RED * RAG Free fortnightly since 1979 Red Rag, Box 79, Acorn Bookshop, 17 Chatham St. Reading's Best Gladrags 27 October - 9 November 1985 Next issue: Co-ordinator: Paul 667085 News: James 595605 Events: 595605/868488 Going Out: Mark 868488 Folding etc: Liz 867955 Copy date: 6pm, 7th November - - - GUIDE BOOK OF SHAME The Reading Chronicle ("a preposterous compendium of estate agents' adverts and sponsored hopping events") went with its usual unerring accuracy to the very heart of the matter. Page 42. "Guide book of shame," proclaimed their front page, in big white letters on a shamed black background. That fearless champion of The Public's Right to Know, Joe Wise, was able to reveal that Reading Between the Lines 1985-6 is "an astonishing attack on Reading police and the way in which they operate." The secret is out. Under the cover of producing a guide book to Reading members of the Red Rag collective have in public described Mr Wise's own Crimewatch scheme as a 'boy scout' organisation. Note by the way his professionalism. He read the guide - or at least its index - quite thoroughly, even found a little piece on graffiti in the Resources section, not on page 42 at all. More than that, he phoned the police. He even phoned W.H.Smith's. He is a busy man. If he had had the time he might even have rung us! The Chronic's article was labelled 'exclusive'. This is a code word, meaning "this has not been in the Evening Post yet". As a result of this someone at the Post no doubt got a rocket, and in next day's paper (final edition) there duly appeared a piece echoing Joe Wise's "New Guide attacks Police". Well. Everyone wants to be appreciated. A little piece did appear tucked in the middle of the 'Weekend Post' the day after that (said to be by Simon Mares), which gave some impression of what the guide really is, or aims to be: "fairly comprehensive", "an alternative, radical and at times irreverent trip around the offices and organisations of Berkshire's county town", that sort of thing. But let's face it - that won't have sold many copies. Very few people will have seen it. Whereas sales rocketed after the Chronic appeared. W.H.Smith's, so far from banning the guide, were so eager for more that they sent an order by hand care of Acorn Bookshop. The last word on the "furore" can be left with "a senior officer" quoted in the Chronicle story. "It is unfortunate that a publication which presumably seeks to inform both visitors and residents alike of public facilities in the Reading area should find it necessary to publish comments of this nature." It's nice to agree with the police for once. Footnote! R.B.L. (or is it R.B.W.L.? And how do you pronounce it anyway?) is currently available at 90p from Acorn Bookshop, Bookends, Town Bookseller, Pan Bookshop, W.H.Smith's, University Bookshop, Ken's Shop, Rag Doll, Smart Move, Reading Wholefoods, Harvest Wholefoods, The Root of the Hatter, Music Market, Listen Records, Hickies, Eurofoods, the Centre for the Unemployed, and Pop Records. Shops get 30p of the cover price (if they want it). So can your organisation, if you would like some to sell on stalls or at meetings. Please contact James on 595605. Also, we'd like to know about things that are wrong in the guide so we can make up a list of corrections now, and maybe a bit later, when this thousand are sold, bring out a revised edition. "James" - - - ANTI-APARTHEID DEMONSTRATION "Come on, everybody, hold your banners up, we're going to take a picture!" This was the mood of the Anti-Apartheid rally in Trafalgar Square on 19th. A student party, everyone congratulating themselves for turning up. "Make sure everyone's got a sticker." It was a farce. While this was happening, the City Anti-Apartheid group were attempting to picket and surround the South African Embassy across the road, which they do every Friday night. When two people climbed the steps, took the microphone and told everybody what was happening, an NUS official informed us that we were on the 'proper' demonstration, 'they' weren't. It was petty bickering when everyone should have been fighting together. Realising this, we made our way towards the Embassy only to be met by worried NUS stewards trying to turn us back - we shouldn't cross the road. This was the 'official' rally, they were just Communist Party supporters trying to get members, how would picketing the Embassy help? There was probably no-one in it. The arguments were sickening. I asked how marching to Jubilee Gardens along a closed route to watch a film would help South Africans. There was no response. The picket and demonstration outside the South African Embassy was a positive action and a direct statement of our disgust at the situation in that country and our own government's response to it. When the police eventually moved in and began arresting people for blocking the road a march was started (the NUS march had left long before with severely depleted numbers) which they forcibly tried to stop in their own inimitable way. It grew instantly, though, and we moved on down Whitehall, stopping at Downing St to Westminster Bridge and the along the busy main road to Rochester Row police station where the arrested were being held. Outside the station we had our rally, with an invitation for anyone to step forward and speak if they wanted to. Meanwhile the massive police presence watched and listened. In the end it was a good day for the Anti-Apartheid movement, a bad one for the NUS Executive and the Metropolitan Police. - - - RECLAIM THE NIGHT In response to recent rapes, we thought it would be a good idea to go out and shout about it. We are meeting at the Women's Centre on Friday 3 Nov at 8.30pm. and are having a party afterwards, so bring food, drink, music, instruments. If anyone can run lifts (especially to Caversham and Tilehurst areas) please let me know on Reading 64178. Any women wanting to know about lifts to these areas, ring me on above number. Elaine - - - FLOREY UNIT The Florey Unit, the Royal Berkshire Hospital's clinic for genito-urinary medicine, has announced that a test for antibodies to the AIDS virus is now freely available to anyone who wants it. The test has been available since June for those considered to be in "high risk" groups, but has now been extended to everyone to coincide with the introduction of general testing for AIDS antibodies by the Blood Transfusion Service. The test tells you if you have antibodies to the AIDS virus present in your blood. It does not tell you if you have the AIDS virus itself, or whether you will develop the AIDS syndrome, so it is not a "test for AIDS". A blood sample would remain "antibody-positive" even if the antibodies had destroyed the virus or made it inactive. Over two years about 10 per cent of healthy gay men found to be antibody positive appear to develop AIDS. About 15 per cent develop minor AIDS-related illnesses, and about 75 per cent stay completely healthy. Haemophiliacs seem to develop disease less frequently, perhaps because the virus they receive in their blood product has in some cases been inactivated. The availability of the test has been extended because of fears that people worried that they had caught the virus might attempt to donate blood in order to have an antibody test. So far in Reading one man has died of AIDS, although he contracted the disease abroad and had no local connections. A small number of people attending the Florey clinic have found to be antibody-positive, but no-one has developed AIDS itself. The AIDS virus is not highly contagious; it is actually quite difficult to catch. It probably needs to be repeatedly stated that it is not a gay disease, it is a sexually transmitted disease which at present mainly affects gay men. Eventually we can expect AIDS to be distributed among the population in the same pattern as other sexually transmitted diseases. There has been considerable discussion about whether taking the AIDS antibody test is a good idea. The Terrence Higgins Trust has gone so far as to issue a special leaflet on the topic, called "HTLV III Antibody; to test or not to test" which is available at the Florey Unit. After all, there is no cure if you do develop AIDS, and being antibody-positive does not mean you have or will get AIDS. Add to that the slight possibility of a false positive (0.3per cent of cases) or false negative (3-5 per cent of cases), and you might think that the test is a waste of time. Staff at the Florey Unit, and generally, are operating a policy of "informed consent". They will try to make sure that you know the possible implications of having the test done beforehand. You can even agree to have the test done but ask to be kept ignorant of the result. You might want to avoid problems with employers, insurance companies and mortgage companies who ask you to sign declarations of your good health. You may be worried about the confidentiality of the information held at the Clinic. The Florey Unit promises absolute confidentiality but you may decide that you cannot trust this absolute guarantee. One way of ensuring confidentiality is to go to a clinic elsewhere and give false information about your identity - but if you decide to do this, make sure you can still be contacted somehow by the clinic in case of any emergency. On the other hand, by having the test you may relieve yourself of undue and unjustified anxiety about your state of health. You will certainly be helping to improve knowledge of the extent of the disease and the necessary preparations for treatment of its victims. Overall I'd recommend having the test if you're at all concerned about your health, although the Terrence Higgins Trust is more cautious. Guy If you want any more information you can contact any of the following:- Terrence Higgins Trust AIDS Helpline 01 278 8745 7pm-10pm every day Reading area AIDS Support Group Rdg.597269, 8pm-10pm every Thursday Linda Scott, Health adviser, Florey Unit Royal Berks Hospital. Rdg. 869898 (direct line) For an appointment at the Florey Unit ring Reading 863355 between 8.30a.m. and 12noon, Monday to Friday. - - - (paid ad) UNCLE BRIAN'S PURGE PARTY at Reading Centre for the Unemployed, 4-6 East St. on November 1st Friday Everyone invited Bring a Bottle 8-late Disco Yet another wacky centre party Dress well this could be your last chance! - - - WELL WOMAN CLINIC FOR READING A new women's health group is shortly to start in Reading. The Well Woman Association for West Berkshire has as its aim to set up and run a well woman clinic in the town, and will hold its first general meeting at 10, Gun Street, Reading, on Monday 25th November at 8pm. Reading is one of the few large towns where this service is still not available to women. The planned clinic for Reading would not provide Prescriptions but operate a service of discussion, diagnosis and referral, using the services of a suitably trained female doctor with nursing support. Cervical smear tests, breast examination, weight, rubella, pregnancy, eyes, hearing, urine and blood pressure checks would all be readily available. Volunteers would be needed to administer the clinic and provide services like cleaning, operating an appointments system and clerical support. The Association hopes that the West Berkshire Health Authority will help them to find suitable premises in Reading; and they would ideally like a part time worker as co-ordinator, paid by a sponsoring body. The Association is particularly keen to deal with the special needs of women from the ethnic minorities, especially as a result of difficulties they may have in obtaining medical advice as a consequence of language or cultural factors. For further information about the Well Woman Association, please contact (daytime) Frances Johnson, Rdg. 595678; or evenings, Sue Allen, Rdg. 587906, or Irene Willis, Henley 574227. - - - EVENTS Red Rag events brought to you jointly by Mark P & Mark R; Mark P bas been doing the listing for a while but now wishes to hand over to someone else. Thank you Mark for doing it, in what were often not ideal circumstances. "From each according to their ability" as someone said... Now... what is needed is someone to compile this essential listing. Anyone interested phone the co-ordinator of the next Rag, or contact Box 79 at Acorn. Your big chance!(?) Monday 28 Friends of the Earth meet at St. Mary's Centre, 8pm - general meeting, perhaps with videos. Anti Apartheid Campaign planning meeting, Paradise Club, London St. 8pm, tel 662519. Reading Centre for the Unwaged: silkscreen printing 1-3pm, sign language 2-4, carpentry (Wilson Rd) 1.30-3.30pm. Tuesday 29 West Berks Co-op Development Assoc open meeting at Wokingham Town Hall, 7.30. Free: "what are worker co-ops?" Women's Dance Group at Women's Centre, Abbey St, 10-12 noon. May Day '86 meeting at RCU East St, 8pm. RCU courses - making & playing musical instruments 10-12. Wednesday 30 RCU Wednesday is Women's Day: video workshop, self defence, fabric crafts. 596639 (Karen). Thursday 31 Greenham Blue Gate Party, 8pm - bring food, drink & music. Women only. RCU wildlife garden 1-3pm, creative writing group 1-3 too. Friday 1 RCU black & white photography 2-4pm There must be something else - so why not tell us & other people about it? Saturday 2 National Anti Apartheid march - transport details 597260. After 300 arrests on the NUS anti apartheid demo on 19th Oct, this could be a forceful protest. Voice workshop at Women's Centre, Abbey St, 8pm - preparing voices for the Reclaim the Night march on the 8th. Women's Review at RCU, East St - song, mime, theatre etc - 8pm. Men and women welcome. Details Karen / Tami 596639 / Penny 662646. Sunday 3 Blank. Why? Monday 4 RCU courses as 28th expect bike maintenance now starts, 10-12. Tuesday 5 Anarchist Bonfire Party on the Coal (site of Doris's 20th Birthday Party). Bring food, wood & anything else you think might be needed. RCU as last week. Reading Campaign Against Benefit Cuts petition to be presented to local DHSS< 12ish. Stop Business As Usual. Capitalism can't handle imagination. Wednesday 6 RCU Women's Day - activities as 30th plus confidence building (10-12) & your rights as women (1-20.30) Is that all? Thursday 7 Red Rag editorial phone co-ordinator for details (see cover) RCU wildlife garden 1-3, creative writing 1-3 too. Fill in your own event... Friday 8 Women Reclaim the Night March, leaves Women's Centre, Abbey St, at 8.30. Party afterwards, bring food, music & instruments RCU photography course from 2-4. Saturday 9 Red Rag paste up - phone co-ordinator for details (see cover) Anarchist Book Fair, Conway Hall, Red Lion Sq., London 10am free, Holborn tube. Sunday 10 Red Rag folding & collating, 11ish at Acorn. Phone Liz 867955 for details / to volunteer. Reading Cycle Campaign leisure ride to Rotherfield Greys 10.30am from Caversham Bridge tel 692568 Reading Campaign Against Benefit Cuts - 6.3 0at RCU. Generally: - see also Going Out Guide - note especially that Slough Asian & Afro-Caribbean arts festival runs throughout this period and there's some stuff worth travelling for. See Going Out Guide for details. - RCU = Reading Centre for Unwaged, 4-6 East St telephone 596639. - - - SMALL ADS For Sale Man's bicycle, good running order, £25:00 Fridge, small, old but works well, £5:00 Telephone 581509, evenings Single bed and mattress. Open spring type. Head and tail hoard. Can sell separately. £5 ono. Reading 868314. Vacuum cleaner; sweeper; electric steam iron. £7 each ono. Reading 868314. Peugeot. 25 1/4 framed racer, 12 speed 531 tubing 3years old £100o.n.o. or 3 months old Dawes Discovery £120. 25" frame. Harvey on 663487 Right on/constructivist Christmas cards? Mark 868488. Maoist wrapping paper to order... Accommodation Wanted Seventeen year old trainee mechanic needs home (full board and lodging) as his family is emigrating. Please telephone Reading 581509, evenings. Readings Gay no. 4 - out now, produced by Reading Gay Collective; available at Acorn Bookshop, 17 Chatham St. (tel 5844251) and at Horse and Barge celebrations. More info. on What's on from Acorn. - - - ANAL REVIEW Personal contributions are invited from all local anarchists (and any ex-anarchists, sort-of-anarchists, i-reject-the-label-anarchists...) for a publication of local anarchist ideas and activities. It is hoped to include contributions from as many people as possible in order to reflect the wide diversity of anarchist attitudes in Reading. Pieces to me as soon as possible, please, preferably by 12th November, with some form of identification so that each contributor can have an opportunity to approve the final version before it is printed (towards the end of November). Either contact me c/o Box 19, Acorn Bookshop, or catch me at the Bonfire Party on 5th November on "The Coal". C. Hanger. - - - WRITE ON! Ever felt a hankering to write for the stage? Perhaps you have a story you've written or an idea you've had that would benefit from having its characters and themes brought to life through the medium of drama. Whatever you may have in mind, be it a full-length play, a one-acter, a sketch or the first spark of a good idea, then Progress Theatre would like to hear from you. We are looking to lend support and encouragement to new writing for the theatre and intend to initiate this by offering aspiring writers the chance to have their work produced at the theatre. Finished work will be assessed by an experienced panel and it is hoped each year to offer a modest bursary to the panel's selection of best new play. If you are interested in this scheme, either with completed material or with work in preparation, please contact Jerry Moreton on Reading 667217 or write to the Production Committee at Progress Theatre, The Mount, Christchurch Rd, Reading. - - - TAI CHI This is a highly relaxing and enjoyable martial art whose principles are very close to those of Aikido, but whose practice is slow relaxed and completely gentle. No mat is needed and any style of loose clothing will do - track suits are ideal or a 'gi' if you have one. Held Wednesday lunchtimes and Saturday mornings at the University. Open to non-University people. Beginners welcome. Details from Nick Booth 875123 x 6221 (day) or Dave Kirby 587768 (evening). - - - READING GAY AND LESBIAN HELPLINE Reading Gay and Lesbian Helpline has just published a report to mark six years of continuous operation. Volunteers, all of whom are homosexual men or women, will answer queries on Reading 59 7269 on Tuesday and Friday evenings, 8-10pm. Outside these times, the phone gives a taped message indicating when it will next be answered and giving London Gay Switchboard's number. The helpline volunteers are there to talk to anyone, whether gay or not, on any aspect of homosexuality. They can also meet callers by appointment. The Helpline reports that most of their callers are wanting to meet other gay people, but about 25% have more serious difficulties or fears. Since changing their name to include explicit reference to lesbians, the number of female callers has risen by 60%. There is also increased concern about AIDS. The Helpline has helped to form Reading Area AIDS Support Group, which is now answering phone queries on Thursday evenings, 8-10pm., also on Reading 597269. Finance for the Helpline is met entirely from within the gay community, by means of monthly benefit discos. "Reading Gay and Lesbian Helpline is providing a unique service of which we can all be proud", said Luce Green, Helpline secretary. "But there are still improvements to be made. We want to get our service known in every household in the Reading area, and we also want to improve our image and that of homosexuals generally". - - - WILDLIFE GARDENS Interested in wildlife & gardens? There's currently a course at the Center for the Unemployed in East St., trying to establish a wildlife garden on a plot of urban land. It's going very well, but needs tools (donations welcome) and, especially, more people. So if you're not in paid work on a Thursday between 1 and 3 o'clock, do come along, but not in your best clothes. If you can't come then, leave a message at Reading Centre for the Unemployed, 4-6 East St, 596639, and we'll get in touch. - - - READING CENTRAL AMERICAN GROUP Reading Central American Group is a support and information group for the peoples of Central America in their struggle for self-determination and independence from imperialism. We are affiliated to the Nicaragua Solidarity Campaign and are involved in collecting information, and organising films and meetings concerning events in El Salvador, Honduras Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Currently the group is based at the University but when we formed in November 1984, the idea was for an all-Reading group rather than merely a student one. One of our tasks over the next 2 months is to promote the aims of the national Central American Solidarity Groups among local trades union branches, and to urge them to affiliate in time for the Trades Union Conference on Nicaragua, which is in Sheffield on Nov. 23rd. Please get in touch if you are interested in this or in joining the group. For further information contact Ben (65285, evenings 5-8) or Stuart (662501). - - - GOING OUT Monday 28th October: Bull at Nettlebed - folk with Fred Wedlock, 8pm, free. The Albion, Oxford Rd - Pete James Original Jubilee Jazz Band, free. If the police don't try & close all the pubs early again, that is. Silks, Bath Road, Thatcham - rock night; tickets from Listen Records. Hexagon - wrestling, 7.30pm. Thatchers, Fairwater Drive, Woodley - Thatcherite soul & funk in neo-monetarist plasticke inne. 8-11, free... price is right. Students Union, University - jazz of some form, 9ish, free. Slough library - talk on Afro-Caribbean history, 7.30pm, free. One of many events within Slough Afro-Caribbean an Asian Arts Festival. SHP - cinema - "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (PG) 2pm & 7.45, £2:50. Paradise - Anti Apartheid meeting, 8pm (not sure of time). Tuesday 29th October: Tudor Arms, Greyfriars Rd - so called "gay" disco at 8pm, free. Some gay people boycott the pub because of a scumbag landlord who condones sexist beermats & because of its anti-woman clientele. Others have been banned for criticising the beermats / the landlord / the pub. Orchard Youth & Community Centre, Slough - Temba Theatre Company presents "Chamelion" at 8pm - fast talking West Indian determined to get to the top, no matter what the cots. Hex - Russ Abbott, scumbag. Out of Town Club ,Bath Rd., Padworth - live music. Univ. campus concert, Palmer Building, 1.10pm - music of the renaissance & 20th century; 25p. SHP - "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (PG) 2pm & 7.45pm again. SHP jazz - Lennre Best Quartet, 8pm, £3:50. Paradise - Royal Monkeys (gothic) & Teenagers from Outer Space (fine upstanding young 'uns who play trash tinged rockabilly / blues) & The Sugar Casters (??) 8-2am £2 / concessions. Wednesday 30th October Reading Film Theatre, Palmer Building, Whiteknights - "Dance with a Stranger" (15) 8pm. Ruth Ellis, nightclub hostess, murders her lover & becomes the last woman in Britain to hang. Strongly reflects 1950s seediness and sexual hypocrisy. Sloppy Joe's, Station Hill - gay Halloween celebration, 9pm - 2am, £1:50 with Gay Switchboard membership card. More details from Acorn Books (584425) or switchboard 597269. Hex - free cello & piano recital, 1.10pm. Hex - Lenny Henry & The Mint Juleps (acapela women) 8pm. SHP - "Raiders of the Lost Ark" Harrison Ford beats all of the non WASP opposition in fine style... Paradise - punk night: Romany Dogs & Bad Influence; 8-2; £2? Thursday 31st October RFT - as last night: UB40s note you can get in cheap Thursday / Friday. Blue Gate, Greenham Common - party; bring food, drink, music, women only. Bracknell College - Michael Drake (guitar), 12.45, free. Stag & Hounds, Pinkeys Green, Maidenhead - folk club: singers night tonight (if they're not all elsewhere), 8pm. Angies, Milton Rd, Wokingham - The Cool Notes, 8pm. £4. Slick soul / funk. Tel: 0753 38669 for details. Wokingham Literary Society - "Raymond Chandler" 7.30 in the library (of course?) Orchard Youth & Community Centre, Slough - 8pm: cookery evening, Afro-Caribbean & Asian style. Excuritating country "music" in the Sportsman (Shinfield) & Crass Keys (Butts). Boar's Head, Friar Street, live band. Also Goose Green display, video jukebox, Terry & his mates and Tracey in tow. An experience. SHP - Undercover Club - live band, 50p UB40 / £1:50, 8-12. Univ. London Rd (Great Hall) - British & American 20th century music, 7.30, £3 / £1:50. Details: 860293. Univ. Students Union - more of that jazz, 9ish, free to all comers. Hex - Pamela Stevenson "naughty nite nurse without panties down under number 2" it says. And the head gobshite Roger Edwards says that he's surprised people prefer going to DIY warehouses... "Strictly adults only" and they're welcome to it. SHP - Harrison Ford still doing his stuff. Wolang - some kind of Convoy benefit? See Green Anarchist in Acorn. Paradise - Reading Reggae Sound Lion Roots & guests, 8-2. Friday 1st November: Reading Centre for Jobfree & Carefree, East St - Uncle Brian's purge party - Brian Revell, TGWU & Centre Management Committee invites you to let your hair down ith him & the comrades at this select hootnanny. Tudor Arms - "gay disco", 8pm: exactly the same as the one on Tues 29th, so that that entry, OK? Cap & Gown, Kings Road - live music, 8pm, free. No details yet but worth dropping by. SHP - Friday Live in ye Cellar Bar with Jive Alive: popular mixture of Cajun, delta blues, r'n'b, rock and roll, swing etc. 10-2, £3. Hex - The Fureys and Dave Arthur. Who? SHP - Music at the Park - SHP music classes people perform at 8. SHP - Raiders of the Loss Dark. Again. Popular innit? Paradise - David Rodigan Roadshow (Capital Radio reggae DJ of sorts) no doubt £4 or £5 to get in... Root of the Matter, London St (squeeze), Winderness (who) for 50p. 8ish. Saturday 2nd November Reading Centre for Unwaged, East St. - Women's Review, 8pm. Lots of song, mime, theatre, dance & more. Details: Karen / Tami 596639 or Penny 662646. Univ - John Peel & Diatribe (furious) & Lost Weekend (songs of drinking and death, country style) £2:25, til 12 midnight. Tickets: Listen / Music Mkt. SHP - cinema as for the whole of the past bloody week. SHP folk in t'Cellar Bar - 8pm, £1:80: details from Br. 484123. Orchard Youth & Community Centre, Slough - drama & dance evening with United Caribbean Club & Shades of Black Dancers. 8pm. Bonfire & fireworks in Lower Earley. Oh goodie. Procession leaves Silverdale Rd. shopping centre at 6.30, inferno at 7, Laurel Park pavillion. Tel 64828 (not the pavillion...). From the people who brought you videoed horse races at Earley Carnival... More combustibles at Wellington Country Park. Why not DIY and make your own pyromaniac statement? Hex - Phil Cool. Alleged comedian. 8pm. Hex - Lenny the Lion, 1pm & 3pm. Some day all animals will be like this... Kings Meadow - organised fireworks 7.30pm. Univ. Lounge Bar - DIY disco & band playing as background music - anyone interested in the latter phone Ents office 860222. Park - all dayer with Soul Train & London and Reading sounds. From 2pm - 2am. St. Davids Hall, London Rd. - Insect Matinee (Stoages / Stones soundalikes). 8pm. Sunday 3rd November Root of the Matter veggie restaurant, London St - The Larkins (pop) play 12-3, free. Turks Head - London Rd., some gay people meet here lunchtime. The Butler, Chatham St. - Clem Adelman's modern jazz serenades the Fuller addicts. 8pm & free, unlike the beer. Readifolk - Caversham Bridge Hotel at 8.15, free. But no-one seems to have the foggiest idea what's on. SHP cinema - Raiders of the Lost Ark. Again!!! But is it the last time. 2pm & 7.45pm. Model railway rides at Prospect Park. Quick before they concrete it over. 2pm - 5pm, details 883063. Monday 4th November: The Bull, Nettlebed - Singers' night. 8pm & free. Paradise - Labour Party bunfight to raise the red flag. Or something. A Nation Mourns (beautiful, dark & with a new keyboard virtuoso) & Some Like It Hot 8-2am. £2 / £1 UB40. Is it true the last one only made anything at all because of the large Anarchist presence? I think we should be told... The Albion, Oxford Rd - Pete James jazz: 8pm, free; & free form. Univ. Students Union - jazz at 9 and probably not very free form at all. Silks and Thatchers as last Monday. Kennet Room, Civic Offices - Ratepayers Assoc AGM 7pm free. SHP "Stranger Than Paradise" (15) 7.45pm £2:50. "Wideboy Willie" & his cousin Eva (from Budapest - with me so far?) together at various location in the USA. Supposedly sharp & funny. Tuesday 5th November: Anarchist bonfire do, no doubt about it. Location - try asking Acorn box 19, 'cos I'm not sure myself. Oh yeah. On "the Coal" (where Doris' was). SHP - Bracknell Flower Arrangement Society, 7.30, £2:50. Ideas for Crimble... SHP - "Stranger Than Paradise" (15) as last night. Tudor Arms, Greyfriars Rd - gay disco. Please read my remarks of last Tuesday. Out of Town Club, Padworth - live music. [Well, it looks like you might as well set fire to yourself tonight, unless you join los Anarchistos.] SHP - Paz - latin jazz 8pm £3:20 Paradise - Royal Monkees & guests, I know not who... 8-2, £2ish. Wednesday 6th November: Univ. - Captain Sensible. "Rags" bonfire hop so there will be lots of drunken louts in the place. 8-1am at a guess. RFT - "The Shooting Party" (15) - the gentry gather at the owner's house on the eve of the first World War to enjoy sports of various sorts, including massacring little birds (bit like Flanders). Well-drawn portrait of an age of illusion. 8pm. UB40s get discount tomorrow. SHP cinema - "Stranger Than Paradise" 7.45 again. Coronation Hall, Woodley - talk on how to improve wine, 8pm, but it costs £3 to join the group putting it on. Town Hall - lunchtime organ recital 1.10pm, free. Paradise - Lion Roots sound basically - £1 to get in & Thatcher tight security (it says on the leaflet). 8-2am. Thursday 7th November: Red Rag editorial - phone co-ordinator for details. Bracknell College - soprano & flute: 12.45 free. RFT - "The Shooting Party" (15) 8pm. UB40 cheap night. SHP - Undercover Club, Cellar Bar: local bands - £1:50, 50p UB40, from 8-12. Students Union, Univ - jazz, 9ish, free. SHP - RSPB lecture on "Bird Art & Illustration" 8pm £2. SHP - video about The Ark, the unique drama workshop for mentally handicapped people, based at SHP. 7.45, free. Arthur Legge Centre - 1-4pm, video course with the Real Time Collective starts. DIY entertainment. Phone 595605. Boars Head, Sportsman, Cross Keys - music to develop booze problems to. Paradise - Mastermind roadshow (London soul show) & Lion Roots reggae sound too. 8-2, £3, 'nuff niceness. Friday 8th November: Orchard School Hall, Stoke Rd, Slough - Afro Caribbean & asian dance, 7.30pm. SHP Friday Live in the Cellar Bar - "Ruthless Blues" - Chicago blues with Johnny Mars on vox & harp. 10-2 £3 food on sale. RFT "La Vie est un Roman" (Life is a Bed of Roses) "a deft and delightful comic fantasy" in which all these people in a chateau trying to think Utopia into happy existence get what they deserve. Sounds good! 8pm. UB40 cheap night. Tudor Arms - another reputed "gay" disco. See 29th October. Macrobiotic meal & meeting, 7pm, 100 Northumberland Avenue. Phone Wendy 860813 in advance. Cap & Gown, King's Road - live music, free, 8ish. Worth checking. The Lamb, Eversley - folk club, 8ish & free. SHP - "The Killing Fields" (15) 7.45 £2:50. Yeah, that one. SHP - The Paegan Piano Quartet, 8pm, £3:30. Mozart, Reed, Brahms. Women's Centre, Abbey St. - Reclaim the Night March 8.30pm plus party / social afterwards: bring food, music & instruments please. Hmm, seems more worthwhile than some Friday night options. Paradise - reggae sound system, no-one knows which one. Saturday 9th November: Red Rag production day. Angies, Milton Rd, Wokingham - Larry Miller band. Hex - Arthur Hendrie Quartet - mad jazz, free, 12.15pm, Hex - stamp fair 10-5 free. Thatcham Memorial Hall - British & American folk dance day. Tel. Hermitage 200279. SHP - folk, £1:80, 8pm in ye Cellar Bar. You have to phone Bring 484123 for details, unfortunately. SHP - "The Killing Fields" (15) 7.45 & 10.30pm. Orchard School Hall, Slough - Asian artists group present a drama workshop at 2.30pm. For those interested in acting, writing, etc. Univ. Students Union - DIY disco /local band background music. Free. Sunday 10th November: Red Rag folding & collating in Acorn. All help very welcome. "The Root of the Matter" veggie nosh parlour - Captain Swing (various folk musics & others) 12-3 free whilst you digest. The Butler, Chatham St - modern jazz, Clem Adelman, 8ish, free. Readifolk, Caversham Bridge Hotel - 8.15 free. But what's on? Turks Head, London Rd. - quiet lunchtime drinking place for some gay people. SHP - "The Killing Fields" (15) etc again. Univ Music Dept., 35 Upper Redland Rd, 3pm - The Sylvan Players, tel 860905. Hex - Wilderness & support, 8pm. Whoever they are... Monday 11th November: The Bull, Nettlebed: Tony Wilson (folk) 8ish, free. Usual music at the Albion, Thatchers, Silks, Union @ Univ, etc. Coming Soon: Tuesday 12th: Red Rag benefit at the Paradise Club, 112 London St: with John Delahunty's Devil & The Beat Band (soul / funk) and Funktion at the Junktion (equally funky and danceable) plus disco. 8-2am. £2 / £1 UB40. Should be a good evening out. 15-17 November - video festival at South Hill Park Tel 484123 for details. 16th University - Prefab Sprout. Tickets from Listen & Music Market. You don't need a Union card. 19th University again - Marc Almond. Tickets as above. 15/16/18 - more events in Slough's Afro Caribbean and Asian cultural festival. Sat 16 - the Sunshine Glee Club present an all dayer (12noon - 2am) at the Paradise: Magic Mushroom Banc, Charcis, Escapists, Webcore, Another Green World, the Gatherings & Earth Love. Key: Paradise Club, 112 London Street: tel. 576847. Hex - Hexagon theatre, Civic Centre, tel 591591. SHP - South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell, tel Br 484123. For details for the Slough Cultural Festival please phone: Claude Brooks - Slough 20717 Inder Poonaji - Slough 38515. RFT - Reading Film Theatre, shows recent stuff & some older ones in the Palmer Building at the University. OOTC - Out of Town Club, Bath Rd, Padworth: tel 713282. Theatre list (see main guide for Asian / Afro Caribbean festival productions): The Gingerbread Lady - The Mill at Sonning (Neil Simon) 29.10 - 30.11 tel 698000. Bonaventure - Wokingham Theatre, Norreys Avenue (still?) 1.11 - 9.11, at 7.45, box office 785363. Home for Heroes - Bulmershe College, 28/29 Oct, 7.30, phone 663387 Hour Glass - " " 4/5 Nov " " " (feminist production) Scarlatti's Birthday Party - " " 31st Oct " " " (by the Natural Theatre Company, described by the Rag's style correspondent as "absolutely wonderful") The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - South Hill Park, CS Lewis / Red Roofs Theatre Co. 31.10 - 3.11, 2.30 & 7.30pm, box office Bracknell 484123. The Coronation of Poppaea - South Hill Park opera group, 7.30, 8.11.85. Book Week at SHP: various productions including Wed 6 Nov, 7.30 - Virgina Woolf - the Flight of Mind (biography) Thurs 7 Nov, 7.30 - Trader Faulkner in a one person show as Lorca - flamenco, prose, song & poetry: gypsies & bullfights Sun 10 Nov, 7.30 - Jack Rlaff as Kafka - fresh from the Edinburgh fringe, based on Metamorphosis. (All tickers £2:50, box office Bracknell 484123) The Accrington Pals - Progress Theatre, The Mount, Christchurch Road, 7.11 - 16.11, at 7.45, box office 477594. The Real Inspector Hound - Univ. Faculty of Letters (done by Univ Drama Soc) 28.10 - 2.11, 7.30 kickoff. Please: send me information! The publicity is free and it's read by people who go out in Reading! My phone number is 868488. Lots of love, Mark - - - (paid ad) WILD THYME Wholefoods co-operative ring: 665447 We'll cater for almost anything Delicious vegetarian and vegan meals and snacks Food for functions at functional prices Gigs, dos, socials, benefits, conferences, garden parties - - - LETTERS Urban Aid Under Threat Many local community projects are under threat because the Government is withdrawing funding from Urban Aid Programmes in Berkshire as they come to the end of their limits. Over the next few years, those affected here in Reading include such projects as the Apollo Youth Club, ReadiBus, East Reading Adventure Playground, Women's Aid, Action Van and the Language Project. Recently a campaign has been started aimed at not only saving the existing projects and the many jobs attached to them, but securing the future of many more community projects which require adequate funding if they are to serve their communities as they would wish. At a National level, there has been press coverage and the support and backing of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations. Locally the campaign aided by a co-ordinating group has been lobbying local M.P.s, the press, local radio and the political parties to get them to take the issue up and guarantee finance for voluntary projects. Anyone who is affected by the threatened loss of an urban aid funded local project, or who is generally concerned over this issue can get involved in the Campaign through myself (Brenda Clay) on Reading 54123, their local project itself, or can contact their local M.P. or Councillor and ask what he or she is doing to support our aims. Many thanks, Brenda Clay Voluntary Work Development Officer Reading Between the Crossed Lines Dear friends, We are delighted to see that once again you have given us a mention in your list of helpful agencies - thankyou. However (and there always is a however isn't there) and sadly - when you repeat our telephone number under Emergency on p75 you have got it wrong. If you should need to reprint or anyway when you do a new edition please don't copy from that back page. Thanks. Love and peace, The Samaritans Stop! Business as Usual Dear Red Rag, On the 30th April an international protest took place around the world to protest at the arms race, big business and companies involved in militarism, oppression, animal suffering, sexism, racism etc. This was the first attempt at an international, do-it-anywhere, Stop the City type demo and here and there were many actions in Nottingham, Luton, Newcastle, Ashford, Bristol, Norwich, Reading and elsewhere. Since the capitalist press ignored most of it as a "Stop Business as Usual" day of action is now being planned for Nov. 5th. The idea is for the protest to remain non-party and anti-authoritarian... It's up to you, go wherever you want and take part in protest action, both symbolic and direct. Leaflets, graffiti, die-ins (!), occupations. Let's start taking back our world together we can't be ignored. Thames Valley Uncontrollables Box 19 17 Chatham Street Reading Thoughts on Paradise Dear Rag & readers, I don't know how many of you feel (obviously!) but don't you think that Reading's premier club could be such other than by default? Let's face it, it's grotty. Of what do I speak? Why, 112 London Street, my fellow hedonists, that excuse for a church hall with licenced refreshments, the Paradise Club. So many of us go, either through moral dilema for your fave benefit, or because... "Wow, my favourite ex-punk beat-soul-combo are playing on Friday / Tuesday night. Wait 'til I tell the gang..." and then you remember the venue itself. It's enough to put you right off. (I shall refrain from description as I don't wish to make this too much of an attack on the manager.) Does being a "joint", to use a 50s expression, somehow enhance its credibility for promoters, or, as is the real case, is it the only option in Reading due to its bar facility? This letter has been prompted by my latest visit, to see the Folk Devils and others at the new Vessel Club on Tuesday nights. A laudable effort from the promoters but it was dismally empty for such a well-known indie band. Could it be that Friday and Tuesday nights are too much for most to stomach at such an inauspicious venue? For the sake of future benefit gigs, which are basically about raising funds, could the place not be spruced up more than a little? Don't gig-goers deserve a better deal for their pound a pint? Matt. - - - ENVIRONMENTAL TIME BOMBS INC. 1. In the swirl and mass of Reading's office blocks and congested road systems, Prospect Park is a very important place for leisure in pleasant surroundings. When Reading Corporation bought the park it was for the purpose of public walks, and pleasure grounds for the benefit of weary workers, who needed communion with nature in an open space nearer than Palmer Park. Now the park is enjoyed by people of all ages, weary or not. But so far the Tory-controllled Reading Borough Council has pushed ahead with its scheme for the Mansion House in Prospect park, in spite of intense opposition from Labour and also Liberal councillors. The Tory group see the ailing condition of the Mansion House only as a visual spectacle to admire by allowing it to be used for commercial development. The Borough Council has been irresponsible in allowing the Mansion house to fall into disrepair over the last twenty years. Whatever the historical or architectural merits of the House, (if any), the overriding factor in considering changes for the Park should be in retaining it as an open, green space. The Tories continue to be "expedient", bargaining with the self interest of property developers. It is all so typical of the scheme, packaged so neatly, to include a leisure facility, tagged on to soothe and parry public disquiet and make it acceptable. Appallingly, the Council has shown contempt for public opinion, especially that of local residents. Let the rag know what you think about plans for the Mansion House - what is to be done with it and why you think the Park deserves more consideration. Anyone interested in a squat? Alan. 2. (Reflections on listening to the bastards bray about their plans for Caversham Rd. and its community) The Berkshire County Council, following hard on the completion of the Inner Distribution Road, has issued a new report from the County Surveyor Department, called the Reading Highway Strategy, which proposes to construct a new Cross Town Route: involving the widening of Caversham Rd, between the Caversham Bridge and Vastern Rd. to four lanes. This move is being totally opposed by the Thames Residents and Business Association, who claim the area will suffer serious environmental damage, planning blight, and a loss of parking space along this stretch of the road as well as a significant increase in traffic. The County Surveyor, when questioned at a public meeting at the school in Swansea St. as to why it had to be Caversham Road, said it would be a social benefit from which everyone would gain. He didn't mention that the house prices in the area would slump, local shops and cafes will close and before trying to cross the new road it would be wise to sign a death pact. When someone shouted that the community would be cut in half and why us, The Labour Party representatives who organised the meeting and who support the proposals said, "why anything?", and sank back into private power fantasies, while a smooth customer from the County Surveyor Department turned on a hypnotic drone about getting Reading ready for the 21st century. In the next 15 years meanwhile, this section of the Caversham Road will turn from a vibrant community into a line of wreckage. The reason the Cross Town Route is coming through Caversham Road is that it's a "poor area" and compensation to the poor costs less, whilst the rich suburbs enjoy all the benefits. Quite simply the Caversham community is being railroaded by all the forces in the service of the bourgeioisie. I mean, one can hardly expect the local labour councillors to throw themselves in front of the bulldozers, because this isn't Prague 1968, and such well-respected people cannot afford to be seen to be identifying with the lumpenproletariat of the Caversham Road. This particular "stoop down low" party, whilst paying lip service to local autonomy, openly support the forced submission of the community to Capital and the market economy, to whom the physical environment is only profit. Naturally, they ameliorate the call for the community to sacrifice itself to the profit motive, by supporting a cheap and increased local bus service, as does the County Surveyor Dept. while the current policy is to confine the cutbacks - an interesting contradiction. The only way the Caversham Road community can protect itself is open sabotage - naturally the urban reformers of the Labour Party would totally disassociate themselves from such actions - because behind renditions of the Red Flag and the veil of "good intentions" is an inherent anti-community bias in which the party interests come first in their apparently damning indictments of urban development. The Caversham Road community is being dispossessed, while the traditional vanguards of the proletariat and its communities have shown whose interests they really serve - the marvellous ideology of Capital. Box 2001. 3. The County Council has now released a summary of the public response to the plans for a Cross-Town Route (C.T.R.) and Third Thames Bridge. They say that a majority of the public support the two schemes; due, critics would argue, to not having been offered any alternatives except a continuation of the present traffic congestion. The C.T.R. has since been adopted as County Council policy, but the Third Bridge has run into opposition from Oxfordshire County Council. The main issues covered were: Cross Town Route: one quarter of the public opposed the scheme, one quarter supported it, but with reservations about environmental impact, and one quarter gave full support. Community associations on or near the route (Newtown, Caversham Road) opposed it, others further away supported it. The Chamber of Commerce supported it, the Civic Society, Cycle Campaign, Ecology Party and Transport 2000 were opposed. Most of the opponents called for an alternative transport strategy instead. Controversy looks likely over the first section from Sutton's Roundabout across the Railway. The public overwhelmingly prefer a bridge under the railway which could be landscaped to minimise environmental damage. But Speyhawk Ltd, developers of the proposed Earley Power Station site have offered to fund this section of the C.T.R. if and only if the environmentally disastrous overbridge, which would have an earlier completion date is chosen. The Council has yet to commit itself on this thorny issue. Caversham Road is part of the proposed route, and forecasts show a horrific 3600 vehicles per peak hour along the four lanes, with crossings at the ends of the roads only. No wonder the residents are up in arms about it. Cyclists will fare a little better, with two new cycle routes proposed, a concession which owes a lot to the energies of Reading Cycle Campaign. There are of course no solutions to the damage which will be done to Kennetmouth, King's Meadow and the Coal. The Third Thames Bridge: A similar public response was received but with 21% opposed and 79% supporting the bridge. The western location had little support so the Council has plumped for a bridge to the East. Objectors were not slow to point out that most of Reading will see no benefits from a Third Bridge: projections show that traffic levels on the London Road will actually increase! The only benefits are to Sonning, but even here alternative solutions are possible, such as a toll on non-residents using Sonning Bridge. The real obstacle, however, is the fact that Oxfordshire County Council, on whose land part of the bridge would be sited oppose the scheme. Oxfordshire believe that the need for a bridge has not been proven, and that the bridge would lead to more development pressures and more road-building. So how does Berks. County Council intend to respond to this opposition? They have already asked the Boundaries Commission to allow them a slice of Oxfordshire, which includes the route of the proposed Third Bridge. If the claim is successful, then they will simply go ahead with the scheme and ignore Oxfordshire altogether! Park and Ride Proposals: One result of the opposition to the road-building plans is to persuade the Council to look more closely at alternatives based on public transport and cycling. A discussion paper on Park-and-Ride schemes recently passed the Environment Committee to go forward for further research. The document recognised the need for some hard decisions on town-centre parking and bus priority measures if the scheme is to succeed. The report shows that Park-and-Ride can be made to work; Oxford's scheme, now a decade old, carries 1000 commuters per day and requires no subsidy. A number of pressure groups have worked hard to put this issue on the local political agenda. With continued work the effort may yet pay off. Don Pedro - - - BEAT AND THE DEVIL Funktion at the Junktion Funk & reggae dance nights Red Rag Benefit Tuesday 12 Nov. Paradise Club 112 London St, Reading... 8pm - 2am £1 unwaged £2 waged - - - CONFUSING DEFUSING Did you know that the Thames Valley Police closed pubs half an hour early on Saturday night to defuse the "threat" of an incident occurring? Anyone would think they wanted to start a riot! Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells - - - CASSETTE SERVICE This issue of Red Rag will be available on cassette for people with sight problems. Contact Guy on 669562. Interest in this from readers has been growing and it would be great to keep it going. Anyone who can spare their voice for half-an-hour a fortnight to help record the tape would be welcomed with open arms, also anyone with recording facilities, enthusiasm, bright ideas and enough staying power to act as regular co-ordinator. If you can offer any of the above please ring Guy 669562. - - - CALLING RED FUNKSTERS Get your music on the dance collection of '86. The Rag is putting together another collection of local music for Christmas. For this tape the accent will be heavily on dance music. So if your music moves, leave your details/tapes with Acorn or ring John on 62733. (All tapes will be returned - Honest). Everything must be sorted out by Nov. 25th so we can be good and ready for the Christmas rush. The Ideal, Logical Christmas present. Put on your Red Shoes and dance. John Del. - - - RED RAG / COLLECTIVE MINUTES Printing - more printers needed. If you want to learn, it requires quite a long-term commitment and interest, then contact the Rag. Events - a new Events person is wanted. If interested contact the Rag. Next collective - on Sunday December 1st at Flat 6. 1l7 Kendrick Road, Reading. Starts at 6pm, all welcome. Thanks to Jackie for the tea. The Collective meets every 6 weeks or so. The last one was on 20th October; minutes are available from Box 79 at Acorn Bookshop but briefly and most importantly:- co-ordinators are finding the job a bit wearing - especially the responsibility for getting people to fold, collate distribute on Sundays. So from this issue there will a separate Sunday co-ordinator, to deal with these things. If you want to help on Sundays contact the Rag Box 79 or the co-ordinator of that issue. your friends and elevate thrift shopping to new of political consciousness with new "Radical Chic" Red Rag postcards... the same exclusive design by Timandra featured on the cover a while back... l5p each from Acorn, and the price is definitely right. - - - RED RAG POSTCARDS Radical Chic For All 15p from Acorn Bookshop - - - COLLECTING TINS Acorn, 17 Chatham Street Elephant Off-Licence, Derby Street Harvest Wholefoods, Harris Arcade, Friar St. Rag Doll, London Street Pop Records, 172 Kings Road Eurofoods, Crown Colonnade, Cemetery Junction OUTLETS You can pick up your next Rag from any of the following: Acorn Bookshop, under Chatham St car park Central Club, London St Centre for the Unemployed, East St Continental Stores, Cemetery Junction Elephant Groceries & Off-license, Derby St Eurofoods, Crown Colonade, Cemetery Junction Fairview Community Centre, George St Fine Food Stores, 168 Oxford Rd Harrison's Newsagent, Caversham Rd Harvest Wholefoods, Harris Arcade, Friar St Jelly's Stores, Whitley St Kan's Kitchen, London Rd Ken's Shop, SU Whiteknights Ling's Chinese Fish Bar, Wokingham Rd Listen Records, Butts Centre Mo's Place, London St Music Market, Union St Number Sixty, Christchurch Green Pop Records, 172 King's Rd Rag Doll, London St Reading Wholefoods, London Rd Sanco Newsagents, Caversham Rd Sugar Bowl, Wokingham Rd Sutherlands, Erleigh Rd Tech College, King's Rd UB Cycles, London St - - - $Id: //info.ravenbrook.com/user/ndl/readings-only-newspaper/issue/1985/1985-10-27.txt#3 $