Cocaine worth nearly £20m found in banana shipment
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Cocaine worth nearly £20m found in banana shipment
• Hampshire Police and Thames Valley Police specialist unit helped move the drugs to secure location.
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The local news that matters this morning
Here's the local news from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.
 | Reading Borough Council News · today Over 5,000 crucial health checks complete as Council signposts where to get help• 5,203 free health checks completed as part of Council-led project Council signposting other residents to where to now get health and blood pressure checks |
 | BBC Berkshire RSS feed · today Early prison release scheme paused after anger at possible early release of PC's killers• The prime minister says no prisoners will be released until review has been conducted. |
 | BBC Berkshire RSS feed · today Men's Shed finds permanent home after two-year hunt• The group has 48 members and is now preparing to launch its new base on 1 August. |
 | Reading Borough Council News · today Dangerous Tree to be Felled in Caversham Court Gardens• Mature beech tree to be felled due to extensive internal decay Tree's location poses significant risk to public safety Four-metre-tall monolith to be retained to preserve its legacy |
 | Reading Borough Council News · today Programme of improvement works approved for Caversham Court Gardens• Works will include repairs and conservation work to several listed buildings and structures New oak double gates will be installed at the main entrance to replace those damaged in car accident |
 | Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead news · today Families set to save as Royal Borough introduces discounted bus passes for young people• Official RBWM news and public service updates. |
| Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead news · today Royal Borough urges new government to rethink impacts of Fair Funding Review• Official RBWM news and public service updates. |
 | BBC Berkshire RSS feed · today Natural History Museum's new storage facility• BBC Radio Berkshire goes behind the scenes to see the new facility being built in Shinfield. |
 | BBC Berkshire RSS feed · today Council removes video over Justin Bieber copyright• member of the public suggested the authority did not have the rights to use it. |
 | Reading Borough Council News · today Warning after more than 300 unsafe squishy toys seized by Reading Trading Standards• Official Reading council press RSS, meetings and service updates. |
 | BBC Berkshire RSS feed · today 'Eyesore' derelict cinema set for new life as mosque• The Ritz, former bingo hall and cinema, has been acquired by the Wokingham Islamic Centre. |
 | BBC Berkshire RSS feed · today Doctor accused of sexually assaulting woman• John O'Connell appeared before Reading Magistrates' Court where he did not enter plea. |
 | BBC Berkshire RSS feed · today Gangs, violence and dumped dead animals: The hidden world of illegal hare hunts• Farmers describe attacks and police receive nearly 9,000 reports of banned hare coursing. |
 | BBC Berkshire RSS feed · today Parents warned as hundreds of squishy toys seized• Reading Trading Standards officers impounded more than 320 toys last week, the council says. |
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What's on: next 7 days
A quick-view of 7 priority public listings from 7 tracked events over the next 7 days. Tap any item for the source and full details.
2026-08-08T12:00:00Z · What's On Reading. Goan Food & Cultural Festival 2026Every Sunday 5-7pm · Spill Bar · What's On Reading. Live Music at SpillSelected Saturdays and Sunday dates available · Thames RiverCruise · What's On Reading. NEW! 2.5 Hour Afternoon out on the ThamesSelected Sundays, from June - September 17:00 Sailing · Thames RiverCruise · What's On Reading. NEW! for 2026 Sunday 2.5 hour ONE way trip from Goring to Caversham Pier CruiseSelected Saturday & Sundays, from June - September 2026. · Thames RiverCruise · What's On Reading. NEW! Goring 60 Minute round tripsEvery Monday 9.45 - 10.15am and 10.45 - 11.15 am. Every Thursday 2 - 2.30pm · Reading Libraries · What's On Reading. Rhymetime at Tilehurst LibrarySaturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays from end of March - 1st November 2026 · Thames RiverCruise · What's On Reading. River Trips from Caversham
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Local picks on Amazon
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Ascot Mug
Amazon UK search for Ascot mug using the newsletter affiliate tag.
Search Amazon UK →River Thames Walking Map
Amazon UK search for Thames riverside walking maps using the newsletter affiliate tag.
Search Amazon UK →Bray Berkshire Cookbook
Amazon UK search for Bray and Maidenhead food-interest books.
Search Amazon UK →Affiliate disclosure: these open Amazon UK searches with tag productli0e7f-21. As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.
A small local fact
Reading and Maidenhead are both Elizabeth line endpoints on the western branch, so London transport disruption can be a genuinely local Thames Valley story.
Did you know? · Thames Valley
Reading FC's old nickname, 'the Biscuitmen', came from the town's Huntley & Palmers biscuit factory.
2024
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