Reading Today, June 15, 2022

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Wednesday, June 15, 2022 No. 34 90p

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Wednesday, June 15, 2022 No. 34 90p

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Here’s how temperatures in the Royal County has risen over the centuries.

Now it’s time to do something about it SPECIAL REPORT INSIDE

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HIV charity up for podcast award

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AN HIV charity based in Reading has been nominated for a national podcast award, writes Jake Clothier.

HIV, Hope & Charity, the podcast produced by Thames Valley Positive Support, has been put in the running for the British Podcast Awards 2022.

TVPS provides support and resources for people affected by HIV across Berkshire, and is currently the only HIV-focused charity in Berkshire.

Part of the charity’s work to break the stigma and misconceptions surrounding HIV includes their podcast.

Hosts Jessica Harding and Sarah Macadam explore the effects of HIV, dispel myths, look at the history of the disease, and celebrate some of its history’s heroes.

Now it has been nominated for a National Podcast Award, and awaits the announcement of the shortlist on Monday, June 20.

Ms Macadam said: “Podcasts are such a fantastic way to connect with people – they’re free, they’re discreet and you can listen anywhere.

“Jess and I are learning along

Shuttle to RBH

UP FOR GONG: Jessica Harding and Sarah Macadam host HIV, Hope & Charity, which has been shortlisted for the British Podcast Awards

with the audience every week and we really enjoy creating HIV, Hope and Charity – something I’m sure our listeners would agree is quite clear.”

The podcast has explored subjects such as the recent TV show It’s A Sin, Princess Diana, Mark Fowler from EastEnders, Charlie Sheen, and Liz Taylor.

The hosts have more than 30 years of combined experience at the charity, and have produced the podcast’s weekly series since October

2019.

“We also encourage our listeners to let us know any HIV Heroes or HIV historical events they would like us to cover, so if you have any ideas, get in touch.

“After a fantastic reception to the podcast, we decided to enter the British Podcast Awards to help spread the word even further about this important topic. We’re excited to be attending the shortlist announcement event on Monday, June 20.”

Tales from the riverbank: new school by Rivermead

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

A NEW secondary school is to be built next to the new Rivermead Leisure Complex, and it will house 1,500 pupils.

The River Academy, to be run by the Maiden Erlergh Trust, will welcome 300 sixth form students, as well as pupils with additional needs when it opens in September 2023.

The plan was approved at a meeting of councillors on Wednesday, June 1, despite concerns over access to the site, and heating.

Councillor Andrew Hornsby-Smith (Labour, Church) raised the issue over travel to and from the school.

“I’m concerned that simply providing 120 cycling spaces is inadequate, particularly as there is no bus service from the west at the moment,” he said.

Currently, the only service running

to Rivermead is the Reading Buses 42 route, which runs in a loop from the leisure complex to Kenavon Drive in east Reading.

The school was designed by Bowmer + Kirkland construction company which was contracted by the Department of Education.

Cllr Josh Williams (Green, Park) raised concerns over the design of the buildings: “It’s incredibly disappointing to see no green roof, to the fact that we exist in a climate emergency, or to educating our children, then that is the case.

“I look at the pictures and I see a fairly boxy unattractive design in front of us.”

He said the school is “obviously needed” and that the loss of the green space was “justified” in this case.

Councillors also raised concerns over the use of gas condensing boilers to heat the school.

In the plan’s energy statement, the

boilers could be replaced with air source heat pumps and further green measures being left open. Councillors were concerned these measures may not be implemented.

Cllr Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) said: “The hope and dream of any kind of future improved heating, air source heat pumps or PV panels on top of the roof, to me seem a pipe dream that will never be realised because we’re working on a budget here.”

She also pointed out that the school would have no access to the River Thames.

Cllr Rowland said: “I understand there’s safety issues there, but there’s just a cold lack of response to what is a local green space.”

The school was approved by Reading Borough Council’s planning committee. The application is number 212061, and can be viewed on the council’s planning website.

A NEW shuttle bus service launched next week will help staff get to the Royal Berkshire Hospital, writes James Aldridge.

Reading Buses is to launch the new route following the announcement that its park and ride service from Thames Valley Park – the 400 – is to be axed this weekend due to lack of use.

The buses will also run from Mereoak in Three Mile Cross, with both services helping NHS staff get to the Craven Roadbased healthcare facility. The service will run from 6.45am to 7.15pm.

A spokesperson for Reading Buses said: “We have been using three vehicles and six drivers that normally run the Winnersh Triangle park&ride 500 service to run the temporary Thames Valley park&ride 400 service while Wokingham Borough Council funded the service during Winnersh Triangle closure.

“The vehicles and drivers were intended return to Winnersh Triangle when the carpark reopens in 2023, but we have plenty of other work for them to undertake in the meantime including a new shuttle service for NHS staff from Thames Valley park&ride and Mereoak park&ride starting the following Monday.”

Car theft suspects TWO MEN suspected of breaking into cars were caught by police last week.

The incidents took place in Brierley Place in Tilehurst, between 1am and 2.30am on Tuesday, June 7.

Police said that two men were seen ‘interfering’ with parked cars. They were found and then detained by officers.

They were found with items that were thought to have been stolen.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We are appealing to those living in the area to check their vehicles.

“If you find items missing, please contact us online or by calling 101 quoting reference 43220247381.”

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Reading’s creativity blossoms at Whiteknights Studio Trail

GEMS: Cathy Newell-Price’s jewellery often evokes the natural, mimicking plant and animal forms

SQUARE: Tom Cartmill’s mixed media and drawing techniques combine to create surreal, textural pieces which evoke the sens of touch using visual media. Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision

RECALL: Heather McAteer’s combines drawing and painting to look at how our memories form our history, and hor our history in turn forms out identity

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today WHITEKNIGHTS Studio Trail returned in full force this year, after its 20th anniversary trail in 2020 was cancelled, and a scaled-back event held last year.

Last week, it was back with a full complement of 38 artists across 24 venues around the Whiteknights area.

Exhibits included sculptures, photography, textural work, metallurgy, jewellery, painting, needlework and textile art.

Photographer Anne-Marie Carroll, who has been nominated for a Pride of Reading Award for her work in bringing arts to new audiences, displayed photographs that she felt exhibited some of the “unexpected outcomes” from her process.

Mixed-media artist Tom Cartmill displayed some of his other-worldly textural work, which combines physical media and drawing to create small, tactile pieces.

Fabric work by the Kennet Quilters was on show, displaying the textiles skills from traditional patchwork to contemporary pieces, merging innovative techniques and materials with classic design.

Sculptures by Sadie Brockbank also featured, ranging from bronze and metal work to ceramics, examining the relationship we have with the environment and the dependence of living things on one another.

Heather McAteer also exhibited some of her artwork, who uses drawing and painting techniques to explore history, identity, and memory.

QUILTED: Another creation by the Kennet Quilters, who use textiles in modern and unique ways to create up-to-date art with a traditional medium

SCULPTOR: Sadie Brockbank with one of her sculptural pieces

SNAP: Anne-Marie Carroll’s photography explores the “reflections and ambiguities” that have been on her mind

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Decision day on parking permits for The Mount COUNCILLORS are to discuss proposals to introduce parking restrictions on a residential road in Reading tonight – a move which would impact an amateur theatre, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter.

At the moment, The Mount has a two-hour restriction in place on weekdays from 10am to 4pm. Under the proposals, it would see a residents’ permit parking scheme introduced in line with much of Reading. Non-residents would be able to park for up to two hours between 8am and 8pm, and permits needed for overnight.

This would mean people attending shows staged by Progress Theatre, which is also based in The Mount, would not be able to park outside as they have done for many decades.

A decision on the changes will be made at the council’s traffic management subcommittee, which will take place at 6.30pm tonight.

Some residents welcomed the changes, saying the existing rules denied them spaces, but others have concerns for the theatre.

Redlands area councillors David McElroy (Green), Kathryn McCann (Green) and Will Cross (Labour) held a residents meeting last month.

Cllr McElroy said: “The debate was mainly concerned with defining the problem. It was near unanimously agreed that it is not difficult to find parking on The Mount as a whole, with parking more difficult at the Lower Mount end.

“It was also largely agreed that the situation was not serious enough to warrant making the proposed changes to the waiting restrictions.

“The council is not willing to make substantial alterations to the current proposal at this point, so we will be recommending that the sub-committee rejects it at their June meeting.

“That is what we expect to happen.”

Proposals to add double yellow lines along the length of Shinfield Road could create a problem in The Mount, Cllr McElroy said.

This will also be discussed at the same meeting.

Suggestions put forward by the councillors include the theatre allowing residents to use its car park out of hours and improving the terms of the metre parking on Cintra Avenue to help visitors to the theatre.

A car park on Sutton Walk would benefit from improved lighting, and there could be a negotiation with the university to allow theatregoers to use its car parks.

Another suggestion was for the university to improve its parking affordability for administration and auxiliary staff, to encourage them not to park in The Mount.

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To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today STUMPED: The tree that has been cut down to size along the Kennet Side in East Reading.

Credit: Reading Green Party

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 15, 2022

John Lewis plans to convert Reading site into affordable homes

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

THE JOHN Lewis Partnership has announced the first three locations of its proposed new rental homes.

Gas firm given fine for cutting tree without permission AN ENERGY company has been fined more than £2,500 after cutting back a tree without permission, writes James Aldridge, local democracy reporter.

In March 2021, Southern Gas Networks severely p a horse chestnut tree on Kennetside close to a car park used by Newtown Primary School.

Park ward councillor Josh Williams raised the matter with Reading Borough Council officers, and the firm was ordered to pay £2,713 compensation.

Fellow Park ward councillor and leader of the opposition, Cllr Rob White, said: “SGN were doing some gasworks in March 2021 and the Kennet Side was closed. It was during this period the tree was cut down.

“After the Kennetside was reopened, eagle eyed Green councillor Josh Williams noticed that a council tree had been disappointingly cut down.”

He was pleased that SGN had been given a penalty for the work.

“It is good that SGN were fined. We hope this sends a message out that if you cut down council trees you will be fined,” he said.

SGN apologised for taking the tree down and confirmed its agreement compensate the council.

Spokesperson Dan Brown said: “As part of work to demolish the gas holder, abandon old mains and install below ground equipment for the redeveloped

land near Kennetside, we removed a horse chestnut tree due to unforeseen circumstances.

“The tree was felled to safely manoeuvre our crane carrying the equipment being installed during a oneday closure of Cholmeley Road. This was due to the site’s proximity to the River Kennet and the space between other existing trees.”

He added that the company regretted the decision.

“As the felling was outside our previous agreement with Reading Borough Council, we agreed to compensate the local authority for the value of the tree,” he said.

A Reading Borough Council spokesperson said: “SGN assured the Council that future works would take account of any legal requirements around the removal of trees.

“Similarly, we would use this opportunity to remind everyone to take the time to ensure they do not undertake tree works without the necessary permissions that may be required owing to Tree Protection Orders or location in a conservation area, for example.”

Work took place to dismantle the town’s last remaining gas tower took place in March. It will be replaced with 130 apartments built across three towers: a nine-storey building, a five-storey building, and a two-storey building.

The partnership is seeking to provide properties which cater to the UK’s growing built-to-rent market, proposing the conversion of three of its sites.

While its Heelas store in Reading’s Broad Street is unaffected, its former warehouse on Mill Lane is set to become one of the buildings that it intends to turn into rental homes.

A period of public consultation will begin later in the year regarding the vacant John Lewis warehouse at the site.

The warehouse close to the centre of the town centre is currently disused, after it closed for business as a collection point early in 2020.

Nina Bhatia, executive director for strategy and commercial development at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “Everything people love about our brand – quality, trust and service – we want to bring to the experience of renting a home with us.

“Our role as developer and operator, as well as an already established local business and employer, signals our ambition to bring long-term value to each of these communities.”

Details of the designs will not be

A TOTAL of 181 firearms and ammunition items have been handed into Thames Valley Police during a firearms surrender.

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shown until later in the year, with the partnership seeking flexibility and the opportunity for residents to shape the plans.

The current proposals, however, would see a diverse range of homes built on the sites, with options for long and short tenures, and furnished by John Lewis.

They would also seek to include shared spaces, such as gardens and fitness studios.

Ms Bhatia explained: “Helping to create homes has always been at the heart of what we do and we now have a unique opportunity to

use our expertise and skills in new ways to deliver much-needed new housing.”

The other two proposed sites, in Bromley and West Ealing, are also set to reach the public consultation stage later this year.

Overall, the John Lewis partnership is seeking to deliver 10,000 new homes in the next ten years, 5,000 of which will be on sites it already owns.

Its move into the retail market, it says, is part of its plans to diversify its revenue streams away from retail.

More than 180 firearms given to police during amnesty drive

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NEW LOOK: The John Lewis partnership is seeking to provide rental homes, though no changes to its department store on Broad Street are currently proposed. Picture: Chris J Wood via Wikimedia Commons.

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The force appealed to the public to hand in any unwanted guns or ammunition between Thursday, May 12, and Sunday, May 29, in the campaign supported by police forces in England and Wales.

Across the Thames Valley, 181 items were handed in, including 48 firearms as well as ammunition, The amnesty was part of a campaign coordinated by the National Ballistics Intelligence Service.

Thames Valley Police says that many firearms are held “in ignorance of their illegality” or are forgotten in people’s homes.

Some firearms are also held legally and are no longer required.

Other firearms are acquired and distributed by criminal networks to harm, threaten and intimidate their local communities.

The surrender allowed people to hand in firearms and ammunition by contacting the police.

Head of firearms at Thames Valley Police, Superintendent Gavin Wong said: “Thank you to everyone who handed in any firearms or ammunition as part of the firearms surrender.

“This means that there are now 181 fewer firearms and items

of ammunition that were either unwanted or held in ignorance of their illegality, which could have easily fallen into the hands of criminals.

“Thames Valley Police’s fight against gun crime is stronger than ever, as we work with our partners and local communities to safeguard, educate and intervene at the earliest opportunity.”

He continued: “We use various overt and covert tactics to locate weapons that have fallen into the wrong hands, but we also need the public’s help to ensure unwanted, unlicensed or illegal firearms are handed in.

“Thankfully, firearms crime remains low across the country, and the national surrender prevents firearms from falling into the pool of criminally used weapons.

“Although the firearms surrender has now concluded, anyone who finds a firearm or is uncertain about the lawful possession of a firearm, please call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

“Alternatively, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously via its website or by calling 0800 555 111.”

Wednesday, June 15, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

Copper pipes stolen from site A BUILDING site in Calcot was the target for thieves last month, and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Bellway Homes is building Fairfields, a collection of one- and two-bedroom apartments and two-, threeand four-bedroom houses, off Dorking Way. Thames Valley Police said that at some point between Saturday, May 7 and Monday, May 9, five people broke into the site.

CCTV images show they were wearing hoodies with the hood up.

They also had face masks and appear to have gloves on.

They stole two rows of copper piping – 45 pipes in total, as well as four disc cutters and some cable reels.

Police said that the crowbar was left at the scene, which is being investigated by forensics.

Anyone with information or CCTV footage from doorbells or vehicles that could help police with their investigation is asked to call 101.

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Foodie McFood Waste? Search on to name bin lorries

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today RESIDENTS in Reading are being encouraged to make a name for themselves by naming their new food waste collection trucks.

A fleet of six new food waste disposal vehicles is being introduced by Reading Borough Council, who is seeking the help of the public in finding a suitable name for the vehicles.

The dedicated food waste collection vehicles have been tackling the more than 2kg of waste generated per household per week since February 2021.

In that time, however, they’ve gone about their duty without names.

Now the council is giving them names, with five to be decided by the school children of Reading, and the last left open for all residents to decide upon.

Reading’s lead member for environmental services and community safety, Cllr Karen Rowland, said: “This is a fun way to reward those residents who have really

KATE BINSLET: Clever, but clean, names are being sought by Reading Borough Council for their food waste disposal trucks. Picture: Courtesy of Reading Borough Council taken to food waste recycling by letting them get creative to name the trucks they see on the street supporting their recycling efforts.

“By engaging with the scheme since it was introduced last year, residents have helped stop food waste going to landfill where it rots and releases methane, a harmful greenhouse gas.

“Instead participants have so far helped to divert over 7,600 tonnes of food waste to be recycled, which is being turned into fertiliser for farming,

and electricity to power homes.”

The vehicles now see a significant reduction in household waste, of which 41% was previously food waste.

It has since bumped Reading’s overall recycling rate up from 35% to over 50%.

As such, RBC has been able to scale back its landfill waste disposal, and food waste is now used to generate power or turned into fertiliser. n To take part in the naming competition, visit: www. reading.gov.uk

COCO PANEL: A CGI of what a potential branch of Coco Di Mama would look like in Broad Street Picture: Technical Signs

New Italian takeaway planned for town centre A NEW Italian takeaway could be opened on Reading’s Broad Street if plans are approved.

Coco Di Mama would open in the former Ecco shoe store in Broad Street, and become part of a row of diners that includes Dutch chip specialist Chipstar and Californianstyle taco and burrito diner Tortilla.

The newcomer’s menu includes pasta, sandwiches, lasagne, soups and sweet treats.

It is billed as “the UK’s leading quick-service Italian”, according to its owners the Azzuri Group, which also operates the Zizzi and ASK Italian restaurant chains.

A branch of Zizzi is in The Oracle’s Riverside, while the ASK restaurant in St Mary’s Butts has since closed.

Coco Di Mama’s menu has been available in Reading for home diners using delivery services such as Deliveroo. It has been made in the Zizzi branch.

At the time of going to press, no plans for the interior have been submitted, and it is unknown how many people will be able to eat in.

The plans can be viewed by searching for reference 220631 at Reading Borough Council’s planning website, http://planning.reading.gov. uk/fastweb_PL/welcome.asp

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Car stolen from Tilehurst home A CAR was stolen from a home in Tilehurst earlier this month, and police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The incident took place between 1am and 7.22am on Monday, June 6, at an address in Newbery Close, off Newbery Hill.

It is thought the burglars broke in by the front door, but it is not known exactly how they entered the home.

In addition to the car, the thieves took keys and a wallet.

Thames Valley Police is hoping that anyone with doorbell footage, CCTV cameras or dashcam footage that could help their investigation will come forward, by calling 101.

Rhymetime fun for toddlers WHITLEY Library is hosting interactive language sessions for babies and toddlers.

Rhymetime sessions are free to attend but booking is essential due to limited numbers.

Places can be secured up to three weeks in advance.

Sessions take place between 11am-11.30am on Thursdays at the South Reading Community Centre on Northumberland Avenue. n To make a booking, visit: www.reading.gov.uk

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Gyles Brandreth calls for gaol site to encompass arts and heritage HERITAGE: Banksy’s artwork on the side of the Reading gaol wall.

Picture: Phil Creighton

EXCLUSIVE

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today READING Gaol is currently in limbo, after the latest bid by Reading Borough Council to turn the site into an arts centre was rejected in May 2021.

The site was put back up for sale by the Ministry of Justice shortly after in June 2021, with proposals, including RBC’s £2.6 million bid, still being considered.

The site holds potential as an arts hub largely due to its association with Oscar Wilde, who was famously imprisoned there between 1895 and 1897, where he authored the Ballad of Reading Gaol.

Gyles Brandreth, honorary president of the Oscar Wilde Society, said: “Whatever the future holds for the building, it’d be wonderful if it could encompass some involvement with the arts, with heritage, and with the university.”

“Reading Gaol is part of the story of Reading, and buildings with a dark history to them can be as fascinating as buildings that are more celebratory.”

In February 2021, art, apparently in reference to Oscar Wilde and the arts more generally, appeared on the wall

of the prison overnight.

This was later confirmed to have been created by Banksy, who has joined a number of celebrities to back proposals for the site to become an arts hub.

Stephen Fry, Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, and Dame Judi Dench have all spoken publicly of their support for the proposals.

Gyles says: “A prison can tell a story as vividly as a palace can.

And, of course, we associate reading jail with Oscar Wilde because of his poetry.

“The last, his last major work,

perhaps the only major work he produced after leaving prison, was the Ballad of Reading Gaol.

“It’s an account of the fate of one of the prisoners, and a wonderfully powerful poem.”

In May 2022, the Save Reading Gaol campaign uploaded a video performance of the ballad, featuring readings from actor Liam Neeson and poet Luke Wright, among others.

“Reading is also associated with biscuits, through Huntley and Palmers, and the friends of Oscar Wilde and his wife

included some of the Palmers.

“Indeed among the official visitors to the prison was a member of the Palmer family, so the story of Reading is wrapped up in the Gaol.”

“The challenge for the Ministry of Justice is that they need money to pay for the modern prison system, and they’ve got to get a return for the prison.”

A number of campaigns to save the prison have been put forward, including around 1,000 people joining hands around the prison in a ‘hug’ in 2019.

This was also the year that the Save Reading Gaol campaign was founded, and Kirstin Sinclair published designs as part of the Open Skies Centre of Arts Reading, or OSCAR, proposal.

The plans saw space for two theatres, a music school, art studios and galleries, a museum, and even a radio station, as well as a number of communal, social spaces.

“Wilde also found at the prison one of the chaplains, and one of the prison governors, who he felt offered him friendship – it’s very interesting, complex, human and literary and social story.

“It’s exciting to have Banksystyle murals, and the potential for doing interesting things

with it is very, very great.”

Gyles has also published a number of books which follow a fictionalised Wilde as he solves mysteries, also set in Reading Gaol.

“I spent a lot of time in Reading, researching, and I remember visiting the prison when it was still a prison and going to the cell in which Oscar Wilde was imprisoned for much of the two years.

“They’ve put a little plaque outside the cell saying Oscar Wilde was here giving his prison number, and I got into the cell.

“The prisoner there had no idea who Oscar Wilde was, although,” Gyles jokes, “because he’d seen Countdown, he’d heard of me, which made me smile at the time.”

He says he remains “hopeful that something can happen that will enable the prison to to continue in some way.”

In March, Professor Peter Stonely at the University of Reading published a short history of the Gaol.

Professor Stoneley has also voiced his support for the site to become an arts hub.

The Ministry of Justice is currently still considering a number of proposals for the site.

n oscarwildesociety.co.uk

Nine-year-old Dexter has a perfect 10 sporting challenges to tackle

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A WOODLEY schoolboy is set to take on a series of 10 formidable sporting challenges for a noble cause.

Dexter Rosier will be completing the decathlon in June to help raise money for Sport in Mind, a sport and mental health charity.

The campaign will see the fundraising superstar attempt to score past Team GB hockey star Amy Tennant and complete dives at the London Aquatics Centre with Olympic champion Leon Taylor.

“Staying active makes me feel strong, positive and happy and I want others to understand how great and important it is too!” he said.

The effort combines two of Dexter’s passions: sport and helping other young people.

Sport in Mind is the UK’s leading sport and mental health charity.

The organisation was formed in Reading in 2010 to improve the lives of those experiencing mental health issues through sport and physical activity.

The charity’s CEO Neil Harris was full of praise for the youngster’s endeavour, saying: “We cannot wait to see how many goals Dexter can score against Britain’s best hockey goalkeeper or watch him

CHALLENGE: Dexter Rosier will be taking on ten sporting challenges in June to raise money for Sport in Mind Picture: Samantha Rosier

complete a dive in the London Olympic Aquatics Centre.”

“We are in awe of Dexter’s dedication in raising awareness and educating young people on the benefits of being active for good mental health.”

Sporting goods retailer Decathlon UK is supporting Dexter by providing the kit he requires to participate in each event.

The nine-year-old is scheduled to complete the

challenges on Sunday, June 26, just before tenth birthday.

Dexter is simultaneously undertaking a mile-a-day fundraising effort in support of the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

He also famously wrote a letter to England footballer Marcus Rashford after Euro 2020, which went viral.

n For more information or to donate, visit: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/dextersdecathlon

9

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10 | NEWS

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Parking permits could go digital PLANS to take Reading’s parking permit scheme into the digital age have been broadly welcomed.

At the moment, the system for residents involves scratchcards and an element of luck in avoiding traffic wardens, but it is hoped that a trial will be approved at a meeting on Wednesday and, if a success, offer parking by the hour, rather than bands.

An area of Lower Caversham is to be used for the scheme, and feedback will help determine whether the project will be rolled out across the borough.

Similar to Ringo parking systems for car parks, where motorists pay using their mobile phones, the digital permits are registered on parking systems. Wardens can check if a vehicle holds a valid permit or not – and no physical permit needs to be displayed on the windscreen This will help avoid claims of permits falling off the dashboard.

Reading Borough Council says paperless permits have been successfully used in London Boroughs for a number of years now. Other advantages include an instant issue, rather than having to wait up to 14 days, and offering permits by the hour rather than half days.

The proposed zone is 02R, covering: Ardler Road, Brackstone Close, Briants Avenue, Champion Road, Coldicutt Street, George Street, Gosbrook Road, Heron Island, Kings Road, Marsack Street, Mill Green, Mill Road, Montague Street, Nelson Road, Piggots Road, Queens Road, Send Road, Southview Avenue, St Johns Road and Washington Road.

The council said this zone was well defined and of a reasonable size of 584 permit holders.

The pilot will be discussed at a meeting of the Council’s Traffic Management Sub Committee on Wednesday, June 15.

Cllr Tony Page, Reading Borough Council’s lead councillor for climate strategy and transport, said: “If approved following a statutory consultation process, this pilot will provide us with valuable feedback from local residents in the trial area.

“The main advantages of digital permits are that they are instantly issued online, negating the delay and cost of physical permits being posted. The ability to use visitor

permits by the hour should also prove popular, as it represents better value for money for local residents.”

He added: “I would stress this would be a pilot, which means we would welcome all feedback, both through the consultation process and during the trial itself if it comes to fruition in the autumn.

“There are currently 19 residents parking zones in Reading, made up of 16,000 households and 12,000 parking spaces.

“Any future decision to introduce such a scheme boroughwide would be a major one and would be given careful consideration following evaluation of the pilot.”

Opposition parties welcomed the trial, but had some concerns over the outcomes.

Green councillor and leader of the main opposition party, Cllr Rob White, said: “Greens have been asking about improving permit parking for some time, so we are glad to see that finally electronic visitor permits are going to be trialled.

“We would also like to see more enforcement of the existing zones so residents can more easily get parked.”

Cllr James Moore, deputy leader of Reading Liberal Democrats, said: “We broadly welcome the digital parking pilot and hope it will assist residents in accessing this service in a more timely manner.

“We have some concerns about the potential increase in complaints from residents not knowing if a car in their area is parked legally or not.

“Hopefully, the pilot will reveal how much of an issue this is and what mitigation steps may be required.”

And Cllr Clarence Mitchell, leader of the Reading Conservative Group, said: “Anything that makes life easier for Reading’s drivers is to be welcomed. We will be supporting the idea of a formal consultation over digital parking permits in the Lower Caversham area.

“Digital technology has worked well with the provision of digital road tax discs to replace paper ones nationally and, as long as the local digital infrastructure is sufficiently robust we can see no reason why this should not bring benefits to everyone who needs a permit to park in Reading, whether they are a local resident or a visitor.”

Train strike set to affect Reading commuters READING train users are being warned of upcoming planned industrial action.

RMT union strikes will see severe disruption to rail services on Tuesday, June 21, Thursday, June 23, and Saturday, June 25.

Great Western Railway (GWR) and South Western Railway services travelling through Reading and Wokingham are set to be affected.

With no replacement services provided, travellers are advised to plan alternative means of transport on those days.

GWR anticipates further disruption to services between strike days “due to the timing of the strike action”.

The strikes comes after members of Network Rail and train operating companies voted in favour of industrial action in a dispute over pay and pensions.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 15, 2022

STOKE ROW STEAM RALLY Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision

Martin taking the 1957 tractor for a spin

Kings and queens of the steam age

A

CELEBRATION of the steam age took place in Stoke Row over the weekend, as its rally returned.

Thousands of people flocked to Whitchurch Hill to enjoy two days of family-friendly fun.

Visitors could explore displays of steam engines, tractors, cars, trucks, motorbikes and plant machinery.

There were also military vehicles, and a visit from Carters Steam Fair.

A new display area was set up for miniature steam engines, used for log hauling, winching and

loading.

And there was a field set up for exhibitors to ride their vehicles so people could see them in action.

Other attractions included a flypast from a Hurricane, craft stalls, live music and food and drink stalls.

Unfortunately weather conditions prevented a hot air balloon from making an appearance.

The event was judged to be a success, with visitors taking to social media to praise the event, many calling it a brilliant day out.

Now the team is preparing for next year’s event.

A quick blast of steam gives the power at the Stoke

n For more details, log on to: www. stokerowsteamrally.com

There were large queues for the ice cream van - no surprise given the weather Peter on a steam engine 1930 owned

by Richard Hazell

Bueno is an andalusian horse that does a lot of re-enactments Back seat driving is Wayne from Abingdon and front seat is Rob from Wantage

Classic cars were part of the show

Row St

Wednesday, June 15, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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STOKE ROW STEAM RALLY

Reading marks two years since Forbury attacks

By JAKE CLOTHIER clothier@rdg.today READING will come together to mark the second anniversary of the Forbury Gardens attacks on Monday.

It will be two years to the day since James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett, and David Wails lost their lives in the attacks.

The ceremony will see a memorial service for friends, family, and invited guests at St Laurence’s Church MEMORY: A service on Monday, June 20, will commemorate the victims at 6pm. of the Forbury Gardens attacks, with a minute’s silence and flower laying After the service, attendees ceremony. Picture: Steve Smyth will be invited to take part in Cllr Jason Brock said: “Two and weeks which followed the a minutes silence in Forbury Gardens, followed by a flower years have passed since the attacks.

“My thoughts, and the laying ceremony led by family horrific events at the Forbury Gardens, but for many of us thoughts of everybody in and friends.

The Mayor of Reading, Cllr in the town it still feels much Reading, will always remain Rachel Eden, and Reading more recent and the magnitude with the families and close Borough Council leader, Cllr of that summer evening is still friends who so needlessly loved lost ones that day, as well as all Jason Brock, will also be at the forefront of our minds.

“Next week is an opportunity those injured or affected.” attending.

Reading Borough Council Members of the public are for everybody in Reading to welcome to pay their respects remember James, Joe and David, is still working with the at the public ceremony. held in and all of those injured, in the families of the victims to Forbury Gardens at 7pm, and lay Forbury Gardens two years ago. create a permanent “Whether you choose to do memorial, and is encouraging their own flowers.

Reading Borough Council will this in person at the minute’s contributions to the also make the event available to silence in the Gardens or in #ReadingTogether Fund, which your own private way, the will be donated towards the watch on its Facebook page.

At 9.45pm, the Maiwand Lion anniversary offers the town creation of the memorial. chance to come n Contributions to the fund can willQAS_Reading be lit in memory of Wokingham James, another and today_QASFest+Fitkin_130X160mm Joe, David, and everybody together in solidarity, just as it be made at: www.crowdfunder. did so magnificently in the days co.uk affected.

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12 | NEWS

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Fashion collaboration bags sustainability award

A CLOTHING range created by the University of Reading has won a national prize for sustainable fashion.

After appearing at London Fashion Week, outfits and accessories designed in collaboration with University of Reading and couturiers Tammam were awarded the Best Customer Engagement Campaign by fashion magazine Drapers.

The range’s design features the warming stripes, a visual data set which charts the changing annual temperatures around the globe since 1850, created by the university’s professor Ed Hawkins.

Since their creation in 2018, the stripes have become a symbol of the continuing climate crisis.

The range was given the award for its campaign to bring the issue of the climate crisis to a range of audiences, which judges noted for its ambitious scope.

Professor Hawkins, professor of climate science at the University of Reading, said: “Bringing about vital climate action cannot be achieved unless we do things differently and this fashion partnership demonstrates a novel approach.

“It’s brilliant to see the impact of the partnership and I hope it will help bring home the reality of climate change to more people, which will lead to more awareness and more action.”

The award comes less than two weeks after the university led the Climate Ambassadors Scheme, which provides schools and colleges access to climate experts and resources.

Lucy Tammam, the fashion designer behind the range of clothing, said: “We set out to make starting conversations about climate change stylish and fashionable and we are so delighted to see the impact this is having.

“Our sustainable scarves, showcased at London Fashion Week, have now been sent across the world and worn by some incredible people, including top scientists at COP26.”

Silk scarves created by Tammam, also featuring the stripes, were worn by some of the attendees to the Glasgow COP26 climate conference in November 2021.

The 2022 limited edition collection used fabrics such as hand-loomed organic cottons, peace silks and Tammam’s exclusive eco-tulle.

The collection also features “reinvented” vintage suits, where luxury fabrics that no longer serve their original purpose are reused.

Professor Hawkins’ climate stripes were described by Enter Shikari frontman Rou

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 15, 2022

The story of

Since their creation in 2018, the climate stripes have become a ubiquitous symbol of climate change and an emblem for climate action.

The bright colours and simple, clear message they carry has given the stripes universal appeal, hammering

home the fact that the impacts of climate change are already being felt in all corners of the world.

The stripes were made freely available from showyourstripes.info in June 2019, and were downloaded

Climate education experts rea

The climate stripes have become a symbol of climate action since they were created by the University of Reading’s professor Ed Hawkins in 2018. Picture: Ed Hawkins, University of Reading.

Reynolds as “one of the most defining, most crucial images of our time” when they were displayed during the band’s main stage set at Reading Festival in 2019.

MORE than 60 climate change experts are ready and waiting to assist schools and pupils in Reading and beyond to prepare for a world under climate change.

A total of 66 researchers and professionals working in climate science have signed up to a new Climate Ambassadors Scheme designed by the University of Reading and STEM Learning.

The scheme allows teachers and schools to submit requests for support on climate education or sustainability issues in order to receive advice or support from an expert.

Requests might include identifying the best climate change resources to use in lessons, or advice on lowering their carbon footprints.

The Scheme was launched in April as part of the Department for Education’s national sustainability and climate change strategy.

It is one part of a wider Climate Education Action Plan launched by the University and partners at COP26 in November, following a Climate Education Summit hosted by the group.

Both the Action Plan and Summit brought together young people, scientists, educators and national organisations to identify how teachers can be better

supported to incorporate climate change into all lessons, from history to economics.

Broadcast meteorologist and Reading alumna Laura Tobin, who is a champion for the scheme, said: “Teachers are already changing and shaping lives across the country

Wednesday, June 15, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

NEWS | 29

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f the stripes

So, just what are the stripes?

NO words. No numbers. No graphs.

Just a series of vertical coloured bars, showing the progressive heating of our planet in a single, striking image.

The climate stripes, created by Professor Ed Hawkins at the University more than a million times within a week of the website launch.

They have been shared on social media by the likes of the United Nations and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and on television channels around the world, adorn

of Reading in 2018, show clearly and vividly how global average temperatures have risen over nearly two centuries.

Each stripe represents the average temperature for a single year, relative to the longer-term average temperature. Shades of blue

indicate cooler-than-average years, while red shows years that were hotter than average.

The deep red stripes on the right-hand side of the graphic are a stark reminder of the rapid heating our planet has seen in recent decades.

Stripes have been created for almost every country in the world, and even for individual US states, English counties and oceans.

All of them portray the same message – that climate change is impacting every inch of our planet right now.

the cover of a forthcoming book on climate change by Greta Thunberg, and have been spotted on the Main Stage at Reading Festival, on the London Fashion Week catwalk and on badges worn by US senators.

ady to be deployed in schools

What can I do?

every day and require expert support if we are to build knowledge and skills into teaching to help young people face the challenges that come with a changing planet.

“I would urge anyone who is passionate about and knowledge of climate change and sustainability to

become a Climate Ambassador and help bring about positive changes in all classrooms.” n Experts wanting to sign up as ambassadors and schools and teachers wanting to connect with them can visit stem.org.uk/climate-ambassadors

#SHOWYOURSTRIPES Day falls on Tuesday 21 June.

The easiest way to get involved is to download a stripes graphic from showyourstripes.info and join thousands of others around the world in sharing them on social media on that day.

Stripes are available for more than 200 countries, oceans, states and counties, allowing people everywhere to visualise and share how climate change is affecting where they live.

The stripes are intended

to start conversations about climate change.

By sharing them with friends and family and talking about their meaning you can help climate science reach new audiences, raise awareness of the scale of the problem the planet faces and bring about climate action.

This year’s #ShowYourStripes Day is will be the biggest yet, with the stripes more visible than ever around Reading, including on digital screens at Reading Station and Broad Street Mall.

Students and staff at the University of Reading’s UK and international campuses will be given climate stripes badges to wear on 21 June, allowing our entire community to demonstrate their pride at the stripes being created in Reading and their support of the message they carry.

Badges, mugs, face masks and other items featuring the stripes are available from artuk.org, while donations can be made at showyourstripes.info to support climate science and

education at the University.

Free online courses designed by the University are also available via futurelearn.com for those who want to learn a bit more about climate change and what they can do to take meaningful action (search ‘Planet Partners: Tackling the Climate Crisis Together’) , or for teachers seeking to incorporate climate education into their lessons (search ‘Teaching Climate and Sustainability in Primary Schools: An Outdoor Learning Approach’).

30 | VIEWPOINTS

We must never forget the Three

ON MONDAY, Reading has a chance to come together once again to honour the memory of three men who lost their lives simply for being in a park.

The horror and lasting impact of the terrorist attack in Forbury Gardens will remain with us always.

David Wails, James Furlong and Joe Ritchie-Bennett were murdered on a fine summer’s evening. Several others were injured.

All for some warped agenda that we will never quite understand.

So many people have been left grieving by this senseless loss: families, friends, work colleagues, and school children from The Holt in Wokingham.

The memorial service in the Forbury, streamed on Facebook, will give us all the chance to pause and reflect on three lives tragically cut short.

It is important that we take part, and ensure their legacy lives on.

You are missed David, James and Joe.

CHURCH NOTES

Humility and grace

A

S I write this, we have all enjoyed a weekend of celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – a thank you for 70 years of service.

It was so lovely to see people from across the town, young and old gathering together to celebrate and thank our much loved and adored monarch.

There are very few events that generate the same level of enthusiasm and energy and it was truly heart warming to see a country celebrating with pride.

Some of my favourite moments were when the Royal Family gathered in the Royal box and on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, it was so lovely to see that despite all the pomp and ceremony, Prince Louis still wanted to sit on his grandfather (Charles’) knee and to show his Great Granny the planes as the fly-past took place.

The Queen has always been known for her humility and grace, even as head of state though, it is easy to forget that at the heart of all that she represents, she is a Great-Grandmother, Mum, Aunt….

Jesus did not have any descendants but he too treated his flock with grace, humility and humbleness and at the time there are many accounts of similar enthusiasm and energy when the crowds gathered to follow him.

Jesus is no longer a ‘physical’ presence among us but his spirit surrounds us, not just within the walls of our churches but in our everyday being.

So, what is it that prevents us from gathering to adore him today? On Sunday? In all we do?

There are some truly amazing initiatives in Wokingham supporting those with learning disabilities, living in poverty, those with dementia, the homeless, young people, the list goes on… if you look closely, almost all of them take place or began in churches by and with Christians – a real ‘God send’ for many.

Maybe we could consider joining a gathering to thank God for all he does for us.

Not just on Sundays but in the things we do to support his work.

Claire Knight is the Community Outreach Team Leader for Wokingham Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Letters

Send your thoughts to news@rdg.today Facts, not fantasy Being Leader of the Opposition on Reading Borough Council is a great privilege, one that carries with it the responsibility of holding our town’s long-entrenched Labour administration fully to account for its actions and decisions.

However, that responsibility should always be discharged in a way that is based entirely on fact, not political fantasy.

So it was with some bemusement that I read Green Group Leader Councillor Rob White’s assertions in last week’s Reading Today (From the Chamber - June 8) in which he claimed that Labour’s latest budget was passed with “the Conservatives supporting Labour”.

This was quite some news to me - and, frankly, to Labour as well - as we, the Conservative councillors on RBC, unanimously voted against the administration’s budget on the grounds that it contained far too many assumptions and still left Reading facing an ongoing deficit of £5.8m.

Cllr White’s claim was all the more curious given the fact that he himself was actually sat in the Chamber just feet from us whilst we voted against the proposed consolidated budget motions.

He might also want to consult his diary as the budget setting meeting was actually in February

this year, not “in March” as Cllr White strangely seems to think.

I’m quite sure Cllr White is keen to make a mark quickly as the new Leader of the Opposition, but I’d suggest this really isn’t the best way to start.

The Greens on RBC, as elsewhere, often display the worst traits of naive, idealistic student politics.

So I hope that, for the good of Reading, Cllr White rapidly enters the real world where he’ll find the facts of politics, rather than his mistaken fantasies, brutally apply.

Cllr Clarence Mitchell, Conservative Group Leader and member for Emmer Green Ward, Reading Borough Council

Blue is the colour As June is hospice awareness month and blue is the hospice movement’s colour, between Saturday, June 18, and Friday, June 24, I will be going blue with my hair and clothes.

This will be in aid of Sue Ryder’s Duchess of Kent Hospice and the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, to raise much needed funds by way of donation.

But unlike the Little Blue Man that Petula Clark sang of in his earlier days, I hope nopone will push me off a rooftop in town.

Instead, I hope they give me a cheery wave or, better still, a pound or two when I am out and

From the Chamber Matt Rodda

We all pay the price for the PM’s parties

A

CROSS Reading, Woodley and Earley, the Jubilee spirit was in full swing and it was so lovely to see communities coming together and celebrating amongst themselves.

It provided, for some people, a four-day respite from the dayto-day challenges faced through the rampant cost of living crisis and job insecurity which show no signs of improving.

But while we were able to laugh together and renewing bonds in our communities, the realities of the problems we face came back into sharp relief with announcements last week that the Energy price cap is likely to rise by 46% - taking the average household bill to nearly £3,000 a year.

Run-away inflation is also continuing to drive up the cost of food with shopping basked staples such as pasta jumping in

price by 50%, minced beef and bread by 16% and breakfast cereals by 10% according to the Office of National Statistics.

The squeeze on family finances is felt at the petrol pumps with Petrol being 46.9p per litre more expensive than a year ago and diesel is up by 52.9p per litre – and as a result the Government is collecting record levels of VAT on petrol and diesel.

The Government’s much trumpeted ‘oil and gas excess profits levy’ – which we are to believe was not just a tactic to distract from the Sue Gray report – will allow some oil and gas companies to reduce their tax because of new rules allowing any profit earmarked for future investment to be excluded from the calculations.

The Chancellor’s new ‘levy’ is also not retrospective – meaning the billions in profits that have been made by oil and gas giants already will be entirely

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 15, 2022

about around Reading during the week.

Paul Farmer, Reading

Peppa for PM Who could ever replace Boris Johnson? One option might be a job share, with Peppa Pig alongside Boris Johnson as UK PM. Boris could keep on doing the Ken Dodd type comic pieces he already excels at so marvellously.

Peppa Pig could handle serious PM speeches, where words of sober sense to groups like the CBI (Confederation of British Industry) were needed. Peppa Pig might even mention Boris if the CBI speech needed lightening up.

J T Hardy by email

Sharing meals As Father’s Day approaches, I’m thinking about the joy my children bring to my life. Their energy, enthusiasm, and the happiness they take from even the smallest of things all give me hope for the future.

I support Mary’s Meals because this wonderful charity is a beacon of hope around the world. With the promise of a daily meal, hungry children are attracted into the classroom and have the energy to learn.

It costs Mary’s Meals just 8 pence to serve a life-changing meal to a hungry child, meaning every donation to the charity – no matter how small – can make an enormous difference.

Please join me in supporting the Hope Conquers Fear campaign. For more information, visit marysmeals.org.uk

Gary Maclean, MasterChef champion untouched.

While the latest support offered by the Government is welcome, it will not be nearly enough to prevent the huge bills most people can expect this winter.

And this is why the current furore around the Prime Minister’s law-breaking and the culture he presided over in Downing Street is a problem.

It seems that every minister, every cabinet member and those charged with running our country and tackling the huge challenges we face are, instead spending almost all their on saving the Prime Minister’s job.

Rather than getting a grip on the cost-of-living crisis or sorting the chaos in our airports, they’re busy working up their next scheme to convince their own colleagues that Boris Johnson is fit to be Prime Minister.

Rather than working out how to tackle climate change or bring down crime, all energy is spent telling Conservative MPs and the general public that the Prime Minister is very sorry for the No 10 parties he attended and that we should all forgive him.

While Government remains paralysed by its own actions and with 148 Conservative MPs no longer having confidence in the Prime Minister, we will all pay the price. That cannot be allowed to continue.

Matt Rodda is MP for Reading East

From the Chamber

Cllr Jason Brock

Reading remembers together: two years on

M

ONDAY will mark two years since one of the most traumatic events in our town’s history.

On June 20, 2020, David Wails, James Furlong and Joe Ritchie-Bennett were horrifically and senselessly murdered as they sat in the Forbury Gardens on a warm summer evening enjoying the company of their friends.

It seems incredible to me that two years have already passed, but that is probably because it left such a lasting impact on our town and on myself.

I’m certain that I’m not the only one who feels that way, and it is never far from my mind.

I can only imagine the continuing grief felt by the families and close friends of David, James and Joe. My heart also goes out to those people who were injured that evening and to everyone who was witness to such horror.

I’m sure I speak for everyone in Reading when I say our thoughts will always remain with them all – victims, family, and friends – particularly at this difficult time of year.

Aside from the obvious horror and shock of the event at the time, the other thing I will always carry with me was the way in which our town responded. I described it at the time as both dignified and magnificent and I can’t think of any better words today.

I also said then that, while Reading is a big and bustling town, what sets us apart is our sense of togetherness and community, a ‘little big town’ as I like to call it.

The attacks were an act of terror designed to drive us apart through imparting fear and discord, but for those of us who know Reading it was no surprise to instead see our communities pulling together and supporting each other as swiftly and strongly as they did.

It typified the town’s singular spirit and strength, even in the face of such a horrific event.

The response of Reading’s emergency services, our partner organisations, our voluntary sector, our local media, and, most of all, our people and communities will always stay with me.

On Monday next week there will be a private Memorial Service, which will be attended by family and friends of the victims alongside invited guests. They will then move on to Forbury Gardens itself where, at 7pm, I will join them, alongside the Mayor of Reading, for a minute’s silence and the laying of flowers.

People choose to remember such events in their own personal way.

Residents of the town are, of course, welcome to join me in attending the short ceremony in Forbury Gardens if they so choose and are also welcome to bring their own floral tributes. If you prefer to remember the event at home, we will be streaming the ceremony live on the Council’s own Facebook page.

As a Council, we will continue to work with the families of James, Joe and David, alongside the local community, on designs for a fitting and permanent memorial. If you would like to make a contribution to the permanent memorial, you can still do so at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ reading-together-memorial.

In the meantime, I am sure you will join me – in whatever way you choose – on Monday for the period of quiet reflection.

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

Wednesday, June 15, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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Norcot church launches Pantry to tackle rising cost of living

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After a soft launch earlier in May, the church has officially opened its new support service, which offers food as well as a place for people meet and socialise.

For a weekly subscription of £4, attendees will be given access to parcels of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as tinned and frozen goods.

The scheme is a franchise of a subsidised national food provision service, with collaboration between the Faith Christian Group, ReadiFood, and Reading Borough Council.

The weekly event was launched on Friday last week with an official unveiling by Cllr Debs Edwards.

Amanda Bayley, assistant director of the Faith Christian Group, said: “Some of the people who have joined have brought their children, so they can play while mum and dad attend.

“We don’t always have control over what we’re able to provide, but we hope that we can help broaden people’s diets.”

“We know that one day we shouldn’t have to be there, but equally if there are more pantries, the pressure on food banks, which is huge at the moment, will then hopefully be reduced.”

She says also that the pantry is the first in the south east.

It runs alongside the Norcot Mission Cafe, which takes place from 10am-noon.

“I think it’s about options, and people feeling that they need a bit of help, even if it’s just at the end of

Credit: shoot-lifestyle.co.uk

NORCOT Mission Church has launched a new local pantry, providing support to needy families.

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OPEN: Faith Christian Group’s assistant director, Amanda Bayley, with Cllr Debs Edwards, and members and trustees of the Norcot Pantry. Picture: Jake Clothier the month.

“They can come here, they can get a standard membership, choose their food, and off they go.

“You don’t have to turn up every week, or every month, but hopefully it’ll help people, whether they’re on low income or universal credit, we’re here.”

The launch was also attended by representatives from Reading Borough Council, including the deputy mayor, Cllr Debs Edwards, who cut the ribbon.

Ms Bayley said that the group was lucky to be working with the council.

“Our relationship with the council over last kind of five or 10 years has been amazing.”

Cllr Edwards said: “Most think

that Reading is a quite rich town, but there are pockets of deprivation, and this shows that we have to recognise that.

“The council is working hard to pick up grants and money for projects like this, so I’d like to see more places like here, which help people with loneliness as well as stocking up.

“People that need help might feel ashamed if they can’t afford to buy food, but with increases in National Insurance, the cost of power, all of that stuff is creeping up.”

“This is a good start, but we

haven’t reached the peak yet, so I would like to see more, including one in Southcote.”

The pantry is one of a number of services provided in partnership with Your Local Pantry, a social franchise which helps create food and social hubs through sourcing supplies.

The pantry is open from 10amnoon, and again from 4-6pm, on Fridays at the Norcot Mission Church, Brockley Close.

Membership costs £4 a week.

n To sign up, visit: www. yourlocalpantry.co.uk

A tail with a happy ending: tied to a fence in Reading, Niko was one frightened dog ... but now he has a home HERE’S a waggy tail with a happy ending. Niko the dog has been given a second chance after being left abandoned in Reading writes Phil Creighton.

In April, the pooch was found tied to a fence at Rivermead, off Richfield Avenue. A member of the public looked after him until Reading Borough Council’s animal warden could collection.

The dog had been microchipped in France, but although the warden, Lisa Clements, made efforts to contact the owners, this was not possible.

Instead, the Weimaraner was placed into a foster home, thanks to the help of Margarita Booker of Weimaraner Club of Great Britain.

And it was such a successful placement that it has now become his forever home.

“When I picked Niko up, he seemed very confused and frightened,” Ms Clements said.

“He spent some time in kennels and coped well, but Weimaraners are very sensitive dogs and love to

be with people, so I limited the time he spent in kennels.

“Niko is the most loving dog and a real gentle giant. I am in contact with his new owner, and it seems he has well and truly made himself at home.

“His new owner has a great understanding of the breed, and they seem to be perfect for each other.”

She added: “If anyone is struggling to care for their pet for any reason, there are many specialist organisations who can help, such as the RSPCA, Cat’s Protection, Dogs Trust, or specific breed rescues.”

The work gone into rescuing Niko was appreciated by Cllr Karen Rowland, the council’s lead councillor for environmental services and community safety.

“Rescuing stray dogs is one of our many hundreds of valued services at the Council and this is an excellent example of work that frequently goes unseen,” she said.

“We always aim to do our best

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only £284 and Niko’s story is just one of the successes our staff deliver daily at the Council across those service platforms.

“I’ve experienced it myself when Lisa, our animal warden, went above and beyond to help me with a lost dog I had found and so I’m delighted that Niko is wagging his tail again in a happy new home.”

Reading Borough Council says its animal warden is available weekdays from 9am to 4pm.

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Reading West MP officially opens new HQ for Theale firm Tower Cold Chain OPEN: Alok Sharma cuts the ribbon to declare Cold Tower Chain’s Theale HQ open

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today A THEALE company’s expansion is “precisely what we want to see more of in the Reading area” according to one of the borough’s MPs.

On Friday, Alok Sharma cut the ribbon to a high-tech 26,000 sq ft facility for Tower Cold Chain in Theale.

The company manufacturers reliable and reusable supply chain containers that are used across the globe to transport temperaturesensitive pharmaceutical, life-science and biotech products. It uses the very latest technology, including 3D printers, to create the containers, which provide a minimum of 120 hours temperature compliance in any environment, anywhere in the world.

Mr Sharma, the MP for Reading West, was given a tour of the new site, which has helped the firm to expand its container conditioning and storage capacities, as well as enhancing its design, laboratory and testing capabilities.

innovative, designed with the environment in mind. We are talking about reusable products which last for a very long period of time, not relying on single use packaging to protect the product that is carried.”

Mr Sharma welcomed the firm’s ethos on sustainability, saying it was “very much about doing things in a green way, but ensuring a service is provided to customers, particularly

The company also won a Queen’s Award for International Trade.

“Tower is incredibly impressive,” he said. “It’s underlined by the recent award, it’s a recognition of the significant effort they are making as an export company.

“That’s what we want to see: a lot more exports going out of the UK, across the world.

“And the products are clearly

the pharmaceutical sector, around the world.”

He had previously visited in December, and said he was encouraged by what he had seen since.

“They are clearly excited about their products, quite rightly,” he said. “And they’re very excited about continuing to expand, particularly the number of hubs it has around the world.”

The official opening was also attended by members of the Tower board.

Chairman Just Arne Storvik said: “The Theale facility offers worldleading technology to support the needs of pharmaceutical companies, airlines and logistics providers.

“We’re proud to see the facility officially opened and honoured to have such an esteemed dignitary as Alok Sharma here to cut the ribbon.”

And its chief executive officer, Niall Balfour, said: “This is a huge moment for Tower. To get to this point is magnificent.

“We were thrilled to get the Queen’s

Award, which has really opened things up for us from an international reach.”

He said that the pandemic had helped raise awareness of the need for safe shipping of pharmaceutical products, and that has also helped the firm’s global expansion. The company is able to ship products between its hubs in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific.

“We can rotate our containers in and out of all these locations,” he said.

“Not only are we a growing UK entity, but we are around the world, and growing around the world.”

The company is now planning to scale up its activities in its different regions, “expanding our global footprint, expanding the expertise, and we’ve got new products we want to bring to the market,” Mr Balfour said.

“The recent growth has allowed us to do that.”

Mr Balfour felt that Theale was perfect location for Tower’s UK operations, being close to Heathrow, and close also to a railway station.

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Tilehurst bus driver commended for helping visually impaired customer A READING Buses driver has been commended with the star of the month award after giving much needed help to a customer.

Jim Meredith, a 59-yearold man from Tilehurst, was nominated after another road user witnessed him helping a customer with visual

impairment across the road.

He had politely signalled a moped user to stop so that he could help get the customer to the pavement safely.

The moped user then put Mr Meredith forward for the award.

Caroline Anscombe, HR director for Reading Buses,

said: “This nomination shows that it isn’t just about making a good impression on our customers, but also on other road users and that even the smallest act can leave a big impression.

“I am delighted that Jim has received our Star of the Month award for March.”

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Concerns over anti-social behaviour from teenagers

CONCERN AREA: Light coming from the Mapledurham Playing Fields.

Credit: Martin Brommell, Warren & District Residents Association

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

CONCERNS Have been raised over anti-social behaviour seen in a Caversham Heights-area playing fields.

The residents’ association for the area says it has seen teenagers drinking and smoking and causing a disturbance including leaving litter and smashed glass.

And they fear the youngsters – thought to be aged between 15 and 16 – were taking drugs in the incident, reported during the evening of Jubilee Saturday, June 7.

They said that neighbours who approached the group asking them to reduce the noise were verbally abused.

It is not the first incident the residents’ association has logged. They said that during the last weekend of April, a group of teenagers had fights and a girl is alleged to drunk enough vodka to require an intervention by Conservative councillor Isobel Ballsdon.

Martin Brommell, a member the Warren and District Residents Association (WADRA) said upgrades to MPF has attracted ASB which never existed before in the area.

“You’ve now got lighting from the tennis club, the pavilion and

the school,” he said.

“What that has done is attract youths that we’ve not really had before. They are now using the new children’s play area as their meeting ground on a Friday and Saturday night.

“You start hearing music get louder and louder as the evening pounds on.

“You find all the beer cans and the broken bottles of glass the next day, which the residents have to pick up.”

He continued: “It’s a readymade area for them to meet because they’ve got light from all the buildings, they’ve got somewhere to sit, where they smoke weed.

“When neighbours tell them

to stop they get a load of abuse.”

Mr Brommell said accused the teenagers of vandalising trees and scrawling graffiti on the pavilion.

Thames Valley Police said they will increase the number of patrols in the area.

Inspector Sarah Sanderson, of the Reading Neighbourhood Team, said: “The Neighbourhood Policing Team in Caversham continue to carry out preventative work in order to minimise ASB in the area.

“We have put targeted patrols in areas that have previously had high levels of ASB, and are planning pro-active activity to take place over the school holidays and other times when

ABBA tribute band Who’s a laugh and and meatballs who’s a lemon?

MAMMA MIA! A famous Swedish band will be celebrated by a famous Swedish brand.

IKEA is to hold a Midsummer party in its restaurant in Reading next week.

The ticket-only event will run from 5pm through to 8pm on Tuesday.

It will include a Swedish buffet – well, meatballs – face painting, the chance to make floral headbands and an ABBA tribute band.

Tickets cost £10.50, or £8.50 for IKEA Family members, and £4.50 for children aged five to 12. They can be purchased from the instore restaurant.

The store is based at the Pincents Kiln Industrial Park in Calcot, just behind the Savacentre, and is accessible by bus. n For more details, log on to www.ikea.com

A NEW open mic event for comedians is due to launch this Sunday in a Reading pub – and it’s with a lemon twist.

The Weather Station in Eldon Terrace is to welcome 10 comics, with each getting their five minutes of fame.

Each second is counted down on the pub’s special timer.

Once the five minutes is up, that’s it for the comics.

Who will make people laugh, and who is a lemon? That’s the question that only audiences can answer.

The event will take place weekly from this Sunday, starting at 5pm, until July 10.

it is more likely that anti-social behaviour is to take place.

“Further to this we have worked hard with the local authority to address why certain areas may have more anti-social behaviour reported in order to reduce ASB in those areas.”

She added: “Officers may not always be able to attend the incident at the time of the report, but we continue to encourage the public to report ASB incidents to police as it helps to build up a picture of what is happening in our local communities and we can take appropriate action. ”Reports can be made via 101 or our online reporting service.”

Life sentence given for homeless man guilty of murdering David Allen FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced after he was convicted in connection with the death of David Allen in Reading last year.

Mr Allen, who was 77-yearsold, was found deceased by officers at his house in Elgar Road, on Wednesday, December 1, last year.

Earlier that day, Jacob Trussler, aged 37, of no fixed abode, arrived at David Allen’s house and stabbed him multiple times.

Trussler was arrested the following morning and charged with Mr Allen’s murder.

On Friday, May 27, Trussler was found guilty of murder by unanimous jury verdict following a trial at Reading Crown Court.

In a hearing at the same court on Monday, June 13, Trussler was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Mike Roddy of Thames Valley Police’s major crime unit, said: “Jacob Trussler has been held accountable and sentenced for the death of David Allen, which occurred on December 1 last year.”

“As ever, we are committed to bring such offenders to justice and will tirelessly and robustly pursue those who seek to cause such harm in our society.”

Mr Allen’s family said in a tribute to him: “We are a large family who will never get over the loss of a father, grandfather and friend. A person within a close family, who we had only ever received help and good from.

“The loss of David is greater than any sentencing to us as a family. We will remember the good times, not what happened to him and we will remember him every day as a family.

“He was taken too soon.”

Man charged with robberies FOLLOWING a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been charged in connection with two robberies in Reading.

Wayne McLeod, aged 44, of HMP Channings Wood, Devon, was charged with two counts of robbery on Tuesday, June 7.

The charges relate to robberies on Erleigh Road, at

Coral at around 6.55pm on Saturday, June 4 and Co-op Food at around 4pm on Sunday, June 5.

McLeod was remanded in custody and appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

He was further remanded to appear at Reading Crown Court on Monday, July 11.

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HIRING

n For more details, or to sign up for a five-minute set, send an email to: laughorlemon@gmail.com

Libraries offer work experience THE READING library service is searching for young readers to partake in an exciting work experience opportunity.

Successful candidates will encourage primary schools students to engage in and complete the Summer Reading Challenge 2022.

Volunteers must be between the ages of 14 and 18 and be enthusiastic about reading.

The role provides a gateway for youngsters to develop new skills, gain work experience and enhance their CVs. Training and support will be provided.

Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s

Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said: “Reading Challenge Volunteers will learn new skills, gain valuable work experience, and have fun doing so. The only qualification you need is a love of reading.”

This year’s science-themed challenge, entitled Gadgeteers, kicks off on Saturday, July 9.

Children aged between four and 11 will be tasked with reading at least six books over the holidays.

“We know children’s reading can ‘dip’ during the long summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books,” explained Cllr Barnet-Ward.

Volunteers will include

talking with and listening to children about their reading and suggesting new books to read.

Volunteers are needed across all of its branches, including Battle Library, Caversham Library, Central Library, Palmer Park Library, Southcote Library, Tilehurst Library and Whitley Library.

A minimum of six sessions must be attended across the summer, with those fulfilling the requirement receiving a certificate and reference.

Closing date for applications is Thursday, July 21.

n For more information and to apply, visit: www.reading.gov.uk

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PRIDE OF READING 2022 Pride of Reading 2022: nominations are flying in – and you can submit yours today

The categories The Inspiration Award, sponsored by McDonalds

Employee of Year, sponsored

by Reading Buses

Someone who has inspired a community initiative or inspired others to do the same. Or simply someone who is a positive role model for young people

An employee who goes the extra mile for their firm or customer.

Cultural Contribution, sponsored by M&G Real Estate To raise the profile of, and give recognition to the projects, people and organisations that contribute to the cultural life of Reading, covering music, drama, art and heritage.

School of the Year, sponsored

by Qwerty For exceptional achievement, open to nursery, primary, secondary and special schools in Reading.

Community Champion, sponsored by Reading Football Club Someone who works tirelessly in their community as an individual, in the voluntary sector, as a carer, for a community group or in public service who devotes their time for others

Local Hero, sponsored by Green Park

Someone who, through a special act of kindness or bravery, has made a positive difference to their community.

Charity of the Year, sponsored by ROC Search

Recognising a local charity or community group that has made an amazing impact to our community through partnership working with businesses, other charities and the public sector to further its cause.

Business in Action (under 50) and (over 50), sponsored by Boyes Turner Companies, large or small, who get involved in community work.

There are two awards for firms with under 50 and over 50 employees.

Child of Courage, sponsored

by IQVIA

The town’s bravest youngster.

Some become heroic lifesavers; others demonstrate courage through battling illness or other difficult circumstances. We want to hear about these amazing under 16-year-olds.

NOMINATIONS for this year’s Pride of Reading awards are already flying in with multiple entries for each of the categories.

Over the coming weeks, we will be featuring many of them on these pages and we can’t wait to share their stories with you.

Each of people, schools and businesses put forward has an amazing story to tell.

Some will have saved lived, others changed lives.

Across each of the categories, Pride of Reading wants to receive as many nominations as possible.

Those put forward so far include a school that has provided support for children during the covid lockdown, an eco-champion who has helped plant more

than 130 trees in her village, and a theatre school that has helped more than 3,500 young people get to grips with performing arts.

And there’s a man who has been nominated for risking his life to help out during a collision on the motorway, while a Mum has been nominated for helping a different charity every year for 16 years.

If that wasn’t enough, there’s a nomination for a man who started a food bank in his garage during the covid lockdown, a small charity that helps people going through chemotherapy, and two youth workers who have worked to turn a tragedy into something positive.

It’s really easy to nominate someone.

Just look at the categories on this page and think of your friends, neighbours, work colleagues. If they have been doing something extraordinary to help make Reading a better place, why not nominate them.

There’s an online form on the Pride of Reading website, which gives you the chance to share the reasons as to why judges should consider their nomination for an award.

There’s also the chance to upload a photo of them.

So, if you know someone who deserves to be celebrated for their work, nominate them today. n Log on to: www.porawards. co.uk

Meet the sponsors

The Chris Tarrant Pride of Reading Award, sponsored by The Oracle Someone from Reading who deserves special recognition.

Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Macbeth Insurance Enterprise award for an individual or group with a business venture in Reading – and the judges especially want to hear from those who think the town has helped them achieve their goals

Fundraiser of the Year, sponsored by Cream Design

An individual or organisation that has shown outstanding skills or dedication to fundraising

Volunteer/Volunteers of the Year, sponsored by AB Walker An individual or team engaged in diverse and challenging tasks, or simply who have stepped up when needed.

Mental Health Champion, sponsored by Lynne Pyke

An individual or organisation that has helped people, especially young people, cope with problems

Community of the Year, Hilton Reading

A neighbourhood that has encouraged community spirit and by working together have made their area a better place to live and thrive.

This could be a street, a community group or a residents’ association.

Nominate now, log on to: www.porawards.co.uk

READY TO HELP: Electric Hairdressing are supporting the Pride of Reading awards Pictures: Dijana Capan/DVision

SUPPORTERS: Elisabeth Blatchford and Leo Valmas of IQVIA with Pride of Reading Awards organiser Sally Swift, centre

Electric Hairdressing

IQVIA: Child of Courage Award

ELECTRIC Hairdressing is continuing its years of support of the Pride of Reading Awards, as it remains the official provider of the event’s hair styling.

Amy Davis and Jorja Sweeney attended the launch event last.

Amy says: “We’ve been supporting Pride of Reading since about 2015.”

This year’s Pride of Reading is back to normal following the pandemic.

The launch event was the first time many people have seen each other properly.

The awards took place last December, but covid restrictions prevented a normal launch event.

“Since having those few years off during the pandemic, of course it’s really nice to see everyone’s faces,” Amy says.

“So many are already clients, so it almost feels

like a little bit of a catch-up, especially for those that haven’t popped in for a little while.”

Amy says that hair styling allows them to get to know their customers, saying “We got to know them on a real personal level, which we find really nice.”

This is especially true of their Pride of Reading Awards customers, too.

She says: “We love to support Pride of Reading not only because we feel that these people are our friends, we see them every day “But because we love to support the community of Reading.”

“We have such a good culture here, it’s very different, and there’s a lot about Reading that people don’t know, but actually it feels like we’re also a big deal, too.”

IQVIA has lent its support to the Pride of Reading Awards for more than a decade, and returns this year as the sponsor of the Child of Courage Award.

Leo Valmas, statistical programming director at IQVIA, said: “We’ve been supporting the Pride of Reading Awards for about 10 years.

“Being back reminds me of the previous awards, and takes me back to listening to such inspirational stories, “Especially for our category, child of courage, can be very emotional, young people doing such incredible things, showing such bravery and resilience in the face of adversity “In terms of kindness and sharing you think you are

doing OK, but these kids show that you can do more.”

He says also that IQVIA focuses on active support.

“It’s easy to just give a corporate donation, we’re a big company of almost 90,000 people, “I’ve been with the company for 28 years, and we’ve been in Reading and Bracknell for all of that time.

“We’re a global company, but we’re also local, with a local focus, and we try to give a small token, which people do incredible work with.”

Speaking of the nominees, Leo says: “The pride people have in just being nominated is great.”

“The event is a huge celebration of all things good, as well as a ray of sunshine among all the doom and gloom.”

Golf Course campaigners vow to fight on, calling plan ‘a travesty’

Appeal for bike rider to help investigation

By JAMES ALDRIDGE Local democracy reporter

CAMPAIGNERS trying to prevent a golf course being turned into a housing estate have vowed to fight on.

Earlier this year, Reading Borough Council’s planning committee approved a plan to build 223 homes on the former Reading Golf Club in Emmer Green. This led to developers Fairfax and the club withdrawing an appeal with the Government’s planning inspectorate for a larger number – 257 dwellings.

Members of the Keep Emmer Green campaign are determined to fight on.

A spokesperson said: “This is still a very bitter subject for us, the whole thing is a travesty. We will be taking the matter to the Local Government Ombudsman.

“The council have not followed their own processes.

I can’t understand how an experienced planning officer can recommend it being rejected the first time, for a second plan with minor adjustments to be recommended for approval.

“Why was there such a sudden U-turn? We think the second officer’s report was a whitewash.”

The original plan, for 257

PROPOSAL: What the 223 home plan for Reading Golf Club would look like from above if built. Picture: Paul Hewett Chartered Architects homes, was recommended for refusal by planning officers in 2021. The second, for 223 homes, was approved by planning officers prior to the March planning committee meeting.

The KEG spokesperson said the council would benefit from millions in developer contributions, including £557,500 of investment in open space and leisure facilities in Emmer Green, and £550,000 of

investment in local healthcare facilities.

The group’s appeal to the ombudsman is because they believe the council broke procedures when approving the revised plan. A complaint has already been made to the local authority.

Responding, a council spokesperson said that its monitoring officer conducted a thorough investigation after receiving the complaint.

“The monitoring officer concluded that the determination of the application fully conformed to all legal and constitutional requirements and no malpractice by councillors or officers was identified in either presenting the committee report or reaching a decision,” they said.

The approval achieved this March was on outline, with the appearance of the development being submitted in a future

Reserved Matter application.

Another member of KEG stated that the campaign will now focus on the Reserved Matters application and the numerous conditions which have to be met before the plan can proceed.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service invited the developers Fairfax and its planning agents Pegasus Group to comment, but they had not done so as we went to press.

THAMES Valley Police is appealing for a specific witness who may have vital information about a fatal crash on the A33 in Reading.

The incident occurred at around 7.30pm on Thursday, April 14, on the A33 southbound at the junction with Rose Kiln Lane.

A motorcyclist collided with traffic, which was stationary at the set of traffic lights on the junction.

The motorcyclist, a man in his forties, died following the collision.

Officers are keen to speak to the rider of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle who was seen interacting with the other motorcyclist moments before the incident and is thought to have had a good view of the collision.

Investigating officer, detective constable Nigel Doyle, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, based at Three Mile Cross, said: “This is a tragic incident which resulted in the death of a man.

“I am making an appeal to the person who was near to the collision, riding a HarleyDavidson motorcycle to contact Thames Valley Police either by reporting online or by calling 101, quoting reference 43220161464.”

Classic cars Big band fun to go on show in Burghfield A CELEBRATION of the golden age of motoring will come to Yattendon later this month.

The village will host a classic vehicle day, showcasing classic cars, vintage motorcycles, military vehicles and other mechanical delights.

There will also be vintage stalls, drink and food available.

It is free to enter cars into the show, but they should be registered in advance.

The vehicles will be on display between 11am and 4pm on Sunday, June 26.

Money raised will go to the Thames Valley Air Ambulance and other local charities. n For more details, to register a car, log on to: www.yattendonclassicvehiclecouk.com

AN AFTERNOON of big band fun will help raise funds for charity next weekend.

The Kennet branch of Save The Children is hosting its Midsummer Music event on Sunday, June 26.

Starting from noon, the event will see The Clive Fortune Big Band perform a mixture of classics, jazz stands and tunes from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. There will also be some contemporary numbers.

Support comes from singer-songwriter Liza Marshall and Shane and Alex.

The event is more than just music. It includes a real ale bar, a hog roast, raffles and activities for children.

It takes place at Little Manor, Church Lane, Burghfield Village, RG30 3TG Tickets are £12.50 in advance or £15 on the door and under 16s are free. n For more information, search Facebook for Save the Children Kennet Branch Events, call: 0118 983 2569, or text: 07971241222.

East Reading Festival returns AFTER two long years away, the East reading Festival is returning to its home in Palmer Park on Sunday, June 26.

The festival will celebrate the diversity of the community and aim to strengthen connections between people and local organisations.

This year sees a brand new performance space, the Give Speech a Chance stage.

Organised by the Dreading Slam poetry collective, it will feature spoken word, poetry, and acoustic performances.

It will also see the opportunity for young writers to take

part in a poetry competition.

There will also be street food, fun fair rides and stalls.

Matt Foster, committee member and festival volunteer, said: “After a two-year break, we’re really excited to be welcoming people back to East Reading Festival 2022.

“There is a real appetite for community-focused outdoor events and we hope the varied offer we have for this year’s festival will interest, excite and engage people from East Reading and beyond.”

Paul Childs - Keller Williams estate agency is the headline

sponsor for the 2022 festival.

Mr Childs said: “As a Reading resident and local business owner, supporting East Reading Festival is vital for the community.

“This is why I wanted to align Paul Childs - Keller Williams as their local independent property expert.”

East Reading Festival will take place at Palmer Park on Sunday, June 26, from noon6pm. n For more information or to apply to hold a stall, visit: www. eastreadingfestival.co.uk

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LEISURETODAY

15.06.22

Your guide to what’s on across Reading and Wokingham

Snooker legend Steve Davis cues up for Reading gig Forget Snooker Loopy, the man with the golden cue is a big fan experimental psychedelic music. So much so that he’s formed The Utopia Strong – it was such a hit at Down At The Abbey last autumn that they’re coming back to the Ding. PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more

A

BAND that performed at last year’s Down At The Abbey festival were so popular that they’ve earned themselves a return gig, and it’s coming up later this month.

The Utopia Strong is a three-piece that headlined the second stage at last

year’s event, and well, among the lineup is none other than snooker legend Steve Davis.

The six-time world champion was the world number one for seven consecutive seasons, and one of the greatest players ever to pick up a cue.

But he’s swapped that the green

baize of the snooker halls for the bright lights of South Street, thanks to the experimental psychedelic band, along with Kavus Torabi and Michael J York.

The trio have fused Modular Synthesisers with conventional and traditional instruments to create a weird and joyous celebration of left field psychedelic music. The band was born on the evening of January 2, 2018, after what can only be described as an experimental and revelatory improvised session together.

Kavus Torabi is an experimental/ psychedelic musician with a long history in the field as a member of both Knifeworld and Gong. He has been a member in various other bands

including Guapo and most notably a guitarist in the final line up of Cardiacs.

Michael York is a multi instrumentalist and luthier, working mainly with modular/analogue synths and woodwinds, primarily focusing on bagpipes, reeds and flutes of Europe and the Near East.

His piping has seen him work not only in the realm of folk, with the likes of Shirley Collins and the seven-piece bagpipe choir Zephyrus.

The band released their second album International Treasure last week.

Steve says of the band: “I see myself as a strong midfielder, or a centre back.

Kavus and Mike are like the Lionel Messi or Ronaldo of the equation, and

I’m setting situations up for them”.

Joining them for the gig on Thursday, June 29, are support bands $un $keletons Kinky Hands $upport Group + Neither to Launch nor Land.

Both support acts will be echoing the experimental sounds of The Utopia Strong with minimalist drone music influences accompanied with unconventional instruments such as a harp and a cello. n Heavy Pop presents The Utopia Strong will be at South Street Arts Centre on Wednesday, June 29, from 7.30pm. Tickets cost £18.50. For more details, or to book, call the box office on 0118 960 6060, or log on to: whatsonreading.com

14 | LEISURE

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Night of comedy from up-and-coming stars

New York, Reeves has starred in West End and Broadway hit musical Movin’ Out. Supported by a five piece live band, he plays at The Mill at Sonning on Sunday, June 19.

The bar opens from 6pm, dinner is served from 6.15pm and the event starts at 8.15pm Tickets cost £57.50 and include a two course meal in the theatre restaurant before the show. n For tickets and information visit: www. millatsonning.savoysystems.co.uk or call the box office on: 0118 969 8000

AN EVENING of comedy is taking place at Norden Farm this week.

Two up-and-coming comics will be performing.

Ania Magliano has written material for BBC Two and BBC Radio 4, and is a rising star on the comedy circuit.

Also appearing is Jacob Hawley, host of BBC Sounds podcast On Drugs.

The show takes place in the Maidenhead venue’s Courtyard Theatre on Thursday, June 16, from 8pm.

Tickets cost £12, and a pre-show dinner, from 6pm, can be booked for an additional fee.

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

Solo night with Richard Durrant

Gloriously daft

MARK Evans’ Bleak Expectations is based on his ‘gloriously daft’ BBC Radio 4 series.

This new stage adaptation takes audiences through a chaotic caper through Dickensian London with young Pip Bin, orphan, romantic and would-behero.

Helped by his sisters Pippa and Poppy and best friend Harry Biscuit, Pip attempts to escape the scheming clutches of Mr Gently Benevolent, and the Hardthrashers.

This anarchic comedy features hideous boarding schools, dastardly plans, devilish disguises, pulse-quickening romances, heart-rending death scenes, and a happy ending.

The event takes place at The Watermill Theatre, in Newbury this week and next, (not Sundays) until Saturday, July 2.

Evening performances, Monday to Saturday start at 7.30pm, Saturday matinée performances at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost from £15. n For tickets and information visit: www. watermill.org.uk or call the box office: 01635 46044

Open to interpretation

MUSICIAN Martin Speak will perform some of Charlie Parker jazz interpretations.

A long standing musician and composer with 23 recorded albums in his name, Speak has performed in the UK jazz scene since the mid-1980s.

He first came to prominence as a member of the all-saxophone quartet

BALLET Black, a company of black and Asian classically trained dancers presents two new works.

In an evening that celebrates the company’s 20 years of dancing, Ballet Black performs Black Sun and Say it Loud.

Black Sun was created

by South African choreographer Gregory Maqoma, and Say It Loud was choreographed and directed by Ballet Black’s Founder and Artistic Director, Cassa Pancho.

The company is known

Itchy Fingers with whom he toured all over the world.

He has been described as ‘a saxophonist with an unusual turn of phrase, a persuasively gentle sound, and not just a distinctive improviser but a striking composer too.’

Martin plays at Norden Farm Studio on Friday, June 17.

The evening starts at 8pm, and tickets cost £15.

Pre show dinner at 6pm is available and costs £16. n For tickets and information visit: norden.farm or call the box office: 01628 788977

Who’s afraid? Not us

THE STUDIO Theatre Company at South Hill Park brings Edward Albee’s 1960s classic play.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf paints a harsh reality of love and marriage.

for its technique, precision and grace in performances of specially-commissioned pieces.

Ballet Black perform at the Corn Exchange Auditorium, Newbury on Wednesday, June 22.

The play centres on the fiery, challenging and toxic marriage between middle aged couple Martha and George.

One late evening two unwelcome guests arrive, Nick and Honey and after manipulative games and bitter words a huge secret is revealed.

The event takes place in the Studio Theatre at South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell on Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 and starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £14.50, concessions £13.50, members £12.50. n For tickets and information visit: www. southhillpark.org.uk or call the box office: 0134 448 4123

Tinseltown in Ireland

STONES In His Pockets tells the story of a Hollywood film being shot on location in a rural Irish community.

The event begins at 7.45pm and tickets cost £23, Concessions £21, Schools £19.50. n For tickets and information visit: www. cornexchangenew.com or call the box office: 0845 521 8218.

Film stars rub shoulders with village rurals, and the sparks begin to fly.

Two actors play all the characters in this humorous, fast moving and poignant play.

The play runs from Thursday, June 16 through to Saturday, June 18, at Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, Wokingham starting at 7.45pm.

Tickets cost £14. n To book, or more information, visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk or call the box office: 0118 978 5363.

Uptown girl welcomed FANS of Billy Joel will be able to hear Darren Reeves recreate the songs of this legendary American singer, pianist, composer and songwriter.

Darren Reeves plays the demanding and energetic lead role of The Piano Man in this show, Uptown Joel.

Chosen by Billy Joel at auditions in

GUITARIST and composer Richard Durrant comes to Guildford with a collection of original guitar solos.

The Sussex downland inspired pieces are played on a concert guitar made from ancient English oak.

Richard’s Music For Midsummer tour sees him travel by bicycle from the north of Scotland to the South Coast of England, committed as he is to reducing his carbon footprint.

Durrant plays at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre on Tuesday, June 21.

The event starts at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £23, students and concessions £12. n For tickets and information visit: yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or call the box office: 0148 344 0000

Florian’s recital

AWARD-WINNING soloist and international performer, Florian Mitrea brings his piano concert, Significantly Beethoven, to Norden Farm as part of its Summer Recital Series.

The programme includes Beethoven’s Sonata in C, Op.2 No.3, and his Sonata in E flat, Op.7.

Other works during the evening are Chopin’s Nocturn in C sharp minor, Op.27 No.1, Scherzo’s No.1 in B minor and Liszt’s Spanish Rhapsody.

Described as an outstanding young pianist, Florian Mitrea plays at Norden Farm on Wednesday, June 22.

The concert begins at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £18 for adults, and £5 for under 18.

Live stream tickets are available to watch from home. n For tickets and information visit: norden.farm or call the box office: 01628 788977.

AT THE THEATRE

Bracknell – South Hill Park

www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.

Until Sat. The Comedy Cellar.

Fri. Live Music on the Terrace.

Sat. Raymond Burley: The Segovia Legacy. Sat. The Music In Me. Sun. One Night In Dublin. Thurs 23. The Comedy Cellar. Fri 24. Live Music on the Terrace. Sat 25. The Rat Pack in Vegas. Sat 25. Wilde Sundays: Naked WIthout It, Stem, Searching For Autumn. Sun 26.

Tales of Peter Rabbit. Sun 26.

Mark Watson: This Can’t Be It. Sun 26.

Camberley – Theatre

www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Down For The Count. Thurs.

Babble. Sat. Bring Your Own

Baby Comedy. Tues. The Magic of Motown. Thurs 23. The Bob Dylan Story. Fri 24. Comedy Club. Fri 24. Purple Zeppelin.

Sat 25. Step Back In Time.

Sun 26.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud

www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Catch Me If You Can. Until Sat. Richard Durrant: Music for Midsummer. Tues. Dr John Cooper Clarke: I Wanna Be Yours. Wed. The Pasadena Roof Orchestra. Thurs 23.

Ballet Central. Fri 24. Snatched.

Fri 24. Climate ACTion. Sat 25.

One Summer’s Evening in aid of Samartians. Sat 25.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000

Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Thurs.

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac. Fri. In The Night Garden Live.

Sun-Mon. Hellfire Comedy Club. Thurs 23. Jackie Palmer Stage School: Verve. Fri 24-Sat 25. Luther. Sun 26.

Henley – Kenton

www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 Martin Speake Quartet: The Charlie Parker Legacy. Thurs.

Never 42. Thurs 17. Rich Hall’s Hoedown Deluxe. Fri. Summer Recital Series: Significantly Beethoven. Wed. Harry Baker: Unashamed. Wed. The Vinyl Frontier: Bat Out of Hell. Fri 24.

www.kentontheatre.co.uk 01491 525050 Woodley Light Operatic Society Sister Act. Until Sat. The Princess and the Pea. Sun. Tiffany Live acoustic concert.

Tues. Angelos Epithemiou and Zoe Lyons. Thurs 23. Ghost Lights 2: Tiger Mendoza, Octavia Freud, Elucidate.

Fri 24. The Duran Duran Experience. Sat 25. Henley Children’s Theatre: Bunfight at the OK Corral. Sun 26.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange

Maidenhead – Norden Farm

www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044

www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 RARE Productions: Hairspray.

Thurs-Sat. London Rhymes: Summer 2022. Sat. Ballet Black. Wed. The Simon and Garfunkel Story. Fri 24.

Dominoes. Sat 25.

Newbury – The Watermill

Bleak Expectations. Until Jul 2.

Reading – South Street

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 IndePINTSdecne Day: 10 Years of Workin’ Man Noise Unit.

Sat. Heavy Pop presents The Utopia Strong. Wed 29.

Reading – Hexagon

www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 Alan Carr. Fri-Sat. An Evening With Suzanne Vega. Fri 24. Strictly Presents: Keep Dancing. Sat 25.

Reading – Concert Hall www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: The Sixteen and Harry Christophers. Wed 29.

Reading – Progress Theatre

www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Angels In America Parts 1 and 2.

Mon-July 2

Reading – Reading Rep Theatre

www.readingrep.com 0118 370 2620 NEXT SHOW: Jekyll and Hyde.

Oct 10-29.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players

www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

Until Sat. Uptown Joel: The Hits of Billy Joel Live. Sun.

Sonning – The Mill

www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Busman’s Honeymoon. Until June 25. Uptown Joel. Sun. Barefoot in the Park. From June 30.

Windsor – Theatre Royal

www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Future show to be announced.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokinghamtheatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: Daisy Pulls It Off. July 13-23.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre

www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 Wokingham Film Society presents: Flee (15). Thurs. Luckley House School presents Treasure Island. Wed-Thurs 23.

Woodley – Theatre

www.woodleytheatre.org 07488337838 NEXT SHOW: Teechers. Sept 27-Oct 1.

Wednesday, June 15, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

LEISURE | 15

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It’s mid-June, the sun is out, and now’s the time to be thinking of panto ... oh yes it is!

Last week, The Hexagon welcomed its 2022 panto stars for a catch-up. It might be hot, hot, hot, but preparations are well underway for when it’s cold, cold, cold. PHIL CREIGHTON slaps his thigh

Youngsters can audition for Jack’s junior ensemble

T

HE SUN might be shining, the ice creams might be out, but there’s one thing for sure … the beanstalk is growing.

Last week, stars from The Hexagon’s pantomime came together to launch this year’s show, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Returning will be the hilarious double act of CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher and dame Paul Morse. Also coming back again will be Rachel Delooze as the Fairy, and Ryan Alexander Full who will play Fleshcreep.

It might seem a daft time of year to be talking Christmas but preparations for the show are in full steam, with open auditions for the junior ensemble taking place at the Queens Walk theatre on Sunday, June 26.

The show is once again being produced

by Imagine Theatre for The Hexagon, and Mr Fletcher will also be writing the script.

Paul said: “It’s lovely to be back … this is the starting gun for Christmas. Even though it’s June, we are now counting down to panto coming back.

“It’s been lovely to see Justin and some great cast members from last year coming back. We just know it’s going to be a great, great show.”

Imagine Theatre’s director, Steve Boden, is thrilled to be back. He’s taking Justin Fletcher’s ideas and turning them into reality, and with no covid restrictions.

“Justin and I are really looking at how we retell the story of Jack and the Beanstalk in a fun and modern way.

Without giving too much away, there’s

COMING SOON: Jack and the Beanstalk will be at The Hexagon this Christmas going to be a lot of comedy, a lot of fun, and some brand-new routines,” he says.

“I think particularly for the younger audience, they’ll discover the story in a way that perhaps they’ve not seen before.

All the classic ingredients will be there: the giant, the beanstalk, the beautiful cow Buttercup, and some great characters.”

Steve is delighted that Justin will once again team up with his panto partner, Paul Morse.

“It’s so nice that the pair of them have such a great rapport together and audiences react so strongly to them,” he explains.

“People message us all year round, telling us there’s certain parts of the pantomimes they just love seeing – they love the slapstick routine, they love the ghost routine.”

But, he promises, there will be some new material too.

Rachel is excited to return for her third year, and will once again be appearing as the fairy.

“It’s such a fun role, I love being the magical one that’s sometimes a bit cheeky, sometimes a bit wicked,” she says. “And I

love being able to cast my magical spells on the other cast members.”

And Ryan will be playing the villain for the second year in a row, after his comic turn as Bear Bottome last year saw him as, well, the butt of the jokes.

“When they asked me to come back, there was no hesitation in my mind whatsoever, I absolutely loved my time here last year,” he says.

“What I love about walking into The Hexagon is that nice family feel,” he says.

“You see so many people, who are all really lovely, and they will really get involved with the panto, it’s a nice team, with a family vibe.

“It’s really nice to be back.”

He says his part will be similar in many ways to last year’s show.

“He’s going to be this sort of villain who thinks he knows more than the others … it’s gonna be fun.” n Tickets for the show are now on sale.

It opens on Saturday, December 3, and continues until Monday, January 2. For more details, log on to whatsonreading. com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

BUDDING young actors are being invited to audition for roles in this year’s Hexagon pantomime.

The team from Imagine Theatre will be holding an open casting session for anyone aged nine to 16. Those selected will appear alongside CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher and dame Paul Morse in Jack and the Beanstalk across December.

This is the first time in three years that the talent search will be taking place. This year, it will be held on Sunday, June 26, at the Queen’s Walk theatre.

Producer Steve Boden and his team will welcome the youngsters, teach them a short dance routine, and encourage them to perform it.

He is determined that the session is open to everyone, not just those who attend dance schools.

“We’re delighted to have our junior ensemble back,” he says.

“I can’t quite believe it was actually in 2019 that we last held junior auditions for the pantomime.

“We’re looking for youngsters who don’t necessarily have to have had formal training in performance, they just need to have an energy and enthusiasm.

“We’ll teach them a little routine as a group, and they’ll perform that back to us.

“We just want to see their characters, ability to move, and have a sense of fun.”

The auditions are hugely popular and places are coveted by those

taking part. There will be three dance teams of eight people, plus eight reserves.

“It’s really important that we provide these opportunities for young people to come and take part in panto,” Steve adds.

“I can’t wait to see who turns up.”

And because the shows are open to everyone, Steve says the teams at Imagine and The Hexagon work hard to ensure it is a safe environment for children.

“At the start, we will explain very clearly how it works,” he explains.

“All the children are professionally licenced and have chaperones, so they are looked after.”

And there is a festive bonus for all those selected, as Steve explains with a smile: “The bit they love the most is they do have to miss a little bit of school.”

The Hexagon’s doors open at 9.30am on Sunday, June 26.

Participants will need to complete a consent form that can be downloaded from Imagine Theatre’s website, where there is also information about the day and how it works. This can be found at: www.imaginetheatre.co.uk/ pantomime/jack-and-the-beanstalkreading-2022 n Tickets for Jack and the Beanstalk are now on sale, and prices start at £14. For more details, log on to www. whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

Norden Farm announces One Snowy Night will be its Christmas show A POPULAR children’s book by Nick Butterworth will be adapted for the stage this Christmas by a Maidenhead-based arts centre.

One Snowy Night tells the story of Percy the Park Keeper, who always feeds the animals in the park where he lives.

But on one cold winter’s night, Percy finds a little furry friend shivering on the doorstep.

One by one, more animals show up.

They are hungry and need somewhere to stay warm, so Percy must find a way to help them.

The show is based on the Percy the Park Keeper book.

Nick says he was inspired to

write them from his many walks through the local park with the family dog Jake.

The Percy range includes six hardback books, paperbacks, audio tapes read by Richard Briers, and a range of activity books.

The show was first created

by Norden Farm and theatre company Slot Machine in 2010.

It returned to sell out audiences at Norden Farm in 2015.

The show has since gone on a national tour and had a Christmas season at The Albany in London, MAC in Birmingham and Southampton’s The Berry Theatre. Slot Machine also

created Miki (2011) and Kipper’s Snowy Day (2014) with Norden Farm.

Now it’s back.

One Snowy Night by Nick Butterworth opens on Tuesday, November 29, and runs until Friday, December 30, and is suitable for ages three upwards.

There will be two performances from Tuesday to Saturday, and tickets ocst £15, or £13 for under 16s.

A family and friends ticket, for four people, is £52, or £48 before Wednesday, August 31. n For more details, or to book, call the Box Office on 01628 788997 or online at www.nordenfarm.org

16 | LEISURE

To advertise, email advertising@wokingham.today

True story on the big screen MEMBERS of Wokingham Film Society will follow a journey of escape, as they watch Flee on Thursday, June 16.

Refugee Amin is on the verge of marriage but must first come to terms with his past.

Jonas Poher Rsmussen’s film is animated to protect the identity of the real Amin in this story of belonging and the search for identity.

The film is shown for Refugee Week, with a panel taking questions afterwards.

Tickets, available on the night, are £6.50 (£4 for members).

Doors open at 7pm with the film starting at 7:30pm. n For more information visit: wokinghamfilmsociety.com

New date for Beatles return

TO MARK the 60th anniversary since The Beatles launched the Please Please Me LP, the famous Merseybeat will be recreated.

The Bootleg Beatles have announced their 2023 tour dates, including a return to The Hexagon, on Tuesday, March 28.

The evening of music will celebrate this musical milestone with the help of an orchestral ensemble and some nifty multimedia.

Tickets are now on sale, costing from £31.50. n For more details, log on to whatsonreading.com or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.

East Reading Festival set to make summer return LATER THIS month, Palmer Park will see the return of one of the community’s most popular annual events.

The East Reading Festival was forced to take a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

The fun-filled afternoon will feature rides, stalls and live music, with organisers expecting thousands of visitors.

“After a two-year break, we’re really excited to be welcoming people back to East Reading Festival 2022,” said committee member and festival volunteer Matt Foster.

“Based on the feedback we have already received, there is a real appetite for communityfocused outdoor events.”

“We hope the varied offer we have for this year’s festival will interest, excite and engage people from East Reading and beyond.”

East Reading Festival regulars Tutu’s Ethiopian Kitchen, The Italian Food Truck, RG Spaces and Palmer Park Bowling club will be in attendance.

They will be joined by new organisations representing new writers, environmental issues, local theatre and charities.

RIDING IN: The Dr B’s Custom and Classic bike show will welcome all kinds of riders. Picture: Phil Creighton

BACK AGAIN: East Reading Festival returns to Palmer Park after a two-year hiatus Picture courtesy of East Reading Festival A new Give Speech A Chance stage will be run by the Dreading Poetry Slam group, featuring poetry, spoken word and acoustic performances.

Local youngsters will also have the opportunity to showcase their poetry skills in a competition.

The event’s headline sponsor will be Paul Childs - Keller Williams estate agency.

Mr Childs was full of praise for the event, saying: “As a Reading resident and local business owner, supporting East Reading Festival is vital for the community.”

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“This is why I wanted to align Paul Childs - Keller Williams as their local independent property expert.”

The initiative aims to celebrate the area’s diversity and strengthen connections between residents and organisations from East Reading, as well as the wider community.

The festival takes place between noon-6pm on Sunday, June 26. n For more information, visit: www.eastreadingfestival.co.uk

JAKE CLOTHIER

Bikers invited to join in return of classic rally ON SUNDAY, June 26, motorbikes of every description will roar into Highclose School grounds.

Dr B’s custom and classic annual bike show is returning after two years of absence due to covid.

This year bikers meet in remembrance of Ben Spiller, founder of Reading Toy Run, who died last April.

Funds raised from the event will go to Highclose School.

Riders can enter bikes for competition categories including: best Brit, best custom, best

engineering, best paintwork, best oddball, and many more.

Bike competition entry is £3, and all bikes must be ridden.

Entry forms will be available on the door.

The event, organised by Reading Christian Motorcyclists, takes place between 10am and 4pm with judging at 1pm.

Bikes park on site.

Cars park in Wokingham town centre car parks. n For more information call organiser Denis Denmead on: 07968 335796.

Orchestra to welcome Young Musician winner for concert MEMBERS of the Reading Symphony Orchestra will be crossing over the border to Wokingham next weekend for their summer concert.

The group will welcome 2019 winner of the RSO Young Musicians Competition, Cellist Oliver Simpson, for a rendition of Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

The musician has since been

selected as an LPO Junior Artist for 2021-22, studies at the Junior Guildhall.

The programme opens with Shostakovich’s Festive Overture, and concludes with Schumann’s Symphony No. 3, also known as the ‘Rhenish’ symphony.

The orchestra says that Schumann was inspired to write this, his last symphony, following

a trip to the Rhineland. It was premiered in 1851 in Dusseldorf, Reading’s twin town.

The evening of music will take place at St Paul’s Church in Reading Road, Wokingham on Saturday, June 25, from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15, or £5 for those in education. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.rso.org.uk

Concerts in Caversham to present an evening of chamber music AN UNUSUAL combination is promised by the Concerts in Caversham team for their June performance.

The Caversham Ensemble will bring the music to St Andrew’s Church on Saturday, June 25.

They will play a mixture of music for trios and duos, using viola, clarinet and piano.

The ensemble comprises professional musicians: Adrienne Black on piano, Morgan Goff on viola and Max Welford on clarinet.

The programme includes Mozart’s Kegelstadt Trio and trios

by Reinecke and Max Bruch.

Duos include Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro, sometimes played on the clarinet but on this occasion on the viola, and Horrowitz’s jazz-inspired

sonata for clarinet.

The musicians will introduce the programme and there will be detailed programme for the audience.

The organisers say that St Andrew’s, in Albert Road, is a stunning location for chamber music and boasts a wonderful acoustic and an

excellent grand piano.

A bar will open from 6.45pm, and during the interval, with music from 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £20 or £18, with those aged 16 to 25 paying £15, and under 16s free. n For more details, or to book, log on to: www.concertsincaversham. co.uk

LEISURE | 25

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Wednesday, June 15, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

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RaW Sounds Today

Holly Ross - The Lovely Eggs performing at Reading Facebar Picture: Andrew Merritt

Chris Hillman bit.ly/raw sounds today

W

ITH the warm weather here at last - what do you mean it’s too hot? - our thoughts are very definitely on the summer season.

What can be better than being outdoors, listening to music and enjoying a jar or two with friends? Not even a plague of wasps can spoil it.

This week’s playlist includes many musicians who will be entertaining us over the next few weeks, and we can’t wait. They include new entry Hoopy Frood who will be at Readipop next month, and then Wokingham Festival in August.

Don’t forget, our mission is to champion and showcase great music from acts that have a connection to Reading and Wokingham (that’s the RaW in our Sounds Today name). Here’s two great bands that prove just how brilliant our music scene is.

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

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

The Lovely Eggs – You Can Go Now As well as having many excellent bands and solo

artists in the area, we are lucky to have some great venues that attract touring bands from the rest of the country and beyond.

Recently The Lovely Eggs, a duo consisting of Holly Ross and David Blackwell from Lancaster, visited to play at Reading’s Facebar and showed what an exciting and energetic duo they are.

Here’s one of the songs they played – an infectious piece of psych punk from their latest album I Am Moron – https://www.thelovelyeggs. co.uk/

Hoopy Frood – Atoms & Molecules It’s not long until Readipop (July 8-10) and we see that there are a few local artists playing there that have previously featured in our playlist.

One of those is Hoopy Frood so what a great excuse to include another track from their wonderful Affirmations album that they released last year.

The band will also be at Wokingham Festival, opening the main stage on Sunday, August 28, so there’s two opportunities to see them locally.

Both great events so why not go to both? – https://linktr.ee/Hoopyfroodmusic

Deva St.John – DIE. Another artist playing at both Readipop and Wokingham Festival and here’s her latest single.

With a positive message and with her melodic indie rock sound, Deva St. John has created another good one – https://www.devastjohn.com/

The Room – It’s Not My Home Here’s a powerful epic from The Room’s Caught by the Machine album. They will be at Cambridge Rock Festival on June 17, Alfold Rock & Blues Festival on July 3, and Wokingham Festival on August 29 – https://theroom.band/

Mordecai Smyth – In Your Dark Place Here’s the opener from Things Are Getting Stranger On The Shore by local musician Mordecai Smyth. A great album of psych moods – https://www. facebook.com/stickytapeandrust

Third Lung – Ghosts It’s another quality single from playlist faves, Third Lung, who will be appearing live this summer at Readipop in July, Wokingham Festival in August and their own Loddfest in September – http:// thirdlungband.com/

Katie Ellwood – Hourglass Katie, from Wokingham who is studying at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, with a piece from her genre-defying debut album, Interference. She will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August – https://www.katieellwood.com/

Leoni Jane Kennedy – Life Like This Leoni is a Blackpool-born, Guildford-based singersongwriter with a rock sound with progressive leanings and soulful vocals which she will be showcasing with her band at Wokingham Festival – https://www.leonijanekennedy.com/

Reliant – Heaven or Hell Here’s the new single from local favourite, Reliant, and it’s an exciting piece of powerful indie rock recorded at Generation Studio. Another band that will be at Wokingham Festival – https://www. facebook.com/WeAreReliant

Adomania – Heavy Rain Here’s a debut single from a new young Wokingham band. It has a vibrant enthusiastic feel with great melodies showing a band with great potential.

We look forward to hearing more from them in future – https://www.facebook.com/ AdomaniaBand

GIG GUIDE Thursday, June 16

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ruby Dawn and Genre-Defyin Progressive Duo Across The Sea. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr Sango presents: Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

Friday, June 17

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Oasisesque. 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.

BURGHFIELD – Burghfield Community and Sports Association, James Lane RG30 3RS. Shane & the Korrados: Elvis & much more. £12. Details: rock3rs.co.uk READING - Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. The House & Garage Orchestra. From 3.30pm.

Details: https://www. fatsoma.com/e/nremd3z4/ the-house-garageorchestra-live-frompalmer-park READING – The Butler, Chatham Street RG1 7DS. Open mic night. Details: 0118 959 5500.

READING - Pentahotel, Oxford Road. The Cover Brothers and special guests.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The

Skavengers. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. 25 For Life presents Trophy Jump with Burnt Tapes, Buds, Tape It Shut, Missing The Scene. Details: 0118 958 6048.

WINNERSH – The Royal British Legion Club, Woodward Close RG41 5LP. Wokingham Music Club presents True Gold. £19. Details: www. wokinghammusicclub. co.uk

Saturday, June 18

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Missing The Scene, Crisis Averted, Reawaken. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. Wow 80s tribute. Details: 01344 303333.

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live Music on the Terrace. 3pm. Raymond Burley: The Segovia Legacy.

Details: 01344 484123.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Summer Gothmas. Details: 0118 958 0473.

READING – The Face Bar, Ambrose Place RG1 7JE. Never Mind The Jubilee Here’s Punkfest 2022: The Sex Pistols Exposé, .

Details: 0118 956 8188.

READING – Grosvenor Casino Reading, Rose Kiln Lane RG2 0SN. Luther Vandross v George Benson tribute.

Details: 0118 402 7800.

READING - Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6

1LF. Stories in the Park festival. Includes Andy C, Sub Focus, Flava D, Patrick Nazemi, TS7, Zero, Nathan Dawe, Big Miz, Friend Within, George Mensah, Big Naz, Salute, Mason Collective, Zodiac, Rems, El Waz, Cryptik, Hotline. Details: www. storiesinthepark.co.uk READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Tomorrow Bird What Comes Next album launch party. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. The Keynotes. Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING - South Street Arts Centre. IndePINTSdence Day - 10 Years of Workin’ Man Noise Unit: Afterschool Teatime, Basic Dicks, Big Slammu, Cody Noon, HAQ123, Knifedoutofexistence, Stef Kett, Typical Hunks, Workin’ Man Noise Unit.

From 3pm. Details: 0118 960 6060.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Wardour Street. Details: 0118 957 6930.

TILEHURST – The Royal British Legion Club, Downing Road RG31 5BB. AWOL. Details: 0118 942 9606.

WOKINGHAM – Unit 3 & 4 South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road RG40 3AS. Bond

Brews 7th anniversary beer festival. 1pm-7pm.

WOKINGHAM - The White Horse, Easthampstead Road RG40 3AF. Fakestock - featuring The Small Fakers, Ready Steady Who and R’n’B Beatles starts at 7pm Tickets £11. Details: 0118 979 7402.

Sunday, June 19

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: Na-mara. Details: www. readifolk.org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays. Brother Strut Live. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Club Velocity presents Dick Valentine. Details: 0118 986 6788.

WOKINGHAM - The Leafy Elephant, Peach Place. Abi Powell. From 2pm.

Tuesday, June 21

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. New Music Tuesday. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

Wednesday, June 22

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. The Mission. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Thursday, June 23

EARLEY – Harley-Davidson, Wokingham Road RG6 8HN. Bottle Kids. Details: 0118 334 4300.

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Mr

Sango presents: Found Native. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING - Wild Lime, Friar Street. RSVP: open mic poetry, music and more.

Friday, June 24

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Ibiza Fitness and Club Night Fundraiser. Details: www.theacousticcouch. co.uk BRACKNELL – The Keller, Coppid Beech Hotel, John Nike Way RG12 8TF. I Got Soul present B Funkt.

Details: 01344 303333.

CHARVIL – The Heron On The Ford, Lands End Lane, RG10 0UE. Piston Broke.

Details: 0118 934 0700.

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

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Final Clause of Tacitus.

Housebase. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. The Big Untidy presents Grant Sharkey. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Sub89, Friar Street RG1 1EP. Kali Reading. Details: 0118 959 5395.

Saturday, June 25

BRACKNELL – The Acoustic Couch, The Ring RG12 1JG. Chippie and Guests. Details: www. theacousticcouch.co.uk

HOLDING A GIG, QUIZ OR GAMES NIGHT? SEND DETAILS TO EVENTS@WOKINGHAM.TODAY

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Live music on the terrace. 3pm. The Rat Pack In Vegas. Details: 01344 484123.

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

CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road.

Ashley Stone. Booking essential. £2 non-members.

Details: www.cpva.org.uk CHARVIL - The Wee Waif, Old Bath Road RG10 9RJ. Moon Hill presents karaoke and disco.

READING – The Castle Tap, Castle Street RG1 7RJ. Beer garden gig. Details: 0118 958 0473.

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

READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. The Scarlet Vixens: A Pride of Filthy Animals. Details: 0118 959 7196.

READING – Revolución de Cuba, Friar Street RG1 1EX. Club night with live music and DJ. Details: 0118 207 7016.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Howling at the Moon.

Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – Salisbury Conservative Club, Kings Road RG1 4HX. WATT4.

Details: 0118 926 5804.

READING – The Turks, London Road RG1 5BJ. Rise of the Machines and No Good Sons. Details: 0118 957 6930.

WOKINGHAM - Peach Place.

Festival for Ukraine. From 2pm. The Mustard Band, One Last Day, Savour The Flavour, Michael Burns Peake, Small Town Heroes, Reliant, Mike Wagner, Oil City Kings, In Albion, Third Lung. Hosted by Beyond The Download and Generation Studio.

YATELEY - Yateley Green, off Firgrove Road. Yateley Gig on the Green 2022.

Just Anne Marie, Kaiser Thiefs, Tina Turner, The ELO Encounter, Chic to Chic, Sour Kix, Tequila Chase, Extreme Ways.

From noon. Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley. co.uk

Sunday, June 26

BRACKNELL – South Hill Park, Ringmead RG12 7PA. Wilde Sundays: Naked Without It, Stem, Searching for Autumn. Details: 01344

484123.

BURGHFIELD - Little Manor, Church Lane RG30 3TG. Clive Fortune big band.

From noon. Details: 07971 241222.

READING – Community Hall, Watlington House, Watlington Street RG1 4RJ. Readifolk presents: . Details: www.readifolk. org.uk READING – The Purple Turtle, Gun Street RG1 2JR. Reggae Sundays.

Brother Strut Live.

Details: 0118 959 7196.

YATELEY - Yateley Green, off Firgrove Road. Yateley Gig on the Green 2022. From noon. Nat Augustin as George Benson, Do It Like Dua, Billy Joel, True Gold, Vannesa Webb and Andy Mathewson, UpToNoGood.

Details: www. gigonthegreenyateley. co.uk

ROCKAID CHARITY EVENT FOR CANCER RESEARCH £5 DONATIONS ENTRY High Quality Live acts Saturday 9th July 3pm - 10.30pm THE WHITE HORSE Easthampstead Road Wokingham, RG40 3AF

0118 979 7402

26 | LEISURE

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WHAT’SON Films at Reading Biscuit Factory

READING – The Biscuit Factory, Queens Walk RG1 7QE. They include rassic World: Dominion (12a). Thurs. Everything Everywhere All at Once (15). Thurs. Top Gun: Maverick (12a). Thurs.

Men (15). Thurs. Lightyear (PG). Fri-Thur 23. Keep It Cult III: Heathers (15).

Fri, Mon. Reading Film Theatre presents: Wheel of Fortune and Fantasy (15). Wed. George Michael: Freedom Uncut (15). Wed. Elvis (12a).

Fri 24-Thurs 30. Details: readingbiscuitfactory.co.uk

Saturday, June 18

CROWTHORNE - Waterloo Hall, Wellington Collge, Duke’s Ride RG45 7PU. Crowthorne Choral Society presents Oh, Happy Day! Music inspired by jazz, gospel and spirituals.

7.30pm. £12, students £2. Details: www. crowthornechoral.org.uk EMMER GREEN - Highdown School. 50th anniversary celebration and summer fair: entertainment, cream teams, stalls and more.

12.30pm-4pm. Details: highdown_pta@outlook. com FINCHAMPSTEAD. Village fete. 11am-3pm.

GORING - Goring Primary School, Wallingford Road RG8 0BG. Summer fete.

Noon-3pm. Details: 01491 872289.

HURST - St Nicholas Church RG10 0SJ. The Walnuts with Bells On: An evning of Celtic and Americana msuic. Pre-concert drink in The Castle Inn, 7pm.

Concert in aid of The DEC Ukraine Appeal, Launchpad (Reading’s Homeless Support Charity) and St Nicholas Church. £12.50, under 12s £5, family £30.

Details: Search Eventbrite. co.uk for The Walnuts WIth Bells On. LOWER EARLEY – Events field, Kilnsea Drive. Lower Earley Baptist Church Family Fun day. 2-4pm.

LOWER EARLEY – Maiden Place Community Centre, Maiden Place RG6 3HA. Comedy and Curry night. £10. Booking essential. Details: www. lowerearleybaptistchurch. org.uk PANGBOURNE - Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, RG8 8LA. Pangbourne Choral Society summer concert: Handel’s Zadok The Priest, Parry’s I Was Glad, Vaughan Williams’ O Taste and See, Faure’s Requiem and Cantique de Jean Racine. £10, under 18s £5. 7pm. Details: pangbournechoral.org.uk READING - Broad Street. Eat Reading presents Reading Chilli Festival. More than 40 chilli and non-chilli stalls, pop-up pub, entertainment and more.

10am-5pm.

READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face

painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING - Minster Church of St Mary The Virgin, St Mary’s Butts RG1 2HX. Reading Phoenix Choir come and sing: Two Little Masses - Chillcott’s Little Jazz Mass and Haydn’s Little Organ Mass. £25 1pm-6pm. Performance 7pm, £5. Details: www. readingphoenixchoir.com.

READING - The Pavilion, Oxford Road. Pavilion Cinema Club presents Sing 2. 1pm. Free, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. Places available on first come, first served basis. Details: www. thepavilion.org.uk READING – Prospect Park, Liebenrood Road. Car boot sale. Sellers from 6am. Buyers from 7.30am. £10 car, £12 van. Details: 07773 539172.

READING - St James’ Church, Abbot’s Walk, The Forbury RG1 3HW. Friends of Reading Abbey presents The Dissolution and its impact on Reading, a talk by Professor James Clark. 2.30pm. Free entry, retiring collection. Details: readingabbey.org.uk SHINFIELD – St Mary’s Church. Berkshire Recorder Consort presents a summer evening of Summer Evening of Madrigals. 7.30pm. £10.

Details: www.loddonreach. org.uk SWALLOWFIELD - Parish Hall, Swallowfield Street RG7 1QX. Russell Players: A Collage of Comedy.

Three half-hour plays. £12. 3pm and 7.30pm.

Details: 07710 500 491 or www.ticketsource.co.uk/ russellplayers READING – Cattle Market, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HU. Reading Farmers Market.

8.15am-noon. Details: www.thamesvalleyfarme rsmarket.co.uk WARGRAVE - Mill Green, Station Road, Wargrave, RG10 8EU. Wargrave Bike Fest. 10am-2pm. 75km £25, 50km £20, 20km £10. Children free with adult. Child’s olympic challenge card £5.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WINNERSH - Bearwood Recreaion Ground.

Winersh Parish Fete. 2pm5.30pm.

WOKINGHAM – Unit 3 & 4 South Barns, Gardeners Green Farm, Heathlands Road RG40 3AS. Bond Brews 7th anniversary beer festival. 1pm-7pm.

WOKINGHAM – Wokingham Theatre, Twyford Road, RG40 5TU. Stones in His Pockets. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 978 5363 WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am-

3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, June 19

BINFIELD - Newbold Church RG42 4AN. Windsor and Maidenhead Symphony Orchestra - summer family concert. Rossini, Grieg, Smetana, Mussorgsky, Ravel. 4pm. £18, students £5. Cakes for sale by Venture Scouts.

READING - Market House, Market Place. Father’s Day comedy club: Glen Wool, Alan Francis, Freya McGhee. 3.30pm. Tickets from £15. Details: www. matesratescomedy.co.uk READING – RISC, London Road. Reading Repair Cafe: “if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be”. 12.30pm-4pm. Free, donations welcome.

READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. Summer art market.

11am-4pm. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Laugh or Lemon open mic comedy event - five minutes on a lemon clock.

5pm. Free entry. Details: 0118 958 6048.

SPENCERS WOOD – Village Hall, Basingstoke Road RG7 1AP. Spencers Wood Farmers & Community market. 9am-noon. Details: www.spencerswoodhall. co.uk TILEHURST – Double Barelled Brewery, Stadium Way RG30 6BX. Brewery Tours and Tasting: Father’s Day special. Over 18s only. Booking essential.

Noon and 3pm. Details: doublebarrelled.co.uk STREATLEY - Chaddleworth RG8 9PR. Open gardens for NGS. 10am-5pm. £4.50, children free. Details: 07711 420586.

WARGRAVE - Meet at The Kissing Gate, Blakes Road. Ramble and Picnic for Wargrave Festival.

From 10am.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WARGRAVE - Across village. Open gardens for Wargrave Festival.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Minature Railway, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Pinewood Minature Railway running. £1.50 per ride, four rides £5.

1.30pm-4pm. Under threes free. Now accepts card payments. Details: www. pinewoodrailway.co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Monday, June 20

ARBORFIELD – Royal British Legion, Eversley Road RG2 9PR. Friendship table.

9.30am-11.30am. Details: linkvisiting.org Binfield - Newbold College Church, Popeswood Road, RG42 4AN. The Arts Society Wokingham’s

monthly lecture ‘The Art of the Cartoonist’

by Harry Venning at 7.45pm. Also live streamed via YouTube. Details www.TheArtsSociey Wokingham.org.uk CAVERSHAM – Caversham Park Bridge Club, Milestone Centre, RG4 6PF. Face to face duplicate bridge, computer dealing & scoring. 7.30pm. £3.

Details www.bridgewebs/ cavershampark READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

STREATLEY - The Swan at Streatley, High Street, Streatley on Thames, RG8 9HR. Menopause theme talk and supper club.

Speaker Dani Binnington.

7pm-10pm. £43.71 incl three course meal. Details: 01491 878800 or: www. theswanatstreatley. com. Tickets from: www. eventbrite.co.uk WARGRAVE - Mill Green, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Let The Summer Be Gin. 7.30pm.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Woodley Baptist Church, Hurricane Way RG5 4UX. Four Seasons cafe Friendship Table. 1.30pm-3.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Tuesday, June 21

EARLEY – Earley CResCent Resource Centre, Warbler Drive RG6 4HB. Friendship table. 2pm-3pm. Details: linkvisiting.org.

FINCHAMPSTEAD – FBC Centre Cafe, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Friendship table. 10amnoon. linkvisiting.org READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Midsummer Party: Swedish buffet, ABBA tribute band, face-painting, flower headbands and more. 5pm-8pm. £10.50, £8.50 with IKEA Family Card. Ages 5-12 £4.50.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from cafe.

Details: www.ikea.com READING – Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road RG1 5EX. Chatty Cafe. Details: 0118 378 8660.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. CLASP Wokingham cafe with Friendship table.

10am-noon. Every third

and fourth Tuesday of the month. linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Railway & Transport Club: Paul Joyce on how the railways of Reading coped with the traffic arising from the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. 7.45pm. Details: 0118 977 1754.

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT – Pinewood Bar and Cafe, Pinewood Leisure Centre, Old Wokingham Road RG40 3AQ. Friendship table available. 9am-4pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY - Bulmershe School, Chequers Way RG5 3EH. Thames Valley Chorus presents an open rehearsal for all men who want to sing. Free. Sheet music provided. 7.30pm.

Details: www.tvchorus. co.uk or 0118 977 4257.

Wednesday, June 22

EARLEY – Brookside Church, Brookside Close RG6 7HG. Open Door cafe with Friendship Table. 2pm4pm. linkvisiting.org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: progresstheatre.co.uk.

WARGRAVE - Mill Green, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Teddy Bear’s Picnic. 10am Comedy Club - SOLD OUT.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac with Friendship table. 11am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Artisan market. 9am2pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Thursday, June 23

ONLINE. Berkshire Family History Society presents: The Simonds Family & Simonds Brewery An online talk by Raymond Simonds. 2pm. £5, £4 non-members. Details: berksfhs.org EARLEY – Trinity Church, Chalfont Close RG6 5HZ. Re:Fresh with Friendship Table. 2pm-4pm. Details: linkvisiting.org READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Sheer Art Attack: quick fire sketches, word associations, still life. 7pm, just turn up. Details: 0118 958 6048.

SPENCERS WOOD – Spencers Wood Pavilion, Clares Green Road RG7

1DY. Social Seniors Tea and Coffee with Friendship Table. 10am-noon. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Bradbury Centre, Wokingham Methodist Church, Rose Street RG40 1XS. Cafe Mosiac lunch club with Friendship table.

Noon-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org

Friday, June 24

EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Re:Fresh cafe with Friendship Table. 10amnoon. Details: linkvisiting. org READING - Reading Minster, Chain Street RG1 2HX. Reading Mencap Double Diamond Event: Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Celebration, includes songs from the Reading Mencap choir, drama from Performing Arts Club and presentations and readings. From 6.30pm.

READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

WARGRAVE - Mill Green, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Bohemian Ball.

SOLD OUT. 7.30pm.

Booking essential. Details: wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM – Salvation Army, Sturge Road RG40 2HD. Cafe Refresh Friendship table.

10am-1.30pm. Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue RG40 1UU. T&C at SHARE Wokingham Friendship table. 12.30pm-2.30pm.

Details: linkvisiting.org WOKINGHAM – St Paul’s Church Parish Rooms, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Coffee and Chat: a warm welcome, a listening ear and refreshments. 2pm4pm. Details: 0118 979 2122 or church.office@ spauls.co.uk.

WOOSEHILL – Acorn Community Centre, Fernlea Drive RG41 3DR. Acorn Cafe with Friendship table. 10.30am-noon.

Details: linkvisiting.org

Saturday, June 25

CAVERSHAM – St Andrew’s Church, Albert Road RG4 7PL. Concerts in Caversham: Chamber Music for piano, viola and clarinet, from The Caversham Ensemble.

7.30pm. Tickets £20, over 60s £18, and £15 for 16-25s. Under 16s free.

Details: 0118 948 3220 or concertsincaversham.co.uk CAVERSHAM PARK – Caversham Park Village Social Club, Milestone Centre, Northbrook Road.

Ashley Stone. Booking essential. £2 non-members.

Details: www.cpva.org.uk EARLEY – St Nicolas Church, Sutcliffe Avenue RG6 7JN. Oakwood Forest Church meeting: Summer solstice. 4pm. Details: oakwoodforestchurch. wordpress.com HURST - Showground, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Show and Country Fayre.

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 15, 2022 10am-5pm. Advance tickets £5, £7.50 weekend.

Under 16s free. Free parking. Details: https:// hurstshow.uk/ READING - Broad Street.

Armed Forces Day celebration.

READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. Wokingham Choral Society 70th anniversary concert: Bach Mass in B Minor. Pre-concert talk 6.30pm, concert 7.30pm.

Conductor: James Morley Potter, organist Benedict Lewis-Smith, chamber orchestra: Instruments of Time and Truth. £16, £5 students and under 18s. Details: wokinghamchoral-society.org.uk READING - IKEA, Pincents Kiln Industrial Park, Pincent Lane RG31 7SD. Balloon artist and face painter for children. 11am5pm. Free. Details: www. ikea.com READING – Progress Theatre, The Mount RG1 5HL. Progress Theatre presents Angels in America Parts 1 and 2. 7.45pm. £12, concessions £10. Details: www.progresstheatre. co.uk.

READING - St Luke’s Parish Hall, Erleigh Road RG1 5LH. Milonga Mariposita.

7.30pm. £10. Details: www.readingtango.com/ milongas READING - The Wren School, Bath Road RG30 3BB. Reading Festival Chorus presents: Most Heavenly Music: An evening of Shakespeare set to music.

7pm. Picnic from 5pm, bring your own food. £15, under 18s free. Details: readingfestivalchorus. org.uk SHINFIELD – St Marys Church Summer Fete, Shinfield green, Shinfield 25 June 12-4pm TWYFORD – Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road RG10 9JA. Twyford Singers 60th anniversary concert. 3pm. £15, under 12s £5. Details: twyford-singers.org.uk WARGRAVE - From Victoria Road, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Festival Parade and Fete. 12.30pm.Booking essential. Details: www. wargravefestival.org.uk WOKINGHAM - St Paul’s Church, Reading Road RG41 1EH. Reading Symphony Orchestra Summer Concert. 7.30pm. £15, under 18s and students £5. Details: www. rso.org.uk/next-concert WOKINGHAM - Wescott and Westende Primary School, Goodchild Road.

Summer fair: live music, inflatables, food, bar, face painting, games, raffle, tombola, crafts and more.

Noon-3pm.

WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Woodley Town Centre presents Saturday market. 9am3pm. Details: www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk

Sunday, June 26

BUGHFIELD - Little Manor, Church Lane RG30 3TG. Save the Children Kennet Branch’s Midsummer Music with the Clive Fortune Big Band. Bar, real ale, hog roast, raffles, children’s entertainment.

£15, under 16s free.

Details: 0118 983 2569 or text 07971 241222.

EMMER GREEN - Emmer Green Primary School, Grove Road RG4 8LN. EG10k. From 9.30am. Details: www. emmergreen10k.org.uk HURST - Showground, School Road RG10 0DR. Hurst Show and Country Fayre. 10am-4pm.

Advance tickets £5, £7.50 weekend. Under 16s free.

Free parking. Details: hurstshow.uk READING – Great Hall, University of Reading, London Road RG1 5AQ. West Forest Sinfonia: Orchestral Concert.

4.30pm. £15, £5 students and under 18s. Details: westforestsinfonia.org READING - Reading Buses, Great Knollys Street RG1 7HH. Open Day in aid of New Beginnings. Behind the scenes tours, rides through the bus wash, food and drink, games, memorabilia stalls and the fantastic bus rainbow.

Details: www.readingbuses.co.uk READING - Palmer Park, Wokingham Road RG6 1LF. East Reading Festival: stalls, music, poetry, funfair, food from aroundthe world, charities and more.

Noon-6pm. Details: www. eastreadingfestival.co.uk READING – The Rising Sun, Silver Street RG1 2ST. H P Lovecraft: Gallery of Screams, two weird tales adapted and performed by R M Lloyd Parry. £10, £7 concessions. Details: 0118 986 6788.

READING – The Weather Station, Eldon Terrace RG1 4DX. Bottle Club from 12.30pm. Laugh or Lemon open mic comedy event - five minutes on a lemon clock. 5pm. Free entry.

Details: 0118 958 6048.

WARGRAVE - St Mary’s Church, Station Road, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: End of Festival Service. 10.30am.

Booking essential. Details: www.wargravefestival. org.uk WARGRAVE - Mill Green, RG10 8EP. Wargrave Festival: Family and friends barbecue. Noon.

BBO Big Band Show. 7pm.

Booking essential. Details: www.wargravefestival. org.uk WOKINGHAM - From Cantley Park, Twyford Road.

Wokingham Bikeathon.

15, 25, and 35mile routes, food, drink, cycle obstacle course and more. From 8.15am-2pm. Details: www. wokinghambikeathon. co.uk WOODLEY – Crockhamwell Road precinct. Car boot sale. 8am-1pm. Cars £10, vans £15. Details: 07861 654674 or www. woodleytowncentre.co.uk YATTENDON - Across village RG18 0UR. Classic vehicle day: free to enter.

Categories for Classic cars, vintage motorcycles, military vehicles and other mechanical delights.

Register entries in advance: yattendonclassicvehicle@ outlook.com. Show open 11am-4pm. Details: www. yattendonclassicvehicle. couk.com

No. 5418

Your weekly puzzle challenge

27

To advertise, call 0118 327 2662

Wednesday, June 15, 2022 READINGTODAY.ONLINE

TO ADVERTISE ON THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON: 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

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1. Which South American mammal is the world’s largest rodent?

2. What is the surname of the sisters Dakota and Elle who are both US actresses?

3. The martial art of savate is associated with which country?

4. In the animated film series Madagascar, comedian Chris Rock provides the voice for which character?

5. By which unusual name is the Geneva Bible also known?

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NONAGRAM

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

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Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

MAP THE CAREER MICE

R O I

M N T 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: 26 Good; 31 Very Good; 36 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed E through openings in the walls. The K first letter may appear in any chamber.

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ACROSS 1. Like a truant, is not doing very well (3,2,4) 6. Honestly it cannot be told (3) 8. Flower for female campers to lie on? (5,8) 9. I went first after nothing was lubricated (5) 10. Artfulness of curvaceous character in dry surroundings (7) 11. Raids go on for ever on Sunday (6) 13. Ref has collapsed again (6) 16. Belonging to me in red perhaps but covered with white fur (7) 18. Severely criticise cook (5) 20. Scab hit by wave (13) 22. Denial that there has been any amendment (3) 23. The most cheerless form of rest I dare (9)

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Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

TS

DOWN 1. Low manoeuvres by night flier (3) 2. Tommy first laid out by this destructive wave (5) 3. Time passes rapidly without food (4,3) 4. Impossible to repeat single no longer available (3-3) 5. So the fellow outside is a builder (5) 6. Anticipate that Rose will be troubled by retainer fee (7) 7. Cricketing cap? (6,3) 9. Not the most popular time to be away for three months (9) 12. Take another partner for better or worse (7) 14. Do nothing on behalf of Rupert perhaps (7) 15. Consumer friendly? (6) 17. Out of gear (5) 19. Weird weakling removes wig in low joint (5) 21. Pest found in the trattoria (3)

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This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

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To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

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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.

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

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WORD PYRAMID: The cat’s whiskers.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – multiply; add; divide; subtract.

Total: 4.

SOLUTIONS

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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.

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FIVE ALIVE DP

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WORD PYRAMID

SUDOKU Easy

1

6. The Victoria Falls are on which river?

7. According to the science fiction writer Isaac Asimov, how many laws of robotics are there?

8. Which title is shared by a hit 1970s US sitcom and a Samuel Beckett play?

9. A ruler who uses their power to steal their country’s resources is called a what?

10. ‘How many roads must a man walk down’ is the opening lyric of which Bob Dylan hit song?

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5418

CROSS CODE

5418

ACROSS 1. Scottish oatmeal cakes (8) 8. Supplication (6) 9. Sieve (4) 10. Every (3) 11. Reach (6) 12. Fireproof material (8) 15. Mortuary (6) 16. Inn (6) 20. Places of interest (6) 24. Make (6) 27. Bullfighter (8)

31

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28. Felt hat (6) 29. Small child (3) 30. Lean (4) 31. Spicy sausage (6) 32. Baptise (8) DOWN 2. Melodic recitative (mus.) (6) 3. Spice (6) 4. Pure (6) 5. Spatter (6) 6. Spiny plant (6) 7. Cooking instructions (6)

12. Biblical prophet (4) 13. Sailing vessel (4) 14. Legal action (4) 17. Giant monster (4) 18. Amphibian (4) 19. Look suggestively (4) 21. Cooling pack (3,3) 22. Arab tobacco pipe (6) 23. Inactive (6) 24. Shell-hole (6) 25. Birds of prey (6) 26. Rumple (6)

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1 Bannocks; 8 Prayer; 9 Sift; 10 All; 11 Attain; 12 Asbestos; 15 Morgue; 16 Hostel; 20 Sights; 24 Create; 27 Toreador; 28 Fedora; 29 Tot; 30 List; 31 Salami; 32 Christen.

Down – 2 Arioso; 3 Nutmeg; 4 Chaste; 5 Splash; 6 Cactus; 7 Recipe; 12 Amos; 13 Brig; 14 Suit; 17 Ogre; 18 Toad; 19 Leer; 21 Ice bag; 22 Hookah; 23 Static; 24 Crater; 25 Eagles; 26 Tousle.

QUIZ CHALLENGE: 1 Capybara; 2 Fanning; 3 France; 4 Marty the zebra; 5 The Breeches Bible; 6 The Zambezi; 7 Three; 8 Happy Days; 9 FIVE ALIVE: Kleptocrat; 10 Blowin’ in the Wind.

(1) Across – Dream; Radon; Codes.

Down – Doric; Ended; Minus.

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: CROSS CODE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 1 Out of form; 6 Fib; 8 Lady’s bedstraw; 9 Oiled; 10 (2) Across – Pages; Aside; Elect.

Q E G X M C F A U V L N T Finesse; 11 Forays; 13 Afresh; 16 Ermined; 18 Roast; 20 Down – Phase; Guile; Swept.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Strikebreaker; 22 Nay; 23 Dreariest.

K D O Y B W R H P J Z S I Down – 1 Owl; 2 Tidal; 3 Fast day; 4 One-off; 5 Mason; 6 NONAGRAM: ammo; anomy; atom; atomy; atony; Foresee; 7 Bowler hat; 9 Offseason; 12 Remarry; 14 Forbear; 15 inro; into; intro; iota; iron; irony; manor; MAGIC SQUARE: EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU Edible; 17 Naked; 19 Ankle; 21 Rat. pram; rice; ache; marmot; MATRIMONY; matron; mayo; meet. mayor; minatory; minor; moan; moat; monty; moray; morn; mornay; mort; mortmain; nitro; noir; nori; noria; norm; notary; oaty; omit; ratio; ration; rayon; riot; roam; roan; roman; rota; roti; ryot; taro; tony; torn; trio; troy; tyro; yoni.

28 | LIFE

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Getting on your bike Healthy Heart Tip

READINGTODAY.ONLINE Wednesday, June 15, 2022

Volunteer Corner Reading Voluntary Action

than when exercising alone. Look up your local cycle groups to get started.

Starting Slow

C

YCLING regularly can help to lower our risk of developing heart disease and improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Here are some tips to help you get on your bike this summer.

Cycle to work Cycling to work can be a time-efficient way to fit exercise into your daily routine. It can even benefit your

productivity at work whilst also improving the health of your heart.

Cycle together Cycling can be a great way to meet up with friends, or make new ones, and be active together.

Evidence shows that we are more likely to complete exercise when doing so with a partner or in a group.

Additionally, we work physically harder when surrounded by others

If you don’t yet feel confident or fit enough for a long bike ride, why not start small by going on some shorter bike rides, and gradually increasing your distance or time.

This will build your confidence and fitness before you tackle a longer route.

This could be the perfect starting point of pedalling your way to a healthy heart. n For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for to the weekly healthy tips at www. heartresearch.org.uk/ healthy-tips. n To help keep your

heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-uk-

recipes-2/. n Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and

food bloggers: https:// heartresearch.org.uk/ heart-research-ukcookbook/.

Enjoy a summer of fun with National Trust

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SUMMER FUN: Children walking in the meadow and house in the distance at Clandon Park, Surrey Picture: National trust

ROM den building and active outdoor play to open-air theatre and a tree treasure hunt, National Trust says it has hundreds of events and activities this summer.

Thanks to funding from Sport England over 140 National Trust houses, gardens and parks will be encouraging families to get active and take part in a Summer of Sport.

There will be drop-in ‘come out and play’ sports sessions include croquet and cricket, hopscotch and hockey, and with most sessions free to enjoy with no booking required.

For more details, log on to: nationaltrust.org.uk Here’s the National Trust’s pick of the best places to enjoy this summer in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire.

Hughenden, near High Wycombe

Hughenden offers a vivid insight into the charismatic personality and colourful private life of the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, who lived here from 1848 to 1881. The formal gardens at Hughenden were designed

by Mary Anne Disraeli in an 18th century Italianate style, a highly fashionable choice for Victorian country estates.

Today, the gardens have been recreated to be true to her vision with geometric formal beds, statuary and urns and striking planting. In the woodlands there are towering trees of all shapes and sizes to explore.

Add a picnic in the parkland and you’re set for a fantastic day surrounded by stunning views and the sweeping landscapes of the Chiltern hills.

In the summer holidays, children can play in the natural play area while the grown-ups catch up over coffee at the picnic tables in the orchard.

Surrounded by rolling parkland and woodland, our woodland play area has been carved from giant fallen trees with rope walkways, wood stepping stones and hideaways for under-10s

to explore. Top picnic spots include under the shade of the apple trees in the orchard or in the parkland with views across to the hills in the distance.

This summer’s family trail, Royalty in Nature, on until August 29, celebrates the natural world from the crown of the trees to the queens of the hives. Families will be able to build a den castle, create a natural crown and match the collars to the corgis.

Greys Court An intimate family home and peaceful estate set in the rolling hills of the Chilterns. This picturesque 16th century mansion has a welcoming feel with homely living rooms and a well-stocked kitchen. Lady Brunner designed the garden in the late 1930s and the series of walled gardens is a colourful patchwork of garden rooms linked by doors, gates and flower tunnels set amid medieval ruins.

The play area has been refurbished, with new play equipment and a sitting circle for little ones. There’s plenty of space in the play area for den building, too. The maze is open every day, and a ‘Towering Trees’ trail is running until 15 July, where children can learn more about the importance of woodland.

Throughout the summer holidays there will be a mindfulness programme, with a wellbeing trail for children, silent walks and bookable children’s activities hosted by Relaxed Kids. Sessions with Relaxed Kids will

run on Wednesday 27 July, 3, 17 and 24 August. More information and a link to book on the website.

Basildon Park, near Reading Sitting elegantly in 162 hectares (400 acres) of historic parkland and gardens, this 18th-century house was purchased by Lord and Lady Iliffe in the 1950s. They brought the house back to life, acquiring a collection of fine furnishings and Old Master paintings.

The woodland and landscaped parkland offers space for plenty of activities to try as a whole family, including den building, making a home for a wild animal and bug-hunting.

When you need a spot to pause there are plenty of great picnic spots to choose from in the parkland, with clearings in the trees, and benches with views over the Thames Valley.

The umbrello is a lovely spot and the gardeners have been refreshing the planting there this year.

Basildon Park are running bookable den building sessions taking place on Friday afternoons in the summer holidays 29 July, 5, 12, 19, and 26 August, 2 September 2.30–4pm. A wild play trail and the clipped lawns in front of the mansion all make Basildon one of the best places for day out this summer.

Cliveden, near Maidenhead Set high above the Thames with far-reaching views, Cliveden’s

impressive gardens and majestic woodlands are both grand and picturesque. There is a series of formal gardens to explore, each with its own character and charm and a tree-lined avenue leading to myriad woodland walks and secluded glades.

Cliveden is a children’s paradise year-round with the Storybook Play Den for little ones and a natural play trail with rope swings, logs to leap over and den-building areas. You could tick off some of the 50 things to do at Cliveden, as recommended by staff, volunteers and visitors.

Visitors can hire electric boats, canoes and rowing boats or take a guided tour on a skippered cruise with our partners, Boating at Cliveden.

Offering unique views of Cliveden and a chance to get up close to the wildlife of the river, a boat trip is a must for nature lovers. To find out more and to book your river adventure, head to: Boating at Cliveden - Luxury boat hire and trips on the beautiful River Thames.

The Vyne, near Basingstoke Set on the edge of a tree-lined lake dotted with geese, The Vyne was once a great Tudor powerhouse comparable in size to Hampton Court. It was built

by King Henry VIII’s lord chamberlain, Sir William Sandys and the king visited several times, with both his first wife, Catherine of Aragon and then with his second, Anne Boleyn.

The sprawling gardens and woodlands are just waiting to be explored in the summer holidays, from the 22 July. Families can enjoy fun activities in Morgaston Woods; a ‘tree treasure hunt’ where you find different tree species and locate the oldest trees in the woods, a ‘hidden treasures trail’ featuring long-lost historical features hidden in the landscape, and ‘build it up’ nature experience, where the whole family can get involved in an essential wilderness survival skills of den building. Outdoor theatre also comes to The Vyne this summer with Shakespeare’s Much ado about nothing and As you like it.

E

PILEPSY Berkshire offers mutual support and strives to help resolve many of the issues relating to living with Epilepsy.

This includes offering social events which can be enjoyed in a safe environment knowing there is support available wherever necessary.

Right now they are seeking a volunteer to join them, for approximately two hours a week, to help organise and support adult members.

You would be helping with anything from helping organise events to promoting the charity through social media and other outlets.

It could also include directly supporting their members on various outings. n Tilehurst Parish Council offers a wide range of services to improve the quality of life for their residents, such as their new youth clubs they are establishing.

They are looking for volunteers to help in setting up and running their new Youth Club.

Initially on Thursday evenings, from 6.30pm to 9pm for volunteers.

Volunteers will also be fully supported by Tilehurst Parish Council and their partners Berkshire Youth.

Previous experience is not essential but if you have worked in other youth clubs or education that would be useful.

This role may suit you if you are a current college or university student looking to widen your experience by working with young people or perhaps you have recently retired and would like to share some of the expertise you have in working with young people. n The Summer Reading Challenge 2022 Gadgeteers Event is right around the corner and the libraries are looking for some handson volunteers.

Tasks will include: Talking with children about the books they have been reading and suggesting other things they may like to read, assisting with administration, helping library staff run specific Gadgeteers events and craft activities and much more.

They want volunteers for: Battle Library, Caversham Library, Central Library, Palmer Park Library, Southcote Library, Tilehurst Library and Whitley Library.

They would like you to be with them between Saturday, July 9, andSaturday, September 10, school and family holidays permitting, for a minimum of two sessions per week, more if you like.

Closing date for applications: Thursday, July 21.

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

SPORT TODAY READING

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

15.06.22

ROYALS REACH FUTSAL FINAL

FINCH HIT FIELDERS FOR 4

BERKS ROYALS TOPPLE EARLEY

TIED TIGHT

READING CONTINUE FINE FORM

READING AND SONNING SHARE POINTS

READING CRICKET CLUB 2s continued their impressive start to the season after they tied with Sonning 2s in Thames Valley Division 2B.

.Sonning were put into bat by Reading and stood up to the test against the in-form side strongly.

They lost just four wickets in their entire 52 over innings as Jamie Boshier (72*) and Rob Mosely (63*) batted excellently to help their side total 213 runs.

Looking to chase down the challenging marker set down by Sonning, Reading made a strong start by putting 87 runs on the board before the first wicket fell when Waqas Ahmed was out on 33.

Sonning bowler Dan Anderson enjoyed a tremendous bowling spell as he took four wickets, while Raoul Harding chipped in with three wickets to take the game to the wire.

In a tense battle between the teams, Harminder Singh top scored for Reading with 70 runs.

But the sides couldn’t be separated in the end as Reading finished their 48 over spell on 213-9 as the match ended in a tie.

Both teams earned 16 points from the match which leaves Reading in second position, only behind Newbury.

Meanwhile, the tie keeps Sonning in sixth position after six matches. n Full cricket reports and pictures on pages 22 & 23

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BINFIELD AND EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA TO ENTER ALLIED COUNTIES BINFIELD FC and Eversley & California will be entering teams to enter the Allied Counties Youth League.

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

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ALL THE LATEST ROYALS NEWS

There will be nine new teams in total entering the U18’s football league for the 2022/23 season.

Binfield will be looking to follow up on what was a superb last campaign for their under 18’s squad after they were victorious in the U18 East Berkshire League.

The Moles were not only successful in their league campaign but made it a season to remember by completing the double with victory in the EBFA Cup. The club’s U18 team will now seek to continue their path of success and development by competing in the Allied Counties from next season.

Meanwhile, Eversley will enter a newly created team to compete in the 2022/23 season.

The Boars will be under the management of Ed Jackson-Sankey and Max Scott and are hoping to bolster their squad with bright young talents in both the playing and coaching departments.

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Michael Morrison clears from danger

The Royals and the Hammers compete in the air

Femi Azeez dribbles past Said Benrahma

READING FC

ROYALS TO HOST HAMMERS IN PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC will host Premier League West Ham United in a pre-season friendly for the second consecutive season.

David Moyes’ team will make the trip to the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday, July 16 (3pm kickoff).

The Hammers ran out as 3-0 winners when they travelled to Berkshire to face Reading in pre-season in July last year.

The Irons enjoyed another exceptional campaign under Moyes which ended with them falling just short in their Europa League adventure.

Having beaten serial European winners Sevilla

and French giants Lyon, West Ham were knocked out in the semi-finals by German side Eintracht Frankfurt who went on to lift the trophy after defeating Rangers on penalties.

West Ham secured European qualification after finishing seventh in the Premier League in the 2021/22 season.

Reading’s last competitve match against West Ham came in the 2012/13 Premier League season where the Hammers were 4-2 winners at Upton Park.

Goals from Garath McCleary and Adam Le Fondre helped the Royals draw lebvel but they were eventually beaten by a Kevin Nolan hat-trick in a match.

In the reverse fixture earlier that season, Reading

Andy Yiadom gets forward on the ball

earned three points at the Madejski Stadium as Pavel Pogrebnyak’s fifth minute strike proved to be decisive.

Reading have more happy memories of facing the Hammers, including a 4-2 win at Upton Park in March 2012 in a tremendous away performance which set Brian McDermott’s side up for an outstanding end to the campaign that saw them storm to the Championship title.

Steve Coppell’s side earned one of the best results in the club’s history when they welcomed West Ham to the Madejski on New Year’s Day 2007.

In their debut season in the top flight that finished in an incredible eighth place finish, Reading tore past the East London side with

a brace from Kevin Doyle and goals from Brynjar Gunnarsson, Stephen Hunt and Leroy Lita to race to a 6-0 success.

Ending the season with 16 wins, eight draws and 14 defeats, the Hammers finished on 56 points which saw them qualify for the Europa Conference League after they were pipped to a Europa League spot by Manchester United on the final day of the season.

Paul Ince’s men will also face National League team Maidenhead United at Bearwood Park in a behind-closed-doors match on Tuesday, July 12 (1pm kick-off).

Tickets for the match against West Ham will be announced by the club in due course.

Reading v West Ham United in pre-season in July 2021 Pictures: Steve Smyth

Finchampstead v Reading YMCA Pictures: Andrew Batt

FOOTBALL

READING YMCA FC CONFIRM NEW COACHING TEAM

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING YMCA FC has announced Chrstian Barlett as their first-team manager to work alongside firstteam coach Lee Kitching.

Reading YMCA compete in the Themes Valley Premier League and finished in 10th out of 14 teams in the 2021/22 season.

YMCA compete against fellow local sides in the division such as Finchampstead and Burghfield, who both battled it out for the title which saw Finch come out on top for a second consecutive seasons.

Other local teams in the division include Reading City U23’s who finished 12th and Woodley United Royals who finished in 14th.

YMCA finished their last campaign in the league on 31 points with nine wins, four draws and 13 defeats.

Bartlett said: “Excited to be working with a club with great history, can’t wait to get started with all the players in a couple of weeks. Exciting times ahead.”

Kitching added: “Very much looking forward to working with all the players and coaches in achieving and fulfilling success at Reading YMCA FC.”

Finchampstead v Reading YMCA Pictures: Andrew Batt

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READING FC

FUTSAL

ROYALS CLOSE READING ROYALS VALIANT IN DEFEAT TO COMPLETING AT LNFS CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL FIRST SUMMER SIGNING

By SCOTT HARGREAVES sport@wokingham.today

READING ROYALS FUTSAL CLUB fell at the final hurdle after they were edged out in the LNFS Champions Cup final.

Reading FC

READING FC are reportedly close to completing the signing of Middlesbrough goalkeeper Joe Lumley.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper who has made 34 league appearances for Boro is set to complete a loan move to Reading.

Paul Ince and his new recruitment team are set for a busy summer window with several senior players contracts set to expire at the end of the month.

However, they are facing the extra challenge of being under a transfer embargo for the second consecutive season which will limit them to signing free agents and loan players.

With the expiration of Orjan Nyland’s contract, who spent the latter end of the 2021/22 with Reading, and Luke Southwood reportedly being told he can depart, the Royals are in the market to sign a new goalkeeper.

It appears that Lumley, currently at Middlesbrough, has become a top target for the club after being told that he is free to leave the club on loan.

Lumley started his senior career at Queens Park Rangers and made 77 league appearances for the club after making his first-team debut in 2015.

After loan spells with Bishop’s Stortford, Accrignton Stanley, Stevenage, Bristol Rovers, Blackpool, Gillingham and Doncaster Rovers during his time at QPR, Lumley eventually made a permanent switch to Middlesbrough in 2021.

In his first season with Boro, Lumley played 34 times and finished the season with 34 goals conceded and 13 clean sheets in the league.

Across all competitions, Lumley played 39 times, conceded 42 goals and kept 14 clean sheets but is set to be loaned out by Chris Wilder’s team for the upcoming campaign.

Royals were the team to get the day started as they kicked off the early game against Brunel Futsal Club.

In a very fast flowing game Brunel took an early lead. Scott Hargreaves levelled the score for the Royals.

Brunel quickly reclaimed the lead with a tidy counter-attacking goal, but two quick-fire goals from Josh Gillespie and Brayden Lissington saw the Royals take the lead for the first time in the match.

A Brunel equaliser late in the half meant the teams went in level 3-3 at half-time.

The second half started just as the first had finished, with Brunel scoring to take the lead for the third time in the game.

The high intensity of this endto-end game continued with the Royals responding with two quick goals, a strike from distance from Phil Lant and a strong Noah Joyner finish giving Reading the lead.

Brunel showed character and equalised with seconds on the clock remaining to make the full-time score a scintillating 5 -5 and to

Reading Royals Futsal Club in action Picture: Rob Smith take the game into extra time and another 10 minutes of full on futsal action.

Reading looked to start the stronger and were quick out the blocks. A mazy Lant run caused chaos and Mitch Gomm took advantage to give Reading Royals a 6-5 lead.

Brunel had no choice but to chase the game, Reading defended

resiliently and a counter-attack was completed with a clinical finish

by Josh Gillespie making it 7-5 to Reading Royals and booking their place in the final.

In the final Royals played East Riding, from Hull, who had a more comfortable semi-final win without the need for extra-time.

In a very close first half Royals went in at half-time 2-1 down with

Lant scoring the only goal for the Reading side with a typical rocket shot.

East Riding started the secondhalf strongly scoring two goals to take a 4-2 lead.

The Royals showed character with two goals from Pawel Skowron and Joyner to make it 4-3.

Just when it looked like the Royals were back in the game two quick goals from East Riding, with their on-form striker Danny Clarke completing a hat-trick, made it 6-3.

With about six minutes remaining, Reading threw caution to the wind and played ‘fly-keeper’, where an outfield player replaces the goal-keeper to try and gain an advantage with an extra outfield player.

This time this high risk approach did not pay off as East Riding continued their clinical finishing and scored another three goals to make the final score 9-3.

The Royals finished the day defeated, deflated and exhausted after two intense games of futsal, but as their captain, Phil Lant, reminded the players after the game every player gave 100% and that they can hold their heads high in how they played, the character they showed and in finishing Runners-Up in the LNFS Championship Cup.

CRICKET

CROWS WOMEN EARN FIRST T20 WIN Crowthorne & Crown Wood Women (93-6) beat Steventon (88-8) Crowthorne & Crown Wood Women took their first ever T20 victory away at Steventon.

Sent in to bat having lost the toss, Lily Mansfield stepped up to score a respectable 13 runs taking second place to top run scorer Gabi Jones with 16.

Seetal Bhatti in her debut ran two and with partner Jo Lee (seven) both retired at over 16.

Katie Finucane and Gillian Finucane then saw off the innings with a partnership of 10 runs, not out, taking runs off the bat to 67 and completing the the innings at 93-6.

After tea, the fielding started very strong with bowler Katie Finucane stifling the run rate to three off 18 balls.

Gillian Finucane and Gabi Jones then bowled 36 deliveries allowing only 10 runs to accrue on the hosts’ scoresheet.

Wickets were taken by Sophie O’Loughlin on her first delivery;

Crowthorne & Crown Wood Women 1st XI Helena Jones whose delivery was forced into the air off the bat to be caught by Gabi Jones; Gillian Finucane, Katie Finucane, Anita Applin who bowled out their opponents with clean deliveries and Lily Mansfield with two well executed run outs.

Victory came in the last over of the game with the Crowthorne team maintaining energy and poise to the very end to take their five run win.

Crowthorne & Crown Wood Crocodiles beat Emmbrook & Bearwood U11’s The Crocodiles won the toss and elected to bowl. After a chaotic four overs the match restarted on the correct size pitch.

The restart seemed to reinvigorate the Crocodiles who bowled a tidy line overall and reduced the opposition to 237.

With his consistent line and length, Ollie was bowler of the match after taking two wickets for just six runs from two overs.

Openers Ollie (8) and Jackson (12) started well.

Nysha and Jacob maintained the score without losing any wickets. Tav (10) and Annabelle (22) added 32 to take the total to 295. Charlotte (21) and Kai (16) took Crows over the 300 mark comfortably.

Trish (13) and Chloe (22) took Crows to a season best total of 386 for the loss of only four wickets.

Not surprisingly choosing batter of the match was extremely difficult to some high scoring from Annabelle, Charlotte, Trish and Chloe and some classy shots from Tav, Jackson and Ollie.

However, for his persistence, hard work and return to form, batter of the match went to Kai. Skipper, Chloe, chose Tav as fielder of the match for his hard work running on the boundary and positive attacking of the ball.

20

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BERKSHIRE RO

CRICKET

Finchampstead (batting) v Datchetug McMurray batting

Earley v Berkshire Royals (batting)

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BCL Division 1A

CRICKET

FINCH CLIMB UP TO SECOND

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Home Counties Premier Division 1 WOKINGHAM climbed into third place after they triumphed away at Buckingham Town.

The Oaks’ opening pair built a solid foundation for the team to build on with 136 runs on the board before the first wicket fell.

Conrad Louth hit 84, while Imran Malik totalled 59 and later in the order Andy Rishton scored 68 as Wokingham finished on 251 before they declared.

Three wickets each from Max Uttley and Andy Rishton ensured Buckingham were all out on 137 which secured a 114-run win for Wokingham.

FINCHAMPSTEAD moved into second after they earned a convincing win over Datchet.

Opening batsman Ben Moffat scored highest for Finch with 71 which saw them finish with 216.

After 22 overs, Datchet’s hope of catching the target ended after a clinical bowling performance from Lewis Sharp (5-50) and Matt Gilkes (3-29) which helped Finch to a 101-run victory.

Home Counties Division 2 WARGRAVE dropped down to third after they lost out away at Thame Town.

Wargrave could only set a first innings total of 88 after they were skittled all out after 34.4 overs.

Thame dropped just two wickets on their way to surpassing the chase.

BCM Championship

WEST READING fell down to third after they were defeated at home to Holmer Green.

Hafeez Ul-Wahab took three wickets for Reading but that didn’t stop Holmer from totalling a big score of 294.

Holmer then bowled Reading all out on 93 to confirm their win.

SHINFIELD lost out by six wickets away at Penn & Tylers Green.

42 from Abhishek Chatterjee helped Shinfield to total 145, but Penn surpassed the chase after dropping just four wickets.

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD lost by four wickets in their home match against Ley Hill.

Gerhard Kruger top scored for Crows with 70, while James Whitehurst hit a half century as they ended on 214, but Ley Hill got past the target with four wickets left.

READING LIONS moved up to third in the table with a home win over Peppard Stoke Row 2s.

Keerthi Prakash totalled a half century for the Lions which helped them to total 222 after being bowled all out and they were confirmed as winners when Peppard finished their 40 overs 49-runs short of the target.

BERKSHIRE ROYALS overtook EARLEY in the standings after claiming an away win.

Asitha Rangana top scored for Berkshire with 59 as Berkshire totalled a strong first innings of 258.

Earley were all out on 156 as Berkshire earned a convincing win.

CMB Premiership EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD picked up 21 points in a draw against Pinkneys Green.

Andy Lazenbury was just two runs shy of completing a century for Emmbrook, while solid innings from Ollie Williams (30) and Joe Smart (40) contributed to see the Bears finish with 253.

Richard Cole collected four wickets in the second innings but the match was drawn after Pinkneys finished on 152-6.

Chilterns Division Two EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s won on their travels to The Lee 2s.

A half century from Matt Booth saw the Bears finish their innings with 181.

Toby Morgan and Charlie Sawyer both took three wickets as The Lee were all out on 98 which sealed a 83-run success for Emmbrook.

BCL Premier Division FARLEY HILL are top of the tree after they got the better of Stratfield Turgis.

Ali Jalil (41) and Matt Jones (44*) batted strongly to help Farley to 185 from 40 overs.

Kashif Ali (4-32) and Adeel Razaq (3-18) were in fine form to help confirm a 28-run win for Farley to give them a healthy lead at the top.

SHINFIELD 2s earned a comfortable victory at home to Mortimer West End. A half century from Sandeep Garg saw Shinfield amass 243 runs from 40 overs.

Arun Jumar picked up four wickets which helped to bowl Mortimer all out on 184.

SANDHURST collected 37 points in their home success over Woodcote.

A strong opening pair of Adam Birch (56) and Savir Sharma (78*) saw Sandhurst record 223 runs.

Woodcote were all out on 171 to confirm a 52-run win for the hosts.

WEST READING 2s took the spoils with a six-wicket win away at Welford Park.

Ashan Iqbal and Jawal Ahmad both took three wickets each, while Mahad Ahmad (64) and Mehdi Harees (60*) saw West Reading over the line to victory.

BCL Division 1B RANGERS climbed up to second in the table after they beat Stallions by six wickets.

21

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OYALS LEAPFROG EARLEY

TITLE HOLDERS LOOK TO BOOST PROGRESSION HOPES

By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokingham.today BERKSHIRE face table-topping Bedfordshire at the Wargrave Recreation Ground on Sunday knowing that a win in their penultimate Group 2 game would considerably boost their chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the NCCA Trophy.

The holders currently sit second, two points behind their visitors but with a game in hand and a superior net run rate.

This is Bedfordshire’s final group game, while Berkshire still have to face third-placed Hertfordshire, another side battling for a toptwo finish.

Last Sunday, Beds replaced Berks as group leaders by beating Cornwall by 88 runs with former Northamptonshire captain Alex Wakely scoring 115 from 114 balls in their 50-over total of 274-4. He shared a thirdwicket partnership of 213 with left-handed opener Fayaz Homyoon making 114.

Cornwall, who had defeated Berkshire at Truro two weeks earlier, were never able to get grips with their run chase against an attack that included Leicestershire seamer Alex Evans and slow left-armer George Darlow, son of the ECB’s interim chairman Martin. This will be the third game involving Berks and Beds this season as they played each other twice in the NCCA T20 competition at Ampthill last month with honours being shared, meaning neither county was able to overhaul Oxfordshire in the Group 4 title race.

All three counties finished on 10 points with the places being decided on net run rate and it could be just as tight in the Trophy, adding to the importance of this Sunday’s clash (11am start).

Host club Wargrave will be represented

by Euan Woods and Rhodri Lewis, while Wokingham spinner Max Uttley is set to return after missing the game against Cornwall.

The availability of Toby Albert will not be known until later in the week as the Finchampstead batsman may be wanted by Hampshire for their home Vitality Blast game with Surrey which is also being played on Sunday.

Earley v Berkshire Royals (batting)

Earley v Berkshire Royals (batting)

54 not out from Arun Kumar Manoharan helped Rangers to surpass the chase after they hit 118 from 17.4 overs and only dropped four wickets in the process.

WOODLEY moved up to third with an away success at FARLEY HILL 2s.

A half century from Chris Garrod saw Farley finish with 203 as Tajdar Jawaid took four wickets for Woodley.

Asad Imam top scored for Woodley with 57 which saw them win the match with five wickets left.

EARLEY put 35 points on the board on their trip to SHINFIELD. Michael Page batted strongly and hit 87 which helped Shinfield total 197 as Waqas Jadoon picked up four wickets.

But Earley made light work of reaching the chase as a century from Venkat Bandlamudi saw them win the game, losing just one wicket.

Earley v Berkshire Royals (batting)

Earley v Berkshire Royals (batting)

Earley v Berkshire Royals (batting)

CRICKET

CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 3S PICK UP FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON

By STAFF WRITER sport@wokingham.today CROWTHORNE & Crown Wood 3rd XI registered their first win of the season away to Yateley 3s.

Having won the toss, Yateley elected to bat. Adam Mansfield (1-14) and Avinash Singh (1-16) bowled tidily, with Singh taking the first wicket.

Uttam Gajjar then bowled excellently to take 4-16. Shravan Sathiyan (2-14), Vijay Bhatti (1-8) and Ven Adapa (1-1) all chipped in

with wickets, and keeper-captain Rich Hester took four catches. The hosts were all out for 86 from 39.1 overs.

The Crows set about chasing the total down in assured fashion.

The in-form Dan Finucane (31) fell to a good catch, but had already done enough damage.

Dave McQuitty (20*) and Simon Sheppard (12*) then saw the Crows home in 19.3 overs for a nine wicket win.

Crows midweek XI made it through to the semi final in flying

fashion as they beat Eversley CC by 21 runs in the quarter final.

The batsman got the show on the road with stand out performances from Prakash Singh (33) and Matt Childs (18) and a final few overs well negotiated by the tail including Peter Emes (13*) and Luke Taylor (9) with strong contributions all the way down the crows posted 151 from their 20 overs, then it was over to the bowlers to get the job done.

A tight first spell from Omer Farooq (2-18) put the pressure back

on the Eversley batting line up.

Some fantastic bowling in the middle overs from Chris Emes (2-27) and Oliver Taylor (1-17) kept the pressure firmly placed on the batting side.

With tight fielding and some excellent death bowling from the skipper, Peter Emes (0-25) saw his side home defending 30 from the last over to make it a victory in the quarter final.

A true bowling masterclass was on display from the Crows which helped them secure their spot in the semi-final.

22 | SPORT

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READING 2S MAINTAIN SECOND PLACE THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

Arun Pera bowling

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Division 1

EVERSLEY went up to fourth after they drew with bottom of the table Burnham.

A spectacular all round display from Benjamin saw the Eversley man smash 111 runs in the first innings as Eversley finished with 235, before he collected four wickets in the second innings.

But the match was drawn after Burnham ended 48 overs

Arun Pera bowling for Sonning

on 176 with three wickets left.

Thames Valley Division 2B READING remain at the top of the table after their six-wicket win over Royal Ascot.

Ascot declared on 193, but Reading were able to take the win in the second innings thanks to several solid scores in their batting order which saw them get over the line after 43.2 overs.

WOKINGHAM 2s are hot on the tail of leaders Reading after

they defeated Slough 2s.

Matthew McDonald picked up four wickets for the Oaks, while Anthony Clapham (140*) and Jayden Barson (102*) batted superbly to help their side to a seven-wicket triumph.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s climbed up to fourth after they beat sixth placed HURST. Finch put 229 on the board after an excellent score from Matthew Eldirdge (98).

Despite a tremendous innings from Hurst batsman Ashley Cupido (135*), Hurst

were 27 runs short after four wickets from Adam Kite.

BINFIELD dropped down the table after they drew at Fleet.

J Collett (5-59) took plenty of wickets as Fleet were all out for 225, while Wynand Lamprecht totalled 79 for Binfield to help them to a draw.

Thames Valley Division 3A SONNING are the new leaders at the top after their success over Bagshot.

A first innings score of

196 was followed up by some tremendous bowling from G Kwatsha (5-31) and P Higginbottom (4-18) to bowl Bagshot all out for 111.

THEALE & TILEHURST defeated WHITE WALTHAM by 104 runs to keep their position in fifth.

Despite an exceptional bowling display from M Furness (6-47) for White Waltham, K Coleman hit 98 for Theale to see them on 257.

B Cooper then bowled expertly to take 6-40 as Theale

took victory by 104 runs.

WARGRAVE 2s went up into seventh after they earned a positive results against Thatcham Town.

77 not out from Shamsi saw Wargrave over the line with eight wickets to spare after bright bowling performances from T Walker (4-46) and Pawar (4-1) in the first innings.

Thames Valley Division 4A WOKINGHAM 3s sit at the top of the table after their fifth

SPORT | 23

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WITH WIN OVER SONNING

Honours board Batting:

win in six games.

Ryan Pogson collected 4-65 as Falkland set a total of 207, but the Oaks got past the target with three wickets in reserve after 44.1 overs.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s stay in fourth despite being beaten by Peppard Stoke Row.

Thames Valley Division 5A WARGRAVE 3s lost ground on the top three after drawing with Marlow 2s.

Solid scores from Richards (76) and Hick (66) helped Wargrave take nine points on the road after having four wickets left at the end of their innings.

Thames Valley Division 5B READING 2s stay in second place

after they were held to a tie by SONNING 2s.

Sonning’s first innings score of 213-4 was matched by Reading who also scored 213 but lost nine wickets after 48 overs, resulting in a tie with both teams picking up 16 points from the match.

EVERSLEY 2s climbed into third by beating Royal Ascot by eight wickets.

Umair Pervaiz collected three wickets, while the second innings saw Eversley reach 163 to take the points thanks to John Matthews (73) and Tom Surrall (54*).

BINFIELD 2s moved down a place in fourth after FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s win saw them move into eighth.

Kwame Appiah smashed 98 runs without losing his wickets,

while Chris May and Ganess Bun took three wickets each to earn a 53-run triumph for Finch.

Thames Valley Division 6B EVERSLEY stay in eighth after drawing with Aldershot 2s, while WOKINGHAM 4s are rooted to the bottom after losing out to Slough 4s by six wickets.

Thames Valley Division 7A WHITE WALTHAM lead the way after they thrashed Fleet 2s by 101 runs thanks to a century from Elliott.

WOKINGHAM 5s remain in fourth after they got the better of ninth placed HURST 2s by seven wickets.

Thames Valley Division 8A

BINFIELD 3s are the new table toppers after their six wicket win over Bradfield 2s.

READING 3s are just one point behind in second after their 38-run victory against Royal Ascot 3s.

BRACKNELL 2s stay in fifth after they beat Aldershot 3s by five wickets and SONNING 3s keep their sixth place standing after winning by 97 runs at Cove 3s.

Thames Valley Division 9A

Binfield 4s (149-9) lost to Royal Ascot 4s (151-7) Wokingham 6s (195-6) lost to Sulhamstead & Ufton 3s (198-2) Theale & Tilehurst (174 all out) beat Eversley 4s (139 all out) Bagshot 3s (143-6) beat Finchampstead (141 all out)

Thames Valley Division 10A Sonning 4s (94-6) beat Eversley 5s (90 all out)

SNOOKER

SNOOKER HOLIDAY CLUB SESSIONS TO COME TO READING

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

A national junior snooker summer holiday club is coming to Reading.

Crucible Reading Snooker Club will be running six sessions as a fun introduction to snooker and billiards for young people aged six to 16.

The sessions will take place in the summer holidays and will coordinated by a WPBSA Snooker coach.

Each session will be available for £1 per person to make them accessible to everyone.

The sessions will take place at Crucible Sports & Social Club, Reading 6 Richfield Avenue, RG1 8EQ. The first session will take place on Saturday, July 23 from noon1pm, with five more sessions running each Saturday, with the final session being two hours.

Crucible Reading are a member

of the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards national club scheme which means that it meets the governing body standards of safeguarding and equality, as well as adopting a code of conduct to ensure the right setup for juniors, overseen by a club welfare officer.

The programme will also develop a selection of ‘Young Leaders’, who will complete an online skills syllabus and become club role models, encouraging other young

people to take up our sport at their local club. n To find out more about the national snooker development initiatives please visit https://www.epsb.co.uk/ https://facebook.com/epsbofficial https://twitter.com/epsbofficial n To book your place on the sessions, call Paul Vallance on 07817 114732 or email paulvallancesnooker@gmail. com

Anthony Clapham – Wokingham 2s v Slough 2s – 140* Ashley Cupido – Hurst v Finchampstead 2s – 135* Benjamin Salter – Eversley v Burnham – 111 Maneesh Mali – Eversley 3s v Aldershot 2s – 103* Jayden Barson – Wokingham 2s v Slough 2s – 102* A Elliott – White Waltham 2s v Fleet 2s – 101 Venkat Bandlamudi – Earley 2s v Shinfield 3s – 100 Kwame Appiah – Finchampstead 4s v Binfield 2s – 98* Andy Lazenbury – Emmbrook and Bearwood v Pinkneys Green – 98 Matthew Eldridge – Finchampstead 2s v Hurst – 98 K Coleman – White Waltham v Theale & Tilehurst – 98 Michael Page – Shinfield 3s v Earley 2s – 87 Conrad Louth – Wokingham v Buckingham Town – 84 Wynand Lamprecht – Binfield v Fleet – 79 Savir Sharma – Sandhurst v Woodcote – 78* Shamsi – Wargrave 2s v Thatcham Town – 77* John Matthews – Eversley 2s v Royal Ascot 2s – 73 Anup Urath – Eversley 3s v Aldershot 2s – 73 Ben Moffat – Finchampstead v Datchet – 71 Gerhard Kruger – Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ley Hill – 70 Andy Rishton – Wokingham v Buckingham Town – 68 Nitin Kumar – Earley 3s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 3s – 67* Sairam Bhampidipati – Earley 3s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 3s – 65 Hanson Martin – Wokingham 3s v Falkland 2s – 65 Imran Malik – Wokingham v Buckingham Town – 59 Asitha Rangana – Berkshire Royals v Earley – 59 Ranvir Rana – Earley 2s v Shinfield 3s – 58* Asad Imam – Woodley v Farley Hill 2s – 57 Adam Birch – Sandhurst v Woodcote – 56 Chris Garrod – Farley Hill 2s v Woodley – 55 Arun Kumar Manoharan – Rangers v Stallions – 54* Tom Surrall – Eversley 2s v Royal Ascot 2s – 54* Keerthi Prakash – Reading Lions v Peppard Stoke Row – 53 Abdur Raheem – West Reading 4s v Stratfield Turgis 2s – 52 Sandeep Garg – Shinfield 2s v Mortimer West End – 51 James Whitehurst – Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ley Hill – 50 Matt Booth – Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee – 50

Bowling:

Hassan Afzal – Bracknell v Bagshot 2s – 6-39 B Cooper – Theale & Tilehurst v White Waltham – 6-40 M Furness – White Waltham v Theale & Tilehurst – 6-47 G Kwatsha – Sonning v Bagshot – 5-31 Sampath Bhamidipati – Earley 3s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 3s – 5-41 Lewis Sharp – Finchampstead v Datchet – 5-50 J Collett- Binfield v Fleet – 5-59 Pawar – Wargrave 2s v Thatcham Town – 4-1 Uttam Gajjar – Crowthorne & Crown Wood 3s v Yateley 3s – 4-16 Waqas Jadoon – Earley 2s v Shinfield 3s – 4-17 P Higginbottom – Sonning v Bagshot – 4-18 Tajdar Jawaid – Woodley v Farley Hill 2s – 4-31 Kashif Ali – Farley Hill v Stratfield Turgis – 4-32 Hatib Khan – Reading 3s v Royal Ascot 3s – 4-38 Benjamin Salter – Eversley v Burnham – 4-43 T Walker – Wargrave 2s v Thatcham Town – 4-46 Richard Cole – Emmbrook and Bearwood v Pinkneys Green – 4-47 Adam Kite – Finchampstead 2s v Hurst – 4-62 Ryan Pogson – Wokingham 3s v Falkland 2s – 4-65 Matthew McDonald – Wokingham 2s v Slough 2s – 4-66 Charlie Sawyer- Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee – 3-2 Toby Morgan – Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v The Lee – 3-12 Adeel Razaq – Farley Hill v Stratfield Turgis – 3-18 Max Uttley – Wokingham v Buckingham Town – 3-19 Ben Davison – Sandhurst v Woodcote – 3-21 Hafeez Ul-Wahab – West Reading v Holmer Green – 3-27 Jawad Ahmad – West Reading 2s v Welford Park – 3-27 Param Palanisamy- Reading Lions v Peppard Stoke Row – 3-28 Liam Bulteel – Finchampstead v Datchet – 3-29 Girish Nandwani – Earley 2s v Shinfield 3s – 3-30 Ahsan Iqbal – West Reading 2s v Welford Park – 3-30 Fayaz Mohamed – Berkshire Royals v Earley – 3-32 L Beaven – Reading v Royal Ascot – 3-33 Andy Rishton – Wokingham v Buckingham Town – 3-39 Marvin Vogel – Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Ley Hill – 3-39 Amit Puri – Rangers v Stallions – 3-41

24 | SPORT

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READING FC COMMUNITY TRUST

PROUD ROYALS RUN FOOTBALL SESSION

RESULTS

Saturday, June 11 CRICKET Home Counties Division One Buckingham Town (137 all out) lost to Wokingham (251-7dec) Finchampstead (216 all out) beat Datchet (115 all out) Home Counties Division Two Thame Town (90-2) beat Wargrave (88 all out) BCM Championship Crowthorne & Crown Wood (214 all out) lost to Ley Hill (216-6) Penn & Tylers Green (147-4) beat Shinfield (145 all out) West Reading (93 all out) lost to Holmer Green (294-9) CMB Premiership Emmbrook and Bearwood (253-8) drew Pinkneys Green (152-6)

A big thumbs up to the first Reading FC Proud Royals football session, held last week. More sessions will follow over the summer

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC pride group Proud Royals ran their first free football taster session last week at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

The session took place at the 3G pitch behind the Reading FC dome training centre at the SCL. Now they are preparing for follow-ups.

In conjunction with celebrating pride month, Proud Royals are

teaming up with the Reading FC Community Trust to run the Rainbow Royals session that is open and available to everyone.

Speaking to BBC Radio Berkshire, Proud Royals founder Thomas Williams said: “For the next three months on June 8, July 13, August 10, we are running a free taster session with FA qualified coaches and the Berks & Bucks FA are also involved .

“It’s a way of getting active in a safe and welcoming environment with qualified coaches and is open to everyone, not just the LGBTQ+ community.

“We want to get people involved and interested in the sport, and the aim is to try and build a team to enter the league within the Berks & Bucks area. That is a long way from now but just to get people active and enjoy being in an environment that suits them.

READING FC WOMEN

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE FOR READING FC WOMEN’S 2022/23 WSL CAMPAIGN

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today SEASON tickets for Reading FC Women’s 2022/23 campaign are now on sale for fans.

Kelly Chambers’ team will return to action in the Women’s Super League for their second season since moving permanently to the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Although it was an underwhelming end to the season for Reading, it was a season that was full of highs.

Playing every single competitive game at the SCL for the first time, highlights included beating Chelsea for the first time in the club’s history as Deanne Rose’s goal proved to be decisive in a 1-0 victory.

That momentous win would be just one of two Chelsea defeats in their entire league campaign as they went on to win the Women’s

Super League title for a third consecutive season under Emma Hayes.

An incredible run of seven wins in eight matches saw the Royals rise up the table in the middle of the season and put themselves in the running for a top four finish.

However, injuries and lack of squad depth cost the Royals of having a chance of competing with the teams above them as they went winless in their final nine league matches.

They eventually finished in 8th position in the WSL on 25 points with seven wins, four draws and 11 defeats from 22 games.

Reading netted 21 times in 22 games, while they let in 40 goals with gave them a goal difference of -19.

Reading manager Chambers said: “What I’m excited about next season is there’s a big foundation of this squad that stay for next season.

“And we’ve laid that foundation now and it’s for us, it’s kind of what’s next.

“We need to look towards next season and go right, this is us, how do we progress moving forward? That’s what excites me.

“We haven’t got big turnovers and we’ve got a solid squad already, and if we can add a few to that we could be a little bit stronger.”

The club are freezing prices for current season ticket holders at every age group.

Adult season tickets will cost an average of £5 per match, while over 65s will work out at £4 per match.

18-24 will pay an average of £3.75 per match, while under 17’s will be an average of £3.

The season ticket will see fans guaranteed 11 home league matches, while all FA Women’s Continental League Cup matches will also be included. n For more information, visit: www.readingfc.co.uk

“The community trust has done a great job putting all this together, it will be a great event.”

“Big thank you to those that turned out and a massive thank you to Reading FC Community for putting this on, looking forward to the next one.”

Proud Royals are also on the lookout for a secretary to join its committee on a voluntary basis. n For more information, visit: https:// twitter.com/proudroyals or contact

BOWLS

PROSPECT PARK ENJOY CLEAN SWEEP OF WINS PROSPECT Park and Wokingham Bowling Club were both in action throughout the week with mixed results.

It was a successful week for Prospect in the KLV as they enjoyed a clean sweep of wins.

Prospect A won 90-32, while their B team were victorious with a score of 61-33.

The Oakapples played a match against Sunningdale on Thursday, June 9 and came out on top after winning two of the three triples matches and scoring a further four points for having the higher overall score.

The Final outcome Wokingham 62 to Sunningdale 39 Wokingham C team played against Crowthorne in the KLV League on Friday and came out top with a win of eight points to two.

Wokingham scored a total of 55 shots to Crowthorne’s 37.

Wokingham Acorns were away to Desborough Bluebells last Thursday where they won on only one rink with a score of 27 to Desborough 12.

The final score was 59 to Desborough Bluebells and 44 to Wokingham Acorns. n For more information about Prospect Park Bowls Club, contact 0118 959 5064.

BCL Premier Division Sandhurst (223-3) beat Woodcote (171 all out) Shinfield 2s (243 all out) beat Mortimer West End (184 all out) Stratfield Turgis (157 all out) lost to Farley Hill (185-9) Welford Park (187 all out) lost to West Reading 2s (190-4) BCL Division 1A Earley (156 all out) lost to Berkshire Royals (258-6) Reading Lions (222 all out) beat Peppard Stoke Row (173-9) BCL Division 1B Farley Hill 2s (203 all out) lost to Woodley (204-5) Rangers (118-4) beat Stallions 2s (117 all out) Shinfield 3s (197 all out) lost to Earley 2s (198-1) Thames Valley Division 1 Burnham (176-7) drew Eversley (235-6) Thames Valley Division 2B Hurst (202 all out) lost to Finchampstead 2s (220-7) Fleet (225 all out) drew Binfield (150-8) Wokingham 2s (291-3) beat Slough 2s (290-9) Royal Ascot (193-8) lost to Reading (194-4) Thames Valley Division 3A Wargrave 2s (130-2) beat Thatcham Town (126 all out) Theale & Tilehurst (257-9 dec) beat White Waltham (153 all out) Sonning (196-8) beat Bagshot (111 all out) Thames Valley Division 4A Finchampstead 3s (173 all out) lost to Peppard Stoke Row (175-2) Falkland 2s (207-6) lost to Wokingham 3s (211-7) Thames Valley Division 5B Bagshot 2s (197 all out) beat Bracknell (125 all out) Reading 2s (213-9) tied Sonning 2s (213-4) Eversley 2s (163-2) beat Royal Ascot 2s (162 all out) Binfield 2s (173 all out) lost to Finchampstead 4s (226-7)

FIXTURES

Saturday, June 18 CRICKET Home Counties Division One Oxford v Finchampstead Wokingham v Banbury Home Counties Division Two Wargrave v Tring Park BCM Championship Lay Hill v West Reading Shinfield v Crowthorne & Crown Wood CMB Premiership The Lee v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Winchmore Hill 2s BCL Premier Division Farley Hill v Shinfield 2s Waltham St Lawrence v Welford Park West Reading 2s v Stratfield Turgis BCL Division 1A Checkendon v Reading Lions Reading United v Silchester West Reading 3s v Earley BCL Division 1B Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Reading United 2s Earley 2s v Rangers Twyford and Ruscombe v Farley Hill 2s Woodley v Shinfield 3s Thames Valley Division 1 Eversley v Henley 2s Thames Valley Division 2B Binfield v Hurst Reading v Wokingham 2s Finchampstead 2s v Cove Thames Valley Division 3A White Waltham v Aldershot Harpsden v Wargrave 2s Thatcham Town v Sonning Thames Valley Division 4A Cove 2s v Finchampstead 3s Wokingham 3s v Thatcham Town 2s Thames Valley Division 5B Royal Ascot 2s v Reading 2s Sonning 2s v Bagshot 2s Finchampstead 4s v Purley on Thames 2s Newbury v Eversley 2s Bracknell v Binfield 2s

Sunday, June 19 CRICKET Home Counties Women’s Division 1 Binfield v St Albans Henley v Finchampstead

Home Counties Division 2 South Ballinger Waggoners v Wargrave Berkshire Women’s Softball Binfield v Crowthorne & Crown Wood Berkshire Women’s Softball Development 2 Slough v Emmbrook and Bearwood Windsor v Emmbrook and Bearwood