Wokingham Today, May 4, 2023

‘Distinctive’ centre gets plaudits

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A VILLAGE’S community centre has gained national attention after being visited by an architectural critic.

The School Green Centre in Shinfield, was recently reviewed by Rowan Moore from The Observer.

It replaced the old Royal British Legion building in School Green and opened in November 2021.

Mr Moore praised AOC Architecture Ltd’s design of the building, particularly its ‘distinctive’ butterfly roof.

He wrote: “It’s a simple but effective device, both familiar and curious, that catches the eye in long and oblique views.”

He also noted Shinfield’s proximity to Reading, the M4, Thames Valley Science Park and the Atomic Weapons Establishment in Burghfield.

The centre is the new home of Shinfield Parish Council, and also has a cafe, library, community group provision, exercise classes and rooms for hire.

It was opened by Prof Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading.

At the time, he said: “It is wonderful to see this new community centre opening, and we are proud to have played our part in bringing this facility to the residents of Shinfield and beyond.

“I am sure it will be enjoyed by local residents for many years to come.”

Mr Moore’s article comes as Shinfield experiences rapid expansion.

Shinfield Parish, which includes Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross, was selected by Wokingham Borough Council as a major development location, which is being delivered by developers and housebuilders.

A total of 3,000 new homes will have been built once the project is complete.

‘TOWN NEEDS BANK HUB’ CORONATION STREET

Indy store owner’s call for action to help traders

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM businessman has called for urgent action to save struggling town businesses from closure, including launching a banking hub.

Phil’s Good Food store on Broad Street lies at the heart of Wokingham’s revamped town centre.

Costing £113million, the project

saw Peach Street and Market Place redeveloped and a 95-bedroom hotel, cinema and shops, cafe and restaurants built on Elms Field.

Yet Phil Edgecombe, who opened his popular food store just three ago, has a perfect view from his shop window as to why he and other businesses say Wokingham isn’t working.

He says the cost-of-living crisis, bank and Post Office closures and parking regulations, have left many local shops “barely surviving.”

n Continued on page 7

The Barkham Hookers and Wokingham Town Council have decorated the town ahead of the coronation. Look out for our celebration special next week

Roderick Arthur Lindsay Cumming

It is with great sadness that we announce that Roderick Arthur Lindsay Cumming, born on 9th May 1946 and known to all as Ruari, died on Tuesday 18th April at The Duchess of Kent hospice in Reading after a long illness

He was a much loved husband to Pamela, father to Gemma and Candice, and grandpa to Rae and Ashton

The funeral will take place on Monday 15th May at 12:30 at Easthampstead Park Crematorium, Bracknell

Flowers welcome or donations in memory of 'Ruari' for Prostate Cancer UK, Leukaemia UK or Sue Ryder can be made via www abwalker co uk

All enquiries to Tel: 0118 978 4040

In print

Concerns over fines for traffic offences

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

DRIVERS have raised concerns about councils including Wokingham Borough applying for permission for the power to enforce moving traffic offences by dishing out fines.

These include stopping in yellow box junctions, making banned turns and going the wrong way down oneway streets.

These offences are typically prosecuted by the police, but councils have been granted the opportunity to apply to enforce the offences themselves. Reading Borough Council is already doing this with box junctions on Kings Road.

The Department for Transport expects a Designation Order, which will include Wokingham Borough Council, to be laid next month and will come into force in July next year, subject to the approval of Parliament.

Drivers concerns have been raised about the council enforcing the powers in a survey commissioned by Confused.com.

The results of the survey showed

that more than one in four (28%) of those polled say that traffic offences should be left to the police due to their knowledge and experience when dealing with motorists, while almost half (47%) of drivers are worried that councils are using this opportunity to make money, rather than focusing on improving road safety.

To receive the powers, the council had to submit a bid providing examples of where it would like to prosecute offences.

The council identified 11 sites in its submission: Broad Street, Wokingham, at the junction with Rose Street: Banned right turn Barkham Road rail crossing, Wokingham, at the junction with Oxford Road: Banned right turn Station Road, Wokingham, at the junction with Station Approach: Banned right turn Wellington Road, Wokingham: Ahead only Gipsy Lane, Wokingham: Weight restriction Murdoch Road, Wokingham: Keep left Goatley Way, Wokingham: One-way street Milton Road, Wokingham: Vehicles prohibited except buses Easthampstead Road, Wokingham: Yellow box junction Hyde End Lane, Spencers Wood, at the junction with Fullbrook Road: Buses only Whitlock Avenue, Wokingham: Banned right turn

Cllr Paul Fishwick (Liberal Democrats, Winnersh) said: “These sites were identified and selected by a review of complaints received, officer knowledge and feedback from the local police.

“These 11 sites were showing the highest level of driver noncompliance.”

If the powers are granted, drivers will be served with a penalty charge notice (PCN) for breaches of £70, reduced to £35 if paid early, or rising to £105 after a ‘charge certificate’ is served.

It is expected that drivers will initially get warnings for breaches for six months before being served PCNs.

The research from Confused. com found that 20% of drivers (one in five) have been penalised for a moving traffic offence in the past,

one in seven (14%) admitted they’ve knowingly committed a moving traffic offence but have managed to avoid a fine.

Nearly one in five (15%) said they’re more likely to commit a traffic offence at night, when roads are quieter, and another 7% said they’d commit a moving traffic offence if there were no other cars around.

When asked which offences they were most likely to commit, one in five (20%) would be most likely to stop in a yellow box junction; followed by 13% of drivers being most likely to drive in a bus lane. Only 6% said they’d be most likely to drive through a red light.

The results from Confused.com come from a survey it commissioned from One Poll between December 30 and January 5.

Plans to build 33 homes in Hurst rejected again

A COMPANY behind plans for 33 homes on a green field may appeal for permission – Wokingham Borough Council has said no twice, writes

Sue Corcoran

The latest scheme to build 33 custom and self-build homes in Broadcommon Road, Hurst has just been refused planning permission by the council (WBC).

Leaper Land Promotion director Dom Palmer-Tomkinson said on Tuesday: “We are aware that there is significant under supply of Custom and Self Build Houses across the country and specifically within Wokingham Borough Council.

Your wording

“We are disappointed with the decision and will be keeping our options open with regards to an appeal.” Appeals against council refusals are decided on by the government’s Planning Inspectorate.

Hurst Village Society, the parish council and many residents objected to the homes.

More than a year ago WBC turned down the 33 homes including 14 affordable ones. This time Leaper Land wanted 17 to be affordable.

Refusing the second plan WBC said the new estate could mean the loss of an irreplaceable [historic] ridge and furrow field which may

be nationally important.

They said Leaper Land had not given detail about the ridge and furrow field suggested for the homes.

They also said the plan would be inappropriate and unsustainable development in the countryside. The council could deliver enough self and custom-build housing to meet projected need, without the scheme.

The new homes would take away from the impression of small hamlets in the area. The suburban or overly urban look of the housing did not fit in with existing homes in the area. The site was not within easy walking distance of services,

public transport and schools.

Greater use of cars would increase carbon emissions. There were concerns about increased traffic and the safety of people walking in the road.

Also, the council could not be satisfied, due to lack of information from the developers, that great crested newts, bats and reptiles would be safe.

Hurst Parish Council chairman Wayne Smith said: “I’m pleased and a lot of residents are pleased too with the outcome.

“One of the major issues was the safety of Broadcommon Road, a single track road. This scheme would have been very dangerous.”

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.

The Moving Traffic Offence locations in Wokingham which the council could enforce in Rose Street, Goatley Street, Easthampstead Road and Oxford Road. Picture: Google maps

WWW ABWALKER CO UK

Hurst heron suspected of decapitating model of king

Concerns after play area floods

WOKINGHAM residents have expressed concern after one of the town’s main parks flooded, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter

A period of sustained rainfall across April saw play equipment at Cantley under water.

The moment was posted on social media by Haroon Butt.

Posting on the We Are Wokingham Facebook page, he wrote: “more than a million pounds paid for this” with a thumbs down emoji.

Other members of the group criticised Wokingham Borough Council for poor drainage planning, while others pointed out that the ground is already well saturated due to this March being the wettest in 40 years.

The council spent £450,000 on the play area, with a park upgrade project totalling £1.6 million reported in March last year.

A council official said a design change is being worked on to mitigate the issue.

Francesca Hobson, the council’s assistant director for environment and safety, added:

“We are aware of the occasional flooding issue at the new play area in Cantley Park during very heavy rainfall and the project team are working on some changes to the design to mitigate the problem.

“These works will take place after the summer holidays in order to allow our younger residents to continue to enjoy the park during the peak summer season.”

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

KING Charles has been found decapitated – with his head stuck in a watery grid leading out of a village pond.

Fortunately, this King Charles, part of a hugely popular coronation display around Hurst pond, was made of wool.

Inevitably, there were comparisons between the fate of model King Charles III and the real Charles I who was tried and executed by beheading in 1649.

On Tuesday, the head of the woolly Charles III had been washed and was drying on the washing line of its creator, Heather Howarth of Hurst Hookers knitting and crochet group.

Heather hoped to reunite the head with its body, standing around the pond with Queen Camilla, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Paddington and over 20 Grenadier guards, as quickly as possible.

She said: “A group of ladies found his head in a grid leading out of the pond. Someone from the cricket club kindly pulled it out.

“King Charles looked a bit sad, but he will be fine. Just a bit nervous without his body. He just needed a rinse and dry out.

“A heron was giving him attention yesterday, maybe the jewels on his crown were the attraction. He just needs a little bit of repair. I’ve replaced two of his medals.”

The display of woollen characters, made by many Hurst Hookers members, was Heather’s idea. It is mounted on the posts lining the pond’s grassy verge. Many admirers have visited.

Pamela Barnard, of Hurst who has just turned 80, made a guardsman. King Charles’s coronation brings back memories of seeing him when he was a baby.

“My mum was a keen royalist. At Buckingham Palace we stood on the kerb watching as Charles, just a babe in arms, went by [in a car] to his christening.

“Later we saw Princess Anne going to her christening, Charles was a little

fellow, looking out of the window waving. I love what we do at the knitting and crochet group, I want to learn more and more. It’s just wonderful doing this for the village,” she said.

Heather created Queen Camilla as she sat at the eight-day inquiry into a plan for 200 homes in a Hurst field. Her King Charles gives a fairly respectful nod to his distinctive ears.

Twyford embroidery digitiser, Valerie Thorn, created medals for the King, his Star of the Garter badge and his Order of the Bath neck badge. She also made an intricately embroidered cloak and mitre for the lifelike Archbishop of Canterbury.

Pip Etheridge made Paddington Bear, who ‘had tea’ with the Queen. The display is at the junction of School Road and Wokingham Road.

The postbox by Hurst’s Central Convenience Stores bears a dramatic crown made of wool. The post box in Lodge Road is topped by a woollen King and Queen.

Admirers can scan the QR code on each figure by the pond and donate to support Hurst charity The Cowshed to provide clothing and other items for hard-up people. Passers-by love the group’s displays.

“There’s a lovely feeling of fun and community among the members and also everyone who sees them,” said one villager.

Heather Howarth of Hurst Hookers with some of the group’s work which has been created to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III Pictures: Sue Corcoran

As they were - some of the Hurst Hookers’ creations

It is thought a heron could have nipped the head off as it zoomed in on the king’s crown jewels

Heather Howarth of Hurst Hookers with her King Charles III model

The model of King Charles that has lost his head

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Date set for this year’s street concert ... now a party in the park

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A DAY of great music is coming to Wokingham next month as the International Street Concert becomes the Party in the Park.

As with previous years, the popular and free event will be packed with live music, food, drink, and family fun.

But this time round, it will be in a new home – Elms Field.

Wokingham Town Council decided that last year’s Platinum Jubilee Concert was so successful that they will no longer close Broad Street for the event, instead taking advantage of the wide open spaces in the events field, and bring in a host of traders offering a range of street food.

The Town Council hopes that the celebrations will bring Wokingham residents together to dance the day, and the night, away.

A variety of artists will be performing across an array of genres, including:

The Midnight Soul Sisters, who will bring their 60s sounds to the party, with their mix of soul, funk and Motown classics.

Wokingham band Majestix, whose high-octane rock and

pop songs should have people singing and dancing, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Tribute artist Vogue Madonna, will entertain with a programme of the queen of pop’s greatest hits.

The Wild Boys will close the show, giving audience members the chance to get out their glow

sticks and create a waving sea of neon.

The five-piece band performs some of the most famous songs of the 80’s, including hits from Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Wham, A-Ha, Spandau Ballet, and Duran Duran.

To make sure the event can be enjoyed by everyone, there will be an accessibility viewing

platform for those requiring a higher viewing area or a less crowded space.

And British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters will be signing along to each of the acts.

Visitors to the event will be able to purchase food and drinks from outlets throughout the day.

Collision leads to witness appeal

Stalls will include Barbarian Grill BBQ, Krua Koson Thai, vegan and vegetarian food from Ms Gursha Ethiopian, Greek food from Olives and Honey, and drinks from Elusive Brewery.

There will also be sweet treats from Unholy Donuts and King Whippy.

New food venues this year are Magpie & Parrot hog roast, The Sultan’s Indian street food, and local bistro-style restaurant Hamlet is providing a selection of dishes celebrating local produce.

Visitors may also bring along their own food and drink, but are asked to take their rubbish home with them at the end of the event.

The Party In The Park event takes place in Wokingham’s Elms Field on Saturday, June 3.

The music starts at 3pm, with the programme continuing until 9pm.

Anyone wanting to know how to access the accessibility spaces in advance should contact Wokingham Town Council directly.

n For more information about the event, including travel and parking, visit: www.wokinghamtc.gov.uk/partyinthepark or follow @LoveWokingham on Facebook or Instagram.

A POLICE appeal has been launched after a car and a push scooter were involved in a collision in Earley on Friday, April 28.

The incident took place on Wychwood Crescent, off Elm Road, between 2am and 3am.

A man in his 30s was taken to hospital however and since been discharged.

Now, Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

Investigating officer, PC Gareth Miles, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “We are continuing to investigate this report of a minor injury road traffic collision.

“I am appealing for witnesses to please make contact with us as soon as possible.

“I’d also ask any motorists who were in the local area around the time of the collision to check dash-cam footage in case it may have captured something that could assist the investigation.

“You can do so by calling 101 or making an initial report online, quoting reference number 43230184174.”

PARTY TIME: Wokingham Town Council’s Platinum Party in the Park last year drew huge crowds

Picture: Phil Creighton

Teachers take to the streets in latest strikes

By NICK CLARK Local democracy reporter

STRIKING teachers came together in Wokingham town centre on Thursday, April 27, to show solidarity after rejecting a pay offer, writes Nick Clark, Local democracy reporter.

Choral Society presents cheque to town mayor

LAST week, Wokingham Choral Society presented Wokingham Town Mayor, Cllr Maria Gee, with a cheque for £315 in aid of domestic abuse charity Kaleidoscopic UK.

The money was raised at the choir’s Christmas Concert, with the same amount was previously presented to the MS Therapy Centre, Reading.

Now the musical group are busy preparing for the next concert, which

will be held at All Saints Church in Wokingham on Saturday, June 17, from 7.30pm.

A spokesperson said: “It will be a joyous summer programme of popular opera choruses and musicals, and it will be the first performance in the amazing new Space for All at All Saints Church.

n For more information, log on to: www.wokingham-choral-society.org. uk

After attending picket lines outside schools earlier in the morning, they came together first in Wokingham town hall, and then went on a march around the town centre, including a walk past Conservative party offices in Rose Street.

They then returned to Market Place for a rally.

The action comes after the National Education Union (NEU) turned down a proposed one-off payment of £1,000 for this school year and an increase of 4.3% for most teachers from the school year starting in September.

The government says that when added to a pay increase already confirmed this year, the £1,000 payment is effectively an 8% rise, and the proposed 4.3% increase is above the projected rate of inflation for next year.

But the union says this isn’t fully funded by the government, which is asking for headteachers to pay for most of the increase out of school budgets.

Alongside the usual features of a demonstration – placards, whistles and chanting—there were also cakes, face painting and balloon modelling for children.

have shown that it’s not just about us. I don’t think any of us could accept a pay offer that will take money from our schools.

“We are telling the government do better. We will not back down. This fight will continue.”

Striker Charlie Small, who teaches at Reading Girls’ School, said workload and pay were causing some teachers to quit. “I’m a first-year teacher, and there are people I trained with who have dropped out.

“I teach and work another job so I

can pay rent and build a future. I know that teaching is not about money, but we still need to live.”

Matt Knight, president of Wokingham NEU responded to concerns about the disruption to children’s education that the strike will cause.

He said: “I spoke to a child about why we’re doing it.

“If this money is taken from the budget, we’re going to lose money for things like teaching assistants for special educational needs. We’re going to lose the more non-core subjects. This money can only go so far.”

Teachers walked out again on Tuesday, May 2.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Any strike action is hugely damaging. We have made a fair and reasonable pay offer to teachers recognising their hard work and commitment.

“Thanks to the further £2 billion we are investing in our schools, next year, school funding will be at its highest level in history.”

Joint district secretary of Wokingham NEU Michelle Purdie told the rally: “We

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH TEACHERS CAME TOGETHER FOR A RALLY IN THE TOWN CENTRE ON THURSDAY, APRIL 27 PICTURES: Phil Creighton

HANDOVER: Members of Wokingham Choral Society presented a cheque to Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Maria Gee, which will go to her charity of the year, Kaleidoscopic UK

Call for action to help town centre’s future

n Continued from front page

And the frustrated businessman has warned unless action is taken now, Wokingham will become a ghost town.

“The NatWest Bank directly opposite lies empty and there are double yellow lines everywhere,” said Phil.

“I live in Finchampstead and neighbours and friends tell me they used to shop in Wokingham but every one of them has received a £60 parking ticket for the pleasure.

“Sometimes I think there are more traffic wardens than shoppers walking around. People get fed up, so they go to Reading or Bracknell instead.”

Phil’s Good Food store is a familyrun shop which sells local, organic produce mainly from small producers including specialised cheeses, fine wines and artisan hampers

It is the sort of fine food store which, if based in London, would probably be located in leafy Hampstead or upmarket Chelsea –with produce selling at double the price.

But Phil admits he is worried that if small businesses like his do not receive help, they may be forced to close in a few years.

“There are a number of things which could be enacted immediately

to make Wokingham a better place to shop,” he suggests.

“Firstly, ease up on the parking restrictions. This is deterring shoppers who simply won’t risk a £60 on top of their shopping. You can’t look down any street in the town without spotting a parking warden.

“Secondly, Wokingham has a large elderly population who regularly used the banks and the former Post Office which have closed. They miss the interaction with their staff and shop staff. Many would come in as much for a chat as to buy. They may have taken out maybe £20 or £30 for their shopping. That was a vital lifeline for them and the shops.

“What Wokingham needs is a Bank HUB, the type which have been opening up around the country. It is an ideal way to encourage people into town by providing the services which have all too sadly disappeared.”

Bank HUBS were pioneered last year by the Cash Action Group and LINK in Cambuslang, Glasgow and Rochford in Essex. The shared branches operate in a similar way to a standard bank with a counter service operated by Post Office staff enabling customers with any bank to withdraw or deposit cash, make bill payments and other banking transactions.

The Glasgow and Essex HUBS have already seen more than 60,000

customer visits with transactions worth £16 million. Each of the banks using the HUB provide staff on rotation alongside financial specialists.

John Bachtler chair of the Cambuslang Community Council in Glasgow said its Bank HUB has been vital in saving the town’s High Street: “When our last bank closed, people no longer popped into town.

“Parts of the community like the elderly and financially vulnerable lost an essential service. They had to travel and do their shopping elsewhere so our High Street suffered.

“The closures have also affected small businesses which had nowhere to bank their takings.”

John Howells, chief executive of LINK, added: “The UK isn’t ready to go cashless yet and it’s vital to protect our national cash infrastructure for the millions of consumers who still rely on cash.

“Any community with a problem with access to cash can now contact LINK and ask for help – we will also proactively check every community where ATMs and branches are closing to see if help should be provided.

Mr Edgecombe called on Wokingham Borough Council to look at setting up a Bank HUB in the town.

Phil hopes more shoppers will use his online service: “We provide free delivery on orders over £20 and our gift hampers are delivered free to UK addresses. We really love and value our customers.

“One elderly customer phoned this morning asking for his favourite cheese to be delivered as he can’t get into town.

“I’ll make that delivery because we care for our customers.”

Top dog will win a Thai meal

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

A prize-winning dog could win its owner a Thai meal for four in a country pub.

That’s the offer from The Jolly Farmer at Hurst for the best in show class at its first dog show.

Hurst villager Chantal Roberts and the pub landlady Yuti Ellis got together to plan the show on Saturday, May 20.

Yuti, who came up with idea, said: “I talked to Chantal, who has run dog shows before. Our customers are looking forward to it. It’ll be a day of fun for all the family.”

Chantal said: “The pub is right next to Dinton Pastures with its many dog walkers. Many of them call into the pub for a drink.”

There will be stalls and also garden games including Jenga and Connect 4. The dog show will run from 11am to 3pm, with live music afterwards.

Registration for the classes will be on the day.

The classes, costing £3 each, include the dog with the waggiest tail, best senior dog (seven years and over) and best puppy (four to 18 months), best rescue, best tricks/obedience, loveliest lady dog and fabulous fella.

Young handler classes will be for youngsters aged 10-16, or nine years and under. Class winners will get a rosette. Proceeds from the show will be split equally between Alzheimer’s Research UK and St Nicholas Church, Hurst. n There will be more doggie fun at Hurst Show and Country Fayre on June 24 and 25. The dog show is running on both days. Pet dog racing is returning by popular demand. Wickes building suppliers are kindly supplying lots of orange fencing to stop escapees from the race area on Martineau Green. Visit https://hurstshow.uk for details of the show.

Installing Solar PV for a local business

Family offers £1,000 for the return of lost rings

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

A TWYFORD family is appealing for information that will lead to the successful return of three rings.

Patricia Roach (75) realised the rings were missing in mid-April.

Her son Mark said: “They are all of sentimental rather than financial value, and we would really love to get them back.

APPEAL: If someone has unknowingly purchased these rings online, the Roach family would love to hear from them.

InstaGroup recently installed Solar Panels at Yately Football Club to help the Chandlers Lane Clubhouse reduce its fuel bills

Earlier this month InstaGroup installed a solar array (Solar PV) for Yateley football club This will help to make the Clubhouse more energy selfsufficient, and support future plans to operate floodlights for midweek and Step 6 football

Home fans united

InstaGroup is a keen supporter of businesses in the Wokingham area

We re already closely involved in the development of the Yateley youth team with both our CEO and Operations Manager managing different youth football teams It seemed like a great opportunity to help the Club further through our Solar installation services

A Solar PV array with battery storage would dramatically reduce the Clubhouse energy bills, freeing up funds to enhance football club facilities and offer more to the local community

Deciding on tactics

First, we undertook a thorough survey of the Clubhouse, which is a singlestorey construction with a 15-degree pitched roof Our technical team recommended the installation of 90 LDK Solar Panels along with two invertors and four Solar Batteries supplied by Huawei The solar array we designed was over 16 metres long and over 9 meters deep

The total power supplied from the array would be 22kw, generating enough electricity during the day for storage in the solar batteries The stored electricity could then be used by the Clubhouse at night and during early mornings

Staying on the ball

Our survey revealed that the Clubhouse roof was constructed with a rubber finish, so fixing Solar Panels would require a more complex solution than usual

We employed a specialist company to weld on custom-built rails and the Solar Panels needed bespoke fixings While working the installation team had to take great care to preserve the integrity of the rubber roof and maintain its 30-year guarantee

A winning team Scaffolding was erected for the works, and once the rails were fitted, InstaGroup s installation crew and qualified electrician worked together to complete the install

Solar panels, invertors and batteries were all inspected, tested, and connected The project was completed within the agreed 3-day timeframe, from 6th March – 9th March 2023

A goal for Yateley

The Clubhouse is already seeing the benefit of generating its own electricity and is looking forward to saving money on energy bills year after year

All at Yateley football club are impressed with the appearance of the Solar array, and the dedication of the InstaGroup team to do the job right We re proud to have helped with this solar project, which was handled with InstaGroup s professional planning, clear timescales and trouble-free installation

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“Mum suddenly noticed that they weren’t on her hand, and unfortunately she can’t remember what happened to them.

“So we don’t know whether they’ve been lost or stolen.”

The family has done all that they can think of to find the rings.

“We’ve gone through every room in Mum’s house, and turned everything upside down, but we’ve found nothing,” said Mark.

“There doesn’t appear to have been a break-in, and nothing else is missing.”

One of the items is Patricia’s wedding ring.

She married former well-known Reading Football Club Director, Brian Roach, in 1965.

“Mum has worn that ring for nearly 60 years, and it has great sentimental value for her,” said Mr Roach.

“The loss of it is especially hard, following on from Dad’s passing last February.”

The other two pieces are an eternity ring, and Patricia’s own mother’s wedding ring.

“Mum lost her mother when she was very young, and she has worn that

Free taster day for would-be bowlers in Wokingham

wedding ring for decades,” explained Mr Roach.

“It has huge significance for her.”

The loss of the rings remains, for the moment, a mystery.

They may be mislaid, and may yet turn up, or they may have been stolen, for selling on.

“We wondered whether in that case, they might turn up on Ebay or a local Facebook Market page,” said Mr Roach.

“Someone may already have purchased them innocently, not knowing they were stolen.

“If so, we would love that person to get in touch.

“The reward money is likely to be greater than what they will have paid.”

A SPORTS club is offering people the opportunity to try out lawn bowling. Whether they are interested in playing or want to learn more about the sport, Wokingham Bowling

The rings are likely to have been lost or stolen in the Twyford village centre area.

“It would mean the world to Mum to get them back,” said Mr Roach.

“We’re putting out a £1,000 reward, and we hope it will encourage anyone with information leading to the return of the rings to make contact.”

The family ask anyone who knows anything about the items, or who may have seen or bought the rings, to contact PC David Wrigley at Loddon Valley Police Station in Lower Earley, on: 01865 841148.

n For Thames Valley Police website, visit: www.thamesvalley.police.uk

n Anyone with information can also email: news@wokingham.today

Club welcomes people to its open day.

The group says that bowls is an easy sport to learn and play.

People of all skill levels will be welcomed, with coaches to help them get started.

Those wanting to try the sport are asked to wear trainers or flat shoes. Refreshments will be available.

The event takes place at Wokingham Bowling Club, Reading Road, on Sunday, May 14. The club will welcome visitors from 10am through to 2pm.

n For more information, email: alun1942@mac. com, call: 0118 969 5598 or visit: www. wokinghambowlingclub. co.uk

Insta House, Ivanhoe Road, Hogwood Business Park, Finchampstead, Wokingham, RG40 4PZ

Picture: Mark Roach

Fundraisers get walking to raise thousands for children’s charity

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today

TWO teams of fundraisers have been walking and climbing their way to raising thousands of pounds for a vital Wokingham charity.

Staff and supporters from Dingley’s Promise, based at All Saints School in Norrey’s Avenue, have recently taken part in the Wokingham Walk and staff and supporters of Dingley’s Promise have made the daredevil climb to the top of London’s iconic O2 Arena.

The Wokingham Walk, organised by the Lions Club, saw a team of eight staff and a family of five complete a fivemile walk around the town, starting and finishing at Elms Field.

The team raised around £900 for Dingley’s Promise, which offers life-changing support to children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in the Early Years with the aim of ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Last weekend another group of staff and supporters then scaled the heady heights of the O2 Arena, raising more than £4,000 in the process.

One of the climbers, Dr Sarah Bryan, who is blind, completed the challenge with no walking aids, single-handedly raising £1,179.

She said: “I’m a member of Business Networking International and Catherine McLeod, Dingley’s CEO, is also

sponsor me that was a little but out there and a little bit more fun.

“What speaks to my heart about Dingley’s Promise is that it enables children to get support so that they can be in inclusive education which I never had.

“I was always in segregated education, yet there’s no reason why someone like myself couldn’t be educated in the

mainstream if the resources were there, which they’re generally not.”

It’s not the first time that Sarah has taken on a daring challenge – she once abseiled down a 13-storey halls of residence in Sheffield when she was a student.

Sarah, who lives in Bracknell and runs her own company helping active women overcome long term pain, added: “I’m

Earlier hours plea for fitness centre

THE EARLY bird might catch the worm, but they could also be a bit fitter too if planning permission is granted.

going to keep the JustGiving page open and add to it with client cancellation fees from my business as Berkshire’s number one pain solution.”

Jo Evans, fundraising and communications manager at Dingley’s Promise, said: “Fundraising activities like these raise vital funds for Dingley’s Promise, which relies heavily on support from the local community.

“I like to say a huge thank you to everyone who gave up their spare time to help us to continue to provide our services and expand them so that more children and families can benefit.”

Dingley’s Promise, which also has centres in Reading, West Berkshire and Gloucester, is entering its 40th year of supporting SEND children.

The aim is to grow the reach of their specialist provision nationally to ensure that more children are given the opportunity to fulfil their potential, to support more families to increase confidence and access entitlements.

n For more details, call the Wokingham centre on: 0118 977 1234, email: admin.wokingham@ dingley.org.uk, or log on to: dingley.org.uk

Nuffield Health operates a gym in Erftstadt Court, and wants to open half-an-hour earlier.

At the moment, it opens on weekdays from 6.30am, but it wants permission from Wokingham Borough Council to welcome customers from 6am. Weekend opening remains at 8am.

The application, which has support of users, can be viewed by searching for application 230913 on Wokingham Borough Council’s planning website.

Office flat revision

OFFICES in Wokingham town centre will become flats, but an application received by the borough council aims to reduce the number from three to two.

In February the owner received permission for the conversion of the listed building in Market Place into three flats, but now they want to change the plans.

The building, 5a dates back to the early 1600s and was given grade II listed status in 1951.

The application can be viewed on Wokingham Borough Council’s planning website, application 230947.

SKY HIGH SUCCESS: The Dingley’s Promise team at the O2 Arena ahead of their abseil

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Singing in the (short-lived) rain

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

DESPITE mixed weather, thousands gathered in the town to enjoy a day out during the extended bank holiday weekend.

Wokingham’s May Fayre took over the town, with plenty of activities, stalls and street food for visitors to enjoy.

The fayre opened at 10am, but preparations had begun at dawn, when a team of 45 volunteers from Wokingham Lions Club arrived.

Some visitors wore red, white and blue, and Union Flag themed costumes.

They were able to enjoy the charity stalls, street food vendors, and attractions that lined Peach Street, Denmark Street, Broad Street and Elms Field.

Camp Mohawk is a multifunctional day centre for children with special needs and their families, set in five acres of countryside outside Wargrave.

Thames Hospice provides inpatient and community palliative and end-of-life care services to people aged 16 and over across East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.

Andy Goffin from Wokingham Lions, and May Fayre event coordinator, said: “It really went very well. Despite 10 minutes of heavy rain, it didn’t stop the visitors coming to enjoy the day.

“The stall holders and the visitors were happy, and we estimate that around 15,000 to 20,000 people came to the town throughout the day.”

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The fayre was officially opened by Town Mayor, Cllr Maria Gee, followed by entertainment on the main stage at the top of Denmark Street, organised by Cathy Valentine of Circus Scene.

The programme included numbers from ukelele band No Strings Attached, Steppin’ Out Stars Of Tomorrow, and a comedy juggler. Other performers were East Berkshire Operatic Society, Irish dance from the Maguire Academy, The Glee Club Choir, and a giant balloon show with a coronation theme.

Elms field hosted music from Saint Sebastian Brass Band, with attractions including a mini golf course, birds of prey, a children’s zoo, Punch and Judy, ferret racing, and a children’s train giving rides around the green space.

Best stall holder was awarded to CLASP Wokingham, a self-advocacy group for people with learning disabilities, and highly commended went to the Brownies.

Both stalls were decorated with a coronation theme.

“We’re very happy that everything went well, without any issues,” said Mr Goffin. “It’s a real team effort, put together by a group of six organisers and a large number of volunteers.

“We’re delighted the event will have raised around £15,000 for charity.”

The money will go to the two named organisations, and other local charitable groups.

“It’s great that after two years without a May Fayre, we’ve been able to run this event again,” said Mr Goffin.

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Also in Elms Field, children could try bungee jumping or bouncing in inflatable spheres.

For thirsty visitors, the Scout and Guide organisations ran a tea tent.

The annual event was part funded by Wokingham Town Council and raises money for local charities, with this year’s chosen two being Camp Mohawk and Thames Hospice.

“Our thanks go to our volunteers, to residents who braved a dull day, to the Town Council and Wokingham Society for their grants, and to all our other sponsors.”

By 8pm all the stalls and attractions had disappeared, but the Lions have not stopped, and are already planning their next event.

Work has started on the Lions Winter Carnival, planned for Sunday, November 26, again in the town centre.

n For more information, visit: www.wokinghamlions.org.uk

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A spot of rain didn’t deter visitors to Wokingham Lions’ May Fayre

Letting off steam in zorb balls on Elms Field

Morris dancers celebrated May Day

The Ollie Young Foundation provided cakes for hungry visitors to Wokingham Lions’ May Fayre

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The famous Lions land train in action

Traditional funfair rides lined the streets

Winners display their prizes

A bungee jumper enjoys bouncing

Crowds enjoying the main stage entertainment

Golfers enjoying the mini course

Scouts and Guides were represented

There were Union Flags on show

Enjoying life to the fore

A golfer tees up

Members of Camp Mohawk

SpaceForAll explained their vision

Tony Lack demonstrated traditional weaving

A young winner gives the fair a thumbs up after playing a game

Another

view Neil Coupe

Who is to blame for the litter?

THE radio station that I listen to first thing in the morning has a feature

‘In My Opinion’, where a contributor gives a view on a subject of his or her choosing.

The very nature of the feature is that it is intended to provoke a response from the listeners, so even if subject appears to be uncontroversial, the viewpoint rarely is.

On this occasion, the subject was litter.

Litter, in the view of the woman speaking, is not the fault of the ‘litterer’. It is the fault of absolutely everyone else. It is the fault of the packaging industry for creating the packaging.

It is the fault of the food industry for using the packaging. It is the fault of the council for not having enough bins, or not emptying them quickly enough. It is the fault of the Government, probably.

This had both my wife and me shouting at the radio at 6.20am, probably exactly what the radio producers had wanted.

Thinking no more of it, I set off to work, only to be confronted by a pavement covered in rubbish. Recognisable rubbish.

Our rubbish.

Our blue bin bag had been savaged by one of our curious local foxes.

We are now able to add local wildlife to the list of the litterers, but it was all rather futile as everything edible was in the separate, sealed, food caddy.

If we were to listen to the views of the radio correspondent, then the logical action would be to let nature take its course with the wind taking it out of eye-shot, or hope that someone else would do something about the mess, and anyway, it is someone else’s fault. I’m not 100% that our neighbours would be overly happy with that.

It took all of two minutes to clear up the mess of the previous week’s waste, although I had not expected that brushing up the debris would cause another problem.

A friendly ashen-faced dog walker was stopped dead in his tracks by his recalcitrant but handsome dog, who, it was announced, was frightened of brushes.

Was there an element of truth in what the woman said?

She did articulate one bugbear of mine that there is frequently unnecessary packaging, particularly for fruit and vegetables.

Do apples really need to be hermetically sealed?

Does a cabbage need to be in a plastic bag in its journey from the supermarket shelf to the pan?

Do we genuinely need to buy water in plastic bottles?

Shopping can definitely be made more environmentally friendly through the reduction of waste. Does this excuse laziness, and lack of respect for the places and people around you?

‘Other’ people can help through the reduction of packaging, but ultimately a tidy environment is everyone’s responsibility and the voices calling for a lack of vigilance and care, or passing the buck onto others are, in my opinion, in the wrong.

However, although it may not help our local foxes, as I cleared the mess from the pavement, I could not help myself from looking forward to the day when we will have nice big secure wheelie bins outside our homes, and less debris on our pavements.

WRITE ON: People have said that they find writing to their lost loved ones helped at a difficult time. The box at Easthampsted Crematorium was installed in February this year. Picture:

Young cricketers six with new training

A WHITE postbox has been installed at a crematorium, for people to post letters to their lost loved ones.

Bracknell Forest Council put up the box at Easthampstead Crematorium, off Nine Mile Ride, in February.

Already it is being well used, with a number of people posting ‘letters to heaven.’

When they lose someone important, people can experience grief in different ways.

Writing letters and expressing loss can help with the grieving process.

The council’s decision to install the white postbox at Easthampstead Crematorium was inspired by the story of a nine-yearold girl from Nottingham.

She wanted to express her grief after losing her grandparents, so her local crematorium put up a white ‘postbox to heaven’.

Within months, hundreds of letters had been sent.

“A number of crematoria have followed suit since,” said assistant director for contract services at Bracknell Forest Council, Damian James.

“We thought it was a lovely idea when we heard about it, and a fantastic way to engage, in particular, with young people who are coping with bereavement.

“But actually, the post box has had an impact on all ages.

“It has a much broader appeal than we first realised.

We’ve had some lovely feedback about how writing to their loved ones has helped people come to terms with loss at a difficult time.

“It’s given them something to focus on.”

None of the letters are read by staff at the crematorium.

“They are shredded and mulched, and turned into compost to feed the flowers in the beautiful, peaceful Easthampstead grounds,” explained Mr James.

“It’s a lovely garden, with green spaces and flowers.

“People have said how much they value the circular nature of this process, with their letters and their words eventually returning to the earth to feed the plants.”

The crematorium has also been giving away packets of wildflower seeds to mourners at services, to scatter somewhere with meaning for them.

“We’ve been doing this for about a year now,” said Mr James.

“We believe that the flowers and the post box to heaven are creating a positive experience for people, at what is a difficult time.”

n For more information about Easthampstead Crematorium, visit: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Waitrose opens new store

SHOPPERS in Hare Hatch can now pick up some tulips when they buy their tomatoes.

Supermarket giant, Waitrose, has opened a foodhall in the Dobbies Garden Centre on Floral Mile.

It now brings Waitrose’ wide range of food, drink, grocery products and everyday essentials to Dobbies’ customers.

Hare Hatch is one of more than 45 Dobbies foodhalls across the UK where Waitrose food and drinks are due to be launched and which will bring the supermarket brand to 20 new towns and cities.

Graham Fitsell, general manager at Dobbies Hare Hatch, said: “The foodhall at our store is very popular and the team is really positive about Waitrose being part of the shopping experience for customers.

“Our existing partners will continue to be part of offering,

including Lindt, Whittards, the Cook range, as well as our fresh bakery to-go.

“Waitrose products will be an excellent addition.”

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

TRAINING sessions for junior cricket players start at Hurst Cricket Club from Friday, May 5.

There’s still time for players to contact the club about going – or they can just turn up.

The training is by coaches from professional coaching company Pure Cricket. They will be supported by cricket parents who have had or will have training for this.

The sessions for under 9s and under 11s are between 5.45 and 7pm, and for under 13s and under 15s between 7 and 8.15pm.

There was a real buzz around the cricket field last Friday as dozens of young people gathered at the club’s taster sessions for the coming season.

Their parents enjoyed a barbecue as

BEARS with loose stuffing and bunnies with missing ears can visit a teddy doctor in Binfield.

Dr Brown’s Teddy Bear clinic meets monthly to see what can be done to spruce up much-loved stuffed cuddlies that have seen better days.

The surgery is the brainchild of Claire Murphy, owner of community café, Foxes’ Den.

She said: “I am the teddy doctor.

“I’m not a trained seamstress, but I love sewing, and after my ‘surgery’ you can’t tell where the mending has been done.

“All sorts of soft toys come in to be mended.

“The oldest bear I have worked with was 95-years-old.

“Mums in the area know about the surgery now, so sometimes I’ll get a phone call saying that a child has just pulled the ear off their stuffed bunny, and can I help,” she said.

they watched the play. The plan is for similar social events during the Friday training sessions. The club’s bar will be open.

In past summers Friday evenings at the club have been a social and cricketing highlight of the week for many families and other supporters.

Last Friday, at the club, junior section organiser Rob Dewey said: “It’s great to see all the young people here and also the adults socialising.

“About 80 young people have signed up or just come along tonight. We’re very pleased. I’d like to thank the many parents who stepped up to help out. The community has really pulled together to make it a success.”

In addition to those organising the cricket, others ran the barbecue and the bar.

“We put on a special session for under 13 girls to try and fulfil our

Leaving a favourite toy with the doctor can make children feel anxious, so Claire makes her surgery as friendly as possible.

“Dr Brown Bear is a teddy who wears a stethoscope,” she said.

“Children enjoy seeing him at the surgery.

“We try to make it a happy experience for them.”

Usually Claire is able to rescue injured toys brought to her, but she is careful to work only on those that she is confident she can safely restore.

“Someone brought in a toy that was more than 100-years-old,” she explained.

“After carefully looking at it I had to tell them that in this case, the mohair fur was just too fragile to work with.”

Lots of happy children have been delighted by the return of their toy after a trip to the Teddy Doctor.

As owner of the café, Claire is able

Jamie Simpson, Bracknell Forest Council

Why the most precious letter of all is never read

ON SALE: Dobbies has opened a branch of Waitrose in its Hare Hatch store Picture: Stewart Attwood

The Teddy Doctor will see you now

cricketers enjoy a hit for training sessions

commitments and fixtures for the season. We just need some more players,” added Mr Dewey.

“This evening is the launch for the summer. We’re hoping the young people here decide to join the club full-time and get involved in a packed season of training and games.” To join youngsters don’t need cricket experience.

Fixtures secretary Ravi Khehar, who is the under 15s manager, said: “Rob has done a great job. We’re delighted so many have come along.”

The junior section’s new sponsor, Richard Boyden, known in the village and further afield for his windows and exteriors cleaning business Richard of Hurst, was at the event. “This taster evening is fabulous, with a huge turnout. It’s clear they’re having fun,” he said.

Anyone else interested in playing

to decide what community events to host there.

“I love anything craft-based, so a lot of what we do here is sewing and mending oriented,” she said.

Dr Brown Bear’s Teddy Bear Clinic takes place at Fox’s Den Café, on the first Tuesday of the month.

Want to be part of the Big Help Out? Visit the library

WorcesterObserver

HISTORIC DURHAM

Beamish & Captain Cook’s Whitby

can phone Mr Dewey at 07883 089623. There’s also cricket at Hurst for five to eight-year-olds under the English Cricket Board All-Stars scheme starting on Friday, May 12, at 5pm for eight weeks. They’re run by Catherine Pearce of Hurst.

Children registering for All Stars receive a backpack including a cricket bat, cricket ball and a T-shirt with the child’s name on it.

To register visit: https://www.ecb. co.uk/play/all-stars

Hurst Cricket Club is also seeking some senior players. The first team which finished second in the Thames Valley Division II last year, has more than 25 players.

The club would like to hear from all potential players, though the second team has a particular need for more. n Details are at: https://hurst.playcricket.com/Aboutus

HOWZAT: Peter Dean, Rob Dewey, Louis Dean and Richard Saunders helped lead coaching sessions for young cricketers in Hurst Picture: Sue Corcoran GOOD

Teddies can find a new lease of life at the Teddy Doctor’s Surgery in Foxes’ Den Café in Binfield

A VOLUNTEER fair is to be held in Wokingham town centre next week, and organisers are hoping people will respond to the King’s invitation to help out in the community.

Wokingham Volunteer Centre is organising the event in the wake of other gatherings held in Arborfield and Lower Earley libraries and the new School Green Centre in Shinfield.

Helena Badger, from the Wokingham Volunteer Centre, said: “In conjunction with the King’s Coronation, the Big Help Out is being launched on Monday, May 8, with the aim of promoting volunteering.

“Our Volunteer Fair, being held only couple of days after the

POETRY CORNER

initiative starts, is a fantastic opportunity to meet local charities and organisations looking for local volunteers.

“It a chance for you to see what suits your skills, availability and passions – there really is something for everyone.”

Groups taking part will include the Link Visiting Scheme, ABC to Read, First Days, the Me2 Club, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Berkshire Remap, Wokingham and Earley Transport Scheme, and the Wokingham Borough Library Service.

The event will be held in Wokingham Library in Carnival Leisure Centre, from 10am to noon on Wednesday, May 10.

Soft toys can be presented from 10am until 11am, for free consultations.

A small fee, from £3, is asked for surgery.

n For more information about the Fox’s Den Community Hub, visit: www. foxesden.co.uk

I thought that I was going to be eating a Chilli

And now I feel very silly

Having invested 3 minutes defrosting a pasta sauce

Flavoursome for sure, of course

But not the meaty feast that I was anticipating

It has to be said that I was even salivating

And then I had to face a dilemma. Should I chuck the rice

Or is Pomodoro sauce and grain quite nice

Well it has to be said I gave it a go

And can answer with a definitive no

But that could be because it didn’t meet my expectation

I wanted Mexican and was forced to eat a dish from another nation

It was okay but not what I expected or wanted

It’s eaten, it’s gone - even though

Departing Thu 29 Jun ‘23

Enjoy a host of historically-themed excursions on this wonderful trip to the North East. From the bustling port of Whitby, to the fascinating open-air living museum of Beamish and the beautiful city of Durham, we journey into the past on this captivating break.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 4 nights at the Leonardo Hotel, Middlesbrough with dinner & breakfast

 Excursions to Durham, Beamish Living Museum & Whitby

5 Days by Coach only £349

based on what had been planted

The chilli delight remains to be eaten

Unless it morphs into turkey soup for the same reason

Oh sticky labels that fall off I know it’s part of your plot

To clear the freezer by making me eat food that I’d rather not

Gillian Passman

We love receiving your poetry, and print a selection every week. Verse can be sent to poems@wokingham.today

Departing Fri 7 Jul ‘23

Enjoy two wonderful days of horticultural excellence with visits to two of the UK’s leading gardens, the elegant RHS Wisley and the majestic Hampton Court Palace Flower Show on this getaway that is sure to get your inspiration sprouting.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 Overnight stay at a selected 3-star hotel outside London with dinner & breakfast

 Admission to Hampton Court Palace

Flower Show

 Excursion to RHS Garden Wisley

Reader travel 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. Prices are correct at the time of printing and will be honoured for bookings made on or before 7 days after publication. Prices after this date are subject to fluctuation. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

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READY TO HELP: Helena Badger from Wokingham Volunteer Centre - the group is organising a volunteers fair

A time of celebration

THIS WEEKEND, all over Wokingham, people will be celebrating the coronation of King Charles III.

It is an historic moment and one that most of us will not have experienced before – after all, the last time this happened was 70 years ago.

A lot has occurred since then.

Our town has changed from a postwar settlement, licking its wounds and rebuilding after a terrible time of austerity and rationing.

The 21st century, and our proximity to London has brought with it prosperity, commerce and opportunities were would never have imagined.

Yes, we might be living through a terrible time of austerity and inflation the likes of which we’ve not seen for decades, but the coronation is a chance to both look back and reflect and look forward to.

We might miss the Queen, and join the royal family in grieving for her, but the formal start of new reign. This is a moment to make memories –ones that will last for decades to come.

CHURCH NOTES

Being who are are made to be

THIS weekend, you might possibly already be aware, sees the Coronation of King Charles III. The global viewing figures will be immense.

There will be street parties and community events and the opportunity to help out in your neighbourhood.

It will be one of those weekends where you will always remember where you were and who you were with.

The coronation invites conversation around vocation, of becoming, of call. King Charles has been the heir to the throne since he was at Infant School – for 70 years.

It is only now, with the death of his Mother, that he has the chance to inhabit and fulfil the role he was born to take, to wear the crown.

The whole question of who we are truly – not in relationship to others, not because of the job we do or how successful we are- is illuminated by what those who have retired, those who are unable to work, and those who spend decades waiting to take the throne show us about identity, achievement and ambition.

And who we are truly is the person God made us to be.

God is not that interested in my income bracket, my annual review, my career plan.

He is very interested indeed in my heart, in my happiness and in the way I use what I have been gifted to serve.

For Christians and people of other faiths, what we have is a gift and what we do with it is a way of showing our heart and our love of God.

Father Richard Lamey is the rector of St Paul’s Church in Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokingham.today We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Your pet pictures Due to the local elections, our usual letters page has a makeover

Volunteer Corner

Helena Badger

WOULD you like to give a few hours back to a local charity but are unsure where to start? The Wokingham Volunteer Centre can help you!

We are hosting a Volunteer Fair on Wednesday 10th May 10am12pm at Wokingham Library. Drop in anytime and have an informal chat with a variety of different organisations and find the perfect role for you.

Below is a just a small selection of some of the charities who will be attending and the roles they have on offer.

Come along and meet them and many, many more!

n The Link Visiting Scheme is a charity dedicated to reducing the serious impact of loneliness in Wokingham Borough. We believe the best way to do that is through friendship and helping people feel connected to their community. We rely on volunteers to enhance the lives of those experiencing loneliness and isolation by making regular home visits. We ask you to give 1-2 hours per week or per fortnight, to be that friendly face and listening ear.

We’ll make sure you’ve got all the support and training you need and answer any questions you might have along the way.

n At ABC to read we believe life is better when everyone can read and express themselves confidently. Our trained reading mentors provide children with the skills and confidence they need to do just that. With the pandemic over the past two years, we know there is even more need for volunteers as some children may have fallen behind. Once volunteers are trained, they are then matched up with a local school. Commitment is ideally twice a week for one-anda-half hours in the afternoons but once a week will be considered.

The role is extremely rewarding, learning new skills and strengthens our community.

n The Me2Club offers support to families who have children, between the ages of 5 to 19, with

special needs to enable them to access mainstream social activities, mainly after school or at weekends. They provide trained volunteers to offer one-to-one support to children in need.

The Me2 Club links volunteers with children with additional needs to enable to take part in activities with other children.

These include brownies, scouts, music lessons, drama clubs and a wide variety of sports clubs.

They are looking for volunteers with a few hours to spare each week to support these children to get involved. No previous experience is required.

n If you would like to find out more about volunteering in your local area, please visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk Alternatively, to speak to someone in more detail, please contact our Volunteer Services Manager, Helena Badger on 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk

Albus -- Wendy Dixon

Baxter -- Caroline Elizabeth

Bunty -- Fiona Lane

Angus -- Martin Trepte

Bertie - Ann Williams

Charlie -- Rebecca Wood

Ashes -- Sally Gurney

Binx -- Penni Shepherd

Daisy -- Kate Dorothy

Atlas and Bailey -- Tracy Louise Peet

Bruce -- Billy Claire

Draco --Sandrine Spain

From the vicechancellor

Robert Van de Noort

Celebrating volunteering

LAST week, I had the pleasure of attending the University’s inaugural Celebration of Volunteering awards. The event brought together students, staff, alumni, supporters, and members of the local community to recognise and celebrate the wide range of volunteering work being undertaken by members of the University community.

A joint initiative with Reading Students’ Union, the Celebration of Volunteering recognises the impact that can be made when people volunteer their time to help others and support community-based projects.

I was immensely proud to see the deserving winners for each category accept their award. But it was also incredibly inspiring to learn more about each of the nominees, of whom there were many, and learn about the various ways the University community is helping to make a difference.

We heard about people who are running community choirs, coaching youth football teams, helping fight period poverty, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Others are narrating books for blind and partially-sighted children, giving primary school children a taste of university life and cleaning up our neighbourhoods by organising litter-picks.

The complaints resolver

What can you do if you receive a ‘fine’ for parking in a private car park?

Phil Creighton spoke to SCOTT DIXON, who has authored a book called How to Complain: The Consumer Guide to Cancelling Parking Tickets and Winning Pothole Claims, about some of the different ways locals can contest these parking tickets and why you should not be intimidated into paying up as soon as you receive a ticket.

THE first thing to remember is that a private parking operator cannot fine you. They can only issue an invoice (disguised as a fine) for an alleged breach of contract for parking on private land.

These invoices are called Parking Charge Notices, which differ from those issued by local authorities which are called Penalty Charge Notices.

Penalty Charge Notices are legally enforceable fines for infringements on public highways.

That is not to say that you can ignore a Parking Charge Notice, as these can be pursued through the Small Claims Court as outstanding debts and ultimately you risk being issued with a County Court Judgement for failing to pay the invoice.

The first thing to check is the date of issue and date of the parking incident. If the date of issue is more than 14 days after the date of the parking incident, this breaches Schedule 4 of the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 meaning that there is no keeper liability.

Keeper liability is defined as who the keeper (owner) of the vehicle is.

Crucially, there is no liability to identify the driver of the vehicle either

– you are merely invited to disclose who the driver is so the private parking operator can transfer liability.

The private parking operator cannot assume that the keeper was the driver, nor can they rely on CCTV images to do so under GDPR legislation.

In this scenario, you simply appeal as the keeper (do not use ‘I / We’ as you risk identifying who is liable). Thank them for their correspondence and cite that the keeper has received an invoice for an alleged breach of contract, will not identify the driver (nor can they assume that the keeper is the driver) and their only options are to cancel it or provide a POPLA code so it can be escalated and cancelled at their expense.

If the invoice is issued ‘in time’, go to the landowner in the first instance. This would be customer services at Tesco and speak to the staff or Duty Manager with a receipt to prove your visit and loyalty and get confirmation in writing.

They may say that they cannot do anything about it, but rest assured, if they got a ticket, it would be cancelled straightaway and they wouldn’t have to pay it.

Don’t be fobbed off. If nobody at the store will help you, escalate it by ringing Customer Service on 0800 50 5555 or email the CEO: ken.murphy@ uk.tesco.com. The CEO is unlikely to read it, although he will have an escalated customer complaints resolution team who will.

Keep it succinct, polite and factual with a bullet point timeline if necessary citing your loyalty and how disappointed and upset you are to be penalised for shopping at Tesco.

If that doesn’t work, there are other tools in your locker at your disposal.

Are you just a few minutes out of time? If so, you are allowed five minutes’ grace period under the British Parking Association Code of Practice to read and check the Terms and Conditions of the car park signage.

Can you cast reasonable doubt?

Is the signage clear? Signs need to be clearly visible day and night. Take photos – gather your evidence. Look on Google Street View.

Are there any spelling errors?

Your first appeal with the private parking operator will nearly always be unsuccessful. That is their business model – they don’t play fair like you and me. If they did, they wouldn’t make any money from what is legalised extortion by intimidating you to pay early to avoid threats of legal action.

Stick to your guns. Always appeal as the keeper and request a POPLA code if necessary so you can escalate your appeal.

You have roughly a 50% chance of succeeding at this stage, so it’s worth doing if you believe you have been unfairly issued with a parking invoice.

I can understand why people feel intimidated by the threat of being taken to Court, but you need to put it into perspective. It is simply an invoice for an alleged breach of contract – not a fine. You have to stick to your guns and fight back if you feel you have been unfairly treated.

Scott Dixon hosts the website thecomplaintsresolver.co.uk, and is a consumer rights expert specialising in motoring disputes

These are just some examples of the types of volunteering activity taking place in our community. If you want to be really inspired, head to our Celebration of Volunteering website at https://www.reading.ac.uk/about/ local-community/volunteering-awards to read all of the nominations.

While we are on the topic of volunteering, applications for our Community Fund have recently opened, giving University colleagues the opportunity to apply for funding grants to support projects they are involved with either as part of their job, or in a voluntary capacity.

Over the last two years, this has seen funding being awarded to projects in Reading, including coaching and equipment for a mixedability rugby team, providing vital supplies to a homeless charity and supporting a multilingual storytelling project in local nurseries.

This year, we have extended the boundaries of the scheme so that projects across the Thames Valley can benefit. In doing so, we hope to have an even greater impact in our surrounding communities, at a time when many are in need of extra support.

The deadline for applications is June 30.

I am not the first to say it, but as one who has seen the benefits and encourages our community of students and staff to get involved, it is clear that volunteering really does make a difference. Giving just some of our time to help support worthwhile causes can genuinely make a difference in someone else’s life. The more we all do this, the greater the impact we can collectively have in creating fairer, more equal societies. And I am sure those rewards speak for themselves.

If you’re now feeling inspired, the Big Help Out is launching on May 8. To mark the Coronation, organisations across the country are joining together to give everyone an opportunity to help out in our local communities. Whether it’s an hour or a day you have to spare, or maybe even something more regular, I’m sure it will have a positive impact and be much appreciated.

Professor Robert Van de Noort is the vicechancellor of the University of Reading

Scott Dixon

Kuro -- Carole Thompson

Manolo -- Nicola Watson

Mouse the Cat -- Simon Webster Wise

Luc -- Abigail Conlon

Phoebe -- Abby Humphries Mrs Blobbs with Sophie Williams

Luna, Poppy, and Pippin --Patsy McMaster

Miss Molly -- Celia Reed

Roarificus -- Kat Hatton

Shinfield 10k

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@wokingham.today

DODGY knees and achy backs will surely be rife in one Wokingham village after runners took part in its annual 10k on Monday.

More than 800 participants negotiated their way around the Shinfield 10k on the bank holiday morning, with junior races taking place in the afternoon.

Race organiser, Colin Cottell, said: “We were very pleased with how it went. In terms of

numbers, it was almost back to pre-pandemic levels.

“There were more than 200 runners in the junior races at Langley Mead, a lot of whom ran with parents. It’s a real family event and just encourages youngsters to take part.

“The weather was pretty perfect so we got a lot of people come out of their houses to support the runners.”

Reading AC managed to pick up wins in both men’s and women’s categories, with Daniel Thorne, 32:18, and Evie Warren, 37:17, securing gold.

Isaac Farnworth and Matthew Green, and Katherine Streams and Nikki Gray completed the podium spots.

Mr Cottell expressed his gratitude to groups such as Shinfield Scouts, the parish council and Shinfield Running Club, as well as the 70-odd marshalls and volunteers from Reading Roadrunners who helped out on the day.

The race also helped raise funds for local charities Understanding Dementia and Shinfield Association.

Race for home

Get set, go! The runners head off

Rounding the final bend

Shinfield Running Club’s biggest supporters

The children’s races took place at Langley Mead

New leasing agents appointed to Theale-based business park

NEW leasing agents have been appointed to a business park in Theale, and they say freehold space is available.

Colliers’ National Offices team has been appointed jointly with Hollis Hockley by CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) to look after Arlington Business Park.

They say it offers modern office space among landscaped gardens and a picturesque lakeside setting.

In all, there is 360,000 sq ft of space including leisure and outdoor amenities for tenants to work, play and network.

There is also a floating pavillion for events, an outdoor cinema, a café and a gym, as well as stay connected through wellcurated programmes and events such as movie screenings organised by the park management team.

There are several offerings available for immediate occupation across the park, from smaller fully fitted units, to larger stand alone buildings, ranging between 1,000 sq ft to 47,000 sq ft.

Willem Janssen, director in the south east National Offices team at Colliers, said: “Arlington Business Park offers an excellent opportunity for any organisation looking for modern office space in the Reading area but with the added benefit of having superb on-site leisure amenities.

“It’s very rare to have such a selection on offer for occupiers.

“We are delighted to have been brought on board to accelerate the lettings success at Arlington.”

And Simon Botterill, associate director in the Asset Management team at CapitaLand Investment (Europe), added: “We are pleased to partner with Colliers to introduce Arlington Business Park to a wider audience.

“At Arlington Business Park, we aim to enable ideas to flow, businesses to grow and communities to flourish, creating an environment that is not only functional, but beautiful, relaxing, and enjoyable.

“We look forward to welcoming more occupiers joining the Arlington Business Park community.”

Arlington Business Park was the winner of the 2020 Thames Valley Workplace of the Future Award and 2020 Business Park Innovation Award.

Just Eat turns to Select Car to convert fleet to electric

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

THE country’s biggest food delivery company, Just Eat, has announced it will convert its entire corporate fleet to electric vehicles by 2025.

The news will delight climate campaigners and comes as new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that 58.5% of EVs on UK roads are now company registered.

Just Eat dominates the UK food delivery business with a 45% share of the market with UberEats on 27% and Deliveroo on 26%. The industry is estimated to be worth £1.4bn a year.

The UK’s leading car leasing site, Select Car Leasing, has called on UK drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles, claiming companies that adopt a green vehicle fleet can play a huge part in making our roads more sustainable.

Sarah Worthington, Fleet Specialist at Select Car Leasing, said that growth in electric vehicles for the Corporate Fleet Team has been “record-setting.”

“In the last year, the number of electric vehicle fleets leased has increased from 25.12% to 37.25%,” she explained.

“Fleets are placing record-setting orders for electric vehicles (EVs), and all evidence suggests that these numbers will continue to rise.

“EVs do not waste half as much energy as petrol or diesel vehicles do when they use fuel. EVs will also

cost far less money to keep running in the long run. Thisismoney.co.uk estimates that an electric car can work out being 61% cheaper than its petrol equivalent.”

Earlier this year, more than thirty companies were issued with fines by the Environment Agency as part of nationwide efforts to reduce emissions.

Sarah admitted some companies are reluctant to use EVs over fears of a lack of charging stations in the UK while others point to a variety of global issues for lack of investment.

But she said a major benefit of EV fleets is the potential for saving money through tax reductions.

“Tax benefits for electric vehicles introduced in April 2020 mean that businesses can claim up to 100% of the cost of an electric vehicle against the profits of the year of purchase.

“Plus, employees that use a private electric vehicle for business purposes may be entitled to claim an annual tax-free mileage allowance of 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles driven and 25p per mile after that.”

“With our Select buying

power and close manufacturer relationships, there is no better place for a customer to secure the best pricing and vehicle availability.

“Overall, it is worth remembering that the long-term environmental and financial benefits of switching to an EV fleet far outweigh the headache that any of these stumbling blocks might pose.

“EV fleets are an essential part of our collective fight against the climate crisis since there is already a significant impact on the environment caused by the fuel consumption of petrol or diesel vehicle fleets.

“Switching to a greener fleet is also a way of demonstrating both to your employees and the broader community that your company cares about their long-term health and well-being.

“With an EV fleet, you are making a statement that you are dedicated to delivering services in a sustainable way, which can only reflect well on the public opinion of your company.”

n For more information go to: www. selectcarleasing.co.uk/electrify-yourfleet

John Madejski Centre for Reputation unveiled

A UNIVERSITY of Reading-linked institution has opened in Cape Town, South Africa.

The John Madejski Centre for Reputation (JMCR) at Henley Business School opened a dedicated sister centre in South Africa on Wednesday, April 5.

The JMCR, founded in 2000, was the first dedicated academic research centre in the field of reputation and relationships and has spent the past two decades engaging in the not-for-profit sector in Cape Town.

Looking to drive new research into how organisations can build and maintain stakeholder relationships, JMCR Africa will provide a physical space for its growing African network at Henley’s Cape Town campus.

Prof Kevin Money, director of the JMCR, said: “Understanding what the relationships are that drive business and how you build and protect these is crucial for any sustainability strategy, especially in an increasingly divided, post-Covid

world.

This is true whether you are a UK or South Africa-based company, or a not-for-profit.”

According to the World Bank, the building blocks of social sustainability are inclusive, just and resilient societies where citizens have voices and governments listen and respond, but this relies on the quality of

relationships between these parties.

“We live in a fracturing world, and it is only by building better relationships that we can hope to bridge these divides,” Prof Money added.

“At the JMCR we’ve developed a model that has been used successfully by numerous companies, governments and

charities globally to build trust in stakeholder relationships.

“By expanding our knowledge of how we do this in African contexts, and integrating this wisdom into existing practices and models, the world as a whole can only benefit.”

Henley Business School has been active in Africa for the past three decades with a campus in Johannesburg, launching the Cape Town campus this year.

Many of the NGOs that have worked with Henley Africa and JMCR are offered a complementary place on one of the school’s executive development programmes on leading for sustainability and societal impact.

These NGO leaders are connected into Henley’s global John Madejski Impact Partnership that was launched during the pandemic as a virtual hub to connect global leaders from all sectors to focus on issues of reputation and relationship.

NEW: Henley Business School’s Cape Town campus opened this year.

Picture: Henley Business School

FUTURE: Just Eat is teaming up with Select Car Leasing to convert its fleet to electric Picture: Chuttersnap/Unsplash

Citizens Advice to visit Tesco

PEOPLE needing free confidential assistance will be able to visit a town supermarket for help.

The Citizens Advice Mobile Unit will be parked at Tesco Wokingham, with a team offering advice, information and support for anyone who needs it.

The group can be found outside the supermarket on Tuesday, May 9. The service will be available from 9.30am to noon.

n For more information about Wokingham Citizens Advice, visit: www.citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk

Memory Café

A GROUP for people with memory difficulties meets regularly in Earley.

Tea is provided, along with chat and light recreation.

The group invites people to meet in a friendly atmosphere on the third Tuesday of every month.

The Memory Café takes place at St Nicolas Church Centre, Earley.

The next event is on Tuesday, May 16, from 2pm until 3.30pm.

All are welcome.

n For more information, call: 0118 966 9080

That’s funky! Florist celebrates move to town centre location

A WOKINGHAM florist celebrated their move to bigger and more central premises with a party.

Kate Thomas, who runs Funky Flowers and the Berkshire Flower School, has relocated from London Road to Elms Field.

The town centre location will see them offering a range of bouquets for sale, with subscription services available for people who need regular deliveries.

And through the flower school, Ms Thomas shares designs and creative techniques with people looking for inspiration and advice for everything from

wedding flowers to home arrangements.

It is also offered as a unique team building exercise.

Of the re-location, Ms Thomas said it had been a long time coming, having been at her previous location for nine years.

“To develop and be part of the community of Wokingham is awesome,” she said. “We have had a lot of people who have seen our old shop and didn’t come in because they couldn’t park.

“To be in the centre of Wokingham and seeing the smiles on some of our customers faces is incredible.”

The enlarged size is also beneficial for her team.

“For them to have more fresh air and daylight to work in is great,” she smiled. “We’ve built this from a shell - it had nothing in it - and they have a bespoke area for them to work in.

“We’re also able to do terrarium plants that we weren’t able to be in the other shop because the environment wasn’t right.

“It’s great to increase what we can do.”

The launch event, held on Friday, April 28, was attended by family, friends and

business supporters including fellow members of her BNI chapter which she attends regularly at Sandmartins Golf Course on Friday mornings.

“It’s been wonderful this evening,” she said.

And there’s another reason why her move to Elms Field is special.

Ms Thomas said: “It’s a real community here of shop owners.

“There are lots of independents, and it’s just lovely to have that.”

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

re3 shares tips on greener street parties

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@wokingham.today

THE BOROUGH’S RECYCLING and waste management firm is helping those celebrating the Coronation to keep their street parties sustainable.

re3 is offering a number of steps revellers can take to reduce the impact of their parties as the country marks the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

It recommends avoiding the use of disposable event essentials such as cutlery, plates, cups, and bottles.

Guests can be invited to bring their own, including chairs and portable furniture, or certain essentials can be hired.

Items such as table cloths can be replaced with sheets or blankets which can be washed rather than disposed of.

It also recommends avoiding buying plastic or disposable decorations which will be thrown away following the event.

Reusable decorations, or those which can be passed on for other uses, are advised, though hosts can also make

bespoke decorations using available items and materials.

Hosts are advised to plan accordingly for guest numbers to avoid food waste, to share and distribute any leftovers through goodie bags or food storage.

It also recommends the provision of food waste bags so that any waste can be properly disposed of or composted.

They are also reminded of how to dispose of certain items and waste; residents are encouraged to check recycling days and arrange for specific

events waste disposal where possible and appropriate.

Guests can also lend a hand by taking their recycling waste home with them for proper disposal.

The re3 recycling and waste centre in Reading is open between 8am-8pm during the Coronation weekend, including Coronation Monday, May 8.

It will be closed for the coronation, between 11am-1pm on Saturday.

n For more details, log on to: re3. org.uk

Funky Flowers’ owner Kate Thomas cuts the ribbon to declare the company’s new base open for business

NEW LOCATION: Family, friends and supporters celebrate Funky Flowers’ new Elms Field location Pictures: Phil Creighton

Title: Innovation Scientist

Reports to: Dr Jonathan Ear, Head of R&D

Based at: Unit 5 Sapphire Centre, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2QL, England

Job Description:

The Innovation Scientist will work within a team of scientists to perform various laboratory tests and experiments, analyze data, and prepare reports As well as this the innovation scientist will do research on new and upcoming IVD tests and concepts and support the R&D team in bringing them to market

The ideal candidate will have a degree in a scientific field and be able to work independently and collaboratively with innovative thinking and a drive for progress

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct experiments and laboratory procedures in a safe and efficient manner

• Analyze experimental data using a variety of techniques and software programs

• Maintain laboratory equipment, including troubleshooting, repairs, and calibration

• Prepare reports on experimental results, including analysis and interpretation of data

• Ensure compliance with all relevant laboratory and safety protocols

• Desktop research into new and exciting fields of the IVD market, science and developments

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with other members of the R&D team

• Manage laboratory supplies and inventory

• Stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field of study

Requirements:

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a scientific field, such as biology, biomedical sciences, biochemistry, microbiology

• Experience in laboratory research and experimentation

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team

• Familiarity with laboratory equipment and software programs

• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and procedures

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Willingness to learn and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in scientific research

If interested in this vacancy please email your CV to Jonathan at je@apacor.com

Location: Unit 5 Sapphire Centre, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 2QL Tel: 0118 979 5566 Web: www.apacor.com

A day out by special train to Plymouth

The South Devon Explorer

Saturday 27th May 2023

From Reading. Join our special train at Reading for a day out to remember. We will be met by an historic steam locomotive at Bristol to steam along the Kennet and Avon Canal, through Somerset countryside and the Culm Valley to Exeter. A run along the famous Dawlish sea wall, one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway, will be a highlight of the journey. A break at maritime Plymouth provides chance to explore the Hoe and the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps or the city’s shops On the return our vintage train will leave our steam loco behind at Taunton to complete our journey diesel hauled.

• Premier Dining £295 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £195 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £130 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHP

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express

Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 2023

From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a day out departing from Slough or Reading to the Bristol Channel coast by train featuring two historic steam locomotives. This seaside special will be hauled by a magnificent steam loco along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and through the pretty Vale of Pewsey. Our train will join the West Somerset Railway and a WSR steam loco will take over for the stretch past Dunster Castle and into the resort of Minehead, where you can enjoy the sea and sand before we steam for home.

• Premier Dining £285 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £185 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHQ

A day out to Cornwall The Royal Duchy

Sunday 30th July 2023

From Slough and Reading. Step on board our special train at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol ready for an exhilarating run beside the Exe Estuary and along the famous Dawlish sea wall. The Royal Duchy will stop at Plymouth, where you can explore the Hoe, ancient Barbican, seafront or National Marine Aquarium. Alternatively, stay on board for Cornwall to Par, where we shall have coaches ready to take you to the pretty seaside village of Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre and location for the BBC’s Poldark.

• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.

• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

£10 per person discount quote: DHR

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

LEISURETODAY

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Headon-istic Thomas Headon talks fun, festivals, and fighting social media

THERE’S less than two days left before Are You Listening? Festival brings a plethora of bands and performers to venues all over Reading.

Among the myriad musicians making appearances is Thomas Headon, who says that this is only his second time playing such a diffuse festival.

“The first time, ironically, was Leeds, but that was really cool.”

AYL will also be his first festival booking of the year as the season kicks off in earnest in the spring.

“It’s quite exciting; I love Reading, and small festivals are just so great–it’d be really cool to see more smaller towns pop up with festivals like this.”

Despite lockdowns, he says that people are still seeking a more rough and ready festival experience, but that cost plays a big part in prospective festival-goers’ choices.

“The cost of things means it’s likely things will become more local, but it’s always been going up; we’ve been moving to cities since the ‘60s.

“But there’s such charm in audiences and acts being from those places, and I think you can tell when that’s the case.

“Especially in older audiences, and it means a lot to hear from an older crowd.”

As an artist, however, he also admits there’s less time to catch up with fellow musicians sharing the bill.

He’s hoping that the festival will be an exception, though: “There’s a bunch of acts at AYL that I know, and I will have to time to go and see, without having to have a certain type of wristband and a 300-mile walk.”

Headon’s music is not confined to any particular genre, which is possibly a result of the attitude he takes towards his work as an artist.

“You have a decision to make each

day about what you’re going to put together; it can be overwhelming having 100 different ideas, just as much as having none.

“How you do it is up to you in the moment – chase what you think is worth chasing.

“I find that I’m in a bit of a battle of deleting and redownloading Twitter; there’s just so many apps, even outside of music, it’s really hard not to be overwhelmed.”

As to how it effects his relationship with his creative output: “It’s different for everyone, but I’m really proud that my latest EP was really personal.

“But it took the fun out of it– even down to making the artwork, it had to be right, so all of the creative and marketing choices had to be right.”

Though he was born in the UK, he has spent much of his life so far in Australia, the influences of which often show through in the more sun-

drenched of his songs.

His latest, i loved a boy, is no different, despite its more ponderous, reflective subject matter.

He explains: “Up to now, we’ve only really considered whether something was fun or whether we liked it, and I’m getting back into it now.

“Maybe I’ll get back to a personal place again, but for now I don’t want to take myself too seriously.

“I’d rather have fun and make dumbass TikToks, and playing live is the reason I play at all.”

Like many musicians, his love of being in the audience informs his love of performing: “I’ve always loved going to gigs.

“Everyone in the room is having fun, and that’s the atmosphere I love and that’s how I prefer my shows.”

Are You Listening? festival celebrates its 10th birthday in May with Thomas Headon joining the likes

of Uncle Peanut, OSP, and Radio X’s John Kennedy have been added to the roster for a packed-out summer party.

Headliners Black Honey, and Jeffry Lewis & The Voltage will also be taking to the stage in a day of live music across Reading.

Face Bar, Oakford Social Club, Purple Turtle, The Rising Sun Arts Centre, St Laurence Church, South Street Arts Centre, and Sub89 will all see a full day of live performances. There’s also a warm-up party in St Laurence Church, where headliners Dream Wife will be joined by Divorce, Doops, Heartworms, and The Pink Diamond Revue.

n Are You Listening? takes place on Saturday, May 6, following the warmup party on Friday, May 5. The full line-up and access to tickets are available via: areyoulistening.org.uk

Brothers come together for Bee Gees

REAL LIFE brothers Gary and Darren Simmons and Darren’s son Jack, take the roles of Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb.

The family tribute band, Jive Talkin’, have performed with the original Bee Gees.

With accompaniment from lead guitar, violin, cello and drums they will entertain with a night of Bee Gees hits.

The audience can expect to hear Tragedy, Night Fever, Massachusetts, Stayin Alive, and Jive Talkin’.

The event is at Norden Farm, Maidenhead, on Friday, May 12.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £24.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Beautiful Day in store for U2 fans

WEST London tribute band U2Baby will play in Maidenhead.

With a song list that extends from Boy to Songs of Experience, U2Baby’s concert should appeal to U2 fans.

The event is at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, in the Courtyard Theatre, on Saturday, May 13.

Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £20.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

An evening of creamy muck muck

MESS and mayhem will descend on Reading.

Dick and Dom In Da Bungalow Live are bringing what they claime is the messiest show in the UK.

Audience members can grab a pint and join them for a night of Dick and Dom favourites.

Expect Two-Word Tango, Musical Splatues, The Grunty Song, Fairly Hairy Fizzogs, Pants Dance, What a Sweaty Flap and Bogies.

Meet and greet tickets are available, and every audience member has a chance to be part of the show.

The event is at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre, on Saturday, May 13.

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell –South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk

01344 484123

Rich Hall. Thurs 4. Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Fri 5. From Gold

To Rio, The Greatest Hits of Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran. Fri 5. The Golden Festival of Food and Music. Sun

7-Mon 8. Mapdance. Wed 10.

Basil Newby’s Funny Girls on Tour. Sat 14.

FILM: Little English (12a). Thurs

4. Everything Everywhere All At Once (15). Fri 5-Wed 10. Close (12a). Tues 9-Thurs 11. My Sailor, My Love (12a). Fri

12-Wed 17.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz

01276 707600

Bingo That’s Bonkers. Sat 6. Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. Thurs

11. The Greatest Magician.

Thurs 11. Frankie The Show.

Fri 12. Camberley Youth Wind Orchestra. Sat 13. The Instrumentals. Sun 14.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £29.

Meet And Greet VIP tickets cost £44.50

n For more details, or to book,call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

Toad is in a hole thanks to Sainsbury

FAMILIES can enjoy a show based on Kenneth Grahame’s much loved children’s book.

Wind In The Willows, a new musical, by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey), is packed with tunes and humour.

The Sainsbury Singers perform this feel-good show.

The event is at the Hexagon Theatre, from Wednesday, May 17 through to Saturday, May 20.

Performances are at 7.30pm each evening, with an additional matinée on

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk

01491 525050

Guildford –Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

01483 440000 Stewart Lee - Basic Lee. Thurs

4-Sat 6. Jarman. Fri 5. The Birds and the Bees. Wed 10-Sat 13.

High Wycombe –Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk

01494 512000

Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 4. Dara O Briain - So, Where Were We? Thurs 4. An Evening WIth Anton Du Beke and Friends. Fri 5. Peter Andre.

Sat 6. Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. Sun 7. The Searchers.

Wed 10. Dreamboys. Thurs 11. Lost In Music. Fri 12. Clive Anderson - Me, Macbeth and I. Fri 12. Fanny’s Bingo Brunch.

Sat 13. Roy Oribson and the Traveling Wilburys Experience.

Sat 13. The Serial Killer Next Door with Emma Kenny. Sun

14. Gary Delaney - Gary In Punderland. Sun 14.

The show was one of Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Best Reviewed in 2022. She has been seen on Mock the Week, People Just Do Nothing, The Office, Game Face and ABC’s The Weekly.

The event is at Norden Farm Arts

Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £25, with concessions f or students and over 65s available for £22, and tickets for under 16s costing £14.50.

n For more details, or to book,call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

What about now? Keith and Brian return

BOYZONE and Westlife band members Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden perform a night of classic songs.

Long time friends as well as performers, they appear together as Boyzlife.

They promise to return audiences to the boyband days of the nineties and naughties.

The programme includes music from their album Old School, as well as classic

Dementia Friendly - Judy (12).

Thurs 4. An Evening of Magic With Richard Jones. Thurs

Centre, Maidenhead, on Thursday, May 11.

Doors open at 8pm, with tickets available for £16

n For tickets and information call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Boyzone and Westlife hits.

The event is at Reading’s Hexagon Theatre, on Thursday, May 11.

Doors open at 7pm, with tickets available for £46.50, £38.50, £34.50, and £32 depending on seat location. n For more details, or to book,call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com

Suspicious minds welcomed

THE Suspicions of Mr Whicher is a new adaptation of Kate Summerscale’s thriller.

In the summer of 1860, a young boy is found dead in the outside privy of an elegant country house.

All clues point towards the murderer being a member of the grieving household.

Scotland Yard detective Jonathan Whicher, faced with an inept local police

With Barry Douglas. Sat 13. Megamind (PG). Sat 13. Budapest Cafe Orchestra.

force, a middle-class family with secrets, and a lack of evidence, tries to solve the case.

The play can be seen at The Watermill Theatre, from Friday, May 5 through to Saturday, June 10.

Performances are every night except Sundays, start at 7.30pm, with matinées on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £15, £33, £40, and £45 depending on seating, with concessions available.

n For more details, or to book,call the box office on: 01635 46044 or visit: www. watermill.org.uk

Looking for a buzz in your love life?

COMEDY, The Birds And The Bees, is set on Gail’s East Anglian farm.

The honeybees, and Gail’s love life are beginning to dry up.

With her daughter’s marriage drooping, and her neighbour Earl’s sugar beet souring, the farm - and love are wilting.

Can student Ben can buck up the bees?

Helen Lederer (Absolutely Fabulous) and Michael Starke (Brookside) star.

The event is at The Yvonne Arnaud theatre, Guildford from Wednesday, May 10 through to Saturday, May 13.

Doors open at 2.70pm, with additional matinées on Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £28, £31, and £35, with concessions available for £12.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01483 440000 or visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

Fast paced new choreography

CONTEMPORARY choreographers present a night of athletic dance-theatre. Mapdance 2023 is a collection of new work performed by University of Chichester’s MA touring company, a group of nationally and internationally recruited young dancers.

The event is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Wednesday, May 10.

Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available, costing £16.50, or £14.50 for over 65s, students, under 16s and unemployed.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk

Reading – Concert Hall

www.whatsonreading.com

0118 960 6060

Henley Drama Festival. Until Fri 5. Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe, A Couple of Swells. Thurs 11.

Done To Death By Jove. Fri

12. Budapest Cafe Orchestra.

Sun 14.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org

01628 788997

One Fine Morning (15). Wed

3-Thurs 4. Charlie Dore. Thurs

4. Magical Bones. Fri 5. Norden Farm Market. Sat 6. Coronation

Ceilidh. Sat 6. Imogen Ryall and Julian Nicholas Quintet.

Sat 6. The Acoustic Sessions.

Tues 9. Godland (12a). Tues 9, Thurs 11. Grease The Musical.

Wed 10. Tiff Stevenson - Sexy

Brain. Thurs 11. Jive Talkin’. Fri

12. Divine Madness. Fri 12. The Vinyl Frontier. Sat 13. U2 Baby.

Sat 13.

Newbury – Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

4. Don’t Stop Believin’. Fri 5. Jess Gillam Ensemble. Sat

6. Family Film: Wallace and Gromit - The Curse of the Were Rabbit. Sat 6. Sound Beginnings - The Magic Flute.

Sun 7. Steven Osborne. Sun

7. Newbury Spring Festival

Chorus. Sun 7. Cabaret Night.

Sun 7. A Taste of Argentina at the Vineyard. Mon 8. What Does Music Mean, a talk by Steven Osborne. Tues 9. Ferio Saxophone Quartet. Tues

9. The Shackled King and Bunnhilde’s Dream. Tues 9. Matilda Lloyd. Wed 10. Don

Juan - The Brilliant Irreverence of Lord Byron. Wed 10. Hogan Music Showcase. Wed 10.

After The Coronation. Thurs

11. The Power of Compassion.

Thurs 11. The Symphonic Brass of London Quintet. Thurs

11. Young Artists Recital 3: Maiastra String Quintet. Fri 12. The Sheepdrove Recital. Fri 12.

The Tallis Scholars. Fri 12. Trials of Cato. Fri 12. Masterclass

Sat 13. Estonian Symphony Orchestra. Sat 13. Piano Final.

Sun 14. The Mikado. Sun 14. Lucy Crow. Sun 14. Newbury – Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher. Fri 5-Sat Jun 10.

Reading – South St

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Geoff Norcott work in progress.

Thurs 4. Breathe by SK Shlomo.

Fri 12. Tom Davis - work in progress. Sat 13.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

Test Match Special Live. Thurs 4. Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Fri 5. The Elvis World Tour.

Tues 9. The Big Comedy Bash 2023. Wed 10. Boyzlife Old School Part Two. Thurs 11.

Dick and Dom in da Bungalow Live. Sat 13.

Lunchtime organ recital. Mon 15.

Reading – Progress

www.progresstheatre.co.uk

0118 384 2195

Silver Lining. Fri 19- Sat 27.

Reading – Reading Rep

www.readingrep.com

0118 370 2620

The Rumble Under The Rug. May 31-Jun 3.

Shinfield – Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk

0118 975 8880

The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

Jun 7-10.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com

0118 969 8000

Noel Coward’s Hay Fever. Until May 13. Beyond Faith. Sun 7.

Windsor – Theatre

Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

01753 853888

The Makings of a Murderer. Mon 22. Legend - The Music of Bob Marley. Tues 23. Take That Tribute. Wed 24. Thank You For The Music - The Ultimate Tribute to Abba. Thurs 25. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Fri 26. 80s Live. Sat 27. Walk Right Back. Sun 28.

Wokingham – Theatre

www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk

0118 978 5363

Flare Path. Until Sat 6. Wokingham Lions comedy night. Fri 19.

Wokingham – Whitty

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Strictly Street 20 Year anniversary show. Sun 7. TeechersLeavers 22. Wed 10. The Banshees of Inisherin (15). Thurs 11. Wokingham Music Club: Stingchronicity. Fri 12. Stageability presents Shrek Jr. Sun 14.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org

07488337838

NEXT SHOW: Educating Rita. June 20-24.

A STAND UP, writer and actor invites audiences to spend an hour with her and her self diagnosed ‘Sexy Brain’.

Tiff Stevenson’s study in trying to see all sides of every argument is driving her slowly mad in the process.

Founding member of Joy Division plays classics at Sub89

Peter Hook & The Light Sub 89

Friday, April 28

THERE is some music and there are some lyrics that resonate and become a major part of your life.

For many people one of the bands that created some of the most atmospheric, emotional and powerful music and words ever is Joy Division.

It’s therefore not surprising that when a founding member of the band, Peter Hook, announced that he was going to be playing the band’s two albums in full at a tour that included a Sub 89, Reading date, it sold out very quickly.

The albums, Unknown Pleasures and Closer, have been an important part of my life since I saw Joy Division live before the sad death of vocalist, Ian Curtis. I therefore approached this gig with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. How great it would be to see these albums performed live but would it be a let down and damage the memories.

With the show about to start, I made my way close to the stage and the band came on to open with a set of some New Order classics (the band formed by the remaining members of Joy Division).

Oh my goodness, what a start to the night. Peter Hook led his band of excellent musicians through a great selection including a brilliant performance

The music of Joy Division and New Order will always live on, especially with incredible performances like this one

of my fave New Order song, The Perfect Kiss, which had the audience dancing and singing along.

There was then a very short break and with Sub89 now very full I wasn’t moving from my spot. That opening set had so blown me away that I couldn’t wait for those Joy Division albums. My fears about whether this could be a let down were soon gone.

From Disorder, the opening song on Unknown Pleasures to the final song on Closer, the intensely moving Decades, the band performed every song perfectly lifting them even higher with their powerful and emotional playing.

It was quite clear how much these songs still mean to Peter Hook but you could also see how much they mean to his band members, many of whom would certainly have been too young to see the original band.

The emotional intensity of the performance was clearly felt in the audience with everyone watching transfixed with many singing along to those words that meant so much.

The band then returned for an encore of four non-album songs and it was as if all the pent up emotion was released as the transfixed crowd turned into a joyous mosh pit with everyone dancing and singing along wildly especially to that inevitable final song - the classic Love Will Tear Us Apar.’

What a night. The music of Joy Division and New Order will always live on, especially with incredible performances like this one. Peter Hook & The Light will be performing both band’s Substance albums at Hammersmith Apollo on October 14. That could be well worth a trip.

n Have a listen to a playlist of the Sub 89 set list at https://spoti.

fi/41LvvBA

The Best of Enemies comes to the Biscuit Factory

READING Biscuit Factory is hosting the latest of its stage screenings in May.

The independent cinema in the centre of town will show The Best of Enemies from the National Theatre Live collection.

The play sees David Harewood and Zachary Quinto portray William F Buckley Jr and Gore Vidal, respectively.

Set against the background

of a US presidential election in 1968, the play follows an all-out political battle between two men vying for power through their advocacy of the two parties.

The landscape of American politics is changed over the course of a series of nightly debates as television broadcasts begin to inform democracy on a scale never seen before.

It is written by James Graham,

FESTIVAL

CHRIS HILLMAN

the multi-Olivier Award-winning author behind Finding Neverland, Labour of Love, and The Vote, directed by Jeremy Herrin, and filmed live in London’s West End.

The Best of Enemies is screening at Reading Biscuit Facory on Thursday, May 18, from 7pm.

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

Broad Str-eat: Reading Food Festival returns to the town centre

READING is set to welcome a two-day culinary celebration to Broad Street which will be the latest event seeing world cuisine and live entertainment in the heart of the town.

Reading Food Festival is back for 2023, hosted by Blue Collar and the Reading Business Improvement District with Reading’s Economy and Destination Agency.

The two-day street party will see food stalls offering dishes from 30 different cuisines alongside a bar and musical performances.

Stalls such as Harlem2Manila, Sushi Yo Me, Mainstreet Tacos, Hurricane Huggy’s, and Clarks Kitchen will be joined by Gamekeeper Burgers, Wow Bao Club, Tapas Culture, Churros Garcia, and Meski’s Ehtiopian at the festival.

The Berlin Doner, Soleluna Pizza, Spengler’s Deli, Fine Brownie Co, Rotisserie & Desserts, El Contador, Polentista, Mr Pig Stuff, Sticky Beaks, Sharian’s Jamaicans, Pitta Pitta, and Royal Tandoori are rounding out the offerings.

Among those performing live

will be Reading’s own steel band experience, RASPO, from 1pm2pm, and the Latin stylings of Los Dos Gringos from 3.15pm-5pm on Saturday, May 13.

The festival’s second day will see Ukelele performances from No Strings Attached from noon1pm, and covers from artists such as Adele and Amy Winehouse by Natalie Gray from 2pm. Reading Food Festival, formerly Eat Reading, is taking place on Broad Street, central Reading, from Saturday-Sunday, May 13-14.

JAKE CLOTHIER

Picture: Andrew Merritt

What the Butler will see... and hear

THE sounds and styles of three of the greatest musicians from the 1950s and 60s can be heard at the May show of the Nettlebed Folk Club.

Ewan MacColl, Charles Parker and Peggy Seeger created the groundbreaking Radio Ballads broadcasts for the BBC Home Service using an audio documentary format to highlight the experiences of real people.

The trio weaved the voices of rarely-heard communities with songs written from and about their recorded interviews, the first time regional accents had been heard on BBC Radio.

These eight programmes were masterpieces of radio, producing many songs that have since become folk classics.

There was a revival in 2006 with a team of stellar musicians, singers and songwriters from the folk/acoustic/roots music scene. Now three members of that team, Bob Fox, Jez Lowe and Julie Matthews, have put together a selection of the songs ‘IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF EWAN MacCOLL’.

Expect to be entertained and enlightened by songs of joy, love, hardship and humour.

n The show takes place in The Butler in Chatham Street, Reading on Monday, May 15 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £19. For more details, or to book, call: 01628 636620 or 01628 603670 between 10am and 8pm, or log on to: nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Cast announced for RABBLE’s Henry I

AN UPCOMING play set to show in one of Reading’s prestigious venues has announced its cast, including a few famous faces.

RABBLE Theatre has put faces to names for its upcoming production of Beth Flintoff’s Henry I. Company co-founder and coartistic director Toby W. Davies returns to the titular role after having been part of the awardwinning productions of the play back in 2016.

Off West End nominee Joseph Black joins the cast as Roger following appearances in a number of productions with GB Theatre Company and The Duke Theatre.

He also took part in 10 productions with the National Youth Theatre before training at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre.

Amy Conachan, best recognised for her role as Courtney Campbell in Hollyoaks, is taking up the role of Adela, Countess of Blois, Henry’s older sister.

Matthew Douglas will appear as Lord Robert de Belleme after roles in West End productions of An Inspector Calls as well as with The National Theatre and The Young Vic. He has also appeared in Netflix’s The Stranger, Outlander, Tremors, and Miracle

on the Hudson.

Anjellica Serra will take up the roles of Agnes of Ponthieu and Juliana of Breteuil, fresh from her appearance in Sky and HBO’s 2022 horror comedy The Baby.

Gabrielle Sheppard will portray William Rufus and William Atheling following appearances in BBC’s The Outlaws and Mammals.

Rounding out the cast is Mark Middleton as Robert Curthose.

Georgie Fellows also stars as both Queen Edith and Mabel, returning to RABBLE Theatre following her appearance in the original production in 2016.

After her time as an actorintern with the company, Ms Fellows moved on to train with the Welsh College of Music as well as acting at The Royal Court and at the Sam Wannamaker Festival.

“My first connection with

RABBLE’s production of Henry I will take place in the Abbey Ruins from Thursday, June 15, until Saturday, July 1. Picture: Courtesy of RABBLE Theatre

RABBLE began as a green teen intern in this exciting production of Henry I back in 2016.

“Six years on, I’m thrilled to be involved again with this vibrant historical play– I can’t wait to work with this brilliant team again and their innovative ideas.”

The play takes place in the wake of the death of William the Conqueror as his son is left with nothing.

A scramble for power over England ensues, in which Henry finds himself increasingly entangled desperate for stability.

The production is staged in Reading’s historic Abbey, metres from where King Henry I was buried, from Thursday, June 15, to Saturday, July 1, and in Winchester and London’s Covent Garden in mid-July. n Full details of productions and access to tickets is available via: rabbletheatre.com

Liza Pulman and Joe Stilgoe are set to bring Henley audiences a brandnew show, featuring some of their all-time favourite standards and some classic duets Picture: Kieran Brimson

A Couple of Swells a hit

IT takes a couple of swells to make the show, A Couple of Swells, a hit.

And that’s exactly what music lovers can expect when Joe Stilgoe and Liza Pulman take to the stage.

The pair are a musical match made in theatrical heaven when they team up to perform a host of all-time favourite standards and some classic duets, sprinkled with heaps of panache and a whole lot of dazzle.

Liza’s thirty-year career has encompassed music, theatre and comedy, from Glyndebourne Opera through West End musical theatre and as one-third of the British satirical comedy group, Fascinating Aida.

Joe Stilgoe is an internationally acclaimed singer, pianist and songwriter, known for writing songs that feel like classics, and

adapting classics so they sound like they’ve just been written.

Growing up surrounded by music – his parents are songwriter and TV personality Richard Stilgoe and opera singer Annabel Hunt – Joe’s career extends across theatre, TV and radio. He currently has a show on Jazz FM. If this talented pair needed a review, there is none better than that from Dawn French who after seeing the show, commented on her Instagram: Saw this last night. It is SO good.”

Dawn French saw the show and posted on Instagram: ‘Saw this last night. Oooo it’s SO good’. n The show is at The Kenton Theatre, Henley, Thursday May 11. Tickets £26. Box office: 01491 525050, or https://kentontheatre. co.uk/event/liza-pulman-joestilgoe-a-couple-of-swells/

It takes a couple of swells to make

RaW Sounds Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

LIKE many of you, we can’t wait for this year’s Eurovision - not least as it’s coming from Liverpool.

So we’re thrilled to have found a Wokingham connection with one of the entries in this year’s contest, enabling us to sneak it into the playlist.

Tune in for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstoday and enjoy the music.

There is also a Facebook page and group chat that bands and music fans can tap into. You can search for RaW Sounds Today and it will come up.

Voyager – Promises

How is an Australian Eurovision entry linked to our area? Well, the band’s manager, Lulu Davis, has also worked with our locally-based White Star Records on PR. What a talented person she is.

GIG GUIDE

Friday, May 5

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Alt-rock with Call of Sirens, Hellevator, Now Only. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Pure Queen. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead

RG12 7PA. Bracknell Jazz: Blue Town. Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran tribute. Details: 01344 484123.

BURGHFIELD – Cunning Man, Burghfield Road RG30 3RB. Mirror Effect. Details: 0118 959 8067.

CROWTHORNE – The Prince, High Street RG45 7AZ. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 772241.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South. Crowthorne Musical Players present The Vintage Belles Coronation Party. 7.30pm. £6, with fish n chips £16. Details: www.cmp-berks. org.uk

EMMBROOK – The Dog and Duck, Matthewsgreen Road RG41 1JT. Karaoke. Details: 0118 978 0544.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – CultureMix Arts and Music Centre, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Reggae Fridays: music, dancing, bar, open mic, music and more. £5. Details: 0118 958 7351.

READING – The Face bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Desperate Measures. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Gateway Pub, Greyfriars Road RG1 1PA. The WTBs. Details: 0118 959 0376.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in the their Minds karaoke. Details: 0118 958 8964.

READING – Playlist, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Marky Dawson. Details: 0118 212 0720.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.OC D&B. The Highwasters

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Saint Laurence Church, Friar Street RG1 3EJ. Are You Listening?

Warm-up Party: Dream Wife, Divorce, Doops, Heartworms, The Pink Diamond Revue, The Push DJs. From 6.30pm. Details: areyoulistening.org.uk

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. 4G. Details: 0118 977 3706.

Coronation Saturday, May 6

OK, it’s a bit of a tenuous link but the band is so good and such a great bunch of people who are injecting some quality melodic progressive metal into Eurovision that they certainly deserve our support.

We popped along to their last gig before they head to the competition and it was a brilliant fun and exciting night with everyone singing along to this song.

They need to get through the Semi Final next Thursday (May 11) so let’s all give them our vote and then it’s on to the final – https://www.voyagerau. com/

Louis and the Shakes – sorry.x

It’s a new single from the London based band that we featured last year following the great set

ACROSS READING. Heavy Pop presents

Are You Listening? 10th birthday

event. Acid Claw - Ash the Author -

AshKat - Black Honey - Butch Kassidy

- Cameron Hayes - Chiika - Cities in Dust - Coach Party - Colours & Fires

- Constanza - Cowboyy - Deadletter

- Deijuvhs - Dr Satso - Eat Daddy

Eat - Ever Hazel - Gag Salon - Ghosts

In The Photographs - Girli - Glass Half

Broken - Henjila - Holiday GhostsHolly Shillito - HolySMS - Hoopy Frood

- Jacob Lilac B2B Slippery People DJ

- Jeffery Lewis & The Voltage - Jessica

Winter - John Kennedy (Radio X)

DJ - Kid Kin - Kill Committee - ambrini

Girls - Lilac - Marisa and the Moths

- Matt Greener - Mila Todd - Missing

the Scene - Mr Fogg - My Northern

Sky - Neither to Launch nor Land - One

Eyed Man - Opus Kink - OSP - Page

Of Swords - Panic Shack - PEM - Pet

Needs - Playing Fields - Prima Queen

- Public Body - Rum and Donuts DJ

- Saloon Dion - Shelf Lives - Sophie

Jamieson - Spielmann - Steve Dore DJ

- Strabe - Suds - $un $keletons Kinky

Hands Support Group - Tayo Sound -

The Bobo - The Dianas - The Nextmen

- Thomas Headon - Tiece and the Pieces - Tracks and Grooves DJ - TVAM

- Uncle Peanut - Ziyad Al-Samman.

Details: areyoulistening.org.uk

BINFIELD – The Binfield Club, Terrace Road RG42 4HP. Recycler. Details: 01344 420690.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Alpha Line with I See Orange and The Kilrains. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. The Altiudes: A Right Royal Knees Up Coronation After Party. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Bad Penny. Details: 01344 422622.

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Coronation Party with Eclipse Sings and Paul Allum as Elvis. From 8pm. Details: 0118 983 2059.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Paul Spittle. Details: 01344 772161.

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Coronation day events: live coverage of the coronation from 11.15am, live music and barbecue from 5pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Not The Coronation Party with Renown High Wasters. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Cinco de Mayo and Coronation celebration.

that they performed at Loddfest. This is a band that consistently produces very good powerful uplifting indie rock and this is no exception. It’s certainly worth getting along to Wokingham Festival in August where they will be playing on the Main Trademark Windows Stage – https://www. louisandtheshakes.com/

Katie Ellwood – Breathe Slow

Now something a bit mellow in the midst of the indie and progressive rock we seem to have this week! It’s one of our fave artists from Wokingham and we are always pleased to see new music from Katie. She has just released another very good single which, with its dreamy vocals over a chilled background of acoustic and electronic instrumentation has a wonderful feel – https://www. instagram.com/katieellwood_music/

Kyros – The End in Mind

Kyros are back with their first new music in nearly three years and it’s an eight-minute epic. They are a band of excellent musicians and you can see them locally when they play Wokingham Festival on August 28 – https://www.kyrosmusic.com/

Rila’s Edge – Take Time

They are one of the bands of the moment and they have just released an excellent new two-track single which includes this – https://www.rilasedge. com/

Only the Poets – Jump

Reading band Only the Poets are certainly building a following with their live shows around the world. Jump is the band’s latest single with a very infectious melody – https://onlythepoetsofficial. com/

Tankus the Henge – You Can Do Anything

With Tankus the Henge headlining Wokingham Festival on Sunday, August 27.

We popped along to their show at Guildford’s Boileroom recently to check them out. What a night it was. – https://www.tankusthehenge. com/

Jessica Winter – Choreograph

Are You Listening Festival celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year and this talented artist and producer who just released her new EP Limerence, from which this song is taken, will be there on May 6 – https://www.jessicawinter.tv/

Reliant – Do What You Want

Wokingham/Reading based indie rockers return with a new catchy riff laden single, recorded at Generation Studio – https://linktr.ee/wearereliant

Split the Dealer – Capsize

He’s been in every one of our Top 20 listings of the year so far and this new single is another brilliant recording – https://beacons.ai/splitthedealer

Details: 0118 958 8964.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Back 2 Love’s Jolly Good Royal All Dayer Knees Up. From 2pm. Details: Search Tickettailor.com for Backtolove

READING – Reading Abbey Ruins, Chesnut Walk, RG1 3HW. Coronation concert: Scouting For Girls, The Royston Club, Tom Webber, Natalie Shay, Joey Oscar. £30 plus booking fee. From 3pm. Tickets via Fatsoma.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. From Noon. Sound James. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Queen’s Head, Christchurch Road RG2 7AZ. Gareth Chelley Quartet. Details: 0118 931 0232.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Rufus Rufcutt. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Rose and Thistle, Argyle Road RG1 7YL. Mollys Jam. Details: 0118 957 3851.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Number of The Beef. Details: 0118 957 6930.

READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. The New Jazz Age. Details: 0118 931 0115.

WOKINGHAM – The Two Poplars, Finchampstead Road RG41 2NU. Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute.

Details: 0118 978 0590.

YATELEY - The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. I Got Soul.

Details: 01252 870648.

Coronation Sunday, May 7

BEECH HILL – Memorial Hall, Wood Lane. Beech Hill village Big Lunch: share with family, friends and neighbours. Children invited to make a crown and wear it on the day. Prize of the winner. From 12.30pm.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music: Skamungas, a Tribute to Little Mix performed by Lil Mix, a Tribute to Beyonce performed by Lauren G, and a Tribute to Elvis (The King) by Bracknell’s TC. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EVERSLEY – The Tallo Ho, Fleet Hill RG27 0RR. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 973 2134.

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS. Sarah Jane Eveleigh with the Terry Hutchins Quartet. Details: 07500 333743.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Hats Off To The King including Robert Butterick,

Andy and Paul, Undercurrent, Third Quarter, Rocket King, Boxset. Hats on the Hatwalk contest 4pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: singers night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr Gee. Universal Records. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Reading Abbey Ruins, Chesnut Walk, RG1 3HW. King’s Coronation Tribute Festival including Paw Patrol, Queen, Elton John, Oasis, Take That, Madness. From noon, last entry 2pm. £15 plus booking fee. Details: Search Fatsoma.

READING – The Victoria Cross, Basingstoke Road RG2 0NT. Crowning of Soul. Details: 0118 931 0115

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Beyond Faith. Details: 0118 969 8000.

TILEHURST – The Atrium Health Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Reading Dub Club presents NATURAL PROGRESS meets RUEBEN IRIE soundsystem. £10. Details: www.facebook.com/ readingdubclub

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Gary Roman as Elvis.Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Open mic. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Coronation Monday, May 8

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music: Atomic Rapture, The Filthy Llamas, Man Made Soul, The Small Strings. Noon-6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test. Club Reckless. Details: 0118 959 7196.

STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Dean Friedman. Details: 01491 681048.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Monday evening acoustic cafe. 7.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Thomas Heppell. Details: 01252 870648.

Tuesday, May 9

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet

Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome.

Details: 07866 251216.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk

RG1 7QF. The Elvis World Tour.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1

7HR. Lily. Details: 0118 958 6222.

Wednesday, May 10

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Open mic night.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street

RG1 7RJ. Monthly Shanty Session.

Details: 0118 958 0473.

Thursday, May 11

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Billy Liberator and the Orbiteers, with Amber Richmond.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hugh Turner Funk Quartet.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity/New Mind Presents The Rezillos. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk

RG1 7QF. Boyzlife Old School Part

Two. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 0118 901 2678.

WOKINGHAM – The Leafy Elephant, Peach Place RG40 1LY. Sugar and Sax.

Details: 0118 334 2623.

Friday, May 12

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Divide The Truth, Two Ton Shoes and Myopia. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul: B-Funky RnB Soul Tribute and RnB Party night. Details: 01344 303333.

GORING - Goring Community Centre, The Old School, Station Road RG8 9HB. Goring Community Jazz Club presents Sarah Jane Eveleigh & Otto Carretta. Details www.ticketsource.co.uk/ goring-community-jazz-club

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. The Brain of J: A Pearl Jam tribute. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Magical Mystery Four. Details: 0118 959 7196.

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Stingchroncity: The story of Sting and The Police.

Saturday, May 13

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Born Ideal and Stay Asleep. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael solo tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wallis Ferne. Live music From the Terrace. Details: 01344 484123.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. The Rolling Clones. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Johnny Marvel’s Acoustic Groove. Details: 0118 376 9159.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street RG1 1PW. Eurovision Party. Details: 0118 958 6775.

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Eurovision Song Contest grand final screening. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. From Noon. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Solace. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. MC Bushkin and Friends. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Dirtbag. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Tequila Chase. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Sweet Frequency. Details: 0118 977 0918.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Full Flavour. Details: 0118 979 7402.

Sunday, May 14

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Ian Dury’s Birthday Party.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Splat The Rat. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr Gee. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Voyager live in London Picture: Andrew Merritt

WHAT’SON

Friday, May 5

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4

7PL. Merry Opera’s Staged Messiah. 7.30pm. £20, £10 concessions. Details: www. standrewscaversham.org

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

CROWTHORNE – Parish Hall, Heath Hill Road South. Crowthorne Musical Players present The Vintage Belles Coronation Party. 7.30pm. £6, with fish n chips £16. Details: www. cmp-berks.org.uk

CROWTHORNE –Crowthorne Baptist Church, High Street RG45

7AT. Coronation cream tea.

3pm. £3 per head, booking essential. Details: www. crowthornebaptist.org.uk

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6

7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Travelling Talesman: Off With Their Heads. Folktales, myths & legends. For ages 16 upwards.

7.30pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30

1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Tesco Reading West Extra, Portman Road RG30 1AW. Tesco Coronation Treat Party. Noon-6pm. Details: https:// www.tesco-coronation. com

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Coronation

Saturday, May 6

BARKHAM – Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane, RG40 4PL. Barkham Village Residents Association coronation celebration. Watch streaming live, children’s entertainment, bingo, craft and more. 11am-4pm. Free. Royal Barn Dance with hog roast. £12, £5 under 16s. Details: 0118 978 3373.

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30

3TH. Coronation Party

with Eclipse Sings and Paul Allum as Elvis. From 8pm. Details: 0118 983 2059.

CROWTHORNE – Morgan Recreation Ground, Lower Broadmoor Road RG45 7LA. Coronation party. Big screen showing of coronation from 10am. Crown competition

1.15pm. Live music from Emma Baldwin 1.30pm. Poetry competition

2.15pm. Brighten the street contest 3.15pm. Live music from Fleece Lined

3.30pm. Runs 10am-

5.30pm. Details: www. crowthornebaptist.org.uk

HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10

0TR. Coronation day events: live coverage of the coronation from 11.15am, live music and barbecue from 5pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.

PADWORTH - Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.

MORTIMER – Fairground, Church Road RG7 2HU. Coronation celebrations: picnic, big screen, live music, bar and more. 10am-11pm. Details: bit.ly/ MortimerCoronation2023

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Make A Coronation Chicken, part of Reading Children’s Festival. For ages six upwards. 1pm2pm. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – Crunch Comics, Harris Arcade. Free Comic Book Day - choose from a free comic book from a range of more than 20. Special offers and more. 9am-4pm. Details: Search Facebook for Crunch Comics.

READING – Forbury Gardens. Forbury Fiesta noon-5pm, includes performances from Reading Rep, Theatretrain, babyballet, Universal Performances, Bengali cultural association, Indian dance, Matt Fiddes and more. Noon-5pm. Details: facebook.com/ ReadingCFest or 0118 937 2771.

READING – Phantom Brewing, Meadow Road

RG1 8LB. Break-Fast 2023: bottomless brunch, beer releases and bingo. £28, includinges food and drinks. Details: www. phantombrew.com

STRATFIELD SAYE –Wellington Farm Shop, Welsh Lane. Lighting of the coronation beacon. From 5.30pm, beacon lighting 7.30pm. Donations to NSPCC.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE – Waltham St Lawrence church, Halls Lane RG10 0JD. Screening on Coronation. Refreshments available. Details: wsl.link

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue,

Wokingham RG40 1UE. Coronation screening followed by light lunch.

Details: 0118 979 2797.

Coronation

Sunday, May 7

BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Beech Hill Road. Coronation big lunch.

12.30pm.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12

7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music. Noon-

6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EVERSLEY – Village Hall, Glaston Hill Road RG27 0LX. Coronation celebrations. Bring your own picnic and drink.

Music from John James Newman, disco dome, crafts and games, prizes for best crowns and more.

Free. Noon-3pm. Register by emailing: clerk@ eversley-pc.gov.uk

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Hats Off To The King including Robert Butterick, Andy and Paul, Undercurrent, Third Quarter, Rocket King, Boxset. Hats on the Hatwalk contest 4pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – Christ Church, Christchurch Road RG2

7AR. Festival evensong

6pm. Details: www. christchurchreading.org.uk

READING – Prospect Park, Bath Road. Prospect Park Railway public running organised by the reading Society of Model Engineers. From 1pm-3pm. 60p a ride, 10 tickets £4. Traines will run until 3.45pm.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Dreading Poetry Slam. 7.30pm. Free entry. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org

TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading’s Indie Market. From noon-5pm. Crafts, food, and more. Oh, and beer. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk

TILEHURST – Tyler’s Rest, Norcot Road. Coronation party: children’s games, competitions and colouring, best dressed contest, raffle, face painting and more. 1pm7pm.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE – Waltham St Lawrence church, Halls Lane RG10 0JD, then Neville Hall, Church Farm and the Pound. Festival service. 10am. Flower Festival. Coronation parade with Royal Pageant fancy Dress from 11am. Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band, Katy Kartwheel, Berkshire Reptile Encounters (14pm), Ponies in the Pound and an inflatable slide. In addition a quiz, games and arts and crafts (crown and sword decorating) will also keep adults and children entertained all afternoon. Noon-4pm. Details: wsl.link

WOKINGHAM – Market Place RG40 1AS. Sparkle Vegan Events presents vegan market. 11am3pm. Details: www.

sparkleveganevents.com

WOKINGHAM – St Crispin’s Sports Centre, London

Road RG40 1SS. Crispin Antique and Collectors Fair. £1. 10am-3pm.

Details: 07723 068189.

WOKINGHAM – Elizabeth Park, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Coronation big lunch with children’s activities. From noon. Details: 0118 979 2797.

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coronation celebrations: 9.30am mass. 3pm-5pm tea and cake in parish rooms with mouse hunt for younger guests.

5.15pm evening service with royal music. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church. office@spauls.co.uk.

WOODLEY – Woodford Park Memorial Ground. Coronation Picnic In The Park: music, circus skills, entertainment, free ice creams subject to availability. 2pm-5pm. Details: www.woodley. gov.uk

Coronation Monday, May 8

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Golden Festival of Food and Music. Noon6pm. Details: 01344 484123.

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30

3TH. Classic Car Show from 4pm. Details: 0118 983 2059.

HURST – St Nicholas Church, Church Hill. Coronation cream teas and ice creams. Children’s entertainment, and more. 2pm-4pm.

READING - Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Jelly’s The Creative book club meeting. 7pm-8.30pm. £2. Places limited, pre-booking essential. Details: jelly. org.uk

TWYFORD – King George V Recreation Field, from Twyford District Youth and Community Centre, Loddon Hall Road. Coronation Colour Run. 10am. £7.50. Details: tdyc. co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road. Party in the Paddock: barbecue, bar, inflatables, face painting, craft stalls, and more. 11am-4pm. Free entry. Details: holmegrangecraftvillage. co.uk

WOKINGHAM – All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Coronation Big Help Out: help tidy churchyard and the Cornershton. 11am3pm. 0118 979 2797.

Tuesday, May 9

BEECH HILL - Memorial Hall, Beech Hill Road. Cinema at Beech Hill presents Fisherman’s Friends: One and All. (15). 8pm. Booking essential. Details: www. ticketsource.co.uk/beechhill-memorial-hall/ CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime. 10.15am10.45am and 11.15am11.45am. Booking essential. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

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

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Art group. 1pm-3pm. £3 per session. Details: 0118 973 2484.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1

3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – 2 Blagrave Street RG1 1AZ. The Photographic Angle presents Monochrome Photography Exhibition. 10am-3pm. Free. Details: 08000 287338, or log on to: https://www. thephotographicangle. co.uk/exhibitions/

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Coffee morning. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Berkshire mini maestros. 2.30pm-3pm. Storytime: The Rumble Under The Rug. For ages 18 months to three years. 10.30am11.20am. Details: 0118 937 5115.

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 10

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – 2 Blagrave Street RG1 1AZ. The Photographic Angle presents Monochrome Photography Exhibition. 10am-3pm. Free. Details: 08000 287338, or log on to: https://www. thephotographicangle. co.uk/exhibitions/ READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Storytime: The Rumble Under The Rug. For ages 18 months to three years. 10am-11am.

Details: 0118 937 5106.

TWYFORD – URC Hall, Church Street, RG10 9DR. Twyford Arts Group Life Drawing Sessions. 7pm. Details: www. twyfordartgroup.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Thursday, May 11

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Storytime: The Rumble

Under The Rug. For ages 18 months to three years. 10.30am-11.20am. Free.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10am.

Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.

READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15. Details: 0118 937 5950.

READING – 2 Blagrave Street RG1 1AZ. The Photographic Angle presents Monochrome Photography Exhibition. 10am-3pm. Free. Details: 08000 287338, or log on to: https://www. thephotographicangle. co.uk/exhibitions/

READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Britain’s Railways in World War Two Talk with Richard Marks, organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 2pm-3.30pm. £5, £4 members. Details: 0118 950 9553.

READING – Forbury Gardens The Forbury RG1 3EJ. Coronation Celebration Rhymetime, for under fives. Free. 10.15am-11.15am, 11.15am-12.15am. Details: 0118 937 3449.

READING – Reading Biscuit Factory, Broad St Mall, Queen’s Walk RG1 7QE. Through A Different Lens is hosting Creative Connection meet up. From 6.15pm. Details: throughadifferentlens. co.uk

SPENCERS WOOD –Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime. 9.45am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential.

Storytime: The Rumble Under The Rug. For ages 18 months to three years. 3pm-3.40pm. Royal Crowns Craft. £1. 3.30pm4.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5112.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford Drama presents Fight Them For The Beeches, by Kathy Reid. £12, £10 concessions. Details: www. twyforddrama.co.uk

WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham

Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic 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.

WOKINGHAM – The Grange Chocolate Cafe, Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road RG40 3AW. Comedy at The Grange. Paul McCaffrey, Dinesh Nathan and Jonathan Elston. 7pm. Over 18s only. £13.20. Details: https://www.wegottickets. com/event/573498

WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: The Banshees of Inisherin (15). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, May 12

CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30amnoon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

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. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118

937 5100.

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Royal Storytime with stickers, suitable for under fives. Free. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5100.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe. 8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford Drama presents Fight Them For The Beeches, by Kathy Reid. £12, £10 concessions. Details: www. twyforddrama.co.uk

WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, May 13

CAVERSHAM – Across Caversham. Caversham

Arts Trail. 11am-5pm. Details: cavershamartstrail. co.uk

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Methodist Church Hall, Gosbrook Road RG4 8EB. Artists and Makers Fair. 10am. Free entry. Details: jean@alljazzedup.com or 07808 966928.

CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Quiz night. 8pm. Details: 01344 772161.

EARLEY – University of Reading Whiteknights Campus. Community Festival 2023. Free. pre-registration essential. 10am-3.30pm. Details: reading.ac/communityfest

READING – Broad Street. Reading Food festival. Details: www.visit-reading. com

READING – Jelly, 1st Floor, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Jelly family art club for ages 7-11. 10am-11am. £10. Booking essential. Details: www.jelly.org.uk

READING – Prospect Park, Honey End Lane RG30 4EQ. Prospect Park Bowls Club open day. 10am-4pm. All welcome. Only flat shoes required. Details: 0118 959 5064.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Bookface Chapter 14: Handmade books, independent publishers, paper sculptures, altered books, micro books, zines, printmaking, drawings, paintings, sketchbooks, experimental books and more. From 11am. Details: www.risingsunartscentre. org

READING – Reading Minster Of St Mary The Virgin C Of E Church, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Symphony Orchestra children’s concert. 3pm4pm. £7.50, chidlren free. For ages five upwards. Details: 0118 960 6060.

SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Create your own royal guard. For ages 3-10. £1. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Dee Caf, Montague House, Spey Road RG30 3DG. Kidical Mass West Reading edition. From 2pm. Search Facebook for Kidical Mass West Reading Edition.

TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford Drama presents Fight Them For The Beeches, by Kathy Reid. £12, £10 concessions. Details: www. twyforddrama.co.uk

WOKINGHAM - Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bond Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews.co.uk

WOKINGHAM - Ormonde Road Allotments, RG41 2RB. Wokingham Horticultural Association Annual Bring and Buy Plant Sale. 10.30am-12.30pm. Details: www.w-h-a.org.uk/ wha-general@outlook.com

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT –Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

TEST YOUR BRAINPOWER

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

1. What in ancient Greece was a stater?

2. The Martim Vaz islets in the Atlantic belong to which country?

3. Footballer Jordan Pickford is a goalkeeper for which Premier League club?

4. Which Australian mammal eats up to 800g of eucalyptus leaves a day?

5. What name is given to the channel which separates south-east Ireland from southwest Wales?

6. A species of which flower produces the vanilla pod?

7. Actress Raquel Welch, who died in February 2023, famously wore a fur bikini in which 1966 film?

8. Which type of rock, when subjected to heat and pressure, produces marble?

9. What is traditionally referred to as tiffin?

10. Who wrote the novel The World According to Garp?

GJ AE DA ER SD

EA WM IO

AB RG AE NW TL

LN LZ KE

SE VA EL AR DY

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Many good tumours! (6)

4. Inserted tablet to deal with unwanted film (6)

9. Find what a hunter smashed up (7)

10. Contending with the navy in Gibraltar to some extent (5)

11. More suitable worker in a fuel industry? (3-6)

12. Integral part of a woolly creature (3)

13. Ironically alcoholics have a weakness for it (6,5)

18. Tear up an inscription (3)

19. Alluring heartless girl in love (9)

21. Bachelor engulfed in strong wind on the roof (5)

22. Spanish nobleman disappeared when goal was converted (7)

23. Grind out acceptable contents at the same time (6)

24. Squirm or wither perhaps (6)

DOWN

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

1. Take a dive while having a breather in physical education (6)

2. Many are found among the dregs of the city (5)

3. Harbour one commanding officer by the colonnade (7)

5. Romeo left too much (5)

6. Silence, queen, it collapsed (7)

7. Promise to come into conflict (6)

8. Process that produces negative results along the way (11)

14. Lever once used by those working in the pool? (7)

15. Rearrange and replenish (7)

16. Female stiff and cold (6)

17. Has removed raw material from the beach (6)

19. Having no experience with colour (5)

20. Hooter not yet fully developed (5)

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

1234 S 5 E 678910111213

14151617181920 M 212223242526

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.

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

1. Thickening

19 5 3 94 6 7 4 735 29 8 3 6 5 98 473 56 5 2 3 8 1 12 98 3 149

acetal; alas; alate; atlas; calm; calmest; camel; castle; celt; clam; class; CLASSMATE; clast; cleat; éclat; lace; lactam; lactase; lama; lame; lamest; lase; lass; last; late; least; leat; less; lest; macle; malate; male; malt; maltase; mascle; meal; melt; mescal; metal; sale; salsa; salt; scale; seal; setal; slam; slat; slate; smalt; smelt; stale; steal; stela; tael; tala; talc; tale; tales; tamale; tassel; teal; tesla.

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:

31 Good; 37 Very Good; 43 Excellent.

ACROSS 482

EQUALISER: CRYPTIC

ACROSS DOWN

Ways to put kindness into your life

Time for kindness Sarah Browning

ON the gate of a house near where I live hangs a blue binbag full of empty drinks cans.

Above it is a poster explaining that the people who live there are collecting the cans as a way to fundraise for the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre.

As I walked by the other day, a car pulled up in the street and out jumped a lady with her arms full of cans to pop into the bag.

This got me thinking about how easy it is to fit acts of kindness into things that we’re already doing. Presumably these drinks cans were destined for some sort of bin or recycling point anyway. Without much extra effort, if any, they have now been kindly donated to a cause that

will make a difference to local people with MS.

Just doing their job?

Another example came from a friend who told me about a recent trip to a coffee shop.

She said that when she went in, “The lovely barista was helping an elderly customer who had accidentally turned the ringer off on his mobile phone and couldn’t work out how to turn it back on again.”

Mobile phone tech support probably isn’t part of the barista’s actual job description, but I’d wager that providing great customer service is. So including that help in his interaction with the customer added some kindness into the thing he was already doing (his job).

Just like the person

YOUR GARDEN IN MAY

in Sainsbury’s who showed me where to find the eggs yesterday. He’d seen me walk past the spot where he was stacking shelves a couple of times and when I went by again still with a puzzled look on my face, he stopped me and asked how he could help. Just doing his job, maybe, but I would still argue that it was a kindness he didn’t have to show me.

Fitting kindness into our lives

Lots of us are probably already adding kindness into our days, perhaps without realising it. Here are some ways that you may have carried out an act of kindness without even thinking about it:

• Donated clothes or bric-a-brac to a charity shop

• Recommended a book or TV series to a friend

• Let a car out in front of you on a busy road

• Helped someone reach a jar of pickle down from a high shelf at the supermarket

I think it follows that if we are being kind

Blooming Lovely

MAY is a marvellous month ... the garden is blooming, plants are beginning to flower and show their true colours and it’s the RHS Chelsea Flower Show (23-27 May).

We may not all have awardwinning gardens, but our outside space is beginning to come into its own again - to be enjoyed by friends and family.

Although al fresco living and entertaining is just round the corner, every garden has its share of unwelcome guests … pests that can eat their way through newly planted flower and veg beds in one sitting.

However, instead of choosing chemicals to deal with the problem, try to create an ecosystem that encourages natural predators to keep the pest population at bay.

So, thrifty tip for the month is … work with nature to help your garden establish its own healthy balance. Populate it with plenty of pollinator plants to encourage hoverflies, the larvae of which will eat aphids and caterpillars (fennel, ivy and Verbena bonariensis are particularly good).

Encourage birds into the garden as they will eat insect pests and slugs, so hang bird feeders and plant berry producing plants such as honeysuckle, roses and rowan. Deter snails and slugs by removing their habitats such as piles of pots and check regularly down the side of raised beds.

If natural prevention doesn’t work

A trifle fit for the King’s Coronation

Geum can help brighten any garden

you could try some organic solutions such as hand picking pests off plants, or spraying with a powerful hose.

Another option is using a soapy water spray - simply fill up a hand spray with a weak solution of biodegradable washing-up liquid (no more than a couple of squirts of liquid at a time). Slugs hate coffee granules, sawdust and salt – so sprinkle liberally around plants. If you have a large slug problem you can always water in nematodes (eelworms) as a biological

without realising it, we can do even more by consciously considering it.

So why not have a think about the places and times in your life where it would be no extra effort to add in doing something for someone else.

For example:

• Putting your neighbour’s bins away when you do yours

• Recycling through a fundraising scheme

• Warning a fellow dog-walker that the path ahead is muddy

My final bit of advice? Don’t over-think it. Kindness is most strongly welcomed

when it feels natural and authentic, not forced or contrived.

IS there anything more British than a trifle? The answer is yes, a trifle specially created for King Charles III’s Coronation by Michelin-starred Chef Adam Handling.

This dish fit for royalty is now on the menu at Adam’s pub, The Loch & the Tyne, in the Royal Borough of Old Windsor.

Adam’s strawberry and ginger trifle is one of three official recipes announced for the government’s Coronation toolkit, published to help the nation celebrate this moment in our history.

Chosen to truly represent the best of British, the trifle – similarly to all of Adam’s dishes – uses tasty, seasonal ingredients to create a modern take on one of the UK’s favourite traditional desserts.

Another popular choice for a great pop of floral colour are Geumsdependable, traditional, hardy garden favourites valued for vibrant displays in late spring and summer. They tend to be easy to grow, don’t need much maintenance and are mainly problem free.

Deadheading can help them produce more flowers and large plants can be easily split in the winter and replanted.

Hybrid varieties have long flowering seasons and can tolerate most growing conditions.

Geums also provide a garden with masses of hot colour from spring to early autumn – which is loved not only by gardeners but also by pollinators. Go-to varieties include newcomer ‘Totally Tangerine’ with single, soft orange flowers from late spring to autumn; established favourite ‘Mrs J Bradshaw’ with semi-double red flowers; and bright yellow ‘Custard Tart’.

Guests can now try this delicious dessert from the chef himself, as the The King’s Trifle is now on the menu at The Loch & the Tyne, aptly (for the occasion) located in Old Windsor, just a stone’s throw from the plethora of activities happening in the Royal Borough over the Coronation Weekend.

“I wanted to create a fun British dish of which so many of us have fond childhood memories,” explained Adam.

“I think trifle is one of those desserts that’s nostalgic for a lot of people, so this is my modern interpretation of our reminiscent youth, using the best of British ingredients –Scottish strawberries, Yorkshire Parkin cake and eggs and dairy from British farmers.

“It’s a real honour to have been asked to create recipes for the Coronation – it’s an iconic moment in our history and I hope lots of people will be celebrating in style.”

control.

As summer approaches and borders start to grow in leaps and bounds, planting out bedding can begin and for many gardeners the hardy Geranium is a reliable option. As the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) says, geraniums have excellent wildlife value along with flowers that attract pollinators. Their seed heads are loved by finches and their foliage gives shelter to insects, plus they come in an array of varieties and colours.

The RHS Gardener’s Checklist for May….

n Prune early flowering shrubs

n Keep an eye out for night time late frosts

n Plant strawberry runners

n Sow next year’s flowers

n Prune Clematis Montana

n Tie in sweet peas

n Keep hoeing weeds

n Sow more vegetables

n Install a water butt

n Plant herbs

Sarah Browning is a Kindness Cheerleader, Communicator and Strategist. For more details, log on to: www. timeforkindness. co.uk

YELLAS WIN THE SILVER

RELEGATION BATTLE

ROYALS’ ANXIOUS WAIT

‘IT’S DO OR DIE’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

with the Royals needing Sheffield United to beat Huddersfield Town to keep their survival hopes alive.

LOST ON POINTS: RAMS MISS OUT ON TITLE

RAMS RFC’s outstanding National League One campaign has ended in disappointment after they missed out on the title on points difference.

Having completed their season a week earlier, the Rams faced an anxious wait to see who would be crowned champions.

Rams had led the way for the majority of the season, but were pipped to the post by Cambridge who took the title in their final game after earning a bonus point win over Birmingham Moseley with a 59-10 victory.

Rams and Cambridge both finished level on 114 points after both enjoyed superb seasons, but it was Cambridge who won promotion with a points difference of +459 to better Rams’ total of +339.

It turned out to be a thrilling three-way race for the title as Sale finished just one point behind both Rams and Cambridge and had to settle for third place.

If Huddersfield manage to avoid defeat to the Blades this evening Reading will be relegated to League One.

Reading are away at Neil Warnock’s side on the final day of the Championship season in a potentially thrilling encounter in a winner takes all affair.

“We hope for the best possible outcome,” said Hunt.

“There’s no black or white. It’s do or die.

“If we go all attack too early, we might leaves ourselves too open and then have an even bigger mountain to climb.

“But we can’t hold anything back.

We’ve got to get the balance right and trust how we can create chances and then work from a structure.

“We have to emphasise that we have to win. At some point we have to throw the kitchen sink at the game.” n Full Royals report and reaction on pages 22 & 23

Despite missing out on first place, Rams can look back on an excellent season of progress having won 22 of their 26 league matches.

The final table means that Rams’ have climbed four places in the standings compared to their sixth placed finish the previous campaign where they won 17 of their 28 games, ending on 90 points.

READING FC’s fate is in the hands of others

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

YELLAS SUFFER SHOOTOUT LOSS,

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Combined Counties

Division One

DESPITE being beaten in their final game of the season, SANDHURST TOWN were confirmed as league champions.

The Fizzers lost out 2-0 away at Rising Ballers Kensington, but end the season on 87 points from 40 games.

Sandhurst have enjoyed

a memorable campaign that saw them win 28 of their 40 league games to defeat closest challengers Berks County to the title.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA took on the gruelling challenge of three games in three days in a manic end to the season.

In their first of three matches, the Boars picked up three points with an away win at British Airways with goals from Ben Catt and Sam Knight.

Catt bagged two more goals in the next match as Eversley drew 3-3 away at Brook House. Eversley then rounded off an impressive run of matches with victory over Bedfont as a brace from Joe Pantony helped them to a 2-1 win.

The Boars sit in 10th place on 62 points with one game left to play when they travel to Hillingdon Borough on Wednesday.

BERKS COUNTY confirmed their place as runners-up after completing a spectacular

late comeback at Hillingdon Borough.

In a game filled with late goals, it was the Swords who took the points with two stoppage time strikes to win 4-3.

The result means that Berks finish on 83 points with 26 wins from 40 games, just four points behind champions Sandhurst.

County will now look ahead to the play-offs to try and win promotion.

They face Langley in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Combined Counties League Cup semi-final

ASCOT UNITED were eliminated from the cup at the semi-final stage after a penalty shootout defeat against North Greenford United.

The Yellas got off to a great start when George Lock was taken down in the box and top goalscorer Brendan Matthew added to his tally by tucking the resulting penalty away.

Ascot quickly extended their lead just three minutes

after the opener when Jordan Ajanlekoko latched onto Sean McCormack’s and headed past the goalkeeper.

The visitors responded to halve Ascot’s lead in the 28th minute.

Greenford set their sights on completing a remarkable comeback and fired in two goals in quick succession, levelling up in the 74th minute before edging themselves in front just four minutes later.

But Ascot wouldn’t go

Ascot United lost out to North Greenford United in the semi-finals Pictures: Andrew Batt

Eversley & California up against Bedfont Pictures: Richard Milam

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

BOARS FINISH STRONG

From the middle

Cup finals for referees

MAY is a special time for football.

It marks the end of the football season in this country but it also is when most Cup Finals are played.

Throughout the land there will be clubs congratulating themselves on reaching the final of their relevant cup competition, but few will be thinking of the referees appointed to those games.

For referees it is an honour, and many will have been waiting, hoping, to see if they are appointed in their local competitions. That also goes for the top referees and the FA cup final. Originally known as the FA Challenge Cup, it is the oldest cup final in the world and Wembley is the one ground all referees would love to have on their refereeing CVs.

It is also a time for celebration and companionship.

The Eve of the Final Rally is held every year on the evening before the big day, when not only the chosen referee and his assistants take part, but any member of the Referee’s Association can attend this celebration held in London.

down without a fight and ensured the game would go to spot kicks when Louis Bouwers found his way through to score a 94th minute equaliser.

But it was North Greenford who held their nerve from the spot, scoring all four of their penalties, while Ascot missed their first two which meant the away team progressed 4-2.

Thames Valley Division One

HURST put themselves in the title picture with an impressive win over league leaders AFC Winkfield.

A hat-trick from Steven Hawes

FOOTBALL

and a goal from Jamie Broadley helped Hurst to a 4-3 away triumph.

Hurst are two points behind the current leaders with two games left to play, while Winkfield have completed their campaign.

Thames Valley Division Two

READING YMCA RAPIDS’ title hopes took a hit after BURGHFIELD RESERVES put themselves in the chase with a 3-1 win.

Goals from Jordan Cox, Ben Storey and Aush Gurung saw Burghfield take the points.

With two games each left to play, Burghfield are six points off the pace.

Reading

Division

FINCH AND READING YMCA CONTINUE BATTLE FOR SECOND

Thames Valley Premier League

FINCHAMPSTEAD look set to finish as runners-up after they earned an impressive away win at BURGHFIELD

Finch fired four past the Fielders with goals from James Payne, Stephen Hunt, Aqeel Butt and Dylan Chaffin to take a 4-0 success.

Finch are in second on 38 points with two games left to play.

READING YMCA stay close

behind Finchampstead in the fight for second place after they hit five past WARGRAVE

Doubles from both Andrej Hornola and Alfie Stephens, as well as a goal from Mohamed Adam, ensured a 5-1 away triumph for YMCA.

They trail Finch by four points with two games to play.

YATELEY UNITED are one game away from completing a perfect season after they earned their 19th win in 19 games.

They scored five at Slough

Heating Laurencians as Myles White smashed four goals and Charlie Westell added to the scoreline to secure a 5-1 win.

Bracknell & District Sunday League

Cup: Braybrooke Athletic 2-3 Finchampstead Athletic, Crowthorne Inn 0-3 Bracknell Royals, Raglan 4-3 FC Showcase, Ashridge Park Royals 5-3 BAS Allstars, AB United 6-2 Ashridge Park, Harts of Bracknell Stags 2-2 Bracknell Bisons (4-2 pens), Silver Birch 1-1 AFC Dukes Reserves (5-4 pens), Berks United 3-0 Bracknell Elite,

My first cup final was played at Maidenhead’s ground, not as distinguished as Wembley of course, but it too has its own history.

Maidenhead’s is the oldest ground in the world where football is still being played.

The final was the Berks & Bucks FA under 18s and I created a rather dubious record, in that I was the first referee ever to send off a player at any Berks & Bucks cup final.

Finals can also be an exhibition of comradeship locally.

When I later refereed the Reading Junior Cup Final at Elm Park, many refereeing colleagues came to watch and also came into our changing room afterwards.

One member however came back after all the others had left, to give me a little advice.

Another one who lived in West Reading went home and wrote me a letter, and then walked down to the main post office in Friar Street to post it.

Premier: Bracknell Rangers 7-2 Freeman Royals

Division One: Bracknell Spartan Vets 3-1

Winnersh Rangers, Panthers 9-1 Bracknell Athletic, SF7 6-0 FC Harmanswater

Division Two: 3M 0-3 Harts of Bracknell

Division Three: Bracknell Cavaliers Reserves 1-7

Hope & Anchor, Wokingham Wanderers 3-1 FC Bracknell Saints

Division Four Bracknell Athletic Reserves 1-2

Nameless FC, Bracknell Bisons Reserves 1-2 Bracknell Spartan, Braybrooke Athletic Reserves 2-1 FC Bracknell

It may seem incredulous today, but if you posted a letter there before midnight it would be delivered the next morning. Both gave me the same advice, ‘sitting in the stands we couldn’t hear your whistle’. I went out that week and bought a new whistle.

There is one thing above all that anyone refereeing a cup final must bear in mind. For the players this is their biggest match of the season, so referees mustn’t do anything to spoil their enjoyment.

That doesn’t mean shying away from any decisions that they need to make, but that they must be on top of their form.

n Bracknell referees will welcome PGMO referee John Busby as guest speaker for their final meeting of the season on Thursday, May 11, at Finchampstead Sports Club at 7.30pm. All referees are welcome.

Dick Sawdon-Smith

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FOOTBALL

LATE HEARTBREAK FOR ROBINS IN PLAY-OFF FINAL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Bracknell Town 2 Truro City 3

BRACKNELL TOWN’s hopes of promotion were dashed in the Southern League Premier South play-off final after they conceded a stoppage time goal to Truro City.

After completing a spectacular league campaign which saw Bracknell finish as runners-up, just three points behind champions Weston-super-Mare, they were dealt a cruel blow in the play-off final.

Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg’s side amassed 90 points from 42 games, while Truro finished just a point behind in third place.

Bracknell got through the semi-finals with a 1-0 win over Chesham United on Wednesday which went all the way to extra-time before Gary Abisogun notched the all important goal to send the Robins through to the final two.

Playing host to Truro at the SB Stadium, it was the visitors who scored the opening goal of the contest on the stroke of half-time through Tyler Harvey.

FOOTBALL

YELLAS CAPTURE SILVERWARE WITH LATE DOUBLE IN FINAL

Southern Region Women’s League Cup Final

ASCOT UNITED got their hands on silverware after they were successful in the cup final against Eastleigh in the Community.

The teams were deadlocked at 0-0 after a tense opening 85 minutes.

But it was Ascot who ensured they produced a strong final push to take the trophy with two late goals. With 85 minutes on the clock, the Yellas found the breakthrough when Laura Spark’s through ball found Nicole Brown to put them ahead.

Ascot stayed strong defensively and were rewarded with a second goal with virtually the final play of the game to confirm themselves as champions when Hannah Bennett converted in the 11th minute of stoppage time.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

TILEHURST PANTHERS kept their title hopes alive with a double header success over Harwell and Hendred.

The first match saw the Panthers run out as 3-1 winners with a brace from Leah Why and a goal from Deanna Cane.

In the next fixture, Why netted a hat-trick and a goal from Georgia Hayes helped Panthers to take a 4-2 win.

Tilehurst are in third on 37 points with three games left to play. They trail second placed Ascot by four points but have a game in hand.

They are five points behind current leaders New Bradwell St Peter who have already completed their campaign.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES maintain their lead at the top after earning a huge away win at BURGHFIELD.

Bracknell made a strong start to the second-half and were awarded a penalty just eight minutes after the restart which was converted by Darryl Sanders to make it 1-1.

But the away team responded quickly and restored their lead three minutes later when Andrew Neal made it 2-1.

The scouring streak in quick succession continued as Bracknell replied less than five minutes later in an extraordinary period of the match as Abisogun finished acrobatically after latching onto Dan Bayliss’ header.

With the game headed for extra-time, and possibly a penalty shootout, Bracknell were dealt a brutal blow in the dying moments of the game when Connor Riley-Lowe netted in the 95th minute to seal promotion for Truro.

Bracknell Town: Eacott, Dean, Burden, Fraser, Bayliss (c), Lodge, Abisogun, Herbert, Esprit, Sanders, English Subs: Knight, Harris, Grant, Platt, Osu Truro City: Hamon, Craske, Riley-Lowe (c), Adelsbury, Palmer, En-Neyah, Dean, T Harvey, Sullivan, White, Neal Subs: Knowles, Brett, C Harvey, Greenslade, Egan Goals: Harvey 45’, Sanders 55’ (pen), Neal 58’, Abisogun 62’, Riley-Lowe 90+5’

Goals from Megan Averill, Chloe Barton, Laura Comerford, Ciara Jolliffe, Lilly-May Varney and Katie Sayer helped the Boars to a 6-1 victory.

Eversley have a one point lead over second place Larkspur Rovers who have a game in hand.

CAVERSHAM AFC picked up a win and a loss in a double header against

The first game saw Taplow take the points with a 3-1 win before Caversham won the reverse fixture by the same scoreline.

Taplow United.

Ascot United won the Southern Region Women’s League Cup

Gary Abisogun scored to put Bracknell level

The Yellas in action against Woodley Pictures: Andrew Batt

Truro took the trophy and won promotion

The Robins were dejected at full-time

Bracknell concede a stoppage time goal

Bracknell were dealt defeat in the cruelest manner Pictures: John Leakey

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

MAN CITY 4-1 READING

ROYALS ROOTED TO BOTTOM OF WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE AFTER CITY LOSS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC WOMEN remain at the bottom of the Women’s Super League as Manchester City came back from an early deficit to take the points.

The Royals made a dream start when Sanne Troelsgaard fired them in front with less than a minute on the clock.

But City responded with their devastating attack as goals from Chloe Kelly, Khadija Shaw, Lauren Hemp and Steph Houghton ensured they collected the win.

Reading are in the relegation zone with three games left to play. They trail both Brighton and Leicester by a point, both of whom have a game in hand.

Just as they did last week against Everton, the Royals made a flying start when they stormed into a shock lead inside the opening minute.

Reading’s star player throughout the campaign stepped up to the plate once again as Sanne Troeslgaard wasted no time when she took aim and curled into the corner from the edge of the box with a precise finish.

It was very much backs to the wall for Reading after upsetting the title chasers early on.

After a barrage of City pressure, the hosts got back on level terms.

Reading’s inability to clear the ball with both Khadija Shaw and Chloe Kelly lurking in the six yard box led to the latter stealing in and nudging the ball past Grace Moloney.

REACTION

Royals keeper Moloney was called into action in a busy opening 45 minutes to prevent City from going in front as she stuck out a foot with a reflex save to stop Laura Coombs from drilling the ball into the net.

Easther Mayi Kith continued to show her value to Reading’s back line when she made a vital last ditch tackle on Shaw who looked destined to score from a one-on-one.

But the WSL’s top scorer couldn’t be stopped from her next chance when she powered a header in from a corner, despite Moloney getting a glove to the ball.

Troelsgaard then had a massive chance to get her second of the game when she worked tenaciously to chase Roebuck down, win the ball and get a shot at goal before the City keeper made amends with an important save.

The half-time whistle sounded with City in front after turning the game around, but with Reading still very much in the contest.

But a devastating City attack just two minutes after the restart gave City a comfortable advantage.

Kelly combined with Shaw and slid the ball to the back post for Lauren Hemp to apply the finish to make it 3-1.

PREVIEW

READING FACE FINAL THREE GAMES

Reading Women lost out when they visited Man City at the weekend, seeing them plummet to the bottom of the table Stock picture: Steve Smyth

READING FC WOMEN must pick up points in their final three games of the season to secure their Women’s Super League status, starting with a home match against Aston Villa.

The hosts kept pushing for a fourth and went within a whisker of finding it when a thunderous half volley from Hemp cannoned off the post.

Gareth Taylor’s team were rewarded with their fourth goal of the afternoon when club captain Steph Houghton picked out the corner with a pinpoint free-kick from 25 yards.

Despite having plenty more chances, Reading managed to keep City from putting any more gloss on the scoreline as it ended 4-1 in favour of the hosts.

Reading host Aston Villa in their next match on Sunday, May 7.

‘TWO GAMES TO DEFINE OUR SEASON’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinhgam.today

READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers believes that the next two games will define her team’s season.

The Royals currently sit in the relegation zone with their top flight status under serious threat.

“We knew the challenge having to come here and get a result against a side that hasn’t lost at home in 17 games,” said Chambers after Reading’s defeat to Manchester City.

“I think the bigger disappointment was the difference between our first-half and secondhalf performance.

“At half-time, I thought we were good enough, obviously scoring early then conceding two weak

goals, but there was enough to build on going into the second-half as we were still in it.

“The goal gave everyone a lift, it lifts the mood, and we had to make sure we stayed compact for longer than we did to avoid City to dictate the game.

“Them scoring from a set-piece, it’s a poor way to concede, but even then we went into the break only a goal down and still in the game.

“Coming out in the second half, we looked at a few things, and we said that we needed to be defensively strong from the beginning as we knew they were going to come flying out.

“But obviously as we saw, inside the opening exchanges they broke us down and scored, from there it’s a tough ask.”

Chambers’ side now have just three games left to try and avoid the drop in the WSL. Reading face Villa and

Tottenham before they face Chelsea on the final day of the season.

She continued: “Now we look ahead to Aston Villa and Tottenham, we showed that even against one of the best teams in the league, we can cause problems and put ourselves into positions to break. But we need to be more ruthless.

“As if we were better on the counter, I think we could have got on the scoresheet again and from there who knows what could have happened.

“There’s no hiding from the fact the next two weeks define our season, so we need to be intense in training, keeping the vibe good which it has been, and put in two massive performances that when we look back we can be proud of.”

The Royals currently occupy bottom spot in the WSL after Leicester City pulled themselves out of 12th position with an impressive 4-0 win over Liverpool.

Kelly Chambers’ side were beaten 4-1 by title chasing Manchester City which means they are two points behind Brighton and Leicester, both of whom have a game in hand.

Reading have only managed to total 11 points from 19 games and are winless in the league since March.

Sunday’s opponents have enjoyed a strong campaign and are in fifth position having won nine of their 19 league fixtures.

Lionesses star Rachel Daly who helped England to win the Euros last summer playing at left-back has been a revelation for Villa since signing at the start of the season.

Daly has been a versatile option for her coaches throughout her career slotting in at full-back for her country, however her natural position has primarily been up front where she has starred for Villa this campaign.

Since making the move from Houston Dash to return to England, Daly has been in superb scoring form and has netted 17 times in 19 games which puts her second in the list of top scores in the division.

Her outstanding scoring form has helped push Villa up the table into the top five having finished in ninth position in the 2021/22 campaign.

Villa suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Manchester United in their last fixture as the Red Devils cemented their place at the top of the table.

Villa had led 2-1 thanks to a Daly double, but United came fighting back with an equaliser from Nikita Parris before Mille Turner ensured the visitors snatched the points with a 3-2 win with a 93rd minute winner.

When the team’s met in November, it was the Villans who collected all three points thanks to another inspiring performance from Daly.

The Royals had taken an early lead through Lauren Wade, but Daly had her shooting boots well and firmly on and she struck a hat-trick to give Villa a commanding lead.

Reading were also reduced to 10 players when goalkeeper Jackie Burns was sent off.

Sanne Troelsgaard is Reading top scorer this season Picture: Steve Smyth

Reading Women’s manager Kelly Chambers Picture: Steve Smyth

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

How they rated

Joe Lumley

Not tested in the first 45, but dealt with a couple of shots from close range in the second half.

Andy Yiadom

Was given the licence to get forward, but was less effective in the second period. Not seriously tested on the defensive side of his game.

Tom Holmes

An assured performance from the centre-back. Was typically committed and offered a threat on attacking set pieces.

Naby Sarr

Dealt with balls into the channel well and was strong in his aerial duels.

Nesta Guinness-Walker

A threat down the left and was given a good amount of freedom to get forward. Nullified Wigan’s threat on his side too.

Tom McInytre

Went about his business diligently in his now rather familiar defensive midfield slot. Replaced by Mbengue deep in the second half.

Cesare Casadei

Not at his brilliant best but worked hard out of possession.

Jeff Hendrick

Got stuck in and always looked to get on the ball. A positive showing, but could have been braver in shooting from range.

Junior Hoilett

Made a good start to the game, putting in high quality crosses. Could tell he had been out for a while as the Canadian tired after the break.

Shane Long

Really struggled out on the wing. Didn’t offer much threat and was hauled off for Azeez early in the second period.

Lucas Joao

A frustrating afternoon for the Angolan. Was presented with a couple of half chances but couldn’t work enough space for himself.

SUBS

6 7 6

6 6 4

7 6 5

7 7

MEITE NETS LATE GOAL AS SURVIVAL

READING 1

WIGAN ATHLETIC 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC’s hopes of escaping the drop in the Championship took another hit despite Yakou Meite rescuing a point with a stoppage time equaliser.

The Royals’ hopes were on the ropes when Charlie Hughes put the Latics ahead with just 10 minutes left.

Meite bundled the ball home after a goalmouth scramble from a corner, but the point leaves Reading in a precarious position still in the drop zone and with other sides having games in hand.

Meanwhile, Wigan were relegated to League One courtesy of Meite’s late strike.

In front of a packed out crowd at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, both teams went into the contest in desperate need of points to try and get out of the relegation zone.

In a tense opening 45 minutes, Reading dominated possession of the ball without being able to open their opponents up.

Tom McIntyre had the first effort on target with a tame effort that was easily held by Wigan keeper Jamie Jones.

The visitors responded when Charlie Hughes found space on the edge of the box to hit a strike that whistled just wide of Joe Lumley’s post.

After some tenacious work from Nesta Guinness-Walker to snatch the ball in Wigan’s half, Jeff Hendrick was unable to pick the killer pass.

Reading worked a short corner routine that ended with

REACTION

Match stats

READING: Lumley, Yiadom (c), Holmes, Sarr, GuinnessWalker, McIntyre, Hendrick, Casadei, Hoilett, Long, Joao

SUBS: Boyce-Clarke, Dann, Mbengue, Loum, Fornah, Azeez, Meite

WIGAN: Jones, Darikwa (c), Nyambe, Whatmough, Hughes, McClean, Power, Tiehi, Keane, Lang, Magennis

SUBS: Tickle, Caulker, Rekik, Naylor, Sinani, Aasgaard, Wyke

GOALS: Hughes 81’, Meite 90+2’

“We’re relying on results now and keep a close eye. I told the boys that what they gave on the pitch is what should be the minimum requirement for this football club.

a dangerous delivery from Junior Hoilett that saw Josh Magennis put the ball behind.

The Royals’ best chance of the half fell for McIntyre as the ball dropped into his path after a long throw, but he thumped the ball high and wide on the half volley to see the chance go begging.

Another testing cross from Hoilett caused problems from a free-kick that took a nick off James McClean and evaded dropping into the net, instead

CHAMPIONSHIP HUNT:‘WE DOMINATED, I’M GUTTED WITH THE RESULT’

going out for another corner.

Cesare Casadei looked to open the scoring with an audacious acrobatic volley that arrowed high over the top.

Lucas Joao came within a whisker of giving Reading the lead as Jones made a spectacular stop to claw his header off the line, but the offside flag was raised by the linesman.

The teams went into the break without the score being dented with it all still to play for.

The Royals fought back to get a point after Yakou Meite’s stoppage time goal, but they are left in the relegation zone with both Rotherham and Huddersfield having games in hand.

“I’m gutted with the result in terms of the scoreline,” said Hunt.

“In terms of the performance and how we dominated the game and how we played, I was very proud.

“I think we completely dominated the game and if the ball drops for us we might score four or five.

“Other than putting the ball in the back of the net, there’s not a lot more we could have done.”

Reading face Huddersfield away on the final day and need other results to go their way as the Terriers could secure their safety on Thursday.

Hunt continued: “We’ve got to wait in hope and hopefully we will have something to play for.

“We were contemplating the team throughout the week to get our most experienced players on the pitch.

“We put out a team to

dominate the game.

“When Monday comes we start getting ready. I asked them to leave everything on the pitch and it was a Reading performance, albeit the result wasn’t the right one.

“Shane (Long) hasn’t played for five or six weeks, neither has Junior (Hoilett) all coming back from serious injuries to play football for this club and this team. From that, I can’t be any prouder.

“I felt the only way they would score would be a counter attack or a set play. It shows the character

when we go 1-0 down and we spoke about it at half time, the only way Wigan were going to score was on the counter or from a set-piece.

“That’s probably the most disappointing factor of the day, was that we conceded from a set play. It shows the character of the team, we had chance after chance. The fans had a lot to do with that, they kept going and we managed to get a goal and we could have nicked it.”

“They’re gutted (the players). They’re devastated.

“I told them to be proud of their performance and believe in themselves.”

Cesare Casadei tries to create

A sold out crowd at the SCL

Andy Yiadom holds off a Wigan forward

Royals fans out in force

Reading only managed a draw as

READING FC interim manager Noel Hunt believes his side ‘left everything on the pitch’ as they clawed back a late draw to leave their Championship future hanging in the balance.

Femi Azeez 6, Yakou Meite 7, Amadou Mbengue n/a, Tyrese Fornah n/a

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

SURVIVAL HOPES HANG BY A THREAD

a

READING FC interim manager Noel Hunt is relishing the challenge of testing himself up against one of the league’s most experienced bosses in Neil Warnock.

The Royals travel to face Huddersfield Town on the final day of the Championship season in an anxious clash.

Their Championship future is in major doubt after they failed to beat Wigan Athletic at the weekend, meaning they are in 22nd position with one game to go.

Huddersfield are currently three points above Reading with a game in hand – which is played tonight – before they meet on Monday, May 8.

If Huddersfield win or draw, Royals will be relegated.

“He’s the most successful EFL manager of all time,” said Hunt when asked about the prospect of facing Warnock.

“Him and the club (Reading) have had their spats over the years.

“He’s a manager I’ve admired for a long time. I’m sure he’s got a lot of knowledge I can tap in on if I get a chance.

Reading go close to snatching the lead

“I follow him on Twitter, I think he’s very entertaining. His stories are great.”

Reading are now having to rely on other results to go their way if they are to maintain their Championship status.

The Royals are on a run of 12 league games without a win.

The visitors started brightly after the restart when McClean blazed a half volley well wide before Magennis couldn’t convert a header at the back post and went down with an injury which saw him forced off and replaced by Danel Sinani.

Reading’s skipper Yiadom ventured into the box and kept calm to sell a dummy before his shot was blocked by a Wigan body .

Hunt made his first change of the game which saw him replace Long with Femi Azeez.

Lucas Joao showed his neat footwork in the box with a couple of twists and turns, but couldn’t

PREVIEW

prevent his effort from being blocked by the resolute Latics defence who continued to frustrate Reading.

The Royals boss made his second switch with just over 20 minutes remaining as Yakou Meite took Hoilett’s place.

Still pressing for an opener, Holmes wasn’t able to direct his header either side of the keeper from a Naby Sarr cross which left Jones with a simple catch.

Lumley had to keep cool to catch from Callum Lang’s volley after the Wigan midfielder found space and was unmarked in the box.

With a draw not good enough

for either side, the deadlock was eventually broken in the 81st minute when the away side went in front.

A free-kick routine saw Hughes sneak in at the back post and head the ball past Lumley to all but condemn the Royals to the drop.

After nine minutes of added time were signalled, Reading responded. Meite scrambled the ball in after the keeper dropped from a corner to give Reading a lifeline.

But there was no winner for either side which meant Reading’s hopes of survival hang in the balance and is very much in the fate of others.

Royals face anxious wait before potential relegation decider

READING have one final chance to save their Championship future in a relegation showdown away at Huddersfield Town.

That is if the Terriers are beaten on Thursday night in their game in hand against Sheffield United.

If they manage to avoid defeat then Reading will be relegated before the final day of the season.

The Royals have gone 12 games without picking up a win, which combined with a six-point deduction, means their Championship future is under serious threat.

Having sacked manager Paul

Ince and given Noel Hunt the final five games of the season to try and keep the team in the league, the Royals have managed three draws and one defeat from the Irishman’s short spell in charge.

After snatching a late draw against Wigan but not managing to beat the side at the bottom of the table, Reading’s fate was left in the hands of other teams.

The Royals have picked up 44 points from 13 wins, 11 draws and 21 defeats after being deducted six points.

Meanwhile, Neil Warnock’s side have 47 points before their

Thursday night match with 12 wins, 11 draws and 21 losses.

Warnock took over from Mark Fotheringham as Huddersfield boss in February to help the team in their fight against relegation.

Warnock holds the record for the most games ever managed in the English Football League and made the decision to return to the Terriers more than two decades after first managing them.

The club were in the relegation zone when he took charge, but the experienced boss has managed to weave his magic to give them hope of survival.

The reverse fixture between the teams in October was won 3-1 by the Royals at the Select Car Leasing Stadium. Goals from Tom McIntyre and Yakou Meite, as well as an own goal from Lee Nicholls, helped Reading continue their superb start to the season under Ince.

However, results have turned dramatically since then with Reading going on a dismal run, scaling down the league table as a result.

Reading’s last visit to the John Smith’s Stadium in August 2021 ended in a 4-0 defeat.

Rotherham are also in the relegation mix and are two points above Reading with a game in hand when they play Middlesbrough on Monday. A win would secure safety for the Millers, while Huddersfield need one point from their next two games to avoid the drop.

Hunt continued: “He knows the level, he knows the league, he’s experienced.

“I’m not going to sit here and disrespect someone like him, he’s done so much in this game and is someone I can look to and draw positivity from.

“I played against him a few times, probably a few words exchanged, but that’s football. He’s a winner. He wants to win and he’s proven that throughout his career.

“I’m a winner and I want to win, I love winning. Before I loved football, I loved to win no matter what it was. It will be an interesting conversation.”

‘He’s

manager I’ve admired for a long time’

Noel Hunt, Neil Warnock

relegation creeps closer Pictures: Steve Smyth and Luke Adams

Fornah applauds the fans

Joe Lumley Yakou Meite’s late goal rescued a point

Junior Hoilett fires in a cross

Femi Azeez on the ball

Reading attack from a corner

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

RUGBY UNION

RAMS U16S CROWNED CHAMPIONS

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

Rams 18 Newbury 12

A SUPERB second-half display saw Rams Under 16s crowned OBB League champions. It was a hardfought 18-12 victory in the Old Bath Road contest.

With a decent crowd, it was the home side who made the initial breakthrough, Rhys Smith riding over from the back of a maul in the right-hand corner.

Newbury, though, hit back strongly, and put themselves in front as Ollie Clarke darted over from close range before Ed Perceval added the extras to make it 7-5.

The West Berkshire men controlled the remainder of the opening period, and deservedly moved further in front as Kamran Paul also dotted down from near the line.

Trailing 12-5 at the break, Rams responded emphatically as they struck back through Aaron Lamb, the wing finishing tidily on the left.

And they swiftly got in front following a wave of attacks, Ben Parsons diving over in the clubhouse corner off the back of a lovely pass from stand-out scrumhalf Aidan Pugh.

Having seen a penalty attempt drift just wide of the uprights, Luke Thorpe then landed a three-pointer to give his side a little bit of breathing space, albeit Newbury continued to battle hard.

Rams maintained their territorial advantage, limiting the visitors to long-range efforts which came to nothing, leaving the bulk of the crowd happy when the final whistle was blown on an afternoon when man-of-the-match Finlay Wells stole the show with a superb defensive display at outside centre.

n Rams’ first XV had to settle for

the runners-up spot in National One as champions Cambridge thrashed visitors Birmingham Moseley 59-10 to take the title on Saturday.

The home side trailed 3-0 after half-an-hour, but they scored three quick tries before the break, two converted for a 16-point advantage.

The Blood & Sand grabbed the bonus-point before Moseley hit

RESULTS

Thursday, April 27

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One British Airways 1-2 Eversley & California

Friday, April 28

FOOTBALL Combined Counties Division One Brook House 3-3 Eversley & California

Saturday, April 29

FOOTBALL Championship Reading 1-1 Wigan Athletic

Combined Counties Division One Berks County 3-3 Langley

Eversley & California 2-1

Bedfont

Spartans Youth 2-0 Sandhurst Town

back for 26-10, but it was one-way traffic from there as Cambridge grabbed top spot for the first time all season just when it mattered the most.

Ending level with Rams on 114 points, one clear of Sale, it was Richie Williams’ side who edged it due to an extra draw, both clubs having won 22 of their 26 matches.

CRICKET RUGBY UNION

BERKS BOOK PLACE IN FINALS DAY WITH WIN OVER OXFORDSHIRE

By Dave Wright sport@wokingham.today

BERKSHIRE have become the first side to book a place in the National Counties T20 Finals Day after defeating holders Oxfordshire by three wickets in the opening match of their double-header at Thame last Monday.

It was a superb effort as they were chasing a big target with Oxon posting an impressive 186-6 with 54 runs coming off the last three overs on the back of a sensational innings from Samit Patel, who blasted 114 off 63 balls with nine maximums and seven fours.

Dan Lincoln, with 51 from 34 balls, and Andy Rishton,

57 from 29 deliveries, led the Berkshire run chase with good support coming from Euan Woods (26) and Josh Lincoln (22).

Berkshire required three from the last two balls of the match; Toby Greatwood scrambled a leg bye before Rhodri Lewis struck the final delivery to the boundary to secure their passage to Finals Day at Tring Park on May 21 as Group Four winners.

Berkshire suffered their first defeat of the eason in the second match, losing to Oxfordshire by 41 runs.

Savin Perera top-scored with 26 as they could only muster 133-9 in reply to the home

READING RFC DELIVER DAY OF RUGBY IN SCHOOLS

MEMBERS of CH Rugby and Reading Rugby Club teamed up to deliver a day of rugby activity to schools in the Whitley Excellence Cluster.

side’s 174-8, of which Jamie Harrison contributed 76 from 46 balls.

On Sunday, Berks had completed a double over Bedfordshire at Wargrave.

They won the first game by seven wickets, needing just 10.2 overs to overtake the visitors’ score of 71-8.

Beds made them work harder in the second game, the difference being just 11 runs.

Berks were bowled out for 120 with Jack Davies making 27, Charlie Dunnett 25 and Shaariq Sheikh 20, but they limited their visitors to 109-8, Kashif Ali making 60 while the five other members of their top six mustered just 20 between them.

Hosted by Geoffrey Field Junior School Reading, children from New Christ Church, Ridgeway Infants & Juniors and Lambs Lane took part in didi rugby for KS1 during the morning and tag rugby for KS2 in the afternoon.

The event was jointly supported by CH Rugby & Reading Rugby Foundation who funded the trophies and medals for the tag rugby sessions in the afternoon.

Stuart Spindler, Chairman of Reading RFC, said: “I loved the energy and enthusiasm on the day. So satisfying to hear the very positive feedback all round”.

Dave Marks, Deputy Head Teacher Geoffrey Field Junior School added: “It was an absolutely fantastic day.

“Lots of the children I spoke to had only ever played rugby in PE lessons and they relished the opportunity to play it competitively”.

Craig Hunter, CH Rugby, said: “It was a real pleasure to be able to deliver rugby sessions to so many children from the WEC community, something we are all keen to do more of.”

Thames Valley Division One

Tadley Calleva Reserves v Hurst

Thames Valley Division Two

Mortimer Development v Burghfield Reserves

Reading YMCA Rapids v Hurst Reserves

SB Phoenix Reserves v Twyford & Ruscombe

Thames Valley Division Three

Reading City Development v Goring United Reserves

Thames Valley Division Four

Burghfield A v Taplow United Reserves

CRICKET

Home Counties Premier Division One

Banbury v Wokingham

Finchampstead v Datchet

Slough v Wargrave

Thames Valley Division 1

Wokingham 2s v Eversley

Thames Valley Premier League

Slough Heating Laurencians 1-5 Yateley United Wargrave 1-5 Reading YMCA

Westwood Wanderers 3-1

Burghfield

Sunday, April 30

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League

Manchester City 4-1 Reading

Southern Region Women’s League Cup Final

Eastleigh 0-2 Ascot United

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Harwell and Hendred 2-4

Tilehurst Panthers

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Burghfield 1-6 Eversley & California Reserves

Caversham AFC 3-1 Taplow United

Monday, May 1

FOOTBALL

Southern League Premier South play-off final

Bracknell Town 1-2 Truro City

Combined Counties Division One Hillingdon Borough v Berks County

FIXTURES

Wednesday, May 3

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Premier League

Finchampstead v Maidenhead Town

Thames Valley Division Three

Reading City Development v Henley Town Development

Saturday, May 6

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Premier League

Burghfield v Maidenhead Town

Wraysbury Village v Finchampstead

Thames Valley Division 2B

Sonning v Finchampstead 2s Binfield v Sulhamstead & Ufton

Reading v Cove

Hurst v Slough 2s

Thames Valley Division 3A

Wargrave 2s v Kidmore End

Thames Valley Division 4A

Wokingham 3 v Thatcham Town Cove 2s v Reading 2s

Finchampstead 3s v White Waltham

BCM Championship Emmbrook and Bearwood v Mortimer West End

Penn & Tylers Green v Crowthorne & Crown Wood West Reading v Shinfield

Chilterns Division One

Ruislip Victoria v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s

BCL Premier Division Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Goring on Thames Farley Hill v Stratfield Turgis

Peppard Stoke Row 2s v Sandhurst

Reading United v Woodcote

Shinfield 2s v West Reading 2s

BCL Division One Calcot v Earley

Reading Lions v Waltham St Lawrence

Rangers v Silchester

Welford Park v West Reading 3s

Sunday, May 7

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League

Reading v Aston Villa

Monday, May 8

FOOTBALL

Championship Huddersfield Town v Reading

Thames Valley Premier League Reading YMCA v Burghfield

Rams defeated Newbury at Old Bath Road