Reading Today, June 22, 2022

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 No. 35 90p

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Standing together

Reading pauses to remember David, Joe and James – the victims of the Forbury Gardens terrorist attack TWO YEARS ON • SPECIAL REPORT INSIDE

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Man sentenced for harassment

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Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant 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.

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FOLLOWING an investigation by Thames Valley Police a man has been sentenced to three years’ and four months’ imprisonment for harassment.

Abid Khan, aged 22, of Cardigan Gardens, Reading, pleaded guilty to one count of Section 4 Harassment at a hearing at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, June 17.

He was sentenced to three years’ and four months imprisonment as well as being made the subject of a 10-year restraining order at the same court.

The conviction relates to a campaign of harassment that Khan undertook against a teenage girl which took place between July 2021 and February 2022.

He physically assaulted the victim, threatened them, sent

BEHIND BARS: Khan has been sentenced to three years and four months imprisonment and a ten-year restraining order after pleading guilty to harassment. them abusive messages, displayed threatening behaviour as well as visiting the victim’s home and workplace.

Khan was arrested on Monday,

January 17, and charged the same day.

Case investigator Caithrin Roche, said: “Abid Khan perpetrated a lengthy campaign of harassment against a younger and more vulnerable female victim.

“This consisted of assaults, threats, turning up when he was not wanted and more.

“His guilty plea reflects that he now acknowledges this behaviour is wrong.

“The effects of this harassment are long lasting.

“I hope that the sentence and the restraining order imposed provide the victim of this case with some solace.

“If you are being harassed please do report it to us through 101 or 999 if you are in immediate danger.”

Police apology for death of a man in custody

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today THAMES Valley Police has apologised to the family of Leroy Junior Medford, who died while in custody in Reading in 2017.

Police officers had failed to find drugs that Mr Medford, 43, had concealed.

CCTV later witnessed him ingesting a small package he had concealed, shortly after which he collapsed and died.

Deputy Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police Jason Hogg wrote to the family of Mr Medford, apologising for the death, and the “grief and distress that this has caused to Junior’s children and siblings.”

The letter also acknowledged that the death had been avoidable, and that the human rights of both Mr Medford and his family had been breached.

After being arrested on suspicion of assault, he was taken into custody at Loddon Valley Police Station.

Officers had been informed that

he had concealed drugs on his person, leading to a strip search and internal scan, though nothing was found.

Overall, he was searched three times.

Two officers were instructed to keep Mr Medford under constant observation, however a 2019 inquest heard that officers were unaware that this required one of them to remain in the cell.

Instead, it was interpreted that he should be observed from outside of the cell.

The inquest heard that officers had not seen Mr Medford ingesting the package he had concealed, which contained heroin, and led to his later collapse, and subsequent death.

His sister, Marilyn MedfordHawkins, speaking to the BBC, said that the incident had been “absolutely devastating for the family.”

She added that it had affected her health, and that “the people that were supposed to look after Junior neglected him, they left him to die.”

The inquest into Mr Medford’s death included a call for a national review of training procedures across the country from the coroner.

In his letter to the family, Mr Hogg acknowledged there was a failure to comply with procedures, and said: “While we appreciate that no words will heal the pain of Junior’s death, we hope that this letter of apology may offer you a measure of comfort.”

Rachel Harger, the family’s lawyer, said: “Independent medical expert evidence obtained during the inquest was unequivocal that, had there been earlier medical intervention, Junior would have survived.

“The reason he did not have this intervention was a direct consequence of Thames Valley Police officers’ failures yet it has taken over five years to publicly acknowledge that Junior’s death was avoidable and to apologise to Junior’s family for these failures.”

Mr Medford’s death sparked an investigation into the two officers under whose observation he was supposed to have been, with each being investigated for misconduct.

The case against one of the officers was proven misconduct, though the other officer had retired before proceedings could begin against them.

Call For Sites launched for council’s new local plan update A CALL for potential building sites has been made by a neighbouring council, as part of its local plan update.

Buckinghamshire is asking landowners, prospective developers and other interested parties are invited to put forward land to be allocated for development.

Ian Barnett, National Land Director at Leaders Romans Group (LRG) said this was the first stage in the process and if a site was selected as a preferred option, it could become an allocated site for development.

“Even if landowners are unsure as to whether they wish for their land to be developed, it will increase significantly in value when allocated, and so to put a site forward at this stage is sensible,” he said.

“This point in the planmaking process presents a window of opportunity which may not happen again for a number of years, so it’s worth taking advantage of regardless of future plans.”

The process opened last week and is for all sites bar brownfield.

Mr Barnett said: “There is a wide range of development models today – through options, promotion agreements or joint ventures.

“The demand from developers for development sites is huge and land which is assessed positively is in very high demand.

“Seeking professional advice from a land agent that specialises in development is important to ensure that landowners do not incur unnecessary costs and to enable them to make an informed decision.”

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

BEHIND BARS: Frank Nyantakyi

Jail for man who seriously injured road worker

CHEERS: Carl Mellors from The Alehouse raises his glass to news that the town centre pub has been named cider pub of the year by members of Reading and Mid-Berkshire CAMRA in their annual awards Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Reading’s pubs celebrated by CAMRA in award ceremony

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today READING and Mid-Berskhire’s branch of the Campaign for Real Ale has announced its pubs of the year, with two pubs in Reading winning big.

Every year, CAMRA awards pubs and clubs prestigious titles in three categories, with Pub of the Year, Cider Pub of the Year, and Club of the Year.

This year, the Alehouse has been awarded the Cider Pub of the Year, given to the pub which best promotes and encourages the sale of quality ciders and perries.

The Alehouse made it through the first stage of judging, and will now be eligible for the super-regional

judging stage, where it could be in the running for the national award, announced later this year.

It beat out regional finalists the Castle Tap, and the Nags Head, both of Reading, and The Bell, in Waltham St Lawrence.

The judging for the cider category considers the quality of cider and perry at the venue, the promotion and knowledge of the product, atmosphere and style, service, and community focus.

The Retreat was also given recognition, taking runner up in the Pub of the Year category.

While it was pipped by The Bell in Waltham St Lawrence, it fought off stiff competition from The Alehouse, The Allied Arms, The Three Guineas, and The Retreat, all also in Reading.

GOOD FOR A PINT: The Retreat was runner-up in the pub of the year category

Sonning Golf Club was also awarded runner-up for the Club of the Year, beating the Royal British Legion Club in Arborfield.

The award went instead to the Wargrave and District Snooker Club.

The Campaign for Real Ale works to survey pubs to provide guidance

Great Western Rail awarded new contract until June 2025 THE DEPARTMENT for Transport has announced that it has awarded a new contract to Great Western Railway to continue operating the Great Western network.

The contract is in place until at least June 2025, though there is scope for a further three years at the discretion of the Transport secretary.

GWR managing director Mark Hopwood said: “We are delighted to have been awarded a National Rail Contract by the Department for Transport, which is a sign of its confidence in GWR as a trusted operator, and means we can continue to build on welcoming more people back to the railway.

“We look forward to working with our rail partners to develop services designed to meet changing customer needs, and putting passengers at the heart of an updated, modern railway.”

The GWR has stated that its focus will remain on attracting people back to using rail, to improve the customer experience, continuing to invest in sustainable services, and providing value for money.

Rail minister Wendy Morton said: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Great Western Railway, and excited by its plans to deliver more benefits for local communities.

“During the pandemic, GWR was instrumental in keeping critical services moving and this new contract will see it continue to deliver our ambitious Plan for Rail and provide a fantastic service for passengers.”

Great Western Railway took over the Great Western franchise in 2015, since which it has reported a jump in satisfaction rates among customers from 81% to 91%.

Part of GWR's ongoing investment in sustainable services includes the new station at Green Park, due to open later in the summer.

for good beer and pubs, as part of its Good Pub Guide.

It also works to support local breweries, as well as advocate for and protect existing pubs and venues, and organises the annual Reading Beer and Cider Festival as well as a number of other beer and ale festivals.

A LOWER EARLEY man has been jailed for more than three years and banned from getting behind the wheel for five, after seriously injuring a man working in the road.

Frank Nyantakyi, 34 and of Maiden Place, pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, June 10.

The jail term is three years and three months, while he is disqualified from driving for five years plus a two-year-and-two-month extension.

Nyantakyi will have to take an extended retest when disqualification expires.

The sentence relates to an incident that took place around 9.55pm on Thursday, May 6, last year.

Nyantakyi drove a silver Volkswagen Golf being down a closed lane on the A4 Theale bypass.

The vehicle hit a man in his fifties who was working in the road. He suffered fractures to five bones in his legs and muscle and tissue damage to both legs.

Nyantakyi was charged on Wednesday, July 21 last year.

Other offences relating to the incident were discontinued, but taken into account at sentencing.

Detective Constable Joy Jarvis, of the Joint Operations Serious Collision Investigation Unit, based at Three Mile Cross police station, said: “This was a tragic incident in which a man suffered from serious, life-changing injuries.

“Nyantakyi will now have to serve a prison sentence as a result of this appalling driving and when he is released, he will be disqualified from driving and will need to take an extended test in order to regain his licence.

“Thames Valley Police will never tolerate driving of this nature and will always look to bring offenders to justice.”

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

TWO YEARS ON

Reading reflects on second anniversary of F

By JAKE CLOTHIER Queer correspondent ON MONDAY, Reading came together to mark the second anniversary of the terror attack in Forbury Gardens.

It claimed the lives of David Wails, Joe Ritchie-Bennett, and James Furlong, and left three more people injured.

Before a public memorial service, the families and friends of the victims held a private ceremony in St Laurence’s Church, close to Forbury Gardens.

The Revd Chris Jones led the ceremony, inviting members of the family to share their memories of David, James, and Joe, each followed by music they enjoyed for a period of reflection.

Julia Titus performed an original song, followed by the reading of Psalm 23, and the lighting of candles in memory.

During the service, Reading Borough Council leader, Jason Brock, said: “I think of them often, when similar events happen around the world, and I know that I am not alone in that.

“We stand with you, and we remain standing with you.”

After the service, they joined Reading Borough Council representatives and members of the public for a memorial ceremony in the gardens.

Attendees, including a number of officers from Thames Valley Police, the Ambulance service, and first responders, were welcomed by the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden.

She also led a minute’s silence before a member of staff from the Holt school, where James Furlong taught as head of history and government and politics, performed a reading of In Our Hearts.

The Revd Sonya Wratten, vicar of Reading Minster of St Mary the Virgin in Reading’s town centre, then gave a reading, and led attendees in prayer.

Finally, Cllr Eden led a flower laying ceremony, where yellow flowers were

Plaques installed at the bar in the Blagrave Arms in memory of Joe, David, and James. Picture: Jake Clothier

REMEMBERED: Candles lit in memory at St Laurence’s church. Picture: Steve Smyth laid, representing friendship, while Nicole Grace performed Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Roses were laid in memory of Joe, sunflowers in memory of James, and gerberas in memory of David.

To close the ceremony, the Maiwand Lion, which came to further symbolise the unity and strength of the people of Reading, was lit.

In an address to those who had gathered to pay their respects, Cllr Eden, said: “Thank you for standing together, thank

A drink each poured out for Joe, James, and David at the Blagrave Arms. Picture: Jake Clothier

you for being Reading.

“To all those affected, to family and friends, please know, as Cllr Brock said, not only do we stand with you, we remain standing with you.

“And can I add you are held in our hearts, and the hearts of the people of Reading, every day.”

Friends and family gathered at the Blagrave Arms, where three plaques have been installed honouring the men.

As they were during the first anniversary last year, a drink for each of them was poured and displayed above the plaques.

Tributes from people around Reading were posted to social media during the day, including from Reading Borough Council, LGBTQ+ support charity Support U, and The Holt School.

Thames Valley Police also posted that their thoughts were with those affected by the event, and to highlight the bravery of the first responders and everyone who helped in the aftermath of the incident.

They were joined by the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, which said that it stands alongside its emergency service partners in remembering the victims.

In a statement prior to the service, Reading Pride’s chief engagement officer Tom Price said: “Today, more than ever, we think of Joe, James, and David and their families, and all those affected by the attacks “They’re always in our hearts, and always in the hearts of the community.

“It is important that we always remind ourselves of the importance of the community not just within the LGBTQ+, but within all of Reading.

“Our thoughts and love got out to the families of Joe, James, and David.”

Reading Together is raising funds to create a permanent memorial to the victims of the attacks, which you can donate to by visiting: www. crowdfunder.co.uk. n Those affected by the attacks can seek support by visiting: together.reading.gov.uk

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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U launches TWO YEARS ON Support violence support service

Forbury terrorist attacks

The Revd Sonya Wratten from Reading Minster Church leads the Forbury Memorial service in a prayer

Members of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police pay their respects. Picture: Steve Smyth

St Laurence’s the Revd Chris Jones led the private service, inviting family to share memories of James, Joe, and David

Julia Titus performs an original song at the private service in St Laurence’s church

READING-BASED LGBTQ+ charity Support U has launched a new service to help victims of domestic violence.

After the Ministry of Justice released new funding, the charity announced the new service at a launch event at the Blagrave Arms last week.

It is the first specialist domestic abuse and sexual violence support service in the Thames Valley.

Lorna McArdle, CEO and co-founder of Support U, said at the event: “Two years ago, there was a tragedy at the Forbury Gardens, where three innocent men lost their lives.

“Because the LGBT community wasn’t reaching out to the generic support services for help, we were called in to help by Reading Borough Council and Thames Valley Police.

She welcomed guests to the launch of the service, “after 18 months of training, capacity building, and expanding our network and establishing what we needed to deliver those provisions.”

The funding for the new service was allocated by the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner, Matthew Barber.

The event also featured presentations from Support U’s independent domestic abuse and sexual violence advisors, Jamie Dewson and Oliwia Budzinska, who explained how the service would support those using the service.

This was followed by an address by one of the people previously supported by the charity, who spoke about their experiences.

Ms McArdle said: “We aren’t a crisis team, but we take it upon ourselves to learn what trauma looks like when it’s presented, and how to support this, “This bought us funding to start paying our volunteer caseworkers, and the team stepped up, wanted to learn, and wanted to be there to support our community.” n For more information, or to access Support U’s services, visit: www.supportu.org.uk

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Reading cleans up its act: air quality has seen an improvement over the past five years READING has seen an improvement in its air quality over the past five years according to new research.

To mark Clean Air Day, which took place on Thursday last week, Forbes Advisor charted the South East’s 10 towns which made the biggest leaps in cleaning up its O2.

The region had one of the smallest improvements in air quality in that time, just 4.71%, according to the background pollution tool used by the firm.

Reading is above that average, which a 16% improvement, seeing its score in the air quality index reach 5.27.

Top of the league as Slough, which saw a 35% improvement, taking it to 5.66.

Woking was 10th, with a 4% improvement, and a score of 5.

The Air Quality Index Score analyses the highest concentration of the five pollutants (nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ozone, particles < 2.5m [PM2.5] and particles < 10m [PM10]).

The data was gathered as part of a study into The Best Cities for Exercise Lovers.

Sushi to go in new-look Aldi

The Barberettes were on song

Inflatables were fun attractions at the fete HAPPY DAY: Olivia blows bubbles at the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals Charity Summer Fete held in Tilehurst on Saturday Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images / RT22062001

Welcome return for hospital fete A WELCOME return – that was a summer fete held for the first time since the covid pandemic.

On Saturday, crowds flocked to Victoria Recreational Ground for the event, organised by the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals.

There were bouncy castles, inflatable assault courses, funfair rides and plenty of stalls for

people to enjoy, while a dog show offered the chance to compete for award such as best trick or best outfit.

A raffle offered prizes including a games console, and chocolate hampers.

And adults could make a visit to the prosecco van, while enjoying live entertainment.

The mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, was among those attending, and she won a coconut.

Among the stalls was Hospital Radio, who provided PA during the show.

The event was the raise funds for the charity, which helps support patients at hospitals across Berkshire.

Games such as Splat the Rat could be played

A READING supermarket is about to reopen following a makeover.

The new-look Aldi store in Vastern Court will welcome shoppers from 8am on Thursday, June 23, where they can discover what the firm says is a more customer-focused layout. This, they add, makes it easier to find products and discover new ranges.

It is part of Project Fresh, a £600 million investment in the company’s UK stores, and based on feedback from more than 50,000 customers. Aldi says the store has increased space dedicated to fresh British meat and fish, as well as its Lacura health and beauty range, award-winning beers, wines and spirits, babycare products, and an improved Food to Go section, offering salads, sandwiches and sushi.

Enhancements include moving bakery items to the final aisle, so they don’t get squashed in the shop, and new freezers that are easier to browse. There will also be clearer signage.

Store manager Benjamin Cope said: “The store is looking fantastic, and we can’t wait to welcome our loyal customers back. We’re committed to making sure that the shopping experience each customer enjoys in our stores is on a par with the products and services they’re used to.”

Events held to mark refugee week

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A READING-BASED charity that helps refugees is busy organising events to mark Refugee Week.

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The national event runs until Sunday and includes football tournaments, workshops and art exhibitions.

Refugee Support Group’s activities include film screenings. One took place in Wokingham last week, with Hostile being screened in Reading’s Biscuit Factory on Thursday, and another screening will take place in Newbury’s Corn Exchange on Wednesday, June 29.

The first Reading Community Cup contest will take place on Saturday.

Held at the artificial pitch at the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus, this will see Berkshire’s only refugee football team, Sanctuary Strikers Football Club, compete with guest teams Giveback FC, Burghfield FC, and Thames Valley Police FC. The contest aims to promote unity and integration through the international language of football.

It runs from 10am and 2pm,

and is run in partnership with Reading FC Community Trust, University of Reading and Reading City of Sanctuary.

An art exhibition is running at St Nicolas Church in Earley until July 31. This features poetry, prose, paintings, and photographs created by 32 people from all over the world.

Half of the creatives who have generously provided their work are refugees, and the rest are friends and supporters of refugees. There will be copies of the artworks for sale.

And on Thursday and Friday this week, Living Home: Neighbouring Difference will be on display at OpenHand OpenSpace in Reading.

It features an exhibition of Second Year University of Reading Architecture students in collaboration with Design Partners from the Refugee Support Group.

The Oxford Road gallery is open from noon to 4pm on both days.

Refugee Support Group, which recently dropped

Reading from its name to broaden its scope, has launched a Seven Day Challenges, aimed at helping residents find out more about the difficulties facing refugees who attempt to make a new life in the UK. The mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, is among those taking part.

The charity’s CEO, Nick Harborne, said the programme was its most ambitious yet.

“With the Afghanistan Crisis and now the war in Ukraine, there are more refugees in the area needing our help than ever before,” he said.

“We hope that we can entertain, educate, and inspire the wider public to make our county a proud place of welcome for people fleeing war and persecution.”

He added: “We’re really excited to be able to offer such an exciting variety of events to bring people together to learn about, support and celebrate refugees here in Berkshire.”

n For more details, log on to: refugeesupportgroup.org.uk

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Stamp collectors wanted … on a special pilgrims’ way

SOUVENIR: Stamps produced for pubs along the St James Way

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

STAMP collectors are wanted, but only if they can follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims.

Plans to revive an historic route that was once used to help prepare people for the Santiago de Compostela in Spain have taken another big step forward with the introduction of pilgrim stamps at public houses along the route.

The pilgrimage starts at St James Church in The Forbury, and finishes at God’s House Tower, Southampton.

The route, called the St James Way, is a staging post for pilgrims heading to the tomb of St James the Apostle in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in the Spanish city of Galicia.

Although it has fallen out of use in recent years, attempts to resurrect the pilgrims way in hand, and the stamp collection is part of the campaign.

Pilgrims can collect the stamps in a credencial – a pilgrim passport – by visiting pubs and churches on the route, in an echo of what happens in Spain, where every café offers a pilgrim stamp, and these pubs are their English equivalent.

There are 13 stamps to collect, and the first stop is The Cunning Man at Burghfield.

Hayley Goodrick, the pub’s general manager, said: “All of us here at The Cunning Man are delighted to be able to offer this novel pilgrim stamp service.

“We are excited to receive our first walkers and families on the St James’ Way and stamp their pilgrim passports.

“They will be warmly welcomed by all of the team.”

The passport grants the holder access to accommodation at pilgrim hostels and the right to a special “pilgrim’s menu” at restaurants in Spain. And, if filled with stamps – and a minimum of two stamps per day for the last 100km of the

Camino – a pilgrim may claim a devotional “Compostela” certificate at the Pilgrims’ Office in Santiago, recognising their achievement and the distance they have walked.

Pilgrim passports may be obtained from the Confraternity of St. James’ website or at Reading Museum, who also hold a stamp.

Additionally, God’s House Tower will award a certificate to anyone who presents a completed passport with stamps collected while walking the St James’ Way from Reading.

Work on signposting the pilgrim route all the way from

Reading to Southampton is progressing well and is expected to be finished by Monday, July 25, the feast day of St James.

David Sinclair, a CSJ volunteer leading this project, said: “Many pilgrims treasure the stamps in their passport.

“Thanks to the cooperation of the pubs on the St James’ Way, they now have greater choice and access to fill them with stamps.

“We are grateful for their support in the developing the essence of this UK Camino.” n For more details, log on to: www.csj.org.uk

Be scam aware – don’t let scammers steal your money A WARNING has been issued over scammers trying to steal money.

The thieves run a number of schemes designed to lure unsuspecting people into parting with their hard-earned cash. They include investment scams, income tax scams and energy scams.

And the Public Protection Partnership, which runs trading standards services in Wokingham borough, said the fraudsters are getting ever more sophisticated.

The Scams Awareness campaign encourages people to report scams, share their experiences and look out for others.

Scams could be items that are too good to be true, such as a holiday that’s cheaper than expected. They can also be times when the victim is pressured to transfer money quickly or in an unusual way, such as Amazon vouchers or a money transfer service.

Scammers will also try and solicit personal information including passwords or PINs Lynn Collie, Research and Campaigns Coordinator at Citizens Advice West Berkshire, helps organise the Scams Awareness campaign.

“With many people facing increased financial pressures, there are clear signs that scammers are taking advantage of this to trick local

people out of their money,” she said.

“Citizens Advice has advised clients who have fallen victim to a variety of scams, including Fraudsters are becoming ever more sophisticated but there are things that we can all do to help ourselves and others.

“Above all, it’s important to report scams and speak about them to family and friends.”

The PPP is encouraging victims to take action if they have been scammed, including contacting banks and card companies immediately.

If scammed online, changing passwords to apps and websites used, including emails.

They will also issue a crime reference number.

Cllr Thomas Marino, speaking on behalf of West Berkshire Council’s shared service Public Protection Partnership, said: “Anyone can fall victim to a scam. People of all ages and backgrounds get scammed.

“By learning how scammers operate, and helping each other understand what to look out for, we can all work together to stop fraudsters in their tracks.”

n Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or visit www.citizensadvice. org.uk/scamsadvice, and report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk

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8 | NEWS

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Chilli festival returns

CUT IT THERE: Three UK CEO Robert Finnegan, Alok Sharma MP, Three UK Chief People Officer Mark Redmond Picture: Stewart Turkington / www.stphotos.co.uk

Alok Sharma opens new Three HQ at Green Park AN MP helped a telecommunication firm last week, not by picking up the phone, but paying them a visit.

Alok Sharma cut the ribbon to declare open the new base for Three. The firm moved into Green Park last year, bringing together teams from its former Maidenhead and Reading offices.

The company’s CEO, Robert Finnegan, gave the Reading West MP a tour of the 117,000 sq ft building. Three says it was chosen in line with criteria that matters to Three employees, including accessible parking, open spaces, great transport links and state-ofthe-art meeting rooms.

And the green credentials of the office align with Three’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and become net zero by 2040.

This includes solar panels generating more than 17,000KWh of renewable energy every year, and there are electric vehicle charging points for staff and visitors.

During the visit, Mr Finnegan and Mr Sharma discussed Three’s investment in Reading and its work to bring high quality connectivity to its customers throughout the country, in addition to Three’s commitment to the training and

skills development of its employees.

This includes 3,000 online learning modules taken over the past year, and more than 200 mentors helping colleagues develop their careers.

Mr Finnegan said: “While we have had colleagues working here for a number of months, it was great to be able to welcome Alok to officially open our Green Park HQ.” And Mr Sharma said he had been pleased to tour the premises and open the buildings.

With his COP26 hat on, he added: “I am delighted that Three is committed to becoming net zero by 2040. It is vitally important that all businesses step up and look to reduce their carbon footprints on the route to a net zero future.”

As part of the move, employees are encouraged and empowered to take a hybrid approach to office and home working, and to see the office as a hub they can use in combination with home working, rather than a place to work five days a week.

Mark Redmond, chief people officer, said: “Since employees started coming into the office, we have had great feedback. The new hybrid approach to working has been embraced with colleagues.”

Urgent call for more blood donors across Berkshire A SURVEY has revealed that the blood donor service needs at least 4,322 Berkshire people to step up and give a pint in order to save lives.

Across the country, a total of a million people are needed, with a particular need for Black African, Black Caribbean and younger donors.

It is part of a new five-year strategy from NHS Blood and Transport, aiming at doubl the number of regular donors with the rarest blood types. This will ensure better matched blood types for patients in the future and reduce health inequalities.

Donors from a black African and black Caribbean ethnicity can help treat people with sickle cell, one of the fastest growing genetic blood disorder in the UK and mostly affects people of black heritage.

It requires regular transfusions – most often with the specific blood sub type Ro. Most patients are children, and demand for Ro blood is projected to

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

double by 2025/26.

Stephen Cornes, Director of Blood Supply at NHS Blood and Transplant said the service currently only met around half the demand for Ro blood.

“This means many sickle cell patients often receive less wellmatched blood which, while clinically suitable, can pose a longer-term risk to patients who receive regular transfusions,” he said.

“We urgently need new Black African and Black Caribbean donors to come forward and donate blood.

“We carefully manage stocks to ensure we do not waste any precious blood. If you cannot get an appointment immediately it is because we have enough of your blood type right now. Please book for a later date or respond when we contact you.”

For more details, or to book an appointment, log on to blood. co.uk, download the GiveBloodNHS smartphone app or call: 0300 123 23 23.

Stalls around Eat Chilli gave people the chance to stock up on treats

Fair Dinkum Fare served up a number of sweet and savoury snacks and treats, all with a special spicy ingredient: Chillies

WINGING IT: Five fierce competitors take on seven of the hottest wings during the annual Eat

GingerBeard’s mixes sweet and spicy for their chilli and bacon jam

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today READING Chilli Festival returned this year for its sixth event in Reading town centre.

As well as the usual food stalls and musical performances, this year saw the return of the Man V Food and chilli eating contests.

Only five were brave enough to take on the Man

The contest attracted a large crowd

V Food challenge, which sees competitors take on seven chicken wings covered in the UK’s hottest sauce in just five minutes.

For five further minutes, competitors must endure “burn time” where they are disallowed from drinking.

Winners received an exclusive free T-shirt to boast of their victory with.

Then competitors took on the chilli eating contest, which consists of eating 10chillies of increasing heat

Some competitors managed to keep their cool ....

Stalls ran along Broad Street

levels, from the relatively mild jalapeno up to the Carolina Reaper.

Attendees were also treated to hot performances from Missing the Scene, Beard of Destiny, and Beyond the Sons.

Jon Doody, part of the organising team of the festival, said: “The crowds were so happy with the contest.

“The five contestants were brilliant – despite the fact that the wings were

enormously hot, they all got through them.

“In fact one of the Man v Food competitors, Alex, then took part in the chilli eating contest and went on to win it.”

Mr Doody says that now that the festival is over, he’s looking ahead to next year.

“We’ve had such positive feedback from everyone, so I’m really looking forward to next year’s festival, which will be on the third Saturday of June.”

... While some competitors really began to feel the heat

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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and it’s hotter than ever

Reading’s Missing The Scene brought the heat to the Market Stage.

Sunday night is music night THE PANGBOURNE jazz club is returning for an evening of music on Sunday, July 3.

Performing will be John Thirkell accompanied by the Terry Hutchins Quartet.

Mr Thirkell has performed with the BBC Radio Orchestra, with Buddy Rich and Gil Evans, and his trumpet playing has featured on at least one album in the UK charts for more than 13 years.

Among his performances, he can be heard of the BTS hit Dynamite. He has also worked with Bruno Mars, David Bowie, the Pet Shop Boys, George Michael and Tina Turner.

The club meets on the first Sunday of the month at the Rosewood Hall in Pangbourne’s Working Men’s Club, off Whitchurch Road.

The venue has a bar and a car park.

Doors open at 7pm, and tickets cost £10. n For more details, log on to https://briangreene. co.uk/pangbournejazzclub, or call 07976 208859.

Dachshund’s pop-up cafe fun

Chilli event in Reading town centre. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Tasters set up for different sauces

Shoppers could explore the chillis

People could try before buying

Heat Junkie attracts custom

Award winning care quality

PUPS can pop to the pub for a pop-up cafe.

Taking place in Revolution in Reading’s Station Road, the event allows Dachshund owners to let their pooches off the leash in a safe space.

After exploring ball pits, tunnels, toys and fun, they can enjoy treats and puppuccinos, and there will be prizes for the best-dressed dog.

There is a charge to attend, but dogs and under eights get in free. Places are limited, and the event runs from 10am to 5.30pm on Sunday, July 3. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www. pupup.cafe

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10 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today DARK KNIGHTS: Pippin, a show filled with medeival musical magic.

Picture: Nadine Doerle via Pixabay

Audition opportunity for medieval glory seekers

A MUSICAL group is holding auditions for its next production.

Reading Operatic Society performs modern West End and Broadway musicals, and operettas.

It presents two shows each year, one at The Hexagon, and another at the Kenton Theatre, Henley-on Thames.

Its forthcoming show is awardwinning musical, Pippin.

A fantasy fairytale set in Medieval England,it follows the story of a young man, and heir to the Frankish throne.

Fresh out of education, he seeks happiness and fulfilment.

Wanting to be exceptional, he seeks glory on the battlefield, explores temptations, and tests the intoxication of political power.

But his adventures ultimately teach him that true happiness lies, not in astonishing endeavours, but in the ordinary moments of every day.

The musical score for this dark comedy is by Stephen Schwartz.

"Schwartz also wrote Wicked and Godspell,” said Kim Hollamby, Reading Operatic Society’s chair.

“His scores are full of hummable tunes, and Pippin will be no exception,” Director Lloyd White added: “The show is full of fantastic music and dancing and the story is told with great humour and great characters.

“There are parts for actors of all ages, including children, and all vocal ranges.

"Although the show is not as generally well-known in the UK as it is in the US, it is fun, fast moving and exciting. It's the sort of show that offers something different for cast and audiences alike.”

Audition preview workshops will take place on Thursday, June 30, Monday, July 4, and Thursday, July 7 from 7.45pm to 10pm.

Auditions will be on Sunday, July 10. The venue Earley St Peter’s Church Hall, Church Road, Earley. n For more, log on to: www. readingops.co.uk

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Reading to pay tribute to veterans of Armed Forces

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A FREE family fun day will take place in Reading town centre on Saturday to mark Armed Forces Day.

The event will pay tribute to the town’s military veterans, and take place across Forbury Gardens and Broad Street between 11am and 4pm.

It is part of a national celebration, allowing people to show their support and appreciation for services personnel, past and present, including Reservists, veterans and cadets as well as their families.

In Forbury Gardens there will be performance from Diane James and her famous Vera Lynn and Doris Day tributes, Silver Tones and the Reading Scottish Pipe Band.

Activities include balloon modelling, face painting and an art workshop from Jelly.

There will be stands from charity and community organisations, including SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity, the Royal British Legion and The Forgotten British Gurkha Veterans Charity.

ON SONG: Forbury Gardens in Reading is to be the venue for Armed Forces Day celebrations on Saturday, including Diane James as a Vera Lynn tribute Refreshments will be available, although picnics are also welcomed.

The day will culminate with the annual HM Armed Forces Veteran’s Badge Presentation from 4pm, led by LordLieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley, and The Mayor of

Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden.

“Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for our community to come together to show our appreciation to the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces, and to those who continue to do so,” Cllr Eden said.

“This event is always popular and will include everyone from cadets to veterans. Everyone is welcome to join us and show their support.

“You can enjoy all the activities on offer at Forbury gardens and even bring a picnic.” n Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes is teaming up with Tesco stores to launch a special collection this weekend.

Volunteers and supporters of the charity, as well as veterans supported by the charity will also make appearances at some stores and will be able to chat to shoppers about how Help for Heroes has helped – and continues to help – veterans.

The charity has supported 232 veterans and their families in Berkshire since its inception in 2007, and, with demand for its services increasing, it is, once more, appealing to the Great British Public for support.

Trevor Fudger, Help for Heroes’ Supporter Experience Manager, explained: “We’re always immensely grateful to Tesco for allowing us to collect vital funds at its stores across the country, but especially so this year, given the effects of the pandemic since 2020. ”We are hoping that the wonderful British public, which is always so supportive of its veterans, will once again dig deep to help fill our collection buckets at Tesco stores across the country. And we’d like to thank them in advance for any support they can give.”

Whitley: Your community needs you Whitley Researchers provide residents a platform to elicit positive change in their community Picture courtesy of WCDA

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located within the Wokingham Borough

A RESEARCH network is recruiting Whitley residents to help tackle the community’s most pressing issues.

The University of Reading and Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA) are offering flexible, part-time roles in its research team.

As part of the Whitley Researchers, the paid role will give residents an opportunity to elicit positive change.

“The aim from the beginning has been to ensure that those affected by issues in communities are key players in identifying solutions, suggesting changes etc.,” said Trisha Bennett, WCDA community development coordinator.

“Participatory Action Research ensures that, through the trust built in communities, findings are much deeper and more meaningful than traditional market research, with communities feeling like they are really listened to and valued.”

The network successfully rerouted the number nine bus to ensure residents had direct access to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Researchers worked alongside Reading Buses to highlight the community’s needs.

Previous experience is not required for the role, with training provided to successful candidates.

The project offers significant

scope for self-development.

“Another very important outcome of this approach is that individual residents begin to build confidence and self esteem as well as learning new skills,” Ms Bennett said.

“This has led to many going on to full-time work or study, as well as feeling they have been part of affecting positive change.”

Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend one of the two information sessions at the Community Centre on Northumberland Avenue.

These sessions will take place between 10am-11am and 1pm2pm on Monday, June 27. n For more information, visit: www.whitley-cda.org

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Council rejects parking restrictions at home of Progress Theatre

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local Democracy Reporter

CHANGES to parking restrictions that have caused “ill feeling” between neighbours of a residential street in Reading have now been rejected.

The council’s highways team proposed changing parking restrictions in The Mount from Monday to Friday from 10am4pm, for a total of two hours, to putting restrictions in place from 8am-8pm, Monday to Sunday, for two hours with no return.

Some neighbours said they never had problems parking on The Mount, and that restrictions could hamper the trade of the Progress Theatre located there.

However, others have said there were repeated problems parking outside their homes, both for themselves and health visitors.

There was some relief in that the Progress Theatre is encouraging patrons to use public transport and park in other roads instead.

Jill Simpson said: “Changes in restrictions are certainly not going to close the theatre.

“No positive reason for opposing the change has been put forward, since it’s been accepted the theatre won’t

Changes to parking restrictions on The Mount have been rejected by the council, though they are still monitoring the situation. Picture: Phil Creighton close.”

Previously, the Progress Theatre website stated patrons could park in The Mount, which has since been changed.

Meanwhile, Paul Bennett, who opposed the changes, said: “There are loads of places to park in The Mount.

“It’s not outside people’s houses, but that’s what you give up when you live in a terraced house with on street parking.”

The disagreements were aired at a Reading Borough Council traffic management sub committee meeting on

Wednesday, June 15.

The committee voted to reject the changes, but monitor the situation and possibly come up with adapted proposals if required.

There was an accusation that the issue had been politicised, with Cllr Clarence Mitchell voicing ‘grave concerns’ that a recent meeting hosted by Redlands councillors was not sufficiently publicised.

The meeting was attended

by Cllrs David McElroy, Kathryn McCann, and Will Cross, and leader of the opposition and

Celebrating 75 years of partnership READING is celebrating the 75th anniversary of its links with Düsseldorf.

This weekend, the town will see a series of special celebrations to mark the event, including a visit from the mayor of Düsseldorf, Oberbürgermeister Stephan Keller.

Mayor of Reading Cllr Rachel Eden will also welcome representatives from Düsseldorf City Council.

At a civic meeting on Sunday, June 26, Cllr Eden and Oberbürgermeister Keller will reaffirm the link of friendship, with members of the Reading Düsseldorf Association and Reading and Düsseldorf Churches Interchange present.

Representatives from the groups in Reading who currently carry out twinning exchanges, and guests from Düsseldorf who have travelled to Reading for the weekend, will also attend.

Guests will also include Richard Thom, grandson of Phoebe Cusden, who was mayor of Reading when the partnership was forged.

Cllr Rachel Eden, Mayor of Reading, said: “I’m very much looking forward to welcoming friends from Düsseldorf back to Reading for this special celebration.

“At seventy-five years our friendship with the city of

Düsseldorf is one of the longest standing between British and German communities.

“The links were forged following the devastation of the second world war and reflected the strong desire of our Mayor at the time Pheobe Cusden for reconciliation but over the years the relationship has only strengthened.”

She explained: “It’s a testimony to the work done by the Reading-Düsseldorf Association and to the many organisations and individuals who have formed friendships.

“I’m also very grateful to the city of Düsseldorf for their real commitment and desire for friendship with Reading.

“I hope this weekend will be an opportunity to remind everyone of the brilliant opportunities for international links our friendship with Düsseldorf brings.”

As well as the civic meeting, a photo exhibition is being

held at Central Library to honour the occasion. A collection entitled Dorf and Ding will showcase a series of photographs taken by local historian and photographer, Chris Forsey.

It focuses on the Cartwheeling Boys sculpture, which was damaged in February this year, but also features a number of exhibits from the RDA’s own archives.

The RDA has also made its Head Over Heels display available to view at Reading Museum.

Cllr Jason Brock, leader of the council, said: “Our close friendship with Düsseldorf was forged after Reading came to their aid following the second world war, “And our willingness to support people caught up in conflict was repeated once again more recently with the welcome and support the town is providing to Ukrainian nationals fleeing conflict in Europe.

He continued: “Over the last 75 years, hundreds and hundreds of people in both Düsseldorf and Reading have been enriched by these links.

“We’ve learned about other people’s way of life, which has strengthened our understanding of each other.

“It’s so important we hold on to this as we look to the future.”

Park ward representative Cllr Rob White In summary of the meeting, Cllr McElroy said: “It was near unanimously agreed that it was not difficult to find parking on The Mount as a whole.”

Although it was acknowledged parking is more difficult in the lower Mount, many felt the situation was not serious enough to warrant the changes.

Only Cllr Mitchell voted for the proposed changes.

Describing what he thought it would take to reach a

solution, Cllr White said: “I think it’s focusing on residents working together collecting data so we’ve got an agreed view on what the problem is if one develops in future.

“It’s keeping an eye on the situation, and collecting data, in a way that everyone can agree on what the problem is.”

Cllr Mitchell said: “That we can all live happily together and consult and agree on this is frankly a little naive.

“The tensions this has caused to residents in and around The Mount are obvious.

“There should be no winners and losers, it should be a compromise which is acceptable to all, but I think residents working together given the level of ill feeling is probably unrealistic.”

Previously, The Mount resident Niki Haywood raised fears a consultation on the proposals had been “hijacked” by cloned responses and bots.

The point was picked up

by Cllr James Moore who asked whether the council’s consultation process would be reviewed.

Cllr Tony Page said he “sympathised” with the concerns, but any changes to the consultation procedure would have to apply across the council consistently.

Go slow fuel protest planned AN EARLY morning protest about fuel prices is being planned in Reading.

Organised for 6am on Monday, July 4, the gathering start at Reading Gate Retail Park, rolling on to the M4 at 7am.

The organisers’ intention is to travel along the motorway at 30mph, to junction 4, then turning around and doing the 27-mile journey in reverse.

They say they will give way to emergency vehicles.

For more details, search Facebook for “Stand up to fuel price rises M4 jct 11 to jct 4 and back”.

Fun dog show BERKSHIRE Maestros is becoming Barkshire Maestros for one day only.

The group which helps children get to grips with music is holding a dog show on Sunday, July 3.

There will be 12 classes to enter with rosettes for the first six places in each of the categories.

Entry is £2 per dog per class, and proceeds will go towards the group’s musical tour of Scotland.

The event runs from 11am to 3pm, at the centre’s Cockney Hill base.

For more details, call the centre on 0118 901 2370.

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12 | NEWS

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

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Neil loves making you scratch your head

Neil Somerville is a prolific author of puzzle books, and has just released his latest, the Train Lover’s Puzzle Book.

Picture: Courtesy of Neil Somerville.

Here comes the sun

O

UR favourite season has come at last. The weather all Brits spend the year waiting for. Heat and sunshine, all at once. Two whole weeks of Summer.

I both love and loathe the sun in equal measure.

When given the choice, I prefer to sit in the shade.

Some heat is lovely but anything above 25ºC and I start to become irritable. And permanently thirsty. My “have you drunk enough water?” lecture to Maia intensifies and I spend all day every day offering Leo “another sip?”.

This dehydration-anxiety annoys Maia so much that even a mere mention of her water consumption will prompt an immediate shut down: “Did you finish your water bottle?”

“YES MUMMY.” “Do you need a bigger bottle? I could get you a two litre?”

“NO I DO NOT NEED A BIGGER BOTTLE…We can refill them at school Mummy!!”

I am reminded of the source of this anxiety when we go to visit my Mum and Dad: Maia’s Grandma: “Maia have you got water?

Shall I get you some water? Drink your water darling.”

Maia: “Grandma I am fine!”

Today it is 29ºC and I am hiding indoors with a poorly Leo. He has overheated somewhat and developed a fever, a result we think of being exposed to the heat for a moment too long. (It seems he does not respond well to sudden rises in temperature.)

Other than emitting more body heat than the rest of us combined (plus our central heating), his symptoms are mild. The poor boy is just incredibly hot and equally fussy. He will cling to me for vast periods of time in a position we have aptly named “the koala bear”.

It is still possible to get things done around the house with the small wriggly furnace wrapped around me, only with the added exertion of strength training.

Ice lollies and Peppa Pig have helped encourage him to sit on the sofa without me. The rest of the day has been weightlifting practice.

Of course ,it’s all well and good inside the house where we are relatively cool. Collecting Maia from school is another story.

I feel awful plonking an already-hot little boy in the oven that is our scorching hot car with barelyfunctioning air conditioning. It takes so long for the hot air to turn cold (sometimes it doesn’t and I’m effectively sat with a fan heater on) that I usually give up and open the windows.

“Do you actually feel any of the wind back there Maia?” I ask, my hair flailing over my eyes.

“Oh yes!” She says trying to reassure me as she melts.

We have black-out blinds on the back windows, the all-encompassing kind that are placed over half the door, so at least the children are in the dark and away from the sun.

As a little treat (and because I was worried the supermarkets would run out), we stopped for more ice lollies on the way home. (Several boxes of ice lollies, a tub of ice cream and one big bag of ice to place on my lap in the car and serve as a cooling agent.)

Leo can’t be trusted with an ice lolly in the car, so he enjoyed a nice cold juice box instead. We relax our “no juice or squash for the toddler” rule when he’s poorly.

We relax our “limit his screen time!!” rule too.

The Peppa Pig jingle has lodged itself so firmly into my mind that I’ll no doubt both go to sleep and wake up humming it. No change there really.

A READING man has published a new puzzle book, this time aimed at those who have a soft spot for rail transport.

The Train Lover’s Puzzle Book,

by Neil Summerville, features 200 puzzles, crosswords, quizzes, and brain-teasers.

From finding the names of famous locomotives in word searches, to true-to-life mysteries to be solved, the book includes a whole host of rail-themed oddities and activities.

Mr Somerville said: “The book offers great variety and you do

not necessarily need to be a train expert to enjoy.”

Mr Somerville has lived in Tilehurst for more than 40 years, and a member of the Magic Circle.

He has also provided a special, train-themed, anagramatic brainteaser for readers of Reading Today: IT IS NOT A GARDEN The answer will be published in next week’s paper.

The Train Lover’s Puzzle Book is available now from bookshops and online.

CHARLIE

"I GUESS WE SHOULD'VE WAITED BEFORE WE BOUGHT THE SIGNS"

Are you the Panda from Earley?

EVERYBODY knows that Pandas are from China but when a child asks that are you Panda from Earley, this Panda from Earley must be doing something right.

From a random person riding in Panda suit to, ‘Are you Panda from Earley?’, Wokingham’s mysterious and much-loved bear has pedaled distance (literally) to be recognisable for his charity rides.

On Sunday, June 12, Earley Panda was joined by six cyclists from Rangers Cycling Group to raise money for panda’s fundraiser for Action Medical Research at Three Counties Cycle Ride.

This was Panda’s second year of participating in Three Counties Cycle Ride, which starts at Bracknell and go through Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

Organised by Easthampstead Rotary, the charity bike ride is popular among local riders as well as a family favourite.

Earley local neighbourhood bear started cycling during lockdown

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

The Bird set to ta peaks in honou

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today A GROUP of men from Reading is taking on the three peaks challenge in just 24 hours, raising money for charity in honour of a late friend.

James Mulligan, George Hunter, George Bunch, and Roy Head will be climbing Ben Nevis, Mt Snowden, and Scafell Pike, all in the space of 24 hours.

They will be joined by a further eight friends, with the group of 12 known as The Bird.

The feat is raising funds for Sarcoma UK, in honour of their late friend Tom Eckles, who passed away in 2015 due to Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer.

George Hunter, one of the team, said: “Tom sadly passed away seven years ago, and while we has still alive we all went bald for the charity.

“We raised over £14,000 between the twelve of us, and his dad, Andy, is now an ambassador for the charity.”

“Every year he puts on a walk at the Thames path, from Reading Town Centre, and we finish up in Woolhampton, since there’s a pub there on the river, around a 13-mile walk.”

This year, however, he says that the group wanted to do more.

“We thought this year, let’s go big, and we settled on the Three Peaks, and a friend of mine, James, is going to be turning it onto a documentary.”

As well as the twelve-and-a-half hours it will take to climb all three peaks, the team will also have to travel between them, taking a further eleven-and-a-half hours.

George says that some of the group’s dad’s have volunteered to drive the group, so that the team can rest while travelling from peak to peak.

“The hardest thing at the moment is the training, I didn’t realise how difficult it was going to be.

CHALLENGE: George Hunter will be among a g their friend, Tom Eckles. Picture: Courtesy of Th “It’s a lot more cardio than I’m used to, but between all of us we’ve done practise walks up Snowdon, Ben Nevis, and Scaffell.

“And soon I’ll be going to Snowden when I’ll be going up and down twice in a row to prepare.”

George says that the group was keen to do something that matched what he calls Tom’s “sportsmanlike” mentaility.

“He was very active, we played

Bringing art to the Occy Road

to spread joy and now rides to fundraise for various causes.

Recently Panda cycled from London to Essex and in coming weeks will be riding from London to Brighton, raising money for sick children and campaigning for cycling as one of the answer to fight climate change.

n To contribute to Panda’s fundraiser and more updates, log on to: earleypanda.com

EARLEY PANDA

READING Borough Council has begun the next stage of its funding for cultural projects hich celebrate the history of Reading’s high streets.

A number of local artists are set to receive two grants of £9,000, after applications for funding closed in January.

The funding will be split between Reside Dance, which provides accessible dance performances and workshops, and artists Lisa-Marie Gibbs and Philip Newcombe, whose projects explore and celebrate the heritage of Oxford Road communities.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “I’m thrilled our brilliant High Street Heritage Action programme continues to celebrate Reading’s rich diversity and tell the fascinating stories of the Oxford Road.

“The fabulous pilot projects launched last year have already begun to raise the profile of the

area’s history and diversity, and I’m particularly looking forward to discovering where the next stage of the project will take us.”

Reside Dance will work with school children and their families as part of its ReConnect programme, which seeks to provide space for families to reconnect and build relationships through play, movement, and dance.

Visual artists Lisa-Marie Gibbs and Philip Newcombe will provide workshops with members of the Oxford Road community, using sculpture, sound, written pieces and other art forms to examine the relationship between objects and identity.

The funding follows a pilot project with the High Street Heritage Action Zone, which received grants in 2021 as part of a pilot project in 2021.

The HSHAZ launched a project seeking to “re-imagine the high street” through the stories of of their

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

ake on the three ur of late friend

Emma’s art is part of new sight-loss exhibition

WPR_2022-06-20_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

Reader travel DELIGHTFUL DEVON Weekend

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Departing Fri 7 Oct ‘22 Beloved for its mild climate and miles of golden sands, Exmouth in South Devon provides us with the perfect base for our short break away. From here we explore this picturesque corner of the West Country, including a visit to Exeter, the capital of Devon.

Your break includes

ARTIST: Emma Major, centre, led artists in a series of sessions, including many who had not painted before

group of 12 taking on the three peaks challenge in just 24 hours in honour of the memory of he Bird 3 Peaks via Instagram football, and he used to play for Maidenhead Rugby Club, “Out of the twelve of us, there’s about half who are really active, and out of everyone, he would’ve absolutely been like yeah, let’s do it.

“He just had that sort of character.”

He says also that Tom’s memory helps him to push himself while fundraising: “When you see someone struggling, you just remember why you’re doing this.

“If I’m struggling to do 25 burpees, I think back to how much he must have struggled while he was bedridden.

“We’re contributing towards Sarcoma UK, which is such a fantastic charity, and I can’t wait to be able to say that we did it in honour of our friend, Tom.” The team will be taking on the challenge on Monday, July 25. n For more information, visit: www. justgiving.com

Reading Borough Council has released another stage of community arts funding after its successful pilot projects back in January.

Picture: Courtesy of Reading Borough Council

residents, which were then used as part of three art projects celebrating the community.

This included the work of Caroline Streatfield, who created a series of recipe cards featuring family recipes from Oxford Road residents.

It also included a series of illustrations by Jo Romero which

focused on buildings along the road.

Louise Dandy, historic places adviser at Historic England, said: “The Oxford Road has so much to offer.

“These two new projects will help bring out that special character of the high street, celebrate the stories of people that live or work nearby, and strengthen bonds within the community.”

A BERKSHIRE charity is exhibiting a number of artworks by visuallyimpaired artists.

The exhibition on Wednesday, July, 6, will see pieces created by those supported by the charity who took part in workshop sessions.

Local artist Emma Major, who also experiences sight loss, led the sessions, inviting people who had never painted or created art before.

Clare Matthews, marketing and communications officer at Berkshire Vision, said: “Just because you have limited or no vision it doesn’t mean you can’t be creative.

“For some members, the art sessions led by blind artist Emma Major have been the first time they have tried painting, “for others it has given them the confidence to pick up a paintbrush again.”

Now the charity will be exhibiting the works, giving the

opportunity to meet the artists and explore their experiences of creating art with limited vision.

Ms Matthews explained: “The exhibition includes a collage of decorated vinyl records, abstract art on wood, digitally created pieces as well as pottery and models.

“As Grayson Perry said to Emma on his Art Club TV show, everyone is an artist.”

Berkshire Vision has been giving support to people experiencing sight loss in Berkshire for more than 100 years, and has been based in Reading since 1962.

The exhibition will take place at the Refectory at Reading Boys School on Wednesday, July 6, from 7pm.

The event is invite-only.

For more information, contact: clare.matthews@berkshirevision. org.uk

POETRY CORNER The beach boys

Return coach travel from Reading 3 nights at the Ashton Court Hotel, Exmouth with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Exeter Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£9pp)

4 Days by Coach

only £134

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Single Supplement £45

HAYLING ISLAND Country Music Break

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Departing Mon 24 Oct ‘22 Slide on your cowboy boots and join us for a Country Music break at the Warner Lakeside Coastal Village. Enjoy a slice of Americana here in the UK as a different act takes to the stage each evening delivering toe-tapping favourites to dance the night away to.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Warner Lakeside Coastal Village with dinner & breakfast Country Music entertainment every evening Excursions to Winchester & Portsmouth Optional excursion to Bognor Regis & Chichester (£13pp)

5 Days by Coach Other children on the sand, Take a bucket in each hand.

Build a Castle - See it rise Underneath the seagull skies.

Golden towers; Seaweed flowers; Salty moats for feather boats; Pebble walls, by waterfalls; Shells and stones And white, white bones....

Mark the windows, line the floors, Decorate the palace doors But...

We just work like Seaside Moles...

Digging lots of muddy HOLES !

Clare Bevan.

We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Send your verse to news@rdg.today

only £334

Single Supplement £100

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.

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PRIDE OF READING 2022

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Words: Phil Creighton & Jake Clothier Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Meet the companies who help

AB Walker Volunteer of the Year

Reading Buses Employee of the Year

The Oracle Chris Tarrant Award

IQVIA Child of Courage Award

READING-BASED funeral directors AB Walker has been a family-owned business for nearly 200 years, and has seven branches across Berkshire.

It’s a natural fit for the volunteer of the year award, which celebrates an individual or team engaged in diverse and challenging tasks, or who have stepped up when needed.

For Julian Walker, who heads up AB Walker, the Pride of Reading launch event was a great reminder of the community of Reading.

“AB Walker has been a strong supporter of the awards, and we’re back again,” he says.

“We feel that our service is very much at the centre of our community. We’re just short of 200 years working and serving the community of Berkshire and Oxfordshire, and this underlines the links we have across the community.

“The award is something we really champion.”

The award also presents Julian and his team with a problem: “It’s very, very difficult to choose, because the volunteers have such different backgrounds … and they’re all worthy.”

Despite that, Julian is looking forward to seeing who is put forward.

“We try and make a day of it,” he says of the judging. “We sit down and analyse each nomination case by case, until we come up with a shortlist.

“It’s great fun and there’s so many friends involved in helping produce the events. We’re quite proud that we’ve introduced more people to supporting Pride of Reading.”

READING Buses is sponsoring the Employee of the Year award.

Laurence Jenkins, finance director at Reading Buses, said: “It’s something that we’re extremely proud to support, and we’ve sponsored the employee award for a number of years.

“We’re one of the biggest employers in the town, and we recognise that the amazing things that employees of various organisations and companies in the town achieve and deliver .”

The company was founded in 1901, and has come to be part of the town’s identity.

“Reading Buses has been the heart of the community for over 100 years now.

“We consider ourselves to be part of the fabric of Reading, so we love to support Reading and showcase it to the rest of the UK in the world.”

Reading Buses was given a Pride of Reading Award in 2017, winning the Business in Action award in recognition of its community work, charity fundraising, and focus on environmental targets.

“We love being here, keeping the town connected, keeping the key workers in the town connected,” said Mr Jenkins.

Reading Buses has worked to make their services greener.

Currently all of its buses meet Euro VI standards, meaning a significantly reduced effect on air quality in the town.

“We like to do things a bit differently,” Mr Jenkins said, “and we like to offer a bit extra to our customers, too, because we feel they’re worth it.”

ONE of the Pride of Reading sponsors has been involved since the very beginning.

The Oracle helps power the Chris Tarrant Award, awarded to someone who deserves special recognition. The criteria varies every year and the star takes great care in choosing the winner.

Andy Briggs, general manager of The Oracle, said: “The Oracle launched in 1999, and the first awards were three or four years later. We backed the first Pride of Reading – we will always be involved, it’s such a positive thing.”

Mr Briggs is also pleased of The Oracle’s association with the Who Wants A Millionaire? star.

“Chris Tarrant is such an entertaining guy,” he explains. “With the judging, with Chris you never know what he will choose and why.

“Every year is different, and there’s always a different reason – he feels they deserve to be recognised.”

Mr Briggs is also on the managing committee of Pride of Reading and there is clearly a lot of affection for it.

“I just love it,” Mr Briggs said. “It’s great.”

This year’s theme of celebration is something that Mr Briggs feels is right, given that “Reading is a town that is moving in the right direction”.

He adds: “The awards are about recognising those in the town on the great job they’re doing. I’m looking forward to the day itself, it will be a huge celebration of the great town we live in.”

IQVIA has lent its support to the Pride of Reading Awards for more than a decade, and is the sponsor of the Child of Courage Award.

Leo Valmas, statistical programming director at IQVIA, said: “We’ve been supporting the Pride of Reading Awards for about 10 years.

“Being back reminds me of the previous awards, and takes me back to listening to such inspirational stories.

“Our category, child of courage, can be very emotional: Young people doing such incredible things, showing such bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.

“In terms of kindness and sharing you think you are doing OK, but these kids show that you can do more.”

He says also that IQVIA focuses on active support.

“It’s easy to just give a corporate donation, we’re a big company of almost 90,000 people.

“I’ve been with the company for 28 years, and we’ve been in Reading and Bracknell for all of that time.

“We’re a global company, but we’re also local, with a local focus, and we try to give a small token, which people do incredible work with.”

Speaking of the nominees, Leo says: “The pride people have in just being nominated is great.”

“The event is a huge celebration of all things good, as well as a ray of sunshine among all the doom and gloom.”

QWERTY School of the year

ROC Search Charity of the Year

Cream Design Fundraiser of the Year

MACBETH Entrepreneur of the Year

AS a specialist IT and engineering recruitment company who first started our business in Reading more than 15 years ago, we at Roc Search feel privileged to be a sponsor of the Pride of Reading Charity of the Year award yet again for what is now the seventh year.

With our headquarters situated in the heart of Reading, we pride ourselves on being able to give back to the local community in any way we can.

We are continually partnering and driving initiatives locally with charities such as Reading Santa Run, Reading Family Aid and Sport In Mind, to mention a few.

So we are extremely proud to be able to help recognise and celebrate the tremendous efforts of local charituies throughout the Reading area. Our partnership with Pride of Reading is something we find hugely rewarding as a business and one we plan to continue for years to come.

This Charity of the Year award looks to recognise a local charity or community group that has made an amazing impact to our community through partnership working with businesses, other charities and the public sector to further its cause.

CREAM Design is supporting Fundraiser of the Year, which celebrates an individual or organisation that has shown outstanding skills or dedication to fundraising.

Helen Waring, account director at Cream Design, says: “Pride of Reading is our favourite day of the year.”

Senior designer Andy Taplin said that Cream was a big supporter of charities.

“We work with a lot of charities and organisations, and we see that income streams for them are really important,” he said.

“And it’s fascinating to see new ways to raise money.”

Ms Waring agreed: “Cream is very community based in that way, we like being right in the centre.

“We’ve worked with organisations like Launchpad, the Reading FC Former Players Association, Berkshire Youth, and Berkshire Vision. It’s so nice to give something back.”

Mr Taplin said that though Reading has much to boast of, some of it goes unnoticed.

“There’s so much great stuff that goes on here that just goes under the radar,” he said.

“A lot of great people do brilliant work here, doing brilliant things, that don’t get showcased.”

Cream Design were the recipients of the Business in Action award in 2016, where it was celebrated for more than 20 years of commitment to the community.

Now, the company is backing the Fundraiser of the Year Category.

THE Entrepreneur of the Year award is sponsored

by Macbeth Insurance.

It is presented to an individual or group with an independent business venture in Reading.

It’s a natural fit for the Reading-based firm who are passionate about supporting community-based projects and charities.

Lisa Hooper says: “Last year was the first time we sponsored a Pride of Reading award and it was amazing. But, due to covid, we don’t feel we had the full experience – meetings were online and on Zoom. So to be back in the room with everybody – and meet them – feels really good.”

The firm’s involvement comes from the top down: Macbeth’s CEO Paul Macbeth is, Lisa explains, Reading born-and-bred.

“He’s a local boy from Tilehurst, the business was founded by his Dad and Paul took it over,” she says.

“We do a lot of sponsorship and charity work.

“When I joined, I nominated my son’s school for the School of the Year category, and they won.

So I attended the Pride of Reading awards with the school.

“When I fed it back to Paul, who had also attended a previous ceremony, he wanted to get involved.”

And the awards themselves? “We’re looking forward to seeing who is nominated, it’s very exciting,” Lisa says. “Last year, we couldn’t wait to find out who was in our category .. and who won, it was great.”

THIS IS the tenth consecutive year that Qwerty Ltd has sponsored the school of the year category in the Pride of Reading Awards.

The Theale-based company specialises in large format, digital and traditional print, providing a full print, marketing and design service to a wide scope of clients, including high street names and locally-based businesses and organisations.

Backing the school of the year category is something that is important to the firm.

Sam Selby says: “We’re so excited to sponsor this award. The majority of our employees are all from the Reading area and we always feel that we’re giving back to the community when we sponsor the School of the Year award.

“We’re passionate about working with the future generation of Reading.”

Qwerty Ltd is looking forward to seeing the nominations come in.

“Last year, it was presented to a school that had gone above and beyond (during the pandemic),” Sam explains. “This year, it’s about celebrating the good things they do.”

And they are looking forward to December’s presentation.

“It’s always been quite emotional,” Sam says.

“The winners are so deserving of their award, and there is always such a strong reason why they have been presented with it.

“The schools go above and beyond for their pupils and they just shine.”

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PRIDE OF READING 2022

make Pride of Reading a reality

Boyes Turner Business In Action: Under 50 employees and Over 50 employees ONE of the reasons why firms support Pride of Reading every year is they are proud of the town. Legal firm Boyes Turner is no exception.

“We think it’s important that, as a local firm, we’re involved with the community and we celebrate the good things that people do within the community,” explains partner Barry Stanton.

“These are things that can go unnoticed if people don’t know what they are doing, you have to celebrate it and make a noise about them.

“It feels good to appreciate the great things that the people in Reading do, because that’s what makes us a community.”

The Abbey Street-based firm is sponsoring the Business In Action awards, which celebrates this good work. There are two honours, the first for firms with under 50 employees and the second for those with more than 50.

Barry says: “It’s important to us, because often businesses will do things, such as support charities and organisations, but it’s not noticed or heard about. We want to make sure that we celebrate the people going the extra mile and doing things for the wider community of Reading.”

He adds: “We’re looking forward to seeing who is going to be nominated, and why. It’s going to be really nice to see what people are doing.”

McDonalds Inspiration Award MCDONALDS is returning as the sponsor for the Inspiration award, now for the third time.

The award recognises someone who has inspired a community initiative or inspired others to do the same. It can also recognise someone who is a positive role model for young people in the town.

Richard Forte, brand franchisee, said: “It feels really good to be planning the Pride of Reading awards from the start of the year.”

“This is our third year of sponsoring the awards and it’s really nice to celebrate and see people from around the town, and hear some great stories.

“It’s great walking up to the Select Car Leasing Stadium each year for the awards ceremony, knowing that you’re going to have an afternoon of celebration, which is this year’s theme.”

With this year’s theme of celebration, Mr Forte says that he appreciates the event’s atmosphere almost as much as its aims.

“But the Pride of Reading Awards encapsulates and provides the best platform to recognise people’s achievements, for those unsung heroes.

“The nominees don’t do what they do because of the awards, so it’s great way of surprising people and when you recognise it’s very heartfelt.

“And that’s what communities do, they do things like that without expecting to be recognised or given any awards.”

Funky Barnet, Kool Kidz Hilton Hotel Reading Kutz and Premier & Angels Community of the Year Mental Health Champion COMMUNITY of the THIS year’s sponsors for the Mental Health Champion are the Funky Barnet, Kool Kidz Kutz, and Premier & Angels School of Motoring.

The award celebrates an individual or organisation who has that has helped people, especially the young, cope with mental problems.

Lynne Pyke owns all three of the businesses.

She said the companies wished to get involved with Pride of Reading for this award because of recent events: “Particularly over the pandemic, that lack of socialising, it was very difficult,” she explained. “And that leads to so many people suffering with their mental health.

“It can mean struggling with anxiety, social interaction, bullying, really anything can affect it.”

Ms Pyke said that she had a lot of experience of seeing others struggling with their mental health, both personally, and through her companies.

She wanted to support the category specifically as a result.

“I asked to sponsor mental health, since we see people struggling with mental health all the time, and we see what it does to people.”

She says also that those struggles can often be hard to identify, with many hiding them.

“They can keep a lot of it in, and little do we know that they’re crying and hurting. Days later, it might be too late – that’s what we see it doing to people.”

Year is an award that seeks to celebrate those people who have encouraged community spirit among their neighbours by working together to make their area a better place to live and thrive.

It’s sponsored by the Hilton Hotel on Kennet Island, and this is the first time they have backed the Pride of Reading Awards.

Area general manager John McLaughlin was thrilled that his team could get behind this award.

“We wanted to sponsor this award as it is the essence of Hilton Reading,” he says.

“The DNA of everything we do is very much about the community, the community spirit and the community is what we live for.”

And he’s right as the hotel isn’t just for people passing through Reading, but it is well used as a conference, wedding and party venue by businesses and residents alike.

If anything, the team at The Hilton truly understand the ethos behind this new award.

“We believe there is a much larger reach for nominations with this award than there are with other categories,” John continues.

“We also believe this award will be given, unconditionally, to a community that is truly deserving.

“We’re counting down to the awards ceremony in December.”

Green Park Local Hero FOR the fifth year running, Green Park is privileged to sponsor the Local Hero category of the Pride of Reading Awards.

This category celebrates the incredible human beings among us who, through a special act of kindness and courage, make a difference to the Reading community and Green Park is proud to have been part of this community for over two decades.

Set in 195-acre parkland, it is home to 7,600 workers and small businesses, both large and small, with community and wellbeing central to the Green Park ethos.

Events such as The Green Park Triathlon and the Reading Half Marathon, as well as its biodiversity initiatives such as ‘twitching’ more than 50 species of birds contribute to Reading’s community.

The most recent developmental phase of Green Park has completed, with Thee Mobile having recently relocated to one of the two new 119,000 sq ft offices.

In Green Park’s continuing pursuit of wellbeing excellence for its occupiers, these buildings are targeting WELL Platinum certification; they are among only a handful of buildings across the UK to have done so to date.

The local hero award is for someone who, through a special act of kindness or bravery, has made a positive difference to their community.

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PRIDE OF READING 2022

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Words: Phil Creighton & Jake Clothier Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

The firms helping make the Pride

M&G Real Estate Cultural Contribution

Reading FC Community Champion

IKEA Gifts and prizes support

Electric Hairdressing Styling support

M&G Real Estate in an income-driven, longterm specialist global property investor with 150 years of experience. We manage £33.6 billion of assets including cash across the UK, continental Europe, North America and Asia, making us one of the world’s largest real estate investors.

Our aim is to deliver consistent, long-term returns to our investors through funds, segregated mandates, investment partnerships and joint ventures.

Our client’s needs are at the heart of what we do. As those requirements change and develop, we innovate to offer new investment strategies and deal structures.

We are delighted to be involved with the Pride of Reading and feel it is vital to support the community as well as the business functions of the town.

Our development of new offices in Reading provides further job opportunities for residents and helps create an environment people are proud to work in.

We are yet again grateful to the organisers of Pride of Reading, who continue to do a fantastic job, recognising these great people and organisations that go beyond the call of duty and deserve their acknowledgement and thanks.

M&G Real Estate is sponsoring Cultural Contribution: to raise the profile of, and give recognition to, the projects, people and organisations that contribute to the cultural life of Reading, covering music, drama, art and heritage.

150 years. And this chapter is special. Quite some tale has already been told.

Our club’s story goes on, we still bleed blue and white, because being Royal will never grow old.

Seven score years and ten ago, the prologue was first written on Gun Street, The South Bank in song, the first Tilehurst End tremors, our heart began to beat.

For the last year or more, we’ve fought on without fans, as covid kept us all out in the cold.

But as the club celebrates its 150 milestone, we know being Royal will never grow old.

For 150 years, the town and its community has shown pride in our club. And once more we are delighted to show how proud we are of those within that community who unflinchingly go above and beyond for others.

We are honoured to sponsor the Community Champion of the Year award and look forward to hearing tales of individuals who have selflessly put others’ needs ahead of their own during a worrying and uncertain period in history.

The strength of community has never been more appreciated by so many.

The award looks for someone who works tirelessly in their community as an individual, in the voluntary sector, as a carer, for a community group or in public service, who devotes their time for others.

IKEA is among the supporters who help the Pride of Reading awards, by providing gifts and prizes.

Matt Snape, marketing specialist at IKEA, said: “It feels great to be part of the community, being involved supporting people.

“And I think for us as one of the supporters and previous sponsors, it’s really exciting for us to find out the theme.”

This year’s awards have been given the theme of celebrations.

“Because we supply a lot of the gifts, it’s really good to know what the theme so we can tailor it to match that,” he says.

“It’s a really exciting thing that we can then come together as a store and start brainstorming what can we do and what we can bring.”

IKEA has sponsored categories at the awards for a number of years following its first sponsorship in 2017.

When the awards returned after the pandemic last year, IKEA had moved to a supporting role.

Mr Snape said: “Pride of Reading is such a great organisation, that even though we’re not directly sponsoring, we still have made it very apparent that we still want to support and be a part of the community.”

“And the fact that they’re accepting that and saying that that’s fine, they still want us to come on board, it’s great to feel a part of the bigger picture.”

ELECTRIC Hairdressing is continuing its years of support of the Pride of Reading Awards, as it remains the official provider of the event’s hair styling.

Amy Davis and Jorja Sweeney attended the launch event.

Amy says: “We’ve been supporting Pride of Reading since about 2015.”

This year’s Pride of Reading’s launch event was the first time many people have seen each other properly. The awards took place last December, but covid restrictions prevented a normal launch event.

“Since having those few years off during the pandemic, of course it’s really nice to see everyone’s faces,” Amy says.

“So many are already clients, so it almost feels like a little bit of a catch-up, especially for those that haven’t popped in for a little while.”

Amy says that hair styling allows them to get to know their customers, saying “We got to know them on a real personal level, which we find really nice.”

This is especially true of their Pride of Reading Awards customers, too.

She says: “We love to support Pride of Reading not only because we feel that these people are our friends, we see them every day, “But because we love to support the community of Reading.”

“We have such a good culture here, it’s very different, and there’s a lot about Reading that people don’t know, but actually it feels like we’re also a big deal, too.”

Jacobs The Jewellers Biscuit recipe competition

Voco Reading Hotel support

Cherubs Floral Design Floral support

THIS YEAR’S Pride of Reading theme is celebration, and a reason to party is the 200th anniversary of one of the town’s famous Bs – biscuits.

Back in 1822, Huntley & Palmers first started selling the tasty snacks.

A contest is being launched by Pride of Reading to mark this milestone, and it is sponsored by another key name in the town: Jacobs The Jewellers.

The search is on to create a new biscuit to rival the 400 varieties made from its Newtown base, including Opera Wafers. the Butter Finger, the Bath Oliver and Iced Gems.

Adam Jacobs was delighted that the company was backing this special celebratory contest.

“We’re very happy to be supporting Pride of Reading, it’s a great bunch of people. It’s a great area we live in, so it’s a privilege to be able to sponsor it and support the town,” he says.

“It’s our second year sponsoring. We’ve always thoroughly enjoyed it as guests, I enjoyed it loads as a sponsor, and it’s really good to be able to celebrate all that makes Reading a fantastic place to be.”

He adds: “We are an independent business and we wanted to ask whether the Pride of Reading could accommodate these a little bit unusual for us.

“We’re delighted to be able to sponsor the biscuit-making competition in this the anniversary year of Huntley and Palmers with our anniversary coming up next year, when we turn 75.”

ONE OF the important parts of the Pride of Reading is the ceremony and a lot of work goes on behind the scenes to ensure it is a memorable day for winners.

Helping ensure this happens is Voco, the hotel that forms part of the Select Car Leasing Stadium complex.

They help provide hotel rooms and discounted rates for guests, something that helps make the event a truly special occasion.

The hotel’s Lauren Joseph is new to the role, but can’t wait to get stuck in to helping make December’s ceremony happen.

“I’ve just joined Voco Reading a month ago,” she says. “Pride of Reading is such a great event to be a part of, we’re really, really, excited.”

Voco Reading wants to be involved in the community, and Pride of Reading is one way it can do so.

“We want to build up an environment that is supportive of a lot of the events that are going on,” Lauren explains.

“We’re very much an upmarket hotel but we have a casual, welcoming, charming feel.

“We want our guests to come in and feel like it’s a second home, but they’re also getting the same quality of service.

“We can offer this as part of our contribution towards the sponsorship … the organisers and attendees can feel that same experience any of our other guests will feel as well.”

AS THE old adage goes, say it with flowers.

And what better way to show Pride of Reading winners they are valued than some impressive floral displays?

The team at Cherubs Floral Design have been helping Pride of Reading since the very first awards in 2000, providing decorative arrangements that help set the tone not just for the award ceremony, but the launch event itself.

Marc Allridge (pictured) loves Pride of Reading so much he is one of the joint organisers of the whole thing.

His business partner James Barton says: “It’s really nice to be able to give back to the town that we serve.

“The awards help build the community, and we’ve been supporting it since it started.”

And because many of the sponsors return year after year, Cherubs was pleased to be reunited with them at last month’s launch event.

“It gets everyone in the mood for the awards in December,” James says. “Seeing people today, especially after the lockdowns, it’s really nice to see people we might not have managed to catch up with at the last awards, for example. There’s people here we haven’t seen for three years.

“It’s nice to see the regular faces that support the awards each year, and the new people too. It’s an ever-changing landscape for people to chat and network with.”

And that’s what helps keep Pride of Reading fresh each year.

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PRIDE OF READING 2022

of Reading one big celebration Malmaison Hosting and wine

Tesco Gifts and prizes sponsor

Sir John Madejski Pride of Reading patron

Danyl Johnson Pride of Reading patron

THE VENUE for the launch event of this year’s Pride of Reading Awards was Station Road-based Malmaison.

General manager James Henesey was thrilled to welcome everyone to the very special event, not least as it gave him the chance to showcase not just the venue, but its stunning food and drink. It follows on from the firm providing table wine for the awards ceremony last December.

“It was amazing to be able to welcome everybody to the hotel, to help start this year’s Pride of Reading – hopefully, this is the start of the party,” he says.

And it was a big party. James and his team worked flat out to ensure that the venue was spotless, and every guest was looked after.

“It was a big responsibility,” he says. “We wanted to ensure we set the tone right. Pride of Reading is such a good cause, celebrating the amazing people in Reading.

Referring to the Mal’s heritage – built as a hotel to accommodate railway passengers to the up-and-coming town – James knows the significance of both the awards and his venue.

“We’re involved in Pride of Reading as we’re one of the oldest hotels in the town,” he says.

“We feel like we’re the centre of the community, and we’re proud to be part of it.

“Sharing Malmaison’s hospitality is our connection to the awards.”

TESCO is sponsoring the Pride of Reading Awards, providing prizes and gifts for the ceremony, which will take place in December.

It is the second year in a row that they have supported the event after it returned last year.

Emma McLaren, lead manager at Tesco, and Amal Narayanasamy, store manager, attended the launch event, with Ms McLaren saying: “It is an incredible event and such a humbling experience to see all these people that do such an amazing things all come together.

“So we reached out to the Pride of Reading Award to see if we can support in any way shape or form.”

Tesco has worked with charities and food banks across Reading, with Tesco Community Grant.

In 2019, it gave its support to Sport in Mind, granting £10,000 to help it provide help to those struggling with mental health.

Earlier this year, it short-listed a number of community projects for further funding, including Hawkedon School in Lower Earley which put in a bid for £1,000 to help build play equipment for students.

Also nominated are the Faith Christian Group, which runs a number of support services in Reading, as well as the Reading Sea Cadets.

“With the thousands and thousands of people that live in Reading, it can still feel like such a small community, so helping each other out, and to be a part of that is just an amazing feeling.”

NOMINATIONS are now open for this year’s Pride of Reading awards.

The launch event was attended by a number of patrons and sponsors who have continued to support Reading and its community.

They include Sir John Madjeski, who said: “It really is fantastic to be back.

“What’s so fabulous about the Pride of Reading awards is that all the unsung heroes that do so much in our community, People that go beyond the pale and never get recognised, it gives them accreditation.”

Reading Football Club, of which Sir John acted as chairman from 1990-2012, is sponsoring the Community Champion award. The award honours those who have done outstanding work in the voluntary sector or public service.

“It’s lovely to think that ordinary people, wonderful individuals, get the recognition for their endeavours. And some of them are beyond belief – quite extraordinary.

“They change people’s lives and circumstances, and through Pride of Reading they can be honoured.”

Sir John has continued to champion those devote their time to others, becoming the first patron Reading Football Club’s Community Trust.

He said of the recipients: “They often find themselves in situations where they have to respond immediately. They do, showing great courage and fortitude.

“It’s the true spirit of Reading.”

ONE of the many faces returning to this years Pride of Reading Awards is patron Danyl Johnson.

Also a member of the organising committee, the singer says that he’s glad to see so many returning to the event.

“Last year was one of the first events we could do, but with all of the extra precautionary stuff.

“So its good to be back and feeling safe in the room, with all the familiar faces done up, and not having to worry about somebody being on mute.”

“It’s so nice to have that camaraderie and just seeing everyone’s faces again.”

However, he noted the in-person absence of the awards’ organiser, Hilary Scott, who gave a speech to attendees via Zoom.

Mr Johnson said: “It’s sad Hilary’s not here but you know, that’s what technology is for, thank goodness we have that.

“And hopefully she’ll be at the awards event later in the year.”

Mr Johnson said that though he was born a few miles away in Arborfield, Reading is his hometown.

“I love this town – I’m not originally from here, but I’ve lived here longer than anywhere else.

“It’s the only town I’ve ever felt comfortable living in.”

Starlet’s Louise Woods Entertainment director

Reading FC Conference and Events Centre Venue support

Matt Whitelock Entertainment director

Matt Allwright Pride of Reading host

MATT WHITELOCK is part of the creative team that help turn Pride of Reading from an idea into an event.

He was the host of this year’s launch event, dazzling audiences with his golden jacket and his golden patter. He’ll also be present at December’s award ceremony.

“It’s the highlight of my calendar year,” he says.

And no wonder he has such affection for it: he’s a previous winner. He used to run youth theatre group Berzerk Productions and it was for this that he received an honour at the very first Pride of Reading awards.

Berzerk then sponsored an award, and now help with the entertainment on the day.

“The young people get the opportunity to perform. It’s a real tearjerker to see these young people loving it,” he says.

“It’s also wonderful to see all these Reading people receiving recognition and being celebrated for the wonderful things they do.”

And Matt knows first-hand what happens following the award win.

“It really helped me back then. It projected my company to another level – it got more recognised, and really helped it to grow,” he says.

But above else, he’s pleased to be part of something very special.

“There really is nothing else like Pride of Reading. It’s just a beautiful event, very humbling and very moving. It’s something I think every town should have.”

THE Pride of Reading Awards feature a number of famous faces, including returning presenter, Matt Allwright This year marks the event’s full return, after last year’s awards focused on the frontline workers who endeavoured to help during the pandemic.

He said: “It doesn’t feel like anybody ever left.

“Reading is a community that I’ve just feel more and more a part of.

“Whenever you’re away, when you come back the things you like about it still recognise.”

The launch event took place only a few hours after it was announced that Reading was once again set to miss out on city status.

Mr Allwright said that Reading is “an unrecognised town, and now the biggest in the country.

“And we stay with that town mentality, where everyone knows everyone and cares about everyone.

“So forget about being a city, I’d rather we cared for and looked after each other.

As well as championing consumer rights, he is also a patron of Launchpad Reading, which works to combat homelessness.

“There are people who live just around the corner from you that you can help, and challenges to be overcome.

“What I love about these awards is that they recognise where people have been remarkable, and saying that you can do that too.”

PICTURE the scene: as guests arrive at the Select Car Leasing Stadium for the Pride of Reading awards, they are greeted with smiling faces and a warm welcome.

And then, as part of the ceremony itself the very same smiling faces are suddenly on stage, dancing their hearts out to amazing routines.

Youngsters from Starlet Dance School help make the awards ceremony special, and they are now an integral part of the day.

For the company’s principal, Louise Woods, it’s a fantastic experience.

“The awards have got a feelgood factor about them, and we’re looking forward to this year’s event,” she says.

“With the Platinum Jubilee, it’s a big year to celebrate.

“Starlet has been involved for more than 10 years now, it’s an event I look forward to every year.

“I love running my dance school and being able to involve them in something so unique… it’s special to and dedicated to Reading.”

Louise is tight-lipped about what she has planned for this December.

“We are keeping that secret for the moment,” she says. “But it’s going to be a great, fun event and very uplifting.

“It’s going to be a unique celebration event.”

PRIDE OF READING is a massive thing – and if you are organising an awards ceremony that will rival something like the Baftas and the Oscars, well, you need a glittering venue.

Enter Reading FC Conference and Events, part of the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Its first-class facilities, matched with the heritage of the Royals means the venue and the food is nothing short of spectacular.

Laura Beckwith has the challenge of ensuring it all happens smoothly.

Speaking at last month’s launch event she says: “It’s really good to be part of the journey [of this year’s awards] from the beginning – I’ll be part of the operations on awards day, so it’s nice to be involved from the beginning, meeting sponsors and getting to know the people and what the event is all about.”

Reading FC Conference and Events enjoys being part of the Pride of Reading team.

“It’s a good thing to be involved in,” Laura explains. “It’s about recognising the unsung heroes.

“We help them have a special day – they deserve a good time.

“After all, it’s about honouring them and if I can make that happen by providing them with the best entertainment, food and service, I want to be part of that because at the end of the day, it comes down to giving them a good afternoon that they deserve.”

34 | VIEWPOINTS

David, Joe and James – always in our hearts

CHURCH NOTES

Expecting the miraculous

S

PEAK up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8-9 NLT

I was called to this ministry in 2005 after receiving a prophetic word saying I would oversee two charities which serve the homeless, disadvantaged and those with learning difficulties.

Having walked with the Holy Spirit over the years, obeying God’s call has helped me to serve the guests, pray with them, expecting the miraculous and sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with them.

Also overseeing and supporting volunteers as they have given of their time and energy to serve the food, provide baths and showers, clothes and be a listening ear for the guests.

We’ve also been assisted by nurses, podiatrists, opticians in the past, Street outreach team and other outside agencies to help the guests.

People from all walks of life have provided support through financial donations, clothing and food donations and in various other ways, God has really blessed us through these people.

Over the years we have encouraged and blessed many people who would not have received any support elsewhere and we are grateful to God for enabling us to continue to do this work.

The centres are a place where people can come and receive help when they are facing difficulties in their lives and to know that God loves them unconditionally.

Mabel Boyd, Manager of Churches in Reading Drop in Centre and Churches in Reading Women’s Centre writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading

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Letters

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today Did you know that one in seven diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year die within two months after diagnosis? We are being failed. Enough is enough.

On Tuesday 28 June I am marching to No 10 Downing Street, alongside Target Ovarian Cancer campaigners, to hand in our open letter signed by 20,000 people. Together, we’re demanding the government takes action on the awareness crisis in ovarian cancer.

In 2019 I was working long hours in the City of London.

With a daily commute, busy lifestyle and regularly visiting my sick mum, I was tired. But, like many women, I ignored this and continued on. Then one night, I felt a painful lump in my tummy.

It was a tumour. I was later diagnosed with stage IIIa ovarian cancer.

For me, ovarian cancer affected my whole body. My right leg bloated due to deep vein thrombosis and a clot on my lung was discovered. I had intense surgery to drain my kidneys and remove the tumour, as well as a total hysterectomy and many other procedures. I then underwent six rounds of chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer changed

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

my life, and with no screening in place it is essential that we are all armed with awareness of symptoms. This means the cancer can be found earlier, and outcomes are significantly improved. No one should die because of a late diagnosis.

Four out of five woDid you know that one in seven diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year die within two months after diagnosis? We are being failed.

Enough is enough.

On Tuesday 28 June I am marching to No 10 Downing Street, alongside Target Ovarian Cancer campaigners, to hand in our open letter signed by 20,000 people. Together, we’re demanding the government takes action on the awareness crisis in ovarian cancer.

In 2019 I was working long hours in the City of London.

With a daily commute, busy lifestyle and regularly visiting my sick mum, I was tired. But, like many women, I ignored this and continued on. Then one night, I felt a painful lump in my tummy.

It was a tumour. I was later diagnosed with stage IIIa ovarian cancer.

For me, ovarian cancer affected my whole body. My right leg bloated due to deep

From the Chamber

Cllr Rob White

Green Party is working to tidy up Reading

L

OCAL politics is all about the everyday things that matter to local people and one of the issues we hear most about is fly-tipping – rubbish that’s been dumped illegally on Reading’s streets. As Green councillors we take the issue of waste disposal very seriously and hear regular complaints from concerned residents who live and work near fly-tipping hotspots.

There’s been a lot of strong words from the council on the subject over recent months – claims of a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy and the creation of a dedicated team to tackle illegally disposed waste. Fly-tipping is one of the main concerns that residents bring to the Green team so we feel it’s crucial that the council follows up on the rhetoric with meaningful policies.

Green pressure is cleaning up the town

And the pressure our Green councillors are applying seems to be working! We are delighted that the council has launched a free bulky waste collection. After many years of campaigning for more action against fly-tipping, we welcome Reading Council’s recent commitment to fight back… it’s long overdue!

So – if you have anything you need to dispose of but can’t get it to the local tip by yourself, you can now reserve a slot 14 days in advance by calling 0118 937 3787 or visiting www.reading.gov. uk/bulkywaste.

And don’t forget, if you spot some illegally dumped rubbish or overflowing bins you can report it directly using the Love Clean Streets smart phone app: lovecleanstreets.info

Newly elected Katesgrove councillors Doug Cresswell and Louise Keane are tackling graffiti Like all Reading residents,

vein thrombosis and a clot on my lung was discovered. I had intense surgery to drain my kidneys and remove the tumour, as well as a total hysterectomy and many other procedures. I then underwent six rounds of chemotherapy.

Ovarian cancer changed my life, and with no screening in place it is essential that we are all armed with awareness of symptoms. This means the cancer can be found earlier, and outcomes are significantly improved. No one should die because of a late diagnosis.

Four out of five women cannot name the key symptom of ovarian cancer, bloating. This needs to change.

I’m writing to ask your readers to take just two minutes of their time to learn the symptoms and spread the word to their families and friends: persistent bloating, feeling full or having difficulty eating, tummy pain, and needing to wee more often or more urgently.

Become part of this movement to make change happen in government today by campaigning to improve the lives of people affected by ovarian cancer.

Catherine Hunt, via email we’re tremendously proud of our Banksy, but we’re not so fond of the numerous tags and squiggles that blight the town.

Last November Reading Council announced another ‘zero tolerance’ policy – this time for graffiti.

Why not get involved and help us to make Reading cleaner? The council has said it will provide 20 graffiti removal kits – and training – to local community groups so residents can take action to rid the graffiti from their own neighbourhoods.

In Katesgrove newly elected Green councillors Doug Cresswell and Louise Keane have been reporting graffiti and can put you in contact with the right person at the council to get a cleaning kit.

In Redlands it’s Green councillors David McElroy and Kathryn McCann.

In Park it is Green councillors Josh Williams, Brenda McGonigle and myself. Contact us at info@ readinggreenparty.org.uk or 07985 923 938.

Green councillors are working hard all year round Local politics is all about the everyday things that affect local people. Bins, graffiti, anti-social behaviour, potholes, planning applications... It’s not terribly glamorous stuff but it matters to all of us so we’re here and we’re working hard all year round to ensure that Reading is a greener, cleaner and fairer town for all us.

Green councillor Rob White is the leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

From the Chamber

Cllr Jason Brock

Marking the 75th anniversary of our friendship

T

HIS weekend marks the 75th anniversary of Reading’s unique friendship with Düsseldorf.

For those of you who don’t know the history, the link dates back to 1947, just after the Second World War. Major General Jack Collins, Colonel of the Royal Berkshire Regiment, was stationed in the Rhineland at the time and, having seen the devastation first-hand, he personally appealed to councils in Berkshire to adopt and aid Rhineland towns which were wrecked by heavy bombing during the conflict.

Phoebe Cusden, Mayor of Reading at the time, took it upon herself to travel to Düsseldorf to see the situation personally.

On her return, she set about rallying support from residents across Reading, who responded with characteristic generosity. Phoebe arranged for parcels and donations of food, clothing and toys to go to be shipped over to Germany. She also arranged for some of her own friends to offer hospitality for three months to an undernourished Düsseldorf child. The very next summer, 25 children came to Reading and 60 children went in the opposite direction to visit Düsseldorf.

The friendship and the regular exchanges have continued ever since. They are supported by the Reading Düsseldorf Association, which does an incredible job, and which has been in existence since 1948.

This coming weekend we welcome the ‘Lord Mayor’ of Düsseldorf, Oberbürgermeister Stephan Keller, and representatives from Düsseldorf City Council to Reading again.

A church service will take place at 11am on Sunday at the Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin.

That same afternoon, our own Mayor and the Oberbürgermeister will re-affirm the link between our historic towns at a Civic meeting, along with members of the Reading Düsseldorf Association, Düsseldorf Churches Interchange, representatives from the groups in Reading who currently carry out twinning exchanges, and other guests from Düsseldorf.

I’m delighted that Phoebe Cusden’s own grandson, Richard Thom, will be in attendance the event.

If you are interested in finding out more, I’d recommend dropping into Central Library where a new exhibition – entitled Dorf & Ding – has been put together by local photographer and historian, Chris Forsey. It focuses on the iconic ‘Cartwheeling Boys’ sculpture (sadly damaged in the recent storm Eunice, but which we intend to restore) along with many striking vistas of Reading and Düsseldorf.

The Reading Düsseldorf Association also has another exhibition in Reading Museum which charts the history of the twinning links with Düsseldorf.

The historical frame of reference I’ve described also has resonance in the present day. That thought occurred to me when I visited the new support hub at Central Library recently. It serves to help Ukrainian nationals with aspects of living in the UK such as using the NHS, housing, employment, education, benefits, consumer rights and immigration. It will also provide advice to family members and local sponsors of Ukrainian nationals.

Seventy-five years after the historic link was forged with our friends from Düsseldorf, Reading is responding once again to aid people suffering because of conflict in their homeland. That is something, I’m sure you would agree, worth celebrating.

Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council, and Labour ward member for Southcote

35

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Fresh bid launched to continue water sports at Caversham Lakes

APPLICATION: Caversham Lake Picture: Google Maps

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A WATER sports company has launched a fresh bid to continue operating with swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking on a lake in Caversham.

In August 2020, the Caversham Lakes company began running events on the lake and also opened an adults only private island for hire.

However, the company does not currently have planning permission to operate.

An application to ‘regularise’ the use of the lake for watersports was refused in October last year by South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning department due to concerns about its impact on the environment, wildlife and biodiversity.

Recently, a new plan was submitted in an attempt to gain approval of its use.

Caversham Lakes planning agent, Paul Bledwell, has argued use of the lake provides families with healthy activities and an economically beneficial tourist destination.

A covering letter for the new application reads: “Should the council resolve to grant planning permission, Caversham Lakes would deliver significant, social and health,

READING residents are invited to access walk-in Covid-19 vaccinations.

Individuals aged 12 and over can receive their first, second or booster doses at The Meeting Point, Kennet Island.

Those arriving for their vaccinations will not be asked to present ID or GP registration.

The sessions take place between 2pm-7pm on Thursday, and Friday.

Further walk-ins are available between 10am-4pm on Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26. n For more information, call the RVA vaccine support helpline on: 0118 334 1091

Let’s play darts! economic and environmental benefits for the local area and help to support and maintain Caversham Lakes as an existing tourist venue.”

The agents also pointed out that use of the lake for leisure and watersports is limited to its eastern bank, leaving the majority of the lake “unfettered” by the activities.

The agent argued the lake’s most intense use runs between the beginning of April and early October, with use limited during November to March.

So far, South Oxfordshire Council has not taken legal action to close Caversham Lake down.

That option is possible if the latest application is refused.

Although the lake is in South Oxfordshire, the site is accessed from Henley Road, which falls within Reading Borough Council.

Concerns in Caversham have been expressed about the access road to the site.

Commenting on the application Amanda Champion,

Car show returns to Floral show in Prospect Park Swallowfield CAR NUTS will be in top gear as they head to Prospect Park for the return of the Berkshire Motor Show on Sunday, July 3.

The event celebrates life on the open road, and more besides.

Members of local motoring groups will be displaying their vehicles, vintage and rare cars will be on show, and there will be a tribute to Colin McRae. Other attractions include a dog show, a demonstration from the fire brigade, an auto jumble sale, and a visit from the Dakar Rally Team.

Young riders can try their hand at the wacywheelers from Team Wacky, and if the weather conditions are right, a hot air balloon will visit.

There will also be trade stands, food stalls, games including soccer darts, and music from Matthew Allman.

The event is held from 10am-5pm, and entry is free.

The car park is open for a donation of at least £2. n For more details, log on to: www.berkshiremotorshow.co.uk

AT LEAST 10 gardens will be opened to the public on Sunday, July 3, as part of the National Garden Scheme open day in Swallowfield.

People will be able to admire the handiwork of people who live in the village and are members of its horticultural community.

Most of the gardens will be within walking distance of each other, while some will be accessible by car as they are on the edges of the village.

The gardens will be open from 2pm to 5.30pm, with homemade cream teas available at The Brambles. Entry is £8, children get in free, with proceeds going to charity.

For more information, log on to ngs.org.uk and search for Swallowfield in the ‘find a garden’ section.

Royal Berks spills the tea for the NHS birthday ROYAL Berkshire Hospital will be joining trusts and communities around the country in celebrating the 74th birthday of the NHS. NHS Charities Together, which leads nationwide fundraising and support for healthcare charities, organises the national event annually.

This year’s event will take place on Tuesday, July 5th.

Walk-in covid jabs at Kennet Island

Those who wish to take part are invited to host their own celebrations at home, or in schools, workplaces, community centres, churches, and hospitals.

Schools who wish to enter will also be automatically entered into a prize draw, the winner of which will receive a visit from the charity’s ambassador, footballer Jordan Henderson.

Royal Berkshire Hospital has

released a series of featured recipes to download and make at home as part of its preparations for the day.

NHS Charities Together has worked with more than 230 charities and raised more than £150 million through its national appeal during the pandemic. n To sign up and claim a free fundraising pack, visit: www. royalberkscharity.co.uk

A DARTS tournament will take place in Bradfield on Saturday, raising funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Entry into the Jim Humphreys Darts Memorial will cost £5 per person, with the prize pot split between the charity and the winners.

The evening will also include a blind pairs contest, and a raffle, for which prizes will be welcomed.

It takes place at the Bradfield Social Club in Union Road from 8pm.

who lives in Holybrook Close, should this application be wrote: passed.”

“The Henley Road junction Neighbours who support or which leads to the ‘road’ oppose watersports and leisure to Caversham Marina was use of the lake can comment already dangerous and hard to on the application by typing navigate, the increased traffic reference 220761 into Reading since Caversham Lakes has Borough Council’s planning been developed has exacerbated portal.

The application can be this.

“The ‘road’ is of poor quality, viewed in detail and submit very uneven, has no lighting a comment by typing in P22/ and is unsafe for pedestrians. I S1691/FUL into the South would expect major upgrades Oxfordshire planning portal. and today_QASFest+Fitkin_130X160mm The public consultation on n For more details, call the club to QAS_Reading the junction and theWokingham road leading to Caversham Lakes the application closes on Friday. on: 0118 974 4760.

Join us for Arts Week at Queen Anne’s School

Thursday 30 June | 3.30pm-6.30pm This is a free event with no booking required.

Join us at Queen Anne’s School for a celebration of the Arts. Find out more at:

qas.org.uk/QASFEST2022 Fitkin 8 Hands Concert

Thursday 30 June 2022 | 7.00pm Adults £20 | Concessions £10 World class composer and pianist Graham Fitkin celebrates music built from minimal materials.

Book at:qas.org.uk/8handsconcert Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road, Caversham,Berkshire, RG4 6DX

36 | BUSINESS

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A business park that is changing

Bright future for Grazeleybased solar farm creation firm Law firm’s summer party A READING-based law firm was able to welcome guests for a garden party earlier this month, its first for three years.

Blandy & Blandy welcomed 200 people to its Blagrave Street offices for an evening of food and drink.

The guest list included clients and professional contacts, as well as the businesses former chairs, Richard Griffiths and Brenda Long also visiting.

The firm’s current chairman, Nick Burrows, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome so many clients and friends of the firm to our first garden party since 2019.

“Given the difficulties of the last couple of years, it was great to be able to chat to people in person, to catch up with our clients and professional contacts and certainly we were pleased that all those attendin g seemed to enjoy the opportunity to get together.

“Thank you to everyone for their continued support for our firm.”

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM-based firm is looking to a bright future after securing permission to build a new solar farm.

Enviromena says the 90-acre site, in Bridgwater, Somerset, will produce enough power for 9,750 average-sized homes per year, and offset around 6,500 tonnes of carbon emissions.

The site, at Horsey Levels, uses 45,198 monocrystalline bifacial solar modules with a capacity of 24.18MWp and will generate 28,286MWhs of energy per annum.

This is the company’s second UK development to achieve planning permission in the past year, and is one of several solar PV developments sold to Blackfinch Energy, part of Blackfinch Group.

Environmena is based in Grazeley, and the firm’s chief executive, Cabell Fisher, said: “(Permission) follows in the wake of several other successful solar

GREEN FOR GO: Permission to build a solar farm in Somerset has been granted to a Grazeley-based company Picture: Sebastian Ganso from Pixabay projects the Enviromena team has delivered in Europe in the last 12 months.

“Projects like this will be critical to support the UK Government’s recent initiatives to implement more renewable solutions on the

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national grid and to bring down the cost of energy for industry and consumers alike.

“We now look forward to harnessing this momentum and hope more of our PV projects will come through the planning system

so we can continue to support the UK’s commitment to hit its renewable energy targets and to further Enviromena’s mission to help facilitate the transition to a world powered by clean energy by providing safe, affordable, and reliable clean energy solutions to its customers.”

This planning permission comes at a time when UK consumers’ energy prices have risen by 54% this year, and these prices should continue to rise for the foreseeable future due to the global unpredictability of supply now caused by the war in Ukraine.

It will also reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels which can have a higher carbon footprint than renewables and are susceptible to supply shocks and price volatility.

Enviromena says it is one of the UK’s largest clean energy solutions companies and has more than 1GW of active solar farms and battery energy storage systems in development and operation throughout Europe.

New associate director for planning and research consultancy A NEW associate director is to join the Reading office of an award-winning independent planning and research consultancy.

Nexus Planning, his to welcome Joanne Jones to work alongside director Oliver Bell.

She joins from Pegasus and has almost two decades’ experience, primarily in the private sector, advising housebuilders, land owners and developers on a range of often complex and multidisciplinary projects.

Key residential projects include an estate regeneration scheme for 260 dwellings (London), a greenfield residential development of 210 homes in Havant, along with an office to residential conversion and wider redevelopment in Hampshire.

Nexus said that Ms Jones brings with her significant expertise to support on a range of complex projects.

There are now 12 working in its Reading team, and 44 people overall.

Oliver Bell, Nexus Planning Director and head of the Reading office, said the firm was delighted to have her on board.

“Joanne’s appointment enhances senior support

Joanne Jones has joined Nexus Planning as an associate director across our diverse portfolio of new and existing projects,” he added.

And Ms Jones said: “Nexus’ strong reputation,

impressive growth and the consultancy’s dynamic approach to doing business very much attracted me to the role.”

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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INTHECOMMUNITY

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Reading Male Voice Choir celebrates 50 years READING’S Male Voice Choir is holding a performance to celebrate 50 years of singing.

Fresh from its performance at the beacon lighting ceremony during the jubilee, the RMVC will mark its own golden anniversary on Saturday, July 2.

The grand Gala Concert will take place at the Reading Concert Hall, featuring guests Mayor & James, Lori Tingay Weber, and the Abbey Junior School choir.

The event will be led by musical director Clive Waterman, who joined the choir as an accompanist shortly after its founding in 1972.

As well as the beacon lighting ceremony, the RMVC was also featured in a video which was released to accompany a Jubilee song, Song for the Commonwealth.

It was one of just 20 performance groups included in the video, which was sent around the world to celebrate 70 years of the Queen’s reign.

Now it is will celebrate its own achievements, which include winning the BBC Radio 3 competition Let the Peoples Sing.

The concert was postponed twice due to the pandemic, but will now mark the end of its 50th season with the event.

Martin Butler, the RMVC’s secretary, said this year’s season “has definitely been the busiest the choir has had in its whole 50 years.

The Reading Male Voice Choir will be celebrating 50 years of singing with a grand gala concert at the Reading Concert Hall. Picture: Mary Mantel “Because of covid and the best part of two years away from performing, the choir has pertformed two concerts for local charities, “Two free concerts in aid of Ukraine, raising over £5,000 between them, and four performances at the International Male Choir Music Festival in Cornwall.”

Mayor & James is the collaboration of mandolin virtuoso Simon Mayor and vocalist Hilary James, performing blues, folk, classical, swing, and even comic

music.

Also joining is Lori Tingay Weber, whose impressive vocals include a repertoire of operatic arias, jazz standards, and pieces from musicals.

Members of the Abbey Junior School choir, seven-time finalists of the Barnardo’s National Choral Competition, will also be performing.

n Tickets are £10 per person, £5 for children under 12, available from: www. whatsonreading.com

Sale tackles rising cost of living A COMMUNITY group is helping residents handle the current cost of living crisis.

Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA), which already runs a food surplus, threw a garage sale at its home on Northumberland Avenue last Thursday.

Clothes, books, school uniforms and miscellaneous items were available at affordable prices.

“It’s gone very well, we’ve sold quite a lot,” WCDA volunteer Majorie Small said.

“This is stuff that we’ve had here at the community centre for quite some time, and we’ve decided now the only way for people to see it is actually to bring it out in the open.”

“Hopefully it’ll be something we can do regularly, at least until [the items] are all gone.”

“We’re inviting anyone from any area, letting them know that they’re welcome to come and take anything they want at really, really reasonable prices.”

The items have been collected through donations made by individuals and shops.

The WCDA was unable to hold the sale sooner due to the pandemic, however, the organisation is looking to launch the project in earnest.

“Especially in these hard times, for the prices that we’re selling the items for, you’ll be sure to get your money’s worth when you come on down,” Ms Small said.

“It’s a little bit of bric-a-brac, new and used clothes and uniforms for

BIG SALE: Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA) volunteers organised a garage sale to help residents handle the rising cost of living, while also minimising product waste Picture: Ji-Min Lee children, so there’s really something for everyone.”

Organised by a committed team of volunteers, funds raised from the sale will help support the WCDA’s work.

One of the organisation’s most successful endeavours has been its community cafe, something Ms Small was full of praise for, saying: “We need it. Whether it’s in Whitley or anywhere else.”

“Everyone can benefit from it, especially those in really hard times right now.”

“It’s really important because being in lockdown, everyone was in their

homes, no-one could get out. Coming out of the pandemic, everyone’s able to communicate again, mix again, talk again.”

“When they come down to the hub, you’ve got the cafe where you can have something to eat, you’ve got the surplus food, we’ve now got the [garage sale] out here as well. There’s a bit of everything.”

“It’s like going shopping you know, getting a cup of coffee and some clothes, all at affordable prices. And if there’s some people who really can’t afford it we can sort them out as well.

Everyone’s welcome.”

Artist Sally up for award A READING Artist has been longlisted for an international illustration award.

Sally Castle’s The Happy Prince has been nominated for the World Illustration Prize, which sees artists from all over the world recognised across ten categories.

There are 500 artists currently in the running, from 5,000 entries.

The shortlist, narrowed down to 200, is due to be announced later in the year.

Those on the shortlist, will be featured in the awards catalogues, which is distributed to commissioners around the world.

They will also be invited to the awards ceremony in November.

Ms Castle said: “I am very excited about this and would like to thank everyone for their help in making this happen.”

GREAT: Sally Castle signing copies of her book The Happy Prince, which has been longlisted for an international honour

Friendship group urges widowed to give ‘Three Minute Carrot Method’ a go

Reading Oddfellows welcomes new members TO help widowed residents overcome the difficult first step of socialising again after loss, Reading District Oddfellows, a friendship group based in Reading, Henley on Thames, Thatcham and Maidenhead is inviting visitors along to its events for just three minutes.

The unusual offer is based on the ‘Three Minute Carrot Method’, which gives you permission to stop or leave something after three minutes instead of feeling daunted by staying for an hour.

The technique was suggested to the group by Clinical Psychologist and author, Dr Jennifer Wild, who was asked for her advice on ways in which people can rebuild social confidence after losing a partner.

Debbie, Branch Secretary of Reading District Oddfellows, a notfor-profit organisation which brings people together in the community for social activities, said: “Trying something new can be nervewracking, especially if it’s the first time an individual has really put themselves in a social setting without having their partner by their side.”

“We’d obviously love people to stay for the entirety of our events, but we also recognise that people need to move at their own pace. So, if you decide that three minutes is enough for you that day, that’s totally fine. If you want to stay longer, then that’s great also.”

Dr Wild, who has written a series of blogs for the Oddfellows, commented: “The Three Minute Carrot Method gives you permission to stop or leave something early.

“After your three minutes you can decide if you are going to turn around and go home, or if you are going to carry on.

“You’ll find, more often than not, that you will carry on. But by giving yourself permission to leave, it relieves the pressure.”

Debbie added: “When Dr Wild explained this technique to us, we wanted to share her advice more widely as it could be the thing that encourages someone to take that one small positive step forwards.”

“We organise social events for our members across the area where newcomers are always welcome to come along and give us a try.

“We say ring or email us ahead of your first event to let us know you’re coming, so we can explain exactly where we meet and we can welcome you,” added Debbie.

In addition to attending regular social events, Oddfellows members can access financial benefits and welfare support, with a dedicated care helpline and citizens advice team, and a travel club.

Anyone wishing to attend an upcoming event, or to receive a local events diary, contact Debbie on 0118 957 3354 or email readingdistrict@ oddfellows.co.uk. Further information about the Oddfellows can be found at oddfellows.co.uk/firststeps.

Dr Jennifer Wild is a consultant clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Oxford.

Her book, Be Extraordinary: 7 Key Skills to Transform your Life from Ordinary to Extraordinary, gives inspiring real-life examples of how ordinary people have used these skills to come through astonishing adversity. n To read Dr Wild’s series of advice blogs, written especially for the Oddfellows, go to oddfellows.co.uk/ news.

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READING BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that True Food Community Co-operative Ltd applied on 16/06/2022 to Reading Borough Council in respect of the premises known as True Food Community Co-op, 61 Grove Road, Emmer Green, Reading, RG4 8LJ List of licensable activities

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The valid application was received on 16th June 2022 The closing date for representations is 14th July 2022 Any person wishing to view this application may do so at Reading Borough Council by prior arrangement between the hours of 9am to 5pm please ring 0118 9373762 to make an appointment. The application can also be requested electronically by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Snap-on UK Holdings Limited of 23 Telford Way, Telford Way Industrial Estate, Kettering, NN16 8SN is applying for a licence to use Dyson Farming, Unit 4 Mayfield Farm, Cheseridge Rd, Compton RG20 7BR as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicles and trailers 0 .

BABY EQUIPMENT COSATTO DOUBLE BUGGY. With cosy toes footmuffs and rain cover As new. £50. Details: Sheila Stevens 0118 927 2442.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representers must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

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Any person wishing to make representation to this application must do so in writing to Reading Borough Council, Licensing Section, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. Or via email to licensing@reading.gov.uk Representations must relate to the four licensing objectives and contain a full name and address. No written representations will have personal details removed unless the licensing authority deems it appropriate to do so. Any request for personal details to be removed should be notified to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the representation.

The Licensing Act requires local authorities to provide to the applicant copies of all representations made in relation to an application. In some exceptional and isolated circumstances interested parties may be reluctant to make representations because of fears of violence or intimidation if their personal details such as name and address are divulged to the applicant. In these cases we would consider withholding people’s personal details. It is an offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application, the maximum fine for doing so upon summary conviction is unlimited.

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LEISURETODAY

22.06.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

‘The UK is an oasis for musicians’

Musician John O’Brien talks to JAKE CLOTHIER about touring, Tokyo, and tastes in the UK

J

OHN O’BRIEN has written, produced, and toured music professionally for more than forty years.

He has performed around the world, including in Sydney, Madrid, and Tokyo, with seven studio albums to date.

“I was all prepared to do this tour going to the UK in May 2020, but you know what happened.

“We postponed four times, and in that time we were stuck in our home studios.”

Originally from the US, John combines hard rock, pop, dancehall, and even ballads in his approach to his music.

Now, he is touring the UK, with dates in London, Leeds, Oxford, among others, and Reading, where he will play Sub89 on Thursday, July 28.

“My pleasure comes from writing music and producing it, it’s what I love doing, and I was really able to do a lot of that, “My space is not the kind of the kind of studio you’d walk into and

see a computer, a few screens, a microphone– I put things together where I know they’re going to work or not work.”

John says that there are advantages to a modern setup, however.

“It sort of deepens what you can do, I hear some of the stuff that’s out there and it’s clear that somebody sat down at a keyboard with a bunch of patches and put together something that sounds like a band, “But it’s a synthetic version of it.”

He says also that there is a knack to working on music, especially when working with other musicians.

“Part of being a musician is being willing to give up your piece of it, you need to care about the finished product more than your own ego.”

This is true of playing live, too, he explains.

“I started in cover bands, playing stuff people wanna hear, because you can’t just go out into a bar when people are drinking, having fun and talking and play original songs,

“Actually, there’s more of a taste in the UK for that than in the US, definitely.”

In fact, John says that the UK is particularly accommodating when it comes to live performance.

“In my mind, the UK is an oasis for musicians, because people actually want to hear you.”

As a US musician, he enjoys travelling and performing in Europe, and particularly Asia.

“I performed in Madrid, which is a really cool place, and Tokyo, where everyone is very polite, “I was in Jamaica on vacation, and I heard some guitar playing at the back of this fruit market, so I go and see what it is, in this deserted area, which is not smart.

“And there were these three Rasta guys with bottles of rum and a guitar, and they handed it to me.

“But they were saying how the tourists were never happy with what they had– nice houses, and driving nice cars, but still not happy.”

This encounter would go on to inspire Not Enough, which would be released as a single in 2018.

“So I wrote about that, how for some people it’s just not enough, and I put it out.

“Then all of a sudden ASCAP sends me a cheque for a large amount of money, and I was like what is this for?”

“And it turns out it had been on Sirius XM on regular rotation for months.”

He says that there has to be something in the work which comes from your self.

“That’s how you write a song, it has to be something which is just dying to get out of you.”

With his tour approaching, John says also that he’s looking forward to spending some time in the UK, something which can be difficult to do properly when performing a more conventional tour.

“The keyboard player and I have been playing since the 1960s, he’s coming over and we’ve decided the two of us, instead of travelling from London to the gig we’re gonna stay over in each city.

“We’re going to Oxford, and I’m dying to see the Oxford University, then up to Leeds, down to London, then Birmingham, then Reading.

“When I usually tour, I play a different city every night, and that means I don’t see any of them, because they need that momentum.”

This way, however, he says that

they’ll have two days in each place.

“It’s a trade-off– it’s tough, and there’s money involved too, you’ve got to look at that.”

When asked whether there’s anything about performing he wishes he could take home, he said: “There’s a lack of curiosity about live original music at home and it can be a bit problematic.

“But we decided to put on a show here, and there’s a lot to it– we have a lot of movement, some beautiful video elements, costume changes, and a number of things that we’re doing.

“Once that’s on videotape, we can bring that back to the states and say hey we don’t just stand there and play, we’re theatrical.”

He says that he wouldn’t mind a Rolling Stones-esque Steel Wheels kind of tour, too.

“But it’s not that– we’ll interact with the audience, and we have a lot of those moments in the songs which we try to capture.

“And we really try to push those out onto the audience, too, because that’s what makes a really good show.” n The John O’Brien Experience will be playing Sub89 on Thursday, July 28.

For tickets, visit: premier.ticketek.co.uk

14 | LEISURE

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Trivia and chat with a touch of Meatloaf

eerie tales, penned by H P Lovecraft..

The first, Pickman’s Model, tells of a genius painter shunned by the art world because his canvases are sickeningly real.

The second, The Music of Eric Zann, is a tense tale of possession.

Robert Lloyd Parry will be telling tales at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 26 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10, and concessions are £7.

Tickets on the door, if available, will cost £12, and £8 concessions. n For tickets or for more information, log on to: www.risingsunartscentre.org or call the box office on: 0118 986 6788

THERE will be an evening of music, trivia and chat, for fans of the American rock singer, Meatloaf.

Host Jeff Lloyd will play the whole of Meatloaf’s classic LP, Bat Out Of Hell.

He will take his audience through the music, sharing stories and videos to accompany the sounds.

Bat Out of Hell, with all songs by Jim Steinman, was first released in 1977.

The event takes place at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead on Friday, June 24.

Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £10. n For tickets and information visit: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.

A mixture of ballet styles on show

This can be it: This can’t be it MARK Watson’s show, This Can’t Be It, sees him ponder the fragility of life.

Described as a skinny national treasure, Watson aims to sort it all out.

At the age of 41, and after ‘years of pathological over thinking’, Watson packs his attempt to solve a huge problem into a night of stand up comedy where ‘spiritual enquiry meets high-octane observational comedy.’

Watson appears at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell on Sunday, June 26.

The event starts at 8pm, and tickets cost £22. n For tickets and information visit: www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office: 0134 448 4123

Carrots in Mr McGregor’s garden TALES of Peter Rabbit is an afternoon show.

As every fan of the bunny knows, Peter and naughty Benjamin are forbidden from entering Mr McGregor’s garden.

Of course he cannot resist the temptation, however, and the pair find themselves face-to-face with a very angry gardener.

In this adaptation of the enchanting children’s story, families can expect a magical afternoon of fun for all the family.

The event takes place in the Quantum Theatre, outside, at Bracknell’s South Hill Park.

The performance is weather

AN AMERICAN singer-songwriter with a music career spanning almost 40 years, comes to Reading’s Hexagon Theatre.

Vega’s songs have tended to focus on city life, ordinary people and realworld subjects.

Her folk-inspired melodies were successful from the late 1980s, when she performed and wrote hits such as

Tom’s Diner and Luka.

Here she plays songs from her new album An Evening of New York Songs and Stories, which was recorded in a small New York café in 2019.

The audience can expect to hear a mixture of songs, including some classic Vega hits.

The event takes place in The

dependant, and therefore subject to relocation or rescheduling if necessary.

Tales of Peter Rabbit takes place on Sunday, June 26, at 4.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 for adults, £10 for children, and £45 for a family of four. n For tickets and information visit: www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office: 0134 448 4123

diagnosis of AIDS. The other couple, no longer happy together, hide their pain with late night walks and valium.

Part I: Millennium Approaches, and Part II: Perestroika, are available to see between Monday, June 20 and Saturday, July 2.

Both plays contain adult themes and nudity and are rated 15+.

Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm performance.

Tickets cost £12, or £10 for concessions. n For tickets and information visit: www.progresstheatre.co.uk or email: boxoffice@progresstheatre.co.uk

Act one, act two .. over two weeks TWO PLAYS, both set in New York at the end of the 20th Century, call for a double trip to the theatre.

Angels In America, Parts I and II, explores issues of sexuality, race, religion and politics at the end of the 20th Century.

The plays follow the stories of two New York couples, at a time when AIDS was spreading unabated and Reagan’s America was failing to help. .

One couple’s lives are devastated by a

Flying in to Guildford JET PROPELLED farce, Boeing, Boeing comes to Guildford.

Architect, Bernard, has a very complicated life.

Trying to manage three fianceés at once is tricky, especially when they all

Hexagon Theatre, Reading on Friday, June 24.

Doors open at 7pm, with the show starting at 8pm.

Tickets cost £34.50 and £39.50 depending on seat location. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 work for three different airlines, with different schedules to negotiate.

He copes fairly well until an old friend turns up.

Then chaos prevails.

This award-winning comedy has delighted audiences for over 50 years.

Boeing Boeing performs at The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from Tuesday, June 28, with a run that ends on Saturday, July 2.

Performances start at 7.30pm.

Matinée performances on Thursdays and Saturdays start at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £20.50. Concessions cost £12. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000

Don’t have nightmares H P LOVECRAFT: Gallery of Screams, presents two haunting stories.

American story teller, Robert Lloyd Parry, travels from the States to tell two

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

As ever, coronavirus means that shows could be cancelled, postponed or rearranged at short notice. Check with theatres to avoid disappointment.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 One Night In Dublin. Thurs. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat. The Rat Pack in Vegas. Sat. Wilde Sundays: Naked WIthout It, Stem, Searching For Autumn.

Sun. Tales of Peter Rabbit.

Sun. Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It. Sun. The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Tues. Absolute Reggae. Thurs 30. Edinburgh Previews. Fri 1. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat 2. Berkshire Theatre Company presents The Wedding Singer. Sat 2-Sun 3. West Forest Sinfonia. Sun 3.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 The Magic of Motown. Thurs. The Bob Dylan Story. Fri. Comedy Club. Fri. Purple Zeppelin.

Sat. Step Back In Time. Sun. Women In Rock. Thurs 30.

Shape of You. Fri 1.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Pasadena Roof Orchestra.

Thurs. Ballet Central. Fri. Snatched. Fri. Climate ACTion.

Sat. One Summer’s Evening in aid of Samartians. Sat. Boeing Boeing, a new translation.

Tues-Sat 2. The Big Top. Wed. In PurSUEt. Fri 1-Sat 2.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs.

Jackie Palmer Stage School: Verve. Fri-Sat. Luther. Sun. Les Musicals. Tues. What’s Love Got to Do With It? Thurs 30.

The Ultimate 80s Party Night.

Sat 2. Rhodes Academy of Dance. Sun 3.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Off the Kerb: Angelos Epithemiou

and Zoe Lyons. Thurs. Ghost Lights 2: Tiger Mendoza, Octavia Freud, Elucidate. Fri. The Duran Duran Experience.

Sat. Henley Children’s Theatre: Bunfight at the OK Corral. Sun. The Scummy Mummies Show.

Thurs 30-Fri 1.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Vinyl Frontier: Bat Out of Hell.

Fri. Sam Kelly’s Station House.

Thurs 30.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Fri. Dominoes. Sat. One Night in Dublin. Thurs 30. The Comedy Network. Fri 1. Horrible

Histories: The Terrible Tudors.

Sat 2-Sun 3.

Newbury – The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Bleak Expectations. Until Jul 2.

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Heavy Pop presents The Utopia Strong. Wed. The Grumpy Goat presents Craft Theory 2022.

Fri 1-Sat 2.

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 An Evening With Suzanne Vega.

Fri. Strictly Presents: Keep Dancing. Sat.

BALLET Central presents a programme of dances by internationally respected choreographers.

A mixture of classical ballet and contemporary dance, the performance shows off the skills, artistry and versatility of the company.

These are all young dancers, on the cusp of their professional careers.

Powerful music accompanies the programme which includes pieces by choreographers Mikaela Polly, Ashley Page, Mthuthuzeli November and Cathy Marston.

Ballet Central performs at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, on Friday, June 24.

The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £23, concessions £12. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000

Homeward Bound celebrates duo THE Simon & Garfunkel Story: 50th Anniversary Tour, is back.

With photos and original film footage, this show features a full live band performance of all the duo’s biggest hits.

Fans will be able to hear Mrs Robinson, Cecilia, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Homeward Bound, and many more.

The event takes place at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell on Tuesday, June 28.

It starts at 7.45 and tickets cost £24 adults, or £22.50 for members. n For tickets and information visit: www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office: 0134 448 4123.

Reading – Concert Hall

Sonning – The Mill

Reading – Progress Theatre

Wokingham – Theatre

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Sixteen and Harry Christophers. Wed.

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Angels In America Parts 1 and 2.

Until Sat 2.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until Sat. Barefoot in the Park. Thurs 30.

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Daisy Pulls It Off. July 13-23.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde.

Oct 10-29.

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society: Flee (15) followed by Q&A. Thurs.

Treasure Island. Wed-Thurs 23.

Shinfield – Players

Woodley – Theatre

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Junior and Middle Youth Group show. Jul 2-3.

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.

LEISURE | 15

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Of all the hotel corridors in the world, this one is rather puzzling (and on your PC) A duo have created a new single-player horror puzzle. JAKE CLOTHIER looks for clues

The game takes place in a hotel with recurring hallways, also featuring puzzles, guests, and dark storytelling.

Picture: Courtesy of Bronze Box Interactive, via Steam

A

BRAND new video game developer based in Reading is launching its first ever title, Batho(tel).

The single-player horror puzzle experience is the first full release from Bronze Box Interactive, an independent development team founded by Mylo Hopper and John Brockman.

Mylo says that the pair lived together at university before they had the idea of starting their own development company.

“We started together first, kind of unofficially, but as projects became more and more complete, we decided to register as a company.

“Aside from projects that were half-way through production which we realised weren’t working, which,” he jokes, “happens a lot in game development.”

“But Batho(tel) is the first one that’s got to the point where we feel like it is sellable.”

The game is set in the world of Batho(tel), which is described as everchanging and claustrophobic.

The world is populated with puzzles, as well as other guests, which details the narrative.

The game has “some quite dark themes,” which Mylo says is usual of his writing, including allusions to accidents and threat, with some profanity.

“It’s about a guy who wakes up in a hotel hallway, he doesn’t really know why he’s there, “The hallway doesn’t stay as it is,

though, and it has a subtle kind of level structure and plays in fluid way.”

The focus on the setting of the game is something that was picked up from the developers’ influences, he explains.

“The PT demo that Hideo Kojima brought out was a big influence with that repeating hallway, and where things would move down through levels as you solve puzzles, “We knew how they’d done that, having seen interviews with Kojima, so

we wanted to try a similar concept in a way that they didn’t.”

He says also that development can be difficult, but that the Bronze Box Interactive partnership makes things easier.

“Programming and all that is my bad side, it’s my short straw, so working with John has made the process a lot easier, “We work in a way where we’ll pitch concepts to each other, he takes the technical lead and I’ll take the creative

Check-Mates: Games club looks to connect community A WOKINGHAM resident has launched a new board games group, bringing together fellow enthusiasts.

Jacob Woodfield established the club, which meets at Spencers Wood Village Hall between 7pm-10pm on Tuesday evenings.

The inaugural session took place on Tuesday, June 7.

Mr Woodfield’s passion for games and a desire to meet the community he had moved into for work, encouraged him to put feelers out on Facebook.

“The village hall has kind of been this untouched gem in Spencers Wood, so I thought about just renting out a room and meeting new people,” he said.

“My wife started doing Needles & Natter, and so I thought a board game club might work. It was in my head for about six, seven months.”

“The problem is, it’s really hard to meet people as an adult. I moved down to the area for work, which a lot of people here have done.”

“I don’t really know anyone down here, so I thought ‘let’s just make friends whilst playing games.

Everything’s really grim in the news, so it’s nice to just disappear from it for a few hours a week.”

As a board game enthusiast, Mr Woodfield is part of the Kickstarter community, a company that allows individuals to fund fledgling creative projects, in this case, board games.

Investors watch as games develop from ideas into reality, and are able to purchase them before they are available on retail at prices cheaper than the RRP.

Mr Woodfield has backed 21 games, with each set to be available to try at the club.

The second session took place on Tuesday, June 14, and kicked off with a fiercely contested playing of Catan, a game based on trading, building and settling.

A second group immersed themselves in games of Monopoly Deal and Snap-It. The evening was somewhat fittingly rounded off with a round of Pandemic.

Attendees had the opportunity to get to know one another in a warm and friendly environment, leaving with a buzz of excitement for the next meeting.

The three-hour session costs £3 to attend, with various refreshment deals keeping costs to a minimum.

Funds raised go towards the village hall, which serves the Spencers Wood community through its catalogue of weekly activities.

While also being a video game aficionado, Mr Woodfield believes that board games offer something unique.

“Playing online, you have to plan when you’re going to play with other people,” he explained. “If you want to have a group of friends go online, it’s actually kind of hectic.

“A lot of my friends have kids, so they come on every single night and you kind of get that FOMO when you’re not playing.

“When I play board games here, I get the chance to be away from the house for a bit. I work from home and I don’t really go to parties.

“That’s actually something that a lot of people who come here say, especially when they’re not really drinkers.

“So in one sense, the group is for kind of nerdy people who are typically more socially awkward.”

The meet-ups’ tranquil nature allows members to have fun in their own way, amongst like-minded people.

“Board games are just a nice, slow activity which don’t even require you to socialise,” Mr Woodfield said.

“If you want to come along to play some games, you can be social, but in an antisocial way. So it’s kind of like the best of both worlds. You can open up as much or as little as you want.”

Moving forward, Mr Woodfield hopes to see the group achieve

weekly attendances of 15-20 people, with 10 visitors required to cover the room hire costs.

Attendees would ideally split into sub-groups, with multiple games running concurrently.

“A lot of the games out there are for four players,” Mr Woodfield explained.

“It’s rare to find games which are for more than four people, and when you do, you’ve got to teach people how to play.”

“When more people come, the more games we’ll play, we’ll start to repeat games and the more we’ll get used to them.” n For more information about the club, search: Spencers Wood Village Hall Board Games on www.facebook. com

lead, and whoever has picked the concept gives it focus in a particular direction.”

Regarding the pair’s next project, Mylo says only: “While I guess this one was mine, the next one we’re planning on coming up next will be very much John’s focus.” n Bronze Box Interactive’s Batho(tel) is available on Steam for Windows, for £4. n For more information, including system specification requirements, visit: store. steampowered.com

Ghostly stories at The Rising Sun BE VERY scared.

H P Lovecraft: Gallery of Screams, is coming to Reading.

A programme of two haunting short stories by American master of weird tales, H P Lovecraft, should keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

They are: Pickman’s Model, and The Music of Eric Zann.

Both tales are adapted and performed by R M Lloyd Parry, and tell the stories of an art critic, and a philosopher, pushed almost to insanity by the images and sounds that confront them.

In Pickman’s Model an artist is shunned by the establishment because of the sickening realism of his canvases.

While the Music of Eric Zann is an eerie tale of inspiration and possession that Lovecraft himself counted as a personal favourite.

Robert Lloyd Parry has spent the last 15 years enacting The M R James Project, a series of one-man shows based on classic English ghost stories.

He travels here from the U.S.A, where the Washington Post has described his work as ‘utterly mesmerizing.’

H P Lovecraft: Gallery of Screams is performed at the Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 26.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with the event starting at 7pm.

Suitable for all ages, tickets cost: £10, and £7 for concessions.

Or on the door, if available, cost: £12, £8 for concessions. n For more information, and for tickets, log on to: www.wegottickets.com, or visit: www. risingsunartscentre.org

16 | LEISURE

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Strictly celebration at The Hexagon

A

ON SHOW: Strictly’s Keeep Dancing features Cameron Lombard, Jowita Pryzstal, Max George, Maise Smith, Rhys Stephenson, Nancy Xu and Neil Jones Picture: Trevor Leighton

ND now for something completely different.

In 2008, the first Strictly Live tour took place featuring professionals from the TV show and their celebrity partners. Two years later, the pro dancers also started touring the UK. Both tours have been taking place ever since – Covid excepted – filling arenas and theatres respectively.

This year, Strictly Presents: Keeeep Dancing adds another arm to the body of the phenomenon that is Strictly.

This new 35-date tour will contain not only unseen routines but a surprising succession of revelations from the professional and celebrity dancers taking part.

Says pro-dancer Neil Jones: “From the first phone call offering them a regular berth on the show, you’re taken through what it’s like for a professional dancer or a celebrity learning a new dance routine, perfecting it all week, performing it on a Saturday and so on.”

How was it for Neil? “For two years, I’d been working away from the cameras helping to choreograph various aspects of the show and then, in 2016, came the most nerve-wracking phone call of my life.

“I was thrown into a world of photo shoots and group numbers

– I didn’t have a celeb partner in the early days – then came the launch show. I’ll never forget it.

Any low points? “In 2019, I tore a muscle in my leg during Hallowe’en week. Because I exercise such a lot and like to think I’m really fit, it healed in about half the time predicted but it’s every dancer’s nightmare.”

Neil is 40, the veteran among the professionals now that Anton Du Beke has become a full-time judge. “I still feel in really good shape,” he says. “The younger dancers struggle to keep up with me.”

Although young South African Cameron Lombard didn’t join Strictly until last year, he’s already now done the Live Tour. “It was

incredible. We were performing every afternoon and evening in front of about 10,000 people.

Daunting and thrilling at the same time.”

This latest tour is something unusual. “I’d describe it as a boutique experience – in other words, much more intimate. That suits the insight it gives into the Strictly bubble. It also means we can talk to the show’s fans more directly both through our dancing and our personal stories.” n Strictly Presents: Keeeep Dancing is at The Hexagon in Reading on Saturday, June 25.

Tickets cost from £31.50. For more details, or to book, log on to whatsonreading.com

RICHARD BARBER

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

RABBLE given a stable new home...

RABBLE Theatre has been given a new home in Caversham.

The theatre group have been awarded a ten year lease of the Caversham Stables, giving it a new home in Reading.

It comes after Reading Borough Council considered bids from a number of other groups, but decided that RABBLE would bring “cultural Value.”

Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council: “We can regard RABBLE as a firm and established part of the cultural landscape”.

His sentiments were echoed

by Karen Rowland, lead councillor for culture, who said that “RABBLE works in wonderful symbiosis with the council’s cultural aims”.

The new space, between Caversham Court Gardens and the River Thames, will not be used as a theatre. Not only is the site a Grade II listed building, but RABBLE also intends to continue to stage its performances in other public spaces.

Instead the company has laid out a few key ways that it intends to make use of its new home.

It is currently looking to invest in the building’s environmental sustainability, while its core team uses parts of the building as office space.

It is further looking to open up the space to production rehearsals and development, hosting its workshops and educational programmes, as well as hired space for performance

TOGETHER: Members of the RABBLE team will be using part of the site as office space, as well as places for community projects and rehearsals.

Picture: Courtesy of Rabble and cultural groups.

Dani Davies, co-artistic director of RABBLE, said: “We are extremely grateful to the council for their decision, which wholeheartedly supports the cultural development of this part of England.

“We have the opportunity to unleash something special here.”

As a result of the company’s successful bid, it has taken the decision to pause its productions until 2023.

Despite this, it will continue to run its weekly acting classes,

LAMDA sessions, Saturday Young Company, and its after school clubs.

It will also go ahead with its summer schools, currently set for August.

RABBLE has been working with the community for ten years, producing theatre while working with local people and stories to celebrate diversity and identity.

It has also worked to make theatre more accessible through its access funds and pricing schemes.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Scarlet Vixens hit Purple Turtle A PERFORMANCE troupe is set to perform at the Purple Turtle, celebrating Pride Month.

The Scarlet Vixens, a burlesque, cabaret, circus, and variety group from Reading, will be returning to the bar for their monthly show on Saturday, June 25.

The show is a collision of two of June’s biggest celebrations: Pride month and Zoo and Aquarium Month.

The troupe have performed there regularly since 2014.

Loretta Lebonke will be your host for A Pride of Filthy Animals, introducing performances from Mariposa Bop, Layla Cherry, Demonica Latex, Tootsie Rocques, and Mojo Jones.

Performer Tootsie Rocques said: “We’ve been there for about seven or eight years now, with monthly performances, and precovid we were performing across the country.

“But the gig at the Purple Turtle is our flagship show, and it’s just amazing to be back.

“We change the line-up each time, it really injects variety into the show, and gives people a different experience every time– this month, we’re leading with the burlesque.”

The show will take place from 7pm on Saturday, June 25, at the Purple Turtle, Gun Street.

The Scarlet Vixens will be returning to the cellar bar on the last Saturday of the month. n Tickets start from £8, available from: www.thescarletvixens.com

Brass band gets key to the door with gala concert in Reading on Saturday A BRASS band is preparing to mark its 21st anniversary, with a special concert in Reading on Saturday.

The group, Ascot Brass, will be teaming up with Tamesis Chamber Choir for the evening of music.

It will feature some of the best brass band music from stage and screen, some solo numbers from band members, and much-loved classic and popular music from Tamesis.

The band’s musical director, David Rudd, said: “Ascot Brass is proud to have reached the ripe old age of 21, and we’ll be delighted to see old friends and new at our 21st birthday celebration.

“The band has been preparing for - and looking forward to - this event for a long time, and we hope you enjoy a programme in which we aim to present a crosssection of music for which the band has become known.

“We hope there’s something enjoyable and entertaining for everyone; great marches, beautiful tunes, exciting solos played by talented soloists,

easy listening, and even a brass band epic. So, sit back and enjoy, and don’t forget to check out the dates of future Ascot Brass concerts.”

The show takes place from 6.30pm at Reading Minster Church in the town centre.

Tickets cost £12.50, with under 16s getting in free. n For more details, log on to ascotbrass.org.uk

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

The Paradox Twin – Prism Descent

The Room – It’s Not My Home

They topped our Best of 2021 list and with an appearance coming up on Friday, July 1, at the impressive Prog For Peart Charity event it’s worth a reminder of The Paradox Twin’s excellent Silence from Signals album on our White Star Records label, with this song from it.

The two-day event is not too far away at The Northcourt in Abingdon so why not pop along if you can. The band will also be appearing at Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday in August - https:// www.theparadoxtwin.com/

Mordecai Smyth – In Your Dark Place

The Lovely Eggs - You Can Go Now

Third Lung – Ghosts

Yaoki at Sub 89 in May Picture: Andrew Merritt

Recently The Lovely Eggs, a duo from Lancaster, visited to play at Reading’s Facebar and showed what an exciting and energetic act they are.

Here’s something from their latest album, I Am Moron - https://www.thelovelyeggs.co.uk/

Yaoki – Brand New Life

Hoopy Frood – Atoms & Molecules

It’s another quality single from Third Lung, who will be at Readipop in July, Wokingham Festival in August and their own Loddfest in September. Also don’t forget the Festival for Ukraine in Peach Place this Saturday, where they bring the show to a close http://thirdlungband.com/

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

W

E’RE all about championing music at the RaW Sounds Today playlist.

Band new and established, on our patch or just visiting - we love it all.

And this week we’ve got that in spades. Of our two new entries, one is from an exciting new band releasing their debut single, the second are old friends of the playlist and we know you’ll love their latest release.

Don’t forget, our mission is to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name). Here’s two great bands that prove just how brilliant our music scene is.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

LEISURE | 25

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

They played their debut gig, opening the night, at Split The Dealer’s amazing Sub89 show recently.

What a debut it was. They were so good that it could one day become one of those ‘I was there’ moments.

I was therefore keen to hear this debut single and am pleased to say that it’s great.

It’s melodic and, powerful and, like the meaning behind their name, Yaoki, which comes from a traditional Japanese proverb meaning ‘fall seven times and stand up eight’, it’s inspirational - https:// www.facebook.com/YaokiBand

It’s not long until Readipop (July 8-10) and one of the local artists playing there is Hoopy Frood.

The band will also be at Wokingham Festival, opening the main stage on Sunday, August 28 https://linktr.ee/Hoopyfroodmusic

Here’s a powerful epic from The Room’s Caught by the Machine album.

They will be at Alfold Rock and Blues Festival on Sunday, July 3, and Wokingham Festival on Monday, August 29 - https://theroom.band/ Here’s the opener from Things Are Getting Stranger On The Shore by Mordecai Smyth. A great album of psych moods and melody on Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records - https://www.facebook.com/ stickytapeandrust

Katie Ellwood – Hourglass Katie, from Wokingham with a piece from her genre-defying debut album, Interference. She will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August - https:// www.katieellwood.com/

Deva St.John – DIE!

Leoni Jane Kennedy – Life Like This

Another artist playing at both Readipop and Wokingham Festival and here’s her latest single!

With a positive message and with her melodic indie rock sound, Deva St. John has created another good one - https://www.devastjohn.com/

Leoni is a Blackpool-born, Guildford-based singersongwriter with a rock sound with progressive leanings and soulful vocals which she will be showcasing with her band at Wokingham Festival https://www.leonijanekennedy.com/

GIG GUIDE Thursday, June 23

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. One Night in DUblin.

Details: 01344 484123.

EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street. RSVP: open mic poetry, music and more.

Friday, June 24

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ibiza Fitness and Club Night Fundraiser. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul present B Funkt.

Details: 01344 303333.

CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Piston Broke.

Details: 0118 934 0700.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Hexagon, Queens Walk. An Evening With Suzanne Vega.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests.

Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Final Clause of Tacitus.

Housebase. Radio Wigam’s First live event. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The

Big Untidy presents Grant Sharkey. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Kali Reading. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Saturday, June 25

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Chippie and Guests. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 3pm. The Rat Pack In Vegas. Details: 01344 484123.

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The New Ambassadors. Details: 01344 303333.

CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road.

Ashley Stone. Booking essential. £2 non-members.

Details: www.cpva.org.uk CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Beer garden gig. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Blagrave, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Club FOD LGBT+ night.

Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Adele bottomless brunch. 3pm5.30pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Scarlet Vixens: A Pride of Filthy Animals. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Howling at the Moon.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. WATT4.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Rise of the Machines and No Good Sons. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM - The Lord Raglan, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. One Last Day acoustic set. Details: 0118 978 3282.

WOKINGHAM - Peach Place.

Festival for Ukraine. From 2pm. The Mustard Band, One Last Day, Savour The Flavour, Michael Burns Peake, Small Town Heroes, Reliant, Mike Wagner, Oil City Kings, In Albion, Third Lung. Hosted by Beyond The Download and Generation Studio.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Lack of Faith.

Details: 0118 969 9756.

YATELEY - Yateley Green, off Firgrove Road. Yateley Gig on the Green 2022.

Just Anne Marie, Kaiser Thiefs, Tina Turner, The ELO Encounter, Chic to Chic, Sour Kix, Tequila Chase, Extreme Ways.

From noon. Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley. co.uk

Sunday, June 26

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Naked Without It, Stem, Searching for Autumn.

Details: 01344 484123.

BURGHFIELD - Little Manor, Church Lane RG30 3TG.

Clive Fortune big band.

From noon. Details: 07971 241222.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING - Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. East Reading Festival. Noon6pm.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

YATELEY - Yateley Green, off Firgrove Road. Yateley Gig on the Green 2022. From noon. Nat Augustin as George Benson, Do It Like Dua, Billy Joel, True Gold, Vannesa Webb and Andy Mathewson, UpToNoGood.

Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley. co.uk

Monday, June 27

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Variety open mic night.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Budapest Cafe Orchestra. Details: 01491 681048.

Tuesday, June 28

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Simon and Garfunkel Story. 3pm.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity presents The Primatives. Details: 0118 956 8188.

Wednesday, June 29

READING - The Pitcher and

Piano, Friar Street. The Call of the Wild.

Thursday, June 30

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Tabula Rasa and DJ Creamy. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Absolute Reggae.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING - The Roseate, The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Heavy Pop presents The Roseate Sessions: Colours and Fires, Ellis Ballard. Details: 0118 952 7770.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Anything Goes open mic night Details: 0118 958 6048.

Friday, July 1

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. CLOSED for private party.

Details: 01344 303333.

CAVERSHAM - Fox and House, Gosbrook Road.

Reggae Vinyl from 7pm.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. The Mike Ross band.

Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests.

Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Shane Owens. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING - South Street Arts Centre. Craft Theory 2022: DJs, beers and street food.

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

11am-4pm, 6pm-11pm.

Details: whatsonreading. com READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Motley Cruide and Poizon. Details: 0118 959 5395.

YATTENDON - West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions: The Station. Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, July 2

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. First Rule: Alt Rock Covers Band. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Bon Giovi: Bon Jovi tribute.

Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123.

CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jasonfest: Country Moans, 45RPM, New Puritans.

From 6pm. In aid of Cancer Resarch UK. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Oana Radu.

READING - Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. American Dream Independence Day bottomless brunch.

3pm-5.30pm. Saturday night live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. SoundJam. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Bohman Brothers. Details:

0118 986 6788.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Jazz night: Peter Bingham Quartet. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Skavengers. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING - South Street Arts Centre. Craft Theory 2022: DJs, beers and street food.

11am-4pm, 6pm-11pm.

Details: whatsonreading. com READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. The Junction. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM - Mulberry Business Centre, Fishponds Lane RG41 2GY. Live Lounge with Michael Cassidy. 7pm.

Details: Search Eventbirte for Michael Cassidy Live Lounge.

Sunday, July 3

EVERSLEY - The Golden Pot, Reading Road RG27 0NB. Paul Tino. 3pm. Details: 0118 973 2104.

PANGBOURNE - WMC Rosewood Hall, Whitchurch Road RG8 7BS. Pangbourne Jazz Club John Thirkell Trumpet with Terry Hutchins Quartet. £10. Details: https://briangreene.co.uk/ pangbournejazzclub READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme night - Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Sunday Session.

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

MARMALADE Live Music Saturday 23rd July 4pm - late Tickets £15 wegottickets.com THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF

0118 979 7402

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Lightyear (PG). Thurs.

Jurassic World: Dominion (12a). Thurs. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Thurs.

Hostile (12a) and panel discussion. Thurs. Elvis (12a). Fri-Thurs 30.

Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Fri 1-Sun 3. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Thursday, June 23

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Line dancing. £5, non-members £6. 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Sheer Art Attack: quick fire sketches, word associations, still life. 7pm, just turn up. Details: 0118 958 6048.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Friday, June 24

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING - Reading Minster, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Mencap Double Diamond Event: Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Celebration, includes songs from the Reading Mencap choir, drama from Performing Arts Club and presentations and readings. From 6.30pm.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

WARGRAVE - Mill Green, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Ball. SOLD OUT. 7.30pm.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokingham.today

table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, June 25

BRADFIELD - Social Club, Union Road RG7 6AE. Jim Humphreys Darts Memorial tournament. £5.

In aid of the British Heart Foundation. Blind pairs contest, raffle and more.

From 8pm. Details: 0118 974 4760.

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham: Chamber Music for piano, viola and clarinet, from The Caversham Ensemble.

7.30pm. Tickets £20, over 60s £18, and £15 for 16-25s. Under 16s free.

Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road.

Ashley Stone. Booking essential. £2 non-members.

Details: www.cpva.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Quiz Night. 7pm. £2 per person, non-members welcome.

Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting: Summer solstice. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com HURST - Showground, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Show and Country Fayre.

10am-5pm. Advance tickets £5, £7.50 weekend.

Under 16s free. Free parking. Details: https:// hurstshow.uk/ READING - Broad Street.

Armed Forces Day celebration.

READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Wokingham Choral Society 70th anniversary concert: Bach Mass in B Minor. Pre-concert talk 6.30pm, concert 7.30pm.

Conductor: James Morley Potter, organist Benedict Lewis-Smith, chamber orchestra: Instruments of Time and Truth. £16, £5 students and under 18s. Details: wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12,

concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

READING - St Luke’s Parish Hall, Erleigh Road RG1 5LH. Milonga Mariposita.

7.30pm. £10. Details: www.readingtango.com/ milongas READING - The Wren School, Bath Road RG30 3BB. Reading Festival Chorus presents: Most Heavenly Music: An evening of Shakespeare set to music.

7pm. Picnic from 5pm, bring your own food. £15, under 18s free. Details: readingfestivalchorus. org.uk SHINFIELD – St Marys Church. Summer Fete, Shinfield green. Noon-4pm STOKE ROW - Stoke Row primary school, Main Street. Summer fair: entertainment, toy stall, refreshments, barbecue, games, market stalls, teachers in the stocks.

Noon-3pm. Free entry.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford Singers 60th anniversary concert. 3pm. £15, under 12s £5. Details: http://twyford-singers. org.uk/ WARGRAVE - From Victoria Road, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Festival Parade and Fete. 12.30pm.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM - St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Reading Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert: Shostakovich: Festive Overture, Elgar: Cello Concerto, Schumann: Symphony No. 3, 7.30pm. £15, under 18s and students £5. Details: www. rso.org.uk/next-concert WOKINGHAM - WADE, Reading Road RG41 1EH. WADE Summer Garden Fair. Raffles, tombolas, stalls, plants, refreshments, barbecue, live musical entertainment. 11am-2pm. £1, children free. Free parking at Masonic Centre.

WOKINGHAM - Wescott and Westende Primary School, Goodchild Road.

Summer fair: live music, inflatables, food, bar, face painting, games, raffle, tombola, crafts and more.

Noon-3pm.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market.

9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Bodmin Road RG5 3RZ. Garage Sale in Support of Ukraine 10am1pm - name your price, all proceeds to Ukraine charities. Details: 0118 926 7724.

Sunday, June 26

BUGHFIELD - Little Manor, Church Lane RG30 3TG. Save the Children Kennet Branch’s Midsummer Music with the Clive Fortune Big Band. Bar, real ale, hog roast, raffles, children’s entertainment. £15, under 16s free.

Details: 0118 983 2569 or text 07971 241222.

EMMER GREEN - Emmer

Green Primary School, Grove Road RG4 8LN. EG10k. From 9.30am. Details: www. emmergreen10k.org.uk HURST - Showground, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Show and Country Fayre.

10am-4pm. Advance tickets £5, £7.50 weekend.

Under 16s free. Free parking. Details: https:// hurstshow.uk/ READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. West Forest Sinfoia: Orchestral Concert.

Janáček’s Cunning Little Vixen Suite, Brahms’ Double ConcertoDvořák and Dvořák’s Symphony No.8. 4.30pm. £15, £5 students and under 18s.

Details: westforestsinfonia. org READING - Reading Buses, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HH. Open Day in aid of New Beginnings. Behind the scenes tours, rides through the bus wash, food and drink, games, memorabilia stalls and the fantastic bus rainbow.

Details: www.readingbuses.co.uk READING - Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. East Reading Festival: stalls, music, poetry, funfair, food from aroundthe world, charities and more.

Noon-6pm. Details: www. eastreadingfestival.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. H P Lovecraft: Gallery of Screams, two weird tales adapted and performed by R M Lloyd Parry. £10, £7 concessions. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Bottle Club from 12.30pm. Details: 0118 958 6048.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Laugh or Lemon open mic comedy event - five minutes on a lemon clock.

5pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 6048.

WARGRAVE - St Mary’s Church, Station Road, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: End of Festival Service. 10.30am.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WARGRAVE - Mill Green, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Family and friends barbecue. Noon. BBO Big Band Show. 7pm.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM - From Cantley Park, Twyford Road. Wokingham Bikeathon. 15, 25, and 35mile routes, food, drink, cycle obstacle course and more. From 8.15am2pm. Details: www. wokinghambikeathon. co.uk WOKINGHAM - Highclose School, Wiltshire Road RG40 1TT. Dr B’s Custom and Classic Bike Show.

10am-4pm, judging 1pm. £3 per bike. Details: 07968 335796.

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 YATTENDEON - Across village RG18 0UR. Classic vehicle day: free to enter.

Categories for Classic cars, vintage motorcycles, military vehicles and other mechanical delights. Vintage stalls, drink and food. Register entries in advance: yattendonclassicvehicle@ outlook.com. Show open 11am-4pm. Details: www. yattendonclassicvehicle couk.com

Monday, June 27

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Bridge Club, Milestone Centre, RG4 6PF. Face to face duplicate bridge, computer dealing & scoring. 7.30pm. £3.

Details www.bridgewebs/ cavershampark READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Variety open mic night.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, June 28

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Wednesday, June

29

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, June 30

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Line dancing. £5, non-members £6. 6.30pm-8.30pm.

Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Double Barrelled Brewery takeover: Craft Theory Fringe with Track Brewing.

Details: doublebarrelled. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Friday, July 1

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022 table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, July 2

BINFIELD - St Mark’s Church, Popeswood Road RG41 4AH. Thames Voyces in concert: America In Song. 7.30pm. £15, £13 concessions, under 16s free. Details: www. thamesvoyces.org.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD - FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North.

Wokingham Baby and CHildren’s Market: new and nearly new clothes, toys, car seats, pushchairs and more. £1.50, free parking. 2pm-3.30pm.

HARE HATCH - Yeldall Manor, Blakes Lane RG10 9TA. Yeldall Manor open day.

Stalls, games, celebration and more. Hog roast, £5, from 12.30pm, bring a picnic. Celebration service 3pm. Strawberry tea afterwards. Details: www. yeldall.org.uk READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

SINDLESHAM - Reddam House, Bearwood Road RG41 5BG. Reddam House summer fair. Classic cars 8am-10am. Fair 10.30am4pm. Free entry.

UPPER WOOLHAMPTON - Douai Abbey RG7 5TQ. Newbury Choral Society summer concert: Vive la Renaissance! A selection of sacred music from the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, featuring music

by Palestrina, Victoria, Tallis, Byrd, and others.

7.30pm. £15, under 16s £5, plus booking fee. Details: www.newburychoral. org.uk WOKINGHAM - Elms Field.

Wokingham Lions Club presents classic car show.

From 10am.

WOKINGHAM - The Duke’s Head, Denmark Street RG40 2BQ. Evening of Clairvoyance with Jenny Docherty. £8. Booking essential.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –

Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Christ Church, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3LA. Reading Haydn Choir summer concert: Favourites. 7.30pm. £14, £12 concessions, under 18s £5. Programme includes Haydn’s Te Deum, Faure’s Cantique de Jean Racine and 20th century popular songs. Details: www. haydnchoir.org.uk WOODLEY - Rivermead Primary School, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4BS. Summer fair: barbecue, games, music, ice cream van, sweet stalls. Live music and more. 1pm-4pm. Free entry.

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, July 3

GRAZELEY - Village Hall, Church Lane. Bright Hope Church presents a family fun day with ouncy castle, face painting, glitter tattoos, crafts, garden games, planting with Freely Fruity. Noon-4pm. Free.

Details: brighthope.church READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Berkshire Motor Show 2022 in aid of Flint House Police Rehab Centre: Classic cars, bikes steam, trade stalls, children’s attractions and more. Car park £2 donation. 10.15am5pm. Details: www. berkshiremotorshow.co.uk READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam.

7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Laugh or Lemon open mic comedy event - five minutes on a lemon clock.

5pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 6048.

SONNING - Berkshire County Sports Club, Sonning lane.

Sonning 10k races: 5km, 10km routes plus a 2km route for children. From 8.30am. Details: www. barnesfitness.co.uk SWALLOWFIELD - Across village. Open gardens for NGS: at least 10 to explore by foot, bike and car. 2pm5.30pm. £8, children free.

Home made teas available at The Brambles. Details: ngs.org.uk TILEHURST - Berkshire Maestros, Cockney Hill.

Dog show: 12 classes to enter, plus stalls, sideshows, refreshments and a barbecue. £2 per dog, per class. 11am-3pm.

Details: 0118 901 2370.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

No. 5419

Your weekly puzzle challenge

27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, June 22, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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1. Which flightless bird was hunted to extinction on the island of Mauritius in the 17th century?

2. Euchre is what type of leisure activity?

3. From 1991 to 2001, business magnate Alan Sugar was chairman and part-owner of which football club?

4. Which river enters the South Atlantic at Montevideo?

5. What A is the term for a classical two-handled storage jar?

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NONAGRAM

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

SHEEPISH AIRSTRIP

I G

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: 24 Good; 29 Very Good; 34 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.

6. The 2019 Ed Sheeran song Take Me Back to London featured which British rapper?

7. The sci-fi films Minority Report, Blade Runner and Total Recall were based on the stories of which writer?

8. From 2009 to 2017, who served as US vice president under Barack Obama?

9. Which world-famous sporting venue unveiled a retractable roof in May 2009?

10. What is the longest bone in the human body?

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 W through openings in the walls. The I first letter may appear in any chamber.

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Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd. To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

DOWN 2. They are gamely associated with a number of snakes (7) 3. Make an appeal that paled out of recognition (5) 4. Rugby player or fisherman? (6) 5. Went on and on about cakes? (7) 6. Girl from the manor (5) 7. What the tourist will do to look with the spectacles (3,3,6) 8. I shot biplane in order to be unfriendly (12) 14. Bouncy band (7) 16. Violet’s in uncomfortably poor condition (7) 17. Made fun of about ten in the drink (4,2) 19. Said to exclude a Scottish island (5) 21. Fast vessel with a cargo of drugs? (1-4)

QUICK CROSSWORD

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.

5 2 7 6 1 3 8 4 9

WORD PYRAMID: Gone with the wind.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; multiply; add; divide. Total: 6.

SOLUTIONS

E

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

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8 4 2 9 1 6 8 3 4

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ACROSS 1. Restrain ambition to go for a flight (4,3,5) 9. Naturally lost consciousness (6,3) 10. Regret the strong-smelling plant (3) 11. Time for the bowler – and not before time (7) 12. He’s left a misleading lead (5) 13. Fishy sign (6) 15. Takes over post arrangements after notice (6) 18. A bit I make out of bone (5) 20. Soon before being protracted (7) 22. Not a hindrance for drinkers! (3) 23. One with designs to put on another (9) 24. Being set free to rewrite caption, I mean (12)

EQUALISER 15 2 9 7 3 3 2 10 2 1 2 2

Hard

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FIVE ALIVE

SUDOKU Easy

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WORD PYRAMID

C R Y

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

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PZ1P5419

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14

2 8 3 1 6 5 4 9 7

8

13

6 4 1 9 7 2 5 8 3

1

21

4 6 7 5 1 9 2 3 8

3

16

8 3 9 6 2 4 7 5 1

9

1 5 2 3 8 7 9 6 4

CROSS CODE

5419

29

30

31

32

ACROSS 1. Scream (6) 4. Outmoded (3-3) 8. Bird of prey (6) 10. Acrid (6) 11. Gold coin (5) 12. Travelling entertainment (6) 14. Peruse again (6) 16. Examine (4) 17. Health food, roughage (4) 19. Consumer (4) 22. Region (4) 26. Assert (6)

27. African language (6) 28. Competitor (5) 29. Seabird (6) 30. Term of office (6) 31. Pressure (6) 32. Young swan (6) DOWN 1. Coniferous tree (6) 2. Account (6) 3. Mass flight (6) 5. Linger (6) 6. Hired killers (inf.) (6)

7. Violent outburst (6) 9. Corrode (4) 10. Wounding remark (4) 13. Discontinue (5) 15. Fees (5) 18. Panted (6) 19. Irish province (6) 20. Departure (6) 21. Actual (4) 22. Assist (4) 23. Refine (6) 24. Hair colour (6) 25. Harass (6)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Shriek; 4 Old-hat; 8 Raptor; 10 Bitter; 11 Ducat; 12 Circus; 14 Reread; 16 Test; 17 Bran; 19 User; 22 Area; 26 Allege; 27 Basuto; 28 Racer; 29 Petrel; 30 Tenure; 31 Duress; 32 Cygnet.

Down – 1 Spruce; 2 Report; 3 Exodus; 5 Loiter; 6 Hitmen; 7 Tirade; 9 Rust; 10 Barb; 13 Cease; 15 Rates; 18 Gasped; 19 Ulster; 20 Egress; 21 Real; 22 Abet; 23 Rarefy; 24 Auburn; 25 Molest.

FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 The dodo; 2 Card game; 3 Tottenham Hotspur; 4 The River Plate; 5 Amphora ; 6 Stormzy; 7 Philip K. Dick; 8 Joe Biden; 9 Wimbledon Centre Court ; 10 Femur.

(1) Across – Front; Fatal; Yards.

Down – Fifty; Outer; Tales.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Clip the wings; 9 Nodded off; 10 Rue; 11 Overdue; 12 (2) Across – Nerve; Inset; Essay.

O V J F T X H W Z L U M C Leash; 13 Pisces; 15 Adopts; 18 Tibia; 20 Erelong; 22 Bar; 23 Down – Naive; Risks; Entry.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Tattooist; 24 Emancipation.

I Q P R S Y D A G E B N K Down – 2 Ladders; 3 Plead; 4 Hooker; 5 Waffled; 6 Norma; 7 See NONAGRAM: chit; city; COPYRIGHT; crypt; girt; the sights; 8 Inhospitable; 14 Elastic; 16 Proviso; 17 Sent up; 19 girth; goth; gothic; griot; grit; grot; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU ship; hare; iris; pest. Barra; 21 E-boat. itch; itchy; optic; otic; phot; photic; picot; pitch; pitchy; pith; pithy; pity; port; rhotic; right; righto; riot; roti; ryot; thorp; thrip; tich; topi; topic; torc; torch; toric; trig; trio; trip; trog; trophic; trophy; tropic; troy; typo; tyro.

28 | LIFE

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Nine ways to save money on your food shop

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Volunteer Corner

Reading Voluntary Action

A

PICTURE: StockSnap from Pixabay

W

ITH the cost of living soaring to the point that it’s regularly making the headlines, many of us are feeling the pinch.

The food shop is one part of our day-to-day life where there are plenty of opportunities for making savings here and there – and there’s an added bonus of shopping smarter: less food waste.

Here are nine ways to help lighten the load on your wallet when you get to the checkout.

1. Make a list, and check it twice

With apologies for the out-ofseason reference, shopping lists are the first weapon in your arsenal when it comes to fighting both food waste - and extra spending.

Write your shopping list in conjunction with your meal plan and you won’t just be less likely to forget anything, you’ll also find that you’re less likely to go off-piste with impulse buys. Read our guide about how your shopping list could save the planet.

2. Find a food shopping routine We know life gets hectic, and we’ve all been there with the last-minute dash to the shops for something for dinner after a long day. Where you can, try to get into a regular routine with your food shop – this will help limit the need for lots of extra shopping trips (and the potential that brings for extra spending).

Whether that’s having a

think about meals and your food shopping list on the same day each week, keeping a list handy on your phone for when things spring to mind, or booking in a regular online delivery or click and collect slot – find a rhythm that works for you.

3. Shop own-brand Sure, the packaging may not be as nice, but own brand products are just as good as their swankier branded cousins, while being a fraction of the price. Don’t forget to compare the unit price or the cost by weight to make sure you’re definitely getting the best deal.

4. Beware the deals There seems to be a deal to be had around every corner of every shop these days: Buy One Get One Free, Three for Two, Two for One… We’re all guilty of falling for them, and who can blame us? Because we can never resist what seems to be a bargain, we often end up buying things we just don’t need, or buying too much. It’s not a bargain if it ends up in the bin.

5. Steer clear of pre-prepared fruit and veg

It’s undoubtedly more convenient to buy pre-prepared fruit and veg – especially cubes of that most hard-to-chop of vegetables, the butternut squash – but you’ll pay a premium for it.

Similarly, mashing your own spuds might take a bit longer, but you’ll almost certainly save a little by buying these instead of a readymade version! If you do need some

pre-prepared foods, try the freezer aisle for longer shelf lives and, usually, cheaper prices, too.

6. Look at the labels Best Before and Use By dates can be complicated, and there’s not room to talk much about them here. Take a look here to learn more about food date labels, but if you’re in the business of saving money on your supermarket shop they’re worth thinking about. Keep an eye on the Use By date in particular to make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to use it.

7. Shop at the end of the day While we’re on the subject of date labels, if you’re shopping for this evening’s dinner, you might find that there are some yellowstickered clearance bargains to be had because fresh food is approaching the date on the label, but is still perfectly edible. Even if you can’t use it straight away, it’s still great for freezing, and you can freeze right up to the Use by date too. The yellow stickers tend to go on towards the end of the day, so time your shop right and you might just be able to snag a great price. If you don’t have a supermarket close by but have a local greengrocer or market, not only can you buy fresh fruit and veg loose, buying just the amount that you need, but often towards closing time there are some great deals to be had.

8. Take advantage of coupons and loyalty card schemes Loyalty card schemes and

coupons are another way to help you save, whether on individual purchases or by accumulating points that give you money off future shops.

Just be careful not to fall into the trap of buying something you don’t need just because you’ve got a money-off voucher. We’ve all been there.

9. Buy one or two products that help you use leftovers

Make your food go further by investing in one or two inexpensive items to help you make the most of your leftovers – conjuring up extra meals will mean you have less to buy overall, saving money as well as food.

For example, tasty stock cubes, pots or pastes can turn leftover veg into a lovely soup, and a bag of rice or baking potatoes will help you make a meal out of leftover chilli or curry.

While you’re at it, have a rummage in your kitchen for reusable airtight containers that will give you an easy way to freeze leftovers and put them in an easy to access cupboard or drawer.

(Top tip: keep hold of those plastic containers from any takeaways, they’re great to reuse for this.

Having portions of leftover meals to hand in the freezer will save money on future shops by turning excess food into homemade ‘ready meals’. n For more information and ideas, log on to: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

BC to Read was founded in 2004, they help to transform the lives of children who are struggling to read at primary schools across Berkshire.

Its volunteer reading mentors work one-toone with them to build their confidence and reading skills.

The charity is looking for Volunteer Ambassadors to help them engage with more volunteers to continue delivering their highquality service.

The role of an ambassador is to help raise awareness by talking about its work and encouraging others to get involved and volunteer with ABC to Read too.

To be a Volunteer Ambassador you will need to be confident and happy to present and talk about ABC to Read, and be connected within your community.

Tilehurst Junior Youth Club runs on Friday evenings from 7pm- 9.30pm at the Tilehurst Youth and Community Centre which is situated above the Co-op at the Tilehurst Triangle.

Right now it is seeking a Treasurer to join their team and oversee the financial management and reporting responsibilities of the organisation.

With the support of the committee the Treasure will be tasked with: Keeping clear, accurate records of the group’s financial transactions, preparing a budget and budget forecast, presenting a financial report to each committee meeting and more.

Age UK Reading is an independent local charity that has been working in the local community to help older people since 1976.

It is looking for more welcoming volunteers with excellent communication skills to support Age UK Reading with their Activities and Social Clubs.

Tasks include: Meeting and greeting clients at the door, signing them in, making them feel welcome, collecting attendance fee and any other welcoming tasks required, supporting clients during activity and lunch clubs, setting up and clearing away and more.

Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. n Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

SPORT TODAY READING

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22.06.22

FOOTBALL IN BERKSHIRE AWARDS

FINCH HIT FIELDERS FOR 4

OAKS TAKE THE POINTS IN DRAW

THE FIRST INTERVIEW

ALL THE LATEST ROYALS NEWS

BLAKE’S HEAVEN

JORDAN TAKES CHARGE AT WOODLEY EXCLUSIVE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today NEW Woodley United FC first-team manager Jordan Blake is keen to make a positive impression across the whole club.

Blake will be taking up his first managerial role as a number one with the Kestrels who play in the

Combined Counties Division One. “I’m delighted to get it all done and dusted and I can’t wait to get started, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Blake.

“It’s my first management job as a number one. I’ve been with Mark Bartley at Marlow for the last four years so it will be my first introduction into first-team management.

“I’ve worked with some great

players at Marlow and have been working on all aspects of the game including coaching from day-to-day and the recruitment side.

“There has been a change in culture at Marlow and that was a really big thing for me that I wanted to help with when I joined Mark to help drive the club forward and that’s certainly what I’ll look to do at Woodley.”

n Continued on page 18

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SEAGULLS TO FLY INTO SCL FOR PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY READING FC will host Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion in their preparations for the new season.

The Royals will welcome the Seagulls to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday, July 23.

Paul Ince’s side’s pre-season calendar is beginning to take shape as they also face tests against West Ham, AFC Wimbledon, and behindclosed-doors games against Benfica and Colchester United.

Tickets for the game against Brighton will be announced in due course.

Graham Potter led Brighton to a progressive season where their fans were treated to some exciting attacking football.

Brighton finished in ninth position on 51 points with 12 wins, 15 draws and 11 defeats as they further cemented their status as an established top flight team.

Reading last faced Brighton in competitive action in the 2016/17 season when the Seagulls won promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

The Royals earned a 2-2 draw in that season against Brighton but were defeated 3-0 in the reverse fixture at the Amex.

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Woodley United manager Jordan Blake (pictured middle) after being unveiled as the new boss Pictures: Peter Toft

INTERVIEW

WOODLEY UNITED BOSS BLAKE TO BRING FRESH IDEAS TO PUSH KESTRELS FORWARD n Continued from front page

“I was at the John Madejski Academy under Michael Butcher and was there for three years and did my coaching badges there. I did coaching at Reading Football Club at the Elite Development Centre and got into the coaching world that way.

“After a few years there I left that but kept on coaching at non-league football with Reading Town, I was a player/ coach there and then for a season I was at Henley Reserves and after that I joined Marlow.”

Drawing on his vast experience in the coaching industry, Blake is determined

to create a positive working environment at Woodley to take the club forward.

He continued: “For me coaching is really important in terms of understanding people’s backgrounds from different walks of life.

“It’s not just about the day to day but about trying to help people on journeys in their life and in different situations.

“It’s about understanding what motivates them and why they come to football, whether that’s because their mates play or whether they want to push on.

“It’s about helping these young men make good decisions and be the best they can be.

“I’m big on culture and trying to create the right environment and that’s what I’ll be looking to do at Woodley.

“I’m keen to continue the work Woodley has gone over the last few years bridging under 18’s into the firstteam and giving people the opportunity to play men’s football.”

Woodley finished in 16th in the Combined Counties Division One last season and Blake is keen for players seeking a new challenge to join the club this summer.

“Woodley is a fantastic club and has always had a really good infrastructure,” Blake continued.

“Mark (Rozzier) the chairman has done a fantastic job of building across all age groups with the youth teams and Woodley is a club that is stable, has a really good presence in Berkshire and it seems the perfect time for me to come here and bring some fresh ideas.

“The plan is to start preseason on Tuesday, June 28, at Woodley Goals on the grass from 7pm-9pm.

“I’m in the process of sorting out pre-season fixtures which will be announced soon.

“It’s important for me to get in there and see the current state and the current culture.

“Some of the key things for me that my team will be based on is commitment, hard work, passion and those are things that I want to instil in my players.

“It’s important that we integrate the rest of the football club so the young players can see a path to the first-team one day.

“I want the players in the first-team to become role models and get out there in the local community, that’s really important for me.

“That breeds continuity across the football club, these young ladies and young men need to have a picture of the football club so we need to

create the right pathway and the right culture at Woodley.

“It will be about trying to find consistency week in, week out. That will be an important part of my role to try and find that as soon as possible, I’m hoping we can hit the ground running from day one.

“My message for players looking for a new challenge will be to come and take it on.

“I’m an open book, I’m an honest individual, I’m always open for a conversation.

I’m here to create the right environment to be successful and if you want to be a part of that journey then please come down because we’ve got some great coaches.”

SPORT | 19

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LOCAL FOOTBALL CELEBRATED AT FIB AWARDS NIGHT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Alicia Povey with Tom White

Andrew Batt awarded for outstanding contribution Pictures: Neil Graham

Ann-Louise Doe was awarded as the Volunteer of the Season

Richard Milam won best individual photo

Binfield FC Soccer School won best community campaign

HUNDREDS of people gathered at Double Barrelled Brewery in Reading on Wednesday night to celebrate this year’s Football in Berkshire 2022 awards evening.

In a tremendous celebratory night, the awards were presented to the winners by Sky Sports presenter Tom White.

Local photographer Andrew Batt, who has covered hundreds of games from a vast range of teams and leagues throughout the season, was recognised for his constituent hard work with the Outstanding Contribution to local football award.

Award recipients included Eversley & California’s Richard Milam who won best individual photo or media.

Wokingham & Emmbrook’s Anne-Louise Doe was awarded as the Volunteer of the Season.

Anne-Louise said: “The most important thing is to get as many children in our community playing football. I’m very touched to get the award, it’s a whole community effort.”

Caversham United were recognised for their superb social media output as they won the Best content creator award, while Binfield FC’s soccer school was awarded

as the Best Community Campaign.

Alicia Povey from Reading Royals Futsal Club was chosen as the Female Player of the Season.

She said: “To have futsal represented is amazing. Women’s football is on the up, and in Berkshire it is incredible and is only going to get better.”

The final award of the night, the Darrell Freeland award for service to the local game was given to former Binfield FC chairman Bob Bacon.

List of winners

Best ground: Ascot United Supporter of the season: Ian Dawson, Windsor FC Volunteer of the season: Anne-Louise Doe, Wokingham & Emmbrook FC Best individual photo: Richard Milam, Eversley & California FC Best content creator: Caversham United FC Best community camapaign: Binfield FC Soccer School Outstanding contriubtion to local football: Andrew Batt Referee of the season: Matthew Barrett Male young player of the season: Alfonso Teconi, Slough Town Female young player of the season: Gemma Harvey, Maidenhead United Male player of the season: Seb Bowerman, Bracknell Town Female player of the season: Alicia Povey, Reading Royals Futsal Darrell Freeland Award for service to the local game: Bob Bacon

RUGBY UNION

RAMS HOST NEWLY PROMOTED ESHER IN SEASON OPENER

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS will kick off their third National One campaign with a home fixture against newly-promoted Esher when the 2022/23 season gets underway on Saturday, September 3.

The National Two South champions return to the third tier at Old Bath Road, before Rams travel to Chinnor for the first derby of the season the week after.

The other newly-promoted side, National Two North winners Hull, visit OBR on September 17, before a trip to Bishop’s Stortford and home game against Darlington Mowden Park round out the first tranche of fixtures.

With the league reduced to 14 teams, there is a rest week on October 8, which is then followed by two games against top-four sides from the season just gone – Cambridge at home and Rosslyn Park away.

October 29 sees Birmingham Moseley in town, before the first long trip of the campaign, to Leeds Tykes.

Rams host Plymouth Albion on November 12 and then after a second rest week, head to Taunton Titans.

Last year’s runners-up – Sale – are the visitors at the start of December, before a tough trip to Cinderford and the home derby with Chinnor, which may be another Friday Night lights game to kick off the Christmas period.

The league resumes on January 7 with a trip up north to Hull before games against Bishop’s Stortford at home and DMP and Cambridge away.

There are two blank weeks on February 4 and 11 to enable any postponed games to be played before Rosslyn Park head to OBR. Rams then go to Moseley, host Leeds and visit Plymouth before a rest weekend on March 18.

Rams touch down to score a try Taunton are in town the following week before the trip to Sale, and after the final break on April 8, Rams complete their campaign at home to Cinderford and on the road at Esher.

Full Fixtures List: September 3: Esher (h) September 10 : Chinnor (a) September 17: Hull (h) September 24: Bishop’s Stortford (a)

Rams away at Blackheath Pictures: Tim Pitfield October 1: Darlington Mowden Park (h) October 15: Cambridge (h) October 22: Rosslyn Park (a) October 29: Birmingham Moseley (h) November 5: Leeds Tykes (a) November 12: Plymouth Albion (h) November 26: Taunton Titans (a) December 3: Sale (h) December 10: Cinderford (a) December 17: Chinnor (h)

January 7: Hull (a) January 14: Bishop’s Stortford (h) January 21: Darlington Mowden Park (a) January 28 : Cambridge (a) February 18: Rosslyn Park (h) February 25: Birmingham Moseley (a) March 4: Leeds Tykes (h) March 11: Plymouth Albion (a) March 25: Taunton Titans (h) April 1: Sale (a) April 15: Cinderford (h) April 22: Esher (a)

20 | SPORT

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EVERSLEY MOVE ON UP DESPITE TA THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

Benjamin Salter bowling for Eversley v Henley 2s Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Division 1

EVERSLEY moved up a place into sixth despite being beaten by second placed Henley 2s.

Kyle Bienefeld scored 46 as Eversley scored 168 before they were bowled all out.

Sachin Sivanandan (4-31) bowled brilliantly but Henley were able to take the match with three wickets to spare, but Eversley took 10 points in defeat to move up the table.

Thames Valley Division 2B WOKINGHAM 2s are the new division leaders after their success against READING 2s.

Turner totalled 53 for the Oaks, while Beaven (4-17) and Srinvasan (3-23) bowled strongly for Reading.

Reading were all out for 134 after a flawless bowling display from Jarrett Bobb (7-48), with the result meaning that Reading fell down to third while Wokingham went top.

Benjamin Salter in his bowling spell for Eversley

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s climbed up to second with a 65-run victory over Cove.

Thilo scored highest with 87 to help Finch to 215, while an astonishing bowling spell from Laithwaite (7-40) skittled Cove all out on 150.

Thames Valley Division 3A THEALE & TILEHURST lost to Windsor by 43 runs which saw them drop down to seventh.

WHITE WALTHAM stay in ninth after they drew with

bottom of the table Aldershot.

Thames Valley Division 4A WOKINGHAM 3s lost their space at top spot after they were defeated by Thatcham Town 2s.

Edward Fox-Smith scored 40 to see the Oaks to 162 and despite three wickets from Christopher Ruane, Thatcham won with five wickets left.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s dropped down to sixth with a four wicket loss to Cove 2s.

Shamoon batted impressively

to score 87, but Cove surpassed the 264 total after 48.2 overs with four wickets left.

Thames Valley Division 5A WARGRAVE 3s are up to third in the table with a seven wicket win against Taplow 2s.

A remarkable batting performance from Richards (120) saw Wargrave get over the line comfortably with seven wickets to spare, while Newton contributed with 84 in a fine batting display from the hosts.

Thames Valley Division 5B READING 2s earned their fifth win of the campaign which saw them move up to second.

Singh was just one run shy of scoring a century and he backed that up with three wickets in the second innings, while Wood decimated Royal Ascot’s chances with five wickets to wrap up a comfortable 181-run win for Reading.

BRACKNELL are up into third after they took a five-wicket

SPORT | 21

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ASTING DEFEAT TO HENLEY

Honours board Batting

Harris - Hurst 2s v White Waltham 2s - 136* M Richards - Wargrave 3s v Taplow 2s - 120 A Urath - Eversley 3s v Yateley - 120 Alex Cobb - Emmbrook and Bearwood v The Lee - 118 H Singh - Reading 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 99 Amelia Humphrey - Binfield v St Albans - 98* Adam Birch - Sandhurst v Mortimer West End - 94 Thilo - Finchampstead 2s v Cove - 87 M Shamoon - Finchampstead 3s v Cove 2s - 87 Farooq Hussain - Rangers v Earley - 86 J Newton - Wargrave 3s v Taplow 2s - 84 Greg Davis - Emmbrook and Bearwood v The Lee - 81 Hibbs - Hurst 2s v White Waltham 2s - 80* Vijay Nawale - Eversley 4s v Sulhamstead & Ufton 3s - 77 Herridge - White Waltham 2s v Hurst 2s - 72* Aalok Sonwala - Shinfield 3s v Woodley - 72 Syed Nagi - Sonning 4s v Fleet 3s - 71 Molloy - White Waltham v Aldershot - 67 Milind Pathak - Shinfield 3s v Woodley - 66 Reham Siddiqui - Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park - 64 Arter - Finchampstead 4s v Purley on Thames 2s - 62 Andy Malliff - Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park - 59 S Narayana - Binfield 3s v Thatcham Town 3s - 59 Imran Zaman - West Reading 3s v Earley - 58 R Wright - Finchampstead 5s v Maidenhead & Bray 4s - 57 Atiq Javed - Farley Hill 2s v Twyofrd and Ruscombe - 55 K Anup - Eversley 3s v Yateley - 55 J Turner - Wokingham 2s v Reading - 53 K Gupta - Binfield 3s v Thatcham Town 3s - 52* Mahad Ahmad - West Reading v Stratfield Turgis - 51 Sarang Ravindra - Reading 3s v Bradfield 2s - 51*

Bowling

success over BINFIELD. Bracknell chased down the first innings total of 205 in 42 overs with five wickets to spare to collect 26 points, while Binfield put 12 points on the board.

EVERSLEY 2s dropped down into fourth as they lost out by 19 runs to top of the table Newbury.

Pervez had four wickets to his name at the end of the first innings, but Eversley were all out on 170,, just 19 runs short of taking a result.

SONNING 2s lost out by five wickets to Bagshot 2s, while FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s were beaten by three wickets against Purley on Thames 2s.

Thames Valley Division 6B

EVERSLEY 3s were beaten by seven wickets away at Yateley, while WOKINGHAM 4s are bottom of the table after they took a draw against Chalfont St Peter.

Thames Valley Division 7A WHITE WALTHAM lost their place at top spot after they were defeated by HURST 2s by an astonishing 139 runs.

A 10-wicket defeat saw WOKINGHAM 5s drop down to sixth against Slough 5s.

Thames Valley Division 8A Binfield 3s (235-5) beat Thatcham

Town 3s (159-9) Sonning 3s (202-7) beat Bracknell 2s (139-9) Reading 3s beat Bradfield 2s by three wickets (ARR)

Thames Valley Division 9A Eversley (180-9) beat Sulhamstead & Ufton 3s (170 all out) Wokingham 6s (182-4) beat Royal Ascot (177-8) Maidenhead & Bray 4s (224-8)

beat Finchampstead 5s (159 all out)

Thames Valley Division 10A Fleet 3s (218-8) lost to Sonning (222-9)

Thames Valley Division 10C Reading 4s beat Stoke Green 4s by five wickets (ARR) Wargrave 4s (238-4) beat Chesham 4s (186-9)

THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

BINFIELD AND HURST SHARE DRAW AFTER MATCH ABANDONED

By Arthur Strand sport@wokingham.today BINFIELD took 12 points, while Hurst were awarded nine points after their encounter ended in a draw after being abandoned.

The first nine overs were very frugal for the two opening Binfield batters, Wynand Lamprecht and Dan Humphrey.

In the 10th over Dan Humphrey was trapped LBW by Nick Reynolds for 16 including three boundaries on 28-1.

Isaac Humphrey came into bat

and Binfield scored few runs up until over 16 with just three fours.

Over 22 saw two more fours scored from Ruddock. At the halfway point, 94-1, Lewis Smith came on to bowl but it was Ruddock at the other end, who, on ball two of over 28, when James Watt caught Isaac Humphrey for 26.

Over 46 and Joe Warren ran two then hit a six, which brought up 200, followed by a single from a no-ball.

Over 48 Williams was caught Smith bowled Joe Warrenon on 213-

6 after a huge six from Williams.

Miller hit a huge six and Jackson hit a four after a single, while the last over gave Binfield a chance to enhance the total which was by 11 runs from Joe Warren to put them on 258-6.

Hurst’s reply started with James Watt being caught by Tom Andrews, bowled Jackson for zero on 6-1.

Lewis Smith sent the ball to the boundary to complete the 10th over.

Four per over except one over then Jack Collett came on for over 16 but no more boundaries except for over 19.

Collett bowled over 26 giving eignt to Hurst and Lamprecht bowled over 27 but over 28 Collett saw Skipper Smith leave when caught by Miller for 67 on 150-2.

However the next over by Lamprecht Sam Warren was stumped by Miller for 105 on 205-3.

Max Carroll hit Jackson for a six in the 38th over and The 39th over saw Cupido and Carroll running for each ball of the over at 221-3.

Cupido scored a four before play was stopped and the match was abandoned as a draw with Hurst on 233-3.

M Laithwaite - Finchampstead 2s v Cove - 7-40 Jarrett Bobb - Wokingham 2s v Reading - 7-48 Felix Margel - Eversley 4s v Sulhamstead & Ufton 3s - 6-26 Sushant Agarwal - Shinfield 3s v Woodley - 6-49 Max Uttley - Wokingham v Banbury - 6-52 Hasan Safdar - Reading United v Silchester - 5-24 Euan Woods - Wargrave v Tring Park - 5-43 D Wood - Reading 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 5-27 Ikra Farooq - Finchampstead v Henley - 4-12 Suneet Basra - Rangers v Earley 2s - 4-15 Zoe Docherty - Binfield v St Albans - 4-18 James Woodford - Finchampstead v Oxford - 4-18 Khanti - Finchampstead 5s v Maidenhead & Bray 4s - 4-24 Guy Ashby - Finchampstead v Oxford - 4-31 Sachin Sivanandan - Eversley v Henley 2s - 4-31 Naveed Raja - Woodley v Shinfield 3s - 4-33 Hashim Lone - Earley v West Reading 3s - 4-40 Odey - Hurst 2s v White Waltham 2s - 4-42 Umari Pervaiz - Eversley 2s v Newbury - 4-45 Rhodri Lewis - Wargrave v Banbury - 4-51 Ollie Williams - Emmbrook and Bearwood v The Lee - 3-9 Nisarg Patel - Shinfield 2s v Farley Hill - 3-15 Richard Cole - Emmbrook and Bearwood v The Lee - 3-27 Prashant Gandhi - Shinfield v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 3-28 Anthony Cluett - Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Shinfield - 3-30 Thomas Hale - Farley Hill 2s v Twyford and Ruscombe - 3-31 Andrew Baines - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Reading United 2s - 3-31 Errol Masters - Farley Hill v Shinfield 2s - 3-34

22

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Andy Rishton bowling for Wokingham against Banbury Pictures: Steve Smyth

UTTLEY TAKES SIX WICKETS AS OAKS CLIMB UP TO THIRD CRICKET

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Home Counties Premier Division 1 FINCHAMPSTEAD dropped down to fourth in the table after they were held to a draw

by Oxford.

Guy Ashby (4-31) and James Woodford (4-18) were both in scintillating form with the ball for Finch as they contributed to bowl Oxford all out on 145.

Matt Giles top scored for Finch with 39 and after 37.4 overs the match was drawn with Finch having three wickets remaining on 124 runs.

WOKINGHAM climbed up into third after they took a

draw at home to Banbury.

Max Uttley enjoyed a superb afternoon with the ball as he tore through Banbury’s batting order to take an astonishing six wickets.

With 234 to catch to win the match, the game was drawn after the Oaks finished 45 overs on 166-7, with Shaan Khan top scoring with 47.

Home Counties Division 2

WARGRAVE are second in the standings after they took a six wicket victory over Tring Park.

Euan Woods (5-43) and Rhodri Lewis (4-51) were in prolific bowling form which helped to have Tring all out on 177.

It took Wargrave 36.5 overs to surpass the total which saw Lewis add to his fine bowling performance by hitting a half century.

Two solid innings from Abhishek Chatterjee (35) and Fakhir Ali (39) helped Shinfield get over the line with three wickets to spare.

WEST READING lost out away at Ley Hill in a six wicket defeat.

A top score of 47 from Arsalan Ahmed helped West Reading hit 207, but the hosts managed to take the points after 30.4 overs.

SHINFIELD amassed 38 points with a three-wicket success over CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD. Crows totalled 154 as three wickets from Prashant Gandhi had them all out.

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD continued their impressive form with a convincing win over The Lee. A spectacular knock from Alex Cobb (118) and a strong total from Greg Davis (81*) saw the Bears declare having only lost two wickets with 292 runs on the board.

Richard Cole and Ollie Williams both collected three wickets each which saw Emmbrook take the points with The Lee 113 runs short of the

BCM Championship

CMB Premiership

target after 41.5 overs.

BCL Premier Division

FARLEY HILL remain as league leaders despite being beaten by SHINFIELD 2s.

Michael Sherdian scored highest for Farley with 41 runs, while Nisarg Patel took three wickets for Shinfield.

Shinfield surpassed the chase with three wickets to spare after 30.3 overs to take them up to third in the table.

WEST READING 2s moved up to fifth after a successful afternoon against Stratfield Turgis.

It took 36 overs for West Reading to chase down 208 to take the match which saw opening batsman Mahad

Ahmad hit a half century.

SANDHURST were defeated away at Mortimer West End by 51 runs.

Despite a stunning innings of 94 from Sandhurst opener Adam Birch, they were all out after 35 overs.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE are bottom of the pile after they lost out by five wickets to Welford Park.

Andy Malliff and Raham Siddiqui both smacked half centuries, but Welford scored 289 to take the points.

BCL Division 1A

A six wicket win over Silchester keeps READING UNITED at the top after a five wicket haul from Hasan Safdar.

SPORT | 23

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READING FC

ROYALS PLAYER OF THE SEASON COMMITS FUTURE WITH NEW LONG TERM DEAL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham. today

READING FC defender Andy Yiadom has signed a new three year deal at the club.

Yiadom joins Tom Holmes in extending his stay with the Royals.

There are still several first-team players set to be out of contract at the end of the month as Paul Ince and his recruitment staff search for solutions while being under a transfer embargo.

Yiadom played an

integral part in helping keep the Royals safe from relegation last season and was awarded as the Player of the Season.

The Ghanian full-back joined Reading in 2018 after signing on a free transfer from Barnsley and has made 128 league appearances in Berkshire.

He played 37 games last season and scored once which came in a 3-2 home defeat against Coventry City.

After signing his new deal, Yiadom said:

“The journey continues, delighted to have a signed long term with Reading FC. “With the fans contribution and the teams determination, lets get together to take the club where it should be.”

Paul Ince said: “Andy epitomised everything we were hoping to see when Alex and I arrived at the club last season – desire, commitment, fight, determination, leadership and a real hunger to win.

“Defensively and offensively, he has been a

fantastic player during the four years he has spent at the club to date and I am delighted he has agreed to be part of what we are trying to build here at Reading.”

Mark Bowen added: “In Andy we have a player who makes a positive impact on every game in which he plays for this club.

“He has a wise head on

experienced shoulders and he is a real leader, both on and off the pitch.

“By putting pen to paper on this long-term deal, I’m very pleased he has committed his future to the club and I am certain he will play an important part in what we hope to achieve next season and beyond.”

LAURENT SET TO LEAVE ROYALS AND JOIN POTTERS

Josh Laurent in action Picture: Steve Smyth

READING FC

HOLMES PUTS PEN TO PAPER ON NEW ROYALS CONTRACT READING FC defender Tom Holmes has put pen to paper on a new deal with the club.

Holmes, whose contract was due to expire at the end of the month, has extended his stay with the Royals amid interest from other clubs.

Holmes is just one of several first-team players whose contracts are up for renewal this summer with the squad set for an overhaul despite the club being under a transfer embargo.

The 22-year-old joined Reading’s academy in 2008 and made his debut for the first-team in March 2018 in a 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers.

He became a firstteam regular under Veljko Paunovic in the 2020/21 season where he was deployed in his natural position at centre-back and also as a full-back.

READING FC

Tom Holmes after scoring against Hull Picture: Steve Smyth

Holmes made 39 appearances in 2020/21 and played 32 Championship games last season as the Royals narrowly avoided relegation.

The academy graduate netted his first goal for the club in December 2021 against Hull City with a stunning bicycle kick.

Newly promoted Nottingham Forest had reportedly been interested in signing Holmes last season but Reading remained reluctant to sell him despite their financial situation.

But the Royals have now fended off interest from other clubs to tie Holmes down to a new contract.

Holmes said: “I’m delighted to get it done.

It’s taken a while but I’m happy to finally get it signed and I can’t wait to get going.

“The club has got a lot to offer, it’s done a lot for

me growing up and over the next few years we can really push on and achieve something special.

“I know it’s been quite hard over the last year or so, but I think after having conversations with the gaffer (Paul Ince), Mark Bowen and with Brian (Carey), I think there’s a real scope here for us to push on.

“It’s going to be hard this coming season but we’re all willing to put the work in and hopefully we can get the right players in and a few of the other lads put pen to paper like myself and get things going.

“I’m raring to come back now. It means a lot to me, it means a lot to the people around me, it means a lot to my family, my friends are delighted and I’m happy to still be here wearing the blue and white.”

JOSH Laurent is set to sign on a free transfer at Stoke City when his Reading FC contract expires, according to reports.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Royals in 2020 on a free transfer from Shrewsbury, is expected to sign with fellow Championship club Stoke.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the midfielder will complete his move to the Potters in the next week.

Laurent is just one of several senior players out of contract at Reading this month with the current squad set for an overhaul.

Laurent signed for Reading under Mark Bowen, who was manager at the time and is now back at the Royals as Head of Football Operations.

Laurent quickly became an integral part of the team as Veljko Paunovic’s team made a strong push for the top six in his first campaign with the club.

They eventually missed out on the play-offs, but Laurent enjoyed an exceptional season which saw him play 45 out of the 46 league games in that season, with three goals to his name.

Laurent’s efforts in his debut season didn’t go unnoticed as he was awarded as Reading’s Player of the Season.

Laurent played 27 Championship games last season as the Royals narrowly survived relegation under Ince where he scored a vital winner against Blackburn.

Amid interest from Stoke, Laurent has been offered a contract extension with the Royals.

READING FC

ROYALS COMPLETE FIRST SUMMER SIGNING AS LUMLEY JOINS ON LOAN FROM BORO READING FC have completed their first signing of the summer as Joe Lumley joins on loan from Middlesbrough.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper who has made 34 league appearances for Boro will represent the Royals next season.

Paul Ince and his new recruitment team are set for a busy summer window with several senior players contracts set to

expire at the end of the month.

However, they are facing the extra challenge of being under a transfer embargo for the second consecutive season which will limit them to signing free agents and loan players.

With the expiration of Orjan Nyland’s contract, who spent the latter end of the 2021/22 with Reading, and Luke Southwood reportedly being told he can depart, the Royals are

in the market to sign a new goalkeeper.

Lumley started his senior career at Queens Park Rangers and made 77 league appearances for the club after making his first-team debut in 2015.

After loan spells with Bishop’s Stortford, Accrignton Stanley, Stevenage, Bristol Rovers, Blackpool, Gillingham and Doncaster Rovers during his time at QPR, Lumley eventually made

a permanent switch to Middlesbrough in 2021.

In his first season with Boro, Lumley played 34 times and finished the season with 34 goals conceded and 13 clean sheets in the league.

Across all competitions, Lumley played 39 times, conceded 42 goals and kept 14 clean sheets but is set to be loaned out by Chris Wilder’s team for the upcoming campaign.

Mark Bowen said: “Joe

is a goalkeeper of proven pedigree who, despite being relatively young for a keeper, has more than 150 first-team appaerances on his CV already.

“After an extensive search and much consideration around the goalkeeping options available to us, we firmly believe Joe will provide vital competition for the number one shirt next eason and prove an excellent addition to our first-team squad.”

Laurent in Reading’s away trip to Barnsley

24 | SPORT

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Saturday, June 18 CRICKET Home Counties Division One Oxford (145 all out) drew Finchampstead (124-7) Wokingham (166-7) drew Banbury (233 all out) Home Counties Division Two Wargrave (178-4) beat Tring Park (177 all out) BCM Championship Ley Hill (206-4) beat West Reading (207 all out) Shinfield (156-7) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (154 all out) CMB Premiership The Lee (179-9) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (292-2) BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (132 all out) lost to Shinfield 2s (134-7) Waltham St Lawrence (287-9) lost to Welford Park (289-5) West Reading 2s (212-6) beat Stratfield Turgis (208-9)

Rams RFC coaches will be sharing their skills and knowledge at a coaching conference Pictures: Rams

RUGBY UNION

RAMS TO HOST COACHING CONFERENCE

By Richard Ashton sport@wokingham.today A LIMITED number of tickets remain available for the third Berkshire RFU Coaching Conference to be held at Rams next month.

The event, which will take place on Sunday, July 3, features a superb selection of guest speakers including the National One club’s own Director of Rugby, Seb Reynolds.

Also on hand will be Bedford Blues’ attack coach Jake Sharp, who

also works on skills and transition for Northampton Saints, as well as Major Gemma Stonebridge-Smith, the head coach of British Army Women.

The trio will run practical sessions in which they coach through games and specific skill activities.

They will illustrate how to work with players of differing abilities, skill sets, coordination levels and physiques. The theme for these sessions will be attacking play, continuity and ball retention.

Other members of the panel

are Lynne Cantwell, Head of Elite Women’s Rugby Development for the South African RFU and Ireland’s most capped female player, and Premiership referee, Ian Tempest.

He will explore the relationship between referee and coach and also look at situations where the referee has to make difficult decisions.

Rams are sponsoring the event and representatives from Berkshire Clubs and Schools, as well as Army coaches, are entitled to a delegate rate of £40. For non-Berkshire affiliated clubs/schools the rate is £50.

FOOTBALL

ROYALS WOMEN PREPARE TO REPRESENT NATIONS AT 2022 EUROS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC WOMEN will have three representatives at this summer’s European Championships.

The 13th edition of the Women’s Euro’s takes place in England next month when the Lionesses face Austria on Wednesday, July 6 in the opening match of the tournament.

There will be three Royals in action at the tournament: Norway’s Amalie Eikeland, Belgium’s Justine Vanheavermaet and Denmark’s Sanne Troeslgaard.

Eikeland, who was awarded as Reading Women’s Play of the Season last campaign for

her outstanding contribution to Kelly Chambers’ side will be hoping to replicate her form on the international stage.

Norway are placed in group A up against Northern Ireland, England and Austria.

They open their campaign against Northern Ireland at Southampton’s St Mary’s before facing hosts England and then Austria both at Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex Stadium.

Eikeland, who has been at Reading since 2019, has played 31 times for her country and has three goals to her name.

Troeslgaard will compete with Denmark in group B in a battle against Germany, Finland and Spain.

Troelsgaard is vastly experienced at international

level with an astonishing record of 55 goals in 160 international caps Denmark have two games at Brentford’s Community Stadium, their first match against Germany and their final group game against Spain, while they also face Finland at Stadium MK. Vanheaevermaet has been named in Belgium’s squad where they will look to qualify in a group including Iceland, France and Italy.

The 30-year-old midfielder, who joined the Royals last summer, has played 32 times for her country and has scored four times.

The Red Flames have two group games in Manchester, first against Iceland and they

The Ticket price includes refreshments throughout the day, including lunch and a 2021 Conference Polo Shirt. A summary of the speakers’ notes will also be sent out following the event.

The course is designed for coaches at all levels of the game from Minis to Seniors and is geared to improve people’s understanding of the sport and coaching ability. n For more information and to book your place, contact Berkshire Training Chair, Cath Reynolds at cath@ ramsrugby.com

BOWLS

WOKINGHAM LADIES DEFEAT BURGHFIELD WOKINGHAM Bowling Club and Prospect Park Bowling Club were both in league and friendly action throughout the week.

Wokingham Bowls Club Wokingham Ladies were successful in a friendly encounter against Burghfield.

After a very tight match, Wokingham came out top winning by 12 shots overall.

Wokingham men’s KLV team played Desborough D team and won by eight points to two.

In a close encounter, Wokingham came out on top and gained 52 shots to Desborough 49.

Prospect Park Bowls Club Prospect Park Won at Didcot B in the KL and in the KLV, the A team won at Caversham B Meanwhile, Prospect’s B were defeated by Tilehurst C in a closely fought match.

BCL Division 1A Reading United (120-4) beat Silchester (118 all out) West Reading 3s (212-8) lost to Earley (215-8) BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (206-5) beat Reading United 2s (194-8) Earley 2s (144 all out) lost to Rangers (145-5) Woodley (212-9) beat Shinfield 3s (211-9) BCL Division 2 Knowl Hill (262-4) beat West Reading 4s (171 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (168 all out) lost to Henley 2s (169-7) Thames Valley Division 2B Reading (134 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (149 all out) Finchampstead 2s (215-8) beat Cove (150 all out) Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (186-9) drew Aldershot (221 all out) Harpsden (340-7 dec) drew Wargrave 2s (124-5) Thames Valley Division 4A Cove 2s (265-6) beat Finchampstead 3s (264-8 dec) Wokingham 3s (162 all out) lost to Thatcham Town 2s (163-5) Thames Valley Division 5A Wargrave 3s (254-3) beat Taplow 3s (244-6)

Sunday, June 19

CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Division 1 Binfield (282-3) beat St Albans (125 all out) Henley (81 all out) lost to Finchampstead (82-3) Berkshire Women’s Softball Binfield (86-4) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (88-2)

FIXTURES

Saturday, June 25 CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Finchampstead v High Wycombe Henley v Wokingham Home Counties Division 2 Amersham v Wargrave BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Great Kingshill West Reading v Shinfield CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Littlewick Green Chilterns Division Two Holyport v Emmbrook and Bearwood BCL Premier Division Sandhurst v Farley Hill Shinfield 2s v West Reading 2s Stratfield Turgis v Waltham St Lawrence BCL Division 1A Earley v Stallions Reading Lions v Reading United Silchester v Berkshire Royals BCL Division 1B Farley Hill 2s v Reading United 2s Rangers v Woodley Shinfield 3s v Twtyford and Ruscombe Warfield v Earley 2s Stallions v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s Thames Valley Division 1 Boyne Hill v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Finchampstead 2s Hurst v Slough 2s Fleet v Reading Wokingham 2s v Sulhamstead & Ufton Thames Valley Division 3A Wargrave 2s v White Waltham Kidmore End v Sonning Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s v Purley on Thames Maidenhead & Bray 2s v Wokingham 3s Thames Valley Division 5B Sonninng 2s v Bracknell Reading 2s v Newbury Eversley 2s v Finchampstead 4s Purley on Thames 2s v Binfield 2s

Sunday, June 26 CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Division 1 Berkhamsted v Binfield Knebworth Park v Finchampstead

Home Counties Berkshire Women’s Softball Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Binfield