2754-2785ISSN 9772754278509 35 THREE GREAT PAPERS IN ONE: NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE No. 45 90p READING TODAYREADING’SNEWCHAMPIONWWW.RDG.TODAY ImagesCapan/DVisionDijanaPicture: CAMPAIGN overConcernscyclepathsigns CRIME Man jailed fordealingdrug EDUCATION celebrateStudentsGCSEs PARTY ON Bands, fans, sun and fun at Reading Festival Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Cathryn Ross, strategy and regulatory affairs director at Thames Water told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “We totally accept we need to do better on fixing leaks, that’s why we’re fixing more than 1,100 leaks every week.
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The incident too place on Thursday, August 4, in Tilehurst. Sheldon Lewcock was riding an ebike on Pierce’s Hill, when he was involved in the incident with a van.The 19-year-old was taken to hospital, and died from his injuries on Tuesday, August 9. It is believed to be linked to a separate incident in Southcote, on August 4. Two teenage girls were assaulted in Southcote’s Coronation Square around 6.10pm. One suffered serious injuries.Shehas since been discharged fromPolicehospital.made a number of arrests following the incidents, including a a 17-year-old from Reading who was arrested and charged on suspicion of attempted murder, with no further action. An 18-year-old from Reading was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and was released with no further action. A 20-year-old from Reading was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They have been released with no further action. A 38-year-old man from Reading was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and has been released with no further action.
Last Year, Thames Water directors received more than £4 million in bonuses, a rise of 67% from the year before.The highest paid director received £1.5 million “Privatisingalone.water has been a disastrous failed experiment, it’s time to bring this essential natural resource back into public hands.”
“Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit continue to investigate this incident and the actions taken by the driver of the van.” He continued: “We are appealing to any witnesses, who were in the Pierce’s Hill, Overdown Road and Dark Lane areas of Tilehurst, or anyone who may have information about this incident, to please come forward.“Ifyou have any CCTV footage or any dash-cam footage if you were in the area around the time, I’d also ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.“Youcanmake a report by calling 101 or via our website, quoting reference“Alternatively,43220347031.you can report information anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
Pat Bannigan, head of programme delivery for Ingeus, said: “Struggling with financial problems is a major barrier when it comes to rebuilding your“Thislife.new service will not only help the participants but also their families and communities.” n For more: ingeus.co.uk Arrests at home FIVE people were arrested by Thames Valley Police on Saturday on suspicion of drug offences.Officers from Thames Valley Police raided a home in Green Road off Wokingham Road around 10.10pm on August 27. Thames Valley Police said in a statement that a “significant quantity” of drugs were located. As a result, a man, two women and two boys have been arrested on possession with intent to supply class A, heroin and cocaine. Search of the property were carried out on Sunday as part of the investigation.
AN OFWAT report shows Thames Water is losing more than 600 million litres of water a day through leaks. The news comes as the Thames Water’s own hosepipe ban comes into effect, placing usage restrictions on around 15 million customers. The report showed that 635.6 megalitres, which is 635.6 million litres, leaks from Thames Water infrastructure each day. This is equivalent to 254 Olympicsized swimming pools, or 7,945,000 baths.The GMB union has campaigned for the privatisation of water provision to be reversed and put back into public ownership.
Send your forms to: Family notices, Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper Ltd. Payments may also be made by card over the phone.
“We are not where we need to be, we have a lot of work to do to fix Thames Water.”
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Andy Prendergast, GMB’s national secretary, said: “From today, 15 million people across the South East can no longer use their hosepipe, meanwhile every single day, Thames Water wastes enough water to have a hosepipe on for more than 70 years.“You could have had a hosepipe on constantly since before the Queen was on the throne and you still wouldn’t have used as much as Thames Water wastes in just 24 hours.
Kayden Williams, aged 18, of Don Close, Tilehurst, is still charged with Section 20 GBH and assault by beating as this relates to a GBH investigation following the incident in Coronation Square.Police have continued their investigation and are asking for help.
Senior Investigating Officer, Investigations Lead Richard Thorpe, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Mr Lewcock’s family, who continue to be supported by Family Liaison Officers throughout the investigation.“Duetoour enquiries we have now established that the incident of grievous bodily harm occurred after the road traffic collision, in which Sheldon Lewcock sadly died, and not before as previously believed.
POLICE have made a fresh appeal for witnesses to a fatal road traffic collision.
to
An Ofwat report shows that more than 600 million litres a day are lost through leaks, as Thames Water puts the hosepipe ban into force. Picture: Harry Grout, via Unsplash PhoneEmailPostcodeAddressNamenumber –rdg.today Due to the coronavirus, closed the public. The best way to us is by
our offices are
635 million litres of water ‘wasted’ every day
A spokesperson for Thames Water said the company is doing “everything it can” to fix the leaks.
“Instead of spending money to fix the leaky infrastructure, they’re
Probation support A NEW service to help offenders on probation turn their backs on crime has been launched.Thesupport will help them manage finances in a bid to reduce barriers that cause reoffendingTheFinance, Benefits and Debt (FBD) service is funded by the Ministry of Justice and delivered by Ingeus with the Probation Service. It offers support for essentials, such as applying for benefits, how to open a bank account, how to budget and how to deal with debt. Specialist debt support will be available through Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) accredited Birmingham Settlement and Access 2 Advice. Group work interventions giving insight to all elements of FBD will be a major part of the service, with the aim of giving practical insights and knowledge to develop financial awareness.Theservice includes one-toone and online support.
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
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FACEBOOK & TWITTER: RDGTODAY Email news@rdg.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson CAVERSHAM CAVERSHAMHEIGHTS LOWER CAVERSHAM EMMER GREEN READING WESTREADING SOUTHCOTE KATESGROVE EAST READING COLEY SELECTCAR LEASING STADIUM WHITLEY TILEHURST NORCOT Classification (please tick) n Births n Birthdays n Engagements n Weddings n Anniversaries n Other n Death n In memory Advert sizes n 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT n 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT n 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT n 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT n 6cm by 2 column – 100 words £72 INC VAT n Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) DEADLINE IS MONDAY AT 5PM FOR THAT WEEK’S PAPER WE InBOROUGHREADINGCOVERprint Order a copy from your newsagent every Wednesday – some even deliver Online Our website is updated seven days a week
New appeal for witnesses to fatal traffic collision
showering directors with eyewatering sums– it’s jaw-dropping incompetence and greed.”
Land of the giants: Ding cut down to size for golf course
The Kennet River The Reading FestivalThe River Thames
Pictures: Steve Smyth
The Abbey Ruins
The course is open from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and 10am to 4pm on weekends, and players can go through the course twice to make the full 18 holes, before enjoying a treat from the 19th hole – aka Ela’s Coffee Bar.
FORE: The new Mini-Golf site in Prospect Park is looked after by Sam Hickman and Terence McLeod-Walker
Drug caughtdealerwith 50 wraps jailed for two years
JAILED: James Tollafield pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin
A READING man has been jailed for drug dealing.James Tollafield, 46 and from Duke Street in the town centre, was sentenced to two years in prison by judges at Reading Crown Court on Friday, August 26. He had pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin, both class A drugs. On Saturday, January 9 last year, Thames Valley Police officers witnessed Tollafield selling drugs in an alleyway between Newcastle Road and Cintra Park. The officers arrested him, and found 50 wraps of crack cocaine and heroin in his possession.Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Jon Nicholls, of the Stronghold Team in Reading, said: “The Reading Stronghold team proactively and robustly target drug dealers, using both overt and covert tactics in order to take drugs off our streets.“The public play a vital role in our fight against drugs, so if you have any information about drug dealing then please contact the police.“You can leave information online or by calling 101.”
“Why not head over to Prospect Park and give it a go?”
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EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
NEWS | THE BEST PICTURES ARE ONLY IN YOUR READING.TODAY
The Select Car Leasing Stadium
The Forbury Gardens The Town Centre
Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “I’m delighted to see our new Ranger Station at Prospect Park now open for play. It offers a new destination for families across Reading and beyond.“Ireally enjoyed trying out the mini-golf among some of Reading’s finest heritage buildings, although sadly I didn’t manage any holes-in-one.
IT’S READING as you’ve never seen it beforeand for once it really is a little big town. Earlier this month, Reading Borough Council opened The Ranger Station, a new activity centre forItfamilies.includes a play hub with Sky Tykes low ropes, a coffee bar, and a multi-function room. And there’s also a very special nine-hole minigolf attraction, nestled in part of Prospect Park. Each of the holes features a Reading landmark in miniature form. They include the Abbey, the Blade, Reading Festival and the Forbury Lion.
The show will see the Queenz perform an eclectic party NIGHT OUT OUT: Queenz is coming to The Hexagon next month playlist, featuring remixed and reimagined pop anthems from The Spice Girls, Shakira, GaGa, Britney, Whitney and everything in between.Noneofthe songs are lip synced, and there will be some stunning costumes, packed with sparkle and sequins. These five Queenz represent all, from backstreet bars to West End stars and living out their childhood fantasies with this wonderfully whacky show. The Queenz have appeared on the ITV show Walk The Line, and are now taking part in a UK tour.Among the line-up is X Factor & Union J pop star Jaymi Hensley. The show takes place at The Hexagon on Wednesday, September 28, from 8pm. n Tickets cost £26, and can be ordered from whatsonreading. com, or calling the box office on 0118 960 6060. n For more on the tour, or to see preview videos, log on to: www. queenztheshow.com
READY TO UNITE: This year’s Pride Parade and Love Unites Festival will take place at Kings Meadow on Saturday, September 3. Picture: Courtesy of Reading Pride partnered with Readipop, will see performances from Elucidate, tipped as one of Spotify’s Hot New Bands in 2019, rap collective OSP, and indie-folk outfit Colours & Fires.“Reading is the home of artists,” Mr Russell said, “and our Pride aLive stage really shows off all of our local artists who are LGBTQ+ or allies, and from all sorts of genres.” He said also that the festival is a safe space for families: “We have a stage for under 15s, with activites designed for the littleuns.“We have our story hour going on too, with two of our dragHequeens.”saysalso that accessibility is extremely important: “We’ve had BSL interpreters for a while now, but this year we have a raised platform for disabled users, with limited onsite parking reserved for blue badgeThisholders.”year’s Pride parade and Love Unites 2022 festival will take place on Saturday, September 3, and is sponsored by TheUnison.parade begins at Reading train station at 10.45am, arriving at the festival site for noon, when it opens. n To book a place on the parade, visit www.readingpride.co.uk.
Sum Ting Wong will host the Pride Xtra stage, joined by Reading’s Got Drag host Big Jay.Marking only the first anniversary of their drag performance in September, Big Jay will also host the Trans Pride after-party at the Rising Sun Arts Centre. Grace Anatomy, Amber Rose Turner, and DJ Enbee will also make appearances on the Pride XtraThestage.Pride aLive stage,
Queenz show at Hexagon will star X Factor’s Jaymi Hensley
TO HELP people get ready for this weekend’s Reading Pride parade and party, Broad St Mall is giving away some rainbowthemed goodies. On Saturday, between 9am and 2pm, the Reading town centre shopping centre will be offering free face painting and glitterTopsy,art.the mall’s mascot, will be posing for selfies and giving away rainbowthemed flags, face paints and sweets between 9am and 10.30am.AndTopsy will be taking part in the parade, from 11am at Reading’s railway station. Last weekend, jelly ran a free workshop to create a community art piece for their window, and MyUmbrella had a stall to raise awareness about the lesser-known identities of LGBT+.Steven Connolly, the mall’s manager, said: “Broad St. Mall has long been at the heart of the Reading community, so we are thrilled to be celebrating Reading Pride. “It’s sure to be a fantastic celebration that the whole community can enjoy and we encourage everyone to come to the mall to get parade ready and join in the fun.” n For more information on what’s on at Broad St. Mall visit: www. broadstreetmall.com and to find out more about Reading Pride visit: www.readingpride.co.uk
THE ESSENCE of Reading Pride will continue next month with a drag extravaganza at The Hexagon.Thesix-sided arts centre is to host Queenz, an evening of music performed by a quintet of drag artistes with impressive voices. Organisers say it will be a dance party night that will bring some pride and joy as the divas perform songs with sass, and have plenty to say.
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Reading gears up for Pride parade and Love Unites Festival 2022
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.,today ON SATURDAY, Reading’s LGBTQ+ community will celebrate with the annual Pride parade and Love Unites Festival 2022. With non-stop music across three stages and a number of performance spaces, the event is full of exciting acts and attractions.Thebiggest change from previous years is the extended parade route, which now runs down to the Riverside, by The Oracle.This year’s parade will begin at Reading Station, opposite The Oakford Social Club, and will proceed through Blagrave street, Friar Street, and down West Street past Broad Street Mall.It will follow along past the mall, then down to the Oracle and along the riverside, up Duke Street, back along Broad Street, up to and through Forbury Gardens, and on to the festival ground in King’s Meadow.Pride has also teamed up with B Radio, who will be stationed at the Love Unites Festival in Kings Meadow for the duration of the event. From there, B Radio will be broadcasting its Parade Bangers, with DJ Matthew Hemmaty sending the sounds of the parade over the airwaves from the main stage. Organisers invite those joining the parade to bring portable speakers or radios and tune in on-route. It is believed to be the first time a UK Pride parade will transmit its music over a commercial radio network as it happens.Reading Pride Trustee, Mikey Russell, said: “As well as the parade, we have three amazing stages, with our headline act Nadine Coyle – which is big – we also have the Pride Xtra Stage with Sum Ting Wong from Drag Race
ThisUK,”year’s Main Stage will see event founder Jamie Wake leading proceedings as a host alongside Wilma Fingadoo, Drag Idol winner Son of a Tutu, and Dr. Bev, and music from Carter the Bandit, Natalie Gray, Ring the Alarm, and Bentley Jones.
Pride giveaway from Broad St Mall
TIDY UP: Volunteers from Greenpeace Berkhire during their rubbish collection by the banks of the River Thames HERE’S a tale from the riverbank that’s good news: it’s now cleaner and greener thanks to a community cleanup.
Jane said: “As an island nation, we know how important our oceans are for fishing communities, tourism and tackling climate change. “Boulder barriers have proved to be effective in the Dogger Bank and Brighton MPAs and are a last resort to save the UK’s marine life; we would prefer that the Government just did their job and kept long-standing promises to end destructive fishing in MPAs.”
A STARLIGHT walk will take place next month to help raise funds for a charity that provides palliative care. Sue Ryder, which operates the Duchess of Kent House in Tilehurst, is holding a 5k starlight hike in the grounds of Pangbourne College.
Organisers hope hundreds of people will take part, be it individuals, families, or groups of friends, as a way of paying tribute to loved ones who have died, and, in the process, raise funds for Sue Ryder’s work. Doors open to the event from 6.30pm, on Saturday, October 22. There will be pre-walk entertainment and a fun warm-up. At 8pm walkers sporting fancy dress, flashing headwear and neon face paint will set out on a beautifully lit 5k route around the college grounds, enjoying live music along the way.Meghan Bentley, Sue Ryder’s community fundraiser, said: “We really hope everyone will be able to join us at Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley, which is shaping up to be a fantastic evening of celebration and remembrance under the stars. “Our specialist teams make all the difference at the end of someone’s life or following a bereavement, and by taking part in Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Thames Valley you’ll be helping Sue Ryder to provide even more expert and compassionate care. “The Sue Ryder teams work tirelessly to ensure that our patient’s symptoms and pain are managed so that the end of people’s lives can instead be filled with friendship, family and love in those final moments together.”Entryis £15 for adults, and £6 for children aged six to 12. Children under six go Groupfree.and family ticket options are also available. n For more details, log on to: sueyder. org/thamesvalleystarlight, or call: 0118 955 0433.
By DAVID AGNEW news@rdg.today
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Sue Ryder calls on peopleto walk under the stars
Greenpeace volunteers make a splash for oceans
Greenpeace says the current round of negotiations is the last chance for governments to meet commitments to ocean protection worldwide. As part of its campaign, its ship Arctic Sunrise will sail to the South West Deeps (East), an MPA off the Cornish coast. This is intended to create an off-limits zone to bottom-trawling, a fishing practice that Greenpeace says can destroy marineCelebrities,habitats. including Stephen Fry, are in support of the campaign. Their names will be stencilled on to boulders before they are dropped onto the seabed to create a barrier.
The group say they are also seeking signatures and support from the public as part of a wider campaign on marine protection and fishingEventcontrol.organiser Jane, who is from Lower Caversham, said: “In the coming weeks, Greenpeace will build an underwater boulder barrier in a designated Marine Protected Area (MPA) to block destructive industrial fishing. “Greenpeace is taking marine protection into its own hands for the third time, as the Government continues to fail to uphold its promises to make Brexit a turning point for protecting smallscale fishing in the UK. “The next Prime Minister must ban industrial fishing in MPAs by amending commercial fishing licences.”
The United Nations is currently negotiating for a Global Ocean Treaty in New York. This would allow governments to create vast ocean sanctuaries that are offlimits to harmful activities.
Staff and volunteers of the Berkshire branch of Greenpeace met at Kings Meadow to collect rubbish along the banks of the River Thames Caversham.
Maiden Erlegh A DOWNPOUR could not stop Maiden Erlegh enjoying a fantastic set of GCSE results on Thursday, August 25.
Grades at Bulmershe School placed it within the top 25% of schools across the country, with a number of subjects offering results in this band. These include Art, Technology 3D Design, Technology 3D Graphics, Business Studies, Computer Science, Drama, English Language, Geography, Italian, Portuguese, Religious Studies, Russian and Statistics. Amanda Woodfin said her pupils had shown resilience as they had coped with the disruption to their learning due to covid.“Your results are outstanding. You are all exceptional, inspiring and talented young people, and we couldn’t be prouder of you,” she said to “Enjoythem.the moment, savour your success. There are few times in life when you’ll put as much work into a single accomplishment as you have done for these results. “Be proud, you deserve it for all the effort and commitment you invested during incredibly challenging circumstances.” “We look forward to welcoming Year 11 into our sixth form and continuing to work with you,” Ms Woodfin said.“For those that are leaving us, we thank you for your many contributions to school life here at Bulmershe. I wish you the best in all of your future endeavours.”
“I would like to thank the whole team at Leighton Park for their remarkable dedication. They are true professionals, going above and beyond to support each individual.
“I am delighted to have seen so many students celebrate this morning, and rightly so. Successes have been seen in GCSE’s, vocational courses and entry level qualifications.”
Reading College
“A Leighton Park education is about much more than exam results but it is heartening to see their work validated in this way.”
Reading School READING SCHOOL students braved Thursday morning’s downpour to collect an outstanding set of GCSE results. A spectacular 88% of entries were awarded grades 7-9 and 43% were grade 9s.
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Around a quarter of students who have taken an exam for English or maths GCSE at Reading College improved their previous grades.
“The absence of live external assessments over the last two years, disrupted learning due to national lockdowns and all the uncertainty that the pandemic brought has tested their metal.
The school’s first cohort of budding filmmakers took the BTEC Creative Media Production and enjoyed strong results.Jack Mancey, who achieved a distinction, said: “I enjoyed the freedom and creativity of the course. It felt like I was gaining real life skills. I’m planning to take the Level 3 Digital Film and Video Production course in the SixthMatthewForm.”
“The teachers are really understanding, and I enjoyed how independent college is. It’s an easier learning environment than school. I’m hoping to go on to be a Youth Worker.”
Leighton Park LEIGHTON PARK students braved Thursday morning’s downpour to receive their GCSE results.Theschool’s Year 11 managed to secure an outstanding 55% of grades between 7-9, significantly above the national average of 26.3%. This was also a 5% increase from Leighton Park’s results from last year, when teachers assigned grades. Esther Bodkin achieved eight 9s, an 8 and an A*. She said: “I’m very happy. I had a little happy cry this morning and am so pleased. I’m interested in going to Oxbridge and this is a good first step.” Her mum, Justina, commented: “She’s worked really hard and we feel really proud of her. The school was really organised through the pandemic and teachers went out of their way with extra support in the lead up to the exams.“I’m really pleased they were able to do live exams as these are such important skills.” The Shinfield school showcased its excellence in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM)Gradessubjects.7-9were achieved by 89% in computer science, 88% in physics, 74% in chemistry, September 2019. “To achieve what they have is quite remarkable and I am so proud of them. Their results have exceeded expectations and there are so many individual success stories across the group.”
More than 95% Reading College students who sat a maths or English GCSE exam achieved a pass – just one of a number of great stories from the Kings Road learning centre. Run by Activate Learning, many of its students are learners who resit maths, English or both, to continue in education or progress their career.This includes mature students who need these GCSEs to progress in the workplaces, learners who may have missed the chance to go to university and want to study at degree level alongside part-time students who have studied GCSEs at evening classes.
Bulmershe School students celebrate Denefield School students inspect their results
Cheri Ashby, deputy chief executive of Activate Learning, said: “GCSE results day is such a special time for us at Activate Learning as often we see our students overcoming the barriers they have encountered in their studies previously, to improve their grades and succeed where perhaps they thought they would not. “Once again, this year I am delighted to see so many students improving on what they have previously achieved, and to do so in the first public exams for two years – and for many of them their first since they were in Year 6 – is a real achievement.”Shesaid she wanted to celebrate those who had returned to education to advance their careers. “I’ve heard some amazing stories about some of our mature students and I really want to shine a spotlight on their achievements, especially given the demands many of them faced in terms of juggling family commitments, busy home schedules and coming into“Incollege.particular, our mature students studying English and mathematics GCSEs fully online have experienced tremendous success.”Among those celebrating was Kejsida Hoxhaj a full-time GCSE Science pathway student at Reading College, who is celebrating an outstanding set of results including Grades 7-7 in Combined Science, Grade 7 in Mathematics, Grade 7 in Statistics, and a Grade 4 in English.Kejsida said: “I moved here two years ago from Greece for my education, and I had a really good experience. The teachers were so nice and helpful throughout the whole course. “Keep doing what you’re doing. I’m hoping to study dentistry in the future so I’m staying to do my A-levels here.”
Tom Leggett and Josha Gupta both achieved the highest possible grades with 10 grade 9s, an A in additional maths and religious studies.
“But it is not just about the top grades, the progress, resilience and dedication they have shown is to be commended. So many students have achieved more than they ever expected and they should be thrilled with their results.
Josha was also the highest performer nationally in OCR’s GCSE biology ourtheirstudentsstudents’RobsonHeadmasterexaminations.MrAshleycommendedtheefforts.Hesaid:“ReadingSchoolareamazing.AswithA-Levelcounterparts,Year11studentshave
All candidates achieved the English Baccalaureate. This year’s cohort performed particularly well in chemistry, where 88% of candidates received grades 8-9, 87% achieved the same grades in physics, and 84% in computer science and drama. In maths, 83% of results came back as either 8s or 9s. The school also acknowledged strong performances in ancient history, modern languages and physical education.
PraiseGCSES2022for
Kyezel-Lee Pembroke got a Grade 4 which she needed to be able to progress onto a future career.“I’m so pleased to have finally passed my Maths GCSE. I knuckled down and got the support I needed,” she said.
The school celebrated 87% of candidates passing both English and maths, by achieving at least a gradeMany4. students achieved highly, with 44% of all entries being between grades 7-9. This is the equivalent of As and A*s in the former grading scheme. Natalia H achieved 11 grade 9s and one grade 8, while Alessandro D, Freya M-T, Eva R, Malik R and Nina S received 10 grade 9s and a grade 8. Pupils also displayed the breadth of their knowledge, with an ‘attainment 8’ score of 59.55. The score means the average grade students achieved all subjects was a 6, the highest the school has ever had.A spokesperson for the school said: “This cohort, perhaps more than any other, have been impacted so much by the pandemic having started their qualifications in
Bulmershe STUDENTS from a Woodley school have been praised for “an impressive achievement” according to its headteacher.
students collecting GCSEs
Anderson Reynolds, a fulltime GCSE science pathway student achieved Grades 7-6 in Combined Science, Grade 6 in English, Grade 5 in Maths and a Grade 5 in Statistics, and now plans to study A-levels in September.Anderson said: “I loved my experience at college. I’m so pleased I got the grades I needed. I had a Grade 3 before in English and now I’ve got a Grade 6. “I am dyslexic, and the teachers really help you understand and look after you more than anything. I’ve worked really hard this year and I’m looking forward to the future.”Ewa Borowska, a part-time standalone GCSE English student at Reading College achieved a Grade 8. “I had a really great experience at college, with amazing teachers. I needed my GCSE in English as it’s my second language to pursue the career I wanted,” she said. “I’m going to study to be veterinary nurse. It’s a big step to take in your 30s but I’m confident I’ll get there.”
65% in biology and 60% in maths.Asplendid 95% of music candidates managed to achieve these same grades, which are the equivalent of As and A*s in the former grading scheme.
Judd, head of Leighton Park, said: “These students should be very pleased with their achievements.
“I pay tribute to their tremendous grit, character and resolve. They can now look forward to entering the Sixth Form with confidence.
GCSES2022
“I would also like to thank the staff and the governors of the School. Their endeavours through the Covid-19 pandemic have been truly exceptional.”
It announced that it was “delighted” for all of its Year 11 students and their families after “wonderful” results. It says that 78% of students achieved grade 4 or higher, and just under 30% achieved grade 7+, which is above the national average.Head of school, Lindsey Humber said: “We are so very proud of all the work and achievements of our Year 11 students, especially after such a difficult and disrupted two years.“Iam thankful to all of our teachers and support staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure students have the grades they need for their next steps in their education.
considered alongside our strong set of A-level results last week, it is clear that St Joseph’s College is gaining a reputation for academic success as strong as its excellent pastoral care. This is thanks to the hard work of our impressive staff who keep the young people at the centre of all that we do.”
Waingels College WAINGELS has reported above average attainment of grades of 7+, as students collect GCSE results.
• Anna F who achieved 10 GCSEs Grade 9, BTEC L2 Distinction*•KatieG who achieved 8 GCSEs Grade 9, 1 Grade 8, BTEC L2
• Momina Y who achieved 4 GCSEs Grade 9, 3 Grade 8, 1 Grade 7, BTEC L2 Distinction
THE ABBEY’S Year 11 students received a splendid set of GCSE results on Thursday, August 25. Over 90% of all results were between grades 7-9, which are the equivalent of straight A and A*s in the former grading scheme.Justunder half, 47%, of all entries were the top grade 9, and over 75% were either 8s or 9s.In total, 22 students secured nine or more grade 9s and a quarter of the year group received 8s and 9s across the board.Head of The Abbey School, Will le Fleming, commented: “We are so proud of the year group as a whole and for what they have achieved, given all that has happened over the last two“Butyears.above all we are proud of every single individual. Our goal is to support each student to achieve their own personal best and to live and study with joy.“We are so grateful to the wonderful staff, across every role in the school, who have supported and guided students and helped them achieve these results.“We can’t wait to work alongside this brilliant cohort as they go on to Sixth Form and all that lies beyond.”
• Judith H who achieved 4 GCSE Grade 9, 4 Grade 8, 2 Grade 7
Celebrations at John Madejski Academy Reading College students enjoyed successes that allow them to progressAll smiles at Leighton Park School
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Ms Rachel Cave was delighted by this year’s results. She said: “So much has been talked about how
overcome great adversity and can be thrilled with their achievements.“We’veloved watching them learn, grow and flourish and could not be prouder of their outstanding results.
• Lucas T who achieved 2 GCSE Grade 9, 3 Grade 8, 1 Grade 7, 1 Grade 6, 2 BTEC L2 Distinction*•JoshCwho achieved 3 GCSE Grade 9, 3 Grade 8, 4 Grade 7 • Alex H who achieved 4 GCSE Grade 9, 2 Grade 8, 1 Grade 7, 2 Grade 6 Highdown School
• Alisha C who achieved 8 GCSEs Grade 9, 2 Grade 8
HIGHDOWN students made the trip into school to collect their GCSE results on Thursday morning.Therain could not wipe the smiles off the faces of pupils, families and staff who revelled in what was a fantastic set of results, with the vast majority of this year’s cohort progressing onto sixth form. Others will head to college courses, apprenticeships or employment.Ofallthe grades obtained, 78% were at grade 4 level or higher, which is equivalent to a C in the former grading scheme. A remarkable 32% were grades 7-9, corresponding to the old A and HeadteacherA*.
Edwin Towill, the head of Denefield School said: “Today is all about destinations and we are excited that our students are able to move into the next stage of their lives with confidence and resilience. “It is wonderful to see so many of our students wishing to return to Denefield Sixth Form, with others starting exciting new college courses, apprenticeships or training.”
St Joseph’s College ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE students were rewarded for their endeavours, receiving a splendid set of GCSE results. Despite sitting externallyassessed exams for the first time since 2019, candidates improved the percentage of top grades achieved.
• Sophie W who achieved 3 GCSE Grade 9, 5 Grade 8, 2 Grade 7
“With a newly refurbished Sixth Form Centre and cafe, I am sure they will enjoy Sixth Form life and, in a few years, we will be celebrating their A Level results.”MsStotesbury thanked the school’s staff for their efforts and for ‘keeping the young people at the centre of all that we“Whendo’.
The Abbey School
A quarter of all exams were awarded a grade 9, up by 8% from last year, when teachers awardedGradesgrades.8or9 were obtained in 46% of entries, in contrast to 27% in 2019, and 68% of results received were graded a 7 or higher.This year, 12% of students achieved 8s or higher across the board, with 21% achieving 7s and above in all subjects. This would be the equivalent of straight As in the old grading system.Candidates performed particularly well in computer science, with everyone achieving a grade 9. At least 80% of pupils achieved grades 7-9 in maths, further maths, geography, art and design, food tech and ICT, Head Laura Stotesbury said: “I am delighted by these GCSE results which are a testimony to all the hard work that students have put in over the past two years – both in school and when having to learn remotely during the various lockdowns. “I am thrilled by how many students have chosen to remain at St Joseph’s College to study for their A Levels and by how many new students are joining us in Year 12 this September.
Denefield School STUDENTS at a Tilehurst school have been congratulated for a set of results judged to be ‘outstanding’.Denefield, in Long Lane, said that almost a third (32%) achived grades 9-7, 71% had 9-5 grades, 84% 9-4, and 99.8% received grades between 9-1. And there was similar successes in the vocational subjects, with all students achieving an L1 pass, 94% had an L2 Distinction*-Pass grade. There were 59% of students achieving L2 Distinction* to merit grades, and 39% L2 Distinction*-Distinction passes.
Denefield’s top achievers this year are:
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our parents and the community for their ongoing support, recognising the strong partnership we have which supports students to reach their full potential.”
In a statement released by Waingels, the school said: “For all, these results are the accumulation of five years of study, learning and hard work. “We are grateful for everything that this year group have given to our school; we wish them well as they embark on the next chapter of their lives especially to those students who will be taking up college courses with our local providers.”
•Distinction*FrankieB who achieved 8 GCSEs Grade 9, 2 Grade 8
• Dylan T who achieved 7 GCSEs Grade 9, 3 Grade 8
“I am proud of each of the students for the journey they have been on, what they have achieved and am excited about where this experience will take them next and wish them all the best for the future.” Willink
Mr Salberg thanked the teachers and staff at The Wren: “We know that it is not just our classroom staff who have ensured our students’ success.
GCSES2022
“They have demonstrated a fantastic attitude and worked so hard, alongside our phenomenal staff who have helped them throughout this journey.”MrSalberg acknowledged the difficult circumstances students faced during the pandemic. He said that the school was proud of the achievements of students, “who strived to learn at home with limited access to the internet, or with a house full of siblings.
Principal of UTC Reading, Jonathan Nicholls, said: “What an important moment this is for our Year 11 students.“Having joined the UTC in September 2020 at the end of the first national lockdown, these students adapted to the UTC brilliantly and despite the ongoing disruption of the last two years have demonstrated resilience, flexibility and focus throughout their time with us.
“Every single member of staff inside and outside of the classroom has worked tirelessly to provide our students with the best possible learning experience.“Weare grateful for the support of the families of the Wren, our Governors, our local community and the Excalibur Academies Trust.”
He said that while examinations and end-ofpoint assessments come with huge pressure for young people, “they have risen to the challenge brilliantly.
A BURGHFIELD COMMON school says it is delighted to announce this year’s GCSE results.Among the cohort at The Willink was a student, Sarah R, who received 10 grade 9 results –- a clean sweep. In all, 184 students sat GCSE exams, the first since 2019. And 83% achieved grades 9-4 in English and maths, and 70% were grades 9-5 in the sameThosesubjects.sitting their EBacc entry level, which includes English, maths, science, languages, history or geography, wereAnd91%.
Mr Johnson acknowledged the exceptional circumstances this year group has faced and said they deserved particular praise for the ‘resilience and commitment’ they have developed and shown. He finished by wishing the students well in their next school, college or training placement and beyond.
“I am really proud that through their achievements they have secured places either to continue with us at the UTC in our sixth form or to continue their education with other schools and colleges to follow different subject specialisms. “Some students have secured opportunities to start apprenticeships programmes.
“We wish all of our students the very best in their next steps of education, many of them with us in our fantastic Sixth Form, where we know that they will grab hold of the opportunities that come their way, that they will flourish, succeed and thrive.”
Peter Fry said: “The Willink School is delighted to announce this year’s GCSE and Level 2 results.
“I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the staff team for their hard work and commitment to supporting our students towards their success.”
The Wren School AS STUDENTS around the country collect their GCSE results, The Wren School has commended its Year 11s for their achievements during an “incredibly challenging” period. The school’s principal, John Salberg, said: “Congratulations to every single one of our Year 11’s on making it through these incredibly challenging and tough“Weyears.aredelighted with the performances of our students in the first set of external exams since 2019, and look forward to celebrating with these exceptional young people today.“Our students have shown an extraordinary level of resilience and determination throughout the terrible disruptions to their education that began when they were in Year 9.
“The students who lost family members and had to deal with both their loss and not being able to say goodbye.
John Madejski Academy STUDENTS at a Whitley school have achieved the best-ever results according its principal.OnThursday, August 25, the teenagers collected their results from the John Madejski Academy, returning to the Hartland Road campus for the occasion.The school’s principal, Louise Baker, said the school were proud and happy with the Year 11 “Theycohort.have all handled their GCSEs with an amazing level of confidence and courage,” she said.“This is even more impressive when you consider these are the first year of students to have sat externally marked GCSEs since 2019. “To the immense credit of our students, parents and carers, and all our amazing staff, we’ve achieved the best GCSE results ever seen at JMA. “We are so proud of our students and our staff for helping them do so well.” She added: “We look forward to seeing many of our students back in school in only a few weeks to start sixth form.”
A happy day for pupils at St Joseph’s College
these grades will come out. We know that our students worked incredibly hard and have done brilliantly.“These results are better than those achieved in 2019, so represent the hard work of students and their teachers amidst the hardest of circumstances for education. “We are incredibly proud of them.”
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He said that this was also the reason the school had chosen not to provide any information to the media about overall grade performance or comparisons, along with a number of other schools across the country. “We will use today’s outcomes to challenge ourselves and aim even higher as we move on using more appropriate methods other than grade comparison.”
“The students who were badly affected by the illness itself, and those who are still impacted by the side effects – today, this is what we are celebrating.“Notjust the grades and huge progress that our students have achieved, but the remarkable stories and the inspirational individuals that show us how exceptional and talented our students are.”
Maiden Erlegh 2 MAIDEN ERLEGH School in Reading students and staff celebrated a stellar set of GCSE results on Thursday, August 25. In the core subjects, 72% of students achieved at least a grade 4 in English and maths, with 54% obtaining a grade or higher in both subjects. Overall, 62% of grades were between grades 5-9, which are classified as strong passes. Candidates also showcased strength in a range of subjects, boasting an ‘attainment 8’ score of 50.8.The school said early indications suggest its grades ‘compare favourably’ with the nationalHeadteacherpicture.
“On the back of two-and a-bit years of disjointed learning, the product of the pandemic, these results are an accolade to our students’ great determination and“Forresilience.morethan 70% of our students to achieve at least five grade 5s is a wonderful achievement – and I must pay tribute to our staff for the first-rate support and guidance provided to our students over this“Finally,time. it would be remiss of me not to mention Sarah R who achieved the grand slam of 10 grade 9s. Wow.”
“We have students that have achieved results that really do reflect the fact that they have done the best they can, with what they have got, in the moment they are in.”
UTC Reading YEAR 11 students at UTC Reading are collecting their GCSE results on Thursday, AugustExecutive25.
82% of students achieved grades of at least 4-9 in English, maths and three other subjects. This is comparable with the old A*-C passHeadteacherrate.
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Mr Johnson said: “On behalf of our school community at Maiden Erlegh School in Reading, I want to offer my huge congratulations to our students who received their public examination results today.“These excellent results mark the culmination of years of study and hard work, and I am so pleased that so many of our students have received appropriate recognition for their efforts.
The following Willink students achieved at least 8 GCSE grades 9-7: Archie B, Amelie B, Ted B-W, Amy C, Ioana C, Iona C, Georgia C, Weronika C, Archie D, Haris D, Daisy F, Nathan H, Sophia H, Oliver H, Isaac K, Harrison L, Edward L, Connor L, Lucas M, Harry M, Cooper M, Rhys M, Daisy M, Joshua O, Matthew P, Thomas P, Holly R, Sarah R, Sam R, Jess S, Charlotte S, Aiden S, Taymar T, and Maddie U-C.
Theale Green STUDENTS from Theale Green School celebrate “outstanding” results as they collect their grades on the morning of Thursday, August 25.Theale Green School reported that one third of students taking French GCSE achieved the top grades of 8 or 9. The school said in a statement that it was: “So proud of all our students who have shone in so many different ways in their time with us, not just academically, but in sports, arts and by being active members of the school community. “This outstanding set of results are entirely a reflection of the incredible progress seen at Theale Green School over recentDarcyyears.”
“I am so proud of how hard they worked, and they are now in a great position as they move into Sixth Form”. Queen Anne’s also recognised the creative achievements of its students, including twins Jaey and Juny Suh. Both are international boarders from South Korea who were each awarded their post-grade 8 diploma, or ARSM.Juny achieving her ARSM in violin and Jaey in flute; Jaey then went on to achieve her ATCL diploma, an achievement usually reached in the first year of an undergraduate degree.
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Queen Anne’s has reported that its students continue to perform strongly STEM subjects, with Maths results counting a total of ten students at grade 9 and 16 at grade 8. Biology also excelled with thirteen students achieving grade 9 and eleven achieving gradeHead8. of the school, Elaine Purves, said: “I am very proud of this year’s GCSE cohort, who have overcome challenging times to achieve an exceptional set of results that will propel them into their next step in education.“They have shown dedication, determination and enthusiasm throughout their GCSEs and I look forward to seeing them flourish in their A Levels and beyond.” Its creative arts department also saw a strong set of grades with 79% of students studying Drama securing grade 8 or higher.Among them is Ella Barker, from Surrey, achieving grade 9 along with other grade 9s
Edwards, Ella Weatherley, Sophie Angel. Picture: Courtesy of Theale GreenExecutiveSchoolPrincipal of Theale Green School, Joanna Halliday, said: “These outstanding results are a reflection of the dedication that both students and staff have shown. “During the course of the year we have received national awards for sport, had the most amazing OFSTED report, been visited by the Secretary of State. “We’ve seen our Year 13 go off to wonderful destinations and now these GCSE results for our brilliant Year 11 feel like the cherry on top of the cake for the young people and for our community.“Alongstanding member of staff said to me today, ‘I’ve waited 12 years to come in to a set of results like this’. It is a huge privilege to be part of this wholesale transformation and to see the success of each individual student”
A number of students were highlighted for achieving outstanding results, including Mushin I, who achieved 10 Grade 9s and a Grade 8, and Thea W, who achieved seven Grade 9s and four Grade 8s.
Queen Anne’s QUEEN Anne’s School have announced that nearly two thirds of students results were
Willink School students gathered to collect their results The Wren School
Little Heath STUDENTS at Little Heath School were among those collecting their GCSE results on Thursday, August 25. Headteacher David Ramsden said: “I am delighted that students from the Class of 2022 have achieved the success that they so richly deserve. “Right from the start, when they joined the school in Year 7, five years ago, they have been a hard-working and determined year“Ingroup.thepast two-and-a-half years this cohort of students have experienced a Key Stage 4 programme like no other, yet they have demonstrated resilience and commitment to achieve their very best throughout their GCSE courses.“This was particularly evident in their approach to remote learning during the national lockdowns and when they returned to school.
grades 7 or above, as Year 11s collect results on Thursday, AugustWith24.64% of grades being level 7 or better, equivalent to an A-grade or higher, the school has commended its students on “excellent” results. It also reported that its English department saw outstanding results, with 44% of English Language students and 43% of English Literature students achieving grade 9. Anna Spellman, head of English, said: “This year’s English Literature and English Language results are outstanding.“Iamso proud of the students who have shown such commitment to English throughout their five years with“Theirus. success today, despite the disruptions of the pandemic, is truly remarkable–I cannot thank our exceptional English teachers enough.”
“As a Year group they have showed tenacity and a determination to achieve their very best, under uniquely difficult circumstances, and the results today have demonstrated what a talented group they are.”
GCSES2022
Jaey also accomplished 98% in her Maths GCSE and Juny achievedOverall,97%.the school reported that 85% of students received grades 6 or higher, equivalent to a B grade.
Head of School, Charlotte Badarello who has led the transformational changes in the curriculum, said: “We are so excited to now welcome this year group into our sixth form.“They have been role model students throughout the last two years, and they have been nothing but a pleasure for all of us to work with. “We are immeasurably proud of their incredible success, which has come through hard work and a hugely positive attitude – many congratulations to them all.”
Joanna Ayeni, a full boarder, from Essex, received seven grade 9s, a grade 8, and one grade 7, and will be studying Computer Science, Physics, and Maths at A Level. Linda McGrenary, director of middle school, said: “The students approached these exams with resilience and kept focused on the end goal.
Thea W, who achieved seven Grade 9s, and four Grade 8s. Picture: Courtesy of Little Heath School
in Biology, Physics, English Literature, and English Language.KeiraBarton, from Warfield, achieved seven grade 9s and three grade 8s, and who will go on take Psychology, Geography, and History at A-level.
TWO of Reading’s most popular green spaces have been awarded Green Flags, meaning they are among the best in the country.
Fly-tipping fines start at just £51, rising to £1,000
GREEN AND PLEASANT: Forbury Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens (above) have won Green Flags Picture: Reading Borough Council
‘22 Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Mercure Swansea Hotel with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway Scenic drive through the Brecon Beacons National Park Excursions to the Royal Mint Experience, Cardiff, the Gower Peninsula & the Mumbles Departing Mon 24 Oct ‘22 Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Tor Park Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park Cruise on the River Dart Excursions to Buckfast Abbey, Princetown, Tavistock, Dartmouth & Totnes WPR_2022-08-29_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go 5 Days by Coach only £349 5 Days by Coach only £299 ThePeakDistrictChatsworthHouse&CrichTramwayVillage_F.pdf Single Supplement £120 Single Supplement £60 or visit us online at justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332 342 527 Quote WPR 10 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
The council also supports and works with community efforts to collect bulky waste in areas with fly- tipping issues such as the annual Baker Street Area initiatives.AssociationNeighbourhoodCleanUpandother
Touch Entertainment Ltd wants to sell alcohol between noon and 11am daily. It also seeks permission for regulated entertainment: plays, films, indoor sporting events, live music, dance, and DJing.The closing date for comments on the application is Friday, September 16. The Reading Post closed in December 2015, and the building has been empty since. n For more details, log on to reading.gov.uk
Printworks plans return THE home of Reading Today’s predecessor could once again be used as an entertainment venue if plans are approved. Last Christmas, the Tessa Road base of the Reading Post was turned into a winter wonderland of entertainment.Aprogramme of live music, cinema screenings, DJs and food featured in the former print hall of the newspaper. Now, a new application has been submitted to Reading Borough Council to give permission for entertainment at the venue, off Richfield Avenue, until 2025.
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The Eddisons’ website states: “The Council is looking for a development partner who understands and shares their vision for this strategically significant site and has a commitment to, and experience of, working successfully in partnership to achieve outstanding development quality and place-making.” As well as apartments, the developer would be expected to make flexible working and conference facilities and create an outdoor performance space. Eddisons and the council will hold an event where prospective bidders can meet council leaders to view the proposals and consider taking on the scheme. It will take place at The Hexagon at 10am on Wednesday, September 14. A brochure has been devised by Eddisons laying out the principles of the project. The plans has been opposed by the Green party. Cllr David McElroy (Green, Redlands) said future occupants of the apartments “would have their eyeballs and lungs destroyed by the IDR” – referring to the A329 inner distributor road which runs to the west of the Minster Quarter site. And Cllr Rob White (Green, Park), the leader of the opposition, criticised the council for not pushing for 50% of the proposed apartments (309) to be affordable – the target is 30%, or 185 apartments, in line with current policy. Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote) the leader of the council, said this was an appropriate level to be economically viable to bidders. He said at a council meeting: “[This] is an aspirational goal. We want to deliver high quality affordable housing on the site. “If we find a partner who’s able to deliver more than that, I’m sure we’ll push it further, but I can guarantee we won’t.”
Once bids for the project are submitted, the winning bidder will be selected at a future council meeting.
Itsu boozewithdrawsplan
A SUSHI restaurant in Reading has withdrawn a plan to add alcoholic drinks to its takeaway and delivery menus, saying current licencing rules mean it is unnecessary.TheItsuatReading Gate Retail Park has been selling Asahi beer and wine in its restaurant since it opened in August 2021. In July, it applied for permission from Reading Borough Council to offer alcohol using Deliveroo, and allowing customers to consume their drinks outside the restaurant.Itisunderstood Itsu is waiting for regulations to be finalised to determine whether a licensing application is required or not. A spokesperson for Itsu said: “The premises is already licensed to sell alcohol for sales on the “Thepremises.Government stated in May that temporary off-sales would not be extended beyond September 30, so we made an application. A while later, it was confirmed they had changed their stance and do intend to extend off sales for a further year.”Itsu took over from the old Pizza Hut at the Reading Gate Retail Park, which closed during the pandemic. There is also a branch in Broad Street in Reading’s town centre.
Local democracy reporter A SEARCH has begun for a developer to build 618 apartments in Reading town centre. Earlier this summer, Reading Borough Council revealed plans for its Minster Quarter scheme, which covers the former Civic Centre area between Broad Street Mall and Reading police station, including The Hexagon. The vision includes 618 flats, a 90 bed hotel, and a new public space for people to gather and enjoy.The council has chosen chartered surveyor firm Eddisons to procure a developer to turn the plan into a reality.
Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “I am delighted that yet again, two of our most popular open spaces have been recognised by Green Flag awards.”
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Parks are flagged up
READING Borough Council fined under 400 fly-tippers last year, with fines ranging from £51 to The£1,000.figures follow a report from the Local Government Association (LGA) which revealed offenders are being fined an average of £335 in 2020/21.TheLGA has called for higher fines to be introduced to punish offenders and deter others.Ithas also suggested that courts should consider suspended sentences and locking up repeat offenders.
“It is the council’s intention that investigations into flytipping will lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £400 or prosecution, the maximum court penalty for fly-tipping is an unlimited fine and/or a fiveyear custodial sentence.
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“The Council has invested the money from FPNs in its own CCTV surveillance cameras around areas most susceptible to fly-tipping and the footage has helped issue a number of fixed penalty notices and act as a deterrent.
Reader
Royal Mint & Brecon Railway TORQUAY, SOUTH DEVON & Dartmoor National Park Departing Thu 20
Following the report, a spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said it takes fly-tipping seriously and is continuing to work on tackling the“Aproblem.committed and dedicated Recycling and Enforcement team was set up in November 2019 to increase activity and action taken against flytipping,” they said.
Forbury Gardens and Caversham Court Gardens were both recipients of the honour, as well as a Green Heritage Site AwardThey are among 2,208 given the award, and 181 places in the SouthTheEast.award is given for venues that have high-quality maintenance and excellent wildlife-and climate-friendly practices. This month, parks and green spaces across the country will be raising their Green Flag Award with pride in a time when millions of people have seen the value of having great quality green spaces on their doorstep. Reading is one of only 15 places in the South East to receive a heritage award.
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“We are always looking at how we can increase the number of CCTV cameras in use and continually looking at new and innovative ways to tackleThefly-tipping.”wasteteam has also undertaken activities to inform residents of the correct way to get rid of excess or bulky waste.The council’s free bulky waste collection service was launched in May, in part to dissuade people from flytipping.People can book a collection every six months, for a range of items, including bikes, cookers, tables tumble dryers and more.
“CCTV allows council officers to identify fly-tippers who are depositing waste from a vehicle, at any time of the day or night, where evidence may not have been found onsite.
Pictures: John Lee, Reading Cycle Campaign
Italian plans to open this year Leisure supportcentresrefugees Car retailer’s joyin awards success
SUV was voted by more than 150,000 car owners, and was praised for its performance, towing capability, and luggage capacity.DarylBest, general manager at Waylands Reading, said: “We’re delighted to have one of our cars recognised by Auto Trader as the best car for towing –especially as this award is voted for by UK motorists.“TheSUV market is fiercely competitive, so it’s fantastic to see the XC40 winning more awards and being commended for its state-of-the-art technology, connectivity, safety and, of course, that all-important driving experience.”
THE company behind an Italian restaurant has said it hopes to open in Reading’s town centre later this year. Coco di Mama is planning to open a branch in Broad Street, in the unit formerly used by EccoTheshoes.company applied for permission to convert the space, next to the now empty Chipstar unit, so it can serve pasta, sandwiches, lasagnes soups, and sweet treats.
Call for action over missing or misleading cycle signs across Ding
Craig Woodward, Better Partnership Manager for Reading, said: “We have been delighted by the success of Reading scheme to date. “The war in Ukraine and the arrival of many Ukrainians in the UK highlighted the plight of refugees from all over the world and we wanted to do our bit to help.” n To apply, complete an online form at: org.uk/supported-membership-schemewww.better.
By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter CAMPAIGNERS say cyclists are suffering due to missing and incorrect signs across Reading. Members of Reading Cycle Campaign have created a report identifying routes where the information is missing or wrong.Reading
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NOT QUITE RIGHT: A cycle lane sign in Basingstoke Road. The Reading Cycle Campaign has argued this is incorrect.
Mosque’s welcome Jazz for the Queen
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THE ABU Bakr Islamic Centre is open to visitors from noon-4pm on TheSaturday.mosque, on Oxford Road, invites people to take part in the Visit My Mosque event, which will see tours, speeches and performances. Guests will be able to become familiar with the centre and will be given the opportunity to ask questions about the space. There will also be light refreshments available. All are welcome but guests are asked to dress modestly whenThevisiting.VisitMy Mosque event will take place at the Abu Bakr Islamic Centre, Oxford Road, on Saturday, September 3, from
NOT CLOSED: The sign leading to Stanshawe Road is incorrect for cyclists gives cycling the priority it deserves.”Thecouncil has received and noted the report. A spokesperson for the council said: “We fully acknowledge there are a number of signs in the town which require attention, some of which are historic, but others which are the result of more recent changes in legislation. “We are aware of the Reading Cycle Campaign report which is in the hands of council officers for attention.”
ANnoon-4pm.EVENING of jazz will take place in a Reading pub this Saturday.ThePeter Bingham Quartet will be at the Queens Head on Christchurch Road from 8pm. The musician started playing clarinet before he was a teenager. When he was 15, he picked up the saxophone to perform in his uncle’s dance band - taking it over when his uncle retired. He started playing modern jazz in the late 1970s, and now has a first Tuesday of the month residency at The Four Horseshoes in Sherfield-onLoddon.
The spokesperson added it could open earlier depending on the legal situation. They explained: “The site on offer was the ground floor and the first floor. We didn’t need the first “Readingfloor.Smiles are going to move into the unit next door and make that unit bigger.” The legal issue surrounds the separation of the address into two units, A and B. A revised proposal will be submitted soon.
Lacks Properly Signed Cycle Routes, by John Lee, includes six ‘secret cycle routes’, two missing ‘except cyclists’ signs, one missing park cycle route sign, and various cases of missing cycle direction and cycle lane signs. The six routes are places were cyclists are allowed to go, but do not have signs explaining that to them. All are in Reading town centre: the Town Hall Square, Queen’s Walk next to Broad Street Mall, Station Hill, Queen Victoria Street, Market Place and east Broad Street. Mr Lee also identified two missing ‘except cyclists’ signs near the town centre. Although signs show a road ending, there are certain routes which cyclists can go through. The two examples identified are Stanshawe Road and Great Knollys Street. The report also states that there are no signs for routes through the town’s parks, such as Balmore Park. Other issues with cycling signage in Reading include a lack of direction signs in the town centre, and an incorrect sign warning drivers of the start of a cycle lane in Basingstoke Road.Additionally, in Elgar Road, an of End of Route sign is in place where there should be start of route sign. Mr Lee said: “When will the council get these signs corrected or right in the first place?“Ifsigns for motor vehicles were wrong, they’d be changed within days; why not for cyclists?”Reacting to the report, the leader of the opposition and an avid cyclist, Cllr Rob White (Green, Park), said: “This excellent investigation by Reading Cycle Campaign on cycle routes that are badly signed sums up Labour-run Reading Council’s attitude to cycling in the town. “Labour councillors give it lip service but are not interested. Many of these missing or correct signs have been raised numerous times over many years and minimal action has been“Thetaken.sums of money involved are“Readingnegligible. Council should simply correct the signage. “Reading is a compact town and cycling should be the first choice for many more journeys than it currently is, but this won’t happen until the council
Better says the Rivermead Leisure Complex has issued 70 free memberships so far.
UKRAINIAN refugees settling in Reading are able to enjoy free membership of Reading Borough Council’s leisure centres. Its operator, Better, has extended the scheme, launched to help welcome our European neighbours who have left the country following Putin’s illegal invasion. The initial scheme was for three months’ free usage, but this is now six months. If recipients are still classified as refugees after this period they will be eligible to transfer onto Better’s discounted concessionary membership scheme.
A READING-based car retailer is selling one of the best cars on the road. Waylands Reading, on Imperial Way, is stocking the Volvo XC40, which has won the Best Car For Towing in the Auto Trader New Car Awards.Thecompact
FOOTGOLF FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY BOOK ONLINE WWW.WOKINGHAMFAMILYGOLF.CO.UKTODAY To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, August 31, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 11
The application went to Reading Borough Council in June, but was withdrawn. The company says it intends to start trading this year. A spokesperson for Coco di Mama said: “We’re very much still opening, and we’re really excited to come to Reading. “We will probably be opening at the end of November, we think that will be the date we’ll be going in.”
By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter NEIGHBOURS and one of Reading’s MPs are celebrating the defeat of a plan to build a 5G mast that would dwarf nearby homes. Hutchison, the company that owns the Three mobile network, applied to build a 5G mast and associated cabinets in Kidmore Road,TheCaversham.15mhadbeen described as looking like it came from HG Wells’ sci-fi novel The War of the Worlds. Earlier this month, the plan was rejected by the council’s planning department.LabourMP for Reading East Matt Rodda joined with residents to celebrate the refusal. As many as 197 neighbours objected to the plan, arguing that it looked ‘hideous’ and could prove dangerous for drivers by blocking their line of sight. Mr Rodda said: “I am delighted that Reading Borough Council planning department has turned down the application for a very large telecoms mast at the junction of Kidmore Road and Charlotte about this proposal. “I wrote to the council to support the residents’ concerns and also to raise the additional issue of whether the proposed mast could have blocked sight lines at this junction.“While residents want to see 5G rolled out it is important that masts are not in locations where they are eye sores or cause other problems.”
MP joins Caversham residents to celebrate refusal of 5G mast
fitted furniture Address: Unit 12, Metro Centre, Toutley Road, Wokingham, RG41 1QW. Telephone: 0118 989 3438 www.blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk Email: enquiries@blueprintfittedfurniture.co.uk Follow us at facebook.com/Blueprintfittedfurniture Showroom Opening Hours 9-3 Monday to Friday 10:30-2:30 on Saturdays Bedrooms, Home Offices, Media Units & Bespoke Furniture CMY blueprint_advert_190x137mm_TKT17746_advert-2-v03-PR.pdf 1 29/07/2022 09:50 12 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
NOT HERE: Neighbours and Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, celebrating the defeat of a plan for a 5G mast in Kidmore Road, Caversham. Credit: Office of Matt Rodda MP
Three is currently investing heavily in Reading to enhance connectivity for consumers and
Christmas is coming ... and so is Wonderland
Reasons for refusal were listed by Reading Borough Council’s planning department, who argued its visual possibility for crashes would all be detrimental.Theplan was also opposed by Caversham Heights ward councillors from the Conservative party, Paul Carnell and Isobell Ballsdon.MrRodda has pointed out that the application was part of a larger wave of plans for 5G masts throughout Reading and Woodley.
He’s argued the plans often involve “inappropriate siting” of tall masts in low rise areas, where they
In some cases, the masts can be twice as high as the tallest buildings, with an average two-storey house being approximately six metres tall, and the smallest suburban lamp posts being five metres tall.
Mr Rodda also supported a successful campaign against a similar mast in Vauxhall Park, Woodley.Inresponse to the refusal of the mast in Caversham, a Three spokesperson said: “We want to offer the community in Caversham and Reading a reliable network experience.“Whilewe try to keep mast sites as unobtrusive as possible, they need to be situated where people will be using the service and, in many cases, in precise locations to ensure the widest breadth of coverage.“Weare considering the council’s reasons for refusal and assessing ourTheoptions.”company has the option of appealing the decision to the Government planning inspectorate.
SANTA’S little helpers will be hoping to bring some festive cheer to a Reading car park if a popular Christmas event is allowed to return this November.HillsMeadow Car Park housed the Reading Winter Wonderland last year, and organisers want to set up the attraction once again. They have submitted a licensing application to Reading Borough Council to sell alcohol in the event area and play music outdoors from 11am to 10pm all week for the duration of the event. Winter Wonderland moved to Hills Meadow for the first time last year, prompting concerns about the ‘significant amount of noise’ coming from the site and littering generated by guests. The concerns were discussed at a licensing committee meeting, with the event being given the go Billyahead.Williams, who owns Premier Winter Wonderland Events, said: “We took everything on board. Last year we did sound checks every day, in between five and eight locations, five times a day. We weren’t asked to do that, we did that off our own backs. “There were no reports of noise or light pollution, no legitimate ones anyway.” The event in Reading will run from Saturday, November 12, to Monday, January 2, 2023. It will run every day except Christmas Day (Sunday, December 25). An application for the drinks sales and music has been submitted to the council’s licensing department.Comments can be made by emailing licensing@reading.gov.uk, with the closing date
other bands!
Visitors.After
Enter Shikari on Main Stage West
Alex Turner, in his usual suit and tousled Pompidou haircut, complimented the crowd: “you’re looking good,” before slamming into a lurching rendition of Pretty
505.After
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Fontaines D.C on Main Stage East Bring Me the Horizon on Main Stage West
The Skinner Brothers
F OR
LEISURE | READING FESTIVAL SATURDAY
the pop hit with his signature vocal effects.Arctic Monkeys closed the evening on the Main Stage East, kicking off their set with the slow build of Do I WannaAfterKnow.warming the crowd up, the band burst into the expected boisterous bombast with I Wanna Be Yours, swiftly followed by the creeping, bouncing Snap Out of It and CryingMidwayLightning.through the set they slowed things down with Cornerstone, which had the crowd swaying and singing along.
thefirsttimesincerecordsbegan,thereare nowmorejobvacanciesthanunemployedpeoplein theUK.BetweenJanuaryandMarch, unemploymentfellto3.7%-thelowestratefor nearlyhalfacentury–whilenewvacanciesreachedan all-timehighof1.3million. Compoundingthisisthefactthatpost-pandemic,many peoplehavere-evaluatedtheirwork-lifebalanceideals, includinghow,whenandwheretheywanttowork. So,whatcanyoudoasanemployertocounteractthe impactofTheGreatResignation? 1.Considerlifestyleexpectations Today,employeesexpectanemployerwillallowthemto balancehowtheyworkandtheirincomeneedswiththeir desiredlifestyle. 2.Embracesidehustles Theconceptofmonetisingahobbyorinterestcomes naturallyformanyemployees.Businessesmustexercise flexibilityinjobdesign,accommodatingtheneedfor individualstoengageinsidehustles. 3.Instilasenseofpurpose Throughperformanceconversationsandongoing education,employersmustactivelypromoteandreinforcea senseofpurposeinemployeesatalllevels. 4.Makecorevaluesresonate Employersneedtomakesurethatthecorevaluesof theirorganisationresonatewithemployeesandcustomers alike.Thinkemployeraswellasmarketbrand. 5.Addvaluetotheemployeeexperience Creatingclear,positivedifferentialswillengender loyaltyincurrentemployeesandattractnewpeople,giving themareasontochooseabusinessoveritscompetitors. Forexample,wellbeingfocusovergymmembership discounts. 6.Recognisegreatwork Recognitioncostslittleornothing,butitspowershould notbeunderestimated.Employerswhotaketimeto recogniseexceptionalperformanceandcontributionand nottakeitforgranted–specificallyratherthangenerally willretaintheirgoodpeople. DoYouNeedHelpRespondingtoTheGreat Resignation? Competitionforresourcesinareducedlabourmarket togetherwithaseismicshiftinemployeeexpectations representaperfectstormforbusinessowners.Organic P&OSolutionscanhelpensureyoukeepyourbestpeople–andhaveyourpickofthetalentpool. CallustodaytolearnmoreabouthowOrganicP&O Solutionscanhelpyouimplementabespokestrategythat willhelpyouretainandincentiviseyouridealemployees. TheGreatResignation: Retain&AttractTalent To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, August 31, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 29
Why Do You Only Call Me When You’re High, they played I Ain’t Quite Where I Think I Am from their upcoming album, The Car. With I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor, the set began to build to a crescendo, culminating in a fake-out show closer, the band returned for One Point Perspective and Arabella, under a giant disco ball. They closed the set, and the Saturday lineup, with their classic hit track, R U Overall,Mine?Saturday saw some of the festival’s biggest acts at the top of their game, and some of the biggest surprises of the weekend. With Sunday yet to go, Charlie XCX, Bastille, Run the Jewels, Denzel Curry, and headliner The 1975 are still to come.
Mallrat, Curry and Chillers | LEISURE READING FESTIVAL SUNDAY Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Words: Jake Clothier
Climate Live bus Reading Festival 2022
Pale Waves
“This is one of our favourite places in theTheyworld.”then performed a set filled with their very greatest hits, such as Chocolate, Me & You Together Song, TOOTIME, and It’s Not Living (If It’s Not WithAsYou).theset began to draw to a close, the band brought a slower energy with Nothing Revealed/ Everything Denied, Tonight (I Wish I Was Your Boy), Robbers, and A Cahnge of Heart.Healy proclaimed that the gig would be the band “at their very best”, before bursting into I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes).Thiswasswiftly followed by the infectious, existential dread of Love It if We Made It, the thrashingly bracing, People, and fan-favourite sing-along TheTheSound.band closed the set, and the festival, with Give Yourself a Try.
Pale Waves
30 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
the 2022 Reading Festival
The
on Main Stage EastChilling before another set
Headliners 1975 at Pictures:
THE THIRD day of the festival began with Mallrat, who served up her usual, infectious brand of breezy, down-to-Earth pop as she opened the Main Stage East. Denzel Curry swiftly followed, bursting onto the stage with 13LACK 13ALLOONZ and bringing a member of the crowd onstage. This was swiftly followed by SUMO, which also saw a member of the crowd join Curry onstage to perform the song. He went on to perform his 2015 hit Ultimate, and Clout Cobain. Bad Boy Chiller Crew were pulled from Sunday’s line-up after an abrupt end to their set at Leeds on Friday, with Digga D taking their place. Indie pop outfit Pale Waves made an appearance in the wake of their newest album, Unwanted, released just three weeks ago. They kicked off with Lies, before getting onto Television Romance, She is my Religion, and There’s a Honey. They closed with, Jealousy, also from the new album. Panic Shack grabbed the audience by the scruff of the neck at a wellattended set on the BBC Introducing stage.Jiu Jits You had the crowd with their hands in the air as the abrasive vocals and guitar shredding cut through the noise of the festival. They wove their thrashing epic Cash piggy into a tribute to the nowabsent Rage Against the Machine, in the form of a cover of Killing in the NameTheyof.also treated the crowd to a brand new song, Meal deal, as yet unreleased.Theband’s down to Earth lyrics deal with the issues faced by the millennial generation are mixed perfectly with punk rock, psychobilly angst.Shortly after, the band announced it was their “first time playing Reading,” before barrelling into Mannequin Man. As the sun began to set, Charli XCX kept the energy up, starting her set with Lightning, from her latest album, CRASH.Hereffusive set saw crowd favourite I Love It, smash hit 1999, Boom Clap, Vroom Vroom, and Boys. The 1975 were the headline act for Sunday, taking Main Stage East by storm instantly with If You’re Too Shy (Let Me FrontmanKnow).Matty Healy followed Love Me by saying: “We’re not Rage Against the Machine, and I’m sorry, but we love you guys. “We like to do something clean and new, but we thought ‘let’s do a greatest hits tonight instead.’
Dijana Capan/Dvision Images
on Main Stage East
LEISURE | READING FESTIVAL SUNDAY Miso Extra on BBC Introducing stage Panic Shack on mainDenzelStageIntroducingBBCCurrystageeast Bastille on Main Stage West Run The Jewel on Main Stage East Pictures: ImagesCapan/DvisionDijana Find out more at PORawards.co.uk @PORawards #PORawards PEOPLE OF OUR TOWN WHO MAKE READIN G A UNIQUE PLACE TO LIVE AND WORK A CELEBRATION OF THE EXCEPTIONA L 2022 Nominate now! To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, August 31, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 31
LONDON’S National Theatre shares a live performance of Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare’s rom com of sun, sea and mistaken identity. It tells the story of the legendary family-run Hotel Messina on the Italian Riviera, which has been visited by artists, celebrities and royalty. But when the owner’s daughter weds a dashing young soldier, not all guests are in the mood for love. A string of scandalous deceptions soon surround not only the young couple, but also the adamantly single Beatrice andTheBenedick.playislive-screened at Newbury’s Corn Exchange. It takes place on Thursday, September 8, atTIckets8pm. cost £16.15, with concessions costing £14.15.
32 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Lunchtime Organ Recital. Mon 5. Brindley Sherratt. Sat 10. Reading – Progress Theatre 0118www.progresstheatre.co.uk3842195
| LEISURE
Kite Festival. Sun 4. Where Is Anne Frank (PG). Tues 6, Sat 10. Paris, Texas (12a). Tues 6. Summer Recital Series: Significantly Beethoven. Wed 7. Jessica Fostekew: Wench. Thurs 8. Andre Rieu’s Happy Days Are Here Again. Fri 9, Wed 14. Bullet Train (15). Fri 9, Sat 10. Norden Farm Night Market. Sat 10. Joyride (15). Sat 10, Wed 14. The Vinyl Frontier: Track 1, Side 1, Debut LP. Sat 10.
Newbury –The Corn Exchange 0845www.cornexchangenew.com5218218
Greatest Songs from the Movies. Fri 9. The Beach Boyz Tribute Show. Sat 10. Maidenhead –Norden Farm 01628www.nordenfarm.org788997
A Bunch of Amateurs. Thurs 8-Sat 17. Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre 0118www.thewhittytheatre.org9743247
Black Is The Colour Of My Voice features many of the American singer/ songwriter Nina Simone’s most wellknown songs, performed live. Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows the life of successful singer and civil rights activist, Simone, as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement This extensive national tour follows a UK sell-out, and seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh, and the West End. It can be seen at Newbury’s Corn Exchange on Wednesday, September 7. The event begins at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £20 for adults, or £17 for concessions.
Sonning –The Mill 0118www.millatsonning.com9698000
A comedy of errors and mistaken identity
BRITISH jazz saxophonist (and formerly orthopaedic surgeon) Art Themen is accompanied by singer Fleur Stevenson. Together they will bring an evening of jazz music in a concert titled, Art Themen And Friends. All proceeds from the event will go to local charity, Wokingham In Need, for distribution to worthy causes. Jazz lovers can catch the concert at Wokingham’s Whitty Theatre, located in Luckley School. The performance starts at 7.30pm, but the bar is open from 6.30pm. All tickets cost £20. n For tickets and information log on to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghaminneed or call: 07867 530727. n For information about Wokingham In Need log on to: www.wokinghaminneed. com
Black Is The Colour Of My Voice, a show inspired by Nina Simone. Wed Sept 7. NT Live: Much Ado About nothing. Thurs 8. An Evening and a Little Bit of A Morning with Mark Steel. Sat 10. Newbury –The Watermill 01635www.watermill.org.uk46044
Performances, which take place every night except Sunday, start at 7.45pm, with matinees on both Saturdays at 2.30pm.Tickets cost £14, with concessions costing £11.
Luckley Lectures: Alex Hibbert. Thurs 8. Art Themen and Friends. Fri 9. Woodley – Theatre 07488337838www.woodleytheatre.org
A musical spectacular from Europe STREAMED to locations all over Europec, a musical spectacle will be performed on the Netherlands’ iconic VrijthofAndresquare.Rieu’s show features popular feel-good classics, show-tunes, and waltzes.Joined by the Johann Strauss Orchestra, and special guests, André promises to bring an uplifting and romantic party to local cinemas. Happy Days Are Here Again will be shown at Norden Farm, in Maidenhead on Friday, September 9. It starts at 2pm, and tickets cost £16. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977. Mamma Mia! Abba (kind of) on show
Funny Money. Thurs Sept 8-Nov 5. Mad About Movies. Sun 11.
One arrests him for erratic behaviour in the local pub. The other asks him to identify the corpse of a murdered man. A spiralling confusion of fibs, false names and frantic deceptions means the show is packed with fun and laughs.Funny money can be seen at The Mill At Sonning. It runs from Thursday, September 8 to Saturday, November 5.
Mmebers Night and Season Launch. Wed 7. Rowan
Reingans: Dispatches on the Red Dress. Thurs 8. Air Circus, Phantom Booth, Worm Immortality Team. Sat 10. Reading –The Hexagon 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060
The Magic of Motown. Sat 3. Imagine: The John Lennon Songbook. Tues 6. Arrival: The Hits of Abba. Thurs 8. Al Murray: Gig For Victory. Fri 9. Reading – Concert Hall 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060
n For tickets and information log on to: www.progresstheatre.co.uk or email: boxoffice@progresstheatre.co.uk Telling the story of Nina Simone
TRIBUTE band, Arrival, play ABBA’s hits, in an award winning show. Following sold-out shows in over 30 countries worldwide, they recreate the group’s energy and music to the stage across the UK. The show features much loved hits, including Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Super Trouper, Voulez Vous, and Waterloo. With rich harmonies and authentic costumes, Arrival brings to life the songwriting talents of Benny and Bjorn, with the feel and thrill of a live ABBA show. The event takes place at the Hexagon Theatre, on Thursday, September 8. It starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £26.50, concessions cost £24.50. n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060. This load of nonsense is perfect
BERTIE Wooster is staging a one-man show about his recent experiences at the country house, Totleigh Towers. He soon discovers he needs help to tell the story and calls on the services of his valet, Jeeves, and Aunt Dahlia’s butler, Seppings. Who will end up with the silver cow creamer? Will Madeline and Gussie call off the wedding?DoesConstable Oates find his Policeman’s helmet? Find out these, and more, in Jeeves and Wooster, In Perfect Nonsense, at the Progress Theatre, Reading. The show runs from Friday, through to Saturday, September 10.
Whistle Down The Wind. Until Sat 10. Reading –South Street 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060
Bracknell –South Hill Park 01344www.southhillpark.org.uk484123
Carrie: The Musical. Until Sat 3. Dominic Ashworth. Fri 2. As you Like It. Tues 6-Wed 7. Heritage Week. Fri 9-Sun 18. The Pirates of Penzance. Sun 11. FILMS: The Bad Guys. Thurs 1Sat 3. Downton Abbey: A New Era. Fri 2-Mon 5, Wed 7. Notre Dame on Fire. Mon 5-Tues 6. Much Ado About Nothing. Thurs 8. Operation Mincemeat. Fri 9-Sat 10, Tues 13. The Gray Man. Fri 9-Sun 11. La Boheme. Sun 11. Camberley – Theatre 01276www.camberleytheatre.biz707600
Evening performances from Wednesday to Saturday each week start at 8.15pm, preceded by dinner fromSaturday6.15pm.matinees start at 2.15pm, with lunch from 12.15pm. n Tickets cost £76 and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show. For tickets and information log on to: www. millatsonnng.com or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000.
Whitney Queen of the night. Fri 2. Islands In The Stream. Sat 3. Afternoon tea and Tour. Sun 4. UK Pink Floyd Experience. Sun 4. Dave Gorman: Powerpoint To The People. Sat 10. Dinner With The Jersey Boys. Sat 10. Henley – Kenton 01491www.kentontheatre.co.uk525050
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.
The Shawshank Redemption. Until Sat 10. Wokingham – Theatre 0118www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk9785363
Jenny Eclair: Sixty (FFS). Sat 3. An Evening With Lucy Worsley on Agatha Christie. Tues 7. Heritage Open Day. Sun 10. High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan 01494www.wycombeswan.co.uk512000
NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1. AT THE THEATRE withShakespeare,afolk-rock score SONGS, swordfights and slapstick are the order of the day, along with an original folk-rock score. As You Like It is coming to Bracknell. Jupiter Theatre Company’s actormusicians invite the audience to join them in the Forest of Arden for a raucous and joyful re-imagining of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy in which ‘all the world’s a stage’.Theevent takes place in South Hill Park’s Studio Theatre on Tuesday, September 6 and Wednesday, September 7, atTickets7.30pm..cost £14, members cost £12, under 18s cost £10.
Windsor – Royal 01753www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk853888
Jeeves and Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. Fri 2-Sat 10. Reading – Reading Rep Theatre 0118www.readingrep.com3702620
n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.
n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123 Things you didn’t know you need to COMEDIAN Jessica Fostekew is bringing her show, Wench, to Norden Farm.Having appeared on Live At The Apollo, and QI, she is a regular co-host of The Guilty Feminist Podcast. She can also be heard regularly on Radio 4’s News Quiz, and the Now Show. Jessica talks here about sexy things (awkward) and private things (oh no), supported by Helen Bauer. The show says it is suitable for ages 16 and upwards. The event takes place on Thursday, September 8 at 8pm. Tickets cost £16. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977.
Opera Boys. Thurs 8. Rock For Heroes. Sat 10. Top Secret: The Magic of Science. Sun 11. Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud 01483www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk440000
n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218. But is it Art? Yes it is!
FUNNY Money is one of English playwright Ray Cooney’s funniest plays. On the way home one night, mildmannered accountant Henry Perkins picks up the wrong briefcase on the Tube.Inside he finds, in the place of his usual cheese and pickle sandwich, £1.5 million in used notes. Deciding to escape to sunny Spain with his wife and best friends, he encounters two police officers.
It’s Reading-based Split the Dealer with an acoustic version of his 2022 single performed by Split and guitarist Rory Evans at Northbrook Met Studios in Brighton – https://www.splitthedealer. com/
WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Curved Air. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The New Ambassadors. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Asylum Affair. Details: 01344 422622.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Chic To Chic. Details: 0118 402 7800.
0118 327 2662 Raw TodaySounds
WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Simply Dan: the music of Steely Dan. Details: www.wokinghammusicclub. co.uk
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Cool Hand Luke and the Coolness.. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING - Revolution, Station Road. Revolution Saturdays: music, cocktails and more. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Reading Pride Trans Pride after party. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Al Fresco Music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Up The Junction, London Road RG1 3NY. Don’t Compromise The Vibe. Details: 0118 926 0544. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 926 5804.
LEISURE |
CAVERSHAM - The Last Crumb, Prospect Street RG4 8JN. Beer, Beats and BBQ: family fun times, retro DJs and more. Details: last-crumbdodopubs.com/locations/the-
READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays
Here’s another legendary band who had UK hits such as this one and they were headliners on the Main Trademark Stage at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday – https:// focustheband.co.uk/ Kepler Ten – A New Kind of Sideways
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hard times. Details: 0118 959 5500.
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Thursday,soundstodaybit.ly/rawSeptember
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Club reckless: Monday Night Turtle Alternative. Details: 0118 959 7196
It’s the title track from Kepler Ten’s acclaimed album on our White Star Records label. They have only played songs from the album once before so it was great to see them at Wokingham Festival –https://www.keplerten.com/ TRIM – Still Waters (Live)
READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Al Fresco Music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Audiotonic. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – South Street arts centre. Air Circus, Phantom Booth, Worm Immortality Team. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Hard Times Details: 0118 957 6930
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sound Jam. Details: 0118 959 7196
playlist is an opportunity to say thank you for the music to a talented musician who died recently.
EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Graham and Andrea. Details: 0118 978 0544.
READING - Oakford Social Club, Blagrave Street. Jinkies! Sum Ting Won’s Cabaret.
This Bracknell-based band are a local favourite and this year their fame has been spreading as they have wowed crowds at festivals around the country including Wokingham – https://www.sprigganmist. com/ Aaron Cilia – The Illusion
We have included it this week in tribute to the brilliant guitarist from the band, Eric Bouillette, who sadly passed away recently. The Room released the album on our Wokingham-based White Star Records label so we got to know Eric well. He was a wonderful man as well as a great musician and he will be sadly missed. We are lucky to have great examples of his guitar playing like this to remember him by – https:// theroom.band/ Flutatious – Wendel the Witch (Mitchell Mix) They are a favourite at Wokingham Music Club and Wokingham Festival and this weekend they returned to the festival. It was a good reason to remind ourselves of this crowd pleaser – https://www.flutatious.co.uk/ That Joe Payne – Live the Dream
READING – The Pond House, Oxford Road RG30 1EH. The Junction. Details: 0118 958 3664. 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. SONNING - Coppa Club, The Great House, Thames Street. Live lounge. 3pm-5pm. TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. The Bullfrogs Sunday Session. Details: 07889 226309. Monday, September 5
The Room’s guitarist Eric Bouillette was a terrific guy and will be missed. His bandmates paid tribute to him with a performance at Monday’s Wokingham Festival, and what a performance it was.
WOKINGHAM – Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham In Need presents Art Themen and Friends. wokinghaminneedhttp://www.ticketsource.co.uk/Details: SeptemberSaturday, 10
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Tayce: The Assassination Tour. Details: 0118 959 5395.
SeptemberFriday, 9 BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Blues Brothers Tribute. Details: 01344 303333.
Thursday, September 8
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. The Magic of Motown. Details: 0118 960 6060.
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Spices, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Eclipse Sings. Details: 0118 983 4040. READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Arrival: The hits of Abba. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – South Street arts centre. Rowan Rheingans: Dispatches on the Red Dress. Details: 0118 960 6060.
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). It’s an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. All you have to do is find it on ToSpotify.hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.
There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.
LIVEMUSIC To advertise in this section,call Claire
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196
READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Peter Bingham Quartet. Details: 0118 931 0232.
Eric Bouillette Picture: Andrew Merritt on
SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Mad About Movies. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Tuesday, September 6 BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday.
READING – The Wishing Well, Oxford Road. Sugar and Sax. SWALLOWFIELD - The Crown, The Street. The WTBs, Phantom Booth. WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Karaoke. Details: 0118 978 4529. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. The Chesnuts. Details: 0118 977 3706. Sunday, September 4 READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk club closed. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk
READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Arcaeon, This Dying Hour, Fallen at Dawn and support. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – HIckies, Friar Street. Hickies Music - Live Showcase with Dan Powell. Details: www.hickies.co.uk/ live-lounge READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Soul Retreat, from 12.30pm. Details: 0118 959 5577.
Here’s the latest single from That Joe Payne who headlined the Wokingham Music Club Stage at the festival this weekend. What an incredible voice and brilliant performer he is – https://www. thatjoepayne.com/ James Hollingsworth – Faster than Light James is a singer-songwriter from South West England and came to the festival for the time on Monday. This is from his Thirteen Moons album –https://www.jameshollingsworth.com/ Spriggan Mist – Lair of Isambard
Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
TGUIDEHISweek’s
Wednesday, September 7 STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett. Details: 01491 681048.
WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Jamie Trick. Details: 0118 934 0886.
READING – Queens Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Northern Soul Social Sunday. 2pm-5pm. Details: 0118 931 0232.
TRIM is a Reading-based band led by singersongwriter Chris Trim who performs original pop rock songs with a blues and folk feel. They made a welcome return to the festival at the weekend –https://www.facebook.com/christrimmusic
Chris Hillman
READING - Kings Meadow. Reading Pride 2022, includes Nadine Coyle, Jamie Wake, Dr Bev, Son of a Tutu, Wilma Fingadoo, B Radio, Rock Choir, Leadley, Sam Solace, Janethan Danny Lampo, Bentley Jones, Natalie Gray, Lolly, Nicolette Street, Carter the Bandit, Ring the Alarm. From noon. Details: readingpride.co.uk
GIG
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746. READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic: spoken word, music and vibes. From 6.30pm. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street arts centre. American Idiot. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Harry Jones, Alfie Griffin, Michael Alexander. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk SHERFIELD-ON-LODDON – The Four Horseshoes. Equinox jazz night with Antoily Vyacheslovov (Tolly). Details: 01256 882296
Aaron has a connection to Spriggan Mist. He’s the son of Baz and Maxine Cilia from the band. He’s also sound engineer on the WMC Stage at Wokingham Festival and played his own set there – https://www. facebook.com/AaronCiliaArtist Focus – Hocus Pocus
1
BURGHFIELD – The Six Bells, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Now and Then. Details: 0118 983 2220. CAVERSHAM – Our Lady & St Anne’s School Playing Fields, Washington Road/Southview Avenue RG4 5AA. Caversham Rock ‘n’ Ale Festival 2022: Dino’s, Big Audio Twynamite, The Skavengers. In aid of Motor Neurone Disease Association. 6.30pm. £11, under 16s £5.50, under fives free. Details: com/event/541534https://www.wegottickets.
SeptemberSunday, 11 READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Shoots and Leaves. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Propa Ammo presents: DJ Hype, DJ Rap, Dope Ammo and more. Way Out Fest: Pablmari, OSP, Kat, Teakzy, DJ Shunz, Way Out DJs. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Spoilers, Second In Line, Missing The Scene, Tape It Shut. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street RG1 2LR. Friday night live, from 6pm. Details: 0118 959 7959. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. UK Foo Fighters. Details: 0118 959 5395. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Flightpath. Details: 0118 926 5804.
Friday, September 2 BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: Barry White tribute. Details: 01344 303333. CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Tina Turner on Vinyl.
EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 0118 935 4103. READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. TwoManTing. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Gramma Vedetta, Desert Clouds. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1 3DW. Open mic night. Details: 07925336269 READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street RG1 2LR. Friday night live, from 6pm. Details: 0118 959 7959. Saturday, September 3
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 303333.
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, August 31, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 33
GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Goring Community Jazz Club presents Sarah Bolter. Details jazz-clubticketsource.co.uk/goring-community-www.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Far Away Trains. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Split the Dealer – Hard to Take (Live Lounge Acoustic Session)
WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 977 3706.
READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Straights. Details: 0118 956 8188.
The Room – Vanished This is taken from The Room’s 2019 Caught by the Machine album.
environment makes all the difference to our health and wellbeing and we are so pleased to have the opportunity to work with the Reading Biscuit Factory.” And Carmen Balanza-Davis, from Age UK Reading which is also based in Broad St Mall, was just as pleased with the project launching.“SilverScreenings offer a great opportunity for older people to get out and about, reminiscence, start conversations and enjoy a classic movie in a brand new venue,” she said. “Why not call a friend and join the fun? It’s free.” Reading Biscuit Factory will then run the Silver Screenings on a weekly basis, showcasing new releases and timeless classics.
| LEISURE
THIS is no April fool, even though it will take place on the day of mischief - Dave Gorman is returning to The Hexagon. The comedian with a mastery of PowerPoint has come a long way since he launched a quest to find 54 Dave Gormans across the world.Inthat time, he’s been on a Googlewhack Adventure, explored America without visiting a single chain store, and discovered that modern life is ... well,Nowgoodish.he’spreparing for a new UK tour, called PowerPoint to the People.Theshow has been previewed at Norden Farm in Maidenhead this summer, and Dave will make a visit to Reading on Saturday, April 1. He says the show is, as much as anything, to demonstrate that a PowerPoint presentation doesn’t have to involve a man in a grey suit standing behind a lectern and saying ‘next slide please’. He says there are far more important things to analyse. Well... they’re more important in his head, Ticketsanyway.forthe show cost £29.50, and a maximum of six can be booked for any one customer. They cannot be resold, and they are only available via whatsonreading.com, or Ticketmaster. n For more details, or to book, log on to: whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
34 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
The manager of the Reading Biscuit Factory, Matt Ferguson, said he was excited to be launching the Silver Screening series.“We know this demographic has had a particularly hard time throughout the pandemic, unable to socialise with friends and family,” he said. “The Silver Screening series allows them to come down and interact with friends, as well as experience everything our cinema has to offer.” Tickets cost £4.50, and include a free hot drink and biscuits. Really keen moviebuffs can become members for £28, for overMembership65s. includes five free cinema tickets, along with 20% off all food and drink in the venue, 20% off future tickets and invites to free member events. n Those wishing to attend can book by emailing: reallylocalgroup.co.ukmarketing@
Get my agent on the phone right now...
If the opportunity to play King Lear at Stratford arises, he grabs it with both hands, of course. In Wokingham Theatre’s latest farce, movie star has-been Jefferson Steel is about to take on a new challenge. It will change not only his CV, but also his character, and quite possibly his life. As he is nudged, scolded and loved into playing Shakespeare’s foolish monarch by his very English fellow players, he learns what, and who, is really important to him.Hisfairly patient cast and long suffering director cope admirably with the tantrums, demands and silliness of stardom. And by the end of the play, everybody’s CVs are looking very different.Director Martin Kempton is looking forward to Ian Hislop and Nick Newman’s play, A Bunch Of Amateurs.“Thesetwo have huge experience of writing comedy for television, and created this script just a few years ago,” he said. “It’s very funny, and hugely enjoyable, but it’s not a broad farce: much of the comedy comes from the clash of cultures. “The play also has some depth to it, which I like, and the characters are recogniseable as real“Ipersonalities.don’tlikethe expression ‘going on a journey’ but in a way, this is what happens to them all. “They make mistakes and they misjudge one another, but they learn from those mistakes and they’re better people at the end of the play.” In the play, the cast attempt to Shakespeare’srehearseKingLear as best they can, in between squabbles, injuries and intrigues, some of which make it into the papers. “Our actual rehearsals are going really well,” says Martin. “I’m so lucky to have a cracking cast.“They are all really experienced actors and are absolutely making the most of all the opportunities in the script. “It’s a real pleasure to direct.” “There’s music in the show, too, and we’re very fortunate that our production manager’s wife is a composer, and has created original works specially forEveryus.” production comes with its own unique challenges. “Oh yes, there are certainly one or two in A Bunch Of Amateurs,” says Martin. “The play requires some rather special effects, very fast scene changes, and even a big song and dance number at the end.“We hope that the audience will leave the theatre smiling.” n A Bunch Of Amateurs can be seen at Wokingham Theatre. It runs from Thursday, September 8 through to Saturday, September 17, with the exception of Sunday. Performances start at 7.45.T ickets cost £15. For tickets and information wokinghamtheatre.org.ukvisit:or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363 EMMA MERCHANT PowerPoint comedian Dave sets Reading date COMING SOON: Dave Gorman’s PowerPoint to the People
The first event takes place from 10.30am, on Wednesday, September 7, with the film being one with a Reading connection: Kenneth Brannagan’s Belfast. The actor moved from Northern Ireland to Berkshire, where he grewMarjieup. Walker, CEO of The Link Visiting Scheme, said that the charity knew of the importance of keeping older people active and connected, and hoped the screenings helped with that. “We know first-hand how important it is to enable older people to keep active and feel connected,” she said. “Having a relaxed time with friends in a warm and welcoming Biscuit Factory to launch new filmevent for over 60s
GOLDEN OLDIES will be at the cinema in Reading from next week, in the seats, as well as on the screen. A new over 60s film series is being launched at Reading Biscuit Factory, in conjunction with Wokingham-based The Link Visiting Scheme, Age UK Reading, and Age UK Berkshire. The aim of the Silver Screenings is to help combat loneliness and provide a welcoming environment for olderTheviewers.eventstarts with a tea and breakfast in the cafe of the Broad St Mall venue, before showing a movie.
WHAT does an ageing American movie star do when his career is flagging and it takes a handful of pills to get him through every day?
6. What O is a gold-coloured alloy of copper, zinc and tin used in decorative arts?
brassica
7. The first F1 world championship race was held at which British motor-racing circuit?
division and multiplication before addition and subtraction. 4 4 1 1 2 4 2 10 7 1 13 2 EQUALISER Each
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NONAGRAM:ALIVE: SOLUTIONS 1. Which English travel writer wrote the books In Patagonia, The Songlines and On the Black Hill? 2. What is the capital city of Cameroon? 3. What name is given to the tongue, lips and palate in forming words? 4.
seat? Quiz Challenge
8. The character Mr Sowerberry appears in which Charles Dickens novel? Which wealthy art collector purchased many of Damien Hirst’s works?
each
G F N G O I O R T W D O T I A 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. BRILL! MET EERIE VET! WORD PYRAMID MAGIC SQUARE Here are crossword.tolettersworkYoubeenlettersgridusingcrosswordssquareminiaturetwofive-thesame–butthehavemixedup.havetooutwhichbelongwhichPY AO LR IN OS OR IE UI AU RN GB AE NL NW EH EN GN OU TL LE YD FIVE ALIVE No. 5429 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 123456789 S 10111213 14 N 15 I 1617181920212223242526 L E G I V I T A N 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent. H 1 P 2 Y 3 L 4 C 5 Z 6 W 7 K 8 E 9 S 10 G 11 D 12 Q 13 A 14 N 15 I 16 V 17 F 18 O 19 J 20 T 21 X 22 B 23 U 24 R 25 M 26 QUIZCHALLENGE:1BruceChatwin;2Yaoundé;3Thearticulators;4Seakale;5HolbornandStPancras;6Ormolu;7Silverstone;8Oliver Twist;9CharlesSaatchi;10WillSmith. alevin;alive;anvil;evil;gave;gavel; genitival;give;given;glaive;invite; lave;laving;leaving;levant;levin; live;liven;living;naive;native;nave; navel;nival;vail;vailing;vain;vale; valet;valeting;valine;vane;vang; veal;vegan;veil;veiling;vein;venal; venial;vent;ventil;vial;vigil;vigilant; VIGILANTE;vile;vina;vine;vintage; vital. EQUALISER: Clockwisefromtop left–multiply;add; divide;subtract. Total:3. 819453726 637241895 793824651 891754632 258679413 461937582 456127398 176385249 324596178 574362198 326198745 842913657 645782139 931574286 213487569 514873296 695231874 789625431 WORDPYRAMID: WaitingForGodot. MAGICSQUARE: belt;emir;live;tree. CRYPTICCROSSWORD: QUICKCROSSWORD: Across–1Castaway;5Bach;9Awakens;10Omega;11Woo;12 Meddle;15Prowl;17Oral;19Afters;22Baleen;24Heel;26Savoy; 27Menial;30Toe;32Earth;33Radiant;34Tram;35Retrieve. Down–1Clad;2Stave;3Amend;4Answer;6Anemone;7 Headland;8Hoop-la;13Due;14Lose;16Harshest;18Able; 20Taverna;21Rhythm;23Lei;25Emerge;28Nadir;29Apace; 31Stye. Across–3Refrained;7Awoke;8Mentioned;9Imago;10 Algebra;13White;14Rebel;16Error;17Doddery;21Tacit;22 RedSquare;23Rodeo;24Middleman. Down
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). 3. Did not join the chorus with little Edward (9) 7. Came to wonder about agreement (5) 8. Referred to unpleasantly,soldiersInoted (9) 9. One metre past, it is as far as a moth will go (5) 10. Symbolic mathematics (7) 13. Sweetheart finishes a tiny bit pale (5) 14. One who rises up in pure belligerence (5) 16. To wander or to make a mistake (5) 17. In Ryde surprisingly unusual to be shaky (7) 21. Eccentric cat, it is silent (5) 22. Colourful old-fashioned part of Moscow? (3,6) 23. Went on a cycle carrying nothing to the cowboy show (5) 24. Central part of the business? (9) 16 7 9 13 17 21 22 24 24 2 18 2 3 19 3 8 14 18 13 20 10 4 14 20 15 16 21 23 5 11 15 12 1. Staff that can work wonders if handled with charm (5,4) 2. Limited to a place, a pub on the side perhaps (9) 3. Redhead finds spinning meteor is more distant (7) 4. Unusually alert animal (5) 5. The best score of course is 1-0 (2,3) 6. Chieftain always going round the Middle East (5) 10. Sailor and governor at church (5) 11. Graduate carried off obstacle in road (9) 12. Worship present-day speech (9) 15. Bible gets support here in church (7) 18. Daggers to be licensed inside (5) 19. Given ill-treatment? (5) 20. Where in France Reg could go round with cosmetic (5) ACROSS DOWN 1 9 10 16 19 26 32 34 12 2 20 13 23 3 14 21 24 30 31 14 17 22 35 4 11 25 27 33 12 18 22 5 8 10 15 28 5 10 23 24 6 29 7 31 QUICK CROSSWORD 1 4 57 8 69 5 8 7 5 4 6 9 21 9 2 3 1 2 69 5 6 26 5 81 15 72 3 5 79 6 4 9 1 67 5 58 93 7 2 6 68 1 1 59 2 18141621118244 25 26 26 14 14 24151613249 1192425 231922 2 12 24 11 25 2421016129 161521925161925 14 4 10211421165 314715912 26 2 15 4 16 16 1011415810 259105249 19 9 5424102192510 151417142019 23 14 14 22 21 251623 15958 259159119 9 6 16 10 15 10192521142349 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. How many words of four letters or more can you make from Nonagram?thisEach 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: NONAGRAM
10. In the 2021 biographical film King Richard, who played the father of tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams?
on shingle banks? 5.
Your weekly puzzle challenge CROSS CODE CRYPTIC CROSSWORD SUDOKU ACROSS 1. survivorShipwreck(8) 5. Johann Sebastian ----, composerGerman(4) 9. Rouses (7) 10. Greek letter (5) 11. Court (3) 12. Interfere (6) 15. Move stealthily (5) 17. Spoken (4) 19. Dessert (inf.) (6) 22. Whalebone (6) 24. Part of foot (4) 26. Type cabbageof (5) 27. Lowly, servile (6) 30. Foot digit (3) 32. Soil (5) 33. Beaming (7) 34. Streetcar (4) 35. Recover (8) DOWN 1. Clothed (4) 2. Lines for music (5) 3. Rectify (5) 4. Respond (6) 6. plantWoodland(7) 7. Promontory (8) 8. gameFairground(4-2) 13. Expected (3) 14. Mislay (4) 16. Most severe (8) 18. Competent (4) 20. restaurantGreek (7) 21. Regular beat (6) 23. Garland (3) 25. Come out (6) 28. Low point (5) 29. Rapidly (5) 31. Eye infection (4) This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd. To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com © Sirius Media Services Ltd PZ1P5429 TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662 5429 To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, August 31, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 35
early
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EASYSUDOKUHARDSUDOKU CROSSCODE FIVE Which edible occurs naturally Labour Party leader Keir Starmer has been a Member of Parliament since 2015 for which
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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. Perform the first calculation in line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform row and each column must contain the numbers so must 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 through openings in the walls. The first letter may appear in any chamber. –(2)(1)Across–Across–
each 3 x 3 box.Easy Hard
Polio;Angel;Noted. Down–Prawn;Light;Oiled.
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Jeeves and Wooster. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.ukwww.
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. Details:12.30pm-2.30pm.linkvisiting.org
CAVERSHAM – Our Lady & St Anne’s School Playing Fields, Washington Road/ Southview Avenue RG4 5AA. Caversham Rock ‘n’ Ale Festival 2022: Dino’s, Big Audio Twynamite, The Skavengers. In aid of Motor Neurone Disease Association. 6.30pm. £11, under 16s £5.50, under fives free. Details: https:// event/541534www.wegottickets.com/
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Welcome evening. 7.30pm. www.webcc.org.uk.Details: WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Alex Hibbert: Cold Journeys, Thoughts and Visuals, an evening with the polar traveller. 7pm. £10. thewhittytheatreticketsource.co.uk/Details:
FINCHAMPSTEAD - FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North. Wokingham Baby and Children’s Market: new and nearly new clothes, toys, car seats, pushchairs and more. £1.50, free parking. 2pm-3.30pm. HURST - The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Street RG10 0TR. Beer festival: meet Sam the Shire Horse noon3pm, bouncy castle, live music and more.
WHAT’SON|LEISURE
BRACKNELL - The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival: Bracknell Giants, the Night Forest Theatre Show, Seedling Sprite Trail and more. Details: bracknellforestfestival.comwww.
CHARVIL - Village Hall, Park Lane RG10 9TR. Love Is All You Need, a Beatlesthemed singing afternoon for female voices. 2pm4pm. £10, includes music and light refreshments. Details: 0118 934 0589.
READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square RG1 6NN. Reading Sinfonietta Autumn chamber music concert. 7.30pm. £12, under 18s and students £6. Details: com/event/551963www.wegottickets.
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Fundraising Quiz
Monday, September 5
SeptemberTuesday,
READING – St. Marys Church, Castle Street, RG1 7RD. Heritage open days: discover historic pots, and learn about the invention of the printing press and its role in sharing the Bible. 10am-2pm. READING – South Street arts centre. Poets Cafe. 8pm. Details: 0118 960 6060. THEALE - Library, Church Street RG7 5BZ. Play bridge. Suitable for beginners and experienced players. 10.45am-12.45pm. No booking required. Free. Details: 0118 930 3207, or: thealelibrary@westberks. gov.uk
PURLEY – Purley Barn, Goosecroft Lane RG8 8DR. Motor Neurone Disease Association Reading and West Berkshire Branch 35th anniversary fun day. 1pm-4pm. andteddybric-a-brac,Refreshments,facepainting,bearhunt,livemusic,more.
SeptemberSunday, 11
Friday, September 9
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Market. 9am-3pm. Details: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
WOKINGHAM - Cantley Park Pavilion, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Borough Council presents Dementia Friendly Tea Dance: tea and friendship. 12.30pm-2pm. Free. Details: 0118 974 3728.
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Jeeves and Wooster. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.ukwww.
READING – South Street Arts Centre. Members night and new season launch. 6pm. Details: 0118 960 6060. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, StreetMethodistWokinghamChurch,RoseRG401XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges 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: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
BRACKNELL - The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival: Bracknell Giants, the Night Forest Theatre Show, Seedling Sprite Trail and more. Details: bracknellforestfestival.comwww.
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 –FernleaCommunityAcornCentre,DriveRG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. Details:10.30am-noon.linkvisiting.org
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Jeeves and Wooster. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.ukwww.
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, RoseMethodistWokinghamChurch,StreetRG401XS. 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 SeptemberWednesday,7
STREATLEY - St Mary’s Church, Church Lane RG8 9HU. Piano Recital by Russell Thompson. Includes pieces by Mozart and Liszt. 7.30pm. £10, £9 concessions. Cash only. Details: stmarysconcerts@ hotmail.co.uk
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
YATELEY - Sean Devereux Park, Chandlers Lane, GU46 7SZ. Yateley Sports Community Interest Company (YSCIC) presents Blackwater Valley Cask & Cork Festival. £10, under 18s £3 (daytime only). 11am-4pm or 6pm11pm. Details: caskandcork.co.uk/https://
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am1.30pm Details: 0118 921 0555. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Jeeves and Wooster. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.ukwww.
Sunday, September 4 CAVERSHAM - Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am3pm.
READING - Bar 77, Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Mates Rates Comedy RAW: new acts, open mic, new material. 7.30pm. £1.50 early bird, £2 advance, £5 on door. Details: rates-comedyfatsoma.com/p/mates-www.
READING - Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk READING – Rowberry Morris & CO, 17 Castle Street RG1 7SB. Heritage Open Days: discover the history of this 16th century house. 9.30am-4.30pm. Free entry. READING – St. Marys Church, Castle Street, RG1 7RD. Heritage open days: discover historic pots, and learn about the invention of the printing press and its role in sharing the Bible. 9.30am-5.30pm.
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. Details:12.30pm-2.30pm.linkvisiting.org
READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Craft at the Minster: a craft session for all. 11am-12.30pm. readingminster.org.ukDetails:
FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Suttons Seeds Talk by Richard Marks - for those interested in Berkshire’s rich history. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm3.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 950 9553.
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
1
READING - Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details: matilda.katrust. org.uk
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 –FernleaCommunityAcornCentre,DriveRG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. Details:10.30am-noon.linkvisiting.org
READING – All Saints’ Church, Downshire Square RG1 6NN. Reading Sinfonietta late summer concert: Mozart, Richard Strauss, and Grieg. £12, concessions £6. 7.30pm. Details: www.rso.org.uk READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Jeeves and Wooster. 2.30pm, 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. co.ukwww.progresstheatre.Details:
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
READING – Abu Bakr Islamic Centre, Oxford Road. Visit My Mosque event. Noon-4pm. Guided tours, speeches, performances and more. All welcome, modest dress requested. Details: abmreading.org
WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. Details:1.30pm-3.30pm.linkvisiting.org
Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org Friday, September 2
SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
36 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Biscuit Factory READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Thurs 1, Sat 3. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Thurs 1. Fisherman’s Friends: One and All (12a). Thurs 1, Sat 3. DC Super League of Pets (PG). Thurs 1, Sat 3. Nope (15). Thurs 1, Sat 3. Elvis (12a). Thurs 1, Sat 3. Where The Crawdads Sing (15). Thurs 1, Sat 3. Bullet Train (15). Thurs 1, Sat 3. When The Birds Stopped Singing with Q&A. Thurs 1. NT Live: Prima Facie (15). Thurs 1. Three Thousand Years of Longing (15). Sat 3. Beast (15). Sat 3. NT Live: Much Ado About nothing. Thurs 8. RFT Presents: The Bicycle Thives (U). Wed 14. Flux Gourmet & Q&A with director Peter Stickland. Thurs 15. readingbiscuitfactory.co.ukDetails: SeptemberThursday,
PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. village10am-11.30am.DonationsInaidofhall.
SeptemberSaturday, 10 CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.
READING – Concert Hall, Blagrave Street. Lunchtime organ recital. 1pm. whatsonreading.comDetails: READING - Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. Rooftop Cinema Club: Operation Mincemeat. 8.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 216 1750.
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org
SILCHESTER - Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Village market: local produce and org.uk.silchestervillagemarket.011810am-12.30pm.businesses.Details:9700999orwww.
READING – Christ Church, Christchurch Road RG2 7AR. Festival Evensong for Heritage Open Day. 6pm. Details: christchurchreading.org.ukwww.
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. orgwww.risingsunartscentre.Details:
WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: sparkleveganevents.comwww. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. woodleytowncentre.co.ukDetails: children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk
SOUTHCOTE – Grange URC, Circuit Lane. Macmillan Coffee Morning: tombola, raffle, bric-a-brac, charity stalls and more. 10.30am12.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 958 4131.
CAVERSHAM - Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am-3pm. READING – 300 South Oak Way, Green Park RG2 6AD. Green Park Wind Turbine open day. 2pm. Just turn up.
READING - Phantom Brewery, The Haunt, Units 2-3, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. RBGS presents Sunday Gaming. 1.30pm-6pm. Details: phantombrew.com/https://www.
READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172.
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. Details:12.30pm-2.30pm.linkvisiting.org
READING – Reading Old Cemetary, Cemetery Junction. HeritageperambulationsVictorianforOpenDay. Wear your best Victorian attire and marvel at the natural beauty & wildlife wonders of this Victorian garden cemetery. Prize for the best costume. 2pm-4pm. No parking, no toilets. heritageopendays.org.ukDetails: READING – RISC, 35-39 London Street RG1 4PS. RISC Edible Roof Garden open day. Noon-4pm.
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic: spoken word, music and vibes. From 6.30pm. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
SeptemberThursday, 8 EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org KNOWL HILL – The Royal Oak. Classic Mini meet. 8pm. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Jeeves and Wooster. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.ukwww.
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Quiz night to help Rachael Brown attend 2023 Scout jamboree in South Korea. Teams of up to six, £5 per person. Details: 2023ScoutEventbrite.oc.ukSearchforWorldJamboree,Korea-RachaelBrown’s
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday 9am-3pm.market.Details: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
WINNERSH – The Pheasant, Reading Road RG41 4LR. Quiz night. Details: 0118 978 4529.
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Finches social club for people with or without autism. 7pm-9pm. Drinks and snacks available to buy. Music, and friendship. Details: kingwood.org.uk
WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road. Heritage Open Day event: learn more about the church, its bells and its history. 11am-3pm. Free. WOKINGHAM – Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AS. Heritage Open Day 2022: Astounding inventions, a celebration of Brickworks, Bellfoundries and Breweries. 11am-3pm, market open www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk9am-3pm.
WOKINGHAM – The Ship Inn, Peach Street. Comedy on Tap. 7pm. £17. Details: 0118 978 0389. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, RoseMethodistWokinghamChurch,StreetRG401XS.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Just The Tonic comedy club, including Tim Clark and Joseph Enslie. Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING - The Grumpy Goat, Smelly Alley (Union Street). Pride Beer Launch. 8pm. Details: thegrumpygoat.co.ukwww.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Jeeves and Wooster. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.ukwww.
READING - Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50
WHITLEY – Whitley Wood Fire Station, Whitley Wood Road. Whitley Wood Fire Station open day: come along and meet the crew. Live otheroppositeCampusbeParkingfromdemonstrationscrewsandguests.fortheeventwillavailableatReadingBuilding,locatedtheStationonthesideoftheA33.
SWALLOWFIELD –Swallowfield Street. Swallowfield Parish Council presents a bulb planting session, from Davies Room of Parish Hall. 11am. TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Horticulture Association autumn show. 2pm-4pm. Details: trha.org.uk WHITE WALTHAM – St Mary’s Church, Church Hill SL6 3JH. Heritage open day event. 1pm4.30pm: self-guided tour leaflets, refreshments available. Free. WINKFIELD – St Mary’s Church, Church Road SL4 4SF. Heritage open day - guided tours and trips up the church tower. Hand bell ringing demonstration, children’s quiz, refreshments and more. 10am-4pm.
READING - Star Lane Wharf, behind Queen’s Road Car Park. Kennet and Avon trust 45-minute boat trips on Matilda Too. Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm. £9.50, £5.50 children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk WOKINGHAMEasthampstead– Park, Peacock Lane RG40 3DF. Wedding fair. 11am-3pm. Free entry. Details: co.ukberkshireweddingfairs.www.
YATELEY - Sean Devereux Park, Chandlers Lane, GU46 7SZ. Yateley Sports Community Interest Company (YSCIC) presents Blackwater Valley Cask & Cork Festival. £10. 6pm-11pm. Details: https:// caskandcork.co.uk/ SeptemberSaturday, 3 BRACKNELL - The Lexicon RG12 1AP. Bracknell Forest Festival: Birthday Proms, Bracknell Giants, the Night Forest Theatre Show, Seedling Sprite Trail and more. Details: bracknellforestfestival.comwww.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Films at Reading
READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: market.co.ukthamesvalleyfarmerswww.
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
6 EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.
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.
tutorials of people wanting to share their crafting skills. Giving back I’m sure you also know amazing, kind people who volunteeringaretheir time and knowledge for their community.Theyare running community cafes, summer activities for children, food collection points, to name just a few.In my experience they often describe what they are doing as giving something back and they find that it makes them feel good too. The future With the increasing pressures of our postpandemic ‘normality’ and the cost of living crisis, it is easy to worry that our sense of community will disappear again. But it seems to me that the evidence suggests donatingneighbours.collectinghelpingPeopleotherwise.arestilleachotherout.PeoplearestillshoppingforPeoplearestilltheirskills, time and unwanted items.The kindness of communities is still very much going on all around us. It has evolved, often because people are now fitting more activities into their lives again. But it is Holdingthere.on to our shared connections as humans gives us kindness to see us through darker days as well as light. Sarah Browning is a websiteCheerleader.KindnessHeris:timeforkindness.co.uk
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, August 31, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 37
beingussomethingday.brightendoinggroup.otherforprovideexperiencesThesein.sharedorinterestsastartingpointconnectingwithmembersoftheKindnessisaboutsomethingtosomeoneelse’sSoit’seasytoseehowthatconnectscanbeagoodstartforkind.
n Reading 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 want volunteers to assist their members that experience varying degrees of Sight Loss at their Bowls Club. It’s a social club where members and volunteers get a chance to play Bowls while having a bit of fun and companionship.Nopriorexperience of Bowls is necessary, and training is provided.
My belief in that power means that I see it in all sorts of settings. One of those settings is communities.withinDictionariesusually define a community as a group of people with something in common. This could be the place where they live, the characteristics they have or a hobby they take part
Autumn bulbs for spring flowers
Kindness is powerful
CornerVolunteer
Use a garden fork to carefully ease out parsnip roots from the ground.
Pick every other one in the row to allow the remaining roots to get bigger before harvesting them much later in the winter, when they will be sweeter (after the first frost).
Help with hobbies In shared interest groups, individuals show each other kindness too. A friend recently told me about the support
three sides of a square and lift back the turf, put in a few bulbs and then firm the turf back down again.As it’s bulb season, you could also plant hyacinth bulbs in pots, by midSeptember, so that you have a glorious Christmas display or gift for gardening friends and family. Once the hyacinths are planted in a pot, put in a dark cool place (a garage or shed) for 10-12 weeks and then bring out into the light so flowering canIfstart.youare growing your own fruit and veg then now is the time to pull up your first parsnips.
And I have found that I don’t need to look very far to see examples of community kindness.
neighboursSupporting
Time kindnessfor Sarah Browning she and her children get at their karate lessons, with more experienced students taking time to give them tips. Busy parents help each other out by giving children lifts to football fixtures and lessons.swimmingFriendshost card games when the church hall venue falls through, squeezing extra chairs round the dining table so that no-one misses out.And if you search on the internet for ‘how to crochet’, you will be inundated with video
During the early stages of the covid pandemic, a WhatsApp group was set up to connect people on the road where I acrossacrossourwassupportalone.neighbourswithoutshoppingelderly.prescriptionsVolunteerslive.collectedfortheTheydeliveredtopeopletransport.TheysaidhellotowhowereThisapproachtoincommunitiesreplicatedacrosstownsandboroughs,thenationandtheworld.
IBELIEVE humanconnectsbecausepowerfulkindnessthatisitusallasbeings.
SUMMER is drawing to a close and autumn is just around the corner. What a perfect time to think about planting – the soil is warm and the autumn rains will get plants established before the winter sets in – which is why September is traditionally a great month for planting bulbs. At this time of year nurseries and garden retailers have great offers on big bags of mixed Daffodil bulbs, in all shapes and sizes. There are also organic options along with heritage varieties and new season colours to throw into the mix. Daffodils can grow pretty much anywhere, even through the lawn.
The easiest way to work out how deep to plant your bulb is to dig down approximately three times the depth of the bulb – but be warned, if you plant daffodils too close to the surface they often won’t flower. You can plant daffodils, and crocuses, from September to October – as many as you can get into the ground or in containers. Once planted you need do nothing else to them other than wait for a stunning show in the spring. If you’re planting in lawns, cut out
A couple of good varieties are … Albion, disease-resistant producing long smooth white-skinned roots with a sweet flavour that store well; and Gladiator, a great flavour and especially suited to heavy soils. You should also be harvesting late raspberries on a daily basis. They will have started fruiting in August and will carry on until early autumn. The later it gets, the colder the nights are and the chance of rotting increases, so pick them as they ripen. Late summer is progressing into autumn and as the RHS says … September is generally a cooler, gustier month than August and the days are noticeably shorter. While there’s not as much to do in the ornamental garden at this time of the year, if you have a fruit or vegetable patch, you’ll be busy reaping the rewards of harvest. It’s also time to get out and start planting spring-flowering bulbs for next year and you can collect seeds for next summer’s colour too. Make the most of the remaining warmth while youTopcan!.three jobs this month: divide herbaceous perennials; pick autumn raspberries; and collect and sow seed from perennials and hardy annuals.
PERFECT TIME TO PLANT: Tthe soil is warm and the autumn rains will get plants established before the winter sets in
LIFE |
RIDGELINE
Help encourage clients to carry out gardening activities, Support individual clients or small groups to carry out gardening activities under the guidance of the Horticultural Therapists, develop and maintain a relationship of trust and mutual respect with the clients you support and more.
Trust helps people to learn new skills, regain lost skills and improve mental and physical health in their beautiful garden in East Reading. They are currently seeking volunteers to join them as Horticultural Therapy support volunteers.Tasksinclude:
n Reading Refugee Support Group has been helping Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Berkshire for 25 years and are committed to reducing poverty, suffering and social isolation of people who have already faced unimaginable persecution and hardship.Rightnow they are looking for Interpreter Volunteers to help create a vital link between the service they wish to deliver for their clients.Asobviously their clients would have arrived in a new country with English more than likely not being their first language. Please get in touch with the Reading Refugee Support Group if you could fit the role of an interpreter in the following languages: Pashto, Farsi, Kurdish Sorani, Arabic (any dialect of Arabic), Kurdish Kurmanji, Tigrinya or Dari.
Reading Voluntary Action inthegarden
It’sgoodnewsfor everyone Please recycleme! THE ROLES HAVE A SALARY, COMMISSION, BONUSES & PENSION). M E D I A S A L E S P E O P L E For an informal discussion, call David Riley on 07860 462 882 or email at driley@wokingham.today > I wish I could choose what days I work (You can!) > I wish I could choose my hours (You can!) > I wish I could choose if/when to go to the office. (You can!) > I wish I could choose the home/office/patch split. (You can!) > I wish I could have a job where I’m in control. (You can!) > I wish I could have a job where I’m paid properly for my results (You can!) WE ARE GROWING THE TEAM IN READING Maybe you have caring responsibilities and need to fit the job around them or maybe you have simply had enough of the 5 day week If you have some media sales experience and want CHOICE & FLEXIBILITY in your working life, call, WhatsApp or email me for a discreet discussion T h e W o k i n g h a m P a p e r L t d C r o w n H o u s e , 2 3 1 K i n g s R o a d , R e a d i n g R G 1 4 L S | 0 1 1 8 3 2 7 2 6 6 2 w w w w o k i n g h a m t o d a y | w w w r d g t o d a y Havingaclearout?Whynotturnyourtreasureintocashwith ourfreeadverts?Sellyouritemswithoutanyfeewiththeaidof thiscoupon.Items* valuedatupto£250canbesoldinthese columnsforfree!Simplysendusthe details–maximumof30 words–andpostoremailitandwe’lldotherest Category: Writeyouradvertintheboxbelow,onewordperbox.Maximum30words. SendyourformtoFreeads,ReadingToday,231KingsRoad,ReadingRG14LS Sellyourgoodswithafree advertforitemsunder£250 YourName: PhoneNumber: Sellyouritemsforfree PASSIONATE ABOUT FOOD & DRINK? LOOKING FOR A PERMANENT PART TIME OPPORTUNITY IN A UNIQUE ROLE? RESPONSIBILITIES: • Working individual y and within a team to evaluate food, dr nk & personal care products ranging such as chocolate, a cohol, meat, shampoo skin care or electrical toothbrush products • You wi l be taught how to describe accurately any products as a group (re ating to taste appearance, texture and smell) and then individually assess them REQUIREMENTS: You must not have any dietary restrictions ( e g vegetarian) and be happy to evaluate alcohol products when required • You must not have any food intolerances/allerg es • You should have the ability to follow detailed instructions and complete routine tasks qu ckly and accurately You have the ab lity to articulate yourselves in fluent English in front of others If you are interested in applying, please email j.mccall@mmrresearch.com. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview/screening session which will take place in our facilities. Classifieds Get your business seen! Email: advertising@rdg.today FORSALE HOMEELECTRICAL HOMEWARE TECHNOLOGY ELECTRICAL HEALTHANDWELLBEING MULTICOOKER, DREW ANDCOLECLEVERCHEF. (HighStTV) 14in1,5 litrepot.Plus1brand newspareinnerpot. Allinnewcondition, Disabilityprompts sale.Instructionsand Recipebook-Steam, Stew,Soup,Roast, Bake,Poach,and more.Cost80selling for£10ono.Details: MsS.Drayton,0118 9344926. VILLEROYBOCH OCTAVIEGLASSES. Brandy,Whiskey, Cotail.Boxedsets, Unused.Cost£10per boxset.Details:J. Johnson,0118941 0941 CARMENBODYHEAT MASSAGER. 6Heads. Boxed.Cost£10. Details:J.Johnson, 01189410941 NIKONCOOLPIX5200 CAMERA. Boxed. Cost£15.Details:J. Johnson,0118941 0941 PORTABLEDVD PLAYER. Boxed.Cost £10.Details:J. Johnson,0118941 0941 FLYREPELLENT. Small ElectricBlueLight. Boxed.Cost£8. Details:J.Johnson, 01189410941 38 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
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CONSERVATORIES&ORANGERIES &EXTENSIONSSOLIDROOFSWINDOWS&DOORS TradeMark have been proudly providing local homeowners with quality home improvements for over 25 years. SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS –ALLOWING YOU TO ‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’. TEL: 0800 30 50 WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK30 Summer SALE ‘TALK TO AN SHOWROOMEXPERT’OPENFORPRIVATEAPPOINTMENTS plus... RECEIVE £1,000 CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS YOUR NEW LIVING SPACE OR £500 FOR WINDOWS & DOORS Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022
You can claim this benefit even if you haven t paid National Insurance and it is not means tested, it doesn’t matter where you live or if you have savings Attendance allowance is tax free
WHITLEY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION HELD TWO WEEKS OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN IN SOUTH READING, STARTING ON
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Are you or is someone you know eligible? 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
On the other side of the Kennet, the building that currently houses the Vue cinema will be replaced with a new building for mixed use, with residential apartments on upper floors. A cinema and units for leisure use would be on the lower levels. A total of 475 apartments have been proposed, and it is believed all of these will be made ‘Build to Rent’, which involves all homes being professionally managed by a singleRegisteredcompany.attendees of the webinar could ask questions. One asked how long tenants typically stay in Build to Rent homes.Hope Harrison, from Packaged Living, said: “We found that people do tend to stay as a resident, they may move around within the building, they may move to a larger unit, they move in with a friend and rent somewhere. “We want to deliver units that are homes, and because we have the amenity provision, because we’re well located, we feel that people tend to stay there at longer because it suits their needs, as opposed to just using it as a stop gap between purchasingConcernssomewhere.”werealso raised around lighting in Yield Hall Place, which bridges the Kennet, with requests for this to be Mrimproved.Dillon replied said it would, in addition to landscaping improvements. A question was asked about the nature of the architecture. Mr Dillon said: “We’ve been set a challenge by the local planning authority to do something out of the ordinary, to do something with a bit of a wow factor to it. “Obviously that can be very challenging because we’ve got a budget to work within, but we think we’ve come up with some ideas to address that, so hopefully by the time we get to make a planning application we’ll have something that will be inspiring and be of interest, and will delight people as the
VISION OF THE FUTURE: What the east side of The Oracle would look like if plans from its forward.areHammerson,company,owningtaken Picture: Hammerson walk through The Oracle.” Hammerson is engaging in an ongoing consultation before its officially submits its plan to Reading Borough Council. Responding to a question about when the application would be submitted, Hannah Knowles, from Turley planning consultants said: “We’re still working through preapplication discussions, but it’s likely to be Autumn time that we aim for a submission.” The webinar can be viewed on The Oracle’s consultation website.
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
Do you wish to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible and still have a say in your well being? Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your life easier
Helping the over-65s stay independent grey matters consultancy 0com/wokingham 7869 694501
Summer fun for children
Community development worker Maria Cox was part of the organising team. Of the events she said: “We got a grant from the Lottery Fund to do the“Weactivities.alsohad help from local organisations Berzerk Productions, Tina Kersley School of Dance, Kazoku Karate-Do, Donna Arts and Crafts and Whitley“EachResearchers.childreceived a free lunch, not just children with holiday activities and food (HAF) codes.”
By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter PLANS to transform part of a Reading retail and leisure centre to create almost 500 homes and new shops have expanded on by developers at a public consultation event. The Oracle shopping centre’s owners, Hammerson, launched a website showcasing its plan to transform the eastern half of centre.The proposal involves replacing the former Debenhams unit and the Vue Cinema’s building, on either side of the River Kennet, with new facilities including 475 homes and new retail and leisure space. In a webinar held on Tuesday, August 23, more details were revealed.Michael Dillon, from CallisonRTKL planning firm, said part of the former Debenhams store, now home to Next, would be demolished. The parts of the building that would be retained would be reconfigured, with leisure functions on the lower floors and retail on the upper floors.
Webinar explores plan to convert part of The Oracle in to homes
Sessions took place between 10am2pm on each day.
IT MIGHT be the cusp of autumn, but a community group is looking to spring.Friends of Junction Arch, who help look after the famous gateway to Reading at Cemetery Junction, will be holding a community clean-up on Saturday, September 3. The late, late spring clean comes after the group noticed the area around the arch had got messy in recent weeks.The event will take place between 2pm and 5pm, and volunteers will be welcome.Advance registration is required for insurance purposes. n For more details, log on to: www.junctionarch.org PLANS for a new Indian restaurant to open at a Reading mall are moving ahead.Bombay Brothers will open in a ground floor unit of The Village, formerly known as Kings Walk. It will be close to Banh Mi QB, a Vietnamese restaurant, and Ji The Chicken Shop, which serves Asian-style fried chicken.Ithas restaurantweek.throughonBoroughpermissionreceivedfromReadingCounciltosellalcoholandoffsitefrom10amto11pm,sevendaysaItisnotyetknownwhenthewillopen.
Nigel Pearce AIPW Grey Matters Consultancy Wokingahm
Pension who have health issues or needs that cause difficulties or challenges in your day to day living It is a benefit for those who need help with personal care
We offer an initial free 30 minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way
CHILDREN in Reading were treated to two weeks of fun-filled creative activities this summer. The Whitley Community Centre played host to the sessions between Monday, August 1, and Thursday, August 11, immersing youngsters in a plethora of new experiences. Designed by the Whitley Community Development Association, each day had its own unique theme. Motivational Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday and Theatrical Thursday certain to captivate visitors’ imaginations.
Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for those in receipt of the State
TrustID offers a range of identity verification services that protect both private sector organisations and public sector bodies such as NHS Trusts and local authorities from exposure to fraud. Its identity checking products also support compliance with a wide range of legislation, including Right to Work, Right to Rent, AntiMoney laundering and Know Your Customer legislation.
story? Email news@wokingham.today
JAIPAL YADAV, FAVOURITETABLE MANAGING DIRECTOR, COLLECTS THE UK ENTERPRISE 2022 AWARD.
LEADING Identity Service Provider, TrustID, is expanding as it takes up new offices in The Blade, in Abbey Reading-basedSquare. provider was the first to be granted Home Office certification for its digital Right to Work, Right to Rent, and Disclosure and Barring service checks. Now it is moving into larger premises to accommodate the expansion of its workforce and operations.Changes in Home Office guidance are also fuelling the increase in demand for digital ID checks. In October, the government will end the temporary Covid-adjusted measures and require Right to Work and Right to Rent checks to be carried out by an IDSP, such as TrustID, or for original documents to be physically verified. Many public services will be similarly digitised by 2025 as part of the government’s Roadmap for a
14 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
continue to deliver our market leading products and customer “Weservice.believe a lot of our success is down to being located in Reading where there is a great pool of talent to join our growing team.”
“Some great examples of these include online booking
Favouritetable says that it also provides restaurant operators real-world features not found in other systems.
PICTURE: Courtesy of Favouritetable Services
In association with Winnersh Triangle A business park that is changing Tech and vape shop in Reading
TrustID expands into Reading with new offices in The Blade
THE owner of a tech and vape store in Reading town centre has applied to sell alcohol. Hardeep Singh, from Top Choice Gadgets, is seeking permission to sell wine, beer, and spirits from his store in Market Place. The drinks would be sold for consumption off the premises from 8am to 11pm Monday to Sunday - the store is currently open from 11am to 7.30pm.Thesmall store opened recently, and currently sells gadget repairs, vapes and screen protectors forItsphones.‘youbreak, we fix’ service involves mobile phones, laptops and computer repairs, screen replacements and unlocking. Additionally, Top Choice Gadgets buys phones, and sells accessories such as chargers and ear phones.Itislocated left of the Market Way archway, which used to serve as an alternative entrance to Sainsbury’s in Broad Street.
| BUSINESSBUSINESSTODAY
DigitalTonyFuture.Machin, CEO of TrustID said, “For us, this office move is a big step in our company’s development.“TrustIDis growing very quickly and is becoming one of the leading experts in the identity verification space.“This office move will facilitate further growth and help us to
READING-BASED restaurant software FavouritetablebusinessServices has won a UK Enterpise Award. It took home the award for best restaurant listing and reservations systems provider in the 2022 winners announcement.Theawardswere hosted by SME News for the sixth time, and recognise businesses and industries from all over the UK. The company was commended for its innovation in restaurant booking technology and making clients lives easier through th Jaipal Yadav, Favouritetable managing director, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring this National award home to Reading, where we have been headquartered since our launch in 2010– being based in such a vibrant business community has been vital to our success. “Receiving this award genuinely adds to a growing recognition by our local and national clients of Favouritetable as a business which enables restaurant owners to solve complex problems.“We’ve always strived to offer a service that goes the extra mile to help restaurateurs through innovative webtechnology based using costefficient software solutions.”
Got a business
Reading’s Favouritetable given UK
By TRUSTID IS SET TO EXPAND WITH NEW OFFICES IN READING’S ABBEY SQUARE. PICTURE: Courtesy
Hay yields down by a third warns uni
A new statistical modelling approach was used to analyse the data, taking into account unusual patterns of yield variability.DrJohn Addy, a statistician at Rothamsted Research and the study’s lead author, said, “The precise response of spring hay yield to temperature and rainfall varied during the year but there is an optimum “Goldilocks” spring rainfall and temperature associated with the maximum level of yield. “Changes in autumn and winter temperature had more of an effect on yield than autumn and winter “Managedrainfall.”grassland (rough grazing and pasture) is the UK’s largest crop by area at over 12 million hectares; it underpins a livestock sector worth over 13 billion GBP each year. “Spring hay and silage is fed to livestock throughout the winter and in also in times of summer drought, as is the case thisProfessoryear.”
All hands to the pump as Hopfest offers a selection of keg lines
The Drugsentertainsorganistseized
Tuesday,aundertookTHAMESwhatsonreading.comtoValleyPoliceawarrantatpropertyinWhitleyonAugust23.Officersseized18wraps of Class A drugs, paraphernalia and cash from the Linden Road address.Lastweek, two closure notices were granted on Linden Road as part of TVP’s strategy to challenge antisocial and criminal behaviour affecting the neighbourhood and businesses.Closurenotices prohibit access to premises for a specified period.
Richard Ellis of the school of agriculture, policy and development at the University of Reading added “The 115 years of results from the Park Grass experiment allow us to analyse the consequences of the previous year’s weather on yield.“There is a substantial legacy effect in this perennial crop: if the weather in one year is poor for hay yield, then yield in the following year is also reduced to some extent and vice versa.”
The study analysed more than 100 years of data showing that hay yields have already been reduced by more than a third as a result of climate change.Warmer, drier autumn and winter seasons, have seen reduced yields, with warmer springs also causing a similar effect.The report notes that optimum spring weather for crop growth is colder and wetter, and springs are also generally expected to become warmer and drier too. The study predicts that between 2020 and 2080, yields will decline by a further 20% to 50%.As part of a partnership between the University of Reading and Rothamstead Research, data from between 1902 and 2016 were collected in the Park Grass long-term experiment.
The stage also saw sets from Rum and Donuts DJ and Steve Reynolds Lightlands, with Milk DJs performing as part of the Milk garden takeover. Fed Street Food and Makan Malaysian provided food for festival goers. The Fox and Hounds Beer House posted to social media to thank all of those who made the festival “the biggest and best” they’ve held.
SOUND OF MUSIC: As Loud as a Mouse performing an acoustic set. Pictures: Steve Smyth
THE FOX and Hounds Beer House, Caversham, was home to the return of Hopfest for 2022. From Friday-Sunday, August 19-21, beer lovers were treated to 25 different keg lines, musical performances, and culinary offerings in the sunshine.Selections included keg lines from local brewers Siren and Double Barrelled, with Siren’s Time Hops Centennial West Coast and Double Barrelled’s Export Stout among the headline offerings.Thoselooking for even more exotic beverages had the choice of daquiris, agricole negronis, and a Jamaican rum punch.Live music at the festival included sets from Loud as a Mouse, Daughter of the Water, Shoals, Phil’n the Blanks, and Failed Authors.
AN ORGAN recital will take place on Monday lunchtime. Relf Clark, a Didcot-based organist will be performing on the Father Willis Organ in Reading town hall in Blagrave Street.The 45-minute concert will feature music by Handel, J.S.Bach, S.S.Wesley, Rheinberger, Duruflé and Widor.Organised by Berkshire Organists Association, the event will start at 1pm, and last around 45 minutes and costs £5 in advance or £6 on theFordoor.more details, call: 0118 6060, or log on
THE University of Reading has released a study which shows climate change is damaging yields of hay crops, according to a report published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface.
While the projections are specific to the Park Grass site, experiment has been designed so that “a range of grassland systems” are studied, varied by levels of fertilizer. The relative effect of climate change on yield was “remarkably” similar across all of the Professorcontrols. Ellis explains: “Many livestock farmers in the region have already responded to change,” says the increase in the area of forage maize over the past half century being but one example, but future investments in milk production from grass are more likely to favour the wetter and cooler regions of the UK.” Hay can make up as much as 100% of the diet of grazing animals, and is an essential fodder for keeping livestock. The research was published in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface on Wednesday, August 24. Daughter of the Water sample some of the keg lines in between sets
By JAKE CLOTHIER
The festival also offered stout, cocktails, and a selection of street food Hop to The Fox for beer festival fun
PartyNightPackageat£54.95perperson Proseccoonarrival,threecoursefestive dinnerfollowedbydiscountilmidnight ChristmasMenuat£34.95perperson Threecoursefestivemealsarealso availablethroughoutDecember *TermsandConditionsApply Tobookyourplace,pleasecalluson 01189029960 oremail sales@sandmartins.com and quote XMASWT San d Martin s Gol f Clu b Ltd , Finchampstea d Road, Wokingham , Berkshire , RG4 0 3RQ Pleaseviewourwebsitewww.sandmartins.com foravailabledates.Privatepartiesarealso availableonrequest–minimumnumbersapply. Finduson c @eventssmgc AllThatGlitters ChristmasParty2022 To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, August 31, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 15
Cuts are coming to Reading Bus services – be prepared for changes WE have many difficulties ahead iswhentoReadingunfortunatewinterthissoit’stoseethatisfacingmajorcutsourbusserviceatatimebetterpublictransportneeded. But does it have to be like this? Why are the services we depend on so poorly funded? Greens think well-funded public transport is essential.
Boris Johnson and the bus. There’s a lot going on there… Boris Johnson has a thing about buses. He killed off the bendy bus in London (spoiler… it was rubbish). He told a big lie down the side of one during his Brexit leave campaign. He’s even got one named after him – the new Routemaster. Transport for London are considering taking these out of service much earlier than planned, so fittingly the ‘Boris Bus’ looks likely to be another expensive failure. You might not know that Johnson also promised a ‘bus revolution’.You’veprobably guessed how this is turning out.
Whitley Wood Fire Station will be holding an open day on Saturday Picture: Kevin Hale via Wikimedia Commons Ian
“For those who no longer wish to sit at a computer screen all day, which I was previously doing before joining Reading Buses, it has provided a new career direction which has also included free on-the-job training as well as job security – it is a pretty good career path.”Babar Kiyani has also logged two decades of service after having moved in from driving a taxi.
By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today
THE news last week that Ofgem will be setting the annual energy ‘price cap’ for an average household at £3,549 will be extremely worrying for a great many people. The annual figure is not even a cap in any meaningful sense, because the only price actually regulated is the per unit cost of gas and electricity. As such, there will be people, both in our town and elsewhere, who pay more over the next year than the £3,549 figure quoted. The present crisis has demonstrated the inherent weaknesses at the heart of Britain’s energy security policy, especially because of the country’s overreliance on gas for both electricity production and home heating. It also reveals that the regulatory framework in which Ofgem operates is poorly designed for a period of crisis. Resolving these deficiencies will take time, although the work must be done at pace by our national Government and politicians, but my principal concern is the immediate needs of residents over the coming winter and beyond.
| VIEWPOINTS/NEWS
CELEBRATION: Oliver Saunders, third from left, has served 20 years at Reading Buses, and was commended for the milestone. Picture: Courtesy of Reading Buses
Local authorities requested a budget of £10bn to deliver on the ambitious plan - the Tories promised £3bn, then delivered £1.2bn. It was underfunded, badly conceived, and carried out with the Tories’ typical disdain for our essential services. Greens think well-funded joined up public transport is essential Green councillors take public transport very seriously. Getting cars off our streets is imperative if we’re to meet carbon reduction goals and improve Reading’s poor air quality.Everyone benefits from good public transport, and we need huge investment in an expanded, high-frequency bus service across the UK. It won’t turn a huge profit, but it’s the cost of a properly functioning society. It’s time to think differently and vote We’vedifferentlylivedunder 12 years of the most callous, incompetent government we’ve ever had and our essential services are collapsing.Meanwhile, the Labour leader prevents his colleagues from openly supporting strikes. If we are to navigate the challenges of the next few years, we need effective Green policies led by Green politicians. Get involved and help us make Reading fairer, greener and cleaner.Fordetails, log on to: involved/reading.greenparty.org.uk/get-https://orcall:07985923938.
Following 15 years of driving night-buses, Mr Kiyani was promoted to night-time network supervisor.Hemoved from his native Pakistan to marry his partner, Feroza, who also started driving with Reading Buses a year ago. He said of his time with Reading Buses: “It’s a beautiful job which I enjoy as much today as I did on day one and would recommend it.”
READING Buses has commended three colleagues for 60 years of service between them.
Cllr Rob White is the leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council and Green party councillor for Park Ward
In the coming months, the scale of financial help for households will have to be much higher than presently allocated. Government will have to be much more targeted in helping those on lower incomes and, to avoid another round of messy policymaking on the hoof, there must be contingency in place for a likely further rise in energy costs in January.
“The role has offered me many benefits, including job satisfaction and security, a decent wage, pension, the ability to work different shifts and largely being my own boss.
From Cllr Jason Brock
leaderthe
Mr Wisdom also organises at Wokingham Festival, which place over the August bank holiday weekend, again selling real ale ciders for the charity. And he has also organised events over the years to boost coffers of the charity.
Fromthechamber
“I have found it ideal. I tried it out and everything was fine, and it’s definitely an advantage not having far to travel to work.”
Alas, we are still entirely unsure as to what they willThedo. present package of support is a confusing and convoluted nexus of different schemes, many of which are poorly targeted. Schemes like the £150 payment for those living in properties in Council Tax Bands A-D appear to have been designed by a Conservative Government more interested in political considerations than in sound economic and social policy. The end result was a payment that appears insignificant in the face of the coming winter.
A READING fire station is giving residents a rare opportunity to experience behind the scenes access.Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service will host an open day at its Whitley Wood site on Saturday, September 3. The event will showcase live demonstrations from crews, with guests at. The Whitley Wood fire station was opened in 1992, strategically located near to one of the largest housing estates in Britain at the time.Itis now a specialist location which trains firefighters in a wide range of skills, including working at height, water rescue, hazardous materials and terrorist and radioactive incidents. As such, the station is home to several specialist vehicles including an aerial ladder platform, off-road forklifts and a Mercedes Atego fire engine.Thecommunity has regular access to the station, which serves as a centre for fire safety education, activity meetings and youth group visits.InJuly, members of the Fire Cadet graduated in a ceremony held at the Whitley Wood site. Parking for the event will be available at Reading Campus Building, located on the other side of the VisitorsA33. can access the open day via two footbridges over the Junction 11 roundabout. The event starts at 10.30am. n For more information, search: Whitley Wood Open Day on www. facebook.com
In making the announcement on the price increases, the Chief Executive of Ofgem did also call on the Government to do more to support households financially.
Ultimately, I cannot get away from my frustration that the Government is abdicating its responsibility to act as safeguard of the people’s welfare.I’msure that the next Prime Minister will throw together some scheme in haste, but in that circumstance won’t be adequate or properly considered.Ihaveno confidence that it will place genuine need over political expedition. Labour have produced a detailed policy that would help everyone in Britain and, since time is of the essence, I hope the Conservatives set aside their pride and adopt it. Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and Labour ward councillor for Southcote
Chance to go behind thescenes of the fire station
Mr Saunders has two children, and said: “On early shifts I would pick up the children from school and I know a couple of months in advance of shift work so I can schedule my life around that. “I come in and do what I need to do, and it works out well.” David Goorney has also reached the 20-year milestone with Reading Buses, and said: “The role of a bus driver has given me a good standard of living and to those looking for an interesting job I can highlight a number of reasons for considering the bus industry.”
Cllr Rob White
One of my key asks would be for an extension to the Household Support Fund.
Trio celebrate 20 years on the buses
16 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
KELVIN Husbands from Grassrootz has been nominated as Local Hero, sponsored by Green Park. The youth worker founded and leads the organisation which runs various youth clubs, mentorship programmes and trips for young people in Reading. His nominator said: “I honestly believe Kelvin Husbands and his deserve the Pride of Reading award.
“What Kelvin and his team achieve with the teens is amazing. Many teens struggled with self-esteem confidence.Theywent on to highlight Grassrootz’s role in the personal professional development of the young people it serves, saying would be ‘lost’ without it. Kelvin founded Grassrootz after observing a lack of familiar and places for young people to go after school.Ofthe nomination, he said: amazing feeling. It’s not what we out for, but it shows how far we’ve come.“We just started as a place for son, who was 13 at the time, and friends to come and play football. “At that time, the most shocking thing was that none of them had heard of a youth club or knew oneThewas.”group runs five sessions throughout the week in Whitley, Coley and Caversham, serving 200 young people per week during term-time.Throughout the holidays, volunteers organise trips, recently taking hundreds of children to exciting places like Thorpe Park Legoland.Theexcursions offer an opportunity for parents and carers to spend time with their children and also socialise with other parents, with
Youth is definitely
This pot is used by local councils to provide targeted support and, in Reading, has been used to support families and pensioners with energy and food costs. It is absolutely vital that this provision is increased, especially since councils (by their nature) understand specific challenges and need in their areas better than national Government does.
Oliver Saunders, David Goorney, and Babar Kiyani are celebrating 20 years of service each with the company.MrSaunders, 56, whose home in Oxford Road is only a short distance from the Great Knollys Street depot, says he was looking from a job close by.
Tax cuts – apparently all the rage when courting the votes of Conservative members – will do little or nothing for those on the lowest incomes, including a great many pensioners.
“I’m proud of all three and look forward to working with them all for many more years to come.”
A TWYFORD man’s fundraising have seen him nominated for of Reading award. Ian Wisdom was visibly moved learning that he had been put for fundraiser of the year, sponsored by Cream Design. He is the powerhouse behind Twyford Beer Festival, a volunteerrun event held in Stanlake Meadows every year. It features a range of real ales, perries and ciders, from local and further afield. Every year it raises thousands of pounds for Orchid, a charity focuses on male cancers.
Caroline Anscombe, HR Director, said: “Oliver, David and Babar have been wonderful employees for the last 20 years and each show how there is truly a path for everyone here.“They’re all from very different walks of life, but each has found a working pattern that works for them, allowing them to build their careers around their lives.
It isn’t entirely clear that anyone in Government is listening, however. In the heat of a Conservative leadership contest which will determine our next Prime Minister –the outcome of which is increasingly treated as preordained – one would have thought that this would be the perfect time for the candidates to lay out their clear visions for the immediate crisis.
gets people (for charity, Energy bills and supporting you
FOR HALF-A-CENTURY it has been offering people an alternative to the train, picking people up from Mereoak – and other Reading spots – and taking them to destinations across the country. Now, to celebrate its 50th birthday, National Express is giving away a surprise prize every day for 50 Amongdays. the awards is a 50-year travel pass for its entire network of coachTheservices.totalprize pot is worth over £10,000 and includes annual cinema passes, restaurant and shopping vouchers, luxury gift hampers and an overnight break.
club founder Kelvin definitely a local hero
NOMINATED: Kelvin acrossyoungdevelopmentandinwhichorganisationaleadsfoundedHusbandsandGrassrootz,Reading-basedhashelpedthepersonalprofessionalofpeoplethetown.
Inside out
NEWS |
Lifetime of travel up for grabs – now that’s a present fundraising efforts a thousandsvolunteer-behindsponsoredmovedPrideonforwardtheMeadowsales,brewerscharitythatthebarwhichtookholidayaleandotherboostthe
Green Park Green Park is privileged to sponsor the Local Hero category of the Pride of Reading Awards. This category celebrates the incredible human beings among us who, through a special act of kindness and courage, make a difference to the Reading community and Green Park is proud to have been part of this community for over two decades. Set in 195-ace parkland, it is home to 7,600 workers and small businesses, both large and small, with community and wellbeing central to the Green Park ethos.Events such as The Green Park Triathlon and the Reading Half Marathon, as well as its biodiversity initiatives such as ‘twitching’ more than 50 species of birds contribute to Reading’s community. The most onerecentlyTheecompleted,ofdevelopmentalrecentphaseGreenParkhaswithMobilehavingrelocatedtoofthetwonew119,000 sq ft offices. In Green Park’s continuing pursuit of wellbeing excellence for its occupiers, these buildings are targeting WELL Platinum certification; they are among only a handful of buildings across the UK to have done so to date. The local hero award is for someone who, through a special act of kindness or bravery, has made a positive difference to their community.
Moving forward, Kelvin is excited to see the Grassrootz grow, establishing new youth clubs and bringing in new volunteers.Hesaid:“Long term, we’d love to own our own building in Reading, being able to offer our young people a safe place to come after school for a chat or to finish off homework.”
WORLD’S YOUR OYSTER: National Express is offering a prize a day for 50 days to celebrate its 50th birthday Picture: National Express
Well-known in Twyford, he is often seen walking his pet dog Fly, who loves sticks that are several times bigger than him. His nominator said: “He organises the Twyford Beer Festival every year, all the profits from the festival and other fundraising events such as the Marvellous Festival, Wokingham Festival are donated to Orchid“Theircharity.work is vital in raising awareness of male cancer, encouraging men to check for symptoms and providing support to the men affected by male cancer.
POETRY CORNER
“And just think of the hundreds of destinations from Exeter to Edinburgh and Newquay to Newcastle they will be able to explore with National Express.” The coach company used to use Reading bus station as a pick-up point, then Calcot SavaCentre before moving to its current location.Itscontest continues until Thursday, October 13. Entries need to be made daily to win the surprise of the day. n For more information visit www. nationalexpress.com
Picture: HusbandsKelvin Fundraiser Ian Wisdom, on Sid the Scooter, at Twyford Beer Festival Picture: Steve Smyth people to drink beer charity, of course)
We love receiving your verse, and print a selection every week. Email your poem to news@rdg.today
Chris Hardy, managing director of National Express UK Coach: “As part of our celebrations, we wanted to give away something extra special.
“This year Ian also organised the Jubilee celebrations for the community of Twyford.” Ian said he was humbled to be nominated.“It’stotally unexpected, it’s smashing. (Being nominated) is not what we do it for – it’s not just me, it’s my wife and the whole crew (of volunteers),” he explained.
“Despite needing a hip replacement Ian had continued the massive task organising the Twyford beer festival. “The event has the added benefit of supporting local Independent breweries selling their products.
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, August 31, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 25
Grassrootz covering the cost. In this way, the group has strengthened intergenerational relationships within the community. This year’s summer programme has attracted around 500 children from across Reading and the surrounding areas.Alongside the youth clubs, the organisation runs a side-project called Bridging the Gap, which focuses on the personal development of its members.“Oneof the proudest things we’ve done is have members of the senior group mentor the junior groups,” Kelvin“Tenexplained.childrenhave given up their time to do this. It’s given them the chance to receive first aid and safeguarding training, and has helped them all get jobs, securing paid employment.“Ispokewith their employer and he couldn’t believe how well-rounded they were.”
“I am passionate about Orchid. They are a lovely little charity and the work they do is outstanding, it really is. “The improvements in both the surgical techniques and, over the last 15 years, the overall knowledge of how cancers affect the human body has been astonishing. The work Orchid does is tireless and ongoing.
In the next few weeks, he will be taking a sizeable donation from this year’s events to the charity’s London HQ. Last year it was more than £10,000.Andhe has already set the date for next year’s festival, which will again be held in Stanlake Meadows on Friday, June 10, and Saturday, June 11.
Deflate the waves of your soul Soul that makes you extol Extol the silhouette in the sight Sight where skies reunite Reunite with a self ever so true True to the core is what I want from you You are the perfection about to sprout Sprout your way from inside out RITESH NIGAM
GrassrootzHero, mentorshiprunsandyounghonestlyhisteamaward.achieveManyoftheself-esteemandpersonalandtheReadingafterandsafeafter“It’sanwesetwe’veformyandhisfootball.shockinghadevenwhatsessionsWhitley,overduringrecentlyParkandopportunityspendqualityalsowith
This poem is based on a photo of sunrise taken at Dinton Pastures Far beyond the obvious doubts Doubts reflect from inside out Out in perfections of twirling lakes Lakes that paint the world in wake Wake your tranquil soul to fight Fight the darkness in your light Light the illusions of your trait Trait that makes you deflate
“They have the biggest tissue sample of cancer-specific cells in the world and that’s used by quite a lot of other charities, as are their studies – that’s why we support this tiny little charity called Orchid.”
“Free travel is always a fantastic prize but even more so at the minute.“The lucky winner can use our famous white fleet of modern coaches to see friends and family, visit attractions or attend events.
Glass Animals Main Stage West
Frontman Davey Bayley recounted the story of how he came to be friends with drummer Joe Seaward, when Joe approached him asking if he had tickets to Reading Festival. He says that the pair attended the festival together, which led to their friendship and their work together in theTheirband.setlist began with I Don’t Wanna Talk, Tangerine, and Other Side of Paradise, as the band remarked on the size of the crowd.
Mark Olver compering the Alternative Stage
Shortly after, Wallows performed on Main Stage West in the band’s first UK festival appearance. After producing a tambourine and a harmonica, the band had the crowd clapping along with I Just Wanna Do Right By You, followed by Sunday, and an impromptu cover of One Direction’s You Don’t Know You’re Beautiful.Theyclosed the set to rapturous applause after playing crowd favourite Are You Bored Yet Circa Waves occupied the Main Stage East in the afternoon playing a string of hits including Sad Happy and early track Young Chasers. They performed their latest single, Hell on Earth, and closed the show with classic festival anthem T-Shirt Weather. Glass Animals return to Reading Festival, now also playing the main stage after working their way up the roster with previous appearances.
Towards the end of the set, they brought things to a fever pitch with De-ja Vu, followed by Youth and Denzel Curry collaboration Tokyo Drifting. They closed the set with their charttopping, record-breaking summer hit, Heatwaves.Astheperformance wound down, lead singer Davey Bayley announced that it would be the last major appearance of the band in the UK before they intended to begin work on their next studio album.
Jack Barakat of All Time Low on Main Stage WestMegan Thee Stallion ival Jack Barakat
Climbing back on stage, he said “This is exactly what you should expect from every band you see here. “What a weekend you have ahead of you.”Carter stripped down to his underwear during Devil Inside of Me, saying: “It can be an underwear party if you want, but you guys have been here since Wednesday,” before stripping naked in response to chants from the crowd. He was followed by Vancouver’s BBNO$, who brought a chaotic, shout-along energy to Main stage West.Inviting a guest on stage to perform Whip A Tesla, the pair joined the crowd in chants of “Hey Alexa”.They immediately followed with a version of BBNO$’s collaboration with Yung Gravy, Welcome to Chilis.
Clothier
Circa Waves on Main Stage East
Pictures: Dijana Words: Jake
Little Simz on Main Stage East at the 2022 Reading Festival
Frank feistyfestivalopenswithshow | LEISURE READING FESTIVAL FRIDAY
Capan/DVision
Frank Carter and friends
FRANK Carter dragged the festival kicking and screaming into action, on Friday’s first day bursting onto the stage in a wall of noise, flanked by his band, The Rattlesnakes. By his third song, he was already crowd-surfing with ripped trousers.
Comedian Archie Maddocks on the Alternative Stage
Dan D’Lion, originally from Twyford, closed the BBC introducing stage with an assured, accomplished performance. His second song, an unreleased, eminently danceable track, was quickly followed by Need You Right Now. He then performed a song teasingly referred to only as an upcoming single, before bringing on Griff to duet a version of Black Hole.
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Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the East Beach Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursions to Bexhill-on-Sea, Great Dixter, Beachy Head & Alfriston Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£12pp)
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Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with breakfast plus 2 dinners 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks Entertainment every evening Excursions to Bruges Christmas Market & Canterbury 5 Days by Coach only £249 4 Days by Coach only £169 Eastbourne&Brighton_D.pdf
With three nights in the Edwardian seaside resort of Folkestone, we take a hassle-free jaunt over the Channel to the enchanting Bruges Christmas Market, along with an additional excursion to Canterbury, which dazzles with its twinkling lights and decorations.
Megan Thee Stallion on Main Stage West at Reading
FOLKESTONE & BRUGES Christmas Market Weekend
Sussex boasts one of Britain’s finest unspoilt coastlines, dotted with classic seaside resorts that offer a hint of nostalgia with their traditional attractions. We explore more of this picturesque coastline from our base in Eastbourne, including Beachy Head.
For more information, or to book, please call 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.
Griff on Main Stage East Reader travel
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EASTBOURNE & the Sussex Sunshine Coast
DAN D’LION BBC Introducing Stage Little Simz on Main Stage East
Nuku Luk brought their signature style of electro-tinged rap rock to the 1xtra stage, while Dayglow performed a set full of danceablesun-drenched,pop.TheLathumswastedno time in breaking into their set, kicking off with their usual fast paced, guitar-driven rock and soaring vocals.Front man Alex Moore then took up a white and gold acoustic guitar for a more stripped back performance of All My Life on Main Stage East.
A packed out BBC Introducing saw a secret set from Loyle Carner, who brought out a guest for you You Don’t Know, and closed the set withAJGeorgetown.Traceytook to the main stage shortly after, saying: “this is one of my favourite festivals, but I’ve only got half an hour set so I’ll try and fit it all in.”
They played a string of hits to warm the festival up, including Sing it Loud and Live for the Moment, and wound up the set with crowd-pleaser Chasing Shadows.BBCIntroducing saw an accomplished set by Gabe Coulter, including a stirring final rendition of I Heard a Whisper.
The encore of Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen had the whole tent chanting along as he mixed
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THE Sherlocks got Saturday off to a flying start, with frontman Kieron Crook saying “It’s a privilege to play here, as we’ve worked our way up the ladder from Festival Republic to Radio 1 – it’s a real buzz playing this stage.”
His final song led to some of the biggest mosh pits the festival has seen so Fontainesfar. DC kept the energy going with their punk rock sensibilities whipping the crowd into renewed frenzy. The band brought the sound that many associate with the classic rock acts of the festival’s history with corrosive, acid washed guitar. Another surprise set saw Pendulum take hold of the Dance Stage, including a brand new song.Mid-way through, the band announced that they would be bringing in a special guest, before performing with Enter Shikari’s Ralph for a special collaboration.
While Sheffield’s Bring Me The Horizon was tearing up mainstage West, Glasgow-based powerhouse party rockers Uninvited shredded the BBC intro stage. Ahead of their tour in September, the band burned through a tight, blistering set, including new single The Party Song, and politically-charged Behind The Black Door.Asecret set from Pendulum saw them fill the Dance Tent, which broke into rapturous applause when the band welcomed Enter Shikari’s Rou Reynolds to the stage.Meanwhile JPEGmafia was setting the Radio 1Xtra tent ablaze as he closed his set with his tribute to the now-defunct Brockhampton, before agreeing to an encore.
| LEISURE READING FESTIVAL SATURDAY Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Words: Jake Clothier Arctic Monkeys close Saturday with their headline setReading Festival 2022; Saturday 27th August 2022; Fontaines D.C on Main Stage East Bring Me the Horizon on Main Stage West Pendulum on the Dance Stage Pendulum on the Dance Stage Loyle Carner performs to a packed BBC Introducing Loylestage Carner Enter Shikari The Lathums AJ Tracey on Main Stage East
Ince continued: “The way I’d describe Junior is very, very, very low“Hemaintenance.istheperfect player to work with. He just gets on with his business, tries his hardest. He’s an example to all players at our football club.” GOAL GIVES ROYALS THE WIN
NABY Sarr marked his Reading FC debut on Saturday with the winning goal, sending the Royals to the top of the Championship.
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DEBUT
“He (Hoilett) plays there and gets on with it, doesn’t moan about it and got his goal against Blackburn.”Hoilettnetted the second goal in Reading’s 3-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers which saw them end the visitors’ perfect start to the season.The32-year-old has 47 international caps for Canada and will be hoping to represent his country at this year’s World Cup after they qualified for the first time in 36 years.
By ANDY PRESTON
apreston@wokingham.today NABY’S MAGIC ROUND-UPHEADERACTIONCRICKETFAVASE READING 31.08.22 ‘Holiett is the professional’ultimate PIC GRASSROOTSSPECIAL
READING FC manager Paul Ince professional’.asJuniordescribedHoilettthe‘ultimate withhasinternationalCanadianTheimpressedapositive start to the campaign despite playing out of position.Hoilett has been required to play at right-wing back for a majority of Reading’s opening five Championship games, where they sit third in the table in the early stages.“He’s a credit to everyone, every player at this club,” said“HeInce.always comes in everyday smiling, he’s got an infectious smile that lights up the room. “He’s always working on his stretching, he’s the ultimate pro.“He has to do the defensive of things, playing at wing-back is tough, you have to go up and down and it’s a tough ask.
“Yids (Andy Yiadom) does it naturally because that’s the way he plays as a right-back.
After a long delayed transfer which saw Sarr train four weeks with the team before the move was ratified by the EFL, he enjoyed his first match, away against Millwall, by scoring the only goal of the game.Sarr was left unmarked at the back post where he put Reading in front after 14 minutes with a diving header. The Royals went on to record their third victory on the bounce and third consecutive clean sheet to put them top of the table after six matches.PaulInce’s men have recovered valiantly since their humbling defeat at Rotherham United having picked up maximum points since that game without conceding. Reading’s next test came last night at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United in a game that pits the top two of the table against each other.The game took place after we had gone to press, a full match report will be online at rdg.today
Annabelle (1-1) also opened her spell with an impressive maidens as Finch were restricted to 201.
Jackson and Ollie (43), Annabelle and Jacob (36), Tav and Will (24), Charlotte and Albert (22), Chloe and Trish (51). An exceptional team effort saw the Crocodiles record their highest collective total of 366 which ensured that they sealed their status as league champions.
Crows Crocodiles coach Vijay Bhatti said: “I’m truly proud of the way in which everyone supported and encouraged each other throughout the game. “Well done champions, you have truly earned the title with your hard work, determination and commitment this season.”
ASHTON sport@wokingham.today OurWoodleyshowroomisopen7daysaweek 0800305030 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk WINDOWS DOORS CONSERVATORIES WOKINGHAMTODAY READINGTODAY Rams Rugby, Old Bath Road, Sonning, Berkshire RG4 6TQ © RAMSRUGBY 2022 1st XV v ESHER RFC 160mmx8 columns (265mm) Esher Home -3rd Sept - Wokingham and Reading Paper 31.08-1.09.22.indd 1 24/08/2022 14:32:41 18 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
‘THE MOOD IN THE CAMP IS REALLY POSITIVE’
Crowthorne & Crown Wood CC Rams RFC forwards coach Owen Root RAMS’ forwards coach Owen Root cannot wait for the National One season to get underway with Saturday’s home game against newlypromoted Esher (3pm ko). The National Two South champions head to Old Bath Road for the first time in a league game, and Root is hopeful his side’s pre-season work – which included a two-match tour to Dublin – can pay dividends at Old BathHeRoad.said: “The mood in the camp is really positive. “There was so much gained from the tour to Ireland not just with the rugby, but also the guys coming back with new friendships and bonds being formed which will hopefully be “Aslifelong.Iget older and stand on the side I appreciate that more, watching the team environment and see things come“There’stogether.been some great work done and I’ve been impressed with the intensity.”Hecontinued: “We’ve all got our own areas we’re trying to improve as coaches, but we’ve had some positive conversations so far, especially on the defensive side.“Things are moving forward – we’ve always got more to achieve and while you’d love to add a couple more days in each week for training, we’ll all bound by the same challenges and pressures in this league and you work around it. “We’re excited and ready to transition hopefully into some really positive league performances.”Ramshavekept the bulk of the squad which finished sixth last time out together, adding in a few new faces among the pack including former Taunton lock Dan Swain, young prop Terrel Harry, Wasps loanee Alfie Bell and back row Michael Hoyt.And
Root said: “We’ve got a responsibility to identify young talents and Gary (Reynolds, CEO) has spoken at length about how a lot of good players slip through the“Asnet.a club we passionately believe about giving those kind of guys the very best opportunity we can to thrive.“When I was starting out there were some really great, dogged old players who gave me some powerful little nuggets of advice, and it’s really important you get that mix of experience and new talent.” n Supporters are asked to pre-book tickets via the club website to ensure smooth entry to the ground for Saturday’s game By RICHARD
| RUGBYSPORTUNION
CRICKET
Jacob (7-1) bowled a beautiful line and reminded everyone of the importance of being controlled. Tav (3-1) maintained his recent increase and acceleration in form with only three runs coming off theOlliebat. (11-1) continued to thrive with his determination and increased pace. Chloe (4-0) opened her spell with an impressive maiden over and Charlotte (7-2) continues to baffle batters with her incredible spin.
Crows U11’s Crocodiles clinch league title
CROWTHORNE & Crown Wood Crocodiles clinched the U11’s T16 Pairs Berkshire Youth League Championship after their win over Finchampstead Falcons.
Trish (5-4) remained on fire and maintained her consistent line and length to take four wickets. Jackson (0-1) continued his speed demon pace without a run being hit off his bowling with the bat. Albert (2-0) continued to improve with his control and pace, finishing with a superb maiden over.
CITYZENS AND WOODLEY SANDHURST FA VASE Longlevens 2 Reading City 4
AND
EXIT
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK’S journey in the Vase came to an early end with an away exit to AFC Bitton. An even first-half ended goalless, but it was the hosts who went in front two minutes after the restart. The Sumas were level when Nathan Mindomba found the bottom corner after Mabukwa’s assist.Alate flurry of goals from the home side saw them comfortably booked their place in the next round with three goals in the final 15 minutes.
ASCOT PROGRESS, SUMAS,
Ascot United: Ashdown, AjanlekokoBailey (c), Harris, Masters, McCormack, Mealing, Merrick, Tucker, Walters, Welch
READING CITY put their name in the draw for the next round with an impressive away display at Longlevens. City fell behind five minutes into the contest, but hit back with a quick equaliser from EllisJustCowd.afew minutes later the Cityzens were in front courtesy of Dan Davies’ header. City had a 3-1 lead at the break when Davies found his second goal of the game. By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today AFC Bitton v Wokingham & Emmbrook (pictured above), Sandhurst Town v Sheerwater (pictured below) Pictures: Andrew Batt
AFC Bitton 4 Sumas 1
SANDHURST TOWN crashed out of the competition after a 2-1 defeat to Sheerwater.Milofoundthe net for the Fizzers in their 2-1 loss.
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The hosts got back into the game with a 52nd minute goal, but Reading ensured their place in the next round late in the day with Phil Veal’s header. Reading City: York, Smith, Lazarczuk, Valentin, Veal, Cowd, Pilling, Davies, D’Cruz, Baines (c), Lee Subs: Weight, Tanner, Basterfield, Young, Baker, Butcher Woodley United 2 Cadbury Heath 3 WOODLEY UNITED were edged out in a five goal contest against Cadbury Heath. The Kestrels were put ahead thanks to a brilliant opener from Sid, only for Cadbury to hit back with two goals to take a 2-1 half-time lead. The visitors added a third and despite a late goal from Connor N, they exited with a 3-2Woodleyloss. manager Jordan Blake said: “Disappointed not to be in the next round of the cup. “We weren’t ruthless enough in both boxes and ultimately we paid the price for it.”
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Long Crendon 1 Ascot United 5 ASCOT UNITED stormed through with a thumping 5-1 win at Long Crendon. Crendon took the advantage in the 28th minute and Ascot levelled up just three minutes later with Mealing’s goal. Josh Harris gave Ascot a half-time lead before Mealing netted his second of the game on the hour mark. Harris found his brace to add an Ascot fourth and then sealed his hat-trick to see them safely through.
Wokingham & Emmbrook: Woodward, Shaw, Cummuskey, White, Tuttle, Mullan (c), Badshah, Noyes, Mindomba, Clark, Ojong Subs: Harrison. Linturn, Harris, Mabukwa, Goodwin Sandhurst Town 1 Sheerwater 2
The Swords then followed up their weekend win by beating Eversley & California on BerksMonday.scored the opening goal of the game when Hayden slottedCharliein.
Eversley & California: Kerrison, Baker, Moriarty, Catt, Boylan, Velinor, Crocker, Liddar, Mckernan, Pantony, Brown Subs: Faruggia, Emanuel, Frewin, Mulipola
Combined Counties Division One BERKS COUNTY made it four wins from six with victory away at CB Hounslow United. Despite falling behind, the Swords made a valiant comeback with goals from Hayden and a debut goal from Charlie Oakley to take the points.
Eversley & California v Rayners Lane Pictures: Richard Milam Eversley & California v Rayners Lane Pictures: Richard Milam Isthmian South Central BINFIELD are in third after their thumping 4-0 win over Merstham.HarveyHarry scored the opening goal of the game before Liam Tack doubled the advantage from the penalty spot just before the break. Jonathan Denton scored the third and Johnny Efedje put more gloss on the scoreline with a fourth late in the game.
Oakley doubled County’s advantage to take them into half-time in front. Just before the hour mark, Berks took further control of the contest when Oakley netted hisThebrace.Boars were reduced to 10 players when Joe Moriarty was sent off was stopping a goal scoring opportunity.
WOODLEY UNITED suffered a narrow defeat on Monday away at AFC Aldermaston. The Kestrels had a twogoal lead, but the hosts came roaring back to claim three points with a 3-2 win.
20 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
The Moles then ensured their strong start to the season continued on Bank Holiday Monday with an away triumph at Basingstoke Town. Goals from Connor Holland and captain Sean Moore guided Binfield to a 2-0 away win.
Berks County: Hill, Tanner, Akem-Che, Honey, Powell, Howes. Hayden, Brighton, Oakley, Day, Sackey Subs: Lee, Laverty, Day, Edwards, Wyllie
The Moles are on seven points from three games after their unbeaten start to the campaign.
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA lost out at home to Rayners Lane in just their second defeat of the Rossseason.Mckernan’s strike gave the Boars an early lead, but two goals from the away team in the first-half settled the games they scored in the 13th minute and 44th minute.
| SPORT OurWoodleyshowroomisopen7daysaweek 0800305030 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk WINDOWS DOORS CONSERVATORIES WOKINGHAMTODAY READINGTODAY FOOTBALL BERKS COUNTY BEAT BOARS, WHILE FINCH
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Binfield: Grace, Tack, Giamattei, Denton, Gater, Pegg, Morgan, Duncan, Moore, Holland, Harry Subs: Curtis, Gavin, Beauchamp, Hobbs, Efedje
So instead of it relying on the defender having ‘control of the ball’, shouldn’t we say, having ‘control of his action’.
READING YMCA got off the mark with their first win of the season. Ed Gadd made it a debut to remember with a brace, while Pele Haggler added the other Reading goal in a 3-2 away triumph.
READING FC WOMEN ended their pre-season campaign with victory over Aston Villa at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Playing behind closed doors in their final warm up match before the start of the new season, the Royals came out on top in a fivegoalEmmacontest.Mitchell put Reading in front with 39 minutes played when she controlled, opened up her foot and warped a shot into the top corner.Villa were level before the break when Lionesses star Rachel Daly, who signed for the visitors this summer, flicked in from close range.Reading restored their lead in the 65th minute when Rachel Rowe carried the ball forward and found Lily Woodham before her effort took a deflection to beat Villa goalkeeper Hannah Hampton.Woodham burst forward again and her cross was met by Vanhaevermaet who won her team a penalty when the ball flicked up off a Villa arm.
The Belgian midfielder took the resulting spotkick and buried it past Hampton to put Kelly Chambers’ team 3-1 ahead. The visitors were awarded a penalty of their own after Tia Primmer was adjudged to have fouledDalyBlindkilde-Brown.gothersecondof the game as she stepped up on 85 minutes and scored to pull Villa back within one.But Reading hold on to ensure they won the match in their final pre-seasonChambers’outing.team will kick off their Women’s Super League campaign at home against newly promoted Liverpool on Sunday, September 11.
Secondsemi-final.halfof extra time, and scores were still level, when one goalkeeper kicked the ball well into opponents half.
‘NO NEEDEDCHANGETOLAW 11’
READING CITY U23’s were defeated on the road at Yateley United as the hosts took a 3-1 win.
Referees are given criteria to judge this, but the phrase that worries me is ‘has control of the ball’. Let me illustrate this, with a personal experience when refereeing a national under 18 cup
WE have become used to receiving changes in the Laws of the Game at the start of each season. This year there was something unusual, when we received a joint statement from the IFAB and FIFA about a Law not being changed.Itallstarted with the UEFA Nations League Final, when Spanish player Eric Garcia tried to intercept the ball being passed to France’s Kylian Mbappe, who was in an offside position.Garcia only succeeded in knocking the ball on to Mbappe, from which he scored the winning goal. Roberto Rossetti, the UEFA Head of Referees, said that the referee, England’s Andrew Taylor, acted within the Laws but he felt it was against the spirit of the Game.Hedeclared his intention of discussing it with the IFAB and FIFA with a view to getting the Law changed. The result is probably not what he wanted, for this is what it has said. As the Law stands, a player in an offside position, remains offside if on the way the ball is deflected by a defender. However, if the defender has deliberately played the ball, it puts him onside. The joint statement does not alter this, but describes deliberate play as when a player has control of the ball, with the possibility of passing it to a team mate, or gaining possession of the ball, or clearing the ball, (kicking or heading), if however the attempt to control the ball, is inaccurate or unsuccessful it does not negate that the player has deliberately played the ball.
READING FC WOMEN
Pre-season friendlies WOODLEY UNITED LADIES ended their pre-season campaign with an impressive 4-1 success at Hilltop.Rebecca Gooch hit a brace, Amie Benton and May Hamblin netted to guide the Kestrels to an away win. The result means that Woodley went through their entire preseason campaign undefeated as they head into the league season in high spirits.
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SUBS: Caldwell, Primmer, Bryson, Perry, Burns, Jane, Meadows-Tuson
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WOKINGHAMTODAY READINGTODAY From middlethe Dick Sawdon-Smith
ASTON VILLA: Hampton, Mayling, Patten, Corsie, Turner, Dali, Littlejohn, Lehmann, Harding, Gregory, Daly SUBS: Boyce-Hlorkah, Blindkilde-Brown
FINCH CONTINUE WINNING START ROYALS TAKE VILLA VICTORY IN FINAL PRE-SEASON OUTING
GOALS: Mitchell 39’, Daly, 45’, 85 (pen), Woodham 65’, Vanhaevermaet 72’ (pen)
I couldn’t say that the defender had ‘control of the ball’ but he had deliberately taken the action to head it.
WARGRAVE suffered their first defeat of the season after they lost out 4-2 to Slough Heating Laurencians.
All the players chased after it, with the exception of one defender and one attacker who remained behind him. The ball reached the other goalkeeper, who promptly lashed it back high down field. The defender jumped with the intention of heading the ball back in the opponents half but only resulted in knocking it towards the offside opponent, who ran with it and put his team in the final.
Ethan Simons came off the bench to score twice to help Finch take a 2-1 win. The defending champions are top of the table with six points from two games.
Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD made it two wins from two after their away triumph at Windlesham United.
READING: Moloney, Mitchell, Evans, Wellings, Eikeland, Wade, Cooper, Rowe, Vanhaevermaet, Woodham, Troelsgaard
SARR NETS DEBUT GOAL TO
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“As well as I’m happy with the performance, I’m disappointed we didn’t put the game to bed. “You win 2-0/3-0 win, you all sit back.“What happens is the last five to 10 minutes they throw balls into our box, which could go anywhere, and it’s a lottery then.“You could come away 1-1 which would be devastating as we deserved to win the game.“They’re cleancut chances, you can’t miss them. “Jeff’s one is at a time where you think we’re a bit under the cosh, not because Millwall are cutting through us but because of the way Millwall play.”Naby Sarr’s long-awaited signing was only confirmed on Friday
The winger’s left footed outswinger found the head of Hutchinson, who flicked on for Sarr to head Millwallhome.were determined to respond quickly. G eorge Honeyman had the chance to deliver a set piece from the right, but Bradshaw could only head over from 12 yards out. The remainder of the first half was largely played in the middle third. The few times the ball entered threatening areas, both sides’ defence were able to snuff out the danger.Onthe 38th minute mark, a commotion in the Dockers Stand helped bring attention to a fan who needed medical attention.Thematch paused for a few minutes as medical staff attended to the individual, before the referee deemed it safe to restart.
CHAMPIONSHIPREACTION
| SPORT
Naby Sarr aplluads the Reading away support
Joe
LEE sport@wokingham.today MILLWALL 0 READING 1 OurWoodleyshowroomisopen7daysaweek 0800305030 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk WINDOWS DOORS CONSERVATORIES WOKINGHAMTODAY READINGTODAY 5 22 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Has yet to have a poor performance in a Reading shirt. Snuffed out any opening Millwall had, using awareness and desire. Probably his best performance since the season started in earnest. His calmness in midfield shouldn’t be underestimated.Tookaknockmidway through the first half, which seemed to throw him off. Was not given a lot of breathing space by Millwall’s defenders. Solid. Largely nullified the threat offered by Afobe. A miscontrol could have led to a Millwall equaliser, but Hutchinson covered well. A typically tenacious performance from the captain. Struggled to get into the game in the early
PAUL Ince praised his players after Reading defeated Millwall in a hard-fought victory at The Den. A Naby Sarr debut goal was enough to separate the sides, and also take the Royals to top-spot in theOfChampionship.theposition,he said: “It’s great that the fans can say that. “We struggled to stay in the league last year and I think the fans, who came in their droves to support us, never envisaged that after six games we would be top of the table so give them that and let them enjoy the moment.“Hopefully it lasts a long time but that’s something for them for the support that they have given us over the last six months. “It’s a tough place to come to and we thoroughly deserved to win the game.The away side spurned two golden chances to put the game to bed with Jeff Hendrick and Shane Long missing second-half one-onones.“Isaid to the lads after that I was disappointed, we didn’t put the game to bed – that was a lesson learnt,” he continued.
Shane Long
How they rated Match stats
‘That’s something for them’ Paul Ince lauds Royals away support
A competent display between the sticks. The Rotherham performance is appearing to be an anomaly rather than the norm. Was deployed at left-wing back to offer more solidity to Reading’s back line. Clearly not a natural wing-back, but got forward when he could. Another decent display. Broke up the play well, using good feet to get out of tight spaces. Ejaria will have his money cut out to regain his place.
JeffSamTyreseTomLumleyMcIntyreFornahHutchinsonHendrick
Anotherstages.quality set piece. An energetic performance from the front man in what was a quiet outing by his lofty standards. His debut was well worth the wait. It was his defensive prowess which will excite Ince the most. Was dominant in the air. A quiet day at the office for the Porto loanee, but marshalled the midfield well. Used his height effectively to dominate in the air. He will be frustrated he was not able to convert a golden opportunity to put the game to bed.
Mamadou Loum
READING FC claimed victory in a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Millwall on Saturday afternoon. Naby Sarr’s debut goal was enough to decide a stop-start encounter against Millwall. Paul Ince made three changes to the side who defeated Middlesbrough, with Joe Lumley, Lucas Joao and Sarr entering the fray. With neither Junior Hoilett nor Nesta Guinness-Walker starting, Tom McIntyre took up the mantle at left-wing back. The week of training didn’t seem to benefit either side in the opening exchanges, but debutant Sarr set the tone, making a handful of defensive interventions.TheFrenchman stopped an early cross from making it into the box then cleared a dangerous Benik AfobeNevertheless,cross. it was the home side who had the first sight at goal, with George Saville’s inviting cross from the left glanced towards the near post by Tom Bradshaw, but Lumley was able to gather.Both teams struggled to find rhythm with meaningful chances few and far between. With just under a quarter of an hour gone, Hutchinson sprayed a cross-field ball out to McIntyre on the left, who was brought down, winning a free-kick in a promising position.Reading fans have become accustomed to quality deliveries from Tom Ince, and were not to be disappointed on this occasion.
MILLWALL: Hutchinson,Bialkowski,Cooper, M Wallace, McNamara, Saville, Bradshaw,Malone,Shackleton,Honeyman,Afobe SUBS: Long, Evans, Mitchell, Flemming, Burey, Cresswell, Voglsammer
Ehibhationmhan,
Sarr 14’
Mamadou Loum controls in midfield Reading players thank the away fans
Lucas Joao Tom NabyTomAndyHomesYiadomInceSarr
READING: Lumley, Holmes, Hutchinson, Sarr, McIntyre, Yiadom (c), Loum, Fornah, Hendrick, Ince, Joao SUBS: Long, Guiness-Walker, Bouzanis, Hoilett, Abrefa, Craig GOALS: By JI-MIN
Royals fans in excellent voice at the Den Naby Sarr marked his Royals
morning after George Puscas completed his loan move to Italian outfit“We’veGenoa.all been waiting to get this deal done and he’s been frustrated.really“Tobefair to Naby, he’s been patient so when I got the news that it was all done, I was over the moon as I had earmarked the game for him with the way Millwall “Match fitness is different to training fitness. This is his first game for us, and he was exceptional.”
“I cramped up after 65 minutes which was expected.“Ialways want to play 90 minutes, but it couldn’t have gone much better.”
They picked up a point at home to Middlesbrough but lost out to both Huddersfield Town and Sunderland.FormerRoyal Lewis Baker netted the only goal of the game in their weekend win against Blackburn Rovers.They now have a new boss in charge after Alex Neill departed newly promoted Sunderland to join Stoke.Reading earned three crucial points in their successful bid for Championship survival last season when they hosted Stoke at the SCL in April.
chalked off by the linesman. The Lions’ new signing Andreas Voglsammer created an opening after wriggling past Sarr, but Hutchinson made a last ditch tackle to deny the German from six yards out.As the game entered the final knockings, a miscontrol by Holmes saw Afobe bear down on goal, with Hutchinson forced to cover both ball carrier and runner. The Millwall forward finally got a shot away but Sarr was on hand to block. The Royals had a second chance to seal victory when Hendrick released Long, who only had the keeper to beat, but his shot trickled past the wrong side of the post. It was all hands on deck for the remainder of the match, with Millwall hitting the post off a deflected McNamara cross. A despairing Lumley could only watch as the ball sailed over his head, breathing a sigh of relief as the ball eventually came off the woodwork.Reading were able to negotiate the seven minutes of stoppage time to claim their first win at The Den sinceThe2014.1392-strong travelling support headed back down the M4 ecstatic as their team sits atop the Championship table.
“The talent is there, the hard work is there and it’s about having the nous to put everything we’re taught into a gameday.”
READING FC are seeking to keep their perfect home record intact when they face Stoke City on Sunday in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Reading currently lead the way in the Championship heading into their midweek clash last night against Sheffield United (match report online at rdg.today).
Hutchinson believes that the current squad have a good mix to try and help the Royals improve on last year’s difficult campaign.
SEND ROYALS TO THE TOP ROYALS SEEK TO MAINTAIN PERFECT HOME STREAK
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PREVIEW
Sam Hutchinson Picture: Luke Adams debut by scoring the winning goal at Millwall Pictures: Steve Smyth
‘I’m here to play, not train’
McIntyre rises to win a header
HutchinsonSam Royals defender Tom McIntyre takes a
FornahTyrese tries his a cross
Millwall finished the half the stronger of the two sides, with Bradshaw carving out chances, albeit with little end product.
“I’m here to play games, not to train.
Paul Ince’s team have won four of their six Championship matches before their match at Bramall Lane which pits the top two in the league against each other. In contrast to Reading’s impressive early form, it has been a turbulent week for Stoke City. They parted company with manager Michael O’Neill last Friday after beginning their season with two wins, a draw and three defeats to put them in 17th prior to their Wednesday night match at home to Swansea City. It has been a busy summer transfer window for the Potters despite not spending any money. They have acquired 11 new players in their squad, including three free transfers and five loan signings.Among their new signings was midfielder Josh Laurent who left
Tom Ince on the attack Joe Lumley claimed another clean sheet
READING FC defender Sam Hutchinson is eager to make an impact on the pitch for the Royals this season. The 33-year-old centre-back made his competitive debut in Reading’s 1-0 win over Middlesbrough last weekend. Hutchinson has been plagued with injuries throughout his career, which originally forced him into retirement at 21, but he has since reversed his decision to forge a successful career in England. After picking up an injury against Brighton in pre-season, he made his Reading debut by playing 65 minutes against Boro.
“It’s good to be back. It was a bit of a risk but I’ve done that before and I’m more than happy to do Hutchinsonit.” only discovered that he would be starting against Boro the morning of the game after only completing a very small amount of training since his injury.
“If something happened to me, I have to take that on the chin.
“I had literally only done half an hour the day before and joked to the gaffer saying I don’t mind starting. “And then it was needs must. I’ve done it before but because it was a muscular injury it was more of a risk.
SPORT |
“Doing pre-season everything was good and I felt good in myself and then woke up the next day after Brighton and felt something,” said Hutchinson.“Iplayedthe 90 minutes and thought I just had cramp but it was worse than I thought with the pain in my calf which has been the story of my career.
Coming out from the break, Reading fashioned arguably the best chance of the match. Picking up a loose ball, Paul Ince’s men wasted no time getting forward. Good interplay between Lucas Joao and Ince saw the ball break to Jeff Hendrick, who found himself one-on-one with Bialkowski, but the Irishman’s effort was straight at the keeper. Millwall thought they had equalised moments later, only for Cooper’s headed effort to get
“It’s hard because you have all different emotions after doing a hard pre-season.
deliversInceluck
“You feel embarrassed, you feel guilty because of the lack of numbers and you come to a new club and want to make an impression.
He continued :”The case was pretty much to see how long I could play.
Reading this summer after the expiry of his contract in which he played two seasons in Berkshire. However, Laurent will not be able to return with his new club on their Sunday visit to the SCL as he is out on the sidelines with injury. Despite their summer activity, which saw Aden Flint and Dwight Gayle join on frees, the Potters made a slow start to the season which resulted in O’Neill becoming the first Championship casualty. They opened with an away defeat at Millwall which was followed with a home victory over Blackpool.
Santhosh Kundar - Earley v Stallions - 4-35 Saqib Gulfraz - Shinfield v West Reading - 4-36
Combined Counties Division One CB Hounslow United 1-2 Berks County Eversley & California 1-2 Rayners Lane
CMB Premiership Littlewick Green (122 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (126-4)
v Ascot United Combined
IsthmianFOOTBALLSouth Central Basingstoke Town 0-2 Binfield Combined Counties Aldermaston 3-2 Woodley United Berks County 3-0 Eversley & Tuesday, L-L Counties Harefield Counties Tylers v FC Deportivo Galicia Woodley United v London Samurai Rovers
Thames Valley Premier League Chalvey Sports v Burghfield Reading City U23s v Marlow ReadingUnitedYMCA v Wargrave
Thames Valley Division 4A WOKINGHAM 3s are third after they beat Maidenhead & Bray by sixBishopruns. knocked 94 not out for the Oaks before they bowled Maidenhead all out on 209. FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s lost out by six wickets to Purley on Thames.
Thames Valley Division 1 EVERSLEY climbed up to sixth with a game to go after they defeated Boyne Hill. Jack Ford scored 54 to help Eversley to 249 before five wicket from Kyle Bienefeld saw Boyne all out for 184.
READING UNITED are on the brink of winning the title after they defeated READING LIONS by 63 Unitedruns.totalled 174, before they removed Lions all out for 111.
| SPORT RESULTS
CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green BCL Premier Division Mortimer West End v Farley SandhurstHill v West Reading 2s Shinfield 2s v Waltham St Lawrence BCL Division 1A Checkendon v Reading United Earley v Peppard Stoke Row Reading Lions v Berkshire SilchesterRoyalsv West Reading 3s
Reading Match report at rdg.today FIXTURES SeptemberSaturday, 3 FOOTBALL Combined
Shashank Garg - Shinfield v West Reading - 4-40
Reading v Stoke City (noon)
James Eaglesham - Finchampstead 3s v Purley on Thames - 97*
Thames Valley Division 2B WOKINGHAM 2s lead the way after they won by three wickets against Sulhamstead & Ufton. A century from Horsley contributed to see the Oaks chase down 224 to win the match. They are just one point ahead of second placed Reading with one game left. READING fell down a place despite their huge win over FLEET Akram and Ahmed both totalled centuries for Reading to see them onto 356 before they removed Fleet all out for 144. HURST are in third after they beat Slough 2s by six wickets. They chased down 155 to surpass Slough’s first innings total.
Thames Valley Division 1 Beaconsfield v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Slough 2s Hurst v WokinghamReading2sv Cove Royal Ascot v Finchampstead 2s Thames Valley Division 3A Harpsden v White Waltham Wargrave 2s v Windsor Theale & Tilehurst v Sonning
Division One Bedfont v EversleyCountyBerks&California v Penn &
Thames Valley Division 5B READING 2s lost ground in the title race after losing to league leaders Newbury by four wickets. EVERSLEY 2s are third after they got the better of FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s by two wickets. BRACKNELL are in fourth after they beat SONNING 2s by two wickets.
HONOURS BOARD
BCL Premier Division
BOWLING Vinoth Palanisamy - Reading Lions v Reading United - 5-22
M Khowaja - Reading v Fleet - 4-44
takingcelebrateReadingawicket
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BERKSHIRE ROYALS are up to fourth in the table after their eight wicket win at WEST READING 3s. Berks had West Reading all out for 163 and cruised to victory when they dropped just two wickets on their way to hitting 166 after a century from Rimzan Mohamed.
Kyle Bienefeld - Eversley v Boyne Hill - 5-44
L Smith - Hurst v Slough 2s - 3-10 Andy Lazenbury - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Littlewick Green - 3-15
READING UNITED CLOSE IN ON BCL DIVISION 1A TITLE Home Counties Premier Division WOKINGHAM lost ground in the title race and dropped to fifth after they lost to Henley. Trying to chase 231 to win the match, the Oaks were all out on 205 despite a half century from Conrad Louth.
Bishop - Wokingham 3s v Maidenhead & Bray - 94* Santhosh Kundar - Earley v Stallions - 81 Sohi - Wargrave 2s v White Waltham - 80 Ben Simmons - Finchampstead 2s v Binfield - 77* Rose - Finchampstead 4s v Eversley 2s - 73
HomeCRICKETCounties Premier FinchampsteadDivision v Banbury Slough v Wokingham
Raheel Farooq batting for Sonning Ganapathy Balasubramaniam bowled out Sonning 2s CC (batting) v Reading 2s CC Pictures: Steve Smyth By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
FA Vase first qualifying round Long Crendon 1-5 Ascot LonglevensUnited 2-4 Reading City Bitton 4-1 Sumas
HomeCRICKETCounties
Millwall 0-1 Reading Isthmian South Central Binfield 4-0 Merstham
Tommy Alborough - Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Holyport 2s - 4-10
Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave (392-6) beat Amersham (111 all out)
Michael Sheridan - Farley Hill v Sandhurst - 5-29
Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s (152 all out) lost to Hurst Sulhamstead(155-4)&Ufton (223-8) lost to Wokingham 2s Reading(224-7)(356-4) beat Fleet (144 all Finchampsteadout) 2s (248-5) lost to Binfield (249-4) Monday, August 29
Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING maintained their lead at the top of the division with a tense win over Kidmore End. After scoring 179 in the first innings, Sonning managed to defend their total after taking the final wicket with the visitors just two runs short of equalling their score. WARGRAVE 2s are sixth after they got the better of WHITE WALTHAM by five wickets. Sohi top scored with 80 to see his team amass 258 runs to win the game.
WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE added 35 points to their total after they managed to chase down 165 to beat Stratfield Turgis. BCL Division 1A
SeptemberSunday, 4 ChampionshipFOOTBALL
WraysburyFinchampsteadVillage2-3 Reading YateleyYMCAUnited 3-1 Reading City U23’s
Premier North
BCL Premier Division Farley Hill (110-4) beat Sandhurst (105 all out) Waltham St Lawrence (165-6) beat Stratfield Turgis (164 all out)
Premier Division High Wycombe (81-3) beat Finchampstead (80 all out) Wokingham (205 all out) lost to Henley (230-7)
CRICKETCRICKET
BCL Division 1A Reading United (174-9) beat Reading Lions (111 all out) West Reading 3s (163 all out) lost to Berkshire Royals (166-2) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (249-8) beat Boyne Hill (184 all out)
Thames Valley Premier League Slough Heating Laurencians 4-2 WindleshamWargraveUnited 1-2
FINCHAMPSTEAD are in eighth after they were skittled all out for 80 by High Wycombe.Afterbeing bowled all out after 31.1 overs, the hosts took the game after 18.3 overs, dropping just three wickets. Home Counties Division 2 An exceptional batting display saw WARGRAVE climb up to second in the table. Rhys Lewis smashed 125 runs which helped Wargrave to a hugeRhodri392.Lewis then collected By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today five wickets to bowl Amersham all out to claim a huge 281-run win.
BCM Championship CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD picked up 38 points from their travels to Great Kingshill.Afterremoving Kingshill all out for 83, Crows surpassed the chase after 16.5 overs to complete a convincing victory. WEST READING got the better of SHINFIELD by 54 runs to take a win. After scoring 244 in the first innings, West Reading had Shinfield all out on 190. CMB Premiership EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD are in second with a game to go after they beat Littlewick Green. The Bears chased down 126 to win the match after 22.2 overs with six wickets to spare after Matt Booth hit 45 runs.
California
FARLEY HILL took a sixwicket win over SANDHURST Michael Sherdian collected five wickets to see Sandhurst all out for 105, before Farley hit 110 from 24.4 overs to complete the win.
SandhurstGreenTown
August 30 ChampionshipFOOTBALL Sheffield United
Home Counties Division 2 Cumnor v Wargrave BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners
ChampionshipFOOTBALL
BCM Championship Great Kingshill (83 all out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (85-1) Shinfield (189 all out) lost to West Reading (244 all out)
Division One AFC
Rhodri Lewis - Wargrave v Amersham - 5-31
Saqib Gulfraz - West Reading v Shinfield - 71 Rhodri Lewis - Wargrave v Amersham - 74 Sana Khan - Waltham St Lawrence v Stratfield Turgis - 73
FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s stay in fifth after they lose to BINFIELD, who moved into sixth. Sam Negus smacked a century to see Binfield hit 249 runs from 45 overs.
SONNING STAY IN FRONT WITH TENSE WIN
Nisarg - Bracknell v Sonning 2s - 4-13 Sanjay - Bracknell v Sonning - 4-21 Muhammad Zameer - West Reading v Shinfield - 4-34
BATTING Rhys Lewis - Wargrave v Amersham - 125 R Akram - Reading v Fleet - 123 W Ahmed - Reading v Fleet - 108* Sam Negus - Binfield v Finchampstead 2s - 107* Taylor - Finchampstead 4s v Eversley 2s - 105 G Horsley - Wokingham 2s v Sulhamstead & Ufton - 105 Rimzan Mohamed - Berkshire Royals v West Reading 3s - 100* Amit Puri - Rangers v Woodley - 98
Saturday, August 27
