Firefighters urge public to call 999 only in genuine emergencies

• Thames Valley Fire Control Service is handling many calls about bonfires, barbecues and other potential fire risks.

Today in Thames Valley

Conditions in your area this morning.

The local news that matters this morning

Here's the local news from the past 24 hours, made easy to digest.

Slough Observer — News · yesterday Funeral director gives £3,000 to charities helping local children • E Sargeant & Son has awarded £3,000 to two charities in East Berkshire through its 2026 Community Assistance Programme.

Bracknell News — News · 2 days ago Showdown looms over award-winning cafe's plan to sell alcohol • Showdown is looming over plan for an award-winning cafe to sell alcohol from its second branch in Crowthorne.

Reading Chronicle · yesterday Sonning nursery praised by Ofsted as children feel 'safe' and 'confident' • NURSERY has been praised by Ofsted inspectors for allowing children to 'gain confidence' in safe and welcoming environment.

Reading Chronicle · yesterday Group to take part in 10km hike in memory of vet lost to cancer • group of walkers from Reading will take part in night-time charity hike in memory of much-loved friend.

Slough Observer — News · 2 days ago David Tennant opens up on potential to return as 14th Doctor in Doctor Who • David Tennant has not yet returned in audio form as the 14th Doctor, despite featuring as the 10th Doctor in new stories.

Reading Today Online (rdg.today) · today Council-owned Woodley land suddenly put up for sale — and anyone can bid • strip of land off long residential road in Woodley which is owned by council has been put up for sale.

Reading Today Online (rdg.today) · Local news · yesterday Planning round-up: Dormant Reading riverside pub set for major comeback after council decision • dormant riverside pub in Reading is set to be brought back into use with flats above it.

Wokingham.Today — News · Local news · yesterday Police reveal plans to use facial recognition vans in Reading during August bank holiday weekend • Police will deploy live facial recognition vans in Reading during the August bank holiday weekend.

Wokingham.Today — News · Local news · yesterday Warning issued over ‘significant’ Berkshire traffic impact from 2,160-home plan • Concerns have been raised about the impact of plan for more than 2,000 homes on the edge of Berkshire.

Wokingham Today RSS feed · News and media · yesterday Blind Bracknell pensioner forced to travel miles for shower after year-long nightmare • blind man and his wife have been forced to go to their daughter's home to wash due to ongoing issues with their shower

Wokingham Today RSS feed · News and media · yesterday Former Reading FC twins closing in on move to Premier League club • Former Reading FC academy twins Joseph and Jubilee Ntege are closing in on move to Premier League side Nottingham Forest.

Bracknell Forest Council news · Government and democracy · 3 days ago Bracknell Forest students celebrate Key Stage 4 success • Official council news and service updates.

BBC Berkshire RSS feed · News and media · yesterday Cricket legend backs memorial match for Covid victim • The annual Lee Nurse memorial match takes place at May's Bounty in Basingstoke on Sunday.

BBC Berkshire RSS feed · News and media · 3 days ago Construction firms urged to offer more apprenticeships • The head of an agency that employs apprentices says it is becoming harder to find work for young people.

What's on: next 14 days

A quick-view of 11 priority public listings from 11 tracked events over the next 14 days. Tap any item for the source and full details.

Every Tuesday and Thursday 2.30pm-3.30pm, and Saturday 2pm-3pm · Reading MuseumBayeux Tapestry Tours

Every Monday at 22:00 · Purple TurtleCLUB RECKLESS

Every Tuesday 10.30 - 11.30am · Reading LibrariesCoffee Mornings at Southcote Library

24 Aug at 10:00 · Museum of English Rural LifeMuseums, My Way

Every Monday at 19:00 · Reading Men Walking and Talking (MWAT) groupReading Men Walking and Talking (MWAT) group

Every Tuesday 10.15 - 10.45am and 11.15 - 11.45am · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at Caversham Library

Every Tuesday and Thursday 10.30 - 11am · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at Palmer Park Library

Every Tuesday 10.15 - 10.45am and 11.15 - 11.45am and Thursday 10.15 - 10.45am and 11.15 - 11.45am · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at the NEW Reading Central Library

Every Monday 9.45 - 10.15am and 10.45 - 11.15 am. Every Thursday 2 - 2.30pm · Reading LibrariesRhymetime at Tilehurst Library

2 Bands every Monday · Purple TurtleTurtle Underground Presents...

Checked todayReading Festival 2026 set times revealed – when every big act is on stage, including ‘Special Guest’ announcement

Resident pulse

One weekly reader question. Choose one option; responses guide what we follow up next.

Local picks on Amazon

Three handpicked Thames Valley searches for today, rotated daily.

Affiliate disclosure: these open Amazon UK searches with tag productlin052-21. 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.