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Utterly terrifying

A PETITION TO install a pedestrian crossing at ‘The Last Crumb’ junction was presented to the Reading Borough Council Traffic Management Sub-Committee on Thursday 11 September, after amassing over 1800 signatures from concerned locals and campaigners. Heidi North, a local mother and campaigner for the crossing, was pushed to action when she was faced with crossing the junction daily to walk her son to primary school. Another local mother was forced to walk a time-consuming detour up Henley Road to protect her family from the crossing, which is plagued by accelerating drivers, heavy traffic and many different traffic streams as cars navigate the four-road junction. With no crossings or breaks in the traffic lights for pedestrians to cross, this makes the junction utterly terrifying…Read More

Remembrance and Recognition

THE SEASONS have moved on, the days have shortened, and the leaves are falling as we look forward to November. Although we have had some rain in recent weeks, the weather has been generally dry and, at the time of writing (mid-October), we are still subject to a hosepipe ban. The flow in the River Thames is about a twentieth of what it was this time last year. November is, of course, the season of remembrance, and our Talking Point reflects on this and what it means for us today (p2). Several of our articles this month focus on celebrating what is good about our community.
Our Kind Community article reports on Caversham Visually Impaired Pedallers, a group which gives those with impaired sight a chance to enjoy cycling (p2). Several local businesses, groups and individuals have been nominated for or received awards recently. Caversham Tandoori Takeaway has been recognised as the best in Berkshire and is in the running for a further accolade…Read More

Freedom on two wheels

THIRTY YEARS AGO, Caversham resident John McKnight lost his sight temporarily after a rugby injury. Though he made a full recovery, the experience gave him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with visual impairments.
That memory became the spark for something extraordinary; John, with the help of local friends and volunteers, set up Caversham Visually Impaired Pedallers (CViP) – a group dedicated to making sure people with sight loss can still enjoy the simple joy of cycling. What began with one tandem bike and a couple of riders has grown into a thriving community. Today, CViP has more than a dozen tandems and around 40 volunteer ‘pilots’ who lead rides across Caversham, Henley, Harpsden, Wargrave, and beyond…Read More

Make tracks to the Christmas Market

IN RECENT YEARS, the Community Artisa Christmas Market has become established as something to look forward to in the run-up to Christmas. Last year, over 1,500 people visited the market and enjoyed the chance to support local artists, crafters, food purveyors and makers. Santa’s Grotto was the destination for many younger visitors, and he will be back again this time.
The event will take place on 16 November between 10:00 and 15:30 in the car park at South View Park, off Marsack Street in Caversham, RG4 5AF.
In addition to more than 45 stalls with artists, artisans and crafters selling their goods, there will be hot food, beer from a local brewer, barista coffee and homemade cakes…Read More

Jamboree

LAST MONTH we previewed the 89th Reading Scout Group Christmas Post Service to the residents of Caversham, Caversham Heights, Emmer Green and Caversham Park Village. The exact locations of our boxes are not yet finalised, but we will announce them on our website www.89th.org.uk and on our posters across Caversham in early November. Our post is only half the price of a second-class letter. Each year we use this opportunity to raise money to benefit both the community and our scouts. Funds raised from recent Christmas Post campaigns have funded a community defibrillator, large tents for scout camps, and a workshop for Branching Up (which provides work experience placements for adults with learning disabilities). This year we are raising money to provide support and improve accessibility for our scout group (Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers) to participate in the week-long international jamboree in Windsor (WINGS) in 2026…Read More

St Peter’s Church Roof

IF YOU ARE one of the several hundred pedestrians daily using the churchyard public footpath linking St Peter’s Avenue with central Caversham, you would have encountered a barrier, erected to protect the passers by from lemming like tiles launching themselves from the south aisle roof to the path beneath. The church is very aware that this barrier poses problems for pedestrians, as they face several inconvenient alternatives. The St Peter’s Hill pavement which skirts the north side of the churchyard is far too narrow and frankly dangerous. The alternatives are either to cross this busy road with restricted traffic sightlines, or walk on the uneven ground through the churchyard. So, bear with us as we seek a solution to reopen this footpath…Read More

A STEP of Faith

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY ACTION (CCA) has said goodbye to the Caversham Drop-in at Caversham Baptist Church after many years of supporting its service. However, it was not the end for the Drop-In, as local charity FAITH have been taking it forward since 1 September. CCA said it had been a difficult decision, but they believe the Drop-In will flourish under FAITH. They wrote, ‘We want to express our deepest gratitude to Myra and her dedicated team’ describing their unwavering support as inspirational.
For many years the Baptist Church on Prospect Street has opened its doors every Wednesday lunchtime, welcoming the homeless, the lonely, and those in need, offering a cooked meal with a dessert, alongside warmth, dignity and community. Myra will continue to manage the Drop-In, and the team of volunteers, who see this as a very positive move, will remain unchanged…Read More

For Your Bookshelf

AUGUST SAW the release of the fifth and final instalment of the children’s series Skandar. I reviewed the original Skandar about 5 years ago, and I’m delighted that the series has been as successful as it has. The first book, Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, introduces the reader to a world where unicorns aren’t the fluffy My Little Pony beasts, but bloodthirsty animals that contain great magic. Each child takes a test to see if they have what it takes to become bonded with a Unicorn to become its rider and harness the magic.
The adult’s pick is bookshop favourite Kate Wells, with a Christmas special in her Malvern Farm series, A Very Merry Murder. We join Jude and the gang on the farm as a TV crew comes to Malvern to host a Countryfile style show. First there is an accident — but was it an accident? Then someone dies — but was the victim the intended target? Kate’s series is so addictive and perfect for fans of the cosy genre…Read More

Theatre group reaches out

ALTHOUGH NO longer based in Caversham, local playgoers will be thrilled to learn RABBLE have won a grant enabling the company to tour their play Glitch during 2026. Written by Zannah Kearns, the play is about a Berkshire victim of the Post Office scandal. Hazel Edwards, Director of Arts Council England (ACE) South East said, “Our investment of £85,000 into RABBLE’s Glitch – The true story of the Post Office Scandal will enable this pertinent production to tour nationally, reaching audiences far beyond its original home in Reading.”
“RABBLE tells local stories of national significance. To be able to share Pam Stubbs’ inspirational story of perseverance and bravery to a national audience is brilliant, and we are grateful to ACE for enabling us to do so at this moment in time,” said Toby Davies, RABBLE Artistic Director…Read More

The Magpie Ink Cap

I’VE BEEN fascinated by fungi since childhood. I must have been about nine when I persuaded my father to buy me a copy of I-Spy Wild Fruits and Fungi, which cost one shilling. I’d seen it in the newsagent’s window. This was the 1950s. The book wasn’t quite as drab as those which had been produced to the war-time economy standard, which had no coloured pictures at all – in this one the cover and half of the illustrations were in colour.
When trying to decide which fungus to write about for November, my mind went back to the 1970s, when a friend told me about the Field Studies Council and its week-long residential courses. For me they were more like holidays. The Council is an educational charity, with field centres across England and Wales. The first course I enrolled for was called simply ‘Fungi’, led by the highly eccentric Dr Fred Parker-Rhodes. He wore a battered hat, a pointed beard and a long green cloak, carrying a wicker basket over one arm in which to collect specimens…Read More

Ten Years After

WHEN I started the Men’s Breakfast 10 years ago it was because, like a lot of men who have been working away every week, when I retired, I couldn’t find any suitable local community men’s groups that gathered on a regular basis for support and friendship.
So I set myself three objectives to address my needs and, as I found out, the needs of a lot of other men in our community. Firstly, get me out of the house once a month, secondly, visit different venues to create variety and take us to places which we might not otherwise have visited and, thirdly, support local businesses in Emmer Green and Caversham.
The first breakfast was held at The Bite at Emmer Green and was attended by nine hearty souls who enjoyed their breakfast and didn’t need to worry about the washing up. Since then, we’ve visited eleven different venues (some have now closed, and new ones have opened), and the most that have ever attended is twenty four…Read More

Sparkle this Christmas

WITH OVER 20 years’ piercing experience, I know with Christmas fast approaching, many are looking for fun and personal ways to get into the festive spirit. Ear piercing has become an increasingly popular choice. Whether it’s a first piercing or an addition to a growing ear stack, getting your ears pierced during the holidays is a stylish way to treat yourself or a loved one. As people plan their festive outfits, sparkle is a must, and jewellery plays a big part. A new piercing allows for fresh accessorising opportunities, from delicate gold hoops to glittering studs which match your partywear. It’s also a great way to add a personal touch to your look for Christmas events, family gatherings, or New Year’s Eve. Ear piercing also makes a thoughtful and memorable gift…Read More

Bringing Christmas Joy

AS CHRISTMAS approaches, many families in Reading are struggling to make ends meet. Recent figures from End Child Poverty show more than 11,000 children in Reading – around 30% – are living in poverty. For some, Christmas morning will pass without a single present to unwrap.
This is why Reading Family Aid, a local charity run by volunteers, is launching its annual Toys and Teens Appeal on Thursday 23 October. The appeal ensures children from disadvantaged families receive gifts at Christmas – something to bring a smile, restore a little magic, and remind them their community cares…Read More

Warings Family Bakery

I AM SURE most of us have noticed the vintage lady’s bike, complete with basket, that is parked on the corner of Church Street and Hemdean Road. It draws attention to Warings the family Bakers which is a favourite meeting place. The family firm has a history that goes back to 1932, but the Caversham branch opened in 1995.
The site had been the garden of the house called The Priory. By 1950 along Church Street there was a garage at numbers 18-28, a shop at 30 (until recently a chemist’s) then the garden. Number 32 was on the corner of Hemdean Road and was the baker’s shop of J E Howard and Son. By 1968 it seems the present row of five shops had been built over the garden, replacing number 32. They were numbered 32, 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d. Howard’s bakery was there and was taken over by Scott’s around 1971. Scott’s the bakers closed suddenly and unexpectedly in 1994. The business was then taken over by Waring’s, who opened their Caversham shop in 1995…Read More

Good Year or Bad Year?

IT WAS THE Caversham Horticultural Society show on 30 August, where my role was shouting out the raffle prize-winners. The show was a great success, and I was staggered by the quality of the exhibits. Excellent potatoes, beautiful flowers and really nice tomatoes, and all the time my thoughts were ‘how did the exhibitors manage this?’ when my own desert, sorry garden, was rather pathetic. With cookery items, handicrafts, painting and photographs it was a hall full of interest and made me realise how talented and resourceful the residents of Caversham can be.
For me this gardening year has been one of two halves. The first few months were very successful, with the beautiful Spring flowers and the blossom laden trees. Then the lack of rain meant the second half has been pathetic with even the grass struggling to look anything at all…Read More

November’s National Tree Week

NOVEMBER BRINGS us the annual National Tree Week, run by The Tree Council and now in its fiftieth year. This follows hot on the heels (roots?) of the recent, separate UK Tree of the Year competition, voted by the public and run by The Woodland Trust, and won by Glasgow’s Argyle Street Ash. I’m not entirely sure what the winning tree actually takes home, but apparently the Ash now goes on to represent us in a European tree of the year competition. One can only wonder if the Ash wins that too, is there a global competition with, perhaps, Antipodean trees – a rather literal fight of the Ashes, of the tree kind anyway.
No Caversham trees made it, but many local trees have their own fans, whether in Caversham Court Gardens, the many green spaces, or people’s own gardens…Read More

Primary School Choices

AROUND THIS time last year, we waved our youngest child off to school. This new rhythm is working very well for us, but I remember how it felt before our eldest started school. It helped that we were confident the school we had chosen for him was a great fit for his personality and our family’s priorities. School open days are the best way to gauge this. You might feel your little one will
thrive in a small school, or perhaps they’d be better off in a bigger one. Outside space might be important, or the availability of wraparound care could be a deal-breaker for you. We are lucky because all of the Caversham primary schools are wonderful – there are no bad choices – but for each child there will be ones which are a better or worse fit…Read More

Success for Queen Anne’s School

IT WAS A fantastic start to the year for Queen Anne’s School in Caversham, as their Under-19A lacrosse and Under-16 netball teams were both crowned national champions in their respective competitions back in the spring. At the National Schools Lacrosse Tournament, the U19A team battled through two days of fierce competition at the Aldershot Garrison Sports Fields to claim the title for the first time in nearly 30 years. After strong performances in the group stages, the team advanced through the knockout rounds with skill and tenacity, including a thrilling 5-4 quarter-final win over Withington, and a 2-1 semi-final victory over Guildford High. In a tense final, Queen Anne’s secured a 3-2 victory over St Catherine’s, Bramley, sealing a historic triumph…Read More

Get On Your Bike

READING CYCLE FESTIVAL took place on Christchurch meadows in September and was a celebration of all things cycling in Reading. There were stunt riding displays, a pump track and ramps for kids to try out their skills on, as well as delegations from many of the local cycling groups. The annual festival is sponsored by Avanti Cycling, who deliver Bikeability training in the local schools. Kidical Mass, who run regular, marshalled, bike rides for families with young children, took a ride around Lower Caversham — many thanks to those who smiled and waved to encourage the children! Many of the children (including ours) then enjoyed testing out their skills on the ramps course.
The stunt riding display on the grownup sized ramps was incredible. It’s not often you see cyclists doing flips on their bikes in mid-air…Read More

Reading Festival 2025

AS A CAVERSHAM resident, I have been going to Reading Festival for years. As a huge music fan, having so many of the world’s top artists playing on my doorstep is too good an opportunity to miss! Plus, I come home every evening to my own bed and a hot shower in the morning. In my opinion the perfect way to do a festival!
The festival is a rite of passage for many youngsters following exam results, and our group is quite a bit older than the majority, but we don’t feel it! I’ve always found the festival to have a great vibe, with everyone there to enjoy the music and have a great time, no matter their age.
Over the past few years, the festival has seen lots of changes, with the addition of a craft beer bar and street food area with lots of picnic benches…Read More

Christmas Past

CHRISTMAS IS a time for traditions and, for many of us, it’s a time when we look back and remember the festivities of years gone by. Maybe it’s a specific decoration you hang on the tree, a classic Christmas movie you watch every year, or a special food you eat only at this time of year.
This Christmas, Visit Reading is launching a campaign focused on Caversham’s festive nostalgia. We’re looking to collect your cherished stories, photographs, and memories of Christmas in our community throughout the years. We want to hear what made the holidays special for you and your family. Did you visit a particular shop? Was there a community event you always looked forward to? Maybe you have a picture of Caversham’s high street decorated for Christmas from a few decades ago…Read More

What can we do about Plastics?  Microplastics – the issue

LAST MONTH I wrote about how we can reduce the use of plastics and ensure they are recycled. This month we consider the impact and sources of microplastics, tiny plastic particles produced by the breakdown of plastic objects. Microplastics have been found in soils, water and air, and throughout the food chain, from nematode worms to us. Research shows them in our digestive system, bloodstream and brain. They can enter the body by inhalation, ingestion and through the skin. There are many research projects suggesting links between microplastics and health, but the harmful effects are not quantified.
There isn’t information to suggest whether certain types of microplastic or their additives are more harmful than others to humans. Neither is it known if the potential health effects are due to particle shape or chemical nature. It’s important to remember we inhale and ingest large numbers of other organic and inorganic microparticles daily, and some of these are also found around the body, including in the brain…Read More

Sorted

HAVE YOU EVER wondered what happens to the contents of your recycling bin when it is collected? As part of Recycle Week 2025, site operator re3 was offering a small number of places for visits to the Material Recycling Facility at Smallmead, where our bin contents are processed. Although the places booked up fast, I was able to take advantage of a last-minute cancellation to join a tour at the end of September.
Many of us will be familiar with the Smallmead Recycling Centre, but there is a large space hidden behind a dividing wall, housing the recycling operation. The material for recycling arrives in a large reception area from our doorstep collections and commercial sources. Smallmead is the centre of operations for the three councils – Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell Forest – who are partners in re3, so it receives around 100 tonnes of recycling material daily…Read More

Awards in Prospect

THE CAVERSHAM TANDOORI takeaway in Prospect Street has been shortlisted for the regional Englands Business Awards held in Reading in October, to the surprise and delight of owner Mohammed Siraj. But it is not the only recent award nomination for the business. In December last year, this Bangladeshi and Indian takeaway was selected as the Best Takeaway in Berkshire at the national Asian Curry Awards, 2024.
Mohammed took over the business about four years ago. He started in the catering business in Cardiff more than 30 years ago, straight out of school. He said the Curry Awards Ceremony, which was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, was an amazing experience. The venue itself was awe-inspiring, seating more than 1,000 diners. It was a privilege to join with so many of the best Asian chefs, including Michelin Star holders, and to be selected by the judges for the award…Read More

Pride of Reading Awards 2025

THE ANNUAL Pride of Reading awards were presented on Friday 17 October at the Hilton, Reading. Since 2004, the Awards have highlighted organisations, businesses and individuals who have made a dramatic impact within Reading. The Awards are supported by local businesses, some of whom have been sponsoring since the beginning.
The 2025 Awards were launched 16 May, and nominations closed 1 August. The judges have been sorting through hundreds of nominations, and those on the shortlist were contacted in September. There were a surprisingly large number of nominations – more than 20 – from our area. They included individuals like local photographer, Mark Apcar, nominated for the Chris Tarrant Award, and Ginny Munro, Local Hero Award, for her tireless work to establish a defibrillator on Albert Road…Read More

Weller Centre Garden Awards

THE WELLER Centre Community Garden received two awards in recognition of the hard work of all involved in caring for this peaceful space on Amersham Road.
The first was awarded by the Thames and Chilterns in Bloom campaign in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The campaign is one of 16 regional and national campaigns which make up Britain in Bloom with the RHS. The award is called the It’s Your Neighbourhood award.
Rowena Hughes, garden volunteer, went to the award ceremony on Thursday 25 September to represent the garden team and was delighted to get a level three certificate! Rowena said: “This award recognises the hard work that goes into making this a great space for local people to enjoy – thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last year to help this garden grow and thrive!…Read More

A peek behind the door

LOCAL ARTIST Nina O’Connell, whose work we have featured over the last five years, is taking part in a special open studio event this month. Following the success of its debut in 2024, the Acorn Open Studios Event returns this autumn on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November 2025, from 10:30 to 16:30. Nina is the only Caversham based artist out of the 15 Berkshire artists who will welcome visitors into their working studios for the event. Rather than displaying only finished pieces, Acorn Open Studios invites you behind the scenes to see works in progress, sketchbooks, experiments, and the creative process itself. Their publicity promises ‘the chance to enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where you can talk directly to the artists about their work. And you might even discover affordable, one-of-a-kind gifts in the run-up to the festive season’…Read More

Back to School

THIS YEAR OUR holiday group returned to Embley, the school where the holidaystarted some 60 years ago. It was a walk down memory lane for some of us. Much had improved, though much had stayed the same. Arriving through the gates to the school, the view was magnificent – green fields and elegant trees. The original red-brick building is impressive, with wood-panelling and a grand staircase. It was the family home of Florence Nightingale, and her portrait hangs in the chapel. In the purpose-built dining hall, we were treated to some fabulous meals. There was plenty of choice and, for me, sometimes too much, as it was hard to resist, and refreshments were available all day…Read More

A beacon of care

BACK IN April I was out for a Sunday walk when I spotted activity in the redundant phone box in Albert Road. Interest piqued, I found Ginny Monro and daughter Zoe, from the Albert Road Community Group, giving the box a lick of paint. The phone box has been transformed into a defibrillator station serving the local community. Ginny led the project from the start, raising funds
through cake and plant sales for the Community Heartbeat Trust. She negotiated permissions and restored and painted the old phone box herself.
With the installation of the defibrillator, Ginny realised that having access to life-saving equipment is only part of the solution, so she organised free cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator training sessions for local residents, ensuring that the whole community feels equipped to act in an emergency…Read More

Planting the tree of movement

IT’S NEVER too late to start improving the way you move. Small, consistent changes now can bring huge rewards later. That might mean walking more, spending time on the ground, squatting, reaching, or balancing. The aim is to keep adding useful, natural movements into your days so that you’re training for your 90s, starting today.
Ageing well with natural movement is about more than fitness; it’s about mindset, motivation, and making choices today that protect tomorrow. Ageing well isn’t about holding on to our younger
capabilities. It’s about embracing what we can do now while still building strength, mobility, and resilience. By appreciating our bodies as they are, we create a positive relationship with them and open the door to independence and joy in later years. Many people wait for a wake-up call; a health scare or an injury, before making changes…Read More