Children from Southcote Primary School will have a unique opportunity to be involved in this important ceremony on Wednesday 23rd May, which will welcome 24 people from China, India, Pakistan, Macedonia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Gambia, Russia, and Poland.

The Reading Register office in partnership with the Home office conducts a weekly citizenship ceremony where each new citizen is required to either swear or affirm the oath of allegiance to the Queen as part of the final journey to becoming a British Citizen. Each applicant will have completed many forms before taking part in the final ceremony.

The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Deborah Edwards, who will be officiating at the special ceremony and who is also a Governor at Southcote school, said: “This will be one of my last engagements as Mayor, an honour which I will cherish for the rest of my life. It is fitting that I will end my time in this role officiating at this important event and at Southcote Primary where I am a School Governor.”

Southcote Head teacher, Mrs Lisa Telling, said: “It is a wonderful opportunity for our children to witness this ceremony given there are 32 different nationalities represented at this school. The children will be at the centre of this celebration with the lower part of the school baking all the cakes for the reception, the choir singing the national anthem and some Year 6 children ushering.”

Reading Borough Council

At about 3.45pm on Wednesday (9/5), the 11-year-old girl was walking in Exbourne Road when she was pushed over and fell to the ground, dropping her school bag.

The girl got up and saw two people running away with her bag, containing books, a school planner, and a black and silver Samsung mobile phone model C3050.

After the incident, the girl attended the Royal Berkshire Hospital where she was treated for a sprained wrist.

She was released from hospital after treatment.

Designated Investigator Megan Prunell, from Reading police station, said: “I’m hoping that a witness may come forward or that someone has found a discarded school bag near to Exbourne Road.”

Anyone with information should call the Thames Valley Police 24-hour non-emergency number 101 and ask to speak to Desginated Investigator Prunnell.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Thames Valley Police ~ Reading

Plans are already afoot to reshape Reading’s Abbey Quarter bid, RBC officers will be meeting with HLF to discuss options to move the project forward ensuring that the ‘at risk heritage’ such as the Abbey Ruins and Abbey Gateway are prioritised.

Reading’s Abbey Quarter is the traditional civic and ceremonial heart of the county town of Royal Berkshire since the 12th century. The Quarter is defined by medieval streets and rivers that also outline the precinct of Reading Abbey. It contains the substantial standing remains and buried archaeology that can be dated all back to 1121.

The Quarter shows evidence of all periods since the Abbey’s dissolution: a royal residence, civil war defences, Jane Austen’s school, the impressive municipal buildings, Victorian public gardens and Oscar Wilde’s infamous Reading Gaol. There are buildings by famous architects including Sir John Soane, A.W.N. Pugin, Alfred Waterhouse and Sir George Gilbert Scott. Significant public sculpture within the Quarter includes Simond’s Maiwand Lion and statue of Queen Victoria, and contemporary artworks such as the Oscar Wilde Memorial Walk.

Reading Museum is also located within the Quarter and has important collections relating to the heritage of Reading and the Quarter, particularly Reading Abbey and later Victorian industrial heritage.

The current Abbey precinct area has protection under several local and national designations and policies. Key parts of the site are a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and as such are protected under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979; the site is also Grade I listed.

The HLF announced on the 11 May that Reading’s Abbey Quarter bid was unsuccessful.

Cllr Marian Livingston, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Sport, said: “Although we are disappointed about the outcome of our initial bid, we have always had a contingency plan.”

“The Abbey Quarter is a heritage site that is significant not only to Berkshire, but it is significant to the whole country. This is why we will make sure this is only a bump in the road to our target of restoring our beloved Heritage.”

Reading Borough Council

The Reading team will set up a stall on 9th May and there will be opportunities for people to learn basic British Sign Language phrases, finger spelling the alphabet and learning to sign their names.

There will be lots of free information, advice and support about local organisations who can help people who are deaf. And staff from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Council’s Telecare Team will be on hand to demonstrate safety equipment designed for people with hearing loss.

The Council has teamed up with Reading Deaf Centre, Total Communications, the national charity Hearing Link and the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Audiology department to run the event between 10am and 3.30pm.

The aim of Deaf Awareness Week is to raise awareness and understanding of the issues surrounding hearing loss and deafness.

Pete Ruhemann, Chair of the Reading Access group, said: “Deafness can result in people being terribly isolated, but by being aware of the challenges deafness brings and how they can be overcome all of us can help reduce that isolation and that can make so much difference. Reading is a caring community and I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity of Deaf Awareness Week to see how they can help.”

Juliet England from Reading Deaf Centre, said: “We are delighted this event is taking place during Deaf Awareness Week and giving more visibility to an invisible disability. We urge anyone with any interest in the issues involved to come along and find out more.”

Judith Hutchinson from Total Communications, said: “We are a local team of interpreters working alongside our Deaf Community. We are delighted to be involved in Deaf Awareness Week in Reading.”

Reading Borough Council

Overnight between Sunday (6/5) and Monday (7/5), burglars broke into Trunkwell Mansion House in Beech Hill Road and stole a quantity of cash, a grey metal keypad safe; approximately 2ft high by 18ins wide and bottles of whisky, brandy, vodka, Bacardi and gin.

Case Investigator Adrian Fisher, from Newbury police station, said: “I would like to hear from anyone who noticed suspicious activity, a vehicle or people in the area that night.

“If you know someone who has suspiciously acquired quantities of spirit drinks or a metal keypad safe please contact police.”

Anyone with information should call the Thames Valley Police 24-hour non-emergency number 101 and ask to speak to Case Investigator Fisher.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Thames Valley Police ~ Reading

Mrs Margaret Wooldridge has been nominated to attend the Jubilee Service at St Paul’s Cathedral followed by a Reception at the Guildhall on Tuesday June 5th.

The inspirational 80 year old was a Governor, then Chair of Governors at All Saints C/E School, Reading for 21 years, after a career at the school in varying roles for 42 years.

Mrs Margaret Wooldridge will be attending the celebrations with Mrs Gloria Whittaker, also a teacher and Governor at the school. Together with parents they helped establish the All Saints Action Group (ASAG), leading to All Saints Junior Free School now being built.

Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services, Cllr John Ennis, said: “I believe the town has been lucky to have educators as dedicated and committed as Mrs Wooldridge and I am delighted that her hard work has been recognised with an invitation to the Queen’s jubilee celebrations.”

Reading Borough Council

The Force received a call at 8.59pm, reporting that a baby had been found in a holdall bag on a doorstep opposite the Reading Polish centre. Officers are currently making enquiries to confirm the exact location.

A note written in Polish was left with the baby.

The baby, who is believed to be between two and three weeks old, is currently being cared for by medical staff at Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Supt Stuart Greenfield, commander of Reading, said: “Early indications are that the baby appears unharmed, with no immediate evidence of any injuries or trauma. Our main concern now is for the welfare of her mother, who may need medical assistance.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who saw anything at the time, or may have any information, no matter how small, which could assist in identifying who left the baby. We believe that she was left on the doorstep between 7.30pm and 9pm.

“Although we cannot say for certain that one or both of her parents are Polish, the fact that the note was written in Polish leads us to think that this may be the case. Therefore, we would be particularly keen to hear from anyone within the Polish community in Reading who may have any information relating to the baby or her mother.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Insp Mark Tucker via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101. If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

Thames Valley Police ~ Reading

Reading Borough Council will present two, ten-minute slots of locally-programmed entertainment during the evening celebration. This will include an excerpt of the spectacular collaborative art project ‘The Tree of Light’
The Tree of Light is one of four large-scale community celebrations in the UK to be funded by Legacy Trust UK, an independent charity set up to create a cultural and sporting legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games across the UK.
The project will ensure that the excitement of the 2012 Games will be shared with many thousands of people at community level through large scale performances.

Over the last year a range of community groups across Reading have been participating in the development of the piece, exploring the project theme of the life and importance of trees, including dance workshops that have been choreographed by the Artistic Director; Charlie Morrissey. The local groups involved in the project include: Indian Community Association, Read Dance and Theatre, Reading College, Highdown Secondary School, Caversham Primary School, Oxford Road Primary School. Geoffrey Field Junior School, Southcote Primary School and Brookfield’s Special School.

The second, ten minute slot will bring the evening event to a close.

We are pleased that the evening event to mark the Olympic Torch visit to Reading is proving to be so popular. We always believed this would be the case. In order to manage demand within the capacity of the Madejski Stadium, we have put in place a ticket allocation policy which means that tickets are initially available to Reading Borough Council residents only. Any remaining tickets will be offered to people from outside the borough on a first-come-first-served basis from May 22 from 10am. People can also get involved in the celebrations in other ways, including lining the streets for the torch relay, becoming a torch relay steward or registering as a local leader.

The three Presenting Partners will also each provide 20 minutes of exciting and stimulating entertainment for the event. This will include Coca-Cola showcasing exciting up-and-coming live music acts, Lloyds TSB bringing stunning acrobatic performances to the site and Samsung staging dance performances.

Prior to and during the show, the audience will have the opportunity participate in a number of activities courtesy of Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung. These include having your photograph taken with the London 2012 Torch and other Olympic-related activities.
Towards the end of the two-hour show, the last Torchbearer of the day in Reading will light a celebration cauldron on stage at the event which will enable the Olympic Flame to be seen by the audience.

Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Sport, Cllr Marian Livingston, said: “The excitement for the Olympics has been slowly building throughout Reading and it’s sure to reach fever pitch when the iconic torch visits our town.

“I want to encourage residents to get into the Olympic spirit, enjoy a once in a generation event and start the sporting celebrations by attending what is sure to be a wonderful event at the Madejski.”

Andy Murrill, Chair of the Reading 2012 Partnership Board said:

“The torch relay coming to Reading will be an incredible two days for our town and the evening celebration will be an occasion people will never forget. So I urge Reading residents to apply for their free tickets when they become available on May 8. This is a chance to be a part of the London 2012 Games and enjoy a free evening out with your family. Let’s give the torch relay a warm Reading welcome and make 2012 a year to celebrate.”

Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG said: “The evening celebrations give the whole family a chance to share the excitement of the Olympic Games as we countdown to the Opening Ceremony.
“The event in Reading is set for an exciting line-up, including performances from talented local people who will give each celebration a distinct feel. I am looking forward to the series of 66 evening celebrations showing how diverse the UK’s cultural life is as the eyes of the world turn our way.”
James Williams, Director, Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola: “We are thrilled to be taking some of the nation’s best loved and most exciting up-and-coming musical talent on the road for an incredible 66 night tour to give young people across the country the chance to Move to the Beat and participate in the magic of London 2012. We’re encouraging everyone to join us in celebrating the Coca-Cola Future Flames who have carried the Olympic Flame through their communities by finding out more about their local events, and by getting tickets to the massive finale celebration concert in London’s Hyde Park by visiting www.ticketmaster.co.uk/coca-colacelebrations“
Sally Hancock, Director, 2012 Partnership and Group Sponsorship at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “As the only National Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, we’re encouraging everyone to celebrate with Lloyds TSB as the Flame passes their front door. To find out how you can join in the celebrations with Lloyds TSB in your community and how local residents at each evening celebration site can win tickets to London 2012, please visit www.lloydstsb.com/london2012”

Andy Griffiths, Managing Director, Samsung UK and Ireland said: “We are delighted to be supporting the 66 Evening Celebrations during the Olympic Torch Relay. Samsung’s ambition is to make London 2012 everyone’s Olympic Games and for these celebrations we have created opportunities for as many people as possible to take part in what we’re sure will be an unforgettable experience.”

The free event will be open initially to Reading Borough Council residents with tickets available via the Reading Arts Box Office from 10am on 8th May. Tickets are limited to 4 per household and will feature a mix of standing and seating. Tickets can be purchased in person at The Hexagon, over the phone on 0118 9606060 or online at www.readingarts.com, proof of address will need to be shown on collection of tickets.
The event will be a family friendly one, with gates opening at 4pm and the finish of the event at 8pm.
Limited car parking will be available close to the Stadium for purchase by successful ticket bookers and there will be a special shuttle bus service for ticket holders.

The Olympic Torch Relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012. On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine as the Olympic Flame comes to a place near them.

Reading Borough Council

The victim, an 18-year-old woman, was assaulted on a towpath near Caversham lock off Napier Road at around 1am. A man grabbed her and touched her inappropriately, but she managed to punch him and run off uninjured.

The man is described as Asian, in his twenties or early thirties, 5ft 7ins, of a large build, with short dark hair. He had no facial hair and was wearing a dark coloured jacket.

Det Sgt Ashley Hannibal, investigating the Reading incident, is appealing for witnesses. He said: “We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time or saw anyone matching the man’s description.

“At this stage we are treating this as an isolated incident.”

If you can help, please contact Det Sgt Hannibal via the 24-hour Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

If you don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Thames Valley Police ~ Reading

Mr. Gurprit Singh Johal, of Oaktree Road, Tilehurst, Reading was prosecuted on April 16 at Reading Magistrates Court for repeatedly failing to licence two houses in multiple occupation and refusing to provide adequate information on the two properties, in Hatherly Road and Carnarvon Road.

Mr Johal was given several opportunities to submit an application to licence his two properties but failed to do so. In addition, he failed to comply with two notices served on him requiring information and documentation.

The Reading landlord was fined £2,400 and it is also likely that Mr Johal will no longer be deemed a ‘fit and proper person’ to hold a HMO licence under the Housing Act 2004. Reading Borough Council was awarded £2,200 in costs.

It is the latest prosecution by Reading Borough Council on landlords who fail to meet standards for their properties, putting their tenant’s health and safety at risk. The Council is again warning landlord’s of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to comply with the law or face severe consequences.

Reading Borough Council’s Lead Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, Rachel Eden, said: “This prosecution is excellent news for the tenants of these properties and is an important part of ensuring a level playing field for good landlords.

“Reading Borough Council is serious about improving standards in the private rented sector and while prosecutions are the last resort we will continue to use the powers available to us – Reading’s residents deserve a fit for purpose private rented sector. I would like to thank Council officers in Environmental Health who worked tirelessly on this case.”

Decent and well-regulated houses in multiple occupancy are crucial in a town like Reading where there are estimated to be around 3,500 properties providing bed-sit or shared accommodation for approximately 18,000 residents.

More than one in four (26%) of the whole of the borough’s housing stock is made up of private rented sector housing, which is substantially higher than the national average of 12%. In fact, it is estimated Reading is home to three-quarters of Houses of Multiple Occupation in the whole of Berkshire.

Research shows HMO properties with three or more storeys are considered to be sixteen times more dangerous than single occupancy housing and are more at risk of suffering issues with hazards such as damp and mould, burglary, burns from hot surfaces, electrical hazards, carbon monoxide, crowding and noise, waste and food safety. This is why mandatory HMO licensing is an important priority for the Council.

For more about the requirements for renting out an HMO, visit the Councils website at www.reading.gov.uk/hmo

Reading Borough Council