Archive
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Grandfather to end annual Halloween display tradition with £5k of decorations
After five years of terrifying the neighbourhood, a grandfather in Woodley is putting on his final spook-tacular Halloween display - and is offering a bargain rate for the devilish decorations for a local home. Ronnie Goodberry, 64, decided to
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Reading defender out for 'at least a couple more weeks' as games continue fast
Reading defender Jeriel Dorsett is set for 'at least another couple of weeks' on the side lines after sustaining injury during a 5-2 defeat at Bolton Wanderers in September. The full-back, who was a key part of Ruben Selles' plans for the past
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Reading resident selling 'huge' Alien movie costume for £3,600 on eBay
Need a last minute Halloween costume and have £4,000 to hand? A Reading resident is selling a 'cosplay' costume of the terrifying xenomorph from the Aliens franchise. The costume - which can fit someone who is 6ft 6in and comes with a screw-in
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Reading Ratings: Bad evening at the office all-round as Stockport ease to victory
Reading were off the pace all over the field as Stockport County ended the Royals' three-match winning run with a convincing 4-1 victory at Edgeley Park. Take a look at our ratings below. Joel Pereira, 6: Made some big saves on top of the four
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Police patrol Woodley park after reports of anti-social behaviour
Thames Valley Police across Wokingham have been patrolling in and around Woodley following reports of anti-social behaviour. Residents surrounding Vauxhall Park in Woodley became aware of the behaviour whilst visiting the area. The Wokingham
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Plans to 'enhance' town centre in council's local plan
The enhancement of the town centre in Woodley is one of the main focuses in the Wokingham Borough Council’s proposed local plan. The council is moving forward with its new Local Plan, a strategy document which sets out all aspects of how the borough
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Dental practise 'not providing safe sedation', watchdog finds
A dental practice in central Reading has been offering sedation without safe systems in place, according to a health watchdog inspection. Friar Street Dental Practice in 15 Friar Street was inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on October
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Headteacher passes the torch after '10 truly wonderful years' at school
A headteacher has passed the torch to her replacement after 'ten truly wonderful years' at the helm of an independent school in Caversham. Karen Edwards founded The Heights Primary School in September 2014, starting out with 2 reception classes
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Businesses can refuse sale of eggs after spate of Halloween 'pranks'
Police have responded to a recent spate of egg-throwing incidents in Burghfield Common, as officers call on shops to be restrict sales to youths around Halloween. Shops have been issued with a poster that say 'Halloween - we reserve the right
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First UK case of potentially deadly strain mpox detected in London
The first UK case of a potentially deadly strain of the mpox virus, formerly known as monkeypox, has been detected in London. Having said this, the risk to the UK population from the Clade Ib mpox strain “remains low”, the UK Health Security Agency
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Budget highlights from pensions and fuel duty to inheritance and price of a pint
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set out a Budget which will increase taxes by £40 billion as she promised to “fix the foundations” of the economy and repair the public finances. In the first Labour Budget since 2010 – and the first ever delivered by a
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Employer National Insurance contribution to rise to 15 per cent
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the expected increase in employers’ national insurance contributions, but thrown a lifeline to small businesses. Employers will pay an additional 1.2 percent to 15%, from April 2025. The secondary threshold –
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'Underwhelming' and 'not enough': Pension expert hits out at changes in Budget
A pension expert has labelled changes to the pension system announced by the Chancellor as "underwhelming". Rachel Reeves has promised an extra £470 for pensioners next year, as she maintained the Government’s commitment to the pension triple lock
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Two takeaways handed brand new food hygiene ratings
New food hygiene ratings have been awarded to two of Reading’s takeaways, the Food Standards Agency’s website shows. Farmhouse Pizza, at 435 Oxford Road, Reading was handed a four-out-of-five rating after assessment on September 24. And Mr
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Chancellor announces major changes for pensioners in Budget
Rachel Reeves has promised an extra £470 for pensioners next year, as she maintained the Government’s commitment to the pension triple lock. The triple lock guarantees an increase in pensions in line with average earnings, inflation or 2.5%, whichever
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Price of a pint in the pub to drop as draught duty on alcoholic drinks cut
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced that the price of a pint will drop by 1p following a fall in the draught duty. It comes as the Labour government announced their first budget in 15 years with their last in 2010 under Gordon Brown. Taking
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Martin Lewis responds to Rachel Reeves' budget and 'very big' tax rises
Martin Lewis has responded to Rachel Reeves' autumn budget. In a historic speech, the chancellor said "the country voted for change" on the 4 July general election. Labour was given a mandate "to restore stability to our country and to begin a
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Chancellor reveals Inheritance Tax changes in Budget - how will you be affected?
Rachel Reeves has announced a number of changes to the Inheritance Tax system during her first Budget as Chancellor. Announcing Labour's first Budget for 14 years, Ms Reeves, the country's first female Chancellor, confirmed changes to inheritance
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DWP to get direct access to bank accounts under new powers, Chancellor reveals
The Chancellor has announced new measures to tackle benefit fraud in her Budget, including giving the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) direct access to bank accounts. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she will crack down on fraud in the UK’s
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Universal Credit claimants receive £420 boost in Budget as benefit increase confirmed
More than a million households in receipt of Universal Credit will benefit from changes to the system announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves today. Ms Reeves, giving her first budget as Chancellor, announced that Labour will be lowering the cap
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Chancellor reveals billions in compensation for blood and Post Office scandal victims
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced billions of pounds of compensation will be set aside for victims of the infected blood and Post Office Horizon scandals. The announcement was made as part of the 2024 Autumn Budget, which is the first of Keir
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Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirms Fuel Duty won't rise next year
Fuel Duty will not rise next year, after Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced she would maintain the freeze on the tax. Fuel Duty is tax that affects anyone looking to purchase fuel for their car as well as people wanting to heat their home.
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Businesses considering lay-offs in response to National Minimum Wage hike
Businesses fear that increases to the National Minimum Wage and an increase in employer National Insurance contributions may be the final nails in the coffin for struggling firms. "The UK’s minimum wage is up 37% since 21/22," says Rachel Watkyn
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Court date set for man charged with burglary offences
A court date has been set for a man charged with burglary offences in Tilehurst. Michael McNamara, 34, of no fixed abode, was charged on Saturday (October 26) with four counts of burglary and one count each of robbery, possession of a bladed article
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Woodley care home host sing-a-long for residents
Residents and staff at a Woodley care home enjoyed some rousing entertainment from a local singer. Nigel visited Woodley Grange Residential Care Home on Tuesday, October 29 to the excitement of many. Staff at the care home announced that everyone
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Massage parlour 613 Club on the market for £300k
A massage parlour in the Oxford Road is up for sale - and could be yours for £300,000. The 613 Club is described as a massage parlour in the listing online. Now it's on the market and hoping to fetch a six-figures sum for the site. An
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Plans still in works to demolish hotel and replace it with flats
A hotel with a park view in Reading could still be demolished and replaced with flats despite plans being shot down twice in a row. The Tower House Hotel in East Reading currently provides 33 bedrooms for guests located opposite Palmer Park.
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Tributes to 'kind and generous' soul who died near boat
Tributes have been paid to a ‘kind and generous’ soul after he was found dead near his boat in Caversham. Gareth Evans, 64, was last seen on Tuesday, October 15 on CCTV when he was spotted returning his boat. However, he was then reported missing
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Berkshire artist hosts acyclic painting classes for aspiring painters
A Berkshire artist is hosting classes where aspiring painters across Woodley and Wokingham are inspired to create their own vibrant landscapes. Using only acyclic paints, Lisa Wendt encourages her students to explore the style and learn the basics
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Woodley council hosting a range of free events for Climate Action Week
Woodley Town Council is hosting a series of free events for its first Climate Action Week during November. The town council is partnering with Wokingham Borough Council to put on events that include free film screenings, tea afternoons, and litter
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Trains disrupted from Reading due to engineering works
Great Western Railway is advising customers to only travel if absolutely necessary between Reading and Didcot this weekend (3/11). Alongside engineering works and short-notice track works this will significantly affect services between Paddington
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Chancellor to promise 'more pounds in people's pockets' in Budget statement
Rachel Reeves will pledge to put “more pounds in people’s pockets” in her Budget today, as well as pledging to fix the NHS and grow the economy. The Chancellor, the first woman to hold the role, has warned of tough decisions in the lead up to today
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Carer's Allowance threshold set to rise by £30 a week in autumn budget
Carer's Allowance earnings thresholds could rise by around £30 a week in tomorrow's Autumn Budget. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to announce the change will come into force from April 2025, as part of the 'painful' autumn budget. Money
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Budget 2024: What to expect from 'painful' budget
On Wednesday, Rachel Reeves will deliver the 2024 autumn Budget - Labour's first in almost 15 years. She has warned it will involve "difficult financial decisions" and Keir Starmer has warned it will be "painful". Britain's first female chancellor
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Government urged to 'think again' over Winter Fuel Payment cuts ahead of Budget
MPs have called on the Government to “think again” about means-testing the Winter Fuel Payment in a move that could see as many as 10 million pensioners lose the support. Tory MPs gathered in Westminster on Tuesday morning, ahead of handing in
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Child benefit changes and free nursery hours: What can families expect in the budget?
Families across the country will be hoping for a helping hand as Labour announces its first budget in almost 15 years. Parents, particularly those on lower incomes, have felt the pinch of the cost of living crisis over the past few years, with
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National Minimum Wage set to increase by 6.7 per cent in autumn budget
The national minimum wage is expected to go up by 6.7 per cent next year, according to reports. Younger workers will receive an even bigger increase in a bid to see 18-20 year olds paid the same as those over 21, a step towards making the same
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POLL: Should children be given playdough instead of sweets at Halloween?
Halloween is the one day of the year when it’s acceptable for children to spend an entire evening tucking into sweets, or is it? That’s not what the experts have said, as leading dental surgeons think children should be given alternative treats
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Is there an age limit for trick or treating at Halloween in UK?
Halloween can be a fun time for children and big kids alike, with trick-or-treating and spooky activities galore. Trick or treating is more for children, it lets them travel around their local area dressed up in their scariest outfits awaiting
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Aldi selling 'cheapest' Celebrations tubs for a limited time this week
Aldi is selling Celebrations tubs (550g) for the "cheapest" price amongst all supermarkets for a limited time this week. Mars Wrigley is responsible for a range of popular chocolates including M&Ms, Snickers, Skittles and of course Mars bars
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'Check your change' - Coin expert highlights two 'gem' 50p coins worth a fortune
Coin experts have highlighted two Royal Mint 50p coins described as ‘gems’ with ‘sky rocketing’ values. The 50 pence piece has become the most valued and collected coin in the UK, with many collectable designs appearing on its heptagonal canvas
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Motorist asks DVLA to ban grandma from driving and prevent 'killing someone'
Last week, the AA said banning young drivers from having passengers of the same age as them in the car would reduce "needless deaths". To aid police enforcement a “G” plate should be displayed on young drivers’ cars, to highlight that they are
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Tilehurst Townswomen's Guild member recognised for 50 years of service
A Tilehurst Townswomen’s Guild member was recognised for 50 years of service. Sylvia Willis was presented with the certificate by Margaret Miles, the Berkshire Federation President, following a talk on the history of Hampton Court. The event
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Police receive reports about illegal poaching and hare coursing
Officers at Thames Valley Police have received reports of illegal poaching activities across the region. On Tuesday, October 29, teams from the rural crime taskforce set off to complete proactive patrols in the woodlands across Thames Valley.
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University access gap for poorest pupils in Reading reaches record high
The gap between the proportion of the most and least disadvantaged pupils in Reading going to university hit an all-time high last year, new figures show. It comes as the proportion of the most disadvantaged pupils going on to higher education
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Crash on A34: Delays due to emergency incident
12:08pm As the incident appears to be resolved, we will be closing this live blog. Any further updates will be posted
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Kate Humble: ‘We’ve become so disconnected with the whole process of food’
Despite self-describing as ‘the least crafty person in the world’, TV presenter Kate Humble is a bit of a “fan girl” for anyone with the skills to craft things by hand. “With the rise of AI and the whole workplace changing so quickly – if you’
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Burger King in Reading could stay open until 5am each day
An American burger chain in Reading could keep on serving customers until 5am each morning. The Burger King at Reading Gateway in Whitley is in an ideal location near the M4 junction 11. The fast food chain has built a reputation for its speedy
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103rd Reading Scout Group takes part in international Jamboree on the Air
The 103rd Reading Scout Group united with an amateur radio club for an international gathering. Held on Saturday, October 19, the Jamboree on the Air event (JOTA) connects scout groups globally via radio and the internet, fostering communication
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Reading pubs we've loved and lost through the years
As concerns mount over the survival of pubs and bars, it is suspected that one in five owners fear closure within the next year. This has been the case for multiple Reading public houses throughout the years, with many favourites disappearing due
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New farm shop selling crocodile and zebra will hire local people
A new farm shop selling exotic meats has confirmed that it will be hiring local people as a priority going forward. Berkshire Village Farm Shop opened on Friday, October 18 and owner Andy De Beer is super excited to welcome customers into the
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Neighbours will no longer get planning applications by post
Neighbours will no longer get notified of planning applications close to them through the post in Reading as part of cost cutting measures. For years, people have received letters in the post informing them of plans submitted for neighbouring properties
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Reading Council spends more than £5 million on temporary accommodation
Reading Borough Council has spent more than £5 million on temporary accommodation since 2021. A new investigation highlights the significant increase in the number of households living in temporary accommodation in Reading, amounting to a cost
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Minister for Veterans and People visits Army Cadets in Bracknell
The Minister for Veterans and People visited the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force. Alistair Carns OBE MC attended the Bracknell detachment, where he met cadets aged 12 to 18. The cadets shared their experiences within the programme
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Free travel for military personnel and veterans on SWR services
South Western Railway (SWR) is offering free travel to service personnel and veterans attending Remembrance Sunday events. The offer is available to anyone travelling in uniform or able to show appropriate identification. This includes travel
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Alto Lounge in Caversham plans for major expansion bosses confirm
A popular restaurant in Caversham has announced that it will most likely be expanding into the next-door unit the following year. Alto Lounge has revealed its plans after a notice was spotted on the Thames Hospice charity shop stating that planning
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New bus lane set to open on Oxford Road as part of £26m scheme
A new stretch of bus lane is set to open on Oxford Road, part of a road scheme aimed at improving bus services along the road. The Reading Council's £26 million investment in bus services will see the new lane installed on the outbound carriageway
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Le Fondre joins City Football Group as a video scout
Reading FC legend Adam Le Fondre has taken his next career step while still playing football. Le Fondre, who currently plays for FC United of Manchester, has been appointed as a video scout by City Football Group. This group includes clubs
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'Parasites in fish and spiders in storeroom' at luxury Italian restaurant
A fish parasite threat and spiders were discovered during a damning hygiene inspection at a luxury Italian riverside restaurant nestled in a village near Reading. Don Giovanni at The Leatherne Bottel on Bridle Way in Goring, near the Reading border
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Tilehurst school launches bid to win new playground
Park Lane Primary School in Tilehurst is asking for help in its bid to win a playground made from recycled materials. The Sistema Recycled Playground Contest, which runs until December 18, 2024, will award the school that collects the most recycled