News

Don’t be daft – we don’t need to ban fireworks

Published

4 years ago

November 10, 2020

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Some of your happiest memories when I was a child were at family or school fireworks displays. Freezing cold, eating jacket potatoes, sparklers in hands and ‘oo-ing’ and ‘ah-ing’ over the pretty explosions which lit up the inky, night sky.

Whether you called it Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night, November 5 was one of the few times each year we got together with family and friends.

Now you are older, with a rescue dog, cat or a child who has always been sensitive to loud noises, you are less keen on the night.

Especially as it no longer lasts just one evening but fireworks can generally be heard from now until January. But an outright ban, or even allowing them only at official events is nonsense.

At the moment, thosands of people have signed a petition to ban fireworks in public – which means the government will have to respond.

I won’t call these people fun police or killjoys as some people have, I can see why they want to put restrictions on fireworks displays.

As they say themselves, they ’cause alarm, distress and anxiety to many people and animals’.

What is needed instead though is better education on the danger of fireworks, tougher penalties for those misusing them and police cracking down on those who flout the rules, particularly those who give/sell them to under 18s.

If organising a garden display, just be a considerate human being.

Make sure your neighbours are aware, perhaps even invite them over.

It’s easy to let people know – most of us are on social media and there are plenty of local noticeboards you can post on to let people know if you plan to let fireworks off for a lengthy amount of time.

If not, knock a few doors, particularly if you have elderly neighbours and those with children or pets.

Choose low noise or quiet fireworks (yes, they do exist) as well as follow safety advice and take precautions before setting them off.

And don’t be a git and let them off past 11pm.

If we all followed these general rules it would probably help a lot.

Banning things rarely has the desired effect and will only mean that a ‘black market’ will open up which will make it even more dangerous and fireworks more likely to fall into the hands of youngsters and those who would act irresponsibly.

People point to the environmental damage caused by fireworks – perhaps then a green tax should be introduced to pay towards offsetting the damage caused?

And there are plenty of things which are more dangerous and/or cause more environmental damage than fireworks such as cars, dairy farming – should we also ban them?

We all have to live with things which annoy or upset us but we can’t go around and ban everything that upsets someone.

News

Windsor Great Park Illuminated Returns for Its Fourth Year with New Festive Wonders

Published

1 day ago

November 15, 2024

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15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025
Tickets Available Now: www.windsorilluminated.com

The award-winning Windsor Great Park Illuminated returns for its fourth magical year, bringing a spectacular festive light trail to the enchanting woodland of Windsor Great Park. Running from 15 November 2024 to 4 January 2025, this much-loved event promises a refreshed experience with an all-new trail design and exciting new installations.

What’s New in 2024

This year’s trail introduces several never-before-seen attractions, including a floating installation debuting in the UK and impressive 8-metre stags exclusively crafted for the event. Visitors can also look forward to revamped favourites such as the Lasers, Field of Lights, and the Light Cathedral, now bigger and brighter than ever. A stunning new fountain show and additional photo opportunities ensure a memorable visit for all.

A Festive Wonderland

As you wander through the illuminated trail, you’ll encounter vibrant colours, festive surprises, and cozy rest stops. Warm up with mulled wine, hot chocolate, or toasted marshmallows by the firepit. Foodies can enjoy treats from vendors such as The Crepe Stop, Waffle Wands, Churros Hermanos, and more.

Event Details

Dates: 15 November 2024 – 4 January 2025 (closed Christmas Day)
Opening Hours: 4.30pm – 10.30pm (last entry 8.30pm; from 4.15pm after 29 November)
Ticket Prices: Starting at £18 for adults, £11 for children, and £51 for families (plus booking fees).
Popular dates sell out fast, so advance booking is highly recommended.

How to Get There

By Car: Use postcode TW20 0UJ for navigation.
By Train: The nearest stations are Egham, Windsor Central, Windsor Riverside, Ascot, and Virginia Water. Taxis from these stations take approximately 15-20 minutes.

A World-Class Event

Windsor Great Park Illuminated is brought to life by IMG, the team behind iconic events like Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and Hampton Court Palace Festival, in collaboration with DEAG Entertainment AG and Christmas Garden Deutschland GmbH, creators of Europe’s leading light trails.

Don’t miss the chance to experience this magical winter adventure. Secure your tickets now at www.windsorilluminated.com.

News

Rising Fees Add Pressure to Reading Businesses Amid Budget Shortfall

Published

2 weeks ago

October 30, 2024

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Reading’s cafes, restaurants, and small businesses face further financial strain as the council raises fees for pavement café licences, extra bins, and various other permits. The Labour council at Reading Borough Council introduced these increases as part of a financial recovery plan to tackle significant budget pressures in the 2024/25 financial year.

The council’s finance officers have identified an estimated £5 million budget shortfall, prompting a strategy of increasing fees and charges for a range of council-provided services. This plan aims to bridge the gap and ensure funding for essential services across the borough.

For many small businesses and independent establishments, however, these hikes come at a difficult time, as they already face rising inflation, energy costs, and supply chain challenges. Local business owners worry that the increased fees could discourage outdoor seating, reducing the appeal and accessibility of pavement cafes that have revitalised Reading’s streets since the pandemic. Added costs for waste management and extra bins could also tighten margins for businesses already managing slim budgets.

Council representatives argue that the adjustments are necessary to address rising service demands and maintain clean, safe public spaces across Reading. However, business leaders are calling on the council to consider the impact on small enterprises, which are central to the town’s economy and community character.

As the new fees roll out, local business associations are urging the council to explore alternative strategies that would support smaller operators while still meeting budget goals.

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Over 11,000 Reading residents aged 80+ may lose Winter Fuel Payments

Published

4 weeks ago

October 20, 2024

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Over 11 thousand of those aged over 80 in Reading are at risk of losing their Winter Fuel Payments due to the government’s cuts, the latest official statistics have revealed.

Reading Liberal Democrats, have called on the new government to “change course” in the face of these new statistics saying that ministers must “protect vulnerable pensioners” with thousands at risk of having to choose between heating and eating this winter.

Analysis of the new data shows that in Reading, over 11 thousand pensioners aged over 80 are not in receipt of pension credit and will lose their Winter Fuel Payment they were previously entitled to unless they receive other benefits.

All those aged over 80 were previously entitled to £300 each to help with their energy bills to stay warm during the winter months but many will now lose this money.

In total, last year those aged over 80 in Reading received £3.25 million in support with £7.6 million given out to all pensioners in the constituency. This figure will drastically fall this winter following the withdrawal of support by the government for the vast majority of pensioners.

In total, just over 40 thousand pensioners in Reading do not receive pension credit and are also at risk of losing support due to the government’s cuts.

Age UK has previously said that 2.5 million pensioners will “be in serious trouble” this winter due to the cutting of the payments. Reading Lib Dems called on the government to “reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners” this winter.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Reading Borough Council, James Moore said:

“Thousands of pensioners here in Reading are desperately worried about how they will make it through this winter. We are especially concerned about vulnerable older pensioners, and these figures are deeply worrying.

We have heard countless stories from those who now say they will have to choose between staying warm or putting food on the table as a result of this government’s decision.

Cutting these payments for thousands of my constituents, including many that are just barely getting by, is the completely wrong thing to be doing.

It is not too late for this new government to change course, reverse these proposals and protect vulnerable pensioners here in Reading this winter.”