2754-2785ISSN 9772754278509 36 THREE GREAT PAPERS IN ONE: NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE No. 46 90p READING TODAYREADING’SNEWCHAMPIONWWW.RDG.TODAY SmythStevePicture: BUSES Fares up plansgovernmentas£2cap HISTORY IN MAKING Boundariesbeatenbymayor CAMPAIGN Reading to get first warm LovebankunitesTowncomestogetherforcelebrationofPride Wednesday, September 7, 2022
A READING man has received £3,000 compensation for failings caused by Reading Borough Council over delays to home modifications for his disabilities. In August 2018, he applied for a Disabled Facilities Grant after an occupational therapist (OT) said he needed a new ramp for accessing his home, repairs to his bathroom, and adaptations to his kitchen. Councils have a statutory duty to provide this funding on the proviso that it’s necessary, reasonable, and practical.Butnearly four years on, the works still await completion – the process should have taken 150 days.
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The claimant complained to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGO), which began investigating in April. The LGO’s report said: “Even allowing for time taken to agree whether he needed a ramp or a step lift, and the re-design of the kitchen adaptations, I consider the Council delayed by at least 629 working days in progressing his application for a Disabled Facilities Grant.” As for his care plan, the council conducted a review in November last year, but without any involvement from the claimant, so it did not reflect any changes to his condition. The LGO judged that the care plan should have been reviewed by December 2020, at the latest. They recommended that the council pay the man £3,000 and apologise, as it found fault with the delay in the disabilities facility grant and the issuing of the care plan. The payments will be made in £100 monthly installments to reflect the 30-month delay. However, the LGO did not find fault with its decision to not work with the man’s advocate, its decision not to amend the 2019 care plan, or fault with the council for hiring an independent investigator to examine theAcomplaint.spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said: “The council fully accepts the findings of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.“Wehave apologised to the man and paid £3,000 compensation in recognition of the distress caused.” compensation for Reading man
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BBC Berkshire’s Make Awards commends
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BBC BERKSHIRE’s Make A Difference Awards saw Berkshire residents and groups commended for their community work at a ceremony on Friday, September 2. Community champions and famous faces gathered for the awards ceremony at Reading Town Hall, which celebrates those who make a difference in the lives of the people in their area. BBC Berkshire presenter and journalist Bridgitte Tetteh led proceedings as the master of ceremonies, saying: “We’ve got a Hollywood actor and Olympian amongAfterus.”ashort introduction, a video speech by BBC director general Tim Davie thanked the “nine million people who engaged with this year’s awards” and congratulated all of the nominees.TheUniversity of Reading’s Professor Parveen Yaqoob By Jake Clothier presented the Volunteer Award, which recognises an individual who has made a difference to their community. It was awarded to Annie Hodgson. Ms Hodgson leads a group called SPICE, which helps young people with specific physical requirements or learning difficulties to ice skate in Slough.She said that the group was founded 20 years ago by her father and that her work with the group “just puts a smile on my face.” The Community Group Award was presented by Reading FC Women’s side manager Kelly Chambers, who said that the work done by all of the nominees was “fascinating, and overwhelming.” She awarded trophy to Remap Berkshire Makeability, a team who creates bespoke items for people with physical challenges and make every day life easier for people with disabilities.The Fundraiser Award was presented by Reading’s own Paralympic medalist, snowboarder Ollie Hill.
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The man also disagreed with his care plan, which was reviewed in September 2019. He argued that it was not accurate and called for changes to be made.
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In November 2019, there was a dispute between council staff and the man’s advocate, who was accused of being intimidating and aggressive in communications a monthThatearlier.prompted the council to no longer meet or speak with the man if the advocate was present.
Reading Borough Council said the delay on the home modifications was caused by the difficulties in visiting the claimant after it decided not to work with his advocate, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Send your forms to: Family notices, Wokingham 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.
CBBC and news presenter Kirsten O’Brien presented the Key Worker Award, judged by DaniTheHarmer.award was given to Laura Mackie, who, through her work as a midwife, lends support to families of still-born babies through the Butterfly Suite at Basingstoke Hospital. The Environmental Award was given to Freely Fruity, an organisation which plants fruit trees to provide free, fresh fruit for people in Wokingham. Actor Winston Ellis then presented the Together Award to Helping Hands, which recently saw a pop-up support service created in Shinfield BaptistAmongChurch.thenominees for the Together Award was Berkshire Vision, for its work helping people with sight loss in Berkshire.Berkshire Vision CEO, Laura Matthews, said that the nomination was “just amazing.
“We really never expected it, especially since it was actually the hospital’s eye clinic that nominated us – we had no idea. “The Together category is all about creating real change for breaking down barriers, and that’s something we really tried to do, that whole idea of challenging perceptions of what people with sight loss can do.”Kirsten O’Brien, who presented the Key Worker Awards, said: “We spend a lot of mornings on the Breakfast Show hearing the brilliant things that people are doing.
READING Pubwatch has shortlisted as a national finalist for the NAtional Pubwatch Schemes Award 2022.
Commander, Thames Valley Police, said,“The Reading Pubwatch is a fine example of partnership working and the sharing of best practice”Alexa Volker, Business Improvement District Manager said, “The Reading town centre PubWatch group continues to be a strong and impactful force, it serves to bring together valued initiatives that strengthen NTE venues” Bill Donne, honorary secretary to Reading Pubwatch said: “We are delighted that we have been selected as finalists for the NPW Award.
THE PROPERTY MARKET IN READING AND WOKINGHAM REMAINS BOUYANT PICTURE: Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
“But ultimately, as humans, we just want to connect, to communicate, to see each other, and that’s what today has been all “There’sabout. been tears, and it’s been emotional– everybody that’s here is just incredible.” She said that choosing between the nominees must have been incredibly hard, but that: “they’re all winners and they all are doing massively incredible things in their community.”
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NEW research shows that while Wokingham and Reading’s house prices have increased during the pandemic, their overall rise is below the national average. On Monday, estate agent comparison site, GetAgent.co.uk, revealed that since the start of the pandemic in January 2020, UK house prices have climbed by a huge 23.5%. But in Wokingham borough, there was only a 19.3% increase, taking the average house price from £412,474, up to £491,894. Reading’s average increased by 11.3%, with prices rising from £289,952, up to £322,839. These are still above the national average house prices. In January 2020, this stood at £231,940, rising to £286,397. The City of Westminster is the only area to have seen a decline at -6.4%. And while the market has been moving at a rate of knots, there are now signs that it is starting to slow - over the last year, the average UK house price has increased by just 2.2%, which is a considerably lower rate of growth when compared to the wider pandemic period. Reading is currently above average. In April this year, the average price was £313,376, but in June it was £322,839, an increase of 3.0%, making it a property hotspot. Co-founder and CEO of GetAgent.co.uk, Colby Short, said: “We’ve seen a phenomenal rate of house price growth since the start of the pandemic and this is yet to subside, although we are now seeing signs that the market is starting to return to normality. “Of course, not everywhere has benefited to the same extent and there are a whole host of areas that have really underperformed during the recent housing market boom. “However, over the last year, we’re now seeing signs that some of these underperformers are ascending through the ranks to post some very strong rates of annual house price growth while the rest of the market has shifted down a gear or two.
“These are the ones to watch, as these local markets simply haven’t overinflated to the same degree and so there is plenty of potential for house prices to climb while the rest of the market moves at a far more measured pace.”
Superintendent Steve Raffield, LPA
“It reflects the hard work venue managers have made through partnership working in making the town centre a safer place to work and enjoy a night out over the past year.” Representatives from Reading Pubwatch will attend the awards ceremony which is sponsored by the JD Wetherspoon pub group, set to be held at the House of Lords in October.
On Friday, September 2, the Pubwatch scheme was shortlisted for the award which recognises programmes for providing safe drinking environments for customers and staff. The Reading division’s submission for consideration highlighted its work on the availability of defibrillators in selected venues, training for the care of vulnerable persons, such as the Ask for Angela scheme. It also launched the Best Bar None accreditation scheme for venues in Reading, which was part of its focus on a close working partnership between stakeholders in the nighttimeThiseconomy.means regular communication between Thames Valley Police, Reading Council, Street Pastors, First Stop First Aid, the Business Improvement District, and venues.
Make a Difference commends communities House prices continue to rise across pandemic
The category was won by Ed Smith, who has been raising money for Victoria’s Promise, which supports young women and their families affected by cancer.Heexplained that he began fundraising when his wife, Anna, was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2017, just six months after giving birth to their daughter, Alba. Anna died at just a year later, but Mr Smith said: “she raised more than £30,000 for charity in six months.” He has embarked on a number of efforts to raise funds for the Victoria’s Promise since, including rowing across the Atlantic ocean in December 2021.BBC Radio Berkshire’s Andrew Peach gave out the Great Neighbour Award to Briony Palmer. Ms Palmer petitioned to install barriers to make the weir in Victoria Park, Newbury, after the death of 3-year-old Dylan Milsom, who fell into the nearby canal in March 2021.
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
Brewdog Reading to carry on serving 50 ejected from Reading Festival –but there was no gunman say police
A READING charity is launching the town’s first Warm Bank, as the cost of living crisis continues. New Beginnings Reading has announced it will keep its heating on around the clock throughout the winter to provide a warm space for those struggling to pay their heating bills.The charity provides support for some of the most vulnerable people in Reading, but is now expecting to help a wider community as energy bills and general costs continue to rise. Despite the rising costs hitting charities and businesses hard, it has announced that anyone struggling to stay warm will be welcome to join its cafes and community fridge events, or at the former Queens Arms pub in Great Knollys Street. The charity will provide a warm bank once temperatures begin to cool next month.
“It’s extraordinary in 21st century Britain that we have to do this but we want people to know that this winter, there is a safe, warm and welcoming place for them to come to.
The bars calling time, including three in London, are closing due to sharp rises in costs including energyJamesbills.Watt, who helped co-found Brewdog, announced the decision on Wednesday, August 31, saying: “It was going to be simply impossible to get these bars even close to financial viability in the foreseeable future. We had no choice but to close them.”Despite this, there have been no job losses with staff finding jobs elsewhere in the company.
The news came just a fortnight after the company opened its biggest ever bar in London’s Waterloo, attracting 20,000 visitors since serving its first pint.
THE CEO of a brewery has said rising costs are forcing the firm to close branches, although the Reading venue will remain open.
Family history clinic at Reading Central Library
“Please don’t sit at home in the freezing cold because you can’t afford heating when this is a place all are welcome.”
The Centre for Heritage and Family History is hosting an advice clinic on Thursday, September 15, a one-to-one session with a seasoned advisor.Theteam of volunteers will help visitors negotiate the often overwhelming amount of information and resources available online and inperson to answer any queries residents might have about their or their community’s heritage.Thegroup is run by Berkshire Family History Society, a charity, which works to meet the needs of those researching their ancestry across the UK and abroad. It also assists individuals looking for former relatives in historic Berkshire.
n For more information, visit: www.berksfhs.org
THOSE curious to learn about where they came from will have the opportunity to uncover their past thanks to a community group.
Vice chair of New Beginnings Reading Sophie Kimber said: “We know how scared people are about the winter ahead and we knew we had to act to help where we can.
The free to attend event takes place from 11am-2.15pm on the second floor of Reading CentralBookingsLibrary.must be made at least seven days in advance to give advisors enough time to research submissions.
In a post on Linkdin, Mr Watt said industry experts estimate that 70% of the country’s bars, pubs and restaurants could close as a result of the soaring prices. He also warned: “Reality in the hospitality space is starting to bite and bite hard. And the government needs to get a grip, now.“If nothing happens, the UK looks set to lose half of its pubs and bars and all the millions of jobs these locations provide, as well as the vital role they play in local communities.” A BrewDog spokesman confirmed the Reading branch is not“Allaffected.staffhave accepted roles in other Brewdog locations. There will be no job losses,” they confirmed.“Thisispart of the regular review of our portfolio. With rapidly increasing costs including spiralling energy bills, the bars were a substantial distance from being viable to operate.”
PUT:STAYING Picture: Jake Clothier HOT STUFF: New
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“Historically we’ve provided a warm space, bed and food for Reading’s homeless community but we know things are going to be different over the next few months.“Many people in our community will not be able to pay the cost of their energy bill and face the appalling choice of heating or eating.
CastleReading’sBrewdogbranchTheofinStreet
The organisers recommend visitors to book at their earliest convenience, to allow their team to conduct as thorough a trawl through the archives as possible.
heatingtostrugglingspaceprovidethethroughouttheonitsitannouncedReadingBeginningshaswillkeepheatingaroundclockwintertoawarmforthosepaytheirbills.
Chief Superintendent Michael StrategicLoebenberg,Commander for the policing operation, said: “Reading Festival is one of the largest events in the Thames Valley and it was great to welcome everyone back to the town for another year.“Over the four days of the festival, 37 arrests were made for offences including assault, drug supply, criminal damage and public order and 152 crimes were reported.“Iwould like to thank all of those involved in the planning, preparation and delivery of the festival, as well as our officers and staff who policed the event to keep the public safe.”
The six bars closing are: Peterhead, Hop and Anchor in Aberdeen, Smithfield Market Arms in London, Dalston in London, Old Street in London, and Hop Hub in Motherwell.
| NEWS BARANDWAITING STAFFPOSITIONS C a l l u s o n : 0 1 1 8 9 9 6 8 5 6 7 w w w t h e q u e e n s o a k c o m E m a i l u s a t : b r o t h e r t o n @ t h e q u e e n s o a k c o m C h u r c h L a n e , F i n c h a m p s t e a d , W o k i n g h a m , B e r k s h i r e R G 4 0 4 L S HIRING Fulltime&parttimehours Ifinterestedpleaseenquirewithin WEARE 4 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Trustee of New Beginnings Reading and junior doctor, Dr Jamie Carruthers said: “The cost of living crisis poses significant risks to the physical and mental health of people across the UK. “New Beginnings Reading is here to support our local community during this difficult time.“Nobody should suffer through this crisis in silence –we are here to help.”
Reading’s first warm bank to be launched by charity
New Beginnings Reading runs an All Day Cafe on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, from 10am-4pm. It also runs community fridges on Tuesdays and Fridays, from 6-7pm, and from noon-1pm on Wednesdays. New Beginnings Reading is appealing for help as it also struggles with rising costs. To meet costs, the charity is aiming to raise £100,000 with a fundraising page. To make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com and search for New Beginnings Reading THAMES Valley Police have released their statistics for arrests and criminal activity during the weekend of Reading Festival 2022. They note concern around fires which broke out at the campsite on the evening of Sunday, August 28, and say that festival teams were “quick to attend the scene with water pumps and extinguish these within minutes.”Theyalso responded to reports of a 30-year-old man who was threatening a member of the public and members of staff. He was arrested and given a conditional caution, but Thames Valley Police noted that despite inaccurate reports of a ‘gunman’ that flooded social media, the individual was not carrying a weapon.Overthe weekend, 37 arrests were made, and 152 crimes wereThisreported.isaslight increase on the 135 in 2021, and a slight decrease from 2019’s 168.Police also note that 50 people were ejected from the site following antisocial behaviour, but that these people were provided safeguarding so that they could get home safely.
Caversham Two Bridges
Thameshistoryexploreswalktheofthe
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Government plans to cap bus fares to £2 per trip, just as Reading’s rise
PLANS to cap bus fares at £2 per journey have been welcomed by Reading Buses, although the firm wants more details. On Saturday, the then transport minister Grant Shapps announced that between January and March next year, all single bus journeys will benefit from this £60 million scheme. The government estimates this will save around 30% on the average fare of £2.80. Reading Buses’ standard fare is still cheaper despite price increases this week. On Monday, Reading Buses raised its single journey fares by 10p or 20p, with the flat rate single fare being £2.30 on the bus, or £2.20 for people using the company’s app. A day ticket, offering unlimited travel on simplyReading zone journeys, has risen to £4.50 on the bus or £4.30 on the Discountedapp. Lower Caversham, short-hop and South Reading fares will be available for £1.20, £1.50 and £2 on the bus. But some fares are more expensive. The new 600 route serving Spencers Wood and Riseley is £3.50 to Reading, or £5.80 return, while simplyReading and Wokingham day tickets are £6.40. The all network ticket, which includes buses to Heathrow, is £8. The simplyReading 7 day, easysaver10 and daysaver5 will increase by Announcing£1. the news last month, the firm said that passenger numbers had not recovered to precovid lockdown levels, and the government funding they had been receiving had ended.The company said at the time, there would be a “combination of service and fare changes to close the financial gap to allow us to continue providing efficient and reliable services.” But the government’s plans mean that Reading Buses could be forced to reverse the increases on single journeys, while leaving return and day ticket prices the same.
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Buses are by far and away the most used form of public transport, so ensuring that almost all bus journeys are no more than £2 will assist passengers over the winter months and provide direct help to thousands of households across the country. “We know people will be feeling the pressure of rising costs this winter, and so we have been working hard this ON THE RISE: The price increase is the result of inflationary pressures and a change in people’s habits Picture: Reading Buses summer to provide practical concrete help that will lower dailyHeexpenditure.”addedthata pilot scheme in Cornwall saw bus use increase by 10%. Reading Buses chief executive officer Robert Williams said the plan was a “eye-catching initiative” that would help attract new passengers, at a time when customers and bus companies are facing cost of living and business cost challenges. But he also wanted more details on how the plan would operate.“We look forward to understanding in detail how the proposed fare cap will work in practice to ensure it supports the long-term sustainability of bus networks, which are vital in connecting communities with jobs, education and skills, as well as friends, family, and essential public services,” he said.“Fares are just one tool that can make buses more attractive. “We also need a focus on priority measures which will keep buses out of congestion, speed up journey times, help keep fares low, and ensure buses are reliable, factors which we know are important for passengers.”
A GUIDED walk is set to detail the history of the River ThamesNext week, historian David Cliffe will lead a walk around the border of Reading and Caversham to explore the river’s history.TheRiver Thames is sought after for leisure, industry, and resources, and has influenced the history of Berkshire as a result.The walk, on on Tuesday, September 13. will begin from the second floor of Reading Central Library, and will last for around one-and-a-half hours. Mr Cliffe has written a number of books exploring local history, including an in-depth look at the history of Reading’s cinemas. The event is organised by the Berkshire Family History Society.Tickets cost £5, or £4 for Berkshire Family History Society members. The Caversham Two Bridges Walk begins at 2.30pm, at Reading Central Library on Tuesday, September 13. n For more details, including how to book, log on to www. whatsonreading.com
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Ikea representatives waving the flag as Berkshire Unicorns make their mark on the parade
| NEWS READING PRIDE 2022
Reading shows its true colours Pictures: Steve Smyth
Support U were among the Readingbased support charities at Pride Thames Water going with the flow.
Picture: Steve SmythAttendees carried a huge flag through the parade
Waving the flag for acceptance and unity
Attendees showing their colours during the parade.
Reading East’s MP Matt Rodda joins Cllr Rachel Eden, the mayor of Reading; WokinghamNetwork Rail keeping the parade on track The Blagrave Arms was decked out in its Parade regalia. Picture: Steve Smyth Reading Pride Parade
By JAKE CLOTHIER at Reading Pride jclothier@rdg.today FROM 10.45am on Saturday, a parade of more than 2,000 people began to make its way from Reading Train Station down towards the Oracle Riverside, and back up towards King’s Meadow via Forbury Gardens. Groups from the community, charities, companies and friends and families all came together to show solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community.Theywere decked out in rainbows, glitter, drag, and colourful costumes as they weaved their way from the starting point to the party in the meadows. Trustees of Reading Pride were thrilled with the large turnout. They said: “It’s important to emphasise that this was put on by a relatively small team of volunteers who have taken one and two weeks out of their annual leave plus all the hundreds spare hours around it over the year to put this day on for everybody.
“We are not an events company although it may look like it, we don’t have a single paid employee and that includes our top level officers like Tom and Martin.“Weare very proud of our committee who work very hard often without enough credit.” They also thanked MyUmbrella LGBT+: “without the work they do within Pride throughout the year, the ‘Love Unites’ theme that now dominates the festival wouldn’t have come into fruition.” They also congratulated the project on its seventh birthday.Someof Reading’s biggest charities and organisations take part in the parade, including the LGBTQ+ resources and support service Support U. Jamie Dewson, casework supervisor at the organisation, was awarded the Alice Driver Award, along with Olive Budzinska, for their contribution to domestic and sexual violence support for LGBTQ+ communities.MrDewson said: “It’s a very, very important thing to be here, as it’s paramount that we have visibility within the “Becausecommunity.alotofLGBT+ people, despite after 10 years of us running, a lot of people still don’t know that there’s a specialist service providing a range of different services. “That includes specialist services around domestic abuse and sexual violence, a helpline, a youth group, we have an 18+ group for the trans community,“Weprovide on a national scale, with lots of training and bespoke packages, so we’re improving the acceptance of those within different institutions.”TheBlagrave Arms was also decked out in Pride regalia, spraying confetti into the air as the parade passedAfterthrough.theparade and festival, Reading Pride’s chief engagement officer, Tom Price, said: What a fantastic Love Unites Festival 2022 –the organisation of the event is taken up by a fantastic group of dedicated volunteers.“They’re working hard to ensure the festival remains free to all, inclusive, diverse and supporting the LGBTQ+ community and our allies. “It was incredible to see the response from those in attendance both on the protest parade and the festival itself – the positivity and joyous vibe were felt by all.” “We can’t thank our volunteers, sponsors, supporters and all those who came along enough – see you next year.” advertise,
Thankfully, these attendees didn’t have too ‘fur’ to go A masked walker at Saturday’s Parade.
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Borough
Mayor, Cllr Caroline Smith; and Reading Pride and MyUmbrella Chair, Paul Britt. Proud Royals lead the charge to Stevebanner.achargeLeadingSteveparade.hatedivisiontackleandatthePicture:SmyththewithcolourfulPicture:Smyth AWE show up and glow up at the parade The Berkshire Unicorns weren’t the only unicorns in attendance Those in sun dresses were optimistic about the weather.BerkshireUnicornsmaketheirmarkontheparade.Picture:SteveSmyth Attendees fly the flag for NHS Berkshire www.organicposolutions.co.uk T:+441344441043 OrganicP&OSolutions E:contactus@organicposolutions.co.uk F OR all-timehighof1.3million.nearlyhalfacentury–whilenewvacanciesreachedanunemploymentfellto3.7%-thelowestratefortheUK.BetweenJanuaryandMarch,nowmorejobvacanciesthanunemployedpeopleinthefirsttimesincerecordsbegan,thereare 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. Resignation?DoYouNeedHelpRespondingtoTheGreat Competitionforresourcesinareducedlabourmarket togetherwithaseismicshiftinemployeeexpectations representaperfectstormforbusinessowners.Organic P&OSolutionscanhelpensureyoukeepyourbestpeople–andhaveyourpickofthetalentpool. willhelpyouretainandincentiviseyouridealemployees.SolutionscanhelpyouimplementabespokestrategythatCallustodaytolearnmoreabouthowOrganicP&O TheGreatResignation: Retain&AttractTalent To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, September 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 7
Pride organisers and trustees Mikey Russell and Kerry Kleis, who devote their time to put on the event every year. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision
Cllr Rachel Eden began the festival with an opening address. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
No snakes, only sizzlers at Pride.
Capan/DijanaPicture:year’sactsmust-seeonethemcementedperformancepowerfulSugar’sPowderedasoftheofthisPride.
| NEWS READING PRIDE 2022 Pictures:
Attendees show their enthusiasm ‘fur’ Pride Big Jay and Powdered Sugar XtraperformingAmberaboutimportantpresentedmessagesgenderbiasRoseTurneratthePridestage
It will be his final Pride event in Reading, as he plans to move away after 18 years of work supporting Reading’s LGBTQ+ community.BentleyJones, Lolly, Carter the Bandit, and Ring the Alarm were among those who rounded out the line-up.Nadine Coyle dazzled with a final headline show, and Wilma Fingadoo closed the main stage. The Pride Xtra stage featured drag artists throughout the day, with RuPaul’s Drag Race UK alumnus Sum Ting Wong lip-syncsPerformanceshosting.includedbyGraceAnatomy and Amber Rose Turner, a group dance party with Big Jay, and a powerful routine which explored the levels of violence experienced by LGBTQ+ people.Itconcluded with them laying on the floor and a sheet being brought over their head, after which they said: “It is a showcase of explicitly political drag. “To go back to the roots of drag, that is to challenge oppresses–cis-heteronormativeoursystemssystemsinoursocietythatus,sowe’reheretoshowthatpoliticaldragisvital.”ThePrideaLivestagesawmusicalsetsfromJair,TomorrowBird,BeatRoots,DevaSt.John,andOSP.Thisyearalsosawthefirst-everTransPrideevent,withBigJayhostinganafterpartyattheRisingSunArtsCentreincludingPowderedSugar,Meatgirl,DUAC,andSheerObsession.PhilliMiUpalsoperformedpowerfulpoetryandlip-syncperformances,withaDJsetbyLer-kaclosedtheevent.SumTingWongalsoheldherownafterpartyatOakfordSocialClub.
Nadine Coyle said: ‘What’s the chances I’ll be able to go on the waltzer, just for the craic?’
Club FOD’s Brendan Nagle and Martin Holmes at the Club FOD Cabaret stage Despite rain early on, the day was sunny and hot
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Mr. Wake said at the event: “Without the T, there’s no LGB –we’re a big family, and we need to continue to make a difference and remember why Pride exists. He was later presented with the Selwyn Jones Award, which was named after and dedicated to Mr Wake’s late partner for his work as a Reading Pride trustee. He said it was an emotional moment to have been given the award, and added: “We don’t do what we do to be commended, we do it simply because it’s the right thing to do. “I always say the we all need a Selwyn in our lives, and all I’ve tried to do is take on his legacy.”
READING partied with Pride on Saturday, as thousands flocked to King’s Meadows for a day of fun, music and celebration. As the parade processed into the showground, the Love Unites Festival began with the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, giving an Sheaddress.said: “Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, whatever your identity, Reading welcomes you.“But let’s remember that pride is not just a celebration, it is also a protest – we stand in solidarity with LGBT people around the world and here in this country who continue to face danger, persecution and discrimination.” Cllr Eden said she was proud of the event, and: “the committee have done an amazing job, so I’d like to give them a massive cheer and thank you. “This Pride is a really special one – it’s big, it’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s still free.” Club FOD’s Jamie Wake hosted the festival’s Jan Bastable main stage, introducing the Rock Choir, Leadly, Sam Solace, and Janethan.
Reading’s own drag monarchy cemented their place when they performed at the Pride Xtra stage.
A party with plenty of Pride Dijana Capan/DVision
Attendees show their colours at the festival
Drag Race UK’s Sum Ting Wong hosted the Pride Xtra stage, introducing drag acts throughout the day. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images
Images
NEWS | READING PRIDE 2022 Philli Mi synchingpoetryhard-hittingperformedUpandlip-atthe first ever Trans Pride event inRingReadingthe Alarm bring the sound of the festival to the crowds Revellers getting the lei of the land Nadine Coyle had attendees transfixed with her set. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images Jamie Wake accepted the Selwyn Jones Award at his last Pride event in Reading before moving away Wellhellothere,it’snicetoseeyou!WelcometoSeptember’sexpert columnfromDouble-Barrelled-now,wewon’tclaimtobeexperts, butwecertainlyknowourwayaroundapintofbeerortwo!We areDouble-Barrelled,Tilehurst’sfavouritefamily-ownedmicrobrewery. NestledinthecorneroftheStadiumWayindustrialestatejustoffPortman RoadweareyouronestophopshopforallthingsbeerintheDing. ItmaybeSeptember,butsummerisn’toverjustyet!Comeandvisitusatour TaproomwhereweservethefreshestDouble-Barrelledbeersallthewayfrom ThursdayeveningthroughtoSunday afternoon.ATaproom,what’sthatyou ask?ATaproomisthebeatingheartof anycraftbrewery–anonsitebarand bottleshopwhereyoucansoakupthe excitingatmosphereofthebrewery, withonlythefreshestbeersavailable. Worriedaboutfoodmiles?Wellwe workinfoodmetres–ourbeertakes theshortestjourneypossible,always stayingbreweryfresh.Whenwefirst openedthebreweryin2018weknew thataTaproomwouldbeessential–a hubforbeerenthusiastsandthebeer curiousalike.Sowhetheryou’relooking tosamplethelatesthazyhopbomb, wantingtosupportasmalllocal business,orifyoufancybeinginon Reading’sbestkeptsecret-ourfriendlyTaproomteamisreadytowelcomeyou! TheTaproomisn’tjustaboutmouth-wateringandtastypintseither(full disclosure,welovetastypints),wehostanexcitingarrayofeventstoo!Fromour bimonthlyIndieMarketcelebratingReading’stalentedcraftscene,tofood pairingsandcocktailclasses,there’salwayssomethinghappening.Takeournew quiznightforexample–forgetthosedrearylockdownerafamilyZoomquizzesthepubquizisbackbaby,andit’sneverbeenbetter!JoinusonThursday8th Septemberwherewe’veenlistedthetitansoflocaltriviaGaryandMark(ofthe Nag’sHeadfame)foranightofpunderfulteamnames,freshbeersandbeery prizes. Anditdoesn’tstopthereeitherdearreader–howdoyoufancytakingalook around?Ofcourseyoudo!Bookontooneofourfamousbrewerytourand tastingsessionsforanexclusivebehindthescenestourofourstate-of-the-art brewhouse–learnaboutourbeers,thespecialistingredientsthatmakethemso special,ourprocessesandourethos–inotherwords,whatmakesDoubleBarrelled,Double-Barrelled!Allofcourseroundedoffwithatutoredtastingof ourbeerstoputthatnewlygainedknowledgetowork!Headonoverto www.doublebarrelled.co.uk/tours tobook. Wanttoseewhatthefussisallaboutbutcan’tmakeitdowntothebrewery? Havenofear!Withallofourbeersavailableonlinefornextdaydelivery,andour localdeliveryrunintheDingmobileeveryFriday,headonoverto www.doublebarrelled.co.uk –withcrisplagers,hoppy palealesandzingysourbeersthereissomethingfor everybody! HaveasmasherofaSeptember,we’llbebackin Octoberfornewsfromthebrewery.Can’twaitthat long?ScanthisQRcodeandsignuptoourweekly mailinglistformorejuicybehindthescenesnewsfrom Double-Barrelled–we’llevengiveyou10%offyour firstorderonlinejustforsigningup–tastystuff! LuciandMike,co-founders U N I T 2 0 S T A D I U M W A Y , R E A D I N G , R G 3 0 6 B X W W W . D O U B L E B A R R E L L E D . C O . U K E M A I L U S : C H E E R S @ D O U B L E B A R R E L L E D . C O . U K C A L L U S : 0 1 1 8 9 4 2 8 3 9 0 F O L L O W U S F B | I G | @ D O U B L E B A R R E L L E D B R E W E R Y T W | @ D B B R E W E R Y To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, September 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 9
challengeToughtookValleyVistryfromThamesthatpartintheMudder
A READING resident has shared the extent of a rodent infestation which has seen scores of rats congregate at his premises.
Picture: Vistry Thames Valley
Papyrus provides confidential support to young people struggling with thoughts of suicide, or to those worried about a young person, through their helpline.Thehousebuilder has now raised a total of £3,300 for the charity, with more fundraising events to follow later in the year. They have a target of £5,000. “The work that Papyrus does makes an incredible impact – in many cases it is life-saving – and we want to raise as much as we can to help support them,” Mr Wicks said. n To donate to Vistry Thames Valley’s fundraising effort in aid of Papyrus, visit valley-papyrusvistry-housebuilding-thames-justgiving.com/fundraising/https://www.
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The next-door property is currently uninhabited, with Mr Kim describing the house as ‘abandoned’.Hisonline post gained traction, with residents leaving more than 100 comments sharing advice or similar experiences.Oneofthe respondants put Mr Kim through to Katesgrove
THE DATE has been set for a fundraising challenge aimed at starting 2023 with a bang.Members of Pangbourne Rotary Club are to hold the Woodcote 10k on Sunday, January 8. It will be the 40th anniversary of the popular race, originally conceived by the South Chilterns Lions, before the Rotary took it over.The course is said to be one of the toughest races in the area, and attracts both club runners and amateurs alike. The route goes across back roads, woods and farmland, making it an interesting challenge.Thestarting pistol will be fired at 10.15am, with runners setting off from Woodcote VillageEntryHall.islimited to 600 runners and places cost £20, or £18 for affiliated club runners.Minimum age for entry is 15.Profits from the event will be shared between Blood Bikes, Purley Park Trust and other good causes supported by the Rotary. n For more details, log on www.woodcote10k.org.ukto:
Resident infested with rats so big ‘not even cats would go near them’
INVASION: Katesgrove resident Jim Kim says ‘around 30’ rats have infested his property.
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who took part had a great time together.“Notonly did we feel a massive sense of accomplishment once we’d completed the event, but it also served as a great team bonding experience for us. “Having done five Tough Mudder runs previously, I knew what to expect, so I could help those out who were less familiar with the course. “The team really got stuck into the event, and there was a great sense of team spirit throughout the day. I’m so proud of my team for taking part, and for helping to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”
Entries open for 10kPangbournerace
Staff from housebuilder Vistry tackle Tough Mudder event to help charity
Jim Kim, who lives on Hieatt Close off Mount Pleasant, posted a video on social media documenting the issue which has persisted since early August.The Katesgrove resident described the situation as ‘sickening’ and said he is confronted by at least three rats every time he opens his bins. Mr Kim explained: “Apparently there’s been a problem for many years, but people seem to say it’s got worse because of the heat this summer.“There were around 30 rats around the bin areas. “They had bitten through the plastic bins from the council. “Some of the rats were really big, even cats wouldn’t approach them.”
Picture: Jim Kim councillor Liam Challenger, who was quick to pick up the issue.Of the rodent infestation, Cllr Challenger said: “We have been working with residents to help solve the rat issue in the area.“Sadly, there is no quick fix but working with residents, [the] council have managed to make a difference in the area and hopefully over the coming months we can solve the problem.”MrKim says the situation has since improved, with pest control baiting out the garden and blocking an entry made by theArodents.lot of the ‘younger’ rats have been exterminated, but the Hiatt Close tenant said the larger ‘mum’ is stillThroughalive. this ordeal, he has learned of many fellow Reading residents who are experiencing similar issues. Mr Kim said: “A lot of people don’t know what to do. “I started looking where people are talking about and it’s affecting so many areas, some around the riverside. “Now what I learned is to talk to your landlord and talk to your councillor because they can help.”
STAFF from a Reading-based housebuilder undertook a tough physical challenge to help raise funds for its charity of the year. A team of 14 from Vistry Thames Valley took part in a Tough Mudder challenge in support of Papyrus, which is dedicated to the prevention of suicide in young people The course featured 20 muddy obstacles, and the event was held in the Badminton Estate in South Gloucestershire lastTrevormonth.Wicks, managing director of Vistry Thames Valley, was one of those who took part. He said: “It was a fantastic way to raise money for such an important charity, as everyone The team
Mr Kim currently resides on the first floor of the affected block, but says all tenants on the ground floor have moved on since the infestation.
DONE IT:
According to the resident, the rats have climbed the building through the water pipes and made their way onto the roof. In a caption appearing alongside his video, Mr Kim said he first contacted his landlord who passed the issue onto the property management company.Themanager issued a response, which said: “The problem is unfortunately coming [from] Hawke Cottages, which is not within our remit to manage.“Ican only advise that you contact environmental health as Hawke Cottages are aware but they are doing nothing and we have no right to access their land.”
EXCLUSIVE By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today
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LifeSpring Stories – an Oxford Road project opened at the Turbine House Riverside Museum at Blake’s Lock, but will soon move to the church’s Pavillion building. The project looks at the stories members who attended a range of groups at LifeSpring church, which hosts groups for addiction recovery, refugees, learning English, and even social clubs. It consists of a collection of portraits and images displayed in an exhibition, with each featuring a QR code which links to an audio telling of the given story.The stories were released as a podcast series to accompany theTheexhibition.exhibition was commissioned as part of the continuing High Street Heritage Action Zone, a Historic England initiative which works with Reading Borough Council and community groups to stimulate economic growth and improve quality of life.
Drinks and nails
A sushi restaurant can serve alcohol after being given permission by Reading Borough Council.TheIntoku Japanese & sushi restaurant opened its third branch in Chain Street at the end of May, and applied for permission to serve drinks such as Asahi, Kirin and Sapparo beers. The alcohol sales have been allowed after a successful licensing application, with sales permitted between noon and 11.30pm, seven days a week.Intoku is a small chain which has two other locations in Chelsea and Windsor, and is owned by Greg and Mia Lumakin. WE BUILD beaconagency.co.ukBRANDS
READING residents can find out how they can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people in the town at an information session today.The information session is organised by Reading Voluntary Action and will give visitors an insight into volunteering roles which help individuals facing loneliness and isolation. Through the event, representatives will share the lifechanging impact of volunteering, the skills and experience required and training and support for volunteers.Thosewishing to participate in a project can hear about community groups which are recruiting and how to contact them. Current volunteers will also be sharing their experiences at the session.Theevent is free to attend and takes place between 12.30pm-1pm at Reading Central Library, Abbey Square. n To book, search: Reading Voluntary Action on www.eventbrite.co.uk
Wednesday, September 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 11
Sushi gets approval for alcohol sales
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Mrs Hollands said: “With us as a church, we’ve probably got between 30 and 40 different nationalities, and it definitely enriches quality of life. “So I really loved the way people responded, since you don’t know how people are going to respond. “But it was just that sense of value that it gave people that I really liked.”
Jackie Hollands, who, along with her husband Neville, is a pastor at Lifespring Church, said that the church’s status as a hub led to them being approached by Baker Street Productions.“Caroline and Ollie from Baker Street Productions came along and said they wanted to produce a piece of artwork that told the stories of people who live, work, and belong on the road.“The researchers came in and met with different people to hear their stories, people from lots of different cultures – some from the UK, some not, some who’ve lived in Reading all their lives, and they’ve got interesting stories.”
ONCE UPON A TIME: The exhibition is currently showing at the Turbine House at the Riverside Museum, Blake’s Lock, but will move to The Pavillion later in September Picture: Jake Clothier transcribed them, before editing them down into a spoken“Theremonologue.wasnoscripting, no prompting,” says Ms Holmes, “The people just spoke to us and then we put it together in a format that would make sense.” One of the stories the project follows an anonymous volunteer who is originally from Pakistan, and whose voice wasMsdisguised.Holmes said of her: “She helps women escape abusive marriages, and really focuses on like uplifting Asian women. “She’s helped a woman that as pregnant whose husband said that if she had a girl, he would kill them both, and the volunteer got her out of the situation, got her into hospital, put her in a place where she could be safeguarded.” She also spoke of Ernesto: “Who had to flee El Salvador because of gangs, who were telling him he owed them ‘la Renta.’“So he made the really long, difficult journey getting here, bundled from hostel to hostel, but he’s also a woodwork artist. “Now that he’s here, he wants to help people learn to do woodwork, and helped one of our other participants, Elsy, when she first arrived from Honduras.”LifeSpring Stories exhibition is showing at The Pavillion building, where LifeSpring Church operates, on Oxford Road. It will be open from 10am2pm from Tuesday-Saturday, September 13-17.
IF YOU want to get ahead, get a hat. And if you want to celebrate a pub duo’s 12th anniversary, wear a titfer thisNickSaturday.Wilson and Hazel Lucas have been at the helm of The Flowing Spring in Playhatch since 2010, transforming the venue in the process.Itregularly hosts gigs, music nights and car meets. On Saturday, it is to hold a Hats Off Party to mark the special date.
AN EXHIBITION is telling the stories of the inhabitants of the Oxford Road in a new collaboration between LifeSpring Church and Baker Street Productions.
Playhatch pub to host hat-themed party to celebrate publicans’ 12th anniversary Information session for prospective volunteers
Kat Holmes, one of the writers who worked with Baker Street Productions to compile the stories, said that the company poured through weeks of collected material. “We interviewed loads of people and spent a really long time getting to know them, Alice and Robin who are PhD researchers and part of the council they went in and did weeks of background stuff. “There are people with addiction issues, people who are pillars of the community, and even just people who dropped in for a cup of tea.”Team members at Baker Street Productions took raw interview recordings and
A NAIL bar in Reading town centre is now able to give its customers a complimentary drink after receiving approval from the borough council. The Grand Lux Nail Spa in Duke Street opened in May, and its owner, Zuan Ha Doan, applied for a licence to serve alcoholic drinks from 9.30am to 7pm Monday to Sunday. The spa provides pedicures, powdering, polishing and nail art such as ombre colour blending.Andnow that a licence has been, customers can enjoy a glass of wine, soft drinks, or hot drinks, while they are being served.MrHa Doan also won permission to play recorded music from 9.30am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and open extra three hours until 10pm in each week of December.
Visitors are asked to wear a hat, take part in a ‘hat walk’ to show them off, and the favourite as judged by the couple will receive a prize.There wll be live music from Steve Morano, Mike Tuffery, No Strings Attached, Three Bar Fire, andTheSing-along-a-Nick.eventstartsat3pm and running until closing time. A classic car and bike meet takes place the on Sunday, from 9.30am.
Oxford Road residents’ stories brought to life in new exhibition
“James was always very sporty and active so it was a real shock for all of us when he was diagnosed with cancer in his spine at the age of 25,” said the 37-year-old big brother.“Hehad to have a big operation and needed a lot of rehab to be able to use his legs again, but sadly after three years the cancer returned and he was referred to Sue Ryder. “After initially receiving care from Sue Ryder Nurses at home, he spent his last week at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, where they couldn’t do enough for him.
Boots on the ground to help remember James Tea barge to change hands
n For more information, sueryder.org/duchessofkentvisit:
“He was such a young person to be in that situation, but they always treated him with such dignity and respect.”AfterJames’ death Mark dedicated himself to raising awareness and funds for the hospice in his memory and has far raised more than £10,000 through a variety of challenges and activities including running the London Marathon, half marathons and the football“Jamescompetition.lovedfootball - he used to play for Atletico Reading - and so I knew that organising a charity football tournament would be a particularly fitting way to pay tribute to him,” explained Mark. Since the first Cup in 2017, the event has continued to grow in popularity. This year’s event - on Saturday, August 6, at Burghfield Community Sports AssociationraisedMark£2,000.said:“I’d like to say a massive thank you to the BCSA for helping with the venue and to all the businesses that helped with the raffle prizes - this year was the biggest and best so far. “But I couldn’t do it without my amazing close family and friends, as well as the fundraising team at Sue Ryder, who help so much. “I am already making plans for next year’s tournament.” He said that fundraising for Sue Ryder was ‘a privilege’. “As well as raising very important funds for the hospice and making people aware of the work they do for people of all ages, it also keeps my brother’s memory alive and lets people know what an incredible person he was,” he explained.Georgia Thornton, community fundraiser at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice, said: “We’re so grateful to Mark for everything he has done, and continues to do, for our hospice in memory of James. “Every pound raised makes a difference and helps us to continue to be there when it matters for people going through the most difficult times of their lives.”
“WCDA empower members of the community to have pride in their area and to realise their full potential as a valued individual with something to offer to their local community.”
A POPULAR floating tea room is changing hands. After 10 years of running Whittington’s Tea Barge on the banks of the River Thames by Christchurch Meadows, Andrew Craig and Lesley Banks have hung up their aprons, and put away the cups and saucers for the last time. In their place, they have welcomed Chi, Chi Man, Chung and Hau. They are twin sisters and their husbands.Chihas worked as a pastry chef at The Hinds Head in Maidenhead (Michelin star restaurant) part of Heston Blumenthal’s group, whilst her husband, Hau, is a barista and coffee art specialist. Mr Craig said in a statement to customers: “Expect the standards that Whittington’s as become renowned for being maintained.” He also said: “Lesley and I would like to thank all our wonderful customers for making Whittington’s what it has become; a fun, sociable and friendly place to meet family and friends and have a pot of tea and a scone or slice of cake, or
maybe a breakfast/brunch or a light lunch, while enjoying the tranquillity of the Thames, or watching the swans try and poke their heads through the open windows.“However, we felt it is a right time for us to move on to our new chapter.”Thecouple will run occasional quiz nights and will also return for the Christmas Carols event held every Sunday in December. “We would like to invite you all to come and meet Chi and her lovely family and continue to support them as they take over the reins,” they added.
BY the time you read this, children across the land will be back in school and some form of normality will have been restored. Parents will be rejoicing. Child-free folk will be setting off on their non-term-time getaways.
The child was adamant that I get in the canoe with her. And the more she wanted it the more I realised I really really didn’t. I’d been in a canoe in the sea once before. It was horrific. A choppy day off some coastline on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The boat rocked about so much that I constantly felt as though I was about to fall out. (Which would have been entirely manageable given how shallow it was). I screamed for the entire eight minutes and by the end my fellow canoeist got so annoyed he tipped the thing over. The thought of repeating that experience gave me“You’veshivers.been in now Maia, you don’t need me to come in with you!” Then came the sad eyes, the look of disappointment, the feigned acceptance. She left the scene to get ice cream. I took a moment and gave myself a parental pep-talk. I didn’t want her to look back on this day and remember her mother with disappointment. I wanted her to think of me as adventurous and playful and … fun. Someone who plunges in, gets involved, not someone who sits on the sidelines. The mother who gets in the canoe. I wanted to make memories. “I’ll do it,” I muttered to Joel. We lugged the boat to the shore and each got in. All was fine for a milli-second then the waves started hitting. At which point the screaming began, almost without my consent. “Ange, it’s fine,” Joel’s attempts at reassurance fell on deaf ears. “Mummy it’s fine,” Maia’s did too. “Sorry, sorry,” I said, tears streaming. “Are you crying?” Joel could not comprehend what was unfolding. Then another big wave hit and before I knew it I was removing myself from the canoe. “Ange, what are you doing?” “I can’t do this. I can’t do it.” “Please get back in...” I got back in only to hop out again. “Look this is the choppiest bit, all the waves are here, once we get further out it’ll be smooth.” I believed him and got back in, because I am an adult. A fun adult. It was strangely pleasant, once we’d got past the bumpy waves. I immediately felt absolutely mortified. Half the beach had probably witnessed the whole affair. But then at least I’d given it a go. No sitting on the sidelines. We made memories alright.
CupJames2022atteamsofOnethethe
Community development officer Trisha Bennett and business manager Lisa Alloune said: “WCDA are honoured to be nominated for the Community of the Year award. “Over the last few years community spirit in Whitley has grown tremendously. WCDA is a community organisation of and about Whitley.
Whittington’s Tea Barge is changing hands Picture: Dijana Capan Breaking news (well, 6,000 years ago): Stone Age Brits were partial to porridge Making memories
By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today
“We very much look forward to developing this collaborative research goingTheforwards.”teaminvestigated wellpreserved pottery found in the waters surrounding artificial islands called crannogs in Scotland. Their methods allowed them to identify the ingredients in what were probably early forms of porridge, gruel and stew. During analysis, biomarkers for cereals, including wheat, were detected in one third of excavated cooking pots. Fatty residues found alongside these markers indicated that they may have been cooked with milk, and sometimes even with meat. They also discovered people visiting these crannogs used smaller pots to cook cereals with milk, and larger pots for meat-based dishes. The findings are reported today in the Nature Communications journal. They indicate wheat was cooked in pots, even though the limited evidence from charred plant parts in this region of Atlantic Scotland points mainly to barley.
The summer has gone by in a flash. We recently returned from a holiday in Devon, where we met two very new members of the family, and explored the beautiful towns of Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. A day at the beach consisted of a dip in the ocean and some mild boat-trauma. I used to think of myself as someone who thrived in water. Swimming is a joy, I love being in the sea, and I gave birth to my daughter in a bath at Royal Berks Hospital so it’s always had positive associations for me. But water-based activities? No, no. It became clear, on this sunny afternoon, that I much prefer being in the water, as opposed to bobbing about on top of it. Joel had borrowed an inflatable canoe for our trip and was keen to take Maia out in it. When she returned from her ride all she could say from then on was “Is Mummy coming in with me?”Igulped.
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motherhoodHonest Angela Garwood
“A sense of place and belonging is at the heart of everything we are about. Community spirit and involvement is at the highest it’s been for many years.”
is determined to ensure residents’ voices are heard, with many getting involved in the Whitley Researchers.Theproject sees stakeholders TEAMS turned out in droves for a charity football tournament held in Burghfield last month.
STONE AGE Britain may have seen humans enjoy a bowl of porridge or cereal, archaeologists have discovered.Aproject led by the University of Bristol, which included staff from the University of Reading, used chemical analysis to uncover new insights into Neolithic Britain, between 4,000 and 2,000TheBC.Department of Archaeology’s Prof Duncan Garrow said: “This research, undertaken by our colleagues at the University of Bristol, has hugely improved our knowledge of these sites in many exciting ways.
The WCDA provides a number of services to members of its community, with a strong emphasis providing a people-facing service. Its community cafe on Northumberland Avenue is the ideal spot for residents to catch up with friends and family over a hot drink or English breakfast.
The organisation is back at the Pride of Reading awards after it was named charity of the year in 2021.
The cafe houses the organisation’s food surplus programme, which helps hundreds of people each month, and is supported by various supermarkets across Reading. A recent visit saw shadow ministers drop by to speak to residents and representatives from various communityResidentsgroups.hadpreviously expressed a need for a place to gather as there had been a lack of communal spaces in Whitley.Chairof trustees, Elizabeth Grugeon, said: “As Chair of Trustees, I’m delighted that WCDA has been nominated for the community award in the 2022 Pride of Reading awards. “It shows that what WCDA is doing is appreciated, used and supported by Whitley residents. “The cafe is open Mondays to Fridays, as is the food surplus, and our Wellness Wednesdays are monthly. “The nomination is a tribute to the great work done by our staff and volunteers, and WCDA will continue to help make Whitley a place to be proud to live WCDAin.”
WHITLEY Community Development Association has been nominated as Community of the Year, sponsored by Hilton Reading. The group’s nominator said: “WCDA provide invaluable support [to] the community of Whitley, through the community cafe, the food surplus scheme and initiatives like their Wellbeing Wednesdays.
“On a daily basis, all sections of the community come together in one of our many aspects; cafe, social club, community museum, health checks, food project.
Whitley CDA proudforward for community
The James Cup is an 11-a-side contest held in memory of Reading man James Sturgess, who died in 2017.Organised by his brother Mark, players raised funds for the Duchess of Kent Hospice in Tilehurst, which supported James during his final days.
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. 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.
Raw sewage in the Sea Is affecting marine life I saw a prawn about to morn His loving caring wife A dog fish started barking A skate it got irate A shark rolled over with a soul from OurDoverseas in a right old state The lobster pots still empty Even the Mackerels done a runner The Cod and Haddock doesn’t taste the same Like it did last summer So please think before you dump More raw sewage in our seas From us fish to you it’s a pile of Poo So from today now please appease.
The offregularrunningcommunity,oftheAssociationDevelopmentCommunityWhitleyiscornerstonethebothandone-initiatives for
proud to be putcommunity award
EASTBOURNE & the Sussex Sunshine Coast FOLKESTONE & BRUGES Christmas Market – Turkey & Tinsel 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.
Your break includes Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 4 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with breakfast plus 3 dinners (includes traditional ‘Christmas’ dinner) Tea, coffee and mince pies on arrival 2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks After-dinner tea and coffee Entertainment every evening Excursions to Rochester, Chatham, Bruges Christmas Market & Canterbury 5 Days by Coach only £249 5 Days by Coach only £199 Eastbourne&Brighton_D.pdf
POETRY CORNER
WOW sees pupils who walk, wheel, cycle or scoot to school at least once a week for a month rewarded with a WOW badge. Living Streets says that WOW schools typically see walking rates increase by 23% with a 30% reduction in cars at the school gates.DrRonx said: “With notable increases in air pollution, rising childhood inactivity and postlockdown poor mental health, encouraging children to be more active and ditching school run drives for more sustainable modes of transport is imperative.” n For more details, log on livingstreets.org.uk/walktoschoolto: the benefit
COMMUNITY of the Year is an award that seeks to celebrate those in those people who have encouraged community spirit among their neighbours by working together to make their area a better place to live and thrive. It’s sponsored by the Hilton Hotel on Kennet Island, and this is the first time they have backed the Pride of Reading Awards. Area general manager John McLaughlin was thrilled that his team could get behind this award. “We wanted to sponsor this award as it is the essence of Hilton Reading,” he says.“The DNA of everything we do is very much about the community, the community spirit and the community is what we live for.” And he’s right as the hotel isn’t just for people passing through Reading, but it is well used as a conference, wedding and party venue by businesses and residents alike. If anything, the team at The Hilton truly understand the ethos behind this new award.“We believe there is a much larger reach for nominations with this award than there are with other categories,” John continues. “We also believe this award will be given, unconditionally, to a community that is truly deserving. “We’re counting down to the awards ceremony in December.” working together with academics from the University of Reading to discuss issues which need addressing in their area.One of the project’s biggest achievements was rerouting the number nine bus route to ensure Whitley residents had direct access to Royal Berkshire Hospital. The organisation also sees NHS staff drop in for its monthly Well-being Wednesdays, CommuniCare advice sessions, the Stroke Association and carboot sales. Keen to serve all members of its community, the organisation also runs children’s activities projects during the holidays.
Single Supplement £60 Single Supplement £60 or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332
Dr Ronx supports the walk to school initiative from Living Streets
of OLDAssociationDevelopmentCommunityPicture:residents.WhitleyFIND:
To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, September 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 29
A shard of Early Lochthepottery,NeolithicfoundonlochbedatBhogastail.
We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Email news@rdg.today and we’ll do the rest
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Picture: Dan Pascoe Save our Seas
Fight fuel costs with your feet says CBBC’s Dr Ronx
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THE START of a new school year is a chance to save some money on fuel costs - by walking to lessons, rather than taking the car. Charity Living Streets has launched its biggest-ever walk to school campaign, spearheaded by CBBC presenter Dr Ronx. With rising fuel prices and cost of living, the charity is advocating walking to school to save money. It says that a generation ago, 70% of primary school-aged children walked to school, but now it’s around half, despite the majority living within two miles of their nearest place of learning. Latest figures show that nearly one in five (17%) car journeys to primary school are distances of under one Stephenmile.Edwards, Chief Executive, Living Streets said: “The start of a new academic year is the perfect opportunity to try something new. And making small changes can help alleviate some of the rising living costs we are all facing and help the environment. “Most people live within walking distance of their nearest primary school. Leaving the car at home for short trips, such as the school journey, could save hundreds of pounds over the year. At the same time, families will benefit from the health benefits of being active and the social benefits of spending time together.”Living Streets is being supported this year by children television presenter, Dr Ronx, who has joined the charity as the celebrity ambassador for WOW – their walk to school challenge. The CBBC presenter and emergency doctor will support the initiative across the 2022-23 academic year.
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) Departing Mon 12 Dec ‘22 Get into the festive spirit with a wonderful few days away to take in the delights of Bruges Christmas Market with a whole host of included extras.
Reader travel
Experts suspect this could be because wheat is underrepresented in charred plant remains, due to the alternative practice of boiling the grain in stews and gruel. Crannog sites in the Outer Hebrides are currently the focus of the fouryear arts and humanities research council-funded Islands of Stone project.Directed by two of the paper’s authors Duncan Garrow, University of Reading, and Fraser Sturt, University of Southampton, along with Angela Gannon from Historic Environment Scotland.Whatwe don’t know is whether they put salt, sugar or syrup on it.
HILTON
MICKEY BROWN
From Leaderthe Cllr Jason Brock
Letters We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paperSend your thoughts to news@rdg.today 30 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, September 7, 2022
I’m also equally delighted that New Directions has recently received a £700,000 boost from the Department of Education, following a Council bid, to provide courses focused on numeracy confidence. This new offer would provide 176 courses to 1,108 learners over three years. Interventions include innovative numeracy skills programmes delivered with employers, courses aimed at care leavers aged 19 or over, and courses for parents wanting to increase their numeracy skills.
The College, which is run by your Council, delivers a range of learning from entry-level courses to professional qualifications, as well as interview support and confidence-boosting programmes in a range of community settings. It plays a vital role in supporting adults to build their confidence, learn new skills, and take steps towards further education and new employment opportunities.Theyhaverecently published their 2022-23 course guide with loads on offer, and I’d recommend you check it out. It has so much for people who are looking to improve their skills, move into a new career, learn a language, or even just pick up a new hobby. From ceramics to printmaking, bakery or dressmaking, there is something to suit everyone.
AS our younger residents are returning to school, this week feels like a good opportunity to reflect on a few matters relating to education in our town.
Hosted by myself, you will get the chance to hear about our plans to improve our community engagement and give feedback which will help shape the proposals.Comealong to connect with University staff and build stronger relationships that will encourage better collaboration between the University and the town.The event, which runs between 5.45-8.30pm, includes a free hot buffet dinner and a free climate stripes mug, which will enable you to get discounted hot drinks on campus all year Thereround.willalso be the option of attending a tour of our new Health & Life Sciences building fromThis5-6pm.willgive you a chance to see our world-class suite of teaching and research facilities, which are not normally open to the public, alongside our Cole Museum of Zoology. This event is open to everyone in the local community, and I encourage you to join us and have your say. n Further details about the event, including how to register for your free ticket, are available online.
The Tories are at it again The Tories are at it again. An 80-seat majority with a personality as leader. It’s taken a long time to get him out of office. Now the Tories are going back to an old workhorse: It’s not their fault.Here we go again: cut tax, even though very little money in their purse.The new leader won’t support everyone. Result?> The working poor, and those not working, can be thrown to the wolves. I cannot understand this. Millionaires receiving massive bonuses, some Tory MPs doing more than one job. An MP should be just an MP. They should leave the Commons to people who just have one role: an MP.They don’t like the BBC, yet democracy needs the BBC. I’m thinking honesty is more important than Tory needs. Profits above everything else is bad for us Bewareall.the Tories and the right-wing majority press. Name andsupplied.address Become a foster carer with Barnardo’s and help transform a childhood for the better
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At Barnardo’s, we are facing a growing shortage of foster carers. This threatens to leave vulnerable children without a safe, stable and loving environment and reduces the prospect of them achieving a positiveBarnardo’sfuture.has over 100 years of experience in fostering and we know through the amazing work of our foster carers across the country that they make an immeasurable difference to the lives of children in care. A foster family gives children and young people a safe, secure place to live for a few weeks, months or even years. This happens when, for a whole range of reasons, a child cannot live at their own home. With the number of children in care in the UK now standing at over 100,000, and with a particular increase in the number aged 11 or older, the urgent need for new foster carers comes at a time when we have seen a decline in the number of people coming forward to be foster carers. On top of this, many of our most experienced foster carers are now retiring or nearing retirement age, meaning there stands to be even fewer carers able to offer foster placements to the record number of children now needing Meanwhile,care.anew YouGov survey for Barnardo’s
Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vice-chancellor of the University of Reading
CHURCH NOTES big issues Pride is Reading at its best
This initiative sits in the context of the Council working to ensure everybody can share in Reading’s success.
There will be many proud parents taking that treasured photo of their little ones starting school for the first time or celebrating the challenge of their child moving up to secondary school. Following exam results last month, there will also be many young people starting further education, commencing apprenticeships, or imminently heading off to university. I wish all of them the very best in their futures.
As a person of faith I believe that the ultimate antidote to our shared anxiety is to be found in the existence and nature of God, who is committed to what has been created, and encourages and empowers us to cooperate with God and with one another in ways that bring life, compassion, healing and inventiveness towards tackling life’s majorWechallenges.needGodand we need each other if we are to make effective headway in facing and overcoming the really big issues of our day.
In that spirit, I’m proud that Reading boasts an excellent adult and community learning service, New Directions College.
The
This Council’s ethos is to provide access and opportunities for people from our communities who, for whatever reason, do not always have the same life chances as the rest of us – whether that is due to special educational needs, disabilities or because of where they live.
How University intends to be a good neighbour
encouragingly shows that a quarter (24 per cent) of adults in the UK would consider fostering a child in the next five years. However, our findings also show there are misconceptions about what it takes to be a foster carer, with some believing a person should already have children of their own before becoming a foster carer, and almost half (48 per cent) of adults stating they were either too young or too old to foster. In actual fact, there is no requirement for a foster carer to already have a child of their own and there is no upper age limit. At Barnardo’s, we welcome passionate individuals from all walks of life and from all communities. If you are over 21, have a spare room, are a UK resident and have the time and commitment to support a child - you could transform their childhood and their future. To find out more about fostering with Barnardo’s please visit our website fosteringwww.barnardos.org.uk/atorcallourteamon 0800 0277 280. Lynn Perry MBE is CEO Barnardo’sof
ON SATURDAY, Reading partied as only it knows how. The annual Pride celebration keeps on growing, and is a brilliant celebration of Reading’s tolerance. We are a town that welcomes everybody – a city of sanctuary that stands up and welcomes everyone. Pride is a terrific example of that. From the colourful parade through to the musical treats in Kings Meadow, this was a day to say everyone can be who they want to be, without fear. But while Pride is a visible party, showing safety in numbers, it’s clear that more work needs to be done to encourage inclusion and acceptance. A lot has changed over the past 50 years, but more still needs to happen. So while Pride was a chance to celebrate, there was also a need to pause andThisreflect.isajourney, a journey that is ongoing, and a journey that needs grit and determination ... as well as a lot of sparkle.Welldone to all who made Pride happen, and ensure it was safe. Here’s to a bigger event next year.
WVIEWPOINTSHENJohnBirdlaunched a new concept of magazine for homeless people to sell in order for them to earn money, he cleverly called it “The Big Issue” linking the issuing of the magazine with major issues of the day. So what are the big issues of today? They include International conflicts 100 million displaced people Huge numbers living with severe hunger, water shortages and crippling poverty Catastrophic climate changes Terrorism,HumanCorruptPandemicsgovernmentsrightsabusesracismand crime The possibility of economic collapse The issues we face are indeed big. They are massive threats to the values we seek to live byjustice, peace, freedom and integrity. With so many inducements to despair, where can we find a rational basis for hope? Where can we find the resilience and strength and wisdom we need to address these issues in an effective way?
Happy
The Revd David Jenkins, a Methodist Team Minister based in Caversham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Reading
I know that Brighter Futures for Children’s Elevate Careers service has been on hand to help many people with finding the right path, but we should all help create a culture that acknowledges that the important choices made aged 16 or 18 don’t set us on some inflexible path in life. Part of that culture is remembering that learning and education never stops. A great many of us change careers and re-train and re-skill during our working lives (and beyond).
chancellortheFromViceRobert Van de Noort
In March, I was really pleased to hear the College had secured a grant to deliver a range of specialist learning and skills pathways to employment for adults with special educational needs and disabilities.
The options for people moving towards and into their adult lives are myriad, and young people are confronted with far more choices to make than I had even 18 years ago. We should all be conscious that a plethora of choices can be an intimidating thing, especially when we so often (somewhat erroneously) present these choices as having an almost life-defining quality.
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council, and Labour member for Southcote ward
ReadingEducating
HERE we are again at the start of a new academic year. After a quiet period over the summer, it’s always nice to get a buzz around campus as it comes back to life with staff and students.Itfeels like a thriving university campus should. In the next few weeks, we w ill be welcoming thousands of new students to the University, as well as many others returning after a summer away from studying.These students will come from all corners of the world a nd contribute to the rich tapestry of culture and diversity that we have here, both on campus and beyond.Asthese students join us, either for the first time or as returning students, an important part of our welcome message is a reminder that, as an institution, we are very much engaged with our local community and expect our students to respect our neighbours at all times. We have lots of support available to students to help them adjust to university life, including advice on how to be a good neighbour.Andwhile we are on the subject of being a good neighbour, I want to assure you this is something the University takes very seriously. On Tuesday, September 27, we will be hosting our first Community Forum since before the pandemic. This is an invitation to local residents in neighbouring Reading and Wokingham boroughs to find out more about the University and RUSU’s community activity, share your feedback on our work and raise any challenges which can be addressed directly.
By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter REVISED plans to demolish a historic ironmongers in Reading and replace it with a six-storey apartment block have been revealed. In 2019, developers S2 Caversham submitted an application to replace the former Drews the Ironmonger store with a seven-story building containing 44 apartments. This was rejected in 2020 over concerns about its size and the loss of the historic buildings. An appeal was dismissed last year.Now, S2 Caversham has submitted a fresh plan to replace Drews with 29 apartments – a reduction of 15 units. The new building would be six storeys and called The Malthouse to reflect the building’s history. The buildings, 71-73 Caversham Road, date back to 1871, and were used by Simonds Brewery to convert cereals into malt and eventually into beer. They were converted them into shops in the early 1900s. Drews occupied the buildings from 1979, having moved from Friar Street. It closed in December 2018. Their site was locally listed as a heritage asset in early 2020 thanks to an application by the Bell Tower Community Association (BTCA), which represents households surrounding EP Colier School. Although local listing does not shield a building from possible demolition, it is a factor in determining applications and whether the loss of it is outweighed by the benefits of the proposed scheme.
GOWER PENINSULA Royal Mint & Brecon Railway FOLKESTONE & France Weekend Departing Thu 20 Oct ‘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 Fri 21 Oct ‘22 Your break includes Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Excursion to Boulogne-sur-Mer & Canterbury WPR_2022-09-05_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go 5 Days by Coach only £349 4 Days by Coach only £174.99 Folkestone&FranceWeekend_F.pdf Single Supplement £120 Single Supplement £45 or visit us online at justgoholidays.com/WPR 03332 342 527 Quote WPR To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, September 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 31
Derek Buckler was known as a driver and car designer and builder.Theevent is free to attend, but advance booking is required.Thetalk will take place at The Changing Room, Thames Lido, starting at 6.30pm, with doors opening at 6pm. n For more information and to book tickets, search: Reading Civic Society on www.eventbrite. co.uk
Six-story apartment block planned for site of Drews the Ironmongers
The development team has consulted the BTCA, but rebuffed a suggestion to make the proposed apartment block smaller.A document submitted in the application states: “The BTCA suggested that the new proposal represents a significant improvement, with retention of the majority of the malthouse buildings being very welcome.“The main concern was around the six-storey height of the new “Theredevelopment.werediscussions if the scheme could be reduced to five, while keeping the same number of apartments by extending further to the rear (westwards).“However, the additional VIEW OF THE FUTURE: A CGI of the plan to replace Drews the Ironmongers in Caversham Road, Reading with a 29 home apartment block. Credit: JTP Studios building footprint does not allow for extra apartments because the new development is not able to have any windows on the south elevation. “The apartments are only able to increase in depth. “The proposed detailing was welcome, with minor concerns on the use of contrasting buff brick and the proposed detailing for the retail frontage design.”The fresh application does not provide any affordable units, contrasted with five the original scheme had. The developers say they are not required to provide any due to ‘financial viability’. They have agreed to pay Reading Borough Council £165,000 towards affordable housing provision. Of the 29 apartments, 22 would be one-bed, six would have two-bedrooms and one would have three bedrooms. There would be retail space on the ground floor. Of the 14 car parking spaces provided, five would be for residents, four ‘office’ car spaces, a commercial parking space, and four spaces for customers of the new store.
The plans can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal, searching for reference 220922.
CLASSIC CAR enthusiasts will be excited to attend a talk about the story of a Reading motor business which was founded in the late 1940s.
David Montgomery, registrar of the Buckler Car Register, is set to deliver an illustrated presentation about Derek Buckler, the story of his company and the innovations it introduced.Usingimages from past and present day, Mr Montgomery will discuss the Caversham and 23,takingfirstranonformerlytheplaqueincludecompany’sCrowthorne-originatedactivitytoday.Thiswillundoubtedlytheunveilingofablueonthebuildingwhereoriginalfactorywassited,Dawson’smusicshop,Saturday,June25.BucklerSportsRacingCarsfrom1947-1965,withtheeverregistermeetingplaceinBristolonJuly1972.
Church plan to install new signs Extension plan A READING town centre church wants to erect crosses on its building, along with new signage.Greyfriars, on Friar Street, says in its application that the designs would complement its branding.Therewould be a red cross on the south elevation and a second cross on the west elevation.Thecross and Greyfriars lettering would be on a new four storey church centre which is under construction. The plans have been submitted to Reading Borough Council, and can be viewed on its planning portal, reference THE221249.owner of a Caversham home is seeking permission from Reading Borough Council to build a rear extension. A Rana, from Hemdean Road, wants to convert a bedroom into a bathroom as part of the plans for the terraced house. The additional space would provide a dining room and study, and an enlarged kitchen and lounge on the ground floor. The downstairs bathroom would be replaced with one upstairs.Theplans can be viewed on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal, reference 221250.
Talk on 75-year-old car register Council urges residents to look outfor voter canvass forms
READING Borough Council has urged residents to look out for electoral registration canvassing forms.The council has now gone into the third phase of a drive to encourage residents to sign up to the electoral register ahead of local elections set for May 2023. The annual canvass sees forms sent out to identify any residents who haven’t registered and encourage them to do so.
It has also reminded residents that those aged 16-17 should be added to household information so that they can be included in the register once they’ve turned 18. Christopher Brooks, Electoral Registration Officer at Reading Borough Council, said: “We are now moving on to the third stage of our canvass. That means some households will receive what is known as a ‘Canvass Form’ this week. “This is only going to those households where we have not been able to match details with the Department for Work and Pensions and to those households who have not yet responded to the Canvass letters sent out in at the end of July, and people must respond to this letter by Wednesday, September 28. He also said that the quickest way to sign up was online through the government website.“Alternatively, please check the details on the Canvass Form and update the information if necessary and return the form in the pre-paid envelope“Whereprovided.noresponse is received, the Council is then obliged to follow up with households for a third time, which could include door-to-door canvassers visiting the address. “It costs the Council money to do this, so its really important the form is returned as quickly as possible, ideally online which is the quickest route.”Aswell as the Canvass Form, residents can register online at www.gov.uk, or can request information to be sent through the post by calling 0118 937 3717 or email Elections@reading. gov.uk.
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply. For more information, or to book, please call Reader travel justgoholsJGTravelGroup
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.
A business park that is changing
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
Claire Lawley, service delivery manager at Smart Works Reading, said: “We are delighted to be hosting our first Jobs Fair and look forward to welcoming local businesses, of all shapes and sizes.“We are very much relying on our local Smart Works community to spread the word about this exciting new event.”
A NEW recruitment fair is to launch in Reading aimed at getting women into work. Organised by the charity Smart Works Reading, at least 12 employers will be in attendance, including Thames Water, Greggs and childcare specialists Tiger Lily. All those attending will have vacancies, while jobseekers will be able to access free interview advice, support, and, if needed, clothing for job interviews. This is in line with the charity’s ethos of empowering women, with the aim of transforming lives by giving the skills and coaching they need to succeed.Allattendees are entitled to an appointment to receive clothes and coaching ahead of any interview they secure on theJobday.coaching and CV advice will also be available for any women who want to discuss their options with trained employment coaches.
Flexible office operator to open Impact Reading
Smart Works launches jobs fair
The event takes place at Smart Works Reading’s base in Enterprise House, London Street, between 10am and 2pm on Wednesday, September 28. n Businesses interested in having a stall can reading@smartworks.org.ukemail: 32 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today Wednesday, September 7, 2022
A FLEXIBLE office operator is planning to expand its operations into Reading, after acquiring more than 16,000sq ft of office space in the town centre. Impact Working will be based out of R+, a new building opposite Reading’s railway station. It is due to open in November.Thespace will include 293 desks, four meeting rooms, six private phone booths, a wellness studio and more than 3,000sq ft of communal space. Reading is Impact Working’s second location, and its first deal with a private landlord. It launched in 2020 with the Spectrum building in Bristol city centre. The firm said that Reading is regarded as the beating heart of the Thames Valley, the fastest-growing region outside of London and headquarters to companies from all over the world, covering a wide range of sectors who are brought together in a connected business community. As part of the Impact Capital Group’s end-to-end real estate lifecycle model, the Impact Working business arm is designed to provide a home to aspirational businesses of all sizes and is focussed on providing experienceled workspaces that promote social cohesion and employee wellness, whilst remaining conscious of the natural environment.Despitelaunching during the challenging business environment of the pandemic, Impact Working’s first coworking space has thrived in the Bristol market and reached 78% occupancy within 12 months of opening. Metric Real Estate advised Impact Working, and Brayfox Smith and Hatch advised Oval Asset Management to agree the lease deal.
Robert Whitton, Co-founder and group CEO of Impact capital group said: “Reading is the perfect location for Impact Working’s second flexible office. “The Thames Valley is the UK’s true ‘turbo-region’ with an array of significant resilient sectors, from life sciences to tech. “We hope to attract some small and growing companies that share Impact’s values-based culture and address some of society’s most important challenges.” He continued: “Our partnership with Oval is testament to our journey in contributing to positive change in the working world and beyond. “Our business model has been designed to respond to the demands of the flex space market where sustainability, inclusivity and positive employee experiences are at the heart of the Anddesign.”Mark Gregson, co-founder and CEO of Impact Working, said: “Our growth strategy is focused on creative, green and tech-friendly cities, with a real sense of community; Reading delivers this in abundance.
A CGI of the new R+ building, which is due to open in Reading town centre this November Smart SeptemberonaReadingWorksisholdingrecruitmentfairWednesday,28
READINGTODAY.ONLINE
“Our first deal with esteemed landlords like Oval Asset Management will be critical for us to meet our key objectives in the coming years.” Rob Thain, Asset Manager at Oval Asset Management said: “We are very pleased to welcome Impact Working to R+ with so many synergies connecting our two businesses. Adding flexible working facilities to the building’s roster further strengthens our offering and enriches the local amenity.”
| BUSINESS BUSINESSTODAY Got a business story? Email news@wokingham.today
Tracey said: “I’ve complained but all I’ve got is automated calls and “Becauseemails.of the explosion that hit Leone, someone else’s tent caught fire and melted. “What went on that day needs to be addressed.” Festival Republic has confirmed it is investigating Ms Cook’s case. A Festival Republic spokesperson said: “We are in touch with the family involved in this reported incident and are working with all authorities and medical services whilst we investigate this.” A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “There were some fires in the campsite on Sunday, but festival security had water pumps and extinguished these within minutes. “There was some disorder in the campsite at about 4.30pm on Sunday, but this was dealt with within minutes by festival security and about 50 people were ejected from the site.“Those ejected were safeguarded by the festival organisers, and police to ensure they could get home safely.”
Leone attended the festival in 2021, but said this year was worse.When asked why she thought that, she said: “Probably just because of covid no one has been“Lastout. year we could hear things happening in the distance, but there was no one throwing things. Last year, I didn’t see anyone setting tents on fire, but this year it was horrible.“People were throwing things over the hedge like poles and bottles of urine, and I could hear people shouting ‘let’s make a molotov cocktail’”. Her mum said security had beeninadequate and the organisers, Festival Republic, need to be held responsible.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward –some of whom may have been at Reading Festival – after a motorcyclist they were chasing collided with a kerb in Portman Road.The incident took place around 8.15pm on Saturday, AugustOfficers27. were in pursuit of a blue Yamaha motorcycle along Richfield Avenue, Cow Lane and Portman Road in Reading before it collided with the central reservation kerb on Portman Road. A 33-year-old Reading man was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop for police, driving while over the prescribed drug drive limit and driving while over the prescribed drink drive limit. He was de-arrested and taken to Royal Berkshire Hospital for serious hand and chest injuries, where he Thamesremains.Valley Police is appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage to help its investigation.Investigating officer Sergeant Edward Crofts, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, based at Three Mile Cross police station, said: “We are appealing for any witnesses to this incident to come forward. “In particular, I’d like to speak to a witness who stopped and spoke to officers at the scene who had seen the collision happen. I need to locate this person’s details as a possible witness.“Itwas busy at the time due to the nearby Reading Festival so I believe there would be other witnesses to this incident.” He added: “I’d also ask anyone with a dash-cam who was in the area just prior to or at the time of the collision to check any footage in case it has captured something that could help our investigation. “You can make a report online, or by calling 101, quoting reference 43220385957.
A CELEBRATION of two popular drinks is to come to Reading nextThemonth.Great Hall at the University of Reading is to be the venue for the annual Gin and Rum Festival. The event will feature a specially curated selection of drinks from distilleries, live entertainment, and music from DJs.In all, there will be 120 varieties to choose from, include a new Tequila bar bringing a taste of Mexico to theThetown.founder of the Gin and Rum Festival, Bobby Nanua, said: “We’ve had such a fantastic year touring the UK and we’re excited to be bringing this experience to Reading once again. “We always love it when we return back to cities we’ve visited before, they become a second home for us.” Entry costs £15 for a session, and the ticket price includes a reusable stainlesssteel straw, a G&R branded Copa glass with carry satchel for safe overto12.15pmOctobersamplesTherekeeping.willbecomplimentaryandtalks.TheeventrunsonSaturday,15,withsessionsfromto4.30pm,or6.30pm11pm.Bothareonlyopento18s.
Care she received involved medication to dampen the pain and hours of surgery to remove burntLeoneskin.said the time waiting to get to hospital “made things worse” as her treatment was delayed.Theincident will have long term consequences on her life. In the short term, she will no longer be able to attend the University of Portsmouth as intended.Leonesaid: “I’m going to have to go on a gap year because I can’t walk. It’s going to take at least two months to be able to go out again. “I’m not allowed to be exposed to the sun for at least two months and the burns will take a year to heal. I’ll also have to use factor 50 for the rest of myShelife.”has also had to cancel driving lessons and is unable to work.
Teenager suffers burns at Festival
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Leone Cook, above before the incident, and below her injuries
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By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter A READING Festival-goer has described her horror at suffering second degree burns on the last day of the event. The final day was marred by violence and tent burning as fires raged across camping areas.One attendee has shared her story after suffering burns, the ordeal of getting medical care and the long term consequences she’s been left with.
RECOVERING: Leone Cook, 18, suffered the injuries on the last day of Reading Festival Picture: Leone Cook
Leone Cook, 18 from Kent, was sitting near a campfire when an unknown liquid exploded over her. Her mum, Tracey Cook, 51, said: “We’re not sure what it was, but whatever it was it went all over her, from her ankle up to her thigh, and on her face as well. “That was horrific.” Leone was then assisted by a security guard, but they say care was “poor” and she was not immediately taken to hospital forLeonetreatment.said: “They said it was too hard for an ambulance to get to where I was, but we had seen ambulances go past for other things during the day. “I thought the medical service was really poor, but the police were really good. They asked for an ambulance but Reading [Festival] refused to send one. “I got told I had to walk to the nearest medical tent. I couldn’t be carried, because no one could touch my leg because of theThisburns.”led to her undergoing an ordeal of trudging 40 minutes to get help from the medical tent, which she got to with assistance from her boyfriend and police Eventuallyofficers.she was taken by ambulance to the Royal Berkshire Hospital. After spending a night in Reading, she began receiving care in Maidstone and is now undergoing treatment at a burns unit in East Grinstead.
“Or call Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
Witness appeal after drug driving arrest motorcyclist injured in chase
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The route saw her cross the Thames with the help of Reading Sea Cadets as she heads along the boundary lines into Caversham before completing the circuit in Newtown.CllrEden said: “Every single part of this route is publicly accessible, so anyone can do it, you don’t need special“We’llpermission.alsoleftlittle painted kindness rocks for people to find.”She said the journey had been amazing: “I cannot express how exciting it’s been. It’s been a lovely experience both meeting people along the way and having a chat, as well as with the people who’ve come with me – it’s very relaxed way of spending time with someone.” Despite having to plan the route herself, she said also that there were parts of Reading she was seeing in a new way.
Matthew Barber, police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley said: “Today Chief Constable, John Campbell announced that he will be retiring when his contract ends on the 31st March 2023. “John will have served the public as a police officer for over 35 years, 13 of those as a Chief Officer within Thames Valley Police and four years as Chief Constable. “I thank him for his contribution to the police service, especially his leadership of the force and his focus on delivering on mine and my predecessors police and crime plan.“Ihave very much enjoyed working with John and am proud of what he has achieved for the force and I will be sorry to see him leave. “John will continue to lead the force over the next seven months and ensure the force continues to work tirelessly to protect our communities across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. “Following announcementtoday’sIwill shortly start the process for the recruitment for his successor to enable a smooth transition in leadership for Thames Valley Police.”
The mayor at the UoR Whiteknights Campus Picture: Rachel Eden Cllr
THAMES Valley Police Chief Constable, John Campbell, has announced his intention to retire from his role. His term comes to an end on Friday, March 31, having been in the role since 2018. Mr Campbell said: “At the end of March 2023, my term as Chief Constable concludes, and after four years in the post, over 13 years within the force and more than 35 years in policing, I have decided it is the right time for me to retire. “Making this announcement now allows plenty of time for a smooth transition to the new Chief Constable in the spring. “I remain fully committed to leading the force over the next seven months. “It has been an honour serving the communities of the Thames Valley, and I am immensely proud of the officers, staff and volunteers who work around the clock, every single day, to keep our communities safe.”The police and crime commissioner will announce the recruitment process tomorrow, 1 September, with a new Chief Constable in post for 1 April 2023.
Mayor’s walk around the
12-18 CROWN STREET, READING. THE BUILDING CONTAINS 44 APART-HOTEL
EXCLUSIVE By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
Top Cop plans retirement
“There were parts which I hadn’t actually walked that specific part, I just knew they will work so some of it was brand new to even me, and it’s just been an incredible experience.”CllrEden completed the second 16 mile walk, consisting of legs 3 and 4, by teatime on the Wednesday. Now, the route is for others to try. Copies of the map of the route are available to buy in Reading Town Hall and Museum and The Hexagon. Copies are also available in Central, Tilehurst, Battle, Caversham, Palmer Park, Whitley, and Southcote Libraries.Tosponsor the Mayor’s team, visit www.reading. gov.uk. All funds raised are being donated to the Mayor’s charities, which are Parenting Special Children, The Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality and Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
THE MAYOR of Reading undertook an unusual tour of the borough last week – on foot. A centuries old tradition, it is the first time the mayor of Reading has completed a Beating the Bounds walk for 100 years and will raise funds more Cllr Rachel Eden’s chosen mayoral charities. The route followed by borough’s boundaries, giving her and her fellow walkers, a rare view of all aspects of Reading.Shebegan the boundary walk on Tuesday, August 30, setting off from Wokingham Road by Sol Joel Park. From there, Cllr Eden headed through the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus, where she was joined by Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Robert Van de Noort; MP for Reading East, Matt Rodda; President of Reading University Student Union, Sheldon Allen; and former Mayor, David Stevens. She was also joined by members of Acre (the Alliance for Cohesion and Racial Equality), who are one of the charities the funds from the walk will go on to help. The third leg, last Wednesday, started from Pierces Hill, Tilehurst.
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RachelPicture:MattEastbythejoinedEdenRachelwasonwalkReadingMPRoddaEden
A PLAN to convert dozens of ‘aparthotel’ bedrooms in Reading into long-term accommodation will be determined later this week, writes James Aldridge Reading Borough Council’s planning committee will consider a plan for 12-18 Crown Street which, in 2005, was converted from offices into apartments, adding an additional floor in the process. The aparthotel rooms provide basic facilities for someone to live on their own with the amenities of a hotel. Developers ‘Shall Do Crown Street Limited’ have applied to convert the 44 apart-hotel rooms intoOfflats.the44 rooms, 27 would be one-bedroom, 13 would have twobedrooms, and four would become studio apartments. The apart-hotel rooms were run by a company called Reading ServicedInside,Apartments.workwould be undertaken, particularly on the fourth floor, to make sure the flats achieve minimum space standards. There would be no changes to the number of car parking spaces, with eight spaces including two disabled bays accessed of St Giles Close.Astore with 10 spaces for bicycles would be enlarged to house 44 two-wheeled vehicles. The conversion has been recommended for approval subject to a legal agreement which would involve the developer paying the council a monetary contribution once 75% of the flats (33) are either sold or let, as no designated affordable housing would be provided.Ifanagreement is not reached, the council’s assistant director of planning would be delegated to refuse it. The committee will consider a report when it meets on Wednesday, September 7. It states there is a precedent for converting serviced apartments into flats in Reading, following the approval of the conversion of The Faculty building in London Road from 16 serviced rooms into 15 apartments. Although the plan was refused in March last year, it was allowed on appeal in December.
Decision to be made on ‘apart-hotel’ flats plan
Beating of the bounds is a centuries old tradition Picture: Rachel Eden
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Ding will take some beating
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FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been jailed for drug offences in Tilehurst.Asaresult of work by the police drugs focus taskforce, Lemaree Jordan, 18, of Pryor Close, Tilehurst, was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison at Reading Crown Court on Friday, August 26. He pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of a class A controlled substance, and two counts of possession with intent to supply a class A controlled drug, both namely crack cocain and heroin.OnTuesday, May 31, officers executed a warrant to search Jordan’s home, where he was arrested after a quantity of drugs wereHefound.wascharged on the same day.Detective Constable Polly-Ann Gardner said: “Thames Valley Police is committed to bringing drug dealers to justice and making its patch a hostile environment for them.“Jordan ran the drugs line in and around Tilehurst and Reading for six months and the sentence he received reflects that. “I hope his conviction provides a
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The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, setting off from Pierces Hill, where the third leg of the boundary walk begins. warning to other drug dealers in the Thames Valley of what to expect if they continue their offending. “Information from the public around drug-dealing plays an important role in developing intelligence into a proactive investigation.“Ifyouhave any such information, I would encourage you to report it to us by calling 101 or through the online reporting tool on our “Youwebsite.canalso report information completely anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”
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Tilehurst man jailed for drug offences
IT’S LIGHTS, camera, action for budding Steven Spielbergs, Alfred Hitchcocks, or Alan Smithees.
Among those taking part in Turn Tilehurst Red 2022 are staff from Village Properties, Northwood and Sansome and George Estate Agents, 2nd Tilehurst Brownies, Cooperative Funeral Care and Vendela Rose Florist and SMC Flooring who have already kindly donated to the hampers.
Keep investing in friendship
AS living costs continue to rise, local friendship group, Reading District Oddfellows is urging residents to not cut back on socialising. The not-for-profit group, which has 1,150 local members, many older or retired, is becoming increasingly concerned about the impact any reduced social contact could have on people’s mental health and wellbeing, a lesson learnt from the pandemic it says.
Oddfellows branch secretary Debbie Jex says they are making extra efforts to ensure residents continue to have access to affordable social events and opportunities to socialise locally. She said: “When you’re stretched financially, you’ve no choice but to look at how you can better budget or where to spend less. “We want to remind people that socialising doesn’t need to be expensive. It’s not where you get together that matters, but that you’re just getting together. “We saw the effect spending less time in the company of others had on our members during the pandemic and we need to make sure that as we face another difficult time we stay in touch and support each other.” To celebrate National Friendship Month this September, Reading District Oddfellows is holding several inexpensive taster events. These have been specifically designed to make newcomers feel at ease and give residents the chance to experience the supportive benefits of joining a friendship group. Events include a Free Oddfellows Information Evening and Supper held from 7pm on Wednesday, September 21, at Oddfellows Hall, on Oxford Road.
A Charity Ploughman’s Lunch will be held on Wednesday, September 28, from 12.30pm, again at the Oddfellows Hall. This costs £6. If you cannot wait until the end of September, the group also has numerous events running in and around Reading, including Henley, Maidenhead, Thatcham, Woodley, Tilehurst and Pangbourne. “Nobody should be without company if they want it,” added Debbie. “If you’re finding it difficult to socialise in later life, or you’d like to build or extend your friendship circle, groups such as ours are a great way to meet like-minded people locally. “We’d love to see you.” Research recently undertaken by the Oddfellows showed how those aged 60-plus in the UK have on average four close friends, with 3% saying they don’t have any. Nine out of 10 (87%) agreed that friends improved the quality of theirThelife.August study also revealed how 68% of over-60s felt they could rely on their friends in times of need, with 65% agreeing that friends help them to get through difficult times.
The first session will be a showcase of some of the pieces created by members during the pandemic. Then, there will be six weeks of introductory workshops running until Tuesday, November 1. The club was founded in 1957, and has seen everything from Super 8 to super SD cards in that time, welcoming the novice as well as those Members of the Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh Reading filmmakers in action
Businesses and groups, including Village Properties, Northwood and Sansome and George Estate Agents, 2nd Tilehurst Brownies, Cooperative Funeral Care and Vendela Rose Florist and SMC Flooring, have already donated towards the cost of the hampers. n Anyone wishing to help, or apply for support, can search Facebook for ‘Turn Tilehurst Red 2022’, or donate searching for the same term on JustGiving.com
| INNEWSTHECOMMUNITY Share news from your groups, clubs and societies.Send reports to news@rdg.today
New president for Reading Maiden Erlegh Inner Wheel
READING Maiden Erlegh Inner Wheel has welcomed Louise as President. And the group has been involved in many events for its members. Our annual Garden Games proved so popular that they were held on two days, both in glorious sunshine, of course, and the cream tea went down a treat.Wehad an insightful talk from Berkshire Women’s Aid which spurred two of the less nimble ladies to enrol for the daily fundraising 1.6k walk in September.Weprayed for rain this summer, but not on our visit to Wisely.
Dr Jennifer Wild
Reading filmmakers’ groupwelcome new members
“Those with close companions they can lean on in tough times are less likely to suffer from depression.
Tilehurst plans to provide festive food hampers
In September, a team, proudly wearing their new blue Inner Wheel T-shirts, will join walking 10k along the Towpath for Reading International Solidarity Centre’s legal aid fund. Once again, we shall help with Rotary’s Charity Art& Craft fair by making canapes and running the café over the weekend as more than ever Feeding Communities Foundation needsTeasupport.parties,bridge and crafts continue and a new book club are in the planning stages. Watch out for our new cookbook. JOAN BUSFIELD with a few films under their belt. The group’s chairman, Oli Seaman, said: “You don’t have to be an experienced filmmaker to join, simply come along and take part, try filmmaking as a new hobby and get to know a like-minded community of budding filmmakers. “The more you do, the more you will learn, which will help you bring your own film ideas to fruition. “Fellow members often assist each other with their film productions.” Sessions take place at St Andrews Hall in Albert Road, at 7.45pm. Membership fees are less than £2 per general session, while the introductory course has its own fee. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.readingfilmandvideomakers. org.uk or visit: facebook.com/ readingfilmandvideomaker
36 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today
“Friends offer perspectives more compassionate than our own, which helps to interrupt self-critical thinking and improve our problem-solving skill set.”In addition to attending regular social events, members of Reading District Oddfellows can access financial benefits and welfare support, with a dedicated care helpline and citizens advice team, and a travel club. Oddfellows membership costs from £25 a year. n To register for an Oddfellows Friendship Month taster event, or to receive a free local events pack, contact Debbie Jex on 0118 957 3354 or email readingdistrict@ oddfellows.co.uk. n Further event and online open day details can be found at www. friendshipmonth.com, as well as a competition to win one of two Champagne afternoon tea gift boxes. n To read Dr Wild’s series of friendship advice blogs, go to www.oddfellows.co.uk/ news.
PLANS for this year’s Poppy Appeal includes raising enough money to buy Christmas dinners for 50 struggling families. The annual Turn Tilehurst Red campaign is to return in time for the annual Royal British Legion appeal. The village shops, schools, community centres, churches and homes are all expected to take part by displaying poppies and appropriate displays in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, which this year takes place on NovemberOrganisers13. say their Christmas Dinner hampers are aimed at supporting families struggling with the rising cost of living.“Weare hoping to raise enough funds to put together 50 Christmas Dinner Hampers for struggling families,” a spokesperson said. “Local businesses, shops and individuals have all been digging deep to help us raise the money for food needed to put together these hampers.” Each hamper is expected to include a turkey or equivalent, vegetables, sauces and sweet treats, and delivered in time forNominationsChristmas. are now being accepted for residents who are struggling financially. Recipients will be notified in early December.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, September 7, 2022
A club dedicated to making films is welcoming new members to its meetings in Caversham. Reading Film and Video Makers (RFVM) will launch its new season on Tuesday, September 20, at 7.45pm, and sessions will be a mixture of screenings, technical workshops and talks.
Dr Jennifer Wild, an associate professor of Clinical Psychology at Oxford University and friend of the Oddfellows, describes friends as ‘precious protectors’, and something you can never put a price on. She said: “Friendship is a wonderful thing. Spending time with people who share our values and beliefs can be very motivating, and laughter with friends is proven to improve our mood. “But friendship goes much deeper than“Thethat.support that good friends provides can also be protective.
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“It’s a rare beast to hear originality because the likelihood is we’ve heard it before in some form or another.” He says that from his perspective, the more music he listens to, the more clearly he hears himself.
JAKE CLOTHIER speaks to Scott Matthews as he begins his tour of the UK, including Reading WOLVERHAMPTON’S
“I found that I’ve learnt to be comfortable with the direction I’m going in but always probing, eager to distance myself from the writer and performer I was previously.
“I think perhaps certain genres of music lend themselves to an easier-on-the-eye aesthetic.“Backin the great revolutionary days of the ‘60s and ‘70s we had some bona fide icons that were hugely flamboyant and captivating – I’m thinking the likes of Bowie, Marley – that were true pioneers of their artistic“Theseworld.days, the characters just aren’t the same, purely by the nature of the way the industry has evolved into an overly-saturated market.“Ittakes something extremely unique to stand out from the crowd especially when there’s so much choice out there.”
n Scott Matthews will be performing at South Street Arts Centre, Reading, on Wednesday, September 28. Doors open at 7.30pm. For tickets, visit: www.gigantic.com
‘It’s a originality’beastraretohear
Scott Matthews writes music that feels like it is trying to look into who you are, but by telling you who he is. It’s personal but not probing, and inquisitive without being intrusive. This, he says, is down the medium of the song: “Since time began, songs always been a portal for our feelings to be heard. “It’s almost like my feelings are the conductor and they’ll orchestrate where the song needs to “Personallygo.”speaking, I can only ever aim to capture the mood I’m in but I’ve no idea whether the outcome will be of any use to me.”Scott began his latest tour in late August, and will be performing at venues around the country including Newcastle, Inverness, Hastings, and London, as well as appearing at South Street Arts Centre. He says that his emotive approach sometimes comes with its downsides, however.“Sometimes I’ll end up with a page of mindless and confused drivel with maybe one line that sets me on my path but that rarely happens.”Scottsays that this approach doesn’t necessarily mean that he captures all of his thoughts and feelings in music – he seeks to be in the moment, too. “I don’t always feel the need to instantly find a pen and paper when I feel a certain way – I almost want to let the moment pass and reflect on events. “Having said all this, I feel the best moments are when I’m in the zone and I write with an immediacy that doesn’t want to be disrupted because the idea and the unfolding of the lyric is too fast to keep up with.” He speaks highly of his influences, though with influences such as Led Zeppelin and The Beatles, it is with very good reason. “Whether we’re aware of it or not, we’re all clearly doffing our cap to a specific era, sound, artist or band in a subtle or obvious way because it’s those waves of noise that got us on the boat in the first place.
“There are clearly decades of music I frequently confide in but I also don’t want to end up as some pastiche version of myself.”
LEISURETODAY 07.09.22 Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
“That amount of consumption has subconsciously defined who I am - it’s like hearing Tom Waits for the first time thinking ‘man, this guy is so unique and original’ but then I hear Howlin Wolf.
Scott says that music can seem like it has lost some of its ‘visual’ identity, such as the all-senses spectacles of the likes of Elton John or David Bowie.
n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060 Explosive afternoon out for families
GILBERT and Sullivan fans are in for a treat.The much-loved-favourite, The Pirates Of Penzance, comes to Bracknell. Award winning outdoor theatre company, Illyria, performs the classic operetta, originally written over 100 yearsTheirago.cast of six actor/singers will bring to life this melodrama, with its sharp satire and glittering wit. The Pirates of Penzance is packed-full of memorable songs: To be a Pirate King, Modern Major General and A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One.
| LEISURE Bracknell –South Hill Park 01344www.southhillpark.org.uk484123
n For tickets and information visit: whatsonreading.com or call the box office: 0118 960 6060 Pirates pitch up at South Hill Park
NT Live: Much Ado About nothing. Thurs 8. An Evening and a Little Bit of A Morning with Mark Steel. Sat 10. Magic of Motown. Sat 17. Lifee of Clay and Bonded. Sun 18. Newbury – The Watermill 01635www.watermill.org.uk46044
Heritage Open Day. Sat 10. An Evening With Henry Blofeld. Sun 18. High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan 01494www.wycombeswan.co.uk512000
NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde. Oct 10-29. Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Fri Sept 30-Sat Oct 1, Thurs Oct 6-Sat Oct 8. Sonning – The Mill 0118www.millatsonning.com9698000
Jersey celebrationBoys
Dave Gorman: Powerpoint To The People. Sat 10. Dinner With The Jersey Boys. Sat 10. The Psychology of Serial Killers. Mon 12. The Wonder of Stevie. Tues 13. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 15. Illegal Eagles. Fri 16. Castle Street Dance Studios: Arbian Nights. Sat 17. Frankie: The Concert. Sun 18. Henley – Kenton 01491www.kentontheatre.co.uk525050
n For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363
Newbury – The Corn Exchange 0845www.cornexchangenew.com5218218
n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123 Boogie on down for disco night
Arrival: The Hits of Abba. Thurs 8. Al Murray: Gig For Victory. Fri 9. The Dreamboys. Wed 15. Bye Bye Baby. Sat 17. Ministry of Science. Sun 18. Reading – Concert Hall 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060
Brindley Sherratt. Sat 10. Reading Progress–Theatre 0118www.progresstheatre.co.uk3842195
AT THE THEATRE Ever the optimist NO GOOD in a crisis, stand-up comic Jen has come through the pandemic just as pessimistic a naysayer as she’s always been.Described by The Guardian as ‘furiously funny’, she’s expected to have her audience in stitches in Maidenhead. Jen Brister: The Optimist, comes to Norden Farm’s Courtyard Theatre. The event takes place on Friday, September 16 at 8pm. Tickets cost £16 n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977 Brass, but not as you know it
A CHANCE to get up close with science in an explosive, entertaining and educational afternoon show. The Ministry Of Science brings exciting 20 ft liquid nitrogen clouds, exploding oxygen and hydrogen balloons, and fire tornados. And if that’s not enough, their hydrogen bottle rockets, ignited methane and self built hovercraft should have young scientists jumping out of their seats.The Ministry Of Science Live show how Science Saved The World, in their show at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre. The event takes place on Sunday, September 18, at 1pm. Tickets cost £17.50, under 16s cost £16, and a family of four (two adults only) costs £64.
n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123 WHEN your disturbed teenage granddaughter keeps setting fire to things, and your lime soil makes gardening a chore, what do you do? If you are Mrs St Maugham, you hire a new governess, and you choose her mainly for her gardening abilities.Butwho is she, really? Enid Bagnold’s 1955 play, The Chalk Garden, is an intimate study of an upper class world. It has been described as ‘a tantalising, fascinating and stimulating piece of theatre’. This production in Windsor boasts a star cast: Edward Fox, Sian Phillips, Jenny Seagrove, John Partridge and Finty Williams. It plays at The Theatre Royal, Windsor, from Friday, September 16 to Saturday, October 1. Performances are every day except Sundays, all at 7.30pm Matinées on Saturdays and Thursdays take place at 2.30pm Tickets cost from £23.50.
NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.
The Shawshank Redemption. Until Sat 10. Elvis: The King is Back. Sun 11-Mon 12. The Chalk Garden. Fri 16-Sat 17. Wokingham – Theatre 0118www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk9785363
THE Brass Funkeys lead a new generation of UK brass bands. They’ve played on the main stage at Glastonbury and performed at Ronnie Scott’s.And lock down didn’t stop the nine piece band releasing four new EP’s. Now they’re back for a night of energetic and accomplished funky jazz, in Maidenhead.TheBrass Funkeys play at Norden Farm’s Courtyard Theatre. The event takes place on Thursday, September 15 at 8pm. Tickets cost £15 n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977 Amateur hour and a bit A BUNCH Of Amateurs, is a recent comedy written by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman, both of Spitting Image and Private Eye. It sees Jefferson Steel, a failing Hollywood movie star, get on a plane to England to play King Lear and save his flagging career. The ensuing clash of cultures, acting styles, and egos give everyone rather more than they bargained for. Originally commissioned for the Watermill at Newbury in 2014, A Bunch Of Amateurs now plays at Wokingham Theatre.Performances take place from Thursday, September 8 through to Saturday, September 17, with the exception of Sunday. The event starts at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £15.
BLACKEYED Theatre brings Sherlock Holmes: The Valley Of Fear, to Bracknell. Audiences should prepare for an adventure crammed with mystery, suspense and one or two rather brilliant deductions.Amysterious coded message draws Holmes and Watson into a tale of intrigue and murder as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s final Sherlock Holmes novel is brought to life in this new stage production. The performance takes place in Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre’s Wilde Theatre. It runs for three nights, from Wednesday, September 14 to Friday, SeptemberPerformances16. take place at 7.45pm, with an additional matinée on the Friday at 1.30pm.Ticketscost £21, £18 for members, and £10.50 for schools.
A Bunch of Amateurs. Until Sat 17. Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre 0118www.thewhittytheatre.org9743247
FOR an event filled with iconic music celebrating the talent of Franki Valli and The Four Seasons, head to Reading.Withclose four part singing harmonies, energetic choreography and an additional four piece band, musical show Bye Bye Baby promises to please fans of Valli’s greatest hits. Concert goers can expect to hear: Sherry, December ‘63 (Oh What A Night), Grease, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You, Beggin’, Working my Way Back To You, and many more. Bye Bye Baby, Celebrating Franki Valli and The Four Seasons plays at The Hexagon Theatre on Saturday, September 17. The event starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £27.50.
BOOGIE Music Inferno is a show that promises to take concert-goers back to a time when disco, soul and funk ruled the airwaves.Thisevening of non-stop dance classics should have people jiving in their seats when they hear classics such as Hot Stuff, I Will Survive, and Car Wash.Bands, Hidden Agenda, and the Vintage Sound Collective bring a classy, high energy blend of soul, funk, reggae, pop and disco. To join the party, people should head to Bracknell’s Wilde Theatre, in South Hill Park Arts Centre. The show takes place on Saturday, September 17. The event starts at 7.45pm. Tickets cost £17, members cost £15, and under 18s cost £14.
n For tickets and information log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office on: 0134 448 4123 Holmes sweet Holmes at South Hill Park
Luckley Lectures: Alex Hibbert. Thurs 8. Art Themen and Friends. Fri 9. Woodley – Theatre 07488337838www.woodleytheatre.org
n For tickets and information log on to: www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk, or call the box office on: 0175 385 3888
Heritage Week. Fri 9-Sun 18. The Pirates of Penzance. Sun 11. Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear. Wed 14-Fri 16. Boogie Music Inferno. Sat 17. FILMS: Much Ado About Nothing. Thurs 8. Operation Mincemeat. Fri 9-Sun 11, Tues 13. The Gray Man. Fri 9-Sat 10, Wed 14-Thurs 15. La Boheme. Sun 11. The Band Wagon. Mon 12. A Chiara. Mon 12-Tues 13. Where The Crawdads Sing. Fri 16-Sun 18. Camberley – Theatre 01276www.camberleytheatre.biz707600 Opera Boys. Thurs 8. Rock For Heroes. Sat 10. Top Secret: The Magsic of Science. Sun 11. Al Murray: Gig For Victory. Fri 16. Robert Temple: The Hypnotist. Sat 17. Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud 01483www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk440000
Funny Money. Until Nov 5. Mad About Movies. Sun 11. The 80s Show With The Zoots. Sun 18. Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888
Rowan Reingans: Dispatches on the Red Dress. Thurs 8. Andy Parsons: Work in Progress. Thurs 15. Kiri Pritchard McLean: Home Truths. Fri 16. Colin Hoult: The Death of Anna Mann. Sat 17. Reading –The Hexagon 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060
Greatest Songs From The Movies. Fri 9. The Beach Boyz Tribute Show. Sat 10. Back to Black: The Music of Amy Winehouse. Fri 16. Ghostlights. Sat 17. Maidenhead – Norden Farm 01628www.nordenfarm.org788997
Jeeves and Wooster. Until Sat 10. Reading – Reading Rep Theatre 0118www.readingrep.com3702620
14 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Whistle Down The Wind. Until Sat 10. Reading –South Street 0118www.whatsonreading.com9606060
Andrea 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. Sat 10. Hit The Road (12a). Tues 13. The Brass Funkeys. Wed 15. Jen Brister: The Optimist. Thurs 16. Julain Sigel Tenor Sax. Thurs 16.
The event takes place in the grounds at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre on Sunday, September 11. It starts at 5pm. Tickets cost £18, members cost £15, and under 18 cost £12.
Enjoy a taste of Cilantro at Voco, thanks to its sublime six-course tasting menuLEISURE
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Voco Hotel Reading Select
It’s an amazing experience, and one that not every Reading resident knows is on their doorstep. It’s a great space with intimate lighting, a good selection of round tables, a favourite of mine, and mood music that’s just the right volume. My husband Mark and I enjoyed trying Cilantro’s tasting menu, six courses all created and prepared by executive chef, Denzil Newton and his team. It’s a good opportunity to taste different dishes from the kitchen, particularly things you wouldn’t normally try. And in relaxed surroundings, it’s a memorable night out, for all the right reasons.Wewere lucky enough to have an opportunity to meet the master chef Denzil, and hear from him about the courses, as well as to learn about the influences and inspirations that helped him turn them into a delicious reality. The passion simply oozes out of him, and his joy of food is apparent on every plate we enjoyed. As a chef, having freedom over the menu is everything according to Denzil. His menu is influenced by the food that’s in season and, although it’s a little later than normal, that meant the entree was a celeriac amuse bouche was on the menu.Served in a small espresso cup, this was designed to prepare out palette for the feast to come. A wonderful starter followed with Serrano ham prepared two ways, melon two ways and the most wonderful balsamic vinegar balls which just popped in your mouth, I have no idea how these were created but they took this dish to another level.
CLAIRE NASH 0118 327 2662
Wednesday, September 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 15
The next dish had one of my favourite elements: shallot crème fraiche, Smoked Gnocchi, avocado, and candied pecan. This dish is not something I would have normally chosen from a menu, which is why a tasting menu is such a great experience. Next course was the fillet steak, served with tender stem and Yukon carrots, pulled beef fondant, peppercorn foam, and bay leaf jus.
YOU can’t beat going out for a good meal can you? I’ve lived in Reading all my life and been for many meals and even stayed in the hotel but didn’t realise it was there, I’m talking about Cilantro, in Voco hotel at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
FOLLOWING a triumphant 75th season, Progress Theatre is getting back into the swing of things with its latest production, Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense. While Progress’ last handful of productions have been important, impactful explorations of a number of issues – especially its Angels in America – its latest show is a trifle more... trifling. Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense sees Berti Wooster, portrayed by Dan Clarke, putting on a “one-man” production following his exploits at Totleigh Towers. As the trouble with a much admired cow creamer begins to spiral out of his control, so too does Wooster’s ‘production’. It becomes clear that he will need the help of long-suffering valet Jeeves, played by Owen Goode, and the Travers’ butler, Seppings, portrayed by Jeremy Radburn. The play begins by instantly breaking the fourth wall, as it becomes clear that the actors know you are there, and they want you to know that they know.While this is nothing new, it is refreshing that it instantly dispenses with any pretence of suspension of disbelief.Itisalso lucky, as much of the comedy of the piece is a product of the short-comings of Wooster’s attempts to stage his own production, and the subsequent reliance upon the weary Jeeves. Dan Clarke’s Bertie Wooster is an instantly believable, foppish take on P.G. Wodehouse’s classic character, not least because of Clarke’s exceptional voiceHiswork.high-pitched, toast-on-the-punt diction takes some much loved cues from Hugh Laurie’s revered portrayal, while bringing a fresh, updated approach. Similarly, Owen Goode’s Jeeves takes all the right cues from the well-trodden tropes, the ones on which the role relies, but with the necessary, almost acidic sarcasm which plays perfectly against the bumbling Wooster. As well his usual workload, Jeeves is also employed to portray a number of other characters within the narrative, including Sir Watkyn Bassett, Gussie Fink-Nottle, and Stiffy Byng. Jeremy Radburn’s Seppings is a standout performance for its sheer stamina, as he is employed to portray Aunt Dahlia, Spode, Butterfield, Constable Oates, and an antique shop’s proprietor.Radburn’s portrayal within a portrayal of Seppings as Aunt Dahlia is a joy to watch, bringing the tradition of the panto dame to the production.Hisscreeching and pearl-clutching are pure farce, and singularly live up to the production’s title.Strong, considered performances from the cast weave classic dialogue and physical comedy into a riotous, whimsical crash through the narrative. While it’s occasionally difficult to keep track of who is who and what the plot is, it’s pointless trying. Wooster’s production dispenses with a developed narrative which proves superfluous anyway.Progress’ Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is a fresh, romping take which nods to all of the best parts of P.G. Wodehouse’s classic characters, but with the company’s unique, knowing, nod-and-awinkAboveapproach.all,it’s a joyous, energetic performance from all, and fun from the very first second. Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense is showing at Progress Theater, The Mount, until Saturday. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.progresstheatre.co.uk
CILANTRO’S TASTING MENU: Serrano ham prepared two ways, melon two ways and the most wonderful balsamic vinegar balls
JAKE CLOTHIER
Cilantro Dining Car Way Reading RG2 0FL 0118 925
Private
I’ve eaten a fair few steaks in my time and you might think you can’t go to wrong but I think this was the best cut of fillet I’ve ever had and it was cooked perfectly.Thepulled beef fondant was a really lovelyOneaccompaniment.ofmyfavourite things about the way this menu has been compiled is the use of an ingredient several ways on the plate.I’ll be honest by the time dessert came I think we both were full but you’ve got to try everything, haven’t you? Dessert was a red wine poached pear, pear sorbet, with a pear crisp. I’m not a massive fan of pears but this dish made me rethink that. It was light and refreshing to finish theWemeal.enjoyed some coffee and petit fours - strawberries dipped in chocolatebefore we made our way back home. Mark and I had such a memorable evening at Cilantro, relaxing over wonderful food, in a room you can actually have a conversation in. The meal, all six courses, was excellent value for money at £49 per person. The food was amazing and there was plenty of it. You certainly won’t leave feeling hungry.Ifyou want to spend an evening with friends or your partner and enjoy really having the opportunity to speak (so many places now are too noisy) and indulge in some amazing food then a visit to the Select Car Leasing Stadium’s Voco hotel is definitely the place to go.
Progress Theatre’s Jeeves & Wooster is... Perfectly Nonsensical
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A COMMUNITY GROUP has extended the early bird ticket window for its upcoming on-stage performance.Mortimer Village Partnership (MVP) Village Theatre will be bringing Is that a Bolt in your Neck to St John’s Hall, 22 West EndTheRoad.inventive comedy horror will see three actors negotiate 20 roles, following the workings of reclusive scientist Dr Chekhov.
Andy Parsons’ work in progress
IT’S
On Saturday, September 17, they will perform Puccini’s Tosca, and Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, on Saturday, September 24. Performances take place in The Great Barn at Manor Farm, Fingest, near Henley, and people can bring picnics to enjoy in the interval.
Mortimer players make a bolt for it
TWO special opera performances will help raise funds for children’s charities. Taking place in Henley, they will be given by Diva Opera.The company’s casts include singers who work at the major opera houses, and the operas are performed in stunning period costumes. There are subtitles for both operas. Over the past 26 years, the company has produced more than 50 different operas and over 2,000 performances in festivals, theatres and for charities across the world.
Diva Opera performing Puccini’s Tosca
Action Medical Research for Children is a leading UK-wide charity which funds vital medical research. In the past 70 years, their research has helped to beat polio in the UK, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop antenatal ultrasound scanning in pregnancy.ChildBereavement UK supports children and young people up to the age of 25, when someone important to them has died or is not expected to live, and parents and the wider family when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying.
Born out of friendship, Boyzlife celebrates the best of the Boyzone and Westlife in a new show coming to The Hexagon this autumn.OldSchool is the name of their show, based on a new album released earlier this year. It features new songs as well as some classic hits. The duo will be backed by a full band and audiences can expect to hear new single The One - cowritten by Brian and legendary songwriter Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue, Rufus Wainwright), with production by rising producer Jackson - who has honed his skills engineering and programming for the likes of Shawn Mendes and TheTheLibertines.hitmaking duo will also perform many of their greatest hits, from a catalogue which includes a record breaking 18 No.1 singles and nine No.1 albums - plus combined record sales of more than 30million. Since their inception, Boyzlife have already performed some of their greatest chart hits for over 70,000 fans. Of being back on the road, playing their original material for the very first time, the band says: “We cannot wait to get back on the road and this time playing Boyzlife original material alongside all of our music over the last 25 “Theyears.show will be a Rollacoaster through old and new songs and we cannot wait to take our fans on the ride”. In between last year’s tour dates Boyzlife have been busy in the studio writing and creating newBrianmusic.explains: “Keith and I grew up in the 80s and 90s, the sound of that era is what made us want to be musicians in the first place. “When we first started talking about making this record as Boyzlife’s first studio album, we naturally talked about those influences a lot and have loved bringing these familiar sounds into our studio sessions and onto this record, and cannot wait to take those songs live.”
n For more details, log on to: www. fingestgreatbarnopera.co.uk
ANDY Parsons is in town to deliver an intimate performance at South Street on Thursday, September 15. The Live at the Apollo star is set to trial new material for his upcoming national tour, giving Reading residents a preview of content he has been working on. The work in progress will see the acclaimed stand-up comedian in action, with The Mirror describing him as ‘hysterical’ and The Independent praising his ‘lacerating topical gags’.Proceedings will kick off at 8pm, with an interval. Visitors must be 14 years of age or older and are warned there is likely to be swearing and adult content.Tickets cost £14.50. n For more information or to book tickets, contact: 0118 9606060 between 10am-4pm from Monday-Friday.
16 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, September 7, 2022
The charities to benefit from the performances are Action Medical Research for Children and Child Bereavement UK.
Brianboybands:musiciansmostfeaturingsupergrouptwoofthesuccessfulfrom1990sKeithDuffyandMcFadden.
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Lasting 75 minutes, the fastpaced piece is open to anyone over the age of eight. MVP was established in 2009 off the back of the Parish Plan Refresh. Its purpose is to involve people and groups in the life of theThroughvillage. community activities and events, the group helps to connect, improve communication and enhance the lives of those who live and work in Mortimer and the surrounding areas. Early bird tickets can be purchased for £12 until Friday, September 30, after which entry will cost £15. There is also a 50p booking fee. The performance takes place at 7.30pm on Sunday, October 30, with doors opening at 7pm. n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www. thelittleboxoffice.com/ mortimervillage
Opera shows in Henley will help raisefunds for children’s charities
Organiser Sylvia Crowther said: “We’re so pleased to be hosting Diva Opera again this year. The performances are a wonderful opportunity to enjoy first-class opera while supporting two very worthy causes.”Tickets cost £90 and £105 and include a reserved seat in the Great Barn and a picnic table for the interval.
The boys will be at The Hexagon in Reading on Wednesday, October 5. Tickets cost £46.50, or £38.50. n For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com, or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.
Brian McFadden and Keith Duffy will be performing as Boyzlife this October Picture: Brendan Gallagher
Keith and Brian are ready to tour again A
OSP – Iyah One of the success stories of Wokingham Festival was OSP, who stepped in at the last minute to cover for a Theircancellation.appearance earlier in the year in this playlist was the inspiration for them being offered the slot and this four-piece rap collective from Reading certainly took full advantage of the opportunity. They easily won over the Wokingham Music Club Stage with their uplifting positive vibe. They looked cool and they sounded excellent. Here’s ‘Iyah’, their most recent single – https://www. facebook.com/ospmusicuk Phantom Booth – Apparatus The latest single from this Reading/London-based band who create infectious catchy indie pop. Like their other releases this year, Blind Emotion and The World Outside My Door, it’s another wellplayed and well-crafted song showing the band’s consistent quality. They are live at South Street Arts Centre, Reading this Saturday 10, along with Air Circus and Worm Immortality Team, and will also be at Heavy Pop’s Roseate Sessions in Reading with Bethia on 29 –https://www.facebook.com/thephantombooth
The Room – Vanished
This is taken from The Room’s 2019 album, Caught by the Machine, which we included last week in tribute to the brilliant guitarist from the band, Eric Bouillette, who sadly passed away recently – https:// theroom.band/ Flutatious – Wendel the Witch (Mitchell Mix) They are a favourite at Wokingham Music Club and Wokingham Festival and in August they returned to the festival. It was great to see this crowdpleaser getting the crowd going – https:// www.flutatious.co.uk/ That Joe Payne – Live the Dream
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Blues Brothers Tribute. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Chic To Chic. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Al Fresco Music. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Way Out Fest: Pablmari, OSP, Kat, Teakzy, DJ Shunz, Way Out Djs. Details: 0118 959 7196. 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 WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Jamie Trick. Details: 0118 934 0886. 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 WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Far Away Trains. Details: 0118 977 0918. Sunday, September 11 READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Shoots and Leaves. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Facebar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Straights. Details: 0118 956 8188. 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 – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Mad About Movies. Details: 0118 969 8000.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Bracknell Blue Club: Bitter Blues. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
LEISURE | ON STAGE: 2022FestivalWokinghamatperformingOSPthe AndrewPicture:Merritt
READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580.
READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open mic night. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session. Details: 0118 958 0473.
Saturday, September 17 BINFIELD – The Victoria Arms, terrane Road North RG42 5JA. Frankie The Fish. Details: 01344 483856. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Live rock music with the Dead Revival and Bacchanal. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Dance Cult 10 DC10. Details: 01344 303333.
Here’s the latest single from That Joe Payne, who headlined the Wokingham Music Club Stage at Wokingham Festival and showed what an incredible voice he has and what a brilliant performer he is – https://www. thatjoepayne.com/ James Hollingsworth – Faster than Light James is a singer-songwriter from South West England who performed a wonderful set at the festival for the first time on Monday. This is from his Thirteen Moons album – https://www. jameshollingsworth.com/ Spriggan Mist – Lair of Isambard
Thursday, September 8
Wednesday, September 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 25
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/ 327 2662
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READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live Details: 0118 959 5746.
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. WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents Curved Air. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 977 3706. WOKINGHAM – Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham In Need presents Art Themen and Friends. wokinghaminneedhttp://www.ticketsource.co.uk/Details:
BINFIELD – The Victoria Arms, terrane Road North RG42 5JA. Pink Fish. Details: 01344 483856. BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Inair, Red Tape Resistance, Neverendings and Support. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ragamuffins and Fleet Country Club reunion. Details: 01344 303333. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Friday Night live Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Box Set. Details: 0118 958 0473. READING - O’Neill’s, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Live music Fridays. Details: 0118 960 6580. READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Evan Parker. Details: www. jazzinreading.com READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street RG1 2LR. Friday night live, from 6pm. Details: 0118 959 7959. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents The Korgis featuring James Warren. 7.30pm. £25. wokinghammusicclub.co.ukDetails:www.
– that’s one of the beauties of a curated playlist like RaW Sounds Today. Tune in and you’ll discover something you’d never previously considered listening to. And that’s what happened to the top entry of this week’s collection. Thanks to their chance inclusion here, it led to a slot at Wokingham Festival. Now, you can enjoy their sound and discover something else that’sThenew.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.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Skinner and T’witch. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Spices, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Clem Johnson. Details: 0118 983 4040. READING - The Botanist, Kings Road RG1 2HB. Request night. Details: 0118 959 5746. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Rev John H and the Revelations. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techo. Details: Twitter @skintmondays READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. BBC Introducing presents: MIYA MIYA, Mumbai, Emily Craig. Details: 0118 959 7196 READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Open mic: spoken word, music and vibes. From 6.30pm.
Saturday, September 10 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. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Parabati. Details: 01344 457318. 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.
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Paul Tino. Details: 01344 772161. DUNSDEN – Dunsden Green Farm, Church Lane RG4 9QD. LoddFest 2022: Third Lung, Elucidate, lee John Blackmore, Louis and the Shakes, Loveless, Mellor, Pylons, Reliant, The Bible Code Sundays, The Nova Hawks, Bex Ruth, Dakorra, Ilani, Nicky Booty, The Wave Machine. Details: www. loddonbrwery.com EARLEY – Earley Home Guard Social Club, Pitts Lane RG6 1BT. Late Night Boogie. Details: 0118 926 5936. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Rudie Rich. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Hexagon, Queen’s Walk. Bye Bye Baby. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. PsychoPomp: In Humanity’s Last Days launch show. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jackie Doe and the Uncertainty of Passion. Details: 0118 376 9159. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Mississippi MacDonald. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Neon Daze. Details: 0118 926 5804. WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Paddington. Details: 0118 969 9756. Sunday, September 18 READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Damien Barber and Mike Wilson. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk 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.
LIVEMUSIC
– The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196
READING - Lola Lo, Friar Street. Skint Thursdays: Skint Rock, pop punk and classic rock, plus house and techno. Details: Twitter @skintmondays
To advertise in this section,call Claire on 0118 327 2662
READING – South Street arts centre. Rowan Rheingans: Dispatches on the Red Dress. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic. Details: 0118 959 5500.
Thursday, September 15
Wednesday, September 14
– The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01344 457318.
Chris Hillman
RaW TodaySounds
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY GIG
Monday, September 12 NETTLEBED – Village Club, High Street RG9 5DD. Nettlebed Folk Club presents: Chris and Kellie White. Details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk
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
BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Spices, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Eclipse Sings. Details: 0118 983 4040.
Here’s another legendary band who have had UK hits such as this one and they were amazing headliners on the Main Trademark Windows Stage at Wokingham Festival on August Bank Holiday Monday – https:// focustheband.co.uk/ Kepler Ten – A New Kind of Sideways
bit.ly/raw soundstoday
SGUIDEERENDIPITY
READING
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.
Friday, September 16
Aaron has a connection to Spriggan Mist. He’s the son of Baz and Maxine Cilia from the band.He was also sound engineer on the WMC Stage at Wokingham Festival and played his own set there –https://www.facebook.com/AaronCiliaArtist Focus – Hocus Pocus
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk. Arrival: The hits of Abba. Details: 0118 960 6060.
Friday, September 9
Tuesday, September 13
TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Double Barrelled Brewery takeover: Sour Beer Celebration weekend, until Sunday. doublebarrelled.co.ukDetails:
SeptemberThursday, 15
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org READING - Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. Rooftop Cinema Club: Elvis 8.30pm. £5. Details: 0118 216 1750. READING – 6 Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Heritage Open Days 2022: Tour of East Thorpe, former home of the Palmer family. 10.30am, 2.30pm. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 378 8660. 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
BARKHAM – Village Hall, Church Road RG40 4PL. Berkshire Bonsai Society meeting. 7.30pm. co.ukwww.berkshirebonsai.Details: EARLEY – Earley Crescent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. MS weekly drop-in. 10.30am1.30pm Details: 0118 921 0555. READING – 300 South Oak Way, Green Park RG2 6AD. Green Park Wind Turbine open day. 7pm. Just turn up. READING - Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. Drag bingo. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 216 1750. READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Store tour. 11am, noon, 2pm, 3pm. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 937 3400. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
WOKINGHAM – Market Place. Wokingham vegan market. 9am-1pm. Details: comwww.sparkleveganevents.
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.
READING – Quaker house of Friends, Church Street RG1 2SB. Heritage Open Days 2022: Reading Quaker Meeting House and Burial-ground open day. 10am-4pm. Free.
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
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, gov.ukthealelibrary@westberks.or: SeptemberSaturday, 17 DUNSDEN – Dunsden Green Farm, Church Lane RG4 9QD. LoddFest 2022: Third Lung, Elucidate, lee John Blackmore, Louis and the Shakes, Loveless, Mellor, Pylons, Reliant, The Bible Code Sundays, The Nova Hawks, Bex Ruth, Dakorra, Ilani, Nicky Booty, The Wave Machine. £15, £15 children. 11am-11pm. Street food, craft beer and more. Details: loddonbrwery.comwww.
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.
Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. 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. Details: www. webcc.org.uk. 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:
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 – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Caversham Two Bridges Walk: For those interested in Berkshire’s rich history. Join Join historian David Cliffe on a walk around the 0118Booking2.30pm.FamilyOrganisedwillRiverhistoricborder,Reading/CavershamexploringtheaspectsoftheThames.Thewalktakeabout90minutes.bytheBerkshireHistorySociety.£5,£4members.essential.Details:9509553.
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 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 SeptemberSaturday, 10
READING – Open Hand Open Space Ltd, 571 Oxford Road, RG30 1HL. Heritage Open Day: discover the history for Brock Keep. 11am-4pm. Free. READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. READING - Town Hall, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Meet The Father Willis Organ, an astounding invention. With Organ Curator, Dr William McVicker, organist David Pether and other members of the Berkshire Organists’ Association. Noon, 1.30pm. READING - Market House, Market Place RG1 2EQ. Reading Vegan Festival 2022. 11am-4pm Details: 0118 216 1750. READING –Brewing,PhantomMeadow Road RG1 8LB. Brewery tour and tasting. Noon. Booking essential. Details: phantombrew.comwww.
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org Sunday, September 11
TILEHURST – St. Michael’s Church, New Lane Hill RG30 4JX. A Celebration of Church Bell Ringing. Have a go, see crafts, and explore church’s stained glass windows. 10am4pm. Free. Details: stmichaeltilehurst.org.ukwww. WOKINGHAM – Across borough. Wokingham Arts Trail 2022. Details: wokinghamartstrail.co.ukwww.
children, under threes free. Details and advance booking: matilda.katrust. org.uk 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.
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. WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: informal competition. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc. org.uk. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: After Love (12a). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com WOKINGHAM – Main hall, Baptist Church, Milton Road, RG40 1DE. Wokingham Literary Society: Doug Irvine willl be speaking about Transport, Travellers and Literature. 7.30pm. Annual Subscription is £15. Non-members, £2 per meeting. org.ukwokinghamliterarysociety.Details:
SeptemberSunday, 18 BEECH HILL – Trunkwell House, Beech Hill Road RG7 2AT. Wedding fair. 11am-3pm.. Details: co.ukberkshireweddingfairs.www.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mates Rates Comedy Club presents Leo Kearse. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe online. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.
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. org.ukwww.heritageopendays.Details:
TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Double Barrelled Brewery takeover: Sour Beer Celebration weekend, until Sunday. doublebarrelled.co.ukDetails:
CAVERSHAM - Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market. 10a. READING – Fobney Water Treatment Works, Next to lock 105 on the Kennet and Avon Canal, Island Road, RG2 0RP. Fobney Fun Day with Nature Nurture and Thames Water. 11.30am-3pm. READING – Reading Old Cemetery (Cemetery Junction), London Road RG1 4LS. Reading’s role in the history of photography - an exhibition at Junction Arch. 10am-5pm. Free. Just turn up. READING – Open Hand Open Space Ltd, 571 Oxford Road, RG30 1HL. Heritage Open Day: discover the history for Brock Keep. 11am-4pm. Free. 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 WOKINGHAM – Across borough. Wokingham Arts Trail 2022. Details: wokinghamartstrail.co.ukwww.
EMMBROOK – Emmbrook School, Emmbrook Road RG41 1JP. Wokingham Choral Society open evening for new society.org.ukwww.wokingham-choral-7.30pm-9.45pm.singers.Details:
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: whatsonreading. com 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, gov.ukthealelibrary@westberks.or:
TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford & Ruscombe Horticulture Association presents autumn show. 2pm-4pm. Details: https:// trha.org.uk/ WHITE WALTHAM – St Mary’s Church, Church Hill SL6 3JH. Heritage open day event. 1pm-4.30pm: 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.
13
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Family History Advice Clinic. Organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 11am, free, drop-=in. Details: 0118 950 9553.
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 – Changing Room, Thames Lido, Napier Road RG1 8FR. Reading Civic Society presents So what do you know about Reading’s great motor car industry? An illustrated presentation about Derek Buckler, his Cars and Karts from the 1940s to the 1960s. 6pm. Free, booking essential. tickets-373828449957join-us-to-hear-more-motor-car-industry-co.uk/e/readings-great-https://www.eventbrite.Details: 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.
SWALLOWFIELD –Swallowfield Street. Swallowfield Parish Council presents a bulb planting session, from Davies Room of Parish Hall. 11am.
SeptemberThursday, 8
26 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, September 7, 2022
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WHAT’SON Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk | LEISURE
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5. 1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: pinewoodrailway.co.ukwww.
READING – RISC, 35-39 London Street RG1 4PS. RISC Edible Roof Garden open day. Noon-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 TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Double Barrelled Brewery takeover: Sour Beer Celebration weekend, until Sunday. doublebarrelled.co.ukDetails:
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: Search 16
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday 9am-3pm.market.Details: woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
Friday, September
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. READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square RG1 6NN. Reading Sinfonietta Autumn chamber music concert: Mozart: Overture to Don Giovanni, Mozart: Bassoon Concerto (soloist: Conrad Spencer), Mozart: Symphony No. 35 “Haffner”, R. Strauss: Serenade in Eb major for 13 winds, Grieg: Two Elegiac Melodies for Strings. 7.30pm. £12, under 18s and students £6. Details: com/event/551963www.wegottickets.
WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or woodleytowncentre.co.ukwww.
WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. Details:1.30pm-3.30pm.linkvisiting.org
Eventbrite.oc.uk for World Scout Jamboree, Korea 2023 - Rachael Brown’s Fundraising Quiz 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 9am-3pm. Details: tc.gov.ukwww.wokingham-
Friday, September 9 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.
Monday, September 12
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. SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, RoseMethodistWokinghamChurch,StreetRG401XS.
SeptemberTuesday,
FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Bel & the Dragon (the boat outside), Gas Works Road RG1 3EQ. Heritage Open Days 2022: Hidden Heritage of Thames Water. 7pm. Details: tickets-350311680667heritage-of-thames-water-eventbrite.co.uk/e/hidden-www.
CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. 07808jean@alljazzedup.comDetails:or966928.
CAVERSHAM - Waitrose Car Park, off Gosbrook Road. Caversham Artisan & Farmers Market. 10am3pm. READING – 300 South Oak Way, Green Park RG2 6AD. Green Park Wind Turbine open day. 2pm. Just turn up. READING – Christ Church, Christchurch Road RG2 7AR. Festival Evensong for Heritage Open Day. 6pm. Details: org.uk/christchurchreading.http://www.
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/ 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. 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.
SeptemberWednesday,14
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
in
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 each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.Easy Hard 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. 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 which the words can be both udon; unco;undo;unto. EQUALISER: Clockwisefromtop left–subtract;divide;multiply;add.Total:10. 728365941 149738625 854693172 764813952 512986437 395427816 325169874 467219358 983571264 716459283 698725341 832941765 827539164 154268937 941837526 658192743 375612894 427396158
WORDPYRAMID: Upthewoodenhill. MAGICSQUARE: musk;upon;solo; knot. CRYPTICCROSSWORD: QUICKCROSSWORD: Across–1Fairness;8Torrid;9Adds;10Jar;11Entrap;12 Outshine;15Proton;16Teaset;20Sheath;24Pillar;27Aperitif; 28Orator;29Amp;30Time;31Repels;32Seedling. Down–2Ardour;3Resist;4Enjoin;5Street;6Protea;7Finale; 12Opus;13Tore;14Hoot;17Emir;18Salt;19Turf;21Hornet; 22Anthem;23Harass;24People;25Lintel;26Airman.
audiences during his set at Glastonbury 2022 by performing with which two guest stars? Quiz Challenge 6. Which wartime aircraft was noted for its use in smuggling agents in and out of France? 7. What type of creature is a dab? 8. Which British writer and broadcaster founded the Jersey Zoological Park in 1959? 9. Which TV cartoon character tried to outwit Officer Dibble? 10. If you were standing in front of the famous sculpture of the Venus de Milo, what city would you be in? Your weekly puzzle challenge CROSS CODE CRYPTIC CROSSWORD SUDOKU ACROSS 1. Justice (8) 8. Passionate (6) 9. Appends (4) 10. Container (3) 11. Snare (6) 12. Surpass (8) 15. particleCharged(6) 16. Crockery (3,3) 20. Knife case (6) 24. Column (6) 27. drinkPre-prandial(8) 28. Public speaker (6) 29. Unit electricityof (3) 30. dimensionFourth (4) 31. Fights off (6) 32. Young plant (8) DOWN 2. Fervour (6) 3. Withstand (6) 4. Issue commanda (6) 5. Road (6) 6. African shrub (6) 7. Rousingending(6) 12. compositionMusical (4) 13. Ripped (4) 14. Owl’s cry (4) 17. Islamic ruler (4) 18. Condiment (4) 19. Grass (4) 21. Large wasp (6) 22. Hymn (6) 23. Molest (6) 24. Human beings (6) 25. beamHorizontal(6) 26. Pilot (6) 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 PZ1P5430 TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662 5430 To advertise, call 0118 327 2662Wednesday, September 7, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 27
4. The moons Callisto, Io and Ganymede orbit which planet? 5. Paul
Across–5Peep;7Paranormal;8Alps;9Capability;12Disarm; 13Egress;14Virtue;16Cousin;17Astounding;20Parr;21 Deployment;22Move. Down–1Spec;2Prop;3Podium;4Empire;5Playground;6 Expression;10Aficionado;11Avant-garde;15Ectype;16 Coupon;18Item;19Gate.
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). 5. Look like Tom? (4) 7. Strange airborne soldier left girl inside (10) 8. A learner having an afterthought in the mountains (4) 9. Brown, an international player with skill (10) 12. Win the confidence of maids right to be confused (6) 13. Exit Frenchman, returning south (6) 14. Moral excellence of six true eccentrics (6) 16. American money taken round to a relative (6) 17. Amazing sound giant broadcast (10) 20. Henry VIII’s fishwife? (4) 21. Old men type out order of battle (10) 22. Shift the film I left (4) 16 7 9 12 14 17 21 20 24 22 2 10 2 3 11 17 21 3 8 14 3 15 10 4 13 16 15 5 8 11 18 12 19 1. Some new aspect of gambling (4) 2. Theatrical supporter (4) 3. River mud I removed from the platform (6) 4. Politician enters Ireland in a group of states (6) 5. Holiday region schoolchildren?for(10) 6. Phrase from former persons I upset (10) 10. Fan gained through aid of a coin collection (10) 11. Somehow ant ravaged those with new ideas (5-5) 15. Copy chap from the City of London (6) 16. Voucher to recoup one’s money – some of it (6) 18. Article I encountered on the way up (4) 19. Those who attend game to see a wicket perhaps (4) ACROSS DOWN 17 9 12 15 20 26 28 32 31 34 2 21 13 3 22 14 31 4 10 23 27 29 32 11 25 5 8 11 16 22 24 5 10 15 17 6 23 25 30 6 18 26 7 19 31 QUICK CROSSWORD 8 5 541 2 6 7 9 3 6 2 8 2 1 56 4 8 24 6 1 73 4 86 72 62 1 3 49 2 5 6 7 6 2 81 5 3 7 8 1 5 2 3 98 1 6 35 162525182425 2622111763 17 15 9 9 25 21 112213173 161318182517 7 25 51412257 14 9 19142121256 318131768 25 18141725 1882125 3 23 3 4 31375 917259 14 9212125917 16131818117 17 9 1914243 18 6 1251724147 2531891825 25 10 7 14 2 25 172531457 69320256 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
3.
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(2)(1)Across–Dogma;Acorn;Satay. Down–Draws;Ghost;Annoy. Across–Laced;Orate;Expel. Down–Loose;Cramp;Dwell.
H E T O W P D O U L E N H I L Using
horizontally and vertically. LOOK, MONKS, NUT SOUP WORD PYRAMID MAGIC SQUARE Here are crossword.tolettersworkYoubeenlettersgridusingcrosswordssquareminiaturetwofive-thesame–butthehavemixedup.havetooutwhichbelongwhichDL AO CG ME AD RO HR NW OA CR AO RT EN SW MS LO ES XA PT AE YL FIVE ALIVE No. 5430 ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 12345 D 6789101112 U 13 14151617 T 181920212223242526 C O T R O U D C N 24 Good; 28 Very Good; 33 Excellent. M 1 C 2 S 3 W 4 G 5 D 6 N 7 Y 8 A 9 K 10 O 11 V 12 U 13 I 14 X 15 B 16 R 17 T 18 Z 19 H 20 P 21 J 22 Q 23 L 24 E 25 F 26 QUIZCHALLENGE:1GraceDarling;2Japan;3TheShining;4Jupiter;5BruceSpringsteenandDaveGrohl;6TheWestlandLysander;7 Flatfish;8GeraldDurrell;9TopCat;10Paris. coco;coconut;codon;concord; concur;condor;conduct; CONDUCTOR;contour;coot;cord; cordon;corn;cornu;count;court; croon;croton;crouton;doctor;donor; door;dour;dout;occur;odour;onto; orotund;outdo;rondo;rood;root; rotund;round;rout;toco;tondo;toon; torc;torn;tour;trod;tronc;
1. Which Victorian maritime heroine was born in Bamburgh, in Northumberland? Which country hosted the 2019 Rugby World Cup? Jack Nicholson played the troubled and violent writer Jack Torrance in which 1980 film? McCartney surprised
EASYSUDOKUHARDSUDOKU CROSSCODE FIVE NONAGRAM:ALIVE: SOLUTIONS
2.
12 7 15 3 2 4 2 12 1 3 7 4 EQUALISER
David Lamont
Activities include: helping on stalls at local events, taking collection boxes to local businesses, running and looking after collections at various venues, counting donations and more.
AScomeholidayssummertheto an end, it’s a great idea to think about giving your children a healthy nutritiousandstart to the next school year. Summers are full of fun adventures and quality family time, but they can also be full of eating out, ice creams and late nights. If this sounds like your summer, your little one could be running on low stores in terms of nutrition and energy. Here are some tips to help them have a healthy start to the school year. Breakfast What a child eats at breakfast time can dramatically impact their day. Sugar-filled cereals can leave a child hungry, lethargic and grumpy comeTrymid-morning.swappingfor a breakfast that is higher in protein such as scrambled eggs on toast or porridge and serve with some fruit. Protein is the building block of life and will help keep our little one’s tummies full and their energy stable. Hydration It’s important that our children stay well
OVER the coming years, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is aiming to increase the number of guide dog partnerships, but they’re also developing a broader range of services that will help more people who are blind and partially sighted to get out and about on their own terms. They currently want Fundraisers, in this role volunteers will assist their local fundraising team in promoting and taking part in a variety of activities to raise money and awareness for the charity.
Why waste water?
n Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when full and use an eco-setting. It can actually be more efficient than washing them by hand.
Back to School in a healthy way
plasticfreehome
n Use watering cans, not a garden hose, and avoid watering lawns. Lawns will generally recover so don’t waste water on them. A garden hose or sprinkler system will use around 15 litres per minute meaning in just 20 minutes you could have filled your bath four times.
n Install efficient or water-saving taps, shower heads etc. Your water supplier will often provide discounted options.
n Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with more than 32,000 followers that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably. Visit www.theplasticfreehome. com or plasticfreehomeukwww.facebook.com/
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.
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Even the smallest water butts will fill 20 watering cans and rainwater is better for your plants.
n If you have a dual (two-button) flush, check which button uses the least water and stick with it. This can use half the amount of water every time you flush the toilet.
n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food cookbookheart-research-uk-heartresearch.org.uk/bloggers:
cornerVolunter VoluntaryReading
Just as big changes are planned when it comes to how we heat and power our homes. It cannot be right that in the 21St Century we flush our toilets with clean drinking water that in some parts of our planet people would walk miles to drink. Up to a third of the water we use in our homes comes from flushing. So, how can we all save water?
Picture: Jean-Pierre Pellissier from Pixabay
n Avoid excessive car washing. Wash your car less often and use a bucket and a sponge instead of a hose or jet wash.
reduced from 140 litres of water to 100 litres through more efficient use in homes and gardens. Progress has been made by water companies but much more needs to be done to tackle wastage. Across England and Wales, nearly 3 billion litres (660 million gallons) of water is lost to leaks every single day – enough to fill almost 1,200 Olympic-sized swimming pools. In our opinion, when it comes to water we also need to look at how homes are built and function.
| LIFE
n Trust House Reading was established with the support of The Survivors Trust (TST) which is a national umbrella agency for more than 130 specialist sexual violence and abuse support services. They want more helpline volunteers. No previous helpline experience is necessary as training and on-going support will be provided. The role requires a single two-three-hour session per week. This role can be office-based at their offices in Reading or home-based.
sign up for our weekly healthy tips at healthy-tipsheartresearch.org.uk/www.
Here are our ten tips… n Swap baths for short showers. An average bath will use around twice as much water as a five-minute shower.
Healthy Heart hydrated for them to feel their best and get the most out of their schoolGettingday. children to drink enough water can be a struggle, letting them pick their own water bottle can help.
Children are often very hungry by the end of the school day, which is a great opportunity to offer them a more nutritiousLow-sugaroption. homemade flapjacks or blueberry muffins are perfect and can be batch cooked.Butif you’re short on time, something simple like betternutorwithwholewheatsomecrackerscreamcheeseasandwichwithbutterisamuchoptionthan sugar filled, processed snacks. n For more tips on how to stay healthy,
n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our recipes-2heart-research-uk-heartresearch.org.uk/website:
Action AS Benjamin Franklin once said, “When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.” Make no mistake, the water shortages faced in the UK this summer should not be dismissed as “just another hosepipe ban.” You only have to look around Europe to read headlines such as ‘Water Shortage Cripples Nuclear Reactors in France’, ‘Dutch Government Declares Water Shortage Due to Drought’ and ‘Water Scarcity: EU Countries Forced to Restrict Drinking Water Access’ to know that something isn’t right. The problem isn’t a new one though.Forsome time the Environment Agency has cautioned that the UK faces a significant water shortage by 2050, by which point the country’s population is expected to have risen from 67 million to 75 million people. Back in 2019, the Agency’s Chief Executive, Sir James David Bevan, warned that the country faces the ‘‘jaws of death – the point at which we will not have enough water to supply our needs.” “We need water wastage to be as socially unacceptable as blowing smoke in the face of a baby or throwing your plastic bags into the sea,” he said. ‘But the Earth is 70% water,’ we here you cry. Yes, but only 3% of the world’s water is fresh water, and around 65% of that is stored in frozen glaciers.TheEnvironment Agency has suggested that in the UK the average person’s daily water usage could be
n Deal with or report any leaks. Around a third of our water is lost to leaks, ranging from dripping taps to burst water mains.
n Save cooled water from cooking to water plants. Particularly if you’ve been boiling the likes of pasta and potatoes – plants love starchy water.
n Turn the taps off when brushing your teeth, shaving, washing up etc. A running tap wastes over six litres per minute.
DRIED UP: This summer has seen the UK enter drought conditions
After SnacksSchool
n Enrych Berkshire is a Registered Charity that provides support to people with a disability, helping them get access to leisure, social and learningCurrently,activities.theyhave a member who would appreciate somebody to help her in herShegarden.islimited to how much she can do so having a volunteer that can do some of the more physical tasks would be incredibly useful.Someone that is friendly and is happy to chat would be brilliant to help with building herInconfidence.thefuture, as confidence builds, she would like the idea of somebody taking out to enjoy the fresh air in her wheelchair.
n Use water butts in the garden, water at night or early in the morning and a good mulch to retain moisture.
READING FC have Chelsea.loanseasonRahmanleft-backresignedBabaonalongfrom The thewrappedtheThursdaytowindowtransfersummercameacloseonasRoyalsupdealadaybefore the deadline. Reading currently only have one senior left-back in their squad after signing 22-year-old Nesta GuinessWalker earlier in the window. Rahman spent the 2021/22 season on loan from Chelsea with the Royals and played 29 times in the Championship as the club narrowly escaped relegation from theTheChampionship.Ghanianhas had a series of loan spells since joining Chelsea from Augsburg in 2015. He managed to make 15 Premier League appearances for the Blues in 2015/16, but hasn’t appeared since and has been shipped out on loan several times. Rahman has had three separate loan spells with Bundesliga side Schalke 04, French side Reims, Spanish team Mallorca and Greek side PAOK before his season in Berkshire.Reading boss Paul Ince said: “A natural left-back with experience at the very highest level has been a clear priority in our recruitment plans this summer and, while we have had to be patient, we are excited to welcome Baba back to the club. “Our fans know all about what he can bring to this squad and what we are trying to achieve and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.” Head of football operations Mark Bowen added: “Through his energetic, wholeharted and powerful performancees on the pitch and his infectious character off it, Baba became something of a fan favourite here at Reading last season.”
Playing on his 29th birthday, the Angolan striker netted after just two minutes when he capitalised on a goalkeeping error to latch onto Joe Lumley’s long pass. Joao then hit the winner from the penalty spot in the second-half as the Royals recovered from being pegged back by Ben Wilmot’s equaliser. Paul Ince’s men have now won all four of their opening league games at the Select Car Leasing Stadium which has seen them shoot up to third in the table.
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DELIGHTDOUBLEJOAO’SWOMENREADYFOROPENER
By ANDY PRESTON sport@rdg.today
LUCAS JOAO struck twice to ensure that Reading FC maintained their perfect home record in the Championship.
Next up for Reading is a tough away trip to promotion favourites Watford, who were relegated from the Premier League last season. n
ROYALS MOVE UP TO THIRD THE LEAGUE ON A HIGH OAKS WIN RAMS START READING 07.09.22 RETURNSRAHMAN PIC GRASSROOTSSPECIAL CONTINUESHOMEPERFECTFORM
Full report and pictures on pages 22 & 23
“It was a really strong performance from Alex – he’ll be pleased, but he’ll also know with the whole side there are things to work on. “It was a really solid, physical, performanceall-roundbyDan.”
Seers converted his own try early in the second half, but Esher rallied and after Hayman was yellow carded, they were awarded a penalty try when Kalling-Smith was deemed to be off-side and preventing a scoring opportunity. The Swedish international was also sent to the bin, and when Robbins doubled his tally, Morley again on target, the game was alive at 35-21. Yet Rams snuffed out the danger, Seers landing a penalty to seal the win. Reflecting on the contest, Reynolds said: “It was a really entertaining game to start the season. We were very controlled in the early stages when Esher looked really dangerous and played some good rugby. “They got their fly-half into the game and challenged us out wide, but to go 21-0 up was what we wanted.”
| SPORT | RUGBY UNION HONOURS BOARD RAMS CLAIM OPENING DAY WIN BATTING Jules O’Loughlin - Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners - 96 J Barson - Wokingham 2s v Cove - 91 Harding - Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 86 Rhys Lewis - Wargrave v Cumnor - 83* Rizmy Nilamdeen - Berkshire Royals v Reading Lions - 81 Mike Jones - Finchampstead 3s v Wokingham 3s - 80 Tejas Akavarapu - Wokingham 3s v Finchampstead 3s - 78 Chris Last - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 77 Ben Salter - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 73 T Walder - Hurst 2s v Newbury 2s - 64 Aravind Gururajan - Earley v Peppard Stoke Row - 63 Matt Booth - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green - 60 Lall - Wargrave 2s v Windsor - 58* Adil Mohammed - Finchampstead 2s v Royal Ascot - 57 Steve Brogan - Finchampstead 2s v Royal Ascot - 57 S Muniyappa - Wokingham 5s v Falkland 3s - 57 Salman Idrees - White Waltham 2s v Slough 5s - 54* BOWLING Jack Beaven - Reading 2s v Finchampstead 4s - 6-29 Harvey Grout - White Waltham 2s v Slough 5s - 5-23 Anderson - Sonning 2s v Royal Ascot - 5-40 Kashif Ali - Farley Hill v Mortimer West End4-19 Euan Woods - Wargrave v Cumnor - 4-20 Andy Robertson - Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green - 4-20 Gerhard Kruger - Wargrave v Cumnor - 4-20 Azmath Atham - Berkshire Royals v Reading Lions - 4-25 Jarrett Bobb - Wokingham 2s v Cove - 4-25 Chris Last - Eversley v Beaconsfield - 4-43 James Roxburgh-Smith - Hurst v Reading - 3-17 Luke Scarborough - White Waltham 2s v Slough 5s - 3-19 T Walker - Hurst 2s v Newbury 2s - 3-20 S Muniyappa - Wokingham 5s v Falkland 3s3-21 Shaan Khan - Wokingham v Slough - 3-26 Michael O’Donahue - Finchampstead v Banbury - 3-27 Farley Hill 2s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (batting).
By RICHARD 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 HULL RUFC 160mmx8 columns (265mm) Hull RUFC Home -17thSept - Wokingham and Reading Paper 07-08.09.22.indd 1 05/09/2022 15:22:25 18 To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, September 7, 2022
The tries from Axel and Charlie were both spectacular in their own way, the former smashing his way through three would-be tacklers before his fellow wing danced his way through from 25 metres out. Reynolds continued: “Both of them showed the way they score their tries – I don’t quite know how they did it, but it was the reason we picked them and they delivered.”Having built up the 35-7 lead, Esher hit back and Reynolds praised the visitors’ efforts, while also lauding his own side’s performance. He said: “They kept playing some good stuff, but when we went down to 13 men I thought we controlled that passage really well. “It’s hard to defend then, but I thought we wrestled back control and it was a good decision to take the three points and the sting out of the game, and then we finished it well.”
DELIGHTED Rams’ director of rugby Seb Reynolds hailed his side’s controlled display as they overcame Esher 3821 on the opening day of the National One season. The hosts raced into a 21-0 lead on the back of tries from Axel Kalling-Smith, Henry Bird and Charlie Robson, Alex Seers adding the extras to all three.ABen Robbins try converted by Sam Morley reduced the deficit, but Rams wrapped up the bonus-point before the break as Max Hayman went over at the back of a maul, Seers slotting the kick for Man-of-the-match28-7.
Rams RFC enjoyed an opening day victory over Esher Pictures: Paul Clark
SPORT | CRICKET CRICKET
FINCHAMPSTEAD finished their campaign in eighth after they lost at home to Banbury.LloydSabin (67) and Waqas Hussain (59) helped Finch to a total of 204, but the visitors took the points after they defended their total of 227.
WARGRAVE SECURERUNNERS-UP,FINISHOAKSFOURTH
Fitzroy Morrissey batting for Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s
Home Counties Division 2
BCL Division 1A READING UNITED stay top of the table despite losing at Checkendon by nine Afterwicketsbeingbowled all out for 164, United were heavily beaten after Checkendon dropped just one wicket on their way to winning. EARLEY lost out by six wickets at home to Peppard Stoke Row 2s. BERKSHIRE ROYALS took the points with an emphatic 103-run win against READING LIONS. By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
BCM Championship CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD took a comfortable 100-run win over Ballinger Waggoners. Jules O’Loughlin smashed 96 to see Crows to 293 and they then removed their opponents for 193 after four wickets from Gerhard Kruger.
BCL Premier Division SANDHURST defeated WEST READINGFARLEY2sHILL ended in fourth with a three wicket success at Mortimer West End. Kashif Ali collected four wickets and Shakeel Bashir amassed 48 runs to see Farley chase down 246 to win the game.
Farley Hill 2s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s
Thames Valley Division 2B WOKINGHAM 2s clinched the league title with a big 143-run over Cove.The Oaks scored 91 to see Wokingham to 294 and they then had Cove all out for 151. HURST finished as runners-up after their six wicket win over READING to overtake them on the final day.
FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s ended the season in fifth after they lost out to Royal Ascot by eight wickets. BINFIELD lost by 143 runs to Slough 2s as they finished in seventh.
Thames Valley Division 4A WOKINGHAM 3s were defeated by FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s on the final day of the Theseason.Oaksfinished in third, while Finch ended in seventh.
Thames Valley Division 6B WOKINGHAM 4s climbed up to fourth on the final day with a win at Yateley. EVERSLEY 3s secured an eighth place finish with an 11-run win over THEALE & TILEHURST
Matthew McDonald bowling for Wokingham
Thames Valley Division 1 EVERSLEY moved up to fifth on the final weekend of the season with a convincing win at Beaconsfield.
Farley Hill 2s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s Pictures: Steve Smyth
Thames Valley Division 5B READING 2s finished as runners up after they got the better of FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s. BRACKNELL ended in third place after they beat Purley on Thames by three wickets. EVERSLEY 2s dropped down to fourth with a defeat to BINFIELD by 14 runs.
Andy Robertson batting for Emmbrook & Bearwood
Thames Valley Division 8A BRACKNELL 2s were confirmed as league champions with a six wicket victory against READING 3s. BINFIELD 3s beat SONNING 3s by eight wickets but missed firsr place.
WOKINGHAM ensured a fourth placed finish in a tightly contested top of the table after their win at Slough.TheOaks had Slough all out on 100 before 31 from opening batsman Andy Rishton guided them to a seven wicket success. They end the season with 10 wins, two draws and six defeats on 295 points.
WARGRAVE finished as runnersup to Harefield after their eight wicket win at Cumnor on the final day.Four wickets from Euan Woods helped to bowl Cumnor all out on 130 and 83 not out from Rhys Lewis sent Wargrave to victory.
Thames Valley Division 5A WARGRAVE 3s moved up to fourth on the final day of the season despite losing to league champions Uxbridge 2s.
Wokingham celebrate taking a wicket James Gill batting against Knotty Green Pictures: Steve Smyth
Home Counties Premier Division
Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING finished as league champions after they secured the title with a 59 run win at Theale & Tilehurst. WARGRAVE 2s got the better of WHITE WALTHAM by five wickets. Wargrave finished in sixth, while White Waltham finished in bottom place.
Thames Valley Division 7A WHITE WALTHAM 2s thrashed Slough 5s by 10 wickets to finish in second place. HURST 2s lost out to Newbury 2s, while WOKINGHAM 5s lost to Falkland.
WOKINGHAM 2S CLINCH TITLE, EMMBROOK TAKE SECOND
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CMB Premiership EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD ended their season as runners-up after they defeated Knotty Green on the finalMattday.Booth top scored with 60 before the Bears had Knotty all out on 179 to take a 21-run win.
| SPORT OurWoodleyshowroomisopen7daysaweek 0800305030 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk WINDOWS DOORS CONSERVATORIES WOKINGHAMTODAY READINGTODAY FOOTBALL BINFIELD FLY THROUGH IN FA CUP, SUMAS, ASCOT, EVERSLEY
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Eversley & California earned three points against Penn & Tylers Green Pictures: Richard Milam Jardin celebrates his goal Pictures: Andrew Batt FA Cup first qualifying round BINFIELD continued their FA Cup journey by beating Holyport in front of a crowd of 326 at AfterHolyport.atense cup tie, the Moles netted the only goal of the game in the 90th minute when Liam Tack held his nerve from the penalty spot to put Binfield through. Binfield will host Vanarama National League South team Tonbridge Angels in the second qualifying round. Binfield co-manager Jamie McClurg said: “We played the game and we found a way. “Our three-game changers played a huge part in getting the result and gave Mr reliable a chance and he made no mistake.“Massive thank you to all our supporters and everyone at Holyport for coming and making it a proper FA Cup tie. Combined Counties Premier North WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK got off the mark with their first win of the season in new manager Matt Cronan’s first match.After a goalless first hour, Jardin marked his debut by opening the scoring for the Sumas after he finished off Linturn’sChalfontwork.StPeter hit back instantly with an equaliser, but the Sumas restored their lead in the 83rd minute when Jardin netted his second of the game. They held onto the points to ensure they moved up to 13th.
Sumas boss Matt Cronan said: “I’m very happy and pleased with the result, you can’t moan at getting three points in the first game. “We made it hard at times but we were always going to in our first fixture. “I think especially our game management is something that we need to work on “In the closing minutes of the game we need to learn to defend, get safe and protect the“Wegoal.were a bit all over the place in those times but we will getASCOTthere UNITED took all three points on the road after their trip to Harefield United. The Yellaman had to come from behind after Harefield went two goals ahead inside the opening eight minutes. Marcus Mealing netted to get Ascot back in the game and then got his brace with a 59th minute equaliser. The comeback was then complete when Mealing fed the ball from the left which resulted in an own goal. The win puts them second in the table just one point behind league leaders London Lions with two games in hand.
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Combined Counties Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA climbed up into ninth with a victory over Penn & Tylers
A defender stuck his arm up in the air, knocking it over the goal line.
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IHAVE been asked about two decisions that took place a couple of weeks ago and shown on Match of the Day. Although I can’t remember the teams or players involved, I remember the incidents, so let me describe the first one.
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The goalkeeper had the ball in his hands and he bent down to roll it out to a team mate.As the ball touched the ground, an opposing player stuck out a foot and kicked it away. This meant he was then able to kick the ball into the goal. The referee immediately disallowed the goal and awarded an indirect free kick to the goalkeeper’s team. The pundits on Match of the Day, called if ‘iffy’, as the ball had left the goalkeeper’s hand before the opposing player kicked it. But if we look at the Laws of the Game, I think we can see that the referee’s decision was a correct one. It says that ‘an indirect free kick is awarded if a player prevents the goalkeeper from releasing the ball from the hands or kicks or attempts to kick the ball when the goalkeeper is in the process of releasing it’. I think that in this instance it was clear that the goalkeeper was still in the process of releasing the ball although it had fractionally left his hand. This is very different from an incident Reading supporters may remember. Their goalkeeper held the ball in his hands and then dropped it at his feet, intending to kickHeit.hadn’t realised that there was an opponent behind him who quickly rounded him and put the ball in the net. There could be little doubt that the goalkeeper had released the ball, and the opponent’s action did not create any danger to him.The other query raised was about another penalty area decision. An attacking player put a cross into the goal area from the left wing. The ball was above head height and about a yard or two out when it reached the other side of the goal.
WOKINGHAM 2S AND SONNING CLINCH LEAGUE TITLES
READINGTODAY
HURST finished as runners-up after their six wicket win over READING to overtake them on the final day. FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s ended the season in fifth after they lost out to Royal Ascot by eight wickets. BINFIELD lost by 143 runs to Slough 2s as they finished in seventh. Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING finished as league champions after they secured the title with a 59 run win at Theale & Tilehurst. WARGRAVE 2s got the better of WHITE WALTHAM by five wickets.Wargrave finished in sixth, while White Waltham finished in bottom place. Thames Valley Division 4A WOKINGHAM 3s were defeated by FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s on the final day of the season. The Oaks finished in third, while Finch ended in seventh. Thames Valley Division 5A WARGRAVE 3s moved up to fourth on the final day of the season despite losing to league champions Uxbridge 2s. Thames Valley Division 5B READING 2s finished as runners up after they got the better of FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s BRACKNELL ended in third place after they beat Purley on Thames by three wickets. EVERSLEY 2s dropped down to fourth with a defeat to BINFIELD by 14 runs.
SANDHURST TOWN earned another impressive away win by hitting five at FC Deportivo Galicia.Thewin puts them second in the standings, a point behind first placed Bedont with two games in hand.BERKS COUNTY were dealt just their second defeat in eight games in a seven goal contest against Bedfont.TheSwords went three goals in front with strikes from Lee, Sackey and Wyllie, but Bedfont pulled off an incredible comeback to take the points.WOODLEY UNITED moved into seventh place with a clean sheet win over Samurai Rovers. Goals from Connor Suckling and Rafael Brandao earned them three points.Kestrels manager Jordan Blake said: “Delighted with the win and clean“Everyonesheet. played their part and this was important to stop a team who has been scoring goals for fun.“On another afternoon we would have scored three or four more but I am very pleased with our afternoon’s work.” 327 2662
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The referee immediately awarded a penalty.
For instance in this case, the player would have only been sent off, if he had denied a goal or an obvious goal scoring opportunity, but the ball was missing the goal and would have gone out of play anyway.
Thames Valley Division 1 EVERLSEY moved up to fifth on the final weekend of the season with a convincing win at Beaconsfield. Thames Valley Division 2B WOKINGHAM 2s clinched the league title with a big 143-run over Cove.The Oaks scored 91 to see Wokingham to 294 and they then had Cove all out for 151.
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAMTODAY
DECISIONSRECENT IN THE AREAPENALTY Green. Sam Gardner unlocked the game when he put the Boars in front after 54 minutes. Eversley doubled their money when Ross Mckernan smashed the ball into the net in the 64th minute and despite Penn grabbing a goal back, the Boars held on to claim threeEversleypoints.manager Matty Angell said: “Great to get three points. Created a lot of chances and enjoyed the side wanting the ball more.“Patience was key against a good Penn & Tylers side. A stretched squad took their chances to be involved going forward and will have created a few headaches for next week’s game.”
CRICKET EVERSLEY AND WOODLEY WIN
I was asked ‘why didn’t the referee also send the player off?’.
A lot of people, including some referees, misunderstand the Law when it comes to handball.Itonly warrants a card when the handball is linked to some other infringement.
JOE SUBS:TYRESETOMSHANEJUNIORTOMLUCASJEFFSAMTOMANDYLUMLEYYIADOMINCEHUTCHINSONHENDRICKJOAOHOLMESHOILETTLONGMCINTYREFORNAH 77678967877
Fosu looked to create danger from the left when he cut inside to deliver a cross that flew across the box without there being a Stoke forward in the middle to meet it.
GOALS: Lucas Joao 2’, 57’ (pen), Wilmot 40’ By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
CHAMPIONSHIPREACTION
Holmes congratulates Joao Tom Ince picks a pass Joao laps up the applause
READING: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Hutchinson, McIntyre, Hoilett, Fornah, Hendrick, Ince, Joao, Long SUBS: Bouzanis, Abrefa, Rahman, Guinness-Walker, Tetek, Craig, Ehibhatiomhan
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How they rated Match stats
Showcased his awareness, grabbing an assist after setting up Joao’s opener. Could not be faulted for the goal. Did well up against the dangerous Tariq Fosu. Would have set up a Joao hattrick had it not been for a double ricochet off AbsolutelyWilmot.everywhere.
READING FC manager Paul Ince after the Royals’ 2-1 victory at home over Stoke City. Lucas Joao netted a double on his 29th birthday to earn his side threeReadingpoints.have won all four of their Championship games at home to put them second in the table after eight matches. “It was a bounce back after Thursday which was always tough,” said Ince. “I said to the players it’s not about winning, it’s about performing.“Weperformed in every department and that’s all you canTheask.”Royals burst out the blocks and went in front after two minutes when Lucas Joao capitalised on Bonham’s mistake from Joe Lumley’s long kick. “It’s about time we got a gift,” continued Ince. “It was a good finish even though the lad will be disappointed on the line that he didn’t deal with it. “We needed that because we looked a bit nervy at the start which is unlike us. We normally start well at home. “Shane Long should have scored to make it 2-0 and to me that’s game“Thatover.would have given us breathing space but we didn’t deal with the first header and it’s 1-1 at half-time and we’re thinking, ‘how has that happened?’ Ince was particular delighted with the response of his team in the second-half to restore their lead and claim three points to maintain their perfect home record. “They came out in the second half and they were incredible in every differentus.thetoit’sstrongcompetitivepleasing.whichdepartmentwas“It’sbeingandathome,atoughplacecomenowwithcrowdbehind“WhatI’mseeingnowwiththis bunch of players. It might not always be the case, but I’m a lot more confident now that we can see out games. “The gamesmanship, the low block, we’re calm and composed and not being“We’refrantic.learning how to see out games. It’s an exceptional win. “While we are playing well at home I want to accumulate as many points as we can because that’s what we need to stay in this league. “On Thursday Tony Warner’s dad died and I want to dedicate this game to him. He has been off the last few days but he came today so I want to dedicate that to him.”
STOKE CITY: Bonham, Wilmot, Flint, Fox, Brown, Smallbone, Baker (c), Clucas, Fosu, Delap, Campbell SUBS: Bursik, Jagielka, Taylor, Sparrow, Thompson, Powell, Wright-Phillips
Joao had another sighter at goal when he worked space from 20 yards and unleashed a shot that flew over the target. Ince looked determined to impress against his former club and expressed exceptional work rate throughout. He looked to create when he picked up the ball in stoke’s half, drove at goal and flashed a shot just wide. Pressing for an equaliser down the right, Hutchinson put in a vital intervention in the box to turn the ball behind for a corner from
Joao pounces to put Reading ahead The Royals celebrated a fourh home
READING FC kept their perfect home record intact with a brace from Lucas Joao to take three points against Stoke City. Marking his 29th birthday in style, Joao put Reading ahead after two minutes when he capitalised on a mistake from goalkeeper Jack Bonham after Joe Lumley’s quick thinking to catch Stoke on the back foot.After Ben Wilmot’s leveller late in the first-half, Joao restored Reading’s lead with an emphatic hit from the penalty spot. The win puts the Royals up to third in the Championship table after eight games. Paul Ince opted to start the striking pair of Lucas Joao and Shane Long together from the start for the first time this season. Meanwhile, new signings Naby Sarr and Mamadou Loum both missed out through injury to leave a gap in the spine of the team. Baba Rahman was named among the substitutes after making his return to the Royals on another one year loan from Chelsea earlier this week.Reading didn’t let the early kickoff faze them and made a dream start when they pulled in front with just two minutes on the clock. Joe Lumley’s long punt up field caught Stoke off guard as Lucas Joao raced onto the long ball. Stoke keeper Jack Bonham completely misjudged the flight of the ball which bounced over his head and Joao kept his composure from a narrow angle to tap into an empty net.
JOAO’S BIRTHDAY BRACE
Sam Hutchinson picked up an early booking after making a strong tackle, but the resulting free-kick was well Stoke’soverhit.firstattempt at goal came from Baker with a shot from range that resulted in a comfortable take for Lumley to gather.
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Hhisfootwork.performance
Ince hails ‘exceptional win’ as faultless home form remains
Brought an abundance of energy. Wriggled past the line countless times with tidy will have pleased the Reading faithful. Everdependable and not afraid to put his body on the line. A quiet day at the office. Stood in for Loum in holding-midfield role. Initiated a few give-and-goes to get his team out of tight spots. What a way to celebrate his birthday. Two goals were the least the Angolan deserved. Top-class work rate out of possession. Got his foot or head on anything that came near him. Will be disappointed to have lost the header which set up Stoke’s equaliser. We might not see Hoilett in the left wing back position as often given Rahman’s signing, but the Canadian did a stellar job defensively. Worked his socks off, battling with Stoke’s back line. Missed a golden chance, blazing over from inside the six-yard box. Allowed Wilmot to get in front of him for Stoke’s equaliser, but largely did what was required. Was not afraid to get forward. Growing in confidence game by game. Was an outlet on the left as the game became more stretched.BabaRahman 6, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan 6, Nesta Guiness-Walker n/a
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LOUM TO FACE SCAN INJURYAFTERISSUE
READING FC manager Paul Ince confirmed that Mamadou Loum will be having a scan to assess the extent of his injury. The midfielder, on loan from FC Porto, missed out on the matchday squad in Reading’s win over Stoke City after getting injured in training.“Welost Mama (Mamadou Loum) yesterday in training,” said Ince “He trained yesterday and felt his groin 10 minutes into training. “To be completely honest with you because I’m an honest guy, If he had played, I probably would have gone with Shane (Long) up front on his own. “So I probably got away with that. He could be out for a couple of weeks. “He’s got to go for a scan tomorrow morning to see what the problem is so he could be out for a couple of weeks as well as Naby (Sarr).” Naby Sarr made his debut last weekend against Millwall where he scored the only goal of the game to mark his first Royals performance in style. But he was taken off at half-time in Reading’s away defeat at Sheffield United and now may miss a few weeks.
Ince continued: “Sometimes I moan about having a threadbare squad but in its perverse way it can have its advantages. “We’re asking the same players to keep performing.“Wekeep going, keep battling, keep fighting for each other and we won’t always win games but we won’t give up. “I’m pleased for Lucas on his birthday. I said to him if you work hard you get your goals and he did. He worked really hard, he was outstanding today and got his goals on the back of it.
spotthenetsLucasthecushionsFornahTyreseballJoaofrompenalty
Watford claimed an away point at Rotherham United. Reading have lost four of their last five matches against Watford.Theteams last met in April 2021 in a campaign that ended in automatic promotion for Watford when they finished in second position.Ismaila Sarr scored a double on that day to give the Hornets a 2-0 success.However, the Royals did win the reverse fixture that season in October 2020 as George Puscas scored the only goal of the game.
PREVIEW
INCE’S SQUAD LOOKING TO STIR IT UP IN HORNETS’ NEST points thanks to Joao Pedro’s goal.That was followed with a point at West Brom, a win at home to Burnley and two consecutive draws against Birmingham City and Preston North End. Watford’s first league loss came at the end of August at home to Queens Park Rangers in a 3-2 defeat, but they recovered to take three points in midweek against Middlesbrough with a last-gasp goal from Vakoun Issouf Bayo earning them a 2-1 triumph. Bayo followed up his first senior goal by scoring in the next game as a dangerous Will Smallbone cross. Reading should have doubled their lead just after half an hour when Jeff Hendrick knocked a floated corner back across goal to find Shane Long in the six yard box, but he spooned his shot over theThecrossbar.visitors were on terms in the 40th minute when Ben Wilmot was first to meet Aden Flint’s knockdown from a corner and found the net via a deflection off Reading skipper Andy Yiadom. Stoke forged a chance to take an early lead in the second-half when Tyrese Campbell pulled the ball back invitingly for the onrushing
Sam Clucas who skied the ball over the top to spurn the opportunity. Reading restored their lead just prior to the hour mark when they were awarded a penalty. Tyrese Fornah played the ball into Joao who worked his way into the box before he was tripped by a clumsy tackle from Wilmot. Joao slammed the penalty into the bottom left corner past the reach of Bonham to claim his second goal of the afternoon. Reading should have had a third in the 66th minute after a brilliantly worked move down the right that ended in Yiadom’s cross ricocheting off Aden Flint and falling just beyond the far post and out of the reach of Joao for a tapReadingin. went in search of a third and came close after another excellent run and pinpoint pass from Ince set them on their way before Yiadom won his team a freekick just out the Ehibhatiomhanbox.had a half chance with five minutes of the 90 to go when he swivelled to strike first time in the box, but Bonham made the Readingcatch.managed the game to claim three more points at home to make it four wins from four at the SCL in the Championship.
Yiadom applauds the fans McIntyre and Yiadom rejoice
READING FC will be looking to translate their spectacular home form on the road when they face Watford on Saturday. Paul Ince’s men sit third in the Championship table when they make the short trip to Vicarage Road to face the Hornets who are in sixth.Lucas Joao’s match winning double against Stoke City ensured their 100% winning home record was maintained to boost them up theWatfordtable. have had a strong start to the season under new boss Rob Edwards and have three wins, four draws and one defeat. After Watford were relegated from the Premier League last season in a match that saw them have three managers, Xisco Munoz, Claudio Ranieri and Roy Hodgson.Having achieved success with Forest Green Rovers in a promotion winning season, Edwards was appointed as the new Watford manager in May. Up against fellow promotion favourites Sheffield United on the opening weekend of the season, the Hornets started with a win and a clean sheet, taking three
“I thought Thomas (Ince) was exceptional in the midfield. His work rate is phenomenal, it was Premier League stuff today.
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“Maybe it was because it’s against his old club, but he usually plays that way anyway.”
Ince rises Royals fans celebrate another home win
Reading FC midfielder Mamadou Loum Picture: home league win in four games Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams Goalkeeper Joe Lumley
KEEPS ROYALS ON TOP
Premier North Harefield 2-3 Ascot United Chalfont St Peter 1-2 Sumas Combined Counties Division One Bedfont 4-3 Berks County Eversley & California 2-1 Penn & Tylers Green FC Deportivo Galicia 1-5 Sandhurst Town Woodley United 2-0 London Samurai Rovers Thames Valley Premier League Chalvey Sports 1-2 Burghfield Reading City U23s 4-1 Marlow ReadingUnitedYMCA 0-1 Wargrave
Tomorrow (Saturday) will see him in charge of the team for the Combined Counties Premier Division North trip to Chalfont St Peter. Relishing his new challenge at Lowther Road, Cronan said: “My short-term goal is to see what we’ve got, and what we can improve on.” “I’ve had conversations with the players and I’ve already got some information and insight. This is a step up for me personally and I am really looking forward to the challenge,” he added.Mark Ashwell, President of Wokingham & Emmbrook Football Club, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Matt to the club, and look forward to a long and successful tenure at the helm of the Sumas.”
RESULTS
GamesTransplantEuropeangoldsachievedWilsontwoatthe
The ambitious 27-year-old had guided the Fizzers to the top of the Combined Counties League Division One, having previously managed youth teams at Knaphill and Woking. He took training on Thursday night), having watched the Sumas’ FA Vase defeat at Bitton before accepting the role.
Premier Division Finchampstead (204 all out) lost to Banbury (227 all Sloughout)(100 all out) lost to Wokingham (101-3)
Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield (182 all out) lost to Slough 2s (325-8) Hurst (141-4) beat Reading (137 all Wokinghamout)2s(294-7) beat Cove (151-9) Royal Ascot (170-2) beat Finchampstead 2s (168 all out)
BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood (293 all out) beat Ballinger Waggoners (193 all out)
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ROYALS TO HOST RED IN WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE SEASON OPENER SUMAS APPOINT NEW FIRST-TEAM MANAGER
“I’m really excited to have had the opportunity to compete in a European Games and represent my donors, my hospitals and everyone who has kept me alive over the years as well as my country,” said Helen.“Itis a fantastic opportunity to show what can be achieved when given a second, or in my case, third chance at “Havinglife.been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2000, I had both my kidneys removed in May 2006 and went on to dialysis.
CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood (200-9) beat Knotty Green (180 all out)
BCL Premier Division Sandhurst (153-4) beat West Reading 2s (151 all out)
TRANSPLANT GAMES
Thames Valley Division 4A Wokingham 3s (232-9) lost to Finchampstead 3s (236-5)
The match ended all square after 90 minutes which saw Courtney Sweetman-Kirk level up quickly to cancel out Rachel Furness’ opener for Reading.
HomeCRICKETCounties
BCL Division 1A Checkendon (165-1) beat Reading United (164 all Earleyout)(169-9) lost to Peppard Stoke Row (170-4) Reading Lions (186 all out) lost to Berkshire Royals (289-7) Thames Valley Division 1 Beaconsfield (206 all out) lost to Eversley (286-6)
Thames Valley Division 3A Harpsden (141-4) beat White Waltham (137 all out) Wargrave 2s (229-5) beat Windsor (227-9) Theale & Tilehurst (294-8) beat Sonning (235-8)
A WOKINGHAM woman has achieved more success with a gold in shot putt and discuss at the European Transplant and Dialysis Games.
The cup tie was decided by a penalty shootout as Liverpool progressed with a 5-4 win on spot kicks. Chambers has signed six new players for her squad: Brooke Hendrix, Becky Jane, Jacqueline Burns, Lauren Wade, Charlie Wellings and Diane Caldwell.Onthe back of England winning the Euro 2022 championships, Reading FC says it has seen record season ticket sales as interest in the women’s game grows. There have been more than 400 tickets sold so far, with prices set at £65 for adults, £30 for under 12s, and £45 for over 65.
As well as becoming a double European gold medalist, Helen Wilson also competed in javelin and recorded a season’s best which saw her finish in fourth position.
The European Transplant and Dialysis Games were first staged in Athens in 2000 and subsequently have been held bi-annually in nine different European countries. In August 2022 the European Games came to the United Kingdom for the first time, with Oxford hosting the event.
Thames Valley Division 5A Uxbridge 2s (229 all out) beat Wargrave 3s (95 all out)
Team Great Britain and Northern Ireland was the largest team taking part, with 186 competitors from across the UK including 12 dialysis patients and 5 donor families and liveHelendonors.isnow hoping for selection for the World Transplant Games which will be taking place in Australia in April 2023 and will continue to look for opportunities to raise awareness about the Transplant Games and the importance of organ donation.
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SeptemberSunday, 11 Women’sFOOTBALLSuper League Reading v Liverpool
“A few years later we found that I also had a polycystic liver and having once again become incredibly unwell, thanks to an amazing donor family, I was given a new liver which once again gave me my life back. I have not looked back since.”
Home Counties Division 2 Cumnor (130 all out) lost to Wargrave (134-2)
SeptemberSaturday, 3 FOOTBALL Combined Counties
The Games are similar to the Paralympics Games or Invictus Games and are vital in helping to promote the huge benefits of organ donation and the amazing life-saving impact of organ transplantation as well as helping to encourage people to share their organ donation wishes with their lovedMoreones.than 450 transplant recipients and dialysis patients travelled from over 25 countries across Europe to compete in sporting events including everything from football and volleyball to discus and petanque.
By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today
Cronan has joined the Sumas from Sandhurst Town along with support and goalkeeping coach PaulHeMcKennar.hasbeenin charge at Bottom Meadow since the start of the 2021/22 season.
Thames Valley Division 5B Sonning 2s (233-7) beat Royal Ascot 2s (141 all out) Reading 2s (187-8) beat Finchampstead 4s (108 all Binfieldout)2s (246-8) beat Eversley 2s (232 all out) Purley on Thames (176 all out) lost to Bracknell (178-7) RUGBY NationalUNIONDivision One Rams 38-21 Esher SeptemberSunday, 4 ChampionshipFOOTBALL Reading 2-1 Stoke City FA Cup first qualifying round Holyport 0-1 Binfield SeptemberTuesday, 6 CherryFOOTBALLRed Records Challenge Cup Eversley & California L-L Berks ReadingCountyCity L-L Sheerwater Redhill L-L Woodley United Sumas L-L Badshot Lea Berks & Bucks Senior Cup Ascot United v Langley FIXTURES SeptemberFriday, 9 RUGBY NationalUNIONDivision One Chinnor v Rams Saturday, September 10 ChampionshipFOOTBALL Watford v Reading FA Trophy first qualifying round Marlow v Binfield Combined Counties Premier North Ascot United v Hilltop Oxhey Jets v Sumas Windsor v Reading City Combined Counties Division BerksOneCounty v Spartans Youth CB Hounslow United v Sandhurst Town Westside v Eversley & WoodleyCaliforniaUnited v Rayners Lane Berks & Bucks Charles Twelftrees Trophy AFC Reading v Burghfield Reading YMCA v St Leonards Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v SB Phoenix Reading City U23’s v Windlesham United Wargrave v Chalvey Sports
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today title by 11 points after winning 16 games, drawing two and losing just twice. They scored 38 times in 22 games and had a watertight defence that conceded only 11 goals.Liverpool manager Beard first took over the club in 2013 and was named as the FA WSL manager of the year after guiding the Reds to the league title.He departed Liverpool in 2015 to join Boston Breakers. Beard was then appointed as West Ham United Women’s manager in June 2018 where he took the Hammers to the FA Cup Final after defeating Reading in the semi-finals of the competition on penalties.Beardleft West Ham by mutual consent in November 2020 and rejoined Liverpool for his second spell at the club in MayReading2021. last met with Liverpool in September 2019 when Fara Williams scored the only goal of the game to give the Royals three points. Liverpool’s last trip to Berkshire came in the FA WSL Cup in December 2018.
Helen
HELEN SCOOPS TWO GOLD MEDALS
READING FC WOMEN FOOTBALL
READING FC WOMEN begin the new Women’s Super League season this Sunday, with a home fixture against Liverpool. The Royals will play the Reds at the Select Car Leasing Stadium (2pm kick-off). Kelly Chambers’ Reading side finished eighth in the WSL in 2021/22 with 25 Theypoints.earned seven wins, four draws and were beaten 11 times in a campaign that ended in disappointment after they had looked to be competitions to reach the top four in the first-half of the season.Matt Beard’s Liverpool side won promotion to the WSL after finishing as league champions in the Women’s Championship.Theystormed to the league
WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook Football Club has announced Matt Cronan as its new manager following the recent departure of Eliot Whitehouse.
“My amazing brother Steve volunteered out of the blue to be a donor for me and by giving me one of his kidneys, gave me my life back, free of dialysis.