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Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Moment father doing the recycling goes really green - after falling headfirst into his hedge
This is the hilarious moment a father lost his balance and fell headfirst into his garden bush. Mark Savery, 65, was enjoying his evening when he stepped outside on July 26 to chuck something in the recycling. He was about to take the step up back home when he lost his footing and slipped on the wet grass. The 65-year-old could not gather his strength and ended up falling headfirst into the front garden bushes. In the doorbell footage captured out of his front door, Mr Savery, from Reading, Berkshire, is almost completely swallowed up by the hedge and with his feet up in the air. After returning home, he told his wife, Janine, what had happened and after watching the footage, the couple were in tears. She told the Reading Chronicle: 'We were literally crying laughing watching it. 'I've shown it to loads of people and everyone finds it hysterical. 'It feels like it should be in "You've Been Framed"!' Fortunately for the father, he escaped with no injury, whereas the bush was left with a noticeable dent in the hedge, which he will soon have to clip to even out.
Daily Mirror
03-08-2025
- Daily Mirror
Inside abandoned UK hotel where beds are still made after nightmare fire
The Reading Lake Hotel, in Pingewood, was once a peaceful establishment, praised for its hospitality and tranquil lakeside views. Now it lies abandoned, with its empty corridors filled with eerie reminders of its heyday Not so long ago, the Reading Lake Hotel, in Pingewood, was a place filled with life and celebrations. Guests would gather to mark wedding anniversaries, dance at Christmas parties, and enjoy the tranquil lakeside views and spa facilities. Nowadays, however, it's an eerie shell of its former self, barely recognisable after a ferocious fire ripped the building apart ten years ago. It's believed the blaze, which took hold on November 21, 2015, began in a boiler room before spreading rapidly through the upper-floor rooms into the roof. The Reading Chronicle reports that it took 10 fire engines filled with 55 firefighters two hours to extinguish the monster inferno. Thankfully, there were no fatalities or injuries amongst staff or guests following an incident that must have been terrifying to behold. It comes after news that an abandoned UK Butlin's site is now seaside town's 'hell hole' hotel. READ MORE: Brit mum's 'horrendous' death after being scratched by puppy with rabies on holiday But sadly, the badly damaged hotel never returned to its glory days and ended up closing its doors for good. The only visitors now are urban explorers, who've previously shared creepy footage of the hotel's now silent corridors, As seen in a video shared via the YouTube channel Neo Adventures, there are still reminders that this drab and filthy building once offered a warm welcome to visiting guests. A working fridge is still plugged in, containing items of food. In one cupboard, the explorers came across some long-disused computers, while brass signs directed people to their rooms. Some of the rooms look almost ready to welcome guests once more, with mattresses still on the beds, and comfy-looking love seats positioned against the walls. On some, bedding is still visible. In another cupboard, a number of lamps have been placed on the floor in total darkness, waiting to be lit. Right next to the restaurant, which is still atmospherically lit, the now gloomy kitchen is still filled with appliances for breakfasts that will never be served, from coffee machines to huge cooking pans and bottles of oil. As detailed in a recent article in The Reading Chronicle, it appears unlikely that the hotel will be opening its doors anytime soon, with no new plans site listed on West Berkshire Council's planning portal, Pingewood's planning authority. This is despite rooms still being advertised on Expedia, in what appears to be a puzzling error. The publication also reached out to the Millennium Hotels group for comment, but received no response. It's understood that the hotel didn't immediately close after the blaze and was functioning as recently as 2018. Sadly, the visitor experience would have been drastically reduced by this point, with parts of the fire-damaged establishment already closed off to the public. One guest who stayed in 2018 left a review on Expedia: "Unfortunately, I have experienced this hotel at its best. The staff were nice, and my room was upgraded to a suite, which was a lovely touch considering I stayed with my two children. "The hotel is tired, there were lightbulbs out in the room, wallpaper peeling, and framework missing from the doors. The shower was yellowing, and when used, sprayed from cracks behind the shower head. When on the balcony, you can see the other half of the hotel, which is closed off and unused."
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rumours of more filming in Woodley circulate
Rumours of future filming across the Woodley area have been circulating as an increasing film presence has been seen across Berkshire this month. TV crews were spotted in multiple locations for the filming of the second season of the American TV drama 'The Agency'. The TV show, produced by local celeb George Clooney, stars multiple award-winning actors including Michael Fassbender and Richard Gere. The Reading Chronicle visited the film set, where several Woodley residents offered up their homes for scenes in the new season of the TV show. According to a crew member, the location scouts have chosen the Reading/Woodley area due to its proximity to Shinfield Studios. Although unable to confirm which location, it was stated that further filming will take place in the area in the near future. Berkshire has become a popular destination for the filming of Hollywood blockbusters and TV shows over the past 20 years. The locations provide more discretion than if a scene was filmed in the middle of a London neighbourhood. At the beginning of May, TV crews were also spotted in The Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading where they choose the space to film an airport scene. The town centre shopping centre made a perfect alternative to a busy departure lounge where security would be the major issue.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
American fast food chain gets permission to stay open until 4am
An American fast food burger chain that relaunched its brand in Reading has been given permission to stay open four hours later on weekends. The Wendy's American fast food chain relaunched in Station Road in June 2021 to much fanfare. The chain now has 44 locations in England. Wendy's is currently open until 11pm weekdays and 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, with the company applying to stay open midnight on weekdays and 4am from Thursday to Saturday. The extended hours were discussed at a Reading Borough Council licensing applications sub-committee meeting. Flood of support for Reading club in trouble with police over fight Luke Atkins, a district manager for Wendy's, argued the company is committed to upholding the four licensing objectives: to prevent crime and disorder, to uphold public safety, prevent nuisance and protect children from harm. He said: "Our top priority is the welfare of our customers, staff and the wider community. We're eager to work with the authorities to support the licensing objectives. "Our team perform patrols outside our restaurant on an hourly basis, to make sure litter attributed to Wendy's is cleared. "We encourage customers to be considerate to neighbours. Our windows are always closed, and we only play background music." David Acreman from the council's environmental protection team objected to the application, raising concerns that increased activity, deliveries and noise from the extraction fan would cause disturbance for neighbours. Fears later hours for American burger chain could disturb neighbours Mr Atkins explained that the extraction fan, in place since 2021, is within the fabric of the building and has a maximum noise output of 60 decibels. Councillor Karen Rowland (Labour, Abbey) asked how Wendy's fits into the nighttime economy, acknowledging no noise complaints had been submitted. Mr Atkins said: "There are people who live above us, but there have been no complaints from them. "We understand we're a last stop before people go home; they congregate here." Cllr Deborah Edwards (Labour, Southcote) asked whether there is a demand for Wendy's food at these later hours. Mr Atkins replied: "We believe there is a demand, people come to the town centre to enjoy themselves in the evening, and there's deliveries." Experience the pulse of Reading at your fingertips! 🚨 With our flash sale, Reading Chronicle keeps you updated for less: only £3 for 3 months or save 40% on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally! 👇#DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism — Reading Chronicle (@rdgchronicle) April 15, 2025 He went on to explain that the CCTV captures the heads and shoulders of people both internally and externally. The footage is then kept for 31 days and is available to any authority that requests it. Mr Atkins added: "Our team have to complete a late-night security model prior to onboarding with us." In a written representation, Mr Acreman argued that later hours would cause a disturbance to neighbours and the occupants of future housing developments. However, cllr Rowland stated that Wendy's predates future developments, therefore the onus would be on the developer to ensure noise mitigation measures are installed in any flats. Plans for flat behind historic Reading pub REJECTED Cllr Paul Woodward (Labour, Church) quipped: "This is a town centre, you have to allow people to have fun, or else you're living in the Cotswolds!" Yet he did acknowledge neighbours are entitled to a good night's sleep. Ultimately, the committee decided to grant the hours extension at the meeting today (Thursday, May 15). The grant is subject to conditions, which include ensuring there is planning permission for the extended hours and that Wendy's is linked to the TownSafe Radio.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New mayor of Berkshire town elected to represent the community
New mayor of Berkshire town elected to represent the community The new mayor of Woodley has been selected to represent neighbours and preside over the town council. Each year, a new mayor is selected to act as a figurehead for the community, preside over council meetings and attend events. Councillor David Bragg (Conservative, Coronation Central) has been selected as the town mayor for the 2025/26 year at a full council meeting. He said: "Thank you all so much for your confidence in appointing me Mayor of Woodley Town Council for the current year. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement "This is an honour I never, ever, expected or anticipated when I was first elected to this council back in 2018. Six-figure upgrade due for local theatre despite its troubled recent history "This year is particularly important to me as we approach the 80th anniversary of VE Day, a day of particular importance to both my parents, who are sadly no longer with us." Cllr Bragg served as deputy mayor under town mayor for 2024/25 cllr Juliet Anderson (Conservative, Coronation Central). He said: "I've thoroughly enjoyed my period as deputy mayor, and now look forward to the challenges and experiences of the year ahead, in which time I promise to represent you, the town council, the residents and all of its communities with the respect and energy you all deserve." ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Cllr Bragg has chosen Promise Inclusion, which supports children and adults with learning disabilities, as his mayoral charity. He added: "Finally, thank you to cllr Juliet Anderson for her dedication and hard work over the year, you'll be a very hard act to follow." Experience the pulse of Reading at your fingertips! 🚨 With our flash sale, Reading Chronicle keeps you updated for less: only £3 for 3 months or save 40% on an annual subscription. Don't miss out on what's happening locally! 👇 #DigitalDeal #LocalJournalism — Reading Chronicle (@rdgchronicle) April 15, 2025 He was elected mayor with the votes of the 16 other councillors present at the full council meeting yesterday (Tuesday, May 6). ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement Cllr Darren Smith (Conservative, Coronation East) has been selected as deputy mayor. Cllr Bragg was nominated by cllr Keith Baker (Conservative, Coronation East), with the nomination being seconded by Alison Swaddle (Conservative, Loddon Airfield).
