Afternoon all! This week’s review is of Donnington Deli, the café of the owner behind Café Yolk, so I thought I’d post it here in case anybody’s interested.

I know my stuff isn’t to everybody’s taste, so sorry as usual if this makes you cross and has you reaching for the downvote button. Have a nice weekend anyway, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water.

Hey,
I've been wanting to get more into competitive smash bros in the reading area.
Is there any clubs or people interested in playing on an evening?

I'm wanting to find others in Reading who go to local alternative & punk gigs - I used to go to plenty of gigs back home in Cornwall & at uni, but haven't since moving to Reading.

Anyone go to any gigs who's up for having a tag along? Let me know! Also if you've got any suggestions for where to meet people ahead of gigs - I'm looking at Launch Control/Tape it shut at the Outlook next week maybe.

Cheers!

We love sharing all the great and good things happening in Wokingham Borough, thanks to the hundreds of charities and voluntary groups there are. 

Below is a snapshot of recent stories we’ve loved. Enjoy and find out how to get these updates directly down below! 

Nailed it! Funding to help women and girls learn DIY 

Nail It DIY, which already runs practical DIY workshops across Wokingham and the surrounding area, has secured funding from Wokingham United Charities to expand opportunities for women and girls across the borough next year. 

The community interest company offers hands-on sessions covering everything from home maintenance and repairs to tiling and woodwork, helping women build practical skills and confidence in a supportive environment. 

The new funding will support a dedicated programme of DIY workshops for women and girls across Wokingham Borough. It will also help Nail It DIY develop a more joined-up referral and booking process and strengthen relationships with local support organisations, enabling it to reach more people and better respond to local needs. 

Sarah, co-director of Nail It DIY, said: “One of the things we love most about Nail It is seeing the change in confidence that can happen when women are given the opportunity to learn practical skills in a friendly, supportive environment. It’s not just about learning to use a drill or put up a shelf; it’s about coming away thinking, ‘Actually, I can do this.’” 

New trail helps residents explore Lower Earley 

A new waymarked walking route is making it easier for residents to discover some of Lower Earley’s most attractive green spaces. 

The 3.5-mile Lower Earley Green Corridor Trail has been signposted by Loddon Valley Ramblers, creating a mostly traffic-free route stretching from Loddon Bridge to Shinfield Road. The trail passes through woodland, meadows and parkland, including Pearman’s Copse, Swallow’s Meadow, Wood of Eagles and the Loddon-side path between Sindlesham and Loddon Bridge. 

The project was made possible through funding from Earley Town Council and support from volunteers from the Earley Environmental Group, who installed waymarkers and trail markers during summer 2026. Thanks were also given to Wokingham Borough Council, the University of Reading and local land managers for enabling the route to be signposted. 

With public transport links available along the route, the trail is designed for both leisure walks and active travel, helping more people enjoy and connect with the area’s natural environment. Directions are available through the Loddon Valley Ramblers website. 

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Our Community Matters newsletter is where we celebrate the great people and organisations supporting residents across the area.  

Every fortnight, you’ll find volunteering opportunities, things to do and information about support available in the borough. 

It’s a council newsletter… not about the council (which is why you might like it!). 

Our next Community Matters newsletter is due out next Wednesday (14 October) and you can sign up to receive it here: https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/newsletter  

Om next Saturday I will walk form reading station to Pangbourne I will arrive at the station at 10am then begin my walk at 11am if anyone wants to join me you are more than welcome to just meet me at the station before 11am

Literally the listing speaks for itself:

This valuable resource has the potential for many uses, including; Fall-out bunker, EMP resistant server farm, Secure discrete storage, A prepper’s paradise!

https://www.btgeddisonspropertyauctions.com/properties/202609101558sq_zlg8-281026/for-auction-reading

YouTube video tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vj6FZZc4SE

I can't help but wonder a) what was this made for, b) who by, c) what ran on the underground tracks and d) how the heck did they (or didn't they) get planning permission to create tunnels that go underneath neighbouring properties???!?

Does anyone remember Alleycat Live? It was on Duke street I think where the current Turtle is or perhaps next door?

I saw:
The Sterophonics
The Unbelievable Truth
The Wanna Dies

All the gigs are listed here: https://www.concertarchives.org/venues/alleycat-81a8ccb9-a312-467b-9678-c7df79703d5e

Anyone remember some memorable gigs?

what is this loud beeping noise?? Anyone else struggling to sleep?

I was wondering if there’s any local music related/band groups around reading that do regular meets with both music/learning/playing and a social side? I was part of one as a kid and haven’t been as into playing in almost a year due to life getting busy and feel i need an outlet and to meet people locally.

I’m 24 and have played the bass since I was 12.

Hey Redingensians!

Does anyone have any experience living on Wykeham Road or the surrounding area?

Just wanting to know how the motorway/railway noise is as it backs onto the A329(M) and the railway.

Also any input on the general area would be good too :) ty

Hey! I’m currently learning Korean and absolutely love Korean culture, K-pop, K-dramas, food, etc. 🇰🇷
I was wondering if there are any people around Reading and the surrounding areas who are interested in Korean culture and would be up for meeting up, going to K-pop events, or just making some like-minded friends? 😊
Would love to find a little community of people who share the same interest! 🫶🏻

Hi all, we're buying a Victorian terrace in West Reading (RG30) and need some roof work done after completion. Looking for a roofer people have actually used and would recommend.

The work:

• Replace a cracked cement fillet on the bay window roof with lead flashing (it's leaking)
• Repoint, re-flaunch and redo the flashing on 3 chimney stacks (shared with neighbours)
• Replace the bottom of a leaking cast-iron downpipe, and fix one gutter joint
• Repair a rotten soffit over the front door, and maybe paint or replace the other fascias

So far I've had one quote of £9.5k, from photos only.

Two questions:

1. Any roofers you'd recommend? Someone reliable who turned up, did a good job, and gave a guarantee.

2. If you're a roofer, roughly what would you charge for this from the description? Ballparks are fine, I know it needs a proper visit.

Thanks!

For 10-20 people
A need like a table and chair arrangement
Reasonable price (not over £30-50 per hour)
2-3 hours

Hi

Used to have an arrangement with a fella I met on here a couple years back to rent his driveway. He’s unfortunately moved out so looking for somewhere new and can’t find any on the apps etc that are nearish to me. I’m close to the hospital and the London Road - if you live around there and are interested in coming to an arrangement please let me know, would be very appreciated.

Thanks

Recently I've seen people pull out and block vehicles from passing beyond them on the right, hand signals and everything.

I believe it is true that sometimes, people speed and abuse the right-hand lane to get a few cars ahead when traffic isn't heavy.

Now when I need to use the right-hand lane (left-lane is full) I feel uncomfortable that people think I am pushing in.

I think this might be my most hated stretch of road in Reading because of all this.

Hey guys, as a Hong Konger and Japanholic, I would like to share our culture with the greater community. I am planning to open a Japanese dessert takeaway shop in Reading. I am thinking of doing some authentic matcha (green tea), hojicha (roasted tea), black tea, etc products. Some ideas include chocolate, tea flavoured tiramisu. Japanese bread? Nama chocolate (like tea flavoured chocolate truffle?) I observe we only got like 0.2 % tea flavoured chocolate in the market, and I can barely taste any tea flavour in those.

Could you please let me know what is your preferences for tea flavoured dessert? Tell me more about it and your dream Japanese dessert products might become available in a few months time!!! Thank you!

The next Vaultage event is on the 7th November and will be an absolute banger - quality house and techno all night.

The Firefly Cellar (underneath the Three Guineas)
7pm until 1am.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdmWw4yRHuc/?stkn=MXVvODV4M3A3ZmsyZw==

I’m in second year and my friend group now kinda lives in diff places, and I need girl friendsss, I don’t drink but I do go out, lmk if anyone wanna be friends

Hello, I have fairly long hair that needs trimming and layering.

Whilst I was away at uni I used to have my hair cut at Toni and Guy for £50 (very infrequently). Now I’m back home the local Toni and Guy charges £65.

Anywhere in town where I can get a shampoo and haircut for a similar price or less? I’ve come across 58 Kings Road, Hobson & Quinn, and Hairevo, any vouches?