YOUR GREAT THREE-IN-ONE PAPER: NEWS, SPORT & WHAT’S ON
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
800 fines for flytipping in just two years
No. 6 90p
A FOND FAREWELL TO GAS TOWER P3
By NATALIE BURTON nburton@wokingham.today A DEPARTMENT set up to tackle flytipping and littering has handed out more than 800 fines over the past two years. And the team from the specialist recycling and enforcement team at Reading Borough Council has also brought about more than 47 successful
court prosecutions. This has brought in more than £65,000 in fines. In a statement released last week, the council said that one successful prosecution came from investigation of a large fly-tip at bottle banks at Kensington Road in west Reading. Evidence of the name and address where the waste came from was found, and a fixed penalty notice was issued for unauthorised disposal of controlled waste. When the penalty was not paid within 14 days, the matter went to court and the offender was fined £400, and ordered to pay costs. Reading Borough Council said that its team carry out inspections to help businesses dispose of their rubbish correctly and helped introduce the doorstep food-waste collections. Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead for neighbourhoods and communities, says that the creation of the team demonstrates the council’s tough stance on fly-tipping and littering. “Our message is clear – if you spoil the streets of Reading for our lawabiding residents, you will be caught, and you will be punished,” she added. Fly-tipping and littering can be reported on the Love Clean Streets app. Alternatively, residents can call the Council’s contact centre on 0118 937 3787.
POW! COMIC SHOP MOVES ON UP P4
SEASONS EATINGS: Christmas fun in town centre • p10
THEATRE SHOW WILL GO AHEAD After covid cancellation, Reading acting group make pledge over South Street festive play
EXCLUSIVE
By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today THE show Christmas.
will
go
on
this
That’s the message from Reading’s RABBLE Theatre group, whose seasonal spectacular, The Snow Queen, opens in just over a week. The company could lose as much as £35,000 following the cancellation of its long-awaited production, Who Killed Alfred Oliver, earlier this month after two key staff members received
positive covid tests. As a result, the curtain came down early. The play was originally a collaboration with BBC Radio Berkshire and was listened to by 30,000 people when it was on the airwaves last year. This year, it was to be back on the stage. It told the true story of an unsolved murder of a tobacconist, Alfred Oliver, back in 1929, and was RABBLE’s first indoor show since the pandemic. A cast of four, including artistic director Toby Davies, were playing 22 characters. n Continued on page 10
DRINK TO SUCCESS OF WHISKEY P2
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Songs of Praise Pam to present carol service at Salvation Army
Raise your glasses to whiskey
WE COVER READING BOROUGH EMMER GREEN CAVERSHAM CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS LOWER CAVERSHAM TILEHURST
NORCOT
WEST READING SOUTHCOTE
READING COLEY
EAST READING
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FOR some, it’s the water of life. For others it’s just a wee dram. But all who came to a day devoted to whiskey were raising their glasses to the popular drink. The Great Hall at the University of Reading’s London Road campus was home to Whiskey Affair’s festival on Saturday. The aim of the event was to allow visitors to explore the world of whiskey, learning about grains, single malts and the perfect blend. The event also featured live music and a range of speakers. Organisers said the venue provided its most lavish backdrop yet, and they can’t wait to return next year. “ There was a continual buzz in the room with the sight of staff rushing to replenish stocks on the bar far quicker than we’ve needed to previously. The Reading crowd really knew how to get stuck in,” they said. The festival will return next year.
COCKTAILS, TASTES AND TOASTS: The Whiskey Affair at the Great Hall, Reading University, on Saturday saw people enjoy more than a just a wee dram Pictures: Dijana Capan/DV Vision
n For more details, log on to thewhiskeyaffair.co.uk WHITLEY MADEJSKI STADIUM
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Additional places for SEND pupils in Reading By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today THERE are now more places for Reading primary schoolaged children who have special educational needs (SEND).
Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) has worked with Reading Borough Council (RBC) to create 18 additional places at two schools. More projects are planned to meet the increasing demand for SEND places. This includes the construction of a new special free school, and extra places for pupils with SEND in mainstream schools. In September, a new provision for children with social and communication difficulties (SCD) and autistic spectrum conditions opened in Southcote Primary School. It will be expanded to cater to 12 pupils by September next year. The resource will promote the inclusion of pupils with SEND and provide support for parents of children with SCD and to school staff.
A satellite class of The Avenue School has also been created at The Ridgeway Primary School, where six children started in September. Di Smith, Board Chair of Brighter Futures for Children, said: “These two projects are great examples of BFfC, the council and schools working together. “The Ofsted/CQC Reading local area SEND inspection in the summer noted that local leaders recognise areas which are of most concern to parents, such as specialist school places, and that plans are under way to address these issues. “The resources at Southcote and The Ridgeway are part of an ongoing programme to create more SEND school places, and there are other exciting projects in the pipeline.” The move was also welcomed by Cllr Ashley Pearce, lead councillor for education at Reading Borough Council. “There is an identified gap in provision for children with social and communication difficulty in west Reading so the additional places
A SONGS of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes will be coming to Reading next month to help the town celebrate Christmas. She will be the compere of the Reading Central Salvation Army Corps’ charity carol concert. Taking place at its Castle Street citadel, the event will feature the Salvation Army band, songsters and young epople from the Reading Central Salvation Army Corps, along with special guest singer Charlie Green, and the trombone section from the world-famous Black Dyke Band. It takes place from 6pm on Sunday, December 12. Tickets are free, but need to be applied for in advance by Tuesday, November 30.
n For more details, log on to www. readingcentral.org.uk/carols
at Southcote Primary are very welcome,” he said. “The new satellite class at The Ridgeway will also provide much needed places while work takes place to expand The Avenue School.” Plans are under way to convert and refurbish former office space to create places for an additional 60 pupils at The Avenue School in Tilehurst. Building work is also progressing on a new home for Hamilton School, previously known as Phoenix College. It school will cater for up to 64 students aged between 11 and 18. BFfC and RBC are currently working with Wokingham Borough Council, the DfE and Maiden Erlegh Trust on the creation of Oak Tree School in Winnersh which will provide 75 places for pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and/or an Autism Spectrum Condition. However, work has been delayed by the Department for Education, and no revised opening date can be announced.
Biscuit Factory’s two-day festive market A TWO-DAY Christmas market is coming to Reading’s town centre next weekend. The Biscuit Factory, which opened in Broad Street Mall, is helping people find that perfect present with the event. There will be a range of stallholders, offering craft items, beauty products, snacks and more. Seasonal refreshments will be available to add to the atmosphere. The event runs from 11am to 4pm on Saturday, December 4, and Sunday, December 5. Entry is free. n For more details, log on to: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
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NEWS | 3
GAS TOWER EXHIBITION
Farewell to the sleeping giant SINGERS: Pupils from Shinfield St Mary’s School performing in the It’s Action Time video, created for COP26 delegates
School pupils showcase eco work at COP26 WELCOME: Leslee Barron, with Mayor Rachel Eden and Mary Chambers
FOCAL POINT: The Reading Gas Tower is about to be dismantled Pictures: Dijana Capan/DV Vision
OPEN: Mayor Rachel Eden cut the ribbon
By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today THERE were stories, memories and a few tears shed at an exhibition to mark the demolition of East Reading’s iconic gas tower.
More than 200 people, some travelling a hundred miles, visited the two-day event which included photographs, paintings and a book about the tower in Newtown. Leslee Barron, who has lived in the shadow of the gas structure for more than 20 years organised the display with Mary Chambers, coauthor of Alina Saves the Moon, a children’s book about the tower. It took place at the church of St John and St Stephen, in Orts Road – in the shadow of the gas tower on Saturday and Sunday. “It was an emotional two days as people spoke of their memories,” said Leslee. “People said when they saw the tower either from the train or on the road, they knew they were back home. Now demolition work is well under way and a big part of Reading will shortly be no more.” The exhibition was opened by the town’s new mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, on what was her first official engagement since her installation on Wednesday (see page 8). A portion of money raised from the sale of items will be donated to the Reading Refugee Support Group. If you missed the chance to purchase a piece of tower memorabilia, more will be available at the Arts Winter Festival at St Bart’s Theatre on Saturday, December 11.
ORGANISER: Leslee Barron admires her handiwork
TIME TO TALK: Mayor Rachel Eden and Michael Quinn
HISTORIC: Les Pullen with his photograph from the mid 1980s
ART: The Revd Clare Alcock, vicar of St John’s and St Stephen’s, and Reading mayor Cllr Rachel Eden admire some of the exhibits
KNOWLEDGE: Michael Quinn talks about his artwork
A SHINFIELD teacher is feeling proud of his pupils after they appeared at COP26. Children from Shinfield St Mary CE Junior School took part in the event earlier this month. They starred in two videos that were shown to global leaders at the Glasgow conference. Matthew Knight, head of ecology and sustainability at the school, was excited that the children and the school were being recognised globally for their green efforts. “The children were all super excited and proud to be part of such an important event,” he said. In one video, the school was one of just five UK schools to perform in a song called It’s Action Time, a special reworking of Bob Geldof and Midge Ure’s Do They Know it’s Christmas. The choir of 30 Year Six pupils rehearsed and recorded the music video in just two days, which was presented by actor Ewan McGregor. Mr Knight added: “The kids were really excited. They all know him from the Star Wars films.” The other video featured pupils from the school’s eco club showing viewers around their award-winning school site. It boasts its own biodome and more than 40 raised beds for growing fruit and vegetables. “We’ve worked very hard over the past few years to embed sustainability into our school’s curriculum and ethos,” Mr Knight explained. “We intend to set up a network of schools to share knowledge and ideas.” The school has two eco deputies who run the eco club. Elizabeth said: “The work we’re doing here at Shinfield is really great.” “Hopefully more schools will join us.”
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Crunch time: Demand sees comic book store move on up EXCLUSIVE
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
HOUSE TIME: Insulation in a new build Picture: Alina Kuptsova from Pixabay
‘We need more insulation’ warns Green campaigner
A GREEN Party campaigner is calling for more help to insulate homes across Reading. Doug Creswell has launched a petition which aims to put pressure on Reading Borough Council to keep people warm this winter. It follows two reports which highlight the effects of energy inefficiency on residents of the borough. A Friends of the Earth survey revealed that some 4,000 homes in Reading need to be properly insulated to meet national climate change targets. Another report showed that 7,290 households could not afford to heat their homes properly.
This was carried out before the recent fuel crisis saw energy bills increase. Mr Creswell is concerned about the impact of the crisis on residents. “Homes in Reading need improved insulation more than ever,” he said. “This will reduce fuel bills, tackle poverty, create jobs and limit climate-changing pollution.” Cllr David McElroy, Green councillor for Redlands, added: “We want to live in a town where no one’s nan has to choose between heating, eating and preserving the planet for their grandkids.” n For more information, visit: bit.ly/warmerreading
GREAT NEWS for all readers: a Reading comic book store is turning the page on a new chapter today by moving to bigger and better premises.
Crunch Comics opened in the Harris Arcade in January 2017, capturing the boom in the industry fuelled by box office blockbusters from Marvel. The independent store sells the latest comics, graphic novels, T-shirts and collectibles. And today it has moved to a larger unit in the arcade, off Friar Street, just in time for the release of the new Spider-man film, Far From Home. Brian Wong, who owns Crunch Comics, said that the move comes after seeing the business grow thanks to a steady stream of regular customers. Today’s opening coincides with Local Comic Shop Day, an annual event held close to the US holiday of Thanksgiving, and the traditional start to the festive shopping season in the United States.
NEW HOME: Brian Wong, owner of Crunch Comics Picture: Dijana Capan of DVision Images Comic publishers such as businesses in the arcade have Marvel, DC, Image and Boom had to close. “I have mixed feelings about support Local Comic Shop Day by publishing limited quantities moving to a new store. On the of special edition comics one hand, there are real benefits: available for sale exclusively at the new space is larger. There’s participating stores, including more room for customers to browse and I’m hoping to Crunch Comics. “We’re moving a few units increase our children’s section down into another space in of comic books as well as our the Harris Arcade,” Mr Wong range of graphic novels, back said. “The covid pandemic issue comics and manga. “Plus, there’s storage space has adversely impacted the retailers in Harris Arcade, upstairs, so no more tripping which has traditionally been a over comic boxes. “On the other hand, it’s a real hub of independent businesses shame to leave our cosy store in Reading town centre. “Unfortunately, a number of which has been our home for
the past five years, and we’ll have to reluctantly say goodbye to the Crunch Comics wall mural.” He added: “We’re coinciding our opening day with Local Comic Shop Day, and this will be our fourth year participating in the event. Local Comic Shop Day is less well known than Free Comic Book Day, but it’s an event to celebrate independent bricks-and-mortar comic shops, and comic publishers print exclusive LCSD special edition comics that will only be available for sale at local comic shops on the day.” There is a potential fly in the ointment: the pandemic has caused supply issues. This includes issues with printers in the United States, a shortage of paper pulp, but Mr Wong is confident that there are plenty of items in stock for people to enjoy. “If the LCSD special edition comics don’t arrive on time, then at least we’ll have our opening day sale on regular bagged and boarded back-issue comics, and discounts on our T-shirts and collectibles,” he said. “We’ve also recently been nominated for the Small Business Saturday competition that our Reading East MP Matt Rodda is organising this year – so it’s nice to highlight the high street and independent retailers given the really challenging time with the Covid pandemic.” n For more details, log on to crunchcomics.com
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ART: The Through Your Eyes mural, by Gemma Anusa, has already been funded by the scheme.
£30,000 grants for Oxford Rd arts projects ARTISTS and community groups are invited to apply for grants to celebrate the history, stories and diverse cultures of the area. The High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, run by Reading Borough Council, has £30,000 available. A pilot scheme has already seen four artists produce work for the area. The new funding will be divided between community groups and professional artists. Cllr Karen Rowlands, lead for culture, heritage and recreation, hopes that the funding will inspire those who would not normally get involved with artbased projects to take part. “We’re seeking applications for creative and cultural activities of all kinds, from singing to sculpting, to painters and photographers,” she said.
Three pots of £4,000 are available to share between community groups and artists. The first stage of the application process is a one-page expression of interest. The closing date for this is Friday, December 10. Two further amount of £9,000 are available to professional artists. Those chosen will get additional support from Reading-based arts organisation CultureMix. The deadline for applications is Friday, January 14. The Council was awarded the money from a joint partnership between Historic England, in partnership with Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, which aims to make high streets more vibrant and attractive. n For more information, email: HSHAZ@reading.gov.uk
A UNIVERSITY of Reading project to map the effects of climate change in the UK has launched. The UK Climate Risk Indicators website was presented at a COP26 event. The free resource is aimed at policy makers and planners. It shows how extreme weather events such as high temperatures and flooding will affect risks at regional and national levels. The project models risks up until the end of this century. The information then can be used to consider questions like how growing seasons might change in the future. Climate risks to communities, transport, infrastructure, buildings and agriculture can then be planned for. Professor Nigel Arnell, professor of climate change science at the University, led the project. He said the challenge was to present a wealth of information in an easy-to-use way. “This website provides a comprehensive tool that can be used to inform decisions,” he added. The research underpinning the data was part of the UK Climate Resilience Programme, funded by UK Research and Innovation and the Met Office. n For more information, visit uk-cri.org
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NEWS | 5
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How Stephen Fry helped Reading man discover he had cancer PRAISE: Chris Uden is grateful to the teams at the Royal Berkshire Hospital for their care while he was being treated for prostate cancer
By LAURA SCARDARELLA news@rdg.today
A SURVIVOR of prostate cancer is encouraging men in Reading to get themselves checked out.
Chris Uden, 74, of Reading, decided to get a prostatespecific antigen test (PSA) in 2018 when he heard of actor Stephen Fry’s diagnosis. Mr Uden said he was “gobsmacked” when he found out he had the disease at an advanced stage. “My wife was the one who originally encouraged me to go to the clinic just to check on my health,” he said. “I had no idea that I had cancer, and it is really is down to the support from my family and to Stephen Fry speaking out that motivated me to get the PSA test.” Mr Uden stressed the importance of getting an early diagnosis After going through radium and hormone treatment at Royal Berkshire Hospital, Mr Uden praised the staff on their guidance and patience with him. “My experience with Royal Berkshire Hospital was absolutely fantastic. They were always very encouraging and calmed the nerves whenever I had my treatment,” he said.
“It really made the whole journey a lot less stressful. I had such great confidence in their service, and I was so happy to be in the hands of such a great team of medical professionals.” As part of Men’s Health Awareness Month, which runs throughout November, a
recent campaign, led by cancer care provider GenesisCare and Prostate Cancer Research, is urging more men to seek prostate medical advice. The organisations carried out research to highlight that it is vital men should reach out to health professionals. And Mr Uden is supporting
this by explaining that men feel awkward when talking about their health, and one in four men feel uncomfortable asking doctor’s questions. A study for the campaign found that 34% of men who have had prostate cancer admit their partner spotted the signs of a health issue.
Mr Uden said that people should talk about cancer like they would if they had a badleg. “We need to normalise talking about it to each other, and if people ask me how I am, I always open up about my diagnosis, which is crucial when going through your treatment and beyond,” he said. Dr Naomi Elster, head of research and communications at Prostate Cancer Research, said: “This research highlights the importance of a man’s support network and asking questions to medical professionals, as those who asked questions were more than twice as likely to be more satisfied with their treatment. “Cancers are not all treated the same, and it’s important that your treatment is the best one for you.” Dr Elster added: “Now that we can see how much happier people are with their treatment if they’re comfortable asking questions, we really hope more do. “While medical professionals are experts in their field, you are the expert when it comes to you, and open communication will help you to work together to find the best approach for you as an individual.”
Festive tunes from Canto Trio THE BELLE Canto Trio will be returning to performing with a special Christmas concert, filled with festive tunes. Called It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas, the group will sing a range of popular seasonal songs such as Santa Baby and Christmas Lullaby. The afternoon of music will take place from 3pm on Saturday, December 11, at Beech Hill Memorial Hall. Doors open at 2.30pm, and there will be some festive fare available to purchase. Entry is free, and there will be an opportunity to donate to the work of St Mary’s Church in Beech Hill, opposite the memorial hall.
Save date for Christmas event
A CHRISTMAS market is being held in Southcote. Grange United Reformed Church in Circuit Lane is the venue for the fun event, taking place from 11.30am on Saturday, December 11. There will be homemade crafts, preserves, cakes, a tombola, a raffle, books, jigsaws and seasonal refreshments. Entry is free, and organisers ask that visitors should wear a face covering, due to the covid pandemic. For more details, call 0118 956 0380.
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Jazz date at The Retreat AN AFTERNOON of jazz will be available in a Reading pub this Sunday. The Retreat, in St John’s Street, is welcoming wellknown musicians Stuart Henderson and Simon Price for the afternoon event. Joining them will be Paul Jeffries, Peter Billington and Simon Allen. The monthly session starts at 3pm, and the pub will be serving a range of real ales and interesting drinks to help make the music slip down easily. n For more details, log on to www.theretreat.pub
Christmas treats with the Players A FAMILY friendly evening is promised by Shinfield Players Theatre, and it is sure to put you in the mood for the forthcoming festive season. Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses is the name of the event, taking place from 7pm on Sunday, December 5. The evening will raise funds for charity, and include plenty of seasonal music and merriment. n Tickets cost £5, and can be ordered in advance by calling 0118 975 8880, or logging on to: www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk
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Police project tackling violence awarded £300,000 By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
ALMOST £300,000 has been awarded to stop predatory night time behaviour in the Thames Valley.
Police have been awarded £297,252 for Project Vigilant, as part of the Safety of Women at Night (SWAN) fund. It will provide bespoke training to officers to identify people displaying predatory behaviour. This training is reserved for Counter Terrorism Policing, but has been adapted to this new purpose. Project Vigilant uses a combination of uniformed and plainclothed officers patrolling outside night clubs, bars and pubs, to identify people sexually harassing or inappropriately touching others, or loitering. Anyone identified will be referred to an intervention programme delivered by Circles South East, a charity that works with convicted sex offenders. Dominic Williams, senior manager at Circles South East, said his organisation has worked within sexual abuse for 20 years. “We have long wished for
the opportunity to work in an entirely preventative way,” he said. “Project Vigilant is that opportunity, Circles South East has the necessary skills and we are very glad to be part of this.” Bystander Intervention training will be offered to partner organisations and staff at venues to help them identify predatory behaviour. Between Friday, July 23, and Thursday, November 4, 117 people across Reading, Milton Keynes, Oxford and Windsor were stopped and 10 arrests were made in relation to predatory behaviour. Of those stopped that provided their details, 20% were found to have links to sexual or predatory offending, and 21% had links to violent offending. Chief Superintendent Katy Barrow-Grint, force tactical lead for violence against women and girls, said: “I am really pleased that Project Vigilant has been recognised again by the Home Office as an innovative initiative and considered for additional funding. “We are sending out a clear message to predatory individuals that their behaviour will not be tolerated.
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“It is clear that we are stopping the right people in the right locations before an offence has taken place, and this funding will allow us to continue to develop the project with our partners and enhance the skills of our officers.” The funding is in addition to £90,000 already awarded to Project Vigilant earlier this year by the Home Office. It is also being used to commission an academic evaluation by Brighton University into the effectiveness of the project and the impact on future offending. Matthew Barber, Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley, said he is delighted to secure more funding for the project. “Project Vigilant is directly supporting my Police and Criminal Justice Plan by focusing on prevention and targeting the perpetrators of crime,” he said. “Through a new partnership with Circles South East, we will provide a bespoke intervention programme, for individuals identified as displaying behaviour that may fall below the criminal threshold.”
INFORMATION: An image of a man police wish to trace, following a collision on London Road near Eldon Road in September
Plea to trace driver POLICE have released an image of a man who they believe may have vital information about a car crash. Around 10.45pm on Monday, September 15, a blue VW Golf was driving erratically on London Road. Near to the junction of Eldon Road, the Golf veered into the side of another vehicle. The driver of the Golf initially stopped, but then drove off. Investigating officer, PC
MERL to become a winter wonderland AN OPPORTUNITY to find some unique presents while supporting a good cause is on offer in Reading this weekend. MERL – The Museum of English Rural Life – is holding a festive fayre on Sunday, November 28. There will be gifts available from the museum’s new ranges, items from local suppliers including Sarah the Caversham Jam Lady, and the Meadow Farm Honey. Some local cheeses will also be available. For families, there will be some craft activities, and a chance to meet the MERL knitters and other volunteers. The museum’s café will also be open, providing mugs of soup, mulled juice, mince pies, Christmas cakes and more.
Carol concert will help the work of adoption charity A CAROL concert will be held at Reading Minster to celebrate this festive season. Hosted by adoption charity PACT, the event will welcome families to the church on Chain Street to enjoy an evening of
To add to the atmosphere, carols will be sung by a school choir. The event runs from 11am to 3pm, and free parking will be available in MERL’s car park or in Acacia Road. Entry is free, and the museum will also be open for visiting. Its current exhibitions include a focus on natural resources of land, air and water. Museum staff warn that visitors should come dressed for the cold. The reason for this is that the museum is planning on providing maximum ventilation due to rising covid numbers. For more details on its pandemic measures, log on to merl.reading.ac.uk, and head to its ‘visit us’ page. music on Monday, December 20. Audiences will be treated to performances from music groups in the borough. Children are invited to dress up and will have a chance to meet Frozen’s Elsa and Olaf. A tea party beforehand will begin at 6pm, with the concert starting at 7pm.
n For more details, or to book tickets, visit pactcharity.org/ carols
Natasha Black, based at Reading police station, said: “We’re releasing an image of a man who we believe may have vital information in connection with this incident. “If you recognise him or this is you, we would ask you to call 101 or report online quoting reference 43210416808.” Anonymous reports can also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Reading man sentenced for begging in town A READING man was sentenced last Thursday for breaching a criminal behaviour order (CBO). Benjamin Taylor, 35, of Russell Street, Reading, was sentenced to 11 months and two weeks’ imprisonment at Reading Magistrates’ Court. In the last six months, Taylor has been found begging in Reading town centre, breaching the order 25 times. He was arrested and charged on Tuesday, November 2. Investigating officer, PC Vince Moore, of the Reading Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a great result for a prolific offender with a history of begging and breaching court orders a multitude of times. “We know that the general public want to help people they see begging on the street, but beggars are often using the money to fund addiction.” PC Moore added: “We ask instead that people donate to local charities that can assist them in getting the professional help they need.” n Charities that help homeless in Reading include CIRDIC and Launchpad
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Any colour you like: bottle bank shake-up
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
WHEN IT comes to recycling, the difference is clear: you no longer need to sort the colours out.
Recycling firm re3, which manages the borough’s waste collections, says bottle banks for glass now take every colour under the rainbow, making it easier for residents. And there are benefits for collection schedules and containers, helping to reduce costs, carbon footprints and, hopefully, end the problem of bottles being left beside overflowing bins. From now on, glass bottles and jars placed in the banks are sent to a state-of-the-art glass recycling facility operated by leading glass recycler, URM. Using colour sorting technology, the plant accepts all glass bottles and jars for processing, sorting it into individual colours. The recycled material is then transformed into a high-quality finished product for the food, beverage and pharmaceuticals industries, achieving the same results as when supplied with pre-sorted colour glass material. In a joint statement, Cllr Dorothy Hayes from Bracknell
CHANGE: Glass botttles no longer need to be separated for colour Picture: Nicolas Horn on Unsplash Forest Council, Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward from Reading Borough Council, and Cllr Parry Batth from Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Glass can be endlessly recycled without any loss of quality. “The most popular approach is to remelt it to produce more bottles and jars – the true meaning of closed-loop recycling. “We are fortunate to be able to send glass bottles and jars to this impressive facility, which uses advanced equipment and technology, so there is no need for the public to colour-separate their glass anymore.” They added: “Mixed glass recycling is going to be of great benefit to the public and re3 Councils. It makes recycling
glass much quicker and easier and it should improve the efficiency of collecting the material, meaning we will no longer see one bank full to overflowing and another next to it partly empty. “We also hope to see a reduction in the public leaving their glass on the ground next to the glass banks due to one particular colour bank being full.” The new system is in place now, and stickers will be added to bank collars at each site. Pyrex, window glass, sheet glass and similar materials are not accepted at the glass banks. n For more details, log on to re3.fccenvironment.co.uk/ recycling-banks/
Thank you for your support this year. We wish you and your families all the best for a very Merry Christmas.
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NEWCOMERS: Cllr Rachel Eden with Cllr Ayo Sokale at the mayor-making ceremony Picture: Stewart Turkington/ www.stphotos.co.uk
Meet Reading’s new mayoral team READING has a new mayor – and one of its youngest ever deputies. At a special ceremony held in Reading’s town hall last Wednesday evening, Cllr Rachel Eden was installed as the borough’s first citizen. Due to covid, her term of office will run for 18 months, until May 2023. She has served as Whitley ward councillor since 2010, and has previously been lead councillor Housing and Neighbourhoods and Adult Social Care. Her roles include serving as a director of Reading Community Energy Society and is outgoing Chair of West Reading Together. Outside of politics, Cllr Eden is the founder of an accountancy firm for small businesses and charities. During her tenure, she will focus on: sustainability and the drive to net zero; the best start in life for young people; improving the end of life for all; getting through – and recovering from – the covid pandemic together; and equality and diversity.
The charities she has chosen reflect this: Parenting Special Children; The Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality; and The Sue Ryder, Duchess of Kent Hospice. “Being Mayor of Reading is a huge privilege and honour,” she said. “Every Mayor has their own style and I hope to focus on encouraging a sustainable Reading with our push to netzero carbon; encouraging the best start in life for our young people, and promoting better support for people at end of life, as well as of course celebrating our town’s amazing diversity and pushing for equality for all, as we get through the pandemic.” Also confirmed at the Mayor Making Ceremony last week was Cllr Ayo Sokale as deputy mayor of Reading until May next year. Cllr Sokale has served as a Caversham Ward councillor since 2019, and is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Professionally Qualified Project Manager at the Environment Agency, as well as presenting science programmes
for BBC Bitesize. Ayo is a keen sustainability advocate and co-founded and runs a Plastic Free Group in Caversham. She is one of the ICE’s Water Superheroes, aptly named Eco Warrior (previously Angel). She was nominated one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering under 35 in June 2017. She is a Supervising Civil Engineer & member of the ICE Thames Valley, ICE Policy and External Affairs and ICE Communication Committees. She becomes one of the youngest deputy mayors in the history of the borough. Cllr Sokale said: “I am honoured to represent Reading as Deputy Mayor, a place I have made my home since graduating from university.” Cllr Eden takes over from Cllr David Stevens. The ceremony had been planned for May, but the pandemic meant it was delayed. As a result, both Cllr Stevens and Cllr Eden will serve longer than usual mayoral terms.
Scheme gives Caversham allotments new lease of life UNLOVED allotments are being given a new lease of life under Reading Borough Council’s sustainability initiative. Residents and community groups can grow their own veg at Ardler Road or Victoria Road in Caversham, on one of 30 plots which have been cleared. The council has also appointed an officer to manage an allotments plan, drawn up following a consultation last year. The plan aims to increase
the number of plots on the council’s 20 allotment sites. It will give tenants more control over site management. Newly formed groups have already taken on areas for communal composting, biodiversity, and wildlife projects. Cllr Karen Rowland, council lead councillor for culture, heritage and recreation, said that allotments are invaluable in supporting physical and mental wellbeing.
She added: “This is especially important in our response to tackling the climate emergency but also in addressing the lingering effects of our post-covid recovery in protecting our physical and mental health.” Plots are currently available at sites across the borough. n For more information, visit: www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/ outdoors/allotments, or email: Allotments.Reading@reading. gov.uk
Wednesday, November 24, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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LadBaby’s Christmas message: SEND Offer wins award for give a tin when you shop at Tesco commitment and dedication By LAURA SCARDARELLA news@rdg.today
A SOCIAL media star with a penchant for sausage rolls is giving his support to a supermarket’s festive food appeal.
By LAURA SCARDARELLA news@rdg.today A SERVICE which supports children in Reading with special educational needs has won a national award.
The SEND Local Offer, provided by Brighter Futures for Children, helps families find information about services, support and events for SEND children and young people. It won the Best SEND Local Offer award at a ceremony earlier this month, which was presented at the online National Association of Family Information Services Coram Family and Childcare conference. The award recognises the commitment and dedication behind setting up a successful Local Offer, which meets the needs of families in an accessible way. Reading SEND Local Offer was also recognised for always using the three Cs: communication, collaboration and co-production, as well as its partnership working with parent carers, young people and the wider community. And it’s also been congratulated for its partnership work with
Reading Families Forum and going above and beyond for its services. The conference heard positive comments made in the recent Ofsted/CQC Local Area SEND inspection, which said: “Parents of children and young people with SEND have access to good information and advice from the family information service and the local offer. “The local offer is responsive to families’ needs, following up all initial contacts to ensure that the identified needs have been met.” The award was presented by the chief executive officer of Coram Family and Childcare, Dr Carol Homden CBE. Di Smith, board chair of Brighter Futures for Children, congratulated everyone in the Reading SEND Local Offer team for winning the award. “Navigating your way around the different services and organisations which provide support for children and young people with additional needs can be difficult for parents,” she said. “I am delighted that Reading families have such a committed and dedicated team to support them.”
Lifestyle blogger LadBaby, also known as Mark Hoyle, is using his platform to raise awareness of poverty in supporting food banks this festive season, and wants people to give generously to the Tesco Food Collection. Reading shoppers can donate at the stores. The LadBaby family’s numerous charity singles have been Christmas number ones for the past three years – the third act in the UK to top the charts for three consecutive years. The collection, which is already under way, is encouraging people in Reading to buy an extra tin of long-life food to give to food banks in the Trussell Trust network. And Tesco will help food redistribution charity FareShare provide food to frontline organisations and community groups. Mr Hoyle said: “Everyone deserves to have an amazing Christmas, but, unfortunately a lot of people will have real problems affording the essentials for their families this year. “No one should have to go to bed hungry, but today far too many do, which is devastating, and we all need to pull together and do what we can to help.” Mr Hoyle added that a donation to the Tesco Food Collection is a quick and easy way to help food banks and
PLEA: LadBaby, aka Mark Hoyle, wants to see Reading’s Tesco customers make donations to its foodbank appeal individuals across the Reading area. He said: “By putting an extra tin in your basket to donate at the end of your shop, you could really be helping someone out.” And the supermarket is playing its part, topping up all customer donations by 20%. FareShare chief executive Lindsay Boswell added that the items they receive are vital to the charity. She is encouraging people to add an extra tin of tuna or bag of pasta to their baskets when shopping at Tesco this weekend.
“Generous donations from customers will ensure we’re able to continue providing much needed food this Christmas to a huge range of organisations supporting people in their communities,” she said. Trussell Trust chief executive Emma Revie explained that any donations will be invaluable. She said: “For many people, the winter period can be extremely challenging, so once again we are urging shoppers to give generously and make a difference to people who need our support over the festive period.”
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The show will go on: Reading theatre company hit by covid MAGICAL: The Snow Queen will fuse puppets with acting to make an enchanting show this Christmas
n From Front page
The show was running at Reading Minster Church from November 4, and was meant to end on Saturday, but it was curtailed after just a handful of performances, because of covid. Before the show, the company’s executive director Dani Davies said that the company had worked closely with the council and Reading Minster to ensure covid safety. The cancellation was a major blow to RABBLE’s finances, as it does not receive core funding from Reading Borough Council or Arts Council England but relies heavily on ticket sales. However, the award-winning theatre group is determined that its Christmas play, The Snow Queen, will kick off on Friday, December 3, at South Street Arts Centre, as planned. And it hopes big-hearted theatre fans in Reading will provide a little festive cheer by supporting a special donation page to help offset its expected heavy losses. Toby Davies, artistic and executive director, said: “We are looking forward to bringing The Snow Queen to our wonderful Reading audiences and everything is on course for the opening night. “We have been extra vigilant with things like hand washing, social distancing, wearing masks and taking tests. There are only three actors involved, as the story is mostly told through some amazing puppets, and all are living in one house to cut down the risk of infection.” Toby admitted that the
HAPPY DAYS: The ever-popular merry-go-round in Reading’s Broad Street Pictures: Dijana Capan / DV Vision
£35,000 loss would place RABBLE in “a perilous position” following a very difficult time during lockdown: “Fortunately, we were able to transfer all of our education programmes and masterclasses onto Zoom, meaning that we were able to not only continue teaching, but also maintain the community that we’ve built up over the years. This really did keep the morale going.” Now, the company, which was founded nine years ago, is determined to get back on track with its spectacular Christmas play, The Snow Queen, which is based on the story by Hans Christian Anderson. “It is a beautiful, heartwarming adventure with an exquisite set that will delight and I’m sure Bae the reindeer will keep everyone laughing,” Mr Davies said. “The Snow Queen is the perfect and wonderful piece of uplifting theatre for the whole family at this time of year. “We have all been working so hard to get things ready and are determined to open as planned and run all the way up till Christmas Eve.” Toby said that he and
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Dani, the group’s co-artistic and executive director, had been “heartened” by the huge response from audience members asking how they could help the struggling group. “A number of people have been in touch to ask what they could do, and there is now a donation page which has been set up so people can contribute. “Anyone who has already purchased tickets is entitled to a refund and they can request this by emailing the box office with their order number and the name on the booking. “However, we would like to ask those who are able to do so, to consider donating the cost of their ticket to us. We know this is a lot to ask but we would be immensely grateful if that is possible. “We also have a special Pay What You Choose night and a £10 Tuesday night with the option to pay full price if that is possible. This will enable us to make more tickets accessible for those who are unable to pay full price.”
n For full show details, times and prices, log on to: rabbletheatre. com
MUSIC: Raspo performed to delight shoppers
LET IT SNOW: A selfie moment
A party in town with plenty of festive fun IT WASN’T the spectacular ceremony we’d experienced in years gone by, but Reading is looking pretty for Christmas. On Saturday, the festive lights were switched on for the first time, and they will now twinkle and sparkle in the run-up to December 25. While there were no big ceremonies at The Oracle or Broad Street Mall due to covid, there were still some celebrations across the town centre. Reading’s steel band, RASPO, led the music from 1pm, and a HANG IT ON THE WALL: Reading Today’s Christmas stocking festive market is now in situ across Broad Street. It includes hot roasted chestnuts, a German swing grill, a licensed bar, and the Personalise Christmas Cabin, who showed their flair by creating a special Reading Today stocking, which we hope Santa will fill with goodies on Christmas Eve. There are more than 400,000 lights across the town, and it is just one of many attractions in the runup to Christmas. Broad Street Mall has a Post Office for Santa, and the Twilight Trail launches next weekend in SWEET CHOICE: Plenty to taste from the pick n mix stall Forbury Gardens. Festive shows in the form of Beauty and the Beast and The Snow Queen will soon be at The Hexagon and South Street Arts Centre. n For more details, log on to livingreading.co.uk
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Honest motherhood
Berkshire’s best delivered to y
Angela Garwood
By NAT BURTON news@rdg.today
The operation
I
A SIMPLE idea born from one man’s passion for beer is winning fans across the county.
T has been a long week. Leo had a planned operation on Monday and, even though I thought I was ready for it, I was very much not ready for it.
Anyone that’s ever been with their toddler as they’re unwillingly put to sleep by an anaesthetist will know how distressing it is. I came away from the theatre prep room in tears, praying he’d be out of there as quickly as possible. I joined Joel in the hospital cafeteria, wishing he could have been there to see what I saw, our little boy zonked out on a tiny clinical table-bed in a hospital gown. The image taunting my restless mind. After 45 minutes I was called back up to the ward. “Is it over already?” We were naively relieved. I was led to a room where I hopefully assumed Leo would be, most likely still asleep. It was the surgeon wanting to speak with me. Leo’s diagnosis was mild but the surgery was going to be more complicated than they’d initially thought. It was going to be another three hours, and possibly another operation in six months. I returned to Joel in tears once more, annoyed that we’d got our hopes up. Joel worked as I attempted to read my book, trying hard not to let my thoughts wander back to Leo and how the surgery might be going. Every now and again one of us would look up with a face that said, “I miss him and I want to hold him now”. But then, I got a call two hours in, earlier than expected, to say Leo was out of theatre. I practically ran out of the cafeteria. Approaching theatre recovery, I could hear Leo’s cries before reaching the door. I hated the thought of not being there when he woke up. He wouldn’t know where he was or who any of these people were. He was surrounded by three nurses trying to comfort him. A laptop sat on a table with cartoons playing, a bid to distract him. He was placed in my arms and immediately settled as I nursed him. All was well again. The surgeon came to tell me the good news, that the operation had gone well; he didn’t have to perform the more complicated surgery he thought he would; and Leo most likely wouldn’t need another operation, although time would tell. There was nothing I could really say other than “thank you…” to honour just how grateful I was. I sat and held Leo in theatre recovery for over three hours before a nurse offered for Joel to come up and see him. Still drowsy from the anaesthetic, any attempts at prompting a smile in our weary boy were met with sleepy indifference. We were transferred to a ward where we stayed overnight. I was grateful for the help in administering his medicine, particularly because he absolutely loathed the process and bawled his eyes out every time. Taking his temperature and heart rate were much of the same. I sympathised with any member of staff who had to go near him awake. He made it very clear how he felt and would sometimes cry merely at the sight of a nurse and her thermometer. Now he does the same when he catches me holding a bottle of Calpol. Taught by a nurse, I have perfected the technique of holding a screaming, wriggling toddler whilst administering their medicine and ensuring 90% of it actually goes down their oesophagus. It’s an acquired skill. There is a small carnival in my head every time I successfully get the magic stuff down him. He hates me for another 10 seconds and then it’s back to play time. We’re on the road to recovery, and once again I feel indebted to our NHS. How fortunate we are. n Angela blogs at www.colourfulkind.com
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
ON YOUR MARKS: The December Daily Dash is a month-long challenge
Make a dash for it this December
SUE RYDER is encouraging residents to don their trainers to raise funds. The charity is asking people to get outdoors and run, jog, or walk 5km (3.10 miles) each day throughout December, whatever the weather. The aim of this year’s challenge is to raise more than last year’s £320,000. Caroline Graham, director of fundraising at Sue Ryder, hopes that the December Daily Dash will boost the mental and physical health of participants during what can be a busy and difficult month.
She said: “It is a great way to take some time out to think and reflect.” She added: “Whether you do it alone, with friends, family or your furry companion, every step you take, and pound you raise, this winter helps Sue Ryder support people when it matters most.” Sue Ryder offers a range of services from two sites across the area: Duchess of Kent Hospice, Liebenrood Road in Reading and its Palliative Care Hub in Wallingford. n For more information, visit: decemberdailydash.com
Want to write to Santa? IT’S ONE of the most important rituals in the run-up to Christmas: writing to the great man at the North Pole. And Royal Mail are doing everything they can to ensure that the mail gets through. Axelle Galera, Royal Mail’s Chief Elf, ensures children’s letters reach Santa at his grotto in Reindeerland in the North Pole. She said: “Royal Mail plays a very special part in the nation’s Christmas preparations. We are proud that for 58 years, Santa has allowed us to help manage the hundreds of thousands of special letters he receives from boys and girls across the country.
“His special team of elves at Royal Mail especially enjoy taking a peek at what children are asking for as well as helping Santa reply to these special letters. “Don’t forget to include your full name and address on your letter so Santa can reply to you.” To ensure Santa receives your letter on time, write to him, using the correct address, on a stamped envelope: Santa/Father Christmas, Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland XM4 5HQ. Santa is happy to receive your cards and letters now, but because of the very busy Christmas ahead children should post their letters no later than Friday, December 10.
The football you can enjoy while you’re out walking OVER-60S in Woodley are being encouraged to give walking football a go. Cornelius O’Kane, club secretary at Woodley Pensioners FC, said fun is the key goal. “We welcome all ages, sexes and abilities, and it does not involve any formal training,” he said. The club gives two free taster sessions to new members, with sessions costing £3 each afterwards. This includes a free tea or coffee after. He added: “Woodley Pensioners FC is an FA-affiliated non-profit club set up specifically to provide walking football for the oldies in a safe and secure environment.” Sessions run at 11am on Mondays and Fridays on the new 3G sports pitch at Cantley Park. From December to February,
sessions are held indoors in the Main Hall in Loddon Valley Leisure Centre. Mr O’Kane said that all sessions are drop-in and are supervised by experienced members trained in First Aid and defibrillator usage. The club charges an annual membership fee of £5 per year.
n For more information, visit: www. woodleypensionersfc.co.uk or call 07764 450834.
The Berkshire Beer Box is a monthly real ale delivery service. The contents vary each month to showcase a range of styles, from traditional India Pale Ales and Stouts, to modern Sours. They come from breweries across the county. And it has just celebrated its first anniversary. Jymi Plumer, the Ascot man behind Berkshire Beer Box, was a regular beer review blogger in his spare time. Finding himself out of work during the first lockdown, Jymi started curating selections of beer for friends as something to keep him busy. “I soon realised that all the really good beers I was selecting came from Berkshire,” he says. “The idea grew from there.” He began approaching breweries around the county BREW-DUNIT: Some of the many Berkshire-created beer to ask about getting involved in his monthly curated box Peter Feakes, business. professional we Among the first to say yes branding consu were Crafty Cats, Hurst, and a website and Elusive Brewing, Wokingham. presence. Peter Beers from Reading’s the Berkshire S Phantom Brewing, TileBefore the hurst’s Double-Barrelled, on sale, more t Finchampstead’s Siren and had registered Bond Brews of Wokingham The busies also regularly feature. selection boxe “They were all welcoming 120 homes acro and helpful regarding the Each box is process I’d need to go through packaged at to get myself set up,” he adds. which initial He was helped by some challenge
DJ NikNak has the knack when it comes to awards A DJ has won a prestigious new award. Nikki Gladwin-Stride, also known as DJ NikNak, was the first-ever winner of DJ set of the year in the Where Pride Lives awards on Friday, November 5. Hosted by Manchester-based radio station Gaydio, the awards recognise and celebrate the work which goes into delivering more than 170 Pride events across the country annually. Kriss Herbert, network content manager for the station, said: “Many Pride events across the UK are put together with love and passion from unpaid volunteers. We wanted to do something that recognised this dedication.” Ms Gladwin-Strike, who works in a Wokingham borough-based primary school, has hosted the family area at Reading Pride for the past three years. She described the experience as a
pleasure because it is her local Pride event. She also said that it is all the more special because such a large and varied event is entirely organised by volunteers. “For a free festival, it’s pretty epic,” she said. The radio station received several nominations for DJ Niknak’s programme at the event in King’s Meadow on Saturday, September 4. Activities included circus skills, balloon modelling and a family disco. She went on to scoop the title in a public vote. One of her nominees said: “Being an openly gay entertainer is bold, especially when hosting family events.” For Ms Gladwin-Strike the familyfriendly nature of the event shows how far the LGBT+ community has come, saying: “To see families attending from all walks of life and
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t beers, in a box, your doorstep
Count the months with tree-themed calendar
WPR_2021-11-22_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go
Reader travel 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
rs that feature in a special subscription service beer box
a friend and eb designer and ultant, to build d social media r also finalised Stag logo. first box went than 100 people interest. st month saw es delivered to oss the county. assembled and Jymi’s home, lly presented es.
“I had to find space for 1,000 flat packed boxes, as well as all the beers,” Jymi says. His wife, daughter and mum have all been involved with the box assembling and packing process since the beginning. “My daughter is really good at making up boxes now, and my mum sticks all the stickers on,” he explains. Jymi then delivers the boxes to his customers during the last weekend of the month. The business has changed
since he returned to work. A subscription service was introduced earlier this year which means that box numbers are strictly limited. But Jymi has no intention of stopping. “I 100% enjoy it, it’s a hobby which has gone crazy,” he says. “I would like to work out a way of including smaller breweries in the boxes.” n For more information, visit: www.berkshirebeerbox.co.uk
WINNER: Nikki Gladwin-Stride
A CALENDAR showcasing the beauty of some of Berkshire’s trees is now on sale. Earley-based photographer Tina Panting chose 13 of her favourite images from around Reading, Woodley and Newbury for the 2022 Moods of Trees calendar. Ms Panting, a social care worker by day, said inspiration came from a Bracknell and Wokingham College photography course project seven years ago. She hopes her photos will bring the outside inside. “Trees are so calming and mystical and an important part of nature,” she said. Ethical Reading’s Trees for Reading initiative will receive 50p
lucky to love what I do and to have so much support around me.” Martin Cooper, Reading Pride CEO said: “I am ecstatic that DJ NikNak has won this award. “She has brought joy to many and long may that continue.” DJ NikNak and her team will be returning to run the family area at Reading Pride 2022.
n For more information on the calendar, log on to: www. tdpphotography.co.uk n For information on Trees for Reading, visit: www.ethicalreading. org.uk/programmes/sustainability/ trees-for-reading
Optional excursion to Buckfast Abbey & Totnes (£6pp)
3 Days by Coach
only £99
Single Supplement £30
STRATFORD
& Cotswolds Weekend Special
POETRY CORNER Reading Today, the local newspaper where you can have your say and there’s even a space for nice things to brighten up your day That’s why I have decided to write in and say hey, because I hope to become well known on this page even though I’m sure I’m not the only who has a poetic word to say but I know sharing is caring and I am just built that way I love to write and some of what I say may give you a fright some of it will make you think or keep you smiling way into the night Whether you’re reading me with your breakfast or just simply drinking a cup of tea I hope to share with you my growth, maturity and the odd funny story.
Life Like a Bird
celebrating diversity is a special feeling.” The support she receives from her own family, partner and friends is something she credits for her success. Many of them help with the family area voluntarily, as she does. “My nan is my number one fan, always creating props and giveaways,” Nikki says. “I am really
from each sale in recognition of the role trees play in her work. The organisation is working with Reading Borough Council to fund the planting and care of trees around the town to improve the urban environment. Ms Panting has also created a calendar of Reading scenes, with funds going to local Home Start organisations. The calendars cost £10, including postage.
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
Fly away, fly away to where you want to be Home is where the heart is or wherever you want to be free High like a bird seeing all there is to see, it’s easy when you know your identity Spreading your wings gliding through the sky showering us with beauty, oh me, oh my Spending time on land with your feet you firmly stand showing us it’s not always good to show off and be grand We see your life at its best when
Departing Sat 26 Mar ‘22 Join us as we soak up the peaceful ambience and charm of the Cotswolds, with their gently rolling hills scattered with honey-coloured stone towns and villages. We also discover Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon on what promises to be a lovely weekend getaway.
Your break includes
you build for your family a nest, a place to sleep, eat and rest In you we hold a faithful view as you always seem to know what and when to do, maybe being at peace with nature is what keeps you so true I used to be insecure, and this made me unsure and scared and couldn’t tell if things were pure, so flying away is what I did if I didn’t feel comfortable and secure My soul has wings as it has now been set free, flourished and healed by nature to feel again and breathe so hopefully next time I fly you’ll fly with me I’ll soar from the ground whilst you fly above me, and I’ll gaze at you through the window whilst you relax and wait for me in a tree.
NYASHER BROWNE
We love sharing your poetry in this slot. Send your verse to news@wokingham.today
Return coach travel from Reading 2 nights at a selected hotel in Coventry with dinner & breakfast 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Excursion to the Cotswolds (Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold & Broadway) En-route visit to Stratford-upon-Avon
3 Days by Coach
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30 | VIEWPOINTS READING’S NEW CHAMPION
Yes, it’s a time for giving
WE ARE soon coming to the most wonderful time of year. The preparations are in full swing – don’t Reading’s festive lights and decorations look great? – and the parties are being planned. But it’s also a time when we must remember those who are less fortunate than us. They include thousands of children who, for a myriad of reasons, will not be looking forward to Christmas Day. There is a great and simple opportunity to help them this year with The Giving Tree appeal. The idea simply sparkles with the true spirit of Christmas. Visit The Oracle, take a tag, buy the present, and return it to the information centre, unwrapped. Thanks to Connect Reading and a host of charities, they will reach their recipients in time for December 25. It’s a small gesture, but it will go a long way to brightening up what can be a dark and gloomy time. Yes, it’s a time for giving. Let’s do it.
CHURCH NOTES
King of the jungle
A
S I write these words ‘I’m a Celebrity, get me out of here!’ is about to launch.
You will have come across the TV programme, I’m sure. Contestants must endure a series of challenges and trials. The celebrity who stays the course and is the last to remain is crowned King or Queen. These days, celebrities are trying to survive not so much the sweltering jungle of the Australian outback, but rather a chilly castle in the heart of North Wales. There will come a point when each contestant must endure a bush-tucker trial. Celebrities must then face their inner fears and try to overcome them. Whether it is creepy-crawly spiders or furry long-tailed rodents that scare them, they must endure the trial or risk being voted off. Of course, they can always simply shout, ‘I’m a Celebrity, get me out of here!’ Although the trials are difficult, it’s not real life. It’s just a game show. However, we all face trials and challenges in life that are very real. Some will be facing financial struggles; others are trying to cope with a member of the family who is very poorly. There will be those trying to resolve relationship issues; others who are coming to terms with loss of a loved one. If this is you, you may be tempted to shout out, ‘Help! Get me out of here!’ Through the trials and challenges I have experienced in my own life I have found that God doesn’t pull me out of the situation. He does something far better. He comes to me and walks with me, sometimes carrying me through the trials and tribulations. God is faithful and as I trust in Him He is with me, and I can lean on his unconditional love. I am reminded of the word of the Lord found in Isaiah 41:10, ‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ (NIV)
Major Adrian Maddern from Reading Central Salvation Army, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading
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Reading Toy Run is Coming On Sunday, December 5, motor bikes will ride in convoy into Wokingham for their Annual Toy Run in aid of Barnardo’s and other children’s charities. The organisers want to thank motorists for their patience and apologise for delays that might be experienced from 2pm to 3.30pm, because roads will be closed on the route as the bikes come through. Roads affected are Whitley Wood Lane, Lower Earley Way between The Black Boy Roundabout and The Showcase cinema. The A329 Reading Road between the Showcase and Shute End and Rectory Road and Wiltshire Road to High Close School. These closures will affect traffic on adjacent roads too. This is the 35th Anniversary of the Toy Run and countless children have benefited at Christmas from the toys and gifts brought by the bikers. If you can spare time to watch along the route, that would be great! Because of covid there will be no bucket collection along the route this year. If you want to donate there is a Just Giving Page.
Jane Spiller, Reading Toy Run
Gillette: the best a town can get
I am just writing to say, with Christmas fast approaching, what a great job Gillette does every year with their decorations and trees. This has been the case every year for as long as I can remember. It has been amazing to see them lit up on the roof and, being in Whitley, it is not something we see a lot of, so I always look forward to it.
They do such a great job every year and is such a lovely sight for anyone arriving in or leaving Reading on the Basingstoke Road
Tony Sadler, Reading
Help the guide dogs
I would like to make a request to the people who read this. Guide dogs for the Blind are being disturbed by people stopping them on their way with their owner walking. People do not realise that over 70% of dogs are being disturbed by people stroking them and the owner has many problems keeping the dog that has to be retrained and he or she loses his animal please do not stroke guide dogs who are with the blind.
Victor Rones, Justice & Rights, Bracknell
Roles for younger people
Last weejk, government figures showed that job vacancies have hit a record high of 1.2 million, an increase of 20% in the past three months. It seems like a no-brainer that our young people should be able to train to fill these roles. Many of the sectors continuing to battle with skills shortages, such as construction, manufacturing, and hospitality, are reliant on Level 2 vocational qualifications as a direct route into jobs in these industries. Yet, the Government has failed to prioritise these lower level, workready qualifications, instead focusing their post-16 policy and funding at qualifications of A Level standard and above. The Government have a chance to close the skills gap and the disadvantage gap that is so significant among 16-19-year-olds, boost the
From the vicechancellor
Professor Robert Van deNoort
Investing for long-term success
T
HE University of Reading is one of the oldest in England, having been granted a Royal Charter to award degrees nearly a century ago. But our history in the local area goes back even further to the 19th Century, with our roots in schools of art, science and agriculture. We see ourselves now, as then, as a university created by people from the local community, run by people in the community, and to benefit the local community – as well helping to advance knowledge for the benefit of society as a whole.
One example of the work we have been involved with locally is the new community centre in Shinfield which I had the pleasure of being asked to help open a few weeks ago. The School Green Centre is built on University land and is a great example of how, by working with others, we can help to benefit our neighbourhood. That area has seen lots of changes in recent years, and Wokingham Borough Council is now asking people about plans for further changes in the years and decades ahead. The council recently published its draft Local Plan Update, which includes proposals for a new ‘garden
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We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper economy and give young people the future they deserve. But to do this, they must ensure a wide range of high-quality, employerendorsed options are available at all levels.
Campbell Robb, Chief Executive, Nacro
Race to the North Pole this Christmas
Put on your snow boots and race to the North Pole to help young people across Berkshire face cancer this Christmas. Young Lives vs Cancer (formally known as CLIC Sargent), the UK’s leading charity for children and young people with cancer, is inviting you to team up and take on the 2,700-mile challenge, the distance from the UK to the North Pole, to help young people with cancer. From the minute a child is diagnosed, Young Lives vs Cancer helps young people and their families find the strength to face cancer and everything it throws at them. Their social workers help with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis and the overwhelming money worries families face. The charity’s 10 Homes from Home across the UK also offer families a free, comfortable place to stay. The homes are nearby to the child’s hospital and help keep families together such as CLIC Court which is right by the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. It costs £2,700 per night for all ten of the Young Lives vs Cancer Homes from Home to stay open and coincidentally it’s around 2,700 miles to travel to the North Pole from the UK. This Christmas, the charity are looking for companies, schools and village’ including on land at the University’s Hall Farm, situated between the M4 and Arborfield. These proposals are at a very early stage. However, we have said that the University is keen to work with the council, and the local community, to ensure that any development that goes ahead is both suitable and sustainable for the long-term future of the area. The University has a rich history and a global reputation for the study of agriculture and food. In fact, while Reading is known around the world for our strengths in the arts, sciences and business, agriculture is the area in which we are genuinely world-class, year after year. We achieve this because of our long-running education and research into food and farming, dating back more than a century. For example, almost all the world’s international trade of live cocoa plants comes through Shinfield, via the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre. And our Centre for Dairy Research is helping to reduce the environmental impact of cattle farming, crucial if we are to curb methane emissions, as highlighted recently at the COP26 meeting in Glasgow.
groups to get involved with the Race to the North Pole Challenge by getting a team together to complete the 2,700 miles before Christmas. Whether you swim, walk, cycle, run or jog, teams are welcome to complete the distance however they like. Teams are encouraged to raise £1 for every mile to help keep families together this Christmas. Young Lives vs Cancer found that 61% of families go into debt when their child has cancer due to the spiralling additional costs. Families face mounting fuel costs, hospital parking and heating bills all while watching their child go through treatment. Young Lives vs Cancer Homes from Home help families financially but also importantly means that families can remain together at such a difficult time, especially over Christmas. What families have to go through is unimaginable and it’s so important to us all that we can provide vital support at such a harrowing time in their lives. We only have our Homes from Home thanks to the kindness of our supporters as we don’t receive any government support. By signing up to the North Pole Challenge, Berkshire residents will be able to help us continue to keep families together at the toughest of times. If you have a team who could take on this fantastic challenge, please do get in touch at rose.bailey@ younglivesvscancer.org.uk. Thank you. You can sign up to the challenge here: https://funds. younglivesvscancer.org.uk/ racetothenorthpole
Rose Bailey, Fundraising Engagement Manager – Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and Berkshire Our farms are where our agriculture students – the food producers of the future – get to learn first-hand about producing food, managing a business and looking after the countryside. Hall Farm is also an active working dairy farm, as well as a major research establishment. With all this rich history, we want to invest further in this success for the long-term. But there is no doubt that we will remain committed to our work, helping shape the future of farming and food – locally, nationally and internationally. I know that values are crucial when we are facing change. As a University, our core principles include focusing on people and being engaged positively in the local community. We are also committed to excellent education and research, and environmental sustainability. Those are the things that will underpin all our work, including the conversations that lie ahead. I look forward to speaking to our neighbours and hearing people’s views and opinions as we all look to plot the best course for everyone’s future.
Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice chancellor of the University of Reading
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Winnersh Park & Ride to move to Thames Valley Park for works CHANGE: Thames Valley Park is the new destination for the Park & Ride that usually stops at Winnersh Triangle
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
A PARK & RIDE facility is being moved to allow construction works to take place.
Buses that would stop at Winnersh Triangle will make a switch to the Thames Valley Park facility to ensure there is enough capacity in the run-up to Christmas. The change takes place from Saturday, November 27, and Reading Buses will use a new temporary service, numbered 400, for the works. The company says it hopes to continue the service until construction work on a new two-deck car park is completed. “After conversations with Wokingham Borough Council, we are delighted to announce some good news for park & ride customers,” said Reading Buses chief executive officer Robert Williams. “The temporary Thames Valley park & ride will begin on Monday, November 27, which will allow us to maintain a park & ride in East Reading and help commuters and Christmas shoppers get around without adding extra cars to the roads.” He added: “The car park is at the end of the A329 just before Thames Valley Park. “The existing southern
Reading Mereoak park & ride may also be convenient, depending on where you are travelling from. “New Thames Valley parkand-ride service 400 buses will run every 15 minutes, with first and last buses at the same times as at Winnersh Triangle to try and keep things as simple as possible.” Fares remain the same and customers can continue to use existing tickets and passes. He added that Reading Buses had ‘reluctantly decided to suspend the park and ride 500 service after Monday, as the
temporarily reduced car park was regularly over capacity meaning bus users were finding it difficult to find a space, which led to reduced usage. He also pointed out that this meant there would be no space to accommodate the usual Christmas rush – the busiest time of year for the service. “Regulars who use the Winnersh Triangle park-andride service to commute from town to the Winnersh Triangle business park will temporarily need to use Reading Buses lion 4/X4 to the Cavendish Gardens stop and walk underneath the
New MD for David Dobbies hosts Wilson Homes Christmas event A HOUSEBUILDER has appointed a new managing director for its Thames Valley division. Campbell Gregg is joining David Wilson Homes and will work from its Hungerford base. The 47-year-old is originally from Fife, and was a Captain in the army. He has previously worked as an Operations Director for Barratt Developments’ West Region and as a Managing Director for another housebuilder. Campbell said: “Barratt Developments, which David Wilson Homes is a part of, is well respected as one of the leading housebuilders in the UK. “Having had previous experience with the developer, I was thrilled when the opportunity arose to re-join, in particular, taking over the Hungerford division with its reputation for high quality, well-designed developments.” Among his many responsibilities are the day-to-day operations of the business, while also maintaining a long-term strategic view on the direction of the division, and its land acquisition.
A GARDEN centre is inviting shoppers to a charity Christmas night this week. Dobbies’ Hare Hatch store will be hosting the festive event between 5pm and 9pm tomorrow night – Thursday, November 25. The evening is in support of the chain’s national charity partner, Teenage Cancer Trust. There is a minimum donation of £1 to attend, which will go to the Trust. “The donations will enable us to give the gift of care from our nurses, or the gift of community on one of our specialist units, to young cancer patients across the UK,” said Donna Bednarek, senior relationship manager for the charity. The night will feature demonstrations, tastings and a prize raffle. There will also be festive present ideas to enjoy. Each shopper will receive a free welcome drink.
n For more information, visit: www.dobbies.com/ events
Gospel carol concert to return A CHARITY Gospel carol service is to return. The event will take place at Reading Minster on Friday, December 17. The fundraiser is a joint venture between Reading Refugee Support Group and Reading Community Gospel Choir. The choir won BBC Gospel Choir of the Year in 2019, a title they currently retain due to covid.
This year’s event promises to be a Christmas carol service with a difference, with gospelchoir-style renditions of favourite carols and a telling of the Nativity story through the eyes of refugees. A spokesperson for RRSG said: “We are unbelievably excited for the return of our concert after a two-year wait.” Following the recent Afghanistan crisis, the number of refugees needing the
support of RRSG in Berkshire has increased. The money raised will help provide mental health support, social activities, practical help and advice for the many families in need. The 2019 concert sold out and raised thousands of pounds for RRSG. This year’s concert will be followed by mulled wine, mince pies and baklava.
n For more information, visit: rrsg.org.uk/gospel-carols-service
railway to reach their work,” he said. “Season tickets that have already been bought for Winnersh Triangle park & ride will be valid on the lion 4/X4 and the ‘new’ Thames Valley park & ride services. “We apologise for the inconvenience that this may cause, but are pleased that we have been able to agree to keep people connected during these essential expansion works. “Once complete, there will be significantly more capacity for park-and-ride users, both at the car park and on the recently upgraded buses.
Christmas craft workshop
“We thank Wokingham Borough Council for their support to help maintain this important park & ride link.” The Thames Valley Park & Ride facility has remained closed since it was constructed, and this is the first time it has been pressed into use. There is no guarantee it will be used on completion of the Winnersh Triangle works. Mr Williams said: “The future of the Thames Valley park & ride will be assessed once Winnersh Triangle re-opens. We will have conversations with Wokingham Borough Council to see how effective the service was and whether there is any scope to maintain it.” Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport for Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Due to ongoing works at our Winnersh Triangle park & ride site, limiting the amount of visitors’ parking, we are glad to be able to offer this alternative from the new Thames Valley park & ride. “Sustainable travel is very important and we are pleased Reading Buses have been able to offer this temporary service, which will allow our residents to be able to continue to travel easily in an environmentally responsible way.”
A CHRISTMAS craft workshop will be eco-friendly, thanks to Plastic Free Caversham. The group is to hold a festive fundraiser at the Weller Centre in Amersham Road on Saturday, December 4. Running between 2pm and 6pm, there will be familyfriendly activities as well as the crafting events. There will also be a raffle to enjoy. Organisers say dress to impress. Entry is a suggestion donation of £1, and all funds raised will go to environmental causes. For more details, search for ‘Plastic Free Caversham’ on Facebook.
Art and music fusion night AN EVENING of art and music is coming to Sindlesham next week. The Walter Arms in Bearwood Road is hosting the fusion event, bringing together painters with musicians. There will be performances from Beth Morris and the Midnight Rebel Band, as well as an opportunity to browse work by Daniel Adrianov, Brad Kenny, Vanessa Lavy, Martyn Wood. The event starts at 8pm. For details, call the pub on: 0118 977 4903.
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Return coach travel from Reading Overnight stay at the 2-star Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool with dinner & breakfast (all meals buffet style) 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks The Beatles tribute act plus a live DJ at the hotel Free time in Liverpool
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A business park that is changing
Get your Will in order, says law firm DON’T PUT off getting your Will in order. That’s the advice from Louise Nelson, associate solicitor at Blandy & Blandy. According to Ms Nelson, making a Will is vital for anybody wanting to care for their family after they are gone. Now, she has shared a number of tips and tricks to simplify the process. “A Will is an important legal document which explains how you wish your estate to be distributed after your death,” she said. “You can buy a ‘Will kit’ to write your own, but this can often prove to be a false economy.” Ms Nelson said there is a misconception that people need to be wealthy to make a Will. “Some of the most complicated issues often arise from smaller estates,” she explained. “But your estate could be wroth much more than you think. “If a person dies without a Will, their wishes may not be taken into account and this can have unfortunate consequences for everyone.”
n To find out more about making a Will, visit: www. blandy.co.uk
Film studios will have world’s largest virtual production stage LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: A CGI of the Stage Fifty studios at Winnersh Triangle
By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today MOVE over Hollywood – the Thames Valley is taking over.
A new 120,000 sq ft of studio space is to be created at Winnersh Triangle in a blockbuster deal that will see blockbuster movies made at the popular business park. It includes the world’s largest fully encapsulated virtual production (VP) stage, making it easier to produce amazing films with eye-popping special effects. The stage easily fuses computing graphics with live-action footage in real-time. Such set-ups have been used in some of the Marvel Universe films. Production company Stage Fifty has signed a deal with Winnersh Triangle’s owners Frasers Property UK for the movie-making space, which will be supported by 25,000 sq ft of offices and 50,000 sq ft of workshops. Stage Fifty says it specialises in providing the film and TV industry
with purpose-built studio space and innovative production services. It will start using Winnersh Triangle with immediate effect, with the workshop space and offices for production use, and the first bespoke sound stages to be opened next year. Rupert Batho, commercial director of Frasers Property, was delighted to see the new studios come to Winnersh Triangle. “The diversity of accommodation
at Winnersh Triangle, combined with our market-leading facilities and integrated transport infrastructure, has been at the heart of attracting Stage Fifty,” he said. “It joins the likes of Pip Studios, Virgin Media and Evertz, thus expanding our technologyenriched, creative industry cluster and provides the film industry with much-needed capacity here in the UK.
“This is a transformational step in the continued evolution of Winnersh Triangle as one of the Thames Valley’s most dynamic economic areas.” Stage Fifty feels that the move is the perfect fit for its growth plans. IT aims to create at least one million sq ft of production space, or 50 sound stages, over the next three years. “Winnersh Triangle is the perfect site for our second film studio in the UK,” explained James Enright, the company’s CEO. “In partnership with Fin Studio Pictures, we’re building the world’s largest VP volume, which will be the centrepiece of our pioneering creative tech hub. “We have offices and workshops in use now for pre-production, and the stages will be operational next year.” For the deal, Frasers Property UK was represented by CBRE & Hollis Hockley, and Stage Fifty / Winnersh Film Studios by Haslams.
GIFTED: Co-op members have helped the NHS with their donation
READING'S NEW CHAMPION
NEWS, SPOR AND WHATS T ON EVERY WEDNESDAY
Shoppers donate their profit share CO-OP shoppers have donated thousands of pounds to charities rather than keep the cash for themselves. A total of £30,615 was donated from Southern Co-op’s 2020 Share of the Profits which were distributed to members earlier this year. The funding came from donated vouchers and members automatically donating their odd pence. The funding has been donated to NHS Charities Together, an independent NHS charity which supports a network of 240 NHS charities. These provide the help for hospitals, health boards, and ambulance, community, and
mental health trusts across the UK. It will be used in Covid-19 projects. Ellie Orton, chief executive at NHS Charities Together, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from Southern Co-op. “The NHS is facing its most difficult winter ever, and ongoing help is needed as it seeks to recover from Covid-19. “But thanks to our amazing supporters and fundraisers we can continue to be there for staff and patients, and help the NHS go further for everyone.” Gemma Lacey, director of sustainability and communications at Southern
Co-op, said: “We’re really proud that Southern Co-op’s members have provided much needed support for causes that positively benefit our local communities. “Our NHS workers have been there for us throughout the pandemic while also dealing with the backlog of patients desperately needing treatment – all of this is on top of trying to look after their own wellbeing. “A massive thank you to every one of our NHS workers for continually being there for us.”
n For more, visit www. thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/
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Thames Valley accountancy firm’s move is pointer to future growth A NEWBURY-based accountancy that serves the Thames Valley has relocated to new offices. Azets, which offers advice to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is now working from a base on London Road in Newbury, close to its previous base. It says that it needs to do so to meet the demands of Berkshire’s booming economy. The new office is part of an extensive refurbishment programme costing around £350,000 and extends to over 6,000 sq ft. Azets says it plans to recruit in the coming weeks and months, including three new Partners and a new Director, as part of a long-term growth strategy. The firm is actively looking to hire a further seven to 10 new staff in Newbury, including several at senior level, to join the existing 53 employees who already include two Partners and a Director.
By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today BUSINESS in Berkshire is booming, according to new figures.
The business is on target to employ around 65 staff over the next 12 months. Azets has a satellite office in Reading, with specialisms including accountancy and business advice for equine companies and corporate tax support. Kevin Walmsley, Azets Regional Managing Partner said: “The new space and environment means that
we now have the capacity to deliver our exciting expansion plans and continue to hire a wide range of talent from across the South East, including expanding our established graduate and trainee recruitment programme. “For clients this very much emphasises our belief in being small enough to care but large enough to count.”
Rental market remains robust A READING-based commercial property investment company says its latest results are positive, despite seeing a reduction in profits caused by the changing rental market. McKay Securities, based on Greyfriars Road, saw its adjusted profit before tax down 22.4% to £4.09 million, from £5.27 million the year before, reflecting a 12.3% reduction in gross rental income to £11.18 million (£12.75 million). The figures, released last week, relate to the trading year ending September 30, and come in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic which has seen more people work from home. The company says that rent collection remained robust, with 99.3% of amounts due for the year to March 2021 received or agreed, and 96.4% of rent for the year-todate (three quarters) already received. And it says that it continues to deliver high tenant retention levels of 73.9% at lease break or expiry, while 13 open-market lettings were completed in the same period. It made a post-period acquisition of Evergreen Studios, in Richmond-onThames for £14.75 million, which has delivered an immediate income yield of 5.8%.
Berkshire business is booming – official The county is now home to more than 75,000 companies for the very first time, with Wokingham among the most popular locations. Statistics from Companies House and the Office for National Statistics show a total of 12,706 businesses were registered in the town. Other leading centres include Windsor and Maidenhead (16,265) and Slough (13,385). John Korchak, Director of Operations at Inform Direct which compiled the figures said: “These latest statistics show that Berkshire clearly provides a supportive environment for new business ventures. “Passing the 75,000 milestone continues the
excellent transport links, as well as a wealth of purposebuilt accommodation for companies of all types, ranging from large business parks to smaller co-working spaces.” Inform Direct’s awardwinning company secretarial software, which helps users throughout the life of their business, currently supports more than 200,000 companies.
county’s success during 2020 when it achieved a record year for new company formations despite the considerable challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Berkshire is home to a wide range of industries with vibrant sectors, including software, IT, cyber security, telecoms, life sciences, healthcare, energy and environment. It offers
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YEAR: McKay Securities has announced its latest results Simon Perkins, McKay’s chief executive, said: “Our consistent focus on our core office, industrial and logistics sectors across the South East and London, combined with the intensive in-house management of our portfolio, can be credited for the delivery of another positive set of results. “The first half of the period under review saw the UK confined to a Government lockdown, so it has been encouraging to witness improving confidence as restrictions have eased and the re-emergence of the office market with
a return to the workplace.” He added: “Both occupier demand and market lettings continue to strengthen, and our portfolio is positively positioned thanks to our ongoing investment programme. “The pace of economic recovery and market sentiment will dictate the outlook for the remainder of the year, but we can look forward with the assurance of our tested resilience and the benefit of substantial portfolio potential, as well as the resources to respond as opportunities present themselves.”
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Thieves break in via unlocked door THIEVES broke into a south Reading home on Sunday night. The theft happened between the hours of midnight and 7.45am on November 21, to a house in Cressingham Road. The intruder gained entry to the home from an unlocked front door, then stole a sports bag, jewellery and a wallet. Thames Valley Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward, especially if they have any CCTV or footage from doorbell cameras or dashcams that can help their investigation. They can call 101, quoting reference number: 43210526600.
Homeless man charged over cannabis factory
A HOMELESS man has been charged with cannabis production. On Thursday, November 18, Gani Lleshi appeared at Reading Magistrates Court. The 37-year-old was charged following a Thames Valley Police investigation, which led to the discovery of a cannabis factory in Lowfield Green, Caversham, on Wednesday, November 17. Lleshi was remanded to appear at Reading Crown Court on Monday, December 20.
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The mayor leads a game of heads or tails at the charity ball
DANCE: No5 Young People celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala ball Picture: Malcolm Granger
Ball marks Reading mental health charity’s 50th anniversary A CELEBRATION helped a Reading charity raise more than £13,000 for its future work. On Saturday, November 20, No5 Young People marked 50 years of supporting the mental health of the borough’s younger residents by holding a gala ball. The event at the Reading Hilton Hotel was sponsored by Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) and included a threecourse meal, a raffle, an auction and a game of heads or tails.
So popular was the night, it helped raise the £13,000 for No5. Guests included the mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, and her consort, Richard Davies. No5 says that over the past year, as a direct result of the pandemic, more than 1,000 young people and their families have asked No5 for help. A spokesperson said: “The funds raised at the Gala will mean No5 can continue to deliver more sessions by employing
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a counsellor who will support 10 young people per week — supporting the organisation to see even more young people in need as quickly as possible.” They added: “No5 would like to thank their sponsor, Reading Scientific Services Ltd, supporters Cream Design, Cherubs and FINK Street Food, and all of the local businesses that donated raffle and auction prizes.” n For more details on its work, log on to no5.org.uk
PLANS for a new bar in Reading town centre, with games such as Bavarian axe throwing, are uncertain, with the owners of apartments above the site raising concerns.
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The table decorations
The room at the Reading Hilton set up ready for the anniversary celebrations
Give axe bar the axe pleads flat owners By TEVYE MARKSON Local Democracy Reporter
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No5’s anniversary logo
Boom Battle Bar wants to open at Unit No. L30, Lower Level, Oracle Shopping Centre and would also feature games such as ‘crazier golf’, electric darts, shuffleboard, and beer pong. The concerns raised by Premier Suites, which manages 41 serviced apartments above the old Lakeland store, have triggered a Licensing Applications sub-committee hearing tomorrow (Thursday, November 25). Councillors on the Reading Borough Council (RBC) committee will decide whether to approve or refuse the licence application and whether to impose any additional conditions to those already proposed by Boom Battle Bar. In a letter to the council, Premier Suites general manger Fiori Carp said: “Premier Suites are situated on Minster Street and our apartments are above the old Lakeland store.
“We understand from the blue licensing public notice displayed that you are proposing to grant a premises licence to Boom Bar in the unoccupied unit. “We have 41 serviced apartments that are above the premises and, due to the type of establishment and opening hours proposed, we would like to strongly object to their application. “We already have regular complaints from our guests, as they are disturbed late at night due to the other bars on Gun Street, and this would further add to noise levels. “Our concerns have been raised over the past few years, and we feel we are not being supported on this matter.” The council and police have withdrawn their objections after a set of draft conditions and adjusted hours were agreed. Boom Battle Bar initially applied to Reading Borough Council (RBC) for a licence to
open from noon-midnight, Sunday-Thursday and noon-2am on Fridays and Saturdays. The newly-agreed opening hours would see it open one hour earlier (now 11am) on all days, close half an hour later from Sunday-Thursday (now 12.30am) and close half an hour earlier on Fridays and Saturdays (now 1.30am). Boom Battle Bar has franchises in Cardiff, Eastbourne, Lakeside, Liverpool and Norwich, and is planning to open in 23 more locations, including Reading. It is owned by the people behind Flip Out, adventure and trampoline parks across the UK, including in Aylesbury and Basingstoke. Lakeland moved from the Minster Street site to Broad Street in November 2019. Boom Battle Bar has been approached for comment but had not responded at the time the story was published.
FROMTHECOURTS n A READING man who stole a two-way radio from WH Smith has been jailed for 18 weeks. The radio, worth £200, was taken from the Reading branch on May 26, by Asof Farooq, 44 and from Kensington Road. The day before, he stole four power banks worth £80 from the same store. Farooq was already under an 18-month conditional discharge order imposed on March 26 for two thefts, and a 12-month conditional discharge for using threatening/abusive words or behaviour on April 15. He was ordered to pay £280 compensation and £85 costs at a rate of £20 per month.
n A WHITLEY man who failed to provide a blood sample for police has been ordered to undertake 160 hours’ community service. Manuel Antio Santos Caiero, 53 and from Bullingham Close, committed the offence while in custody at Loddon Valley Police Station on October 1. He was ordered to pay £150 costs and £95 to victim services, and banned from driving for 18 months. This will be reduced by 18 weeks on completion of a safe-driving course. Caiero can repay at a rate of £20 per month.
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Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks
n A WOODLEY man who failed to provide a breath specimen has been fined £250. Colins Mwawakudua Sitei, 25 and from South Lake Crescent, committed the offence on September 5 last year. He had pleaded not guilty but a hearing at Reading Magistrates on September 10, found him guilty. The day before, he had been stopped on Fobney Street in Reading and found to be driving without insurance. He was ordered to pay £500 costs,and £34 to victim services. He is also banned from driving for 14 months. This will be reduced by 14 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.
n A WHITLEY man who failed to comply with a community order placed on him has been ordered to carry out 180 hours’ of community service within the next 12 months. Jonathan William Whitnall, 46 and from Whitley Wood Road, admitted the breach at a hearing on September 10. The original order was placed on him on September 28 last year, after he was found guilty of stealing meat and cheese worth £53.34 from a Lidl store in the Reading area on July 6 last year.
Magistrates placed a restraining order on Pearson, preventing him from contacting his victim for five years. He must pay £200 costs, £128 to victim services and £100 compensation, at a rate of £20 per fortnight.
At the same hearing, the court learnt that on March 30 this year, Whitnall damaged a hand-sanitising unit and store doors to a Shell garage in the Reading area. For this he was ordered to pay £200 compensation. On the same day, he stole six bottles of wine and an energy drink worth £66.49 from the Shell garage. No order to costs was made. n A READING man who assaulted his victim by beating them has been given a 15-week jail sentence, suspended for 20 months. Adam Bradley Cobbe, 27 and from George Street, carried out the assault in Reading on July 30. While he had pleaded not
n A READING man has been given an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, for a string of thefts from Co-op stores in Reading. Carl Anthony Edward Waite, 38 and from Parkview, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on September 15, where he was found guilty of the guilty, magistrates at a following offences: Stealing meat and household goods, hearing on September 13 of a value unknown, on disagreed and ordered him to September 17 last year; pay £200 costs and £128 to stealing meat, of a value victim services, at a rate of unknown, on September 20, £20 per fortnight. 22, and October 6, 8 and 28 last year; stealing meat and cheese n A LOWER EARLEY man who worth £70 on October 22 last caused actual bodily harm year. when he assaulted his victim Waite, together with an has been given a 23-week jail accomplice, was also found sentence, suspended for 24 guilty of stealing a caravan months. from North Somerset between Leon Paul Flenvzous April 29 and May 2, 2019. Pearson, 23 and from Ramsey For this he was given a Close, must also undertake six-month suspended jail 100 hours of community sentence and ordered to pay service. £500 compensation and £128 The incident took place in Reading on November 14. While to victim services. he initially pleaded not guilty and requested a summary trial, n A READING man who was he changed his plea ahead of a stopped in Bournemouth on August 27, and found to have hearing on September 13.
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n A READING woman who left bags of beer bottles next to a bottle bank has been fined £292. Karoly Berki, 41 and from Kensington Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on September 17. The court heard that the bag contained a brown envelope with her name and address on it. She was ordered to pay £74 compensation, costs of £85 and £34 to victim services, at a rate of £50 per month.
GIFTS: The Big Toy Appeal is once again running at The Entertainer, which has a branch in Reading’s Broad Street
SHOPPERS in Reading have the chance to play Santa this Christmas.
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n A CAVERSHAM man who carried out racial and religiously aggravated abuse has been ordered to undertake 50 hours of community service. Marc Murray, 40 and from Kings Road, carried out the assault on August 21, 2019. Murray, also known as Andrew Mackeen, Murray Marc, and Andrew McNmee, was found guilty during a summary trial held at Reading Magistrates Court on September 17. He was also ordered to pay £50 compensation and £200 costs at a rate of £50 per month.
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cannabis in his possession, has been fined £300. Robert Junior Piggott, 32 and from Bath Road, was ordered to pay £85 costs, and £34 to victim services. His cannabis was destroyed.
The UK’s largest family owned toy retailer, The Entertainer, has teamed up with the Salvation Army for this year’s Big Toy Appeal Customers can pick up an extra toy to donate to the appeal when they shop in store or online, with every donation matched by The Entertainer. The Broad Street shop is taking part in the campaign which aims to send 100,000 toys sent to families in need. Tony Daniels, director of community services for The Salvation Army, said: “Too many children in the UK would be without any presents at all at Christmas if it wasn’t for the generosity of people donating to The Big Toy appeal. “The last two years have been incredibly difficult for many families, who struggle to afford Christmas due to pressure on family budgets, especially at the moment “It is fantastic for us to
be able to join up with The Entertainer and spread some festive joy.” Gary Grant, founder and executive chairman at The Entertainer, added: ”At The Entertainer we believe that childhood is a right, not a privilege. “We are so grateful for the generosity of our customers. Each year, our Big Toy Appeal supports an ever-increasing number of families, with over 60,000 toys donated so far. “The financial difficulties the country has faced in the last two
years will mean overwhelming difficulties for families trying to give their children a joyful and magical Christmas. “Every child deserves to know they are special, and the Big Toy Appeal is an opportunity for us to work together to help families celebrate the wonder of Christmas.” The appeal closes on Tuesday, November 30, in order to ensure the presents reach their destinations before Christmas Day.
n For more details, log on to www. TheToyShop.com
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Carol singing in town centre CHURCHES Together in Reading are holding a seasonal singalong in Broad Street. The Salvation Army will provide the music along with the New Hope Gospel Choir. There will also be the chance to have a photo taken with three specially invited guests – Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The Christmas carols start at 11am on Saturday, December 11, outside Marks and Spencer and finish around 3pm.
Bike stolen from shed THIEVES broke into a garden shed in Caversham earlier this week and rode off with a bike. The theft happened in the early hours of Monday, November 22 – between midnight and 9am – at a home in Kings Road. Thames Valley Police are urging people to check their CCTV, doorbell cameras or dashcam footage to see if there is anything suspicious to report. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference number: 43210527958. People are also encouraged to register valuables at www. immobilise.com
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Reading, get ready to give with The Giving Tree appeal By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
A VERY special Christmas tree has been erected in The Oracle … it’s a Giving Tree.
The annual appeal, organised by Connect Reading, has returned to help children who would otherwise go without receive a festive gift on Christmas Day. Last year, more than 1,500 presents were donated and distributed by 16 Reading-based charities. This year, organisers are hoping that Reading residents will get behind the appeal to help even more children: 20 charities are taking part. The idea is simple: visit a Giving Tree situated near the information desk in The Oracle. Take a tag from the branches, buy the present on it and then return it, unwrapped, to the information desk at The Oracle by Wednesday, December 15. Connect Reading and its partners will then ensure it gets to the right child in time for December 25. It is also possible to choose a tag online, if you can’t get to The Oracle.
One of the charities that was involved last year said that The Giving Tree is a lovely gesture that really helps to bring a smile to children’s faces, letting families in need know that they are thought of at this time of year. Lorraine Briffitt, CEO of Connect Reading, said: “This time of year can be really difficult for a lot of people – in particular, this year, with the impact of the pandemic and cuts to Universal Credit, there are many families who will be struggling day-to-day, let alone at Christmas time. “We live in an incredible town. The people of Reading always make us proud with their thoughtfulness and generosity, and we’re so pleased this year to be able to give them both online and physical opportunities to donate to The Giving Tree. “Your gifts can really make the difference to someone’s Christmas. Please get involved
Wokingham Winter Carnival SUNDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 21 ~ 11AM TO 5PM
and share the project so others can too.” The Giving Tree is supported by a number of businesses who have their own trees for employees and visitors to use. These are: Britannia Pharmaceuticals, Coaching Reading, Nylon Hair Artists, Thames Water, PepsiCo, Novotel Reading
www.wintercarnival.co.uk We are sad to announce that we cannot run the parade this year, due to restrictions still in place, so this only means it will be back in 2022. Bigger and Better! Wokingham Winter Carnival request all visitors to the Carnival, to adhere to all government guidelines, applicable on November 28th regarding Social Distancing and the wearing of masks.
Centre Hotel, Co-Space Reading, Green Park, Pierre Fabre, The Curious Lounge, Broad Street Mall, Holy Brook Associates and The Oracle. The charities that are working together to help children receive presents from The Giving Tree are: ABC to Read, Autism Berkshire, Berkshire Vision, Berkshire Women’s Aid, Berkshire Youth, Brighter Futures for Children, Brookfields School, Chemogiftbags, The Cowshed, Dingley’s Promise, Fifi’s Vision C.I.C., Home-Start Reading , Launchpad Reading, New Beginnings, PACT, Parenting Special Children, Reading Association for the Blind, Reading Family Aid, Royal Berkshire Hospital, Shift Youth & Community n It is also possible to buy gifts online by logging on to: givey.com/connectreading thegivingtree2021
Stamp duty holiday saves nearly £14 million THE STAMP duty holiday saved Reading movers nearly £14 million. In all, there were 1,974 house moves during the period when the chancellor dropped or reduced the tax on transactions below £500,000. The discount ran from July last year, with the tax holiday tapered from July 1 this year through to the end of September, when the duty returned to normal levels. Last week, the government released its latest house price index, providing the first concrete view of the market in September of this year when the curtain finally fell on the stamp duty holiday. In the first phase, when no stamp duty was payable on the first £500,000 of transactions, there was a saving of £13,687,429. When this threshold was then reduced to purchases up to £250,000 between July 1 and September 30 this year, there was a saving of £134,190, making the total saved £13,821,619. Reading borough saw one of the lowest levels of moving activity in the Thames Valley. Only in Slough were there fewer transactions. Just 993 homes were sold in the period, saving £7,568,178.
Approval for new bakery Wokingham Winter Carnival is a fun day out for the whole family in the Town Centre and surrounding area, including performances in Peach Place. The Town is closed to traffic for the day so children can join in the fun in a totally safe environment. Thereʼs a whole host of street entertainers, music, singing,dancing and the fun of the fair with loads of different rides, whether youʼre young or old.Santa will be in his grotto, and for lunch there are stalls offering an amazing choice of food and drink together with crafts and gifts for Christmas shopping. And at the end of the day there will be carol singing – from 4.30pm and the Christmas tree lights will be switched on. For full details, including contact information please visit
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A NEW bakery in Whitley Wood has been approved. Priestley Bakers, a family business in Slough, will open a branch at an industrial park next to Reading Gate Retail Park. Reading Borough Council (RBC) officers approved Mark Priestley’s application for a Certificate of Lawfulness on November 9, confirming the proposed use as ‘A3 Restaurants and Cafes’ is acceptable. The Slough business will
Bracknell Forest saw 2,014 transactions and £17,380,292 saved. Windsor and Maidenhead saw 2,183 homes sold, saving £26,175,881, and West Berkshire saw 2,426 homes sold, but the stamp duty saving was lower, at £21,603,607. The highest number of transactions was in Wokingham borough. In all, there were 2,862 homes sold, saving £30,884,224 in stamp duty during the full relief period, and £135,319 in the second phase, making a total saving of £31,019,543. The figures were compiled by London-based lettings and estate agent Benham and Reeves, who noted that London as a whole saved £1.015 billion during the first phase of the stamp duty holiday, and a further £4.3 million in the second phase. Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, said: “When analysing the market by borough, the pandemic influence of the last 18 months or so is clear to see. Transactions and, as a result, the total stamp duty saving were far higher across London’s more peripheral boroughs, where buyers were able to buy bigger homes, and with more outdoor space.” set up at Unit 2 Trade City, Sentinel End. Trade City is currently home to tile and tyre companies, with several spare units. Planning officer Nathalie Weekes said that the plans are lawful, and there would not be any intensification of use from the proposed bakery use, so the certificate lawfulness can be granted. She added: “Additional planning permissions may be required for any external changes to the unit or advertisement consent sought as a result of the change of use.”
No to free buses BUSES will not be free for everyone in Reading any time soon as councillors rejected a Green Party proposal to look into making fares free for all. Councillors approved a fiveyear bus improvement plan at a council meeting last week. The plans were briefly thrown off course when Green councillor David McElroy called to investigate making buses “free and fair” for everyone. This was backed up by fellow Green party councillor Brenda McGonigle, who suggested that the council could trial it for six months to help provide more incentive to use buses again amid lower usage during the pandemic. But the plans were dismissed by other councillors. Cllr Tony Page, lead member for Environment, Planning and Transport, said officers are already fully stretched to ensure Reading Buses survives, and the council cannot “take them away from important work to investigate something that is not going to happen and is not a high desire”. The Labour councillor said Cllr McElroy should “think through the proposal”, warning that if buses all became free tomorrow they would be overwhelmed. Conservative councillor Clarence Mitchell said that the council should be proud of its bus service and that free transport “has its own hidden dangers”. Lib Dem councillor Ricky Duveen said that, if the council had that money, it would be better to spend it in other ways, “particularly making houses more energy efficient”. The amendment was rejected but the bus improvement plan (2021-25) was approved at the Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport committee meeting. It includes targets to increase the average daytime journey speed by 43 seconds from 17 minutes 44 seconds in 2019/20 to 17 minutes 1 second in 2024/25. It also includes targets to increase the amount of total passengers per year by 1.8 million, rising from 22.2 million in 2019/20 to 24 million in 2024/25. Other plans include: n Expanding the provision of discounted bus tickets for teenagers n Introducing a flat fare between Reading town centre and University of Reading n Increasing direct journeys to workplaces and other destinations outside the town centre n Simplifying services n Improving bus-rail integration n Making buses more accessible n Improving buses for tourists n Decarbonising buses The council wants a bus passenger charter to give passengers a say in the future of bus services.
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Great Danes: the Animal magic: sanctuary plans new therapy centre hidden story of Reading unveiled who wish to pet and feed them. “At the moment we have families that come and visit to be with our shetlands just to make them feel good and to get out in the fresh air,” she added. “So the interaction side with our animals is also very important, which is something we already do.” The centre is planning to establish the sanctuary as a therapy centre, but is looking for sponsorships with businesses to get it up and running. Mrs Graham explained: “There’s a lot to learn and a lot of plans to be put in place between now and June when we hope to open the therapy centre. It will give people the respite and support with any issues they currently have.” She said she is always looking to improve on fundraising ideas for the centre. “We want to let people see what we’re doing because we’re probably Berkshire’s best-kept secret. “We give all these animals a future where they otherwise wouldn’t have one.” n For more information, visit animalconnectioncentre.org
READING’S Civic Society is to hold a talk looking at a previously untold chapter in the borough’s history. Gentlemen Danes of Reading will explore the interesting story of 600 Danish and Norwegian ‘gentlemen’ prisoners of war who, between 1807 and 1814, lived freely, on parole, in the Reading area. They had to muster twice a week in the market Place for a Roll Call and would collect their weekly allowance from the Agent. In 1808 local people from the humble workers, the Militia to the great and the good of Reading made donations to subsidise the allowance they received from the Government. The talk will be given by John Nixon, who has written a book about them. It is based around the memoirs of a young Danish naval Lieutenant, Hans Birch Dahlerup, who was captured and sent to Reading three times, becoming an Anglophile in the process. Translated from the original Danish, this is the first time this material has become available in the English speaking world. It sheds new light on our understanding of life in Reading during this critical time. The event is organised by the Reading Civic Society, and takes place at Haslams Estate Agents in Friar Street in Reading’s town centre. It takes place from 6.30pm on Thursday, December 9, and, as places are limited, they must be booked in advance. They are free. After the talk, Mr Nixon will sign copies of his book. n For more details, log on to www. readingcivicsociety.org.uk
AN ANIMAL sanctuary is preparing to open a special therapy centre at its base near Swallowfield. With 21 horses, goats and sheep, The Berkshire Animal Connection Centre (BACC) is now gearing up to help people recover from mental health issues and trauma. Founded last year, the charity cares for animals from a variety of backgrounds, including horses from veterinary school studies to neglect cases. Each one is assessed by BACC’s equine behaviourist and given the care it needs. After successful rehabilitation, the horses will be suitable for animal assisted therapy, which the charity hopes to launch next summer. Founder and chairman Fiona Graham said she can’t wait to put her plans into practice. “Animal therapy, particularly equine therapy, is a proven way to help people suffering from a variety of physical and mental health issues,” she said. “Our wonderful animals will work with specialist therapists to support treatment from addiction, PTSD, grief and anxiety.” The horses already get occasional visits from residents
See Santa and plant a tree
Look out for Santa on his sleigh
GOOD boys and girls have been waiting very patiently, not least as last year’s Christmas was hit by lockdowns and tier restrictions, but Santa Claus is coming, well not to town, but to village. The festive man in red is preparing to take up residence in Hare Hatch Sheeplands in the run-up to December 25. And he is taking extra precautions to ensure his grotto is covid-safe. Not only that, but he has one eye on the environment as children visiting will be able to plant a tree in a nearby woodland. Sheeplands has teamed up with the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh and Just Around the Corner for this project, which will see the trees planted in its Rehoboth stables, off Forest Road in Wokingham. This is free, but donations towards the costs will be welcomed. Each child who takes up the offer will receive a certificate. Santa will be arriving on Saturday, December 4, seeing children at weekends until Monday, December 20, when he will be welcoming wish lists through to Christmas Eve. And for children with really long lists, they can book breakfasts with Santa in an open and well ventilated area. The cost per visit is £8 per child, or £20 for three children, and includes a gift. n For more details, or to book, log on to www. harehatchsheeplands.co.uk/santa n For more on the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh, which welcomes new members, log no to www.readingmaidenerlegh.org
FATHER Christmas will be touring Woodley and Lower Earley on his sleigh this festive season. Organised by the Woodley and Earley Lions Club, there will be a range of neighbourhood routes for youngsters to catch a sight of the white-bearded man. They all begin at 6.15pm. It begins on Monday, November 29, with Santa Claus travelling from Seldon Avenue to Telford Crescent. On Tuesday, November 30, he will be touring from Vauxhall Drive to Fitzroy
SUPPORT: Horses at the Berkshire Animal Connection Centre come from a range of backgrounds including those who have been neglected
Crescent. On Thursday, December 2, Santa will be travelling from Silverdale Road to Andrews Road. On Monday, December 6, he will be moving from Sherbourne Drive to Glendevon Drive. On Tuesday, December 7, he will be touring from Duffield Drive to Alderley Close. And on Thursday December 9, he will be travelling from Squirrels Way to Highfield. Mr Claus will be returning to Vauxhall Drive on Monday, December 13, but this time travelling
to Kingsford Close. He will travel between Comet Way and Armstrong Way on Tuesday, December 14. And Santa will tour from Harvard Close to Blanchard Close on Thursday, December 16. He will be travelling from Gemini Road to Bluebell Crescent on Monday, December 20, and from Welford Road to Perth Close on Tuesday, December 21. Father Christmas will also park his sleigh at a range of other locations. He will be at The Berkshire Gardener, in Hare Hatch, from 11am
to 5pm on Wednesday, December 1. He will be at Sainsbury’s in Winnersh on Saturday, December 4, and Friday, December 17. Mr Claus will be visiting Woodley Market on Saturday, December 11, and on Wednesday, December 22. And he will be at Woodley Winter Fayre on Sunday, December 5. He will also be at the Winnersh Garden Centre on Wednesday, December 8.
New pubs listed in latest edition of Good Beer Guide By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.,today PUBS across Berkshire have shown “great resilience” despite the challenges and lockdowns in the corona virus pandemic. The CAMRA Good Beer Guide shows while seven new watering holes have opened, the same number have closed. In total, the Central Southern region, which includes Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, records a total of 177 pubs with 26 newly listed, plus 64 breweries. CAMRA have published the 49th edition of the best-selling The Good Beer Guide, with contributors encouraging readers to support their local pubs and breweries in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. While last year’s edition of the Guide captured data pre-covid, the 2022 edition shows the ramifications
of 18 months of lockdown had on the industry. CAMRA has been calling on the Government to go further with its support package for pubs and breweries, to help mitigate the damage done to a sector in recovery, and still scarred by extended closures. Nationally, the 2022 Guide has found the total number of independent UK breweries has risen to 1,902 in 2021 from 1,816 in 2020 - showing the highest number of breweries recorded in the Guide since publication began in 1974, and a national increase after recording the first decline in brewery numbers since 2008 in the previous edition. However, while 138 breweries have opened this year and are newly listed in the Guide, 75 have closed. The Guide, which surveys 4,500 pubs across the UK, is considered the definitive beer drinker’s guide to the very best pints in the most picturesque and friendly pubs. Despite being hampered by
lockdowns and restrictions in the early part of this year, thousands of independent volunteers have worked together to compile this year’s entries, helping to identify significant trends and themes locally and nationally. CAMRA National Chairman Nik Antona said: “After the struggles of the past 18 months for the industry, it is great that The Good Beer Guide figures are showing the resilience of pubs and brewers in the face of strife – a national increase in brewery numbers after they dipped last year for the first time, as well as over 500 new pub entries. This is great to see, especially coupled with the news from the Government’s latest Budget, including the announcement of a new, lower rate of duty for draught beer and cider. “However, the industry is still vulnerable in the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns. Breweries still face issues around costs of goods, lack of business rate relief and silence from
the Government on Small Brewers’ Relief reform. We are calling on the Government to make sure the new draught duty rate applies to containers 20L and up so that all our small and independent brewers can benefit.” The foreword for this year’s edition of The Good Beer Guide was written by best-selling singer and owner of the Fox & Pheasant pub in Chelsea James Blunt, who has thrown his support behind the Great British pub and reflected on the industry’s struggles during the coronavirus pandemic. He highlights the importance of pubs to communities and encourages Brits to get back to the pub to support their locals, writing: “Whilst, in recent years, there might have been a trend for people to drink cheap supermarket beer at home, those people have been locked away for the best part of a year, and now those people want out. They can taste real beer from the tap, and food cooked by a pro, and they can meet legally and joyfully.”
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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
24.11.21
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
It’s been Christmas every day for Karl Lockdown has been a busy time for Beauty and the Beast panto star Karl: he’s been busy singing around the world, without leaving the country. PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more
‘I
T’S AMAZING to be back,’ says Karl Lokley – keen as mustard for Saturday, December 4, to come round.
It’s the date of the first performances of The Hexagon’s 2021 pantomime, Beauty and the Beast. Postponed from last year, Karl has had to wait a whole 12 months to become the titular Beast of the show. Alongside him are Reading favourites Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse, a double act that makes everyone howl with laughter. Also returning are Sarah Giorgina as Beauty, Rachel Delooze as the Enchantress, and David J Higgins as Mr Crust – all have appeared in previous shows for Imagine Theatre, who produce the show for The Hexagon.
Karl, who was the handsome prince in 2016’s Snow White, as well as appearing on the ITV show The Voice, is raring to go. We’re chatting at the photocall for Beauty and the Beast, held a few weeks ago, as life was starting to return to some kind of normality. After the various lockdowns and shutdowns that have seen many theatres fall silent for much of the past 18 months, it was a bit of a culture shock for Karl. “As soon as I walked into The Hexagon today, opened the door into the auditorium, I saw all those seats, it was a sight I hadn’t seen for so long,” he said. “It really does feel like coming back home. Seeing the team from Imagine was a great comfort, and I felt completely at ease.”
Just as well, as he was having his photo taken over and over and over again to help promote the show. While this is his second Christmas working with Paul and Justin, he has appeared in three other shows with Sarah, which will make the chemistry between them easier, as it’s already there. “It will be so nice to be back on stage, doing what we love – entertaining great audiences who, for many young kids, this will be their introduction to theatre,” he says. “For a lot of people it will be like an introduction to theatre again, as they haven’t been for so long. “This is a great way to bring people together again, especially after last Christmas when there was no entertainment. It was probably the strangest Christmas we’ve all had.” Beauty and the Beast is Karl’s favourite panto: “It’s just got everything: the magic, comedy, great music and action,” he promises. Being a singer, he’s looking forward to his big numbers, not least as they will be a change of pace from his lockdown
project: a Christmas-themed classical crossover album, which has just been released. “We’ve been recording in Moscow and Bulgaria, but I haven’t been there,” he says. “We use a session choir in Bulgaria, and Sarah has performed some backing vocals for it. “My Christmas has been happening all year: I was singing Christmas songs in April.” The reason for his classical crossover stems from success he’s had before, reaching number three in the classical album charts, and he’s determined to make it magical, and accessible. “I wanted to release this, as it has songs we all know and love, but has a hint of a classical style. I Believe In Father Christmas is done like this, it’s not a full-on opera, but it’s got a little bit of it,” he explains. It will have its own video as well, and Karl has been globetrotting from his home, working with a Canadian animation team to create a three-anda-half-minute masterpiece.
“As soon as that’s done, it’s straight into panto,” he says. “It feels strange to have had this massive break and then suddenly … it’s like waiting for a bus. It’s very exciting to be thrown into the world of entertainment again, full throttle.” Karl loves pantomime, not least for the audience interaction – “they’re a big part of the show” he says – and working with the rest of the cast. “It will be great to see people excited to be in a building, where they are going to see a great pantomime with the incredible Justin Fletcher. He’s an absolute megastar,” he says. n Karl’s album, Christmas, is available now from his website, karlloxley.com, or from all the usual streaming sites. n Beauty and the Beast is at The Hexagon in Reading from Saturday, December 4, through to Saturday, January 3. Tickets cost from £15, and there are relaxed and signed performances during the run. For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to whatsonreading.com
14 | LEISURE
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Swinging 60s at South Hill Park
Dickens from the Man In the Moon
A MUSICAL production is twirling into South Hill Park next February. Audiences will swing into the 1960s to watch dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad become a celebrity overnight. She goes on to using her new status by bringing racial integration to The Corny Collins Show. Presented by Rare Productions, this family-friendly show has fun, humour and a lot of big hairstyles. Performances run from Thursday, February 3 to Saturday, February 5. Adult tickets cost £20.50, concessions are £19.50 and child tickets are £18.50. n For more details, call the box office on 01344 484 123, or visit: Southhillpark. org.uk
AN ADAPTATION of Charles Dickens’ Christmas tale is heading to Guildford next month. The Man In The Moon brings A Christmas Carol to stage at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s The Mill Studio from Thursday, December 16, to Saturday, December 18. Ebenezer Scrooge hates Christmas. But one Christmas Eve, he is visited by the ghost of Jacob Marley and the spirits or Christmas Past, Present and Future. Performances times are 3.30pm and 7.30pm Adult tickets cost £15 and under 25’s are £12. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01483 440000, or visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
Not every trick can go the way it’s planned
Everyone’s talking about pop music
A POP concert experience is celebrating female singers with a special gig at South Hill Park next year. Pop Divas Live will step onto the stage at the Bracknell arts venue’s Wilde Theatre on Saturday, February 12, at 6pm. Songs from Little Mix, Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and more will have audiences dancing the night away. Tickets cost £17. n For more details, call the box office on 01344 484 123, or visit: Southhillpark. org.uk
Who’s the monster?
A DRAG night is getting its glam on at the Rising Sun Arts Centre this festive season. The Reading venue, on Silver Street, presents its S.O.S Drag Night Christmas edition on Saturday, December 18 at 7pm. The line-up will be announced soon and the event will run at fully capacity. Suitable for aged 18 and over, tickets are available on a pay what you can basis. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 986 6788, or visit: risingsunartscentre.org
A THRILLING adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece will be shown at South Hill Park next year. Blackeyed Theatre is heading to the Bracknell arts venue for a revival of its 2016 production, Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein obsesses in the pursuit of nature’s secret, a potion of life itself. And nothing can prepare him for what he creates. The production will run from Thursday, January 27, to Saturday, January 29. Tickets cost £21 for adults, £18 for members, and £19 for concessions. n For more details, call the box office on 01344 484 123, or visit: Southhillpark. org.uk
Glam up for Rising Sun’s drag night
MOCK The Week special guest Gary Delaney is diving into a rabbit hole of jokes in Reading next Winter. The Live at the Apollo star has been through the laughing glass to deliver his new show, Gary in Punderland, at the Concert Hall on Saturday, November 26, 2022. Audiences are promised hit after hit of the kind of one-
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 Coach House Christmas Parties. Thurs. Cinderella. From Fri-Jan 3. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Amit Yahav. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Spirit Chasers Paranormal UK. Sun. Swing Into Christmas With the Down For The Count Concert Orchestra. Mon. Liza Pulman: The Heart of It. Wed. An Evening of Amerciana: Sandy McLelland, The Lost Trades and Tomorrow Bird. Wed. Coach House Christmas Parties. Thurs 2. Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Fri 3. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 3.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Live at Camberley Theatre. Fri. An Evening of Burlesque. Sat. The Noise Next Door: Run Wild. Sat 4.
Nursing back to Elf with Snow White
Buble meets Sinatra for showdown
A PANTOMIME with a twist will be performed in Basingstoke in January. Hampshire Hospitals Pantomime Players present Snow White and the National Elf Service at The Haymarket on Saturday, January 8. Snow White, a newly qualified nurse, meets Dr Charming, the new junior doctor who falls instantly in love with her and must stop the Wicked Matron from poisoning Snow White. Standard tickets cost £20 and £15 for the 2.30pm performance. And under 16 tickets cost £8. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01256 844244, or log on to: anvilarts.org.uk
A SHOWDOWN between two singing icons will let audiences decide who’s the best at The Anvil this January. Michael Buble’s tribute performer, Jamie Flanagan, and Frank Sinatra impersonator Kevin Fitzsimmons will battle it out with an evening of live music celebrating their greatest hits. The performance takes place on Sunday, January 23, at 7.30pm. Standard tickets cost £27.50. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01256 844244, or log on to: anvilarts.org.uk
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Poirot and More: A Retrospective. Fri-Sat. Dick Whittington. Fri 3-Jan 9.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Heathers The Musical. Tues-Sat. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs. Mamma Mia and More Dinner Dance. Sat. Carl Hutchinson Live. Sun. Coldplace. Sun. Russell Watson. Tues. Sir Ranulph Fiennes: Living Dangerously. Mon. Fairytale of New York. Wed 1. Christmas Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 2. Ed Byrne. Thurs 2. Christmas Cracker Party Night. Fri 3-Sat 4. That’ll Be The Day. Fri 3. Rick Wakeman. Sat 4.
Henley –
liners only a master could craft – and plenty of snark. He has previously played to sold-out theatres. Suitable for aged 16 and over, the performance begins at 7.30pm and tickets cost £22. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or visit: whatsonreading.com
Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 The Take That Experience. Thurs 2.
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 The Jungle Book. Until New Year’s Eve.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm
Reading – South Street
www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Ahir Shah: Dress. Fri. The Alter Eagles. Sat. Kipper’s Snowy Day. From Tues until Dec 30. Anything Goes The Musical. Wed. Youth Theatre Sharing. Wed. Jess Robinson: The Twelve Days of Christmas. Thurs 2. Mig Kimpton’s Tale of the Golden Goose. Fri 3. The Thinking Drinkers: Pub Quiz. Sat 4.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Cinderella. Fri-Sun, Jan 2.
Newbury – The Watermill
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Snow Queen. From Dec 3-Christmas Eve.
Reading – The Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Darkness. Fri. Katherine Ryan: Missus. Sat. Beauty and the Beast starring Justin Fletcher and Paul Morse. Dec 4-Jan 3.
Reading – Concert Hall
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Lunchtime Organ Recital. Jan 17.
A COMEDY play will present a wanderfully spectacular show to get Guildford laughing all night long. From the creators of The Play That Goes Wrong, Mischief Theatre is pulling all the rabbits out of the hat for its upcoming show, Magic Goes Wrong, at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre. The rabbits will be pulled out of hats from January 18 through to January 30. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01483 440000, or visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
All we hear is ... The Mill is the place to be
WE WILL Rock You fans can enjoy a special tribute show at The Mill at Sonning in January. The Freddie and Queen Experience will celebrate the life and talent of the band through a live concert. The five-piece group is set to perform with replica outfits, instrumentals and perform a full recreation of Queen’s greatest hits. The show takes place at the Sonningbased theatre on Sunday, January 22. Tickets cost £55.50 and include a preshow two-course meal. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to: millatsonning.com
Reading – Progress Theatre
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Clark Tracey Sextet. Fri 26. NEXT SHOW: Babe The Sheep-Pig. Dec 8-11.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
Windsor – Theatre Royal
www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Jack and the Beanstalk. Fri-Sun, Jan 9.
Wokingham – Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: A Christmas Carol. Dec 3-New Year’s Eve.
www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: The Government Inspector. Wed, Dec 8-Sat, Dec 18.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
Sonning – The Mill
Woodley – Theatre
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Youth Group Revue. Dec 3-4.
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Jan 8. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Sun, Sun Dec 5.
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 NEXT SHOW: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Jan 17-18.
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 Talking Heads Part 2. Wed-Sat Dec 4.
Who better to wish you a Merry Xmas than Slade?
First acts announced for Printworks launch
D
J YODA, OSP and Ash The Author will take to the decks for Market Yard Printhouse’s launch event this Friday.
C’mon, feel the noize! Dave Hill’s Slade are coming to SUB89 early next month to help Reading get ready to party. LAURA SCARDARELLA is hanging her stocking on the wall
The entertainment-led food and drinks market, inside the former Reading Post printing plant in Tessa Road, has been transformed into a 1,200-capacity events space with three rooms and an outdoor terrace. Market Yard will now run until Thursday, December 23 with a full line-up of acts and events. The five-week run features DJs, live music artists and bands, including East 17, drag queen dancers, stand-up comedy and a power ballad sing-a-long night. DJ Yoda will also be joined on opening night, starting at 7.30pm, by The Big JT and DJ Cypress Phil. Every Saturday from noon until 3pm, Market Yard Printhouse is set to run a themed brunch, starting with its first one, led by Disco Shed. From 7.30pm, Hacienda, Ministry of Sound and Ibiza Rocks resident DJ Paulette, will step onto stage to celebrate all things disco, with supporting DJ’s Pete Wheeler and Ben Narbatus. The first of weekly Cinema Club screenings kicks off at noon on Sunday, November 28. This features singalong favourite Mamma Mia. The same evening from 7.30pm, there’s comedy with Josh James and Carl Donnelly, alongside Tom Ward & Emmanuel Sonubi, both of whom appear on the upcoming series of Live At The Apollo. Bingo Lingo, the character-led bingo night, bring their crowd participation on Monday, November 29. To kick off December, Dua Lipa remixers Horse Meat Disco will headline the second week on Friday, December 3 from 7.30pm. Brixton Radio DJs take centre stage on the Saturday afternoon, ahead of a set for RAW SILK. On December 5, Smooth Sundays launches at 3.30pm, with a live set of soul covers from Eat At Joe’s and DJ duo Twin Sun. Highlights throughout December include UK’s best known pop night Guilty Pleasures bringing DJ Lady Lloyd and the Dream Team dancers on Friday, December 10. Glitterbox DJ Natasha Kitty Katt will be joined by Twin Sun on Saturday, December 11 and tribute act Abba Magic Duo entertains fans with the band’s all-time favourites on the Sunday. Pop legend Adele will be celebrated by one of the UK’s tribute acts on Wednesday, December 15. Glastonbury regulars Ultimate Power providing a power ballad singalong on Friday, December 17. And 90s chart-toppers East 17 take to the stage on Sunday, December 19. We hope they’ll sing their Christmas number one, Stay Another Day. n For more details, log on to: marketyard.co.uk
S
LADE is set to bring the house down with a rock ‘n’ roll Christmas spectacular at Reading’s Sub89 next Sunday.
Band member Dave Hill said audiences can expect that “feel good factor” when coming along to the show. First hitting the road in 1966, the group’s career has since spanned over six decades touring across the UK and Europe. With 23 Top Ten hits, and six of those making it to number one in the charts, Slade brings a unique blend of pop rock ‘n’ roll, outrageous flamboyance and fun. And the group are still performing, with founding member Dave Hill on lead guitar, 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, of course, Merry Xmas Everybody. At the start of the 80s, Slade played at the annual Reading Rock Festival, as it was then, to 100,000 fans, and Dave Hill said he can’t wait to be back in the borough next week. “It’s been a while since we played in Reading, but it’s a place I know quite well,” he says. “We really want to give audiences what they want, which is to play what they all know and love. “You can guarantee there’s always going to be a surprise at our shows along with songs that everyone knows and can sing along to.” Dave has missed being on the road and said it’s always been in him to perform. “I’ve never been at home for such a long time, so missing playing in shows was a big deal for me,” he explains.
OLD SONGS ARE THE BEST: Dave Hill’s Slade will be at SUB89 with a Christmas show “I’ve definitely missed seeing all our fans, not just in our country, but abroad, too, and it’s great being back up on that stage and performing to a big crowd of people again.” After many years, Dave says he doesn’t get nervous in front of an audience. He said: “I feel a mixture of things when I get up on stage but, having played to immense crowds, I’m just used to it now, and after loving it as long as I have, nothing frightens me.” Dave adds that the concert is all about bringing people together this festive season. “With it being a Christmas show, our goal is to lift people’s spirits up, especially as we all didn’t get to celebrate properly last year, and to just give them something they love.” So, here it is … merry Christmas, everybody’s having fun. That’s just the way Dave likes it. The concert starts at 7pm, on Sunday, December 5. Tickets are £26.95. n For more details, or to book, log on to sub89.com
THE MILL AT SONNING PRESENTS
Hoosiers to headline FiFest
LINE-UP: Reef, Dodgy and the Hoosiers will be part of the line up for next year’s Fi Fest 2022
LEISURE | 15
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Wednesday, November 24, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
THE HOOSIERS will be among the headliners at next year’s Maidenhead music festival. They’ll be joined by rock band, Reef, and Dodgy to perform at Fi Fest 2022 on Saturday, July 9. The family-friendly music festival, held at Stroud Farm, Maidenhead, will entertain the crowds with a whole day of live entertainment, food and drink. To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Dodgy’s album Free Peace Sweet will be performed on stage with hits, including If You’re Thinking Of Me, Found You and Good Enough. Hoosiers will be making an appearance on Saturday evening
playing singles such as Worried About Ray and Goodbye Mr. A. Other acts announced include The Leylines, Queen tribute act Mission to Mercury, The Brit Pop Boys, Daft and Back to the ‘50s. Fi Fest’s Kidzone will be open for families to enjoy a range of rides, shows, a sand play park and more. Children will see a roaring appearance from Baxter the T-Rex across the day. A food village with stall holders will also be there to serve up drinks, ice creams and treats for visitors. Fi Fest organiser Lee Page, who has been running the event
for four years, said: “As someone who works in the entertainment industry, the last two years throughout the Pandemic have been really hard. Being able to host Fi Fest 2021 last year felt like a dream come true because we were finally able to bring friends and families together to dance, socialise and party. “We were blown away by the support from the local community and the popularity of Fi Fest means we can make it even bigger and better in 2022.” Tickets start from £25 and allday child tickets are £15. n For more details, or to book, log on to: fifest.co.uk
TOP HAT
16 OCTOBER 2021 TO 8 JANUARY 2022 BOOK ONLINE AT MILLATSONNING.COM
THE MILL AT SONNING THEATRE LTD SONNING EYE, RG4 6TY READING
16 | LEISURE
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Playwriting opportunities WRITERS can get their creative juices flowing in Progress Theatre’s free playwriting course. The Reading-based theatre company is hosting a five-week online course in November on how to write a short play. Individuals will work towards submitting the plays to Progress Theatre’s Scratch Reading nights, Writefest and other competitions. The workshop dates are every Monday evening starting from Monday, November 1 until Monday, November 29. Classes will run from 7pm until 9pm via Zoom. n For more details, log on to: progresstheatre.co.uk
Live music at South Hill Park this Sunday AN AFTERNOON of live acoustic music will welcomes visitors to South Hill Park this Sunday. Classic singer-songwriter and storyteller Jim Cozens, will be joined by folk artist Damian Clarke and Reading-based singer Jess Tuthill will provide two hours of non-stop music. Tickets cost £8.50 and the event will run from 2.30pm until 4.30pm. n For more information, or to book, log on to 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Forecast for winter: snowy in South Street
T
ICE MAGIC: The Snow Queen is coming to Reading this Christmas, thanks to RABBLE Theatre
HE FAIRY tale that inspired Disney’s Frozen will whisk audiences on a magical journey at South Street Arts this Christmas.
A story all about overcoming difficulties with love and support, Hans Christian Anderson’s The Snow Queen seems like the perfect show for RABBLE Theatre to put on. After the Reading-based company’s previous show, Who Killed Alfred Oliver?, was cut short due to covid, general manager Emma Lawrence said they all need a “good laugh”. She said: “We’ve seen some tough times recently, but I can’t wait to watch this show with family – young and old – and enjoy the beauty of imaginative, live theatre.” Written by Anna Wheatley, who wrote RABBLE’S former festive shows, this family-friendly adaptation includes lots of puppetry and humour. Audiences will see heroine Gerda, be greeted by a talking reindeer, Bae, and meet the evil Ice Queen on her travels. John Luther, director of South Street Arts Centre, said having RABBLE back at the venue for a third year is exciting. “Their A Christmas Carol was unforgettable, and Hansel and Gretel also received amazing
BACK ON TOUR: Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox
Together again after 11 years
praise from our audiences. We’re looking forward to this epic adventure,” he said. “Everyone’s had a tough time with the pandemic, but none more so than RABBLE, and we’re delighted to be hosting them at this important time.” The company also offers a pay-what-you-can performance, discounts, a signed performance and free tickets to those who can’t afford to attend. Dani Davies, RABBLE’s executive director, said: “RABBLE
RAYMOND GUBBAY PRESENTS
is Reading’s theatre company and we will always do what we can to keep theatre accessible for all. “Local people have got us through these dark days, and we can’t wait to welcome our friends back for this heart-warming piece of spellbinding theatre.” The production will run from Friday, December 3 until Friday, December 24. n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to: whatsonreading. com/snow-queen
LAURA SCARDARELLA
THE NEXT act at Nettlebed Folk Club is a rare opportunity to see a duo come together again after years of solo work. Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox will be visiting on Monday, November 29. The pair, fine singers, are said to be masters of vocal harmony and musicians of stunning ability who can weave magic to any auditorium. Billy is familiar as frontman of Lindisfarne, while Bob is a member of Warhorse. They are currently touring with a show called Five Star B&B, and this is their first such enterprise together since 2010, where they enjoyed sell-out performances and glowing reviews. The pair are so busy, that this is the first time they have had the
opportunity to get back together again. The set list will include Lindisfarne classics and traditional folk arrangements such as Sally Wheatley, Meet Me On The Corner, Dance To Your Daddy, and Clear White Light. Add in Billy and Bob’s close rapport, and lashings of wit, and this is sure to be a warmhearted show ideal for audiences of virtually any age or musical persuasion. The club is on the High Street in Nettlebed, and is currently operating at 80% capacity due to covid. Doors open at 7.50pm and tickets cost £15. n For more details, or to book, call 01628 636620 between 10am and 8pm, or log on to www. nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
CATS Crowthorne ready to turn village into Sherwood Forest CATS Crowthorne will be travelling to Sherwood Forest for its upcoming pantomime, Robin Hood. The amateur dramatics society will perform the show from Friday, November 26 until Sunday, November 28 at the Crowthorne Parish Hall at 7.30pm. Written by Pumpkin Pantos, the story takes audiences on a journey following the highlyskilled archer and swordsman, Robin Hood. Living in Nottingham, he enjoys a good life with his lover, Marian, before he is drafted by
the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham to fight the Third Crusade against the Saracens. “The Parish Hall, like so many
other venues, has been a quiet and sad place for the last couple of years without the annual Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Societies Christmas pantomime,” directors Sam Gillett and Sophie Levine said. “However, with much excitement, we welcome you back to the venue to enjoy the boo’s and hisses and the endless ‘behind you’ gags.” Tickets cost £10 and a family of four ticket is £35. n For more details, or to book, log on to ticketsource.co.uk/ crowthornecats
All-day music festival? Sounds Heavy
Join the nation’s favourite ballroom couple to celebrate some of the greatest icons of entertainment. With stunning costumes, fabulous live vocals, a high-energy West End dance ensemble and a sensational 23 piece orchestra.
Friday 4 March at 7.30pm
The Hexagon, READING
whatsonreading.com
0118 960 6060
antonanderinlive.co.uk
AN ALL-DAY festival will have individuals dancing the night away in Reading this Saturday. Music promoter Heavy Pop will present Beat Connection at South Street Arts Centre from 3pm until 11pm. Jane Weaver, Animal House, Home Counties, Laundromat, The Lounge Society and Youth Sector are among the acts to be performing across the day. Food stalls will be open from Tutu’s Ethiopian Table and We Are Friends. Advanced second tier tickets cost £20 and £25 for on the door tickets. n For more details, or to book, log on to heavypop.co.uk
LEISURE | 25
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Wednesday, November 24, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662
RaW Sounds Today
WORK UP AN APETITE: Crooked Shapes on stage at Wokingham Festival Picture: Andrew Merritt
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/ rawsoundstoday
W
Crooked Shapes – Appetite This three-piece rock band with members from Reading and Wokingham have just released their debut self-titled album Crooked Shapes. This track is their latest single and is one of nine to enjoy, so if you like your classic rock updated to
GIG GUIDE
Friday, November 26
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Buried Treasure. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pure Queen. Details: 01344 303333. CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, Landsend Lane RG10 0UE. Monkey Shock. Details: 0118 934 0700. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Rd RG6 1NY. Band. Details: 0118 966 7153. EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music. Details: 0118 978 0544. EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Sarah Jane Morris: Sweet Little Mystery, songs of John Martyn. £17.50. Details: www.wokinghammusicclub.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Metal Fridays. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Darkness. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Opening party with DJ Yoda. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Rd RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Clark Tracey Sextet. Details: www.jazzinreading.com READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Wedding Present. Details: 0118 959 5395. RISELEY – The Bull, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The Turn. Details: 0118 343 0565. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Live music. Details: 0118 977 3706. WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. The Midnight Rebel Band. Details: 0118 979 6486.
Katie Ellwood – More Than Perfect It’s another wonderful indie-pop single with an infectious melody and chilled beats from Katie who is from Wokingham and who writes, records, plays and sings on her releases. Very talented. – https:// www.katieellwood.com/
Moth Man – Nutter
E’VE GOT two great new entries in this week’s RaW Sounds Today playlist.
Crooked Shapes, who have featured in the playlist before, are back as we celebrate their new album. And The Joy and the Wonder is the track from Reading-based Last Picture Show. These are just a couple of the 10 great tracks in our list, all with connections to the area. You can listen, for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist. The RaW Sounds playlist is a terrific 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.
grooves, strong vocals and even a guitar solo at the end – https://www.hoopyfrood.co.uk/
This band, with members from Reading and Manchester, have released a new video of this track from their latest album. It was filmed by Gigshotz from Reading and reflects the moody atmospheric feel of the song and the album - https://mothman. band/ the present day with melody and power check it out. The band have refined their sound with live appearances at many venues and festivals including a recent appearance at the renowned Hard Rock Hell Festival as well as Wokingham Festival – https:// www.crookedshapes.com/
Last Picture Show – The Joy and the Wonder
A Reading-based band, Last Picture Show are interested in combining visual imagery with their music and that shows with the award-winning video they created for this single which is well worth a look. The four-piece band have an indie feel reminiscent of U2 and Coldplay and this song showcases that style with its gradual atmospheric build and it’s melodic and uplifting aspects – http:// www.last-picture-show.com/
Saturday, November 27
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Dumgalism: return to the jungle with DJ Nicky Blackmarket. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Originals. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Self Preservation Society. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Blue Hayz. Details: 01344 457318. LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place Social Club, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Stephen Roper. Details: 0118 926 0850. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents King Kurt. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. The Chain Gang. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Disco Brunch, Disco Shed, DJ Paulette. Details: www.marketyard. co.uk READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. The Shufflepack. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Move It. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. TBC. Details: 0118 957 6930. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Lost UK Showcase Tour. Details: 0118 958 6048. TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Mythicals. Details: 0118 942 9606. TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music. Details: 0118 941 5064. WINKFIELD ROW – Carnation Hall RG42 7PA. The Supertonics Big Band. Booking essential. Details: www. thesupertonics.co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. Garage night. Details: 0118 979 6486.
Sunday, November 28
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: Jim McLean. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Mamma Mia singalong cinema from noon. Comedy night with Josh James. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz at the Retreat: Stuart Henderson, Simon Price, Simon Allen, Peter Billington. 3.30pm-5.30pm. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Hayseed Dixie. Details: 0118 959 5395. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Tenor Ethem Demir, pianist Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Monday, November 29
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Swing Into Christmas with the Down For The Count Orchestra. Details: 01344 484123. NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Billy Mitchell and Bob Fox. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. The Animals And Friends. Details: 01491 681048.
Tuesday, November 30
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. The Animals And Friends. Details: 01491 681048. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen,
Valeras – Let Me Go
Mike Wagner – Face of Light
Reading-based indie rock duo, Valeras, with a single from their four track EP, Tell Me Now. Following their Sub 89 show they will be at Wokingham’s Beyond the Download ‘in store’ event on Saturday, November 27 – https://www.facebook. com/valerasband
This song is an uplifting sing-along 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
Mordecai Smyth – Sinister Cyclist Mordecai’s 2011 album, Sticky Tape and Rust on Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records, has been re-issued as a special 10th anniversary two CD. Psych pop with clever lyrics – https://www.facebook. com/stickytapeandrust/
Hoopy Frood – Horse with No Name
Here’s a Wokingham-based band with a very cool cover of a classic 70’s hit by America. It’s a great interpretation of the song with good Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana and Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Wednesday, December 1
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. An evening of Americana: Sandy McLelland, The Lost Trades and Tomorrow Bird. Details: 01344 484123. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. The Animals And Friends. Details: 01491 681048. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Open mic night. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Thursday, December 2
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Gogo Juice. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz singers night with Fleur Stevenson. Details: 0118 959 5500. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Coach House Christmas Parties. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Pozi and Speedboat. Details: 0118 956 8188. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem Iyibardakci. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, December 3
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New hot Bands double bill: Rila’s Edge, Simple Fiction. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Luther Vandross. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Details: 01344 484123. EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Live music. Details: 0118 966 7153. EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music. Details: 0118 978 0544.
Rocket Kings – The Green Zone Check out the video of this song filmed in Reading. It’s taken from this local five-piece ‘uke pop’ band’s new album Everyday Adventures, which is worth a listen with its cheerful fun feel - https:// www.facebook.com/rocketkings
The Paradox Twin – Sea of Tranquility 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/
EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Geno Washington and The Yo Yo’s with TR5’s. £18. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk EVERSLEY – The Frog & Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Garry Nock. Details: 0118 973 1126. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009. READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Afterwork, Horse Meat and more. Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity: Attila The Stockbrocker. Details: 0118 986 6788. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Up2NoGood. Details: 0118 977 3706.
Saturday, December 4
BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. The Bootlegs Band. Details: 0118 983 2220. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Coronation Kings, Rise of the Machine. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultra 90s: 90s Tribute. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. White Light. Details: 01344 422622. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615. CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01344 772161. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Totally Tina. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Shooters Way, Madejski Stadium RG2 0FL. Evolutiond. Details: 0118 968 1442.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. 90s/00s brunch, Brixton Radio Takeover, Raw Silk. Details: www. marketyard.co.uk READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Sam and the Gang. Details: 0118 935 1009. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Proper Ammo DNB: DJ Rap, Dope Ammo, Jumpin Jack Frost. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. P’Jam. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930. TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Far Away Trains. Details: 0118 941 5064. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Red Hoax Chilli Peppers. Details: 0118 977 0918. WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. Garage night. Details: 0118 979 6486.
Sunday, December 5
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – Market Yard, Tessa Road RG1 8HH. Greatest Showman Singalong, Details: www.marketyard.co.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Slade. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – South Street. Shimmering Oasis. Details: 0118 960 6060. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Rat Pack at Christmas. Details: 0118 969 8000. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Tenor Ethem Demir, pianist Yunuscan Kaya. Details: 0118 969 2047.
No. 5389
Your weekly puzzle challenge
26 | LEISURE
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
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Quiz Challenge
CROSS CODE
11
7
7
25
7 20
7
25
4
21
7
13
8
13
9
26
21
13
9
8 7
4
8
15
25
26
10
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23
18 4
7
2
7
6
22
7
24
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16
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13
15
7
26
26
21
7
17
11
7
24
9
21 11
7
13 8
5
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21
7
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7 14
26
23 26
18
9
6
6
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20
10 7
7 9
4
14
2. The original Wembley Stadium was built in 1924 for which event?
7. The BBC TV drama series The A Word deals with what subject matter?
3. A midwife is a type of which European amphibian?
8. Which brand of corned beef took its name from a South American seaport?
NONAGRAM
24 6
6. How many stars comprise the constellation of the Plough, also known as the Big Dipper?
A B T
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
2
3
4
14
15
16
17
D
5
6
18
19
L
7
E
20
8
9
10
11
12
13
21
22
23
24
25
26
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
NIP TO SLEEP CLINIC
T
I
N
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
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 D through openings in the walls. The L first letter may appear in any chamber. G O
IA
SV
EA
ET
ML
AI
OU
GH
WT
EI
RE
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
1 5 6
3 1
8 5 9 3 7 8 1 3 3 8 6 9 4 2 5 3 1 9 2
9 1 2 8 6
5 7 6 5 6
2 2
13
E
13
15
16
15
18
16
17
19
20
23
22
23
N
V
R
T E
E R
I
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.
YS
25
DOWN 1. Girl may damage new hat (6) 2. Nathaniel and Alan found in South Africa (5) 3. Convenience food coming from coalfields (6,4) 4. Doctor leaves laundry machine in Sussex (3) 6. Keep secrets of state once inside (7) 7. He is in the finest order (6) 10. Sign of omission (10) 12. Food for party produced by Hazel? (5) 15. Removed a French garment on day one (7) 16. I cry in front of the Spanish girl (6) 17. One who is inclined to be slimmer? (6) 20. Endless anger over his recipe for this stew (5) 23. Pair do go round the bend (3)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
2
3
4
5
5
6
7
8 9
10 10
11
12
13 15
17
16
18
19 22
24
14
20
21
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26
27
28
This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
3
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
1
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
29
30 31
32 5 2 8 6 1 7 4 3 9
7 6 4 5 9 3 2 1 8
9 1 3 4 2 8 6 7 5
1 7 5 8 6 9 3 4 2
2 3 9 1 4 5 8 6 7
4 8 6 7 3 2 9 5 1
WORD PYRAMID: Golden retriever. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; add; divide. Total: 9.
SOLUTIONS
14
ACROSS 1. Skirts attempt made by government department (8) 5. Only a crust for the strikebreaker (4) 8. One who keeps a family servant (8) 9. Not far from Finchley (4) 11. Had accepted pound hesitantly for an axe-like weapon (7) 13. Crowd of journalists (5) 14. & 25. Regain self-control after cracking up? (4,7,8) 18. One is returning having year in the country (5) 19. Revolutionary means of transferring power (7) 21. Graduate alongside very young child (4) 22. Taking trouble to point out (8) 24. Title that Gladys holds (4) 25. See 14 Across
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.
3 7 4
7
17
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.
6 4 2 9 7 1 5 8 3
4
7
8 9 7 3 5 6 1 2 4
2 9
6 4
9 2 1 8 4 3 5 4 8 1
6
13
EQUALISER 6 7 2 6 3 3 1 8 2 5 2 3
Hard
12
24
E
KR
MA
5
10
11
R
TE
OM
5
21
EN
NG
4
11
21
RE
IE
3
9 10
FIVE ALIVE BG
2
8
10. Hanna Glawari is the main character in which famous operetta?
SUDOKU Easy
1
WORD PYRAMID
O E S
23
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
9. Which country is nearest to the North Pole?
5. In the 2014 psychological thriller Gone Girl, who played actress Rosamund Pike’s husband?
26
26
1. Which dramatist wrote the1895 play The Importance of Being Earnest?
4. What is the name of Rio de Janeiro’s famous beach ?
7
14
14
25
6
8 3
20
24 22
7
PZ1P5389
20
19
22
8
9
3 5 1 2 8 4 7 9 6
22
24
5
3 7 5 9 1 4 2 8 6
26
12
2 6 4 3 7 8 5 1 9
15
1
23
9 8 1 6 5 2 4 3 7
8
6
8 1 3 5 2 9 6 7 4
14
24
9
4 2 6 8 3 7 9 5 1
7
7 5 9 1 4 6 8 2 3
4
6 9 2 7 8 3 1 4 5
4
5 4 7 2 9 1 3 6 8
5
1 3 8 4 6 5 7 9 2
13
5389
33
disease (7) ACROSS 1. Stiffened fabric (7) 26. Insurgent (5) 29. Think out loud (5) 5. Bodily secretion (5) 30. Amaze (7) 8. Beer (3) 31. Opening (3) 9. Vexation (7) 32. Cash (5) 10. Speak slowly (5) 33. As a group (2,5) 11. Famous (5) DOWN 13. Historical 1. Cured pork (5) document (7) 2. Intone (5) 15. Formerly (4) 3. Altar screen (7) 17. Glorify (6) 4. Person running 19. Liveliness (6) amok (6) 22. Weaving yarn (4) 5. Doctor (5) 24. Deficiency 6. Early piano (7)
7. Prominent (7) 12. Belonging to us (3) 14. Coral ridge (4) 16. Small amphibian (4) 17. Act (7) 18. Public sale (7) 20. Rock layer (7) 21. Frozen water (3) 23. Elude (6) 25. Lament (5) 27. Musical style (5) 28. Soup spoon (5)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Buckram; 5 Mucus; 8 Ale; 9 Chagrin; 10 Drawl; 11 Noted; 13 Archive; 15 Once; 17 Praise; 19 Esprit; 22 Weft; 24 Rickets; 26 Rebel; 29 Opine; 30 Astound; 31 Gap; 32 Money; 33 En masse. Down – 1 Bacon; 2 Chant; 3 Reredos; 4 Maniac; 5 Medic; 6 Clavier; 7 Salient; 12 Our; 14 Reef; 16 Newt; 17 Perform; 18 Auction; 20 Stratum; 21 Ice; 23 Escape; 25 Elegy; 27 Blues; 28 Ladle.
FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Oscar Wilde; 2 The British Empire Exhibition; 3 Toad; 4 Copacabana; 5 Ben Affleck; 6 Seven; 7 Austism; 8 Fray Bentos; 9 Greenland; 10 The Merry Widow. (1) Across – Baste; Light; Weary. Down – Below; Sigma; Entry. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Ministry; 5 Scab; 8 Retainer; 9 Inch; 11 Halberd; 13 (2) Across – Giver; Mange; Times. X W Q D U L E C N G F J S Press; 14 & 25 Pull oneself together; 18 Syria; 19 Turbine; 21 Down – Gamut; Venom; Reeks. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Baby; 22 Adoption; 24 Lady. R H B Z M K V I P Y A T O Down – 1 Martha; 2 Natal; 3 Sliced loaf; 4 Rye; 6 Conceal; 7 NONAGRAM: abet; absent; bait; bane; base; basin; Behest; 10 Apostrophe; 12 Donut; 15 Unrobed; 16 Isobel; 17 basinet; bast; baste; bastion; bate; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU slip; lice; icon; pent. Leaner; 20 Irish; 23 Duo. batiste; baton; batt; batten; bean; beano; beast; beat; bent; best; beta; bias; bine; bint; biota; bison; bite; bitten; boast; boat; boatie; boîte; bone; boniest; bonsai; botanise; botanist; botte; ebon; obeisant; obit; OBSTINATE; obtain; sabot; snib; snob; soba; stab; stob; tabes; tabi.
WHAT’SON Thursday, November 25
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Over 50s club. All Things Bees, talk and sale. 2.15pm-4.15pm. Details: 07493 784091. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe, 2pm-4pm. Details: 07493 784091. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Image Improvement. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc. org.uk.
Friday, November 26
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Broad Street Mall. Enjoy Christmas Carols by local choir ‘Moving On’ next to our Christmas tree in Central Square. 1pm-1.30pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading RG1 2ST. StrikeUp Forum Theatre Workshop. 7.30pm. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267.
Saturday, November 27
BARKHAM – Village Hall, Church Lane RG40 4PL. Barkham Village Residents Association quiz evening. 7pm. Fish n Chip supper. £12. Details: 0118 978 3373 or social@barkham. org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Christmas Wreath making and crackers. 11am. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall. com READING – Rivermead Leisure Complex RG1 8EQ. Reading Comiccon. Details: www. creedconventions.com READING – St Laurence’s Church, Friar Street RG1 1DA. Reading Festival Chorus in concert: Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, Monterverdi’s Cantate Domino, Telemann’s Laudate Johovam, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. 6pm. £15, students £5, under 18s free. Details: www. readingfestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. You Too Music
presents a workshop for people who used to play, aimed at people with grade three and above. 9.30am. £20. Details: www. youtoomusic.org.uk WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road RG41 1EH. WADE Christmas fair. Raffles, tombolas, Christmas gifts, cakes and preserves, refreshments. 11am-2pm. £1, children free. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Christmas light switch-on. 4.30pm-5.30pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, November 28
BRACKNELL – The Lexicon. Bracknell Vegan Market. 11am-4pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com PANGBOURNE – Village Hall RG8 7AN. Pangbourne Twinning French Film: The Diving Bell & the Butterfly (12). £6. Doors 6.45pm. Details: 0118 984 4401. READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall. com READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. MERLY Christmas Shopping event. 11am3pm. Gifts, produce, crafts and more. Carols from a school choir. READING – Rivermead Leisure Complex RG1 8EQ. Reading Comiccon. Details: www. creedconventions.com TWYFORD – Bell Corner. Twyford Together Christmas light switch-on. 5pm-6pm. Featuring Tree of Christmas Wishes decorated with baubles from the children at The Colleton Primary and Polehampton Junior schools. Details: www. twyfordtogether.org WOKINGHAM – Across town centre. Wokingham Winter Carnival. 11am-5pm. On street entertainment, Comedy jugglers, morris dancing, Mr Twizzle. Santa’s Grotto in Wokingham Library. Carol service 4.30pm. Details: www.wintercarnival.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road. Advent carol service. 6.15pm. 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 29
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG.
LEISURE | 27
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Wednesday, November 24, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 0118 966 4474
Tuesday, November 30
ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries online meeting the author session: Gill Mann. For adults. Free. 7pm. Details: libraries@wokingham. gov.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Board games cafe. 10am-noon. Details: 07493 784091. LOWER EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe, 2pm-4pm. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, 30 Silver Street, Reading RG1 2ST. BAlive LifeDrawing Workshop. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org 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, December 1
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. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Thursday, December 2
ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Council libraries online virtual storytime. 4pm. Details: libraries@ wokingham.gov.uk EARLEY – Reading Film Theatre, Palmer Building, Whiteknights campus, University of Reading RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Cinema Paradiso (PG) 50th anniversary film. 8pm. Details: www. readingfilmtheatre.co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Round 2 Print competition: open, judged by Niall Fergusson. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Christmas party with words and music, plus a seasonal quiz. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk
WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Another Round (12a). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Friday, December 3
CROWTHORNE – Across village. Late night shopping evening, light switch-on and carols. 5pm-9pm. Free entry. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:fresh wellbeing drop-in cafe from Earley Help Hub. 10am-noon. Details: 07493 784091. READING – Broad Street Mall. Enjoy Christmas Carols by local choir ‘Moving On’ next to our Christmas tree in Central Square. 1pm-1.30pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com READING – Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins RG1 3BB. Reading Twilight Trail 2021: bigger, better and biscuitier. 5pm-8pm. £8, concessions £6, families £26. Continues to New Year’s Eve. Details: ticketing@artstickets.co.uk SINDLESHAM – The Walter Arms, Bearwood Road RG41 5BP. Art and music festival with Beth Morris, Midnight Rebel Band and painters Daniel Adrianov, Brad Kenny, Vanessa Lavy, Martyn Wood. Details: 0118 977 4903. TWYFORD – Across village centre. Twyford Together Christmas Fayre. Stalls, entertainment, jugglers, choirs, brass band and more. 6pm-9pm. 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, December 4
BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Road. Christmas market: decorations, gifts and more. Noon-5pm. CAVERSHAM – The Weller Centre, Amersham Road RG4 5NA. Plastic Free Caversham’s Festive Fundraiser: eco-friendly crafting workshops, raffle, family-friendly activities. 2pm-6pm. Suggestion donation £1. EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting. Darkest Night: nature sleeps. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com HURST – Village halls. St Nicholas Church Christmas fayre and outdoor market with stalls, refreshments and a visit from Father Christmas. 11.30am-3pm. READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland.
11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall.com READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Christmas market: stalls, refreshments and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: https:// readingbiscuitfactory. co.uk/ WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Stageability presents Robin Hood and The Golden Arrow. 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Details: stageability.ticketsource. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Wokingham Living Advent Calendar performance: Redlands String Quartet, Saint Sebastian Wokingham Band, Thames Valley Chorus. From 7pm. Booking essential. www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokingham/4th-decwokingham-advent/eojdele WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, December 5
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Christmas market: stalls, refreshments and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: https:// readingbiscuitfactory. co.uk/ READING – Broad Street Mall. Letters to Santa: visit Santa’s little helpers, write a letter, post it and receive a free personalised letter from Lapland. 11am-4pm. Details: broadstreetmall. com READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane RG2 9DF. Christmas Wishes and Misletoe Kisses, a charity show for all the family. 7pm. £5. Details: 0118 975 8880. TILEHURST – DoubleBarrelled Brewery, Unit 20 Stadium Way, RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market: Christmas Gifting. Noon-5pm. 20+ incredibly talented local craftspeople, delicious street food from The Fat Tabby, coffee and cake from Anonymous Coffee Co., and plenty of fresh DB beer. ACROSS WOKINGHAM BOROUGH – From Foster Wheelers building in Whitley Wood Lane. Reading Toy Run. Road closures in place from 1.30pm. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Christmas Extravaganza. 10am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
PROPERTY: IS YOUR PROPERTY REGISTERED – IN CASE SOMEONE STEALS IT? The property sector is open to a large level of fraud due to the high value of money involved, this is why the government has alert services set up to help notify you against potential fraud.
How can you steal a property?
Imagine having to work away from your home, only to return home and find someone else in your house. This was one man’s reality in Luton, when he was alerted by a neighbour that someone was in his home. Upon driving back to the property, he found the locks had been changed and when someone answered the door, they advised they were doing works in the property for a new owner! All his belongings were gone and he soon found out that the property had been sold and was now registered to a new owner. This case is ongoing, but we are confident a large settlement of some sort will soon follow!
Checks required during Conveyancing
The Land Registry paid out a total of £3.5million in compensation for fraud last year alone, one of the many reasons conveyancing solicitors are required to carry out stringent identification checks and searches as part of the conveyancing process. If you are purchasing a property, for example, your conveyancing solicitor will ask you to provide several forms of both photographic and nonphotographic identification, you will be asked to provide proof of purchase funds and proof of how this money was obtained. If you are selling a property, your identification will be checked in much the same way and your conveyancing solicitor will write to you at your home address to ensure you live there. These checks form part of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) code of conduct – a requirement on your solicitor to ‘identify who they are acting for’ and to ensure solicitors comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017.
What can I do to protect myself from property fraud? Whilst Solicitors are required to carry out checks, there is nothing better than knowing you yourself have also put protection in place for your home. The Property Alert Service is an online service that provides additional protection against potential fraud. You can find details of how to sign up to this free government service at: https://www.gov.uk/ guidance/property-alert
It is quick and easy to register and should give you further peace of mind that if certain activity is detected against your home, you will be notified. The service allows you to monitor properties already registered with HM Land registry – up to 10 properties can be monitored.
Monitoring a vulnerable person’s home
As you can monitor up to 10 properties, you could monitor properties belonging to a vulnerable relative or friend too. You will receive email alerts when there is certain activity on the properties and this will allow you to take immediate action – before it is too late! If you would like to know more about the above article then you can contact one of our specialists.
01276 686222
info@herrington-carmichael.com
www.herrington-carmichael.com
28 | LIFE
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Jerusalem Artichokes & Rosemary Butter In the kitchen Freely Fruity
H
Serves 4 as a side
OME-GROWN Jerusalem artichokes have just arrived on our shelves for a short but sweet window over winter. They can be eaten raw for maximum nutrition, pureed for a risotto or soup, roasted or braised to name just a few. Here they are baked to make a lovely alternative to jacket potatoes. Although they have a reputation for causing gas in some, they are incredibly good for our gut bacteria and their delicious nutty, smoky
flavour is like nothing else; perhaps we just need to eat them more often.
Ingredients n 500g Jerusalem artichokes n 1 tsp olive oil n Salt n 2 sprigs rosemary, very finely chopped n 50g butter, at room temperature
Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C 2. Wash the Jerusalem artichokes well and half any big ones. Pat them dry and then rub with oil and
salt and place them in a baking dish. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until soft throughout 3. Meanwhile mash the rosemary into the butter with a pinch of salt 4. Serve the artichokes cut open and dotted with butter
Brian Turner helps Fullers fine tune their Sunday roasts
Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www. facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk
F
PlasticFreeHome David Lamont
Let’s make Black Friday green
I
N the 1860s the term “Black Friday” was used in reference to stock market crashes in the United States.
Since the 1950s it has been recoined to describe a day of shopping and so-called sales, in a trend that had thankfully eluded the UK until recently. And who else have we to thank for introducing Black Friday to these shores than good old Amazon, which first brought Black Friday to the UK in 2010. Clearly keen to eke things out even further, over the past decade retailers have also treated us to the likes of Black November, Black Friday Weekend and Cyber Monday. According to research by PwC, the UK is set to spend an astonishing £21 billion on Christmas presents and celebrations this year, “driven by a combination of people looking to get together for an extra special Christmas and a resurgence of interest in Black Friday, perhaps spurred on by inflation and rising prices.” That’s up 12% on last year. PwC also says that 21% of people in the UK are looking to shop earlier than usual, particularly those in younger age groups, and Millennials. A quarter of everyone polled said they will definitely be buying during Black Friday this year, with the majority of the remainder suggesting that they are interested and may buy. But, it seems many of us shop like Homer Simpson and will more often than not be buying for ourselves, with 74% of men set to do so on Black Friday.
come first and second in the waste hierarchy and well before ‘recycling’. Simply put, try to avoid buying things that you and others don’t really need – often impulse or last-minute buys. Where you do make purchases, wherever possible look for things that are well made and long-lasting, produced close to home, in the UK or Europe, using sustainably sourced materials or ingredients. Consider the lifetime impact of those items and how they might be disposed of or recycled in the future. For the second time this year, we are forced to quote Dr Seuss’ fictional creation, the Grinch: “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means just a little bit more.”
The report also explains: “The majority of us will buy less than a quarter of our Christmas presents during Black Friday, with a mere 3% using the event to buy all their gifts.” This is where we get ‘boring’. Bah humbug if you will. As your granny, auntie, mum, dad or someone wise no doubt once told you: “A bargain is only a bargain if you need it.” Yes, incredibly, they were right about something. Whether you are forking out for the latest tech, updating your wardrobe, or shopping for a special something for an even more special someone, don’t get sucked in. As consumer giant Which? perfectly puts it: “The hype around Black Friday creates the impression that every offer is worth trampling
over fellow shoppers to get to, with retailers slashing prices to historically low levels for one day only. “Our research has found that’s rarely the case.” Its findings showed that 98% of the advertised discounts in 2019 were available at the same price or for less during the six months following Black Friday. Which? also highlighted that 85% of items had also been on sale at a cheaper price beforehand. A 2019 report, Building a Circular Economy, released by Green Alliance, warned that up to 80% of Black Friday purchases, not to mention the deluge of (often plastic) packaging, will end up in landfill, being incinerated or as low quality recycling within a relatively short space of time. Remember, ‘refuse’ and ‘reduce’
n 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
OR many, it’s the culinary highlight of their week. Now, thanks to the help of a top chef, it’s going to get even better. Brian Turner has been drafted to give Fuller’s pubs a boost when it comes to creating the best dishes to go with the Yorkshire puddings. The pubs include The Bull in Sonning, the Hind’s Head in Aldermaston, the Ship Inn in Wokingham and The Victoria Arms in Binfield. Brian says he has been working with Fuller’s Executive Chefs to find out what goes on the plate: he says it’s the best seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, with everything cooked fresh in each pub kitchen. This includes gravy, vegetables, roast potatoes, and a towering inferno of a Yorkshire pudding. Some Fuller’s pubs also offer sharing roasts for families or groups of friends. And some pubs also serve Fuller’s own label English sparkling wine. Brian says: “Fuller’s works with the very best suppliers, ingredients, recipes, and chef talent. It has been a real pleasure to witness the pride that everyone takes in the Fuller’s food offer. “Every Fuller’s chef works to the highest of standards and has the perfect customer experience in mind in everything they do. “Fuller’s food offer is in a league of its own, and its Sunday Roast is just one example of the amazing work the team is doing.” The praise was welcomed by the brewery’s director of food, Paul Dickinson. “To work with a hero of the industry whose career has been all about putting Britain on the culinary global map is an absolute privilege,” he says. “Brian is proving to be a real inspiration to our people, and I have long admired his career and expertise as a chef. He is the perfect partner to showcase our Sunday Roasts. “Our local ingredients, hand-picked by our carefully selected suppliers, are the perfect building blocks for our Sunday Roasts. However, it is the mastery of our chefs that really sets our Sunday Roasts apart. “Our Chefs are all part of Fuller’s Chefs’ Guild, which supports them with the learning, development and classical cookery skills they need to advance their mastery and craftsmanship as chefs.” n For more details, log on to www.fullers.co.uk
SPORT TODAY
READING EDITION
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
24.11.21
ROYALS FIRE BACK TO HOLD FOREST
CITY EDGED OUT BY SUMAS
RAMS BATTLE TO BEAT LEADERS
JUMP FOUR JOY
READING BREEZE PAST BRIGHTON
WOMEN ENJOY AN UNBEATEN MONTH By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021
READING FC Women’s manager Kelly Chambers hailed her ‘phenomenal’ side after they made it four Women’s Super League games unbeaten.
The Royals have recovered valiantly after their poor start to the season to pick up 10 out of a possible 12 points from their last four to go the entire of November without defeat. Sunday’s 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, with goals from Natasha Dowie and Emma Harries put Reading up to eighth. “The result was huge,” said Chambers. “Credit must go to the girls as they were fantastic. They know that November was a big window for us to pick up points, and to take 10 from 12 is phenomenal.
“I think we are now beginning to see the real qualities the girls have, and I think having the big transition of players in the summer window it was always going to take time. “To be fair, they are an exceptional group, they’ve really bonded, the harmony in camp is a joy to be around, and they’re now showing it on the pitch, fighting for each other, and that’s where we are picking up points alongside the ability that they all have. “Although in the past the International break has perhaps come at the wrong time for us, I think now is probably a nice moment in time to have a bit of a break. “It’s been a pretty hectic November for us, but the biggest thing now is that we’ll be keeping an eye on our players who are away, and hoping none of our girls get injured.”
FC BRACKNELL IN ACTION
PAUNOVIC ‘NOT HAPPY’ WITH POINTS DEDUCTION READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic admitted he was ‘not happy’ but ‘relieved’ after the Royals were deducted six points.
Reading were finally handed their punishment by the EFL for breaching profit and sustainability rules, with an immediate six point suspension and a further suspended penalty of six points if they don’t comply with the EFL business plan. “First of all, I’m not happy about it, but I’m glad it is over,” said Paunovic. “It now depends on our reaction how we will move forward. We have to remind ourselves how many lessons this club has faced in the past and we want this challenge to be part of a great future for this club. “We all want to be part of the solution. “Nobody who is right now at the club is guilty that this happened. “It’s now our duty and responsibility to accept this challenge and deal with it. “We don’t want anyone who is not on the same page and doesn’t want to fix this situation and give their best for the club. “Nobody is happy about it, there were moments of uncertainty, but when we addressed the team and the employees of the club, and explained our vision and approach we are now turning the energy for everyone to be part of the solution.” “We don’t want to make excuses,” he continued. “We have enough quality to deal with this and fix the situation and that is our immediate response to get out on the field and get points back. “It could have been worse. This is better than 12 or nine, and it was out of our control. “The club did a good job to get to this point to accept the punishment. We need to simplify things, narrow our focus to our performances in training and games.”
18 | SPORT
RESULTS
Saturday, November 20
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 1-1 Nottingham Forest Combined Counties Premier North Reading City 2-3 Sumas FA Vase second-round Harefield United 2-3 Berks County Combined Counties Division One Hillingdon Borough 3-4 Woodley United Rayners Lane 2-2 Eversley & California Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 2-0 Yateley United Maidenhead Town 1-2 Reading City U23’s Mortimer 3-4 Woodley United Royals Westwood Wanderers 2-0 Reading YMCA Thames Valley Division One Eldon Celtic 13-3 Henley Town 2-2 Hurst Holyport Reserves 10-2 FC Imaan Lions RUGBY UNION National Division One Rams 22-20 Cinderford South West 1 East Bracknell 21-30 Newbury Blues HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Reading 4-2 Oxford Hawks
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S4K Berks County 1-0 Newbury Development
Tuesday, November 23
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading L-L Sheffield United (report online rdg.today)
AFTER the disappointment of last weekend’s away defeat to Canterbury, Reading got back to winning ways in their last fixture before the mid-season break.
FA Trophy second-round Binfield v Truro City
RUGBY UNION National League One Birmingham Moseley v Rams
They had already identified their opponents as likely to be rather better than their league position and adopted a strategy of patience, hoping to wear down the Hawks’ with quick and precise passing. The cagey start saw few chances at either end, with only sporadic danger to either goal caused by an unexpected loss of possession, none of which was taken. The stalemate was convincingly broken when Reading regained possession deep in their own half, drove up the pitch with blistering speed, executed three inch-perfect passes, and Ryan Crowe delivered an emphatic finish for what would be the best goal of the game by far. The game resumed its attritional nature with Reading beginning to dominate the play without creating too many openings, and Hawks repelling incursions into their circle. Better chances were always likely to come as the game wore on and Fred Newbold found himself with space and time to spare in front of goal.
South West 1 East Marlborough v Bracknell
HOCKEY ROUND-UP
Combined Counties Premier North Wembley v Reading City Sumas v Holyport Combined Counties Division One Kensington & Ealing v Eversley & California Rayners Lane v Berks County Woodley United v AFC Hayes Thames Valley Premier League Reading YMCA v Reading City U23’s Wargrave v Wraysbury Windlesham & Chobham v Finchampstead Woodley United Royals v Yateley United Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Goring United Hurst v Eldon Celtic
South Central Men’s Premier 2 Basingstoke 3-1 South Berkshire
South Central Men’s Division 1 Sonning v Milton Keynes 2s South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning v Fareham
South Central Women’s Premier 1 Bournemouth 8-1 Sonning
South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire v Maidenhead 2s
Sunday, November 21
Sunday, November 28
Berks & Bucks Women’s Cup Woodley United 0-5 Abingdon United Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy Wallingford Town AFC 1-3 Wargrave Holyport 1-7 Caversham United Mortimer 2-0 Shinfield Rangers Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC 3-5 Taplow United
By RONAN DAFFEY sport@wokingham.today
FOOTBALL Swansea City v Reading
HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier 2 South Berkshire v Marlow
FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion
READING CLIP HAWKS WINGS Reading Men 4 Oxford Hawks Men 2
Women’s National Division 1 South Wimbledon 2s 0-2 Reading
South Central Men’s Division 1 Berkhamstead & Hemel Hempstead 1-3 Sonning
HOCKEY
FIXTURES
Saturday, November 27
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Wycombe Wanderers v Woodley United Southern Region Women’s Division One South Chichester City v Eversley & California Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers v Penn & Tylers Green Wargrave v Caversham United Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves v Caversham AFC Women
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Ryan Crow in control of the ball
Andy Oxburgh makes a storming run Pictures: Helen Ritchie
Tom Minall celebrates his goals
Unfortunately for him, he completely mis-hit his shot and the ball speared slowly away, but luckily it fell at the feet of ace goal poacher Tom Minall who made no mistake from two yards out. Hawks grew into the game again in the third quarter, winning a succession of penalty corners which were all well saved by Reading’s keeper, Chris Wyver. Reading earned their own first penalty corner of the game this was successfully defended by Hawks, at
the expense of another corner and, when this was executed, there was a sense of déjà vu as the scuffed shot fell once again to Tom Minall who buried the chance from close range to make the score 3-0. This brought Hawks further out of their shells, and Reading started to defend deep to protect their advantage. Players received temporary suspensions for breaking down play, making the team even more nervous in defence, and Hawks
SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES EARN AWAY CLEAN SHEET VICTORY By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Men’s National Division 1 South READING responded from last week’s defeat as they got back to winning ways against Oxford Hawks with a 4-2 victory.
South Central Men’s Premier 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE fell to an away loss at Basingstoke. The 3-1 defeat leaves them in fourth in the table.
South Central Men’s Division 1 SONNING climbed up to sixth after they saw off Berkhamstead & Hemel Hempstead with a 3-1 victory. READING 2s added a point to their tally as they took a point in a 1-1 draw at Henley.
South Central Men’s Division 2
South Central Women’s Division 1
SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s came away with three points in a seven goal contest against Thame 1s. The win sees Berks move up to 10th in the standings after their first win of the season.
SOUTH BERKSHIRE earned a clean sheet and three points on the road at Leighton Buzzard. Goals from Charlotte Reid and Ella Martin earned them a 2-0 win to put them in eighth. SONNING endured a heavy defeat at Bournemouth as they were beaten 8-1.
Women’s National Divison 1 South READING picked up a win and a clean sheet with a 2-0 away triumph against Wimbledon 2s. The victory keeps them in second position with 20 points from nine matches.
South Central Women’s Premier 1 League leaders READING 2s maintained their status as they put on a solid performance as they put four past Havant without reply.
South Central Women’s Division 2 SONNING 2s picked up a point in a 2-2 stalemate at home to Wallingford 2s.
South Central Women’s Division 3 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s were defeated by a solitary goal away against Bicester. The loss sees them drop down to eighth.
took advantage of their numerical superiority to score twice. Reading’s nerves were calmed when Connor Beauchamp threw an aerial pass from midfield into the circle where it was met by striker Any Oxburgh, who skilfully turned the ball past the Hawks’ keeper. The drama was not quite over as Hawks were awarded a succession of controversial penalty corners in the last few minutes, all of which were well defended, until the final whistle blew. Wth half the season gone, Reading remain top of their division by six points and in pole position to return to the National Premier League two years after they were relegated just before the first lockdown. Of particular significance is that current league rules state that the league table will be used to determine promotion now that each team has played the others at least once, even in the event of another lockdown. The squad now moves on to the indoor season in which they have retained their National Premier League status, so it will be a good test of how they currently compare against the squads that have been playing at the higher level during the outdoor season, and the standards that they will need to reach if they are eventually promoted. They will be back playing outdoors again in February.
ATHLETICS
ATHLETES COMPETE AT BOURNEMOUTH BOURNEMOUTH’S King’s Park hosted the first Hampshire League Cross-Country event of the year on Saturday, November 13.
Consisting of five different cross-country fixtures spread across the winter season, and hosted at various locations across the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset, the Hampshire League has for many years been an important part of the Reading Senior Men’s winter fixture list. 14 Reading runners made the two hour trip down to Bournemouth to take on some of the South East’s finest runners over what is for the most part a fast and flat course. Spurred on by a sterling performance from their Senior Women counterparts , the Reading men made their way to the start line with high hopes. Totalling approximately 9.6 kilometres, or six miles in imperial measures,the course was run over four laps of Bournemouth’s finest flatlands. Some excellent packing from Palmer Park’s finest would ultimately lead to just one minute separating Reading’s first six athletes, with the first five making up the scoring team. Neck-andneck was the order of events, as Dan Thorne continued his fine start to the season to come across the line in 23rd place in a time of 31:36, with Isaac Farnworth close on his tail to finish just one place behind in 24th with a clocking of 31:41.
RUGBY UNION
REACTION
RAMS TOPPLE TABLE LEADERS By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Rams 22 Cinderford 20 RAMS edged out National One table-toppers Cinderford 22-20 in a pulsating clash at Old Bath Road.
While the first half resembled something of a chess match with the sides trying to work out each other’s weaknesses, the second proved a full-throttle affair in which the hosts just defied their opponents in front of a passionate crowd. Rams regathered the restart, though, and after Ben Henderson’s grubber kick forced Cinderford to concede a line-out near their line, a series of home drives ended with Ollie Taylor squeezing over in the right-hand corner. Cinderford then hit back in equally fine fashion, some quick-thinking from experienced prop George Porter resulting in him
Rams beat top of the table Cinderford in National League One Pictures: Paul Clark claiming a short line-out before burrowing over from five metres out. The Foresters unsurprisingly went back to the corner, and this time hooker Nathan Taylor dotted down to put his side 13-8 up at half-time. Rams replaced starting props Jack Steadman and Sean McDonnell-Roberts at the break, bringing on
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London Irish loanee Tarek Haffar and James Baker to add further impact at the scrum and in the loose. And it proved a useful ploy as they began the second period in powerpacked fashion, blasting away at the line before wing Henry Bird cut a fine line to cross for his sixth score of the season.
Humberstone added the extras and Rams continued to dominate the third quarter, moving further in front when three consecutive scrum penalties on their opponents’ five-metre line ended with a penalty try being awarded. As the half progressed it was the away side who started to inflict more and more pressure, with Rams conceding a string of penalties which ultimately led to vicecaptain Tom Vooght’s yellow card shortly after the hour mark. Some heroic defence from the home side kept their opponents out for those 10 minutes, but a second try at the back of a rolling maul from Taylor set-up a grandstand finish. And while Rams conceded another penalty which allowed Cinderford to clear to midfield, the visitors then conceded one which allowed their opponents to finish victorious.
REYNOLDS DELIGHTED AS RAMS EARN COMEBACK WIN RAMS Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds hailed ‘a brilliant game’ after his side edged out tabletoppers Cinderford 22-20 in a fabulous National One encounter.
“It was an arm-wrestle which could have gone either way and we’re chuffed because they are so good - it started as chess and turned into chequers.” He continued: “They’re such a good side – you can’t switch off for a second and if you don’t maintain the discipline in the middle third the next thing you know you’ll be on your five-metre line conceding either a maul penalty, scrum penalty or penalty try. “I thought we did very well combatting that and then our defensive energy was very good – in the second half we did a really good job of upping the ante and grabbing a couple of good scores.” Despite trailing at the break, Rams overturned the deficit and Reynolds was encouraged by the progress on show. He said: “We’ve got a high-energy defence and we’re learning to go longer and longer into the game with it, which we did.
Rams v Cinderford pictures: Paul Clark He added: “The leadership unit have been doing it for a number of years now – Ben was outstanding for the Titans a couple of weeks ago so it was lovely to have him back in the side for 80 minutes. “Robbie, after injury and not being able to train loads, I’m not quite sure how he does it, but he gets it done.”
National League Rugby is back @ RAMS National One Rugby returns to Old Bath Road on 04th December 2021 K.O. 3pm 1st XV v Blackheath FC 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 stay for LIVE music after the final whistle! 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) Blackheath Home 04th December - Wokingham and Reading Paper 24.11.21 copy.indd 1
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FA WSL
ROYALS SINK SEA
Reading City v Wokingham & Emmbrook Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire
Reading Women are four league games unbeaten Pictures: Neil Graham By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Reading 2 Brighton 0 FOOTBALL
SUMAS HURT CITYZENS WITH LATE WINNER
By Billy Cox @CoxJournalism
Reading City 2 Sumas 3 WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK left it late to take three points in an enthralling contest at Reading City.
The Cityzens welcomed the Sumas to the Rivermoor for another league fixture in the Combined Counties League Premier Division North. It took until the 10th minute for the first chance of any significance, when Wokingham’s Charlie Tuttle tried his luck from outside the box on the left-hand side of the D, but his effort flew high and wide of the target. The hosts tested the Wokingham keeper Sean Woodward’s alertness when a Calam Gallimore cross from the left flew dangerously across the opposition’s box, but He managed to tip the ball clear and away from his goal. Shortly after, Wokingham received a free kick in a great position on the edge of the box to the right. Tuttle whipped the ball into the box at the keeper but City’s Tyler D’ Cruz cleared for a corner with a defensive flying header. Wokingham again created
another chance on goal when Nathan Mindomba went through on goal but looked frustrated as he dragged a weak effort wide. Wokinghams number 19 cut in from the right in the 20th minute but the ball trickled to the keeper with another weak effort. A few minutes later, Ezio Touray produced a shot on goal but it never troubled the keeper as it was too central and the keeper collected with no trouble. The half an hour mark saw Luis Lepaih pull off a fantastic effort when he let fly at goal with a thunderous volley but he could only watch on as the ball flew considerably wide. The referee brought the first half to an end with both sides going in goalless, with quite a few questionable decisions from the officials only added to the cagey atmosphere. It only took a minute into the second half for the first piece of action to continue, and came when Brandon Curtis reacted quickest to an aerial ball as he found himself one on one with Charlie York, he hit it on the half volley but it flew wide of the post. Ezio Touray beat his man to the ball but his follow-up shot was fluffed as he didn’t get the desired connection and the Wokingham goalkeeper collected with ease. Three minutes later however, Wokingham opened the scoring when Curtis tapped in at the back post
unmarked after a cross from the right. On the hour mark, Reading Luis Lepaih hit the crossbar on the half volley and Calam Gallimores follow up was skied over. The Sumas made it 2-0 when Curtis cut through the Cityzens defence with a welltimed through ball to Mindomba who fired into the top left hand corner. Two minutes later, Cityzens captain Alfie Grant headed home after a long throw into the box from Calam Gallimore to pull one back to make it 2-1. The 77th minute saw Reading City find the anticipated equaliser when Josh Baines inswinging corner cleared the keepers reach and Ezio Touray leaped highest to head home from close range to level the game. The game then took a turn for the worse when City manager Simon Johnson was given a red and asked to make his way to the dressing room, after he expressed his frustration at the referee’s decisions. During this Ezio Touray was also sent off the pitch as he was sin binned for 10 minutes. With one of the last kicks of the game, Wokingham found the winner in the 90th minute. Will Shaw fired a cross in from the left flank and that man again Clark tapped a volley into the net at the back post to make it 3-2. Full time saw the Sumas snatch a win in a high tempo, all-action fiery encounter.
NATASHA Dowie and Emma Harries struck for Reading Women to gift them three points against highflying Brighton.
Dowie scored the first goal of the game in the third minute when she latched onto a rebound from close range. Reading held off the Brighton pressure in the second-half and sealed the points late on when Emma Harries raced away from the defence to score in consecutive matches. The win sees the Royals climb up to eighth in the table as they made it four matches unbeaten in the Women’s Super League with three wins from their last four. Reading came into the game with a three match unbeaten strike having salvaged a late point away at West Ham last weekend as Emma Harries’ goal saw them overturn a two-goal deficit. Meanwhile, Brighton were in fantastic form with five wins from their opening seven matches putting them third in the WSL prior to kick-off. There had been just three minutes on the clock when Reading took the lead to give themselves a perfect start. Spotting the goalkeeper well off her line, Faye Bryson tried an audacious effort from long range, and after forcing a parried save from Megan Walsh, Natasha Dowie used her predatory striker’s instinct to follow up the rebound and tuck the ball in from close range.
Using the momentum from their early goal, the Royals showcased some positive attacking play in the opening stages as they enjoyed the majority of possession. Reading were happy to keep the ball at the back and pick and choose their moments to break forward as they looked to use the pace of Deanne Rose to get in behind. It almost worked when Rose burst into the box but was well ushered out by a strong piece of defending from Danique Kerkdijk. Danielle Carter, who spent last season at Reading, then came close for Brighton when she hit a fierce strike at goal but Royals goalkeeper Grace Moloney made a smart stop. Moloney came to the rescue again with another excellent piece of goalkeeping as she rushed out at the feet of Felicity Gibsons to smother the ball. The away side finished the half with a corner but Reading cleared to take their lead into the break. Reading started the half positively and won an early corner. From the aftermath, Brooke Chaplen played a clever reverse ball to Tia Primmer who sent in an inviting cross, but Brighton managed to swipe the ball clear. Brighton came close to an equaliser in the 54th minute when Carter picked out the run of her teammate who put the ball across the face of the goal mouth, but to Reading’s relief it whispered past the far post. Brighton midfielder Emma Koivisto would have found herself one-on-one with Moloney had it not been for an expertly timed crunching tackle in the box from Harding to snuff out the danger.
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AGULLS TO GO FOUR UNBEATEN
From the middle
Dick Sawdon-Smith
Abuse from parents and coaches
T
Deanne Rose strikes at goal
Harries celebrates her late goal
The hosts struggled to find much attacking threat in the second-half and had plenty of defending to do to protect their lead, but they kept their shape to frustrate Hope Powell’s team. With just four minutes to go, Reading wrapped up victory as Harries held her run brilliantly in her own half to stay onside and raced on goal, rounded the goalkeeper and tapped the ball into the empty net. Reading host champions Chelsea at the SCL in their next WSL fixture on Saturday, December 11.
Harries picks a pass
Lily Woodham sends in a cross
Reading: Moloney, Bryson, Evans, Vanheaevermaet, Woodham, Harding, Eikeland, Primmer, Chaplen, Rose, Dowie Subs: Peplow, Harries, Woodcock, MacDonald, Roberts, Lister, Stewart Brighton: Walsh, Koivisto, Le Tissier, Kerkdijk, Williams, Gibbons, Kaagman, Connolly, Whelan, Geum-Min, Carter Subs: Brazil, Simpkins, Nokuthula, Bance, Green, Robinson, Bowman, Cordier, Angel Goals: Dowie 3’, Harries 86’
Tia Primmer made her league debut
FOOTBALL
SUMAS BOSS HAILS MOMENTOUS AWAY WIN AT READING CITY By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook manager Eliot Whitehouse was ‘delighted’ after his time nicked a late winner against Reading City.
The Sumas went two ahead but were pegged back as Reading showed their resilience to get back into the match. But in the dying embers of the match, the Sumas ensured they
would take all three points back to Wokingham as Clark notched a decisive goal. “I’m delighted with the result,” said Whitehouse. “There were ups and downs throughout the game and the spectators saw that. “We took a two-nil lead and then two sloppy moments saw us concede two from set pieces which let them back in the game.
But I’m delighted that we turned out to get the win. “It was a concern because I thought we’d given up the game and given it away. “But that’s what happens at this level, there are ups and downs, swings in momentum. “When the momentum is going your way, you have to take advantage of it and that’s exactly what we did.”
Meanwhile, Reading City manager Simon Johnson said: “We weren’t at the races today. Did well to get back into it but didn’t do enough to win the game.” The win pushes Wokingham up a place into 16th, while the Cityzens are in 12th. The Sumas are back at home at Lowther Road on Saturday when they host bottom of the table Holyport.
HIS is a column I wish I didn’t have to write, but it is a topic that must be discussed and I believe be resolved, as it could affect the very future of football. This was highlighted by young football referees in County Durham going on strike. They took to the pitch and after one minute walked off. They were protesting against the aggressive and belittling attitudes of parents and coaches. We are talking about 14 and 15-year-olds being the target of abuse and even, sadly, physical assault, from the very people who should be safeguarding them. It’s not just in County Durham, it happens across the country and not just this country. Two Dublin youth leagues recently cancelled all fixtures when their young referees made a stand against abuse and threatening behaviour, which left one young boy so petrified he was afraid to pick up his gear after the game. In Holland, parents have on occasions been banned or had to obey ‘silent Saturdays’, with no shouting allowed even from coaches. An American woman referee at the Woman’s World Cup finals, described her early days saying parents screamed at her. She continued refereeing, but many don’t. I know from mentoring new, often young, referees that the same happens here. I confronted one group of parents giving the young referee hell. “This is a 14-year-old boy, refereeing his first ever match,” I told them. “Who do you think is going to referee your children’s games, Howard Webb?” Incidentally, Howard Webb started refereeing at 15, along with his school mate, who was physically assaulted by a parent in his second game. He never refereed again. I say this could affect future football simply because most of those attending referee courses are young boys and girls, only about a fifth are adults. In years to come the present shortage of referees could escalate and many more matches could be without referees. This in itself could reduce the number of games played. So my advice, my plea to parents and coaches in youth football, is to act your age, be adult, encourage your players but leave young referees to learn the game and stop anyone else from giving them abuse.
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DANN’S THE MAN: ROYALS SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
How they rated
READING 1 FOREST 1 LUKE SOUTHWOOD
Made some decent stops, including one late on. Couldn’t have stopped the Forest goal which was struck nicely.
ANDY YIADOM
Excellent outlet going forward, put in plenty of hard work on the right and put in some inviting crosses
LIAM MOORE
Susceptible with the first goal as he didn’t close down Zinckernagel quickly enough but amended with a superb block off the line.
SCOTT DANN
Popped up with his second goal of the season to rescue a point. Was a presence in both boxes.
TOM HOLMES
Composed with his passing and made several important blocks and tackles at the back.
BABA RAHMAN
Shaky in a couple of moments defensively but the system allowed him to get forward and cause a threat.
JOSH LAURENT
Sloppy with his passing at times. Went on a brilliant driving run in the first-half but couldn’t get a shot away.
DANNY DRINKWATER
Strong display which saw him influence the match in the heart of midfield and had a couple of decent attempts at goal.
JOHN SWIFT
A quiet game by his usual high standards but still managed to add another assist to his tally as Dann converted his corner.
OVIE EJARIA
Struggling to find his best form at the moment and was nullified by Forest for large periods.
GEORGE PUSCAS
Looked more comfortble playing with a partner when Carroll came on. Had a few chances but was denied by the flag a couple of times.
SUBSITUTIONS ANDY CARROLL – A decent half an hour outing on his debut. 6
6 7 6 7 8 6 5 7 6 5 5
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today SCOTT Dann’s second-half goal rescued a point for Reading as they earned a draw at home to Nottingham Forest.
The Royals fell behind after just four minutes when Philip Zinckernagel opened the scoring after four minutes. After a disappointing opening 45, Reading responded with a much improved second-half and found the net from a corner as Dann applied the finishing touch. Reading drop down a place into 20th in the Championship table after their six-point deduction earlier in the week. Back in the dugout after a twogame absence, Veljko Paunovic made just one change from Reading’s away win at Birmingham City prior to the international break as Danny Drinkwater replaced Tom Dele-Bashiru. Meanwhile, new signing Andy Carroll was named among the substitutes. Reading made a disastrous start at the Select Car Leasing Stadium and found themselves behind after just four minutes. Forest forward Zinckernagel waltzed his way through two lazy challenges and then fired the ball past Luke Southwood into the corner with an emphatic finish. Andy Yiadom had plenty of licence to roam forward due to the three-at-the-back system. And provided plenty of attacking threat throughout the half. He pulled the ball back in the box for Danny Drinkwater who blasted an effort towards goala that
Southwood punches away from danger
Danny Drinkwater moves forward in midfield
Reading celebrate Dann’s goal
Match stats READING: Southwood, Yiadom, Moore (c), Dann, Holmes, Rahman, Laurent, Drinkwater, Ejaria, Swift, Puscas SUBS: Rafael, Abrefa, Ehibhationham, Carroll, Camara, Dele-Bashiru, Ashcroft NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Samba, Spence, Worrall, McKenna, Lowe, Yates, Johnson, Colback, Lolley, Zinckernagel, Grabban (c) SUBS: Carvalho, Mighten, Bong, Garner, Taylor, Horvath, Figueiredo GOALS: Zinckernagel 4’, Dann 65’
Nottingham Forest take an early lead was parried away by Bryce Samba before Forest hacked the ball away on the line. George Puscas then came close to connecting with an inviting cross from Baba Rahman but couldn’t stretch to it. Ovie Ejaria intercepted Joe Worrall’s loose pass as he looked to slp in Puscas on the break, but he was stood well offside, and would have had a free run on goal had he held his run. Reading’s pressing was proving
Reading put in an improved secon to be effective as Josh Laurent won the ball tenaciously and drove towards the box, but couldn’t get a shot away as the attack petered out. Drinkwater played a stray pass in the Reading half that could have been punished had Lewis Grabban been able to get a proper connection on his shot. Rahman tested the gloves of Samba just after the half four mark with a powerful strike that was batted away by the Forest keeper, before Joe Lolley responded with
INTERVIEW
CARROLL RELISHES ROYALS CHALLENGE AFTER FREE TRANSFER NEW signing Andy Carroll expressed his excitement to get back to playing after he signed a short term deal with Reading FC.
Carroll has been a free agent after he was released by Newcastle United at the end of last season, but will be with the Royals until mid-January. “I’m really pleased to be here, coming in seeing the training ground and the lads has been enjoyable and I’ve enjoyed the first few days,” said Carroll. “I’ve been keeping myself fit. I had a break at the end of the season then came back and got stuck in to getting fit. “I worked with a few guys in London, then went over to Dubai to train one-on-one with two intense
sessions a day. Then I went to Spain to work with some guys over there and worked here to maintain my fitness. “I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to come around, and now I’m here and I’m loving it. “It’s important to have the two weeks at the end of the season of doing nothing and enjoying time with your family then the mentality switches to eating the right stuff, drinking the right stuff and going to bed at the right time.” Having kept himself fit over the summer, Carroll is now determined to get some minutes of the pitch to help the Royals in their Championship campaign. “I’ve got the right people around me and know exactly what I need
to do,” he continued.“The training ground is brilliant. The facilities and pitches are brilliant, you’ve got absolutely everything you need here. “We’ve got to focus on getting them points back with the games this week. “It’s a completely different type of fitness when you talk about match fitness. “I’m not match fit without playing matches, but that will come in the next few weeks playing games and training every day.
“I want to focus on playing the games I’m here for and then see what happens at the end of the contract. “I’d like to, if I can, give experience and advice to any of the lads. That’s part of my upbringing to share as much as I can “I’m just looking forward to being back playing football, it’s a league I’ve played in before and I can’t wait to be back involved. “The first two or three days of being back out on the pitch I’ve loved it, just being around the lads.”
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MAKE A POINT
From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen John Swift strikes at goal
Can Carroll prove his worth?
P Moore grapples with Grabban Andy Yiadom
George Puscas hits the deck in the box Yiadom sends in a cross
nd-half display to draw against Nottingham Forest pictures: Steve Smyth
Puscas beats his marker
an effort for Forest but hit his shot wildly over the bar. Drinkwater had two efforts at goal to end the half, his first was well held by Samba before his second flew high and wide. Reading almost fell further behind just five minutes after the restart as former Royals loanee Lewis Grabban danced his way into the box and his shot looked destined for the net, but skipper Moore was perfectly placed to block it on the line. Swift won the ball deep in the Forest half to set up a shot for Puscas, but he curled his effort just wide of the far post. Andy Carroll made his Reading debut
Paunovic made his first change just after an hour as Carroll came on for his Royals debut to replace Moore. Carroll’s impact was immediately felt as he headed down a cross for Swift, but Forest managed to scramble the ball clear for a corner. But from the resulting set-piece, Reading got themselves level as Scott Dann converted from close range after Forest failed to deal with the danger. The hosts piled the pressure on after finding some momentum as Puscas fired a fierce effort at goal that was well held by Samba. Grabban almost punished
Reading when he took the ball past Sothwood but could only find the side netting from a narrow angle. Paunovic’s team looked more likely to grab a winner as Puscas and Swift both had shots blocked by the Forest defence. There was almost a calamity at the back when Rahman’s poor touch nearly let Forest in on the counter attack. He looked to have won the ball back with a recovery tackle, but the referee awarded a free-kick to Forest and a caution to the Royals left-back. But the sides had to share the spoils at one apiece at the full-time whistle.
REACTION
PAUNOVIC PRAISES ‘LEADERSHIP AND EXPERIENCE’ OF NEW SIGNING READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic was pleased with the response of his team with an improved second-half display.
The Royals boss was displeased with his team’s start after they went behind in the fourth minute. “We made it tough for ourselves,” said Paunovic. “A second game where we conceded early and an avoidable goal. “We had to react and use more energy to deal with that adversity. “We have to impose our plan and our way of playing from the first moment. We didn’t start the second half well either.
“I think it was a fantastic output the players gave, a good impression we left with our fans to show how much we care, how much we are going to fight for the team. “We fought back and the first half we ended like it was the end of the match – looking for the goal to level the game. “So our game today could have been rewarded with three points if we’d had a little more clarity in the final third.” Paunovic was pleased with the impact of débutante Andy Carroll whose aerial presence led
to the equaliser from Scott Dann. He continued: “We created some good opportunities, but we have to be much more clinical with the final pass and final product. “We have to be more ruthless and these things will come when we have Andy Carroll match fit and ready to start games. “He (Carroll) brought pedigree, experience and leadership on the field. “He communicated where he wants the ball. We got a boost and our fans connected very well. “The only concern was how
many minutes Andy can play. “He helped a lot and our main focus with him individually is to get him game fit and learn more about our team. “We expect in the next couple of games he (Andy Carroll) will get minutes and then we will see if he’s ready to start. “Liam (Moore) had a yellow card and had only travelled and joined the team on Friday. Tactically it was important for us to switch the formation. “We expect Halilovic to be ready for the next game. Andy Rinomohta needs a bit more time.”
LENTY of eyebrows were raised last week when it was announced that Reading had signed free agent Andy Carroll on a two-month contract. Some of this scepticism came from within our fanbase – after all, you’re entitled to be a little concerned when your club signs a striker with just one goal in his last 1,495 minutes of league football – but a lot of it came from onlookers mocking the move. Carroll was once hot property in football. 17 goals to fire Newcastle United to Championship promotion and then 11 goals in half a season in the Premier League made the striker one of the most promising attacking talents in the English game. However, ever since his failed £35m (a then British record) move to Liverpool, Carroll has been near-constantly ridiculed. His name has become a synonym for ‘flop’. Maybe it’s his shoddy history with injuries. But it’s fair to say he has earned an unfair reputation as a lazy centre forward. Indeed, his salary has also been derided since his move to the Select Car Leasing Stadium. ‘How much is he costing?’ other fans have cried. The reality of course is very different. We must assume that Carroll’s wages are no more than £8,500-per-week, in line with the club’s transfer embargo rules. There was a noticeable buzz among supporters that signing Carroll brought. It seemed to give everyone a lift in a week in which, as mentioned, the club were docked six points by the EFL. There was real excitement to see him potentially make his debut on Saturday against Nottingham Forest. When he came on as a substitute just after the hour mark, his name was sung around the Select Car Leasing Stadium. He offered Reading something different. George Puscas seemed to relish playing with a partner. Forest’s defence looked a bit panicked about having to deal with him and Steve Cooper was forced into a tactical substitution. For Reading’s equaliser, the visitors were too focussed on Carroll to stop Scott Dann sweeping in with a shot. His dogged determinedness was really encouraging. On an initial two-month deal, the striker is a risk-free signing. He may even end up proving more of a benefit to the team than anyone could have imagined.
Andy Carroll against Nottingham Forest
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S4K Ladies in league action against Newbury Pictures: Andrew Batt
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
BERKS COUNTY CONTINUE HISTORIC FA VASE RUN AS FAWKES FIND LATE WIN Thames Valley Division One
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
HURST stay top of the table after their 2-2 stalemate away at Henley Town. FC IMAAN LIONS were subject to a heavy defeat on the road as they were beaten 10-2 by Holyport Reserves.
FA Vase second-round
BERKS COUNTY continued their historic run in the FA Vase as they progressed through to the thirdround. In their away tie at Harefield United, there was a manic start to the game with two goals in the opening two minutes. The hosts took the lead in the first minute but Berks came up with an instant response as Ebby OpokuWare scored from close range. The frantic football continued as the Swords got their noses in front in the 13th minute when Luke Hayden put them in front. Berks goalkeeper Harris made a vital save to keep his team in the lead before hayden struck again in the 36th minute with his second of the day. Harefield grabbed a goal back early after the restart to put the pressure on on the 49th minute. But that was the end of the scoring as the Swords held on to make history and advance in the Vase in their debut campaign in the competition.
Berks & Bucks Women’s Cup WOODLEY UNITED exited the cup after they conceded five without reply to Abingdon United.
Berks & Bucks Women’s Trophy
S4K Ladies stay top with a late victory
CAVERSHAM UNITED booked their place in the next round with an emphatic 7-1 triumph over Holyport as Holly Swan netted four. WARGRAVE advanced with a 3-1 win over Wallingford Town, while SHINFIELD RANGERS were beaten by Mortimer 2-0.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S
Combined Counties Division One
Woodley United’s keeper takes a catch
WOODLEY UNITED picked up three vital points on the road in an entertaining seve-goal contest at Hillingdon Borough. Ben Anderson gave the Kestrels an early lead after just four minutes, but Hillingdon got back on level terms in the 13th minute. The game burst into life in the second-half as Gary S Restored Woodley’s lead before an own goal three minutes later put them further in front. Hillingdon hit back with two goals to level the game but woodley found the winner in the 67th minute as Anderson notched his
brace. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA recovered a two-goal deficit to take an away point against Rayners Lane. Paras Gill and Chris Robson scored to put the Boars on terms with four goals in the opening half an hour. Eversley had a chance to steal the points in the 90th minute but had a penalty kick saved.
Winnersh battle against Woodley
Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD continued
their reign at the top of the league with a win and a clean sheet over Yateley United. Joel Day gave Finch a lead in the first-half and Alex Woodhead sealed the points with a second in the 76th minute. READING CITY U23’s earned an away win against Maidenhead Town to put them in eighth WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS matched the result of their firstteam with a 4-3 away win. READING YMCA suffered defeat on the road as they were beaten 2-0 by Westwood Wanderers.
S4K BERKS COUNTY remain at the top after they snatched a late winner against Newbury Development. The Fawkes left it late as Charisse-Ellouise Tregear ensured they earned maximum pints with the only goal of the game. Reading & District Sunday League Senior: Arborfield 7-3 Tilehurst Other: Junction United 0-3 FC Sporty, Mortimer 1-2 AFC Bradfield, Tilehurst YM 1-3 FC BAPCO One: GC United 1-2 116 Exiles, Give Back 3-2 Emmer Green, Loxwood Park Rangers 5-1 Woodley Saints Hobnob, Rose & Thistle 2-3 Burghfield Reserves, Westwood Wanderers 10-0 Reading Kites Two: Burghfield A 9-0 AFC Pangbourne, Ground United 3-2 Calcot Royals, Romania United 4-2 Farley Hill Three: FC Woodley 6-0 116 Exiles Reserves, New England 4-1 Berkshire Royals, Racing Club de Woko 3-1 Sanctuary Strikers, Royal Albion 4-0 Thames Valley Railway
YOUTH FOOTBALL
FC BRACKNELL U13’S HIT SIX TO GO TOP FC Bracknell U13’s took home a 6-3 victory as they soared to the top of the table.
The Man of the Match award was given to Mikey, who scored a hat-trick. It was a tough match for the U12’s who lost 6-0 on their travels to FC Holyport while the U12 Youth put six past Twyford Comets. It’s been a difficult season for U14 Youth with recent promotions putting them in an unforgiving division and this week was made harder with absentees. But they worked harder than ever against one of the top sides in the division and thoroughly deserved their 3-2 victory. All were superb with Jack scoring twice and Daniel with the other. After the U14 Colts scored 10 in their previous match, they were on a high facing Burghfield Buffalos, but after a tight match the Buffalos pipped the Blues 2-1. The U15 Youth made it back to back wins putting three past Caversham Rangers. The U16 Colts played Whitegrove & Warfield in a local derby, still without a full time goal keeper the Colts battled throughout but lost out losing 6-2 against the Greens. U17’s continued their strong string of results by putting eight past Moormead. Finishing 8-2 to the Blues with Will scooping Man of the Match. U17 Youth also put in a strong performance against a tough Twickenham team who they lost to the previous week. After going is goal down Blues were on the right side of the result this week winning 3-1, Josh, James and Jamie were Man of the Match with a special mention for the whole defence, Leo, Shane and GK Archie U17 Colts were on their travels to Windsor, after a tough match the blues lost 10-0 in a battling display. The U18 faced a tough Burghfield team and lost 8-0.