tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81894754531391177692012-02-02T13:03:40.401ZROUND AND ABOUT THE BERKSHIRE BLOGOSPHEREOranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.comBlogger6051100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-82764272779106816292012-02-01T13:00:00.006Z2012-02-02T13:03:40.411Z

#rdgnews - Tesco's remarkable recent growth in the local area has lead to suspicion of backroom favours and secret deals are propping up political interests at the expense of local businesses. The decision to award a £27m contract for a new 84,000-sq m. distribution centre to Vinci Construction UK on the site of the former Courage brewery in Whitley was greeted by a delighted Chris Pape, who

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-55609159755433657712012-01-27T11:30:00.002Z2012-01-29T09:14:54.048Z

It must be that time of year again - when the New Year's resolutions have been put on the backburner and people start dreaming of getting away from routine. Graeme Thiessen recently emigrated from Reading to Adelaide in Australia - he describes the first part of his family's travels (and some travails too) with a selection of fantastic photos to stir the wanderlust. Putting everyone in the mood

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-83518362386854207362012-01-26T10:00:00.001Z2012-01-27T20:49:17.219Z

#rdgnews - Reading's Labour party bosses have admitted they were 'forced' to reveal their plans to eliminate senior management posts in a £1m savings drive earlier than required. Cllr Jo Lovelock described her 'embarrassment' at discovering the 'leak'. The anonymous author of the since-deleted Civic Minded in Reading blog had reported 'overhearing' a private supermarket conversation in which a

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-6577916367366312672012-01-25T08:50:00.033Z2012-01-27T20:57:28.001Z

The announcement that Reading FC owner Sir John Madejski has agreed to sell a controlling stake in the club has been met with mixed feelings. Reading Post polls 2:1 of readers in favour. The deal, which is 'subject to due diligence and league approval', will see Thames Sports Investment Ltd recieve 51% of shares in exchange for an estimated £40m upon completion at the end of March. At the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-77680714403976492822012-01-14T11:07:00.003Z2012-01-14T11:07:00.199Z

Friday 13th appears and TV repeats of the horror series are resurrected. In a similar vein local bloggers are on the scene... Elizabeth Thomas worries that she has enough accidents as it is, and promises not to get out of bed for the whole day. Reading some of the bedroom door notices gives a sense of the approaching fear and trepidation. Elsewhere jabblog scares all-comers with the depth of

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-25691264215646658392012-01-12T10:00:00.001Z2012-01-12T10:09:13.397Z

#RdgNews - Reading Conservative Group have elected a new frontbench leadership team. New Leader, Cllr Harris Church Ward's Cllr Tim Harris was elected unopposed as the new leader, replacing Cllr Andrew Cumpsty. In a deliberate show of unity he was proposed by Cllr Richard Willis and supported by Cllr Jeanette Skeats, new Group Whip and Deputy Leader respectively. Cllr David Stevens was

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-54806591441840511712011-12-20T11:00:00.001Z2011-12-20T11:38:37.702Z

According to the Openly Local UK Councils Open Data Scorecard, only 3 of Berkshire's six councils have open data - compared to 85 out of 428 across the rest of the country. So far Bracknell Forest, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and West Berkshire have responded to public demands for greater transparency, while Reading, Slough and Wokingham have not. As part of the government

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-64228360611230086092011-11-11T11:11:00.003Z2011-11-12T13:36:24.743Z

While the controversial aspects of poppy-wearing have caused consternation in the footballing world, Berkshire's own Internet Psychologist, Graham Jones, provides the best tribute to rememberance of the cause for which so many people have fought and died throughout the years. He argues we should be proud even of all the 'rubbish and nastiness' we find online, because this is a perfect

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-63130211054842191932011-10-27T13:30:00.002+01:002011-10-27T13:30:03.107+01:00

Cross-cultural dialogue has been to the fore during this year's Reading International Festival - and there's been remarkable evidence that to be successful learning must be a two-way exercise! Organiser Dave Richards explained the festival is designed to present "an amazing programme of events that will help you explore the world outside your comfort zone." Iranian news agency Ahlul Bayt (ABNA)

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-13949426326155763932011-10-07T10:00:00.005+01:002011-10-07T11:07:06.963+01:00

#rdgnews - While parts of Berkshire completed the switch-over from analogue to fully-digital television on 28th September the government is moving forward with plans to liberalise broadcast media coverage across the country with a strategy for decentralising production and opening up ownership to new companies - and Reading has been identified by the DCMS as one of the 65 potential locations to

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-34946580517850398812011-08-30T11:00:00.003+01:002011-08-30T11:00:03.845+01:00

Swamp-like conditions and motorway misery weren't going to stop the fun for thousands of visitors to Reading for the annual Bank Holiday festival washout - not that the hordes are known for their fondness for soap. The event According to one reviewer Reading is recognised as the festival which creates the most buzz due to its prestigious position at the climax of the outdoor season. The

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-2576001975333540082011-08-27T11:00:00.000+01:002011-08-27T11:00:02.609+01:00

#rdgnews - Thames Water have returned with a new application to redevelop the former Bath Rd reservoir site. Changes include another reduction of the number of residential properties from 96 to max. 80 homes and a restriction on the overall height of development. Additionally the Grade-II listed pump house visible to the public will no longer be converted to offices, but luxury flats instead.

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-14756104699740523852011-08-19T17:00:00.004+01:002011-08-19T17:00:07.566+01:00

This summer's archaeological dig at Silchester Roman town has already provided some interesting discoveries - notably that the site pre-dates Roman times where locals had adopted an urbanised living model before the 1st Century invasions. Assistant Producer of the new BBC Two series 'Digging for Britain', Louise Ord, gives more details. Among potentially exciting theories stylistic patterns and

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-28017734442775031552011-08-12T13:00:00.009+01:002011-08-13T18:28:40.715+01:00

#riots - As coverage of rioting gripped the nation this week, locals have been keen to get in on the act. Mike McNamara reports Thames Valley Police recorded several small incidents in Reading and Oxford, and  offered precautionary advice to carry on with business as normal so as "not to cause widespread public concern". Bracknell's Cllr Alvin Finch says an additional Police street presence

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-88831816046905519922011-08-05T20:30:00.006+01:002011-08-05T22:32:19.427+01:00

#rdgpol - Controversial Katesgrove Councillor Warren Swaine has had his party membership reinstated after a drawn-out suspension lasting six months. At a 2 1/2 hour hearing in front of LibDem officials in Basingstoke last Tursday he was asked to provide a detailed explanation for a light-hearted remark published on Twitter on 27th January during a #bbcqt session. In an interview with Linda

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-58105492413662153462011-08-02T22:00:00.069+01:002011-08-02T22:07:11.587+01:00

#rdgpol - As part of coordinated efforts to encourage greater engagement with residents Reading Borough Council recently announced a new initiative to create a direct feedback channel to Council officials and councillors under the strident headline: "Difficult times, big questions…We need to talk!" Respondants will be encouraged to discuss the "difficult decisions facing the council in the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-21416144769973816152011-07-19T19:10:00.001+01:002011-07-19T19:36:16.951+01:00

Official mid-year job figures have been published showing the strength of the local economy, as average unemployment rates continue to be among the lowest nationwide. Slough and Reading lag behind on unemployment, reflecting the continuing existence of relative deprivation in these more heavily-urbanised areas. However joblessness fell across the six local authorities, each showing monthly

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-45015091272604760252011-07-13T08:35:00.008+01:002011-07-13T13:58:35.328+01:00

West Berkshire Council has promised to intervene despite not being legally responsible for the care of residents in three homes put at risk by the collapse of the country's largest private care home operator Southern Cross. However, after receiving many similar public assurances and only weeks after being given a four-month period of grace to find a solution managers have forced the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-46059850195132489262011-07-12T11:59:00.021+01:002011-07-12T11:59:00.678+01:00

After a ceremony in which he endured significant hardships a 32-year-old from Maidenhead, Thomas Heathfield, has graduated as a Sangoma, reports Thabisile Khoza. The process to become a traditional tribal healer culminated at Mangweni village near Komatipoort, in South Africa's Mpumalanga province, where he was given the new name, Gogo Mndawe. He kept himself isolated from all family and friends

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-77776267052704842022011-07-11T11:30:00.001+01:002011-07-13T23:44:23.163+01:00

Local digital artist @darrennisbett has opened a new exhibition in Eton to mark the 25th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. Boutique photo gallery Rhubarb & Custard is showing a series of his striking pictures captured with innovative techinques which offer a chance 'to discover a whole new light'. Infrared lenses, opaque filters and monochrome processing were all used by the artist to

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-2403793937767843202011-07-09T09:30:00.003+01:002011-07-09T09:30:01.483+01:00

Conservatives in Berkshire are standing accused of offensive and potentially racist attitudes towards Berkshire's travelling community after two separate incidents this week. Newbury Town Council took the unprecedented step of issuing three personal apologies before a meeting of the Highways & Planning Committee when it was revealed an appendix to a report on planning for traveller sites had

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-58987438253617109452011-07-06T10:00:00.064+01:002011-07-07T03:06:36.044+01:00

An outside review into the lack of accountability surrounding Reading's management of so-called 'planning gain' funds have confirmed that at least £325,000 was 'mis-allocated' over a period of 4 years. Investigators from neighbouring Wokingham Borough Council discovered no senior manager had overall responsibility for Section 106 monies, and that "insufficient council-wide co-ordination,

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-61679692443950998022011-06-16T22:48:00.005+01:002011-06-17T06:05:36.739+01:00

Robert Bradley recently helped promote the efforts of local volunteers to raise money for the important work of SEBEV, Berkshire Lowland Search & Rescue - including the Skyscreamers charity skydiving team. SEBEV also has a facebook campaign page which is worth visiting. But these efforts are suddenly more urgent than ever as the related charity Berkshire Search & Rescue Dogs were this week

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-4544733897942774132011-03-24T10:00:00.002Z2011-03-24T11:16:23.548Z

Politics came to the streets of Reading last weekend as the proto-racial English Defence League staged a march from Reading Station to rally outside the Old Town Hall. Participants explained they were stating their opposition to the 'Islamification' of the country and described the Oxford Road mosque as an "absolute eyesore" which they don't want replicated in East Reading. Official estimates

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-31995520044284286912011-03-19T09:40:00.005Z2011-03-19T09:40:00.423Z

Events in Libya and Japan have caused Berkshire commentators to broach questions about the future of energy generation. Across the spectrum Eco-libertarian Robin Smith sets out the main groupings and attempts to position a safe nuclear option at the core of debate. On the other side of the fence eco-authoritarian Adrian Windisch is implacably opposed to all nuclear sources. He describes

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-74723226090833142392011-03-14T15:50:00.004Z2011-03-14T15:50:00.627Z

Newsweek is an edited selection of local news, as reported elsewhere in the week to 11th March: Ready, steady, tossed! Launch of 'Get Involved Reading' Conference helps inspire communities Mutual bonus for John Lewis staff Co-op grant improves access for disabled Annual RESCUE begins International Women's Day marked Flower Power for Mother's Day charity 100-year-old organ revamped after

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-86962715665142199432011-03-14T11:00:00.010Z2011-03-14T14:42:11.556Z

#ReadingFC - 755 down, only 4 clubs remaining. But the Royals won't be among them after suffering elimination. A tight fought contest saw Reading come away from Eastlands with a narrow defeat at the hands of globetrotting billionaires Manchester City in the 6th Round of the FA Cup. England international defender Micah Richards scored the 73rd-minute winner in the 1-0 result as David Silva was

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-18282687481676810382011-03-10T12:15:00.001Z2011-03-10T12:16:17.660Z

Berkshire motorists who suffer from a persecution complex will be feeling vindicated this week after a new survey placed Reading and Slough at the bottom of a national league table for 'car-friendliness'. The story hit headlines across the media. Watch the ITV news report here. Many of the more reactionary sources quoted the famous Betjeman line that Slough 'isn't fit for humans,' although it

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-65936093452652659572011-03-07T10:30:00.004Z2011-03-07T10:30:01.192Z

Newsweek is an edited selection of local news, as reported elsewhere in the week to 4th March: Cuts package pushed through RBH operating theatres closed Mental health beds move to Reading Threat to school after funding pulled Park and Ride to close next year Recycling centres to be removed Tilehurst Youth Club forced into fundraising drive Warning to licensees after pair bilk pub bill

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-68604706737067340292011-03-06T11:00:00.024Z2011-03-06T19:45:03.244Z

The war over words which broke out this week between the political parties has suddenly increased in intensity. Reading Post reports on an exchange of emails between the three party leaders stemming from a remark which a leading Labour representative was forced to withdraw during the council debate. Cllr Pete Ruhemann called his opponent a 'quisling' - in reference to the Norweigan wartime

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-3946789184854442272011-03-01T09:30:00.003Z2011-03-01T11:48:39.021Z

Partisan vitriol and hyperbole is run-of-the-mill stuff in politics, and it's one of the main reasons why our elected officials are generally held in such low esteem. With the emergence of numerous social media networks the motive to get your voice heard is now combining with the urge to shout ever-louder to get a message across, which in turn encourages others to use all means at their disposal

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-74711676867228793312011-02-28T11:00:00.004Z2011-02-28T11:00:05.629Z

Newsweek is an edited selection of local news, as reported elsewhere in the week to 26th February: Police jobs go in budget cuts Complaints about Police increase  Police join forces for IT support Police start cyber-bullying scheme Battle-bus launched to tackle gun and knife crime Reading set for ladies-only taxi service Along with an abnormal flurry of reports about violent crimes and

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-74041553659636399462011-02-24T09:30:00.114Z2011-02-24T09:45:16.275Z

It wasn't a marathon 3-day stalemate between the parties which characterised this year's budget decision, but an extreme polarisation of opinion between coalition supporters and opponents. Councillors passed a below-inflation £1.5m budget increase which will see a 6% workforce reduction as part of a £28m savings package over two years. This will be 'front-loaded' so that £18m is found in 2011/12

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-12443775270853310042011-02-21T23:00:00.015Z2011-02-21T23:00:05.007Z

Newsweek is an edited selection of local news, as reported elsewhere in the week to 19th February W Berks reveal full extent of cuts All areas of RBWM budget slashed TV Police cut 800 jobs over 4 years as budget slashed by £12m  Union blasts fire crew cut Unemployment rises in Reading, Wokingham and West Berks Calcot IKEA store would create 400 jobs Harrods to move distribution centre to

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-31901406322735619242011-02-18T09:30:00.012Z2011-02-18T10:00:13.293Z

The demands on housing in Berkshire continues to cause pressure for families, but it also threatens to open up a major divide between members of the Conservative and LibDem coalition partnership. In a pair of personal posts Bracknell's Darren Bridgeman writes to explain the challenge of starting a new family in a one-bedroom flat. He expresses his frustration that, despite having a household

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-6710780914866689362011-02-15T16:15:00.020Z2011-02-18T00:17:06.109Z

#BS - Prime Minister David Cameron's has undertaken a major relaunch of his Big Society scheme following the withdrawl of Liverpool City Council as one of the four pilot areas. Conservative MP for Wokingham, John Redwood, offers the veiled criticism that more effort are needed to fully explain the idea that "the public good can be furthered by private and voluntary action" in addition to support

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-38237504040404304052011-02-15T13:00:00.008Z2011-02-15T23:53:45.989Z

The launch of the new police.co.uk website with their online crime maps caused a public sensation recently and overloaded servers with an estimated 50m+ hits in the first couple of days alone. Local reaction has also been forthcoming to expose the debate more fully. Laura Herbert reports the launch was 'broadly welcomed' locally. Home Secretary, Maidenhead's Theresa May MP explained of the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-13339242306211074002011-02-15T09:30:00.006Z2011-02-15T23:53:56.760Z

The lucrative arms trade has been widely glamorised by Hollywood, but the grimy reality was uncovered in a pair of cases this week. David Mabey and Charles Forsyth, former directors of Reading-based engineering firm Mabey & Johnson, were found guilty of breaching sanctions by inflating costs involved in the supply of bridge materials paid for as part of the 'UN Oil For Food Programme' in order

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-68326341205886719862011-02-14T17:30:00.000Z2011-02-14T17:30:45.127Z

Newsweek is an edited selection of local news, as reported elsewhere in the week to 12th February. Water amnesty targets 6,000 Council Tax to remain unchanged Reading recieves £400,000 for potholes Vodafone post positive results Consultation announced for Chieveley incinerator Tesco close to winning battle of Bourne End No compensation for Badnell's Pit neighbours The main theme of the week was

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-35827055910129393582011-02-14T13:00:00.027Z2012-01-14T01:20:34.961Z

St Valentine's Day is a day when everyone's encouraged to show their intimate and vulnerable side. CoR thinks it's a challenge for a Monday, but has a few suggestions for the best way to feel that special feeling - strangely they mostly involve alcohol. Amateur designer and stay-at-home-mum Anna from Cookham prefers to use a bit of creativity to express herself, offering a template for you too

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-75546847712290781062011-02-11T09:30:00.004Z2011-02-18T00:24:48.037Z

Balancing budgets is the thought on everyone's minds, but it's not all about cuts, cuts, cuts! A new policy paper called Growing Revenues and Cost Recovery was presented to Reading Borough Council outlining potential increases to revenue, more efficient cost recoveries and better procurement plans. Cllr Daisy Benson provide some official comment,  "This is not something any of us might want to

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-35411607049483538952011-02-10T21:00:00.009Z2011-02-11T03:16:08.485Z

RBC Cabinet member, LibDem Cllr Warren Swaine, has resigned as the Lead Councillor for Environment and Sustainability. He will be replaced in this role by Cllr Kirsten Bayes. Tory Cllr Richard Willis is saddened at the announcement, noting that the reasons were 'external' and reassures supporters that it was 'nothing to do with coalition relations' as their two parties continue to work

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-38404816384534673502011-02-08T10:00:00.007Z2011-02-08T10:00:10.138Z

@MrLondonStreet is an old blogging acqaintance, so Reading List is proud to note his nomination for a respected blogging award, The Bloggies. Campaigning is underway, so despite his modesty and humility before his running mates, we'd like to urge you to go and vote for him in the Best European Weblog category... and check out some of the competition at the same time!

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-45136034141866955692011-02-08T09:30:00.003Z2011-02-08T09:30:00.472Z

@emma_cossey specialises in media content debates... or should that be generalises about blogging dilemmas? Either way the social media trainer writes an excellent post on the split impulses for more personality and more professionalism which can cause headaches for writers. Well, if you don't know what to write, write that - it all adds to the mix (and that's her job)! - More Recommended

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-87581942993163910692011-02-07T10:00:00.005Z2011-02-07T10:00:11.017Z

Newsweek is an edited selection of local news, as reported elsewhere in the week to 5th February 2011. GPs leading on NHS reform Hunt is on for new Civic Centre Rethink urged over skatepark  Bath Rd Reservoir needs more protection Wokingham Railway station revamp approved Wind Turbine opponents mobilise Slough councillor suspended for 2 months The main theme emerging in the past seven days was a

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-37979429173405158402011-02-06T17:00:00.006Z2011-02-06T17:11:05.465Z

Two of the earliest adopters on the local blogging scene celebrated the anniversary of their start-ups this week. Wendy was six, and Scaryduck is nine years young. With so many writers not managing to stand the test of time within the medium their longevity is a testament to their quality. We'd like to offer our congratulations - with a recommendation to check them out!

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-6986756767138904602011-02-06T09:30:00.010Z2011-02-07T21:02:46.557Z

Whitley councillor Jim Hanley collapsed suddenly on Friday morning after suffering a suspected heart attack. The 51-year-old was taken ill at his Caversham home before being moved to the Royal Berkshire Hospital where he died. The former chair of RBC's planning committee and member of the influential CCEA scrutiny panel was respected on all sides for his diligence and hard work. Labour's group

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-14782242585746391362011-02-05T09:30:00.010Z2011-02-05T09:30:00.565Z

RBC's solo Green councillor, Rob White, has smashed previous records for casework totals by logging 467 problems on behalf of residents. Cllr Willis records the full list for the 8 months from May to December 2010. He refuses to speculate on the actual content of the reports his fellow councillor undertakes, but notes casework is only a part of a councillors workload - hinting that as a lone

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-86474118271869819832011-02-04T11:00:00.003Z2011-02-05T07:41:34.997Z

The battle over cuts is getting personal. Police are investigating a 'public order incident' which occurred in Redland ward's Kendrick Road last Saturday afternoon. Former Labour councillor for Battle ward and Unison honcho Tony Jones airily describes the scene on his blog: "Walking with my family into town today I came across Cllrs Bayes and Goodall distributing a newsletter from the LibDems.

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-52101348235279740092011-02-03T09:30:00.005Z2011-02-03T19:40:01.833Z

As coalition efforts to reduce spending and balance budgets continue to take hold their representatives seem to have hit gold in discovering untapped mines of waste. Accusations of a 'secret subsidy' given to local Trade Unions under the previous Labour administration have rocked the local political scene: according to Conservative Cllr Richard Willis £1.4m was provided over an eight-to-twelve

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-85894821838044860612011-01-31T11:00:00.003Z2011-02-05T07:43:08.531Z

Newsweek is an edited selection of this week's local news, as reported elsewhere. Reading named as 'city to watch' TV slot for Cocks's Reading Sauce Cycle Bridge over Thames Local councils hit out at hospital parking charges Communters face 'most crowded' trains in the country Three themes emerged in the past seven days: civic identity, transport issues and the political battle over budgets. -

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-52962627893188160052010-07-12T14:00:00.003+01:002010-08-01T02:04:36.914+01:00

It's back! Check out the risers and the fallers with Reading List's exclusive monthly chart of the top blogs in the area!Of course no ranking system will ever be definitive so if you want to get listed don't forget to tell us about your blog in the comments section - the more the merrier!Here's a rundown of the Top10 for June 2010 (compiled using the Wikio directory):1 (=) - Mark Reckons2 (=) -

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-40257877710643290062010-06-21T12:00:00.000+01:002010-06-23T15:13:08.634+01:00

It's back! It's more competitive than ever! Check out the risers and the fallers with Reading List's exclusive chart of the top blogs in the area!Of course no ranking system will ever be definitive so don't forget to tell us about your blog in the comments section if you think we may have missed it - then it too can be added to the Wikio directory - the more the merrier!Here's a rundown of the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-54923947098783355762010-05-12T11:50:00.003+01:002010-05-12T23:29:40.693+01:00

It's back! It's more competitive than ever! Check out the risers and the fallers with Reading List's exclusive chart of the top blogs in the area!Of course no ranking system will ever be definitive so don't forget to tell us about your blog in the comments section if you think we may have missed it - then it too can be added to the Wikio directory - the more the merrier!Here's a rundown of the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-3130802343212201712010-05-04T12:00:00.002+01:002010-05-05T01:11:28.864+01:00

Not all votes are equal, as the power of your vote varies across the country, constituency by constituency.Datablog examines the relative power of an individual vote in each seat and calculates where turnout could have a stronger effect in Thursday's elections.Average voter power across the country is 0.255, which means the electorate has slightly more than a 1-in-4 chance of changing their

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-61912523870930826052010-05-03T12:00:00.000+01:002010-05-04T00:04:42.284+01:00

Here is Reading Lists's Newsweek catalogue of the major stories from elsewhere.We continue to expand our horizons to offer additional illumination. This week it's all about jobs.Reading:TVU Job Cuts ConfirmedRBH Bosses Get Big BonusesCAMRA's Annual Real Ale Celebration Opens Reading Festival Plans ExpansionElsewhere in Berkshire:RBWM Council Slashes 60 jobsSlough Council Create New Role For ASB

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-53617106111498077122010-04-27T12:00:00.005+01:002010-05-03T23:48:29.351+01:00

Here is Reading Lists's Newsweek catalogue of the major stories from elsewhere.This week we've expanded our horizons slightly to offer some additional illumination.Reading:TV Police In Burglary CrackdownAnti-Social Behaviour Campaign in Lower EarleyRoyal Mail Staff Shortage Causes Deliveries Hold-UpCommunity Garden Becomes Council Storage CompoundReading Contemporary Art Fair OpensElsewhere in

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-74369393789302110872010-04-20T23:42:00.003+01:002010-04-21T16:00:09.050+01:00

Here is Reading Lists's Newsweek catalogue of the major stories from elsewhere.The theme in Reading politics this week is obviously social affairs:Police FoI Failure Social Care Transfer To TVUPostal Vote Warning For ThousandsAmnesty On Starting PistolsDispersal Order For Teenagers In Tilehurst-Previous Newsweeks

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-8950591840219540472010-04-18T22:11:00.020+01:002010-04-19T22:01:13.148+01:00

#rdgpol - Nearly 10m people tuned in to watch the 'historic' first ever UK leadership election debate, so a sample from the local blogosphere will show how it went down with the public.BBC South's political correspondent Peter Henley notes how there will always be a few who are turned off by politics, a few who get bored and a few who are genuinely undecided, 'pondering the question' of which way

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-56674735181311291642010-04-18T20:04:00.012+01:002010-04-18T23:53:01.718+01:00

The first six-monthly update of the King's Meadow Campaign has brought home the difficulties in returning the Edwardian Lido back into use for the first time since 1974.Efforts at raising the estimated £2.5m funding required have been slow, according to group spokesperson Bob O'Neill, but this reflects the economic climate and the winter period, adding that a series of events would help boost

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-30923287681172901452010-04-16T23:57:00.004+01:002010-04-18T21:18:23.876+01:00

Thames Water's plan to develop the Bath Road Reservoir for housing were rejected last year, but the company has indicated it will make a resubmission as the site remains in Reading's masterplan for redevelopment.Local campaigners have written over 200 letters of objection. The Save the Bath Road Reservoir website states, "We feel that the reservoir site is worthy of protection, and should be

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-66873306429471560912010-04-15T13:15:00.005+01:002010-04-18T20:50:28.196+01:00

The volcanic ash cloud which has grounded aircraft across the country has brought back into focus the controversial decision to build a third runway at Heathrow.Many residents have been celebrating the reduction in noise pollution as several days of clear skies have provided a demonstration of the difference it makes to everyday quality of life.Only a couple of weeks ago campaigners were also

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-78413104754096635462010-04-13T12:39:00.012+01:002010-04-13T13:35:13.958+01:00

Homeless charity Shelter recently criticised local authorities in the area when they released a league table of the performance on meeting targets for affordable homes.In Reading experts claim 832 affordable homes are needed every year, but only 270 are being delivered.Spokesperson Brendan Murphy said, "Housing shortages affect everyone, from young people forced to live with a parent, to others

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-43313881536324645102010-04-12T15:19:00.013+01:002010-04-12T18:31:03.178+01:00

A division has opened up between the parties and candidates over a seemingly innocuous pledge to avoid resorting to 'dirty' tactics during the election campaign.Conservative and Green party candidates in the two Reading constituencies kicked off the general election campaign with a bi-partisan pledge to make this a positive campaign which doesn't descend to personal attacks.Reading Guide

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-68760292761226512382010-04-08T18:11:00.008+01:002010-04-09T02:38:31.869+01:00

It's back! It's bigger and better than ever! Check out the risers and the fallers with Reading List's exclusive chart of the top blogs in the area!Of course no ranking system will ever be definitive so don't forget to tell us about your blog in the comments section if you think we may have missed it - then it too can be added to the Wikio directory - the more the merrier!Here's a rundown of the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-17171763032117252212010-04-06T23:50:00.005+01:002010-04-08T20:50:42.344+01:00

Newsweek is a catalogue of political stories culled from other local sources brought to you by Reading List.It's always worth collecting together a selection of individual news stories to compare and contrast what's being said by people on different sides, so here's a selection of issues making headlines during the past week:Reading Councillors Freeze Their AllowancesCouncil Meetings To Be

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-84435219663073245832010-04-06T20:33:00.007+01:002010-04-06T23:59:45.678+01:00

With the general election announcement candidates and the public will all be vying with each other to dominate the airwaves and set the agenda. So it's worth giving space to our foremost political correspondent the BBC South's Peter Henley, who gives a preliminary overview of the background the election will be played out against in Berkshire.He states the Royal County is a land of contrasts with

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-28733632838051556052010-04-06T20:11:00.004+01:002010-04-06T23:37:28.232+01:00

Local political bloggers have responded to the long-expected the announcement that the general election will be held at the last possible moment on May 6th.Labour candidate Rachel Eden says it is good news for everyone that the general election will be held on the same day as the local elections - with the possible exception of the returning officer and counters - as she says this will guarantee

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-75287294817419712142010-04-05T21:26:00.006+01:002010-04-06T23:02:55.402+01:00

In another sign of the transition from industrial production to a service economy the long-awaited news that Reading's brewery would close came to fruition this weekend.In a leader comment Reading Chronicle notes how this is part of the changing landscape, and that this will deal a blow to the long-held identity of the town which was based on the '3 B's' of 'Beer, Biscuits and Bulbs'.Here the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-53971226618443429422010-04-03T18:45:00.005+01:002010-04-06T20:09:15.109+01:00

Government plans to save £1bn from the higher education funding budget will see job losses at Reading University's highly-regarded computer science, electronics and cybernetics, biology and chemistry departments.The move is hoped to save £10.6m for the educational establishment, but staff have accused RU of "taking a wrecking ball to the sciences" as Reading faces the largest cuts in the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-43945020888429478812010-04-02T06:05:00.014+01:002010-04-06T19:44:18.390+01:00

The Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston has come under renewed scrutiny after it emerged construction work at the site in preparation for the new nuclear warhead assembly facility, Project Mensa, had caused pollution in Burghfield Brook.The Environment Agency has sent a warning letter to AWE after a discharge raised concerns of lasting damage.EA spokesperson Hayley Willoughby commented

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-45692041390785544932010-03-31T20:35:00.008+01:002010-04-02T10:55:06.736+01:00

For the first time in its history Reading Borough Council has pledged to provide an annual budget to pay for the relacement of dead and dying trees in residential roads in the borough.Councillors are set to approve up to £200,000 over the initial two-year period after council officers responded to new guidance on the protection and management of trees in conservation areas and along green

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-29404589157190898932010-03-31T20:19:00.004+01:002010-04-02T06:52:40.775+01:00

After nearly six months of work Reading East's Palmer Park and the adjoining adventure playground have been unveiled to the public following a £146,000 investment.The improvements include giant boulders for scrambling, buddy swings, a rope-end swinger, a ground-level trampoline and open-air table tennis tables as well as innovative acoustic play equipment all aimed at encouraging 8-13 year olds

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-90506374075924373842010-03-30T20:12:00.007+01:002010-04-01T02:48:18.605+01:00

Reading councillor Cllr John Hartley has been kicked off a the council's SACRE advisory board for poor attendance.The Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education meets only three times per year to advise on religious education syllabus and acts of worship in the local authority schools, but Park ward's Cllr Hartley hasn't attended any in the past twelve months or excusing himself from

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-8108698410092578692010-03-30T14:43:00.007+01:002010-03-31T19:11:31.766+01:00

3,500 Reading Festival Tickets have gone on sale to local residents ahead of widespread release, just as the headliners are confirmed.Reports of overnight queuing at the Hexagon and in the Oracle heightened the sense of anticipation of the annual cultural highlight.10-time veteran festival-goer Jim Beeer is less than impressed with the bands scheduled.He comments that Guns'n'Roses are a long way

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-8814486603579743432010-03-30T14:04:00.004+01:002010-04-01T02:54:25.615+01:00

Media types love to chatter about how new mass media forms will affect public decision making, so they may be interested in how the upcoming general election is seeping out into the non-political blogoshere as members of the wider public start to consider which way to cast their ballots.Evangelical Christian Richard Walker has an informative video in which faithful MPs from all sides discuss the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-10494223543307199992010-03-29T09:07:00.005+01:002010-03-30T12:00:35.380+01:00

***New Feature***Newsweek is a catalogue of political stories culled from other local sources brought to you by Reading List.It's always worth collecting together a selection of individual news stories to compare and contrast what's being said by people on different sides, so here's a selection of issues making headlines during the past week:500 Homes On Sandford Farm Given Go-AheadCouncil

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-2157605221642143292010-03-26T08:41:00.006Z2010-03-26T12:30:47.572Z

Ruling Conservatives in the Royal Borough are reeling as a series of disclosures have highlighted the internal conflicts in their party.Council-funded political advisor Andre Walker resigned after he was recorded discussing deputy leader Cllr Alison Knight in a mobile phone call on a train.You can listen to the full recording here.He apologised for describing her views as her 'injected with

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-4381259307859691002010-03-25T23:13:00.010Z2010-04-05T20:51:36.686+01:00

Controversy has struck the Conservative party after leader David Cameron stumbled in an interview when challenged on equality issues.In particular the question of whether Conservative Lords would be allowed a free vote on allowing civil partnerships to take place in places of religious worship caused him to get his wires crossed which ultimately lead him to request censoring the video

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-72303879113839088272010-03-23T23:16:00.017Z2010-03-29T09:45:47.803+01:00

It has been announced that the Bishop of Reading, Rt Rev Stephen Cotterell, will be leaving his post to become the 10th Bishop of Chelmsford.He explained that the feeling is one of 'coming home' for him.Bishop of Oxford, Rt Rev John Pritchard, summed up the "bold evangelism... and inspired communication" which marked his charge's period in office.The Reading Post is less deferential towards the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-34722612444886854072010-03-22T20:31:00.011Z2010-03-25T22:59:21.848Z

The usually tranquil village of Cookham hit the headlines this weekend as a couple were turned away from a guesthouse in the village on account of their sexual orientation.Owner of the Swiss B&B, Suzanne Wilkinson, said she refused to accept Michael Black and John Morgan as guests because homosexuality is "against her convictions" and she refuses to accomodate homosexual couples in the same

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-89892172591260289202010-03-19T19:03:00.008Z2010-03-20T17:32:24.530Z

Reading's golden couple, Kate Winslet and Sam Mendes, have announced they are to separate.The two Oscar winners, who married in 2003, released a statement through their publicists stating that they are both saddened by the development but that "The split is entirely amicable and is by mutual agreement. Both parties are fully committed to the future joint parenting of their children."Local

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-45904356905810280082010-03-18T23:37:00.020Z2010-03-29T11:01:35.859+01:00

As the financial year winds towards it's close money has apparently been found in council budgets to spend on fixing this winter's spate of potholes.In West Berkshire £200,000 has been found "to bring roads... back up to acceptable standard", according to the upbeat executive member for transport, Cllr Dave Betts.In Bracknell £100,000 will be spent replacing temporary 'plugs' with lasting

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-16801740546373501382010-03-17T17:56:00.005Z2012-01-14T01:25:13.964Z

The occasional '5 things' meme has reared it's head. If you've ever felt like venting then this is a particularly entertaining way of doing it - just have a read and find out! Joey Nova seems to be generally annoyed with media-inspired outrage and the shallow self-congratulatory narcissism of good intentions. And Jim Beeer is equally wound up by the fakery in contemporary culture. But whereas

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-28771896386447196962010-03-16T13:33:00.002Z2010-03-16T13:48:25.977Z

Reading expat @pollypissypants (Clare Auchterlonie) writes a guestpost for Smitten By Britain from the comfort of her Californian abode.She gives an excellent travelguide recounting several of the major identifying features of the area (including an impressively artistic photo album).But she also tells the (mainly American) readers: "Surprisingly, given its size, Reading is not yet officially a

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-76409152760677848322010-03-15T14:44:00.008Z2010-03-17T20:07:43.557Z

Anna Roberts reports on the latest batch of crime statistics released by Thames Valley Police.The headline figure shows crime in general to have fallen by 7%, while robbery and vehicle theft has fallen considerably. 18,934 crimes were reported in the 11 months to the end of February 2010, which compares with 20,310 and 21,010 in the same period in 2009 and 2008.Reading's Superintendent Jim Weems

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-32514566804943919192010-03-14T20:37:00.004Z2010-03-14T21:18:08.987Z

John Lynes reports the news on behalf of regional recruitment company Ashdown Group that unemployment officially recorded a small fall in the latest period.According to Chief Executive of the Recruitment Employers Confederation (REC), Kevin Green, the UK jobs market remains fragile, but "improving employer confidence is resulting in a more positive outlook on hiring intentions over the coming

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-29970898854210921482010-03-13T11:00:00.003Z2010-03-13T11:31:27.563Z

Reading List has been pointed in the direction of an interesting analysis of MPs.PublicWhip and TheyWorkForYou collated data from parliamentary votes on behalf of LibDem Voice to rank MPs according to how authoritarian they are.They used 10 areas as criteria:1. ID Cards2. Control Orders3. Freedom of Information Exemptions (MPs Expenses)4. Extradition Act 20035. DNA Database6. Abolition of

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-50915463371458968562010-03-12T18:02:00.011Z2010-03-13T11:57:40.845Z

The latest revised Acolaid statistics have been released - revealing how hard your local councillor works for you.Details here covering the period July 2009 to February 2010.The subject of reporting councillor statistics has been a regular source of controversy (see here for a round-up), while the matter was recently used to heap further embarrassment on under-fire Cllr John Hartley (Labour, Park

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-284828684456898292010-03-10T11:09:00.003Z2010-03-10T11:33:59.076Z

@Babyrambles tentatively poses the intriguing question "Is there anything you won't blog about?"Emily explains she has the 'very British' habit of keeping away from any subject that would cause her any personal embarrassment.Reading List has a specific 'news' theme, so obviously it's unlikely we'd ever get round (ahem, down) to discussing those topics Emily touches on as examples here, but it is

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-5247758153044175652010-03-10T10:04:00.003Z2010-03-10T10:30:12.914Z

In a double header business intelligence expert Caroline Eveleigh picks up on the use and abuse of performance metrics inside the NHS.She was disturbed by reports that internal NHS statistics had been manipulated for the benefit of public relations, quoting the line"Most targets and standards appear to be defined in professional, organisational and political terms, not in patients' experience of

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-31633464574570026782010-03-08T17:24:00.008Z2010-03-13T21:11:54.941Z

#rdgpol - Hustings are part of the time-honoured tradition of election campaigning and a mere 50 years after they were first adopted televised leadership debates have been one of the enlivening themes of 2010.That's not to say Charlie Brooker has gone all weak at the knees in prospect of a revolution in the mind of the public. Repeat: Charlie Brooker has not gone all weak at the knees.For him "TV

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-36843016428036373672010-03-07T08:24:00.008Z2010-03-08T05:25:18.276Z

It's back! It's bigger and better than ever! Check out the risers and the fallers with Reading List's exclusive chart of the top blogs in the area!Of course no ranking system will ever be definitive so don't forget to tell us about your blog in the comments section if you think we may have missed it - then it too can be added to the Wikio directory - the more the merrier!Here's a rundown of the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-87261905527355973182010-03-04T23:06:00.004Z2010-03-04T23:16:11.018Z

Local cartoonist Len offers a particularly wry perspective on life and he regularly manages to stir a smirk of recognition from the editorial team here in the Reading List bunker.And so it was with this excellent posting showing the mundane origins of the inspiration behind his ideas.The pictures are self-explanatory really, but we also fully recognise the purpose for getting actively creative

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-2834061420811650222010-03-04T21:18:00.007Z2010-03-12T22:02:45.174Z

#rdgpol - After spending last month on the defensive Conservatives in Reading have gone on the attack in what some commentators are calling a pre-emptive strike to take over control of the Cabinet.Local tories have called for Reading's lead councillor for Education, Park ward's John Hartley (Labour), to be removed from his position by lodging a motion of no confidence against him.But because the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-37284706756579242492010-03-03T08:12:00.006Z2010-03-04T23:00:46.239Z

Following on from previous posts, the continuing irritation of potholes on our roads remain in the mind across the county and beyond.In Wokingham Cllr Prue Bray managed to report 29 potholes in one week, while Paul Walter reported 8 in West Berkshire in just one day!On cue, West Berkshire have announced an increase of 50% (an additional £220,000) to the emergency road repair budget,Elsewhere

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-68344914091662206592010-03-02T23:47:00.009Z2010-03-04T22:43:20.756Z

#rdgpol - Regular readers will know Reading List has been closely following the debate surrounding Reading's bid for city status.And it appears developments to promote the move have now reached the highest levels when Prime Minister Gordon Brown commented during a pre-election visit that Reading 'deserved' the title after he was challenged on his initial description of the town as a 'great city'.

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-86317560119309112362010-02-26T07:21:00.019Z2010-02-26T08:56:37.180Z

#rdgnews - The plan to build 750 new homes on Pincents Hill has been rejected at a meeting of West Berkshire council's planning committee at Little Heath School.The Pincent's Hill site from the airThe issue became a highly controversial feature of the Reading West parliamentary campaign as candidates on all sides spoke up against the proposed development while developer Blue Living failed to

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-42672304253283817902010-02-25T23:18:00.009Z2010-02-26T01:05:45.013Z

Reading Chronicle wades into the political arena by publishing a leader article commenting on the budget debate.They say the different political attitudes are getting in the way of helping the region out of the recession, describing politicians who"squabble and snipe like argumentative children, rather than climb down from their pet hobby horses and talk to each other like grown-ups for the good

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189475453139117769.post-88174047775214132142010-02-24T20:08:00.005Z2010-02-24T22:12:38.390Z

Sean O'Dell reviews Warren Berry's new book 'The Kennet And Avon Navigation: A History' for the British Association of Local History.The lecturer on local and regional history concludes that "this is a concise, well-researched and informative book that will appeal to local historians and anyone with an interested in the origins and development of our inland navigations."He describes how "the

Oranjepanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08150901449640162740noreply@blogger.com0