READING Borough Council has formally put forward its nominees for the position of the town’s Mayor and its deputy leader.
Cllr Tony Page is the candidate to take up the position of Mayor after Cllr Rachel Eden steps down. He will be celebrating his 50th year of service as a councillor.
Cllr Liz Terry will take over the role of deputy leader of the council from Cllr Page, with leader Cllr Jason Brock remaining in his post.
It follows the council’s position being further solidified in the recent local elections, and a formal decision on appointments is set to be made at the annual general meeting, due next Wednesday, May 24.
Cllr Brock said: “Cllr Page has dedicated his life to serving our town and its residents. It is only right that his landmark 50th year serving as a councillor in Reading should be spent as Mayor, shining a bright light on the communities and the people which set our great town apart.
“I am delighted to announce his nomination – I know from working at close quarters with Tony for several years now that his passion for Reading is unmatched and he will absolutely relish the opportunity to promote our wonderful town even further.
“At the same time, I am delighted to welcome Cllr Terry as the new Deputy Leader. Not only is she a born and
bred Reading girl, she brings with her many decades of Local Government experience, which I’m certain will prove invaluable over the year ahead as we look to deliver on our priorities and the mandate given to us by the people of Reading.”
Cllr Liz Terry said she was “both humbled and privileged to be selected as Deputy Leader by colleagues.”
She explained: “The role of a local Council is incredibly wide and varied– in Reading that means always striving for excellence in the essential day-to-day services we deliver, which I am passionate about.
“The Council’s ethos is to maximise Reading’s potential so that everyone can share in the benefits of its success, and I look forward to getting on with the job.”
The decision will be ratified and formalised at the council’s annual General Meeting, due for Wednesday, May 24.
TWO OF the major bosses at Thames Water will forgo any bonuses for the 2022-2023 financial year, the utilities supplier has announced.
CEO Sarah Bentley and CFO Alastair Cochran have decided to forgo any performance-related bonuses, the latest in a series of moves aimed at addressing “deteriorating” infrastructure and poor performance.
Water companies across the UK have come under fire as levels of sewage discharge into waterways continues to worsen.
Not only has sewage discharge been criticised by environmentalists, customers have also raised concerns that providers were continuing to profit despite rising costs and what they argue is a fall in standards.
Privatised water and sewage companies in the UK were estimated to have paid dividends of around £1.4b in 2022, an increase of more
than £500m on the previous year.
The Thames Water bosses join those in Yorkshire Water and South West Water in eschewing bonuses this year.
The company is now in the second year of an eight-year plan to address what it calls: “ageing and deteriorating infrastructure, a legacy of underinvestment, and poor performance.”
It comes in the wake of the launch of a £1.6bn modernisation investment, as well as the re-localisation of customer services, and the expansion of the teams dedicated to repair leaks to more than 1,000 employees.
The company’s remuneration committee is also set to publish a report in July which will lay out changes to “executive compensation” to align with customer and regulator priorities.
It also comes as regulator Ofwat announces it will begin imposing increased fines for faults in pollution measurement practises from 2025.
The regulator further announced it would set “binding” targets for the first time aimed at reducing storm overflow
and which will apply to all discharge.
Ms Bentley said: “We are a relatively new team executing an eight-year turnaround plan to transform Thames Water and we have taken some important steps forward this year.
“The turnaround plan is not yet where I want it to be primarily due to significant headwinds from extraordinary energy costs, coupled with two severe weather events.
“These have hit our customer and environmental performance–against this backdrop it simply doesn’t feel right to take my bonus this year.”
She continued: “At a time when customers and regulators are properly focused on the environmental and service performance of water companies, it is right that we lead the way in setting a remuneration structure which focuses management on tackling the most pressing challenges – improving customer service, reducing leaks, and focusing on the health of our rivers.”
THE GOVERNMENT has announced plans to extend a scheme that reduces single journey bus fares to £2 per trip – but Reading Buses has yet to confirm if it will be part of it.
The company says that as with previous iterations of the scheme it needs to see the detail before it can confirm its participation.
On Wednesday, transport secretary Mark Harper said £300 million would be made available until 2025, with the £2 bus fare to be extended until October 31. After this time, the price will increase to £2.50.
Before the scheme started a single on Reading Buses simplyReading zone was £2.30,. Under the scheme, it is possible to catch a Green Line service from Reading town centre to central London for £2.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “By extending the £2 fare cap, we’re making sure bus travel remains accessible and affordable for everyone.”
Reading Buses is awaiting the small print before it can confirm its participation.
The firm’s chief executive, Robert Williams, said: “We are waiting for the government to provide us with information about the scheme before we can confirm whether we will be able to take part.
“Our fares are already some of the lowest in the country.”
LAST week’s graphic showcasing the new make-up of Reading Borough Council following the local elections got a key detail wrong.
Just before the local elections, Cllr Sarah Hacker left the Labour party, and now sits as an independent.
This means Labour has 32 councillors in the chamber, and not 33 as we printed.
Greens are the opposition with seven councillors, the Conservatives having five.
The Liberal Democrats have three councillors, and there is one independent.
We apologise for our error.
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.
YOUNGER bus passengers will need to verify their age if they are to continue taking advantage of cheaper fares.
The Boost scheme, is open to university and college students, and anyone aged 18 or under.
From Tuesday, June 1, Reading Buses will be introducing the verification scheme for those buying tickets via the app.
They will have to upload a selfie and a picture show ID that confirms their age. Their app will then be verified within 48 hours.
On future use, the selfie will be displayed on the app ticket so bus drivers can be certain the student is who they say they are.
Robert Williams, Reading Buses’ chief executive officer, said: “We are introducing this verification process after a successful trial at our sister company, Thames Valley Buses.
“The process is very simple and will help us to ensure that the substantial discount we offer to young people to help them travel about more easily is protected.
“The ID that people can use for age verification will be a birth certificate, passport, driving licence (for students), or a PASS accredited card such as Citizencard.”
He continued: “For University of Reading and the various college students, they can use their university or college ID to be verified for one year and will then have to re-verify the next academic year.
THOUSANDS of visitors were welcomed onto the University of Reading’s Whiteknights campus for its inaugural Community Festival on Saturday.
With a wide range of activities, performances and presentations available for guests to enjoy, the day proved to be a true family affair which showcased the diversity in both the university and the Reading itself.
The main stage saw the likes of Sungura Magic, Vocal Networking and South Asian performing arts group Kalakunj get people on their feet and moving around, while the sports taster sessions also achieved the same goal.
The event served as the ideal opportunity for the university and town to come together and learn more about one another, while having a great time.
Molli Cleaver, the university’s community relations manager, said: “Given it was the first time we were holding the festival, we weren’t sure what to expect but there was just such a buzz here.
“It’s so amazing to see children, families and so many people across the community coming together, having fun and celebrating.
“The variety of activities is a great reflection of not only our university, but also our community. There’s so much diversity and variety, and I’m really glad we could present that by working with the community, as well as putting on a festival for the community.”
Multilingual storytimes in languages such as Arabic, Mandarin, Greek and Spanish allowed youngsters to hone their linguistic skills, while charities and initiatives such as the Oxford Road Lifespring stories shared their work with visitors.
The Students’ Union building housed presentation boards where leading academics engaged with visitors young and old, showcasing their very latest research. From bees to virtual reality, there was something to get everyone thinking about.
The Department of Crop Science’s ‘Raising the Pulse’ project has recently received national acclaim for its work in implementing the proteinrich faba bean in loaves of bread.
Prof Donal O’Sullivan, one of the project’s coinvestigators, said: “It’s been very energising and exciting to meet people of all ages, from
the youngest kids who are maybe seeing a bean for the first time to people who know and love broad beans and eat them on a regular basis, and everyone in between.
“I’m going to go away and remember the feedback that we got from the community today and hopefully the community will go away and remember some of the interesting research that’s going on at the University of Reading.
“I met a young lad who’s in Year 8 and I told him, ‘You’ve got a job here at the uni when you finish school because you’re so clued up’. That’s really nice to experience.”
“Any existing Boost tickets will continue to work without verification until their expiry, but any new tickets purchased from June 1 will require the person to be verified before they can activate the ticket.
“There are no changes to Boost tickets purchased in person where ID is only required if you look over 18.”
n Full details of the new verification process, which can only be started when it launches on June 1, is on the firm’s website, www.reading-buses.co.uk
THE UNIVERSITY of Reading is set to reduce its buildings’ carbon footprint by 10% as it matches a £2.2 million grant from the government’s Green Heat Network Fund.
The funds will go towards the installation of a large water source heat pump in the University’s Energy Centre, which provides heating and hot water to 15 buildings on the Whiteknights campus.
The new pump will provide more than 50% of the current heating supply to the campus’ underground heating network, as well as a cooling for science facilities – a by-product of the heat pump.
The Energy Centre heats the university via an underground district heating network (DHN), currently powered by a combination of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) engine and gas boilers.
Dan Fernbank, energy and sustainability director at the university, said: “This project will have significant impact for the university and for the local area.
“The reduction in nitrous oxide emissions will be the
equivalent to those of around 394 diesel cars per year, so this is good news from a local air quality perspective.
“Once the heat pump is fully operational, we expect to see savings of £150,000 per year. This could be significantly more if energy prices remain high, so from a financial point of view this also makes a lot of sense.”
The Green Heat Network Fund, funded by the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ), provides capital support towards the cost of decarbonising heat networks, through a competitive process open to private and public sector heat networks.
Once fully operational, the new water source heat pump will reduce the university’s emissions by 1,500 tonnes of carbon per year, the equivalent to a 10% reduction in emissions from buildings across the entire university estate.
Prof Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “This project, and the funding to make it happen, provide a major boost to the University’s mission to continue our
leadership in environmental sustainability.
“This demonstrates that the technologies needed for a low carbon future are within our grasp.
“This is a flagship project for the University, and as with all our activities, we look forward to sharing our experience with the wider world and encouraging others to take similar actions.”
Moving forward, the university has secured permission from the Environment Agency for some test borehole drills in early summer 2023, subject to planning permission from Wokingham Borough Council.
Once complete, these will inform the detailed design of the scheme, with the project proposed to be developed over the next 18 months.
The CHP engine and gas boilers will initially be retained but operated less frequently, while the University plans its next steps for full decarbonisation by 2030, in line with its Net Zero Carbon commitments set out in its Estates Strategy.
THERE could be a byelection in Reading West if one of the town’s two MPs accepts a peerage.
On leaving office, a prime minister is entitled to a resignation honours list and it is understood that Sir Alok Sharma could be elevated to the House of Lords thanks to Boris Johnson.
The disgraced former prime minister was forced to resign after more than 50 ministers said they could no longer work for him.
Despite quitting a year ago, his resignation list has yet to be approved.
It is rumoured that it includes his father, Stanley Johnson, as well as MPs
Scottish secretary Alister Jack, former culture secretary Nadine Dorries, Nigel Adams,
and Sir Alok, who was Cop26 president.
The Times reports that only Jack wants to stay as an MP. It had been hoped the peerages could have been delayed until the forthcoming general election – which must be held by January 2025. However, the newspaper understands the House of Lords Appointments Commission said this would be ‘constitutionally improper’.
Johnson’s list is expected to be announced before parliament breaks for summer on July 20.
If a byelection is held, it will be along the current constituency boundaries, whereas the general election will see Reading divided into three: Reading, Earley and Woodley which includes
parts of Wokingham borough, and Mid Berkshire, which covers areas including Theale, Calcot, Burghfield and parts of Tilehurst.
Election Maps UK tweeted last night that if a Reading West contest is held, Labour has a commanding opinion poll lead with 55%, against Conservatives 29% and Lib Dems 6%.
The website compiles polling results based on GB wide polling and then number crunched to provide a prediction. It is a snapshot of what could happen if a general election was called at that moment in time, not in a few months or years ahead, and is not a prediction of a general election.
Sir Alok has not commented on the reports.
A SHINFIELD ROAD school has been recognised in one of the most sought-after awards in education.
Leighton Park was shortlisted in the Independent Senior School of the Year category in the 2023 TES (Times Education Supplement) School Awards.
The school’s submission focused on its values-led approach, citing its use of technology to support students, opportunities to work with the community to help others and pioneering curriculum to help educate ‘ethical changemakers’ through critical thinking and
leadership skills.
Headteacher Mr Matthew Judd said: “It is very pleasing to receive validation from one of the sector’s top awards. We believe a school must be judged by the full range and depth of the achievements of its students, and at Leighton Park we seek to develop young people who understand, cherish, and make a difference to the world which they will inherit.
“I’m lucky to witness our extraordinary learning environment every day, to see the meaningful connections between students and staff and
all-round approach to learning and self-guided growth. It is an honour to receive this distinguished accolade and I congratulate the whole Leighton Park community on this tremendous achievement.”
The TES Award winners will be announced on Friday, June 23, at a gala ceremony at London Grosvenor Park Hotel.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded Leighton Park ‘excellent’ in all areas in January 2022. It also picked up the Independent Schools Association Award for Excellence in pupil personal development.
SOUTH Hill Park Arts Centre is set to host a new exhibition promoting water safety.
Bodies of Water sees Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) collaborating with the centre and with young people to create an art project which encourages the understanding of water as a force of nature.
Staff from the centre commissioned artist Hermione Thomson to work with textiles students at King’s Academy, Binfield, in a series of workshops to create a piece which was composed using cyanotypes.
This is a camera-free image recording process more than two centuries old, and the blue tint from which the process gets its name was used to evoke the reference of water.
Creative media students at Bracknell and Wokingham College were also invited to document the creation of the artwork as part of a work
experience programme.
The exhibition opened last week in South Hill Park’s Arts centre, Bracknell
Dave Crease, Group Manager, RBFRS, said: “We approached staff at South Hill Park as we wanted their expertise in how we could better engage with young people around the issue of water safety.
“As a fire and rescue service we have been called to a number of tragic incidents on
SEMINAR: Textile artist Hermione Thomson working with Year 10 textiles students at King’s Academy, Binfield.
Royal Berkshire Fire and rescue Service and South Hill Park
Berkshire’s waterways, and we were keen to explore the use of art to illustrate the dangers of swimming in unsupervised bodies of water.”
Becky Jones, Learning, participation and community engagement co-ordinator at South Hill Park Arts Centre, commented: “It has been such a highlight for South Hill Park to design and produce this project, culminating in a truly poignant, engaging arts exhibition.
A READING resident is tackling visual impairment head on with a country-spanning challenge following a diagnosis of his own.
Andy Smith was diagnosed with a severe visual impairment early in 2020 due to complications from diabetes after he woke up struggling to see.
He was found to have a detached retina in one eye with damage to the other, and doctors thought that he would “be lucky” to save any of his sight.
He said that the news caused him to spend much of the lockdowns which followed feeling depressed, confused, and scared to lose his independence and confidence.
The event was organised by REDA and featured music and food
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.todayTHE sound of music and the smell of something cooking wafted over Reading town centre at the weekend as the annual Reading Food Festival returned.
Broad Street was awash with street food for the event, hosted by Blue Collar and REDA, the new name for Reading UK CIC.
Formerly known as Eat Reading, the two-day event saw more than 30 different cuisines
on offer, as well as a bar and musical entertainment.
The menu included food from Germany, Mexico, Italy, Japan, Spain, Ethiopia, Jamaica, India, the Philippines and the UK.
Musical performances came from RASPO, Los Dos Gringos, No Strings Attached and Natalie Gray.
The event, which has been running for more than a decade, attracted hundreds of visitors, much to the delight of organisers.
“We are delighted to have supported local school students to learn from such an excellent artist, working collaboratively to create thought- provoking prints.
“Thank you to everyone involved in this project.”
Textile artist Hermione Thomson, said: “It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented group of people to create a meaningful and educational body of work using the Cyanotype process.
“The exhibition hopes to raise awareness of the dangers surrounding open water.”
Emily Moulton, work experience coordinator for the creative industries at Bracknell & Wokingham College, commented: “This has been a fantastic project for our learners to engage with as a part of their work experience.
“It’s allowed them to gain hands-on, practical creative skills that will strengthen their future employability, as well as allowing them to engage with the community around them.”
“People ask me what it’s like,” Mr Smith explained, “how do you cope?
“Honestly, on your own, you don’t – having visual impairment, regardless of its severity, takes away independence, confidence, self esteem, and hope.”
He was referred to Berkshire Vision, which supports those dealing with sight loss, and is now a regular at their events such, including their regular pub quizzes.
He also supported their Take on 250 Challenge in Reading’s Oracle shopping centre back in January.
Spurred on, Mr Smith has decided to put the pedal to the metal for his own challenge to give back to the charity which he credits with restoring his confidence
“I never realised how reliant charities are on donations, so always being a keen cyclist and having bought an indoor trainer during one of the lockdowns, I thought I could do a charity ride – and why not the distance of
Andy Smith will be cycling the equivalent of more than 870 miles using his home exercise bike and facilities at a nearby gym Picture: Courtesy of Berkshire Vision
“Berkshire Vision helped to restore my confidence and self esteem so let’s see how much we can raise so Berkshire Vision can provide even more support to the visually impaired and help a significant number of people not just survive but thrive.”
He will be cycling the equivalent of 874 miles, and started on Monday, May 8. n More information about Berkshire Vision and their support services is available via: berkshirevision.org.uk
Lands End to John O’Groats?TOM Lewis, a folk singer from Northern Ireland, will be performing at Readifolk on Sunday, at 8pm.
He has been performing folk music for more than 20 years and has released four albums.
His music is a mix of traditional shanties and songs he has written himself. Lewis is known for his powerful vocals and infectious humor.
The concert will be held at the Community Hall, Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street (South Street entrance).
Admission is £8.
n For more information, log on to: readifolk.org.uk, or call: 0118 937 5950.
A COMMUNITY group is inviting residents to get their dancing shoes on for a jive and boogie on Thursday, May 25.
iCare 2018 social club’s members are invited to attend Let’s Dance, Disco and Party.
The social club is targeted at those who want to get out and socialise with others and helps those who may be feeling lonely, isolated or are just looking for company and fun in their lives.
The event takes place from noon-4.30pm at Whitley Wood Community Centre.
n To book a space, contact:
0118 950 0777
GREEN Park is set to see the opening of the first new train station in Reading for more than a century later this month.
Reading Green Park Station is due to open on Saturday, May 27, in the heart of the business area and close to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.
With two 150m platforms, a fully-accessible station building and over-bridge, and a number of public transport access links, the station will significantly improve public transport options for nearby residents and businesses.
It will also make travelling to the stadium for sports fixtures by train easier and more convenient.
Approved in 2014, the project is a joint venture from Reading Borough Council and rail operators Great Western Railway and Network Rail.
As well as a bus interchange, a taxi rank, and cycling facilities, the station also provides two car parks complete with 12 blue badge spaces, drop-off points, and long-stay parking.
Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “I’m thrilled
that we finally have an opening date for Reading Green Park Station. This will be Reading’s first brand new station since the opening of Reading West station on 1 July 1906.
“When open for public use from Saturday, May 27, Reading Green Park Station will form an integral part of Reading’s evergrowing sustainable transport infrastructure.
“The new multi-modal interchange will dramatically improve accessibility and connectivity to this important area of south Reading.
“The future expansion of the business park and residential areas on Green Park, as well as the proposed Royal Elm Park mixed use development, will all benefit from the new station.
“It will also be another option for football fans heading to the Stadium on match days, again taking the pressure off our busy local roads.”
GWR Business Development Director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “New stations such as Reading Green Park are vital in bringing the railway closer to people as we all become more mindful to live and travel
more sustainably.
“Reading Green Park is one of three GWR stations to open this year along with Marsh Barton in Exeter and Portway Park & Ride in Bristol and we are excited for the benefits these stations will bring to local residents, businesses and leisure travellers in the areas they will serve.”
THE HISTORY of Caversham can be explored through a new walking tour.
Terry Dixon will be leading the exploration of the village on Tuesday, May 23.
Starting near Caversham Bridge from 9.50am, and running until around noon, it will give participants the chance to learn about some listed buildings and where the old police station was sited.
The walk will also take participants through Caversham Court Gardens and up to The Mount, where they can take a break and enjoy the views.
The walk will then head downhill to the centre of Caversham.
Places cost £5 per adult and £1 per child over five. Proceeds will be split equally between Home-Start Reading, a charity that supports families with young children, and the Friends of Caversham Court Gardens, a group that helps to maintain the gardens.
n To book a place, log on to: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts
READING Library to host welcome coffee morning Reading Libraries will be hosting a Welcome Coffee Morning on Saturday, May 27.
The event is free and open to all, and is a great opportunity to meet other residents and learn more about the library and its resources.
Attendees will be able to learn about the library’s collection of books, magazines, and other materials, as well as its programmes and services.
They will also have the chance to try out the library’s new Hublets, which are small, selfcontained spaces that offer a variety of activities and resources for all ages.
The event runs from 11am-1pm at Reading Central Library, on Abbey Square, off Kings Road.
n For more information, and details about its services, including ebooks, local history information, study space, wifi, printing, and a gallery, call: 0118 901 5950.
A TILEHURST church is set to hold a clothes sale to raise funds which will help a young family affected by cancer.
Tilehurst United Reform Church is hosting the community clothes sale which will see attendees buying clothes by the bag.
It is also seeking donations of clothes, shoes, and accessories of all sizes for women, men, and children.
The funds raised will be donated to Team Hayley UK, a fundraising project set up after organiser Donna Lacunes when her sister-in-law was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic cancer.
The fundraising project is seeking to help Hayley and her husband, Wayne, and three young children with financial costs such as medical expenses and to help them spend time together.
The Community Clothes Sale takes place at Tilehurst United Reform Church, Armour Road, from 11am-4pm on Saturday, July 22.
Details about donating clothes are available by contacting 0773 368 2544. n More information about Team Hayley UK and how to donate is available via the GoFundMe page: gofundme. com/f/helping-our-beautifulsister-auntie
THE TRAIN NOW ARRIVING: Reading Green Park Station is now due to open on Saturday, May 27
A BOLLYWOOD singer and composer, is currently on a UK tour that will stop in Reading this weekend.
Amit Kumar, the son of the legendary Kishore Kumar, has had a successful career in his own right, singing more than 150 songs in six different languages, and he has won numerous awards, including a Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer.
He has sung everything from romantic ballads to peppy dance numbers, and he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in Bollywood, including Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and Mohammed Rafi.
The Yeh Sham Mastani tour will be a celebration of Kumar's music and his career. He will be performing some of his biggest hits, as well as some lesser-known gems.
He will also be sharing anecdotes and stories from his life in the music industry.
The tour is a must-see for any fan of Bollywood music. It is a chance to see one of the greatest singers of our time in concert, and it is a chance to experience the magic of Bollywood music live.
Tickets for the tour are on sale now and cost from £27.33.
n For more details, call The Hexagon box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to www.whatsonreading. com
jclothier@rdg.today
MEMBERS of Reading’s Ukrainian Community came together to watch the grand final of Eurovision on Saturday.
Following Ukraine’s song taking the top spot in Eurovision last year, the UK was chosen to host, meaning the performers and international audience descended on Liverpool for the final.
Reading Ukrainian Community Centre (RUCC) hosted those of Ukrainian heritage as well as refugees and their friends and family to join the world in watching the conclusion of the international song competition.
The centre saw children taking part in decorating eggs to represent the competing countries, which were put on display.
RUCC’s Mick Pollek said at the event that he had hoped the UK might win: “That way, we can return the favour and host a big party in a free Kyiv.”
Though Sweden would
eventually go on to win this year, Ukraine made it to sixth place out of 26 entrants with TVORCHI’s Heart of Steel, and the UK’s Mae Muller came second to last, trailing only behind Germany.
Also in attendance was Mick Antoniw, who said: “This particular Eurovision is, I think, different to any others that have gone before.
“It’s different because Ukraine is now almost twinned is almost whole of Europe, and we can’t host for reasons everyone knows.
“The reality is that this is an incredibly political event; people on the front lines and in the trenches will be listening under armed attack.
“Seeing those events taking place here will give an incredible morale boost because those people will know that they are not alone.”
When Mr Antoniw visits Ukraine as part of the efforts to bring supplies and vital donations, those he meets say: “When we receive this stuff we know that we aren’t forgotten, we’re not alone, and that can be a real motivator to see this all through.”
As for whether Ukrainians had been looking forward to
Children attending the centre decorated eggs in the style of flags of countries taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest
the event, he explained: “People are incredibly tense, and it is an opportunity to celebrate and let off a little steam.
“It’s also a way of reuniting with families back in Ukraine in many ways, through Eurovision, at a time when their lives are so difficult.”
With a number of children in attendance, the leader of the centre’s Saturday school sessions, Alexandra Sevko, said: “It’s very important for children, those who were born here, those of mixed heritage, and those who migrated.
“Ukraine is not isolated, and its culture belongs here as part of
the world; music is such a big part of Ukrainian culture, and so it is important to show them that their culture contributes to the world.”
Ms Sevko, as well as working full time, teaches a full day of schooling at the centre on Saturdays, which is a vital part of helping them remain in touch with their language and heritage.
She also welcomed them back to the centre, along with their families, on Sunday, May 14, to celebrate Mother’s Day.
n More details about services offered by the centre and upcoming events via: rucc.uk
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ARTISTS enjoyed showcasing their creations during a special trail last weekend –and there is another chance for people to catch their work this weekend.
The annual Caversham Arts Trail (CAT) runs over two weekends, giving people the chance to explore the area as well as discovering great art.
CHANCE TO SEE: Reading Abbey gateway tours are being organised by Reading Museum Picture: Phil Creighton
READING Museum is offering a rooftop tour of the Abbey Gateway.
It will take visitors inside the building to learn about its fascinating history and its role in the Abbey Quarter.
Visitors will also have the chance to access the rooftop for an aerial view of the Forbury Gardens and Abbey Ruins.
The tour is £15 per person and lasts for 45 minutes to an hour. Tours are limited to 15 people per tour, so booking is essential.
The Abbey Gateway is a Grade I listed building that was built in the 14th century.
It was originally part of the Reading Abbey, which was one of the largest and most important
abbeys in England.
The Abbey was dissolved in the 16th century, but the Abbey Gateway survived and was used for a variety of purposes over the years.
In the 19th century, it was used as a police station and a fire station.
The Abbey Gateway was restored in 2022 and is now open to the public.
The tour will give visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the history of this important building and to see some of the best views in Reading.
The tour is available on Saturday, May 27, and Saturday, July 15, at 2pm.
n To book a ticket, visit the Reading Museum website or call 0118 937 5950.
FAMILIES are being encouraged to get creative at free workshops held across Whitley in the coming weeks.
Organised in tandem with this summer’s inaugural Whitley Carnival, seven sessions will take place at three venues to help people make costumes and props, which will be showcased in the event’s parades.
Hexham Road Community Centre will host after-school costume-making workshops from 3.30pm-6pm on May 23 and June 6, as well as half term ‘Make a Giant’ sessions from 10am-3pm on June 1 and 2.
Further costume making workshops will take place from
3.30pm-6pm on May 24 and June 7, at Whitley Wood Community Centre, as well as at South Reading Leisure Centre from 11am-4pm on June 4.
Events are also being run at all schools in Whitley.
Partners who are involved in the provision of workshops include: Annual Daydream Harvest, Berzerk Productions, CultureMix Arts, Jelly, Limpopo Groove, Make/ Sense Theatre, MERL, Readipop, Reading Rep, RISC and Rock Academy.
Those interested in getting involved should book their spots online.
n For more information and bookings, search: Whitley Carnival on www. eventbrite.co.uk
READING Scout and Guide Headquarters will be hosting the 9th Reading Guides Monthly Charity Book Sale on Saturday, May 20. from 10am to noon.
The event, organised by Kim Prior, will raise money for both local and national charities.
Attendees are welcome to donate pre-loved books, and there will be delicious refreshments on offer.
The venue is located at Northcourt Avenue, Reading, RG2 7HG. Anyone can attend, and admission is free.
The event takes place in a range of venues, including studios and homes, and reduces the barriers between creators and viewers.
Many of the pieces from the 33 artists on show in 13 venues were available to purchase.
Julie Simmonds, one of the trail’s organisers, was thrilled with how the opening weekend had gone.
“I have visited many of the venues and I have been so impressed by the quality of the work on show, the warm welcome and, as organiser, it is so lovely to see CAT artists talking to visitors and spending time explaining their work, process and the ideas behind it.”
She continued: “This year we have reinstated the much loved demonstrations during the Trail with more to come next weekend. One visitor loved the demonstration so much they bought the work: how wonderful.
“I believe the demonstrations really help visitors understand the processes behind the work and I wholeheartedly believe in demystifying the nature of art and craft to make it accessible to all.
“Anyone can be creative, you’ve just got to try and not worry.”
While most venues are
open from 11am to 5pm, for some artists they had to be up with the lark: “Sunday morning was an early start for two of our artists as they were taking part in the Caversham Farmers and Artisan market in Caversham for the first
time, and will be there next Sunday 10am-3pm.”
And this week gives an opportunity for artists to replenish their supplies, as Ms Simmonds explained: “I know that most of the artists, like myself, will be in their studios
frantically making new work in readiness for Saturday as they have sold so much over the weekend, a sure sign of a successful Trail.”
n For more details, and a map of the venues taking part, log on to: cavershamartstrail.co.uk
THE Berkshire Family History Society will be hosting a talk on the English in India from the early 1600s through to 1947 on Thursday, May 25 at 7.45pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Tilehurst.
It will be given by Jeremy James HeathCaldwell, a member of the Berkshire Family History Society, and cover the history of the East India Company, the British Raj, and the Indian independence movement. It will also discuss the impact of British rule on India, both positive and negative.
The talk is free for Berkshire Family History Society members and £5 for visitors. Doors open at 7.15pm. Free parking is available on site.
n For more information, please visit the Berkshire Family History Society website or call 0118 937 5950.
VISITORS at an upcoming community event could be inspired to start producing their own fruit and veg, thanks to a Wokingham charity. Freely Fruity will help residents plant their own salad, herb and strawberry crops at a workshop held at the Whitley Community Centre, Northumberland Avenue on Thursday, June 1.
Organised in collaboration with the Whitley Community Development Association, visitors will also be able to purchase refreshments.
The group is currently working alongside the University of Reading on the FoodSEqual project, which is exploring food systems in underserved communities across the UK.
The event takes place from 11am-1pm. n For more information, visit: www.freelyfruity.org
A NEW South Reading summer event is calling on the community for volunteers to ensure its smooth running.
The inaugural Whitley Carnival, which will take place on Sunday, June 11, requires around 30 stewards to line the parade from 11am-1pm.
Volunteers will man the route, helping keep people safe while also watching the procession.
Those interested in taking part will be asked to take part in a half hour briefing during the week leading up to the event.
n For more information, visit: www.whitleycarnival.co.uk
MOTORISTS in Earley may be required to find alternative routes on Sunday as planned road works are set to take place.
B3350 Wilderness Road will be closed between Pepper Lane and Hartsbourne Road on May 21.
The restrictions will allow Thames Water to carry out sewer cover replacement works on a defective manhole in the carriageway.
The closure will be carried out from 10am-2pm.
n For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk
A POWERFUL piece of artwork was unveiled on Monday morning, in a ceremony which highlighted Reading’s commitment to tackling knife crime and violence.
Stakeholders gathered at The Oracle’s Riverside to see the Armoured Heart for the first time. It is a sculpture partly made from blades handed in to knife amnesty bins across the town.
Speeches were delivered by Cllr Karen Rowland, the Council’s lead member for environmental services and community safety, artist Stuart Melrose and activist Moses Heidenbluth, on what was the first day of Knife Crime Awareness Week.
Mr Melrose created the installation alongside members of Starting Point mentoring service’s Young Voices project, in an attempt to inspire young people to make positive choices about knives.
Speaking after the ceremony, he said: “To get it installed and finished on time is amazing. To be honest, the idea I came in with was nothing like what the sculpture looks like now.
“[The young people] have
progressed the ideas, shown us what they wanted and taken it to what it is now. It wouldn’t have been here without the kids.”
Standing at 2m tall, the structure is made up of multiple precision-cut stainless steel diamonds to depict armour plating, with a swirling steel finial shape at the top made from weapons recovered and melted down by Thames Valley Police.
Mr Melrose believes the Armoured Heart theme is an emblematic way of
safeguarding the hearts of those involved in knife crime, and also their loved ones.
“I found it amazingly educational to work with the people who have been involved in knife crime, and harrowing as well,” he added. “You meet some characters that are just so strong and powerful after going through what they’ve done.”
Reading was heartbroken in January 2021, when 13-year-old schoolboy Olly Stephens was fatally stabbed. His parents attended the unveiling.
Of the occasion, Olly’s mother Amanda said: “It’s really positive. It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work from a lot of people.
“To get to this point, to actually have it on a sunny day, now it’s here forever, it just feels like a point in time, it feels like history’s being made. Things will move forward now.
“It’s about making sure we’re all thinking about it because we can all make a positive difference when we do talk about it with our children.”
She commended the efforts set to be made during the week by the police and The Ben Kinsella Trust to ensure antiknife crime information packs were sent out to schools across the country.
The Stephens’ believe social media companies have an important role to play in protecting young people but aren’t doing enough to prevent
UNVEILING: Stakeholders from across Reading were in attendance to take the first look at the Armoured Heart. Picture: Ji-Min Lee
one and move Reading forward for the better.”
“Knife crime is much bigger than people think. It’s not just people from gangs, council estates, London, but it’s creeped into smaller towns like Reading, and it’s involving people who would never have carried a knife, weapon or been involved with that kind of life.
“But because of fear, people, especially young people, are worried about what’s going on, so they’ve decided to take [knives] as an option. We need to show them that that’s not an option because you’re only increasing this culture of carrying a knife.”
exposure to violent and harmful content.
Olly’s father Stuart explained: “We paid for it. We just didn’t understand and assumed [children] were protected online. We assumed there was a duty of care – there isn’t.
“The bottom line is those companies are there to make money, and they will make money any way they can.
“It is child exploitation, however they want to dress it up, they are exploiting children for profit. That needs to change.”
The information board adjacent to the fixture includes a QR code, which directs people to online resources and information about knife crime.
A month of action will take place in July, where the installation will be the catalyst of an outreach programme aiming to help young people reach their potential and challenge any culture that knives or violence are acceptable as a form of protection or as a solution to any situation.
Mr Heidenbluth, an educator who set up Give Back FC, a football team which was set up during the pandemic to give young men a positive space to be, has first hand experience of the consequences of knife crime.
He said: “It’s been quite an emotional day, there are families here who have lost family and friends to knife crime. But it’s good to unite as
Knife amnesty bins in Reading are located at the Waitrose car park in Caversham, Cintra Park, Coley Park Community Centre, Kensington Park, Orts Road and Tilehurst Triangle.
Thames Valley Police superintendent Steve Raffield explained: “One of the things I often say is: by the time it gets to the police, it’s too late. When you catch a child with a knife, they’re already in the criminal justice system at that point.
“There’s always a full back story that we need to understand. For me, it’s all about working with young people, educating people that they don’t actually need to carry a knife.
“There’s still knife crime, no amount of knife crime or carrying is acceptable, but the fact that we’ve got so many people here, the fact we’ve got the statue is a really positive sign. There’s still a lot of work to build on that.”
The project received total sponsorship of £64,000 and was funded through grants from GWR’s Community Fund, the British Airways community fund, the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit and community donations.
It was commissioned through a partnership project including Reading Borough Council, Thames Valley Police, The Oracle, the University of Reading, Berkshire Community Foundation and Reading & Basingstoke Community Rail Partnership.
with a convenience store, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter. The Smith’s motorcycle and cycle dealers at 142 Whitley Wood Lane closed in October 2018 and has since been boarded up. The neighbouring building used to serve as the Berkshire Home Brew store but that unit is also empty.
Pajan Singh Kaneja is hoping to open Whitley Superstore on the sites and Reading Borough Council has received an application for a licence to sell alcohol from 7am to midnight each day.
In January last year, the council’s head of planning rejected a plan to replace 142144 Whitley Wood Lane with new retail and office facilities and 12 flats.
The head of planning judged
the replacement would “result in an overly bulky, incongruous and visually dominant structure” when refusing it (reference 211932).
It is understood a planning application is not needed to convert the old Smith’s unit into a convenience store. Comments on the application can be made by Wednesday, May 31, by emailing: licensing@reading. gov.uk
A FORMER motorbike dealership in Whitley could be replaced
IF you don’t know your Bordeaux from your Beaujolais then raise a glass to Alex Stevenson.
He is the man who runs Reading’s leading independent wine education and events company.
Alex not only holds regular wine tastings and courses he also knows his way around a packet of crisps while helping to raise money for charity.
After many years winning rave reviews from wine experts and amateur drinkers in London, Alex moved to Reading to open the Thames Valley Wine School.
As well as tastings the school offers courses from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust which provides globally recognised education and qualifications in wines, spirits and sake, for professionals and enthusiasts.
“Our events are run by friendly wine tutors and are relaxed and informal with an emphasis on learning by tasting,” he explains.
“Whether you are new to wine and want to learn more,
want to explore different countries or grape varieties, or simply want to enjoy good company and good times, we have a tasting for everyone.”
The School’s next event is a wine and crisps tasting on Tuesday, May 30, at The Corn Stores in Forbury Road.
“Sometimes you just don’t have anything in the fridge, can’t be bothered to cook, and for some reason can’t decide on a takeaway, but still fancy having some wine and
something nice to eat with it, “ says Alex.
“For times like this a bag of crisps and some wine work surprisingly well. We will taste some really special wines and match them with our favourite crisps while sticking to the principles of classic wine and food matches.”
In July, Alex is hosting a wine tasting session in conjunction with the charity, Chemogiftbags which provides Care Boxes containing practical products to
help ease some of the common side effects of chemo treatment, such as nausea, metallic taste, muscle and bone pain, dry skin and brittle nails.
“This is a charity close to my heart as both my wife and mother have survived breast cancer.
“We hope wine lovers will come and join us for this tasting and help us to support as many people as possible in our community who have to cope with this terrible disease.
Should it be Pringles with your Merlot? Or Frazzles? A Reading-based expert is keen to share his knowledge
Picture: Thomas from Pixabay
THE Abbey School in Reading is set to host its first-ever annual theology lecture in partnership with the University of Reading Chaplaincy’s Café Théologique. The lecture, titled Creation out of Chaos: Doing Theology out of Trauma, will be delivered by Dr Karen O’Donnell, a feminist trauma theologian, who will explore the concept of trauma theology and its significance.
The event, which is free to attend, will also be livestreamed on Vimeo.
It takes place from 7.30pm on Monday, May 22.
n For more information, contact Mark Amos at amosma@ theabbey.co.uk
“Tickets for the evening on July 7 cost only £30 and include a wine tasting of six carefully selected wines and a two-hour event where you can learn more about wine in a relaxed atmosphere. All profits go to the charity.”
n To learn more about the Thames Valley Wine School and to discover what other courses are available, go to: https://www. localwineschool.com/thamesvalley/
THE Reading Male Voice Choir will be performing at Christ Church in Katesgrove on Saturday, May 20 at 7pm. They will be performing a variety of popular songs and joined by soprano Charis Anne Luke.
Tickets for the concert are £10 (plus booking fee) and can be purchased online or at the door.
The concert is a great opportunity to enjoy some beautiful music and support a local charity.
n For more information, visit the Reading Male Voice Choir website or call 0118 937 5950.
YOUNGSTERS taking part in a family event were joined by a prestigious guest to celebrate the Coronation on Thursday last week.
Attendees at the al fresco Rhymetime session were treated to a visit by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, when they took part in the speech and music session with Teddies Music Club in Forbury Gardens.
Parents and toddlers, as well as groups from nearby nurseries, engaged in songs and rhyming games to support language and speech skills development in the shadow of the Maiwand Lion.
The mayor introduced herself and brought a message from King Charles III himself after meeting
the monarch at a garden party ahead of the Coronation. She also spent time taking pictures with the families who attended, including 17-month-old Maya and her mum.
Speaking at the Rhymetime event, Cllr Eden said: “I have a message from King Charles to Reading, as I got to meet him in his real palace.
“He wanted everybody to have a special time here in Reading, celebrating being together as a community and enjoying ourselves.
“So I wanted to share this message, as the King has always said that young people are very important.” Afterwards, families participated in an introductory song, followed by a number
of classic nursery rhymes tweaked to fit the theme of the Coronation, with accompaniment from a classical guitar.
Afterwards, Cllr Eden said: “Rhymetime is a really special part of what Reading Library does to help our youngest residents have the best start in life.
“It was lovely to take part in a special Coronation Rhymetime in our beautiful Forbury gardens with children from across town.”
Reading Borough Council hosts regular Rhymetime sessions at Battle, Caversham, Central, palemer Park, Southcote, Tilehurst, and Whitley ;ibraries.
n Full details about times and how to book your place, log on to: reading.gov.uk/leisure/libraries/ rhymetimes
ON FRIDAY, South Street Arts Centre played host once again to a poetry collective which sees guests from the world of poetry take to the stage alongside Reading’s own bards.
The monthly Poet’s Cafe continued its run of diverse and accomplished poets and offered the chance to perform for budding poets and veteran verse-makers alike.
This time, Dr Khadija Rouf was invited to share a number of her poems, following publication in a number of collections and having been shortlisted for a Hypocrates Prize in 2021.
Her work, some of which is informed by her work as a clinical psychologist, has been included in anthologies such as These Are The Hands, which collects poems from NHS staff.
She began with a poem about her experiences caring for patients, followed by a poem inspired by her relationship with her daughter.
Her set also included Housework, which examined household chores, and 13 Ways of Looking at A Washing Machine.
It concluded with Skirt, a humorous poem which detailed the day-to-day life of a married couple through the lens of an argument about the ironing.
Speaking after the event, Ms Rouf said: “I’ve been writing since I was a kid and have just carried on; I find it very therapeutic, so I feel very passionate about it.”
She is relatively new to performance, however: “There was a Zoom group which had been set up on Wednesdays during the pandemic by Carl Tomlinson and Fran Day, where people could meet for a half-hour set.
“People would give talks or readings or even play music with their sets, and I was asked if I’d like to read, which was my first dip-in.
“This is only about my third or fourth gig.”
As to how much her career contributes to her creative output, she said: “I don’t tend to write about it very often; I write more about life outside of work.
“I try to write to switch off, really; it’s about observing the day-to-day, finding unmapped zones of experiences and things that might go unnoticed, be it humorous or sad, and saying the things that often go unsaid.”
Poet’s Cafe returns to South Street Arts Centre on the second Friday of each month, presented by Reading Stanza.
The next session takes place on Friday, June 9, with guest poet Zoe Brookes, hosted by John Froy. n Details and tickets are available via: whatsonreading.com
TOP GEAR: Katia Loggie, a student at Queen Anne’s School, has become the youngest female competitor at the British Touring Car Championship after signing with EXCELR8. Picture: Courtesy of Queen Anne’s School
A STUDENT at a Caversham school is set to take the racing world by storm after having become the youngest to participate in the British Touring Car Championship.
Katia Loggie, who studies in the Lower Sixth Form at Queen Anne’s in Caversham, passed her racing car drivers test and received her license at 17.
She has now signed with EXCELR8, multiple-time champion racing team in the British Touring Car Championship, with only a brief spell in kart racing at Boyndie for on-track experience.
It means that Katia will now be going head-to-head with fellow racers at some of the UK’s most famous race tracks, including Silverstone and Brands Hatch, and is due to compete at Snetterton later this month.
As well as signing up for the team, she is also working with Girls on Track, a joint initiative between the Federation International de l’Automobile and Motorsport UK which aims to inspire women to take part in motorsports.
She also gave an assembly at her school, Queen Anne’s, talking about her experiences as a racing driver with members of the Lower and Upper 4th.
Katia has already competed in her debut races after securing finishes at Brands Hatch in the Vertu Motors MINI Challenge during Easter.
She said: “I’m racing with the reigning BTCC champions, Excelr8 Motorsport, in the Vertu Motors Mini Challenge, where I am the youngest girl to ever compete the series.
“I’m a BTCC development driver for Exelr8 Motorsport and Bristol Street Motors where they are setting me up with the plan of being the first female world champion.
“I am also a part of the Williams Racing Early Careers programme.”
The EXCELR8’s team owner, Justina Williams, said that Katia has “a huge amount of determination and we are delighted to welcome her into the team.”
She explained that while joining was “a big step for a rookie,” the team was “looking forward to working with her during the season ahead to realise her goals, and are excited to see what she can achieve on track.”
WHEN it comes to long grass the mower the merrier.
That’s the message from wildlife campaigners who are urging gardeners to let their lawns flower this summer to help save bees and other endangered insects.
They say long grass and flowers provide essential habitats and food sources and want people to keep their mowers in the shed.
Greg Wilkinson, chairman of the Berkshire Branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England said: “Gardens are important wildlife havens and if we let our lawns grow in the coming weeks we will be doing nature a big favour. Allowing dandelions and daisies to bring a splash of colour to our lawns is also the easiest and most practical way to enable more bees and butterflies to survive.”
CPRE also wants local councils and landowners in Berkshire to join in this campaign for nature by leaving parks and other green spaces such as roadside verges to grow wild. The countryside charity is supporting the “No Mow May” campaign for rewilding by PlantLife and the Wildlife Trust.
To find out more about how you can encourage the recovery of Britain’s depleted nature, and to support CPRE’s campaign work for our local countryside, please go to the charity’s website www.cpreberkshire. org.uk and follow CPRE Berkshire on Twitter and Facebook.
To recognise projects, people and organisations that contribute to the cultural life of Reading, covering music, drama, art and heritage.
THERE are two nominations this week for the Cultural Contribution category, sponsored by M&G Real Estate, for the Pride of Reading Awards.
Artist CAROLINE STREATFIELD has completed two projects on the Oxford Road in Reading.
A nominator said: “She painted myself at work as well as other independent shopkeepers on the Oxford Road. She also did a recipe project where she collected recipes and artwork and produced cards that were given out in the shops and museum.”
She said Caroline’s paintings toured the Oxford Road and were exhibited in Battle Library and Reading Biscuit Factory. Caroline also made a film which was shown in the Biscuit Factory cinema.
The nominator added: “I feel she went above and beyond to put the Oxford Road on the map and show it in a positive light . You can see the films on her website. I think she represented me really well and my community business and the others.”
Nominators were full of praise for
RABBLE THEATRE for their services to the arts and their activity in the fight to turn Reading gaol into an arts hub.
One said: “They are a brilliant local theatre group who constantly fight to enrich the cultural life of Reading.
“From their excellent training and education activities (such as LAMDA acting training for children and adults), the amazing adult Get Up
LEARNER drivers in Reading have a better chance of getting on the road than those in other southern towns, writes James Hastings
A new survey shows the average waiting time for a practical driving test is just seven weeks and two weeks for the theory version.
The number of students passing first time is 54.9% while the test centre in Elgar Road scored eight out of 10 for location and accessibility.
By comparison, Lee on the Solent has a 24-week wait for practical tests with theory tests also taking longer to obtain.
Overall, Reading came fourth in the survey of best UK areas for passing a driving test in the survey conducted by motoring experts at Bill Plant Driving School.
A spokesperson for the company said most learners need an average of 52 hours behind the wheel before collecting that prized licence adding that practical and theory tests have been harder to obtain.
“In 2022, it was reported that the average driving test wait time in the UK was around 13 weeks, but for some areas, this was considerably longer. So, where are learner drivers waiting longest for a driving test slot, and once you’ve got one, which areas of the country are you most likely to pass in?”
“For our latest research, we analysed data and revealed the UK areas with the longest theory and practical test wait times, as well as the areas which have the highest driving test pass rates.
Caroline Streatfield and RABBLE Theatre, which the Cultural Contribution category for this year’s DON’T DO IT: The Campaign For Rural England is hoping people will mow less this summer Picture: Markus Distelrath from Pixabay
Departing Wed 9 Aug ‘23
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an unforgettable event, bringing together classic marching bands, dance and displays in one iconic extravaganza! Along with this spectacular evening we also discover the captivating beauty of Loch Lomond.
SOUTH Reading residents may be unaware of the significance of their garden furnishings.
According to Whitley Community Museum curator
David Turner, many former Second World War air raid shelters now house people’s gardening tools and lawnmowers.
This week’s Whitley Way Back When photograph features one of many shelters that protected residents during the war, this one was located on Merton Road.
on Stage training, to their wonderful stage shows they are the pride of Reading!”
He added: “Their tireless fight for the campaign for Reading gaol has been energising for the area. They’ve made such a difference to my life; given me new skills and confidence and it’s been so much fun getting involved in their activities.”
Another added: “They’re an amazing performing arts group providing theatre for the people, whilst also developing theatre in our locality.”
Make sure you give as much detail as possible about why they would be worthy winners. To nominate a person, business or organisation go to www.porawards. co.uk where there is information on the categories, sponsors and awards.
The awards annual lunch, hosted by Chris Tarrant, is held in October when shortlisted nominees, guests and sponsors are invited and winners are celebrated.
“By investigating these data points, we’ll reveal the best places to pass your test based on these factors, and reveal the ideal areas to take your theory so you won’t be left waiting too long for your chance to pass your practical driving test with your chosen driving school.”
One Reading based driving instructor who asked not to be named said the town and suburbs provided safer and more relaxed locations for learners.
“The main problem is the number of potholes around the town which can take inexperienced drivers by surprise and it’s easy for them to lose control.
“The second issue is the increasing cycle lanes which cyclists for some reason known to themselves tend to ignore and choose to hog the middle of the road like they are leading a procession,” they said.
“It’s not just motorists who need to study the Highway Code. Cyclists are much more aggressive and impatient with learners, even more than other motorists or pedestrians.”
Mr Turner said: “It’s not surprising that during the 1940s, most roads and gardens had a shelter of some kind, which included the privately built ones and council built.
“In today’s world, these shelters are being used for different purposes, from dens to sheds, but we must not forget what these shelters were built for and the distressing stories from families during this war period.”
Shelter designs ranged from concrete, brick and the Anderson style, as seen in the photograph above.
Museum member David Judd recalled stumbling upon the entrance to an underground bunker in Whitley Wood Lane while helping his father dig their vegetable patch in the 1960s.
Another resident, Elizabeth Leach, described using her shelter as a den where she met up with her friends, having kitted it out with a
What would I give for just one more day Of
table, sofa and chairs.
Mr Turner shared a more sombre memory of the shelters. He said: “One story will always stay in my mind was told to me by a young local girl, a grandchild to a proud grandad who sadly found life very difficult in the time after the war.
“The family spent many hours in their shelter and had it equipped as living quarters with food etc.
“At the end of the war, this gentleman locked the door, hid the key and never went back inside. To this day, it is a time capsule of local history.
“We must never forget those harrowing times.”
With more than 4,800 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an online and in-person resource.
The group serves as a platform for residents past and present to share memories through photographs and comments.
It also allows group members to reconnect, with members reacquainting themselves with friends and schoolmates from decades ago.
The museum held a Whitley Way Back When event at the Community Cafe on Northumberland Avenue earlier this year to showcase its photographs and exhibits inperson.
n For more information, search: Whitley Community Museum on www.facebook.com
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
3 nights at the 3-star Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport hotel with dinner & breakfast
Admission to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
Excursion to Loch Lomond (Luss & Balloch)
En-route visit to Gretna Green
4 Days by Coach only £349
& York Weekend
Departing Fri 11 Aug ‘23
The charming scenery of Yorkshire is on full display during this lovely four-day break. Don’t miss the chance to explore Harrogate and Knaresborough and the city of York, filled with heritage buildings that have one foot rooted back in time.
Your break includes
Return coach travel from Reading
3 nights at a selected hotel with dinner & breakfast
2 for 1 bar (6pm-9pm) on selected drinks
Excursions to Knaresborough, Harrogate & York
4 Days by Coach only £189
We love receiving your poetry and print a selection every week. Email yours to poems@wokingham.today
SAFETY POINT: Air raid shelters were built across Whitley during the Second World War Picture: Whitley Community MuseumWHITLEY WAY BACK WHEN ‘Most are used as sheds these days’
ON MONDAY, a new piece of public art was unveiled in Reading.
A big heart, the metallic structure is on show in The Oracle’s Riverside area. It is sure to become a tourist attraction and a magnet for selfies, and that can only be a good thing.
But we also hope those visiting spend some time looking beyond the beauty of the artwork and discover its story.
For part of the metal used in its creation came from knives handed in to Thames Valley Police through its regular amnesties – one is taking part in Reading this week.
The people who had these knives thought they made themselves strong. They thought it was the right answer to protect themselves.
But, as we know only too well, knife crime is rampant, and teenager Olly Stephens died as a result.
His parents have worked tirelessly to turn a tragedy into a positive for others and we salute their strength and resolve.
Yes, those who had knives thought they were strong, but from their desire to do better comes the sweetness of this marvellous statue.
AWILDLIFE-FRIENDLY
contemplation garden has helped St Giles’ Church in Great Coxwell to an Eco-Church Bronze Award from A Rocha UK.
The garden, set in a field next to the church, was originally created in 2012 as a Remembrance garden, but in 2021 it was re-designed and developed. The space has been managed by a dedicated committee and local volunteers who have erected new fencing, hedges and seating.
“All the planting has to be native and wildlife friendly,” says the Revd Maureen Turner, Vicar of St Giles.
Bats, hedgehogs, deer, butterflies and birds have been attracted to the space and the congregation have planted trees including a Bird Cherry tree to mark the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The garden now supports more than 200 species.
A pathway around the garden invites visitors to sit and reflect on seven prayer markers which include suggestions to contemplate ‘Joy’ ‘Tranquility’ and ‘Memories’.
“The garden appeals to those of all faiths and none,” says Maureen. “We aim to show that the church is open and there for everyone.
“The garden is an important part of that. It raises awareness that we all need to be looking after the planet and we can look after our little corner.
“We hope to keep adding to it and improving it and that it will be there for years to come,” she says.
The Diocese of Oxford has created a new Environment Resource pack for parishes, which includes a dedicated churchyard nature hunt download for families and young people to use in their local churchyard.
n For more details, log on to oxford.anglican.org
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 Send
Who are these properties for?
Foreign bodies and perhaps a few British who hold them empty as a long-term Investment. Then who will eventually occupy them?
These highly priced dwellings are not for the sons and daughters of Reading families or indeed for those in need of social housing in Reading. No these are for Londoners with their London salaries who find Reading with its excellent train service a very attractive proposition.
Reading Borough Council will point to the Government’s misguided demand for houses to be built in places which run counter to the principles of town planning. F
uture generations will have to live with today’s foolishness but sadly those who make bad decisions today will not be alive to see the results of their actions.
Douglas
Wright, CavershamReading born Josh Waller recently represented Great Britain in the Ice Hockey World Championship qualifying round in Nottingham and was part of Team GBs gold medal and promotion winning team.
23-year-old Josh spent most of his youth career at the sadly lost John Nike Centre in Bracknell but now turns out for Cardiff Devils.
He appeared in all five games in the tournament, against
Poland, Korea, Lithuania, Rumania, and Italy, scoring one goal and assisting on two others.
He has the opportunity next season to rub shoulders with players from the NHL in the World Championship proper and possibly Winter Olympics.
Congratulations to Josh and all of Team GB!
Simon Wise, via email
I am writing to express my frustration at the failure of the Labour and Conservative leadership to support electoral reform in the UK.
It is outrageous that, in this day and age, we are still using an outdated and undemocratic firstpast-the-post system that fails to accurately represent the diversity of our society.
At the recent local elections in Reading, Labour candidates were elected in 62.5% (10) of the contests but only received 47.3% of the votes cast whereas Conservative candidates received 21.3% of the votes cast but were elected in only 12.5% of the contests. Results elsewhere, including in Bracknell Forest, were even more unrepresentative.
The current system leads to millions of votes being wasted and allows parties to gain power with only a minority of the popular vote. This is not democratic, and it is time for a change.
As part of the Sort The System Westminster lobby event on 24 May (https://sortthesystem. uk/), I hope to meet with our MP for Reading East, Matt Rodda, to demand that he commits to supporting electoral reform.
The Labour and Conservative leadership must wake up and recognise the need for proportional representation. .
Andrew Taylor, via email Moaning and groaningEveryone to-day is moaning and groaning about the state of our affairs but they seem to forget that the troubles are World Wide. They forget that it was our Tory Government that gave us the first Covid injections FREE nearly all have had five, they help keep Companies afloat during the first lock down and helped with our Gas and Electricity Bills.
With all these trouble we are having are the like of the Lords – Labour –Lib Dem- Welby and Lineker are they willing to pay for the Boat People upkeep out of their own pockets, as it seems we are paying out for ones that are not honest Asylum seekers. They have no idea how to settle the problem.
The Rail Unions are not concerned about the people that have spent money on tickets and rail fares that are not cheap, if passenger number falls less trains are needed.
These are facts not political.
Alan Phillips, BerkshireParty made a record 200 gains – the highest ever growth in the party’s 50 year history.
ABIG thank you to everyone who voted for the Green Party at the council elections recently.
Following these elections we are now in a stronger position as the main opposition party on Reading Council.
We will keep working hard all year round for a fairer, greener and cleaner town.
Key results are:
n Park Ward – Councillor Josh Williams re-elected
n Park Ward – Sarah Magon elected
n Katesgrove Ward –Councillor Doug Cresswell re-elected
There are now seven Green Party councillors in total on Reading Council working hard to make a difference.
If you are not already a member why not join the Green Party and help us make Reading better? http://greenparty.org. uk/join
The Green Party lead over the Conservatives has increased from one councillor up to two councillors.
We have consolidated our position as the main opposition party on Reading Council.
The new composition of Reading Council is:
IN early June, Reading Town Hall will become the temporary home of a world-famous piece of artwork. If you hadn’t heard of Gaia before now –and I must admit I hadn’t until recently – then it’s worth looking up. It is, essentially, a seven-metre diameter installation of the planet earth. What makes Gaia so special, however, is that it’s created entirely from imagery captured by NASA, so it provides us with a chance to view our planet as it appears from space. A truly unique opportunity, unless you’re planning your own trip to outer space with Elon Musk at some point.
The installation is accompanied by a specially produced surround sound composition by BAFTA award-winning composer Dan Jones, and I’m told the experience is thought-provoking and hard to do justice to without experiencing it personally.
Gaia has already visited Singapore, Australia, and a host of European cities, so Reading is in good company. We are privileged to be able to host the artwork right here in our hometown.
Gaia will be at Reading Town Hall for just over a week, from Saturday 10 June to Sunday 18 June. You will need a ticket to see it as demand is high, but at only £2 for adults, with under 14s free when accompanied by an adult, it sounds well worthwhile. You can reserve your place at whatsonreading.com/Gaia.
Naturally, I can’t think of a better place for Gaia to visit than Reading. As a town, we have already cut our carbon footprint by 55% since 2005 – that’s the fourth largest cut of all 374 local authority areas in the UK. The Council’s own carbon footprint – that is the carbon the Council is directly responsible for – has been reduced by an incredible 71.3% in just 13 years.
We also gained majority control of a local authority for the first time with a win in Mid Suffolk which lays the foundation for new MPs at General Election. Commiserations to all of the Green Party candidates who were not successful, in particular to Kate Nikulina in Redlands Ward who worked hard over the year and came very close to being elected.
As they say it’s following the elections that the hard work really starts and Green councillors haven’t been resting on our laurels.
We have been out supporting events like the recent anti-knife sculpture unveiling (well done Redlands Green Councillor Kathryn McCann), working hard tackling waste problems (well done Katesgrove Green Councillor Doug Cresswell) and supporting recent street parties (well done Redlands Green Councillor Dave McElroy).
Thanks for your support and let us know if we can help.
Cllr Rob White is the leader of the main opposition group on Reading Borough Council, and Green Party councillor for Park ward
As a Council, we’ve also recently been shortlisted for a national Municipal Journal Award for Leadership in Responding to the Climate Emergency and are one of only 19 UK local authorities to retain the coveted Carbon Disclosure Project’s global ‘A’ list status. Both are recognition of the fact that Reading Labour have been taking bold climate action.
There are a whole host of actions behind our achievements in this area, some of which go back many years, but plenty of recent work too. The Council-owned bus company, Reading Buses, boasts the second highest bus ridership outside London, with huge investment to come to further improve services for passengers.
We’ve just invested over £2.5 million in clean technology at our two new leisure centres at Palmer Park and Rivermead, cutting emissions by 57% and 80% respectively.
Almost half the Council’s refuse fleet are already electric, and the rest will be within five years, while our Council housing retrofit means our stock has a better EPC rating than the national average.
We know there remains an awful lot to do, but, as I’ve said here before, net zero by 2030 is definitely not something the Council can achieve on its own. Every resident, business and organisation needs to play their part and, importantly, central Government must play its role in providing the necessary funding for many more local carbon-cutting schemes.
Gaia forms part of the broader Reading Climate Festival, which runs from Saturday, June 10, to Wednesday, June 21.
You can see the range of online events and activities on offer across Reading at readingcan. org.uk/festival
Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote
TICKETS for the second running of a mental health and well-being conference are now on sale.
Youth in Mind Berkshire will be held at the University of Reading’s Palmer Building on Tuesday, June 27, and is open to anyone who works with children and young people in statutory bodies, the education sector, voluntary sector organisations, and individuals across the county.
Young people play a key role in the planning and delivery of the event, which is hosted by Mind in Berkshire.
They identify which subjects they would like covered and discuss the challenges they face with speakers.
Half of adult mental health issues are established by the age of 14 and 75% by 24, according to the Mental Health Foundation.
Jess Willsher, CEO of Oxfordshire Mind said: “Post-pandemic and in the midst of a cost-ofliving crisis, an increasing number of children and young people are having to cope with mental health challenges.
“At a time when it’s more important than ever to understand mental health and wellbeing support from a young person’s perspective, we’re delighted to be hosting our second Youth in Mind Berkshire conference.
ON SATURDAY, The Rising Sun Arts Centre hosted the latest chapter of a book fair which celebrates indie publishing and bookmaking.
Bookface Chapter 14 saw artists and independent publishers share their work, their ideas, and their stories with stalls and artworks on display.
This year saw works by Reading’s Geoff Sawers and Suzanna Carson, whose micro-books covered poetry, stories, and even photography collections.
Rachel Knight brought textiles and surfacepattern papers as well as origami creations, while Anne Nolan of Redden Press and Two Rivers Press exhibited miniature photography collections from Reading artists.
It also saw stalls and contributions from Helen Lunn, Jack Wellings, and Lil Meep, as well as a poetry performance from Gill Learner, and ZAP Publishing, which champions work by people with learning disabilities.
The Rising Sun’s own Larry Watson gave a preview of his latest comic book creation about the Adventures of Merit Maotse.
Among the new additions to the event for this year were The Bookband, a group of seven artists formed in lockdown who bring individual but collaborative projects on common themes, as well as Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck from Poetic Pastel Press, and Bookmark Type!
Immy Smith, based in Basingstoke, brought their handmade watercolours as well as zines about art, botany, and–in particular– moths.
Smith, a regular exhibitor at Bookface said: “I always have a great experience. As well as selling my zines and paints, I get to meet other artists and share and learn from them too.”
Organiser Neile Wright, who was also exhibiting some of their experimental works, said: “We have had a fabulous time meeting the artists and viewing their beautiful books and sculptures.
“I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone that exhibited, visited and volunteered to make this event possible. We look forward to Bookface Chapter 15 next year.”
Ms Wright also extended thanks to Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC), Reading Libraries, and The Biscuit Factory for their support
“It’s an opportunity for all of us who work with children and young people to come together, learn from experts and each other, and find ways of working creatively together to provide the best support we can.”
Speakers include Dr Luke Beardon, an autism expert and author, and Dr Dimitri Gavriloff, who specialises in behavioural sleep medicine.
Prof Mina Fazel will be joined by young people to discuss the findings of the Oxwell Student Survey, which was completed by 43,000 students at schools across the country.
Berkshire Youth’s CEO Sarah Emery will also share conclusions drawn from their 2023 survey.
Workshops will be delivered by a wide range of organisations, such as Citizens Advice, Samaritans, Soulscape, No.5, Reading FC Community Trust, Sport in Mind, Brighter Futures for Children and NHS Berkshire Healthcare Children.
Early bird tickets are £29.50 and can be purchased until May 27 – tickets will be on sale for £39.50 thereafter.
The event takes place from 9am-5pm.
n For more information and bookings, search: Youth in Mind Conference on www.eventbrite.co.uk
THE PROPERTY market is resilient according to a Wokingham-based estate agency – despite transactions seeing a drop.
The recent Halifax House Price Index showed an average fall in prices by 0.3%, taking the UK average to £286,896 – £7,000 lower than last summer’s peak, and £28,000 higher than two years ago.
And in the south east, there was a -0.6% dip, taking the average house price to £387,469. This was the largest across the country, while West Midlands saw prices rise by 3.1%, taking the average price to £249,554.
Kim Kinnaird, director of Halifax Mortgages, said the figures came after three consecutive months of growth.
“House price movements over recent months have largely mirrored the short-term volatility seen in borrowing costs,” she added.
“The sharp fall in prices we saw at the end of last year after September’s ‘mini-budget’ preceded something of a rebound in the first quarter of this year as economic conditions improved.
“The economy has proven to be resilient, with a robust labour market and consumer price inflation predicted to decelerate sharply in the coming months.
“Mortgage rates are now stabilising and, though they remain well above the average of recent years, this gives important certainty to would-be buyers.
“While the housing market as a whole remains subdued, the number of properties for sale is also slowly increasing, as sellers adapt to market conditions.”
This view was echoed by Nick Harris, co-founder at Wokingham-based Quarters Residential Estate Agents.
“Prices may have nudged down in April, according to the Halifax, but there’s more life in the property market than many think,” he said.
“While some discretionary buyers continue to sit tight, serious buyers remain very active.
“Sellers are being much more realistic on price, and are typically also buyers so they appreciate a more balanced property market.
“The property market Armageddon some predicted is simply unlikely to materialise.”
A BUSINESS which started in Reading 50 years ago is celebrating its half a century in business with a big charity drive.
ITS, which provides recruitment services for the construction injury, was established here in the town in 1973, since expanding to 19 locations around the UK.
Now, to mark its golden anniversary, ITS has embarked on twelve months of fundraising in aid of palliative care and bereavement support charity Sue Ryder.
It began when members at the Reading office took part in the town’s Half Marathon last month, followed by Reading and West London manager Jerry Knight taking part in the London Marathon.
Mr Knight raised more than £9,000 for the charity, finishing the marathon in just over three and a half hours.
He explained that the charity was close to him after it helped care
for his grandfather, Barrie, in 2022.
“The Sue Ryder team were excellent in supporting my grandad and our family while he was receiving end-of-life care last year.
“The charity does an incredible job helping people and their loved ones in times that matter the most and I am thankful to have the opportunity to give back in any
the London Marathon.
Picture: Courtesy of ITS
opportunity from Sue Ryder to run for such an important cause to me and my family- a day I’ll never forget.”
For the rest of the year, ITS will be embarking on a number of charity challenges and initiatives, including the National and Welsh Three Peaks challenges, a 24-hour football match, a team skydive, and both 50k and 100k ultra challenges.
Besides these, it is also hosting family fun days, black tie events, and offering labouring days, where team members can donate their labour for free in return for donations from the business.
small part that I can. He continued: “Running the London Marathon was one of the best experiences of my life. Fantastically organised, phenomenal support from the crowds for all 26.2 miles and the camaraderie of thousands of people running together for charities makes for such a special day.
“It was an honour to have the
Jenn Patient, Senior Community Fundraiser at Sue Ryder, said: “We are incredibly grateful to ITS for choosing to support Sue Ryder during their exciting 50th year.
“We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm of ITS colleagues across the UK, who have committed to taking on these challenges in 2023 to raise funds so we can continue to be there when it matters.” n Donations can be made via ITS’ fundraising page at: justgiving.com/ campaign/its50
TWO charities that work across Reading and Wokingham will benefit from a two year partnership with a Thames Valley-based law firm.
Blandy & Blandy invited good causes to apply to be its new charity partners from July 1, and more than 50 did so.
A shortlist was prepared and eventually they selected The Cowshed and Berkshire Women’s Aid.
Chairman and partner Nick Burrows, who specialises in advising clients in the charity sector, said: “All of our colleagues participated in the process to select our new adopted charities so thank you and well done to them on choosing two fantastic local charities in Berkshire Women’s Aid and The Cowshed.
“Both are doing very important work and, over time, supporting thousands of people in need who live in our local area.
“We look forward to raising much needed funds for our new
charities and to helping in a variety of other ways.”
BWA’s chair of trustees, Margaret Rice-Jones, said: “We are delighted to be chosen by Blandy & Blandy as their charity of the year.
“Domestic abuse can have lasting consequences for survivors, children and the wider community and the partnership we will embark on with Blandy & Blandy will help us continue to deliver our high-quality and person-centred service to those who need it.”
And The Cowshed’s fundraising manager, Rebecca Mole, said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen as one of Blandy & Blandy’s adopted charities. Having support from such a prominent local business will help our charity continue to make a real difference to the lives of people in our community who are experiencing hardship.
“We are very grateful for this partnership”.
Blandy & Blandy has donated £25,000 to its outgoing charities, BIBS – Babies in Buscot Support and the Royal Berks Charity, with highlights including colleagues volunteering in the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s new health and
wellbeing garden for NHS staff and taking part in last year’s Walk for Wards and the recent Reading Half Marathon.
n For further information log on to: www.blandy.co.uk
‘There’s more life in the marketproperty than many think’Blandy & Blandy will support The Cowshed and Berkshire Women’s Aid over the next two years Reading and West London manager Jerry Knight taking part in
THE PLAN to scrap One Day Travelcards to London has been condemned by Reading Borough Council.
The Mayor of London is currently consulting on the plan which would see an end to a single ticket being used on mainline railway services, London Underground trains and buses.
Instead, passengers would need to buy separate tickets and, while London Transport fares are capped, it would see the cost of an offpeak day trip rise from £29.60 to £38.90. Other fares, including group travelcards, would also be withdrawn.
Reading Borough Council has lodged an official objection, saying it is wrong to do so during a cost-of-living crisis.
The council has concerns over the increase in the number of tickets that will be issued. At the moment, only one is needed.
There are also concerns that the price increase would put people in their cars rather than getting on the train, undermining sustainable travel alternatives.
Cllr Tony Page, lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “Whether on the basis of cost, the inconvenience of having to buy separate tickets, or the impact on both the environment and on London’s economy, the proposal to withdraw its day travelcard is completely at odds with the established direction of travel for TfL, and indeed local authorities.”
n The consultation is available to view at: haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/travelcards
A YOUNG writer has published his first novel and says he has another project in the works.
Ahmad Kalim was born in Karachi, Pakistan, with profound deafness as a result of Mitochondrial Disease.
Shortly after, he moved to Berkshire along with his family to help receive treatment for his condition, which as well as deafness can cause multiple organ failure.
Now at 27, Mr Kalim has successfully published his first book, Bloody Justice, which follows the events in the wake of a double killing at Coney Island.
It centres on Detective Knowles’ pursuit of justice as the mafia and police influence on the case complicates the investigation.
Speaking on his inspirations, Mr Khalim says that his work was informed by: “various crime dramas and video games combined.”
Despite this, he says it was a recent aim of his to finish and
publish the book: “I had the desire to write about three years ago and begin writing a year later.
“I was at the point in my life where I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, so I just went for it.”
Following the publication he said he had some small reservations: “My personality is not the kind which likes too much attention, but it’s really nice to see my work out there.
“It’s pretty cool to think that this book can last a very long time.”
NEW AUTHOR:
Ahmad Kalim has successfully published his first book, Bloody Justice, which follows the events in the wake of a double killing at Coney Island.
Picture: Zobia Kalim
Following Bloody Justice, Mr Kalim is now exploring his experiences with his condition and the medical treatments he has undergone for a documentary. His mother, Zobia, said: “He needs daily medication, he’s had 21 surgeries so far; to say the least it’s been difficult.
“But he completed his GCSEs, A-Levels, went to college and studied computing, and we’re really proud of all he has achieved.
“When he asked me to proofread
his work, I was quite amazed at what he had written.”
She explained that for his next work, Mr Kalim is being interviewed about his experiences: “We’ve been working on the process of interviews over a period of around three years.
“So we have hours and hours of audio and transcripts talking about his views as a young person going through his treatment and diagnoses.
“It will also look at how we managed as his parents with hospitals and moving to this country for treatment.”
She said that the family was still working on getting the materials together into publishable form, but in the mean time, Mr Kalim is busy working on his second novel.
“I feel so proud as a parent, not only because of what he has achieved, but because he is making such good use of his skills and his time.
“For me, it’s a story of hope, and I hope that it can inspire others.”
n Ahmad Kalim’s debut novel, Bloody Justice, is out now, available on Amazon
Travelodge are recruiting new staff members
Picture: Michael Scott/Caters News
A HOTEL group has launched a search to find new staff ahead of the summer season.
Travelodge, which has sites in Winnersh, Reading, and Binfield, says the vacancies need to be filled immediately, and will be inviting applicants to join its inhouse management development programme.
Called Aspire, this offers apprenticeship training and formal qualifications.
The company says its fourlevel programme provides a clear pathway of development for hotel and maintenance colleagues to progress from entry-level roles.
And the vacancies it has can be fitted around life commitments, with flexible hours available. They include roles as a manager, receptionist, housekeeping team, and a hotel team member.
There are also roles in its inhouse maintenance team. These are full-time roles and field based
and each Maintenance Engineer has their own designated network of hotels to service which includes carrying out a variety of maintenance related tasks. There are also 14 roles available at Travelodge’s support office in Thame, including Health & Safety Manager, Procurement Manager, Accounts Payable Analyst, IT Business Analyst, Legal Counsel and Customer Service Advisors.
Katharine Gourley, Travelodge, Director of People Operations said: “We are currently looking to fill more than 400 positions across the UK including around ten roles across our 13 Berkshirebased Travelodge hotels. We are looking for enthusiastic people that have a passion and determination to deliver excellent service.”
n For more details, log on to https://www.travelodge.co.uk/ careers/
A READING man has been convicted of attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration at a trial in Reading Crown Court.
Sagar Gurung, 26 and of Salisbury Road, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict at the hearing on Wednesday, May 10.
It follows an incident in the early hours of Sunday, November 6, last year, during which Gurung approached a woman in Queens Walk, Reading, and attempted to rape her.
During the attack, the victim was also subjected to sexual assault, which took place between 2.30am and 3am.
After he left the area, a large manhunt was launched, and he was subsequently arrested two days later on Tuesday, November 8.
He had seemingly making preparations to leave the country, having booked a flight out of the UK.
While Gurung claimed that he had been “hallucinating” at
the time of the attack, he was unable to explain CCTV footage which had caught the incident.
He was charged on the following day, Wednesday, November 9, and is now due for sentencing on Tuesday, August 8.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Natasha Black, based at Reading police station, said: “Gurung targeted
Sagar Gurung, aged 26, of Salisbury Road, Reading, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict of attempted rape and sexual assault by penetration at a hearing on Wednesday, May 10
bravery, and her account has allowed us to bring Gurung to justice swiftly.”
She explained: “Gurung claimed during his trial that he had been hallucinating during the time he attacked the victim, and minimised his actions, denying any sexual offences.
“However, he could not account for what CCTV footage clearly captured, and at no time did he take any responsibility for his actions.”
Gurung has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 8 August.
DC Black added: “This was an exceptional investigation, and our swift work allowed us to apprehend Gurung while he was actively preparing to leave the country.
“He was arrested at his home address, having packed bags and was loading them into a vehicle. He had booked a flight out of the UK for 10 November.”
She explained: “Thankfully, stranger attacks such as this are exceptionally rare, but when they do occur, we will utilise all resources possible to track down, arrest and bring offenders to justice.
and attacked his victim, who was on a night out in Reading, completely at random.
“The victim in this case has shown tremendous dignity and courage throughout the course of this investigation.
“She gave evidence in court against Gurung, choosing to do so without the provision of any special measures.
“This showed immense
“This case demonstrates our commitment to tirelessly pursue offenders who seek to carry out sexual offences.
“I would like to thank the victim in this case for her continued support of this investigation, and I hope that this conviction will allow her to move forward with her life, knowing that we have brought her attacker to justice.”
A BUILDING that used to be a convenience store and has recently been occupied by a business selling toner and ink jet cartridges for printers could be converted into a venue that sells alcohol.
The Thames Valley Printers & Cartridges business at 225 Caversham Road at Caversham Bridge has closed, and a company called Nimal & Sons Limited has applied to sell alcohol on the premises from 8am to 11pm each day.
THE last remaining gas tower in Reading might have been dismantled, but its legacy will be felt for years to come.
Next week, Berkshire Family History Society will host an online talk on the history of the gas industry in Berkshire.
Jo Alexander Jones, who has more than 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, will be the speaker.
They will look at the growth of the industry from the 1820s, using the Reading Gas Company as an example.
It will explore how the industry developed, the locations it used, and the
The talk will be held on Zoom from 2pm-3.15pm on Thursday, May 25, and costs £5 to attend. Booking is essential and can be made on the Berkshire Family History Society website.
It is part of the society’s Spring Potpourri online talks series.
The next talk in the series will be on the history of the railways in Berkshire and will be given by David King on Thursday, June 1.
n For more information about the Berkshire Family History Society or to book tickets for the talks, log on to: berksfhs.org
When the store operated as a corner shop, it did sell alcohol, especially during Reading Festival times. The application does not state what the licence will be used for.
The area has a mix of existing dining, takeaway and convenience store businesses, with The Gorge Cafe located immediately next door and the River Spice Indian restaurant opposite.
The Moderation, Richfield Deli & Grill, five takeaways, two convenience stores and two restaurants are all nearby. Comments on the application can be made to Reading Borough Council before Thursday, June 1, by emailing: licensing@reading. gov.uk
A READING town centre bookshop last week welcomed the author behind a prolific book, film, and television series.
Cressida Cowell MBE, writer of the acclaimed How To Train Your Dragon books and Childrens Laureate from 20192022, joined young readers at Waterstones on Broad Street to celebrate the release of her latest novel.
Which Way to Anywhere is her latest work and follows K2 and his twin sister Izzabird as they struggle to keep their magical familial history a secret.
Last Wednesday, Youngsters and their families queued to meet Ms Cowell, ask questions, take pictures, and get their copies of her books signed.
First in line at the shop was nine-year-old Leo, who, as well as getting his copies of her books signed, shared his own writing with the author.
Ms Cowell read through his work and offered advice and encouragement to help develop his writing skill before posing for a photo.
She spoke to Amber, 13, who
also asked for advice in honing her creative writing, and also signed copies for parents whose children were fans of the series, including Maleesha, who was picking up a copy for her daughter, Eliyana.
It followed an event earlier that morning at Leighton Park School where more than 200 students, including those from other schools around Reading, to meet Ms Cowell.
Ms Cowell said of meeting
her readers: “I really missed it during the pandemic, because I love it.
“When I’m writing and illustrating, I’m tucked away in my shed at the bottom of the garden, so you’re all on your own.
“So getting out and meeting your readers and their families is so lovely.”
She also explained that she enjoys helping younger audiences to embrace printed
media and stories: “We’re competing with such incredible television and films, so I love to hear them getting excited about books.
“We’re really making an effort to help them be open to reading, because it’s different to films and TV: you have to decode a book, and it’s not just beamed in.”
Adaptations can also be a more gradual way of helping children get into books too:
“Once they’re into a book, they are that character, and they absolutely love that engagement.
“It’s just about getting them there, and that’s what it’s all about, and that’s what I try to concentrate on.
“As parents and writers, we want them to love it, and there’s a few ways into it – my books are read by David Tennant for the audio copies.
“This means that even children who struggle with dyslexia, for example, have a way in: through the film adaptation, into audio books, and eventually into reading.”
As for her favourite part of the process, she said: “Seeing them getting excited and fielding their questions.
“And when someone says they love your books, it’s a real privilege – I’m very lucky to have this job.”
n Waterstones hosts a number of authors and book events, including Jo Nesbo, who will be visiting the Broad Street branch to discuss his latest book with Jake Kerridge on Tuesday, May 23.
n More details about that event, as well as upcoming events, are available via: waterstones.com/ events
READING has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the country according to new research.
Utility Bidder looked at a range of factors for its clean capitals survey, taking into account expenditure on environmental services, quality of parks and green spaces, the number of in bloom groups and similar neighbourhood initiatives per 100,000 residents.
And after emitting 2.9t of CO2 per capita, Reading features in 10th place.
Reading is officially 11th in the league table but due to the way it has been calculated, joint scores see it come in 10th.
Top was Eastbourne, followed by Worthing, Lincoln, Worcester and Ipswich.
Of Reading, its overall cleanliness score was 5.71 out of 10, its clean and tidy score was 58 out of 100, and the green areas and parks received 77 out of 100 – Warick and Harrogate scored 100 in this category.
n The full research can be seen at https://www.utilitybidder. co.uk/compare-business-energy/ cleanest-uk-cities
Departing Mon 7 Aug ‘23
Your break includes
ALL TOGETHER NOW: Little Heath School celebrates Cultures Day Picture: Courtesy of Little Heath School
STAFF and students at a school in Tilehurst were given a chance to share and celebrate their cultures in aid of charity.
Little Heath School’s diversity society organised a series of events and activities to explore and embrace the broad range of backgrounds of those attending.
The week began with a cultural celebration evening where staff and students were invited to take part in a showcase of music and dance from their countries of origin, followed by a catwalk featuring international traditional dress.
They were also encouraged to attend school in cultural dress or the colours of their chosen flag to try sweets and snacks from around the world to help them learn about the traditions and cultures of one another.
Students took part in house competitions in which tutor groups worked together to learn about an allocated country.
Ticket sales from the numerous events and food stalls were given to two charities selected by the diversity society, having raised more than £1,600.
The society chose to split the
money between donations to Reading Community Learning Centre and the Allience for Cohesion and Racial Equality (ACRE.)
Both charities work to eliminate discrimination, promote positive relationships between diverse communities, and give support to people from all cultures.
Cultures Day is now an annual event at the school, organised by members of Year 13.
n More information about Little Heath School is available online via: littleheath.org.uk
Excursion to Betws-y-Coed
Return coach travel from Reading
4 nights at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne with dinner & breakfast
Entertainment some evenings
Heritage train journey on the Bluebell Railway
Excursions to Lewes & Alfriston (via Beachy Head)
Optional excursion to Rye & Hastings (£13pp)
VISIT: As well as signing copies of her books, Cressida Cowell also offered sage advice to budding writers who shared some of their own work, including nine-year-old Leo Picture: Jake Clothier
SOUTH Reading residents are set to enjoy the very best of their community at an afternoon of fun and games on Sunday, June 11.
Following the inaugural Whitley Carnival parade, visitors will be treated to live performances, music, competitions and activities at John Madejski Academy.
Whitley Fun Day is organised by Whitley Community Development Association and charity Aspire2, who are receiving bookings for stalls.
The event takes place from 1pm to 4pm.
n For more information or to book a stall: cda@whitley-cda.org
TILEHURST Methodist Church Hall will host a fashion show and clothing sale fundraiser for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.
Attendees can browse through a wide range of fashion items for sale, with prices starting from just £1. Clothes are available in a variety of sizes from 6 - 26, with Avon and Body Shop stalls and handmade cards also available. Refreshments will be served, and parking behind the Co-op is free.
The event will take place on Thursday, May 25, at 7.30pm. Entry is £5 at the door.
FIREFIGHTERS have been praised for their efforts in rescuing family members from a house fire which claimed two lives.
Mohammed Hussain, who was in his nineties, and Naseem Khalid, who was in her fifties, both died following a blaze at a terraced house in Erleigh Road, Reading on Wednesday, April 5. Other family members remain in hospital.
The fire broke out around 1.30am, and crews raced to save four people trapped inside the home.
Tributes were paid at a meeting of the Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA), the governing body of the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), held on Thursday, April 27.
Condolences were provided to the family, and fire crews praised for reacting speedily.
Cllr Paul Gittings (Labour, Southcote), chairman of the RBFA, said: “Two people have died following the fire, three others were seriously injured in the fire. Due to the lifesaving actions of the crew who attended they are steadily making a recovery.
“More than 40 members of staff tackled the blaze. The crews worked tirelessly into the early hours of the morning, spending over six hours at the scene.
“On behalf of the fire authority, I’d like to thank those attending the incident for their professionalism in what was an incredibly challenging incident.”
Cllr Gittings then shared a quote from Nick Dunbar, head
of operations at the South Central Ambulance Service who also responded: “Those early interventions have certainly helped to save the lives of those family members.”
In the weeks following the fire, RBFRS teams worked with partners to visit the local community and nearby residents to provide fire safety advice and guidance.
More than 100 residents
were visited and 80 Safe and Well visits were completed.
A community event was organised at the Pakistan Community Centre to speak with neighbours.
Cllr Gittings added: “Our thoughts remain firmly with the friends, family and local community affected by this incident.”
Wayne Bowcock, chief fire officer at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We mustn’t forget that two people did tragically die in that incident, despite the best efforts of all of the emergency responders and our crews particularly who attended.
“But there are three children who are still hospitalised and are slowly making a recovery, and we do try to keep crews who were involved updated on their condition because it helps with part of their welfare and understanding of what’s going on as well.
“The first call to the first pump in attendance was only four minutes and we got three appliances in attendance in less than 10 minutes.
“There were four people rescued, six people were
involved, two people were outside on arrival.”
Firefighters using breathing apparatus tackled the blaze and rescued those trapped inside.
Mr Bowcock added: “The first rescue occurred seven minutes after the first call, the second was at 10 minutes and third, bearing in mind one of those rescues involved two people, was approximately 14 minutes from first call, which is incredibly fast.
“At the time, firefighting action was taking place as well because the staircase was compromised in the property. The rescues were all from the first floor.
“Crews knew where to go because fire control got their information from the caller and passed it to the crews before their arrival.
“They had to fight their way upstairs in order to carry out those rescues.”
He called the rapidity of the rescue “quite staggering”.
An online fundraiser was set up to support the family affected. It has raised more than £5,000.
n Donations can be made at: www.sktwelfare.org/givingtogether/sidraq/sadkah-jariyah
ENTRIES are open for a charity golf day taking place in Sonning next month – and there’s an added incentive for those teeing off in the form of a bacon roll.
Touringsport is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the event, which will support
the work of The Cowshed.
Arrival is from 11am, with a shotgun start at 1pm.
Contests are for men’s, women’s and mixed teams, as well as individual entries. Place are for adults only.
A two-course meal will be served in the evening.
Places cost £70 per player, and teams can be up to four people.
The event will be held at Sonning Golf Club on Friday, June 9.
n For more details, call Jem Hancock from Touring Sport on 0118 921 9111.
SCHOOLS in Berkshire are among those being invited to a competition with the chance to visit a historic river museum.
The Golden Hinde Museum, a replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous sailing ship moored in central London, is offering schools the chance of an educational visit with a competition event celebrating its 50th year.
Primary schools are invited to create a birthday card in honour of the floating museum’s Golden Anniversary, and a selection of submissions will be exhibited on board.
Secondary schools can take part in a poetry competition, where students can submit verse centre around the theme of sailing or the sea.
Entries will be judged by the ship’s navigator, Jilly Francis, and former crew-mate and resident and resident artist Zillah Richards, with one winning school gaining an
invitation to visit the museum.
The museum is also running a Circumnavigation Challenge to help raise funds.
As the original ship travelled more than 100,000 miles–equivalent to a full circumnavigation of the globe–the museum is challenging schools and families to undertake their own circumnavigation.
This can be running, rowing, swimming, cycling, sailing or skateboarding, or however the participants want to travel.
The museum is currently
raising funds, including a crowdfunding campaign, to support its 2023 Re-rigging Project.
The original Golden Hind vessel was renowned for its historic circumnavigation of the globe in the late-1570s, captained by Sir Francis Drake.
Drake was partly sponsored by Queen Elizabeth I, and his journeys on the ship would contribute to the instigation of the Anglo Spanish War in 1585.
While the original galleon was eventually left to disintegrate, the Golden Hinde Museum has been offering members of the public a seaworthy replica of the worldfamous ship, as well as hosting live events and over-night stays since 1973.
n To take part in the competition and claim a school participation pack, visit www.goldenhinde. co.uk. Entries close on Monday, May 22.
FIRE CREWS ATTENDING A HOUSE FIRE IN ERLEIGH ROAD PICTURE: Phil Creighton
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (ST PETERS ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council has made an Order in accordance with section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily close St Peters Road junction with Lennox Road. The Order will come into force on to 30 May – 1 June 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is required to clear blockages. A signed diversion route will be in place.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council Civic Off ces, Bridge Street Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (SHAW ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) 2023
Reading Borough Council has made an Order in accordance with section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily suspend parking along the Eastern part of the carriageway on Shaw Road (whole extent) and introduce No Waiting at any Time parking restriction. The Order will c ome into force on 22 May 2023 for 3 days. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is necessary to allow for vehicle diversion during the road resurfacing works on St Saviours Road. A signed diversion route will be in place.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council Civic Off ces, Bridge Street Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL THE BOROUGH OF READING (LITTLE JOHNS LANE) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council has made an Order in accordance with Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily suspend parking bays and introduction of no stopping or waiting at any time outside 1a – 3a and 6 – 10 Little John’s Lane. The Order will come into force on 22 – 24 May 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is required for repairs for new water connections outside Plots 1 – 4, 1 Little John’s Lane
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Off ces, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (NORFOLK ROAD) (TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council has made an Order in a ccordance w ith section 14(1)(a) of the R oad Traff c Regulation Act 1984. 1984. The effect of which will be as follows: Introduction of parking bay suspensions outside properties 1 to 27 and 2 to 28 Norfolk Road including 1 disabled parking bay outside number 8 to allow for works for new water connections to be completed. The Order will come into force on 22 May to 26 May 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is necessary for new water connection works.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council Civic Off ces, Bridge Street Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (COLEY HILL) (TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council intend to make an Order in accordance with section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily close Coley Hill outside nos 20.
If made, the Order will come into force on 6 – 9 June 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is required for new water main connections. A signed diversion route will be in place.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offces, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL THE BOROUGH OF READING (WAVERLEY ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council has made an Order in accordance with Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily close Waverley Road –junction with Grovelands Road. The Order will come into force on to 22 May – 12 June 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is required for reasons of safety for gas mains replacement. A signed diversion route will be in place.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Off ces, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL
THE BOROUGH OF READING (NORTH STREET) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council intend to make an Order in accordance with section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the Order will be to temporarily close outside number 2c North Street Caversham, for an approx. distance of 100ft /30m for area of works. Suspension of Parking bays and introduction of no stopping or waiting at any time outside properties 2-10 and 5-15 North Street, Caversham will be implemented. If made, the Order will commence on 8 – 9 June 2023. However, should the works take longer than expected the Order will remain in operation until the works are complete for up to 18 months. The Order is necessary for Thames Water to complete a service pipe repair.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offces, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL THE BOROUGH OF READING (WOKINGHAM ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS)
ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council intend to make an Order in accordance with section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily suspend parking and introduce a no waiting/loading for any vehicles except those associated with DC Transport & Engineering on Wokingham Road outside 95 – 105. If made, the Order will come into force on 8 June 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is required for removal of an ATM.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offces, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
READING BOROUGH COUNCIL THE BOROUGH OF READING (ARDLER ROAD) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council has made an Order in accordance with Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily close Ardler Road –outside Parkwood Court and suspend the one-way traff c restriction. The Order will come into force on to 27 May – 5 June 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is required for reasons of safety to allow sewer repairs. A signed diversion route will be in place
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Off ces, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council intend to make an Order in accordance with section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of which will be to temporarily close sections of pavements / footways on the roads below as and when required. During operation of the closure, parking restrictions will be suspended and a temporary NWAAT parking restriction will be in place: Surrey Road/Winchester Road/ Sandleford Close/Modbury Gardens/ Froxf eld Avenue/Sun Street/Sheridan Avenue/ All Hallows Road.
If made, the Order will come into force on 26 May 2023 to 31 March 2024 and only applies to those days and times indicated on site by the presence of the appropriate traff c signs in accordance with The Traff c Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is necessary in the interest of public safety to allow the footway improvement scheme to be carried out. A signed diversion route will be in place.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Offces, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
THE BOROUGH OF READING (VARIOUS ROADS) (TEMPORARY ROAD RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2023
Reading Borough Council intend to m ake an Order in accordance with Section 14(1)(a) of the Road Traff c Regulation Act 1984. The effect of the order will be to temporarily suspend parking on the 5 streets as specified below and introduce a no waiting and no loading at any time restriction.
• Randolph Road: 15m fronting 12-16 Randolph Road
• Addison Road: 15m fronting of 134 Addison Road.
• Newport Road: 10m fronting 11-15 & 15m fronting 32-38 Newport Road.
• York Road: 15m fronting 70-74 York Road.
• Swansea Road: 20.5m fronting 52-56 Swansea Road. If made, the Order will come into force on 29 May 2023. Should the works take longer than expected the restriction will remain in force until the works are completed with a maximum order duration of 18 months. The Order is necessary in the interest of public safety to carry out investigative works on the underground culverts.
DATED: 18 May 2023
Legal and Democratic Services, Reading Borough Council, Civic Off ces, Bridge Street, Reading RG1 2LU
Saturday 27th May 2023
From Reading. Join our special train at Reading for a day out to remember. We will be met by an historic steam locomotive at Bristol to steam along the Kennet and Avon Canal, through Somerset countryside and the Culm Valley to Exeter. A run along the famous Dawlish sea wall, one of Britain’s most scenic stretches of railway, will be a highlight of the journey. A break at maritime Plymouth provides chance to explore the Hoe and the old Barbican area with the Mayflower Steps or the city’s shops On the return our vintage train will leave our steam loco behind at Taunton to complete our journey diesel hauled.
• Premier Dining £295 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £195 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £130 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHP
Saturday 22nd July, 12th Aug, 16th Sept 2023
From Slough and Reading. Enjoy a day out departing from Slough or Reading to the Bristol Channel coast by train featuring two historic steam locomotives. This seaside special will be hauled by a magnificent steam loco along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal and through the pretty Vale of Pewsey. Our train will join the West Somerset Railway and a WSR steam loco will take over for the stretch past Dunster Castle and into the resort of Minehead, where you can enjoy the sea and sand before we steam for home.
• Premier Dining £285 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £185 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £115 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHQ
Sunday 30th July 2023
From Slough and Reading. Step on board our special train at Slough or Reading to enjoy a day out to Cornwall. We shall be joined by a magnificent steam locomotive at Bristol ready for an exhilarating run beside the Exe Estuary and along the famous Dawlish sea wall. The Royal Duchy will stop at Plymouth, where you can explore the Hoe, ancient Barbican, seafront or National Marine Aquarium. Alternatively, stay on board for Cornwall to Par, where we shall have coaches ready to take you to the pretty seaside village of Fowey or Charlestown, home to the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre and location for the BBC’s Poldark.
• Premier Dining £309 per person – price includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner freshly prepared on board and silver served at your seat.
• First Class £209 per person – price includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll and a muffin and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.
• Standard Class £134 per person – price includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.
£10 per person discount quote: DHR
AMODERN-DAY re-telling of a Kenneth Grahame story is making big waves at The Hexagon this week.
A new musical adaptation of Wind in the Willows is being performed until Saturday, with lyrics by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, and music by composers and lyricists George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.
The organisers say the toe-tapping musical numbers will have families humming songs for weeks afterwards.
The show is presented by The Sainsbury Singers, who were the first group to perform at the newly opened Hexagon Theatre in 1977.
Eve MacDonald from the group said:
“We’re very excited to be performing where we first began, on this is our 85th anniversary, and also the theatre’s 45th year.
“This show appeals to all ages.
“And the music really is fantastic, I’ve been totally won over by the gorgeous harmonies.”
Kenneth Grahame was inspired to write his children’s classic by his love of the Berkshire countryside.
The story takes place along the riverbank, and boasts a colourful cast of woodland creatures, including the impulsive Mr Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble.
“We have a cast of around 30,
all playing lots of different kinds of animals, such as squirrels, rabbits, mice, and weasels,” said Ms MacDonald.
“The actors use minimal costume to create the creatures.
“Their characterisations are mostly created with clever movement and choreography.”
With his home under threat from the chief weasel and his gang of Wild Wooders, Toad is forced to attempt a daring escape.
It leads him to a series of misadventures, and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall.
Director Matthew Smith said; “This is such a well-known story and the musical adaptation has something for everyone.
“The songs are catchy, and the script has moments of humour as well as sadness.
“The cast have been working incredibly hard, and from what I’ve seen in the rehearsal room it’s going to be a fantastic show.”
Rehearsals for Wind In The Willows began in January.
“It’s been a real joy rehearsing this production,” said Ms MacDonald.
“The society has a great family feel to it, and people do tend to stay.
“One of our families now has three generations of performers.”
The Sainsbury Singers have previously performed Sweeney Todd, Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors, Chess and most recently, Made in
The Reading-based amateur musical theatre group was established in 1938 by Frank Sainsbury.
Productions range from Gilbert And Sullivan operettas and Offenbach, to Oklahama! and My Fair Lady, along with modern productions, including Jekyll and Hyde.
Wind In The Willows can be seen at The Hexagon Theatre, until Saturday. Curtain up is at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday. Tickets cost £25, £22 for seniors and students, or £14.50 for under 16s tickets.
n For tickets and information, visit: www.whatsonreading.com
EMMA MERCHANT
PEOPLE passionate about Woodstock performer and 60s singer Jimi Hendrix should enjoy a night of music in Bracknell.
The Cream Of Hendrix presents a double helping of swinging sounds, mixing Hendrix hits with music from British rock band, Cream.
Audiences can catch this night of nostalgia at Bracknell’s South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Wednesday, May 24. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £15. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk
A CONCERT of George Michael hits will take place in Bracknell.
Fans of the English singer-songwriter and band member of Wham! can enjoy hearing his music, performed by Steve Mitchell.
The programme focuses on Michael’s later music, some best known hits, and Wham classics.
Dave West, who played bass with Wham! on their first recordings, also joins the band.
The show, Celebrating George Michael, can be heard at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Friday, May 26. Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets available for £26.
n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01344 484123 or log on to: www.southhillpark.org.uk
A QUARTET of musicians playing trumpet and flugelhorn, piano, bass, and drums will perform jazz classics in Maidenhead.
The Mark Armstrong Quartet’s concert will explore the Call And Response styles of Miles Davis and
FANS of 80s music should make their way to Reading for a concert that promises hits from the decade and a party atmosphere.
80s Live is a retro music night performing hits to dance to, including: Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Edge of Heaven, Tainted Love, Love Shack, The Final Countdown, Don’t You Want Me
Wynton Marsalis. The audience can expect spontaneous arrangements that will take everyone off guard – even the band.
Mark Armstrong is a member of the Ronnie Scott’s Orchestra. His music is said to possess the feel-good factor.
The event is at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm Arts Centre, on Friday, May 26. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £16.
n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm
SOUL Kinda Wonderful is a tribute band that breathes life primarily into the music of an American rhythm and blues band, The Drifters, formed in 1959. Their programme of songs will include hits such as Saturday Night At The Movies, Under The Boardwalk and Stand
Baby, Never Gonna Give You Up, and It’s Raining Men.
The 80s Live concert can be heard at The Hexagon Theatre, on Thursday, May 25. Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £34, with concessions at £32. n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 0118 960 6060 or visit: whatsonreading.com
By Me.The audience can also expect Motown from The Four Tops and Temptations, and 70s disco classics such as Disco Inferno and Love Train.
The event is at Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, on Saturday, May 27. Doors open at 8pm, and tickets cost £16.
n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm
A GRITTY dance theatre performance in Newbury will hold up a mirror to a society at a tipping point.
Choreographer of the piece, Rhiannon Faith, makes socially conscious work that raises awareness and lobbies for change. Drowntown, depicts six strangers, weighed down by individual darkness,
who come to a coastal land.
Seemingly abandoned, there is no one to help, and they each struggle with isolation, shame and failed support systems.
The show explores themes of isolation and suicide and domestic violence, and asks how to save the isolated from drowning.
The event is at The Corn Exchange, on Wednesday, May 24. Doors open at 7.45pm, and tickets are on sale for £17.25, or £14.25 for concessions.
n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 08455 218218 or log on to: cornexchangenew.com
INSPIRED by the works of Roald Dahl, a Newbury theatre show promises fun family entertainment.
All around the world the author’s words are disappearing, not only from books but children’s minds too.
Only a secret organisation, the Ancient Guild of TaleTenders, can save the stories, and they need help.
Brenda Bogg discovers that the words are being eaten by dreaded Wurblegobblers.
She must convince her boss Terry Tibblestick of the danger the stories are in, and restore the words to the books using imagination, play and tenderness.
Roald Dahl And The Imagination Seekers, is at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Sunday, May 28. There are two shows, with doors opening at 11am and 2pm. Tickets cost £13.75, with concessions available for £11.25.
n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 08455 218218 or log on to: cornexchangenew.com
Bracknell – South Hill Park
southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123
Tina Live. Fri 19. Counterfeit Sixties.
Sat 20. Wilde Sundays. Sun 21. The Cream of Hendrix. Tues 24.
Celebrating George Michael. Fri 26. Dance 365. Sat 27-Sun 28. A Midsummer Night’s Dream the Musical. Sat 27.
FILM: National Theatre Live: Best of Enemies (15). Thurs 18. Allelujah (12a). Fri 19-Thurs 25. Winners (PG).
Tues 23. Royal Opera House Live: The Sleeping Beauty (12a). Wed 24,
Sun 28. Elvis (12a). Fri 26-Sun 28.
Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (12a). Fri 26-Wed 31.
Camberley – Theatre
ROALD Dahl’s story of a little girl with wit and intelligence, comes to Wokingham
Unloved by her cruel parents, Matilda impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey, but is hounded by child-hating headmistress Miss Trunchbull.
But the child’s courage and cleverness see her triumph.
Matilda is performed by Berkshire Theatre School, at the Whitty Theatre.
Performances are on Saturday, May 27, at 4.30pm and 7.15pm, and on Sunday, May 28, at 2pm and 5.30pm. Tickets cost £15.
n For more details or to book log on to: www.thewhittytheatre.org
THE Mill At Sonning’s summer musical opens this week.
Gypsy is the story of a burlesque performer Gypsy Rose Lee, and her showbiz mother, Rose, whose ambitions for her two daughters lead her to push them to follow her dreams of stardom.
Music by Jules Style and Stephen Sondheim includes: Let Me Entertain You, Everything’s Coming Up Roses, You Gotta Have Gimmick, Some People, and All I Need Is The Girl.
The event is at The Mill At Sonning from Wednesday, May 24 through to Saturday, July 15.
Performances are on Wednesdays through to Sundays, with matinées on Saturdays, and some Thursdays.
Tickets cost £85, and include a two course meal at the theatre restaurant before the show.
n For more details or to book, call the box office on: 0118 969 8000 or log on to: www.millatsonning.com
Titanic The Musical. Mon 22-Sat 27.
Rosie’s Rainbow Fun Charity Gala
Performance 2023. Sun 28.
Henley – Kenton
kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050
Teechers Leavers. Thurs 18-Fri 19.
The Greatest Magician. Sat 20.
Toothpaste Kisses. Thurs 25. Josh
Berry: Sexual Politics. Fri 26. The Music of George Harrison. Sat 27.
The Take That Experience. Sat 3.
Maidenhead –Norden Farm
nordenfarm.org 01628 788997
Maidenhead Music Society - Heath String Quartet. Thurs 25. National
Theatre Live - The Best of Enemies. Fri 26. Cairo Conspiracy (12a). Sat
27. Soul Kinda Wonderful. Sat 27.
The Amazing Bubble Man. Tues 30.
THALI
WITH
At Sultan you’ll receive exemplary service from restaurateur Raja Majid and his team, who will give you a warm welcome when you arrive
We offer an exciting menu featuring a mouth-watering array of fine dining Indian dishes, including a 7-course tasting menu priced at £44 95 per person (£69 95pp with matching wines)
camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600
Emma Kenny - The Serial Killer Next Door. Thurs 18. The Monkees Tale.
Fri 19. The Counterfeit Stones. Sat 20. Rabbit Rabbit, The Chas and Dave Tribute. Thurs 25. The Neil Diamond Story. Fri 26. Comedy Club.
Fri 26. Classic Rock Revival. Sat 27.
Dreamcoat Stars. Sun 28.
Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud
yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000
Noel Coward’s Brief Encounter. Tues 16-Sat 20. Gingerbread Man. Wed 24. Tony - The Tony Blair Rock Opera. Thurs 25-Sat 3. Tapped. Sat 27.
High Wycombe – Swan wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000
Into The Groove - The Ultimate Tribute to Madonna. Thurs 18. Magic of the Bee Gees - You Win Again. Fri 19. Griff Rhys Jones - The Cat’s Pyjamas. Fri 19. Some Guys Have All The Luck. Sat 20. The Many Voice of Debra Stephenson. Sat 27.
The Super Mario Brothers Movie (PG). Wed 31. Magical Honey. Wed
31. Mummies (U). Wed 31. Loving Highsmith (12a). Wed 31. Avalon
Edinburgh Preview - Luke Kempner and Bella Hull. Wed 31.
Newbury – The Watermill
watermill.org.uk 01635 46044
Mr Whicher. Until Sat Jun 10.
Reading – South Street
whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
Richard Hardistry - Silly Boy. Thurs 18. Josh Berry. Fri 19. Alfie Moore - Fair Cop Unleashed. Sat 20.
Reading – The Hexagon
whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
The Wind In the Willows. Until Sat 20. NT LIve - best of enemies. Tues 23. 80s Live. Thurs 25. Mike and the Mechanics. Fri 26.
Reading – Concert Hall
whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060
Babatune Aleshe - Cabahood. Fri 19.
Reading – Progress progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Silver Lining. Fri 19- Sat 27.
Reading – Reading Rep readingrep.com 0118 370 2620
NEXT SHOW: The Rumble Under The Rug. Wed 31-Jun 3.
Shinfield – Players shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880
The Beauty Queen of Leenane. Jun 7-10. Sonning – The Mill millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Gypsy. Wed 24-Jul 15. The Everley Brothers Dream. Sun 28. Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888
The Makings of a Murderer. Mon 22. Legend - The Music of Bob Marley. Tues 23. Everything Changes - The Take That Tribute. Wed 24. Thank You For The Music - The Ultimate Tribute to Abba. Thurs 25. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Fri 26. 80s Live. Sat 27. Walk Right Back. Sun 28.
Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363
NEXT SHOW: Ding Dong. Thurs Jun 8-Sat 17.
Wokingham – The Whitty www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247
Spin Theatre Academy presents The Little Mermaid Jr. Sun 21.Wokingham Film Society presents Living (12a). Thurs 25. Berkshire Theatre School presents Matilda Jr. Sat 27-Sun 28.
Woodley – Theatre woodleytheatre.org 07488337838
NEXT SHOW: Educating Rita. June 20-24.
Next week, a new brewery celebrates with a busy weekend – in Reading on Friday, Crowthorne on Saturday, and Bracknell’s Ale & Cider festival on Sunday.
JAMES HASTINGS
finds out more
SOME say the mystery involves climbing spruce trees in the Scottish Highlands while others claim it lies in a secret recipe from King Arthur.
But perhaps the real mystery of the Mysterious Brewing Company is how a decorator and a media expert have managed to create some of the most widely anticipated beers in the country.
The secret may, or may not, be revealed on Friday, May 25, when the company holds its official launch at the town’s popular Nag’s Head pub in Russell Street.
That’s when beer connoisseurs in Reading and across the south east, will get to taste the first three beers – Plan B, Avalon and Red My Mind.
The men behind Mysterious Brewing, Ken Barker from Yateley and Adam Sculthorp from
Burghfield, hope their pint-sized business will soon roll out the barrel.
“The Reading and Berkshire beer scene is such a friendly and vibrant community and we’re beyond thrilled to be joining it,” said Ken, whose day job is painting and decorating.
“We love brewing, sharing
beers and enjoy exceptional hopforward beers and that’s what we hope to bring to the community in cask, keg and can.”
“The idea for Mysterious Brewing followed on from a recipe that I created for Burghfield’s Burghfest festival last year, it was scaled up to commercial volumes by Andy Parker at Elusive Brewing
Fromtheirregularlyavailablerangeofbeers,availableall yearround,toseasonalandoneoffspecials,andtheir BarrelAgeingproject-thebreweryreleasesover100 uniquebeerseachyear.Theretrulyissomethingfor everyone.
TheteamattheirTapYardhavebeenputtingonBank Holidayfunforallthefamilytoenjoyforsometimenow, andwecan’trecommendithighlyenough!Fromthe looksofit,thelateMaybankholidayissettobeanother greattime.
TheweekendstartsearlyonFriday26th.Sirenhasa regularflowofFridayStreetFoodVendorsandfrom 12pmCrumpy’sSmokeShackwillbeservingupsome beautifulBBQfood-aperfectaccompanimenttobeer.
and released publicly as Mystery Fox.”
The brewery is currently based in premises south-west of Reading, with plans – if all goes well – to move to new premises and taproom next year.
Adam said: “Mysterious Brewing’s philosophy is all about collaboration and a strong
Ken Barker and Adam Sculthorp from Mysterious Brewing. They will be launching their first brews at The Nag’s Head, The Hive in Crowthorne and Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival
quality beers which showcase the bold and aromatic characteristics of hops.
From refreshing IPAs with a hoppy punch to traditional bitters, their appealing line-up will uncover the mysterious elements of brewing to create interesting and enjoyable beers.
Ken explained that beer drinkers in Berkshire want variation in their glass which is why he recently spent two weeks in Scotland collecting fire tips from spruce trees.
“All I can add is Adam and I have a love of craft beers and we both have very understanding wives,” he smiled.
After the Nag’s Head launch, Mysterious Brewing takes over the taproom at The Hive in Crowthorne with a great line-up of keg beers plus the full range in cans.
The following day, Sunday, May 28, the pair will be at the Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival selling more delightful produce.
sense of community, indeed the brewery would never have been created if it wasn’t for the local brewing community.
“We both deeply value the support we have received from the local beer community and are eager to give back in return.”
The pair add that Mysterious Brewing takes pride in crafting
n For the new brewery, log on to: mysteriousbrewing.com
n For more on the Nag’s Head, log on to: www.thenagsheadreading. co.uk
n For the Hive, visit: www. thehivecraft.co.uk
n And for the Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival, head to: bracknellalefestival.co.uk
I’M sureyou’veallbeenenjoyingtheglutof BankHolidaylongweekendsrecently,but withanotheronerightonthehorizon,itcan betoughtoknowquitewhattodo.Well,the goodfolkatlocalCraftBeerBrewery,SirenCraft Brew,haveyousortedwithafreetoattend, family-friendlybashattheirTapYard.
Ifyou’renotyetawareofSirenCraftBrew,then you’reinforatreat-youhaveaworldtop100,award winningbreweryrightonyourdoorstep.Aswellas offeringBreweryTours,theirFinchampsteadsitehasa livelyTapYardfordrinkingbreweryfreshbeeronsite, rightfromthesource.
Throughouttheweek,alongsideincrediblebeerthey offeragreatmenuoftastytreats,suchashandstretchedsourdoughpizzaandloadedfries.There’salso regulareventssuchasbi-monthlyQuizNightsanda populardogwalkingclub,the2ndSundayofeachmonth.
OnFridaysandSaturdays,youcanfindahostof amazinglocalstreetfoodvendorssettingup-from burgersandmexicantobbqandasianfusion.You’llfindit all.
Thebreweryitselfisnotonlyoneofthemosthighly regardedintheworld,theyhaveaprolificoutputtoo.
OntheSaturday,theweekendkicksoffproperlywith notone,buttwoamazingstreetfoodvendors-Crumpy’s SmokeShackandTacitos,whomakeawesomeMexican food.We’retoldtherewillalsobesomesweettreats.
OntheSunday,you’llfindFatTabbyCatering,Dirty Snax,UnholyDonutsandGorillaBakes.Andwiththe weekendstillnotover,Monday’slineupisFatTabbyand FlourPower.
Acrosstheweekend,therewillalsobeplentyof entertainmentforthelittleones,suchasaBouncy CastleandfreeFacePainting.
WhilstSirendefinitelyhasabeertosuiteveryone’s needs(includingsomeamazingGlutenFreeoptions),the baralsostockssomegreatwines,localspiritsandsoft drinks.
Withnoticketneededtoattend,andsomethingfor everyonetoenjoy-wehighlyrecommendpoppingalong. Youcanevencheckouttheirnearbycountrypub,The George&Dragon,foundjustafewmilesawayfromthe brewery.
� FormoreinformationfollowSirenCraftBrew at@sirencraftbrew/@sirentapyardonTwitter andInstagram.Orvisittherewebsiteat www.sirencraftbrew.com
BREWERIES and distilleries based near the University of Reading will be celebrated at its inaugural drinks festival on May 26 and 27.
The Neck of the Woods will offer a wide range of beers and ciders from more than a dozen local businesses, as well as wines from Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Twyford and gins from the Henley Distillery. A new gluten free pilsner, brewed by Siren Craft Brew, will be served, along with non-alcoholic drinks.
The festival will be held in Park House and neighbouring Eat at the Square on the Whiteknights campus.
Matt Tebbit, head of bars and dining at the University, said: “We are proud to work closely with local food and drink suppliers, with the majority of the beers served in our bars only travelling only a few miles to get there.
“As a university that is serious about environmental sustainability, welcoming people onto campus for a truly local drinks festival makes sense.”
Brewers includ: Siren Craft Brew, Phantom Brewing Co, Double-Barrelled, Stardust Brewery, Renegade Brewery, Tap Social Movement, Two Flints Brewery, Disruption is Brewing and Windsor & Eton Brewery.
Tickets are £12 or £10 for staff and students. Entry includes one free drink and a unique craft beer glass.
n For more information, visit: www.store.reading.ac.uk
Twyford Drama
May 11-14
www.twyforddrama.co.uk
TWYFORD Drama have just played an absolute blinder in the first-ever stage production of local playwright Kathy Reid’s comedy-drama Fight Them for the Beeches.
Reminiscent of the clientele of Richard Osman’s popular Thursday Murder Club series, the play’s cast are residents at Beeches Manor Residential Home, where the action takes place.
The set was perfect and evoked the slightly faded grandeur of an old manor house, with a portrait of the late Lord Cornwallis taking pride of place on the wall.
We meet the cast as they heard the awful news that the owner of Beeches Manor has died unexpectedly.
The cast were clearly enjoying themselves – the coffee-addicted Colonel (Richard Rudman) traumatised by his past; the ‘wheeler-dealer’ Walker (Mike Higgins) taking great joy in finding places to hide illicit alcohol; Cassandra ‘Woo Woo’ (Rebecca Down) sensing people’s auras and bad news at every
turn; Iris (Kathy Reid) clearly in charge and quietly running the home while tackling difficult crosswords;
And the ‘new’ resident George (Ian McDonald) raises the suspicions of the residents due to his ‘teeny tiny’ mobile phone and overheard secretive calls.
The residents were beautifully cared for by Honey Potter, the chef and general assistant (Sam Gittins) serving coffee at every opportunity, and her boss, the Beeches manager Sam Harris (Jac Rampton).
In a ‘are they/aren’t they?’ relationship, they shared touching scenes together in the cleaning cupboard.
The dastardly Lord
Christopher Cornwallis (Marc Reid), son of the late Lord Cornwallis, soon made his intentions clear as he summoned the residents to inform them he wanted to sell the Manor – supposedly to clear his late father’s gambling debts.
The second half revealed a plot twist no one expected that had the audience collectively gasping in astonishment.
The production at Loddon Hall, Twyford, was a beautifully written and well-cast joyous riot of undercover sleuthing, puzzling but enlightening crossword clues, password cracking and above all the power of friendship.
A triumph by Twyford Drama.
AN EVENING of world-class ballet is coming to Guildford next month, offering a mixture of classic and contemporary dance.
To mark the company’s 40th anniversary, Ballet Central is performing at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre on Thursday, June 8.
Organisers say this is a chance to meet future stars, as the class of 32 will soon graduate and go on to the next stage of their careers.
The show is created around Ballet Central’s relationships with leading choreographers and dance industry influencers who provide the opportunity for students to work on new pieces or spectacular revivals of muchloved classic ballets and theatrical productions.
This year’s programme, created by Artistic Director Kate Coyne, features some familiar stories alongside exciting contemporary pieces and brandnew work, created especially for the show.
They say audiences can fall in love with classical Pas de Deux, The Two Pigeons, and
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SHOWCASE: Clara Ngo is one of the young stars taking part in the Ballet Central show at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre in Guildford
be inspired by earthy Pas de Trois, Monotones I, both from one of the 20th century’s most distinctive choreographic voices, Sir Frederick Ashton.
There is a new take on Snow White thanks to Michael Pink’s shadowy retelling, Mirror, Mirror and be captivated by Dextera’s exploration of the Pygmalion myth created by Sophie Laplane.
And there will be new choreography from rising star Morgann Runacre-Temple and all new work from distinguished contemporary choreographer Darshan Singh Bhuller.
A spokesperson said: “If you love dance, then don’t miss out.”
The event takes place from 7.30pm on Thursday, June 8, with tickets from £23, with concessions from £12, and multibuy discounts available. n For more information and to book tickets, visit: YvonneArnaud.co.uk. Alternatively, contact the Box Office on 01483 440000, between 10am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.
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THE only way is Essex … and Berkshire this week, as we introduce a single from Myopia.
They group will be travelling to our neck of the woods several times over the coming weeks, including a performance at Wokingham Festival in the summer.
We’re thrilled to feature them in the RaW Sounds Today playlist and can’t wait for you to hear them.
Tune in for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.
To hear this week’s selection, simply head to 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.
Myopia – Unendable
This is an exciting new band from Essex with a single that is both beautiful and powerful.
It builds from a quiet soulful intro into an uplifting
Friday, May 19
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. First Among Equals and Launch Control. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. All About You. Details: 01344 303333.
EVERSLEY CROSS – The Frog and Wicket, The Green RG27 0NS. Solace. Details: 0118 973 1126.
PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Abba’s Angels.
Details: 0118 969 98978.
READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Scratch Perverts
Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street
RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place
RG1 7JE. Cam Cole: The South West Tour of Albion. Wicked Boy Fridays with Crooked Shapes, Red Tape Resistance, Violet Origin. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING - The Jolly Anglers, Kennetside RG1 3EA. Getting Funky.
READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road
RG1 7HR. One Eyed Man. Details: 0118 958 6222
READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.
Details: 0118 958 8964.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Friday Night Live Music Nights. The Black Market Band. Comedy Club. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. London Calling plays The Clash.
Details: 0118 959 5395.
READING – Zerodegrees, Bridge Street. Live music with Amanda’s Music Events.
WOKINGHAM – WADE, Reading Road. Curry night. £15 per head. Details/ booking: 0118 978 7025 or secretary@ wadecentre.org.uk
YATELEY – The White Lion, Reading Road GU46 7RX. Gary Roman as Elvis.
Details: 01252 890840.
YATTENDON – The Old Dairy RG18 0XT. Renegade Brewery Taproom presents Friday night music night with Colorado River. Details: 01635 767090.
Saturday, May 20
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Who’s Next. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Bridge, Wokingham Road RG42 1PP. Broadmoor Sirens
Live. Details: 01344 862912.
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF.
Myopia at The Acoustic Couch
Picture:
Andrew Merrittintense section showing that Myopia is a band with strong vocals and excellent musicianship.
The band has a new album coming soon and will be visiting the area to play at the Windsor Trooper on June 1 and University of Reading on June 2. They will also be at Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday August 28 – linktr.ee/myopiaofficial
Spriggan Mist – The Portal
One of the standouts on Spriggan Mist’s 2017 album, The Portal was the title track and since then it’s been a live favourite.
It was released before current vocalist, Fay Brotherhood, joined the band and became
Vintage Sound Collective. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride RG12 9LR. Acoustic cafe. 2pm6pm. Details: 01344 426298.
BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Red Rocket Details: 01344 422622.
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Counterfeit Sixties.
Details: 01344 484123.
CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Swallow. Details: 0118 959
5500.
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Old Goat presents Tape It Shut, Panic Button, Personal Issue, Punk Dylan. Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Club Velocity/New Mind presents Johnny Moped. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Paul Reason as Robbie. Details: 0118 402 7800.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Rat Pack.
Details: 0118 926 5804.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. Noon. DJ Shunz. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Bad Worm presents The Bourbon Massive. Details: www. risingsunartscentre.org
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Band Substance. Details: 0118 957 6930.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jody and the Jerms. Details: 0118 977 0918.
YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. The Mighty Lemons. Details: 01252 870648.
Sunday, May 21
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays. Details: 01344 484123.
READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Blue Collar record fair and social. Details: www.linktr.ee/ blue.collar
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Tom Lewis. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Amit Kumar live in concert. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr
such a brilliant front person for them.
The track has therefore now been remixed and mastered by Aaron Cilia, with Fay providing new lead vocals.
It sounds great with the vocals combining perfectly with the melodic guitar riff to enhance this Spriggan classic – www.sprigganmist.com
Sean McGowan – Casanova
Southampton-born singer, Sean McGowan, has built up an impressive reputation through his extensive gigs and his songs which focus on the truth and reality of modern life.
His new album, ‘Who on Earth’ is another great collection with songs of quality, like this one, delivered with musical and vocal passion.
There’s a chance to see Sean perform live when he appears with his full band at a Club Velocity show at Reading’s Rising Arts Centre on Friday, May 26 –www.facebook.com/seanmcgowanmusicuk
Dream Wife – Orbit
We were blown away by Dream Wife when they visited Reading to headline the launch party of Are You Listening? Festival. This single is from the band’s forthcoming third album Social Lubrication – www. dreamwife.co
Hello Indigo! – Fall Through You
This new young band from Cardiff describe themselves as ‘blending indie, alternative and surf rock to create a raucous sound’ and they will be at
HOLDING
Gee. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Low-Key Sundays. From 3pm. Details: 0118 376 9159.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic session with Jack Frank and guests. 5.30pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Monday, May 22
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test. Club Reckless. Details: 0118 959 7196.
STOKE ROW – Crooked Billet RG9 5PU. Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Details: 01491 681048.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic cafe. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Tuesday, May 23
BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Vistas. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Fisherman’s Cottage, Kennet Side RG1 3DW. Live jazz, blues and more. Free entry, donations welcome.
Details: 07866 251216.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Wobz. Details: 0118 959 7196.
Wednesday, May 24
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. The Cream of Hendrix.
Details: 01344 484123.
READING – Blue Collar Dining, Hosier Street RG1 7JL. Eddie Piller in conversation with Jim B Donovan with DJ set from Paul ‘Smiler’ Anderson. 6pm. Details: www.linktr.ee/blue.collar
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Jazz singers night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Isobel. Details: 0118 958 6222.
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Artist Link-Up. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org
Thursday, May 25
BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.
EARLEY – Reading Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 7HN. Leech.
Details: 0118 334 4300.
HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Hurst Morris People and Shinfield Shambles. Details: 0118 934 4100.
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk
RG1 7QF. 80s Live. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Vegas baby, Vegas with the Ding Dong Daddios. DDD and Jim Donavan. Mr Sango. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Outlook, Kings Road. Singer Soup Kitchen: three performers, one band, one night only. 8pm.
WOKINGHAM – The Grasshopper, Rose Street RG40 1XU. Mark Warner’s Full Swing. 6.30pm. 0118 901 2678.
WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.
Friday, May 26
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ditch The Demon, Erin May, After Arden. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Luther Vandross solo and Motown tribute. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – The Silver Birch, Birch Hill Shopping Centre, Liscombe RG12 7DE. Soult Trax. Details: 01344 457318
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Celebrating George Michael. Details: 01344 484123.
CHARVIL – Heron on the Ford, Landsend Lane RG10 0UE. Candy Rock. Details: 0118 934 0700.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Away With The Seas single release show. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Mike and the Mechanics SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 960 6060.
READING – Pitcher & Piano, Friar Street
RG1 1DB. Stars in their Minds karaoke.
Details: 0118 958 8964.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street
RG1 2JR. DJ Ben. Dinos Band. Joe: New Bass Order. 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz weekend: Denny Ilett, Andy Crowdy, Maff Potts. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Seán McGowan.
Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Unit 8 Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road. KGB.
Details: 01344 778543.
YATELEY - The Cricketers, Cricket Hill Lane GU46 6BA. Gary Roman as Elvis. Details: 01252 872105.
Wokingham Festival in August – www.facebook. com/helloindigouk
Savour the Flavour – Fish and Chip Song
Any song that mentions local landmarks Nine Mile Ride and Bob’s Fish & Chips has got to be worth a listen.
This is from the band’s new album Crikey! It’s Savour the Flavour – http://www.flavoursong.co.uk
Voyager – Promises
Congratulations to Voyager who made it to the final of Eurovision and put in a brilliant performance – www.voyagerau.com
Louis and the Shakes – sorry.x
It’s a new single from the London band who bring their uplifting indie rock to Wokingham Festival in August – www.louisandtheshakes.com
Katie Ellwood – Breathe Slow
We always love to see a new single from Katie, one of our fave Wokingham artists – www.instagram. com/katieellwood_music
Kyros – The End in Mind
Kyros are back with their first new music in nearly three years and it’s an eight-minute epic. They are a band of excellent musicians and you can see them locally when they play Wokingham Festival on August 28 –www.kyrosmusic.com
YATTENDON – The Old Dairy RG18 0XT. Renegade Brewery Taproom presents Friday night music night with Barry Newman. Details: 01635 767090.
Saturday, May 27
BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Slide Oasis. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk
BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Ultimate Party Band. Details: 01344 303333.
BRACKNELL – The Royal Oak, London Road RG12 2NN. Blink of an Eye.
Details: 01344 422622.
BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Eat At Joe’s. 2pm. Details: 01344 484123.
CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. NRG. Details: 01344 530615.
HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest 2023. Tickets free. Details: 0118 934 4100.
PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Moonage: The Best of Bowie Tribute Band. Details: 0118 969 98978.
READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Boot Led Zeppelin. Details: 0118 959 5500.
READING – The Gateway Pub, Greyfriars Road RG1 1PA. Danny T. Details: 0118 959 0376.
READING – IBIS Club, Scours Lane RG30 6AY. Reading Fest with G Maffiah, SeSe, Jahfett, Kryboss, Solo Barton, DJ Hich, Firechild Unit, MonstaSound, Play Mi Tune, DJ Phily, McFyA and more. £10. Details: shoobs.com
READING – The Moderation, Caversham Road RG1 8BB. The Cosmic Pixies. Details: 0118 959 5577.
READING – The Palmer Tavern, Wokingham Road RG6 1JL. Mollys
Jam. Details: 0118 935 1009.
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street
RG1 2JR. Britpop Saturdays. From Noon. New Beginnings Reading Fund: The Skavengers, Corvid, The Skandal, Monochrome State, and Natural Right. Scarlet Vixens. Faded Bass. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street
RG1 4EH. Jazz weekend: TJ Johnson, Paul Jeffries, Simon Price. Details: 0118 376 9159.
READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Classic Tracks.
Details: 0118 926 5804.
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1
5BJ. The Highwasters. Details: 0118 957 6930.
TILEHURST – The Atrium, Scours Lane
RG30 6AY. AJ Calypso Tent coronation celebration with G-String, Brown Sugar, Ms Desire, De Admiral, Music Man, Dame Polly, Rev B, DeeVine, King Clivus, AJ’S All Stars, The Kaiso Gems, Andre McGenious Shepherd. £10 in advance. Details: 07930 907354.
WHITLEY – Whitley Social Club, RG2 7QA. The Dirty Shirts Band. Details: 0118 374 0052.
WINNERSH – The Pheasant Bar, Reading Road RG41 5LR. Spartan Events launch night. Details: 0118 978 4529.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Beatles and Buddy tribute Details: 0118 977 0918.
WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Garden rock festival: Parallel Blondes, Make Shifts, Nicole Allen. £11. Gates 5.30pm. Details: 0118 979 7402.
WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. The Vinyl Sessions. Details: 0118 979 9437. WOODLEY – Oakwood Centre, Headley Road. The Martin Hart Trio. Details: www.woodleytheatre.org
Sunday, May 28
BRACKNELL – Keller, Coppid Beech, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Arrested Development. Details: 01344 303333. CAVERSHAM – Working Men’s Club, Church Street RG4 8AU. Keith Live. Details: 0118 954 5434.
HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Wheelies Fest 2023: live music from 5pm, barbecue noon8pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.
READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Captain’s Beard. Details: 0118 958 0473.
READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk. Details: readifolk.org.uk
READING – Gun Street Garden, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Loop Volume 2.
Details: 07494 888180
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays with Mr Gee. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – The Retreat, St John’s Street RG1 4EH. Jazz with Stuart Henderson, Simon Price and guests. From 3.30pm. Jazz weekend: Phil Braithwaite and Friends. Details: 0118 376 9159.
TILEHURST – The Plough, School Road RG31 5AW. Gary Roman as Elvis.
Details: 0118 942 7250
TWYFORD – The Golden Cross, Waltham Road. Thomas Heppell Live. Details: 07889 226309.
WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Jazz with P’Jam. Details: 0118 977 0918.
Friday, May 19
CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30am-noon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – Brewdog, Castle Street RG1 7SB. Mad Monkey Improv session. £5 in advance. Details: https://www. madmonkeyimprov.co.uk/
READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Friday Fledglings, a weekly outdoor session for toddlers. Booking essential. 10am11.30am. Details: 0118 986 6788. Come dressed for the weather. Booking essential. Details: merl.reading.ac.uk
READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reading Indie Comedy Festival: New Comedian of the Year. 7.30pm. £6. Details: 0118 959 7196.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk
READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Reading Children’s Festival presents Diddi Dance session. 10am-10.45am.
READING – South Street Arts Centre. Poets Cafe online. 1pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.
SOUTHCOTE – Southcote Children’s Centre, Coronation Street, RG30 3QP. Reading Children’s Festival presents: Rhyme and Song. 11am-11.30am. Free. Details: 0118 937 2535.
SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Storytime: The Rumble Under The Rug. For ages 18 months to three years. Details: 0118 937 5109.
TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle Players presents Eric Chappell’s Theft. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www.triangleplayer.co.uk
WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturges Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table. 10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm. linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm-4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@spauls.co.uk.
WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road RG40 5TU. Wokingham Lions comedy club: David Ward, Terry Alderton, Gordon Southern, and Paul McCaffrey. £17.50. SOLD OUT. Details: https://wokinghamlions.org.uk/
WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
Saturday, May 20
BURGHFIELD – The Cunning Man, Burghfield Rd RG30 3RB. May Fayre. 10.30am-5.30pm. Details: 0118 959 8067. CAVERSHAM – Across Caversham. Caversham Arts Trail. 11am-5pm. Details: cavershamartstrail.co.uk
READING – The Abbey Junior School, Christchurch Road. Reading Children’s Festival presents Reading Festival of Sport for ages three to seven. Free. Booking essential. Details: www. theabbey.co.uk
READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market. 8.15am-noon. Details: www. thamesvalleyfarmers market.co.uk
READING – Christ Church, Christchurch Road RG2 7AR. Reading Male
with Charis
Anne Luke. £10 plus booking fee. Details: www.ticketsource.co.uk/ readingmalevoicechoir/reading-malevoice-choir-in-concert/e-orkekl
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk
READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Make a Tote Bag family workshop for ages nine upwards. 10am-1pm. Booking essential. Details: merl.reading.ac.uk
READING – Tutu’s Ethiopian Table, Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Dreading Slam presents Poetry in the Park. 11am. Details: 0118 966 3938.
SHINFIELD – Shinfield Players Theatre, Whitley Wood Lane. Theatreoke. 7pm. Details: www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk
TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Reading Indie Comedy Festival 2023: Comedy at the Taproom Showcase with Zoe Lyons and Sara Barron. 7.30pm. £15 plus booking fee. Details: www.fatsoma.com/p/ reading-comedy-festival
TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Triangle
Players presents Eric Chappell’s Theft. 7.30pm. £8, £7 concessions. Details: www.triangleplayers.co.uk
WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE – Waltham St Lawrence church, Halls Lane RG10 0JD. Choral Festival Concert 2023: Six choirs sing their own pieces and join together for extracts from Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Parry’s coronation anthem “I was glad”. Free admission, retiring collection for Tear Fund, interval refreshments. 6pm.
Details: wsl.link
WHITLEY – Reading Scout and Guide HQ, Northcourt Avenue RG2 7HG. 9th Reading Guides Monthly Charity Book Sale. 10am-noon.
WINNERSH – St Mary The Virgin, Church Close RG41 5NA. Spring fayre: cakes, plants, books, stalls, raffle, and more. 11am-4pm.
WOKINGHAM – Outside RYND, Market Place RG40 1AS. Urbansketching event. 2pm-4pm. Details: urbansketchersreading.wordpress.com
WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Wokingham Embroiderers’ Group A demonstration of Boro Stitching by Hilary Jenkins. 2.30pm. £5, members free. Details: Linde at wokinghameg@outlook.com
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11amnoon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
YATELEY – St Peter’s Church Reading Road, GU46 7LR. Liquorice Stix and The Oasis Community Choir in concert, followed by tea and cake. 4pm. Free entry, donations to St Peter’s Church Community Hub and Vision 4 Youth.
Details: www.stpetersyateley.org
Sunday, May 21
CAVERSHAM – Across Caversham. Caversham Arts Trail. 11am-5pm. Details: cavershamartstrail.co.uk
FINCHAMPSTEAD – The Queen’s Oak, Church Lane RG40 4LS. MyJourney Wokingham presents free Dr Bike Surgery. From 10am. Booking essential.
Details: www.myjourneywokingham. com
READING – Milk, Merchants Place RG1 1DT. Reading Indie Comedy Festival 2023: What’s The Game Improv Festival Showcase. 11am.
£5. Buttrick and Steel Conquer The World, presented by Stand and Deliver Comedy Club. 1230pm. £5. Fiona Allen. 2pm. £10. Glenn Wool. 3.30pm. £10. Nabil Abdulrashid. 5pm. £10. Emmanuel Sonubi. 6.30pm. £10. The
Sunday Roast presented by Roast Battle UK. 8.30pm. £10. Details: www. fatsoma.com/p/reading-comedyfestival
READING – RISC, London Road. 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.
REMENHAM – Remenham Farm, Temple Island Meadows, Church Lane RG9 3DB. Oxfordshire Young Farmers county show and rally. From 9am-5pm. Includes fun dog show, petting zoo, farming display, vintage vehicles, trade stands, craft stalls and more. £6, under 10s free. Details: oxfordshireyfccountyshow.org.uk
WOODLEY – Bulmershe Pavilion, Woodlands Avenue RG5 3HE. Woodley United Football Club Family Fun Day. Barbecue, refreshments, stalls, games and more. 10am-3pm. Details: www.woodleyunitedfc.co.uk
Monday, May 22
READING – The Abbey School, Kendrick Road. Creation out of Chaos: Doing Theology out of Trauma – The Abbey School’s inaugural annual theology lecture in partnership with the University of Reading Chaplaincy’s Café Théologique. Dr Karen O’Donnell, feminist trauma theologian, examines what trauma theology is, how it’s done, and why it matters. Free. Will also be streamed live on Vimeo. 7pm. Details: Mark Amos amosma@theabbey.co.uk
READING – St Mary’s Church, Castle Street RG1 7RD. Berkshire Industrial Archaeology Group talk: Whitchurch Silk Mill with Deborah Wheeler. 7.30pm. £2.50 for refreshments. Details: http://biag.org.uk
READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Reading Children’s Festival presents Diddi Dance session for ages 18 months to five years. 10am-10.45am.
TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 9.45am and 10.45am Booking essential. 0118 937 5112.
TILEHURST – Meadway Sports Centre, Conwy Close RG30 4BZ. Reading Children’s Festival presents soft play, bouncy castle and face painting for ages seven and under. Free, booking essential. Details: 0118 304 4077.
Tuesday, May 23
CAVERSHAM – From a location near Caversham Bridge. Terry’s Walkabouts presents: St Peter’s Caversham Conservation Area & Beyond Walkabout. 9.50am-noon. Maximum 16 people. £5, child over 10 £1. In aid of Home-Start Reading and The Reading Ukrainian Community Centre. Booking essential. Details: www.facebook.com/ terrysreadingwalkabouts
CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Rhymetime. 10.15am10.45am and 11.15am-11.45am. Booking essential. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Art group. 1pm3pm. £3 per session. Details: 0118 973 2484.
READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5950.
READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Reading Children’s Festival presents Mini Athletics for ages 2-5. Free. 1pm-2pm.
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Visit to Caversham Caves organised by the Berkshire Family History Society. 7pm. £20, £18 members. Booking essential. SOLD OUT. Details: 0118 950 9553.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk
SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square
RG30 3QP. Coffee morning. 10.30am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5109.
WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Berkshire mini maestros. 2.30pm-3pm. Details: 0118 937 5115.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table. 10am-noon. Every third and fourth Tuesday of the month. Details: linkvisiting.org
Wednesday, May 24
BINFIELD – Newbold College Church, Newbold College RG42 4AN. Bracknell Choral Society presents Songs From The Shows with West End performer Maria Kesselman and Emily Burton.
7.30pm. £15, under 18s free. Details: www.bracknellchoral.org.uk
CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Women’s Section talk: Living in Uganda, a talk.
1.45pm for 2pm. Details: 01344 772161.
EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Reading Children’s Festival: Bumps and Babes. 10am-11.30am. Under ones messy play. 10am11.30am. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – Coley Community Centre, Wensley Road RG1 6DW. Reading Children’s Festival presents Let’s Get Physical soft play. 9.45am-10.45am.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www.progresstheatre.co.uk
READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Reading Humanists Book Club: Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. 7.30pm. Booking essential. Search meetup.com for Reading Humanists.
TWYFORD – URC Hall, Church Street, RG10 9DR. Twyford Arts Group Life Drawing Sessions. 7pm. Details: www. twyfordartgroup.co.uk
Thursday, May 25
EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting. org
HURST – The Wheelwright Arms, Davis Way RG10 0TR. Hurst Morris People and Shinfield Shambles. 8pm-10pm. Details: 0118 934 4100.
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Biscuit decorating craft. 3.30pm-4.30pm. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk
READING – The Centre for Heritage and Family History, 2nd Floor, Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. The History of the Gas Industry in Berkshire: an online talk with Jo Alexander Jones. 2pm-3.15pm. £5. Booking essential. Details: 0118 950 9553.
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Coffee morning. 10amnoon. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – Palmer Park Library, St Bartholomew’s Road RG1 3QB. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.30am. Details: 0118 937 5106.
READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Rhymetime. Booking essential. 10.15am and 11.15.
Details: 0118 937 5950.
SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7 1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
SOUTHCOTE – Library, Southcote Community Hub, Coronation Square RG30 3QP. Rhymetime. 9.45am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5109.
TILEHURST – Library, School Road RG31 5AS. Rhymetime. 2.15pm Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5112.
TILEHURST – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, The Meadway, RG30 4PE. Reading branch of Berkshire Family history Society meeting: A light overview of the English in India from the early 1600s through to 1947, by Jeremy James Heath-Caldwell. 7.45pm. Free parking. £5 donation, members free. Details: berksfhs.org
TILEHURST – Methodist Church Hall, School Road RG31 5AN. Fashion show and clothing sale in aid of Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice. 7.30pm. £5.
WHITLEY – Library, South Reading Community Hub, 252 Northumberland Avenue, RG2 7QA. Rhymetime. 11am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5115.
WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosaic lunch club with Friendship table. Noon1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOKINGHAM – The Cornerstone, All Saints Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham RG40 1UE. Wokingham and East Berkshire Camera Club meeting: AGM and awards night.
7.30pm. Details: www.webcc.org.uk
WOKINGHAM – The Rose Inn, Market Place RG40 1AS. First Days quiz night. 8pm. Teams of up to six, £10 per person. Booking essential. Details: www.firstdays.net/quiz-night
WOKINGHAM – The Whitty Theatre, Luckley House School, Luckley Road RG40 3EU. Wokingham Film Society presents: Living (12). £6.50, £4 members. 7.30pm. Details: wokinghamfilmsociety.com
Friday, May 26
CAVERSHAM – Library, Church Street RG4 8AU. Games club. 10.30am-noon. Free. Details: 0118 937 5103.
EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org
KIDMORE END – Kidmore House, Garden and Vineyeard RG4 9AR. Open gardens for NGS: 14 acres set in South Oxfordshire landscaped gardens with features inc ha-ha, walled garden with delphiniums, calla lilies and white wisteria, a rose garden and one hectar of vines. 1.30pm-5pm. £6, children free. Homemade teas available. Details: findagarden.ngs.org.uk or 07740 290990.
READING – Battle Library, Oxford Road RG30 1EE. Rhymetime. 10am and 11.15am. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5100.
READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Friday Fledglings, a weekly outdoor session for toddlers. Booking essential. 10am-11.30am. Details: 0118 986 6788. Come dressed for the weather. Booking essential. Details: merl. reading.ac.uk
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk
READING – Sun Street Children’s Centre, Sun Street RG1 3JX. Reading Children’s Festival presents Diddi Dance session for ages 18 months upwards. 10am-10.45am.
WHITLEY – Community Centre, Northumberland Avenue RG2 7PZ. Sport 4 Kids : active kids. 1pm-1.45pm.
Details: 0118 937 3894.
WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival: real ales, ciders and more. Details: 0118 978 1221.
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.
2pm-4pm. 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
YATTENDON – Village Hall, Yattendon Lane RG18 0UE. Brewhouse Music with The Churchfitters. 7pm. £15.
Details: 01635 200185.
Saturday, May 27
CROWTHORNE – Crowthorne Baptist Church, High Street RG45 7AT. Repair cafe organised by CROW. 10.30am12.30pm. Details: http://c-r-o-w.org.uk
READING – Coal Woodland Moorings, the area behind Tesco, Napier Road. Keep Caversham Tidy litter pick. 10am-noon. Wear appropriate clothing and good walking shoes. Details or to register: keepcavershamtidy@gmail.com
READING – Jelly, 1st Floor, Broad Street Mall RG1 7QE. Crochet Yourself
A Granny Square: learn the basics of crochet. 10.30am-1.30pm. £30. Booking essential. Details: www.jelly. org.uk
READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Details: facebook.com/beachsfunfair
READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Sandi Toksvig’s Silver Lining. 7.45pm. £14, concessions £11. Details: www. progresstheatre.co.uk
READING – Reading Abbey Gateway, The Forbury. Tour of the medieval Abbey Gateway. Places limited to 15 people, uneven steps and floors. 2pm. Booking essential. Details: 0118 937 5950.
READING – Reading Central Library, Abbey Square RG1 3BQ. Welcome to Reading coffee morning: learn about the library and resources you have access to with your membership and try out Hublets. Free, drop-in event. 11am-1pm.
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Wellington Country Park Animal Farm Week. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
SILCHESTER – Village Hall, Little London Road RG7 2ND. Silchester Repair Cafe. Book a slot to help in advance. 10am1pm. Details: https://ti.to/nh-repaircafe/silchester-275
WOKINGHAM – Langborough Recreation Ground, Gipsy Lane RG40 2DN. Wokingham Town Council annual children’s fun day: fairground, circus scene, Go Kart Party, Millers Ark, morearts, birds of prey, My Journey Wokingham Smoothie Bike, First Days, ferret racing, barbecue and ice cream van. Activities free. 10am-4pm. Picnics welcomed. Details: https://www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/funday/
WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival. Details: 0118 978 1221.
WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org
WOOSEHILL – Woosehill Church, Chestnut Avenue RG41 3RS. Sip and Share with friendship table. 11amnoon, every second Saturday. Details: linkvisiting.org
Sunday, May 28
READING – The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. The MERL Green Explorers: monthly nature and bushcraft sessions for ages five upwards. 10am-noon. Children must be accompanied. £7 per child. Come dressed for the weather. Booking essential. Details: merl. reading.ac.uk
READING – Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. Beach’s Family Fun Fair. Details: facebook.com/beachsfunfair
RISELEY – Wellington Country Park, Odiham Road RG7 1SP. Animal Farm Week. 9.30am-4.30pm. Details: wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk
WOKINGHAM – The Queen’s Head, The Terrace RG40 1BP. Beer festival: real ales, ciders and more. Details: 0118 978 1221.
1. The Gulf of Bothnia separates which two countries?
2. Bruno Richard Hauptmann was found guilty of murder in which famous case?
3. In the Steven Spielberg 2021 remake of West Side Story, who played Maria?
4. What C is an orange-flavoured liqueur and the name of a Caribbean island?
5. Which of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas features the ghostly Murgatroyds?
6. Which Government department was set up in 1919 to guarantee Britain’s timber supplies?
7. Which country has won the most gold medals at the Winter Olympic Games?
8. What was the most successful single by John Lydon’s band The Sex Pistols?
9. Who wrote the novel Gravity’s Rainbow?
10. What is the common name for mineral iron pyrite?
Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.
Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.
1. Image doctor left in a spiritual meeting (9)
6. Equipment bagged by soldiers? (3)
8. Homer found aloft (7,6)
9. Strip in straight fashion for the king perhaps (5)
10. More than one circuit will partly coincide (7)
11. Turned to jeer my boy (6)
13. Great gun for the cleric, say (6)
16. Deadlock makes almost one thousand out of date (7)
18. Award for vehicle so revolutionary to begin with (5)
20. Preventing from succeeding (13)
22. Some prodding done with a cane (3)
23. Real boast about instrument used by astronomers (9)
QUICK CROSSWORD
amyloid; campo; capo; ciao; clod; clomp; clop; cloy; coal; coaly; coda; coil; cola; cold; coly; coma; comply; copal; copy; diol; diploma; DIPLOMACY; doily; dolma; domical; dopa; dopily; dopy; idol; lido; limo; lipoma; load; loam; loamy; mayo; milo; modal; moil; mola; moly; mopily; mopy; myopia; myopic; oily; opal; placoid; plod; ploidy; ploy; policy; poly; polyadic; yomp.
EQUALISER:
1. Cutting worker off when dry (3)
2. Drink up, Al, underneath fresco (5)
3. Rile Tim about a county in Ireland (7)
4. Restricted northern shaft (6)
5. Former French island where Napoleon was sent (5)
6. King and Merlin lost in Russian citadel (7)
7. Can cricketer be found in the kitchen? (3-6)
9. About to connect the German answer (9)
12. Did more modelling in a relaxed position (7)
14. Cupid before midday permitted company to leave South American river (7)
15. Get the better of French achievement (6)
17. Girl’s turned up for some medicine (5)
19. Register Switzerland in a plate perhaps (5)
21. Give five less in Scotland (3)
Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.
As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.
Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.
679 5
42 57 91 38 4
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:
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).
Serenade; 15 Teasel;
Across – 1 Observer; 8 Old man; 9 Tofu; 10 Rut; 11 Toilet; 12
QUICK CROSSWORD:
2 3 9 5 7 6 2 98 73 2 1 7 54 3 3 9
CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:
Ruddigore; 6 Forestry Commission; 7 Norway; 8 God Save the Queen; 9 Thomas Pynchon; 10 Fool’s gold.
Rachel Zegler; 4 Curaçao;
www.tvaw.org.uk
It may cost to have the procedure carried out, but it’ll save you in the long term. Less trips to the vets and less replacement sofas and armchairs need buying.
Neutering may be slightly cheaper than you think, with the procedure generally costing between £50 and £150, depending on where you go.
CONSUMING too much salt may raise your blood pressure, increasing your risk of developing heart diseases.
WE love cats in our house.
We have two of our own and, as fosterers for TVAW, at least one in the cathouse at the end of our garden at any one time.
Our pair of mogs might not enjoy it much, but we even enjoy it when neighbours’ cats stroll across the patio or venture in for a cheeky snaffling of a few unguarded biscuits.
We don’t love the smell of cat wee in our house, though (we’re strange like that).
There was a nice novelty to stumbling across the friendly ginger tom that’s paid us the odd nocturnal visit through our cat flap recently.
It was a novelty that soon wore off, however, when we caught a whiff of his territorial spray, liberally doused all over our kitchen units and curtains.
If only the pungent smell wore off as quickly as the novelty of hosting our spritzing new cat visitor.
We couldn’t get angry at our uninvited guest; he wasn’t being rude. He was just being a bit, well, fruity. It is, after all, the tail end of the cat mating season (pun intended).
And he’s, how do we say this politely? ‘Intact’ at the back.
Left unneutered, male cats will wander far and wide looking for, how do we say this politely…? ‘Love’? There is, though, very little romantic about foregoing the idea of spaying your cat.
Here’s why you should make sure to get your feline friends ‘done’: It cuts down on roaming
There’s nothing wrong with exercise, of course, but wandering too far can be dangerous when you’re a cat. Neutering lessens the desire to walk too far from home, especially in males.
Which then reduces the chances of them getting themselves lost or, worse, run over.
Their health
Neutering makes cats less likely to catch FIV (feline AIDS) or develop other diseases, especially mammary cancer in females. They can also get extremely battered, receiving nasty injuries from fighting.
Neutering lessens the urge to scrap over territory.
That means less chance of fightrelated injuries, which can be painful and get infected - requiring treatment.
Having litter after litter of kittens is also not kind to a female cat - so many complications can occur, with in-breeding causing a whole new set of problems.
At TVAW, we have had kittens born to feral mums with all sorts of terrible deformities and problems.
Out in the wild, they can die a slow and painful death. As can the mum.
Spaying levels out the hormones of your cat, calming them down.
It makes cats much friendlier and altogether more docile and lap-happy at home.
In females (or ‘queens’), it means they won’t come into season, be super vocal and behave somewhat erratically.
In males, it reduces the urge to roam, spray and fight.
Unexpected litters often lead to dumped cats which, in turn, create feral colonies where many unmonitored cats can live without medical oversight or assistance.
Unwanted kittens that turn into feral cats are often treated rather unkindly by humans; often being shooed away, kicked, shouted at and having to struggle to find food.
This establishes a fear of people which can lead to trust issues and impact their chances of rehabilitation if taken in. If you saw some of the cats that TVAW have taken in down the years, trust us – you’d have your cat neutered!
If the cost is prohibitive, contact us. TVAW runs a low-cost neutering scheme (Google it for more info, details are on our website).
Are there downsides to neutering your cat? There are a couple of minor things to be aware of. Any procedure that sees anaesthesia administered comes with a very small, but still very real, risk.
Other than that, the only other issue is that neutering has been shown to slow down metabolism, meaning that your cat may gain weight slightly easier. It can be managed with some tweaks to their diet.
Ideally, cats will be neutered at around four- to five-months-old, but if yours is older - that’s fine. But the sooner the better.
The operation is a little more invasive for female cats than it is for males, but both are same-day operations and your cat should feel little to no pain afterwards, the vet will prescribe a short course of painkillers anyway).
So don’t put it off for that reason. It really is better for them in the long run.
We’ll leave you with one final advantage to neutering your cat. If they’re a tom, you can rest easy at night knowing that wherever they are, they’re not round a neighbour’s house making their furnishings smell a little bit like a horrible pub toilet.
n For more, log on to Thames Valley Animal Welfare’s website, www.tvaw. org.uk
Bob
Age: 5 years (approx)
Sex: Male Microchipped: Yes
Neutered: Yes
Vaccinated: No
Can live with other cats: No
Can live with children: No
Bob is a charming cat, who came to us having been found homeless. After taking sometime to adapt to human company, Bob has found out that humans aren’t all bad and absolutely loves to cuddle and sit next to your side at every moment.
He is an extremely affectionate and loving cat but will take time to adapt to his new home, once he has settled he will be a special companion. Bob will need a home with a garden to explore.
If Bob could be just what you’re looking for please register online or call us on 0118 972 2082.
Samson
Age: 6 months (approx)
Sex: Male
Microchipped: Yes
Neutered: Yes
Vaccinated: Has had first vaccine
Can live with other cats: Yes
Can live with children: Teenagers
Samson is a handsome young cat with a white heart shape on his neck. He is full of joy and loves playing with other cats. If you are looking for a friend for your young cat, he would be ideal.
He is still nervous around people; he is happy to be picked up and cuddled but a little unsure to begin with.
He loves his food but prefers to eat on his own in a quiet place.
If Samson could be just what you’re looking for please register online or call us on 0118 972 2082.
Interested? Contact the homing cats, foster home co-ordinator by calling: 0118 972 2082 sending an email to: tvawcats30@gmail.com | More cats available at: tvaw.org.uk
Salt is a source of sodium, which is an essential part of a healthy diet, but when we consume too much, it can have a negative impact on our cardiovascular system.
Adults shouldn’t consume more than 6g of salt (2.5g of sodium) per day, but most of us consume more than that. Here we outline some ways you can reduce and keep an eye on your intake.
Cooking from scratch for most of your meals is the best way to know what your meal contains.
Shop-bought sauces, marinades, soups and ‘ready meals’ are often high in salt. We recommend batch-cooking homemade versions of the sauces and ‘ready meals’ you enjoy on a regular basis and freezing them for convenience later on.
We have a recipe for a Veggie-Packed Tomato Sauce on our website.
Fresh ingredients like lemon, wholegrain mustard, garlic and herbs like ginger, coriander, sage, parsley and basil offer so much flavour to meals when combined well.
Once you start experimenting with herbs and spices to add flavour to your meals, you will naturally find you need to add less salt.
Read food labels
When buying convenience foods always check the salt content and choose low-salt options where possible.
Most foods will list the salt content based on 100g, if a food has more than 1.5g of salt or 0.6g of sodium per 100g it is classed as a highsalt food.
If a food item uses the traffic light system these high-salt foods will be marked red, so it makes it easier to avoid them.
n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for our weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch. org.uk/health-tips
n Or have a look through our cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heartresearch-uk-cookbook/
Cats are lovely, but you can have too much of a good thing if you don’t neuter them. STEVE CHARNOCK looks at the benefits
ASCOT UNITED will play under the famous Wembley arch this Sunday as they take on Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase Final – the first time they’ve reached this stage.
The Yellas have enjoyed an exceptional season in the league and cup. After winning the Combined Counties Premier North league, they are looking to complete the double adding to the trophies in their cabinet.
Ascot amassed an incredible 102 points in their league campaign and
are just one step away from adding to what has already been a memorable season for the club.
Ascot fans will be out in force in the capital this weekend to turn Wembley yellow to try and cheer their team on to victory.
It will be a tough test for the Yellas who are up against
the defending champions.
Newport enjoyed a fantastic day out at Wembley in last year’s Vase final where they defeated Littlehampton Town 3-0 to get their hands on the trophy. Now, the Yellas are looking to snatch it off them.
n Full FA Vase 2023 Final preview on page 18
The former Sheffield United boss is looking for his next job after his 11 game stint with the Hornets and is currently the bookies favourite to take over at the Select Car Leasing Stadium
“I’m having a week off now, and although this has been a challenging last 12 months, it’s been one that I can massively reflect upon first and foremost,” said Wilder
“Then I’ll go again. My hunger, desire and work ethic hasn’t changed.
“It was there all the time I was at Watford. I slept at night knowing I put every ounce I had into it.
“Whatever has happened in this last year will stand me in good stead and I still want to manage at the top end of English football. My passion for that is still there.”
Despite having a tough spell with Watford, Wilder remains adamant that his passion for the game still remains ahead of his next challenge in management.
The Hornets, who had three managers throughout the 2022/23 Championship campaign, had a troubled second-half of the season and finished in 11th.
He continued: “I’m ready and raring to go back in. I know the type of club I need to work with and be aligned to, and this experience has given me a good insight into a lot of things.”
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
ASCOT UNITED are just one game away from clinching silverware at Wembley Stadium when they take on Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase Final.
The Yellas booked their place in this year’s Isuzu FA Vase Final in the most dramatic of circumstances. They overcame Corsham Town in a penalty shootout that went to sudden death. The teams were locked at 2-2 after 90 minutes.
Sean McCormack hit the winning spot kick to send his side through to the final on Sunday, where they will get the honour of playing at Wembley Stadium – the home of English football.
Ascot will have a tricky task on their hands to try and complete their cup journey and get their hands on silverware when they
face defending champions Newport Pagnell Town.
After reaching the final in the most dramatic of circumstances, Ascot manager Jamie Tompkins said: “What a moment for everybody. Fourteen heroes on the pitch and many more behind the goals.
“We started our journey back in August away at Long Crendon and were 1-0 down in that game as well.
“We’ve been all over the place, up to Manchester, over to the Isle of Wight, Devon, Sussex and we’ve beat them all so we can’t wait to get to Wembley.
“You have to back the players. We got through the previous round on penalties.
“Rhys (Forster) has been absolutely fantastic in goal and to be able to keep them out and give us a chance to win.
“What a moment for Sean (McCormack) who took the
winning penalty – a real special moment for him. I am just so proud because he’s had a great season.
“Many people at the club have been involved for years and years and I am just so happy for them.
“This is their moment now. They can enjoy watching their club go to Wembley and seeing the Ascot United badge on that pitch. I am so proud of them.
“Let’s go and win it.”
Newport were crowned as FA Vase champions in 2022 with a 3-0 victory over Littlehampton Town.
They ensured that they would return to the final for the second consecutive season when they beat Congleton Town on penalties.
The Yellas enjoyed a sensational season in the Combined Counties Premier North and now have their sights set on clinching the double.
They finished top of the pile in the league and ended as runaway leaders after they won an astonishing 33 of their 38 league matches which helped to amass 102 points.
Having scored a total of 99 goals from 38 games, Ascot finished 18 points above closest challengers Egham Town to get their hands on the league trophy. Their memorable league campaign means that the club has earned promotion to Step 4 and will play in the Isthmian South Central from the 2023/24 season.
Meanwhile, Newport Pagnell Town, who play in the Uhlsport United Counties Premier Division South, finished in fifth.
In their 38 game league season, Town ended on 75 points with 24 wins, three draws and 11 losses.
n To book tickets, visit: ascotunited.net/tickets
By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today
THE newly re-formed Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies team contested their first match in a friendly against recently established Arborfield Ladies.
The Sumas started training sessions last October with a handful of players and has seen the squad grow considerably since its inception with a squad of 19 players, which is expected to increase when two further players join once they finish university in the summer.
The squad has an age range between 16 and 40, and is made up of one current W&E U17 player, with the rest of the squad split roughly in half between ladies playing football for the first time ever and the other half being players who are returning to the sport after anywhere between three and 18 years away from it.
As well as the current U17 player, one other player came through the youth section at the club, with the two due to join from
university, also being former club youth players.
Thus, showing there is now a way forward for girls currently playing in the youth section, to carry on their football journey within the club.
The side is managed by Stuart Greig, who is now assisted with the coaching by Shai Humphries, who was the first player to come along to the introduction sessions last summer and has gone on to recently complete her first coaching badge.
As for the first match, a 15-7 win was achieved by the Sumas ladies, with the goals spread between four players.
The final result was not the main win of the day, that was surely that the club has a ladies team again and with growing numbers.
Next season the team will be joining the Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League, n Anyone aged 16 or over who would like to join or wanted further information, email Stuart Greig at: ladies@wefc.club
WOKINGHAM WANDERERS kept their cool from the penalty spot to clinch silverware in the Mick White Subsidiary Cup Final against SILVER BIRCH A.
With the two sides fairly evenly matched in the league, it was set up to be a closely contested final.
Wokingham went into the game in fifth place in the Bracknell & District Sunday Division Three on 25 points, while Silver Birch trail by five points and two places.
It was Wokingham who found the breakthrough in the match to take a lead into the break when team captain Ryan Keeley was perfectly placed in the six yard box to slot past the keeper from six yards.
Silver Birch came out fighting after the restart to try and get back into the match and they ensured that the match would go the distance when Owen Rich netted to put the game on terms with just 10 minutes to play.
The 1-1 statement meant that the game had to be decided from the penalty spot.
In a tense shootout, Keeley got the Wanderers off to a fine start by
WOKINGHAM District Primary
Schools U11 boys were crowned as champions when they saw off competition from around the county to get their hands on a trophy.
Wokingham overcame six different teams to win the Southern Counties League Cup Boys’ Champions Tournament 2023.
The team got the better of Newport, Caerphilly, Thurrock, Plymouth, Elmbridge and Bath on their way to winning the tournament.
They also recently celebrated success in the Shires Cup 2023 where they performed exceptionally to earn another trophy.
The Girls team have also had their fair share of success after they won the Surrey League title.
Trials to join the team for the 2023/24 season are now open. Places are open for boys who attend a Wokingham District School currently in year four or year five.
A statement on their website reads:
“We need talented players who can replicate and build upon the successes of previous years. During the 2023/24 season we will be selecting an U11 representative team that will compete in regional and national league/ competitions.
“Our aim is to provide a platform for the most talented players from across the borough to compete against the best players from districts across the county.
“The trails are open for all players, including those that are already with an Academy or Elite squad.
“We give our players the opportunity to succeed in football and take their next step forward with access to professional football academies in the south. This year saw two of our players sign professional contracts with Reading and Southampton and a third that is on trial with Oxford United.”
dispatching the first penalty.
Josh Carter, Luke Pearce and Kobi Khaliq all successfully converted their spot kicks before Callum Marshall netted the winning penalty to give Wokingham a 5-4 victory.
FINCHAMPSTEAD ATHLETIC were crowned as cup winners after they got past BRACKNELL ROYALS in the final.
Playing at Bracknell Town’s SB Stadium in a double header final which saw the Supplementary Cup final followed by the Mick White Subsidiary Cup, Finch secured the win.
Finch put three past their opponents without a reply as a brace from West and a goal from Payne helped them get their hands on the trophy.
Sunday League
Premier: Raglan 1-5 Freeman Royals
Division One: Panthers FC 3-1 Ashridge Park Royals, Winnersh Rangers 5-2 FC Harmanswater
Division Two: BAS FC Allstars 3-1 Bracknell Cavaliers
Division Three Bracknell Saint Germain 3-1 AFC Dukes Reserves, Hope & Anchor 8-3 FC Bracknell Saints
Division Four: BH Dons 8-4 Bracknell Elite
FOOTBALL
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
BTC Cup semi-final
READING YMCA held their nerve from the penalty spot to progress past FINCHAMPSTEAD in the semi-finals.
Samuel Tucker scored for YMCA as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The game was decided in a shootout and it was YMCA who booked their place in the final with a 5-4 victory.
They will face Thames Valley Premier League champions Yateley United in the final on Wednesday, May 17.
Thames Valley Premier YATELEY UNITED completed a perfect campaign as they made it 20 wins from 20 games by beating SB Phoenix in their final league game.
Yateley stormed to the league title to stop Finch’s run of two league wins in succession by winning all 20 of their games to give them maximum points.
Finch and Reading YMCA have a game each remaining to see who will finish as runners-up.
Thames Valley Division One
HURST ensured that they would win the league title after they won away at Hambleden.
They now have an unassailable lead at the top with one game to go.
Kenny Evans scored in their 2-0 away win at Hambleden which means they have won 14 of their 19 games.
Thames Valley Division Two
ALLIED COMMUNITY ELITE stay in eighth after they got the better of TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE with a 3-2 result.
BTC Intermediate Cup Final
READING YMCA RAPIDS fell just short at the final hurdle after they narrowly lost to Slough Heating
Laurencians Reserves. Jhamal Robinson and Tom Clark were on the scoresheet for the Rapids, but they lost out 3-2.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One
TILEHURST PANTHERS kept their title hopes alive after they got the better of WARGRAVE in their penultimate match.
The Panthers took a 6-3 success which is their 14th league win in 17 matches. With one game to go, Tilehurst are just one point behind Ascot United Reserves.
That means that the title will be on the line on the final day of the season when
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA
RESERVES secured top spot after they defeated rivals Larkspur Rovers to get their hands on the league title.
In a crunch match with both hands having a shot at the title, it was Larkspur who went in front after 20 minutes.
The Boars found a leveller just 10 minutes after the opener through Lauren Broadhurst.
Laura Comerford then netted on the brink of half-time with a spectacular strike to put
Eversley 2-1 in front before the break.
Eversley went 3-1 ahead with 15 minutes to go after Lucy Thompson scored with an overhead kick.
Larkspur set up a nervy finish when they made it 3-2 in the 82nd minute, but the Boars held on to the win to ensure they clinched the title.
Eversley finish the season on 52 points after picking up 17 wins from 20 games.
BURGHFIELD picked up a win over Thatcham & Newbury to continue their climb up the table.
Goals from Hollie Absolom and Nicole Anderson ensured a 2-0 success for the Fielders.
READING FC
READING FC WOMEN
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham. today
READING FC WOMEN’s manager Kelly Chambers is hoping to have Deanne Rose back in contention for the final two Women’s Super League games of the season.
The Canadian star has been out on the sidelines almost all season after sustaining an Achilles injury in the season opener against Manchester United.
Having undergone a long rehabilitation process, the Royals boss is optimistic that she will be available for their next match against Tottenham
on Saturday.
“The plan is for her (Deanne Rose) to be involved in the Tottenham game,” said Chambers.
“She picked up a little niggle in her hamstring last week so we need to make sure we look after that and not push her too hard.
“Right now, that’s the plan for her to be available for selection for the Tottenham game so that’s a positive for us if that happens.”
The Royals are locked in a tough relegation battle to try and maintain their top flight status and are currently two points adrift at the bottom of the league.
They will need other results to go their way if they are to survive the drop as the Royals boss prepares to have a full strength side available for their final two matches.
She continued: “We’re hoping other players like Deanna Cooper are back and available for that game as well so hopefully we will have a few more back in the frame for selection.
“We’ve always had
a good battle against Tottenham and obviously they had a big investment in the January transfer window.
“That’s been great for them because it’s something they lacked in terms of goals and Beth (England) coming in has solved a problem and has been excellent.
of what we’ve done against them previously and make sure we step up another level to get points out of the game.”
Reading now have just two games left to try and save their top flight future.
The Royals currently occupy the relegation place in the table having only won three of their 20 league matches.
Chambers’ team are away at Spurs on Saturday before they host Chelsea on the final day of the season.
Emma Hayes are seeking a third consecutive league title having already captured the FA Cup last weekend at Wembley.
READING FC WOMEN’s top flight future is on the line when they face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.
The Royals are currently bottom of the Women’s Super League with just two games remaining to try and save themselves from relegation.
With title chasing Chelsea to play on the final day, Reading’s best hope of picking up a win to drag them off the bottom is likely to come this weekend.
Spurs need just one point from the game to secure their future in what has been a disappointing season for the club who finished in fifth last campaign.
The teams will be playing in front of a bumper crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a double header fixture that sees their men’s
READING FC
READING FC goalkeeper
Luke Southwood is currently unsure whether he will be at the club at the start of next season as the club prepares for life in League One.
Southwood’s current contract with Reading is due to expire this summer and he is uncertain whether the club will decide to extend his stay or release him as a free agent.
The 25-year-old impressed in his latest loan
team host Brentford in the Premier League (12.30pm kick-off) before the women’s match at 4.15pm.
Spurs have won just four of their 20 WSL fixtures which puts them on 14 spell with Cheltenham Town in League One where he kept 16 clean sheets to help them to a 16th placed finish.
“I have absolutely loved it, it’s been brilliant,” said Southwood when speaking about his season with the Robins.
“I have felt the support all year, even in games where it hasn’t gone as well for the team.
“I think the connect that we have with the fans and
points, just three ahead of Reading who have won one game fewer.
Kelly Chambers’ side have not won in the league since March and have the second worst goal the players, it translates to what we do on the pitch and the boost they give us, it has been brilliant.”
Southwood has made a total of 30 first-team appearances for the Royals and played 25 times in the Championship in the 2021/22 campaign.
However, with his deal due to expire soon, he admitted that his future is currently unclear.
He continued: “It’s going to be an interesting
“We know we’ve always competed with Tottenham and we will definitely use that in terms difference in the division on -28 having conceded more than every team other than ninth placed Brighton.
Reading do have the head-to-head record on their side going into the game having beaten Spurs in their last two meetings.
The last time the teams met was in the FA Cup fifth round which saw Reading progress as 5-4 winners in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw.
Reading also took the points when the teams battled at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in December.
The only goal of the game came in the 12th minute when Spurs defender Amy Turner scored an own goal which gave Reading the points.
Vicky Jepson, who took over from previous summer. I’ll have a couple of weeks now to relax and then see where I end up.
“As it stands I am a free agent and whether Reading want me to go back, I am not sure. We’ll have to see but I am an open book.”
Joe Lumley is set to return to Middlesbrough after his one-year loan spell with Reading.
Dean Bouzanis will have two more years left 0on his deal after signing last summer.
manager Rehanne Skinner who was dismissed after nine successive WSL defeats, has seen her side collect just two points from their last five games.
Having been on the end of a crushing 5-1 defeat to Arsenal in the north London derby, Spurs took a point in a 2-2 draw with Brighton and a 3-3 stalemate with Villa in between losses to Everton and Manchester United.
Bethany England, who departed Chelsea in January to get more playing time ahead of a potential World Cup call-up, has impressed since moving across London.
She has netted 10 goals and picked up four assists in just 18 games this campaign which puts her joint third in the list of top scorers.
READING FC have increased season ticket prices despite suffering relegation from the Championship to League One.
The squad will be plying their trade in the third tier of English football for the first time since 2001/02 after they finished in 22nd position which finally saw them succumb to the drop after some near escapes with relegation in previous years.
Season ticket prices have previously been frozen for a considerable period, however next campaign will see fans have to shell out £25 more per season to watch their side.
In a statement released by the club explaining the rising costs, it said: “The operational cost of running matchday at the Select Car Leasing Stadium safely and efficiently has risen by approximately 72%.
“These costs are forecast to increase again for 2023/24 and for the club to be more commercially and operationally sustainable, we must ultimately make slight increases to our ticket prices.
“The incremental rises applied amount to just £25 for those aged 18 and over and £10 for those aged 17 and under.”
Season tickets are now available for fans to renew and those who renew before Friday, June 2 will receive an exclusive invitation to an open training session to watch the team.
Despite Reading’s decision to increase prices, they are still able to offer relatively competitive rates to watch League One football compared to other sides in the division.
Young goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke, who made his senior debut on the final day of the season, will also be a free agent this summer if the club does not extend his contract.
21-year-old keeper Jokull Andresson, who has yet to make his Reading debut despite being with the club since 2018, is still under contract next season.
Andresson went on loan to Exeter City and Steveange last season.
‘IT’S GOING TO BE AN INTERESTING SUMMER’: GOALKEEPER UNSURE OF FUTURERachel Rowe in action for Reading Stock Picture: Steve Smyth Reading FC fans at the Select Car Leasing Stadium
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
WARGRAVE got off to a winning start as they started their quest to earn back the points they were docked.
Wargrave began the season on -70 points after being dealt a penalty by the league for a ‘player registration infraction’. Up against FINCHAMPSTEAD in their
first fixture of the campaign, Wargrave moved 20 points closer to being on an even footing with an 84-run success.
Wargrave batter first and strong displays from Euan Woods (61) and Dan Lincoln (115) helped the team to finish on 242 from 50 overs.
Finch’s task to try and catch the first innings total got off to a poor start as the hosts grabbed three quick wickets from the bowling of Josh Lincoln.
Despite a better showing
in the middle order, Wargrave took a relatively comfortable victory by bowing Finch all out on 158 after 45.1 overs.
EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD made a successful start to their campaign with a seven wicket triumph away at SHINFIELD.
The Bears put Shinfield into bat first and the home team managed to total 202 from 45 overs as Devesh Gauchwal
(56*) and Lucky Sardrar (65) top scored, while Andy Robertson collected four wickets.
Emmbrook responded and surpassed the total after 35.4 overs, losing just three wickets in the process.
Matt Loxton scored highest with 65, while Jake David (53) and Jason Middleton (52*) contributed.
BCL Premier Division
FARLEY HILL lost out in their season opener away at Goring
on Thames. Needing to catch a total of 139, Farley managed 87 runs before they were all out which left them 52 runs short.
SANDHURST suffered a narrow defeat at home to SHINFIELD 2s who took a four-run win.
Shinfield defended their first innings score of 165 as Sandhurst finished on 161 from 40 overs.
READING UNITED were on the end of a one-wicket defeat at Stratfield Turgis.
WEST READING 2s added 35 points to their total with a seven-run win over CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s West Reading amassed 169 before they bowled the Crows all out for 161.
BCL Division One
EARLEY took the points in a tense clash that saw them edge past Maidenhead Royals by just one run.
Earley batted first and
BATTING
Dan Lincoln: Wargrave v Finchampstead: 115
Muhammad Aziz: Farley Hill 2s v Mortimer West End: 81*
Neil Bailey: Wargrave 4s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 4s: 74
rno
Richard Hester: Crowthorne & Crown Wood 4s v Wargrave 4s: 74*
John Matthews: Eversley 2s v Binfield 2s: 72*
Lucky Sardar: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 65
Matt Loxton: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 65
Sean Ennis: Binfield 2s v Eversley 2s: 65
Aravind Gururajan: Earley v Maidenhead Royals: 62
Euan Woods: Wargrave v Finchamsptead: 61
Bhuwan Satway: Reading United v Stratfield Turgis: 59*
Yash Mahadik: Finchampstead 5s v Bagshot 3s: 58
Zaheer Gujjar: Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park: 57
Devesh Gauchwal: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 56*
Jake David: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 53
Jason Middleton: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 52*
Scott Osler: Finchampstead 4s v Kidmore End 2s: 52
Pete de Lange: Eversley 2s v Binfield 2s: 51
Nisal Perera: Reading 3s v Fleet 2s: 5-6
Chris Peploe: Wokingham 2s v Henley 2s: 5-20
Pavan Nargund: Rangers v West Reading 3s: 5-25
Ankush Jain: Twyford & Ruscombe v Mortimer: 4-5
Chloe Mcdonagh: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Binfield: 4-5
Dylan Wood: Reading v Slough 2s: 4-16
M Laithwaite: Finchampstead 2s v Hurst: 4-17
Surya Kiran: Earley v Reading United 2s: 4-19
Rama Adigantla: Shinfield 2s v Sandhurst: 4-20
Josh Lincoln: Wargrave v Finchampstead: 4-23
Saad Jaffary: Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park: 4-25
Mahad Ahmad: West Reading 3s v Rangers: 4-28
Saif Khan: West Reading 2s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s: 4-31
Sam Fearon: Finchampstead 4s v Kidmore End 2s: 4-33
Andy Robertson Emmbrook and Bearwood v Shinfield: 4-36
Venu Gudimetla: Earley v Maidenhead Royals: 3-8
scored 157 as Aravind Gururajan top scored with 62.
A nervy victory was sealed for Earley when they took the final wicket with Maidenhead on 156.
WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE
totalled 35 points with a four wicket win against Welford Park.
Saad Jaffary picked up four wickets as Welford were all out on 153 before a top score of 57 from Zaheer Gujjar helped Waltham to win.
RANGERS made a successful trip to WEST READING 3s and came away with a 67-run victory.
Pavan Nargund earned five wickets for Rangers as they protected their 175 total to take the points.
Thames Valley Division 1
WOKINGHAM 2s collected a win in their season opener as they held off Henley 2s by just one run.
The Oaks batted first and totalled 164 and managed to take victory by claiming the final wicket of the day with Henley just two runs away from snatching the win.
Wokingham bowler Chris Peploe had five wickets to his tally at the end of the match.
Thames Valley Division 2B
FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s got the better of HURST 2s by 15 runs in a close contest.
After scoring 193, four wickets from M Laithwaite helped Finch to victory as Hurst ended on 178 after 50 overs.
READING overcame Slough 2s by six wickets to put 30 points on the board.
Thames Valley Division 4A
WOKINGHAM 3s started the season with 30 points after they beat READING 2s.
The Oaks scored 201 from 45 overs before they had Reading all out on 129.
FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s lost out by 78 runs against Newbury.
By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokingham.today bowling of Matt Pettet which made the score 41-2.
AFTER all games were postponed in week one of the new Thames Valley season, Royal Ascot weren’t able to open with a win against Bagshot as they went down by seven wickets.
Bagshot won the toss and decided to take the field first. Ascot made a slow start but Ollie Clark was bowled by Adam Passfield for eight after 10 overs.
Jem Bains put in some positive shots scoring two fours but was caught by Jack Rowlett for 17 off the
Michael Breet and Bains partnership made 29 as Breet briefly continued with Andy Murray but was caught by James White for 15, bowled by Brad Passfiield.
As Adam Smith joined him and the pair pushed up the score, Smith was caught by Madigan, by the bowling of Passfield for 14 and three fours were included.
Dan Corsini went for a zero with the total on 107-5, caught by Davis, bowled by White. Then Murray was caught by By Stuart Derry for
39 bowled by White having scored two fours and two sixes within his innings score.
The tail collapsed as Burling was bowled White for 2, [112 - 7], Nick Wiggett, bowled White for five andRajiv Docker was caught by Hollely for zero, bowled White.
Lastly, Nick Wiggett was bowled by White for five which left Myles Trainor not out on one.
Bagshot opened with White and Derry who faced the bowling of Trainor and Docker for the early part of the innings.
Jamie Heathcote arrived at the
Thames Valley Division 5B
Eversley 2s (183-3) beat Binfield 2s (180-8)
Henley 3s (138-5) beat Sonning 2s (136 all out)
Thames Valley Division 6B
Finchampstead 4s (222 all out) lost to Kidmore End 2s (259-7)
Thames Valley Division 8A
Eversley 4s (162-5) beat Aldershot 3s (161-7)
Reading 3s (115-6) beat Fleet 2s (113 all out)
Sivendran Sivapalan: Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v West Reading 2s: 3-26
Aditya Srinivasan: Reading v Slough 2s: 3-24
Michael Longridge: Sonning 2s v Henley 3s: 3-24
Ryan Pogson: Wokingham 3s v Reading 2s: 3-25
Pranav Desai: Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v West Reading 2s: 3-31
Hunter Greyling: Wokingham 3s v Reading 2s: 3-32
John Child: Wargrave v Finchampstead: 3-36
crease with half the total to chase. The pair remained until the winning run had been scored.
Brad Passfield faced 53 balls for 47 including four fours and a six. The runs came steadily after bowling changes with both Nick and Andrew Wiggett using up overs.
Heathcote faced 36 balls in 33 minutes and scored 49 not out including nine fours. There were some well executed shots as the pace became heated towards the end as the partnership closed on 60.
By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today
welcomed new players to try out the sport as they hosted their annual open day at the weekend.
The club, which is located at 68 Honey End Lane in Tilehurst, is open to new members of all ages. They will provide coaching and ask members to bring along flat shoes.
They encourage people to try out the support and host a Monday evening league for beginners with players of all abilities welcome to join.
The club was founded in 1913 and plays competitive fixture against other local clubs around Berkshire.
Prospect Park also has a purpose built clubhouse with a terrace overlooking the green where drinks can be purchased from the bar.
The club is open weekly from 1.30pm to 6.30pm.
n For more information, please visit: https://prospectparkbowls.wixsite. com/
FOOTBALL in Berkshire are encouraging the football family to send in their nominees for their annual awards night.
This year’s awards will take place at Double Barrelled Brewery in Tilehurst on Wednesday, June 21 – the same location where it took place last year.
Once again, the awards will be hosted by Sky Sports News presenter Tom White.
Sixteen different awards will be dished out among the evening including: Match Day Experience, Supporter of the Season, Volunteer of the Season, Best Image, Goal of the Season, Best Website or Blog, Best Content Creator, Best Community Campaign or Content, Correspondent of the Season, Manager of the Season, Referee of the Season, Young Player of the Season (Female), Young Player of the Season (Male), Player of the Season (Female), Player of the Season (Male) and the Darrell Freeland Award for Service to the Local Game.
Several local figures around the county have already received nominations including Ascot United manager Jamie Tompkins and Reading City
Friday, May 12
FOOTBALL Cup
Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves 3-2 Reading YMCA Rapids
Saturday, May 13
FOOTBALL
Thames Valley Premier League SB Phoenix 1-2 Yateley United
Thames Valley Division One
Hambleden 0-2 Hurst
Thames Valley Division Two Allied Community Elite 3-2 Twyford & Ruscombe
Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development 3-0 Goring United Reserves
Cup
Berks County Rovers 2-5 Wraysbury Village Development
CRICKET
Home Counties Division One
Wargrave (242-9) beat Finchampstead (158 all out)
BCM Championship Shinfield (202-8) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood (205-3)
ASCOT United FC and Berks County FC has confirmed that they will be groundsharing at the Racecourse for the next two seasons.
Berks County, whose men’s first-team play in the Combined Counties Division One, will be playing at Ascot’s home having played the previous three campaigns at Binfield FC’s ground, Hill Farm Lane.
Ascot’s men’s first-team have just won promotion to Step 4 and will play in the Isthmian South Central after they stormed to the league title last season in the Combined Counties Premier North with 102 points.
The Yellas also have a huge day to look forward to at Wembley Stadium when they play Newport Pagnell Town in the FA Vase Final this Sunday.
Ascot United chairman Simon Negus said: “We’re delighted to have Berks County on board as our ground share partners for the next two seasons. We look forward to building the relationship between our two clubs, and welcoming their players, officials and fans to the Racecourse Ground.”
Berks County chairman Steve Kay added: “We are delighted to announce that our men’s firstteam home for the next two seasons will be the Racecourse Ground. This brings our senior games closer to our junior section and allows us to build a local partnership with Ascot United.
“We equally thank Binfield FC for hosting us over the last three seasons.”
Saturday, May 20 FOOTBALL
Women’s Super League Tottenham v Reading
Thames Valley Division One
Holyport Reserves v Windlesham United Youth
Thames Valley Division Two Burghfield Reserves v Allied Community
Reading YMCA Rapids v SB Phoenix Reserves
Twyford & Ruscombe v Slough
Heating Laurencians Reserves
Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development v Binfield U23s
CRICKET
Home Counties Premier Division 1
Slough v Wokingham High Wycombe v Finchampstead Wargrave v Harefield
BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners v Shinfield
Emmbrook and Bearwood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood
West Reading v Braywood
BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames (139-5) beat Farley Hill (87 all out)
Sandhurst (161-8) lost to Shinfield 2s (165 all out)
Startfield Turgis (171-9) beat Reading United (170-8)
West Reading 2s (168-10) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (161 all out)
Thames Valley Division 1 Henley 2s (163 all out) lost to Wokingham 2s (164 all out)
Thames Valley Division 2B
Sulhamstead & Ufton (104-4) beat Sonning (103 all out)
Slough 2s (91 all out) lost to Reading (92-4)
Finchampstead 2s (193 all out) beat Hurst (178-9)
Thames Valley Division 3A
Aldershot (117-3) beat Wargrave 2s (113 all out)
Sunday, May 14
FOOTBALL
Thames Valley Women’s Division One
Tilehurst Panthers 6-3 Wargrave
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S
Burghfield 2-0 Thatcham & Newbury
Larkspur 2-3 Eversley & California Reserves
Monday, May 15
FOOTBALL
manager Simon Johnson.
Tom White is encouraging football fans to attend the night and send in their nominations.
He said: “We need your support. We want to see you all there and we need your nominations.
“We need nominations for the great people at your club.”
n Tickets to the event will be available to buy soon at footballinberkshire.co.uk.
n To send in a nomination, visit: footballinberkshire.co.uk/ berkshire-football-awards-home
Berks County joint first-team manager Lee SImpson said: “It’s an exciting time for the club and a positive move for more reasons then just the first team.”
Joint manager Ellis Woods added: “The facility and playing surface is fantastic and to bring the team back closer to the junior section will be huge for the clubs progress.”
Thames Valley Division One Tadley Calleva Reserves v Hurst
Thames Valley Division Two Reading YMCA Rapids v Hurst Reserves
Chilterns Division One Denham 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s
BCL Premier Division Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Sandhurst
Farley Hill v West Reading 2s
Peppard Stoke Row 2s v Reading United Shinfield 2s v Woodcote
BCL Division One Reading Lions v Earley Rangers v Welford Park Waltham St Lawrence v Checkendon
Thames Valley Division 1 Stoke Green v Eversley
Wokingham 2s v Falkland
Thames Valley Division 2B
Sonning v Burnham Binfield v Cove
Reading v Hurst
Finchampstead v Sulhamstead & Ufton
Thames Valley Division 3A
Theale & Tilehurst v Royal Ascot
Windsor v Wargrave 2s
Thames Valley Division 4A
Wokingham 3s v Purley on Thames Cove 2s v White Waltham
Finchampstead 3s v Boyne Hill 2s
Thatcham Town v Reading 2s
Sunday, May 21
FOOTBALL
FA Vase final
Ascot United v Newport Pagnell Town
Thames Valley Women’s Cup
Tilehurst Panthers v Eversley & California Reserves