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BRILLIANTLEISURETODAY PAPERS IN ONE Your guide to what’s on
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International star Patti Boula be in Wokingham this Friday ye will dedicated not to her hits, but with a show Franklin. EMMA MERCHANT those of Aretha finds out more
UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.RDG.TODAY
Berkshire businesses boosted by £200,000 grant fund By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today BUSINESSES across Berkshire have received a £200,000 boost, thanks to the Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The LEP created the Berkshire Business Capital Grant Fund to target businesses in Berkshire which it sees as high growth or potential high growth enterprises. Six successful businesses received grants of between £25,000 and £50,000 through the fund, totalling £211,196. Grants received needed to be matched by recipients resulting in more than £400,000 investment across the royal county. The aim of the grants is to provide funds to scale-up businesses and to support investment projects which enable them to expand or address barriers to their growth. The focus on business expansion is to facilitate increased productivity, employment generation and greener, cleaner growth. Alison Webster, CEO of Berkshire LEP, said: “We are ambitious for Berkshire and the initiatives we deliver are designed to ensure businesses here have the funding, skills, support and infrastructure to grow. “In order to provide the greatest impact and return on investment for the Berkshire economy, the grants were targeted at high growth potential SMEs rather than at those requiring grants for businesses survival. “We are delighted the Berkshire Business Capital Grant Fund will support the Berkshire scale-up community by helping businesses implement their growth plans.” One of the recipients of the grant funding is Occuity, a Readingbased company researching and developing innovative optical medical devices. On receiving the £33,910 grant CEO and Co-founder, Dr Dan Daly, said: “I am delighted that Occuity has received this support. “The grant will allow us to develop seven dedicated test stations which will help us to significantly enhance our production process.
n Continued on page 8
FINCH DO THE DOUBLE
bundle of fizz’, and her audiences have Louis Armstrong’s, Nobody been known to dance in Knows The the aisles. Here, she invites celebritie Trouble I’ve Seen. She would s and Songs to move to will include hum or successful people from all Aretha sing that, and I would sit walks of life Franklin gems: Respect, and listen. Say A Little to share their stories and “She was a great mother, life tips. Prayer, Natural Woman, she taught and Chain of Patti also finds time and me how to do life.” energy for Fools. charity work in the UK and Doing life well is something Africa, for And there will also be a selection that which she has been awarded an of N AWARD-WINNING Patti is passionate about. Patti’s own favourite songs. OBE. Patti understands Aretha’s Her charity has built five singer and musical rise She is a Visiting teaching healthcare Each one tells a story. fame better than most, perhaps. to fellow at centres and helped to finance theatre star is bringing Middlesex University, where a school “There are funny stories, she works “I know what show-business sad stories, in Lesotho. her show to Wokingham. with young people. can be poignant stories and lots like. There’s a lot of jealousy, of laughing in And lovers of Aretha Franklin’s Ask Patti where she finds but you “I try to help them prepare the show,” she says. the can’t let it get to you,” she for life,” music are in for a treat because strength to do all these things laughs. she explains. and it Patti first found fame as While both singers found a singer in features many of the queen she’ll tell you: “I just have fame, “I encourage students not a very strong of soul’s the late 70s when she won other areas of their lives to take the British best-known songs. faith. With that, you can differ. things personally and not get through ITV talent show New Faces, to give others Patti’s childhood was particular receiving anything,” she explains. Patti Boulaye is full of enthusias permission to hurt them. ly the maximum 120 points. m challenging. as she describes her one-wom “Many people are afraid “I tell them, don’t judge others, an show, Since then she has enjoyed ANDY PRESTON to talk She’s recently written about be Aretha and Me. aboutBy success faith, but I’m not one to stick to kind and remember that it in her on stage, apreston TV, you’re and autobiogr in not @wokingh musicals. aphy, The Faith of a Child. the rules. My God, my faitham.today “Singing is such a blessing, perfect either. Really it comes has brought ” she says. Performances include her down to The book follows her journey me through everything in West End “It’s a common language making good life choices. life. that debut in Hair, Yum Yum in FINCHAMPSTEAD FC ” through wealth, poverty The Mikado, everyone understands. “Aretha Franklin it a and near Asked which song she would was alsomade and more recently her TV season remembe death in the Biafran civil pass on r bya completing appearance Christian,” shetoadds. “It speaks to people’s hearts. war to the to the next generation, Patti “She had her a league and cup in the BBC’s The Real Marigold ” success she now enjoys in replies: double. struggles too. Different Like many, Boulaye was forced Hotel. both Britain “That would be, How Great Having securedones. And there are the one-wom to and Nigeria. It will be released the Thames Thou stop touring when covid an “She chose Art. the this wrong Young people today face Valley Premier struck. Now mantitle shows. again League August by Kaleidoscope so much theand she’s back, with her night again,previous and she battled Publishing. pressure. They need all the with of soul music alcohol. weekend, Her previous to make it backhelp they sell-out tour, Billie and “Most people will never at the Whitty Theatre on “Unlike me,title have can get, but they just don’t shewins, to-back lost her Friday, May mother Me, was a similar celebratio Finch know where experienced things that went in 20. n of the life when she was only 10 years I have,” Patti to go.” and music of jazz singer old. She explains. “I lived through Billie Holiday. didn’t have someone to help A celebration of Aretha Franklin’s genocide Boulaye believes in offering her do life Music has always been important when I was young. young life and songs, it’s an event well, but she did have faith. to people positive examples that should Patti since her earliest years. of individuals “I didn’t talk about it for appeal to both young and “I believe that was why she a long time, overcoming difficulty, showing old. survived “Never mind a Desert Island until I wrote my book. But them the Weaving songs and stories Disc,” music industry, and lived I chose to how others successfully she jokes. “I would need to her 70s into face life’s write it, because my children a whole carmusical narrative, Patti compares a in good health.” challenges. need to load of discs. and WINDOWS DOORS know who I am.” contrasts her own life with n Aretha CONSERVATORIES and Me, at the Whitty To this end she has launched that of the “I remember songs my mother Patti’s show, like her book, her 1950’s soul music star. Theatre on Friday, May 20 sang own internet streaming reflects when I was little, and my starts at TV chat show, the ups and the downs of heart wells up. Both women’s lives led them 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20. her life, but Life with Patti Boulaye. It There were nine children To book, to can be found, she doesn’t dwell on the to look after, show-business stardom and for information visit: difficult times. along with and success. her and we lived through difficult vlogs and music, on www. Indeed she has been described times. luckleyhouseschool.org/the-w her YouTube vlogging channel, as ‘a “My mother’s favourite song hittyThe was theatre For Patti Boulaye’s Vlogging Grandmother. website visit: www.pattiboulaye.c om
A
search of completing the double. On Friday evening in front of a crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Finch got the better of Richings Park to win the BTC Senior Cup Final. In a tightly contested final, teams couldn’t be separated the after 90 minutes after a goal apiece. But in extra-time, it was
Finch who showed patience and persistence to eventuall y get their hands on the trophy when Callum Vallance netted the winning goal just five minutes from time. Finchampstead player Nick Payne said: “What a night. Big thank
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you to the TVPL for putting on a great show, Richings Park fair play to you boys, nothing in that game just one said taking their chance. Both sides played their part in a great final and couldn’t give anymore.”
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Ince made Royals boss on permanent basis READING FC has confirmed that Paul Ince has been appointed as manager on a permanen t basis.
Ince joined the Royals in February on an interim basis until the end of the season in which he helped the club avoid Championship relegation . The Royals won four of his 14 matches in charge, including a memorable away victory at Sheffield United followed by an incredible comeback from 4-1 down to take a point at home to Swansea City with vital stoppage time goals. Reading finished the 2021/22 campaign in 21st place, four points above the drop zone. Chief Executive Dayong Pang said, “Paul and Alex were brought into Bearwood to instil confidenc structure, spirit and determina e, into a first team squad which tion difficult circumstances had in lost its way early in the year. And ultimately, he had to produce almost immediate results.”
Wednesday, May 19, 2022
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A CELEBRATION OF BISCUIT TOWN P8
GET ON THE TRAIL FOR ART P35
BIRTHDAY BOY: Broad St Mall marked its 50th with a party • p3
£1.5 MILLION: THE COST OF FRAUD
Thames Valley a target as residents hit by thieves claiming to be from banks
SHOCK REPORT
By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today FRAUDSTERS have cost residents in the Thames Valley more than £1.5 million.
Data released by Thames Valley Police shows, in 2021, 181 Thames Valley residents reported a courier fraud, with losses totalling £1,506,131. Typically, courier fraudsters
target their victims by claiming to be a police officer or a member of staff from a victim’s bank and they often pressure people into making quick financial decisions to assist with fictitious investigations. The son of a victim of courier fraud is now urging carers, family and friends of vulnerable people to be on their guard to help prevent their loved ones being exploited. n Continued on page 3
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Beauty spa’s bid for alcohol licence
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Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
A NEW spa is to open in Reading town centre and has applied for a licence so it can serve complimentary drinks to its clients, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter. Grand Lux Nail Spa in Duke Street will provide manicures, pedicures and other beauty services. Its owner, Zuan Ha Doan, wants to be able to serve alcohol and has also applied for a licence to play music. “I’ve applied for the alcohol licence so I can serve complimentary drinks to customers,” he said. “We’ll have red and white wine, Prosecco, champagne and cocktails.” If approved, drinks and music would be served from 9.30am to
NEW: Grand Lux Nail Spa in Duke Street will provide manicures, pedicures and other beauty services Picture: Local Democracy Reporting Service
7pm Monday to Saturday, and alcohol only on Sundays for the same times. Mr Ha Doan has also applied to be open from 9.30am to 10pm during December.
The licence application needs approve from Reading Borough Council’s licensing team.
n Comments about an application or an existing licence can be made by emailing: licensing@reading.gov.uk
Council accused of perverting the law over 24-hour bus lane fines By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter READING Borough Council has been accused of ‘perverting the law’ by making money from bus lanes.
Michael Guinney, from Liverpool, was visiting a relative in Goring with his wife and was on his way to a hotel in Reading when he drove into a bus lane. He was fined, but he argues the council has manipulated the law as the offence took place at 9.06pm on Friday, April 15. He alleges someone at Reading Buses told him peak times finish at 9pm. Mr Guinney said: “Bus lanes are created to give buses preferential access to roads to get passengers to and from their destination in peak times and to encourage people to use public transport. “There is no need to restrict ordinary commuting traffic after 9pm, no need for a ‘bus lane’ after 9pm.” When he asked about where the
infraction occurred, Mr Guinney alleges he was put through to a contractor ‘in Manchester’. “Reading Council and this thirdparty company are manipulating the law simply to make money. “Politicians are elected into office to serve the needs of society, the people, and uphold the law in a fair and just way. “Choosing to impose a 24-hour penalty for using a bus lane designed to give buses priority in peak time is not serving the needs of the people and is unfair and an unfair law is an unjust law which surely cannot be right?” His complaint received a response from Cllr Tony Page, lead member for transport. Some Reading Buses run for 24 hours, and Mr Guinney had fallen foul of one such bus lane in Bath Road. He also said Mr Guinney had contacted him, other councillors and the mayor, and didn’t dispute evidence that he drove into the restricted bus lane. Cllr Page said: “All bus lanes
in Reading are fully signed in accordance with Department for Transport guidance. Not all bus lanes stop at a designated time. “We would always encourage drivers who believe they have been wrongly issued a PCN to follow the appeal process which is clearly explained. “In this instance, no appeal was made and the fine was paid.” He continued: “We are extremely fortunate to have excellent and popular local bus services in Reading that are relied upon by many thousands of local residents. “The Council enforces bus lanes to keep them free of traffic and reduce delays to bus passengers. “By law the Council has to spend any income received on bus lane enforcement on other transport related projects and in Reading these including better road surfaces, street lighting, road safety and the concessionary bus fares scheme.” Mr Guinney has been sent a reply containing the council’s Annual Parking Services report.
Witness appeal after Kings Road collision THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Reading. Police say a taxi, travelling in the direction of Reading town centre, was in collision with a pedestrian on Kings Road at about 11am on Thursday, May 12. The cause of the collision is subject to a police investigation. The pedestrian, a 20-yearold woman, has been taken to hospital with head injuries. Police have confirmed she is in a serious condition. While the incident was attended to, Kings Road was closed to traffic in both directions causing delays to Reading Buses which use a bus lane along the road. There were also delays for other roads users until the road could be reopened. Now the police is appealing for help as they investigate what has happned. Inspector Sarah Bartlett, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am appealing to members of the public and business owners to check if they have any footage of the collision, whether from dashcam, doorbell, mobile phones or CCTV. “If you have any footage then please contact Thames Valley Police as soon as possible by visiting our website or calling 101, quoting reference number 43220205002. “If you witnessed the collision, we would also be grateful if you could contact the force as soon as possible please. “I would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while we were at the scene of this collision.”
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The big 5-0! Broad St. Mall celebrates its big anniversary
Barry Smith and David Blowfield join Topsy for a special 50th Anniversary picture
Helping celebrate Broad St. Mall’s 50th Anniversary on Saturday is Safa Mahmood (3) Pictures: Steve Smyth
Georgia Thornton helping out the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent House Hospice
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A READING shopping centre was finally able to hold its 50th anniversary celebrations this weekend, after covid delayed them from last year.
Broad St. Mall invited shoppers to join in host of activities, including free face painting and balloon modelling. The centre’s mascot, Topsy, could also be spotted roaming the aisles and giving away sweet treats. The Mall’s history was celebrated with a doodle and collage workshop organised by one of its tenants, the jelly arts collective. Those taking part could draw on, decorate onto, collage and embellish black and white photocopies of historical photographs of the Mall’s past. This included reimagining the Mall’s tropical garden or colour in the clothes from the opening parade. And people could also look ahead by creating drawings of the future. Sue Ryder ran a raffle and selling pin badges to raise money for its work at the Duchess of Kent House Hospice in Tilehurst. Steven Connolly, general manager Broad St. Mall, said: “A big thank you to everyone who came on Saturday to celebrate our birthday with us. “It was a great opportunity for us to give something back to our loyal shoppers and we loved seeing so many smiling faces. “Thank you also to everyone who also helped to support Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent by purchasing a charity raffle ticket on the day.” He added: “Here’s to another 50 fabulous years.” The Mall is now preparing for its Platinum Jubilee celebrations, with four days of musical fun. On Thursday, June 2, the Salvation Army will perform from 11am to 12.30pm. The following day, between noon and 2pm, Reading Male Voice Choir will sing. On Saturday, June 4, RASPO steel band will entertain shoppers, and finally The Silver Tones Choir will appear on Sunday, June 5, between 1pm and 1.30pm. And Topsy will be playing his part, giving away Union flags on Friday, June 3, between 11am and 2pm. The Mall will also be running a contest to win a Jubilee-themed hamper.
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Face painting was a popular activity
Luke Antcliffe (5) with Emma Hadley
Police action over £1.5m fraudsters n From front page
In August 2021, Brian’s 83-year-old mother was called on her landline from a man claiming to be a police officer. The caller said a man, claiming to be her nephew, had been arrested in possession of her debit card and £1,400 had been spent. During subsequent phone calls, Brian’s mother was deceived into believing she had spoken to her bank and several detectives. The suspect convinced Brian’s mother the police needed her to assist them by working undercover. She was sworn to secrecy and instructed to visit her bank and tell them she needed to withdraw £4,250 to assist her son. She was told to put the cash, her driving licence and her bank card in an envelope and was given a security password to be used by the courier, upon collection. A “courier” arrived and after saying the agreed password, she gave them the envelope. Over the next few days, the fraudster phoned Brian’s mother and instructed her to move money from her savings account to her current account. Numerous fraudulent transactions were subsequently made totalling £29,788. Brian is now urging people to trust their instincts when dealing with callers who are pressing for confidential information. He said: “As soon as she told me what had been going on, I knew it was fraud. These scams completely undermine people’s confidence. “My mother, who is very resilient, now questions everyone she speaks to because it has eaten away at her trust and confidence in people. “If anyone is pressing you for urgency and secrecy, like they did with my mother, that should ring alarm bells.” Data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) shows women between the ages 70 to 89 lost more than £6.7 million to courier fraud in 2021. Men in the same age range lost almost £4.2 million during the same period. Detective inspector Duncan Wynn, head of Thames Valley Police’s Central Fraud Unit, said: “Courier fraud can be a particularly callous crime and is often specifically targeted at older people, by exploiting their trust in the police and their bank in order to steal from them. “Police and banks will never ask for full passwords and pin numbers or ask for money or goods to be handed or transferred to them. “Anybody being cold called and asked for personal details, to withdraw money or purchase high value items, is urged to end the calls and seek advice, or to call their banks directly.” n If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank and report it to Action Fraud online at: police.uk, or by calling: 0300 123 2040.
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Yaadvitha Nacaraj (4) enjoys the face painting
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History is more than just the 3Bs READING is famous for its beer, bulbs and biscuits, but it has had more industries based here. A new online talk next week will unpack some of this hidden history. Jo Alexander-Jones will lead the session for the Berkshire Family History Society, exploring industries such as printing, ironworking and brickmaking; names like Cox and Wyman, Katesgrove Foundry and Poulton’s Waterloo Kiln Brickworks. The session takes place from 2pm on Thursday, May 26. Places must be booked in advance, in order for a weblink to be sent out. They cost £5, or £4 for members. n For more details, log on to: berksfhs.org
Ensemble show THE WHITEKNIGHTS Ensemble will be performing a concert on Saturday, May 28, from 7.30pm, at Leighton Park School. The programme includes Mozart’s Adagio and Allegro in F Minor, Hallam’s Dance Suite, and KJ Ankarblom’s Swedish Medley. Tickets cost £10, or £5 for under 18s. Proceeds will go to ReadiFood, Reading’s food bank. n For more details, log on to: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ Whiteknights-Ensemble
ARTISTS will be welcomed at a special event next week … and to help get creative juices flowing there will be beer. The Weather Station in Eldon Square, Reading is hosting Sheer Art Attack, an evening of laid-back art, from 7pm on Wednesday, May 25. There will be quick fire sketching, word associations and a still life opportunity. Paper and pencils will be available, and entry is free.
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Hospital security guards secure pay rise after ACAS steps in
By JAMES ALDRIDGE Lcoal democracy reporter
SECURITY guards at Royal Berkshire Hospital have secured a pay rise thanks to intervention from their union, and now they are calling for the staff to brought back in house.
The 20 security guards at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Craven Road, Reading have been attempting to secure wage increases from their outsourced employer Kingdom Services Group Ltd since December 2020. As part of this campaign, the security guards have been engaging in ‘industrial action’ and negotiations with assistance from the trade union Unite. Recently, the guards secured a one-year deal of 7.%, backdated to December 2021, with each worker receiving approximately £400 in back pay. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is currently undertaking a tendering process for the three-year security guard contract, but Unite is calling for the guards to
STRIKE OVER: Security guards and Unite members protest outside the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. Picture: Unite the union employed directly. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is appalling that our members have had to wait two years for a pay deal at a time of soaring living costs, but the security staff stood together, determined to secure a better deal, and they won. “It is great that our members
have won this victory, but it is not the end of the story. “Unite will continue to press for this vital service to be brought in-house as the best option for all concerned.” The union’s lead officer for health in the south east, Jesika Parmar, said: “Our members first balloted for industrial action in February 2020, but then
Pub chain opens fundraiser for Macmillan A PUB chain is marking a decade of fundraising for a cancer charity by launching a draw with a top prize of £10,000. Greene King has been working with Macmillan Cancer Support since 2012, and raised more than £11 million so far. It is seeking to boost that fund by launching the contest, with entries costing £3. In addition to the jackpot, other prizes include £2,900 to pay the average household’s energy bill, £2,500 garden vouchers, and Greene King gift cards. The draw runs until June 30, and entry is by texting 2022 to 84902. Entrants are charged £3, and their usual text message rate. All 1,600 Greene King managed pubs
Beer and art
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 18, 2022
are taking part, with a unique SMS entry code. The £11 million raised is the equivalent of 343,750 Macmillan professional nursing hours. Nick Mackenzie, chief executive officer at Greene King, said: “We are so incredibly proud to be celebrating a milestone 10 years of partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support. “We couldn’t have done this without the support of our generous customers and passionate team members who work hard to create fundraising activity. the team enjoy it, as do our customers.” He added: “We look forward to announcing the lucky winners of the draw on July 8.”
Explore the Abbey Gateway with half-term tours
TOURS of Reading Abbey’s recently restored Abbey Gateway will be offered during half-term. Reading Museum is organising the hour-long exploration of the medieval venue. Organisers say that it is a chance to discover the building’s history and its role in the Abbey Quarter. The tour looks at the work of the monks in the town, Reading’s links to royalty and Jane Austen, and the conservation work that has brought the listed building back to life.
And, in groups of 10, people can access the Gateway rooftop for a rare aerial view of the Forbury Gardens and runs. Due to the age of the building, there is no step-free access, and there are uneven floors. Places cost £15, with a maximum of 15 people. It takes place from 2pm on Saturday, May 28.
n For more details, log on to: www. readingmuseum.org.uk/whats-on/readingabbey-gateway-rooftop-tour
Whitley Social Club returns and welcomes new members
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postponed action due to the onset of the covid pandemic. I am delighted that their dogged determination has, at last, paid off. “Our view remains that this contract should be brought back in-house as the best way to deliver this important service and the most efficient use of the NHS’ money.”
In February 2021, more than 1,500 people signed a petition calling for the security staff to be paid fairly. A month later in March, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that a Government body would undertake an investigation into the pay dispute, which the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service (ACAS) did. It is understood the security guard contract held by Kingdom Services is worth more than £750,000 annually. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has asked Kingdom Services whether it will be bidding for the security guard contract and whether the recently negotiated pay increases will be maintained. At the time of going to press, no response has been received. Kingdom Services also provides technology, cleaning, hygiene and recruitment services. A spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said that it was unable to respond to requests for comment.
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WHITLEY Social Club has reopened its doors to new and existing members, writes Ji-Min Lee. Boasting over 30 years of activity, the club had been a focal point of the community before it closed in March 2020 due to the pandemic. However, business is back underway and patrons are now able to enjoy the club’s amenities on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Located in the Whitley Community Centre, the club offers an ideal setting to watch live sport, socialise with friends and get involved in organised activities. Community sits at the heart of the club’s ethos and that
was highlighted by the club’s management. “We offer a safe and tight-knit environment,” organiser Tom Hanly said. “As a members-only club, everyone knows everyone here and you pretty much know who to expect when you come.” Regular activities include pool competitions, darts, bingo, jukebox events and monthly live entertainment. “There’s something for everyone,” organiser Steve
Kirby explained. “This Easter, we ran an event where children could come and get their faces painted and take part in an Easter egg hunt.” Annual membership costs £20 for an adult, £10 for seniors and is free for children. The club also offers family memberships for £30. Non-Whitley residents will be required to pay an additional £5.
n For more details, visit: www.whitley-cda.org
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30 climbers take on Lake District challenge to help fatherless boys
ADVENTURE: Fundraisers will be taking on the Lake District’s 24 Peaks challenge in aid of Chapter 2, a charity which supports fatherless boys Picture: Richard Kay
By JI-MIN LEE Community reporter jlee@rdg.today
A TEAM of 30 fundraisers will head to the Lake District to embark on a course for a cause.
The climbers will attempt the daunting 24 Peaks challenge next month, looking to cover 30 miles and climb 10,000ft in just 24 hours. Each climber has been tasked to raise £1,000 in aid of Chapter 2, a charity which supports fatherless boys across Reading through mentoring. The challenge will fittingly take place on Father’s Day. The organisation’s chair of trustees Dr Richard Kay is set to participate with his 14-yearold son and identifies fatherless boys as particularly at risk. “There’s two main reasons why we focus on this demographic,” he explained. “The first main issue is that they suffer significant disadvantages for their future prospects. Fatherlessness can give rise to antisocial behaviour, failing academically, adverse health conditions and even suicide.” “Secondly, it’s become increasingly common. One in two 15-year-olds don’t live with both parents and 92% of those live with their mum.”
Comedy that takes the Biscuit A stand-up comedy night is coming to Reading town centre next week thanks to the Stand and Deliver club. The headliner is Olga Koch, who has appeared on shows such as Mock The Week, QI and Frankie Boyle’s New World Order. Also appearing will be Matt Hobbs, Olley Matthews and Natalie Bryce. The compere is Rhodri Buttrick. The show starts from 8pm on Thursday, May 26, with doors at 7pm. Tickets cost £10. n For details, or to book, log on to www.standanddelivercomedy. com
Glorious show
Dr Kay also highlighted the inauspicious effects the issue can have on the wider community. “The cost of fatherlessness is massive,” he said. “Support services are required to intervene, schools and, in some cases, prison too. “It all costs money.” The absence of positive male role models is the root of the problem, but can also be part of the solution.
Chapter 2 mentors offer vulnerable children a point of stability in often tumultuous lives. “Our mentorship looks to create long-term, trusting friendships with good men,” Dr Kay said. “You don’t need to be an experienced youth worker to mentor, we’re just looking for good men, who can offer their time.” Prospective mentors can
register their interest through the charity’s website, with successful applicants receiving role-specific training. For now, though, the climbers are conducting their own training in preparation for the challenge. The team includes experienced endurance runners and first-time climbers alike. “Everyone is training to a degree, it’d be foolish not to,” Dr Kay said. “At the moment, my son and I are doing runs and leg
conditioning exercises.” Last year, the group completed the Welsh 3000s challenge, raising over £7,500 for Chapter 2. With more than 60 children on the waiting list, funds raised through donations will help expand the organisation’s provision through mentor recruitment, support and training. n To find out more, visit: www.chapter2.org.uk
A NEW exhibition to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee will be launched at the Berkshire Record Office. Happy and Glorious, the event looks at the monarch’s links to Berkshire. It uses the archives of the Coley Avenuebased venue for its inspiration. The exhibition launches on Thursday, May 26, and runs to August 26. It will be open when the offices are: Tuesdays to Thursdays from 9am to 5pm, and until 4.30pm on Fridays. Entry is free. n For details, log on to: www.berkshirerecordoffice.org. uk or call 0118 937 5132.
Ukrainian Centre opens doors for refugee support and social events AS READING begins to welcome refugees from Ukraine, Reading Ukrainian Community Centre is making them feel at home with a number of social and support events. The centre on Sidmouth Street is open for another outreach session on Friday, May 27, where Home Office representatives will be available for face to face support. Refugees and their sponsors will be able to access information on immigration and documentation, including VISA support and help in settling in the UK, direct from the Home Office’s Outreach teams. For two weeks, the centre is opening its doors to newly-arrived refugees and their sponsors to join them for tea and coffee from 11am-2pm on Wednesdays, and 3pm-5pm on Fridays. It is inviting those in Pangbourne to meet other Ukrainians and make connections at its weekly cafe in St Bernadette’s Church Hall, every
Monday from 10-11.30am. The RUCC is also open for Friday night social events, with a cash bar providing alcoholic and soft drinks. Cafe sessions take place at the Reading Ukrainian Community Centre on Wednesday, May 18 and 25, from 11am-2pm, and Friday, May 21 and 28, from 3-5pm. The Pangbourne cafe will be held at St Bernadette’s Church Hall, Horseshoe Road, every Monday from 10am-11.30am. The evening bar event will take place on Friday, May 20 and 27, from 7pm-10pm. The immigration outreach drop-in session takes place on Friday, May 27, from noon until 5pm at the RUCC, Sidmouth Street.
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n For more information about Home Office Outreach, visit: www.gov.uk n For a full timetable of the RUCC’s events, visit: www.rucc.uk
Police use Section 60 powers THAMES Valley Police put in place a Section 60 order in Whitley last week, following two serious assaults. The first incident occurred on Saturday, May 5, in Linden Road at around 3.10pm. The victim, a man in his twenties, was approached by a man wearing a balaclava and had some possessions stolen in a robbery, during which he sustained stab wounds. The second incident occurred on Wednesday, May 11, in Blagdon Road at around 12.20am.
A group of men in balaclavas using a moped confronted the victim, a man in his late teens. The victim was assaulted causing injuries. A Section 60 can only be put in place in a defined area at a specific time when a senior officer believes there is a possibility of serious violence, or weapons being carried. Local policing area deputy commander for Reading, Chief Inspector Andy Penrith, said: “This order was put in place following two serious
assaults that have taken place in a short space of time in the Whitley area where the victims were left with injuries. “This order is in place to ensure public safety, while also giving police extra power to search people who they think could be involved in violence, and to take weapons off the street.” He added: “Anyone who has any information about either of these incidents to contact police, either online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220203656.
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Jubilee tea party planned WHITLEY residents are invited to an afternoon tea party to kick off the Jubilee week celebrations. The WCDA will host the event at the community centre, with tea, coffee, cakes and much more to be served. Visitors will be treated to an afternoon of fun, light refreshment and commemoration. Tickets cost £2.50 and are available to purchase at the community cafe. Bookings must be made in advance. The event will take place between 1pm-3pm.
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FORBURY FIESTA
The festival featured traditional Mela
n For more information, search Whitley CDA on www.facebook. com
Whitley charity
A WHITLEY charity is set to host a free afternoon tea event at the Community Cafe. Green Health Thames Valley will give visitors the opportunity to learn about the charity’s work and how they can get involved over tea and sandwiches. The charity uses horticultural activities to support individuals struggling with their mental health. The event takes place on Tuesday, May 24, between 1pm and 3pm.
n For more. email charlotte@ greenhealthtamesvalley.org.uk or call 07450 334091.
Diddi Daisy leads the dancing, helping the kinds put their best foot forward They weren’t lion when they said Ethan, 4, was strong
Fantastical Forbury Fiesta is just the start ...
Youngsters were given the chance to try out archery
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
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FAMILY DAY OUT: The Forbury Fiesta was a huge hit with all ages Picture: Steve Smyth
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FORBURY Gardens was the home of the party on Saturday, May 14, and it’s just the start of a three week children’s jamboree.
The Forbury Fiesta kicked off with a giant tea party, celebrating the 200th anniversary of Huntley and Palmers. The fiesta featured the Mad Hatter’s biscuit party and parade, as well as circus and theatre workshops, flagmaking, and face painting. Guests were also treated to storytimes, traditional mela dancing, theatre performances, and interactive scenes from Curious Wonderland. Donna Pentelow, assistant director of culture at Reading Borough Council, said: “Children’s Festival 2022 marks the 33rd anniversary of this brilliant event, which promises an amazing range of activities and events for our younger residents across the borough. “It promises plenty of dancing, singing, playing and partying.” The fiesta marks the start of the 33rd Children’s Festival, which runs across Reading until Sunday, June 5. The Beacon Trail, an augmented reality event, will take place throughout the festival, which follows Sir Barnaby Beacon in an interactive adventure. Libraries around Reading will be holding a number of arts and craft events. Battle Library, Oxford Road,
ICE TREAT: Children enjoyed ice creams in the sunshine will be jubilee decoration craft sessions on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until May 27, from 12.45-4.45pm. Tilehurst Library, School Road, will show you how to create unicorns on Tuesday, May 24, and more general crafts on Tuesday, May 31. From Saturday, May 28,
Reading Museum and the Museum of English Rural Life will be offering family activity packs. They will also host biscuit painting workshops, with events at Reading Museum on Saturday, May 28 from 1pm and again from 2.30pm, and at MERL on Sunday, May 29, from 10am, and again from 11.30am.
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FORBURY FIESTA Left: Reading Borough Council’s animal warden, Lisa Clements, with the Mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden. Below: The kids were absorbed in storytime at the bandstand. Picture: Steve Smyth
Helping the over-65s stay independent Do you wish to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible and still have a say in your well-being? Let me show you how you might be able to get regular financial assistance to help you remain independent in your own home and make your life easier. The fiesta attracted the young at heart
Attendance Allowance is a government benefit for those in receipt of the State Pension who have health issues or needs that cause difficulties or challenges in your day-today living. It is a benefit for those who need help with personal care. There are two levels weekly rates of Attendance Allowance. A lower rate of £61.85 per week is paid if you need help during the day to maintain your independence. Should you have health issues that disturb your night, then the weekly benefit may increase to over £92.40 per week. The level you receive is determined by your circumstances. You can claim this benefit even if you haven’t paid National Insurance and it is not means-tested, it doesn’t matter where you live or if you have savings. Attendance allowance is tax-free. Are you or is someone you know eligible? We offer an initial free 30-minute confidential consultation to allow us to assess whether we can help and for you to decide if you’d like help. If we both agree that claiming Attendance Allowance is right for you, then we will look after you every step of the way. We complete all the necessary forms and explain the process of claiming in straightforward, plain English so that you understand everything and are in complete control. You may decide, after your initial consultation, that you’d like to continue as you are for now; that’s fine too. We’re only a phone call away if you change your mind, or would like to talk things through again.
Otto, 4, is in a bit of a spin. Picture: Steve Smyth
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Broadband minimum should be 10Mbps By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today
A NEW campaign has been launched to ensure home broadband is at least 10Mbps, fast enough for home working and live streaming.
Research has revealed that almost two thirds (62%) of broadband users in the SouthEast do not know they are entitled to demand this speed, despite 56% of residents saying the pandemic has increased their reliance on the internet. In fact almost nine in 10 people consider it as important as gas, water, and electricity. The survey, conducted by 4G and 5G broadband provider National Broadband, forms part of its Entitledto10 campaign which aims to increase awareness of the Universal Service Obligation for Broadband (USO) among consumers and pressure the Government to increase its efforts to improve broadband services to the most digitally deprived. The current scheme only provides maximum per property funding of £3,400 towards the cost of building or upgrading any necessary network infrastructure. Additional costs have to be covered by the home, and these
can run into the many tens of thousands of pounds. And more than 600,000 premises in the UK are still unable to access decent broadband via a fixed line. As a result, National Broadband is calling for the Government to increase its support for alternative broadband solutions that can provide immediately improved broadband to those who are most digitally deprived in the UK, and at a fraction of the cost of fibre. David Hennell, business development director at National Broadband, said: “There are still far too many people in homes across the country that are being left behind due a lack of access to decent broadband. “The Government frequently talks a good game about levelling up and closing the Digital Divide, but too often fails to deliver. “The current USO is a perfect case in point, as it all too frequently gives hope of an improved service to those suffering from shockingly slow broadband speeds and most
in need hope of an improved service – but then leaves them facing astronomical costs to actually get better connectivity.” He added: “We of course appreciate that in some locations installing fibre is unavoidably costly, but if the Government continues to ignore viable alternatives, then those most in need of improved broadband will carry on suffering. “At National Broadband we’re passionate about helping people get connected and experience the tremendous benefits that fast broadband can provide. Many of our existing customers were previously waiting on the promise of fibre or left dumbfounded after being quoted exorbitant prices for installation. “We hope our campaign can help spread awareness of both their consumer rights but also the alternative solutions immediately available to people who are struggling with slow broadband.” n For more information visit: www.national-broadband.co.uk/ entitledto10
MEMORY: TVPS’s chair of trustees, Sean Wheeler, with Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, at the unveiling of the Living Memorial tree. Picture: Jessica Harding, Courtesy of Thames Valley Positive Support
Mayor unveils living memorial tree A LIVING memorial has been put in place by Thames Valley Positive Support. The charity, which helps those affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus, has planted a cherry blossom tree in Christchurch Meadows. It has planted place of reflection and remembrance for those who have been affected by HIV in Reading, and that the tree can become a symbol of hope, as well as a focus of awareness, for the issue of HIV. The memorial plaque was unveiled by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, on Wednesday, May 4. Sarah Macadam, CEO of TVPS, said “We are so proud to bring a living memorial to Reading, a
tangible symbol of our history and also a symbol of hope for the future. “Wanted to create a place people can spend time, pay their respects, remember friends lost along the way and to celebrate how far we have come. “With advances in medication, living with HIV is no longer the death sentence it used to be. “We also now have PrEP, a medication that can be taken to prevent HIV transmission, an HIV treatment injection and U=U, which means that if a person is in on effective HIV treatment and they have an undetectable viral load they cannot pass on HIV.” Thames Valley positive Support has been working with people affected by HIV in
Nominations open for criminal awards NOMINATIONS are being sought for a new award aimed at recognising the achievements of charities, groups or individuals working within the criminal justice field. The 2022 Thames Valley Criminal Justice Charity Awards aims to celebrate the good things that have come out of the covid pandemic: the heroes of our communities who have made such a huge impact in the lives of others. Organised by the Thames Valley Partnership, a charity that offers a range of frontline services to support victims of crime, and those impacted by it. Its CEO, Nikki Ross, said: “In difficult times it is all too easy to forget that there are great things going on around us in the community; in the charity and criminal justice sector it’s really important to shine a light on these.
Survey says A SURVEY has been launched to canvas views on how to improve Reading town centre for people who live or socialise there. Reading Borough Council
“Perhaps you know someone who has overcome their own personal experiences and used this to support others, or has helped to bring their community together and make it a safer place. “We really need your nominations to help us identify those individuals, groups or charities doing amazing things in the field of criminal justice or who support those who are impacted by crime in some way, so they can get the recognition they rightly deserve.” Nominations close on Monday, July 4, with the winners announced at an awards ceremony in October. They will be presented by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Matthew Barber. n For more details, log on to: www.thamesvalleypartnership. org.uk
wants to make it safer both during the day and in the evenings. Residents’ views can help shape this forward-looking policy. For more details, log on to: https://forms.office.com/r/ BCMF7mHRTg
Berkshire and North Hampshire since 1985, providing support for those affected, raising awareness of the condition, and providing access to information, testing, and prevention. Ms Macadam said: “Reading has a high prevalence of HIV and it’s important for us to acknowledge HIV within our community. “The living memorial will be a lasting tribute for generation after generation to enjoy and keep HIV awareness on the agenda. “We would like to thank Reading Borough Council for their help with sourcing and planting the tree and to Cllr Rachel Eden for being part of this historical event.”
LEP grant funding n From front page
“This funding will not only help us bring our first product to market but to continue creating new job opportunities in the Berkshire area and secure the longer-term future for our employees.” The other companies to receive grants were Business Think Engineer (£25,990), Bruhati (£48,393), Cordell Heath (£35,000), Tepeo (£42,493) and Kiss House (£25,410). The Berkshire Business Capital Grant Fund is part of a wider package of finance measures provided by the LEP to support businesses. This includes the Thames Valley Berkshire Funding Escalator, providing next stage finance with loans and equity, the Berkshire Low Carbon Workspaces grant for businesses looking to decarbonise their workspaces. There are also partfunded grants available through the Department for International Trade’s Internationalisation Fund, aimed at helping SMEs grow in new international markets.
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Victorian ghosts walk through cemetery By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today THE ghosts of the past came to haunt Reading Old Cemetery earlier this month.
The Friends of Reading Old Cemetery (FoROC) gathered at the site wearing their finest Victorian clothing to break taboos around death. Attendees were invited to join them in 19th Century garb and take a walk around the cemetery to learn about its history and wildlife. Members of the FoROC performed as people who were buried at the cemetery, telling the stories of people in Reading’s history, including botanists and campaigners for women’s suffrage. Teresa Varney-Brookes, of FoROC, said: “It gets people talking, and playing a character makes the issue so much easier to approach. “It gives us the chance to explain about the history of the cemetery, and people are fascinated by the stories of the people buried there. “Open days here kind of give people that permission to engage with something they might be uncomfortable with, or even scared of.” The event was part of Dying Matters Awareness Week, which encourages the discussion of dying and bereavement to help people come to terms with it.
LOOKING BACK: Members of Friends of Reading Old Cemetery and \Junction Arch Heritage and Arts break taboos about bereavement, the Victorian way. Pictures: Steve Smyth “We tend to take the British attitude,” said Ms VarneyBrookes. “That stiff upper lip approach means that it doesn’t get talked about, and that leads to people not getting the death that they want. “Other cultures have a completely different attitude, where they celebrate someone’s life, keeping their memory alive. “And the Victorians were similar, with the cemetery being a place of solace, but
people would perambulate, and it was a place to be seen.” Friends of Reading Old Cemetery, which works to conserve and promote the site, worked with Junction Arch Heritage and Arts, which aims to restore the arch at the cemetery’s entrance and repurpose it as a space for community, arts, and heritage projects. “People are always wowed by the cemetery when they really see it,” said Ms Varney-Brookes. “When you see it as a natural
week takes place in May each year, raising awareness of bereavement issues and helping people to combat taboos and improve their relationship with death and dying. place, you can’t help but warm to it.” The Junction Arch Heritage and Arts group is currently working to arrange restoration
Lockdown Loss: Wokingham Woman Loses 12 Stone Wokingham-based Ester Barbosa is celebrating a life-changing 12 stone weight loss during lockdown, thanks to The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan and the vital support of her local consultant, Sophie Ames. After suffering a sleep apnoea attack back in 2020 and reaching 25 stone 9lb, Ester was given the final push she needed to start on plan with The 1:1 Diet. Ester said: “I saw lockdown as my opportunity to make a huge lifestyle change. I needed to lose weight, I felt so awful in my own skin and had lost all my confidence. “As soon as I spoke to Sophie, I knew I’d made the right decision – her support was vital! We had weekly virtual catch ups, as we couldn’t meet in person due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Sophie was motivating, encouraging and always gave me the best advice to help me stay on track. I honestly couldn’t have achieved my goals without her.”
works on the Grade II listed building, which could require up to £200,000 worth of repairs, including to its stonework. Dying Matters Awareness
n For more information about Friends of Reading Old Cemetery, visit: www.econetreading.org.uk n For more information about Dying Matters, visit: www. hospiceuk.org
Then
After Ester lost her job for a now defunct well know high street brand during the pandemic and couldn’t afford to stay on plan, Sophie offered her the opportunity to join her team as a 1:1 Diet consultant. Ester is now building her own business, helping the people of Wokingham to secure their weight loss goals. Sophie said: “The pandemic caused a huge shift in my job role and switching to virtual consultations was definitely very new to me. However, the results speak for themselves! I’m so proud of myself and of Ester, not only for her incredible weight loss, but also for our dedication to continuing to help others in our role as 1:1 Diet consultants.”
Now
Ester is now exercising at the gym three times a week and weighs a healthy 13 stone and 8lb.
Ester Barbosa ester.one2onediet@gmail.com 07741 919924
Sophie Ames Sophie.one2onediet@gmail.com 07730 785715
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Jubilee arts and crafts day VISITORS are invited to attend a free family arts and crafts day to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Held at New Directions College in Whitley, the event will feature creative workshops where guests will produce Jubilee-themed designs including regal self-portraits, clay corgis and commemorative brooches. Bookings must be made in advance, with attendees selecting either the morning or afternoon slot. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. The event takes place between 10am and 2.30pm on Tuesday, May 31.
n For more information, visit: www.newdirectionsreading.ac.uk or call: 0345 842 0012.
Free hot meals to help town’s needy A FREE hot meal is being offered by a Reading-based charity, to help anyone in need. The Way Ministry will be at the Reading Oddfellows hall on Sundays from 1pm to 2.30pm. In addition to the food, there will be a listening ear, board games, company, and, if desired, prayer. Help for a safe space will also be offered. The hall is on the Oxford Road.
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Visually impaired golfer refuses to let disability mark his card By JI-MIN LEE Community reporter jlee@rdg,.tdoay
A READING golfer’s positive outlook has ensured the only thing staying sub-par are his scores.
Despite being viusally impaired, Colin Chandler has become a threat to many a sighted linksman, least of all his club captain, who he beat in a recent match. Mr Chandler’s swing is the product of nine years’ endeavour. His coach, Joe Templer points him in the right direction before he completes the motion using a combination of hearing and feeling. When he was 15, Mr Chandler was diagnosed with choroideremia, a condition which causes progressive vision loss due to the degeneration of photoreceptors in the eye. Not to be deterred, however, his pragmatic approach led him to Buckinghamshire Golf Club in 2013, where he first attended a blind coaching course. “It was very hard at the start,” Mr Chandler said. “It was difficult to make a full turn away from the ball, come back and make contact.” He now plays twice a week at Caversham Golf Club, where his
FORE: Buckinghamshire Golf Club, where Colin Chandler first picked up the game of golf Picture Martin Heys (via Wikimedia Commons)
coach accompanies him to the course and driving range. “Now, once my coach has aligned me towards the hole, the rest is up to me,” Mr Chandler said. “I’ve hit a 250-yard drive before and often hit my driver
over 200 yards.” Most golfers dread the prospect of standing over a 6ft downhill, double–breaking putt, but it’s a facet of the game Mr Chandler relishes. “Putting is the strongest part of my game. I put the ball down and feel the ground to sense how the ball will roll. It’s a great moment when you hear the ball drop into the hole,” he said. “The best shot I ever hit was making a 25ft putt. You can see it on my YouTube channel.” Mr Chandler has since
broadened his repertoire, trying his hand at other activities, including athletics, ten-pin bowling, tandem cycling, lawn bowls and has recently started playing the guitar. The Reading resident also represents the town’s blind football team, although he admits he is still getting to grips with the sport. “We have to wear dark glasses so we’re all under the same conditions,” he explained. “I really enjoy it, even though it’s a bit tricky.
Plant sale will help Ukraine
A carnival night to remember Dave
n If you would like to donate to the sale, either as a business or an individual, or offer support in another way, contact: gardenbringnbuy@gmail.com
n For more details, call organisers on 07930 907354.
A WEEK of fundraising in aid of Ukraine is coming back to Caversham, as the Bring-n-Buy sale returns. Gardeners and allotment holders are donating garden and house plants, as well as books and tools, for a seven-day sale. It will also include home-made cakes and conserves, with proceeds going to the DEC Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal. Businesses are donating goods and vouchers to the prize draws, which will be held daily. The event follows a plant sale which took place in March, which raised £441 in aid of the Ukraine appeal. The Bring-n-Buy sale will take place at 67 Albert Rd, Caversham, from Friday to Thursday, May 20-26.
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“Golf is definitely my favourite sport, but I want to play more football in the future.” Mr Chandler’s footballing skills garnered distinguished recognition earlier this season when his team were visited by then Reading Football Club manager, Veljko Paunovic. As a loyal Royal, Mr Chandler was thrilled, saying: ““He asked if he could come down and watch us play. It was great because he referred to me by name, even before I introduced myself. He must have already heard about me.” The former Reading boss is not alone in lauding Mr Chandler’s courage, with over eight thousand Twitter users following the golfer’s account, where he posts regularly to document his progress. It’s a platform he embraces and hopes individuals suffering from similar conditions can find inspiration from. “Rather than sitting indoors doing nothing, I’d recommend people to go out and try [something new].” Mr Chandler explained. “You’ll discover that you’re able to do things you didn’t even realise you could do. “Everybody says that I’m a superhero, but I feel like I’m just enjoying what I’m doing and that’s all that matters.”
A TRIBUTE to one of the stalwarts of the Reading Community Carnival will take place in Reading next week. Dave Batson, who died last year, was one of the mainstays of the carnival, which took place around Prospect Park from the year 2000. Part of this was AJ’s Calypso Tent, and it makes a one-off return to the Grosvenor Casino on Rose Kiln Lane on Friday, May 27. There is a packed bill, aimed at celebrating Reading’s links to the Caribbean, and its culture. The MC will be Super Trini Vibes, backed by AJ’s All Stars and the Kaso Gems. Appearing will be G-String, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Brown Sugar, Rev B, Dame Polly, Music Man, DeeVine, and King Clivus. The event starts at 8pm and runs to 11.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50 in advance, and more on the door.
Police appeal for witnesses to attempted robbery in Cintra Park THAMES Valley Police is appealing for witnesses following an attempted robbery in Reading. The incident occurred at around 3.45am on Saturday, May 7, in Cintra Park, Cintra Avenue. The victim, a woman in her thirties, was walking through the park when a man approached her from behind. The offender grabbed her causing her to fall to the
floor, demanded money from her and then demanded that she hand over her phone.
Investigating officer, PC Miriam Virgo, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident to get in touch. “Anyone who can help should call us on 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220196555. “Alternatively, call the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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Biscuit Town’s bicentenary puts 200 years of history on display By JAKE CLOTHIER Ginger biscuits correspondent
AN EXHIBITION looking at the history of Huntley and Palmers has opened, celebrating its 200th anniversary.
The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) is hosting a collection of artefacts telling the stories of the people whose lives were shaped by the company to mark the bicentenary of the Readingbased biscuit makers. It has teamed up with the University of Reading, which shared exhibits from its special collections, to chart the relationship between Huntley and Palmers, the town of Reading, and its people. Tim Jerrome, the exhibit’s curator said: “People are generally more interesting than things, so being able to use our collections and our objects to illustrate people’s lives connects a lot better, “I suppose we’re a bit nosy, we want to know about personal lives and an artefact is only as valuable as the people who used it.” As such, he says that people are at the heart of the exhibition. “Events are only events because of the way people acted and the choices that they made, “So both events and objects are kind of intrinsically linked to people and that’s why people find it so engaging.” The exhibition features a hands-on display, where visitors may hold and examine some of the artefacts themselves, including historical catalogues and examples of the first hinged biscuit tin design. It has also woven into the
BISCUIT DISPLAY: The Museum of English Rural Life holds sought-after decorative Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins, including this elaborate model. Picture: Jake Clothier
TOWN SPECIAL: The exhibition looks at Huntley & Palmers’ past rest of the museum’s gallery, with numerous linked or relevant items marked outside of the exhibit. As well as this, the MERL has created the Biscuit Crumb Trail, an audio trail which charts a number of points of historical interest between it and Huntley and Palmers Gallery in Reading Museum. The trail links the two exhibition spaces, passing the sites of Joseph Huntley’s first
shop, the ironmongers which would go on to produce the iconic biscuit tins, and the factory itself. “We can tell the stories of Alfred Palmer who owned the MERL building, or its gardener, “People don’t really change that much, over history, they have the same worries and the same struggles.” The exhibits include items and personal effects from Captain Robert F. Scott’s expedition to the Antarctic. Part of the exhibition examines Henry Gibbs, a 14-year-old boy who moved from Oxfordshire to work for Huntley & Palmers in 1861. “He moved entirely by himself with no family in Reading, which shows the confidence that people had in the company and obviously how independence whatever was expected at younger age, “I was able to find Henry
Reading town centre church opens new space where it’s OK not to be OK A READING town centre church is launching a new weekly community space aimed at sharing hobbies, activities and peace. Abbey Renew is the name of the new event taking place on Wednesdays from 10.30am to noon at Abbey
Baptist Church in Abbey Square. The church, behind Reading Central Library, says the event creates ‘a quiet space where it’s OK not to to be OK’. It takes place in its cafe area next to the Holy Brook, and encourages people to
share hobbies, skills and activities. Alternatively, people can join a workshop, or just relax in a special quiet area. The wellbeing cafe is free to all who want to use it. n For more details, log on to: abbeybaptistchurch.org.uk
Buckle up for Reading’s first fetish pride weekend READING’S first-ever fetish pride weekend is here with social events and performances, as well as art displays, talks, and workshops. Organised by ANIMAGI and Club FOD, the event celebrates community pride in kink, fetishes, and sexuality, and provides a safe social space at a number of venues across the town. Drag queen and fetish
social mainstay Bodacia will be performing at the Blagrave Arms on Sunday, May 29. The event coincides with Club FOD’s third anniversary, which it will celebrate with a leather and lace themed party. It also coincides with the second anniversary of ANIMAGI, the community interest company which is organising the event. A cultural hub will be held at
the Rising Sun arts centre, with workshops and talks being held from10am-6pm, Saturday, May 28, and a coffee social from 10am-2pm, on Sunday, May 29. The Blagrave Arms will host the FOD leather and lace event from 8pm on Saturday, May 28, and the ANIMAGI fetish social from 3pm on Sunday, May 29. Entry is free, and tickets are not required.
n For more information, visit: www.readingfetishpride.co.uk
fleeing German occupation. “They just managed to escape the German advance and how they organised it themselves is a really fascinating, organic story that tells itself.” He says that Huntley and Palmers is inherently linked to the Ding, and vice versa: “Just physically it was so important to the growth of Reading, “It’s really what put Reading on the map, and biscuits were distributed around the world from here.” “In terms of family history and family memories, it’s absolutely crucial to Reading’s history.” The exhibition forms a part of a town-wide celebration of Huntley and Palmers’ 200-year anniversary. Special events such as a guided tour and Reading Children’s Festival will mark the occasion later in the year. Biscuit Town: 200 years of Huntley and Palmers in Reading will be on display at the Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road, from Tuesday, May 10, to Sunday, September 25. Doors are open from 9am5pm, Tuesday to Friday, and 10am-5pm on weekends.
Bowling days at Three Mile Cross THREE Mile Cross Bowling Club are hosting two open days for prospective players. The taster sessions are free to attend and provide an opportunity to meet new people while trying a different sport. Visitors are asked to wear flat shoes or trainers, with bowls provided on the day if required. The open days take place between 2-5pm on Saturday, May 21, and between 10am-1pm on Sunday, May 29. Those travelling to the second session by car are advised that the Basingstoke Road end of Church Lane will be closed to traffic. n For more information, visit: www.threemilecrossbowlingclub. co.uk
Tea party fit for the Queen
within the wages ledger for the packing department having found him on Ancestry CAVERSHAM LAKES is holding previously.” a tea party to mark the Queen’s “We recently acquired a Jubilee. diary telling the story of the The event will include evacuation of many apartment live music, party games, face employees from their factory in painting, and activities for Paris in 1940.” children to enjoy. Huntley and Palmers It takes place from 11.30am shipped machinery to Paris in on Sunday, June 5, with tickets 1924, setting up its only ever costing £30, or £15 for under overseas production facility. 16s. A family ticket of two The exhibition and features a n Fortoday_QASFest+Fitkin_130X160mm adults and two children is £75. more information and QAS_Reading Wokingham hand-drawn map detailing the access to audio guides, see: www. n For more details, email: route the workers took while visit-reading.com events@cavershamlakes.co.uk
Join us for Arts Week at Queen Anne’s School
Thursday 30 June | 3.30pm-6.30pm This is a free event with no booking required. Join us at Queen Anne’s School for a celebration of the Arts. Find out more at:
qas.org.uk/QASFEST2022 Fitkin 8 Hands Concert
Thursday 30 June 2022 | 7.00pm Adults £20 | Concessions £10 World class composer and pianist Graham Fitkin celebrates music built from minimal materials.
Book at:qas.org.uk/8handsconcert Queen Anne’s School, Henley Road, Caversham,Berkshire, RG4 6DX
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Buckingham Palace, London More than 1,400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians will come together in the traditional Parade to mark The Queen’s official birthday, usually held on the second Saturday in June. The colour will be trooped by the 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, and more than 1200 officers and soldiers from the Household Division will put on a display of military pageantry on Horse Guards Parade, together with hundreds of Army musicians and around 240 horses. This annual event has now marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign for over 260 years. During the Queen’s birthday parade A Royal Gun Salute will be fired. During the ceremony, there will be an opportunity to watch the event via large screens, set up in St James’ Park and many more members of the public will be able to watch the spectacle live on BBC and Sky television, not just in the UK but overseas too. Once the parade has ended and the Royal Procession has returned to Buckingham Palace, the Royal Family’s balcony appearance will happen as in previous years. There will be an impressive Flypast to coincide with the Royal Family’s balcony appearance.
9pm Beacon lighting The United Kingdom’s long tradition of celebrating Royal Jubilees, Weddings and Coronations with the lighting of beacons will continue for the Platinum Jubilee. A beacon chain, once used as a tool for communication, has now become a symbol of unity across towns, borders, countries and continents and is often the central point of focus for any outdoor gathering or celebration. In 1897, beacons were lit to celebrate Queen
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Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. In 1977, 2002 and 2012, beacons commemorated the Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilees of The Queen, and in 2016 Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. Over 1,500 beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories.
Friday, June 3 Service of Thanksgiving A Service of Thanksgiving for The Queen’s reign will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral. Great Paul, the largest church bell in the country, will be rung for the Service. It was made in 1882, but fell silent in the 1970s due to a broken mechanism. It was restored in 2021 and has been rung on eight occasions since, but this is the 1st royal occasion it will be rung.
Saturday, June 4 The Derby at Epsom Downs
Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by Members of the Royal Family, will attend the Derby at Epsom Downs.
Platinum Party at the Palace Hosts Kirsty Young and Roman Kemp will lead live coverage of the Platinum Party at the Palace and air live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and across the BBC network. The celebration will see famous faces from the world of entertainment brought together to perform for a night of musical tributes to celebrate the Jubilee. 22,000 people will attend the event including 10,000 allocated in a public ballot and 5,000 tickets for key workers.
Sunday, June 5 The Big Jubilee Lunch: Over 60,000 people have registered to host Big Jubilee Lunches on the Platinum celebration weekend, with events ranging from world record attempts for the longest street party to back garden barbecues and everything in between. Over 01 million people across the UK are expected to be joining the celebrations to share friendship, food and fun at Big Jubilee Lunches as part of this nationwide act of community friendship. People across the world are also joining in with more than 600 international Big Jubilee Lunches being planned throughout the Commonwealth and beyond - from Canada to Brazil, New Zealand to Japan and South Africa to Switzerland. thebigjubileelunch.com is still accepting orders for free packs to get street parties started or for people to find out where a public event in their area may be taking place.
The Platinum Jubilee Pageant The Gold State Carriage, led by The Sovereign’s Escort, will lead the Platinum Jubilee Pageant, embracing the latest in digital technology to evoke the excitement and majesty of her journey to be crowned 70 years ago. While The Queen won’t personally travel in the regal Gold State Carriage, there will be a fabulous surprise. The Pageant will serve as an opportunity to gather and pay tribute to Her Majesty. It will culminate with the singing of the National Anthem, ‘God Save the Queen’ and a gospel choir to the sounds of the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. The Pageant will bring to life iconic moments from The Queen’s reign as well as showcasing our changing society over the past 70 years.
NEXT WEEK: A round-up of all the events taking place in our region
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LEISURETODAY
18.05.22
Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham
Patti’s music for the soul
International star Patti Boulaye will be in Wokingham this Friday with a show dedicated not to her hits, but those of Aretha Franklin. EMMA MERCHANT finds out more
A
N AWARD-WINNING singer and musical theatre star is bringing her show to Wokingham.
And lovers of Aretha Franklin’s music are in for a treat because it features many of the queen of soul’s best-known songs. Patti Boulaye is full of enthusiasm as she describes her one-woman show, Aretha and Me. “Singing is such a blessing,” she says. “It’s a common language that everyone understands. “It speaks to people’s hearts.” Like many, Boulaye was forced to stop touring when covid struck. Now she’s back, with her night of soul music at the Whitty Theatre on Friday, May 20. A celebration of Aretha Franklin’s life and songs, it’s an event that should appeal to both young and old. Weaving songs and stories into a musical narrative, Patti compares and contrasts her own life with that of the 1950’s soul music star. Both women’s lives led them to show-business stardom and success.
Patti understands Aretha’s rise to fame better than most, perhaps. “I know what show-business can be like. There’s a lot of jealousy, but you can’t let it get to you,” she laughs. While both singers found fame, other areas of their lives differ. Patti’s childhood was particularly challenging. She’s recently written about it in her autobiography, The Faith of a Child. The book follows her journey through wealth, poverty and near death in the Biafran civil war to the success she now enjoys in both Britain and Nigeria. It will be released this August by Kaleidoscope Publishing. “Most people will never have experienced things that I have,” Patti explains. “I lived through genocide when I was young. “I didn’t talk about it for a long time, until I wrote my book. But I chose to write it, because my children need to know who I am.” Patti’s show, like her book, reflects the ups and the downs of her life, but she doesn’t dwell on the difficult times. Indeed she has been described as ‘a
bundle of fizz’, and her audiences have been known to dance in the aisles. Songs to move to will include Aretha Franklin gems: Respect, Say A Little Prayer, Natural Woman, and Chain of Fools. And there will also be a selection of Patti’s own favourite songs. Each one tells a story. “There are funny stories, sad stories, poignant stories and lots of laughing in the show,” she says. Patti first found fame as a singer in the late 70s when she won the British ITV talent show New Faces, receiving the maximum 120 points. Since then she has enjoyed success on stage, TV, and in musicals. Performances include her West End debut in Hair, Yum Yum in The Mikado, and more recently her TV appearance in the BBC’s The Real Marigold Hotel. And there are the one-woman shows. Her previous sell-out tour, Billie and Me, was a similar celebration of the life and music of jazz singer Billie Holiday. Music has always been important to Patti since her earliest years. “Never mind a Desert Island Disc,” she jokes. “I would need a whole carload of discs. “I remember songs my mother sang when I was little, and my heart wells up. There were nine children to look after, and we lived through difficult times. “My mother’s favourite song was
Louis Armstrong’s, Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen. She would hum or sing that, and I would sit and listen. “She was a great mother, she taught me how to do life.” Doing life well is something that Patti is passionate about. She is a Visiting teaching fellow at Middlesex University, where she works with young people. “I try to help them prepare for life,” she explains. “I encourage students not to take things personally and not to give others permission to hurt them. “I tell them, don’t judge others, be kind and remember that you’re not perfect either. Really it comes down to making good life choices.” Asked which song she would pass on to the next generation, Patti replies: “That would be, How Great Thou Art. Young people today face so much pressure. They need all the help they can get, but they just don’t know where to go.” Boulaye believes in offering young people positive examples of individuals overcoming difficulty, showing them how others successfully face life’s challenges. To this end she has launched her own internet streaming TV chat show, Life with Patti Boulaye. It can be found, along with her vlogs and music, on her YouTube vlogging channel, The Vlogging Grandmother.
Here, she invites celebrities and successful people from all walks of life to share their stories and life tips. Patti also finds time and energy for charity work in the UK and Africa, for which she has been awarded an OBE. Her charity has built five healthcare centres and helped to finance a school in Lesotho. Ask Patti where she finds the strength to do all these things and she’ll tell you: “I just have a very strong faith. With that, you can get through anything,” she explains. “Many people are afraid to talk about faith, but I’m not one to stick to the rules. My God, my faith has brought me through everything in life. “Aretha Franklin was also a Christian,” she adds. “She had her struggles too. Different ones. “She chose the wrong man again and again, and she battled with alcohol. “Unlike me, she lost her mother when she was only 10 years old. She didn’t have someone to help her do life well, but she did have faith. “I believe that was why she survived the music industry, and lived to her 70s in good health.” n Aretha and Me, at the Whitty Theatre on Friday, May 20 starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £20. To book, and for information visit: www. luckleyhouseschool.org/the-whittytheatre For Patti Boulaye’s website visit: www.pattiboulaye.com
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Wiltshire sounds
greatest songs of all time … now there’s a chance to find out once and for all. Norden Farm is bringing together 15 previous winners of its Vinyl Frontier campaign for a champion of champions showcase. Audiences will be asked, with the help of host Jeff Lloyd, to debate and discuss which of the discs should be consider the best of the best. The event takes place at the Maidenhead-based arts centre on Friday, May 27. n Tickets cost £10, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 01628 788997 or log on to norden.farm
A WILTSHIRE takeover is promised for visitors to South Hill Park on Sunday. Its monthly Wilde Sundays event returns, bringing an afternoon of music from three artists. The three acts on the bill for May all hail from our neighbouring county, and are Tamsin Quin, Phil Cooper and Jamie R Hawkins, who collectively perform as The Lost Trades. All three were established solo artists before they formed the band, prelockdown, and this performance will see them all perform solo again. But, being a trio, they might collaborate on the day. The music starts at 2pm, and tickets cost £8.50. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk
Jazz night with the greats SOME OF the biggest names in jazz will be celebrated with an evening of music later this month. The Mill at Sonning is welcoming the Stars of British Jazz to its theatre on Sunday, May 29. A six-piece band, comprising musicians who have performed with some of the greats such as Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball, Chris Barber and Pete Allen, is coming together for the evening which celebrates the best in British jazz. Tickets include a two-course meal in the Mill’s restaurant before the show, and cost £46. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 969 8000, or log on to millatsonning.com
Celebrate Leonard Cohen’s music AN EVENING celebrating the music of Leonard Cohen is to take place in Henley this weekend. Keith James will be at the Kenton performing some of the musician’s greatest hits. They include Famous Blue Raincoat, Sisters of Mercy, Suzanne and Hallelujah alongside his rarer and profound writing such as Who by Fire, Joan of Arc and Secret Life. Also included are songs
Back to his roots
THE PROMISE of theatre in unusual places is coming to Reading next week, as Sitelines returns. The Land’s Heart Is Greater Than Its Map is a special guided tour, not to the Ding, but to the only city that exists twice – once on earth, and once in heaven. Organisers say that this is a far away city that cannot be named, its people are silenced and the landscape is disappearing. from his posthumous album Thanks for the Dance and Keith’s dramatic performances based on the work of Federico Garcia Lorca – Cohen’s greatest influence. The aim is to give audiences a concert featuring some great songs in their original form, one that Keith says is perfect. The show takes place in Henley on Saturday, and tickets costs £23. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01491 525050, or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk
A night with Blowers
HE IS one of the most loved voices of summer: Henry Blofeld is as much part of the test match experience as the whack of leather on willow itself. The commentator extraordinaire will be at South Hill Park on Sunday, May 29, to look back on his life.
AT THE THEATRE
Bracknell – South Hill Park
www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Chris Batchelor’s Zoetic. Fri. Bugsy Malone. Fri-Sat. The Comedy Cellar. Fri. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat. Bracknell Together Walk. Sun. Wilde Sundays. Sun. The Bartered Bride. Wed-Sat 27. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 27. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat 28. My Dear Old Things: An Evening With Henry Blofeld. Sun 29.
Camberley – Theatre
www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Mark Thomas - Hit Refresh. Fri. Dame Dolly Does Goldilocks. Sat. Upstage Arts. Sat-Sun. Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. Tues. Both Sides of Phil Collins. Thurs 26. Bumper Blyton. Fri 27. Comedy Club. Fri 27. Circus Skills with Patches. Sat 28. Rapnuzel. Sun 29.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Mountaintop. Until Sat. Private Peaceful. Tues-Sat 28. Adventures of an Ugly Duckling. Wed. Henry Normal: The Escape Plan. Fri 27. A Diva and a Piano: Lesley Garrett. Sun 29.
High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan
www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time. Until Sat. Murder At Goodbottom Manor. Sat. Movie Mayhem and Showtime at the Musicals Dinner Dance. Sat. Adult Masterclass: Musical Theatre. Mon. Giovanni Pernice. Wed. Housewives on Holiday. Thurs 26. BNU Dance. Fri 27. Stewart Lee. Fri 27. Fanny’s Bingo Brunch. Sat 28. Al Murray: Gig For Victory. Sun 29.
You can see the sea, but cannot touch it. Being honest is illegal. And so on. But to ensure the story is told, a resident writes them down. The result is walking tour through the streets of Reading, compiled by Palestinian filmmaker, writer and actor Ramzi Maqdisi, and director and writer Olivia Furber. Participants wear headphones to go on a pre-planned route through It includes his days as a youth England hopeful, how an Eton bus knocked him off his stride, and how he switched from a job in the City to cricket journalism, before heading to the commentary box of Test Match Special. The evening includes film and personal pictures, and will be a treat for all cricket fans. We’ll have an exclusive interview with Blowers in next week’s Leisure Today. Tickets cost £24.50, and the event runs from 4pm to 6pm. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk
Who’s at fault?
COMEDIAN Geoff Norcott is coming back to Norden Farm with his latest show, I Blame The Parents. It explores personal responsibility, parenting and who should take the blame
Henley – Kenton
www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Off The Kerb: Laura Lexx, Marcus Brigstocke. Thurs. Tony Christie: Avenues and Alleyways. Fri. The Songs of Leonard Cohen. Sat. Best of British TV Comedy. Sun. Johnny Cash Roadshow. Fri 27. Josh Berry and Rafe Hubris. Sat 28. Tales From Star City and The Letter of Last Resort. Sun 29.
Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Maidenhead Drama Festival. Thurs-Sat. Alex Garnett and Friends: Gerry Mulligan and the Cool Era. Fri. Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted with Q&A (PG). Sat. True Things (15). Tues. Royal Opera House live: Swan Lake. Wed, Fri 27. Operation Mincemeat (12a). Wed-Thurs
26. National Theatre Live: Straight Line Crazy. Thurs 26. Alice Armstrong and Matt Long. Thurs 26. Geoff Norcott: I Blame the Parents. Fri 27. The Vinyl Frontier: Champion of Champions. Fri 27. Patrick Monahan: Started from the Bottom, Now I’m Here. Sat 28. The Northman (15). Sat 28.
Newbury – The Corn Exchange
www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Oculi Ensemble. Thurs. Ballet Central. Thurs. Dame Jane Glover: The Genius of Mozart. Thurs. Young Artists Recital: Echea Quartet. Fri. The Sixteen at Douai Abbey. Fri. Julian Joseph Trio. Fri. Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. Sat. Julian Jospeh Jazz Academy. Sat. Roll Over Beethoven. Sat. Swan Lake. Sat. Giovanni Pernice: The Is Me. Tues. An Evening with Brian Blessed. Wed. NT Live: Straight Crazy Line (15). Thurs 26. 80s
Reading, starting from South Street arts centre. It lasts around 70 minutes and is for ages 12 upwards. It runs from 6pm on Wednesday, May 25 through to Friday, May 27, and at noon and 3pm on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Tickets cost £15, or £13 for members. n For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to: whatsonreading.com when things go wrong. And Geoff has realised he’s also a bag of contradictions. Raised on a south London council estate by two maverick parents, there’s plenty he has to sift through. His Dad was a trade union man who obsessed over stocks and shares. His mum was a closet chauvinist and far too frank on the subject of sex. With a child of his own, Geoff spies a one-off chance for his family to finally get it right and produce a balanced human being, but can he filter out his own bollocks before it gets to his son? Tickets cost £16, and the show takes place at the Maidenhead-based arts centre on Friday, May 27. n For more details, call the box office on: 01628 788997 or log on to: norden.farm
The greatest album
AUDIOPHILES will often argue over the
Live. Fri 27. Exhibition on Screen: Pissarro, father of Impressionism. Sun 29.
Newbury – Watermill
www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Our Man In Havana. Until Sat. Bleak Expectations. Fri 27-Jul 2.
Reading – South St
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Tarot: Cautionary Tales. Fri. Heavy Pop presents FEET. Sat. SITELINES presents The Land’s Heart is Greater Than Its Map. Wed-Sun 29. The Artist: Filskit Theatre. Sat 28.
Reading – Hexagon
www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Sainsbury Singers: Chess. Until Sat. Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast (12a). Tues. NT Live presents: Straight Line Crazy. Thurs 26. West Side Story (12a). Fri 27. Sandi Toksvig Live. Sun 29.
COMIC Patrick Monahan will be exploring his roots in a new show coming to Norden Farm on Saturday, May 28. Started From The Bottom, Now I’m Here is a show that looks at his life now – middle-class with skiing holidays and other perks – compared to how he started: as a poor immigrant, living in a caravan. This show premiered at Edinburgh Festival last year and is now coming to Maidenhead. n Tickets cost £15, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 01628 788997 or log on to norden.farm
Double bill of comedy
A LOCAL comic will be cracking jokes in Henley as part of a double bill. Josh Berry, a stand-up, producer, writer and satirist, says his show will mock people who went to slightly more prestigious private schools than him and whinge about his career for the best part of 40 minutes. And joining him for the show will be Rafe Hubris, who describes himself as the ‘most promising 25 year old special advisor (SPAD) to the Conservative party and definitely the most classic’. The show will be divided between Rafe’s ‘absolutely classic’ anecdotes about his time in government and his answers to questions submitted by the audience. The show takes place at the Kenton Theatre on Saturday, May 28, and tickets cost £19, or £17 for concessions. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01491 525050, or log on to: kentontheatre.co.uk
Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Dylan Moran: We Got This. Jun 5.
www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until June 25. Magic of The Beatles. Sun. Stars of British Jazz. Sun 29.
Reading – Progress
Wokingham – Theatre
www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 NEXT SHOW: Angels In America Parts 1 and 2. June 20-July 2.
Reading – Reading Rep Theatre
www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Until Jun 5.
Shinfield – Shinfield Players
www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 Theatre closed due to Storm Eunice damage. NEXT SHOW: The Beauty Queen of Leenane. June 15-18.
Sonning – The Mill
www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Comedy Night. Fri, May 27. NEXT SHOW: Stones In His Pockets. June 8-18.
Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre
www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Music Club: Patti Boulaye - Aretha and Me. Fri. Wokingham Film Society: Nightmare Alley (15). Thurs 26. High School Musical Jr. Sat 28-Sun 29.
Woodley – Theatre
www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 The Things We Do For Love. Until Sat.
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Wednesday, May 18, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
Tarot has sketches on the cards as they prepare to visit South St Surreal, different and funny – that’s Tarot, and they’re coming to Reading this weekend. JAKE CLOTHIER found out more
A
HEAD of their show at South Street Arts Centre on Friday part of a UK-wide tour, we speak to Tarot, a comedy sketch group.
Consisting of performers Kath Hughes, Ed Easton and Adam Drake, along with writers Ben Rowse and Kiri Pritchard-McLean, Tarot brings an ethereal, surreal angle to sketch comedy. Despite the eccentric nature of the group’s work, Ben Rowse says that its beginnings were “nauseatingly” mundane. “Adam and I were at University of Cambridge, where I definitely wasn’t in the footlights.” The pair formed a comedy duo called Goose. “Adam did some shows with them, so we were sort of there, or thereabouts, and then we met Gein’s Family Gift Shop after our first Edinburgh show, back in 2014.” Tarot’s lineup is the combination of two previous sketch ensembles: Goose and Gein’s Family Gift Shop, which features Kath, Ed, and Kiri. “We chatted at SketchFest that year, but the elephant the room here is that Gein’s won the award, “Then we grubbily emailed them afterwards and said can we cling on to your coat tails for 10 years?” Ben jokes Adam says, however, that the group is united in its sense of humour. “I think we love we really love writing as a five, and it feels that there’s no power imbalance really in the room, “We get a real buzz off of writing and the admin of who’s going to say
WHATEVER MAKES YOU LAUGH: Tarot bring their unique humour to Reading this weekend Picture: Drew Forsyth what, what way they’re going to face and what voice they’re going to do– the mundanities of the process.” Both Ben and Adam agree that the collaborative approach, compared to a more competitive environment, is what has worked for them. “We were all friends first, it was never really going to be anything other than us all sitting around on a beanbag and saying stuff we find funny. Ben says that they share a sense of humour, but: “more importantly we all think the same things are crap. “We’ve got five different sets of eyes on it, making sure it makes sense. “But once you’ve found the people who do what you do– for us I think that’s The Pin, or maybe Lazy Susan– there’s a really nice feeling of collaboration and checking in on each other.” They note that this is also one of the things that makes the Edinburgh Festival great. “I think people that do comedy,” says Ben, “dream of being in a position in where
Summer screens returns to Abbey Ruins BLOCKBUSTERS and historic features at Abbey Ruins’ open air cinema Open-air film screenings are returning to Reading this summer, as Summer Screens bringing its pop-up cinema to the Abbey ruins The feature adaptation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi epic Dune will show on Wednesday, May 25. On Thursday, May 26, it will screen Good Will Hunting, celebrating the film’s 25th anniversary. Stephen Spielberg’s West Side Story will be screening on Friday, May 27, followed by Encanto on Saturday, May 28. Later in the year, Summer Screens will continue its offerings of classic features and the latest blockbusters. Daniel Craig’s final outing as James Bond, No Time To Die, will screen on Wednesday, August 17. Jim Henson’s 1986 classic Labyrinth, starring David Bowie among a colourful cast of puppets, is screening on Thursday, August 18.
Spiderman: No Way Home will be shown on Friday, August 19. Summer Screens will close its season with a special event screening of F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu. Minima Music will provide a live musical score, playing alongisde the digital remaster of the film to celebrate its 100th anniversary. All events will feature a full bar with snacks available. Deck chairs and beanbags are available to hire as part of the ticket options, which also comes with a complimentary drink and snacks. Screenings in May begin at 7:30pm, and screenings in August begin at 7pm. Summer Screens also offers an open air cinema at Caversham Court through June and July, and again in September. n For more information or to book tickets, visit: www.summerscreens. seetickets.com
their whole day can be about this this job they love. “Edinburgh is the only month of the year where we get to centre comedy in our lives. “You can wake up, go and see some incredible shows, and then do yours and work on it every day.” It is, however, becoming harder and harder for new acts to push through into that space. “I mean, it’s insanely financially prohibitive– this year more than ever, “Whether it’s the cost of living postcovid kind of whatever.” Adam jumps in, saying “Plus there’s a mad accommodation squeeze at the moment.” Ben agrees: “Yeah, the room I usually stay in is about £800, but this year was, like, £1,400.” “So we know we’re insanely privileged and lucky, and it’s easy to say how fun it is.” It is also a challenge to the process of a comedian, they say, often with disjointed
or prohibitively small rooms. “Theatre normally suffers from being in worse rooms, right? “With comedy, we’re like cockroaches we can kind of survive wherever.” It’s a dark metaphor, but it fits with the dark, uncanny tone that the group is sometimes described as fostering. Ben says that this isn’t necessarily the most applicable to their style of writing. “There is a feeling like maybe there is a bit of a darkness to it, “But when you’re in the writers’ room, it is just genuinely about what makes us laugh and there’s definitely some of the silliest PG-rated jokes.” Adam says that this year’s touring show, Cautionary Tales, is “just daft.” “Looking at stuff through a comedic lens, I’ve found, been was a huge motivation to get into comedy for me. “It takes the pressure out of bad situations, and gives you some relief from the darker stuff.” In fact, Ben suggests that it is perhaps
necessary for good comedy. “Comedy 101 says you’ve got to have some stakes for something to be tense, and therefore funny. “Someone who’s having an incredibly bad time could lead to something funnier than someone who’s having a bit of an off day. “But when we’re writing it’s just not about what’s the sickest or saddest thing.” Instead, there’s a more direct route to find the humour, he says. “We’ve never sort of pursued the darkness is where I think we’re very as performers– We’re very willing to debase ourselves. “We will do anything if it’s funny.” This attitude can sometimes lead to difficulty in describing Tarot’s genre of comedy. When asked about what their show is like, Adam says: “Certainly Gein’s Family Gift Shop got compared to the League of Gentlemen. “That’s an easy reference, but it’s really hard to know.” But possibly a misleading one, Ben notes: “Despite how odd the front of shop is, we love performing on stage, “It’s a given that we want the audience to enjoy it, but it’s the first thing in my head is thinking about whether it’s fun for them.” Tarot is touring the show, beginning in Edinburgh on Tuesday, May 17, which runs through until November, including a performance at South Street. “We’d love to just keep adding dates, too,” Ben jokes. “We want to keep adding props and keep the show on the road.” Especially since the show evolves as it goes. “We love playing with the audience, making it live, “We want the audience to feel like they’re having a one-off experience, despite the knowledge that we’re playing every week.” Tarot’s performance of Cautionary Tales takes place at South Street Arts Centre on Friday, May 20. It is also playing at the Edinburgh Fringe in August, followed by a short residency at London’s Soho Theatre in November. To book tickets, visit: www. whatsonreading.com
Jubilee or not Jubilee: Reading Rep’s Midsummer Night’s Dream brings the party
R
EADING Repertory Theatre has begun its last production before it breaks for the summer, finishing the season with a fitting Shakespearean adaptation.
Its production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is now on, but Charlotte Warner, who plays Hermia, says this show has a particular prescience. “It was originally written for the Queen to prepare for a celebration, with a troupe of actors in the play also preparing a show for a special day, “So we’re leaning into the Queen’s jubilee, which becomes a part of the play.” Adapted by Paul Stacey, who also codirects with Chris Cuming, it promises to be a fresh, vibrant production which brings something new to the play. “It’s a surprising take on a story which is well-known and well-loved, and both directors have struck a great balance between the new and the old,” says Ms Warner. “So much of it is still relevant, such as its
takes on gender stereotypes and marriage, and we still deal with this things in the modern day,” The play follows a group of actors who arrive in Reading, preparing to perform for a Platinum Jubilee celebration. Things don’t necessarily go to plan when complications arise from potions, sorcery, and the rough-run course of love. “Shakespeare is challenging in that it pushed boundaries, “Hermia has to deal with a forced relationship, and responds as a strong and feisty woman– at the time women like that were considered crazy, “But to us it seems like a more modern sensibility.” Despite its timeless relevance, she says the production will look to make the play more accessible to a modern audience. “It’s Shakespeare, but there’ll be dance music, Beyoncé and twerking, “Well I say twerking, but mine is more of an awkward wiggle,” she jokes. “Expectations are always high in British theatre, and as an audience we want to be surprised,
“But theatre has the scope to go anywhere, so we’ve made it approachable for theatre-lovers and newbies alike.” The cast features Dave Fishley as Oberon and Bottom, Amy Ambrose as Titania, Jonty Peach as Demetrius, Mark Desebrock as Lysander, and Beth Eyre as Helena. “One of the reasons Shakespeare’s work is still studied and enjoyed is that what he’s created is realistic in that you just don’t know what’s coming day to day. “People have had a rough few years, so I think everyone will be up for it, “It feels like a summer party, and you’ll never have seen it like this.” A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs at Reading Repertory Theatre from Wednesday, May 11, to Sunday, June 5. Tickets are £23, though 10% of tickets are offered at a reduced rate of £14 as part of the theatre’s community mission. n Tickets are available from: www. readingrep.com
16 | LEISURE
Garden centres plan a royal treat THEY’RE promising it’s fit for the Queen … and it could be yours when you pop out for some compost. Dobbies garden centres in Hare Hatch and Shinfield are launching a very special afternoon tea in its cafes, and it will only be served during the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend. It comprises freshly made sandwiches, savoury treats and a traditional cream scone, served with tea or coffee. A vegan option will be available. Children have their own afternoon tea, with sandwiches, healthy snacks and tasty treats, plus a fruit juice. They can also decorate their own crown. And the meal can be upgraded, swapping the hot drink for a mini bottle of Prosecco. And all who attend can enter a draw to win a £100 Dobbies’ giftcard. Dobbies’ partnership and events manager, Sarah Murray, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this fantastic afternoon tea experience at Dobbies to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. “It’s the perfect spread to enjoy with friends and family, and a great event to add into the bank holiday weekend.” The tea is served from Friday, June 3, through Sunday, June 5, and costs from £13.50. The junior version is £7.50. n For details, log on to: dobbies.com/events
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Mark promises to look on the bright side
C
OMEDIAN Mark Steel is inviting audiences to look on the brighter side of life in a new show coming to Henley next month.
He says not long ago, it seemed highly unlikely the UK would vote to leave the EU. We had a reasonable opposition to the Tory Government, Donald Trump was a buffoon who surely wasn’t going to beat Hilary Clinton, and Mark was living the married suburban ideal. But, he adds, since then, things have gone a little askew. Well, that’s not exactly what he said, but this is a family newspaper after all. Now, he’s on a mission to reassure, in the evening of comedy called: Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright. It follows on from his previous sell-out show Who Do I Think I Am revealed that his natural father was a world backgammon champion. Now the star of Radio 4’s Mark Steel’s in Town, and newspaper columnist of the year, is back on the road with a new show that is guaranteed to make the world seem even more mental than it really is. The show looks at his own adoption. He says that growing up in humdrum Swanley in Kent with
Mark Steel is coming to Henley loving parents, he had never been bothered about being an adopted child. But in later life, established as a successful comedian and writer, he decided to search for his biological parents. What he uncovered was a story so strange, a cast of characters so eccentric and far-fetched that he was transported to social and cultural divides that spanned half the world. His mother had at first refused to have Mark adopted,
while his father later went on to become a key player in Mayfair’s Clermont gambling club and reached the pinnacle of high society. He says that what happened when he finally contacted both his parents is as moving as it was entirely unexpected. As well as his own story, told in his uniquely endearing and hilarious voice, Mark delves into the more serious aspects of adoption, single motherhood and the brutality of the social attitudes of the time. He surveys the testimony of mothers and those adopted, and tries to find reasons for his own mother’s crucial and agonising decision. Who Do I Think I Am? is one of the funniest, most heartbreaking stories you’ll ever encounter. Mark has written and presented many series of Mark Steel’s In Town on BBC Radio 4 and toured it live around the UK. He has presented the BAFTAnominated Mark Steel Lectures for BBC2, and is a regular on BBC One’s Have I Got News For You and Radio 4’s The News Quiz. He will be at the Kenton Theatre in Henley on Thursday, June 2. Tickets cost £16. n For more details, or to book, log on to kentontheatre.co.uk or call the box office on: 01491 525050.
ON SONG: The Bartered Bride will be sung in English at South Hill Park
Experience Czech culture in English
AN EVENING of colourful national costumes, soloists, chorus, dancers and orchestra, is promised with an English adaptation of the Czech opera The Bartered Bride. It is set in May Day in a little Czech village preparing to celebrate the holiday with feasting, dancing and a travelling circus. Spirited Marenka is determined to marry her lover Jenik, but her father is in debt to Micha, and has promised she will marry Micha’s son, the immature and foolish Vasek. Fortunately, Jenik has a secret of his own, but can he outwit the boastful and ridiculous marriage broker Kecal, and ensure that true love wins in the end? The opera’s score is full of
infectious tunes, from vibrant overture to heart-stopping love duets, rousing drinking songs and the spectacular circus scene, the famous Dance of the Comedians. The opera is a joyous celebration of Czech culture, told with typical Czech humour, but also sympathy, compassion and joie-de-vivre. It will be performed at Brakcnell’s South Hill Park from Wednesday, May 25, through to Saturday, May 28. Tickets cost £18 to £24, with a £1 discount for members, and under 18s enjoying the show for half price. n For more details, call the box office on 01344 484123, or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk/ events/the-bartered-bride/
Audiences will beat it to The Hexagon this autumn A CELEBRATION of the king of pop will come to The Hexagon this autumn. Ben Bowman will pay tribute to the life and music of Michael Jackson. He looks and sounds like the much-loved singer, and has honed his routine so that audiences can imagine they are watching the real thing. The Magic of Michael Jackson will include a live band, dazzling costumes and many of the performer’s iconic dance routines.
The Hexagon is to welcome Ben Bowman’s tribute to Michael Jackson this September
It also showcases the greatest hits of Michael Jackson and also of The Jackson 5 including Beat It, Billie Jean, Thriller and Man in the Mirror. The show takes place from
7.30pm on Thursday, September 22. n Tickets cost £29.50, and can be reserved by calling the box office on: 0118 960 6060, or logging on to www.readingarts.com
ABBA tribute arriving in the autumn READING’S Hexagon will celebrate 50 years of ABBA with the return of a tribute stage show. ARRIVAL: The Hits of ABBA is back after sell-out shows in more than 30 countries. ARRIVAL is an awardwinning tribute act which has been performing since 1995. Now it is touring the country to mark half a century since the Scandinavian pop group formed in Stockholm. The show features hits such as Dancing Queen,
Super Trouper, Voulez Vous, Mamma Mia, and Waterloo. It will also include songs from the groups latest album, Voyage, their first album of new material for four decades. ARRIVAL: The Hits of ABBA takes place at the Hexagon on Thursday, September 8, at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £24.50, with £5 off if purchased before Sunday, August 10. n Tickets are available at: www.whatsonreading.com
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30 | VIEWPOINTS
Help each other over scammers
THE SCAMMERS who call us, cajole us and harass us are horrible people who really should know better. We all know of people who have been affected by it, and we have all received calls claiming to be from our banks, HMRC, and similar. We’ve all looked at text messages and emails and wondered if we really have won a lottery abroad, or missed a parcel. And that is what the scammers are relying on: us to let our guard down and let them in. It is a horrific scam that can wipe out hard fought savings, destroy families and leave victims feeling vulnerable. It is right that Thames Valley Police seeks to take action on these crimes. But goodness, we all need to play our part. This is a crime that can affect each of us, so we need to create a place where we can support each other. Let’s stop scammers together.
CHURCH NOTES
Eco-Anxiety and the Lilies of the Field
W
E haven’t mown our lawn yet this year and we don’t plan to until the end of May. I am having to fight a sense of guilt that this looks lazy and ‘uncivilised’. So why do it? Since the 1930s 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows have been destroyed. That’s one of the reasons that the insects we rely on to pollinate our food crops are in crisis.
The charity Plantlife launched #NoMowMay to help reduce our wildlife population collapse. It’s part of a wider movement of ‘rewilding’ our lands. This recognises that some of the developments on our path to ‘civilisation’ are now wrecking the delicate environmental balance of our planet – extinctions are accelerating, the world’s poorest people are hit hardest. It’s no wonder ‘eco-anxiety’ is rife among young people. When I look out on the forget-me-nots, lady’s smocks, buttercups, and the delicate flowers of different grasses in my unmown lawn, I am reminded of Jesus’ words: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” Jesus was using metaphors of the natural world to tell his disciples to stop worrying about their physical needs and focus on God’s kingdom. The life-giving beauty of the ‘lilies of the field’ can still remind us not to sink under the weight of eco-anxiety and to focus on kingdom values. Walking in wild spaces is scientifically proven to lower anxiety. Moreover, choices not to mow, to buy secondhand where possible, or to cut down on meat are among many aspects of a kingdom lifestyle that can be time-saving, cheaper or healthier. For more ideas, and suggestions on using that saved time, see creationcare.org.uk, readingcan.org.uk or ceebill.uk.
Joanna Laynesmith, Reading Area Green Christians, writing on behalf Churches Together in Reading
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Letters
Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today Thank you Thames ward We would like to thank the residents of Reading’s newest ward - Thames - for their support in the local elections. We have been out and about meeting you on doorsteps across the ward: from Lower Caversham in the North, to Bell Tower in the West and Orts Road in the East as well as all the areas in-between. You have told us that you appreciate Reading Labour’s work to mitigate the Conservative Government’s cost of living crisis, and our achievements on climate action. We know that there is more to do to achieve our shared ambitions for our town and will work hard on your behalf. We look forward to many more fruitful discussions in the months and years ahead. With thanks,
Cllrs Adele Barnett-Ward, Richard Davies & Nusrat Sultan
Helping children Children have had much to deal with throughout the pandemic and that’s been reflected in the increasing number of children showing signs of anxiety and other mental health issues. Recent images of the war in Ukraine have added to many young people’s concerns and some schools are preparing to welcome Ukrainian refugees into their classrooms, children who will bring with them considerable trauma after being forced to flee their homeland. Barnardo’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity, has created a
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: news@rdg.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
website where teachers can get advice on supporting children and young people through trauma, grief, loss and bereavement. Although the Barnardo’s Education Community is aimed at teaching professionals from early years to university, many of the resources are also available to parents who want to know how to help their own children through difficult times. That might be the separation or divorce of parents, exam stress, staying safe online or making memories to remember a family member who has died. There are general tips on talking about war and conflict, or fears exacerbated by the pandemic, such as family poverty. Effective ways of tackling difficult subjects with children with autism or other additional needs are also to be found on the website. The Barnardo’s Education Community recognises that teaching professionals are facing significant challenges themselves, so the website also includes resources to promote staff wellbeing. Educators can network to share ideas and there are podcasts and monthly training sessions on subjects such as the effect of trauma on health and the approach to death and mourning in different cultures. The Barnardo’s Education Community is a completely free resource and can be found at https://www.educatorsbarnardos.org.uk/. Whether you are a teaching professional or a parent we hope you will find it a source of advice and support
Volunteer corner
Ways you can help make Reading better n Berkshire Family History Society was founded in 1975 and works to meet the needs of those researching their ancestry across the UK and overseas! They are currently looking for a volunteer with plenty of skills in IT to be a Video Editor for their content. The work would suit a retiree with home video editing experience and a suitably powered computer. The volunteers’ role would be to edit out any unwanted sections and tidy the start and end of their recorded online events, and render the content in a format suitable for web streaming!
n The Reading Borough Council are looking for an Over 50s Club Helper in South Reading! The club is open Wednesday mornings and the role will involve: preparing the room, helping to put out chairs and tables, setting up tea and coffee service, helping to serve food and snacks, welcoming clients and generally helping to make the club run smoothly. There is a requirement to be physically active in this role as there is some tidying and setting up involved. No previous
From the Chamber
Cllr Jason Brock
during these difficult times.
Samara Barnes National Programme Manager Barnardo’s Education Community
Supporting foodbanks The cost of living is skyrocketing, and more people than ever now seek emergency food parcels. Pressure is mounting on the 2000 UK foodbanks, with unprecedented demand. But imagine a foodbank with 1000 tins of baked beans but no toilet rolls! Often food banks are inundated with one item but have very little of another and asking donors for specific items is challenging - the situation has usually changed by the time the message has spread. To help change this, BanktheFood is a new charity set up to help foodbanks get what they need, exactly when they need it. Readers can help make a difference by downloading the BanktheFood charity app and following their nearest food bank. The app will then ping their phone a real-time list of urgently needed items when they are at the supermarket, making it easy to add an item or two to their shopping and leave it at the dropoff point when they have finished. The app is free to download and use, and all foodbanks can register. It’s a simple way to make a huge difference.
Emma Spring, cofounder and volunteer at BanktheFood
experience is required, just a willingness to help and a friendly approach.
Reading Voluntary Action
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 18, 2022
n Thrive is an organisation that uses gardening to bring about positive changes in the lives of people living with disabilities or ill health, or who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. Right now they are looking for a bright and enthusiastic volunteer to support their fundraising team by taking on some of the administrative responsibilities. Skills required for this role would be computer literacy, general problem solving, being able to work on their own initiative and a pleasant telephone manner! 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 01189 372 273
Ready to hit the ground running
N
EXT Wednesday, 25th May, is Reading Borough Council’s AGM. This is the meeting at which committee memberships are formally appointed and Lead Councillors take up their positions.
Ordinarily, we’d also appoint the Mayor for the forthcoming year, but this time Cllr Rachel Eden will be continuing in post for a further year to complete an 18-month stint owing to the disruption of the pandemic. On a day-to-day basis, it’s the Lead Councillor team that most residents will hear from, especially in the media, as we drive forward our plans and policies. I’m absolutely delighted, then, to have such a strong team on the frontbench. A reshuffling of portfolio responsibilities means that there are new titles and new remits. Cllr John Ennis will be continuing in the Adult Social Care portfolio, while Cllr Graeme Hoskin will pick up the Children brief, and Cllr Ruth McEwan is taking on Education and Public Health. Collectively, they will be responsible for services that very directly affect people’s lives. They’re also all services where the underfunding of local councils by Government has generated considerable pressures, but we remain committed to making Reading a great place to grow up and grow old, so Labour is looking to be innovative in the face of challenges. Across these areas, the effects of the pandemic will be felt for some time, and it is imperative that we work to ensure that we can best support people as we move into a period of recovery. Leisure and Culture will fall under Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, an especially exciting area as we look forward to the opening of new swimming pools and leisure centres as well as a major investment programme in playgrounds. Housing remains with Cllr Ellie Emberson, who continues to push on with our delivery of over 300 new Council homes over the next four years as well as our plans to drive up standards in the private rented sector. Cllr Karen Rowland, meanwhile, will be picking up the Environmental Services and Community Safety remit, which covers bin collections, road resurfacing, street cleaning and park maintenance, and liaison with the Police. These three portfolios are all services very much in the public eye, and we’ll work hard to address the everyday frustrations residents have told us about alongside bringing forward new plans to enhance communities and neighbourhoods right across Reading. Coordinating responsibility for Climate Strategy and Transport will fall under Cllr Tony Page, who also remains Deputy Leader of the Council. Clearly, tackling the climate crisis is a thread woven throughout everything the Council does, and Tony has been a key figure in taking Reading to national leadership and international recognition in this area. New to the frontbench is Cllr Micky Leng, who is picking up the Planning and Assets portfolio and will be overseeing the ongoing refinement of our planning policy framework as well as the way in which we can best use the Council’s estate to deliver both our services and support our community partners. Finally, Cllr Liz Terry is moving to the Corporate Services and Resources brief where she will be tasked with driving our emerging work to tackle economic inequalities in the town – a vital area if we are to ensure that everyone can share in Reading’s success. I’m really looking forward to working with these nine incredibly talented and dedicated individuals to deliver for residents right across our town. They’re all genuine champions of Reading and its communities and, with so many exciting plans to progress, we’ll all be incredibly busy too – but doing our bit to improve the lives of residents is what we’re here for, and I know everyone is brimming with energy to hit the ground running.
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never sing Charity that helps rehabilitate men You’ll alone in Charvil with addictions receives grant
By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today
A CHARITY that helps people move on from addiction is the latest charity to receive a £1,000 grant from a Readingbased charitable foundation.
Hope and Vision Communities provides specialist supported accommodation for people leaving treatment for addictions. The charity, launched during the pandemic, leases a number of properties across the greater Reading area for this purposes. The money, donated by the John Sykes Foundation, will be used to buy a year’s supply of drug testing kits. To present the award, John Sykes, founder and chair of the foundation, visited Hope and Vision’s Tony Attwood. “I created Reading based Hope and Vision Communities in 2020 with the help of the judge who jailed me,” he said. “We have a unique understanding of what it takes to break the cycle of addiction and re-offending that harms towns like Reading. “Spending 15 years in and out of prison was a cycle I never thought I’d escape from but, in 2018, I was given the chance to turn my life around. “Now, I want to help other people do the same.”
GRANT: John Sykes presents a cheque to Hope and Vision Communities The charity works with men who are leaving drug/alcohol rehabilitation, providing them with somewhere safe to live with a loving and encouraging family community. “You often can’t afford to live alone and need to share a home with like-minded people who don’t risk your sobriety,” Mr Attwood explained. “If your home isn’t a safe place to live, you can relapse, which often leads to reoffending and returning to jail. The men we help have left
multiple occupancy treatment centres to move into our familysized homes we rent for them in the Reading area. “Each new property we take on is renovated by the men already in the programme there’s a real camaraderie between our residents.” He continued: “We do not set an end date on how long men can stay with us, they stay as long as they need to. “We provide the items needed for basic living – white and electrical goods, curtains,
Ahead of Royal Berkshire Hospital’s future, residents get a chance to AS THE future of the Royal Berkshire Hospital is discussed, an online meeting last week gave people to look back at its past, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter. The hospital was opened in 1879, and its main building was designed in Greek Classical style, was modelled after the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. It is now a Grade II listed building. It was designed by Henry Briant, who was later responsible for designing homes in Eldon Square and went on to become a vicar. Work continued under architect Joseph Morris, who built his home opposite the hospital in Craven Road. Under his eye, there were extensions to the site in 1883, comprising a chapel, a library and additional wards. Then, between 1908 and 1909, Charles Smith and his son Charles Steward Smith expanded the hospital further, adding the King Edward VI Memorial Ward, now used as the oncology ward. More modern additions were built in the 20th and 21st centuries, including the X Ray Department, Maternity Ward and the A&E Department. Details of the original building’s history were given in a presentation Richard Havelock, from the Royal Berkshire Medical Museum.
sofas, beds, and bedroom furniture. “If the house feels like a home it preserves the men’s self-worth and self-efficacy.” The charity’s support includes self-help groups, peer support, home groups, and weekly key worker meetings. They also ask their residents to play an active part in their recovery by attending 12step groups, support worker meetings, and to be tested weekly for drug/alcohol use to ensure that there has been no
relapse. So far, seven men have been helped, and a further four will be supported in the imminent future. John Sykes said that his Foundation was delighted to support Hope and Vision Communities with a Covid-19 Relief Fund Grant. “Ultimately, every person needs hope,” he said. “Reducing the stigma associated with drug and alcohol use is critical and begins with the understanding that those who suffer from addiction are often victims themselves of significant trauma. “They deserve inclusive services that address trauma, give support with housing, provide the right medical assistance, and make training and employment accessible. “Tony has turned his life around, and I have an enormous amount of admiration for him. I have no doubt that his vision and passion will ensure Hope and Vision’s longevity.” n For more information on Hope and Vision Communities, visit: www.hopeandvision.org.uk. n Charities and organisations who would like to know more about the John Sykes Foundation, or to apply for a grants, can visit: www.johnsykesfoundation.org
A SINGING evening for female voices will take place in Charvil this Saturday. Suzanne Newman, who runs a number of choral groups for women, is organising the event which will feature songs from Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals. The programme includes pieces from The Sound of Music, Oklahoma and The King and I. The session runs from 7pm to 9pm on Saturday, May 21, at Charvil Village Hall. Places cost £10, and include a copy of the music. n For more details, call Ms Newman on: 0118 934 0589, or email: suzanneynewman@ btinternet.com
Garden with a view READING International Solidarity Centre is opening its rooftop garden to visitors. More than 180 species of plants have been cultivated in a space of just 200 square metres. It features a selection plants with practical uses, such as medicine, dyes, perfumes, and food. RISC is also hosting a heritage trail in September. The garden is open for visitors on Saturday, May 21, from noon-4pm. Entrance is £3.50, access behind RISC, 35-39 London Street.
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Joseph Morris, the architect who extended the Royal Berkshire Hospital in 1883, helping to make the Chapel and various other additions, next to the house he built for himself at 3 Craven Road. Picture: Royal Berkshire Medical Museum Mr Havelock said: “I’m delighted that the hospital hierarchy share my and our museum’s concerns with preserving the old buildings as far as can be done and putting them to use which is most appropriate.” During the session, Ed McGeehin, a member of the Trust, said that the main building cannot be used for modern healthcare in the future. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is currently engaging in Building Berkshire Together, to help devise the longterm future. This could include a full or partial redevelopment on its current site, or relocation to, for example, South Reading or into Wokingham borough’s Thames Valley Science Park. On site redevelopment was estimated to cost £700-£950
million, whereas relocation would cost £1.2 billion. Attendees of the meeting debated which of the three options would be better. Sunila Lobo said: “If you have a Grade II listed building there’ll be so many requirements to meet, it would make it expensive just, for instance, to put solar panels on that wonderful historic front of the hospital. “I’m sure then you’ll have to ask permission, there’ll be lost more delays.” Ali Foster, programme director of Building Berkshire Together, acknowledged that there were pros and cons to staying or relocating, as well as people having ‘anxieties’ about health services in two places. n For more, log on to: buildingberkshiretogether.co.uk
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32 | BUSINESS
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Newbury Building Society scoops national award
Country hotel up for sale ANYONE looking to own the 19th hole now has the chance as a popular country hotel and golf club is on the market. Set within 250 acres, the Donnington Grove Hotel & Golf Club, boasts an 18-hole championship golf course, a driving range and landscaped grounds. The main manor house comprises 52,000 sq ft of space, has 40 en-suite guest bedrooms, restaurant and bar facilities and four meeting rooms. There is a lapsed planning consent for an additional 26 bedrooms. The home dates back to 1763, and has links to Winston Churchill. It also has a nod to previous Japanese investors, in the form of a Japanese temple and gardens. Aside from the beautiful setting, the hotel provides access to several attractions such as Donnington Castle and the home of Downton Abbey - Highclere Castle, as well as Newbury Racecourse. Max Davies, Donnington Grove’s chairman, said: “Since we acquired the hotel and golf course in 2005, we have substantially invested and improved the asset for the members and its customers. “After 17 years of ownership, iit is
The Newbury Building Society team celebrate their award
By Phil Creighton news@wokingham.today now the right time for a new owner to come in and realise the fantastic potential which lies within this property and take it to the next level. “We look forward to seeing how the next chapter evolves on this fantastic asset.” The property is being marketed for offers in excess of £10 million by Knight Frank, which has offices in Reading. The Henry Jackson, the firm’s head of hotel agency, said: “Donnington Grove provides a blank canvas for an incoming purchaser to develop a prime country house hotel. “With its attractive approach, mature grounds and lakes it has considerable potential to develop further. “Opportunities such as these so close to London with such a substantial acreage are rare and we look forward to bringing the hotel to the market.
A THAMES VALLEY-based building society is celebrating after winning an award for its mortgage services for the third year in a row. Newbury Building Society, which has a branch on Broad Street in Wokingham, scooped the title of Best Specialist Mortgage Provider at the 2022 British Bank Awards in central London earlier this month. The Society was also shortlisted for Best Building Society, which they won in 2021, and Best Savings Provider. Now in their eighth year, the British Bank Awards are run by independent financial sector review platform, Smart Money People. The purpose of the awards is to find the best products, most exciting innovations, and crown the most trusted financial brands. All the awards are voted for by customers and this year more than 81,000 financial services customers took part in the voting. Phillippa Cardno, Newbury’s Chief Executive, said the company was
thrilled to win again “It is testament to the incredible service our teams provide day in, day out, and our tailored approach to mortgage underwriting, where we treat every customer and every application individually,” he said. “We would like to thank our members for demonstrating their support of the Society in this way.” Jacqueline Dewey, CEO of Smart Money People, said: “With the awards 100% voted for by consumers and no
judging panel, the British Bank Awards truly reflect the best of the UK banking industry, and the commitment and engagement these organisations have from their customers. “This year our winners range from the newest firms in the market to well-established household names, illustrating the breadth and depth of the UK’s financial services market across many sectors. Both the finalists and the winners of the awards this year should be proud of their achievements.”
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GREAT LITTLE TRAINS of North Wales & Portmeirion
GreatLittleTrainsofNorthWales&Portmeirion_F.pdf
Reader travel
LLANDUDNO AT LEISURE & Stunning Snowdonia
LlandudnoatLeisure&StunningSnowdonia_F.pdf
Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22
Departing Mon 5 Sep ‘22
Your break includes
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion
Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Marine Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Betws-y-Coed, Trefriw Woollen Mills & Conwy
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60
334
Optional excursions to Llanberis & Caernarfon (£12pp) and Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris & Bangor (£12pp)
334
5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £100
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit us online at
justgoholidays.com/WPR
033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
justgohols JGTravelGroup
MEETING: Malaysian Prime Minister Dato Sri Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob with Wokingham businessman Simon Suresh
OMalaysia founder attends Eid celebration Malay prime minister A WOKINGHAM-based businessman received one of the highest accolades possible - a meeting with his home country’s prime minister. Simon Suresh, who runs Malaysian food company OMalaysia, along with a second online company, Halal Street, last week attended a special reception for 200 Malaysians living in the UK. Held in Londo, he met YAB Dato Sri Ismail Sabri Bin Yaakob Malaysian Prime Minister.
The Hari Raya Celebration Ceremony was held at the Dorchester Hotel, London, and at it, Mr Suresh was able to share the work that OMalaysia was doing to promote Malaysian products over here. “Building the Malaysia brand in the UK has been a long-time vision for me and I am delighted that OMalaysia is able to bring more of Malaysia to the UK,” Mr Suresh said. The evening was attended
by members of the diplomatic corps and representatives of British Malaysian Associations, who were joined by government departments and agencies, local businesses, schools and universities. Malaysia’s unique culinary heritage was also celebrated by the event with an authentic menu including satay, rendang and sirap bandung. The evening was rounded off with Malaysian Teh tarik, a hot milk tea.
Wednesday, May 18, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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Rotary Club hails success of fundraising art exhibition
NORTHUMBERLAND
NorthumberlandHadriansWallHolyIsland&AlnwickCastle_D.pdf
Departing Sun 17 Jul ‘22 Join us to explore the best Northumberland has to offer. The rugged scenery and seascapes of this lovely region with its ancient castles, vast sandy beaches and rolling moorland are not only spectacular but some of the most unspoilt of coastal Britain.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Jurys Inn, Newcastle Gateshead Quays with dinner & breakfast Guided tour of Hadrian’s Wall Excursions to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, Alnwick Castle, Hadrian’s Wall & Chesters Fort Optional excursion to Durham (£12pp)
5 Days by Coach
only £354
Dr Christina Hill-Williams opening the Pangbourne Rotary Club art show
Proposal to build 35 homes on field close to Caversham’s Highdown Avenue revealed
A PRE-development application has been lodged to build 35 homes on a field close to Caversham, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter. Real Capital Developments want to create the development at land off Highdown Avenue. Although the site is in what many would consider to be Caversham, it is over the border and the application will be determined by South Oxfordshire council. There would be 13 threebed homes, plus 11 two-bed, six four-bed homes and five apartments. Fourteen homes would be affordable – 40% of the development. And the homes would be a mixture of one, one-and-a-half and two-stories. All five one-bed apartments would be in a twostorey building. The access road would be through Highdown Avenue. Accompanying the request, are photos that appear to show the field is not in regular use. There are abandoned shacks on the edges, and an existing paddock for equestrian activities in the centre of the site. The application is number 220630 on Reading Borough Council’s planning portal. Because the plan is in a preapplication stage, it is not yet visible on the South Oxfordshire District Council planning portal, its reference is P22/S1388/PEJ.
Reader travel Holy Island & Alnwick Castle
ARTISTS showcased these works at one of the most successful exhibitions in recent years, according to its organisers.
Held earlier this month, Pangbourne Rotary Club said that more than 300 people attended the annual art showcase. There were 280 pieces created by 40 artists. Of these, 44 were sold for nearly £5,000. A commission taken by the club means that its charitable fund has grown by nearly £2,000. Organiser Clive Williams said: “The exhibition exceeded expectations and was one of our most successful shows in recent years. “Thanks to the public for their generosity in these difficult times and to the artists for their creativity and hard work. “The principal beneficiary this year is New Beginnings, who support the needy and homeless in Reading.” He added that he wanted to thank Dr Christina Hill-Williams for opening the event, Green Parlour Florists for sponsoring the preview and to the 20 Club members who volunteered their time over the four days of the event. Pangbourne Rotary Club welcomes new members. For details, email: membership@pangbournerotary.org.uk
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A letter by planning agents GL Hearn Ltd on behalf of the developer states: “We are submitting this request to secure South Oxfordshire District Council’s pre-application advice in regard to the preliminary proposals we have developed for the site. “In this way we can review any technical or design advice the council may consider relevant to the development of this site, in finalising our proposed submission for planning. “In particular we would welcome your feedback on the documents and drawings that would be required as part of an outline planning application for the site.” The site falls just west of the old Reading Golf Course, where 223 homes are set to be built after Reading Borough Council’s planning committee approved the scheme in March. The applicants for that development, Fairfax Ltd and Reading Golf Club, also have an extant appeal against the committee’s refusal of its previous plan for 257 homes. The appeal can be found on the Government’s planning inspectorate website, reference APP/E0345/W/22/3291615. The application is also close to The Piggeries, where plan to build two five-bedroom homes has been opposed by Reading East MP Matt Rodda.
Prizes on offer at the Bracknell Together Walk this Sunday, from South Hill Park
IN THE COMMUNITY
A CALL has been made to join this year’s Bracknell Together Walk, which takes place on Sunday from South Hill Park - and there are £1,000 worth of prizes to won. Organised by members of the Rotary Club of Easthampstead, there are two routes. The first is a three-mile stroll around South Hill Park along wellsigned and marshalled wheelchairfriendly paths or a five-mile alternative which dips into Swinley Forest. Participants receive a goody bag at the start, and a certificate at the finish. And they can have their face painted for free. This charity walk is supported by Duncan Yeardley Estate Agents, Grundon Waste Management, Peas and Carrots Caterers at South Hill Park, the Village Hotel Bracknell and Cala Homes. Thanks to them, more proceeds can go to the local charities you support. Walkers are families, voluntary groups and clubs who have fun, and fundraise for their chosen charity. The Bracknell Together Walk is suitable for all ages, and dogs are welcome too. Raise money for your favourite charity - every penny you raise goes to the charity of your choice - and you can boost your charity fundraising with the cash prizes. And any profits will go to our Rotary charities. Recently, it has focused on supporting our foodbanks and The Cowshed, who all provide help to local families facing hardship. You can start any time between
9am and noon. The Welcome Pack and Finishing Certificate await every walker, and hot and cold food and drinks are available all day. So banish those Covid blues, have some fun and raise muchneeded funds for your favourite charity or good cause in the Bracknell Together Walk. Entry is free for all accompanied children under 14. Save time on the day, register today via our event website: www. bracknelltogetherwalk.org And if you’re feeling more energetic, then why not join us on our Three Counties Cycle Ride on Sunday, June 12. Starting and finishing at Garth Hill College, there are three wellsigned and marshalled routes, 15, 33 or 54 miles through the Berkshire countryside, dipping into Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire on the longer routes. Log on to: https://3ccr.org/ for maps, photos and to reserve your start time. All for local charities. Internationally, Rotarians have been at the forefront in the vaccination of children against the crippling disease Polio. That infrastructure is now being used in the global fight against the Coronavirus. The registration fee is £5 per adult or £20 for a team of five or more adult, with no limit on the size of the group. New members to the Rotary Club are always welcome.
n For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526, or log on to: www. easthampsteadrotary.org
PETER VON BERGEN
Single Supplement £60
PEMBROKESHIRE
Tenby & Vale of Rheidol Railway PicturebookPembrokeshireTenby&theValeofRheidolRailway_D.pdf
Departing Thu 21 Jul ‘22 Renowned for its gorgeous coastline, green hills and purple-heather moors, the stunning scenery of south west Wales has plenty to see. With visits to ancient sites and a ride on a preserved narrow gauge railway, this is the perfect way to unwind in the country.
Your break includes Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Diplomat Hotel, Llanelli with dinner & breakfast Heritage train journey on the Vale of Rheidol Railway Excursions to Haverfordwest, St Davids, Aberystwyth & Tenby
5 Days by Coach
only £369
Single Supplement £100
Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
For more information, or to book, please call
03332 342 527 Quote WPR
or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.
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NEWS | 35
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Wednesday, May 18, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
A decade of culture in Caversham: Arts trail celebrates anniversary
Cathy Newell Price’s bespoke jewellery draws inspiration from nature
ON SHOW: Heley Ridley with some of her fruit-themed prints Pictures: Steve Smyth
Andrea White with some of her portraiture, though she also enjoys landscapes and still life
By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today
THE ERLEIGH Cantors present an evening of Sacred Music through the Centuries. Proceeds from the concert will go to Ukraine Aid and Earley St Peter’s Church, Earley. Ian Westley directs, with organ accompaniment, and solos by Paul Manley and Moly Skeil. The programme includes Parry’s I Was Glad, Handel’s Coronation Anthem, The King Shall Rejoice and music from Parsons, Philips, Buckner, Soler, Tavener and Stanford. The Cantors celebrated their 30th anniversary last year. To mark the event, composer and organist, Andrew Millington, was commissioned to write a piece, My Spirit Longeth For Thee, and this is also included in the programme. Maggie Nunn, singer with the choir, which has around 25 members, said: “There will be some well-known coronation music. “Parry’s coronation music, for example, which also offers some jolly exciting organ music accompaniment. “It’s always sacred music that we sing. “We usually visit cathedrals to perform twice a year, along with some charity concerts too. “Prior to covid, our events were making around £800 for charity. Hopefully, attendance will be good this year too.” The concert takes place on Saturday, at 7pm. Tickets cost a suggested donation £10, students £8, under 18’s free. Tickets bought in advance will assist with catering requirements, but can also be purchased on the door. n For details, or to book, call Ms Nunn on: 07946 620560 or email: maggie.nunn@btinternet.com
Rotaract seeks new blood
CAVERSHAM Arts Trail is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The festival is exhibiting more than 40 artists over two weekends, with creators from around the borough displaying their work. This year’s trail sees paintings, portraits, ceramics, still life, glasswork, woodwork, and jewellery on show across 14 venues. Chair of the Reading Guild of Artists Linda Saul’s work was exhibited, including some of her striking, industrial watercolours. She was joined by Donna Lloyd, who produces abstract visual designs from photogrpahs. Caroline Streatfield’s profile studies of people from around Reading was also among them, with some of her collection People of Oxford Road being exhibited. Reading illustrator Helen Ridley displayed some of her vintage-inspired artwork and is also hosting an immersive film illustration class. Attendees can take part in guided illustration of still images from Thelma and Louise using ink, watercolours, pastels, and collage. Sculptor Sue Mundy also displayed some of her collection of natural, textural clay pieces, combining sculpted and found elements. This year’s trail was in memory of Mary Phelan, who had displayed much of her visual artwork in the festival’s 10-year history, as well as providing generous exhibition space throughout. The Caverhsam Arts Trail continues this weekend. The Cult Film Art Class led by Helen Ridley takes place at the Biscuit Factory, Broad Street, on Wednesday, May 25, from 7-8pm.
Choral concert to help Ukraine
Caroline Streatfield with assorted studies, including pieces from her collection People of Oxford Roadh Linda Saul, front, with an example of her mixed media visual work, and Donna Lloyd with some of her abstracted photography works
Sue Mundy specialises in handsculptured ceramics which focus on texture as well as shape and form
READING Rotaract is looking for new members with an open day. It’s seeking community-minded, passionate people aged 18-30 to join local leaders in exchanging ideas and taking action to make change the local community. Members help to organise Rotary clubs in their area, managing funds, projects, and services, with support and guidance from sponsors. Reading Rotaract is holding an open event at the Allied Arms, St Mary’s Butts, on Saturday, May 25, from 7pm. n For more information, contact valsmrobinson@ outlook.com, or visit: www.readingrotaract.org
FRIDAY 20TH MAY - 7pm
‘’Dram Lovers’’ - Whisky Club A ‘club’ is just a name. We bring an open-minded, thirsty for knowledge and adventure-seeking Whisky lovers and guide them on their journey through our selection of interesting Whisky. At Chalk Restaurant the idea is to learn and discover new whisky at each of our tastings. Each whisky has a story behind it, to the flavours and the distillery. All these stories add up to the finished product, the product you are about to taste at each of our events. So, whether you’re a whisky fanatic or just beginning your own whisky journey, join us at Chalk to socialise and learn. Each tasting is hosted by our Whisky Ambassador, Andrea Dionori. Andrea’s extensive knowledge of some of the finest single malts, bourbons and blend
n For more information, including all of the artists and venues, visit: www.cavershamartstrail.co.uk
whiskies available will make for an educational and fun tasting evening.
Whisky Selection - Speyside Glentauchers 2010 - 9 Years Old Auchroisk 2009 - 10 Years Old Benriach 2008 - 10 Years Old Glenallachie - 12 Years Old Welcome Cocktail Whisky Tasting Finish off with a glencairn glass of your favourite dram
£27.95 per person
0118 979 8805 or email enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com
To book please call us direct on
Janina Maher produces greetings cards and mini prints from her extensive illustrated and mixed media pieces, and also binds bespoke book
us at
Sue Bridge’s paintings are vivid and lively, much like her eccentric and enchanting visual animations
www.chalkrestaurants.com Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU
36 | NEWS
Man could help police investigation
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Council responds to residents’ concerns over resurfacing works By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
THAMES Valley Police is releasing a CCTV image of a man officers would like to speak to as they may have vital information regarding an incident of burglary with intent to steal in Reading. The incident occurred between 12.30am and 12.40am on Friday, February 25, in Quadrant Court, Jubilee Square, Reading. The offender gained entry to the grounds by forcing entry and tried various car door handles before leaving. Case investigator Chris Birkitt, based at Reading police station, said: “We would like to appeal to anybody who recognises the man in this image to please get in touch as we believe they may have information in connection with this incident. “You can get in touch by either making a report online or by calling 101 quoting reference number 43220086100. “Alternatively, for 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
IT’S BEEN hailed as the biggest resurfacing programme ever undertaken by Reading Borough Council, but residents have expressed concerns that it’s one of the worst.
In February, the council announced that 281 residential roads would be treated over a four-month period as part of a £9 million programme to enhance road quality. It is the end of a three-year programme that has seen major roads and pavements also updated. The council has used a micro-asphalt process, which they said is quick to apply and causes less disruption. They said at the time that it was both cost-effective and a way of prolonging the life expectancy of the roads. But social media has been full of people complaining about the results, with sections left untouched, sewer coverings left exposed, and surfaces left with a gritty finish. The roads also have to be left for a few weeks to settle before yellow lines and parking bays can be repainted, meaning a free-for-all with residents leaving vehicles on corners of roads, or on both sides despite
BIG FINISH: Residents have been concerned about the quality of the road resurfacing works in Reading. Pictured is the finish in Amity Road, Newtown Pictures: Simon French the roads being too narrow for vehicles to pass. A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said that the micro asphalt surfacing solution is the correct material
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for this type of road, but the material does take time to settle and requires traffic to assist with the compaction. They added: “The roads are opened up to vehicles as soon
as the material was set to avoid inconvenience for residents, but may seem rough, gravelly and messy while the material settles down, which takes a couple of weeks, and will
improve further given time to settle and with traffic running on it. “After that we will close the road again to sweep the loose material, raise low iron works such as manholes, and paint road markings. “Only at that point will residents see the finished article and the benefit of our road improvement scheme for which this is one of 436 roads completed over three years.” They added: “Residents receive letters in advance of the works, alongside an infographic, explaining the process and pointing out that the initial work will be greatly enhanced by the finishing process. “The Council has also carried out an extensive ‘pre-patching’ programme in advance of the works to provide a structurally sound road base to overlay. This programme addressed all defects irrespective of their size. “All loose bitumen material will seal the bitumen and will fade to match the surrounding roads over time. “We will ensure that the contractor re-visits roads and should any defect require attention, they will deal with it as part of their remedial works.”
MP seeks views over making busy Caversham junction safer
RESIDENTS’ views are being sought over how to make a junction safer for pedestrians. Reading East MP Matt Rodda has launched a survey so people can share their feelings on junction by the Last Crumb pub in Caversham - where Prospect Street, Peppard Road, Henley Road and Westfield Road meet. The four-way junction is busy and there is no formal crossing for residents. Mr Rodda said he had launched his survey after residents contacted him. “I was knocking on doors near The Ridgeway, and we discovered quite a few riesdnets wanted an improved
pedestrian crossing for this area,” he told Reading Today. “And the councillors want it too.” As the junction is a busy route in and out of Caversham towards South Oxfordshire, traffic runs across the day, with each road filled with cars and lorries. Trying to find a solution that works for everyone is one of the reasons why Mr Rodda launched the survey. “We want to see what residents want,” he continued. “It’s quite an intimidating junction to cross, there is lots of traffic and it’s quite congested.” He said that Reading
Stone the roses, it’s movie time OUTDOOR cinema and a premovie live DJ music set come to Dinton Pastures Country Park, Hurst on Saturday. Fans of Manchester rock band, The Stone Roses, will be able to revisit the group’s 1980s heyday as they watch the 90 minute film Made Of Stone (15). Director Shane Meadows’ 2013 music documentary stars band members Ian Brown, John Squire, Gary mounfield and Alan Wrenwill. It covers the band’s 2011 reunion and tour after 15 years apart, and reflects on their
music history. Three hours of Indie party music from DJ Darren Thomas will be followed by the film. Food and drink may not be brought on site but will be available to buy. Local outlets Keanu’s Kitchen and Bears Burgers and Chicken will be serving food, with The Rollin’ Inn Mobile Bar providing a wide selection of drinks. Doors open at 6pm, with the film starting 30 minutes after sunset, and no later than 9.30pm.
Borough Council was sympathetic to finding a solution that residents will also approve. “The council has carried out a lot of road safety improvements in this area,” he said. “This is a very worthwhile issue to pick up on, lots of people have mentioned it to me.” The survey asks questions such as ‘Do you cross this junction as a pedestrian, a cyclist or as both?’ and ‘Do you feel safe while crossing the junction?’
n The survey can be filled in at: https://mattroddamp.com/ peppardjunction
Tickets cost £10, and are available to over 18s only. No seating is provided, so visitors are advised to bring seats or blankets, dress warmly, prepare for rain, and bring a torch. The event is weather dependent, and may be cancelled in the event of storms or high winds. Well-lit parking is available: four hours costs £6.60, blue badge holders and motorcycles park for free. Dogs, on leads, are welcomed. n Tickets are available from: Gocinemas.co.uk/events
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Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES READING BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 LICENSING ACT 2003 PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that I/We Grand Lux Nail Spa LTDISapplied ongiven 05/05/2022 to Reading LTD NOTICE HEREBY that 7P APERITIVO Borough in 2022 respect of the premises applied onCouncil 8th April to Reading Boroughknown Council as: Grand Lux Nail Spa of 11 Duke Street, Reading, inRG1 respect of the premises known as 7P APERITIVO 4SA LTD, a room within, 27, Rose Kiln Lane, Reading, RG2 For the grant of a Premises Licence certification for 0JZ the grant of a premises licence for the the for following: following: List of licensable Days Hours Sale ofactivities Alcohol, off the premises, Monday to
Wednesday 09:00hrsMONDAY to 20:00hrs, Thursday 09:00hrs 1. Sale by retail of - SUNDAY 09:30 – 19:00 to 21:30hrs, Alcohol Friday to Saturday 09:00hrs to 20:00hrs, and Sunday 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs. 2.
ALL WEEKS IN
09:30 – 22:00
DECEMBER – All representations made are open to public inspection. MONDAY TO SUNDAY Representations (which must relate to the Licensing Objectives) must be made by 6th May Under the provisions of Licensing Act 2022 2003 (Premises Certificates) Regulations 2005 Any personLicences wishing to view this application may do so the above Borough named person has for the GRANT at Reading Council byapplied prior arrangement of the premises licence orto club premises certificate. between the hours of 9am 5pm please ring 0118 937
3762 to make an appointment orapplication via email tomay do Any person wishing to view this licensing@reading.gov.uk so at Reading Borough Council by prior arrangement between the hours to of make 9am to 5pm please ring 0118 Any person wishing representation to this 937 3762 to make appointment or via to the application must do an so in writing within 28email days of licensing@reading.gov.uk. application, as detailed above to: Reading Borough Council, Licensing Section, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Any person wishing to make representation to this Reading, RG1must 2LU.do Nosowritten representations application in writing within 28 dayswill of the application, as detailed above to:the Reading have personal details removed unless licensing Borough Council, Section, Offices, authority deems itLicensing appropriate to do Civic so. Any request Bridge Street, Reading, 2LU. should be notified for personal details to beRG1 removed to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the No written representations will have personal details representation. removed unless the licensing authority deems it appropriate to do so. Any request for personal details to be removed should Dated: 20th April 2022be notified to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the representation.
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Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES READING BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 PUBLIC NOTICE
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NOTICE IS HEREBY given that 7P APERITIVO LTD applied on 8th April 2022 to Reading Borough Council in respect of the premises known as 7P APERITIVO LTD, a room within, 27, Rose Kiln Lane, Reading, RG2 0JZ for the grant of a premises licence for the following:
Spe cia l ra te s
Sale of Alcohol, off the premises, Monday to Wednesday 09:00hrs to 20:00hrs, Thursday 09:00hrs to 21:30hrs, Friday to Saturday 09:00hrs to 20:00hrs, and Sunday 09:00hrs to 17:00hrs.
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ACCOUNTANCY All representations made are open to public inspection. Representations (which must relate to the Licensing Objectives) must be made by 6th May 2022
Any person wishing to view this application may do so at Reading Borough Council by prior arrangement between the hours of 9am to 5pm please ring 0118 937 3762 to make an appointment or via email to licensing@reading.gov.uk Any person wishing to make representation to this application must do so in writing within 28 days of the application, as detailed above to: Reading Borough Council, Licensing Section, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. No written representations will have personal details removed unless the licensing authority deems it appropriate to do so. Any request for personal details to be removed should be notified to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the representation. Dated: 20th April 2022
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LIVEMUSIC
To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662 Reliant performing in Peach Place last summer Picture: Andrew Merritt
RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman
bitly/ rawsoundstoday
Split the Dealer – Dreamstate Split the Dealer is a fave at RaW Sounds.Today and he recently performed a headlining show at Reading’s Sub89. Here’s one of his excellent single releases. He’ll be at Wokingham Festival in August – https://linktr.ee/ splitthedealer
The Mezz – Yesterday You Said Tomorrow
O
The Mezz is a new indie four-piece band and this single is well worth a listen. They supported Split the Dealer at his Sub89 Reading show mentioned above – https://www. themezz.uk/
NE of our missions is to champion new music as well as local music and our two new entries this week showcase just that.
Reliant are regular entries in our playlist and they’re back with a new song ahead of their Wokingham Festival appearance this August. And Adomania are a new group that we reckon will go places. Listen to their debut single on our Spotify list and you’ll understand why. All songs in the RaW Sounds Today have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name). To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music. There’s 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.
Reliant – Heaven or Hell Here’s the new single from local favourite, Reliant, and it’s an exciting piece of powerful indie rock. Recorded at Generation Studio, it shows that the band are making a good progression and developing
Spriggan Mist – Remember the Day
Rocket Kings – Rendezvous
They just released their album, Isambard the Mechanical Dragon, and it’s their best yet. Following a successful appearance at HRH Prog, Spriggan Mist are back at Wokingham Festival in August – https:// www.sprigganmist.com/
This ukulele pop band are at Wokingham Festival in August and here’s a song with a very sing-along hook from their Everyday Adventures album. Check out the video on YouTube – https://www.facebook. com/rocketkings/
Adomania – Heavy Rain
Bex Ruth – Scratching my Head
It’s wonderful when you hear a debut single from a new young band and it grabs you straight away but, you aren’t quite sure why, so you have to listen to it over and over. That’s what happened when Ian from Beyond the Download suggested we give this a listen. It has a vibrant enthusiastic feel with great melodies. Well done Madeleine, Louie and Jacob – a good debut from a new Wokingham band. There’s potential here and we look forward to seeing that potential develop – https://www. facebook.com/AdomaniaBand
Bex is a singer-songwriter from London who creates electronic soundscapes overlayed with soulful vocals. She visited Reading to perform at the Loddfest Takeover Show at the Purple Turtle last weekend. See her at Loddfest in September – https:// linktr.ee/bexruth
In Albion – Burning the Candle at Both Ends
well following their previous releases and their live shows in the local area and beyond. They will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August on the Wokingham Music Club stage, so will that be heaven or hell? Definitely the former, that’s for sure – https://www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant
OSP – When? OSP stands for Only Speak Positive, and they are a four0piece from Reading looking to deliver a powerful message of tolerance and respect. They will be at Readipop on Sunday, July 10 – https:// www.facebook.com/ospmusicuk
An exciting up-and-coming theatrical prog band who will also be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August. Have a listen to this and their previous single, Earth – https://allmylinks.com/inalbionband
Phantom Booth – The World Outside My Door
Here’s a wonderful single from a new band based in Reading and London who were on the lineup at the recent Reading Rising event at The Facebar – https:// linktr.ee/phantombooth
GIG GUIDE
Thursday, May 19
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Pippa and the Players. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, May 20
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Sleep Room with George Alfie Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sugar and Sax, plus I Got Soul: Mix A Lot.. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Chris Batchelor’s Zoetic. Details: 01344 484123. READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.Tim Kay Band. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. HeavyPop presents Red Snapper with Cities In Dust and The Push DJ. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING - The Spread Eagle, Norfolk Road, RG30 2EG. Jukebox Junction. Details: 0118 957 4507. READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. London Calling and The Ramonas. Details: 0118 959 5395. WHISTLEY GREEN - The Elephant and Castle, Lodge Road RG10 0EH. Abi Powell. Details: 0118 934 0886. WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club
presents Patti Boulaye’s Aretha and Me. 7.30pm. £20. Details: www.wokinghammusicclub. co.uk YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Je’Zell. Details: 01252 872105.
Saturday, May 21
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Solcura, Fuzz Pills, Static Fires. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. These Certain People. Details: 01344 303333. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. The Lee Aaron Band. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco. CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road. The Skavengers. Details: www.cpva.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Never Was. Details: 01344 772161. PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Bare Jams. Details: 0118 969 98978. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Syn City Rockers. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING - Cafe Iguana, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2LN. 2 Step Jam part 2. Details: 07748 257310. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Bob Marley Tribute. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Church of Madness v DJs Cinderlox and Omega. Details: 0118 956 8188.
READING – The Foresters Arms, Brunswick Street RG1 6NY. Soul Brothers. Details: 0118 304 3648. READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Madison Heights soul and motown band. Details: 0118 968 1442. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Damien A Passmore/ Tom Webber/ Uncle Peanut. Details: 0118 986 6788. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Jason Stretch. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING - South Street. Heavy Pop presents FEET. Details: 0118 960 6060. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop presents FEET. church of Madness vs DJS Cinderlox and Omega. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 957 6930. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 977 0918. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Memories of Wokingham featuring Jamie Trick, Nicole Allan and Dezzie. Starts at 2pm Tickets £5. Details: 0118 979 7402. YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. JJ & The Dukes. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, May 22
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Tamsin Quin, Phil Cooper, Jamie R Hawkins.
Details: 01344 484123. READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Dave Ellis and Boo Howard. 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. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. The Wind Down acoustic showcase: Lee Switzer-Woolf, Graeth James, Nicole Allen. Details: 0118 958 6048. SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. The Magic of the Beatles. Details: 0118 969 8000.
Monday, May 23
STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Art Themen’s Blue Notes. Details: 01491 681048.
Tuesday, May 24
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesdays. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING - Mojos, Reading University Students Union, Whiteknights Campus. BBC Introducing live. Free entry. Details: Search Eventbrite for BBC Introducing Live tickets READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Everything Everything. Details: 0118 959 5395. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Ayce Abana. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Thursday, May 26
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The
HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Filthy Llamas. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300. READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Heavy Pop: Coach Party, Sister Lucy, Elucidate. Details: 0118 956 8188. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango Presents Amapiano. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Open mic night. Details: 0118 958 6048. WOODLEY – La’De Kitchen, Crockhamwell Road RG5 3JP. Buzuki Serkan and Cem. Details: 0118 969 2047.
Friday, May 27
BEENHAM - The Six Bells, The Green RG7 5NX. Mash, Nash and the Band. Details: 0118 971 3368. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Originals. Details: 01344 303333. CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Piston Broke. Details: 0118 934 0700. READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hard Times. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. AJ’s Calypso Tent: Remembering Dave Batson: G-String, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Brown Sugar, Rev B, Dame Polly, Music Man, DeeBine, King Clivas, Super Trini Vives, AJ’s All-Stars, The Kaiso Gems and more. Details: 0118 402 7800. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Housebase. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba,
Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Jason Stretch. Details: 0118 926 5804. READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930. RISELEY – The Bull at Riseley, Basingstoke Road RG7 1QL. The TR5s. Details: 0118 343 0565. WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G Band. Details: 0118 977 3706. YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105. YATELEY - The Royal Oak, Reading Road GU46 7UG. Anna Nightingale. Details: 01252 872459.
Saturday, May 28
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Recycler Rock n Roll Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL - The Running Horse, London Road RG12 2UJ. Full Flavour Band. Details: 01344 425215. BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. From The Ashes. Details: 01344 422622. BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Broken Bones. Details: 01344 457318. BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Details: 01344 484123. BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultra 90s. CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness Duo. Details: 01344 530615.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Daughter of the Water. Details: 0118 959 5500. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Delights. The Scarlet Vixens present Summerween. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.Details: 01344 303333. READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Brick Top. Details: 0118 926 5804. WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Festival Garden live music: The Rollin Stoned. 5.30pm onwards. £11. Details: 0118 979 7402. WOODLEY - Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood: Karen Sharp and the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. DJ Night. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, May 29
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Theme night: Body Count. Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. The Anniversary and Birthday of Rex. 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. Stars of British Jazz. Details: 0118 969 8000.
26 | LEISURE
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WHAT’SON Exhibitions
READING - Berkshire Record Office, Coley Avenue RG1 6AF. Happy and Glorious, An Exhibition to Celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. From Thurs, May 26 to August 26. Tues-Tues 9am-5pm, Fri 9am-4.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5132. READING – Edith Morley building, University of Reading Whiteknights Campus RG6 6AA. The Ure Museum presents: Discover Etruscan pottery. Tuesdays to Thursdays. 9am-4.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 378 6990. READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Reading Museum presents Collected: 150 Years of Reading FC. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm (Sat 5pm). Free, suggested donation of £5. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING – 571 Oxford Road Gallery RG30 1EG. Artists For Ukraine Exhibition. Until June 30. 11am5pm, Tues-Sun. Details: artistsforukraine.org
Films at Reading Biscuit Factory
READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (15). Thurs. Downton Abbey: A New Era (PG). Thurs. The Northman (15). Thurs. Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness (12a). Thurs. Firestarter (15). Thurs. Royal Ballet 2021/22: Swan Lake. Thurs. Everything Everywhere All At Once. Fri-Thurs. Keep It Cult: They Live (15). Fri. Keep It Cult: Do The Right Thing (15). Mon, Fri 27. RFT Presents: Here Before (15). Wed. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Fri 27-Sun 29. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk
Thursday, May 19
ONLINE. Wokingham Borough Libraries present Women In Art: new Kids of the Block, a talk by Chris Holley. Free. 2pm-3pm. To book a place, email libraries@wokingham. gov.uk EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Rhyme and Song for under fives. Free. Details: 0118 937 3894. SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers
Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. Treasure Hunt Judging. 7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk.
Friday, May 20
CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. Plants, jams, chutneys, books, tools and more. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org FINCHAMPSTEAD – Library, FBC Centre RG40 4ES. Storytime for up to 4 years. Free, booking essential. 10.30am-11am. Details: 0118 908 8176. READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Platinum Jubilee Bunting creation. 12.45pm-4.45pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. DiddiDance session for ages 2-5, part of Reading Children’s Festival. 10am. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 931 2111. READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Comedy Night: Mike Simmons, Jos Railf, Calum Ross and Carl Richards. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 959 7196. READING – Brewdog Reading, Castle Street RG1 7SB. Mad Monkey Improv comedy. £5 in advance. TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Music Club presents Patti Boulaye’s Aretha and Me. 7.30pm. £20. Details:www. wokinghammusicclub.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE
Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, May 21
ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: cavershamartstrail.co.uk/ CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. Plants, jams, chutneys, books, tools and more. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com EARLEY – Earley St Peter’s Church, Church Road RG6 1EY. Erleigh Cantors concert: Sacred Music Through the Centuries. 7pm. £10, £8 students, under 18s free. In aid of DEC Ukranian emergency appeal. Details: maggie. nunn@btinternet.com FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential. HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Outdoor cinema and indie party, street food, bar and DJ. £10. Screening of Made of Stone. Details: Gocinemas.co.uk/events READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Create a Platinum Jubilee Stamp. Free entry, drop-in when library is open. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Bar 77 (The Outlook), Kings Road RG1 3BJ. Reading’s Got Drag talent show. 8pm. £7 in advance, £10 on door. Details: eventsiota@ gmail.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Reading Minster, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2XH. Reading Symphony Orchestra Children’s Concert. 3pm. £7.50, under 18s free. Details: www.rso. org.uk READING - Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Sidmouth Street RG1 4QZ. Open doors coffee and tea for Ukrainians newly arrived in the UK and their sponsors. 3pm-5pm. Details: https://www. rucc.uk/ TILEHURST - Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN.
Triangle Players present A Prescription for Murder. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www. triangleplayers.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Library, Denmark Street RG40 2BB. Towards The Arc, a creative workshop by sculptor Nicola Anthony. 9.30am-11.30am, or 12.30pm-2.30pm. Booking essential. Details: 0118 978 1368. WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Horticultural Association Trading Store, Ormonde Road, RG41 2RB. Spring Flower Show 1.45-3.30pm. Details www.w-h-a.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, May 22
ACROSS CAVERSHAM and EMMER GREEN. Caversham Arts Trail: 14 venues, 40 artists.Venues open 11am-5pm. Details: cavershamartstrail.co.uk/ CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Sunday Alternative: helping. Guest speaker Keegan Neave. 10.30am. Details: 0118 986 6788. WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Monday, May 23
ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table. 9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. . Details: gardenbringnbuy@ gmail.com WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Tuesday, May 24
CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. Plants, jams, chutneys, books, tools and more.
9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org. FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Create a Platinum Jubilee Stamp. Free entry, drop-in when library is open. Make a Unicorn craft session. 10am-11am. Free entry. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Berkshire Record Office. Online talk: The Queen and Berkshire. 11am-noon. Booking essential. Details: 0118 978 1368 or email: libraries@wokingham. gov.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting. org WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, May 25 CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. Plants, jams, chutneys, books, tools and more. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING - Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Sidmouth Street RG1 4QZ. Open doors coffee and tea for Ukrainians newly arrived in the UK and their sponsors. 11am-2pm. Details: www.rucc.uk READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Bumps and Babes for expectant parents and those with babies under 12 months. 1pm-2.30pm. Free. Details: 0118 931 2111. WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Under 1s messy play. Free. Details: 0118 937 3894. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk
Thursday, May 26
ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society presents More than Beer, Biscuits & Bulbs, Reading’s Other Industries, an online talk by Jo Alexander-Jones. 2pm. £5, £4 members. Booking essential. Details: berksfhs.org CAVERSHAM - Albert Road RG4 7AW. Plant bring n buy sale for Ukraine. 9am-5pm. Details: gardenbringnbuy@gmail. com EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Create a Platinum Jubilee Stamp. Free entry, drop-in when library is open. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Ranikhet Children’s Centre, Spey Road RG30 4ED. Farmyard Fun: groom donkeys, feed chickens, join in a story. For ages 18month to five years.. 10am-noon. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5221. READING – Thirsty Bear, Kings Road Rg1 3BY. Slice of Science presents: Climate CHange and Sustainability: what do we know and what can we do, with Giorgio Graffino and Carol Cafaro. 7.30pm. Free, donations welcome. Organised by Minerva - Associazione di Divulgazione Scientifica. Details: Search Facebook for Minerva SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org SOUTHCOTE – Children’s Centre, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Mini Soft Play Session: for under 4s. Free, booking essential. 1.30pm-2.30pm. Details: 0118 937 2535. TILEHURST - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, The Meadway RG30 4PE. Berkshire Family History Society presents annual branch meeting followed by history of Reading’s hospitals from 1837. £3 non-members. 7.45pm. Details: berksfhs.org/ WHITLEY – Children’s Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7QA. Rhyme and Song for under fives. Free. Details: 0118 937 3894. WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club. Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting. AGM and awards. 7.30pm. Details: www. webcc.org.uk WOKINGHAM - The Rose Inn, Market Place. First Days quiz night. Six players per team. 8pm. £10 per person. Details: www.firstdays.
READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 18, 2022 netWOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society: Nightmare Alley (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Friday, May 27
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Create a Platinum Jubilee Stamp. Free entry, drop-in when library is open. Details: 0118 937 5100. READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. DiddiDance session for ages 2-5, part of Reading Children’s Festival. 10am. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 931 2111. WOKINGHAM - WADE Day Centre, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Quiz night. Teams of 4-6, £10, includes light refreshments. Bring your own drinks. Booking essential. Details: www. wadecentre.org.uk or 0118 978 7025. WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat:. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122. WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, May 28
ACROSS EMMBROOK. Royal Ramble scarecrow display. Until June 5. 38 displays to explore. Buy map for £3 from Emmbrook Food and Wine, Emmbrook Post Office or the Co-op on Queen’s Road, Wokingham. EARLEY – Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club, Beech Lane, RG6 7PT. Open day. 11am to 4pm. Details www. maidenerleghbc.co.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD – Siren Craft Brew, marino Way. Brewery tour. 1pm2.30pm. Booking essential. PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. READING – Biscuit Factory, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Family life drawing session. For ages 6-12. £10 per adult and child. 10am-10.45am, 11am-11.45am. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – Palmer Park,
Wokingham Road. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Until June 5. Details: facebook.com/ beachsfunfair READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172. READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Guyatts Fair. Details: Facebook. com/GuyattsFunFair READING – Reading Museum, Blagrave Street RG1 1QH. Paint your own biscuits with Dr Ella Hawkins. 1pm or 2.30pm. £5, suitable for ages eight upwards, and adults. Booking essential. Bertie’s Brilliant Biscuit Design: create a new biscuit for display. £1. Details: 0118 937 3400. READING - Reading Ukrainian Community Centre, Sidmouth Street RG1 4QZ. Open doors coffee and tea for Ukrainians newly arrived in the UK and their sponsors. 3pm-5pm. Details: www.rucc.uk SHINFIELD - Leighton Park School RG2 7DE. Whiteknights Ensemble in concert: Mozart, Arrieu, Hallam, Poulenc, and Ankarblom. £10, under 18s £5. In aid of ReadiFood foodbank. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/ Whiteknights-Ensemble TWYFORD - URC Hall, Station Road. Quiz night. Teams of up to six. Bring drinks and snacks to share. Entry by donation. 7.30pm. Details: http://thru-christ.org.uk WINNERSH - St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Gratis choir: Victoriana. Includes a medley of Gilbert & Sullivan. Free entry, retiring collection. 7.30pm. Details: www.gratischoir.org.uk WOKINGHAM - Langborough Recreation Ground, Fairview Road. Children’s Fun Day. 10am-4pm. Free. WOKINGHAM - Baptist Church, Milton Road. St Sebastian Wokingham Band presents Jubilee Brass. 7.30pm. £10, £5 children. In aid of SHARE Wokingham. Details: 07724 073307. WOKINGHAM - Theatre, Twyford Road. Wokingham Lions Club comedy night: Matt Bragg, James Ellis & Joe Sutherland, David Ward. Over 18s only. £17 plus booking fee, in aid of Kimel Foundation. WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY - Oakwood Centre, Headley Road RG6 4JZ. Jazz at the Oakwood: Karen Sharp and the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org
No. 5414
Your weekly puzzle challenge
27
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Wednesday, May 18, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE
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Quiz Challenge
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1. An auk is a type of what?
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2. What is the mathematical term for an equal half of a globe?
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3. Actor Ryan Reynolds played the title role in which 2016 superhero film and its 2018 sequel?
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4. What is the opening phrase of the 23rd Psalm?
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5. The muscle called the gluteus maximus is where in the human body?
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NONAGRAM
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R A M
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1
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G E
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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
MAGIC SQUARE
OVERDONE MEANDERS
A G I
How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found. Guidelines: 23 Good; 28 Very Good; 32 Excellent.
Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).
Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.
7
7. Which future prime minister fought against the Dervishes at Omdurman in 1898?
9
8. What is the meaning of the musical notation ‘ff’?
12
RK
HU
ER
NO
OS
MT
KE
AP
US
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
EK
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3 4 1 6 4 9 7 1 5 1 5 8 6 7 4 1 2
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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
SD
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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.
© Sirius Media Services Ltd
5 8
Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com
DOWN 1. Not in favour of the caper being curtailed (4) 2. The French, between two ducks, find a fatty substance (4) 3. Strikes the fishing vessels (6) 4. Queue, say, and be patient in the country (6) 5. Who cares, for example, about such a question? (10) 6. Burden placed on Frenchman in one place (10) 10. Cute fringe rearranged by rotating machine (10) 11. Road sign one might expect Conservatives to obey (2,4,4) 15. In the cab I remembered the old vessel (6) 16. To tear round or spin (6) 18. Charged particles one’s holding on (4) 19. Between black and white it is unidentifiable (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD 1
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30 9 3 7 8 6 5 2 1 4
8 2 4 1 5 9 7 6 3
5 7 6 4 3 8 1 9 2
3 9 1 6 7 2 4 5 8
7 1 2 9 8 3 5 4 6
6 5 3 7 1 4 8 2 9
4 8 9 5 2 6 3 7 1
WORD PYRAMID: Love and marriage. EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; multiply; subtract; add. Total: 9.
SOLUTIONS
6
8
ACROSS 5. Sort of weather produced when the sun-god goes in? (4) 7. No talking before the operation? (3,2,5) 8. Catch sight of agent on the end of the line (4) 9. Destructive person I study is a commander at the end (10) 12. Views fishes (6) 13. Drop it badly when sluggish (6) 14. Quietly judge takes sailor to the sectional building (6) 16. About 100 on a greasy substance spring back in horror (6) 17. Breathtaking attack (10) 20. In France you repeatedly have a ballet skirt (4) 21. It is sent to satisfy one’s creditors (10) 22. Churchman, one in study (4)
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.
7 8 3 4 6 8 9 5 4 7 2 6
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EQUALISER 15 7 12 4 3 3 2 8 3 2 4 5
Hard
1 6 8 2 4 7 9 3 5
4 7 2 6
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FIVE ALIVE OA
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WORD PYRAMID
CJ
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10. Who sang the theme song for the 2021 James Bond film No Time to Die?
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 I through openings in the walls. The A first letter may appear in any chamber. E G
2
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9. Which stretch of water separates Cumbria from Dumfries and Galloway?
SUDOKU Easy
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 1
6. What is the nickname, taken from the colour of their shirts, of Coventry City FC?
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PZ1P5414
CROSS CODE 7
5414
27
29
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21. Lift with effort (5) ACROSS 1. Manner of 23. Length of time (6) speaking (8) 24. Maxim (5) 5. Jest (4) 28. Accumulate (5) 9. Tropical plant (7) 29. Cupidity (7) 10. Rental 30. Tangy (4) agreement (5) 31. Pennant (8) 11. Rolling hills (5) DOWN 13. Affectedly superior 1. Plunge (4) (inf.) (2-2-2) 2. Very slow 15. Relating to bees (5) (mus.) (5) 17. Fasten securely (4) 3. Austrian capital (6) 19. Stray (3) 4. Wander (4) 20. Revert to original (4) 6. Speech (7)
7. 8. 12. 13. 14. 16. 18. 21. 22. 25. 26. 27.
Lift (8) Uninfected (5) Rate (5) Immature creature (5) Large animal (8) --- Gershwin, lyricist (3) Pirate (7) Racing animal (5) Breathe out (6) Narcotic (5) Compass point (4) Dread (4)
QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Delivery; 5 Joke; 9 Verbena; 10 Lease; 11 Downs; 13 La-di-da; 15 Apian; 17 Lock; 19 Err; 20 Undo; 21 Heave; 23 Period; 24 Axiom; 28 Amass; 29 Avarice; 30 Tart; 31 Streamer. Down – 1 Dive; 2 Largo; 3 Vienna; 4 Roam; 6 Oration; 7 Elevator; 8 Clean; 12 Speed; 13 Larva; 14 Elephant; 16 Ira; 18 Corsair; 21 Horse; 22 Exhale; 25 Opium; 26 East; 27 Fear.
QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Bird; 2 Hemisphere; 3 Deadpool and Deadpool 2; 4 The Lord is my shepherd; 5 The buttocks; 6 The Sky Blues; 7 FIVE ALIVE: Winston Churchill; 8 Fortissimo (very loud); 9 The Solway Firth; 10 Billie Eilish. (1) Across – Carry; Osier; Punks. Down – Chomp; Reign; Yarns. CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 5 Rain; 7 Nil by mouth; 8 Espy; 9 Iconoclast; 12 Angles; (2) Across – Joked; Nooks; Asked. R W F U A L Q B N D H P T 13 Torpid; 14 Prefab; 16 Recoil; 17 Throttling; 20 Tutu; 21 Down – Junta; Knock; Dosed. 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Remittance; 22 Dean. C K S Z G E I O V X M Y J Down – 1 Anti; 2 Oleo; 3 Smacks; 4 Kuwait; 5 Rhetorical; 6 NONAGRAM: aargh; agamid; agar; agma; amah; Imposition; 10 Centrifuge; 11 No left turn; 15 Bireme; 16 Rotate; amid; amir; aphid; aria; arid; damar; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 18 Ions; 19 Grey. more; oven; read; damp; dargah; dharma; diagram; ends. DIAPHRAGM; digraph; diram; dirham; drag; dram; drama; gamp; grad; gram; gramp; graph; haar; hair; haram; hard; harm; harp; maar; maid; paid; pair; para; paradigm; pard; pariah; pram; raga; raid; ramp; rapid.
28 | LIFE
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READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Mental Health and our Hearts Healthy heart tip
W
E know that each year in England, one in four people will experience some sort of mental health problem.
Create Balance Aim to balance your day-to-day demands with regular exercise, me-time and a good sleep routine to increase your resilience levels.
trends in our behaviour and the way we feel can help us to know when we may need to seek help or put something in place to support our mental health. Apps such as Formscore, Thought Diary or Daylio offer an easy way to track our wellbeing over time.
Ask for Help If we feel any of the signs and symptoms of a mental health problem, it is important to ask for help. You can speak with your GP or use a mental health charity support line such as Samaritans. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website:
How a plantbased diet can help you save money, improve your health and save the Nearly 27,000 in the South East sign up for planet UK’s biggest ever plastics investigation Long-term mental health problems can increase our risk of developing heart disease, which is one of the reasons why it is important that we look after our mental health by combating stress, maximising our ability to cope, and seeking support. Here are some tips to keep our mental health in check.
Use your Support Network
Having someone you can talk to about your mental health can help you to better deal with any problems you are experiencing. This could be a friend, family member, or mental health professional.
Check-In
Checking in with ourselves and noticing
https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/. n Or have a look
through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and
food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook/
T
A
CALL has been made for people to count their plastic waste in a bid to help the environment.
An estimated 27,000 people in the south east are taking part in The Big Plastic Count, and that total includes schools, MPs, community groups, businesses, families and individuals. Organised by Everyday Plastic and Greenpeace UK, the project was launched in the wake of learning that the UK produces more plastic waste per person than any other country in the world apart from the United States. The Big Plastic Count will reveal how much plastic packaging waste is leaving UK homes and what happens to it after we throw it away. This will provide a national snapshot of our plastic waste problem, filling a crucial evidence gap and showing the government and supermarkets that they must act to tackle the problem. Among the backers are Chris Packham, Joanna Lumley and Bonnie Wright. Mr Packham, a committed environmentalist, said: “The Big Plastic Count is such an exciting project. It will, for the first time, tell ordinary people what happens to their plastic waste after we throw it away, and we hope it will force the government to take action and address the plastic waste crisis.” Every participant will record the different types of plastic packaging waste they throw away, and submit their results. This will generate a national picture of our plastic waste, demonstrating the scale of the problem and putting even more pressure on the government to act. Chris Thorne, plastics campaigner
at Greenpeace UK, said: “We’re delighted that so many people across the South East signed up, making clear once again that the public is concerned about their plastic waste, and want to see genuine action from the government to turn the tide on our plastics crisis. “That means an immediate end to us dumping our waste on other countries like Turkey, and legally binding targets that actually tackle the plastic problem at source.”
And Mr Webb, from Everyday Plastic, said he counted all plastic waste he collected in 2017, which shocked him into creating The Big Plastic Count. “This really is a crucial moment in the struggle against the plastic problem. “We hope the results of The Big Plastic Count will persuade the government, supermarkets and big brands to take bold steps to tackle the plastic crisis once and for all, which
is extremely exciting, perhaps even revolutionary.” Greenpeace UK and Everyday Plastic will release the results of the survey as soon as they have been processed. Campaigners hope these results will push the UK government to reduce single-use plastic by 50% by 2025, ban all plastic waste exports and implement a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for recycling and reuse. n For more details, log on to: thebigplasticcount.com
HIS is National Vegetarian Week, aiming to increase the number of people who eschew chewing the fat, gristle and prime cuts of meat. It is thought that almost one in seven of us are veggie, vegan or pescetarianism, while 7% has tried a vegetarian diet in the past year. It’s thought that this number could rise to 23% of the population by 2023. With the rising popularity of plantbased diets, most restaurants offer multiple vegetarian options to appeal to this target audience. In light of this, TV home shopping retailer Thane UK says it is keen to encourage Brits to try a vegetarian diet. “There are lots of reasons why people are turning vegetarian, and it is much more complex than just saving animals or eating healthier, more nutritious meals,” says Lindsay-Jane Vines, President of Thane UK and North America. “There are big benefits for your health - reducing cholesterol, losing weight and increasing energy levels. And it’s better for the environment too.” It’s thought that turning vegetarian can also help with the rising cost of living, and, according to Thane, with cooking oils in short supply right now, it’s possible to cook oil-free too and save on energy bills. “If you are thinking of going vegetarian, even for just a single day each week, one thing we’d recommend investing in is a FlavorStone Diamond pan,” Lindsay-Jane says. “With its super non-stick surface, you can cook delicious vegetarian meals with no oil or fat. “The FlavorStone Diamond is squareshaped, which means you get roughly 25% more cooking area inside the pan. “I’s great for batch cooking, helping you to cook more food in less time – saving up to 30% in energy costs and keeping more money in your pocket” she adds. n For more details, log on to: www.thanedirect. co.uk
SPORT TODAY READING
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US
18.05.22
ENJOYABLE END OF SEASON TRIP
SWORDS REACH THE FINAL
OAKS TOPPLE FINCHES
EXTRA TIME WINNER!
HERE TO STAY
FINCH DO THE DOUBLE
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
FINCHAMPSTEAD FC made it a season to remember by completing a league and cup double.
Having secured the Thames Valley Premier League title the previous weekend, to make it backto-back title wins, Finch went in
search of completing the double. On Friday evening in front of a crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, Finch got the better of Richings Park to win the BTC Senior Cup Final. In a tightly contested final, the teams couldn’t be separated after 90 minutes after a goal apiece. But in extra-time, it was
Finch who showed patience and persistence to eventually get their hands on the trophy when Callum Vallance netted the winning goal just five minutes from time. Finchampstead player Nick Payne said: “What a night. Big thank
you to the TVPL for putting on a great show, Richings Park fair play to you boys, nothing in that game just one said taking their chance. Both sides played their part in a great final and couldn’t give anymore.”
n Full picture spread and report on pages 20 & 21
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Ince made Royals boss on permanent basis READING FC has confirmed that Paul Ince has been appointed as manager on a permanent basis.
Ince joined the Royals in February on an interim basis until the end of the season in which he helped the club avoid Championship relegation. The Royals won four of his 14 matches in charge, including a memorable away victory at Sheffield United followed by an incredible comeback from 4-1 down to take a point at home to Swansea City with vital stoppage time goals. Reading finished the 2021/22 campaign in 21st place, four points above the drop zone. Chief Executive Dayong Pang said, “Paul and Alex were brought into Bearwood to instil confidence, structure, spirit and determination into a first team squad which in difficult circumstances had lost its way early in the year. And ultimately, he had to produce almost immediate results.”
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Matt Gilkes bowled out for Finch
Crows’ midweek side Archie Carter (Wokingham wicket keeper) appeals (turned down) as batsman, Ben Moffat looks on Pictures: Steve Smyth
CRICKET ROUND-UP
CRICKET
Zac Leonard batting for Finchampstead
WOKINGHAM TAKE BRAGGING RIGHTS WITH WIN OVER FINCH By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Home Counties Cricket League
WOKINGHAM got the better of FINCHAMPSTEAD in a local clash with a 20-run win. The Oaks batted first and started off superbly as Billy Rogers went on to smash 130 runs, while Danny Housego hit 61 to help their team onto a big total. Lewis Sharp, Liam Bulteel and Guy Ashby took two wickets each as Wokingham finished with a total of 294. Finch opener Gregory Smith hit 42, while Michael O’Donahue boosted the score in the middle of the order with 78. But Finch fell 20 runs short as they ended their 50 overs on 274.
BCM Championship
Ben Moffat at the crease for Finch
WEST READING soared to the top of the table after they defeated Penn & Tylers Green away from home. Opening batsman Adam Davidson survived the entire innings as he totted up 89 runs, with West Reading finishing on 224 from 45 overs. Usamah Mahmood and Hafeez Ul-Wahab collected three wickets each as Penn were bowled all out on 177 from 32.1 overs. SHINFIELD suffered defeat at home at the hands of Ley Hill. Muhammad Hafeez took three wickets for Shinfield, but they fell 39 runs short. CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD lost out away to Braywood in a 239-run loss.
against Denham. Denham finished their innings on 203 after Andy Robertson took three wickets for Emmbrook. 64 runs from Ollie Williams helped the Bears on their way as they wrapped up the win after 44 overs.
CMB Premiership
BCL Premier Division
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD earned 35 points on their travels with victory
FARLEY HILL sit at the top of the table after they beat WEST READING 2s.
Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s climbed up to third with a six-wicket triumph over Knotty Green 3s. Ravi Balakrishnan took five wickets for the Bears to bowl Knotty all out for just 63. Emmbrook sealed the points after 10.3 overs, dropping four wickets.
Prakash Krishnamurthy picked up four wickets for Farley, while Reading set a total of 142. Farley surpassed the chase after 30.1 overs after Michael Sheridan hit 49 runs. SHINFIELD 2s took 12 points despite losing at Welford Park, while WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE put seven points on the board after defeat to Mortimer.
BCL Division 1A BERKSHIRE ROYALS took 10 points after they lost by three wickets to Peppard Stoke Row 2s. READING LIONS lost out to Stallions but picked up 12 points in the process, while WEST READING 3s were beaten by Checkendon. EARLEY lost out at home by six wickets to Silchester.
Wokingham’s appeals for a wicket are turned down
CROWS COYOTES ENJOY FUN IN THE SUN IN MALAGA TRIP By LOU ROBERTS sport@wokingham.today CROWTHORNE & Crownwood were delighted to welcome 12 new young and aspiring Dynamos cricket players to the club.
There was a positively energetic vibe amongst the new joiners, many for whom it was their first time playing cricket. The Coyotes Women’s team had a stonker of a week both at home and away on their travels to Malaga Six players (known as the Malaga six) embarked on their first ever tour and had two days in the glorious sunshine. The team qualified into the championships on day two where they played their socks off. They didn’t come home as winners, however the Tour
Company have awarded the players with the ‘Cricket Spirit Fair Play Award’ Meanwhile, back at Crows HQ, the Coyotes took part in the Serious Cricket Home Counties Super 8’s Competition against Steventon. The team’s dynamics with their bowling, batting and bowling secured a victory in both matches, impressively taking eight wickets in their first match and 10 wickets in their second. The Midweek XI got their league campaign off to a flying start with a one wicket win over Bracknell CC. Bowling first with the new T20 kit on display the bowling attack did not disappoint, restricting the visitors to 121 after 20 overs. Using all the deliveries, the side knocked off the runs finishing it on the last ball of the game.
Crows Coyotes Super 8’s with coach Matt Jones
SPORT | 19
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WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk Eversley celebrate tacking a wicket Picture: Steve Smyth
THAMES VALLEY CRICKET
EVERSLEY EDGED OUT IN HOME DEFEAT
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Thames Valley Division 1
EVERSLEY suffered their first blow of the season after losing to Stoke Green. Eversley batted brilliantly as Oli Parsons (108) and Sam Kennet (111) helped to set a high target of 299. James mgowan bowled well with 4-50, while Stoke Green held their nerve to win with four wickets to spare.
Ben Salter bowling for Eversley
Thames Valley Division 2B
BINFIELD lead the way after they won away at Sulhamstead & Ufton. Binfield defended a first innings total of 195 to take the points as R Pidgen (5-23) helped to remove Sulhamstead for 134. WOKINGHAM 2s made it back-toback wins with a thumping victory over FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s. The Oaks set a massive total of 354 after 85 from Javani Carty. Finch fell 229 runs short as Hunter Greyling took three wickets for Wokingham.
Eversley appeal for a wicket that is turned
Thames Valley Division 3A
Stoke Green batting against Eversley
An Eversley fielder goes down with cramp
SONNING are in second after they earned a convincing win over WARGRAVE 2s. Peter Dean batted an impressive innings by collecting 154 runs not out.
Wargrave were 153 runs short after being bowled all out. WHITE WALTHAM lost out by 43 runs to Windsor.
Thames Valley Division 4A
FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s made it two wins from two with a triumph over Henley 3s. G Loveday was one away from a century, while M Jones hit 82 as Finch ended on 331. WOKINGHAM 3s earned their first win of the season against Purley-on-Thames. The Oaks won by 29 runs after D Carpenter (4-18) and Jamie Cable (331) contributed to bowl out Purley on 130.
Thames Valley Division 5A
WARGRAVE 3s are one point off the top after they got the better of Burnham 3s. P Toffolo totalled 88 runs as Wargrave beat the chase after 31.1 overs.
Thames Valley Division 5B
EVERSLEY 2s lead the way after they won by 81 runs at BRACKNELL. BINFIELD 2s made it two wins from two by beating Bagshot 2s by three wickets after Steve Jeffrey collated 86 runs. READING 2s lost by seven wickets at home to Purley-onThames 2s.
RUGBY
BRACKNELL U13 GIRLS ENJOY END OF SEASON TRIP BRACKNELL Rugby Club’s U13 Girls team finished their season on a high with an end of season trip to Bristol.
The team has been building up playing numbers over the season which started in September. The girls and parents wanted to finish the great season off with a rugby tour if possible, so set about finding a location and team to play and managed to pull a plan together for 10 girls and families to go to Bristol. On Saturday, May 7, the team set off for Bristol where the girls collected their tour goodie bag. Once they had arrived, they set off to watch Bristol ladies v Quins ladies which kicked off at 2:30 pm and the girls and parents enjoyed a high scoring game which saw Harlequins defeating Bristol Bears 43-26 at a sunny Ashton Gate to secure all five points and head back to South West London with smiles on their faces. Sunday started off with a great
breakfast to fuel up for the day’s activities and this was followed by some crazy golf at an indoor centre in the heart of Bristol. This was as competitive as ever with a large amount of fun. The team took the short journey to North Bristol rugby club where they were met by their U13s. They had kindly arranged for their club to be open as the season had just finished the week before. The parents enjoyed the cub house hospitality and the coaches prepared the girls for the match which was due to kick off at 1:30 pm. The match was played with adapted out of season RFU rules and these were explained to both sets of girls. The match kicked off and it was a fast-paced game with both teams trying to understand each other’s game plan. North Bristol were applying more
The Bracknell team on their trip to Bristol and more pressure and they converted the pressure into the first try of the game. The Bracknell side needed to bounce straight back so they kicked the ball to North Bristol and managed to pin them in their own half and the pressure created and turn over and the Bracknell girls crossed the white line for their first try. The first-half was a real arm wrestle with both teams working really hard in defence and the attack was struggling to make many easy
Bracknell RFC U13’s playing squad yards. Bracknell’s pressure started to pay off and at halftime, the score was 4-2 to Bracknell. The second half started with Bracknell scoring very quickly off some strong direct running and then moving the ball quickly to the wing and this allowed our wingers the space to attack and run in untouched. The girls realised the quicker they played, the more space we had to attack and had scored four quick tries. The game became very tight with
no one scoring for several minutes whilst the team tried to work out how to unlock the stalemate. Bracknell attacked the space behind the North Bristol line and this forced them to defend deeper and managed to exploit some holes in their defence to score a few more times. The game finished 10-3 in Bracknell’s favour. n For more details about joining Bracknell Rugby Club, visit: https://www. bracknellrugbyclub.com/
20 | SPORT
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FINCH COMPLETE LEAGUE AND CUP DOUB BTC SENIOR CUP FINAL
Callum Vallance celebrates his extra-time winner Pictures: Andrew Batt By James Payne sport@wokingham.today
Finchampstead 2 Richings Park 1 FINCHAMPSTEAD FC got their hands on more silverware as they completed a league and cup double.
Having secured the Thames Valley Premier League title for the second consecutive season last weekend after holding off a title challenge from Burghfield.
Finch are presented with the trophy
Finch were crowned league champions with 20 wins, two draws and four losses from 25 games as they finished four points above Burghfield and then set their sights on winning the BTC Senior Cup. It was a frantic start to the game as both teams took a while to settle and deal with the occasion in front of the crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Richings Park created a few decent chances, the most notable, a counter attack from
a Finch corner which led to the striker’s header rebounding off the post and out of play. Finch started to settle down and play their football and saw immediate success as they took the lead on 17 minutes when Alex Woodhead smashed the ball home at the second time of asking following some brilliant build up play with Joel Day delivering into the box. Finch started to keep the ball for large parts but Richings were always threatening, especially on the counter
attack, both teams continued to create chances but a fantastic pass cutting through the Finch defence and a wonderful finish helped Richings level the cup final in the 32nd minute. Shortly after the equaliser, Richings had to play the remainder of the half with 10 men following a sin bin. This allowed Finch to push forward and try to regain the initiative, but after some gritty defending followed by a fair bit of time wasting, Richings were able to comfortably go into
half-time level. The second half started much the same, with Finch continuing to play the football from out the defence but struggled to find options on the final third to break their opponents down. Richings started to threaten more as the half went on and
around the 70th minute mark they had a few free kicks in dangerous areas and looked the more likely to score. Ethan Simons was introduced for Nathan Collins, and the whole dynamics of the game changed as Ethan was put at striker which allowed Aqeel to drop back into central
SPORT | 21
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BLE WITH EXTRA-TIME WINNER
FROM THE TILEHURST END Olly Allen
Royals restructure begins with double appointment
R
midfield. Ethan asked plenty of questions of the Richings defence as he began to stretch the play, the tide started to turn and Finch went on to have a very good end of the second half. With plenty of chances to win it in the final 15 minutes, including a stunning 90th minute save to deny Woodhead from eight yards out, Finch went into extra time with confidence. The first half of extra time fell
flat, neither side created many chances and fatigue started to take its toll on both sides. With 15 minutes left the atmosphere was incredibly tense as the thought of penalties started to get into the mindset of both players and supporters. The game started to stretch out with plenty of space to be found for both sides. Richings thought they had won the game in the 113 minute as the
number 9 was again put through but struck the side netting. The double blow was then dealt as on 115 minutes Woodhead picked out a delightful ball slowly entering the box from right to left to find an unmarked on running Callum Vallance who slotted it into the bottom right hand corner to give Finch the lead. The noise was electric with cheers from the Finch fans, and encouragement to go again for Richings Park.
The game played out with a few long balls into the Finch box but all were dealt with, and the champions held on to their lead in true champions style. FINCHAMPSTEAD: Jones, Pawson, Finch, J Payne, Francis, Collins, N Payne (c), Day, Woodhead, Vallance, Butt SUBS: Simons, Parmer, Chaffin, Bulteel, Sawyer GOALS: Woodhead 17’ Vallance 115’
READING FC
FORMER BOSS BOWEN MAKES ROYALS RETURN AS HEAD OF FOOTBALL By ANDY PRESTON aprestom@wokingham.today FORMER Reading FC boss Mark Bowen has returned to the club as Head of Football Operations.
Bowen left his managerial role at AFC Wimbledon and returned to the Royals, where has previously been manager and sporting director. The Welshman initially joined the Royals in March 2019 as a technical consultant. This role was then changed to sporting director in August 2019. Bowen was tasked in drawing up
a list of potential successors to Jose Gomes after he was dismissed as manager in October. However, Reading’s owner Mr Dai Yongge asked Bowen to take the post as manager, which he did so. He helped to guide Reading away from the relegation zone in the 2019/20 season, rising up nine places in the table where they eventually finished in 14th. He signed a contract extension until the end of the 2020/21, however the Reading hierarchy opted for a change just two weeks prior to the new season.
Veljko Paunovic was appointed as the new manager in August 2020, with the club asking Bowen to take up his previous role as sporting director. However, Bowen rejected the offer to take up his previous role and departed the club. Chief Executive Dayong Pang said, “We have a very important summer in front of us as we look to plan and prepare for another challenge in the Championship in 2022-23 - so I am delighted that Mark has agreed to join us to help spearhead those preparations as
Head of Football Operations. “Owner Mr Dai and I recognise the considerable impact an appointment of this nature can make within the structure of the club and, as well as boasting a huge level of experience in football at the highest level, in Mark we have appointed an individual who possesses a very clear, strong understanding of Reading Football Club and the specific challenges we face. “He will provide valuable guidance, a football-driven focus and consistency.”
EMARKABLY, Reading have ended up giving a firefighting managerial job to a man who didn’t want to be a firefighting manager and the head of football operations role to a man who didn’t want to be a head of football operations. For the avoidance of doubt, that’s Paul Ince in the former role and Mark Bowen in the latter. Both men’s positions were confirmed within five minutes of each other on Monday evening as the club finally got their act together in the communications department. Let’s take them one by one. Starting with Ince, who said last year he wanted to manage a club where there was a long-term project. He didn’t want to take a short-term role with no cash to spend. But that’s exactly what he did when he replaced Veljko Paunovic at the helm in February and it’s not too far off from the situation he finds himself in now his interim position has been made permanent. While there’s no longer the short-term goal of surviving relegation in 11 weeks, that will undoubtedly be the goal across the whole of next season. Reading have had no semblance of a plan that a manager can embody for some time now and we are still not allowed to spend money in the transfer market. That’s not a project, that’s a rescue mission. Then there’s Bowen who turned down a head of football operations role at Reading less than two years ago – or sporting director as it was called back (they’ve rebadged it, you fool!). The Welshman later admitted he felt he wouldn’t have enjoyed doing the job and wanted to be a manager instead. So what’s different now? For both men, they have probably reassessed their own ambitions and credentials. Ince – who had not managed in over eight years before February – has probably realised he is unlikely to get a role at this level of the pyramid anywhere else. Meanwhile, Bowen spent 19 months out of work after leaving Reading before joining Wimbledon in March – who he promptly suffered relegation to League Two with. He was hardly going to be flooded with phone calls from owners either. More optimistically, perhaps they both believe that things are changing at Reading. Ince has previously said he would only stay at the club if he and the owner agreed on the structure and culture that should be in place – and by agree I mean that Dai Yongge is prepared to take guidance from Ince, who despite his faults at least knows what a competent structure should look like. The arrival of Bowen behind the scenes is certainly a sign that some kind of framework is being put in place. Ince and Bowen aren’t exactly the dream team, but neither of them are going into the new season blind. They should both be well aware of the problems and challenges that exist at the football club. I just hope that they have the solutions.
22 | SPORT
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FC BAPCO SMASH SIX TO TAKE SILVERWARE, FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
Berks County progressed to the cup final on penalties Pictures: Andrew Batt By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
win.
Tilehurst Charity Cup Final
FC BAPCO: Eaton, Parkes, Francis, Chowdhary, Davies, downes, Bell, Edwards, Parker, Palmer, Buckett Subs: Edwards, Palmer, le Paih, Watkiss, Downes
FC BAPCO got their hands on the trophy after they hit six past FC SPORTY. Bapco displayed clinical finishing in their final which was played at the Select Car Leasing Stadium with two goals from Buckett and strikes from Bell, Palmer, Edwards and Parker to help them to a 6-2
Bracknell Spartan Vets v Panthers Pictures: Andrew Batt
Combined Counties League Cup Final BERKS COUNTY FC booked their place in the cup final after they defeated British Airways. The Swords went in front through Griffiths only to be
pegged back by British Airways. Berks restored their lead when Hobbs put them 2-1 ahead, but Airways ensured that the cup tie wasn’t sealed when they found another equaliser to take the game to a penalty shootout. The Swords were flawless from the spot as they held their nerve to score all five of their spot-kicks, while Airways’ second taker missed which meant Berks won 5-4 to progress. The final will take place
at Stag Meadow, Windsor on Saturday, May 21. Berks County: Harris, Griffiths, Edwards, Lee, Akem-Che, Money, Laverty, Brighton, Hayden, Allen, Sackey Subs: Epoku-Ware, Craske, Eatwell, Miller, Hobbs
Bracknell & District Sunday League Cup BRACKNELL SPARTAN VETS ensured they made it through to the Supplementary Cup final. Bracknell booked their place
in the final as they progressed with a 4-1 victory. 3M stormed through to the final with a convincing triumph over HOPE & ANCHOR. In a 10-goal contest, 3M took the match 7-3 in the high scoring cup tie. They will face 3M in the final which will take place on Sunday, May 22 at the SB Group Stadium, Sandhurst.
Mick White Subsidiary Cup
BRACKNELL CAVALIERS made it to the final of the competition after a successful shootout against WILLIAM TWIGG RESERVES. The teams were locked level at 1-1 after 90 minutes, which meant the game was decided from the penalty spot. Cavaliers held their nerve to get through with a 4-3 shootout success. They will battle it out for silverware against BRACKNELL ATHLETIC on Sunday (3pm kick-off) which will also be
SPORT | 23
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SWORDS BOOK PLACE IN FINAL
From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith
Changes at the PGMO
C
played at the SB Group Stadium, Sandhurst.
BTC Junior Cup Final FR MAVERICKS will face MAIDENHEAD TOWN A in the final of the competition as they fight to take the trophy. The match will take place at the Rivermoor Stadium, Scours Lane on Friday, May 20 (7.30pm kick-off),
Youth football The past week has been one of success for WOODLEY UNITED FC which started on Saturday, May 7 with the u9 Hurricanes, u9
Cyclones and u11 Spitfires enjoying success at the Sandhurst Town Boys and Girls tournament. The weekend of May, 14 and 15 was Berkshire Youth Development League’s cup finals weekend at Reading FC’s Rivermoor Stadium. On Saturday Woodley United u10 Kestrels won the challenge cup, a cup they won the year before in the u9 age group. Sunday morning saw the u13 Spitfires come from a goal behind against Purley Jubilee Lions, in the Plate final, at half time to equalise in the second half through Danny Brown. With the score one all at full time the match went to penalties with Lions taking the opening kick.
The first six kicks were successfully scored before Ollie Player saved Purley’s fourth kick. Both teams converted the next kicks leaving Ed Hewitt to score Woodley’s fifth and final kick to give United the win and 5-4 on spot kicks. Woodley’s other penalty scorers were Lucas Allen, Adam Stevens, Felix Sanderson and Brown. A wet afternoon saw Woodley United’s u8 Mohawks emerge victorious in an all Woodley United Plate Final against the u8 Hurricanes. Hurricanes Alfred Mansaray was awarded the Player of the Match trophy. To complete the week the u17 Mohawks were declared winners of
Division Four of East Berks Football Alliance.
Vets football WOODLEY UNITED FC’S VETS team retained the Hellenic League Challenge cup they won in 2019. The Vets met Chinnor Vets at Milton United FC’s ground and went into half time leading 1-0 through a Loic Stodawa penalty late in the first half. Chinnor enjoyed the better of the opening period of the second half and equalised. However, United sealed the win with substitute Stuart Birkett scoring the winner when one on one with the Chinnor keeper, two minutes from full time.
WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
KINGS COMPETE IN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL FINALS By Staff Writer sport@wokingham.today THAMES Valley Kings wheelchair basketball club had two teams on display this weekend at the British Wheelchair Basketball National Championship finals.
Kings Juniors had qualified after two huge wins at the Elite 8s finals competition in April and were set to face Wakefield Whirlwinds in the Junior League Final - a game shown on BBC Sport via IPlayer. The game unfortunately did not go their way as they struggled to
settle into the game. Whirlwinds picked up the win 27-61. Kings coaching staff were ultimately pleased with the overall performance of the team throughout the season and finishing second in the country is a great achievement for this young team. In National League Division Three Finals, Kings III qualified as the best divisional runner-up. The Semi-final was a tough affair against Division Three North Winners, Tee Valley Mohawks III. Mohawks applied pressure
throughout the game to Kings who struggled to break down the quick offensive players at times. Mohawks took the big win 28-51 and would go on to become Division Three National champions after beating Sheffield Steelers III who
beat Brixton Ballers in the other Semi-final. Ballers and Kings III won a game apiece in the regular season. Both teams won their home gamea by seven points - with a points difference of zero - the third/ fourth playoff would be a hotly contested match. Kings III managed to apply defensive pressure in the second half to edge ahead and build a lead to pick up the 51-39 win. With that win, Kings III picked up the Bronze medal by finishing third Nationally in Division Three.
HANGES are planned at the PGMO, which is responsible for referees in the Premier League, at the end of this season. First of all, three of its long serving referees are retiring. Martin Atkinson, who became the number one referee in the country after Howard Webb went to America to set up the trial of VAR at the MLS. Jonathan Moss is also retiring from refereeing on the PGMO. His refereeing has not always gone smoothly. There was the unprecedented public correcting of one of his decisions, by Mike Riley, head of the PGMO and Arsenal supporters got up a petition to stop him refereeing any more of their games. Mike Dean, the longest ever serving Premier League referee, with over 550 games to his credit and having issued the highest number of red cards has also retired. He is just as well known for his somewhat theatrical gestures. I have only met him once and was surprised how quietly he spoke in view of his flamboyant nature on the football field. But that’s not all the changes. Both Atkinson and Moss have been given new jobs in a revised set up. The PGMO costs about £23m a year which is met by the FA, the Football League, and the Premier League. We are told the reorganisation, which has come about after criticism that the standard of referees reaching the top level has been falling, will cost another £500,000 a year. What I find slightly odd is that Mike Riley is also ‘introducing’ a sport scientist to the group. Back in Keith Hackett’s time as head of the PGMO there were two sport scientists. Mathew Weston and Simon Breivik, who I remember listening to and hastily scribbling his comments on making referees fitter in my note book. There was also a sprint coach as, of course, the game has got much quicker and referees need to be able to keep up with it, to make the best decisions. A vision scientist and a sport psychologist were also used. Keith Hackett commissioned Professor Don McClaren to produce nutritional advice for referees and I would be happy to email a copy of his booklet to any referee who would like one. I don’t know how much of this has been scrapped like the Prozone which I have written about before, but it now seems that Mike Riley is having to revive at least some of it, whilst changing its management.
24 | SPORT
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BULMERSHE GYMNASTICS CLUB
BULMERSHE COACH BOWS OUT ON A HIGH Mat Budsworth with the younger boys
By Staff Writer sport@wokingham.today MAT Budsworth bows out on a high AFTER a decade of successful coaching at Bulmershe Gymnastics Club, Mat Budsworth has decided to step back and return to his native north.
As Head of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, he transformed the performance of the squad, and created winners at both national and regional levels. This weekend was Mat’s last competition, and the boys took the final opportunity to do him proud with two of them excelling across the apparatus to become All Around Regional Champions – Max Kendall in the U18 age group and Oliver Hanson in the U8. While Max and Oliver won the all around competition, and each secured five of the six individual apparatus competitions, numerous squad members won gold across pieces, including Josh Baldwin (U18) floor, and Benjamin Neville (U16) on rings. Rio Chandiram (U14) narrowly missed out on the individual golds, but secured bronze in the all around competition. In the younger development age groups, the U9 boys performed strongly with golds for Eli Congram on rings, Oliver Salter on floor, and Louis Ajala on vault and high bar. Theodore Branker won the U8 vault competition.
Paying tribute to the club’s two most successful teams in their history, Steve Coppell’s immortal ‘106’ team who won promotion to the top flight for the first time in Reading’s history will face Brian McDermott’s 2011/12 Championship winning team. Both legendary managers will be in the Royals dugout for one last time, while captains Graeme Murty and Jobi Mcanuff will do battle on the pitch at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Both managers etched themselves into Reading FC history with respective promotion winning teams
BTC Senior Cup final Finchampstead 2-1 Richings Park
Saturday, May 14 CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Wokingham (294-7) beat Finchampstead (274-9)
CMB Premiership Denham (203-8) lost to Emmbrook & Bearwood (204-7) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (68-4) beat Knotty Green 3s (65 all out)
Mat Kendall and Josh Baldwin on the podium together Mat said: “This has been an awesome send off at the South Regional Championships. I’ve had the privilege of working with some excellent young gentlemen in my time at the club, and had the honour of watching them grow up into fine young adults. “The boys made me proud today
Mat Budsworth with the older boys
by smashing it at the Regional Champs, bringing home plenty of silverware.” Gymnasts Josh Baldwin, Max Kendall and Benjamin Neville had all grown up with Mat over the last 10 years, and were saddened at the departure. Melissa Baldwin, Josh’s mum was
ROYALS LEGENDS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN UNIQUE ANNIVERSARY MATCH A plethora of club legends from Reading FC will be putting on the blue and white hoops this weekend to celebrate the club’s 150th anniversary this weekend.
Friday, May 13
BCM Championship Braywood (322-8) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (83 all out) Penn & Tylers Green (177 all out) lost to West Reading (224-9) Shinfield (226 all out) lost to Ley Hill (265-6)
READING FC
By Andy Preston apreston@wokingham.today
RESULTS
to the top flight of English football. Coppell became the first Royals boss in history to lead his team to the top division when his team took the Championship by storm in the 2005/06, finishing with a remarkable 106 points, a record that still stands today, to win a place in the Premier League. The Royals made a seamless transition to life in the Premier League in their debut season in the 2006/07 campaign and achieved an astonishing eighth placed finish. The second season proved a lot more tricky as Coppell’s side were relegated back to the Championship on the final day of the 2007/08 season. Meanwhile, McDermott led the Royals back to the Premier League for their second stint in the top flight. Having narrowly missed out on promotion, losing the play-off final to another former
Royals manager, Brendan Rodgers, and his Swansea City side in an enthralling 4-2 battle at Wembley, McDermott’s men dusted themselves off and came back stronger the next season. His team finished with 89 points on the way to the Championship title as they soared past West Ham United and Southampton in the final months of the season with two particularly memorable victories away against both of those clubs. Reading survived just one season back in the Premier League and were relegated having finished in 19th position, finishing the season with Nigel Adkins in charge after McDermott was dismissed in March 2013. n For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: https:// ticketing.readingfc.co.uk/en-GB/ categories/home
heartbroken, said: “I am so proud of everything Josh has achieved at Bulmershe. It was amazing to see the boys all having a great time and supporting each other. “They have been such a close group of lads with an extremely tight friendship one which I hope they never lose.”
ROWING
PUPIL GETS CALL UP FOR GB ROWING SQUAD
LOCAL schoolboy Zak Jenkins has been selected for the GB Junior Rowing Squad. Zak, a former pupil of Waverley Prep School in Wokingham, who is now in Year 10 at Leighton Park School in Reading, was thrilled to receive the news. Zak was recently invited to the squad’s first training camp over the Easter holidays at the National Watersports Centre in Nottingham. Zak’s gold medal at the recent Henley winter regatta, his indoor rowing machine times and past racing history all contributed to his selection. At 15 years and two months old, he now becomes the youngest member of the GB Junior rowing squad. Zak, who now rows for Henley Rowing Club, is very excited to be starting on this journey that could hopefully lead to international representation.
all out) Reading (208-8) beat Slough 2s (207-8) Finchampstead 2s (125 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (354-8) Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning (277-4) beat Wargrave 2s (124 all out) Windsor (191-7) lost to White Waltham (148 all out) Thatcham Town (183 all out) beat Theale & Tilehurst (125 all out) Thames Valley Division 4A Henley 3s (299-9) lost to Finchampstead 3s (331-7) Wokingham 3s (159 all out) beat Purley on Thames (130 all out) Thames Valley Division 5B Purley on Thames 2s (165 all out) lost to Reading 2s (168-3) Binfield 2s (228-7) beat Bagshot 2s (227-5) Finchampstead 4s (123 all out) lost to Sonning 2s (124-8) Bracknell (178 all out) lost to Eversley 2s (259-9)
FIXTURES
BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (230-9) lost to Sandhurst (231-5) Waltham St Lawrence (210-8) lost to Mortimer West End (212-2) Welford Park (165 all out) beat Shinfield (150 all out) West Reading 2s (142 all out) lost to Farley Hill (144-2)
Saturday, May 21
BCL Division 1A Earley (265-8) lost to Silchester (266-4) Berkshire Royals (161 all out) lost to Peppard Stoke Row (162-7) West Reading 3s (148 all out) lost to Checkendon (287-2)
Berkshire Cricket League Championship Braywood v Shinfield West Reading v Crowthorne & Crown Wood
BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (189-5) beat Shinfield 3s (188 all out) Farley Hill 2s (221-9) lost to Rangers (222-3) Reading United 2s (168 all out) lost to Warfield (172-5) Twyford & Ruscombe (204-9) beat Stallions 2s (202-7) Woodley (150-8) beat Earley 2s (149 all out)
Chilterns Division Two Penn & Tylers Green 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s
BCL Division 2 Mortimer West End 2s (195-8) lost to West Reading 4s (196-5) Reading United 3s (240-7) beat Welford Park 2s (158-8) BCL Division 3 Checkendon 2s (204-9) beat Twyford & Ruscombe 2s (145 all out) Crowthorne & Crown Wood 3s (108 all out) Shinfield 4s (170-9) Sandhurst 2s (36-0) beat Earley 3s (35 all out) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (299-8) lost to Stoke Green (303-6) Thames Valley Division 2B Cove (303-7) beat Hurst (149 all out) Sulhamstead & Ufton (134 all out) lost to Binfield (195
CRICKET Home Counties Premier 1 Aston Rowant v Finchampstead Wokingham v Oxford
Home Counties Division 2 Great Brickhill v Wargrave
CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Monks Risborough
BCL Premier Division Farley Hill v Waltham St Lawrence Shinfield 2s v Stratfield Turgis Woodcote v West Reading BCL Division 1A Reading Lions v Earley Reading United v Peppard Stoke Row Silchester v Berkshire Royals Home Counties Women’s Softball Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Binfield Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Ickenham Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Cove Hurst v Royal Ascot Fleet v Wokingham 2s Finchampstead 2s v Reading Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham v Bagshot Harpsden v Sonning Wargrave 2s v Kidmore End Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s v Falkland 2s Taplow v Wokingham 3s