people under the legal age of sale can report through Citizens Advice, on 0808 223 1133.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Firefighters honoured with commemorative plaques
FLASHBACK: A guard of honour for David Barnes and Neil Goldsmith lines up outside the Caversham Road fire station in Reading, after the pair lost their lives in the lines of duty in September 1977. Pictures: Courtesy of the Fire Brigades Union By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today PLAQUES have been unveiled to commemorate David Barnes and Neil Goldsmith, two firefighters who lost their lives in the line of duty.
A Red Plaque memorial service was held jointly by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) and the Fire Brigade Union (FBU) to honour them on Friday, May 20. Members of the families of both men were present to see the plaques unveiled and tributes given. David Barnes, who was 44 at the time of his death, was honoured with a service at Caversham Road fire station, while Neil Goldsmith, who was 31, was honoured at Wokingham Road fire station. Both were responding to a large fire in a building merchant’s store on Thursday, September 15, 1977, when they were trapped inside by a partial collapse of the building. Rescue efforts, which involved the chief fire officer, were hampered by the continuing fire and collapsing of the building, meaning that they had both lost their lives before they were found. James Hunt, FBU Berkshire brigade organiser, said: “These plaques will help us all remember an incident which made a huge impact on firefighters locally and the sacrifices made by David and Neil to keep their community safe. “David and Neil were both well respected firefighters and these will be fitting tributes to them. “They are missed by family, friends and colleagues every day.” The memorials are part of the Red Plaque scheme, which is recognising firefighters who have died in the line of duty with memorial plaques. The scheme is run by the Fire Brigades Union and funded by the Firefighters 100 lottery. Matt Wrack, Fire Brigades Union general secretary, said: “Firefighters put their lives on the line for us all and we must remember those who make the ultimate sacrifice. “It is particularly difficult for the local
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David Barnes (left) and Neil Goldsmith
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WEST Berkshire Council has rejected an officer’s recommendation to throw out a motion on the location of the Royal Berkshire Hospital, writes Daniel Blackham. Brought by Cllr Alan Macro, Liberal Democrat representative for Theale, he called on the neighbouring council to make building a new hospital on a new site its preferred option. The issue was discussed at a meeting of the council on Monday, May 23. There are tentative proposals for the future of the London Road-based hospital. Options include remodelling the existing site, moving to a new site such as those mooted at Shinfield, and Green Park. Nothing has been decided at this stage and all options are open. West Bekrshire council officers had recommended the motion be thrown out as it would require cooperation from both Wokingham Borough Council and Reading Borough Council. This would include the statutory duty to appoint a joint overview and scrutiny committee (JHOSC) for the purposes of the consultation. Only that committee could make comments on the proposal, require the provision of information about the proposal or require a member or employee of a responsible person to attend before it to answer questions in connection with the consultation. West Berkshire Council rejected the officer’s recommendation, with the caveat that efforts to create a joint scrutiny committee were still to proceed. Cllr Graham Bridgman, deputy leader at West Berkshire Council, said: “The purpose of the JHOSC would be looking at the proposal and not the range of proposals and that is the point I think the JHOSC properly starts to engage with the process. “I certainly don’t think it is wrong for this council to make its general views about what it would prefer known at this stage in the same way that Wokingham and Reading have done.” This was supported by Cllr Macro who said: “If this joint committee is going to be well down the line by the time a preferred option is decided I think it is all the more important to make our view known. “We are only saying this is our preferred option, not what we believe should be done.” Reading Today understands this will now be discussed at a council executive meeting in the coming months.
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firefighting community when two firefighters are taken in the same incident – we are glad we can help their memories live on by unveiling these plaques. “However, our thoughts, words and actions must not be limited to remembering those we have sadly lost in the line of duty. “Every firefighter lost must serve as a reminder to us to fight for the living and for the safety advancements that will protect firefighters today.” The Red Plaque scheme was initiated during the Fire Brigade Union’s centenary in 2017, and has since produced 39 plaques honouring 125 firefighters.
West Berks rejects motion on RBH move plan
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Reading West could turn in new election By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter
IF A General Election was held tomorrow, new research implies the Reading West seat could once again change hands.
Previously the tenure of Martin Salter, the current incumbent, Alok Sharma, could lose it in any subsequent poll according to website Election Maps UK. Last week, it released an update on seats based on local election results, and it shows that Labour could take the seat back from the Conservatives for the first time since 2010. Election Maps UK predicts Labour would win a majority of 4,373 votes, and a 4% swing. The closest Labour has come to unseating Mr Sharma was in 2017, when candidate Olivia Bailey received 22,435 votes, 2,876 shy of Mr Sharma’s 25,311. In 2019, Mr Sharma’s vote decreased to 24,393, but the vote for Labour candidate Rachel Eden also declined, with Labour coming in second place again with 20,276, leaving Mr Sharma with a majority of 4,117. Cllr Eden, who serves Whitley ward on Reading Borough Council, said: “Obviously opinion polls come and go and we would never take
ALL CHANGE?: Alok Sharma has been Reading West’s MP since 2010, but research suggests he could lose his seat in any new general election things for granted, but certainly in my view there’s been a shift of opinion on the doorstep. “People are talking about giving Labour another chance, that they like Sir Keir Starmer and our policies. I think there’s a really good opportunity for Labour to have a hearing. “People are willing to listen to us and tell us their hopes and fears, if we can put forward a strong policy offer and a good candidate we have a good chance of winning.” Reading Labour had yet to choose its candidate for the
next general election, but Cllr Eden, who is also borough mayor, confirmed she would be happy to stand again. “I think there’s a real chance we can convince people to support us. There will be other really strong candidates, hopefully multiple good people who want to represent Labour in our area,” she said. The next general election is expected to be held in 2024. Mr Sharma and the chairman of the Reading West Conservatives have both been emailed for a comment.
Town great for healthcare READING is one of the best places in the country for residents’ access to healthcare services. New research from From Mars took into account factors such as number of hospitals and how many of those feature in Newsweek’s UK top 50, number of sexual health clinics and average waiting times for
general surgery at NHS Trust hospitals. The Ding’s overall score was 6.33, placing it 11th out of 50 cities and towns, and just below joint ninth-placed Kingstonupon-Hull and Sunderland. The research revealed that there are 1.89 hospitals per 100,000 people, with an average waiting time of 10 weeks for
general surgery at NHS trust hospitals. There are also 0.31 sexual health clinics per 100,000 people. Leeds topped the table, with Edinburgh and Manchester in second and third place.
n For more details, log on to www. frommars.com/uk/uks-besthealthcare-cities
ROYAL HERO: Terry Curran, the manager of Battle Library with his jubilee display Picture: Dijana Capan /DVision Images
Libraries are a crowning glory in Reading’s jubilee celebrations READING Libraries are getting into the jubilee spirit by offering a range of special events for all ages. On Saturday, Battle Library on Reading’s Oxford Road held a special craft session allowing children to come in and decorate some jubilee bunting which is now on display. They could also admire special displays celebrating the Queen’s 70th anniversary on the throne. Terry Curran, Battle Library Branch Manager, said: “Across all our Reading Library Branches we are delighted to join in the Jubilee fun and offer free craft sessions for families. “We had a really great day on Saturday at Battle Library making Jubilee bunting and we have a whole host of other craft sessions to look forward to this week and in the build up to the Jubilee weekend.” On Tuesday next week, the library will hold an all-day
platinum jubilee celebration complete with treasure hunt, while Tilehurst Library will hold a free craft session from 10am11am, as will Palmer Park Library from 2.30pm-3.30pm.
Southcote Library holds a crown-making session from 2pm-4pm. Whitley Library will hold a platinum planting session from 10am to noon, and Caversham Library will give children aged four to 10 the opportunity to make a fairy place or a castle of doom from 2pm-4.30pm. n For more details, log on to reading.gov.uk/libraries
Friendship Festival to welcome Hong Kongers READING is set to welcome newlyarrived Hong Kongers for a fun-filled afternoon at Christchurch Meadows, Caversham this weekend. The Friendship Festival will feature live music, cultural arts and crafts, gaelic dancing and a postcode Olympics. There will be something for the whole family, with face painting and balloon stalls available for both children and the young at heart. Organised by Wycliffe Baptist and Reading Chinese churches, Coffee & Craft and UKHK, the event looks to help new arrivals and the communities they have joined learn about each other.
The festival is an ideal way to make new friends and is part of a series of similar events being held across the country which are funded by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities. Tickets are free, although bookings must be made online. Those selecting the children’s booking option will be entitled to a free copy of UKHK’s book entitled ‘Welcome to the UK’, targeted at children arriving from Hong Kong. The event takes place between 11am-4pm on Saturday, May 28. n For more information or to book free tickets, visit: www.eventbrite. co.uk
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As inflation hits 9%, politicians call for action over rising cost of living
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
AS INFLATION reaches a 40-year high of 9%, Reading Labour’s leader has called on the government to do more to tackle the cost of living crisis.
Nationally, the party is calling on the government to hold an emergency budget, with suggested measures including a windfall tax of oil and gas producers, cutting business rates, scrapping the national insurance tax rise, and improving access to home insulation grants. Cllr Jason Brock, Leader of Reading Borough Council and Labour member for Southcote, said that families in Reading are being hammered by the cost of living crisis. “This Conservative government is making things worse with the imposition of the highest tax burden in 70 years,” he added. He said that his party had extended support for lowincomes families, with help for energy costs, free school meals during holidays and increasing funding to the voluntary sector. “But there’s a limit to what we can achieve at a local level – a systematic approach is needed,” he said. “The Conservative Party has
SUPPORT: The cost of living is going up and Reading Labour wants the chancellor to do more to help households across the borough Picture: Pixabay been asleep at the wheel, mired in scandal and in fighting while the rest of us face the worst squeeze on livings standards in living memory. It’s time to stop dithering and start acting – people in Reading need an emergency budget now.” And his call for a windfall tax on energy firms was echoed by Green councillor and leader of the opposition Rob White. “Under this Labour council and Conservative government sadly poverty is rising in Reading. In the short term Greens would like to see more
financial support for residents from the government funded by a windfall tax on fossil fuel companies,” he said. “One of our priorities for the council is insulating homes to cut gas and electricity bills. It is disappointing that the Labour-run council failed to spend £500,000 of money for insulating the homes of Reading residents. “Greens would invest so everyone has a decent affordable home.” Reading Conservatives leader Clarence Mitchell wanted TOP COP: PCSO Steve Smith with LPA Commander Superintendent Steve Raffield Picture: Thames Valley Police
PCSO Steve receives commendation ON THE evening of Monday, May 16, Reading police station hosted the Commanders’ commendation ceremony, celebrating the hard work and achievements of police officers, staff and members of the public. Awards were presented to officers, staff and the public, recognising the contributions they have made to the community. Some of the work undertaken by these brave people includes efforts to save the lives of others, apprehend offenders and help those who are most vulnerable. A member of Police Staff, Beth Jones, was commended for helping an ill elderly man who was stopped in the middle of a busy road. She ensured he got home safely and went above and beyond by organising subsequent
welfare checks and a referral to social services. PCSO Steve Smith was commended for his work in building a strong and positive rapport with a hard to reach community within Reading. His work resulted in vital intelligence being shared about a planned protest. Police Constable Jenna Caswell was commended for her actions in saving a life of a member of the public who collapsed at the wheel. She conducted CPR until the ambulance arrived to take them to hospital. A Reading Business Improvement District Warden was commended for their support in helping to locate an offender of a robbery and provide consistent and exceptional levels of support to Thames Valley Police.
A member of the public, two Special Police Constables and three Police Constables were commended for their involvement in assisting a victim of a stabbing. The victim suffered severe injuries and the quick actions of the team, by providing first aid and a tourniquet, almost certainly assisted in the preservation of this victim’s life. Reading local policing area commander, Supt Steve Raffield, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all our winners tonight. It is a privilege to be able to recognise all of your outstanding hard work and achievements. “The awards that have been presented this evening make me proud to police Reading and I believe demonstrate what a great sense of community we have.”
Reading Labour to be more transparent about its support. “Labour constantly and inaccurately tries to portray the current cost of living crisis as somehow a ‘Conservative’ one, when they know full well that it has been caused by a number of global factors including the costs of the pandemic and the sharp rise in oil prices caused by the Ukrainian conflict,” he said. “The Government is most certainly not ‘asleep at the wheel’ and constantly works to do its utmost to support people
who are having difficulty making ends meet. That’s why it has taken direct action to help with £150 towards Council Tax payments, increased the National Living Wage to £9.50 an hour and raised the National Insurance personal threshold, saving full-time workers £330 a year. “Locally, Labour also seek to present the Reading Borough Council energy and food voucher scheme as an example of their own generosity, when, in fact, it is only made possible by more than £1m the administration receives from the Government, via the Department for Work and Pensions.” He added: “By instinct, we are a party of low taxation, one that supports business to invest and grow the UK economy for the benefit of everyone. “Given current circumstances, though, a oneoff windfall tax on the energy companies does remain an option for ministers, even though it’s not a zero-cost policy. “Targeting the increased profits of those companies also runs the risk of reducing dividends for many pensioners who rely on their pension fund investments in them. “A balanced approach needs to be taken.”
Church’s knobbly knees contest A TILEHURST church is preparing to celebrate the jubilee by holding a jamboree. St Catherine’s Church in Wittenham Avenue is organising an afternoon of fun and laughter on Friday, June 3. The event will include games, children’s activities, stalls, competitions and refreshments. It runs from 2pm to 5pm, and entry is free. Contests include search for the knobbliest knees. People are asked to bring their own sandwiches, but tea, cake and scones will be provided. The dress code is red, white and/or blue. n For more details, log on to stcatherines-tilehurst.org.uk
Criminal damage to vehicle A VEHICLE has been damaged in Burghfield Common. The incident took place between 3am and 5am on Saturday, May 21. Thames Valley Police said the offender smashed the vehicle of a window in Sun Gardens, Burghfield Common. Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220220680.
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Dream on .. Reading’s city status bid fails in favour of Milton Keynes By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
READING missed out on city status for the fourth time, meaning we remain a Little Big Town.
The news was announced on Friday. The Ding was snubbed despite its royal connections, its size and its general brilliance in favour of eight places including Colchester, Doncaster and Milton Keynes. Reading Borough Council leader Jason Brock said that NEXT TIME: Reading has failed in its city status bid. Picture Dijana Capan the decision was “hugely raise a family,” he said. disappointing”, and Reading status. “We have a rich history, a “Reading will, for now, remains a ‘little big town’. This is not the first jubilee remain a ‘little big town’ just diverse culture and a bright that Reading has applied for as it’s always been, something future. I am incredibly proud city status, having its bid at the that sets us apart and we of the place that is my home, golden jubilee turned down as remain hugely proud of,” Cllr the people who live here and I know we have so much to look Brock added. well. “Plus, after too many heart- forward to. I also want to take a Cllr Brock said: “As we said from the outset, this bid was in-mouth moments, we’ve still moment to thank everyone who about showcasing Reading, got Championship football in worked on Reading’s bid.” And Reading West MP everything it has to offer and Reading next year, so that’s a Alok Sharma said he was everything we love about it, bonus.” Matt Rodda, the Labour disappointed at the news. from our rich history, our Royal “This does not change the fact connections, our diversity, our MP for Reading East, also cultural scene and our economy, congratulated the eight new that Reading is an extremely vibrant place to live and work cities. which drives the whole region. “I am, of course, disappointed with much to offer, including as “We believe our bid was strong, and the result doesn’t that Reading was not one of an economic powerhouse,” he change any of the things which them but I am absolutely clear said. “The opening of Crossrail that whether Town, Borough and its connection to Reading make us proud of Reading.” or City – Reading remains the just underlines the growing He sent his congratulations QAS_Reading and Wokingham today_QASFest+Fitkin_130X160mm to all towns that have won city greatest place to live, work and status of our home town.”
Join us for Arts Week at Queen Anne’s School
Thursday 30 June | 3.30pm-6.30pm This is a free event with no booking required. Join us at Queen Anne’s School for a celebration of the Arts. Find out more at:
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Reading Conservatives group leader Clarence Mitchell said: “To lose out on City status yet again, when we had presented such a compelling case, is clearly hugely disappointing. “This time it really did feel as if it was within our grasp at last and we were proud to support the Council’s bid on a crossparty basis for all the positives that such status would have brought our town.” Cllr Mitchell added that while Reading will be a large town with a small feel, it would always have city-sized ambitions. “Our local economic engine, our quality of life and the vibrancy, creativity and diversity of our wonderful communities will all ensure we keep on growing and gain such recognition soon, enabling Reading to step out of London’s shadow in its own right at the very next available opportunity,” he said. “For now, I’d like to congratulate everyone who was involved in putting such a strong Council bid together. We can hold our collective heads high knowing that the case was made so well, even if it wasn’t to be this time.” The Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Meri O’Connell, felt many residents were apathetic
about the bid and the council should be focusing on the costof-living crisis. “Never on the doorstep have any of my residents mentioned our city or town status as an issue they feel needs addressing,” she said. “The council’s attentions should be firmly focused on more immediate issues like the very real cost of living crisis.” She continued: “When this matter was debated in the Council chambers, I said I am extremely proud of having grown up, lived and worked in the town of Reading. “I have never understood why we would want to distance ourselves from our past, instead we should be capitalising on our status as a historic town that has played a major role in trade in England since the 8th century. “There are now 55 cities in England, which I bet few people could name, whereas being the largest town makes us stand out as somewhere to visit and invest in. “We should focus our attentions on boosting and celebrating the unique qualities of Reading Town, rather than trying to be another identikit city.” Additional reporting: James Aldridge, local democracy reporter
Brewery to host Break-Fest A READING brewery is hosting a bottomless brunch with a twist. The Phantom Brewing Co. is inviting visitors to forget their cornflakes as Break-Fest is all about breakfast and beers. A special menu will be provided by Proper Takeout and this will be accompanied by a range of beers supplied by Phantom. The event will take place at the brewery on Meadow Road from 11am to 2pm on Friday, June 3. All tickets include beer, drinks, breakfast and a free T-shirt. Tickets are priced at £40 plus booking fees. n For more details, visit: whatsonreading.com
Music at Central Sq BROAD Street Mall is hosting a weekend of music at Central Square. The Salvation Army will perform on Thursday, June 2, from 11am-12.30pm. Reading Male Voice Choir is singing from noon-2pm on Friday, June 3rd, where Topsy the Mascot will be handing out flags and causing mischief. The Reading All Steel Percussion Orchestra will play on Saturday, June 4, 11am-noon, and The Silver Tones choir will close the weekend, singing from 1pm-1.30pm on Sunday, June 5.
Coconut Bar doesn’t fall shy for charity A READING town centre nightspot has raised more than £1,200 in aid of Berkshire Vision, which works to support those with sight impairment. Despite significant challenges faced by venues during the pandemic, the bar worked to raise the money since late 2019. On Thursday, May 19, Berkshire Vision’s CEO, Laura Mitchell, and marketing officer, Clare Matthews, were presented with a cheque for £1,254 from staff at Coconut Bar in St Mary’s Butts. Ms Matthews said: “It’s so lovely to work with local businesses being a local charity, of course– it’s really important to have that relationship. “They’ve raised a lovely amount, and every bit helps us.” Coconut Bar director Kaman Lam said that the venue wanted a charity they could work closely with: “We chose Berkshire Vision because it was local, and because there’s not many charities that are focused on sight loss. “Our staff like to get involved, even before covid some of the staff were signing up to volunteer during their time off, which got cut short, of course.” The money was raised from themed cocktails. Ms Mitchell said that the funds would help the charity provide a number of vital services for those with sight impairment “One of the most valued
PRESENTATION: Berkshire Vision CEO, Laura Mitchell, and marketing officer, Clare Matthews, with Coconut Bar director Kaman Lam, and staff, Jacky and Binay. Picture: Jake Clothier services is one that underpins the rest of them – transport. “We’ve got three fully accessible mini buses, as most people with sight impairments don’t drive. Many will not have enough sight to navigate public transport, or perhaps aren’t confident doing it.” The charity also works to help with employability, Ms Matthews explains. “And that means helping them identify work options, building skills and confidence, get placements and training, and ultimately paid jobs.” Berkshire Vision also offers a number of social activities. “A big part of our of our ethos is challenging perceptions and expectations of what people visual impairments can do” says Ms Mitchell.
“And that can be society’s, but it could also be their own– we take them cycling, ice skating, rock climbing, and we’ve just come back from axe throwing.” She said that Berkshire Vision valued working with businesses, both to help them to be more accessible, and to continue the charity’s support work. “We value the two way partnership, and feel like they really want to work with us. “They want to give their support, they understand what we’re about.” “It is a very simple thing, but to us it means a great deal, so we really want to thank them.” Berkshire Vision and Coconut Bar are also collaborating on an art exhibition, featuring work from visually impaired artists, in July.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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Yes, there are more bobbies... but it will be a while before we see them on the beat EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today RECRUITMENT of new officers is going well says Thames Valley Police’s Chief Constable, John Campbell – but it will be a while before they’ll be seen on the beat.
“We’ve met our targets for the last few years, with more officers to come,” he said. “That’s an increase of around 90 officers. A lot of them will still be in training, so we won’t necessarily see a significant bump in terms of visibility (just yet). “They don’t quite take us back to where we were before we lost a number of officers, but it’s a welcome addition that we weren’t originally expecting.” The chief constable admits that seeing more bobbies on the beat is one of the issues that is regularly presented to him. “I would like more officers, of course,” he admits. “(When it comes to staffing numbers) I’m a greedy, greedy chief constable. We have around 4,200 officers and we police a population across the Thames Valley of 2.4 million. “We try and police in a way that enables teams to be local,
LOOKING AHEAD: Thames Valley Police’s chief constable, John Campbell familiar and accessible. Our PCSOs work in our community on a regular basis, and we have that 24/7 response capability when people are in need of an emergency response.” CC Campbell said that the first wave of new officers have been drafted into help at a local level, while the next wave would be placed into a variety of teams including investigating crimes, something he feels is just as important. “It is flattering to hear that
people want to see more police because there are many parts of the world where they don’t want to, and don’t trust their police,” he continued. “The fact that people want to see more of us we should regard as a compliment. “Obviously I will do all I can to make sure we are as visible as we can be.” Is Reading’s busy nighttime economy, with people leaving pubs and clubs in various states of intoxication, taking officers
away from daytime work? “We have a number of nighttime economy hotspots, busy places for people to go and enjoy drink, food and all those other things that come at weekends – long may that continue,” CC Campbell said. “We want people to be safe and have a great time. “It does mean we have a responsibility due to people fighting, and resorting to violence. We also need to keep women safe in those environments as well. “It does take officers on very specific operations that reduces the amount of policing elsewhere in the force area. “The more we can do to get people to have a great night and behave, the more we can do with licencees, and local authorities means I can then use resources for policing the rest of the Thames Valley.” CC Campbell is full of praise for Reading’s Street Pastors who help out the late-night response. “We’ve also got Operation Vigilant which is to make the nighttime economy safer for women and girls on Friday and Saturday nights. “We’ve run those operations in Reading and have some significant success in
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identifying people that have, at best, unwelcome behaviour, at worse potentially criminal predatory behaviour.” Late night anti-social behaviour from car meets has been a constant concern from residents – revving engines, racing along roads and ‘doughnuts’ in car parks have all been raised as issues. “It’s not an offence if people want to meet with their cars in a public place,” he says. “But what can happen is sometimes people’s behaviours in their vehicles can become antisocial, driving around and breaking road traffic laws. “That’s where we need to intervene and we have a number of operations across the force to try and reduce the impacts of those car meets.” Knife crime is another issue that keeps coming up. In recent months, Section 60 orders have been placed across various parts of the region, most recently in Whitley. These powers allow police to stop and search people if they are suspected of harbouring knives. Despite what seems like an ongoing catalogue of knife crime, CC Campbell says it has reduced by 10% over the past year “Operation Spectre and
amnesty bins are helping to get knives off the street,” he says, adding that the force has increased patrols, undertaken educational visits and worked across the force to help with the detection rates. “We take it very seriously,” CC Campbell explains. “This is a priority for the force this year. We’ve managed to turn the corner significantly.” The force has also worked to reduce other crime statistics, with robberies down 23%, and significant reductions in county lines – crimes that take place over more than one policing authority. But despite this, CC Campbell is not resting on his laurels, which possibly explains why he feels greedy for wanting more officers. “I’m never satisfied, I always want us to do better,” he says, adding that over the past two years of the pandemic, his officers have gone above and beyond to help keep the public safe not least during the period when covid was at its peak and officers were not vaccinated. “They were risking their own wellbeing as well as protecting others,” he said. “One crime is too many, so we are working hard, and working well.”
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PRIDE OF READING 2022
THIS YEAR’S CATEGORIES
Volunteer/s of the Year AB Walker
An individual or team engaged in diverse and challenging tasks, or simply who have stepped up when needed
Mental health champion Lynne Pyke
An individual or organisation that has helped people, especially young people, cope with problems
Charity of Year ROC search
Recognising a local charity or community group that has made an amazing impact to our community through partnership working with businesses, other charities and the public sector to further its cause
The Inspiration Award McDonalds
Someone who has inspired a community initiative or inspired others to do the same, or simply someone who is a positive role model for young people
Community of the Year Hilton Reading
A neighbourhood that has encouraged community spirit and by working together have made their area a better place to live and thrive. This could be a street, a community group or a residents association.
The Chris Tarrant Award The Oracle
Someone from Reading who deserves special recognition
Local Hero Green Park
Someone who, through a special act of kindness or bravery, has made a positive difference to their community
Business in Action (under 50 and Over 50) Boyes Turner
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
PICTURES: DIJANA CAPAN/DVISION
Pride of Reading Awar
Laura from Reading FC Conference & Events and Tim from ITM
Companies, large or small, who get involved in community work. There are two awards for firms with under 50 and over 50 employees
Community Champion Reading Football Club
Someone who works tirelessly in their community as an individual, in the voluntary sector, as a carer, for a community group or in public service who devotes their time for others
Cultural Contribution M&G Real Estate
To raise the profile of, and give recognition to the projects, people and organisations that contribute to the cultural life of Reading, covering music, drama, art and heritage
Child of Courage IQVIA
The town’s bravest youngster. There are many times when youngsters’ courage shines through. Some become heroic lifesavers; others demonstrate courage through battling illness or other difficult circumstances
Entrepreneur of the Year Macbeth
Enterprise award for an individual or group with an independent business venture in Reading. We especially want to hear from those who think the town has helped them achieve their goals
Employee of the Year Reading Buses
An employee who goes the extra mile for their firm or customer
To make a nomination, visit: www.porawards.co.uk
Matt Allwright: ‘People are remarkable, the awards say you can do that too’ THE Pride of Reading Awards feature a number of famous faces, including returning presenter, Matt Allwright, writes Jake Clothier. This year marks the event’s full return, after last year’s awards focused on the frontline workers who endeavoured to help during the pandemic. He said: “It doesn’t feel like anybody ever left. “Reading is a community that I’ve just feel more and more a part of. “Whenever you’re away, when you come back the things you like about it
still recognise.” The launch event took place only a few hours after it was announced that Reading was once again set to miss out on city status. Mr Allwright said that Reading is “an unrecognised town, and now the biggest in the country. “And we stay with that town mentality, where everyone knows everyone and cares about everyone. “So forget about being a city, I’d rather we cared for and looked after each other. As well as championing consumer
rights, he is also a patron of Launchpad Reading, which works to combat homelessness. “There are people who live just around the corner from you that you can help, and challenges to be overcome. “What I love about these awards is that they recognise where people have been remarkable, and saying that you can do that too.” Nominations for the Pride of Reading Awards are now open.
n To make a nomination, visit: www.porawards.co.uk
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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PRIDE OF READING 2022
ards will be a year of celebration
‘They change people’s lives’: Sir John Madejski on the awards
Danyl Johnson with Sir John Madejski
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
“We think this year will be the best Pride of Reading party so far.” On the launch day sponsors also recorded their videos with Mike Clarke for the Reading Today and awards websites with Love Actually style flash cards saying why they sponsor the awards.
READING, it’s time to celebrate – this year’s Pride of Reading Awards will champion the community.
The annual event aims to honour some of the great people and businesses who make living and working in Reading such a brilliant place. On Friday, sponsors and supporters gathered at Malmaisson in the town centre to enjoy some razzle dazzle, and to be back together properly for the first time since covid. This year’s theme of celebration isn’t just about getting back to the new normal, but it’s also about championing some of the many anniversaries taking place across this year. They include the awards turning 18, the 10th year the ceremony will be held at the football stadium, it’s Huntley & Palmer’s 200th anniversary and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year. The launch event was attended by patrons Sir John Madejski and Danyl Johnson, as well as Matt Allwright, a long-time supporter of the awards. And attendees saw Matt Whitelock, Danyl Johnson and Hilary Scott talk about the designs for the 2022 logo and materials all done by Cream and Qwerty. The awards are sponsored by Reading businesses, and next week Reading Today will introduce them to you. The new sponsors for the year are Hilton Reading with Community of the Year and Lynne Pyke who owns several businesses sponsoring Mental Health Champion.
Sponsors 2022
And your favourite weekly newspaper, Reading Today, is the new media sponsor. We will carry full details of the awards in our pages and on our website. Sally Swift, who chairs the awards, said: “Throughout the past 18 years the POR awards have acknowledged and honoured hundreds of local people and businesses. “Our celebration year will highlight many more individuals and companies who make Reading a great place to live and work. “Get nominating today and let’s celebrate.” And co-organiser Marc Allridge of Cherubs said: “At Cherubs we help our clients celebrate all kinds of events so as one of the main organisers of the awards we are well placed to help with the theme.
Mc Donalds AB Walker Green Park Macbeth Insurance M&G Real Estate Lynne Pyke Reading Buses QWERTY Cream Design Roc Search IQVIA Reading Football Club Hilton Reading Boyes Turner Jacobs the Jeweller
Supporters Reading Borough Council John Lewis & Partners Tesco - Portman Road Malmaison VOCO Reading Football Club Conference & Events Berzerk Productions Starlet Dance School Electric Hair IKEA Cherubs ITM.AV Celebration Cakes by Catherine Scott
THE PRIDE of Reading Awards return for another year, with nominations now open. The launch event was attended by a number of patrons and sponsors who have continued to support Reading and its community. The awards’ patron, Sir John Madjeski, said: “It really is fantastic to be back. “What’s so fabulous about the Pride of Reading awards is that all the unsung heroes that do so much in our community, “People that go beyond the pale and never get recognised, it gives them accreditation.” Reading Football Club, of which Sir John acted as chairman from 1990-2012, is sponsoring the Community Champion award. The award honours those who have done outstanding work in the
voluntary sector or public service. “It’s lovely to think that ordinary people, wonderful individuals, get the recognition for their endeavours. “And some of them are beyond belief– quite extraordinary. “They change people’s lives and circumstances, and through Pride of Reading they can be honoured.” Sir John has continued to champion those devote their time to others, becoming the first patron Reading Football Club’s Community Trust. He said of the awards’ recipients: “They often find themselves in situations where they have to respond immediately, “And they do, showing great courage and fortitude, “It’s the true spirit of Reading, which will never depart.”
‘It’s so nice to have that camaraderie’: Danyl Johnson is glad to be back as patron ONE of the many faces returning to this years Pride of Reading Awards is patron Danyl Johnson. Also a member of the organising committee, he says that he’s glad to see so many returning to the event. “Last year was one of the first events we could do, but with all of the extra precautionary stuff, “So its good to be back and feeling safe in the room, with all the familiar faces done up, and not having to worry about somebody being on mute.” “It’s so nice to have that camaraderie and just seeing everyone’s faces again.” However, he noted the in-person absence of the awards’ organiser, Hilary Scott, who gave a speech to attendees via Zoom.
Mr Johnson said: “It’s sad Hilary’s not here but you know, that’s what technology is for, thank goodness we have that. “And hopefully she’ll be at the awards event later in the year.” Mr Johnson said that though he was born a few miles away in Arborfield, Reading is his hometown. “I love this town– I’m not originally from here, but I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else. “It’s the only town I’ve ever felt comfortable living in.” The Pride of Reading Awards nominations are now open. n To make a nomination, visit: www. porawards.co.uk.
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Greener form of weed control begins trials
Schoolboy runs a mile a day to support Royal Berkshire Hospital A WOODLEY schoolboy is using his athletic talents to demonstrate philanthropy beyond his years. Throughout this year, Dexter Rosier is running a mile a day to raise funds for Reading’s Royal Berkshire Hospital. After a visit to the paediatric ward when he was four, Dexter remembered being particularly impressed by the department’s playroom. “The best part of going into hospital was the children’s playroom,” he said. “I really liked the table football and there were some great toys.” The facilities made what would have been an otherwise dreary visit a memorable one, and Dexter is keen to afford other young patients the same experience. The nine-year-old completes the runs with family members or friends either side of the school day, even using a mobile app to track his progress. “The fastest time I’ve done for one mile is nine minutes and 30 seconds,” he explained. The young Spurs fan enjoys his sport, participating in football, basketball and cricket, but even he admitted to sometimes feeling the travails of the challenge. “It gets tough at points,” he explained. “But once you’ve gone through halfway, it’s always fine after that.” Despite his age, this is by no
A GREENER form of weed control is being trialled by Reading Borough Council. Five stretched of Northumberland Avenue are being used in the initial run, aimed at reducing the use of chemical herbicide glyphosate. Different methods are being used including vinegar, fatty acids, removal by hand, and thermal methods. Two parks feature in the trial, Rabson’s Recreation Ground and Cintra Park. n For more details, log on to: www.reading.gov.uk/ weedcontrol
JOG ON: Dexter Rosier (9) is running a mile a day in 2022 for Royal Berkshire Hospital paediatric ward Picture: Samantha Rosier means Dexter’s first charitable effort. During lockdown, the youngster camped out in his garden to raise funds for the NHS and has since completed two marathons over the course of two weeks. Last summer, the same desire to help others led to Dexter appearing on Good Morning Britain after an open letter he sent to England footballer Marcus Rashford went viral. The Manchester United forward was the target of racial abuse following England’s defeat
to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, when he missed a penalty in the deciding shoot-out. Dexter was swift to offer Mr Rashford solace, writing: “Last year, you inspired me to help people less fortunate [than me]. Then last night you inspired me again, to always be brave.” And Dexter also won a Pride of Reading award for his fundraising work. n For more information about Dexter’s challenge or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/dexter-rosier3
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12/05/2022 15:08
Council’s help with energy & food bills By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
A new £1.13 million package of support for residents struggling with the soaring cost of energy and food bills has been announced by Reading Borough Council.
Under the scheme, it will send out vouchers to 4,000 families and 4,300 vouchers to older residents who qualify for the scheme. There will also be food vouchers sent to 6,000 families across the borough to help during the Jubilee week halfterm holiday. The council said that the support aims to get behind those most affected by the soaring cost of energy bills and rising inflation. The energy vouchers are worth £49 per family and have been sent to school-age children eligible for Pupil Premium Free School Meals, vulnerable children up to nursery age and care leavers. And those residents who receive the state pension and are also on the Council Tax Reduction Scheme or who are in receipt of pension credit will receive vouchers worth £98 per person. The council says an additional 400 energy vouchers are expected to be distributed to residents who will become eligible for them during the funding period, which runs through to September. The food vouchers are worth £15 per child, and the council says that more support will be made available during the
summer holidays, including activities from the Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) team, funded by the Holiday Activities Fund (HAF). Eligible residents will be contacted directly by the council. It is also providing grants to a number of community organisations to help their work supporting vulnerable people. ReadiFood, Whitley Community Development Foundation, Weller, New Beginnings, and Wycliffe Church have all received £8,000 each. And £150,000 grant support will be handed to Citizens Advice Reading to support vulnerable individuals/ families with energy vouchers and energy packs. A further £10,000 in funding has also been allocated to support residents struggling with housing arrears in Reading Council managed properties. Funding has been provided by the Department for Work and Pensions and covers the period through to the end September. Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, was pleased to be able to offer support to affected residents. “The reality of soaring energy bills and the increased costs of everyday essentials like food is now biting for struggling residents – it is understandably the number one concern for people,” he said. “The impact in Reading is laid bare by the fact we expect more than 400 additional eligible energy voucher recipients over the six-month funding period, with even more price rises
being predicted in the autumn. “The Council has designed a local scheme which gets support to those residents who need it the most and we hope the vouchers will provide some help, alongside the additional financial resource we’re providing for local community organisations who continue to step up and provide invaluable support on the ground.” Cllr Liz Terry, the lead councillor for children’s services, said that cost of living crisis was creating real hardship for Reading families. “It is a sad reality that without these vouchers an increasing number of children would go hungry during the holidays when they are not in a school environment taking advantage of free school meals,” she said. And Di Smith, Board Chair for Brighter Futures for Children, said the support was muchneeded. “The food vouchers help many hard-pressed Reading families to keep their children fed during half-term. “And our HAF scheme will continue to provide a wide variety of fun activities and healthy, nutritious lunches for children throughout the school holidays.”
n The Decision Book on the Household Support Fund scheme can be found at: democracy.reading.gov.uk/ ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=715 n More details pn the holiday activities for children can be found at: brighterfuturesforchildren.org/ for-parents-carers/schools/haf/
3am eternal? Reading town centre Kebab shop withdraws 5am plan A TOWN centre kebab shop’s bid to keep serving food until 5am has been withdrawn. Earlier this year, a licensing application was submitted by Zorba’s Shisa & Kebab for
the late-night service. But it appears to be 3am eternal, or at least for the time being. A cleaner at Zorba’s, in Station Road, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service its owner Matthew Joannou is
unable to comment because “he is in Canada” and wouldn’t return for around a year. The venue’s menu includes Mediterranean specialities such as haloumi, pitta and olives.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Berkshire’s connections to the Queen goes on show
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
AS THE nation prepares to celebrate the Queen’s 70th anniversary as our monarch, a new exhibition looks at her connections to the Royal county.
Berkshire Record Office will unveil its regal display from Thursday, May 26, showcasing rare photos from her reign. Highlights include pictures of how Reading celebrated the Queen’s Coronation back in 1953, including decorations around Jackson’s Corner in the town centre, souvenirs, such as tickets, a programme and a napkin from the 1953 Coronation Carnival in Newbury. There are also pictures of the silver jubilee celebrations in 1977, including a fancy dress parade, sporting activities at the Town Farm and tree planting in Bisham. Mark Stevens, County Archivist, said: “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a great and unique event. “Berkshire has been host to many royal occasions over the past 70 years and it is a pleasure to highlight some of these, and, in doing so, to honour Her Majesty’s longstanding connection to our Royal County.” The Queen’s connection with Berkshire started before her ascension to the throne. On July 5, 1947, a young Princess Elizabeth was awarded the Freedom of the Borough of Windsor at a ceremony held in the Home Park.
AS YOU WERE MA’AM: Visit to Bisham Abbey for Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2012 Picture: Berkshire Record Office As part of the event, she made a declaration to be ‘subject and obedient to all the good order and customs of this borough’ and signed the Freeman’s book. This is the earliest event demonstrating Her Majesty’s long association with the county that the exhibition covers. For the coronation, The Reading Standard reported on local activities including ‘processions and parades, carnivals and displays, sports and games and hundreds of teas’. Along with events organised by local communities, there was also more formal celebrations held to mark Jubilees. On Friday, May 10, 2002 the Berkshire Golden Youth Event was held at Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre to mark the Queen’s
Golden Jubilee. More than 1,000 children were invited and the Queen and Prince Philip attended. The youngsters demonstrated their skills in sport, arts, culture, leisure, and community service. Formal monuments have also been constructed. To commemorate the Diamond Jubilee, the Windsor and Eton Society held a competition for people to design a monument to mark the occasion. The competition was won by teenager Caroline Basra with her design of a spiral of 60 spheres. Her Majesty unveiled this monument, which was installed in the King Edward Court, on October 9, 2012. Throughout her long reign, the Queen has attended many official events in Berkshire. Prints on display includes presenting new regimental
CELEBRATION: Members of Earley St Peter’s choir, along with guests and vicar the Revd Dr Philip Hobday outside the church following its special platinum jubilee service Picture: Phil Creighton
Church holds service for the Queen A CELEBRATION of the Queen’s 70th anniversary as monarch was held at Earley St Peter’s Church on Sunday, May 22. Taking elements from across her reign, the service saw more than 100 people pack the church to mark Her Majesty’s achievements. The opening hymn was All People That On Earth Do Dwell, the only one sung by the whole congregation at her coronation
service in 1953. Cheryl Chinta Kunta read out part of the Queen’s Christmas message from the year 2000, in which she spoke of her personal faith. Dr Elaine Watts, a lay minister, led prayers that concluded with a prayer of dedication first written for the silver jubilee in 1977, while the closing hymn was O Praise Ye The Lord, sung at the national service of thanksgiving for the diamond jubilee in 2012.
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Simon Carter, the deputy lieutenant of Berkshire, gave the scripture reading, while the Revd Dr Philip Hobday, vicar of Earley St Peter’s gave an address which touched on the Queen’s faithfulness, service and accountability, as well as her inspiration. After the service, Earley Town Mayor Cllr Tahir Maher and Mr Carter cut jubilee cakes for the congregation to enjoy.
‘Colours’ to troops at Sandhurst in 1974; the opening of Shire Hall at Shinfield Park in 1982, to the more recent opening of the Britwell Centre, Slough, in 2013, and a visit to Bracknell to view the redevelopments in 2018. Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for culture, said: “As we all come together to celebrate the Queen’s lifetime of service as part of her Platinum Jubilee, I’m delighted by the wide range of wonderful events and activities we are hosting in Reading. “I’m really pleased Berkshire Record Office has added to the Jubilee offer with their fabulous new royal-themed exhibition Happy and Glorious, and I encourage everyone to come along to check out their fascinating displays – or visit the Berkshire Record Office website to find out more.” This free exhibition runs until Friday, August 26, and is open from Tuesdays to Thursdays 9am to 5pm, and 9am to 4.30pm on Friday. n For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com, or visit the Berkshire Record Office website, berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk n For other Jubilee events visit: www.reading.gov.uk/news/ reading-hosts-four-day-jubileeextravaganza-in-june
Reading Buses aims to help the Ding get the bus to jubilee events WITH STREET parties, concerts and celebrations galore planned for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, Reading Buses is aiming to help people get to the party without worrying about who’s driving. The Great Knollys Streetbased firm will offer a number of special services, including running its Jubilee-themed bus, as well as its open-top bus. Most services will run to a Sunday timetable on the bank holiday Thursday and Friday, but the company will offer an enhanced evening timetable on both days to help people get to and from the various festivities. Normal weekend timetables apply on Saturday and Sunday. Its Green Line 702 service, which has some routes that start in Reading, offers a scenic tour through Windsor on its way to Buckingham Palace Road in central London. The Jubilee bus will be used on this route. From Thursday, June 2, to Sunday, June 5, this jubilee bus leaves Reading at 8.40am, arriving in London at 10.34am. It leaves London at 7.25pm. Other services leave the Ding at 7.40am and 9.45am (9.40am on Saturday, June 4), returning at 5pm and 8.35pm (9.45pm on Saturday). A group ticket for up to four people costs £40 on the mobile app or £50 from the driver.
In Reading the popular open-top bus will be in service on the purple 17 route, weather permitting. The company’s CEO, Robert Williams, said: “Our open-top bus is always a popular sight when it’s out and about, so we have planned where it will be over the four-day weekend to give people more opportunity to seek it out for a ride. “Full details will be on our website and social media, and normal bus fares will apply so day and season ticket holders can travel for no additional charge.” And those who live in West Berkshire can enjoy free travel across the Jubilee weekend for journeys that start within the local authority’s region. “All bus journeys starting in West Berkshire will be completely free of charge for the entire weekend thanks to an ongoing partnership with West Berkshire Council to encourage people to leave their cars at home and do their bit for the environment,” Mr Williams said. “It will also be great to see our Jubilee bus in Windsor and London, it is a great option for those looking to make a day of it from Reading, and we’re delighted to again be supporting events in West Berkshire and Newbury.” n For more details, visit: www.reading-buses.co.uk
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Sonning Scarecrow trail, open gardens and classic cars.
Runs 11am-4.30pm across the village. Free parking available.
Sonning Scarecrow trail, open gardens and classic cars.
Runs 11am-4.30pm across the village. Free parking available.
Hurst community concert
Picnic in the Park
In the Community orchard in the afternoon
Finchampstead Memorial Park from 6.30pm-8.30pm
Beer festival
Beer festival
The Queen’s Head pub, Wokingham, during opening hours
The Queen’s Head pub, Wokingham, during opening hours
Food and music festival
Jubilee celebration
South Hill Park, Bracknell, offering a mixture of live music, fun and more
Great Hollands Recreation Ground from 10am-9pm
Twyfest - Rock at the Rec
Family games, arts and crafts, and live music
Taking place in Stanlake Meadows from 1pm, live music, food and more
The Lord Ragan pub, Wokingham. Noon-3pm and music from 9pm
Jubilee tea party for seniors
Family festival
Stanlake Meadow from 12.30pm
Stanlake Meadows, Twyford from 12.30pm
The Jubilee Tribute Show
Beacon lighting ceremonies - evening events
In Abbey Ruins, Reading town centre. Ticket only event featuring tributes to Queen, The Beatles, George Michael Ed Sheeran and more
Forbury, Reading. Ticket only, sold out. Hurst community orchard Binfield Parish offices St James Church, Finchampstead Woodford Park, Woodley
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
e weekend 2022
lebrate the Queen SATURDAY
SUNDAY
The Queen’s Head pub, Wokingham, during opening hours
The annual event, organised by Twyford Scouts returns to King George’s Field
Party in the Park
Beer festival
Elms Field, Wokingham, from 2pm-9.30pm. Tribute acts from every decade of the Queen’s reign
The Queen’s Head pub, Wokingham, during opening hours
Beer festival
Twyford Donkey Derby and Big Picnic
Woodley’s Big Lunch
Food and music festival South Hill Park, Bracknell, offering a mixture of live music, fun and more
Taking place across the Crockhamwell Road shopping precinct includes live music, games, fun and ice cream. From noon-4pm
Summer party
Party in the Paddock
Farley Wood, Binfield from 3pm-9pm
Holme Grange Craft Village organises the fun party from 11am to 3pm.
Twyford Cricket Club’s jubilee match
Church Service in the park
Includes a tea, coronation display and quiz
A celebration of Her Majesty’s reign at Stanlake Meadows in twyford from 10am
Street Party in the Park
Jubilee children’s concert
Twyford Stanlake Meadows from Noon
Taking place in Forbury Gardens from 3pm with Trinity Concert Band. Features music from The Lion King, Despicible Me 2, Brave, The Greatest Showman and more
Norden Farm’s Lovely Jub(i)lee Party Running at the Maidenhead-based arts centre from noon to 4pm
Jubilee celebration and picnic
Family Festival in Hurst
Christchurch Meadows in Reading from noon, organised by Churches Together. Bring a picnic, enjoy easy-to-sing hymns. Features a short address by the Bishop of Reading and music from Reading Central Salvation Army Band. Fun, games and more.
An all-day event in Martineau Lane Green
Waterfest Reading’s big on-the-water event returns to the Forbury area, features games, fun, stalls, live music, boats and more
Street parties ... everywhere!
events, log on to rdg.today and wokingham.today May Half Term Holiday Camps! Join us for a royal mix of exciting sports and Jubilee themed fun!
The Community Navigation Scheme Ever wondered where to find help, information or support? Are you interested in getting more involved in your local community? Community navigators can help you to gain access to local groups, activities and services that match your needs. By calling involve’s main number Monday to Friday 9.30 am-4 pm
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30 | VIEWPOINTS
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Letters Time to take pride
Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today
in Reading
SNUBBED again when it comes to city status – but we know how brilliant Reading already is. One of the ways we can celebrate our fabulous status is by getting behind this year’s Pride of Reading awards. Launched last Friday in a star-studded ceremony, the annual event is a moment to reflect on the wonderful people, businesses, groups, and charities that make Reading such a special place. Each year, nominations are open in a number of categories including cultural contribution, school of the year, community champion, charity of the year, business in action, employee of the year, and child of courage. You can put forward the people you know and love – nominations are quick and easy. Just log on to porawards.co.uk Even putting someone forward for a Pride of Reading award is special – we will be acknowledging as many entries as we can in our pages. The winners will be announced in a glittering ceremony, packed with surprises, later in the year. So, we might not have city status, but we do have Pride of Reading ... and sometimes that’s even better.
CHURCH NOTES
A sense of belonging
H
AVING a sense of belonging is very important to most of us. Feeling lonely, isolated and disconnected from others can lead to mental health issues.
When we feel we have support and are not alone, it is much easier to deal with life’s inevitable problems. Having friends, a friendly neighbour and being part of a wider community gives everyone a sense of security. It also gives life a sense of fun. Throughout the centuries the Christian Church has provided many with a sense of identity and community. Jesus told us not only to love God but to love or treat our neighbours as ourselves. Helping other people either informally or through the activity of a church or charity is a highly effective way to connect with other people. Helping others usually means we forget our own troubles and as a bonus we often enjoy a psychological uplift or a feelgood experience. Most churches encourage newcomers to join a team undertaking various jobs in the church like serving the coffee or moving chairs. That’s not just to get those tasks done, but because working in a team is an easy way to get to know people and enjoy some of the benefits that belonging to a church brings. Reading is blessed with many welcoming and friendly churches.
Roger Howard is a member of Kings Church Wokingham, www.kingschurch. org.uk, writing of behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
Council in action
I visited Reading Civic Centre as numerous phone calls about what I considered a health hazard in Caversham achieved no action. I expressed my concerns at the one of the enquiry desks which was staffed out of the five desks in the vast entrance hall. I was told that no one could see me and that I would have to phone. I tried a new tack and said that as a Reading resident I wished to examine Reading Borough Council’s accounts. I was asked to wait and enquires would be made. After waiting for 40 minutes, I said that I had another appointment to get to. I was told that the Chief Auditor was dealing with my query, but he was working from home. “Oh, I could be sitting here for another 2 hours, could I?” “Yes,” was the reply, “but if you leave your name and phone number you will be contacted.” The happy end to this tale is that I was phoned later in the day by a member of the Borough Treasurer’s staff who promised that both of my queries would be dealt with. However, the image of any organizstion is formed by those staff who come into contact with the public. How many members of the public have formed their image of Reading Borough council by their initial brush off?
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
Do not blame the enquiry desk staff but those who are responsible for training them. “….as others see us”
Doug Marwright, via email
Ending veterans’ homelessness for good
When someone has served their country in the Armed Forces, the least we can do is support them when they make the move back to civilian life. Yet every year thousands of veterans end up sleeping rough, sofa surfing or living in unsuitable hostels because they’re unable to access housing and slip through the net. Those that have served their country, often through the most trying of times, deserve better. The Armed Forces Covenant states that anyone who has served in the Forces should face no disadvantage, and this includes accessing social housing. Veterans, who are especially vulnerable to homelessness, should be prioritised for support. We’ve seen a dramatic rise in the number of homeless veterans seeking help since the pandemic. With the rising cost of living crisis, we know the situation is going to get worse. As leading voices in the veterans housing sector, we’ve joined the No Homeless Veterans [www.nohomelessveterans. org.uk] campaign to urge local authorities to do more.
From the Chamber
We will continue to work hard all year round.
Greens are now the second largest party Across Reading, people placed their trust in Green candidates on 5 May, knowing that we put the community first. With strong numbers throughout Reading and now seven councillors, we overtook the Conservatives to become the second largest party on Labourrun Reading Council. These election results clearly show that the strength of Green support in Reading is growing. We intend to provide real, constructive opposition and balance to the Labour-run council and hold them to account on issues like poverty, financial management and making Reading a cleaner, greener town.
Green representatives
Richard Gammage, CEO, Stoll Andrew Lord MBE, CEO, Alabaré Bernard Stonestreet, Executive Secretary/ Founder, East Sussex Veterans Hub Tim Stockings, CEO, Haig Housing Sheena MacKay, Case Manager, Help for Heroes Steve Bentham-Bates, CEO, Help 4 Homeless Veterans Moira Bayne, CEO, Housing Options Scotland Colonel (Ret’d) Tony Gauvain, Chair/CEO, PTSD Resolution Emrys Rogers, Head of Housing & Assurance, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Mark Shields, Head of Community Support, Royal Air Forces Association Brigadier (Ret’d) Martin Nadin OBE, Chief Executive, Scottish Veterans Residences financial management and careful use of public funds to support residents.
Cllr Rob White
Thank you for trusting us and voting Green in record numbers
It’s vital that when someone needs help with housing, they are asked whether they’ve served in the Forces. If they have, this should be recorded. Once identified, they can be directed towards support that’s available. Many, particularly in Scotland, already do, but all local authorities across the UK should be identifying veterans quickly. There is no need for them to be sofa surfing, bouncing from hostel to hostel, or sleeping on the streets. Our heroes deserve better and it’s inexcusable to leave them out in the cold.
on the council making a difference We’ve been the effective opposition in Reading for some time, working for a fairer and greener town, but now have a mandate to get more done on Reading Council. We’re already making a difference though. We insisted on the council paying a Living Wage to tackle poverty. We finally have a food waste collection. We’ve protected green spaces, successfully opposing Labour’s plan to build a road by the River Thames. We will continue working hard to make Reading a fairer, greener place to live and plan to constructively hold Labour to account for the way the town is run. As our council tax rises and inflation bites things are getting tough for many. We need strong
Here’s what you can expect from us: n Action on climate change and protecting our green spaces n Pushing for an effective plan for helping people with rising gas and electricity bills n Working for decent affordable housing n Lobbying for healthy, sustainable transport and initiatives to tackle air pollution n Action on cleaner, greener streets. Tackling bin problems and pushing for glass recycling
Change is coming to Reading council – be a part of it 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 why not get involved? https://reading.greenparty.org. uk/get-involved
Cllr Rob White is the opposition leader and Green Party councillor for Park Ward
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
From the Chamber Jason Brock
Reflections on city status bid
S
O, Reading remains a ‘little big town’ after all. I’ll settle for that.
I won’t pretend that last week’s news wasn’t hugely disappointing, or indeed entirely unexpected. It would be interesting to see the scoring set against the criteria for each of the Platinum Jubilee City Status bidders. Sadly, the Government’s process lacks the transparency for that to be possible. In that respect, it’s not unlike the Eurovision Song Contest. It’s nevertheless worth reminding ourselves of the bidding criteria, as listed by the Government. Participating local authorities were invited to submit their bids based on evidence under the following headings: Distinct identity; Civic pride; Cultural infrastructure, interesting heritage, history and traditions; Vibrant and welcoming community; Record of innovation; Sound governance and administration; Associations with Royalty; Other particularly distinctive features, age, residents or communities who have made widely recognised significant contributions to society. Reading meets all those criteria and then some. Our rich history, our Royal connections, our connectivity (and now on the Tube map), our international outlook, our diversity, our cultural pedigree, our communities, our voluntary sector, our leadership on climate and our future vision ... That isn’t belittling any of the eight winners. My congratulations to all of them, particularly our close neighbours in Milton Keynes. Reading’s bid – and it was Reading’s bid, not the Council’s – was designed in consultation with residents, the voluntary sector, and the business community. My personal reason for bidding – aside from the fact it offered us another chance to shout from the rooftops about how great Reading is – was to use a successful bid to for to provide a boost for our levelling up plans locally. It can be difficult to pin down exactly what the concrete benefits of a city title are. What I do know is that anything which enhances our reputation on a national and international stage brings with it additional attention and investment in our town, which in turn provides benefits to our residents. That can be by new training or job opportunities through investment by businesses, more investment in infrastructure, or by simply shining a bright light on all the great things Reading already has to offer. Despite the disappointing result, I make no apologies for submitting a bid. I’ve heard some (but not very many at all) call it a waste of money. Official guidance from Government throughout was to keep costs to a minimum and the Council did exactly that. The bid only required completion of a straightforward and short application form. No staff have been employed to compile the bid. It was worked on by a very small team of Council officers, for a limited time, and for whom the work formed a small part of their substantive roles. They were supported by the team at Reading UK CIC. I would like to thank everyone involved in the bid, from our communities to our voluntary sector partners, including colleagues over at the University of Reading. Your input was hugely appreciated. In many ways, I think part of the reason Reading was not designated is because we are already a hugely successful town. You could argue, some other places are more deserving of the helping hand the city title can bring. We are, in that respect, victims of our own success. I don’t have any issue with that. We are a busy, bustling, successful, economic powerhouse, but we maintain a sense of community and of neighbourhood. We celebrate differences and diversity in a way maybe some of the bigger ‘cities’ cannot. That’s more important than a change of title.
Cllr Jason Brock is leader of Reading Borough Council and Labour member for Southcote
Marvellous boost for Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation THE Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has received a welcome boost from a “Marvellous” source. The trust will receive charity funding to employ its first Roald Dahl Specialist Nurse, providing support to children and young people with epilepsy in Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire. The new nurse will work with families and young people in the region who, without specialist support, would struggle to get the health and social care support they need. For five years, Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity and Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust will share the cost of the specialist nurse appointment, expected to be in place by autumn this year. Dr Sarah Hughes, paediatric consultant in neurodisability at the trust, is delighted to be partnering with the Roald Dahl charity She said: “Epilepsy care for young people changes when they reach 16 to 18 years of age, as they transition from paediatric care to adult care. The young person may have to learn to organise their medications and appointments as well as work out how to keep themselves safe. “This specialist nurse role will enable the trust to have a seamless epilepsy service which spans from birth to old age, by overlapping the nursing support to our young people.” So far the Roald Dahl Marvellous Children’s Charity has funded more than 80 specialist nurses who treat 24,000 seriously-ill children and young people in the UK. n For more information on the charity visit: roalddahlcharity.org
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New council top team to be voted in at meeting this evening By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
READING Borough Council has announced its new administration proposal after last week’s local elections.
The Labour-run council increased its majority as a result of the vote, and is now setting out its plans for appointing councillors. Its proposal will be ratified in the upcoming annual general meeting on Wednesday, May 25. n Cllr Jason Brock is set to remain as the leader of the council. n Cllr Tony Page is continuing to serve as deputy leader, but will also become lead councillor for climate, energy, and transport. n Cllr John Ennis is set to become lead councillor for adult social care and Cllr Graeme Hoskin will become the lead councillor for children. n Cllr Liz Terry is proposed to become lead councillor for corporate services and resources, with cllr Ruth McEwan leading education and public health. n Housing will be led by cllr Ellie Emberson, and leisure and culture will be led by cllr Adele BarnettWard.
n Cllr Micky Leng will round out the lead councillors, taking planning and assets. Reading council leader Jason Brock said: “I am proud to have assembled a new front bench team which boasts not only a wealth of experience and knowledge, but also a real passion for Reading and its communities. “Alongisde a drive to tackle inequalities locally so that every single resident, whatever their circumstances or background, can share in the town’s success. “The recent local election result was a ringing endorsement from the electorate of our visions and plans for Reading. “It is now incumbent upon this
NEW TEAM: Cllrs Jason Brock and Tony Page will remain as leader and deputy leader respectively. Picture: Courtesy of Reading Borough Council Administration to deliver on those plans in the year ahead.” Tonight’s AGM will also see the appointment of a new deputy mayor. Cllr Debs Edwards has been nominated for the post. The incumbent mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, will continue in her post until May 2023. The council has also announced its proposals for committee chairs for 2022/23, with Cllr Alice MpofuColes leading adult social care, children’s services, and education committee. Cllr Sarah Hacker will chair the housing, neighbourhoods, and leisure committee, with Cllr Paul Gittings chairing the strategic environment, planning, and
transport committee. Cllr Jo Lovelock will head the planning applications committee, with cllr Paul Woodward leading licensing applications, and cllr Mohammed Ayub leading the traffic management sub-committee. Cllr Brock said: “This year will see many of our flagship investments come to fruition. “New swimming pools and leisure centres, new and refurbished train stations, new playgrounds and new cycle lanes. “As satisfying as that will be to see, we also know there are residents who continue to be frustrated with everyday issues like the high cost of housing, anti-social behaviour, fly tipping or traffic, for example. “These are the fundamental issues that we intend to tackle, alongside doing everything possible in the 12 months ahead to support the people who will be hit hardest by a cost of living crisis that threatens to widen the very gaps in our communities we are working so hard to close.”
n The full agenda for the council’s AGM can be found at: democracy. reading.gov.uk
32 | BUSINESS
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association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today
A business park that is changing
Law firm welcomes new team member and three promotions Help with WFH headaches WITH working from home on the agenda again, the June meeting of the Woodley Business Club could be pertinent. For many, working from home means being stuck at a desk, kitchen table or perched on a bed. And that could lead to neck, shoulder and arm problems as well as low back pain and headaches. To help counter this, the club is holding an interactive session designed to showcase some stretches to help relieve the tension in your muscles. It will be led by Susan Martin, a Soft Tissue and Scarwork therapist based in Lower Earley. After almost 30 years of working in the office of a large Multinational company, Ms Martin took early retirement in 2016, and retrained for her current career. The session takes place virtually, using Zoom software, from 8am on Tuesday, June 14.
n For more details, or to book a place, log on to: https://woodleybusinessclub.org.uk
By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today NEW TEAM: Left: Frances Kyle, Rebecca Ledgerwood and Louise Nelson; Above: Jonathan Dinsdale
A THAMES VALLEY law firm with offices in Reading’s town centre has announced a new appointment and three promotions.
Blandy & Blandy, close to Reading town hall in Blagrave Street, welcomed Jonathan Dinsdale as a senior associate solicitor in its Dispute Resolution team. He joins from an established firm in Surrey, having previously worked at two firms in London, and will specialise in advising on property related disputes, dealing with commercial and residential property matters and advising both organisations and individual clients. Partner and team head David Murray said: “We are delighted to welcome Jonathan to our Dispute Resolution team. “He brings nearly 17 years’ experience of advising clients in relation to a broad range of commercial and residential
property-related disputes and will be responsible for helping to take forward and grow this specialist area of work within our team.” Elsewhere, Louise Nelson, who has more than 25 years’ experience, becomes a senior associate solicitor in the firm’s Wills, Probate, Tax & Trusts team. The firm said she has played an integral role in helping to establish and develop Blandy & Blandy’s presence in Henley-on-Thames since re-joining the firm in 2017. A member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) and Solicitors for the Elderly (SfE),
she has been recommended in The Legal 500. “I am very pleased to have been invited into the role of senior associate solicitor and I look forward to contributing to another busy and successful year for the firm,” Ms Nelson said. In the Dispute Resolution team, with 14 years’ experience, Frances Kyle also becomes a senior associate solicitor. She specialises in advising on disputes relating to trusts, probate and inheritance matters and continues to play an important role in helping to advance and grow this practice area.
“I am delighted with this recognition of my hard work and grateful for the incredible support from the whole firm,” Ms Kyle said. And Rebecca Ledgerwood becomes an associate solicitor in the Family Law team. She qualified as a solicitor in 2017 and advises on all aspects of Family Law, including divorce, financial relief and children issues. She is a member of Resolution, a national body which aims to resolve family disputes in a nonconfrontational manner. Ms Ledgerwood said: “I am delighted to have been promoted and to become an associate at Blandy & Blandy. I look forward to continuing to contribute to the Family team’s success and of course the success of the firm as a whole.” Of the promotions, chairman Nick Burrows said: “I congratulate Louise, Frances and Rebecca on their well-deserved promotions, which reflect their hard work and commitment to delivering first rate legal advice and client care and the contribution they each continue to make to our growing firm.” n www.blandy.co.uk
NEW HOME: One Forbury Square - Savills will be moving in to the offices in Reading’s town centre later this year
Savills Reading announces move to Reading’s Forbury Square IT’S ONE of the most prestigious addresses in Reading town centre, and a real estate specialist is getting ready to move in. Savills’ Reading team will be relocating to One Forbury Square, right opposite Forbury Gardens and the Forbury Hotel. They will take a 3,704 sq ft (344.1 sq m) space with a triple aspect and at the heart of Reading’s business district, close to Davidson House, the Forbury Hotel and the Forbury Gardens. The impressive Grade At Located within the heart of the town’s business district, One Forbury Square is part of
a square, which is also home to Davidson House and the Forbury Hotel. The office building was refurbished in 2018 and includes a modern reception and lobby and secure parking and cycle storage. Phil Brown, head of Savills Reading, said: “Savills first moved into Reading in 2013 with a small specialist team of 13 staff. “Over the years, we have grown considerably to become a market leader, employing more than 40 staff and offering expertise across a range of services, including residential development sales, lettings,
planning, development, valuations and occupier services.” He added: “Thanks to the success of our business, we have been eying up a move for a while. “Finding the right space in the right location was, of course, paramount, and we are absolutely thrilled to have secured One Forbury Square, which ticks all the boxes for our team now and in the future. “As we gear up for a move in later in the year, we very much look forward to welcoming clients and continuing on our positive trajectory as we settle into our new home.”
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
33
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Farmer Ed is talking about his regeneration, Honest
FARMING REVOLUTION: Honest Burgers is switching to using beef sourced from regenerative farming methods Picture: Steve Ryan
WPR_2022-05-23_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go
Reader travel ROYAL INTERNATIONAL Air Tattoo, Fairford
RoyalInternationalAirTattooFairford_D.pdf
Departing Fri 15 Jul ‘22 Join us for the world’s greatest air show, the Royal International Air Tattoo, as this thrilling event returns to RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire in July 2022! Marvel at the special flypasts and spectacular performances by the world’s leading aerobatic teams.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Admission to the Royal International Air Tattoo on Saturday, with coach transfer
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A READING-based farmer has been helping shake up the supply chain, helping the climate emergency and British agriculture at the same time.
Three years in the making, Honest Burgers, which has a branch in Reading’s town centre, has announced it is switching to regenerative farming methods. From this week, six of its restaurants have switched to serving beef from regenerative farms such as the one managed by Farmer Ed. And by 2024, all of its sites will be taking part in the scheme, which aims to have the least amount of impact on the soil and environment as possible – mimicking what would occur in the wild, and restoring the land to full health and productivity. Honest Burgers says it goes beyond sustainable farming, which
just aims to maintain the level of already depleted land: regenerative farming is cumulatively restorative. This means reducing the need for diesel-chugging machinery and artificial fertilisers, improving biodiversity and allowing cows to roam with their hooves gently disturbing the soil without intensive ploughing - a process known as mob grazing - which stores carbon. Honest Burgers is working directly with British regenerative farmers, which they say helps the firm to reconnect to the food supply chain; working to longterm, attainable goals and orders, securing incomes, and paying fairly for their beef. By improving the soil’s fertility this move supports farmers’ efforts to build a more sustainable future in the industry. Offering an accountable supply chain, means it can monitor regenerative processes at the farms and reduce its carbon footprint. Around 70% of the cow is used to
Five pensions lawyers to join Reading-based Osborne Clarke from BDB Pitmans OSBORNE Clarke has announced it has recruited a pensions team from BDB Pitmans with the agreement of the firm. BDB Pitmans is ending its inhouse pensions practice, instead working with a small number of specialist firms including Osborne Clarke, which has an office on Forbury Road. The team will transfer over at the end of the month, and includes partners David Hosford and Chris Netiatis and three lawyers: legal director Lee Colgate and senior associates Catriona Darnell and Sarah Miller. Osborne Clarke says the team
will add significantly to its pension capacity and, from next month, it will comprise seven partners, 20 lawyers and six specialist support staff. The new combined team will advise on all aspects of pensions law but will continue to focus on risk transfer work, including buy-ins and buy-outs as well as transfers to superfunds, Pension Protection Fund work, public sector pensions and pensions disputes for pension schemes, corporate clients and pension providers. Osborne Clarke said that the addition of the BDB Pitmans team fulfils one of its strategic
make Honest’s burger patties at its butchery, and the cuts reserved for premium steaks – which constitute approximately 20% of the cow – are then sold to partners Turner and George and The Ethical Butcher. Honest is the first in the UK of this scale to rework its supply chain in this way. The firm says it has aken three years to get to this point, and has been spearheaded by its co-found, Tom Barton, who worked with Grassroots Farming to source the farmers. “We wanted to tackle our impact on the planet head on - for us that meant the elephant in the room, which is our beef,” he said. “We’re buying the whole cow direct from our farmers which means we can influence how they farm and pay them a fair price. “Farmers are now an integral part of our team – as they always should have been.” He added hat by improving the supply chain, and incentivising
the right outputs it will be boost soil health, biodiversity and animal welfare. “It’d be a lot easier to just offset our carbon and be ‘carbon neutral’ as a lot of businesses have done and I understand why as this is a really challenging problem - but we don’t think that’s the answer, it just shifts the problem elsewhere and kicks the can down the road,” Mr Barton said. “Industrialised farming, with its dependency on carbon-heavy machinery, pesticides and artificial fertilisers, is the issue. “We’re changing every step of how our burgers get to your plate and it starts in the fields. “I couldn’t be more proud that we’re taking this step, this is ‘field to plate’ in action, and this is only the beginning.” The regenerative beef is available from Brixton, Peckham, Clapham, Oxford Circus, Soho, and Tooting branches at the momen with more to follow.
objectives of building the size and experience of its pensions practice to strengthen its services to employers and trustees on all areas of pensions law and practice. And as part of the transfer, pension clients from BDB Pitmans can also move to Osborne Clarke, joining existing clients including the Pension Protection Fund, Local Government Pension Schemes, Imperial Tobacco and BAE Systems, to smaller schemes with assets of several million pounds. The pensions practice is headed by Jonathan Hazlett, who said: “We’ve known David and Chris both professionally and personally for a number of years. “We’re delighted they have decided to join Osborne Clarke. “David, Chris and their team will add substantially to the size and expertise of our existing team here at Osborne Clarke and will allow us to better serve our national and international clients and help
them respond to the challenges, opportunities and transformation drivers that the pensions industry currently faces.” And David Hosford, head of pensions, BDB Pitmans: “We built our pensions practice at Pitmans and latterly BDB Pitmans with a dedication to excellent client service and value, and a focus on providing clear and robust advice that works in the real world. “It has become increasingly clear that we need greater scale to be able to meet our goals and continue to develop the services we provide. “We considered opportunities with various firms before deciding Osborne Clarke is the best fit - the team at Osborne Clarke shares our focus and values, and combining our resources brings scale, enhances an already marketleading brand, and gives us the right platform to deliver ever better client service. “We can’t wait to start.”
3 Days by Coach
only £234
Single Supplement £70
LLANDUDNO AT LEISURE & Stunning Snowdonia
LlandudnoatLeisure&StunningSnowdonia_D.pdf
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
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
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Former seamstress Edna celebrates her 100th surrounded by family EXCLUSIVE
BIG DAY: Edna, a resident of Warren Lodge Care Centre, celebrated her 100th birthday, Below: reading her card from the queen Pictures: Warren Lodge Care Centre
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A FORMER seamstress who now lives in Finchampstead held a party to celebrate her 100th birthday.
the George Hotel on all of the linen and uniforms. While working in the shop, she met her husband John, who had visited to undertake some carpentry work. They went on to have two daughters, Theresa and Ruth, three grandchildren and one great-grandson. While her days maintaining sewing machines have passed, she still has a number of hobbies including reading newspapers, taking part in quizzes and watching football. When asked which team she
supports she laughed and said: “Whoever wins”. Of her birthday, Edna said she had had a lovely day and everyone had been so kind, adding that she had not
Whitley Music Day for young artists
WELCOME: Dongying Zhou has a new role at Reading Buses Picture: Reading Buses
Dongying will help keep Reading Buses moving EXPERIENCED payroll manager Dongying Zhou is looking forward to the challenge of working in the bus sector for the first time. Ms Zhou has been appointed as group payroll manager for Reading Buses and their sister companies Newbury & District and Thames Valley. Her responsibilities extend to between 600-700 employees including the processing of overtime and bonuses for drivers, engineers, cleaners, and of course the company’s ‘star of the month’ scheme. The company said that her new role is a promotion, and she comes to the Great Knollys Street firm from a private
hospital group and a nationwide waste management group. “We are delighted to welcome Dongying to the team at Reading Buses. “Amidst all of the challenges of the post Covid world, ensuring that all our employees are paid correctly and on time is a vital role. “I’m sure that Dongying has many successful years ahead of her in her new job,” said Reading Buses chief executive pfficer Robert Williams. And 33-year-old Ms Zhou, who lives in Wokingham, said: “I am looking forward to my career in the bus industry as the bus is essential for lots of people.”
BUDDING performers are invited to attend a fun-filled day of music workshops at the Whitley Community Cafe writes Ji-Min Lee. Open to children aged between 10 and 16, the event will feature digital music production, songwriting and ukulele sessions. There will be something for all, with sessions suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians alike. This will be an ideal opportunity to pick up some new creative skills in a friendly and engaging environment. Visitors may drop in for as many sessions as they wish, with no obligation to stay for the duration of the day. The event is free to attend, although bookings must be made through the Rock Academy Foundation. The event takes place between 10am-4.30pm on Monday, May 30.
n For more information or to make a booking, visit: www. therockacademyfoundation.org
expected anything because it was just another birthday. Staff at Warren Lodge said that her room had been full of flowers and cards with pride of place going to the card she received from The Queen. They also created a balloon arch in her favourite colour and ensured there were green candles on the cake, specially made by the chef. A spokesperson for the care centre said: “Edna is an extraordinary lady and we just wanted to show her how much she means to us all.”
Now taking registrations
Earlier this month, Edna, who now lives at Warren Lodge Care Centre marked her centenary surrounded by family and friends at the special gathering organised by her daughter Theresa. Born in Mapledurham, she grew up with her parents and six brothers, attending the village school where a lifelong love for needlework was harnessed and a passion for painting. When she left school at the age of 14, she joined a Singer sewing machine shop, training to be a seamstress and sewing machine specialist, going on her bike to service machines across the county. She says she had special memories of repairing the uniforms of the doctors and nurses at the Battle Hospital in Reading and the timeconsuming job of embroidering
VENUE: The open air cinema features beanbags and deck chairs which are available to rent, as well as a full bar. Picture: Bill Nicholls via Wikimedia Commons
Caversham Court set for summer screenings
CAVERSHAM Court Gardens is hosting a season of films being screened across the summer. The venue will be home to the Summer Screens open air cinema in June, July, and September, showing brand new feature titles and classic cult films. Wes Anderson's The French Dispatch will show on Wednesday, June 22, followed by a special 30th anniversary screening of Reservoir Dogs on Thursday, June 23. Classic romance Dirty Dancing is screening on Friday, June 24, followed by Kenneth Branagh's semiautobiographical Belfast, which is showing on on Saturday, June 25. Last year's King Richard, a theatrical telling of Venus and Serena Williams' formative years, is showing on Wednesday, July 20.
A special 25th anniversary screening of Boogie Nights will take place at the venue on Thursday, July 21, with Steven Spielberg's 2021 adaptation of West Side Story showing on Friday, July 22. It will close its summer events with a screening of E.T. to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Four more will be featured in September, including The Batman, Jurassic Park, and Titanic. Guests are invited to picnic in the viewing area, though deck chairs and beanbags are available to rent. The venue also features a full bar, complete with snacks and soft drinks. Tickets are £15.50, £10.50 for under-18s, and £45 for family entry. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www. summerscreens.co.uk
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
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
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Samaritans to hold open day READING Samaritans is holding an open day next week. On Wednesday, June 1, the charity is inviting residents to find out more about the work of Samaritans and how they support callers. Attendees will learn how they support people struggling with emotional and mental health, tips on becoming a better listener and There is also information on how you can get involved to support your local branch. The event will take place at Reading Town Hall from 11am to 5pm. n For more information visit: whatsonreading.com
Vehicle damaged in Burghfield A VEHICLE has been damaged in Burghfield Common. The incident took place between 9.15pm on Friday, May 20, and 8am on Saturday, May 21. Thames Valley Police said the offender smashed the vehicle of a window in Hollybush Lane, Burghfield Common. Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage is asked to contact the police via 101, or online, quoting reference number: 43220220672.
Homebuilder marks VE Day with women in war figures By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today
FOR the past few Remembrance Sundays, the Royal British Legion has displayed ‘Tommys’ - simple figures reminding us of the soldiers who didn’t come home.
To mark the 77th Victory in Europe Day earlier this month, a Berkshire-based housebuilder complemented the figures with a new female version, as part of Women in War series. The Royal British Legion Industries’ Women in War campaign aims to highlight the efforts of women – both in military and civilian occupations – during times of conflict. The campaign sees injured veterans working in RBLI’s social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, based in Aylesford, Kent, producing life-size figures of a saluting servicewoman. The figures have also been made available for the public to purchase via the charity’s online shop. Every penny raised through their sale goes directly to support RBLI’s welfare, accommodation and employment services for military veterans and their families. Lisa Farmer, RBLI’s Chief
ON SHOW: The Women in War figure placed next to the Tommy Club figure as part of VE Day Picture:Keith Mindham Executive, said: “We are immensely proud to have joined forces once again with Barratt Developments – this time to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of women to the British Armed Forces. “Not only will the funds raised through the production of these wonderful figures directly support our wide range of services, but they have also
WPR_2022-05-23_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go
NORTHUMBERLAND
Holy Island & Alnwick Castle NorthumberlandHadriansWallHolyIsland&AlnwickCastle_F.pdf
Reader travel
PEMBROKESHIRE
Tenby & Vale of Rheidol Railway PicturebookPembrokeshireTenby&theValeofRheidolRailway_F.pdf
Departing Sun 17 Jul ‘22
Departing Thu 21 Jul ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Jurys Inn, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast Guided tour of Hadrian’s Wall Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Alnwick Castle, Hadrian’s Wall & Chesters Fort
Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway Excursions to Haverfordwest, St Davids, Aberystwyth & Tenby
Optional excursion to Durham (£12pp)
354
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60
369
5 Days by Coach only £ 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
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit us online at
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
justgoholidays.com/WPR
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
justgohols JGTravelGroup
provided direct, meaningful employment to injured veterans in our factory. “This is just the latest in a series of unwavering commitments by Barratt Developments to do all they can to support our nation’s heroes through RBLI. We cannot thank them enough for their support.” More than 100,000 joined the women’s branches of Britain’s
military services during the First World War. After the war ended in 1918, women were overlooked and, within three years, all women’s branches were disbanded. It was not until 1948 that the Women’s Service Act was passed, allowing for permanent peacetime roles for women in Britain’s armed services. David Thomas, chief
executive of Barratt Developments, said: “The RBLI’s Tommy Club is a great way for people to support our Armed Forces Veterans. “Last year we installed over 300 Tommy figures in our show home gardens, and this year we are doing the same with these new Women in War figures. “They represent the remarkable effort that women have made in every war, and we celebrate their achievements. We are proud to have installed these figures in our show homes in time for VE Day on Sunday, May 8.” David Wilson Homes’ developments in the county are now displaying the Women in War figures to pay homage to the soldiers. Campbell Gregg, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “Not only will the funding help to support the fantastic work the RBLI is doing, the figures will also encourage our employees and residents to take a moment of reflection for those who served for our freedom.” Women in War figures can be found in the gardens of the show home or sales office at a range of developments in Berkshire.
Double jubilee On screen party for Mencap Impressionist exhibition taking place this month READING Mencap is holding a double jubilee event, also celebrating its own 60th anniversary. It will feature performances from the Reading Mencap Choir and Progress Theatre There will also be a number of readings and presentations from those who have been supported by the service since it began in 1962. Mandi Smith, CEO of Reading Mencap, said the double celebration marks the achievements and longevity of both the monarch and the charity. She said: “Our event is inspired by this special time in our nation’s history and in our charity’s history. We will be looking back and also looking forward to what is possible in the future. “It will also serve to showcase to the wider community the amazing work Reading Mencap does, the services we offer and the needs of those with learning disabilities.” The double jubilee celebration takes place at the Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin from 7-9.30pm on Friday, June 24. n Tickets are free, available by contacting events@ readingmencap.org.uk
AN on screen exhibition celebrating one of the founders of the Impressionist art movement is taking place in Reading this month. Camille Pissarro is known as the father of Impressionism and is lauded as the driving force behind what has become the world’s favourite artistic movement. Thanks to the exclusive access to the Pissarro archive at The Ashmolean Museum, this film explores and highlights the biography and output of the artist. Pissarro: The father of Impressionism will take place at the Reading Biscuit Factory cinema on Queen’s Walk between Wednesday, May 25 and Sunday, May 29. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Royals star celebrates first anniversary of ambassador role A ROYALS star proved that he’s on target even when he’s off the pitch, as he marked his first anniversary as ambassador of a young person’s charity. This time last year, 22-yearold Tom Holmes agreed to support Berkshire Youth, helping to raise awareness of its work supporting, empowering and inspiring Berkshire’s young people. Activities included arranging for a group of young people to take part in the
half-time penalty shoot-out at Reading FC’s 150th anniversary match in February, attending football training sessions at a local club, where he presented awards to those who had raised the most money for Berkshire Youth this season. “When Berkshire Youth first got in touch with Reading FC and Reading came to me about the idea of becoming Berkshire Youth ambassador it was a bit of a no brainer,” he said. “Growing up in Reading,
I have always felt it is my responsibility to give back and appreciate the community and area that has done so much for me and many others while growing up.” He said that being part of the Berkshire Youth team was the perfect way to do that. “I have really enjoyed working alongside the brilliant staff and it is clear to see what such a fantastic job they are doing with Berkshire’s ‘next generation,” he continued.
SUCCESS: Select Car Leasing director James O’Malley’s team celebrate victory in a match which raised £1,200 for Sue Ryder
Charity match raises £1,200 for hospice SUE RYDER Hospice received a welcome donation of £1,200 following a charity football match at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Select staff members went head-to-head to secure office bragging rights on Thursday, May 19. Led by directors Mark Tongue and James O’Malley, the teams played out a high-scoring affair, with James’ side romping to a 7-3 victory. Both captains are lifelong Royals season ticket holders and the magic of the moment was not lost on the winning captain. “As a passionate Reading FC fan, to have the opportunity to play a match on this famous pitch is, quite simply, a dream come true,” James said. “But, of course, this isn’t just about a game of football. Like Reading FC and its valuable community trust work, the Sue Ryder charity has touched the lives of countless people across
the city and beyond, including members of our own Select Car Leasing family. “We’re delighted and privileged to be able to support such a wonderful organisation and we will continue to do so in the future.” Sue Ryder’s Senior Community Fundraiser Tom Horsfield was grateful for the donation, saying: “As a charity, we’re reliant on individuals and organisations donating and fundraising for us, so we can continue to be there when it matters for people going through the most difficult time of their lives.” “We’re grateful for the ongoing support from Select Car Leasing, which helps us provide the expert and compassionate care we are so well-known for in the local community.” n To make a donation, visit: www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ sueryderfootball
Director to step down AFTER NEARLY a decade running a major palliative care hospice in Tilehurst, its director has announced plans to step down. Maria Turnbull, 55 and from Goring, joined Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in 2013, as an interim ward manager. She led t the team through the centre’s relocation and a six-month refurbishment and modernisation project. This saw the hospice’s inpatient unit grow from being four beds to 15 en-suite bedrooms and a family room. She become the first head of clinical services, before being appointed as hospice director in 2018, with joint responsibility for Sue Ryder’s palliative care services in South Oxfordshire. Sue Ryder’s team said that under her leadership, the hospice has been recognised for many achievements, including an ‘Outstanding’ CQC rating in 2019. The hospice was also recognised with a Pride of Reading award in 2021 in recognition of the incredible contribution of its staff to the local community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ms Turnbull said: “There have been challenging times – especially the ongoing impact of Covid-19 – but easily the
NEWS | 37
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best part of my job has been the people I have had the privilege of working with, both within Sue Ryder and across the local area. “I will look back on my time at Sue Ryder with pride, knowing that I have made an impact on how our services have run and developed for patients and families needing our expert care. “I also want to thank everyone who continues to support us through fundraising and donating, as without them we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the expert and compassionate palliative care we are so well-known for in the local community.” Ms Turnball’s work saw the hospice ‘expertly led’ through periods of change and challenge, said chief operating officer Alan Bowers. “Her passion and commitment to patients, their families and staff has created a superb legacy and all of us at Sue Ryder wish her all the very best in her retirement,” he said.” Maria qualified at The Royal London Hospital in 1986 and in her early career she specialised in haematology and oncology, before going on to work at the Teenage Cancer Trust’s first specialist cancer unit at The Middlesex Hospital, where she became Ward Manager.
Council urges charities and volunteer groups to apply for funding
SUPPORT: Charities and voluntary organisations can apply for up to £5,000, or up to £10,000 when applying in partnership with other organisations. Picture: Courtesy of Reading Borough Council
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
READING Borough Council has urged community groups to bid for council grants.
Charities, voluntary organisations, faith groups, and cultural enterprises have been invited to apply for the council’s Small Grants fund. It has made £200,000 available for groups which work to support inclusion and connectivity for vulnerable and marginalised groups around Reading. The first round of funding will see half of the allocated funds distributed during July, with a second round open for applications in October. Individual organisations can apply for grants of up to £5,000 each, or up to £10,000 when applying in partnership with another organisation. The focus of this year’s round of funding is the promotion of inclusion and connectivity for marginalised groups and vulnerable adults and children. With it, the council aims to combat prejudice and discrimination and foster understanding and empathy
among different communities. Jason Brock, Reading Council Leader, said: “It is Reading’s unique blend of diverse and thriving communities that really sets it apart, and makes it such a great place to live and work. “Diverse communities can have divergent needs and challenges, however, and the theme of the Council’s small grants fund this year is breaking down the barriers which are sometimes evident in society. “We want to support
organisations who help to breakdown prejudice and discrimination as well as those who, through their activities, help to create new friendships and empathy in our communities.” Organisations are invited to apply online if seeking help with one-off or small projects, events funding, start-up and equipment costs, or for aid in running new or expanded services. Cllr Brock said: “Last year’s small grants fund was
a tremendous success, with 22 organisations benefitting from Council grants to support activities to reduce the impact of poverty and encourage wellbeing in some of our more deprived communities. “Small community-led projects make a real difference on the ground and I’m proud that the Council is once again supporting the local community groups which deliver them.” n To apply for funding, visit: www. reading.gov.uk The deadline for applications is Monday, June 20.
Duac crowned as Reading’s Drag Talent winner READING’S Got Drag’s monthly competition has crowned its winner. Seven competitors vied for the win at Bar 77, with the top two acts chosen by the judges battling for the win. The judging panel, made up of Xena Morph, Ridi Clueless, and Sera Tonin, gave the victory to Duac. Their two stunning performances, including one involving dancing with a Colin the caterpillar cake, swayed the judges just enough to beat Powdered Sugar in the lipsync smackdown. Duac received a cash prize as well as the opportunity to host their own drag night at the venue. The night saw a number of diverse talents performed, including a live ocarina performance and a strip tease. There were also guest performances from the judges, including a lipsync by the host Big Jay. Duac’s performance saw her narrowly beating fellow contestants Mx Mel Anin, Meatgirl, Brie Liance, Amber Rose Turner, Mess-Her Morgan, and Powdered Sugar. Judge Xena Morph said that the performers were: “At a really professional level. “The talent was non-stop, consistent, and explosive.
LINE-UP: Duac slayed fierce competition in an all-out talent battle for the crown, which included a live ocarina performance. Picture: Jake Clothier “It keeps getting bigger and brighter and bolder, and everyone is welcome.” Host Big Jay said that they were glad they “didn’t have to judge, because everyone was perfect.” Xena Morph also commended Bar 77 for its care as a venue: “It’s lovely that they make the space for it.
“They protect everyone as well – if there’s any trouble, they’ll sort it out and check that everything’s good.” Fellow Judge Sera Tonin said: “We had a whole range of different gender identities giving so much different content. “It was stunning.” Duac’s drag night will now
take place on Thursday, July 14, at Bar 77. The venue is also holding a Jubilee-themed Drag Bingo event on Sunday, June 5, from 7.30-9.30pm, hosted by Big Jay. Reading’s Got Drag will return to Bar 77, downstairs in The Outlook, Kings Road, later in the summer.
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
25.05.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Spend the night with Blowers T
HE voice of cricket is set to host a special evening of anecdotes in Bracknell this weekend, and if you’re not a cricket fan there is something for everyone.
Henry Blofeld, affectionately known as Blowers, will bring his one man show My Dear Old Things to the Wilde Theatre in Bracknell on Sunday, May 29. Blowers is best known as an author, journalist and for spending 45 years in the box as a commentator on BBC Radio’s Test Match Special (TMS). He had an “exceptional” career as a schoolboy cricketer and was given the Cricket Society’s award for the most promising young player of the season. However in his final year at school he suffered a serious accident when he was hit by a bus while riding his bicycle. In his autobiography he said of the accident: “My skull had been broken much of the way round, the cheek bone had been squashed flat, my jaw was somewhat worse for wear,
my collarbone had taken quite a hammering and the perimeter of my right eye had seen better days. “A good deal of sewing had gone on and I remained unconscious for quite a while, then they had to fish all the splinters of bone out of my brain.” Despite spending 28 days unconscious, Henry says his outlook on life remained a positive one. “I don’t think I spent my life thinking ‘if only’ I just wanted to get on.” Although the injuries curtailed his cricketing career, he did go on to play first-class matches for Cambridge University. After what he described as an unfulfilling stint in banking, Henry moved into sports journalism in the 1960s before joining TMS in 1972. The highlight, he said, was England’s third test victory against Australia at Headingley in 1981, a series which became known as “Botham’s Ashes” and “The Miracle of Headingley” after Sir Ian Botham’s performance with both bat and ball.
Blowers added: “Always good to beat Australia isn’t it?” Throughout his tenure in the TMS box he commentated on hundreds of world class cricket matches and entertained listeners with regular use of the phrase “my dear old thing”. His unique style has been commended for bringing the atmosphere of a real event to a cricket match by painting the picture of more than what is happening at the crease. Henry said: “If you are commentating on a cricket match and only focus on what is going on in the middle I think it all becomes rather two dimensional. “If you don’t paint the picture, you aren’t giving the listener a fair look on what is actually happening.” This style of articulating a message is what you will experience when attending one of his live shows. “The key to any public speaking or commentary is to be yourself. I am who I am,” said Henry. “What I try to do is to make
everyone feel like I am talking to them personally rather than talking at them in an audience.” Despite being synonymous with sport, the show will be more than just a night of cricket anecdotes as Henry also featured in series four of The Real Marigold Hotel The show followed eight celebrities as they travelled around India and experienced the culture. He was joined on the show by wellknown names such as Britt Ekland, Paul Chuckle, Duncan Bannatyne and Barbara Dickson. Henry said: “India is my favourite country in the world so it was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.” “The most enjoyable part of the journey was the interaction of eight fascinating but different people thrown together. “Each one had led a distinguished career in their own fields and they now brought together all their different experiences in an interesting mix of characters.”
Since his retirement from TMS in 2017, he has also appeared on Tipping Point and the award-winning comedy panel show Would I Lie to You? Henry says his “My Dear Old Things” show has something for everyone, whether you are a die-hard cricket fan or just looking for an evening of entertainment. “The first half of the show will be all about my amazing experience on The Real Marigold and then after the interval I will share all the TMS anecdotes. “If you are a cricket fan I have all the stories of Brian Johnston, Arlott and of course the streaker at Lords. “There is something for everyone and for anyone who comes along we will have a laugh a minute.” n The show starts at 4pm on Sunday, May 29, at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park in Bracknell. To book tickets, visit: southhillpark.org.uk
DANIEL BLACKHAM
14 | LEISURE
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Live on the big screen WHO needs to go to London, when London can come to you? On Thursday, May 26, The Hexagon in Reading will screen a live broadcast direct from the National Theatre in London. Straight Line Crazy is a new play by David Hare, directed by Nicolas Hytner and starring Ralph Fiennes. It tells the story of New York City’s streets during the 20th century. Right at the heart of this change is Robert Moses, who careers spanned more than five decades, and was heavily involved in the creation of 658 playgrounds, 11 pools and 13 bridges … was he a good man? Tickets for the screening cost £13, and curtain up for the three-hour show is at 7pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or log on to: www.whatsonreading.com
A journey to the stars
SET at the height of the space race, a double bill of drama is coming to Henley’s Kenton Theatre this weekend. Tales From Star City looks at the women at the centre of the Soviet Union’s journey to the stars. The Letter of Last Resort looks at how the Prime Minister was faced with the late-night challenge of writing a letter that could change the face of the earth forever. The plays aim to explore the brightest and darkest moments of Cold War history, aimed at questioning political beliefs and their impact on the world. The performances, on Sunday, May 29, start at 7.30pm, and will raies funds for War Child, a charity working on the ground in Ukraine to help children and their families. Tickets are available on a pay-whatyou-want basis, but a £1.50 transaction fee is added to each order. n For more details, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: www. kentontheatre.co.uk
What I’ve been looking for
YOUNG actors will have their moment on stage this weekend, as they present their latest work. The Berkshire Theatre School will be performing High School Musical Jr at The Whitty Theatre in Wokingham. The show is set in a high school on the
A NEW children’s festival is continuing this week with a range of theatrical events for all ages. On Saturday, South Street is the venue for The Artist, an interactive art gallery where each painting is a world to be explored, and works can be stepped into. It’s suitable for ages three and up and takes place across the day. On Wednesday, June 1, it’s the turn of Palaver Party, for ages three to eight: a glittery, colourful space to allow children to be free. It includes music, costume making, party games, and a rainbow disco. It takes place from 2pm and tickets cost £14. Swings And roundabouts is a comedy music show on Thursday, June 2, from 11.30am. Tickets cost £10, and the show is for new parents and their babies. It is a celebration of the highs and lows of parenting, through songs, laughter and more. Bucket Club’s Catch That Beast! Is on Friday, June 3, and performed across the day at South Street. first day after the winter break. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes all find their cliques. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. The couple causes an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well. The show is performed on Saturday at 4.30pm and 7.15pm, and on Sunday at 2pm and 5.30pm. Tickets cost £15. n For more details, log on to: www. luckleyhouseschool.org/
Appliance of science
THEY baffled magicians Penn & Teller, they amazed audiences with their sell-out conjuring shows, and now they’ve turned their attention to science … unbelievable science at that. Morgan & West, whose act involves them recreating the era of Victorian gentlemen, are turning to their original skill of science for the new familyfriendly show, coming to the Kenton Theatre on Monday, May 30. The show, suitable for ages seven upwards, promises explosive thrills, chemical spills and a risk assessment
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Bartered Bride. Until Sat. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat. My Dear Old Things: An Evening With Henry Blofeld. Sun. The Circus Sonas Family Show. Wed. Dirty Tattooed Circus. Wed. The Festival of Food and Music: Jubilee event. Fri 3-Sun 5.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Both Sides of Phil Collins. Thurs. Bumper Blyton. Fri. Comedy Club. Fri. Circus Skills with Patches. Sat. Rapunzel. Sun. The Little Mix Show. Tues. Total 90s. Thurs. Bring The Laughter. Fri 3. Marty Wilde. Sat 4.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000
Private Peaceful. Until Sat. Henry Normal: The Escape Plan. Fri. A Diva and a Piano: Lesley Garrett. Sun. The Wellspring. Tues-Wed. In The Night Garden Live. Thurs 3-Fri 4.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Housewives on Holiday. Thurs. BNU Dance. Fri. Stewart Lee. Fri. Fanny’s Bingo Brunch. Sat. Al Murray: Gig For Victory. Sun. Private Peaceful. Tues-Sat 4.
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Johnny Cash Roadshow. Fri. Josh Berry and Rafe Hubris. Sat. Tales From Star City and The Letter of Last Resort. Sun. Morgan and West: Unbelievable Science. Mon. Mark Steel: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. Thurs 2. Made In Tennessee. Fri 3. The Navy Lark. Sat 4.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
The acts are The Bourbon Massive, Salamander, Strangers In Transit, and 3Thirty. Doors open at 7.30pm, entry is pay what you can – and is cash only. n For more details, call The Facebar on: 0118 956 8188, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
Bright lights for jubilee
The show follows the Royal Society of Beastologists as they try and track down the Fearsome Beast of Reading … but they need your help. Tickets cost £10. The week of fun ends on Saturday, June 4, with a performance of The Council of the Birds by Bee In My Beanie. that gives their stage manager chills, all backed up by the daring duo’s trademark wit, charm and detailed knowledge of the scientific method. It takes place at 2pm, and tickets cost £15, £12 for concessions, and lasts 60 minutes. n For more details, call the box office on: 01491 525050 or log on to: www. kentontheatre.co.uk
Laughter at the Mill
THE Mill at Sonning is holding one of its regular comedy nights on Monday, May 30. The evening of laughter features a set from Nathan Caton, who has appeared on BBC comedy shows Live at the Apollo and Mock The Week. Also on stage will be Aaron Simmonds, who has appeared on the Comedy Central show. Karen Bailey will be the MC. The show includes a two-course meal beforehand, and the ticket price of £46.50 reflects that. Doors open at 6.15pm. n For more details, call the box office on: 0118 969 8000, or log on to: millatsonning.com
Double bill of comedy A DOUBLE bill of Edinburgh preview shows is coming to Norden Farm next week.
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Royal Opera House live: Swan Lake. Fri. Operation Mincemeat (12a). Wed-Thurs 26. National Theatre Live: Straight Line Crazy. Thurs. Alice Armstrong and Matt Long. Thurs. Geoff Norcott: I Blame the Parents. Fri. The Vinyl Frontier: Champion of Champions. Fri. Patrick Monahan: Started from the Bottom, Now I’m Here. Sat 28. The Northman (15). Sat. Family Concertini with RASPO. Tues. Fantastic Beats: The Secrets of Dumbledore (12a). Tues-Wed. The Bad Guys (U). Wed. George Fu (piano). Wed. Avalon Edinburgh preview: Simon Brodkin and Bella Hull. Wed. Pop Divas Live. Wed. The Northman (15). Thurs 2. Old McDonald and The Three Pigs plus… Fri 3. Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Fri 3, Sat 4.
Hundred Watt Club: A Right Royal Evening of Burlesque. Fri 3. Norden Farm Market. Sat 4. Lovely Jub(i)le: Come Together. Sat 4. Elizabeth: A Portrait in Parts (tbc). Sat 4.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 NT Live: Straight Crazy Line (15). Thurs. 80s Live. Fri. The Gingerbread Man. Sat-Sun. Exhibition on Screen: Pissarro, father of Impressionism. Sun. Gyles Brandreth: Break a Leg. Wed. Pop Princesses. Sat 4.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Bleak Expectations. Until Jul 2.
Reading – South Street
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
Taking place at 11.30am, the show is inspired by an epic Persian poem, and follows a girl’s journey across oceans and mountains to a place beyond time and the bird gather just once a year. Tickets cost £10. n For more details on these shows, log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/ themes/head-clouds-festival The Maidenhead-based arts centre is welcoming Spitting Image star Luke Kempner for an evening of contemporary impressions. He has had more than 10 million views of his online videos, so he must be doing something right. Joining him is Bella Hull, a Londonbased stand up, who recently appeared on the BBC show Stand Up For Live Comedy, and also appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Newsjack. As if that wasn’t enough she is also advice columnist for Quadra magazine. She won Yellow Comedy Young Comedian of the Year award in 2019, and is a member of Cambrdige Footlights. The show takes place on Wednesday, June 1 and tickets cost £12. n For more details, call the box office on: 01628 788997, or log on to: Norden.farm
Music for Launchpad
FOUR acts are promised at a special rock night in aid of Reading charity Launchpad. Reading University’s Rock Society will be swapping the students union for the night at The Facebar in Reading’s Ambrose Place. The bands, all from university members, will play a mixture of punk, indie, art rock and classic toe tappers, all in the name of charity.
SITELINES presents The Land’s Heart is Greater Than Its Map. Until Sun. The Artist: Filskit Theatre. Sat. Juniors Youth Theatre free taster sessions. Mon. Seniors Youth Theatre free taster sessions. Tues. Palaver Party. Wed. Swings and Roundabouts. Thurs 2. Catch That Beast! Fri 3. The Council of the Birds by Bee in my Beanie. Sat 4.
Reading – Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NT Live presents: Straight Line Crazy. Thurs. West Side Story (12a). Fri. Sandi Toksvig Live. Sun. The Hollies. Sun 5.
THE Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will be celebrated in unique style in Maidenhead next week, thanks to a burlesque troupe. The Hundred Watt Club will be shining brightly for the regal celebration, held at Norden Farm on Friday, June 3. The evening will fuse the art of burlesque with a variety show that will certainly be different. Norden Farm says it will be a “good old-fashioned, bawdy and champagnesoaked variety show all tied up in a feisty, tongue in cheek ribbon”. It stars Seragina Hart and musical comedian Elliot Mason, as well as circus stunts from Bella Diosa. Tickets cost £16, and the show is for over 18s. Glamorous vintage wear is encouraged. n For more details, call the box office on: 01628 788997, or log on to: Norden.farm
Head to the Bus Stop for The Hollies
ONE of the biggest names in British music, The Hollies are back on the road and preparing to come to Reading. The band, famous of hits such as He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother, and Bus Stop, will be at The Hexagon on Sunday, June 5 – the perfect end to the Jubilee weekend. This is their 60th anniversary tour, and they said: “‘We felt like this is something no other band gets to do, celebrate six decades together, 60 years of these songs that mean so much to us and so many others. We’re incredibly excited performing for everyone on what will be some of the most special shows in the history of The Hollies.” The line-up includes powerhouse drummer Bobby Elliott, and singer, songwriter, and lead guitarist Tony Hicks, both of whom are original members. Tickets cost £33 to £48, and the show takes place at The Hexagon. n For details, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com
0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. June 20-July 2.
Reading – Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Until Sat 5.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.
Sonning – The Mill
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Dylan Moran: We Got This. Jun 5.
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until June 25. Stars of British Jazz. Sun. Comedy Night. Mon.
Reading – Progress Theatre
Windsor – Theatre Royal
Reading – Concert Hall
www.progresstheatre.co.uk
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 NEXT SHOW: The Best of Queen. Wed, Jun 8.
Wokingham – Wokingham Theatre
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Comedy Night. Fri. NEXT SHOW: Stones In His Pockets. June 8-18.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: Nightmare Alley (15). Thurs. High School Musical Jr. SatSun. Wokingham Music Club: John Coghlan’s Quo: The Final Tour. Fri Jun 10.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 The Martin Hart Trio featuring Karen Sharp on tenor sax. Sat.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LEISURE | 15
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Pheasant is full of pluck, with first-class food
Midsummer Night is a dream come true
The Rep’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a party for all the family which doesn’t shy away from Shakespeare Picture: Harry Elletson
The Pheasant Reading Road Winnersh RG41 5LR the-pheasant-hotel. co.uk 0118 978 4529
W
HEN the promise is good food, good drink and good company, that’s a lot to live up to – but that’s exactly what we got when we visited The Pheasant.
The Winnersh-based bar and restaurant is under new management, and its garden and adjacent accommodation underwent an extensive makeover last year. Its new food menu specialises in English cuisine with a twist. The location benefits from easy access and on-site parking. It also has an extensive rear garden, with 100 seats and tables that were spaced out. There are also some heated dining shacks, and a covered area just in case it’s a traditional British summer. It is a great space to eat, drink and relax with friends and family. Inside, you’ll be struck by how bright, open and spacious the Pheasant is. The decor was fresh and comfortable with flowers on all the tables which added a lovely touch. We were greeted by Ceci, The Pheasant’s friendly new manager and shown to our table, before being introduced to our Waiter, Nate, who was every bit the perfect host. The menu created by The Pheasant’s talented new chef is well thought out, offering something for everyone, and using fresh and seasonal ingredients. For starters, we enjoyed sharing a selection of dishes. First was the sautéed Moroccan Prawns (£6.95), served with small wild leaf salad, Moroccan sauce, toasted flaked almonds and sourdough toast. It was a perfectly presented and generous portion of warm perfectly cooked prawns. Our children normally hate cauliflower, but they really enjoyed the deep fried cauliflower wings with soy ginger sauce (£5.95). Other starter dishes on the menu include Mackerel Terrine (£6.95) served with watercress and cucumber salad and sourdough Crostini (£5.95), Grilled Halloumi with wils leaf salad, spring onion, sundried tomato, olive oil and balsamic glaze (£5.95), and freshly made soup of the day £6.95. Moving on the main course, I opted for the Pan fried Salmon served with Seaweed
S
HAKESPEARE can be difficult to adapt well.
Food, presentation and style at The Pheasant in Winnersh is top-notch
potato, chard Pak choi with a passionfruit Hollandaise and Samphire (£16.95). This dish was really special with stunning presentation. The salmon was cooked to perfection with a beautifully seasoned crispy skin, the potatoes were perfectly cooked and flavoured, the pak choi expertly cooked with wilted leaves and al dente stalks. The silky smooth passion fruit Hollandaise gave this dish a real twist, whilst the slightly salty and distinctively crisp sampire worked perfectly with the buttery fruity hollandaise. My son opted for a rib eye steak (£21.95), served with a large roasted portobello
Mushroom, cherry tomatoes on the vine, goose fat chips and rocket salad that normally is accompanied by bernaise or blue cheese sauce, but my son asked for him to have peppercorn sauce which the chef made specially for him. The steak was tender, succulent, flavoursome and perfectly seasoned. The stack of goose fat chips were super crispy on the outside and light and fluffy in the middle, and devoured quickly. My husband chose Grilled Curried Chicken Breast (£13.95) served on a bed of sweet potato fries, tomato chutney and The Pheasant’s signature curry sauce.
A fabulous combination of flavours; crispy sweet potato fries work in harmony with the lightly curry seasoned chicken breast accompanied with the tangy homemade tomato chutney and curry sauce on the side. This was a wonderful dish which my husband highly rated. My daughter chose grilled chicken strips served with chips (£5), from the children’s menu, which she enjoyed very much. We were very excited to try the new desserts. There was a cheesecake of the day (£6.25), which was delightful. A crunchy biscuit base with a thick and creamy vanilla middle, not too overly sweet topped with a strawberry coulis. The luxury chocolate gluten free, vegan brownie (£5.95) was a treat, served with a creamy vanilla ice cream. The Pheasant offers a wide variety of beverages, including cocktails and gins. We felt The Phesant was fantastic: first class food, amazing service, and a great atmosphere. While I went with my family, it would also be a perfect location for a get together with friends. On Friday, June 3, The Pheasant will be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with live music and a barbecue. The fun starts from noon.
CLAIRE WORSFOLD
Not just because the source material’s age can alienate some audiences, but because attempts to update it can feel at best contrived, or at worst toe-curlingly cringe-worthy. Reading Repertory Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, however, seems to dispense entirely with this problem. To begin, we are introduced to six actors who have come to Reading in preparation for a jubilee event. Immediately, the casual, breezy attitude that the production takes is clear as they spitball ideas and joke with each other. Soon, the idea of the play is struck upon, and the acting troupe sets about an impromptu performance of one of Shakespeare’s seminal works. And this play within a play perfectly sets the tone. The production does not shy away from the source material, with a great deal of the original play’s dialogue untouched, but refuses to let any pomposity remain. The framing gives the play a level of approachability, bringing all of the lively fun and cheeky back and forth that a Shakespearean audience would have enjoyed. It brings this exciting, fizzing energy to the fore, making it easy to follow along even if the language can be offputting for some. Each of the characters is set apart early on, and each is played with ready and engaging dynamism. As such, not a single member of the small cast is wasted. Oberon, played by Dave Fishley, is immediately arresting. At times brash and physically playful, and occasionally bossy and overbearing, he is one of the play’s shining comedic assets, with more than a few laugh-out-loud moments. This is matched by Amy Ambrose’s Titania, who brings an earthy, one-ofus relatability to her scenes, and brims with humour, especially when she is taking on the role of Puck. Jonty Peach’s Demetrius goes in the opposite direction, playing on the theatre-kid haughtiness with an eminently likeable glee. Charlotte Warner, who portrays Hermia, and Beth Eyre, who plays Helena, ground the play’s more airy
tendencies with strong emotional performances. Each cuts through to the more tender moments of the piece with ease, and without sacrificing the levity. The cast is rounded out by Mark Desebrock, whose pivotal Lysander sells the change of heart at the centre of the play with a relaxed yet focused wit and a contagious sassiness. Altogether, the cast does a fantastic job of capturing the essence of what a Shakespeare play ought to be: a raucous romp through a dream-like space purely for the enjoyment of those watching. The players throw the production around, fully embracing the “half sleeping, half waking” qualities of the play in all of the best ways. The set echoes this, with the entire play taking place in what is essentially an improvised space. Resembling any drama studio after 4pm on a busy Tuesday afternoon, the set is vibrant enough to compliment the production, while giving only the bare minimum needed to suck you into the narrative. Overall, Paul Stacey’s adaptation, with co-director Chris Cuming, straddles its obligations to both the audience and the source material with a dazzlingly precarious balance which doesn’t falter once. While all of the most necessary parts of the original play are here, the rest is pure, lively, riotous, and celebratory, making it just as palatable and enjoyable as it ever has been– maybe even more. It is clear that this is the last in the Rep’s current season, because the production plays like it has nothing left to lose any more, and wins all the more for it. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is showing at Reading Repertory Theatre daily, except Mondays, until Sunday, June 5. It is a family-friendly performance, though attendees are advised that there is one small instance of mild swearing during the show. Tickets are between £14 and £25, with some available to those who can’t afford them as part of the theatre’s community mission. Signed shows, relaxed performances, and touch tours are available. n To book tickets, visit www. readingrep.com.
JAKE CLOTHIER
16 | LEISURE
Nightmare Alley is society’s choice MEMBERS of Wokingham Film Society will see a manipulative man with a mysterious past take huge risks to boost his career. Guillermo del Toro’s Nightmare Alley will be showing on Thursday, May 26. The psychological thriller is based on the 1946 novel of the same name. Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett head up the star cast. Tickets, available on the night, are £6.50 (£4 for members). Doors open at 7pm with the film starting at 7.30pm. n For more information, visit: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Tech support is free at library ANYONE needing help with a laptop, tablet or smartphone is invited to join in some technology support sessions at Wokingham Library. Every Tuesday, local business Pratts Pod are at the Denmark Street venue to help and advise from 2pm to 4pm. The sessions don’t need to be booked in advance, but operate on a drop-in basis. n For more details, log on to: prattspods.co.uk, email: info@ prattspods.co.uk, call 0118 304 7777 or visit the store in Elms Walk, Wokingham.
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Jubilee festival at South Hill Park
A
ROYAL celebration will take place in the grounds of South Hill Park over the jubilee, and everyone is invited.
The Bracknell-based arts centre is holding its annual festival of food and music, featuring live music, famly activities and, of course, food. There will be creative arts activities in its Italian Garden, including sculpture willow weaving, and canvas painting. Taking place from Jubilee Friday to Sunday, there will be music from every decade of her reign, from the 1940s to the present day. It starts with a tribute to the music of Queen’s Freddie Mercury at 2pm on the Friday, followed by tributes to Kylie Minogue, Little Mix and Take That with a DJ who will keep people dancing between changeovers. The day of tribute artists ends with the Abba Stars Band performing Dancing Queen. On Saturday, June 4, the musical lineup includes Evolution performing covers of classic hits, the Self Preservation Society bringing songs from the 60s as well as music from acoustic duo Inversion, Tony Woods & the Jazz Giants,
FUN: The Festival of Food and Music will return to South Hill Park in time for the Jubilee Funky Nature and The Lemon Sharks of London. On the In The Woods Stage there will be acoustic music with Michael Tuffery, Tomorrow Bird, Union Blue, Veronica Drozdowski and Colin Bailey. On Sunday, June 5, rock ‘n’ roll band The TR5’s will perform music from the 50s and 60s, and country/Americana will come from Sandy McLelland, Jenny Colquitt and No Dog Deal. On the In The Woods stage there will be The Capo Thieves, Marc Woosnam, The Gillies and Meddling Fox. And each day will finish with a singalong with Matthew Quilliam.
Another attraction will be a chance to go behind the scenes of South Hill Park’s arts centre and learn about its history, and some exciting upcoming performances. The event is free, and there’s no need to book. Stallholders will charge for food, drink and activities. Parking is available, but limited. It is open from 2pm-9pm on Friday, June 3, noon-8pm on Saturday, June 4, and noon-6pm on Sunday, June 5. n For details, log on to: www. southhillpark.org.uk/events/thefestival-of-food-and-music/
PHIL CREIGHTON
Four Seasons in just one night … and with added Frankie Valli FOUR SEASONS in just one night that’s the promise from The Hexagon for a new evening’s entertainment just announced. The ever-popular Bye Bye Baby show is returning to Reading on Saturday, September 17, promising a celebration of the timeless music of Frankie Valli and his band. There will be 30 of Valli’s greatest hits including Sherry, December ’63 (Oh What A Night), Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’,
and Working My Way Back To You. The show features fourpart harmonies, roof-raising falsetto and energetic and stylish choreography, all backed by their excellent four-piece band in a tribute to the musical phenomenon that is the Jersey Boys. It takes place from 7.30pm on Saturday, September 17. Tickets cost £27.50, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or logging on to: whatsonreading.com
Check in not to Hotel California but to Reading’s The Hexagon A NIGHT celebrating the music of The Eagles is coming to Reading this autumn. Talon will perform some of the band’s greatest hosts including Hotel California, Take It Easy, One of These Nights, and Lyin’ Eyes. The seven-piece band are said
to have transcended the tag of ‘tribute’, becoming a brand name in their own right, revered by their peers and respected by the music industry, but dearly loved by their massive and expanding fan base. This is their 25th anniversary
tour, and it will check in to The Hexgaon on Sunday, September 25. The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £28.50. For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: readingarts. com.
You’ll be Walking In The Air as Aled Jones and Rusell Watson fly in IT MIGHT seem like the wrong time of year to be making plans for Christmas, but … well, this will be popular. Aled Jones is teaming up with Russell Watson for a special festive tour and Reading’s Hexagon theatre is one of the stop-off points for the duo. The tour celebrates their new collaboration, an album of Christmas songs, including carols such as O Holy Night, O Little Town of Bethlehem and In The Bleak Midwinter, alongside festive favourites including White Christmas, It’s Beginning To Look At Lot Like Christmas, Little Drummer Boy, and Mistletoe and Wine. And there will be a very special rendition of Walking In The Air - released by then boy soprano Aled in 1985. It will be recorded later this year, and goes on sale at the
beginning of November. Christmas With Aled and Russell is their third album together, following 2018’s In Harmony and 2019’s Back In Harmony, both of which shot straight to number one on the UK Classical Album Chart and the top 10 of the UK Official Album
Charts upon release. They will be appearing at The Hexagon on Tuesday, November 15, and tickets have just gone on sale, costing £57, £44.50, or £34.50 For more details, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or log on to: www.whatsonreading.com
LEISURE | 25
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Wednesday, May 25, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LIVEMUSIC
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RaW Sounds Today
Katie Ellwood
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
Spriggan Mist – Remember the Day They just released their album, Isambard the Mechanical Dragon and it’s their best yet. Following a successful appearance at HRH Prog, Spriggan Mist are back at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// www.sprigganmist.com/
Bex Ruth – Scratching my Head Bex is a singer-songwriter from London who creates electronic soundscapes overlayed with soulful vocals. She visited Reading to perform at the Loddfest Takeover Show. See her at Loddfest in September https://linktr.ee/bexruth
T
HIS week, topping our hit parade is Katie Ellwood with a track from her debut album.
Hour Glass has blown us away, with unique and powerful sounds. We think you’ll love it too. Our mission is to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name). Katie is from Wokingham, and an impressive young artist. We think she’ll go far. To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music. 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.
OSP – When? 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 he performed at an incredible headlining show at Reading’s Sub 89. Here’s one of his excellent single releases. He’ll be at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// linktr.ee/splitthedealer
Katie Ellwood – Hour Glass Katie, from Wokingham and studying at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, says that her aim with her debut album Interference was to ‘remove any genre restrictions I have felt in the past and just write pure music’. She’s certainly achieved that, it’s an impressive album. This piece has electronic and acoustic instruments, creating a hypnotic riff, with a choir theme which mutates into a pulsating trance beat before ending with a solo acoustic violin. Wow. The choir is Ruby Thorne and Hope Pugh, violin by Janice Ellwood (Katie’s mum) and vocal at the end by Katie - https://www.katieellwood.com/
The Mezz – Yesterday You Said Tomorrow Leoni Jane Kennedy – Life Like This Leoni is a Blackpool-born, Guildford-based singer-songwriter and she will be appearing on the Wokingham Music Club Stage at Wokingham Festival in August, as will Katie Ellwood. Life Like This is an excellent single showcasing Leoni’s rock sound with progressive leanings and soulful vocals. We’ll look forward to her appearing with her band at the festival - https://www. leonijanekennedy.com/
Reliant – Heaven or Hell
Here’s the new single from local favourite Reliant, and it’s an exciting piece of powerful indie rock recorded at Generation Studio. They will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August - https://www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant
Adomania – Heavy Rain Here’s a debut single from a new young Wokingham It has a vibrant enthusiastic feel with great melodies. There’s potential here and we look forward to seeing that potential develop - https:// www.facebook.com/AdomaniaBand
The Mezz is a new indie four-piece band and this single is well worth a listen. They supported Split the Dealer at his Sub89 Reading show mentioned above and were one of the highlights of the night - https://www.themezz.uk/
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 Adventures album. Check out the video on YouTube - https://www. facebook.com/rocketkings/
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, May 26
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Filthy Llamas. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz Singers night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: Coach Party, Sister Lucy, Elucidate. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Open mic night. Details: 0118 958 6048. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, May 27
BEENHAM - The Six Bells, The Green RG7 5NX. Mash, Nash and the Band. Details: 0118 971 3368. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Originals. Details: 01344 303333. CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Piston Broke. Details: 0118 934 0700. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. AJ’s Calypso Tent: Remembering Dave Batson: G-String, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Brown Sugar, Rev B, Dame Polly, Music Man, DeeBine, King Clivas, Super Trini Vives, AJ’s All-Stars, The Kaiso Gems and more. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Housebase. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Jason Stretch. Details: 0118 926 5804. RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The TR5s. Details: 0118 343 0565. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G Band. Details: 0118 977 3706. YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105. YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road GU46 7UG. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872459.
Saturday, May 28
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Recycler Rock n Roll Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344
422622. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Broken Bones. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultra 90s. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 530615. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Daughter of the Water. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Delights. The Scarlet Vixens present Summerween. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.Details: 01344 303333. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Brick Top. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Festival Garden live music: The Rollin Stoned. 5.30pm onwards. £11. Details: 0118 979 7402. WOODLEY - Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood: Karen Sharp and the Martin Hart Trio. Details:
www.woodleytheatre.org YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. DJ Night. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, May 29
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme night: Body Count. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. The Anniversary and Birthday of Rex. 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. Stars of British Jazz. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Tuesday, May 31
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.
Wednesday, June 1
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: The Lovely Eggs, Thick Richard, Arch Femmesis. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Popworld, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Platinum Thursday Pop from 10pm. Details: 0118
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
959 5395. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Centralizin Soundz Reading: Benny Page, Serial Killaz, Shabbat, Sublowhz. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Thursday, June 2
BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Pink Fish. Details: 01344 420690. HURST - The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest from 3pm. Details: 0118 934 4100. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Ray Gelato and the Giants. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Charity gig from University of Reading Rock Society in aid of Launchpad. Details: 0118 956 8188. STANFORD DINGLEY - The Bull RG7 6LS. Self Preservation Society. Details: 0118 074 4582. WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Pixi Devalle. Details: 0118 934 0886.
Friday, June 3
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Adele tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318. LOWER SHIPLAKE - The Baskerville, Station Road RG9 3NY. Leech. Details: 0118 940 3332. READING - Abbey Ruins, The
Forbury. The Jubilee Tribute Concert: Queen, The Beatles, George Michael, Ed Sheeran, DJs and more. Details: whatsonreading.com READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity: New Mind-Wonk Unit, Launch Control, As Loud As… Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Doors Alive. Details: 0118 959 5395. WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Full Flavour Band. Details: 0118 978 4529. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Anna Nightingale from 2pm. Details: 01252 870648.
Saturday, June 4
BRACKNELL - Bracknell Rugby Football Club. Bracknell Real Ale Festival. Live music including The Shelf Side. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Self Preservation Society. Details: 01344 484123. HURST - The Green, Martinea Lake. Hurst Jubilee Concert from 3pm. Glee Club, Forbury, Bottle Kids, Dandy Man, Rick
Sinfield,Third Lung. Free entry. Details: hurst-jubilee.co.uk PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Ultimate Elton and the Rocket Band. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Soundjam. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam jazz night. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 926 5804. THEALE - The Bull, High Street RG7 5AH. Mythicals. Details: 0118 930 3478. THEALE - The Fox and Hounds, Station Road RG7 4BE. Hippyhaze. Details: 0118 930 2295. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chilli Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Sunday, June 5
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Stonesthrow. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING - The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. The Hollies. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.
26 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness (12a). Thurs. Everything Everywhere All At Once. Thurs. The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (15). Thurs. The Innocents (15). Thurs. Keep It Cult: Do The Right Thing (15). Fri. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Fri-Thurs 2. Keep It Cult: Pulp Fiction (18). Mon, Fri 3. Reading Film Theatre presents: La Mif (15). Wed 8. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Friday, May 27
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org 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 – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair 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. WOKINGHAM - WADE Day Centre, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Quiz night. Teams of 4-6, £10, includes light refreshments. Bring your own drinks. Booking essential. Details: www. wadecentre.org.uk or 0118 978 7025. 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 28
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook
Primaries PTA. Earley – Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club, Beech Lane, RG6 7PT. Open day – come and try bowling, bring flat soled shoes or trainers. 11am to 4pm. Details http://www. maidenerleghbc.co.uk FARLEY HILL - Victory Hall, Church Road RG7 1TR. Farley Hill bowls club open day. 1.30pm5.30pm. Details: www. farleyhillbowlsclub.org.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential. PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall. READING – Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Family life drawing session. For ages 6-12. £10 per adult and child. 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING - Christchurch Meadows. Reading Friendship Festival. From 11am. Bring a picnic, invite friends. Details: https://bit. ly/ukhkRDG READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair 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 Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Paint your own biscuits with Dr Ella Hawkins. 1pm or 2.30pm. £5, suitable for ages eight upwards, and adults. Booking essential. Bertie’s Brilliant Biscuit Design: create a new biscuit for display. £1. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING - Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Sidmouth Street RG1 4QZ. Open doors coffee and tea for Ukrainians newly arrived in the UK and their sponsors. 3pm-5pm. Details: https://www. rucc.uk/ SHINFIELD - Leighton Park School RG2 7DE. Whiteknights Ensemble in concert: Mozart, Arrieu, Hallam, Poulenc, and Ankarblom. £10, under 18s £5. In aid of ReadiFood foodbank. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ Whiteknights-Ensemble TWYFORD - URC Hall, Station Road. Quiz night. Teams of up to six. Bring drinks and snacks to share. Entry by donation. 7.30pm. Details: http://thru-christ.org.uk WINNERSH - St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Gratis choir free concert: Victoriana. Includes a medley of Gilbert & Sullivan. Free entry, retiring collection in aid of Ukrainian refugee appeal. 7.30pm. Details: www.gratischoir.org.uk
WOKINGHAM - Langborough Recreation Ground, Fairview Road. Wokingham Town Council presents Children’s Fun Day: fairground rides, visiting farm animals, face painting. 10am-4pm. Free. WOKINGHAM - Baptist Church, Milton Road. St Sebastian Wokingham Band presents Jubilee Brass, a celebration of music to mark the jubilee. 7.30pm. £10, £5 children. In aid of SHARE Wokingham. Details: 07724 073307. WOKINGHAM - Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Lions Club comedy night: Matt Bragg, James Ellis & Joe Sutherland - plus their fantastic compere, David Ward. Over 18s only. £17 plus booking fee, in aid of Kimel Foundation. 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 WOODLEY - Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood: Karen Sharp and the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org
Sunday, May 29
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. FARLEY HILL - Victory Hall, Church Road RG7 1TR. Farley Hill bowls club open day. 1.30pm5.30pm. Details: www. farleyhillbowlsclub.org.uk PANGBOURNE - Village Hall RG8 7AN. #FACEUP Exhibition of Quilts, in aid of Launchpad Reading. 10am-4pm. Details: 07795 571 671. READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Paint your own biscuits with Dr Ella Hawkins. 10am or 11.30am. £5, suitable for ages eight upwards, and adults. Booking essential. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Mates Rates Comedy presents Comedy at the Tap Room: Jared Christmas, Aideen McQueen, Carl Richards and Mo Omar. 6.30pm, doors 5pm. £15. Details: doublebarrelled.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 30 ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM – Reading Canoe Club, The Warren. Reading Canoe Club kayak on the river taster session. 10am, 11.45am, 1.45pm. For ages 9-16. 10 places per session, booking essential. Free. Details: reading-canoe.org.uk/ taster READING – Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Platinum Planting for ages 5-11. Free entry. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950. READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Museum, My Way, a day suitable for people with additional needs, developed by Autism Berkshire. Free, booking essential. 10am-2pm.. Details: 0118 378 8660. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Design a Huntley and Palmers biscuit tin fit for royalty. 10am-4pm. £3, booking required.. Details: 0118 937 3400. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Comedy night. Details: 0118 969 8000. WHITLEY – Whitley Community Development Association, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7AQ. Whitley Music Day: learn how to play, create and more. For ages 10-16. Free, booking essentials. Details: therockacademy foundation.org/ WhitleyMusicDay2022 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
Tuesday, May 31
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on
Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Make a fairy place or a castle of doom. Free dropin craft session for ages 4-10. 2pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5103. CAVERSHAM – Reading Canoe Club, The Warren. Reading Canoe Club kayak on the river taster session. 10am, 11.45am, 1.45pm. For ages 9-16. 10 places per session, booking essential. Free. Details: reading-canoe.org.uk/ taster 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 – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. All-day Platinum Jubilee Celebration: make a crown, join a treasure hunt and Royal themed quiz. 1pm-7pm. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Jelly, Broad St Mall. Art Club: unique sock puppets and mini-films. 3pm-4.30pm. Booking essential. Details: www. thejellyreading.eventbrite. co.uk READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Jubilee party hats. £1. Drop-in. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomews Road RG1 3QB. Come and make Royal Decorations, for ages 4-10. Free, booking required. Details: 0118 937 5106. SOUTHCOTE – Library, Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Make your own Platinum Jubilee Crown. 2pm-4pm. Free, booking required. Details: 0118 937 5109. TILEHURST – Library, School Lane RG31 5AS. Platinum Jubille crafts. 10am-11am. Details: 0118 937 5114. WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Platinum Planting. Drop-in seed planting session. Free. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 937 5115. 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, June 1 ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal
Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. CAVERSHAM – Reading Canoe Club, The Warren. Reading Canoe Club kayak on the river taster session. 10am, 11.45am, 1.45pm. For ages 9-16. 10 places per session, booking essential. Free. Details: reading-canoe.org.uk/ taster EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Jelly, Broad St Mall. Art Club: flag making workshop. 4pm-5.30pm. Booking essential. Details: www.thejellyreading. eventbrite.co.uk READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Victorian Schoolroom experience in Abbey Gateway. 11.30am3.15pm. Ages five upwards. £1, booking essential. Details: 0118 937 3400. 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. READING - Town Hall, Blagrave Street. Reading Samaritans open day: learn more about its work and how to support its callers. 11am-5pm. Free, drop-in. 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 WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Jubilee Thursday, June 2
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Salvation Army. 11am12.30pm. Free. Details: www.broadstreetmall.com READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022 Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Shakespeare in Ancient rome: Does Shakespeare celebrate monarchy. A talk by Martin Hughes. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk WOODLEY - Woodford Park, Headley Road. Woodley Town Council beacon lighting by town mayor Cllr Janet Sartorel. 9.45pm, arrive by 9.30pm.
Jubilee Friday, June 3
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. READING – Broad St Mall, Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Reading Male Vocie Choir. Noon-2pm. Free. Details: www.broadstreetmall.com READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Rivermead Leisure Centre, Richfield Avenue RG1 8EQ. Reading Vinyl Record Collectors Fair. 9am-3pm. £4. WINNERSH - The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Queen’s jubilee celebration: barbecue, Full Flavour Band and more. From noon. Booking essential. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents classic car show. 9.30am-3.30pm. www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Jubilee Saturday, June 4
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. BARKHAM - Village Hall, Church Lane RG40 4PL. Jubilee celebration and family fun day, organised by Barkham Parish Council and Barkham Village Residents Association. 11am-4pm. Details: barkham-parishcouncil. org.uk CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Make a fairy place or a castle of doom. Free dropin craft session for ages 4-10. 11am-2pm. Details: 0118 937 5103. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. A Date With Nature Monthly Saturday morning walk. £2 donation to RSPB. Meet in main car park. 9am, event to take around threeand-a-half hours. Details: ww2.rspb.org.uk LOWER EARLEY – Events field, Kilnsea Drive. Lower Earley Baptist Church Queens Jubilee afternoon Tea. 2-4pm. READING – Broad St Mall,
Broad Street. Platinum Jubilee celebrations. RASPO Steel Band. 11amnoon. Free. Details: www. broadstreetmall.com READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarme rsmarket.co.uk READING - Across The Forbury. Waterfest 2022. 11am-5pm. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road. Thames Valley Ancient Egypt Society lecture: Paolo Scremin, Bringing the Past to Life: Photographing the Tombs of Ancient Egypt, Oakwood Centre, Woodley In-Person only, £4 visitors. Details: www. tvaes.org.uk
Jubilee Sunday, June 5
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. In aid of Emmbrook Primaries PTA. ARBORFIELD - Recreation Ground, Swallofield Road. Jubilee picnic in the park. Noon-5pm. Fancy dress, live music and more. Bring your own picnic. BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Basingstoke Road. Jubilee celebration. 11am church service, 12.30pm a toast to the Queen, 1pm buffet lunch. Pudding competition, cash bar. Booking essential. Detais: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ beech-hill-memorial-hall/ t-lyqlvn READING - Broad Street Mall, Broad Street. Jubilee: The Silver Tones Choir. 1pm. READING – Forbury Gardens. Jubilee children’s concert with Trinity Concert band. 3pm-4.30pm. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING - Prospect Park, Bath Road. The Reading Society of Model Engineers Public running day. Tickets 60p per ride, £5 for 10. Noon-3.45pm. Details: http://www.rsme.org/ READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: risingsunartscentre.org THEALE - Recreation Ground. Theale Parish Council presents Jubilee fete: morris dancing, produce, baking, art, fancy dress, funfair, games and stalls. From noon.
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Your weekly puzzle challenge Quiz Challenge
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1. The Isle of Skye belongs to which group of islands? 2. In Greek mythology, Perseus rescued which chained princess? 3. Which 2022 Top 10 UK single by Fireboy DML and Ed Sheeran shares its name with a country? 4. British athlete Katie Ormerod competed in the 2022 Winter Olympics in which discipline? 5. Which leader in ancient history rode a horse called Bucephalus?
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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
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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: 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
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.
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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
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© Sirius Media Services Ltd
DOWN 1. An old-fashioned preposition (4) 2. Kelvin lent over and rested on his knees (5) 3. Girl hurried in amid confusion (7) 4. Article inside drum is almost a fruit (6) 5. Hidden microphone on the French instrument (5) 6. Ray of light coming from a star millions of miles away (7) 7. Rats topping the bill! (4,4) 11. Brides do get upset when undressed (8) 13. You can find top-class beer up at the Crown perhaps (7) 15. Heavenly cast? (3-4) 16. Criticises attempts to gain access (6) 18. I take a turn around Italian city (5) 19. Priest to have a gloomy expression (5) 20. A singular occasion (4)
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QUICK CROSSWORD
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Saved (8) Engaged (9) Acceptable (9) Hit hard (5) Warning device (5) Theatrical items (abbrev.) (5) Unselfish (8) Dark (5) Hocus ----- (5) Dreadful (4) Sicilian volcano (4) Atmosphere (4)
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WORD PYRAMID: Stars and stripes. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; subtract; multiply; add. Total: 6.
SOLUTIONS
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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
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ACROSS 1. International body detained large number inside who were slovenly (7) 5. Foundation of graduates’ lives (5) 8. Ron abandons thornier problem belonging to them (5) 9. Battle colour (7) 10. Be able to endure cricket (5,3,4) 12. Make a hostile incursion in a way (6) 14. Cultivator goes a long way over the French sea (6) 17. On all sides but not at the front or back? (5,3,4) 21. Warrior’s belt of hairless one in church (7) 22. I’m leaving monitor wrecked on Scottish golf course (5) 23. Looking tired as depicted (5) 24. It is pointedly used in administering medicine (7)
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
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10. Which was the last club other than Celtic and Rangers to win the Scottish Football League?
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7. Alan, Karren and Tim are the first names of the judges on the 2022 series of which reality TV contest?
Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed A through openings in the walls. The N first letter may appear in any chamber. D S
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6. Who directed the 2021 Northern Irish coming-of-age drama film Belfast?
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CROSS CODE 8
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19. Bulges (5) ACROSS 22. Told untruths (4) 1. Malnourished (8) 24. Mediterranean 5. Sharp-tasting (4) island (4) 7. Unsuccessful dive 26. Put out of joint (9) (5,4) 27. Only (4) 9. Always (4) 28. Australian 10. Binding strip (4) island (8) 11. Incisive (5) DOWN 14. Rugby 1. Exhort (4) formation (5) 2. Large jug (4) 15. Kingdom (5) 3. Dirt (5) 16. Texan battle site (5) 4. Postpone (5) 17. Waterlily (5) 5. Study hard (inf.) (4) 18. Tartan (5)
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QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Underfed; 5 Sour; 7 Belly flop; 9 Ever; 10 Tape; 11 Sharp; 14 Scrum; 15 Realm; 16 Alamo; 17 Lotus; 18 Plaid; 19 Humps; 22 Lied; 24 Elba; 26 Dislocate; 27 Sole; 28 Tasmania. Down – 1 Urge; 2 Ewer; 3 Filth; 4 Defer; 5 Swot; 6 Redeemed; 7 Betrothed; 8 Palatable; 11 Smash; 12 Alarm; 13 Props; 14 Selfless; 20 Unlit; 21 Pocus; 23 Dire; 24 Etna; 25 Aura.
FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Inner Hebrides; 2 Andromeda; 3 Peru; 4 Snowboarding; 5 Alexander the Great; 6 Kenneth Branagh; 7 The Apprentice; 8 Peach; 9 Dog; 10 Aberdeen (in 1985). (1) Across – Sumac; Otter; Haste. Down – Slosh; Maths; Curse. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Unkempt; 5 Basis; 8 Their; 9 Magenta; 10 Stand the (2) Across – Whirl; Ileum; Folio. I E Y H X B V A K T F Z Q test; 12 Inroad; 14 Farmer; 17 Right and left; 21 Baldric; 22 Down – Whiff; Ideal; Limbo. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Troon; 23 Drawn; 24 Syringe. S G O C N W D J R L P U M Down – 1 Unto; 2 Knelt; 3 Miranda; 4 Tomato; 5 Bugle; 6 NONAGRAM: erst; ester; ether; hest; hurst; hurt; Sunbeam; 7 Star turn; 11 Disrobed; 13 Regalia; 15 All-star; 16 reset; rest; rete; retest; rust; ruth; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU grid; rare; iron; dent. Knocks; 18 Turin; 19 Frown; 20 Once. seethe; sett; settee; setter; sheet; shut; shutter; steer; stere; stet; street; strut; struth; suet; suttee; teeter; teethe; teres; terete; terse; test; testee; tester; tether; thee; there; three; thrust; thus; tree; tret; true; truest; trust; trustee; truth; tush; tutee; USHERETTE; utter.
28 | LIFE
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How menu planning can be a help Healthy heart tip
time of year? Or is it soup or salad weather?
Save time, effort and stress
D
O you plan your meals in advance? If you don’t, it may be something you could consider.
Meal planning can support healthy eating as nutritious and balanced meals are easier to achieve when planned ahead. Planning meals makes it less likely that families will opt for take-aways or less healthy homecooked options.
Save money Menu planning saves money by identifying exactly what groceries are needed and makes it easier to resist impulse
HE UK is a nation of dog lovers. Statistics from the PDSA show that 26% of UK adults have such a pet, with an estimated population of 9.6 million pooches. Kennel Store has advised Brits on how to ensure their Jubilee celebrations are smooth sailing in terms of making sure pets aren’t overstimulated and misbehaving and how to prepare for a house full of guests. Street parties and family get-togethers are a chance to come together and socialise. Many of us consider dogs treasured members of the family, and so it’s important they too are included in the festivities. Large crowds can be overwhelming for dogs, so it’s important to understand your dog’s personality and how much social interaction they’re able to handle to prevent unwanted behaviours.
Try to preserve day to day normality
Dogs are creatures of routine and enjoy having a consistent, daily schedule. If this is disrupted greatly, it can instil feelings of insecurity and under confidence, which may cause a change in behaviour. Ensure you’re walking, feeding and playing with your dog at the standard times to maintain some normality.
Plastic Free Home David Lamont
How to have eco-friendly fun in the sun… STAY SAFE: When out in the sun, protection is a must - but how can you ensure you help the environment too? Picture: Pixabay
and skin cancer. It is important to remember though that our bodies need sunlight and Vitamin D to remain healthy. Indeed, various studies have suggested that Vitamin D can help to reduce our risk of being as severely affected by communicable viruses and certain illnesses. Sunscreens generally contain an emulsion (a cream, lotion, milk, oil, gel or foam), which works to carry an active ingredient (that either absorbs or reflects UV rays) designed to protect your skin. SPF simply stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and is a measure of the ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection provided. SPFs are rated on a scale of between two and 50+, with the latter offering the greatest protection. Sunscreens should also feature a star rating that indicates the level of ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection that is provided. In the UK, sunscreens are rated up to a maximum
How to ensure your dog has a happy Platinum Jubilee
T
Since the ingredients required to cook a meal are already available and the recipe has already been decided; time, effort and stress are reduced. purchases, helping with Remember that the cost of living crisis. leftovers from one Planning your meals ahead also cuts back and meal can be used to supplement another in reduces waste, as you your plan too. only buy what you are Take a look in the going to use. cupboard for foods that Keep it interesting need to be used and Menu planning could base some of the meal incorporate more variety plan on what you find. For example, a can into your week. of chickpeas may be Why not plan some used to make falafels or meatless meals or have houmous. some themed nights? Hopefully we have In your meal plan, you could also alternate inspired you to have a think in advance about between new and old your meal choices. favourite recipes to mix things up. n For more tips on how Don’t forget to to stay healthy, sign up think seasonal too. For to weekly healthy tips example, what fresh at: www.heartresearch. produce is available this org.uk/healthy-tips.
TRADITIONAL (generally big brand) sunscreens often contain chemicals, including Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, that can harm or kill coral and marine life when they enter our rivers and oceans. And of course, many come in bottles, often made from virgin plastic, and include hard to recycle spray mechanisms. Every time we bath or shower, wash our hands or swim outdoors having applied sunscreen, we risk introducing potentially toxic and harmful chemicals into the water system. Coral reefs are vitally important ecosystems and often referred to as the “rainforests of the oceans”. They help to store Carbon, to protect against costal erosion and to provide essential habitats for thousands of species. Their future existence is threatened by factors including climate change, overfishing and other forms of pollution. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) recommends using marine-safe sunscreen and has said: “Unfortunately sunscreens have been shown to have an impact on the marine environment – not just coral reefs but also other marine organisms. Oxybenzone and Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) are particularly harmful and the MCS recommends avoiding sunscreens with these ingredients.” When choosing a sunscreen, aim for one that is both organic and cruelty free where possible. Applied and used correctly, sunscreen can help to reduce the risk of sunburn, skin damage, ageing
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 25, 2022
of five stars, with this offering the highest level of protection. We have been taught to aim for a high level of SPF protection when buying sunscreen, but many people do not realise that the difference between different factors is relatively small. For example, a sunscreen labelled SPF30 will protect your skin against 96.7% of the harmful UV rays it may be exposed to during hot and sunny weather. While an SPF50 sunscreen will protect against around 98% of the UV rays. As a simple rule of thumb, if you multiply a sunscreen’s SPF factor by 10, this will indicate approximately how long the sunscreen may provide your skin with protection for. For example, a SPF30 sunscreen will at least partially safeguard your skin against sunburn for up to 300 minutes, or up to five hours, compared to just 10-15 minutes if no sunscreen at all is applied. That said, it is recommended to reapply all
sunscreens every two hours or so to top up your protection. In the UK, the NHS says: “Do not rely on sunscreen alone to protect yourself from the sun. Wear suitable clothing and spend time in the shade when the sun is at its hottest. When buying sunscreen, the label should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to protect against UVB and at least 4-star UVA protection. Make sure the sunscreen is not past its expiry date. Most sunscreens have a shelf life of two to three years.” Ocean/reef safe, Vegan and cruelty free sunscreens that we would recommend include Green People (SPF 30), Badger (SPF 30), Child’s Farm (SPF 50), Neal’s Yard (SPF 30) and Lucy Bee (SPF 30). Shade is also a solid option but note that it is SPF25. The company writes: “As SPF25 protects you from 96% of the sun’s harmful UVB rays which cause burning, we believe that users will not be as complacent as they would be about using a high SPF. Also, very high SPF is only achievable with chemical active ingredients, something we’re trying to avoid.” Please note that in some cases different versions are available for adults and children but otherwise don’t let any branding deter you – they are fine for children and adults alike. n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www.theplasticfreehome. com or www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk
Add in an extra walk Many dogs exhibit nervous and excited energy as new and unfamiliar faces enter your home, but it may benefit your dog to go on an extra walk during the day to help burn off some nervous energy. It’s also worth noting that if you find your dog becoming overwhelmed whilst your guests are present, taking your dog out for a stroll can help settle them.
Set some boundaries with your guests Your dog’s behaviour is extremely important during parties, but so is your guest’s behaviour. Running over some ground rules with your friends and family. Make sure your dog’s space is being respected and that any children who are around are also able to maintain a level of distance and mutual respect. Putting certain rules in place such as not playing with the dog until all four paws are on the floor can help keep your dog calm and prevent them from becoming overexcited.
Respect your dog’s space Your dog needs space to retreat when they are feeling overwhelmed or wishes to retreat. If your dog is crate trained and finds their crate a safe space, keep the door open so they have an area to go. Your guests won’t mind and they’re more likely to behave better and feel safer knowing their crate or bed is readily available. Making sure your pet is behaving during social events will ease anxiety for not only you, but also your dog too. Ensuring they feel safe and secure will help your dog be on their best behaviour.
SPORT TODAY READING
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
25.05.22
RAMS HAND OUT AWARDS
SWORDS BEATEN IN THE FINAL
OAKS ON TOP AGAINST OXFORD
READING LEGENDS PUT ON A SHOW
ROYALS RESTRUCTURE CONTINUES AS NEW HEAD OF RECRUITMENT JOINS
ROLLING BACK THE YEARS By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
ALMOST 10,000 fans turned out to celebrate a unique event as Reading FC legends put on a show to mark the club’s 150th anniversary.
In what has been a difficult season for Royals fans as the team narrowly escaped relegation in the 2021/22 Championship season, the club was able to come together to celebrate the two most successful
teams in the clubs history. Steve Coppell’s illustrious 106 point record breaking Championship winners from 2005/06 took on Brian McDermott’s 2011/12 Championship winners at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Both teams etched themselves into Reading’s history by making it to the Premier League and there were a host of stars of yesteryear on show to enjoy an incredible day of jubilation in
front of their adoring fans. In a manic spectacle on the pitch that saw 13 goals scored across the 90 minutes, both teams played their part in creating an unforgettable experience for the attending fans who were able to see their heroes in action on the pitch one last time.
Captain from the 2005/06 team Graeme Murty said: “Thank you to all the staff and players that took the time to come back and a make a brilliant day even more amazing. Thanks also to all the fans who came out to support both teams. We all loved being back out on the pitch and being surrounded by so much positivity.” n Full report and pictures on pages 22
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READING FC have announced that they have appointed Brian Carey as the club’s new Director of Recruitment.
His appointment comes as part of a restructure at the hierarchy at the club this summer that has followed the appointment of Paul Ince as permanent first-team manager and Mark Bowen as Head of Football Operations. Carey joins the Royals after a six-year spell at Premier League Tottenham Hotspur. He will work closely with Bowen, Ince and Academy Manager Michael Gilkes to bring in new talent to the club. Bowen said: “Brian is a mad who has experienced it all in football. He has been a player, captain, a coach, an assistant manager, a manager and has recently excelled during six years spent as Head of Recruitment at Spurs. “He proved the ideal candidate to help the owner, myself and the manager bring in players with ability but who also possess the right character and temperament for our club and have that hunger to succeed and the potential to improve. “It is a real coup that we have managed to beat off competition to secure the services of a man with his wealth of experience and I’m delighted he has agreed to join us at Reading.”
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18 | SPORT
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LOUTH CENTURY HELPS OAKS CRICKET
Callum Creighton bowling for Wokingham Pictures: Steve Smyth By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Home Counties Division 1
WOKINGHAM climbed up to fifth after they got the better of Oxford by six wickets. Oxford elected to bat first and totted up 217 runs before they were bowled all out by the Oaks thanks to three wickets each from Max Uttley and Billy Rogers. Wokingham’s opening batsman Conrad Louth survived the entire innings
Shaan Khan bowling for the Oaks
and gave them an excellent platform to take the victory as he hit 105 runs Rogers followed his impressive bowling spell by contributing a half century which helped Wokingham to seal the win after 48.2 overs after dropping only four wickets. FINCHAMPSTEAD were defeated away at Aston Rowant by 113 runs. Lewis Sharp was in fine form with the ball for Finch which saw him collect four wickets,
but Aston managed to total 250 from 50 overs. But Finch fell short of the run chase after they were skittled all out for 137.
out, saw Wargrave get over the line after 44 overs with three wickets to spare.
Home Counties Division 2
WEST READING added 38 points to their total after they earned success against CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD. Saqib Gulfraz top scored with 59 runs for West Reading as they were all out on 163 after Anthony Cluett picked up a five-wicket haul for Crows.
WARGRAVE put 20 points on the board with an away triumph at Great Brickhill. Wargrave bowler Euan Woods took three wickets as Brickhill finished on 185. A half century from Toby Greatwood, who remained not
BCM Championship
Cluett totalled 37 but Crows fell short of the chase after Muhammad Zameer also bagged a five-wicket haul which saw Crows all out on 134. SHINFIELD fell 50 runs short as they lost against Braywood.
the first innings. Alex Cobb top scored for Emmbrook with 53 but they lost after being bowled all out for 190.
CMB Premiership
EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD 2s are up to second after they were successful away at Penn & Tylers Green 2s. Alec McNab bowled superbly to take six wickets as Emmbrook had Penn all out for 102.
EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD fell to a home defeat against Monks Risborough. Andy Robertson picked up three wickets for the Bears as their opponents recorded 231 in
Chilterns Division Two
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TO OVERCOME OXFORD
BINFIELD CONTINUE FLAWLESS START
BINFIELD continued their flawless start in Thames Valley Division 2B with a nail biting win over Cove.
52* runs from Simon Huppmhrey and 34* Adrian Trueman saw Emmbrook breeze to victory after just 16.3 overs with eight wickets left.
BCL Premier Division SHINFIELD 2s scored 10 points despite being beaten by Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall. Arun Kumar hit 54 runs for Shinfield as they posted 186, but Stratfield won in the second innings with six wickets to spare. WEST READING 2s lost out on their trip to Woodcote. 36 runs from opener Zain Raja helped West Reading post 141, but Woodcote surpassed the target
after 25 overs to take the win.
BCL Division 1A READING UNITED lead the way after they earned a huge win over Peppard Stoke Row. A massive total of 351 was posted by Reading after Daud Sardar batted an incredible innings, hitting 202 runs from 84 balls. Peppard were all out for 176 after three wickets from Kiran Alluri which gave Reading a 175-run win. READING LIONS and EARLEY couldn’t be separated as they tied. Earley batsman Vinod Kumar Reddy Aduri scored 40 as they finished on 174 after three
wickets each from Lions’ bowlers Rahul Chansouriya and Param Palanisamy. Shiva Aruna totalled 63 runs, but the match was tied after they lost
their final wicket with both teams on the same total. BERKSHIRE ROYALS lost out away to Silchester by 45 runs.
THAMES VALLEY CRICKET
READING CLIMB UP TO SECOND WITH VICTORY OVER FINCHAMPSTEAD 2S By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Thames Valley Division 1 EVERSLEY dropped down to seventh after they lost by eight wickets to Ickenham. Eversley batted superbly as Olie Parsons put in a fantastic individual display by totalling 117, with Eversley finishing on 220. But Ickenham stood up to the test put to them and dropped just two wickets on their way to surpassing the target after 40.3 overs.
Thames Valley Division 2B
BINFIELD continued their flawless start to the season by defeating Cove. Binfield scored 202 and left it late to take victory as Cove were bowled all out just three runs short of the target as Alex Jackson (3-41) and Rob Pigden (4-21) posted strong bowling figures. READING are up to second after they earned a convincing win over FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s. Pavendeep Chima and Firaz Amjad both scored 60 runs, with
Reading ending their 50 overs on 279. A stunning bowling performance from Luke Beaven (6-28) saw Finch finish on 177, 102 runs short of Reading’s total. WOKINGHAM 2s lost out by five wickets to Fleet.
Thames Valley Division 3A
SONNING dropped down to fourth after they were overtaken by Haprsden in the table. Sonning were set 279 to chase and batted strongly, including a score of 79 from Dean, but they fell
33 runs short after they were all out on 246 after 42.1 overs. WHITE WALTHAM lost out after an impressive batting performance from Bagshot. But Bagshot batted efficiently which saw them reach the target after 27 overs with eight wickets left to take the win. WARGRAVE 2s were beaten by 123 runs in a heavy defeat to Kidmore End. THEALE & TILEHURST recorded their first victory of the new season with a win over Aldershot.
Binfield batted first with Wynand Lamprecht and Michael Allan-Canty opening the innings. They made a good start for the first few overs, 24 from six overs and 40 from 10 overs. Allan- Canty found the boundary in over 12 and over 15. In over 18 he hit another four but in the following over, he was caught by Redhead bowled Finney who was bowling opposite end to Finney. The run rate dropped when Morgan arrived at the crease but Lamprecht boosted it with a four in over 25. Morgan then sent the ball to the boundary in the 26th over and it was Lamprecht’s turn in over 29. The next over Lamprecht was caught Short bowled by Redhead for 48 on 116-2. Nick Randall came on to bowl over 32 and the run rate slowed down as Humphrey joined Morgan. He sent the ball to the boundary from T. Redhead’s first ball of over 47 and a six from Morgan on the last ball of over 39 brought up 150. Chris Morgan was Run Out for 53 on the penultimate ball and Tom Andrews was caught Neil Randall for 0 first ball and a double Wicket Maiden over on 172-4. Jackson joined Shaun Miller and ran singles until Wisniewsky had him caught by Finney for nine on 194-6. On the last ball Pigden was caught by Roylance bowled Short for four with the final total 202-9. The First ball that Cove opener Tom Redhead faced was a real eye-opener for the fielder who caught him. Andrews to Tom Redhead caught by Miller bowled Tom Andrews. Neil Randall was joined by Gavin Sinclair then the next over the former was out LBW to Pigden for a zero. Another Wicket Maiden took the game to 0-2 and Finney was next in. Two more expensive overs, over five cost 10 runs and over six 12 runs and three boundaries to Sinclair. Andrews then bowled a maiden over to Finney and the eighth over Sinclair was caught and bowled Pigden in another wicket maiden on 29-3. Roylance came in with Finney and 50 went on the scoreboard in the 15th over. In over 17 Roylance was caught Miller bowled Jackson for nought. In over 41, Finney was caught by Andrews bowled Jackson for 74. Short cracked Jackson for a six in the 45th over which added 10 to the total then a six off Clark in the following over, the 46th over adding 11 runs. Wisniewsky cracked Clark for a six and, with three singles taken, he watched Collett catch him for 38 bowled Ben Clark. 10 runs in over 49 shared between W. Redhead and Wiesnewsky, 199-9. In the final over Binfield took victory as they had Cove all out just three runs short of the target.
20 | SPORT
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Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds presents the Coaches’ Player of the Season to Ant Marris
Rams CEO Gary Reynolds presents an Honours Cap to stalwart Rob Dyer Pictures: Tim Pitfield
Roger Batchelor presents the Louie Batchelor Memorial Trophy for Coaching to Titans’ duo Paddy Conlon and Harry Stapleton
3M lift the trophy
SUNDAY LEAGUE FOOTBALL
3M AND BRACKNELL RAMS CELEBRATE SUCCESSFUL YEAR CLAIM CUP WINS RUGBY UNION
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today SCRUM-HALF Ollie Cole was crowned Rams RFC Players’ Player of the Year at the club’s end-of-season ball on Saturday night.
The outstanding No. 9 in National One this season, Cole took the gong ahead of runner-up Paul Schroter, the versatile forward, and 12-try Connor Hayhow who scored two hat-tricks in the centre as the Old Bath Road side finished sixth in the third tier. The Coaches’ player was prop Ant Marris, who recovered from a knee injury which forced him out for nearly two years to become a regular 80-minute player at prop. Skipper Robbie Stapley presented the Captain’s Player trophies to Jamie Guttridge in the forwards, and joint-top try scorer Henry Bird in the backs.
The latter crossed the whitewash 14 times to share the Try-scoring Cup with vice-captain Tom Vooght, while stalwart outside centre, Stevie Bryant, won the Tackling Trophy. Captain Josh Collis was voted Titans Players’ Player of the Season, with young hooker Spencer Hayhow, who also led Berkshire Under 20s to a runners-up finish in Division Two of the Jason Leonard County Championship, winning the Coaches’ gong. Around 120 guests were present at Old Bath Road, with Andy Lynch presenting the Chairman’s Award to Marcus Noye, who took over running the social side of senior rugby in the Centaurs (3rd XV), Dragon’s Teeth (4th XV) and Horde (5th XV). The Hutchinson Frost Memorial Award for Young Player of the Year went to the outstanding Max Hayman,
Ollie Cole (centre) was the Players’ Player of the Year, pictured with first-team manager Matt Maxwell
the hooker who scored eight tries for the first team and went onto captain Berkshire. Titans’ coaches Paddy Conlon and Harry Stapleton were awarded the Louie Batchelor Memorial Trophy for Coaching, with the former one of four to be presented with Honours Caps for 2019-20 when the season was shortened by Covid and the end-of-season bash subsequently postponed. Joining him were Bryant, Rory Paxton and Ross Crame. For the 2021/22 campaign, long-serving first-team players Jack Steadman, Jamie Guttridge, Ben Henderson and Ollie Taylor were all recognised, along with Titans’ manager Rob Dyer and medical lead, Sara Hill. Finally, the Bill Taylor Memorial Trophy for Club Contribution was awarded to Roddy and Amanda Vaughan, who do an astounding job in ensuring the pitches are
kept in as good an order as possible. First Team Awards Tackling Trophy – Stevie Bryant Try-scoring Cup – Tom Vooght and Henry Bird Captain’s Player – Jamie Guttridge (forward) and Henry Bird (back) Coaches’ Player – Ant Marris Players’ Player – Ollie Cole; Runner-up – Paul Schroter; Third – Connor Hayhow Titans Awards Coaches’ Player of the Season – Spencer Hayhow Players’ Player of the Season – Josh Collis Honours Caps 2019-20 – Paddy Conlon, Stevie Bryant, Rory Paxton, Ross Crame. 2021-22 – Jamie Guttridge, Jack Steadman, Ben Henderson, Ollie Taylor, Rob Dyer, Sara Hill Club Awards Louie Batchelor Memorial Trophy for Coaching – Harry Stapleton and Paddy Conlon The Hutchinson Frost Memorial Award for Young Player of the Year – Max Hayman Chairman’s Award – Marcus Noye Bill Taylor Memorial Trophy for Club Contribution – Roddy and Amanda Vaughan
Andy Lynch hands over the Chairman’s Award to Marcus Noye
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
THE Bracknell & District Sunday League season came to its conclusion with the final two cup finals of the campaign.
Bracknell & District Sunday Supplementary Cup 3M ensured they took the trophy in the final by beating BRACKNELL SPARTAN FC VETS. Having only lost one league game all season, 3M transformed their form into the cup by earning success with a 3-0 victory. Bracknell Spartans enjoyed a superb season in the league where they won 12 of their 18 matches to finish as runners-up in division two. Meanwhile, 3M topped off an
incredible campaign that saw them go through the entire league season losing on just one occasion. They won the division four by 11 points with 17 wins from 18 matches.
Mick White Subsidiary Cup BRACKNELL ATHLETIC earned success after they defeated BRACKNELL CAVALIERS. In a tight contest, Bracknell Athletic ensured their name was on the trophy after they saw off Cavaliers 2-1. Cavaliers finished sixth in division two with seven wins, two draws and nine defeats from their 18 matches. Meanwhile, Bracknell Athletic finished in fourth with eight wins, five draws and five losses.
3M v Bracknell Spartan Vets Pictures: Andrew Batt
SPORT | 21
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FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
BERKS COUNTY EDGED OUT IN CUP FINAL
Berks County fell just short in their pursuit of the Combined Counties Challenge Cup Pictures: Andrew Batt By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today
Esoteric Division One Challenge Cup Final BERKS COUNTY missed out on the chance to finish their season by taking silverware after they were beaten by London Lions. The Swords came close to capitalising on their attacking play eight minutes in when they stole possession from Lions, but the goalkeeper made an exceptional stop to keep out
Berks County v London Lions
Sackey. Just four minutes later, London Lions made County pay for their missed chance when Jake Furman put the league champions ahead. It was a suckerpunch for Berks as Lions quickly added a second just a few minutes after the opener when Max Kyte slotted home. The Swords looked to fight back and almost grabbed a goal back in the 18th minute when Sackey got behind the Lions’ defence and found Hayden, but his effort was well stopped by
the keeper. Berks then came agonisingly close again just before the break when Sackey hit a powerful strike that sailed just over the top of the bar. County went into half-time two goals down with plenty of work to do to get back into the contest. Berks provided a stern test for the Lions and were unfortunate not to have got back in the game when Hayden’s brilliant hit free-kick thumped the crossbar. But County were unable to
force their way back into the tie as Lions saw out their two-goal advantage and completed a league and cup double. Berks County first-team joint manager Lee Simpson said: “Ahh football, the thing that keeps us sane but also drives us insane. Huge effort from our group this season. We have all learnt big lessons about this league. Consistency has cost us. But still in our debut season there has been progress. Big thanks to all volunteers and club members for all the support. We had some great
moments. Vase run and support in the final.” Co-manager Ellis Woods added: “i’d like to take this opportunity, now the season’s done, to thank everyone at Berks County FC, one again, for what has been a brilliant season. Our players, the volunteers, the club trustees and committee members. Everyone has backed myself and Lee every step of the way. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone for the support throughout the season and I’m so proud of where we’ve taken
the club. It’s time for a week or two’s break to take stock and look at the next step in our journey. Lots to do and think about.” Berks County: Harris, Griffiths, Hobbs, Lee, Akem-Che, Craske, Money, Brighton, Hayden, Sackey, Allan Subs: Kennedy, Edwards, J Smith, D Smith London Lions: Samberg, Lipman, Landesberg, Cohen, Weinberger, Mordecai, Furman, Barnett, Kyte, Creese, Lipman Subs:: T Levenfiche, Mattey, L Levenfiche, Arnold, Wagner
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ROYALS LEGEN
READING FC
Legendary Reading FC managers Brian McDermott (left) and Steve Coppell (right) meet the fans before the match
Brian McDermott’s team beat Steve Coppell’s side in an entertaining game full of goals By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
READING FC
LEGENDARY MANAGERS REFLECT ON ROYALS EVENT
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC legendary manager Brian McDermott and Steve Coppell reflected on a momentous day for the club as they celebrated 150 years of history.
Both of their teams, Coppell’s record breaking 106 Championship winners and McDermott’s Championship winners from 2011/12 put on an entertaining match with 13 goals scored. There were plenty of fans favourites on display once again in the famous blue and white hoops, including captain’s from each team Graeme Murty and Jobi McAnuff. Leroy Lita was in fantastic scoring form for Coppell’s men, as was Jason Roberts for McDermott’s team. Former club captain Jem Karacan also got on the scoresheet with a sublime chip, while Kevin Doyle netted for Coppell’s team. Brian Howard had an excellent second-half cameo which saw him hit a hat-trick, including a spectacular free-kick. Reflecting on the day, Coppell said: “haven’t been here for a couple of years so to come back and see so many familiar faces and be in this environment again. “The crowd were fabulous.
“ I loved it in the dressing room beforehand, the players rose to the occasion. There were so many good players on display for both teams “ McDermott commented on the exceptional quality of the match and was delighted to see so many players return to mark the event. He said: “I was surprised about the quality of the game, it was terrific. The fans got involved in the game. Some of the goals today were fab. “ It’s all about good people. I walk into my dressing room, it’s like going back 10 years, I had a lovely, lovely day.” Both bosses were highly complementary of each others teams. Coppell continued: “The team reflects the manager, they are a reflection of the manager. The manager doesn’t give up, the team doesn’t give up. “The team showed some strong committed football and got what they deserve with promotion. “Speaking to a lot of people, they are talking about the past rather than looking forward to the future. “I hope that changes because it’s a lovely club wit some terrific people here behind the scenes.” McDermott continued: “What’s important was the occasion. Everyone knows Steve’s team, they are the best team the Championship has ever seen. “The record of 106 might go one day but it will take some doing. I can’t see it really. “It’s a fabulous team and a fabulous
bunch of guys.” Both managers looked ahead and gave their thoughts on the Royals future which has begun this summer with a restructure with Paul Ince being appointed as manager, Mark Bowen returning as Head of Football operations. Coppell said: “I hope from next season they have some more to cheer about rather than escaping relegation.” McDermott said: “I look at what’s happening with Mark (Bowen) coming in. I think that’s good. Brian (Carey) is in as head of recruitment, I know him really well. I get the sense that things are starting to go in the right direction. “They’ve now got to get the fans back, communicate with the supporters the good and bad stuff, you’ve got to tell them what’s going on, “But I get a good feeling about what’s going to happen this summer. “It will be a tough season, there’s no doubt about that with the money side of it but I can see a lot of success coming this way “That’s what everybody wants. It’s a great club, it’s got a great base. “When Steve came there wasn’t a whole lot of history, but now we’ve got some history at this football club With Steve’s team getting to the Premier League, finishing eighth in the Premier League and our team that got promoted. “There is some history and now we need to build on that.”
IT was goals galore as Reading FC legends adorned the Royals pitch for one last time in a spectacle to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
Reading’s two legendary managers who won the club’s promotion to the Premier League, Steve Coppell and Brian McDermott, took to the touchline. Coppell led his famous ‘106’ team who broke the points record in the Championship, a record that still stands, in 2005/06 when the Royals won promotion to the top flight for the first time in the club’s history. Meanwhile, McDermott’s players had a collection of stars that helped the club win the Championship in 2011/12 after fighting off competition from West Ham United and Southampton in a gripping campaign to take the title. Former chairman Sir John Madejski lapped up the applause and ovations from the adoring crowd prior to kick-off having overseen the most successful period in Reading’s history. It didn’t take long for the team to shake off the cobwebs as they got up to speed playing on the hallowed Madejski turf. Stephen Hunt showed he hadn’t lost his technical level of skill as he pulled out a few tricks and flicks. One of which set up James Henry to score the opening goal of the game as the midfielder smacked the ball into the top left hand corner from range after six minutes to put team Coppell ahead. Team McDermott struck back
quickly to level just four minutes later when Mikele Leigertwood slipped a pass through to Jason Roberts and the forward applied the finish past Marcus Hahnemann. McDermott’s side edged in front five minutes later when Jimmy Kebe expressed his quick feet in the box to work space for Simon Church to apply the finish. Leroy Lita showed that he hadn’t lost a yard of his blistering pace as he broke behind the defence and opened up his body to tuck the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-2. Lita then turned provider when he flicked the ball to find Henry who sprinted at goal and finished to grab his second of the afternoon. Jem Karacan scored a spectacular equaliser to put team McDermott back on terms when he spotted Hanhneman off his line and chipped the ball over the keeper. The goals kept coming as McDermott’s men grabbed the initiative before the break when Kebe got through on goal and slotted home before pulling up his socks in a trademark celebration. McDermott’s team raced into a convincing lead in the second-half, scoring twice more as Brian Howard curled in a free-kick from 20 yards. Howard then had his brace when he latched onto a defensive error and chipped the ball over the keeper to make it 6-3. But Coppell’s men showed their fighting spirit and worked their way back into the game as true champions do. Striker Kevin Doyle got on the scoresheet when he broke through and blasted the ball into the top corner at the near post. The 11th goal of the game went
23
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NDS PUT ON SPECTACLE
From the Middle
Dick Sawdon-Smith
Finished playing? Think about refereeing
F The players go on a lap of appreciation after the match
Roberts with Sir John Madejski
Pictures: Steve Smyth in with just over 15 minutes remaining when Simon Cox tucked the ball in from close range to make it 6-5. Howard’s second-half cameo was capped off late in the game when he bent the ball into the top corner to put McDermott’s side 7-5 ahead with his hat-trick. The game ended in victory for McDermott’s team in an afternoon full of nostalgia for the attendees.
Kingsley greets the fans
The Legends Game.
TEAM COPPELL: Hahnemann, Murty (c), Golbourne, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Little, Cox, Hunt, Mullins, Tabb, Doyle, Lita, Henry, Convey, Cureton, Embertson, Brown, Bayley, cisse GOALS: Henry 5’, 28’, Lita 20’, Doyle 68’, Cox 73’ TEAM MCDERMOTT: Grant, Cummings, Griffin, Pearce, Gorkss, McAnuff (c), Kebe, Karacan, Leigertwood, Church, Roberts, Robson-Kanu, D’Ath, Howard, Manset, Connolly, Bignall, Mills, Hodder GOALS: Roberts 9’, 90’, Church 14’, Karacan 32’, Kebe 44’, Howard 50’, 60’, 84’
McAnuff and Marcus Hahnemann
REACTION
JEM KARACAN: “I LOVED EVERY MOMENT” SAYS ROYALS FAN FAVOURITE By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today FORMER Reading FC midfielder and club captain Jem Karacan was delighted to return to help celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary.
Karacan, who came up through Reading’s academy, went on to make 155 league appearances for the first-team. The 33-year-old rolled back the years on Saturday and showed his class by scoring a sublime chip against Marcus Hahnemann in a
game that was filled with goals, with Brian McDermott’s side coming away with an 8-5 win over Steve Coppell’s team. “It was amazing to be back out there, I loved every moment of it,” said Karacan. “It was wicked to get the kids on the pitch on at the end of the game and get some pictures with them where it all started for me. “We all grew up together a little bunch of us so there’s nothing better than being back with everyone.
“I remember when some of the guys were here before knocking about with their little ones who are now about twenty odd, so it’s incredible. “I’ve loved every minute of it and it’s been so amazing to see everyone again.” The Turkish international played a starring role in the centre of the park for McDermott’s promotion winning team, turning out 37 times in the Championship, scoring three goals on the way to winning the title.
Reflecting on the game, Karacan continued: “I feel alright to be fair, considering. I was a bit gutted with Bri (McDermott), that he brought me off at half-time but Blakey took me out at one point so I’m feeling that, it was a bit sore. “I’m so glad to have scored, I hope someone has got that on camera, have we got that on camera? I really hope so. I loved it. “I had to give it a bit in celebration. You don’t know if it’s ever going to happen again so you’ve got to enjoy it.”
OOTBALL as we all know is the most popular sport in the world. What’s not keeping up with it, especially in this country, is the number of referees, so many games are played without qualified referees. At the higher level of course this is not really a problem. Where the shortage is really felt is what is known as ‘grass roots’ football, in other words is what is played on our local parks. When we had our local training teams before it was centralised, we were limited to 24 people on a course and the County FA decreed that we shouldn’t have more than four who were under 16. Today, it is the other way around, there are seldom more than four who are over 16. There are perhaps two main reasons for this, one is the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme. You can gain points if you become a football referee (community service). The other is money. The starting age for referees is 14. Until they are 16 they can only referee teams that are two years younger. So an under 12 match doesn’t last very long and often a referee can do two games on the same day. The fee can be as much as £20 so that’s £40 for a mornings work. We must not decry early starting as the last three number one referees in this country began as teenagers. Howard Webb was 15, Martin Atkinson 16 and Michael Oliver, today’s top man, was 14. The problem is that not enough of them continue refereeing after a couple of years. There are many reasons given for this. One often quoted is they then go to university, but I don’t see this as an excuse for not continuing with the whistle. However, whatever the reason, the fact is that not too many of them get to go into adult football. As I’ve said, in the past many older people took the referees exam. Many of these would have been players, who for some reason decided not to continue playing. It may have been that they weren’t too good and felt they could get further as a referee, others through injury or age, who had enjoyed playing and wanted to ‘put something back into the game’. If this describes you, then why not think about refereeing. Full details can be found on the Berks & Bucks website. You could be refereeing by next season. The clubs and leagues will welcome you with open arms.
24 | SPORT
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INTERVIEW
INGIMARSSON: ‘I HAD A BRILLIANT TIME’ By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Celebrating 150 years of Reading Football Club on Saturday, Steve Coppell’s 106 point Championship winning team of 2005/06 took on Brian McDermott’s Championship winners from 2011/12. In a game filled with entertainment, nostalgia and goals, Ingimarsson played his part at the back joined by his formidabele partner Ibrahima Sonko. “It was a nice feeling to be back out on the pitch,” said Ingimarsson. “I was a bit worried because I hadn’t played football for a long time but it was a great day and a very nice occasion “No, I absolutely didn’t feel fit out there! I just had to fake it and most definitely I’ll have sore legs for a few days but it was so nice to be back.” The Icelandic international, who won 30 international caps in his career, played a pivotal role for Coppell’s Royals as he played in every single match of the record breaking season in 05/06 that saw Reading win promotion to the top flight for the first ever time. The ever present defender then played in all 38 games in the Premier League in the 2006/07
Reading FC Legends match - Mathieu Manset and Ivar Ingimarsson
Berkshire Cricket League Championship Braywood (143 all out) beat Shinfield (93 all out) West Reading (163 all out) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (134 all out) CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood (190 all out) lost to Monks Risborough (231-9) Chilterns Division Two Penn & Tylers Green 2s (102 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (105-2)
Reading FC fans at the legends match
Coppell’s side celebrate after scoring a goal campaign as Reading achieved an incredible 8th placed finish. He went on to make 251 league appearances, scoring 11 times during his time at the Madejski Stadium. He continued: “It was nice to meet up with everyone and have a chat after the game. “Most of these people I haven’t seen for 10 years or so, so it was great to come together for this occasion.
“The manager was cheerful and happy so there were no problems in the dressing room, he just told us to
ROYALS ANNOUNCE RELEASED PLAYERS AS FIVE ARE OFFERED NEW CONTRACTS
First-team players Tom Holmes, Josh Laurent, Andy Rinomhota and Andy Yiadom have all been offered new deals with the Royals with the club waiting on those five players to make their decisions on their respective futures. All five loanees who joined the club this season, Danny Drinkwater, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Baba Rahman, Tom Ince and Karl Hein have returned to their parent clubs. The club are also engaging in negotiations with John Swift, Michael Morrison and Junior over new contracts, but have yet to have been
FOOTBALL Esoteric Division One Challenge Cup London Lions 2-0 Berks County
Home Counties Division 2 Great Brickhill (185 all out) lost to Wargrave (188-7)
READING FC
READING FC has confirmed the players that have left the club and those that have been offered contracts for next season.
Saturday, May 21
CRICKET Home Counties Premier 1 Aston Rowant (250-9) beat Finchampstead (137 all out) Wokingham (220-4) beat Oxford (217 all out)
FORMER Reading FC defender Ivar Ingimarsson reminisced on his ‘brilliant’ memories at the club following the legends match.
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
RESULTS
offered formal deals. Meanwhile, Terell Thomas, Brandon Barker, Orjan Nyland, Felipe Araruna, Alen Halilovic and Marc McNulty will all depart the club at the end of their current contracts. Reading are once again under financial restrictions this summer put in place by the EFL. The club said: “Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowe, has engaged in conversations with all three (Hoilett, Swift and Morrison) and their agents and, whilst officially they are being released at the end of their current contracts, dialogue in continuing during the close season period and both the club and the players in question may opt to re-enter negotiations in the coming weeks.
“All the offers made to players have been made within the strict financial parameters in which we are permitted to operate in accordance with the EFL restrictions that remain in place.” Under 23’s players Nelson Abbey, Jeriel Dorsett, Imari Samuels, Claudio Osorio, Kian Leavy, Rashawn Scott, Kelvin Ehibhationmhan and Nahum Melvin-Lambert. Meanwhile, under 18 players Mamadi Camara, Jahmari Clarke, Tyrell Ashcroft and Louie Holzman have all been offered new contracts to remain at Reading. Ethan Bristow, James Holden, Lynford Sackey, Malachi Talent-Aryeetey and Jordan Addo-Antoine have left the club at the end of their scholarships.
go on the pitch and enjoy it. “It was very nice to see the gaffer, he was such a big part of the massive success we had. “I had a brilliant time here both professionally and family wise. I have so many nice memories of Reading. “I’m sure Reading will get back one day. Sometimes you just have to be patient but I’m sure with the right work that one day they can do it again.”
BOWLS
WOKINGHAM OAK APPLES HOST BURGHFIELD By PAT RUTHERFORD sport@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM Bowling Club were back in action for the start of the season with several teams in action.
Wokingham Oak Apples hosted Burghfield this week who had three very strong teams. However, Wokingham Ladies managed to win on one rink results being lost 11-20, lost 8-17 and won 22-14. Ladies top team against Suttons proved to be a hard fought contest ending in a draw 64-64. However Wokingham just lost on points Singles result 16-21, pairs very close at 14-15, triples 18-18 and the fours secured a win 16-10. Sunday saw the County mixed fours against Palmer Park. This was a win for Wokingham so they now proceed through to the second round. Wokingham Acorns ladies managed a draw against a very strong Suttons team results being drew 18-18, lost 11-16 and won 14-9 Wokingham Kennet League ‘A’ team played its second match of the 2022 season home to Reading A last Tuesday. Wokingham put up a good fight but lost on all four rinks, narrowly on the third with an aggregate score of 64-80.
BCL Premier Division Shinfield 2s (186 all out) lost to Stratfield Turgis (190-4) Woodcote (142-5) beat West Reading 2s (141 all out) BCL Division 1A Reading Lions (174 all out) tied Earley (174 all out) Reading United (351-9) beat Peppard Stoke Row (176 all out) Silchester (289-8) beat Berkshire Royals (244 all out) Home Counties Women’s Softball Crowthorne & Crown Wood (42-5) beat Binfield (4-7) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (220 all out) lost to Ickenham (221-2) Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield (202-9) beat Cove (199 all out) Hurst (207-3) beat Royal Ascot (206 all out) Fleet (235-5) beat Wokingham 2s (234-9) Finchampstead 2s (279-7) beat Reading (177-9) Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (202 all out) lost to Bagshot (203-2) Harpsden (279-7) beat Sonning (246 all out) Wargrave 2s (80 all out) lost to Kidmore End (203-8) Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s (246 all out) lost to Falkland 2s (255-5) Wokingham 3s (260-2) beat Peppard Stoke Row (259-7)
Sunday, May 22 FOOTBALL Supplementary Cup 3M 3-0 Bracknell Spartan Vets
Mick White Subsidiary Cup Bracknell Athletic 2-1 Bracknell Cavaliers CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Binfield v Crowthorne & Crown Wood
FIXTURES Saturday, May 28
CRICKET Home Counties Premier League Aston Rowant v Wokingham Finchampstead v Buckingham Town BCM Championship Great Kingshill v Shinfield West Reading v Braywood CMB Premiership Braywood v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Hurley 2s BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames v Farley Hill Shinfield 2s v Woodcote Waltham St Lawrence v West Reading 2s BCL Division 1A Earley v Checkendon Stallions v Reading United West Reading 3s v Berkshire Royals BCL Division 1B Farley Hill 2s v Stallions Rangers v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s Reading United 2s v Earley 2s Shinfield 3s v Warfield Twyford and Ruscombe v Woodley Thames Valley Division 1 Cookham Dean v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Wokingham 2s Hurst v Fleet Reading v Cove Finchampstead 2s v Sulhamstead & Ufton Thames Valley Division 3A Theale & Tilehurst v Wargrave 2s Sonning v White Waltham Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s v Maidenhead & Bray 2s Wokingham 3s v Henley 3s Thames Valley Division 5A Hayes 2s v Wargrave 3s
Sunday, May 29
FOOTBALL Bracknell & District Sunday Bracknell Rangers v FC Fleet CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Crowthorne & Crown Wood v East & West Hendred Wargrave v Steventon Moreton Mavericks v Binfield
