Reading Today, July 20, 2022

THREE GREAT PAPERS IN ONE: NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

No. 39 90p

READING TODAY WWW.RDG.TODAY

READING’S NEW CHAMPION

Flying on the superhighway

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ISSN 2754-2785

29

Firm’s vision of a 165-mile dronepowered network in the sky

CRIME

HEATWAVE

THEATRE

Solved crime rates revealed

Ding boils as temperatures soars

Progress returns to the open air

2 | NEWS

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Morgue body tender

Less than one in 10 burglaries solved

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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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LESS than one in 10 burglaries in Reading result in a conviction, official stats show.

According to an investigation by the Telegraph, 90.5% of burglaries in Reading were left unsolved between May 2019 and April 2022.

During this three year period, 2,018 out of 2,229 remain unsolved.

The data, released by Police UK, does not include cases where investigations are on-going, no update is supplied or a location is not provided.

Unsolved crimes are any crime where an individual was not charged or given an out-of-court sanction.

The worst area for solving burglaries across Reading is Lower Caversham, where 95.7% of those reported remain unsolved.

This is followed by Tilehurst North with a rate of 95.1% and Kennet Island and Green Park at 94.9%.

Caversham Heights has the best resolution rate with just under

one in four burglaries leading to a conviction.

The data also shows that 446 out of 538 robberies in Reading remain unsolved, representing 82.9% of the total reported.

Police in Reading have also failed to solve 97.5% of personal thefts, such as pickpocketing, and 98.2% of bicycle thefts in the town.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We will always seek to bring offenders to justice for any crime reported, where we can and where there are lines of enquiry we will investigate thoroughly.

“On occasions, however, cases remain unsolved. This can be for a number of reasons, such as no suspect being able to be identified, or insufficient evidence is available to prosecute a suspect.

“Investigations that are filed, are done so pending any further information coming to light, and can be reviewed should any new evidence or information become apparent.”

Of more than 32,000 neighbourhoods analysed by the Telegraph in England and Wales, 46% of them had all their burglary cases in the past three years closed with no suspect charged by police.

Crimes in rural areas were more likely to remain unsolved. Of the 6,361 rural neighbourhoods with burglaries, 61%, 3,874, had none solved. That compared with 41% in rural areas.

The worst area in England and Wales, Parson Cross in Sheffield, went three years without any of its 104 burglaries being solved.

New Arley and Fillongley, in Warwickshire, also had 99 cases closed without a suspect.

For anyone who has been a victim of burglary, robbery, personal theft or bicycle theft, Thames Valley Police encourages them to report it by calling 101, making a report online or, if it is an emergency, calling 999.

n For more information, visit: thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crimeprevention

Reading West station ready for next phase

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today THE NEXT phase of construction is set to begin on the Reading West Station as it undergoes modernisation.

Reading Borough Council has completed preparatory works on the site and has now handed it over to Great Western Railway.

The council is working in partnership with GWR and Network Rail on a £3.3 million project which will see the station on Oxford Road to transform the station.

Plans include a new station building under the bridge on Oxford Road, which will form the centrepiece of improvement works.

And there will be the installation of new ticket barriers at both entrances, new toilets, a retail facility, and CCTV to combat anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “With the council’s preparatory works now complete, physical work on

the modern new station building and ticket hall will begin imminently, which is where local residents and regular users of Reading West will really begin to see a difference.

“Those same people will be all too familiar with the regular instances of anti-social behaviour which have blighted the station over many years.”

RBC conducted extensive works to prepare the site, including the realignment of the highway to make space for the station and the diversion of utility services away from the site.

The next phase will now see GWR’s contractor begin digging the station foundations on site, resulting in the closure of the pavement on the south side of Oxford Road.

Platforms 1 and 2 will still be accessible from Oxford Road, though

the westbound bus stop has been moved to a temporary site.

Cllr Page said: “This project will deliver a much safer station environment through its design and day-to-day operation, which includes new ticket gates to limit access to the station to paying customers, new lighting, CCTV, toilets, a retail facility and better waiting areas.”

“There will be some continued disruption to pedestrians as GWR’s element of the works progress, with the full closure of the pavement on the south side of the Oxford Road.

“We ask people to bear with us as the new station is constructed.”

Ed Goose, Regional Growth Manager East at GWR, said: “We are delighted to be progressing to this next stage at Reading West.”

A TENDERING process to handle the sensitive issue of moving bodies to mortuarties has been launched by Reading Borough Council.

The coroner service is operated on behalf of a number of local authorities in Berkshire.

Council officer Matthew Golledge explained: “The coroner requires a service for the removal of deceased from the community to designated mortuaries.

“The council has had several contracts over the years with funeral directors to perform this function, and it’s a model of service delivery throughout England and Wales.

“The proposal is to award new contracts for three years with the possibility to extend for a further two 12 month periods.”

The council’s current contractor has decided not to extend the contract, which will expire in December.

It currently costs £175 per body transfer, but Mr Golledge said prices could increase.

There are around 2,100 moves per year.

The total costs are estimated at £110,000 per year, which is split among the six Berkshire authorities.

When it met on Monday, July 11, Reading Borough Council’s policy committee unanimously agreed to award the contract to the most advantageous tenderer.

Batteries stolen TWO batteries were stolen from a car port in Wokingham Road last month, and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The theft happened sometime between midnight on Saturday, July 2, and 3.30pm on Sunday, July 3.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43220294351.

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Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

EXTREME HEAT

Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Phew, what a scorcher

PADDLES UP: Charlie and Anne-Marie Beatty from The Grumpy Goat kayaking. Pictures: Dijana Capan DVision Images

BALANCING ACT: Tightrope walking in the shade at Prospect Park

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today SOME of the hottest temperatures ever recorded in the country have been recorded this week.

Monday saw the mercury hit 35ºC at the University of Reading. Yesterday was thought to be hotter, although final temperatures will be tallied after we have gone to press.

The record for Reading was 36.4ºC, recorded back in 2003.

However, it was thought temperatures could exceed 40ºC in parts of the country, a UK record, prompting the Met Office to issue an extreme weather alert.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service has says it has had to respond to a number of incidents, including being called to Bray Lake in Maidenhead where a teenager died.

Superintendent Michael Greenwood, the Thames Valley Police LPA Commander for Windsor & Maidenhead, said: “This is an absolute tragedy in which a young boy has died after getting into difficulty in the water of Bray Lake.

“The boy’s next of kin have been notified and are being offered support at

this extremely difficult and traumatic time.

“My thoughts, and the thoughts of all of us at Thames Valley Police are with the boy’s family and his friends, and we would ask that their privacy is respected.”

Fire crews were called to Sulham Woods on Monday to respond to a wildfire.

Crews from Caverhsam Road, Wokingham Road, Newbury, Whitley Wood and Theale were sent to the scene alongside two 4x4 vehicles and a six wheel drive fire appliance.

The blaze was extinguished, and it was monitored throughout the day.

Reading’s vaccination centre was closed to the high temperatures, but the Royal Berkshire Hospital coped well.

NHS Digital said that searches for heat exhaustion increased by 525%.

Reading Buses allowed staff to wear white clothing and were given sun safety advice, as well as water.

And some kind passengers have been seen given cold drinks to drivers to help them stay cool.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We remain incredibly grateful to the hard work of our driving and support teams, particularly

NEWS | 3

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during the ongoing heat, and our engineering teams are working hard to ensure that our buses can cope too.

“All our drivers have been briefed for staying safe in the heat, and having seen reports of customers buying some of them cold drinks, we also remain grateful to them for continuing to support us and our whole team.”

The extreme heat has been monitored by teams at the University of Reading.

Professor Hannah Cloke, a natural hazards researcher, said the weather was a wakeup call the climate emergency.

“We have had heatwaves in the UK before, but the intensity of heat that has been forecast, which will either break UK records or at least get very close, is enough to kill people and animals, damage property, and hobble the economy.

“Even as a climate scientist who studies this stuff, this is scary. This feels real. At the start of the week I was worried about my goldfish getting too hot.

“Now I’m worried about the survival of my family and my neighbours.”

However, there were some people who were making the most of the sunshine, as our pictures show.

QUACKERS: A hot duck cools down on the water

Reading firm’s role for new drone ‘superhighway’ A CONSORTIUM led by Readingbased Altitude Angel has laid out plans for the world’s largest proposed network of drone “superhighways.”

The network, known as Project Skyway, would see the airspace between cities connected, creating drone “highways.”

Altitude Angel, a unified traffic management software provider based in Reading, has led the consortium as it has drawn up the project, designed to help businesses develop and grow by commercialising drone-based services.

Plans currently see Reading, Oxford, Milton Keynes, Cambridge, Coventry, and Rugby connected via airspace, forming drone-based links spanning 165 miles.

If the plans are approved, the scheme could stretch further outwards to Southampton and Ipswich.

Richard Parker, Altitude Angel, CEO and founder, said: “This is the most ambitious transport project proposed for the country since the advent of the railway network in the 18th century.

“Britain is at the forefront of a second transport revolution – drones have the potential to transport goods in a way our ancestors could never have imagined but would have surely understood.

“Britain can lead the world in these innovative and life-saving technologies, we have the skills and ambition to open our skies to safe and secure drone and air-taxi flights.”

Altitude Angel has developed “detect and avoid” (DAA) techonolgy in a specially-built

drone zone a few miles away from its headquarters in The Blade, Reading.

Current arrangements for drone corridors are subject to restrictions, causing financial barriers to their use.

The proposed system will allow fully automated drone flight, which means that specialist hardware will no longer be required for the drones that use it.

It will also provide a singlesource point of reference for traffic and operational data, with both manned and unmanned monitoring.

If it goes ahead, Altitude Angel also hopes to be able to open a licensing agreement to other organisations who might make use of the technology.

Richard Parker said: “With the government’s support, using this technology as its foundation, we can create networks spanning the length and breadth of Britain.

“A super-highway-network-inthe-sky, providing a critical digital infrastructure which will, in-turn, enable the world’s first truly national drone economy.”

Plans are currently being considered, and are due to be decided upon in the coming weeks.

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Earley Green Fair to return THE EARLEY Green Fair is returning for the first time since the pandemic.

The event celebrates ethical living, and this year has a theme of the Platinum Jubilee.

Stalls will come from a range of local organisations, small businesses and artisanal crafts, including plants and horticulture, butterfly conservation, hedgehog rescue, homemade jewellery, craft stalls, books, cakes and more.

The event takes place at the Beech Lane end of Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve, between 10am and 3pm, on Saturday, August 6.

Entry is free.

Jewellery stolen THIEVES broke into a home in Southampton Street by smashing a ground floor window.

Once inside, they stolen a number of items including mobile phones and jewellery.

The incident took place between 9am and 6pm on Wednesday, July 6, and Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses.

Anyone with information that could help police, including CCTV footage from dashcams and doorbells, is asked to call 101, quoting reference number: 43220297601.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Fit and proper tests for caravan site managers approved by cllrs

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

PEOPLE living in caravan and mobile home sites in Reading will be better protected from unscrupulous management thanks to a new policy.

Reading Borough has four caravan and mobile home sites where people live, with the biggest of these being Harvey’s Nurseries in Caversham.

Located in Peppard Road, Harvey’s Nurseries has a maximum capacity of 96 units.

Elsewhere, there is a five-unit site in Mill Green, Caversham, an 11-unit site in Waterview Park and a five-unit site at Riverside Park, with both of the latter parks located in Scours Lane, Tilehurst.

In 2020, changes to legislation were introduced by the Government requiring the manager of a caravan or mobile home site to be a fit and proper person.

These people have to undertake a DBS check, be financially stable, and must not have committed certain crimes, such as fraud, violence and sexual offences.

Now, Reading Borough Council has adopted its own policy for determining whether those who manage sites are fit to do so.

NEW RULES: The Riverside Park Homes in Scours Lane, Tilehurst, Reading. Picture: Google Maps Elements of the policy include requiring that the person has the right to work in the UK, has competence in managing the site and has not breached relevant laws, such as the Equality Act 2010.

The fit and proper person has to pay an administration fee of £167, to be paid once every five years, to cover the cost of an application.

The decision to adopt a fit

and proper person policy was debated by Reading Borough Council’s licensing applications committee on Tuesday, July 12.

Cllr Paul Carnell (Conservative, Caversham Heights) asked what would happen if a fit person commits a crime, or evidence emerges that the person is no longer fit to manage the site.

A council officer replied that the licence can be revoked, and

a new person would have to be found to replace them.

If no one is selected among the park’s residents, a fit and proper person will be council appointed.

Although the council licensing officer presenting the policy had no examples of it working elsewhere in the country, ultimately the committee agreed that it would be sensible to adopt a policy to

make sure those people running sites are responsible.

Cllr Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey), lead member for environmental services and community safety, said: “I think it’s really important and it just makes sense.

“I know when we’ve got rules, it makes things a lot easier.”

The licensing applications committee unanimously decided to adopt the policy.

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GRADUATION: Fire cadets from across Berkshire showcased their skills at Whitley Wood Fire Station on Thursday, July 7. Picture courtesy of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Fire cadets’ work recognised at Whitley Wood graduation ceremony BERKSHIRE fire cadets showcased their skills at a graduation ceremony at Whitley Wood Fire Station.

On Thursday, July 7, cohorts from Crowthorne, Maidenhead, Newbury and Whitley Wood fire stations were celebrated.

The initiative, which is run

by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, helps those aged between 12 and 16 experience what being a firefighter involves.

Wayne Bowcock, chief fire officer, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to attend the Fire Cadets Graduation to celebrate and recognise the hard work of the Fire Cadets and the teams who make it a success every year.

“Congratulations to every Fire Cadet for completing the course and the four Cadet of the Year award winners – Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, your families and loved ones are all extremely proud of you.”

During the ceremony, each unit demonstrated the skills they had learnt by performing their own graduation drills.

Scenarios included water safety rescues and staged domestic fires.

The course helps young people develop life skills such as selfreliance, leadership and decisionmaking, through fire and rescue service activities.

Each programme runs for a full academic year during term time.

The vice-chair of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey was in attendance.

Of the event, she said: “The Fire Cadets initiative not only delivers on Royal Berkshire Fire Authority’s commitment to contributing to a broader safety, health and wellbeing agenda, but it also equips young people with valuable interpersonal skills to increase their self-confidence.

“This year’s Fire Cadets have demonstrated their work ethic and dedication and should be proud of their achievements.

“Congratulations to all.”

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Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Grant helps gardening charity Ridgeline Trust continue its work DONATION: John Sykes, Founder & Chair of Trustees, John Sykes Foundation, Sara Uren Chair and Trustee of Ridgeline Trust and Ros Richards, Trustee

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A CHARITY that helps people with disabilities or mental health issues has received a grant to help further its horticultural work.

The Ridgeline Trust, based in Whiteknights Road in Reading, is the latest recipient of a £1,000 covid relief fund donation from The John Sykes Foundation.

The charity helps people learn new skills, regain lost skills, and improve mental, social, and physical health through horticultural therapy in their gardens in East Reading.

The Trust applied for a grant to enable its Social Prescribing Project to continue on a weekly basis for 14 clients.

Earlier this month, John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees at the John Sykes Foundation, visited the gardens to present the £1,000 cheque to Sara Uren, chair of trustees, and Ros Richards, a trustee.

Established in 2003, The Ridgeline Trust provides social and therapeutic horticulture sessions benefitting a wide cross-section of the local community many of whom experience moderate to severe health conditions and disabilities.

The sessions are led by four professionally trained horticultural therapists and assisted by around 20 volunteers, supporting up to 55 regular attendees who experience poor mental or physical health and other special needs.

“The patients referred typically experience social isolation, mental health issues and require emotional support and encouragement to participate in activities outside their homes,” Ms Richards said.

“Some also experience physical disabilities which can further increase their isolation.

Most are constrained by financial hardship.

“The Social Prescribing Service helps to develop

Charity tombola at Reading pub

A CHARITY tombola is set to take place at The Alehouse, Broad Street.

The event will be raising funds for Reaching the Unreached, a charity which supports children and families in remote or rural communities in India.

Organiser Ju Jones’ fundraising page aimed to build a house for a family through the charity, and included an extra well after reaching more than double its initial target.

Now she’s raising further funds for the charity, which she has supported since 2017.

For more information about the charity, or to make a direct donation, visit: www.rtu.org.uk.

The tombola will take place at the Alehouse, Broad street, from 12.30pm-4.30pm on Saturday, July 30.

confidence, self-esteem, motivation levels, and positive mental health and wellbeing, as well as offering enhanced social support and networking.”

The clients referred to the project can come from areas of socio-economic deprivation.

They access the garden on foot or by bus, initially accompanied by the Social Prescribers for support, and are encouraged to develop a sense of belonging at Ridgeline, of engagement with their fellow gardeners, and to identify and feel proud of their achievements, which are made across the growing year.

“The clients take home fruit and vegetables and craft projects made from leaves or flowers,” Ms Richards said.

“Some bring skills and

n For more information on the Ridgeline Trust please visit www. ridgelinetrust.org.uk n Charities and organisations can apply for one of the John Sykes Foundation’s grants. more details can be found at: www. johnsykesfoundation.org

THE CIRCUS is returning to Prospect Park.

Circus Zyair will be in Prospect Park with a series of shows this summer.

Performances combine comedy, music, and circus acts, with on-site food and drink vendors.

From Friday, July 29, to Tuesday, August 2, circus performances will be held twice daily, with shows running to 90 minutes, including an interval.

Shows take place from 3pm and 7.30pm from Friday to Monday, with just one show taking place at 3pm on Tuesday, August 2.

Tickets are £12.99 each. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.circuszyair.co.uk

Vintage bazaar A BAZAAR will celebrate all things retro.

Taking place at Phantom Brewing Company in Meadow Road, the event will feature a mixture of vintage stalls offering fashion, midcentury decor, and assorted collectables.

Entry is free, and stalls will take cash payments. The bar will take cards.

It runs from 1pm to 6pm, on Sunday, July 24. n For more details, log on to: www.phantombrew.com

See Forbury via the Gateway

READING MUSEUM is offering a rare chance to get a view of the town from an unusual vantage point.

The Abbey Gateway is being opened for a special tour that will include access to the rooftop.

Taking place from 2pm on Saturday, July 30, the event will help unpack its history including monks, visiting royalty and links to Jane Austen.

The event is limited to 15 people per tour, and tours last around an hour. The Gateway is not step-free, and there are uneven steps and floors.

Places cost £15 per person.

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

Summer timetables for buses will come in use from Monday READING Buses has announced its summer timetables for routes across Reading.

From Monday, services will see minor changes to adapt and cater to travel trends during the summer period.

Six services will undergo a reduction in frequency, with routes 17, 26, and 33 all seeing slight reductions.

For route 17, frequency has been reduced from eight minutes to 10 during peak times, and route 33 will be reduced from every 15 minutes

knowledge which they are encouraged to share with other clients and volunteers, and the enjoyment of being part of a group fosters sustained attendance.”

The charity feels that the gardening activities bring mental, physical, physiological, and social benefits.

“Whatever their problems and difficulties, they can all expect to gain social and physical benefits, including a sense of community, friendship, confidence-building, and opportunities for meaningful communication and physical exertion through active engagement outdoors,” Ms Richards said.

“Being part of a gardening team working towards shared

aims helps to create a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and achievement, all of which are found to promote positive mental health and wellbeing.

“A further benefit is the potential for reduced demand on secondary mental health services and social care likely to be needed by the beneficiaries.”

And the John Sykes Foundation was pleased to be able to help by providing the grant.

“It is well understood that gentle exercise, fresh air, social activities, and connection with nature are healthy for one’s mental wellbeing,” Mr Sykes said.

“This, coupled with the support and therapy given by Ridgeline Trust, means that those in need receive the best care, learn new skills, and make new social connections whilst working alongside others to create a sense of community, and provide opportunity for participants to have more meaning, purpose, and achievement in their lives.”

Circus coming to Prospect Park

to every 20.

Route 26 will also see frequency reduced to 15 minutes.

Routes 1, 5, and 6 will see slight reductions during peak hours, but with no changes to their frequency.

Robert Williams, Chief Executive Officer “The reduced frequency also allows our employees to enjoy a well-earned summer holiday and to deliver services when they are needed.

“For those who are travelling during the summer period our group ticket has been reduced to £6 until September, allowing a group of any four people to travel together in the Simply Reading

zone.

“Just ask your driver when you board.”

n For more information, visit: www.reading-buses.co.uk.

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Purse and iPad stolen from home A HOME in Caversham was targeted by thieves earlier this month and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident took place to an address in Church Road, between 5pm on Saturday, July 9, and 7am on Sunday, July 10.

The unknown offender broke in using unknown means, and took an iPad computer tablet, and a purse.

Anyone with information that could help police, including CCTV footage from dashcams and doorbells, is asked to call 101, quoting reference number: 43220303919.

Charity car wash A WOODLEY pub’s car park will be full of gleaming vehicles on Saturday, July 23, as it hosts a charity car wash.

The Good Companions pub in Crockhamwell Road is organising the event to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Care.

Dirty bangers can be brought to the venue between 11am and 2pm, with a scrub up costing £5.

And while drivers wait for their pride and joy to be given a makeover, they can enjoy a drink in the bar.

For more details, call the pub on: 0118 969 3325.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Six jailed for dealing cocaine and cannabis to sell in Reading

By STAFF WRITER news@rdg.today

SIX people are behind bars after being found guilty of attempting to supply drugs in the Reading area.

They will serve a combined total of 35 years and six months.

Reading Crown Court heard that the six conspired with persons unknown to supply large kilos of cocaine and cannabis, but were thwarted by Thames Valley Police.

Its Operation Sleek ran between November 2019 and May 2020. Officers were provided with information relating to phones being used by the targets of this operation.

They were part of the encrypted communications platform EncroChat.

The investigation identified Aaron Lockwood, helped by his ex-partner, Catherine Lockwood, stored cocaine in an address before it was supplied to his customers, Wellard and Harrison.

Near the end of the investigation, Aaron Lockwood passed the use of an Encro phone to Sue. Wellard and Harrison prepared the drugs to be sold on to customers across Berkshire.

Watt sourced his drugs from the same upstream supplier as Aaron Lockwood and Sue.

Following searches of the defendants’ properties beginning in May 2020, more than 1.5kg of cocaine and 8.9kg of cannabis were recovered, along with cash totalling more than £49,000.

The men and women were issued with summons on August 3 last year.

They were sentenced on Friday, July 15.

Ryan Watt, 28, of Amberley Road, Slough, and Ricky Sue, 56, of Brightwell Crescent, Tooting, London, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine,

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conspiracy to supply ketamine and conspiracy to supply cannabis.

Watt was sentenced to a total of four years and six months’ imprisonment.

Sue was sentenced to a total of seven years and ten months’ imprisonment.

Joshua Harrison, 30, of Wavell Gardens, Slough, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply cannabis, and was sentenced to seven years and nine months’ imprisonment.

Stacie Wellard, 36, of Frimley

Crumbs! Comics Classical concert at Biscuit Factory for toddlers THREE comics will be cracking jokes in Reading’s Biscuit Factory later this month, to the delight of audiences.

Reading-based Lucas Jolson will be hosting the night. He made his debut at a stage in Toronto, before returning to his home town.

Opening the evening will be Stella Graham, who has performed around the world including New Zealand and Los Angeles.

Damian Kingsley is the headliner, and his travel story is no less impressive: in 2016, he travelled from Lands End to Edinburgh with no money on a 120-gig tour of the country, all in aid of homeless charity Shelter.

The evening takes place on Thursday, July 28, and is part of the Stand and Deliver Comedy Club. Tickets cost £10. n For more details, log on to: www. standanddelivercomedy.com

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JAILED: Ryan Watt, Joshua Harrison, Aaron Lockwood, Ricky Sue, and Stacie Wellard Drive, Slough, Aaron Lockwood, aged 41, of Main Road, Biggin Hill, Kent, and Catherine Lockwood, 39, of Quantock Close, Slough, all pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine.

Wellard was jailed for four years and nine months.

Aaron Lockwood was sentenced to seven years and eight months’ imprisonment.

Catherine Lockwood was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Andrew Hall, of the Serious Organised

Crime Unit, said: “The sentences passed down to these men and women today marks the end of a significant intelligenceled investigation following information received from the National Crime Agency.

“This was a very significant drug supply network, and those convicted brought large quantities of class A and class B drugs into the Thames Valley with the intention of flooding the area with them.

“I would like to pay tribute to all of our officers and staff, and our partners at the Crown Prosecution Service and the NCA for their support in securing these convictions and sentences.”

He added that Thames Valley Police would never tolerate the production and supply of drugs.

“They cause untold harm, particularly to those who are vulnerable, and tackling this type of criminality remains one of Thames Valley Police’s top priorities,” he said.

“Six major figures involved in the supply of class A and class B drugs have now been brought to justice, and they will be unable to bring harm to our communities for many years to come.

“Our Stronghold team will proactively and robustly pursue and prosecute offenders.”

A CLASSICAL music concert with a younger audience in mind is coming to Reading town centre next month.

Bach To Baby aims to make a range of music accessible to a very young audience indeed.

It will be hosted by Effie The Elephant, and give toddlers the chance to stomp, glide, twirl and jump.

Organisers say youngsters can dance, wiggle and roam about while enjoying the wonder of live music.

The performance takes place from 11am for 45 minutes on Friday, August 5, and will be hosted

by Reading Minster Church in Chain Street.

Tickets cost £15 for an adult and up to two children. n For more details, or to book, log on to: https:// www.bachtobaby.com/reading-music-concerts-forbaby-and-family

Whitley summer activities to teach children new skills CHILDREN in Reading are set to enjoy two weeks of funfilled creative activities this summer.

The Whitley Community Centre, Northumberland Avenue, will play host to the sessions, immersing youngsters in new experiences.

Each day is themed, with Motivational Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday and Theatrical Thursday certain to captivate visitors’ imaginations.

Activities include karate, dance, drama and crafts.

Lunch is provided every day, with parents or guardians asked to submit dietary requirements via the online application form.

There will be dedicated breaks and free play periods.

Visitors can apply for one week, both weeks or individual days.

The programme is supported by Berzerk

Productions, Kazoku KarateDo and Tina Kersley School of Dance.

Sessions take place between 10am-2pm, running from Monday to Thursday on the weeks starting Monday, August 1 and Monday, August 8.

The event is free to attend, although visitors must complete the online application form.

n For more information or to book places, search: Whitley CDA on www.facebook.com

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Siren Craft Brew to launch four new beers at Time Hops festival EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today A FINCHAMPSTEAD brewery is set to release four new beers at the Time Hops Beer Festival.

Siren Craft Brew are inviting guests to University of Reading’s 360 venue to try the beverages ahead of their public release.

The beers are a product of long-term collaboration with some of the world’s leading hop experts.

Siren Craft Brew’s events manager Matt Lincoln, said: “Time Hops refer to the four beers which we’ve created.

“This project got us thinking about where craft beer is. There was a real boom in the US in the 80s, and that’s kind of responsible for where we are now.”

Hops are the flowers of the plant Humulus lupulus, which serves as the bittering, flavouring and stabilising agent in beer.

The Time Hops are named Cascade, Centennial, Simcoe and Citra & Mosaic.

Siren Craft Brew worked with different industry-leading breweries to produce each of them to ensure they possessed their own, unique character.

NOW BREWING: Siren Craft Brew will be launching four new beers entitled Time Hops, featuring aficionados favourite hops from past and present. Picture courtesy of Siren Craft Brew The collection will take patrons for a trip down memory lane, showcasing some of the world’s favourite hops from different eras.

Being able to lean on the ‘Barcelonas and Real Madrids’

of the industry was vital in producing the Time Hops.

“People didn’t know how to brew them – there are four breweries at the forefront of production.

“Once we decided that hops

would shape the landscape of what we were doing, we looked at the breweries that were responsible [for their development] and visited them.

“We learned from the techniques and knowledge that

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they shared.”

Mr Lincoln praised the solidarity between the breweries, who did not hold any reservations in offering up their knowledge and guidance.

The festival will offer visitors an exclusive preview of the Time Hops, a week before they are available to the public.

There will be 70 beers to try in total, featuring Siren Craft Brew’s next-door neighbours Elusive and more distant Brew York.

Live music and a DJ set will provide the backdrop to what promises to be a fun-filled day.

“There’ll be lots of great food and drinks. We’ll have street food and it’ll be the first time Clay’s Hyderabadi Kitchen are doing something like this.

“For people who don’t like beer, there will be a selection of ciders, wine and coffee.

“It’s going to be a real celebration and an opportunity to see what local businesses and breweries have to offer.”

The event takes place between 2pm-10pm on Saturday, July 30.

Tickets cost £12, which includes access to the festival, a Time Hops glass, programme and tokens to use on the day.

Bookings can be made online. n For more information and to book places, visit: www.

Man assaulted in George Street THAMES VALLEY Police is appealing for witnesses following an assault in Reading.

At around 4pm on Sunday, July 10, the victim, a 36-yearold man, was assaulted following a verbal argument with a group of three men in the park by George Street.

The victim was hit in the face with a blunt object that knocked him to the ground, sustaining serious injuries to his left eye and cheek.

He received treatment at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and has since been discharged.

The offender who hit the victim is described as a black man and approximately 5ft 7ins tall.

He was wearing a black top, black shorts, black trainers and a black baseball hat.

Investigating Officer, Police Constable Jessica Higgins, based at Reading police station, said: “I would like to appeal to anybody who may have been in this area during this time or driving past and witnessed anything, or have dash cam footage, to please get in touch.

“You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220304014.

“Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” n Online reports can be made via: www.thamesvalley.police.uk

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Take a walk on the wild side: new maps show hidden routes

By Jake Clothier jclothier@rdg.today READING Borough Council has released two new maps detailing walking and cycling routes around Reading to encourage active travel.

The walking map shows a number of routes for the best on-foot travel, including lesser-known footways and public rights of way in the borough.

It also includes a detailed map of the town centre, highlighting areas of historical and architectural interest and places to visit.

The cycling map shows the National Cycle Network and the major branded cycle routes through Reading, as well as bike storage and parking facilities, park and stride locations, and related safety information.

The maps are available as high-resolution PDF documents for printing at home, or can be collected from local libraries.

An interactive map is also available online via the Reading Borough Council website.

Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead

councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “Walking or cycling instead of using the car has many benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing, the health of our local environment and our wallets.

“Bikes are the most energyefficient form of transport and can be faster and more predictable than cars for short journeys.

“Cycling or walking regularly

can keep you fit, save you money – no tax, no fuel, no fares – and it’s one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to travel.”

Cllr Page said that the maps are just one part of a wider range of initiatives aimed at supporting a shift in travel behaviour to active modes.

“We are creating more pedestrian and segregated cycle routes, and we are currently consulting local residents about the draft proposals for the Bath Road and Castle Hill segregated cycle lanes.

“We also have new cycle parking planned, including a new bike parking and advice hub in the centre of Reading.

“Good progress is being made with major sustainable travel investments like the new Green Park Station and the refurbished Reading West Station, for example, both due for completion this year.”

n Riders can also plan cycle routes using the National Cycle Network via: www.sustrans.org. uk. n The interactive map, cycling map and walking map can all be downloaded from: www.reading. gov.uk

CHECK IN: Royals stars Jokkul Andresson (left) and Tom McIntyre (right) showed their support for Select Car Leasing’s sustainability stall. Pictures: Ji-Min Lee

Royals stars meet fans at The Oracle READING FC fans met their heroes last week as the club’s headline sponsor held a promotion for sustainable driving.

Select Car Leasing staff were joined at the Oracle by Royals stars Tom McIntyre, Jokull Andresson, Lily Woodham and Deanna Cooper.

The company’s leasing consultants engaged with shoppers, most of whom were drawn by a display Volkswagen ID.4.

Select’s head of marketing Ben Taylor, said: “It’s great to get down to the local Reading area. The aim of what we’re doing here, alongside Reading, is to develop people’s awareness of sustainability, taking a sustainable approach to life.

“We’ve invested a significant amount of money into promoting electric vehicles. It’s really important that we take this message to the community.

“What Reading FC are doing with the university is a critical element for us in terms of partnering with them on the right footing, with the right sorts of vehicles. With the ID.4, it’s an amazing illustration of where we can go with mobility today.”

The players spoke with and took selfies with passing fans.

They also encouraged fans to visit the Select Car Leasing stadium for both men’s and women’s fixtures this season.

Hometown favourite

STARS: Reading Women’s defenders Deanna Cooper (left) and Lily Woodham (right) engaged with fans, thanking them for their continued support. Picture: Ji-Min Lee McIntyre, said: “I think there’s been a lot of interest in the car.

With the Reading link, it’s good to be down here and meet a few fans.

“I think Reading’s quite a close-knit town. There’s a lot of fans who value the club a lot and [going to matches] is one of the highlights of the week so I think it’s massive to keep that bond really close.

“I never really mind coming down and meeting people. I remember when I was a fan as well, it was always special seeing players, so it’s nice to be on the other side of that now.”

Icelandic international goalkeeper Andresson said: “It’s a great privilege, a great honour.

“I’ve been here for eight years now and my love for this club has never changed, I will always be a Royal. It’s a real honour for me and my family.”

Defensive duo Cooper and Woodham spoke highly of both

Royals’ SEND sports camps

READING FC Community Trust welcomes budding athletes to attend its SEND sports camps this summer.

Held at The Avenue School, Tilehurst,the camps are for children between the ages of eight and 18 who have disabilities. At this time, the club cannot accept participants who require PEG feeding or have epilepsy.

All support staff have experience working with young people with a range of disabilities.

Coaches will run play sessions focusing on engagement and developing fundamental skills.

There will be four camps, each lasting three days, starting on Monday, August.

Each day runs between 10am-1pm.

Bookings cost £10 per day. n For more information or to book places, visit: www.readingfc.co.uk/community-trust/

the afternoon and their affinity with Reading.

“It’s been really lovely,” Woodham said.

“Me and [Deanna] have been around with leaflets and been meeting all the fans who have given us massive support in the games. It’s been really fun.”

Cooper expressed her gratitude to the role the club has played in her career thus far, saying: “I’ve been here for two years, just signed a new deal, so [I’m] really happy about that,” she explained. “[I’m] excited for the future and what the next two years is going to bring. The club has helped me to fall back in love with football and that’s the main reason why I ended up signing for another two years.”

The event garnered impromptu hysteria on social media, as Reading FC also announced the signing of longterm transfer target Shane Long.

Fun and games promised at the Alternative A SECULAR ‘church’ is looking forward to some fun and games when it next meets.

The Sunday Alternative meets on a monthly basis at The Rising Sun in Silver Street.

Organisers say it is a congregation that celebrates life, with group singing, games, words and cake – but no religion.

For its July meeting the theme is group games that will be inclusive, and not-too competitive.

There will also be karaoke-style singalongs and the opportunity to chat.

It takes place from 10.30am on Sunday, July 24, at The Rising Sun in Silver Street. n For more information, log on to: www. sundayalternative.org.uk

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Severe disruption as railway staff down tools for latest strikes

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

COMMUTERS are being warned of severe disruption when railway staff go on strikes later this month.

The RMT national walk-out is to take place on Wednesday, July 27, and there will be additional delays the following day as services will start late and on a reduced service basis.

Members of ASLEF will strike on Saturday, July 30, affecting Great Western Railway services.

The RMT said that Network Rail offered its workers a 4% pay rise, with a possible 4% in the second year, on the condition that rail workers accepted all terms and conditions.

However, the union said that it has yet receive a pay offer or guarantees over job losses from the train operating companies (TOCs).

Its union boss Mick Lynch said: “Strike action is the only course open to us to make both the rail industry and government understand that this dispute will continue for as long as it takes, until we get a negotiated settlement.

“The public who will be inconvenienced by our strike action need to understand that

READING STATION PICTURE: Phil Creighton it is the government’s shackling of Network Rail and the TOCs that means the rail network will be shut down for 24 hours.”

Andrew Haines, Network Rail chief executive, said: “It is incredibly frustrating the RMT has again chosen to disrupt our passengers, and even more so that they haven’t even put what was a fair and affordable two-year pay offer to their members.”

He added: “We have been clear that we can only fund an increase from our own budgets,

and the only way we can afford that is by modernising working practices.

“The RMT’s rejection of our latest offer can only mean they want a pay increase to be funded either by more taxpayer support or higher passenger fares, neither of which we think are fair.”

South Western Railway, which runs services from Reading to Waterloo, said that it is working with Network Rail to produce an amended timetable, with service levels to be similar to June: a severely

Check to be on vote roll Bouncy fun RESIDENTS are being urged to check their post as work to update the electoral roll gets underway.

The annual canvass ensures all eligible adults can vote in next year’s local elections – and a general election if one is called before 2024.

Households will receive letters asking them to check their details, and add any new names.

Christopher Brooks, electoral registration officer at Reading Borough Council, said: “It’s really important that residents keep an eye out for messages from the Council, so we can ensure we have the right details on the electoral register for every address in Reading.”

Those who receive a Canvass Communication A letter will only need to respond to this letter if the electoral register information is incorrect.

The quickest and easiest way to reply is online by following the details given in the letter.

“At the end of July some households will receive a ‘Canvass Communication B letter’ from the Council,” Mr Brooks said.

“People will need to respond to this letter to ensure the electoral register information is correct. Residents are encouraged to reply online.” n Those who have moved and are not on the roll can register by logging on to: www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

BOUNCY castles are coming to Riseley to help tire children out.

Wellington Country Park is organising the event which will be held on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31.

There will be smaller bouncy castles, a ball pond and an obstacle course to tackle, with some attractions set up for under fives.

There will also be a craft activity taking place between 10.30am and 4pm on both days, in the party and education room.

This will give youngsters a chance to make a 3D card animal.

The events are subject to weather conditions, for safety reasons.

The fun is included in the entry price.

reduced number of trains ran on just a handful of key routes.

The firm’s managing director Claire Mann said: “It is bitterly disappointing that the RMT has announced this latest strike date.

“We know how damaging and disruptive industrial action can be, and I’m sorry to all those who’s plans will be disrupted by this damaging strike.

“We are working hard to finalise a contingency timetable, but we expect we’ll have no choice but to close significant parts of our network on Wednesday, July 27, with severe disruption expected on the following day.

“That’s why we’re urging customers who are planning to use our services on Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 July to begin making alternative arrangements”.

Great Western Railway, which runs services from Reading to London Paddington, will also be affected.

Mick Whelan, general secretary of ASLEF, said: “We don’t want to go on strike – strikes are the result of a failure of negotiation – and this union, since I was elected general secretary in 2011, has only ever been on strike, until this year, for a handful of days.

‘We don’t want to inconvenience passengers – not least because our friends and families use public transport, too, and we believe in building trust in the railways in Britain – and we don’t want to lose money by going on strike.

‘But we’ve been forced into this position by the train companies, driven by the Tory government.

“The drivers at the companies where we are striking have had a real terms pay cut over the last three years – since April 2019.”

In a statement on its website, GWR warns that another union, TSSA, is also planning strike action.

While no dates had been set, it is thought they could coincide.

“Where we are able to run services, they are expected to be extremely busy,” the statement says. “We are not able to provide bus replacement services.” n SWR will publish details of its reduced timetable when finalised and customers should check the website for latest updates: https://www. southwesternrailway.com/ industrial-action. n GWR’s information is at: https://www.gwr.com/strike

Bikes stolen from Southcote flats THIEVES broke into a block of flats in West Reading last week.

They stole two bicycles in the raid, which took place overnight on Sunday, July 10.

At some point between midnight and 7.30am, they targeted the homes in Bexley Court, off Parkside Road.

The bikes were in the foyer of the flats.

Anyone with information that could help police, including CCTV footage from dashcams and doorbells, is asked to call 101, quoting reference number: 43220310537.

Fun fair returns BEACH’S family fun fair is currently in Woodley.

The fair opened at Woodford Park on Friday, July 15, and runs until Sunday, July 24, Entry is free, and gates are open from 5pm-9pm on weekdays, 1pm-9pm on weekends.

Beach’s is also offering the chance to win 10 VIP ride vouchers and two bags of candy floss to those who share the poster on social media.

The winner will be announced on Friday, July 22.

For a chance to win, visit Beach’s Fun Fair’s Facebook page.

For the best start in life

n For more details, log on to www. wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

Time for a sparkling afternoon tea A READING-based charity is organising a sparkling jubilee afternoon tea.

The Berkshire MS Therapy Centre is holding a sparkling reception with a glass of fizz on arrival and coffees and cream teas.

There will be live music courtesy of a trombone band, and a raffle. There will be plenty of time to mingle.

The event takes place in the Flavell Suite at Sindlesham

Court on Saturday September 10, from 2pm to 5pm. This venue is fully accessible and has a large car park.

Berkshire MS Therapy Centre provides specialised therapies and a social space for people with MS. It receives no NHS funding and relies on fundraising.

Kim Williams, community and events fundraiser for Berkshire MS, said: “This will be a lovely event, giving people

another chance to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, while supporting the centre at the same time.”

“Everyone is welcome so please bring your friends and family.”

Tickets are priced at £25 each with a 10% discount on tickets purchased by the end of July.

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n For details, or to book, visit www.bmstc.org/afternoontea or the centre on 0118 901 6000.

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One in eight are NEETs

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Calm bus driver who defused a fight is a star

NEW research has revealed that one-in-eight disadvantaged young people in the South East who have been in care or on free school meals are not in education, employment or on an apprenticeship compared with one in 27 (96%) of their better off peers.

Nationally, the number of 16-year-olds who are classified as NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) is at its highest levels since 2012.

As a result, social justice charity Nacro wants to see an extension to the Pupil Premium funding for disadvantaged students to 18, it currently ends at 16.

Elise Temple, director of education and skills, Nacro, said: “The disadvantage gap remains stubbornly wide.

Despite Government promises to level up education and help disadvantaged young people, yesterday’s statistics show more needs to be done.

“We must introduce a Pupil Premium Plus, giving schools and colleges specific funding for each disadvantaged young person. This would enable them to tailor help to the pupil’s needs, be it tutoring, holistic help, or extra support.

“This is the only way we can truly level the playing field for all pupils and ensure that no young person is left behind.”

Dion Bird with his Star of the Month award from Reading Buses

TOP WORK: Kwabena Addo with his Star of the Month award from Reading Buses A BUS driver who kept calm and carried on while dealing with some aggressive passengers has been praised for his work.

Reading Buses has a scheme which invites members of the public and its employees to nominate exceptional behaviour by its staff.

The star of the month scheme this month celebrated Kwabena Addo, 45, who was put forward by a passenger who witnessed him prevent a fight break out between two arguing customers on a night-time Purple 17 bus.

The 45-year-old from Reading has worked for the bus company for four years and was praised for ‘remaining amazingly calm’ in the situation.

A second Star of the Month Award has gone to a member of the Reading Buses engineering team.

Dion Bird, 49, also from Reading, has worked for Reading Buses for three years and was nominated by a colleague for his commitment to training staff through his knowledge and persistent hard

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work as well as performing to a high standard.

Caroline Anscombe, HR Director, said: “It’s great to recognise two fantastic members of staff from both our driving and engineering teams.

“Kwabena has an excellent allround record and can-do attitude, and Dion’s consistent strong work ethic and ability to always take initiative reflect highly on the company.

“Both represent Reading Buses values and are great ambassadors.”

Covid impacts on Reading Buses services as drivers self-isolate THE RESURGENCE of covid is having a knock-on effect across Reading – some bus services have been cancelled due to a lack of drivers.

In recent days, Reading Buses have been posted updates on its social media pages.

The messages are all variations on the same theme: Service X is cancelled due to operational issues.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

A spokesperson for the

Here is the news: The Ding is black and white and REDA all over

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today AFTER 15 years of cheerleading Reading as a great place to work, do business, live and visit, a group has changed its name to help reflect the way in which its role has changed.

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company, which operates routes across the town, said: “While we are seeing a short term impact on our driver availability due to a recent spike in Covid cases, we are doing everything we can to maintain our services with minimal disruption to our customers.

“To further aid this, we will soon be launching our new people-focused recruitment campaign, to inspire people to consider a change in career.”

Reading UK now REDA (Reading Economy and Destination Agency). The notfor-profit community interest company, says the switch better reflects the importance and range of expertise of the organisation in its work to grow the Reading economy, develop the local skills base and promote Reading as a destination for both business and leisure.

The new name also avoids confusion with the place brand for Reading.

REDA is a private and public sector partnership, with a board comprising key stakeholders in hospitality, property, education, marketing, transport, retail and leisure, as well as Reading Borough Council.

Adam Jacobs, chair of REDA,

said: “For the last 15 years, we have helped our local business community navigate their way through the ups and downs of business life, ensuring that Reading continues to outperform most other UK, and many European, economies.

“Reading is at a truly exciting point in its development, and we are confident that, as REDA, we will be in an even stronger position to continue our mission to boost business and enhance the visitor experience for all those in the Reading region by supporting the local economy, driving investment and promoting the town beyond its borders.”

As Reading UK, it has led on the economic recovery from the pandemic; managing Reading’s two Business Improvement Districts (BIDs); worked with Reading’s tourism and hospitality sector to promote Reading as a visitor destination,

developed programmes to upskill local residents to help them access the job market locally and co-ordinated many events including last Christmas’ Twilight Trail in the town centre and this year’s Reading Biscuit Town.

This has all been in the context of Reading’s 2050 Vision which is led by REDA, along with the University of Reading, Barton Willmore and Reading Borough Council.

As part of the change, REDA has launched a new business-focused website, www.redauk.org.uk, to help businesses and talented people relocate to Reading and support our existing business community.

The new website shares information on local business services, inward investment and the Reading economy.

It also provides more information on the work of REDA and how people can get involved in helping us grow the Reading economy.

n The website will sit alongside www.Visit-Reading.com

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Aida H Dee brings Story Time to libraries across Reading next week I WANNA TELL YOU AS STORY: Aida H Dee is coming to Reading with her Drag Queen Story Hour next week

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

AIDA H Dee is the drag queen visiting libraries around the country, showing how queer people can be admired instead of just accepted.

She is the drag persona of Sab Samuel, who says that his journey to drag started back when he was just 13.

“I was bullied at school – I was at an all-boys school in the southwest of England, and everybody knew about it.

“I had the police called on me, students spat in my face, and I didn’t even know I was queer at the time, I was just very visibly different. Then later there came an opportunity to perform in a play.”

Sab was offered a part which he couldn’t refuse.

“I got offered the role of the villainess by my English teacher.

“So at 15, I performed in drag on stage in front of governors, the head teacher, and parents alike, as well as other pupils.”

This would form something of a turning point, he says.

“I did get letters written to me by a governor, saying how good it was, I remember people getting praise from adults.

“But the thing that stood out wasn’t praise from the adults –

there was a specific bully, who I remember by name.

“I remember what they did to me only a few weeks prior where they kicked me in the head, literally.”

He says that something had changed, however: “They came up to me on the Monday afterwards and said, ‘Oh, you did the school play in drag, didn’t you?’”

“I said, yes, and what’s it to you, and he turns around and says, ‘Oh fair play, mate’.”

Sab says that by allowing himself to be himself, he changed the way that others saw him.

“They never dealt with me in the same away again, and I’d proved him wrong, in some way.”

From there, Aida would go on to appear in Drag Idol, a UK

wide drag competition which has been celebrating drag performers and since 2005.

Aida is also the author of two books of her own, The Three Goats United and It’s a Snot Problem, aimed at children.

The joining together of drag and literature, he says, was the result of a similarly early influence.

“When I was 16, I volunteered at this library while I was in Guernsey, and I read stories to children there.

“I went back a few times later on, after writing my children’s books and I was performing them, and they said that this must be the fourth or fifth time I’d read with them.”

“Actually, it wasn’t, I’d been there so much already.”

For Sab, literature has always been a love of his, and has

brought even more power to his work as Aida.

“There’s so much that I love about putting words down on paper – words change lives, and so I am doing exactly that.”

And Aida gives this power to others through her work, too.

“Before the pandemic, I had children come up to me and say, ‘I have the confidence now to come out to my family’.

“You have to turn to these kids to try and support them and protect them at the same time.

“The only thing you can say is you should come out only if you feel comfortable to do so, and I just cried on the way home.”

At a performance after the pandemic, however, Aida was once again approached by an audience member she recognised.

“I went back to a venue earlier this year, and one of the children was there.

“They said to me ‘came out to our family, and they love us, and you were you were the reason we did it’.

“When they came back to me that day and said that, it was so lovely that I cried on the way home again.”

As such, Aida’s work is about empowerment. “People say that I teach acceptance, and I don’t

– I prevent hatred. Hatred is the thing that gets taught.

“If anything, I teach the adoration and admiration of queer people, you don’t just need acceptance.

“Anybody who works with children, whether they be LGBTQ+ or not, get told at least that they are doing children’s work for a more sinister, ulterior motive, and I think it’s disgusting.”

Sab says that queer people have the experience necessary to be able to get across what it’s like to be queer.

“Words can change lives, and so can I.” Aida H Dee is an advocate for neurodivergence, and a patron of Autistic Inclusive Meets London, which supports families and individuals with autism.

n Aida H Dee begins a UK tour of 100 libraries, starting in Reading on Monday, July 25.

The free story hour sessions will be on offer on Monday, July 25, at Central Library at 10.30am, and Tilehurst Library at 2pm.

Further free sessions will take place on Tuesday, July 26, at Whitley Library at 10.30am, and at Southcote Library at 2pm.

To book a place at an event, contact your local library directly.

Multi-way lights on Shinfield Road WOKINGHAM motorists may experience extended journey times as Wokingham Borough Council announce the instalment of multi-way lights on Shinfield Road.

The lights will be in place between Halls Lane and Ducketts Mead from Thursday, July 21, to Wednesday, August 31.

This will allow City Fibre to carry out fibre optic cable installation works.

The affected section of Shinfield Road includes Crosfields School and the European Centre for MediumRange Weather Forecasts. n For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Coffee morning DEPRESSION Xpression, holding its regular coffee morning at the Biscuit Factory on Friday, July 22.

Depression Xpression is a mental health peer support network which helps those with anxiety, depression, or who struggle with isolation in Reading and Wokingham.

The group meets informally at the Biscuit Factory every Friday, with no need to book an appointment.

The informal coffee meeting takes place every Friday, from 11am-12.30pm. Reusable coffee cups are welcome.

Your local in Winnersh HOMEMADE FOOD SERVED DAILY BEER GARDEN PRIVATE HIRE WEEKLY EVENTS

TOUR: Theresa May visited Yeldall Manor to learn more about its work during and after covid lockdowns Picture: © Dee Tee Photography

MP Theresa May visits Yeldall Manor MAIDENHEAD MP Theresa May visited a Hare Hatch-based addiction therapy centre to learn more about its work.

She had been due to visit Yeldall Manor in March 2020, but the first covid lockdown prevented her from doing so.

During her visit, she received updates on how the charity had coped, its fundraising and how residents have fared.

The centre helps men who have problems with drugs or alcohol to conquer their addictions and find a new way of life.

Mrs May met former resident Dave who is now a professional photographer, visited Yeldall’s prayer garden, and chatted with Sacha, another former resident who was instrumental in creating the space in a disused corner of the estate.

After the visit, Mrs May said: “I was pleased to be able to visit Yeldall Manor to discuss the excellent work they do in supporting people who have been affected by addiction.

“It was particularly insightful to hear about how the Yeldall Manor team continued to deliver vital support to their clients throughout the challenging pandemic years.”

Picture: Dee Tee Photography

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Spacephiller Phil Creighton

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

Melting away

A

MONG the many, many emails that came into our offices in the past week, there have been many salutary exchanges.

Usually, it’s a comment about the weather – we are Brits after all.

So many of these missives have been heatwave aware. Some are looking forward to bit of sunshine.

And who can blame them when us Brits have whole memes and jokes about British summertime lasting hours, rather than days, or us needing to turn the sun on and off again.

And long before the internet was even a twinkle in Tim Berners-Lee’s eyes, there were numerous jolly postcards showing torrential rain with the legend ‘summer in Cleethorpes’, or whichever town you happened to be vacationing in.

But there’s also those for whom the forecast is bad news.

I’m a veteran of several heatwaves.

The earliest was 1976. Someone on Twitter last week asked how we coped.

This was, for those who don’t remember, the summer when water was rationed and there were queues for the stopcocks in the streets.

So what was top of my list of memories? Not a lot to be honest. I was in the business of soiling nappies and drinking milk.

At a push, there might have been some rusks in there too, but to be fair, wearing underwear and sticking to cold, nourishing drinks has been this week’s modus operandi too.

The summer of 1989 was a scorcher, and the first time that many of us started to think seriously about global warming. It seems hard to believe now, but leading the way was the Daily Mail, who wanted us to go green and save the seals.

Summers since have seen the temperatures rachet up, as the University of Reading’s climate stripes diagram so aptly shows.

And winters, well, they’re just as record breakingly warm.

In fact, in the *cough* 26 years since I’ve been a resident of this neck of the woods, we’ve had cold spells, but not snow that has fallen for several days and then stuck around.

So my ambition of building an igloo remains on the ‘things to do before I shuffle off this mortal coil’ list.

Just thinking about those colder days makes me feel a little warm inside, rather than hot, bothered and flustered.

There’s something rather romantic about pacing through the fog of autumn, leaves swirling around, my infeasibly long scarf blowing around like a kite.

And then there’s a brisk stroll through crisp winter’s days, where the breath lingers in the air and the there’s a sharp pain when you breath in as it’s so cold. Preferably, as Shakin’ Stevens would sing, snow is falling, all around us.

The fact that the brisk stroll is then topped off with a warm hot chocolate by the fireplace is neither here nor there, as my stomach surely does not testify to.

All of which might give you some indication as to my lines in the email missives about this week’s heatwave.

When I had more hair, back in the full flush of youth – well, OK, back in the summer of 1976, it was auburn. Which is a notch away from ginger.

Which means that like a vampire, the slightest bit of sun and I turn to dust.

I’ve only got two skin tones: normal, and lobster pink, and the switch is faster than a Porsche can go 0-60mph.

Once the thermometer gets into double figures, it’s too hot for me.

Roll on autumn. As long as moths haven’t eaten my Dr Who scarf.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022

LOAD OF BALLS: The National Lottery has raised millions for good causes and community projects across the Reading and Wokingham areas Picture: Pixabay

Lottery raises £27.7m for good causes in South East FOR some, it’s a Saturday night ritual that’s a load of balls, but for others the National Lottery really has made a difference.

New research conducted by Solitaired.com, a free, browserbased card game platform with more than 500 games available to play, shows that the act of picking some numbers and crossing fingers has helped raise nearly £28 million for good causes in the South East so far this year.

And since it was launched

by Noel Edmonds kicking some footballs into a goal back in 1994, the National Lottery has sponsored £3,319,173,736-worth of projects in the South East.

In our neck of the woods, Windsor and Maidenhead has come top with £147,776,166 of funding.

Reading is next, receiving £59,207,434 for a variety of projects.

Neighbouring West Berkshire received £36,020,936.

The National Lottery has sent £30,693,944 to Wokingham borough, while Basingstoke and Deane has received £24,788,485.

The borough that received the least amount of funding is Bracknell Forest, which has been awarded. £18,914,469 There are eight lottery-funded grants currently available for eligible entities in England, with a maximum funding amount of £100,000. Another seven grants are available nationwide for film –and

heritage-related projects, some of which have no maximum funding limit.

The funding goes to projects in education, environment, health, arts and sport.

Heritage is the sector in the South East that benefitted the most from National Lottery grants over the past 28 years. The latest official government data suggests that this area in the South East received a total of £874,110,189.

Sport is the second most lottery-funded sector, with £780,048,131-worth of sponsorship since 1994.

Arts causes follow at quite a distance behind, benefiting from £536,003,891 over the past three decades.

All these funds come from a proportion of ticket sales, as well as any unclaimed prizes within 180 days.

Rushmoor district, just down the road from Camberley, currently hosts one millionaire who has not yet claimed their prize. They have until Wednesday, October 26 to do so. Between October and December, there were £38m fewer claims than the previous quarter, which was added as returns to good causes.

A spokesperson for Solitaired. com said: “If you ever lost a winning lottery ticket, there is comfort in knowing that your prize would have gone to a good cause, quite possibly in your own town.”

Heritage fair goes online

BERKSHIRE history enthusiasts are set to unlock details about the area’s heritage thanks to a landmark online meet-up.

Organised by Berkshire’s Family History Society and Local History Association, the event will be the county’s first-ever remote heritage fair.

Visitors are encouraged to ask questions about individuals of interest, family members, parishes and much more.

There will be over 30 heritage organisations in attendance, including Berkshire Record Office, Reading Civic Society, The Wokingham Society and The History of Reading Society.

The free-to-attend event will take place via Zoom, with each participating organisation holding their own breakout room.

Guests will have the opportunity to connect with local experts, learn about Berkshire-specific resources and receive help with their own family history research.

Berkshire Heritage Fair will take place via Zoom on Saturday, August 6.

Picture: Ahmad Ardity via Pixabay The day will be split into morning and afternoon sessions, with visitors invited to book places at either or both sittings.

A small number of groups will only be attending one session, so visitors are advised to check the website.

The event takes place on Saturday, August 6, with the morning and afternoon sessions running between 10am-noon and 2pm-4pm respectively. n For more information or to book places, visit: www.berksfhs.org

READING in Bloom is back after a few years away, and is taking entries to the competition until Sunday, July 24.

The competition sees gardeners submit their floral arrangements and spaces for judging, which will take place in August, and celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2023.

Front and back gardens, allotments, balconies, and even commercial spaces will all be critiqued for their floral content, colours, seasonal interest, levels of maintenance, and design.

Marc Allridge, chairman of Reading in Bloom said: “This year has been great for entries, and to see what garden projects people have been working on through lockdown.

“It’s great to see Reading blooming with colour in this lovely weather and the judges cannot wait to get out and judge all the entries this year.

“The committee plans are already blooming for next years golden anniversary 50 years of Reading in Bloom.”

This year’s categories are residential, community gardens, allotments, commercial landscaping, pub and restaurant, and wellbeing gardens such as those at Royal Berkshire Hospital and the Sue Ryder Hospice.

Organisers are looking in particular for office and workplace gardens, which can be spaces to promote wellbeing and mindfulness at work, or even garden spaces at your local pub.

Judging will take place during the first week of August.

Those shortlisted will be notified by the end of August and honoured at the awards event in September.

SUNSHINE AND FLOWERS: Next year, Readin Bloom

n To nominate them for Reading in Bloom via: www.readinginbloom.co.uk Submissions close at midnight on Sunday, July 24.

Audio trail launched to explore university’s ‘hidden gem’ CHILDREN and families are set to enjoy one of Reading’s best-kept wildlife secrets thanks to the launch of a new audio trail.

On Monday, July 11, The University of Reading launched the initiative at Harris Garden, to help visitors learn about its rare and unusual plants.

The trail is 35 minutes long and was made in conjunction with soundscape artist Richard Bentley, children from three local primary schools (Redlands, Alfred Sutton and Newtown primary schools), as well as outdoor educators Charlotte Allchin and Teresa Verney-Brookes.

Stéphanie Mitchell, Arts Development Officer at the University of Reading, said: “The Harris Garden is one of Reading’s hidden gems.

“Open to all, it is a beautiful green space that gives people the chance to admire some interesting and unusual plants and, more importantly, reconnect with nature.”

“The audio trail is aimed at helping visitors to the Harris Garden access some of its treasures.

“We were keen for local school children to be involved in the project so that they could create something special for their local community and have the experience of creating a different type of art.

“Working with our outdoor educators meant that they could learn more about the Harris Garden as a place to visit but also as a way of nurturing a sense of environmental stewardship.

“It was a real pleasure to see the excitement and wonder of the children as they learnt about the garden and the wildlife within it.”

The trail’s narration is set to sounds recorded in the garden by the school children, featuring birdsong, crunching leaves and wind blowing through the trees.

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enfingers out ading in Bloom

Zac’s starring role in The Railway Children’s sequel

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Reader travel HAYLING ISLAND Country Music Break

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Departing Mon 24 Oct ‘22 NEW AGE OF STEAM: The Railway Children Return Picture: StudioCanal

ng in Bloom will celebrate 50 years of horticultural competition. Picture: Courtesy of Reading in

THE film now arriving, just in time for the school holidays, is a new take on an old favourite … and with a familiar face.

The Railway Children Returns is a sequel to the ever-popular children’s film from the 1970s and is now playing in cinemas nationwide.

Among the cast is Zac Cudby, a nine-year-old who plays one of the lead roles, Ted. The film also stars Jenny Agutter, Tom Courtney and Sheridan Smith.

He spent eight weeks filming the movie in Yorkshire last year.

The youngster is a member of the Spotted Talent Agency, which operates a theatre group in Shinfield.

Earlier this month, other members enjoyed a film premiere of their work at the Roseate Hotel in The Forbury.

And the work is leading to success.

Members have landed parts in a short film, Do They See What I See?, a commercial for the Co-op, and parts in a new animation.

They were chosen following a casting session by Michelle Jones of Brilliant Casting who selected children exclusively from the film school.

The agency also represented Elijah Sholanke and helped him land the role of Young Alex Antetokounmpo the NBA star with online coaching. Disney Rise charts the rise of the basketball stars which is now streaming on Disney+ Elijah is in the white tuxedo and flew to LA for the premiere in June.

Elijah was supported by the agency as he spent three months in Greece last year during production.

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)

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POETRY CORNER Pride of Lions Today I stand with pride in my town that another tenement of hate has come tumbling down LGBTQ+ pride, we celebrate We don’t turn away, we don’t just tolerate

TUNE IN: Children and families are set to enjoy the 35-minute audio trail at the University of Reading’s Harris Garden. Picture courtesy of the University of Reading

The students also used percussion instruments from around the world.

The Harris Garden was established in 1972, and named after distinguished palaeo-botanist and former professor Tom Harris.

Located on the south side of the Whiteknights campus, it is a small botanical garden containing many tree and shrub species from around the world.

Monkey trees, ginkgos and redwoods feature, with some plants dating back to the garden’s 18th century origins.

Emily Farahani, a teacher at Newtown Primary School, said: “Visiting the Harris Garden was a wonderful opportunity for our

children. It was fantastic to see them spend the day outside and the effect this had on their wellbeing and selfconfidence was incredible.

“Having access to spaces like the Harris Gardens is so valuable for our children who live in urban areas to enable them to connect with nature.”

The audio trail was produced as part of the university’s public arts strategy, with assistance from Reading School of Art, the Institute of Education, Estates Team and School of Biological Sciences.

The Harris Garden is currently undergoing path construction and re-surfacing works, as the university creates an accessible loop of the entire garden.

So yes, God made Adam and then he made Eve But then in His wisdom He made Elton and Ellen and Steve Because being gay isn’t an abomination there’s diversity, power and more in creation And who you love doesn’t matter you see if you’re not hurting others, you’re not hurting me It’s LGBTQ+ and of this I am sure the plus equals better, the plus equals more Although I must admit it’s a struggle for me to get LGBTQ+ into rythmic poetry “But being gay isn’t natural”, I take a different view have you met the gay penguins down Central Park Zoo? Baboons, dolphins, lions all engage in homosexual behaviour and they’re not packed off to conversion therapy later The parrot fish can change gender at will parrot fish Jack becomes parrot fish Jill

And nature is cool and totally complex these beautiful creatures can vary their sex Isn’t it great they teach sexuality matters at school It’s not turning kids gay you ignorant fool My son has managed to get through Vikings without engaging pillage and rape He’s completed his maths without becoming a polygon shape Gay, straight, bi, trans, pansexual Define yourself how you want or abide by no label You tell me the pronoun you expect and will call you because I owe you respect Him, her, them, xie You do you and I’ll do me and that is how we are all of us free to carve and create our right to selfidentity You are you and you are complete a rose by any other name still smells as sweet Love is patient and love is kind and love leaves homophobia behind So roar out of the closet let’s all storm the gates because the power of love overcomes the power of hate And yes there’s will be those that rage with disgust But you know the old mantra, they doth protesth too much

FIONA DIGNAN

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

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Departing Mon 24 Oct ‘22 With its palm trees and golden beaches, Torquay is the perfect location to enjoy a seaside getaway in the heart of the English Riviera. We explore this lovely landscape with a cruise on the picturesque River Dart and a scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park.

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Let’s not leave anyone behind

AMONG the warnings for this week’s extreme temperatures was also advice.

How to cope with excessive heat, and ensure we don’t succumb to heatstroke.

Always carry a bottle of water, to help avoid getting dehydrated.

Try not to travel, or even be outside during the peak hours of 11am to 3pm, when the sun’s UV rays are at its hottest.

And a reminder to look out for our neighbours.

It’s something we’ve been doing during covid, and also during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Whenever there are flashpoint moments, we need to take a moment to remember those around us and ask one question – how can I be of help?

A simple checking in to ensure our neighbours are OK is sometimes all that’s needed. It might just be a text message or an email, ensuring that they can get additional support.

We are fortunate that the One Reading Community Hub scheme exists, connecting volunteers, goods and services with people who need help.

The number is 0808 189 4325, and is open 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 9am to 1pm at weekends.

Let’s ensure no one is left alone.

CHURCH NOTES

True, honourable, just, pure, pleasing..

I

AM sure many of us watched the service in St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate and give thanks for our beloved Queen on her Platinum Jubilee.

I do not know who selected the readings for this very special occasion. But the second one in particular was indeed an inspired choice for two reasons.

First, it served as an apt commentary on the way Her Majesty has fulfilled the promises she made to us all when she came to the throne.

Second, it offered an agenda for the future of our country.

This affects not just those who are chosen to lead it, but equally each one of us, if we are to discover a sense of community and service to one another.

Let me recall the words St Paul wrote to lift the spirits of new Christians in difficult times, and to assure them of God’s constant presence with them.

He gives us a wonderful list of adjectives describing qualities of which we can never get enough.

“True…honourable…just…pure…pleasing… commendable”. To drive his message home he invites them “if there is any excellence, anything worthy of praise, to think of these things” and to keep on doing them.

We must never imagine that this is something just for other people.

It is only when we all, as best we can, follow this way that divisions in our society may be healed and a better life becomes a possibility.

Colin James is an Honorary Priest at All Saints Church, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Letters

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today Business speak and buck passing In the council meeting with City Fibre, the councillors voiced their constituents’ experience of the ongoing disruption caused

by City Fibre, but they did not question the strategy and they allowed the managers to get away with management-speak and buck-passing.

Instalcom (the people digging up the roads), the Borough’s Highways Department (lack of supervision) and Reading Buses (needlessly closing bus stops and cancelling buses) should also have been there to face the music.

While Grain Connect explained they reinstate the road immediately after the work, City Fibre gave the excuse that they do the work more quickly if they left the works in place. It would make sense if they worked nonstop, but they leave cones and unnecessary temporary traffic lights in place when they knock off for the day.

In the days after the meeting, they blocked off much of the Basingstoke Road / Buckland Road junction, so Reading Buses closed the bus stops without adding temporary bus stops, forcing shoppers for Morrisons and Aldi to trudge a long distance

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

to Whitley Park. The council owns some camera cars to enforce parking restrictions. Those cars could also be used to clear up road obstructions.

They talked about trenches in the road. In this day and age, they should be able to burrow under roads rather than digging them up. Too many roads were dug up at junctions and next to roundabouts, when they could move a few yards to cause fewer delays to traffic. One roundabout was badly signposted, forcing a bus to get stuck on the roundabout.

Other examples of bad behaviour included the destruction of a lamp-post in my street, a lorry waiting outside my house for half an hour with its engine running and a lorry with a Romanian number plate.

The meeting also discussed the leaflet delivered to residents. The managers should have displayed the letter from their computers.

I think it looked like a sales document rather than a notice of disruption.

Mark Drukker, Reading

Nothing but the truth In the Soviet Union there was a newspaper called Pravda (The Truth). It was regularly full of

Cllr Rob White

University, the council and landlords must do more to tackle flytipping

O

It’s a real community asset, that brings a lot of energy to the local area. In Reading we have a thriving student community (many of whom are active in Green Party politics and helped us become the main opposition party on Reading Council) and a beautiful campus to take advantage of during the summer months. However, at the end of the year rubbish builds up.

Reading University, the council and student landlords must do more to tackle these waste problems.

At the end of term, the rubbish piles up

It’s the time of year when our student friends and neighbours leave their rented accommodation and head off for the summer.

What is left behind is a cause for concern. It has now been cleared by the university-funded end-of-term collection but in recent weeks rubbish had been

praise for - and photos of - the country’s leadership.

I found myself wondering if your most recent edition (week 4 to 10 July) had been inspired

by Pravda when I spotted no less than 18 images of Reading’s mayor, and wanna-be Reading West MP, Rachel Eden. Plenty of images and plenty of praise.

Don’t get me wrong, I’d choose a Labour MP over a Tory any day (though I’d prefer a Green). It’s the fact that in the UK where we’re offered a ‘choice’ between two very similar brands (ie Tory or Labour) once every few years your newspaper decides to offer such a generous platform to a Labour candidate famed for her support of many Tory-light policies. Is it such an ask that your newspaper find stories about Reading’s real heroes and political leaders? I’m talking about those leading climate activism, women’s rights campaigns, support for refugees, efforts to safeguard the local NHS, trade union struggles and so on.

Presenting readers with so much non-critical coverage of Eden’s exploits only adds to the illusion that we are living in an active democracy rather than a capitalist two-party state.

Sam Wild, via email

Whose rubbish is this? We can all help out but the university, the council and landlords should be doing more

From the Chamber

NE of the best things about living in East Reading is the university.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022

building up outside vacant homes.

Sometimes this is students optimistically putting things out.

Sometimes this is landlords knowingly fly-tipping.

It’s a situation that’s been going on for years and local residents are tired of it.

Greens have been lobbying the university for better student liaison Unfortunately the university’s student liaison team has been overstretched because vacancies haven’t been filled.

It’s only recently (thanks to some relentless lobbying from Greens including Councillor Kathryn McCann) that Reading University’s community team is back to full strength.

We welcome the recent appointment of a new community relations officer and look forward to working closely with the new team as they launch their new ‘Hello Neighbour’ campaign in September to make students more aware of the impact of their behaviour on local residents.

We feel it’s important not to demonise the student community for this and to encourage the university, the council, landlords and students to work together to deal with the issues of end-ofterm waste management.

1. The university should be funding additional end-of-term bin/waste collections as well as the end of year one to make it easier for students to manage their waste.

2. The council should collect glass on the doorstep and licence all Houses in Multiple Occupation (shared houses). Licensing shared houses would drive up standards and make dealing with problem landlords easier.

3. Landlords should offer more support to students living in their properties.

The better organisations work together and the easier the system is for end of term and end of year waste the less problems there will be. Together we can make a difference.

If you see an overflowing bin or some fly-tipped waste in Reading, be sure to report it using the Love Clean Streets smart phone app (https://lovecleanstreets.com/ reports/home).

It’s a direct line to the council and you’ll be able to monitor the progress of issues in real-time.

Cllr Rob White is the leader of the opposition and Green Councillor for Park Ward

From the Leader

Cllr Jason Brock

On the right tracks

I

’M no trainspotter, but I’m showing some excitement about trains and railway stations this week.

The Council has now completed, or is nearing completion on, its element of work on two major rail projects in Reading.

After what seems like a long time we are inching closer to the opening of Reading’s first brand-new railway station in over a century.

It was back at the turn of the century that the Council first worked alongside the developers and owners of Green Park, Prudential Property Investment Managers Ltd (PRUPIM), to draw up exciting proposals for a brand-new railway station at Green Park.

The station would have been funded by PRUPIM and the business case was actually approved by the Department of Transport back in 2006.

A global recession followed and delayed the residential development of Green Park Village. In fact, it was only a few years later, during the planning application stage for Green Park Village, that new funding was secured for the 2016 Green Park Station planning application. Since then, the Council has secured additional funding to enhance the station facilities.

There now follows a commissioning and safety validation process – led by Network Rail and Great Western Railway – which needs to happen before the new station can welcome its first ever trains and passengers. We obviously hope it can happen as rapidly as possible.

Green Park Station will serve established communities in Whitley and the relatively new community at Green Park Village, as well as local businesses and the expanding Business Park.

The station will help to alleviate queues along the busy A33. It sits alongside bus priority corridors built by the Council along the A33 in what is a truly strategic approach to changing travel behaviours and creating a cleaner and greener Reading.

All being well, Reading fans will also enjoy their matchday experience even more when travelling to games early in the new year. With parking limited, this is another realistic alternative to travelling by car. Let’s hope for more success on the pitch this season too.

Over to Reading West, a real community station for the Oxford Road, where, after completing preparatory works, the council recently handed the reigns over to our partners at Great Western Railway to begin building the new station building and ticket hall.

There are new gates at the Tilehurst Road and Oxford Road entrances, meaning you can only get on the platforms if you have a ticket. Combined with the new ticket office, new toilets and a retail facility, safety and security will be significantly improved.

Council teams have realigned the Oxford Road to provide space for the new ticket office, made improvements to the transport interchange on the north side of the Oxford Road and resurfaced both the pavement and road on the north side.

We have also been working with various utilities to divert their existing services away from the station.

This can be an immensely frustrating process in terms of timelines, but a necessary one in the long term.

For those interested – because I know it has been a bugbear for Oxford Road regulars for some time now – the open trench which was used to divert various utilities away from the new station building will now be hidden behind hoardings in GWR’s construction zone and the pavement next to platform 1 will be reinstated.

GWR’s latest estimate for completion is early in 2023.

All being well, it means early in the new year both the refurbished Reading West and new Reading Green Park stations should be open to the travelling public.

I’m tempted to say something here about waiting years for a new train station to arrive and then two come along at once...

Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and Southcote ward cllr

31

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Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Air quality fears for 618 flats in new Minster Quarter development

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

CONCERNS have been raised over potential air quality at a planned development in Reading town centre.

At a meeting of Reading Borough Council’s policy committee meeting held on Monday, July 11, councillors questioned some aspects of the Minster Quarter scheme which would see The Hexagon and its surrounding areas receive a makeover.

The area is currently a paved plaza that includes San Francisco Libre Walk, the Lavender Place Community Gardens and Blue Collar Corner, all behind Broad St. Mall.

The council is seeking developers to transform it into a new public and residential area, with a total of 618 apartments and a 90 bed hotel.

It would be built in phases, with the first seeing 190 apartments and a 90-bed hotel built, which would be assisted by £2 million from the Government’s Brownfield Land Release Fund.

Phase two would see 428 apartments built, with the ground floors of the residential buildings being open for “active uses.”

The scheme would also

PART OF A PLAN: An artists’ impression of the new entrance to The Hexagon find alternative space for the Lavender Gardens and Food4Families schemes to relocate.

Green party councillr David McElroy (Redlands) said future residents and guests could be badly impacted by the IDR. Cllr McElroy said: “In principle, something needs to be done with this space.

“It’s such a big open space, our imagination really is the limit, something being exercised by those making use of the Lavender Garden currently.

Help water Reading’s trees during summer THE HEATWAVE is having an impact of Reading’s trees and a campaign has been launched to give them a drop of water.

Volunteers from Reading Tree Wardens are trying to help the newly planted saplings get through this dry spell.

They are each being assigned some trees in various parts of Reading, and challenged to keep watering them.

The tree wardens are looking for reserve volunteers to help during this hot season.

For more details, or to help, email: rtwn2011@ gmail.com

“But it seems like we’re mostly getting a shed load of flats and a hotel block, the occupants of which will likely have their lungs and eyeballs destroyed by the IDR.” He continued: “It is a huge opportunity but it also seems like a wasted opportunity to complement the cultural possibilities by creating a peaceful new greener space in the centre of town, but green space doesn’t even get a mention in the entire report, let alone in the Key Development Principles.

A COLEY church is planning a holiday Bible club for primary school aged children.

The Mega Makers runs over the first week of the summer holidays for most pupils, from Monday, July 25.

There will be games, crafts, songs and stories from the Bible for those taking part.

Parents are invited to stay and enjoy a cafe, and being able to chat with parents over tea, coffee and cake.

Places are free and should be registered in advance. n For more details, log on to: www.allnationselim.org/events/ holiday-club

Jumble sale in Padworth A JUMBLE sale will take place in Padworth.

The event will help raise money for the village hall, where the sale will be held.

From August 6, it will run on the first Saturday of the month from 2pm to 3pm.

Unwanted items that can be sold are welcomed by organisers, and can be delivered to the hall between 10am and 11.30am on the day.

The sale will help recover some of the revenue lost during lockdown when the hall could not be hired out.

Live music at Whitley club

SOUTH READING residents are set to enjoy an evening of their favourite songs and anthems.

Whitley Social Club’s live music night will see Plato and the Bees deliver rock, punk and indie classics.

The four-piece band from Reading and Wokingham cover modern and ‘slightly older tunes’.

All are welcome to attend, with beers starting at £3.50 a pint.

The event takes place on Saturday, July 30.

The bar will be open from 7pm, with the band starting at around 9pm.

Non-members will be required to pay £2 at the door; entry is free for members.

n For more information, search: Whitley Social Club & Cafe on www.facebook.com

Wellington Country Park to hold sporting weekend for families A CELEBRATION of the world of sport will be held in Riseley later this month.

Wellington Country Park will be holding a weekend of events aimed at letting visitors try different activities.

Reading FC will be offering a penalty shoot out in a speed cage. Coaches will be on hand to talk tactics, and football.

Riseley Tennis Club will offer taster sessions on the Wellington Park centre court, letting anyone inspired by Wimbledon have a go.

And skateboarding experts

“So I guess in the pursuit of more cold, drafty concrete I just find the council’s lack of aspiration for the sort of ‘city’ Reading could be to be a bit depressing.”

Council leader Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote) felt the comments “a stretch too far”.

Reading as a whole has pollution of nitrogen oxides and dioxides and particulate matters (called PM10 and PM2.5) which exceed World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.

The pollutants can cause asthma and other life shortening illnesses.

Data from the Central Office of Public Interest shows 97% of the UK exceeded at least one of the WHO targets.

The opposition leader, Cllr Rob White (Green, Park), has called for more of the proposed apartments to be classed as affordable.

The council’s policy is for 30% affordable housing on a development.

After the meeting, Cllr White said: “Greens remain concerned about Reading’s housing crisis.

“Because the council owns the site it has the opportunity to deliver more affordable housing here.

“Previously the council had the policy that 50% of housing should be affordable and at Arthur Hill, another Reading Council owned site, 100% of the housing being built will be affordable.

“The current lacklustre proposal is a missed opportunity to do more to tackle the lack of affordable housing in Reading.”

Cllr Brock said the 30% target was appropriate, policy compliant and viable for potential developers to deliver.

The project was approved by 13 votes, with Cllrs White and McElroy voting against it.

Coley church plans holiday club

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We can replace your existing kitchen worktops with new quartz or corian, rejuvenating your kitchen and giving it a fresh new look.

Tic Tac Skate School will erect some mini-skate ramps in the centre of the park.

Both children and adults can take part in the activities.

And there will be bouncy castles for all ages, including special activities

for under fives.

The event runs from 10am to 4pm over the weekend of July 23 and 24. Entry is included in the park’s general admission fee.

n For more details, log on to: wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk

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A business park that is changing

Courier firm to expand A COURIER firm is expanding its operations to meet demand, with Reading one of the key points in its operation.

CitySprint, which operates a same-day delivery service, says it is focusing on highgrowth in the healthcare sector.

It is seeking additional staff in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Reading and Nottingham.

And the firm is looking to expand it electric vehicle fleet.

Mark Footman, chief operating officer at CitySprint, said: “As a business, we have enjoyed another year of considerable growth — winning new clients and, most recently, acquiring Manchester-based same-day courier company, EcoSpeed.

“We are committed to providing our 14,000+ clients with the best possible service all year round, which is why we’re bolstering the fleet to ensure we are prepared to face anything that comes our way over the busy summer months.

“We look forward to welcoming new suppliers on board, to help us deliver on these promises and stay ahead of our competitors.”

The company currently has a fleet comprising 3,500 vans, bikes and cars

n For more details, log on to: www.citysprint.co.uk

InstaGroup opens new HQ

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

A COMPANY that is committed to helping people reach net zero is practising what it preaches with a new headquarters in Finchampstead.

And to celebrate, InstaGroup invited Darren Jones to cut the ribbon and declare InstaHouse open.

The Labour MP for Bristol North West is the chair of the cross party House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, so understands the challenges facing the industry.

InstaGroup has four branches: its buildings arm helps the construction industry, its insulation and heating services help install all kinds of energy saving measures, while its flooring solutions include specialist systems for sports and indoor leisure activities, as well as acoustic underlays for homes.

It also has an installer network, providing insulation system design, high quality materials and technical back-up. Its services can work with local authorities and social housing providers.

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Now, the firm has smart new offices from which it can offer its services and support to both domestic and business customers.

Based in Hogwood Business Park, the open plan space includes a mezzanine level, and plenty of space for its team to work and enjoy some downtime.

Introducing the ribbon cutting, InstaGroup’s David Robson said that the previous base was “very tired” and needed some TLC. “We’ve given it

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BIG MOMENT: InstaGroup’s David Robson watches as Bristol North West MP Darren Jones cuts the ribbon to open the new InstaGroup HQ in Hogwood Industrial Park in Finchampstead Picture: Phil Creighton

House Party

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slightly more than that. I’m really proud that we have a bright, modern home,” he said.

He added that the building helped “symbolise the changes we’ve gone through as a business and where we are heading”.

“The preparations we are making to enable us to be in the best possible shape to make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead with net zero,” he said.

“It’s also about attracting the next generation into this sector.

“This is so important as the industry needs to adapt and modernise if we are going to deliver

the changes needed to our building stock in order for net zero to be delivered.

“The committee on climate change issued a report with a pretty stark warning: we are way behind where we need to be on energy efficiency, we urgent need to ramp up.”

Mr Jones was thrilled to visit.

“The new offices are fantastic,” he said. “It’s great to support InstaGroup. They are one of the leading companies in the country for energy efficiency work.

“We know how important it is to decarbonise buildings to hit our net zero targets, and we can’t do that without companies like InstaGroup.”

The visit was also beneficial as it meant Mr Jones was able to leave Westminster and see for himself the difference the company can make.

“When we’re in Westminster, looking at evidence, thinking about how we spend taxpayers money making policy decisions, all that really matters is that we know there are companies like InstaGroup who are able to do the work that we need to be doing across the country.

“This is ultimately about people and businesses being able to prepare the country for the worst effects of climate change, and to limit climate change for the future.

So it’s great to be here and see that in real life.”

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BIRTHDAY: Charters SsangYong Reading is celebrating its fifth anniversary

Fifth anniversary for car dealership A CAR dealership in Tilehurst is celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Charters SsangYong, represents the SsangYong brand, with vehicle sales, service, parts, and accessories, and is based near the village’s train station.

Ssangyong means “double dragon” and is a Korean car manufacturer specialising in 4x4s, SUVs, MPVs and pick-up trucks.

Charters has a longer pedigree: it started as Charters of Aldershot in 1953,

before expanding into Reading.

It launched the SsangYong dealership in 2017, and it is also an authorised repairer for Peugeot cars.

The business employs 46 staff members across three sites – its other two showrooms are located in Aldershot, representing Citroen and Peugeot brands.

The privately owned business recently won the Gold Lion Retailer award for the fourth time.

Derek McQueen, managing

director of Charters Motor Group, said: “The whole team at Charters are extremely proud to have reached this milestone.

“Charter’s success can be attributed to several key factors: expert staff, loyal local customers, and premium range of vehicles.

“Our success is a testament to our honest approach, extensive product knowledge and high level of personal customer service.

“We pride ourselves on being the south east’s premier dealer.”

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

33

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Karen Armstrong took time to chat with people as she signed copies of her book

WELCOME: Karen Armstrong visited Reading Minster church to celebrate the launch of her new book Pictures: Reading Minster Church

Sacred Nature explored by theologian A RESPECTED theologian launched her new book with a visit to Reading earlier this month.

Karen Armstrong gave a talk at Reading Minster in Chain Street about Sacred Nature, which explores the climate emergency.

In it, she argues that if the global population wants to avert environmental catastrophe, we need to learn to think and feel differently about the natural world, as well as taking action.

This will, she adds, rekindle a spiritual bond with nature.

She says the book is for anyone interested in humanity’s relationship with nature, worried about the destruction of our environment, and searching for new ways of thinking to shape the action needed to save our planet.

The event included an interview and a question and answer session.

Afterwards, she signed copies of Scared Nature.

The event was sponsored by Reading Minster church with the support of the Univeristy of

Reading Chaplaincy department’s Café Theologique and the World Congress of Faiths.

It was judged to be a success.

A spokesperson for Reading Minster said: “Thank you to everyone who attended Karen Armstrong’s Sacred Nature book launch.

“Hearing Karen reverence for nature with great passion and respect was an inspiration to keep pursuing the need to preserve and nurture our natural spaces.”

Conference aimed to empower people

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today A READING charity was able to hold its annual conference inperson for the first time since 2019 on Sunday, July 10.

Utulivu Women’s Group welcomed service users, volunteers and partners to Reading Hilton, Drakes Way for the event celebrating ‘myself for being the change I continue to be’.

The event recognised the organisation’s accomplishments in championing issues primarily affecting women, but also children and senior citizens Five guest speakers delivered informative workshops.

Utulivu’s manager Eva Karanja, said: “It’s been a journey for the women we work with so it’s great that we can all meet after covid.

“We are all about making sure women are empowered.

“The day was fantastic and action-packed. We even had African wares being sold.”

Utulivu organises programmes and activities which address healthy relationships, career progression, mental health, FGM, drugs, alcohol, and knife crime.

Its work focuses on girls and women from Black, Asian, Minority ethnic and refugee (BAMER) communities.

The charity was established by founder Cecily Mwaniki in 2004, and is named after the Swahili word for patience.

Ms Karanja noted that Reading had experienced an increase in cases of genderbased violence (GBV) during the pandemic.

This was highlighted in the United Nations Development Programme’s strategic briefing, which explained: “Pre-existing toxic social norms and gender inequalities, economic and social stress caused by the pandemic, coupled with restricted movement and social isolation measures, have led to an exponential increase in GBV. “Many women are in ‘lockdown’ at home with their abusers while being cut off from normal support services.”

Utulivu organised online seminars and drop-in clinics for women to receive training.

In this way, the charity created a sustainable means of fixing pressing issues within the community.

“We do often find that some women who have experienced

GBV come to us first [before the authorities] because there is no stigma to talk about these issues here,” Ms Karanja said.

“As ethnic minorities, we understand that there might be cultural differences. We have a walk-in office where we offer refuge and support.”

The organisation is determined to provide a safe space for young people.

“We do get involved with young people, working with the alliance for cohesion and racial equality (ACRE),” Ms Karanja said.

“As we saw with the tragic Olly [Stephens] incident in Caversham, knife crime is a really important issue.

“We run art therapy sessions on Tuesday which includes cognitive behavioural therapy sessions.”

Moving forward, Utulivu are in no rush to depart from their Thursday Zoom workshops, with many service users enjoying the flexibility it affords.

Drop-in sessions will continue, however.

Utulivu will be present at the upcoming Kenyans in Reading Family Fun Day on Saturday, August 6.

The cover of Karen Armstrong’s new book

Another copy is signed by the author

The evening was an opportunity to discuss ideas and themes from Karen Armstrong’s Sacred Nature book

Kendo Club taking registrations for beginners course READING Kendo Club is now taking registrations for its beginners course in September.

The club is open to those who are entirely new to kendo, and will introduce attendees to kendo etiquette, basic strikes and footwork, and coordination techniques.

The beginners course is only open to those over 18.

It will run for eight weeks, with classes from 8pm-10pm on Tuesdays and noon-3pm on Saturdays.

Attendees are reminded that Kendo is a close contact sport which requires physical contact with classmates and the sensei, and those taking part will need to have had both Covid-19 vaccinations, unless exempt.

The course costs £100, or £70 for students, which will include a shinai, or bamboo sword, and a three-month membership of the British Kendo Association.

The Reading Kendo Club beginner’s course begins on Saturday, September 17, from noon, at Kendrick School, London Road, Reading. n For more information visit: www.readingkendo.co.uk

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Third of small shops would axe ciggies

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today FOR YEARS, corner shops were the places to go for cigarettes and other tobacco products.

But according to new research, more than a third of store owners would go smoke-free if they could.

Instead, they would replace them with alternatives such as e-cigarettes and heat-not-burn ranges.

Just under half of the owners think retailers have a part to play in helping smokers switch.

Across England, eight in 10 former smokers would have welcomed more advice from convenience stores on smokefree products, with two-thirds agreeing stores could do more to help smokers abandon cigarettes The analysis is by KAM and Lake Research, commissioned

by Philip Morris Limited (PML), which makes both cigarettes and alternative products.

The research of convenience stores in Reading, also revealed that 41% of retailers in Reading think it ‘Likely’ that their community will be smoke-free by the year 2030.

It involved more than 1,400 convenience store owners and more than 1,000 former adult smokers.

Across England, it shows there is a growing movement of retailers who want to help customers abandon cigarettes by shifting their businesses towards smoke-free products, and sheds new light on the important - and largely unseen

role - convenience retailers are playing to help communities go smoke-free.

The findings also revealed several challenges, such as insufficient knowledge in the smoke-free category and concerns for building a sustainable business without cigarettes, which prevented retailers from helping smokers switch.

“I’ve converted three generations of one family to smoke-free alternatives.” said Aman Uppal, who runs One Stop Mount Nod, a family-run convenience store in Coventry.

“As a retailer, I have an opportunity to introduce these products into my community and get people away from cigarettes which is something I believe in. I am seeing other retailers doing the same thing, which is hugely positive.”

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of former smokers now using smoke-free alternatives and feel that a convenience store is an appropriate place to receive advice about smoke-free products Christian Woolfenden, managing director at PML, said: “The report reveals how switching smokers from cigarettes to smoke-free products has become a new pillar of community-focused retailing.

“Rather than retaining customers as cigarette smokers,

convenience retailers are building stronger connections over the countertop to improve awareness of, and access to, alternative products like e-cigarettes and heatnot-burn products.

“As the only tobacco company purposefully working to phase out cigarettes completely, we will continue to support retailers, so they’re able to communicate the benefits of smoke-free alternatives to their adult customers who are unable to quit tobacco and nicotine products completely.”

And James Lowman, Chief Executive at the Association of Convenience Retailers (ACS), the voice of over 33,500 local shops nationwide, said: “Convenience store retailers are embedded in their communities, with a reach unlike any other sector in the UK grocery market.

“This community grounding of convenience stores enables the people running and working in stores to be acutely in tune with the needs of their customers, but retailers also need to look at data from wider research to keep abreast of trends.

“The e-cigarette and smokefree category is changing fast, so it’s important to understand consumer attitudes and benchmark with your own experiences and sales information.”

COMMENDED: The Brook café in the foyer of CGI’s Reading offices

Café that helps people with Down’s recognised at national awards AN IT and business consultancy has been recognised for its work employing people with additional needs.

CGI was highly commended at the National Learning Disability & Autism Awards in its Employer of People with a Disability.

The honour notes excellence in the support of people with learning disabilities and aims to pay tribute to those individuals or organisations who excel in providing quality care.

It was nominated by the Down’s Syndrome Association’s WorkFit programme for demonstrating values of respect, equality and accessibility in supporting

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There are two levels weekly rates of Attendance Allowance. A lower rate of £61.85 per week is paid if you need help during the day to maintain your independence. Should you have health issues that disturb your night, then the weekly benefit may increase to over £92.40 per week. The level you receive is determined by your circumstances.

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testament to the hard work of our team in Reading in creating a positive and inclusive environment,” he said.

“From the moment we started to develop the concept of The Brook, their enthusiasm, dedication and attention to detail have been overwhelming and we hope to expand the concept elsewhere within our office network.

“I would also like to recognise how great the three employees are, providing excellent service and bringing their infectious enthusiasm to work every day, and I would encourage all employers to do something similar.”

Berkeley Foundation teams up with Berkshire Youth in £30k partnership

Helping the over-65s stay independent

We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control. You may decide, after your initial consultation, that you’d like to continue as you are for now; that’s fine too. We’re only a phone call away if you change your mind, or would like to talk things through again.

employees with disabilities.

CGI hosts a café in its Reading office called The Brook, which is staffed by three employees with Down’s syndrome.

The cafe aims to provide an environment that enables people to flourish, learn and develop through tailored training that meets their individual needs.

Relevant adjustments such as the set-up of equipment, technologies and flexible work hours ensure that an accessible environment is in place.

Neil Timms is a senior vice president for CGI in the UK, and is responsible for the Reading scheme.

“This commendation is

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THE BERKELEY Foundation has partnered with Berkshire Youth, including a £30,000 grant offer.

Part of the Berkeley Group of housing developers, the foundation has partnered with Berkshire Youth as part of The Resilience Fund, designed to help charity organisations stay secure after the pandemic.

The partnership will see Berkshire Youth granted £30,000 over two years to help with its charity and support work.

It is one of 10 partnerships created in the first year of the scheme, which is expected to invest £900,000 among up to 30 organisations over the next three years.

Berkshire Youth supports more than 12,000 young people every year as they transition from childhood to adulthood.

“The award of a grant from the Berkeley Foundation has been the boost we all needed at Berkshire Youth,” spokesperson said.

“After 85 years of supporting the young people of Berkshire we are delighted to be provided with the support needed to unlock our organisational resilience.

“The Covid epidemic has demonstrated the pressure young people have been under, and we

need to ensure that our youth work offer is around for many more years.

“With the support of the Berkeley Foundation we can make sure this can really happen.”

Berkshire Youth has provided support four young people for more than 80 years, providing safe spaces, activities, and opportunities for those transitioning into adulthood.

The partnership also seeks to help the charity develop new strategies and business plans to revitalise and stabilise the charity’s ongoing work.

Sally Dickinson, head of the Berkeley Foundation says: “The Foundation’s vision is for young people and their communities to have the tools and resources they need to thrive be a force for change in the world.

“We believe that to achieve this, we need a resilient voluntary sector that’s effective, inclusive and well resourced.

“Through the Resilience Fund, we hope to give partner organisations the space, time and funding to build their resilience, so that they will be around to support young people and their communities for many years to come.”

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Eid Mubarak: Muslims gather for Eid-ul-Adha celebration

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Eid-ul-Adha is one of two major Islamic festivals celebrated annually

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By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today THOUSANDS of Muslims took to Palmer Park for a celebration of Eid-ul-Adha.

Visitors observed prayers before a lively funfair on Saturday, July 9, in an event hosted by Cumberland Road Masjid.

Eid-ul-Adha is one of two Islamic festivals celebrated worldwide every year.

Organiser Shazad Asghar was full of praise for the event, saying: “It’s gone really well, it’s really nice to see so many Muslims and families, old and young.

“We’ve got a lot of people coming from surrounding areas, so this is a festival for everyone to get together and meet people.

“Some of the families have got nowhere to go in Reading, some don’t have family.

“So this is what it’s all about, to get everyone together and to enjoy ourselves. It was great to see everyone’s smiles as they arrived.”

The festival honours Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah’s command. Allah provided Ibrahim with a lamb to sacrifice in his son’s place.

The occasion encourages Muslims give back to those in need.

Mr Asghar explained: “This festival comes after Hajj, which is our holy pilgrimage to Mecca.

“This means a lot to us because it’s a reminder of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his only child, Ismail, so it’s all about giving.

“Today, many will go to the halal meat butchers, place orders, and distribute that meat across families, shelter homes and so on.”

Preparations for the event began at 5.30am, with prayers starting at 9am.

Guest speaker Sheikh Abu

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TOGETHER: Thousands of Reading Muslims observed prayers for Eid-ul-Adha at Palmer Park on Saturday morning Pictures: Ji-Min Lee The event allowed families and friends to celebrate the festival together

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The ice cream van proved popular as visitors were treated to British summer The event was organised by a team of volunteers from the Cumberland Road Masjid

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Departing Mon 3 Oct ‘22 Taymiyyah delivered the Khutbah speech, highlighting the celebration as an opportunity to consolidate visitors’ faith.

Families could enjoy entertainment including fairground rides, an ice cream van and egg and spoon races. Start-up business Dalia showcased elegant traditional dresses and jewellery, while Mr M’s Hut provided refreshments.

Of the celebration, visitor Syed Ahmed, said: “It’s a community gathering we have twice a year, just like Christians get together for Christmas and Easter.

“People think that Islam relates to a specific country or culture, but you can see people from all walks of life, all cultures, all countries.

“In the same row that you’re praying on, you could be standing next to someone who’s English, born and brought up here, or someone from Africa, someone from Asia, someone from Japan or from China, so there’s no discrimination.

“It’s a big Islamic gathering and it shows the spirit of the community, the spirit of Muslims and the spirit of the British Muslims. They are not inside the walls of their

culture or their country, they are a global community.” The festivities saw thousands enjoy each other’s company, something people have been more hesitant to do in recent times due to the pandemic, according to Mr Asghar.

The organiser hopes the event can showcase the rich values of Islam to the wider community.

“It shows passer-bys that Islam is a religion of peace,” he explained.

“We are all here together and everyone’s got smiles on their faces and it’s bringing unity, it’s bringing the community together.”

Community groups able to apply for re3’s compost COMMUNITY groups still have time to apply for a scheme that sees them covered for muck.

The company that handles the borough’s waste, re3, makes compost from residents’ garden cuttings.

This is on sale to the public from its recycling centres in Longshot Lane, Bracknell, and Smallmead in Reading.

And, as part of re3’s Community

Single Supplement £45

re3Grow scheme, 5,000 40 litre bags of compost are available for community groups in Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham boroughs.

The closing date for applications is the end of July, with the sacks delivered during August.

Groups need to demonstrate a benefit to the community, and be able to communicate re3 principles such as recycling.

We explore the spectacular scenery and historic railways of North Wales on this fantastic five-day break. Combined with North Wales’ rugged coastline, magnificent castles and the endless panoramas, this memorable break makes for a charming few days away.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Crawley 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion

5 Days by Coach

only £324

Single Supplement £60

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

For more information, or to book, please call

Bags are not available for schools, colleges, universities, and similar organisations.

n For more details, log on to re3. fccenvironment.co.uk/re3growcommunity-scheme/

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

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

36

Duac to host drag spectacular AFTER winning Reading’s Got Drag back in June, Duac returned to Bar 77 on Thursday, July 14, as the host of its very own awards night event.

Performers put together routines based around the cinema, with Sera Tonin performing a lipsync medley of songs themed around The Truman Show.

They were joined by Big Jay, Binjuice B*tch, Dorian Gay, and Chia Mann, who made their drag debut at the event, with performances based on a number of classic films.

There was also a lipsync dance-off with members of the audience competing for cash prizes, and a charades showdown.

Duac closed the evening with a lipsync performance based on Psycho.

The venue will also hold a drag and queer open mic night, hosted by Big Jay, open to drag performers, live musicians, comedians, and poets.

The open mic event will take place at Bar 77, downstairs in The Outlook, Kings Road, on Thursday, August 11, from 8pm.

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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Plasma donor centre redresses gender imbalance with new kit

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THE READING Donor Centre has upgraded its blood plasma donation machines to new “female-friendly” models.

Three new machines have been installed, with six further to be installed soon.

Previously, blood plasma donation was severely restricted by the design of donation machines, which had specific requirements of height and weight criteria.

These restrictive criteria ruled out most women from making donations, with just 7% of the centre’s 1600 donors being female as a result.

The new machines, however will operate with criteria much closer to those of most women.

Previous apparatus required women of 5ft 4ins tall to weigh at least 12 stone 8lbs to be eligible for donation.

Now, a woman of the same height need only weigh nine stone to be able to donate.

The outdated machines were designed to be used to take a number of blood-based donations, but newer models are dedicated to plasma donation.

They have also shorted the duration of the procedure to 35 minutes from 45, and some donors have reported that the newer machines are also more comfortable.

Paula Ussher, Reading Plasma Donor Centre manager, said: “Our new plasma donation machines are female friendly, enabling almost twice as many women to save lives by giving plasma.

“We know some women were disappointed because we had to turn them away before. Now, more people than ever can donate.

“Please register to donate plasma – you have a medicine in you which will save lives.”

Blood Plasma is used to make immunoglobulin, a medicine which uses antibodies to stabilise or strengthen the immune system.

This helps people with a number of rare disorders which attack or weaken the immune system, such as Lupus, Myositis, and Multiple Sclerosis.

NHS Blood and Transplant figures show that around 750 in the Thames Valley are treated with immunoglobulin

BETTER ACCESS: Previously, just 7% of plasma donations were from women at the Raeading Donor Centre due to heavily restrictive donation machines.

Picture: Antonio Corigliano via Pixabay

annually, making up on fifth of those treated in the South.

Allison Brown, from Woodley in Berkshire, has donated at Reading Donor Centre with both machines, and said: “The new machines are so much better – they are faster and seem better for female veins because you don’t need the blood pressure cuff as much.

“I know the NHS needs plasma more and more – it helps that the team at the donor centre are really friendly.” n To register for plasma donations, visit: www.blood.co.uk

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 37

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INTHECOMMUNITY

Share news from your groups, clubs and societies.

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Charity ball raises thousands for Sue Ryder

Theale pubgoers help Rotary raise funds for Theale primary school

SUPPORT: The Bull in Theale, where Pangbourne Rotary Club meet on Monday evenings, and its sister pub, The Crown, recently held a series of parties over the Bank Holiday and Jubilee weekends.

HAVING A BALL: The Sue Ryder Thames Valley Summer Ball raised £40,000 which will go towards funding Sue Ryder’s bereavement services in Berkshire and South Oxfordshire.jpgPhoto caption: (L-R) Emma Leiper Finlayson, Sue Ryder’s National Head of Community Fundraising; Kiren Sharma; Cllr Rachel Eden, Mayor of Reading; Amal Sharma, Senior Partner at Gravity Personnel; Kathy Sharma and Fern Haynes, Sue Ryder’s Head of Fundraising for Thames Valley A BLACK tie gala saw TV star Chris Tarrant help raise thousands for a charity that helps families with bereavement support.

More than 200 people attended the Sue Ryder Thames Valley summer ball, held at Reading’s Hilton Hotel on Saturday, July 2.

Mr Tarrant said in a video message: “I was born in Reading, and I know all about the great work that Sue Ryder do in the Thames Valley area and all over the UK. “The very special auction pledges may well go to support your loved ones at the time when they need it most.

“Thank you, Sue Ryder, for everything you do.”

The evening included an auction, comedy from Adger Brown, a drinks reception sponsored by Laithwaites, a three-course meal, and live music and dancing from the Vodka Martinis.

Among the attendees was the Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, who selected Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice as one of her charities.

More than £40,000 was raised.

Local supporter Sue Webb delivered an emotional speech on the night about

the vital support she received from Sue Ryder when her husband, John, who had dementia, was receiving palliative care.

She said: “I never realised dementia was going to be as bad as it was. I thought I could handle a bit of forgetfulness but without Sue Ryder I just don’t know what I would have done, I really don’t.

“It was their kindness but also the change in John while they were here and when they had been here. He would smile and it made him happy to see them.”

She described the team as ‘angels’ that helped in a time of need.

“They made so much difference to me and to my family as I’m sure they have to many of you. And we’re here tonight to make sure Sue Ryder can continue to be there when it matters for many years to come,” she said.

Amal Sharma, senior partner from Headline Sponsor Gravity Personnel, said: “It was a fantastic night. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and generosity we managed to raise £40,000.

“This will truly have a massive impact in ensuring that the local community can have access to Sue Ryder’s palliative and bereavement services which are

vital in supporting families grieving from the loss of a loved one.

“Thank you all so much.”

And Sue Ryder’s Head of Fundraising for Thames Valley, Fern Haynes, said: “Our Summer Ball was a fabulous evening from start to finish and we’d like to say a special thank you to Chris Tarrant for his message of support, our Headline Sponsor Gravity Personnel, our Creative Sponsor A.B.Walker and to all of the businesses and individuals who came along and made it such a huge success.

“Every penny raised from the event will go towards helping local people get the vital bereavement support they need at what has and continues to be a really challenging time. The support from the local community for this event has been inspiring and I am truly grateful to everyone who has contributed. I would like to say a special thank you to our Sue Ryder Community Ambassador, Sue Roberts, who went above and beyond to make the event possible.”

For more information about Sue Ryder, visit: sueryder.org

Afternoon of parables from Open Bible Trust A LOOK at some of the stories Jesus told is coming to Upper Basildon next month.

Members of the Open Bible Trust, including Michael Penny who chairs Churches Together in Reading and Berkshire, will hold an afternoon exploring parables.

These are stories with additional meanings, such as the parable of the lost sheep, which is a

Christian allegory.

The session on Saturday, August 20, runs from 2pm to 5.30pm.

The speakers include Peter Mansell, Sylvia Penny, WM Henry, and Andrew Marple.

There is no charge for the afternoon and parking at the church is available.

n For further information, email: admin@obt.org.uk or call: 01491 671357.

THE Bull in Theale, where Pangbourne Rotary Club meet on Monday evenings, and its sister pub, The Crown, recently held a series of parties over the Bank Holiday and Jubilee weekends.

They nominated the Rotary Club of Pangbourne as their chosen charity and our Community team decided it would be fitting to donate the proceeds to a Theale cause, The Theale CofE Primary School PTA.

A cheque was presented earlier this month with (from left to right) Alison from the Bull and Crown, Saerah (President, Pangbourne Rotary) and Amy from the PTA. We thank the Bull and Crown and their patrons for their generosity and know that the PTA will put the donation to good effect in their work with the school.

A great example of Rotary doing good in the local community.

Brian Davies, The Rotary Club of

SIGN UP: A fitness challenge is running across September Picture: Pixabay

Sign up for Septemberbased fitness challenge A FITNESS challenge is being launched in September in a bid to raise awareness of Leukaemia.

The Step Out Challenge runs across the autumn month, and participants are asked to walk, run or cycle throughout the month. There is no minimum or maximum distance to the challenge, just a request to raise sponsorship.

Chief executive of Leukaemia Care, Zack Pemberton-Whiteley, said: “The challenge is free to sign up to and people can raise anything they can - as every penny raised makes a difference to those living to help make a difference to those living with a leukaemia, MDS or MPN diagnosis.”

And anyone who raises £50 or more receives an eco-friendly medal.

Those who raise more than £100 receive a T-shirt, and those who raise more than £250 can enjoy a £20 gift car for the charity’s online shop.

There are trophies for the biggest fundraiser and the person who covered the most distance.

As part of the challenge, the charity hopes people will share the six most common symptoms of leukaemia: fatigue, shortness of breath, fever or night sweats, bruising or bleeding, bone or joint pain, and repeated infections. n For more details, log on to www.leukaemiacare.org.uk

38

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LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

20.07.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Does an angel contemplate my fate?

F

OR TWO weeks at the end of June, Progress Theatre put the fruits of three years’ worth of work to the stage with one of its most ambitious productions yet, Angels in America.

The play looked at the lives of two couples as they struggle to navigate their relationships in mid-80s New York, examining the effects of the AIDS crisis, homosexuality, race, suppression of self, and mental health.

Matthew Beswick, the director, says that even in the years since he began working on the production, its enduring relevance has continued to shift.

“It’s strange, because I proposed the play in 2019, but the pandemic has given it an extra edge.

“The hopeful message at the end of the play, the decision that all someone wants is more life no matter how sick they are, resonates with me far more now than before.”

He says also that there are some

parallels to be drawn between the handling of the AIDS crisis and the handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

“For many years governments and public bodies did nothing about AIDS and many people needlessly died– even when action was taken, funding was often insufficient.

“So many gay men were completely abandoned and that abandonment is at the core of the play.”

In the play, Prior and Louis, a gay couple, are cast apart when Louis struggles to come to terms with Prior’s AIDS diagnosis.

Louis leaves, and is thrown into a triste with closeted, married legal clerk Joe. “In some ways, I think the world has changed massively for the good in regards to LGBTQIA+ rights.

“But I also feel there’s always going to be a not insignificant number of people waiting for the opportunity to exclude queer people or throw

out false accusations rooted in bigotry.

“The one that springs to mind is how Drag Queen Story Hour events are being attacked across the country recently– despite the fact they grew up with panto dames and Lily Savage but they can’t see the truth through their hatred.”

He says that issues facing trans people, such as recent high-profile legislation concerning the banning of conversion therapy, are a “stark reminder of how quickly public discourse can change.

“That’s why we must stand in unison, LGB with the T, as once trans people have been oppressed then other queer minorities will follow.

“There is no satisfying bigotry by sacrificing one vulnerable group, they will just move onto the next most vulnerable.”

On the play’s most prominent subject, Matthew says that the play’s presentation of the characters’

struggles with AIDS is one of the reasons he loves the production.

“I’ve loved it since I first saw it about 20 years ago because the characters who have AIDS are not just tragic victims.

“In fact, in the case of Roy Cohn, he was a terrible person, and that really spoke to me because disease is indiscriminate.”

“Often the person dying of AIDS is a tragedy that motivates another character, but isn’t a whole fully-formed person in their own right.”

He says that this is what he feels makes Angels in America so unique.

“Everyone has very complex motivations and desires driving their actions – they are not defined by AIDS no matter how drastically it changes the characters lives.”

Now that the production has finished, he says that the realisation of the production is one of his favourite parts of the process.

He says: “A lot of the set, lighting, and music is theoretical up to that point, but once you’re on stage you really start to believe everything will come together.

“It re-energises the cast as well once they can see everything falling into place. This project was particularly special because we had some big set pieces.

“From the angel sculpture that Lydia Freeman made, to the rising platform and canvas wall that had to drop at the end of play one, it was really spectacular to see it all come together. “ Though the production of Angels in America has now finished, Progress Theatre is staging its adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations at the Abbey Ruins from Wednesday, July 20, to Saturday, July 30. For more, see overleaf. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

JAKE CLOTHIER

14 | LEISURE

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British, American and Scandi fusion A NIGHT of music influenced by British, American and Scandinavian folk traditions.

The Shackleton Trio play songs from their new album, Mousehold.

The group has received five-star reviews and has featured on BBC Radio 2 and 4.

They play at Norden Farm, Maidenhead on Thursday, July 21.

The event starts at 8pm and tickets cost £15. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farmor call the box office on: 01628 788977. n For information about the group visit: www.shackletontrio.co.uk

Springsteen’s greatest hits on stage FANS of the American singer songwriter will enjoy this concert.

Eight piece tribute band, The Sound of Springsteen, play the rock legend’s greatest hits.

Audiences will hear classics such as Born In The USA, Glory Days, and Streets of Philadelphia.

The group plays at Norden Farm, Maidenhead on Friday, July 22.

The event starts at 8pm and tickets cost £22. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm, or call the box office on: 01628 788977. n For information about the group visit: www.sospringsteen.co.uk

A night of Latin American magic

WITH its roots in flamenco, Raíces brings continental passion and rhythm to Maidenhead.

Rebeca Ortega will perform authentic steps from the traditions of the flamenco, the taranto, the tango and more.

She dances to the accompaniment of guitar, vocal accompaniment and hand clapping.

With lavish costumes, fast footwork and elegant moves, she performs on Wednesday, July 27.

Raíces starts at 8pm and tickets cost £17. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977. n For information about Rebeca Ortega visit: www.rebecaortega.com

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022

But on a farm in rural Louisiana three children are hoping for a miracle.

Then teenager, Swallow, discovers a man hiding in the family barn, and thinks he is Jesus.

And she and her friends attempt to protect their saviour.

As fantasy and reality collide, Swallow begins to discover who she is and what it means to grow up.

The production runs from Friday, July 22 through to Saturday, September 10, with the exception of Sundays.

Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with Wednesday and Saturday matinées at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £15 depending on seating.

A first week special offer sees £5 off tickets from 22 to 26 July n For tickets and information visit: www. watermill.org.ukor call the box office: 01635 46044

Exceeding expectations FRESH from its recent production of Angels in America, Progress Theatre is set to begin showing its adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

The company is promising a “fast-paced” production, set to take place in the ruins of Reading Abbey.

Great Expectations follows the life of Pip, an orphan, as he is raised by his cruel older sister and her kinder husband.

The work has been adapted for the stage by John R. Goodman.

It is the latest of Progress Theatre’s annual open air productions, which have been staged by the company since 1994.

This will be only the second open air production which is not based on a work by William Shakespeare, after Wind in the Willows was staged in 2017.

Great Expectations will be showing at Reading Abbey Ruins from Wednesday, July 20, to Saturday, July 30, except Sunday, July 24.

Showings begin at 7:30pm, and guests are reminded that due to the open air venue, rain or colder temperatures during the evening are possible. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www. progresstheatre.co.uk

Dancing to a new rhythm

RHYTHM of the Dance returns to the Corn Exchange with a brand-new show.

Featuring live musicians, vocalists and dancers, it follows a journey through Ireland’s history, from ancient legend and myth, to modern urban Ireland.

The audience can expect a night of spectacular Irish dance with lyrical and contemporary influences.

Rhythm of the Dance takes place on Thursday, July 28.

It starts at 7.45 and tickets cost £29. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.comor call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.

Lottery beating magician’s new trick

Jodie Comer’s stage show on big screen

A MAGICIAN who jamming the BBC switchboards after correctly predicting the lottery, comes to Maidenhead.

His magic show promises to leave its audience ‘aching with laughter and dizzy from disbelief’.

Directed by the late Paul Daniels, The Greatest Magician stars James Phelan.

The event takes place at Norden Farm, Maidenhead on Saturday, July 23.

The show starts at 8pm and tickets cost £17.50 n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm, or call the box office on: 01628 788977.

A THEATRE performance starring Jodie Comer, from TV’s Killing Eve, will be shown to audiences nationally.

Prima Facie, recorded earlier in its West End run, sees Tessa, a young and brilliant barrister, work her way to the top of her profession.

Along the way she must confront compelling questions of power, proof and morals.

A one-woman debut performance, Prima Facie has earned Corner star reviews.

The screening comes to The Hexagon Theatre, Reading tonight,Thursday, July 21.

The event will start at 7pm.

Tickets cost £13 for adults, £11 for students, over 60s and under 16s. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.comor call the box office: 0118 960 6060

Hoping for a miracle in 50s Americana WHISTLE Down The Wind boasts a cast of actor-musicians alongside talented local young people.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, it tells the story of a young person growing up in the Deep South of America.

It is set in the 1950s when the civil rights movement is growing and the golden age of television has begun.

Talented duo to perform some improv

IMOGEN Ryall and Julian Nicholas team up for a night of skilful musical improvisation in Guildford.

Vocalist Ryall has performed throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Tenor saxophonist Nicholas has been a leading player on the jazz scene since the mid 1980’s.

They are joined for an evening of music by guitar and bass instrumentalists.

The event takes place in the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre garden on Saturday, July 23.

It starts at 7pm, and tickets cost £20. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.ukor call the box office: 0148 344 0000

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Edinburgh Previews. Fri 22. Wilde Sundays: Tomorrow Bird, Meddling Fox, Manna Ash. Sun 24. Live Music on the Terrace.

Sun 24. Ordinary Days. Fri 29-Sun 31.

FILMS: Prima Facie. Thurs 21, Sun 24. Bergman Island.

Fri 22, Thurs 28. Top Gun Maverick. Fri 22-Sun 24, Wed 27. Il Buco. Mon 25Tues 26. The Road Dance.

Fri 29-Sun 31 . Lightyear. Sat 30-Sun 31.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Hairspray. Thurs 21-Sat 23. Mama G’s Storytime Roadshow. Sat 23. Silent Disco. Sat 30-Sun

31. Craft Show and Market.

Sun 31.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Jazz on a Summer’s Evening: Imogen Ryall and Julian Nicholas. Sat 23.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 NEXT SHOW: Peppa Pig’s Best Day Ever. Sat Aug 13-Sun Aug 15.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Kenton Summer Roadshow: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sat 23. Fanboy. Thurs 28. Kenton

Summer Roadshow: Catch That Beast. Fri 29. Kenton Summer Roadshow: The Pirate of Penzance. Sat 30.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 National Theatre Live: Prima Facie. Thurs 21, Sat 23. The Shackleton Trio. Thurs 21. Elvis (12a). Fri 22, Tues 26.

The Sound of Springsteen. Fri 22. The Greatest Magician.

Sat 23. Lightyear (PG). Tues 26, Thurs 28. Flamenco Dance.

Wed 27. Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Fri 29, Sat 30. Catch That Beast. Sat 30. The Vinyl Frontier Singles Championship.

Sat 30.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Thurs 21. The Bon Jovi Experience.

Fri 22. NT Encore: Prima Facie (15). Sun 24. Rhythm of the Dance. Thurs 28. Mystery of Science Live: Science Saved The World. Sat 30. Highclere Castle Battle Proms Concert.

Sat 30.

Newbury – The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Whistle Down The Wind. Fri 22-Sep 10

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Rich Meehan Trio. Thurs 21. Mark Thomas Black and White

(preview). Fri 22. South Street Comedy Club. Sat 30.

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NT Live Prima Facie.

Thurs 21.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Brindley Sherratt.

Sep 10.

Reading – Progress Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Great Expectations: Open air in Abbey Ruins. Until Sat 30.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde.

Oct 10-29.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Fri Sept 30-Sat Oct 1, Thurs Oct 6-Sat Oct 8.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Barefoot in the Park. Until Aug 20.

Sounds of the 70s With The Zoots. Sun 31.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Private Lives: Windsor on Air.

Until Sat 23. Three Steps To Heaven. Sun 24-Tues 26. Blood Brothers. Fri 29-Sat 30.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Daisy Pulls It Off. Until Sat 23.

NEXT SHOW: A Bunch of Amateurs. Thurs Sept 8-Sat Sept 17.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 NEXT SHOW: Wokingham Film Society: Drive My Car (15).

Thurs Aug 4.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LEISURE | 15

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Angels in America shows community theatre has real wings

Stop me if you’ve signed this before

Matthew Turner as Joe, and Karmella Czwordon as Harper.

A

NGELS in America has garnered its writer, Tony Kushner, a number of awards, including two consecutive Tony awards in 1993 and 1994, and Pulitzer Prize.

With productions like Progress Theatre’s, it’s easy to see why.

The play follows the lives of two separate couples as their worlds collide in mid-80s New York, where Prior contracts AIDS and his boyfriend Louis leaves.

Louis meets Joe, a lawyer who is struggling to connect to his wife, Harper.

It takes place over two full-length plays, Millenium Approaches and Perestroika, with most full productions lasting well over seven hours.

It is, as such, no small feat that Progress Theatre’s production doesn’t even begin to approach the feeling of an overly generous run-time.

In fact, it is to its great credit that the first half of the production races by in a flash.

Firstly the strong cast of eight show not only versatility– with each actor filling at least two roles, most closer to four or five– but also their ability and comfort in their roles.

Jake Turnell Willett plays Prior with a dramatic, pearlclutching campness which still avoids being over-egged.

He gives a more grounded, well-observed flamboyance which suits the character perfectly, and the warmth of his portrayal is the keystone which holds much of emotional investment in the events of the play.

He is matched by Dan Clarke’s similarly credible portrayal of Prior’s boyfriend, Louis, which takes a comfortable but considered approach to the Jewish diaspora in the United States of the late 80s.

Again, the warmth of the portrayal means that Louis and Prior feel, rightly, like the focus of the play’s first half.

They’re joined by Joe and Harper as the “main” four characters of the play, who are also struggling to hold their relationship together.

Harper is wrestling with with her mental health, while Joe tackles pressure from his work as a legal clerk and suppressed sexual frustrations.

Karmella Czwordon’s portrayal of Harper delights in the often absurd places the strange reality of the play takes her, but without making light

of them.

Similarly, Matthew Turner carried the struggles of homosexual repression well, torn between the idea of a white-picket-fence, American Dream-style marriage and his more realistic internal desires.

Paul Gallantry’s portrayal of American lawyer Roy Cohn was enjoyable, especially as the very darkest sides of the character come to the fore while he spirals during the second half.

Melanie Sherwood in particular juggled a number of roles with ease.

As both Hannah, Joe’s mother, and the ghost of Ethel Rosenberg, she carried a solemn counterpoint to the lighter aspects of the production, adding a palpable gravity to much of the narrative’s plot developments.

As Rabbi Chemelwotz, however, she shows a weary, sardonic wit in an opening scene which, through her alone, sets the contrasting tones of the production perfectly.

Rounding out the cast, Megan Turnell Willet shows a comparable dexterity, and Nii Okyne’s soft-spoken portrayal of ex-drag queen nurse Belize is a joy to watch.

Overall, the production is carried by its characters, which is often a necessity without a West End budget.

However the preparation and thorough consideration that went into this production is clear from the first line.

Director Matthew Beswick’s work is commendable, not only because of the sheer unwieldy duration of the plays, but also because it seems immaterial on viewing.

Seven hours or more of passable theatre would be one thing, but seven hours of funny, touching, authentic, and at times devastatingly sad storytelling is entirely another.

In fact, it’s an impressive show of talent and dedication from everyone involved.

Angels in America has had some incredible productions, with the likes of Daniel Craig, Andrew Garfield, Russell Tovey, and Bob The Drag Queen taking up roles.

Progress has shown, not for the first time, that while big names and production values can make a great performance, a cast and crew who care about their craft can make a truly memorable one.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Ray Bradshaw will be at South Street and Norden Farm next year - tickets are already on sale

A

COMIC who can tell a joke just by moving his hands is preparing to come to Reading and Maidenhead next year.

Award-winning gagmeister Ray Bradshaw will tour his new show Deaf Com 1.

In it, he will explore the changes to his life since becoming a Dad, including trying to teach his young son to use sign language.

Ray is a CODA - child of a deaf adult - so he has an incentive to tell his son that it’s time to sign.

The show also looks at a trip to Bahrain that was memorable, just not necessarily for the right reasons.

Ray’s sets are always performing in both British Sign Language and English, making them accessible to audiences that might not otherwise get the joke.

His 2018 show, Deaf Comedy Fam, was the first-ever live comedy experience for more than 800 deaf audience members.

Ray received rave reviews for the show, which sold out its run at the Edinburgh Fringe, went on to win the

Innovation Award at the Adelaide Fringe 2018 and be nominated for Best Comedy at Perth Fringe.

Since then, he has toured with Doctor Who actor John Bishop, and toured with Frankie Boyle in 2019.

He was the first comedian to ever win a Scottish Culture Award and is a regular host of Scotland’s most popular radio show, Off the Ball.

Ray says: “I’m so excited to be go back out on tour and play all these amazing venues and even go to places I’ve genuinely never heard of.

“If you’ve read this far then it’s legally binding that you have to buy a ticket to the venue closest to you.” n The show comes to South Street on Wednesday, February 15. For tickets, log on to www.whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060. n And the Norden Farm date will be Thursday, March 23. For tickets, log on to norden.farm. n For more on the show, log on to www.mcintyre-ents.com

PHIL CREIGHTON

16 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Classical music evening at Minster AN EVENING of classical lieder, operatic arias and musical theatre is coming to Reading town centre this weekend.

On Friday, soprano Stephanie Hershaw and pianist George Ireland will perform at Reading Minster Church.

The duo are both alumnae of the Royal College of Music.

Doors open at 7.15pm, with the performance starting at 7.30pm. There is a charity bar in the interval.

Tickets cost £10, with a limited number on the door.

They can ordered in advance via Eventbrite. n For more details, log on to: www.readingminster.org.uk

Kossoff tribute WOKINGHAM MUSIC Club will be back on Friday, with a performance in tribute to blues rocker Paul Kossoff.

He was the lead guitarist in 1970s band Free, but died when he was just 25.

His music lives on with The Band Plays On, featuring Terry Slesser, the lead vocalist of Koss’s post-Free band, Back Street Crawler.

The gig takes place the Royal British Legion in Winnersh from 7pm. Tickets cost £20 in advance, or £24 on the door, if available. n For more details, log on to: http://www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk/gigs

Be captivated by Ordinary Days at South Hill Park

A

MUSICAL described as funny, fresh and modern is coming to Bracknell next weekend.

BB Theatre Productions will present Ordinary Days at South Hill Park, ahead of a run at Edinburgh later this summer.

The show is about two women and two men who navigate their relationships against the backdrop of vibrant New York City.

The story follows Deb as she loses her most precious possession, the notes to her thesis and this unwittingly starts a chain of events that turns the ordinary days of these four New Yorkers into something extraordinary.

But it’s not just the search for the notes. It’s also a quest for love, success and happiness.

TJ Lloyd directs an ensemble of four, seasoned musical performers singing acoustically, with piano accompaniment by Richard Whennell.

“The music and lyrics take us on an inspirational feel-good and emotional journey and is a must-see for Bracknell audiences, having never been performed here before,” he said.

RHYTHM OF THE DANCE IS COMING TO THE HEXAGON IN READING THIS NOVEMBER

DAYS OUT: Ordinary Days will be performed at South Hill Park from Friday, July 29, through to Sunday, July 31 BB Theatre Productions was established in 2016 with the aim of bringing fresh, new talent to the National Stage.

Performances at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2016 (Assassins), 2017 (Merrily We Roll Along) and 2018 (Lucky Stiff) were met with critical acclaim and the company recently performed a Berkshire revival of Assassins, which is running alongside

WPR_2022-07-18_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go WorcesterObserver

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Return coach travel from Crawley 4 nights at the Warner Corton Coastal Village with dinner & breakfast Daytime activities in resort Entertainment every evening Excursions to Norwich & the Norfolk Broads by coach

Return coach travel from Wokingham 4 nights at the Seacote Hotel, St Bees, with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage train journey on the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway Lake Windermere cruise Excursions to Bowness-on-Windermere, the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Hawkshead (via the Kirkstone Pass) & Grasmere

Optional excursion to Aldeburgh, Southwold & Oulton Broad (£12pp)

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Ordinary Days this summer.

The slice of New York life will be at South Hill Park from Friday, July 29, through Sunday, July 31.

Curtain up is 8pm on Friday, 3pm and 8pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday. Tickets cost £15.50, or £13.50 for members.

For more details, or to book, log on to: southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 01344 484123.

Irish dancers to bring some festive cheer to The Hexagon TICKETS have gone on sale for a Christmas special.

Rhythm of the Dance will be performing at The Hexagon, with a new show just in time for the festive season.

The show will see favourite seasonal numbers performed by world-class musicians, star vocalists and world champion dancers.

Organisers say: “Prepare to be taken on a special journey that is Irish in essence with that added touch of Christmas magic.”

The show takes place on Tuesday, November 22, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £32, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or logging on to whatsonreading.com

Rising Sun to shine with festival THE RISING SUN will be shining with the return of its popular festival event after a covidenforced break.

Here Comes The Sun is a one-day extravaganza that takes place in the Silver Street venue, featuring a celebration of everything the arts centre holds dear.

There will be live entertainment both inside and outside the buildings, and a celebration of visual arts, and activities for children.

The event helps raise funds to keep the centre going, making it a space for artists, audiences and groups to enjoy.

On the line-up are soul and Motown covers band The Mark II, alt-rock four-piece Elucidate, psychedelic rager Dr Satso, and country, folk, chanson and skiffle group Grae J Wall and Los Chicos Muertos.

Lee Switzerland-Woolf will perform folktronica, and alt-rock will come from Dakorra, a new project from Ocean Ruins singer

Kate Herridge.

On the arts side, expect performances from the Dreading Poetry Slam team, comedy from Zap!, and Cameron Chung will present a few of their songs.

Other acts include Phantom Booth, Jen Berkova, and Jamie Larbalestier.

The event takes place on Saturday, August 6. Tickets cost £11 in advance, under 14s can get in free, and the capacity is 150. n For more details, or to book, log on to: risingsunartscentre.org

Open-air celebration of Women’s Institute thanks to Mikron Theatre AN AFFECTIONATE celebration of the Women’s Institute is coming to three Reading-area venues over the coming weeks.

Mikron Theatre Company is a touring group that perform at riverside venues.

For their summer tour, they will be performing Raising Agents.

The play is set around the failing Bunnington WI. Its dwindling membership means they can barely afford the hall hire fee, let alone a decent speaker.

But a PR guru’s big ideas go down like an overcooked rock cake.

A battle then ensues for the soul of Bunnington, with the

stakes higher than a five-tiered cake stand.

The show comes to Caversham Court Gardens on Tuesday, July 19. On Wednesday, July 20, it will be at The Rowbarge in Station Road, Woolhampton.

And on Wednesday, July 27,

The Cunning Man in Burghfield will be the destination.

All shows start at 7pm. No tickets required, after the show, there will be a ‘pay what you feel’ collection. n For more details, log on to: https://mikron.org.uk/shows

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman

www.bit.ly/raw sounds today

A

FTER a week like this, there are plenty of us who need to take a deep breath… so here’s one you can listen to.

Heading up this week’s hit parade is A Better Life with a track from their great album of the same name.

The RaW Sounds Today playlist is on a mission 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).

We’ve got 10 fantastic tracks for you to enjoy as part of this, an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. All you have to do is find it on Spotify.

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

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662 bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

A Better Life – Take A Deep Breath This title track of A Better Life’s 2021 album has just been released as a new single and video.

Local producer and musician Phil Daniels, who heads up the electronica collective, says that this will be the last single released from the album as he and his talented collaborators have been working on some new material.

We’ll look forward to hearing that and in the meantime why not take the time to take a deep breath, chill out and relax to their wonderful album – https://abetterlifemusic.com/

The Telephones – Pale Saints Here’s a song from the new album by Derbybased psychedelic pop rockers, The Telephones.

It’s from their new album, Prosaic Turbulence, that has just been released on Billywitch Records, the offshoot of Wokingham-based, Mega Dodo Records.

It’s an album of melodic psych pop with a 60s West Coast feel as vocal harmonies combine with jangly guitar to produce another very good addition to the expanding Mega Dodo / Billywitch catalogue – https://www.facebook.com/TheTelephonesUK

Kindred Spirit Band – Kindred Spirit

Phantom Booth – Blind Emotion

We go back in time with this song from Kindred Spirit’s 2015 album, Phoenix Rising as they will be making a welcome return to Wokingham Festival in August – https://www.facebook.com/ KindredSpiritBand

This Reading band describe their second single as ‘a cheerful bittersweet bop’ and it certainly is.

Wonderful melodic indie! They are live in Reading in September 29 at Heavy Pop’s Roseate Sessions – https://linktr.ee/phantombooth

Nora Mac – Dropping Out of Love

Char – Control

Nora Mac is a talented singer-songwriter from Marlow who will be at Wokingham Festival.

Her band there will include Dean Nelson from Generation Studios and Robin Johnson from Kyros guesting with her – https://noramacmusic.com/

Char’s pop/R&B style has already got her noticed

by Kiss FM and the BBC so we’ll look forward to seeing her at Wokingham Festival on Saturday, August 27.

This song is from the Simpler Times EP that Char released last year – https://linktr.ee/CHARmusic

Lonely Robot – Recalibrating Reading-based producer, musician, vocalist and songwriter John Mitchell releases A Model Life, his fifth album under the Lonely Robot name, on August 26, and Recalibrating is the excellent first single from it – https://johnmitchellhq.com

Third Lung – Lo-Hi Here’s a single from this Reading band’s forthcoming debut album, Gameplay.

They have an album launch show at Sub89 on November 10, and will be at Wokingham Festival in August and at Loddfest in September – http://www. thirdlungband.com

Yaoki – Brand New Life They played their first-ever gig, opening the night, at Split the Dealer’s amazing Sub89 show recently and what a great gig it was. Here’s their first-ever single which combines melody and power – https:// www.facebook.com/YaokiBand

The Paradox Twin – Prism Descent They topped our Best of 2021 list and following an appearance on July 1, at the impressive Prog For Peart Charity event in Abingdon we are looking forward to their return to Wokingham Festival – https://www.theparadoxtwin.com/

GIG GUIDE Friday, July 22

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sugar and Sax. Details: 01344 303333.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Logicaltramp. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. Stars in their Minds Karaoke and disco.

READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests.

Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Brazilian Gypsy Fusion with Theo Mizú & Banda.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Guns II Roses. Details: 0118 959 5395.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Kossoff… The Band Plays On. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions.

Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, July 23

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Hubba Bubba. Details: 01344 303333.

EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 0118 935 4103.

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: The Chicago Blus Brothers, Phil Collins No Jacket Required, One and Only Adele, UK Foo Fighters, The Rat Pack, Re-Take That and Robbie, Wild Boys. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Totally Tina. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. The Mythicals. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Totally Tina.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Fly Project.

From 5pm.

READING – Milk, Merchants Place. Lights Out with Keyboard Warrior DJs. READING – Mojito Beach Bar, The Oracle RG1 2AG. Los Dos Gringos. Details: www. theoracle.com READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Al Fresco Music. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Britney Spears tribute act Bottomless Brunch.

3pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Summer Love Festiva: Aswad, The Dualers, Tyler and Pete, General Levy, Kiko Bun, Reggae Roast. Details: summerlovereading.com READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Revolution, Station Road. Revolution Saturdays: music, cocktails and more.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings

Road RG1 4HX. Solace.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Cool Hand Luke and The Coolness. Details: 0118 376 9159.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Full Flavour Band. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WHITCHURCH – Greyhound, High Street RG8 7EL. The Never Nevers. Details: 0118 984 1485.

WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street RG40 1XH. Augusto Molina. Details: 0118 978 0389.

WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Marmalade Live. From 3pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Anna Nightingale. Details: 0118 969 9756.

Sunday, July 24

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm.

Wilde Sundays: Tomorrow Bird, Meddling Fox and Manna Ash. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon karaoke. 2pm.

Details: 0118 966 7153.

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: How Sweet It Is, Flash, Platinum Abba, Definitely Mightbe, Oye Santana, Katy Perry, The Jam’d. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.

Miss Tina Bortion.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Terry Hiscock with Roger Trevitt. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Raver Tots family-friendly outdoor festival 2022: advance booking essential, no tickets on the gate.

Details: www.ravertots. co.uk READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

Tuesday, July 26

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Take Five.

Details: 01491 681048.

Wednesday, July 27 READING – Veeno, Valpy Street RG1 1AR. Live & Love Music: Tom Martin, Albert Benton Jr, Paul Glover, Thomas Heppell.

7pm. Free. Details: 0118 950 5493.

Thursday, July 28

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Cream of Hendrix. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Roseate, The Forbury. Heavy Pop presents The Roseate Sessions with Daughter of the Water and Buildings on Fire.

Friday, July 29

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Bacchanal. Details: theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF.

Vintage Sound Collective.

Details: 01344 303333.

GORING – Don Giovannii at The Leatherne Bottel, Bridleway RG8 0HS. Liza Marshall. Details: 01491 598622.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Abba’s Angels.

Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.

Sam Solace.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. DJ Jacky D: Funk, Soul and Disco.

Details: 0118 304 3648.

READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. Stars in their Minds Karaoke and disco.

READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests.

Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents The August List, Eat Daddy Eat, As Loud As A Mouse.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G. Details: 0118 977 3706.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Ibiza Summer Dance Vibes. Details: 0118 969 9756.

YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions.

Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, July 30

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. The Shelf Side. Details: 01344 420690.

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Reggae Fever. Details: heacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Whitney Houston Collection. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344 422622.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. The Cherries. Details: 01344 530615.

EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club, Pitts Lane RG6 1BT. Nightrider. Details: 0118 926 5936.

PINGEWOOD – Lagoona Park RG30 3UH. Lakestock 2022: DJs and more.

Details: lakestock.co.uk READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.

Club FOD: monthly LGBTQ+ night.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. The Rainbow Barn Dance.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Retro Karaoke.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Apache Sounds day party. From 2pm.

READING – The Monks Retreat, Friar Street.

School Disco for over 18s.

READING – O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Al Fresco Music. Details: 0118 960 6580.

READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Ibiza Classics Bottomless Brunch. 3pm. Saturday Night Live requests.

Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1

2JR. L1nkn_p4rk: Hybrid Theory Special with The Final Clause of Tactitus.

The Scarlet Vixens: The Naughty 90s. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Reading University Students Union, Whiteknights Campus RG6 6EH. Siren Craft Brew presents Time Hops. 2pm.

Details: tkts.me/tl/qwch READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. 3.30pm.

Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – Revolution, Station Road. Revolution Saturdays: music, cocktails and more.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Classic Tracks. Details: 0118 926 5804.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Mystery Machine. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WHISTLEY GREEN – The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 934 0886.

WHITLEY – Whitley Social

Club, Northumberland Avenue RH2 7QA. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 374 0052.

Sunday, July 31

BINFIELD – Peacock Farm, Peacock Lane RG12 8SS. Said and Done. Details: 01344 423481.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. Afternoon karaoke. 2pm.

Details: 0118 966 7153.

EVERSLEY – The Golden Pot, Reading Road RG27 0NB. Paul Tino. 3pm. Details: 0118 973 2104.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. Details: 0118 376 9159.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Sounds of the 70s with The Zoots Details: 0118 969 8000.

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 Thor: Love and Thunder (12a). From Thurs 21. The Railway Children Return.

Thurs 21. Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Thurs 21.

The Gray Man (15). Thurs 21. NT LIve: Prma acie (15).

Thurs 21, Wed 27. Where The Crawdads Sing (15).

Fri 22-Thurs 28.Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Friday, July 22

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Food and drink available.

5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – Reading Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall, RG1 7QE. Friday coffee morning with Depression Xpression.

11am-12.30pm. Details: www.facebook.com/ ReadingBiscuitFactory READING – Reading Minster, Chain Street RG1 2HX. A Classical Evening recital: Stephanie Hershaw soprano, George Ireland pianist. 7.30pm. £10. Details: Events@ readingminster.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 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 23

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: The Chicago Blus Brothers, Phil Collins No Jacket Required, One and Only Adele, UK Foo Fighters, The Rat Pack, Re-Take That and Robbie, Wild Boys. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com PADWORTH – Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of

village hall.

READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com RISELEY – Wellington Country Park. Spectacular sports weekend with Reading FC, Riseley Tennis Club, Tic Tac Skate School and bouncy castles. 10am4pm. Some events weather dependent. Details: wellington countrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65th summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Free parking, wheelchair accessible, refreshments available. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

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 – The Good Companions, Loddon Bridge Road RG5 4AG. Charity car wash in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.

11am-2pm. £5 per car.

Details: 0118 969 3325.

WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, July 24

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022. Details: www.marvelousfestivals. com MORTIMER – West End Village Hall, Church Road RG7 2HZ. Family Treasure Trail and Woodland Walk.

Set off from 11am-1pm. £5 per team. Barbecue afterwards. Dogs on leads.

Wear suitable footwear.

Details: www.facebook. com/mwevillagehall READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Forbury Bandstand concert season: Reading Community Gospel Choir.

3pm-4.30pm. Free. Details. whatsonreading.com READING – Phantom Brewery, The Haunt, Units 2-3, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Vintage Bazaar at the Brewery. 1pm-6pm.

Free entry. Cash stalls, card bar. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Raver Tots family-friendly

outdoor festival 2022: advance booking essential, no tickets on the gate.

Includes garage, drum and bass, DJs including Brandon Block,s Paw Patrol meet and greet, fun fair, dance space, food and drink, face painting, glitter and licenced bar. Details: www.ravertots.co.uk RISELEY – Wellington Country Park. Spectacular sports weekend with Reading FC, Riseley Tennis Club, Tic Tac Skate School and bouncy castles.

10am-4pm. Some events weather dependent. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65th summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Free parking, wheelchair accessible, refreshments available. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

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 WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Car boot sale and Macmillan coffee morning. 10am. Details: 0118 969 9756.

Monday, July 25

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM – St Anne’s Primary School, Washington Road.

Churches Together Caversham presents Wonderzone! A sciencethemed summer holiday club for primary school children. 10am-3pm.

Includes crafts, music, sports and circus skills with a Christian ethos. £25, financial help available for those who need it.

Booking essential. Details: holidayclub.caversham@ yahoo.co.uk COLEY – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue.

Mega Makers Bible Holiday Club. 10am-12.15pm.

For primary School aged children. Details: www. allnationselim.org/events/ holiday-club READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Drag queen Story Hour UK for families.

10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5103.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am-10.15am, 10.45am-11.15am.

Booking essential, free.

Drag queen Story Hour UK for families. 2pm. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society

65th summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges 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, July 26

CAVERSHAM – St Anne’s Primary School, Washington Road.

Churches Together Caversham presents Wonderzone! A sciencethemed summer holiday club for primary school children. 10am-3pm.

Includes crafts, music, sports and circus skills with a Christian ethos. £25, financial help available for those who need it.

Booking essential. Details: holidayclub.caversham@ yahoo.co.uk CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

COLEY – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue.

Mega Makers Bible Holiday Club. 10am-12.15pm.

For primary School aged children. Details: www. allnationselim.org/events/ holiday-club 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 – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30-11am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

SOUTHCOTE – Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Drag queen Story Hour UK for families.

2pm. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Drag queen Story Hour UK for families.

10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65th summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Free parking, wheelchair accessible, refreshments

available. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.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 WOOLHAMPTON – The Rowbarge, Station Road RG7 5SH. Mikron Theatre Company presents Red Sky at Night. 7pm. Details: https://mikron.org.uk/ Wednesday, July 27 BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Mikron Theatre presents Raising Agents: 100 years of the Women’s Institute. Pay what you feel collection after the show. 7pm.

Details: https://mikron.org. uk/shows CAVERSHAM – St Anne’s Primary School, Washington Road.

Churches Together Caversham presents Wonderzone! A sciencethemed summer holiday club for primary school children. 10am-3pm.

Includes crafts, music, sports and circus skills with a Christian ethos. £25, finanical help available for those who need it.

Booking essential. Details: holidayclub.caversham@ yahoo.co.uk COLEY – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue.

Mega Makers Bible Holiday Club. 10am-12.15pm.

For primary School aged children. Details: www. allnationselim.org/events/ holiday-club EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65th summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.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, July 28

CAVERSHAM – St Anne’s Primary School, Washington Road.

Churches Together Caversham presents Wonderzone! A sciencethemed summer holiday club for primary school children. 10am-3pm.

Booking essential. Details: holidayclub.caversham@ yahoo.co.uk COLEY – All Nations Christian Centre, Berkeley Avenue.

Mega Makers Bible Holiday Club. 10am-12.15pm.

For primary School aged children. Details: www. allnationselim.org/events/ holiday-club EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bike night from 5pm.

Details: 0118 334 4300.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Stand and Deliver comedy club. Over 18s only. £8. 7pm Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall. One-off comedy: Mat Wills, Michael Hackett and others. 7.30pm.

Adults only. Details: readingcomedy.eventbrite. 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 SOUTHCOTE – Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am10.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives.

2.15pm-2.45pm. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65th summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

Friday, July 29

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022 Food and drink available.

5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk CAVERSHAM – St Anne’s Primary School, Washington Road.

Churches Together Caversham presents Wonderzone! A sciencethemed summer holiday club for primary school children. 10am-3pm.

Details: holidayclub. caversham@yahoo.co.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65th summer exhibition.

10am-8pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges 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 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 30

READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – Abbey Gateway, The Forbury. Abbey Gateway Rooftop TourAbbey Gateway Rooftop Tour. 2pm. £15, maximum 15 per tour.

No step-free access, uneven steps and floors.

Details: https://www. readingmuseum.org.uk READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. The Rainbow Barn Dance, hosted by Big Jay. 7pm11.30pm. Details: 0118 958 0473.

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 – Reading University Students Union, Whiteknights Campus RG6 6EH. Siren Craft Brew presents Time Hops: a

celebration of hops with live music and street food.

From 2pm. Details: tkts. me/tl/qwch RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Summer crafts and bouncy castles. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk SONNING – Berkshire County Sports Club, Sonning Lane. Round Reading Ultra Marathon – a 50k run round Reading. Starting between 7am and 9am.

Details: www.rrun.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Elms Field.

Sunny Saturdays: The Blue Sky Big Band. 11am-1pm.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65th summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

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 WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table.

11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, July 31

CAVERSHAM – Waitrose, Prospect Street.

Caversham artisan market.10am-3pm.

READING – Forbury Gardens, The Forbury RG1 3BB. Forbury Bandstand concert season: Take Note.

3pm-4.30pm. Free. Details.

Whatsonreading.com READING – The Grumpy Goat, Smelly Alley (Union Street). Beer club: discover new releases.

6.30pm-10pm. Booking essential. Details: www. thegrumpygoat.co.uk READING – Town Hall, Blagrave Street RG1.

Reading Vintage Kilo Sale.

11am-5pm. £2-£3, under 12s free. Details: Search Facebook for more.

RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road. Summer crafts and bouncy castles. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Elms Field playground, Elms Road. Bottom’s Dream: the story of Bottom from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream suitable for all the family.

10am-11.15am.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65th summer exhibition. 10am5.30pm. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

WOODLEY – 2nd Woodley Scout HQ, Vauxhall Drive RG5 4EA. Flea market: toys, games, DVDs, books, kitchenware and more.

9.30am-2.30pm. Details: 0118 969 9885.

No. 5423

Your weekly puzzle challenge

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To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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1. Where would you find the international vehicle registration GBA? 2. What is the meaning of the French cookery term ‘en croûte’?

3. The binding edge of a book is better known as its what?

4. Which singer partnered George Michael in the UK No 1 hit song Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me? 5. Actress Sienna Miller has been closely associated with which style of fashion?

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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

ARCANE HOME HUMOUR

N Y N How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 18 Good; 21 Very Good; 25 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.

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7. Which English county hosts the Glastonbury Festival?

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8. ‘After all, tomorrow is another day’ is the ending of which novel set during the American Civil War?

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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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DOWN 2. Look in the joint (4) 3. Place to keep stray currency? (5) 4. Not in favour once more over the way (7) 5. To the point and saying little (5) 6. Admitted we’ll do a medley (7) 7. Typical error? (8) 11. Nothing to tie symbol of affection (4-4) 13. Dull ringing sound coming from the floor (7) 14. Pierced a revolutionary leader in haste (7) 16. Part of step over yonder is eroded (5) 17. Large cask is found on the north African coast (5) 18. Swinging from part of an armchair? (4)

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

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QUICK CROSSWORD

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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ACROSS 1. The plane that crashed was a jumbo! (8) 6. Large number Mary organised (4) 8. Polenta removed from damaged Fallopian tube in one’s leg (6) 9. Enjoy spicy food (6) 10. Ass has a job that is drudgery (6-4) 12. Shape for a floor covering (6) 14. I’d make notes about the track (6) 15. Improvement from gambler with books about the Middle East (10) 19. A French male dies for ladies’ clothing (6) 20. Off hurried the detectives (6) 21. Beastly type of party? (4) 22. Make new plans when gender is altered (8)

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10. Which wood comes from the bombax tree?

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 K through openings in the walls. The A first letter may appear in any chamber.

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9. What is the county flower of Norfolk?

SUDOKU

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WORD PYRAMID: Heartbreak Hotel.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; multiply; divide; add. Total: 10.

SOLUTIONS

6 2 9 7 5 4 8 3 1

Easy

1

6. Liverpool Football Club won the 2022 FA Cup Final on penalties. What was the penalty score?

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5423

CROSS CODE

5423

ACROSS 1. Call to appear (7) 8. Family (7) 9. Non-Jew (7) 10. Moulded (7) 11. Certificate of proof of will (7) 14. Sphere (3) 16. Before (4) 18. Female child (4) 19. Nervous (4) 20. Labour (4) 21. Colouring agent (3)

23. Wearing away (7) 26. Backache (7) 28. ------- Lipman, actress (7) 29. Patron saint of music (7) 30. Goads (7) DOWN 1. Path indicator (8) 2. Tropical fruit (5) 3. Seance board (5) 4. Meat pin (6) 5. Preposition (4) 6. Offspring (7)

7. Correct text (4) 12. Inflamed swelling (4) 13. Narrated (4) 15. Ale (4) 16. Matures (4) 17. Wages (8) 18. Publicity device (7) 22. Beefeater (6) 24. Seed (5) 25. Perfect (5) 26. Deficiency (4) 27. Wheel shaft (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Summons; 8 Kindred; 9 Gentile; 10 Wrought; 11 Probate; 14 Orb; 16 Ante; 18 Girl; 19 Edgy; 20 Toil; 21 Dye; 23 Erosion; 26 Lumbago; 28 Maureen; 29 Cecilia; 30 Needles.

Down – 1 Signpost; 2 Mango; 3 Ouija; 4 Skewer; 5 Into; 6 Progeny; 7 Edit; 12 Boil; 13 Told; 15 Beer; 16 Ages; 17 Earnings; 18 Gimmick; 22 Yeoman; 24 Ovule; 25 Ideal; 26 Lack; 27 Axle.

FIVE ALIVE: QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Alderney; 2 Cooked in a pastry wrapper; 3 Spine; 4 Elton John; 5 Boho chic; 6 6-5; 7 Somerset; 8 Gone With the Wind; 9 Common poppy; 10 Balsa wood.

(1) Across – Muted; Rabid; Emote.

Down – Merge; Taboo; Dodge.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Elephant; 6 Army; 8 Fibula; 9 Relish; 10 Donkey- (2) Across – Cache; Crumb; Anger.

V P E G Y L H T J N S R Z work; 12 Format; 14 Siding; 15 Betterment; 19 Undies; 20 Down – Cocoa; Clung; Ember.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Rancid; 21 Stag; 22 Redesign.

O A M X I U F W K B C D Q Down – 2 Loin; 3 Pound; 4 Against; 5 Terse; 6 Allowed; 7 NONAGRAM: environ; envoi; envoy; envy; invent; Misprint; 11 Love-knot; 13 Matting; 14 Speared; 16 Riser; 17 inventor; INVENTORY; invert; ivory; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Tunis; 18 Wing. chum; hero; urea; nervy; oven; over; overt; ovine; renvoi; moan. rive; riven; rivet; rove; trove; vein; veiny; vent; verity; vert; very; veto; vine; vinery; vino; vintner; viny; vireo; vote; voter.

28 | LIFE

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Enjoying a safe barbecue Healthy heart tip

S

UMMER is a perfect time to get friends and family together to enjoy some healthy, nutritious food.

We all know Covid-19 has impacted on social activities, so barbecues provide a welcome opportunity to get together, share tips and recipes and have some fun in the process.

Choose the rainbow See how many different vegetables and fruits you can add to the barbeque to make it extra colourful.

Whether this is on a skewer or as a side, including more fruit and

Volunteer corner Reading Voluntary Action

can contribute to high cholesterol.

Dips and sauces

vegetables will increase your fibre intake and reduce your risk of heart disease.

Grilled aubergine, courgette, peppers, pineapple and peaches work well.

Be creative Think of a food theme that everyone can enjoy and have fun with. How about having a variety of foods from around the world, trying new recipes, and experimenting with flavours.

You could find foods that are low in fat, such as chicken, fish, or plantbased alternatives.

Burgers and sausages are often high in saturated fat, which

How about creating your own dips and sauces?

Use fat free yoghurt or low-fat crème fraiche with fresh herbs and spices.

A lot of ready-made sauces are high in salt and sugar and they can be high in calories, which can lead to weight-gain and high blood pressure.

By being adventurous and trying out new healthy recipes, you can begin to reduce your risk of heart disease and increase your creativity. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website:

R https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/ n Or have a look

through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and

food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook/

Seek out life-changing health information from your pharmacist while shopping

P

EOPLE in Reading are being urged to seek life-changing health information during their weekly shop, as a new survey suggests many may be missing out on free and accessible support via their local pharmacies.

Commissioned by the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Cancer Research UK, Diabetes UK and Tesco, the YouGov survey reveals just 10% of people in the South East have turned to their local pharmacy for advice and information on lowering their risk of serious health conditions including heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.

Now shoppers at the Reading and Reading West Extra stores, as well as the Wokingham superstore, are set to benefit, as the charities have joined forces with Tesco to deliver specialist training that will help Tesco pharmacy teams provide more information and support as to how people can help lower their risk of these serious conditions through small changes to their day-to-day routine.

This could include advice on stopping smoking and helping people to manage their weight.

Underlining the need for the new initiative, in the South East 60% of people are living with overweight or obesity.

Also in the region, there are around 455,800 people living with type 2 diabetes, around 55,800 new cancer cases are diagnosed each year and around a million adults are living with heart and circulatory diseases.

BHF, Cancer Research UK and

GET HELP: People in Reading are being urged to seek life-changing health information during their weekly shop, as a new survey suggests many may be missing out on free and accessible support via their local pharmacies Diabetes UK say that supporting people to make healthy changes and seek referrals for concerning symptoms could “save thousands of lives” every year from some of the UK’s most prevalent and serious health conditions.

Across Britain, of those who had visited a pharmacist for health-related advice or checks - 43% said talking to a pharmacist had eased their concerns around wasting their GP’s time.

Speaking on behalf of the partnership, Elisa Mitchell, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Berkshire, said: “With thousands of individuals and families across the region affected by these devastating conditions, it’s clear from our survey results that pharmacists are an untapped resource for many local communities.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 20, 2022

“In the UK around four in 10 cancers, many heart and circulatory diseases and up to five in 10 cases of type 2 diabetes could be prevented or delayed.

“That’s why, by teaming up with Tesco to create this world-class training programme, we want to harness the positive power pharmacy services have to help save and improve lives – all with the incredible convenience of being able to tick the weekly shop off the list at the same time.”

The survey also found only 2% of people in the South East had visited their pharmacist for a blood pressure check in the last 12 months, despite an estimated 4.8 million people in the UK living with undiagnosed high blood pressure.

Tesco and the health charity

partners hope that shoppers take advantage of the convenience of having their local pharmacist in-store for support such as this.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of those across Britain who had visited a pharmacist for health-related advice or checks found it easier to speak to someone in a pharmacy than in other healthcare settings, while more than half (53%) identified not having to book an appointment as a benefit of using a pharmacy for information and advice about a health-related concern.

Sandy Jack, Tesco Pharmacy Manager for the South East, said: “Our Tesco pharmacy colleagues can provide information, resources and support on ways to help reduce your risk of developing cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease.

“They are available for a private and confidential chat in our pharmacy consultation room, something 15% of people said was a benefit of visiting a pharmacy for information or advice about a health-related concern.

“As part of our role in supporting community health, we are encouraging customers to shop for affordable, healthy and sustainable food.

“Now, we want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the resources and support available in Tesco pharmacies to help people live healthier lives. So, if you’re shopping at Tesco, go to the pharmacy counter and one of our pharmacy colleagues wearing a ‘Let’s Talk’ badge can help you.” n To find your local Tesco Pharmacy visit tesco.com/store-locator

EADING Blind Aid Society was formed in 1883 and then changed to Reading Association for the Blind in 1926, and has supported the sight impaired people of Reading ever since.

They currently need a volunteer to assist with organising their monthly trips.

Volunteers can also participate in the trips as a guide.

Tasks include: working alongside other volunteers and staff to create an annual trips programme, assisting with booking requests, taking and making phone calls to passengers, contact destination service providers and more. n Enrych Berkshire is a registered charity that provides support to people with a disability, helping them get access to leisure, social and learning activities.

They are seeking to add new skills and interests to their Trustee Board and are looking for volunteers to join their experienced, supportive and dedicated team of Trustees.

They are interested in hearing from anyone who is passionate about t he work Enrych does, who are enthusiastic and think they can help move this charity forward and enlighten the lives of their clients. n Home Start Reading is a small local charity working across Reading to support families with young children through challenging times.

They are looking to recruit new trustees who are willing and able to take an active role in the running of the charity, with a range of skills and experience: Ranging from fundraising to IT, Legal to HR. Meetings are held every two months, some face-to-face and some via Zoom.

On occasion if may be necessary to go to the charity office which is in Southcote Farm Lane, Reading RG30 3DT. n 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. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

SPORT TODAY

READING

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

20.07.22

BRACKNELL BEAT BOARS

FINCH HIT FIELDERS FOR 4

SWORDS TESTED IN FRENDLY BOUT

LONG MAKES ROYALS RETURN AT FRIENDLY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today SHANE LONG made his greatly anticipated return in a Royals shirt last weekend in front of the home fans.

Having made his miraculous return to the club where he made

HOME SWEET HOME

his name, Long put on the blue and white hoops for the first time in more than a decade in a pre-season friendly against West Ham. In a fresh looking Reading side under Paul Ince, Long made a second-half appearance as Yakou Meite grabbed a goal to see the

Royals take a commendable 1-1 draw against the Premier League outfit.

After an eight-year stint on the South Coast with Southampton, Long has signed a one-year deal with Reading and will hope to bolster their striking options ahead of the 2022/23 Championship season.

The Royals begin their new season away at Blackpool on Saturday, July 30, and face Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, July 23, at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in their final friendly match.

n Match report and pictures on pages 22 & 23

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KESTRELS BACK ON THE PITCH

HUTCHINSON CLOSE TO SEALING ROYALS SWITCH READING FC are close to sealing a deal to sign defender Sam Hutchinson.

Hutchinson has been on trial with the Royals and has featured in pre-season matches against SL Benfica and West Ham United.

His impressive performance in front of the home fans at the Select Car Leasing Stadium against the Hammers caught the eye of many in attendance.

Hutchinson, who was born in Berkshire, started his youth career at Chelsea and was tipped to become a big star in West London.

After making three Premier League appearances for Chelsea’s first-team during his first spell at the club, Hutchinson decided to retire from professional football at the age of just 21 after persistent knee injuries in August 2010.

However, after making a good recovery, Hutchinson came out of retirement in December 2011, and signed a new 18-month deal with the Blues.

He kickstarted his career after a move to Sheffield Wednesday loan in 2014 after a successful loan spell. He went on to make 133 league appearances in his first sixyear spell with Wednesday, with three goals to his name.

After a brief spell with Cpriot club Patos in 2020 where he made seven appearances, Hutchinson returned to Wednesday in January 2021.

He played 22 Championship games in the 2020/21 season and played 28 times in League One for Wednesday last campaign.

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18

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BRACKNELL HOLD

Matt Gilkes batting Finchampstead (batting) v Wokingham Pictures: Steve Smyth

Eversley 2s (batting) v Bracknell Pictures: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Division 1 CRICKET

OAKS OUST FINCH IN LOCAL BATTLE

By ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

Home Counties Premier Division 1

WOKINGHAM ensured their place in third as they stayed in touch with the top two with victory over FINCHAMPSTEAD. Finch selected to bat first and made a reasonable start by putting 45 runs on the board before the first wicket fell when Moffatt was caught by Max Uttley, bowled Shaan Khan for 18.

Finch batted resolutely and had 178 runs on the scoreboard by the time that five wickets were taken.

Finch ended the first innings with 230 with Matt Gilkes top scoring with 59, while clinical Oaks bowler Uttley collected five wickets.

Wokingham set about their task in strong fashion and surpassed the century mark by the time two wickets were taken.

With 209 runs on the board by the time six wickets were up, the Oaks were well on their way to victory which saw them seal the win with three wickets to spare.

Opening batsman Andy Rishton scored 87, while Conrad Louth totalled a half century.

Home Counties Premier Division 2

WARGRAVE picked up nine points on the road with a draw at Horspath.

Toby Greatwood hit 73 not out which saw Wargrave finish with 195-9 after 52 overs compared to 207-9 from 58 overs from the hosts.

The result leaves Wargrave just 10 points behind league leaders Harefield in second position.

BCM Championship WEST READING are in fourth despite losing out to Penn & Tylers Green.

Saqib Gulfraz took four wickets, while Muhammad Zameer collected three wickets for West Reading which saw Penn finish on 174..

Gulfraz top scored with 38, but Reading were all out on 124.

SHINFIELD earned a one-wicket win on the road at Ley Hill.

Four wickets from F Ali saw Hill all out on 278 and a century from Abhishek Chatterjee saw Shinfield over the line after 41.3 overs.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD amassed 38 points with a 12-run success over Braywood.

Four wickets from Crows bowler Jeff Cluett helped them to take the points.

CMB Premiership EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD are up to third after they defeated Denham.

Three wickets each from Charlie Sawyer, James Gibbs and Andy Lazenbury helped to bowl Denham all out for 109.

The Bears got the job done after 20.1 overs thanks to 43 runs each from Matt Loxton and Will Wells.

Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s are in second after accumulating 35 points away from home.

Daniel Mead and Mark Lazenbury ended with three wickets each, while 73 runs from Matt Booth helped the Bears to a three wicket win.

BCL Premier Division SHINFIELD 2s are in second position after their two wicket success over Welford Park.

They chased down 142 to take the win after 26.2 overs.

FARLEY HILL got the better of WEST READING 2s by just nine runs in a close contest.

Ali jalil recorded a half century for Farley and a five wicket haul from Errol Masters in the second innings saw Farley to victory.

SANDHURST amassed a huge 127-run win over Goring on Thames.

Dilupa Chandrasekara top scored with 70 and took three wickets in the second innings.

EVERSLEY remain in sixth after they got the better of league leaders Stoke Green.

A superb first innings from Eversley saw them put 288 on the board after 95 from Oli Parsons And three wickets from B Salter helped them bowl Stoke Green all out for 219 to confirm a 69-run success.

Thames Valley Division 2B WOKINGHAM 2s stay at the top of the table after they drew with third place FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s.

Jed Crerar hit 57 runs for Finch, while John McDonald was in exceptional bowling form and collected five wickets.

Mac D’Souza totalled 75 runs not out for the Oaks as Wokingham finished on 161 compared to Finch’s 199.

READING fell to defeat against Slough 2s by four wickets.

S Jheeta smacked a century for Reading in the first innings, but Slough chased down the target with four wickets to spare.

HURST hit 214 in the second innings to take a draw away at Cove.

BINFIELD are still in sixth after they drew with Sulhamstead & Ufton.

Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING kept their status at the top of the table with a nine wicket win over WARGRAVE 2s.

C Wardlow smacked 97 runs in the second innings as Sonning breezed to victory after 23 overs, dropping just one wicket.

Thames Valley Division 4A WOKINGHAM 3s are still league leaders after they took a draw away at Purley on Thames.

Bishop ended with a five wicket haul, while 63 not out from Martin saw the Oaks finish on 218-3 from 48 overs.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s are in sixth after their seven wicket loss to Henley 3s.

Sam Smith hit 68 runs for Finch but they lost out after Henley chased down the target of 221 to take the game.

Thames Valley Division 5B READING 2s are in second place after they got the better of bottom side Purley on Thames 2s.

An outstanding bowling spell from D Wood saw him collect seven wickets to skittle Purley all out on 58 after a first innings total of 182 from Reading to seal a big 124-run win.

BRACKNELL remain in third after they held off fourth place EVERSLEY 2s.

M Martin hit a huge total of 137, but 83 from Zee saw Bracknell over the line in the second innings with four wickets in reserve.

BINFIELD 2s won on the road by 33 runs at Bagshot 2s.

S Jeffrey amassed 77 runs as Binfield hit 269, while S Atkins took four wickets to see them to an away win.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s recorded 14 points, while SONNING 2s ended with eight after the teams drew.

Finch ended with 295-6 from 52 overs, while Sonning 2s were on 235-7 after 48 overs.

19

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OFF EVERSLEY FIGHT TO STAY 3RD

HONOURS BOARD BATTING

Eversley 2s (batting) v Bracknell

Eversley 2s (batting) v Bracknell

Thames Valley Division 6B

EVERSLEY 3s leapfrogged WOKINGHAM 4s in the table after their away success.

Anup Urath top scored with 74 to contribute to Eversley’s 286, while the Oaks were all out on 228 to verify a 58-run win for Eversley.

The result puts Eversley up to eighth, while Wokingham are ninth after 11 games each in the division.

Eversley 2s (batting) v Bracknell

Eversley 2s (batting) v Bracknell

Thames Valley Division 7A WHITE WALTHAM 2s dropped from top spot after their defeat to Newbury 2s.

WOKINGHAM 5s climbed up to eighth after their victory over Maidenhead & Bray 3s.

Thames Valley Division 8A BINFIELD stay in command at the top after their 36-run victory over READING 3s.

Eversley 2s (batting) v Bracknell

WOMEN’S CRICKET

CROWS TAKE CONVINCING WIN OVER EVERSLEY

By GUEST CONTRIBUTOR sport@wokingham.today CROWTHORNE & Crown Wood Women’s first XI defeated Eversley Girls & Ladies in a friendly match on Saturday.

The Crows were sent in to bat with openers Lou Roberts and Marsha Connolly setting the pace by scoring 10 off 18 before Nik Mansfield and Seetal Bhati took over to attain a further 17 in their partnership.

The third pair with top run scorer Lorna Owens rattled the opposition with their 26 runs and the baton was then handed over for the final couplet to take another 23 runs t o move the total up to a respectable 305-1.

The Coyotes then took to the field with the first wicket falling in the first over courtesy of Marsha Connolly.

The mood was electric and the action was far from over with more scalps taken by Anita Applin, a second from Marsha Connolly

and then some timely catches – a single handed stretch from bowler Gillian Finucane and another careful gather from Helena Jones.

Sensational wicket keeping from Nik Mansfield ensured the run rate was kept to a minimum.

She also saw only one ball fall behind her and her quick thinking to move into place for a sensational run out with the ball hurtling in from the boundary left the Eversley visitors having too big a mountain to climb, racking up 249-6, falling 56 runs short.

Dan Molloy - White Waltham v Windsor - 156* Matthew Martin - Eversley 2s v Bracknell - 137 D Saodekar - Bracknell 2s v Bradfield 2s - 120* Mitesh Patel - Binfield 3s v Reading 3s - 113 Abhishek Chatterjee- Shinfield v Ley Hill - 104 S Jheeta - Reading v Slough 2s - 103 Daniel Aston - Eversley 4s v Bagshot 3s - 101 Arshad Kaffar - Berkshire Royals v Reading United - 97* Connor Wardlaw - Sonning v Wargrave 2s - 97 Oli Parsons - Eversley v Stoke Green - 95 Andy Rishton - Wokingham v Finchampstead - 87 Zeeshan Mehtab - Bracknell v Eversley 2s - 83 Imran Zaman - West Reading 3s v Checkendon - 82 S Jeffrey - Binfield 2s v Bagshot 2s - 77 Mac Dsouza - Wokingham 2s v Finchampstead 2s - 75* Vinoth Palanisamy - Reading Lions v Stallions - 75 Gavankar - Finchampstead 4s v Sonning 2s - 74* Toby Greatwood - Wargrave v Horspath - 73* Matt Booth - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Knotty Green 3s - 73 Dilupa Chandrasekara - Sandhurst v Goring on Thames - 70 C Morgan - Binfield v Sulhamstead & Ufton - 70 Sam Smith - Finchampstead 3s v Henley 3s - 68 I Humphrey - Binfield v Sulhamstead & Ufton - 66 Emad Khan - Reading United v Berkshire Royals - 64 Hanson Martin - Wokingham 3s v Purley on Thames - 63* James Watt - Hurst v Cove - 63 Anderson - Sonning 2s v Finchampstead 4s - 63 Yadavendra Natu - Woodley v Earley 2s - 62* Jathavedan - White Waltham v Windsor - 61 Matt Gilkes - Finchampstead v Wokingham - 59 Gary Shacklady - Earley 2s v Woodley - 59 Jed Crerar - Finchampstead 2s v Wokingham 2s - 57 Upendra Deshpande - Rangers v Farley Hill 2s - 55* Robert Casey - Earley v Silchester - 54 Ali Jalil - Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 51* Lucky Sardar- Shinfield v Ley Hill - 51 Conrad Louth - Wokingham v Finchamptead - 50

BOWLING

Ranganath Deshpande - Rangers v Farley Hill 2s - 5-20 Ajay Singh - Woodley v Earley 2s - 5-21 Aran Long - Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Shinfield 3s 5-24 Errol Masters - Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 5-31 Dilip Maringanti - Reading United 2s v Warefield - 5-38 John McDonald - Wokingham 2s v Finchampstead 2s - 5-43 David Bishop - Wokingham 3s v Purley on Thames - 5-48 Saad Jaffary - Waltham St Lawrence v Mortimer West End 5-53 Morgan - Binfield 4s v Theale & Tilehurst 3s - 5-56 Max Uttley - Wokingham v Finchampstead - 5-57 Ankush Jain - Reading Lions v Stallions - 4-20 Jeff Cluett - Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Braywood - 4-27 Saqib Gulfraz - West Reading v Penn & Tylers - 4-29 Azmath Atham - Berkshire Royals v Reading United - 4-36 Deep Singh - Earley v Silchester - 4-41 S Atkins - Binfield 2s v Bagshot 2s - 4-41 Hessam Raja - West Reading 3s v Checkendon - 4-45 William Reis - Eversley 2s v Bracknell - 4-49 Fakhir Ali - Shinfield v Ley Hill - 4-51 Meganathan Kanagaraj - Bracknell v Eversley 2s - 4-77 Simon Hards - Sandhurst v Goring on Thames - 3-10 James Bewick - Finchampstead 2s v Wokingham 2s - 3-10 Andy Lazenbury - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Denham - 3-16 Mark Lazenbury - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Knotty Green 3s- 3-18 James Gibbs - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Denham - 3-23 Charlie Sawyer - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Denham - 3-29 Jawad Ahmad - West Reading 2s v Farley Hill - 3-29 Daniel Mead - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Knotty Green 3s - 3-34

20 | SPORT

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THE HEAT IS ON: TEAMS GRAB VALUABLE M FOOTBALL

Wokingham & Emmbrook in action against Marlow Pictures: Andrew Batt

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK FC got another 90 minutes under their belts ahead of the new Combined Counties Premier North campaign.

The Sumas took a 1-1 draw in sweltering conditions on Saturday against Marlow after Enow Ojong’s goal.

Eliot Whitehouse’s side have confirmed several more players to remain on the books for next season in the last

week including last season’s top scorer James Clark, Allen Bossman, Enow Ojong, Olly Noyes and Jordace HolderSpooner.

The Sumas also confirmed that last season’s U18’s captain Ellis Riley has been added to their squad for the upcoming campaign.

Wokingham host Woodley United on Saturday in a clash between two local sides at Emmbrook School (2pm kickoff).

BINFIELD visited Flackwell

Woodley United Ladies took on Burghfield Pictures: Andrew Batt

Heath in their latest friendly and came away with a 1-1 draw.

The Moles are in action this weekend at Hill Farm Lane against Ascot United.

After their battle against Ascot, Binfield are back in action on Tuesday, July 26 when they play hosts to Slough Town (7.45pm kick-off).

Meanwhile, BINFIELD U23’s contested their first friendly and defeated Sheerwater U23’s 5-2.

READING CITY lost out 4-0 at home against Thatcham Town.

BERKS COUNTY collected a 3-2 success against FC Fleet Town on Saturday.

WOODLEY UNITED got the better of Westwood Wanderers in their latest pre-season run out.

Woodley manager Jordan Blake said: “Good afternoons work out in the scorching conditions. Starting to gel and understand each other more and more as the pre season games go by.

“Most pleasing thing for me was to keep a clean sheet and

on another day we could of won by a bigger margin.”

The Kestrels will face Maidenhead Town on Thursday in their next test.

The match was originally scheduled to take place on Tuesday but has been rearranged due to the extreme weather conditions.

WOODLEY UNITED LADIES hosted BURGHFIELD LADIES as both sides prepared for the new season.

Woodley United manager Marc Surtees said: “I was really

pleased with the football we played today, everyone worked really hard in such hot conditions and there were some really good team goals.”

The Kestrels also announced Maddie Carter as their new signing this weekend to bolster their squad.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA faced North Greenford United in their most recent friendly outing.

The Boars have retained sevaral players ahead of the new season in their hope

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MINUTES AHEAD OF NEW SEASON Woodham becomes ambassador for Proud Royals READING FC Women’s Lily Woodham has become the first player ambassador for LGBT+ group Proud Royals.

to push on from what was a successful 2021/22 season.

New signing Adam Crocker has been added to Matty Angell’s team after he turned out for both Hartley Whitney and Badshot Lea last season.

Meanwhile, Eversley has retained the services of goalkeeper Henry Pidgeon, right-back Troy Baker, Joe Pantony, Luke Frewin, Connor Allston, and Jamie Griggs as Angell’s squad begins to take shape ahead of a fresh schedule in Combined Counties Division One. Following their 4-0 defeat to READING CITY in their last preseason outing, BURGHFIELD return to action on Tuesday evening.

Their match against the Cityzens was their first run out of pre-season and they are up against Andover NS FC in midweek as they continue

preparations for a new season in the Thames Valley Premier League.

Another Thames Valley Premier League side, READING YMCA, have four more pre-season fixtures to look ahead to.

They battle with Chalvey Sports on Saturday before matches against Kintbury Development, Holyport Reserves and Hurst FC in the following weeks.

READING YMCA RAPIDS take on West Berks Wanderers this weekend and then continue their pursuit for fitness against BERKSHIRE ROYALS, SOUTHBANK and Henley Town Development.

Rapids manager Jamie Froude is also on the lookout to appoint a new assistant manager to join his coaching team ahead of their campaign in Thames Valley Division Two.

CRICKET

CROWS 3S TAKE FULL POINTS IN WIN OVER SHINFIELD 4S

By ANDY PRESTON aprestoN@wokingham.today CROWTHORNE & Crown Wood third XI took full points again after an impressive 50 run victory away to Shinfield 4s.

On a scorching day, the Crows won the toss and elected to bat.

Some tight bowling by Shinfield and variable bounce from the pitch left the Crows on 35-3 and facing an

uphill struggle.

An excellent century partnership from Simon Sheppard (64) and Prakash (72) Singh wrestled the momentum back.

Debutant youth player Arjit Das (11) made a useful contribution to help the Crows post a defendable 202-6 from their 40 overs.

In the field, the Crows were miserly in the first 10 overs with tight bowling from Marshall Miller

(0-27) and Shravan Sathiyan (1-5) giving the away side the upper hand.

The game swung back to Shinfield with an excellent partnership including 61 for Vineet Gandhi, but just as Shinfield were threatening to take control Mike Storey (2-29) got the key breakthrough.

At the other end Dave McQuitty (4-31) probed away and took wickets

with regularity, including a one handed catch from keeper/captain Richard Hester and a brilliant grab in the deep from Arjit Das to give the Crows full control.

They then closed out the game with smart death bowling from Prakash Singh (2-19) to make it 6 wins on the spin and leave them comfortably in fourth place in BCL Div 3 with the teams above them now looking over their shoulders.

The group, which is aiming to improve the matchday experience for supporters by promotion inclusivity at the club, was founded by matchday steward Tom Williams earlier this year.

21-year-old Woodham joined Reading in 2018 and recently put pen to paper on a new contract to extend her stay in Berkshire until 2024.

The full-back played 26 times for Kelly Chambers’ team last season.

After signing her new deal, Woodham said: “When I first joined, it took me a while to prove myself and now I feel completely trusted by the staff which has only helped boost my confidence in my own abilities.

“I have loved being here, being involved in every game I have, and learning from some of the best in the game with the likes of Fara Williams and Brooke Chaplen.

“Looking ahead to the next 50, it’s all about continuing to improve, repaying the faith Kelly and all the coaches put in me and hopefully getting my first goal.”

Proud Royals chairman Williams added: “I’m so excited for Lily to join Proud Royals as an ambassador. With her recent contract and joining us, I think on and off the pitch we can together make a difference.”

Proud Royals has recently begun running ‘Rainbow Royals’ football sessions at the Select Car Leasing Stadium Dome where it has invited people to come along to play football in a fun environment.

Williams added: “It’s a way of getting active in a safe and welcoming environment with qualified coaches and is open to everyone, not just the LGBTQ+ community.

“We want to get people involved and interested in the sport, and the aim is to try and build a team to enter the league within the Berks & Bucks area.

“That is a long way from now but just to get people active and enjoy being in an environment that suits them.

“The community trust has done a great job putting all this together, it will be a great event.”

22 | SPORT

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How they rated

READING 1 WEST HAM 1 Joe Lumley

Made fantastic saves to keep out Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals.

Displayed his game awareness, notably cut off a threatening ball.

Tom McIntyre

Looked assured. Carried the ball well, breaking past West Ham’s front line on multiple occasions. Got the assist for Reading’s goal.

Sam Hutchinson

Commanding and composed.

Used his voice to organise a defensive line he has joined only recently.

Tom Holmes

A quiet display from the youngster. Definitely seemed to benefit from Hutchinson’s presence.

Junior Hoilett

Could have done better with West Ham’s goal; Jarrod Bowen jinked past him before putting in a sumptuous cross.

Tyrese Fornah

Impressive. Was assured with and without the ball. Seemed to gel with Hendrick in what could be a blossoming partnership.

Jeff Hendrick

Worked hard. Primary goal was to nullify West Ham’s midfield, which became harder after Rice and Fornals came on at halftime.

Andy Yiadom

Largely contained Said Benrahma and Ben Johnson. Started positively, finding himself in advanced positions early on.

Tom Ince

Created a golden chance for Joao. Became increasingly frustrated as the match wore on, regularly dropping deep in search of the ball.

Ovie Ejaria

Quiet. Showed some positive signs, notably playing a teasing through ball which only just evaded an on-rushing Ince.

Lucas Joao

To be fair to the front man, he did not have an awful lot to work off.

Did his best to hold the ball up and played his teammates in on occasion.

7 6 8 5 5 7 6 6 6 5 4

PLUS: Femi Azeez 5 Kian Leavy 5 Guinness-Walker 4

Dejan Tetek 6 Shane Long 5 Yakou Meite 7

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today A NEW LOOK Reading FC side made another step towards the new season as they held Premier League West Ham United to a draw at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Playing in front of the home fans for the first time this pre-season, Paul Ince’s men made a strong impression up against David Moyes’ Hammers side.

With plenty of new faces in the squad, it was Yakou Meite who popped up on the scoresheet to level after Nikola Vlasic’s opener for West Ham early in the first-half.

It’s been a summer of change in Berkshire which started with the appointment of Ince as full-time manager and was followed by former manager Mark Bowen returning as Head of Football Operations.

With several more changes behind the scenes, Reading also have a fresh look on the pitch after losing key players such as John Swift, Andy Rinomohta and Josh Laurent.

However, spirits were lifted by the nostalgic homecoming of fan favourite Shane Long who joined on a one-year deal, while Jeff Hendrick was added on loan from Newcastle United.

Hendrick was given a spot in the starting line-up, as was trialist Sam Hutchinson, while new club captain Andy Yiadom started at the back alongside Tom McIntyre and Tom Holmes.

With a few more trialists among the Reading squad, there was a familiar face in the Hammers’ starting eleven as former Royals academy product Michail Antonio

Ovie Ejaria pushes his way past his

Yakou Meite grabs the equaliser

Young player Kian Leavy

Match stats Reading: Lumley, Yiadom (c), McIntyre, Holmes, Hutchinson, Hendrick, Fornah, Ejaria, Hoilett, Ince, Joao

Meite is congratulated by his teammates

Subs: Bouzanis, El-Mhanni, Meite, Long, Guinness-Walker, Tetek, Abbey, Azeez, Ehibhatiomhan, Leavy, Clarke, Holzman, Scott, Abrefa West Ham: Fabianski (c), Coufal, Aguerd, Johnson, Downes, Lanzini, Benrahma, Bowen, Vlasic, Antonio

Zouma,

Subs: Areola, Randolph, Cresswell, Masuaku, Diop, Ogbonna, Ashby, Rice, Fornals, Coventry, Chesters, Muamba

started up front.

Starting the game in a high tempo in the blistering heat, new loan signing Tyrese Fornah stole the ball from West Ham with a tough tackle in midfield but couldn’t ignite a Reading attack after an overhit pass out wide to Ovie Ejaria.

A first big chance for the Hammers came when Jarrod Bowen broke into the box and pulled the ball back for Antonio, but Holmes managed to throw his body in the way to make a last ditch block.

Shane Long made his return in Ro West Ham tried to test Reading’s resolve but the hosts stayed compact when Andy Yiadom held his nerve with a patient piece of defending before nicking the ball from Ben Johnson.

But with both sides quickly tiring in the sweltering conditions, the half ended goalless with few chances created by either side.

With the second-half just six minutes old, the Irons scored the first goal of the contest.

REACTION

Royals ‘working hard’ to bolster squad ahead of new season

By JI-MIN LEE sport@wokingham.today

ASSISTANT manager Alex Rae says Reading FC are looking to add to their squad before the start of the 2022-23 season.

Speaking after Saturday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham, Rae expressed his satisfaction with the Royals’ performance.

Rae said: “I think it was a really good run out. It was different with the conditions, that gave the supporters the opportunity to see what we’ve got at the club at the moment.

“Once we get a few more through the door then we’ll be ready.”

Rae is hopeful Reading can sign trialist Sam Hutchinson, who put

in a positive display, backing up his showing against Benfica.

He continued: “He brings a level of professionalism and he’s vocal, he’s experienced and he’s fitted in brilliantly so hopefully everything falls into place for that one.”

“We need to have people who can play in multiple positions, if we can. You look at Tom (McIntyre), played centre back today, can play left back, played at Sheffield in the middle of the park.

“The more players who are equally as comfortable in various positions the better really because it gives you flexibility.”

Reading are currently without a recognised senior left-back, a position many fans have expressed concerns about.

With the start of the upcoming campaign just 14 days away, the Royals will be looking to recruit quickly.

“We’re constantly working as hard as we can. We’ve been offered several (left backs) and had (GuinessWalker) at left back today, we’ll have a look at him.

“We’ll have to keep knocking at the door to get the right one in. The important thing for us is not to dive in and get one that’s not really what we’re looking for.

“We have to keep pushing and try and keep the quality that does come in the door the highest level so that we have a chance to get to where we want to be.”

And with more friendlies to come, including yesterday’s against Wimbledon, Rae says the main goal will be to give players more minutes without picking up any injuries.

“You have to prepare properly. As much as you don’t want to lose any games, in pre-season it’s really about trying to get the minutes in.”

SPORT | 23

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HOLD HAMMERS TO A DRAW Meite finds the net to beat Areola

‘This is not the best of me, there’s more to come’

By JI-MIN LEE sport@wokingham.today READING FC’s Tyrese Fornah insists he has more to give, despite impressing on his first outing at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Dejan Tatek picks a pass Paul Ince

Reading v West Ham United New signing Jeff Hendrick on display

oyals colours for the first time in over a decade Pictures: Steve Smyth

Tom Ince holds off Ogbonna

After keeping the ball for a considerable period of time with some neat passing, Nikola Vlasic got on the end of Bowen’s cross to nod the ball into the corner past Joe Lumley.

Reading came close to an instant response when Tom Ince drove down the left and hung up a cross for Lucas Joao, but Alphonse Areola was able to clutch the ball after a tame header.

The next chance came for Pablo Fornals when he tricked his way into the box, but Hutchinson got his frame in the way to protect his goalkeeper.

Summer signing Lumley made Andy Yiadom strikes at goal

an excellent fingertip save to keep out Bowen after the England international opened up his body to try and pick out the left corner.

Another England international on display, Declan Rice, came inches away from grabbing a second for West Ham when he worked space for a drive at goal which smacked the inside of the post and stayed out.

Reading responded with 68 minutes on the clock when Meite pounced from close range to convert from McIntyre’s cross on the half volley to level the match.

Meite continued to make a bright impression as he tried to fling himself on the end of Femi Azeez’ cross.

Reading thought they had snatched a win in the 86th minute when Meite got in behind the Hammers defence and drilled the ball through Areola’s legs, but he was denied by a marginal offside decision.

Long showed a turn of pace to bear down on goal before he was tripped on the edge of the box which brought Reading an inviting free-kick in the 90th minute, but Meite’s effort was deflected wide by the wall

READING FC

Hendrick keen to ‘pay fans back’ for warm welcome to Reading READING FC loan signing Jeff Hendrick says he is motivated to hit the ground running after receiving a positive reception from the club’s supporters.

The Irishman started the Royals’ 1-1 draw against West Ham on Saturday, showing his potential at the heart of midfield.

Hendrick made way for Dejan Tetek just past the hour mark.

Of his welcome, he said: “It’s nice to get that warm welcome but I have to pay [the fans] back by putting performances in on the pitch and giving everything to the team.

“The club’s in maybe a bit of a sticky situation with the embargo, but for me it was good to come in and help the club in whatever way I can.

“The main thing is to get as much game time as possible throughout the whole season and help the club.”

After playing and scoring in Tuesday’s friendly against Maidenhead, Hendrick was pleased to get more minutes under his belt, insisting he could have stayed on the pitch for longer.

He added that the final two preseason matches will offer valuable

opportunities to build up match sharpness.

Hendrick has spent the past six seasons in the Premier League, enjoying spells at Burnley and Newcastle.

He struggled for game time during the 2021-22 season after the Magpies invested heavily resulting in Hendrick falling down the pecking order.

The central midfielder assessed his options and was eager to join Reading once the opportunity materialised.

“I went back up to Newcastle and had three days, but I didn’t

have long off as I was with Ireland up until June 18,” Hendrick explained.

Looking ahead to the season, Hendrick bears no bones about the club’s primary aim - to stay in the division.

However, the versatile midfielder was also hesitant to place restrictions on what the club could achieve.

“I’m only in the door, but the main thing for any team is to stay in the league,” he explained. “Then, as you’re picking up points, to go from strength to strength to see how high you can get up the table.”

The midfielder looked composed in the hour he was given, protecting the ball effectively and starting attacks.

Fornah joined the Royals on loan from Nottingham Forest two weeks ago.

Speaking after the game, he said: “All of the boys, from first half to second half, we gave it our all. Even though it’s pre-season, we had the idea to try and win.”

The 22-year-old linked up well with fellow loan signing Jeff Hendrick in the centre of the park.

Fornah hopes the performance can be the start of a fruitful relationship.

“We both came back a bit late from preseason but just getting the minutes in our legs and building our understanding in training and obviously in the games,” he said.

“It was good today, obviously he’s an experienced player so just to learn from him, play with him in midfield and get used to him and the team, it’s been great.

“It’s just about building relationships. I’ve only been in the building for under two weeks so I’m getting used to it and building my sharpness; this is not the best of me, there’s more to come.”

Fornah enjoyed a brief spell with the Royals as an academy player.

Through loans at Casa Pia, Plymouth and Shrewsbury, he gained experience playing in the men’s game.

He said: “When you’re a bit tense, you don’t play your game, so I just want to enjoy my football and learn from the gaffer, Alex Rae and the coaching staff, and just give the best account of myself.”

Born in Canning Town, East London, Fornah describes manager Paul Ince as the area’s ‘poster boy’.

“We’re both East London lads so I can relate to him,” he explained.

“What he’s done in his career, coming from the same area as well - he’s the poster boy.

“Everyone wanted to be like Paul Ince, so for me to have him as a gaffer for a year, he’s going to build my game up so much and I’m just so happy to be here.”

Tyrese Fornah has impressed since signing on loan from Nottingham Forest. Picture: Steve Smyth

24 | SPORT

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READING FC

LONG AWAITED RETURN: SHANE IS BACK Long gets forward for the Royals

By Ji-Min Lee sport@wokingham.today READING FC have secured the services of Shane Long on a oneyear deal.

The free agent returns 11 years after an initial six-year spell with the Berkshire club.

Murmurs of a potential return emerged earlier this summer as Long ran down his contract at Southampton.

The Saints announced he had left on Friday, July 1.

The Irishman initially joined Reading from Cork City in 2005, with compatriot Kevin Doyle making the same move.

The club achieved a record 106 Championship points in his first season, with Long adopting a peripheral role.

He went on to make his name as a prolific striker, scoring 54 goals in 203 appearances.

Long netted 21 league goals in his final season with Reading, helping Brian McDermott’s side reach the 2011 play-off finals.

After falling to Swansea at Wembley, Premier League interest intensified and ultimately saw Long leave for West Brom.

Since then, the forward has become a top-flight mainstay for West Brom, Hull and Southampton.

Long also established himself as a fixture in the Republic of Ireland’s national side, amassing 88 appearances.

His 17 goals make him his country’s seventh top goalscorer.

In 2019, Long recorded the fastest goal in Premier League

IN the KL, MEBC travelled to Maidenhead Thicket.

They suffered a setback, losing away against a strong Maidenhead Thicket team.

54-73 shots and 2-12 on points.

Rink scores, 14-19, 14-12, 14-25, 12-17. Skips were Mark Hiley, Mike Fraser, Martin Lewis and Keith Hawkins.

In OTL, MEBC hosted Goring and Almshouses.

A strong showing by MEBC saw wins on three rinks and a draw on the fourth.

Points were 12¾-1¼ and shots 91-43. Individual rinks 306, 19-10, 14-14, 28-13 and skips were Mike Fraser, Mike Lewis, Ken Cheshire and Chris Fellows.

In KLV-A, MEBC hosted

FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading 1-1 West Ham United Flackwell Heath 1-1 Binfield Reading City 0-4 Thatcham Town Sumas 1-1 Marlow

Home Counties Division 2 Horspath (207-9) drew Wargrave (195-9)

Shane Long made his return on Saturday against West Ham

Long in action against the Hammers history, scoring after just 7.69 seconds against Watford.

The move will delight Royals fans, many of whom have taken to social media in recent weeks to express their excitement.

Long was unable to feature in the club’s 150th anniversary match, which took place the day before the final day of the Premier League season.

However, the former number nine addressed fans through a video message.

“My first season over here with Reading, we managed to finish the season with 106 points and get promoted to the Premier League.

Been through it all, got relegated two years later and the play-off final years down the line,” Long said.

“I have nothing but fond memories of the club, fond memories of the lads, a great set of players over my seven years at the club and we still want [the club] to have success in the future.”

Head of Football Operations, Mark Bowen, said: “When he first arrived at this club, very few fans will have known anything about Shane Long.

“But now, he needs absolutely no introduction to Royals supporters.

“A return to the club where it all

WOKINGHAM BOUNCE BACK WITH EMPHATIC HOME VICTORY Maiden Erlegh Bowls Club

Saturday, July 16

CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Finchampstead (230 all out) lost to Wokingham (233-7)

BOWLS

By Staff Writer sport@wokingham.today

RESULTS

Twyford in a friendly match.

MEBC beat Twyford by 8-2 points and 73-32 shots. Rinks 31-8, 28-7, 14-17. Skips were Mike Fraser, Mike Lewis and Keith Hawkins.

In KLV-C, MEBC hosted Wokingham. In a tightly fought match MEBC narrowly won on two rinks and drew the third, to win 9-1 on points and 57-52 shots.

The team was supported by two new bowlers, playing for the club for the first time.

Individual rinks were 18-16, 20-17, 19-19 and skips Ray Pontet, Neil Monham and John Peacock.

In KLV-B, MEBC travelled to Hurst. In hot conditions, it was a successful visit for MEBC, winning on two of the three rinks, and overall. 8-2 points, 67-40 shots. Individual rinks 30-6, 24-18, 13-16. Skips Keith

Boulter, Robert Spencer, Frank Parkinson.

Wokingham Bowls Club Following the disappointment of losing 0-14 away to Reading on July 5, Wokingham ‘A’ bounced back with an emphatic 14-0 win at home to Royal Household on July 12.

After 10 games of the 14game season, Wokingham ‘A’ sit a credible 4th in the Division 1 East.

Prospect Park Bowls Club In the KL, Prospect were defeated by Trenthams who look favourites to take the title.

The KLV A team beat Tilehurst B and Prospect B team beat Trentham B on their turf.

began for Shane has been rumoured for a number of years, so I am delighted to have made that rumour a reality.”

Royals boss Paul Ince said, “The arrival of Shane is something of a football fairytale for Reading fans.

“But make no mistake about it – he is coming into the dressing room purely on the merits of what he can offer this squad out on the pitch.

“Experience, energy, leadership, desire and a natural instinct you need to score goals… Shane will be an important addition to the group we are patiently trying to build and grow.”

READING FC

ROYALS HOST SEAGULLS IN FINAL PRE-SEASON TEST READING FC will host Premier League Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in their final match of pre-season before the new campaign.

Having faced Premier League opposition last weekend in West Ham United, the Royals face another stern top flight test against the Seagulls.

Paul Ince’s men kick off their 2022/23 Championship campaign away at Blackpool on Saturday, July 30.

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. n For ticket details, visit https://ticketing.readingfc. co.uk/en-GB/categories/home

BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood (155 all out) beat Braywood (143 all out) Ley Hill (278-7) lost to Shinfield (282-9) West Reading (124 all out) lost to Penn & Tylers Green (174 all out)

Thames Valley Division 5B Sonning 2s (235-7) drew Finchampstead 4s (295-6) Bagshot 2s (236 all out) lost to Binfield 2s (269-9) Reading 2s (182 all out) beat Purley on Thames 2s (58 all out) Eversley 2s (228 all out) lost to Bracknell (232-6)

Sunday, July 17

CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Division 1 Chesham v Binfield Finchampstead v St Albans

FIXTURES

Saturday, July 23

FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading v Brighton Binfield v Ascot United Reading City v Frimley Green Tadley Calleva v Sandhurst Town Sumas v Woodley United

CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood (113-3) beat Denham (109 all out)

CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Finchampstead v Aston Rowant Oxford v Wokingham

Chilterns Division Two Knotty Green (182 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (184-7)

Home Counties Premier Division 2 Wargrave v Great Brickhill

BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (174 all out) beat West Reading 2s (165 all out) Mortimer West End (290-7) beat Waltham St Lawrence (130 all out) Sandhurst (214-7) beat Goring on Thames (87 all out) Shinfield 2s (142-8) beat Welford Park (141-9) BCL Division 1A Checkendon (337-6) beat West Reading 3s (169 all out) Reading Lions (208 all out) beat Stallions (139 all out) Reading United (267 all out) lost to Berkshire Royals (270-3) Silchester (286 all out) beat Earley (244 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Stoke Green (219 all out) lost to Eversley (288-9) Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s (264-6) beat Reading (262-5) Binfield (275-7) beat Sulhamstead & Ufton (209-6) Hurst (214-6) drew Cove (287-6) Wokingham 2s (161-9) drew Finchampstead 2s (199-8) Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham (336-6) beat Windsor (332-5dec) Wargrave 2s (151 all out) lost to Sonning (156-1) Theale & Tilehurst (132-4) beat Thatcham Town (128 all out) Thames Valley Division 4A Purley on Thames (254 all out) drew Wokingham 3s (218-3) Finchampstead 3s (220 all out) lost to Henley 3s (221-3)

BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood v West Reading Shinfield v Braywood CMB Premiership Monks Risborough v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Penn & Tylers Green 2s BCL Premier Division Stratfield Turgis v Shinfield 2s Welford Park v Sandhurst West Reading 2s v Woodcote BCL Division 1A Earley v Reading Lions Peppard Stoke Row 2s v Berkshire Royals West Reading 3s v Reading United Thames Valley Division 1 Ickenham v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Wokingham 2s v Flett Royal Ascot v Hurst Cove v Binfield Reading v Finchampstead 2s Thames Valley Division 3A Theale & Tilehurst v Aldershot Kidmore End v Wargrave 2s Sonning v Harpsden Bagshot v White Waltham Thames Valley Division 4A Falkland 2s v Finchampstead 3s Wokingham 3s v Peppard Stoke Row Thames Valley Division 5B Eversley 2s v Reading 2s Binfield 2s v Sonning 2s Finchampstead 4s v Royal Ascot 2s Newbury v Bracknell