Hi Everyone

Scientists are warning us that unless our industrial and agricultural practices change, the world's insect population could collapse entirely within the next century.  Well I for one won't shed any tears if they do.  I got stung by a wasp while playing in the garden as a child, so as far as I'm concerned they started this fight, let 'em have it!

And in other news, there's a busy weekend here at the Rising Sun to be telling you about.

First off, you might already be aware that due to the current health situation, we've made the tough decision to postpone this Saturday's BOOKFACE BOOKCLUB and YELLOW TEAPOT CAFE. Hopefully, we'll be able to reschedule soon.

All other events are still running right now.  Friday sees another BIG UNTIDY NIGHT OUT

The Big Untidy Night Out specialises in bringing new unusual talent into the Rising Sun.  Singers, songwriters, poets, punk outfits, ambient experimentalists, sensational cellists and demonic banjo-players, the possibilities are endless.

The March Big Untidy has a distinct 'boho' feel with passionate performance poet RICHARD EARLS returning to the Big Untidy alongside skilled singer/songwriter JAMIE LARBALESTIER. (Try getting that one through predictive text!). We are also thrilled to welcome back the 'modern skiffle' of DR SLIDESHOW

We're open at 7.30pm and it'll cost you £5 on the door to get in

Saturday sees CLUB VELOCITY'S 17TH BIRTHDAY PARTY!

The older Club Velocity gets.  It is increasingly about the talent of whatever type of music.

BEN MARWOOD
His first gig for 18 months and a total legend round these parts.  Xtra Mile signed artist-home to the likes of Frank Turner/Beans On Toast/Will Varley
As we say and many others - he is GOD.

DAMIEN A PASSMORE
Lead singer of the might Damien A Passmore and the Lovable Fraudsters.Very much a crucial part of Rising Sun. This weekend brings one of his solo outings. The tallest-funniest cowpunk around

JAY NEWTON
One time member of two Club Velocity legendary bands-that being Heartwear Process and Quiet Quiet Band.  Solo he is a must-see, must-listen experience.

We're open at 8pm, and I've just been informed we are SOLD OUT!  (So please don't turn up if you don't have a ticket)

Finally, on Sunday, we welcome back TANGO SELECT!

Tango Select play classic and very dance-able tangos. Lovely music including milongas and vals as well as tangos. Spend a pleasant afternoon dancing at a friendly and sociable event. Or if you don't dance come and listen to an afternoon of exhilarating world music.

We're open from 3pm to 6pm, and it'll cost you £8 at the door (Non-dancers £5).

That’s everything for another week, just to remind you that we are, as always, at 30 Silver Street, Reading, RG1 2ST (If you pop it into your satnav or Google, we shall magically appear!)

This week's little update is the last from me for a few months.  For a multitude of reasons that I won't bore you with, I'm taking a break from all things voluntary and all things Rising Sun for a few months.  

Before you start mourning and listening to a repeated loop of Leonard Cohen, I hope to be back sometime in September and to paraphrase William Hartnell at the end of the Dalek Invasion of Earth (I also intend to get out a bit more), I shall return.  Until then, there must be no regrets, no tears, no anxieties. Just go forward in all your beliefs and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine. :)