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CHEQUE PLEASE! BAR IS A BIG HELP
Yes, there are more bobbies... but it will be a while before we see them on the beat
EXCLUSIVE
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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, 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 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.”
LOOKING AHEAD: Thames Valley Police’s chief constable, John Campbell
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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
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
Laura from Reading FC Conference & Events and Tim from ITM
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
PRIDE OF READING 2022 Pride of Reading Awards will be a year of celebration
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
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.
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.
“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.
Sponsors 2022
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
‘They change people’s lives’: Sir John Madejski on the awards
Danyl Johnson with Sir John Madejski
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.
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 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
The Abbey’s Human Intelligence initiative
Simply put: it’s the most exciting, innovative and rigorous curriculum available anywhere in the country Greener form of weed control begins trials
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
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.
