MEN’S SHED PLAN FOR WHITLEY

Men’s shed plan for Whitley, thanks to covid fund grant

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@rdg.today

A WHITLEY charity that champions the people who live there is the latest recipient of a covid-relief grant from a Reading-based foundation.

Last week, members from the John Sykes Foundation visited the team at Whitley Community Development Centre to present a cheque for £1,000.

The money will help launch a new Men’s Shed, to enable people to exchange and gain skills, share life experiences and advice.

WCDA launched in 2013, working with local people for local people using Community Development principles. 2020 saw the Association developing further partnerships across all sectors and moving forward with plans for new activities. The community cafe and the groups and activities based there were thriving until lockdown hit.

Imke Wilson, vice chair of trustees for the charity, said: “The cafe closed along with all projects except for the Food Surplus project which increased in size providing food parcels to those in need across the Whitley community during the first lockdown.

“Later, this developed into a popup shop for people to collect food and personal care items.

“This meant we came to know many of the most hard to reach and vulnerable members in our community.

“The work we have done from our base at the Community Cafe during this challenging time has further reinforced our title ‘the beating heart of Whitley’.”

John Sykes, founder and chair of trustees of the John Sykes Foundation, visited the Northumberland Road-based centre to present the cheque to Liz Grugeon, chairman and Trisha Bennett, community GRANT SUCCESS: Cllr Micky Leng; John Sykes, Founder and Chair of Trustees, John Sykes Foundation; Trisha Bennett, Community Development Coordinator; Liz Grugeon, Chairman Whitley Community Development Association; and Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles

development coordinator.

He was joined by Cllr Micky Leng and Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles, both Whitley ward councillors.

Ms Wilson can’t wait to launch the Men’s Shed.

“Being able to have a safe space to meet will enable participants to improve their mental and physical health, confidence and self-esteem as well as make new friendships and memories,” she said.

“The men are hoping to be able to repair household items and tools and refurbish things to be able to sell to make the group financially independent over time.”

And the work of the WCDA will continue throughout the year, building on what they have learnt from the pandemic.

“Having worked with the most vulnerable isolated members of the community we have identified a number of groups we will support,” Ms Wilson said.

“One group are socially isolated men, many of older years but also some younger men who have little support within the community.

“They attended the Food Surplus daily and it has become apparent it is for social interaction and friendship rather than food.

“Many have taken advantage of our supply of donated clothing and many suffer from mental and physical health issues, poor literacy and inadequate or unstable housing situations.

“Over time they have grown to know each other and look out for one another, alerting staff and volunteers if someone hasn’t been seen for a few days.”

She continued: “Through working on this project the men will have improved mental and physical health, feel more linked in with their community. Sharing skills they will gain confidence in themselves, their abilities and being able to share skills and experience with others.

“Members of the group of working age will gain skills to help them gain employment. Items refurbished or made by the group could be sold to ensure the future viability of the group.”

Mr Sykes was thrilled that, once again, the foundation could help the community.

He said: “With the ongoing impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and increase in food and fuel bills we know that many people will be really struggling and experiencing financial hardship.

“We are very thankful to be able to support the Men’s Shed and are delighted to see brilliant groups and organisations like the Whitley Community Development Association using the grant to reach out and change the lives of the people in their community for the better.

“We’re looking forward to seeing it up and running.” n The foundation welcomes applications for covid grants from charities and organisations within the Reading area. For more details, visit: www.johnsykesfoundation.org

Teen seriously injured in collision

A TEENAGER is in hospital with serious injuries following a collision at Cemetery Junction.

The incident took place on London Road, near to the Hope & Bear pub, around 3.50pm on Friday, February 4.

The driver of the car involved, a blue Fiat Punto, was not injured.

The 15-year-old was taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital for treatment, where he remains.

Now, Thames Valley Police is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Investigating officer, PC Ben Taylor, from the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “I am appealing for any witnesses to this incident to please come forward.

“This is a busy road and I believe there were lots of people in the area at the time.

“Additionally, I would ask any motorists who were in the local area around the time of this incident to please check any dash-cam footage in case it may have captured something that could assist the investigation.”

He added: “Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 or making a report online, quoting reference 43220053234.”

APPEAL: Thames Valley Police are seeking witnesses to a collision at Cemetery Junction on Friday Picture: Phil Creighton

Second Rowe Court fire victim identified

THE formal identification of a second person who died in a fire at flats in Rowe Court has taken place.

Thames Valley Police said on Thursday, February 3, that on Monday, January 31, two bodies were recovered from the remains of the building.

On Tuesday, last week, the first was identified as 45-year-old Neil Morris. And on Thursday, they said that the second body was that of 46-year-old Richard Burgess.

His family is being supported by specially trained officers.

In a tribute, they said: “Richard was a muchloved son, stepson and brother. He was a caring and thoughtful person, kind and not judgmental.

“He would often give money to homeless people, begging on the street. He was prepared to go without himself, even though he had very little money to spare.”

They continued: “He enjoyed simple pleasures – a pint or two in the local with his friends, a game on the PlayStation with his brother, a ride out into the countryside on his bike.

“In fact, he was very interested in the environment and the natural world, exploring much of the South Chilterns, the New Forest and the Isle of Purbeck on his bike.

“He always took time to enjoy the landscape and countryside he was passing through. He relished being outdoors, which was reflected in his work as a gardener over the years.”

The family added: “Richard just wanted to live in peace and quiet, getting on with his life undisturbed.

“Tragically, he was denied this in a cruel and horrific way.

“He has been taken from us far too soon and will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.”

The building is still under investigation.

Jim Powell, area manager at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “On behalf of everyone at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to extend my thoughts to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident.”

Hakeem Kigundu, of no fixed abode, has been charged with one count of murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life.

The 31-year-old is due to face trial from June 7.