Reading Today, November 10, 2021

Wednesday, November 11, 2021 No. 4 90p

RUN TIME Reading Half returns to the town’s streets Picture special pages 2-7 ISSN 2754-2785 45

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

READING HALF MARATHON 2021

Back in the

WE COVER READING BOROUGH

Dan the Dinosaur entertained crowds

Rod McMaster ran in aid of Hare Hatch-based Yeldall Manor Runners setting off

In print

Order a copy from your newsagent every Wednesday – some even deliver

Online

Ready to run

Our website is updated seven days a week – bookmark it in your browser: rdg.today FACEBOOK & TWITTER: RDGTODAY

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@rdg.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Deputy editor • Jess Warren Reporters • Laura Scardarella, Natalie Burton Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

Runners come home and stretch

Sir John Madejski at the start line Pictures: Dijana Capan / DV Vision

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Wednesday, November 10, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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READING HALF MARATHON 2021

e running...

Omar Ahmed crosses the line

Sir John Madejski presents to second placed Paulos Surafel

Omar Ahmed checks on second place Paulos Surafel

Philippa Bowden receives her winner’s medal

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today THE STREETS of Reading took a pounding on Sunday, as the annual half marathon finally returned.

The event had been postponed from its traditional spring time place in the calendar thanks to the covid pandemic.

The route took 13,000 runners from Green Park into Whitley, the University of Reading, the town centre, into West Reading and Tilehurst before going through Coley and the A33.

The route ended with a stadium finish in the Select Car Leasing stadium.

First home was Omar Ahmed with a provisional time of 1:02:14, more than a minute ahead of Paulos Surafel on 1:03:18, and Joshua Grace on 1:05:14, who was third.

In the women’s race, Phillipa

Bowden came home first. The Berkshire athlete ran a time of 1:13:29.

Behind her was Naomi Mitchell on 1:14:25, and Michelle Pearson on 1:14:42.

While there were professional atheltes taking part in the race, many were running for charities.

The event’s official charities were Cancer Research UK, Sue Ryder, Royal Berks Charity, Creating Better Futures, First Days Children’s Charity,

Launchpad Reading, Thames Valley Air Ambulance and Sport In Mind.

The 13.1 mile race wasn’t the only event taking place on the day.

The Green Park Challenge took place first, with two waves. Over 11s went ahead of under 10s with accompanying adults.

This race went around Green Park and into the Select Car Leasing Stadium. In the weeks to come, presentations will be made to schools taking part in this event.

Now, preparations begin in earnest for the 2022 event, which returns to its traditional slot.

Entries are open for the race, which will take place on Sunday, April 6.

However, not everyone will need to pay: there were 39 golden tickets placed into runners goodie bags, each giving free entry into the event.

Joshua Grace was third with James Parker from Unleased

Phillipa Bowden won the women’s race

Naomi Micthen with James Parker from Unleashed

Michelle Pearson with Sir John Madejski

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

READING HALF MARATHON 2021 The green park challenge in pictures

En route...

Pictures: Dijana Capan

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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READING HALF MARATHON 2021

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

READING HALF MARATHON 2021

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READING HALF MARATHON 2021

WHAT'S BREWING WITH

DOUBLE

W

-

BARRELLED

ell hello there from Double-Barrelled Brewery!

If you’ve never heard of us before, we are a relatively new microbrewery that started in a garage in Caversham by myself and my husband Mike, now based on the Portman Road in Tilehurst…right near Screwfix!

We produce a wide array of seasonal craft beers with a focus on using the best ingredients and an unwavering dedication to quality and craft. You can find our beers in some of Reading’s favourite pubs, restaurants and offlicenses all across town and further afield too!

Join us at our brewery and Taproom where you can come and enjoy our beers fresh from the source. It’s a great place to enjoy some Friday night beers or a leisurely Saturday afternoon with friends and family (and your dog!). With 12 brewery fresh beers on tap, mouthwateringly delicious street food, brewery tours and special events from comedy to supper clubs there is something for everyone!

It’s been a wild ride for us over the last few years – being a new brewery during Co-founder and managing director, Luci a global pandemic wasn’t particularly lucky, but we are celebrating because we are still here and this November our brewery turns three!

Pictures: Steve Smyth

Runners raise more than £1,500 for Home-Start

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

Everything But The Bulbs: Working with local brewery heroes Elusive Brewing and Siren Craft Brew from Finchampstead, this 10% Imperial Stout is an homage to Reading’s three B’s: Beer, Biscuits and Bulbs and is a real decadent treat. Full of rich and chocolatey biscuit notes from a complex malt profile this dark beer is perfect for sipping and sharing… so with beer and biscuits, it has everything but the bulbs!

Infinite Reflections: A beautifully hoppy 6.2% IPA – and as we are celebrating we’ve added triple the amount of hops we normally use in an IPA. Afraid of bitterness? Fear not! By adding this lush hop cocktail during conditioning (known as dry hopping) the result is a smooth, soft beer with notes of tropics and citrus. Brewed with two more brewery friends who started at a similar time to us Duration Brewing from Norfolk and London’s Boxcar Brewery.

A GROUP of six runners raced to the finish line in this year’s Reading Half marathon, to support a worthy cause.

Home-Start Reading, a charity which supports families through difficult times across the borough, saw the individuals raise over £1,500 between them to put towards its services in the community.

The charity’s aim is to help build parents confidence and resilience, giving children the chance of a more secure future.

Runner Amanda Phillips-Wylds, from Stowe Family Law, said it was great to see the event back and well supported.

“I’m a local family lawyer and I see first-hand the impact relationship breakdown, domestic abuse, and mental ill-health has on children and families,” she said.

“I was looking for a charity whose focus was on helping families going through these tough challenges and Home-Start Reading fitted the bill perfectly.”

Ms Phillips-Wylds added it was good to be playing a small part in the organisation’s work.

“Having had to take a break from running due to long covid, I’m hoping

To celebrate we have brewed a series of three exclusive collaboration beers with some of our closest friends in the brewing industry and they are a great showcase of the variety of styles we love to brew:

The Gum Wall: We love making sour beers at DoubleBarrelled. Sour beer? Push images of sour milk and stale bread out of your mind – think vivid sour sweets and zingy fresh lemonade! This cherry and lime sour brewed with our pals at Norway’s Amundsen Brewery and Leeds’ Vocation tingles your tongue and is an explosion of flavour on your palate. to get my running mojo back and start running full marathons again,” she said.

“But I would definitely keep up the halves as they are much nicer distance.”

And founder partner at Drive UK Consulting, Anna Vorster, also ran Reading Half to support the charity.

“I only signed up to run six weeks before the day,” she said.

“I had to increase my miles quickly and had lots of help from my two dogs who run with me on a hip belt.”

Ms Vorster added: “I was nervous about what it would be like to run without the help of my trusted doggie

friends but the crowds and bands on the route kept me going.”

Home-Start Reading’s new communications and fundraising coordinator, Kathryn McCann, said she is grateful to the runners who supported the charity.

“Between them they have already raised more than £1,500, which will really help us make a difference to local families going through difficult times,” she said. n For more details, or to donate, log on to: home-start-reading.org.uk/reading-halfmarathon

You can pick these experimentative beers up from the brewery this weekend, alongside our year-round heroes: Local lager Ding and Parka pale ale – we also offer free Friday local delivery to selected RG postcodes for orders over £30 via our webstore. Bring on the weekend!

UNIT

20

STADIUM

WAY,

READING,

RG30

6BX

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US:

CHEERS@DOUBLEBARRELLED.CO.UK CALL

US:

0118

F O L L O W

942

8390

U S

FB|IG|@DOUBLEBARRELLEDBREWERY TW|@DBBREWERY

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Makeover for Reading’s Back of Beyond

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today

AN EAST Reading pub is to reopen today after a major refurbishment as it celebrates its silver anniversary.

The Back of Beyond was one of the first Wetherspoon pubs to open in the Reading area and has been a popular venue ever since. It was once part of a ginger beer factory, and used as a Salvation Army barracks.

Now it has a new look: not only has the interior been given a lick of paint, the kitchens have been upgraded, while the beer garden has been expanded.

Inspiration comes from the Kennet and Avon Canal, which runs past the beer garden area.

A spokesperson for Wetherspoon said that by making use of the service and delivery yard, the garden is now twice its original size.

A special mural has been painted on the fencing by a local barge artist.

And the outside space has been decorated with hanging baskets, potted trees, climbing plants and flowers and shrubs, to make it feel more like a garden.

Work on the garden is still continuing, and this will open on Monday, November 22.

UK STE

RAIL D from

TRIP AY

AM

£99

When it is open, customers will be able to sit at free-standing garden dining tables and chair, bench seating or under a canopy.

The changes will also benefit staff: they have new facilities and the kitchen upgrade includes a pizza oven.

In all, the project is costing Wetherspoon £842,000.

There is one thing that isn’t changing: the pub’s landlords, Rachel and Jason Lord, will continue to manage the Kings Road venue.

Ms Lord said: “We are thrilled with all of our new facilities, particularly the new-look garden, which will provide a lovely outdoor space for our customers.”

When the pub originally opened, it offered two meals for £5. Much has changed in those 25 years since, with the venue opening early for breakfasts, and launching a regular curry club. It also holds regular beer festivals featuring real ales straight from the cask, and popular quiz nights. One of these was hosted by The Chase’s Sinnerman, Paul Sinha, while another saw the first Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? winner, Judith Keppel, pop in to ask the questions. n What are you favourite memories of The Back of Beyond? Email news@ rdg.today

Cocktail Club opens soon

FAMILY DAY: Residents enjoyed an afternoon of fun and entertainment at Loddon Brewery’s Hallowe’en Family Day Picture: Dijana Capan

Brewery calls on Ghostbusters FAMILIES trick or treated themselves to an afternoon of Hallowe’en fun at Loddon Brewery last Sunday.

The Reading tap yard, on Dunsden Green Farm, hosted a day of spooky-themed activities, food and drink.

“Our Hallowe’en part was incredibly busy,” assistant manager Hannah Duncan said.

“The whole afternoon went really well and it was so lovely to see so many new faces and families.”

Children enjoyed an

24 EST. 1997

afternoon of pumpkin carving, a lucky dip, a bat hunt and a fancy dress competition.

Miss Duncan added: “It was great to see how all the children who didn’t know each other at the beginning of the party but then all had lots of fun joining in all the activities together.”

She explained that they received lots of positive feedback from the event.

“Everyone seemed to have a really good time,” she said. “And even a few children brought their own pumpkins along to

carve them.”

Miss Duncan thanked the rest of her team for their efforts on a successful day.

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at Loddon Brewery for all their hard work. We’re like one big family here, and I’m super proud of them all.”

Loddon Brewery will be hosting its next family-friendly Christmas event on Sunday, November 28. n For more information, visit: loddonbrewery.com

READING’S nightlife scene just got bigger as The Cocktail Club opens its doors to the public later this month.

The new bar will welcome individuals to its premises on Gun Street, Reading, on Friday, November 26.

To celebrate its launch, The Cocktail Club Reading is also offering groups of friends the chance to win its #onceinanighttime experience as part of its opening promotions.

To get those preparty drinks flowing, the winners will be picked up in a party bus to enjoy on their way to the bar.

They will arrive at the venue where they will be treated to their own table to party the night away.

Dawn Donohoe, managing director of The Cocktail Club, said: “We’re working round the clock to ensure our new Reading site brings something to the town that’s never quite been seen before.”

Ms Donohoe added she can’t wait to show visitors its new bar.

“It’s truly unique in terms of décor, staff and of course, cocktails.” n For more details, visit londoncocktailclub.co.uk

The Birmingham & Shrewsbury Christmas Express Saturday 11th December 2021 Join us on this scenic rail tour by seasonal steam train through the Thames Valley and the Oxfordshire and Warwickshire countryside to the Christmas markets at Birmingham or Shrewsbury.

Join us from Reading on this steam hauled daytrip to visit Birmingham or Shrewsbury this December for some festive cheer.

There are three classes available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner served at your seat.

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

Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Refreshments available to purchase on board. Tables for two can be guaranteed in First/Premier for a £25pp supplement subject to availability. Organised

by The Railway Touring Company. The Railway Touring Company’s Standard Conditions of Booking and Travel apply – see website for details.

The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN

Steve Precious

Phone 01553 661 500

For more information including approximate timings please visit railwaytouring.net Have a great day – The Safe Way – your welfare is our priority and our Covid-19 travel procedures are available on our website. Please note that the operation of the Christmas markets is outside of our control.

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Reading Comic-Con marks fifth anniversary this month

By LAURA SCARDARELLA

lscardarella@wokingham.today READING Comic-Con will be returning for its fifth year at Rivermead Leisure Complex later this month.

The annual event provides a weekend of entertainment for comic artist fans to enjoy.

Film, TV and gaming guests, vehicles and props, comic artists, traders, gaming zones, cosplay zones and competitions will make up the celebration.

Special guests will include Diane Youdale, Jet from Gladiators, Steve Cardenas, Red Ranger from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, and Amanda Abbington, who plays Mary Watson in Sherlock.

Paul Waidley, managing director of Creed Conventions, said he is “very excited” to be able to celebrate Reading Comic-Con’s fifth aniversary with this year’s event.

“Reading Comic-Con is our flagship event and is where it all started for us back in 2016.

We are just so grateful for the support we have been shown and given from everyone that comes through our doors year after year,” he said.

“The world of comic-con is in itself its very own unique community, with people of all ages and from all walks of life

LIVE: Reading Comic-Con will take place over the weekend of November 27 and 28 coming together to meet guests from their favourite TV shows, movies and even gaming, the latter of which is just exploding in popularity.

Guests from the world of comics will include Nigel Parkinson, who currently draws Dennis the Menace in The Beano, as well as others from Judge Dredd, Marvel and DC Comics.

And Zippy from the classic children’s programme, Rainbow, along with his handler Ronnie

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Le Drew and Transformers Optimus Prime will be joining the event.

Mr Widley added: “For any Star Wars fans out there, have you ever imagined yourself riding a Tauntaun from the ice world of Hoth (The Empire Strikes Back)?

“Well, turn your dream into a reality, as we will have our very own full-scale Tauntauns at this year’s event, and there is nothing they like better than giving someone a ride.

“And of course, with Christmas just around the corner, lets not forget about the fantastic specialist traders we will have on hand if you are looking for that unique and oneof-a-kind gift for that special someone in your life.”

The event will take place on Saturday, November 27 and Sunday, November 28. n For more details, visit the Reading Comic-Con 2021 Facebook page, or log on to: creedconventions.com

Twilight Trail teams up with homeless prevention charity for special event THE Twilight Trail returns to Forbury Gardens this December with a biscuitthemed event to celebrate Reading’s link with the worldfamous Huntley and Palmers biscuit factory.

The event will feature immersive installations such as The Lion’s Roar and the Production Line stepping stones.

And the trail has teamed up with Reading-based charity Launchpad for a special carol concert by BBC’s Gospel Choir of the Year 2019 winners, Reading Community Gospel Choir on Wednesday, December 8.

All proceeds from tickets sold for this special evening will be donated to Launchpad, which is fundraising to give the gift of a better Christmas to people who are homeless or at risk of sleeping rough in Reading.

Twilight Trail and Carols at the Abbey will be hosted

by Launchpad’s patron, Danyl Johnson, starting at 6.30pm.

Guests are encouraged

School to host online event THEALE Green School in Church Street is hosting an online sixth form open evening this week.

to book tickets so they can complete the trail experience before or after the carol concert.

Refreshments will be on sale in both the Abbey Ruins and on the Twilight Trail route.

Kirsti Wilson, head of marketing and fundraising at Launchpad, said she is “incredibly excited” to be partnering with the Twilight Trail for this event.

“Christmas is often a bleak and isolating time for the people we support. but by buying a ticket for Twilight Trail and Carols at the Abbey you can give the gift of a better Christmas to those who are homeless or at risk of losing their home,” she said.

“Launchpad provides a lifeline to those in need over the festive season with safe and stable accommodation, legal advice, a drop-in service and practical support with things like food parcels and mobile phones.”

n For more information on the charity, visit launchpadreading. org.uk

The event will take place on Thursday.

It will include presentations by senior teachers and will be followed by a chance to ask staff questions. n For more information, visit: www.thealegreen.w-berks.sch. uk/events

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

COP 26

Earley Panda cycles in PANDA power pedalled the message on climate change at the COP26 conference in Glasgow.

Earley’s own bicycle bear joined over 100,000 marchers through the city, calling on world leaders to take action on global warming.

It followed a 50-mile cycle from Edinburgh for the furry one who took part in the Pedal on Parliament ride.

Despite strong winds and heavy rain, the pedalling Panda was not deflated: “It was a tough ride and I got very wet, but everyone was in a great mood, and our spirits were high,” he explained.

“There were over a thousand riders taking part, all with the message that bikes fight climate change.

“When we arrived in Glasgow, the crowds were enormous, and everyone was singing and really happy. People loved seeing the Earley Panda on his bike, and I made lots of friends.”

The huge rally led by the world’s most famous climate activist, Greta Thunberg, wound its way from Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Museum to George Square where there were numerous speakers and performances.

“It was important for people’s voices to be heard, and for people all over the world to make a big noise so the politicians hear us,” added the Panda.

“I am confident something positive will come out of COP26, but we don’t need to wait on the politicians.

“We can all play our part by cycling and recycling, checking our own carbon footprint and spreading the word on climate change, whether we live in Earley or elsewhere.”

The pedalling Panda is already planning his next big cycle ride from London to Paris in July next year in aid of Action Medical Research for Children.

Refugee group releases video AN ADOVACY charity who had hoped to be at COP26 have released a video message outlining what they would have told the conference.

Reading Refugee Support Group had asked Reading West MP Alok Sharma if he could use his capacity as president of COP26 to give them a speaking slot at the Glasgow event.

They said that they wanted to support the refugee community by speaking directly to power.

They argued that refugees are first to be directly affected if those in power do not get universal agreement to get climate change under immediate control.

But the group were not invited to join delegates.

Instead, the group recorded a four-minute video written and performed by refugees, outlining their views.

“As our countries disintegrate due to climate change, migration will be elevated to a scale that pales out current refugee statistics into insignificance,” the video says. “If we don’t act now, the disintegration of our countries will leave us no choice. Climate migration is real. It is happening now.”

The video adds: “There is a moral responsibility.

We are not just numbers, data statistics. We are people, families, communities, countries. If we cannot speak to power, then who can?” n The video can been seen on YouTube. Search for “Speak to Power: A Refugee’s address”, or log on to: https://youtu.be/xEO68RNg4ZQ

Reading marches for action on climate emergency

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today HUNDREDS of people took to the streets of Reading on Saturday, November 6, to make some noise about the climate emergency.

A range of groups including politicians, teachers, activitists and churches, gathered at the Broad Street Mall end of town at 1pm.

Led by Shinfield Baptist Church pastor Nathan Hunt, the group went along Broad Street and into Market Place, blowing whistles, rattling rattles and shouting slogans.

It was part of a movement that saw tens of thousands of protesters march through Glasgow, where world leaders gathered for the United Nations COP26 climate emergency summit.

The conference president is Reading West MP Alok Sharma.

Saturday’s focus was on the creation of sustainable agriculture and land use, and saw 45 world governments pledge urgent action to shift towards a more sustainable way of farming.

The UK pledged to engage three-quarters of farmers in low carbon practices by 2030.

Commitments made by countries will help to implement the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land Use which is now endorsed by 134 countries covering 91% of the world’s forests. The Declaration aims to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.

Mr Sharma told the summit: “If we are to limit global warming and keep the goal of 1.5ºC alive, then the world needs to use land sustainably and put protection and restoration of nature at the heart of all we do.

“The commitments being made today show that nature and land use is being recognised as essential to meeting the Paris Agreement goals, and will contribute to addressing the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

“Meanwhile, as we look ahead to negotiations in week two of COP, I urge all parties to come to the table with the constructive compromises and ambitions needed.”

At the Reading march, Mr Hunt led calls for a successful COP26, and to see temperature increase limited to 1.5ºC.

Afterwards, he said in a post on social media: “Thank you to all those who joined the March 4 Climate today in the middle of COP26. It was a wonderful, colourful, peaceful (but noisy) event for all those who care about this world, its people and all its creatures.

“Thanks to all those who made it happen and came and supported it.”

Among those taking part was Reading East MP Matt Rodda, who said: “It’s been a sign of people’s commitment to tackling the dangerous climate change.

Our community are working together to try and tackle this very difficult problem that we all face.

He added: “I think the challenge is to get the message out to as many people as possible, and to change the way we all live.

I do think that’s possible: there are lots of small things we can all do, whether it’s giving up meat some days a week, or shifting to having an electric vehicle or walking and cycling.

“I also think that governments around the world should be doing more.

We have made some real steps forward in Glasgow, but we all need to do much more now.

“One international thing, which I’m particularly pleased with is the shift away from coal – that is absolutely vital. It’s the most polluting fuel, it releases the most carbon, and it’s very dangerous. It needs to stay in the ground.

“So do other fossil fuels.

We need to move on and use other forms of alternative technology and move to a better future.”

Cllr Paul Gittings, chair of chair of Reading Borough Council’s Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee and ward member for Minster, was one of those taking part in the march.

“It’s great to see a good gathering of people here,” he said. “Hopefully people who don’t take an interest in climate change saw it and might just start to think, because that is what this is about.

“We’re calling on national governments to do something, but people individually can do something.

“They can adapt their lifestyle, walk a little more, adjust their diet. I don’t think we need to be prescriptive about this, but really small changes can make a massive difference

in terms of cutting carbon emissions.”

He also said that Reading Borough Council had been taking climate change seriously since 2006, and it was one of the first councils to sign up to the Nottingham Declaration.

“We’ve been working on successful strategies dating back before 2010,” he explained.

“We’ve just produced our latest strategy taking us to 2026, and our overall aim is a net zero carbon in Reading by 2030. It’s an extremely challenging target.

“To get there we are going to need help from the government in terms of funding because the council alone, due to the austerity cuts, simply can’t do that.”

Deputy mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, said that the march came at a “hopeful time”.

“This is really our chance to change the course of the future,” she said. “By coming together, we can show world leaders that we actually want real action.

“It’s all very well making pledges up in Glasgow, but the really difficult part is going to make real practical changes. In Reading, it’s ever so clear from this march that we’re absolutely committed to doing that.”

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Honest motherhood

Reading ‘ukepop new album Every

Angela Garwood

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

Mum and Dad’s great escape

T

HIS weekend, you could say my partner and I were brought back to life somewhat.

We were doing just fine beforehand, but now we are better. Better people, better parents.

The magic formula? Escaping the demands of parenthood for just one day (or just over seven hours).

The first time since Leo’s arrival in August 2020.

We’ve escaped individually on many occasions.

I do an acting class on a Saturday that allows me approximately four hours of breathing space. And Joel mainly has work-related evening functions that he doesn’t count as socialising, but that I very much do.

“You came home drunk, you had FUN, it counts Joel.”

It was nice to experience the liberation together for once. And not just an hour of Gogglebox before bed. A proper outing.

We ventured to London to see East is East at the National Theatre, a selfish birthday present for Joel. Selfish because I love the National, this play looked good, I knew he liked the film, and I wanted company. Win, win.

We were like young children pulling into Waterloo, staring out at all the buildings.

“That one definitely wasn’t there before…”

We headed to the Southbank food market, then sat by the river with our lunch. It felt so good to be among the hustle and bustle again; London has an atmosphere like no other city.

The play itself was brilliant, a hilarious revival of the culture-clash classic. I laughed, very nearly cried, and loved every minute of it.

Simply being in a theatre again after all this time was pure joy. I wanted to be up on that stage but I also wanted to sit there in the audience soaking up all the theatre magic. It went far too quickly. We couldn’t believe when the lights went on and the play was over.

“I don’t want to go home,” we whined to each other. “Let’s stay and go for cocktails,” Joel, forever the spontaneous one.

“We can’t ... told Mum we’d be back for Leo’s bedtime.”

We had a quick mooch round the National Theatre gift shop, which consisted of me proudly pointing out to Joel all the plays I’d seen or read.

I bought a play titled MUM as a sort of souvenir for our day. It is currently on at the Soho theatre, though ironically due to my real life role as a MUM, I have not been able to go and see it.

Reluctantly, we dragged our heels back to Waterloo, envious of all those clearly on their way to Hallowe’en parties or just out for drinks. I must have counted at least nine people in scrubs covered in blood.

Sad and desperate for the fun to continue, we ended up in Tesco buying alcohol and munchies for our wild night in post-Leo’s bedtime.

Joel: “You are going to buy a bottle of Bailey’s and have about five small sips aren’t you...”

Me: “Yes, yes I am.”

It was a relief in the end to get back to Leo, I felt guilty leaving him all day and was happy to be reunited, even if it meant missing the overpriced cocktails. His little face lit up when we walked in the room, and that was enough to remind me I was exactly where I needed to be.

After putting him to bed we began Googling plays to see and brainstorming all the places in London we might want to take the children.

We were buzzing.

The whole afternoon was a colourful reminder of all the exciting things going on in the capital.

An exhilarating day for two tired parents, we needed it.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

A READING band is tuning up its ukuleles after releasing a new album last month.

FANTASTY ISLAND: Fantasy World Maps is set to complete its Berkshire creation soon

Berkshire has been mapped like never before

A LORD Of The Rings-inspired map of Berkshire is currently in the works for the community to enjoy.

Created by Fantasy World Maps, the map will display a range of locations and landmarks across the county that have been highlighted by residents.

Chris Birse, owner of Fantasy World Maps, started the business three years ago. Initially began with his local region Teeside, along with Ireland and Scotland.

After receiving lots of positive feedback, he decided to scale the maps down to counties, so he could get more detail in.

Taking around 70 hours to complete, Mr Birse said he has received the “best responses” from the community while working on the Berkshire.

He reached out to residents on Facebook groups, including the Wokingham Borough Residents Discussion Group, so they could put forward their ideas on what they would want to see on the map.

And, he explained, the suggestions have been “overwhelming”.

“I’ve loved creating this one,” he said. “I’ve had so many quirky recommendations from people across the county on little things they’d like me to add to the map and it’s been so interesting finding out all of this funny locations in the area.”

He added that he keeps adding more things to the map until it goes to print.

“The more ideas the merrier,” he said.

“No matter how small, even if it’s a barrel that is in someone’s garden, nothing is too silly to suggest.

“And 95% of the stuff I get suggested will usually go in to the map, especially a lot of the smallerscale things.”

Mr Birse said he chose Berkshire specifically because of the amount of history in the south.

“There’s so much going on down here that lends itself to the Lord Of The Rings style,” he said.

“Berkshire has all these wondrous things, lots of hills and the Royal ties, which is all so great to explore and create.”

Some locations on the map include Reading’s famous lion statue, The Greek Theatre, at Bradfield, near Theale, the Reading Abbey Ruins, the Select Car Leasing Stadium and more.

Mr Birse said the maps create a “personal” memento for people who live in Berkshire.

“This appeals to people who are interested in Lord Of The Rings and the general fantasy style,” he added “For most, they’ve never seen a map done in this way, and it’s all about taking those landmarks and doing something a bit different to show them off.

“It would make the perfect gift for someone for them to have in their home.” n For more details, visit the Fantasy World Maps Facebook page

Reading’s pretty fit READING might be famous for its beer, bulbs and biscuits, but if a new survey is true, it should be biceps, bulges and brawn.

It turns out that the town takes silver place in a contest to be health and fitness capital of the UK. Only Newcastle ranked higher.

Online health and fitness retailer Predator Nutrition looked at the number of gyms and local interest in physical health, nutrition and supplements across the country.

Newcastle came top, ranking highly for all characteristics of a healthy city, followed by Reading in second and Bristol third.

Reading did come top in one area: it has the most holistic approach to health and fitness.

This includes balancing physical fitness with a healthy diet and

optimised supplement regimen.

There are 93,620 online searches relating to physical fitness, nutrition and supplements in Reading each month.

This amounts to as many as six in 10 Reading residents showing an active monthly interest in their overall health and fitness.

n For more details, or to see the survey, log on to: www.predatornutrition.com

Rocket Kings, a five piece “uke pop” group, finally launched Everyday Adventures after the pandemic delayed its release.

Formed in 2016, the band was put together by ukulele player Dave Stewart, who writes a lot of the songs.

He initially put a few tunes and demos together for fun and booked a gig in before finding other band members.

The group features Greg Forys on bass, David Heath on drums, and Dave Stewart, Jess Tuthill and Bex Crossland on both vocals and ukulele.

Due to be released in summer last year, band member Dave said the group is “very pleased” to reveal the 13-track collection.

“We went to record it in the studio, and we ended up just carrying on recording more and more until we eventually made it into an album,” he said.

“We really enjoyed going to South Hill Park to piece it all together and we had it all ready to go last year, until the pandemic hit.

“And we’ve already filmed a couple of music videos for the tracks Green Zone and one of the bands favourite songs, Rendezvous, which is the opening track.

“We just love it because it’s a song that resonates with us all.”

Dave explained that Rocket Kings solely perform for pleasure and entertainment.

“We’re very much about playing our music for pure enjoyment, and we love to have as much fun as possible at our gigs,” he said.

Looking back on the group’s memories, Dave said the best moments are when the audience sing along to the songs.

“We really appreciate the little moments like, for example, when we played our song Space Camp at the Global Cafe a few years back, I got all the audience involved in the song, and it was so exciting to hear them all sing

Earley artist launches calendar for the Little Guy SOMEWHERE between her sofa and the bottom of the stairs, Emma Major lost her sight.

Feeling a little groggy when she stood up, the mother of one staggered across the hall and plunged into a world of darkness.

At first, doctors were baffled but, after numerous tests, Emma was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder, or FND, a rare condition which can strike without warning.

Today, the wheelchair bound lay minister at St Nicolas Church in Earley, retains only a small amount of tunnel vision and is registered legally blind.

“There’s no real treatment,” explains Emma. “I had covid and that made my eyes and the little sight I have even worse.”

After losing her sight back in 2015, Emma found renewed comfort in writing poetry, something she had done from an early age.

“I was always composing poems but I was useless at art,” she adds.

“Then one day in January 2020, I woke up with three pictures and poems in my mind, and I just knew I had to get them down on paper. I tried to draw but as I couldn’t see, it was difficult. That’s when I discovered an app which enables me to magnify the drawing and my work got better.

“In less than two weeks, I had written 25 poems and created a character I called Little Guy. “When I lost my sight and became a wheelchair user, I became quite depressed. Little Guy started off anxious and depressed before he moved through hope and trust to the point where he is able to relate to the world and thrive again.”

The result was a book published

by Wild Goose Publishing, reeased in May. Emma realised that Little Guy spoke into the loneliness, depression and confusion many people felt as the covid pandemic spread across the country.

Such was the popularity of the character and Emma’s poems, that she was featured on Grayson Perry’s Art Show on Channel 4 and exhibited for him. She also has an exhibition of paintings on climate change currently at St George’s Tron in the heart of Glasgow, which is receiving rave reviews.

Her latest venture is a limited edition calendar for 2022 featuring colour drawings of Little Guy. “The calendar sells for £10 with all the money going to FND HOPE UK, a patient-led charity for people with the condition,” said Emma.

“There is a Little Guy illustration for every month of the year, but she has also transformed into Little Guy

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

p’ band releases yday Adventures

NEWS | 29

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Seeing is believing with The Invisible Dress

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Reader travel THURSFORD

Christmas Spectacular ThursfordChristmasSpectacular_D.pdf

back to us.”

Rocket Kings has performed regular monthly shows in and around the Reading area.

And most recently, the fivepiece band took to the stage at Readipop Festival, the Castle Tap and the Oxjam fundraiser event earlier this year.

Dave, who also teaches ukulele full time, said the band is “raring” to get back into the swing of regular gigs again.

“It’s been lovely to have so many people come out and watch us perform in the shows we’ve done so far since the lockdown,” he said.

“We’ve enjoyed playing all of our songs off our new album as well as our old EP tracks and we can’t wait to continue entertaining crowds over the coming months.”

Rocket Kings will next be performing at Fisherman’s Cottage, on Kennet Side, Reading, on Friday, November 12.

And on Saturday, December 18, the band will take to the mic at The Weather Station, on Eldon Terrace, Reading.

To listen to Everyday Adventures, visit: rocketkings.hearnow.com n For updates on future gigs, follow the Rocket Kings Facebook page

A SENSORY awareness exhibition has opened its doors to the public in Caversham.

Perfumer Gabriel DeCarvalho welcomed visitors to The Invisible Dress at the HUMOS Studio and Showroom, in Caversham, for the launch event on Friday, October 29.

The presentation, on Church Road, shows individuals how to elevate sensory awareness by bringing together scents and sights.

The flowers and exhibition’s decoration is by Wesley St Cyr and Wendy Whitehea of Blooming Ashley’s Flowers.

The dresses are sketches made real, with each dress a floral representation of the notes and fragrances.

Attendees can book a more

In the money ABBA once sang lyrics that will be familiar to many of us: “All the things I could do if I had a little money”.

One group is hoping that with a little tuition, financial literacy could be accessible for youngsters.

Tutor Doctor has been taking part in Talk Money, a campaign that encourages people to be comfortable sharing everything, from pocket money to pensions.

They say that the sooner children learn about concepts such as ‘direct debits’, ‘loans’, ‘interest’ and other common phrases and jargon, the easier they will find such processes later in life.

POETRY CORNER For those who fought

in a Wheelchair and Little Kid and many other creations. However he appears, he is basically about hope, a reminder that no matter your situation, reach out, ask for help and find hope.”

Emma’s is recognised wherever she goes, much to the amusement of husband Mike and daughter Rachael.

“They are both so supportive as are the parishioners of St Nicolas.

“I’m often asked if I am angry with God for what has happened to me and the answer is definitely no.

“My faith is strong and I have always known, even when I was at my lowest, that God is with me.

“When I was in hospital waiting for tests, I told Rachael that whatever happened, God was here. Suddenly, a couple sitting near me came over.

They’d heard what I had said and told me I had given them a feeling of peace.

“I think that’s what Little Guy does.

He gives peace and hope.

“Not bad for just a Little Guy.”

personal session to create their own invisible dress, tailored to their own tastes in a fragrance-making workshop.

Perfumer and scent designer, Gabriel De Carvalho, said: “What a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the power of fragrance in such a graphically beautiful way.

“This exhibition strengthens the link between the senses and dramatically sets out a link that once seen and understood, will not be forgotten by those who experience The Invisible Dress.”

It will be at HUMOS Studio and Showroom until Sunday, November 28 on Friday, Saturday and Sundays.

The exhibition will be open from 11am until 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11am until 5pm on Sundays.

Remember remember On the eleventh of November Those who left, were lost and died Those survived, still traumatised Lay your poppy with thought and care For those who gave more than their share Think of those vast blood red fields As we hunker down, retreat and shield.

Leaf pictures I scrunch through autumn leaves and smile as I think of three little boys crunching through crispy, dried out leaves and acorn heads (they must be pixie hats).

To help, Tutor Doctor has created a money toolkit to help get children thinking about the significance of finances and the role money plays in their lives.

A spokesperson said: “Money is a valuable life lesson, and if children are taught good money habits at an early age, they are likely to stay with them.

“From definitions to common phrases, this toolkit is a great place for kids to start as they begin to save, spend, and enjoy what money can do for them.” n For more information, visit www. tutordoctor.co.uk

I remember happy smiles and squeals as you picked up nice big leaves to crayon over later with chunky bright sticks of colour on big sheets of white paper.

Later, as I cooked dinner, I glanced fondly at multicoloured leafy skeletons proudly adorning kitchen cupboards.

Sweet reminders of my little boys, soundly asleep in warm beds, nicely tired out from a day of play, fun, fresh air, food and a nice big bubble bath.

Halcyon crayon days.

By Tina Cathleen MacNaughton www.writerhymespoetry.com

We love receiving readers’ poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today

Departing Fri 10 Dec ‘21 The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe! Set in a lavishly decorated auditorium, this celebration of the festive season delivers an extravaganza of nonstop singing, dancing, dazzling costumes, music and variety.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 3 nights at the Warner Corton Coastal Village, Lowestoft with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Entrance to the Thursford Christmas Spectacular Excursion to Norwich

4 Days by Coach

only £299

Single Supplement £75

TORQUAY

Entertainment Break YorkStNicholasFayre&ChatsworthHouse_D.pdf

Departing Wed 19 Jan ‘22 Banish those winter blues and treat yourself to a fun-filled entertainment break on the English Riviera. With live entertainment every night and a fabulous drinks offer included at our hotel in Torquay, this is the perfect way to get 2022 off to a great start!

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at the Riviera Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast 99p bar (for 3 hours every evening) on selected drinks Live entertainment every evening Use of leisure facilities Optional excursion to Buckfast Abbey & Totnes (£6pp)

3 Days by Coach

only £99

Single Supplement £30

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

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

30 | VIEWPOINTS

Winners, every one of you MORE than 13,000 people braved the streets of Reading on Sunday for the annual half marathon.

Eagerly anticipated, oft-delayed thanks to covid, the race attracts runners of all abilities.

Sure, there are the amazing professional athletes who ran the course in fantastic times, but for every one of them there were hundreds just doing it for more personal reasons.

Some wanted to lose some weight, prove their fitness levels or make up for that lockdown inertia.

Others were running for charities, often ones that they have a personal attachment to.

And some were there just for the sheer pleasure of it.

From fancy dress to the latest kit, the runners had it all.

There is something truly special about the Reading Half Marathon.

The streets have a carnival atmosphere, and many community and faith groups line the streets to add in their own water stops, street entertainment and more. It’s quite something and we’re proud of it.

All eyes are now on April’s date.

For those with medals from Sunday, well done. You’re a winner.

CHURCH NOTES

Rest! The Fourth Commandment

I

T is so important for human beings to have rest that God enshrined it in The Ten Commandments.

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work …”

The Lord blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.

(Exodus 20:8-11) But what does ‘holy’ mean? Well, the root meaning of ‘holy’ is something separate, something different, something special.

So one day of the week was to be different from the others.

And what does ‘rest’ mean?

Throughout the ages, people have had physical jobs so they were to do little on that special day, and there was even a limit on how far they could walk – less than a mile.

But what about today, when many do not have physical jobs, but rather work with their brains?

How do we rest our brains?

I find gardening and long walks (far more than a mile) peaceful and mentally relaxing. But I do not wear headphones. It is the silence that gives my brain a rest.

Quiet is calming.

Maybe one of the reasons why some people suffer from mental stress is they do not give their brains a rest.

Many are anti-silence. The radio or TV is on.

They listen to the car radio or to something on their headphones. They are continually doing something on their iPad or iPhone.

Why not try complete silence for part of one day a week? Give your brain, as well as your body, a rest. Have a Sabbath.

Michael Penny, Chair of Churches Together in Reading and Berkshire

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Send your thoughts to letters@rdg.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

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: letters@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

We need this new SEND school LAST week you reported on the joint letter sent by Reading East MP Matt Rodda (Labour) and Maidenhead MP Teresa May (Conservative) to the Department for Education regarding the delay in the opening of the Oak Tree Academy School.

The school is a joint project between Reading Borough Council and Wokingham Council that will provide 150 school places for young people with Special Educational Needs (mainly helping those with autism spectrum condition) in Winnersh.

This project demonstrated different local authorities and different parties can work together successfully to provide much needed facilities for their local communities.

But more importantly, it will provide specialist and much-needed resources that ensure our young people with SEND get the best possible education available, closer to home and closer to their friends and families.

Sadly, as reported last week, the DfE (who are managing this project) have announced the opening of the school will now be delayed.

This will leave both local authorities to foot a huge financial bill for the next 10 years (as pupils will be in more expensive placements further away) and leave many families and young people wondering where they will be able to access the facilities and education they need and deserve.

I have spoken with my Conservative colleagues in Wokingham and, as MPs Matt Rodda and Theresa May have also shown, there is cross party and cross authority support on this, we need this school to open as soon as possible and I urge the DfE to do all they can to ensure that this happens.

Cllr Ashley Pearce (Labour), lead Cllr for Education in Reading

Why can’t the toilets be kept clean?

It is just four weeks since Reading library unwisely reopened its public toilets and already they are in a disgusting state.

Still there is no proper ventilation with fresh air, the ladies toilets has been filled with tissues twice, that I know of, while just yesterday the mother and baby toilet was flooded by some user jamming the sink and toilet with rubbish and leaving the taps on The water flooded out to the main library before it was noticed.

Why does RBC continue to torture the librarians by making them clean it all up?

When is the library going to undergo long overdue refurbishments?

It really is in an awful state and must be a huge embarrassment to RBC when going for City Status.

‘Despairing library regular’

Whizzer, but no Chips It was heartening to see a vote of confidence in print media with the launch of Reading Today in paper form.

However, the “Three papers in one”

The picture was taken in Gorrick Wood on a misty morning, as the sun was trying to break through. I was in the right place at the right time to get this dramatic shot of a runner coming towards me.

John Harrison, via email panel on the front page of the first issue seems bizarre.

It cites news, sport and what’s on as the trio of components.

But, for centuries, those sections, among others, have traditionally been basic staples combined into a standard mainstream local or national newspaper.

Separate sport or event-guide publications may exist, albeit the latter’s content often overlaps with news coverage.

But the three things are typically integral to a general-interest paper.

It is equivalent to promoting a pizza as having three flavours in one: true, but unremarkable and generally expected as a norm.

Frances Harvey, via email

Politically and morally corrupt “Politically corrupt” is the damming indictment of the Conservative party from one of its former prime ministers, Sir John Major.

Last week under instructions from Boris Johnson, Conservative MP’s including Sir John Redwood, Wokingham’s MP supported Owen Paterson.

Mr Paterson had been found to have egregiously breeched lobbying rules on several occasions. Breaking Parliamentary standards rules when he was acting as a consultant for two private companies adding about £500,000 to his salary as an MP. One of the businesses he lobbied for has also been awarded nearly £500m in government Covid contracts. It appears that the Prime Minister, Sir John Redwood and 250 or so other Conservatives do not agree with the Parliamentary standards committee who unanimously said Owen Patterson broke the rules.

In fact, they recommended

that he be barred from Parliament for 30 days, one of the strongest recommendations that can be made.

Reading the Sunday newspapers there is also a pattern of other serious issues developing.

Sir Alex Allan resigned as an advisor on ministerial standards after no action was taken when he found Priti Patel, the Home Secretary had broken the ministerial code.

His successor, Lord Geidt found Boris Johnson had acted unwisely over the refurbishment of the Downing Street flat.

Apparently, Mr Johnson does not intend to declare in the register of interests his recent free holiday in the Marbella Villa of one of his Ministers, Lord Goldsmith.

Robert Jenrick as Housing Minister rushed through the approval of a housing scheme for the billionaire Richard Desmond after sitting next to him at a fund-raising dinner.

During the pandemic lucrative contracts were handed out to friends and supporters of the Conservatives.

I am sure we remember the failed Test & Trace debacle which has cost us the taxpayers £37bn.

All this adds up to behaviour that Sir John Major has called “politically corrupt”, shameful, wrong, and unConservative. Sir John Major is simply saying what millions of lifelong Tory voters are thinking: Boris Johnsons Conservative government no longer represents them.

The people running our government really have become a huge embarrassment both here at home and in the wider world.

One rule for them, another for the rest of us.

Cllr Clive Jones, Leader of Earley Town Council and the Liberal Democrat group on Wokingham Borough Council

Winter health for babies This winter, doctors predict that more babies and toddlers than ever will catch RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and the latest information from the UK’s public health protection agency, UKHSA, shows that cases of RSV in the South East are on the rise.

RSV is a common, highly infectious virus that usually circulates at this time of year and causes coughs and colds. It’s the main cause of breathing difficulties in younger children and while most will only experience mild symptoms, it can lead to more serious respiratory problems in very young children with health conditions or complex medical needs.

Now we are mixing more, very young children are at particular risk of getting RSV because they won’t have been exposed to this virus yet, or had the chance to build up a natural immunity to it.

As a charity supporting families with disabled children Contact wants to make sure that all families in the area recognise the signs and symptoms of RSV, how to reduce the risk of their child getting respiratory infections in the first place and to take action early by seeking advice and help from your pharmacy or GP if your child develops breathing problems as a result of the virus.

You can find out more about RSV and other winter viruses on our website www.contact.org.uk or if you have a question you can call our helpline on 0808 808 3555.

Being aware of RSV alongside getting the flu vaccination and the Covid-19 booster jab are key ways to protect the health of children with disabilities and health conditions so everyone keeps well this winter.

Amanda Batten, CEO of Contact, the charity for families with disabled children

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 31

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These cars won’t be leaving soon: Palmer Park works box drivers in

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today

SOME of Reading’s car parks are short stay, some are long stay and for drivers parked in Palmer Park, well, let’s just say they’re in it for the long haul.

With work on the new swimming pool and fitness centre at the Wokingham Road venue continuing, space at the car park has been vastly reduced.

Last week, a new wooden border was erected in the car park as the next phase of works got under way.

Despite notices being placed on the windows of some of the cars, and restrictions being changed to prevent parking overnight, a number of vehicles won’t be leaving anytime soon – they’ve been boxed in by a fence erected to protect residents from the work taking place.

Reading Borough Council said that three weeks notice was given, meaning none of the vehicles should have been left.

This included placing notes on the windows of the cars that were hanging around.

The cars can’t drive away as there is a metal fence preventing them from going along the footpath.

And the distance between

GOING NOWHERE: Cars stuck in Palmer Park despite having three weeks’ notice to remove them Picture: Phil Creighton wooden fence and metal fence which is now well underway,” as soon as possible. We can easily provide access to the has meant some wags on he said.

“All car park users were vehicles to allow them to leave social media have compared the motorists predicament to given over three weeks’ notice once the owner comes forward.

“At present they will not face that of a scene from an Austin of this work beginning.

“We are now entering the a penalty.

Powers movie.

“The owners can call the Reading Borough Council’s fourth week of attempting to contact the owners of these centre on 0118 304 4861 or come leisure centres are run by GLL. Paul Shearman, GLL’s vehicles, which have been left to reception where a member of Partnership Manager, said that on this site for the duration. We staff can co-ordinate an exit.

“Within the next fortnight we it would be “easy” to get the have put notices on the cars and enlisted the support of the will be entering an important vehicles out.

“The hoarding in the car park Police and the DVLA to confirm phase in the construction of the at Palmer Park is part of the all the cars are fully taxed and new facilities and access to this area will be critical. If the car major work on the construction not abandoned.”

He continued: “We are calling owners do not come forward of the new community swimming pool at this location, for the owners to come forward we will need to work with our

partners in the Police and at Reading Council on the most appropriate course of action to clear this area.

“With the new overflow carpark now open, visitors should note new parking charges for those staying more than three hours began this week to help manage capacity at the parking area.

“There will be no parking permitted between midnight to 6am.

“Signage has been in place at the car park detailing these changes for the last four weeks.

“We hope this new charging system will prevent issues like this in future, where people leave vehicles for long periods of time in the car park.”

Four-minute theft in Earley road THIEVES took just four minutes to break into an Earley home last week.

Thames Valley Police said that between 9.12pm and 9.16pm on Wednesday, November 3, the burglars smashed a rear patio glass pane, entered and ransacked the Sutcliffe Avenue house.

The force is now appealing for anyone who noticed anything suspicious, or may have CCTV footage from Sutcliffe Avenue or Meadow Road that could have potentially recorded a vehicle which may help with this investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number 43210497823.

For advice on how to protect your home from thieves, Thames Valley Police has an online Home Security Guide, available on its website.

Police angling for clues after theft A THIEF broke into a shed and stole fishing equipment from a home in Hartland Road.

The break-in happened around 8.30pm on Sunday, October 31.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police, by calling 101 and quoting reference 43210492080.

WPR_2021-11-01_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go

LEEDS CHRISTMAS SHOPPER & York St Nicholas Fayre

Departing Fri 10 Dec ‘21

NON-DELIVERY: Thames Valley Police stopped a Deliveroo driver for an insurance check and found they had no insurance, or a driving licence ... but they did have several bags of cannabis on them. Picture: Thames Valley Police

Delivery driver stopped by traffic police A SPECIAL delivery was made by Thames Valley Police this week – they ensured a McDonald’s order reached its intended destination.

They stopped a Deliveroo moped driver to ensure they had appropriate insurance in place, but instead discovered he carrying a quantity of drugs in his delivery bag.

They also found that they had no insurance or a driving licence.

They hadn’t passed a test, nor were they displaying L plates.

And a roadside test found they had had cannabis in their salvia.

Thames Valley Police’s PC Payne said in a social media post: “Unsurprisingly they were arrested for the multitude of offences, taken to custody where they’ve had a specimen of their blood obtained which will be sent off for analysis in due course.

“The moped was also seized for road traffic offences and information will be provided to

their employer to make them aware of the clear food safety issues.”

They added: “I’m fairly sure your burger and fries don’t come with a free bag or two of cannabis edibles.”

In response to questions posed by members of the social media site, they confirmed: “Yes, the McDonald’s was safely delivered to the hungry customer prior to heading off to custody.

“Not all heroes wear capes.”

Reader travel

FOLKESTONE & BRUGES Christmas Market Weekend

Departing Fri 17 Dec ‘21

Your break includes

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Excursion to Haworth & Leeds En-route visit to York St Nicholas Fayre

Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with breakfast plus 2 dinners 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Light entertainment every evening Excursions to Bruges Christmas Market & Canterbury

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Which? award for Bracknellbased window company

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today

Pop-up job fayre at Broad Street Mall A POP-UP recruitment fair is coming to Reading town centre on Friday (November 12).

Broad St Mall is hosting the Reading Job Fest and Career Expo.

The event will see a number of local employers share some of the opportunities currently on offer.

Exhibitors include Marks & Spencer, Blue Arrow, JD Sports, Optalis, Midgard Construction, Caffe Nero, Sally Beauty, Hilton Reading Hotel and Total Security.

The event runs from 10am to 1pm and will take place in the Upper Mall area of the popular shopping centre. There is no need to book – people looking to work for the firms can just turn up and meet the various companies.

It has been organised by the Mall in conjunction with Reading UK CIC and the Department for Work and Pensions.

A BRACKNELL-based window company is celebrating after being awarded a special accolade from a consumer champion.

Which? magazine has awarded The Sash Window Workshop its Trusted Trader of the Month award for November.

It is awarded to firm that can offer both a high-quality product and excellent customer service.

The firm is also recognised for its ability to give back to the community.

The company is based in Kiln Lane and was launched in 1994.

It specialises in the manufacture, installation and draught proofing of traditional timber windows and doors in period properties across London and the South.

Traders can only participate in the scheme once they have undergone a rigorous application process, proving that they meet the high standards expected.

TRUSTED TRADER: Left: Richard Dollar, managing director of The Sash Window Workshop, with a window ready to be installed; Above: Team members To obtain Which? Trusted Trader of the Month a company prove it has gone the extra mile, competing with other Which? Trusted Traders to show that they closely align with the company’s values.

When reviewing The Sash Window Workshop’s application for November’s Which? Trusted Trader of the Month, the judges said they were extremely impressed

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with the application and the company’s focus on customer satisfaction, extensive charity work and commitment to sustainability.

Richard Dollar, founder and managing director at The Sash Window Workshop, was delighted at the company’s success.

“Which? is a hugely respected

brand, trusted by consumers across the country,” he said.

“We are proud to have won this award, highlighting our commitment to providing a highquality product and customer service.

“We take great pride in providing top quality timber windows and doors with excellent customer service.”

NEW LAUNCH: Dow Schofield Watts has expanded to Winnersh Triangle Picture: Arena Business Centres

Husband and wife launch firm in Winnersh Triangle AN ADVISORY firm has opened its doors in Winnersh.

Dow Schofield Watts has expanded to Arena Business Centre’s new flexi-working space in Winnersh Triangle.

Run by Steve and Carla Holmes, the team offers advice on tax services and due diligence.

“Dow Schofield Watts is a highly respected firm which aims to make highquality advisory services more accessible to small and

medium-sized companies,” Mr Holmes said.

“We look forward to providing a hands-on service to businesses and the advisory community within the Thames Valley region and working closely with the wider tax and due diligence teams within Dow Schofield Watts.”

Mr and Mrs Holmes have more than 20 years’ experience advising growing businesses on acquisitions.

Nicole Burstow, finance

director at Dow Schofield Watts, added: “The Thames Valley has a thriving business community with a wealth of fast growing, innovative companies.

“The launch of the Reading office will provide additional choice to local businesses and support our growth as a challenger firm.

“We look forward to building our presence in the area as we welcome new advisers on board.”

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Wokingham agency named number one in Berkshire for customer service A WOKINGHAM estate agency has been celebrating, after being named top in the county.

Quarters Residential, which is based in Market Place, won Best Sales Agency in Berkshire at the ESTAS Awards on Friday, October 22.

The annual ceremony, organised by customer review platform ESTAS, recognises agents who have delivered positive customer service.

On social media, Nick and Teresa Harris, co-founders of Quarters,

extended a thank you to their customers.

“It means so much to us because these awards are 100% based on client and customer feedback and delivering a genuinely personal service,” they said.

“We have many local families to thank for all their support so from us both, a heartfelt thank you.

“Recognition like this makes us even more determined to keep improving and we’re excited to work with many more families in the future.”

Biz school dean take on new role A SENIOR figure at Henley Business School has taken on a new role at the Chamber of Business.

Jon Foster-Pedley, the dean and director of the school’s South African branch, has been elected chair of the British Chamber of Business in Southern Africa.

He will now help promote trade and commercial relations between the UK

and Africa, and said he wants to change the concept of business in the continent.

“What we want to do is to ensure that businesses who come to South Africa come with a strong mission to increase prosperity in the region,” he said.

Henley Africa, which is based in Johannesburg, works closely with the UK school on a range of research programmes.

Stamp duty fuels record demand for conveyancing services

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today THAMES Valley law firm Blandy & Blandy’s award-winning Residential Property team says it has experienced record demand for conveyancing services this year.

It attributes the demand due to the Government’s Stamp Duty ‘holiday’ which ended on September 30.

It was introduced during the early stages of the pandemic to help keep the property market moving and was among a number of schemes to help sectors hit by covid closures.

The number of completions, for properties sold and purchased, handled by the team increased by 74% during the first nine months of this year in comparison to prepandemic levels.

The number of completions more than doubled against last year.

Blandy’s partner and team head Manisha Bhula said: “I would of course like to thank all of our clients during the past 18 months for choosing to work with us and to wish them well in their new homes.

“I would also like to thank the leading estate agents we work closely with for recognising and appreciating the service we provide and for continuing to recommend us to their clients.

“We highly value these important relationships with trusted and established firms.”

She added: “I must also acknowledge and thank my

colleagues for their hard work and dedication during what has been a very busy and challenging time for everyone. Their commitment during an extremely busy time allowed us to handle and deal with an unprecedented caseload.”

Blandy & Blandy says its successful approach has been firmly reflected in the feedback received from clients, with 98% of those surveyed confirming that they would recommend the firm to others.

The firm has also received a significant number of five-star Google reviews, with clients having described the team and the service provided as “professional”, “proactive”, ““value for money”, “fantastic” and “second-to-none”.

It has offices in Reading and Henley-on-Thames n For more details, log on to: www. blandy.co.uk

We changed our name Dabbawalla is now called

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MP in talks with Government to improve childcare

OPEN: Redlands Primary School has fully refurbished its outdoor space to create a new sensory garden.

Picture: Redlands Primary School

By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today READING East MP Matt Rodda is to hold talks with the government about improving childcare after he withdrew his private members bill.

Mr Rodda claims the lack of proper child care in the town was a major issue for young families and introduced a private members bill which would have launched a national debate on the issue.

It would also have forced the Department of Education to target families in disadvantaged groups and help parents appeal if they were refused free child care.

However, Mr Rodda agreed to withdraw his bill after a senior minister described it as “very well-intentioned and timely” but added that the government was already delivering much of its aims and denied more legislation was needed.

Speaking after a debate in the House of Commons, Mr. Rodda said: “This is a massive issue. It is hugely expensive to get childcare in Reading.

“Families are under so much

CAMPAIGN: Matt Rodda, MP Reading East pressure. The cost of living is going up. Often, there aren’t enough childcare places. I just think as a country we should be putting more money into it and making a better provision.

“I ended up having to withdraw it but that is not all bad. The Government wants to meet with me about it. I was really pleased with the response from the Government.

“A lot of the time, Private Members’ Bills are a way of raising things in parliament. We had a really good debate.

“I am hoping to get the minister to look into the points

we have raised.

“I am very keen to do more campaigning on this cause. I think it is a really big issue for young families.

Will Quince, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education praised Mr Rodda’s bill but claimed it was not “an effective use of time and resources”.

Instead Mr Rodda will meet with the government to look at ways of improving child care in England.

Additional reporting: Teyve Markson, Local Democracy Reporter

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Primary school gets new sensory garden A SENSORY garden has “greatly benefited” Reading school pupils, a headteacher has said.

Redlands Primary School, on Lydford Road, started a fundraising campaign to create a new outdoor spare for its students to enjoy.

After setting up a Go Fund Me page, organisers The Redlands Rockets raised over £7,100 for the playground.

And the group also took part in the Reading Half Marathon to continue raising even more for the school.

The aim of the sensory garden is to turn the tarmac playground into a green space to bring more wildlife to the community.

Pupils will have more opportunities to engage with outdoor learning.

“At Redlands Primary school, our playground was looking a bit grey, sparse and dull although our children were always bringing in the colour with their bright smiles and their colourful outfits,” headteacher Shabana Aslam said.

“However, thanks to the fabulous community of hardworking volunteers, the playground was transformed into an amazing space that is inviting, green and vibrant.

“The children were particularly impressed on their return back to school to see what lovely changes had been made to the school environment; so much so that you could hear them talking with excitement about how beautiful the playground was looking and they could not wait to get into school.”

The grant organisations that awarded the school funds include Berkshire Community Foundation, Thames Water, The Friends of the University of Reading and Trees for Reading.

Mrs Aslam added the space has “greatly benefited” the children.

“It’s made a difference to not only the start and end of the days but playtime and lunchtimes,” she said.

“I often see the children sitting on the benches and talking about the changes at their playtimes and admiring the beautiful flowers and trees.”

Mrs Aslam thanked the Redlands Primary School team and everyone involved in creating the sensory garden. n To donate, log on to: gofundme. com/f/redlands

Man jailed for three years A MAN has been jailed for three years after he was convicted of two counts of sexual assault on a child under 13.

Martin Collins, 66, of Lower Henley Road, Caversham, was found guilty by majority jury following a trial at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

At a hearing on Monday, November 1, at the same court, Collins was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Collins was also made the subject of Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and will have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

His conviction and sentencing relate to offences that took place between Tuesday, December 31, 2019, and Thursday, January 2, 2020, in Caversham, against a girl under 13.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Dominique Roe, of the Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Reading, said: “We are pleased that the courts have found Martin Collins guilty and have sentenced him accordingly.

“We would like to praise the bravery of the victim for coming forward and supporting the prosecution.”

DC Roe added: “We hope this will encourage other victims of child sexual abuse to come forward to the police.

Thames Valley Police take any allegations of sexual abuse very seriously and will seek to bring to justice anyone who commits such abuse.”

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Remembrance Sunday parade and outdoor service to return REFLECTION: A church service will take place in Reading Minster before a parade to The Forbury.

Picture: Phil Creighton, 2014

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

pause to fallen this

The annual Remembrance Sunday parade and gathering at The Forbury will take place as usual, and it will also be livestreamed online for those who want to take part but feel they need to stay away due to the covid pandemic.

Tomorrow – Armistice Day – the borough mayor, Cllr David Stevens, will lead a two-minute silence at the Forbury Gardens War memorial. This takes place at 11am, and the event is open to the public.

Then on Sunday, November 14, there will be a parade and act of remembrance in the town centre.

A remembrance service takes place in Reading Minster Church at 9.30am. It includes readings from James Puxley, Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, Major Robert Whittle, OC C (Berkshire) Company, 7th Battalion, The RIFLES, and the mayor.

After the service, there will be a parade through the town centre.

This will be led by The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the 7 Rifles.

It will leave Reading Minster at around 10.15am before making its way to the Forbury Gardens.

The ceremony at the Forbury War Memorial will include the laying of wreaths and a twominute silence at 11am.

These events are open to the public, so they can pay their respects.

Cllr Stevens is pleased that the service is back again this year.

Poppies to decorate buses

POPPIES on the buses… that’s the tribute from Reading Buses for Remembrance Day on Sunday, November 14.

A selection of buses has been chosen to wear poppies to show the company’s respect and remembrance for those who lost their lives during the two world wars and other conflicts.

The company’s marketing and communications manager Jake Osman said: “The poppies are on different buses on various routes and also include some generic silver buses which run on any route.

“We think it is important to remember those who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world and pay tribute to the veterans that remain.”

He added: “As we have created our own stickon poppies, we are making a company donation to the Royal British Legion which we hope will be well received.”

The poppies will remain on the buses until after Remembrance Sunday.

“I invite residents of Reading, and indeed anybody associated with the town, to join us in remembering the ultimate sacrifice made by members of our armed forces and those who continue to risk their lives today,” he said.

“The public can join the two-minute silence at Forbury Gardens on Armistice Day from 11am, or join the march through the town centre on Remembrance Sunday, which

Hunt for would-be car key burglar

A BURGLAR who attempted to steal car keys is wanted by police.

Around 3.55am on Saturday, October 30, the unknown offender forced the front door of a home in Conway Close, Tilehurst.

He ran away in the direction of the Meadway Leisure Centre car park.

He is described as around 5ft 9in, of skinny build and in his early 20s.

He was wearing a dark coloured Adidas jumper with white lines down the arms, as a disposable mask.

Investigating Officer detective constable Adam Ruddlesden,of the Priority Crime Team, based at Reading Police Station, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident or if anybody has any information please get in touch with Thames Valley Police.

“You can do so by making a report online or by calling 101 quoting 43210489468, alternatively, for 100% anonymity, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Late night attack in town centre A LATE night attack in Reading town centre saw a man sent to hospital for treatment to his injuries.

Now police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident happened in Reading’s town centre around 2.10am on Sunday, October 31.

The victim was attacked at the Chicken and Pizza Shop on St Mary’s Butts, leaving him with injuries to his face, head and neck.

He was taken to hospital but

has since been dischagred.

Four people have been arrested by Thames Valley Police.

A 20-year-old from the Reading area has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm without intent. They remain in custody at this time.

A 24-year-old, a 22-yearold, and a 21-year-old, all from the Reading area, have been arrested on suspicion of assault causing actual bodily harm.

They have been released on bail.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Siobhan Bradley, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing to anybody who may have witnessed this assault or have information regarding it to make contact with us.

“Anyone with information can report online or by calling 101 quoting reference 43210491012.”

leaves Reading Minster at 10.15am, ahead of the main ceremony at the Forbury War Memorial and a two-minute silence.”

Councillor Jason Brock, Reading Borough Council Leader, said: “The two separate Remembrance ceremonies taking place in Reading on Armistice Day and on Remembrance Sunday offer residents of the town the opportunity to join the rest of

Now taking registrations

READING will remember the weekend.

the nation in paying tribute to the courage shown by the brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

“Remembrance can be both a personal and a collective act and, however one chooses to participate, I know that Reading will never forget.”

And Major Erik R C Broderstad, of the 7th Battalion The RIFLES, said: “The battalion is both honoured and proud to work alongside and support Reading Borough Council, the people of Berkshire and the wider community, during this year’s season of Remembrance.

“The community we are based in has unbreakable links to the Battalion, our Regiment and its antecedents.

“Today we continue to recruit from, work for, and mark major events such as our national remembrance with the population and its civic representatives.”

Both events on Armistice Day and on Remembrance Sunday will be streamed live on Reading Borough Council’s Facebook page, for those unable to attend but wanting to take part.

Many churches will be holding services around 11am, although some numbers may be limited due to covid.

Jewel thieves’ window entry THIEVES struck a home in Kearsley Road earlier this month, and police are appealing for witnesses.

The burglar entered via an insecure window, and stole watches and jewellery.

Thames Valley Police said that they are appealing for witnesses to come forward, especially if they have CCTV cameras, doorbell cameras or dashboard cameras with any potential evidence.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thames Valley Police, by calling 101 and quoting reference 43210489139.

Join in survey A BI-ANNUAL survey gives Reading residents the chance to have their say on crimerelated matters.

Organised by the Reading Safer Neighbourhood Forums in conjunction with Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police, the poll ask questions about issues such as crime, disorder, and community safety.

Organisers say that views submitted will help police identify the priorities across the neighbourhoods.

The survey is available until Friday, December 3, and can be completed by logging on to: https://consult.reading.gov. uk/dens/community-safetysurvey-2021

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News from your clubs & groups.

Email news@wokingham.today

INTHECOMMUNITY Celebrations for Stroke Club TUESDAY Stroke Club members celebrated their 39th Birthday earlier this month with a party.

Organised by the group’s leader Patsy Hawkins for the 20+ members, the special Birthday Lunch was at the Pinewood Bar & Cafe on the Old Wokingham Road, near Crowthorne.

“After all this time,” Patsy said, “it’s lovely to get together for our anniversary celebration”.

Patsy thanked Pinewood’s owner Pauline Jordan and her team “for the delicious homecooked lunch, and for cutting our candle-lit birthday cake”.

The cake, which had been baked and decorated for the special day by Club friend Claire Anderson, was packed into ‘goody bags’ for the guests to take with them.

One of the lunch guests

was local Rotarian Peter von Bergen.

Peter, a Stroke sufferer himself undertook his 2021 Community Challenge in January on #StrokePreventionDay to Cycle (mostly exercise bike), Row (on his Pilates machine), and Walk more than 500 miles.

Peter said: “My goal was 500 miles and to raise £1,000. Well, with 600 miles on the clock, my generous supporters had donated £1,050 which I was delighted to give the Tuesday Stroke Club.”

On behalf of the Club, Patsy thanked Peter. “Your very generous donation has made such a difference to us. We were able to re-open the club in August at our new venue and the members are so happy to be able to meet up again and wanted to thank you in person.”

The Tuesday Stroke Club is

now getting together on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at the Methodist Church Hall, Shepherds Lane in Bracknell.

Patsy said: “We’re pleased to be able to meet here.

“It has ample parking, easy access for wheelchairs, disabled facilities, and the large hall means we can keep our members safe.”

Peter is a member of Easthampstead Rotary Club which currently meets fortnightly at The Coppid Beech Hotel on the Wokingham / Bracknell ‘border’ to have fun together, welcome guest speakers and progress their community projects, most of which are local.

New members are welcome.

For details, call Peter on 01344 526 424 or visit https://www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub/

BULBS: 2nd Tilehurst Brownies from the Tilehurst URC

New look for Grade II* listed Watlington House ON Monday, Cllr David Stevens, the Mayor of Reading, joined Trustees of Watlington House and the Earley Charity to celebrate the completion of new walls and a central gate to at the front of Watlington House, a Grade II* property, close to Reading’s town centre.

The new wall and railings replace an unimpressive chain link railing and unsuccessful flower bed and, trustees say, present an appropriate entrance to the early 1700s front of the building.

The building originally had a 6ft high wall, with a central carriage gate. It is thought this was removed in the 1930s.

Trustees felt restorying this would have cut the house off from the street, so instead set on the idea of a wall, a central gate and a pathway to the main door. The design has been inspired by railings in Eldon Square and in Princes Street.

After listed building and planning consent was obtained, the project went ahead, costing around £45,000.

Parts of the cost were met by the Trust and a grant from The Earley Charity, as part of its £200,000 bicententary fund launched last year to help support capital projects being undertaken by local organisations which work in and/or predominately serve the Charity’s area of benefit. It has awarded more than £230,545 in this quest.

A spokesperson said: “The Earley Charity supports

Heritage projects in its area of benefit, and the gradual reclaiming of Watlington House’s historical fabric is an excellent contribution to community memory.”

Watlington House was built in two phases. The rear (west facing half) in 1688 by Samuel Watlington, twice Mayor of Reading, and the front (east facing) in the early 1700s. There is also a section referred to as the “old farm house” which appears to date from the Tudor period.

Between 1877 and 1927 the house was the first home of Kendrick Girls School, and it was saved from demolition in 1929, after being acquired by a group of concerned individuals and set up as a charity to support local groups.

The house has had a number of users in the past including WI groups and part as a TOC H (Talbot House) Christian chapel.

Today the house and garden are manged by the Watlington House Trustees as a Charity (CIO).

The house has five tenants, Mills Archive, Berkshire Youth, Weston Architects, Reserve Forces Employment Association and Total Security Corps Ltd. Readifolk has resumed its singers nights on Sundays.

Pre-Pandemic users of the Garden Hall have included AA, Yoga, dance groups, exercise groups, community groups and it has been used for wedding celebrations and by businesses for training courses and

meetings.

And throughout this year, it has helped with the fight against covid: the garden hall and garden has been used as a vaccination hub, and is currently in use for booster and flu jabs.

At the ceremony on Monday, the mayor was joined by trustees of The Earley Charity, David Sutton and Deborah Jenkins, who will present a cheque to mark the grant which it has provided to the project.

Canon Brian Shenton, Chairman of the Watlington House Trust, said: “The new wall and railings replace an unimpressive chain link railing and unsuccessful front flower bed which had been there since at least the early 1950s.

“This project is one of a number of significant restoration and improvement works which have been carried out recently to this Grade II* listed property.

“We started in 2015 with the restoration of the gardens to the rear of the house and followed with significant repairs to the roof, repairs to the boundary walls, repointing of the West facing wall of the 1688 property and repairs, and painting, to the sash windows to the west face of the property.

“Improvements have also been undertaken to the Garden Hall, a tin tabernacle erected in the 1880s by former occupant Kendrick Girls School.

“With a listed building you never finish.”

PLANTING: The 2nd Tilehurst Brownies Pictures: Phil Creighton

BROWNIES HELP TURN TILEHURST RED FOR POPPY APPEAL BROWNIES did their bit to help turn Tilehurst Red – but they’ll have to wait to see the fruits of their labour.

On Saturday, members of the 9th Tilehurst Brownies and Guides, and the 2nd Tilehurst Brownies gathered at the gardens of St Mary Magdalen church in Kentwood Hill.

Their mission was to plant 1,000 bulbs.

It’s part of an effort from the community to plant 12,000 bulbs all across Tilehurst. Schools are also taking part.

Tomorrow, there will be an opportunity to donate loose change to the Poppy Appeal at The Triangle.

The coins will be used to create a giant poppy, and the cash will be donated to the Tilehurst British Legion Poppy Appeal.

There will be a two-minute silence at 11am, along with the usual parade and act of remembrance at The Triangle on Sunday.

Val Lewendon, the president of the Tilehurst British Legion, was at the bulb planting on Saturday and was delighted with the way in which the community is supporting the Turn Tilehurst Red appeal.

“On Friday night, we held a Poppy Dance which was very well attended. It was the first time we’ve got going since covid and everyone wanted to come out.”

She added: “The support is as strong as ever. We are so pleased with the amount of people who have come out.

“We have an elderly section who have been shut indoors for such as long time (due to the pandemic).

They’re loving it.”

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LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Festive treats from South Hill Park Y

OU KNOW it, we know it, everybody knows it … December 25 is getting closer every day and after last year’s muted celebrations due to covid, we’re all looking forward to having the best Christmas Walford’s ever had and then some.

South Hill Park is getting ready for the festive season and it all starts this weekend.

Its annual craft fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday, showcasing some great gift ideas.

Artists gather from around the country to show and sell their fabulous range of designs, unique gifts and festive wares.

The weekend includes festive entertainment, and an opportunity to visit South Hill Park’s purpose-built silversmithing, ceramics and printmaking studios.

There will be a chance to watch current students at work and discuss options on how you can become a student yourself.

The studios will be open at various times throughout the weekend. Entry is free.

This year’s South Hill Park pantomime is Cinderella – for more details, see overleaf.

Rest assured, the panto will be filled with colourful characters, slapstick comedy, enchantment and creative sparkle.

For those looking for some musical entertainment, Swing Into Christmas with the Down for the Count Concert Orchestra will be a festive celebration featuring the music of Nat ‘King’ Cole, Billie Holiday, Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, and many more. Don’t miss them in the Wilde Theatre on Monday, November 29 – the perfect way to start getting in a merry mood.

And festive favourites Blake once again invite you to celebrate the most wonderful time of year with a sparkling evening full of song and cheer on Monday, December 6.

Relax to the warm sounds of this BRIT award-winning trio as they take you on a magical musical journey.

That’s 80’s Christmas Rock Show is the ultimate tribute to the glorious 1980s, and this special Christmas spectacular includes all the 80s Christmas classics.

This takes place on Tuesday, December 14, and festive finery and Santa hats are welcomed.

South Hill Park’s cinema will feature a mixture of the latest releases, family-friendly films, live/recorded performances and more. n For more details, log on to southhillpark.org. uk or call the box office on 01344 484123.

PHIL CREIGHTON

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A Swedish touch to the tale of Snow White

Anything Goes, oh yes

SNOW White will be joined by four familiar Swedish pop stars in Shinfield Players pantomime in January.

Written by Sharon M Young, the community theatre company presents Snow White and the Four Swedish Popstars at its theatre on Whitley Wood Lane, Reading.

The pantomime runs from Friday, January 14 until Sunday, January 23.

Matinee performances will be at 2pm and evening shows are at 7.30pm on Friday and 6.30pm on the Saturday. n For more details, or to book, log on to: shinfieldplayers.org.uk

A SCREENING of Anything Goes will held at Norden Farm’s Courtyard Theatre next month.

Filmed live at the Barbican, in London, the musical comedy stars Sutton Foster, Robert Lindsay, Felicity Kendal and Gary Wilmot.

Featuring Cole Porter’s joyful score, including I Get A Kick Out of You, You’re the Top and, of course, Anything Goes.

Screenings take place at 4.30pm and 8pm on Wednesday, December 1 and 4.30pm on Saturday, December 11.

Tickets cost £15. n For more information, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997, or log on to: norden.farm

Bit of soul with The Chain Gang

A SOUL band will bring live music to The Jazz Cafe later this month.

The Chain Gang, a 10-piece group from Berkshire, will showcase its vocalists, brass sound and funky rhythm sections at the live music bar, at Reading’s Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Featuring songs from Al Green to Wilson Picket, Beyonce to Pharrell Williams, crowds will be up on the dance floor all night long.

Also included in the ticket price is a two-course meal.

There are a number of dates that the band will perform. n For more details, log on to: thejazzcafe. co.uk

Enjoy a night out with Stephen K Amos

COMEDIAN Stephen K Amos will step up to the mic at South Street Arts Centre this week.

Performing his stand-up show, Before And Laughter, Stephen shares his highs and lows to the Reading audiences.

And when the world gives him lemons, he adds gin, tonic, ice and a healthy dose of humour.

Performances run from Friday, November 12 until Saturday, November 13.

Standard tickets cost £20 and members tickets are £18. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 937 3456, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

It’ll be Sunday, all next week

CINDERELLA shall go to the ball this Christmas, thanks to South Hill Park.

The Bracknell arts venue will see audiences booing and hissing in its Wilde Theatre as it presents it’s annual pantomime from Friday, November 26 until Monday, January 3.

But what evil trick will the wicked step sisters play to stop Cinderella from meeting her prince?

This family favourite is sure to be filled with fun, colourful characters, comedy, enchantment and creative sparkle.

Tickets cost £25 for adults, £23 for children and £22 each for a family of four. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

Elf on shelf? Not for Berzerk’s new show

Enjoy a magical night with some pigs

Counterfeits are as good as real thing

BUDDY will be exploring the sights of New York City is a musical production of Elf Jr next month.

Based on the hit film and Broadway musical, children’s theatre company, Berzerk Productions, presents this Christmas classic to audiences at The Oakwood Centre, in Woodley.

Adult tickets cost £13.75, concessions are £11.75 and a family of four costs £47.

The show runs from Thursday, December 16 to Sunday, December 19.

Performance times are 7pm on Thursday and Friday, and 2pm and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday. n For more details, log on to berzerkproductions.com

A MAGICAL farm tale will be presented at Progress Theatre next month.

Babe The Sheep-Pig, based on Dick King Smith’s novel, follows the story of Babe, who is won by Farmer Hogget at the village fair.

And when their extraordinary friendship begins to develop, it will soon change the whole farm.

Socially-distanced seating will be available on Thursday, December 9.

And Wednesday, December 8 is Progress Theatre’s Come As You Are night.

Tickets cost n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0333 666 3366, or log on to: progresstheatre.co.uk

SWING into the 60s for a special tribute night at South Hill Park this Friday.

The Counterfeit Sixties will cover songs from over 25 bands of that era.

And the show will feature iconic clothes and flashbacks from the TV archives for audiences to enjoy.

Music from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Dave Clark Five, The Kinks and The Monkees will be recreated in this tribute performance.

The performance takes places at 7.45pm in the venue’s Wilde Theatre, in Bracknell.

Tickets cost £20.50 for adults and £18.50 for members. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

ANDREW Lloyd Webber’s classic musical, Tell Me On A Sunday is coming to Guildford next week.

The show, performed at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, will run from Tuesday, November 16 until Saturday, November 20.

The story follows an English girl in New York during the heady days of the 1980’s.

Music features chart-topping hits Take That Look Off Your Face and Tell Me On A Sunday.

Tickets cost £28 with evening performances starting at 7.30pm, and matinees at 2.30pm n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01483 440000, or log on to: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Making it up as they go along

AN IMPROVISED musical comedy is heading to Basingstoke later this month.

Showstopper! The Improvised Musical will entertain audiences with its spontaneous theatre show, which they make up on the spot. The performance will be packed with drama, dance routines and catchy melodies.

Taking place at The Haymarket, the performance starts at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01256 844244, or visit: anvilarts.org.uk

AT THE THEATRE Every week, we bring you a round-up of all shows taking place in the region’s theatres. It covers this weekend and next, so you can plan ahead and book tickets to the shows that you want to go and see.

As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice.

Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Ivo Graham: The Game of Life.

Thurs. The Counterfeit Sixties. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Craft and Design Fair 2021. Sat-Sun. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Alan Shellard and Hamish Brown. Fri 19.

The Comedy Cellar. Fri 19.

Raymond Burley: The Music of Spain. Sat 20. Wilde Sundays.

Sun 21.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Round And Round The Garden.

Fri-Sat. BTA: Annie Jnr. Sat. Tom Thumb. Sun. BTA: All Together Now. Sun. Ian Waite and Vincent Simone. Tues. Desi Central Comedy Show. Fri 19.

Circus Skills. Sat 20. The Real Magic Show. Sat 20.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Lemon Table. Mon-Sat. Scream Phone. Wed. Mig Kimpton’s Tales of the Golden Goose.

Thurs. Dispatches on the Red Dress. Fri-Sat. Tell Me On A Sunday. Mon-Sat 20. Radio Liveg. Sun 21.

High Wycombe – Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Jason Manford: Like Me. Thurs.

The King Is Back. Fri. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Sat. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sun. Giselle.

Mon. Mig Kimpton’s Tale of the Golden Goose. Tues. Alex Horne and the Horne Section.

Tues. Maximum Rhythm and Blues. Wed. Lost In Music.

Thurs 18. George Hinchcliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Fri 19. Tropicana Nights: The 90s. Sat 20.

Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 A Bit of a Carry On. Sun. Lipstick on your Collar. Fri 19-Sat 20.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Frank Sinartra: His Way. Thurs.

Sara Barron: Enemies Closer.

Fri. Gary Delaney: Gary In Punderland. Thurs, Fri. Juan Martin. Sat. Sindhu Vee: Alphabet. Sat. Mounted Band

of the Household Cavalry open rehearsal. Wed. Harry Hill: Fight. Wed. The Alex Hutton Quartet with Josh Kemp. Wed. Piers Lane Piano. Thurs 18. The Vinyl Frontier: Scissor Sisters v Keane. Thurs 18. The Dolly Project. Fri 19.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Mercury: The Ultimate Queen Tribute. Thurs. Ladyboys of Bangkok: Flight of Fantasy. Fri. UK Fleetwood Mac. Sat. The Comedy Network. Fri 19.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Brief Encounter. Until Sat. The Jungle Book. Thurs 18-New Year’s Eve.

Reading – Reading Minster Church

rabbletheatre.com 07930 834970 RABBLE Theatre presents Who Killed Alfred Oliver? Until Sat 20.

Reading – South St www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Stephen K Amos. Fri-Sat. Poets Cafe. Fri. Rowan Rheingans.

Wed. Suzi Ruffell. Thurs 18-Fri 19.

Reading – Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 A tribute to Neil Diamond. Thurs.

Jimmy Carr. Sat. Russell Brand.

Fri 19. Rachael Parris. Sat 20.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 O Duo. Thurs. Henley Symphony Orchestra. Sat. Jon Hopkins.

Sat 21.

Reading – Progress www.progresstheatre.co.uk

0118 384 2195 Radiant Vermin. Mon- Sat 20.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: A Christmas Carol.

Dec 3-New Year’s Eve.

Shinfield – Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Youth Group Revue.

Dec 3-4.

the Beatles: The get Back Tour.

Tues. Islands In the Stream.

Wed. Radio GaGa. Thurs 18.

You Win Again. Fri 19. Thank You For The Music. Sat 20.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: The Government Inspector. Wed, Dec 8-Sat, Dec 18.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Jan 8. Motown’s Greatest Hits. Sun. The Sound of Springsteen. Sun 21.

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 China Crisis. Thurs. Wokingham Film Society presents The Father (12a). Thurs 18.

Elements Dance: A Night at the Movies. Sat 20-Sun 21.

Windsor – Royal

Woodley – Theatre

Sonning – The Mill

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Cherry Orchard. Until Sat..

Fastlove: A Tribute to George Michael. Mon. The Magic of

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Talking Heads Part 2. Nov 30-Dec 4.

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‘It’s more an experience than a gig’ promises band

Daoiri Farrell to visit Nettlebed Folk Club AN IRISH singer and musician is the next act to appear at Nettlebed’s ever-popular folk club Picture: Desmond Farrell

Later this month, Third Lung will celebrate the launch of their EP at The Facebar. LAURA SCARDARELLA gets a preview

A

N ALTERNATIVE rock band is preparing for “one hell of a night” later this month, band member Tom Farrelly said.

Third Lung, based in Reading, will host its new EP launch at The Facebar, on Ambrose Place, Reading, on Friday, November 26.

The EP, called Dialogues Of The Fatal Few, sees a compilation of singles, plus some bonus material, that the band released this year.

Joining Third Lung on the night will be Reading-based artist Deva St. John, Split The Dealer and four-piece alternative rock band Red Tape Resistance.

The group features Tom Farrelly, on lead vocals and guitar, Cams Jurasek on lead guitar and backing vocals, Rob Jacques on bass guitar, and Sam Waugh on drums.

Lead singer Tom said they’ve got some incredible guests joining them on the launch night.

“We always put on a powerful show. When you come to see Third Lung it’s definitely more of an experience rather than a gig,” he said.

“It’s going to be one hell of a night, and we can’t wait for everyone to come.”

Tom added that lockdown gave the group a great deal of focus.

“When the pandemic hit, we were so determined to crack

A

N IRISH singer and musician is the next act to appear at Nettlebed’s ever-popular folk club.

Third Lung is set to perform at The Facebar, Reading, on Friday, November 26. Picture: Lydia King on and we managed to write so much new material,” he said.

“We filmed some videos, and we’re now just about to go back into the studio to create more music which is great.”

Tom said Dialogues Of The Fatal Few has a common theme in that the voices of a very vocal few can have such a dramatic effect of the majority.

The group also hosted its first self-built music festival, Lodd Fest, at Loddon Brewery in September.

The event featured 15 artists and bands throughout the day.

Tom added that the biggest thing the band will take from 2021 is building the festival with the brewery.

“The festival sold out so

quickly,” he said.

“We weren’t sure it was going to go ahead a few weeks before, but it did, and it was such a magical day, and we’re already so excited to already have it booked in again for next September.” n For more details, follow Third Lung’s social media channels.

Daoirí Farrell is a bouzouki player, and has been a regular on the circuit since his debut album, The First Turn, in 2009.

He cut his teeth as a singer in Dublin’s famous Góilin Singers Club and at other sessions across the city, many of which he still visits regularly.

In 2013, he won the All-Ireland Champion Singer award and, in 2015, won the Danny Kyle Award at Celtic Connections in Glasgow with the lineup FourWinds.

His determination not to put out another album until he was sure it was the best he could produce, meant fans had to wait until 2016 – the year he also started touring the world.

As Lockdown hit Ireland in March

Spandau Ballet’s Steve to sing at The Whitty

T

HEY’RE not quite the patron saint of slow dances, but for a generation of teenagers Spandau Ballet has been a staple at the disco.

The group’s hits include True, Gold and Only When You Leave, among many others.

They first formed in 1979, and had their first top five hit, To Cut a Long Story Short, a year later.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the band’s debut album, Journeys To Glory, co-founder Steve Norman is preparing to come to The Whitty Theatre in Wokingham.

The saxophonist will be visiting on Tuesday, February 8, the very first date of a UK tour.

Accompanied by his five-piece band, The Sleevz, they will perform the album in its entirety for the first time.

The show will also feature later

Spandau classics and will showcase Steve’s talents.

He said: “As much as it pains me that my main band is not currently a working unit, I simply cannot let this important milestone slip by without further pomp and ceremony.

“Spandau will always have a special place in my heart, as will JK, Gary, Tone and Mart.

“This tour is me and The Sleevz rocking a fine line between our interpretation of the songs whilst keeping true to the integrity of the original versions, and ultimately and most importantly, the audiences’ ears.

“Luckily, I’m in both bands. I’ll make sure we don’t stray too far” He added: I’m already fired up and thoroughly looking forward to performing this album in front of a live audience. For a few weeks in February 2022 myself and The Sleevz, flying the Spandau flag.”

The album means a lot to him.

He said: “Little did I know when I formed a band with my school chums back in 1976, that we would not only reach that Holy Grail of signing a record deal but that the resulting record would play a major part in representing and

inspiring a whole new generation.

“Our fellow ‘movers and shakers’ of the Blitz crowd in 1979/1980 had sparked a new youth movement that was now erupting out of clubland and rippling out across the globe – The New Romantics. And my band with Journeys To Glory were right there at the front.

“Our scene was creative, vibrant and powerful. We felt invincible.

The collective Blitz kids’ wave was unstoppable, and Spandau had all the established bands looking over their shoulders wondering what the hell was coming through, and if they should be moving out of the way.

“Right there was when our hopes and visions of the future finally materialised. Back when the saxophone, my future signature instrument, was just a twinkle in my quiff-covered eye.” n For more details, or to book, log on to stevenorman-official.com

last year, Daoirí responded with one of the earliest live streams, performing from the Covid Corner of his kitchen on St Patrick’s Day. To meet demand, he then performed 25 consecutive concerts every Sunday night at 10pm, livestreamed across the world.

Daoirí is currently recording a new album with Trevor Hutchinson from the Waterboys with the support of the Arts Council of Ireland.

He is sure to be a success when he visits Nettlebed on Monday, November 15. Doors open at 7.50pm.

The club is currently running at 80% capacity due to covid, and advance booking is recommended. n For more details, call the volunteerrun club on 01628 636620 between 10am and 8pm, or log on to www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

PHIL CREIGHTON

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Craft fair returns to South Hill Park SHOPPING for Christmas gifts just got easier as South Hill Park hosts its special event this weekend.

The Bracknell-based venue will see visitors browse a range of stalls at its Craft and Design Fair.

Individuals attending the free event can look at unique designs, gifts and festive ware while enjoying some entertainment.

And creative talents of the community will present the Arts and Crafts Bringing Us Together Exhibition in the Wilde Community Gallery.

South Hill Park have received a positive response and thanked everyone for their submissions. n For more details, visit southhillpark.org.uk

Dylan Moran heads to Reading

AN AWARD-WINNING comedian is making his way to Reading next Summer.

Dylan Moran will perform his new show, We Got This, at Concert Hall, on Blagrave Street, on Sunday, June 5 at 8pm.

Enjoy the fruits of hurtling cognitive decline and your neighbours sprawling ghastliness, absence of humanity and more.

The show will have audiences laughing at Dylan’s frustration and folly of modern day life. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

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REVIEW: EBOS Back To The 5 6 7 8

SHOWTIME: EBOS performers step onto the Wilde Theatre stage with their production, Back To The 5 6 7 8.

Picture: Alex HarveyBrown

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RETRO musical production razzle dazzles audiences with powerhouse vocals, high-energy and a fierce take on the Cell Block Tango.

The East Berkshire Operatic Society (EBOS), presented its show, Back To The 5 6 7 8, at South Hill Park’s Wilde Theatre last week.

The community theatre company, based at Pinewood Theatre, Wokingham, whisked audiences back to the 80s with some popular hits.

And individuals were treated to songs from musicals, including Chicago, 42nd Street, Annie, The Book of Mormon and more.

EBOS performers began with a toe-tapping ensemble track from

42nd Street, Auditioning Number.

Demonstrating their impressive tap skills, the cast started off with a strong stage presence.

All the ensemble numbers featured slick harmonies and the choreography was well put together.

Credit goes to Austin and Sian Marshall, who represented an over-competitive couple in their rendition of Anything You Can Do, originally from Annie Get Your Gun. And a special mention goes to Emily Burton, whose lead vocals in Chicago’s All That Jazz took the song to another level.

Her confidence shone throughout the whole production, especially in her duet with Laura Thain, who also demonstrated a

strong set of vocals.

Although the show was put together as a blend of songs due to the pandemic, it would have been refreshing to have the numbers following a bit more of a storyline.

Just a few lines of dialogue between each number would have created a more logical structure to the production.

That being said, the choice of songs had audience members singing along as they were leaving the theatre.

Overall, EBOS performers showcased their talent through fun, eye-catching costumes and lots of charisma.

The group has yet to announce its next productions, but we will look forward to them.

LAURA SCARDARELLA

UNDER THE SEA: Steve Backshall’s new show, Ocean will be performed at The Hexagon, Reading, next April

Dive deep in a new show at The Hexagon next Spring

DIVE into the sea with Steve Backshall’s new show at The Hexagon next Spring.

His production, Ocean, will splash into the Reading arts venue on Thursday, April 14.

Tickets for the 25-date tour, which kicks off at the Edinburgh;s Usher Hall, are now on sale.

Ocean is a love letter to the most exciting environment on the planet, and a way to learn more about what to do to save the sea.

Stunts, experiments, props, cutting edge science and big

screen footage from his two decades in TV, will all help Steve to bring the icons of the Big Blue to life.

From Great Whites to Great Whales, seals to sardine shoals, Orca to the oddities of the deep, families can to dive deep into the world beneath the waves.

And Steve may even have some special guests join him on stage. n For more details. or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

LAURA SCARDARELLA

Celtic quartet in Henley A CELTIC music group will take centre stage in Henley-on-Thames later this month.

Atlantic Canada’s Còig will perform at the Nettlebed Village Club, on the High Street, on Monday, November 22 at 8pm.

The band plays a mix of traditional tunes, lively instrumentals and contemporary songs on over a dozen instruments in a non-traditional way.

These include vocals, fiddles, guitar, banjo, mandolin, viola, bouzouki, whistles, and more.

Featuring the fiddling and step-dancing duo of Chrissy

Crowley and Rachel Davis, multi-instrumentalist Darren McMullen, and guest musician, Thierry Clouette.

The band has been recognised with a 2020 Canadian Folk Music Award, East Coast Music Award and a Music Nova Scotia Award nomination.

With a growing list of credits, the group’s hit Ashlar debuted at number one on the World iTunes chart.

And other songs include Carols Too, Rove, Carols and Five.

Còig are currently busy collaborating on new material, which is to be released next year.

And Còig has been described by fRoots magazine as having “quality material, dexterous instrumental playing, solid ensemble work and a rush of robust energetic expertise”.

The award-winning quartet’s music is a unique combination of each band player’s own influences.

Folk Radio added that the band’s “cheering, whistles and lengthy applause let them know they’d found a home from home”.

Tickets cost £17. n For more details, or to book, call 01628 603670, or log on to: coig.ca

Rockin’ into Christmas with Slade

‘‘...a spellbinding recreation of a Neil Diamond Concert.’’

NOTTINGHAM POST

‘‘...Absolutely mesmerising’’ SKY TV

Thursday 11 November 7.30pm 0118 960 6060 whatsonreading.com

SLADE will be rocking and rolling into Sub 89 next month.

First hitting the road in 1966, the band’s career has since spanned over six decades touring across the UK and Europe.

The group brings a unique blend of pop rock n roll, outrageous flamboyances and fun.

And this year, founder member Dave Hill, on lead guitar, and John Berry, on lead vocals, Russell Keefe on vocals and keys, and Alex Bines now joins on drums.

The band will perform hits including In For A Penny, Let’s Call It Quits, We’ll Bring The House Down, My Oh My, Run Run Away and more.

Slade will perform at the Reading music venue on Sunday, December 5.

The concert starts at 7pm and tickets cost £26.95. n For more details, or to book, log on to sub89. com

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LIVEMUSIC

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RaW Sounds Today

COVERED: Katie Ellwood has released her latest single, More Than Perfect.

This is its cover art

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

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Katie Ellwood – More Than Perfect Katie’s excellent debut single was featured in our playlist back in February, and since then she has been busy recording and releasing more singles, including this, her latest.

It’s another wonderful indie pop song with an infectious melody and chilled beats.

Katie, who is from Wokingham, and is currently studying at Birmingham’s Conservatoire of Music, writes, records, plays and sings her own releases,

Check out the video of this song filmed in Reading. It’s from this local five-piece ‘uke pop’ band’s new album ‘Everyday Adventures’ and you can see them live at The Fisherman’s Cottage on Friday, November 12 – https://www.facebook.com/ rocketkings

China Crisis – Wishful Thinking China Crisis are a synth-pop band who had some huge hits in the 80s, including this one, and they will be making a return visit to Wokingham Music Club at the Whitty Theatre on Thursday, November 11 – https://www.facebook.com/chinacrisisofficial/

WOKINGHAM-BASED artist heads up another great RaW Sounds Today playlist.

Katie Ellwood has released More Than Perfect, an apt description of the single: it’s a wonderful way to while away a few minutes.

It’s just one of 10 great tracks in our list, all with connections to the area.

Also making an appearance is Moth Man, a band with strong Reading connections.

You can listen to all 10 tracks, for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist.

The RaW Sounds playlist is a brilliant way to explore a wide range of brilliant artists, discover some new music and keep dancing.

To tune in, simply head to https://bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday and get ready to rock.

There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap in to.

You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Rocket Kings – The Green Zone

China Bears – Statue Still – China again!

This time it’s the China Bears, a critically acclaimed indie quartet who headlined a Beyond the Download event at Reading’s Purple Turtle last week - www.chinabears.co.uk

Lucy Spraggan – Run to the Hills Lucy rose to fame following her amazing performances on X-Factor in 2012 and has a great new album, Choices, which features this track. She will be at Reading’s Sub 89 on Tuesday, November 23 – http://www.lucyspraggan.com/ and clearly her talent is continuing to grow – https:// www.katieellwood.com/

Moth Man – Nutter Earlier this year Moth Man released a wonderful album called Where the Dead Birds Go, on Billywitch Records, a new offshoot label of Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records.

Now the band, who have members from Reading and Manchester, have released a new video of this track from that album.

It was filmed by Gigshotz from Reading and reflects the moody feel of the song and the album, which is well worth a listen – https://mothman.band/

Slim Chance – Ooh La La

Third Lung – I A Fire

This classic song was one of the highlights of the show that the band, which includes members who played with the late great Ronnie Lane, performed at Wokingham Music Club recently.

Ronnie co-wrote the song – https://www.slimchance.co.uk/

Check out the powerful musicianship and vocals of Third Lung, who performed a great set at Jamma’s event at Purple Turtle recently.

They will be performing at The Facebar on Friday, November 26 – http://www.thirdlungband. com/

Mike Wagner – Face of Light

The Paradox Twin – Sea of Tranquility

This song is an uplifting singalong anthem that showcases the talents of this local singersongwriter. It’s taken from Mike’s Life...A Seven Day Journey mini album – https://www.facebook.com/ mikewagnermusic

Following their recent live tour, which included Wokingham Festival, this Reading-based band released their eagerly awaited second album, Silence from Signals from which this track is taken – https:// www.theparadoxtwin.com/

GIG GUIDE

Thursday, November 11

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Hoopy Frood. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Stereo MCs. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. What The Butler Heard: unplugged jam. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk.

Hello Again, a Tribute to Neil Diamond.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents China Crisis In Concert. 7.30pm. £24. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Friday, November 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Skylines: Camel tribute band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Barry White solo tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Counterfeit Sixties.

Details: 01344 484123.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music. Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Swamp featuring Morass of Molasses. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1 3DW. Rocket Kings.

Details: 07925 336269.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Big Untidy Night Out. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Specials Ltd. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents The Petty Criminals. £21. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Good Times Five. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Tim Shez Trio. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Saturday, November 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. A Very Deep Hole.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Funkline. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Ear Candy. Details: 01344 422622.

BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Karaoke. Details: 0118 983 2220.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 530615.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Million Dollar Men, a tribute to Magic Mike.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Turn. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Wardour Street.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street

RG1 4EH. David Gray and John Dunsterville. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Up The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. 1960s night with the Self Preservation Society. Details: www.trybooking.com/ uk/events/landing/21204 TILEHURST – Double Barrelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Third Birthday celebration: live music, DJs and more. 1pm-5pm or 7pm-11pm.

Details: 0118 942 8390.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Uptown Traffic. Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Women in Rock. £20. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk

Sunday, November 14

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Karaoke. 2pm-6pm. Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night killing time. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk

Monday, November 15

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Daoiri Farrell. Details: www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP.

Self Esteem. Details: 0118 959 5395.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Clearwater Creedance Revival. Details: 01491 681048.

Tuesday, November 16

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Poetry Slam. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Dappy. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Wednesday, November 17

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Bluebell Wood. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – South Street Arts Centre, South Street. Rowan Rheingans: Dispatches of the Red Dress. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Club Velocity presents: Skinny Lister, The Longest Johns. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Wokingham Folk and Blues Club. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Thursday, November 18

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Lost Decades and Support. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Tyzack and Tortora. Details: 0118 402 7800.

Friday, November 19

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Green Embers, Redhead, Brioche. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: David Rodigan. Details: 01344 303333.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music. Details: 0118 978 0544.

EVERSLEY – The Frog & Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Electric Eden.

Details: 0118 973 1126.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Molly Karloff, Raze, Blyth Road, Scramin Irene. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Strictly UB40. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Dacoda.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, November 20

BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. The Highwasters.

Details: 0118 983 2220.

BINFIELD – The Victoria Arms, terrane Road North RG42 5JA. MJX. Details: 01344 483856.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Damage UK, Oil City Kings, The Beelines. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Funky Funks. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Raymond Burley: The Music of Spain. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Tequila Chase.

Details: 01344 422622.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 959 5500.

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Beeyonce.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Lainie Live.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Corsairs. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Blonde Ambition. Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music. Details: 0118 941 5064.

Sunday, November 21

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Karaoke. 2pm-6pm. Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Mick Ryan and Paul Downes. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Concert Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Heavy Pop and South Street Arts presents Jon Hopkins.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Earl Slick band. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Total Stone Roses presents: The Spike Island anniversary tour 1990-2020 and Oaysis. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Sound of Springsteen. Details: 0118 969 8000.

No. 5387

Your weekly puzzle challenge

26

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

5

7

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1. The items of apparel the balaclava and the cardigan got their names during which war?

2. What government property logo used to be printed on the uniforms of convicts?

3. Since 2010, Claudia Winkleman has co-presented which reality TV show alongside Tess Daly?

4. What was the name of Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice?

5. Which car manufacturer produced the Silver Ghost and the Silver Shadow?

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20 3

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NONAGRAM

13 13

H E X

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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3

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I

N

T

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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

APPRECIATED A MAID

E P T

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: 27 Good; 32 Very Good; 37 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed C through openings in the walls. The H first letter may appear in any chamber.

C T

BK

IO

WR

EI

EI

NL

AE

CT

NA

SH

IE

EG

7 1 6

8 4 7 7 9 4 8 2 1 9 8 4 5 2 3 6 4 7 6 9 4 5 6 8 1

1 9

2 7 6

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3 7

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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. A doctor manoeuvres around opening (3) 2. Maria takes only part of a lasso (5) 3. Separate one very much after time (7) 4. Excite a rebel leader on the river (6) 5. Forty, say, to be superior (5) 6. Ah, grins curiously with relish (7) 7. Abrupt worker’s method of rapid writing (9) 9. Pepys said it could be indigestion (9) 12. Wesley sent in perhaps because of the rain? (7) 14. Squadron leader to pay charge for storing goods (7) 15. As an artist he makes an impression (6) 17. Cooks capsicum but not with jelly (5) 19. Agnes leaves aborigines in order to find antelope (5) 21. This joke might silence one (3)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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.

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

23

ACROSS 1. Develop one seed in eight in a sound way (9) 6. Georgia’s fuel (3) 8. Company in non-operatic arrangement of musical work (5,8) 9. Ringleader getting in a mad frenzy in play (5) 10. Card player who could star in 8 Across? (7) 11. Yes, war is awful for woodcutter (6) 13. Is American intelligence getting hot in Italian island? (6) 16. Take out passage from a book (7) 18. No space for the eggshaped (5) 20. Wool-gathering work?

(13) 22. Sad outcome of publicity (3) 23. Going round the bend trapping (9)

E U

DE

2 3 8 1

6

13

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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4 2 3 6 8 1 9 5 7

1 9 5 7 4 8 3 6 2

3 7 8 2 6 5 1 9 4

2 6 4 3 1 9 8 7 5

7 3 9 1 2 6 5 4 8

6 4 1 8 5 3 7 2 9

8 5 2 4 9 7 6 3 1

WORD PYRAMID: Come up to scratch.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; add; divide; subtract.

Total: 5.

SOLUTIONS

9 8 7 5 3 4 2 1 6

9 7 2

7 3

5 1

9

EQUALISER 3 8 3 1 2 3 7 9 4 1 4 3

Hard

5

11

22

S

AV

NW

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

6 5

10

O

YL

EO

4

21

OR

GN

3

20

SD

AE

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8

FIVE ALIVE

SUDOKU Easy

1

WORD PYRAMID

O Y R

1

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

6. Fair Isle belongs to which group of islands?

7. In a Status Quo fan newspaper competition in 2009 what Francis Rossi item was the prize?

8. Which Mediterranean island was the centre of the Bronze Age Minoan civilisation?

9. What D is the title of a Tom Jones song and a figure in the Bible?

10. What was the original name of the UEFA Cup football competition?

5 1 6 9 7 2 4 8 3

9

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7 8 6 3 5 9 1 4 2

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3 1 5 4 2 6 9 8 7

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8 4 7 9 3 5 2 6 1

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1 3 9 2 6 4 5 7 8

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6 5 2 1 7 8 4 3 9

11

PZ1P5387

CROSS CODE 4

XXXX

26. Rapid knock ACROSS (3-1-3) 1. Obscure (7) 28. Blot out (7) 8. Euphoria (7) 29. Unbalance (7) 9. Abbreviate (7) 30. ------- Monroe, 10. Perception (7) actress (7) 11. Support (7) DOWN 14. Attempt (3) 1. Squinting (inf.)

16. Part of speech (4) (4-4) 18. Plant fibre (4) 2. Combination of 19. Assist (4) notes (5) 3. Exterior (5) 20. Podium (4) 4. Yarn weight (6) 21. Adult males (3) 5. Girl (4) 23. Crash-helmet 6. Curl (7) (inf.) (4,3)

7.

12.

13.

15.

16.

17.

18.

22.

24.

25.

26.

Entwine (4) Burden (4) Stalk (4) Pull suddenly (4) Peddle (4) Club (8) Nerves (7) Regard (6) Layabout (5) Part of collar (5) Fairground attraction (4) 27. Very small (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Becloud; 8 Elation; 9 Shorten; 10 Insight; 11 Endorse; 14 Try; 16 Verb; 18 Jute; 19 Abet; 20 Dais; 21 Men; 23 Skid lid; 26 Rat-a-tat; 28 Eclipse; 29 Derange; 30 Marilyn.

Down – 1 Boss-eyed; 2 Chord; 3 Outer; 4 Denier; 5 Lass; 6 Ringlet; 7 Knit; 12 Onus; 13 Stem; 15 Yank; 16 Vend; 17 Bludgeon; 18 Jitters; 22 Esteem; 24 Idler; 25 Lapel; 26 Ride; 27 Tiny.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Crimean War; 2 Broad arrows; 3 Strictly Come Dancing; 4 Antonio; 5 Rolls-Royce; 6 The Shetlands; 7 His ponytail; FIVE ALIVE: 8 Crete; 9 Delilah; 10 The Inter-City Fairs Cup. (1) Across – Bored; Nanny; Hewed.

Down – Bench; Renew; Dryad.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Germinate; 6 Gas; 8 Piano concerto; 9 Drama; 10 (2) Across – Kiwis; Legal; Singe.

R Z I T F M U Y W G A Q E Soloist; 11 Sawyer; 13 Ischia; 16 Extract; 18 Ovoid; 20 Down – Kilts; Wagon; Solve.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Sheepshearing; 22 Ads; 23 Cornering.

X L N D H V O P J S C B K Down – 1 Gap; 2 Riata; 3 Isolate; 4 Arouse; 5 Excel; 6 Garnish; 7 NONAGRAM: ephor; epoxy; ether; exert; exhort; Shorthand; 9 Dyspepsia; 12 Wetness; 14 Stowage; 15 Etcher; 17 expert; export; eyot; here; hereto; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Aspic; 19 Oribi; 21 Gag. tape; arid; pica; hero; hoer; hope; hoper; hype; hyper; Edam. other; oxer; oxter; peer; peery; père; pert; peter; peyote; poet; poetry; pore; pother; prexy; prey; pyre; repot; rete; retype; rope; ropey; rote; thee; theory; there; three; tope; topee; toper; tore; tree; trey; trope; type; tyre; XEROPHYTE; yore.

WHAT’SON Thursday, November 11

ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries online creative writing group for ages 8-10. 4pm-4.45pm.

Details: libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk EARLEY – Reading Film Theatre, Palmer Building, Whiteknights campus, University of Reading RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents:Our Ladies (15). 8pm. Details: www. readingfilmtheatre.co.uk SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Shinfield Players present Our House musical taster evening: opportunities for cast members, backstage crew.

7.30pm. Details: 0118 975 8880 WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park Pavilion, The Lodge Milton Road RG40 5QG. Wokingham Borough Council presents silver jewellery making rings workshop with Janet Richardson. 10am-4pm.

Details: wokingham.gov.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Round 2 PDI competition: Local, judged

by Micki Aston. 7.30pm.

Details: www.webcc. org.uk.

Friday, Nov 12

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 6267.

Saturday, Nov 13

ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries teen writing group with Victoria Gemmell. For ages 11-18.

10.30am on Microsoft Teams. Details: libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair.

10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CROWTHORNE – St John the

Baptist Church, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Thames Voyces Celebratory concert. 7.30pm. £15, £13 concessions, under 18s free. Details: 0118 967 7319 or www. thamesvoyces.org.uk.

SINDLESHAM – Berkshire Masonic Centre, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Christmas market, with cafe, tombola and more.

10am-4pm. Details: 07515 637471.

READING – Friends Meeting House, Church Street RG1 2SB. Reading International Festival presents What Is Europe? A talk inspired by the writings of anti-Nazi activist Sophie Scholl.

Free. Advance booking welcomed in case covid prevents talk from being held in person. 11am.

Details: 07580 531739 8readingpeaceworks@ yahoo.co.uk READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Wokingham Choral Society presents Handel’s Messiah.

7.30pm. Pre-concert talk 6.30pm. Details: www. wokingham-choral-society. org.uk UPPER WOOLHAMPTON – Douai Abbey RG7 5TQ. 30 Years of Cecilia - The Cecilia Consort. £15, under 18s £5. Details: 07775 743445.

WINKFIELD ROW – Carnation Hall, Chavey Down Road RG42 7PA. Bracknell and Wokingham Districts Cats Protection Annual Christmas Fair.

2pm-4pm. Details: 03453 714 212.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk YATELEY – St Swithun’s Catholic Church, Firgrove Road GU46 6NH. Yateley Choral Society: O May We Sign Again: Renew That Song. 7.45pm. £14, £5 students, under 16s free.

Details: 01276 31850 or www.yateley-choral.org.uk

Sunday, November 14

SINDLESHAM – Berkshire

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk Masonic Centre, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Christmas market, with cafe, tombola and more.

10am-4pm. Details: 07515 637471.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com 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, November 15

Binfield - Newbold College Church, Popeswood Road, RG42 4AN. The Arts Society Wokingham’s monthly lecture, ‘Origins of our English Christmas’

by Roger Askew at 7.45pm. Also live streamed via YouTube.Details www.TheArtsSociey Wokingham.org.uk ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries virtual storytime for ages seven and under. 11am-11.30am.

Details: libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk

Tuesday, November 16

ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries online meeting the author session: Patrick Gale. For adults. Free. 7pm. Details: libraries@wokingham. gov.uk ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries online virtual storytime for ages seven and under.

11am. Details: libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk WOODLEY – Bulmershe Leisure Centre, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3EU. Wokingham Borough Council presents Life Drawing and Portraiture with Mick McNicholas.

Noon-1.45pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Wednesday, November 17

DUNSDEN – Dunsden Green Village Hall RG4 9QG. Dunsden Green Country Dancing Club: country dancing with a caller. 8pm10pm. £4, first evening

free. Details: 07714 226723.

READING – Abbey Baptist Church, Abbey Square RG1 3BE. History of Reading Society presents the history of cinema in Reading with David Cliffe. 7pm. £2 visitors, members free. Details: historyofreadingsociety@ yahoo.com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

Thursday, November 18

WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park Pavilion, The Lodge Milton Road RG40 5QG. Wokingham Borough Council presents silver jewellery making earings workshop with Janet Richardson. 10am-4pm.

Details: wokingham.gov.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Studio Lighting with Shawn Bishop.

7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: The Father (12). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, November 19

CROWTHORNE – Wellington College RG45 7PU. Wellington College Chamber Choir and Orchestra and Crowthorne Choral Society present John Rutter’s Requiem. 8pm. £12, £2 students. Details: www. wellingtoncollege.org.uk/ forthcoming-events 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 6267.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley

vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com

Saturday, November 20

BURGHFIELD – Willink Leisure Centre, Holly Bush Lane RG7 3XP. Christmas craft fair. Noon-4pm. 50p entry. Details: 07990 667503.

GORING – Village Hall RG8 9AG. Goring Craft Fair.

10am-4pm. £2. Details: www.goringcraftfair.co.uk LOWER EARLEY – Salvation Army, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Christmas fayre: cakes, books, crafts, pre-loved, toys and more.

10.30am-2pm. Details: 0118 931 0760.

READING – St Joseph’s College, Upper Redland Road RG1 5JT. Reading Hadyn Choir with Sinfonia Musiciti present Rutter’s Requiem and Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, a Mass For Peace. 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions, £5 under 19s. Details: www. haydnchoir.org.uk READING – Across Reading.

Christmas light switch-on 2021. Live music from 1pm, including RASPO. Festive food stalls in Broad Strall and more.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, November 21

ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries online virtual storytime.

11am. Details: libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk BINFIELD – Salisbury Hall, Newbold College RG42 4AN. Bracknell Choral Society: A Celebration of Mozart. 6pm. £15, under 18s free. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.uk GORING – Village Hall RG8 9AG. Goring Craft Fair.

10am-4pm. £2. Details: www.goringcraftfair.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Vegan Market. 11am-3pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

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a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our What’s On guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups, charities

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and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

What will happen:

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We all fantasise about it, but what actually happens if you win the jackpot on the lottery.

Like most of us, I have already planned how my lottery winnings would be spent – new house, horses, holidays, treating the family and helping some charities that are close to my heart. However, I realised that I have not planned for the practicalities of receiving such a sum of money. I also had no idea on some points associated with a win of that size and, if I am on that list of future winners, I really would need to find out.

Here are the answers to four questions I think most perhaps don’t know but would certainly need to know should they hit the jackpot!

Do I pay tax on a lottery win?

The good news is no, a lottery win is not regarded as income and so there is no tax to pay – your win is essentially tax free, fantastic! However, do bear in mind that the funds will form part of your estate when you die and at that time your estate could face some large Inheritance Tax consequences, the current rate being 40%!

Do I pay tax if I give away lottery winnings during my lifetime?

This really depends who your gift is to. Gifts to a spouse or civil partner are exempt for Inheritance Tax purposes, as are gifts to charity. Giving money away to children, friends or other family members does not mean that this stops the IHT charge. If you were to die within 7 years of making that gift, then IHT could be payable. If you do not survive the 7 years, the tax element of the gift is discounted but it is also important to remember the Tax is payable by the recipient – which of course they may not have been aware of upon receipt of the gift.

What happens to my winnings if I die?

The remaining funds form part of your estate and pass via the terms of your Will, if you have made one, or in the very unlikely scenario that you have not made a Will, via the Rules of Intestacy – which set out where you estate goes if you die without leaving a Will.

An astonishing 60% of people die without making a Will. This must be a priority for anyone with assets, let this be first on the list of things to do before booking that trip around the world.

What happens if I win the £10k per month prize and I die?

If a winner dies after the lump sum payments have started, the winner’s estate will receive a lump sum equal to the full amount of the total prize from Camelot.

Remember - it could be you, good luck!

If you would like to know more about the above article then you can contact one of our specialists.

01276 686222

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

PRIVATE WEALTH: I’VE WON BIG, BUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

In summary, if you are ever lucky enough to become a lottery millionaire, it is important to consider the above and get professional advice in relation to your Wills and Inheritance Tax planning options.

Date of event: Venue of event:

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Send your forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

info@herrington-carmichael.com

www.herrington-carmichael.com

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Root Vegetable Dahl In the kitchen

Method

onion, garlic, ginger and coriander (reserving some to garnish). Fry for 2-3 minutes, then add the diced carrot and parsnip and fry for another 5 minutes 2. Mix in the tomato puree, turmeric and chilli powder then add the lentils and cover with 1.5 litres of water 3. Bring to the boil then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cover with a lid to cook for 45-50 minutes or until everything is very soft; stir regularly. Add more water, if required or uncover to reduce the liquid and thicken 4. To finish, mash the vegetables into the lentils with the back of a large spoon, then season well with salt. Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander and sliced red chilli if you like.

1. Melt the coconut oil in a large, heavybottomed pan over a medium-high heat and add the onion seeds,

Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk

Freely Fruity

A

Serves 4

S WE approach winter, there are plenty of opportunities to make bright and colourful dishes.

This is a one-pot dish that is great for lunch, or serve it with flatbread for a substantial weekday supper.

You could also vary the root vegetables and use swede, turnips, fennel, celeriac for a different flavour and wider variety.

Ingredients n 3 tbsp coconut oil n 1 tsp black onion/ nigella/kalonji seeds

n 1 large onion, diced n 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped n 1 knob ginger, peeled and grated n Small bunch fresh coriander, chopped n 3 carrots, peeled and finely diced n 3 parsnips, peeled and finely diced n 1 tbsp tomato puree n ½ tsp turmeric n ½ tsp chilli powder n 225g red lentils, rinsed n Salt n 1 red chilli, sliced

Lights fantastic: festive decoration ideas

A

Plastic Free Home David Lamont

Sir David on the ‘desperate hope’ of battling the climate emergency

B

ACK in 2018, Sir David Attenborough’s speech at COP24, held in Katowice, Poland, was one of the final triggers that led us to establishing Plastic Free Home.

Speaking then, Sir David warned: “Right now, we are facing a man-made disaster of global scale. Our greatest threat in thousands of years. Climate change.”

He went on to add that “Time is running out” and that “If we don’t take action the collapse of our civilisations and the extinction of much of the natural world is on the horizon.”

In his closing remarks, he said: “Leaders of the world, you must lead. The continuation of our civilisations and the natural world upon which we depend, is in your hands.”

At the time, we described the moment as a “generation defining speech”, and in many ways it was.

We certainly thought that he would struggle to top it.

But Sir David did just that in addressing world leaders at COP26 in Glasgow on Monday, November 1.

Listening to his words for even a fourth and fifth time left a tear in the eye and a lump in the throat.

Watching it together as a family, with our two young children, was especially poignant.

Sir David, in arguably one of his most impassioned speeches ever (which is clearly saying something), cautioned that humanity

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Sir David concluded: “There’s every reason to believe that the answer can be yes. If, working apart, we are forces powerful enough to destabilise our planet, surely, working together, we are powerful enough to save it.”

He ended: “That desperate hope … is why the world is looking to you and why you are here.”

Let us, too, hope that we have not already witnessed the defining moment of COP26, and that world leaders and all of us can come together to achieve what Sir David said must be our shared aim: “To turn this tragedy into a triumph.”

WOKINGHAM garden centre is encouraging people to turn their homes into winter wonderlands this year.

Squires, based on Heathlands Road, says that an outdoor light show will wow neighbours and make guests feel welcome.

To help people prepare for the forthcoming festive season, it has put together some suggestions for bright sparks to consider.

Its first idea is twinkling lights, which can be placed around the front door, wrapped around a wreath or plants. Alternatively, hanging icicle lights around a porch will add some sparkle without looking for Jack Frost’s mischief.

For those who want to go further, Squires suggests illuminated figures for display in the garden.

The range includes a set of five miniature reindeer or baby penguins. Other suggestions include a snowman or a stag.

And with a bleak year - never mind the midwinter – it’s little wonder that people want some seasonal cheer. The garden centre says that sales of this range are already up 60% on last year.

And modern technology plays a big part of another part of its range: Squires is stocking some jewelled characters which come with a remote control, so you can change the colour of your display and the effects – such as twinkle, flash, fade or static – at the touch of a button.

If only the rest of the festive preparations could be done the same way. n For more details, visit the store or log on to: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

SPEAKER: Sir David Attenborough speaks at the Opening Ceremony for Cop26 at the SEC, Glasgow. Photograph: Karwai Tang/ UK Government is “already in trouble” but suggested that our motivation “must not be fear, but hope” for change.

He asked: “Is this how our story is due to end? A tale of the smartest species doomed by that all-too-human characteristic of failing to see the bigger picture in pursuit of short-term goals?”

Urging everyone to “rewrite our story”, Sir David powerfully put the situation into perspective, adding: “Perhaps the fact that the

people most affected by climate change are no longer some imagined future generation but young people alive today”.

“It comes down to this. The people alive now and the generation to come will look at this conference and consider one thing – did the number stop rising and start to drop as a result of commitments made here?” he continued.

Evoking the hope he talked of in answering his own question,

Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with over 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

SPORT TODAY

READING EDITION

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US SUMAS ENJOY AWAY SUCCESS

10.11.21

BRACKNELL STAY FAWKES ON FIRE ON TOP WITH 5-0 SHOW

ROCKETS FIND THE NET

WOMEN WANT TO KEEP ON WINNING

ROYALS’ DOUBLE DELIGHT

READING FC Women are looking to continue their winning run when they travel to West Ham on Sunday.

ACLARKE STAR IS BORN THE HERO THANKS TO WINNING BRACE

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC made it a double triumph over Birmingham City last weekend as both their men’s and women’s first-teams earned victory.

On Saturday, 18-year-old forward Jahmari Clarke made himself a Royals hero as he turned the game around in Reading’s 2-1 win at St Andrews.

With a depleted squad due to

injury and a manager in isolation due to covid, things were looking bleak for Reading with a fifth consecutive Championship defeat staring them in the face when they went 1-0 down to the Blues inside the opening three minutes.

With limited options on the bench, the Royals turned to young striker Clarke to try and salvage something as he replaced record-signing George Puscas, who is suffering a

21-game goal drought, at half-time.

Clarke powered in a header in the 70th minute from John Swift’s cross to put Reading level and with his first goal in senior football.

He then made it an afternoon he’ll never forget as he prodded in from close range just seven minutes from time to net the winner and end Reading’s losing streak.

A day later, Reading Women made the trip to the Midlands to face lowly Birmingham City in the Women’s

Super League.

Having gone into the break goalless, the Royals came out in the second-half with a renewed vigour and energy and opened the scoring through Natasha Dowie.

New signing Deanne Rose then netted a brace to ensure that Reading would return to Berkshire with three points to earn their second consecutive victory in the WSL.

n Full match reports on page 22 & 23.

The Royals have recovered after a difficult start to the season to win their last two matches, a win at home to Aston Villa and a victory away at Birmingham City on either side of the international break.

The win puts Reading up to ninth in the table with six points after six matches.

Meanwhile, West Ham are in sixth, two points above the Royals.

Olli Harder’s Hammers side have had a mixed start to the season with two wins, two draws and two defeats from their opening six matches.

Their stellar defence has allowed them to pick up points, with eight goals conceded all season, four of which came in last weekend’s 4-0 loss at Arsenal.

However, like Royals, they have struggled at the other end of the pitch, with eight goals in six matches – while Reading Women have only scored six.

The East London team had their finest 90 minutes of the season early in October when they stunned Manchester City away from home.

Dagny Brynjarsdottir gave West Ham the lead before a stoppage time second from Yui Hasegawa sealed the points.

Reading manager Kelly Chambers said: “For us coaches we’ll begin analysing West Ham the moment we get on the coach home, but what I said to the players at full-time is you have to enjoy the moment, getting a clean sheet and three goals. But when you arrive at the training ground on Monday, it’ll be time to focus on the next game.

“West Ham are a great side, they’ve made some brilliant additions to their team. So, for us we’ve got to prepare properly, and make sure we go into that game at the highest level.”

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Bracknell RFC push forward

Isaac Round advances with the ball for Rockets

BASKETBALL

ROCKETS RACE PAST BRISTOL TO MAKE CUP PROGRESS

By JAME KING sport@wokingham.today Bracknell RFC against Grove Pictures: Paul Ridley

Bracknell RFC touch down for a try

RUGBY UNION

BRACKNELL STAY TOP WITH BONUS POINT AT GROVE

By PETER MABLY sport@wokingham.today

Grove 10 Bracknell 34 BRACKNELL stay at the top of the table after they finished strongly to take the points away at Grove.

Facing a stiff breeze in the first half Bracknell forced a scrum from the kick off but were then rudely stuffed in the scrummage and conceded a penalty and considerable ground as a result.

Other than one brief Bracknell excursion into their half, Grove spent the next 20 minutes in Bracknell territory making us all wonder why they were bottom of the league.

This culminated with a score for Grove’s 12 who cut a good line back towards the forwards, broke a tackle and touched down behind the posts. He converted his own

try and Grove were seven points to the good.

The next item of note in the game was not so good for the home side – overzealous use of the foot at the back of a ruck and the Grove scrum half was red carded for stamping.

This would lead to the first Bracknell score after a full 24 minutes.

From the scrum that followed a poor pass from Grove’s replacement nine led to a Bracknell scrum five metres out.

Ken Hodgson picked up from eight and made ground, allowing Tom Scott to force over from the next phase. Sam Dunks, kicking for the first time this season converted to level the game.

After 30 minutes Ken Hodgson stole the ball in his own 22, Tom Scott ran straight, then the ball was spun wide left from the next ruck, Bart Van Herwijnen

drew the last man and Ian Burch ran round behind posts.

Sam Dunks then converted to make it 14-7 to Bracknell.

Bracknell spent more time defending as the half wore on and finding it difficult to get out of their half they conceded a penalty in the dying seconds of the first 40.

Grove’s 12 took the half time score to 10 - 14 with the last kick of the half – but unbeknown to them it would be their last score of the game.

Three minutes after the restart Grove suffered a yellow card, Bracknell kicked to the corner, executed a successful catch and drive and a score by Ken Hodgson was converted by Sam Dunks to make it 10-21.

Bracknell’s bonus point score came after 54 minutes when a tap penalty made its way down the line to

see Ruairi Henderson touch down in the corner – again brilliantly converted by Sam Dunks from the touchline – admittedly with a tail wind.

After a high tackle from Sam Dunks and after the ensuing melee, both Sam and Ken Hodgson took a yellow card breather for 10 and it was Bracknell this time who were reduced to 13 men Back to full strength and with a tiring opposition Bracknell continued to benefit from their trademark expansive game and on 78 minutes a quick tap penalty was spun wide to see Ian Burch get his second and then two minutes later a great line of running by Danny Bournes saw him touch down.

Sam Dunk’s boots had used up the last of their magic converting Bracknell’s fourth try from the touchline and missed the final two conversion attempts.

Reading Rockets 107 Bristol Basketball United 81 READING Rockets ensured that they progressed to the fourth round of the National Cup as they saw off Bristol Basketball United.

In a very physical encounter where the visitors had a 7ft 4in and 6ft 11in players, head coach Dan Pearson was able to play all his Academy students for long periods once Rockets had a big lead.

Live Kivuvu and Isaac Round shone through with the experienced Sam Toluwase being the Nando’s Impact Player of the Game as he took the game to the south west team, especially without Rockets 6ft 9in Meshack Lufile.

After a fast start from both teams as they sussed each other out, Rockets began to impose themselves towards the end of the first quarter and took a seven point advantage at 22-15.

An impressive second period by Rockets saw them ease to a 33-15 dominance and a half-time lead of 55-30.

The second half saw Rockets Academy players play well and the score of 52-51 acknowledged that should Bristol make a significant dent in Rockets lead.

Pearson would have brought on the more experienced players though seeing Tyler Cartaino go over on his ankle and not play any further part was a serious

Sam Toluwase shoots issue as A J Basi has an Achilles injury and Lufile carries a foot injury.

An unwelcome piece of injury news for the news Rockets head coach needs as he prepares Rockets for the fourth round of the National Cup next Sunday away to Worthing Thunder.

RUGBY UNION

Composed Titans take the spoils

BY RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Rams Titans 24 Blackheath 7 RAMS Titans produced a composed team performance to earn a four-try 24-7 success at Blackheath 2nd XV.

The hosts started strongly, but the Titans defence held up well before an enterprising backs move, started by a beautiful off-load from captain Ben Henderson, created space on the left for speedster Charlie Robson to race down the left from inside his own half.

Steffan James was unable to add the extras, but his side moved further ahead before the interval as the forwards showed their power, a rolling maul culminating with Henderson dotting down at the back in the right-hand corner.

The conversion was again unsuccessful, but Titans

Rams Titans enjoy a successful day Pictures: Richard Ashton went into the break with a 10-0 advantage as debutant prop Tarek Haffar caught the eye along with fellow first-time starter Lailand Gordon on the rightwing.

Titans began the second period well, but it was the home side who reduced the

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deficit midway through the third quarter when a Jake Hennessy grubber kick was not gathered, allowing Blackheath to recycle the ball out to James Newey in the centres and he crossed the whitewash.

Hennessy slotted the conversion to reduce the

deficit to three points, but that was as near as the home side got as Titans pulled away towards the end.

Firstly, a lovely flick out of the back of the hand from full-back Josh Hart set-up youngster Spencer Hayhow to dot down on the right-hand side, Rowan Grundy adding the extras to make it 17-7.

And Rams added a further gloss to the score-line in the closing minutes, Swedish international debutant Axel Kanning-Smith making a strong charge before his pass found Hart to race down the right.

The South African then timed his pass perfectly to find Gordon, and the wing capped an encouraging first performance by showing his speed to out-run a wouldbe defender to score in the corner.

James landed his toughest kick to push the lead to 17 points, before the full-time whistle was blown shortly afterwards.

RUGBY UNION

HENDERSON DELIGHTED AFTER MAKING RAMS RETURN HOOKER Ben Henderson was delighted to be back as Rams Titans overcame hosts Blackheath 2nd XV 24-7 in Saturday’s friendly.

With no National One action until the huge home clash with table-topping Cinderford on November 20, Henderson put his name in the hat for a recall after returning from a five-week lay-off with a bicep injury.

The skipper scored the second try in a comprehensive victory, with electric wing Charlie Robson, Spencer Hayhow and debutant Lailand Gordon also crossing the whitewash at Club.

And he said: “It’s nice to be back – I had a little bit of a lay-off so it’s nice to get some game time.

“Everyone’s been playing well so there’s no walking back into the team – you’ve got to really fight for a place and earn your way back in.

“When Max (Hayman) and Spencer (Hayhow) came on they put in a lot of work and had great games, and Moff (Ollie Moffitt) always does, so it was nice to test the arm.”

Having been handed the captaincy for the Blackheath

Rams in action against Blackheath encounter, Henderson continued: “It was a real honour to be given the armband – I did it quite a lot when I was younger and it’s nice to be able to officially speak to the referee!

“We said before the game it was important to play simple, hard rugby and we knew if we could build into the game, there was a chance we could have a bit of a flourish towards the end.”

National League Rugby is back @ RAMS National One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on 20th November 2021 K.O. 3pm 1st XV v Cinderford RFC A Pie ‘n Pint or a pre-booked sit down meal in the clubhouse? The choice is yours! Contact steven@RAMSRUGBY.com to book a pre-match two-course meal and experience game hospitality with us!

E tickets can be pre-purchased via our Ticket Office at: Entry is £15 for over 18s for non-season ticket holders, FREE for under 18s.

FREE Park and Ride available for this fixture.

Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2021

160mmx8 columns (265mm) Cinderford Home 20th November - Wokingham and Reading Paper 11.11.21 copy.indd 1

08/11/2021 13:27:32

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FIRST-HALF MASTERCLASS: S4K STRIKE FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Virginia Water v Wokingham & Emmbrook Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K BERKS COUNTY put on a first-half masterclass as they cruised past WARGRAVE DEVELOPMENT. They scored five in the opening 45 minutes with a hattrick from Megan Cox and goals from Samantha Sadler and Michelle Melia.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA

Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW v Panthers Pictures: Andrew Batt

RESERVES were beaten in a high scoring contest at CAVERSHAM AFC. Caversham took the points with a 6-3 success.

Isthmian South Central BINFIELD picked up three more points on the road as they overcame Sutton Common Rovers.

Callum Bunting and Kensley Maloney put Binfield two in front before the hosts pulled back a goal before the break.

The home said levelled the game just two minutes after the restart, but a 57thminute strike from Ollie Harris gifted the Moles maximum points.

Binfield co-manager Carl Withers: “Important win on the road, and on chances created it could and should have looked more convincing but three points is three points.

“Thank you to all that came out and supported us and we hope you all went home happy.”

Combined Counties Premier North READING CITY climbed up to 12th with a convincing away performance at Burnham FC. Goals from Tyler D’Cruz, Dan Davies and Michael Butcher gave them three points with three goals and a clean sheet.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK picked up their first away win of the campaign against Virginia Water.

Charley Tuttle gave the Sumas the perfect start with an

opener after three minutes, but Virginia equalised just seven minutes later.

James Clark restored Sumas’ lead before the break after some superb work from Allen Bossman.

Luke Scope then got on the scoresheet in the second half to finish from Bossman’s through ball to seal a 3-1 win.

Combined Counties Division One WOODLEY UNITED put three

points on the board with their first away triumph of the season at British Airways.

Goals from Pedro and Ciaran Carolan gave them three points to take them onto nine points.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA added three points and a clean sheet with a resilient display at Langley.

Reece Buckett put the Boars in front in the ninth minute.

Eversley went down to 10 players when Ben Catt was sent off, but they managed to double

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From the middle

FIVE PAST WARGRAVE

Dick Sawdon-Smith

When is a tackle foul or fair?

T

their lead five minutes before the end to take the game as Harindr Singh Hunjan netted.

BERKS COUNTY are in 11th after they were beaten 2-1 by division leaders London Lions.

Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD have a fivepoint lead at the top after they defeated Maidenhead Town away from home.

Aqeel Butt and Joel Day netted to help Finch to three points.

READING CITY U23’s put three points on the board with a 3-1 win over Richings Park.

Thames Valley Division One

HURST maintained their unbeaten run with a 3-0 success at home to Rotherfield United.

Joseph Bonney, Jake Horwood and Daniel Townson scored in the win.

Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY SWORDS suffered a loss away from home as they fell 2-0 to Datchet.

TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE were also beaten on the road in a 4-1 defeat to Windlesham & Chobham Development.

Southern Region Women’s

Premier Division

WOODLEY UNITED were on the end of a 3-2 defeat to Oxford City.

Maddie Sawyer and Mollie Haines netted for the Kestrels in the loss.

Southern Region Women’s Division One South EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA fell to a 4-0 home defeat to New Milton Town.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS are in third after they lost 3-0 to Badshot Lea.

CAVERSHAM UNITED are in seventh after they were beaten 4-1 at Penn & Tylers Green.

READING AND DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE Senior Division: Arborfield 0-10 FC BAPCO, Burghfield 5-0 Englefield , Maiden Place 8-1 Twyford Comets, Woodley Wanderers 5-7 AFC Bradfield Division One: Berkshire Dons 1-1 Caversham United, Rose & Thistle 1-4 Loxwood Park, Wayback 1-4 GC United, Westwood Wanderers 1-1 116 Exiles Cup: Barton Rovers 2-4 Burghfield Reserves, Calcot Royals 0-3 Emmer Green, Hype Train 2-0 FC Woodley, RG6 FC 1-12 Hurst, Reading United 3-1 Burghfield B Division Two: AFC Pangbourne 1-4 Woodley Wanderers Caversham AFC 2-7 Romania , Southbank 2-0 Burghfield A Division Three: Sanctuary Strikers 7-5 Royal Albion

FOOTBALL

SUMAS BOSS PRAISES EXCELLENT EXECUTION IN AWAY WIN

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK manager Eliot Whitehouse praised his team’s execution of their game plan as they picked up their first away win of the season.

“From our part it was a really good game and we got the result we wanted which was really pleasing,” said Whitehouse.

“In terms of the performance we set out a game plan that really worked for us and had a plan b that we had to adjust to.

“Unfortunately our captain and centre forward Jake (White) suffered a severe injury in the first 20 minutes of the game which meant we had to change the shape and personnel but in many ways worked really well for us.

“It was our intention to go that route if we weren’t successful in the first 10 minutes so in general the boys did really well, followed the game plan excellently and got the result we wanted.”

Whitehouse highlighted the impact of Alan Bossman, Charley Tuttle and Nathan Mindomba as

they picked up three points on the road.

He continued: “We felt Alan (Bossman) had a massive input when he came on, he’s played at a higher level and will really make a difference if we can get him in a good physical space “We also felt Charley Tuttle was excellent and dealt with their right winger who we knew would be a threat.

“He showed his quality from dead balls and in possession he was outstanding.

“Nathan (Mindomba) always

gives us an excellent workload and his physical capabilities are outstanding.

“He did really well with that and we’re just trying to develop his quality in the final third.”

The Sumas are back on home territory this weekend when they host Windsor in the Combined Counties Premier North.

Suma are now in 15th and this weekend face a Windsor side that are in eighth in the table with five wins, four draws and five defeats from their opening 14 league fixtures.

HE last thing I want is for anyone to feel that I am anti VAR or PGMO referees. but recently, together, they have destroyed my belief in what makes a tackle, a fair or foul one.

The laws of the game talks about reckless or using excessive force but I am talking about the everyday tackle, what the law calls a careless tackle for the want of a better description.

I have passed on this belief with a physical demonstration over many years to trainee referees as an FA instructor/tutor.

If a player has the ball at his feet and an opponent comes in, usually from the side. and cleanly plays the ball and the player falls over his outstretched leg, then that is a fair tackle.

If however, the opponent makes contact with the player first, bringing him down, that is a foul even if he plays the ball.

If the opponent, usually coming from behind, plays the ball first, but brings the player down, perhaps with his trailing leg, this is also a foul. Did the player fall or was he brought down?

So what has shaken my belief?

Two top referees and a video replay. In the Manchester City v Southampton match, England full back, Kyle Walker running after Adam Armstrong tackled him in the City penalty area.

His outstretched leg was nowhere near the ball and with his upper leg hitting Armstrong half way up his thigh, knocked him over.

An obvious foul tackle. Referee, Jonathan Moss, gave a penalty and showed Walker a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Then, after talking to his VAR, Martin Atkinson, one of our longest serving Premier League referees, to everyone’s amazement, including Walker’s, Moss cancelled not only the red card but also the penalty.

So not a foul tackle after all.

In America, the MLS has a wonderful television programme showing VAR decisions and Video Manager, Greg Barkey, explains why those decisions were made.

If only they did this in this country, I might have learned where I have been getting it wrong all these years. Or have I?

22 | SPORT

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

HOW THEY RATED

CLARKE RESCUES ROYALS WITH BIRMINGHAM CITY 1 READING 2

LUKE SOUTHWOOD

Didn’t have too many stops to make as Reading did well to shut out Birmingham, but was saved by the post on one occasion.

ANDY YIADOM

A brilliant display as he returned to the side after missing out against Millwall. His driving run set up the winning goal.

LIAM MOORE

A lapse in concentration early in the game as his underhit back pass gave Birmingham a gift to take the lead.

TOM HOLMES

Held firm at the back which allowed the likes of Yiadom the license to bomb forward and help out in attack.

SCOTT DANN

Calm and composed at the back. Made some vital tackles, interceptions and played some good passes out from defence.

BABA RAHMAN

A solid display from the left-back.

He didn’t get forward as much as Yiadom on the other side but did have good moments.

JOSH LAURENT

Provided some important protection in front of the back line, but didn’t provide much going forward.

TOM DELE-BASHIRU

Had a couple of efforts at goal but hit a couple wildly off target where he probably should have done better.

OVIE EJARIA

Has struggled to find his usual form in recent weeks but is understandable given the amount of game time he has played.

JOHN SWIFT

A superb delivery for the equaliser and his saved shot led to the winner as Clarke latched onto the rebound to score.

JAHMARI CLARKE

An unforgettable performance from the 18-year-old. Turned the game around with his two goals to win the match.

6 8 4 6 6 6 6 5 5 7 9

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today YOUNG striker Jahmari Clarke made himself a Royals hero as he bagged two second-half goals to give Reading their first win in five matches.

A depleted royals squad, without their manager Veljko Paunovic due to covid, went a goal down after three minutes as Scott Hogan stole the ball from Liam Moore’s back pass to put the Blues in front.

But the Royals hit back as halftime substitute Clarke came to the rescue as the 18-year-old forward scored his first goal for the club.

Clarke then added to his goal by scoring the winner as he knocked the ball in from close range after Andy Yiadom sprung forward on a counter attack.

Reading are in 16th after 17 matches in the Championship heading into the latest international break.

Reading had the boost of Andy Yiadom returning to the starting eleven as he took the place of Tyrell Ashcroft after an impressive Championship debut from the 17-year-old.

It was a delayed kick-off at St Andrews with the match starting at 3.30pm, half an hour later than scheduled, due to technical difficulties at the turnstiles.

It was a disastrous start for Reading, who gifted Birmingham the chance to race into an early lead after three minutes.

Captain Liam Moore completely under hit his attempted back pass to Luke Southwood, and Blues striker Scott Hogan snatched the loose pass, rounded the goalkeeper and tapped the ball into the net.

AndyYiadom drives forward

John Swift is challenged on the ball

Swift is fouled while fighting for the ball

MATCH STATS Birmingham City: Sarkic, Roberts, Dean (c), Mitch Roberts, Oakley, Bela, Sunjic, Gardner, McGree, Hogan, Deeney Subs: Etheridge, Castillo, James, Aneke, Woods, Walker, Jutkiewicz Reading: Southwood, Yiadom, Dann, Moore (c), Holmes, Rahman, Laurent, DeleBashiru, Ejaria, Swift, Puscas Subs: Rafael, Ashcroft, Abrefa, Camara, Osorio, Clarke, Ehibhatiomhan Goals: Hogan 3, Clarke 70, 82

Luke Southwood gets low to make a stop The visitors tried to push forward in hope of salvaging an equaliser but Andy Yiadom’s gutbusting run was in vain as he was flagged offside after he was picked out by Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Reading had a half shout for a penalty in the 24th minute when Yiadom threaded the ball through for George Puscas, but Mitch Roberts slid in to get enough on the ball and dispossessed the forward.

The Royals’ best chance came from a set piece when Josh Laurent

Jahmari Clarke celebrates with was brought down 25 yards from goal, leaving top scorer John Swift the chance to strike.

But his disappointing effort struck the wall as the chance passed them by, before DeleBashiru smashed a shot well off target.

In charge in the absence of Paunovic, assistant manager Marko Mitrovic made a switch at half-time as young striker Jahmari Clarke replaced Puscas.

Chances were few and far

REACTION

PAUNOVIC HAILS TEAM FOR ‘FANTASTIC’ COMEBACK WIN READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic was delighted with a much improved second-half display as Jahmari Clarke scored twice to complete a turnaround.

Clarke’s first two senior goals for the club, having come on at halftime break a run of four straight defeats.

Paunovic reiterated that he was able to communicate with his players and staff despite missing the game due to a positive covid test.

“At half-time, I knew what we had to do and believed we needed a boost of energy,” said Paunovic.

“I spoke to the group and told them the expectations for the second half and asked for commitment and everyone to give

their best .

“In the first half I wasn’t happy, we didn’t attack with conviction and finish actions.

“I was able to discuss with the staff to make a decision and that paid off.

“I’m very happy with the reaction, the guys did a fantastic job and all deserve credit for a fantastic win.

“It was a good moment for Jahmari who was waiting for his opportunity.

“We had a talk on the phone, he got my point very well.

“We kept the ball, were patient, in the first half too shy and complacent.

“But in the second half the change in attitude worked perfectly

and Yids (Andy Yiadom) was amazing on the right wing, getting forward.”

The Serbian manager is confident that striker George Puscas can recapture his form having not scored in his last 22 matches for the club.

He continued: “I don’t feel sorry.

I believe in him and he is going to help us in a moment when he recovers his belief.

“Once he does that, the team will recover as a group the belief in him.

“There are some adjustments that have to come, we have to be patient with him.”

Paunovic also gave an injury update and says he expects players to be back after the international break.

“We wanted a positive result going into the break.

“We are expecting at least three players to be back. That could be Alan (Halilovic), Tom (McIntyre) and Danny Drinkwater.

“And maybe there is a possibility for Andy Rinomhota.

“I believe four or five players can be ready after the break.”

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TERRIFIC SECOND-HALF DOUBLE

Clarke celebrates with Josh Laurent

From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen

Baba Rahman – the perfect loanee

A

Holmes brings the ball out from the back Tom Holmes rises above Troy Deeney

the Reading fans after his winner Pictures: Steve Smyth

Yiadom brings down the ball

Scott Dann plays a long pass

between for both sides in the opening 20 minutes of the second period as McGree had a halfchance but missed the target for Birmingham.

Reading then had a chance from the resulting corner but after Moore’s header, Dele-Bashiru lashed a shot off target.

Having shown some attacking intent, the Royals were rewarded with an equaliser in the 70th minute as substitute Clarke netted his first senior goal.

Swift swung in an inviting cross and Clarke glanced the header past the keeper into the far corner to level.

Clarke scores his first two senior goals

George Puscas is tackled in the box There was a scare in the 78th minute for Reading as the Blues hit the frame of the goal as Troy Deeney was denied by the post.

A late change saw Mamadi Camara come on for the final 10 minutes as Dele-Bashiru was replaced.

With the game in the balance, the Royals got their noses in front as Clarke capped off a dream half as

he pounced from close range.

A driving run from Yiadom got Reading on the front foot, he delivered the ball into Swift whose shot was saved, but Clarke was there to spring onto the rebound and finish from a few yards out.

Birmingham applied pressure late on, but Reading held on to stop a run of four consecutive defeats.

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

ROSE AT THE DOUBLE AS ROYALS BEAT BIRMINGHAM Birmingham City Women 0 Reading Women 3

READING FC WOMEN took their first points on the road this season with a second-half masterclass against Birmingham City.

Having seen the men’s side pick up three points in Birmingham the day before, the women followed suit to complete a double triumph.

Reading’s first chance of the match after they worked a slick short corner routine and caused chaos in the Birmingham box but Vanhaevermaet’s strike was deflected wide.

Birmingham responded with an opportunity from a set-piece as they swung the ball into the Royals’ area, but an optimistic looped effort on the half volley was comfortably caught by Grace Moloney.

Blues’ goalkeeper Emily Ramsey was called into action to palm away a Brooke Chaplen strike from distance.

Birmingham got through on goal in the dying embers of the first-half as Libby Smith raced away from the Royals defence but could only manage a tame effort that Moloney saved, Reading raced out of the blocks

in the second-half and took the lead inside three minutes of the restart as Natasha Dowie reacted quickest to the loose ball in the box.

With momentum now firmly on their side, Chambers’ team took advantage and doubled their lead in the 54th minute.

Amalie Eikeland spotted Deanne Rose free in the middle and delivered an inch perfect cross that was headed beyond the keeper by Rose But it was Rose who got on the scoresheet again with her second of the match with 20 minutes left.

She used her blistering pace to ge in behind the Blues back line, took the ball past the keeper and slotted it in from a tight angle to seal the points in a superb second-half display.

Birmingham: Ramsey, Finn, Quinn (c), Sandvej, Scott, Murray, Robertson, Quinn, Smith, Ryan-Doyle, Whelan Subs: Hourihan, Whipp, Holloway, Lawley, Cowie, Worsey Reading: Moloney, Harding (c), Bryson, Evans, Cooper, Vanhaevermaet, Eikeland, Woodham, Chaplen, Dowie, Rose Subs: Stewart, Poulter, Roberts, Peplow, Primmer, Harries, Lister Goals: Dowie 48’, Rose 54’, 71’

NY Royal still awake?

When Baba Rahman tweeted this wholesome four-word question for the first time after Reading beat Cardiff at the start of October, he probably wasn’t aware how much it would catch on.

It was 10.27pm, so it was a reasonable question to ask, but there was just something so heart-warming about it that made you fall in love with the left-back.

He tweeted the same question again at 11.28pm after beating Barnsley a fortnight later.

When Reading’s official club account cottoned on and tweeted “Hey Baba Rahman, you still awake?” after Saturday’s win over Birmingham, a catchphrase had officially been cemented.

Rahman doesn’t need to endear himself to supporters in this way. He is on loan from Chelsea, has no personal ties to the club or the town and almost certainly won’t be here beyond the end of the season.

He could quite easily play his football in Berkshire for a year, exit onto the summer horizon and no one would bat an eyelid.

Being a loan player can put you in a slightly strange situation. You are still ‘owned’ by your parent club, who – like in Rahman’s case – may still be paying a large majority of your wages.

Loan moves can be seen by some players as mere stepping stones just to play a bit of football. We’ve seen that attitude in the past from players like Matej Vydra, Ola John and Jordon Mutch.

Someone like Rahman could easily take that viewpoint. He has dropped down to play second-tier football for the first time in seven years and clearly his long-term ambition is to make it at Chelsea. But his enthusiasm for Reading and willingness to engage with supporters is brilliant to see from a loan player.

Then there was the end of the 2018-19 campaign when Reading were fighting relegation. Some of the most emphatic celebrations and highest levels of passion after crucial results and when survival was secured came from loan players – Emi Martinez, Matt Miazga and Lewis Baker.

As fans, ultimately all we want is players to take pride in wearing our club’s shirt and show commitment and desire out on the pitch.

You expect that from those who are on multi-year permanent contracts. It’s a lovely surprise when it comes from a loan player.

Baba Rahman Picture: Steve Smyth

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HOCKEY

RESULTS

READING DIG IN TO MAINTAIN RUN Connor Beauchamp in action for Reading Picture: Helen Ritchie

By RONAN DAFFEY sport@wokingham.today

Southgate Men 2 Reading Men 3 READING faced a tough test to maintain their unbeaten status as they overcame Southgate by one goal with an away victory.

Reading’s optimistic dreams of an invincible season were very nearly brought to a juddering halt on Saturday evening by a hardworking and very well organised Southgate team who belied their lowly league position to give Reading their biggest test by a long way so far this season.

Well supported by a sizeable and vocal crowd of home spectators, Southgate were full of running and dogged determination throughout the match and twice took the lead to invoke wild celebrations amongst their players and their fans.

Reading were surprisingly subdued in their response and rarely put pressure on the Southgate defence despite a fine performance by their young Wales international, Fred Newbold.

Despite their rather lacklustre performance, Reading equalised twice through their high quality penalty corner routine, with the killer blows being struck by their South African international, Connor Beauchamp. The first going fast and low, and the second high and

READING 2s added three points with victory on the road against Winchester in a 4-2 success.

South Central Men’s Premier 2 READING 2A’s took the points in a close battle against SOUTH BERKSHIRE. The hosts Reading, earned their first victory of the season with a 2-1 success as South Berks dropped down to fifth.

Tuesday, November 9

Combined Counties Premier North Burnham 0-3 Reading City Virginia Water 1-3 Sumas

RUGBY UNION South West 1 East Grove 10-34 Bracknell HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Southgate 2-3 Reading

mighty with such force that the Southgate goalkeeper could only parry it into the net despite getting a strong glove on it.

Now with only minutes remaining, neither team was interested in settling for a draw and both intensified their efforts, Reading at last put sustained pressure on the Southgate defence, which eventually buckled in the final minute, star striker Tom Minall showing his predatory instincts to slot home.

The umpires conferred and a second penalty corner was awarded to the home team.

Reading held firm and joyfully cleared the ball up the pitch, but their celebrations were cut short by the umpire awarding yet another corner for an infringement by a Reading player.

The teams lined up for a third time and, this time, Reading’s keeper saved the shot and the final whistle brought a breathless few minutes to an end.

SOUTH BERKS 2S HIT FIVE PAST MAIDENHEAD South Central Men’s Premier 1

Isthmian South Central Sutton Common Rovers 2-3 Binfield

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Birmingham City 1-2 Reading

Combined Counties Division One Berks County 1-2 London Lions British Airways 1-2 Woodley United Langley 0-2 Eversley & California

HOCKEY ROUND-UP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.

Saturday, November 6

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wargrave Development 0-5 S4K Berks County

1-0 win at Wallingford.

Winchester.

South Central Men’s Division 2

South Central Women’s Division 1

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s put in a five-star display against Maidenhead 2s.

The win lifts South Berks off the bottom of the table with a 5-0 win.

SONNING 2s boosted their points tally with a 3-1 victory at home to Yateley.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE fell to an away defeat against Oxford University 2s.

Erin Begley scored for South Berks but they were beaten 3-1 to put them in eighth.

National Women’s Division 1 South READING fell to defeat by a single goal at home to Slough.

The loss puts them down to fourth in the table.

South Central Men’s Division 1

South Central Women’s Premier 1

SONNING 1s picked up three points and a clean sheet on the road with a

SONNING earned their second win of the season with a 2-1 triumph against

South Central Women’s Division 2 SONNING 2s displayed a fine performance with a clean sheet and three points as they put two past Thame.

South Central Women’s Division 3 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s were beaten as a solitary goal from Newbury & Thatcham 2s gave them the points.

Reading’s 100% league record remains intact, taking them nine points clear at the top of the table from second-placed Canterbury who they meet at Canterbury’s ground next Sunday.

If they do manage to take maximum points from that match, their hopes of promotion would certainly be realistic, and even a draw would leave them in a healthy position as the mid-season break approaches, and the indoor season starts.

TABLE TENNIS

KINGFISHER BEAT TITLE RIVALS TO EXTEND LEAD KINGFISHER A are five points ahead of their title rivals Our Lady of Peace A and have a match in hand after the Kingfisher team won a good contest against Sonning Common & Peppard B 10-0.

The Sonning Common team came close in a couple of sets, Brian Meheux losing to Dmitry Karkhamov and young Jamie Barlow also losing out to Dmitry in an incredibly close tussle.

Mo Cook and Steve Murgatroyd both got hat tricks as OUR LADY OF PEACE A beat Sonning Common & Peppard A 8-2.

In form Ed Lush got a maximum as Sonning Common & Peppard C beat TILEHURST BRITISH LEGION A 7-3, Matt Stone and Matt Isherwood picking up doubles.

KINGFISHER D were 7-3 winners at Tidmarsh A thanks to a Graham Mendick treble and a good double from Cath Venning, Cath winning a close match with Lee Calcutt.

In Division 2, SONNING SPORTS A remain in second place after a 7-3 victory over Tidmarsh B, Nick Sears recording a maximum, Paul Savage missing out on his treble after losing to Mike Aistrop, Keith Machin defeating Dale Ballard for his single while, for Tidmarsh, Barry Carter also contributed one win.

KINGFISHER F climbed two places after defeating Our Lady of Peace C 8-2, Ajai Kamath winning all three; Roger Pritchard lost.

OUR LADY OF PEACE B retained 3rd place after a narrow 6-4 win over KINGFISHER E, Darek Kaminski with a treble, Dave Godfrey with a double and Darek & Dave also winning the doubles while, for Kingfisher, Stephen Leggett recorded two wins with Andrew Adair and Luca Bianchi each recording one win after they both defeated Louise Forster.

After beating Tidmarsh C 8-2, READING FC A are still top of the table, Mike Childs winning in straight sets, Jazz Dhillon and Wayne Alleyne both recording doubles after they each lost their first set.

Sonning Common & Peppard D recorded their best win so far, after beating KINGFISHER G 9-1, Danny Dockree and Jon Abbott

South Central Men’s Premier 1 Winchester 2-4 Reading 2s South Central Men’s Premier 2 Reading 2A 2-1 South Berkshire

FIXTURES

FOOTBALL Berks & Bucks Senior Cup Sandhurst Town v Reading City

Saturday, November 13

FOOTBALL FA Trophy first-round Binfield v Cinderford Town Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Woodley United Combined Counties Premier North Reading City v North Greenford United Sumas v Windsor Cup Cholsey United v Reading YMCA Compton v Finchampstead Old Windsor v FC Imaan Lions Wargrave v Frilsham & Yattendon

South Central Men’s Division 1 Wallingford 0-1 Sonning

Thames Valley Premier League Woodley United Royals v Westwood Wanderers

Sunday, November 7

Sunday, November 14

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Birmingham City 0-3 Reading

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League West Ham v Reading

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Oxford City 3-2 Woodley United

Southern Region Women’s Division One South Woking v Eversley & California

Southern Region Division One South Eversley & California 0-4 New Milton Town

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Badshot Lea v Wargrave Tilehurst Panthers v Stonefield Strikers

Thames Valley Women’s Division One Badshot Lea 3-0 Tilehurst Panthers Penn & Tylers Green 4-1 Caversham United

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Taplow United v Wargrave Development Yateley United v S4K Berks County

each recording a maximum, while Angus Jones defeated Anup Chopra and Hamid Mohseni, after losing his first set to Neil Dellar.

In Division 3 only three matches were played but two opromotion favourites had comfortable wins.

PANGBOURNE WMC beat Sonning Common & Peppard E 8-2 with Clive Taylor getting yet another maximum, Ian Davenport had two impressive wins for Sonning Common.

TILEHURST ROYAL BRITISH LEGION B beat Tidmarsh D by the same score line with Nick Lean returning to form and getting a very good maximum.

This match featured a very long set between the teams two ladies with Tilehurst’s Linda King just edging out Theresa Watson 11-9 in the fifth.

KINGFISHER H had their fourth 6-4 defeat of the season when they lost to OUR LADY OF PEACE E. In the big match between Sonning Sports B and Tilehurst British Legion C it finished 6–4 for the Sports. Cris Reynolds hit a treble but in his set against Paul Treadgold Paul had to retire injured.

Dave Chard for the Sports and Geoff Johnson for Tilehurst both gained doubles.