RECORD FANS SPIN THE DISCS

Record day is top of the shops

Only three shoppers at a time were allowed into the store.

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@rdg.today

A RECORD store in Wokingham hosted one of its most anticipated events of the year last weekend.

On Saturday, April 23, Beyond the Download welcomed customers looking to secure special vinyl releases made exclusively for Record Store Day (RSD).

Hundreds of people visited on the day with queues of eager punters lining the Rose Street pavement

The “Beyond the Download” Record store in Wokingham took part in the National Record Store Day on Saturday.

Store owner, Ian Biles (right) with staff members, Fraya Shute and Fred Hatt Pictures: Steve Smyth

at 6am, two hours before the store opened.

Now in its 15th year, RSD is an annual event where more than 260 independent record shops across the UK come together to celebrate their unique culture.

This year, Beyond the Download also welcomed theatrical rock band In Albion, Reading-based alternative rock band Third Lung and hard rock act One Last Day, for in-store live sessions.

Among the releases were exclusives from artists such as David Bowie, Grateful Dead, Taylor Swift, Primal Scream, Sam Fender, Keane and Rex Orange County.

A spokesperson for the store said: “To all of our wonderful customers who supported us on RSD this year, thank you.”

For those unable to make it on the day there are a number of titles still in stock in store.

All remaining stock will be available online from 8pm on Friday, from its website, beyondthedownload.uk

Raid on two addresses in postal drug probe

A WOKINGHAM man has been arrested in suspicion of posting drugs, and money laundering offences.

Specialist police officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) raided two premises in the borough on Tuesday, April 26, supported by Thames Valley Police officers.

As a result, the The 55-year-old was arrested on suspicion of: n Being concerned in the supply of Class A, B and C controlled drugs, diamorphine, tramadol and diazepam n Evading prohibition/restriction on the exporting of the Class A drug diamorphine, contrary to the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 n Concealing, disguising, converting and transferring criminal property.

The arrest is in connection with an investigation in to the supply of controlled drugs sent via the post.

The SEROCU team said they found a “substantial amount” of drugs and money as they executed the warrants, and the arrested man is currently in police custody.

Detective Inspector Rob Bryant, of SEROCU’s South East Regional Cyber Crime Unit, said: “The warrants which have taken place show our commitment to tackling serious and organised criminality in the communities of the South East; such as the supply and exportation of controlled drugs.

“Our action sends out a clear message to organised criminal groups who are increasingly using the dark web to commit such offences, that crime really does not pay.”

He added: “For those who are purchasing non-prescribed medication, my message to you is that only medication prescribed by medical professionals is safe to take.

“If you buy medication which has not been prescribed, you face the risk of very serious health consequences. If the medication you are taking is not made by the legitimate manufacturer, its contents may be ineffective, cut with other unknown substances or even dangerous to your health.”

The funds from the sale of the drugs are thought to have been used to support organised crime groups.

“If you are concerned about the supply of drugs in your community please report this to your local police force or anonymously, via the independent charity Crimestoppers,” DI Bryant added.

Drug dealing can be reported by calling your local police force on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

New sign to reduce speeding approved for Woodley

By GRANT WILLIAMS Local democracy reporter

A SIGN to warn speeding drivers has been approved for installation in Woodley.

The Vehicle Activated Speed (VAS) sign will be located on the Reading Road, near to Hanwood Close, after residents raised concerns over speeding and poor signage.

VAS signs display a message or speed when triggered by vehicles travelling over the limit.

The electric signs can display the speed limit, or warn drivers of an approaching hazard, and are aimed at addressing specific road safety problems.

Woodley Town councillor, Carol Jewell, who has been advocating for the installation, said: “It’s a long running problem and I do a lot of cycling and walking there, doing so I noticed how bad the signage was.

“It’s obstructed by a tree as the limit goes from 40mph to 30mph.Giving drivers the benefit of the doubt, they might not see the sign.

“Cycling down there is always a challenge as it’s a long, straight road so it can be quite fast.

“I think it’s also helpful for anyone coming out of their drive on Reading Road.”

Cllr Jewell admits many residents will be aware of the limits but believes it will be helpful for those unfamiliar with the road.

She added: “Those that are already doing 30 can ignore it but it’s a reminder for others who haven’t really appreciated where they have moved from one speed limit to another.”

The sign will be funded by Wokingham Borough Council and its installation is expected to cost between £10,000 and £15,000.

Discussions have taken place on installing a speed camera at the location, but concerns were raised regarding whether there is the requisite distance between variable speed limits to implement it.

The VAS sign is expected to be fitted by June this year but Cllr Jewell is holding on for it to be in place before getting excited about it.

She said: “There are a lot of other places that have asked for signs too, so I never assume anything until I see it up.”

TAKE IT EASY: A sign warning motorists if they are going too fast will be installed on Reading Road Picture: LRDS

FRIDAY 29TH APRIL - 7pm ‘’Dram Lovers’’ - Whisky Club

A ‘ club’ is just a name. We bring an open-minded, thirsty for knowledge and adventure-seeking Whisky lovers and guide them on their journey through our selection of interesting Whisky. At Chalk Restaurant the idea is to learn and discover new whisky at each of our tastings. Each whisky has a story behind it, to the flavours and the distillery. All these stories add up to the finished product, the product you are about to taste at each of our events. So, whether you ’ re a whisky fanatic or just beginning your own whisky journey, join us at Chalk to socialise and learn. Each tasting is hosted by our Whisky Ambassador, Andrea Dionori. Andrea ’ s extensive knowledge of some of the finest single malts, bourbons and blend whiskies available will make for an educational and fun tasting evening.

Whisky Selection - Speyside Glentauchers 2010 - 9 Years Old Auchroisk 2009 - 10 Years Old Benriach 2008 - 10 Years Old Glenallachie - 12 Years Old

Welcome Cocktail Whisky Tasting Finish off with a glencairn glass of your favourite dram

£27.95 per person To book please call us direct on 0118 979 8805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com www.chalkrestaurants.com

HAPPY TO HELP: Worthingtons stylist Ellie Turnbull, centre, was able to give a free cut and finish to a mother and daughter who had feld from Ukraine. Picture: Courtesy of Haringtons Hairdressing Haringtons salon gives a free trim to those who are a cut above

Siren brews up bank holiday fun

A WOKINGHAM salon is offering haircuts at a snip for those in need of a trim.

Haringtons Hairdressing is looking for worthy members of the community to receive a free haircut and pampering session.

The offer is extended to recognise people who may work as volunteers in charitable organisations or leaders of community groups, or even to those who may be struggling and in need.

Haringtons Helps gives a chance to experience a salon cut and finish service as a thank you, free of charge.

Nikki Neale, head of brand and marketing for Haringtons said: “Haringtons Helps is a really important programme for us and is our way of giving back to the communities that support our salons.

“With all that’s going on in the world, we want to recognise and care for those community members that deserve a boost.”

Haringtons will share details of available appointments, and nominees will be added to a waiting list to be contacted when an appointment becomes available.

It takes on individuals and groups, though only one appointment is available per person

The salon also has branches in Reading and Maidenhead, and seven more across the south. n To nominate someone who deserves a free pampering, visit: www.haringtons.com

SIREN Craft Brew is letting the good times flow with a weekend event from Saturday, April 30, to Monday, May 2.

The brewery is bringing family-friendly fun, street food, and games, as well as award-winning craft beer, of course.

The event will feature music, lawn games, and face painting, with children of all ages and dogs welcome.

Besides craft beer, Siren will serve wine, spirits, and soft drinks to accompany the tacos, fried chicken, and barbecue available from the street vendors.

The event is free to attend, with no booking necessary, open from noon-10pm, Saturday, noon-8pm on Sunday, and noon-6pm on Monday, April 30-May 2.

Siren Craft Beer’s Bank Holiday Weekend takes place at the Siren Tap Yard on Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchamstead.

n For more information, visit: www.sirencraftbrew.com