Reading Chronicle: A MOTHER of three has opened up about dreading Christmas as the Chronicle today launches a toy collection campaign to help struggling families.

With one in six children in Reading living in poverty, this week we are calling on the community to dig deep and donate toys, gifts or cash to Reading Family Aid’s Toys & Teens appeal 2023. Kind-hearted readers will be able to drop off donations at 28 points around the town.

The presents will be handed out to thousands of disadvantaged children living in poverty on Christmas Day. Last year, more than 3,000 youngsters received presents.

Read full story in this week's edition (Thursday, October 19).

Also in this week's paper:

  • MOTORISTS have been dealing with heavy traffic in Reading after roadworks on the Bath Road.
  • POLICE have confirmed they are aware of two men who were ‘acting suspiciously’ in Reading last week.
  • OFFICIALS have to go back to the drawing board for street names at the 223-home Reading Golf Course development after councillors called for a rethink.
  • THE daughter of a successful championship racing driver who took his life on New Year’s Day has issued a powerful message urging people to talk about their problems before it is too late.
  • NEPALIS and Gurkha veterans in Reading have recently celebrated a religious holiday and the achievements of several members of the community
  • A JEWISH councillor from Woodley has spoken out about feeling afraid of rising tensions as violence rages in Israel and Gaza.
  • A 40-YEAR-OLD businessman has been convicted of selling counterfeit clothing after pleading guilty at Reading Crown Court.
  • A DOCTOR accused of committing historical sex offences against a young boy has been declared unfit to stand trial.

And much more.

Woodley and Earley Chronicle

Reading Chronicle: A WOMAN whose elderly parents were nearly knocked down by two racing motorbikes in a pedestrian-only area has shared her fears about the rise of anti-social behavior in Woodley

Jane Mitchell says she fears shoppers and shopkeepers in Woodley Precinct, near Crockhamwell Road, are being ‘left on their own, without protection’ from police.

There have been widespread reports of youths riding e-scooters, electric bikes and motorbikes through the precinct recently – despite the fact it is meant to be a vehicle-free zone.

Read full story in this week's edition (Thursday, October 19).

Also in this week's paper

  • PREPARATIONS are under way to plan this year’s Armistice Day commemorations in Woodley.
  • A PETITION signed by some 1,800 people opposing plans to get rid of 150 litter bins across the borough is set to be debated by councillors tomorrow (Thursday)
  • A CAR crashed into the front of a Trinity Church on Monday evening

And much more. 

You will also find a four-page puzzle supplement in each paper this week to keep your brain active.