Reading Today, May 25, 2023

WE COVER READING BOROUGH

Woman jailed for drug offences

A READING woman has been handed a jail sentence for drug supply offences in the town.

On Monday, April 15, Nadine Jemmott, 39 and of Russell Street, Reading, pleaded guilty to a count each of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and in the supply of heroin, as well as possession with intent to supply cocaine and with intent to supply heroin.

At the same hearing at Reading Crown Court, Jemmott was sentenced two years and eight months in prison and given a forfeiture order for the drugs and phones, as well as £115 in cash.

It followed a police investigation into an incident on Russell Street on Monday, January 30, when, at around 5.30pm, Jemmott was seen in an archway with known drug users. She was detained for misuse of drugs and subsequently searched, and found to be in possession

In print

Nadine Jemmott has been jailed for multiple counts of drug possession and supply

of a wrap of cocaine, two wraps of heroin, two mobile phones, and £115 in cash.

After searching an adjacent alleyway, officers also located a further 14 wraps of cocaine and six

Homes plan removed

wraps of heroin.

Jemmott was arrested at the scene and charged the following day.

Investigating officer PC Russel Morbey, of the Reading Stronghold team, said: “Our Stronghold team will proactively and robustly target and prosecute offenders, using both visible and covert activity aimed at disrupting and pursuing offenders involved in the supply of drugs.”

He explained: “The supply of drugs cause untold harm in our communities, and dealers often target the most vulnerable people in society.

“The public can help Thames Valley Police with our fight against drug supply by reporting information to the force.

“You can do this either by reporting online or by calling 101, where your calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

“For 100% anonymity, you can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Man convicted for death by drug driving

By STAFF WRITER news@rdg.today

A WOKINGHAM man has been convicted of drug driving but acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving at a hearing in Reading on Wednesday, May 17.

Joshua Julian, 29 and of Skinner Drive, was found guilty by majority jury verdict at Reading Crown Court of causing death by careless driving after a six-day trial.

He was acquitted of the original charge of causing death by dangerous driving, as the two charges have distinct implications.

It followed an incident which took place at the junction of Addington Road and Alexandra Road in Reading at around 7.15pm on June 10, 2020.

The victim, 35-year-old Tomasz Krohne, was working for a food delivery company when he was cycling towards the Addington Road junction.

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As Mr Krohne cycled across the junction, Julian’s vehicle collided with him, causing significant injuries.

Despite the efforts of members of the public and emergency services, Mr Krohne died at the scene.

Julian was driving home from a 12-hour shift, with CCTV footage showing that he was driving at 44mph in a 20mph zone – more than double the limit.

While Julian passed an alcohol breath test, he tested positive for cannabis and was subsequently arrested.

A blood sample was taken shortly after which showed a level of around 4.9ug/100ml (micrograms per 100ml) of cannabinoids in his blood, nearly two-and-a-half times the legal limit of 2ug/100ml.

Julian pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while over the specified limit of drugs and was charged with causing the death of Mr Kohne by careless driving while over the

specified limit of drugs on August 4 last year.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Joy Jarvis, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It has been a long journey for all parties involved and we are satisfied that Joshua Julian has been convicted of causing death by careless driving whilst over the specific limit of drugs.

“We hope that this outcome sends a strong message to drivers. It is simply unacceptable to smoke cannabis and then get behind the wheel of a car.

“As has been demonstrated in this tragic case, taking drugs and driving can have devastating consequences.

“I hope that this conviction will bring some closure to Tomasz Krohne’s family and friends, and our thoughts remain with them.”

Julian has been released on bail to return to Reading Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, June 30.

PLANS to build 35 homes that would have seen the boundary of Caversham extended have been taken down.

Real Capital Developments submitted a proposal to South Oxfordshire Council to build the homes on a field that has been used for equestrian activities. It is situated immediately west of Highdown Avenue, a private road in Caversham, and outside Reading’s boundary.

The scheme had appeared on South Oxfordshire District Council’s planning portal under reference P22/S1388/ PEJ but has been taken down. It has also been removed from Reading Borough Council’s planning portal where it was listed under reference 220630.

Explaining the reason for the plan’s removal, a spokesperson for South Oxfordshire Council said it was a ‘pre-application submission’ that was not meant to be made public.

As such, it does not comment on pre-application submissions.

Initial documents for the proposal were submitted on behalf of the developers by planning agents GL Hearn. They stated: “We are submitting this request to secure South Oxfordshire District Council’s pre-application advice in regard to the preliminary proposals we have developed for the site.

“In this way we can review any technical or design advice the council may consider relevant to the development of this site.”

For the record

IN last week’s paper, we featured a story from the local democracy reporting service about owners of an empty Caversham Road store applying for an alcohol licence. The site is the former home of Thames Valley Printers and Cartridges Ltd. Its director, Rajwant Deol, wishes to make clear his business is still trading.

He left the Caversham Road premises when his lease ended. For more details, or to place an order, email info@tvpc.uk, or text or WhatsApp 07878 088895.

New wildflower patch dedicated to foster carers

Alto Lounge to host charity open mic night

A CAVERSHAM coffee shop is to host an open mic night in honour of a teenager who died from a brain tumour.

Alto Lounge on Church Street is holding the event to raise funds for Team Charlie, launched in memory of Charlie Ilsley from Emmer Green, who was just 13 when he died.

The event will be hosted by Andy Chaplin and feature musicians including first-time live performers. There will also be a 30-minute karaoke slot at 10pm to finish off the night.

Customers can also take advantage of a Tapas Tuesday deal with a free 175ml house wine or glass of prosecco when buying a tapas board.

The fundraising initiative has been launched by Alto Lounge’s team as a way of connecting with the community by working with local groups, charities, organisations and businesses.

Each month it chooses a local charity to support through events held at its venue, from bake sales and charity raffles to quizzes and personal challenges.

Over the past few months, it has raised more than £1,000 for Forget Me Not Reading Rescues, Alzheimer’s Society UK and Bowel Cancer UK.

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING’S foster carers have been celebrated with a new wildflower area in the town’s historic Forbury Gardens.

Chair of the board at Brighter Futures for Children (BFfC), Di Smith, led senior members at Reading Borough Council with the help of Head Gardener Roland Staines, in scattering seeds in a patch dedicated to those who foster children.

Reading’s mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, was joined by council leader Jason Brock, Cllr Graeme Hoskin, and a number of fellow councils as well as Dimple Gillausseyn, Chair of Reading Carers’ Link, in planting wildflower seeds.

A number of BFfC’s foster carers were then invited to lunch with councillors, and a plaque is now set to be installed at the site of the gardens.

It will read: “Dedicated, with pride, to our foster carers who help children in Reading bloom and grow,” and the wildflowers will be replaced with sensory plants as they fade before the winter.

The garden joins the ornamental cherry tree which was planted in Town Hall Square in 2020 in signifying the importance of children in care feeling rooted in Reading as their home.

The event also marks Foster Care Fortnight, which is celebrating carers and promoting fostering and runs until Sunday.

Lara Patel, executive director for children’s services at BFfC, said: “We know that children who remain with our foster carers in Reading Really thrive.

“So we want to create that community through the great support we have available, both through supervising social workers but also through Reading Carers’ Link.”

The Reading Carers’ Link association provides practical support and a number of services to foster carers and families in the area.

Ms Patel explained: “While there are opportunities for formal learning and support, peer support really helps people to be able to understand the experiences of others and helps them grow as carers.

“We want more foster carers, as we never have enough which can mean that children get placed outside of their local area, meaning they have to move schools or away from friends.

“We don’t want that for them, so we celebrate

our local foster carers and engage with them about how to recruit and retain carers – and they know best.”

For those thinking about getting into fostering, she said: “Enquire, even if you’re just thinking about the future and aren’t yet ready– get in touch, and we’ll be able to help with information, so it’s well worth finding out.”

Cllr Rachel Eden said: “There’s no more important job than giving young people the very best start in life.

“Over the years I’ve seen how they can really change young people’s lives, and it’s a really unique role: you provide a home and open your heart to someone who may have been through a really difficult time.

“Providing that stability and care can mean helping for a few days at a time or having someone stay for many years as part of a family.

“However long or short a time they’re there, that young person is safe, cared for, and loved–that’s the difference our foster carers can make, so it’s wonderful to recognise that.”

Dimple Gillausseyn, a foster carer and chair of

Reading Carers’ Link, said: “It’s really wonderful to see the recognition.

“In the past, I don’t know how much they were really recognised, so to signify it physically and have a place for us is amazing.

“And it’s not just for the carers, it’s for foster children too – they can come and visit the patch and feel that it is theirs too.”

She also encouraged prospective carers to come and visit Reading Carers’ Link: “If you have any doubts, there are so many recruitment opportunities in all sorts of places.

“Even if you’re unsure, there’s always a carer at our stands who can give you the personal touch and help with any questions.”

She explained: “That’s how I started; I was unsure and already had a full-time job, but I went in and asked, and it was the best decision I ever made.

“I’ve been a foster carer for 12 years now, and I think I will carry for as long as I can – I genuinely enjoy it, and from the bottom of my heart it gives me immense satisfaction.

“The young people become part of your life, so it can be hard to see them go, but to see them prosper afterwards is an amazing feeling.”

n For more information about fostering or becoming a carer, visit: readingfostering.co.uk

Louise Wisniewski, community liaison at Alto Lounge, said: “We are super excited to have Team Charlie as our charity for May – many people remember Charlie and it is such a worthy cause created in his memory.

“The response we’ve received since we started the initiative only a short while ago has been extremely positive and it’s great that so many people are getting behind us to support it.

“It is rapidly growing in momentum and we’re seeing more and more customers, old and new, come along to not only help raise much-needed funds for local causes but also have a good time themselves.”

Toni Ilsley, Charlie’s mother and trustee of Team Charlie said: “I’m really touched that Alto reached out to say they wanted to help us.

“It’s such a brilliant initiative, not just in terms of fundraising but it’s also a great opportunity for the community at large to get together and have some fun. It lifts everyone’s spirits.”

The open mic night will take place on Tuesday, May 30 from 7.30pm, and entry is free, but donations will be welcomed.

Anyone who would like to perform can book a slot by messaging Alto Lounge on Instagram: @altoloungecaversham

Lead members of Reading Borough Council joined representatives of Brighter Futures for Children and Reading Carers’ Link to take part in the planting of wild flowers

Head gardener at Forbury Gardens, Roland Staines, with council leader Jason Brock and Lara Patel, executive director for children’s services at BFfC.

Pictures: Jake Clothier

Mayor of Reading Cllr Rachel Eden

Head gardener Roland Staines preparing the soil with Cllr Rachel Eden

Dimple Gillausseyn, foster carer and Chair of Reading Carers’ Link

Dates for Oscar Wilde walk event

READING Museum is offering a talk and walk about Oscar Wilde on Saturday afternoons on June 3 and September 2.

The 90-minute hour event starts at 2pm and cost £10 per person.

The talk will give attendees an insight into the life and work of the author, including his origins in Ireland, his career in London, and his life as part of Victorian high society.

The walk will then take participants to places in Reading that are linked to Wilde’s life.

It is open to all ages, and tickets can be booked online or at the museum.

Please note that the meeting place and some of the stops during the walk might change depending on accessibility. n For more information, visit the Reading Museum website, www. readingmuseum.org.uk/

Empty handed

A WOULD-BE burglar was disturbed, and fled from the scene without stealing anything.

The incident took place at a home in Prospect Street, Caversham around 11.30pm on Tuesday, May 16.

The offender was a black man thought to be in his 50s with receding, short, grey hair. He was slim and around 6ft tall, and wore a dark jacket and tracksuit bottoms.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 43230215013.

Charges for knife crime and sexual offences on the up

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

THAMES Valley Police’s chief constable has said he is ‘proud’ of the force’s work over the past year, after figures revealed an increase in charges for knife crime and sexual offences.

Speaking to Reading Today, Jason Hogg offered his thoughts on statistics released by the force on Friday, documenting its activity during the previous financial year, April 1, 2022, to March 23, 2023.

CC Hogg said: “I’m very proud of the job our officers, staff and volunteers do in keeping our communities in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire safe, not only by responding to emergencies but also disrupting and preventing crime across our area.

“The data we’ve published shows the complexity, depth and breadth of the work officers in Thames Valley have done in the last 12 months.

“We’ve had over a million contacts from members of the public in the last year, we’ve deployed to 170,000 incidents and arrested 31,000 people – a third of those were for domestic abuse.

“In addition, we’ve policed some very high profile events, the ones we do every year like Henley Regatta, Royal Ascot and Reading Festival, but also the funeral of the Queen, the coronation concert in Windsor two weeks ago and even the

visit of President Zelenskyy at Chequers.

“We’ve had a very, very busy year, but I think we’ve made some really important progress in some priority areas.”

Action on domestic abuse and violence against women and girls has been one such area for TVP, and data shows a 27% increase in formal action in these cases, rising from 3,138 to 3,987.

The force also saw a 52% rise in charges for sexual offences (not including rape) and a 35% rise in stalking and harrassment charges.

There was a small drop in charges brought in rape cases, with the figure falling from 126 to 121. CC Hogg believes this is because the numbers in question are relatively small, but assured the public the

issue is being monitored and scrutinised closely.

“In the past, we have prioritised rape over other sexual offences,” he explained. “But this year, the change we have made by making violence against women and girls, as a whole, a priority, so we have had more officers investigating sexual offence crimes.

“We’ve recently put a dedicated rape team in place to oversee all rape investigations across the Thames Valley. That team is working hand in hand with dedicated specialists within the CPS.

“I’m very confident that those relationships we’ve built will lead to putting more cases to the CPS for early advice.”

CC Hogg cited the 42% decrease in the homicide cases as the figure he was most proud

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NEW BOSS:

Jason Hogg officially began his role as chief constable of Thames Valley Police on April 1, and has reflected on its activities over the past 12 months Picture: Thames Valley Police

we’re out and about in those locations.”

TVP has officers working in schools who explain the dangers of carrying knives and the police’s role and powers to keep people safe.

“Increased charges for knife crime and sexual offences show how our proactive work targeting these crime types is showing real progress,” CC Hogg said.

“But behind these numbers are the victims of crime, and a priority for us over the coming year is to place them at the centre of our service and work tirelessly to improve our service to all.

of. There were 13 murders and one manslaughter in 2022/23, compared to the 21 murders and three manslaughters in the previous year.

Knife crime makes up a large portion of TVP’s violence reduction unit’s work, and has been an important part of the drop in homicides.

During the 2022/23 cycle, 841 knife crime arrests were made.

“We’ve done a lot of work. We’ve done 10,000 patrols of the 67 hotspots which we’ve mapped, not just by using police data, but data we have from local authorities, third sector partners and hospital admissions as well.

“Part of that is being proactive and looking for those individuals who we do know carry knives, but also engaging often with young people when

“I would like to see further improvements in relation to tackling violence against women and girls, it’s important that we have sustained improvement with this being a priority going forward.

“And then the second area is our levels of robbery, car crime and burglary are still lower than they were pre-covid.

“Those areas are starting to rise slightly, particularly burglary. It’s something I’m really keen to keep an eye on to make sure that doesn’t increase further.”

TVP also covers 197 miles of motorway, more than any other force in the UK, and it has done a significant amount of work to tackle its ‘fatal four’: drink driving, seatbelt wearing, use of mobile phones and speeding. This year, the force saw a 17% reduction in deaths on the roads.

BROUGHT TO BOOK: Mavis (12) and Lily (12) helping at the Reading Scout and Guide Headquarters monthly charity book sale organised by 9th Reading Guides Picture: Dijana Capan/ DVision Images

Book fair visitors are well read

VISITORS to Whitley last week are certainly well read – and they know how to get a bargain too.

A monthly book fair takes place at the Reading Scout and Guide Hut HQ in Northcourt Avenue.

A selection of second-hand books suitable for all ages, with page turners, reference

works and gripping reads all available to bargain hunters.

It is organised by members of the 9th Reading Guides, and held on the third Saturday of the month, with the most recent being held on the weekend just gone.

Bookworms turned out in droves, ready to snap up some new

tomes to tackle, raising £100 for charity in the process.

And it’s more than just a book sale, as the event includes refreshments.

The next event will run from 10am to noon on Saturday, June 17. Entry is free, and organisers will welcome donations of pre-loved books.

Nigel Pearce AIPW

Friends and family celebrate the life of Caversham headteacher

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

FAMILY and friends of Ruth Perry gathered at the Town Hall on Saturday, to pay their respects and celebrate her life.

The private memorial was attended by Ms Perry’s sister, Professor Julia Waters, as well as friends and fellow teaching staff.

It comes after Ms Perry, headteacher at Caversham Primary School for 13 years, took her own life back in January this year – just days before the school was due to be downgraded to an “inadequate” Ofsted rating.

Her death sparked widespread criticism of Ofsted reporting and the methods of maintaining educational standards, with the inspectorate’s one-word ratings coming under fire for being reductive and simplistic.

Speaking before the event, Ms Waters said: “Rita dedicated 32 years of her life to teaching–it was absolutely her to her vocation.

“The number of her colleagues who’ve written to me to say that you could tell she was a natural, she loved

teaching and she was good at it.

“She made a very difficult and challenging profession look easy.”

She continued: “The education profession has lost a wonderful headteacher and a wonderful teacher – which is both a tragedy and a scandal.

“All of those children that hasn’t taught, that she hasn’t nurtured at the school, will miss out and won’t have that opportunity.”

Speaking on the implications

Ms Perry’s death had on the wider culture of school inspections, Ms Waters said: “The government wonders why there’s a recruitment and retention problem.

“This is why, this is what they do to experienced, highlyregarded, dedicated, excellent teachers.

“Look at yourselves, Ofsted – you are the problem here, not our teachers.

“Teachers who are passionate, value education and nurturing our future adults,

IN MEMORY: Prof Julia Waters was among those attending the memorial for Ruth Perry at Reading Town Hall on Saturday Picture: Jake Clothier

Purple Turtle to host ska night

“It needs to move away from single-word judgments, which seemed to be very harsh and inaccurate in this case.

“I hope they can rethink how they operate, creating a balanced scorecard which sums up a whole range of different strengths for a school.”

He also called for reform regarding the inspections themselves and subsequent implementation: “I want to see the way that they work with schools change.

“It needs to be a more supportive experience, where teachers feel they are being listened to as part of a professional discussion.”

THE Purple Turtle, a popular music venue in Reading, will be hosting a night of live music on Saturday, to raise funds for New Beginnings Reading, a homeless charity based in the town.

The line-up focuses on ska and includes performances from The Skavengers, Corvid, The Skandal, Monochrome State, and Natural Right. New Beginnings Reading is based in Great Knollys Street and is a charity that provides support to people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

It offers a range of services, including food and clothing, temporary accommodation, and signposting to other support services.

find excessive paperwork, long hours, and a lack of support locally and nationally, which grinds them down.

“Even wonderful teachers like Ruth can be driven to the terrible decision she made, which shows the intolerable pressure teachers are put under, and that has to be rectified.”

Reading East MP Matt Rodda is among those joining Ms Waters in calling for a review into Ofsted’s methods, which he said ahead of the memorial: “Need to be reformed.

“I’m calling for reform, so Julia and I will be meeting with the Education Secretary on Tuesday, along with a number of teachers and parents from Reading, where we will be making those points.”

The memorial comes just weeks after parents, pupils, and colleagues of Ms Perry’s held a memorial walk in her honour through Caversham before giving tributes and a minute’s silence in Christchurch Meadows.

n Reading Today will not report on Ofsted inspections until the system is reformed, out of respect to Ruth and her family.

The Purple Turtle event is part of a wider fundraising campaign for New Beginnings Reading, which is also Reading Buses’ charity of the year this year.

The charity is hoping to raise £10,000 to help support its work.

The event will take place at The Purple Turtle, in Gun Street, on Saturday, May 27, from 5pm.

Tickets are £5 plus a £1 booking fee and can be purchased online or at the door.

n For more details, log on to: www.purpleturtlebar.com/ reading

YOU YOU, THEN THERE’S

Last year’s fun day included plenty of activities for the children to enjoy, particularly the inflatables.

New venue for Kenyan family fun day

RESIDENTS will be treated to a day of cultural celebration, as a community group plans to light up Ibis Health Club, Scours Lane.

Kenyans in Reading

Family Funday takes place on Saturday, August 5, and will recognise the town’s diversity through traditional cuisine, activities and competitions.

Everyone is welcome to attend the event which marks the end of summer and attracted more than 3,000 visitors last year.

Event founder Ken Gathere said: “We’re really excited for this year’s event.

“Although the concept started in around 2004 as a small barbecue, we’re proud that we first held the event in the park eight years ago.

“Its main aim is to give back to the community, bring it together, and build something that future

Historic oak saved after developer withdraws plans

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

AN HISTORIC tree in Caversham that was faced with the chop has been saved after the applicants withdrew their plans.

generations can inherit. As an event, we are grateful for what the UK has offered the Kenyan community.”

This year, organisers are calling on local businesses to attend and use the fun day as a platform to showcase their work. Those interested can get in

The focus will also be on including more activities for young people and providing accommodation for those who are travelling from further afield.

Visitors will be able to participate in competitive events such as 100m races, relays, tug of war, wheelbarrow races, football, table tennis, volleyball and badminton.

The event takes place from noon-9pm on Saturday, August 5.

n For more information, contact Ken Gathere on: 07939 381116.

Chair Homes wanted to fell the King’s Spy Oak in Gayhurst Close, which was used by Roundheads to spy on King Charles I’s army in 1643.

The company had applied to Reading Borough Council for permission to build a three-bed home on the land, but the only way to create the space would have been to cut down the oak.

Thought to be around 700 years old, it is subject to a Tree Preservation Order and is listed in the Woodland Ancient Tree Inventory as an Ancient Tree of National Special Interest.

Chair Homes said it had to go because it was diseased and in a state of decline, and promised to plant two new trees to replace it.

Campaigners said a rotting oak was still important to the eco-system, housing 1,800 invertebrate species including spiders, flies, worms and snails.

The Ancient Tree Forum was among the objectors,

saying the tree was like a Grade I listed building and its destruction would be counter to government policy.

“The justification for the removal of this ancient tree contravenes both local and national planning policy and must therefore be refused,” its officer noted.

This was echoed by the Woodland Trust, which pointed out the tree “is thought to have had an association with key historical events, including the English Civil War in the mid-

1600s. It is also significant on account of its size; with a girth of over 8 metres it is likely one of the largest oaks in the borough of Reading and its importance must be recognised.”

In the face of opposition, Chair Homes contacted Reading Borough Council to withdraw its application, and this was published on the local authority’s website on Friday, May 19.

The news has been welcomed by Reading MP Matt Rodda, who said: “I am very pleased and

The base and girth of the Kings Spy Oak at 19 Gayhurst, Caversham, which has a Tree Preservation Order on it.

relieved that the ancient oak has been saved, this majestic tree has huge importance as the home to wildlife and also because of its history including being a lookout post during the English Civil War.

“I would like to thank everyone who campaigned to save this wonderful ancient tree and I hope it will remain a local landmark for many years to come.”

The withdrawn application can be seen on Reading Borough Council’s planning website.

University’s SEE & EAT books to help children love their veg

ENCOURAGING children to eat their vegetables can be the bane of many parents’ lives.

The University of Reading is helping mums and dads overcome this age-old challenge through an innovative series of books called SEE & EAT, which were launched at its Community Festival held earlier this month.

Research led by the university’s Prof Carmel Houston-Price has shown that pre-schoolers are more likely to eat vegetables if they are already familiar with how the vegetable looks and where it comes from.

This is especially true for vegetables they don’t like or haven’t tried before.

Prof Houston-Price explained: “We know it can be really hard for parents to introduce their toddlers and preschoolers to a healthy diet, particularly if their child doesn’t enjoy eating vegetables and other healthy foods.

“My research group at the

Kidmore House Garden and Vineyard opens for charity

University of Reading have been looking at ways to make it easier for parents to introduce vegetables, in particular, into their preschooler’s diet.”

She added that there are a wide range of ways to help get children familiar with food types and where they come from. A method which proved particularly successful was to show youngsters aged from 18 months to four years pictures of how different foods grow, and the journey it takes from ‘farm to fork’.

A CHANCE to explore an historic garden will be available tomorrow.

Kidmore House Garden and Vineyard will be opening its doors to raise funds for the National Garden Scheme (NGS).

The garden is set in 14 acres of landscaped grounds and features a ha-ha, walled garden, rose garden, and one hectare of vines.

It is sympathetic to the red-brick Queen Anne house, which is not

The books were launched at the University of Reading’s Community Festival on Saturday, May 13.

Picture: University of Reading

The department came up with various resources, such as a free e-book which can be read to children, but were encouraged to produce hard copies of the books to be read in the traditional way following interest from parents.

Prof Houston-Price’s research demonstrated that children were often more willing to taste vegetables after looking at a SEE & EAT book than they were beforehand. They ultimately eat more and ‘seem to enjoy it more’. This will make mealtimes more enjoyable for parents, too.

open to the public, and is said to have a large sweet chestnut tree in the lawn that was planted with the house in 1680.

The open day takes place from 1.30pm to 5pm on Friday, May 26.

Admission to the garden is £6 for adults and children are free. Homemade teas will be available in the barn next to the Rose Garden.

n For more information, log on to: findagarden.ngs.org.uk

Picture: Steve Smyth

Picture: Jennifer Leach

Opening date revealed for new leisure centre at Rivermead site

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

THE OPENING date for the opening of the new Rivermead leisure centre has been revealed by Reading Borough Council.

The site will open in two stages: leisure facilities will be this year, while two new swimming pools will come next year.

The Richfield Avenue site includes a 120-station gym, three studios, a six-court sports hall with 280 spectator seats, a soft play facility, and a café.

They are designed to be accessible and sustainable, as part of the council’s policies of investing in targeted activities to reduce health inequalities.

This will open on Monday, July 17.

The swimming facilities include a 25 metre eightlane competition pool and a teaching and diving pool. These both have moveable floors so the depth can be adjusted. A splash pad will be available for younger users.

There will also be 300 spectator seats, including seven accessible wheelchair spaces.

The council said this is part of a £40 million investment in leisure facilities across

the borough, including improvements at South Reading Leisure Centre and Meadway Sports Centre, and the new Palmer Park Leisure Centre and Stadium.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for leisure and culture, said: “We can’t wait to get the doors open and welcome residents to the new Rivermead Leisure Centre. The centre represents a significant investment in Reading and provides leisure facilities that are fit for the future.

“The centre has been built to BREEAM Excellent environmental standards and is designed to create an inclusive fitness environment so everyone in our community can join in and experience the benefits of physical activity.

“From July 17, Reading’s community can enjoy a fantastic new sports hall and a 120-station gym with studios, as well as a fabulous soft play and café families will love.

“We are also looking forward to the new swimming pools opening next summer, which

Breathing equipment sent to Ukraine

FIRE services in Berkshire have made donations of vital equipment to Ukraine.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services have given a number of breathing apparatus sets to their counter parts in Ukraine as the country continues to respond to Russia’s illegal invasion.

RBFRS has donated 89 sets of breathing apparatus, complete with 304 air cylinders, which were sent by convoy to Ukraine as part of a national effort organised by FIRE AID UK and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC).

Tens of thousands of pieces of life-saving equipment and 69 fire appliances, which can include ladders, pumps, and platforms, have already been sent over in four separate convoys since March this year.

RBFRS’s donations were added to a further 86 fire engines and more than 100,000 other pieces of kit donated from 17 fire teams around England and Wales.

Donations were prepared for transport and use by members of the Fleet and Equipment team before they were sent to Poland on Wednesday, May 3.

Wayne Bowcock, chief fire officer at RBFRS, said: “We have recently replaced our BA sets and rather than disposing of the old kits, there is no better use for them than donating them to

GIFT: Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services joined 16 other teams in England and Wales in donating equipment to a convoy headed

Ukraine this month. Picture: Steve Smyth

Ukrainian firefighters.

“[They] clearly have great need for them and we will continue to show our full support at every opportunity.

“This vital equipment will go out as part of the next convoy and I’m sure will be in use very soon after arriving in Ukraine.”

He explained: “Alongside the donations from fire and rescue services across the UK, we hope that this equipment will assist in the immense relief effort that is needed in Ukraine.”

NFCC chair Mark Hardingham said: ““I am incredibly proud to

see how fire and rescue services have once again not only donated essential kit to Ukraine but have worked tirelessly to pull it together so quickly.

“We have also seen an incredible number of staff volunteer to drive the convoy across Europe.

“The determination and pride is testament to how committed everyone is to help our colleagues in Ukraine who continue to see war devastate their country, while putting their own lives on the line with often limited resources.”

Rivermead Leisure Centre will open its leisure facilities in July, but the swimming pools will come next year Picture: Reading Borough Council

wellbeing of thousands of residents young and old –getting more people, more active more often.

“We know leisure centre users can’t wait to see inside –so keep a look out for updates on our opening weekend and tours.”

Building works will be needed in late July to incorporate the existing 25m 5-lane pool into the new leisure centre to enable continuity of swimming provision at the centre.

There is likely to be a brief pool closure as part of these works: GLL will contact centre users to ensure they are aware in good time of any changes to sessions.

will be yet another opportunity to celebrate.”

The site will be operated by GLL.

Craig Woodward, its partnership manager, said: “GLL, alongside our partners Pellikaan and Reading Borough Council are all working at pace together to bring forward these state-of-the-art leisure facilities that will be the envy of the Thames Valley.

“With an emphasis on accessibility and affordability, the new leisure complex will support the health and

Gert-Jan Peeters, director of Pellikaan UK, said: “We are now in the final stages of delivering the phased opening of the new Rivermead. Work on the dryside facilities is going very well and we are confident that the centre will be a welcome addition for the local community by July.”

The existing leisure centre will remain open until the new centre is complete to ensure no gap in people’s leisure service. Once the new centre opens, work will begin to dismantle the old structure to make way for a new car park and children’s play area.

A PIGEON needed a visit from the fire brigade, after getting caught in netting.

Members of Caversham Road fire station were called to Cheapside in Reading town centre after receiving reports that an animal was trapped.

The staff from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service discovered the bird when they arrived at 5pm on Wednesday, April 17. Using a ladder, they were able to reach and release the flying animal before placing it in the care of the RSPCA.

Fire crews free trapped bird Vinyl countdown for holiday fayre

THE Rivermead Leisure Complex and Gym will host the UK’s biggest record fair next week.

The Reading Vinyl Record Fair will feature 200 tables and is expected to attract a large number of visitors.

The event is perfect for record enthusiasts and collectors looking to find rare and unique vinyl.

Entry is £4, and the event runs from 9am to 3pm on the May bank holiday Monday.

n For more details, log on to: www.facebook.com/ VinylRecordCollectorsFair

for

West Reading store applies for alcohol licence

A WEST Reading store has applied to Reading Borough Council for permission to sell alcohol.

The Euro Deli specialises in food from eastern Europe, including Lithuanian, Latvian, Russian, Polish and Ukrainian items.

If approved, alcohol would be sold at the Oxford Road shop from 9am to 11pm seven days a week.

The closing date for comments is Monday, June 12, and can be emailed to: licensing@reading. gov.uk

Under the terms of the Licensing Act, no written representations will have personal details removed unless the council’s licensing department deems it appropriate to do so.

Any request for personal details to be removed and the justification for such a request should be notified at the time of making the representation.

Queries can be raised with the licensing department using the same email address.

Day of sporting fun for Children’s Festival

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

YOUNGSTERS were under starters’ orders for a day of fun on Saturday, as the Reading Children’s Festival turned its attention to sport.

The Abbey School’s Junior School on Christchurch Road was the venue for the Reading Festival of Sport aimed at given people an opportunity to try a range of sports.

The event was opened by the mayor of Reading, Cllr Rachel Eden, and GB gymnast Kelly Simm, who shared her sporting journey which started when she was six and saw her called up for the national athletics team when she was 16.

She was part of a Commonwealth Games gold medal winning team.

She also led a gymnastics workshop, while other activities included netball, cricket, rugby, and dancing.

More than 100 children attended from 17 different schools and nurseries, with organisers saying it had been a fantastic morning of sport with perfect weather.

Will le Fleming, head of The Abbey School, said: “We are delighted to be creating opportunities for young people and girls in particular to get involved in sport and find an activity they love.

“The Reading Festival of

Sport at The Abbey brings together passion and expertise in sport from across the Reading community. It was such a joy to see so much young enthusiasm to try something new, from gymnastics to just whacking it in cricket.

“We’re proud to be part of the programme of activities for this year’s Reading Children’s Festival.”

n For more details, log on to: facebook.com/ReadingCFest

READY TO PLAY: PE staff from The Abbey School with sport scholars at the Reading Children’s Festival festival of sport

A yoga session saw Betsy (front left) doing the splits with other youngsters, while others were taught some other moves during the taster event

Mayor of Reading Cllr Rachel Eden with some of the participants for the Reading Festival of Sport

Three-year-old Liliana enjoying the games of the day

PICTURES: DIJANA CAPAN/DVISION

FESTIVAL OF SPORT

VERA’S NORTHUMBRIA Barnard Castle & Borders Country

Departing Sun 6 Aug ‘23

The popular TV series Vera introduced audiences to the scenery of the North East and on this captivating break we journey to the programme’s most recognisable filming locations along the Tyneside coast.

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

 4 nights at the Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle with dinner & breakfast

 Blue Badge guided tour of Vera’s Northumbria (Amble, Blyth, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay & Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

 Blue Badge guided Borders Country tour (Ford, Etal, Coldsteam, Kelso & Jedburgh)

 Blue Badge guided tour of the Durham Dales, North Pennines, Barnard Castle & Teesdale

5 Days by Coach only £389

HARROGATE & 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

Picture: The Abbey School

Mayor Cllr Rachel Eden chats to four-year-old Kerys

Georgiana, six, with bat ready to play

Fun at the yoga session Kelly Simm with the Mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden

GB Gymnast Kelly Simm makes her speech

Angelo, six, enjoys a moment on the cricket pitch set up by The Abbey Junior School

GB Gymnast Kelly Simm chats to Mayor Rachel Eden in the glorious sunshine

Marianne Clarke

Mayor’s sporting challenge event

BUDDING athletes will get their competitive juices flowing on Saturday, June 3, at a special event at the South Reading Leisure Centre.

The Mayor’s Challenge 2023 is open to all children aged from three-10, and will feature a series of sporting tasks. If completed, participants will receive a certificate from the Mayor of Reading.

As part of Reading Children’s Festival, the free event operates on a drop-in basis, although places for swimming must be booked.

The event takes place from 10am-1pm.

n www.bookings.better.org.uk/ location/south-reading

Hosts wanted

THE UNIVERSITY of Reading is looking for host families to accommodate students this coming academic year.

Households will take in mature international students studying short courses from September.

The uni will pay hosts competitive rates for either bed and breakfast, or bed and breakfast plus dinner, depending on the course type.

Those interested should contact the university.

n For more information, call Louise Crompton on: 0118 378 5768 or email: islishortcourses@ reading.ac.uk

Two years after axe, congestion charge could be back on the table

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A CONGESTION charge could be introduced in Reading, despite the plan being vetoed in 2021.

If set up in a similar way to London, motorists would pay to drive within a certain area, such as within the IDR in Reading’s case.

In the capital, the fee is £15 between the hours of 7am and 6pm on weekdays and noon and 6pm at weekends and bank holidays. The only exception is Twixmas – the period between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Cllr Tony Page told BBC Radio Berkshire’s breakfast DJ that the plan was being considered as ‘up to a quarter of the traffic on the IDR’ was just passing through the town.

By introducing the charge, it would lead to air quality improvements, he argued. The details for consultation will be published in a June in a draft transport strategy, so no official documentation is available.

“There’s a lot of traffic that uses roads in Reading that has no business in Reading, it is simply looking to use the town as a shortcut,” he said. “That is contributing a lot of pollution.”

Cllr Rob White, the leader of the Green Party, Reading’s main opposition party, said it was hard to give an opinion on a scheme that has yet to be published.

“Reading does have a massive air quality problem,” he said. “We have massive congestion problems in east Reading, while the council’s really struggling to get the traffic lights working, let alone implement a congestion charge.

“I’m a bit concerned about the council’s ability to deliver such as scheme, but action is needed. Reading is gridlocked for far too much of the day and that’s causing pollution, it’s worsening climate change and

Reader travel

EDINBURGH TATTOO

it’s killing people.”

Cllr White felt that exploring a congestion charge was a reasonable thing to look into, “but we need decent alternatives to the car if you’re just charging people through the nose”.

He called on the council to improve the public transport network, have better local facilities so people didn’t need to travel as far in the first place, and the government should subsidise electric cars.

“Just charging people through the nose without those alternatives sounds unfair to me, but we’re going to need to see what the council puts forward,” he said.

Reading Conservative leader Cllr Clarence Mitchell said he recognised the problem congestion causes in Reading, and wanted a solution that helped improved the experience for drivers coming to the town to support local business.

“We are against a congestion charge in itself, we think there are better ways of tackling this,” he told BBC Radio Berkshire listeners.

He also disputed Cllr Page’s assertion that the A33 was being used as a rat run, and criticised the council’s active travel policy for not being joined up – such as the cycle routes on Sidmouth Street.

Instead, Conservatives wanted to see improvements to the town’s bus network, more car clubs, and better active travel routes for alternative forms of transport.

He also wanted to see a third bridge introduced for Reading.

“We need it, it’s been talked about for around 100 years,” he said. “It may well not happen in the immediate future, that is the relief road that is needed for the town.

“Penalising drivers who come through the town in principle is a workable idea, but without the detail, we are not convinced of the merits of that.”

In its manifesto for the recent local elections, the Reading Liberal Democrats wanted to introduce a ULEZ (Ultra Low Emissions Zone) across the town.

This is different to a congestion charge as it would ask motorists to pay a fee based on the emissions from their car engines.

In London, this is £12.50 per day, and is on top of the congestion charge.

Reading’s previous congestion charge plan was axed two years ago after an investigation found it would have limited environmental and financial benefits, partly because it was being considered during the lockdown phase of the covid pandemic.

Options in that plan included charging employers who provided parking in the workplace.

At the time, the Road Haulage Association came out against it, as it would be “adding extra miles to truck journeys would increase costs and make local firms who rely on these routes less competitive”.

Cllr Page was making his recent comments before he became mayor of Reading, which is a politically neutral role.

Musicbox charity evening for RBH Fire crews called to Reading home

A MUSICAL treat is promised at a charity event coming to Burghfield early next month.

Martin’s Musicbox will feature performances from DJ Triple B, Eclipse and friends.

The event is a fundraiser for the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust Oasis Wellbeing Centre.

This provides wellbeing services for patients and staff at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. It opened in October 2022, and the Royal Berks Charity is raising funds to complete the transformation of the adjoining gardens.

Departing Wed 9 Aug ‘23 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

*Lunch will replace dinner on the day of the Tattoo.

5 Days by Coach only

£369

4 Days by Coach only £349

People who cannot attend the event on Saturday, June 3, can still donate to support the Royal Berks Charity via Martin Butler’s JustGiving page.

Tickets are £5 plus a booking fee, and it takes place at the Burghfield Community Sports Association.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: https:// www.ticketsource.co.uk/royal-berks-charity/ eclipse-friends-charity-variety-evening/e-aabekq

FIRE crews called to west Reading home

FIRE crews were called to a blaze in west Reading last week.

The incident took place at 6.39pm on Monday, May 15, at a home in Elm Park Road.

Crews from Caversham Road, Wokingham Road and Whitley Wood fire stations, along with an officer were sent after the service received reports of smoke coming from a first floor window.

There was a fire on this floor, and it was put out by four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus, and using two hose reels.

They were on the scene for two hours and 20 minutes.

Paddling pool to reopen in time for half-term holidays

SPLISH SPLASH! A Reading institution is preparing to reopen in time for summer, just in time for the half-term break.

On Saturday, Christchurch Meadows’ paddling pool will welcome families once again.

Reading Borough Council says the popular pool has been thoroughly cleaned and resealed in preparation for the new season.

It will be open daily, from 11am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on weekends. During school holidays, it will

be open 10am to 6pm seven days a week.

The final day of this year’s season will be Sunday, September 3.

The paddling pool is popular with families, and is next to the play area. Admission is free.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “We are pulling out all the stops to get the Christchurch Meadows paddling pool open in time for the start of half-term on Saturday.

“We had some disappointing interruptions to operation last year so in preparation for the summer season 2023 we have carried out additional refurbishment and arranged for our leisure partners and pool specialists GLL to operate the pool.

“The paddling pool will be open daily and remains free to use so we are all set for summer fun. All we need now is some sunshine.”

n For more details, log on to:

FUTURE?: Sign warning drivers in London that they are about to enter the Ultra Low Emission Zone and Congestion Charging Zone Picture: David Hawgood / Sign for London ultra low emission zone / CC BY-SA 2.0

Tote-ally amazing: Families enjoy bag sewing workshop

LEAF: reducesUniversity lab carbon emissions

LABORATORIES at the University of Reading are set to be the site of positive change for more than just the research happening inside them.

The Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) has been implemented to make carbon-intensive work more environmentally friendly.

Reading achieved bronze status in the 10 labs which underwent the pilot run of the scheme, meaning they could be saving 2.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Another 30 labs are set to achieve this goal in the next six weeks.

Marta O’Brien, LEAF project manager at the University of Reading, said: “Labs in our sciencebased buildings are responsible for a quarter of the University’s total energy consumption so we cannot afford to ignore their impact any longer.

“Our scientists can make a substantial difference with minor changes like turning off equipment when it is not in use and reassessing their waste management and purchasing practices.

“Cutting down on carbon does not mean sacrificing the quality of our world-leading research. We will continue to make important new discoveries while consciously making our labs greener.”

The programme is being introduced to all lab users across the university’s campuses, meaning more than 300 spaces could be affected.

In addition to energy savings, it is expected the scheme will improve recycling rates, reduce waste and could save the university around £3,700 per lab each year.

By JI-MIN LEE jlee@rdg.today

VISITORS young and old got their creative juices flowing thanks to a unique event at the Museum of English Rural Life.

The family workshop, entitled Totally Tote Bags, took sewers of all experience levels through the history of textiles, with plenty of opportunities to get hands on to create their own bags.

The free event featured a fast fashion quiz, a rundown of the museum’s Barnett Sewing Machine Project and the opportunity to see and operate a vintage sewing machine.

Visitors were also given the

chance to take a look around the MERL’s current Sew What? exhibition.

Funded by the Barnett project, budding designers were able to design and take home their own bags to use and enjoy, or to give to a loved one if they so preferred.

Named after James Nutcombe Barnett, who worked in the University of Reading’s Applied Physical Sciences Department in the 1960s and 1970s, the project showcases his love for sewing machines. In fact, Mr Barnett acquired 130 in total, bequeathing them to the university upon his death.

They were brought to the MERL building in 2005.

Aaminah (9) concentrating on her design

LEAF was set up by University College London (UCL), with Reading taking part in the pilot scheme in 2022. Its first successful bronze accreditation was given to Dr Stephen Elmore’s Food and Nutritional Sciences laboratory.

While the university continues its LEAF accreditation programme, it is also supporting Royal Berkshire NHS Trust colleagues based in the Harborne building through the Health Innovation Partnership (HIP) and via funding from the Collaborative Innovation Fund (CIF).

This collaborative project involves the NHS team taking part in the LEAF Clinical Laboratory Pilot programme, where 6 Histopathology labs have applied for bronze accreditation.

BEACON: WE BUILD BRANDS

Nicola with her finished bag

The old-school sewing machine was mastered by Ethan (13)

Isabelle (10) getting to grips with the machinery

1 2 To advertise, call 0118 327 2662 Thursday, May 25, 2023 READINGTODAY.ONLINE 11

3 4

Honest motherhood

Angela

Garwood

A new page with a big birthday

IT’S my birthday next week. By the time this column comes out, I will have turned 30.

I’ve not decided how I feel about this yet. There are some mixed emotions.

I’m excited for the next chapter, but a little sad to be leaving my twenties behind. Who doesn’t want to be 25 again? (Me, actually, 25 was tricky.)

While I’m quietly grieving my youth, I’m also rather elated about being in my thirties. It feels good to finally turn the page rather than clinging desperately onto my twenties.

“You’ll be on page three,” my mum said, acutely unaware her metaphor had other connotations.

“I’m sorry?”

“Your twenties are page two, and now you’ll be on page three.”

I mean I hope not.

Thankfully, I’m not going through it alone. Friends are also turning 30 (or did so decades ago), so I’m in good company. Several are even joining me in the trenches of motherhood this year, which is especially exciting.

One of my best friends, who I’ve known since nursery, welcomed her baby girl last week. Another close primary school friend gave birth to twins in January.

“We’re such grown ups,” she said, rocking her son to sleep. It does not feel like long ago we were making up raps in the school playground. (Our musical duo was called “Mad and Madder”, we were a one-hit wonder.)

There’ll be another new arrival at the end of July, by which point we’ll somehow have six children between us all.

“Turn 30: have a baby” seemed to be the mantra in our group. I did not get the memo. (A good thing, two is plenty for now).

Another thing I did not get the memo on, was skincare. Skincare in your thirties. Apparently it’s different to your twenties. This has come up at several of the 30ths I’ve been to recently.

Young women are saying things like this to each other:

“How much do you pay for your collagen supplements?”

“What’s your routine?”

“Who did you say got botox?”

Collagen supplements? Botox? Are we 30 or 60? What happened to the old “cleanse, tone and moisturise”? I’m behind to say the least.

I’ve no desire to become a woman obsessed with trying to halt the ageing process; fighting with nature seems a losing battle, not to mention a costly one. But then I’ve already begun analysing laughter lines I discover in photos and wondering how I can make them go away, which isn’t a great start.

There is attempting to reverse the visible signs of ageing and then there is basic skincare. At this stage, I’m choosing to focus on the latter. (Ask me again at 40 when I’m writing a column on the joys of botox.)

Trying to set an example for an impressionable nine-year-old, I want to embrace wrinkles and white hairs as signs of a life well-lived. (And my resistance to hair-dye.)

I intend to march boldly into my thirties, rather than cowering away in a corner muttering “age is just a number” repeatedly under my breath. I’ve always loved celebrating birthdays, both mine and other people’s and don’t wish to begrudge it just because this time it’s a big one. (I’m setting a precedent for all big birthdays to come; no moaning.)

Besides, from what I’ve heard, there’s a whole load more good stuff on the other side of 30.

Angela

blogs at The Colourful Kind

Pride of Reading Awards nominations

Southcote Primary School praised for its care

SOUTHCOTE Primary has been nominated for the School of the Year award with praise for the care and support that staff give to children and their families.

“The Southcote Primary community is wonderful,” said a parent who put it forward for the Pride of Reading Award.

“It is a lovely, caring school that always puts the needs of its pupils and families first.”

She added: “During lockdowns the dedication and empathy shown from school staff was exceptional.”

Families of all 600 children were individually contacted on a regular basis – not just to review their education but also to check on their mental health and wellbeing, and to signpost families towards any help they needed.

“Things haven’t changed now we are back to ‘normal’, with huge levels of support available to families,

whatever needs they may have,” she said, with the range and depth of education delivered ‘mindblowing’.

She added: “I can’t thank them enough for taking in my tiny, unruly four-year-olds and turning them into kind, thoughtful, intelligent human beings who love learning and sometimes even value books more than their screens.”

The School of the Year, sponsored by Qwerty, celebrates ‘a school demonstrating exceptional achievement’ and open to nursery, primary, secondary and special schools in Reading.

The awards’ annual lunch, hosted by Chris Tarrant, will be held in October where shortlisted nominees, guests and sponsors are invited and winners are celebrated.

Get busy and put forward your favourites for the awards!

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.

New mural at celebrates Sue

By Jake Clothier jclothier@rdg.today

YESTERDAY, team members at a national healthcare charity were celebrated in style with the unveiling of a new mural in Reading’s town centre.

The mural champions the nurses at Sue Ryder, which provides support and palliative care for those with terminal illness and long-term conditions across Reading, Newbury, Wokingham and South Oxfordshire.

Hospice takes the plunge with Bray Lake challenge

have only swum in a pool but always fancied dipping into open water swimming.

Now their work has been recognised with a colourful artwork which takes pride of place in The Oracle shopping centre’s Riverside.

Members of the Sue Ryder team were on hand to cut the ribbon at the unveiling ceremony, also attended by the piece’s creator, Saroj Patel.

Thames Hospice, which provides palliative and end of life care, is throwing down the gauntlet with its Open Water Swim Challenge.

The event sees participants take part in swim challenges ranging from 500m to 10km, competing either as individuals or in teams.

The event is set to be hosted at Bray Lake in Maidenhead, in partnership with Bray Lake Watersports and sponsored by The Shanly Foundation.

Thames Hospice’s Head of Community and Events, Claire Redrup, says: “We are so excited to launch our first ever Open Water Swim Challenge this summer.

“It means so much to us, our community and supporters that this event will be taking place at the Hospice, in Bray Lake.”

She continued: ““Our event is open to everyone aged 18 and over, of all abilities, whether you’re a seasoned swimmer and can manage long distances, or you

“Not only will you be swimming in stunning surroundings to raise vital funds for the Hospice, but you’ll also be engaging in an activity that has so many incredible health and wellbeing benefits.”

Registration begins at £30 per person, which includes a swim hat, a medal, and a free hot drink.

Thames Hospice is also selling branded hoodies, with funds raised from the event contributing towards the charity’s continued support services.

The challenge is open to both novice and experienced swimmers, though please note that Bray Lake Watersports recommends a wetsuit is worn when participating.

The Thames Hospice Open Water Swim Challenge takes place on Sunday, July 2, at Bray Lake, Maidenhead.

n More information and registration is available via: thameshospice.org.uk/ open-water-swim

The mural features a number of words used to describe the team at Sue Ryder by patients, including “kindness, devotion, compassion, and selfless.”

It is part of a new campaign, We Are Sue Ryder, through which the charity celebrates the impact that palliative care nurses have on the lives of patients and their loved ones.

It comes as Sue Ryder releases new figures showing that its nurses delivered care across 4,105 shifts in the Sue Ryder hospice in Reading last year.

It also saw 16,410 visits to people’s homes, care homes and hospitals across the region in the same year.

The first three months of 2023 have proved busy too, with initial data released by the charity showing that the nurses in West Berkshire carried out 62% more appointments in the first three months of 2022 compared to the same period last year.

Louise Lucio, service director at Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub in South Oxfordshire says: “Growing up in Reading I have always been aware of

REMINDER: Nurses and team members Wednesday Picture: Jake

Sue Ryder and the incredible support the Sue Ryder Nurses provide.

“It therefore feels special to unveil a mural which shows the tremendous gratitude of the local community to our wonderful nurses.”

She explained: “Palliative care nursing is a rewarding career and the words in this mural demonstrate the depth and strength of feeling families who have experienced our care have for our Sue Ryder Nurses.

“We encourage you to visit the mural, reflect and find out more about how we can be there to support you and your family when it matters.”

Mark Sturgess, whose brother James was cared for at the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading, says: “The Sue Ryder Nurses really

IN THE DRINK: Thames Hospice’s Open Water Swim Challenge takes place at Bray Lake, maidenhead, on Sunday, July 2. Picture: Bray Lake by Steve Daniels

A THAMES Valley charity is inviting residents to make waves with a new fundraising challenge event.

VISIBLE

Clothier

Celebrating reading with ABC to Read

A CHARITY that partners with 40 schools across the borough to help children who are struggling to read, has been put forward as a candidate for Charity of the Year.

ABC to Read has an army of more than 50 volunteers who are trained and supported to help youngsters find the fun in reading and gain a crucial skill for life, says its nominator.

The charity, set up in 2004, focuses attention on children not entitled to individual help through statutory funding, or from disadvantaged backgrounds and schools in deprived areas.

WHITLEY

WAY

BACK WHEN

A CUT ABOVE: Gillette praised for welcoming community to social club

VERA’S NORTHUMBRIA

Barnard Castle & Borders Country

Departing Sun 6 Aug ‘23

The popular TV series Vera introduced audiences to the scenery of the North East and on this captivating break we journey to the programme’s most recognisable filming locations along the Tyneside coast.

In Reading, 30% of the problems surrounding low literary are seen to stem from unaddressed issues at early age.

“ABC to read was established to bridge the gap in our community, giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds a better chance at success,” said the nominator.

The Charity of the Year award,

at The Oracle Sue Ryder nurses

Your break includes

 Return coach travel from Reading

sponsored by Roc Search, recognises ‘a local charity that has made an amazing impact to our community through partnership working with businesses, other charities and the public sector’.

members from Sue Ryder were on hand to unveil the artwork at the ribbon cutting ceremony on

READ ON: ABC to Read has been nominated for a Pride of Reading award couldn’t do enough for James. All the staff do their jobs to an amazing standard but at the same time they have that extra human touch.

“James actually passed away on my daughter’s birthday and that morning the nurses organised for a cake to be brought in so he could sing happy birthday to her with us.

“That always sticks in my mind as they went that extra mile and helped him to have that special memory on his final day.”

Chris Tarrant, who lends his support to the charity, said ahead of the event: “As a local resident I know all about the great work of Sue Ryder and its tireless care in the local area.

“That’s why I’m supporting its new campaign, We Are Sue Ryder,

celebrating the wonderful work of the Sue Ryder Nurses and healthcare teams across Berkshire and South Oxfordshire.

“If you head down to The Oracle in Reading from Wednesday, May 24, you’ll see a poignant mural which shows heart-felt messages to Sue Ryder Nurses – all shared by local people.

He continued: “I couldn’t think of a better tribute to those who are there when we need them most – and which so beautifully represents the lasting impact palliative care nurses have on patients and their loved ones.

“Please visit the mural, read the words and support the charity so the care teams can continue to be there when it matters.”

A STRIKING building in South Reading will be remembered for more than just its appearance.

Once described by Cllr Jason Brock as ‘one of the most beautiful buildings in Reading’, the Gillette Factory, Basingstoke Road, was given locally listed status by the council in 2019.

The company moved to the site in 1948 and established its own social group, which was open to its employees and their guests, hosting a wide range of entertaining activities.

David Turner, curator at the Whitley Community Museum, said: “The building is considered to have social significance in the community development of Whitley. The Gillette workforce had the pleasure of using a social club within the factory which included a swimming pool and all manner of sports facilities.

“The swimming pool was very popular with not only the workforce but organisations like Reading Swimming Club who took advantage of the early starts for training purposes. Dance nights were also very popular going by the response when I posted these photographs recently on the museum’s Facebook page.”

“Employees were allowed to invite friends so the whole community benefited.

“On a personal note I was able to play snooker most weeks as I had a friend who worked there and clearly remembered what a great atmosphere there was at the club.

Other residents shared their memories of vibrant dance nights, as well as Christmas and New

Year parties, many of which were organised by Ronnie Wyles Disco. Tennis matches and trips to pantomimes and Southsea were also popular. Mr Turner described the range of activities as ‘endless’. He praised the way in which company social clubs helped keep members of the community engaged and active, also pointing out that even the council had one in the 1970s. The group was called The Top of the Town, and met at the Civic Offices.

Mr Turner said: “This was a period when I worked for the council and remember well playing snooker on a Friday night.

“My partner was the Mayor’s chauffeur during a time when the council had a mayoral car with the number plate MRD 1, now used on one of the Reading Buses. I wonder how many company social clubs still exist?”

With over 5,000 followers on Facebook, the Whitley Community Museum is an accessible 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

 4 nights at the Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle with dinner & breakfast

 Blue Badge guided tour of Vera’s Northumbria (Amble, Blyth, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay & Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

 Blue Badge guided Borders Country tour (Ford, Etal, Coldsteam, Kelso & Jedburgh)

 Blue Badge guided tour of the Durham Dales, North Pennines, Barnard Castle & Teesdale

5 Days by Coach only

£389

HARROGATE

& 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

GILLETTE’S SOCIAL CLUB’S ACTIVITIES INCLUDED DANCES AND CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S PARTIES. PICTURE:

Congestion, but is it right to charge?

A DEBATE on BBC Radio Berkshire about the congestion charge? Not another one.

It’s only been two years since the previous proposals were dropped –because covid lockdowns meant data wasn’t as precise as it had been.

Reading does suffer from a traffic problem. There can be no denying it.

London Road, Caversham, Oxford Road, School Road – you name it, there’s little business for speed cameras.

But charging people to come into Reading?

It will be hugely controversial, especially as we don’t have a completely fully formed bus network. What we have is great but to be really efficient, it needs to have more routes, covering more places, more frequently, for more hours of the day.

As it stands, this will penalise ordinary residents, especially those who live in neighbouring towns and villages.

The proposals won’t be published until the end of June, but the scant details provided sends a shiver down our spines. A better way must be possible.

CHURCH NOTES

Grants to help Methodists

GRANTS totalling more than £1 million have been awarded to the Methodist Church by Benefact Trust, giving a huge boost to a range of significant Methodist projects.

A grant of £500,000 will support projects that are part of the Methodist Way of Life and a grant of £300,000 will help to support 3Generate, The Methodist Children and Youth Assembly.

Other grants from Benefact Trust to the Methodist Church include £100,000 to support training courses for Superintendents and Ministers with a further £200,000 for the supervision aspect of this work and £50,000 for the provision of online conferencing licenses. Benefact Trust exists to make a positive and transformative difference to people’s lives by funding, guiding, and celebrating the work of churches and Christian charities. Benefact Trust’s funds are derived from ownership of the Benefact Group - a specialist financial services organisation. Benefact Trust’s Methodist Grants Programme is funded primarily by donations from Methodist Insurance PLC.

The Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler, Secretary of the Methodist Conference, thanked Benefact Trust for its contribution to the work of the Church, saying, “Once again, I am grateful to Benefact Trust for its generosity to the Methodist Church which has been transformative, helping us in a number of ways to continue to fulfil Our Calling.”

Paul Playford, Grants Officer for Benefact Trust, said: “It is privilege to support the Methodist Church with over £1million towards a range of exciting projects. This funding will enable the Methodist Church to focus on training, project expansion, online resources, and events to grow the reach and impact of the church going forward. We’re looking forward to going on this journey with them and seeing the difference these projects can make to the Methodist Church and wider community.”

For more, log on to: benefacttrust.co.uk

The march of AI

Before I curse the country’s politicians, I would like to raise a matter of fraud – that evergrowing disease the elderly frequently catch.

I address the typical type of repair or improvement decided for attention for your property – whatever the reason, e.g. leaking roof as a case. The first step is to find a suitable qualified business, preferably one recommended.

The likelihood is that a tradesman will know a lot more than you, leading if you are unlucky to a good and sothorough story being told as to what you have to do! (or pay for!).

Step one is to obtain a detailed Quotation. There are risks if you are asked for an up-front payment to cover the materials, which is usually preferred.

It is a crafty way to buy a little more than is actually required, or prepare for another job. If that turns out to be what happens, you may be paying money fraudulently.

The legal situation is that what you have paid for voluntarily is YOUR property.

But a fraudulent charge has been made. So make sure all transactions are totally honest and legal. Keep in mind that arguing with a fraudster is Very Difficult.

These notes must be considered “general”, but I hope are a warning.

Lastly, changing to our unknown political future, I am very concerned over the subject of Artificial Intelligence.

It’s worth reading the George Orwell book 1984, which I believe illustrates a country under AI control. Total control of people is possible and a Legal system becomes an “Order” department, as those in control can make any

From the Chamber

Cllr James Moore

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

decision. Now that may put the left-wingers, communists, Left wing Trades Unions etc. out of business.

It’s not predictable who actually would take control of our Country – it could be an enemy or those with money just as now in a sense, control the country. No voting or “Freedom of Speech”.

My closing comment is that 1984 System will be very attractive to some, plus be encouraged by the Chinese and Russians, both who are well placed to overtake the UK, and we have done everything we can to help.

So glad we have so many China oriented politicians. Be warned!!. I am very anti China and Russian at present.

Reg Clifton, via email Connect with foodbanks to give them a hand

With food prices rising and food banks struggling to meet demand, I wanted to share an app that could make a difference. BanktheFood connects you with your local food bank.

Whenever the food bank runs low on essentials, the app sends you a list of their most needed items.

But that’s not all - the app also sends you an urgent list of needed items when you arrive at the local supermarket, so you can easily pick up a few extra items to donate before you even reach the checkout.

Over 34,000 people are already using BanktheFood, helping 350 food banks in communities across the UK.

If you’re looking for an easy way to make a difference, please consider giving BanktheFood a try.

It’s a great way to help your community.

Emma, via email

Lib Dems are making gains across Berkshire

IWAS delighted to be elected as the new Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group a few days ago, and I’d like to personally thank everyone who voted Liberal Democrats in this election.

We enter a new year for Reading Borough Council and very little has changed – only one seat changed hands at the local elections on May 4.

I was very pleased to see

From the Chamber

Cllr Jason brock

my ward colleague Councillor Anne Thompson retain her seat with over half the vote here in Tilehurst. However, we have seen wholesale change across Berkshire and the surrounding region, with Windsor & Maidenhead, West Berkshire and Wokingham and South Oxfordshire Councils now all being run by the Liberal Democrats.

For the first time in decades,

Unsolicited advice

Providing unsolicited advice to the young is one of later life’s greatest pleasures.

It’s wonderful to share those wise tips one formerly rejected when younger. State Pension and NI (National Insurance) are yet again topical, because a temporary government catch-up offer is in place.

A window exists for people to secure some incomplete or missing NI years.

With soaring inflation it may be a superb financial strategy, but conditional upon an awkward variable: staying alive.

Preparing for old age seems daft in one’s thirties, but time quickly creeps up on all of us. With increasing lifespans those added NI years might pay a handsome dividend quite quicklybut the present offer ends all too soon.

James Hardy, via email

We must stop giving weapons to Ukraine

This Government keeps saying it is not affordable to pay strikers that help our nation every day in many services to keep this country running as it should be, now our chemists are all in disarray.

This government is sending missiles and drones that cost millions of pounds.

This is what our people need who can not afford food and heating, so they can have a decent life after working from an early age.

Why are the United Nations and Nato sitting on their backsides doing nothing?

Our government are starving children, women and men, for some other country.

Victor Rones, via email

there is Lib Dem representation on every single Council within Berkshire. In total, we saw 400 gains in Councillors across England, with the Conservatives losing over a 1,000.

Across the coming year in the face of a shambolic Conservative government, the Liberal Democrats in Reading will still be holding Labour to account as they still have a responsibility to run things effectively.

We’ll be looking at everything critically, Labour can’t just excuse themselves because of what the national government is doing.

We will continue to work hard for residents to be their voice - if anyone would like to contact us please do so at our website - readinglibdems.org.uk

Cllr James Moore is a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Tilehurst, and leader of the Reading Liberal Democrats

Plenty toreflect on

LAST week, I was at the unveiling of a new, thought-provoking piece of art in the heart of Reading.

It stands as a physical symbol for peace and hope and is, in part, created from blades handed in to knife amnesty bins across Reading and the rest of the Thames Valley.

Viewed in isolation, the Armoured Heart, situated outside The Oracle shopping centre on the banks of the River Kennet, is a striking piece of public art. But the story behind it is both unique and inspirational.

It has been created by young people from Reading’s Starting Point charity, who have been involved in a project focusing on tackling knife crime and violence in our town and providing input to what the sculpture should both look like and stand for.

Since a national peak in knife crime in 2019, across the Thames Valley knife-enabled crime has fallen by over 21%. In Reading from April 2022 to March 2023, there were 191 recorded knifeenabled crimes, five more than in the previous year.

While knife crime statistics in Reading remain stable, and we are fortunate that we don’t see the level of it here that some parts of the country are blighted by, we know that any incident involving a knife has the capacity to end in tragedy.

In recent years, we have endured tragic kniferelated incidents in Reading that will remain with us forever, and we hold those who have lost their lives in our thoughts.

Reading’s community has always done what it does best – becoming stronger in the face of adversity, pulling together to look after each other, and standing together against such violence.

Too often, incidents leave lives ruined and communities in fear. Knife crime disproportionately affects young people, and we see close links between drugs and other criminality as drivers of violence.

Of course, concerns remain about the numbers of knife possession offences, in part a response to increased policing efforts targeting those who we know are involved in crime. We all have a role to play in challenging any culture that carrying a knife is acceptable or necessary, even if, as we often hear, it’s for protection.

You can visit the Armoured Heart sculpture and learn more on how it came about from its adjacent information board. The sculpture is directly linked to its own website – a QR code on the information board take you through to it. The site also includes a range of educational resources and places to turn to for help and guidance.

It will host information for parents, community leaders and professionals to help us keep young people safe and combat violence.

This will be followed by a month of action in July, where the installation will be the catalyst for an educational outreach programme aiming to help young people reach their potential and challenge any culture that sees knives or violence as acceptable.

What the Armoured Heart project brought home to me most was what a giving, collaborative community we are part of in Reading, with so many people willing to give up their time and effort to do good in our town. There are too many to list here, but my thanks go to all involved.

There’s a part to play for everyone in Reading to help us stand together against knife crime and violence. Together we can limit the damage.

Cllr Jason Brock is the leader of Reading Borough Council and ward member for Southcote

Stand-up and deliver: Comedy Fest brings four days of funny to Reading

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

LAST week, Reading’s live comedy scene saw four days of improv, stand-up, and roasts as the inaugural Indie Comedy Festival came to venues across town in a collaboration between Mates Rates, Stand and Deliver, and Laughter Craft.

The festival warmed up with the inimitable Paul Foot headlining a show at Reading Biscuit Factory, with support from Pernille Haaland and hosted by Rhodri Buttrick.

Friday saw the festival begin in earnest when The Purple Turtle hosted a number of up-and-coming performers battling it out with five-minute stand-up sets in the Reading New Comedian Competition.

Regular MC Carl Richard warmed the crowd up with his usual air of effortless amiability and casually cutting comedic sensibilities.

A broad range of styles and perspectives were represented by the 10 competitors, with accomplished sets from runners-up Vincent Lynch and Dave Wilder, both of whom mixed dead-pan styles with eclectic, tight material.

The judges, including Double-Barrelled Brewery’s Ali Everett, cast their votes and combined with the audience’s tallied votes, with Adam Hopkins taking the grand prize of £100, a paid spot with Mates Rates, a case of Double-Barrelled’s beers, and a trophy.

After taking the top spot, Mr Hopkins said that while he had taken part in some competitions in the past: “This is the first time I’ve won one.

“Everyone seems super up for it – I had no idea what the crowd would be like, but with a full room the Reading crowd was just fantastic.”

Highlights also included Tim Bigolowe’s material examining life as a Millennial living on a houseboat and a skit by Lewis Badham about taking the day off as a comedian.

On Saturday, the Double-Barrelled Brewery Taproom in Tilehurst played host to wellestablished names in British comedy.

As well as MC Carl Richard, the event saw Marcus Brigstocke, whose work includes The Now Show, Argumental, and Live at the Apollo and Have I Got News For You, performing a consummate set, standing in for Zoe Lyons.

After a confident set by Nick Byard, including

sharp skits about being the alpha male through the choice of a leather jacket, headline act Sara Barron took to the stage with the usual high energy and pin-sharp material on cultural differences between the UK and the United States.

Sunday saw a whole host of events at Milk in central Reading, with Buttrick and Steel Conquer The World kicking off the day’s performances in acerbic and irreverent style.

Full stand-up sets from the likes of Nabil Abdulrashid, Emmanuel Sonubi, Fiona Allen, and Glen Wool took place throughout the day, before Roast Battle UK brought The Sunday Roast to close the weekend.

Four pairs of comedians battled one another with their fiercest, most ferocious material before laying themselves open to critiques from the judging panel, with Adam Greene hosting.

Nick Byard from Mates Rates joined Emmanuel Sonubi and Rich Sloman in selecting the winner for each round and even roasting the contestants themselves.

Mr Greene said that events such as the festival: “Gives people an opportunity to see more acts outside of the mainstream.

“It also gives acts an opportunity to do an hour and stretch their legs in the way that Edinburgh Festival would, especially with rising costs.”

Mr Byard said after the event: “This was just an idea which we had during a few Zoom meetings, so for it to happen and actually sell out is great.

“Especially when you’re getting good

audiences at 2pm on a sunny Sunday, we were delighted with Host and MC Carl Richard said: “The crowds laughed, and the comics enjoyed it – I think we’ll be having a lot of comedians back for their preview shows next year.”

Jonathan Elston from Laughter Craft Comedy also added: “The weekend was full of amazing shows, but all of us bring regular

gigs to Reading, without which this event couldn’t have happened.”

n For all of Mates Rates’ upcoming live dates, including open mic events, visit: matesratescomedy. co.uk/events-list/

n Details of Laughter Craft’s upcoming shows are available via: laughtercraftcomedy.com/upcomingshows

New Comedian of the Year judges and winner Adam Hopkins.

Picture: Goodman Gareth Photography / Mates Rates Comedy

Judges and competitors at The Sunday Roast in Milk Bar on Sunday, May 21. Pictures: Jake Clothier

From left, comedians and Mates Rates organisers Nick Byard and Carl Richard, with comedian Jonathan Elston from Laughter Craft Comedy

The weekend showcased up-and-coming talent as well as big names

In association with Blandy & Blandy

Waze

and means ... Volvo’s new in-car systems

THERE’S new Waze and means to get about and avoiding traffic jams, thanks to a Reading car retailer’s latest offer.

Waylands Reading is now offering cars with the navigation app Waze as standard.

This helps drivers navigate a quicker and safer journey, with instant notifications of traffic and police hazards, and rapid rerouting to avoid congestion.

Alongside live traffic data, drivers will also benefit from identifying local fuel stations, restaurants and other services.

A spokesperson for the Imperial Way-based Volvo dealership says the in-car system will offer the full functions of the mobile version of the Waze app without the hassle and distraction of using a phone, meaning drivers don’t need to compromise their safety when using the navigation app.

Daryl Best, general manager at Waylands Reading, adds: “We’re delighted that Reading drivers are now able to benefit from the fantastic Waze app in their Volvos.

“Having Waze’s real-time navigation, routing and alerts seamlessly displayed in the car without needing to connect a phone makes for a simplified and seamless driving experience.

“We’d like to invite Reading drivers to come along to Waylands Reading and speak to our team of experts to navigate the growing range of infotainment apps – including Waze – available in our latest range of Volvo cars.” n For more details, log on to: volvocarsreading.co.uk, or call: 0118 207 0888.

Face to face networking event

IN RECENT years, working from home has become more popular and has many benefits. The end of the long commute, increased family time and wearing your pyjamas bottoms are just some of the reasons more and more people have swapped the office for the spare room.

But there are also important events which workers and businesses once took for granted but have become distant memories.

These include networking, the art of meeting other employers and business on a regular basis to discover how they can benefit each other.

That’s why the Woodley Business Club is holding a Face to Face Networking event next month. The 90-minute session will give members more time to introduce their businesses and explain what they need from other members to help their business to grow.

Make a note in your diary - Tuesday, June 13, 8am. Venue: Coffee#1, 65 Crockhamwell Road, Woodley.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: woodleybusinessclub.org.uk

Estate agency expands with new financial services arm

By JAMES HASTINGS news@wokingham.today

MOVING home is one of the most stressful times in our lives.

Finding a solicitor, hiring movers, signing all the right paperwork and hoping Gordon the goldfish will settle into his new abode, are just some of the hurdles all homeowners have to face.

Now the founders of threebranch Berkshire-based agency Hat and Home have launched a mortgage brokerage to aid their mission to ‘make moving home a fantastic experience’.

Milliner Financial Services is headed by directors and cofounders Ben Gee and Luke Strzadala.

As one would expect from the makers of Hat and Home, Milliner Financial Services has a strong brand identity with a balance between trusted and distinguished and modern and edgy.

The brand gives a nostalgic wink to the 1970s with its retro colour palette and throwback video edits.

Director Ben Gee explained: “Milliner is focused on developing long term relationships with our

clients and our marketing is centred around that journey. The brand campaign illustrates how Milliner will always be on hand to help and make the mortgage process easier when working with a trusted adviser.”

The firm will offer mortgages, protection and insurance products with a focus on creating client relationships for life.

Milliner is an appointed

representative of PRIMIS which is part of the LSL group and responsible for one in nine mortgages in the UK.

Director Luke Strzadala adds: “When choosing a partner to act as an appointed representative for, PRIMIS was an easy choice.

“They have a significant share of the market, excellent relationships with lenders and a robust training and support

proposition for their appointed firms.”

The choice of name is no coincidence either.

A milliner is, of course, a hat maker and was chosen as a homage to the estate agency brand which has gained notoriety within a short space of time for its clever marketing and aggressive growth.

Milliner Financial Services enables Hat and Home to offer a streamlined buying and selling experience for customers, ensuring access to a varied product base and excellent lines of communication.

Teresa Williams joins Milliner as their first mortgage and protection adviser.

Teresa says: “I am delighted to be joining Milliner Financial Services on what is sure to be an exciting journey. I look forward to helping our customers get the house of their dreams secured.”

Much like Hat and Home, Milliner has a special relationship with Parkinson’s UK and has pledged to donate £10 to the charity for every completed mortgage as it joins Hat and Home in raising £200,000 by 2026.

Gordon the goldfish will be delighted.

Leep-ing ahead: Investment sees utility firm grow again

A READING company which started off with a staff of 10 just six years ago has announced another major expansion.

Leep Utilities is doubling its vehicle fleet to support its ongoing growth and recruitment drive for engineers in both the water and electricity sectors.

The company is a leading owner and operator of last-mile utility networks across the UK. It has increased the number of employees by 47 in the last financial year and reported its most successful trading year ever.

The acquisition of the new vans will enable Leep’s highly skilled team of water and electricity engineers to service and monitor more networks on construction sites and commercial and housing developments nationwide.

All new Leep vehicles feature the

firm’s ‘Straightforward Connections’ strapline – highlighting its breadth of expertise and true multi-utility adoption offering – and are fully equipped to enable the most efficient and safe customer service delivery.

Leep Utilities has a workforce of over 120, made up of engineers and support staff working across multiple functions.

In addition to its southern base in Reading, the company also has an office in Salford, Greater Manchester.

Louise Manfredi, CEO of Leep Utilities, said: “Not only are we doubling our fleet of vehicles with these new additions, but we’re also marking yet another huge milestone for the company and our future strategic direction.

“We can’t wait for our water and electricity engineers to take them on the road, to service our growing number of customers.

“There’s been a significant step change in our scale, operations and performance in recent years, which has led to our ongoing recruitment drive and investment in these new vehicles.

“We’re growing at a substantial rate and these new vans will further support our capabilities and customer services to accelerate it further.”

Trevor Sargent, Head of Electrical Connections in the UK, for Leep Utilities announced the business was making “major headway” with both water and electricity projects.

“That’s why we’ve invested in these new vehicles.

“We’re now working within a wider market, to offer all UK developers, contractors and consultants a flexible last-mile utility solution for new residential, commercial and mixed-use developments – whether that’s

on electricity, water or heating networks, or a combination of them all.

“We’re all very excited about what our future holds and these new vans will literally help us to drive our ambitious growth strategy forward.”

Leep Utilities was formed as a joint venture between Ancala Partners LLP (‘Ancala’), an independent investment management firm and The Peel Group, one of the UK’s leading private real estate investment and infrastructure companies.

With offices in MediaCityUK and Reading, it owns and operates regulated and non-regulated utility networks, including electricity, cold and hot water, heating and cooling with a portfolio of sites across the country, including Media City, Liverpool Waters and Canary Wharf.

NEW TEAM: Ben Gee, Teresa Williams and Luke Strzadala from Hat and Home estate agency celebrate the launch of Milliner Financial Services

Volunteer corner

READING Almshouse

Charity (RAC) is an amalgamation of a number of smaller almshouse charities, which have been providing social housing in Reading for over 200 years.

They provide affordable residential accommodation to those in need who meet their qualifying criteria. They are currently seeking new members to join their board of trustees.

As a trustee you would; assist with formulating and delivering the organisation’s strategic aims, be an active member of the Trustee body in exercising its responsibilities and functions and be part of a harmonious and collegial Board.

In the role you will work with others to help those in need and maintain good quality affordable housing units.

n ASPIRE2 are looking for a team of volunteer stewards to help ensure that this year’s Whitley Carnival on Sunday, June 11, runs safely and smoothly.

On the day volunteers will stand along the route or walk with the parade wearing a high vis jacket looking out for audience safety and providing information about the event to the general public.

Full training will be provided and no experience is required. Volunteers must be aged 18 or over.

Volunteers will need to come to an event briefing on either: Sunday, June 4, between 6.30pm and 7pm at South Reading Leisure Centre or Tuesday, June 6, between 6.30pm and 7pm at Hexham Road Community Centre and be available on Sunday, June 11, from 10am-1pm.

n Healthwatch Reading is an independent champion for all residents that use publicly funded local health and social care services.

They are seeking Community Engagement volunteers to play a vital role in ensuring that people across Reading are engaged, listened to, and provided with an avenue to share their views and experiences of local health and social care services.

This will involve; reaching out to different communities across the borough, planning engagement activities with other volunteers and Healthwatch staff, holding engagement and information stands at community events and areas, such as GP surgeries, libraries, and the hospital.

n Take a look at our brand new Reading Volunteer Connect platform for details of these and many more opportunities to volunteer via our website, www.rgneeds.me. Want to get in touch? Drop us an email at volunteering@rva.org.uk or call 0118 937 2273.

Berkshire’s bards share poetry at Tutu’s

SOME of Reading’s own bards and lyricists took part in the latest of their regular poetry events on Saturday, writes Jake Clothier Poetry in the Park sees poets come together at Tutu’s Ethiopian Table in Palmer Park, west Reading, to chat and share their work over breakfast.

Organiser Richard Stephenson said:

“It’s always a friendly event; there were about 11 of us who joined for a chat with one another and of course we took to reading some poetry.

“It’s less pressure than some of our other events such as the poetry cafe [at South Street Arts Centre] or Dreading Slam.” While Reading Stanza’s other events feature open mic elements where people can put

themselves forward to read, the poetry in the park event allows participants to take a more leisurely approach.

“We have events where people can compete with their poetry, but some prefer a more open atmosphere– it’s nice to have both– and some come just to listen and have a little bit of a chat.

“Tutu’s always gives us such

a welcoming environment, as well as great breakfast, tea and coffee.”

Reading hosts a number of poetry events in venues across town, including the Poet’s Cafe held at South Street Arts Centre on the second Friday of each Month, and Dreading Slam Poetry at The Rising Sun on the first Sunday of each month.

HAPPY TO TALK

VERSE: Some of the people who take part in Poetry in the Park. The event is an opportunity to share work, seek inspiration and enjoy a cuppa in a safe and friendly environment Picture: Dijana Capan/DVision Images

Home in Reading area conservation

A HOME in a conservation area could be converted into flats.

The owner of 24 Eldon Road wants to divide the threestorey building into a single bedroom and two two-bedroom dwellings.

The property is in the Eldon Square Conservation Area, dating back to 19th century.

According to a planning statement, approval was given to convert it into offices in 1992, but was not carried out.

The application can be viewed by logging on the council’s planning website and searching for 230405.

Bike stolen

A BIKE has been stolen from a Theale home and police are investigating.

The theft happened on Saturday, May 20, between 10pm and 11.55pm, at an address in James Butcher Drive.

Police say the bike had been secured by the owner.

It is a silver and yellow Carrera.

Anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage is asked to call officers on 101, quoting reference 43230222302.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made via crimestoppers.org

Council lays out proposals for new municipal year

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

READING Borough Council has laid out its proposed administration for the upcoming municipal year.

After securing council control for 2023/2024, Cllr Tony Page was put forward to succeed Cllr Rachel Eden in the role of mayor of Reading.

It has also already announced that Cllr Liz Terry will take over as the deputy leader of the council, and is also set to remain in her role as lead councillor for Corporate Services and Resources.

Cllr Paul Gittings has been selected to replace Cllr John Ennis in the post of lead councillor for Adult Social Care, with Cllr Ennis taking up the role of lead councillor for Climate Strategy and Transport from Cllr Page.

Cllr Graeme Hoskin is tipped to remain as lead cllr for Children’s Services, while Cllr Ruth McEwan will remain in her post at Education and Public Health.

Cllr Karen Rowland will also remain as lead of Environmental Service and Community Safety,

with Cllr Ellie Emberson also remaining as lead for Housing.

Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward will remain as lead for Leisure and Culture, and Cllr Micky Leng will remain as lead cllr for Planning and Assets.

As well as its lead councillors, RBC has laid out the chairs of the individual committees for the upcoming municipal year.

Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, and Education will be chaired by Cllr Alice MpofuColes, with vice chair Cllr Jan Gavin. Housing Neighbourhoods and Leisure will be chaired by Cllr Glenn Dennis.

Cllr Will Cross will chair the Strategic Environment, Planning, and Transport committee with vice chair Cllr Andrew Hornsby-Smith.

Cllr Mo Ayub wil lead the Traffic Management subcommittee with vice chair cllr Jacopo Lanzoni.

The Planning committee will be chaired by Cllr Jo Lovelock with vice chair Cllr Matt Yeo, and the Licensing committee chaired by Cllr Paul Woodward, with vice chair Cllr Debs Edwards.

Leader of the council Cllr Jason Brock said: “This is a

strong and vastly experienced front bench team, which brings with it a wealth of knowledge about our town, our residents, our communities and the Council services we deliver.

“It promises to be another busy year ahead and it is incumbent on us to deliver against the trust once again put in myself and my colleagues by the electorate.

“It means pushing ahead with our ambitious programme of delivering new flagship facilities for residents.”

He continued: “We are determined to redouble our efforts in tackling the important issues in our town, building even more affordable Council homes, working with partners to tackle anti-social behaviour, taking strong action on flytipping and graffiti, and continuing to build on our tremendous progress in driving towards net zero by 2030.

“We will continue to strive for excellence in all of the dayto-day services we deliver, including those that many residents do not see but that we know a great many people rely on – like caring for Reading’s vulnerable adults and children.”

Network Rail submits plan to install lifts in Tilehurst railway station

LIFTS could be coming to Tilehurst’s railway station, if plans are approved by Reading Borough Council, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter

Network Rail has applied for permission to install the facility.

In their application, they write: “Accessible stations make it easier for people to visit friends, get to the shops or to work.

“Accessibility benefits everyone; people with health conditions or impairments, people with children, heavy luggage or shopping and some older people.

Lib Dems plan to be critical friend to Labour

“It’s also good for the economy and means fewer car journeys, less congestion and carbon emissions.”

Work on railway infrastructure is considered permitted development, meaning that it is allowed without needing council permission. Because of the scale of project, it requires Reading Borough Council’s ‘prior approval’ before it is implemented.

The application can be viewed by logging on the council’s planning website and searching for 230589.

Charity’s big day

THE Ridgeline Trust raised over £7,000 at its recent 20th anniversary open day.

Sian Hooley said that figure smashed the target of £2,500.

The charity, based in east Reading, supports more than 50 people each week through horticultural therapy sessions. Many of these people have significant mental health issues, physical diabilities, learning difficulties or other health problems.

7

READING’S new Liberal Democrat leader says he will hold Labour to account, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter Cllr James Moore is taking over the role from Cllr Meri O’Connell. Along with freshly re-elected Cllr Anne Thompson, all three represent Tilehurst ward on Reading Borough Council.

“Across the coming year in the face of a shambolic Conservative government we’re still holding Labour to account, they still have a responsibility to run things effectively,” he said.

“We’ll be looking at everything critically. Labour cannot just excuse themselves because of what the national government is doing.

“We’ll be critical friends of the Labour group – we’ll hold

them to account when needed but we won’t be taking cheap shots.

“In February, we supported their budget because we felt there were not many other options, but we did not support their corporate plan, because it was not ambitious enough.

“We’ll be judging things with an even hand and will take that across any other issue that comes up.”

Cllr Moore will retain his position on the Planning Applications Committee, Strategic Environment, Planning and the Transport Committee Traffic Management Sub-Committee.

He was elected in the all-out elections in 2022.

Away from politics, he is a product manager for the LEGO Group and a former chairman of the Reading Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

Visitors to the Whiteknights Road centre are encouraged to take part at their own level and pace, boosting their self-esteem and social communication.

“Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week and our 20th anniversary of providing horticultural therapy was a great excuse to welcome visitors to our beautiful garden,” she said of the event on Sunday. “More than 300 people came and enjoyed delicious homemade cakes.

“Thanks to everyone’s generosity during the week and on the day, we not only hit our matched funding target but exceeded it, raising an amazing total of £7,000.

“This means we can help even more people benefit from our much-needed horticultural therapy sessions at Ridgeline.”

n For more on the charity, and its work, log on to: www.ridgelinetrust.org.uk

VISION OF THE FUTURE: A CGI image showing the proposed lifts that will be installed at Tilehurst station Picture: Dyer & Butler

Schools have their day in court

By LIAM KELLY news@rdg.today

A WOKINGHAM borough school has come up on top in a very unusual contest.

Earlier this month, more than 200 pupils aged between 12 and 14 joined volunteers and teachers at Reading Crown Court for the regional finals of the Magistrates Mock Trials.

Taking over all four courtrooms, the contest is organised by Young Citizens and Berkshire’s Magistrates Association.

The Berkshire schools had been narrowed down to a field of just six over heats held in the preceding months, and they were joined by two schools from outside Berkshire, as this was the Southern Regional Final.

Taking part were Emmbrook School, Wokingham; Wycombe High School, High Wycombe; The Holt School, Wokingham; Trinity School, Newbury; Charters School, Ascot; Glenthorne High School, Surrey; Kings Academy, Binfield; and Upton Court Grammar School, Slough.

The event is reliant on donations, and organised by the Berkshire Branch of the Magistrates Association with sponsorship from His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenants and past High Sheriffs of Berkshire.

Additional funding came from Berkshire Freemasons to ensure there were refreshments for all participants, the third year it has done so.

Ahead of the final, the schools received details of

The History of Yeomanry House

KATIE Amos, the lead for local history at Reading Central Library, told the History Of Yeomanry House to the May meeting of Wargrave Local History Society.

the case they would be prosecuting and defending, switching stances halfway through the contest.

Team members filled every role in the trial process: magistrates, assisted by a genuine magistrate sitting on the bench with them, lawyers, court ushers, the defendant and witnesses.

At the end, an explanation of the law in the case and the guide to sentencing in the event of being found guilty, was given, helping complete the circle of knowledge gained by those who took part.

Once the teams had taken part in both trials the scores were collated from three volunteer magistrates, and the results announced.

The Emmbrook were winners with the Wycombe High School runners-up.

Each pupil taking part received a certificate of participation.

Lady Justice Andrews DBE, an Appeal Court Judge since October 2020, attended.

“I’ve had 30 years at the Bar, 10 years as a King’s Counsel (previously QC).

“Then I sat in the High Court for seven years, before becoming a Privy Councillor and an Appeal Court Judge.

“I feel that for young people to understand the rule of law in their country this competition, just put simply, works,” she said.

“For the children to see how the roles work together during the competition is invaluable and it promotes civic responsibility.”

For next year’s potential

applications, she said: “Go for it.

“It’s fun, you’ll learn a lot.

“You’ll pick up transferrable skills, effective communication is essential as a lawyer. Clear objectives and clear language will assist you in life.

“You may also spot a future ‘star’ who has no experience of law or the legal system.”

Lady Andrews then thanked the organisers and teachers for coaching the students and arranging the events and heats leading up to the regional final.

Also present, and supporting what would be the winning Team, Emmbrook School from Wokingham, was then borough mayor Cllr Caroline Smith.

“My daughter took part when she was at school, so when I got the invite to come, I jumped at it,” she said.

“How important it is to learn about the Court system. It also shows the benefits of having a really good barrister if you’re in a spot of bother.

“It’s a great experience for when they might choose to go on to university studies and will really be impressive on your UCAS application form.

“Learning is one thing. But the life experience this equips them with, helps you to acquire skills that are lifelong, such as debating and reasoning argument.”

n For more information about the Young Citizens National Magistrates Mock Trials: smartlaw.org.uk/mock-trials/

n For the Berkshire Magistrates Association and information for schools, students and parents about the competition: berkshiremocktrial.org.uk

Maps showed that the site was a nursey in 1802, but by 1813 Castle Hill House stood there.

Confusingly, there was another house with the same name on the other side of the road, so care was needed in tracing the early history of the property.

The local 1839 Tithe Map showed Harriet Sherwood as the occupier. She and her husband John, a surgeon originally from Purley, lived there since at least 1820.

John had died in 1831, and his will, written in 1826, says that he had bought it from ‘Aislabie’s widow’. Harriet moved out in 1849, and let the house to Thomas Tredwell, a contractor who was building the Berks and Hants Railway. Both he and Mrs Sherwood had made the grounds available to local groups, such as when St Mary’s Sunday School had an entertainment event for pupils.

The house was offered for sale in 1850, described as a substantial property, and passed through several owners until bought by Edwin Jesse in 1880. His family were builders and developers in the Reading area, and it seems he planned to develop the Castle Hill House site in a similar way, but that never happened, and the house is occupied by Joseph Bartlett, a painter, in the 1881 census.

The next occupier was John Twistleton Wykeham Fiennes, who remained there until 1887. As with several large houses in the area, it then became a school. Ascham House School had been established by Marian Abrams about a decade earlier, and was at Castle Hill House until 1904 – latterly run by Walter Etches

The property still belonged to Mr Jesse, and the new tenant, from November 1906, was the army, who used it as the Berkshire Yeomanry headquarters. They bought the property in 1909, in due course, adding a drill hall and riding school.

The front of the main house looks much the same now as it did then, with a white render finish, but the rear aspect is

much more varied, with bare brickwork and a variety of roof heights.

However, in 1967 the military authorities decided they no longer needed Yeomanry House, so Reading Borough Council bought it for £39,000.

The main use of the house was as the office for Registration of Births Deaths and Marriages, and Katie was able to show some of the original architectural features that remain in rooms used for wedding ceremonies, and on the staircases, for example.

By 2017 the council decided that the property could be sold to a nursery school, with the Registrar moving to Reading Town Hall, but the pandemic affected those plans, and so for a while the premises were used for storage.

Katie’s talk showed how a variety of sources (from the library collection and other places) could be used to discover the history of a property, as well as the specific history of Yeomanry House, and prompted a number of questions from the audience. n For more about the society, visit: wargravehistory.org.uk

PETER DELANEY

Author offers free creative writing sessions for pupils

A CHILDREN’S author says he is on a one-man mission to get youngsters not just loving books but writing them too.

Larry Hayes recently published his new book How To Be A Kid Boss, and is offering free creative writing workshops to schools in Reading and Wokingham.

The book has been described by The Bookseller as “Packed full of surprising and informative facts”.

The citation adds: “This

subversive yet erudite book wittily illustrated by Joelle Dreidemy, is so much fun children won’t realise quite how much they are learning.”

It was published earlier this month and contains 101 secrets for children and aims to be a guide to growing up with a mixture of wacky and wonderful activities.

Larry says he is offering 50 free workshops, and any primary school in the area can apply for them.

Suitable for school years 3, 4, 5 and 6, the sessions run for between 50 minutes and an hour, and are a creative writing workshop with a live action Choose-Your-OwnAdventure session where children get to make all the decisions.

He says: “It never fails to get the whole class engaged and involved in creating (and acting out) a unique new story.”

n For more details, log on to: https://larryhayesauthor. simplybook.it/v2/

SUCCESS: The Emmbrook School were the winners of the annual mock trials contest Picture: Liam Kenny

Yeomanry House Picture: Wargrave Local History Society

PACT Family Disco to raise funds for Reading charity

A CHILDREN’S charity is to host a family disco to raise money for its activities.

The event, on Saturday, June 3, will feature Crazy Times Disco, who will play music to get both adults and children dancing.

The disco will include a fancy dress parade with prizes for the best costumes, and there will be light refreshments on sale alongside a tuck shop, badge making, balloon modelling, and temporary tattoos.

The event is organised by PACT is open to all and will be held from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Children aged 11 and under are welcome, and must be supervised by parents and guardians.

Tickets cost £5 for children aged 2-11, and adults and children under two enter for free with a paid child ticket.

The event will take place at Hemdean House School, Hemdean Road, Caversham.

PACT is a charity that helps people with the adoption process, and provides support services for adoptive families. It is based in South Street, Reading.

n For more details, or to book, log on to: pactcharity.org/disco

Charity that helps feed vulnerable awarded cost of living grant

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A CHARITY that helps feed Reading people who need a helping hand has itself been given a boost, thanks to The John Sykes Foundation.

Last week, Faith Christian Group, which runs the town’s foodbank, was visited by John Sykes to award a grant of £1,000 as part of its Cost of Living Crisis Fund.

This helps charities and community groups to support people in Reading during these difficult times.

In additional to the foodbank, which offers food parcels containing three days’ worth of food and toiletries, Faith Christian Group runs a community pantry in Norcot, and ReadiStreet, supply free sandwiches and hot soup to the hungry and homeless of Reading.

There is also a tea bar on Sundays to provide free hot and cold drinks and soup and rolls.

This work is based outside Reading Minster Church in Reading town centre.

Mr Sykes visited Andy Dickens, Faith Christian Group’s director, at its Boulton Road offices to present the grant

and learn more about its work. Joining them were Wendy Harris who runs ReadiStreet, and Alison Peyton who runs ReadiFood.

Faith Christian Group said the grant comes at a crucial time as the charity has seen an increase in demand due to Covid-19 and the Cost of Living Crisis.

Mr Sykes presented 10 two-man tents for the homeless, three coffee flasks

for the soup kitchen, and a hot water dispenser for ReadiStreet.

These items will have a direct impact on the lives of the 50-60 people they serve, up to five times per week.

The remainder of the grant will be utilised at ReadiFood to purchase food items that would not ordinarily be donated to them.

The current demand sees between 150 and 200 families

receiving food parcels per week in the Reading area.

The food parcels are made up by volunteers.

Mr Dickens said Faith was incredibly grateful for the grant.

“It is great to partner with John and his team; their generous gift will help and support those at most need in our town,” he explained.

“Help with shelter for the homeless and food for those who are struggling.

“The need is growing and without help like this we wouldn’t be able to do this work.”

Mr Sykes said: “The rising cost of essential food and energy has created a ‘second health emergency’ after covid, and more people who were previously ‘just about managing’ now need support, and we are so passionate in our support for the important work of Faith Christian Group.

“I have known Wendy of ReadiStreet for some time now and greatly admire her unwavering duty to serve those in Reading who are less fortunate.

“ReadiFood’s food bank service is so well managed and organised, and Alison does an admirable job managing the volunteers, ensuring the stock is rotated in date order, and supply and demand is met as best they can.”

The John Sykes Foundation welcomes applications from charities and community groups who would benefit from a cost of living crisis grant.

n For more details, log on to: www.johnsykesfoundation.org/ cost-of-living-crisis-fund.php

n For more about Faith Christian Group and the services the charity provides, visit: fcg.org.uk

Building could be converted Store on the move

A BUILDING on Essex Street, off Whitley Street, that used to be a plant room could take on a new lease of life.

Reading Borough Council has received an application to convert the two-storey building into a shop with a kitchenette on the ground floor and a one-bed flat above it.

There is already a flat on the first floor, and at some point in the last eight years a metal shutter was replaced with an entrance door.

It’s time to start living again after all that wind and rain, and what better way to do so than with some alfresco drinks and dining with work colleagues friends and family

Chalk on Broad Street serves an allday menu of British classics, Spritz cocktails and laid-back vibes

Our Al fresco dining and drinking isn’t just limited to the sunny days, as there are heaters and parasols on hand to keep you good and toasty

The site is the rear of a unit that currently houses a laundrette on Whitley Street.

The application can be viewed by logging on the council’s planning website and searching for 230506.

A STORE selling sporting goods is preparing to move location in Reading town centre. Sports Direct, which is currently in what was the former Boots store on Broad Street, is hoping to take over the former Woolworths store further up the street.

In recent years, the store was occupied by Swedish homeware firm Clas Ohlson, but the company has pulled out of the UK market. The firm’s signage has been taken down, exposing the former Woolworths logo.

Sports Direct has applied to Reading Borough Council to have its branding, and that of subsidiary USC Clothing, approved. Its application can be viewed by logging on the council’s planning website and searching for 230590.

Local elections: more than 250 voters turned away over ID

MORE than 250 residents were turned away from polling stations during the recent local elections, because they didn’t have acceptable ID.

And while most of those voters returned, there were 73 residents that didn’t.

Reading Borough Council says that while 99.7% of residents who took part in the May 4 poll were able to do so without incident, it is unknown how many people didn’t attempt to vote because of the new law.

Turnout was down compared to last year’s all-out election – 25.78% at polling stations compared to 28.10% last year. Overall, 95,783 Reading residents were eligible to vote, but just 24,698 ballots

were cast at polling stations, with a further 13,739 cast their votes by post.

Once postal votes are considered, the total turnout in this year’s elections was 32.6%. It was 34.57% last year, and 35.96% in 2021.

Cllr Jason Brock, Reading Council Leader, said: “It’s highly disappointing that 73 Reading residents were unable to exercise their democratic right on May 4, as even one voter excluded is one too many. The reality, of course, is that the figure is likely to be higher, with some residents put off voting this year and choosing to not bother even attending a local polling station as they lacked the necessary ID.

“I encountered this on the

doorstep.”

Cllr Brock felt the policy could have had a detrimental impact of turnout, and pledged to do what he could to improve the situation.

“The Council is keen to consider the implications in more detail over the coming weeks and a report will be presented to a committee meeting later this year which will be a good opportunity to debate and discuss the impact with officers, and with Councillors of all political persuasions.

“There is a national debate on the impact of Voter ID currently taking place and the fall out, including any possible future changes to legislation, will be of interest.”

SUPPORTED: The John Sykes Foundation presented a cost of living grant to Faith Christian Group, which runs the town’s foodbank and also a street food service for the town’s homeless Picture: The John Sykes Foundation

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A day out by special train to Plymouth

The South Devon Explorer

Saturday 27th May 2023

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

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

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

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

£10 per person discount quote: DHP

Steam to seaside Minehead

West Somerset Steam Express

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

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

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

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

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

£10 per person discount quote: DHQ

A day out to Cornwall The Royal Duchy

Sunday 30th July 2023

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

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

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

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

£10 per person discount quote: DHR

Bob Green

Bob Green

Bob Green

LEISURETODAY

Your

guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Festivals, fatigue, and finding inspiration

WHILE the sun has set on the Are You Listening? Festival for 2023, one of the stand-out performers from the line-up was Reading’s own Tayo Sound.

His set at Sub89 – one of the highlights from the day – saw a member of the audience join him on stage for a cover of American Boy nestled among his easy-going but emotionallyinvested repertoire.

Tayo has spent a number of years busking and performing around Reading, and the UK, and said festivals are among the more enjoyable of bookings to get.

“I’ve done a few festivals and they’re probably some of the best experiences as an artist,” he explains.

“A lot of touring can be quite lonely – it’s just you and your band seeing the

same people every day.

“With festivals, though, you’re backstage with other artists having fun, and usually playing a shorter set so there’s a little less pressure; they’re a blast, for sure.”

There are also practical reasons, he explains, as touring can take a physical toll: “You still have to travel a tonne, but if you’re doing a festival season you only ever really travel a couple of days in a row and then you’ve got some rest time.

“When I performed a headline tour last year, it was two days of rehearsal and then we started the next day, followed by five shows on the trot.

“So that was a really intense, adrenaline-filled seven days.”

AYL itself, he says, is a particular highlight: “Part of the reason is that it feels like it’s the whole town with how many venues it covers.

“They’re all good for other reasons, but to see one event take over the whole town, is great.

“I’m hoping there’ll be even more independent business and events to really continue developing the culture here, and having all of the different venues is an opportunity to open that up.”

But he also says that he enjoys them as an audience member, too, despite a little envy: “If you’ve played there, you do wish you were the one on stage.

“That’s a hard feeling to get over when you know what it’s like to be on the other side.

“But I was playing at Truck Festival last summer alongside Sam Fender, and seeing him live, the energy of the crowd, so I very much enjoyed seeing that.”

Live performance, he says, is a big part of what attracts him to music:

“Writing is so important to me.

“I very quickly realised that I do care about what I put out – I love it and care about it, and that goes together with performance.

“If you’re performing stuff you’re not proud of, that feeling really sucks, so to be honest if I wasn’t proud of what I was playing or wasn’t able to play live, I think I’d retire my writing.

“Every now and then, though, the stars align and the inspiration strikes – it’s rarer, but that can be as good a feeling as the gig itself.”

As for how he encourages such lightning strikes of inspiration: “For me, I have to wait on it.

“There are some people in the industry, like Rick Rubin, who curate their vibes and their inspiration space–there are some who’ve hacked it.

“But I think for the majority, myself included, you have to wait, which

doesn’t mean you can’t write good music.

“But the ‘wow’ moments? You need to live life to have those moments.”

He explains that he feels external experiences inform the substance of an artist’s output, too: “There’s two forms of inspiration.

“Subject matter and sonic, I think–you can fall in love with a sound, or you can write about something really personal for it to be genuine.

“But also what you’re connecting with might not be what your audience connects with, and at the end of the day, they decide.”

This year AYL celebrated its 10th anniversary and has confirmed that it will be returning for 2024.

n Updates from the team at Are You Listening? are available via its website: areyoulistening.org.uk

Double bill preview

AN impressionist and a stand up comedian will perform their sketches and gags ahead of this Summer’s Edinburgh Festival

Billed as top entertainers, Luke Kempner and Bella Hull appear in the Avalon Edinburgh Preview.

Luke is known for his Alternative Love Island and Alternative Game of Thrones sketches, and is a member of BritBox’s Spitting Image cast

Bella took her debut show, Babycakes, to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and London’s Soho Theatre last year. TV appearances include BBC’s Stand Up for Live Comedy, ITV’s The Stand Up Sketch Show and Comedy Central Live.

The event is at Maidenhead’s Norden Farm Arts Centre, in the Studio.

It can be seen on Wednesday, May 31, with tickets on sale for £12. n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 01628 788977 or log on to: norden.farm

Fairytale surprise

THE Not So Grimm Twins is a theatre show featuring three actor-musicians. Twins Jake and Will Grimm tumble from their magical wagon filled with stories from around the world.

Favourite tales, including Rapunzel and Red Riding Hood, are re-spun by the storytelling duo, with help from their sister, Lottie.

Audiences can expect live music, puppetry, and surprises.

The family show can be enjoyed at the Norden Farm Arts Centre, Maidenhead, in the Courtyard Theatre. Performances on Friday, June 2, are at 11.30am and 2pm. Tickets are available for £12, or £10 for under 16s.

LOUIS Pearl is the Amazing Bubble Man.

A regular performer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, he is bringing his show to Maidenhead.

The audience can expect square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and people inside bubbles.

The show, suitable for all ages, features audience participation, visual slapstick, and bubbly music from Jet Black Pearl.

The event is at Norden Farm’s Courtyard Theatre on Tuesday, May 30.

Shows are at 11.30am and 2pm, with tickets available for £12, or £10 for under 16s. Family And Friends groups of four tickets cost £40, with no charge for babies under 18 months, on laps.

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

Family And Friends groups of four tickets cost £40, with no charge for babies under 18 months, on laps.

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

Enjoy a night with Dire Straits ... almost

MONEY For Nothing is a Dire Straits tribute show promising attention to detail and an authentic recreation of the British rock band’s music.

During their career Dire Straits sold more than 120 million albums.

The audience will be able to hear hits including: Money for Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Sultans of Swing, Private Investigations, Walk of Life, Brothers in Arms, and So Far Away. They can also enjoy guitar solos and riffs from the band.

VERA’S NORTHUMBRIA

The event is at The Corn Exchange, Newbury, on Saturday, June 3. Doors open at 7.30pm, and tickets cost £31.25

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 08455 218218 or log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com

Irish music for feelgood fun

A READING theatre will be filled with the sounds of 1960s Irish folk band, The Dubliners.

Direct from the West End, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners tells the story of a career spanning 50 years and invokes the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.

A cast of musicians and singers brings the music of the group back to life and

AT

Reader travel

promises to have the audience singing and dancing in the aisles.

The event is at The Hexagon Theatre, on Friday, June 2. Doors open at 7.30pm, with tickets available for £28.50.

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

John takes the biscuit

JOHN Hegley, star of radio, TV and school assemblies is to perform his comedy show, Biscuit Of Destiny, in Reading.

Delving into the eccentric side of Romantic Poet, John Keats, he explores everyday goings-on in the Hegley homes of now and yesteryear.

While designed more for adults, it can be enjoyed by those aged nine and above.

The event is at the South Street Arts Centre, on Saturday, June 3. Doors open at 8pm, with tickets on sale for £15, or £13 for members.

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

In your happy place

A PERFORMANCE with puppetry, physical theatre and live music, is coming to Bracknell.

Happy Place explores the role technology plays in our world, as it tells a story of four strangers in search of happiness. Set in a near dystopian future, corporations have commodified happiness into virtual reality booths called Happy Places, costing the price of a coffee for limitless experiences.

In an extraordinary journey, the four find themselves locked inside their own Happy Place, as reality and fantasy merge.

Bracknell – South Hill Park

southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123

Celebrating George Michael. Fri 26. Dance 365. Sat 27-Sun 28. A Midsummer Night’s Dream the Musical. Sat 27. YEM presents Disney’s Frozen Junior. Mon 29-Tues 30. Happy Place. Sat 3. Twirlywoos

Live. Sun 4.

FILM: Royal Opera House Live: The Sleeping Beauty (12a). Sun 28. Elvis (12a). Fri 26-Sun 28. Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (12a). Fri 26-Wed 31. The Night of the 12th (15). Tues 30. Marcel The Shell With Shoes On (PG). Wed 31. Champions (12a). Fri 2-Thurs 8.

Camberley – Theatre

camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600

Your break includes  Return coach travel from Reading

4 nights at the Royal Station Hotel, Newcastle with dinner & breakfast

 Blue Badge guided tour of Vera’s Northumbria (Amble, Blyth, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay & Newcastle-upon-Tyne)

 Blue Badge guided Borders Country tour (Ford, Etal, Coldsteam, Kelso & Jedburgh)

 Blue Badge guided tour of the Durham Dales, North Pennines, Barnard Castle & Teesdale

5 Days by Coach only

389

Departing Wed 9 Aug ‘23

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 *Lunch will replace dinner on the day of the Tattoo.

Days by Coach only

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. The Litte Mermaid. Tues 30. Showstopper. Thurs 1. Disco Inferno. Fri 2.

Guildford – Yvonne

Arnaud

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000

Tony - The Tony Blair Rock Opera. Thurs 25-Sat 3. Tapped. Sat 27.

High Wycombe – Swan wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

The Many Voice of Debra Stephenson. Sat 27. Titanic The Musical. Mon 22Sat 27. Rosie’s Rainbow Fun Charity Gala Performance 2023. Sun 28. Michael McIntyre work in progress. Tues 30-Wed 31. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 1. Tim Vine Breeeep. Fri 2. The Sound of Springsteen. Sat 3. Tom Allen - Completely. Sun 4.

Henley – Kenton

kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050

Toothpaste Kisses. Thurs 25. Josh Berry:

Sexual Politics. Fri 26. The Music of George Harrison. Sat 27. Under Milk

The event is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Saturday, June 3, at 2.30pm and 7pm. Tickets cost £14.50, or£13.50 for concessions.

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

Twirly time

THE Twirlywoos are coming to Bracknell.

Tiny fans of Great BigHoo, Toodloo, Chickedy, Chick and their friends can enjoy a stage adventure based on children’s animation, The Twirlywoos. Audiences can expect mischief, music and plenty of surprises as the characters set sail in a big red boat and discover the world around them.

The event is at South Hill Park Arts Centre, on Sunday, June 4, at 2pm and 4.30pm. Tickets cost £16.50, or £14.50 for under 16s.

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

Fare to Blue Jeans

Hear a band celebrate 25 years on the road.

Forever In Blue Jeans promises a feast of entertainment at their farewell tour, with country music and rock ‘n’ roll.

The audience can also expect songs from Western Musicals, including Oklahoma and Paint Your Wagon. Billed as a family show, the event takes place at The Corn Exchange on Thursday, June 1. Doors open at 7.45pm, with tickets on sale for £30.

n For more details, or to book, call the box office on: 08455 218218 or log on to: www.cornexchangenew.com

Wood. Thurs 1-Sat 3. The Take That Experience. Sat 3.

Maidenhead –Norden Farm www.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.

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. Mummies (U).

Thurs 1. The Super Mario Brothers Movie (PG). Thurs 1. Jinder. Thurs

1. The No So Grimm Twins. Fri 2.

The George Harrison Project. Fri 2. Norden Farm Market. Sat 3. Royal

Opera House live: The Sleeping Beauty. Thurs 1, Sat 3. National

Theatre Live: The Best of Enemies.

Sat 3. Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage. Sat 3.

Newbury – Corn Exchange cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218

Griff Rhys Jones: The Cat’s Pyjamas.

Thurs 25. Roald Dahl and the Imagination Seekers. Sun 28. Liza

Pulman - From The Heart of It. Wed 31. Forever In Blue Jeans. Thurs 1.

Money For Nothing. Sat 3.. Nick Cope Family Music. Sun 4.

Newbury – The Watermill

watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

The Suspicions of Mr Whicher. Until Sat Jun 10.

Reading – South Street

whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060

John Hegley - I Am A Poetato. Sat 3. John Hegley - Biscuit of Destiny. Sat 3.

Reading – The Hexagon whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 80s Live. Thurs 25. Mike and the

Mechanics. Fri 26. Seven Drunken Nights. Fri 2.

Reading – Concert Hall

whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 English Sinfonia. Thurs 8.

Reading – Progress

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195

Silver Lining. Until Sat 27.

Reading – Reading Rep www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620

The Rumble Under The Rug. Wed 31-Sat 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. Afternoon tea and tour. Thurs 1. Glenn Miller Orchestra. Sun 4.

Windsor – Theatre Royal theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888

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. Happy Birthday Sunita. Mon 29-Sat 3.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363

NEXT SHOW: Ding Dong. Thurs Jun 8-Sat 17.

Wokingham – The Whitty thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247

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.

Forget Woodstock and think of Englefield for sixities special

Formed in the early 1990’s, The Counterfeit Stones have successfully toured the globe for nearly three decades, performing the most authentic celebration of The Rolling Stones in the world to sold-out audiences.

HASTINGS explains

THEY say that if you can remember the 60s then you weren’t really there.

Well, if you go to Englefield House this summer and close your eyes, you might just think you are actually back in that groovy, flower power decade when love and peace were the words on everybody’s lips, man.

Forget Woodstock and think Englefield this July when the world’s favourite Beatles tribute band for more than four decades, The Bootleg Beatles, will take to the stage.

They will be joined by special guests, The Counterfeit Stones, providing that hard rock sound that made two of Britain’s best loved bands reigned supreme.

For those a little younger, or a little younger at heart, there’s another treat in store for the same ticket price. Thirty years after the Merseybeat, the group many regard as the natural successor to the Beatles and the Stones, will belt out their sound around the Berkshire summer evening.

The Bootleg Beatles will be performing in Englefield this summer as part of Heritage Live. The bill also includes tributes to The Rolling Stones and Oasis

With immense attention to detail, Noasis, recreates the real Oasis experience, playing all the classic songs as if they were their own.

Founded in 1980, The Bootleg Beatles have been selling out venues across the globe with their immensely accurate representation of the original band, from the guitars to the clothes, the mannerisms, and the music.

A global favourite, The Bootleg

Beatles have played over 4,500 shows since the 80’s and taken to the stage at some of the most noteworthy locations and festivals, including Glastonbury, The Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, Knebworth and Wembley.

In fact, The Bootleg Beatles are so good, their notable guests over the years have included Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, George Martin and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

What a Shambles

A COMIC whose tour is, well, an Absolute Shambles, is preparing to crack the funnies in Reading and Maidenhead this summer.

Tom Houghton is extending his tour to meet demand, with South Street and Norden Farm among the new dates.

He says he will come armed with even more outrageous takes, unbelievable tales and biblical chat to leave audiences bowled over with laughter.

The band has shared the stage with some musical greats over the years, including Joe Cocker, Iggy Pop, Blur, ZZ Top, Bryan Ferry, and many more.

It’s little wonder that Mick Jagger described them as “The most famous Stones band in England”.

Noasis were formed in 2006 and are regarded as the definitive tribute to Manchester’s super group Oasis.

The highly praised band has toured extensively across the world to perform the hits that have defined a generation.

With immense attention to detail Noasis recreates the real Oasis experience, playing all the classic songs as if they were their own.

Also announced at Englefield House for the Heritage Live concert series is Richard Ashcroft of The Verve, plus very special guests Ocean Colour Scene and The Sherlocks on Saturday July 22, as well as Hozier plus very special guests Far from Saints and Victoria Canal on Sunday, July 23.

So, whether you hark back to the age of flower power or the 90s no nonsense Gallagher brothers. Make sure you get your tickets before they sell out, man. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.heritagelive.net

The comic has a loyal fan base thanks to more than 250,000 people following him on TikTok.

The show, he adds, will take people even deeper into his ludicrous life.

Tom has been part of the comedy circuit for the past five years, sharing tall tales about growing up with a Dad who is the Ex-Chief of Defense Staff, living in the Tower of London or lifting the lid on the all-boys boarding school environment.

Every tale aims to fascinate, make people think and make ‘em laugh.

The comic said: “After such an incredible time on my first tour, I’m over the moon to be heading out on my second.

With twice as many venues and bigger rooms, the reaction has been incredible so far.

“So many tickets sold in the first week. I am ready to bring a show that is packed with wall-to-wall laughs, but also lets the audience in even further.

“This will be a more personal, slightly darker show, but without sacrificing the belly laughs.”

The show will be at South Street on Thursday, June 22, and Norden Farm on Thursday, July 6. He will also perform at G Live in Guildford on Thursday, July 13. n For more details, log on to: www. honourabletom.com

The Borough building has quietly existed within the hustle and bustle of Maidenhead since the 1850s as a wine and spirit merchant, located steps away from the main High Street.

Over 170 odd years have passed, and we are now the privileged custodians of this historic building where people have been socia lising for over a century.

Today, this three-storey building is a neighbourhood wine and cocktail bar, restaurant with private events spaces.

Opening 30th of May from 5pm

A music festival coming to Englefield House will see sets from The Bootleg Beatles and The Counterfeit Stones, as well as a bit of Britpop. JAMES

The Churchfitters plan gig night

THE Churchfitters, a unique folk band, will perform at the Yattendon Village Hall on Friday, May 26, in a show that promises to leave the audience wanting more.

The band’s performances feature traditional tunes with jazz saxophone, foot-stomping fiddles with funk-rock rhythms, and heart-wrenching vocals.

The stage will be adorned with instruments ranging from the double bass made out of a saucepan to the electric hub-cap bass-bouzouki

Doors and bar open at 7pm, with music starting at 7.45pm. n Tickets cost £15, and are available at Yattendon Stores or by emailing Roger Sansom at randssansom@aol.com

Jazz with Paul

A trumpet player and composer is to explore the history of jazz, and will make a performance of it.

Paul Higgs is coming to the Jazz@PJC monthly gathering on Sunday, June 4.

He has enjoyed a successful musical career across many fields, including performing, composing, and arranging music for film, TV, and theatre.

The Pangbourne Jazz Club event will be held at the Rosewood Hall in Whitchurch Road, Pangbourne from 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Skiddle.com or at the door. n For more details, log on to: www.pangbournejazzclub.com

Chart the evolution of cars with Pangbourne show

IT was a time when cars were more than just transport and when going for a spin had nothing to do with the laundromat.

If you remember, or if you pine, for an age when driving did not mean being stuck for hours on the A4, then steer a course for the Pangbourne Classic Car Show. This is where you will rediscover the golden age of motoring, of sleek lines, headscarves and picnic baskets in the boot.

Started in June 2016, the show was the brainchild of Tom Cheney, assistant head of boarding at Pangbourne College. The idea was to engage and enthuse pupils, especially those involved in the Car Restoration Club, where vehicles such as the splendid 1970 Bond Equipe GT4 and a Rickman Ranger kit car are brought back to their rightful glory.

That first show saw around 100 vintage and classic cars being admired by a delighted public, while raising money for charity.

At last year’s show there were more than 250 four wheeled beauties enjoyed by more than 4,000 spectators, while this year’s

event is expected to be bigger.

The show is based around the college and local community and all the helpers are volunteers including teachers and support staff, current and past pupils who have been involved with the Classic Car Restoration club.

The event is slightly different from most classic car shows as the cars are arranged in make and age order, allowing spectators to see the progression of marks as designs evolved.

There is a very relaxed atmosphere, with the Pangbourne Silver Band playing at different points in the day, and car owners

Psychobilly legends prepare for Reading gig

A DOUBLE bill of music is coming to The Face Bar next month and it will be a night to remember.

chart success with their 1987 single I’m On Fire.

and spectators alike enjoying the cars and the natural beauty of the College grounds throughout the day.

So, crease those trouser legs, grab that stylish fascinator and prepare your cucumber sandwiches and drive on down to Pangbourne College for a motoring masterclass through the ages.

It will be held on Saturday, June 3.

n For more info or to exhibit your classic car, go to: community. pangbourne.com/pages/classiccar-show

JAMES HASTINGS

Club Velocity and Good Wrecking Tonight have teamed up to bring Guana Batz and The Go Go Cult to the Chatham Street venue.

Guana Batz hails back to the summer of 1982, and the London scene rocking to the sound of The Meteors’ psychobilly.

The trend saw shaved heads, and bands of the likes of Stingrays, the Sharks, Restless or the Ricochets gain in popularity.

And young singer Pip Hancox met a guitarist Steward Osborne.

The rest is history. As Guana Batz, they played the early “Klubfoot” gigs and a few “Night of the long knifes, and enjoyed

After an early 1990s sojourn, when Pip moved to the states, the Batz came back again, with a 1995 set at the Second Wildcat Weekend in Berlin, and then in 2002 with a performance at Satanic Stomp at The Weberei in Gütersloh, which was packed with quaffs, flattops and rockers.

Here is a chance to enjoy the songs of the old Psychobilly heroes, including Loan Shark and King Rat.

Support comes from Reading based-world class punk n roll The Go Go Cult.

n The gig takes place from 8pm, on Thursday, June 29, at The Face Bar in Chatham Street. Tickets are available via wegotticketscom

ON SHOW: Classic cars are on show at Pangbourne College on Saturday, June 3

ON FIRE: Guana Bataz will be at The face bar next month

LIVEMUSIC RaW Sounds

Today Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw soundstoday

BEWARE little green men from Mars?

This week’s playlist features Flying Saucer Attack, with a fantastic opening riff.

We’re including it after enjoying a fantastic gig from The Rezillos when they came to Reading’s Facebar recently, their first date here in nearly 50 years. Phew!

You’ll love it, and the nine other tracks we’ve selected. Tune in for free on Spotify. Our playlist is a mixture that will help you discover something new.

To hear this week’s selection, simply head to https://bit.ly/rawsoundstodayand 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.

Rezillos – Flying Saucer Attack

Check out the opening bass on this song by The Rezillos from what must be one of the best-ever

GIG GUIDE

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 Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Hugh Turner funk quartet.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. 80s Live. 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Vegas baby, Vegas with the Ding Dong Daddios. DDD and Jim Donavon. 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. Live at the Grasshopper: Mark Warner’s Full Swing. From 6.30pm. Details: 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

ON SONG: The Rezillos at The Face Bar last month

Picture: Andrew Merritt

pop punk albums, Can’t Stand the Rezillos. Brilliant stuff.

A few weeks ago the band came to Reading for the first time since 1978 to perform at a Club Velocity Facebar event.

They certainly made up for their absence, playing classics and more as the energetic band led by the charismatic duo of Fay Fife and Eugene Reynolds showed that they still have incredible passion and energy – https://www.rezillos. rocks/

Caravan – In the Land of Grey and Pink Caravan released an album that is often cited as one of the best progressive rock albums ever made and here’s the title track of that album.

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. Details: 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. Club Velocity presents 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.

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: live music from 5pm, barbecue noon8pm. 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,

They were pioneers of the 1970s Canterbury Scene and we are very excited that this legendary band will be coming to headline Wokingham Festival on Bank Holiday Monday, August 28.

Their current line-up of excellent musicians is led by founder member, Pye Hastings, so this promises to be a very special event – https://officialcaravan. co.uk/

Odyssey – Going Back to My Roots

They had some huge disco hits in the late 70s/ early 80s, including this one, and now Odyssey will be playing live in Reading on Friday, June 9, at the Disco Abbey event being organised by Blue Collar.

The band is led by Steven Collazo, who used to live in Caversham so, with a set of disco classics and a great line-up of other artists and DJs, this should be quite a party – https://www.facebook.com/ odysseyNY

Myopia – Unendable

An exciting new band from Essex with a single that is both beautiful and powerful. They will be at the Windsor Trooper on Thursday, June 1, and University of Reading on Friday, June 2.

They will also be at Wokingham Festival on August 28 – https://linktr.ee/myopiaofficial

Spriggan Mist – The Portal

One of the stand outs on Spriggan Mist’s 2017 album, The Portal was the title track which has been remixed and mastered by Aaron Cilia, with Fay Brotherhood providing new lead vocals – https:// www.sprigganmist.com/

Sean McGowan – Casanova

Southampton-born singer, Sean McGowan, has a new album, Who on Earth, and he will be live with his full band at a Club Velocity show at Reading’s Rising Arts Centre this Friday 26 – https://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 – https://www.dreamwife. co/

Hello Indigo! – Fall Through You

This new young indie band from Cardiff will be at Wokingham Festival in August – https://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 Voyage who made it to the final of Eurovision and put in a brilliant performance too – https://www.voyagerau.com/

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: DJs, barbecue, entertainment and more. 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, Healdey Road. Jazz concert with the Martin Hart Trio. Details: www. woodleytheatre.org

Sunday, May 28

BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Arrested development: The 30th anniversary tour. 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. Tickets free. 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 presents: theme night May Songs. Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

READING – Gun Street Garden, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Loop Volumbe 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 Hendeson, 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.

Whitsun Holiday Monday, May 29

BRACKNELL – Newtown Pippin, Ralphs Ride Rg12 9LR. Acoustic cafe. 2pm6pm. Details: 01344 426298.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Old Purple Whistle Test. Club Reckless. Details: 0118 959 7196. WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Acoustic cafe. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Tuesday, May 30

BAGSHOT – The Foresters Arms, London Road. Bracknell Folk Club. Details: www.bracknellfolk.org.uk

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

CAVERSHAM – ALTO LOUNGE, Church Street RG4 8AU. Charity Open Mic Night in aid of Team Charlie. 7.30pm.

READING – Pentahotel, Oxford Road RG1 7HR. Thomas Heppell. Details: 0118 958 6222.

Wednesday, May 31

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Artist Link-Up. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

Thursday, June 1

BRACKNELL – The Golden Farmer, Reeds Hill RG12 7LS. Karaoke. Details: 01344 302038.

BURGHFIELD – The Hatch Gate, Reading Road RG30 3TH. Elvis with Mike Nova

Details: 0118 983 2059.

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. FSJB presents Ma Bessie and her Pig Foot Band. Details: 0118 959 5500.

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Open mic night. Details: 0118 979 9437.

Friday, June 2

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

READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. The Boys are Back in Town: Rev John H and The Revelations. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Ginger Wildheart. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – The Hexagon, Queens Walk RG1 7QF. Seven Drunken Nights.

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. These Certain People.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Jazz at Progress presents Alex Clarke Quartet. Details: www. jazzinreading.com

READING – South Street arts centre RG1 4QU. Duo perform Flamenco Fusion.

Details: 0118 960 6060.

Saturday, June 3

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. The Filthy Llamas.

Details: www.theacousticcouch.co.uk

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

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community Sports Association, St James Lane RG30 3RS. Martin’s Musicbox: DJ Triple B, Eclipse and friends. In aid of Royal Berkshire Charity Oasis Wellbeing Centre. £5 plus booking fee. 7.30pm. Detail: https://www.

ticketsource.co.uk/royal-berks-charity/ eclipse-friends-charity-varietyevening/e-aabekq

CAVERSHAM – Working Men’s Club, Church Street RG4 8AU. The Silver Searchers. Details: 0118 954 5434.

CROWTHORNE – The Crowthorne Inn, High Street RG45 7AD. Utter Madness. Details: 01344 530615. CROWTHORNE – Royal British Legion, Wellington Road RG45 7LJ. Beatles and Buddy Holly tribute. Details: 01344 772161.

PLAYHATCH – The Flowing Spring, Henley Road RG4 9RB. Xander and the Peace Pirates. 0118 969 98978.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Greg Mayston Band. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Once In A Lifetime 80s night.

Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Hometown Glory Adele. Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Sound Jam house and garage night. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Rising Sun Arts Centre, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Tribute night: The Human League and Heaven 17. Details: www.risingsunartscentre.org

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. Soul Man. Details: 0118 926 5804.

WOKINGHAM – Elms Field. Wokingham Town Council presents Party in the Park 2023: The Midnight Soul Sisters, Majestix, Vogue Madonna, Wildboys. From 3pm. Free entry. Details: www. wokingham-tc.gov.uk/partyinthepark/

WOKINGHAM – The Victoria Arms, Easthampstead Road RG40 2EH. Not Just For Kicks. Details: 0118 979 9437.

YATELEY – The Dog and Partridge, Reading Road GU46 7LR. I Got Soul.

Details: 01252 870648.

Sunday, June 4

PANGBOURNE – Woking Men’s Club, Whitchurch Road, RG8 7BS.

Pangbourne Jazz Club: A Brief History of Jazz with Paul Higgs and the Terry Hutchins Quartet. 7.30pm £10.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Linda Moylan.

Details: www.readifolk.org.uk

WOKINGHAM – Hope and Anchor, Station Road RG40 2AD. Super chilled open mic. 3pm. Details: 0118 977 0918.

Quiz Challenge

1. The term ‘web offset’ is associated with which industrial process?

2. Which leading Tudor clergyman-politician died in Leicester in 1530?

3. Which acid is also known as spirits of salts?

4. Which legendary hero was the subject of a drama by Schiller and an opera by Rossini?

5. The football club Benfica is from which city?

6. What P is the name of a BBC quiz show and the title of a 2023 UK No 1 hit song by Lewis Capaldi?

7. In the culinary world, what are ramen, udon and soba?

8. What name is given to a large rally of Scouts or Guides?

9. Steve Pemberton is associated with which TV show set in the fictional town of Royston Vasey?

10. At the 2023 Academy Awards, who won Best Supporting Actress?

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

FIVE ALIVE EQUALISER

CROSS CODE

Here are two miniature five-square crosswords using the same grid –but the letters have been mixed up. You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

1. Caps do, drink might (2,2,4,4)

9. Caught thus with diamonds and hearts only (9)

10. Appreciate part of the diocese evidently? (3)

11. Cook bird for a pagan (7)

12. Salad plant right in the pool (5)

13. Thoroughly enjoy the appetiser (6)

15. Radio broadcast new decree (6)

18. After a short time run out and feel regret (5)

20. Baked dish lacking in covering in a patchy way (7)

22. Boy returns with small numbers (3)

23. Look at follower who uses cosmectic (9)

24. Do not interfere with the water supply (3,4,5)

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.

2. Eccentric will not even dance (7)

3. Order upsetting hag in Ulster (5)

4. One getting up to have a meal with a girl (6)

5. Cocktail for passengers in combination? (7)

6. It leaves adjoining bathroom to follow (5)

7. Wearing informal clothes –bandage with soft feathers (8,4)

8. One who might be bent on breaking the law (4-8)

14. Frank seeing that the engineers followed (7)

16. Leave a belt on (7)

17. Ask the umpire to take the matter to a higher court (6)

19. Overturn the surprising result (5)

21. Lady finds article among the Spanish (5)

NONAGRAM

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:

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.

SUDOKU

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

39 2 85 4 5 2 74 8 5 9 1 4 74 1 28 76 9 1 2 71 86

37 2 41

SOLUTIONS

talon; tian; toco; toil; tonal; tonic; tool; toon.

Down – 1 Sprain; 2 Robbed; 3

Papaya; 32 Statue.

Adhere; 27 Manage; 28 Tapes; 29 Toiler; 30 Naught; 31

Across – 1 Stripe; 4 Shared; 8 Rubber; 10 Armpit; 11 Waive; 12 Icecap; 14 Ethics; 16 Dart; 17 Roar; 19 Stag; 22 Abet; 26

QUICK CROSSWORD:

EQUALISER:

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD:

ACROSS DOWN

Walking for heart health

Healthy Heart Tip

partner can really help you stay motivated and committed to your scheduled walks.

Would you drink a cocktail made with asparagus?

MAY is National Walking Month, which encourages us to leave the car at home and find ways to incorporate more walking into our days.

Walking a little each day can offer a great benefit to our overall health and wellbeing, including our heart.

It is a low-impact form of exercise so most people can give it a go. Right now is also the perfect time of year to get outside as the evenings lighten and temperatures start to

warm up.

Here are some ideas to help you clock up more steps this May and beyond.

Set a goal

Setting a goal and planning can really help you make walking a daily habit. A good example would be aiming to walk for 20 minutes a day, five days a week.

Plan your week every Sunday evening and schedule in your walking times to make sure they happen.

Walk with a friend

Finding a walking

Another benefit of walking with a friend is you are more likely to try harder, so if you are heading out on a longer walk, walking with someone else will push you to try as hard as you can.

It is also a great opportunity for catching up and checking in with a friend.

Make it fun

Get children involved by going on a scavenger hunt or wildlife spotting walk.

You could simply head out with the family and look out for certain colour cars, anything to add an element of fun.

n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly health tips at www.heartresearch. org.uk/health-tips

SCL and Royals to serve up high quality food and fun at half-term camps

READING FC and sponsor Select Car Leasing will ensure children from disadvantaged backgrounds enjoy healthy meals and activities during the upcoming May half term.

Two new holiday camps, organised by the club’s Community Trust, have been added to its current Easter, summer and winter holiday offerings. Their aim is to provide a safe environment to ‘care, develop and educate disadvantaged or at-risk young people’, according to the trust.

Dave Evans, general manager of the community trust, said: “Reading FC Community Trust is extremely grateful for the support it continues to receive from Select Car Leasing, and we’re delighted to be able to launch our new Food and Activity camps this May half term.

“This is about making a real difference to the lives of children and their families at a time when parents and carers need all the help they can get.

“We know that the school holidays can be a real pressure point for lowincome families, who might struggle to afford healthy food and activities for their children, so the camps have been created to try and alleviate some of that strain.”

Select Car Leasing has supported the camps since 2021, pledging thousands of pounds into the initiative which encourages young people to eat nutritious food while taking part in mental health-boosting activities with new friends.

It will continue to support the two new camps, which take place at the end of May and start of June.

The first Select Car Leasing Food and Activity Camp will be held at the Ranikhet Academy, on Tuesday, May

30, with around 60 children aged from five-14 set to take part. The June camp will be held at Reading School on June 1 and 2.

Both camps will provide hot meals, fun games and access to a food bank.

They are open to any child on free school meals who attends a school in the surrounding area and will be put forward by their own educational establishment or council.

A total of 27 youngsters enjoyed the Easter Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) camp at Ranikhet Academy, with more than 90 healthy meals provided. These were provided by community cafe Dee Caf, which also runs a food bank.

Participants were surprised with a surprise visit from then-Royals star Cesare Casadei, who was on loan from Chelsea.

Chris Berry, Reading FC funded programmes officer and HAF coordinator, said: “Our HAF Camp programme is crucial to so many vulnerable families, so it is great to be able to work so closely with partners to impact a community in such a positive way.

“I cannot thank Ranikhet Academy enough for working with us to promote the camp as well as letting us use their excellent facilities.

Tina at Dee Caf has been superb; not only providing nutritious hot food, freshly baked treats, drinks, snacks and fruit but also helping promote the camp through word of mouth.”

Louisa Sanghera, headteacher at Ranikhet Academy, added: “Strong community links are so important for making children and adults feel safe and giving them a sense of belonging.

“We want everyone to feel proud of the community that they are part of and to work together to make it stronger.

“We talk to our children about caring for the local community, serving others, and having ‘trusted adults’ in the community who help them to feel safe. The holiday camp has played a huge part in this and helped us to strengthen relationships within our community.”

Each day at a camp involves at least three hours of physical activity. This includes sports such as football, frisbee, Kimball, dodgeball, soft archery, handball and Gaelic football.

The funding from Select comes from a scheme whereby £50 goes to the Community Trust whenever a customer states they are a Reading FC fan when leasing a car.

Select Car Leasing director Mark Tongue, a passionate and lifelong Reading fan, said: “We’re proud to support the Reading FC Community Trust and its school holiday initiatives, and we’re thrilled to now offer the additional Select Car Leasing Food and Activity Camps.

“As a local company, we’re passionate about reaching out to surrounding areas and supporting worthwhile ventures. There are many families in Reading facing real financial challenges right now, and anything we can do to help benefits us all.”

JI-MIN LEE

FORGET Marmite, there’s a new love-itor-loathe-it in town … a cocktail made with asparagus.

The seasonal vegetable is one of the key ingredients for the drink which will be available for a limited time in branches of Cote, including its restaurants in Henley and Windsor.

Called Vive Le Asparagus, it uses asparagus flavoured vodka, features an asparagus spear and complements Côte’s spring specials which feature asparagus and have been designed by Gordon Ramsay’s former executive chef Steve Allen.

Mixologist and drinks author Dan Whitesidw created the cocktail which also includes Cold Press kiwi and apple juice, Elderflower cordial, and Belu Sparkling water. It is garnished with dried rose petals.

Asparagus is said to be an aphrodisiac, is high in vitamin K, a source of fibre, promotes good bacteria in the gut, and is said to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

It is also highly seasonable, traditionally collected by British farmers from St George’s Day to the Summer solstice.

Mixologist Dan Whiteside said: “The cocktail has the flavour of asparagus, sweetness and floral notes of elderflower, body and acidity of the cold press juice.

“It’s an interesting take on a popular Collins cocktail, using fresh flavours such as apple, ginger and elderflower and combing with the unique flavour of asparagus. The cocktail combines a food that’s big in French cuisine with one of the most popular types of cocktails at this time of year.”

Last month Côte launched its spring menu with a focus on fresh seasonal ingredients to showcase classic French cuisine.

Steve Allen’s new menu additions celebrate La Saison Délicieuse with a collection of timeless dishes, sharing plates, seasonal spritzers and French classics with a Côte twist.

Former Claridges chef Steve has elevated La Cuisine Française at Côte with the new dishes, created with produce from trusted British and French producers with the asparagus for the new specials sourced from a long-term partnership with the Chinn family in the Wye Valley.

“I have been cooking French cuisine since the age of 13 and this menu is a reflection of everything I love about French food in the Spring,” he said. “Our main focus is and always will be about the taste of our food at Cote. Simple, yet complex and delicious.”

The unique cocktail is £9.95, and available until June 14. The spring menu is available in all Cote restaurants including Wokingham’s Broad Street branch, and The Oracle Riverside in Reading.

Reading midfielder Cesare Casadei dropped in to Ranikhet Academy during the Easter holidays. Picture: Select Car Leasing

AWARDS NIGHT FOR RAMS

ASCOT WIN AT WEMBLEY

ROYALS BOSS: ‘WE MUST LEAVE IT ALL ON THE PITCH’

KELLY Chambers has tasked her side to ‘leave everything on the pitch’ when Reading host Chelsea this weekend in a crucial Women’s Super League match for both clubs.

Reading must win to have a shot at survival, while the Blues need to win to secure a fourth consecutive WSL title.

“It’s an opportunity and we have to leave everything out there, which we didn’t against Tottenham,” said Chambers.

AND IT WAS ALL YELLOW

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

ASCOT UNITED made history at Wembley Stadium as Kai Walters’ 80th minute winner helped the Yellas defeat defending champions Newport Pagnell Town to win the FA Vase.

With more than 4,000 Yellas fans turning out to the home of football for the big day, the players made it a day to remember by delivering on the pitch.

In a tense encounter that was goalless for the opening 80 minutes and looked headed for extratime, Ascot made sure that there

wouldn’t be an extra 30 minutes and the possibility of a penalty shootout.

Substitute Walters popped up with the all important goal as he snuck in at the near post to connect with man of the match Sean McCormack’s cross and glanced the ball into the far corner.

The goal sent the Ascot players, fans and staff into jubilation with one hand now on the trophy.

The team guided their way through the next 10 minutes and six minutes of additional time as their defence stood resilient to maintain their clean sheet.

n Report on pages 18 & 19

“We can’t come off disappointed that we haven’t given our best and that’s how we felt against Tottenham.

“We have to make it as difficult as possible for Chelsea.

“We haven’t got time for people to be jogging around the pitch or not giving 100% effort.

“We need everyone out there who will step up.

“We have to believe. If we give up now then what’s the point in stepping out there on Saturday?

“There’s still a glimmer of hope and we have to do what we can.”

With the team on the brink of relegation, with the men’s side having already been condemned to the drop, Chambers is waiting for the team’s fate to be decided before plans for next season can be made.

She continued: “I’ve not been in a position like this before with one team trying to win the league and us trying to stay in the league.

“For the neutral it’s extremely exciting. If we are able to pull it off, it will be a moment in my career that I’ll never forget.“

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

WALTERS SCORES WINNER AS YELLAS BECOME

By ANDY PRESTON

Ascot United 1 Newport Pagnell Town 0

ASCOT UNITED made history at Wembley Stadium by defeating defending champions Newport Pagnell Town to get their hands on the FA Vase trophy.

After a tense match between the teams, Kai Walters scored the all important goal 10 minutes from time to give the Yellas a

moment that will be etched into their history.

Playing at the home of English football, Ascot United were looking to make history by getting their hands on the FA Vase.

Standing in their way were defending champions Newport Pagnell Town who were aiming to capture victory in the final for the second consecutive season.

With a wall of yellow engulfing one quarter of the stadium, the start of the game

was signalled by the arrival of the ball delivered by a remote control car.

The first bit of defending was smartly done by Harry Tucker who got across to cover after Newport tried to find a long ball to their forwards.

The Yellas won the first corner of the match when Sean McCormack’s cross was diverted behind.

The best chance of the half was presented Ascot’s way when Jordan Ajanlekoko rose highest with a glancing header

that crashed off the far post. Newport responded with a couple of chances of their own but weren’t able to test goalkeeper Rhys forster.

Brendan Matthew had his first sight of goal in the 14th minute when the ball dropped for him in the box but only managed to get a tame shot away that was comfortably held by the keeper.

After a lengthy stoppage that saw Rob Gerrard down with a head injury, he had to be replaced by Kai Walters.

In the 26th minute, Newport came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when a wicked cross from Ben Ford found Albie Hall at the back stick who hit the post from close range.

Chances were few and far between in the opening 45 minutes after both sides had hit the upright as Jay Welch tried his luck from 25 yards with a sweeping effort that went wide.

Mo Ahmed continued to break from midfield to provide an attacking spark for Newport

and set up a chance for Hall that was slashed at and hit wide.

Neither side were able to find an opener as the teams went into the break goalless in a half that saw both teams take a nervy approach with so much riding on the result.

The first big opportunity after the restart came for Newport when Hall delivered a teasing low cross for Jake Watkinson, but his strike partner failed to make a good connection and scuffed wide.

At Wembley Stadium

Ascot United manager Jamie Tompkins lifts the trophy

Ascot take in the trophy celebrations on the Wembley pitch

Kai Walters celebrates after scoring the winning goal

Ascot United made it a day to remember and were crowned as FA Vase champions

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

BECOME FA VASE CHAMPIONS

‘WE WANT TO KEEP GROWING’: TOMPKINS REFLECTS ON SUCCESS

ASCOT UNITED manager Jamie Tompkins expressed his delight after leading his team to a historic victory in the FA Vase Final at Wembley Stadium.

The Yellas’ famous win at Wembley concludes an exceptional season for the men’s first-team who have completed a league and cup double.

“What a moment for all the players, staff and everyone associated with the football club,” said Tompkins.

“Not just on the pitch but off the pitch with all the volunteers and staff who have been involved for many years. To bring the trophy home is phenomenal.

“Scoring from a cross is something we’ve worked really hard on and we score lots of goals from crosses.

“Sean McCormack, who was man of the match, was unbelievable and we knew if he played well then we had a chance. He put a great ball in for Kai Walters to score.

“What a moment for him (Walters) and his family, it was his last game. He’s moving to Australia and he can now say in his last game that he scored the winning goal at Wembley Stadium.”

Ascot won the Combined Counties Premier North, achieving 102 points in a remarkable league campaign which was added to by their win at Wembley over Newport Pagnell Town on Sunday.

The team will now prepare to play at Step Four and will ply their trade in the Isthmian South Central from next season.

Tompkins continued: “It will be a short break. It was our fifth final in five years so we’ve always played right up until the end of May.

Newport picked up the first booking of the game when Shane Bush scythed down Matthew who was in the midst of a powerful run.

With just under 20 minutes left to play, Jamie Tompkins opted for a switch that saw Marcus Mealing replace Welch.

He made an immediate impact when he found some room in the box to get a shot away that was put behind by the keeper for a corner.

Mealing then went even closer from the resulting corner with a bullet header that smacked the crossbar.

With 10 minutes left to play, Ascot found the breakthrough when Walters stooped low to glance a header into the far corner to convert from McCormack’s cross.

Ascot navigated their way through the final 10 minutes of the match and five minutes of additional time to clinch the trophy.

Ascot United: Forster, Lock, Gerrard, Ajanlekoko, Bailey (c), McCormack, Grant, Matthew, Grant, Matthew, Welch, Tucker, Grant

Subs: Negus, Bouwers, Mealing, Balogun, August, Walters, Ellis

“We’ll be in a new league which we are very excited about. We finally achieved it and get to go to some big clubs. There are some historical clubs (in it) and it’s an exciting challenge for us.”

Tompkins was delighted with the collective defensive effort from his team as they managed to block Newport out to keep a clean sheet.

He continued: “It was about trying to manage the game (after we scored). We dominated our own box and won headers.

“Marcus (Mealing) had a brilliant impact, helped us keep the ball and was able to hold it up and gave Brendan Matthew more space to run. He almost got the winner himself. He’s over the moon.

“We want to keep growing as a club. We’ve got brilliant support from the Racecourse to help us build more facilities and accommodate more players.

“If we have more than 1,000 boys and girls coming to the club each week, that’s a huge community hub. Bringing trophies is really nice, but first and foremost we are getting more people playing football.

“I was really proud to work out at the most iconic stadium in the world and lead them out. It was incredible.”

Newport Pagnell Town: Conway, Sage, Smail, Powell, Shepherd, Watkinson, Hall, Ford, Wilson, Ahmed, Short Subs: Willett, Pryke, Barnes, Bush, Evans, Pike, Tshikuna

Goals: Walters 80’ Player of the match: Sean McCormack

by beating Newport Pagnell Town at Wembley Stadium Pictures: Andrew Batt

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

FOOTBALL

READING YMCA BREAK YATELEY’S UNBEATEN STREAK TO CAPTURE CUP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BTC Senior Cup Final

READING YMCA picked up a trophy with a remarkable win over YATELEY UNITED

Yateley went into the final with a faultless record in the league that had seen them storm to the league title by winning all 20 of their league games.

Meanwhile, Reading finished in third after winning 12 of their 20 matches.

In the final, played at Reading FC’s Select Car Leasing Stadium, Alfie Stephens popped up with the only goal of the game to

make it a memorable night for YMCA.

Thames Valley Division One

HOLYPORT RESERVES concluded their campaign in fifth position after they earned a win over Windlesham Youth in their final match.

Hoylport picked up their 12th win in 20 with a 5-2 success at home.

Thames Valley Division Two

READING YMCA RAPIDS were confirmed as champions despite being beaten in their final game of the season.

YMCA have lost just two league games all season in the league and stormed their way to the title by picking up 50 points from 20 games, winning 16 of them.

Ben Cousins and Andrej Hornola were both on the scoresheet for YMCA, but they lost 5-2 to third placed SB Phoenix Reserves.

BURGHFIELD RESERVES finished as runners-up after they took the win in a seven goal contest against Allied Community Elite.

Lorenzo Medford and Fred Tauher both scored for the Fielders before a double from the bench from Kieran Smith helped the hosts to take the

points with a 4-3 win.

TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE moved up to claim fourth position in their final game of the campaign after getting the better of Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves. A brace from Adam Parker and goals from Ricardo Catlyn and Malvin Kachingwe contributed to a 4-1 triumph.

Twyford end the season on 36 points from 20 games.

Thames Valley Division Three

BINFIELD DEVELOPMENT picked up a point in their final game of the season against READING CITY DEVELOPMENT

to confirm their status as league champions.

Seun Akintola, Shaquille Johnson and Nicholas Heffernan netted in the 3-3 draw for Reading.

The point was enough for the Moles to keep Reading at bay and claim their position at the top with 38 points from 38 games.

The Cityzens are on 33 points in second with one game left to play.

Thames Valley Women’s Cup Final

TILEHURST PANTHERS concluded their cup season with silverware after they

got the better of EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA RESERVES in a close battle.

Georgia Hayes put the Panthers ahead after 17 minutes, but the Boars turned the game on its head to after half-time when Laura Comerford scored a minute into the second-half Eversley then had the lead when Lily-May Varney put them in front in the 72nd minute.

The Panthers came fighting back and levelled the game through Deanna Cane. With just five minutes left to play, Cane netted her second of the game to give Tilehurst the trophy.

Reading YMCA beat Yateley United at the Select Car Leasing Stadium to win the BTC Senior Cup Pictures: Brian Baggaley

Reading YMCA Rapids were crowned as champions

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FOOTBALL

BURGHFIELD BEAT BRACKNELL IN BERKS & BUCKS CUP FINAL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Berks & Bucks Sunday Cup Final

BURGHFIELD SUNDAY ensured they took home the trophy with victory over BRACKNELL RANGERS

Burghfield overcame their opponents with a 4-1 win to make sure they picked up silveraware at the end of their season.

Reading & District Sunday League Premier Division

FC BAPCO wrapped up the league title in their top of the table clash against FC SPORTY Bapco won the contest 4-1 which puts them in pole position and sees them overtake FC Sporty with their superior goal difference. BAPCO still have one game left to complete their season, while Sporty concluded their season in second on 37 points.

Reading & District Sunday Division One

116 EXILES ended the season in second place after they were held to a 1-1 draw by ARBORFIELD

SPURS 4-1 READING

ROYALS ON THE BRINK OF RELEGATION AFTER DEFEAT

READING FC WOMEN’s were all but succumbed to the drop from the top flight after they suffered a costly away defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.

The defeat leaves the Royals rock bottom of the Women’s Super League table and needing a miracle to survive on the final day.

With just one game to go, Reading will need to beat title pushing Chelsea on the last weekend of the season, while Leicester would have to lose both of their remaining matches to see Reading escape the drop.

Spurs secured their safety with a double from Beth England that was added to by Celin Bezit and Kit Graham, despite a consolation goal from Justine Vanhaevermaet

It was the hosts who started brightly and had a coi[le of close shaves when Deanna Cooper had to put in a vital intervention to prevent Eveliina Summanen from having a tap in from six yards.

Reading responded with the best chance of the game when a deep corner found its way to the back post to find Troelsgaard unmarked who was only prevented by a superb Becky Spencer save.

It was Spurs who broke the deadlock a minute shy of the half hour mark when a short corner routine was worked to the back stick to find England unmarked and she punished the Royals by squeezing a header in at Moloney’s near post.

Reading looked for a response and it was Troelgsrard who tried to provide the inspiration as she has done almost single handedly on occasions this season. She tricked her way past former Royal Molly Bartrip who had to cynically bring the Danish international down to prevent her having a run at goal and was booked as a result.

Things went from bad to worse for Reading as Tottenham added a second

before the break when a through ball was slid into the path of Bizet to break the Royals back line open and she tucked the ball into the corner to make it 2-0.

Unhappy with her team’s first-half display, Chambers made a double switch going into the second-half as Emma Harries and Jade Moore replaced Troelsgaard and Lauren Wade.

Moore picked up a booking within minutes of coming on after fouling Ashleigh Neville.

Cooper was next to go in the

referee’s notebook after flying into a mistimed tackle on Ayane.

With half an hour to play, Rose made her long awaited return when she took the place of Tia Primmer.

Spurs put the game to bed in the 62nd minute when they were presented a gift by Easther Mayi Kith who underhit a back pass to Moloney that was stolen by England who rounded the keeper and converted into an empty net.

A fourth Reading change ensued as Faye Bryson replaced Mayi Kith.

A humiliating afternoon continued

Aborfield ended in eighth on 28 points, while Exiles finished on 43 points, four behind league champions GC UNITED BURGHFIELD RESERVES finished in seventh after they were defeated by fifth placed BARTON ROVERS 5-3 in their final match.

CAVERSHAM UNITED ended up in 11th after they took a point in a goalless game against sixth placed TWYFORD COMETS

TRBL TESLA’s ended their season in style with a 7-2 win over ENGLEFIELD EAGLES to finish in third.

Reading & District Sunday League Industrial Cup Final

WESTWOOD WANDERERS

DEVELOPMENT got the better of BROTHERS UNITED to get their hands on the trophy. Westwood came out on top with a 2-0 win to seal the cup.

Reading & District Division Two

AFC Pangbourne 0-4 Give Back Reserves, Barton Rovers Reserves 6-2 RDG Athletic, Burghfield A 3-5 Hurst, Rose & Thistle 1-4 Reading United, Zone RG 2-3 Berkshire Royals

as the home team added a fourth with 15 minutes to go as a long clearance was raced onto by Kit Graham who was given time and room to slot past Moloney.

Reading got themselves on the scoresheet to claw back consolation when Justine Vanahevermaet rose highest to head in from a corner.

Reading now go into the final weekend of the season at home to Chelsea with their future almost certainly decided and Championship football beckoning unless they can pull off a shock result.

Emma Harries in action for the Royals

Westwood Wanderers beat Brothers United to win the Reading & District Industrial Cup Final Pictures: Andrew Batt

Reading lost away from home Stock Pictures: Steve Smyth

Burghfield defeated Bracknell Rangers in the Berks & Bucks Sunday Cup Final Pictures: Andrew Batt

CRICKET

BEARS BEAT CROWS TO TAKE EARLY LEAD

BY ANDY PRESTON

sport@wokingham.today

Emmbrook and Bearwood (238-7) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (199-9)

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD defended their total of 238 to earn a 39-run victory over CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD to move to the top of the BCM Championship.

In the early stages of the league campaign, the Bears sit at the top of the table on 90 points after winning their opening two fixtures, while the Crows are in eighth.

Emmbrook won the toss and elected to bat first.

Crowthorne made a formidable start as they had both Matt Loxton and Jafe David out with just eight runs on the board.

The hosts started to recover after a nervy start and managed to amass 98 on the scoreboard before the next two wickets fell which included a half century from Andy Lazenbury.

A strong display in the middle and back end of the order saw Emmbrook move onto a healthy total of 238 as 43 from Matt Booth and 53 not out from David Healey boosted the innings.

With 238 to chase down, the Crows made a promising start as they were able to total 32 from their opening partnership of Anthony Cluett and Peter Emes before Cluett was removed from the bowling of Tom Stevenson, caught by Jack Narraway.

The next two wickets came in quick succession as Oliver Taylor was bowled by Lazenbury before Peter Emes was caught by Andy Robertson, bowled Lazenbury to put Crowthorne on 47-3.

The visitors got themselves firmly back in the contest with their trio at the crease which saw Will Avrili (25), Daniel Cartlidge (44) and Chrisotpher Emes (30) get them back on track.

But with the overs beginning to run out, Emmbrook were able to take the large share of the points as

CRICKET

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS EVERSLEY EARN

Crowthorne ended their 45 over innings on 199-9.

Lazenbury and David Healey both ended with two wickets, while Williams collected three wickets.

Emmbrook ended with 40 points, while Crows picked up seven points in defeat.

Next week the Bears travel away to face Braywood while Crowthorne host Ballinger Waggoners.

BY ANDY PRESTON sport@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Division One

EVERSLEY were victorious for the first time in the new season with an eight wicket success over Stoke Green.

The Boars skittled Stoke Green all out for just 93 in the first innings before they strolled to success, dropping just two wickets in the process on the way to getting 93 runs from 24.3 overs.

WOKINGHAM 2s were on the end of a heavy defeat at home to Falkland.

Salman Khalid was in fine bowling form to take 4-53, but Flakland totalled a strong score of 271.

The Oaks were then removed all out for 118 in a 153-run defeat. Home Counties Division One

WOKINGHAM collected their first win of the new season with an away success against Slough.

Three wickets from Jacob Clark and four from Callum Creighton helped the Oaks to bowl Slough all out on 142.

Wokingham then managed to chase the target down within 40.5 overs with three wickets to spare to take 20 points.

Jayden Barson helped guide Wokingham to the win as he scored 67 not out.

WARGRAVE made it two wins from two by beating Harefield by 64 runs.

A first inning stop score of 78 from Euan Woods helped Wargrave to total 250.

The hosts then successfully protected their lead which saw John Child take four wickets to see Wargrave to a comfortable victory.

FINCHAMPSTEAD lost out on the road in a three wicket defeat to High Wycombe.

Finch batter Toby Albert scored highest with 60 in the first innings which saw Finch put 174 runs on the board before they were removed after 40.4 overs.

Despite Christ Britz managing to pick up three wickets, Wycombe were able to surpass Finch’s total after 40.2 overs with three wickets remaining.

BCM Championship

SHINFIELD amassed 38 points after their exceptional away trip at Ballinger Waggoners.

Several excellent batting displays, including Abhishek Chatterjee (69), Muhammad Hafeez (75) and Amit Rawal (65) helped Shinfield to put 315 on the scoreboard after 45 overs.

Shinfield ensured they claimed the victory as the hosts finished on 199 after 45 overs which saw Shinfield win by 116 runs.

WEST READING lost out at home by four wickets to Braywood.

Usman Tariq top scored for West Reading with 43 not out, and despite four wickets from Muhammad Zameer, Braywood won after getting to 112 with four wickets remaining.

Eversley 2s picked up their first win of the season Pictures: Steve Smyth

Emmbrook and Bearwood beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood to take top spot Pictures: Andrew Batt

Emmbrook and Bearwood batting: Loxton 8, Williams 14, David 0, Lazenbury 57, Narraway 25, Booth 43, Stevenson 12, Davis 16*, Healey 53*, Robertson dnb, Morgan dnb

Crowthorne & Crown Wood bowling: K Cluett 2-70, Chandran 1-30, Taylor 0-27, Emes 1-16, A Cluett 2-35, Vogel 0-38, Golding 0-12

Crowthorne & Crown Wood batting: A CLuett 12, P Emes 28, Taylor 1, Avrili 25, Cartledge 44, C Emes 30, Kruger 9, J Cluett 10, Vogel 19, Golding 2*, Chandran 1*

Emmbrook and Bearwood bowling: Stevenson 1-13, Morgan 0-36, Lazenbury 2-22, Robertson 0-38, Healey 2-33, Davis 1-32, Williams 3-17

Andy Robertson bowling for Emmbrook

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RN EIGHT-WICKET WIN

HONOURS BOARD

BATTING

White: Theale & Tilehurst 2s v White Waltham 2s - 107*

P Chima: Reading 2s v Thatcham Town - 103

Mike Longson: Twyford & Ruscombe v Mortimer West End - 102*

Javier Frost: Finchampstead 3s v Boyne Hill - 102

John Matthews: Eversley 2s v Sonning 2s - 101

Matt Furness: White Waltham v Cove 2s - 98

Hari Gurung: Bracknell 2s v Bradfield - 95*

Thomas Hale: Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 87

Wes Roberts: Finchampstead 3s v Boyne Hill - 84

Jason Stotesbury: Wokingham Oaks & Acorns v Fleet 3s - 83*

Christopher Priddle: Twyford & Ruscombe v Mortimer West End - 83

Will Tucker: Eversley 4s v Reading 3s - 81

Abishiv Kishanth: Reading 4s v Kidmore End 4s - 80

Khartik Khanti: Finchampstead 4s v Boyne Hill 3s - 79

Ranjeet Sidhu: Wokingham 6s v Finchampstead 5s - 78*

Euan Woods: Wargrave v Harefield - 78

S Jeffrey: Binfield 2s v Royal Ascot 2s - 77*

Dan Humphrey: Binfield v Cove - 77

Mukesh Adwani: Rangers v Welford Park - 76

Muhammad Hafeez: Shinfield v Ballinger - 75

Daniel Aston: Eversley 5s v Maidenhead & Bray 5s - 72*

Idress: White Waltham 2s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 71

Abhishek Chatterjee: Shinfield v Ballinger - 69

Suman Ganguly: Reading United v Peppard Stoke Row - 68*

Jayden Barson: Wokingham v Slough- 67*

Shakeel Bashir: Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 65

Amit Rawal: Shinfield v Ballinger - 65

Joe Loveday: Finchampstead 5s v Wokingham 6s - 64

Zain Raja: West Reading 2s v Farley Hill - 63

Steve Bendall: Wokingham 6s v Finchampstead 5s - 62

Chilterns

Division One

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s tallied 35 points after they secured victory against Denham 2s.

Rahul Soni took four wickets for Emmbrook in the first innings before a top score of 62 from Ravi Balakrishnan contributed to the win as the Bears won by five wickets.

BCL Premier Division

READING UNITED performed brilliantly to seal a nine wicket win away at PEPPARD STOKE

ROW 2S

Three wickets each from Krishna Thiyagarajan and Atul Pawar had Peppard all out for 108.

Reading then dropped one wicket on their way to winning the match, including 68 not out from Suman Ganguly.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN

WOOD 2s added 35 points to their total with a narrow win over SANDHURST

A five wicket haul from Sandhurst bowler Jason Wiseman had the Crows all out on 192.

Sandhurst fell just short as they ended the 40 overs innings on 182.

SHINFIELD 2s lost for the first time this campaign with a six wicket loss against Woodcote.

FARLEY HILL enjoyed an emphatic win over WEST READING which saw them triumph by 141 runs.

Thomas Hale totalled 87 as Farley finished with a superb score of 300.

A stunning bowling display from Adeel Razaq (5-38) had West Reading all out for 159.

Ravi Balakrishnan: Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Denham - 62

Chinmay Kulkarni: Wokingham 4s v Purley on Thames - 61*

Toby Albert: Finchampstead v High Wycombe - 60

Dilupa Chandrasekara: Sandhurst v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s - 60

Fahad Raja: Wokingham 3s v Purley on Thames - 59

Andy Lazenbury: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood - 57

Chris Sharpe: Waltham St Lawrence v Checkendon - 57

Max Carrol: Hurst v Reading - 56

David Healey: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood - 53*

Kieran Lall: Wargrave 2s v Windsor - 53

Freddie Meader: Wargrave 2s v Windsor - 50

BOWLING

Alex Sharp: Eversley 2s v Sonning 2s - 5-15

Jason Wiseman: Sandhurst v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s - 5-36

Arvind Bhat: Wokingham Oaks & Acorns v Fleet 3s - 5-36

Adeel Razaq: Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 5-38

Ruthika Sabbineni: Binfield v Cookham Dean - 4-10

Ryan Pogson: Wokingham 3s v Purley on Thames - 4-16

Lewis Hart: Farley Hill v West Reading 2s - 4-18

Hussain Stanikzai: West Reading v Braywood - 4-22

John Child: Wargrave v Harefield - 4-30

R Javed: Wargrave 3s v Bracknell - 4-33

Sam Fearon: Finchampstead 4s v Boyne Hill 3s - 4-34

Rahul Soni: Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Denham - 4-37

Jack Staples: Wokingham 4s v Purley on Thames - 4-41

Azmath Atham: Waltham St Lawrence v Checkendon - 4-48

M Salman Kahlid: Wokingham 2s v Falkland - 4-53

Gabriella Jones: Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Binfield - 3-10

Freya Cook: Wargrave v Sonning - 3-12

N Vojinov: Eversley v Stoke Green - 3-14

Ollie Williams: Emmbrook and Bearwood v Crowthorne & Crown Wood - 3-17

B Salter: Eversley v Stoke Green - 3-17

J Beavan: Reading 2s v Thatcham Town - 3-17

S Bucksey: Eversley v Stoke Green - 3-21

Pranav Desai: Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Sandhurst3-22

Chris Britz: Finchampstead v High Wycombe - 3-26

Niraj Kumar: Rangers v Welford Park - 3-29

Zain Raja: West Reading 2s v Farley Hill - 3-33

Jacob Clark: Wokingham v Slough - 3-42

Sonning bowling against Eversley Eversley 2s claimed an eight wicket win over Sonning 2s

Wokingham 2s lost out at home to Falkland

Wokingham at the crease

NOONECHRONICLESTHEACTIONBETTERTHANUS

RUGBY UNION

RAMS HAND OUT AWARDS AT END OF SEASON BALL

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today

OUTSTANDING back row James

McRae was named Rams’ Players’ Player of the Season at their endof-season presentation ball.

The Eton College teacher enjoyed a fabulous campaign in which he scored 10 tries in 21 games, helping his side to a runners-up spot in National One and finishing ahead of Axel Kalling-Smith and Max Hayman in the vote.

Kalling-Smith was chosen as Captain’s Player after his breakthrough efforts ended with the Swedish international touching down 13 times, while full-back Henry Bird was the Coaches’ Player after a sterling season.

Destructive 17-try hooker Hayman won the Tackling Cup, while Jak Rossiter was the top try-scorer having crossed the whitewash on 20 occasions.

On an evening when some 150 guests celebrated a memorable campaign at Old Bath Road, Mike Hoyt was crowned Titans (second XV) Players’ Player, while versatile forward Spencer Hayhow collected the Coaches’ gong.

The Louie Batchelor Memorial Trophy for Coaching was won by Joe Whatmore and Paul Smith, the duo overseeing a pair of title triumphs for the Centaurs (third XV) and Dragon’s Teeth (fourth XV).

RESULTS

Saturday, May 20

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League

Tottenham 4-1 Reading

Rams’ chairman Andy Lynch presents Joe Duffelen with his Honours Cap Pictures: Paul Clark

Thames Valley Women’s Cup

Tilehurst Panthers 3-2 Eversley & California Reserves

The Hutchinson Frost Memorial Award for Young Clubman of the Year went to George Batty, the teenage referee who has overseen a number of Titans games along with the Under 16 OBB League final victory for Rams against Newbury last month.

Former Premiership referee turned waterboy Ashley Rowden won the Chairman’s Award having

been involved with the club for the best part of six decades.

The Bill Taylor Memorial Trophy for Club Contribution was taken by photographer Tim Pitfield who has travelled the country from Darlington to Plymouth and all in between in taking superb snaps for the past few years.

An outstanding Honours Cap

PREVIEW CRICKET

ROYALS HAVE ONE LAST SHOT AT SURVIVAL IN WSL FINAL DAY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING FC host Chelsea on the final weekend of the Women’s Super League season with plenty riding on the result at both ends of the table.

The Royals are playing for their future in the top flight and will need to overcome the odds to beat Chelsea to give them a chance of survival.

Kelly Chambers’ side will also need other results to go their way and need relegation rivals Leicester City to not win at Brighton to give them hope. Reading go into the last game at the bottom of the table on 11 points, two points behind Leicester.

Meanwhile, Emma Hayes’ Chelsea team have their sights set on trying to capture a fourth consecutive WSL title. The blues will need three points at the Select Car Leasing Stadium to ensure that they are crowned as champions again.

Title rivals Manchester

United made sure that the race for top spot would go down to the wire after they scored a dramatic injury time winner against local rivals

Manchester City.

Two points separate the top two which means that United will have to win their final game away at Liverpool and hope that the Royals can do them a favour in the process against Chelsea.

Reading have managed to beat Chelsea just once in their history, which came last campaign at the SCL.

The Royals shocked the WSL champions with Deanne Rose’s early goal before they executed a determined defensive display to claim a 1-0 win.

Reading will be hoping for a repeat of that performance this Saturday to try and save their season.

There was a welcome return last weekend for long term absentee Rose who picked up a severe injury on the opening weekend of the season.

She came on for a cameo appearance off the bench against Spurs and proved to be Reading’s brightest spark in their heavy defeat.

from 2019/20 was belatedly awarded to Colt turned first-teamer Ross Crame, who heads into his 25th season at the club next term. Honours Caps for the past campaign were awarded to stalwart Phil Rushton, another colt who went onto score 47 first-team tries in Joe Duffelen, Rossiter and Colts coaches Owen Espley and Shaun Sheppard.

BERKS TO BEGIN DEFENCE OF NCCA TROPHY

BY DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today

BERKSHIRE open their defence of the NCCA Trophy against Hertfordshire at Henley CC on Bank Holiday Monday (11am).

When they met them in the group stage last year, they won by six wickets at North Mymms, with skipper Dan Lincoln making an unbeaten half-century.

Berks will be looking to bounce back following their 68-run defeat by Staffordshire in the T20 semi-finals at Tring Park last Sunday. Staffs notched up a massive 252-2, the highest-ever Finals Day total. Nils Priestley had smashed a brilliant unbeaten 147 from just 66 balls with 10 sixes and 12 fours. He brought up his century from 41 balls, having along the way hit three sixes and two fours off five successive deliveries from Shaariq Sheikh.

Priestley shared an opening partnership of 124 in nine overs with Zen Malik (40) and then 99 with James Kettleborough (33). Lincoln and Johnny Connell made a promising start to Berkshire’s reply, reaching 84 in 7.4 overs before the Henley batter was dismissed for 36. Two overs and 17 runs later, Lincoln was caught for 55 and the innings faltered with Berks slipping from 123-2 to 137-5, and finishing with a final total of 184-9. Staffs (119 all out) went on to lift the title by beating Cornwall (115-9) by four runs in front of a large crowd.

Thames Valley Division One

Holyport Reserves 5-2

Windlesham United Youth

Thames Valley Division Two Burghfield Reserves 4-3 Allied Community

Reading YMCA Rapids 2-5 SB

Phoenix Reserves

Twyford & Ruscombe 4-1 Slough Heating Laurencians Reserves

Thames Valley Division Three Reading City Development 3-3 Binfield U23s

CRICKET Home Counties Premier Division 1 Slough (142 all out) lost to Wokingham (146-7)

High Wycombe (175-7) beat Finchampstead (174 all out)

Wargrave (250-9) beat Harefield (186 all out)

BCM Championship Ballinger Waggoners (199-8) lost to Shinfield (315-6)

Emmbrook and Bearwood (238-7) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood (199-9) West Reading (111 all out) lost to Braywood (112-6)

Chilterns Division One Denham 2s (185 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (187-5)

BCL Premier Division Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (192 all out) beat Sandhurst (182-7)

Farley Hill (300-7) beat West Reading 2s (159 all out)

Peppard Stoke Row 2s (108 all out) lost to Reading United (113-1)

Shinfield 2s (149 all out) lost to Woodcote (153-4)

BCL Division One Reading Lions (149-2) beat Earley (146 all out) Rangers (287-6) beat Welford Park (199 all out)

Waltham St Lawrence (205 all out) tied Checkendon (205 all out)

Thames Valley Division 1 Stoke Green (93 all out) lost to Eversley (94-2)

Wokingham 2s (118 all out) lost to Falkland (271 all out)

Thames Valley Division 2B

Sonning (91 all out) lost to Burnham (176 all out)

Binfield (191 all out) lost to Cove (287-6)

Reading (124-3) beat Hurst (123 all out)

Finchampstead (93 all out) lost to Sulhamstead & Ufton (178 all out)

Sunday, May 21

FOOTBALL

FA Vase final

Ascot United 1-0 Newport Pagnell Town

Thames Valley Women’s Division Two Kingsclere 0-0 S4K Berks County

Thames Valley Division 3S Burghfield 0-8 Larkspur Rovers

CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Super 8 Cricket

Crowthorne & Crown Wood (76-2) beat Cookham Dean (63-3)

Moreton (86-6) lost to Sonning (94-2)

Cookham Dean (83 all out) lost to Binfield (105-4)

Sonning (46-5) lost to Wargrave (82-8)

Moreton (74-8) lost to Wargrave (68-6) Crowthorne & Crown Wood (77-4) beat Binfield (86-6)

FIXTURES

Wednesday, May 24

Thames Valley Division Two Reading YMCA Rapids v Stoke Poges

Thames Valley Division Three Henley Town Development v Reading City Development

Saturday, May 27

FOOTBALL

Women’s Super League Reading v Chelsea

CRICKET Home Counties Division One Finchampstead v Banbury High Wycombe v Wargrave Wokingham v Harefield

BCM Championship Braywood v Emmbrook and Bearwood Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ballinger Waggoners Great Kingshill v West Reading Shinfield v Mortimer West End

BCL Premier Division Reading United v Shinfield 2s West Reading 2s v Goring on Thames

Woodcote v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s

BCL Division One

Earley v Checkendon

Silchester v Reading Lions

West Reading 3s v Maidenhead Royals

Rangers v Waltham St Lawrence

Thames Valley Division One

Uxbridge v Wokingham 2s

Eversley v Cookham Dean

Thames Valley Division 2B Cove v Sonning

Slough 2s v Binfield

Hurst v Harpsden

Reading v Finchampstead 2s

Sunday, May 28

FOOTBALL

Thames Valley Women’s Division One

Ascot United Reserves v Tilehurst Panthers

Owen Root presents the Coaches’ Player of the Year to Henry Bird

Rams’ CEO Gary Reynolds presents the retiring Ollie Taylor with a shirt

Winner of the Players’ Player Award, James McRae

Royals captain Emma Mukandi Stock Picture: Steve Smyth