Reading Today, July 13, 2022

THREE GREAT PAPERS IN ONE: NEWS, SPORT & LEISURE

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

No. 38 90p

READING TODAY WWW.RDG.TODAY

READING’S NEW CHAMPION

Top of the Readipops

9 772754 278509

ISSN 2754-2785

Picture: Dijana Capan

28

Music in the summer sunshine

INTERNET

INVESTMENT

MUSIC

Broadband installers probed

£26million plan to boost buses

Stars come out for Henley

2 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Former RUSU president could be next PM

WE COVER READING BOROUGH EMMER GREEN CAVERSHAM CAVERSHAM HEIGHTS LOWER CAVERSHAM TILEHURST

NORCOT

WEST READING SOUTHCOTE

READING COLEY

EAST READING

KATESGROVE

WHITLEY SELECT CAR LEASING STADIUM

In print

Order a copy from your newsagent every Wednesday – some even deliver

Online

Our website is updated seven days a week – bookmark it in your browser: rdg.today

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: RDGTODAY

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@rdg.today Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Publisher • David Riley Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Daniel Blackham, Jake Clothier, Ji-Min Lee, Emma Merchant Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: editor@wokingham.today. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk.

Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

A UNIVERSITY of Reading alumna has emerged as a candidate to succeed Boris Johnson as Conservative party leader.

Penny Mordaunt MP, who read Philosophy at Reading, is one of many contenders in a wide-open field.

Mr Johnson resigned as Tory leader on Thursday, July 7.

At the time of writing, the bookies have placed Ms Mordaunt as second favourite at 7/1, with outgoing Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak listed at 6/4.

The minister for trade policy briefly served as defence secretary in Theresa May’s cabinet.

She is a Brexiteer and a Royal Navy reservist.

The MP for Portsmouth North was president of the University of Reading’s student union.

In 2017, she renamed the university’s humanities and social sciences building in memory

STANDING: Penny Mordaunt MP is the minister for trade policy and briefly served as defence secretary in Theresa May’s cabinet.

Picture: Chris McAndrew via Wikimedia Commons

of former faculty member Edith Morley.

Edith Morley became Britain’s first female professor in 1908 when she was appointed professor of English language.

“It is an honour to be invited back to the University of Reading to officially

rename the Edith Morley building and be involved in the annual Edith Morley Lecture,” Ms Mordaunt said at the renaming ceremony.

“As Britain’s first ever female professor, Edith Morley was clearly a pioneer for feminism and someone to take inspiration from.”

Shake-up to age policies of Council-owned homes

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter RESTRICTIONS dictating the age of people living in council houses in Reading have been removed.

Previously, nearly a thousand council homes had age restrictions placed on them, with around twothirds reserved for over 60s and a third for over 50s.

But now the age restrictions have been replaced with ‘local letting policies’ where required.

In 2018, age restrictions were removed in 80% of the council houses which had them, with the remaining 20% now being lifted.

The removal of restrictions does not apply to sheltered accommodation, retirement homes, sheltered living and some disabled access properties.

The restrictions were imposed when there were concerns about mixing older and younger council tenants together.

At a meeting of Reading Borough Council’s housing neighbourhoods

and leisure committee on Wednesday, June 29, assistant housing needs manager Sarah Hennessey said: “With a changing demographic, age alone is not an indication of whether a tenant will be the perpetrator of anti-social behaviour or neighbour nuisance.”

Questions were raised over what local lettings policies entailed.

Cllr Ellie Emberson (Labour, Coley), the council’s lead for housing, said that criteria for new council occupants include not considering those who have a history of anti-social behaviour and heavy drug use.

This is part of the local letting policy on the Wensley Road estate in Coley.

Cllr Emberson said the policies are formed in consultations by herself, as lead councillor for housing, and ward councillors where the council houses are in.

Cllr Meri O’Connell (Liberal Democrats, Tilehurst) suggested that current tenants and neighbours of council housing estates should be involved in forming the policies.

She asked: “How are we going to

manage existing residents’ anxiety over changes?

“I see that the lead councillors and ward members are involved, and obviously I am a representative, but I don’t live in those blocks myself.”

Ms Hennessey replied: “The mechanism that we were considering for consultation was through ward members. We’re happy to take suggestions on how else we can involve the communities if that is felt the right thing to do.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Will Cross (Labour, Redlands) asked whether council houses in the Hexham Road estate would have local letting policies to take local issues into account.

Ms Hennessey answered that there are currently no local letting policies in the Hexham Road estate, and she did not foresee the need for one.

She did acknowledge a local letting policy for the council houses could be implemented if needed.

The removal of restrictions was agreed unanimously.

Rail delays caused by chain pullers TRAINS have been delayed by more than 30 hours over the past six months – by customers yanking their chain.

South Western Railway says that customers who incorrectly use alarms for non-emergency situations resulted in 1,825 minutes of delays, and nine service cancellations.

Between December and May, there were 176 incidents, and each one causes the train to halt while a guard carries out a safety check.

One of the incidents was a passenger who forgot their luggage, another had dropped their phone out of a window.

Another chain pull SWR highlighted was a customer feeling anxious.

SWR said alarms should be reserved for emergencies, such as a fire. The penalty for deliberate misuse is £1,000.

In non-emergencies, customers are urged to use alternative ways to receive assistance, such as approaching staff members, seeking assistance at the next station, or using a help point button located in carriages.

Christian Neill, Customer Experience Director for South Western Railway, said: “Customers in need of assistance should speak to a member of staff or contact the British Transport Police by texting 61016.”

Mobile stolen A MOBILE phone was stolen from a home in central Reading last week.

Thieves broke in to an address in St John’s Street and took the communications device.

The incident took place at 12.04pm on Tuesday, July 5.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43220294947.

READING TODAY Family Notices Your wording

Classification (please tick) n Births n Birthdays n Engagements n Weddings n Anniversaries n Other n Death n In memory

YOUR CONTACT DETAILS Name Address

Advert sizes n 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT n 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT Postcode n 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT n 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT n 6cm by 2 column – 100 words £72 INC VAT Email n Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) DEADLINE IS MONDAY AT 5PM FOR THAT WEEK’S PAPER

Phone number

Send your forms to: Family notices, Reading Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper Ltd. Payments may also be made by card over the phone.

NEWS | 3

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

SCREENING: Biscuit Factory venue for look at the life and works of Joe Meek

In like the Tornados.. Musical legend Clem to visit the Ding

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today MUSICAL legend Clem Canttini from the Tornados to visit Reading to talk about life and work of Joe Meek ... and the Tea Chest Tapes plus a rare screening of Telstar

CLEM CANTTINI, the drummer of the Tornados, will be visiting Reading on Saturday to celebrate the life and work of legendary record producer Joe Meek.

Club Velocity/New Mind promotions have teamed up with Reading Biscuit Factory for the event on Saturday.

Joe was a highly influential music producer, engineer, songwriter, and record label owner that operated mainly during the 1960s.

He was a self-taught electronics whizz, who amazingly produced a string of homemade hit singles in his flat above a leather shop in London.

He pioneered studio tools such as multiple over-dubbing on one-and two-track machines, close miking, direct impact of bass guitars, the compressor, and effects like echo and reverb, as well as sampling.

His biggest hits Have I the Right (Honeycombs), Just Like Eddie (Heinz),Johnny Remember me (John Leyton) and Telstar (The Tornados) – the first number one single in the United States and the UK. Clem knew Joe well, and worked with everyone from Paul McCartney, Tom Jones Lulu, The Hollies, Roy Orbinson and The Yardbirds.

The evening includes a talk by Alan Wilson from Western Star Recordings.

Over the past two years, he has been digitising The Tea Chest Tapes, a huge part of popular music history.

He is the only person to have heard

AWARD: Walter Salles received an honorary degree from the University of Reading Picture courtesy of The University of Reading

Director awarded honorary degree

TRIBUTE: The life and works of Joe Meek will be explored with a special event at Reading Biscuit Factory on Saturday everything on the tapes, and he will share his discoveries.

Afterwards, there will be a showing of Telstar, a film that tells Joe’s story, featuring James Corden, Ralph Little, Tom Burke, Ralf Little, Nigel Harman, Pam Ferris, Mathew Bayton, Justin Hawkins (the Darkness) and Carl Barat (The Libertines).

The film has not been shown in a cinema for years.

Geoff Godard, who lived in

Reading wrote many songs for Joe Meek and his acts such as The Tornados, Heinz, John Leyton, and Screaming Lord Sutch.

After his death, at the age of 37 in 1967, thousands of unreleased tapes were discovered.

These were labelled the ‘Tea Chest Tapes’, as they were stored in tea chests.

Containing over 4,000 hours of music. Including very early recordings by David Bowie, Gene

The Levellers announce acoustic date for Hexagon THE LEVELLERS have announced that they will come to Reading next year as part of a national tour.

The band will play a mixture of their finest compositions – but reworked as acoustic tunes.

They are keeping the details close to their chest for now, but promising a great night out.

In a statement, the group said: “We are really excited to be recording a new acoustic album, going through some of our old material, rearranging it for today and doing some new stuff too.

“Also massively pleased to introduce new member Dan Donnelly to the recording world, and to be working with members of the ‘collective’ again - and some new guys.

“Then we’re looking forward to touring it. “(We’re) going around the

Vincent, Tom Jones, Billy Fury, Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore, and Mitch Mitchell.

In September 2020, Cherry Red Records announced they have purchased them, and the first releases are planned for this summer.

n The event takes place on Saturday, July 16, from 6.30pm, at the Biscuit Factory in Broad Street Mall. Tickets cost £20, and can be purchased from wegottickets.com

AN OSCAR-NOMINATED director has been recognised by the University of Reading.

Walter Salles, who directed the renowned films Motorcycle Diaries and Central Station, received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters at a ceremony on Wednesday, June 29.

He later attended a symposium in his honour at the university’s Minghella Studios.

Professor of film Lucia Nagib, said: “Not only do Salles’ films represent landmarks in the history of Brazilian cinema, but Brazil’s history itself can be recounted through them.

“We sincerely hope that this honorary degree will help to draw international attention and support to the social causes he defends, and deservedly reward his invaluable cultural and social contribution.”

Mr Salles became the first Brazilian to win a Golden Globe with Central do Brasil (Central Station) in 1999.

Four years later, Mr Salles appeared in The Guardian’s 40 Best Directors in the World.

Films he has directed or produced have achieved a total of eight Oscar nominations, including a win for Best Original Song for The Motorcycle Diaries.

Perhaps his most widely-recognised composition, the movie follows the life of a young Ernesto Guevara, who later became Che Guevara.

Mr Salles’ work centres on issues of national identity and displacement.

He is also a producer of first features made by young Brazilian directors, such as Karim Ainouz, Sergio Machado, Eryk Rocha and Flavia Castro.

n University honours community champion, page 12

Thrusday 21st of July at 7pm

‘Australasia Tour - Wine Dinner’ Discover Australasian Wines when matched with food by participating in a unique and informative experience. From barbecues on the beach to the cool heights of the New Zealand Alps, the two countries of Australia and New Zealand are a gourmet’s paradise. Sample the fine wines of Australia and New Zealand with a matching five course tasting menu.

Glass of Sparkling Wine Five-Course Tasting Menu Accompanied Wine Flight Tea, Coffee and Petit Fours Guests Speaker

£59.95 per person country’s most beautiful old theatres and some unique and different other venues too.

“Hopefully see you all there.”

The show will take place at The Hexagon on Wednesday,

March 8. Tickets cost £29.50 or £37, and are available to preorder now.

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

To book please call us direct on 0118 979 8805 or email us at enquiries@chalkrestaurants.com

www.chalkrestaurants.com

Chalk Restaurant, 31 Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AU

4 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Ultrafast internet installers take grilling from council over work Call for action over smoking litter louts A RESIDENT has called on the council to stub out littering caused by smokers, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter.

At a meeting of Reading Borough Council’s housing, neighbourhood & leisure committee held on Wednesday, June 29, Caroline Langdon called for fines to be given to those dropping their cigarette ends.

She asked: “Would the committee urgently consider charging £100 at least for throwing litter, including cigarette butts on the pavement, streets and shopping precincts, as they do Whitham, Essex, Halifax, Merton, Hull Wandsworth and Barnsley?”

Cigarette butts, she added, were lodged in cracks.

Cllr Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey), lead member for environmental services and community safety, smokes, but said she takes her used cigarettes with her for proper disposal.

She added that littering fine are currently £80 in the Ding, while flytipping is £400, reduced to £200 if paid within 10 days. But the council does not have officers able to issue on-the-spot fines.

“I’m committed to investigating the possibility of introducing litter control officers, who would have the warrant to issue fixed penalty notices for littering within the town centre and other areas throughout the borough where littering is a constant problem,” she said.

“The nature of this type of enforcement is confrontational, howeverwith officers being required to be trained to minimise the escalation of angry conversation, wear stab protection vests, and equipped with body cameras and urgency contact with the police.”

She added that councils that do engage in this enforcement are often contracted out.

Cllr Rowland urged residents to use the Love Clean Reading app, which works by residents uploading pictures of waste and graffiti for the council’s team react. They operate from 5.30am to 7.30pm every day other than Christmas Day. Although a mix of methods are used for street cleaning, cobbled streets are either mechanically swept using a compact vehicle or a self-propelled sweeper is used, both of which suction for litter disposal.

Cllr Rowland said: “This methodology has proven to be the most effective way of removing small items such as cigarette debris, litter and leaves.”

Ms Langdon and Cllr Rowland agreed to meet in the town centre to discuss the issues further.

Bus ticket shake-up READING Buses has made a shake-up to the way in which people can buy tickets online, a move it says makes it easier for customers.

The online ticket shop was relaunched on Tuesday, July 12.

The new-look site aims to be bring the website inline with the mobile app, so one log-in is needed for both. This will be the login used for the mobile app.

And the company is introducing a subscription service, so weekly and monthly tickets can be bought on a regular basis. The company says these can be stopped at any time. n For more details, log on to: www.reading-buses. co.uk/our-online-ticket-shop-changing

FLASHPOINT: Some of the problems caused in West Reading by Instalcom, pictured last autumn Pictures: Peter Bowyer

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today THE FIRMS behind Reading’s new ultrafast broadband network were given a grilling over miscommunication, homes blocked in, and debris left after the workforce moved on.

Bosses from CityFibre and new entrant Grain Connect were summoned to a meeting of Reading Borough Council’s Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee on Thursday, July 7, following residents complaints about significant disruption they had faced.

When completed, the £58 million project will give homes and businesses across the Ding broadband connection speeds of 1 gigabit – some of the fastest in the country.

However, the route to the internet superhighway has been full of go slows.

Work started in January 2021, and has led to traffic

congestion and delays across various phases including along Oxford Road last year, and Caversham in March this year.

Last month, there were delays following a partial closure of Reading Bridge to allow new fibre optic cabling to be installed.

The committee welcomed Roy Griffin, regional delivery director for City Fibre with responsibility for the build and overall programme within Reading, and Stacey King, City Fibre’s Roy Griffith, as well as the firm’s Paul Wilson, head of area build.

For Grain Connect, Peter Murphy, head of national FTTP operations, attended.

Both companies were allowed to give an initial presentation.

CityFibre explained it was an overall investment of £4 billion, and would allow people to bridge a digital divide, and its services avoided buffering so users had a smoother internet connection.

Ms King said: “We all know things are not getting cheaper, this is a way of reducing costs by serving communities in a different way (to existing telecoms firm)…

“It’s really important to make sure people can get the service they want at the price point they want.”

So far, five companies were using CityFibre’s infrastructure to sell broadband to Reading homes, including ZenInternet, TalkTalk and Vodafone. These packages were often cheaper that existing companies including BT and Virgin.

“We are building a new digital infrastructure, hopefully for decades to come – it’s a once in a generation upgrade,” Ms King explained. “Essentially, we are deploying brand-new networks, building one that can scale for the future.

“We want to get it right first time.”

Part of this meant renting space from Openreach,

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

including poles and ducts, making it less disruptive that a year zero approach.

“We’re delivering to over 100,000 places across Reading,” Ms King said. “We don’t exclude properties when we come to a city, we go to everywhere we can possibly go.”

And Mr Murphy said that Grain Connect was not looking to serve the whole of Reading, but initially 6,000 homes in six stages. As Reading Today previously revealed, these are around the Newtown area.

He said his firm was the cheapest in the country, and kept its install sites “nice and small, nice and tidy”.

“We care about not upsetting communities – they are our target audience,” he explained.

Cllr Andrew HornsbySmith wanted to know how the firms minimised overruns on their work.

Mr Wilson, responding on behalf of CityFibre, said works were governed by the council’s highway department under a permit, with times dictated by the scale of the works and their complexity.

Compliance with these approvals was at 90%.

“Occasionally, we start work and find it takes slightly longer than we anticipate,” he said. “We have a very good record of meeting what we set out to do.”

Mr Murphy said that it was easier for Grain Connect as they tackle smaller scale projects at any one time, and it was “very rare” they had overruns.

CityFibre, Mr Wilson said, was “as proactive as possible” when it came to notifying residents of upcoming works, including letter drops, but acknowledged that these “don’t always get read, unfortunately”.

The firm was looking to improve its signage to help residents.

Grain Connect said that it knocked on every single door ahead of the service installation, had information boards with QR codes placed on lampposts and, during works, courtesy boards with a contact number.

“It’s critical we don’t upset residents, it’s important they are happy with us – we have to sell our products to them,” Mr Murphy said.

Mr Griffith said CityFibre worked on 400 homes at a time and from completion to switch on, the process took about four weeks, something he knew from his own experience.

Problems in Caversham, where ‘spoil’ – left over works, such as wiring and pipes – had not been cleared up, while traffic lights had remained in place while contractors Instalcom had finished the works, adding

to the gridlock.

Mr Wilson said that he couldn’t talk about specific incidents, but: “An operation of this scale, logistically, you’ll make a mistake.

“We are very responsive when those mistakes happen.

“People feel passionately about where they live, and the work is disruptive.

Where there is an issue, we will put it right.”

Ms King said the firm tried to work collaboratively with the council to ensure they weren’t digging up roads that had just been resurfaced.

There was an acknowledgement that things had improved but had now started to slip again.

Cllr Liz Terry raised two cases. One where a resident had been concerned that a junction box was going to be installed by a wall which would give thieves easy access to their garden.

She sat on a chair in the road to stop Instalcom from installing the box, and an alternative site was found.

The second case saw a mound of earth left on the driveway of an anxious 90-year-old man.

“It took quite a bit of effort to get it sorted, they weren’t happy with the way the road was left,” Cllr Terry said. “Finally – eventually – it was cleared to an acceptable standard.”

She added that it was not a teething problem.

Residents in Berkeley Avenue didn’t get notices of work, while those in Brunswick Street had the street closed without communication and then no work, a situation described as “madness”.

Cllr Terry said: “You’re not just inconveniencing people, you’ve upset them.

The general impression of your reputation is by association with Instalcom.”

“Please … go away and think about your customer.”

Mr Griffith promised to take the comments on board, and where workforces had not followed guidelines, they had been removed from the teams. He also said they would look at other ways to improve communications.

Cllr Paul Gittings, the chair of the committee, said he had photos of Instalcom vans parked on double yellows, causing problems, and Cllr Tony Page pointed out that Jesse Terrace residents faced another round of road closures.

“They will be well peed off at a second time,” he said, calling for a full briefing in advance of the works, something that CityFibre said they would be happy to look at.

The telecoms firms were thanked for their attendance and the meeting moved on.

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Reading in line for £26.3 million funding to boost its bus services

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

READING’S buses are due to receive more than £26 million of funding over the next three years – although the change in government could delay the fudning.

Plans include more bus lanes such as converting a lane of London Road from Suttons Seeds to Cemetery Junction, in a bid to tackle congestion.

A meeting of Reading Borough Council’s Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee on Thursday, July 7, heard that the grant would help deliver on the national bus strategy.

Its aims include improving services including introducing more frequent services on key routes, similar to the way in which the 17 route operates.

Also in the plan is cheaper fares, support for services deemed ‘socially necessary’ such as connecting areas of inequality to employment, education and training.

There would be ‘hundreds of miles’ of more bus lanes used 24 hours a day, and plans to expand bus rapid transit schemes ‘to deliver light rail style services at a fraction of the cost’.

Bus gates could be used, with a presumption of a no

READING’S BUSES IN ACTION PICTURE: Phil Creighton on-street parking zone on bus corridors.

And there would be a fleet of 4,000 zero emission buses.

Reading’s funding is divided into two parcels: £15,939,000 would be for capital projects and £10,324,600 for grant funding.

Capital schemes under consideration include: n Oxford Road from Eaton Place to George Street; outbound bus lane benefitting routes 15/15a,16,17 and 143 n Oxford Road from Pangbourne Street to Norcot; provision of outbound bus lane instead of the current inbound bus lane to benefit routes 16,17,143 n Bath Road from Circuit Lane to Tesco garage/Granville Road; outbound bus lane

benefitting routes 1,2/2a n Southampton Street from Pell Street to the Oracle roundabout; inbound bus lane benefitting routes 5,6/6a,11 n London Road from Borough boundary to Cemetery Junction (Amity Road); inbound bus lane benefitting routes 13,14,127,400/500,850, TVP shuttle and RailAir coach n London Road from before Sidmouth Street to London Street; inbound bus lane and relocated existing outbound bus lane benefitting routes; 3,8,9,19’s,21,21a n Future phases of the South MRT scheme and enhancements to the Mereoak P&R site, building on phases 1-4 which have currently been delivered.

Other options include

converting traffic lights to be bus friendly, building green bus shelters, boosting town centre public transport infrastructure, and reviewing real time displays to meet the disability discrimination act.

Service enhancements include extending the 42 route from Rivermead to Tilehurst, a new Park and Ride from Mereoak to serve the Royal Berkshire Hospital and the University, improvements to the South Reading 9 route, and updates to bus safety and the website.

And in good news for passengers, one of the Department of Transport’s priorities is delivering ‘ambitious and eye-catching initiatives that reduce fares’.

The report considered by the committee noted: “Discussions are on-going with the main bus operators in Reading regarding a proposed fares reduction scheme which would offer ‘Greater Reading Day tickets’ at the prices to be agreed with the operators.”

Cllr Tony Page, introducing the report, said the council was delighted with the allocation, and officers were now working hard to develop the comprehensive plan so it could be actioned.

“While £26 million is

PRESENTS

THE DUBAI DUTY FREE S H E R GA R C U P & C O N C E R T Grammy award-winners Clean Bandit Saturday 6th August 2022 The teams are ready. The bands have sound checked.

Who will raise racing’s premier team trophy?

Get ready for every side of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup. A unique fixture in the global racing calendar, rounded off with live music.

Tickets from £30 | Fine Dining from £279+VAT Book now at ASCOT.COM

welcome, the original bid was close to £100 million,” he told the committee, adding that this was better than other local authorities who will not receive any funding.

“We are looking at bus improvement plan to benefit Reading and within the greater Reading area to enhance services and help people outside of the borough to make use of buses,” he continued, pointing out that if the funding is approved in September, it had to be spent over three years, but half of this financial year will have already gone, so it was really for two-and-a-half years.

“In most cases, cyclists will be able to use bus lanes,” Cllr Page added. “They are not as good as segregated lanes, but shared use is preferential to no facility at all.”

A Reading Buses spokesperson told Reading Today: “We are looking forward to the outline funding being approved by the government so that the proposals can start being delivered as soon as possible.

“We have worked with the Council to include a number of schemes that will significantly benefit bus users in the area, and are very excited to see them delivered.

5

Town centre sushi restaurant applies for alcohol licence A SUSHI restaurant that opened in Reading town centre earlier this year is applying for a licence to open later and sell alcohol, writes James Aldridge, Local democracy reporter.

Intoku opened in Chain Street in May. It has applied to sell alcohol between noon and 11.30pm, seven days a week. It has also applied to sell food and cold drinks until 11.30pm, a change from its current 10pm closing time.

Intoku is a small chain with its two other locations in Chelsea and Windsor, and these locations currently serve cocktails, wines, spirits and beers.

The application was submitted to Reading Borough Council by Greg Lumakin who founded Intoku with his partner.

The deadline for representations is Wednesday, July 20, and can be made by emailing licensing@reading. gov.uk

6 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

IKEA day for Ukrainians

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

READIPOP 2022 PICTURES: DIJANA CAPAN/DVISION IMAGES

SWEDISH furniture store IKEA is proving that friendship is universal as it hosts a special day for Ukraine.

Taking place on Saturday, July 23, there will be a number of different events for Ukrainians to enjoy.

Younger people will be able to take part in an art class, organised by IKEA’s charity volunteering programme.

Food will be served, and there will be space and time for adults to network and meet others.

The store’s HR team will be on hand to give advice.

The event runs from noon to 2pm.

n For more details, log on to Ikea’s website, Ikea.com

Gone in five mins THIEVES broke into a garage in Burghfield Common last week, taking just five minutes to steal a number of unspecified items.

The incident took place between 7.45pm and 7.50pm on Tuesday, July 5, at a home in Woodmans Lane.

Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43220295897.

Groots playing jumprope

Tsungai Tsikirai brought her signature style and energy, as well as her live band, of course

ReadiPop bursts back on the with a scorcher of a summer

Third Lung

By JAKE CLOTHIER

WPR_2022-07-11_ReadingToday_16x4 (1)_Just Go

DELIGHTFUL DEVON Weekend

DelightfulDevonWeekend_F.pdf

Reader travel

TORQUAY, SOUTH DEVON & Dartmoor National Park

ThePeakDistrictChatsworthHouse&CrichTramwayVillage_F.pdf

Departing Fri 7 Oct ‘22

Departing Mon 24 Oct ‘22

Your break includes

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Reading 3 nights at the Ashton Court Hotel, Exmouth with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursion to Exeter

Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Tor Park Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park Cruise on the River Dart Excursions to Buckfast Abbey, Princetown, Tavistock, Dartmouth & Totnes

Optional excursion to Sidmouth (£9pp)

4 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £45

134.99

Optional excursion to Brixham & Teignmouth (£12pp)

284

5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions.

Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines.

Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit us online at

Morcheeba’s spellbinding set was almost etherial in its staging and atmosphere. Picture:

justgoholidays.com/WPR

033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

justgohols JGTravelGroup

LAST WEEKEND, ReadiPop landed back in Christchurch Meadows for its fifth anniversary.

The likes of Badly Drawn Boy, Morcheeba, and Grandmaster Flash took to the stage to bring the festival season to its hottest heights yet.

With three stages of music and three days of acts and activities, ReadiPop showed that it is stronger than ever.

It offered a number of local beers from Siren Craft Brew, Phantom Brewing, and Double Barrel Brewery, including festival exclusives ReadiHop and ReadiParka, through its Purple Turtle bar tent.

As well as its live offerings, ReadiPop makes a big difference through its efforts in the community, too.

Reading-based rap artist K. Kayne was one of the acts of the weekend who had been helped by ReadiPop’s work in the community.

He said: “I’m signed to Riser, ReadiPop’s label, and they took me on when I was a vulnerable youth.

“They really liked the way I worked, and said we really want you to be a part of this, while I was doing some sessions, and now I’ve got an EP coming in a couple of months.”

He says also that he wants to be able to give back and help people like him.

“The way I look at it, I want to leave a legacy – we’re all gonna pass, we’ll all be in the same place eventually, so I wanna

make something that people will remember.

“I’ve been in dark places, and I want people to speak out, to know that they can reach out.

“ReadiPop pushes as hard as it can to get unsigned artists into the spotlight.”

Headliner Badly Drawn Boy said that the charity’s work was something “that should be an integral thing.”

“Everybody needs more help, and the community spirit brings younger, unsigned bands to stages like this, and we’re all the same.

“I don’t take this for granted, and anything that can help and nurture talent is going to help the industry.

“And it will help young people have a life and a living through something they enjoy doing, and what’s not to like about that?”

Reading rock quartet Third Lung said: “The crowd were phenomenal – so supportive and there was a beautiful vibe, the four of us were buzzing.

“The heat was intense all day but it just added to the energy, and we tried out a couple of new tracks from our debut album, Gameplay.”

The album is due to launch at an event at Sub89 on Thursday, November 10.

“After waiting years for ReadiPop to finally happen, it felt really special – they have done such an incredible job, and they’re amazing at showcasing and supporting a wide range of local talent, too.

“It’s so important to the local scene and may it long continue.”

Beatroots No Feathers, a three-piece outfit hailing from Jersey, played on Sunday, and recently launched their latest single with a show in Reading.

Vocalist and keyboardist Michelle said: “I think a lot of people would assume that there isn’t much of a scene but, we were really quite surprised when we launched our single.”

“We got quite a lot of returning fans, and there are so many good bands in Reading, and people are really into it.”

She said also that the familyfriendly nature of the festival is a highlight.

“I love seeing families here, seeing little kids watching with their ear defenders, I think it’s so lovely to see that.

“Not many festivals are particularly family-friendly, really, so when it’s there it’s so nice.”

Tsungai Tsikirai was also among the acts on Sunday’s line-up.

She said: “I’ve been itching to get out there and work with

NEWS | 7

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

READIPOP 2022

W

elcome back to another month of beautiful beer at Double-Barrelled – Tilehurst’s favourite family-owned microbrewery! If you haven’t heard of us before we are Double-Barrelled; a contemporary craft brewery committed to producing the freshest and most consistently delicious beers available! Founded by myself Luci and my husband Mike we started from humble beginnings in our garage at home in Caversham and have grown our business into a purpose built brewhouse and Taproom just off Portman Road. We love our hometown of Reading so much, and love banging the drum for all things ‘Ding!

Speaking of the Ding – have you seen our year-round lager, Ding? Crisp and refreshing, Ding takes inspiration from the classic Bavarian breweries of Munich and Bamberg to create a supremely refreshing pint. Pouring a beautiful golden colour with aromas of fresh bread, citrus fruits and freshly cut grass, Ding is perfect when paired with food and even better when shared with good company.

You can find Ding popping up in all your favourite beery spots across town and is of course available all year round from our Taproom and online shop.

Jesus Jones encourages the crowds to party

Dijana Capan/DVision

scene festival

All hands to stage ... Jesus Jones DJ Format

Summer is well and truly here at the brewery and things are hotting up at our onsite bar, the Taproom! You bring the factor 50 and we’ll bring the beers – with masses of room inside for those seeking Luci and Mike, co-founders shade we’ll also have our sun trap beer garden out in full force. Plonk yourself down at one of our huge German beer garden benches and grab a fresh pint of beer - it’s time to relax! Open from Thursday through to Sunday this is your one stop shop for all things hoppy and delicious. With independent street food vendors serving up mouth-watering bites every Friday and Saturday, and with a selection of light bites always available from the bar be sure to come hungry! Come and visit us at the following times: Thursday 5 – 8.30pm, Friday 4 - 8.30pm, Saturday 1 – 8.30pm, Sunday 12 – 5.30pm.

Have you always wanted to take a sneak peak behind the scenes at the brewery? Or have you ever wondered what journey that tasty pint of beer went from to get from a handful of grain to your glass? Well now’s your chance! Why not book onto one of our brewery tours? With a guided tour around our brewhouse we give you an in depth insight into all things DB – our ingredients, our processes and our ethos – in other words, what makes Double-Barrelled, Double-Barrelled! Complete with a tutored tasting session of four different beers back in the Taproom AND a little gift from us to take away, now that sounds like a fun day out. Perfect as a gift for the beer lover in your life, or just as a little treat to yourself! Interested? I thought so! Head on over to www.doublebarrelled.co.uk/tours for more information on how to book.

people, and work with ReadiPop for the first time, and today is just amazing– I don’t want it to end.”

“I enjoy festivals, the food, the music, and in the summer there’s nothing better for the mind than being out there, even if you’re not performing.

“And ReadiPop has an advantage of families and kids everywhere–childcare is expensive, and everyone wants to come out and do something, and here ther’re acts and timeslots for whatever age group.”

Tim Lane, of The Pink Diamond Revue, said that the festival is “Just the perfect size– you can get right to the front for Grandmaster Flash, it’s just right.

“And what they’re doing is just so good, for a kid now, in Reading, it’s impossible to get hold of the music gear, but they’ve got stuff that’ll make you drool, plus a studio, which even if you’ve got the money can be difficult to get.”

Want to see what the fuss is all about but can’t make it down to the brewery? Have no fear! With all of our beers available online for next day delivery, and our local delivery run every Friday, head on over to www.doublebarrelled.co.uk – with crisp lagers, hoppy pale ales and zingy sour beers there is something for everybody! And to sweeten the deal be sure to use the code HELLOBEER at the checkout for a cheeky 10% off!

Have an amazing July – whether you’re soaking up the sun at home, catching up with friends or getting stuck in at the Taproom we hope you have a great month! Rest assured we’ll be back in August for next month’s guide to all things DB. Can’t wait that long? Make sure you follow us on our social media channels below or sign up to our mailing list on our website. Cheers!

UNIT

20

STADIUM

WAY,

READING,

RG30

6BX

WWW.DOUBLEBARRELLED.CO.UK EMAIL

US:

CHEERS@DOUBLEBARRELLED.CO.UK CALL

US:

0118

F O L L O W

Badly Drawn Boy headlines as the sun begins to set on the festival

Brother Zulu’s confident, assured set was one of the highlights of the festival

942

8390

U S

FB|IG|@DOUBLEBARRELLEDBREWERY TW|@DBBREWERY

8 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

READIPOP 2022 PICTURES: DIJANA CAPAN/DVISION IMAGES Reading’s own K. Kayne has risen through the ranks of ReadiPop, and now he’s ready to give back. Picture: Dijana Capan/ DVision

Morcheeba shows the way of the light at the main stage

Transglobal Underground adds a touch of world music to proceedings. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

The Menstrual Cramps showed how punk is done. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

The best years of their lives start with the best care of their lives.

Stealing Sheep leave the competition looking pink as they steal the show

Festival celebrates amazing music from across The Ding

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today READIPOP organiser Pete Wheeler said that community and diversity are what drive the event.

Join us at Complete Childcare to make it happen!

OSP show off their USPs

“We have such a great cross section of people, a lot of them local, and also people from further afield, but everybody just was really enjoying it, and excited to be part of it.

“That’s exactly what you want from an event like this – the ReadiPop charity that runs the event is very much focused on the community as a whole, so it’s about having accessibility to music for everyone, not just select people or those with more money.”

He said that diversity in the performers is something the festival strives for, too.

“The idea is to have a very eclectic line-up, and most importantly a lot of really talented local performers playing alongside the big names, and I think we’ve got the balance of that spot on.”

“It’s a small event, it’s not like Glastonbury, but what we try and do is really keep it to such something for everyone.

“But it’s also a real opportunity for people to discover just how much amazing music is coming out of Reading and Berkshire at the moment, and the diversity of that.”

He said that this is comes from the level of diversity Reading itself has.

“Reading’s known for a lot of indie bands, but there is incredible disco, reggae, Afrobeat there – there’s a focus

for every kind of genre going on.

“We try very hard to both bring out the bands people have heard of or want to see, but really complement that with a strong diverse Reading line-up.”

Speaking of the community side of ReadiPop’s work, Pete says that it has been a struggle during the pandemic, as with most such organisations.

“When you’re a not-for-profit organisation, and you’re trying to focus on your work is it does add extra pressure, “Having such a successful event, which has achieved so much of what the charity is trying to do, with a lot of happy local punters.

“This combination has been exactly what everybody here would want.”

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 9

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

READIPOP 2022

The Pink Diamond Revue turning heads at the Purple Turtle stage

Transglobal Underground make it belly difficult not to dance

No Feathers, who recently celebrated the release of their track Rhesus with a launch party at the Rising Sun Arts Centre. Picture: Jake Clothier

Sunny moments at Readipop Festival

10 | NEWS

Green party’s musical fundraiser READING’S Green party is holding a fundraising party at The Butler pub in Reading next week.

There will be three bands performing in its newly refurbished gig room in the Chatham Street drinking emporium.

Headlining is Reverend John H and the Revelations, Mike Lemin and the Midnight Rambler, and Country Moans.

Entry to the gig is free, but donations to party funds will be welcomed.

The music starts at 8.30pm and is expected to continue until 11.30pm, all on Thursday, July 21.

Bikes stolen in overnight raid A BIKE shed in Southcote was broken into by thieves and two bicycles were stolen.

The incident took place overnight between Sunday, July 3, and Monday, July 4, at a home in Drake Way. Thames Valley Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference 43220292860.

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Down at the Abbey postponed, plans in place for next year

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today POPULAR music festival Down at the Abbey has been postponed, and organisers say they will be back next year.

The event had been due to take place in Reading’s Abbey ruins in September.

In a statement, the Heavy Pop team said that organising three festivals in eight months, during a period of uncertainty caused by the covid pandemic had meant they were “were working on a condensed and accelerated delivery programme that stretched us to our limits”.

The current financial certainty has also been a factor.

The statement said: “This has brought us to realise that in order to protect the long-term sustainability of Heavy Pop as a company and our festival events, Down at the Abbey and Are You Listening?, we now need the summer period to reflect and reset, and get back to our more workable planning cycles for our 2023 events.”

Tickets bought for this year’s event will be rolled over to next year, which is scheduled for the weekend of September 9. Refunds will be available for those who

ON HOLD: Down at the Abbey has taken a decision to postpone the 2022 event for next year Picture: Down at the Abbey/Jon Mo cannot make this date.

“We are a completely independent local company, and we depend on your continued support. If you can, we kindly ask that you keep your existing tickets,” the statement reads.

It ends: “Sorry to be sharing this disappointing news with you but we look forward to seeing you in the ruins again next September.”

The statement in full: Dear Down at the Abbey

supporters, The last few years have been incredibly challenging for our small team.

We were extremely happy to be able to deliver Down at the Abbey last September, albeit in very testing circumstances; and to witness the joy from the audience returning to us gave us tremendous satisfaction.

As a result of pandemic related rescheduling, Heavy Pop have now produced three festivals in just the past eight-

month period. Not only were we working on a condensed and accelerated delivery programme that stretched us to our limits, but it was also a highly uncertain period.

This, combined with the current cost of living crisis, has brought us to realise that in order to protect the long-term sustainability of Heavy Pop as a company and our festival events, Down at the Abbey and Are You Listening?, we now need the summer period to

reflect and reset, and get back to our more workable planning cycles for our 2023 events.

Down at the Abbey 2022 will no longer be going ahead as a result; our staff and partners have fully supported this decision for the long-term outlook. We hope you will too.

We are a completely independent local event company, and we depend on your continued support. If you can, we kindly ask that you keep your existing tickets, which will be automatically rolled over for Down at the Abbey 2023 taking place on the weekend of Sep 9th, 2023.

If you are not able to do this, we fully understand, and you are entitled to receive a full face-value refund for your tickets. Gigantic, our ticket partners will contact all ticket holders shortly and they will process any refund requests.

For those wishing to keep their tickets and join us at next year’s festival, no further action is required.

For festival updates, please keep an eye on our socials @ DownAtTheAbbey Sorry to be sharing this disappointing news with you but we look forward to seeing you in the ruins again next September

Uni students will be encouraged to be good neighbours with new scheme

For the best start in life

All-girls independent nursery...

Our Early Years Centre offers a curriculum that is holistic, innovative and tailored to support young children’s development. In addition we offer weekly specialist teaching in ballet, music and swimming.

Visit nursery.theabbey.co.uk Little Knellies 130w 160h.indd 1

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

25/05/2022 17:14

UNIVERSITY students are to be encouraged to be good neighbours thanks to a new campaign organised by staff at the Whiteknights campus.

While many students live in halls of residence around the campus, others rent homes in the vicinity.

The new Hello Neighbour campaign aims to help them get on better with full-time residents of the Ding.

It comes with the traditional end-of-year turnaround of accommodation, which sees students moving on having a large clear out. The local democracy reporting service has seen overflowing bins in Blenheim Road, among other student streets.

Molli Cleaver, the university’s community relations officer, is behind the idea and said it will encourage students to be more responsible tenants, including with their waste, recycling, bottles, noise, safety and parking.

“Hello Neighbour will be run in collaboration with Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police and Reading University Students Union,” she said.

“It will include another series of door knocking sessions in late September and early October where we will be handing out Hello Neighbour packs.

“I have been working hard

RUBBISH PROBLEM: Overflowing bins and waste bags left on the street in East Reading. Picture: James Aldridge, Local Democracy Reporting Service with Redlands and Park Ward Councillors alongside Cllr Karen Rowland, lead councillor for environmental services and community safety, to take a more joined up approach to dealing with these issues.

“In particular, there will be clearer signposting for local residents if they do face any waste issues that they believe are being caused by students.”

And she said that there would be close co-operation with the council’s recycling and enforcement team. They visit key student streets and report any issues.

“I am then able to identify the student tenants and address

them directly to deal with the excess waste,” Ms Cleaver said.

An extra bin collection was held on Saturday, funded by the university, and additional information will be shared with students over glass recycling.

“The Hello Neighbour campaign will contain information on bottle bank locations to encourage students to not let glass build up in front gardens,” Ms Cleaver said.

“We are also fully supportive of the council’s efforts to lobby Government to change local bin collections so glass can be collected from individual homes which would significantly improve the problem.”

Medals on offer for young readers

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

PARENTS might feel that getting through the summer holidays deserves a medal, but it will be young readers who can get the reward instead.

Reading Borough Council’s libraries have launched a summer reading challenge, running until the new school year starts in September.

The theme is Gadgeteers, and is science and innovation-themed.

All children taking part receive a poster, a bookmark, and scratch and sniff stickers. When complete, they receive a certificate and a medal.

Those taking part in the challenge will be able to join six fictional ‘Gadgeteer’ characters – brought to life by children’s writer and illustrator Julian Beresford.

They use their curiosity and wonder to understand the science behind everything from fashion and technology to cooking and music.

Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “I’m delighted this year’s science and innovation themed Summer Reading Challenge is back across all Reading Libraries – to help get local children reading, innovating, and sparking their imaginations this summer.

“There are loads of goodies available for everyone taking part and best of all, it is completely free.

“If you aren’t a library member – no problem – sign up quickly and easily online or at your local library.”

The scheme is designed to help keep children reading during the summer holidays, something that can affect the next academic year.

“The Reading Challenge is always popular but after such a difficult and unsettling couple of years for children, the programme is more important than ever, supporting and encouraging vital reading catch-up activities,” Cllr Barnett-Ward said.

“In previous years the challenge has seen thousands of children in Reading taking part.

“I’m eager to see as many youngsters as possible join in with this year’s free challenge.”

Reading Library Service is also still looking for young people aged 14 to 18 who can encourage children to take part in and complete this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The library will provide training, supervision and support.

The closing date for volunteer applications is Thursday, July 21. n For more information and to apply visit: www.reading.gov.uk/leisure/ libraries/volunteering-for-oursummer-reading-challenge

Stroke support group is a ‘lifeline’ EXCLUSIVE

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today A WHITLEY community initiative is helping stroke survivors navigate the social side of their recoveries.

Reading Stroke Support Group meets every other Thursday morning at the South Reading Community Hub. Members network with other stroke survivors, sharing anecdotes and tips over hot drinks and biscuits.

A qualified trainer also leads light exercises for mixed abilities.

“The benefit is the guys and gals manage to meet other people and get out, which they don’t otherwise do,” explained organiser Martin Harbor.

“Once they have a stroke, it’s devastating.”

Mr Harbor established the initiative, which is affiliated with the Stroke Association, 10 years ago after his wife had a stroke.

Although she was afforded medical support, he felt there was little scope for her to rebuild personal interactions.

“There was no sort of community support, so it was decided that we would try and form a group here,” he explained.

“We started with four people and now we have roughly 30.”

The Stroke Association now has a designated officer at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, who signposts those who could benefit from attending the group.

As well as providing an opportunity to chat, the group also organises activities such as bingo and day trips, recently travelling to the south coast.

Achieve more with the help of Steady Consulting

S

TEADY CONSULTING is a small, local consulting firm that is focused on helping other small businesses achieve more.

Steady Consulting’s Director & Managing Consultant, Neil Stead has amassed an extensive set of skills, knowledge and experience having worked for The John Lewis Partnership for over 30 years - and is now using these to help others.

“I hold a very strong belief that an organisation cannot be successful if it does not have clear direction, is not operationally efficient, and does not invest enough time or focus on people – be it customers or employees.” explains Neil. And it’s with this belief that Neil developed the Steady Consulting proposition, to define, develop and deliver an approach that gives small businesses the opportunity to grow.

Neil adds “Our consulting services are designed to provide expert guidance and support across strategic, operations, customer experience and employee mental health & well-being areas of a business.” He adds, “We use our depth of experience to provide an affordable client-focused approach to consulting” With a smile on his face Neil lets us know that “I’m extremely proud of what’s already been achieved since we launched, and the feedback from clients has been amazing.” Neil is clearly passionate about helping others and appears humbled by such positive praise, and adds “I get enormous satisfaction knowing I’m helping small business owners to move things forward.”

Neil wants other small business owners to understand the benefit that can be realised by bringing someone in who has extensive business knowledge and experience. He goes on to explain “I recognise that there are myths surrounding business consultants which may put off a small business owner from investing in an external expert to help improve their business.”

11

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

‘They’re only for underperforming large companies’ and ‘They’re expensive’ are two myths Neil hears and is looking to dispel. Neil stresses “Even a thriving small business will have something that it wants to improve or change - it simply may not know what it is or how to put it in place”. He adds “...and a large consulting firm will charge a large organisation a large fee - I take an approach that respects the small business, and understands the scale of investment it may have available to develop.”

Sitting alongside the strategic and operational elements of the Steady Consulting services is a focus on equipping organisations with an improved understanding of, and tools to support, the mental health and well-being of employees in the workplace.

And driven by his own lived experiences, Neil has recently become an approved provider of a half day mental health course, accredited by The Royal College Of Psychiatrists, and designed to support managers and front-line workers.

Neil explains, “The course is the UK’s leading evidence-based mental health and wellbeing programme for understanding and managing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and has been successfully rolled out across many organisations throughout the UK and around the world.”

Neil would love to support any small business owners in or around the Reading and Wokingham areas, and offers a free (no obligation) conversation to kick things off. This time is used to listen to your thoughts, concerns and discover what you’re trying to achieve. � For more information about Steady Consulting, visit them online at www.steadyconsulting.co.uk, email hello@steadyconsulting.co.uk or call 07375 482637.

FREINDLY FACES: The Reading Stroke Support Group welcomes new members and meets every other Thursday at the South Reading Community Hub Picture: Ji-Min Lee The group is self-funded and primarily relies on the £1 members pay to attend sessions.

Mr Harbour described ReadiBus’ contribution in transporting members to and from sessions as “key”, with some travelling from Caversham, Southcote and Pangbourne.

The pandemic forced the group to close for two years.

Tony Freeman and Angela Addison are stroke survivors and have attended the group for six years; they felt the impact of the time away.

“You really noticed the difference during the pandemic when you had to stay indoors,” Mr Freeman said.

“We did have a WhatsApp group set up, but it wasn’t quite the same as meeting in person.

“Groups like these are really important. Neither of us have family, so

it’s really important to build friendships here, it’s certainly a lifeline.”

Mr Freeman said he was encouraged to attend the support group while he was a patient, saying: “When I was in hospital, a member of the Stroke Association told me about this group.

“I thought I’d just give it a go because otherwise you’re just sitting indoors in your four walls all day.

“We’re all stroke victims so you can associate with each other. We can help each other through the difficult moments.”

The session also offers carers the opportunity to chat with other companions and relax for two hours.

Meetings are held from 10am-noon on the first and third Thursdays of each month. n For more information, contact: martinharbor@hotmail.com

12 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Pupils challen a railway statio

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

Two years of two

N

PUPILS from nine primary schools across the borough tackled one of their biggest challenges: designing a safe railway station of the future.

EXT month my son Leo will turn two.

Two whole years of parenting TWO children. I’d say I don’t know where the time has gone, but I know exactly where it’s gone.

It’s gone to nappy changing and breastfeeding and catching up on lost sleep during the day.

It’s gone to bedtime stories and bubble baths and baby music classes.

It’s gone to maths homework and family days out and school runs.

Leo’s second birthday will mark two years of Maia being a big sister. A kind, patient and loving older sister. A best friend. It’s not easy being the older sibling of a toddler (particularly when he goes into your bedroom and empties the contents of your pencil case out all over the floor just because he feels like it). And it’s not easy sharing your Mum. But she is brilliant. The way she guides, teaches and plays with him is utterly heartwarming.

Leo has reached a whole host of “milestones” this year. I’ve no idea what he is meant to be doing at this point, (I’m not one for reading up on these things, textbook expectations can be torturous) I just know what he is doing.

Here’s a brief and random summary: 1. He gets very excited when he sees a familiar face, squeals of excitement are his “Hello there!”

2. He can now count from one to 14, albeit in two stages.

3. He repeats pretty much whatever we say, including one particular occasional obscenity.

4. He regularly helps himself to an ice lolly from the freezer, insists I open it, then allows me to re-wrap it and return it to the freezer before repeating the whole process again. We currently have about 12 open uneaten ice lollies in there.

5. One of his favourite activities is the simple act of emptying a room. All pans out of the pan drawer, same goes for the Tupperware and the dry food.

Any drawer within reach.

Because it takes us months to get anything done, neither Joel nor I have secured the necessary safety lock fixtures onto these drawer.

6. Toilet roll must be kept out of reach; far too tempting.

7. “Daddy. Train. Work!” Is one of his favourite morning sayings. Short, sweet and accurate.

8. He will occasionally apologise when he thinks he’s done something wrong. “Sorry Mummy.” It is very, very cute and never used at the appropriate moment.

9. Today I spent about a minute just staring as he played with a wind-up rabbit, winding it up and watching it go repeatedly. I was amazed that he had the fine motor skills to rotate the winder. They can be fiddly.

10. He loves watering/drowning the plants with his Dad. As one child learns to count to 15, another reminds me of the importance of keeping childhood magic alive.

Maia lost a tooth in the car a few days ago and as usual placed said tooth under her pillow.

I failed to take note of this tooth loss and forgot to contact the relevant fairy.

Days passed and as I tucked her into bed one evening she commented on it.

“Mummy my tooth has been under my pillow for days and you and Joel still haven’t given me any money.”

“WHAT? Do not let the tooth fairy hear you say that! She might not come!”

She smiles up at me. I am hanging on by a thread trying to resurrect the magic.

“Mummy. Come on.”

I persist anyway.

“That fairy is coming.”

It absolutely is. n Angela blogs at https://colourfulkind.com/

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

BIG SCREEN: John Browning, Reading College student, who spent a week filming in The Blade’s iconic external lift

Student’s unique elevator pitch becomes a movie A COLLEGE student is going up in the world, all thanks to Reading’s tallest building and a unique elevator pitch.

John Browing, an art, design and communications student at Reading College, spent a week at The Blade, talking to people about their use of the building’s lift.

He says he was inspired by the film LIFT, by Mark Isaacs.

The youngster asked staff about their experience of The Blade, and the resulting film shares some of their stories, against the unique perspective offered by The Blade’s external lift.

John said he has always had a keen interest in film, and was inspired to translate Isaacs’ concept to a local building.

“The Blade is such a distinct and modern structure, and I particularly I liked the fact that the lifts were external,” he said.

“As the tallest building in Reading, The Blade provides a

unique view of the town, and although my film’s perspective is different to Marc Issacs, who filmed people entirely in the confined space, I felt having an additional view of a recognisable location would give an extra dimension to the film.”

And The Blade’s team were happy to help.

Nick Turner, Asset Manager at The Blade, said: “It’s been fantastic to be able to support John in this contemporary and exciting project.

Many of our occupiers tell us how proud they are to work in such an iconic location, and this film has been able to capture some of their thoughts and feelings about their working lives. We’re excited to see the final edit and share it with our team and occupiers.”

n John’s film can be see at: https:// vimeo.com/johnbrowning/ insidetheblade. n LIFT by Marc Isaacs is available at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=FJNAvyLCTik

They were challenged to the project, called Look Draw Build@ Reading station by Reading Civic Society, who teamed up with architect Gemma Solanellas.

Now living in Barcelona, she had previously worked with the society on a number of Caversham-based projects, including a gazebo for Caversham Court Gardens.

The next project was to design a station, with financial support for the project coming from the Great Western Railway community fund.

Richard Bennett, chairman of the society, said: “It was a good fit for the Society and for me personally as I had worked for British Rail/InterCity in the 1990s in the lead up to and during privatisation. We started to work together in early 2021, along with one of her colleagues Viktoryia Varhanava, a graphic designer who lives in Reading.”

During lockdown, meetings were held over Zoom, and saw them produce a video detailing the history of the railway since the early 1800s.

The nine participating schools – Oxford Road Community School, The Wilson, Caversham Park, St Martins Catholic, Southcote, Katesgrove, E P Collier, Thamesside, St Annes – then received help and guidance. With 20 classes taking part, some help was needed. Caversham Road-based firm Stantec was happy to step in, with 20 members of its STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) team giving guidance.

In addition, a small firm of local architects (Weston & Co Architects) volunteered to take part.

Gemma flew over from Barcelona

SUCCESSFUL PROJECT: Entries to the Look D by pupils from nine primary schools Pictures: R

for each week of the workshop deliveries.

GWR gave the majority of funding, with Haslams Estate Agents, led by MD Steve Woodford and his team, becoming a Gold Sponsor.

Mr Bennett said: “Haslams has provided great support and the ability to use their space for a launch event and the final exhibition. A lunch event was held in Haslams attended by the Mayor of Reading.”

The project’s aim has been, through creative modelling workshops led by architects and engineers, to create an awareness of the built environment around them and to teach children in years 4-6 the principles of design, structure and people flows.

It draws on a similar project

Summertime musical treat Honorary degree awarded to community leader

WE CAN’T guarantee they’ll be playing tiddly-om-pom-pom, but we can promise some great afternoons of music.

Forbury Gardens is to be the venue for five lazy Sunday afternoons as the concert season returns.

Every week, between 3pm and 4.30pm, a different band will take over the bandstand to perform some of their greatest hits.

Hugely popular, many listeners bring a picnic to enjoy while listening to the aural feast.

The season starts on Sunday, July 24, with a performance from Reading Community Gospel Choir.

Take Note will be on July 31. On August 7, the Age UK Community Choir will take over the bandstand.

Then Woodley Concert Band will appear on August 14.

The season comes to a close on Sunday, August 21, with music from Waltham St Lawrence Silver Band.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Lead

MUSIC TIME: The Forbury Gardens bandstand will be back in use again Picture: Reading Borough Council Councillor for Leisure and Culture said: “The Forbury Band Concert season is always a highlight of summer in Reading: an opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre and relax in our beautiful Victorian gardens listening to live music.

“Why not bring a blanket and a picnic and make a day of it?” n For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com

A KEY figure in Whitley has been recognised by the University of Reading, writes Ji-Min Lee. Trisha Bennett was awarded the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in a ceremony on Friday, July 1, acknowledging her contribution to supporting underserved communities.

Ms Bennett has worked alongside the university in various capacities for almost 20 years, tackling issues surrounding well-being and social exclusion in South Reading.

“I am committed to genuinely community-led regeneration of left behind neighbourhoods using a community development approach underpinned by the building of trust with those who feel marginalised and forgotten,” she explained.

“The honour evidences the work the university can do within our local community. It’s about doing that joint work so that researchers, who can impact at a higher level, hear from

people and are working with them and not talking or researching about them.

“That’s the absolute key, I think this is a two-way process and if we’re going to affect real change for people who are experiencing difficulties, then we need to be working jointly.”

Ms Bennett is part of the leadership team at the Whitley Community Development Association (WCDA), which runs numerous community-facing initiatives, most notably its food surplus.

WCDA won Charity of the Year at the 2021 Pride of Reading Awards for its continued work during the pandemic.

Her mantra is to ensure residents are spoken to, and not spoken about, in conversations affecting their futures.

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof Carol Fuller, Head of the Institute of Education, said: “Trisha Bennett is a clear example of the ‘unsung hero’ - the hero who devotes her life to the well-being of others, who strives hard to give voice to the voiceless and is unapologetic in reminding us all,

nged to design on of the future

Draw Build@Reading station contest created Reading Civic Society and Chris Forsey

Gemma established, and ran, in Barcelona for more than 17 years.

“The work which the children undertake hits many of the STEM aspects of the Curriculum,” Mr Bennett said.

“GWR and Network Rail told us right at the start that the safety message was very important to them as part of the project.

“GWR enabled the schools to have rail safety briefings in class or to visit the station to be shown how to navigate a big station such as Reading.

“Schools were very taken by this as they told us, ‘Many of the children had never been to a station, let alone on a train’.”

The models included safety

elements such as signage and the yellow line on the platform.

A panel, composed of Reading Station’s Network Rail Manager Andy Philips, GWR, Architect Matt Andrews, CEO of Haslams Mike Shearn, Stantec and architect Gemma Serch (who is now leading the project in Barcelona) met on June 10 to review the models selected by each class to represent them.

The winner was Oxford Road Community Primary School followed closely by St Martin’s Catholic Primary School and Caversham Park Primary School.

The winning class will enjoy a trip in September to the Didcot Railway Centre, where they will gain experience travelling on GWR new trains and also steam trains.

To celebrate, Reading Civic Society organised a display to share details about the project and showcase the three winning models, starting with the Town Hall square on July 1, Reading Station Concourse on July 2, and then in Haslams last week.

The Mayor, and Cllrs Tony Page and Karen Rowlands visited the exhibition on the opening day.

Mr Bennett said: “As a conclusion to the exercise the children of Caversham Park School each wrote a personal letter to Gemma, which was sent to her in Barcelona. These letters tell how much they enjoyed the project. Some comment about their ideas for future careers and should it be in engineering or football? Gemma will respond to each one.”

He added: “We held a thank you event for all who has supported the project. The GWR Grants Manager, Emma Morris, travelled from Gloucester to see everyone.

“I asked a group of the Stantec team; ‘Has it been a good project and would you do it again?’. The answer was a clear yes.

“Haslams are willing to support again.”

HONOURED: (From left) Prof Carol Fuller, Head of Institute of Education; Ms Trisha Bennett; Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans, Public engagement research fellow; Dr Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor were in attendance to see Ms Bennett receive her honorary degree.

Picture: University of Reading

that there is no such thing as one group of people who are better than another.”

Ms Bennett said the individual accolade signified the success of a wider effort: “I do what I do because I love what I do. I don’t expect any awards for it.

“With me working with the university, and then them honouring me, it really evidences the fact that Reading University really believe in working directly with local communities and affecting change from the bottom up.

“Yes, I may have skills in this department, but they are no use

NEWS | 29

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

if I keep them to myself.”

Ms Bennett has dedicated her life to community work, completing a diploma in the field at Dundee University after leaving school.

After moving to Reading, she worked at Berkshire Youth Community Service and family centres to support women’s groups.

She has also worked in local authorities, been a freelance community development consultant and trainer, and has volunteered in various roles across the district.

Why Ricky Gervais thrilled with a rubbish truck

WPR_2022-07-11_ReadingToday_33x2 (1)_Just Go

Reader travel FOLKESTONE

& France Weekend Folkestone&FranceWeekend_D.pdf

Departing Fri 21 Oct ‘22 We venture across the Channel to the pretty French seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, with its domed cathedral and attractive medieval quarter and visit beautiful Canterbury, one of the most important cathedral cities in England for a lovely weekend break.

WASTE NOT, WANT LOTS: Reading Borough Council has named one of its food waste trucks after comic Ricky Gervais and he’s thrilled. Picture: Reading Borough Council HE IMMORTALISED Cemetery Junction in a film of the same name, now he’s been immortalised by his home town … Ricky Gervais has had a rubbish truck named after him.

Last month, Reading Borough Council ran a contest asking residents to come up with monikers for its waste collection vehicles.

The closing date was July 1, and earlier this week Ricky Gervais posted a photo of one of the winning entries.

The contest saw pupils name five of the trucks, with adults left to devise the name for the final one. Each will be seen on the streets collecting food waste from residents’ doorsteps.

The mixture of late scrapings, stale bread, mouldy food, tea and

coffee bags, meat and fish bones will be turned into compost, instead of going to landfill to rot.

It is hoped that the new truck names will help boost recycling rates further. Before the food waste scheme was introduced, just a third of doorstep waste was recycling, it’s now more than 50%.

The comedian, who made much of his Whitley roots on programmes such as The 11 O’Clock Show, was thrilled to have a truck named Ricky Gerwaste.

In a tweet he said: “Is there any greater honour than your hometown naming a garbage truck after you?” He added a crying with laughter emoji afterwards.

The remaining names are due to be announced soon – but the trucks are already on the streets.

Your break includes Return coach travel and ferry crossings from Reading 3 nights at the Grand Burstin Hotel, Folkestone with dinner & breakfast Entertainment every evening Excursion to Boulogne-sur-Mer & Canterbury

4 Days by Coach

only £164

.99 Single Supplement £45

EASTBOURNE

& the Sussex Sunshine Coast Eastbourne&Brighton_D.pdf

POETRY CORNER Departing Thu 27 Oct ‘22 Sussex boasts one of Britain’s finest unspoilt coastlines, dotted with classic seaside resorts that offer a hint of nostalgia with their traditional attractions. We explore more of this picturesque coastline from our base in Eastbourne, including Beachy Head.

Your break includes

The Carnival’s Come!

The Carnival’s come! The Carnival’s come!

Stamp your feet and bang your drum!

Join the queues For party food.

Soon you’re in a happy mood.

Spicy soup and salty chips, Cakes or hot-dogs, Lick your lips...

Goodies on your paper plates, Munch a feast To share with mates.

Sugar spills on doughnut rings, Sweet enough

For Queens and Kings.

Candyfloss on sticky thumbs...

Wiped away by Laughing Mums.

Ice-cream drips from crunchy cones, Here’s a dog With biscuit-bones!

Now the Bands begin to play, Let’s all clap And shout HOORAY! Stamp your feet And BANG on your drum At last! At last!

THE CARNIVAL’S COME.

Clare Bevan

We love printing your verse. Email poems to news@rdg.today and we’ll print a selection every week

Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the East Beach Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Excursions to Bexhill-on-Sea, Great Dixter, Beachy Head & Alfriston Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£12pp)

5 Days by Coach

only £284

Single Supplement £60

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions. Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit justgoholidays.com/WPR 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

30 | VIEWPOINTS

A magnificent celebration

READIPOP is something that really showcases what makes Reading special to so many.

Over three very hot days, Christchurch Meadows was transformed into something that might not be as big as Glastonbury, but its heart most certainly is.

The festival celebrates good music.

It had some big names that even your granny would have heard of, nestled alongside some of the rising talents of Reading’s very own bustling and vibrant music scene.

We’re sure that some, like Third Lung, will go the distance in the same way that we fondly remember The Hoosiers, and The Cooper Temple Clause among others.

It was family-friendly event too, something that matters when it comes to helping inspire future generations.

And inspire is one of the key things that Readipop does week in week out.

It isn’t the only group that performs such a sterling job, of course, and we acknowledge them too.

For anyone who says Reading is devoid of culture, Readipop is the perfect ancedote.

We’re proud of the Ding – well done all.

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Letters

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today A tradegy for the world The Russian-Ukrainian war is indeed a tragedy for the whole world.

However, let’s ask ourselves whether Russia’s President Putin really is the Bond style villain here (albeit with a long table instead of a cat).

Russia’s incursion into Ukraine can be viewed as essentially a defensive response to decades of expansion towards Russia’s borders on the part of NATO and the EU. Since 1997, 14 central/east European & Baltic States have joined NATO, four of them bordering Russia.

Why? The Cold War was over by then and the old Soviet Union dissolved.

Even Pope Francis has suggested that “NATO barking at Russia’s door” provoked the Kremlin.

It was the 2014, pro-western coup in Ukraine that triggered an eight-year civil war, the backdrop to Russia’s “special military operation”.

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

Ukraine’s 2019 constitution contained explicit pledges to NATO and EU membership.

Does anyone seriously suppose that the United States would do nothing if hostile forces penetrated Canada or Mexico, conducting exercises right up to the US border? Rather a case of double standards here?

Talking of double standards, our own politicians’ and media’s anti-Russian moralising has a hollow ring to it given the knighthood bestowed on former Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Given his five wars, Mr Blair’s foreign policy could fairly be described as politics’ answer to Will Smith, in terms of slapping people about with abandon.

What is clear is the moral bankruptcy of the US/UK Governments and their allies.

Pursuing their proxy war with Russia, they are indeed willing to “fight to the last Ukrainian”.

Even worse, a confrontation has come about between two nuclear-armed blocs. So the very survival of humanity is being

From the stump Dr Stephen Goss

CHURCH NOTES

Rebellious hope

D

AME Deborah James coined the phrase ‘rebellious hope’ to highlight her determination to beat cancer and not let it control her life.

She urged others to “never give up” and “live life to the fullest – and check your poo.”

Sadly she died on June 28, but she filled others with hope and joy and left a legacy.

Where do you place your hope?

In the government?

The latest drug trial?

Your pension pot?

What with everything going on in the world we need something to place our hope in – but we need something that is not finite or fallible.

We need to place our hope in something that is sure, steadfast, and reliable.

The hope that Christians express is not wishful thinking; it is found in a confident assurance and faith that God who created the world and loves us, is with us, and will meet our needs.

It is hope that gives our lives meaning.

My faith gives me hope because I know from experience all the ways in which God has been with me and provided for me and I am confident that this will continue to be the case.

Hope does not mean that bad things will not happen to us, but it does mean that we can face life’s challenges with joy and peace and can live our life to the fullest.

My hope in God is like a light, shining even in the darkest of times, helping me to keep going.

That hope is indeed a rebellious hope – fighting against the adversity that is all around.

The Revd Becky Medlicott is a curate at All Saints Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

National bus strategy will be transformative

I

N Reading Today last week, it was reported that Reading Buses had recognised its latest ‘Stars of the Month’: significant employees playing their part in delivering a key public service.

Living in a vibrant town like Reading, we tend to take buses for granted; a service always there when you need it, part of the normal urban backdrop.

Buses are the most regularly used form of public transport, with twice as many journeys as trains. Roughly four billion journeys are undertaken annually.

Over the years, reductions in central and local council funding for this service have resulted in provision being reduced or withdrawn across the country.

Furthermore, bus fares have risen by over 55% since 2012 – a faster rate than either rail tickets or motoring costs.

Many places have to deal with infrequent and unreliable services, and traffic – especially in rush hour – reduces journeys to a crawl. Covid and Lockdown have not helped. The first year of the pandemic alone saw 16% of bus services cut by operators.

For the past decade the Campaign for Better Transport has been pressing for a nationwide bus strategy to redress

these issues and create a modern, bus network across the country.

It has been lobbying for lower fares, greater bus priority, more involvement from local authorities and zero emission buses.

The government published its national strategy: Bus Back Better and announced £3 billion of funding to implement it.

The strategy will ensure buses are more frequent and reliable, better co-ordinated and cheaper.

Main road services in towns and cities will be so regular that timetables will be unnecessary.

To reflect the 24-hour pace of life today, services will run later in the evening and at weekends.

In regions with barely any service – such as rural areas and out-of-town business parks – smaller vehicles better suited to demand will be introduced.

The success of bus operations in London will be the model for the rest of the country, where these improvements radically increased passenger numbers, reduced traffic, cut pollution and carbon emissions, and provided a boost to the most disadvantaged.

This is an important element of the Conservative’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.

It will also contribute to the Government’s ambitious targets to decarbonise the UK economy in order to achieve Net Zero

risked so that US backed interests can dominate the world.

David Akroyd, Reading

Help Somalia In Somalia, many people are living in small makeshift tents with their children starving as the government of Russia is killing them by keeping on with an unnecessary war that know one wants.

He is not only killing Ukrainians he is killing off men, women and children in Africa. The world leaders can make him stop or just watch another genocide happen in the world because he will not let the grain out of Ukraine for the world’s poor.

Stop the war Russia people should be shouting from the roof tops and out side the Russian embassies across the world.

Plus Mr Johnson cut the aid that we in Britain should give to them – at last he is no more.

Let us start off fresh now and help the poor and their children of the world.

Victor Rones, via email emissions by 2050.

Passengers are disproportionately from the less advantaged groups in our society.

Better services will strengthen communities, revitalise town centres, and make travel possible for the isolated and those with accessibility needs.

The strategy seeks to change the image of buses as the last resort for those without alternatives. London demonstrates that bus travel can be made attractive enough that people opt for it rather than driving. The national plan will support the purchase of over 4,000 new zero emissions buses and set a date for ending the sale of new diesel buses in Britain.

What does this mean for Reading? The Government has announced £26.3 million for Reading under the strategy, in order to improve bus services and reduce costs for commuters.

The next four years will see investment in bus priority measures, provision of greater capacity, and a faster and more frequent service introduced. Over the past 10 years, the Council has overseen an increase in the number of pockets of deprivation in the town. From none in 2010, to five in 2019 – which are among the 10% most deprived areas in the UK. An affordable and efficient service will provide the means by which those in most need can access education and employment.

The National Bus Strategy is an important step towards overhauling our transport network, levelling-up and reaching Net Zero. It will be transformative for Reading and communities across the country.

Dr Stephen Goss, Abbey Ward Representative, Reading East Conservative Association

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

From the Leader

Cllr Jason Brock

Census’ role in predicting future

A

S always, the latest census information makes for interesting reading. It’s also a more than useful planning tool for local authorities everywhere when informing future decisions.

The headline figure is inevitably the overall growth in population, but it’s the layer or two of detail underneath which provides the baseline information which is really of use.

The 2021 census shows an 18,502 increase in population in Reading over 10 years, to a total of 174,200. That’s an 11.9% increase and well up on both the national rise of 6.3% and the 7.5% across the south east.

It confirms what we already know – as a major employment, transport, education, leisure and cultural hub, Reading is a welcoming place and a town that people want to live in, work in and visit.

Any population increase brings with it more demands. That can be for new housing – particularly affordable homes – and key Council infrastructure, whether public transport, schools, parks and playgrounds, leisure centres, libraries and community centres, to name but a few.

A quick look next door at our neighbours in Wokingham shows the population increase is even higher at 15%.

Its relevant to us in Reading because many of those new Wokingham residents will commute daily into our town for work, which puts added pressure on Reading’s roads and public transport systems, contributing to poor air quality for people who live in the east of our town.

That’s why it is more important than ever for us to pursue our ongoing drive for realistic, affordable and sustainable travel alternatives to the private vehicle, whether by investing in our award-winning bus company and new bus priority corridors, providing new and refurbished train stations or more cycle lanes through our active travel schemes.

As the economic capital of the Thames Valley, and a major employment hub in the south east, it’s no surprise the census shows that people aged 15 to 64 make up more than 70% of the population in Reading.

These are generally working-age people whose chief concerns when it comes to the Council are universal services: bin collections, street cleaning and public transport. At this stage in their lives, they are generally not too concerned with adult or children’s social care, for example, unless they have a family member using those services.

When the bulk of the Council’s budget in most local authorities, goes on social care services, you can see the quandary faced in balancing the budgets for those essential specialist services alongside budgets for universal services.

Tthis is against a backdrop of a decade of Conservative cuts in budgets and a cost of living crisis which is hitting local authorities, as well as the general population.

As is the case nationally, the 65-plus group is increasing. In Reading it has risen by more than 17% over the last decade – just over 3,000 people.

With it comes increased demand for adult social care, but not necessarily in the traditional residential care model we tend to think of. The desire is more for maintaining people’s independence in their own homes for as long as that’s possible.

In Reading, there has been a drop in children aged four and under across this 10-year census period. It stood at 11,937 children in 2011 and fell to 10,200 in 2021. This suggests that the demand for primary school places we saw a few years ago, which meant we had to invest heavily in additional capacity in Reading, will not be sustained.

I wouldn’t say there is anything in the data which comes as a particular surprise to us, but I hope it is a useful little window into the conundrums every local authority needs to take into consideration when planning for the future.

31

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Reading’s ongoing support for Ukrainian refugees explained

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

READING continues to help Ukrainians following Putin’s illegal invasion of our European neighbour.

The steps the council has undertaken were spelt out at a meeting of Reading Borough Council last week.

The invasion started in February and, since then, 131 Ukrainians in 62 family groups have arrived in Reading through the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre has played a large part in assisting those coming here, supported by the council.

Information about the issues they have faced and how they are being assisted has been revealed at a full Reading Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, July 5.

The leader of the opposition, Cllr Rob White (Green, Park ward) asked for an update on support offered and challenges faced.

Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote), the leader of the council, said the refugees receive £200 per individual, with hosts receiving £350.

A key part of the council’s assistance has been helping to set up the Reading Ukrainian

SUPPORT: The Reading Ukraine Advice Centre opened at Reading Central Library to help people coming to Reading Picture: Reading Borough Council

READING SPEAKERS CLUB is to welcome new members when it gathers for its July meeting.

The group aims to provide a provide a supportive and positive learning environment for people to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn will grow self-confidence and personal growth.

The session takes place from 7.30pm on Monday, July 18, at St John and St Stephen’s Church in Orts Road, Newtown. n For more details or to sign up, search Facebook for Reading Speakers Club.

Body paint event Advice Centre (RUAC). Run from Reading Central Library, it is open by appointment from 10am to 3pm on weekdays.

RUAC provides help accessing a variety of council and Government services.

So far, 122 people have used RUAC. Although the majority of beneficiaries – 65 – come from Reading, RUAC also serves those from West Berkshire (15 clients), Wokingham (nine clients) South Oxfordshire, Bracknell and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (three clients each).

Additionally, the council has

distributed 127 bus passes to 85 adults and 42 children, for use on Reading Buses and Thames Valley Buses.

It is also working on providing a comprehensive guide of all services available to the Ukrainians, which will be emailed, provided by RUAC and available on the council website, readable in English, Ukrainian and Russian.

One of the main challenges has been the need to rehouse refugees due to differences between them and their sponsor.

Cllr Brock explained: “In case of breakdown of relationship

Open air theatre treat in Caversham

Culture at the cricket ground, follow the bear

A NEW adaptation of a famous literary classic will be coming to Caversham this weekend.

Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights is a tale of love, discovered on a brooding heath, unbound by the judgment of society.

The play, adapted by SISATA, looks at the toil for happiness, the lines between tenderness and mania, care and cruelty, and other things woven into a mist.

The 90-minute show features original live music and songs.

It takes place at Caversham Court Gardens on Sunday, July 17. Doors open at 5.45pm, with the show at 6.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 plus a booking fee, or £12 for concessions.

AN AFTERNOON of culture will be served on the cricket pitch, as an acting troupe aim to hit people for six with a bit of the Bard.

Much Ado About Nothing will be performed at Kidmore End Cricket Club on Sunday, July 17.

The show is a comedy of love, mischief and naivety, focused on Beatrice and Benedick.

There are two performances from Bear In The Air Productions, at 1pm and 5pm.

Audiences to the outdoor show can enjoy a bar, buy ice creams and enjoy food from a barbecue prepared by The Caversham Butcher.

Tickets cost from £8.68, and can be found by searching eventbrite.co.uk for ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.

The club is in Gallowstree Common.

n For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com.

Woman stabbed in neck as she sat outside church A WOMAN in her forties was stabbed in the neck as she sat on a bench outside a Reading town centre church.

The incident took place on Monday, July 4, around 7.30pm.

The victim was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment, but has since been discharged.

Thames Valley Police said it is appealing for witnesses to the assault, in St Mary’s Butts and close to Reading Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin.

New voices can speak up

It was undertaken by a man that police said knew her victim. He is white, also in his forties, with dark hair, and wearing a black headband/ bandana and tracksuit-style clothing.

Detective Constable Wendy Brown, of the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit, based at Reading police station, said: “I am appealing to anybody who witnessed this incident to please get in touch with us.

“Also, if you have any CCTV

footage in the area or any dash-cam footage if you were driving in the area around the time, I’d also ask that you check any recordings in case it has captured something that could assist our investigation.

“To contact us, call 101 or make a report on our website, quoting reference number 43220294066.

“Alternatively, call anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via its website.”

between the guest and sponsor, or if the accommodation and safeguarding checks find a match that is not suitable, the council has the responsibility to rematch the guests with another sponsor.

“Three rematches under the scheme have already been made.

“We ensure the rematching concerns are resolved as quickly as possible to avoid families and individuals needing to present as homeless.”

Two refugees have come to Reading after being rematched from another area, bringing the total number of

Ukrainian refugees in Reading to 133.

Cllr Brock admitted challenges lay ahead in resettling Ukrainians more long term once the six-month Homes for Ukraine scheme comes to an end.

He said: “We are waiting for a policy update from the Government on this, but, in the meantime, we are looking at how we can increase the level of support to help guests to help them find their own accommodation when the initial sponsorship period finishes.”

AN INTERACTIVE art event will take place in Reading on Saturday, July 16.

Splash is a celebration of body painting.

Participants will be given plastic overalls to wear, turning the body into a giant canvas. Paint will be water soluble and skin-safe.

Organisers ask that people wear clothes that won’t matter if they get paint on.

Entry is £2, and covers the cost of materials.

It takes place at The Rising Sun in Silver Street from 1pm to 4pm. n For more details, log on to: risingsunartscentre.org

Give your kitchen the WOW factor with new worktops

We can replace your existing kitchen worktops with new quartz or corian, rejuvenating your kitchen and giving it a fresh new look.

0118 976 2826 www.roktops.co.uk sales@roktops.co.uk

located within the Wokingham Borough

32 | BUSINESS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

association with BUSINESSTODAY InWinnersh Triangle

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Got a business story?

Email news@wokingham.today

A business park that is changing

How Reading UK supported residents during lockdowns

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

Howdy partners A MAJOR accountancy firm has announced it is appointing nine new partners, and making 277 promotions across its South East operations.

PwC said that as of this month, it also appointed 17 new director.

The company now has 995 partners, three of the new intake are based outside of London.

The partners include Fiona Hornsby in South East Audit, and Carrie Hale in Tax Deal.

Both are based in Reading.

Keith Harrington, PwC South East Regional Leader, said: “I’m really pleased to announce that this year we have nine partners, 17 directors and 260 associates to senior manager promotions across the South East practice.

“These appointments reflect the significant investment and opportunity for growth in our region.

“The promotions across all grades ensure we’re in the best position to tackle the challenges ahead. Our nine new partners are adding a huge amount to our large multidisciplinary team.”

A SCHEME set up to help people during the early stages of the covid pandemic has been hailed a success.

Over the past two years, Reading UK’s Employment and Skills Plan has worked with people who would otherwise been adversely affected by lockdowns.

The findings were presented in a report to Reading Borough Council’s Strategic Environment, Planning and Transport Committee held on Thursday, July 7.

The report looks forward and explains how, over the coming two years, these programmes will be developed to upskill local people for green jobs, create opportunities through the new film industry developments locally and make large-business procurement processes more accessible for SMEs. Reading UK says that while the area enjoys high employment levels and one of the highest levels of

HELP: The Rebel Business School - one of the initiatives supported by Reading UK productivity in the UK, it also has areas of deprivation and residents who struggle to break into the job market.

The ESP programmes helps people find routes into employment by matching people to job and enterprise opportunities created by new commercial developments in the town.

Reading Borough Council’s planning policy obliges developers to work with Reading UK to produce an ESP to support local employment.

WPR_2022-07-11_TheWokinghamPaper_16x4 (1)_Just Go WorcesterObserver

GREAT LITTLE TRAINS of North Wales & Portmeirion

GreatLittleTrainsofNorthWales&Portmeirion_F.pdf

Reader travel

Mayalsian ecommerce firm signs new deal in presence of royalty SIGNED: OMalaysia has teamed up with the Selangor Youth Community to help young Malaysian entrepreneurs break into the UK market Picture: OMalaysia

TORQUAY, SOUTH DEVON & Dartmoor National Park

Departing Mon 24 Oct ‘22

Your break includes

Your break includes

Return coach travel from Crawley 4 nights at the Risboro Hotel, Llandudno with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Heritage journeys on the Welsh Highland Railway, Great Orme Tramway & Ffestiniog Railway Free time in Llandudno Excursions to Caernarfon & Portmeirion

Return coach travel from Reading 4 nights at the Tor Park Hotel, Torquay with dinner & breakfast Entertainment some evenings Scenic drive through Dartmoor National Park Cruise on the River Dart Excursions to Buckfast Abbey, Princetown, Tavistock, Dartmouth & Totnes

5 Days by Coach only £

324

Optional excursion to Brixham & Teignmouth (£12pp)

284

5 Days by Coach only £ Single Supplement £60

Operated by Just Go Holidays Ltd. Coach package holidays and short breaks are subject to Just Go! Holidays terms and conditions.

Your booking is protected by Bonded Coach Holidays (BCH) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT); this is a government approved consumer protection scheme. Tours offered subject to availability and government guidelines.

Errors and omissions excepted. Prices per person, based on two people sharing a double/twin room. Calls to 033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

For more information, or to book, please call

03332 342 527 Quote WPR

or visit us online at

This work has been delivered as part of the Powered by People Reading Economic Recovery Strategy, set up to respond to the economic impacts of covid to ensure every part of our community benefits from support and that our economy is capable of adapting to changing demands both during and beyond the pandemic.

In the last two years, working with contractors and developers, the ESPs have delivered 35 work experience opportunities, 18 apprenticeships, 416 local job opportunities and 126 education projects.

Dveloper financial contributions have funded employment events such as Reading Job Fest, Workplace Wellness events, Sustainable Business Model workshops, careers and life skills coaching, new employment opportunities promotion, start your own business training courses and the development of a networking community for SMEs.

ThePeakDistrictChatsworthHouse&CrichTramwayVillage_F.pdf

Departing Mon 3 Oct ‘22

Single Supplement £60

Sue Brackley, Economic Development Manager, Reading UK said: “While the pandemic has severely impacted what could be delivered in-person in the last two years, we are proud of the innovative way in which our many partners have found ways to support young people and adults towards the workplace despite the pandemic.”

And Cllr Jason Brock, leader of Reading Borough Council, said: “Reading’s economy has proved resilient, even in the face of the pandemic.

“Whilele it boasts one of the most powerful economies in the South-East and the UK, there is little doubt that some people in Reading do not have access to the opportunities that others do.

“It is hugely gratifying to note the early success of this joint initiative, as outlined in the report, which sits alongside this Council’s ethos of doing all it can to ensure that everybody can share in Reading’s success.”

justgoholidays.com/WPR

033 numbers are free within inclusive minutes packages otherwise standard rates apply.

justgohols JGTravelGroup

THE WOKINGHAM-based founder of a food import company is looking to the future thanks to its new partnership.

OMalaysia has teamed up with the Selangor Youth Community to help young Malaysian entrepreneurs break into the UK market.

The memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of the Crown Prince of Selangor.

The company’s chief operating officer, Simon Suresh, along with director and general manager at Halal Street, the Malaysian sister company of OMalaysia, Hairul Hafizi Bin Abdul Hamid, attended the ceremony at the High Commission of Malaysia Office in London.

Now, young entrepreneurs

can market their products in the UK via the Halal Street UK website, which has more than 900 vendors on board.

“I am thrilled to announce that we have signed another MOU to bring more trade from Malaysia to the UK, while also supporting young Malaysian entrepreneurs and start-ups to grow their businesses,” said Simon.

“As someone who has always had an entrepreneurial outlook, working my way from the ground-up, running businesses and creating innovative products and solutions, I want to offer my support to help steer these young people towards a successful business future.

“Signing the MOU with the Selangor Youth Community (SAY) is yet another significant

step to ensuring that OMalaysia is an integral part of this movement and I’d like to thank them for working together.”

Speaking after the event to the New Straits Times, Nurul Azwa Rodzi from SAY, said that Halal Street is the ‘best platform’ for their new entrepreneurs to sell their products on.

“I am delighted that SAY have chosen Halal Street and acknowledge the work we have done to support and develop all vendors on our e-commerce site,” Mr Suresh added.

“It was also an extreme honour to have the MOU witnessed by the Crown Prince of Selangor.

“I look forward to continued connections to help grow the region and increase Malaysian trade in the UK.”

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

33

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Council commits to only dealing with firms that pay fair share of tax

SIGNED: Reading Borough Council has unanimously agreed to the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration introduced

by Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles and seconded

by Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni.

Picture: Reading Labour

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

READING councillors have signed a declaration committing the council to only deal with businesses that pay their fair share of tax.

At a meeting last Tuesday, after we had gone to press, Reading Borough Council signed up to the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration, a pledge not to work with companies that engage in tax avoidance.

Introduced as a motion to the council, it calls on the government to reform the way contracts are awarded, freeing councils up to either penalise or reward tax conduct when buying goods or services.

Proposing the motion, Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles (Labour, Whitley) said tax avoidance deprives councils and communities of vital funding.

“The UK has £17 billion per annum in lost corporation tax revenues,” she said.

“In 2019-20 in Reading East, 5,072 children were in poverty, and in Reading West, 6,267 children were in poverty.

“Hard-working families are feeling the pinch with rising gas prices and food, yet they are told to pay more taxes by the Tory Government even after unscrupulous contracts

FAMILIES are invited to a free movie screening in Reading later this month.

The Bad Guys is a U-rated film that will be screened as part of The Pavilion Cinema Club.

The animated film focuses on several reformed yet misunderstood criminal animals in a modern twist on the heist movie.

The screening starts at 1pm on Saturday, July 16, and entry is one a first-come, first-served basis. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. n For more details, log on to: thepavilion.org.uk

Album launch were awarded during the Covid pandemic. Labour is calling for contracting to have greater transparency, accountability, and ethical sourcing.”

Seconding the motion, Cllr Jacopo Lanzoni (Labour, Caversham) said: “Everyone should contribute to the cost of the services they benefit from. You all will agree with me, I believe, in that this applies to each legal entity: not only individuals, but also businesses.

“Businesses benefit from public services in a way which is different and additional to the

way their employees do.

“If we want taxes to be low for everyone, we need everyone – also large corporations – to pay their fair share of taxes. I want Reading Borough Council to be at the front of this change.”

Cllr Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote), the leader of the council, clarified that it already complies with everything in the motion, with the action being about lending the council’s voice to a national campaign by the Fair Tax Foundation.

Cllr Paul Carnell (Conservative, Caversham Heights)

New 157-room hotel proposed for Reading’s town centre

VISION OF THE FUTURE: A CGI showing possible new retail space in Queen Victoria Street Picture: Thackery Estates

A NEW 157-room hotel could be created in Reading’s Friar Street if plans go ahead.

The proposals would see the Revolucion de Cuba and the Eyesite opticians – formerly HMV and the Friar Street Bookshop – demolished to create the new space. However, historic inn The Bugle would be retained.

The pub closed during covid lockdown, and has not reopened.

The Thackery Group is behind the plans, which were revealed at a Zoom meeting held by Reading Civic Society.

Last year, Thackery Group won approval to transform

Family-friendly movie showing

1-15 Queen Victoria Street and 147-148 Friar Street with 3,308sq m of new retail space and 41 bed apartment-hotel, called the Queen Victoria Place development.

The plan involves creating a new space by demolishing older buildings and replacing them with retail space for businesses.

According to Alan Bunce from UK Property Forums, Thackery Group owns a sizeable portion of the town centre, running from numbers 138-145 Friar Street.

It also plans to redevelop 145146 Friar Street, the buildings which houses Reading Food &

Wine and WH Smith.

Thackery Group has driven some recent development in the town centre, with 1 Station Road, where the US burger chain Wendy’s opened in June last year.

Meanwhile, the closed Cafe Nero at the junction of Friar Street and Queen Victoria Street is due to become a Black Sheep Coffee branch.

The proposals can be viewed in detail on the dedicated queenvictoriastreet. co.ukwebsite, with the aim for a planning application to be submitted to Reading Borough Council.

said tax should be reformed to disincentivise tax avoidance.

“Tax evasion is totally wrong. Nobody in this group would condone tax evasion.

Tax evasion is illegal and if convicted, rightly, carries a heavy punishment,” he said.

“Tax avoidance is, on the other hand, legal. The treasury works hard closing loopholes, but while those loopholes exist companies and individuals are entitled to use them if they wish.”

He continued: “So, what level should a fair tax be? All evidence

shows that as levels of taxation fall the income from the tax rises. This is simply because the cost of the avoidance becomes more than the tax saved.

“We support a fair tax regime, that’s low and sustainable, where people keep more of their money and where companies have increased funding for investment. A regime where tax avoidance is not cost effective.

That is the fair tax environment that we aspire to.”

The motion was passed unanimously at a full council meeting on Tuesday, July 5.

A READING band will be launching their latest album with a lockdown-postponed party this weekend.

The Face Bar in Ambrose Place is the venue of the special event on Sunday, July 17.

Mercury’s Well are celebrating their 10th anniversary and the line-up includes El Chapo, Treehouse, and Boo Mhauer.

And being a summer-themed party, there will be a Hawaiian theme and plenty of beach vibes.

Tickets cost £5, and doors open at 7pm. n For details, search Facebook for Mercury’s Well

34 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Vive la France! Forbury EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER READING’S Bastille Day celebrations took place in the heat of the summer on Saturday and Sunday.

PLAYTIME: A new playground is to be built in Reading’s Prospect Park

Winning design for new flagship play area revealed A new £530,000 play park is to be built in Prospect Park, with an aim of being accessible to all children.

The winning design was chosen from a consultation and also taking on board comments from Reading Borough Council’s Access Disability Group.

Created by HAGS, and scooping 55% of the public vote, it will create a play area that will allow children to be challenged physically, and encourage creativity.

The design has a range of facilities for children all ages and abilities, and the location and surfaces of the new play area have been chosen to ensure the best accessibility for families using pushchairs or mobility aids.

Equipment will include roundabouts, climbing towers and a zipwire.

There will be two large climbing towers with a tunnel slide and access ramp incorporated into the unit.

Accessibility features include braille panels, lower-level inclusive play net, accessible see-saw, tactile panels, ground-level games, and a large accessible springer.

Work on the new play area will start in the autumn this year and the play area will be open for the summer holidays this time next year.

The council said that there are

plans to create an access path from the car park to the play area, with a new pedestrian crossing.

The new playground is part of the Council’s £1 million investment in playgrounds across Reading.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, thanked people for taking part in the consultation and said the winning design had a fantastic range of equipment.

“This £530,000 investment reflects the importance of Prospect Park: it is one of the town’s destination parks and improving play facilities and access is a key priority for the Council. Work will begin in the autumn and complete in time for the school holidays next year,” she added.

Other improvements include a £500,000 multi-use activity centre in part of the pavilion building, a mini-golf course which opened last month, and an indoor Sky Tykes low ropes for young children and a café opening later this summer.

The council has promised that once the new play area is open, the existing play area will be returned to an informal grass parkland.

Cllr Barnett-Ward added: “The existing play area is still open and will remain so until the new playground is ready.”

Forbury Gardens played host to the festivities, with live music and performances at the band stand, food and drinks stalls, and even a visit from Alok Sharma MP. Guests were treated to musical performances by Elodie Siby and Maloé, who were joined by Muriel on Sunday.

Founder and co-director of the Bastille Day Festival Charity, Vincent Valere, said: “It was a great tenth anniversary, and really different this year.

“It was great to have performers from Paris, and to have French people coming together to celebrate, it makes a really good atmosphere.”

“We had Alok Sharma on Saturday, too – he came and introduced himself, we spoke a little, and he had a look around the stalls.”

The weather remained sunny, perfect for the free sports and activities on offer such as archery and arts and crafts.

Mr Valere said: “I think people really enjoyed the event, as it’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity.

“It’s open to everyone, and I think people like that.

“It was a little bit too hot for me though.”

Bastille Day is the national day of France, celebrated on July 14 each year.

Now plans are being made for next year’s event.

ON SONG: Elodie Siby was one of three performers to wow the audience. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

n For more details, log on to: www. reading.gov.uk/leisure/active-reading

Royals committed to Twenty’s Plenty scheme READING Football Club are offering to cap matchday tickets for away fans at £20, but only if other clubs reciprocate.

In a statement on the club’s website, the Royals confirmed they had contacted all 23 other Championship sides.

Only Blackburn, Cardiff and Huddersfield have signed up for the scheme so far.

“Since 2016, we have championed Twenty’s Plenty.

However, despite our best efforts very few other clubs in the Championship have followed suit,” read the club’s statement.

“That has resulted in our travelling fans routinely paying well in excess of £20 to watch the Royals on the road.

“Every single Championship club will be given the opportunity to

offer their fans £20 tickets when their team visits Reading, but only if they commit in advance to a reciprocal arrangement for our loyal away fans in the reverse fixture.”

The communication also confirmed some home tickets at the Select Car Leasing Stadium would cost more than £20.

League rules ensure that clubs only charge away supporters the same price they charge their own fans sitting in comparable parts of the stadium.

The Premier League has adopted a £30 cap for visiting fan tickets, with all 20 clubs agreeing to maintain the scheme for the next three seasons.

The initiative recognises the additional travel costs involved in attending away fixtures.

TAKEOVER: Bastille Day was held in Forbury Gardens over Saturday and Sunday, celebrating our Gallic neighbour

TREATS: A number of stalls provided classic French and world cuisine. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

celebration of our neighbour

NEWS | 35

Meet the artists and buy art at Jelly event A CHANCE to buy exclusive art from Reading-based artists is coming to jelly this Saturday.

The arts collective is welcoming artists and designers to its Broad St. Mall base for the event.

All artists involved are members of Jelly’s Associate Artists scheme, and will be bringing some of items so that people can purchase them.

Entry is free, and the event runs from 10am to 4pm.

Jelly’s base in Broad St Mall is on the first floor.

They have the unit closest to the toilets and car park entrance. n For more details, log on to www.jelly.org.uk

HOME FROM HOME: Cathou lives in Reading, and is originally from Nantes. Picture: Dijana Capan/ DVision

SING UP: A choir took to the bandstand for the day’s celebrations. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

TOO HOT: Sunny weather saw No Feathers seek the solace of an ice cream to battle the heat. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

FRESH: Food was made to order for hungry visitors to the festival

Santas summer special is beer

REAL ALE fans will be able to try a brand-new festive beer this weekend.

No, we’ve not gone Christmas crackers just yet, but Santa is involved.

The team behind the Burghfield Santas are holding The Bulging Sack in the Park on Friday evenings until August 26, starting this week.

The event will raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, and include locally-brewed real ales and craft beer, plus food and other drinks.

This Friday includes the launch of Reinbeer of the Mohicans. Brewed in collaboration with Reading Amateur Brewers and Elusive Brewing for September’s Burghfest, organisers couldn’t wait to share it.

The event runs from 5pm to 9pm. n For more details, log on to burghfieldsantas.org

36 | NEWS

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

INTHECOMMUNITY

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Share news from your groups, clubs and societies.

Send reports to news@wokingham.today

Association’s donation will help Ride to show cycling benefits Housing youngsters enjoy watersports this summer LET’S GET KIDICAL: Kidical Mass organise family bike rides to help children and adults feel more comfortable cycling. Picture courtesy of Kidical Mass

READY TO PLAY: Sovereign’s Community Development Officer speaking to Berkshire Youth at the Waterside Centre

A COMMUNITY initiative is helping children and adults get excited about cycling.

Kidical Mass is set to host family bike rides, starting from various locations in Reading and Wokingham.

The events are designed to increase families’ confidence in cycling together, whilst highlighting the need for improved infrastructure.

“The whole thing is about giving the next generation a voice. There are so many good things about cycling, it’s fun and tackles issues like obesity,” organiser Kathleen Heath said.

“We want our kids to be able to cycle to school or to the doctors by themselves.”

The rides are free to attend and open to riders of all ages and abilities.

Kidical Mass hopes to raise awareness of healthy modes of transport and bike types.

Ms Heath said that aspects of cycling infrastructure require significant alterations to promote safe travel.

“I cycle along Oxford Road every day and even as an adult it’s difficult,

so imagine what it’s like with an eightyear-old.

“It’s so dangerous to cycle, especially when you have a child in a trailer.”

Ms Heath suggested segregated lanes and dropped curbs as solutions to issues regularly faced by cyclists.

The next Kidical mass takes place at 11.30am on Saturday, July 16 meeting at Green Park, Lime Square, RG2 6UG and finishing at Water Meadows.

Further rides are scheduled in August and September.

advocacy, prayers and support to visitors, often signposting service users to specialist organisations where required.

Over the past five months, lunch has been prepared and provided at Oddfellows Hall, Oxford Road, however, the group’s success has meant space has become an issue.

Organisers are in search of a new location, fearing they may soon be forced to turn visitors away.

“A venue close to the town centre with parking available would be ideal,” Ms Gomez said.

“We’re looking at a six burner cooker setup to prepare food for 80-100 people.

It’d be great if plates and cooking

NEW SPACE: The Way Ministry serves warm meals to around 55 visitors on Sunday afternoons. They are in need of a larger venue to accommodate a growing usership.

Picture courtesy of The Way Ministry

utensils were also provided.

“It would be for three hours on a Sunday afternoon, including cooking and clearing up time.”

The Way Ministry does not have a formal income and relies on donations, with volunteers often buying ingredients for meals.

The group hopes to find a church hall or community centre who are willing to offer its premises at low cost or for free.

“We also receive clothes donations to provide to those who need them, so any space to keep them would also be useful,” Ms Gomez added.

n For more information, search: The Way Ministry on www.facebook.com

activities without adding further financial pressure to their families. All of the programmes come with lunch provided.”

A spokesperson for Berkshire Youth was thrilled by the donation.

“We’re delighted to be supported

by Sovereign this summer,” they said.

“The additional support means we can expand the work for families in need in the area.” n For more information on the programme, email waterside@ berkshireyouth.co.uk or call 01635 018500.

Organ donors honoured for saving lives HONOUR: The awards presented to thank people posthumoursly for their organ donations

n For more information, visit: www. kidicalmassreading.co.uk

Search for space to feed homeless

A COMMUNITY group is searching for a new home as its current location is struggling to accommodate a growing usership.

The Way Ministry provides warm meals for those in need every Sunday afternoon.

Run by Grace and Joe Gomez, the initiative will celebrate its tenth birthday this December.

“We started by serving four people nine years ago,” Ms Gomez explained.

“Now we have 50-55 people coming every week. It’s not only about the food, it’s also the opportunity to make friends and maintain good mental health.”

The volunteer project offers

SOVEREIGN Housing Association has given £5,600 to help fund free places at Berkshire Youth’s Waterside Summer Activity Programme.

Those taking part can enjoy paddlesport, climbing, zorbing, cooking, sports and crafts.

Rachel Peters, community development officer for Sovereign, said: “This is the second year we’ve offered additional funding for summer holiday programme places.

“With the cost of living continuing to rise, we wanted children in our communities to access fantastic

THIRTEEN people from across the county have been honoured posthumously for saving the lives of others through organ donations.

Each of them was remembered during a special ceremony, where they were given the Order of St John Award for Organ Donation, run in conjunction with NHS Blood and Transplant.

They were presented to the families and loved ones on their behalf at a private ceremony was held at Pembroke College in Oxford in June.

Mick Messinger, Chancellor of the Priory of England and the Islands of the Order of St John, said: “We’re delighted to be able to work with NHS Blood and Transplant to run the Order of St John Awards for Organ Donation again (after a break for covid).

“It is so important to recognise all organ donors and it is an inspiration to meet the families attending the ceremonies. Organ donation saves lives, and it is a genuine privilege to be able to say thank you to these families, whose loved ones have had such an impact on others.”

The Order of St John Award for Organ Donation features the organ donation heart logo backed by the Maltese Cross - which is used by the Order of St John - above the words

‘add life, give hope’. The award can be received at a regional ceremony or sent to the family privately. They are open to people of all faiths or of no faith.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ and tissue donation and transplantation at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “The pride families feel at these moving ceremonies truly is inspirational. Transplant patients tell us that organ donors and their families are heroes and the Order of St John award is a chance for us all to recognise them and their amazing contribution to society.

“We hope these awards will inspire other people in Berkshire to tell their families they want to save lives. Being clear with your family about what you want makes things easier at a difficult time, leave them certain about your organ donation decision. Families say donation is a source of pride that helps them in their grief and we want to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to donate and save lives” n For more information about organ donation, or to register, visit: www. organdonation.nhs.uk or call 0300 123 23 23. NHS app users can also use the service to record, check or update their organ donation decision.

37

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Leighton Park students’ success with International Baccalaureate

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

TWO YEARS of hard work was rewarded at a Reading school last week, when pupils received the their International Baccalaureate results.

Leighton Park sixth form students who took part enjoyed learning a broad base of subjects supplemented by additional modules to help prepare them for university and beyond.

The school said that it is open to any of its students who enjoys course work and interdisciplinary projects, has an international outlook and doesn’t want to narrow their subjects down at this stage of their education.

The IB course comprises three standard level subjects and three higher level subjects, each graded 1 to 7, and compulsory modules in Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay and Creativity Action Service (CAS) which are pass/fail.

The maximum number of points is 45.

Given that this year group did not sit GCSEs in 2020 due to Covid, their limited experience of public examinations has added an extra layer of pressure to a busy course load.

Among the students is

A FUN music night will take place at Milk later this month.

Dave Maul from Heavy Pop will team up with Darklands’ Steve Reynolds to hit the decks as the Keyboard Warrior DJs. Their set is called Lights Out and will feature an evening of foot tappers including indie and jukebox classics. They also promise a few oddities for good measure.

It takes place on Saturday, July 23 from 7pm. Entry is free, and the bar is in Merchants Place, off Friar Street.

Repair cafe to hold July event ALL SMILES: Angelika Etherington-Smith and Queralt Garrigos Queralt Garrigos, a full boarder from Spain who achieved 39 points: “I’m going to the US to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Buffalo in the State of New York; it’s a bit scary but I’m very excited for it.

“I’m very happy; honestly it’s been two years of really hard work. So seeing it pay out; it’s amazing, I can’t believe it really, it’s just amazing.”

And Angelika said: “It was a very interesting experience, especially having to complete it during lockdown because it was very different, it was very

ITSU seeks permission to sell alcohol A BRANCH of a sushi restaurant chain has applied to Reading Borough Council for permission to sell alcohol.

HWSI Limited, the owning company of Itsu, has applied to sell alcohol from its restaurant in Reading Gate Retail Park.

Itsu does not currently sell its own alcohol, but diners can enjoy a drink of Asahi Japanese lager at its restaurants.

Home diners ordering via Deliveroo, can order three wines in 250ml cans: Malbeck Mendoza Red, Languedoc Rose and Sauvignon Blanc.

HSWI wants to sell alcohol on and off premises at Reading Gate Retail Park from 10am to midnight Monday to Saturday and noon to 11.30pm on Sundays.

Itsu took over the site from Pizza Hut, which closed during the pandemic.

There is also an Itsu in Broad Street, which opened in 2015.

disrupted but I really liked that we managed to complete it and get such good grades.”

She is hoping to study International Relations at King’s College London with her 38 points.

Tisa Maunder-Bushell, who scored 36 points against a global average of 31.98, is looking forward to reading Music at an Irish university next year.

“I really enjoyed the course, it’s very diverse and it’s definitely interesting so I think it was the right course for me,” she said.

The Blagabond to give acoustic set LIVE ACOUSTIC music will be heard in Newtown next week.

Community centre The Hub is welcoming Peter Burt, the host of its Listen Up Show on The Hub Radio.

He will interview The Blagabond about his journey in music, before performing a short set to an intimate audience.

The solo singer is a self-taught guitarist and, by day, a plumber. His songs are inspired by reallife experience.

The event takes place from 5pm on Thursday, July 21, and tickets cost £5.98.

For details, search Eventbrite.co.uk for The Blagabond.

Comedian Mark Thomas to preview new show at South St COMEDIAN Mark Thomas is bringing a preview of his new show to Reading later this month.

Black and White will be on tour this autumn, but to help him nail down the set, he will be performing the test run on Friday, July 22.

In the show he asks three questions: How did we get here, What are we going to do

Keyboard Warriors at Milk

about it? And who is up for a sing-song?

He says that after lockdowns and isolation the

show is about the simple act of being in a room together and toppling international capitalism.

Suitable for ages 16 upwards, it takes place at South Street Arts Centre.

Tickets cost £14.

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

PLEASED: Tisa Maunder-Bushell with her family “The people on the course are lovely; I’m especially thankful for all my teachers because it’s not been easy. I’m happy it’s over and I’m excited to go to University next year.”

Philippos Makridakis , who achieved 41 points, is off to read Biomedical Sciences at the University of Warwick, having easily met his offer of 34 points. Delighted with his success, Helen Taylor, Head of Sixth Form, observed, “Their standard offer is 36 points and you were offered 34 which is a testament to the strength of

your application and the quality of your work.

“I’m very proud of the achievement of all the IB students they’ve had a difficult time with the pandemic but have achieved a fabulous set of results.” n The School is offering Year 10 and 11 students the opportunity to learn more about the IBDP at the Sixth Form Open Evening on Tuesday 11th October 2022 from 6.30pm or you could watch the Leighton Park IB video on youtube at https://bit.ly/ IBVideo2021

READING’S Repair Cafe will return to duty later this month, aiming to fulfill its motto of if it’s broken, bring it along and they’ll have a go at fixing it.

The volunteer-run event aims to help with electronics, mechanical items, computers and their software, toys and furniture, clothing and textiles, and tool sharpening.

Everything is free, but the group encourages donations to help with running costs.

It takes place from 12.30pm to 4.30pm, on Sunday, July 17. The venue is Reading Hackspace rLab, off Weldale Street in Reading.

For more details, email: repaircafe@transitionreading. org.uk

WE ARE

HIRING

BAR AND WAITING STAFF POSITIONS Full time & part time hours

If interested please enquire within Call us on: 0 1 1 8 9 96 8 5 6 7 www.thequeensoak.com Email us at: brotherton@thequeensoak.com

Church Lane, Finchampstead, Wokingham, Berkshire RG40 4LS

38

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Classifieds PUBLIC NOTICES

FOR SALE

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY given that we Bombay Brothers Limited applied on 04/07/2022 to Reading Borough Council in respect of the premises known as Bombay Brothers Limited, 4 Kings Walk, Kings Street, Reading,, RG1 2HG List of licensable activities Sale of Alcohol by retail (On/off the premises)

Days

Hours

Monday to Sunday

1000hrs to 2300hrs

Under the provisions of Licensing Act 2003 (Premises Licences & Club Premises Certificates) Regulations 2005 the above named person has applied for the GRANT/ VARIATION of the premises licence or club premises certificate.

Any person wishing to view this application may do so at Reading Borough Council by prior arrangement between the hours of 9am to 5pm please ring 0118 9373762 to make an appointment or via email to licensing@reading.gov.uk.

Any person wishing to make representation to this application must do so in writing within 28 days of the application,from 04/07/2022 until 01/08/2022 as detailed above to: Reading Borough Council, Licensing Section, Civic Offices, Bridge Street, Reading, RG1 2LU. No written representations will have personal details removed unless the licensing authority deems it appropriate to do so.

Any request for personal details to be removed should be notified to the Licensing Authority at the time of making the representation.

Dated: 13th July 2022

MULTICOOKER, Drew and Cole Cleverchef.

14 in 1, Spared unused pot cooker. As new instructions and recipe book - Saute, Stew, Soup, Roast, Bake, Slow (High/ Slow), Yogurt Bread, Prove Sell £20 ono.

Details: S. Drayton, 07956 992 214.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Get your business seen!

Please recycle me !

RECRUITMENT

Email: advertising@rdg.today

MEDIA SALES PEOPLE > I wish I could choose what days I work. (You can!) > I wish I could choose my hours. (You can!)

Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks Reach local people We cover the whole of the Reading Borough Friendly Service Email us today for a price

Sell your items for free

Sell your goods with a free adverts for items under £250 Having a clear out? Why not turn your treasure into cash with our free adverts? Sell your items without any fee with the aid of this coupon. Items* valued at up to £250 can be sold in these columns for free!Simply send us the details – maximum of 30 words – and post or email it and we’ll do the rest

> I wish I could choose if/when to go to the office. (You can!) > I wish I could choose the home/office/patch split. (You can!) > I wish I could have a job where I’m in control. (You can!) > I wish I could have a job where I’m paid properly for my results. (You can!)

WE ARE GROWING THE TEAM IN READING THE ROLES HAVE A SALARY, COMMISSION, BONUSES & PENSION).

Maybe you have caring responsibilities and need to fit the job around them or maybe you have simply had enough of the 5-day week.

If you have some media sales experience and want CHOICE & FLEXIBILITY in your working life, call, WhatsApp or email me for a discreet discussion.

For an informal discussion, call David Riley on 07860 462 882 or email at driley@wokingham.today The Wokingham Paper Ltd Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS | 0118 327 2662 www.wokingham.today | www.rdg.today

For the latest news visit

Write your advert in the box below, one word per box. Maximum 30 words.

READING

TODAY

For up to date news in the borough follow us on @RdgToday

@RdgToday Category for advert: Your Name: Phone Number:

Send your form to Free ads, Reading Today, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

@readingtodaynews

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

REMOVALS

39

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

TREE SURGEONS

ROOFING NEW ROOFS • ROOF REPAIRS • FLAT ROOFS REPOINTING FACIAS SOFFITS AND GUTTERING EX PAINTING

• NO JOB TO SMALL •

Free estimates and advice • all work guaranteed Tel: 0118 321 6558 Mob: 07459 815 365

Email: goldstarroofingandbuilding@gmail.com www.goldstarroofingandbuilding.co.uk

KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION

RECYCLING

PAINTING & DECORATING

GOODS WANTED

MOTORING

HEALTH, FITNESS AND WELLBEING

PHOTOGRAPHER

For the latest news visit

Summer

‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’

SALE CONSERVATORIES & ORANGERIES

SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS

plus...£1,000

RECEIVE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS YOUR NEW LIVING SPACE OR £500 FOR WINDOWS & DOORS

EXTENSIONS & SOLID ROOFS

WINDOWS & DOORS

TradeMark have been proudly providing local homeowners with quality home improvements for over 25 years.

SHOWROOM OPEN FOR PRIVATE APPOINTMENTS – ALLOWING YOU TO ‘TALK TO AN EXPERT’.

TEL: 0800 30 50 30

WWW.TRADEMARKWINDOWS.CO.UK Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2022

LEISURETODAY LEISURE TODAY

13.07.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

‘It’s hard to focus when you’ve got a granny riding on a trolley behind you’ Before she performed her set at Henley Festival last week, comedian Maisie Adam talked to JAKE CLOTHIER

M

AISIE Adam is a deceptively recent addition to the British comedy scene, having only begun performing in late 2016.

On stage, she exudes a confidence and comfort usually hard-won through decades of experience.

She says, however, that performing at festivals can be tricky.

“Festivals are always mad– I’ve not done Henley before, but I’ve done more music festivals,” she says.

“I remember I was on the Wednesday night at Download, and it was all of the things that you don’t want in a gig, like 10 people in a room that accommodates 500.”

“They’re really not here for me, they’re all death metal fans and I’m stood there saying how isn’t weird when we all played the recorder in Year 5.”

Maisie says, however, that she enjoyed playing at Latitude, “so maybe Henley will be the decider.”

“It’s very hard to focus when you’ve got a granny riding on a motor trolley behind you.”

She’s referring to three men dressed as elderly women riding on segways made to look like shopping trolleys.

They’re also blasting dubstep through bluetooth speakers and waving white-gloved hands as they weave through the crowds.

“I didn’t think that was Henley’s vibe, that, but I’m a big fan of it,” she says.

Maisie hails from Yorkshire, which means that while Leeds is close by, she hasn’t been able to make it to Reading Festival just yet.

“With Reading and Leeds, I always grew up going to Leeds Fest, I literally lived 10 minutes around the corner, but it’s always in the last weekend of August, so it can be tricky.”

This means that it clashes with a number of events during the summer, not least the Edinburgh Festival, one of the most celebrated for live comedy around the world.

Presently, Maisie is gearing up for her latest

UK tour, Buzzed.

“There’s a lot of changes since I last did a show, for me and for everybody, but it’s not about Covid,” she explains.

“I feel like we’ve spoken about nothing else for the last two years, and there’s things to be buzzed for in the future, so that’s the reason it’s called Buzzed.”

She’s joined at the festival by fellow comedians Andy Parsons, Jo Brand, Geoff Norcot, Glen Moore, and Ahir Shah.

Henley Festival’s comedy tent features a faux brick wall which those performing sign when they attend.

Andy Parsons has signed his name above a post script which reads “On the day that Theresa May came to celebrate Johnson leaving.”

She says that there are exciting things coming up for her in her own life, some of which make it into her set at the festival later that evening.

During her set, she speaks about how her partner proposed to her while they were on holiday, leading to a hilarious exchange with some of the audience about a dubious-sounding stag party of theirs in Prague.

Maisie says: “I’m getting married next year – it’s really exciting to talk about, and it’s nice to share the smaller aspects of our lives.

“Recently we’ve been talking about stuff that’s so massive, and that nobody has any ideas how to navigate.

“We’re all just sort of holding hands as much as we can, so it’s nice to talk about the more minute details of life, and that’s where we find our common ground.”

Ahead of her tour, she’ll be performing at this year’s Edinburgh Festival.

“When they come to my shows, people can expect a good time.

“It’s nice and relaxed, and there’ll be lots of laughter, I hope, “And if you don’t get any of that, you’ll at least get a very very impressive clip of me playing football.” n Maisie Adam goes on tour with her new show, Buzzed, from Thursday, September 15, including Guildford’s G Live on September 30.

For tickets, visit: www.maisieadam.com

14 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

HENLEY FESTIVAL

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

The Script on the floating stage. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Ryan & Liam SimpsonTrotman from Orwells in this years Garden Restaurant.

Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

Henley Festival 2022; 40th Anniversary; Wednesday 6th July; Liz Mitchell Boney M in Pure Heaven

Celebrating the big 4-0 EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER HENLEY FESTIVAL has returned and this time it’s celebrating a huge 40-year anniversary.

This year saw some of the biggest acts to have taken to the floating stage, including Tom Jones, Craig David, The Script, Pete Tong, and Katherine Jenkins.

The festival began with its usual offering of a number of diverse exhibition spaces, featuring striking modern pieces, bold sculpture work, and more traditional artworks.

With the Kevin Davy Quartet and Adam Isaac, the crowds were suitably warmed up for The Script, who

performed a stellar set.

They were followed by a spectacular fireworks display, complete with a moving drone display to honour the event’s fortieth anniversary.

As well as music, the evening offered comedy performances from Ahir Shah, standing in for Ivo Graham, and Glen Moore.

Both showed prowess and pin-sharp comedy chops with the political satire that they’re each known and celebrated for.

The evening was brought to a rapturous end with a spellbinding performance by industry giants Boney M, who made a rare appearance with original lead singer Liz Mitchell.

While the entirety of the set was a highlight, classic hits Daddy Cool and Ra-Ra Rasputin were met with unmatched

cheering and applause.

Among the culinary offerings was a dedicated space where Orwell’s served up their signature style of fine dining.

Speaking at the event, Liam Simpson-Trotman said that the team at Orwell’s had been looking forward to the event.

“The family day on Sunday, especially, its really cool, there’s all the arty stuff, and we love to get involved– they always come to us for our Mr Softie ice creams,” he said.

“We’ve invested in a really fantastic team this year, one of whom will be dressed as an ice cream cone since it’s great to get the kids involved, too.

“It’s a challenge, stepping up to more than 400 orders in a few hours, but our team is young, dynamic, and raring to go.”

The firework display celebrated 40 years of the Henley Festival. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

Waves aplenty at the Floating Stage. Picture: Dijana Capan/

River-faring attendees were delighted with perfect boating weather

The Luminosi Trees were part of the numerous art exhibits on display around the festival. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Sideshows and attractions such as a skiffle band and a number of wandering performers.

Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision

Coffee on the go, from a Hackney Carriage. Picture: Dijana Capan/ Crowds gathered for the Script, with Moet flowing.

15 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

HENLEY FESTIVAL

Flo Blue performs at The Bedouin Craig David on the Floating Stage

PERFOMER: Craig David on the Floating Stage. Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Craig David gets them clapping EXCLUSIVE

By Jake Clothier HENLEY Festival returned this year to mark its 40th anniversary, and began the five-day celebrations on Wednesday, July 6.

By its second day, Thursday, July 7, it had well and truly settled in.

The day began with Flo Blue, who brought a breezy, lounge jazz to the Bedouin tent, complimenting its summery aesthetic.

Breathy, soaring saxophone riffs were paired with Flo’s bright, confident vocals, and layered over shimmering accompaniment on guitar and keys.

The band’s cover of Blue World by Mac Miller was a particular highlight, followed by the title track of their original EP, Just Listen, which cemented the trio as one of the must-see acts of the festival.

Craig David was the headline act of the festival’s Floating Stage, with over an hour of consummate R&B. As the sun began to set, crowds were visibly excited from the off, coming to a head with a cover of Justin Bieber’s Love Yourself.

Theresa May was also spotted

dancing and clapping along.

This was followed with a brand new track from his new album, 22, due to release later this year.

He closed the set with many still waiting for some of his most loved songs, 7 Days and ReRewind.

They weren’t waiting long however, as he was called back on for an encore, when the crowd burst into shouting and singing.

Andy Parsons performed to a well-packed comedy tent in the afternoon, with an immediate easy charm that pulls you into the world of his set.

The set jumped between the difficulties of over-eating and selfindulgence, political commentary on Boris Johnson’s resignation, and issues of free-speech and cancel culture.

Andy Parsons has been performing comedy for 30 years, which a masterful, thoughtful set evidenced clearly.

The evening closed with a latenight stand-up set from Maisie Adam, ahead of her UK tour later this year, Buzzed.

Her endearing, optimistic style shone through immediately, with upbeat, disarmingly daring, and playful set.

She spoke about her recent engagement, with charming material based around her partner’s attempts at a romantic proposal, leading to a hilarious

exchange with audience members about a stag party in Prague.

The set was the perfect close to the night, showing that standup is as much of a strength to the festival as its musical offerings.

As well as its performances, the festival is home to a number of exhibition spaces, displaying a wide array of art pieces.

Jack Milroy’s intricate designs, made from carefully cut-out printed media arranged in long, 3D strips was among some of the most vivid at the festival.

His exhibits included an arresting combination of classic comic books, cartoon characters, and pin-ups in a bright, eyecatching, and textured visual experience.

Among the other pieces on display were some of the work of Australian artist Ester Erlich, whose striking portraiture work stood out.

Her piece Scarlet made for an imposing artwork in the space which felt like it was viewing you as much as you were viewing it.

Babak Ganjei’s stark written pieces became prophetic almost overnight, as a piece about the Prime Minister’s resignation was imbued with instant topicality.

The Henley festival continued through until Sunday, with acts including Tom Jones.

Henley Festival also features an on-site jazz club Comedian Andy Parsons.

Rosie Frator Taylor performing at the Jazz Club

The festival gave some a real chance to spread their wings

Some feathers were ruffled during the day’s activities Looking sharp

Gareth Jones compered on Wednesday and Thursday

16 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Jolly hockey sticks and school day fun

Power of the law and burden of morals

SCHOOL girl farce comes to Wokingham.

Daisy gains a place at the hallowed halls of Grangewood School for Young Ladies.

A couple of snobby girls try to get her expelled, but Daisy’s pluck and enthusiasm saves the day.

In Daisy Pulls It Off, all the pupils are played by adults.

Audiences should expect an evening sprinkled with hockey sticks, cod liver oil, hymns a__nd school bullies.

The play runs at Wokingham Theatre from Wednesday, July 13 to Saturday, July 23, with the exception of Sunday.

Performances start at 7.45pm and the event costs £14. n For tickets and information visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on: 0118 978 5363.

THERE will be a live screening of Prima Facie.

Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) makes her West End debut in the UK premiere of Suzie Miller’s award-winning play.

Tessa is a young, brilliant barrister at the top of her game.

An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.

The solo tour de force is captured live from the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End. The event takes place in the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Park Farm, Maidenhead.

It can be seen next Thursday, July 21at 7pm.

Tickets cost £16. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977

It’s Terry! Even the shoes tell the story

COMEDIAN Terry Alderton has been described as one of the most exciting comedians around.

His show, It’s Terry! sees him find a narrative for countless situations, where sometimes even his shoes tell the story.

Alderton’s TV stand up credits include BBC’s Live At The Apollo, Comedy Road Show, and The Stand Up Show.

Audiences may recognise him as Terry Spraggan in BBC EastEnders and Charlie Mead in London’s Burning.

It’s Terry! plays in the Courtyard Theatre at Norden Farm, Newbury.

The event takes place on Friday, July 15 at 8pm.

Tickets cost £17. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977

Victor Meldrew meets Tom Lehrer, sort of THE TIGER Who Came To Tea is well known to youngsters and their families.

This David Wood adaptation of the Judith Kerr story is full of magic and fun.

A live show with songs, it tells the The music starts at 8pm on Thursday, July 14.

Tickets cost £16 n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977 n For information about the music, visit Don Vappie’s website: www.donvappie. com

New Orleans jazz with a Caribbean twist David Bowie CREOLE banjoist and vocalist from from A to Ziggy New Orleans, Don Vappie comes to Maidenhead.

Vappie is arguably one of the best banjo players in the history of New Orleans jazz, and is dedicated to preserving Creole culture and music.

His show Don Vappie and Jazz Creole, features banjo, clarinet, guitar and bass.

The music has been described as ‘Jazz virtuosity with a splash of Caribbean rhythms’.

The event takes place in the Courtyard Theatre, Norden Park Farm, Maidenhead.

IT’S A night for fans to put on their red shoes and dance.

The Bowie Experience is a concert celebrating the sound and vision of the UK pop superstar.

Bowie fans will not want to miss this event, which features all the hits from A to Ziggy.

The show pays attention to detail, bringing the best of David Bowie to its audience.

It takes place at the Corn Exchange, Newbury on Friday, July 15.

story of the big stripy orange visitor who brings havoc and delight to the breakfast table.

Performances take place at The Hexagon Theatre, Reading on Saturday, July 16 and Friday, July 17.

The event begins at 7.45pm and tickets cost £26. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.

It starts at 8pm and tickets cost £26. n For tickets and information log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com or call the box office on: 0845 521 8218.

Omid Djalili brings The Good Times

Puns, puns and more puns

COMEDIAN Omid DJalili is on tour.

After experimenting with a Zoom gig where he got muted by 639 people, the award-winning comedian and actor is now ‘where he belongs, on a stage and bringing back the good times’.

Described as ‘intelligent, provocative and entertaining’, Omid’s stand-up performances are a ‘captivating comedy masterclass’.

His credits range from Hollywood films to television and the West End stage.

His show, Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour visits Newbury.

The event takes place at the Corn Exchange on Saturday, July 16.

GARY in Punderland sees comedian Gary Delany slide into a land of puns.

The star of Live at the Apollo, Gary returns with a new show, described as a ‘cavalcade of brilliantly inventive puns’.

Long-standing Mock the Week special guest, he has been ‘through the laughing glass and is ready with hit after hit of the kind of one liners only a master could craft’.

The comedy night takes place at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Saturday, July 16. The event starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £23. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 The Grufalo. Thurs 14. Edinburgh Previews. Fri 15. Ruby. Sat 16-Sun 17. Live Music on the Terrace. Sun 17. Edinburgh Previews. Fri 22. Wilde Sundays: Tomorrow Bird, Meddling Fox, Manna Ash. Sun 24. Live Music on the Terrace.

Sun 24.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Be Bop A Lula. Thurs 14. Richard Jones. Fri 15. Circus Skills With Patches. Sat 16. WNBF UK Event: First Timers/Novice.

Sun 17. Bring Your Own Baby Comedy. Tues 19. Hairspray.

Thurs 21-Sat 23. Mama G’s

Storytime Roadshow. Sat 23.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 The Gruffalo. Fri-15, Sat 16. Gary Delaney: Gary In Punderland.

Sat 16. Jazz on a Summer’s Evening: Imogen Ryall and Julian Nicholas. Sat 23.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan

www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 Zog and the Flying Doctors. Fri 15-Sun 17. Strictly presents: Keeeep Dancing. Wed 20.

Henley – Kenton

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Legally Blonde: The Musical. Thurs

Shows start on Saturday at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.And on Sunday at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets cost £14, or £9 for groups. n For more visit: whatsonreading.com or call: 0118 960 6060

14-Sun 17. Kenton Summer Roadshow: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Sat 23.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Between Two Worlds (12a). Thurs 14. Don Vappie and Jazz Creole. Thurs 14. Everything Went Fine (15). Fri 15. Terry Alderton: It’s Terry. Fri 15.

Tony Kofi Quartet: A Portrait of Cannonball. Fri 15. Good Luck to You Leo Grande (15).

Sat 16, Tues 19. Il Buco (U).

Tues 19. The Shock Of The Old

by Terence Blacker. Wed 20.

National Theatre Live: Prima Facie. Thurs 21, Sat 23. The Shackleton Trio. Thurs 21.

Elvis (12a). Fri 22, Tues 26. The Sound of Springsteen. Fri 22.

The Greatest Magician. Sat 23.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Bowie Experience. Fri 15. Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour.

Sat 16. The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Thurs 21. The Bon Jovi Experience. Fri 22.

NT Encore: Prima Facie (15).

Sun 24.

Newbury – The Watermill

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 Whistle Down The Wind. Fri 22-Sep 10

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Alice In Boogieland. Thurs 14, Fri

15. The Monochrome Set and support. Sat 16. Rich Meehan Trio. Thurs 21. Mark Thomas Black and White (preview).

Fri 22.

Reading – The Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Sat 16-Sun 17. NT Live: Prima Facie. Thurs 21.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Brindley Sherratt.

Sep 10.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

THE SHOCK of the old by Terence Blacker is a bitter-sweet comic observation of growing old.

You see your father in the mirror and realise that it’s you.

You start listening to old Mungo Jerry albums.

You contact school friends you haven’t seen for years, even the ones you never liked.

You join the National Trust.

Is this it?

The start of a slow slide into comfy slippers, fussing over breakfast cereal, talking at the TV, with the occasional Saga cruise thrown in as a treat?

Terence faces up to the joys and pains of the passing years with songs, quotes, and anecdotes.

It’s as if Victor Meldrew met )Tom Lehrer for a none-too-serious debate.

A life-affirming show, full of humour and songs, it gives two fingers up to old age.

The event takes place at the Studio, Norden Farm, Maidenhead on Wednesday, July 20.

It starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £15.

For audiences wishing to eat at the theatre, a two course meal can be purchased for £16. n For tickets and information log on to: norden.farm or call the box office on: 01628 788977

Great Expectations: Open air in Abbey Ruins. Wed 20-Sat 30.

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde.

Oct 10-29.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: Our House. Fri Sept 30-Sat Oct 1, Thurs Oct 6-Sat Oct 8.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Barefoot in the Park. Until Aug 20. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Sun 17.

Windsor – Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 A Touch of Danger: Windsor on Air. Until Sat 16. Private Lives: Windsor on Air. Tues 19-Sat 23. Three Steps To Heaven. Sun 24-Tues 26.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 Daisy Pulls It Off. Until Sat 23.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.

LEISURE | 25

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LIVEMUSIC

To advertise in this section, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

RaW Sounds Today

one from last year which has a very cool pop R&B vibe.

She will be at Wokingham Festival for the first time this year and, when you see her there, check out the guitarist that is playing with her – it will be Dean Nelson, from Generation Studio.

He gets everywhere.

Check out the drummer too - Robin Johnson from Kyros will be playing. Wow. - https://noramacmusic. com/

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

A

before.

BAND that is a firm Wokingham Festival favourite is heading up our playlist this week, with a track that’s so good you may have heard it

Kindred Spirit Band will be returning this August, and to whet your appetite we are bringing you a chance to hear again the wonder that is their track Kindred Spirit.

The RaW Sounds Today playlist is on a mission to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name).

We’ve got 10 fantastic tracks for you to enjoy as part of this, an eclectic mix of stuff that will help you discover something new. And best of all, there’s no charge to listen.

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.

Lonely Robot – Recalibrating

Kindred Spirit Band with Elaine Samuels Picture: Kindred Spirit

Kindred Spirit Band – Kindred Spirit

We go back in time with this song from Kindred Spirit’s 2015 album, Phoenix Rising, as they will be visiting us at Wokingham Festival in August.!

It will be a welcome return for the band that last played the festival in 2016.

Lead by singer/songwriter Elaine Samuels, they have already played at a number of festivals this year with their combination of flute, electric guitar and vocals weaving together to produce a unique prog folk sound that has entranced audiences - https:// www.facebook.com/KindredSpiritBand

Nora Mac – Dropping Out of Love Nora Mac is a talented singer-songwriter from Marlow who has been building a reputation with her live performances and single releases such as this

Reading-based producer, musician, vocalist and songwriter John Mitchell releases A Model Life, his fifth album under the Lonely Robot name, on August 26 and Recalibratin’ is the excellent first single from it - https://johnmitchellhq.com

Third Lung – Lo-Hi

Here’s a single from this Reading band’s forthcoming debut album, Gameplay.

They have an album launch show at Sub 89 on November 10, and will be at Wokingham Festival in August and at Loddfest in September - http://www. thirdlungband.com

Phantom Booth – Blind Emotion

This Reading band describe their second single as ‘a cheerful bittersweet bop’ and it certainly is.

Wonderful melodic indie.!

They are live in Reading in September 29, at Heavy Pop’s Roseate Sessions - https://linktr.ee/ phantombooth

Char – Control

Char’s pop/R&B style has already got her noticed

by Kiss FM and the BBC so we’ll look forward to seeing her at Wokingham Festival on Saturday, August 27.

This song is from the Simpler Times EP that Char released last year - https://linktr.ee/CHARmusic

Yaoki – Brand New Life

They played their first-ever gig, opening the night, at Split the Dealer’s amazing Sub89 show recently and what a great gig it was.!

Here’s their first-ever single which combines melody and power - https://www.facebook.com/ YaokiBand

The Paradox Twin – Prism Descent

They topped our Best of 2021 list and, following an appearance on July 1 at the impressive Prog For Peart Charity event in Abingdon, we are looking forward to their return to Wokingham Festival https://www.theparadoxtwin.com/

The Lovely Eggs - You Can Go Now

Recently The Lovely Eggs, a duo from Lancaster, visited to play at Reading’s Facebar and showed what an exciting and energetic act they are.!

Here’s something from their latest album, I Am Moron - https://www.thelovelyeggs.co.uk/

Hoopy Frood – Atoms & Molecules

Following an appearance at Readipop, Hoopy Frood, an excellent band from Wokingham will be at Wokingham Festival, opening the main stage on Sunday, August 28 - https://linktr.ee/ Hoopyfroodmusic

GIG GUIDE Thursday, July 14

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Flying Visit.

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Lou Kyme Band. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Friday, July 15

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Reading Rock n Roll presents The Dscoveries. Details: rock3rs.co.uk READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open Mic Night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Country Moans. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Failed Authors. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennetside RG1.

The Rocket Kings and The Unaccompanied Live.

READING – The Jazz Cafe, Select Car leasing Stadium RG2 0FL. Summer Love party. Details: 0118 968 1442.

READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests.

Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Trevor Nelson Soul Nation Reading. Details: 0118 959 5395.

WOKINGHAM – Broad Street Tavern, Broad Street RG40 1AU. Tequila Chase.

Details: 0118 977 3706.

YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions.

Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, July 16

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. George Michael Solo Tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

CHARVIL – The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Flint Moore. Details: 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. Club Velocity presents: An evening all things Joe Meek – hosted by Alan Wilson.

Exclusive talk and special film screening. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk READING – The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside. Dub in the Pub 3.

READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Wardour Street.

Details: 0118 935 1009.

READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Boy Bands Bottomless Brunch.

3pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Pyramid Studios, Nelson Road. Sweet Johnny. 2pm. Details: www. sweeetjonny.co.uk READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Rob Sowden. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – South Street

Arts Centre. Heavy Pop presents The Monochrome Set and Peerless Pirates.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Andrew Bird. Details: 0118 959 5395.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Blue Hayz. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM – Unit 3 & 4 South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road RG40 3AS. Bond Brews Tap Yard event.

Noon-6pm.

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Plato and the Bees. Details: 0118 977 0918.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. Sound Intentions. Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, July 17

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. After karaoke. Details: 0118 966 7153.

READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.

Sunday Karaoke.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Singers Night. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Mercury’s Well album launch. Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR.

Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

SONNING – The Mill at Sonning, Sonning Eye RG4 6TY. Buddy Holly and the Cricketers. Details: 0118 969 8000.

Tuesday, July 19

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

Wednesday, July 20

READING – The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. On The Beach.

Thursday, July 21

READING – The Hub, Cholmeley Road RG1 3NQ. The Blagabond. 5pm.

READING – Milk, Merchants Place. Fusion 6: No Room For Squares.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. The Rich Meehan Trio. Details: 0118 960 6060.

Friday, July 22

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Sugar and Sax. Details: 01344 303333.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Logicaltramp. Details: 0118 969 98978.

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

READING – The Pitcher and Piano, Friar Street. Stars

in their Minds Karaoke and disco.

READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Friday Night Live requests.

Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Brazilian Gypsy Fusion with Theo Mizú & Banda.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Guns II Roses. Details: 0118 959 5395.

EMMBROOK – Emmbrook Sports & Social, Lowther Road RG41 1JB. Wokingham Music Club presents Kossoff… The Band Plays On. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk YATTENDON – West Berkshire Brewery Tap Room, The Old Dairy, Frisham Farm RG18 0XT. Friday night sessions.

Details: 01635 767090.

Saturday, July 23

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

EARLEY – The Seven Red Roses, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Gary Roman as Elvis.

Details: 0118 935 4103.

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: The Chicago Blus Brothers, Phil Collins No Jacket Required, One and Only Adele, UK Foo Fighters, The Rat Pack, Re-Take That and Robbie, Wild Boys. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Totally Tina. Details: 0118 969 98978.

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Totally Tina.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – Milk, Merchants Place. Lights Out with Keyboard Warrior DJs. READING – Mojito Beach Bar, The Oracle RG1 2AG. Los Dos Gringos. Details: www. theoracle.com READING – Playlist Live, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Britney Spears tribute act Bottomless Brunch.

3pm. Saturday Night Live requests. Details: playlistlive.co.uk READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road RG30 2ND. Summer Love Festiva: Aswad, The Dualers, Tyler and Pete, General Levy, Kiko Bun, Reggae Roast. Details: summerlovereading.com READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Solace.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. Full Flavour Band. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WHITCHURCH – The Greyhound, High Street RG8 7EL. The Never Nevers. Details: 0118 984 1485.

WOKINGHAM – The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Marmalade Live. From 3pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.

WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Anna Nightingale. Details: 0118 969 9756.

Sunday, July 24

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 2pm.

Wilde Sundays: Tomorrow Bird, Meddling Fox and Manna Ash. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123.

EARLEY – The Roebuck, Auckland Road RG6 1NY. After karaoke. Details: 0118 966 7153.

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: How Sweet It Is, Flash, Platinum Abba, Definitely Mightbe, Oye Santana, Katy Perry, The Jam’d. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com READING – The Blagrave Arms, Blagrave Street.

Miss Tina Bortion.

READING – Community

Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Terry Hiscock with Roger Trevitt. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Raver Tots family-friendly outdoor festival 2022: advance booking essential, no tickets on the gate.

Includes garage, drum and bass, DJs including Brandon Block, Dope Ammo, Millz and Woody Cook, plus Paw Patrol meet and greet, fun fair, dance space, food and drink, face painting, glitter and licenced bar. Details: www. ravertots.co.uk

MARMALADE Live Music Saturday 23rd July 4pm - late Tickets £15 wegottickets.com THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF

0118 979 7402

26 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory this week

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include Thor: Love and Thunder (12a).

From Thurs 14. Minions: The Rise of Gru (U). Thurs 14. Everything Everywhere All At Once. Thurs 14.

Top Gun Maverick (15).

Thurs 14. Explorer (PG) with Q&A. Thurs 14. Elvis (12a). Thurs 14. Telstar: The Joe Meek Story (15).

Sat 16. NT Live: Proma Facie. Thurs 21. Where The Crawdads Sing (15).

From Fri 22. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Thursday, July 14

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Sixth birthday celebrations: DJ, facepainter, balloon modellers and party crafts.

6pm-8pm. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org SOUTHCOTE – Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am10.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives.

2.15pm-2.45pm. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

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 Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: King Richard (12a). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

Friday, July 15

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Food and drink available.

5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org

READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road. Rhymetime for under fives. 10am10.30am, or 11.15am11.45am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Comedy night with Bobby Mair. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe.

8.30pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

WINKFIELD ROW – Lambrook School RG42 6LU. Bracknell Choral society presents Songs For A Summer Evening.

7.30pm. £18, under 18s £5. Details: www. bracknellchoral.org.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, July 16

BRACKNELL – Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare RG42 6BQ. Jealotts Hill Community Landshare open garden for NGS. 1pm4pm. £4.50, children free.

1pm-4pm. Details: https:// ngs.org.uk CROWTHORNE – Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. A night of music and laughter by Simeon Wood. 7pm. Details: www. crowthornebaptistchurch. org.uk EARLEY – Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre, London Road RG6 1BW. Eid Family Fun Day: barbecue, Gladiators inflatable, perfurme stalls, candy floss, sweet treats, clothes, henna, live music, food court, bouncy castle, face painting, and more. Free entry. 2pm-8pm.

READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15amnoon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Green Park, South Oak Way. Kidical Mass bike ride from Green Park to Waterloo Meadows for picnic, play and cake.

Details: Search Facebook

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Holding a community event? Send your listings to events@wokinghampaper.co.uk for Family Cycling Reading.

READING – Jelly, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Artist Shop: meet artists and designers, and buy their works. 10am-4pm.

Details: www.jelly.org.uk READING – The Pavilion, Oxford Road. Pavilion Cinema Club presents The Bad Guys. 1pm. Free, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. Places available on first come, first served basis. Details: www. thepavilion.org.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Splash: interactive art event – create a communal work of art through body painting. 1pm-4pm. £2 entry fee. Details: 0118 986 6788.

SHINFIELD – The Michael Malnick Centre, Leighton Park School, Shinfield Road RG2 7DE. Trinity Concert Band’s Platinum Jubilee Concert, with Indigo May. Includes music from across the Queen’s reign. £12 advance, £14 on door, students £7, under 16s and newcomers free. www.trinityband.co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bond Brews, South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road. Bond Brew Tap Yard party. Noon-6pm. Details: bondbrews.co.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents International Dance Festival. 1pm-3pm. Details: www.woodleytowncentre. co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, July 17

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. SISATA presents an open air adaptation of Wuthering Heights. £15 plus booking fee. 5.45pm. Details: whatsonreading.com GALLOWSTREE COMMON – Kidmore End Cricket Club, The Hamlet RG4 9BU. Bear In The Air productions presents Much Ado About Nothing.

1pm and 5pm. Open-air show. Bar and barbecue available. Tickets from £8.68. Search Eventbrite. co.uk for Much Ado About Nothing.

READING – Reading Hackspace rLab, Unit C1, Weldale Street RG1 7BX. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your

best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Village Hall Community Farmers Market.

10am. Details: www. spencerswoodhall.co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church, Reading Road, RG41 1EH. A Festival For Peace. Bring your own outdoor picnic 4.15pm.

Festival Choral Evensong, including prayers for peace.

6.15pm. Come and Sing rehearsal 2.30pm-4.15pm.

Details: 0118 979 2122.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Miniature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Miniature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5.

1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Willow Bank junior School, Duffield Road RG5 4RL. Car boot sale. Sellers 10am, £7. Buyers 11am, 50p.

Refreshments available.

Monday, July 18

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org BINFIELD – Newbold College Church, Popeswood Road, RG42 4AN. The Arts Society: Free illustrated talk on Antony Gormley’s life and work by Rosalind Whyte at 7.45pm.

Also live streamed via YouTube. Details: www.

TheArtsSocieyWokingham .org.uk READING – Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Jelly’s The Creative book club meeting. Fourth birthday special. 7pm-8.30pm. £2.

Places limited, pre-booking essential. Details: jelly. org.uk READING – St John & St Stephen’s Church, Orts Road RG1 3JN. Reading Speakers Club: find out more about what being a toastmaster is about.

7.30pm. Details: Search Facebook for Reading Speakers Club TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am-10.15am, 10.45am-11.15am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5109.

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

WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, July 19

CAVERSHAM – Caversham Court Gardens, Church Road RG4 7AD. Mikron Theatre presents Raising Agents: 100 years of the Women’s Institute. Pay what you feel collection after the show. 7pm.

Details: https://mikron.org. uk/shows CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am.

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 READING – Jelly, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Stitch Up lunchtime sewing session. 11am-1pm. Stitch and chat, sew together.

Free. Details: www.jelly. org.uk READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.30-11am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5103.

READING – The Oddfellows, Oxford Road RG1 7NQ. Singing Together: a relaxed singing session. All welcome, no experience necessary. 10am-11.30am.

Refreshments first, singing from 10.30am. £3, £2 members.

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, July 20

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – Select Car Leasing Stadium, Shooters Way. Reading Jobs Fari. 10am1pm. Details: thejobfairs. co.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe

Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOLHAMPTON – The Rowbarge, Station Road RG7 5SH. Mikron Theatre presents Raising Agents: 100 years of the Women’s Institute. Pay what you feel collection after the show. 7pm.

Details: https://mikron.org. uk/shows

Thursday, July 21

EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Street RG10 0TR. Hurst Morris People dancing with Kennet Morris Men. 8pm-10pm.

READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime for under fives. 10.15-10.45am, or 11.15am-11.45am.

Booking essential, free.

Details: 0118 937 5103.

SOUTHCOTE – Community Hub, Coronation Square RG3 3QP. Rhymetime for under fives. 9.45am10.15am. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime for under fives.

2.15pm-2.45pm. Booking essential, free. Details: 0118 937 5109.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Free Guided heritage walk. Meet at Wokingham Library cafe, RG40 2BB. Walk starts at 2pm and ends around 4.30pm.

Friday, July 22

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Common Recreation Ground, Recreation Road RG7 3EN. The Bulging Sack In The Park: enjoy a drink with family and friends, and raise funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Food and drink available.

5pm-9pm. Details: burghfieldsantas.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6

7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.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

Saturday, July 23

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: The Chicago Blues Brothers, Phil Collins No Jacket Required, One and Only Adele, UK Foo Fighters, The Rat Pack, Re-Take That and Robbie, Wild Boys. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com PADWORTH – Village Hall, Padworth Lane. Jumble sale. 2pm-3pm. Donations 10am-11.30am. In aid of village hall.

READING – Abbey Ruins, Chestnut Walk. Progress Theatre presents Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. 7.30pm. Details: readingopenair.com READING – All Saints Church, Downshire Square.

Charity coffee morning and bring and buy in aid of Cancer Research.

10.30am-1145am.. Free entry, donations welcome.

Details: 0118 958 4131.

READING – IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com RISELEY – Wellington Country Park. Spectacular sports weekend with Reading FC, Riseley Tennis Club, Tic Tac Skate School and bouncy castles. 10am4pm. Some events weather dependent. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65t summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Free parking, wheelchair accessible, refreshments available. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre market.

9am-3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11am-noon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org

Sunday, July 24

HURST – Dinton Pastures, Davis Street RG10 0TH. Marvellous 2022: How Sweet It Is, Flash, Platinum Abba, Definitely Mightbe, Oye Santana, Katy Perry, The Jam’d. Details: www. marvelousfestivals.com MORTIMER – West End Village Hall, Church Road RG7 2HZ. Family Treasure Trail and Woodland Walk.

Set off from 11am-1pm. £5 per team. Barbecue afterwards. Dogs on leads.

Wear suitable footwear.

Details: www.facebook. com/mwevillagehall READING – Phantom Brewery, The Haunt, Units 2-3, Meadow Road RG1 8LB. Vintage Bazaar at the Brewery. 1pm-6pm.

Free entry. Cash stalls, card bar. Details: www. phantombrew.com READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Raver Tots family-friendly outdoor festival 2022: advance booking essential, no tickets on the gate.

Includes garage, drum and bass, DJs including Brandon Block, Dope Ammo, Millz and Woody Cook, plus Paw Patrol meet and greet, fun fair, dance space, food and drink, face painting, glitter and licenced bar. Details: www. ravertots.co.uk RISELEY – Wellington Country Park. Spectacular sports weekend with Reading FC, Riseley Tennis Club, Tic Tac Skate School and bouncy castles. 10am4pm. Some events weather dependent. Details: wellingtoncountrypark. co.uk WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Art Society 65t summer exhibition.

10am-5.30pm. Paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards and more. Free parking, wheelchair accessible, refreshments available. Details: www. wokinghamartsociety. org.uk.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk WOODLEY – Bull and Chequers, Woodley Green RG5 4QP. Car boot sale and Macmillan coffee morning. 10am. Details: 0118 969 9756.

No. 5422

Your weekly puzzle challenge

27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

24

25

3

7

2

14

26

1

7

14 14

16

23

25

5 24

24 14

3

18

10

11 16

24

9

11

25

24

14

1

2

7

16 14

6

20

20

18

14

25 7

2

12

9

25

24

26

1. Which famous theoretical physicist made a guest appearance on the TV series The Simpsons?

2. In Chancery is the title of the second novel in which popular series?

3. Which is the largest of the woodwind instruments?

4. Which Norwegian artist painted the picture entitled The Scream in 1893?

5. Definitely Maybe was the debut studio album for which English rock band?

14 14

18

16

16

26

24

15

7

2

26 5

24

14

24

1 26

18

4 16

22 7

24

26

24

25

14

24

14

2

16

24

7

25

15 18

18

4

24

NONAGRAM

2 18

N E E

2

A O S

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

T

O N

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

HELP CHOIR ON PIECE

P

I G

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: 20 Good; 24 Very Good; 28 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed N through openings in the walls. The D first letter may appear in any chamber.

S C

AO

IP

RA

NA

BI

ES

LN

AE

ET

PU

OC

1 3 7 6

5 9 1 8 4 2 6 3 4 8 8 7 3 1 9 5

16

P

T

14

16 19

22

23

23

DOWN 1. Thus the boy, about to get up, was affected by exposure to sunlight (9) 2. Volunteer army accepting a member in Florida (5) 3. Politician held by two single warriors (4)

11. One seeking to maintain his title on the football field? (8) 13. Do most ovens have one included? (5)

4. One turn then another stopping short of the truth (6) 5. Grandiose arrangement was well-prepared (9)

14. Employing us in gardening initially (5)

6 & 17. Remove this restaurant! (4,4) 16. He helps with the milk when 10.

At no time in the future is it Mary and I come round (8) always less? (9) 18. Fruity appointment (4) 12. One is sorry to feel this (9) 21. Censorious Roman 15. Mother and I circumvent turncoat (4) rule in Africa (6) 22. Worker to beat the 19. One in the majority (5) restraint (8) 23. It is harmful to damage land 20. Lied about being termite (11) unemployed (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

7 11

10

11

13

14

26

6

7

7

8

10

11

12 15

16

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

6

9

10

20

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

15

20

9. Horse hastened round ring (4)

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.

8

12

18

8. Attack Billy (4)

E

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

13

17

7. Standard-bearer - one of many along the way (8)

R

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

HR

15

ACROSS 1. Chairman may get support in the house here? (7,4)

O R

12

20

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.

4 9

11

15

EQUALISER 15 9 12 2 4 3 2 7 2 4 2 1

Hard

8

2

E

CU

TO

10

13

24

C

7

11

9

W

ML

OR

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

4 9 7 6 3 8 6 1 4 7 5 9 1 2 4 7 6 9 5 1 6 2 8 8 1 7 6 2 3 5 7 2 8 6

A

5

8 10

N

UE

LT

4

21

LG

NI

3

7

FIVE ALIVE GP

2

6

WORD PYRAMID

SUDOKU

15

17

22

18

19

22

21

22

23

24

25 27

28 29

30

31 32

7 9 4 8 6 5 2 1 3

4 1 6 5 9 8 3 2 7

5 2 8 1 3 7 6 9 4

9 7 3 2 4 6 1 8 5

6 4 9 3 8 2 7 5 1

1 3 7 6 5 9 8 4 2

2 8 5 7 1 4 9 3 6

WORD PYRAMID: Crown and sceptre.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – divide; add; subtract; multiply.

Total: 10.

SOLUTIONS

3 5 2 9 7 1 4 6 8

Easy

1

6. Spanish footballer David de Gea plays in which position for Manchester United?

7. Hobart is the capital city of which Australian state?

8. The 2022 Best Picture Oscar went to which film centred around a hearing girl growing up in a deaf family?

9. Ents are a species of beings who resemble trees in which fantasy books and films?

10. Which former British international athlete founded the Great North Run?

8 6 1 4 2 3 5 7 9

18

2

3

18

3 8 4 7 9 2 6 1 5

16

24

1 9 5 4 3 6 7 8 2

4

7 8

18

2

19

6 2 7 8 5 1 9 4 3

25

23

24

7 5 6 3 8 4 1 2 9

13

25

15

2 3 1 9 6 5 8 7 4

7

16

8 4 9 2 1 7 5 3 6

24

11

23

2

14

14

9 1 8 5 2 3 4 6 7

26

18

18

21

17 8

16

4 6 2 1 7 9 3 5 8

16

5 7 3 6 4 8 2 9 1

14

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5422-

CROSS CODE

5422

ACROSS 1. Many-legged creature (9) 9. African nation (6) 10. Citrus fruit (4) 11. Travel by ship (4) 12. Reaping hook (6) 13. On the way (2,5) 16. Lifeless (4) 17. Dull pain (4) 18. Fuss (3) 20. Knock (3) 21. Persian monarch (4)

23. Ceremony (4) 25. Lockjaw (7) 26. Evaluation (6) 29. Bird of peace (4) 30. Mountain goat (4) 31. Flower part (6) 32. Advocate (9) DOWN 2. Locomotive (6) 3. Camera support (6) 4. Former Spanish currency (6) 5. Podium (4) 6. Invigorate (7)

7. Ridicule (4) 8. Essentials (4,5) 13. Newspaper column (9) 14. Coarse file (4) 15. Brilliant display (5) 18. Similar (4) 19. Apart (7) 22. Till this time (6) 23. Radioactive element (6) 24. Serving dish (6) 27. Carry (4) 28. Clotted blood (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Centipede; 9 Angola; 10 Ugli; 11 Sail; 12 Sickle; 13 En route; 16 Dead; 17 Ache; 18 Ado; 20 Tap; 21 Shah; 23 Rite; 25 Tetanus; 26 Rating; 29 Dove; 30 Ibex; 31 Anther; 32 Recommend.

Down – 2 Engine; 3 Tripod; 4 Peseta; 5 Dais; 6 Enliven; 7 Mock; 8 Bare bones; 13 Editorial; 14 Rasp; 15 Eclat; 18 Akin; 19 Asunder; 22 Hereto; 23 Radium; 24 Tureen; 27 Tote; 28 Gore.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Stephen Hawking; 2 The Forsyte Saga; 3 Contrabassoon; 4 Edvard Munch; 5 Oasis; 6 Goalkeeper; 7 Tasmania; 8 FIVE ALIVE: CODA; 9 The Lord of the Rings; 10 Brendan Foster.

(1) Across – Going; Betel; Epoch.

Down – Gable; Intro; Gulch.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Sitting room; 7 Lamppost; 8 Goat; 9 Roan; 11 (2) Across – Papal; Islam; Tutor.

D S M V L Y I U H Z C X F Defender; 13 Stove; 14 Using; 16 Dairyman; 18 Date; 21 Cato; 22 Down – Print; Pilot; Lemur.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Handcuff; 23 Detrimental.

A P T Q R J G W K B E O N Down – 1 Solarised; 2 Tampa; 3 Impi; 4 Gospel; 5 Organised; 6 & NONAGRAM: aeon; agio; agonise; apogee; eosin; 17 Take away; 10 Nevermore; 12 Regretful; 15 Malawi; 19 Adult; epigone; ESPIONAGE; genoa; gone; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU 20 Idle. echo; clip; hire; naos; ngaio; noise; nope; nose; ogee; open. open; opine; paeon; peon; peonage; peso; piano; pigeon; pingo; pion; poise; pone; pong; pongee; pons; pose; posing; sago; snog; soap; soaping; soigné; sone; song; sponge.

28 | LIFE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

Time to enjoy some simplicity Healthy Heart Tip

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Volunteer Corner

Reading Voluntary Action

what type of exercise you like to do, stick to it, and make it part of your routine.

Even a simple walk can boost your mood.

Be Present

W

HAT could a little

simplicity bring to your life?

Simplicity means something a little different for each person and finding the right balance for your life will always be the best path forward.

Tuesday, July 12 was National Simplicity Day, an event inspired by the life and work of American philosopher Henry David Thoreau.

Here, we explore a few ways to bring more simplicity to your everyday life.

Acknowledge Positive Emotions Keep in mind that joy can be found in the little things.

This could be a scent that reminds you of home, your favourite song on the radio, your morning coffee, or a telephone call with a friend.

In these moments, aim to be fully present and be aware of any emotions you feel.

Enjoy Regular Movement

We know that physical activity makes you feel good. So, to feel better, think about

It can be easy for our minds to focus on the future, especially when doing tasks we may not particularly enjoy.

Yet we know that being present can benefit our minds, increase happiness and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

So next time you are doing your daily chores, aim to direct your mind towards the task at hand and be aware of any changes in how you feel as a result.

There are also many more ways you can simplify your living, hopefully this has given you food for thought. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.

heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes

from our website: https://heartresearch. org.uk/heart-researchuk-recipes-2/ n Or have a look through our Healthy

Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook.

Berkshire Vision hosts exhibition of art BERKSHIRE sight loss charity displayed a series of artworks created by artists with visual impairments.

Berkshire Vision, which supports people with full or partial sight loss in Reading, held an exhibition event at Reading School for Boys last week, showcasing the pieces.

The event was the culmination of a series of workshops held by Earleybased artist Emma Major, whose work was also featured.

A wide array of mediums and styles were shown, with many of the artists present to speak about their work, their process, and the contribution to their lives that art has had as people with sight loss.

Ms Major said at the event: “I feel like I’m really lucky that I got to run these workshops, meeting incredible people who said they couldn’t paint.

“I say you can, and we’re going to.”

She said also that she enjoyed being able to bring something which helps her to others, too.

“It’s not just valuable, it’s essential– I can’t imagine life without it.”

Among those displaying their artwork has 10-year-old Zannah.

She presented artwork focused on the climate crisis, with a piece focusing on the levels of pollution.

It featured an inflatable globe with assorted polluting attached, such as cotton buds, bottle lids, and ring pulls, as well as important messages about recycling, complete with braille.

She also provided a short written description of the piece, which read: “It’s the Earth, as I see it– Our Earth is broken due to global warming and pollution, and we need to save the it or we won’t have an earth to live on.”

Speaking at the event, Clare Matthews, marketing officer at Berkshire Vision, said: “It has all really come together– it looks wonderful, and everyone’s enjoying it.

SHOWCASE: Emma Major, with Berkshire Vision marketing officer Clare Matthews and CEO Laura Mitchell Picture: Jake Clothier

“It’s a fantastic exhibition, and it goes to show that anything’s possible, anyone can be an artist, and anything is possible.”

Ms Matthews spoke about how artists of more traditional mediums can use technology to adapt their creative processes when accommodating sight loss.

“We’re showing some work by Elena, some of their digital art– she used to be a canvas and oil artist, but

GLOBAL OUTLOOK: 10-year-old Zannah with her artwork looking at global warming and pollution

lost her sight couldn’t do it anymore.

“Emma showed her how to do digital art, which springboarded her.

“We’re showing only a limited section of what she’s created even in just the last month or so.”

Deputy mayor of Reading, Cllr Debs Edwards, said the exhibition was “Absolutely wonderful.

“The culture behind Berkshire Vision covers so much, not only with the art, the well being of the artists,

“And,” she said, “what you can do with IT.” “But not only that it’s helping their health and well-being, it’s also helping people to have a bit of a laugh, and it’s joining people together.

“It’s something I haven’t seen before, and I was absolutely wowed.”

Emma Major gave an address to attendees, thanking them for their kind engagement with the project.

She said “We’re very visual as a species, and I think that’s got more so as we become more quote unquote civilised, “When you can’t see, you start relying on your other senses, so when I’m painting, I am hearing those things, I feel the sensation of smell.

“And I want everyone else to feel that joy because when you’re having a bad day or it’s really rough, you can just lose yourself and a piece of art.

“I mean, why would you not?”

E

NRYCH Berkshire is a registered charity that provides support to people with a disability, helping them get access to leisure, social and learning activities.

Currently they have a member who would appreciate somebody to help her in her garden.

She is limited to how much she can do, so having a volunteer that can do some of the more physical tasks would be incredibly useful.

Someone that is friendly and happy to chat would be brilliant to help with building her confidence.

In the future, as confidence builds, she would like the idea of somebody assisting her to go out to enjoy the fresh air in her wheelchair. n Shift Youth and Community (SYC) is a small Christian charity that works primarily in South Reading.

They base themselves in local communities and work with churches, schools and other agencies to provide the best opportunities for young people and communities to find their purpose and their voice.

All of their staff are volunteers and they are looking for another volunteer to join the team as an administrator, for 6-8 hours per week.

The role will include event management, policy development, human resources including record keeping, immigration record keeping and recruitment.

The role will require the person to be a self-starter who can maintain and manage the tasks with minimal oversight.

Induction and training will be given, as will regular supervision. n Reading Blind Aid Society was formed in 1883, and then changed to Reading Association for the Blind in 1926.

It has supported the sight impaired people of Reading ever since.

Right now they want a volunteer with a great understanding of IT that’s also familiar with Wordpress to help maintain and update their website.

You will be helping visually impaired people, their families, volunteers and other organisations keep up to date with the activities at Reading Association for the Blind.

Volunteers will be provided with material to put on the website and as you gain experience you can create your own content.

n Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch?

Drop us an email at: volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

SPORT TODAY

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US ROYALS SUCCUMB TO EUROPEAN READING GIANTS FUTSAL

READING

13.07.22

TEAM-UP

TEAMS BATTLE IN FRIENDLIES

CRICKET ROUND-UP

‘THERE’S THERE’S WORK TO BE DONE’ NEW SEASON COUNTDOWN

NEW FIRST TEAM COACH LOOKS FORWARD

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today NEW Reading FC first-team coach James Oliver-Pearce is keen for the club to look forward with a fresh approach.

He joined Paul Ince’s coaching staff in what has been a summer full of changes on and off the pitch for the Royals.

“It’s been a big change after being at Wimbledon for 10 years,” said Oliver-Pearce.

“Coming into a new environment with the resources and facilities we’ve got here is a nice change.

“The grass is lovely everyday. The players have been brilliant, the staff have been brilliant so I’m finding my feet gradually and now looking forward to the start of the season.

“I worked with Mark (Bowen) and Eddie (Niedzwiecki) when they came into Wimbledon last season.

“While there I tried to give them the support that they needed, like you would with any manager.

Whether that was through training

sessions or giving opinions.

“Mark came here and said the club were interested in me coming along which was an opportunity I could not turn down.”

The new Royals coach will be returning to Wimbldeon shortly when Reading face the League Two side in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, July 19.

He continued: “Wimbledon have a real family feel so you build strong relationships with people in an industry that often loses its human touch.

“Being there for that length of time I knew at some point I needed a fresh challenge.

“It will be interesting to go down there, I’ve still got a lot of friends down there and know the fans well.

“The relationship with the fans was always close. It’ll be strange to be in a different kit.”

Despite being under a transfer embargo, the coaching staff are keen to recruit new players this summer while giving an opportunity for younger players to develop.

“There is work to be done with bringing in players, that’s clear for everyone to see,” Oliver-Pearce continued.

“All we can do is do the best with what we have got at the moment with the senior players and the young players stepping up. Their attitude has been excellent.

“Paul (Ince) has his standards and expectations and we’re all falling into that to support him as best as we can.

“I don’t know a lot about what’s gone before but whatever has happened, has happened and we’ve got an opportunity to build something now with a fresh set of staff and largely a different group of players. We have to look forward as a club.”

Oliver-Pearce described his best assets in coaching as the tactical side of the game.

He continued: “I have a bit of new school and old school mixed in. You have to get to know players as people, they have families and children and have lived in different

countries so that’s an important part.

“I’ve always considered myself as a tactical coach, I really enjoy that side and I think that’s where my biggest strengths are.

“My previous experience of having less resources has led to me being more creative and having to think outside the box to find different ways of getting success.

“Ultimately we want to give the players the best platform to get a result on matchday.

“There have been plenty of ups and downs, plenty of learning experiences which I’m grateful for because that moulded me into the coach I am now.

“Once I got the feel for coaching and the buzz for trying to help players get better and watching the kids develop, it’s brilliant.”

“I’ve still got lots to learn and improve upon but I’d like to think what I’ve gained from having less of a playing career and having more years in coaching has been a real positive.”

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

READING FC 0 BENFICA 2

TWO goals in seven second-half minutes saw Reading FC lose to a Benfica in their second pre-season friendly,writes Daniel Blackham.

The match rounded off a weeklong training camp at England’s St Georges Park for the Royals as they prepare for the 2022/23 Championship season.

The starting XI for Paul Ince’s side featured Lucas Joao, Ovie Ejaria, Andy Yiadom and new goalkeeper Joe Lumley.

Also lining up for the Royals was former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Sam Hutchinson and centre-back Julian Jeanvier, both currently on trial at the club.

The game started with a fast pace on a hot day in Burton-uponTrent and the Lisbon outfit could have taken the lead in the opening five minutes, but Lumley saved well from Joao Mario’s curling effort.

The Royals created a chance of their own after 17 minutes when Femi Azeez’s shot was well saved.

Moments later Ejaria turned well on the edge of the box but his leftfoot effort curled narrowly wide of the post Just before half-time Lumley produced another strong save to keep it goalless.

Wholesale changes were made after the break with a new Royals XI taking to the field.

The side featured new signings Dean Bouzanis and Tyrese Fornah as well as academy graduates Dejan Tetek and Kelvin Abrefa.

There were also a further five trialists with Conor Wickham, Jodi Jones, Grant Ward, Jacob Davenport and Josh Murphy lining up.

The breakthrough for the twotime European champions came after 65 minutes.

Benfica worked the ball well with a one-two on the right side before breaking into the box. A low cross was only half cleared before Alexander Bah poked a looping effort over Bouzanis.

The Portuguese side doubled their lead seven minutes later after another cross from the right was tucked away on the half-volley by Gil Dias.

The Royals had a rare sight of goal late in the second half but Davenport’s curling effort was wide of the post. n Reading’s pre-season preparations continue on Saturday, July 16, as Premier League side West Ham United visit the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

18 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk Sumas played a friendly against Thatcham Town on a 3G pitch, and lost 2-0. Pictures: Andrew Batt

Woodley United v Ascot United Pictures: Andrew Batt

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL

SUMAS DRAW IN THEIR FIRST FRIENDLY OF THE PRE-SEASON

By ANDREW BATT sport@rdg.today

EVERSLEY & California, Binfield FC, Woodley United and Ascot United stepped up their preparations ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Boars hosted the Moles on Tuesday evening as they both gave their squads valuable minutes on the pitch to shape up for the new league season.

Eversley enjoyed an excellent season in the 2021/22 campaign under Matty Angell which saw them finish sixth in Combined Counties Division One and therefore qualify for the playoffs, where they were defeated in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Binfield had a superb debut season in the Isthmian South Central under Jamie McClurg and Carl Withers, finishing in eighth.

The Moles put on an impressive display in their first match of pre-season which saw them run out as 7-0 victors.

Woodley United, who are under new management after Jordan Blake joined as manager earlier in the summer, faced a tough test against Ascot United.

The Kestrels are looking to improve on a 16th placed finish in Combined Counties Division One last season/ Woodley manager Blake said: “Important minutes against Ascot United tonight (Tuesday).

Extremeley tough test but we tried until the end. Important few days ahead as I look to slim my squad down as we head into a critical time in pre-season to ensure we are ready when the business really starts.

WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook began their preparations for the 2022-23 season last Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Knaphill on the 3G surface at Emmbrook School.

Training sessions also took place last week, and boss Eliot Whitehouse has confirmed the majority of last season’s squad has put pen to paper for the new campaign.

Two players who will not be returning to Lowther Road are Mark O’Connell and Dan Carter.

O’Connell is set to move to Geneva, Switzerland, for work while Carter has indicated he wants to spend more time with his family, although he has agreed to sign and will be available if needed.

A few of the younger squad members have also indicated they plan to leave for university during the season.

Whitehouse is keen to see the side build on the momentum that saw just one defeat in the final five games of last season, and just one defeat in the final seven home games.

Saturday’s opener saw just one new face – Mason Yorke who has moved to the area having previously played for AFC Hayes.

Whitehouse is also hoping to announce several signings in the next few weeks.

He said: “Obviously, our target is to win every game.

“We need to assess the competition and see where we are but hopefully, we can finish midtable or higher.”

BOARS, MOLES AND KESTRELS CONTINUE PREPARATIONS FOR NEW SEASON

Training is set to start this week, with Thatcham Town the visitors to Emmbrook School for another friendly on Saturday 2 pm).

Whitehouse added: “We’ve got a pool or about 25 players and I’m quite content and know what I’ve got.

“Now it’s about not overdoing it physically so that by the end of August players are tired.”

NEWS | 19

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

READING FC

NEW KEEPER JOE: ‘ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE THIS SEASON’

By Daniel Blackham dblackham@rdg.today NEW Reading FC goalkeeper Joe Lumley says “anything is possible” for the Royals ahead of the new season.

The 27-year-old joined earlier this month on a season-long loan from Championship rivals, Middlesbrough.

After making 39 appearances for Boro last year, keeping 14 clean sheets, Lumley was made surplus to requirements but jumped at the opportunity to head to Berkshire.

He said: “I went on holiday straight away after Boro didn’t get into the playoffs and then a few days later I found out Reading was on the cards and was delighted about it.

“I snapped at the chance to come here. To be wanted is a big thing in football.

“The manager and Tony Warner have been brilliant.

“They work you hard, praise you when you need to be praised and give you a dig when you need to have a dig, and that’s exactly how I think it should be.

“It’s only been a few days but you can tell straight away that they are getting the lads working as hard as they can and you can’t really ask for anything more.”

Lumley also said he has been

Joe Lumley Picture: Wikimedia Commons impressed with Luke Southwood and Jökull Andrésson in the first few days of pre-season training.

“I didn’t know about Jokull before

arriving but he is a very good goalie.

He’s big, he’s young and you can tell he is going to do well in the game, he makes some big saves.

“Lukey I played against him twice last year and obviously in training you see things you don’t see in the game.

“I always thought he was great but now I think he is a top goalie and he is only young.”

The former QPR academy graduate believes anything is possible this season if the club can get a few more players through the door.

“Anything is possible this season.

“The lads are great, they are fit so why not aim for promotion, I think every team in the Championship is doing that.

“We still haven’t got a massive squad and we are bringing in players but lads will fit in straight away, as I have here, and that’s a big thing.

“We will do our absolute best every single game.”

Fans from last year may remember Lumley almost scoring a last minute header for Boro when they visited the Select Car Leasing stadium.

He joked: “I wasn’t gonna mention it but I should’ve scored in the away game.

“I’m glad I didn’t now otherwise people would’ve been onto me.”

So if the Royals are short on strikers throughout the season, they can call on him.

Lumley added: “I’ll go up top, I’ll play anywhere.”

READING FC

ROYALS BOLSTER MIDFIELD OPTIONS

READING FC have confirmed the signing of Tyrese Fornah on a season-long loan from Nottingham Forest.

The 22-year-old central midfielder spent the second half of last season on loan in League One at Shrewsbury Town, making 19 appearances for Steve Cotterill’s side.

Fornah was part of the Royals academy setup in his younger years before heading to the south coast with Brighton & Hove Albion.

He then joining Forest’s youth ranks in the summer of 2018.

He made his senior debut in the FA Cup against Chelsea, coming off the bench to replace former Royals loanee Alfa Semedo at Stamford Bridge.

A loan spell in Portugal with Casa Pia, cut short by the pandemic, was followed by a full season with Plymouth Argyle in 2020/21 where he went on to make 43 appearances for the

Select Car Leasing Stadium newly-promoted League One side.

Fornah featured in the first team under Chris Hughton at the start of Forest’s promotion-winning campaign last year before arriving at New Meadow in January.

He made his Shrews debut as a substitute in a draw at Gillingham, before holding down a regular spot on the teamsheet to make a total of 17 starts for the Shropshire side.

Manager Paul Ince said: “Tyrese will add power, presence, vision and energy to our midfield and this is a loan move which I believe will benefit both him in developing his game at Championship level and the club with the ability he can bring to the squad.

“I am looking forward to working with him out on the training pitch.”

Fornah said conversations with Ince and head of football operations Mark Bowen helped influence his decision to join.

He said: “I spoke to Mark and the gaffer; they were really good with me, making me feel loved and like I’m going to be a part of it.

“That’s the main thing for a loan player.

“I want to come here and do well – but I want to feel loved. For me to do well, you need a bit of that.

Having spent time in Berkshire in the early stages of his career, Fornah is already familiar with

some of his new teammates.

He said: “I was here in the Academy when I was 13 and some of the boys that were here then are still here now, like Tom Holmes who is a good friend of mine.

“I stayed in touch with him over the years, so it’s good to be back with him and it’s good to be here with the boys and the gaffer as well.”

After making his first appearance in Saturday’s friendly against Benfica, Fornah is looking to cement his place in the side for the new season.

He said: “The main thing for me is to come and play games.

“It’s no good sitting around at a club that’s doing well; you need games to progress.

“I’ll take it game by game, training session by training session and hope that that’s enough and that I do well.

“I just want to do well for the fans and for the club.”

READING FC

HOILETT SIGNS NEW ONE-YEAR CONTRACT

Junior Hoilett is staying with the Royals READING FC has confirmed that Junior Hoilett has signed up to a new one-year contract.

The Canadian international, who joined on a free transfer from Cardiff City last summer, was out of contract but has now extended his stay with the Royals.

Hoilett has joined up with the squad for a week of pre-season training at St George’s Park.

Head of football operations Mark Bowen said: “This is a big season for Junior, not only in the challenge he has committed to at Reading but internationally where he will be hoping to play a big part in Canada’s World Cup campaign in Qatar.

“An intelligent, creative, experienced winger, Junior will be a real asset to our first team squad next season and I’m delighted he has chosen to return as a Royal for 2022-23.”

The winger made 27 appearances for the Royals last season, scoring three times.

Hoilett made 81 league appearances for Blackburn Rovers from 2007-2012 and scored 12 goals.

He then moved to Queens Park Rangers in 2012, where he spent four years at the club, and scored 12 times in 112 league appearances.

Hoilett then made 173 league appearances for Cardiff City, with 23 goals to his name.

He also has a wealth of experience at international level having made 47 caps for Canada, with 14 goals.

Royals manager Paul Ince said: “Junior was such an important player for this club last season, a calming influence in the dressing room and the spark we often needed to create opportunities in front of goal. I am really pleased to have him on board for 2022-23.

“Junior is a perfect professional, and very much respected not only by me as a manager, but more importantly from his teammates.”

20 | SPORT

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

OAKS DEFEATED BY TABLE-TOPPIN

CRICKET

Wargrave cc (batting) v Chesham cc

By ANDREW BATT sport@wokingham.today IN the Home Counties Premier Cricket League Division One, Wokingham suffered a 116-run defeat at home to table-topping Datchet.

The visitors won the toss and batted first, hitting 290-9 declared in 63 overs. In reply, Wokingham were all out for 174 in 51.5 overs. Leading the way for Wokingham’s attack was Andy Rishton who took three wickets for 100 runs.

Berkshire Royals CC v Earley CC

Elsewhere, Slough inflicted a three-wicket defeat on FINCHAMPSTEAD. Winning the toss and electing to field, Slough made 245-7 in 48.4 overs. Finchampstead were 244 all out in 62.4 overs. Ben Moffat hit an impressive 108 for Finchampstead, In Division Two, WARGRAVE collected eight points with a home draw against Chesham.

Fielding first, Wargrave hit 120-9 in 59 overs. Opener Jack Winterbottom top-scored with 25 runs. Replying, Chesham

scored 233-9 in 58 overs. Euan Woods, Rhodri Lewis and Rhys Lewis each claimed three wickets for Wargrave.

In the BCM Championship, WEST READING secured a 115-run win over Ballinger Waggoners. Batting first, West Reading hit 264=9 in 45 overs, with Adam Davidson top-scoring with 94. Their opponents were skittled out for 149 in 33.4 overs.

Leading the way with the ball for West Reading was Najam Raja with 4-46.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD were also victorious, winning by four wickets in their match against Pen & Tylers Green. After hitting 188 in 40.1 overs, Crowthorne & Crown Wood replied with 189-6 in 41.3 overs. Christopher Emes top-scored for Crowthorne & Crown Wood with 51 runs.

SHINFIELD went down by four wickets in their match at home to Holmer Green.

Winning the toss and battling first, Shinfield hit 197 all out in 41.3 overs. In reply, Holmer

Green scored 201 for the loss of six wickets in 40.5 overs.

Anuraag Shukla hit 72 not out for Shinfield.

In the CMB Premiership, EMMBROOK & BEARWOOD won by two wickets at Cadmore End. Batting first, the home side recorded 189 all-out in 40 overs, with Andy Lazenbury taking an impressive six wickets for 43 runs.

In reply Emmbrook & Bearwood hit 190-8 in 45 overs, with Andy Robertson topscoring with 39 runs.

In the BCL Premier Division, SHINFIELD 2S suffered a narrow 8-run defeat at Goring on Thames. Batting first, Goring scored 189-8 in 40 overs with Om Solanki taking four wickets for 28 runs. Replying, Shinfield hit 181 all-out with Hemant Mathur leading the way with 51 runs.

WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE suffered a 87-run defeat at home to Sandhurst. Batting first, Sandhurst hit 294 for the loss of four wickets, with Adam Birch scoring 142 runs.

SPORT | 21

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

NG DATCHET

Honours board

Bowling Replying, Waltham St Lawrence made 207 all-out in 33.3 overs. Savir Shama took 47-4 for Sandhurst.

WEST READING 2S suffered an eight wicket defeat in their match against Mortimer West End. West Reading, batting first, recorded 117 all-out in 25.3 overs and, in reply, Mortimer West End hit 118-2 in23.1 overs. Josh Beale hit an unbeaten 53 for Mortimer West End. FARLEY HILL also saw defeat – by 24 runs at Woodcote. The hosts opened and made 203-8 in 40 overs, and in reply Farley Hill hit 179-9 in 40 overs.

In Division 1A, BERKSHIRE ROYALS emerged victorious with a three-wicket win over EARLEY. Batting first, Earley made 181 all-out in 39.3 overs. Replying, Berkshire Royals hit 183-7 in 36.4 overs.

Action in Division 1B saw CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD

2S emerge victorious by 172 runs against Earley 2s. Batting first, Crowthorne & Crown Wood hit 2698 in 40 overs, Replying, Earley were all out for 97 runs in 29.1 overs.

Andrew Baines took six wickets for just 13 runs in seven overs.

FARLEY HILL 2S gained 35 points with a 125-run victory over SHINFIELD 3S. Batting first, Farley Hill struck 312 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 40 overs. Shinfield 3s, in reply, could only manage 1899 in 40 overs.

READING UTD 2S won by eight wickets over Rangers, who batted first and were all-out for 191 in 39.2 overs. Replying, Reading United made 193 for the loss of two wickets in 26.4 overs.

Woodley won by five wickets against Stallions, who made 199-8 in 40 overs. Woodley replied with 201-5 in 34.5 overs,

In Division One of the Thames Valley Cricket League, EVERSLEY were beaten by 112 runs at home to Falkland. Falkland made 328 all-out in 51.4 overs and, replying, Eversley were all out for 216 in 47.2 overs.

Division 2B saw an emphatic 10-wicket victory for WOKINGHAM 2S over Royal Ascot. Winning the toss and batting, Royal Ascot were all out for 109 in 37.3 overs.

Wokingham 2s reached 113 with the loss of no wickets in just 15.5 overs, with Anthony Clapham hitting an unbeaten 65.

READING beat BINFIELD by 160 runs. Batting first after winning the toss, Reading hit 242-8 declared in 49 overs. Binfield were all out for 82 in reply.

Slough 2s were winners against FINCHAMPSTEAD 2S by six wickets. Put into bat, Finchampstead 2s made 223-6 off 52 overs. Slough 2s responded with 227-4 in 37.3 overs.

In Division 3A, SONNING were beaten by five wickets at Aldershot.

Batting first, Sonning hit 256-7 from 52 overs. Aldershot, replying, hit 257-5 from 47.3 overs.

WARGRAVE 2S won by 54 runs at Bagshot after making 250 all-out.

Bagshot were bowled out for 196 in 38.4 overs in reply, WHITE WALTHAM were on the wrong end of a six-wicket defeat at Thatcham Town. Batting first, White Waltham hit 200-9 in 52 overs, while Thatcham Town replied with 201 for the loss of four

wickets in 44.4 overs.

In Division 4A, WOKINGHAM 3S beat Cove by eight wickets. Cove won the toss, batted and made 153 all-out in 33.5 overs. Wokingham 3s cruised to the win with 154-2 in 26.5 overs.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3S lost by two wickets at Taplow. Batting first, Finchampstead hit 278 all-out in 50 overs. Taplow replied with 279-8 from their 50 overs.

In Division 5B, EVERSLEY 2S beat Purley 2s by eight wickets. Batting first, Eversley hit 118-2 from 19.1 overs and, in reply, Purley 2s were all-out for 114 in 28 overs.

READING 2S won by 64 runs against BINFIELD 2S. After batting first and scoring 257-9 from 52 overs, Reading bowled their opponents out for 193 from 39.1 overs.

Ian Rose hit 110 as FINCHAMPSTEAD 4S beat Bagshot 2s by 42 runs. Batting first, Finchampstead 4s hit 253-4 from their 50 overs, while Bagshot were bowled for 211 in 45.4 overs.

BRACKNELL beat Royal Ascot 2s by seven wickets. Hitting 62-3, Bracknell dismissed their opponents for 61 in 25 overs.

In Division One of the Home Counties Women’s Cricket League, FINCHAMPSTEAD suffered a fourwicket defeat at Oxford.

Batting first, Finchampstead were all out for 105 in 23.1 overs.

Oxford replied with 106-5 in 26.3 overs.

Andrew Baines – Earley – 6-13 Andy Lazenbury – Emmbrook & Bearwood – 6-43 Ashish Patidar – Reading Utd 2s – 5-40 Benjamin Salter – Eversley – 5-61 Khrishna Thivagaralan – Reading Utd 2s – 4-26 Om Solanki – Shinfield 2s – 4-28 Najam Raja – West Reading – 4-46 Savir Shama – Sandhurst – 4-47 Matthew Arnold – Finchampstead 3s – 4-69 Venu Gudimetla – Berkshire Royals – 3-23 Steve Mapes – Berkshire Royals – 3-24 Rhys Lewis – Wargrave – 3-28 Euan Woods – Wargrave – 3-42 Prakash Krishnamurthy – Farley Hill – 3-66 Guy Ashby – Finchampstead – 3-82 Rhodri Lewis – Wargrave – 3-71 Andy Rishton – Wokingham – 3-100

Batting

Adam Birch – Sandhurst - 142 Ian Rose – Finchampstead 4s - 110 Ben Moffat – Finchampstead – 108 Stuart Parsons – Finchampstead 2s - 102 G Ganagabalan – Reading - 100 Adam Davidson – West Reading – 94 Arshad Kaffar – Berkshire Royals - 88 Paolo Toffolo – Farley Hill – 82 not out Madav Srivastan – Finchampstead 4s - 80 Anuraag Shukla – Shinfield – 72 not out Peter Dean – Sonning - 70 Rhajiv Dhallam – Rangers - 67 Oliver Taylor – Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s – 66 not out Hector Williams – Binfield 2s - 66 Anthony Clapham – Wokingham 2s – 65 not out Hassam Raja – West Reading – 63 Shivam Khare – Shinfield 3s - 62 Kyle Bienefeld – Eversley - 60 L Beavan – Reading – 59 Gary Loveday – Finchampstead 2s - 58 Sam Jenkins – Finchampstead 3s - 57 Tom Phizakerley – Reading 2s - 56 Muhammad Aziz – Farley Hill - 53 Ben Simmons – Finchampstead 3s - 52 Christopher Emes – Crowthorne & Crown Wood – 51 Hemant Mathur – Shinfield 2s – 51 Robert Casey – Earley – 50

22

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

WOMEN’S EUROS

HARRY BACKS 12th WOMAN EUROS CAMPAIGN

By Staff Writer sport@wokingham.today

AS THE Lionesses take charge in this summer’s UEFA Women’s Euro tournament, Harry Redknapp, AJ Odudu, Karen Carney, Ellie Taylor and Jermaine Jenas have come together to show support for the ‘12th Woman’ campaign.

The campaign by brewer Heieneken is trying to tackle and challenge the stereotypes in football culture.

Stephanie Dexter of Heineken said: “For so long football culture and fandom has been influenced by the men’s game.

“So, while the women’s game has grown massively, a legacy of terms such as ‘man on’ and the ‘the 12th man’ continue to dominate.

“Meanwhile the ‘12th woman’ is relatively unheard of.

We want this campaign to help close the gender phrase gap in football language, but also invite a conversation about the entrenched bias and inequality that persists across football culture.”

‘I Am the 12th Woman’ tees are available for public sale on Amazon for a price of £12 here with all profits donated to the NFP Women in Football.

I Am the 12th woman campaign Throughout the tournament supporters are encouraged to wear them in a show of allegiance, wherever they may be watching the action.

Karen Carney, who played 144 times for England said: “There are 11 women on the pitch who are giving everything to win for their country.

“Knowing that fans are cheering them on in the stands,

FOOTBALL

NEW CONSTITUTION FOR SUNDAY

at homes and in pubs across the country makes a difference and that’s why being a 12th Woman and saying it aloud really matters.

“Football fans’ approach to this tournament could be a major stepping-stone to real change in terms of how we all talk about football.”

Harry Redknapp said: “When I was playing professionally it really was a man’s game –

women were banned from playing football in 1921 and the Women’s Football Association wasn’t even established until 1969.

“Thankfully times have changed, and in a big way, and I’m really proud to be a 12th woman and to wear the T-shirt for all to see.

“Some people could be confused by the term the ‘12th Woman’, they might have

to stop and think. But that’s the whole point, that’s what Heineken is trying to do with this campaign.”

Yvonne Harrison, CEO at Women in Football said: “We’ve been really impressed

by Heineken’s commitment to addressing gender inequality in football.

“That’s what Women in Football is all about too, so it’s fantastic to team up with them

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Women taste success in summer tournament

The constitution for the 2022/23 season of the Bracknell and District Sunday Football League has been revealed.

A total of 51 teams in five divisions have been confirmed as follows: Premier Division: Bracknell Rangers, Crowthorne Inn, Raglan, William Twigg, Wokingham & Emmbrook TMW, Finchampstead Athletic, Bigshot, AFC Dukes, Freeman Royals, FC Showcase.

Division One: Panthers, Woodley Utd, Winnersh Rangers, Ashridge Park Royals, Bracknell Spartans Vets, FC Harmanswater, Bracknell Athletic, Bracknell Royals, SF7, Braybrooke Athletic.

Division Two: Bracknell Cavaliers, Harts of Bracknell, Woodley Saints Tigers, Silver Birch, Crowthorne A, Bracknell Bisons, 3M, BAS, Ashridge Park, William Twigg Reserves.

Division Three: Silver Birch Reserves, Newbold, Finchampstead Athletic Reserves, Bracknell St Germain, Hope & Anchor, Wokingham Wanderers, AFC Dukes Reserves, Harts of Bracknell Reserves, Bracknell Cavaliers Reserves, Berkshire United, FC Bracknell Royals.

Division Four: Finchampstead Athletic A, Bracknell Spartans, Bracknell athletic Reserves, Bracknell Elite, FC Bracknell, Bracknell Bisons Reserves, BH Dons, AB United, Nameless FC.

The season is expected to start in mid-September.

WOODLEY’S women were in action at the weekend, tasting success in the Barton Rovers tournament.

Held in Tilehurst, it was part of the Thames Valley Festival of Football.

Run across two days, there were contests for under 6s to u15s, with team sizes ranging form seven to nine.

And on Sunday afternoon, there was a

contest for female teams, which was hotly contested.

This year was the 40th anniversary of the club, so the contest was extra special.

Woodley Yellows lost their final 1-0 to the Turtle Head side, while Woodley Blues drew their match against Ruislip, before going on to win 3-2 on penalties.

on the 12th Woman campaign.

“Every action that supports our work and amplifies our message helps to level the playing field and make football a fairer and better place.”

There are three Reading FC Women players representing their counties in this year’s tournament: Amalie Eikeland of Norway, Sanne Troeslgaard of Denmark and Justine Vanheavermaet of Belgium.

FOOTBALL

AWAY TRIPS FOR SUMAS & CITY IN FA CUP PRELIMS BOTH Wokingham & Emmbrook and Reading City have been handed away trips in the Extra Preliminary Round of this season’s Emirates FA Cup. Wokingham & Emmbrook will journey to Oxfordshire to face Ardley United on Saturday, August 6. The reward for the winners will be an away tie at either Ashton & Backwell United or Aylesbury United.

Reading City face a trip to Highworth Town, with a visit to Royal Wootton Basset Town or Windsor awaiting the winners on August 20.

In the first qualifying round of the isuzu FA Vase, Wokingham & Emmbrook will travel to South Gloucestershire to play Western League side Bitton, while AFC Aldermaston have also been drawn away – to Brinscombe & Thrupp. Reading City will face Gloucester-based Longlevens away from home while Woodley United are at home to Cadbury Heath. Ties are scheduled to take place on August 27. A win for Wokingham & Emmbrook could set up a mouthwatering derby against Eversley & California in the second qualifying round on September 24.

The draw for early rounds of the FA Youth Cup has also been made. In the Preliminary Round, Aldermaston will host Wokingham & Emmbrook, Reading City will host Cove or Banbury United, and Binfield will play Basingstoke Town.

Ties are expected to take place week commencing August 15.

SPORT | 23

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, July 13, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk RUGBY

RAMS TO SEE THE LIGHTS AGAIN WITH EVENING KICK-OFF

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

RAMS RFC have confirmed the return of Friday Night Lights for the two National One derby fixtures against nearest rivals Chinnor next season.

The home game has switched from Saturday, December 17 to the day before, kicking off the festive period with what promises to be another barn-storming clash.

Last season’s pre-Christmas clash was unfortunately postponed due to a covid outbreak in the visitors’ camp, but Rams took the spoils in the re-arranged fixture in March which was also the first game to be livestreamed through the National League Rugby website.

On that occasion it was skipper Robbie Stapley who proved to be the headline attraction, scoring a hattrick to inspire his side to victory on the same day his partner Emily had given birth to their second child, Arlo.

Rams were 38-22 victors as Ben Henderson’s stunning try opened proceedings, with Jak Rossiter and Henry Bird also crossing the whitewash at Old Bath Road.

Chinnor gained their revenge in a basketball-esque 43-40 triumph

Robbie Stapley scores Rams’ opening try Picture: Tim Pitfield

at Kingsey Road in the penultimate round of fixtures, and they will now welcome Rams for the away fixture in Week Two on Friday, September 9.

The two sides have clashed 18 times in league competition over the years – more than any other side Rams have played – with Chinnor currently leading the head-to-head with 10 wins against seven, with one draw.

Meanwhile, the new league structure has been published by the RFU, with Rams Centaurs (3rd XV) set to play in the newly-formed Counties Two Tribute Berks, Bucks & Oxon South Division.

The other 10 teams in the league are Henley 3rds, Maidenhead 3rds, Reading 2nds, Slough, Newbury 2nds, Hungerford, Abingdon, Aldermaston, Beaconsfield 2nds and Tadley.

In Counties Three Tribute Berks, Bucks & Oxon South, the Dragon’s Teeth (4ths) will clash with Reading Abbey 2nds, Reading 3rds, Phoenix, Bracknell 3rds, Marlow 2nds, High Wycombe 2nds, Crowthorne, Tadley 2nds and Windsor 2nds.

When the league season ends in early March, both sides may compete in the respective tiers of new cup competitions introduced by the sport’s governing body.

FUTSAL

READING TO BENEFIT FROM INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

READING Royals Futsal Club have announced a new partnership with Four Zero Futsal, an international Futsal service provider from New Zealand.

The partnership comes with a range of benefits for the Royals, including access to new talent ahead of the 2022-23 FA National Futsal Series.

Richard Oxley, Royals Secretary and Men’s Team Manager, said: “The immediate benefit of this partnership is a massive injection of international futsal experience into our Men’s squad.

“We are really excited to welcome Jordi Ditfort, Logan Wisnewski and Kyle Wisnewski to the club, all current members of the New Zealand Men’s Futsal squad.”

Ditfort and the Wisnewski brothers join the Royals from New Zealand club-side, the Waikato Rapids.

Collectively the trio bring 195 club appearances and 95 goals between them. The young trio also bring the experience of 19 international

appearances and six international goals.

Oxley continued: “We are also excited to welcome Sam Masterson to the club as our new Men’s Head Coach.

Sam is a specialist futsal coach from New Zealand and will allow Brayden [Royals player-coach since 2020] to focus on playing.”

Masterson also joins the Royals from the Waikato Rapids. Under his watch, the Rapids finished first and second in the New Zealand Men’s Futsal Superleague.

Following this success, Masterson was named 2020 New Zealand Futsal Coach of the Year.

As well as access to international futsal talent, the partnership with Four Zero Futsal will also bring a specialist futsal service provider to Berkshire.

New Royals signing, Kyle Wisnewski, founded Four Zero Futsal to support the development of futsal.

The ethos of Four Zero Futsal is to work with schools and clubs to deliver

Reading Royals Futsal Club’s Kyle Wisnewski quality futsal programmes and create futsal pathways.

Fellow Royal and New Zealand international, Brayden Lissington, has joined Wisnewski as a director of Four Zero UK. Their ambition is to apply the same ethos to futsal in the United Kingdom to accelerate the growth of the sport.

Oxley continued: “We are also excited to welcome Sam Masterson to the club as our new Men’s Head Coach.

Sam is a specialist futsal coach from New Zealand and will allow Brayden

Reading Royals Futsal Club’s Jordi Ditfort (Royals player-coach since 2020) to focus on playing.”

Masterson also joins the Royals from the Waikato Rapids. Under his watch, the Rapids finished first and second in the New Zealand Men’s Futsal Superleague. Following this success, Masterson was named 2020 New Zealand Futsal Coach of the Year.

As well as access to international futsal talent, the partnership with Four Zero Futsal will also bring a specialist futsal service provider to Berkshire.

New Royals signing, Kyle Wisnewski, founded Four Zero Futsal to support the development of futsal.

The ethos of Four Zero Futsal is to work with schools and clubs to deliver quality futsal programmes and create futsal pathways.

Fellow Royal and New Zealand international, Brayden Lissington, has joined Wisnewski as a director of Four Zero UK. Their ambition is to apply the same ethos to futsal in the United Kingdom to accelerate the growth of the sport.

24

SPORT |

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, July 13, 2022

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

WINDOWS

DOORS

CONSERVATORIES

WOKINGHAM TODAY READING TODAY 0800 30 50 30 www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

TENNIS

NEW CLUBHOUSE OPEN FOR BUSINESS Richard McCully, Denise Walker, Caroline Smith & Alison Nicholson

By ALI NICHOLSON sport@wokingham.today CROWTHORNE Tennis Club celebrated the opening ceremony of its new clubhouse building with the finals day for its members.

Mr Richard McCully, former Chairman of CTC and leader of the group who oversaw the construction of the building, and welcomed the Mayor of Wokingham Borough Cllr Caroline Smith.

As well as the Mayor and her consort, Mr Mike Smith, Crowthorne Tennis club were also joined by Ms Denise Walker, Secretary of Berkshire County Tennis.

After the speeches, CTC’s own Mike Smith, Secretary of the Club, presented an award to Richard McCully for Services to the Club for all his work on the construction of the new clubhouse.

The sun shone brightly for much of the day, and around 50 members enjoyed a lunch supplied by the club, while watching some excellent tennis.

The first match was the final of a Handicap Doubles competition, where Mark Lardner and David Stone were victorious over Lorraine Fowler and Steve Stow by five sets to two, in a best of nine tie-break sets.

All sets were closely contested, and the match was enjoyed by spectators. After lunch,15-yearold Jake Griffiths became the

Jake Griffiths - Mens Singles third teenager in a row to win the Men’s Singles tournament with a hard-fought win over Guy SmithBingham on Sunday.

It was an entertaining contest with fine hitting from both players, with a sharp contrast in styles adding to the intrigue.

The first set went with serve to 3-2 but then Guy took control and got the first of two consecutive breaks to win the first set 6-2.

However, Jake got straight back into the match breaking Guy in the first game of the second set and using his remarkable consistency and some excellent passing shots stretched his lead to 4-0 before Guy found some form again but Jake held on for a 6-2 win.

The third set repeated the

David Stone & Mark Lardner Handicap Doubles

Matt Paxton & Tina Stern - Mixed Doubles

second with Jake taking a 4-0 lead before Guy increased the aggression and with some powerful hitting and smart use of serve and volley climbed back to 4-5, leaving Jake to serve for the title.

Jake fought fire with fire and stepped up the hitting, allied to some excellent serving and took the match 6-4.

Finally, the Mixed Doubles final was held between Matt Paxton and Tina Stern vs James Thackray and Maggie Ingham.

After James and Maggie won a close first set by four games to six, Matt and Tina levelled the match by taking the second 6-2, it was neck and neck to 3-3 in the third.

The seventh game went to Matt and Tina after seven deuces after which Tina held serve and James was broken to make it game, set and match by 6-3 in the final set to Matt and Tina.

BOWLS

OAKS ENJOY SUCCESS AGAINST SUTTONS, BUT DEFEAT IN TWO WOOD COUNTY CUP

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

TVLL saw Wokingham playing Suttons at home and coming away with a solid win 8-2.

Two Wokingham ladies J Deeves and M Argent went through to the last 16 of the Two Wood County comp.

It was held on Sunday, July 10 at The Island.

Joy came up against Morgan Merryweather, she held her own but Morgan was just too strong on the day and progressed to the quarter final.

Margaret beat off two strong players to reach the semi-final where she met Jane Murphy, but the heat of the day started to show and she lost the game.

Both ladies fought well.

Maiden Erlegh July 5

KL, MEBC v Three Mile Cross A great win over Three Mile Cross, taking all the points, despite having to make 8 changes from the previous week’s team.

Scores: 92-47 shots and 14-0 points, Rinks 23-10, 25-4,18-17, 26-16. Skips Mark Hiley, Mike Fraser, Mike Lewis and Keith Hawkins

July 6 OTL - MEBC travelled to away to Burghfield.

With wins on only two of the five rinks, MEBC picked up only 4 points.

Final score: 4 - 10 points 75 - 89 shots. Individual rinks 5-28, 23-13, 10-19, 25-12, 13-17.

Skips were Ken Cheshire, Frank Parkinson, Chris Fellows, Mike Fraser and Janet Silvester.

July 7 KLV-B, MEBC travelled away to play Bracknell “B”.

A disappointing game saw MEBC lose on all three rinks.

Final score: 0 - 10 points, 26 - 79 shots. Rinks 13-16, 4-25, 9-38, skips Peter Heyes, Robert Spencer, Keith Boulter.

July 8 KLV-A MEBC’s team suffered a setback going down 8-2 to Bracknell on points, 44 – 61 shots.

Scores: 11-28, 15-22 and 18-11 for the respective skips Mike Lewis, Mike Fraser and Keith Hawkins.

July 9 OTL - MEBC travelled to Pangbourne.

Unfortunately, MEBC were short of players so defaulted on one rink. However they won on two of the other three rinks to win overall.

Scores: 9 - 5 points and 36-28 shots. Individual rinks 15-5, 5-15, 16-8, Skips Chris O’Toole, Chris Fellows, Mike Fraser.

n For more information, go to www.crowthornetennisclub.co.uk

READING WOMEN FC

NEW CONTRACTS FOR THREE ROYALS CONTRACT extensions have been given to three Royals Women.

Defenders Deanna Cooper and Lily Woodham have both signed new two-year deals, and Tia Primmer has signed her first professional contract.

Ms Primmer worked her way up through the academy, before scoring winning goals against Brighton in the Women’s FA Cup and Everton in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

She told Reading FC’s website that she had loved every single moment so far, and knew of the challenges ahead.

“Now it’s time to work even harder to cement my place in this team, improve on my numbers, and help the team push on,” she said.

The side’s manager, Kelly Chamber, said of Cooper: “Playing in the position she [Deanna] does, you need to be a leader, and having played at Chelsea it will help other members of the team raise their level of performance.”

Next season, all being well, Woodham will reach a milestone of wearing the hoops for the 50th time.

“I have loved being here, being involved in every game I have, and learning from some of the best in the game the likes of Fara Williams, Brooke Chaplen,” she said.

“Looking ahead to the next 50, it’s all about continuing to improve, repaying the faith Kelly and all the coaches put in me, and hopefully getting my first goal.”

RESULTS

Saturday, July 9

FOOTBALL Pre-season friendly Reading 0-2 Benfica Sumas 0-2 Thatcham Town Binfield 1-4 Maidenhead United Reading City 4-3 Banstead Athletic CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Slough (245-7) beat Finchampstead (244 all-out) Wokingham (174 all-out) lost to Datchet (290-9 dec) Home Counties Division 2 Wargrave (120-9) lost to Chesham (233-9) BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners (149 allout) lost to West Reading (264-9) Penn & Tylers (188 all-out) lost to Crowthorne & Crown Wood (189-6) Shinfield (197 all-out) lost to Holmer Green (201-6) CMB Premiership Cadmore End (189 all-out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (190-8) Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (173 all-out) lost to Fulmer (174-7) BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (189-8) beat Shinfield 2s (181 all-out) Waltham St Lawrence (207 all-out) lost to Sandhurst (294-4) West Reading 2s (117 all-out) lost to Mortimer West End (118-2) Woodcote (203-8) beat Farley Hill (179-9) BCL Division 1A Earley (181) lost to Berkshire Royals (183-7) West Reading 3s conceded to Reading Lions BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (269-8) beat Earley 2s (97 all-out) Farley Hill 2s (312-8) beat Shinfield 3s (187-9) Reading United 2s (193-2) beat Rangers (191 all-out) Twyford and Ruscombe L-L Warfield Woodley (201-5) beat Stallions 2s (199-8) Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley (216 all-out) lost to Falkland (328 all-out) Thames Valley Division 2B Royal Ascot (109 all-out) lost to Wokingham 2s (113 all-out) Sulhamstead & Ufton (145 allout) lost to Hurst (146-1) Reading (242-8) beat Binfield (82 all-out) Finchampstead 2s (223-6) lost to Slough 2s (227-4) Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning (256-7) lost to Aldershot (257-5) Kidmore End (148-5) beat Theale & Tilehurst (144 all-out) Bagshot (196 all-out) lost to Wargrave 2s (250 all-out) Thatcham Town (201-4) beat White Waltham (200-9) Thames Valley Division 4A Taplow (279-8) beat Finchampstead 3s (278 all-out) Wokingham 3s (154-2) beat

Cove 2s (153 all-out) Thames Valley Division 5A Kew 2s (228-4) beat Wargrave 3s (227 all-out) Thames Valley Division 5B Eversley 2s (118-2) beat Purley-on-Thames (114 all-out) Binfield 2s (193 all-out) lost to Reading 2s (257-9) Finchampstead 4s (253-4) beat Bagshot 2s (211 all-out) Newbury (283-5) beat Sonning 2s (133 all-out)

Sunday, July 10 Home Counties Women’s League Oxford (106 all-out) beat Finchampstead (105 all-out)

FIXTURES

Saturday, July 16

FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Reading v West Ham United Flackwell Heath v Binfield Reading City v Thatcham town Sumas v Marlow CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Finchampstead v Wokingham Home Counties Division 2 Horspath v Wargrave BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Braywood Ley Hill v Shinfield West Reading v Penn & Tylers Green CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood v Denham Chilterns Division Two Knotty Green v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s BCL Premier Division Farley Hill v West Reading 2s Mortimer West End v Waltham St Lawrence Sandhurst v Goring on Thames Shinfield 2s v Welford Park BCL Division 1A Checkendon v West Reading 3s Reading Lions v Stallions Reading United v Berkshire Royals Silchester v Earley Thames Valley Division 1 Stoke Green v Eversley Thames Valley Division 2B Slough 2s v Reading Binfield v Sulhamstead & Ufton Hurst v Cove Wokingham 2s v Finchampstead 2s Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham v Windsor Wargrave 2s v Sonning Theale & Tilehurst v Thatcham Town Thames Valley Division 4A Purley on Thames v Wokingham 3s Finchampstead 3s v Henley 3s Thames Valley Division 5B Sonning 2s v Finchampstead 4s Bagshot 2s v Binfield 2s Reading 2s v Purley 2s Eversley 2s v Bracknell

Sunday, July 17

CRICKET HC Women’s Division 1 Chesham v Binfield Finchampstead v St Albans

Tuesday, July 19 FOOTBALL Pre-season friendlies Sheerwater v Sumas Thame United v Binfield