READING FC’s match against Bristol City on Saturday will mark a special occasion – the Diamond Jubilee of the first ever broadcast of hospital radio in the town.

It all began on September 7, 1957, at the Division Three South match against Aldershot at Elm Park, with Reading emerging victorious 3-0 thanks to a brace from Tommy Dixon and a Jimmy Wheeler strike in front of a crowd of 9,573.

The commentary was provided by Les Warth and Maurice Edelston from the front of the stand, using an old Army transmitter.

Former soldier Warth later received an MBE for services to hospital radio, while Edelston went on to join the BBC, working at the 1966 World Cup final as well as 1967 and1968 FA Cup finals.

These days the commentary to Royal Berkshire Hospital is expertly voiced by Ian Savin, who has been involved for 40 years, Graeme Collyer, with 27 years service, and David Downs, just 12 years.

In the 60 years, they have covered nearly 3,000 Reading home matches and while they don’t have the financial resources for away games, provide a regular service from Madejski Stadium thanks to a grant from the Supporters Trust at Reading (STAR).

  • READING Hockey Club will be up for the cup this season – 15 times in fact.

That is how many England Hockey competitions they have entered, from juniors up to masters level. It is the highest of any club, with Havant and Repton the next best, each with 10 entries.

  • HIGHMOOR Ibis FC official Peter Parker is holding a ‘silent auction’ on behalf of Oxfam.

There are two items – a Manchester United bar mirror and a photo of the Kop at Liverpool. Bids should be made to Peter at the Oxfam shop at 8 High Street, Reading.

  • THEY play in different leagues, but three cricket clubs in close proximity – Reading, Sonning and Woodley – have something in common. All have finished bottom of the table this season and so face relegation.
  • AUSTRALIAN physio Penny Stern faces a busy year, working with Reading FC Women and Reading Hockey Club men’s first team.