Railway stations and high streets in Berkshire have been equipped with life-saving shock machines to administer help to heart attack victims.

One in five heart attacks occur in public places, so Berkshire Ambulance Trust is training up volunteers to use defillabrator machines.

Trust spokesman Richard Davies said: “This is a great opportunity, and we are keen to train and support members of the public who volunteer to join their local scheme and make a real difference to anyone in their local community who collapses with a life-threatening condition."

Tsunami night

The Corn Exchange held a special Tsunami fundraising concert yesterday evening (Sunday). Watership Brass Band and Basingstoke Male Voice Choir were both appearing to support the Mayor of Newbury’s appeal.

Opera for the masses

Acclaimed opera show ‘La Traviata’ will be performed at Newbury Racecourse this summer to mark the 100th anniversary of the top class track.

Opera Box is laying on the open-air performance on June 4, and tickets have been subsidized by Greenham Common Trust to just £5 for adults and £2 for concessions. Opera Box specializes in putting on shows where there is no operatic scene.

Robin Parker of Newbury Racecourse said: “I am certain that this will be the first time in our 100-year history that a professional opera has been performed at the racecourse.

“It will be a great opportunity for visitors to experience a major musical event in a spectacular setting. We expect that whole families will attend, food and drink will be available, allowing everyone to enjoy an informal and relaxed evening.”