Reading Today - third issue - November 3, 2021

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 No. 3 90p

Reading Half is under starter’s orders

THREE PAPERS IN ONE! News | Sport | Leisure

SCARE WE GO Students help on the trail • p31

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today THE READING Half-Marathon is back on track after a two year wait due to covid.

On Sunday, 13,000 runners will take to the streets to bag a medal and support local charities.

The last event, regarded as one of the top races in the running calendar, took place in April 2019.

The starting point is the glorious Green Park with competitors being roared across the finish line inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium in front of a packed crowd of 15,000 people.

Race director Judith Manson said this Sunday’s run, the 39th, will be an emotional one.

“A lot of people will no doubt shed a tear when they enter the stadium because they have waited so long, almost three years, since they last did the course,” she explained.

“There will be a buzz right from the start as runners of all abilities finally get to put on their running shoes once more and try to beat their personal best times, or set one.

“It is also wonderful that once again local and other charities will benefit from sponsorship money which could be in the range of around half a million pounds.”

As well as the main race, there are two other events. The Green Park Challenge of one-and-a-half miles is mainly for children, while the Hilton Reading Corporate Challenge is a combination of both the main race and the younger event.

Among the big-name stars is Charlotte Purdue, one of Britain’s top marathon runners, who has been helping to train a number of runners. n Road closures page 3

TEENS ARRESTED AFTER MAN DIES P3

MARCH TO SAVE EARTH Bishop Olivia at COP26 as churches plan day of action in town centre

EXCLUSIVE

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today THE Bishop of Reading says people in Reading have “inspired” her trip to the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow.

Bishop Olivia Graham praised activists, schools, charities, politicians and faith and community groups for their courage in not just speaking out on climate change but also supporting

“practical measures” to combat it.

She particularly applauded the town and Reading University for welcoming the Young Christian Climate Network volunteers who took part in a nationwide walk from Cornwall to Glasgow in the summer.

“I go to COP26 inspired by what people in Reading are doing, whether as part of a group or as individuals,” said Bishop Olivia.

Some churches have planned a climate march for Saturday. n Full story and more on page 31

SPOOKY TRAILS IN GARDENS P35

AUTHOR ROBIN SIGNS UP P8 ISSN 2754-2785 44

9 772754 278509 BOOK YOUR TIMBER FRAME PROJECT FOR 2022 WITH VISION! Our timer frame systems offer money saving solutions for both new builds & extensions. Build strong, fast and energy efficient.

Call us today to see how we can assist with your project!

2 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Cecilia Consort celebrates 30th anniversary

Celebration of town’s culture

WE COVER READING BOROUGH EMMER GREEN CAVERSHAM CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS LOWER CAVERSHAM TILEHURST

NORCOT

WEST READING SOUTHCOTE

READING COLEY

EAST READING

KATESGROVE

WHITLEY MADEJSKI STADIUM

In print

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

Online

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

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

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

A THIRD mural has been painted in Reading as part of a community project.

Artist Gemma Anusa has installed a display on Oxford Road to honour the area’s “diverse and rich culture”.

The work, in Reading’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) area, is part of the ongoing pilot scheme ‘Reimagining the High Street Through Your Stories’.

Ms Anusa, who lives on Oxford Road, said the project is extremely important to her.

“I really do believe it is misunderstood in many ways, and I believe that art is the perfect way to bring us all together, especially during these times,” she said.

Her mural includes a face featuring a gradient of skin tones. Called ‘Through Your Eyes’, it also includes a series of quotes, important dates, times and significant moments in the history of Oxford Road and its community.

“My idea creates a stamp on the historical moments of the Oxford Road and the untold stories from people within the local

ART: Ms Anusa’s mural is a celebration of life on Oxford Road Picture: Reading Borough Council communities,” Ms Anusa explained.

“It will be a celebration of cocreation within the community, from getting to know shop and businesses owners, to talking with long term residents of the road and implementing the knowledge that we already know.

“Each story will be recorded,

allowing them to feel represented and heard in such a diverse and multicultural area, which is so important.”

Cllr Karen Rowland, lead for culture, heritage and recreation at Reading Borough Council, said she is “delighted” to see Oxford Road celebrated.

15 flats planned for empty Broad St shops

By Tevye Markson Local democracy reporter SHOPS ON Broad Street could be revamped, along with 15 flats being built, under new plans to transform part of the town centre.

Toucan Finance, on behalf of APM, has submitted planning proposals to Reading Borough Council to build a four-to-five storey building with 15 flats behind vacant shops at 86-87a Broad Street.

The developer also wants to revamp the two shops, formerly home to EE and Shoe Zone.

The former Shoe Zone store has been vacant since January and EE since June 2017 “despite active marketing”.

Employment agency Blue Arrow occupies the first floor above No. 87, but would be replaced with flats under the plans.

In the application, Toucan Finance wrote: “The existing site and its

cluster of vacant buildings are in a poor state of disrepair following long-term vacancies and poor quality additions in the past, which has led to an ad-hoc industrial style structure.

“There is a clear and compelling opportunity to utilise the sites full potential with central Reading in a way that respects and celebrates its original design.”

The façade on the first, second and third floors would remain, with the ground floor shop façades getting a new look, while a new storey for the flats would be added above 86 Broad Street.

The three-storey group of midterrace buildings is around 80 metres to the east of the Broad Street Mall shopping centre.

Apartments would be located above both shops and behind them, facing St Mary’s churchyard.

The plans include front gardens,

secluded courtyards, expansive terraces, and balconies for residents.

Toucan Finance said the homes would be “sustainable”, with plans that include the use of both “passive and active measures” such as solar panels, to create energy, good insulation and an air-tight building.

It aims to reduce carbon by 46%, with a planning contribution to offset the remaining carbon emissions to zero.

Before the application was submitted, a series of pre-application discussions were held between the developer, officers and councillors.

One version of the plans included painting the three-storey frontages on Broad Street green.

This was opposed by the council’s design review panel in the second of these pre-application discussions.

The latest plans include no changes to the facades on the high street except for the ground floor.

A CELEBRATION of a choir’s 30th anniversary will take place later this month.

In the summer of 1989, a group of singers came together to perform Mozart’s Requiem.

The event was intended to be a one-off, but 30 years later The Cecilia Consort are going strong.

The intended celebrations were curtailed by covid, but are now back on track, with the group performing on Saturday, November 13, at Douai Abbey in Upper Woolhampton.

The evening will feature music by William Harris, Herbert Howells, Bob Chilcott, Morten Lauridsen and Maurice Duruflé.

They will be conducted, as they were at their inaugural concert, by professional singer Janet Coxwell.

And the anniversary celebrations continue in the new year.

The singers are planning to record a special CD featuring many choral works they have performed over the years.

Funding has come from a singathon they undertook on online platform Zoom.

The concert starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £15, or £5 for under 18s. n For more details, or to book, log on to www.ceciliaconsort.org.uk/ events/30th-anniversary-concert

Stock up on Christmas cards at church’s sale A SALE of Christmas cards and gifts will take place in Earley on Friday, November 5.

Members of St Nicolas Church’s afternoon club is holding the event at its Sutcliffe Avenue venue between 2pm and 4pm.

There will be a mixture of homemade cards and gifts, tea, coffee and homemade cakes available.

READING TODAY Family Notices Your wording

Classification (please tick) n Births n Birthdays n Engagements n Weddings n Anniversaries n Other n Death n In memory

YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Name Address

Advert sizes n 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT n 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT Postcode n 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT n 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT n 6cm by 2 column – 100 words £72 INC VAT Email n Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) DEADLINE IS MONDAY AT 5PM FOR THAT WEEK’S PAPER

Phone number

Send your forms to: Family notices, Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper Ltd. Payments may also be made by card over the phone.

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 3

Free bus travel for job seekers

SCENE WATCH: Forensic police at Romany Lane in Tilehurst after a man died on Sunday night. Two teenagers were arrested on suspicion of murder Pictures: Steve Smyth

Teenagers arrested after man dies in Tilehurst

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today

TWO teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after police were called to a reported stabbing in Tilehurst on Sunday evening.

The incident took place around 10.40pm on Sunday, October 31, in Romany Lane.

A man in his twenties died at the scene, and his next of kin have been informed.

An 18-year-old and 19-year-old – both men and from the Reading area – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andy

Howard of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “We have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man on Sunday night.

“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“We are currently in the early stages of this investigation and two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

“At this time we believe that this was a targeted incident and that there is no risk to the wider public.”

He continued: “A scene watch is in place in Romany Lane and local residents will see an increased police presence while we continue with the investigation.

Reading half road closures THE STREETS of Reading will be taken over by runners on Sunday, thanks to the annual half marathon.

This means that there will be a rolling programme of road closures.

Access to the Royal Berkshire Hospital remains open – approach from London Road.

A special helpline has been set up for residents affected. It can be called on 0118 937 2771.

The following roads can be closed at any point between 7am and 3pm, and will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so.

A33 (southbound) 9.45am-11.30am entire Bennet Rd gyratory system; Bennet Road 9.50am-3pm entire length; Basingstoke Road 9.50am-11.25am between Imperial Way & Callington Road; Island Road 9.30am-2.35pm entire length; Hartland Road 9.30am11.40am entire length; Whitley Wood Road 9.30am-noon between Hartland Road & Shinfield Road; Shinfield Road 9.30am-12.30pm between Whitley Wood Road & Christchurch

Road; Pepper Lane 9.30am-12.30pm entire length; Christchurch Road 9.30am-12.30pm entire length; Kendrick Road 9.30am-1pm entire length; London Road 9.45am-12.40pm between Sidmouth Street & Crown Street; London Street 9am-12.40pm entire length; Mill Lane (north & southbound) 7am-12.40pm entire length; Duke Street 9.30am-12.40pm entire length; Thorn Lane 9.30am12.40pm entire length; Yield Hall Place 9.30am-12.40pm entire length; Minster Street 9.30am-12.40pm entire length; Gun Street 9.30am-12.40pm entire length; King Street 9.30am12.40pm entire length; King’s Road 9.30am-12.40pm between Abbey Street and King Street; Abbey Square 9.30am-12.45pm entire length; Abbey Street 9.30am-12.45pm entire length; Abbots Walk 9.30am-12.45pm entire length; The Forbury 9.30am-12.45pm entire length; Butter Market 9.30am12.45pm entire length; High Street 9.30am-12.45pm entire length; Market Place 9.30am-12.45pm entire length; Blagrave Street 9.30am-12.45pm between Valpy Street and Friar Street;

“If anyone has any concerns, please speak to one of our uniformed officers.

“Anyone with information that may help our investigation can make a report by calling 101 or online, quoting reference 43210492275.

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

Valpy Street 9.30am-12.45pm entire length; Friar Street 9am-12.50pm between Blagrave Street and West Street; Station Road 9.30am-12.50pm entire length; West Street 9am12.50pm entire length; Oxford Road 9.30am-1.05pm between West Street and Bedford Road (restricted access from 9am) Russell Street 9.30am-1pm entire length; Tilehurst Road 9.30am1.15pm between Russell Street and Liebenrood Road; Liebenrood Road 9.30am-2pm entire length; Bath Road 9.30am-1.50pm between Circuit Lane and Coley Avenue; Castle Hill 9.30am-1.50pm entire length; Coley Avenue 9.30am-1.40pm between Bath Road and Berkeley Avenue; Berkeley Avenue 9.30am-1.55pm between Elgar Road and Shaw Road; Rose Kiln Lane (northbound) 9.30am-1.55pm between Berkeley Avenue and junction with A33; A33 (northbound) 9.30am3pm between Bennet Road and IDR; Lindisfarne Way 9.45am-11.30am westbound - no access to A33; Longwater Avenue 7am-3pm entire length; Brook Drive 7am-3pm entire length; Northern Way 7am-4pm entire length; Hoops Way and Shooters Way 7am-4pm entire length.

FREE bus travel to help people get to job interviews has been gifted to a Reading charity.

Reading Buses is offering free trips aimed at helping people who are either homeless or at risk of losing their home, so they can get across Reading.

The service also covers helping people get to training as well as employment appointments.

Homelessness prevention charity Launchpad is coordinating the scheme, and Reading Buses hopes that the project will help solve some issues causes by staff shortages at this time.

This is not the first time that Reading Buses has helped groups in this way, providing free travel for the Forgotten British Gurkha charity.

Its chief executive officer, Robert Williams, said: “It is about helping prevent homelessness, and giving local people the independence they need without worrying about finding money for their bus fare.

“We are clearly aware of staff shortages in many sectors of our local economy and feel we can make a contribution towards easing the current serious problem.”

“We’re also continuing to support those with Job Centre Plus cards with our Job seeker ID. We’re giving job seekers access to discounted allday tickets and supporting them to get around while they are searching for employment.”

And the project is welcomed by Launchpad.

The charity’s head of marketing and fundraising, Kirsti Wilson, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Reading Buses for their kind donation of bus travel.

“When you’re trying to rebuild your life after experiencing homelessness, finances can be tight, and sometimes there isn’t even enough for the essentials – which can be a huge barrier when you’re trying to get back on your feet.

“With the gift of bus travel from Reading Buses, our clients can access things like education, training and employment opportunities to increase their confidence, gain independence and finally break the cycle of homelessness. Bus travel might seem fairly simple to many people, but to our clients it will mean everything.”

4 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

500 reports of fly-tipping Reading Borough Council

By PHIL CREIGHTON editor@rdg.today

MORE than 40 fines were issued in September for fly-tipping, but a Reading resident is calling for more action to be taken.

LEARNING: Laurence explored Reading’s past during Black History Month

Bus director discovers Reading’s ‘shady past’ READING has a “shady past”, Reading Buses’ financial director has said, after delving into the area’s history for Black History Month.

Laurence explored Reading’s past to commemorate the national campaign.

He said some of the information uncovered was “shocking”, and said a number of historical Reading families and place names are linked to the slave trade.

“While we have obviously come a long way since [the 1830s], there are still inequalities in society,” he said.

Laurence said his research led him to question why covid deaths have been proportionately higher in Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and why black and mixed-Caribbean students are allegedly three times more likely to

be expelled from school. “[There are] so many theories and opinions on these and other questions,” he said. “But as long as these questions exist there is a need for Black History Month.”

Laurence is urging Reading residents to champion minority groups.

“We have so many fantastic people here at Reading Buses doing great things for our customers and each other every day,” he said. “My ask of you is to be an ally.

“Listen to people’s experiences, learn about the history — good and bad.

“Speak up and challenge prejudiced views when you hear them and educate people to do better.”

n To find out more about the history of black people in Reading, visit: www.risc.org

Business offers free parking prize for charity A BERKSHIRE business has pledged its support to a charity close to its heart.

Premium Car Parks is supporting Reading’s No5 Young People, as the charity prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

No5 works with thousands of people across Berkshire and offers counselling, emotional support and training.

Premium Car Parks is hosting a giveaway to raise vital funds for the charity — and is offering three months of free parking at

one of its locations.

In 2019, the company’s chairman, Chris Pengilly, embarked on a 3,000 mile journey in a 30-year-old Toyota to support No5.

To mark its 50th anniversary, the charity is hosting a fundraising gala at the Hilton in Reading on Saturday, November 20.

The winner of Premium Car Parks’ raffle will be announced on the night.

Christmas Fayre raises money for pigs

Wreath making at Reading Biscuit Factory

CHRISTMAS festivities are starting in Spencers Wood this weekend.

Resident Susan Player is hosting a Christmas Fayre to fundraise for the pig sanctuary she hopes to launch.

Ms Player will be bringing her pig Hippo to the event, held at Spencers Wood Village Hall on Saturday.

From 11.30am until 4.30pm, there will be a range of stalls, including a raffle, cake sale, pizzas, and more.

Entry is free, although Ms Player said donations will be greatly appreciated.

Proceeds will go to Little Pigs at Home, a non-profit organisation she set up, after adopting two pigs.

A CHRISTMAS wreath-making workshop will be held at the Reading Biscuit Factory this December.

To get into the festive spirit, participants can enjoy creating their wreaths at the venue on Broad Street Mall on Friday, December 3 and Friday, December 10.

The 90-minute sessions will demonstrate how to moss and add foliage to the 14 inch wreath frame.

And attendees can then add traditional decorations, including fruit, fir cones, baubles, cinnamon sticks and ribbon.

n To find out more, visit: www.no5. org.uk/2021/09/22/no5s-50thanniversary-fundraising-gala

n For more details, or to book, visit readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Peter Bowyer, chair of the Baker Street Residents Association in West Reading, says that so far this year, he has taken more than 500 photos on his morning walk into town showing the scale of the problem.

And it’s not just mattresses and car tyres that are being dumped. It’s little bags of rubbish.

“It’s people not knowing what to do with their rubbish,” he said.

“They put it on street corners, around the recycling or rubbish bins and the council comes along and clears it up. The council are extraordinarily good at that: their system for clearing up reported rubbish is brilliant.”

Mr Bowyer is referring to the Love Clean Streets app which allows people to log dumped waste, take a picture of it and send the log to the council. This is then cleared away, often the next day.

“The council are very, very good at this, but it tells the residents that them leaving their rubbish on the street corner is the right thing to do, because the council will come and tidy it up.

“What they’re not seemingly able or willing to do is to work out why people are leaving their rubbish on street corners, or whether anything the council has done is causing them to leave rubbish.”

He feels that the council’s ‘enforcement drive’ isn’t enough as it is a man in a council van searching through the waste to try and find something to identify the culprit.

“That is not sustainable, it is not scalable, and it’s a horrible job to do,” he said.

“I wouldn’t want to be that person for a minute, not for a million pounds.”

GET RID OF IT: Dumped waste in Cumberland Road in Newtown Picture: Simon French Mr Bowyer felt that the problem was partly caused by a more transient community: people who move into an area and then move on as work or life forces them to change location. With the pressures of moving, and the new, smaller wheelie bins in place, this causes an issue. It is often compounded by people in homes of multiple occupation not necessarily having cars

OVERFLOWING: Bins for residents are in much demand Picture: Peter Bowyer

to transport excess waste to the recycling centres at Smallmead or in Bracknell.

He said that while signs had been put up in a recycling point in the Baker Street area, they hadn’t deterred flytippers.

“There’s just as much tipping as before. Some of them will be getting tickets, but it isn’t stopping it.

“Tickets aren’t actually

WASTEFUL: Bags of rubbish left on streets are blighting Reading Picture: Peter Bowyer

solving the problem.

“What I believe they need to do is analyse where the problems are, what sort of people are likely to be doing the tipping, and have a programme of education and information, a programme of communicating with landlords and whoever, to help people understand what they’re supposed to be doing with excess rubbish.

“There isn’t anything.”

He added: “The council’s answer is ‘you can take it to the tip, but the tip is two miles away down a dual carriageway, and you have to book a slot. For some of us that’s reasonably easy, I can store some rubbish and book a slot, but that isn’t a feasible solution for everybody.”

Conservative group leader on Reading Borough Council, Cllr Jeannette Skeates, said: “I know there is a concern regarding rats.

“We are also aware there are concern that people are dumping waste because they can’t get it all in the bins.”

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 5

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

this year ... so far – so what is doing about dumped waste?

DUMPED: Rubbish bags left by takeaway bins from stores in the Chatham Street area. It is not known who left the waste for the council to clear up Picture: Peter Bowyer

DROPPED: A bed left near the IDR rather than taken to the tip

FULL: Waste dumped next to a bin rather than being left at home

LEFT OUT: Some of the bags dumped around the Oxford Road area Picture: Peter Bowyer A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said: “We have a team of officers who investigate fly tipping, and in September 2021 issued 42 FPN’s for waste that was dumped.

“The officers also support households who are struggling with their waste capacity, as they can offer advice and/or conduct a waste audit. This allows officers to provide tailored advice to individuals.

“The Council requests people who require additional capacity to apply for this

One of the country’s foremost independent girls’ schools from 3-18

online (search for Order a bin or bag on Reading Borough Council’s website) and would then have extra capacity granted or rejected.”

They added: “If residents are unable to get to the Household Waste and Recycling Centre we would encourage them to ensure they are recycling all that they can by using the recycling scheme and food waste recycling. If the waste is bulky Reading Borough Council can collect through its bulky waste collection service.”

Reading Borough Council issues £100,000 in community grants MORE THAN 50 organisations in Reading have been awarded funding to bounce back from covid, writes Tevye Markson, LDR reporter.

A refugee football club, community cafes, and hot meals for homeless are some of the projects receiving up to £10,000.

The borough council is issuing £100,000 from its Small Grants Fund to help community groups make a difference.

Cllr Jason Brock, leader of the borough council, said: “It is vital that as a council we open doors for the many small community groups across Reading who want to deliver projects that benefit local communities in the town.

“This will create opportunities for those groups to progress small local projects.”

Grants of up to £5,000 or £10,000 for joint bids have been awarded to 22 organisations.

These include Readipop, Reading Mencap, and First Days Children’s Charity.

Residents plan rally to combat violence in Reading RESIDENTS across Reading will join forces to ‘reclaim the night’ next month.

On Friday, December 3, Reading Labour is hosting a march and rally to call for safer streets.

On social media, it wrote: “We are campaigning for an end to violence against women, and gendered violence in all its forms.”

The Reclaim the Night march will feature local and national speakers.

The Party has encouraged attendees to bring torches and placards, and said people do not need to be party members to get involved.

The group will meet in Queens Walk between 6.15pm and 6.30pm before walking to the old Town Square. n The rally forms part of the national Reclaim the Night campaign, which launched in 2004. n For more information, search for ‘Reading and District Labour Party’ on Facebook.

The Abbey invites you to our forthcoming virtual open events: Junior School - 10 November, 4.30 - 5.30pm Senior School - 8 November, 4.30 - 5.30pm Sixth Form - 3 November, 4.30 - 5.30pm

To register your place, please visit:

www.theabbey.co.uk/events

Abbey Virtuals 265x160.indd 1

07/10/2021 17:25

6 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Drivers warned not to park in middle of Earley roundabout EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today PARKING in the middle of a roundabout is not something the Highway Code has much to say about, but Earley and Newtown motorists could force a reprint.

Motorists have been parking on the surface underneath the A3290 flyover, cracking the paving stones and causing a potential danger as they enter and exit the space.

In January this year, Wokingham Borough Council placed a temporary parking restriction on the middle of the Suttons Seeds Roundabout.

Vehicles that carried on parking received tickets from wardens, while Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for highways, warned: “Parking behaviour at this location has worsened, and we now have drivers illegally joining the carriageway at locations other than the access road in an unsafe manner.”

She added that heavy-goods vehicles caused damage to the

bridge supports.

The parking suspension ran out in July, and in recent weeks motorists have clocked that the space can be used again. Users have included a team from Volker Highways, as well as lorry drivers leaving their cabs.

Ordinary cars have been left as well: Newtown is part of Reading Borough Council’s parking permit scheme, so additional parking space is welcomed by residents.

But it appears that time could be running out for this perk.

A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council told Reading Today: “Since this matter was drawn to our attention, we have instructed all owners of vehicles parked on the roundabout to remove them from the site.

“The area in the centre of the Sutton Seeds roundabout

is neither suitable nor safe for use as a car park, and it is clear that firmer controls on parking at this site and on verges in London Road will be necessary.”

They added: “We’re now drawing up parking restrictions to make the previous temporary controls permanent.

This will follow the usual statutory procedures, including a period for objections to be made.

“Drivers are warned not to use this area and to remove any vehicles immediately.

“Those left for several days and not checked by their owners may be considered abandoned and removed, while those without a valid MOT or vehicle tax may also be destroyed.”

Notices advising of parking restrictions have now been added to the site.

Join our team Extraordinary careers in Early Years

Our colleagues are fundamental to supporting children’s early learning and development. Whether you are qualified or unqualified, working full time or part time, a career in Early Years is massively rewarding.

No two days are the same in our nursery and we want to ensure you are having as much fun as the little people we care for.

£1000 joining bonus

SCAN ME FOR LATEST VACANCIES

www.childbasepartnership.com

WINTER HOME NEEDED: Stone sculptor McAlistair Hood is on the hunt for a town centre premises to continue work on his creations Picture: Andrew Hood

Sculptor searches for town home A STONE sculptor is on the hunt for a new Reading town premises.

Borough-based artist McAlistair Hood has used his skills to present mobile stone carving workshops in the borough this summer.

The low-cost sessions brought the art into the town centre for all to enjoy.

With a studio just outside Theale, Mr Hood is now reaching out to the community in search for a new winter premises.

“We need to find a town centre workspace that is more sheltered, or possibly indoors,” he said.

“It needs to be secure and somewhere that can be lit so that

our work can continue, and more communities and organisations can join in during the cold months.”

Mr Hood worked as a Sculptor in Residence at Lavender Place Gardens, near to The Hexagon, where groups, organisations and individuals got stuck into the visual art form.

The community activities he’s previously hosted includes Reading Museum at the WaterFest 2021 and Food4Families at Lavender Place Community Garden.

And he led a sculpt-a-bug stone carving workshops for Holiday Activities and Food groups 2021.

Ridgeway Primary receives 60 laptops A READING school received 60 laptops from a technology company last week.

The Ridgeway Primary School, in Hill Brow, had a special visit from Keysight Technologies, which has offices in Winnersh Triangle and Wokingham.

The donation, which forms part of the company’s commitment to promoting better education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, includes a range of leading brands and quality equipment.

It will be available for both pupils and staff to use at the school.

The school’s deputy headmistress, Hannah Wells, thanked Keysight Technologies for its donation.

“Making sure that every child has the best opportunity to build their IT literacy

skills from an early age is so important,” she said.

“This generous donation really enhances our resources available to ensure that technology can play its important role in our education programme.”

Keysight’s UK general manager Chris Trim added: “As a global company, within each office we’re encouraged to find causes in our local area where we can try and make a difference and give something back to the community.

“With a whole school of potential engineers and computer whizz kids of the future right here at Ridgeway, we’re extremely proud to be able to offer this equipment.

Mr Trim is delighted the donation can be used to complement the work delivered by the school pupils and staff.

His recent project, ‘Honouring Water’, provided an opportunity for people from all walks of life and backgrounds to gain a new skill.

Mr Hood is calling for businesses or anyone who can help him find a premises to work in over the coming winter months.

He added: “It is important for me as a sculptor to emerge from my out-of-town studio and be visible to the public who are at large with their wallets and purses. So the occupation of a town centre venue is crucial to me for visibility.” n For more details, log on to: mcalistairhood.artweb.com

L’Ortolan awarded three AA rosettes A SHINFIELD restaurant is celebrating after receiving a prestigious food rating.

AA awarded L’Ortolan, on Church Lane, three AA Rosettes in its annual award ceremony last month.

Four rosettes are up for grabs per restaurant.

L’Ortolan was praised by inspectors for its “consummate modern gastronomy”.

On social media, the restaurant wrote: “We are thrilled to announce [the] big news!

“Thanks to the hard work from our team, we are delighted to present our three Rosette Award.”

Simon Numphud, managing director at AA Media, said: “As the hospitality sector reopens after a challenging year, it is an honour to be able to recognise those restaurants achieving the highest levels of gastronomic excellence.”

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 7

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Reading drug dealer jailed for three years

Mini COP26

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today

A WEST Reading man has been jailed for drug dealing.

Colin Green was stopped by police on Jesse Terrace, off Castle Hill, on Tuesday, August 17, this year.

Thames Valley Police said he had been seen with known drug users.

They arrested and searched him, finding cash in his possession, while the drugs he had given to the users were recovered.

A house search found additional drugs and appropriate packaging.

He was charged on Wednesday, August 18.

At a hearing at Reading Crown Court on Friday, October 22, the 45-year-old from Waylen Street pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to supply heroin and possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

Investigating officer, PC Russell Morbey, of the Thames Valley Police Stronghold team, which tackles organised crime, said: “Tackling drugs supply remains a top priority for Thames Valley Police.

We will actively seek to disrupt organised drug supply to protect our communities.

NEW HOME: The Cowshed opened its new donation centre on Bennet Road, Reading

The Cowshed opens new Reading base

JAILED: Colin Green will spend three years behind bars for drug dealing “Through Stronghold, we are committed to working in partnership to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation, such as county lines drug dealing.

“We continue to need the support of the public in this, and we would ask them to report any information that they have about drug dealing.

“This can be shared with Thames Valley Police on our website or by calling 101.

“You can also report 100% anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A HURST charity is expanding as it opened a new donation centre in Reading.

The Cowshed, which provides clothes and bedding to those in need across Berkshire, has relocated from its Winnersh base to bigger premises on Bennet Road, Reading.

With the increase in demand, the charity ran out of space to receive donations.

With the new £12,000 sq ft area, The Cowshed can store more items.

Manager Sally Russell said the Reading premises is “perfect” for the charity.

“As we take in nearly one tonne each day, we decided we needed to expand our

services,” she said.

“We were running out of space at our Winnersh centre, and found this location was great for what we needed.

“We can have it all on the ground floor so it’s easily accessible for our volunteers and the people who come in to donate their items.”

The charity helps a wide range of people across Berkshire.

Ms Russell said the opening of the donation centre is “really exciting”.

“We really want to start helping more people wordwide, and this is the next step in heading towards our expansion to help as many people as we can,” she said.

Ms Russell said they always welcome new volunteers.

“We would love to hear from anyone who wants to help out and is happy to carry light things, and we’d especially welcome local businesses to reach out and support our charity, too,” she said.

The new centre is open from 10am until 3pm on Monday to Thursdays, and Saturdays.

The Cowshed is also getting ready to launch its Christmas appeal. The aim is to brighten up families and children’s Christmas in the area by giving presents to those in need. n For more details, visit thecowshed.org

RESIDENTS are standing up against climate change in Reading this weekend.

Reading Friends of the Earth and Econet have teamed up to host a COP26 session in the town centre.

On Saturday, people are invited to meet on Friar Street to find out more about how to live sustainably and take action to help the planet.

There will also be representatives from a number of climate-conscious groups, including Reading Hydro, Reading Environmental Network and Extinction Rebellion Berkshire.

Richard P Allan, professor of Climate Science at the University of Reading, will host a presentation on the science of climate change.

John Booth, treasurer of Reading Friends of the Earth, said it is important to share the news about the climate crisis as much as possible.

“Our presenters bring a huge amount of knowledge to this discussion, and I hope the citizens of Reading come away informed and inspired,” he said.

There will also be presentations from Reading Community Energy, Reading Youth Parliament and local councillors to highlight changes made in Reading to deliver the Climate Action Plan.

The event, which will take place at St Laurence Church from 2pm, is free.

Booking is not required.

8 | NEWS

Coffee shop launches app A READING coffee shop is recognising customers for their loyalty with a new app.

Bru Coffee and Gelato, on Friar Street, has relaunched its mobile app to offer rewards.

Benefits include a free birthday treat and every tenth coffee on the house.

Junaid Makda, managing director of Bru, said: “We originally launched the app a few years ago to engage with and reward customers,” he said.

“As with all technology, things are forever changing.

“We’d limited the use of the app during the pandemic, and we felt that now was a good time to relaunch a new and improved version.”

Talk on Islamic art A JUXTAPOSITION of two cultures will be explored this Sunday at an Earley church.

Hadil Tamim and Adrian Lawson are teaming up to present Islamic Art Meets British Flowers, a talk that is part of the Reading International Festival.

The pair have written a book that combines the formal structure and discipline of Islamic pattern-making with British flowers and Reading’s architectural forms to create a series of artworks.

It takes place from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at St Nicolas Church in Sutcliffe Avenue.

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Student boycott over spiked drink fears

By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today

STUDENTS at Reading University could stage a second boycott of campus bars over spiking fears.

The usual Wednesday club night was cancelled last week as part of a nationwide campaign called Girls Night In, against a rise of incidents where young women were jabbed with needles, leaving them unconscious.

Police forces are also investigating cases of drinks being spiked at nightclubs, bars and on university premises around the country.

Ben Knowles, president of Reading University Students Union (RUSU), said there had been a number of unconfirmed reports involving students on campus.

“If students feel unsafe and call for a further boycott, then we will look at it,” he said.

“I know that this issue is a big concern for our students and more needs to be done. The Girls Night in Reading Uni campaign is a really positive campaign that I am fully in support of, and we are supportive of our members boycotting any space in which they don’t feel safe.

“RUSU has proactively taken a number of steps to ensure

safety in our venue, thanks to feedback from our members.

The comments we’re receiving have already provided valuable insight. We want to continue this conversation.”

He added: “There have been a number of events nationwide over the last 12 months that have demonstrated how we, as men, need to do a hell of a lot better. It is important that we support women, and that we look out for the women we live and study with. It is our responsibility to report anything we see or hear which poses a danger to others.

“Spiking is never OK, and I am committed to doing all I can to ensure our members feel safe at RUSU. By working with Campus Security, Thames Valley Police, University of Reading and most importantly our members, we will make RUSU a safe space for you to enjoy.”

The usually bustling Wednesday night which normally runs until 2am was eerily quiet as students stayed away.

University bosses issued a statement saying it had been “made aware of several reports of spiking, including drink spiking, and reports that students have received puncture wounds”.

“This appears to be linked to

s a m t s i Chr IS g n i m o C

Now taking Christmas Bookings Festive menu available 1st - 24th December

Christmas Day

3 courses + Free glass of bubbles £45 per person 12:00pm - 16:00pm

BOOK NOW www.the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk 0118 978 4529 355 Reading Road, Winnersh, RG41 5LR

venues both on and off campus,” the statement added.

“We have informed police and offering every assistance in finding those who responsible.

Anyone who assaults should face the full weight of the law.

“We urge anyone who has been the victim of or witness to a crime, or who has information about these incidents, to contact the police. Call 999 if you see a crime occurring or need immediate assistance. If you are on campus, call our 24hour Security emergency line on 0118 378 6300.

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort, said: “I am appalled and deeply concerned about these reports.

“I have a message for anyone considering spiking anyone’s drink or drugging them: think very hard about your actions, and the very serious impact it will have on other people, and on yourself. If you are found to have done this, you face disciplinary action, risk your future at the university, and likely to face criminal charges.

“For our students, please continue to look out for each other, familiarise yourself with the actions you can take, and tell staff straight away if you see anything suspicious.

“Together we will do all we can to keep each other safe.”

SIGNING DAY: Robin Ince signs copies of his book at Fourbears in Caversham Picture: Dijana Capan / DV Vision

Robin Ince signs in A FAMOUS face dropped into a Caversham bookshop on Saturday as part of a train whistle-stop tour of the country.

Robin Ince, familiar to listeners of the BBC Radio 4 show The Infinite Monkey Cage, was at Fourbears Books to sign copies of The Importance of Being Interested.

The book looks at how, 20 years after dropping science at school, he is now presenting one of the world’s most popular podcasts on the subject.

To celebrate its publication, Mr Ince is undertaking a tour of 100 independent bookshops, of which Fourbears Books was one. Where possible, these journeys are being made by train and that is how the author got to Caversham on Saturday. During the course of

Covid grant for dementia

A HOSPICE in Reading has received £1,000 as part of a covid relief fund.

Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice was awarded the money by the John Sykes Foundation, to support its dementia patients.

John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees at the Foundation, visited the Hospice last month to present the team with their cheque.

Laura Kell, head of hospice fundraising, said Sue Ryder is grateful for the donation.

“Fundraising has become increasingly difficult for us during the pandemic,” she said.

Ms Kell said the grant will be used to improve patient experiences.

This will include funding new name badges for staff, and

Macmillan teams up with Citizens A CANCER charity has helped Reading patients access more than £1 million of financial support.

Between July 2020 and June 2021, Macmillan Cancer Support helped 255 people receive more than £4,300 in welfare benefit payments.

The money, to cover the cost of essentials, was jointly provided by Macmillan and Citizens Advice Reading.

The organisations launched

dementia-friendly clocks for all rooms that show day and night.

John Sykes added: “We are delighted to have awarded the hospice with a grant.

“The service Maria Turnbull [hospice director], Laura and their team provide to their patients is so touching and meaningful, and their dedication is evident.

“We hope these items make a true difference to the dementia patients and their families’ experience at such a very distressing time.”

The hospice provides palliative care to people living with terminal illnesses.

The John Sykes Foundation’s Covid-19 Relief Fund Grant was created to support charities and community groups struggling to raise funds.

their support scheme to help people with cancer.

Kate Frankel, welfare benefits advisor at Citizens Advice Reading, said: “Cancer comes with lots of unexpected costs and often a loss in income,” she said.

“We want everyone with cancer to know we’re here to help make sure they get access to all the money they’re entitled to.”

Shelley Orton, Macmillan partnership manager in the Thames Valley, added: “Cancer is simply not something anyone can budget for.”

his signings, he estimates he will use 180 trains.

The signing wasn’t the only event at Fourbears at the weekend. The Prospect Street bookstore hosted more events in its week-long children’s book festival and also had some scary readings for Hallowe’en on Sunday.

Alex Stuart, from Fourbears, said: “We had a great week with the Childrens Festival and adult events, including Robin Ince.

“It was such a pleasure to put the events on and see local children enjoying reading, books, and the activities the authors created. Thanks to all the authors and Get Reading Reading who supported throughout the week.

“We are already planning next year’s festival.”

New test site A WALK-THROUGH covid testing site has opened in Reading town centre.

The facility launched in Battle Street Car Park last week as part of a Government drive to make tests more accessible for communities.

Residents are able to book appointments, provided they have symptoms of the virus.

These include a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to their sense of taste and smell.

Residents who have been asked to get a test, for example if they are a close contact of a positive case, can also use the service.

Jenny Harries, CEO of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said: “This new walk-through site is part of our ongoing work to make it even easier for people who need a PCR test to get one.

“If you have developed a new continuous cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in sense of smell or taste, or you are asked or advised to get a test, please book one and follow any advice you’re given.

“As we return to a more familiar way of life, testing, and isolating when necessary, remain a vital way of controlling the spread of the virus and protecting one another.” n For more information, visit: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 9

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Work begins on Prospect Park play hub

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

PREPARATIONS for a new play hub and activity centre at Prospect Park are underway.

On Monday, work began on-site around the pavilion, to make way for a £500,000 play centre.

The borough council hopes it will become a destination for activities, entertainment and learning for children.

It will include accessible outdoor family adventure nine-hole minigolf, an indoor low ropes course for younger children, a cafe, new toilets and a multi-function room for parties, meetings and teaching.

There is also going to be an outdoor education area that will also support Reading Play’s educational outreach work.

This week, a large hedge and shrubbery to the rear of the pavilion is being cleared, as well as an overgrown Leylandii hedge — to preserve the nearby veteran oak it has encroached on.

Work inside the pavilion starts next month, with the new centre set to open in spring.

Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading’s lead councillor for culture, heritage and recreation, said: “It is fantastic to see work to build a major new

destination for families across Reading and beyond.

“Like many people I have spoken to, I can’t wait to see it become a reality.”

Cllr Rowland hopes the park will become as big a destination as Dinton Pastures Country Park or Go Ape, at The Lookout.

“By providing a low ropes course, mini-golf and climbing walls Reading will have a unique mix of indoor and outdoor facilities for children and families,” she said. “I personally can’t wait for a mini-golf round amongst some of Reading’s finest heritage buildings.”

Cllr Rowland said: “This will be a significant and valuable extension to our provision for vulnerable and SEND children in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. Income generated through paid activities will crucially allow for this vital targeted work to continue.”

Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading’s lead councillor for health, wellbeing and sport, said he is thrilled preparations have started.

“A key priority for us is to drive an increase in activity, health and wellbeing across the borough, with targeted work in the community to reach those in most need and work towards reducing health inequalities,” he explained.

Boost wellbeing A READING charity is encouraging people to get outside to boost their wellbeing.

Thrive is asking residents to get involved with gardening and nature projects this autumn to brighten up the colder days.

It has launched an autumn calendar full of activities designed to improve wellbeing.

It includes planting tulips, building a bug hotel and autumn flower arranging.

The wellbeing calendar began on Monday.

CULTURAL FOCUS: The Broad Street cinema is focusing on Japan Picture: Reading Biscuit Factory

Biscuit Factory is turning Japanese A CELEBRATION of Japanese culture will be led by the Reading Biscuit Factory over the next six weeks.

Supported by the BFI and the National Lottery, Japan 2021 will be presented at the independent cinema on Broad Street Mall until Wednesday, December 8.

The festival programme aims to bring an immersive and engaging experience for all audiences.

Partners of the event include the Department of Film, Theatre and Television at the University of Reading, Queer East Film Festival, RUSU Japanese Society and Hyper Japan.

Featuring a mix of films,

documentaries and shorts, the presentation covers a range of themes and genres, including J-horror, LGBTQ+, cyberpunk, anime, classics and experimental movies from well-known Japanese cinemasters.

These include Akira Kurosawa, Yasujir Ozu and Kon Ichikawa, as well as critically acclaimed contemporary filmmakers Hirokazu Koreeda, Naomi Kawase and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.

Alongside the screenings, panel discussions and workshops will also take place across the six weeks.

Programme organiser Anupma Jai Shanker said:

“As the title suggests, we’ve worked closely with all our partners to curate a rich and diverse mix of features, documentaries and experimental shorts covering a wide range, from Akira Kurosawa to Hirokazu Koreeda, in our attempt to celebrate some of the greatest Japanese cinemasters and their timeless masterpieces.

“We hope that you will enjoy the programme and continue to encourage our future efforts in bringing similar events to Reading Biscuit Factory. As they say in Japanese ‘ja mata, ne’.” n For more details, log on to the readingbiscuitfactory. co.uk/japan2021

n To find out more, visit: www. thrive.org.uk

Rivermead bus timetable changes READING Buses has expanded in Rivermead.

As of Monday the travel operator has been running more Buzz 42 buses to the town centre.

The route, which runs from Kenavon Drive to central Reading, now runs twice every hour on weekdays, with one journey continuing to Rivermead.

The new timetable is in place between 8.30am and 5pm, during off-peak hours.

Reading Buses has also numbered all journeys 42, meaning there is no longer a 42a route.

n The new timetable, is at: www. reading-buses.co.uk

Fla t ro

of sp ec iali sts

20 YEAR WARRANTY 20 year warranty with BBA approved life expectancy of 35 - 40 years.

EXPERIENCED TEAM Over 25 years' experience in the roofing industry. Our staff are professional, polite and are all fully trained, so no subcontractors, no shortcuts!

FULLY ACCREDITED We are fully certified and accredited by the relevant authorities which makes us accountable for our work.

fic 0118 324 8444 www.rooftekadvance.co.uk roofing@rooftekadvance.co.uk 109 School Road, Tilehurst, Reading, RG31 5BH

10 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

RDG.TODAY Wednesday, November 3, 2021

MPs urge SEND school to continue

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THERESA May and Matt Rodda call on secretary of state for education to halt delay to Winnersh SEND school

Now taking registrations

TWO of the borough’s MPs have written to the secretary of state for education over delays to a Winnersh school.

Theresa May, Conservative MP for Maidenhead and Matt Rodda, Labour MP for Reading East, have penned a joint letter on the matter.

They have asked Nadhim Zahawi for help to “overcome a delay” in the opening of Oak Tree School, which would support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Based at Winnersh Farm, the school was due to begin its admission process for its first intake of Year 7 pupils in the next fortnight.

It will teach pupils from both Wokingham and Reading boroughs.

In their letter, Mrs May and Mr Rodda said the delay is due to the building contractor asking for an inflationary uplift of around £500,000.

“This could have a significant impact on around 50 local children whose families were due to begin discussions with

the school in the next two weeks and who would start at the school in September 2022,” the MPs wrote. “The school would offer much needed new facilities for the children with high levels of need, and it could make a real difference to many families.”

Both MPs believe the delay “would also have a potentially serious effect on both local authorities”, and said it could lead to Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils having to spend an additional £10 million each year on alternative placements in the private sector.

“This cost would be locked in for several years as the Year 7 pupils are expected to remain in the same school for the whole of their secondary education,” the MPs explained.

They said: “In effect, a discussion about how to respond to a £500,000 extra cost could lead to local authorities and ultimately the Department for Education having to spend 20 times that figure for several years.”

The MPs said they understand the importance of ensuring “value for money from contractors” but urged Mr Zahawi to understand the issue’s importance for families

DELAY: Oak Tree School has been halted by the Government and the borough councils.

They added: “We hope you will be able to address this as a matter of urgency, given the admissions process which is due to start in the next two weeks, and we look forward to meeting you to discuss this issue.”

A spokesperson for Sir John Redwood, MP for Wokingham, said he has also written to Mr Zahawi as a matter of urgency.

“As it is, places for SEN students in the borough are at a premium, with many not getting an appropriate place or having to travel farther afield to attend a SEND school,” the spokesperson said.

“For many SEN children, travelling is particularly stressful and a place at school nearer to their homes is vital.”

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

FOR CHILDREN AGED 6 WEEKS TO 5 YEARS

OPEN 7.30AM TO 6.30PM

IT’S ONLY ROCK N ROLL BUT I LIKE IT: An exhibition at Reading Museum celebrates the 50th anniversary of Reading Festival Picture: Dijana Capan DV Vision

Rock to it: Museum exhibition celebrates 50 years of Reading Festival READING has rocked for 50 years, with the annual celebration of music a major part of the town’s cultural life.

It attracts thousands of people every year and is a rite of passage for many teenagers who live here.

To celebrate the anniversary, Reading Museum is currently showcasing a blast from of the past.

Called The 1971 Reading Festival: For The First Time, it looks back at the very first rock festival through the musicians, sounds and crowds.

It features previously unseen photos from Jill Furmanovsky, narration from Ian Shirley from Record Collector magazine and artistic responses from today’s children showcasing what

Reading means to them.

It is on show at the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery until the end of January and entry is free.

The Blagrave Street museum is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 10am to 4pm, and 10am to 5pm on Saturdays. n For more details, call 0118 937 3400 or log on to www. readingmuseum.org.uk

Council consults on Shinfield Road cycle route plan for town

RATED OUTSTANDING IN THE PAST THREE OFSTED INSPECTIONS

§7KH VWDII DUH KLJKO\ PRWLYDWHG DQG H[WUHPHO\ NQRZOHGJHDEOH DERXW WKH FKLOGUHQ LQ WKHLU FDUH $OO NH\ SHUVRQV XVH WKHLU FKLOGUHQªV ©OHDUQLQJ MRXUQH\Vª RU DVVHVVPHQW IROGHUV YHU\ HIIHFWLYHO\ WR UHFRUG FKLOGUHQªV DFKLHYHPHQWV DQG WR LGHQWLI\ WKH QH[W VWHSV LQ WKHLU GHYHORSPHQW ¨ Ofsted inspection 2013, www.ofsted.gov.uk

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

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

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

THE BOROUGH council is asking people to share their views on active travel, writes Charlotte King.

It has launched the second phase of its consultation on cycling and walking improvements on Shinfield Road.

The proposal forms part of the council’s Active Travel scheme, and includes a fully segregated cycle route and new pedestrian crossings.

The survey follows an initial consultation on sustainable transport in the summer that saw nearly 1,000 responses.

It showed Shinfield Road as the preferred option out of four schemes suggested by Reading Borough Council.

The proposed cycle route runs along Shinfield Road, between Christchurch Green and Shinfield Rise, to link south Reading and the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

It also links the University of Reading with the town centre.

Cllr Tony Page, lead councillor for strategic environment, planning and transport, has encouraged residents to have their say on the project.

“It has never been more important to create realistic alternatives to the private car, both in terms of tackling congestion for road users and air quality for the residents and local communities who live on key routes,” he said.

“I would urge residents, road users, local businesses and organisations, to make time to look at the proposals online and comment or visit the drop-in exhibition and ask any questions of the team before feeding back their thoughts.”

Reading Borough Council said it is preparing for a drop in peak hour traffic as more residents switch to sustainable

modes of transport.

The project will be funded by a £1 million grant secured from the Department for Transport last year, to improve cycling, walking and public transport in the borough.

The public can share their views on the Shinfield Road proposals until Monday, December 6.

People can also view the proposals in person and talk to members of the project team at the University of Reading’s Sports Park Pavilion on Tuesday, November 16 between 3:30pm and 7:30pm.

A statutory consultation on Traffic Regulation Orders will also be held next year, following the latest consultation.

Construction of the cycleway is set to begin in 2022. n For more information, visit: www.reading.gov.uk/activetravel

11

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Modern retirement living, exclusively for the over 45’s If you’re looking for a convenient mix of town and country then our parks in Berkshire will allow you to enjoy the lifestyle you’ve always wanted in a place that you’ll love. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the countryside safe in the knowledge that you have all the amenities you need right on your doorstep. Take your pick from a range of plot sizes and design your own brand-new home or simply purchase a fully-furnished move in ready home and start enjoying your new lifestyle immediately.

Range of plot sizes available I Part exchange and assisted move schemes Reserve your plot today NE RE W P LE H AS AS ED E

O RE NE M P AI LO N T IN G

To find out more or to book your personal tour please call 01933 830054 or email info@tingdene.net

LA RE ST M PL AI O N TS IN G

t: 01933 830054 e: info@tingdene.net www.tingdene-parks.net

12 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today IN MEMORY: Zoe Watkiss and her mum Nina. Picture: courtesy of Zoe Watkiss

Spacephiller Phil Creighton

You won’t beat me, Old Father Time

L

AST weekend saw that mighty luxury – we get one over Old Father Time.

Yes, the clocks went back, giving us an extra hour in bed, some additional daylight in the mornings and, if the conditions are right, some atmospheric fog as the evenings arrive.

The passage of time is always an interesting thing. Well, unless I’m looking in the bathroom mirror. There’s a reason why the mugshot of me that adorns this space is several years old, and it’s in your interests. Don’t want you having nightmares after all.

Autumn is the season often sparks reflections for me. There’s a day in it where one receives more post than usual (just bills these days). It’s also the day where I have to feign enthusiasm for new pairs of socks and a box of Maltesers that somehow I never see again, thanks to some eager offspring.

This time 25 years ago, something else happened that would eventually change my life.

I walked into the offices of the student newspaper at the University of Reading, wanting to help.

From a few sessions looking over the shoulders (and generally annoying) someone who is now a BBC newsreader, from taking some baby steps in learning how to write, and discovering that actually this was what I was born to do, I became editor of Spark. It led to a job at the Reading Post and, well, here we are.

Looking back, this was always how my career path was going to pan out. As a child, making newspapers on Dad’s old fashioned typewriter was fun. Having a new sheet of Lettraset was bliss.

Learning to read, it was the Telegraph’s television pages that taught me much about the old ITV system as well as how to tell the time.

But that’s another Spacephiller… … The problem with the passage of time is the stuff that comes with it.

Writing, producing, designing and creating newspapers for 25 years means an awful lot of restaurant reviews, celebrity interviews, knockout front pages, redesigns and news stories. More cuttings that you can shake sticks at.

My loft has been groaning under the weight.

If you bought the Reading Post, you might remember its 24Seven leisure magazine that I edited. Kept every copy.

That time when I put on an exhibition dedicated to how newspapers had changed from hot metal to computers? A whole archive awaits future historians.

A stint as a TV critic? Every column kept, even the ones that should have been filed in the bin.

That’s all of them.

Then there’s my collections: a fairly chunky archive of newspapers from the 1800s onwards.

Every Doctor Who Monthly since 1979. A host of random Radio Times back in the day it was the size of a tank and the colour pages would stick to the black and white ones. Lots of Beanos.

If ever Channel 4 needed volunteers for a clutter programme, all they need to do is give me a call.

The quarter century is certainly time to take stock. Even with that hour clawed back, Old Father Time will win in the end. Short of building a casket from my cuttings, I can’t take it with me, and there’s only a limited demand for much of my old work.

Yes, wallowing in nostalgia might bring me joy, as Marie Kondo would ask, but it certainly doesn’t bring joy to those who have to tiptoe around the many, many piles of stuff.

To compromise, I’m digitising some of it (well, taking photos on my phone) for happy memories in days to come, and the rest? Well, Old Father Time can read whatever it’s been recycled into. After all, who wants to live in the past?

Here’s to the next 25 years…

RDG.TODAY Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Spotlight UK sele for share of £1

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

Woodley women run Reading Half in memory of Mrs Rainbow

A GROUP of Woodley women are lacing up their trainers for the Reading Half Marathon.

On Sunday, November 7, Zoe Watkiss, Esta McArthur, Hollie Ashley, Steph Benham and Claire will run for a cause close to their hearts.

The group will be taking on the 13.1 mile distance in aid of Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, where Zoe’s mum, Nina, received care before she died in August 2019, aged 56.

Nina worked at St Dominic Savio Catholic Primary School in Woodley for more than 20 years and was affectionately called “Mrs Rainbow” because of her cheery personality and love of wearing bright colours.

The group have named their team “Follow the Run-bow” in honour of her nickname.

Zoe, 29, said: “We were very fortunate that my mum was able to go to Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, where they cared for her so well in her last weeks.

“My mum described the nurses as angels, and despite coming to the end of her life, she was happy and content to be in such a lovely place.”

Zoe said staff went above and beyond to organise for her to visit a school assembly which was dedicated to her. “[They] even organised a rainbow-themed party in her room with all of her work friends,” Zoe added.

“We will be forever grateful and I’m taking on this challenge to

thank them for everything they did for us.

“I will continue to do what I can to raise money for the hospice, and I hope that it helps other families going through difficult times.”

The team were originally due to run the Reading Half Marathon in April last year.

Since then, the team has grown further with the arrival of two babies — Quincy (1) and Francis (4 months) — who will be there to support their mums on race day.

Esta said: “We were all doing really well with our training, but obviously covid has been a challenge, and some of us have had babies, so we’re not as physically fit as we were.

“We’re not putting pressure on ourselves and doing it competitively like we were before; we’ll just be really pleased to get over the finish line and raise money for a great cause.”

Alison Edwards, community fundraising manager at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “It’s been a long time since Zoe and her friends set themselves this brilliant challenge, and we’re so grateful for their continued commitment to raise funds for our hospice. There is no doubt that Nina would be extremely proud of them all and we can’t wait to cheer them on on the day.”

The team have raised more than £2,500 so far.

n For more information, or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/team/ followtherunbow

A CHILDREN’S charity is in with a chance to win a share of £1 million, thanks to a housebuilder’s giveaway.

Spotlight UK helps children and young people with life-limiting conditions through activities and performing arts to improve their quality of life.

And now it has been chosen as a finalist for the Persimmon Homes Building Futures fund.

The charity, which runs services across Berkshire, saw an increase in youths needing support throughout the pandemic.

With an initial aim to provide activities and sports for the community, Spotlight UK now has a range of services, such as Christmas and toy appeals, performing opportunities and a food bank.

And before lockdown, founder Michaela Riley took 180 young people to London’s West End to give them the chance to perform on stage in front of an audience.

“Helping these children boost their self esteem is our main aim,” Ms Riley said.

“Seeing them all perform and burst with confidence up on that stage is incredible.

“Our charity is all about improving their quality of life and to be that safety net for those who need it.”

Ms Riley added that she wants individuals to feel comfortable enough to talk to them openly about issues.

“We give them the opportunity to express themselves in different ways, whether that’s through performing arts or sports, and for them to realise that it’s ok not to be ok sometimes,” she said.

The fund is aimed at supporting under 18s across the UK. The winners of the charity giveaway will receive £100,000for first prize, £50,000 for second prize and a £20,000

third prize in each category.

And a further 87 shortlisted projects will each receive £5,000.

She explained funding has been difficult, especially during the lockdown.

“To have a chance to receive this funding would be great, as so many people have struggled over the past 18 months, and it will be huge to support even more young people.

“I am so proud to be chosen as a regional finalist for the fund, and I’m overwhelmed that people are supporting and recognising all the work we do for the community.”

Rams RFC duo scoop Theale Green pupils have a £1,250 jackpot on Pointless spooktacular Hallowe’en WINNERS: Colin and Connor Stapley came away with the jackpot

RUGBY fans Colin and Connor Stapley were happy to end up a Pointless team in their latest match.

The dad and son duo from Wokingham, scooped the jackpot in the final of the hit BBC quiz show.

They battled through against three other competitors to lift the £1,250 prize despite believing their answer was wrong.

Connor, 28, who began his career with the Rams Rugby Football Club

in 2011, chose American rapper Snoop Dog as his least likely correct answer in a music question.

His first choice, Manchester rockers Oasis, proved to be wrong and it looked like the pair would miss out. However, they were delighted when Snoop Dog proved to be correct and they collected the Pointless trophy alongside the cash.

They plan to spend the cash on a hiking and camping trip.

READING students were asked to decorate spooky fictional characters to celebrate Hallowe’en before they broke up for half-term.

Theale Green School, on Church Street, Theale, saw pupils and staff members getting creative with their pumpkins.

The winning student pumpkin was a design of Jack and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

The winning staff work was Ms Cooze’s design of Coraline, voted for by 60 students.

Other creations included Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh, Spiderman and more.

Headteacher Jo Halliday said: “Our library has become an important learning and social hub for our students, who are used to having regular lessons in there and catching up with Ms Archer, our librarian.

“What makes it really special though are all the extra activities that

are offered in social times.”

Ms Halliday added it was a joy to admire the pumpkins on display.

“Looking around the room, there were also large groups of students playing chess, reading books and using the computers,” she said.

“We are very fortunate to have such strong leadership of this resource, and I know how much the students appreciate it.”

ected as finalist million funding

Come on board! Bus driver calls on others to join team

great things, and if we can be that stepping stone in helping them build resilience and give them a good start then that’s an achievement for us,” she said.

The charity, other than four mentors and a charity manager, is run by volunteers.

And it is always encouraging more people to come and join the team.

Online voting will run until midnight on Friday, November 19.

n To vote for Spotlight UK, log on to: persimmonhomes.com/building-futures/ finalists n For more details, visit: spotlightuk.org

SPOOKY: Pupils from Theale Green School created pumpkins for Hallowe’en

WHAT’S BREWING

IN FINCHAMPSTEAD?

I

TOP JOB: Maks Pruszewicz was titled the Top National Bus Driver at the UK Bus Awards in 2017

Ms Riley said that if they were to win a share of the funding they would put it towards keeping the whole family network supported.

“We’d like to create a phone line service, family one-to-one mentoring and further support for siblings and parents,” she said.

She explained that the most rewarding part of running the charity is “seeing smiles on the individuals faces”.

And further added that when the children say they don’t need any more sessions she knows she’s done her job.

“A lot of them go on to achieve such

NEWS | 29

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

A READING Buses employee has become the borough’s very own “smiling bus driver” as he reflects on his career success.

Maks Pruszewicz, from Calcot, who has worked for Reading Buses for nine years, is now encouraging others to consider changing professions and working as a bus driver.

He was titled the Top National Bus Driver at the UK Bus Awards back in 2017.

And after experiencing in various vehicle and customer service roles in previous years, he describes working for Reading Buses as a “job working with people that makes me really happy”.

Mr Pruszewicz explained his thoughts on the role saying it’s a great combination of driving and meeting people alongside being paid with good benefits.

“I get to meet people every day and just love being able to be myself as well as a warm and

POETRY CORNER White Page A blank white page.

Words waiting to be birthed.

A soft blue light.

It can’t pronounce my name.

Maybe. One day it shall figure out.

Numb and saddening; it is hallowed within.

I watch the magic dissolve.

Despair, it bubbles around me; a grave of these unprecedented times.

In which language will the light burn again?

Or is it a death of my ingenuity?

Colourful ink dancing, waiting to conquer the jazz on this white page.

Sanity; would it exchange a few days in the grave for some of mine?

To whom does a lonely man look at in the dark.

A lonely crowd, like a swaying field of Tulips.

One afternoon, tossing meagre

friendly person,” he said.

“I am part of a great team and work in a lovely part of the country.

“I love that I get to be part of helping people get around Reading.

That makes me smile.”

Reading Buses chief executive officer Robert Williams, said they are always looking for people like Mr Pruszewicz to join the driving team.

“We are continually keen to hear from anybody who enjoys working with people. You don’t need to be able to drive a bus, as we can teach that,” he said.

“The company changed its recruitment policy over ten years ago from looking for people who drive buses to recruiting people who like people.”

“At Reading Buses we are also fortunate to have an awardwinning training academy which will help people-minded drivers to go through their training to join the team and flourish.”

T’S been a long time coming, but we’re delighted to announce that finally… Brewery Tours are back!

When we went into lockdown 1 in 2020, it was with a heavy heart that we had to not just pause but cancel all future brewery tours. Welcoming people into the brewery for a look around, helping them to learn about the craft beer processes and have a great day out has always been one of our highlights. We love finishing tours in our Tap Yard. Once someone has seen how we work, it’s great to see them enjoy a beer that bit more.

For our Events Manager, Matt, it was one of his first jobs here to have to reach out to everyone with a booking or a voucher to tell them the frustrating news. I don’t think anyone is more delighted than him to be starting up again, virtual tastings in the barrel store just aren’t quite the same!

So, why has it taken so long - after all, we’ve been out of lockdown for some time?

Well, quite simply we’ve just had to be very careful. We’re an independent business with a small team. We could not risk any halt in production.

Mask wearing has been compulsory in the brewery throughout, as well as rigorous cleaning routines even more so than normal.

We’ve worked hard to find the best way to get started again in a way that we can still offer the best experience, whilst making sure best practices are followed, maintaining a level of responsibility both for Siren staff, and visitors. We’re incredibly humbled by everyone’s patience and support throughout.

nothings, on the map of the world.

The doll within unsettles, in the house she was accustomed to.

The page unfurls. Eons have passed.

Is it an appearance or a hallucination?

Fingers quiver.

A word. Tender.

It draws itself, On the raw texture.

The child keeps looking at it.

At the layers of what is real.

A word. On the white page.

Of what is, what also is, What might be that is, What could have been, What I say it is, What I imagine it to be, And what the word says it is.

It is a new fire that eats, what it illuminates, Touching everything back to magic.

By Aishwarya Khale

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

What can be expected from a brewery tour?

The process starts online, where you can buy either a voucher or book a place on a tour. When you’re on-site, head to our Tap Yard and check in with us - feel free to grab a beer whilst you wait!

The tour lasts around 90 minutes, with backstage access to the brewery whilst learning all about our story and how we make beer from recipe to glass.

We’ll finish off back at the Tap Yard where you’ll get to try some brewery fresh flagship beers, direct from the source.

Whether or not you’re coming down for a brewery tour, or just for a beer with friends, we look forward to welcoming you in soon!

Find out more at sirencraftbrew.com/tours

SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF 0118 973 0929

sirencraftbrew.com

30 | VIEWPOINTS READING’S NEW CHAMPION

Join the march to show your support THERE are some issues that transcend all barriers: age, race, sex and religion.

The climate emergency is one of them.

The COP26 summit currently taking place has Reading West MP Alok Sharma as its president.

It’s certainly occupying his time, trying to ensure that everything in Glasgow runs smoothly, and delegates come away with real action that will make a difference to the world around us.

Because this is a global summit, it is an opportunity to hear first hand how the warming planet is causing massive damage to our eco-systems.

If the summit is a failure, the planet faces unimaginable catastrophe.

So it really does matter.

And what we do really does matter.

We can help with simple steps: recycling everything we can, cutting back on single-use plastic, using the food waste collection services are all simple steps.

Turning down our heating, running it for shorter periods, keeping those sweaters on. Easy to do, and if we all do them, they will make a massive difference.

And on Saturday, we can show our physical support by joining the noisy march along Broad Street from 1pm, before attending events at St Laurence’s Church.

Simple, easy, and an hour of your time – but one that will have a lasting impact on those around us.

CHURCH NOTES

Anxieties

O

VER the last 18 months or so many have been anxious, and many still are.

In the first century AD, Christians in Philippi were anxious.

Caesar Nero was on the throne and he was beginning to persecute Christians. Many in Philippi feared pain and death, just as we have from Covid-19.

Paul’s advice to them was to pray about it … well … not quite.

He told them to first thank God for the good things in their lives and then to present their worries and concerns. If they did this then they would experience the peace of God. Clearly this did not work for some, so Paul followed up by telling them to think about good things.

Whatever is true (not the fake news), whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is admirable, and if anything is excellent or praiseworthy … think about such things. Then, if they did all this, they would have peace. (Philippians 4:6-9) But did it work for them? Would it work for me? I took a sheet of paper and drew a line down the middle.

The left side I headed ‘Things I am thankful for and good things in my life’ and the right I headed ‘Things I am worried and anxious about’.

I started on the right side and wrote down four or five, then I went to the left side and was still going strong when I got to the bottom of the page.

Michael Penny is the chair of Churches Together in Reading

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

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

An unfair budget that benefits bankers THE Conservatives have chosen bankers over school children.

Last week’s budget gave bankers a massive tax reduction of £3.8bn and an increase of only £1.8bn for catchup funding to help pupils get back on track after Covid.

I am sure the vast majority of residents will be asking how can this be justified when banks continue to make huge profits running into billions of pounds a year.

Time and time again the Conservatives have shown they will look after their mates. Afterall Rushi Sunak the Chancellor was once upon a time a banker.

Bankers are handed £3.8bn when analysis from the Resolution Foundation finds that the average household will see their tax bills rise by £3000 a year by 2027.

This was a banker’s budget when it should have been a children’s budget.

The woefully tiny amount given for school catch-up funding was an insult to parents.

Additionally, there was very little mention of measures to ease the Climate emergency.

No doubt Conservative MP’s will be supporting this banker’s budget.

Cllr Clive Jones, Leader of Earley Town Council and the Lib Dem group on Wokingham Borough council

He’s done nothing In his budget, the Chancellor has done nothing for the elderly or care homes or people on back burners.

He’s done nothing for cancer of all types, for the care homes workers who need more money to work in those places.

If anyone goes there for bad wages we will get more bad abuse Aalso the chancellor worries about booze but not Dementia.

He is more useless then useless is.

Victor Rones, via email

Cut on domestic air passenger duty sets dangerous precedent

The announcement of a 50% cut to Air Passenger Duty on domestic flights is worrying.

Not because we are against flying per se, but because if more people choose to take domestic flights resulting from this cut, as the Treasury predict, then this sets a dangerous precedent that making short flights is simply fine and has no consequences.

Widespread rollout of Sustainable Aviation Fuels or electric flights is some way off – the industry has managed to source less than 1% of jet fuel using sustainable fuels, despite promising in 2010 that this figure would be at least 10% by 2020.

Current global targets for approximately 50% alternative jet fuel use in 2050 would require three new bio-jet fuel refineries to be built every month for the next 30 years.

Today there are just two facilities – the market is not delivering at the pace required.

Reader Simon French had an opportunity to take a photo of one of Reading’s newest buildings last week - the new Thames Quarter building. The block of flats is aimed at people who want modern living and it will include its own cinema when finished. We welcome your pictures for this slot. Email news@rdg.today Therefore, radical climate decisions need to be taken now, not relying on technologies that are either still in their infancy or don’t yet exist.

The big option left for the Government is to cancel and rule out expansion at Heathrow and focus on driving rail fares down.

Although the Heathrow expansion debate has rumbled on for far too long, the environmental arguments are now more convincing and urgent than ever before.

What better way to demonstrate environmental and climate leadership to the world, as COP26 begins?

Geraldine Nicholson, Stop Heathrow Expansion

What’s an emergency?

I don’t think the Conservatives understand the meaning of the word “emergency”.

I’m referring to the climate “emergency” declared by Wokingham Borough and the Prime Minister.

If a broken pipe floods your home, that “emergency” requires you turn off the water ... even if you’d rather have working taps.

If an abusive partner threatens your safety, that “emergency” requires you leave your home... even if you’d rather hide under your duvet.

And if your spending is about to cause the repossession of your home, that “emergency” requires you cut spending... even if you need new clothes.

But apparently that logic doesn’t apply to the Tories, who frequently undermine “emergency” climate

change actions in the name of the status quo, comfort or spending priorities.

Although Wokingham Borough has declared a “climate emergency”, Conservative leader John Halsall worries about the cost and starts to back away from those commitments.

Ooopsie, maybe next time!

Nationally, the PM opens COP26 declaring it is “one minute to midnight” of climate catastrophe, but authorizes new coal mines and only funds 10% of the boiler changes required in his own hastily released plan.

Sorry, maybe later!

Time and again, Tories that have held power nationally and locally for a decade, overpromise, under-fund, under-plan and fail to deliver on climate action. The pattern could not be clearer, as does the scale of the climate crisis.

Climate action requires hard choices. The public seems willing to make them, but for some reason, Conservatives simply won’t make the choices on the scale needed.

Therefore, a new approach is needed. I strongly support Wokingham Labour’s Cllr Rachel Burgess’s suggestion last week for a Citizens Assembly.

If you’re not familiar, these are representative, timebound bodies created exclusively to solve thorny problems, later ratified by the public.

What makes CA’s unique is that they are fact based and consultative, while produced without corporate lobbyists or re-election pressures.

In Ireland, a Citizen’s Assembly tackled the very thorny abortion question and crafted a solution with 66% public referendum support.

Let’s convene a Citizen’s Assembly on Wokingham Borough’s climate emergency to craft a plan, without the posturing and bluster and with a scope covering the budget and comfort compromises necessary.

Then let’s put that to the public.

I believe it will have far more support than a plan any single party would create – and certainly will achieve better results that we’ve seen so far. It’s time to be adults, face the climate challenge and deliver a plan that meets the scale of the “emergency” that confronts us all.

Because a defining feature of all “emergencies” is that they cannot wait without becoming dramatically worse.

Tom Ross, via email

Good news ... at last How nice to read in last week’s Wokingham Today that a defibrillator has been installed outside the Winnersh Community Centre in Sindlesham.

Obviously the councillors must have had a change of heart or they have been replaced by others, as three or four years ago the then Wokingham Community First Responders along with Sindlesham Masons offered to install one only to be told the councillors didn’t think the location was suitable.

David Pickard, Wokingham

NEWS | 31

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Reading to host climate emergency march PEOPLE in Reading are being urged to make some noise this weekend over global warming.

On Saturday, a march will take place through the town centre, and organisers want those taking part to blow whistles, ring bells or bang drums to let their views be heard about the climate emergency.

And marchers are also being asked to wear colourful clothing or paint their faces with an animal, flower or globe design.

The move is part of a

series of events taking place in Reading on Saturday as the COP26 event takes place in Glasgow, where 120 leaders are gathered for what is being dubbed the “last, best chance” to help keep global warming to no more than 1.5ºC. Nathan Hunt, pastor at Shinfield Baptist Church said it was important people did not stay quiet over the climate emergency.

“This is our chance to urge world leaders to be serious about reducing global temperature,” he said.

“I was thinking of joining a march in London then I realised we have the opportunity to do something on our doorstep. If people up and down the country make a noise, that will get the message over that urgent action is needed now.”

The event starts at 1pm on the junction of West Street and Broad Street and ends at St Laurence Church in Blagrave Street.

The charity Friends of the Earth are staging a series of talks and an exhibition in the church where people

can also make a climate pledge.

“It could be marchers will commit to eating less meat, use less plastic or to pray for the success of Cop26,” added Mr Hunt.

“Pledges can be written on paper and pinned to a board to demonstrate we are serious about this.”

“The great injustice of global warming is that those who have done the least to cause the problem are suffering the most. This is a great chance to urge world leaders to do all they can to

reduce the increase in global temperatures.”

Reading West MP Alok Sharma is president of the COP 26 event in Glasgow.

Addressing leaders on Monday, he said: “The science is clear that the window of time we have to keep the goal of 1.5ºC alive, and to avoid the worst effects of climate change, is closing fast.

“But with political will and commitment, we can, and must, deliver an outcome in Glasgow the world can be proud of.”

Students from the University of Reading dressed up as scarecrows Pictures: Phil Creighton

Bishop Olivia was ‘inspired’

by Reading ahead of COP26

By JAMES HASTINGS news@rdg.today THE Bishop of Reading has said people in Reading have “inspired” her trip to the Cop26 climate conference in Glasgow.

Bishop Olivia Graham praised activists, schools, charities, politicians and faith and community groups for their courage in not just speaking out on climate change but also supporting “practical measures” to combat it.

She particularly applauded the town and the University of Reading for welcoming the Young Christian Climate Network volunteers who took part in a nationwide walk from Cornwall to Glasgow in the summer.

“I go to COP26 inspired by what people in Reading are doing, whether as part of a group or as individuals,” said Bishop Olivia ahead of her visit to Scotland for the conference.

“They have shown how we can combat the climate emergency. It is fantastic how schools have become involved with programmes such as Be The Change which is run by the Oxford Diocese.

“The example set by ordinary people has given me inspiration and hope that change will happen.”

The bishop is spending two weeks in Glasgow where she will meet up with activists, faith groups and others urging the 100+ world leaders meeting in the city to take action on cutting carbon emissions and meet global warming targets.

“My message to the people of Reading is to remain hopeful but to continue to commit to action.

“We can do this if we do it together.

“There are individual things we can all do that really make a difference.

“We’ve got to speak out and write to our politicians and we get the conversation going with our neighbours, community groups, our churches wherever we are.

“It has to be on our lips because this is the background of our lives at the moment and we’ve got to make it the foreground.”

She will not be sitting in the middle of the road and it’s not just because heavy rain has been

A friendly frog greets visitors

Taking part in COP26 is the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham (fourth from right) forecast in Glasgow for much of the COP26 climate conference.

Bishop Olivia Graham said she planned to join marches and demonstrations during her two week stay in the city. But she drew the line at the shock tactics used by members of Insulate Britain whose motorway protests have angered most of Britain and led to calls for them to be jailed.

“I don’t really go in for sitting on the roads and gluing my hands to things,” said the Bishop of Reading.

“It’s not my style and I don’t think that’s always helpful. I think this is about taking the public with us, not annoying them.

“We need to be careful about the way we deal with these issues. I know there are others who feel no one is dealing with these issues and they need to take more radical steps to try and get attention.”

Bishop Olivia said she would make sure the voices of people in Reading were heard on her visit and promised to share the various schemes and programmes the town has adopted to combat climate change with activists she met.

“I was delighted last Sunday to bless solar panels which have been put up on two churches in the diocese,” she explained.

“That is a brilliant practical sign that people understand what the issues are and know they’ve got to do something about it. I think the

really important thing is we keep up the pressure on our politicians.

“Those of us who are fortunate to be in Glasgow are very conscious that we are speaking not only for people in our country but for people across the world.

“I had a career in international development before I was ordained working in Africa so I have been aware for decades of the effects of climate change and the effect of greenhouse gases.”

The Bishop added she was honoured to be among tens of thousands of protesters and activists who have promised to make sure their voices were heard by world leaders who will be confined inside to a tightly secured site.

She did not expect to meet any world leaders but would “take the opportunity” to have a word if she did. In particular, she hoped to meet the world’s best known teenage climate activist, Greta Thunberg.

“If I met Greta I would say ‘well done.’ She is such a courageous and inspiring young woman and has been such a courageous and inspiring child as she has been doing this for such a long time.

“It is her mission on earth to be drawing attention to this. She has been incredibly effective and I would just want to congratulate her and tell her to stay strong and keep doing what she is doing.

“I know from speaking to my

own children that she has been an inspirational character.”

She called on climate sceptics to “ask themselves why” they were critical about global warming.

“Anybody who reads the science and IPCC report can be in no doubt at all with what is happening to our planet. We are way past the point of saying this might happen or it might be caused by human activity.

“I would ask people to look inside themselves and ask where this is coming from. Do they feel it is too difficult to change. If so, then how can we help them?”

Bishop Olivia said she was hopeful of a positive response by world leaders including Boris Johnson and President Joe Biden at the end of COP26.

“I hope to take away from this visit a sense of hopefulness. That will depend on the outcome of the conference. They have some serious decisions and I hope there will be a robust engagement and they will do the right thing,” she said.

“I know I will come back enormously enriched, from local people and many from the global south.

“I look forward to meeting people from different parts of the world for whom climate change is already part of their lives, where they are much more affected and they can see the future in a way we cannot yet.”

A very hungry caterpillar

Scarecrows for climate change SCARECROWS were spotted in West Reading last Sunday … and they were on the move.

New Hope Church in York Road organised a half-term scarecrow trail in the streets around its buildings. Each participant created colourful items made from recycled materials.

And on Sunday, as part of an Environment Family Funday, living scarecrows – well, students from the University of Reading – roamed the streets giving our tasty treats to young scarecrow spotters.

The church also held activities including naturebased crafting, games, face-painting and a dressingup contest.

In all, there were 10 scarecrows to find, including a turtle with babies, a gardener, a fish, a bee keeper, a penguin and a frog.

A polar bear struggles with global warming

32 | BUSINESS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Got a business story?

Email news@wokingham.today

A business park that is changing

Come and join in Fitwel charity fitness fun day at Winnersh Triangle this Saturday

Frasers Property which owns a UK portfolio of business parks totalling some 6.5 million sq ft, is celebrating it 2-star Fitwel certification for Winnersh Triangle in Reading.

Fitwel signals to employees, local residents and others that Winnersh Triangle prioritises wellness within the design, development, and operations of buildings and communities on the park.

Two further business parks owned by Frasers Property UK; Chineham Park in Basingstoke and Farnborough Business Park also achieved the Fitwel certification. Farnborough achieving the world-first three-star rating.

The Fitwel Commercial Site certification assesses holistic health, including open spaces and public areas for all. Outdoor fitness areas and community destinations and the provision of healthy food.

All outdoor areas at Winnersh Triangle assessed, and with walking trails available, green public space, universal access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, health promoting events and a state-of-the-art gym facility and sports performance training facility MOVE HQ, Winnersh Triangle is fantastic for not only the businesses occupying the park but also local residents.

Charity Fitness Fun Day MOVE HQ gym recently opened and is open to the public as well as business park occupiers. On Saturday 6 November from 9.00am – 6.00pm MOVE HQ are hosting a Charity Fitness Fun Day for the local community.

The event will be held at 680 Eskdale Road, Winnersh Triangle Business Park, RG41 5TS and will be raising money for SportsAid. The event is open to the local community with a host of fitness-based activities for all ages.

The Charity Fitness Fun Day will include yoga and strength & conditioning classes for a donation to the gyms nominated charity SportsAid, a 5-a-side football tournament on the brand-new Astroturf pitch with fantastic prizes and sessions for children too. Visitor can take tours of the gym at MOVE HQ, to see the 17,000 sq. ft facility which is in the former Kids N’ Action building.

There will also be a silent auction and raffle with amazing prizes, signed football tops, Active Health treatments and Move HQ memberships.

Mark Munroe, Director at MOVE HQ said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming our neighbours from Winnersh, Woodley, Wokingham and beyond to our Charity Fitness Fun Day. It’s going to be a fantastic day with lots of great prizes on offer and a chance to show what we have been up to since we opened our doors. Our café will also be open for great food and drinks as well as a Thai food truck with free food so you can make a day of it whilst raising money for SportsAid.” Booking is necessary for all classes. To enter a football 5-a-side team please email bookings@move-hq.uk.

To book classes and for further details please visit www.winnershtriangle.co.uk/move-hq-event.

www.winnershtriangle.co.uk

Top marks for Henley Business School

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today HENLEY Business School course has been rated number one of its kind in the UK by the Financial Times.

It received the top score for student satisfaction for its flagship Global Executive Masters in Business Administration (MBA) programme last month.

The newspaper asked alumni to rate the programme out of 10, and saw Henley Business School place number one in the country.

It also ranked number 11 in Europe and 31st across the world for the course.

Dr Anne Dibley, head of postexperience postgraduate programmes, said: “We are delighted to be rated number one in the UK for overall satisfaction.

“This is of paramount importance to us as we work hard to give our students an immersive programme that delivers the personal and professional growth that they seek.”

Henley Business School’s Global Executive MBA programme sees students work with international charities and travel across the world to learn more about social issues.

“The inspiring, collaborative work that takes place between our students and South African NGOs, tackling complex social issues, enables our students to see the world through a fresh lens,” Dr Dibley added.

“This helps create a deeply rewarding personal and professional development journey that makes our Global Executive MBA programme unique.”

The school was ranked in the UK’s

NUMBER 1: The school received top marks for its global masters programme Picture: Brooke Cagle from Unsplash

top 10 business schools overall, and in the top 30 across Europe, in the newspaper’s report too.

It was also rated number one in the UK and number four in Europe and the world for the percentage of women in its full-time faculty.

It came in the top 20 worldwide for the percentage of international students, at 71%, as well.

Last month, Henley Business School was also awarded for the proportion of courses dedicated to the environment, social and governance issues, coming second in the country, 17th in Europe and 30th in the world.

A spokesperson for Henley Business

School said the results are a testament to the quality of its programmes.

“As a business school we are strong advocates for equity, diversity and inclusion,” they said.

The school has also been placed in the top 30 business schools across Europe for career progress, salary increase, student work experience and aims achieved.

To find out more about Henley Business School, visit: www.henley. ac.uk To read the Financial Times’ full ranking, visit: www.rankings. ft.com/home/masters-in-businessadministration

Millions for Reading’s electricity network A TEN MILLION pound energy project is set to benefit Reading residents.

Last month, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) completed a £9.7 million programme to improve electric infrastructure across the town.

Since 2019, it has been laying the groundwork to enhance Reading’s energy distribution.

It now hopes homes and businesses will benefit from its work.

SSEN has replaced 4.2 km (2.6 miles) of underground cable from Vastern Road through Napier Road, as well as along the Kennet canal and banks of the River Thames.

It also upgraded the circuit serving Northumberland Avenue to reduce the risk of power cuts.

Glenn Beard, SSEN’s project

IMPROVEMENTS: The main system equipment used by SSEN Picture: SSEN

manager, said: “My team and I are delighted to complete this substantial programme of works that has brought many challenges due to the various locations across the town.

“This project has enabled

SSEN to build a network that meets our customers’ needs now and for many years to come, as they take up low carbon technologies, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

“I’d like to thank all of our customers across Reading for their patience and understanding as we’ve worked on this multi-million pound infrastructure upgrade over the last two and half years.”

BUSINESS | 33

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

Charity fitness day GET FIT for charity at Winnersh Triangle this weekend.

Frasers Property UK, which owns the business park, is hosting a Charity Fitness Fun Day with MOVE HQ on Saturday.

The gym’s family-friendly event will raise money for SportsAid, and includes a timetable of classes.

MOVE HQ, which is based in the former Kids N’ Action building, is also running a silent auction and raffle.

Mark Munroe, director at MOVE HQ, said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming our neighbours from Winnersh, Woodley, Wokingham and beyond to our Charity Fitness Fun Day. “It’s going to be a fantastic day with lots of great prizes on offer and a chance to show what we have been up to since we opened our doors.”

Adult classes include yoga sessions, combat classes and a five-a-side competition.

There is also a series of free activities for children, including face painting.

Rupert Batho, from Frasers Property UK, added: “The MOVE HQ team is responsible for expanding our wellness and fitness provision at Winnersh Triangle, and the Charity Fitness Fun Day is a great way to show what’s on offer at the park and experience our new Astroturf pitch.

“We are looking forward to seeing as many people as possible join us and have some fun.”

The event is running from 9am until 6pm.

To find out more, visit: www.winnershtriangle.co.uk/ move-hq-event To book a five-a-side team, contact: bookings@movehq.uk

Triple celebration for Bracknell’s Content Guru

By Charlotte King cking@wokingham.today

A BRACKNELL firm has been celebrating thrice, after being recognised in multiple award shows.

Content Guru, which provides communications technology across the globe, won Vertical Application Solution of the Year at the European IT and Software Excellence Awards.

It was also highly commended for Public Sector or Utilities Solution of the Year at the ceremony, and for Digital Transformation of the Year at the Digital Technology Leaders Awards.

Content Guru won the Vertical Application Solution nomination for its work with UK Power Networks, supporting 20 million customers in London and the East of England.

Martin Taylor, deputy CEO and co-founder, said: “We are thrilled to be recognised with this prestigious award for our hard work prior to, and throughout, the pandemic.

“Content Guru has helped to keep critical organisations’ customer-facing operations running seamlessly.”

He said his firm has helped UK Power

Silver award for LPA A SPENCERS WOOD attorney has been awarded for her business acumen.

Jasmine Allen, from The LPA Solicitor, has won a Silver Award in the Best Businesswomen Awards.

The prestigious competition recognises female business talent across the globe every year.

Ms Allen is a self-employed solicitor who specialises in wills and powers of attorney. She launched her own firm two years ago.

“At the Awards Gala in London, I was surrounded by incredible, awe-inspiring women and felt unbelievably grateful to have a seat at the table,” she said.

Got a business story?

Email news@rdg.today

“Juggling work and family, as many will relate, is incredibly hard, so to be recognised for the award — particularly as a self-employed solicitor with a small business feels absolutely amazing.

“I am utterly shocked and humbled.”

Debbie Gilbert, organiser of the Awards ceremony, said this year was a tough competition.

“To win is a major achievement,” she added. “Winners were selected for their business acumen, creativity and high levels of customer care.

“Our winners are shining examples of outstanding entrepreneurs.”

Networks’ call centre handle 68,000 calls and 113,000 messages during Storm Ciara in 2020.

“We are proud of the commitment our team members have shown in ensuring that UK Power Networks can provide accurate information to its customers, whenever required, and through whichever channel needed,” Mr Taylor said.

“Few experiences are so disturbing as the lights suddenly going out, but when that happens our technology platform is there to keep the communications flowing until power is restored.”

Content Guru was also highly commended for Digital Transformation of the Year for changes made to its system during the pandemic.

At the awards ceremony, it was recognised for its storm contact centre, which helped NHS 111 London handle 500% more calls when covid hit the city.

The system also supported Herts Urgent Care provide a remote out-of-hours services to more than 3.3 million people in the East of England.

Mr Taylor added: “We are delighted to be recognised for our hard work to help large organisations in both the public and private sector deliver unmatched customer service.

“Our engineers have worked tirelessly to keep storm at the forefront of cutting-edge cloud technology, and we release new updates every month to meet our customers’ ever-evolving needs.

“Looking to the future, we are committed to transforming the customer experience market across the globe.”

Content Guru, which works with companies across the globe, was also awarded in September for its work supporting the NHS. I received two accolades at the Computing Cloud Excellence Awards.

It has recently teamed up with Simply Content, too, to help GPs provide social prescriptions to improve patient health and wellbeing.

It was awarded a place on the NHS social prescribing scheme in October.

Find out more at: www.contentguru.com

To expand or not to expand

New kids on the block

A WOKINGHAM group is here to help any entrepreneurs considering growing their business.

Wokingham Positive Difference is hosting an event called ‘To Expand Or Not To Expand?’ later this month.

The free session will cover the potential bonuses and pitfalls of expanding a company, as well as offer a chance to network.

It will discuss taking on office space, purchasing new equipment and how to leverage the decision for “financial and personal success”.

The session will take place on Friday, November 26 at 08:50am.

For more information, or to book a space, visit: www.bit.ly/2ZwKx36

THERE’S two new faces at a Thames Valley law firm.

Boyes Turner has appointed Brian Dowling and Steph Richards as it looks to grow its practice.

Mr Dowling has joined the firm from Irwin Mitchell, where he worked on development and regeneration in charity and housing.

Ms Richards, who specialises in property finance, site acquisition and disposal, has also joined the team as an associate solicitor.

“I am delighted to join Boyes Turner and to be part of a firm that has such a strong reputation for its property practices,” Mr Dowling said.

“The firm has a very strong

understanding of the practical and commercial pressures facing developers, and having advisors with specialist knowledge is vital.

“I’m particularly excited about helping developers, charities, and landowners collaborate to unlock sites and bring forward all types of housing in these challenging times.”

The appointments come as the team at Boyes Turner see an increase in activity following lockdown.

WIlliam Nassau-Lake, who leads the Development and House Building Team, added: “Bringing on board talented lawyers has never been harder, and I am delighted that Brian and Steph have decided to join us.”

34 | ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Co

Woodley Goldsmiths

vid

Sa

fe

Ma nufacture rs of fi ne si lver 9 /18ct gold, p alladi u m a nd pl atinum, d iamond a nd g en set jewe lle r y.

M a t c hin g en ga ge me n t a n d w edd ing rings, gifts fo r b r i des, gro oms, b ride smai ds a nd b est ma n .

Watch brands include:

01189448844

55CrockhamwellRoad,WoodleyPrecinct,RG53JP Email:enquiries@woodleygoldsmiths.co.uk

www.woodleygoldsmiths.co.uk

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Christmas is coming n WOODLEY GOLDSMITHS AS an independent business, Woodley Goldsmiths are proud to be one of the remaining family run goldsmiths on the high street.

Our qualified and experienced team provides you with a range of unique and bespoke jewellery services.

With a focus on customer satisfaction, we guarantee an attention to detail and a range of quality and trusted solutions. For an authentic approach to your jewellery.

With 20 years of experience, our skilled team of experts have a passion for craftsmanship. We offer a personal approach when it comes to your design because we want to get it right.

Our qualified goldsmiths have worked on a full range of jewellery design and have the specialist knowledge you can trust when creating your bespoke piece.

We are proud to be your firstchoice for jewellery services in the Berkshire area.

Contact us for that special Christmas gift. n RURAL PIE CO LTD FAMILY owned and run, Rural Pie Co Ltd was founded by a love of good quality food and a desire to share this with the local community.

We hand-craft a wide range of sweet and savoury pies, pie meals and pastries; available to order online for free local delivery.

In September 2020, the team opened a shop and restaurant in Twyford offering Barista Coffee, All Day Breakfasts, Lunch & Dinner services and of course our Award Winning Pies.

Over the Festive period we will be opening on Thursday evenings throughout December until 10pm in addition to our usual Friday and Saturday evenings.

Our Christmas special pies are available now for pre-order and available for collection from December 1 to Christmas Eve, along with our selection of local beers and ciders, and hampers.

We will be open from 10am to 10pm on Christmas Eve, with a festive antipasti and aperitif served between 5pm and 10pm.

We will be closed from Christmas Day through to December 27. On December 28, 29 and 30, we open 10am to 4pm, and will be open from 10am to 1am on New Year’s Eve.

- The Queen’s Oak Come for the History, stay for the food!

This is a truly unique rural pub experience. The only pub in the UK with the name The Queen’s Oak (after Queen Victoria planted an Oak opposite - which is still there.)

In a lovely rural setting in Finchampstead just by St James Church, (which is almost a thousand years old).

Built on ancient remains - which might make it England’s oldest pub! (The current building is from the early 17th century.)

As if the setting is not enough, once there you’ll find: > A menu that anyone can understand! > Everything freshly made on the premises > A selection to tempt all visitors > High quality, seasonal ingredients > Highly skilled team, with top-notch restaurant experience > A range of wines, beers and spirits > Private dining available for 12-18 people

Call us on: 0118 996 8567 Email us at: brotherton@thequeensoak.com

w w w.thequeensoak.com Church Lane, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4LS

NEWS | 35

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

A spirit haunting Caversham Court Gardens Hallowe’en trail

Rolphie hanging out with the Mad Monk at the Caversham Court Gardens Hallowe’en trail Pictures: Dijana Capan Bird Woman

Families were able to enjoy the Caversham Court Gardens Halloween Trail

The Wild Man at the Caversham Court Gardens Hallowe’en trail

The Witch’s Parlour

Spooky goings on in Caversham Court Gardens for Hallowe’en

By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today A POPULAR Caversham gardens were given a Hallowe’en makeover last weekend.

Part of a spooky trail organised by the Warren and District Residents Association, the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens turned the venue into ghoulish delight.

There were eight different displays for families to explore, including a Mad Monk hidden in the Vinery Vault, a spider’s nest in the Silver Fir Tree, and a witches’ parlour in the Gazebo Undercroft at the far end of the garden.

Most of the displays were made by Hester Casey, treasurer of the Friends, using recycled materials and leftover fabric scraps.

She built on her hobbies of sculpture, textile art and theatrical costume making to create the pieces, each designed to complement the surroundings and, in some cases, float eerily in the wind.

To create the knitted tarantula and eight spiders, she called on her neighbour Jill Knight. It’s not the first collaboration the pair have cooked up: they have been creating continuous displays in their front gardens since the start of lockdown in March 2020 to amuse passers-by and give children something to look at throughout the changing seasons.

Ms Casey said: “This trail has been created for Friends of Caversham Court Gardens as a free event.

“The idea for this came after the very successful Caversham Hallowe’en Trail, which was organised last year by WADRA (Warren and District Residents Association). This involved local residents putting up decorations and registering themselves on an on-line map.

“The idea was that children could look, but not do their normal trick or treat because of Covid-19.

“Caversham Court Gardens, with its gothic features, is a very atmospheric location for Hallowe’en decorations.”

And the gardens, owned by

Reading Borough Council, were a popular spot for trail visitors.

“This is the first time we have put on a Hallowe’en display, but we hope to repeat it next year,” Ms Casey said.

The Hallowe’en trail was hugely popular, with more than 50 households taking part across Caversham and Emmer Green.

The residents association also held a Hallowe’en parade in Mapledurham Playing Fields on Sunday afternoon, with prizes for under fives, under 10s, under 16s, 16 and over, and pets and humans of any age.

There were also prizes for the most scary, most beautiful, most creative and the best overall.

A spider from the Spider’s nest at the Caversham Court Gardens Hallowe’en trail

Give your kitchen the WOW factor with new work tops

We can replace your existing kitchen work tops with new quar tz or corian, rejuvenating your kitchen and giving it a fresh new look.

0118 976 2826

www.roktops.co.uk sales@roktops.co.uk

A young visitor gets to grips with the Spider from the Spider’s nest at the Caversham Court Gardens Hallowe’en trail Picture: Dijana Capan

located within the Wokingham Borough

36 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

RDG.TODAY Wednesday, November 3, 2021

FROMTHECOURTS n A READING man who used threatening behaviour against a police officer and assaulted a man in the town centre has been ordered to undertake a 19-session thinking skills programme.

Hakim Nassim Kharbouch, 28 and from Howard Street, carried out the assaults on June 30, at the Coconut Bar in Friar Street.

In addition to the programme, he must undertake 100 hours of community service, and pay £100 compensation, £85 costs and £95 to victim services, at a rate of £20 per month.

Kharbouch’s case was heard at East Berkshire Magistrates Court in Slough on August 27.

n A WOMAN staying at the Salvation Army hostel in Reading has been ordered to undertake a rehabilitation activity after pleading guilty to assaulting a man.

On July 21, 2019, Kathleen Cameron carried out the attack in Reading.

At a hearing at reading Magistrates Court on September 1, the 38-year-old was ordered to pay £45 compensation. No order for costs was made.

At the same sitting she was found guilty of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour against a victim in Wokingham on March 6 last year.

Again, she was ordered to pay £45 compensation. n A WOODLEY man who drove while over the limit has been banned from driving for 12 months.

Adam Brocklehurst, 47 and from Headley Close, was stopped on

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks

Wokingham Road in Reading on May 14.

A test found 147 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

The limit is 80.

In addition to the ban, Brocklehurst must undertake 150 hours’ community service and an alcohol dependency course, pay £85 costs and £95 to victim services, at a rate of £20 per month. n A MAN who stole from a Sainsbury’s Local store has been ordered to wear a tag.

Daniel Lokes, 46 and staying at the Salvation Army’s Willow House in Reading, pleaded guilty to a series of thefts from the Shinfield Road branch of the supermarket. They are listed in the order they were presented to the court: n Stole meat worth £48.50 on May 6; n Stole detergent worth £93 on June 2; n Stole meat and detergent worth £169.50 on May 30; n Stole detergent worth £126 on May 30; n Stole detergent worth £90 of May 31; n Stole detergent worth £36 on May 31; n Stole meat worth £60 on May 2; n Stole meat worth £33 on May 12; n Stole detergent worth £114.20 on May 12; n Stole meat worth £58.50 on May 16; n Stole meat worth £35.60 on May 25; n Stole detergent worth £53.40 on May 30; n Stole meat worth £62.80 on May 29;

n Stole meat worth £26.20 on May 27; n Stole meat worth £58.50 on May 3; n Stole meat worth £50 on May 11; n Stole meat worth £28 on May 26.

Magistrates heard that Lokes was given a conditional discharge on January 12 this year.

This was in relation to an assault and theft of alcohol worth £8.50, carried out on July 27, 2019, in Shinfield; stealing alcohol worth £87 from BP at Sonning worth £87 on December 9, 2018 and stealing nine meat products worth £106.30 from the Marks & Spencer food hall in Lower Earley on February 13, 2019.

Under the terms of his order, he was ordered to wear the tag between 7pm and 7am daily for six weeks.

He must also undertake a rehabilitation activity and pay £300 compensation at a rate of £20 per month. n A WHITLEY man who, over a period of time, stole items from the Co-op in Shinfield has been ordered

WPR_2021-11-01_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go

LEEDS CHRISTMAS SHOPPER & York St Nicholas Fayre

Departing Fri 10 Dec ‘21

Reader travel

FOLKESTONE & BRUGES Christmas Market Weekend

Departing Fri 17 Dec ‘21

Your break includes

Your break includes

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

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

129

3 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60

159

4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions.

Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines.

Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit us online at

justgoholidays.com/WPR

033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

justgohols JGTravelGroup

to undertake a rehabilitation activity.

Ryan Wiltshire Hall, 36 and from Wincanton Road, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistates Court on September 1.

The charges were: n Stole laundry gel tablets to an unknown value on June 25, 2020; n Stole baby formula to an unknown value on July 14, 2020; n Stole meat worth £60 on July 30, 2020.

He was ordered to pay £90 to victim services, but no order for costs was made. n A WOMAN who was found to have a knife in her possession when she was stopped in Broad Street has been ordered to undertake a thinking skills course.

Jade Elizabeth Fuller, 27 and from Caversham Place, was caught on October 19 last year.

She pleaded guilty at a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on September 1, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £95 to victim services.

Craft fair date in Caversham

AN OPPORTUNITY to buy arts and crafts direct from the makers is coming to Caversham later this month.

The fair takes place on the second Saturday of the month and entry is free.

It is an opportunity to explore a range of original, high-quality crafts all made by the exhibitors. Items on offer include pieces made by jewellers, wood-turners, fabric and felt artists, painters, clay and pottery artists.

The range changes each month and there are activities for younger visitors.

The event runs from 10am at Caversham Methodist Church in Gosbrook Road on November 13.

For more details, email jean@alljazzedup.com or call 07808 966928.

Reading slave trade links exhibition AN EXHIBITION at Reading’s RISC will explore the town’s links with the transatlantic slave trade.

It will also look at the campaign for its abolition, and the long-lived aftermath.

Organisers say it will look at the slave trade’s impact on Reading’s development, its people and prospoerity, offering a chance to commemorate the connections among us and also raise awareness of modern forms of slavery and injustice.

The exhibition takes place until Sunday, November 13, at RISC in London Street, Reading.

Entry is free and the venue is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 6pm.

n A CAVERSHAM man has been jailed for 26 weeks after carrying out an unprovoked attack.

James Harry George Pipe, 43 and from Mayfield Drive, appeared before Reading Magistrates on September 3 for a summary trial.

On June 23, he was guilty of driving dangerously on a road in Caversham, and failing to stop after causing an accident.

In addition to the jail sentence, he was served an injunction preventing him from contacting his victim, or entering certain parts of Caversham.

Pipe must pay £250 compensation, and was banned from driving for 27 months.

No order for costs was made. n A READING man who used threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour towards another person has been given a 24-month conditional discharge.

Gurdeep Karwal, 43 and from Stanhope Road, committed the offence in Reading on July 28 last year.

The court found the offence was both racially and religiously aggravated and ordered him to pay £77 costs and £22 to victim services at a rate of £100 per month. n A HOMELESS man who stole clothing worth £699.64 from the Broad St Mall branch of TK Maxx has been fined £120.

Hyder Ali Hussain, 29, carried out the raid on August 13, and pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court on September 6.

In addition to the fine, Hussain must pay £34 to victim services.

70th anniversary concert

WOKINGHAM’S Choral Society are returning to live performances as they celebrate their 70th anniversary.

The group will be performing Handel’s Messiah at the Great Hall at the Unibersity of Reading’s London Road campus on Saturday, November 13.

The concert starts at 7.30pm, and is preceded by a short talk at 6.30pm.

The soloists for the event are Helena Moore, soprano; Francis Gush, counter-tenor; Robert Horgan, tenor; Johannes Moore, bass and Benedict Lewis-Smith, continuo.

The evening’s music is conducted by James Morley Potter.

Tickets cost £16, or £5 for students and under 18s.

They can be bought from the following Wokingham venues: the town hall information centre, Jays printers, and Newbury Building Society.

Alternatively, log on to www.wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk

Service to remember loved ones AN OPPORTUNITY to reflect and remember loved ones will take place in a Reading church this Sunday.

Greyfriars, on Friar Street, is to hold the special event from 2pm.

Everyone is welcome to join the peaceful space where they can reflect together on the lives of friends and family who are no longer with us.

Entry is free.

For more details, log on to greyfriars. churchsuite.co.uk

NEWS | 37

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

News from your clubs, groups and societies.

Email your news to: news@wokingham.today

INTHECOMMUNITY Chance to talk Europe with Peace Works group A LOOK at Europe and the challenges facing the continent form the theme of a session taking place in Reading on Saturday, November 13.

Members of Reading Peace Works will be gathering at the Friends Meeting House in Church Street from 11am to discuss themes raised by the writing of anti-Nazi activist Sophie Scholl.

The event is free and part of Reading International Festival.

Places should be reserved, in case the event has to go online as a result of coronavirus.

n For more details, call Manuela on 07580 531739 or email readingpeaceworks@yahoo.co.uk

Poets Cafe will run at lunch – but places are limited THE POETS CAFE has launched a lunchtime version, which takes place online.

The popular event, which usually takes place at South Street, is hosted by Claire Dyer and Vic Pickup.

The next event is on Friday, November 19, from 1pm to 2pm. There are just 20 places available, and guests can take part in a one-page, one-poem open mic session.

Places cost £4.

Artist Janette Crouch with some of her work at the Reading Charity Art Fair 2021 held at Leighton Park School on Saturday Pictures: Steve Smyth

Artist Bhavani Volety shows off her bright and vibrant pieces

Art lovers enjoy return of Rotary club’s charity fair

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

Jane Somner with some of her artwork

n For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com

Farmers Market returns this Saturday READING FARMERS’ MARKET takes place on Saturday, November 6.

A number of local farmers and food producers take part, offer groceries with low food miles.

Items include fruit and vegetables, high welfare meat, fish and eggs, cheese, honey, baked gins, alcohol and fudge.

It runs from 8.30am to 1pm, and takes place at Great Knollys Street’s Cattle Market. n For more details, log on to www.tvfm.org.uk

Climate question session A FOCUS on the climate emergency forms the focus for a church service in Tilehurst this Sunday.

To mark the midpoint of the COP26 conference, and Climate Sunday, St Michael’s is holding a service where the sermon is replaced with a question and answer session around a Christian response to the environmental crisis facing humanity.

The service starts at 10am at the New Lane Hill church.

Reading Haydn Choir prepares for return MUSIC by John Rutter and Karl Jenkins will be performed at the first public performance since 2019 by the Reading Haydn Choir later this month.

The group will be at St Joseph’s College on Saturday, November 20, where they will perform Rutter’s Requiem, and Jenkins’ The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace, both reflective pieces with remembrance in mind.

The group will be accompanied by members of Sinfonia Musicisti, a musicians cooperative.

The conductor will be Mandy Kesel.

The show starts at 7.30pm at the Upper Redlands Road school, with tickets costing £14, £5 for under 19s, £12 for concessions. n For details, log on to www.haydnchoir.org.uk

Artist Carole Stephens holds one of her floral-themed pieces

ART lovers enjoyed a special treat this week while putting a leading charity in the frame.

The Reading Charity Art Fair drew large crowds for its latest exhibition in aid of the Royal Berkshire Hospital Staff Wellness Centre.

Around 80 artists showed more than 300 paintings, sculptures and ceramics ranging from £25 to £1000 at Leighton Park School in an event organised by the Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs of Reading Maiden Erlegh.

Rotary member and exhibitor Sarah Shears said the total amount raised was still being counted but previous exhibitions which are run every two years, have raised more than £50,000 for local charities.

“The Royal Berkshire Hospital was chosen as this year’s recipient as it has been a very tough eighteen months for the NHS,” she explained.

“The wellbeing and welfare of NHS staff is essential to the care of all patients. Like many hospitals throughout the UK, the staff members at all levels at the Royal Berkshire Hospital have worked tirelessly with dedication under immense pressure during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“To ensure that they get

the support they all deserve, a permanent wellbeing centre is being established near to the hospital.

“It will be a place for them to rest, relax and access services to help them keep well, healthy and motivated.

“The centre will provide space for holistic therapies, exercise

classes and psychological support.

Donations and purchases at the Art Fair will add to the funding of these much-needed facilities.”

All the exhibited artworks were sold at a fixed price with a percentage going towards the RBH. “The rooms were busy all day and paintings were selling right up until the close of day which was very encouraging,” added Sarah.

“In addition, there were many wonderful home made cakes and teas and coffee. We are still counting the total amount raised but I can say the exhibition was a great success.”

This year, the Art Fair extended its reach with additional support from Royal Berkshire Hospital and Shinfield Players Theatre which donated a proportion of ticket sales from their show Msic Box – A Review of Musicals.

A number of artists also had their work displayed in September and October in the corridors of the Royal Berkshire Hospital Maternity Block.

Rotarians get planting in fight against polio AT the end of last week Reading Abbey Rotarians planted purple crocus corms in Forbury Gardens, the Abbey Gardens and Caversham Court gardens to celebrate Rotary’s continuing contribution to the eradication of polio across the world.

The aim was to undertake the planting before October 24, World Polio Day, commemorating the birth of Jonas Salk, the inventor of the vaccine.

Over the years Rotary has been a leader of the worlds attempt to eradicate polio, collecting money to buy the vaccine, providing volunteers to support the vaccination across the world.

The money that Rotary collects is trebled each year

PLANTING: The Croscuses in bloom in Christchurch Meadows in March this year Picture: Phil Creighton

by a donation from the Gates Foundation. Many millions of pounds have been raised and spent so far with great success as a result.

Earlier this year it was confirmed that the wild polio virus had been eradicated from the whole African continent, what a success.

The disease has now been eradicated from all countries in the world apart from Pakistan and Afghanistan. In this year to date there has only been two cases of wild virus infection in Pakistan, so we are on the last stretch of the eradication.

The final stages of eradication will be tough and are not always helped by crises within a country, like Afghanistan.

However, we have recently learnt that the Taliban have confirmed their support for the vaccination programme and vaccination has just restarted there. So, we have renewed hopes for eradication soon.

This planting is our way of reminding each other about the contribution we have all made with our donations to Rotary for this cause over the years, to celebrate out joint performance and success to date and to continue to persuade the people of the UK to contribute.

For more details, log on to www.rarc.org.uk

Colin Maclean OBE, chair of the foundation committee of the Rotary Club of Reading Abbey

38

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Classifieds

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

TREE SURGEONS

JOB VACANCY

ACCOUNTANCY Kings Quarter Ltd Chartered Accountant A Local Accountant For Local People Accounts Preparation Corporation Tax Preparation Self-Assessment Companies House Compliance Payroll NPS Surveys

kingsquarterltd@outlook.com 01344 424887 07535504252

RECYCLING

More Eyes than a sack of potatoes!

ACROSS PRINT, WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA WE CAN HELP YOU REACH OVER 100,000 PAIRS OF EYES Our website (www.wokingham.today) has over 175,000 visits per month from over 100,000 unique visitors * Our Facebook posts reach over 150,000 people per month ** A range of other Social Media Channels and thousands of loyal readers of our weekly print edition combine to create an unrivalled local reach.

Talk to us about how we can get these eyes on your business!

Email: advertising@wokingham.today *Google Analytics, 31 May - 29 June 2020 ** Facebook Analytics (based on 22-28 June 2020).

GOODS WANTED

TILING SPECIALISTS Italian Style Ltd Tiling Specialist Ita l ia n Style Kitchens, Bath a nd patio a re the perfect place to fu l fi l a l l you r idea s.

Us i ng ou r experience, we provide free of cha rge advice.

O u r goa l is to meet a l l you r requ i rements, dema nd s a nd dead l i nes you a re worki ng on.

Phone: 0118 327 2662 italianstyleltduk@gmail.com

Call us on 07481 913 914

PHOTOGRAPHER

111117_NG_Adboard_2250mm_x_850mm_MASTER_PATHS.indd 1

TECHNOLOGY

39

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING

18/06/2020 18:00

KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION

WELL BEING

Please recycle me !

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE

It’s good news for everyone

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PAINTING & DECORATING

For the latest news visit

PET SITTING

E M HOND 0 EW A 0 N BER 5,0 UR EM £3 YO C O E DE P T RV ST U SE 31 E RE BY AV S

MOST LYNWOOD VILLAGE HOMEOWNERS WISH THEY’D MOVED HERE

sooner

They wish they’d seized the opportunity earlier.

They would have had more time to enjoy their new, more sociable way of life. More time to meet new friends and to feel part of our vibrant, welcoming community. More time to feel safe in the knowledge that there are always people around when you need them.

They would say: “Don’t wait. Move now. Your new life awaits!”

DON’T WAIT. CALL US TODAY AND COME AND SEE WHAT ALL THE FUSS IS ABOUT.

TEL: 01344 874250 EMAIL: SALES@LYNWOODVILLAGE.CO.UK VISIT: WWW.LYNWOODVILLAGE.CO.UK

OPEN DAY 15TH DECEMBER: SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

Independent living made easy for the over 65s SUNNINGHILL | ASCOT | BERKSHIRE Owned and operated by Ben Ben – Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund. Lynwood Court, Lynwood Village, Rise Road, Ascot, SL5 0FG. A charity registered in England and Wales (no.297877) and Scotland (no.SC039842). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (no.02163894). Registered with the Homes and Communities Agency (no. LH 3766).

To arrange a visit, please call: 01344 797832 visit: lynwoodvillage.co.uk or email: sales@lynwoodvillage.co.uk

LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Tip top Top Hat

T

HE DIRECTOR of Top Hat says he’s “in awe” of the cast after receiving rave reviews at The Mill at Sonning.

The Irving Berlin tap extravaganza, which is running until Saturday, January 8, follows the story of Hollywood entertainer Jerry Travers.

It celebrates 1930s song, style and romance including classic hits, Puttin’ on the Ritz, Cheek to Cheek and Top Hat, White Tie and Tails.

Jonathan O’Boyle said he’s “thrilled” to be directing the show.

“We were supposed to put on Top Hat last Christmas but unfortunately had to postpone it due to covid,” he said.

“So it’s great that The Mill at Sonning has stuck with it and I can’t think of a better show to be putting on with a great group of cast and creatives coming out of this pandemic.”

Mr Boyle described the musical as a post-escapism comedy.

And said audiences can experience a “sense of joy” when coming to watch the show.

Primarily attracted to the music, Mr Boyle he’s wanted to direct the show ever since he saw it live in the West End. “There’s not one bad number in it,” he said. “Its a brilliant book, it’s very funny, enjoyable and light hearted and I love that kind of humour.

“It’s the kind of comedy that’s right for now and with the show we had to be creative on how we used the space and told this fabulous story at The Mill.”

Mr Boyle added that the rehearsal process has been “open and free” with cast members in putting their ideas.

He said: “We’ve made sure we’ve been keeping everyone safe and I’m so happy all the cast said yes to being involved in this show as they’ve been absolutely brilliant.”

And he explained the actors used their skills in order to tell the story.

“It’s always exciting to see what performers bring to the table,” he said.

“I’m very open to responding to what their suggestions during rehearsals.

“And even the tap element is really thrilling to watch and to observe, and our choreographer Ashley Nottingham has brought the big ensemble numbers to life.”

Mr Boyle expressed his love for directing saying he gets to “build great relationships with the actors”.

“I really enjoy working with so many talented people and bringing such great musicals onto the stage to entertain audiences.”

Thanking the cast and creatives for their efforts, Mr Boyle said he feels “deep gratitude” towards them for believing in his vision.

“I cannot thank them all enough, what we’ve achieved is beyond anything I’d ever imagined,” he explained.

“Everyone has worked so hard to get to where we are and I’m proud to be a part of such an incredible production.”

For those looking to book tickets, Mr Boyle said audiences can forget the world outside and spent an evening of “pure bliss”. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to: millatsonning.com

LAURA SCARDARELLA

03.11.21

14 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Head to the movies at South Hill Park

First Time showcases the story of the very first festival, which will be displayed in the Sir John Madejski Art Gallery.

Objects, items and ephemera will be on show from the festival’s history, alongside unseen photos by Jill Furmanovsky.

And visitors can discover creative responses by local young people, in partnership with local charity The Rock Academy, on what the festival means to them today.

The free-to-view exhibition will run until Saturday, January 2022. n For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com

A RANGE of films will be shown throughout this month at South Hill Park.

This week, the Bracknell-based arts venue will hold screenings of Annette, a ‘lunatic’ rock opera, and The Next, a drama telling the story of an American family who upsticks for an English country manor.

There’s more. Ron’s Gone Wrong will be screen on Saturday, November 13, and Sunday, November 14.

And the weekend afternoon will see The French Dispatch up on the big screen from Friday, November 19 until Sunday, November 21.

There are more films on the line-up. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484 123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

Laugh along with Reginald D Hunter

REGINALD D Hunter is set to headline Just The Tonic Comedy Club’s stand-up show next Saturday.

He’ll be joined by comedians Michael Odewale, Chris Kent, and Diane Spencer for a night of laughter.

The performance takes place on Saturday, November 13 at 8pm.

Tickets are £22 for adults and £18.70 for concessions. n For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com

A kind of magical night out with Queen GET READY to Break Free with Queen tribute band, Majesty, rocking into Camberley Theatre this Friday.

The group’s The Break Free Tour will take the We Will Rock You fans on a journey playing Queen’s greatest hits.

The live show will include songs such as Don’t Stop Me Now, We Are the Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody and many more. n For more details, call the box office on 01276 707600, or log on to: camberleytheatre.co.uk

Zany fun with Zerdin and his puppets

A PUPPET show with a difference will be entertaining audiences in Basingstoke later this month.

London Palladium panto star, Paul Zerdin, is back with his new tour, Hands Free.

Puppets Sam, Albert, Baby, Roger the bodguard and an urban fox show audiences a glimpse of what living with Paul is like.

The performance takes place at The Haymarket on Friday, November 19 at 7.30pm.

Suitable for ages 14 and over, tickets cost £23. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01256 844244, or log on to: anvilarts.org.uk

FRANK Sinatra’s life will be celebrated in style at Norden Farm next week.

Tribute act Robert Habermann presents Frank Sinatra – His Way at the Maidenhead arts venue to entertain audiences with the singer’s

Open mic poetry contest will rise A LIVE poetry competition welcomes writers to step up to the mic at Rising Sun Arts Centre this Sunday.

The Reading arts venue hosts its regular event, Dreading Slam, in the Main Hall on the first weekend of each month.

Poets of all standard are encouraged to join to read their own pieces of work, which are scored by three members of the audience.

The free evening starts at 7.30pm and donations are welcome. n For more details, log on to: risingsunartscentre.org

You’ve gotta have faith it’ll be good

GEORGE Michael fans can enjoy a tribute

classic hits.

Alongside musical director Trevor Brown, the pair will sing songs including Come Fly With Me, Strangers in the Night, New York, New York and more. night of his classic songs at Theatre Royal Windsor later this month.

Fastlove: Everything She Wants Tour will take to the stage on Monday, November 15 at 7.30.

Audiences can reminisce over some of the artist’s most-popular hits including Wake Me Up, Too Funky, Father Figure, Faith, Careless Whisper and more.

There will also probably be a number of his songs from his Wham days.

Tickets prices starts from £18.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01753 853888, or log on to: theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

Stylistics promise a stylish night out

A FOUR-MAN band will return to The Anvil next week.

Performing on Wednesday,

AT THE THEATRE 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 Back To the 5 6 7 8. Until Sat. Candlelit Macbeth. Thurs.

Bracknell Jazz: Five-Way Split.

Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. West Forest Sinfonia. Sun. Home. Tues. The Syd Lawrence Orchestra: The Ultimate Big Band. Wed. The Music of Robert Johnson: Blue Touch.

Wed. Ivo Graham: The Game of Life. Thurs 11. The Counterfeit Sixties. Fri 12. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 12. Craft and Design Fair 2021. Sat 13-Sun 14.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Luisa Omielan. Thurs. The Best of Queen. Fri. Bring Your Own

Baby Comedy. Tues. Round And Round The Garden. Fri 12-Sat 13. BTA: Annie Jnr. Sat 13. Tom Thumb. Sun 14. BTA: All Together Now. Sun 14.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Arthur Smith: Syd. Thurs. The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe. Thurs-Fri. A Night of Comedy with Glenn Moore, Luke Kempner and more. Fri. Flinch. Sat. An Evening with Lady Glenconner.

Sun. The Lemon Table. Mon-Sat 13. Scream Phone. Wed 10. Mig Kimpton’s Tales of the Golden Goose, a Floral Extravaganza.

Thurs 11. Dispatches on the Red Dress. Fri 12-Sat 13.

High Wycombe – Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Alan Carr. Fri. Rob Beckett. Sat. Dirty Dancing and Grease Dinner Dance. Sat. Alan Carr.

Sun. Baby Broadway. Sun. Nine Conti: The Dating Show. Tues.

Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs.

Jason Manford: Like Me. Thurs 11. The King Is Back. Fri 12.

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sat 13. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sun 14.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Dara O’Briain: So, Where Were We? Thurs. The Comedy Network: Naz Osmanohlu, Lou Sanders, Jack Barry. Fri. Cat Stevens. Sat.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Geoff Norcott. Fri-Sat. Spy Monkey.

Sat. Norden Farm Market.

Sat. Frank Sinartra: His Way. Thurs 11. Sara Barron: Enemies Closer. Fri 12. Gary Delaney: Gary In Punderland. Thurs 11, Fri 12. Juan Martin. Sat 13.

Sindhu Vee: Alphabet. Sat 13.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Iain Stirling: Failing Upwards.

Thurs. Nick Cope Family Music.

Sat. Islands In the Stream: The Music of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Sat. Bolshoi Live: Spartacus. Sun. Giselle.

Wed. Mercury: The Ultimate Queen Tribute. Thurs 11.

Ladyboys of Bangkok: Flight of Fantasy. Fri 12. UK Fleetwood Mac. Sat 13.

Newbury – Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Brief Encounter. Until Nov 13.

Reading – Reading Minster Church

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

The performance takes place on Thursday, November 11 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997, or log on to: nordenfarm.org November 10, The Stylistics will entertain the crowds with their latest tour.

Songs include Grammy nominated You Make Me Feel Brand New and other hits Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love), Let’s Put It All Together, Stop Look Listen amd Betcha By Golly Wow. Tickets cost £38.50 and the performance starts at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01256 844244, or log on to: anvilarts.org.uk

Head down memory lane for best of fest

THIS year marks Reading Festival’s 50th anniversary and the borough’s museum presents a special exhibition to honour the occasion.

The 1971 Reading Festival: For the

Reading – South St

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Three Ways to Detox Your Mind.

Thurs. Bobby and Amy. Thurs.

Hurtling by Greg Wohead. Sat. Desert Island Flicks. Tues. Matt Forde and Travis Jay: Works in Progress. Wed. Stephen K Amos. Fri 12-Sat 13. Poets Cafe. Fri 12.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Thurs. Milton Jones. Fri. Maximum Rhythum and Blues: The Manfreds and Georgie Fame. Sat. Jimmy Carr.

Mon and Sat 13. Billy Bragg.

Wed. Hello Again: A tribute to Neil Diamond. Thurs 11.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Jimeoin: Turn It Up. Sun. O Duo. Thurs 11. Henley Symphony Orchestra. Sat 14.

Swingalong to the Jazz Cafe

A SIX-PIECE music band is swinging into The Jazz Cafe in Reading next month.

The venue, on Shooters Way at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, will see the Evolution cover pop, soul and rock classics on Saturday, December 4 at 7.30pm.

Between their sets, a DJ will spin the decks.

Entry only tickets cost £12 and entry and dinner tickets are £46.50 per person. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 9681 442, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

Pull a rabbit out of a hat with magic night

THE REAL Magic Show will pull rabbits out a hat for a special performance at Camberley Theatre later this month.

Tickets cost £17.50 and theatre club members for £16.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01276 707600, or log on to: camberleytheatre.co.uk

Reading – Progress Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Radiant Vermin.

Nov 15-20.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Dorian. Until Sun.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

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

Dec 3-4.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Jan 8. The Bourne Again Shadows with Cliff. Sun. Magic Night. Mon. Motown’s Greatest Hits: How Sweet It Is. Sun 14.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Cherry Orchard. Until Sat Nov 13.

Wokingham – Theatre

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

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club presents China Crisis.

Thurs 11.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488 337838 NEXT SHOW: Talking Heads Part 2. Nov 30-Dec 4.

LEISURE | 15

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

EBOS returns with song, dance and all that jazz

A new home for Sargam’s arts

LAURA SCARDARELLA goes back to the 80s to celebrate the first show from EBOS since the pandemic hit

A

THEATRE company is currently making its return on stage at South Hill Park, its first live performance since the pandemic began.

The East Berkshire Operatic Society, EBOS, a community theatre company based at Pinewood Theatre, Wokingham, will be dazzling audiences with its production of Back To The 5, 6, 7, 8.

The cast will treat audiences to a programme of songs from hit shows, including Back to the 80’s, Chicago, Annie and 42nd Street, as well as songs from EBOS’s unique Musicals Miscast series.

Natalie Hayllor, chairman of EBOS, said the cast and crew are excited to return to the stage.

“Having rehearsed for two performances in 2020 that were unfortunately cancelled due to lockdowns, we have worked tirelessly to adjust our rehearsals to adapt to restrictions and keep our casts and audiences safe.

“We’ve missed being able to share our passion for performing and getting the opportunity to return to what we love has been a very special experience.”

Ms Hayllor added that seeing the final rehearsals has highlighted how important the show has been to everyone involved.

She said the production is a “celebration” of all the work the team have put in.

“There is something for

Sargam Performing Arts Centre has confirmed its new partnership with South Hill Park

A

BRACKNELL arts venue has hosted a special launch event to celebrate the opening of the new Sargam Performing Arts Centre.

Back To The 5, 6, 7, 8 will be performed at South Hill Park until Saturday, November 6 everyone that is sure to leave audiences on a high,”she said.

“We have also managed to incorporate some of the numbers recorded from home in lockdown from our popular Musicals Miscast trilogy which see’s returning musical theatre characters misplaced into another musical bringing our own EBOS spin and flavour to the performances.”

Musical numbers include All that Jazz, Lullaby of

Broadway, Easy Street, Man in the Mirror and many more.

Ms Hayllor added: “After what has been a devastating and turbulent time for everyone, theatre offers escapism and an opportunity to forget the outside world for two hours of live entertainment.

“With a fantastic live band on stage and a cast of 25 singing and dancing their way through the shows that would

have been, we look forward to welcoming audiences to come and join us in celebrating the opportunity to return to what we love.”

Back To The 5, 6, 7, 8 runs until Saturday, November 6, in the Wilde Theatre.

Tickets range between £18 and £21. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

The Sargam Group, started by a group of friends in 2011, aims to promote Indian music, arts and culture for the community.

The non-profit organisation has held concerts encouraging local talent to perform on stage.

And thanks to its new partnership with South Hill Park, it will now provide an academy for learning vocal music, classical and instrumental music, classical and contemporary dance and yoga.

Chandra Trikha, chairman of Sargam Group, said that their vision

Sherwood Forest is really in Crowthorne

C

ATS 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 highly skilled 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

is to “enhance the well-being of the community through performing arts”.

Sargam Group supports local and international talent by hosting accessible performances for members of the community.

The launch saw performances from Vaneet Singh, Ratna, Rakhi Sood, Pankhuri Verma, Kam Dehal, and sitar player Dr Shantanu Sharma.

South Hill Park chief executive Craig Titley said the launch event was a “wonderful celebration” of Indian arts.

“I am delighted to welcome the Sargam Group as a partner organisation. South Hill Park is for everyone, and we look forward to working with Sargam in the future.”

LAURA SCARDARELLA

THE MILL AT SONNING PRESENTS

TOP HAT

16 OCTOBER 2021 TO 8 JANUARY 2022 BOOK ONLINE AT MILLATSONNING.COM

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

THE MILL AT SONNING THEATRE LTD SONNING EYE, RG4 6TY READING

16| LEISURE

Book now for Rep’s festive treat A CHRISTMAS Carol will be lighting up the Reading Rep stage this festive season.

The Reading-based theatre company, on King’s Road, will present a world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel.

Ebenezer Scrooge is having a miserable time, but with a little help from Christmas Past, Present and Future, will he be able to see the festive joy all?

Performances run from Friday, December 3 until Friday, December 31.

Tickets range from £14 to £27. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 0118 370 2620, or visit: readingrep.com

Netflix ace heads to Hexagon KATHERINE Ryan will be having audiences laughing away at her new tour at The Hexagon later this month.

The Netflix comedian, who’s starred in The Duchess, In Trouble and The Glitter Room, will step onto the stage for her gig, Missus.

The performance takes place on Saturday, November 27 at 8pm. Suitable for ages 14 and over, tickets cost £30.50. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 0118 9606060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Will RABBLE solve the mystery?

A

MURDER mystery play will heading to Reading Minster for its two-week run from this Thursday.

Reading-based theatre company Rabble Theatre will be take audiences back to a real-life event from 1929 in its classic whodunnit performance, Who Killed Alfred Oliver?

Written by Beth Flintoff, the story follows tobacco shop owner, Alfred, who has been found murdered in his Cross Street store.

On the same day, the star of the box office smash hit, The Monster, was spotted near the scene - but could it have been him?

Directed by Gareth Taylor, whose credits include The Barbican and Southwark Playhouse, will bring a fast-paced whodunnit spin on the play.

Emma Pallant, who plays Mrs Lindo and other multiple characters, said rehearsing for the play has been “joyous”.

“Theatre has been battered by covid and it’s been strange not being able to be in the room together,” she said.

“But it’s wonderful to get back on with it and having never worked with the other cast members before so it’s great to be able to have a new company of actors to assemble

MYSTERY: Rabble Theatre’s Who Killed Alfred Oliver will run at Reading Minster from Thursday, November 4 until Saturday, November 20 together for this play.”

Ms Pallant explained the process has been a storytelling exercise.

“I’m playing lots of different characters throughout the play and it’s be great to take all these characters from the real-life story and make them as vivid as possible,” she said.

“The writer Beth has done so much research on this murder story and we’ve explored who all these people might be and why they were there.

“The drama of the events will push the story along as well as presenting who the characters are.”

Ms Pallant said the play raises some of the evidence again that was originally found.

“It is there so the audience can go away retelling through a

fictional lense,” she added.

Being a play that’s written for and about Reading, Ms Pallant explained it’s great to have something made fresh for a real event that happened in the borough.

“Audiences should come along and support local artists, especially after the 18 months we’ve all had,” she said.

“Expect flamboyance, melodrama, comedy and a bit of everything in this good oldfashioned murder mystery play.”

Performances run from Thursday, November 4 until Saturday, November 20.

Tickets range from £5 to £25, with discounts available. n For more information, or to book, log on to: rabbletheatre. com

LAURA SCARDARELLA

GAGS: Ivo Graham will step on to the South Hill Park stage next week.

Picture: Matt Stronge

Comedian Ivo Graham takes to Bracknell stage

COMEDY star Ivo Graham will get audiences laughing at South Hill Park next Thursday.

After his success at Edinburgh Fringe in 2019, which got him nominated for Best Show, Ivo’s spring tour, The Game of Life, explored the joys of rescheduling and finger crossing over the past year.

Starting his stand-up career in 2009, at the age of 18, eight months later he became the youngest winner of the So You Think You’re Funny award for new acts at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Ivo has since starred in regular club gigs, theatres, podcast and

panel shows of the UK circuit.

And he’s appeared on multiple shows, including Have I Got News For You, Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, Hypothetical and Fighting Talk.

Ivo’s previous shows have moved through the gears from singledom, to relationships, to, engagement and pregnancy, politics and class, as well as a set about discounts he was currently eligible for.

Tickets cost £15 and the performance starts at 8pm in the Wilde Theatre. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484 123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk

Sweet-smelling flower show in Maidenhead this December A FLORAL designer will bring an iris-istible show to Norden Farm next month.

Award-winner Mig Kimpton returns with a new unique performance of Tale of the Golden Goose.

Taking place on Friday, December 3, Mig combines his theatrical past and knowledge of flower to provide an evening of sweet-smelling entertainment.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Norden Farm, its one of my favourite venues,” Mig said.

“This year’s show is the story I

wrote during lockdown and I am excited to bring it to live with a plethora of fabulous designs using on the best seasonal flowers.

“Its a fun evening. We start with an empty stage and then you will see me fill it with flowers in brand new designs and provide you with some inspiration for decoration for your home this festive season.”

Audiences can watch him create from scratch stunning floral designs fit for any home.

With more than 25 years of experience, he has achieved

13 medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Mig added: “My tale will unfold and you will hear all about the characters and what happens to the Golden Goose.

“At the end of the show you will, if you are lucky, be able to take all the flowers home.”

Tickets cost £15 and the performance starts at 8pm. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01628 788997, or log onto norden.farm

LAURA SCARDARELLA

Dara O’Briain’s Hexagon date set

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

NOTTINGHAM POST

‘‘...Absolutely mesmerising’’ SKY TV

Thursday 11 November 7.30pm 0118 960 6060 whatsonreading.com

IRISH comedian Dara O’Briain will entertain the Reading crowds with his new stand-up show next spring.

As part of his 2022 tour, he’ll be heading to The Hexagon for one night only to perform So... Where Were We? on Saturday, March 5.

By the end of his successful previous tour, Voice Of Reason, Dara had performed the show 180 times over two years across 20 countries.

In his new stand-up performance, he’ll deliver a usual mix of stories, one-liners and audience participation.

The BBC Two’s Mock The Week star will present a night of laughter as he trips over his words from talking too quickly. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, november 3, 2021 RDG.TODAY

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

LIGHTNING: Mike Wagner on Wokingham Music Club Stage at this year’s Wokingham Festival Picture: Andrew Merritt

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/ RaWsoundstoday

H

ERE we go with another great RaW Sounds Today playlist.

Each week we round up 10 great tracks, all with connections to the area.

This week, we welcome two Reading-based entries: Mike Wagner and Rocket Kings. There’s also a new entry for China Crisis, preparing to play at Wokingham Music Club.

You can listen to them for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist.

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

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

There’s also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap in to. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Mike Wagner – Face of Light Mike is a Reading-based singer-songwriter from Durban South Africa who supports China Bears on Friday at a show promoted by Wokingham’s Beyond the Download, taking place at Reading’s Purple Turtle venue.

This song is an uplifting singalong anthem that showcases Mike’s songwriting talent. It’s taken from his Life… A Seven Day Journey which is well worth checking out with songs that he describes as inspired by life faith and people – https://www. facebook.com/mikewagnermusic

Lucy Spraggan – Run to the Hills Lucy rose to fame following her amazing performances on X Factor in 2012 and has a great new album, Choices, which features this track.

She will be at Reading’s Sub 89 on November 23 – http://www.lucyspraggan.com/

Third Lung – I A Fire Check out the powerful musicianship and vocals of Third Lung who performed a stripped down set at Jamma’s event at Purple Turtle last week, and their usual set at The Facebar on November 26 – http:// www.thirdlungband.com/

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/

One Last Day – Holding onto Nothing

Rocket Kings – The Green Zone

China Crisis – Wishful Thinking

Check out the video of this song and see if you can spot those locations.

It was filmed in Reading and the song is taken from the band’s new album, Everyday Adventures.

Rocket Kings are a five-piece band who describe their sound as ‘uke pop’, and with their catchy original upbeat melodies and musicians that play ukulele that’s a good description.

They have a feel good vibe so if you fancy a fun evening see them live at The Fisherman’s Cottage in Reading on November 12 – https://www.facebook. com/rocketkings

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

The latest single from a new hard rock band that recently played at the Acoustic Couch in Bracknell (where some of the band is from). This month they are in Kingston and Addlestone – https://www. facebook.com/OneLastDayOfficial/

A Better Life (feat. Herica and The Wolf) – Dreaming of the Beach

This local artist has just released a wonderful lyric video for this beautifully chilled track from their Take A Deep Breath album – https://abetterlifemusic. com/

China Bears – Statue Still

Split the Dealer – High Rockets

China again. This time it’s the China Bears, a critically acclaimed indie quartet who headline the afore mentioned Beyond the Download event at Reading’s Purple Turtle on November 5 – www. chinabears.co.uk

He was No.3 in Wokingham.Today’s Best of 2020 with his Deva St.John duet on the XV single and here’s one of his own singles. Split aka Sam Brett is at The Facebar on November 26 supporting Third Lung - https://www.facebook.com/splitthedealer

Street RG1 1EP. Stereo MCs. Details: 0118 959 5395.

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

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Hello Again, a Tribute to Neil Diamond.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents China Crisis In Concert.

7.30pm. £24. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Funkline. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Ear Candy. Details: 01344 422622.

BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Karaoke. Details: 0118 983 2220.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 530615.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 772161.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Million Dollar Men, a tribute to Magic Mike. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Turn. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. David Gray and John Dunsterville. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Up The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road

GIG GUIDE Friday, November 5

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. 1 For The Road, The Station. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. EBOS presents Back to the 5 6 7 8. Bracknell Jazz: Five-way Split.

Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Tina Turner tribute.

Details: 01344 303333.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music.

Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Rocktail Riot Reading! Alt night. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. An Evening With China Bears. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Bon Jovi Experience. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Peach and the Prairie Dogs. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Saturday, November 6

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Ultimate Night at the Disco. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. EBOS presents Back to the 5 6 7 8. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Chevrons. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity: Wrecking Crew, New Mind, Screaming Dead. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Maximum Rhythm and Blues: The Manfreds and Georgie Fame. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Mollys Jam. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. PIG. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jazz with Lea Lyle and Trio. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Heavy Pop presents This Is The Kit. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. DNB Allstars Reading. Details: 0118 959 5395.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Live music. Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Neon Daze. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Bottle Kids.

Details: 0118 977 0918.

Sunday, Nov 7

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: Geoff Lakeman and Rob Murch. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Bourne Again Shadows with Cliff. Details: 0118 969 8000.

WOKINGHAM – The Roebuck, Market Place RG40 1AL. Alternative

Sundays. Details: 0118 979 6486.

Monday, Nov 8

NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Talisk. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk

Tuesday, Nov 9

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

Wednesday, November 10

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open Mic Night. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Syd Lawrence Band.

The Music of Robert Johnson: Blue Touch.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Billy Bragg.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

Thursday, November 11

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Hoopy Frood. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar

Friday, November 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Skylines: Camel tribute band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Barry White solo tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Counterfeit Sixties. Details: 01344 484123.

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Live music.

Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Swamp featuring Morass of Molasses.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1 3DW. Rocket Kings.

Details: 07925 336269.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Marvellous Fridays. Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Big Untidy Night Out. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Specials Ltd. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents The Petty Criminals. £21. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Good Times Five.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Tim Shez Trio.

Details: 0118 977 0918.

Saturday, November 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. A Very Deep Hole. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller,

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

RG7 1AP. 1960s night with the Self Preservation Society. Details: www. trybooking.com/uk/events/ landing/21204 TILEHURST – Double Barrelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Third Birthday celebration: live music, DJs and more.

1pm-5pm or 7pm-11pm.

Details: 0118 942 8390.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Uptown Traffic. Details: 0118 942 9606.

TILEHURST – The Victoria, Norcot Road RG30 6BP. Live music. Details: 0118 941 5064.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Women in Rock. £20. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

Sunday, November 14

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Karaoke. 2pm-6pm.

Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: theme night - killing time.

Details: www.readifolk. org.uk

WHAT’SON Thursday, November 4

EARLEY – Reading Film Theatre, Palmer Building, Whiteknights campus, University of Reading RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Wildland (15). 8pm. Details: www. readingfilmtheatre.co.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Over 50s group. 2.15pm4.15pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

SONNING – Reading Blue Coat School, Holme Park, Sonning Lane RG4 6SU. Family fireworks 2021.

Gates 6pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Burgers, hot dogs and bar available. Details: boxoffice@rbcs.org.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham Literary Society meeting: Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Charlie Waite at the Whitty Theatre. Open to non-members. 7.30pm.

Details: www.webcc. org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Baptist Church, Milton Road RG40 1DE. Joan Clyde: Children in War. 7.30pm. £2 non-members. Details: wokinghamliterarysociety. org.uk

Friday, November 5

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Community coffee morning. 10am-noon.

SNAC Handmade Cards and Gifts sale, plus tea and cake. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 966 9080.

EARLEY – Sol Joel Park, Church Road RG6 7HT. Earley St Peter’s School Association fireworks display. Gates 6pm, fireworks 7pm. £8.50, £6.50 students, £5.50 children, family tickets £21.

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 6

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Pier, Thameside Promenade RG1 8BD. Fireworks on the Thames.

SOLD OUT. 6pm-8pm.

Details: Whatsonreading. com CHAZEY HEATH – The Club at Mapledurham RG4 7UD. Mapledurham Fireworks 2021. Gates 4pm.

Bonfire 6pm. Fireworks 6.30pm. Advance tickets only. Details: www. theclubatmapledurham. com EARLEY – Laurel Park, Marefield. Woodley and Earley Lions present firework and laser display set to music. Gates 5.30pm.

Display 7pm. No parking on site. Marefield and Sellafield Road closed to vehicles 6pm-8pm. £10, under 14s £5, infants carried or pushed free.

Details: www.e-clubhouse. org/sites/woodleyearley EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting.

Samwain: the shedding of leaves. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com EMMER GREEN – Abbey RFC, Rose Hill, Peppard Road, RG4 8XA. Abbey RFC Firework party 2021. Gates 6pm, bonfire 7.15pm, fireworks 8pm.

SOLD OUT. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/readingabbey-rfc READING – Across town.

March 4 Climate. 1pm from Broad Street/ West Street junction to St Laurence Church.

1pm. Stalls, speakers and discussions at St Laurence’s 2pm-5pm. Details: admin@ shinfieldbaptist.org.uk SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall. Little pigs at home Christmas fayre: raffle, refreshments, tombola, name the puppy, cake sale, stalls, a chance to meet the pigs. 11.30am-4.30pm.

Details: littlepigsathome@ gmail.com TILEHURST – Rivermoor Stadium, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Reading City FC and Reading Lions present Fireworks Spectacular.

Gates 5pm, fireworks 7pm.

Family tickets (advance)

LEISURE | 27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Reader travel

£15. Under fives free.

Fairground rides, food and more. Details: www. readinglionsfireworks. org.uk WOKINGHAM – Cantley Park. Wokingham Fireworks 2021.

Procession from town hall 5.15pm. Fun fair opens 5.15pm. Fireworks.

6.30pm. Details: www. wokingham-fireworks. co.uk.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, November 7

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Islamic Art meets British Flowers, a talk by Adrian Lawson and Hadil Tamim.

4.30pm-6.30pm. Details: 0118 966 9080 READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam.

7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org SINDLESHAM – Reddam House, Bearwood Road RG41 5BG. Firework night.

Fairground rides, food, gin bar, glow sticks and more.

5pm-8.30pm. Details: www.reddamfireworks. co.uk WINNERSH – St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Gratis Choir’s free concert Reflections.

3.15pm. In aid of Anthony Pilcher Bone Cancer Trust.

Details: www.gratischoir. org.uk.

Tuesday, November 9

BINFIELD – Newbold College, St Marks Road RG42 4AN. Diversity Lectures: Getting on the wrong side of Jesus: exploring the edges of mission. Speakers: The Revd Dr Al Barrett and Ruth Harley. 7.30pm.

Online using Zoom. Details: www.newbold.ac.uk/ diversity-centre EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Mothers’ Union meeting: Jane Olney on life as a district nurse.

WPR_2021-11-01_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

THURSFORD

Christmas Spectacular ThursfordChristmasSpectacular_D.pdf

Departing Fri 10 Dec ‘21

BIG BANG SPECIAL: Fireworks will once again light up the night skies across the region with displays on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Picture: Dijana Capan 2.15pm. Details: 0118 966 9080

Wednesday, November 10

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

Thursday, November 11

EARLEY – Reading Film Theatre, Palmer Building, Whiteknights campus, University of Reading RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents:Our Ladies (15). 8pm. Details: www.readingfilmtheatre. co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Round 2 PDI competition: Local, judged

by Micki Aston. 7.30pm.

Details: www.webcc. org.uk.

Friday, November 12

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267.

Saturday, November 13

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair.

10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CROWTHORNE – St John the Baptist Church, Waterloo Road RG45 7NT. Thames Voyces Celebratory concert. 7.30pm. £15, £13 concessions, under 18s free. Details: 0118 967 7319 or www. thamesvoyces.org.uk.

SINDLESHAM – Berkshire Masonic Centre, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Christmas market, with cafe, tombola and more.

10am-4pm. Details: 07515 637471.

READING – Friends Meeting House, Church Street RG1 2SB. Reading International Festival presents What Is Europe?

A talk inspired by the writings of anti-Nazi activist Sophie Scholl.

Free. Advance booking welcomed in case covid prevents talk from being held in person. 11am.

Details: 07580 531739 8readingpeaceworks@ yahoo.co.uk READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Wokingham Choral Society presents Handel’s Messiah.

7.30pm. Pre-concert talk 6.30pm. Details: www.

wokingham-choral-society. org.uk UPPER WOOLHAMPTON – Douai Abbey RG7 5TQ. 30 Years of Cecilia - The Cecilia Consort. £15, under 18s £5. Details: 07775 743445.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk YATELEY – St Swithun’s Catholic Church, Firgrove Road GU46 6NH. Yateley Choral Society: O May We Sign Again: Renew That Song. 7.45pm. £14, £5 students, under 16s free.

Details: 01276 31850 or www.yateley-choral.org.uk

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

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

4 Days by Coach

only £299

Single Supplement £75

TORQUAY

Entertainment Break YorkStNicholasFayre&ChatsworthHouse_D.pdf

Sunday, November 14

SINDLESHAM – Berkshire Masonic Centre, Mole Road RG41 5EA. Christmas market, with cafe, tombola and more.

10am-4pm. Details: 07515 637471.

WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: www.sparkleveganevents. com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm.

Cars £10, vans £15.

Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk

What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form

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

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

Holding a community event? Running a fun day? Organising a concert? Planning a friendship group? Get it listed in our what’s on guide by sending information to us. Use this form or email events@wokingham.today. Please note this service is for community groups,

Name Name

Optional excursion to Buckfast Abbey & Totnes (£6pp)

Address

3 Days by Coach

charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.

Address

Date of event: Venue of event: What will happen:

Postcode Email Postcode

Single Supplement £30

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

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

Time of event: Contact number for readers:

only £99

Send Emailyour forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

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

No. 5386

26 | LEISURE

Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

5384

Quiz Challenge

1

11

7

9

7

7

18

6

7 20

7

14

19

7

7

13

9

7

5

20

9

9 7

18

12

9

11

26 14

9

1

18

25

1

10

15

11

3 5

7

3

26 26

20 13

5

7

3

16

18

18

25

5

10

1

1. According to the song, which train leaves Pennsylvania Station on track 29?

7 7

9

12

11

18

20

26

13 4

9

18 9

7

1 1

9 18

3

7

1

NONAGRAM

7 7

L

20

2

3

4

5

6

7

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

E

8

9

21

22

L

10

11

12

13

23

24

25

26

N T E

R

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

COIL IN NICE VELVET

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: 20 Good; 24 Very Good; 28 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 O through openings in the walls. The N first letter may appear in any chamber.

M I

IA

TV

RU

EO

PA

OR

EI

SK

DR

AE

7

4 3 5 8

VE

2 1 1 2 9 3 7

7 8

5 1 2

9 9

7 6 7 2 5 8 2 1 3 4 7 6

S A

R P

P

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.

ES

13

16

15

13

14

16 18

16

17

19

21

23

4

5

6

6

7

7

8

9 11 11

13

14

10

11

12 15

16

26

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

3

10

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd. To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

2

10

20

2

12

7

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.

7

11

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

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.

4

7

DOWN 2. Weight of informed opinion about dim sow (6) 3. Sack container on a steam 6. Vote for a parrot? (4) locomotive (7) 8. Ruler of star potential (4) 4. Councillor takes sheep to 9. It’s a military operation to Cheshire town (5) keep fit (8) 5. One cannot stand going in 10. Strangely nobleman and here in the pool (4,3) guide are ambiguous (6-7) 6. After 9 Across is able to have a nut (5) 11. A cross is put on the reference line (4) 7. Going down with wrong entry in ship’s record (6) 13. She’s no lady in the 12. Revolutionary manipulator pantomime! (4) of public opinion? (7) 17. They work at night but their 14. Mother will point out the employers should know platform aloft (7) little about it (8,5) 15. Jet possibly there first in 20. The threshold of delight? (8) outer space (6) 21. Vehicle returns at eleven (4) 16. Has drink before ten, one with a girl (6) 22. Long to be found in stitches (4) 18. Does it mean the world to a fox? (5) 23. Concerning a crumpled paper that is to be 19. Girl is targeted without Edward around (5) republished (8)

E H

6

ACROSS 1. Deceitful pair stood opposite (3-5)

EQUALISER 14 9 6 2 5 1 8 12 3 3 2 6

Hard

2

5

E

CM

LT

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

2 1 5 1 4 5 7 4 8 6 2 4 9 9 6 5 3 5 1 2 1 6

N

AE

EL

SUDOKU

15

17

22

18

19

22

21

22

23

24

25 27

28 29

30

31 32

4 2 8 6 1 5 9 3 7

7 8 9 5 2 3 1 4 6

3 4 5 1 6 7 2 8 9

2 6 1 4 8 9 7 5 3

8 9 4 7 5 1 3 6 2

6 7 3 2 4 8 5 9 1

5 1 2 9 3 6 4 7 8

WORD PYRAMID: Misapprehension.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; subtract; add; divide. Total: 7.

SOLUTIONS

9 5 6 3 7 2 8 1 4

Easy

I

OI

LO

12

22

S

RN

AR

5

20

FIVE ALIVE BD

5

9

17

10. In 2019, Mikel Arteta became the manager of which Premier League football team?

WORD PYRAMID

S V O

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

I

4

10

9. Which US lawman defeated the Clanton Gang in the gunfight at the OK Corral?

5. Helena Bonham Carter began her film career playing Lucy Honeychurch in which film based on an E.M. Forster novel?

3

8

8. In 2009, which children’s character made his first appearance in a book since 1928?

4. The largest of the pyramids and the Great Sphinx are located outside which Egyptian city?

2

8

7. What organ of the ox or cow is sold as tripe?

3. What is commonly taken as the opposite of centrifugal force?

1

1

6. Which BBC TV series features a different celebrity each week being given assistance in tracing their family tree?

2. What are mitre, dovetail and lapped scarf?

20

3

11

11

13 1

5

17

18

15 7

7

9

25

3

14

3

18

24

26 14

26

1 3 7 8 9 4 6 2 5

26

23

11

7

25

4 2 1 9 6 3 8 5 7

13

8

21

6 3 5 8 7 1 2 9 4

7

12

7 8 9 5 4 2 1 6 3

10

9

1

5 6 2 3 9 4 7 8 1

26

22

3 9 8 7 1 5 6 4 2

20

9

26

1 7 4 2 8 6 9 3 5

20

2 5 7 6 3 9 4 1 8

11

9 4 3 1 2 8 5 7 6

13

8 1 6 4 5 7 3 2 9

2

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5386

CROSS CODE

ACROSS 1. Disparaging remark (9) 9. Conflict (6) 10. Couple (4) 11. Agitate (4) 12. Hypnotic state (6) 13. Defamation (7) 16. Join metal (4) 17. Origin (4) 18. Burnt remains (3) 20. Self-importance (3) 21. Frozen (4) 23. Wheat (4)

25.

26.

29.

30.

31.

Exile (7) Tooth decay (6) Be fond of (4) Cut back (4) ------ Weisz, English actress (6) 32. Walking unsteadily (9) DOWN 2. Unchanging (6) 3. Brief mission (6) 4. Female sibling (6) 5. Notice of death (4) 6. Recount (7)

7. Stupefy (4) 8. Call up (9) 13. Variety of maize (9) 14. As well (4) 15. Wanderer (5) 18. Eagerly excited (4) 19. Teacake (7) 22. Loathe (6) 23. Small sailing boat (6) 24. Area (6) 27. Wealthy (4) 28. Storage tower (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Aspersion; 9 Battle; 10 Pair; 11 Stir; 12 Trance; 13 Slander; 16 Weld; 17 Root; 18 Ash; 20 Ego; 21 Iced; 23 Corn; 25 Refugee; 26 Caries; 29 Like; 30 Trim; 31 Rachel; 32 Tottering.

Down – 2 Stable; 3 Errand; 4 Sister; 5 Obit; 6 Narrate; 7 Stun; 8 Telephone; 13 Sweetcorn; 14 Also; 15 Rover; 18 Agog; 19 Pikelet; 22 Detest; 23 Cutter; 24 Region; 27 Rich; 28 Silo.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The Chattanooga Choo Choo; 2 Woodworking joints; 3 Centripetal force; 4 Giza; 5 Room With a View; 6 Who Do You FIVE ALIVE: Think You Are?; 7 Stomach; 8 Winnie-the-Pooh; 9 Wyatt Earp; 10 Arsenal.

(1) Across – Baton; Arose; Delve.

Down – Braid; Troll; Niece.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Two-faced; 6 Poll; 8 Tsar; 9 Exercise; 10 Double- (2) Across – Diver; Polka; Rates.

S F T K O V E P L M I G R meaning; 11 Axis; 13 Dame; 17 Sleeping pills; 20 Entrance; 21 Down – Duper; Valet; Roams.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Taxi; 22 Itch; 23 Reappear.

C H W J N B D Q Y X Z U A Down – 2 Wisdom; 3 Firebox; 4 Crewe; 5 Deep end; 6 Pecan; 7 NONAGRAM: envoi; evil; INSOLVENT; invent; invest; Losing; 12 Spinner; 14 Maintop; 15 Planet; 16 Alexia; 18 Earth; levin; live; liven; love; novel; novelist; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU evil; vice; icon; lent. 19 Greta. olive; oven; ovine; sloven; snivel; solve; solvent; soviet; stove; veil; vein; venison; vent; ventil; vest; veto; vile; vilest; vine; vino; viol; violent; violet; voile; vole; volet; volt; volte; vote.

28 | LIFE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Porridge and Cinnamon Apples In the kitchen Freely Fruity

O

Serves four

UR apple season is in full swing right now, and many apples that we can buy at this time of year are grown in the UK.

This recipe uses eating apples rather than cooking apples, to keep their shape, and are delicious served with porridge to comfort these dark mornings.

Ingredients For the porridge n 150g porridge oats n 500ml milk, non-dairy milk or water n 1 small pinch salt

For the apples n 2 tsp coconut oil n 3 eating apples, skinon, cut into cubes n ½ tsp ground cinnamon n 1 tbsp honey To serve n 50g almonds, chopped

Method Place the oats and your chosen liquid into a large pan over a medium-high heat.

Stir occasionally Once the porridge bubbles and thickens, stir in the salt and turn the heat to its lowest setting.

Cover and cook until it reaches your desired consistency.

Meanwhile in another large pan melt the coconut oil over a medium-high heat and add the apples to stir fry for three to four minutes, then add the cinnamon and honey and reduce the heat to keep warm until your porridge is ready.

Serve together, topped with almonds

Fireworks: how to support people with dementia

A

Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk

Top tips for driving in the dark, now the clocks have gone back

W

has begun.

ITH the darker nights now here, the most difficult time of year to be driving

Ensure your hazards are on, which will make you seen and alert other drivers, disembark your vehicle and stand behind safety barriers or a safe distance away and always carry a high vis.

Extra tip: In the unfortunate event of a breakdown at night, make your call to your breakdown recovery service first, to ensure you aren’t waiting longer, and then phone your respective partners, family and friends.

Statistics from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents revealed that 40% of all collisions occur in the darkness and the road safety organisation GEM Motorists Assist warns the coming weeks will see a significant rise in the risk of collisions with deer, as the rutting season gets under way.

Private number plate supplier click4reg shares some tips on driving safely in the dark.

Driving in the dark 1. Lights The experts at click4reg advise making regular checks to ensure your front and rear lights are functioning as not only is it illegal to drive without functioning lights, but extremely dangerous to drive without properly working lights.

It is important for drivers to use their lights appropriately; dipped headlights should be turned on an hour before sunset and kept on till an hour after sunrise to ensure you’re always vividly visible to other drivers.

Using your full beam correctly is another important factor, as the blinding effect of oncoming full-beam headlights is dazzling and can cause accidents.

You should only utilise your full beam on unlit country roads to help you see the road layout clearly, but when you see another vehicle, you must switch back to dipped beam lights straight away.

Extra tip: Invest in some night driving classes to reduce the effect of glare.

Driving during rutting season

2. Drowsy driving Car accidents linked to driver fatigue are a major cause of road accidents. Making sure you are fully awake and coherent is vital as driving in the dark makes you feel more bleary eyed than usual, especially if you’re on a long journey.

The experts advise scheduling regular rest stops if you are driving longer than an hour.

If your journey is short, take a snack or a drink which will keep you awake.

Only go behind the wheel when you feel fully awake, as not only does feeling sleepy make you a danger to yourself and other drivers, but it can be just as dangerous as someone drink-driving.

Extra tip: Stay hydrated before and during driving long distances, it will keep you focused and alert.

3. Windows and mirrors Checking the state of your car and ensuring it is clean is essential before driving at night. As a build-up of condensation can form on your inside windows, as well as dirt picking up on

the outside, it’s important to take time to clean them before setting off on your journey in the dark.

Mirrors are just as important to keep clean, as dirty mirrors can comprise your vision when driving, especially at night.

Extra tip: Avoid touching your windows and mirrors and if you do, wipe it down with microfiber cloth.

4. Oncoming traffic To prevent and protect yourself from being dazzled behind the wheel, it is important to never look directly at other car headlights as the glare you’ll face back can temporarily blur your vision, making it more likely for you to lose control of the wheel.

Extra tip: If the glare is affecting your vision, slow down but avoid abruptly halting as to not cause an accident between you and the car behind.

5. Breakdown plan Car troubles are frustrating for anyone but experiencing a breakdown at night can be really dangerous as it makes the approaching traffic more comprised to see you and your vehicle.

With rutting season having commenced, motorists are always urged to take extra care and precaution when driving.

• Be vigilant and alert. When driving during rutting season peak hours (most active between dusk to dawn) be aware of your surroundings and be informed of it being rutting season.

• Avoid routes native to deer.

It is safer to avoid wooded areas, green spaces and areas near water resources, such as lakes and ponds.

• Use your vehicle’s features. If there is no oncoming traffic, use your full beams to see the road ahead and honk your horn with a long push to frighten animals away from your vehicle.

• Dangerous deer. Although animals such as deer are beautiful to look at, never approach them as you could make them feel threatened and scared and more likely to react.

• Dead or alive. If you accidentally hit an animal, contact the police immediately. If you come across a deer that appears to be dead, it is safer to report it to your local council, however, if the animal seems injured but alive, contact the RSPCA.

SHINFIELD care home shares its top tips for supporting those living with dementia ahead of Bonfire Night.

While a fun tradition for many, the sound of fireworks has the potential to be distressing for those living with the condition, which is why the team at Care UK’s Parsons Grange, on Westall Street, have shared their expert advice on keeping loved ones safe and comfortable this year.

Suzanne Mumford, Care UK’s dementia expert, said: “Fireworks are a large and noisy part of the November celebrations, and although they might be enjoyed by some people living with dementia, others might find them distressing.

“Talking about fireworks, and reassuring them that there is no need to be worried, may help. You might suggest that you watch them together, in a nice warm, comfy seat – not too close to the action.

“They may not like fireworks at all. For anyone who lived through the Blitz or who has seen active military service, the noises and flashes may trigger unwanted memories. Be sensitive to any sign of reluctance or distress and suggest your loved one moves to the comfortable room you have already planned and have the curtains closed in advance.”

But Bonfire Night isn’t just about the bright lights, bonfires and noisy fireworks.

Traditionally, many families used November 5 to enjoy treats including sausages or hot dogs, toasted marshmallows, jacket potatoes and steaming mugs of hot chocolate, which may provide an alternative way to mark the occasion with your relative.

Anthony Browne, home manager at Parsons Grange, adds: “If your loved one struggles to maintain a healthy weight or to be fully hydrated, occasions like these offer opportunities for extra nutrition and hydration in a fun, engaging way.

“Not only that, traditional occasions also provide the chance to reminisce, which can be incredibly beneficial for older people. These activities can help to encourage conversations, as well as evoke happy memories and the associated emotions, particularly for those living with dementia.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Parsons Grange care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help encourage the creation of close-knit communities.

For more information, visit careuk.com/ parsons-grange

SPORT TODAY

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

READING EDITION

17

ALL ACTION PICTURE POWER IN YOUR BRILLIANT PAPER To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

ROCKETS BACK ON THE COURT

03.11.21

RAMS TOPPLED AT HOME BY SALE

SOUTH BERKS LOSE OUT

ROYALS BLANK AT HOME

EIGHT IN A ROW

ROYALS BOSS TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

BRACKNELL CONTINUE DOMINATION

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today BRACKNELL RFC’s first-team continued their unbeaten streak in the league with an emphatic win over Frome RFC on Saturday.

Bracknell have made an immense start to see them dominate at the top of the table with eight wins from eight.

The Stags put plenty of points on the board as they ran out as

54-10 victors over Frome in another impressive display at Lily Hill Park.

Their eighth successive triumph gives them a three point lead at the summit.

Bracknell are away in their next fixture with a trip to face Grove.

Saturday’s opponents have had a tricky start to the season which pits the team up in first travelling to face the side at the bottom of the table.

Grove have just two points on their tally with eight straight losses

leaving them adrift at the foot of the standings.

Meanwhile, club chairman Ian Wilson accepted a presentation of beer from the Representative of the South West Leagues Jonathan Dance.

St Austell Brewery, the sponsor of the Tribute South West Leagues makes a monthly presentation to the Club chosen by its County to the team most worthy of winning the award.

September’s winners were

READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic has begun a period of isolation after testing positive for covid-19.

The Royals were without their boss for the away trip to Millwall last night (match report online at Wokingham.Today) Marko Mitrovic, who is Paunovic’s assistant coach at the club, will take charge of the team for their next two matches.

A statement on Reading’s official website yesterday morning read: “Pauno, who is fully vaccinated, is thankfully only suffering very mild symptoms at present.

“Everyone at Reading Football Club would like to wish him well in his swift recovery.

“As a precaution and a routine part of our Covid-19 protocol at Bearwood Park, screening and testing of the first team squad yielded a full round of negative results ahead of our trip to Millwall on Tuesday night.

“Assistant Manager Marko Mitrovic will act as Head Coach in the interim as the Royals head to the Den on Tuesday evening and Marko, the coaching staff and the team will be in constant contact with Pauno before, during and after the game against the Lions on Tuesday night.”

The Royals are hoping to turn their form around after four successive defeats left them 16th in the Championship table prior to their away fixture at the Den on last night.

Paunovic’s team now prepare for another game on the road this weekend when they face Birmingham City at St Andrews on Saturday.

Bracknell’s third XV for their sportsmanship in lending opposition players to enable a competition match to be played.

Despite their sportsmanship the Bracknell team were still successful.

The club are also inviting spectators to attend their annual fireworks show which will take place this weekend on Sunday, starting from 5pm.

n For more information, visit: www. bracknellrugbyclub.com

18 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Rams try to burst through a tackle

Rams go into battle against Sale’s defence Rams in action against Sale Pictures: Paul Clark

Rams are thwarted by the Sale defence

RUGBY

HOME COMFORTS END AS RAMS BEATEN BY SALE

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Rams 21 Sale 32

RAMS lost their unbeaten home record as Sale produced an efficient allround performance to run out 32-21 winners at Old Bath Road.

The hosts made a brilliant start and took a second-minute lead when hooker Max Hayman – making his first home start – burrowed over from close range, Jacob Atkins adding the extras.

However, Sale replied shortly after when Nev Edwards scampered over in the right-hand corner, and a brilliant touchline conversion

by Chris Johnson levelled matters.

But in a whirlwind start

Rams touch down for a try

to the game, Rams then went back in front after Drew Humberstone’s beautiful long pass found Jak Rossiter in space on the halfway line, the wing then showcasing his speed and side-stepping abilities to scorch over next to the uprights.

Atkins converted, but after Sale regained the kick-off, they went through a couple of phases before second row Rhys Davies dotted down.

Johnson knocked over a more straight-forward conversion to make it 1414, and while both teams continued to show ingenuity in attack, it took until three minutes before the half-time interval for the visitors to nudge their way in front, Edwards again the man going over on the right.

Sale’s five-point half-time lead was extended early in

the second half, the visitors matching the fast start Rams had made earlier by putting Edwards’ hat-trick on a plate for the wing to cross the whitewash in the corner.

Johnson’s expertise from the tee made it 26-14 after 43 minutes, and his penalty shortly before the hour-mark gave his side a three-score lead as the home side continued to squander opportunities with handling errors and conceding penalties.

Rams rallied, though, and the outstanding Hayman smashed his way over for a second of the afternoon to give his side hope with 10 minutes to play, Atkins’ conversion cutting the deficit to eight points.

But Sale used their experience and Johnson’s superb game management to close the game down, the

REACTION

Reynolds rues Rams missed chances

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

veteran fly-half landing a stunning drop goal shortly before full time to add a gloss to the score-line and end his side’s wait for a first away win of the season.

Rams Tries: Hayman 2, 69, Rossiter 12 Conversions: Atkins 3, 13, 70.

Sale Tries: Edwards 8, 37, 42, Davies 13 Conversions: Johnson 9, 14, 43 Penalty: 57 Drop goal: 80 Half Time: 14-19 Star man: Chris Johnson (Sale) Attendance: 771 Referee: Paul Williams Rams: Bird (Leicester 74), Rossiter, Jones, Humberstone, Hayhow, Atkins, Cole (Monye 75); Steadman, Hayman (Moffitt 70), Baker (McDonnell-Roberts 70), O Taylor, Schroter, Guttridge (F Taylor 49), Vooght, Crame (Guttridge 65).

Sale: Carpenter (Brady 32), Edwards, Mulchrone, Robins, Walsh, Johnson, Morris (Bradley 51); Carlile, Brown (Longmore 53), Ford, Davies (Tebbatt 35), Barron, Cecil, Rees (Davies 62), Priestley-Nangle

Rams get over the line

RAMS Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds believes his side wasted a couple of opportunities as they slipped to a 32-21 home reverse against Sale.

Despite defeat, a Reynolds said: “It was a good game and both sides played some excellent rugby in the first half – scores were going to-and-fro and it could have been anyone’s game.

“At that point we should have taken the game away from Sale and at the end of the first half we had some really good opportunities where perhaps we could have armwrestled them into a couple more scores.

“But credit to them, they played some good tactical rugby and had

Rams v Sale Pictures: Paul Clark

some savvy heads who helped them to a deserved victory.”

He continued: “Their kicking game and game management was good – we were playing some good rugby against that and counterattacking very well.

“We were a little bit flat at times – we didn’t really give the crowd a reason to get going and by the time we did, it was too late.”

While it was a second consecutive defeat for the injuryhit hosts, there were encouraging signs with young hooker Hayman – making his first start at Old Bath Road – particularly impressive.

Reynolds continued: “Max was brilliant – he’s a little bulldozer. He carried well and there were some really good chop tackles, two good scores and he’s a strong boy, so I was really pleased for him.”

SPORT | 19

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

HOCKEY

READING BREAK RESILIENT SEVENOAKS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Reading Men 2 Sevenoaks Men 0 PROMOTION–CHASING league leaders Reading faced their toughest test of the season so far as the league’s top goalscorers met its meanest defence.

Reading players embrace after their second goal

Reading Hockey Pictures: Helen Ritchie

Reading Hockey celebrate their first goal

Second-placed Sevenoaks, who set out to frustrate the home team’s attacking threat throughout the game.

The visitors’ intent was epitomised as early as the fifth minute of the encounter by a cynical foul to break down play in midfield, leading to an early five-minute spell in the sin bin for Sevenoaks’ James Thomas as the umpires sought to impose boundaries on what the players could get away with.

The first three quarters were goalless and, despite Reading having the overwhelming majority of possession, it was the visitors who came closest to scoring in open play during their rare counter attacks, which allowed Reading goalkeeper Chris Wyver to remind everyone what a fine shot stopper he is, something that has been largely hidden while Reading have dominated their previous matches.

Reading’s more frequent attacks were repelled with some comfort

due to the sheer weight of numbers deployed at the back by the visitors, and the only penalty corner that they won was fluffed by the usually reliable specialists, a mistake that they were to rectify with some aplomb later in the game.

With 15 minutes left on the clock, Reading won their second penalty corner of the game and the multi-talented Connor Beauchamp stepped up to flick the ball low and hard out of the reach of the visitors’ goalkeeper Richard Potton, a goal that was greeted with jubilation and not a small measure of relief as the players had finally broken the deadlock.

Immediately, Sevenoaks abandoned their defensive approach and summoned up all their reserves of energy to mount more intense attacks on the Reading goal.

The home team’s technical superiority in defence kept them at bay until they themselves took advantage of holes left by the Sevenoaks midfield with five minutes to go by racing up the pitch in numbers leading to a fine cross from the right that was met spectacularly by the diving Daniel Cox to deflect the ball high into the roof of the net.

Reading were awarded another penalty corner, but this was well defended and the game ended with Reading still on maximum points.

MOTOR RACING

BOBBY’S MCLAREN UNVEILED AFTER STUNNING SEASON FINALE WOKINGHAM racing driver Bobby Trundley has unveiled his wheels for 2022 – a McLaren 570S GT, which he will race in British GT in 2022.

Bobby, who was diagnosed with severe autism as a child, is a driver for Team BRIT which aims to be the first ever all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour.

Team BRIT’s goal of making motorsport history at the iconic race is moving closer as it unveiled its car for 2022 – a brand new McLaren 570S GT4.

The news comes after the season finale of the Britcar Championship which took place at the weekend at Donington Park.

Alongside teammate Aaron Morgan from Basingstoke, Bobby secured a third position finish on Saturday and took an overall championship finish position of P3 in class, bagging yet more silverware for the team.

Next year, Bobby and Aaron will be driving the new McLaren in the British GT Championship.

Bobby unveiled the car to sponsors and supporters at an exclusive event held in London last week.

The car was the focal point of a celebration hosted by team title sponsor BRIT Insurance.

The McLaren is a full competition specification GT4 car featuring a feather-light carbon fibre and 3.8 litre twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine, linked to a race-ready sevenspeed transmission.

The team’s world-leading racing hand controls have been fitted to the car to enable Bobby’s paraplegic teammate driver Aaron to compete on equal terms with able-bodied competitors.

Bobby, who is now the world’s fastest autistic racing driver, has stunned competitors on the track this year in the Britcar Endurance

Bobby Trundley Picture: Chris Overend and Solent University Championship with multiple podiums and an overall finish position of third in class.

The announcement adds an additional step to the ladder of motorsport development on offer through the team for disabled drivers.

With Bobby and Aaron competing in British GT in 2022, drivers Andy Tucker and Luke Pound will step up to the team’s Aston Martin GT4 in Britcar and new rookies will begin their racing journey in the team’s bespokebuild BMWs.

Bobby Trundley posing with his new car

In addition, disabled drivers looking to experience the thrill of the race track can book onto track sessions though the team’s Racing Academy.

Bobby said: “What an end to the season. Taking a race podium at Donington and securing silverware in the overall championship is just amazing and I’m so proud of what we’ve all achieved.

“Unveiling the McLaren at Brit Insurance was really special. I literally cannot believe that I’ll be racing in this next year. To think back to the

days when I was 10, scared to death at a karting birthday party I’d been invited to, compared to what I’m doing now is just incredible.

“Discovering karting changed my life but Team BRIT has just catapulted me into a world of racing I never knew I could be part of.

“Moving into British GT is huge. It really does mean we’re in touching distance of Le Mans which is our long-term goal and something I will be part of.

“On top of that, we’re welcoming more and more rookies into the sport.”

20 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

RDG.TODAY Wednesday, November 3, 2021

PENALTY HEARTBREAK: YOUNG SUMAS FOOTBALL

Hurst against SB Phoenix Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

FA Trophy third qualifying round BINFIELD ensured that their journey in the FA Trophy continued as they eliminated Herne Bay. After an evenly matched opening 72 minutes, Callum Bunting found the breakthrough for the Moles as he powered a header past the keeper.

Josh Harris then made no mistake from the penalty spot to send Binfield through with an impressive 2-0 triumph.

Binfield co-manager Carl Withers said: “No denying these boys love an away day, unbelievable performance from start to finish and we can now look forward to the draw.”

Co-manager Jamie McClurg added: Our lads showing what it takes to win. Resilient, togetherness, brave and decision-making. A very tough game against a top side away.

Raglan against Finchampstead Athletic Sunday Pictures: Andrew Batt

Cherry Red Premier Challenge Cup A rotated WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK side exited the cup after a penalty shootout loss to AFC Croydon Athletic.

After a goalless first-half, the Sumas gained momentum quickly in the second as they opened the scoring just five minutes after the restart as Jake White latched onto a through ball and lobbed the opposing goalkeeper.

Croydon levelled with 20 minutes to go to take the game to a shootout Each side scored three penalties after five had been taken, but Croydon progressed as they held their nerve in sudden death.

READING CITY went out at the hands of Virginia Water after an entertaining contest.

The Cityzens had a two-goal advantage going into the break as goals from Joe Pilling and Tony Raggett put them in front, Virginia hit back with two

quickfire goals in the final 15 minutes to level the game.

City went in front again in the 85th minute as Martin Butcher scored, but Virginia snatched an 89th-minute equaliser.

With a shootout needed to separate the sides, Virginia went through with a 3-1 win.

WOODLEY UNITED were on the end of a late comeback as Deportivo Galicia progressed.

The Kestrels were 2-1 in front with five minutes to go, but the visitors produced a

late show with a leveller in the 86th minute before they snuck through with a 94th minute winner.

Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were on the wrong end of an impressive comeback as they lost 3-2 to Chalvey Sports.

The Boars went two in front courtesy of an own goal and a goal from Ross McKernan.

But the visitors pulled off

SPORT | 21

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 RDG.TODAY

ELIMINATED IN SHOOTOUT

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

An odd offside at the SCL Stadium

T

a remarkable fightback as they scored three times in the final 10 minutes to take the points.

BERKS COUNTY fell to a 3-2 defeat to Wallingford Town.

Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD continue their reign at the top after they put four past Mortimer without reply.

Joel Day netted a brace, while Nick Payne and Aqeel Butt added to the score to help Finch to three points.

READING YMCA fell to a 3-2 loss at Burghfield.

Steve Woodrow and Ryan Adams netted for the visitors who are in

11th after eight matches.

READING CITY U23’s are in 10th after they suffered a 3-0 loss at home to Westwood Wanderers.

WARGRAVE drop down to seventh after they lost 3-1 at home to Richings Park.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS stay bottom after Wraysbury took the points with a 2-1 triumph.

Thames Valley Division One HURST remain as league leaders after they picked up a point in a 2-2 draw with SB Phoenix.

Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY SWORDS took

three points away at HURST RESERVES with a 5-3 success.

TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE scored three without reply in an away win at Mortimer Development.

Southern Region Women’s Premier Division WOODLEY UNITED were beaten 4-1 against Eastleigh.

The Kestrels are in seventh with three points after six league games.

Thames Valley Women’s League Cup

Charisse Tregear and Claudia Mulvey netted in the loss for the Fawkes.

Reading & District Sunday League Senior: AFC Bradfield 4-2 Mortimer, Arbofield 2-1 Maiden Place Division One: Rose & Thistle 1-1 Caversham United, Westwood Wanderers 2-3 Burghfield Reserves Division Two: Barton Rovers 0-3 Goring United Division Three: RE United 2-8 FC Woodley, Sanctuary Strikers 1-2 Burghfield B Division Four: Calcot FC 3-7 Barton Rovers Reserves, FC Whitley Wood 0-15 Reading United, NFFT 3-2 Brothers United

S4K BERKS COUNTY were eliminated as Easington Sports got the better of them with a 4-2 win.

REACTION

WHITEHOUSE SEEKS TO DEVELOP YOUNG TALENT FOR SUMAS

BY ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK manager Eliot Whitehouse was encouraged by the performance of his team despite their exit from the Cherry Red Premier Challenge Cup.

The Sumas made changes to their team with several young players and new faces given the chance to impress.

“We were disappointed with the result but we felt the performance wasn’t bad considering we added six or seven new bodies in the

team,” said Whitehouse.

“We wanted to see some of the younger ones and give an opportunity to some of the reserve players who all did really well and competed excellently.

“The result is disappointing but it was really good that we got to see some extra bodies.

“I have a connection with the Allied team through my day job and know a lot of them as they go to the school I work at.”

Whitehouse reiterated the importance of working with the young players to develop their

games and improve their condition.

He continued: “We’re trying to balance the load on these guys with their competitive rugby and competitive football with the under 18’s.

“Ellis Riley was outstanding today and was our man of the match and played two positions that we were really impressed with.

“Also Max Treacher from the reserves was excellent.

“Everything we asked of him he fulfilled in terms of going after the ball and being really difficult to play against.

“That’s something they all need to develop physically to be stronger, fitter, faster to compete at this level but they have potential and that’s something we want to work with.”

The Sumas now turn their attentions back to league action this weekend.

They face an away trip to Viriginia Water in the Combined Counties North Division.

Wokingham have the chance to go level on points with Viriginia, who are currently in 14th, if they are to pick up three points on the road.

HE offside Law is the most difficult and misunderstood Law of football because it has so many parts.

First, what is offside? An offside position is when a player in the opponents half is nearer to their goal line than the last two defending players.

One is normally the goalkeeper but not always if he has strayed off his goal line.

Offside only becomes an offence when the offside player plays the ball, or interferes with play or an opponent.

There are so many ways this can happen it would take another column to cover them all.

A young referee who I have been mentoring this season said to me that one club official told her that a player didn’t have to touch the ball or interfere to be given offside.

That is a very wrong old-fashioned view, which I told her to ignore.

What makes it difficult, is that the decision, is the player offside? has to be made, at the moment a team mate plays the ball and there can be a lot of distance between the two players.

For example a full back may kick the ball upfield from just outside his own penalty area, with the offside player inside the opponents half. That’s quite a span of vision for assistant referees.

I remember such an incident when Sian Massey-Ellis was the assistant referee.

She ran half the length of the pitch alongside the offside player, but not raising her flag until he played the ball.

She then indicated that the free kick was level with her.

Two team officials rushed down from the technical area to demand the free kick be taken from where the offside player was, when the ball was kicked.

The law, however, says it’s from where the offence occurs.

This brings me to the decision that baffled supporters and even confused many Reading and Bournemouth players.

A Reading defender played the ball upfield and a Reading forward scurried back from an offside position to play it inside the Reading half.

So very unusually, a free kick for offside, was awarded inside the offending team’s half.

22 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

HOW THEY RATED

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

BOURNEMOUTH PUNISH SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

READING 0 BOURNEMOUTH 2

LUKE SOUTHWOOD

Didn’t have much of a chance with either goal as Bournemouth scored with two of their three shots on target.

ANDY YIADOM

Worked tirelessly down the right as he tried to provide an attacking outlet.

LIAM MOORE

Allowed Lowe far too much time and room in the box and he punished him by finding the bottom corner.

SCOTT DANN Won some important duels up against the in-form Solanke. Almost scored with a late header.

BABA RAHMAN

Energetic in the first-half and put in a vital block on a Solanke shot in the second-half.

JOSH LAURENT

Strong in the first-half, had a great chance to score with an impressive solo run, but probably should have passed.

DANNY DRINKWATER

Showed his brilliant passing range on a few occasions, but looked tired in the second-half.

TOM DELE-BASHIRU

An unusually quiet performance from a young player that has been relied on so much this season.

JOHN SWIFT

Put in some excellent crosses, particularly the rabona cross that Puscas should have converted.

OVIE EJARIA

Looked very bright in the firsthalf and had some good moments in the final third but was quiet in the second.

GEORGE PUSCAS

Can’t buy a goal at the moment.

Two really presentable chances in the match but put both off target.

5 6 5 6 7 6 5 5 7 5 4

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING were punished

by Championship leaders Bournemouth as Dominic Solanke and Jamal Lowe netted to give the Cherries three points.

Solanke headed in from close range to give Bournemouth the lead before the break to hurt the Royals after a positive opening half from the hosts.

Lowe came off the bench to add a second for the Cherries to condemn Reading to a third successive league defeat.

The loss means that Reading drops down to 16th in the table, while unbeaten Bournemouth have a five-point lead at the top.

Veljko Paunovic made one change from last weekend’s defeat at Blackburn, a forced one as Femi Azeez missed out through injury and was replaced by George Puscas.

The Royals still have plenty of injury woes to tend to, with 10 outfield players on the sidelines, but they did have the boost of having Tom Holmes back on the bench.

Playing against the side at the top of the Championship and with an unbeaten record, Reading made a very positive start in front of their home fans.

Both of Reading’s full-backs, Baba Rahman and Andy Yiadom, looked lively in the opening stages as they both made forays forward to help their team in attack and won successive corners.

The first chance came Reading’s way as Swift latched onto Puscas’ header, crossed the ball back for the Romanian who guided his effort wide, which would have been ruled

Baba Rahman tries to intercept out for offside had it found the net.

Danny Drinkwater showed his impressive passing range as he drifted a ball out wide to the left to find Ovie Ejaria who couldn’t beat his marker, but instead won his team another corner.

But the Cherries, who have only conceded eight times all season, stayed organised from the set-piece to clear any danger.

Josh Laurent picked up the first card of the game as he mistimed his sliding tackle and caught the ankle of Bournemouth full-back Jordan Zemura.

Just a few minutes later, Laurent had a superb opportunity to put his side in front.

With options both left and right, Laurent opted instead to drive forward and take a shot, having not been closed down effectively, but his clipped effort with the outside of his boot flew wide to the frustration of his supporting teammates.

The Royals’ front foot approach continued and in the 18th minute, they missed their best chance of the half.

A brilliant piece of work saw John Swift beat Gary Cahill to the ball on the touchline, and he showed immense skill to cross the ball with a rabona to find Puscas in

Tom Dele-Bashiru moves forward

TEAM STATS READING: Southwood, Rahman, Moore (c), Dann, Yiadom, Laurent, Drinkwater, Dele-Bashiru, Swift, Ejaria, Puscas SUBS: Holmes, Rafael, Ehibhationham, Osorio, Clarke, Camara, Ashcroft BOURNEMOUTH: Travers, Stacey, Cahill, Kelly, Zemura, Lerma, Kilkenny, Billing, Christie, Solanke, Anthony SUBS: Mepham, Lowe, Rogers, Nyland, Marcondes, Pearson, Cook GOALS: Solanke 43’, Lowe 59’

Dominic Solanke heads Bournem the middle, but the striker stabbed a volley wide from just six yards out.

The Romanian striker, who joined Reading on a club-record fee in the summer of 2019, has now gone 20 games without a goal.

Having had the opening 20 minutes go their way, Reading relinquished some control as Bournemouth began to grow into the game.

Bournemouth’s flair players, Jaidon Anthony and Ryan Christie, started to get more involved and tried to make things happen in the final third.

The visitors first half chance came from a corner when they worked a short routine but experienced defender Cahill could only glance a header harmlessly

REACTION

PAUNOVIC CALLS FOR RESPECT AFTER CHERRIES DEFEAT PAUNOVIC FC manager Veljko Paunovic remained ‘proud’ of his side after defeat to unbeaten league leaders Bournemouth.

Dominic Solanke and Jamal Lowe netted to send the Royals down to 16th in the Championship table after three successive defeats “I’m proud of my team,” said Paunovic.

“I think we showed today that most of the game is what we want to have. We want to recover the identity and intensity.

“We were very good on the ball and sharp in moments in the game and created a lot of opportunities, except the final product that wasn’t there today.

“But I believe this is the way to play against top of the table teams,

a team that is unbeaten and in very good form with a lot of quality.

“In the first half when we built our momentum I was expecting us to score but we missed those chances.”

Despite Paunovic’s praise of his team’s desire, he reiterated the importance of finishing their chances to win matches.

He continued: “They had a better outcome from their opportunities.

“What went wrong was missing the opportunities to take the lead which we could have had.

“And after that in the second-half we had the first chance, Puscas had a very good opportunity but it’s another moment you can level the game and comeback.

“We were consistent and our

game plan kept going. When we got on the ball we were dangerous but unfortunately we didn’t get a result.

“It’s obvious our options from the bench are limited.

The young players we have are put out there and some of them get injured because it is too soon for some of them.

“It could be dangerous for them and that won’t help the team.

“When we believe somebody can help the team, that’s the most important thing when the team believes they can help.

“That’s the decision behind making just one substitution.

“The defence is a very delicate thing. If you lose your focus and lose the attitude, they can surprise you.

“I know my team. Last year, we conceded zero goals from set pieces. But there are many things that get involved.

“This team had a very good display today.

But we didn’t take our opportunities.

“We conceded a goal from a set-piece which really pisses me off.

“We need a bit more respect and acknowledgement I think.

“You have to look at the hard work they are putting in.”

SPORT | 23

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, November 3, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

H TOOTHLESS ROYALS

From the Tilehurst End Olly Allen

Can Laurent recapture form?

O Puscas misses from close range

mouth in front in their win at the SCL Pictures: Steve Smyth over the bar.

Gavin Kilkenny was handed the first yellow card for Bournemouth when he prevented Swift from breaking away on the counter attack with a blatant foul, and Anthony followed moments after for a foul on Yiadom.

Bournemouth ended the half with a strong spell as Anthony found Philip Billing, who sent a dangerous low ball across the face of goal, but Scott Dann was well positioned to clear.

But the Cherries made Reading pay for their missed chances and took the lead just before the break.

Cahill broke free at the back post from a corner and headed the ball across the face of goal to find Dominic Solanke who nodded in from close range.

Another chance fell the way of Puscas early in the second-half but he couldn’t convert.

Drinkwater floated a smart ball out wide to Swift, and his impressive work on the byline

Josh Laurent protests

allowed him space to get in a cross and the ball fell kindly for Puscas but his poke towards goal was deflected over the top by Kelly.

Bournemouth replied with a chance of their own as substitute Jamal Lowe pulled the ball back for Solanke in the box but Rahman made a crucial block.

The Cherries doubled their lead just before the hour mark as Lowe was allowed room to glide into the box and he picked out the bottom right corner with his shot.

With a two-goal lead, Bournemouth showed why they are the Championship front runners as they closed out the game with ease as Reading failed to register a shot on target until the 92nd minute.

Reading were unfortunate not to have been awarded a penalty in the 90th minute when Kelly missed the ball and kicked the legs of Clarke, but the referee waved play on.

The Royals were back in action last night away at Millwall – match report online.

Puscas (left) and Ovie Ejaria (right)

Goalkeeper Luke Southwood

George Puscas up against Gary Cahill

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

CHAMBERS’ TEAM SEARCH FOR FIRST AWAY POINTS READING WOMEN return to Women’s Super League action with an away trip to struggling Birmingham City.

The Royals were relieved before the international break as they picked up their first victory of the season to break a run of four straight defeats.

Kelly Chambers team had a horrid start to their campaign as they failed to score in the opening four matches and lost each of them to put them bottom of the pile.

However, they rallied to end their miserable run with a convincing performance and victory over Aston Villa prior to the break.

Amalie Eikeland, Rachel Rowe and Natasha Dowie netted in a stunning first-half display to help them to a 3-0 win at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Meanwhile, Sunday’s opponents have had a difficult start to the season which sees them just one place of the bottom from the table after five matches.

The Blues have picked up just one point so far, with a draw and four losses.

Scott Booth’s side opened the season with a 1-0 defeat away at Tottenham Hotspur.

That was followed up with a hefty 5-0 loss at home to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Jade Pennock scored their first goal of the season against Everton but they were beaten 3-1 by the Toffees. Their misery continued with a 4-0 defeat in the

FA Women’s Cup quarter-finals to Chelsea.

Birmingham picked up their first point of the campaign with a draw away at West Ham. Both teams have a similar record in terms of goals scored and conceded, the Royals have scored three and conceded 10, while Brum have scored twice and let in 12.

The last meeting between the teams, at the SCL, ended in defeat for the Royals when Claudia Walker scored the only goal of the game.

NE of Mark Bowen’s final acts as Reading manager in the summer of 2020 was to secure the signing of Josh Laurent on a free transfer from League One side Shrewsbury Town.

Bowen had been assistant manager at Queens Park Rangers when Laurent was in the West London side’s club academy as a teenager and had tracked the midfielder’s career since.

But just 31 days after Laurent was unveiled as a Royal, Bowen was sacked and replaced by Veljko Paunovic.

It probably put a slice of doubt in the 26-year-old’s mind: where did he stand now that the manager who had brought him to the club was gone?

As it turns out, he stood as one of the team’s most important players. Laurent instantly impressed as one of two holding midfielders in Paunovic’s 4-2-3-1 system, making the step up from the league below appear seamless.

He formed an excellent partnership with Andy Rinomhota, with their shield in front of the defence helping Reading keep six clean sheets in the first seven matches. Laurent continued to earn the plaudits with his tireless running, strong reading of the game and composure in possession. Come May, he was deservedly voted as the Player of the Season.

Perhaps asking him to replicate the heights of last season was a big ask, but there has been an undeniable drop off in his displays and the stats back that up: the midfielder averages fewer passes, tackles, ball recoveries and successful take-ons per 90 minutes than he did last season.

Ironically, his best performances this season have been when he was forced to deputise at centre-back in the absence of any match fit, senior alternatives.

Perhaps, like much of the rest of the squad, he is simply suffering from fatigue.

It’s also worth pointing out the absence of his right-hand man from last season, Andy Rinomhota. The academy graduate has not featured since August due to injury and without him, it’s not a cliché to say that Laurent has looked a little lost and out of sorts.

All of this said, what is still evident is Laurent’s work rate and determination, which gives you hope that this spell is just a blip.

Although with his contract up next summer, perhaps a period out of the spotlight is a good thing to wave away any potential suitors.

Reading’s Josh Laurent Picture: Steve Smyth

24 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, November 3, 2021

HOCKEY

SOUTH BERKS HIT 10 IN DOUBLE TRIUMPH South Berks Mens Hockey 4s v Amersham & Chalfont Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

South Central Men’s Premier 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE tasted defeat for the first time this season with a 2-0 home loss to Oxford University 2s.

The results means that South Berks drop down to fourth after four matches.

South Central Men’s Division 1 SONNING 1s picked up their second win of the season with three goals and a clean sheet against Oxford Hawks 3s.

South Central Men’s Division 2 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s picked up a point on the road against Henley 2s.

Tom King, Mike Baylis and Marcus Longfield scored as the teams shared the points in a six-goal contest.

South Central Men’s Division 4 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s enjoyed a superb weekend with wins away from home against SONNING 3s and Oxford University 4s.

South Berks Ladies Hockey 1s v Oxford Ladies Hockey 2s Pictures: Steve Smyth South Berks netted 10 times in two days, first off with a 6-1 victory against Sonning.

James Barnard and Sam Coombes notched twice, while Steven Bearpark and Mike Longson added to the score.

South Berks then continued their form with a 4-1 win the next day against Oxford.

South Central Women’s Premier 1

Sth Berks Ladies Hockey 1s v Oxford Ladies Hockey 2s

SONNING were dealt a costly defeat as Oxford Hawks took a 5-1 win.

The loss leaves Sonning in eighth with two wins and two defeats from their opening four matches.

with a 3-1 win despite a goal from Jo Partridge to put Berks down to eighth.

South Central Women’s Division 1

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s were on the end of a big scoreline as they were beaten 7-0 at home to Windsor.

They are in seventh after two wins and two losses.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE suffered a loss at home to Oxford 2s.

The visitors took the points

BASKETBALL

ROCKETS ROCK RIDERS IN TENSE BATTLE

By JAMIE KING sport@wokingham.today

Reading Rockets 88 Loughborough Riders 83 READING ROCKETS were involved in another thriller as they saw off Loughborough Riders at the Rivermead Complex.

In a game of runs where both teams showed flashes of brilliance throughout, the Rockets prevailed once again over the Riders who battled well to keep it close right up to the final whistle.

The Rockets got off to a strong start, swinging the ball around the arc to get Jaz Bains open for three. Defensively, however, the Rockets struggled to keep the Riders out of the paint.

Ben Dixon stepped up for the Rockets to break the deadlock with two layups late in the quarter, kickstarting another brief scoring frenzy in which

Lewis Champion hit two threes to close out the first period with the Rockets leading 26-22.

Justin Hedley kept their offence ticking over as the quarter came to a close but the half would end with the Rockets up by 11, as more great work on the offensive boards, this time by youngster Isaac Round, gave AJ Basi an open three to wrap up the half.

Leading 52-41 going into the third, the Rockets continued to assert themselves through the interior presence of Meshack Lufile.

The Rockets, faced with the possibility of losing a significant lead going into the fourth period, responded well as Jaz Bains hit a clean stepback jumper from the baseline before Cartaino earned a trip to the line and hit two free throws. Reis Pinnock was then on hand to assist Meshack with some intelligent playmaking to end the quarter with the Rockets back in

Sth Berks Mens Hockey 4s v Amersham & Chalfont

control and leading 71-62.

A tense fourth quarter began with both teams clearly feeling the pressure, as good playmaking was let down by missed shots at both ends.

Then, with one minute left, the game was blown wide open by back to back threes for the Riders’ Joe Bielak, leaving the game tied with 45 seconds remaining.

With the game on the line, the Rockets got into the halfcourt and moved the ball well as they looked for an opportunity to snatch back the lead.

With a three-pointer enough to tie the game back up, though, the Rockets had no time to relax.

The Rockets put together a great defensive possession, with each player giving their all to force a contested three which rattled out for a Cartaino defensive rebound.

He took the intentional foul, and promptly swished two free throws to finish the match.

South Central Women’s Division 3

TABLE TENNIS

SONNING COMMON HELD BY TIDMARSH SONNING Common & Peppard B shared the points with Tidmarsh A in their rearranged division 1 fixture. Jamie Barlow managed another treble for the Peppard outfit, although he was pushed all the way by Tidmarsh’s Duncan Groves before winning 7-11 11-6 8-11 11-5 13-11.

Nigel Maltby managed an 11-4 11-6 9-11 5-11 11-9 win against Duncan in the final set of the night to clinch a draw for his team.

Lee Calcutt played well for Tidmarsh as he picked up two wins as well as teaming up with Anthony Baker to win the doubles 6-11 7-11 11-9 11-7 11-6.

Sonning Common & Peppard A and Sonning Common & Peppard C also drew 5-5.

The C teams Ed Lush beat Jason Roberts 11-6 8-11 7-11 11-6 14-12 in the opening set and he went on to record a hat trick after managing a fine 11-7 11-4 9-11 10-12 11-8 win over Neil Hurford.

Matt Isherwood and Matt Stone both managed singles with Matt Isherwood earning a thrilling 8-11 11-6 7-11 11-4 15-13 win over Malcolm Gregory.

Ed Lush again starred as Sonning Common & Peppard C won their rearranged fixture against Kingfisher D 6-4, Ed beating Graham Mendick in a close contest 5-11 11-8 6-11 11-4 11-9.

Matt Stone picked up two wins including a narrow 8-11 8-11 11-6 11-2 14-12 success over Cath Venning.

RESULTS

Saturday, October 30

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 0-2 Bournemouth FA Trophy third qualifying round Herne Bay 0-2 Binfield Cherry Red Premier Challenge Cup Virginia Water 3-3 Reading City (Virginia win 3-1 pens) Sumas 1-1 AFC Croydon Athletic (Croydon win 4-3 on pens) Woodley United 2-3 FC Deportivo Galicia Combined Counties Division One Chalvey Sports 3-2 Eversley & California Wallingford Town 3-2 Berks County Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield 3-2 Reading YMCA Finchampstead 4-0 Mortimer Reading City U23’s 0-3 Westwood Wanderers Wargrave 1-3 Richings Park Woodley United Royals 1-2 Wraysbury Thames Valley Division One Hurst 2-2 SB Phoenix RUGBY UNION National League One Rams 21-32 Sale South West 1 East Bracknell 54-10 Frome HOCKEY South Central Division 1 Sonning 1s 3-0 Oxford Hawks 3s South Central Men’s Division 2 South Berkshire 0-2 Oxford University 2s Oxford University 3s v Sonning 2s South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 1s 1-5 Oxford Hawks 2s South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 1s 1-3 Oxford 2s

Sunday, October 31

FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Eastleigh 4-1 Woodley United Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wargrave Women Development v Thatcham & Newbury Town Cup Easington Sports 4-2 S4K Ladies Eversley & California Reserves v Wycombe Wanderers Reserves Tilehurst Panthers Development A-W Ascot United Reserves HOCKEY South Central Men’s Premier Division 2 South Berkshire 0-2 Oxford University 2s

Tuesday, November 2

Games after we had gone to press – results online FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship

Millwall v Reading Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Bagshot

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 6

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Birmingham City v Reading Isthmian South Central Sutton Common Rovers v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Burnham v Reading City Virginia Water v Sumas Combined Counties Division One Berks County v London Lions British Airways v Woodley United Langley v Eversley & California RUGBY UNION South West 1 East Grove v Bracknell HOCKEY Men’s National Division 1 South Southgate v Reading South Central Men’s Premier 1 Winchester v Reading 2s South Central Men’s Premier 2 Reading 2A v South Berkshire South Central Men’s Division 1 Wallingford v Sonning South Central Men’s Division 2 South Berkshire 2s v Maidenhead 2s Henley 2s v Sonning 2s South Central Men’s Division 4 South Berkshire 3s v BA 1s Buckingham v Sonning 3s Women’s National Division 1 South Reading v Slough South Central Women’s Premier 1 Oxford Hawks 2s v Reading 2s South Central Women’s Division 1 Oxford University 2s v South Berkshire Winchester v Sonning South Central Women’s Division 2 Sonning 2s v Thame South Central Women’s Division 3 Newbury & Thatcham 2s v South Berkshire 2s South Central Women’s Thames 1 South Berkshire 3s v Staines 2s Reading 5s v Sonning 3s

Sunday, November 7

FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Birmingham City v Reading Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Oxford City v Woodley United Southern Region Division One South Eversley & California v New Milton Town Thames Valley Women’s Division One Badshot Lea v Tilehurst Panthers Penn & Tylers Green v Caversham United Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC v Eversley & California Reserves Wargrave Development v S4K Berks County