The Wokingham Paper April 2, 2020

COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

YOUR REGULAR PAPER IS INSIDE

WOKINGHAM.TODAY

CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN IS SAVING LIVES

Thursday, April 2, 2020 No. 255

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FIRM MAKES MEDICAL GEAR FOR NEW NHS HOSPITAL

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH, YOU ARE GREAT! You should be proud of yourselves!

Look at what you’ve been doing to help others in these unprecedented times…

M

anaging this Covid-19 crisis really is a team effort. The borough council, town and parish councils, voluntary groups, community organisations and charities, neighbourhoods and individual people are all pulling together to support those of us who need extra help at this time.

They say emergencies bring the best out in people. And the people of Wokingham borough are really showing their mettle. You are all amazing.

The borough council has set up a Covid-19 steering group, with key personnel from across the council to work through how we as a borough respond to this difficult time. Under the umbrella of this our Wokingham Borough Community Response (WBCR), set up three weeks ago, meets three times a week and in addition to key council personnel from adult social care,

It’s business as usual protecting and supporting our vulnerable adults and children, and during the past two weeks we have been in contact with thousands of residents.

We are supporting the NHS by moving our vulnerable adults from hospital into appropriate care facilities or back home therefore freeing up valuable NHS hospital capacity.

During this pandemic we have been: • Keeping our critical social care functions running • Contacting and checking on the welfare of vulnerable residents.

We also have 200 especially vulnerable residents and they are being checked on

children’s services, communications and localities sat around its ‘virtual’ table, they are joined by representatives from the borough’s town and parish councils, Citizens Advice Wokingham, Wokingham Volunteer Centre, The Link Visiting Scheme, Churches Together, Involve, Age UK Berkshire, Wokingham Foodbank and First Days to name a few. This is in addition to a senior officer group from the borough council which meets daily to co-ordinate the council’s actions.

This new way of collaborating gives us all the insight to keep on top of what needs to be done and immediately co-ordinate how we respond. The WBCR is a one-stop shop if you need help during this crisis and don’t have friends, family or neighbours who can help.

Volunteers from Citizens Advice Wokingham are now set up at home

“We have a One Front Door service for people across the borough to provide and identify support. During the past two weeks we’ve helped more than 400 people find the right level of support, whether that be advice on benefits and employment or linking with a prescription collection or food parcels.”

Claire Oughton, advice and operations manager

frequently to ensure they’re safe • Gearing ourselves up to deliver emergency guidance on hospital discharge, which is as quick as possible every day of the week • Increasing the number of spaces we

have available in care, and supporting areas to help us with increased hospital discharge • We’ve continued to make contact with, and protect, vulnerable children and ensure young carers are supported.

“In just one week we moved our whole operation from the office to our homes, and went from business as usual to the One Front Door Service.

“I’d say the number of calls to us have trebled since this all started, but our clients feedback has been very appreciative. I’ve been helping to train my fellow volunteers on the new

“Thank you to the hundreds of you who’ve registered with us as volunteers. Your offers of help are truly tremendous.

“Please be patient as we’re still processing some of your registrations.

specialist communications tool we use at home. It means, among other things, we can share our screen with our clients calling in and do things such as help them fill in forms, as if they were sat next to us.”

Trevor Evans, Citizens Advice Wokingham volunteer

“We’ve enough volunteers for now, but will need more in the future so please keep an eye on our website for details or call us in a few weeks.”

Christine Knox, manager

with access to their specialised phone system to take calls from residents and put them in contact with all of the organisations working together on the WBCR, for example The Wokingham Volunteer Centre whose volunteers can collect prescriptions from pharmacies.

Citizens Advice Wokingham can still help in matters such as benefits, employment and entitlements.

The Link Visiting Scheme has also been contacted by a wave of new volunteers who will be able to collect shopping and prescriptions.

Link’s existing buddies are still staying in touch via phone because of social distancing, and Age UK Berkshire has supported dozens of vulnerable residents in the past few weeks.

First Days has been leading the set-up and running of a new food distribution hub, which provides much needed items to our

vulnerable residents whether they be elderly, young families, or those self-isolating who have no family, friends or neighbourhood support.

Involve, the umbrella organisation for the volunteer sector, can advise neighbourhood groups on how to safely set up their own volunteers in these times such as those in Wargrave, Woodley and Twyford.

The borough is managing this crisis well. All of these groups and individuals are protecting our most vulnerable and those in need to keep them safe and well, so that they don’t have to burden the existing statutory services which are under so much strain.

If you aren’t involved yet and want to help, you still can. Firstly help in your own neighbourhood, join an existing group, or if there isn’t one locally set your own one up. If not, volunteer through The Wokingham Volunteer Centre in a week or two.

“We’re looking for a couple of volunteer warehouse managers for St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, so if you can help us please do get in contact. In terms of donations, we particularly need more toiletries such as shower gel, shampoo, and hand soap, as well as cleaning sprays and bleach. As our

provisions are quite basic it would be nice to be able to give people treats such as biscuits or nice nibbling things. We also need nappies, wipes and nappy bags.”

Emma Cantrell, who runs both the Hub and children’s charity First Days

“I get a call from the volunteer centre with the details of the person and their prescription that needs collecting. I pop down to the chemist, stand in the queue, pick up the medicine, drop it onto the person’s doorstep, ring their bell and step back. It’s as simple as that.

“I might stop and chat a while to keep up their spirits, because they were already isolated before this all started. I believe the scheme is going to be extended allowing us to call a couple of times to week to check they’re okay and to say hello.

“I’ve been a volunteer for the past two years, as a hospital driver, but with that now suspended I wanted to still help out.

“When people first call citizens advice or the volunteer centre, they’re understandably very anxious they won’t get their medicines, so it’s nice to sort it all out for them and put their minds at rest when I deliver them.

“Now we have identity cards to show we are

volunteers and people are being very orderly about it.”

Nick Glover, retired pilot “I’ve been a volunteer gardener for the Green and Tidy Scheme for the past eight years so it seemed natural to move onto this.

“I’ve only done one pick-up so far but the lady I delivered to was so grateful. She cares for her husband and needed critical medicine for him. As it’s a controlled medication her local pharmacy didn’t stock it – only a larger one – and their head office phoned the bigger one to make sure it was there when I collected it.

“It’s a good feeling to help people who are desperately worried about their situation. We had a long conversation across the width of her garden. It’s brilliant how people are pulling together, and social media and things such as WhatsApp have really come into their own.”

Chris Menmuir, retired computer project manager

We know there are lots of communities rallying together to help. Twyford is an example of just one of them.

This neighbourhood group was set up two weeks ago by Twyford resident Sam Bramwell.

The group, which is not part of WBCR, is a local support group for Twyford.

It now has 250 volunteers ready to help and has so far helped more than 70 people with their shopping, collecting prescriptions and dog walking.

“The aim of the group is to keep people in touch,” said Sarah Johnson, one of the group organisers.

“We have a number of younger families in self-

isolation because they are showing symptoms, but don’t think they qualify for help. But they’re wrong.

There’s a helping hand for everyone.

“The processes and protocols of our group are based on those of the Berkshire Covid-19 group.

“Only a few days after we launched our Twyford version on Facebook – that’s where you can find us – we printed 14,000 leaflets (thanks to funding from a resident) and our volunteers delivered them to 150 roads in our area.

"We’re now in the process of setting up a system so that we can make telephone calls to people who need them.”

If you do need help with shopping, or collecting your prescription, please don’t leave it until the last minute.

If you can flag up your needs a little in advance it gives the volunteering system a chance to process, collect and drop-off.

If you leave it until the day before, this is a real challenge and probably not achievable.

To volunteer with a local charity, visit the Wokingham Volunteer Centre website at: www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk If you need help, Citizen's Advice is working with local charities. Call them Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm on 0300 330 1189 (if prompted enter 0118 978 7258) or fill in a form on their website requesting a call back: citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/ coronavirus

Keep your home safe Don’t forget to disinfect surfaces where your hands have touched, such as: Light switches Door handles Toilet levers Kettle handles Taps Fridge doors Oven doors Window latches Bannisters

Visit our Wokingham Borough Council website at: www.wokingham.gov.uk.

On our homepage click on either the blue banner ‘Covid-19 Wokingham Borough Community Response’ or the orange ‘Find out the latest about Coronavirus’ one. Both will take you through to more information, advice, contact details and helpful website addresses.

To volunteer with a local charity, visit the Wokingham Volunteer Centre website at: www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk If you need help, Citizen's Advice is working with local charities. Call them Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm on 0300 330 1189 (if prompted enter 0118 978 7258) or fill in a form on their website requesting a call back: citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/coronavirus Remember, our phone lines are busy so help us to keep them free for those who really need us - self serve on our website wokingham.gov.uk

Please remember the only two occasions you should use your car is to get your shopping or to go to work if you still have to – not drive somewhere for exercise.

Stay safe. Stay home. Save lives.

The latest advice and information for businesses – including how to apply for Business Rate relief and other support – is on our website. Just search ‘advice for businesses’.

COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Thursday, April 2, 2020 No. 255

Drug abuse in youth rises 95%

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FARMER’S WORK TO MEET DEMAND P16

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE NUMBER hospital admissions for drug misuse in young people across the borough has risen by 95% in a decade according to Government figures.

Earlier this month, Public Health England released the latest figures for people aged 15-24 who have been admitted to hospital where their main diagnosis were mental and behavioural disorders due to opioids, cannabinoids, sedatives, hallucinogens and psychoactive substances.

Between 2008/09 and 2010/11, there were 18 hospital admissions for drug misuse in young people.

This includes the misuse of heroin, cannabis, xanax, alcohol, cocaine, LSD, ketamine and spice.

This rose to 35 admissions between 2016/17 and 2018/19. And across the South East, the number of admissions rose by 45% during the last decade.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services at WBC, explained that the statistics are now calculated differently, which means the increase is greater than the reality.

He said: “Also, the data refers to episodes not persons, so it could be that one person has multiple attendances.

“Saying that, we aren’t of course complacent.” � Continued on page 4

MASKED HEROES

Staff at Wokingham based firm Intersurgical have been working round the clock to ensure the new Nightingale Hospital has medical supplies. Find out more on page 5 Picture: Intersurgical

‘LOCKDOWN SAVES LIVES’ WHO professor says staying at home will see UK avoiding Spanish situation

EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM borough’s World Health Organisation professor is predicting the UK’s coronavirus lockdown will have saved at least tens of thousands of lives.

Expert on disease spread, Professor Ben Cowling, who went to Sonning CofE Primary School, is though worried about hospitals in London and Birmingham. He fears their situation will become very serious in the next week or two.

He told us this week: “I think it will become clear fairly soon that the lockdown has averted tens of thousands of deaths in the UK or perhaps even hundreds of thousands of deaths.”

Professor Cowling, director of a Hong Kong WHO centre, correctly predicted in a Wokingham Paper interview in early February the start of a UK epidemic by early March. In early February the UK had just two cases.

On Monday he said: “I think most of the country [UK] will have avoided the

situation that is now unfolding in parts of Spain and France.”

Professor Cowling, whose parents still live in Sonning, believes UK health authorities were now considering what policies might be possible after case levels decline to low levels.

“Perhaps the lockdown could be relaxed later in April with some degree of social distancing maintained, as well as expanded testing to allow identification and isolation of cases in the community,” he said. � Continued on page 6

BOROUGH P6 BATTLES COVID-19

KEBAB VAN OWNER FIGHTS COUNCIL OVER TRADING P13 HOSPICE FOUNDER’S PLEA FOR SUPPORT P21

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HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by emailing us Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Editor • Phil Creighton Reporter • Jess Warren Sports reporter • Andy Preston

From the editor Once again, your Wokingham Paper appears in a reduced form again as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

With no sport or arts events taking place, we have reduced pagination accordingly, and thank you for your understanding during this time.

We thank also our advertisers who are sticking with us through these strange and difficult days.

We are making every effort to ensure that your favourite local newspaper is available to you in printed form throughout the lockdown situation – you will be able to buy The Wokingham Paper from all good supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations as normal.

There is also a digital version of the paper, which will be available on Friday evenings.

And our website is updated seven days a week, visit Wokingham.Today.

At times like this, it is important that the community has a local voice and we are proud to be yours. The best way for you to support us is to buy a copy each week.

Thank you for your support.

Clarification Regarding: Our report on a recent planning meeting, published in last week’s Wokingham Paper, referred to land at 78-80 Reading Road, Eversley as an R Collard site. This is how residents protesting application 193059 referred to it in their representations to the council. For clarity, the site is owned and operated by Palmarium Properties Limited.

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New date set for Reading half marathon A NEW DATE has been announced for the Reading Half Marathon by the race organisers.

Originally planned for Sunday, April 5 the race has been postponed until Sunday, November 1 as a result of the coronavirus.

Race director, Judith Manson said: “We have been working tirelessly with our partners and key stakeholders to confirm the new date and want to thank all involved for their

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2020

continued support, positivity and solidarity.

“All runners who have entered the 2020 race will automatically be transferred to the new date but we ask that everyone monitors the official race channels for regular event updates.”

Ms Manson explained that race organisers will now work with stakeholders

and partner agencies to plan the November event.

“As with all members of the running community, the nation and the rest of the world, we will continue to monitor Covid-19 developments and UK Government guidance for the months ahead.

“Stay safe, enjoy your training but we do urge you

to listen to the Government’s social distancing guidelines.

“Together we can get through this, we look forward to seeing you all at the start line in November.”

Entries for the Reading Half Marathon will re-open soon at www. readinghalfmarathon.com

Chancellor’s pothole cash for roads is just a drop in the ocean

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE CHANCELLOR’S budget pledge to fix the nation’s potholes has been branded a drop in the ocean by a trade body.

The Asphalt Industry Alliance (AIA) said that the £2.5 billion set aside by Rishi Sunak was a step in the right direction but not enough to plug the gap in local road maintenance budgets, let alone the rising backlog of repairs.

The Alliance says that local authorities are having to cope with an average drop in overall highway maintenance budgets of 16%.

It made the comments as it released its ALARM (Annual Local Authority Road Maintenance) survey, which it says shows that the green shoots of improving conditions reported last year have not been sustained.

Rick Green, chair of the AIA, said: “Highway maintenance budgets have dropped back to where they were two years ago. Over the past 25 years we have repeatedly seen this pattern of short-term cash injections to stem accelerating decline, only to be followed by further years of underfunding.

“This stop-start approach has been wasteful and does nothing to improve the condition of local road network on which we all rely. In fact, it has just contributed to a rising bill to put things right.”

Responding, the Local Govern-

ment Association’s transport spokesman Cllr David Renard said that councils were just as frustrated as motorists about the state of the roads and that the cost of clearing the backlog is more than £10 billion.

He also said that councils fixed a pothole every 21 seconds.

“Additional funding announced in the Budget will help councils to do more to maintain our roads this year and tackle our local road repairs backlog, and we look forward to seeing the details of how this money will be allocated between councils,” he said, adding that the solution was to set out a five-year funding allocation to enable infrastructure improvements.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport at Wokingham Borough Council, added: “We would welcome any further government funding to invest in our roads as overall condition will continue to deteriorate over time without this.

From next year, we are spending an additional £6 million in maintenance and any more government funding would put to great use improving even more roads across our borough.

“We maintain 446 miles of roads, and last year our maintenance programme included surface reconstruction on 4km of roads, surface dressing on 16.7km, and micro asphalt treatment on 6.4km.

“We also filled more than 4,000 reactive repairs including potholes.”

And her opposition number,

Liberal Democrat Cllr Paul Fishwick, said that the findings did not come as a surprise.

“The local roads network is in poor condition, following many years of under investment by the Conservative government and the Borough Council. You don’t have to go far in Wokingham Borough to see classic examples,” he explained.

“Fixing a pothole every 21 seconds is a shameful waste of

limited resources and is, quite frankly, ‘papering over the cracks’.

“Councils with their limited budgets have been falling further and further behind on key parts of their roads repair programme due to the lack of government funding and a secured five-year rolling infrastructure and public transport budget that would enable areas to be treated at the most appropriate time.”

Drug hospitalisations in youth rise by 95% � Continued from front page

Cllr Margetts said: “Our Public Health team is working with local schools to give them what they need under our Healthy Schools Offer.

“We’ve commissioned the SMART Young People’s Service to provide support for children and young people with drugs and alcohol issues.

“From this September a new mental health support team for children and young people is launching.

“And we support ARC Counselling which offers confidential counselling to all residents, including children and young people.

“Demand for emotional health and wellbeing services is increasing nationally for all local authorities, along with the complexity of presenting issues.”

Experts at national alcohol and drug rehabilitation provider, UKAT are concerned with the rising numbers.

Nuno Albuquerque, UKAT group treatment lead, said: “These figures won’t paint the whole picture.

There’ll be countless more children

and young adults living across the South East misusing drugs without the need for hospitalisation; this report shows the worst outcomes of when kids experiment with drugs.

“Drug misuse at such an early age of life can result in real long-term physical and social problems; not only are they negatively altering the way their brain grows and develops, but they could miss out on education, develop limited and stinted human relationships, become withdrawn from society and turn to crime to fund their habit.

“It’s imperative that a significant proportion of the annual Public Health Grant is allocated next month by Councils across the South East to educating and engaging with children in schools to prevent future generations from misusing drugs.

“Given the current coronavirus crisis, society should be doing everything it can to ease the pressure on the NHS at this incredibly difficult time, and that means investing in preventative steps to reduce the number of kids needing hospitalising because of drugs in the future.”

Thursday, April 2, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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CREATION: Teams working round the clock to help NHS battle Covid-19

Wokingham firm at forefront of fight to make medical equipment EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MORE than 500 staff at a Wokingham-based medical supplies firm are involved in a huge effort to make vital hospital equipment to save lives of people with coronavirus.

Teams at Wokinghambased medical supplies firm Intersurgical have been working flat out to create equipment that will be used by NHS teams working at the new Nightingale Hospital — created for Coronavirus patients in the ExCel centre in London’s Docklands. The company has taken on additional staff and seen colleagues move to the production line to meet demand Pictures: Intersurgical

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A staggering 900 people have asked about joining the workforce at Intersurgical to help the fight against the virus. They include those laid off work because of the virus, students and others.

Among the company’s projects is making equipment to help Covid-19 patients at the new temporary Nightingale Hospital in London breath.

The hospital at the ExCel centre in the docklands will treat up to 4,000 patients.

In the last few days Intersurgical, in Molly Millars Lane, has sent equipment to two of the groups making thousands of urgently needed ventilators for the UK. Intersurgical managing director Charles Bellm said: “Many friends and family of existing staff have been in touch about jobs. Local people have been fantastic. We’re taking on staff every single day and running extra shifts.

“By tomorrow (Friday) we’ll have 70 extra staff.

We have to manage the numbers we bring in new each day so they can be trained and inducted.

“At the moment there is no cap on numbers. We will keep taking in about five more each day.”

Mr Bellm said that the 70 new staff were on fixed term contracts that could be extended. At present the company had sufficient applications for work there.

He added: “The staff have been epic, amazing.

It’s a whole team effort. I’m incredibly proud of them.

“Our designers, lab technicians and sales reps have moved into production and the warehouse.

People are doing huge amounts of overtime.

They’ve cancelled their holidays to come in.

“The staff are doing a super job. We’re doing the best we can to help in a very, very strange world at the moment.”

The equipment they make includes the connections between patients and their ventilators, tubes, masks and filters. It is going to hospitals in the UK and the rest of the world.

Mr Bellm said that his company had been making 100 i-view video laryngoscopes a day.

That total has shot up to 1450 a day. “This equipment is key to treating covid patients. It’s a camera to look down the throat for blockages, so patients are intubated properly.”

He praised local companies’ support including Brown Bag café at Wokingham which is supplying about 350 lunches a day, Opsec Printing of Wokingham and medical diagnostic products company Apacor, of Fishponds Road, Wokingham.

Intersurgical, a family business, moved to Wokingham nearly 30 years ago. Its head office is in Molly Millars Lane. It employs 4,000 people worldwide with factories in China, Lithuania, Italy and Guernsey.

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£100,000 for groups helping Police with COVID-19 response

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A NEW grant opened today, offering £100,000 to community and voluntary groups across the Thames Valley.

As an emergency response to the impact of coronavirus, the next round of the Police Property Act Fund is now taking applications.

Usually, the next round of grants does not open until the Summer, however the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Thames Valley, Anthony Stansfeld, and the Chief Constable, John Campbell decided to open the fund today.

The Fund, which is jointly managed by the PCC and the Chief Constable, is created from money recovered by the police and the proceeds from the sale of items that cannot be returned to identified owners, including seizures from criminals.

Now applications are invited from local voluntary and community groups who have been, or can support the police in delivering the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The closing date is noon on Monday, April 20.

PCC, Anthony Stansfeld said: “I am pleased to launch another round of the Police Property Act Fund. Now more than ever, we are seeing what important work the voluntary and community sector is having on the efforts to support those affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We are pleased to be offering funding to those organisations who are supporting the police in delivering the response to this pandemic.

“Working in partnership with both statutory and voluntary organisations is crucial when addressing issues such as the prevention and reduction of crime.

“We have taken the decision to launch this fund early so that we can support this sector, and therefore our communities, at this challenging time.”

Chief Constable, John Campbell said: “We are keen to receive bids from those organisations who have been supporting our officers in delivering the response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Working together as a community is key for us to get through this difficult period and we want to do anything we can to support our communities - one way of which is launching this fund early.”

For more information, and to apply, visit: www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk/get-involved/ police-property-act-fund/

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2020

CORONAVIRUS LATEST

Community call on volunteers EXCLUSIVE

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

OVER THE last week, Citizens Advice have helped more than 370 people through One Front Door, which points callers in the appropriate direction to get the help they need.

The organisation — which offers guidance and support on a range of issues — has found the top reasons for calling have been people needing food parcels and help getting their prescriptions collected.

Jake Morrison, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Given the rise in demand, we do need to work with more charities. There are charities across the borough who work in very particular areas so it’s about matching people up to receive the relevant support.”

Citizens Advice is encouraging people not to wait until they are at crisis point before calling.

“Leave a voicemail or an email and we will make sure we’ll get back to you.”

To help meet demand, telephone opening hours will be increased to include Saturdays 9am-5pm.

Food distribution hub The food distribution hub has now moved to St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, London Road — which has a larger capacity for donations. The community hub is taking donations of both fresh and non-perishable food, toiletries and other living essentials such as nappies.

A contactless system is in place where donations can be left in boxes outside the St Crispin’s Leisure Centre.

For more information and the latest updates visit www. facebook.com/wokingham communityhub/

Volunteer Centre The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is currently focusing on helping vulnerable people get their prescriptions from pharmacies.

Volunteers are sent out to pick up and deliver medication to people’s homes.

Christine Knox, Centre Manager said: “It’s going really well, we’re helping people with quite serious needs to get their medication. We’re processing all the requests coming through to us and at the moment have capacity for more requests.”

The charity asks that if you’re keen to volunteer, to be patient as you will be needed.

“If people want to volunteer, please bear with us, it’s hard to plan the next few weeks but we will need you.”

Visit www.wokinghamvolunteer centre.org.uk for updates on specific roles that are needed.

Link Visiting The Link Visiting Scheme, currently running a telephone buddy system offering social support and friendship over the phone, is encouraging anyone who is feeling lonely to give them a call.

Marjie Walker, manager at Link said: “We’re really keen for anyone who’s on their own or feeling lonely at the moment to get in touch with us. We can link them up with a volunteer who can give them a call once or twice a week.

“We may have to call older people to do welfare checks over the next few weeks, to see if they're okay.”

The service has always been well received by those who benefit from it but is especially appreciated during this time of uncertainty.

“We’ve had quite a few people call us saying how grateful they are.

People who were feeling anxious and worried, but after speaking with a telephone buddy are feeling much better.

“One lady called to say a ten minute phone call really helped her, and gave her some much needed company.”

The charity is able to help anyone needing social support at this time, not just the elderly.

“We are expecting an increase in

Volunteers pack food deliveries for vulnerable residents. Picture: Stewart Turkington

calls, we have lots of volunteers willing to talk to people. No one needs to feel like they’re on their own.”

To refer someone for support or to apply to be a volunteer visit www.linkvisiting.org or call 0118 979 8019 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm).

Wellbeing Goody Bag Appeal The Link Visiting Scheme is seeking your help with their new Goody Bags, introduced to help cheer people up.

The Wellbeing Goody Bags are being put together for vulnerable older people and families who are seeking support during social isolation.

The charity is reaching out to local churches and to anyone who might be able to help.

Along the lines of the Christmas shoe-box appeal, you can support your community by putting together a bag of treats in supermarket ‘bags for life’.

These can be delivered to the Wokingham Borough Community Hub (in the outside bins at St Crispins Leisure Centre Mon-Fri 9am-4pm). They will then be safely distributed to those who really need them. Suggested donations include hand cream, puzzle books, jigsaws, magazines, handwritten notes, colouring books and pencils, hamper-style goodies, games and sweet treats.

Do you need masks? Sweet treats for hub � Continued from front page

Professor Cowling had been very impressed how the authorities’ strategy to fight the virus changed once scientific data on the potential impact of an epidemic became clearer.

Wokingham shoppers have been worried about whether to wear masks on their supermarket run.

Professor Cowling said masks are essential for healthcare staff and their use in the community should only be considered once there are enough for healthcare staff.

But he’s encouraging mask use, saying in top academic magazine Science: “Despite messages from some health officials to the contrary, it’s likely that a mask can help

protect a healthy wearer from infection.”

The article says that surgical masks have prevented respiratory infections in health care workers.

Professor Cowling adds: “It doesn’t make sense to imagine that … surgical masks are really important for health care workers but then not useful at all for the general public.”

He added: “I think the average person, if they were taught how to wear a mask properly … would have some protection against infection in the community.”

But he says the greatest benefit of masking the masses is likely to come from covering the mouths of people already infected and who go out, not knowing they are infected.

THINGS got sweeter for the Wokingham Community Hub earlier this week, after receiving a massive donation of chocolates and Easter eggs.

The hub, which collects donations and packages food parcels for the vulnerable received a van-full of chocolate treats from the Thorntons, in Broad Street, Reading.

Arriving on Monday, volunteers working at the hub shared their delight on social media.

They said: “Huge thank you to Thorntons in Reading for their generous donation to the Hub — this will cheer up many vulnerable people in our community in the next couple of weeks.”

A spokesperson from Thorntons said: “Community has always been important

to us and we are committed to playing our role in supporting how we can.

“Our donation to Wokingham Community Hub is just a small token of our appreciation to that community. We are very pleased to have been able to spread a little joy at this difficult time.”

The chocolate eggs and treats will now be packaged into the food parcels being delivered to the vulnerable across the borough.

Thursday, April 2, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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CORONAVIRUS CORONAVIRUS LATEST LATEST

‘Thank you front line staff’ PRAISING frontline workers for their continued work during the coronavirus crisis, two Wokingham residents created colourful banners to show their thanks.

Gillian Gillard and her neighbour created two banners thanking NHS staff, and “less known frontliners” including delivery drivers, shop workers, bin men and school teachers.

Ms Gillard said: “[We made] this banner to show our appreciation to all that are keeping our country going at this nasty time.

“We just thought it would be nice for everyone to know what a good job they are doing.

“Some [frontline staff] even have to leave their own families to do so. It is heartbreaking how many people have died and are suffering from the coronavirus.

“When this is all over, frontline families deserve a taste of what the footballers, film stars and celebrities get. Bless them all.

“The banners are at the top of Essame Close, just off Norreys Avenue, close to the town. We have had many people stop to look at them, even an ambulance slowed down to read it.”

How to get help:

How to help:

To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizen’s Advice on 0300 330 1189 Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258

� Sign up to volunteer by calling 0118 977 0749 or visiting wokinghamvolunteercentre.org. uk/covid-19/ � Cut out and send the note below to your neighbours

14 | NEWS 8 | NEWS

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CORONAVIRUS LATEST CROWTHORNENEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY//THEWOKINGHAMPAPER THEWOKINGHAMPAPERThursday, Thursday, April 5, 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY March

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Wokingham band to performSave touring gig the date across the borough on the back of aDay truck party for VE

Power play

MEMBERS of EBOS will be

performing a more unusual play at its Wokingham Without base next week.

The Oldest Profession tells

EXCLUSIVE

the story of five women who are

By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk plying for trade in New York City.

A WOKINGHAM band are pushing the boundaries of traditional gigs and bringing their live music to doorsteps across the borough.

The FiLF are mixing things up this year as they take their tunes to the road.

On a date to be confirmed, the foursome — who are unable to perform in their usual settings due to the current coronavirus restrictions — are planning to brighten up isolation with a truck tour gig.

In partnership with Hall & Co builders, The FiLF will perform their set on the back of a flatbed truck travelling through all the major housing areas of Wokingham.

Driven by Wayne Hall of Hall & Co, the band will be playing throughout the journey, and stop at key locations, giving people the opportunity to watch from their doorsteps and sing along.

The set list is still being finalised but they have guaranteed crowd pleasers and

Times have changed in the 50

a family who support each other

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through ups and downs, their

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have their fortunes.

through even the toughest test.

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Set in the week before the

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increased competition, rising

1980 US presidential elections

rents, failing mental faculties and well-known anthems.

that sawEach actor Ronald Regan member is recording aTickets cost £11. For details,

deteriorating stamina. sweep into power, the play is Ady Dolan, keyboardist and session individually,

Centre.

visit www.ebos.org.uk or call before

By PHIL CREIGHTON Second World War. singer in The FiLF said: “At such digital media designer, guitarist news@wokinghampaper.co.uk By being friends, the ladies are performed from Wednesday, 0845 840 5143.

This will include a rendition of a difficult time, we want to and singer Mike Rice, edits and The Last Post and Reveille, two spread some positivity and give layers them together creating CHURCHES across the villages are people a reason to smile, which the final product. making plans with the parish council to bugle calls used in a two-minute is what we’re all about.

A challenging process where create a VE Day celebration to silence.

"Our route covers around 16 the timing is critical, they are There will be plenty of fun remember. miles of the town’s main aiming to have the end result The event will be held on Morgan including cake stalls, a beer tent, housing areas, from Keephatch online before Easter.

Recreation Ground from noon to plant stalls, bouncy castles and to Woosehill and Emmbrook to Ady said: “At the core of the 3pm, on the bank holiday of Friday, activities for children including Montague Park with all major band are four mates who have a May 8. routes along the way. lot of fun playing great music facepainting.

It will be opened by Bracknell “The set list will be varied, that we all love.

And there will be vehicles from Forest mayor, Cllr Pauline McKenzie, but will be uplifting and positive “I think that comes across at in one of the final duties of her across the ages with a modern fire throughout." our gigs, where everybody has engine from Crowthone’s fire station municipal year.

The band are continuing to fun and sings along.

There will be a host of on duty, as well as a display of rehearse in preparation for what “Our playlist is part of the entertainment ranging from Second vintage army trucks and motorbikes. they hope will be an incredible reason that people come back to World War-themed entertainment to event to celebrate the relaxing see us.

To make the event happen, the food and drink stalls. of movement restrictions later “We play pretty much churches have teamed up with Plans at the moment include a this year. everything from Neil Diamond sing-a-long session and brass bands, Crowthorne Parish Council and Due to the current rules on to Ed Sheeran, so there’s always who will perform a selection of Crowthorne Royal British Legion. social distancing, the local something for everyone.

Organisers are hoping that period music such as White Cliffs of musicians have had to come up “I think we’re the only band Dover and We’ll Meet Again.

Union villagers will save the date and also with innovative ways of around who perform some Ibiza flags will be provided for people to offer to help set up and tear down practicing and like many, are dance classics in an acoustic wave during these proms. utilising group video way.” the site on the day, or take residents Churches Together in Crowthorne conferencing.

The FiLF formed in 2008 in a of St Brendan’s and Pinehurst Care will lead parties a service celebration, In the lead up to their back garden in Seaford Road, current form, with Martin Payler andofweddings, thetoband Reading Road, where they Homes to the event. help the built 75th anniversary of of perform an annual fundraising unusual performance, the group Wokingham with original on bass and Joel Molloy onmark have a large crowd For more details, or to help, email Victory in Europe, and there will be are producing a music video to members Mike Rice and Ady drums, since 2015. followers. concert. share as a snippet of what’s to Dolan. an act of remembrance to local honour all churchestogetherincrowthorne@gmail Appearing in pubs across The band also charities, For more information, visit: come.

The band has been in its Wokingham, as well as birthday those who took part and died in the on .comwww.facebook.com/Thefilf/ including the WADE Centre

Thursday, April 2, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Hotdogs, tinned meals and long life milk wanted by foodbank Wokingham Foodbank is currently in need of several specific donations, Writes Angela Garwood.

It is encouraging people to continue donating.

Wherever possible they would prefer donations to be left in the collection bins located at Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose.

If the donation bins are not in their usual places, residents are advised to visit customer services who will show you where they are.

Annette Medhurst, manager of the Wokingham Foodbank, said: “In order to keep the people who use our service, and our team of volunteers, as safe as possible the Foodbank is now receiving all its referrals electronically and delivering the food parcels.

“With more and more people working from home this has allowed our referring agencies to minimise face to face meetings but still have confidence that people who struggle to afford food are supported.”

She added: “We have been able to draw on the amazing pool of volunteers at the community distribution hub and now all of our food parcels are being delivered to people’s doorsteps.”

For anyone who is able to donate, items include: long life milk, pasta sauce, hot meals such as tinned curry and tinned meatballs, hot dogs and breakfast cereals It currently reports an abundance of: pasta, teabags, baked beans and tinned soup.

Monetary donations should be made online using the “DONATE” link on the charity’s website, as although still welcome, cash and cheque are currently harder to bank.

The Foodbank uses a voucher referral system, if you are in need, contact Citizens Advice to be referred.

If you have enough money for food but are struggling to access it, please contact Citizens Advice Wokingham on 0300 330 1189 (enter 0118 978 7258 if prompted).

The Foodbank is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 1.30pm-3.30pm. For more information visit wokingham.foodbank.org.uk

Family challenge for foodbank donations Woodley Foodbank is running a food drive to encourage people to donate.

The organisation is asking children to design a flyer to deliver to their neighbours inviting them to leave donations in a box outside their homes.

The flyer should read “Collecting for Foodbank”.

Once several, or even just one box is full, the Foodbank can be contacted for the food to be collected.

When the children are back in school, they will be awarded with a Community Care Champion certificate from the Foodbank.

The Foodbank is currently in need of several specific donations. For anyone who is able to donate, items include: � Hot Meals such as tinned curry and tinned meatballs � Tinned potatoes � Sugar � Pasta Sauce � Cooking Oil � Cleaning products It currently reports an abundance of pasta.

Food parcels can be collected and donations left at Woodley Baptist Church. If collecting on behalf of someone else, the Foodbank asks that you first contact them for this to be organised. It is open weekdays 10am-noon.

For more information and updates contact: 07806 658995 or visit www.facebook.com/ WoodleyFoodbank

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NEWS | 9

CORONAVIRUS LATEST Choir carries on with virtual rehearsal Generous donations Twyford Singers managed to escape the lockdown of their choir practices this week by holding a virtual practice online on Tuesday.

Musical director Helen Styles organised the choir's first ever virtual practice so members could sing some of the music they'll perform to a real audience in the future.

Helen, who accompanied the practice on the piano, said: "It was good to bring members together for a sing. At the end we had a chat together. The social side of choirs is an important part of them."

The Singers hope they may be able to hold more virtual

to domestic abuse charity food collection

Twyford Singers met online on Tuesday for a rehearsal practices during the coronavirus epidemic.

The epidemic has meant that the

choir has had to cancel its Palm Sunday concert on April 5 at St Mary’s Church, Wargrave.

Farm shop’s special deal for single parents

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A FARM shop is opening early to allow single parents and NHS keyworkers to get the groceries they need, without the queues.

Hare Hatch Sheeplands plant nursery says that its innovative programme enables it to keep open and helps it observe Government guidelines.

It is open from 7.30am Monday to Saturday, with the first 30 minutes specifically for single parents with children.

From 8am to 9am, the doors are open to NHS staff, key workers, customers with disabilities and anyone

who needs special assistance.

The shop is then open as normal from 9am to 2.30pm weekdays and 5pm on Saturdays. It is also open from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

To help people avoid queueing, orders can be taken for collection by emailing requests, with a phone number, to info@hhsheep.co.uk

Orders can take several hours to prepare, depending on availability.

And for customers with a genuine need, volunteers are helping Sheeplands to make deliveries.

Andy Dicks, from Sheeplands, said: “If you can collect, please do as we need the slots for the elderly and vulnerable.

“In order to maintain our level of service we need volunteer drivers every day, if you can help, please contact me by emailing: andyd@ hhsheep.co.uk.

“Thank you to all our customers and staff for helping us to maintain our service."

LAST WEEK vital food supplies were donated and given to families that have suffered from domestic abuse, writes Daisy Hanson.

The morning after quarantine was announced, people in Wokingham came to the Baptist Church to give essential supplies to vulnerable families.

The local charity Kaleidoscopic — which is dedicated to helping the victims of domestic abuse — released a shopping list which included fresh items, cans and cleaning products.

The donations were collected by two gloved charity workers, who then cleaned the items and did not touch the canned goods for 24 hours, to prevent any virus spreading.

Charity founder Vickie Robertson said: “The turnout was really good despite the lockdown, and we managed to help feed 20 families – that’s 24 adults and 49 children.

“We also received £150 in cash donations, which we used to buy more food in Tesco, and the store even lifted the can limit for us.”

The charity dropped the donations off to the families but had no contact, Ms Robertson said: “I got texts from them all – there were a lot of tears and everyone was so grateful to get fresh fruit and vegetables.

“If you’re a single mum without transportation, getting the weekly food shop is impossible right now, especially if you also have financial limits.

“The food collection was a great example of the community coming together to support people that really need everyone’s kindness.

“Times are going to get harder for them, but they received this food at a crucial moment and it really has helped.”

The charity may hold another food donation service in the future.

Kaleidoscopic are still providing digital support despite coronavirus, and Thames Valley Police’s phone lines are still open for those in danger.

For more information, visit: www.kaleidoscopic.uk, and for help with abuse, ring the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247.

10 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2020

FROMTHECOURTS � A WOKINGHAM woman has been given a community order after being found guilty of harassment.

Sarah Louise Llewellyn, 44 and from Minden Close, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court found that she had met her victim twice, but texted and telephoned him many times, and as well as sending ‘numerous’ emails and posts on social media.

Under the terms of her community order, she made refrain from contacting, directly or indirectly, her victim, or attending an address in Cardiff. This order lasts until February 20, 2023.

She must also undertake 20 days community service, pay £775 costs and £85 to victim services. � A WINNERSH man has been given six points on his licence for driving without a licence.

Jonathan Charles McCartan, 32 and from Grovelands Park, was stopped by police on April 26 last year on Reading road.

He was found not guilty of a second charge – that he was unfit to drive through drugs – this was dismissed by Reading Magistrates Court when he appeared on February 24.

In addition to his six points, McCartan was fined £100, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £30 to victim services. � A 45-YEAR-OLD from Wokingham has been given a six-point penalty on his licence for driving along the A4 Bath Road without due care and attention.

Wael Shaaban Abdelsamie El-Dali, from Foxglove Close, was stopped by police on November 12 last year.

In addition to the penalty, he was fined £1,372, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £137 to victim services. His case was heard at Slough Magistrates Court on February 24. � A WOODLEY woman has been banned from driving for 13 months.

Ann Caroline Mahon, 36 and

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks

from The Beeches, was stopped by police on the B383 Chobham Road and A30 London Road in Sunningdale on February 9 last year, while she was disqualified from driving.

She was also driving without insurance. Mahon had denied both charges, but Reading Magistrates Court found her guilty on February 25.

In addition to her ban, she was given a 15-day community order, ordered to pay costs of £775 and £90 to victim services. � A WINNERSH motorist has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months after pleading guilty to drink driving.

Lee David Brown, 32 and from Calver Close, was stopped on the Winnersh Relief Road on Christmas Eve last year.

A breath test found that he

had 45 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. Police also found that he had been driving without insurance.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to attend a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on January 29.

For drink driving, he was fined £80, for the insurance charge he was fined £100 and for failing to appear in court, he was fined £50. He also has to pay £85 costs and £32 to victim services, at a rate of £10 per week. � A WOMAN who stole meat from Marks & Spencers in Woodley has been given a sixmonth conditional discharge.

The value of the hail was £193.93, and was taken by Shelia Judy Coffey on September 11 last year.

The 51-year-old from Russell Street, Reading, pleaded guilty to the theft when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 26.

She also pleaded guilty to failing to appear at Reading Magistrates Court on September 26.

Coffey was fined £50 and ordered to pay £40 costs and £21 to victim services.

� A FINCHAMPSTEAD woman has pleaded guilty to string of thefts, and given a community order of 35 days.

Victoria Hawthrone, 47 and from Arnett Avenue and also Nash Grove Lane, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on February 26, where she admitted to: � Stealing 13 bottles of whisky and gin, cans of gin and tonic and food items from Waitrose in Twyford on January 26 � Stealing alcohol wirth £143 from Waitrose in Woodley on February 16 � Stealing various items worth £847.58 from Tesco, Wokingham on February 2 � Stole alcohol to a value unknown on February 17 from Tesco, Wokingham.

Hawthorne, who is also known as Nicola Elkins, had her guilty plea taken into account when imposing sentence. In addition to the community order, she was ordered to pay compensation of £143. � A YOUNG motorist who drove under the influence of alcohol has been banned from getting behind the wheel.

Tanzeel Ahmed, 21 and from London Road, Earley, was stopped by police on Wilderness Road on February 9.

A breath test revealed that he had 53 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Police also found that he was driving without insurance or a licence.

His driving ban will be reduced by three months if he takes a safe driving course.

Ahmed was also fined £212, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £32 to victim services. � A 40-YEAR-OLD from Woodley was banned from motoring for 17 months after being stopped for drink driving.

Darren John Arthington, from Drovers Way, was stopped by police on Wokingham Road on February 11.

A breath test revealed that he had 65 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Arthington was fined £101, ordered to pay £85 costs and £32 to victim services.

His driving ban will be reduced by 17 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

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NEWS | 11

High Court bid to strike off estate agency directors

Berkshire Healthcare rated as outstanding

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

AFTER being rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, staff at Berkshire Healthcare have been praised for their “amazing work”.

A BID to disqualify two Wokingham estate agency directors has been made after a price fixing cartel was broken up.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it has issued proceedings in the High Court of Justice, Business and Property Courts against Stephen Jones, a director of Richard Worth Holdings Limited and Richard Worth Limited (in administration); and Neal Mackenzie, a director of Michael Hardy & Company (Wokingham) Limited, Michael Hardy & Company (Lettings) Limited and Geocharbert UK Limited.

The CMA said that the proceedings follow its ruling of December 17 last year that Richard Worth – not the company currently trading under that name – and Michael Hardy, together with two other estate agencies – Romans and Prospect – entered into an anti-competitive agreement to fix a minimum level of commission fees for the provision of residential sales services in the Berkshire area.

This meant that homeowners could have been denied the chance of securing the best possible deal when selling their properties, as they are unable to shop around all their local agents for better rates.

Now, the CMA has applied to the court

Directorts of two Wokingham estate agents could be banned from such a position if a CMA petition to the High Court is upheld. Richard Worth is now under new ownership and not connected to the firm that is now in administration

to disqualify the two directors under section 9A of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 following the breach of competition law.

It added that provided they continue to comply with the terms of their leniency agreement, there would be no attempt to disqualify the co-operating directors of the two other agencies, which qualified for leniency under the CMA’s leniency policy.

Under the Company Directors

Disqualification Act 1986, the CMA may seek the disqualification of an individual from holding a company directorship or performing certain roles in relation to a company for a specified period where that individual was a director of a company which has breached competition law and their conduct makes them unfit to be a director.

The CMA may seek disqualification by court order or may accept a legally binding undertaking.

Stay at home call from Chief Constable

Thames Valley Police have been setting up road blocks to encourage people to stay at home

LAST WEEK, Thames Valley Police’s Chief Constable, John Campbell warned that if the public do not follow advice to stay home, they will use new policing powers to safeguard the community.

Mr Campbell said: “The outbreak of coronavirus is something that is having a fundamental impact on all of our lives with sometimes tragic consequences.

“We all have a role to play here in the Thames Valley and across the nation, in helping to combat coronavirus and only by working together will we best manage this.

“The government has directed people to stay inside and only to go out for very

specific reasons: to buy essential food and provisions, for a medical emergency, to care for someone, or to travel to and from work only when absolutely necessary.

“I am urging you to all take this advice.

“We will continue our day to day policing duties, working with our communities to ensure we are all complying with this essential government direction.

“However if the public do not take the advice we will look to use the new police powers in order to safeguard everyone.

We are expecting legislation and further government guidance on this shortly.”

Mr Campbell explained that

the Police are working to protect staff and officers during this time.

He added: “We have strong, well-tested contingency plans in place to deal with all possibilities, and we will continue to serve the public during this exceptionally challenging time.

“If you take anything from this message, please let it be this.

“Stay at home, protect yourself, protect your loved ones and those around you, and feel confident that Thames Valley Police will continue to protect you. We can all work together to best protect Thames Valley and the nation through this pandemic.”

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Last week, the Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust — which provides mental and community health services to people across the county was given the highest-possible ranking after their inspection.

Debbie Fulton, director of nursing and therapies at Berkshire Healthcare said: “I’m extremely proud of our staff who truly deserve to be recognised for the amazing work they do.

“They demonstrate our values of caring, committed and working together each and every day, and have made this achievement possible.

“I’m also pleased that the culture, which holds both quality patient care and support for our staff at its heart, was highlighted by the CQC. This has been developed through our ongoing commitment to learning, improvement and innovation, as well as compassion and inclusivity.

“However, we don’t see this as the end of our journey by any means. We will continue to strive to deliver outstanding services for the people of Berkshire.”

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) concluded that the trust was a leader in using technology to improve patient care and was continuing to build on its status as a ‘Global Digital Exemplar’.

Two more services within the Trust were also rated ‘Outstanding’; Community Physical Health Services for Adults, and the End of Life Service.

These two teams join the Learning Disability In-Patients service, and Older Peoples Community Mental Health services who were already ‘Outstanding’.

The latest inspection now means that all services run by Berkshire Healthcare are recognised as ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by the CQC. Julian Emms, chief executive at Berkshire Healthcare, said “I recognise that this news comes at a time when our staff are all under immense pressure managing the Covid-19 pandemic.

“But we are encouraging our staff to take some time to reflect on this fantastic achievement.

“What this result does prove is what a strong position we’re in to manage whatever is ahead of us over the coming weeks and months.

“We have the right people and tools to offer the best levels of care and support – both to our patients and to our staff”.

12 | BUSINESS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2020

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Shurlock Inn turns supermarket A SHURLOCK ROW inn can continue to feed its community thanks to a new click and collect delivery service.

The Shurlock Inn has teamed up with Wellocks, which usually supplies restaurants, for the new food scheme to help those businesses remain open and keep homes stocked with groceries.

People can choose from eight food boxes, including a Dairy Box, Cupboard and Pantry Box, Fresh Fruit Box and Sunday Lunch Box, and collect them from a restaurant in their

community by noon the following day.

It also works with Henry & Jones and Donnington Valley Hotel & Spa in Newbury; the service gives the businesses a cut of the profits, allows them to stay open and earning, and cuts down lines in supermarkets.

Jill Martin, managing director at Wellocks, said: “The restaurants we supply are part of our family, so when it was announced last week that many were to shut down and lose their incomes, we wanted to

support in any way that we could.

“Our boxes not only help shoppers who either can’t get to the local shops or are facing empty shelves, but also our restaurant customers, giving them a way to earn an income during these very uncertain times.

“They take a cut for every box we sell and we’re incredibly proud to not only support them, but also the supply chain and local communities.”

To order a box, visit: www.wellocksathome.co.uk.

Call and collect from wholesaler HOPING TO take the pressure off the supermarkets, a national food wholesaler has launched a Call and Collect service from its Earley depot.

Brakes are offering a range of products including bread, dairy, desserts, drinks, snacks, store cupboard items, fish, meat, poultry, frozen vegetables and ready meals.

Customers are asked to browse the range of products available on Brakes’ website.

After making a note of the foods wanted and their relevant codes, customers should place

their order over the phone. This can be done between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Adam Collet, UK marketing director for Brakes, said: “By launching this service we will be able to take some of the pressure off local supermarkets and, by offering the option to buy bigger packs, or in bulk, it reduces the number of shopping trips that people need to make, which in turn supports the latest government advice to minimise social contact.”

Once an order has been

made, customers will be given a unique order number, and a collection time-slot between 9am and 3pm for the following day (Monday to Friday).

On collection at the Suttons Business Park unit, customers will need the debit card used to place the order and car registration number.

And social distancing measures are in place upon collection, in order to protect members of the public, staff and suppliers.

For more details, log on to: www.brake.co.uk/food-shop

SURVEY: Blandy & Blandy named in magazine poll

Law firm’s planning expertise recognised

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A THAMES VALLEY-based law firm has been named as one of the best in the country.

Blandy & Blandy, which has offices in Reading and Henley, was listed as joint twelfth in a survey of the top rated planning law firms.

This means that it is recognised as one of the highest placed regional firms nationally in Planning magazine's 2020 Planning Law Survey.

The firm, which has been in operation since the 18th century, says that the category is traditionally dominated by much larger London-based firms, the majority of which operate nationally or internationally.

The rankings are compiled based on peer-led interviews and research and sees Blandy & Blandy placed alongside the

Free pandemic advice offered by accountancy firm A GRAZELEY-based accountancy firm is offering residents the opportunity to talk about Government support during the coronavirus pandemic.

A number of initiatives have been announced with the aim of helping

likes of Womble Bond Dickinson, Bryan Cave Leigton Paisner, Gateley and Osborne Clarke.

Partner and team head Karen Jones also features, ranked an impressive tenth in a list of the top planning law solicitors in the UK. And the firm’s Simon Dimmick is also listed in the top 20.

Ms Jones said: “Blandy & Blandy is home to one of the largest Planning & Environmental Law teams in the region and we pride ourselves on providing significant expertise and an unrivalled service in this specialist area of law.

businesses get through this tough time, including a furlough scheme, grants and business loans.

There is also a package for selfemployed people.

But knowing what people can and can’t claim for can be a minefield.

David Edmonds, who runs Edmonds Accountancy said that the company wants to provide some free advice to support businesses at this time.

“We are happy to provide free advice

“We believe that our extensive knowledge of the Thames Valley, our long-term involvement in key projects and our established relationships with other leading professional services firms helps to further set us apart.

“We also work closely with colleagues across our firm, in areas such as Commercial Property, Dispute Resolution and Venue Licensing.”

Blandy & Blandy is also ranked as a top tier firm for both planning and environmental law in the UK’s leading guides to law firms, Chambers UK and The Legal 500, with the latter also recognising Karen Jones as a 'leading individual' in her field.

The firm has twice been named as a finalist for ‘Property Law Firm of the Year’ at the Thames Valley Property wards, winning in 2017.

For further information, visit www.blandy.co.uk.

to anyone or any business who has come under financial pressure either directly or indirectly because of the coronavirus,” he told Wokingham.Today.

“However, if anyone wants advice outside that we are happy to have a discussion with them to see if we can help.

“We all have to pull together at the moment.”

For more details, to ask request support, email admin@edmondsaccountancy.co.uk

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NEWS | 13

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Kebab van owner fights council over trading rights after being blocked from his pitch EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A POPULAR kebab van is battling the borough council over their right to sell late-night snacks to the people of Wokingham.

BBQ King — which trades from the Wokingham Youth and Community Centre car park on Reading Road — has been blocked from entering the site after a barrier was installed at the entrance.

Kenan Nursalson, who has run the van for the last 29 years moved to the car park location in 2017, after being given permission by the borough council. It had previously been in a bus stop outside the centre.

But the borough council says that Mr Nursalson never had the right to trade from his new pitch.

Colin George, who helps run the Wokingham Business Association, disputes this.

Three years ago, Mr George helped Mr Nursalson to gain permission to trade in the youth centre car park.

At the time, he was a town councillor for Norreys Ward.

Mr George said: “I’ve got over 200 emails relating to Mr

Nursalson, and the council giving him permission to use the car park.

“Some 30-odd people were included in these, including councillors, executive members and the borough council’s chief executive.

“The then chief executive, Andy Couldrick was the one who suggested Mr Nursalson move to the youth centre car park.

“You can’t get much higher up than that.”

Mr George is frustrated with “how dysfunctional Wokingham Borough Council is”.

He claims that the issue comes from various departments in the borough council not communicating to each other.

“This falls under two different departments, estates management and licensing,” he explained. “All departments aside from estates fed into the consultation for permission.

“They’re trying to stop renewing his license because the landowner no longer gives permission — but the council owns the land. And they put him there.

“It's frustrating to deal with the borough council because

their internal communication systems are non-existent.”

Mr George explained how the borough council had served a notice to Mr Nursalson to stop trading, under the Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982.

“They only gave him five days notice. But in the Act, councils must give seven days notice and the right to appeal.

It’s as if they’ve never read it.

“They just want to run him out of town. The council has tried to find ways to get rid of him.

“There’s a right and a wrong way to do things.

“I will do what is right, and they don’t like that.

“But this is the way the council operates.

“How can they say they never gave him permission to trade?”

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said: “A car park in a community centre used by families and children hasn’t worked as a home for the burger van.

“We’ve given Mr Nursalson sufficient time to find a different location and looked among our portfolio of properties to see if he could move elsewhere, but couldn’t find anywhere that

would work.

“The new height barriers are there to control vehicle access in and out of the site.

“We’ll continue to liaise with Mr Nursalson to find a satisfactory solution.”

14 | VIEWPOINTS XXXXXX

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

Intersurgical, you are doing us proud ‘THE STAFF have been epic, amazing. It’s a whole team effort.’

Those are the word of a rightly proud Charles Bellm, managing director of Wokingham-based medical company Intersurgical.

They have been working flat out in recent weeks to help save lives by creating equipment that will be pressed into service at the new Nightingale Hospital being constructed in the ExCel Centre in London’s Docklands.

It is no exaggeration to say their work will make a tangible difference in the fight against Covid-19.

We salute each and every member of the team for their efforts – cancelling holidays, working extra hours and giving up usual duties to help out in the engine room.

This will be remembered long after the virus has run its course.

And their work will be appreciated by the tireless NHS staff and carers who will use them.

It is often said that at times of crisis, you get to see the true nature of people.

Intersurgical, as with our doctors and nurses, are going above and beyond to keep us safe and bring us back to full health.

Well done to you all, you are doing us proud. Thank you.

CHURCH NOTES

Holding on to hope, promises and love “I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I’m holding the hand of the one who does” – Lee Strobel At the end of April, I was going to be starting a programme called Celebrate Recovery – a faith based 12 step programme – a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion or other behavioural problems.

Due to Covid-19 it’s postponed for the foreseeable – like lots of others things.

Now we are living with most things in our lives postponed, cancelled, in limbo – we feel unsettled, anxious and unsure about what the future holds.

As a Christian all I can hold onto for certain is the hope, promises and love of God. This doesn’t mean I’m not going to get ill; it doesn’t mean my friends and family won’t get ill or lose their jobs – faith is not magic.

My faith is centring, my faith helps to ground me, when all around me is chaotic, my faith gives me hope, hope that this time will pass and that we will learn and grow from it.

God promises that He is with me through this, that He will never leave me. In any pain or anxiety or suffering I go through, He will be standing by me, holding me close – I know this because I experience it through His words in the bible and through friendships and relationships with others, community and prayer.

When we have known brokenness, doubt, anxiety, fear, anger, confusion that binds us and corrodes us, we then experience Gods love, peace and freedom much more acutely.

Amazingly this is what Celebrate Recovery is about – working through hurts, habits and hang ups to find freedom, acceptance in ourselves and peace and love from our Higher Power, Jesus – one step at a time.

Step three in the 12 steps is all about letting go of what you can’t control and trusting God to steer the way – my prayer is that we can all do that, it’s hard, it may be different – but you might start to experience something releasing, something good in these dark times.

Anna Adams is a member of Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2020

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

We need more councillors like Sarah Kerr We need more councillors like Sarah Kerr in Wokingham. How dare Andrew Waters criticise her (The Wokingham Paper, March 19).

Sarah is a councillor dedicated to her residents. She has set up a group of people to distribute food boxes to vulnerable people during the COVID 19 crisis. What is Andrew Waters doing at this time?

I take issue with other points in the letter. Sarah is correct in politicising over the former Council leader – it was appalling the way she was treated. The ‘old boys network’ has been operating in Wokingham as a dictatorship for far too long and it is time it was changed to a council where the residents come first.

Let’s hope that the electorate sees sense at the next elections.

Sarah Kerr’s comments on climate change are correct – letter Wokingham Paper January 9. When she wrote to MP Sir John Redwood to ask him to try and get the law changed over permitted development without planning permission. The only sensible proposal was made by Tony Johnson – Wokingham Paper March 12, which was to get the 240+ Councillors to debate and redefine what the borough should be doing.

Cedric Lander, Woodley

Plague carrier Since Coronavirus hit the shores of this country we have been urged repeatedly to self-isolated, to curtail any external contact wherever possible, and this seems to have been followed by the majority of the population, or so I thought!

Several days ago the latest leaflet

Leaving aside the fact that a number of the challenges that may have to be faced as a result of the spread of coronavirus will be exacerbated as the result of a decade of underfunding and staff reductions throughout the NHS by successive governments, forcing the incumbents to fly by the seat of their pants in an effort to bring a rapidly increasing threat under control, Covid-19 is most certainly revealing the very best and worst in society.

From numerous acts of kindness and help for the most vulnerable to that amounting to what can only be described as displays of hysterical selfishness as supermarket shelves have been stripped of food and other products in spite of pleas for restraint in the face of the

unwarranted and unacceptable behaviour of a relative few to the detriment of others.

Of course, it is perfectly understandable and acceptable for people to hold a reasonable reserve of essentials for use in emergencies but not on a

from the Lib Dems was forced through my, and many more letterboxes, extolling the great works done by the party within Earley, although completely based upon the works done by the previous council.

I find it extremely stupid, irresponsible and frankly dangerous that ANY political party would be delivering leaflets while the country was experiencing “lockdown”, in an attempt to control the spread of the

scale witnessed throughout recent weeks.

Mahatma Gandhi said, “There is enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed”. A wisdom we should all carry with us.

Finally, let us pause to express our thanks and

virus. Obviously, it was far more important for the Lib Dems to spread their lies and half-truths rather than be concerned about the welfare and safety of the residents of Earley, especially as it has not been shown that the virus can survive on a contaminated surface for 28 days and still be active!

Well done Lib Dems for being part of the spreaders of contagion!

Brian Wedge, Wokingham

gratitude to all those who, in the weeks and months ahead, will be fighting to protect and provide for us in the face of the insidious threat from a silent and invisible enemy.

JW Blaney, Wokingham

Well I never!

How amazing that we are at last witnessing the brilliance of our Doctors, Scientists, Engineers, Entrepreneurs and the like; ‘spirits’ unlocked from government and its hoard of civil servants. Brilliant is hardly strong enough with which to praise their hard work.

I refer to the efforts to design and produce urgent medical items missing

WESTMINSTER DIARY Sir John Redwood

A letter to my constituents

I

am writing to update you on the virus crisis, and the damage to jobs, incomes and lifestyles that the virus response is causing.

The government has taken advice from epidemiologists, based on worldwide work through the World Health Organisation. This work concludes that because there is no current cure nor vaccine to prevent the spread of Covid 19, and because people with severe versions of the illness die, tough action has to be taken to slow or stop the spread of the disease. As it appears to be easily caught, this requires as much separation between people as possible.

The UK has adopted a range of measures similar to those in Italy, Spain, France and Germany who also have bad attacks. The measures are a bit less severe than those adopted in China, which claims to have tamed the virus, but is worried about a new upsurge in it as restrictions are relaxed.

The UK policy is more severe than the

Swedish approach. The USA seems to be moving to join us with more severe measures as it spreads rapidly there.

I have constantly pointed out to the government that closing down more than a third of the economy for an unspecified period will put many people out of work, bankrupt many businesses and create hardship for people who lose their income.

I suggested a number of measures to offset some of this damage. I am pleased to report that the government has announced a scheme to enable companies to furlough their staff, keep them on the payroll when not working, with the government paying 80% of the cost for the period of shutdown up to an individual pay ceiling.

It has announced a similar scheme for many self-employed people. It has also offered state guarantees for commercial banks to lend to keep companies with much-reduced turnover going through the difficult period.

I welcome this big response, but do

not think it goes far enough. I am trying to persuade the government to underwrite more jobs and incomes, and to make the payments earlier. Only if we keep company workforces in being can we be ready for recovery as soon as the restrictions are lifted.

I am also about to tackle the government on the all-important timing of exit from these emergency measures.

I understand cautious advisers wanting to stamp out the disease want maximum isolation for the maximum number of people for as long as possible.

They are worried that if we lift the bans early when numbers ill are falling there could be a second wave. he government, however, has to balance this risk against the undoubted substantial extra damage to jobs and incomes if we keep the closures in being for too long.

As capacity builds in the NHS to handle high numbers with pneumonialike symptoms, and as more people get the mild version of the illness and gain

some immunity, so it should become easier to relax the tough economic sanctions against normal business activity.

I am also conscious of continuing shortfalls in online food delivery services, where I have proposed measures to harness volunteers and use delivery services from companies previously supplying non-essential items. There is plenty of food but still problems with switching items like eggs from large catering packs to retail packs, leading to some empty shelves. Again I have proposed some measures to deal with this backlog.

I hope you and yours are keeping well and are managing in these difficult circumstances. I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who are going to work to maintain our essential services, ensure there is food for our tables, and to care for others. I am working from my home in Wokingham Borough and doing as much as possible of my job on the phone and online.

from the NHS because of incompetent bureaucrats.

The very way such bodies address every problem is that it will ‘take time’.

How marvellous that all are taking no notice of rules and regulations, applying ‘do it immediately’. Just wait and see how that philosophy may soon ease the effects of the virus.

As an oldie, I have for over 50 years preached that ‘we really are the best and most capable country’. Sadly our Margaret was the last person to test that proposition – now with some dynamic leaders, we are doing that again.

I have not mentioned our Nurses, Doctors and NHS helpers, who are suffering at the work-face – I fail to find a word in the dictionary that adequately praises or recognises their dedication, the accepted risks to their lives or health, for being true servants to our society. Everyone should pray daily for them.

A last but important issue I feel I must mention concerns ‘the virus’.

Many believed that young people (under 40 perhaps) were not so likely to catch or have any serious effects from catching the virus.

The very sad loss of 21-year-old Chloe Middleton and others, in my view proves that everyone is at risk.

That brings me to a large number of youngsters not yet protected at all – namely the workers in supermarkets.

Shields for some till staff, but nothing for the shelf stackers, the collectors of customer orders and the like. An issue that needs addressing urgently.

Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham

Keep out Notices have gone up in Elms Field advertising luxury hosung and "luxury

town life”. Likewise it was recently agreed by WBC’s planning committee that there will be no affordable housing in the Carnival Pool development. The message is clear – poor people and those on lower incomes are not welcome.

This is an interesting interpretation of the concept of social distancing.

Peter Humphreys, Wokingham

Clapping for carers I was so pleased when I opened my front door at 8pm last Thursday evening and everyone started clapping.

(Not for me) I had hoped many more people would have joined in.

There can't be a person in Barkham Road who has not had help from the NHS. Anyway, the clapping and lights on, plus our voices, small they may have been, must have shown our appreciation.

I wish the government would hurry with up-to-date equipment.

I appreciate the no visiting for people over 70 but my husband must find it very boring to be in a ward of several patients who sleep all day. That would be enough to drive me mad.

Anyway, many many thanks for the few people who opened their doors Many many thanks for all the lovely carers and NHS nurses for whom we clapped loudly in Barkham Road.

Francine Twitche‫מּ‬, Wokingham

Spot on Brian I read, with great interest, Brian Hicks’s feature, ‘Marking World Bipolar Day’ – [The Wokingham Paper – 26th March].

Our, considerable, experience of BiPolar Affective Disorder, at the crisis house, confirms, exactly, what Brian Hicks says. Its sufferers are, frequently, Oxbridge science graduates, talented

graduates of the Royal College of Music, or, gifted, artists.

The condition, known as, ‘hypomania’, enhances normal abilities, and frequently, enables bipolar sufferers, to perform, better than the average. The medication, lithium, prevents them from surging, into fullblown mania.

Brian Hicks mentions the researcher, Mogens Schou. I recall bringing Professor Mogens Schou, over from Denmark, to address what was to be, my last, major, international mental health conference – held, in Oxford, in November 1992. It was shortly after this, that running the crisis house, became a full-time, commitment, so, reluctantly, I had to discontinue, my mental health education work.

But, doesn’t Brian Hicks’s feature confirm, precisely what I wrote, in my letter – ‘Strictly Carrying On’ – March 5? I, personally, may no longer be able, to organise international conferences, on Bi-Polar Disorder, but other, and, no doubt, younger, people, are continuing to do so!

Referring now, to my letter of March 26 – ‘Yes, Carrying On’, these are troubled times - in which it is important, to use one’s head, as well as one’s heart! Self isolation isn’t so bad – if one is in normal, mental health, and has a large house, and, a garden, in which to get space, and fresh air.

But if one, is severely depressed, severely anxious, or suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, being incarcerated, practically all the time, in a tiny bedsitter, and with, no access to a garden, then one’s mental illness, is exacerbated.

This is why it is so important, for the crisis house drop-in centre, to remain open, during the coronavirus pandemic.

Even if people are self-isolating, and so don’t come in, regularly, at least they know that we are still here, and that they can come to us, if their isolation becomes unbearable.

Actual suicides, are very sad, but attempted suicides, are not only sad; they are, extremely burdensome, on our over-stretched National Health Service.

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House

Talking PANTS As many of your readers are adapting to become home-school teachers, they’re going to be doing everything from reading, colouring, singing, and dancing to help their children learn. So, while we’re using this time to teach school lessons, why not teach life lessons, too.

The NSPCC’s PANTS campaign uses cartoons, songs, and drawings featuring Pantosaurus the Dinosaur to get children and parents talking PANTS and, as a result, help children to recognise the signs of sexual abuse in a child-friendly way.

But what are the PANTS Rules?

Pantosaurus helps to teach kids that: Privates are private, Always remember your body belongs to you, No means no, Talk about secrets that upset you, and Speak up, someone can help.

Last year, Childline carried out an average of 12 counselling sessions every day with children who have been sexually exploited. That’s why it is so important to talk about child sexual abuse, so our children know that it is never their fault.

For more visit crowdfunder.co.uk/ nspcc-pantosaurus-book Helen Westerman, Head of Safeguarding in Communities, NSPCC

TONYJOHNSON The New Democracy

A

S daily briefings from Number 10 have continued this past week, those who didn’t follow their own advice on Covid-19 are now affected by it.

Distanced by social isolation; questions from journalists only appearing via a screen; but as some have yet learn, virtual reality is the new reality.

Tea supplies assured John Cleese’s apocryphal threat level for the UK has been dialled back from “A Bit Cross” as supermarkets have kept supplies of tea going, but it was at “Irritated” until they began restocking loo rolls and dried foodstuffs at the weekend.

Most stores had adopted the one-out; one-in; model of shopping and while queues outside looked long, as prospective shoppers maintained their 2m social distance, they moved quickly enough in the sunshine.

Inside the store was a different matter, particularly at one checkout on Saturday when not one but two people decided they would just squeeze past.

One wonders if they recognise that six foot temporary horizontal spacing today is far better than six foot vertical spacing forever?

Shute-ing up, down and around From the initial A5 leaflet, published virtually on March 18th and 19th,

Wokingham Borough Council worked hard on communicating with everyone online.

Their social media channel has continued to publish information and has included details of closures, changes and advice.

No politics please, we’re skittish Around the borough, moderators (admins) of the various social media groups have taken different approaches as to which matters of fact, opinion and news can be posted and their guidance has evolved over the past couple of weeks.

It started on the 18th, with one group saying that any Covid-19 related posts would be limited to trusted sources in order to limit fake news, panic or hysteria. This view was supported by some other groups.

By the 20th, a number of groups were refusing to allow posts of empty shelves, gibberish or “bovine output”.

By the 23rd, one group stated it would delete any overtly political posts (though others had already been quietly doing this) while on another group a rather venomous political post from a non-resident of that area is still visible.

A ray of sunshine popped up at the end of the week as one group proposed holding a street party when it’s all over and wondering if Nine Mile Ride would be long enough?

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NELLIE KNOWS Nellie Williams www.nelliewilliams.co.uk

How to make your own yeast

F

OR as much as everyone complains about the negatives of social media there are many positives.

I had been on Facebook for ages and was told by Katie Fforde I should do Twitter as it’s good fun, it wasn’t until I had flu and was off work for months that I gave it a go and I am glad I did.

Through Twitter I have found a larger world, I have found useful information, I have connected with people when I needed information on Friedreich’s Ataxia and Nystagmus, I have met some real weirdos but I have also met some wonderful local people who are true and real life friends, Emma and Heather that’s you (wonderful friends not weirdos).

You might have seen Emma on the news on Wednesday, she is the CEO of First Days and is now organising the Wokingham Borough Community Hub (as seen in last week’s Wokingham Paper).

Love and support from a distance Do you know what I am loving right now? The remote love, support, guidance and motivation not forgetting the endless videos, tags, nonsense and downright silly behaviour. We are all doing what we can when we can, if we can.

Words and phrases I won’t miss – we are living in unprecedented times, when this is all over, lock down, social distancing, what can I eat? what time is it? what day is it? What I am looking forward to – routine, the M4, just nipping out, people popping by hugs.

Things I’ve noticed – fewer planes, less traffic, dogs barking, the front hedge is a dog weeing spot, how dirty the windows are.

Funny memes and making yeast Fed up with fake news Over in the west of the Borough, Wednesday morning’s posting on a Conservative social media Newsline said that an Executive meeting at WBC the previous night had described the [Local Plan] proposals for Grazeley Garden Town as being “completely redundant” and “impossible to build”.

The prospective Conservative candidate for Shinfield South viewed this as great news and promptly posted to that effect on local social media community groups.

Local elation turned to disbelief as it emerged that the Executive meeting hadn’t actually been the previous night, it was planned for the following night – and it was cancelled anyway.

Then things got even worse – and it was subsequently alleged that even what was said wasn’t right, also that this was the fourth time that the candidate had been provided with “facts” that weren’t correct.

She took her posting down in the afternoon, the original Newsline got taken down that night and an anodyne substitute appeared in its place the following day.

In the candidate’s resignation speech on the Shinfield and Spencers Wood Community groups on Thursday she lambasted the leakers, their subsequent silence, as well as their inaccuracy – concluding with a view that she’d better things to do and would be enjoying the

sunshine, “plus a G&T or two”.

Supermarkets are now rumoured to be re-stocking their tonic water shelves, ‘quite soon’.

Clap for Carers It isn’t only the Doctors and Nurses who deserve our admiration and applause.

While it might be on a lesser scale, those supporting their communities deserve acknowledgement too and we should recognise WBC’s Community Development team in Norreys who’ve been calling those in need to make sure they’re well, to organise food and prescription deliveries, and to be a personal contact during self-isolation.

There are others who deserve our cheers – so please write in to say who should also be recognised.

What the neighbours said As we British get used to staying at home, there are signs that the quintessentially stiff upper lip may be quivering as outbreaks of humour have been spreading fast online.

One neighbour told me their nerves were shot as they asked where they could get a suitably sized lead to take their cat out for a walk, while another claimed that hazard pay had been scaled back for Andrex delivery drivers.

Minus the ende-lügen, that was the second week. caveat.lector@icloud.com

Now social media is really coming into its own, as well as groups the memes are constant and get funnier as the time goes on. I think my favourite is Joe Pasquale’s son Joe Tracini’s Beef Toe, Tiramisu dance. The loo roll panic in the shops seems to have calmed down and my FB feed is now full of cries of “where’s the yeast?”

Hurrah therefore for Amanda Lees and her Lockdown Survival Hacks first up Make Your Own Yeast of which there are two recipes.

Potato Yeast This one uses the water left over from boiling potatoes. Simply take 325 ml or a cup and a half of the potato water, add a tablespoon of sugar, and stir in flour until stiff. Cover and leave overnight in a warm place. If it is nice and bubbly the next morning it is ready to use. If not – start over.

Grape Yeast You can also make yeast from grapes. In this case, stem them (do not wash them, as this will wash off the yeast that you are trying to grow), crush by hand, and place in a container covered with cheesecloth. Leave undisturbed for three days. You should start to see the liquid bubble, indicating that the yeast is growing. Strain the liquid (which now contains the yeast), and stir in 1 cup or 150g of whole wheat flour. Leave your grape starter at room temperature for 24 hours.

Save only one cup of the mixture, then add another 150g cup of flour and a cup or 250ml of water. Do the same thing for another day or two at which point you should have a very bubbly starter at this point. After this, just keep feeding it so you will always have some ready for your next loaf of bread.

16 | NEWS

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Police station closes front desks POLICE have closed their front desks indefinitely at Loddon Valley and Reading station in order to re-deploy the force elsewhere.

On Saturday, March 28 Thames Valley Police announced that the desks will be closed across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

They said: “To encourage people to self-isolate and to keep our staff safe, we are closing our police front counters.

“Front counter staff will be re-deployed to support the force in other areas of the business.

“Only those needing to answer bail or registered offenders that need to sign on can still visit Reading during

normal opening hours.”

But the Reading desk will be closed for all other services.

This comes with an increase in Police enforcement powers .

Now, Police can instruct people to go home, leave an area or disperse. And issue a fixed penalty notice of £60, which will be lowered to £30 if paid within 14 days. Or a fine of £120 for second time offenders.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2020

‘If we don’t carry on, the this summer will be real

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

AMID HARVEST uncertainty across the UK, a Wokingham farmer is reassuring the public that they are planting crops as quickly as possible, in preparation for the summer.

Peter Gray, owner of Grays Farm is working to ensure they continue to produce as much food as possible this year.

This comes as the Country Land and Business Association called on people up and down

the country to take up jobs on farms to save this year’s harvest.

Government and industry figures show that each year, over 60,000 seasonal labourers come to the UK to help complete annual harvests.

But travel restrictions are expected to make it near impossible for farmers to access the labour they need.

But to Mr Gray’s surprise, he has a bigger workforce than usual for this time of year.

“We’re going ahead hard and fast with planting so there are

no shortages this summer,” he said. “I usually go away for two weeks in April, but my holiday has been cancelled so I’m here to focus on planting as much as possible.

“The students we employ have all returned from University early, and we’ve got four volunteers who offered to help us too. So actually, we have more staff than usual for this time of year.

“Now we just have to get on with planting as quickly as possible, before the weather or situation changes.”

Thursday, April 2, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Regular blood donors needed e food shortage l not self-inflicted’ BLOOD DONORS should donate regularly, as normal said the NHS Blood and Transplant department.

Although they are not in need of urgent donations, a steady flow of regular donors is needed to help maintain stocks in coming weeks and months.

An NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson said: “We need people in Berkshire who are fit and healthy to keep donating as normal during the coronavirus outbreak. “We've put extra safety measures in place and safety is always our number one priority.

“We’re now doing extra cleaning and this week we’ve started triaging

Peter Gray, owner of Grays Farm smiles with his ‘top quality’ rhubard ready for picking (left). His team are working to plant as much as possible for the summer.

Pictures: Tom Brown

Explaining the importance of a successful harvest, Mr Gray said: “Farmers are key workers. If we don’t carry on, the food shortage in the summer will be a real one and not self-inflicted by the stockpilers.

“We’ve already put the strawberries in the ground. Last week we planted cauliflower, broccoli, sprouts, cabbage and onions. And this week we’ll be planting broad beans, carrots, beetroot, spinach and parsley.

“The virus doesn’t stop the sun from shining.”

Nationally, the picture is more uncertain.

Mark Bridgeman, president of the CLA, said: “A shortage of 80,000 workers is something we have never seen before. This is why we are calling for a ‘Land Army’ of employees to support farmers in feeding the country.

“We need urgent Government assistance to help source workers and advertise positions.

“Time is of the essence as many farmers will soon begin, or have

already, begun planting or harvesting.

“Farms and rural businesses are already suffering from the winter flooding and uncertainty over future international trading relationships.

If we fail to find these key workers, businesses will go bust.”

Although Mr Gray has plenty of staff for now, he urged anyone out of work to contact other local farms and find out if they need help.

He added: “We’re hoping to open the pick your own this summer. If social distancing is still in place, there is plenty of space on the farm to stay two metres away from the next person.”

Although his summer crop isn’t ready yet, the rhubarb is ready for picking.

“The rhubarb is looking good, it’s early in the season so it’s top quality,” he said.

From Saturday, April 4 the Heathlands Road farm will be open for rhubarb picking from 9.30am until 12.30pm. This will run each Saturday this month.

everyone who arrives so only people with no risk factors can enter the donation area.

“A lot of people have called us asking if sessions are still going ahead.

“We need them to know that our sessions and donor centres are still open and that travel to a blood donation session is essential for the NHS. “Blood donation is a reason to do something amazing. Blood donation saves lives.”

Donors across the county are asked to follow the latest advice on the blood donation website.

“We’re regularly reviewing the situation and working closely with the

Department of Health and Social Care, PHE, and the UK’s other blood donation services, added the NHS Blood and Transplant spokesperson.

“Donations have dropped though our stock levels are currently still good because hospitals are cancelling routine operations.

“We need people to keep donating to make sure we can keep supplying the blood hospitals need in the coming weeks and months. Patients and doctors are relying on us to be there.”

To make appointment to donate, or for more information, call 0300 123 23 23, download the NHS Give Blood app, or visit www.blood.co.uk

18 | SOCIETY

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Awards honour county’s finest Lucy Zeal with some of the awards she will present after the pandemic

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

SOME of the borough’s unsung heroes had been due to receive a special honour earlier this month, but new rules on social distancing put paid to it.

The High Sheriff’s awards honour exceptional and inspirational works across the royal county, and were meant to be presented last month. A new date will be set later this year.

The presentations mark the end of Lucy Zeal’s 12 months in office and recognise people in Berkshire who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

Mrs Zeal said: “It’s a huge honour to be able to give these awards. In the past 12 months I have come across many people and organisations who work so hard to administer justice, law and order as well as dedicating their lives to improving our communities.

It is a privilege to be able to say thank you in this way.”

Mrs Zeal was also able to make donations to five charities, courtesy of Police and Crime

Diversity lecture on hold A PLANNED lecture that was due to take place in Binfield later this month is now hoped to be held in November.

Binfield College hold a regular Diversity Lecture, and next week

Commissioner, Anthony Stansfeld: Aik Saath in Slough promotes and encourage conflict resolution and community cohesion through mentoring, training and youth work.

Berkshire Womens’ Aid helps victims domestic abuse and violence, providing advice, counselling and places of safety in Reading, Wokingham & Bracknell and West Berkshire.

DrugFAM provides a lifeline to families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s addiction to drugs and/or alcohol and those who have been bereaved by substance misuse.

Just Around the Corner is a first point of contact resources for young people in Berkshire to raise the awareness of substance misuse, general wellbeing and challenging anti-social attitudes through street youth work.

Reading Refugee Support Group helps refugees and asylum seekers rebuild their lives in Berkshire through free advice and support.

would have seen a visit from Amanda Mukwashi, the chief executive of international aid agency Christian Aid. However, the coronavirus has put paid to that plan.

The college, run by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, now plans to run the event as part of its autumn semester.

For the latest news visit

And a retiring collection at the Judicial Service, at Reading Minster last year has seen Mrs Zeal present a donation to Starting Point (Mustard Tree) in Reading, which mentors young people into education, employment and training or who are at risk of exclusion.

The recipients are: Becky Martin, Broadmoor Hospital For her work with the redevelopment team during the transitional process to the new hospital.

Vincent Kanyi, Broadmoor Hospital For his improvements to the quality of catering and building a highly functional catering team during the move to the new hospital.

Volunteers at Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service For organising a community event at Whitley Wood Fire Station for local residents on Christmas Day 2019.

PCSO David Bullock, Windsor Street Angels

Ollie’s fun day delayed until next year IT’S ONE of the highlights of Wokingham’s summer calendar, but it’s also another coronavirus casualty.

Plans for this year’s Ollie Young Foundation fun day have been put on ice to ensure that families can stay safe.

It normally takes place in August at Cantley Fields, off Twyford Road, and offers everything from entertainment to bouncy castles.

There is usually a visit from a fire engine, as well as ice cream vans, sand art and local authors.

And there is a host of side stalls to enjoy such as beat the goalie.

For his dedication and commitment to Windsor Street Angels.

Tricia Pease, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust For improving the lives and experiences of young people within the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Sarah Coventry and Serena Thompson, Ranelagh School, Bracknell For their contribution to the outstanding success of Ranelagh School in the Magistrates’ Court Mock Trial Competition at regional and national level in 2018 and 2019.

Her Honour Judge Angela Morris For her inspiring engagement with children, students, and the wider community, to promote and explain the work of the judiciary and the Criminal Justice system.

Operation Livery, Thames Valley Police For the success of a live operation resulting in a conviction in December 2019, to include police officers and prosecution counsel.

High commended In addition, Rob Deeks, Aik Saath in Slough, have been given a Highly Commended National Crimebeat Award. National Crimebeat is the youth crime prevention charity of the High Sheriff’s Association which recognises the most innovative and successful crime prevention projects carried out by young people who are creating safer communities.

But it won’t take place this year.

A post on the charity’s Facebook page said: “It’s with a heavy heart that we’ve taken the decision to cancel our summer fun day this year.

“We were hoping give you all something to look forward to for when this pandemic is all over, but with the uncertainty of how long this will last, we didn’t want to put anyone at risk.

“We will miss seeing the abundance of families coming together over the summer but be assured that we will be back next year.”

And the charity’s founder – Ollie’s Mum Sarah Simpson – added: “We’re optimistic for the future and look forward to planning next year’s fun day, which will be on Sunday, August 15, 2021 – something to look forward to.”

Youngsters rise to the challenge of dancing with loo roll STARLET Dance School invited children to join the toilet roll challenge last week, writes Daisy Hanson.

When lockdown was announced, Lousie Woods from Starlet decided to begin the challenge to help parents homeschooling their children to have some fun.

The Shinfield-based school — which teaches ballet, tap, street and theatre to children, from toddlers to adulthood — ran the week-long challenge and had 50 families send in their videos.

The person filming throws the toilet roll to the child, who performs a short dance and then chucks it off-screen - this creates a chain effect, as it looks as if the children

are dancing in a line, passing the toilet roll on.

The video begins with Ms Woods dancing, and then her three-yearold daughter takes over and passes the roll on to the next dancer.

Ms Woods said: “Everyone loved it, and I am so pleased that it brightened the days of so many families.

“I think it was helpful as young children are confused right now, they may not know why they can’t see their friends and the challenge was hopefully a lot of fun for them.

“I wanted it to be a space where they can be creative and do something different.”

The final video can be found on the school’s Facebook page.

Thursday, April 2, 2020 THEWOKINGHAMPAPER / WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS FOCUS | 19

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‘The applause and cheers for the NHS made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck’ Chief Executive of the Royal Berkshire Hospital Steve McManus said that the nation’s minute of cheering for carers meant a lot – but, as he tells PHIL CREIGHTON – the public can do more to help by staying at home

T

HE round of applause for health workers has been just the tonic for staff working at the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

At 8pm last Thursday night, millions across the country took part in the minute-long sign of appreciation for those in the NHS and other care workers dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

The chief executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Steve McManus, was in Reading town centre at the time and heard the cascade of noise.

“It was just amazing,” he says. “There was loud applause and cheers. It made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

“It is really fantastic to know we have such support in our community.”

And it’s not just polite clapping. Steve says that there has been ‘overwhelming’ gestures over the past few weeks including offers of help from members of the public and donations from businesses.

It goes some way to helping the teams know that their efforts to save lives of those admitted to the hospital with the coronavirus are being appreciated.

March was something of a whirlwind month for the nation.

On Saturday, February 29, it was confirmed that a staff member of a Woodley infants school had tested positive for the virus – one of the first cases of its kind in the country.

A few days later, a woman in her 70s became the first person in the country to die with the coronavirus. She had been a patient at the Royal Berkshire Hospital and, while she had contracted the virus, she had had underlying health issues.

Since then, the number of cases has soared and the nation has gone from normal life to a near lockdown, with schools, shops, bars, theatres and churches all closed and many of us working from home.

And last week, it was announced that prime minister Boris Johnson and health secretary Matt Hancock have tested positive for Covid-19.

Throughout it all, the health service has to keep calm and carry on, despite knowing that the situation will get worse before it gets better.

Steve says that the RBH is

ready, but its work can be helped by people staying at home and avoiding friends or non-immediate family members.

“I’m feeling really good about our team and how they’re coping and preparing for what’s to come,” he says. “We feel well supported by our community.

“We’re also anxious about what’s to come.

“We want to serve our community as best we can and there is one thing that people can do to really help us out: observe the rules on social distancing.”

To help minimise the virus’ spread, the hospital has seen many routine appointments cancelled in a bid to minimise footfall and reduce the risk to the number of people entering the Craven Road site.

Some things are carrying on as normal: those special deliveries in maternity will continue, for example. But, in a bid to further reduce the number of people coming on to the hospital site, some services may be deferred, and others may be moved to alternative private hospital settings.

Children under the age of 12 will no longer be able to go to the RBH as visitors.

And to increase capacity to deal with Covid-19 patients, there are plans to increase intensive care beds to 56 and health managers are in talks with the independent sector to move urgent surgery to private hospitals.

Demand in A&E has seen a fall recently but more needs to be done to ease the pressure on staff and an ‘Ask A&E’ online helpline service is being explored.

More is also being done: “We have introduced new visitor guidelines which were put in place from last night,” Steve says. “I understand how difficult this will be for the public, but we need to suspend visitors to the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

“There are only three exceptional circumstances where we’ll allow immediate family or carers. They are end of life care, a woman who is in labour can have a birthing partner, and the parent or responsible adult of a child in care.

“We have had to cut footfall in the hospital.”

This has an effect on the site itself: “It’s quite an odd

Steve McManus outside the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s main entrance on Craven Road

environment,” Steve admits.

“It’s quieter now.

“But this has released essential staff to get the training and updated skills for what they need to do.”

This includes training physiotherapists and chest physios to be ready to help patients with coronavirus with their recoveries.

While the normal day-to-day outpatients work has been curtailed, “the emergency teams and the intensive teams dealing with Covid-19 are very busy”.

Steve says that they are getting protective equipment, praising the distribution team who are now working “seven days a week, getting goods to departments and ensuring they are well stocked”.

Despite all the disruption to normal routines, Steve says that the teams are coping well.

“Our team is absolutely outstanding,” he says. “They might be individually anxious and, at times, fearful. They’re coming to work, being put into this environment and then going home and seeing what’s on the news and social media.

They are balancing professionalism with having anxiety for themselves.

“We are trying to rustle up as much support as we can.”

There have been concerns in recent days over the availability of respirators, needed for those Covid-19 victims who are struggling with breathing. But Steve thinks the hospital is as ready as it can be – there are 39 critical care spaces available.

“We’ve got a very clear plan for available ventilation machines,” he says. “We’re working with national teams to

get the equipment we need beyond that; we have some more we can call on.

“In the short term, we have sufficient machines.”

Dealing with Covid-19 is,

Steve says, “a marathon, not a sprint”. Indeed, projections suggest that the virus may come back again towards the end of the year.

“We have to maintain the

energy to see us through over the months,” he says. “I have a responsibility to make sure that 5,500 staff and volunteers at the Royal Berkshire Hospital can sustain it. I feel that responsibility every day.”

And he also appreciates the efforts that the national teams in government and the NHS have been going through.

“I know the national teams at all levels are working flat out to do the right thing,” he says. “We are feeding back in areas where we have concerns, and our ideas, and we’ve seen them responding to that.”

But right now, Steve wants every reader to follow government guidance to stay at home to save lives – something more important that a clap for carers.

“I can’t stress the fact that we will see the pandemic peak in the UK in the middle of April,” he warns. “The length of that peak and how long that continues is directly related to the public.

“The more they practise social distancing, the faster we can come down from that peak.

“The one thing they can do is comply with these restrictions.”

20 | LEISURE

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Charity founder calls for support on 13th anniversary of Alexander Devine Hospice EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

AS IT marks its 13th anniversary, a local children’s hospice is calling for donations as they desperately search for stability in uncertain times.

Thirteen years ago, on March 27, Fiona Devine launched the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice in memory of her late son.

“At the start, we had nothing but the whole hearted belief that what we were doing was right,” she explained. “We just knew what a difference this would’ve made to our extraordinary little boy.”

But now, Mrs Devine has launched an emergency appeal, in the hope to secure a stable future for her Hospice.

She has estimated that in the next three months, the charity will face a loss of £400,000 — due to the coronavirus crisis in the UK. Beginning with just one nurse, and growing into a children’s hospice supporting 130 local families, the charity has celebrated several milestones since its beginning in 2007.

The latest being the launch of

their hydrotherapy sessions.

But Mrs Devine is calling for support to help the charity build a stable future ahead.

In an open letter, she said: “I didn’t build Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service alone, it was built by you, our wonderful and generous community as a legacy to our extraordinary son.

“Together we have come so far but now we are facing one of the toughest challenges we have come up against.

“It weighs heavy on my heart as we prepare for the difficult times ahead and my hope is that you will continue to support our charity as we navigate our way through these unprecedented times.”

Mrs Devine hopes that her charity can continue to provide frontline care to the families who need it.

“Hospices, especially children’s hospices are the platforms that sit behind the NHS in terms of palliative and end of life care.”

She explained that the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice plays an important role in supporting the NHS, by working in partnership with them to provide support for children and their families.

“Now, I have more long term concerns about our future development,” she added.

“We have grown through carefully measured phases, each time ensuring that we have the funding to support the next stage of growth and the next service launched.

“Now, we need your help more than ever. To each and every one of you, please give what you can to help us maintain our much-needed and valued service.

“While we are grateful for any donation, what we need most of all is a sustainable income so please consider a pledge of a regular gift; a monthly donation that will help us as we plan for the future of our children’s hospice service.”

Although they face uncertainty, the hospice continues to support families across the borough with the specialist care needed.

The day care and hydrotherapy pool sessions have been temporarily stopped, so that staff can focus on providing support for families in their own homes.

To set up a regular donation, text ALEXANDER to 70085 to donate £5 per month. For more details: alexanderdevine.org

NEWS | 21

Parking free for NHS staff NHS staff workers can now park for free in a Reading shopping centre.

The Oracle is allowing registered users to park in its Riverside car park – just a few minutes’ walk from the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

To take part in the scheme visit www. yourparkingspace.co.uk/ nhs-parking and select The Oracle from the list of locations.

Once they have submitted their car registration details and email address, they will be able to park for free from the following day.

An Oracle spokesperson said: “We know that NHS workers are really going the extra mile right now, and we are all hugely grateful for everything they are doing. Hopefully, this will make their journeys to work a little easier and safer.”

The car park is open 24 hours a day, and retailers offering essential products and services such as NatWest remain open.

To all those helping in their communities…

… Link your community group with involve now to get support and to get connected to the wider community response

22 | LEISURE

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IN THE KITCHEN

National Theatre to broadcast classic productions online

A

NYONE wanting a night at the theatre but is stuck indoors is in for a treat tonight.

The National Theatre is opening its virtual doors this evening to present some of its greatest hits.

Audiences around the world can stream NT Live productions for free via YouTube, and students and teachers have access to the National Theatre Collection at home, delivered in partnership with Bloomsbury Publishing.

It starts with Richard Bean’s One Man Two Guvnors featuring a Tony Award-winning performance from James Corden, which is broadcast from 7pm tonight and will be available on demand for the next seven days.

Alongside the play, there will be accompanying interactive content such as Q&As with cast and creative teams and poststream talks.

Other productions to be streamed as part of National Theatre at Home include Sally Cookson’s stage adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre on Thursday, April 9, Bryony Lavery’s adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island on Thursday, April 16, and Twelfth Night on Thursday, April 23, featuring Tamsin Greig as Malvolia in Shakespeare's classic comedy, with further titles to be announced.

Lisa Burger, executive director and joint chief executive at National Theatre, was delighted with the plans.

She said: “Our ambition at the National Theatre is to create work which is challenging, entertaining and inspiring and we’re committed to continuing that through these difficult times.

“I'm thrilled that we’re able to fulfil this

Gavin McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com James Corden stars in the National Theatre’s One Man, Two Guvnors, broadcast online by National Theatre this evening Picture: Johan Persson

ambition in a different way through our collaboration with YouTube.

“I am exceptionally proud of the team at the National Theatre for working so hard to create National Theatre at Home and also to the rights holders who have been so supportive of this new initiative allowing us to bring theatre to households right across the world.

“We have delved into the National Theatre Live archive and curated a programme that’s varied from comedy to new dramas to classics so there is something for everyone to enjoy from their own homes.

“We will be streaming each production at the same time each week in order to recreate, where possible, the communal viewing experience and we hope this will be an opportunity for people to share their enjoyment together online.”

WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2020

And Christina Matteotti, Head of Music and Culture Partnerships, EMEA, added: "During this incredibly difficult time, we are so glad that institutions like the National Theatre are using the platform to share treasured cultural content with the UK and global communities who are facing self-isolation.

“Bringing the comedic delight of One Man Two Guvnors, the magic of shows like Twelfth Night, the mystery of Jane Eyre, and the adventure of Treasure Island to YouTube will be a ray of light during a very difficult time.

“Technology can bring the cultural and creative world inside your home.

“We look forward to seeing how National Theatre at Home on YouTube delights the community and provides a chance to continue to learn.” � For more on the project, log on to www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/at-home

Mushroom and Spinach Risotto with Cheddar

T

HIS risotto is easy to make and is a lovely savoury dish with the golden melted cheese bringing a big savoury flavour.

Ingredients for 4 � 300g Risotto rice of choice � 1 Large onion finely diced � 500g Sliced mushrooms � 150g Whole baby spinach leaves � 1 Litre of Vegetable or chicken stock � 8 Tbsp Vegetable oil � 150g Grated mature cheddar

Method Heat the stock or water and keep hot while cooking the rice.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and stir in

Petsandvets With Claire Turner

What to do if you find a baby bird

S

PRING is here, making the view my kitchen window more interesting. Many of us may find ourselves taking up a new hobby of bird watching this season.

If this is the case and you see a baby bird on the ground, seemingly on its own, here is what to do.

Most of the time the answer is to leave it alone.

Baby birds on the ground are often fledglings in the process of learning to become independent. There will often be an adult nearby but not visible. Interfering with these birds and taking them away from their natural environment can often do more harm than good.

However stepping in can sometimes be called for.

For instance if the bird is obviously injured or you can see two dead adult birds nearby. In these cases please call the RSPCA or a local wildlife rescue centre who will give you advice. Do not try and take care of the bird yourself, fledglings need the care of an expert rehabilitator.

You will also find that most veterinary surgeries are not equipped for fledgling rehabilitation so if you bring them in to us we often end up transferring them or asking you to take them to a local rehabilitation centre.

If the bird has feathers and there are no visible dead adult birds nearby or only one then continue to watch the bird from a distance for two hours.

This is to check if any adult birds are nearby keeping an eye or if the bird itself becomes airborne.

If it is in a dangerous location it is okay to pick up and

Providing personal care for all your pets

Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD Now that spring is here, we will start to see baby birds – but how can you care for a bird you find on the ground?

Picture: Joachim_Marian_ Winkler from Pixabay

move to a safer place while you watch it. Please make sure its new location is still within hearing of the place you found it.

Also keep cats and dogs inside away from the bird until it is airborne. If after two hours you are still concerned then phone the RSPCA or local wildlife rescue centre.

If the bird does not have feathers but fluffy down instead then it is nestling. Look around and see if you can see its nest. If it is healthy then put it back in the nest.

the rice and coat the grains in the oil. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes then add 2 ladles of the stock or water and stir well.

Cook over a medium heat stirring occasionally to prevent the rice sticking.

As the liquid reduces add another ladle or two of stock and continue doing so until the rice is cooked and the liquid reduced.

Stir in the baby spinach to wilt in the rice and sprinkle the cheese over the top.

Put the frying pan under a hot grill to melt the cheese to a golden brown and serve.

Gavin McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com

However if it is obviously ill then it is likely to have been ejected from the nest by its parents as it won’t survive.

If you are unable to return the nestling to its nest then phone a local wildlife rescue centre or the RSPCA. Please remember most birds on the own on the ground do not need help and are better left on their own.

However if you have any concerns please pick up the phone for advice before stepping in to help.

0118 979 3200

� Claire Turner is a Veterinary Surgeon at St. Vincents Veterinary Surgery, a family-owned practice providing personal care for all your pets in and around Wokingham. Should you have any concerns about your pet please call the practice on 0118 979 3200 or visit www.stvincentsvets.co.uk to find out more about the practice.

Providing personal care for all your pets Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD

0118 979 3200

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NEWS | 23

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Ricky Gervais’ call for cash as RSPCA helps Wokingham cat

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Hudson the cat is recovering after being stung in the eye by a bee

ONE of the region’s most famous exports has given his backing to an appeal aimed at protecting the work of a charity that protects animals at risk of cruelty and neglect.

Ricky Gervais, the star of The Office and Extras, is a known animal-lover and is urging people to support the RSPCA’s call for donations as it seeks to carry on during the coronavirus pandemic.

It says that it needs vital funds to keep its rescuers – key workers – on the frontline and look after animals in its care in Berkshire.

Although RSPCA centres have closed to the public, the charity is continuing to provide vital care to thousands of animals across England and Wales and even more are expected to come into its care in the coming weeks as its rescue teams bring in more animals in need.

Alongside this, the charity is also facing a huge financial strain as it is already seeing the damaging effect of this crisis on its fundraising income, while the costs of saving, treating and caring for animals continue.

In 2019, RSPCA rescuers dealt with 2,081 welfare incidents in Berkshire and they are continuing to save animals on the frontline through these difficult times.

The RSPCA national emergency appeal is being supported by comedian and animal lover Ricky Gervais.

He said: “It is really important for us all to pull together to help each other at this difficult time and someone needs to be there for animals, too. I would urge people to give whatever they can spare at this really difficult time to support the RSPCA so they can stay out on the frontline rescuing the animals who need them most.

“They are facing huge challenges through this crisis,

Darren Latimer sits by his swimming pool ahead of his 100 metre swim last week

Darren’s in the swim for Macmillan

By DAISY HANSON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

but their amazing staff are committed to being there for animals in danger in any way they can and they can only do it with your help.”

The teams are continuing an emergency-only service through the lockdown period and the charity is currently caring for 3,288 animals across England and Wales.

Dermot Murphy, head of the RSPCA Rescue Teams, said: “This is a time of national crisis, and many of us are anxious about the future and our loved ones. This crisis has touched all areas of life and the RSPCA is no different.

“As we all face the biggest challenge of a generation, the RSPCA must continue to be on the frontline, rescuing and caring for the animals who need us most.

“Our rescuers, vets and nurses have been designated key workers by the Government which means we can carry on saving animals from cruelty and neglect but we rely entirely on generous public donations to fund our vital services.

“We are facing immense challenges and huge pressures on strained resources, but our hugely dedicated teams are out there dealing with emergencies and our centres continue to deliver vital care to thousands of animals, with more expected in the coming weeks.

“We know that this is a difficult time for everyone but we simply cannot turn our back

on animals who are suffering and we are appealing for animal lovers to give whatever they can to help us.”

The RSPCA said that since the crisis deepened at the beginning of March, its animal cruelty line has received nearly 60,000 calls.

These include a tabby cat who was rescued after it is believed he was stung in the eye by a bee.

Hudson, a one-year-old male tabby cat was rescued by Inspector Sandy Barlow in Wokinghgham on Sunday, March 22, after the poor puss had been stung in the eye by a bee. Sadly, his owner could no longer care for him due to a change in circumstances so Hudson came into the care of the charity.

After receiving veterinary care and confirming there would be no lasting damage, he arrived at RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre for care.

Elizabeth Wood, deputy manager at RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre, said: "Despite this being a very difficult time for everyone, our staff are working round the clock to care for animals like Hudson who really need us.

"Like all animals he is completely unaware of what is going on at the moment but he is certainly grateful to be getting some much-needed care and attention from our staff."

Anyone wishing to support the RSPCA can visit rspca.org.uk/covid

New vision for sight charity IN RESPONSE to coronavirus, Berkshire Vision will now be providing digital support to their members, writes Daisy Hanson.

Over the last week, the company has gone from in-person operations to offering its advice and social services digitally and over the phone due to social distancing.

Berkshire Vision works with sight impaired children and adults to improve their confidence and independence

through social activities and sports.

It has set up a phone befriending service so that members can be checked on weekly by volunteers, many of whom have been made unemployed due to the virus.

It also offers virtual coffee mornings, quiz events and informal discussion groups to its members, enabling them to stay connected online.

Gerry Harmon, head of fundraising and marketing at Berkshire Vision, said: “Our

priority has been and always will be, the welfare of our valuable members.

“As soon as the crisis materialised, we were planning alternatives to our standard face-to-face activities, to ensure we were still keeping communication links open and supporting our members to stay well and safe during this challenging time.

“It is business as usual, albeit in a different format.”

For more information, visit www.berkshirevision.org.uk.

A CROWTHORNE man raised more than £100 for charity last week by going for a swim, despite being in lockdown.

Darren Latimer used Facebook Livestream to broadcast his chilly 100 metre swim for Macmillan Cancer Support from his own back garden.

His father received the charity’s help before passing away a few months ago, after battling with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Mr Latimer said: “Sadly my Dad's deterioration was very quick, but even to the very end he was eternally grateful to

Lucy from Macmillan and his doctor.

“The opportunity to just be able to try to raise say £20 or so, and show appreciation in these unprecedented times was all I was hoping to achieve.”

He decided to do a cold water swim after his group of friends formed a fitness club.

“As it went on some of us developed mental health complications, and we found out that cold water swimming can be a powerful treatment, when done in a safe environment,” he explained.

He wanted to combine this mental health boost with the opportunity to show gratitude to Macmillan.

Mr Latimer had to prepare

for the swim, he said: “I did some slow yoga to mentally ready myself — my mind had to be focused — but the blue sky and sunshine helped”, then he dived into the pool he had built and swam for around five mintues.

He said: “It was an interesting sensation, a mix of pleasure and pain, and when I climbed out of the pool I was speechless.

“The sheer support was quite overwhelming, because this is such a difficult time for everyone, I didn’t expect people to be able to donate much”.

He raised £103, and hopes to continue doing more fundraising in quarantine if the support is there.

24 | EDUCATION

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At school? This is the page you can write! We welcome your articles, poems, pictures and stories for this page. Send your articles to news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk

News from schools | Stories from pupils

Break time

By CC, FOUNDRY COLLEGE

FOR the 12th time today I light up another ‘gret, my skin gently warms as the evening sun blazes down on me.

The world is quiet. Barren, but at ease. It feels like time has stopped ticking and the world has been put on pause.

I can see the heat evaporating off the pavement that was once smothered with crisp autumn leaves.

I hear bird song that I have never encountered before because they have been overpowered by the erupting engines of cars.

Before it was like a competition of who’s the loudest, now the birds have won.

I take another drag of my ciggie which I feel like I have been smoking for days. I am okay with that.

The world has stopped spinning and the streets are bare.

No movement. No voices, apart from the sounds of burning and the gentle exhale from my lungs.

Nature is satisfied, and for once I

am too. I breathe in and all I can smell is a mixture of fresh daffodils and the smell of spring bloom.

The smell of tranquillity fills my nostrils.

Sweet revenge from Mother Nature as she forces the whole world into hibernation in a matter of minutes.

Now nature can come out from hiding. The birds can fly without breathing in toxic fumes, the bees have a million opportunities to pollinate, and the rabbits can run free without the fear of the farmer’s gun.

The lack of selfishness and hatred makes my heart finally be at peace with the world.

Within five minutes nature has creeped out of its cocoon and has already started celebrating.

For the 12th time today I stub my cigarette out into the ashtray.

I take once last glance at the potentials of nature which it has been modestly denying all this time.

I am at peace with myself and I am appreciative of nature but I am still disheartened with humankind.

Contest for lockdown days

By ANEGLA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

A construction company has teamed up with local businesses to launch a competition encouraging creativity and giving children the chance to win a birthday party.

The Green Room Building Co. is asking young artists to design an image to be displayed in a new walk-on roof light in the company’s showroom.

The Wokingham-based firm is hoping to brighten up children’s time at home during the current Coronavirus crisis.

Young people aged five to 15 are asked to imagine what they might see when looking through a window, and from this create a drawing, painting or computer design of any size.

Creations must be original and can be fiction or nonfiction. Examples include the ocean, outer space, or the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

Luke Smith, Director of The Green Room Building Co. said: “We want to engage with the local community and give the children something to look forward to once all this is over.

“We were due to launch our new showroom at Easter, but obviously can’t

now and rather than be negative, we thought there was so much doom and gloom going round at the moment, we should do something positive. We always talked about doing a rooflight and we wanted to team up with local businesses.”

Each finalist wins a Birthday party provided by a local business which might be one of the following: � Watch a Bracknell Bees ice hockey match at the John Nike leisure centre.

There will be the chance to meet the team and have photos taken and signed. � Have a pamper party with manicures and make-up etc. with Beautiful You. � Attend an Italian food workshop, learning how to make pasta and pizza with Delights of Italy. � Enjoy a Game Heads party in a gaming van with all the latest X-Box and Nintendo games. � Have a night in with The Sleepover Party People who have several different themes. � Get your hands stuck into pottery painting at the Top of the Pots Pottery Studio.

The overall winner has the first choice

of a party and will spend an afternoon working with the artists at Fudge Animation studios in Sandhurst to help bring their design to life. It will then be displayed permanently in the company’s remodelled Wokingham showroom on Molly Millars Lane.

The final image will be the prominent display and focal point of the showroom, appearing on a flat roof-light window installed on ground level. The design will come across as slightly 3D, as though you are glancing into another world.

To enter, email a photograph of your child's entry to info@green-room.co.uk with the subject "Birthday Party Entry" and include your child's top three preferences of birthday party in order.

To be considered, entrants must also like @thegreenbuild on Instagram and The Green Room Building Co. Facebook page, share the competition information post, and like the local business pages tagged on the above Facebook page.

The competition will run until May 22 and Birthday parties will be valid for a 12-month period. Finalists will be allocated a party, Green Room will choose from the child’s preferences but this cannot be guaranteed.

BENNY’S CONFLICT

By James Lomax Part 11 of 26 At last Benny may have some relief from his constant stress, in the form of a telepathic reptile alien woman named Shana Vees, who has agreed to help him for reasons she has kept to herself. Together, they have made a plan that should unravel some of the knots and allow him to help his friend Carlos break into a prison planet to find his parents…

T

HE skyline of X-22des1 was rather beautiful, especially at sunset, when the mighty towers were illuminated in the sun’s blinding orange light. Spaceships and airships zipped around in the sky, like birds hopping from tree to tree. One spaceship, a small, piercing arrowhead, rapidly approached Benny’s location. This was The Golden Dawn.

Before it even fully landed, Poppy, Eleanor and Lucas jumped out, armed and loaded, ready for danger. When nothing came out to meet them for a short while, they motioned to each other and moved into the large, bronze dome in front of them.

Inside, it was dark and silent.

Everyone had gone home for the night, except the young Kraken, which lay slumped on the desk, its eyes closed. Poppy ordered Lucas to stay behind and watch over it, just in case it woke and wasn’t friendly.

Outside, The Golden Dawn was slowly being surrounded by the group of teenagers, who stuck to

the shadows caused by the retreating sun. The ginger boy pointed to the open door of the vessel and whispered something in Ophiuchun to a group of about five behind him, who ran directly underneath it, and helped each other up. No shouts came from inside, so it seemed they had caught Andrew by surprise.

Meanwhile, Lucas observed the sleeping Kraken, its many arms draped over the desk. They all twisted together at the base, creating something that resembled a bowl of spaghetti at the bottom that looked like it would take ages to untangle. One of the arms, however, did not fall victim to the chaos, and stretched out behind Lucas. When he turned around to look at it, it wasn’t on the floor. He looked up, and it was at eye level. Before you could blink, Lucas was out cold, a large bruise on his forehead, and cushioned by the soft, slimy skin of the very much awake Kraken.

Meanwhile, Poppy and Eleanor continued to investigate the dome, carefully checking every room for Benny’s presence. The building seemed like a museum, with many exhibits showcasing pre-expansion society, including primitive devices called Mobile Phones, and images of strange creatures with large ears and long noses.

At the centre of the museum a replica house from the 21st Century stood. Poppy told Eleanor to split up and search inside while she checked the World War gallery, and they

both went their different ways.

Eleanor crept inside the building, studying each room and looking inside the nooks and crannies for any sign of Benny. Inside the master bedroom, a replica of one of the earliest androids stood in one corner. She stared at its large body and blank face, failing to notice a dark shadow behind her.

As Poppy searched the nuclear display, she briefly heard a loud cry that was very suddenly silenced.

“Eleanor!” She yelled, running back down the World War gallery and into the replica house. Glancing swiftly, she saw motion at the top of the stairs.

Poppy brandished her shieldrifle and charged up the stairs at the source of movement, following it into the bathroom. Pausing, she looked around. She could have sworn she saw a green shape run into here, but there was nothing.

She looked behind the shower curtain. No sign of anything. She turned back around her, and something above her head made a breathing noise.

Poppy slowly, carefully, looked up at the ceiling. Clinging on by her clawed hands and feet, Shana Vees the Gorgon smiled, and pressed a finger to her lips, before jumping down on Poppy’s head.

Benny winced as he watched the CCTV footage. He didn’t like watching his crew being attacked, but Shana had told him it was necessary to get them out of the way. After all, she wasn’t going to kill them, just keep them captured here until Benny could return. But he wasn’t thinking that far into the future yet.

To be continued…

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (POUND LANE, HURST) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 30th March 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert Description

200618

Old Posting House, Hogmoor Lane, Hurst

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Householder application for the proposed erection of a single storey rear extension and replacement of existing first floor dormer.

200619

Old Posting House, Hogmoor Lane, Hurst

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of a single storey rear extension and replacement of existing first floor dormer, plus internal alterations.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

200690

Farley Hill Farm, (Affect setting of) Church Lane, Farley Hill Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed replacement of 7 no. windows.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

200711

Swallowfield Road, Arborfield

Full planning application for Installation of a Solar park to include 40000 solar photovoltaic panels, 11 inverter/transformer cabins, a single control building and associated works to include vehicle access and fencing with Environmental Statement.

1. Pound Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Nelsons Lane and Broadcommon Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Nelsons Lane and Broadcommon Road, or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th April and 8th April 2020 The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake fire hydrant repair work in safety.

EIA and major development

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th April 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 2nd April 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3350 ELM ROAD, EARLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 6th April 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. B3350 Elm Road, Earley between its junctions with Elm Lane and Langdale Gardens The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Shinfield Road, B3270 Lower Earley Way, Beeston Way, Rushey Way, Chalfont Way and Elm Lane, or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 14th April 2020 between 09:30 and 15:30.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake sewer cover replacement work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 14th April 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated this 9th April 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

SERVICES

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page.

Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before Saturday 25th April 2020. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address.

Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 2nd April 2020

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert Description

192325

Land South East of Finchampstead Road, South Wokingham Strategic Development Location, Wokingham

Major Application

Hybrid planning application consisting of outline application with details of access for up to 190 dwellings, public open space and associated infrastructure and full application for suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG)

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page.

Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before Saturday 19th May 2020. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address.

Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 2nd April 2020

DECORATING

AUCTIONS Antiques valuations Saturdays: 10am-1pm at Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place RG40 1AP Tuesdays: 10am-1pm at Holme Grange Craft Village, Heathlands Road, Wokingham RG40 3AW Thursdays: 10am-1pm at White Lion Antiques, Hartford Bridge, Hartley Wintney RG27 8AE No appointment necessary: our team of Valuers and Specialists are on hand to offer free verbal valuations and offer advice for sale. We cover silver, jewellery, gold sovereigns, furniture, clocks, ceramics & glass, paintings, Oriental items, and vertu.

Call Pascal McNamara on 07446 802450

wokinghamauctions.com

26 | PROPERTY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY / THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Thursday, April 2, 2020

Roman sticks with the Bees BRACKNELL BEES have confirmed that Roman Malinik with continue his association with the club for a third consecutive season.

Following the early conclusion to the 2019/20 season due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Head Coach Doug Sheppard confirmed that Malinik has signed to play for the Bees for the 2020/21 campaign.

The signing of Roman goes together with the previously announced signing of Dominik Gabaj for the 20/21 season and means Doug Sheppard has secured both his non-EIHA trained players.

Doug Sheppard explained his signing: “We’re building a core in Bracknell and no question Roman is part of that core.

“We had a strong finish to the season and Roman played a huge role.

“He is a great two way centre and gives us the best one-two punch in the league down the middle.”

Roman added: “I’m pleased to be back with the Bees for a third season.

“We had a tough season last year so I’m looking forward to playing my part with the team Doug is building and giving our loyal fans something to cheer about next season as we look to have a successful year.”

The Bees 2019/20 campaign was cut short by the Covid-19 outbreak which caused the National Ice Hockey League to take the decision to suspend the league with immediate effect.

The early end to the campaign meant that the Bees finihsed with a ninth placed standing out of the ten sides competing in the NIHL National League.

Doug Sheppard’s finished the campaign with a record of 16 wins, four overtime wins, five overtime losses and 25 losses from 50 matches.

With the final 10 games of the season being abandoned, all of the games were deemed as 0-0 results with no points being awarded.

‘NULL AND VOID’ FA WIPES OUT SEASON

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THE Football Association has ended all grassroots football with immediate effect for the 2019/20 season, resulting in no promotions or relegation for the following campaign.

A statement released by the FA said: “We can now confirm that we have decided that all grassroots football is concluded for the 2019-20 season. This will allow the game to move forward and to commence planning for next season. Our County Football Associations (CFAs) will be supporting grassroots leagues over the coming days to determine how they should close out their current competitions.

“Today’s steps take into account the financial impact during this uncertain period, whilst considering the fairest method on how the sporting outcomes for the season will be

decided with the integrity of the leagues in mind.

“The NLS and the women’s football pyramid were able to build a consensus amongst their leagues and, where possible, aimed to create a consistent approach across all leagues, whilst taking into account the unique characteristics of each individual league.

“As a result, The FA and NLS steps three to six have reached a consensus that their 2019-20 season will now be brought to an end, and all results will be expunged. This will mean no promotion or relegation of clubs between NLS steps three to six, and no promotion to NLS step two.

“We remain in consultation with the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and FA Women’s Championship Board and clubs regarding the most appropriate way to complete the current season, including for the Barclays FA

Women’s Super League Academy.”

This means that Binfield’s push for the Hellenic Premier Division title has ended with the Moles finishing in second place after an impressive 17 wins from 22 league games.

“I didn't think that the season would start again at our level once they initially put it on hold,” said Binfield manager Roger Herridge.

“I couldn't see anyway that it could restart, but I didn’t think that they would take the decision to null and void the whole season in all honesty.

“As were at the business end of the season I thought they might go with the points per game route which is what I was hoping.

“There are sides at their respective leagues who are many points ahead and they’re not going to get promoted, the situation for them is even more disappointing. It was a decision I didn't think the FA were going to make.

“I understand that a lot of clubs

have appealed against it but whether that will come to any fruition, I doubt.”

Meanwhile, Wokingham & Emmbrook have finished in fourth place in the Hellenic League Division One East, but will not promoted as a result of their 2019/20 campaign due to the season being ruled null and void.

In the same division, Woodley United finish in 15th after making a recovery since the turn of the year and will ply their trade in the Hellenic League Division One East again next season.

“My first thoughts to the league being concluded were with the teams that were winning leagues and close to promotion,” said Woodley United manager Jamie Williams.

“A lot of those teams would have had money to come from that and now it all seems like for nothing s o my initial thoughts are with them

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whereas for us, it was more of a struggle this season.

“But the more I’ve thought about it and had conversations with other people about it, I think it is the only conclusion and the right thing to do to void the season.

“I think it will be a testing ground for them doing that across the board, I wouldn't be surprised at all if the football league and the Premier League did the same thing.”

Meanwhile, Eversley & California end their Combined Counties Division One campaign in 18th. � The full statement from the FA can be read at: http://www.thefa.com/news/ 2020/mar/26/national-league-systemwomens-football-pyramid-grassrootscovid-19-update-260320

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Trinity Mirror Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020