Revealed: The most-watched videos on getreading in May

Our video producer, Michael Pearson, takes a look at the most-watched videos on our website in the last four weeks

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/revealed-most-watched-videos-getreading-11410195

Music in Reading: What's coming up in June?

Take a look at what's coming up in June on the music scene in Reading.

from getreading - Music & Nightlife http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/music-reading-whats-coming-up-11395537

ADHD conference in West Reading invites young people to go along

Parenting Special Children is holding an ADHD conference and the charity is inviting young people who have the condition to take part

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/adhd-conference-west-reading-invites-11395486

Family-friendly pubs in Reading and beyond

Child-friendly pubs where the kids can stay occupied are not always easy to find. Here's our round-up of the best places recommended by parents.

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/family-friendly-pubs-reading-beyond-10114039

Nine best shows to see at the theatre in Berkshire this June

If you want to know what shows are coming up this month at theatres in Berkshire, ake a look at our show round up

from getreading - Theatre http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/theatre-news/nine-best-shows-see-theatre-11395498

Volunteering in Reading: Digital champions, gardening and DIY opportunities

Here are the latest opportunities for you to make a difference in Reading

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/volunteering-reading-digital-champions-gardening-11402590

Kim Krowdashian, Batman V Superman and The Lion King among stars at Sonning Scarecrow Trail

Take a look at some of the

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/kim-krowdashian-batman-v-superman-11399969

Trevor Nelson, Jane Austen and five other things to do near Reading next weekend

Take a look at what you could be getting up to next weekend

from getreading - Arts & Culture http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/trevor-nelson-jane-austen-five-11393394

Reading FC Pick of the Past: Royals play-off hopes dashed by Wolves in 2003

We look back at both legs of a memorable, and controversial, play-off contest against Wolves 13 years ago

from getreading - Berkshire History http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/berkshire-history/reading-fc-pick-past-royals-11400045

Are these pets the cutest puppies in Berkshire? See the four-legged friends quest for the crown at the GSP Breed Day

If you haven't got a puppy, you'll want one after looking through these pictures

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/pets-cutest-puppies-berkshire-see-11400058

The Wizard of Oz, boat show and five other things to do with the family near Reading

Looking for something to do with the family in Reading at the weekend? Here are a few suggestions

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/wizard-oz-boat-show-five-11393381

Your best garden pots ever – 6 tips for brilliant container gardening

What’s the secret of stunning garden pots?

Expensive containers? Choosing the right plants? Having an artistic eye for arrangement?

This beautifully planted pot follows the ‘Thriller, Filler, Spiller’ container planting technique. The thriller is purple pansies, the filler is French lavender and the spiller is a trailing ivy.

Maybe. But we’ve all seen wonderful displays of common plants in quite ordinary pots, so it’s certainly not the full story.

After experiencing many disappointments in my own pots, I have quizzed experts to come up with these tips:

1. Feed and water your plants

This advice usually comes at the end of any advice on creating wonderful container planting displays. So it went into the ‘small print’ section of my brain. ‘At the end’ equates to ‘not important’.

That’s why I’m putting it at the beginning of this post. I think it’s probably the biggest single difference between a ho-hum collection of planted pots and a stunning display of container plants. Feel free to disagree with me.

This is a collaborative post with Baby Bio Outdoor liquid feed (note to Bayer, link to microsite here). I have drawn on their expertise, as well as my own and other people’s experience.

What you need to know about watering:

Potted plants don’t pick up rain water properly.

That’s because as plants grow and develop in pots, their growth spreads, explain the Baby Bio Outdoor experts. That usually prevents rain water from falling in any significant proportion to be useful to the plant.

So pots need regular watering, especially during the main growing season. About twice a week on average.

Bear in mind that larger pots will probably require less water as they will not dry out as quickly as smaller ones. Very small pots may need almost daily watering.

Fill the pot up to the rim so that all the soil is covered, say the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Let it drain through completely, then repeat.

What you need to know about feeding

Plants in pots can only take up nutrients available to them in the soil that’s actually in the pot.

Without the addition of plant food provided with weekly or fortnightly treatments, these nutrients will run out within weeks.

Use either a liquid fertiliser – such as Baby Bio Outdoor – every two weeks, or a slow-release granular fertiliser like Toprose at the start of the season to make sure that your plants have the nutrients they need to maintain healthy growth

There’s a growing (excuse my pun) interest in vegetables in pots – and veg really are hungry plants. Feed them with a specialist fruit & vegetable feed such as Baby Bio Outdoor Fruit & Vegetables.

But don’t overfeed – mark feeding days in your diary, especially if you’re feeding lots of different plants at different times.

With a soluble plant food, ensure you follow instructions in relation to the amount of plant food and volumes of water required

Take care that the pot is thoroughly and regularly fed and watered.   Regular feeding is required throughout the main growing season whatever the pot size, to benefit all plants.

Ericaceous plants such as rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas require an ericaceous plant food to provide them with all their required nutrients.

2) Don’t use garden soil in pots

Garden soil in a pot probably won’t have the right balance of nutrients and it will have weed seeds. If your pots are to have a fighting chance, they need commercial multi-purpose potting compost.

Don’t forget that coloured pots can be very effective. I spotted this lovely combination of bright green pots and simple daisy planting in a street in Calais.

And this very effective pale pink planter with red and pink flowers, plus lots of green, at Edgware Road tube station in London!

3) Change the compost when you change the planting

When I wrote this in my previous post on 25 inspirational ideas for pots, there were howls of anguish from people who have very large planters and pots.

It really isn’t affordable to re-fill large planting pots with five or six bags of commercial multi-purpose potting compost every time you change a display. And if the plants’ roots are fairly shallow, they probably aren’t going down to the bottom of the pot anyway.

If you change the lupins in these large planting pots from Capital Garden products, you wouldn’t need to change ALL the soil in the larger pots. Using the same plants in different pots is a good style tip –  if there’s a plant going cheaply, you can buy a trayful.

Most experts agree that – in large plant containers – it’s fine to scrape away the layer the plants sat in and replenish it.

However if the container plants stop thriving, the compost that’s been sitting in the pot may have picked up viruses or pests so you should change the lot.

The RHS also say that, for large planting pots, you can use a mix of two-thirds garden soil to multi-purpose potting compost, provided you add a general-purpose fertiliser.

Baby Bio® Outdoor or Phostrogen® Patio Plant Food would both be ideal.  Baby Bio® Outdoor is a liquid plant food so just add 10ml of the rich liquid to 1 litre of water and apply to the compost once you’ve firmed in your new plants.  Phostrogen® Patio Plant Food is soluble.

Mix in a watering can according to the instructions on the pack and water it onto the compost, or simply mix a handful with the compost before planting.

In smaller planting pots, it’s better to bite the bullet and buy new compost every time.

4) ) Evergreen plants are great for garden pots

I love evergreens, such as bay, box or pine, in pots. They give structure to the garden all year round.

And it’s great to have some pots that don’t need renewing – because changing all your pots once or twice a year can get expensive.

But evergreens in pots do need different care from annual pots. Bellamont Topiary sell yew and box from their fields. They advise you to take evergreens out of their pots every two years, change the potting compost completely and do a hard ‘root trim’. Then replace the plant in the pot (or pot it in a larger one if that’s what you want).

 

Grasses, like evergreens, can provide planting that lasts for a couple of years in pots: giant coppers at Doddington Place Gardens are planted with grasses. Grasses make a simple, effective planting. Extra plants are added seasonally around the outside.

If you have a permanent plant (such as an evergreen or a grass) in a pot that doesn’t seem happy, check your feeding and watering routines. Evergreens in pots need a slow-release fertiliser during the summer (April to August).

The most important plant in my garden is a topiary box spiral in a large planting pot. I bought it from a topiary field in Dorset last September (for the full story on buying sensational topiary on a middle-sized budget, see here.)

In my last post about using fertiliser (see here), I noted that my topiary spiral had no new growth, while the other box in pots were sprinkled with bright new leaves.

I added a pick-me-up of liquid Baby Bio Outdoor (Flowers & Shrubs). And it worked – now, three weeks later, there are lots of new pale green shoots emerging. I’m also doing the Baby Bio Boost challenge over the summer, where I treat some plants with Baby Bio and others are just watered. Check out the results on the Baby Bio Facebook page (here).

5) Choose the right size pot

Choose a pot that is a bit larger than the roots of the plant you want to put in it. A small plant in too large a pot may rot because its roots aren’t big enough to dry the compost out enough. It’s called ‘over-potting’. I feel the term should be used more widely – possibly with reference to celebrities or politicians who find themselves going to rot in over-large pots…

Too small a pot will stop the plant flourishing.

Big pots retain water better than small planting pots. If you have lots of small pots, group them together. They will protect each other (a bit) from sun and wind, so won’t dry out as quickly.

I usually soak small planting pots in a bucket or sink overnight once or twice a week if the weather is hot.

Re-pot in spring. Or even summer. But not in the autumn (unless you’re doing ‘winter interest’ pots, in which case make sure they don’t get water-logged in the bad weather).

There’s still a debate as to whether pots need crocks at the bottom of them to improve drainage. The RHS say you need crocks. ‘Which’ magazine say that their tests show it makes no difference.

6) Any plant can be put in a pot

If you have leftover seedlings or plants that don’t have a place at the moment, then make them part of your container garden display. One of my most successful pots last year was an Echinacea ‘Southern Belle’.

Echinacea ‘Southern Belle’ is the pink flower in the foreground. (It’s in a pot, but that’s out of the picture).

I’d bought too many plants for the border. The ones I put in pots were even more successful than the ones I planted out.

This year I am inspired by Ian Hodgson’s new book New Wild Garden to create a ‘meadow’ in a container. It has a number of ideas for incorporating wildlife-friendly planting into all areas of your garden, including pots.

I long for a little patch of meadow – but I don’t think it would fit into the garden. But I have an old galvanished trough, so I’ll try that out as a mini-meadow.

Giveaway:

There are three sets of Baby Bio Outdoor liquid feed (one bottle of Fruit & Vegetable and one of Flowers & Shrubs) to be won. Just leave a comment below saying what your main container planting problem is – or tweet it to me @midsizegarden. Winners will be picked at random on 12th June.

Three sets of Baby Bio Outdoor (Flowers & Shrubs + Fruit & Vegetables) to be given away.

 

The post Your best garden pots ever – 6 tips for brilliant container gardening appeared first on The Middle-Sized Garden.

from The Middle-Sized Garden http://www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/best-pots-ever-6-tips-brilliant-container-gardening/

Reading drone start-up solves aviation safety threat

Reading-based Altitude Angel is tackling drone and aviation safety on a global scale

from getreading - Business http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/business/reading-drone-start-up-solves-11396491

The Flying Scotsman in Reading: Your pictures and videos

Many were up early to catch site of the Flying Scotsman, take a look at some of the great moments captured as it steamed through Berkshire

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/flying-scotsman-reading-your-pictures-11398086

Police crack down on mobile phones gets the backing of the people of Reading

Police are cracking down on drivers who use mobiles behind the wheel in a week long scheme finishing on Sunday, May 29

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/police-crack-down-mobile-phones-11394007

Watch Whitsun traditional cheese rolling and find out why we should care about the Spring Bank Holiday?

The second May bank holiday is on Monday, May 30 known as the Spring Bank Holiday

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/watch-whitsun-traditional-cheese-rolling-11391794

Watch Whitsun tradition cheese rolling and find out why we should be fussed about the spring bank holiday?

The second May bank holiday is on Monday, May 30 known as the Spring Bank Holiday

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/watch-whitsun-tradition-cheese-rolling-11391794

Reading Station Hill sees new outdoor event space with pop-up bars, street food & big screens

The event space will be home to giant screens, Berkshire's best street vendors and pop-up cocktail bars

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/reading-station-hill-sees-new-11389752

Giovanna Fletcher set for Reading book signing PLUS win a signed copy of her new book

The author - and wife of McFly's Tom Fletcher - will be in town to sign copies of her new book, Always With Love

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/giovanna-fletcher-set-reading-book-11388646

Reading rents, man jailed for savage assault and where to live to be a millionaire

Some stories you may have missed on Thursday, May 26

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-rents-man-jailed-savage-11392179

Have a RG postcode and want to be a millionaire? Then you're in luck

The area is one of the luckiest in the country for people across Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/rg-postcode-want-millionaire-youre-11379080

Berkshire people warned about new laws against 'legal highs'

The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 will come into effect on Thursday, May 26

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/berkshire-people-warned-new-laws-11385851

Star gazing in Reading: Spot Mars at its closest to earth

Mars will be at its closest to earth on Monday, May 30

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/star-gazing-reading-spot-mars-11382816

The Queen's 90th birthday: Are you throwing a street party in Reading, Bracknell or Wokingham?

Let us know if your street is hosting the ultimate birthday bash for The Queen

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/queens-90th-birthday-you-throwing-11381904

Berkshire fire service invites people to watch dramatic live water rescue exercise

The exercise will be held as part of Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services' Water Safety Week

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/berkshire-fire-service-invites-people-11381411

Bumper guide to May Half-term fun for the family in Reading, Bracknell and Wokingham

Looking for bits to get up to with the little ones? Take a look at what's happening in your area this half-term

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/bumper-guide-half-term-fun-11378804

Who misses the most school in Berkshire?

Wokingham had one of the highest levels of truancy in the county last year while Bracknell schools boast "one of the lowest rates of absence"

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/who-misses-most-school-berkshire-11378909

EU debate, where the roadworks will be, tributes to Reading fundraiser and who are the best drivers?

Some of the stories you may have missed on Tuesday, May 24

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/eu-debate-roadworks-be-tributes-11381284

Wokingham kids encouraged to become bookworms with thousands of freebies

More than 4,500 children have been presented with Bookstart packs

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/wokingham-kids-encouraged-become-bookworms-11379973

Berkshire roadworks guide: What's happening in the coming months?

There's plenty of digging to be done in Reading, Bracknell and Wokingham over the next few months

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/berkshire-roadworks-guide-whats-happening-11372755

Chilldhood obesity in Reading to be tackled with school project

The Let's Get Going schools initiative has been jointly commissioned by four Berkshire authorities including Reading

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/chilldhood-obesity-reading-tackled-school-11376613

Royal Ascot 2016: Make it a hat trick - shopping for Royal Ascot

Take a look at our guide to finding the perfect hat for Royal Ascot week

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/royal-ascot-2016-make-hat-11373036

Berkshire charities given chance to win £1,000 with Vital Signs survey

Berkshire Community Foundation (BCF) has opened its Vital Signs survey for people that live, work or go to school in Berkshire

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/berkshire-charities-given-chance-win-11372413

Reading scrubs up as Foam Fest takes over Prospect Park

The 2.5k fun run through a foam-filled obstacle course took place at the weekend in aid of Naomi House

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/reading-scrubs-up-foam-fest-11371402

Watch: Your videos and pictures of the Flying Scotsman passing through Berkshire

Thousands went out to see the train on Saturday, May 21

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/watch-your-videos-pictures-flying-11371369

21 of the best real ale pubs in Reading and Berkshire

See where you can indulge in a top quality pint of some decent real ale in Reading

from getreading - Arts & Culture http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/21-best-real-ale-pubs-11357888

Bracknell Ale & Wine Festival and five other things to do this weekend

Take a look at what you could be getting up to this weekend

from getreading - Arts & Culture http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/bracknell-ale--wine-festival-11362685

Finchampstead drink driver who killed pensioner on Christmas Day has sentence slashed

In 2013 Josef Moscicki hit 83-year-old 'Jim' Smith with his van and dragged him for 200 metres before returning and deliberately driving over the pensioner’s leg

from getreading - Local News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/finchampstead-drink-driver-who-killed-11368934

My 10 most useful and inspiring gardening books

Are gardening books dead? Can’t we get all the info we need free off the internet?

The best gardening books are the ones you go back to again and again. You don’t need to recharge their batteries.

Their glorious photography isn’t shrunk down to the size of your mobile phone.

And you can put them back on the shelf, leave them for a couple of years and simply pull them out again. You won’t get an ‘error 404’ message because the link has gone somewhere else. You will simply have a beautiful, inspiring informative book in your hands.

So I’ve rounded up the books I’ve read again and again over the past 10 years. They’re still in print – which means lots of people agree with me.

We’ve also had a bit of a tweak here at Middlesized Garden. We’ve added a shop to make it easier to buy some of the things you read about in our posts (note: there are affiliate links which means we may receive a fee – possibly even the price of a cup of tea – if you buy something).

So  click here to find my 10 most useful and inspiring gardening books, and please tell me yours!

from The Middle-Sized Garden http://www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/my-10-most-useful-and-inspiring-gardening-books/

Reading giant, spitfire displays and the Davis Cup: Things to do with the family near Reading this weekend

Looking for something to do with the family in Reading at the weekend? Here are a few suggestions

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/reading-giant-spitfire-displays-davis-11362663

Wokingham set for cake-tastic take over with charity bake off

Reckon your Victoria sponge is as good as Ol' Mary Berry's?

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/wokingham-set-cake-tastic-take-11359150

Caleb Molomo: Bracknell armed robber jailed for five years

The 20-year-old student, of Priestwood Avenue, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, May 20

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/caleb-molomo-bracknell-armed-robber-11366087

11 beautiful Berkshire gardens you must visit

Is your garden looking a bit lack-lustre? Go for a gorgeous stroll around these fairy tale-like gardens for some inspiration

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/11-beautiful-berkshire-gardens-you-11358130

20 of the best real ale pubs in Reading and Berkshire

See where you can indulge in a top quality pint of some decent real ale in Reading

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/20-best-real-ale-pubs-11357888

Appeal to find man connected to Boxing Day attempted murder and four more stories you may have missed

Police have re-released an image of a man wanted on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was stabbed on Boxing Day 2015

from getreading - Local News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/appeal-find-man-connected-boxing-11365515

Reading traffic on Friday: drivers heading home mean delays start early

Slow traffic going north and east in Reading

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-traffic-friday-drivers-heading-11364653

Wokingham leader Keith Baker responds to leaked email and calls for resignation

Councillor Keith Baker was questioned about an email which was leaked to a large number of Wokingham councillors

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/wokingham-leader-keith-baker-responds-11363815

Readers name Marmaris as best kebab shop in Reading

The takeaway in Caversham Road received the most votes in our poll of kebab shops in Reading, Bracknell and Wokingham

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/readers-name-marmaris-best-kebab-11353407

The best car boot sales in Reading and Berkshire

Here's all you need to know about the weekly and monthly sales in your area

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/best-car-boot-sales-reading-11352573

Berkshire Country Fayre set for May Bank Holiday weekend

Here's all you need to know about the fayre

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/berkshire-country-fayre-set-bank-11351301

Tell Bracknell council how it should run your libraries

The library service in Bracknell Forest is coming under scrutiny as the council seeks to make savings

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/tell-bracknell-council-how-should-11350588

Reading's hottest ever summer? Don't bank on it, says expert

Don't go stocking up on ice lollies just yet or go lighting the barbecue

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/readings-hottest-ever-summer-dont-11346976

Pride of Reading: Lower Earley mum nominated for huge contribution to bereavement charity

Mother-of-six Vickie Randall was nominated for the Chris Tarrant Award for her dedication to Berkshire charities, including Daisy's Dream

from getreading - Local News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/local-news/pride-reading-lower-earley-mum-11353602

Berkshire vineyard scoops silver medal at international wine competition

Alder Ridge Vineyard has been recognised for its first vintage 2013 Blanc de Noirs at the International Wine Challenge 2016

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/berkshire-vineyard-scoops-silver-medal-11345796

Reading children's nurse honoured for work in detection of infant hip dysplasia

Angela Lee was runner-up in the child health award category in the RCNi nurse awards, the profession’s top accolade for nursing excellence

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-childrens-nurse-honoured-work-11341813

Hidden gems in and around Reading that even Readingensians might not have discovered

Get exploring Reading's secret spots, there's plenty to do from rooftop gardens to the Ladybird archives

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/hidden-gems-around-reading-even-11342811

Warfield teenager wins payout after being injured at nursery as a baby

The 13-year-old suffered a haematoma and haemorrhages to both eyes and his life was considered at risk after the accident at Teddies Nursery in Berkshire

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/warfield-teenager-wins-payout-after-11312592

Fire brigade consultation asks public about standards and targets

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service launches a second public consultation asking how it should measure its response times

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/fire-brigade-consultation-asks-public-11339790

West Berkshire Council works to secure Theale Traveller site ahead of court date

The Travellers' court date is set for this week after they failed to comply with two eviction notices

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/west-berkshire-council-works-secure-11339174

In pictures: Dubs at the Park sees hundreds of Volkswagens on show

Hundreds of families gathered at the show which played host to all sorts of cars and entertainment for the little ones

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/pictures-dubs-park-sees-hundreds-11339317

Jacksons documentary and seven other things to do near Reading this weekend

Take a look at our weekend guide of things to get up to near Reading this weekend

from getreading - Arts & Culture http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/jacksons-documentary-seven-things-near-11334123

Foam Fest, Reading revealed on foot and more: Six things to do with the family near Reading this weekend

Looking for something to do with the family in Reading at the weekend? Here are a few suggestions

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/foam-fest-reading-revealed-foot-11334126

M4 closures planned for this week as IKEA works continue

Here's all you need to know about the M4 closures and works taking place on the M3 and the M27

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/m4-closures-planned-week-ikea-11333750

Wycombe Wanderers 5 Reading FC 3: A look back at a nightmare for Royals' keeper in Buckinghamshire

We remember a harrowing afternoon for Royals' keeper Scott Howie, who had a nightmare in this Division Two thriller

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/berkshire-history/wycombe-wanderers-5-reading-fc-11333993

M4 crash victim named, Blessed Hugh Faringdon school pupil arrested and Tilehurst pub at risk of losing licence: The most read stories this week

The five most read stories from the site this week

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/m4-crash-victim-named-blessed-11333975

What restaurants and shops have opened in Reading this year?

Take a look at our mid-2016 round up of all the new places that have opened up in town

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/what-restaurants-shops-opened-reading-11326869

How to plant a border like a pro

It’s Garden Show time!

Over the next few months you’ll see glorious borders bursting with colour. On TV programmes, in magazines, in professionally-run gardens…

But how can we achieve those brilliant, beautiful borders in our own gardens?

A show garden border. Hard to match such casually thrown-together perfection at home.

I’m re-planting a border from scratch here in the Middlesized Garden. So I’ve been picking the brains of professional gardeners.

This is what you need to know:

1. Show gardens aren’t real

They’re there to give you ideas and inspiration, not for you to copy. Show garden borders are like the fashion pages of a magazine. They are stuffed full of plants that have been prinked and perked to perfection. Only planted for a few days at a time, they’re jammed together and treated as if they’re in intensive care. This is not real gardening. It’s show-time. Enjoy it.

The winner of the Great British Garden challenge at Chelsea 2015 – although it’s hard to reproduce a show garden, I think this use of colour is inspiring.

2) Think about the width and density of your plant as well as the height

Borders used to be planted with the tallest plants at the back. You put towering 6ft blooms at the back and tiny 6″ flowers at the front.

Now it’s fashionable to have most of the planting at the same height.

The One Show garden at Hampton Court. Planting is more or less at the same height. But plants are airy.

Whichever you choose, you need to give your plants the space to grow sideways. If the label says that the width is ultimately 30cm, you need to make sure it has 15cm on either side before you plant its mate.

But also think about how airy or dense a plant is, before you plant. I planted some phlox in the middle of my new border, with some verbascum behind.

Planting at the Sussex Prairie Gardens. It’s airy and modern. Plants aren’t graded by height but are see-through.

‘You need the phlox towards the back,’ said garden consultant Posy Gentles. ‘It’s a very dense plant. Whereas the verbascum is a bit taller but it’s airy so you can see through it.’

Now I know why I never felt my penstemons looked right. They were no higher than the plants around them, but they sat in a solid chunk. They didn’t flow into the planting around them. I think I’d have liked them more if they’d been on the middle or at the back, rather than looming over the front and blocking everything behind them.

The penstemons (dark pink, centre) were too chunky at the front of my border.

But you don’t find anything out about plant density on the label. If you buy your plants from a nursery, you should be able to find someone who knows about horticulture who will help you.

Or Google ‘plant name + images)’. Some of the pictures will show the whole plant.

3) Many perennials take a year to get to their best

I’ve often bought plants from a nursery or garden centre, then been disappointed with their performance. But many herbaceous perennials won’t look their best the year you plant them.

They’ll be better next year. After that they’ll go on looking good for a few years.

My acanthus mollis ‘rue Ledan’, for example, has taken three years to find its feet, but it looks as if it’s going to be lovely this year.

I planted an acanthus mollis Rue Ledan (the all-white one) in front of this statue two years ago, but it’s just been a clump of leaves. I think it will flower this summer. The foxgloves have kept the interest going while the acanthus finds its feet.

4) So fill your gaps with border annuals.

There’s a huge amount of snobbery about common annuals for borders.

But there are lots of attractive plants that will plump up your borders while the perennials get established. Posy thinks we should look at begonias again, and a massed planting of cosmos always looks fabulous.

Massed cosmos annual planting in the Sunk Garden at Doddington Place Gardens

Cosmos, antirhinums, nicotiana, gazania, zinnias….annuals are rather colourful. Most also come in white.

Zinnias are a useful and reliable annual.

5) Don’t have too many different types of plants

This tip comes from horticultural and landscaping expert Matt Jackson. ‘Sticking to just six types of plants in a border can look very good,’ he says.

It’s very difficult to stick to six, but the main point is that drifts or clumps with lots of the same kind of plants are more effective than planting just one or two of each plant.

‘Plant in threes or fives’ is the standard garden advice. Professional gardener Stephanie Wolfe has a pragmatic attitude: ‘I often plant in fours and sixes,’ she says. ‘Because one usually dies.’

6) Look at leaf colour and shape as well as flowers

There’s more about this here, and also on this video.

7) Boring but necessary

You need to soak the plants in water in a bucket (or the sink) before planting them.

Arrange your plants (still in their pots) in the border in the pattern you intend to plant them. Change around until you get the effect you want (although that’s more difficult when they are still relatively small).

These plants are all still in their pots. This is the point at which Posy warned me not to have the phlox in front of the verbascum, so I swapped them round.

Dig a hole that is larger than their roots.

Garden author and expert Sarah Raven teases out the roots of plants – or even tears a few tendrils away – so that the plant doesn’t go in with all the roots curling round in its pot shape.

Add some compost or fertiliser. See my post on fertiliser here for more information, but essentially, professional gardeners look after their soil and – in their crowded borders – they fertilise. And if you’re filling gaps between your perennials with annuals, then they’ll be growing fast and needing extra.

Water well until plants are established.

8) And the consequence is…

I’ve planted up the bed with white foxgloves, yarrow, verbascum and phlox. There are proper spaces between each plant. I have fertilised and I will water. And I shall fill the spaces between with some dill that I planted from seed.

What could possibly go wrong?

I’ll let you know. Join us every Sunday morning on the Middlesized Garden – just add your email to the box on the top right, and we will fly into your in-box when the sun comes up. And do share this, using the buttons below – thank you!

from The Middle-Sized Garden http://www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/how-to-plant-a-border-like-a-pro/

See which Berkshire businesses have been nominated for the first Muddy Stilettos Awards

Progress Theatre, South Hill Park, Shaw House, The Hexagon and various local businesses have received nominations

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/see-berkshire-businesses-been-nominated-11326732

Quiz: Which Reading Buses stop comes next?

See if you can guess which Reading bus stop comes next in our quiz

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/quiz-reading-buses-stop-comes-11331560

Jason Donovan, Sinitta and The Human League set for Berkshire Retro Festival

The retro festival in Berkshire will see all kinds of 80s superstars take to the stage - here's all you need to know

from getreading - Music & Nightlife http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/jason-donovan-sinitta-human-league-11326352

12 best coffee shops in Reading to fulfill your caffeine fix

Attention latte lovers, espresso enthusiasts and just plain coffee addicts - get your cup of joe at one of these great places

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/12-best-coffee-shops-reading-11324332

"Very dangerous" Crowthorne man fails to slash jail sentence

Sebastian Gay has been in prison for 10 years after a brutal stabbing

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/very-dangerous-crowthorne-man-fails-11326001

Busy roads and delays on Reading Buses: traffic and travel round-up

All the travel information to get you home on Friday, May 13

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/busy-roads-delays-reading-buses-11330677

Ascot man sentenced for 'terrifying' indecent exposure attacks on women in Bracknell and Ascot parks

26-year-old Ian Campbell of Ascot was sentenced at Reading Crown Court on Friday, May 6

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/ascot-man-sentenced-terrifying-indecent-11328758

Nine coeliac and gluten free friendly restaurants in Reading

Eating out doesn't have to be difficult if you know where to go!

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/nine-coeliac-gluten-free-friendly-11322820

Volkswagen classic car show takes over Wokingham this weekend

The show this weekend will play host to all sorts of cars and family entertainment for the ultimate day out

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/volkswagen-classic-car-show-takes-11322639

Sonning Scarecrow trail set for May Bank Holiday weekend

Here's all you need to know about this year's trail and the sort of things the little ones can see!

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/sonning-scarecrow-trail-set-bank-11322312

MP's criticism of town centre, Eddie Izzard to defend EU in Reading and things with the wrong names

Some stories you may have missed today

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/mps-criticism-town-centre-eddie-11326161

Did you know these properties in and around Berkshire are film locations?

Period dramas, classic films and detective series were all filmed on grounds in Berkshire

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/you-know-properties-around-berkshire-11314368

Blandy & Blandy raises cash for two Berkshire charities

Reading-based solicitors Blandy & Blandy pick two Berkshire charities for their fundraising efforts

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/blandy--blandy-raises-cash-11321368

Steam train chugs through Reading, Wokingham and Earley stations

This was the scene as 60163 Tornado steamed through Earley station

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/steam-train-chugs-through-reading-11322590

Ten places that always get called the wrong name in and around Reading

Some places will always be known by their former name despite being rebranded and renamed

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/ten-places-always-called-wrong-11311259

New passport rules for travelling to America: Everything you need to know

New regulations have seen travellers turned away from flights if they hold an old-style UK passport

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/new-passport-rules-travelling-america-11318244

New passport rules for travelling to America: Everything you need to know

New regulations have seen travellers turned away from flights if they hold an old-style UK passport

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/new-passport-rules-travelling-america-11318244

Reading stars and businesses launch Pride of Reading Awards 2016

Sponsors of the 13th annual Pride of Reading Awards gathered to officially open the nominations for this year's event

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/reading-stars-businesses-launch-pride-11320216

Heavy rain cancels Royal Windsor Horse Show

Both fans and competitors' car parks are unsafe after overnight downpour

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/heavy-rain-cancels-royal-windsor-11316267

13 of the best family picnic spots in Berkshire

Pack up your sandwiches and your rug, it's time to go for a lovely picnic at some of these beautiful spots

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/13-best-family-picnic-spots-11313115

Wokingham care home puts patients' safety at risk according to CQC report

The Berkshire Care Home was visited by by the Care Quality Commission earlier this year with three of the five inspection areas classed inadequate

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/wokingham-care-home-puts-patients-11311103

Reading's new NHS patient and public representative worked with Ghurkas

Wendy Bower has worked with Reading's ex-Gurkha community and will champion other "seldom heard" groups

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/readings-new-nhs-patient-public-11295202

West Reading football fans host Panini sticker swaps night at Castle Street pub

Jamie Butler and Brent Guiblin are hosting the evening on Thursday, May 12 at 7pm

from getreading - Football News http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-reading-football-fans-host-11306348

First time buyers in Reading could get help from Barclays deposit-FREE mortgages

It's well known buying a home in Reading isn't easy if you're not already on the property ladder - could this be the help people in Reading have been waiting for?

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/first-time-buyers-reading-could-11305764

Jazz cruises, antiques and other things to do near Reading this weekend

Take a look at our weekend guide of things to get up to near Reading this weekend

from getreading - Arts & Culture http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/jazz-cruises-antiques-things-near-11299537

Taser-use against children by Thames Valley Police rose in 2015

Using Tasers against children dropped during 2015 nationwide, but not in the Thames Valley

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/taser-use-against-children-thames-11300536

Berkshire councils' sign social worker deal but Reading stays out

The Memorandum of Cooperation on recruiting social workers aims to stop agencies poaching staff

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/berkshire-councils-sign-social-worker-11294008

Pick of the Past: Reading FC 3 Tottenham 1, happier times at the Madejski Stadium in 2006

Spurs came to Berkshire expecting a gentle stroll around - they were wrong

from getreading - Berkshire History http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/berkshire-history/pick-past-reading-fc-3-11301204

PAW Patrol, Thumbelina and five other things to do with the family near Reading this weekend

Looking for something to do with the family in Reading at the weekend? Here are a few suggestions

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/paw-patrol-thumbelina-five-things-11299538

8 more beautiful Berkshire gardens to visit in June

Rose gardens and fountains with romantic sculptures - it's like something out of a Disney film!

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/8-more-beautiful-berkshire-gardens-11295745

Foliage – the forgotten secret of spring garden success

Do you mainly think about the flowers when you’re planning your garden?

I do. With the exception of some rhubarb, I can’t remember when I last chose a plant specifically for its foliage.

Kylie O’Brien’s pond is surrounded by foliage with lots of white lunaria annua (honesty) – just green and white. Very effective.

But when I went out into several gardens this week to see what was working best, my camera couldn’t help picking out the foliage and the foliage combinations rather than the flowers.

A mound of saxifrage and a few white tulips – but otherwise Kylie’s spring garden is about contrasting foliage, underpinned by the grey-blue of the curry plant.

Kylie O’Brien has a country garden that is just under one acre. She relies on foliage at this time of year. She has some white flowers – honesty, tulips and saxifrage – which make an excellent foil to the contrasting greens and grey-blues of the leaf colour.

It’s not just the pure white of pear blossom that Kylie loves – it’s also the fresh bright green of the leaves.

‘Did someone say ‘fresh spring foliage? Delicious!’ Gertrude and Merribel in Kylie’s garden. They must be kept away from the new shoots.

Young stipa tenuissima shoots contrast beautifully with cerinthe in Kylie’s garden.

There are several plants that people decide not to grow because their flowering season is short, such as roses and peonies. But at this time of year, rose and peony foliage is amongst the most beautiful in the garden.

Next up garden consultant Posy Gentles‘ garden:

A lovely contrast of both leaf shape and colour: bright green nigella against red heuchera in Posy’s garden.

Posy has planted lovage around her front garden because of its foliage. Here it contrasts nicely with foxglove leaves.

And Posy’s miniature poodle, Maus, in the spring garden, with her first proper poodle hair cut.

But I can’t resist this tulip – it was planted by the previous owners so Posy doesn’t know what type it is, but it comes up year after year. What would a spring garden post be without tulips?

In my garden: ‘Flaming Parrot’ tulip against emerging peony foliage.

And finally, this is how we all feel – at last, we have the sun on our faces, and the garden is bursting with life. Lottie, the rescue lurcher, joined us five weeks ago, and had been hesitant about going into the garden.

Now Lottie has gained confidence and is outside enjoying herself. As I hope you are. Do share the spring feeling, using the buttons below – thank you!

from The Middle-Sized Garden http://www.themiddlesizedgarden.co.uk/foliage-the-forgotten-secret-of-spring-garden-success/

Great Stag Hunt: look out for stag beetles in Berkshire

The People's Trust for Endangered Species is urging everyone to look out for these striking beetles which are disappearing fast

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/great-stag-hunt-look-out-11293729

Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell councils can now issue on the spot fines for fly-tipping

From May, council enforcement officers are able to issue fines of up to £400 to fly-tippers

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-wokingham-bracknell-councils-can-11297784

Win the ultimate Spitfire flying experience at Highclere Country Show plus all you need to know about the show

Here's all you need to know about this year's show and how you can be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/win-ultimate-spitfire-flying-experience-11293068

11 things you'll know if you shop at IKEA

IKEA Calcot will be opening on Thursday, July 14, and here is what you can expect

from getreading - Business http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/business/11-things-youll-know-you-11295746

Reading stays red, George Clooney's singing skills and can a Buddhist monk help Reading FC?

Some of the stories you may have missed

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-stays-red-george-clooneys-11297755

Victorian Crime in Reading: Murder in Oxford Road

Victorian sleuth Angela Buckley tells another gripping tale of gruesome crime in Reading

from getreading - Berkshire History http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/berkshire-history/victorian-crime-reading-murder-oxford-11274191

Traffic and Travel: All clear for that trip to the pub garden

The latest travel information to get you home on Friday, May 6

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/traffic-travel-clear-trip-pub-11296638

Dying Matters Week: breaking the taboo to talk about death

End of Life Champions are urging people to have the Big Conversation - about death

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/dying-matters-week-breaking-taboo-11288807

Adele, Rod Stewart and Bruno Mars tributes to headline Marvellous Festival in Dinton Pastures

A host of tribute acts including Queen, Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash Revisited and Bruno Mars will headline the family friendly music festival in Dinton Pastures this July

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/adele-rod-stewart-bruno-mars-11057643

Get the barbecue ready! The weather in Reading will be be glorious this weekend

Temperatures in Reading today will reach highs of 22°C rising to 24°C on Sunday

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/barbecue-ready-weather-reading-glorious-11293349

More than a thousand Berkshire Maestros children perform at the Royal Albert Hall

Berkshire Maestros took the 1,500 children to the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, May 1

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/more-thousand-berkshire-maestros-children-11291414

Find your inner peace as World Yoga Festival comes to Reading

The festival will be taking over Beale Park this July

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/find-your-inner-peace-world-11289599

IKEA's opening date has been announced and people in Reading have got something to say about it

The Calcot store will be opening on Thursday, July 14

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/ikeas-opening-date-been-announced-11291075

Train disruptions remain in force but Reading roads are quiet

Latest travel information for your journey home on Thursday, May 5

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/train-disruptions-remain-force-reading-11290464

The Wigwam Day Nursery in East Reading gains two awards

The East Reading nursery gets top awards for its food and the way it treats its employees

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/wigwam-day-nursery-east-reading-11282795

Crossrail work in Reading steps up a notch with project entering its final stages

The project, which will link Reading with Canary Wharf and journey across London, is beginning to enter its final stages

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/crossrail-work-reading-steps-up-11285890

Traffic: Disruptions on rail services and heavy traffic on the roads

Latest travel information for your journey home on Wednesday, May 4

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/traffic-disruptions-rail-services-heavy-11284808

Things to do on a sunny day in Berkshire

With the sun starting to shine down on Berkshire take a look at some of the best things to do when it's hot in Reading, Wokingham and Bracknell

from getreading - What's On News http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/things-sunny-day-berkshire-9002690

Eleven of the best places to get brunch in Berkshire

Fry ups, pancakes and butties in the top spots around Berkshire, well only some of them

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/eleven-best-places-brunch-berkshire-11276882

Bracknell Indian restaurant Koh I Noor up for UK award

The curry house has been nominated in the Tiffin Cup competition by MP Dr Phillip Lee

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/bracknell-indian-restaurant-koh-noor-11276384

Work to start on Bracknell's Coral Reef's £12m facelift

Bracknell Forest councillors are set to sign off the deal for the £12m refurbishment of the leading Berkshire tourist attraction

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/work-start-bracknells-coral-reefs-11277531

Where is the best kebab in Reading, Wokingham or Bracknell?

We want to know which kebab van or takeaway is your favourite

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink-news/best-kebab-reading-wokingham-bracknell-11269889

Nicholas Faithfull jailed: Sonning sex offender preyed on schoolgirls

Faithfull, 20, of Glebe Gardens, was found guilty by a unanimous jury after an eight-day trial at Reading Crown Court

from getreading - Food & Drink http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/nicholas-faithfull-jailed-sonning-sex-11278595

Disruption on rail services to and from London: Tuesday's traffic and travel round-up

Latest travel information for your journey home on May 3

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/disruption-rail-services-london-tuesdays-11278782

ABC to Read in gets cash to support children in Whitley

The West Reading-based charity has been given an extra grant to help children to read in Whitley

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/abc-read-gets-cash-support-11275615

Police and Crime Commissioner elections: Everything you need to know

People will vote for the new Thames Valley PCC on Thursday, May 5

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/police-crime-commissioner-elections-everything-11274870

Reading man to run 615 miles in 14 days for Children's Hospice

Paul Ali will be running the UK's longest ultra marathon course at Monarch's Way

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-man-run-615-miles-11259891

Families flock to Sheepdrove Farm in Berkshire for fun open day

From animals and tractor tours to cookery demonstrations and country dancing, there was lots to get up to with the little ones

from getreading - Family & Kids http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/families-flock-sheepdrove-farm-berkshire-11269737

re3 launches dementia friendly recycling in Reading and Bracknell

Staff at the recycling centres in Reading and Bracknell are becoming Dementia Friends to help people with the condition when they pay a visit

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/re3-launches-dementia-friendly-recycling-11265210

Elvis, fashion, 70's music and other things to do near Reading this weekend

Take a look at our weekend round up of things to get up to near Reading this weekend from Friday, May 6 to Sunday, May 8

from getreading - Arts & Culture http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/elvis-fashion-70s-music-things-11269118

Reading in pictures: A celebration of everything that is great about our town

There are some incredible photos on picture sharing site Flickr that highlight the stunning views of our Berkshire town

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/reading-pictures-celebration-everything-great-11265544

Zero star pubs, man hit by train and Toys R Us plan for flats: The most read stories this week

The five most read stories from the site this week

from getreading - Reading & Berkshire News http://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/zero-star-pubs-man-hit-11268611

Music in Reading: What's coming up in May?

Take a look at what's coming up in May on the music scene in Reading.

from getreading - Music & Nightlife http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/music-reading-whats-coming-up-11264129