Wednesday, October 27, 2021
FALL BACK!
ANGER AS NEW SEND SCHOOL PLAN PUT ON HOLD By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today PLANS to open a new SEND school in Winnersh have been put on hold, a situation described by the leader of Wokingham Borough Council as “an absolute disaster”.
The Oak Tree Academy School was due to open in September next year, following a decision by the council’s planning committee to approve the plans. The Department of Education has delayed approval for the school, meaning it is now postponed. The school will be built on Winnersh Farm, next to the M4 motorway and the Royal British Legion Club, have 150 places, shared equally between Reading and Wokingham borough councils, and run by the Maiden Erlegh Trust. The delay means budgets will need to be reconsidered, and if a new procurement process is needed, the revised 2023 opening date could be pushed back even further. Maiden Erlegh Trust “could possibly be willing to open Oak Tree in another school building for one academic year from September 2022 but will not run the school at another site beyond this date”, according to a report produced by Reading Borough Council’s Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC) company. At a Reading Borough Council meeting of its Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Education committee last week, Cllr Ashley Pearce, the lead member for Education, said the council will do all it can to help the school open next year. “No places for Reading pupils had been earmarked so there is no initial disappointment. n Continued on page 3
No. 2 90p
Don’t forget to put your clocks back on Saturday night
YOUR NEW 3-IN-1 PAPER NIGHT SHELTER PACKED FIRE STARTER: Wonderland heads to Palmer Park • p7
SET TO REOPEN Charity to offer beds for Reading’s rough sleepers this winter
EXCLUSIVE
By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today A NEW NIGHT shelter will open its doors to support rough sleepers in Reading, thanks to homeless charity New Beginnings.
The service will start from Friday, December 3, and will be open three nights a week at The Queen’s Arms on Great Knollys Street, just off Reading’s town centre.
It will welcome sleepers to use its premises between 8pm and 8.30am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. “We all know homelessness has been an issue especially since lockdown began last year,” charity founder Grace Gomez said. “We’ve been getting an increasing numbers of phone calls and people coming in to us needing a place to stay for the night. n Continued on page 3
WITH NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE ISSN 2754-2785 43
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, October 27, 2021
RBH shortlisted for Parkinsons award WE COVER READING BOROUGH
ROYAL Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Parkinsons UK Excellence Network Awards. To qualify for the Innovation in Practice category, entrants must have been shown a new technique, patient pathway, use of digital technology, or have adapted a practice to meet challenges. Finalists have either been nominated by a member of the Parkinson’s community or a peer working in health and social care. The RBFT specialist care team were shortlisted from 30 entries and is one of six finalists. One finalist will win the overall Excellence Network Award. Dr Apurba Chatterjee, consultant physician for elderly care medicine, at RBFT said: “As a team we are
SHORTLIST: Jane Asher and Terence Manning (above) will host the Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network awards tomorrow delighted that our project has been shortlisted for Parkinson’s UK Excellence Network Award. “We have worked hard to develop
the Advance Care pathway for patients who are in the complex stage of the disease to offer holistic care for the patients and respect their choices and wishes.” The winners will be announced at the virtual event tomorrow. It will be co-hosted by Parkinson’s UK’s president Jane Asher and Terence Manning, a former head teacher, living with Parkinson’s. Ms Asher said she loves these awards. “They give us a chance to celebrate great care for people affected by Parkinson’s,” she said. “Care that makes a difference not only in the consulting room, but to peoples’ everyday lives in the community.”
n For more information on the awards, visit: parkinsons.org.uk/ excellencenetwork
Councillors take the knee after impassioned 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: RDG.TODAY
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@wokingham.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Deputy editor • Jess Warren Reporters • Charlotte King, 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.
By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local Democracy Reporter ALMOST all Reading borough councillors kneeled, following a speech highlighting racial inequality.
The symbolic gesture came at a meeting of the council last Tuesday. Cllr Sophia James (Lab, Katesgrove) spoke, using Black History Month as a starting point. “The theme this year is Proud to Be,” she told the chamber. “I’m proud every day to be a Black British Caribbean child of Jamaican immigrants and public sector workers. “But in the UK, over 3,000 black people have died in police custody, detention centres, prisons or from racist attacks and the institutions which failed to protect them. Over 1,500 deaths in police custody, with no convictions. “Black people are nine times more likely to be stopped and searched and in the Thames Valley, only one in five racist hate crimes result in an outcome for the victim.” She continued: “(During the Euro 2020 final) When Rashford, Saka, and Sancho were called up to take those penalties, I felt a sickness in the pit
of my stomach because I knew the painful cost of failure. You see, while many White people will not have considered the impact of racism, Black and Asian people were only too aware and when it finally happened and violence ensued in the stadium and online… I cried. “It is sad it takes such drastic events to rock white, privileged people out of the comfortable zone that racism is a thing of the past.” And Cllr James congratulated the council for publishing ethnicity pay gaps, but called for more action to tackle racism, calling for more BAME-led events and activities to be supported by the council’s licencing policies and police. At the end of her speech, Cllr James asked all present to kneel as a sign of respect. However, the Conservative group chose to stand instead, and councillors who were not able to kneel clapped to show their support. The borough mayor, Cllr David Stevens (Thames), remained seated as a sign of neutrality. Cllr Jeanette Skeats, the Conservative group leader (Thames ward) said: “We decided to stand against racism, prejudice, injustice, and discrimination.
“We decided not to take the knee in a group meeting. It was a group decision. We thought it was very important to stand up against racism and prejudice.” And Cllr Stevens said: “The Conservative group’s decision was one of respect for the position without agreeing with everything that Black Lives Matter stands for.” Black History Month continues until this weekend. Highlights include a new mural on Battle Street, which is being painted by Gemma Anusa to represent the idea of love, unity and the older generation. This evening, The Hexagon is screening Respect (12a), a look at the career of Aretha Franklin. On Saturday, there are some special events taking place. Reading Museum will look at memories of the Windrush Generation, a video created by the Reading Windrush Project Steering Group. This will be shown at noon and 2pm. And an author reading of Tawyny and Maya Unique Me, by Kaya and Tuesday Holder, will take place at Reading Central Library at 10.30am. Places are free, but need to be booked. n For more details, log on to www. reading.gov.uk/whatson
Man assaulted in attempted robbery AN ATTEMPTED robbery took place in Reading last week. A man in his thirties was assaulted outside a restaurant on King’s Road at 1pm on Monday, October 18. Police said the offenders parked a silver car in the middle of Abbey Square, got out and attacked the victim. The victim was grazed and bruised, but no hospital treated was needed. Two Wokingham men, aged 29 and 28, were arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and have since been released on police bail. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Emma Pointon, based at Slough police station, is urging any witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information can contact the police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43210469940. Anonymous reports can be made by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Immortal, invisible PERFUMER Gabriel DeCarvalho will open The Invisible Dress exhibition at the HUMOS Studio and Showroom in Caversham tomorrow night. The free event, on Church Road, will elevate sensory awareness by bringing together scents and sights. The flowers and exhibition decorations are by Wesley St Cyr and Wendy Whitehea of Blooming Ashley’s Flowers. The dresses are sketches made real, each a floral representation of the notes and fragrances. Perfumer and scent designer, Gabriel De Carvalho, said: "What a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the power of fragrance in such a graphically beautiful way. "This exhibition strengthens the link between the senses and dramatically sets out a link that once seen and understood, will not be forgotten by those who experience The Invisible Dress."
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.
NEWS | 3
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
COMMUNITY MINDED: Volunteers for New Beginnings are needed to help run its winter shelter
Volunteers needed for winter shelter n From front page
Museum hosts spooky fun for half-term EXCLUSIVE BY PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today IF THERE’S something strange in the neighbourhood, but who ya gonna call? Reading Museum.
This half-term, it has organised a special Hallowe’en trail, but these things won’t be going bump in the night. It’s only open during the day and all ghosts, ghoulies and youngsters will be socially distancing. Museum staff have hidden a number of pumpkins, each dressed for the occasion, throughout the galleries. Families are invited to join the hunt for them, making a note of which one is where on a special
sheet that can be obtained from reception for £1. When completed, the finished sheet can be shown to staff who will reward the youngsters with a prize. The trail sheets can also be taken home and used for colouring in. The museum also has a number of free resources that can be downloaded for home use, while a number of packs can be purchased offering plenty of fun. They include focuses on the Abbey’s 900th anniversary, a Roman mosaic craft pack, and a set looking at bees. The trail runs until Saturday, and the museum is open until 10am to 4pm, and until 5pm on Saturdays. n For more details, call 0118 937 3400 or log on to www.readingmuseum. org.uk
New SEND school could be delayed a couple of years n From front page
Cllr Pearce added: “Of course, this is going to have big knockon effects on placing pupils next year and on our budgets. “We are of course working with our Wokingham counterparts and the DfE to get this project back on track as soon as possible and are in discussions around funding and accommodating our pupils in other Reading schools if the September 2022 opening date cannot be met.” If opening the school at the Winnersh site in September 2023 is not considered possible by the end of 2021, children earmarked to attend Oak Tree will instead have to be placed in other schools.
This is likely to be more expensive and impact on funding for children with SEND, which is already stretched. Cllr John Halsall told Reading Today: “The Department of Education has said to us there’s going to be a delay, which could be a couple of years.” This would mean SEND children with specialist education requirements will continue to travel outside of the borough, which requires taxis and similar transport services. He promised that the council would press its case to the Department of Education to get the school back on track. “The cost of sending SEND children to schools for two years
is huge,” he said. “If you have a child who requires special assistance, and you’ve banked on that child going to the new school in the borough, rather than having to go somewhere else, you’d be devastated.” And Cllr Pearce said his Wokingham counterparts and the MPs for Maidenhead and Reading East are seeking answers from the Department of Education. “There will be a contingency plan if it doesn’t open in 2022 but our aim is to get it to open then, by hook or by crook. The ball is in the Department of Education’s court for that.” Additional reporting: Tevye Markson, local democracy reporter
HUNTING GROUND: Reading Museum has a pumpkin trail for half-term perfect for younger visitors Pictures: Dijana Capan / DV Images
“Now we want to make sure we open this night shelter in advance of the winter season so we can be there for anyone that finds themselves stuck.” The charity already runs its community fridge service during the week. It offers its café on Tuesdays from 6 to 7pm and Wednesdays from noon until 1pm for families and the elderly. And on Thursdays and Fridays it offers meals from 6pm until 7pm. New Beginnings is now encouraging more volunteers to come forward and offer their support. “We really need more volunteers to help keep the shelter open,” Ms Gomez said. And it will be offering new helpers to attend training sessions in November for those who wish to assist the charity’s services. The training dates will be announced soon. Ms Gomez said that the Reading community can also support New Beginnings by fundraising for the charity. “To keep the building running, we rely on a lot of fundraisers and we always welcome people to put these together to raise vital funds for our services,” she said. Having experienced homelessness first hand, Ms Gomez said it’s been “incredible” to support people as it’s something close to her heart. “It’s a really valuable service and the lockdown has highlighted that the charity sector is so important,” she added. “I want to provide somewhere safe for the community to come where they can enjoy a cup of tea or just have a chat and get to know each other.” The future aim for the night shelter is to eventually be open seven days a week. n For more details, log on to: newbeginningsreading. org
4 | NEWS
Concert Band’s festive show date TICKETS for Trinity Concert Band’s Christmas concert in Reading are now on sale. The group will present The Night Before Christmas for an evening of festive musical fun. The performance will take place in The Great Hall, at the Reading University London Road campus, on Saturday, December 18 at 4pm. Tickets cost £12 up to one week before, full price tickets are £14. Student tickets cost £7 and under 16s go free. n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to trinityband. co.uk
Brownies prepare for Poppy Appeal THE SECOND Tilehurst Brownies have been getting crafty to support this year’s Turn Tilehurst Red event. The group have been making a display which will be placed outside the United Reformed Church, on Armour Road. It will be part of the this year’s poppy appeal competition, which will run from Saturday, November 6, until Sunday, November 14. Residents and businesses are welcome to make a display to show their respects to the poppy appeal.
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Reading’s city status bid takes step forward after council vote By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local Democracy Reporter
PLANS TO make Reading a city have moved a step closer as the town pushes ahead with its bid.
Since the start of the year, residents and councillors in Reading have been preparing a bid to become a city, as part of the Queen’s platinum jubilee celebrations next year. At a meeting of Reading Borough Council on Tuesday, October 19, councillors decided to move the bid forward, which is based on 11 reasons why Reading should become a city. Reading Borough Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said that Reading deserves to be a city because it is “a great place to live, work, and play”. He said that Reading is a place that “celebrates its history but is not incumbered by it” and has a “bright vision for the future”. John Ennis, Labour councillor for Southcote, said that even if the town fails in its bid, “We’ll keep on trying, and we’ll be a city to be proud of”. He added: “We need to build it up and make it better. “We underestimate ourselves too much.” As we revealed last week, the bid has support from the
Conservatives and the Green Party. Cllr Jeanette Skeats, leader of the Conservative group, congratulated everyone who has worked on the city status bid, and said it has been supported by Alok Sharma, the Conservative MP for Reading West, and Theresa May, the Conservative MP for Maidenhead. Cllr Rob White, leader of the Green group, praised the town, and said: “Win or lose, we will
BOOK IN ADVANCE AND SAVE*
*BOOK ONLINE
and save using Code
ADVANCE21
remain a great place to live.” Liberal Democrat councillors questioned the need for the city bid. Cllr Meri O’Connell, Liberal Democrat councillor for Tilehurst, said she was confused by it. “I don’t understand why we need city status,” she said. Cllr O’Connell said some residents have questioned why the bid is being undertaken. And Cllr Ricky Duveen, Liberal Democrat councillor for Tilehurst said he was worried
about the financial impact of the bid. “I’m lukewarm on city status, if I’m being honest,” he said. Cllr Brock said the cost of the bid has been met entirely within the council’s current spending. Councillors were asked to endorse Reading’s bid for city status by Wednesday, December 8. All Labour, Conservative, and Green Party councillors present voted for the bid to go ahead.
Crowthorne
RG45 6DY
Purchase direct from the very best makers in the UK See website for full details on booking tickets 12 noon – 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm Weekend Admission £5 06/10/2021 15:28
ANCIENT AND MODERN: A view from The Blade building in Reading, showing the mixture of the old and the new. Photo by Dijana Capan; DVision Images
Liberal Democrat councillors, Cllr Duveen and Cllr O’Connell abstained. Reading has submitted bids to become a city three times before: during the Millennium in 2000, the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002, and her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. Cllr Tony Page, the council’s deputy leader, who witnessed the other bids, said this time “the enthusiasm is wider, deeper, and more rooted than we’ve seen in the past.”
Hair salon wins business award A HAIR salon has won a business award after judges felt it shown its determination to its clients, the Reading branch manager has said. Haringtons won the Marketing Campaign of the Year at the HJ’s British Hairdressing Business Awards 2021. The company, which has multiple branches, including
Reading and Wokingham, reached the finals after submitting an online report on how they attract, engage with and retain clients. Neil Bedlington, front of house manager at the Reading salon, said: “We’re so excited to win this award, which proves Haringtons to be innovative, brand savvy, current and ontrend with everything hair.
“Our marketing campaigns focus on the idea that we make clients look good, but feel even better, something that we carry through to the salon, ensuring everyone who comes into Haringtons gets an exceptional experience from start to finish. Mr Bedlington said he is “determined” their clients leave the salon feeling their best.
PUPILS across Berkshire are being encouraged to write to their MP … by an MP. Former Prime Minister – and Sonning resident – Theresa May has recorded a video for the Diocese of Oxford ahead of the forthcoming COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Part of the Diocese of Oxford’s Be The Change initiative, Mrs May wants children to pick up their pens and tell MPs why there should be action on the climate emergency. The Diocese says that as part of the project, youngsters are learning about parliamentary democracy, including holding debates and penning missives to those in power. In her message, Mrs May, MP for Maidenhead, including
parts of Sonning, Twyford and Wargrave, spoke about ways children can show their support for the planet, and how they can ask their local politicians to take action: “There is a really significant meeting taking place in Glasgow next month, when world leaders are coming together to make some big decisions about the future of our climate, the environment, the future of our planet, and that’s about your future, too,” she said. “So, I hope you are going to write to your politicians, to your member of parliament. “Write to your local
politicians and tell them why climate change is so important, and why it really matters that world leaders take the right decision next month”. Before the half-term break, schools and children’s groups held Be Vocal themed days aimed at helping youngsters use their collective voice to speak up for the planet. The Be The Change initiative will continue across the Diocese this autumn. Actions include looking at how children can reduce the use of single-use plastic, and help them plan a glitter-free Christmas.
29 – 31 COP26: Theresa May urges October pupils to write to their MP Wellington College
CIF_Crowthorne_21_160x130.indd 1
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Late night bus for student club nights
By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today
WE’VE come a long way from having to catch a bus to get to Utopia in Calcot.
Students at the University of Reading can now use a special free bus service to get them to the club on time. But this isn’t a trek to the other side of the borough, it’s to the nightclub at the heart of the Whiteknights campus. The new 360 service from Reading Buses will run from the off-campus student areas such as Wokingham Road and Erleigh Road to get students to and from the 2,500 capacity 3Sixty venue in the students’ union. It will run every 15 minutes from 10pm until 2.30am on Wednesdays and Saturdays during term-time. The aim is to improve access for students with mobility issues as well as supporting vulnerable students by offering a safe way back home and helping to reduce noise in the local community. RUSU president, Ben Knowles, came up with the idea and said he wanted to do something to improve access to the venue that so many students enjoy, missed or had not been able to experience for some 18 months.
He said: “I am impressed with the speed that both the University and Reading Buses have worked with myself to get this initiative off the ground for the beginning of term.” And the project has been welcomed by Reading Buses. The company says bus travel is a sustainable mode of transport that will help the students reduce their carbon impact. “We are thrilled to get this service going with RUSU and the University,” said Reading Buses marketing and communications manager Jake Osman. “Providing safe travel for students enjoying their social times is extremely important and hopefully will also translate into more students using the core services. “This new bus route will supplement the claret 21 which runs 24/7 through the University and will help the local community in noise reduction as it removes the need for students to walk home.” He added that since students have returned passenger numbers have been increasing. “We do encourage more students to use the service to ensure that the bus will continue to be funded over the coming months and, hopefully, years,” he said.
NEWS | 5
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Children flock to book festival
MAKING A POINT: Authors Iszy Lawrence and AF Harrold at Fourbears Books Picture: Phil Creighton By Phil Creighton pcreighton@wokingham.today CHILDREN of all ages have been gathering in Caversham this week for a book festival.
Authors and illustrators have been giving readings, sharing tips and signing books for excited youngsters. The festival, at Fourbears Books in Prospect Street, runs all week and includes a special session this evening for parents looking for some inspiration for reading material to gift to children.
On Monday, there were two sessions. In the morning, poet AF Harrold read some of his latest creations, making the audience laugh with delight. And in the afternoon, Iszi Lawrence shared details of her story about the Suffragettes with a secret. She was delighted to be visiting the bookstore. “There’s something special about meeting children, being able to speak to them in real life after the pandemic, having their reactions,” she said. “We’ve done so much online, but to be there in person and to feel the
excitement – that’s what it’s all about. “That’s why children’s book festivals are so important.” She added: “I love this bookshop and I really hope it goes from strength to strength.” The events this week are not the only signings that Fourbears has planned. On Saturday, adults will be able to meet author Robin Ince, who will be signing copies of his latest book, The Importance of Being Interested. He will be in Caversham from 1.30pm. For more details, call the shop on 0118 947 1747.
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
6 | NEWS
Beer and Cider Festival will return AFTER two years without the Reading Beer and Cider Festival, a date has been announced for the event to go ahead in April next year. The four-day celebration, held at Christchurch Meadows, in Caversham, will welcome punters back to enjoy drinking a variety of beer. Solely run by volunteers, the festival is also on the hunt for more people who are looking to help out. Volunteers get free entry and can choose how many shifts they would like to work. The festival runs from Thursday, April 28 until Sunday, May 1. n For more details, visit readingbeerfestival.org.uk
Author reading TO MARK Black History Month, Reading Libraries is welcoming children and families to a special workshop event this Saturday at 10.30am. They will be invited to an author reading of Kaya and Tuesday Holder’s Tawny and Maya: Unique Me. This will be followed by a talk and activity workshop for all the family to enjoy. Numbers will be limited for this free event. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment. n To book, call 0118 937 5950, or visit reading.gov.uk
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
A few days pain with plenty of gain: Sidmouth St potholes are no more By Phil Creighton pcreighton@wokingham.today
FOR MONTHS, it’s looked like the worst road in Reading for potholes, but the nightmare is over.
Sidmouth Street is a major route for people from East Reading to cross town. Motorists have to drive along it from London Road to reach the IDR to take them to Caversham, Tilehurst or beyond. Although one lane has been turned into a cycle lane to encourage people to get on their bikes, the other has resembled the surface of the moon, with some pretty impressive craters in it. Last week, as part of a £9 million programme, Reading Borough Council resurfaced the road, causing traffic misery for motorists over four days. In all, 150 different roads are being treated between now and the end of 2022. Sidmouth Street is among the first batch, which will be completed by the end of the month. Work then resumes after winter. And a further 176 roads will be given a makeover by 2023. The roads are being treated by micro-asphalt, which the council says is quick to apply, causes less disruption and has a lower carbon footprint. It’s also a cost-effective way
SMOOTH AS A BABY’S... : Work on resurfacing Sidmouth Street on Saturday; Picture: Dijana Capan/DV Vision BELOW: Jams on London Road, caused by the works Picture: Phil Creighton to prolong the life of a road. A council spokesperson said: “Reading Borough Council is investing £9m over three years in road resurfacing improvements, with hundreds of roads being resurfaced by the end of 2023. Sidmouth Street is scheduled to be resurfaced on Wednesday and Thursday.” For the other roads, Reading Borough Council promises that residents and businesses in affected areas will receive letters ahead of the works starting, and when the teams arrive to do the resurfacing
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
located within the Wokingham Borough
they will be in action from 8am to 5pm. Announcing the plans, the council’s lead member for strategic environment, planning and transport, Cllr Tony Page, said: “This is a really positive step for Reading’s road users, be they cyclists, drivers or people taking public transport. “We know the quality of roads is an important issue for residents from the feedback we’ve received, which is why we’re taking on such an ambitious project and investing £9m to make widespread improvements across the Borough. “Alongside our pavement resurfacing project to benefit pedestrians, we’re doing everything we can to help ensure journeys around Reading are smoother than ever.
“We thank residents for their patience while works take place, which will inevitably result in some disruption, and look forward to them being able to enjoy improved road surfaces.”
The roads that will be resurfaced
North Albert Road (full extent); Hemdean Road (from Oakley Road to Sheridan Avenue); Peppard Road (from Kiln Road to Cavendish Road); St Anne’s Road (full extent); Woodcote Road (junction area with Highmoor Road) EAST Elm Road (from Shinfield Road to borough boundary); Erleigh Road (Addington Road to Alexandra Road); Palmer Park Avenue (Wokingham
Road to borough boundary); Vicarage Road (full extent); Whiteknights Road (Eastern Avenue to borough boundary); Wokingham Road (from Holmes Road to Melrose Avenue) SOUTH Basingstoke Road (from Christchurch Road to Elgar Road South); Christchurch Gardens (full extent); Christchurch Road (from Basingstoke Road to Sutherlands Avenue); Pell Street (from Elgar Road to Sherman Road); Shinfield Road (from Whitley Wood Road to Elm Road); Whitley Street (from Southampton Street to Christchurch Rd Roundabout) WEST Bath Road (from Burghfield Road to Hogarth Avenue); Bedford Road (from junction with Oxford Road to Chatham Street); Beresford Road (full extent); Berkeley Avenue (from Ashley Road to Esso Petrol Station); Kentwood Hill (full extent) Liebenrood Road (full extent); Little John’s Lane (from Portman Road to Loverock Road); Oxford Road (from Beresford Road to Russell Street); Oxford Road (from Shaftesbury Road to Gordon Place); Park Lane (from Chapel Hill to 50 metres west of Mayfair); Portman Road (from Bridgewater Close for 500 metres eastbound); Scours Lane (Oxford Road to Stadium Way); Southcote Road (full extent); Trafford Road (full extent); Upton Road (full extent); Water Road (from Tilehurst Road to Windrush Way) CENTRAL Coley Avenue (from Berkeley Avenue to Castle Hill); Eaton Place (full extent); Forbury Road (from King’s Road to Kenavon Drive – northbound only); George Street (full extent); IDR (from A329 southbound exit towards Castle Street); IDR (from A329 eastbound exit towards Bridge Street); Russell Street (from Castle Street to Tilehurst Road); Tilehurst Road (from Russell Street to Western Elms Avenue); Sidmouth Street (from London Road to Queen’s Road).
5G phone mast planned near Christchurch Meadows
TWO phone companies have teamed up in a bid to erect a 20-metre 5G phone mast near Christchurch Meadows. The communications tower in George Street would replace a mast removed from Great Brighams Mead and would be run by EE and Three, under a network sharing agreement. On behalf of EE and Three, planning consultant Katy Jessop said: “The proposed
replacement mast has been sited and designed in order to replace existing coverage which has been lost and provide 5G coverage in order to support the existing mobile network. “At present it is paramount that digital connectivity is supported and maintained throughout the country. “The current proposal therefore provides such additional capacity to the network whilst still promoting
the improved 5G technology.” She added the mast would be future proof. EE has asked the council to try to view the application as a ‘priority submission’ and approve it within 56 days “due to its critical national importance at this time”. The 20-metre high slim lattice tower will have six antennas and four dishes, with eight equipment cabinets at ground level within a fenced compound.
NEWS | 7
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Cubanbased The New Revolution Troupe show amazing balance
Spooky Mall BROAD Street Mall is inviting the Reading community to get into the Hallowe’en mood for its free event this Sunday. The activities, taking place from 11.30am until 4.30pm, will include face painting and balloon modeller, Tricky the Twister for all the children to enjoy. The event is the latest in a line-up of free events organised and hosted by the shopping centre. Steven Connolly, general manager at Broad Street Mall, is thrilled to welcome families: “It’s great to be hosting events at the mall again and we look forward to announcing further activities in the near future.” n For more details, visit broadstreetmall.com
Festive fun DON’T DROP ‘EM: Some magical plate spinning from Circus Wonderland Picture: Phil Creighton
Families enjoy all the fun of the circus ROLL UP! Roll up! Families have been flocking to Palmer Park this week so they can enter wonderland. The ever-popular Circus Wonderland has been visiting, just in time for half-term. A big top has been set up behind the stadium, and audiences are able to watch amazing acrobatics from Cubanbased The New Revolution Troupe, an aerial display from
Miss Rachel, fire-powered juggling displays from Kevin Takacs, and astonishing acts of balance from Ruslan Arlanov. Also on the bill is Grace Olivia, an expert in foot juggling with a fire-flying finale that leaves crowds cheering for more. As with any circus, there are performances from clowns who had their audience in stitches, some big illusions, and some animals – but in a 21st-century take, they are
RESIDENTS are being warned to stay safe this season ahead of Hallowe’en, Bonfire Night and Diwali.
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging the community to celebrate these events whilst taking additional precautions. For Hallowe’en, people are advised to when flame-resistant costumes and to keep children away from naked flames. And if the clothes catch fire, the RBFRS team are reminding individuals to stop, drop and roll. Decorations can burn easily so people should steer clear of attaching them to lights and heaters. David Grayson, watch based station manager, said: “If you are purchasing a costume for Hallowe’en, ensure that it is labelled as flame-resistant. “Whatever costume you do choose, keep it away from naked flames at all times and don’t use flammable materials to wear.” Mr Grayson added that fireworks in the wrong hands could cause “real misery”.
“Please only buy them from licensed manufacturers and remember, fireworks are explosives,” he said. “Handle fireworks extremely carefully and only use them in accordance with the instructions and the Firework Code. “And be respectful if you are using fireworks, they can be frightening for people and animals so tell your neighbours if you are planning to let them off and ensure your display is over by the cut off time, which is midnight on Bonfire Night and Diwali.” Families who plan to have a bonfire should build them away from buildings, fences and trees and never burn aerosols, tryes or canisters. And the RBFRS crew advised to not use petrol to get the fire going and to keep a bucket of water nearby. Superintendent Bhupinder Rai, head of local policing for Berkshire, added her views on fireworks on Bonfire Night.
Clowning around at Circus Wonderland Miss Rachel balances herself from the top of the big top during an amazing acrobatic display Picture: Phil Creighton
cuddly mascots. Children loved Ernie the Elephant, Mickey the Monkey and Bertie Bear and could have their photo taken with them during the show. The Circus continues until Sunday, October 31, with performances at 3pm and 7pm weekdays, 2pm and 5pm on Saturdays and 2pm on Sunday. n For more details, log on to www.circuswonderland.com
Stay safe ahead of firework season By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today
Kevin Takacs wows crowds with his amazing juggling
“Legal restrictions prevent anyone from under the age of 18 to purchase them or to possess fireworks in a public place,” she said. “The consequences of misusing fireworks, or of accidents occurring involving them, can be very serious and even tragic.” For anyone around flames, fireworks and bonfires should follow three simple steps if they get burnt. This includes cooling the burn with running tap water and removing any jewellery, calling 999 or 111 for help and covering the burn with cling film or a sterile dressing. People may decide to let off sky lanterns, so residents should take care as this is a fire hazard to property, crops and the environment. For more information on celebrating safely this Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali, visit the RBFRS Celebrating Safely webpage, via www.rbfrs.co.uk.
A CHRISTMAS market, Santa’s grotto and workshop will make up a special festive event next month. Held at Creativ.Spaces, on Marsack Street, Caversham, Artisa will see individuals enjoy the a range of Christmas entertainment on Sunday, November 21 from 10am until 3.30pm. And a charity art exhibition event will also be held to raise funds for mental health charity, Mind, on Friday, November 19 at 7pm. Tickets cost £10 will all proceeds going to the charity. n For more details visit madebytamalia.co.uk
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
8 | NEWS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Car parking charges for Palmer Park START: A celebration of the ground breaking for Rivermead’s new leisure centre which will open in the spring of 2023 Picture: Phil Creighton
By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today
FROM MONDAY, parking charges are to be introduced to Palmer Park’s car park.
Until now, it has been free, but from November 1 that changes to the first three hours for leisure users, and 50p thereafter, up to a maximum stay of seven hours. All cars need to be registered. And no parking is permitted in the park between midnight and 6am. It’s all part of work to create a new 25-metre six-lane pool, a replacement for the historic Victorian baths at Cemetery Junction that were closed in 2019, much to Newtown’s dismay. Palmer Park’s new facility will include a 100-station gym, an activity zone for children with party rooms and a new café and information hub. Assuming all goes to plan, it will open this time next year. It’s not the only new pool that Reading will see. Work has started on Rivermead’s new 25-metre eight-lane pool. Facilities will include a combined teaching and diving pool. There will also be a splash pad, and a 25-metre five-lane pool for clubs and lessons.
Other facilities include a café, an information hub, a soft play areas, a six-court sports hall with 250 spectator seats, a 120-station gym with three studios and a new play area. This is expected to open in the spring of 2023. Work will take place in two phases, with the new leisure coming ahead of the demolition of the existing site, which will be used for parking and the play area. And there are also plans to revamp South Reading Leisure Centre and Meadway in Tilehurst, as part of a £40 million investment in Reading’s sports and leisure programme. Cllr Graeme Hoskin, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for sport, said: “It is exciting times to see the building of our new pools and leisure centre progressing. This continues to provide residents
with tangible evidence of our commitment to delivering the new facilities.” He told Reading Today: “I think all of us in Reading know that this work is well overdue. We’ve been trying to get this in place for a number of years, but it’s been delayed due to Covid and council cuts. “Now to see the work on the ground and the scale of it is really exciting. We can’t wait until this is built and the facilities opened up.” He said that he was particularly excited for the diving pool to be back, following the closure of Central pool, and being able to offer a competition pool once again. With Palmer Park, Cllr Hoskin said that it was exciting to be able to offer a wide mixture of sporting activities. “It’s going to be amazing, it’s going to be brilliant,” he said.
, .
.- 7
! $ , -
$ . -/ 0 - 1 '$ 2 0 - 1 '$ 0 ' 3) 4
0 , # , $
5 '$ 6, 7 # - * 5 - ) $ 5 # - 8 $ 5 - $ 5 9 " 6, : $ , ; $ , $ 3* 4 , , ;
! " # $ % & '$ ( $ % ) *%+
HIGH RISE: A view of the new Station Hill development in progress Picture: Simon French
Work continues on Reading’s ‘new heart’ IT’S a view of Reading you rarely get to see, and it’s clearly a work in progress. Last August, work started on the next phase of the Station Hill development in Reading’s town centre. The Garrard Street Car Park, former bus station and Top Rank sites have been knocked down. In their place is coming an 18-storey, 260,000 sq ft, office building complete with podium
deck and a new open space. A bridge will link the development with the first phase. When it’s all completed there will be 1,2000 homes, 1000,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space, plus 600,000 sq ft of offices – all within seconds of the train station. Developers say it will be a new heart for Reading, with the space including assisted living accommodation and a hotel.
There will also be a pocket park close to the station that will include opportunities for play, adventure and rest. It is also hoped that the plaza will host events and performances throughout the year. For now, though, there is still a lot of progress to be made as this picture, taken from Thames Tower last week, shows.
Schools Streets plan on hold A PLAN to create school streets – closing the roads to traffic during the school run to make it easier for people to walk, cycle or scoot to classes – has been postponed due to a lack of volunteers. Three east Reading schools had planned to launch the scheme next week, but with not enough marshals it’s on hold. Maiden Erlegh School, UTC Reading and Alfred Sutton Primary School had hoped to close Crescent Road between Wokingham Road and Bulmershe Road to create
the street, which would be Reading’s fourth. Now an appeal has gone out for more people to step forward. Speaking on behalf of the schools, Maiden Erlegh school business manager Julie Foster said: “We have made the decision to postpone the start of the School Street scheme to the new year to enable us further time to secure more volunteer marshals. “We are still excited to start and feel that it will have a big impact on the safety of our students, parents and the local
community. “We would like to say a big thank you to all those who have volunteered from the local community and look forward to working with them in the future.” The School Streets operate weekdays during term time, with Crescent Road planned between 8.15am and 9am, and 2.45pm-3.30pm. Park Lane Junior School, Wilson Primary School and Thameside Primary School are also looking for volunteers. To offer help, contact the schools directly.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
9
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Work to make Three Tuns crossing safer to begin in new year
By Phil Creighton pcreighton@wokingham.today
WORK to improve a junction where a cyclist died four-anda-half years ago will start in the new year.
In March 2017, student Ben Pedley was involved in a collision with a pedestrian, causing a severe traumatic brain injury, at the crossroads near the Three Tuns pub. It straddles the Reading/ Wokingham border and links Church Road with Wokingham Road. Although an initial report for Wokingham Borough Council was produced by consultations WSP in August 2018, it has not been followed through. It looked at accidents at the junction between November 1, 2014 and October 31, 2017. It noted that there were seven, of which four occurred between 2016 and 2017, and six of them took place on Church Road. Last year, Wokingham Borough Council said that it would conduct a public consultation into how the junction can be made safer for pedestrians. One of the problems is narrow footpaths due to the proximity of housing to the kerbside.
FIX: Wokingham Borough Council is promising to start work on improving a crossing at the Three Tuns crossroads Picture: Phil Creighton Green councillors in Reading’s Park ward – of which the Three Tuns area belongs – are frustrated that the process is taking so long. Cllr Rob White, who leads the group on Reading Borough Council, said he had been told four scheme options had been prepared and a traffic survey would be carried out within a month.
“Since the tragic death of Benjamin Pedley at this crossing we have been lobbying Wokingham Council to put in a proper crossing over Church Road to the Co-op,” Cllr White said. “Unfortunately covid has slowed this project down, but we will keep up the pressure.” And the delay was frustrating
One of the country’s foremost independent girls’ schools from 3-18
Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Earley Town Council. “To do nothing for four years is really not acceptable,” he said. “The excuse we’re given many times for not making improvements is that it can’t be done because there is no accident data. “I have also heard highway executive members say that no one has died (at a site in
question) so we don’t need to do anything. That always fills me with horror. “Why should you have to wait for someone to die to correct a bad situation?” He felt that in this case, by not taking action sooner, the council was putting more students lives at risk. “The borough council should have made it a priority,” he added. “They should be explaining to Mr Pedley’s family why they don’t.” A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council confirmed that schemes were being worked on, with a view to installing one in early 2022. “We have been speaking with Reading Borough Council on improvements to this area,” they said. “We are working on four scheme options, and will evaluate the impact of the options on the traffic in nearby residential streets. “We will be carrying out traffic surveys of post-covid traffic conditions in the next four weeks. “Once this data is collected and analysed we will agree which option can proceed to detailed design and consultation, with a view to implementing the preferred scheme in the new year.”
Hallowe’en trail in Caversham DON’T worry about things that go bump in the dark – a Caversham-based Hallowe’en trail will take place in daylight hours. Caversham Court Gardens on Church Road is hosting the event this weekend. A series of creepy displays have been set up in the popular park off Church Road for Saturday and Sunday. Organised by Friends of the Gardens, it is part of a Hallowe’en trail taking place across Caversham. Adults are welcome, but if they are scared, they should hold the hands of an accompanying child.
Autumn concert READING Festival Chorus is busy rehearsing for its autumn concert. The programme features Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, Monteverdi’s Cantate Domino, Telemann’s Laudate Jehovam, and closes with Vivaldi’s Gloria. Joining the choir will be soprano Emily Varney and Mezzo Soprano Harriet Kirk. The concert is at St Laurence’s Church in Friar Street, Reading, from 6pm on Saturday, November 27. Tickets cost £15, £5 for students and under 18s get in free. n For details, log on to www. readingfestivalchorus.org.uk
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
10 | NEWS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
University students report drink spiking DRINK spiking has been reported by students attending the University of Reading, with incidents taking place both on campus and in town venues. The university says that some students have also reported receiving puncture wounds. It says it is assisting the police and trying to find the responsible persons. As part of its response, the university’s bar and venues managers, and staff at the students’ union have been working on a number of enhanced security and welfare measures to help keep students safe. This includes additional security staff, enhanced searches and anti-drink-spiking measures. The university urges anyone who has been a victim or witness to a crime to contact police, or call campus security emergency line on 0118 378 6300. Vice-Chancellor Professor
WARNING: Students at the Univeristy of Reading have reported having their drinks spiked Picture: Ira Lee Nesbitt from Pixabay
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 would face disciplinary action and risk your future at the University, and are likely to face serious criminal charges. “For our students, please continue to look out for each other, and tell staff straight away if you see anything suspicious.” The University’s student welfare team are providing support to those students who have come forward to report incidents. Any student who has concerns about their welfare, or of another student, should call 0118 378 4777 or email studentwelfare@reading.ac.uk
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Reading council to receive £1.1m to help households this winter By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today READING Borough is to receive more than £1 million from the government to help households struggling financially.
Plans are being made to support up to 5,200 children, families and individuals from the fund. During this half-term break, Reading Borough Council is providing food vouchers for families with school age children who have free school meals, or have vulnerable toddlers. The scheme will also run during the Christmas holidays and in February halfterm. Those eligible will be contacted directly by the council, and its Brighter Futures For Children networks. The council will also help families with heating bills thanks to an energy voucher scheme which is due to be launched next month. An estimated 6,000 homes will be eligible, with £49 grants given out. Those on the council tax reduction scheme – just under 2,000 homes – will receive two vouchers.
SUPPORT: Reading Borough Council has received £1.1 million to help struggling households this winter Picture: Pixabay Funding comes from the Household Support Fund launched by the government. The Government says that councils are best placed to distribute the funding because they know the households in their communities that need the most help, and can provide them small grants to meet daily needs such as food, clothing and utilities. David Rutley, Minister for
Welfare Delivery, said: “This funding is there to support those most in need by providing extra help over winter, and by working through local councils we can make sure the vulnerable people in our communities get this vital support.” Reading has been awarded £1,130,648.94 for the Government’s Household Support Fund.
Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said: “The removal of the £20 uplift in Universal credit at a time of significant increases in living costs and energy costs and an increase in National Insurance contributions, mean families will struggle more than ever to afford the basics, like eating and heating costs, which is, of course, particularly alarming where young children are involved. “The Council has designed a local scheme that makes the best use of the funding provided to support the thousands of children who may struggle to access regular meals during the autumn and winter school holiday periods, with vouchers to help with the spiralling cost of heating for people eligible for the Council Tax support scheme.” And the scheme is welcomed by Brighter Futures for Children. Di Smith, its board chair, said: “These vouchers mean struggling families in Reading will not only have the certainty of support to feed their children during October half-term but also through the Christmas holidays and February halfterm.”
Funerals to flats?
ACTION: Thames Valley Police stopped a number of motorists in West Reading locations last week Picture: Thames Valley Police
READING'S NEW CHAMPION
NEWS, SPOR AND WHATS T ON EVERY WEDNESDAY
Police carry out checks on motorists in West Reading A ROADSIDE operation by Thames Valley police on Thursday, October 21, saw them stop a number of motorists. The event was based in parts of Southcote, Tilehurst and Coley, and officers said in a social media post that it was a road enforcement and reassurance operation, aiming at boosting community safety, and to get criminals off the roads. They said that 24 vehicles were stopped, and they posted a photo of a car with a badly cracked windscreen as an example of this. There were three traffic offence reports and one vehicle
was searched for drugs. Three warnings were issued for people using eScooters on the road. The force also carried out patrols aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour in the hotspot areas of Coronation Square, Coley Park and Tilehurst Triangle. As part of this, it met with 21 businesses across Tilehurst, Southcote, Coley and Berkeley Avenue areas. Ahead of Hallowe’en, which falls on Saturday, October 31, the force spoke with around 60 people to raise awareness of its forthcoming operation and appropriate literature.
A FORMER funeral directors just south of the town centre could be demolished, with a four-storey block of flats built in its place. Perfect Property Developments has submitted plans to Reading Borough Council (RBC) to demolish 75-81 Southampton Street, previously home to Co-Op Funeralcare, and build 19 homes. The empty building would be replaced with a fourstorey block comprising six one-bed flats, seven two-bed apartments, and six three-bed flat with a shared garden. The plan includes a series of environmentally focused initiatives, such as air-source heat pumps, reducing the carbon footprint of the development and providing heating and cooling for the homes. Other plans include “green walls and roofs, native/ naturalised planting, trees selected to provide a range of ecological and aesthetic benefits and growth habits, ecological interventions such as bird boxes, insect houses and a low intensity maintenance regime”. The development will also be car-free, encouraging walking, cycling – with storage provided – and public transport use. There will also be a nearby car club service to use when needed.
11
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 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
Honest Motherhood
Battle of the dads talk hive
Angela Garwood
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
Roaring fevers and our incredible NHS
I
T was your typical Monday morning, until it wasn’t.
One of those days I will never forget. I will go from the beginning, but start by saying Leo, our 14-month-old, is absolutely fine now. We did the school run as always and walked back to the car. Leo was seemingly well, but began to drift off back to sleep in his pushchair. This was odd. He just needs a good long nap, I thought. Time for breakfast. I tried. He wasn’t interested in his food, began shivering and then much to my shock, fell asleep right there and then, still in his high chair. Well this wasn’t good. We went to lie down and it was then I realised just how hot he was. 38.8ºC. I called 111 and gave him Calpol. The doctor listed some worrying symptoms to look out for, and said if any arose to head to A&E, mentioning the possibility of sepsis. My thoughts began to race. He can’t have sepsis, can he? I texted my partner Joel the updates and asked my Mum to come over, not wanting to be alone. Leo napped and perked up slightly. That’s a good sign, I thought. Then it all went rather downhill. I was in the shower when Mum came in to the bathroom with him: “You need to see a doctor, he’s shivering and he’s getting hotter”. Minutes after waking from his nap, he became drowsy, not wanting to open his eyes, hands and feet freezing cold. “Come on Leo wakey wakey!” 39.4ºC. Another call with a doctor who advised us to head straight to A&E. “Would you like me to send an ambulance to take you?” I said yes, thinking maybe he’d be seen quicker if we came by ambulance. I packed Leo’s bag and waited, heart pounding. Normally when he has a fever he’s still himself, chattering away and playing. He just lay there in my arms, eyes open one second and closed the next. My Mum left to collect my daughter Maia from school, leaving me with my thoughts. The silence was unbearable. What if Leo becomes unconscious before the ambulance gets here? Joel’s Dad David kindly came over so I wasn’t alone when they arrived. I felt reassured from the moment they walked in and even better when they did their observations and assured me that no, it most likely was not sepsis. He still had a fast heart rate and a roaring fever. We were blue-lit to the hospital (I nearly vomited) then remained in A&E for a further four hours. Joel came and met us there but due to the “one parent only” rule, was not allowed to stay. I held Leo (now a furnace at 39.7ºC) in my arms and chatted to other parents among the hustle and bustle of a heaving A&E department, the acute wailing of other poorly children in the background. (And the foreground when the nurses attempted to check Leo’s heart rate or give him any medicine, which he did not take kindly to). The doctor diagnosed croup based on a sound Leo made when he inhaled that I’d failed to notice. We were sent home relieved and grateful it was nothing more serious. But also incredibly grateful for the NHS and every brilliant member of staff who cared for Leo. They were remarkable. Not your typical Monday.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
WHAT started with a love for the environment has spiralled into a battle of the bees in Earley.
PICTURE: Miguel A Amutio from Unsplash
Charvil teachers tackle Reading Half for primary school racetrack A TEAM of Charvil teachers have swapped the classroom for the racetrack ahead of the Reading Half Marathon. Next month, 18 teachers and parents are running the 13-mile route to raise money for the Charvil Piggott School Association. They hope to collect £6,000 to install a Daily Mile Track at the primary school, in a bid to encourage children to keep fit. So far, the runners have received more than £2,000 in donations. On its fundraising page, the group said: “The Daily Mile is simple and free and gets children out of the classroom for 15 minutes every day to run or jog with their classmates. “It makes them fitter, healthier and more able to concentrate in the classroom.”
According to the runners, having a Daily Mile track at Charvil Piggott Primary School could help pupils get ready to learn and become more aware of their health. “It’s fully inclusive,” they added. “Every child, whatever their circumstances, age or ability, can succeed at The Daily Mile. “It helps to improve fitness and achieve a healthy weight, and supports emotional wellbeing.” The Daily Mile is a national initiative to support children’s physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing. It encourages students to run or jog for 15 minutes every day. The group of 18 runners will tackle the Reading Half Marathon on Saturday, November 7. n Visit: www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/cpsadailymile
Harvest time with Freely Fruity This week’s harvest has been distributed across various organisations across Berkshire, including Street Food Buddies in Camberley, New Beginnings in Reading and various people, including refugees and domestic violence victims. Sunday, October 17 – 254.9kg, donated to Love My Neighbour This week’s harvest included potatoes, beetroots, cooking and eating apples, chard, spinach, kale, cucumbers, broccoli, leeks, marrows, pumpkins, butternut squash, chillies, artichokes, onions, celeriac and courgettes.
Two urban bee-keepers are in the midst of a “merch war”, after igniting their competitive side. Daniel Fryer, owner of Rainbow Hives, and Matt McTernan, owner of Earley Garden Bees, are trying to out-do one another on their best logoprinted merchandise, after deep diving into their hobby. The competition started when Mr McTernan introduced Mr Fryer, fellow school dad, to the world of honeybees. With hives of his own, he gave Mr Fryer his first colony. Mr McTernan said Mr Fryer caught the bug for bee-keeping and went from one hive to eight within months. That is when the competition began. “It all started when I had a logo made for Rainbow Hives,” Mr Fryer said. “It was coming up to Christmas, so I had hoodies made for my children with it. “We rocked up at Matt’s house with the stuff, and his daughter turned around and said ‘Dad, they’ve got merch’. “It just escalated from there.” Since then, the fathers have been trying to out-do one another, creating mugs, magnets, hoodies, badges and business cards. “It’s all got a bit daft,” Mr Fryer said. “But I think Matt is currently the winner. “When we had a stall at the Great Big Green Week Fair at St Nicolas Church, he had flags made for us both. I’m going to have to think how we can ramp it up from here.” The pair now refer to themselves
as BBBFs — Best Beekeeping Buddies Forever. “We’ve helped set up another urban bee-keeper in Woodley,” Mr Fryer said. “It’s so rewarding. The thing is with bees, they constantly catch you unaware. You’re always learning with them.” Despite not being a huge fan of honey, Mr Fryer said he is sitting on a glut this year. One hive produced 50kg. His other three produced 10kg between them.
Swans still gliding about 2021 total so far – 1,858.5kg Not quite a cheap night out on stage This week’s total – 254.9kg
READING has been rated one of the most expensive places for eating out in the UK, a recent study has shown. It joins London, Edinburgh, Plymouth, York, Luton, Cambridge, Gloucester, Manchester and Brighton in the top ten places with the highest average cost for a meal. The study, carried out by Maxima Kitchen Equipment, analysed cities and towns with populations higher than 100,000. The research was based on average price on costs at a cheaper restaurant, a three-course meal at an Italian restaurant, a lunchtime meal, and a pub meal. Reading showed an average of £28 for a meal for two at a cheap restaurant, and £60 for a middle of the range eatery. For pizza lovers, the average cost of a three-course meal at an Italian restaurant costs £50, and £30 for pub grub. Ranked sixth in the top ten places, the total average cost for
two to dine out in Reading is £39.20, compared to the cheapest city, Cardiff, which costs £29.80. A spokesperson from Maxima Kitchen Equipment said: “The hospitality industry in the UK has felt the effects of lockdown, however it is fantastic to see people returning to restaurants and enjoying the experience. “This research reveals the most cost effective destinations for those experiences as well as the ones we may need to save up for.”
A GROUP of over-50s ballet and tap dancers leaped onto the stage for the first time after a new scheme was set up for elderly residents in Reading. Silver Swans runs ballet and lowimpact tap dance classes for over50’s in Reading, Woodley, Tilehurst, Portman Road, Coley Park and Thatcham. The scheme was set up by the Royal Academy of Dance to enable ballet dancing for older learners. Sonia Brown, who runs the classes, added the tap classes after the ballet sessions proved a success. All classes aim to offer a gentle and inclusive environment for individuals who want to learn to dance. Exercises are adapted to cater for all abilities. The 22 Silver Swans students stepped onto the stage for the first time at Thatcham Festival Dance Gala and Lift Off Dance Festival at South Hill Park over the past two weekends.
Ms Brown praised her students for their first couple of live performances. “I have a mixture of dance experiences in all my classes with many absolute novices and some ex-professional —both of which found stepping on stage quite nerve-wracking, but now they’ve done it, they can’t wait for another opportunity to do it again,” she said. “The audience seemed to roar with applause particularly loudly for our group, which was brilliant encouragement for my dancers. “The organisers came backstage to specifically let us know how the audience couldn’t stop smiling while we were performing and a few even shed a tear.
LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY
27.10.21
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
The Little Prince flies in
A magical new adaptation of the popular story is coming to Norden Farm this weekend and, as LAURA SCARDARELLA finds out, it uses dance, humour and music to tell the tale
A
MAGICAL classical tale will go from page to stage as it comes to Maidenhead as part of it’s Autumn tour this weekend.
Dance company Protein will perform The Little Prince through a mix of dance, humour, words and music as it comes to Norden Farm this weekend. Stranded in the desert, a pilot meets a boy who tells him a story on how he left his own tiny asteroid and travelled
through the universe. And director Luca Silvestrini said he is “really excited” to get the production back on stage again after the tour was cut short in March last year. After falling in love with The Little Prince book when he was a teenager, Luca said it was a story he always wanted to direct. “When I got commissioned to put on a family show a few years back, I was asked to use an existing story
to make it more accessible,” he said. “I was really intrigued to turn this well-known story into a full show and it’s just been fascinating to dig into the lines of the book and turn it into imagery.” Having toured the show for around three years, Luca said audiences always go away talking and thinking about it. “I wanted to make something families of all ages could share as an experience together,” he added. “It’s a story that speaks to both children and adults because they can connect to the the characters and what they go through. “It’s full of important messages and morals and that’s what I think makes it quite universal and valuable as a story.” Luca explained it’s been interesting
to turn the book into a 360º experience. He made sure to balance the lighting, music, costume and animation so his direction didn’t undermine the story. “I’ve been fairly loyal to the original story and have even used the imagery based on the drawing,” he said. “Although I’ve made some small changes to clarify the characters, I’ve not changed anything to do with the main structure.” Luca added there’s a sense of relief in getting the show back on stage. “It’s been exciting and strange at the same time to get back into it,” he said. “It’s been so difficult for performers to go into full days training again after such a long time and it’s satisfying to finally be doing what we all love again.”
He said that his most enjoyable part of directing the show has been developing the characters. “It’s been interesting to adopt all sorts of different languages to make the characters impactful and for the message in the story to come across,” he added. “The story is all about the many falls of growing up and it’s been great to break it down in parts and then approaching it with the performers on bringing the story to life.” Performances run until Saturday, October 30. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £10 for under 16s. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997, or log on to: norden.farm
14 | LEISURE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Playwrights can create short acts
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
King of the jungle THE JUNGLE Book will bring a wild adventure to The Watermill from next month. The classic tale follows Mowgli, an abandoned child, who is discovered and raised by a pack of wolves. And Rudyard Kipling’s story will be presented as a musical adaptation at the Newburybased theatre from Thursday, November 18 until Friday, December 31. Director and choreographer Tom Jackson Greaves said he “can’t wait” to share The Jungle Book with audiences. “After being an associate artist of the Watermill Theatre for the past five years,” he said. “It makes me unbelievably happy to be working on my tenth production at the theatre and my first as director,” he added. “The Jungle Book is a tale I have fallen in love with and hope that our production will bring a universal serving of joy while telling a story that oozes themes of acceptance, growth, understanding and love.” n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01635 46044, or log on to: www. watermill.org.uk
WRITERS can get their creative juices flowing in Progress Theatre’s free playwriting course. The Reading-based theatre company is hosting a five-week online session in November on how to create a short play. Individuals will work towards submitting the plays to Progress Theatre’s Scratch Reading nights, Writefest and other competitions. The workshop dates are every Monday evening starting from Monday, November 1 until Monday, November 29. Classes will run from 7pm until 9pm via Zoom. n For more details, log on to: progresstheatre.co.uk
Friends united for Heavy Pop festival
AN ALL-DAY festival will have individuals dancing the night away in Reading this Saturday. Music promoter Heavy Pop will present Beat Connection at South Street Arts Centre from 3pm until 11pm. Jane Weaver, Animal House, Home Counties, Laundromat, The Lounge Society and Youth Sector are among the acts to be performing across the day. And food stalls will be on display from Tutu’s Ethiopian Table and We Are Friends. Advanced second tier tickets cost £20 and £25 for on the door tickets. n For more details, or to book, log on to heavypop.co.uk
Acoustic celebration at South Hill Park
AN AFTERNOON of live acoustic music will welcomes visitors to South Hill Park this Sunday. Classic singer-songwriter and storyteller Jim Cozens, will be joined by folk artist Damian Clarke and Reading-based singer Jess Tuthill will provide two hours of non-stop music. Tickets cost £8.50 and the event will run from 2.30pm until 4.30pm. n For more information, or to book, log on to 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk
Burlesque take on Hallowe’en
Good rockin’ tonight (well, Saturday...)
Don’t worry, be happy with laughter show
CELEBRATE an evening of burlesque and cabaret at Norden Farm’s special Hallowe’en show this Saturday. Showgirl Velvet Jones and circus act Jamie Double will perform at part of the Hundred Watt Club’s performance, A Hallowe’en Evening of Burlesque and Vaudeville. The evening is for over 18s only, tickets cost £16 and the show starts at 8.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997, or log on to nordenfarm.org
A ROCKING night of 60s hits will be coming to Basingstoke’s The Anvil next Saturday. Acts including Herman’s Hermits, The Tremeloes, Marmalade, Vanity Fair, PJ Proby, Steve Ellis, Mamas And Papas, Dave Berry and Gerry’s Pacemakers will perform Sixties Gold. They’ll be playing hits including Silence is Golden, There’s Kind of a Hush, The Crying Game and more. Tickets cost £41 and the performance starts at 7.30pm. n For more details, call the box office on 01256 844244, or visit anvilarts.org.uk
ARRIVING on time means you can take advantage of the Happy Hour at the bar before the show. The Stand and Deliver Comedy Club has teamed up with The Reading Biscuit Factory to host a night of laughter next month. The performance takes place on Thursday, November 18 at 8pm, with doors opening at 7pm. And audiences can enjoy that Happy Hour before the show. n For more information, or to book, log on to: standanddelivercomedy.com
Get lost in this spooky maze A SPOOKY child-friendly maze will entertaining families at Camberley Theatre this Saturday. Led by tour guide Patches, parents and children can enjoy walking around the backstage corridors and visiting the spider’s den for a story. Tickets are free and the event lasts for 30 minutes. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01276 707600, or log on to camberleytheatre.co.uk
Marilyn Monroe’s life brought to the stage THE UNREMARKABLE Death of Marilyn Monroe is coming to Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s Mill Studio as part of it’s UK tour next week. The Hollywood-actress will be seen as never before, alone in her bedroom, in her dressing gown and no glitz and glamour. Tickets cost £18 for adults and £12 for under 25s. n For more details, or to book, log on to yvonne-arnaud.co.uk
The Darkness calling...
GLAM rock giants The Darkness will be hitting the stage at The Hexagon this November. As part of the Motorheart UK Tour 2021, the band will present it’s newest rock ‘n’ roll extravanganza when the first single is unveiled next month. Suitable for over 14s, the performance takes place on Friday, November 26 and tickets cost £34.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 9606060, or log on to whatsonreading.com
All Present at Sub89
THE WEDDING Present will be playing at Reading’s Sub 89 to mark its 30th anniversary of the release of its album, Seamonsters. The concert, at the music venue on Friar Street, will take place on Friday, November 26 at 7pm. Suitable for aged 14 and over, tickets cost £22.40. n For more details, or to book, log on to whatsonreading.com
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Greatest Hits of Motown: How Sweet It Is. Thurs. Wee Rosie. Fri-Sat. Conservatoire International Concert Series: Ryan Drucker. Fri. The Snow Queen. Fri. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids. Sat. Alfie Moore: Fair Cop Unleashed. Sat. Wilde Sundays. Sun. Back To the 5 6 7 8. Tues-Sat 6. Candlelit Macbeth. Wed-Thurs 4. Bracknell Jazz: Five-Way Split. Fri 5. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 5. West Forest Sinfonia. Sun 7. FILMS: The Addams Family 2. Until Sun. Cliff Richard: The Great 80s Tour. Until Sat. Freaky. FriSun. Annette. Wed-Thurs.
Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour.
Thurs. Abba Reunion Tribute Show. Fri. Casper (PG). Sat. Spooky Safari. Sat. Mama G’s Story Time. Sat. Goosebumps (PG). Sat. Hocus Pocus (PG). Sat. Monster Mash. Sat. Talon: The Best of The Eagles. Wed. Luisa Omielan. Thurs 4. The Best of Queen. Fri 5.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Being Mr Wickham. Thurs-Sat. Sessions by Ifeyinwa Frederick. Sat. Arthur Smith: Syd. Thurs 4. The Unremarkable Death of Marilyn Monroe. Thurs 4-Fri 5. A Night of Comedy with Glenn Moore, Luke Kempner and more. Fri 5. Flinch. Sat 6. An Evening with Lady Glenconner. Sun 7.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000
The Greatest Love of All. Thurs. Simon Evans: The Work of the Devil. Thurs. Tim Vine: Plastic Elvis. Fri. The Drifters. Wed. Alan Carr. Fri 5. Rob Beckett: Wallop. Sat 6. Dirty Dancing and Grease Dinner Dance. Sat 6. Alan Carr. Sun 7. Baby Broadway. Sun 7.
Henley – Kenton www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 The Bubble Show. Thurs. The Dong With The Luminous Nose. Sun. Dara O’Briain: So, Where Were We? A Work In Progress. Thurs 4. The Comedy Network: Naz Osmanohlu, Lou Sanders, Jack Barry. Fri 5. Cat Stevens. Sat 6.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Enrico Tomasson Quartet. Thurs. Loyiso Gola: pop Culture. Fri. Hundred Watt Club: A Hallowe’en Evening of Burlesque and Vaudeville.
Sat. Geoff Norcott: I Blame The Parents. Fri 5-Sat 6. Spy Monkey. Sat 6. Norden Farm Market. Sat 6.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Douai Abbey: The Glass Ensemble. Sun. The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Fri-Sun. Abigail’s Party. Wed. Iain Stirling: Failing Upwards. Thurs 4. Nick Cope Family Music. Sat 6. Islands In the Stream: The Music of Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. Sat 6. Bolshoi Live: Spartacus. Sun 7.
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? Nov 4-20.
0118 960 6060 Jimeoin: Turn It Up. Sun 7.
Reading – South St
Reading – Progress
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Nina Conti (tour warm-up). Fri. Heavy Pop presents Beat Connection. Sat. Willy Mason and special guest. Wed. Three Ways to Detox Your Mind. Thurs 4. Bobby and Amy. Thurs 4. Hurtling by Greg Wohead. Sat 6.
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Radiant Vermin. Nov 15-20.
Reading – Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NT Live: Follies (12a). Thurs. Bye Bye Baby. Fri. The Australian Pink Floyd Show. Mon. Kevin Bloody Wilson. Wed. Jools Holland. Thurs 4. Milton Jones. Fri 5. Maximum Rhythm and Blues: The Manfreds and Georgie Fame. Sat 6.
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com
Reading – Rep Theatre www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 Dorian. Until Nov 7.
Shinfield – Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Music Box: Songs From The Musicals. Thurs-Sat.
Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Top Hat. Until Jan 8. The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Sun. Book Club. Wed. The Bourne Again Shadows with Cliff. Sun 7. Magic Night. Mon 8.
Windsor – Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 The Cherry Orchard. Until Sat Nov 13.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Anne Boylen. Until Sat. NEXT SHOW: The Government Inspector. Wed, Dec 8-Sat, Dec 18.
Wokingham – Whitty www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club presents Tony Christie Live in Concert. Fri. NEXT SHOW: Wokingham Music Club presents China Crisis. Thurs 11.
Woodley – Theatre woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 Jazz Concert with the Martin Hart Trio and Alan Barnes. Sat.
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
LEISURE | 15
REVIEW: Top Hat — A sensational masterpiece
Half-term activity fun at South Hill Park
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Top Hat The Mill at Sonning Until January 8 0118 969 8000 millatsonning.com
I
T WAS A DELIGHT to watch Irving Berlin’s charming musical Top Hat at The Mill at Sonning last week.
The cast of 14 talented actors graced the stage with their energy, sophistication and spectacular performances. Based on the 1935 film with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the story follows American entertainer Jerry Travers and his antics with wealthy model Dale Tremont, who mistakes Travers for her friends husband, Horace Hardwick. Before the show even begins, audiences are treated to a delicious two-course meal in the spacious restaurant upstairs at the theatre. And a drink admiring the view of the mill inside the bar area can be enjoyed before heading into the auditorium. The show starts with an incredibly strong opening number with every cast member nailing the routine perfectly choreographed by Ashley Nottingham. This doesn’t stop throughout the rest of the show, as all the ensemble numbers are sharp, synchronised and enriched with tight vocal harmonies. Star of the show, Jack Butterworth, who was in the original West End cast of Hamilton, oozes with elegance and charm as he steps into the role of Jerry Travers. This is well-executed with his outstanding tap dancing and powerful vocals. His effortless skills proved
Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids will teach families how to create funny sounds and cool music. Picture: Nathan Gallagher
a hit with the audience and he created a lot of smiles through Travers’ cheeky charisma, especially in his flirtatious moments with Dale Tremont, played by Billie-Kay. Tiffany Graves made an impression with her outstanding performance of Horace Hardwick’s wife, Madge Hardwick. And further credit goes to Brendan Cull for his welldelivered comic timing playing the character Bates, and Delme Thomas for his bellissimo
performance as the muchloved Italian Alberto Beddini. Thomas’ hilarious take on the character had the audience laughing throughout the performance. In fact, there are many wonderful comedic moments throughout the musical, thanks to director Jonathan O’Boyle’s expertise. With never a dull moment in sight, Top Hat entertains the crowd with its toe-tapping, stellar performances with timeless hits including Cheek
to Cheek, Puttin’ on the Ritz and Let’s Face the Music and Dance. After a challenging 18 months all, particularly for the theatre industry, Top Hat at The Mill at Sonning will have audiences face the music and tap dancing the night away. n For more information, or to book tickets, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to: millatsonning.com
LAURA SCARDARELLA
T
HIS half-term at South Hill Park brings lots of familyfriendly theatre and film fun.
The Bracknell-based arts venue present a week of live shows, including Pete Stays Home, on Wednesday, October 27, in the Studio Theatre. Suitable for all ages, the three actor-musicians bring original songs, dance and interactive storytelling for children and families to enjoy. And on Friday, October 29 audiences will travel on a journey with Ballet Theatre UK’s re-telling of The Snow Queen in the Wilde Theatre. The Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairytale present international dancers, costumes, scenery and a
Unique creations thanks to Craft In Focus
C
RAFT In Focus is once again staging its popular contemporary craft event at Wellington College from 29-31 October giving the public an opportunity to view and purchase work from some of the finest contemporary designer makers and artists in the UK.
Set in 400 acres, this historical college provides the perfect backdrop for an event of this calibre. Anyone that has never been to a Craft In Focus event will be surprised to discover the quality of products on offer, all made independently by professional craftmakers. Unlike other craft events, no bought in or imported work is allowed and the organisers have a strict selection procedure to ensure only the best of UK craftsmanship is shown at their events.
This event will feature talented designer makers showing jewellery, glass, fashion, ceramics, textiles, artwork, interior accessories and furniture and is the ideal place to purchase unique work of the highest standard. In addition, there will be various food stands to include spices, oils and vinegars, cakes, sauces, marinades and chutneys, nut products, cheese, gin and rum. Be sure not to miss this as rarely is such a wealth of top quality work seen together at a single event. For further information contact Craft in Focus on 01622 747 325 or visit their web site at www. craftinfocus.com. Opening times are: 29-31 October, 12 noon – 5 pm on Friday, 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is £5. For tickets, visit www.craftinfocus.com
magical score. On Saturday, October 30, worldrecord breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo makes music with his mouth in the Wilde Theatre. Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids will demonstrate to families how to create funny sounds, noices and cool music. And the fun doesn’t stop there. Cinema screenings at South Hill Park include Spirit Untamed, which is showing until Thursday, and The Addams Family 2, showing until this Sunday. For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484 123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk
THE MILL AT SONNING PRESENTS
TOP HAT
16 OCTOBER 2021 TO 8 JANUARY 2022 BOOK ONLINE AT MILLATSONNING.COM
THE MILL AT SONNING THEATRE LTD SONNING EYE, RG4 6TY READING
16 | LEISURE
Russell Watson performs in Basingstoke CLASSICAL singer Russell Watson is taking to the stage in Basingstoke next Friday. Performing his new concert, 20th Anniversary Of The Voice, Russell will entertain audiences at The Anvil with a night of music. The intimate gig includes his career highlights featuring songs Caruso, O Sole Mio, Il Gladiatore, Nessun Dorma, You Are So Beautiful, Someone to Remember Me and Where My Heart Will Take Me. Tickets range from £35 to £45 and the performance starts at 7.30pm n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01256 844244, or visit: anvilarts. org.uk
Abba tribute show in the spotlight A MAMMA Mia sing-a-long concert will be hitting the Camberley Theatre stage this Friday. The Abba Reunion Tribute Show will feature hits including Gimme Gimme Gimme!, Waterloo, Voulez Vous, Dancing Queen and more. Tickets cost £23.50 for adults and £22.50 for theatre club members. n For more details, or to book tickets, call the box office on 01276 707600, or visit: camberleytheatre.co.uk
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Compelling, brave and vibrant debut Dorian Reading Rep Theatre Until November 7 readingrep.com
A
FTER two years of waiting for Reading Rep to open its stateof-the-art theatre on King’s Road, it brought a brave and vibrant first show to welcome audiences back this season. DORIAN, written by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and Owen Horsley, is a new experimental adaptation presenting Oscar Wilde’s novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and celebrating Wilde’s life. It follows Dorian, who sells his soul for eternal beauty, and his friends Basil and Henry join him for the ride until it all gets a bit much. Artistic director Paul Stacey made a daring choice for the reopening of the theatre, but crowds loved it. The fabulously extravagant show not only follows the story of Dorian himself, but dips into life of Oscar Wilde and the lead up to his imprisonment in Reading Gaol. These moments are quite the contrast to the rest of the play but they highlight the importance of Wilde’s experience. Cast members Andro Cowperthwaite, Ché Francis and
LIFE: Humanoove will be spinning into South Hill Park, Bracknell, on Tuesday, November 9. Picture: Foteini Christofilpoulou
FIRST NIGHT: Reading Rep Theatre’s DORIAN will run until Sunday, November 7. Picture: Holly Revell
Dance show explores changing world
Nat Kennedy are flamboyant, fun and give it their all in this unbelievably fast-paced show. Cowperthwaite was the perfect actor to step into the role of Dorian Gray. His physical stance suited the character and his dedication to Dorian was refreshing. Kennedy, who plays Basil Hallward, as well as many other roles throughout the play, presents a charismatic performance and carries each character through the show seamlessly. Ché Francis takes us on an emotional journey playing both Henry Wotton and Oscar Wilde during the build-up to his trial.
A DANCE production on how to deal with the ever-changing world will be coming to Bracknell this November. Humanoove dance company will bring its new show @HOME to South Hill Park on Tuesday, November 9. After a year when home is all that we’ve known, this dance work looks at feelings around connection, self-worth and relationships in the place where we should feel most ourselves. Humanoove Founder Didy Veldman said the themes of belonging, identity and feeling at home are at the core of the production. “I’m fascinated by globalisation: the implications
Francis portrays Wilde’s wit with much conviction and energy while flipping the switch in those more sinister moments. With the initial feel of amusement, the plot progresses into a sour turn of events as Owen Horsley tastefully directs the cast into bringing the story to life. This original show is the perfect production for the community-focused theatre company as it aims to transform lives through theatre. Performances run until Sunday, November 7. n For more details, or to book tickets, log on to: readingrep.com
LAURA SCARDARELLA
on society on an international scale and how we deal with it emotionally,” she said. “I think @HOME will resonate with audiences everywhere, especially in the face of seismic challenges the world has been facing over the last 18 months and I hope our show will provide some thought-provoking moments for audiences as well as the sheer enjoyment of seeing a team of exciting dancers at the top of their game.” The performance takes place on Tuesday, November 9 at 7.30pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk
Stand-up Robin Morgan prepares for December visit MOCK The Week star Robin Morgan comes to Maidenhead with his latest tour. The comedian will present his show What A Man, What A Man at Norden Farm on Saturday, December 11. Robin is a father to his son and a son to his father – but what makes a good male role model?
Fresh from the Edinburgh Festival, after it was rescheduled due to covid, Robin discusses all things masculinity, marriage and men. The Have I Got News For You and The News Quiz writer, is also the tour support for Rachel Parris, Ellie Taylor and Iain Stirling.
And he is the television warm-up artist for BBC One’s The Graham Norton Show. Suitable for ages 14 and over, tickets cost £12 and the performance starts at 8pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01628 788997, or log on to: norden.farm
LAURA SCARDARELLA
Amateur dramatics society goes back in time for latest show A THEATRE company will travel back in time for its upcoming production at South Hill Park. East Berkshire Operatic Society, EBOS, will present Back To The 5, 6, 7, 8 at the Bracknell-based venue’s Wilde Theatre. Performers will showcase songs from Back to the 80s, Chicago, Miscast III, 42nd and Annie. Performances run from Tuesday, November 2 until Saturday, November 6. Tickets range from £19 to £21 and the show starts at 7.45pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: southhillpark.org.uk
SPORT TODAY
27.10.21
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US!
READING EDITION
SUMAS SUNK IN FA VASE
BEST FOR FOOTBALL
FIVE STARS FOR S BERKS
Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021
RAMS SALVAGE BONUS POINT
EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING
TOUGH AWAY GAME SEES SEB LOOK FOR POSITIVES
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today SEB REYNOLDS took the positives from Rams 29-23 reverse at Darlington Mowden Park after the away side snatched two bonuspoints with the final play of the game.
Skipper Tom Vooght’s second try ensured Rams did not leave emptyhanded and their Director of Rugby said: “While it’s a little disappointing we didn’t win, it’s a very tough place to come, our longest trip of the season, and to bring the energy with
the final play and come away with two bonus points is pleasing. “It’s a long season and those moments could come back and be important. He continued: “It was a great example of the quality of rugby in National One. Credit must go to DMP because they’ve had a really good three weeks, playing some great rugby and having a platform to do it from. “On another day it might have gone our way, that’s just the way the game goes, but they probably deserved it in the end.”
The game proved an open affair with numerous chances for even more scores at both ends, and Reynolds said: “When you play a side who chuck the ball around sometimes your instincts are to mirror it – you can’t help yourself and draw yourself back to the model which works for you. “We like to play as well, though, so it’s not a case of falling into a trap, but it certainly made it entertaining.” With regular skipper Robbie Stapley and Jamie Guttridge both missing from the back row, Seb juggled his pack and said: “I was
pleased with the forwards because there were a few personnel changes in there and we still managed to stick to our systems. “The maul worked well and there was a really good impact off the bench from Max Hayman who added some great energy and Turkey (Sean McDonnell-Roberts). “We’ve given some guys the opportunity, laid down the gauntlet, and I thought they did well.” Rams host in-form Sale at Old Bath Road on Saturday (3pm). Fans are reminded Old Bath Road is now a cashless venue.
ROCKETS EDGED BY LEADERS
Back in the running with new season IN the opening cross country fixture of the winter season there were some fine runs from the Reading Athletic Club lads at Wormwood Scrub. Competing in the in the Southern Cross Country Relay Championships, both the under-17 men’s and under-15 boys’ teams came 12th in their races, while the under-13 boys’ team finished just outside the medal positions in fourth. On a course that was soft from recent rain, without being especially challenging, Spencer Stevens gave the Reading under-13 boys’ team a good start in their 3x2km race, recording a time of 7.55 for 12th place on the opening stage. Noah Tyers was able to gain four places on stage two in running 7.40, before Sam Weeks moved Reading forward by another four places on the final leg with an excellent time of 7.17, tenth fastest of the day, to leave the young team in fourth place at the finish. In the under-15 boys’ race over the same course, James Titmas did his best to get among the leaders on stage one, but had to settle for 12th place at the handover in a good time of 6.43. On the second leg Maddox Gillas then moved Reading through to sixth, with a typically determined run of 6.53, but George Godfrey, despite his best efforts, was forced to give ground as he ran 7.41 to leave the team in 12th place at the finish. Ollie Shears ran a good 7.38 for an incomplete Reading B team, finishing 26th on stage one. For the under-17 men in their 3x3km race, Chris Parker’s excellent run of 10.00 on the opening stage enabled him to hand over to Ollie Craggs in 11th place. Team captain Craggs, returning from injury, was unable to avoid dropping two places in running 10.38, but Nick Haldane’s 10.51 effort brought Reading up to 12th at the finish. Reading’s B team in the same race produced a very good showing as Adam Tivey’s determined run of 10.45 gave Reading 22nd position after stage one, before Adam Methven’s fine 10.40 on stage two took the team to 17th and George Urwin-Mann’s strong 10.58 on the final stage gave Reading a finishing position of 14th.
18
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
RAMS SNATCH
RUGBY UNION
Bracknell v Chippenham Pictures: Paul Ridley
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Darlington Mowden Park 29 Rams 23
RUGBY UNION
LATE SCORE EXTENDS BRACKNELL’S UNBEATEN RUN
BY AMELIA WHITBREAD sport@wokingham.today
Chippenham 9 Bracknell 13 IT took a late score from Bracknell to maintain their unbeaten start to the season with an away win at Chippenham.
Bracknell took to the road after two home games and a weekend off. The road this time was a familiar route leading to Allington Fields home of Chippenham RFC. Although it has been nearly eight years since the teams last met at Allington Fields in a SSE National League 3 South West fixture, one player remained in the team from that meeting, the ever youthful Chris Laidler. The early season rounds have left the two teams at different ends of the table. Chippenham kicked the game off playing into the slight breeze. Only a penalty from fly half Jonny Dowell would separate the sides at half-time as the sides exchanged penalty kicks in a tight half that
neither side could dominate with the score 6-3 in favour of the hosts. Five minutes into the half with Chippenham reduced in numbers, a break from deep within the Bracknell half by captain Ian Burch found Jake Findlay in space. A smart offload to Alex Frame allowed him to outpace the covering Chippenham defence for the games first try. Jake Findlay’s conversion stalled in the stiffening breeze. Bracknell could not further break down the Chippenham resistance and on the 20 minute mark, a Jonny Dowell penalty gave Chippenham back the lead, a lead that looked like giving Chippenham the victory. With the game into the final minutes, a series of penalties meant Bracknell could finally build some pressure on the Chippenham try line. A final catch and drive from a line out saw a number of the backs join the forwards to drive the maul over the Chippenham try line. Bradley Walters coming up with the all-important score. The conversion from Jake Findlay was missed but the clock had run down for full time. The result means Bracknell maintain their unbeaten record this season to
remain top of the league. Bonus point wins for Banbury, Oxford Quins and Newbury means that Bracknell’s lead is reduced to three points over the chasing pack. Bracknell’s 3XV and 4XV both recorded wins in their respective league games, while the Under 16’s lost 22-14 to Chippenham Under 16 in the curtain raiser to the 1XV game. The 1XV are back in action next Saturday when Frome are the visitors to Lily Hill. Saturday’s visitors to Bracknell are currently in 12th position in the South West 1 East after a tricky start to the season. They are just two points off the bottom of the table, with six points to their name after one win and six defeats in their opening seven matches of the campaign. Bracknell: 1 Jake Hodge 2 Bradley Walters 3 Nick Ovens 4 Sam Dunks 5 Jamie Johnson 6 Joe Maybey 7 Tom Field 8 Ken Hodgson 9 Alex Frame 10 Johnny O’Hehir 11 Simon Bayliss 12 Chris Laidler 13 Bart Van Herwijnen 14 Ian Burch (c) 15 Jake Findlay Replacements: Ruairi Henderson, Ben Bathhurst, Danny Bournes.
TOM Vooght’s second try of the afternoon with the final play of the game earned Rams two bonuspoints from a helter-skelter 29-23 defeat at Darlington Mowden Park.
It was the away side who started the stronger at the magnificent Northern Echo Arena, and their early pressure was rewarded with a Drew Humberstone penalty. However, DMP hit back quickly as fly-half Warren Seals landed a penalty of his own before cutting a fine line to cross the whitewash, his conversion pushing his side 10-3 in front. Things got even better for the hosts as another slick backs move was finished on the right by wing Morgan Passman, albeit Seals’ attempted conversion never threatened the uprights. Rams rallied, though, and going back to their renowned rolling maul, opened their try account when hooker Ollie Moffitt dotted down at the back of a powerful charge. Both sides continued to throw the ball around in a fantastic advert for National One rugby, but despite both having chances, there were no further scores as the home side went into the break with a 15-8 advantage. There was no slowing of the pace at the start of the second period, but it was DMP who moved further ahead when their excellent flanker Will Jones made ground before equally impressive prop Josh Crickmay crashed over from close
range. Seals added the extras to make it 22-8, but yet again Rams showed their fighting spirit to battle back into the contest. It was again the rolling maul which did the damage, with firstly skipper Vooght touching down before another rollicking effort was halted just short of the line, only for replacement hooker Max Hayman to smash his way over from close range. Neither try was converted to leave Mowden Park 22-18 to the good, but Rams were definitely in the ascendancy until the hosts truck a fatal blow late on, manof-the-match Freddie Lockwood getting over the whitewash before Seals added the extras to push his side 11 points in front. It would have been harsh on Rams to leave with nothing, and their efforts were rewarded a dramatic conclusion. With Park having secured the ball inside their own 22, Rams replacement scrum-half Ollie Cole miraculously pulled off a chargedown to prevent the ball going out of play and ending the contest. Shortly afterwards the visitors won a penalty, and after Cole tapped and went quickly before being hauled down just short of the line, Vooght managed to make his way over for the try and losing bonus-points at the end of a riveting contest. n Rams host in-form Sale at Old Bath Road on Saturday (3pm). With a big crowd expected and to avoid queues, supporters are asked to pre-book tickets via the club’s website www. ramsrugby.com
19
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
H BONUS POINT IN DEFEAT
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith
Offside controversy in Nations League final
Josh Crickmay of Darlington Mowden Park is tackled by Rams
Jak Rossiter of Rams
Talite Vaioleti of Darlington is stopped by the Rams defence
Paul Schroter of Rams RFC
TABLE TENNIS
COLE LEADS OUR LADY OF PEACE TO TREBLE VICTORY OVER KINGFISHER By NIGEL MALTBY sport@wokingham.today IAN Cole managed another good treble as OUR LADY OF PEACE A won 8-2 at KINGFISHER D in division 1, Ian beating Graham Mendick 14-12 3-11 5-11 11-9 11-8.
Mo Cook and Steve Murgatroyd both managed two wins in support against a strong Kingfisher team, beating Julian Telford. Jamie Barlow made it a personal seven wins from eight as his treble helped SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD B win 6-4 against
KINGFISHER B. Brian Meheux managed two wins, including an 11-8 5-11 11-9 11-9 success against Alan Cummings. Simon Berry picked up their other singles win in his first outing of the season. Division 2 leaders READING FC A narrowly defeated KINGFISHER E 6-4 to retain top spot, their points courtesy of a Mike Childs treble, a Tony Alleyne double and a Jazz Dhillon single, with Kingfisher’s Clive Gold, Andrew Adair and Stephen Leggett each winning one. SONNING SPORTS A lost ground
after being held to a 5-5 draw by TILEHURST METHODISTS A, Nick Sears and Bob Woodmansee each winning once, while Paul Savage won twice, with Methodists Eric Van Looy undefeated on the night, Bill Stamatiou and Jes Eassom each contributing one win to earn the draw. KINGFISHER G are still without a win after losing 8-2 to OUR LADY OF PEACE B, Neil Dellar earning both his team’s points. TIDMARSH B took the honours in their club derby against TIDMARSH C, winning 9-1, with Dale Ballard and Francois Durand
both recording maximums, Richard Hudson earning the C team‘s solitary point. Despite a treble from Jon Abbott, OUR LADY OF PEACE C managed to secure the win after Pat Daniels defeated SONNING COMMON & PEPPARD D’S Marko Madzar, in the final set, to end the match 6-4 in favour of OLOP. OLOP’s other, crucial points were thanks to Binit Bhaskar and Pradeep Desh, both winning two singles as well as partnering each other to a 12-10 11-9 11-7 doubles victory.
F
IRST, may I congratulate Anthony Taylor on being selected to referee the final of the UEFA Nations League, France v Spain, together with his team of assistant referees. Also congratulations to Stuart Attwell selected as VAR. Anthony Taylor was not blamed for the controversy. Roberto Rossetti, the head of UEFA’s referees said Taylor’s decision was correct based on the current Law and its official interpretation. So what was it all about? Having not watched the game I can only go on what I have read. Kylian Mbappe, of France, was in an offside position when team mate, Theo Hernandez, passed the ball to him. The Spanish defender, Eric Garcia, when trying to intercept the pass, got a slight touch on the ball. This put Mbappe onside who went on to score what was the winning goal. Although it didn’t appear in the laws, we were taught as referees, that if a pass to an offside player is deflected or rebounded off a defender, it didn’t make any difference, he was still offside. Then in 2016, the Law emphasised this in a roundabout way, saying that if the defending player played the ball but it still went through to the offside player, he should not be considered offside. That was not a change to what we did. I remember refereeing an under 18 national cup semi-final, where late in extra time, one goalkeeper kicked the ball well into his opponents half. An opposing defender tried to head the ball back, but only managed to knock it to an offside attacker, who went on to score, putting his team into the final. It’s that difference between deflection/ rebounding and playing, that Roberto Rossetti is taking to FIFA and IFAB. He thought the goal in the Nations final, although correct, was against the spirit of the game, so is seeking some rewording. That I think will be difficult. The spirit of the game in the LOTG, refers to situations when there is no written law. Let’s face it Garcia deliberately intervened to play the ball and Mbappe was not interfering with play until Garcia’s intervention.
20 | SPORT
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
AINSWORTH NETS BUT FINCH SUNDAY BEATEN BY WILLIAM TWIGG By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Bracknell & District Premier
Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth was on the scoresheet for Finchampstead Sunday Athletic, but it wasn’t enough to help prevent defeat. Playing in his second consecutive match for the club where he has signed on for the remainder of the season, Ainsworth competed in the Finch side that were beaten 5-2 by William Twigg.
Caversham United against QPR Picture: Andrew Batt
Isthmian South Central
FA WOMEN’S CUP
BINFIELD were beaten for the first time since August as they fell to a 2-1 defeat away at Bedfont Sports. Two quickfire second-half goals put Bedont two goals to the good and despite a 90th-minute penalty from Callum Bunting to get the Moles a goal back, they were beaten as they dropped down to sixth.
GOATS FALL TO CLINICAL QPR By PAUL GUTTERIDGE Finchampstead up against William Twigg Pictures: Andrew Batt Football n Berkshire
Combined Counties Premier North
by Winchester City Flyers who progressed with an 8-0 win.
READING CITY put three important points on the board with an away triumph at Spelthorne Sports. Goals from Joe Pilling and Tyler D’Cruz, backed up by a resilient clean sheet meant that Reading earned a valuable three points to their tally. The win lifts the Cityzens up to 12th.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One TILEHURST PANTHERS are in third after they earned a point away from home at league leaders Long Crendon. Lydia Vettese scored to help her side to a 1-1 draw on the road. WARGRAVE WOMEN & GIRLS fell to a 5-2 home defeat to Carterton.
Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA managed a win and a clean sheet as they got the better of Kensington & Ealing Borough at home. Harinder Singh Hunjan gave the Boars the lead in the 28th minute and they added to that in the 37th minute when Reece Buckett scored with a stunning strike. WOODLEY UNITED went two goals behind to Sandhurst, and despite pulling a goal back before half-time, they conceded once more in the second-half in a 3-1 loss.
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K BERKS COUNTY LADIES responded with a victory in a sevengoal contest against Wallingford Town AFC. Heather Young scored a hat-trick for the visitors, but the Fawkes went one better in attack as Megan Cox, Michelle Melia, Kiah Owen and Lucie Harvey ensured a 4-3 win. The victory keeps S4K at the top of the table with a three point lead over second placed Wallingford.
Gareth Ainsworth strides forward for Finch
Reading & District Sunday League:
Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD got back to winning ways with a five-star performance over WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS. Joel Day notched a brace, and James Payne, Nick Payne and Alex Woodhead rounded off the scoring to give Finch their sixth win in eight matches. READING YMCA picked up a point to move further from the foot of the table with a draw against Westwood Wanderers. Nick Reynolds ensured Reading
Ainsworth battles for the ball
Finchampstead look to win the ball with a tackle
took a point with an 87th minute leveller in a 1-1 stalemate. WARGRAVE were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Mortimer to put them in sixth. READING CITY U23s fell to their fourth defeat of the season against second placed Yateley United. They
lost 4-2 away from home.
Southern Region Women’s League Cup EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA suffered a heavy defeat as they were eliminated from the cup
Senior Division: Junction United 1-2 FC Sporty, Mortimer 1-3 FC BAPCO, Tilehust Club 2-5 AFC Bradfield, Tilehurst Ym 1-1 Burghfield, Woodley Wanderers 2-3 Maiden Place Division One: Burghfield Reserves 2-1 Rose & Thistle, Emmer Green 14-0 Reading Kites, GC United 3-6 Berkshire Dons, Woodley Saints Hobnon 2-5 Westwood Wanderers Cup: Caversham United 2-3 SF7, Royal Albion 1-4 Wayback Wanderers, Southbank 3-4 Loxwood Park Rangers, Brothers United 5-1 Berkshire Royals Division Two: Goring United 5-0 Burghfield A, Calcot Royals 6-2 Woodley Wanderers Reserves, Brughfield B 0-3 New England, Hurst 2-1 Sanctuary Strikers, Racing Club de Woko 10-4 116 Exiles Reserves
CAVERSHAM United Women exited the FA Women’s Cup as Queens Park Rangers progressed with two goals in each half.
In their maiden season as The Goats, Caversham travelled to face Queens Park Rangers Women at Hanwell Town’s Powerday Stadium in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup third qualifying round. QPR currently sit three tiers above Caversham in the women’s football pyramid, so leaving London with a ticket into the first round proper was always going to be tough for the Goats. Nevertheless, having seen off Warminster Town 3-1 and then Eversley & California 4-2 in the previous rounds, Caversham did have hope. Though Rangers dominated the ball, the Goats held firm and had chances of their own, until the 23rd minute. Rangers marauding full backs were starting to cause problems and with that, QPR switched their focus through the centre and Melanie Hall slotted the ball under Nina Merritt, despite her getting a hand to it to make it 1-0 The next two minutes could have completely changed the game. The Goats responded immediately and on 25 minutes Steph Nelson hit the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards out. The keeper was well beaten, but in the absence of goal line technology, we’ll never know if the ball crossed the line despite of the thoughts of the Caversham players and fans alike. After a spell of domination and causing trouble to the R’s defence, QPR doubled their lead through Searle, finishing at the second attempt. From being so close to equalising to being 0-2 down was a huge kick in the teeth for Goats’ manager Georgia Graham and her team. Ultimately, in the second half Rangers showed their fitness and three-tier-superior prowess, scoring a third mid-way through the half as Moore with a brilliant flick. They added a fourth in injury time as Edwards scored having come off the bench. Queens Park Rangers: Pope, Petit, Searle, Carolan, Grieve(c), Jordinson, Blodgett, Akerman, Davies, Moore, Hall. Subs: Edwards, Nygaard-Parsons, Redhead-Ling Caversham United: Merritt(c), C. Clarke, Hobson, Wicks, Dearling, Levy, Butler, Jenkins, Swan, Nelson, Newland. Subs: Thoreau, Hayden, D. Clarke, Hopkins, Zayadi
SPORT | 21
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
FOOTBALL
READING CITY U18’S LOOK AHEAD TO FA YOUTH CUP TIE By RYAN SHEEHAN sport@wokingham.today
READING City Football Club Under 18s have reached the First Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup, for only the second time in three years.
Blackfield & Langley v Wokingham & Emmbrook Pictures: Andrew Batt
Blackfield & Langley v Wokingham & Emmbrook Pictures: Andrew Batt
Luke Scope shields the ball for the Sumas
They will welcome Gosport Borough Football Club to the Rivermoor on Wednesday, November 3. The Clubs FA Youth Cup Journey began in the preliminary round away to Risborough Rangers FC and the Cityzens came away with a convincing 5-0 victory. They then faced Abingdon United at home in the first round qualifying where they recorded another win and a clean sheet in a 2-0 triumph. In second round qualifying, Reading faced Banbury United FC away from home and once again came away with another 5-0 victory. Next in their cup adventure came a trip to Gloucester City FC in the third round qualifying where they won 5-1 set up a meeting with Gosport in the first-round proper. Reading City U18’s manager and director of football at John Madejski Academy, said: “To reach the 1st round proper for the second time in three years is fantastic. As a non-league side you are just trying
Blackfield & Langley v Wokingham
Blackfield & Langley against the Sumas (blue)
to get as far as you can and with pro clubs coming in at this stage it is naturally our aim at the start of the competition, our cup final you might say. “Both sides are in good form coming into the game so it promises to be a strong matchup. “It is a special atmosphere and one that produces memories that the players and staff will remember for a long time. “Either ourselves or Gosport can make more memories next week and who knows what the second round might bring.” n The match kicks-off at 19:30 and admission is £7 adults, £3 concessions and under 16s go free. To say thank you to the hardworking personnel at the NHS for their efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, Reading City also gives free entry to NHS Staff and their families with a valid NHS ID at the turnstiles.
FA VASE
SUMAS SUNK IN FA VASE ELIMINATION AT BLACKFIELD Blackfield & Langley 4 Sumas 2 WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK’s journey in the FA Vase came to an end in the first-round after they were beaten away at Blackfield & Langley.
It was the Sumas that made an initial approach first but Blackfield soon turned that around and Rafa Gerson da Costa found the back of the net in the second minute to give the hosts a fast start to the cup tie. After the restart, Sumas made an approach to Blackfield’s goal but Amadeus Skrzyniarz collected the ball and pumped it up into Sumas’ half to Ali Zintany. Sean Woodward sent the ball up-field and Ollie Noyes made enough ground to send a cross into the box and Skryzniarz made a bold dive to claim the ball. However, in the 11th minute, James Clark managed to claw back the
equaliser for Sumas to put them firmly back into the contest. Blackfield gained the ball several times from inaccurate passes but were also susceptible to some good tackles by Sumas in midfield. Ollie Noyes combined with Brandon Curtis but Blackfield regained the ball and reached the goal area, with the ball was nicely placed for a shot, but Jake White sent it behind for a corner kick. Rafa Gerson da Costa went on one of his wing sprints but Dan Carter and Sean Woodward thwarted that attack to keep the scores level. Brandon Curtis managed to take the lead for Sumas in the 35th minute as they managed to overturn their one-goal deficit. The ball dropped to the feet of Curtis who had a simple tap in after Carter’s shot was parried out by the keeper. Domenico Panesar-Dower sent
Sumas goalkeeper Sean Woodward makes a save a cross to Ali Zintany but the latter missed the target. As the break approached, Blackwood provided a late shock in the half as the game took another twist to make it level once again in the 44th minute. Dom Panesar-Dower scored a third goal to put Blackfield back in front just before the hour mark as Woodward was beaten by a fine strike. A foul in the penalty area then gave the home side the chance to take a two-goal advantage for the first time in the match and Blackfield’s Ali
Sumas in the FA Vase Pictures: Andrew Batt
Zintany obliged as he got on the score sheet to make it 4-2. Sean Woodward made another fantastic save plus two more in the following minute to keep Wokingham in the tie. The hosts seemed to increase the tempo and their fitness bad already begun to reflect on the game. This did not deter Sumas from trying harder but two goals to draw in the short time remaining. Getting a chance to break to the other end Sumas, watched as the ball missed the goal.
Woodward made a superb save at his end, and a similarly superb save was made by Skryzyniarz for Blackfield as the match ended in favour of the hosts. Wokingham & Emmbrook: Woodward (GK), Robson, O’Connell, Tull, White (c), Commuskey, Clark, Carter, Scope, Curtis, Noyes. Substitutes: Tuttle, McDermaid, Mullen. Subs: Tuttle, McDermaid, Mullan Goals: da Costa 2’, Clark 11’, Carter 36’, 44’, PanesarDower 59’, Zintany 70’ (pen)
22 | SPORT
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
HOW THEY RATED Reading’s player of the match, Baba Rahman
LUKE SOUTHWOOD
Has conceded five in the last two games after a good run, but hasn’t been at fault individually. Made some smart stops in the second-half.
ANDY YIADOM
Provided some threat going forward when he could but wasn’t quite as solid in defence as he has been in recent weeks.
LIAM MOORE
Not the best of games. The skipper who was wayward in his passing at times and didn’t always deal with the threat on the counter.
SCOTT DANN
Beaten by the strength of Sam Gallagher on a few occasions who proved to be a handful for the Reading defence all afternoon.
BABA RAHMAN
Almost scored with a spectacular solo burst forward but flashed his shot over the bar. Made some timely interceptions in his own half.
JOSH LAURENT
A decent enough first-half showing but he faded as the game went on and has struggled since slotting back into his natural position.
DANNY DRINKWATER
Looked tired in the second-half and has put in two disappointing performances after a strong start to his Reading career.
OVIE EJARIA
Tried his hardest but had a frustrating game as his usual flair didn’t pay off for him at crucial times in the attacking third.
TOM DELE-BASHIRU
Has been relied on to play in midfield at such a young age and put in graft in the middle but struggled to make a significant impact.
JOHN SWIFT
Has been the catalyst on so many occasions this season but he was marked out of the game excellently by Blackburn.
FEMI AZEEZ
So disappointing for both the fans and the manager to see him withdrawn in the first-half with injury.
SUBS George Puscas 6, Jahmari Clarke n/a
7 5 5 5
Royals midfielder Ovie Ejaria
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Reading’s top scorer John Swift
ROVERS RACE PAST ROYALS WITH QUICK 7 DOUBLE 5 5 5 5 5 6
BLACKBURN 2 READING 0
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING were dealt a second consecutive Championship defeat as two quickfire goals from Blackburn Rovers put them to the sword.
The Royals went into the game on the back of a disappointing midweek defeat to Blackpool at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, where they surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 in a second-half collapse. Veljko Paunovic made just one change from the side that started the Blackpool match as forward Femi Azeez started ahead of George Puscas. Reading worked some early openings through Ovie Ejaria and John Swift, but the Royals’ top scorer Swift had his shot blocked. Laurent then went on a barnstorming run into the Rovers box but he was barged over before he could get a shot away. Laurent also tried his luck from range soon after but a 25 yards effort sailed harmlessly wide of Kaminski’s goal. Femi Azeez then cracked a shot that flew over the bar after he was fed through by Tom Dele-Bashiru. Full-back Baba Rahman burst forward on a solo mission to try and open the scoring as he sped his way into the box, turned back to open some space for a shot but blasted an effort just over the bar. Blackburn’s first big chance of the game resulted in them rattling the frame of Luke Southwood’s goal
in the 32nd minute. Sam Gallagher was found in space as he made a positive run towards goal, cut in on hit right foot and hit a curling effort that looked destined to find the top corner, only to strike the crossbar. Gallagher was beginning to cause problems for the Reading defence as he used his strength to shrug off Scott Dann’s challenge and hit a shot from just inside the area from a tight angle that flashed just wide. Paunovic was then forced into an early change as Azeez, who was making his first start since August, was forced off with injury after picking up a knock and was replaced by Puscas. Opposing manager Tony Mowbray had to make an enforced change of his own moments later, Van Hecke replacing Ayala. Neither team had created anything clear cut and Swift clattered a set piece into the Rovers wall after Drinkwater had been scythed down by Buckley. Gallagher then evaded a Dann tackle but drilled his first time shot wide of the right post from the corner of the box. John Buckey picked up the first booking of the game for the hosts for a mistimed tackle but the half ended with the sides level without the deadlock being broken. Tony Mowbray’s side started the second-half in the ascendancy as Southwood was called in to action in the 55th minute to make a smart stop against Gallagher. A counter attack from the Royals broke down as Swift got the ball caught under his feet as he tried to pass it on to Puscas, and Gallagher
countered at the other end, springing the offside trap to stride into the box only for his shot to be saved by the chest of Southwood at the near post. But Blackburn were rewarded just after the hour mark as Gallagher scored the first goal of the game as Gallagher turned the ball in on the goal line after Joe Rothwell’s shot bounced off the post and fell kindly for the Rovers forward. Reading looked to respond immediately and Ejaria’s low cross was just beyond the outstretched leg of Puscas in the middle. But Puscas’ miserable scoring form continued as the Romanian forward still looks to break his goal drought this campaign. Rovers used their momentum and added to the score just three minutes after their opener. Tyryhs Dolan drove forward at
MATCH STATS BLACKBURN ROVERS: Kaminski, Nyambe, Lenihan (c), Ayala, Edun, Travis, Rothwell, Buckley, Dolan, Brereton Diaz, Gallagher SUBS: Pears, Van Hecke, Johnson, Clarkson, Khadra, Poveda, Butterworth READING: Southwood, Rahman, Moore (c), Dann, Yiadom, Laurent, DeleBashiru, Drinkwater, Swift, Ejaria, Azeez SUBS: Rafael, Holmes, Ashcroft, Osorio, Camara, Clarke, Puscas GOALS: Gallagher 61’, Dolan 64’
the Royals defence and was allowed time to shoot after he cut in from the right-wing onto his right foot, and he hit a sumptuous strike past Southwood into the far corner to cap off a devastating four-minute spell. Looking for a way back into the match, Reading started to leave gaps in defence that could have been exploited had Blackburn been more ruthless. An inswinging Swift free kick from the left nearly unlocked the Rovers defence when Dann flicked on, but no-one in yellow could get the final touch it needed to halve the deficit. Puscas won a free kick on the right side when he was pulled back by Van Hecke and Swift cut the ball back for Drinkwater to drive goalwards but his effort was charged down. Ben Brereton Diaz got on the end of the cross and unselfishly nodded the ball down for Jan Paul van Hecke in front of goal but he somehow skewed his shot wide of the post with the goal gaping. A fine Southwood save fingertipped another curling Dolan effort around his post in the last minute of the ninety. And Puscas nearly grabbed a consolation in injury time as he looked to connect with a low Drinkwater cross. The defeat means that Reading drop down to 13th position in the Championship table as they were overtaken by Rovers, and several other sides having started the day in eighth.
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
REACTION
PAUNOVIC BLAMES ‘UNNECESSARY MISTAKES’ IN BLACKBURN LOSS
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
READING FC manager Veljko Paunovic was left disappointed after a lacklustre three minute period led to defeat at Ewood Park against Blackburn Rovers.
“Everything was under our control in the game, especially in the first-half,” said Paunovic. “Even in the moments we conceded the two goals, it happened with unnecessary giveaways. “It happens in football and you have to be better in coping with the counter attacks. “We created opportunities but we didn’t convert them. “We were on the verge of scoring a goal a few times which would have put us in a good winning position. At half-time we felt confident. “We thought we just needed to be that little bit more patient in the final third to find that pass and that final product of scoring a goal. “But we made some unnecessary mistakes. “When the game was under control, we gave away two balls in midfield and they scored. We were too naïve and that is on us. “We compromised the momentum we had gained – losing the ball too easily or unnecessary attempts to force attacks. “And we the price we paid was
Reading FC manager Veljko Paunovic very high. “It is difficult to accept today that we didn’t get a result and more than anything I’m disappointed we didn’t score a goal because I think we played very good football. “Unfortunately, we have to learn that we have to be more ruthless and convert our chances. “We were solid as a team, but we have to learn that in the Championship we can’t rely on that consistency if we don’t make it count.” Paunovic gave an injury update on young forward Femi Azeez, who
returned for his first start since August, but had to be withdrawn in the first-half. “Femi proved at the beginning of the season he can be very useful for the team,” said Paunovic. “He scored two goals and was very effective so for him personally it’s very hard and also for the team because he is a very important piece for us.” The Serbian manager believes that Reading’s small squad may be part of the reason due to their recent slump in form after back-toback defeats.
“It’s a small squad and most of the guys are carrying the burden of the whole season so far,” he continued. “We have to acknowledge the group and support the team because it’s a small squad. “Yes it is still early in the season but we all know how hard and demanding the league is, so I think there is a component of fatigue in the execution. “This team is capable of winning games, having good runs and bouncing back which is what we need and we need now to bounce back immediately. “Consistency is the hallmark of the whole league. The Championship is wrapped in consistency and if you’re capable of recognising those moments when you drop and manage those moments, you will get better results. “Unfortunately that wasn’t the case and we just gave away two goals which we created for them. “That is something we will have to work on and fix and address internally. “We are capable. We are a good team. “We have shown that we can win games playing good football. “We can entertain our fans and make them proud of us, we can grind out results when we need to and that has to be re-established.”
PREVIEW
ROYALS HOPE TO BREAK CHERRIES UNBEATEN RUN READING face a tough test to try and end two defeats on the bounce when they host Championship leaders Bournemouth on Saturday.
In front of the Sky Sports cameras (8pm kick-off) at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, the Royals will be hoping to break the Cherries’ unbeaten start to the campaign. Scott Parker’s side are yet to lost this season, with 10 wins and four draws putting them top of the tree with a four point lead over closest challengers Fulham. Parker took over at the Vitality Stadium having left Fulham in the summer, where he was relegated from the Premier League with the West London club. But having joined fellow promotion favourites Bournemouth, Parker and his coaching staff have made a fine start at trying to get Bournemouth back to the Premier League at the second time of asking after last season’s play-off defeat. Bournemouth had a difficult first season back in the Championship under manager Jason Tindall, who took over after the long reign of
Lucas Joao against Bournemouth Picture: Steve Smyth Eddie Howe came to an end. However, Tindall was dismissed from his position in February with the club eight points outside of the top-six. He was replaced by Jonathan Woodgate who led the Cherries to a stronger second-half of the season which led to them qualifying for the play-off places, where they finished in sixth. Reading finished just one place and seven points behind Bournemouth last season, but the Royals area already trailing
NEWS | 23
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
the Cherries by 15 points after 14 matches. The Cherries came close to bouncing straight back to the top flight but they lost to eventual winners Brentford in the play-off semi-finals. Bournemouth are in a rich vein of form with four wins from their last five, conceding just once in that time. They have the meanest defence in the entire league and have conceded just eight times in 14 matches, They are also the third highest scorers in the division with 24 goals, with superb productivity in both boxes to see them make a flying start. Striker Dominic Solanke is currently joint second on the list in the goalscoring charts with 10 goals in 14. Bournemouth got the better of the Royals in their first meeting last season, also live on Sky, with a 4-2 comeback win. The Royals raced into a twogoal lead in the first-half with a
converted penalty from Lucas Joao and a second from Sone Aluko just before the break. But the hosts came out with a renewed energy in the second-half and produced a stunning display to hit four goals past Reading to take the points as Arnaut Danjuma, Lewis Cook and a brace from Solanke completed an unlikely turnaround. However, it was Reading who took the points in the last game at the SCL between the sides with goals from Josh Laurent, Tom McIntyre and Lucas Joao to give them a 3-1 victory. Ahead of the match, Paunovic said: “I have to encourage the players who were out there, they recovered well from Wednesday and they tried hard against Blackburn. “But this division is demanding and fatigue plays its part. “We are going to keep doing our best, and we’re going to keep looking to fix the weaknesses we have shown.
CHAMPIONSHIP
YIADOM CHALLENGES TEAM TO BOUNCE BACK
Andy Yiadom celebrates with his teammates READING FC defender Andy Yiadom has challenged his team to bounce back after consecutive defeats in the Championship.
The Royals had seen an upturn in their form until they let a two-goal lead slip at home to Blackpool last midweek at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, which was followed by an away defeat at Blackburn Rovers at the weekend. “We’ve been on a good run, but now we’ve let two slip on the bounce which isn’t ideal or what we want,” said Yiadom. “But we’re going to try our best to rectify it and get it right. “Now we’ve got a bit of a break until the next game. “So we’ll dust ourselves off and try to get a win next Saturday.” The Royals face arguably their toughest test of the season to date on Saturday evening, against league leaders Bournemouth. Despite having a small squad available to pick due to injuries to several key players, Yiadom is determined that Reading have the ability to get their form back on track. The Royals have had to deal with injury concerns all season, with pivotal players such as Lucas Joao, Yakou Meite, Femi Azeez, Tom McIntyre, Tom Holmes and Andy Rinomhota all currently facing spells on the sideline. The side are expected to be without two of their talismanic goalscoers, Meite and Joao, who are both recovering from long-term injuries that will not see them fit long before the new year. Reading have also been without midfielder Felipe Araruna, who returned to action for the first time in over a year when he represented Reading under 23’s on Monday in their 1-0 defeat to Southampton. He continued: ““We have got a small squad at the moment, with a few injuries. Everyone is working hard to get back. “So it’s important that we’ve got these few days now to rest and recover before the game next weekend. “Bournemouth are on a good run of form – last year everyone was up for it and we managed to grab a good win against them. “What a time to try and get our form back on track next weekend against a good side.”
24 | SPORT
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
HOCKEY
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
RESULTS
SOUTH BERKS 6S IN FIVE-STAR SHOW |
Saturday, October 23 South Berks Mens 6s and Phoenix & Ranelagh challenge for possession
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
South Central Men’s Thames 4 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 6s put on a five-star display as they picked up three points at home to Phoenix & Ranelagh 3s. South Berks are top of the table with a perfect record of three wins from three matches.
READING put on a masterclass as they smashed seven past Old Cranleighans without reply. The win, which is Reading’s fourth of the season after six matches, puts them in second position, just a point behind league leaders Teddington.
READING LADIES took a point on the road in a 3-3 stalemate in a top of the table clash against Sevenoaks. Reading are in second position, just two points behind Sevenoaks having picked up 11 points from their opening five league games.
South Berks Mens 6s come forward Pictures: Steve South Berks Mens 6s v Phoenix & Smyth Ranelagh
Ladies Tier 4 Cup SOUTH BERKSHIRE made progress in the cup as a solitary goal was enough to see them past Oxford away from home.
Cup SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 1s ensured their name was in the next round of the cup after goals from Yellie Powley and Ella Martin gave
them a 2-0 victory over Camberley & Farnborough.
Friendly In the absence of league fixtures for both SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s and 2s, the teams competed in an interclub friendly on Thursday. D Sanders netted for South Berks 2s, but the first team came out on top with a 5-1 victory as the sides kept up their fitness and sharpness
ROCKETS TAKE LEADERS TO THE WIRE IN FEROCIOUS BATTLE Reading Rockets 78 Nottingham Hoods 81 READING Rockets came agonisingly close to breaking the unbeaten record of Nottingham Hoods but were narrowly beaten.
In a great exhibition of basketball at its very best, both teams fought tenaciously. Rockets won the tip as Tyler Cartaino continued his impressive run with a lay-up but as for the remainder of the game Hoods kept pace as the lead changed hands with almost every possession though Rockets had the slightest of edges at 19-18 at the end of the opening quarter. Hoods 7ft power forward Mo Williams was prominent
Combined Counties Premier North Spelthorne Sports 0-2 Reading City
Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 2-0 Kensington & Ealing Boro Woodley United 1-3 Sandhurst Town
BASKETBALL
By GARY JOHNSON sport@wokingham.today
Isthmian South Central Bedfont Sports 2-1 Binfield
FA Vase Berks County v Burnham Blackfield & Langley 4-2 Sumas
Men’s National Division 1 South
Women’s National Division 1 South
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Reading
throughout as was Rockets 6ft 9in centre Meshack Lufile as the two big men matched up throughout the game, both finishing with impressive stats of 18 and 17 points respectively as they led each team’s scorers. The pace of the game was unrelenting in the second period though Hoods extra success from beyond the arc saw them convert four more trebles, the last one on the buzzer which hit the ring bounced in the air, dropped back onto the ring , slewed around it and dropped in giving Hoods a 47-42 at the interval. Magnificent defence from both teams was complemented by excellent team work as both head coaches swapped players in and out with pace and as part of their strategies. Such intensity continued in the third quarter which Rockets took a 19-11 lead. The game was tied on
thirteen occasions showing just how close these teams are and this top league is this season whilst the game itself went down to the wire. With just 58 seconds left on the clock Rockets trailed 74-77 but scored inside to get within a single point of Hoods and a possible game winning score. But as they were in team foul trouble had to foul Hoods and hope the player would fail from the free throw line. Rockets hit what they thought was a score equalling treble only to have the shot ruled a two point one so still trailed 79-78 with nine seconds left. Hoods were again secure from the penalty stripe to be 3 up with 6.4 seconds left but the Rocketss had possession. A treble effort went up on the buzzer but it didn’t drop so Hoods continued their winning unbeaten streak after a ferocious contest at the Rivermead.
South Berks Mens 6s against Phoenix & Ranelagh
ahead of the return of league fixtures next weekend. SOUTH BERKSHIRE VETS took victory in a friendly match away at Epsom Vagabonds with a 3-2 triumph.
Ladies Masters SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 045 fell to a home defeat in a 4-2 loss to Wycombe Women’s Over 45’s.
HOCKEY
READING HIT SEVEN IN DAZZLING DISPLAY READING Men’s first-team were in imperious form as they hit seven past Old Cranleighans without reply to keep their first clean sheet of the season.
Despite their eventual convincing victory, Reading dominated possession without incisive penetration in the first quarter which therefore ended goalless. But that soon changed as Old Cranleighans succumbed to the relentless pressure on their defence. Will Holderness opened the scoring with a smashed volley in the 21st minute, and Connor Beauchamp added to his tally with a high and accurate penalty corner strike on the verge of half-time. With the visitors visibly tiring and unable to cope with the fast-moving Reading players, the floodgates opened in the third quarter, three goals coming in quick succession from Tom Minall, Ryan Crowe, and Matt Richards. Further goals came in the fourth quarter from defender Adam Pescod, who found himself unusually high up the pitch when the ball broke to him in acres of space, and finally from Tom Minall. Maintaining their 100% record and top spot in the league, Reading now prepare to host their closest rivals Sevenoaks at Sonning Lane next Saturday. The club welcomes spectators to attend as their team strive for promotion.
Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 5-0 Woodley United Royals Reading YMCA 1-1 Westwood Wanderers Wargrave 1-1 Mortimer Yateley United 4-2 Reading City U23’s
Cherry Red Premier Challenge Cup Virginia Water v Reading City Sumas v AFC Croydon Athletic Woodley United v FC Deportivo Galicia Combined Counties Division One Chalvey Sports v Eversley & California Wallingford Town v Berks County Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Reading YMCA Finchampstead v Mortimer Reading City U23’s v Westwood Wanderers Wargrave v Richings Park Wraysbury v Woodley United Royals Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions v Henley Town Hurst v SB Phoenix RUGBY UNION National League One Rams v Sale South West 1 East Bracknell v Frome HOCKEY South Central Division 1 Sonning 1s v Oxford Hawks 3s
Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Swords 2-2 Maidenhead Town A Twyford & Ruscombe 4-1 Hurst Reserves
South Central Men’s Division 2 Henley 2s v South Berkshire 2s Oxford University 3s v Sonning 2s
Thames Valley Division Three Goring United Reserves 1-3 Reading YMCA Rapids
South Central Women’s Premier 1 Sonning 1s v Oxford Hawks 2s
Thames Valley Division Four Finchampstead United 1-3 Berks County Rovers Harchester Hawks 4-1 Windlesham & Chobham A Pangbourne Development 3-2 Finchampstead Development
South Central Women’s Division 1 South Berkshire 1s v Oxford 2s
RUGBY UNION National League One Darlington Mowden Park 2923 Rams South West 1 East Chippenham 9-13 Bracknell
Sunday, October 24
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Eversley & California 0-8 Winchester City Flyers Thames Valley Women’s Division One Long Crendon 1-1 Tilehurst Panthers Wargrave Women & Girls 2-5 Carterton Ladies Thames Valley Division 3S Eversley & California Reserves 4-0 Yateley United S4K Ladies 4-3 Wallingford Town
FIXTURES
Saturday, October 30
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Bournemouth (8pm kick-off)
Sunday, October 31
FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Division Eastleigh v Woodley United Southern Region Division One South Eversley & California v Chichester City Thames Valley Women’s Division One Tilehurst Panthers v Wargrave Women & Girls Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wargrave Women Development v Thatcham & Newbury Town Cup Easington Sports v S4K Ladies Eversley & California Reserves v Wycombe Wanderers Reserves Tilehurst Panthers Development v Ascot United Reserves
Tuesday, November 2
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Millwall v Reading
LEISURE | 25
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662
RaW Sounds
WPR_2021-10-25_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go
READINGTODAY WorcesterObserver
Reader travel
HANDLE WITH CARE: China Bears will be performing in Wokingham next week
Chris Hillman
bit.ly/rawsoundstoday
H
LEEDS CHRISTMAS SHOPPER & York St Nicholas Fayre
ELLO and welcome to the second RaW Sounds Today playlist.
Each week we round up 10 great tracks, all with connections to the area. It could be a local artist, or a big name – like China Bears – coming for a gig. And it’s not just a list of tunes. You can listen to them for free, thanks to our Spotify playlist. It’s 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 turn the volume up to 11. 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.
China Bears – Statue Still Beyond the Download record shop in Wokingham is promoting a series of live shows at Reading’s Purple Turtle and the first of these is on November 5. It features fast-rising indie rockers China Bears who have gained attention with their anthemic and melodic releases including this one. Last year, the quartet performed a live session for Steve Lamacq on BBC Radio 6 Music so are clearly a band to watch. Support comes from Milke Wagner who performed two great sets at Wokingham Festival - www.chinabears.co.uk
Lucy Spraggan – Run to the Hills Lucy rose to fame following her amazing performances on X Factor in 2012 and since then she has gone from strength to strength as can be heard on her latest album Choices, which was released this year. It’s a great collection of quality songwriting as personal and intimate lyrics combine with strong melodies and this song is taken from the album. Lucy is touring the UK for the first time since lockdown including a show at Reading’s Sub 89 on
Departing Fri 10 Dec ‘21
November 23 – http://www.lucyspraggan.com/
Third Lung – I A Fire Check out the powerful musicianship and vocals of Third Lung who will be performing a stripped down set at Jamma’s event at Purple Turtle on Friday and their usual set at The Facebar on November 26 – http://www.thirdlungband.com/
Scouting for Girls – Heartbeat This band have had a stream of indie pop hits such as She’s So Lovely, Elvis Ain’t Dead and Heartbeat. They will be visiting Reading to play at Sub 89 on Sunday, October 31 – https://www.scoutingforgirls. com/
Tony Christie – Avenues and Alleyways Tony is a legendary singer who has recorded million selling albums and singles, performed in the world’s best-known arenas and festivals and he’ll be at Wokingham Music Club on Friday, October 29 https://www.tonychristie.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 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). Next 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/
In Albion – Earth They performed a great show at local record shop, Beyond the Download’s event in Peach Place Wokingham recently. In Albion describe themselves as a theatrical prog rock band. Here’s their latest single - https:// inalbion.net/
Split the Dealer – High Rockets
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Thomas Heppell Blues Band and support. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Greatest Hits of Motown: How Sweet It Is. Details: 01344 484123.
Friday, October 29
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Musikissmo. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael tribute. Details: 01344 303333. CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Kit Downes. Details: http://www. concertsincaversham.co.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Bye Bye Baby. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Jamma presents Third Lung. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Manics vs Phonics. Details:
0118 959 5395. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Hallowe’en special: Majestix. Details: 0118 977 3706. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Tony Christie. 7.30pm. £25. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
Saturday, October 30
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Housework’s Deep Tech and Uplifting House. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. !Daft! Hallowe’en fancy dress party. Details: 01344 303333. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Scarlet Vixens Purple Creep Show. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street Arts Centre, South Street. Heavy Pop’s Beat Connection. Details: 0118 960 6060.
Sunday, October 31
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde
Sundays. Details: 01344 484123. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: singers’ night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Scouting For Girls. Details: 0118 959 5395. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Details: 0118 969 8000. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band of Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930.
Monday, November 1
NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Cara Dillon. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub. co.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Australian Pink Floyd. Details: 0118 960 6060.
Tuesday, November 2
PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Quirky Corner Unplugged. Details: 0118 969 98978. STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Micky Moody and Papa George. Details: 01491 681048.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 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
3 Days by Coach
only £129
Single Supplement £60
TORQUAY
Entertainment Break YorkStNicholasFayre&ChatsworthHouse_D.pdf
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
GIG GUIDE Thursday, October 28
Enjoy fabulously festive scenes and Christmas shopping aplenty as we head to York’s award-winning St Nicholas Fayre. Browse the traditional stalls and listen to the festive choirs and brass bands as you enjoy some of the tempting food and drink on offer.
Wednesday, November 3
READING – South Street Arts Centre, South Street. Willy Mason and special guest. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Lawrence Chaney Show. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Thursday, November 4
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The GSMC Music Awards Night. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Friday, November 5
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
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 – Saint Laurence Church, Blagrove Street. Heavy Pop presents This Is The Kit. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. DNB Allstars Reading. Details: 0118 959 5395.
Sunday, November 7
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Geoff Lakeman and Rob Murch. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Bourne Again Shadows with Cliff. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Monday, November 8
NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Talisk. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
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 Wokingham 2 nights at the Riviera Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast 99p bar (for 3 hours every evening) on selected drinks Live entertainment every evening Use of leisure facilities Optional excursion to Buckfast Abbey & Totnes (£6pp)
3 Days by Coach
only £99
Single Supplement £30
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
No. 5385
Your weekly puzzle challenge TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662
26
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
5384
Quiz Challenge
11
14
24
25
5
5
25
5
11
22
11 7
25
23
13
12
1
15
20
5
13
13
21
22
6
5
23
11
5
2
4
13
25
15
15
10
5
13
8
19
25
10
18
11
11
11
2
22
11
11
22
25
5
17
20
7
2
11
20 20
18
8
16
14
11
10 5
22
11
18
20
5
13
2
18
5
18
18
5 11
15
19
14
10
13 6
18
26
25 5
6
5
20
5
5
19
2
6
25
9
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
S
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
NOT NEON PROM, OK KEN?
3. What is fermented to make the alcoholic drink mead?
8. Who wrote the best-selling novel The World According to Garp?
A R O
1
1
U
7. TV presenter Anita Manning is known as an expert in which field?
NONAGRAM
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ N
2. In which sport might a Limerick, Aberdeen and Octopus be used?
D O B
E V R
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: 25 Good; 30 Very Good; 35 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 S through openings in the walls. The F first letter may appear in any chamber. O O
RA
IC
NT
AE
ND
LB
EP
DS
AU
PE
1
5 8 9 6 1
12
11 12
13
14
15
16
15
18
16
17
19
20
17 22
23
O P
T
T U
I
I N
T
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.
SD
24
DOWN 1. Will left it, for example, in Los Angeles city outskirts (6) 2. Expressed as part of a wheel (5) 3. Presumed to have included branch in new deal (7) 5. Spike has time on a musical instrument (5) 6. Minute causes of ill-feeling (7) 7. Fiddle when in an awkward predicament (6) 8. Prime minister to embark on division (11) 14. Learn about old prince with new role (7) 15. Stumbling tourist? (7) 16. Companion is cold in store, shivering (6) 17. Food that comes in instalments, one hears (6) 19. Girl scholar, one in the engineers (5) 20. Audibly permitted? Yes, audibly (5)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
2
3
4
5
7
6
10
10
11
11
12
11 13
17
This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
23
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
29
14
15
16
21
22
22
23
25
29
14
13
18 19
20
7
8
9
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.
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
24
ACROSS 1. Unruly rascal becomes a sailor (6) 4. He drew horses with stunted tails, say (6) 9. Old cab makes an angry sound (7) 10. A statuette of Wilde perhaps (5) 11. Minister to those who have been ordained by the human race (9) 12. Send friend back around the track (3) 13. Being this, one has no grave doubts presumably (4,7) 18. Drink out of a glass upwards (3) 19. Chew gum and eat junk (9) 21. Smell coming from eastern European river, say (5) 22. Child learning to beg (7) 23. Most of the best Greek city (6) 24. Said to be the path of weddings (6)
32 6 8 4 9 5 7 3 1 2
9 1 2 6 8 3 5 4 7
8 3 1 7 9 4 6 2 5
2 6 9 5 3 8 4 7 1
4 7 5 2 6 1 9 8 3
WORD PYRAMID: Put one’s foot in it. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – add; subtract; multiply; divide. Total: 10.
SOLUTIONS
7
13
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
7 5 3 4 1 2 8 9 6
2 4 6 9 1 5 7 3
4 9 2
7 6 9 8 2 5 1 9 5 2 4 8 3 3 9 1 9 3 5 7 8 4 6 1 4 6 3 7 9 2 5 8
8 9 4 7
7
6
11
EQUALISER 15 8 8 6 4 5 3 12 6 5 2 2
Hard
5 2 8 1 4 6 7 3 9
6 5 3 5 4
9 8 2 3
E
EU
MR
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
1
10
N
RT
RO
5
21
UR
AT
4
10
21
TE
OL
4
9
FIVE ALIVE LO
3
8
WORD PYRAMID
FS
2
10. Who became Ireland’s first woman president in 1990?
SUDOKU Easy
1
9. What was the name of the House of Windsor prior to 1917, and why was it changed?
5. Actor Ralph Fiennes played archaeologist Basil Brown in which 2021 film set in Suffolk?
5 15
6. Which hit musical tells the story of an American Founding Father?
4. What S is a type of snake and the name of an air-to-air missile?
4 11
1. The US gangster Al Capone was eventually jailed in 1931 for what crime?
3 9 7 8 2 5 1 6 4
18
18
13
7 5 6 1 3 8 9 2 4
20
25
13
3 2 9 7 4 5 8 6 1
6
6
5
8 1 4 9 2 6 5 3 7
2
13
6
6 4 7 2 9 1 3 8 5
13
2
9 8 2 3 5 7 1 4 6
11
5
5 3 1 6 8 4 2 7 9
6
2 6 3 4 1 9 7 5 8
3
4 9 5 8 7 3 6 1 2
18
1 7 8 5 6 2 4 9 3
11
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD
PZ1P5385
CROSS CODE
24
26 28
27
28
30 31 33
26. Fall away (5) ACROSS 29. Half (4) 1. Ignominy (8) 30. Cosmos (8) 6. Nervous (4) 31. Help (3) 8. Annoy (3) 9. Family member (8) 32. Object of worship (4) 10. ---- and ends (4) 33. Pub game (8) 12. Teams (5) DOWN 14. Was unwell (5) 2. ---- of March (4) 17. Competition (4) 3. Sporting defender 18. Detached (mus.) (8) (inf.) (6) 20. One-storied 4. Crops up (6) house (8) 5. Always (4) 24. Highest point (4) 6. Foreign (6) 25. Scornful expression (5) 7. Useful device (6)
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24. 27. 28.
Larvae (5) Setting (5) Backless chair (5) Playing card (3) Spear (5) Wooden pin (5) Container (3) Straighten (6) Affable (6) Elk (6) Facet (6) Lather (4) Detached landmass (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Disgrace; 6 Edgy; 8 Vex; 9 Relative; 10 Odds; 12 Sides; 14 Ailed; 17 Race; 18 Staccato; 20 Bungalow; 24 Acme; 25 Sneer; 26 Lapse; 29 Semi; 30 Universe; 31 Aid; 32 Idol; 33 Skittles. Down – 2 Ides; 3 Goalie; 4 Arises; 5 Ever; 6 Exotic; 7 Gadget; 11 Grubs; 12 Scene; 13 Stool; 14 Ace; 15 Lance; 16 Dowel; 19 Jar; 21 Unbend; 22 Genial; 23 Wapiti; 24 Aspect; 27 Suds; 28 Isle.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Tax evasion; 2 Angling (they are types of hook); 3 Honey; 4 Sidewinder; 5 The Dig; 6 Hamilton; 7 Antiques; 8 John FIVE ALIVE: Irving; 9 Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (it was considered too German); 10 Mary Robinson. (1) Across – Forte; Enter; Dared. Down – Field; Rotor; Erred. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Lascar; 4 Stubbs; 9 Growler; 10 Oscar; 11 Clergyman; (2) Across – Slant; Adapt; Sumps. Y T X H E I C K F D A J S 12 Lap; 13 Dead certain; 18 Sup; 19 Masticate; 21 Odour; 22 Down – Scabs; Alarm; Tutus. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Implore; 23 Thebes; 24 Bridal. G O M V N P U W L Z B R Q Down – 1 Legacy; 2 Spoke; 3 Alleged; 5 Thorn; 6 Bacilli; 7 NONAGRAM: abode; above; adobe; adore; adorer; Scrape; 8 Premiership; 14 Explore; 15 Tripper; 16 Escort; 17 arbor; boar; board; boarder; bode; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Cereal; 19 Marie; 20 Aloud. monk; open; Nero; booed; boor; bora; border; bore; knot. bored; borer; bravo; broad; broader; broo; brood; brooder; dobra; dobro; doer; door; dove; drove; drover; oared; oboe; order; oread; orra; over; OVERBOARD; overdo; redo; road; roar; roared; robe; robed; rode; rodeo; rood; rove; roved; rover.
WHAT’SON EXHIBITIONS
READING – Royal Berkshire Hospital, Craven Road RG1 5AN. Where Were We? Art exhibition and sale from Print at the Park group. 8am-8pm. Free entry. Mask wearing requested. Until Saturday, October 30. Details: www. printattheparkgroup.co.uk
Wednesday, October 27
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Thursday, October 28
EARLEY – Reading Film Theatre, Palmer Building, Whiteknights campus, University of Reading RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Stillwater (12a). 8pm. Details: www. readingfilmtheatre.co.uk SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Music Box: a review of songs from the musicals. 7.45pm. £7 children, £14, £13 concessions. Details: 0118 975 8880. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. RPS Panels: Rob Walker and Steve Buesden. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk.
Friday, October 29
SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Music Box: a review of songs from the musicals. 7.45pm. £7 children, £14, £13 concessions. Details: 0118 975 8880. 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, October 30 CAVERSHAM – Caversham
Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Hallowe’en trail. Daylight hours only. Tea kiosk open. Children must be accompanied. SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players, Whitley Wood Lane, RG2 9DF. Music Box: a review of songs from the musicals. 7.45pm. £7 children, £14, £13 concessions. Details: 0118 975 8880. TWYFORD – King George’s Field, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford and District Round Table fireworks display with Harry Potter bonfire. Gates 6.30pm, fireworks 7.30pm. Details: http://www. twyfordroundtable.org/ WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, October 31
BRACKNELL – The Lexicon. Bracknell Vegan Market. 11am-4pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com PANGBOURNE – Village Hall RG8 7AN. Pangbourne Twinning Association’s French film night: School of Life by Nicolas Vanier (PG). 7.30pm. £6. Details: 0118 984 4401. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Hallowe’en event. 4pm-7pm.. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Wednesday, November 3
DUNSDEN – Dunsden Green Village Hall RG4 9QG. Dunsden Green Country Dancing Club: country dancing with a caller. 8pm10pm. £4, first evening free. Details: 07714 226723. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Thursday, November 4
EARLEY – Reading Film Theatre, Palmer Building,
Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk Whiteknights campus, University of Reading RG6 2AH. Reading Film Theatre presents: Wildland (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: Charlie Waite at the Whitty Theatre. Open to non-members. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc. org.uk.
Friday, November 5 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
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting. Samwain: the shedding of leaves. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, Nov 7
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org
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
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
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, November 14
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 Wednesday, November 17 DUNSDEN – Dunsden Green Village Hall RG4 9QG. Dunsden Green Country Dancing Club: country dancing with a caller. 8pm10pm. £4, first evening free. Details: 07714 226723. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell
Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Thursday, November 18
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: Studio Lighting with Shawn Bishop. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: The Father (12). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Friday, November 19
WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 6267. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www. sparkleveganevents.com
Saturday, November 20
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Sunday, Nov 21
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Vegan Market. 11am-3pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
Wednesday, November 24
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am-2pm. Details: 07861 654674 or www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk
What’s What’s on on event event submission submission form form 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
Name
for community groups, charities and not-for-profit activities. We cannot guarantee inclusion.
Postcode
Date of event: Venue of event:
LEISURE | 27
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Address
PRIVATE WEALTH: I’VE WON BIG, BUT WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? We all fantasise about it, but what actually happens if you win the jackpot on the lottery. Like most of us, I have already planned how my lottery winnings would be spent – new house, horses, holidays, treating the family and helping some charities that are close to my heart. However, I realised that I have not planned for the practicalities of receiving such a sum of money. I also had no idea on some points associated with a win of that size and, if I am on that list of future winners, I really would need to find out. Here are the answers to four questions I think most perhaps don’t know but would certainly need to know should they hit the jackpot!
Do I pay tax on a lottery win? The good news is no, a lottery win is not regarded as income and so there is no tax to pay – your win is essentially tax free, fantastic! However, do bear in mind that the funds will form part of your estate when you die and at that time your estate could face some large Inheritance Tax consequences, the current rate being 40%!
Do I pay tax if I give away lottery winnings during my lifetime? This really depends who your gift is to. Gifts to a spouse or civil partner are exempt for Inheritance Tax purposes, as are gifts to charity. Giving money away to children, friends or other family members does not mean that this stops the IHT charge. If you were to die within 7 years of making that gift, then IHT could be payable. If you do not survive the 7 years, the tax element of the gift is discounted but it is also important to remember the Tax is payable by the recipient – which of course they may not have been aware of upon receipt of the gift.
What happens to my winnings if I die? The remaining funds form part of your estate and pass via the terms of your Will, if you have made one, or in the very unlikely scenario that you have not made a Will, via the Rules of Intestacy – which set out where you estate goes if you die without leaving a Will. An astonishing 60% of people die without making a Will. This must be a priority for anyone with assets, let this be first on the list of things to do before booking that trip around the world.
What happens if I win the £10k per month prize and I die? If a winner dies after the lump sum payments have started, the winner’s estate will receive a lump sum equal to the full amount of the total prize from Camelot. In summary, if you are ever lucky enough to become a lottery millionaire, it is important to consider the above and get professional advice in relation to your Wills and Inheritance Tax planning options.
Remember - it could be you, good luck! If you would like to know more about the above article then you can contact one of our specialists.
01276 686222
What will happen:
Send your forms to: What’s On, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
info@herrington-carmichael.com
www.herrington-carmichael.com
28 | LIFE
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Roasted winter vegetable chilli IN THE KITCHEN Freely Fruity
Thick natural or plant based yoghurt
Method
It’s brimming with autumn’s vegetable bounty and perfect to serve at bonfire night, or simply as a seasonal meat free meal at this time of year. Keep it vegan by serving with a plant based yoghurt.
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C 2. Place the vegetables into a very large roasting dish (with sides) and toss 5 shallots, peeled, generously in oil, spices double bulbs separated 5 large mild red chillis and salt 3. Roast for 40 2 fresh beetroots, minutes then remove peeled and cut into the dish from the oven wedges 4. Stir in the chopped olive oil tomatoes and beans, 1 tsp salt cook for a further 15 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp smoked paprika minutes 5. Remove again and 2 x 400g tins chopped stir in the kale or chard tomatoes leaves and cook for a 1 x 400g tin black final 5-10 minutes beans 6. Serve with lime, 1 large handful kale or coriander and yoghurt chard, torn up
Ingredients
To serve
1 small crown prince or butternut squash, skin-on cubed or sliced
1 lime, quartered Handful fresh coriander, chopped
T
Serves four generously
HIS one-pot chilli is all cooked in the oven and is so easy and nutritious.
I
Unfortunately, 4.5 million tonnes of good foodis wasted every year from UK households, that’s enough to fill 38 million wheelie bins! Pumpkins are more than just a pretty jack-olantern, they are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. You can use all of your pumpkin and make the most of it.
Find out how you can save your pumpkins from the bin.
When you spot your perfect pumpkin, it’s worth grabbing a sweet potato, a pepper and a chilli too, because these go beautifully together in a soup. This spicy pumpkin soup has five ingredients and will make your kitchen smell lovely in the process. Did you know you can freeze your pumpkin too? Remove all the seeds and turn them into a smoky pumpkin seed snack in 5 simple steps. Roast or mash the flesh before freezing in an airtight container or bag. Don’t forget to label your leftovers with the contents and date it needs to be used up to help you when you pop back to your freezer for meal inspiration. Defrost your pumpkin leftovers in the fridge or microwave before using.
Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk
Go green this Hallowe’en
T
HIS time last year I appeared on a local BBC radio station talking about the environmental impact of Hallowe’en. For example, in the UK alone, Hallowe’en costumes and accessories are responsible for 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste, equivalent to 83 million plastic bottles. Shockingly, 90% of the Hallowe’en costumes we buy contain plastic while half are only worn once. Now that is frightening. Here are a few tips for a more environmentally friendly Hallowe’en…
Trick or retreat?
When the doorbell rings
If you can, try to hand out chocolate or sweets that aren’t wrapped in plastic or at least aim to cut back on the packaging involved. The majority of big brand offerings are unfortunately wrapped in plastic, sometimes several times over, meaning that we use millions of plastic
Dressing up
If you’re hell-bent (no pun intended) on buying Hallowe’en costumes, accessories or decorations, aim to buy ones that you can reuse time and time again. Consider hiring outfits from a local fancy dress shop, or whether you can swap costumes with friends and family members? Alternatively, have some fun making costumes with the kids. Use an old bed sheet, raid your wardrobe for unwanted items or check out a local charity shop. You could even skip the outfits entirely and simply have fun painting each other’s faces?
The pumpkin
WASTE: Turn your pumpkin into soup Picture: S. Hermann & F. Richter via Pixabay bags and wrappers during Hallowe’en. Look for plastic free and Fairtrade/ slave free options from the likes of Divine or Tony’s Chocolonely, or foil wrapped characters, balls or coins. Remember to save your foil until you have a tennis ball sized amount that can be scrunched together to make it more easily recyclable. Or swap chocolate for a piece of fruit or plastic free fruit based snacks from the likes of Freddie’s Farm.
Don’t let spooky food go to waste T’S spooky season and we are stocking up on pumpkins, apples, tasty treats and other hearty and seasonal foods.
PlasticFreeHome Dave Lamont theplasticfreehome.com
First of all, do you really need to pace the streets in search of treats or can you mark Hallowe’en in a different way? Given the situation, not everyone may want spluttering children at their front door in any case. Enjoy a scary family film with some homemade popcorn or snacks, plan a Hallowe’en-themed day out (many attractions now offer them), get crafting or play some party games? You could bob for apples and throw in some toffee, share ghost stories, make paper spider’s webs or glass jam jar lanterns and enjoy some quality time together.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
In normal times, I’d also advocate buying a large plastic free box of pick n’ mix and filling individual recycled paper bags to hand out but you or others may not feel that this is appropriate this year. You might even be able to come up with some good ideas for alternative giveaways – think about what your kids and their friends enjoy… Maybe something useful and plastic free like a pencil, bookmark or wooden yoyo.
Around 60% of Britons who carve a pumpkin at Hallowe’en admit to not eating its inners – obviously a tremendous waste considering that we get through nearly ten million of them at this time of year. That results in a potential 28 million tonnes of easily avoidable and unnecessary food waste. Instead, why not turn your pumpkin into a delicious soup, roast it or make a tasty pie… and only then, pop any leftovers in your food waste collection. Avoid leaving the leftovers out in your garden or local woods for wildlife to finish off as pumpkin can be harmful to some animals (for example hedgehogs) and also upset the natural balance. You can instead dig a big hole and cover it over, leaving the worms to enjoy it. Or just give the pumpkin a miss altogether.
How do you like them apples? Bobbing for apples is a party favourite, but what about the leftovers that haven’t been bobbed? Every day, we throw away 800,000 whole apples! Apple trees take around 7-10 years to grow,using so much time, energy and resources, only to throw your apple away is rotten! Store your apples in the fridge, they will last much longer there than in a fruit bowl. If you find yourself with an excess of apples: n Cook them in boiling water for a couple of minutes n Slice them n Freeze them in a single layer on a tray n Pack into bags once frozen, ready to use another day. You can take apples straight from frozen and cook them into some recipes such as cupcakes, like these fruit bowl buns and a traditional apple crumble. Apples past their best are also great in pickles.
bees: Earley es and honey
“It can be completely different,” he explained. “It all depends on the colony. “Their genetics can vary quite a lot.” Mr McTernan said his bees have had their best year yet, producing 80kg of honey among them. “There has been plenty for the bees to forage this year,” he said. “In an urban environment, there’s lots of plants in people’s gardens all year round. “It’s a bumper crop.”
The duo sell their honey at £5 per eight ounce jar, and have plenty left. Mr McTernan also uses his honey to make lip balms, soap and hand moisturiser. The pair even attempted making a honey gin this summer, which was enjoyed among family. “Daniel’s was rubbish,” Mr McTernan said. “Mine was the best.” n The two bee-keepers can be reached at @RainbowHivesBees or @earleygarden on Facebook.
SHOWTIME: Silver Swans offers ballet and tap classes for over-50s, pictured here during a performance
Ms Brown added that the group can’t wait to perform again. She said: “As the Royal Academy of Dance’s Silver Swans slogan goes – it’s never too late to shine.” After starting the club two years ago, Silver Swans now holds 11 classes and has roughly 150 students. Jenny Smith, a student at Silver Swans, said she always feels better after attending a class. “I was confused by position names and wondered if I’d ever remember dance steps, but now I enjoy the exercise, love the music and friendly people,” she said. “You have to concentrate during the class, but afterwards you feel you’ve achieved something, even if
NEWS | 29
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
it’s only balancing without moving.” Ms Smith added she always looks forward to the class. “Sonia is always encouraging,” she said. “There’s lovely music and it’s such fun to try parts of ballets that I have seen.” Student Sue Nicell explained that Ms Brown is warm and welcoming. “She is such a good teacher that I felt at ease straightaway,” she said. “I enjoy the class, feel I have a spring in my step afterwards, and Sonia always makes us smile. “Dancing to music, I think, is in our DNA, and it makes you feel free from any worries. Everyone in the class is friendly and supportive.”
Charles’ portraits are going for a snip A READING-BASED has launched a new portrait service, and it’s going for a snip. Charles Burns specialises in silhouttes, and is so skilled with the scissors that he has created artworks for royalty, celebrities and politicians … in minutes. He’s showcased his skills on national telly too, including appearances on the Antiques Roadshow and QI, cutting images of hosts Fiona Bruce and Sandi Toksvig. Other famous names that he’s brought to life with his cutting edge include the Queen, astronaut Neil Armstrong, Professor Brian Cox, Hugh Laurie, Gary Lineker, Jamie Oliver, Miranda Hart, Jeremy Clarkson and Jeremy Paxman. Charles had pedigree: he’s been working for more than 20 years and cut more than 200,000 profiles, and has written a guide, Masting Sihouettes, which examines the art, shares the secrets, and gives great advice for anyone looking for a new discipline to master. He has presented, written and produced a one-hour film, Silhouette Secret, available on Amazon Prime. This award-winning documentary shows a modernday silhouette artist taking a journey from Wales via New York to Houston, Texas, to explore the history of his art. On the way, he meets the world’s fastest silhouette artist, who challenges him to a duel of scissors. But of course, covid has changed the way he works. He has now switched his attention from in person sittings to online ones, something born out of necessity thanks to lockdowns. It takes just 10 minutes over Zoom, and he’s happy to work to any time zone, be it Reading Biscuit Time or Greenwich Mean Time. “I’d like to invite everyone into my virtual studio and experience what it is like to pose for a silhouette,” he says. “It all takes place over Zoom
POETRY CORNER The Abracadabra Alphabet The Alchemist artfully searches for gold; The Banshee balefully wails in the cold; The Changeling chillingly grins in its basket, The Dragon dreamily coils round her casket. The Elves enchantingly dance through the sky; The Fairy-Folk fiercely flicker and fly; The Gorgon girlishly swishes her hair, The Haunted House has Spirits - who SCARE ! The Imp ingeniously leaps over walls; The Jackdaw jeeringly chatters and calls; The Knights unknowingly sip from the Grail, The Lamia lovingly rattles each scale. The Mermaid mournfully sobs in the sea;
WHAT’S BREWING
IN FINCHAMPSTEAD?
I
T is with great pride and excitement that we can announce the first Siren pub - the George & Dragon in Swallowfield! It’s no secret that we’ve always liked the idea of extending our Tap Yard offering into pubs and bars, but have always stuck doggedly to our message that it would only ever be when the timing was right, the place was right and we could do the new venue and ourselves justice. It’s fair to say there’s a love of pubs among the Siren team. Although the bright lights of city centre locations and the idea of taking the brewery Tap Yard to some of our favourite places to drink beer is still very much in our
ART MAGIC: Charles Burns with one of his portraits and it doesn’t matter if you’re in Australia, the United States, Japan or Bulgaria. Simply pick a day and time which suits you. “With my portraits, I always bring something of the person to the silhouette which other people can instantly relate to and recognise.” Virtual studio days are divided into 10-minute sittings, each of which is long enough for a silhouette of two people, one fulllength silhouette or a silhouette of a favourite pet. “I will cut two portraits freehand with scissors and deliver the signed silhouettes anywhere in the world,” he says. “I can create a pair of classic cameo portraits mounted on separate oval mounts or as one double silhouette.” These will all be signed by Charles, and on the reverse will be the certificate of authenticity. They will be posted to you anywhere in the world.
thoughts, this is something a little bit different. The George & Dragon (or the G&D - as we have affectionately come to know it) is a beautiful country pub that has built a reputation over many years for its exceptional cooking, generous hospitality and atmospheric character. In the winter it’s cosy and comforting with open fires and hearty meals, while in the summer it’s perfect for beer garden pints and countryside walks. The pub itself dates back to the 17th Century and is a Grade 2 listed building. It has served many purposes over the years – being a coach house around the turn of the 20th Century, before becoming a pub. Over the past couple of months we’ve gradually begun to help where we can, introducing our beers to thirsty locals. We’re indebted to the existing team at the pub, lead by Rachel, who have agreed to stay on and join us as part of this new adventure for the brewery. At some point we envisage a gentle refurbishment, but right now, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Siren beer with some delicious food.
n For more details, log on to www. silhouettist.uk
The Nymphs will naughtily hide up a tree; The Ogre odiously batters the door, The Pentangle paints a shape on the floor. The Quill-Pen quizzically scribbles a spell; The Runes repeatedly twist what they tell; The Sirens saucily sing their sweet song, The Troll with a temper just thunders along. The Unicorn urgently gallops away; The Vampire viciously punctures its prey; The Wizard weaves charms in his creaky chair, EXcalibur eXpertly slices the air The Yeti is yawning and roaming around, BUT The Zombies lazily snooze underground... ZZzz zzz zz z CLARE BEVAN
Our Memento Best Bitter seems incredibly appropriate, but you’ll also find favourites like Soundwave, Pastel Pils and various specials fresh from the cold store just a few miles away. Its offering and opening times make it the perfect complement to our brewery tap. For more on the George & Dragon, you can head to the siren blog and/or the brand new George & Dragon website, both listed below. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook on @GeorgeDraonRG7. We’re not far from Wokingham, and just round the corner from the Tap Yard so we hope to see you here soon! Siren Blog - sirencraftbrew.com/pub George & Dragon - georgedragonpub.com
SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF 0118 973 0929
sirencraftbrew.com
30
| VIEWPOINTS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
READING’S NEW CHAMPION
The need to spend a penny is pressing ONE OF the hardest aspects of the lockdown was seeing playparks and public facilities shut for months on end. Thankfully, we now know that outdoor spaces are safer than indoors, and ventilation is key. But as any parent knows, being able to use an outdoor space without access to public facilities is difficult. A child can’t always hold on in the same way that adults can. And even then, some adults will need urgent access to facilities. We have some sympathy with the Green Party’s call for the toilets in Palmer Park to be restored. After all, it was a purpose built building. But it does stem back to Victorian times and will not be fit for 21st century standards. However, the new Palmer Park stadium and swimming pool is still some way away. Surely there is a better compromise to be had? The excellent cafe, run by Tutu, is not always open when children are playing in the park, so clearly there is a need. Could some temporary toilets be put in to help parents and children until the new normal is up and running?
Your letters We must ban all factory farms with chickens that cannot move. They are slaves to ruthless traders. They are crippled in terrible pain though the ruthless traders who do not care about animal welfare. When the birds drop down with agony the so-called farmers dump them like trash in a dustbin. It is barbaric in 2021 we must not allow this to go on and put these traders out of business if we love animal welfare.
Victor Rones. Animals Justice & Rights. Bracknell.
Make a stand for COP26
‘COP26’ the UN Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Climate Change starts in Glasgow this weekend. As the UN Director General has said this issue is ‘code red for humanity’ so we all need to learn and act. The University of Reading will be streaming news from Glasgow during the conference and a march and a meeting are planned for November 6th in Reading. For more details see the Reading
From the vicechancellor
Professor Robert Van de Noort
Looking ahead to COP26
N
EXT week the UK will host one of the most important events in global diplomacy. The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) will bring together people and governments from around the world to make progress on cutting emissions and tackling the growing threat of climate change. When faced with a problem as huge as climate change, it is easy to lose heart. When you see oil companies drilling, factories and power stations spewing pollution, and roads choked with cars, it is understandable to ask: why should I bother? What difference can I make? I would argue that you can make every difference in the world. If you care about the future of our planet – by which I mean, if you care about humanity’s survival on it – you can be proud that,
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today
Time for ban on factory farms
here in Reading and here in Wokingham, you are part of one of the most effective communities for change. For a start, your community hosts one of the largest concentrations of climate scientists anywhere in the world. This is not just at the University of Reading – which neatly straddles the Wokingham-Reading boundary. The Royal Meteorological Society, the oldest learned society for the study of weather, has its headquarters on the Oxford Road, Reading. In Wokingham Borough, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts produces life-saving predictions and world-class science in Shinfield. The University is not only a leader in climate science. It also contributes through education and research into business, social science, humanities and arts. That’s why we linked up experts in climate science and education from across the UK at our Climate Education Summit.
COP26 Hub at https://www.gren.org. uk/resources/ReadingCOP26Hub.pdf
John Booth,Earley
We really liked Reading Today
We really enjoyed reading the first edition of Reading Today. We used to get the Reading Post every day when it was an evening paper. We really liked the old newspaper sellers who were on Broad Street and Friar Street. When we could, we got a copy from just near Sainsbury’s. Your new newspaper was really good and we hope to buy it every week.
Name and address supplied
Support vulnerable patients
As a charity representing the 24,000 people in the UK with the incurable blood cancer myeloma, we are extremely concerned to see vulnerable patients being denied life-saving COVID-19 vaccines and missed off vaccination lists simply because doctors do not understand the difference between the third dose and a booster. Patient reports show the terms ‘third dose’ and ‘booster’ are being
Our vision is to transform climate education, helping to give the younger generation a head-start in understanding climate change. After all, they are the ones who will have to live with and fix the mistakes of their parents and grandparents. At Glasgow, one image will be visible everywhere – and it shows how you, as an individual, can really make a difference and take action on climate change. My colleague Ed Hawkins created the ‘climate stripes’ image in 2018 as a way to show very simply how our world is heating up. Since then, it has featured in newspapers, websites, on trains, buses and posters. In Glasgow, buildings have painted themselves in climate stripes. COP attendees will wear climate stripes badges and masks. The aim of the stripes image is simple: it helps to start conversations about climate change. Visit showyoustripes.info to find out more. You can make small changes in your own life to reduce your personal emissions. But let’s not stop there. No-one has all the answers, but if you can start conversations about the climate with your family, your friends and your neighbours, you can help them ask some crucial questions.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
used interchangeably by GPs and clinicians leading to uncertainty about which should be given first, if any at all. On September 1, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation announced that people with severely weakened immune systems at the time of their first and/ or second vaccination would receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as part of the standard vaccination schedule. This third dose, the JCVI said, should be followed by a booster six months later. While there is no difference in the ingredients of the vaccine and booster, it is key for medical staff to administer them in the correct order to make sure immunocompromised patients get as much protection from the virus as possible. Since the JCVI’s announcement, the Myeloma UK Infoline has been inundated with queries from concerned patients who have received conflicting information from their GPs or been told they only need a booster. In theory, the decision of who is eligible for a third dose of the vaccine and when they should receive it is ultimately up to patients’ clinical specialist team in hospitals. Clinicians should then contact
patients’ GPs and advise them on who should be offered a third ‘topup’ dose. However, in practice, the decision falls to GPs and vaccination centres. To support patients with myeloma and other related conditions gain access to a third primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, we have put together a letter available to download from our website (www. myeloma.org.uk/documents/thirdcovid-19-vaccine-dose-letter/), which we encourage them to share with their GP and haematologist. Patients should not be made to wade through red tape to convince doctors they’re eligible for a third vaccine. The Government must ensure that NHS systems can swiftly and accurately identify patients to make sure they are given the protection they need.
Westminster Diary Matt Rodda
N
EXT WEEK, in Glasgow, the 26th UN conference on climate change will take place. COP26 will bring together the most powerful people in the world with the expectation that each and every carbonproducing country will take to limit climate change. The UK has agreed a target to be a net-Zero carbon economy by 2050, meaning in the next 30 years we will be adding no carbon to the environment through our industrial and commercial activities. The Government also want to significantly reduce our emissions by 2030. However the Government’s rhetoric does not match with their actions. The recent UK – Australian trade deal will bring new market opportunities for British business, but it also hugely scaled back on the expected international environmental commitments. The UK abandoned its hope of influencing the Australians to scale back their dependence on coal and fossil fuel in favour of renewable energy, despite the Department of
International Trade insisting that reducing carbon emissions would be at the heart of all our international trade arrangements. This is a continuing feature of the UK trade deals where short-term economic gains are prioritised over long-term environmental improvements. The Government cannot continue to ‘greenwash’ its work at home while happily indulging polluting countries overseas to secure trade deals. The current spike in gas prices which is putting small energy suppliers out of business and reminds us all that there is still a long way to go to end our dependence on fossil fuels. We have been too slow as a nation to invest in and rollout renewable energy in the UK. We still import coal from Poland and gas from Russia and renewable energy sources in the UK are not supported to reach their full potential. Of course, we are already feeling the affects of the climate change with weather patterns changing and rising sea levels putting island nations at risk. The need
Laura Kerby, Myeloma UK Chief Executive
to limit global temperature increases to 1.5ºC isn’t about doing something virtuous – it’s about protecting our ecosystem. Locally, many organisations – including the University of Reading and our local councils – are taking direct action to become carbon neutral much quicker than is required by the Government and they are to be commended for their work but, after COP26, we must all hold the Government to account and ensure that we take our actions to combat climate change seriously. The time for talking has passed, now is the time for action. Matt Rodda is the MP for Reading East
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
NEWS | 31
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Hallowe’en films shown at Factory
Items available included musical instruments
A RANGE of spellbinding screenings are being held at the Reading Biscuit Factory as part of Hallowe’en weekend. The venue, on Broad Street Mall, will present a selection of spooky films over the coming weeks to celebrate the annual event. Films showing until early November include Midsommar, Kill List, The Other Lamb, November and The VVitch. And this weekend, they’ll be showings of Get Out, Halloween Kills, The Addams Family 2 and more. n For more details, log on to: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Royal Berks thanks to NHS workers
BARGAINS: re3 team members at the pre-loved goods stall at the Reading recycling centre Picture: Dijana Capan/ DV Vision
Take it away! re3’s sale of pre-loved goods is a smash-hit HAVEN’T I seen you before? The ultimate in recycling came to the re3 plant at Smallmead on Saturday, as the site opened a pop-up shop selling items that had been donated by Reading residents. The sale was goods left as people visited the site. Each item was good enough to be resold for charity Sue Ryder’s work with people who have life-changing illnesses, as well as improving recycling facilities. And new donations were
welcomed from people using the re3 site. Goods on offer included children’s toys and games; books; sporting goods, including bikes and golf clubs; gardening tools; furniture and exercise equipment. Items were flying off the shelves as bargain hunters flocked to the sale. Rory Brien, general manager of FCC Environment which helped organise the sale, said last week: “Every day at both Bracknell and Reading recycling
centres, we receive amazing items that have lots of life left in them. “We understand that it’s easy to bring everything to us in one go for recycling or disposal, but we wanted to provide residents with an alternative, so we trialled the pop-up reuse shop to see what people think of the concept. “We have been putting great items from bikes and golf clubs to books and electronic devices to one side for some time and these will be available for sale to
Travellers could pitch up at Smallmead By TEVYE MARKSON Local Democracy Reporter A NEW site for travellers to use could be built in Reading in a bid to tackle illegal camps across the Reading area.
Over the past five years, Reading Borough Council says it has spent more than £300,000 to tackle camps, including legal fees. On Monday (November 1), its policy committee will discuss a planning application for the transit site close to the re3 recycling centre at Smallmead. Cllr Adele Barnett Ward, Reading’s lead councillor for neighbourhoods, said: “The impact of illegal incursions in Reading is significant and has been over a number of years. “That impact is financial, in terms of the cost of evicting and clearing up after encampments but is also felt by communities themselves where anti-social behaviour is the result.” She added that identifying a suitable place in Reading was not an easy task, but Smallmead was felt to be possible. “As a council, we are often asked why we cannot move illegal encampments on
quickly,” Cllr Barnett Ward added. “While we work closely with police colleagues, the reality is that the legal process takes time and is rarely in the council’s hands in terms of a timescale for a court hearing and eviction. “Importantly, the availability of a dedicated transit site in the local authority area means police could potentially make full use of powers which require travellers to leave land quickly if there is a suitable pitch located elsewhere in Reading.” Over the past year, there have been 31 unauthorised encampments, including Palmer Park in the summer and a camp set up in Hills Meadow car park a week ago. Every local council is obliged under national planning policy to consider how gypsy and traveller accommodation needs can be met. In 2017, RBC identified the need for 10-
17 permanent pitches and 10 transit pitches for gypsies and travellers. The council identified a possible transit site at Cow Lane in 2017, but this is to become the River Academy school from September 2023. The proposal for Smallmead is for seven pitches or up to 14 caravans and cars. However, it is on both a flood zone and is located on the edge of the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone for the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) in Burghfield. It is thought that the Environment Agency will object to the application due to flood concerns, while the risk from the atomic weapons site will have to be tested during the application process. Additionally, it is next to the Re3 recycling centre and a sewage treatment site, raising odour and public health concerns.
Some of the goods available included furniture and pictures residents who can put them to good use.” A second event is planned for the Bracknell site at Longshot Lane in due course. It is one of a number of innovations in recent months at the sites, including booking slots for dropping off items, and accepted rigid plastics for recycling. Last month it installed Recycyleye, a waste-picking robot which can identify 55 different items a minute.
Half-used paint cans were also available to take away
ROYAL Berks Charity has announced its Thanksgiving to the NHS Christmas event at Reading Minster on Tuesday, December 7. The organisation, based at Royal Berkshire Hospital, is celebrating key workers’ work during the pandemic. Music will be enjoyed by the Reading Community Gospel Choir.And readings from those affected by covid will be given during the evening. The event will start at 7pm. n For more details, visit: register.enthuse.com/ps/ event/ThanksgivingtotheNHS atChristmas
32 | BUSINESS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today
A business park that is changing
Rediscover Winnersh Triangle
Wokingham takeaway wins at Curry Awards By Charlotte King cking@wokingham.today ONE OF Wokingham’s youngest takeaways has come out on top at an industry competition.
W
INNERSH Triangle is a business park set in 87 acres, located to the east of Reading, surrounded by awardwinning landscaping. It’s home to a wide range of business space including distinctive headquarter buildings like BD and Jacobs, along with Grade A offices and start up office suites. The Park benefits from a wide range of amenities including three on-site cafés, The Exchange – a new co-working space with meeting rooms and hot desks to enable collaborative working, a WHSmith and The Crowne Plaza Hotel which has recently undergone a millionpound refurbishment and has two restaurants, a gym, pool, spa, and conference facilities.
Wellness at Winnersh Wellness is high on everyone’s agenda. Winnersh Triangle has an outdoor gym and walking trails, as well as being adjacent to Dinton Pastures, a free bike hire scheme for occupiers to get some fresh air at lunchtime – or cycle up to The Green to enjoy an al fresco lunch in deckchairs or use one of the games. Recently MOVE HQ, a 17,000 sq ft elite performance centre and gym opened at Winnersh Triangle. The facility is equipped with a comprehensive array of strength and conditioning and cardio equipment, a three lane 35m sprint track, lifting racks, plate loaded machines and Olympic lifting stations. There are also treatment rooms for physiotherapy, osteotherapy and massage. When it comes to transport connections, Winnersh Triangle is
hard to beat - whether you want to drive, travel by bus, or get the train. Just a mile from the M4 and with ample parking. The Park also has its own dedicated railway station, a short walk away. Trains run every 30 minutes to Reading and direct to London Waterloo. Construction is well underway at Winnersh Triangle’s Park and Ride, a £6.8million infrastructure improvement project led by Wokingham Borough Council. The initiative, supported by Frasers Property, will expand the Park and Ride’s capacity, encouraging sustainable travel, reducing local traffic congestion and emissions, and economic growth.
Sustainable business The Park has recently been awarded a coveted Fitwel Commercial Site certification which assesses holistic health, including pedestrian connectivity, proximity to open spaces, outdoor fitness areas and community destinations and more. Winnersh Triangle is committed to building a more sustainable future and have committed to achieving net carbon zero by 2050 by enhancing the condition of our buildings to support our occupiers and align with their Economic Social Governance (or Corporate Social Responsibility) goals. Occupiers are encouraged to enjoy a variety of events including pop up food stalls, fitness classes, charity events, markets, and seasonal socials like pumpkin carving and Christmas wreath making. Businesses thrive at Winnersh Triangle so come and join us. n www.winnershtriangle.co.uk
Mumbai Wokingham was crowned Best Takeaway in the South East at this year’s English Curry Awards. The Awards, which are now in their 10th year, celebrate local business across the country. Iftekar Rahman, co-founder of Mumbai Wokingham, said he was overwhelmed to have beaten thousands of regional takeaways in 2021’s contest. The Peach Street eatery is a familyrun business, founded by Mr Rahman and his cousin Wahidur. It launched in the midst of the pandemic. “We are absolutely ecstatic. Over the moon,” Mr Rahman said. “[My cousin and I] have worked so hard since we opened Mumbai Wokingham, so this means a lot to us.” On Monday, October 18, the pair attended the awards ceremony in Birmingham. Mumbai Wokingham was up against eight takeaways from across the South East, including restaurants in Maidenhead and Bracknell. “It was quite competitive because we know the others, and know how good they are,” Mr Rahman said. “To even be nominated is a great achievement because it shows us eight are the best of the best.” While the duo did not expect to win, they were optimistic throughout the nominations process. “We were very positive because we know all that we have done over the last
WINNERS: The Wokingham team went up against eight other takeaways Picture: Courtesy of Mumbai Wokingham
14 months,” he added. “We know that we’ve gone the extra mile.” Mr Rahman chalked Mumbai Wokingham’s success down to its outof-the-box thinking. The town centre eatery was nominated for the award by customers. Mr Rahman has since thanked Wokingham residents for their support. “This achievement is all down to our customers’ input,” he said. “I’m grateful to them for helping us get where we are. “Thank you to all those who noticed that we really are trying our best - you have helped us stand here with this award now.”
And the pair also extended a thank you to their family, for supporting them throughout their business launch. “We would like to thank our family, specifically our uncles and fathers Atthaur Rahman Kuti Miah and Fatik Miah,” Mr Rahman added. “They have shown us the way and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. “They have given us great support in our business and it wouldn’t have happened without them.” Find out more about Mumbai Wokingham, which has also launched a new secret food menu, here: www. mumbaiwokingham.co.uk
Former Dragon opens Winnersh office A DRAGONS’ Den legend is launching a recruitment drive in Winnersh. James Caan has invested £300,000 into a new office near Winnersh Triangle as he expands his recruitment agency, IGA Talent Solutions. This will be the firm’s fourth branch, with offices already open in Geneva, London and Leeds. As part of the recruitment drive, Mr Caan is looking to double IGA’s international workforce by creating 15 new jobs. The ex-Dragon, who launched the company in 2018, said: “I’m very proud of IGA Talent Solutions’ successes, and its creation of new job roles, especially during what was such a difficult period for unemployment rates. “I feel certain that bringing the right people to the office
OPPORTUNITY: Ex-Dragon James Caan has invested in a new office near Winnersh Triangle
in Winnersh will lead to IGA enjoying even more success in the surrounding area and beyond.” Bradley Parker, who will help lead the new centre, added: “The area is teeming with talent
and, if you’re ambitious, there’s no-one better to work for or better place to be. “We know that, following lockdown, businesses are ready to invest in their future – and we are too.
“Opening an office in Winnersh shows how much belief we have in the area and, crucially, our neighbouring businesses.” For more information, visit: www.igatalent.com
BUSINESS | 33
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
BUSINESSTODAY A business park that is changing
Stars for Winnersh WINNERSH Triangle has been recognised for its sustainability with a prestigious award. The business park has received four Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) stars for its owners’ environment, social and governance work. Winnersh Triangle, which is owned by Frasers Property UK, has made the big jump up from two stars in 2020. It said the latest accolade aligns with its ambition to achieve net zero carbon emissions at the business park by 2050. Amira Hashemi, sustainability manager at Frasers Property UK, said: “We’ve worked hard to not just optimise our business park portfolio, but also the way we structure our corporate operations. “A four star GRESB rating is fantastic recognition of our efforts to integrate and deliver sustainability improvements at Winnersh Triangle and across the business park portfolio.” Sustainable initiatives that have contributed to Winnersh Triangle’s award include energy and water savings schemes, installing solar panels and running health and wellbeing sessions, such as yoga. It has also launched a free bike hire scheme around the park and installed bird, bat and bug boxes. “We’ve integrated sustainability risks into our risk management and improved our reporting,” Ms Hashemi added. “We’ve also certified over 1.6 million sq ft of space and [run] technical assessments across the portfolio, while also conducting occupier satisfaction surveys and actioning the feedback received.”
Million pound wifi project to benefit thousands of pupils By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
BERKSHIRE will be more connected than ever before, thanks to a new Virgin Media contract. West Berkshire Council has appointed the firm to deliver new fibre-optic infrastructure to schools, doctor’s surgeries and public libraries across the county. The work, due to be completed by March 2022, will focus on more than 80 locations and impact more than 26,000 school pupils. It forms part of a £1.7 million project run by the Berkshire Digital Infrastructure Group (DIG) to increase rural connectivity. The DIG is made up of the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (TVBLEP) and Berkshire’s six local authorities. Alison Webster, chief executive of TVP, said: “The pandemic has demonstrated that schools and communities need to be equipped with the latest technology; it’s not a nice-tohave but is vital to our prosperity. “The rollout of full fibre will not only keep our communities connected during times like this but also future-proof Berkshire’s economy, ensuring our capacity to attract and retain cutting edge businesses from
Business is booming “Many people have also been spending more time in their homes, which has included a new-found love of home cooking and baking.” He said the pandemic has also prompted people to appreciate the importance of hygiene more than ever, too. “This summer has rivalled Christmas in terms of peak bookings,” Mr Hellewell said. “The big question is whether this is a long-term trend or a temporary pandemic- inspired blip. “I’m optimistic that the renewed interest and appreciation in home cooking and hygiene is something that is here to stay.”
BUSINESS is booming for a Wokingham firm as people rediscover a love for baking. Oven-valeting franchise Ovenu said demand is rising as the community develops a renewed interest in cooking and cleaning. Rik Hellewell, founder and managing director, said the trend is taking hold across the country. “Ever since the start of the year, Ovenu has seen a high demand for its services, and there has been no let up,” he said. “Many opted for shorter staycations or weekends away, which meant they had more money to spend on the home and garden.
across the Digital sector to Life Sciences, and the emerging Film and TV production sector clusters. “We’re delighted to be playing a leading role alongside our partners in connecting Berkshire, which has never felt as important as it does right now.” The programme was founded after the pandemic prompted schools to expand their digital learning programmes, making it easier for students in rural areas to access education. West Berkshire Council said installing full fibre infrastructure across the county will make digital learning more accessible for pupils. It also hopes the programme will see schools become “digital community hubs” that can support adult education and re-skilling courses. Cllr Gerry Clark, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and digital connectivity, said being connected is vital for the entire community. “Fast digital connectivity is important to
Calling all networkers
Breaking down barriers
BUDDING entrepreneurs can meet faceto-face in Woodley for the first time next month. Woodley Business Club is hosting its first in-person networking meeting since the start of the pandemic. Held at Coffee #1 on Crockhamwell Road, the 90-minute session will include a chance for companies to feature in a Business Highlight slot. Attendees are asked to take a lateral flow test before arriving and face coverings are welcomed. The meeting will take place from 8am until 9.30am on Tuesday, November 9. Entry is free.
A NATIONAL firm is breaking down barriers with its virtual work experience scheme. Siemens has seen more than 1,000 students across the South East enrol into its online programme, which launched to make STEM careers more accessible during the pandemic. The third round of its scheme spurred into action earlier this week. Brenda Yearsley, education development manager, said: “Offering free, accessible work experience for students is vital to increase diversity and inclusion, and inspire a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
n For more information, or to book a space, visit: www.bit.ly/3Ba6JNf
A FARM SHOP FULL OF CHRISTMAS CHEER
SHEEPLANDS
Visit our Friendly Farm Shop & Plant Centre to pick up everything you need for a tasty and fun filled Christmas. Christmas Trees, decorations gifts, Christmas Dinner, party nibbles & even carrots for Rudolph!
PLANT CENTRE - CAFÉ - FARM SHOP
Cactus Show Sun 21 Nov with RHS Gold Medal winners Ottershaw Cacti
0118 9401600 info@hhsheep.co.uk www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk London Road, Hare Hatch. RG10 9HW
“Moving to an online delivery has helped us continue to offer this valuable experience to young people, regardless of geographical location, with some truly remarkable outcomes when it comes to gender and ethnic diversity — something Siemens is passionate about addressing.” According to Siemens, more than half (55%) of pupils on its virtual programme are from BAME backgrounds, while 40% of participants are women. The two week programme includes 10 hours of activities, prerecorded videos, quizzes and live webinars.
TREES & WREATHS
The Kings & Queens of Fresh Christmas Trees will be available by the 27 Nov. Handmade wreaths too.
Save the Dates Collectibles & Bric a Brac Fairs Sun 21 & Sun 28 Nov
our residents and businesses and supports education and healthcare provision,” he added. “Increasing the availability of these services is a key objective, and I am therefore delighted that through the Digital Infrastructure Group funding has been secured to enable a number of schools and surgeries within the Royal Borough to benefit from new fast-fibre connections.” This has been echoed by Mike Smith, director of large enterprise and pubic sector at Virgin Media, who said the scheme will help Berkshire “thrive”. “With so many schools being connected, young people are set to benefit from the infrastructure they need to get ahead in the digital era.” The project is funded by TVPBEL through the government’s Getting Building Fund. The first 15 sites are due to be connected from January 2022, with further sites added later in the year. It will offer schools, surgeries and libraries the potential to reach connection speeds of more than 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps).
Refreshments All Day Breakfast, Cream Teas & Freshly prepared meals in our Coffee Shop
Our butchers counter will be taking orders for Christmas meats until the 5th December
34 | NEWS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Sacred music at Douai on Sunday AN EVENING of sacred music is promised on Sunday evening. Douai Abbey in Upper Woolhampton is the venue for the Glass Ensemble’s concert, I Carry Your Heart With Me. The programme includes Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine, as well as music from the 16th century through to the present day. Composers include Judith Weir, David Lang and Cecilia McDowall. The concert starts at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £12, with accompanied under 18s able to enjoy the performance for free. n To book, or for more details, call the Newbury Corn Exchange on 0845 521 8218 or visit cornexchangenew.com
Future of cars AN ONLINE talk from a University of Reading expert will look at electric cares. Phil Coker is teaming up with Anthony Simpson, a renewable energy and sustainability specialist for the event on Wednesday, November 10. Starting at 7.30pm, the theme is The Climate For Electric Cars. It is being organised by the Caversham and District Residents’ Association. Places need to be registered in advance, by logging on to tinyurl.com/4vsmsre2
n For more details, log on to www. cadra.org.uk
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Green Party petition calls for the reopening of historic park toilets By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today
IT’S THE perennial problem of the pandemic … where do you spend a penny in a park?
With public toilets closed, along with many public buildings, during various lockdowns, children – and grown-ups for that matter – needing to answer a call of nature have been stuck with bushes. In Palmer Park in east Reading, there is additional frustration in that a building that was originally meant to be used as a public toilet has been closed for more than 25 years. Park ward Green party councillors have had enough of waiting, and have launched a petition aimed at getting Reading Borough Council to bring back into use the loos that are currently being left to rot, adding that it is a heritage building. In recent years, it has seen slates fall off, leaving beams exposed. Recently, Reading Borough Council has added protective fencing aimed at stopping people from climbing on to the roof or breaking in. Cllr Brenda McGonigle said that the toilet in the cafe and in the sports stadium were closed
OUT OF LOO ROLL: The former toilets in Palmer Park has been out of use for more than 25 years, but a petition is calling for the building to be saved Pictures: Phil Creighton during lockdown, leaving park users with no public facilities. “We’re asking the Labour Council to please save, restore, and re-open the old Palmer Park toilet block. “It is right by the much-used play area, and families need toilets,” she said. “We think the three buildings in the park, including the Pavilion – now Tutu’s fantastic café – were designed by local architect William Ravenscroft, and are part of Reading’s heritage and should be preserved for the future.”
Nearly 150 people have signed the Green Party’s petition over the issue, and it will be presented to Reading Borough Council in due course. A spokesperson for the council said the buildings had
been closed for over 25 years and the age of the building meant that its scope for accessibility was “very limited”. Plans for the new swimming pool and sports centre, which will open late next year, will be
fully accessible and have longer opening hours than a usual public convenience would have. “We are not considering reopening this facility at this time, as it would be very expensive and require managing for the appropriate use,” they said. “Instead we are focusing our limited budgets on reopening public toilet facilities across the borough closed during the pandemic and which do not have alternative conveniences nearby, unlike Palmer Park.” The spokesperson said that while they recognise the importance of providing public toilets, the council had to remove charging mechanisms as they were prone to vandalism and made them less accessible. “The council is in the process of reviewing future options on the old Palmer Park toilet block,” they continued. “The Palmer Park Pavilion and the associated buildings are also currently following the Local Listing consultation process, which will complete in early November. “The decision on whether to list these buildings will be made by Planning Applications Committee – at the earliest date in December.” n The petition can be seen at www.bit.ly/palmertoilet
ON THE ROAD: Reading Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 7 Picture: Phil Creighton
COME ONE COME ALL TO THE GREATEST SHOW IN WINNERSH Saturday 30th October 12pm - Late FRESH PIZZA SERVED ALL DAY
D A Y T IM E F a c e P a i n ti n g Pum p k in C arv in g F a m i l y F r i en d l y G a m e s S p o o k y Tre at s B e s t D r e s s ed C o m p e ti ti o n
EVENING L ive Mus ic H allo wee n C ock tai ls F ire Ac ts H allo wee n B eer Pon g P art y Ga mes
0118 978 4529
www.the-pheasant-hotel.co.uk 355 Reading Road, Winnersh, RG41 5LR
Not long to go... Reading Half Marathon is just around the corner (and up a hill) IT’S BEEN a long time coming, but Reading’s big race will soon be taking over the streets once again. Planned for April but postponed due to lockdowns, the 2021 Reading Half Marathon will see more than 13,000 runners take part on Sunday, November 17. The 13.1 mile route starts in Green Park, goes through Whitley and the university complex, before heading into the town centre, with the halfway point being close to The Oracle. Runners then continue along the Oxford Road, along Tilehurst Road, skirting Prospect Park before heading along the Bath Road and the A33 to the finish
line in the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Roads will be closed for the duration of the event, with the first runners setting off at 10.15am. As in previous years, organisers are promising entertainment and music on the day, as well as plenty of supporters cheering people on across the route. The race is now sponsored by Reading-based sports nutrtition, active wear and gym brand Unleashed Performance – and 75 of their team will be taking part in the run. Race director Judith Manson said: “We are so excited to
welcome Unleashed Performance to the Reading Half Marathon family and to share with them the world-renowned event we have created over the past 39 years. “The last 18 months have been incredibly tough but we find strength by supporting each other, local communities, and local businesses. “With our new partner we look to the future – returning to the magic of race day with our loyal community of runners, fundraisers, charities, athletes, volunteers, and key workers.” n For more details, log on to readinghalfmarathon.com
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
NEWS | 35
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
BANG: Fireworks events will be across the borough over the next fortnight Picture: Elisha Terada from Unsplash
Fireworks 2021: Find your local display
F
IREWORKS 2021: Where to find your nearest display in Wokingham borough
Every year, we remember the Gunpowder Plot by burning an effigy of Guy Fawkes on a bonfire and lighting fireworks. A number of organised displays will take place across Berkshire over the coming weeks, and we have listed as many as we can below. If your display is missing, please email us at news@ wokingham.today
Saturday, October 30 Ascot Racecourse
A DAY of racing, followed by a fairground with dodgems, clip clop pony rides, mini jets and more. Rides free before 4pm, £1 per go afterwards, with proceeds going to charity. Racing from 10.45am to 5.30pm. Fireworks from 6pm. Under 18s free, adults from £27. Firework only tickets from 4pm, £7, £5 for children, under fives free. n Details: www.ascot.co.uk or 01344 346 3000, or www. ascotfireworks.org.uk
Sandhurst Fireworks
A BIT of a rarity this one: a
free entry event. Organised by Sandhurst Town Council, it takes place in the Memorial Park from 5pm. There will be a fun fair and inflatables, hot food stands and live entertainment to get people in the mood for the firework display itself, which launches at 7.30pm. Organisers hope everyone attending will walk, but there is a car park available with a fee of £2. Disabled car parking will be available until 7pm. n For more details, log on to www. sandhurst.gov.uk
Twyford Fireworks
THE annual Twyford and District Round Table display takes place, as ever, in King George V Playing Field off Loddon Hall Road. Gates open at 6.30pm, with the usual funfair offering a host of rides for all ages to enjoy. There will also be a barbecue, hot chocolate and other refreshment stalls. The firework display, which this year has a theme of Harry Potter, will start around 7.30pm, and the bonfire will be lit afterwards. Tickets cost £6 in advance, £4 for youths and seniors and £1 for children, with a £1 surcharge on the gate. n For more details, log on to www. twyfordroundtable.org
Friday, November 5
Earley St Peter’s School Association display THIS year’s annual event will take place in Sol Joel Park. As in previous years, there will be stalls serving food and drink, including popcorn candy floss, sweets and burgers. Adults will appreciate a bar, while children will be able to stock up on glow sticks and other novelties. Due to licensing restrictions, there will not be a bonfire. Gates open from 6pm, with fireworks from 7pm. Advance ticket cost £7.50, £5.50 for students, £4.50 for children or £20 for families. On the gate, add £1 to each of the prices. n Details: buytickets.at/ espsafireworks2019/305831
Legoland’s annual bricktacular!
HEAD just down the road to Windsor and you can enjoy the annual Brick or Trick event. The show includes special Legoland fireworks that turn into exploding Lego bricks if special glasses are worn. The show is set to music. The park has Hallowe’en-themed activities all week, but the fireworks are only on show on Friday, November 5, Saturday,
November 6, and Sunday, November 7. Prices start from £30 per person, plus entry to the park. n For more details, log on to www.legoland.co.uk
Saturday, November 6 COOKHAM Scouts annual fireworks display The popular event will once again be held at Grove Island, off Odney Lane - it’s opposite the local heritage centre. The Scouts will open the gates at 5.30pm, with the bonfire being lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks from 7.15pm. There will be hot dogs and other refreshments, including mulled wine. Tickets cost £5 in advance or £7 on the gate. Some parking is available — organisers hope you’ll walk in. n For more details, log on to www.cookham.com
Fleet Lions Fireworks Fiesta
FIREWORKS are returning this year, but audience numbers are reduced from 6,000 to 4,200. There will be fireworks, food stalls, children’s items to buy, bar. Free parking off Harlington Way from 4pm to 9pm. Gates 5pm, fireworks 6.30pm. Adults £7 children £3
families £17. Takes place at Calthorpe Park, Fleet GU51 4AB. n Details at tickets: www. fleetlions.org.uk
Pangbourne Fireworks Fiesta
PANGBOURNE Primary School, Kennedy Drive RG8 7LB. Gates 5.30pm, display 7pm. Hot food, bar, mulled wine, stalls, chocolate tombola, Music from Dream Sellers. In aid of Pangbourne Primary PTA. Advance tickets: £3 under 15s, £8.50 over 16s, £20 family ticket. On the gate: £4 under 15s, £10 over 16s, £25 family ticket. Under 16s must be accompanied. n Details: fopps.org.uk
Reading Fireworks
SCOURS Lane — where Woodley FC plays its home games — is the venue for the Reading Lions fireworks show. There’s plenty to do before the fireworks display, with fairground rides, hot food and drink stalls and a licensed bar. There’s further fun with face painting and other activities. Gates open at 5.30pm, with the display from 7pm. Advance family tickets are £18 and include two adults up to three under 16s. Adults £7,
children £3. Under fives get in free. Limited tickets will be available on the gate. n For more details, or to book, log on to www.readinglionsfireworks. org.uk
Wokingham Fireworks 2021
THE annual event returns to Wokingham and will be as in previous years: the torchlit procession will make its way from Market Place, through Milton Road and down to Cantley Field. The fairground will be in operation, while food vendors will feed the crowds. The fireworks take place from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 in advance, or £8 on the day. Children under seven go free. n Details: www.wokinghamfireworks.co.uk
Woodley and Earley Lions display
TAKING place once again in Laurel Park, the event will be partially organised by Laurel Park Football Club. There will be a 20-minute high impact firework and music display to enjoy as well as entertainment and stalls. Entry is £10, £5 for under 14s and free for children if they are pushed or carried. Gates open at 5.30pm for a 7pm start.
36 | NEWS
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Green flag status FROMTHECOURTS for Reading parks
AWARD: Forbury Gardens Picture: Phil Creighton TWO parks in Reading borough have been given green flags and named as green heritage sites. Forbury Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens have been named in the Green Flag Awards scheme, aimed at celebrating open spaces to treasure. Judges look for high-quality maintenance and excellent wildlife-and climate-friendly practices. Cllr Karen Rowland, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for culture, heritage and recreation, was delighted that the parks have kept their status. “It is a clear reflection of the hard work put in by both the Council and from voluntary organisations throughout the year to keep these parks in such good condition,” she said. “I would like to extend my congratulations to all of those involved in the maintenance of these open spaces for their achievement.” And she had one eye on Forbury’s heritage: “2021 is an incredibly auspicious year for Reading - marking 900 years since Reading Abbey, originally one of Europe’s largest royal monasteries was founded by King Henry I of England. The Green Flag Award is a further string to the bow for the jewel in our town’s heritage crown.” Woodford Park in Woodley has also received the award, and this is managed by Woodley Town Council.
n A READING man found guilty of assaulting two men has been ordered to pay each of them £100 compensation. Richard Leonard Lambourne, 41 and from Rowe Court, Grovelands Road, carried out the attacks in Reading on December 4 last year. At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on August 12, he was ordered to undertake a rehabilitation activity, pay the compensation, £500 costs and £95 to victim services.
n A READING man found in possession of cannabis plants was been ordered to carry out 100 hours of community service. Brendan Bicknell, 21 and from Modbury Gardens, grew the plants between November 1 and December 4 last year. And on April 28 this year, he was found guilty of being in possession of a small quantity of herbal cannabis resin and also driving without insurance. He had been stopped on Basingstoke Road. He was also guilty of harassing a man on December 2 last year and February 10 this year. A restraining order was placed on Bicknell. He was also given six points on his licence, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £95 to victim services. The plants were destroyed. n A SOUTHCOTE man who drove while disqualified has been ordered to undertake a rehabilitation activity. Stefan Antonio Williams, 33 and from Coronation Square, pleaded guilty when he appeared
at Reading Magistrates Court on August 17 – he had previously pleaded not guilty. He was also guilty of driving without insurance and driving without due care and attention. Williams is banned from driving for 10 months, and ordered to pay £630 costs and £90 to victim services. n A READING woman who drove without insurance and while banned has been given 120 hours of community service. Kayleigh Louise Stephens, 34 and from Russell Street, was stopped on Virginia Way in Reading on August 29, 2019. At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on August 17, she was banned from driving for 10 months, ordered to pay £85 costs and £90 to victim services. At the same sitting, Stephens was found guilty of aiding another banned driver, driving a car on the A33, using a car without insurance and being in possession of a quantity of cocaine. These offences took place on August 20, 2019, and for them she was ordered to pay £630 costs. n A MAN who was caught masturbating while in a car has been given a 16-week jail sentence,
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Courts in recent weeks suspended for 24 months, and ordered to undertake a rehabilitation programme. William John Ambrose, 37 and from Basingstoke Road, was on the Oxford Road in Reading when he was spotted. The incident took place on July 1. He was also found to be in possession of a quantity of cannabis. He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £128 to victim services. The drugs were destroyed. n A TILEHURST man who stole alcohol worth £65.50 from a branch of Marks & Spencer in Reading has been given a 12-month conditional discharge. Gerard Lawrence, 18 and from Ash Road, committed the offence on February 4 this year. On the same day, he stole alcohol, worth £105, from a branch of Tesco. He was ordered to pay £16.50 compensation to Marks & Spencer and £26.25 to Tesco. He must also pay £85 costs and £22 to victim services, at a rate of £20 per month. n A READING woman who stole three bottles of whiskey and assaulted someone has been given an eight-week jail sentence suspended for 18 months. Hannah Kate Howard, 39 and from Waterloo Rise, stole the booze, worth £95, from a branch of Morrison’s in Reading on February 26, 2019. The assault was on the same day. She pleaded guilty at a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on
August 23, where the sentence was handed out. n FAILING to attend appointments set up by the court has seen a Reading man fined £40 and ordered to pay £60 costs. Edman Sampson Silveira, 47 and from Mount Pleasant, did not give a reasonable explanation as to why he didn’t attend two meetings earlier this year. He admitted the breach at a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on August 23. n A TILEHURST man who assaulted someone in Wokingham on Spetember 11 last year has been ordered to undertake 220 hours of community service. Max Alan Tuson, 31 and from Corwen Road, pleaded not guilty on January 19 this year, but at a hearing on July 8, he was found guilty. At a sentencing hearing on August 23, Tuson was ordered to undertake the community service, pay £500 compensation, costs of £275 and £95 to victim services, at a rate of £50 per month. n A SOUTHCOTE woman who stole goods worth £204 from the Bracknell branch of Boots has been fined £40 and ordered to pay £32 to victim services. Amanda Louise Basden, 41 and from Coronation Square, pleaded guilty to the thefts, which took place on November 29, 2019. At a hearing on August 24, magistrates declined to order costs.
Trusted to care Award winning care homes Our highly trained care home teams are specialists in residential, nursing, dementia and respite care, so whatever your needs and personal preferences, we’re here to help you and your family at every step of the journey. If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, call 0343 253 8606 or visit careuk.com/berkshire
Our care homes in Berkshire Bickerton House, Bracknell Parsons Grange, Shinfield
37
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
INTHECOMMUNITY
News from your clubs, groups and societies. Email your news to: news@wokingham.today CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: The Reading Santa Run will take place at Forbury Gardens on Sunday, December 12. Picture: Chris Drew
WPR_2021-10-18_TheWokinghamPaper_33x2 (1)_Just Go
READINGTODAY Reader travel WorcesterObserver
HISTORIC BATH
& Bristol Christmas Market BristolChristmasMarket&HistoricBath_D.pdf
Departing Sat 4 Dec ‘21
GIFTS: A collection of loose change will be used to form a giant poppy which will aid the work of the Tilehurst British Legion this Remembrance Picture: Kate Taylor
Help turn Tilehurst red for annual Poppy Appeal TILEHURST is again turning red to show their support of the Poppy Appeal. The event will run from Saturday, November 6, through to Sunday, November 14. Local schools, business, churches and homes are all taking part in making displays. This year, the theme is Flowers and a competition, sponsored by Teescroft Electrical Services, offers prizes for best House Display, best School Display and best building display. As part of this year’s event we will also be planting 12,000 bulbs all around Tilehurst. Most of the bulbs will be planted by school children to brighten up their grounds. On Thursday, November 11, Turn Tilehurst Red will be asking everyone to bring along their spare change to the Triangle to help us build a giant poppy. All money collected will be donated to the Tilehurst British Legion Poppy Appeal. This event will run from 9am to 3pm. And there will also be a short service at 11am with a two-minute silence.
KATE TAYLOR
Marie Curie says start planting END of life charity, Marie Curie, is encouraging residents to start preparing for its next National Day of Reflection. It is calling on people, schools and organisations to plant spring bulbs and seeds this autumn, so they are ready for spring. It hopes the flowers will bloom in time for Wednesday, March 23, the National Day of Reflection. Florist, author and television presenter Simon Lycett is backing the call. “You can’t beat the feeling that spring flowering bulbs, like my favourites, daffodils, bring after the dark days of winter,” he said. “We’ve all had a difficult year to reflect back on. Many of us devastated by the death of a loved one. “I can’t think of a better way to reflect on this grief than in the simple act of planting a bulb, restoring our hope for better times to come.” n For more information, visit: mariecurie.org.uk/ daytoreflect
Rotary brings festive cheer with fun run
H
UNDREDS of dressed-up Santa’s will be running in a festive charity fundraiser this December.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Reading, families and individuals will race around the town for the Reading Santa Run on Sunday, December 12. The event will be supporting two charities, the Reading Refugee Support Group and The Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Starting and finishing in Forbury Gardens, families can choose to take part in the 3 mile (5km) festive run or the smaller Mini Santa and Elf Run, which is 0.62 miles (1km). The main race, which begins at 10am, will lead runners through Market Place, Broad Street and the Oracle shopping centre. It then takes the scenic route along the Kennet before crossing the river to return to Reading
Why Lizzie loves phlegm EASTHAMPSTEAD Rotarians and their partners got together again earlier this month at The Coppid Beech Hotel on the Bracknell/ Wokingham ‘fringe’ and enjoyed meeting Lizzie Eady who educated and entertained them. Lizzie, a community respiratory physiotherapist with the Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, works with people who have longterm respiratory conditions. “I love phlegm,” she admitted, “we see a variety of patients who experience a productive cough and difficulty clearing their chest as a result of their lung condition.
through Chestnut Walk and the Oscar Wilde gates. Starting at 9.30am, the mini-race will see parents, dressed as Santas, and children, dressed as Elves, pass through Market Place and Broad Street. Participants of either run can choose to raise money for the designated charities, their own organisation or the local rotary charities. Jonjo Warrick, fundraising and communications manager at Reading Refugee Support Group, said the charity is “unbelievably excited” to be part of the Reading Santa Run. “Since the recent Afghanistan Crisis, we’re now supporting more than 500 Afghan men, women and children living in temporary housing locally with no support from the government,” he said. “The money we raise at the Santa Run will help us to give them mental health support, social activities, advice, internet access, and one-to-one befriending that they urgently need.”
“Following Covid-19 you may find that you have a dry irritable cough or a productive cough with phlegm on your chest.” Lizzie studied Sport Science at Swansea University, graduating in 2017, before completing a Physiotherapy MSc at London South Bank University. She is a member of the Air Team at King Edward VII Hospital in Windsor, and helps patients manage their breathlessness, as a result of their long-term respiratory conditions such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). During the Covid-19 lockdowns, consultations had not been running face-to-face. The team were able to provide telephone support and home visits
as the guidance allowed. They are delighted that they can now again run their pulmonary rehabilitation programmes in Windsor and at the Bracknell Open Learning Centre. If you’re suffering post-Covid breathing problems, do consult your GP. And there are helpful NHS websites, such as: www. kentcht.nhs.uk/leaflet/supportingyou-to-recover-after-covid19-managing-your-cough-andclearing-your-chest/ Easthampstead Rotarians meet fortnightly to have fun together and progress their community projects. New members are welcome. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub/
PETER VON BERGEN
Could you be an Ambassador? READING UK is on the lookout for more volunteers after its new scheme welcomes visitors to the town. A team of residents, called the Welcome Ambassadors, has been set up to provide information and directions to tourists arriving by train. Now Reading UK hopes that more people will come forward to join the team. Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director for Reading UK, said: “The volunteer Ambassadors represent our town and all that is great about it, sharing their knowledge of things to do, where to go and how to get there with
the thousands of people who pass through Reading Station every day. “If you are proud of Reading and interested in helping welcome visitors back to our town, come join the team.” Volunteers will have a good knowledge of Reading, its geography and what it has to offer to tourists, shoppers, business visitors or people visiting for other reasons. Welcome Ambassador volunteer Terry Dixon said: “From helping people on the station with all manner of requests and giving a good first impression of Reading to
providing directions and ideas of things to do in Reading, volunteering as a welcome ambassador is rewarding and fulfils an important function of promoting our friendly town to people visiting or just passing through.” Located inside Reading Station near the main ticket barriers, the volunteers will receive full training and a uniform. Anyone interested will need to be able to volunteer for three hours, one day a week. n To find out about volunteering as a Welcome to Reading Ambassador email: alex@ livingreading.co.uk
Come and enjoy this enchanting Christmas Market in the twinkling city of Bristol. Nestled in the city centre and with a range of traders providing a variety of seasonal offerings in chalet style stalls, there is plenty to get you into the festive spirit!
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham Overnight stay at a selected 3 or 4-star hotel with breakfast Visit to Bristol Christmas Market En-route visit to Bath
2 Days by Coach
only £99
Single Supplement £30
LEEDS CHRISTMAS SHOPPER & York St Nicholas Fayre
Departing Fri 10 Dec ‘21 Enjoy fabulously festive scenes and Christmas shopping aplenty as we head to York’s award-winning St Nicholas Fayre. Browse the traditional stalls and listen to the festive choirs and brass bands as you enjoy some of the tempting food and drink on offer.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 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
3 Days by Coach
only £129
Single Supplement £60
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
38
To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
Classifieds
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Get your business seen!
Email: advertising@wokingham.today
JOB VACANCY
TECHNOLOGY
TV AERIAL & SATELLITE
PET SITTING
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).
Phone: 0118 327 2662
PAINTING & DECORATING
39
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, October 27, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
PHOTOGRAPHER
111117_NG_Adboard_2250mm_x_850mm_MASTER_PATHS.indd 1
KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION
TREE SURGEONS
18/06/2020 18:00
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
WELL BEING
Please recycle me ! It’s good news for everyone
HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING
GOODS WANTED
BUSINESS DIRECTORY TILING SPECIALISTS Italian Style Ltd Tiling Specialist Ita l ia n Style Kitchens, Bath a nd patio a re the perfect place to fu lfi l a l l you r ideas. Us i ng ou r experience, we provide free of cha rge advice.
For the latest news visit
O u r goa l is to meet a l l you r requ i rements, dema nds a nd dead l i nes you a re worki ng on.
italianstyleltduk@gmail.com
Call us on 07481 913 914
Autumn
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
31
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662
EXCLUSIVE SHOWROOM APPOINTMENTS
SALE CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES
available
BOOK NOW GET AN EXTRA
% 10OFF
EXTENSIONS & SOLID ROOFS
WINDOWS & DOORS
TradeMark have been proudly providing local homeowners with quality home improvements for over 25 years. Book A PRIVATE Showroom Appointment Now! EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE Showroom Appointments available night or day.
TEL: 0800 30 50 30
WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK