COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Thursday, August 13, 2020 No. 274
Councillors argue over decision making process for recycling
‘DELAYING NEW SACKS WILL COST US £600,000’ EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk DELAYING plans to implement new recycling collection sacks will cost the borough at least £600,000, says council leader John Halsall.
But that’s rubbish, according to the Liberal Democrats. Last week, Wokingham Liberal Democrats ‘called in’ a decision by the executive to replace the black boxes used by households for recycling waste with polypropylene sacks that would keep the waste dry. This means the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee – comprising councillors from all sides of the political spectrum – will consider whether the ruling executive should be asked to review its decision. But the council says that the decision on the new sacks needed to be made in July to ensure that they could be used before the wet weather arrives in the autumn – changes introduced by recycling firms last year meant that while previously wet cardboard had been no problem, it is no longer being accepted. And with Wokingham Borough Council voting to be as carbon neutral as possible by 2030, boosting recycling rates is important. Councils also face fines and costs if their recycling does not meet targets. The delay, council leader John Halsall says, will cost it between £15,000 and £20,000 a week. Cllr Halsall said: “The Liberal Democrats’ call-in means we won’t implement the solution between now and Christmas, the solution will launch in January so the delay is calculated to cost us short of £300,000.” “We’ve already lost four weeks, which is £70,000.” � Continued on page 4
Upstanding citizen
70p
TRIBUTES MADE TO FORMER COUNCIL LEADER P7
BUSY PHONE BOX COULD BE AXED P2
AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD from Keephatch has bought his own litter picker to cleaning his local park. Find out more on page 3
CYCLISTS PEDDLE TO SWISS ALPS P20 TAPAS BAR OWNER BUYS COURTYARD ASSETS P11
ANGER OVER P15 ‘ILLEGAL’ LICENSES ‘PSYCHIC’ PREDICTS SECOND WAVE P17
2 | NEWS
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Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Editor • Phil Creighton Reporter • Jess Warren Sports reporter • Andy Preston
From the editor Welcome to another packed edition of Wokingham.Today. As we have been doing since the lockdown started, the paper is running a reduced service. We thank you for your understanding during this time, particularly our advertisers who are sticking with us. We are grateful for your support. Although more businesses are now open, we are aware that it is not always easy to buy a copy of Wokingham.Today from your supermarket, newsagent or petrol station. One of the ways we are helping is by offering a free digital version of the paper, which will be available on Friday evenings. And our website is updated seven days a week, visit Wokingham.Today for the latest news. 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. Please note, our offices remain closed to the public – in the first instance, contact us by email. Thank you for your support. THE Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokinghampaper.co.uk, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 13, 2020
BT could scrap Woodley phone box used more than once a day EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOODLEY phone box used more than once a day throughout the year may be scrapped as part of a boroughwide review.
Nine phone boxes across Wokingham, Emmbrook, Woosehill, Twyford, Woodley, and Lower Earley may be permanently removed as payphone use declines. Phone provider BT has shortlisted the nine boxes for a 90-day consultation on whether the boxes should stay, be fully removed or be taken over by a local group as part of the Adopt a Kiosk Scheme. Eight of the nine boxes were used between one and nine times per month on average, but the phone box on Crockhamwell Road in Woodley is used an average of 46 times per month throughout the year. Brian Fennelly, Woodley town centre manager, said he was surprised to hear such high numbers using the box, but was glad to see it is useful to the community. He told Wokingham.Today: “If it’s of value to the community in Woodley, then it needs to be looked after and maintained better. “I’ve spoken to BT about the state of it before, to be honest it just looks a bit shabby. I’m surprised by the number of monthly calls, but since it’s used that many times, BT should try to maintain it, also to better represent their own company.” In 2016, a similar consultation took place across the borough, and 15 phone boxes out of 18 were scrapped as a result. Of the three saved, one is up for consideration again. Four years ago, the phone box on the junction at Hearn Road and Drovers Way, in Woodley was used on average 33 times per month — more than once a day.
Locations up for consultation: � Asda, Lower Earley � The Shopping Centre, Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley � Junction at Hearn Road and Drovers Way, Woodley � Crockhamwell Road, Woodley � Junction at Welford Road and Headley Road East, Woodley � Junction at Reading Road and Emmbrook Road, Wokingham � Junction at Woosehill Road and Heron Road, Woosehill � Outside number 122 Ashridge Road, Wokingham � Wargrave Road, Twyford
But in the last year, it hasn’t been used once. It may now be removed as a result. BT has already placed notices within the phone boxes which are affected and have asked for anyone who wishes to pass comment to contact the borough council directly. A BT spokesperson said: “Most people use mobiles and landlines to make emergency calls and calls made from our public telephones have fallen by around 90% in the past decade. We consider a number of factors before consulting on the removal of payphones including whether others are available nearby and usage. “We’re consulting with
The phone box in Woodley town centre may be removed, despite being used 46 per month Pictures: Phil Creighton
Wokingham Borough Council on the removal of nine payphones, providing communities with the chance to comment. “As part of the consultation, we are also offering communities the chance to adopt traditional red heritage phone boxes for just £1 through our Adopt a Kiosk scheme.
“Adopted kiosks can be turned into a community asset, such as a defibrillator site or mini library.” To comment, email: Community.Engagement.Localities@ wokingham.gov.uk by Saturday, October 10. � For more information, visit: bt.com/ adopt
Witnesses appeal to Twyford arson POLICE are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a taxi office in Twyford was the location of an arson attack. The incident took place last month, but British Transport Police has only just issued an appeal for witnesses to come forward. They said that a man was involved in an ‘altercation’ with a taxi driver outside Twford’s railway station, in Station Road, around 10pm on Sunday, July 5. The man then went round the back of the Loddon Cars office, known as Old Weighbridge House and next to the station car park. He then walked towards the railway station. British Transport Police said that after the man left the building was seen to be on fire; the fire brigade attended the scene and extinguished the blaze. The office is currently sealed off with metal barriers, and damage
including scorch marks and a damaged roof can be seen. At the rear of the property there are are some fire-scorched items including a radiator and a window frame. British Transport Police said they are treating the incident as arson and would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident. The force can be contacted by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40. In both cases, quote reference number 156 of 10/07/20. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.
Thursday, August 13, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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NEWS | 3
Multiple teenagers attacked string of in Lower Earley bike thefts
Orson Lewis bought a litter picker to clear up Keephatch Play Area Pictures: Vickie Lewis
Litter louts: ‘People need a better sense of civic duty’ warns mum EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD boy with a passion for the environment has been busy cleaning his local park from litter.
Orson Lewis spotted heaps of litter last week when out blackberry picking in Keephatch Play Area, off Binfield Road and Keephatch Road. His mum, Vickie Lewis told Wokingham.Today: “We were both just shocked by the amount of litter, and he actually got quite cross about it, saying ‘why do people do this?’ “So when we got home, we ordered a litter picker. As soon as it arrived at the weekend, all he wanted to do was go and pick up the rubbish.” In just an hour, Orson had filled a blue bag with litter, including empty energy drink cans and miniature wine bottles. “I feel really proud that he saw the problem and wanted to do something about it,” said Ms Lewis. “But I feel thoroughly depressed that we live somewhere that requires so much clearing up.
“I think the council needs to do more and local people need a better sense of civic duty.” Ms Lewis said the rubbish they collected hasn’t overflowed from bins, as they were half empty. Instead, it was pooled around the bases of trees and scattered through hedgerows to the side of the field. “It was all the kind of rubbish left behind by teenagers and adults, not kids,” she added. “And when it looks like that, people don’t think twice about adding to it.” Orson, who attends Keep Hatch Primary, has been enjoying learning by being outside throughout lockdown. “We’ve muddled through home schooling, but he just thrives being outside with nature, trees and doing the gardening,” added Ms Lewis. “For us, one of the blessings of lockdown was that we spent more time exploring our local area. “During that time everywhere seemed pretty clean, so it's been all the more noticeable since then how many of our green spaces have become littered with rubbish. “I think that’s why he was so
determined to do something, after seeing his environment polluted like this.” After returning from the park, Ms Lewis posted about their litter pick on social media, which was met with comments from other local residents who have cleared up glass and dog waste from the field recently. “The community feels really strongly about it,” she said. “We shouldn’t have to clear it all up. What is the council doing to combat this problem? It seems to be getting worse and worse by week.” Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for leisure and environment said: “As a result of lockdown restriction easing and more people using our parks during the recent good weather, we’ve unfortunately seen an increase in littering across several locations. “We are working hard to tackle this issue, regularly monitoring litter bins across our parks and increasing bin emptying where necessary. “I would like to offer my personal thanks to this young boy for using his own initiative to tidy up Keephatch Play Area and setting an
excellent example to us all. “We are extremely grateful and appreciative of his efforts, and of every resident who supports the Council in making our borough a better place to live.” Wokingham Borough Council runs an Adopt-A-Street programme, with more than 200 streets signed up. The council provides residents with a litter picker, green Adopt a Street bags and high-visibility jackets. The bags can then be put out on the normal refuse collection day. � To join the scheme, complete the membership form at: bit.ly/ AdoptAStreetWBC and email it to: community.engagement.localities@wo kingham.gov.uk
Everyman Cinema reopens tomorrow with new releases and classic films THE EVERYMAN will reopen tomorrow (Friday), showing classic films and new releases. The Elms Field cinema will welcome viewers to its sofa screens and pre-film bar, with social distancing measures in place. Tickets are now available to book via its website, and films include Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Bridesmaids, The Lion King and Unhinged, released this year. The venue asks that: “Whether it’s your finest DIY made at home design or bought in store, please
bring a face covering with you for your visit. “We have a limited amount of Everyman branded ones at the venue too in case you forget. You can remove them while eating or drinking too of course, both in our bars and screens.” Visitors are encouraged to book online to avoid queuing unnecessarily. � For more information, or to buy tickets, visit: www.everymancinema.com/ wokingham
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A TEENAGER was assaulted and had his bike stolen by a gang in Lower Earley last week. It is the second such incident to have taken place in the area in recent days. Thames Valley Police said that the victim was riding his bike with friends on Maiden Place around 4.20pm on Wednesday, August 5. They were approached by a group of between five to 10 teenagers, who followed them down an alleyway that runs alongside Lower Earley Baptist Church and close to the Maiden Place community centre. Two of the offenders then kicked and punched the victim, leaving him with cuts and bruises that did not require hospital treatment. They then stole his Red Trek mountain bike. One of the offenders is described as a white boy around 15 and 5ft 5ins tall. He was wearing a long black waterproof coat, black jeans and a black face covering. Another offender is described as a white boy, also around 15, and also 5ft 5ins tall with short blonde hair with a curtain fringe. He was wearing a black tracksuit and a black T-shirt. Investigating officer PC Victoria McNicholas, based as Loddon Valley police station said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this incident, saw the group of teenagers in the area at the time, or has any information that might help our investigation to please get in touch. “You can make a report online or by calling 101 and quoting reference 43200242229. “Alternatively, if you wish to remain 100% anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.” The first incident took place in Chalfont Park on Monday, August 3, around 8.35pm. In this, a teenager was punched by would-be thieves while he was playing with friends. The attackers attempted to steal his bike but failed. There is no suggestion that the two incidents are linked. The first offender in this incident is described as a white man, around 5ft 9ins tall with slickedback hair and a goatee. He was wearing a white T-shirt, shorts and black Adidas trainers. The second offender is described as a white man, around 6ft tall, in his twenties with short, brown hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt, grey tracksuit bottoms and black shoes. Anyone with information on this incident can quote reference 43200239520.
4 | NEWS
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No more gravel pits for Wokingham says council By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk NO MORE gravel or mineral extraction sites are being proposed for the borough, in a long-term plan now approved for consultation. At the borough council executive meeting on Thursday, July 20, a public consultation for the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan has been approved. The plan, which lasts until 2036, does not include any new extraction sites for the borough. Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said: “This plan could be great news for our residents, because it should remove the fears some residents had about sites that had previously been considered.” Wokingham Borough Council is working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council and The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on the joint plan. It will be used to select future spots for sand and gravel extraction as well as recycling plants and waste treatment facilities, across the four areas. The consultation will be for the proposed plan and supporting evidence, which is intended to go to the Secretary of State for an independent examination early next year. It provides the final opportunity for people to comment on whether the plan is considered to be sound and legally compliant. Consultation will run from Thursday, September 3, to Thursday, October, 15. Earlier this year, a Swallowfield site was considered for the new plan, and a consultation took place
to look at sand and gravel extraction on the land west of Basingstoke Road. But in a win for local residents, the site has not been included in the plan. Cllr Smith added: “This is an important milestone for minerals and waste planning not only in our borough, but also for our neighbours Bracknell Forest, Reading and Windsor and Maidenhead. “This joint plan has been several years in the making, and brings together local knowledge and feedback from our residents to inform our approach going forward. “It will ensure we have the minerals needed to build our key infrastructure such as roads and schools alongside new homes, and makes appropriate provision for dealing with the waste we produce. “Working with our neighbouring Berkshire authorities really helps to address the cross boundary nature of minerals and waste, and shows continued cooperation between the authorities that will support the joint plan at the public examination.” The plan identifies locations of sand and gravel in the borough where geological data suggests extraction may be supported, subject to consideration through the planning application process. A large number of industrial sites, some in the borough, have also been identified for potential waste management uses. These would still need to be considered through the planning application process. � To find out more, visit:www.wokingham.gov.uk and search ‘minerals and waste’.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 13, 2020
Row over decision to call-in new recycling sacks plan � From front page
Cllr Halsall added that the council contracted Resources Future to explore various options, including lids on boxes, shower caps for boxes and wheelie bins. “We commissioned that study to give us a roadmap. We needed a solution to wet waste – not necessarily a permanent solution but one that killed the problem in the short-term for the minimum amount of cost,” Cllr Halsall said. “It’s a big piece of work, but we need to save £600,000 a year, we need to implement a short-term solution. All solutions have a problem, there is no ideal solution. “We are in an emergency due to coronavirus, and have to balance the budget – to chuck away £600,000 of ratepayers’ money is just irresponsible. It’s irresponsible to call in. “The Liberal Democrat leader, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, is being disingenuous, I told him we were doing this three-four months ago. “The report only hit our desks in July, before enough time to implement before the wet season starts.” There has been criticism online from residents who wanted to know why lids or caps for the existing black boxes hadn’t been implemented. He added: “Cheap is not always the best solution. Lids was seemingly obvious, but they fly all over the place unless they are attached to boxes. “The choices are like going to a restaurant, anyone can argue the case for steak or argue the case for fish and chips, we took advice from an expert.” And Cllr Halsall also has an eye on increasing recycling to near zero, with options including leaving the re3 partnership it currently runs with Reading and Bracknell Forest councils.
“Re3 will have to be much more capable of sorting with recycling. We are limited by re3’s capability,” he said. “I suspect we may have to come out of re3 we need a solution that respects all three partners in this marriage. As to why the council were calling the sacks hessian, Cllr Halsall said: “It’s an industry term, just as I use a ‘Hoover’ to vacuum my home with. We are now calling them waterproof recycling bags, it’s as simple as that.” And Cllr Halsall also pledged that the black boxes and the sacks would be recycled at the end of their lives. “We will recycle them,” he promised. “They’ll be turned into a kind of MDF, it’s a fantastic material that is made out of stuff that can’t be recycled.” But his views were dismissed by Lib Dems deputy leader, Cllr Clive Jones. “It’s typical rubbish from the leader of the council,” he said. “We were told on July 28 that this had to go to the July 30 executive meeting so that the bags could be purchased. They had a threemonth lead time and it would take five weeks to distribute, so we would be using them some time in December if approved now. “At the Executive, they talked about needing to approve the business case for the sacks at the September 24 meeting.
“It’s not the call-in that’s holding this up, he’s talking complete rubbish.” He also criticised the council for paying consultants £36,000 for the report without allowing councillors the chance to consider it. “Is there anything else that (the consultants) didn’t consider, such as wheelie bins? Did they consider all the options?” he asked. “Why was this all seen to be rushed in July when we knew in the autumn of last year that the rules were changing on wet paper?” Cllr Jones stressed he was not accusing officers of delaying any decisions due to the coronavirus pandemic. “Our officers and senior officers have worked really hard in very, very testing times,” he said. “They’ve been flexible and taken on different roles. It’s really, really appreciated. “But the proper business of council must continue. “We think this decision was rushed more to do with the fact that some Conservatives wanted to get away on holiday.” He added: “We made the call-in because the decision making process hasn’t been giving proper scrutiny, not by opposition councillors and probably not by any Conservative councillors. It’s been made by just a few Conservative councillors at the top.”
Fitness permit apology COUNCIL leader John Halsall has apologised for the fitness permit charging debacle. Late last month, the borough council announced plans to charge up to £1,500 for personal trainers to use council parks. But the charges were scrapped two days later. Cllr Halsall said that the current coronavirus situation saw his team take their eye off the ball. “We’re in the middle of Covid, the middle of recovery and we’re trying to balance the budget,” he explained. “We have a huge number of people (within the council) deployed on other things and it’s really reassuring that this is the only thing that has (gone wrong).
“It just came from the left field, and we had the good sense to have it stopped. “But a huge number of people applied for permits, they want certainty and have insurance so that they can run classes on council land. “The permit is a wanted thing: they don’t want people rolling-up offering sessions for free.” He added: “Everyone believed it was included in November’s budgets but it wasn’t, we made a mistake and we’ve corrected it. “Officers have been doing a really sterling job, working all sorts of hours. They’ve done what they should have been doing, all I can do is apologise.”
Thursday, August 13, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
NEWS | 5
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Planning white paper could mean 1,600 new homes a year warns gobsmacked leader EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk IT APPEARS that the government is not taking seriously a threat by the leader of the council to protest naked unless housing numbers in Wokingham borough are reduced. And it’s left Cllr John Halsall ‘gobsmacked’.
Last week, the government released a new white paper calling for changes to the planning system to make it easier for housing to be built. This, Wokingham Borough Council argues, will mean the yearly housing target will more than double, seeing more than 1,600 homes constructed every year, something it feels is ‘completely unacceptable’. Under the white paper put forward by Robert Jenrick, initiatives include quicker development and creating zones: categorising land into growth, renewal or protection. Areas that are labelled as growth are expected to have outline planning permission in place that would allow developers to create housing without councils debating the principal of the scheme. Homes in the renewal areas
will have automatic preapproval from permitted development rights. Councils will have to create a new style local plan that will see councils lose ability to set local policies – housing targets would be set by central government using a standard method for calculating housing need. And they will also see the end of the Section 106 developer contributions scheme that earmarks money for social housing and community infrastructure such as the new relief roads currently being built in the borough. All of this flies in the face of a consultation of borough residents last year that saw almost a third of the borough’s population reject more housing
numbers. And at a council meeting last month, councillors from across the political divides came together to agree a motion calling on government ministers to come and visit Wokingham borough, meeting residents, parish councillors and borough councillors to hear first hand how the existing developments are causing problems across Wokingham. During his speech supporting the motion, the leader of the council, John Halsall, threatened to protest naked in Whitehall if government continued to ignore Wokingham residents’ wishes. Responding to the white paper proposals, Cllr Halsall said: “We’re outraged and disgusted at these government
proposals which would see the amount of new housing more than double across the Wokingham Borough to 1,635 per year. “This is completely and utterly unacceptable. “Not only is our current annual figure of 789 far too high but Wokingham in the last 20 years has taken on more than its fair share of new houses. “This isn’t just us as a council questioning this level imposed by central government, 95% of our residents told us in a farreaching survey last year they’re also against future developments. “The perverse and bizarre methodology used to calculate the new housing rates in the White Paper are penalising those authorities like us which have already been delivering high numbers of new housing. It assumes we can continue in this way. We cannot. Our infrastructure and communities cannot and should not bear this burden. “For the past two years we’ve been campaigning to Ministers to see sense. As they haven’t, we’ll continue the fight and do everything in our power so our residents don’t suffer from these crippling targets.”
He added: “We’ve done everything we can to encourage dialogue with ministers to get a situation where there will be fewer houses built in the borough, so to get a number that is more than double? It’s disappointing. “And the ideas of scrapping Section 106 money and instead centralise the payments? We have the the highest levels and these will be averaged out, so the CIL payments will be massively down. “It means more homes and less infrastructure. I can’t let it rest there.” This view was echoed by Lib Dem deputy leader, Cllr Clive Jones, who said: “From what I read, it’s a charter for developers to do exactly what they want, wherever they want, whenever they want, without any consultations with residents at all. “It must be remembered that it’s coming from a Conservative government. Councillors might not be happy, but it is their government that are doing this.” He added: “We might end up with 1,600 new homes a year – that will just be a disaster. We already say that 800 is too many. It should be below 600.
Without any sort of control where homes are going, they could end up in Remenham and Barkham, two areas the Tories have been trying to protect.” But Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood has come out in favour of the plans. He wrote on his blog: “There is much to support in the Planning White Paper … Speedier decisions, Local Plans only one third of the current length and a simpler approach to an Infrastructure levy or contribution on developers are all welcome. “The government should also as part of this policy exercise improve its control of our borders and set a sustainable figure for economic migrants as past Conservative governments did or promised to do, to ease some of the development pressures.” During the general election, campaign, Robert Jenrick told Wokingham.Today: “We have to strike the right balance between getting homes built, and respecting communities' wishes because all of us want to live in a country where young people can get on the housing ladder and can enjoy all of the pride and sense of security that comes with owning your own property.”
BOROUGH MP is calling for the Prisons Minister to reconsider the decision to turn Reading Gaol into luxury flats after a new report was published. Earlier this year, heritage watchdog Historic England, warned that any reuse of the site should embrace the prison's historic and cultural significance. And Matt Rodda, the MP for Reading East — which includes parts of Woodley and Earley — is now calling for the ministerial decision to be rethought. He told Wokingham.Today: “The Government's own Heritage watchdog has supported calls for Reading Gaol to be turned into an arts hub. “I’m now calling on the Ministry of Justice to rethink its plan to see the gaol off and turn it into luxury flats. “I believe the Gaol should be saved and turned into an arts and heritage hub for our community and the country as a whole.” In his letter to Prisons Minister Lucy Frazer, Mr Rodda said Historic England has described the prison as “austere but atmospheric” and that the
Matt Rodda (right) with Alok Sharma at a Save Reading Gaol event
“presence of Oscar Wilde’s cell produced a palpable sense of awe”. The report also said that Reading Borough Council’s concept of a cultural hub needed to be developed, including the aspiration for a theatre. Reading Gaol is a Grade II listed building and was designed by Victorian architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott. The prison sits on the ruins of Reading Abbey, which contain the burial place of King Henry I. And the abbey ruins are considered to be an ancient monument. As part of the campaign
to turn Reading Gaol into an arts hub, more than 8,000 people signed a petition and Mr Rodda teamed up with his Reading West counterpart – and political opposite – Alok Sharma in an event last autumn, which was attended by 1,000 people. The campaign has been supported by Stephen Fry and the Irish Government is interested in preserving the gaol, as part of Ireland’s cultural heritage. Mr Rodda said he would like to meet with Ms Frazer, along with Mr Sharma and Reading Borough Council, as the planning authority.
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Thursday, August 13, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Tributes paid to Frank Browne, youngest leader of the council By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A FORMER leader of Wokingham Borough Council has died.
Frank Browne was just 48. He was in charge between 2002 and 2009, stepping down not just from leadership but the council itself in 2009. He was first elected for Remenham and Wargrave in 1996, and became leader of the then Conservative opposition in 2000, then, at the age of 30, was the youngest council leader in the country when the party regained control in 2002. Away from the council, he served as chairman of the Berkshire Leaders group and represented the county on the South East Leader’s Panel and the South East Regional Assembly. After leading the council, he helped campaign for Barack Obama to be elected president of the United States, as well as campaigning for Boris Johnson’s mayoral role and helping Theresa May’s election wins in her Maidenhead constituency. He became chairman of Henley Conservatives. Away from politics, Frank worked as a marketing analyst for Invesco Perpetual in his early career, and worked in communications. Theresa May, Conservative MP for Maidenhead, remembered Frank as her friend. “It is with great sadness that I learnt about the loss of Frank Browne, a former leader of Wokingham Borough Council,” she said. “Frank was not only a good friend, but a dedicated public servant and an effective council leader. We campaigned together on many elections and campaigns in support of local residents. “Frank meant a great deal to so many of us here in the local community and I know he will be greatly missed. “My thoughts and prayers go out
Sir John Redwood campaigning with Frank Browne Pictures: Wokingham Conservative Association
to Frank’s family at this difficult time.” Sir John Redwood, Conservative MP for Wokingham, said: “I was saddened to hear of Frank’s untimely death, and send my condolences to his family and close friends. “Frank was a dedicated Councillor and political campaigner, who worked hard for Wokingham Borough. “He rose to undertake the job of leader of the council, which he carried out with great energy. “Always willing to go out and about to hear criticisms of the council and the party, he kept in touch with public opinion. “I will miss him, as he was ever willing to join us door knocking and talking to people about his favourite subject of how we could together help create a better Wokingham.” In a statement, Wokingham Conservative Association said: “We
are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Frank Browne. “Frank cared very deeply about improving the lives of residents throughout Wokingham and in his capacity as Leader of Wokingham Borough Council made an extremely valuable contribution to our community. “Our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this difficult time.” Former Wokingham Borough Council leader Cllr Keith Baker owes his political career to Frank. “I first met him when he persuaded me to stand in Coronation ward for the first time in 2009,” he said. “Once I was settled in, he quickly put me in as deputy executive member for highways and my political career began. “Frank had an uncanny knack of identifying talent among the backbenchers.”
He added: “I personally learnt a lot from him over the years, he will be missed.” And Geoff Luckett from the Henley Society said: “Frank invited me to join The Henley Society Executive Committee some four short years ago. I had not known him before then. “I found him to be a highly motivated leader and he will be sadly missed by us all. “In his time as the Society’s Chairman he gathered around him some capable people and he leaves the group in a strong position both regards personnel and finances. “We all knew that Frank was unwell. We did not know how unwell. He never complained and was always happy to take on any task. Many of our recent initiatives were Frank Browne-inspired. “He will be a difficult act to follow.”
‘Frank cared very deeply about improving the lives of Wokingham’s residents’ David Edmonds , the chairman of Wokingham Conservative Association writes:
W
OKINGHAM Conservative Association is greatly saddened to hear of the death of Frank Browne, former Leader of Wokingham Borough Council who passed away at home recently.
Frank cared very deeply about improving the lives of residents throughout Wokingham and in his capacity as leader of Wokingham Borough Council made an extremely valuable contribution to our community. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family at this difficult time. Frank Browne was first elected to Wokingham Borough Council in 1996 as the
Conservative member representing Remenham and Wargrave. In 1997, when he was 30, he became leader of the opposition and Frank went on to become the youngest council leader in the country when the Conservative group regained control of the council in 2002. As leader, Frank tackled multi-million pound overspends, re-established solid financial foundations, trebled reserves and re-instilled a rigorous financial discipline into the organisation and contributed to Wokingham Borough being recognised as having the best quality of life in the country in 2007. Frank will be missed hugely as he was
a good friend and supporter of Wokingham Conservative Association for many years. He served as our Deputy Chairman for Policy and Campaigning from 2010 to 2012 and again from 2018 to earlier this year. Frank was a seasoned campaigner with a successful election record at local and council-wide campaigns. He also led and supported numerous parliamentary and European campaigns including working on the 2017 and 2019 General Election campaign, Boris Johnsons mayoral campaign and the 2008 Obama Presidential campaign in North Carolina.
NEWS | 7
8 | NEWS
Appeal: Winnersh cyclist in critical state after crash POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a serious crash at Showcase Roundabout in Winnersh. At around 10.40pm on Monday night, there was a crash between a man riding a BMX bike and a black Ford Fiesta. The cyclist, a man in his twenties was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition. Investigating officer PC James Baker, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit based at Three Mile Cross, said: “We are appealing for witnesses to this collision to please come forward. “We would also ask any motorists who were driving at around 10.40pm near or on the Showcase Cinema roundabout to please check their dashcams if they have one to see if it captures the collision or the moments before the collision.” Anyone with information can report it online or call 101 quoting reference 43200248259.
Wargrave Festival plan a summer of love next year THE TEAM behind Wargrave Festival is busy making plans for next year’s event. The bi-annual celebration of village life will run from Wednesday, June 9 through to Sunday, June 27. Over 19 days, it will feature family activities, formal events, theatre, musical and sports, as well as a variety show, a festival parade and events at the church. The theme will be Summer of Love and be the 23rd event since its inception in 1975. The event was launched when the village’s then vicar, the Revd John Ratings challenged the parishioners to do more than a village fete. The then organisers put on an evening meal where people brought their own food and then the festival grew into a weekend of events to the mammoth celebration it is today. It is now an independent organisation run by a committee of 18 volunteers, but still keeps its links with St Mary’s. While some events are ‘party’ dos, the majority are priced and aimed at families and people queue up from dawn to get tickets when they go on sale. There are 20 village organisations involved in running events including the local schools PTAs, Guides, the History Society. Organisers say that next year’s theme draws its energy from the season of life, love, love, fun and warmth. For more details, log on to www.wargravefestival.org.uk
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Wokingham M&Co one of 200 branches saved from closure By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE FASHION retailer that has been in Wokingham for 14 years will keep doors open, in the hopes of encouraging high street shopping.
M&Co will continue from its Market Place location as one of the 200 outlets to be saved across the country. The announcement comes as M&Co announced a financial restructuring exercise which has kept more than 2,200 jobs. The company appointed administrators in April as the coronavirus outbreak forced the closure of most UK retailers for almost four months. M&Co chief executive Andy McGeoch, said: “It quickly became clear that the best way to save the most jobs and most stores was to enter administration, with a new company acquiring the assets of the old business, and this process has now been finalised. “Covid has been by far the biggest
challenge our family business has faced in almost 60 years, and I am really pleased that we have been able to maintain a presence in over 200 communities. “Covid-19 means many people
don’t feel comfortable travelling on public transport or visiting busy city centres and that can be good news for local High Street stores like M&Co. “That’s why we are looking at
ways of working in partnership with other local retailers to highlight the tremendous range of shopping that can be found in communities like this all over the country. “Local economies rely to a huge degree on their town centres and we have seen too many High Streets hollowed out by successive shop closures. “More and more people are beginning to realise that, if they don’t support their town centres, everyone’s quality of living really takes a hit, so we are proud to be playing a part in the drive to shop locally. “The response from our customers during lockdown was phenomenal. “We had a steady stream of requests for updates via M&Co’s Facebook pages, with some customers even posting letters through the doors asking when we were reopening. “It’s hugely encouraging to hear our customers say how much they have missed us after months away.”
Mayor celebrates opening of Indian street-food takeaway “THANK YOU for being positive and coming to Wokingham.” That’s the message from Wokingham town mayor Cllr Tony Lack as he cut the ribbon to declare Wokingham’s newest takeaway open. Mumbai Wokingham welcomed customers for the first time on Monday, attracting a large crowd of people keen to taste its Indian street food. The company’s specialities include a Mumbai Sandwich – toasted brown bread, topped with chutney, masala spices, vegetables and cheese – and Frankie’s –
traditional rolls stuffed with spicy chicken or sheek meat. There are also Indian burgers, served with chips, as well as curries ranging from the usual to the unusual. The first 100 customers were able to take a sample bag home with them, which included Behl Puri, puffed rice served with onions, coriander and other spices. They could also enjoy listening to the sitar being played and admire a tuk tuk that has been installed in the carefully decorated unit. Cllr Lack said: “We’ve been welcoming people back to
Wokingham while they’ve been away as the shops have been shut. We’ve been amazed at the positivity that people have given. “Thank you (Mumbai Wokingham) for taking over a unit, thank you for being positive, and welcome. “Thank you for coming to our lovely town of Wokingham.” The takeaway will be open seven days a week from 4.30pm until 10pm, except on Fridays and Saturdays, when it closes at 11pm. For the moment, there is no seating due to coronavirus. � For more details, log on to mumbaiwokingham.co.uk or call 0118 375 0020
(Above) Iftekar and Wahidur Rahman smile as Cllr Tony Lack, Wokingham town mayor cuts the ribbon to open their new business Pictures Phil Creighton
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How do you solve a problem like the width of Denmark Street? EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk ON STREET parking is back in Rose Street after social distancing barriers were removed on Sunday.
But there are currently plans being made to expand the width of pavements in Denmark Street as the borough tries to keep shopers safe and motorists moving. Two trial pedestrianisation days took place in July, but these were not felt to be successful with businesses and residents raising concerns at the impact closing the road had on traffic. The council has been liaising with Wokingham Business Association in a bid to try and find some solutions to make the popular shopping street – which will eventually be a gateway between the new Elms Field development and Market Place – more pedestrian friendly. The plans include installing low level rubber kerbs between the former Oscars cafe and Rossini on the southern side of Denmark Street and between the Retreat and the entrance to Denmark Street car park on the western side. The area between the two will be left for delivery vans to use. Under these plans, the footpath can be widened, but still allow enough width for cars to use. While the kerbs will be low enough to avoid problems for those with mobility issues, posts will be inserted at intervals to ensure motorists don’t confuse footpath with road. The kerbs could be trialled from next month, but no decisions have yet been made. The decision to remove the Rose Street barriers that blocked parking bays was made after research found that footfall was not enough to cause socially distancing pedestrians a problem. As such, the on-street blue badge and the short stay parking bays were reinstated with enforcement of the 30-minute maximum stay from Monday. Those using blue badge bays must display their badge clearly, or risk being fined. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “It’s been lovely seeing people return to support local shops, restaurants and the market stalls as businesses reopen. “Wokingham is a fantastic town centre with a great range of businesses from national chains to more unique and quirky independents. “Feedback from visitors is that Wokingham is a really safe place to visit with lots of space to socially distance, whether moving around,
Pedestrianisation trials of Denmark Street were deemed a failure Picture: Steve Smyth
queuing or simply relaxing in the park or Peach Place to enjoy the buzz. “We’re currently discussing ideas for Denmark Street with local businesses as we need to balance creating more pedestrian space, with supporting deliveries and allowing traffic to flow freely. “Initial feedback has been positive and we hope to finalise proposals soon.” And Colin George from the Wokingham Business Association said that there was no perfect solution. “We’re trying to put social distancing measures in place at the pavements near to Stefan’s the butchers and Purple Butterfly, but that area is used for deliveries. “If you do anything to that area, you then need to find somewhere for deliveries to the shops.” He said that the proposed delivery bay wouldn’t be big enough and could cause some traffic to overhang on the pavements, which could cause issues for pedestrians. “As Wokingham Business Association, we’ve had hard discussions with Wokingham Borough Council. There are three issues: there can’t be any disruption to traffic around the town centre, we need social distancing measures in Denmark Street to ensure public safety, and we have to let deliveries happen at any time. “It's a tough set of criteria that we have to meet and everyone has different ideas, but there are problems with every solution. “There’s no resolution to it at the moment — this is like trying to put a quart in a pint pot.”
Final Bikeability course runs this month CHILDREN who have missed out on the final stage of their cycling training can now take the last course. The Level 3 Bikeability course is being run in Woodley for cyclists aged 11 years or over, who have previously passed the Level 2 assessment. The one day course covers advanced cycling skills on busier roads and more complex junctions. It will start with a refresher of Level 2 first. Children are asked to bring a packed lunch and enough water for the day. They will also need to bring their own roadworthy bike and a cycle helmet. The session will run at Willow Bank Junior School on
The Level 3 one-day course will run later this month Picture: Stewart Turkington
Duffield Road from 9.30am until 3.30pm on Monday, August 24. The session costs £10 and is open to children across the borough. The council said it wants to remove barriers to cycling, and does not want to stop children from attending due to the price.
A spokesperson from Wokingham Borough Council said: “If you feel unable to pay this cost for any reason contact myjourney@wokingham.gov.uk to discuss options with us.” � For more information, or to book a place, visit:bit.ly/ BikeabilityLevel3
He added: “We don’t want anything to affect the businesses at all, it could make the difference between being a viable and unviable business. We don’t want to lose any of them. “At the same time, Denmark Street is an A road, any vehicle can go down there, there are no restrictions on weight, widths or height. What do you do? “We welcome anyone’s bright ideas, but they must encompass all the criteria.” � What do you think? Send your ideas to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk and we’ll print the best
NEWS | 9
More funding channelled into Arborfield village THE BOROUGH council will be funding further improvements to roads around Arborfield. A spokesperson for the parish council said they were delighted that more money will be set aside for improvements to the village centre. The plan for changes to the road network in Arborfield began 90 years ago, and in the last year the finalised Arborfield Village Improvement Scheme was designed to include a review of road speeds, signage and traffic modelling. It is part of the Arborfield Relief Road project, which will divert the majority of the traffic from driving through the village centre. The parish council spokesperson added: “This finalised scheme will ensure Arborfield village will no longer have to suffer the burden of fast moving, pass through and continuous HGV traffic and will, as a result, return Arborfield to a village environment that will be a safer, healthier and more pleasant place to live, go to school, work and spend time. “It needs to be finalised by a second consultation before the Arborfield Cross Relief Road opens, then being delivered within the following two years. “So watch out for a consultation document dropping through your door shortly and please don’t waste this opportunity to provide your support for this scheme or have your say. “The parish council would like to thank all the members of the steering group and other stakeholders who have worked tirelessly over the past year or so to put this together with Wokingham Borough Council and their contractor WSP.”
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Restaurants can now claim reimbursements for dine out plan RESTAURANTS taking part in the Eat Out to Help Out scheme can now start claiming reimbursements. The Government-backed scheme sees restaurants offering 50% discounts, up to a value of £10 per diner, for people eating in on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Businesses have had to wait seven days from the date of registration to make their first claim, and can only claim for scheme discounts offered on or after the date registered. Payments will be made within
five working days and claims can be made on a weekly basis. HMRC said that claims can be made weekly and when signed into the service, businesses must select the periods that they are claiming for. So far, more than 73,000 outlets have signed up for Eat Out to Help Out, and businesses can still register to use the scheme online at GOV.UK. Information on making a claim is available online: www.gov.uk/ guidance/claim-money-backthrough-the-eat-out-to-help-outscheme
eActiv secure equipment finance for Wokingham gym Modern British furniture company buys new headquarters opposite ski slope BRITISH furniture company Danetti has bought Octagon House in Binfield. The 16,000 sq ft office building was sold on behalf of private clients and sits opposite the John Nike Centre. The buyer, Danetti, is a contemporary furniture brand who in recent years have seen significant growth. The building will be used as their new headquarters with the ground floor being used as their first UK furniture showroom. Neil Seager, Haslams joint
disposing agent said: “We are pleased to have sold this property for our client. “We are even more pleased to hear of a British company thriving despite Covid. “While some companies are facing challenging times there will always be companies that benefit from structural change.” The quoting price for the property was £3 million. Fryer Commercial and Haslams acted jointly for the vendor and Steve Barrett at Hurst Warne acted for Danetti.
Growth hub offers free start-up course By MARIE WILIAMS news@wokinghampaper.co.uk EVER FANCIED being your own boss? The Thames Valley Berkshire Business Growth Hub is running a free business startup course to help budding entrepreneurs across the borough turn their business ideas into reality. Following the success of its Pre-Accelerator Programme last year, the Berkshire Growth Hub is again offering residents the chance to apply for the five-
week fully-funded course, which will equip attendees with the fundamental skills and knowledge they need to successfully start their own business. The Pre-Accelerator Programme, which is being delivered virtually for the first time by Enterprise Exchange on behalf of the Berkshire Growth Hub, includes a mix of half-day workshops and mentoring sessions. Covering everything from creating a business plan and raising finance to developing
By MARIE WILIAMS news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOKINGHAM health lounge has been kitted out with help from equipment financier Johnson Reed.
Having previously renovated a gym in Egham, eActiv has expanded with another lounge, in Peach Place. The lounge opened its doors at the end of July. Clive Burnett, director of eActiv Health Lounge, said: “What was great about Johnson Reed, was not only the attention to detail and their customer service, but the fact that they can provide and source finance for preowned kit. “Usually people don’t like second-hand equipment, which can make it a challenge. “But this equipment is top
sales and marketing strategies, the course culminates in the entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of experts. There are only 20 free places available on the programme, which begins on Friday, September 11, and runs every Friday for five weeks. Martin Hall, manager of the Berkshire Growth Hub, said: “Our Pre-Accelerator course is ideal for anyone looking to start a business for the first time. It is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge
of the range, being only a few months old, provided by eGym with warranties to match. “They couldn’t be more helpful, emphasising the benefits of financing the kit for our brand new health lounge.” Mark Johnson, managing director of Johnson Reed, said: “We were delighted that Clive and eActiv chose our common-sense lending, a great business that is hugely popular with its members. “There are multiple benefits in financing gym equipment, whether it’s brand new or pre-owned, we’ll help finance it when others won’t, and that’s what makes us stand out.” The health lounge opened at the end of July with eGym equipment and an isopod flotation tank. At the time, Cllr Charlotte
and confidence they need to get their new venture off to the best possible start. “Through a series of five workshops, attendees receive practical advice and have the chance to network with fellow entrepreneurs. “This year, we are excited to be able to deliver our PreAccelerator Programme entirely online through live interactive workshops and one-to-one mentoring sessions. “Each attendee will also receive an interactive course workbook to further
Haitham Taylor, executive member for regeneration at Wokingham Borough Council said: “We believe eActiv Health Lounge will prove just as popular an addition to Peach Place as they offer something that bit different and new with an ethos to take health and fitness beyond the usual gym offer with their Eat, Move, Relax, Recover approach. “Their specialist nutrition
enhance their learning experience. “We expect our September programme to be very popular, so we would advise those interested to apply early.” The Berkshire Growth Hub offers fully funded, impartial support services and expert one-to-one advice to start-ups and established businesses across the county. This includes free clinics and masterclasses on a range of business issues, alongside a special Recovery and Growth Programme to provide
lounge is there to help people create a healthy balanced diet with individual nutrition plans. “They have a state of the art exercise lounge focussed on a 30 minute workout, as well as a fantastic recovery lounge with the latest floatation therapy on offer, alongside whole body cryotherapy treatment to help optimise recovery after a workout.”
intensive tailored support to SMEs. Delivered by Oxford Innovation, the service is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). The deadline for initial applications is midnight on Monday, August 17. � For more information and to apply for the Pre-Accelerator Programme, visit: www.berkshirebusinesshub.co.uk or call 01344 388005
Thursday, August 13, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Wokingham tapas bar owner takes over The Courtyard assets EXCLUSIVE By TAZ USHER news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOKINGHAM business owner is stepping in to save a town centre restaurant from permanent closure.
Emilio Sanchez, owner of Spanish tapas bar Sanpa, took action to save The Courtyard after reading about its closure in a Wokingham.Today article. Mr Sanchez said: “When I heard how much the hospitality sector was suffering in the aftermath of the coronavirus, I had to do something to help. “I know how much the Town Council is concerned about local businesses, so submitted an application to take over the restaurant. “The Courtyard is a landmark of our town and extremely valued, so it would be sad to see it disappear.” Since submitting his application to the council, the businessman has purchased The Courtyard’s assets and hopes to renovate the furniture if his proposals are approved. Despite owning his own town centre restaurant, he wants to
maintain The Courtyard in its current form. “Should my application be successful, I wouldn’t want to change the name or values of the venue,” added Mr Sanchez. “It’s such an important part of the community and there are chefs and staff who have lost their jobs due to the closure, so I’d be keen to get them back. “It’s important that local business leaders pull together to keep the heart of the town beating.” The Courtyard went into voluntary liquidation mid-July, the same time that Oscars Coffee announced it was for sale. At the time, Cllr Imogen ShepherdDuBey, leader of the town councils said she was open to a variety of uses for the restaurant building. She told Wokingham.Today: “We’ve got some ideas for the space if there is no realistic business option. “We own the Town Hall and don’t have outstanding debts, so we can afford to take the hit. “We may decide to open it as a community space for a while, until the market picks back up again.
Caffeine fix: Starbucks to open in Elms Field
The owner of Sanpa has bought the assets to The Courtyard and hopes to reopen the bistro Picture: Phil Creighton
But this may not happen if Mr Sanchez’s application is successful.
Instead, The Courtyard and its staff may return to feeding and watering the people of Wokingham.
COFFEE lovers will soon have a new cafe in sight, as the fit-out for Starbucks has begun. Located on Elms Field, the international coffee shop is part of the town centre redevelopment plans. The corner plot will be joined by technology repair shop, Pratts Pods and Authentic Turkish Barbers. The trio make up the latest signings for the Elms Field retail units. Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for regeneration at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The last few months have been a difficult time for business. “Signing three new businesses clearly shows that confidence in Wokingham has remained throughout this period and the town continues to have a bright future.”
12 | NEWS
Pre-order your bin bags RESIDENTS across the borough in need of more bin bags can now pre-order them to collect soon. The system applies to blue household and brown garden waste bags. It costs £4 for one roll of 10 blue bags, and brown bags cost £1 each. Residents can only buy one roll of blue bags at a time, but there is no limit on brown sacks. Once bought online, the council will email a receipt number, which must be noted down, and on-hand for collection. The bags can be collected from Wokingham library, Woodley library or Woodley Town Council. For those that cannot get out, they can call the council on 0118 974 6000 to pay for bags and they will arrange delivery. For more information, visit: cutt.ly/ddUPONi
New home for old tree A 300-YEAR-OLD tree that collapsed during the April storms has found a new home at Dinton Pastures. Four months ago, a large oak tree in Earley was knocked down in the storms. The stump has now been relocated next to one of the paths on Black Swan Lake, at the country park. A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said: “Stumps of older fallen trees, known as upright monoliths, have incredible environmental value and can provide a home and food source for insects for decades.” Picture: Wokingham Borough Council
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Rose Street resident calls for 20mph signs to be put up quickly EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A ROSE Street resident is calling for the council to speed up the process of adding new 20pmh limit signs to the town centre.
At the end of July, Wokingham Borough Council announced the new scheme would begin on Thursday, July 30 and last for six months. At the time, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The 20mph speed limit on these roads around the town centre is to assist those walking and cycling around the area while we continue to have social distancing measures in place. “It will particularly make it better for cyclists by reducing the speed of vehicles around them as well as making the one way system flow smoothly. “This will come into force once we have installed new signage in the area.” But Anthony Clark, who lives on Rose Street is calling for the council to hurry up and install the signs before an accident happens. He told Wokingham.Today: “Since February I’ve been trying to talk to
the council about changing the speed limit to 20mph. And since lockdown started, there have been dozens of empty buses coming down the road at an alarming speed. “The end of Rose Street near to All Saints Church has such tight paths, there’s no escape if needed. “It’s a main walking route through Norreys, there’s pushchairs, bikes, people in wheelchairs and mobility scooters. I’ve seen so many near misses. “We’re into saving lives for the NHS, we should be into saving lives for Wokingham.” Mr Clark said that the older houses on the road are vulnerable to damage. “The white house on the corner is suffering damage from being hit. We need to stop idiots coming through at ludicrous speeds. “I hear the rumble of buses coming down and my house shakes — and I’m set back from the street. “There must be at least 40 buses coming down the road each day. And I understand why rerouting buses down Rectory Road was an un-viable option, but the number coming through is so high.” Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport at WBC, said: “The 20mph zones are part of the Covid Secure work we are
Rose Street resident, Anthony Clark says he has seen many near-misses along the road Picture: Albert Bridge
doing to make Wokingham town centre a safe place to shop and visit. “The new layout helps increase space for pedestrians and also helps reduce traffic speeds across the centre making it safer for people to cross roads or cycle into town. “We’ve already seen a reduction in town centre speeds since the barriers were installed and the signs will simply reinforce this message. “We expect to install them in the next few weeks along with other supporting measure such as improved crossing points.
“We continue to meet with local businesses, the Business Association and Town Council to discuss ideas and implement changes, such as the recent removal of the barriers in Rose Street, where appropriate.” The roads changed to 20pmh are: Broad Street, Buckingham Court, Cross Street, Easthampstead Road, Glebelands Road, London Road, Norreys Avenue, Osborne Road, Palmer School Road, Peach Street, Rectory Close, Rectory Road, Rose Street, Shute End and Wiltshire Road.
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NEWS | 13
SPECIAL PREVIEW: Bulmershe Leisure Centre prepares to open next week
‘It’s a smashing facility’ says council leader EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE BOROUGH’S newest leisure centre will open its door for the first time on Monday.
Bulmershe will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am, led by borough mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards. And after that members of the public will be able to visit the centre which includes a six-lane 25-metre swimming pool and a teaching pool with a movable floor. Other items in the state-of-the-art centre include a fully-equipped gym, a group cycling studio, a four-court sports hall, workout studios and a cafe. Premium memberships are available which includes unlimited use of the facilities and the opportunity to work with a fitness team member on a one-toone basis. A SWIMTAG allows tracking of swimming strokes and
performances, and there are up to four free junior places allowed on the pass. If you can’t wait for Monday, preview tours are available on Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 4pm. Places must be booked in advance and tours will be given to individuals or one household at a time and strict social distancing will need to be adhered to. Council leader John Halsall is excited about the opening of the centre, which is based in Woodlands Avenue in Woodley. “Bulmershe really is a smashing testament to Wokingham Borough, I’m looking forward to residents using it,” he said. “I want to encourage people to use it – people have to be healthy and active.” The centre is being run by Places Leisure for Wokinngham Borough Council. For more details, email: enquiries@bulmersheleisurecentre. org or log on to www.placesleisure.org
Carnival pool in final stage of demolition CARNIVAL POOL is now in the final stages of demolition, as part of the Wokingham town centre regeneration. The borough council has now taken over the offices formerly known as Southgate House and work to demolish the offices on Wellington Road will start soon. This will make way for the multi-million pound complex, featuring a new larger leisure centre and library. Insurance brokers BJP, who were based in Southgate House on Wellington Road have been relocated to the newly refurbished Alexandra House offices in the Plaza. And Alexandra House has been renamed Southgate House by the council to help BJP transition to the new site Demolition work will be completed by the end of the summer, and building will start on the new complex in autumn. Once finished, the facilities will be run by the borough council’s partner Places Leisure. It will feature two swimming pools. One is a six-lane 25m pool and the other a teaching pool with moveable depth floor and splash pad. There will be a larger fitness suite and specialist group cycling studio; large studios; a
Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor and Cllr Parry Batth celebrate the final stage before building work starts Picture: Stewart Turkington
four-court sports hall which can convert into a 400 seat performance venue; a spa, a health and wellbeing centre; larger café; and viewing areas. There will also be a large library including space for events and activities, a lending library, children’s zone and space for exhibitions. Wokingham Library will continue in its current Denmark Street location until the new complex is complete and ready to move into. The borough council has now submitted a planning application for minor design changes to the leisure complex, which will improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The updated designs include new air source heat pumps and additional solar panels. Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, executive member for regeneration at Wokingham Borough Council , said: “These changes to the design of the
new Carnival complex are being driven by our response to the climate emergency action plan. “Our original designs were approved back in 2017 and, while the new building was energy efficient, we felt that more could be done. “Taking the time to review the designs has allowed us to significantly improve performance across the site, with the centre now achieving a massive 117% carbon reduction above the government baseline target, compared to the original designs 13.2%. “This supports our ambitions to reduce carbon emissions from the complex, as well as reducing our operating costs. “We remain committed to providing fantastic facilities for all our residents to enjoy and this new multi-million centre is an important facility not only for sport and leisure but the library service too.”
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 13, 2020
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‘The dine out scheme has shown a return of customers old and new’ says cafe manager
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INERS across the UK took advantage of this month’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme more than 10.5 million times last week. And restaurants across the borough are celebrating the return of loyal customers and new ones too. The voucher initiative, which began last Monday, sees a selection of pubs, cafés and restaurants offer discounted food and soft drinks from Monday to Wednesday throughout this month. The impact has already been felt by The Farm Cafe, at Ashridge Manor Garden Centre, which saw customers old and new walk through its doors last week. And they’ve adapted their menu to give diners some new choices, at half price. “We’re lucky the scheme applies across our whole menu, because we don’t sell alcohol,” explained Karen, co-owner of The Farm Cafe. “Instead, we’ve added a couple of special items, so that our customers can try something new. “We’re serving up lots of fresh, seasonal dishes including a chicken caesar salad, and vegetarian version, a baked mac and cheese and homemade garlic bread.” When the scheme was announced, eateries across the country were worried the discounts at the start of the week would affect the weekend trade. But Karen said it’s been working well. “Our first day was quieter, but the second day was just insanely
busy. We’re coming into work earlier and prepping like crazy. “It brought in a lot of new faces, and people who wouldn’t usually come out to eat. “It was great to see it didn’t impact the Thursday, Friday business — there was no end of week plummet. “In fact, we’re busy anyway and this has just made us busier.” This, she said, poses an extra challenge for staff. “It’s all about reassuring customers that it’s okay to come back out. Last week we had a table come out with a baby — it was their first time out since lockdown and were quite nervous. But we showed them that we’re really covidfriendly and have lots of outdoor space. “They were so comfortable they’ve already been back.” Karen added: “It's reassuring to see so many people return. During lockdown it was like a long distance relationship, with customers saying they would come back when they could. And actually it’s really proven customer trust and loyalty to the cafe.” Since the scheme launch last week, the Treasury has estimated the average claim is close to £5, making the cost of the policy around £50 million so far. And the government has set aside £500 million to fund the policy throughout August. Karen added: “This is a great scheme for this month, but I don’t think we need anymore. The industry has breathed a sigh of
The best selling breakfasts are going fast, along with new additions to the menu — all at half price Pictures: Karen at The Farm Cafe
relief, and we’re really hoping that September settles into itself. The discount is only on food and soft drinks eaten on the premises, so it does not apply to takeaways. There is no limit on how many times the discount can be used in August, or for how many people, including children. � To view a comprehensive and interactive map of all the local restaurants who have joined the scheme, visit wokingham.today and search for ‘Eat Out to Help Out
Thursday, August 13, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Dog boarders condemn ‘illegal’ licence fee hike across boroughs EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk DOG BOARDERS are calling for an independent review of licence fees, which they believe have been illegally created.
Currently, residents who run dog home boarding businesses are being asked to stump up £570 a year in licensing fees, a 379% increase from £199 the year before. Andy Pragnell, Keephatch resident and owner of dog boarding and walking business, One Man and Your Dog, called the price rise “daylight robbery”. He told Wokingham.Today: “It’s not the first time this has happened. They tried to put the fees up a year ago, but were challenged and then backed down.” The charges were set up by the Joint Public Protection Partnership, which includes Wokingham, Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire borough councils. Now, dog boarders across all three boroughs are calling for immediate action, an independent review of the licensing committee and a reversal of the price hike. Mr Pragnell said: “The price has skyrocketed, if they keep it, it’ll have a massive impact on my business. “In the last three months, I’ve had people cancelling bookings after the airlines scrapped their holidays. “My business is starting to pick up, but earlier this week one person called off two of their holidays in October and January. “If the costs go up, I will have to increase mine as well, and it’ll be difficult for customers then.” Mr Pragnell currently charges £25 for a day of dog boarding, but he is worried this might have to increase to £35 if the licence fee remains at £570. Across all three boroughs, dog boarders have joined together to call for a review. Their concern is that all licence fees, regardless of business type, have been created and are being managed illegally — because they have all been set at a single price of £57 per hour. The LGA states that: “Councils that divert fees income from the relevant licensing scheme to fund other licensing work, or to fund other council activities, will be breaking the law." But on Thursday, October 24, 2019, in a meeting of the Joint PPP, the Licensing and Safety Committee at
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Police issue fines for e-scooter use in town POLICE are taking action on electric scooters used in Bracknell town centre. They said there have been a number of near misses, putting the public at serious risk of being injured and fines will now be issued. A spokesperson from the Local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NHPT) said: “We have made every effort to engage with those riding them through town, explaining the risks and promoting an education approach over handing out fines. “However it seems this approach is not having the desired effect as there are still a large number of people committing offences by riding on eScooters and pedal cycles through the town centre.” As of this week, the town centre NHPT will be serving Section 59 warnings to anyone using the scooters in the area. The spokesperson added: “This area is clearly marked at the entrance and exits to the High Street, Braccan Walk and The Avenue. “If anyone would like further clarification on this please speak with one of us while safely walking your scooter through the town.”
Twyford Covid-19 support group pauses action
Andy Pragnell says the 379% rise in dog boarding licence fees is daylight robbery Pictures: courtesy of Andy Pragnell
Bracknell Forest Council agreed that: “The £57 hourly rate for officer time was a summation of overhead costs of all local authorities within the Public Protection Partnership, which was primarily within central support services in each Local Authority.” By combining the costs of all local licence fees to reach £57, the PPP is failing to ring fence each pot of money — as required by law. Karen Fleck, independent dog border in Sandhurst said that licence fees cannot be used to cross subsidise other licences. She told Wokingham.Today: “They have to be able to provide an audited account of what the money has been spent on — each type of licence should be kept separate. “And if there is money left in the pot at the end of the year, the LGA says they have to pay us back.” And dog borders have said the price hike is also off-putting to local business. The licence costs £570, but DEFRA has set the fine for not complying at a maximum of £500. The LGA says any price above the fine is "an economic deterrent” to businesses in the area. Business owners fear this could stop pet care from being registered. “It would be cheaper to pay the
fine and go unregulated and no one wants to do that,” said Mr Pragnell. “As a small business, I want to do things properly, but this could push people underground.” The Joint PPP has now paused the licence fee, and it will be reviewed due to the numerous complaints. But Ms Fleck, is concerned about the effectiveness of the review. “It’s questionable whether it’s a legal fee, and the people reviewing it are the same people who set it. “They’re reviewing their own work and it appears they’re incompetent.” In a letter sent to dog boarders across the three boroughs, Sean Murphy, public protection manager, said the fees had been changed to respond to new regulations in 2018. This, he said, would include more frequent inspection visits with
qualified inspectors. Mr Murphy wrote: “The intention of the licensing scheme was always to deliver high levels of welfare and this required a fee which it was our aim to be phased in. “Following complaints from a number of license holders, the council is currently reviewing the implementation of the scheme and specifically the renewal costs and payment instalment arrangements, which should have been part of the transition. “We are therefore pausing the renewal charging process at this stage and will will write to you again shortly with details of the any revised, transitional, renewal process.” The Joint PPP were unable to provide a comment ahead of our deadline.
THE TWYFORD Covid Support Group has paused its activity for the time-being. Although demand has reduced significantly, some volunteers will continue to provide shopping services for a handful
of residents with complex needs and with no nearby family. The group will return if needed and is currently reviewing the idea of creating a long-term group to support elderly residents in the village.
Silly reading challenge BOROUGH libraries have launched their summer reading challenge, and there’s still time to get involved. This year’s challenge, which will take place online will be celebrating funny books and hopes to bring fun and happiness along the way. It’s open to children aged four to 11. Last year, more than 2,000 children took part in the challenge. “We are thrilled that the eagerly awaited Summer Reading Challenge can take place this year virtually, while we continue to work towards reopening our libraries safely for all our residents and staff,” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure. � To sign up, visit sillysquad.org.uk.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 13, 2020
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Thursday, August 13, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Wokingham author shares grandfather’s experience of Japan in Second World War EXCLUSIVE
report to describe some of the things that happened which gave some detail, and a fellow prisoner kept a detailed diary. He wrote about my Grandfather, giving me a lot of detailed information. “It was fascinating and harrowing.” Whatever Mr Rivière experienced, while he chose not to talk about it – like lots of veterans – it had a lasting effect on him. “He would never say nice things about the Japanese people afterwards and he would boycott anything Japanese made.” But the war experiences are just one part of his life, which included taking a morse code message that the Titanic was in trouble in 1912, and living in Singapore for three years. “And he had a zest for life, a passion for building and mending clocks, and a lifelong love of golf. “I just wanted to get his story out there,” Mrs Dormer said. “Once I started, I got completely stuck into it. “I am completely in awe of him, he was a pioneer.”
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk AS THE world prepares to remember the end of the Second World War this Saturday, a Wokingham author is preparing to share the role her grandfather played in it.
Cecil Rivière was a British engineer who, for 40 years, worked for Western Telegraph and Cable & Wireless. Based around the world, in 1942, Rivière was a first-hand witness to the fall of Singapore to the Japanese army. Granddaughter Sue Dormer said that he then survived a dramatic escape on HMS Grasshopper, which was bombed and sank. And he undertook a challenging journey to Sumatra, across the South China Sea, up the torrid Inderagiri River, through dense jungle, over mountains and into Padang, where he was captured by the Japanese and spent three-anda-half years as a prisoner of war. Weighing little more than seven stone on his release from captivity he was one of the lucky few to survive the horrors of a Japanese civilian internment camp. She says that his determination to keep busy and his skills at mending and
building things for others in the camp earnt him the nickname “Able and Tireless” by his fellow prisoners, and it is this nickname that forms the title of the biography she has written about him. Last week, the world remembered when two nuclear bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, 75 years ago. As horrific as they were, and they killed many people, they also saved many thousands of lives by bringing the Second World War in the Far East to an end. Ms Dormer said that her grandfather didn’t think he would have survived another six months of captivity. He didn’t know about the bombs or the subsequent surrender of the Japanese until Wednesday, August 22, and didn’t get out of the camp until
Saturday, September 1. Mrs Dormer said that it took about a year to compile all the information into a book. The marketing expert from
Wokingham ‘psychic’ predicts second wave EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOKINGHAM ‘psychic’ who claims he foresaw panic buying before the coronavirus pandemic began says he has seen visions of the second wave hitting the UK next month.
Colin was born with a gift, says his mother, Lynn Antink. A gift the duo share. Both Lynn and Colin believe they can communicate with the spiritual world, and often experience sudden visions. Colin tells Wokingham.Today: “It’s like a memory, but of something that isn’t a memory. Clear pictures of something I’ve not experienced before. I could see panic inciting more panic. “It flashes in the head as a picture and I'll describe it. Obviously, I'm not going to see things like a newspaper title in the corner somewhere saying what it is, but I'll just see what's happening.” This was back in December, before much of the world knew what was going
on in Wuhan, China. Instead, Colin thought the panic buying was because of Brexit, which was planned for Friday, January 31, at the time. Now, Colin says he can see trouble on the horizon in the form of a second wave, with Thursday, September 10, flashing through his mind. “I don’t feel good about it,” he says. “People aren’t going to listen this time. There will be a lot of anger — people have had enough of being locked down. “And there will be anger from those that have followed the rules, being presented with it again. We’re going to find a lot more people who refuse to wear masks too.” This could also be bad news for Colin, who falls within the clinically vulnerable category and has been shielding for the last four months. He explained that his relationship with the spirit world began much earlier in life, as a young child. “Mum never doubted me when I was growing up if I
Colin Antink with his voyager intuition tarot cards Picture: Jess Warren
said I'd seen something, felt something or heard something,” he says. “She would sit me down and say, ‘oh, they're just saying hi to you’ and that sort of thing.” Colin says he called the visitors the shadow people before he learnt about the spiritual world from clairvoyant, Dennis McKenzie. “I was about 14 when I first met Dennis, and it was just confirmation really that I'm not going nuts that there
Farley Hill first started researching last summer, and used December to visit the Cable & Wireless records office to find out more about her Granddad’s
are people in the world like that,” he says. “I started to actually learn about the spiritual side of things and that the shadows are just people that are on a different plane of existence.” Colin now uses numerology and tarot cards to begin a psychic reading. After that, he opens the meeting to messages from the spiritual world. But he says it’s never that straightforward. “I could be doing a reading, trying to explain a card and I’ve got spirits shouting in my ear trying to get me to say what they want the person to know. “I did a reading for a lady the other day and two ex husbands and one relative were all trying to get messages across. “I don't self censor. If I get a clear message I say it in plain English.” Although uncommon, he has previously predicted a lottery win. Lynn says: “We had a friend who was really down on his luck — he didn’t have a penny to his name.” Colin predicted his regular lottery entry would win soon, and the next week it did. � For the full story, visit: www.wokingham.today
earlier life. And more clues came from a fellow prisoner-of-war. “My Grandfather didn’t really talk about it, he tried to block it out,” she said. “He did write a
� Able & Tireless – Cecil Rivière: globetrotting cable engineer & survivor of WW2 Japanese internment” is available on Amazon and can also be ordered from Waterstones in Peach Street.
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THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH
Lead by example, pick it up and bin it IT SHOULDN’T take an eight-year-old to set an example to us grown-ups. But there it is, Orson Lewis has made it his lockdown mission to pick up litter left behind by people who should know better. This modern-day Womble is a credit to our borough and shows that he’s paid attention to the fine teaching he’s received from Keep Hatch Primary School. At the same time, he shouldn’t be giving up his school holidays to tidy up someone else’s mess. And he’s not alone. There’s a whole host of Wokingham litter heroes who get on with tidying up our public spaces not because they have to but because they want to ensure that our lovely borough looks as good as it is. And the number of people who have commented on our story last week about printing car registration plates on drivethrough fast food packaging shows that we’ve had enough of this mess. So it is disappointing that some people are incapable of using a bin, or taking their waste home with them. A special mention should also go to those parents who think it’s fine to leave soiled nappies where your car was parked. You’ve left it there because it’s not hygienic to take it unwrapped in your car. It’s not rocket science. We need to put Orson out of a job and let him get back to playing. Use a bin.
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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
Why can’t people wear face coverings? Facemasked on boarding, I took the X4 bus into Reading on Sunday, August 2. The requirement to wear a facemask on public transport has been in force since 15 June - well over six weeks - plenty of time to get used to it. The passenger across the aisle from me was on her mobile phone – face mask pulled down – exposing her mouth and nose. Why? A boarding passenger — an elderly (i.e. my age) lady – was swinging her face mask in her hand and had to be reminded by the driver that she was supposed to be WEARING it. She clearly had a very casual attitude towards hygiene as I spotted her later with her feet (her shoes possibly laden with dog faeces, urine and other noxious matter) up on the opposite seat. Why? Next, a boarding passenger had no face mask. “I forgot it”. The driver reminded him that face masks had been mandatory on public transport for ages and informed him of the potential fine – but he was allowed to travel. Why? What is wrong with these people? These precautions are in place to keep us all safer. Do we want to be on lockdown again like non-compliant residents of the North West? It's about time that we, the most vulnerable members of society, the over 50s – 34% of the population – started to punch our weight and challenge these halfwits putting us at increased risk.
A quick fix I had hoped to take advantage of the Government's recently announced £50 cycle voucher initiative for the purpose of refurbishing my rusty old boneshaker that I enjoyed riding in my younger days. Looking forward in breathless anticipation to donning my leopard skin lyrca to thrill on lookers while in the process maintaining my manly, godlike figure and help save the planet, alas, as with so many other Westminster websites I discovered it had crashed almost as soon as it opened. What to do? Jump back in the car? Make use of some other air-polluting form of transport? Or simply take up the time honoured use of Shanks’s pony?
On the other hand, should I perhaps resort to Plan B: Remain in lockdown, settle down in a comfortable armchair, stock
covering when coming into the shop. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you soon. Jaye Cook, Shop Manager, Blue Cross, 17 Market Place, Wokingham
Beirut – we are thinking of you
CHURCH NOTES
In touch
W
E mostly choose to do activities we enjoy. Many of these activities involve meeting with friends and relations. These activities were either impossible or very different in recent weeks. Lockdown also made it much more difficult to visit vulnerable people who may be in hospital or a care home or even people on their own at home. We all take care of those we love in one way or another. During lockdown our normal ways of showing love and sharing experiences were not possible, so how do we show love during lockdown? We could not share experiences together, but technology has given us ways of communicating. We now have video calls on a one-to-one or in large groups. This is OK if the person we want to talk to is happy with the technology. Phone calls are something that virtually everybody is familiar with and has access to. Another option is email, which most people can access. If all else fails, there is always a letter put through a letter box or in a post box. No matter how we communicate with those we love, the important thing is that we do so regularly. Does it matter if people we know do not bother to contact us? I thought about this the other day after I contacted somebody, and he did not contact me back. I then thought about it in a different way. I said to myself: would my life be richer if I continued to meet this person? The answer was yes, so it did not matter if he had contacted me. I will contact him again because it will make my life better. Other friends I phone, and they never phone me back, but my life is richer for the conversations I have with them, so I will continue to do it. Consider making the effort to contact your friends even if they do not contact you. Geoff Peck is a member of Woosehill Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 13, 2020
� Back to school for someone at NatWest – the greengrocer’s apostrophe rears its ugly head again. I hope that it’s not the manager who has exposed him/ herself to ridicule. Michael Storey, Wokingham
Welcome back The team at the Blue Cross charity shop at Market Place in Wokingham is delighted to have now reopened since lockdown and we look forward to welcoming back our loyal customers. For those who have items they wish to donate we ask they follow our simple checklist and do not leave bags on our doorsteps or be offended if we cannot take in pre-loved items that day. Please try and only donate items that are resellable. If you can clean items before donating it would be super – although we are also quarantining each item for 72 hours before being offered for sale. Contact the shop before bringing your items to us and if you have a large donation please bring it to us bit by bit as storage is limited. Please remember to Gift Aid your donation if eligible as it really helps boost our income which means we can help more pets in need. Finally, don’t forget to wear a face
Being a ‘nagger’ is not really an enjoyable role in life, but in my defence it is that I care about our society, our country, and what we stand for. I constantly look for something good, others who care, who ‘put themselves out’ without reward to help society, encouraging the rest of us to rejoice that caring is not a total lost cause. In a world where politicians, dictators, the greedy, and the endemic corruption around us, are doing their best to ruin the world. Having been alive when Atomic Bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki ( I was 10 years of age); witnessed the Middle East's terrible state of so many people and children; then the Grenfell Tower fire, I add a new crisis to that overloaded memory of horrors. A few days ago, a sort of mix of disasters, from a huge explosion, fire, blast damage, destruction, death and injury – Beirut. Among the usually nameless people who try to help in disaster situations, frequently at a cost of their life or injury, the action of one young Nurse in a damaged and threatened hospital, brought tears to this nagger’s eyes. Sadly, she remains unnamed. Her rescue of three very young babies was an exceptional act of bravery – but more, of simply female intuition to take care and love the young, that we probably experienced with our own mothers. A message from a Lebanese sister in the US, puts that rescue in context: “An angel watching over these three Angels … Bless all of their hearts and may God/
up with a few cans of brown ale, a large bag of ready salted crisps, a packet of chocolate hobnobs and continue watching repeated
Allah watch over them and everyone in Beirut while they deal with crisis upon crisis right now. All are in my prayers.” A final comment I cannot resist – given that nurse’s contribution to the world, it is impossible for me to accept the recent promotions to the ‘bliss of The Lords’, of friends of Boris. What have any of them done that could possibly compare with that lovely nurse? Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham
Help the cab drivers Many readers will have heard about Wokingham Borough Council’s recent fitness trainers permit fiasco. But few will realise that their treatment of our taxi drivers is no better. Having served on the Council’s Licensing Committee for two years I have seen taxi drivers in Wokingham borough continually frustrated by the lack of real engagement on the many issues they face. Taxi driver income took a massive hit during lockdown as evidenced in an article on these pages in June. In response, as far back as May taxi drivers proposed relaxations to fees, the suspension of licensing charges, and an extension on permitted age limits of vehicles during the crisis – but the WBC Licensing Committee has not even bothered to meet to consider their proposals. There was much unfinished business even before Covid-19 – a policy the Licensing Committee agreed two years ago that to my knowledge has never been published, a crushing increase in taxi licence fee of 75% in 2019-20, a complete lack of action on the issue of Uber drivers operating out of area, and no progress on many other issues raised by the trade at taxi liaison meetings. Yet, despite all this mounting business and the crushing impact of Covid-19 I was astonished that the last meeting of the Licensing Committee in July
repeats of repeated repeats and a spirit lifting selection of funeral plan ads on the telly? JW Blaney, Wokingham
was cancelled by the Chair due to ‘lack of business’ – this is an insult to taxi drivers. Three of the last four licensing meetings have been postponed or cancelled. I contacted the chair of this committee, Cllr Chris Bowring, six weeks ago setting out my concerns in detail. He has not even bothered to respond. While lockdown has now eased, the pressure on taxi drivers’ income continues with the cancellation of major public events, festivals, weddings and so on – without additional measures I fear hundreds of our taxi drivers will be forced into poverty. It’s time the Licensing Committee at Wokingham Borough Council got its act together. Currently it is not fit for purpose, and taxi drivers are suffering as a result. Cllr Rachel Burgess, Labour Member for Norreys Ward
Thanks, Red Cross I would like to join the ranks of all those people, congratulating the British Red Cross on its recent 150th anniversary. We owe a particular debt of gratitude to the Wokingham Branch of the British Red Cross because they helped the Wokingham Crisis House, to get established. We were founded in 1987, but we didn’t have a regular base until 1989. At first, when we applied to the British Red Cross to hire their hall, in Denmark Street, as a drop-in centre, their Committee thought that this may place, at risk, their own service users – some of whom were in wheelchairs. But they changed their minds after we ran for them a 10-week mental health education programme. Our members spoke about their mental illnesses, and how they managed them, in daily life. So, we then spent two, very happy, years, at the British Red Cross – until we moved into Station House, in 1991. Their ladies were very kind, and I have fond memories of Joyce, Mavis, and Anne.
Open letter to the group leaders and transport spokespersons of Wokingham Borough Council Cycling and Walking in Wokingham In July the government published its case for a step change in investment in infrastructure to enable safe, practical cycling and walking to addressing critical environmental, health and transport issues, titled “Gear Change – A Bold Vision for Cycling and Walking”. This is timely for Wokingham, with the needs of our Climate Emergency Action Plan, a renewed focus on our health needs coming from the Covid-19 crisis, and the need After leaving them, we kept in touch, and the story of how Joyce brought ‘Ted’, to one of our Christmas Parties, features in the chapter, entitled – Twenty-five Funny Stories, in Triumph and Tragedy, my, 25-year history of the Crisis House. ‘Ted’ received the warm welcome that all newcomers receive, but Joyce had omitted to mention that, as well as being a very high ranking officerin the British Red Cross, he was also an Emissary of the Queen. I am regaling my readers with more funny stories, when my 30-year history of the crisis house is published, Deo Volente, in March 2021. The Wokingham branch of the British Red Cross came up trumps once again in 2007, when it appeared that we would have to leave Station House, because its electricity supply was to be disconnected. The Red Cross offered to have us back, if necessary. Fortunately, we were able to solve the electricity problem but it was good for our vulnerable members to know that alternative accommodation would be available if we had to leave Station House. So we send the British Red Cross, hearty congratulations, on their anniversary. In these times of the coronavirus crisis their services have never been more necessary – both locally, and globally. Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House, Station Approach, Wokingham
for a sustainable answer to congestion and pollution. The increase in walking and cycling across the borough during the coronavirus lockdown showed the pent-up desire to live and move in a healthier and more sustainable way. But before and more recently, as local advocates for walking and cycling, people tell us that they don’t feel it is safe, practical or pleasant to do so. The change required in Wokingham is a challenge for the Council and the community, with most existing and planned infrastructure falling short of the newly recognised standards. It is not unachievable. Some progress can be made with very little investment, and we welcome the recent experiments
Planning marlarky The Conservative Government released a new white paper calling for changes to the planning system to make it easier for housing to be built. Much to my amazement the leader of Wokingham Borough Council argues that this will more than double Wokingham’s Housing build to over 1,600 every year for ever which he feels is completely unacceptable. What a load of rubbish when it's his Conservative-run council who have been upping Wokingham’s housing year on year from 2013 onwards secretly without telling anyone. Never a challenge to the increased numbers or a dickey bird from any of them in that period so why now? Having opened Pandora’s Box they cannot close it. The Conservative leader John Halsall, threatened to protest naked in Whitehall if Government continued to ignore Wokingham residents’ wishes. What a load of tosh but he must be afraid of Wokingham’s electorate next May who after 20-plus years of continuous rule can at last see how morally bankrupt Wokingham’s Conservative are. What they do not tell you and that is to be a Wokingham Borough Council Conservative you have to join the Conservative Association. You have to pay a Membership fee and in exchange for that support comes in various ways from producing/printing election leaflets, door-to-
along these lines. To make a real change we need the right vision, a commitment to long-term action and a properly thought through plan to connect via active travel where we live, work, learn and play. A plan has been promised in the form of a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). This needs to meet the criteria of being Coherent, Direct, Safe, Comfortable and Attractive as well as the detailed design principles if it is to access any of the promised £2 billion funding. The government says that local walkers, cyclists and communities should be involved in the planning process, and we passionately agree with this. We want to help; as individuals and as a conduit to others who walk and ride bikes or would do so, and who door or telephone canvassing and lots more not forgetting a call on one’s MP. Look up their website and see how many appointments there are directly linked to Wokingham Borough Councillors. You will be surprised. The reality is to be a Wokingham Borough Conservative you have to be joined at the hip to the Conservative Government plus you, toe the party line, you have to honour a three-line whip designed to deliver Conservative ideology under threat of discipline if you don’t. Next May’s local elections will give residents the power to deal with these morally bankrupt Conservatives as they deserve much much better from the Borough Council than the undemocratic service they are getting now. If I was to write a Conservative Manifesto for next May I would probably just use one line and that would be ‘You can fool all of the people all of the time’ as nothing else fits better with what they deliver now. Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council.
Talk PANTS now It can be a daunting prospect to talk to our children about sexual abuse. It isn’t as straightforward as talking to them about crossing roads or dealing with strangers. But while we all hope that our
want and need this to succeed. We invite you to meet with us together with the relevant council officers, in person or virtually, as soon as can be managed. We can take you around the current infrastructure on bikes and on foot to see the good, indifferent and bad, share our views in a constructive way and help you write a plan that will succeed. The government has been bold in publishing a blueprint for change which addresses environmental, health, well-being and transport concerns. It is now Wokingham’s turn to seize this opportunity to make our Borough a better place for all. We look forward to hearing from you. Natalie Wilson, Lloyd Watkins, Alex Cran, Adrian Beמּeridge children will never be a victim of such atrocities, we know that sexual abuse does happen. Police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland recorded more than 7,000 sexual offences against children aged four to eight during 2018/19. This illustrates how important the NSPCC’s Talk PANTS campaign is, as it gives adults advice on how to talk to children in an age appropriate way about sexual abuse, without using any scary words or even mentioning sex. With our campaign, promoted through our popular dinosaur characterPantosaurus, we teach young children 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. The campaign helps to reinforce key lessons about abuse that will be compulsory for all primary schools in England, as part of Relationships Education. Although the new curriculum was originally planned for mandatory roll-out from September, it has been delayed to ensure schools can embed it correctly by the summer term of 2021. Until this new curriculum is rolled out, there has never been a better time to Talk PANTS. Emma Motherwell, NSPCC Campaign Manager
harrybradley Harry’s world
A short taste of normal life
A
FTER lying on a beach for a week on the Greek island of Santorini, the train back to Wokingham was somewhat depressing.
The rush to get through the airport so I could hop on the Gatwick Express back to Wokingham, surrounded by the swarms of mask-clad holiday makers, wasn’t made any easier by the heat – I certainly wasn’t expecting 33ºC when I landed back in the UK at the end of last week. Wokingham station was hotter than the beach I’d been lying hours earlier. So why bother going away when the temperature has been rising at home? Well, the sense of adventure and a change from my very limited view at home seems like a pretty good reason to me.
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I get that for some people, the thought of going abroad might seem uncomfortable or even dangerous, but as my first holiday away without schoolteachers or my family, the atmosphere at the airport at 4am was one of huge excitement. Yes, everyone was wearing masks on the plane but, let’s face it, that’s no different to stepping into a supermarket in town. And the terminal is now complete with handsanitising stations and social distancing signs but other than that it all seemed relatively normal. Walking down the aisle to get to my seat on the plane was a step back to normal life. People were more excited than nervous and, for the first
time in a long time, Covid-19 was far from my mind. Santorini was quiet. There were still a few tourists wandering around; enough to create a good atmosphere, but not too many that we couldn’t find a table or get a seat on the local bus to explore the island. Greece is popular right now and I can see why. Santorini has had very few cases of coronavirus and so, with a nice view of the sea, we sat and ate souvlaki as the days rolled by. Since lockdown in March, life has seemed pretty small and unadventurous but for six days in August I got a taste of Greece, and most memorably, I got a short return to normal life.
jakemorrison Citizens Advice
Helping in the recession
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HE CORONAVIRUS pandemic has substantially rocked the country and the world. We’re heading through really challenging and difficult times, and many individuals and families continue to feel the knock-on effects of the global pandemic. We are seeing unemployment rising, and an announcement this week that the UK has fallen into recession. This is really difficult for people across our communities. At the start of the pandemic, we promised the people of Wokingham Borough that Citizens Advice Wokingham would be here to help you through this, to ensure that noone felt left behind — but also that we would continue to be here to help pick up the pieces. That is proving to be the reality. Recently we talked about having a 256% increase in employment related enquiries in the last three months, compared to the same period last year. In fact in 2020 to-date, we have helped 3,939 people to find a way forward with 9,301 problems. In the whole of 2019 we helped 2,641 people, which was far more than the year before. I cannot be more proud to lead a team of 80 volunteers and 11 staff (six full- time equivalents) working with 11 supportive trustees. At the start of this year we set out to be the go-to charity, to ensure that you have the support that you need, when you need it. They have delivered over and beyond anything we could have anticipated at that stage, and continue to do so with empathy, warmth and determination to help you overcome any obstacles. Having worked for Citizens Advice charities across England for a couple of years now, I will continue to shout about the work we do, because it’s important people know about the depth and breadth of things we can help with. Thinking back to that very long time ago when I was a child, Citizens Advice could have helped us transform our lives — if only we’d known the extent of what they can help guide us through. If you’re looking for help navigating a way forward — please reach out to us. If we cannot help, we hopefully know a service that can, and we will help you access that — that’s why we’ve been proud to run the One Front Door since March. Our advice and information services can particularly help with the following examples: � A benefits check to ensure you’re applying for the right level of support, at the start of the pandemic we helped a significant number of people on self-employed income queries � Exploring options to manage your debts, including reviewing your income and expenditure � Talking through your current or previous employment queries, sometimes this includes questions around whether the correct process was followed or whether any discrimination was involved � Housing problems � We can help people with their EU Settled Status application and have helped clients with the Windrush compensation scheme � Helping people in a domestic violence situation explore the ‘what if’ scenarios to empower them to move forward, such as housing status, finances Or often it’s simply a person to run an issue by and check that you’re heading on the right path. If your issue isn’t highlighted above, please continue to reach out or check our website to find out more information We also have some caseworkers who can help you with more complex situations, maybe you’ve had a substantial life-changing experience, or complex debts — reach out to our service and they can refer you in for further help. With confidence, we can say that you can reach our service very quickly. Our average time it takes to connect your call to ring through to an available initial checker, when we’re open, is 0.02 seconds. We have answered 96% of calls consistently since April, with significantly higher demand, and continue to do so, ensuring you can reach us when you need us. We’re here to help you find a way forward, we’ve been here to support our communities through the lockdown stages of the pandemic, and our charity will continue to be here to support you through the next chapter. Our adviceline is available Monday through to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday’s 9am-1pm on 0300 330 1189. You can also visit our website: www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk
20 | NEWS
rachelbradley Think local
Wednesdays are the new Friday
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Get help shopping local A NEW website has been launched to help people shop local. The Indie Shopper was created by Reading-based independent business co-owner, Dave Maul and designer Rich Lucas, to help people discover local businesses. The website acts as a directory of local, independent businesses, that’s free to use and free for businesses to be listed. Dave and Rich said: “With The Indie Shopper, we hope to highlight alternatives to the national stores on our high street, nurturing and expanding an existing indie-loving community and directly supporting the local economy. “We are all operating in a strange and very difficult time, so there has never been a better time to discover and support each other.
“We really want indie businesses to get in touch via our site and fill out our simple form and then after an initial review, we add you to the site for free. “We would love for the site to grow and continue to add categories to it to showcase the breadth of the quality Independents that are out there.” The website’s main page shows a selection of businesses listed in a random order so the ones who start with a ‘Z’ don’t miss out on the possibility of people discovering them. And the dropdown menu helps visitors to narrow their search to anything they may be specifically looking for. It was designed with smartphone users in mind, imagining the customer standing in the town centre, wondering where to find what they’re looking for. To register an independent businesses visit: theindieshopper.co.uk and fill in the Get Listed form.
Just how do you build a community? Ask Dr Sally
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HANK you Dishy Rishi. You’ve saved my sanity.
Finally I can now pay someone else to feed my family. And do the dishes. All at a thoroughly reasonable price. When the government announced the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, I’m sure parents up and down the country rejoiced. I know I did because since lockdown my kitchen has resembled a somewhat chaotic diner and me, well let’s just say I’m giving Gordon Ramsey a run for his money in the shouty chef stakes. My teenage boys are hungry ALL OF THE TIME and despite the fact that I love cooking, even I’ve been getting hacked off with the constant flow of meals. Not to mention the constant loading and unloading of the damn dishwasher. Anyone else with me on this? So, first stop for me was dinner al fresco at my local pub. Except that it rained so we had to move inside, but with double doors open, it felt airy and ‘safe’. Well done The Walter Arms, my first dinner out was heaven. It was a Wednesday evening and the place had an old-fashioned weekend buzz about it. Wednesdays really are the new Fridays, trust me. We ate gorgeous food, bumped into friends – not literally – who we’d not seen for ages, chatted to the staff who were all working like crazy to give everyone a great time and then paid. No arguing around the table about whose turn it is to load the dishwasher. The fact that we got a whopping 50% off food, up to the value of £10 per person, made it taste even sweeter. We all walked home very happy. I know lots of my fellow Gossip Girls have been eating out to help out too so it seems like everyone loves the scheme just as much as me. And what’s great is if you don’t want to do dinner, some of the coffee shops in town are participating too. So make the most of someone else cooking for you and get yourself booked into somewhere while the scheme is still available. So where will you find me next? Mainlining my favourite cinnamon buns and drinking coffee at Gail. Fancy joining me? Rachel is founder Gossip Girl Gang, a networking group for women in business in and around the borough
HOW do you build a community? Street parties? Door knocking? Carol singing? Or maybe a university can help? For the past five year, the Whitley Researchers collective has been helping the University of Reading with its work in the community. It’s been spearheaded by Dr Sally Lloyd-Evans – and she has just been appointed to lead the Earley-based learning institution’s public engagement programme. The new role recognises to help understand issues that matter to local communities, you need to be able to talk to them – and you don’t need a degree to know that. Alongside her work, Dr LloydEvans will lead the University’s commitment to work alongside its neighbouring communities in the greater Reading area. And naturally, for a student of human philosophy, she can’t wait to get started. . “Over the past five years, I’ve been involved in training and empowering local residents and young people as researchers which has enabled Reading communities and organisations to understand and shape their local services,” she explains. “The fellowship gives me dedicated time to share learning
and facilitate more university colleagues, students and local residents to champion communitybased research that supports the needs of our diverse communities.” And she intends to focus on building a knowledge exchange across Berkshire to start with. “There are many inspirational examples of best practice in our communities and we need to develop a collective framework for sharing our experiences and knowledge,” she says. And students will play a key role in this – but not leading carol singing. Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at the University of Reading said: “Sally’s commitment to public engagement makes her the ideal person to lead the University of Reading in this area. “Research has the power to make a demonstrable difference to communities, by understanding local needs and providing clear evidence for a need to change. “I am very much looking forward to seeing how Sally helps us all to broaden our scope, work more closely with our neighbours and be a beacon for public engagement in the UK research community.”
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 13, 2020
The teens cycli with nothing bu By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk TWO WELLINGTON College students have raised more than £5,000 in a charity cycle across the Alps.
Sam Hind (17) and Cosmo Smith (17) who go to the Crowthorne-based school made a spur of the moment decision to fundraise for autism research charity, Autistica. Their cycling challenge faced only one hurdle — they didn’t have bikes. Picking up two cycles, the duo had one week of training until they took on the 850km route across France and Switzerland. Joined by Mark Hind, Sam’s father, the three men left with a pair of flip flops, a toothbrush and their cycling gear on Friday, July 31 and crossed their finish line on Sunday. Maria Hind, Sam’s mother said: “They’ve followed all the guidance and worn masks, and travelled lightly for that reason. “They’ve been cycling on country roads, in places with few people — which has produced some lovely pictures taken by my husband, who is a photographer. “They’re not planning on flying back. At one point they were going to cycle back, but travelling across land is quite expensive for them.” On their last day cycling, the trio were met with challenging heat and hills. Sam posted an update on the trio’s fundraising page, where he wrote: “We started in Villeneuve and temperatures were already in the high 30°Cs. We cycled along the banks of the
Rajeev Gupta began lockdown on a mission to
Rhone to Aigle and then faced the biggest climb of the trip — 4,700 ft in 12 miles. “The temperature on the climb was 39°C but we were helped along by shouts of support from various drivers on the route up. “We are so happy to have exceeded our target of £5,000 for Autistica as we
The 83-year-old wh included some unconv AN 83-YEAR-OLD has taken a more holistic approach to cure him of Covid-19, after putting faith in his own body. Roderick Mackie, who has been living at Suffolk Lodge care home in Wokingham since the start of the year, caught coronavirus in March. Mr Mackie spent many hours reviewing scientific research, learning about biology and how the body reacts to illness. He decided not to take any conventional medication whilst ill, and instead focus on breathing exercises. He said: “I’ll leave it to my antibodies to make the decision. “If my antibodies don’t work, then it’s my time to go.” The care team at Suffolk Lodge supported him through his illness, ensuring he remained hydrated and comfortable. Within a week, Mr Mackie began showing signs of positive recovery. His symptoms eased and he felt well enough to leave his bed. He added: “My health now is fairly good, although I have to allow for my age.”
Wendy Luck, Suffolk Lodge home manager, said: “Our focus was on making Mr Mackie as comfortable as possible.
Thursday, August 13, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
ing to the Alps ut a toothbrush
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Panda is still pedalling
By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk
o stay active through Bhangra dance
started our final climb, thank you to everyone who supported us, and donated so generously. The last 400 yards were the only downhill bit of the day.” Ms Hind added: “They’ve had a few struggles along the way, once they helped someone with their flat tyre, and ended up leaving it with them. I’ve
been amazed by their positivity.” Sam and Cosmo met when they were two, at nursery school. They will be finishing their final year of A-Levels at Wellington College in September. � For more information, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ samcosmomatt
hose Covid-recovery ventional conventions “However, despite being seriously ill, Mr Mackie began to make a remarkable recovery, something that I attribute partly to his daily breathing exercises. “We’re all thrilled to see him return to full health and are happy to see him involved in daily activities at the home once again.” With his health back, Mr Mackie has been enjoying his independence. He has learnt to play the piano by ear during lockdown and hopes to soon visit the library to look for piano guides and sheet music. He also loves gardening and supports the activities coordinator in tending to the home’s potatoes and tomatoes. Mr Mackie worked until he was 80, has always led a healthy lifestyle, kept a vegetarian diet and walks around the home’s grounds for his daily breathing exercises. “He became quite unwell, but we would never go against a person’s wishes when it came to their health and medication.
� If you think you have any coronavirus symptoms, seek medical attention. Do not attempt to undertake any breathing exercise as Mr Mackie did – he had trained staff caring for him
WOKINGHAM’S mysterious cycling bear is travelling the borough once again, on a mission to help local causes. The man in the Panda suit, also named Earley Panda, began June determined to spread positivity among residents by cycling around areas including Earley, Woodley, Sonning and Reading. Two months later and he’s still touring the town and taking his sport to the next level by joining various bikeathons. The bear said: “As I became more confident on my bike, I signed up for bikeathons including those which were raising money for charity. “My first one was part of the Wokingham Ride Your Own Bikeathon which took place on July 25, and was a 15-mile ride from Wokingham town to Hurst village and back. “It took me about an hour to cycle and was a great way to encourage those who saw, honked and waved at me to keep active during this time.”
Lockdown Insanity There are many things that can make a person feel As if they were losing their sanity, Hallucinating, even Watching a squirrel fly, for example Or finding a sledgehammer in Lidl’s random Isle For some it's politics, For others a single noise can drive them crazy But not for me, For me a single word does it all, Lockdown The idea of it was pleasant at first, A lengthened holiday, A chance to relax But alas, no such luck. Like the steady drip, drip of water down my face, Was the torment I endured. I was cornered, surrounded from all sides, Attacked first by my family, Constant intrusions in bottomless Facetimes Parades around my already tired furniture. The bed broke first, The desk was soon to follow.
Earley Panda also took part in the Ranger Sport Pedal of Thanks Bikeathon which has so far raised £1282 for the Royal Berkshire Hospital. The friendly biker said: “On August 1 I rode from Royal Berkshire Hospital to Maharajah’s Well in Henley-on-Thames. “I rode as part of a team who cycled all the way to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, but I finished after 2 hours as all my fur meant I got very hot.” And the generous bear has more charity rides scheduled for this month. He added: “Throughout the whole of August I am joining the Mary’s Cancer Research Bikeathon which means I will aim to cycle 500km in total. “This will be a big challenge for me, especially due to the hot weather we have been having, but I’m ready to take it on and raise some money for a great cause.” � To find out more about Earley Panda and to view his GPS routes, log on to facebook.com/earleypanda/. � Sport page 35
But it didn't stop there. The schoolwork followed suit. Endless trickles of presentations, word documents and downloads My computer buckling under the weight of all the storage being prodded for this gluttonous consumer, 213 downloads, 335, 524 and counting. And then gradually, finally, the eternal Lockdown began to die out The first time those front doors opened to what left like 100 years in the future, It was as if the prison bars had been kicked down; we were free Free to talk, to look at, to even meet other people again! Free from the torment I had endured Free to walk the streets without hearing a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' I was still alive, And that felt amazing. Imogen C � Have you written any lockdowninspired verse? We’d love to be able to share them with our readers, email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
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22 | INTERVIEW
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, August 13, 2020
A year is a very long time in politics Bracknell MP James Sunderland tells PHIL CREIGHTON how life has changed over the past 12 months … and looks at what lies ahead
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HIS time last year, I was on holiday in France with my family.”
If a week is a long time in politics, then what is a year like? For Bracknell’s new MP, James Sunderland, the changes have been profound. Twelve months ago, he was a candidate, selected after his predecessor left the Conservatives to join the Liberal Democrats over Brexit. Now he’s taking some time out after a whirlwind of events: days after his election last December, the first stirrings of the coronavirus were being made public. A few days after Brexit became law, on January 31, the UK’s first recorded case of the virus was made. And just a few more weeks later, the nation was locked down in a bid to stop the virus in its tracks. For any MP, the pressures that it has put on their office would be immense, but for a new boy just weeks into his parliamentary career? We met just after parliament had broken up two days earlier. “I was at the 1922 Committee on Wednesday afternoon with Boris Johnson who spoke to a number of backbenchers and it was reminded
them that that was his one year anniversary as prime minister,” he said. “How time has flown in the last 12 months. “This time last year I was on holiday in France with my family and perfectly happy as a serving army officer, enjoying the break. “Here we are, eight months on from my entry into Parliament, it’s been a huge experience, it’s been fascinating. I think becoming a Member of Parliament is a huge privilege.” Mr Sunderland says that he feels very blessed by his new role. “The important thing for me is that the opportunity I’ve been given: I want it to work. I don’t want to waste it, I want to be a force for good,” he explains. “It’s very important that everything I do must be to serve Bracknell and the people of the constituency. By the same token, I have to be loyal to the party as well – I was elected on the Conservative manifesto. “I’m loyal, I’ve been loyal all my life.” But what of those constituents who didn’t vote for him, or want to stay in the European Union? How can Mr Sunderland represent them? “I do happen to be a Conservative MP, but I’m not very party political at the best of times. I’m MP for Bracknell constituency, that is my title. “If people write to me, whoever they are, whatever their background, it is incumbent upon me to do what I can to help.” He lives locally, and says he is familiar with all parts of the
Bracknell MP James Sunderland helped the Community Hub during the first phase of the coronvairus lockdown
constituency: “I’m here as often as I can be. “The bottom line is getting to know people (within the constituency) has been really, really important. You can’t serve the community without being part of the community. I’ve been very keen to get to know everyone.” During the coronavirus pandemic has seen Mr Sunderland and his team cope with an exceptional workload. Bracknell has a coronavirus scare back in February when a GP surgery was closed for a deep clean. “People suggest that parliament and their teams are not working flat out – it’s complete nonsense,” Mr Sunderland says. “We’ve been flat out since February, and rightly so, I’m a public servant and I’m paid. I’m there to serve the people that I do serve, and we’ve been true to that since day one. “It’s no small undertaking to respond to everyone.” There are some exceptions, of course: “There are those who seek to write to me three, four or five times a week, you have nothing constructive to offer. “It's just an excuse a settle a score or to try and trip me up. I’ve been quite clear to them: my approach is not to respond to them.” Why does this matter to him? “I don’t want to be in a situation in four years’ time and the next election where people have said, ‘Oh, he never responded to me’. We are responding. It might take a week, it might take two, but we are doing our best to respond to every single bit of correspondence from constituents.” Mr Sunderland has still taken time to help out, volunteering at the Wokingham Borough Community Hub, sorting food and delivering it to people self-isolating and in need. “I was delighted to be part of it,” he says. “To be doing deliveries across the borough and seeing people who were genuinely grateful for what the government was doing
for the people who had written to me. “At the height of the pandemic, in those early stages, I was getting more than 500 letters a day. We made the decision very early on to respond to everyone: people have had issues with universal credit, housing issues, school issues. “For me personally, the highlight has been making a difference for those people that have asked me for their help.” Just how did it feel to walk into the Palace of Westminster for the first time, walking the same places that giants such as Winston Churchill, Pitt the Younger and Margaret Thatcher walked? “I had a sense of shock,” he recalls. “I'm pretty institutionalised by nature after 27 years in the Army, but the parliament is a very different kind of institution again. And I mentioned in my maiden speech about the sense of majesty, the place the sense of all the ghosts that have gone before – the palace is the best part of 1,000 years old. You can’t go into that environment without a sense of awe.” And there’s the switch from being a private person to a public figure, “having a social media presence, being interviewed by journalists – it’s all very new and just another challenge to deal with.” His army career means he’s a confident public speaker – he was briefing “big audiences” on a regular basis. “Bring on the stage doesn’t bother me at all”. And his stint in the forces has given him a good standing for the task that’s ahead. With a large majority and Bracknell being a safe Conservative seat, you could forgive him for treating it as an opportunity to slack. “No,” Mr Sunderland says. “I’ve never coasted on anything in my life. You don’t get to become a senior officer in the army without a lot of very hard work. “If I was to go to this
thinking that it was a safe seat that I could cruise over it for four or five years, I'll be very mistaken. So we are working it hard, I tend to work really hard, but the important thing is that we’re getting the best deal for the people who have elected me.” Mr Sunderland is part of the Blue Collar Conservatism group, which “champions working people and develop a conservative agenda to benefit the voters and communities most neglected by Labour”. “The reason why it's important is because Bracknell is a very Blue Collar Conservative place. The people in Bracknell as decent, they’re hard working, they’re honest, they’re straightforward and they’re pragmatic. “What they want is the best school for their kids, they want money in their pockets, they want the best jobs, they want to go on holiday. “They want to contribute as well as take. That for me, that’s really important. “It’s about levelling up, which is Boris Johnson’s agenda. It’s very much about doing the best I can for those excellent working families.” Will leaving the EU with no deal be the best way forward? “The Conservatives were elected on a pretty clear mandate,” Mr Sunderland says. “In my humble view, it's incumbent upon me to deliver that manifesto. And it's also absolutely clear to me that we need to be leaving the European Union in the most expedient manner possible. “The UK has got everything to gain by leaving the European Union. Not only is it what people voted for, it's also what's right for the UK.” He adds: “I think that if the European Union wants the UK to leave with a deal, then they will do everything possible to ensure that happens. But let's be absolutely clear as well. This is about brinkmanship. The European Union has just as much to lose, right with the UK leaving the EU without a deal as the UK. So I'm pretty clear that if the politicians get their act together and do their job properly, we'll be living with the right outcome.” Pausing the leaving process during the pandemic would, Mr Sunderland feels, “play into the Remain agenda. I think it would have taken the country backwards … we need to get on with it.” What does Mr Sunderland make of Boris Johnson? It turns out that he’s known him for a while. “He was foreign secretary
and I met him at Sandhurst when he came for the AngloFrench summit. I met him in Peterborough when he was campaigning for a byelection. I’ve spent some time with him … he is remarkably friendly. “He's a man of great charisma, he's got clear vision and he's also a very good leader.” Mr Sunderland adds: “He’s box office wherever he goes. He gets a fantastic reception – people want to see him, they want to talk to him and rightly so, he’s a personality in his own right and I’m very, very happy to serve him.” Mr Sunderland promised to broach the issue of housing numbers with him. “It's very easy to criticise the Prime Minister, but he's a busy guy, there's one of him. “We've got the best part of 60 million people in the UK or wanting something or needing something. So, you know, not everything gets to the Prime Minister, because of course, he's got staff. He's got ministers. He's got teams around him doing that for him. “I have no doubt at all that if I was to get a chance to speak to him personally about house building and targets in the south of England, he would listen.” Would Mr Sunderland be prepared to invite Boris Johnson to the borough to see the issues first hand? “Yes, 100% I’ll do that,” he promises. Mr Sunderland added: “Don't forget, he's also promised to level up the country. “He's under pressure to do what he can for those who can't afford a house at the moment. This is the most aggressive, ambitious house building programme of any governor for decades. “He needs to do what he can to fulfil his promises. “So what's my point? I think my point is that we do need to be building more houses, but not necessarily in this part of the world. “And if we're serious about levelling up across the country, let's invest across the country. Let's invest in infrastructure, let's invest in jobs. “You know, let’s do what we can for those people across the UK, who don’t have access to employment, who do need places to live. “Let’s just not pander to speculative developers in the south east who know that they’re going to make good money and are building more houses – let’s actually spread the love across the whole of the UK and do what we can for those who put Boris Johnson in power.”
SOCIETY | 23
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INTHECOMMUNITY
News from your community groups, clubs and societies Send your reports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
A community hub and farm shop By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Explore the great outdoors with Scouts
FIVE MONTHS ago, the country was told to stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.
The Government imposed lockdown was met with worry from the elderly, and people with medical conditions that may make them more vulnerable to Covid-19. But responding to that concern, community-led initiatives bagan popping-up across the borough. One of those was at Hare Hatch Sheeplands, where the farm shop became a community hub. Food deliveries from nearby supermarkets were scarce and being booked-up within seconds of opening the time slots. Spotting a community organisations stepped in to help Andy and Rob, managers of Hare Hatch Sheeplands Farm Shop. Hundreds of customers were calling the farm shop for help. The Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh came to help by manning the shop entrance and with the Inner Wheel Club, answering the telephones and taking orders for the farm shop to prepare. This allowed the staff at the shop to concentrate on preparing the orders and to keep ordering more stock to meet the growing demand. Local volunteers came into the farm shop in the afternoons to pick up orders for delivery or collection and these were delivered every day. The farm shop offered special shopping slots for key workers, single parents with children, and the elderly before the public were allowed in. With national shortages of toilet rolls, flour and yeast, the farm shop staff continued their search for new sources for the in-demand products and kept the shelves brimming with good quality, often locally-sourced fresh goods. Rotary volunteers manned the entrance to monitor customer movement and safety.
W
OKINGHAM has seen a fantastic response from so many people in the face of the changes to our lives caused by the coronavirus and now, with more recent changes and relaxing of restrictions for some, it may feel as though the need for volunteers has receded.
However, that is not the case and there are still many opportunities for anyone interested in helping others or who wish to enrich their own lives by developing new friendships, new skills or doing something fulfilling through being a volunteer. The Wokingham Volunteer Centre has for many years run Volunteer Recruitment Fairs in January and September and we are currently planning for our next one. Due to current restrictions it’s likely this will be a ‘virtual’ event in September but we will provide full details as we get closer – keep an eye on this column for more updates. Face shields were donated by MHP Industries of High Wycombe and Hare Hatch Sheeplands bought more, allowing Rotary Club members to give them out to customers for a donation. Hundreds of the masks were handed out and nearly £2,000 was donated by the generous shoppers. Initially, money was sent to the NHS for scrubs, PPE and some well-deserved goods for the Royal Berkshire Hospital staff wellness suite. Then subsequent donations went to supporting local foodbanks. Andy and Rob, managers at Hare Hatch Sheeplands said they were grateful to Rotary and Inner Wheel clubs for their help three days a week
for the three months until things settled down to a manageable level. The Rotary and Inner Wheel Clubs said they would like to thank Hare Hatch Sheeplands for their brilliant efforts to provide for the needs of their customers over this difficult time and for entrusting them with the charity funds. Scott Trathen, of the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh said: “This is a heart-warming example of a community-minded business serving their local population and we are proud to be part of it.” � To get involved with the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh, email: rotaryreadingme@gmail.com
Rotary celebrates its centenary
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E CELEBRATE centuries in many aspects of our lives. People are sent a card from the Queen on their 100th birthday, and in our national sport, cricket, we celebrate our batsmen scoring 100 runs. Well Rotary is a global charity that is more than 100 years old, growing today to over one million men, women and young people who have fun together and help others in the community, both locally and globally. Unlike single purpose charities, Rotarians offer several areas of focus worldwide: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment. Each year, Rotarians adopt a theme. Appropriately, this year's theme is Rotary Opens Opportunities. Easthampstead Rotarians, from Bracknell
Forest and Wokingham Boroughs, work with other local charities and schools on agreed projects. Most recently, during 'lockdown', we have supported our Foodbanks, and The Cowshed which provides support to people of all backgrounds in a time of personal crisis. The Cowshed offers good quality cleaned and ironed clothes and other essentials free to anyone in need. But as our schools plan to re-open in September, Easthampstead Rotarians from Wokingham, Alan Finch and Brian Sutterby, have already been busy delivering Dictionaries 4 Life to several local Berkshire schools. The Dictionary 4 Life, published by Usbourne is a 288-page full-colour guide for young enquiring minds. The encyclopedia includes 10,000 entries, 20,000 definitions, and more than 1,000 illustrations.
helenabadger volunteer corner
More than 200 have been supplied to several local schools. Brian explained: "Dictionary 4 Life is a Rotary initiative and represents an integral part of our support for young people.” Alan, who liaises with schools, colleges and local youth groups across Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Boroughs, added: "We also coach the older pupils on writing a CV and interview techniques. "And then there are the Rotary Youth Competitions which we run in partnership with local schools. “In recent years, hundreds of our young people have benefitted by participating in our Youth Speaks, Young Writer and Technology Tournaments." � For more information about the competitions, visit:www.rotarygbi.org/ projects Peter von Bergen, Easthampstead Rotary
� In the meantime, Berkshire Scouts are looking
for adult outdoor helpers (18+) who want to help young people have a great time exploring the great outdoors. After many months of being stuck inside, unable to meet together, Scout Groups around the area are preparing to get together – initially with outdoor, socially distanced meetings with restricted group sizes. We know that many adults are also keen to get out and try something new. The Scouts is all about giving young people and adults skills for life through problem solving, working in a team and building resilience. They would really welcome adults who want to find out a bit more to get in touch for a chat. Their volunteering is really flexible to fit around your work and home life. If you’ve got particular interest, skills or experience we’d love to make sure we get you involved in the best way for you to enjoy it yourself too. To find out more and have an initial chat, just follow the link on our website. � The Link
CLASP celebrate community noticeboard presence in Tesco A CHARITY that helps people in Wokingham with learning disabilities is celebrating a special link-up with a supermarket this month. CLASP Wokingham, which has been holding virtual meetings during lockdown for its members, has been given a coronavirus grant from Tesco’s Finchampstead Road store. The money has helped it organise the online events, which will be the norm until it is deemed safe to meet in person once again. And to raise awareness of its work, CLASP has a special display in Tesco to allow people to find out more, and to get
involved. They are the first group to feature on a special A board which shoppers can read as they wait to enter the store. Anna Overd, CLASP Wokingham’s project co-ordinator, said: “We were awarded a £500 emergency Covid grant from Tesco, who are very supportive of our charity. “We used this to fund a licence for Zoom so we had the added security features and no time limits, as well as a 12-month mobile phone contract, and some ‘tester’ masks, snoods etc to see what worked best for our members with their disabilities.”
Visiting Scheme have been extremely busy recently and are seeking new volunteers to help provide their support to elderly and lonely people. They rely on volunteer Befrienders to improve and enhance the lives of older people through quality time and focused attention; a chance to hear stories of days gone by and build a connection. They ask you to give one or two hours per week or per fortnight to visit and offer friendship and support with regular visits the minimum requirement for at least six months. They provide training before you start visiting and on-going training if you need it. They have a support structure in place so you can always call on someone if you have any questions or concerns. � These are just some of the latest opportunities on our books. Contact us: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and see all the roles we have to offer.
24 | LEISURE
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Cinderella can’t go to the ball – blame Covid for that
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HERE will be no thigh slapping in Bracknell this Christmas, as an arts centre has cancelled its pantomime. Due to the coronavirus, South Hill Park has decided to postpone the fun and frolics of its festive event. Its planned show, Cinderella, will now be staged next year. In a statement, the arts centre said that social distancing guidance and the uncertainty of when venues would be able to resume live indoor performances means that it is no longer financially viable for the show to go on. South Hill Park’s pantomime is a full in-house production, featuring local actors such as dame Brad Clapson, local youngsters in the ensemble and sets made by the arts centre’s team. The venue’s chief executive, Craig Titley, said: “It is with great sadness that we have taken this very difficult decision. “In 2019, 19,000 people saw South Hill Park’s pantomime and for many it is the highlight of the South Hill Park calendar. “As we produce our own pantomime, work on its starts as early as February with sets and costumes created, built, and painted in August and September, but with so much uncertainty we can’t take the financial risk this year. “We know this will be disappointing to many but Cinderella will return in 2021.” At this moment in time, it is not known when the green light will be given for live performances indoors, without any social distancing measures, with culture secretary Oliver Dowden telling BBC Radio 4 that it might not be until November before audiences can be allowed back in again.
A scene from last year’s South Hill Park pantomime, Aladdin Other pantos, including The Hexagon’s, have been cancelled, making it a bleak midwinter for festive shows. “A socially distanced pantomime is not only a financial risk but would result in a very different experience for the cast and audience which would not be the same,” Mr Titley added. “Who wants to shout, ‘it’s behind you’ with only a handful of other audience members dotted around the auditorium?”
As the show will go on, just in 2021, ticketholders will be contacted by the box office. In June South Hill Park Arts Centre launched a £500,000 public fundraising campaign to save the Arts Centre. So far it has raised £63,176 but has a long way to go to reach its target. To make a donation to the appeal, visit southhillpark.org.uk/donate
Gotta lotta Wocca
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RTISTIC endeavours in Wokingham will soon be available at the touch of a button, thanks to a new app launching this week. Wokingham Borough Council has appointed a new arts and culture officer and, as part of its strategy to boost the arts, it has teamed up with Volume to create a brand-new phone app that aims to celebrate all strands of the borough’s rich cultural life. Once groups are able to meet as normal, the Wocca app will bring together book clubs, ballet events and more, all in one phone app, named after a Sxaon chieftain who owned lands around the Wokingham area. The app includes an interactive treasure hunt called Wocca Explorers, aimed at younger families. Users take part by solving puzzles and playing mini games to earn rewards around the borough, while learning about the history, culture and people of Wokingham. And it adds to the what’s on and leisure information that Wokingham.Today provided before lockdown started, which included an events guide, a round-up of local theatres and interviews and previews of concerts, shows and performances. Once the coronavirus pandemic has passed and social distancing measures are relaxed, we will return to this pattern of publishing.
Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for environment and leisure, Cllr Parry Batth, trailed the new Wocca app at last month’s executive meeting. He is looking forward to residents downloading and using the app on their mobile devices. He said: “There is a huge range of arts and cultural activity across the borough. “Wocca will be a great benefit to our artistic community, which will be able to promote what they have on offer, as well as to all residents.” Volume, which is based close to St Anne’s Manor on London Road, said that its approach to Wokingham Borough Council’s brief was to build an app that consolidates information about all the events, places to visit and things to do in one place. Users can filter the content based on their preferences. Chris Sykes, CEO of Volume, said: “Creating a hub for arts and culture in the Wokingham Borough was an initiative before the pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions. “Today, the Wocca app couldn’t be more timely. “The ability to explore and know more of what’s around in your local area helps people and families to experience many hidden gems near to home. “I’m delighted WBC is promoting local artists, clubs and businesses that would previously not be found.”
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wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman
bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic
I
N A normal year, we’d be getting excited about Wokingham Festival, but, you know, that virus … Never mind – Chris Hillman from White Star Records has curated a list to make up for it. The Wokingham Love Music soundtrack features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene. There’s a range of musical styles to enjoy meaning that there’s something for everyone You can listen for FREE via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic Flutatious – Wendel the Witch Usually at this time of year Wokingham Festival would be just a few weeks away but sadly not this year. However, here’s a track from the Fluctuations EP by festival and Wokingham Music Club favourites, Flutatious. They were due to play the main stage again this year but we’ll look forward to seeing them next year instead. They are a band that combine violin, flute, guitar, bass, drums and occasional vocals to produce an uplifting mixture of rock, celtic, folk, psychedelia and dance that you can’t stop yourself moving to – www.flutatious.co.uk Crystal Jacqueline – White Horse Hill Continuing the Wokingham Festival theme, here’s an artist that was due to be playing on the Wokingham Music Club stage this year. This track is from Jacqueline’s latest album, A Prayer for the Birds which was released by Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records. The album was written by Jacqueline’s partner and musical director Icarus Peel and was inspired by their shared love of nature and the environment – www.facebook.com/crystaljacquelinemusic Gemma Dorsett – Broken, Blessed & Beautiful As well as her solo work, Gemma also fronts the blues/rock band Eleven:11 who went down a storm at last year’s Wokingham Festival – www.gemmadorsett.com Zach Johnson – Mississippi Taken from the live EP Songs from the Riverhouse Barn by this up-and-coming local indie/folk singer songwriter who has appeared at WMC and Wokingham Festival – www.zjohnsonmusic.com Fish – Garden Of Remembrance This is the latest single from the forthcoming album Weltschmerz. With poignant and personal lyrics written by Fish, the music for the single was cowritten with local musician John Mitchell– www.fishmusic.scot Laura Marling – Held Down Laura grew up in the local area. This track is from her Mercury Prize nominated album, Song For Our Daughter – www.lauramarling.com Lonely Robot – The Silent Life This track and the new album that it is taken from (Feelings Are Good) was recorded at Lonely Robot main man, John Mitchell’s Outhouse Studios in Reading – www.johnmitchellhq.com Lewis and Leigh – The 4.19 Chosen by Wokingham Music Club founder Stan Hetherington as one of his favourite tracks he’s seen performed at the venue over the years – www.facebook.com/lewisandleighmusic Voices From The Fuselage – Domus (Orchestral Arrangement) Gorgeously re-imagined orchestral version of a track that had originally been on their, White Star Records-released, second album Odyssey: The Founder of Dreams – www.facebook.com/ VoicesFromTheFuselage Duke Pearson – I Don't Care Who Knows it Wallen Bink is a new record label in Wokingham specialising in quality vinyl reissues of rare jazz recordings. Their first release is from this legendary pianist – www.wallenbink.com
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Enjoy a staycation garden
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URING the summer your garden is an extra room that can be used on a daily basis – you just need to think about what kind of room you want … Whether you want some additional play space, a home entertainment area or simply to attract wildlife, it's easier than you might think to create the staycation garden of your dreams. First, have a bit of a tidy up. Clear away bits and pieces you no longer want or need to give the feeling of space and stop using parts of the garden as ‘storage’ areas for old or broken garden furniture, pots or playthings. Next, have a look at you ‘garden room’ backdrop. Is there enough greenery and colour, or is it time to top up with a few plants that will provide a little bit of lushness and vibrancy? If you have a smaller garden, then think about using your walls and fences as extra growing space – ideal for wall hanging pots and pouches. Not only will this leave room on the ground for lounging or playing family games, it will create a natural, green wall that is easy to maintain and will last for a good few weeks and months. You can still get a variety of plants that keep flowering well into late summer that add a touch of colour and drama. And if you plant some of them in pots and containers then you can move them around to create different zones. Try mixing Salvia and Japanese Anemone alongside Cosmos with its feathery leaves and saucer-like white and pink flowers. Geraniums (also known as Pelargonium) will keep flowering through to September/October if you look after them. Growers from Pelargonium for Europe recommend regular deadheading and removing yellow or damaged leaves to ensure an extended flowering season.
To keep the kids busy, think about building a bug hotel. Safe hideaways can be hard for wildlife to find in some gardens, and what better use for all your garden waste – rotting branches, sticks, old bricks and stones? If you build it properly it could shelter anything from hedgehogs to toads, solitary bees to bumblebees and ladybirds. You can build your bug hotel at any time of year, but you may find you have most natural materials such as dry grass
and hollow plant stems in late summer or early autumn. And finally, make sure you have the right furniture that lets you relax and enjoy your outside space. It might be some chairs and a table, some oversized outdoor cushions and rugs, a couple of sun loungers or a hammock. With a little clever thinking, there's plenty of ways to produce the perfect living space for all the family without leaving the house. While you are enjoying you newly created staycation haven, don’t forget
that there are still a few jobs to be done in the garden when you have a moment! Here are some top tips for this month from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)… � Deadhead flowering plants regularly � Watering – particularly containers and new plants � Collect seed from garden plants � Harvest any vegetables as they become ready � Keep ponds and water features topped up
Aldi’s Churros with Dark Chocolate and Maple Sauce
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OR families who are joined at the dip, check out supermarket Aldi’s Churros recipe for doughy delights, ideal for dipping into a chocolate heaven or sticky sweet syrup. This recipe includes the super-secret ingredients you need for a smooth and velvety dark chocolate dipping sauce and a moreish maple sauce – enough to feed ten and ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a guaranteed showstopper.
Aldi’s Churros with Dark Chocolate and Maple Sauce � 250g Plain Flour � 50g Unsalted Butter � 1 tsp Baking Powder � 2 tsp Vanilla Essence � 300ml Boiling Water � Sunflower Oil to fry – about 1 litre � 200g block Choceur Dark Chocolate � 150ml Double Cream � 50ml Semi Skimmed Milk � 25ml Maple Syrup � Caster Sugar and Ground Cinnamon to sprinkle
Sift the flour and the baking powder into a bowl. Melt the butter and pour into the boiling water, along with
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence. Pour this over the flour mixture and beat well with a wooden spoon until smooth.
Cover and rest for 15 minutes while you make the sauce. Break up the chocolate and put in a small pan along with the cream, milk, maple syrup and remaining vanilla essence. Heat gently until the chocolate has melted, stirring as you cook. Put to one side while you cook the churros. Heat the oil in a pan until the oil reaches 180°C – or until a small piece of bread goes brown after 30 seconds (a simple test to see if the oil is hot enough). Put the dough into a piping bag with a star nozzle. Pipe 2-3 strips of the dough into the pan, cut the strips off with a pair of scissors and cook for about 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Carefully remove from the oil with a slotted spoon, drain on some kitchen paper, then cook the rest of the dough in the same way. Sprinkle with some caster sugar and ground cinnamon and serve alongside the chocolate sauce.
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PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A4 LONDON ROAD, EARLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020
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
201654
69-71 High Street, Wargrave
Conservation Area
Full application for proposed alterations to the existing shopfront consisting of the addition of new wooden panelling to replace existing tiles and changes to fenestration. (Part Retrospective)
201659
The Poors House, Part Lane, Swallowfield
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Householder application for the proposed erection of a single storey front extension to form a replacement porch, following demolition of existing porch.
201763
The Poors House, Part Lane, Swallowfield
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed erection of a single storey front extension to form a replacement porch, following demolition of existing porch.
201791
201833
The Poors House, Part Lane, Swallowfield
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Householder application for the proposed replacement sewage treatment plant following the removal of existing domestic septic tank.
The Poors House, Part Lane, Swallowfield
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Listed building consent for the proposed replacement sewage treatment plant following the removal of existing domestic septic tank.
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 3rd September 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: 13th August 2020
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 S34 APPLICATION TO VARY PREMISES LICENCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: A4 London Road, Earley between its junctions with Wokingham Borough Boundary and A4 Sutton Seeds Roundabout. The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 London Road, A329 Wokingham Road, B3350 Church Road, B3350 Pitts Lane and A4 London Road. The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 London Road, B3350 Pitts Lane, B3350 Church Road, A329 Wokingham Road, A4 London Road, A4 Crown Street, A327 Southampton Street, Mill Lane and A329 Queens Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 31st August and 3rd September 2020 between 22:00 and 06:00. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake bridge examination work in safety.
GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE Tree Solutions Arboriculture Ltd of 23 Springdale, Finchampstead RG40 4RZ is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To add an operating centre to keep 1 goods vehicle and 0 trailers at Tintagel Farm, Sandhurst Road, Wokingham RG40 3JD Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) Who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected,should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House,386 Harehills Lane,Leeds, LS96NF,stating their reasons,within 21 day soft his notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.
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 31st August 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 13th August 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
RECRUITMENT
SERVICES
NEWSPAPER NOTICE BEARWOOD LAKES GOLF CLUB of Bearwood Road, Sindlesham, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 4SJ, proposes to vary the Premises Licence for the above premises as follows; To extend the area of the current Premises Licence to include the golf course, and also to increase the hours for the sale of alcohol. Representations may be made in writing by any responsible authority or other persons in the vicinity of the premises to the licensing authority - Licensing Team, Wokingham Borough Council, POB 155, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WW or by email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk All representations made are open to public inspection
PROPERTY
Representations to be made by: 28th August 2020 This application has been made to the Licensing Team at Wokingham Borough Council where a register of applications is kept and a record of the application may be inspected. Contact 0118 974 6358 or www.wokingham.gov.uk Under S158 of the above act, a person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a unlimited fine Dated 13th August 2020
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FROM THE TILEHURST END With Olly Allen A summer of change lies ahead
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HEN Sam Baldock said “I’d be surprised if it’s the same dressing room come the start of [next] season” after Reading’s 4-3 defeat to Blackburn, he wasn’t joking. It is now three weeks after the final game of the 2019/20 campaign, but already 15 first-team players have left the Royals (including loan players who returned to their parent clubs). Among the list of departures were long-term servants Jordan Obita, Chris Gunter and Garath McCleary, who made 775 Reading appearances between them. Their exit is one of the biggest indicators that a new dawn is breaking in Berkshire. Not that change isn’t needed. As Mark Bowen put it, “there has been an acceptance of mediocrity for too long”, and Reading’s post-lockdown form of two wins from nine games was incredibly disappointing. The last three years have seen two 20th place finishes, the club’s worst-ever start to a league season, the worst-ever campaign at home and the two managers with the worst win percentages post-war. It’s simply not been good enough. Off the pitch, Reading’s worrying financial position has also demanded a shake-up. The club cannot continue as it has done in the last few years, and it seems it may have taken the pandemic for those behind the scenes to wake up to that. The Royals’ 2018-19 set of accounts revealed a pre-tax loss of £30.1 million, along with the eyewatering fact that the club spent £225 on wages for every £100 of income – the highest ratio the Championship has ever seen. Obita, Gunter and McCleary, along with the also departed Vito Mannone and Mo Barrow, signed expensive contracts during Ron Gourlay’s ill-fated spell at the club, so getting their salaries off the books will be a big relief. Further departures should be expected, and CEO Nigel Howe has warned supporters to be prepared for sales of key players. John Swift is the subject of interest from both Leeds and Sheffield United, with the latter reportedly bidding £3.5 million a couple of weeks ago. That figure does seem a little low, but should the right offer come in, Reading cannot really afford to keep him. Liam Moore is another player of value and one of the highest wage earners in the squad, and the Royals would be wise to listen to any offers for him. Interest in George Puscas, particularly from Fenerbahce, never seems to go away either. The one new arrival to the club so far is midfielder Josh Laurent, signed from Shrewsbury Town. A free transfer who is ambitious and eager to prove himself in the Championship, Laurent is the type of signing that has proven successful for Reading in the past. If Bowen can build the squad around players of that profile, including the club’s academy talent, then we may have a team to be proud of once again.
www.trademarkwindows.co.uk
COULD RINK PLAN HELP BEES? By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW ice rink will be coming to Bracknell, if plans are approved by our neighouring borough’s council.
Based at The Western Centre, the new rink is less than two miles away from the John Nike Centre, home of the Bracknell Bees. Last month, the Bees announced they were looking for a new home due to the closure of their rink. The John Nike Leisure Centre, which includes ski-slope, had been its base – known as The Hive – since the 1980s. But the coronavirus and economic downturn accelerated a plan to mothball the centre, which needed significant investment spent on it to upgrade facilities that were coming to the end of their working lives. The centre said in a statement: “A financially viable plan to keep the Bracknell Complex could not be found. It has been decided that the complex will permanently close with immediate effect with all employees being made redundant.” But skaters have something to look forward to, if the proposals are adopted. The Ozone Rink is proposing to build a state of the art ice training facility nearby, measuring 578 square metres. The company plans to run “elite coaching” sessions at the rink for men and women. It is currently in the planning permission phase at Bracknell Forest Council and Ozone is calling for support from the local and sporting community to support their Could the Bracknell Bees’ search for a new home be helped by plans to open a new rink in the town? plans.
Royals Women to take on Gunners READING’S Women will take on Arsenal in a tough opening day fixture. The team will be travelling to Meadow Lane for the game which kicks off the new FA Women’s Super League season on Sunday, September 6. Kelly Chambers’ side will be taking on the Gunners, who finished third in the table when the season was declared null and void due to the coronavirus. But there was little separating Arsenal and the teams above them, Chelsea and Manchester City. The following Sunday, the Royals will make the Mad Stad their home as they welcome newly promoted Aston Villa. The side were unbeaten in the Championship, winning 13 of their 14 games and drawing the other. The full league programme has yet to be unveiled, but other opening day fixtures including Brighton taking on Birmingham City, Manchester United against Chelsea and Spurs welcoming West Ham. Kick-off times are planned to be 2pm. The trip to London will be a trip down memory lane for two of the squad: Danielle Carter and Emma Mitchell joined the Royals from Arsenal. A third player, Deanna Cooper, has joined from Chelsea. There have been new deals signed by captain Natasha Harding, Lily Woodham and Kiera Skeels, who is an Academy graduate. � SOME Reading teams have
returned to training at Bearwood for the first time since the coronavirus
lockdown began in March. The under 23s and Under 18s were training at the Royals’ new facilities last week.
Congratulations to coach Dillan A FOOTBALL coach has been celebrated for his work with a youth side. The Berks & Bucks FA held its annual awards season on Thursday, August 6. Social distancing meant that it was a virtual ceremony, broadcast live on Microsoft Teams. There were 142 nominations made across a range of categories that included grassroots match official of the year, grassroots league of the year and grassroots grounds team of the year. The task of selecting the winners was, the FA said, tough. Woodley FC’s Dillan Purewall was named as the Rising Star of the Year for his passion, dedication and commitment to his players and for coaching. He helps coach the Kestrels’ Under 15 Mohawks side, who were enjoying good form before football was suspended by the coronavirus. The nomination citation read: “The love for the sport and his team can be seen in every aspect of the job from the hours of preparation he puts into games and the on-field care of players in his team.” A spokesperson for the club said: “Well done Dillan”.
Heatwave runners TWO Woodley FC players are nearly halfway through a month-long challenge to run 100 miles each. They are raising funds for Teenage Cancer Trust and Bone Cancer Research Trust.
Greg Taylor and Matt Benham has been running a range of routes throughout the heatwave in a bid to reach their milestone by the end of August. Their runs included a visit to the New Forest for an 11-mile jog through Brockenhurst and Stony Cross. A spokesperson for the Kestrels said: “Both lads have battled through the heatwave so far, are nursing injuries but still going strong and smashing the challenge. “There is still a way to go but they are making good progress.” The aim is to raise £500 for both charities. To donate, search Facebook for “Greg's & Matts fundraiser for Bone Cancer Research Trust”
Veterans game The Kestrels’ Veteran team team have started their pre-season.
Training takes place on Wednesdays from 6.45pm on the 3G pitch at Woodford park. The team are welcoming new players: matches are 40 minutes each way and there is drink and food in the clubhouse afterwards. For more details, visit www.woodleyunitedfc.co.uk
Be a Tornado BINFIELD’S Tornadoes are welcoming players for a new under 11s team. If they can recruit enough youngsters, they will be looking to play in Division 3 of the East Berkshire Football Alliance. Training days are usually Mondays with games on Saturdays. Trials are open to both boys and girls. For more details, log on to www.binfieldfc.com
Sumas strengthen squad � Continued from back page
Bateman is also feeling pleased with the team. “Going forward, I’m really happy, I’m very, very pleased with their fitness levels for this stage, and we’ve got most of last year’s squad signed up. We’ve strengthened the squad in one or two areas where we’d hoped to strengthen them. “We’ve got some really good young lads.” And lockdown has also been useful for improving Lowther Road, the Sumas’ home ground. Hot on the heels of installing the new seating area last season,
a team have spent the past few weeks improving the clubhouse. The ground won ‘most improved ground’ in the 2020 Football in Berkshire awards. “So many people behind the scenes have worked so hard at this club to get us to where we are, so to get the recognition for Lowther Road is fully deserved,” Bateman says. “Lockdown gave us the chance to renovate the whole inside of the club house and the dugouts and the place is unrecognisable to what it was before and that’s thanks to all the volunteers who came out to give their time and help.”
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EXILES PREPARE FOR A BATH
By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
LONDON IRISH will be back in action from Saturday as it seeks to complete its season.
And while the Exiles may no longer be playing at the Mad Stad, rugby fans can enjoy the action as all matches will be broadcast live on BT Sport. The games are, like football, behind closed doors, so live television coverage is the only way to see them. Earlier this summer, the Exiles said that they would complete the season by playing home games at The Stoop in Twickenham, bringing an early end to the club’s long association with Reading. It also means that there will be no farewell St Patrick’s Party for local fans, as the coronavirus meant this year’s event was cancelled. From next season, the team will be playing games at Brentford Community Stadium. On Saturday, they will visit Bath for a game that kicks off at 3pm and can be watched via the BY Sport Red Button service, or via its app. A home game follows on Saturday, August 22, as the Exiles take on Northampton Saints. The kick-off is at 2pm and the game is on BT Sports 3. Exiles Director of Rugby, Declan Kidney, said: “Seeing all the remaining fixtures confirmed takes us that bit closer to the return of rugby, which we’re all really excited about. “We’re keen to finish the season strongly and regain the momentum which we had had when the league went on hiatus back in March. “Of course, there’s an element of the unknown with so many fixtures in such a short space of time, but it presents an opportunity for us to use the full squad as well as delving into the Academy. “We’re disappointed we can’t play in front of our fans, but we know they’ll be with us in spirit
– as always, every time we pull on the jersey, we do it for our supporters. “Playing all our fixtures away from home will take a little bit of adjusting to, but it will make playing at Brentford next season even more special.” Joining the squad on short-term deals are former London Irish Academy graduate Ross Neal and Sebastian de Chaves, Neal has been in the United States, playing for Seattle Seawolves and will return to them when their season recommences. “Even though this is a short-term agreement, I am delighted to be back involved with London Irish” said Neal. “I am grateful for the opportunity to train in a great environment and will help wherever I can.” And de Chaves is returning from Newcastle Falcons – he was Exiles’ player of the season in 2016/17. “It feels great to be back at Hazelwood and be back in the Irish kit” explained de Chaves.
Remaining London Irish fixtures SATURDAY, AUGUST 15: Bath Rugby v London Irish, 3pm, BT Sport Red Button/App SATURDAY, AUGUST 22: London Irish v Northampton Saints, 2pm, BT Sport 3 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26: Leicester Tigers v London Irish, 6pm, BT Sport Red Button/App MONDAY, AUGUST 31: London Irish v Saracens, 1pm, BT Sport Red Button/App SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5: Gloucester Rugby v London Irish, 4.30pm – BT Sport 1 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9: London Irish v Harlequins, 6pm, BT Sport Red Button/App SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13: London Irish v Worcester Warriors, 3pm – BT Sport Red Button/App TBC: Exeter Chiefs v London Irish SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4: London Irish v Bristol Bears, 3pm, TBC
Creevy arrives at The Stoop ARGENTINA international Agustin Creevy has agreed to join London Irish with immediate effect. The former international captain made 89 appearances for Los Pumas, including playing at two Rugby World Cups. His impressive number of international caps ensures that Creevy is currently the most capped Argentinian international player of all time. More than half of Creevy’s international appearances saw him captain Argentina. The hooker’s career has seen him develop his game in France with Biarritz, Clermont and Montpellier before joining Worcester
Warriors. More recently, Creevy has been plying his trade with Super Rugby’s Jaguares, helping the Argentinean franchise to the 2019 Super Rugby final. Creevy’s arrival at London Irish sees the Exiles’ amount of different nationalities grow to 10. The squad currently has players from England, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Fiji, Zimbabwe, Samoa, Tonga and now Argentina. Declan Kidney, Director of
Rugby, said: “Agustin comes to London Irish with a fantastic amount of club and international experience. “Hopefully he can help to continue the journey that the club is on.” And the experience is one that Creevy is looking forward to. “Declan spoke very highly of the club, the people and the direction they want to go,” he said. “I can’t wait to join up with my teammates and to get stuck in.”
Riders pedal to help RBH A CHARITY bike ride has raised more than £1,200 for the NHS. Earlier this month, a special Pedal of Thanks took place between John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. Members of Rangers Sports have been meeting on Sundays during lockdown, going for rides that they say have made them stronger, happier and healthier. Determined to give something back and to show their appreciation for NHS staff and other key workers, the team decided to take part in a special bikeathon to raise funds from the Royal Berkshire Charity. More than 20 cyclists joined at the start line at Royal Berkshire Hospital including the mysterious Earley Panda. The team spirit was further raised by the presence of the
kids Mehul, Yuvraj and Anish who cycled courageously to the finish line. Thirteen of the bikers pedalled through the beautiful Chiltern hills to reach the destination by lunch time. The route was so popular that seven cyclists also did a return leg thereby covering more than 100 kms. Those taking part were: Mehul Gupta, Yuvraj Basra, Anish Deshpande, Anjali
Deshpande, Satnam Arora, Ajit Basra, Suneet Basra, Amit Gupta, Amit Tawde, Nitin Goel, Ankush Kapoor, Gopi Kishan Nerellakunta, Lokesh Gandhi, Mahantesh Kuppasad, Lucky Chahal, Shashank Saxena, Pradeep Rao, Jatin Yadav, Kiran Alluri, Rangnath Deshpande and the Earley Panda. � For more details, or to make a donation, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Rangers-Bikeathon
Bowlers enjoy first game since virus LAST Wednesday, Twyford players made their way to Burghfield for their first and possibly only game of the season. As a result of the Coronavirus, Bowls England had banned all matches with other clubs and laid down some very strict rules, but bit-by-bit some of the restrictions have been lifted. And with the relaxation, we received an invitation from Burghfield, and luckily had enough players wanting to compete.
Bowls is a very social game as a rule, but this was just straight down to business, the clubhouse stayed very firmly shut. With all this glorious weather we are having, who would have believed that within a minute of the game starting it was raining. It was downhill from there, Twyford lost on two rinks 48 to 33 going down by 15 shots, and got slightly wet in the process, but it was a little bit of normality in the crazy world we are living
in at the moment and was an enjoyable evening. MICHAEL HOBSON, KEVIN HARDING AND DEBBIE BOLES. 8-19 DAVE ANDERSON, TINA SCHERER AND MARTIN MERRITT. 7 - 20 JAN WALKER, DAVE PAYTON AND ROLAND DREESDEN. 18 - 9
Meanwhile the Wednesday club were a little short of numbers but still managed a few matches. Gordon Wheeler beat his wife Mary by 25 to 9 and Colin Hancock beat Rodney Tomes 22-8. TINA SCHERER
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HONOURS BOARD THE TEAM EACH PLAYER REPRESENTS IS LISTED FIRST
BATTING JACQUES PIENAAR: Yateley v Theale and Tilehurst 2s – 152 JAKE TURNER: Wokingham 3s v Theale and Tilehurst – 112* ARSHAD MOHAMED: Woodley v Twyford and Ruscombe – 106 TOM POTTER: Finchampstead 4s v Windsor 2s – 104 TOM NICHOLS: Eversley v Kidmore End – 100* (pictured) NIKHIL JATHAYEOAN: White Waltham 2s v Fleet 2s – 91* SCOTT GORE: Yateley v Theale and Tilehurst 2s – 91 MARK RICHARDS: Sonning 2s v Wargrave 3s – 87 DANIEL HEATH: Wokingham 5s v Bagshot 3 – 86 JAMES WATT: Hurst v Binfield – 85 MATTHEW CALHOURN: Sonning 3s v Kidmore End 3s – 85 SAM KENNET: Eversley v Kidmore End – 83* YAUNUS KHAN: Waltham St Lawrence v Peppard Stoke Row 2s – 76 HARRY LEE: Binfield 2s v Farnham Common 2s – 75 GREGORY SMITH: Finchampstead v Wargrave – 70* ANKUSH GANDHI: Waltham St Lawrence v Peppard Stoke Row 2s – 71 MARC TEAL: Twyford and Ruscombe v Woodley – 69* JJ HARRIS: Wargrave 3s v Sonning 2s – 69 JED CRERAR: Finchampstead 2s v Fleet – 64* SUKHMEET KAHN: Wokingham v High Wycombe – 64 SANDEEP NAIR: Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Phoenix Old Boys – 62 S HAWKES: Hurst 2s v Sulhamstead and Ufton – 57 B SCARBOROUGH: White Waltham v Royal Ascot – 56 A PARHAML: White Waltham v Royal Ascot – 55 STAN FRITZ: Twyford and Ruscombe v Woodley – 55 C METHERELL: White Waltham v Royal Ascot – 53 OLIVER LOVEGROVE: Hurst v Binfield – 51* *NOT OUT
BOWLING FAISAL BUTT: Waltham St Lawrence v Peppard Stoke Row 2s – 5-30 HARSHAVARDHANA SHASTRY: Woodley 2s v Shinfield 2s – 5-33 SAM KENNET: Eversley v Kidmore End – 4-6 COLIN WEBB 2: Eversley 4s v Thatcham Town 3s – 4-11 IAIN MUIRDEN: Wokingham 2s v Thatcham Town – 4-15 SANDEEP NAIR: Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Phoenix Old Boys – 4-25 ANDREW NIBLETT: Sonning v Boyne Hill – 4-27 JOHN MCDONALD: Wokingham 2s v Thatcham Town – 3-6 GEOFF MARSDEN: Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s v Phoenix Old Boys – 3-14 RUPESH AHLUWALIA: Twyford & Ruscombe v Woodley – 3-14 MAX UTTLEY: Wokingham v High Wycombe – 3-17 M GUDIMETIA: Wargrave 4s v Aldershot 3s – 3-18 MIKE SALMON: White Waltham 2s v Fleet 2s – 3-27 CRAIG HODGES: Finchampstead v Wargrave – 3-29 OLLIE HAYWOOD: Eversley 4s v Thatcham Town 3s – 3-32 PRADEEP KADLOOR: Woodley 2s v Shinfield 2s – 3-37 LEWIS HALL: Binfield 2s v Farnham Common 2s – 3-37 OLLIE ARMSTRONG-WOOD: Finchampstead 2s v Fleet – 3-38 MICHAEL O’DONAHUE: Finchampstead v Wargrave – 3-38 CHRISTOPHER RUANE: Wokingham 3s v Theale and Tilehurst – 3-40 AGASTHYA KUMAR: Shinfield 2s v Woodley 2s – 3-41 JAMES BEWICK: Finchampstead 4s v Windsor 2s – 3-41 PETER WESTON: Farley Hill 2s v West Reading 2s – 3-45 F HASAN: Wokingham 5s v Bagshot 3 – 3-51 KIRAN JULURI: Twyford and Ruscombe v Woodley – 3-59
Tom Nichols in action for Eversley during their Thames Valley League game against Kidmore End, report page 38
Ben Barnard bowls Pictures: Steve Smyth
BATTING FIRST HELPS EMMBROOK EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s’s decision to bat first paid dividends in their game against Phoenix Old Boys. They reached 181-8 over their 40 overs at Lowther Road on Saturday, but needed just 20 overs to skittle the Old Boys for 149 all out. And it was a day to remember for Sandeep Nair. His innings saw him amass a tasty 62 before being caught by Jas Singh and bowled by Kuljit Lally. And when fielding, he bowled 4 for 25, with two maiden overs. It was the standout display of the match, but wicketkeeper TJ Wells helped Emmbrook with 36 and Paul Jundson was 24 not out. There were ducks for Jamie Goodwin (lbw) and Daniel Mead (bowled, Ankush Sharma). In reply, Phoenix Old Boys may have thought they were on to a good thing as the opening partnership of Sharma and Aman
Singh saw them reach 40 and 52 respectively. But there was a batting collapse once they returned to the pavilion, with only Dan Sturgess’ 19 not out making a mark. Geoff Marsen took three of the Old Boys wickets for 14, with Nairs’ four wickets, that left once apiece for Ravi Balakrishnan and Paul Hundson. The win gave Emmbrook 2s 35 points and the Old Boys went away with eight bonus points. This sees the home side in seventh place with 52 points. A THRILLING game in the BCL August Cup Premier A saw WOODLEY narrowly lose out to TWYFORD and RUSCOMBE. An impressive century was chalked up by Arshad Mohamed for Woodley, eventually being caught (Stan Fritz) and bowled (Kiran Juluri) for 106. With a 47 from Mohamed
Rimzan, a 35 from Rifan Mohamad, and a 34 from Rizmy Nilamdeen, Woodley could be excused for feeling confident when they were all-out for 272 in 39 overs. But their guests were determined to write a different story, with a strong team performance seeing them race to 275 from 38.3 overs. Marc Teal was 69 not out, while wicketkeeper Stan Fritz was caught and bowled for 55 – one of two wickets taken by Naveed Raja, the other was from Shawil Arshad, who had 31. Ashan Dildar’s 30 and Sushil Chaudhari’s 25 helped Twyford add to their total. The win sees Tywford take the two points, but they are in second place in the table, with Woodley third. On Saturday, Woodley are away to Woodcote and Twyford welcome Goring on Thames for a top of the table clash.
THERE was disappointment for FARLEY HILL in the BCL August Cup game on Saturday as their visit to Mortimer West End saw them slump to 175 all out. The home side won the toss and batted first, knocking up 225 for 5 in their 40 overs. Ali Jailil and Errol Masters both took two wickets, but a 79 not out from Mortimer’s Steve Audsley coming after Gavin Stamp scored 58 meant that the visitors had an uphill struggle. Opener Jalil was caught and bowled on just two runs, while Matthew Jones was caught and bowled for 14. David Drury scored 37 before he was bowled out by Andy JOhnson, one of three wickets that he took from Farley Hill. Liam Prowse was out for a duck and captain Michael Sheridan was caught and bowled for just two. James Smart’s 36 and Lewis Hart’s 29 helped give Farley Hill some solace, but they were all out on 36.4 overs. The defeat leaves Farley Hill in third place in their group table and on Saturday, they face fellow strugglers Stratfield Turgis/Hartley Wespall. FARLEY HILL 2s didn’t have much joy in their home game against West Berkshire, in the Division 1a August Cup game. The visitors won the toss and ran riot, scoring an impressive 291-7 over their 40 overs. Farley Hill 2s could barely make a dent in them – three West Berkshire players each reached a half-century: Amaar Raja (63, bowled Azam Sahfiq), Fahad Raja (56, caught and bowled Peter Weston) and Adeel Razag (51, caught Ankit Singh, bowled Craig Jorey).
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www.trademarkwindows.co.uk Left: Tom Nichols is congratulated by his Eversley team mates … Below: … before returning to bowling
It was Tom Nichols’ day on Saturday – he caught this ball and scored a century, not out
Weston took three wickets for 45, while Shafiq was 2-49 and Jorey was 2-56. In reply, Farley Hill 2s faltered despite a decent opening partnership from Ankit Singh (25) and Ross Ditchburn (31). Low scorers from others in team, including wicketkeeper Simon Longfield’s duck, meant that the team only reached 125-9 over 25 overs, before declaring defeat. The loss sees Farley Hill 2s bottom of the league 1a table. On Saturday, they welcome SHINFIELD 2s. WOODLEY 2s enjoyed their visit to SHINFIELD 2s in their Division 1a August Cup Game, coming away with the points with just a ball to spare and now sit at the top of their group table. Winning the toss, they batted first and amassed 245-8 over 40 overs. Rajib Dhallam’s 48 not out was the big success story of the afternoon, but captain Upendra Deshpande scored 41 before being caught and bowled by Kiran Alluri and Vivek Bommidi. Both Harshavardhana Shastry and Siri Harsha Cherukuri scored 26. However, it didn’t go all Woodley’s way: Pradeep Kadloor was out for a duck. Shinfield’s Agasthya Kumar netted three wickets for 41, the best bowling performance from the home side. In response, they were 202 all-out for 39.5 overs, partly thanks to the efforts of Woodley’s Harshavardhana Shastry who took five wickets for 33. Pradeep Kadloor took a further three wickets for 37 and Siri Harsha Cherukuri took the final two for 36.
The best batting display from the home side came from Sammer N, who had seven 4s and one 6 on his way to 48, before being bowled out by Pradeep Kadloor. Anil Rebello, who scored four sixes on his way to 35, was next best. Nihal Mahajan reached 31 before his return to the pavilion, bowled by Shastry. On Saturday, Shinfield are away to Farley Hill, while Woodley welcome West Reading at Woodford Park. WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE enjoyed a 131-run victory over Peppard Stoke Row 2s on Saturday in their BCL August Cup Division 1b fixture. The home side won the toss and went into bat first, amassing 304 for eight in their 40 overs. Captain and wicketkeeper Ankush Gandhi set the standard with an impressive 71, before being caught and bowled. Yaunus Khan was bowled for 76, and there was a 39 from Faisal Butt and a 35 from Waseem Amin, who retired not out. They enjoyed similar success when they fielded, with Butt bowling 5-30, with one maiden over. Saad Jaffary enjoyed 2-38 with one maiden over and Muhammed Asif had two maiden overs in his 1-42. Despite Peppard Stoke Row enjoying an opening partnership of 58 from Nick (30) and Jake (28) Sedgwick, the visitors could not make headway and were all out for 173 from 35.2 overs. Victory sees Waltham St Lawrence stay at the top of the table. This Saturday, they will welcome second-placed Reading Lions.
FINCHAMPSTEAD gave home side WARGRAVE a nine-wicket mauling on Saturday in the Home Counties Premier Cricket pooled league. Wargrave won the toss and elected to bat first, but failed to make much of an impression against the visitors. Captain Imran Malik was caught (Gregory Smith) and bowled (Craig Hodges) for one, while fellow opener Mark Firth was caught (Oli Soames) and bowled (Hodges) for eight. Highest scorer for Wargrave was Toby Greatwood, who chalked up 39 before being caught (James Woodford) and bowled (Michael O’Donahue). Also reaching double figures were Neal Robinson (lbw, 29) and Josh Sivier (caught Zac Leonard, bowled Soames, 21). Wargrave were all-out for 151 from 36.1 overs, with O’Donahue and Hodges, both taking three wickets. The Finches made light work getting to their target, taking just over 90 minutes to get to 151 runs. The opening partnership of Smith (70 not out) and Soames (43, caught Michael Cowdell, bowled Mandip Sohi) took just 6.1 overs and 30 minutes to reach 50, with Soames out on 113-1. Dan Lincoln came on to help guide the Finches over the line, with a 27 not out. On one of the hottest days of the year, the quick result will have been as much a blessing as the 20 points that the visitors went away with. Wargrave had just four points. The win sees Finchampstead 12th in the pooled table, with Wargrave just a point ahead of bottom placed Buckingham Town.
On Saturday, Finchampstead are at home to Slough, while Wargrave travel to Oxford. WOKINGHAM enjoyed their day out at High Wycombe on Saturday, taking the game by 32 runs. Wining the toss, the Oaks were first to the crease, but t hey made a poor start with Mac Keast being caught and bowled for a duck in the last bowl of the first over. George Horsley fared little better, bowled for 2 by Alexander Woodland. Captain Danny Housego was out lbw for five, after being bowled by Harry Lane. Things improved when wicketkeeper Sukhmeet Kang came to the crease, amassing 64 being being run out by Conner Haddow. Chris Pepelow’s 42 (caught and bowled) was the other highlight as the visitors were all out for 39.5 overs. Although High Wycombe’s target was achievable, it was the Oaks’ bowling that constrained the home side. Max Uttley was the standout, netting three wickets for 17 runs, with one maiden over. Also enjoying a maiden over was Callum Creighton, who bowled 2-36. High Wycombe were all out for 171, and 37.2 overs. The win sees Wokingham come away with 20 points and High Wycombe 8 points, with the Oaks are now joint second place in the pooled table, with 66 points. Leaders Banbury are just a point ahead. On Saturday, the Oaks welcome Henley to Lowther Road, with the match starting at noon.
FOUR MORE FRIENDLIES FOR BERKS By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk BERKSHIRE have confirmed four more ‘friendly’ fixtures for the remainder of this truncated cricket season. They will play a Glamorgan XI at Falkland CC near Newbury on Sunday, August 23. That will be followed by a two-day game with Middlesex at the Old Merchant Taylors School in Northwood on Wednesday and Thursday, August 26-27. Berkshire and Middlesex – two counties with close links to each other – will meet again at Henley CC on Sunday, August 30. A week later, Sunday September 6, will see Berkshire host neighbours Oxfordshire at Falkland. The one-day games will be played on a 50/50 format, starting at 11am. � Left-arm spinner John McDonald produced outstanding figures of 8-1-21-5 as Berkshire Over-50s beat Sussex by 28 runs at his home club, Wokingham. Club colleague Simon Myles top-scored with 48 while Boyne Hill's Dave Goodman made 18 not out in Berkshire's total of 171. The visitors replied with 143-9, being left a man short by an injury to one of their players. Phil Ridgeway took 5-23 in eight overs when Berkshire defeated Buckinghamshire in an Over-60s match last week. Bucks were restricted to 140-8 in their 40 overs and Berkshire reached their target for the loss of just two wickets with skipper Dave Tooze left unbeaten on 86.
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THAMES VALLEY CRICKET LEAGUE ROUND-UP
Binfield’s highest scorer is the extras, By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk IN LEAGUE 2b, BINFIELD (8 points) lost to HURST (22 points) by 10 runs. The highest scorer for Binfield was the extras, reaching 44 – four more than Shaun Miller’s 40.
James Watt scored 85 for Hurst, before being bowled by Thomas Nower, and Oliver Lovegrove was 51 not out for the visitors. Bowling, Hurst’s Lewis Smith was 3-30 with one maiden over and Todd Lindley was 3 for 50. Shaun miller racked up Binfield’s highest score of 40. EVERSLEY (22pts) enjoyed a stunning game against Kidmore End (6pts). The visitors were dismissed for 201 from 39.2 overs, helped by Sam Kennet taking four wickets for just six runs. His blistering form continued at the crease, where he was 83 not out – opening partner Tom Nichols scored a century, also not out. With 19 extras, their 202 for no wickets from 25.5 overs was enough to see them celebrate. Fleet (22pts) beat FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s (6pt) on their visit to the borough. The Finches batted first, with Jed Crerar reaching 64 not out as the home side reached 143-9 from 40 overs. However, Fleet needed just 29.2 overs to reach 145-6 and take the points. Ollie Armstrong-Wood’s 3-38 was the standout bowling. WOKINGHAM 2s (22pts) comprehensively beat Thatcham Town (5pts). Batting first, the Oaks were 1999 from 40 overs, with David Bishop run out for 39 and Ben Myles caught on 34. In reply, Thatcham were skittled for 68 from just 26 overs. Iain Muirden took four wickets for 15 runs and John McDonald took three wickets for six runs. In Division 3a, FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s (9pts) lost to Boyne Hill 2 (22pts). Batting first, Boyne Hill reached 193-7, while in reply the Finches were all out for 181 from 36.3 overs. SONNING (183-9, 22pt) beat Taplow (179-9, 11pts), with Andrew Niblett bowling 4-27, and Jacob Fitton the top score on 41. Jamie Boshier was 34 not out. WHITE WALTHAM (226-6, 9pts) lost to Royal Ascot (227-5, 22pts) in a fivewicket defeat. The home side saw half centuries from B Scarborough (56) and A Parham (55), but a century from Royal Ascot’s A Murray (109 not out) gave the visitors the edge. There were three fixtures in Division 4a. Reading 2s (205-2, 22pts) beat EVERSLEY 2s (204-9, 7pts) by eight wickets. Eversley batted first, with R Rezaul reaching 39 not out. But the home side enjoyed two 62-run innings from A Mittal and Q Ali (not out) to take the spoils. A century from Jake Turner (112 not out) helped WOKINGHAM 3s (193-5, 22pts) beat Theale and Tilehurst (190-8,
Dan Clouting watches his shot skim past Hurst’s defence
Abhir Joshi bowls for Hurst against Binfield Pictures: Steve Smyth
Matt Humphrey’s shot is blocked by a boot; Below: Tom Andrews
Matt Humphrey and Muhammad Furqan at the crease for Binfield
8pts). Christopher Ruane bowled 3-40, also helping the Oaks on their way. And WARGRAVE 2s enjoyed their visit to Falklands 2s. Batting first, the away team scored 247-6 (22pts), 29 more than Falkland’s 218-9 (9pts). BINFIELD 2s were beaten in the Division 5b fixture against Farnham Common 2s. Batting first, Lee’s 75 helped the squad reach an impressive 226-9 (9pts), but the visitor’s reply of 227-6 (22pts) was better. Lewis Hall’s 3-37 was the best of Binfield’s bowling. In Division 6B, a 57 from S Hawkes was not enough to help HURST 2s: their 218-7 (9pts) was comfortably beaten by Sulhamstead & Ufton 2 (2226, 22pt). YATELEY enjoyed their visit to Theale and Tilehurst 2s. Wining the toss, they elected to bat. J Pienaar’s 152 and S Gore’s 91 helped the team amass an impressive 308 from 40 overs. Theale struggled in response, getting to 207-5. The visitors took 22 points and the home side 9. SONNING 2s got the better of WARGRAVE 3s in a local derby. Batting
first, home advantage was not enough for Wargrave, who scored 177-8, while Sonning took just 38.1 overs to reach a winning 179. JJ Harris scored 69 for Wargrave, while M Richards reached 87. WHITE WALTHAM 2s enjoyed success when they visited Fleet 2s. Bowling first, Mike Salmon’s 3-27 helped keep the home side to 205-8 over 40 overs.In reply, Nikhil Jathayeoan was 91 not out, and Harvey Grout 39, as the visitors reach 207-5 in 37 overs. In Division 7a, BINFIELD 3s were beaten by their visitors by one wicket. The home side chalked up 134-9 over 40 overs (9pts), but Bradfield 2s needed 33.1 overs to get to 137-9 (22pts). Kidmore End 2s got the better of WOKINGHAM 4s, winning their visit by five wickets. The home side reached 162-9, but Kidmore End 2s took just 30.5 overs to overhaul that figure, giving them 22pts to the Oaks’ 7. A Baht was the top scorer for Wokingham, scoring 33 not out. Reading 3s (211-8) beat EVERSLEY
3s (200-8) by 11 runs. The home side batted first and Eversley followed, netting 11 points for their efforts. There was success for FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s in their away day. Windsor 2s batted first, and were all out for 178 with a ball to spare. Finchampstead’s James Bewick took 3-41, while Tom Potter scored 104 in his innings, helping the visitors reach 180 for 1 by their 33.2nd over. A visit to Aldershot 3s was not a happy one for WARGRAVE 4s. They lost their Division 8a game by 80 runs. The home side batted first and reached 275-9, with M Gudimetia bowling 3-18. Responding, Wargrave 4s reached just 195-6 over the full 40 overs, with V Gopal and 37, a score matched by Mayank, who was not out. Wargrave come home with 11pts to Aldershot’s 22. A happier result was found by WOKINGHAM 5s, who visited Bagshot 3s, beating them by five wickets. The hosts batted first and reached 188-7, with F Hasan bowling 3-51. Responding, the 5s were helped by
an impressive 86 not out from D Heath, giving them all 22pts, to Bagshot’s 8. Also enjoying that winning feeling were EVERSLEY 4s, who beat Thatcham Town 3s by four wickets. Thatcham, at home, went first, and were all out in 31 overs for 135. Dominating the bowling were Colin Webb, 4-11 and Ollie Heywood 3-32. It took 33.5 overs for Eversley 4s to overtake Thatcham, with top scorers David Howorth 33, Ewan Johns 25, and William Reis 25 not out. FINCHAMPSTEAD 5s (9pts) were beaten by Bracknell 2s (22pts) in their Division 8a game. YATELEY 2s were all out for just 49 in their Division 9a game against NPL3s. The home side went first and racked up 274-3. Yateley didn’t come home empty handed – they earned 2 batting points. And it was also disappointing for SONNING 3s, who were beaten by 69 runs when they visited Kidmore End 3s. Their tally of 208 was helped by an innings of 85 from Matthew Calhourn, helping them earn 10 bonus points.
Thursday, August 13, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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but Hurst net the win
RESULTS
Saturday, August 8 CRICKET Chilterns Division 1 Braywood v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division 2 Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (181-8) beat Phoenix Old Boys (149 all-out) BCL August Cup - Premier A Woodley (272) lost to Twyford and Ruscombe (275-9) by one wicket BCL August Cup - Premier B Mortimer West End (225-5) beat Farley Hill (175 all out) BCL August Cup - Division 1a Farley Hill 2s (125-9) lost to West Reading 2s (291-7) Shinfield 2s (202 all out) lost to Woodley 2s (245-8) BCL August Cup - Division 1b Waltham St Lawrence (304-8) beat Peppard Stoke Row 2s (173 all out) Home Counties Premier Cricket League High Wycombe (171) were beaten by Wokingham (203) Wargrave (151) were beaten by Finchampstead (153-1) Thames Valley Cricket League 2b Binfield (214) lost to Hurst (224-4) Eversley (202-0) beat Kidmore End (201) Finchampstead 2s (143-9) lost to Fleet (1456) Wokingham 2s (199-8) beat Thatcham Town (68 all out) Thames Valley Cricket League 3a Finchampstead 3 (181) lost to Boyne Hill 2 (193-7) Sonning (183-9) beat Taplow (179-9) White Waltham (226-6) lost to Royal Ascot (227-5)
Thatcham celebrate after Wokingham’s Tanseef Mehdi is sent back to the pavilion Pictures: Steve Smyth
Thames Valley Cricket League 4a Reading 2s (205-2) beat Eversley 2s (204-9) Wokingham 3s (193-5) beat Theale and Tilehurst (190-8) Falklands 2s (218-9) lost to Wargrave 2s (247-6) Thames Valley Cricket League 5b Farnham Common 2s (227-6) beat Binfield 2s (226-9) Thames Valley Cricket League 6b Hurst 2s (218-7) lost to Sulhamstead and Ufton (222-6) Theale and Tilehurst 2s (207-5) lost to Yateley (308-6) Wargrave 3s (177-8) lost to Sonning 2s (1794) White Waltham 2s (207-5) beat Fleet 2s (205-8) Thames Valley Cricket League 7a Bradfield 2s (137-9) beat Binfield 3s (134-9) Kidmore End 2s (163-5) beat Wokingham 4s (162-9) Reading 3s (211-8) beat Eversley 3s (200-8) Windsor 2s (178) lost to Finchampstead 4s (180-1)
Stuart Hayter at the crease
Thames Valley Cricket League 8a Aldershot 3s (275-9) beat Wargrave 4s (1956) Bagshot 3s (188-7) lost to Wokingham 5s (189-5)
Eversley 4s (139-6) beat Thatcham Town 3s (135) Finchampstead 5s (134) lost to Bracknell 2s (210) Thames Valley Cricket League 9a Yateley 2s (49) lost to NPL 3s (274-3) Kidmore End 3s (277-7) beat Sonning 3s (208 all out)
FIXTURES
Saturday, August 15 Championship Ley Hill v Shinfield Chilterns Division 1 Emmbrook and Bearwood v Knotty Green Chilterns Division 2 Holyport 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s BCL August Cup - Premier A Woodcote v Woodley Twyford and Ruscombe v Goring on Thames BCL August Cup - Premier B Sandhurst v Farley Hill BCL August Cup - Division 1a Farley Hill 2s v Shinfield 2 Woodley 2s v West Reading 2s BCL August Cup - Division 1b Waltham St Lawrence v Reading Lions BCL August Cup – Division 2 and 3 Shinfield 3s v Purley on Thames 3s Wokingham 6s v West Reading 3s Home Counties Premier Cricket League Finchampstead v Slough Oxford v Wargrave Wokingham v Henley Thames Valley Cricket League 2b Eversley v Bagshot Fleet v Binfield Kidmore End v Hurst Reading v Wokingham 2s Thatcham Town v Finchampstead 2 Thames Valley Cricket League 3a Cove 2s v White Waltham Finchampstead 3s v Aldershot Windsor v Sonning Thames Valley Cricket League 4a Maidenhead and Bray 2s v Eversley 2s Newbury v Wokingham 3s Wargrave 2s v Purley-on-Thames Thames Valley Cricket League 5b Binfield 2s v Thatcham Town 2s Thames Valley Cricket League 6b Hurst 2s v Fleet 2s Sonning 2s v Falkland 3s Sulhamstead & Ufton 2s v Yateley White Waltham 2s v Wargrave 3s Thames Valley Cricket League 7a Binfield 3d v Kidmore End 2s Eversley 3s v Finchampstead 4s Wokingham 4s v Windsor 2s Thames Valley Cricket League 8a Wargrave 4s v Eversley 4s Finchampstead 5s v Bagshot 3s Wokingham 5s v Aldershot 3s Thames Valley Cricket League 9a Ickenham 5s v Sonning 3s
EXTRAS THE HIGH SCORER FOR BINFIELD
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ARMCHAIR EXILES: TELLY DATES ARE ON
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FIRST GAMES FOR ROYALS WOMEN
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THE ONLY WAY ISUP
BATEMAN WANTS SUMAS TO CHASE PROMOTION EXCLUSIVE By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE ONLY way for the Sumas is up: promotion is firmly in the sights of manager Dan Bateman as he looks to build on last season’s momentum.
The Hellenic League Division One East side had been enjoying a strong spell on the pitch before the coronavirus pandemic caused the season to cancelled the season. They were cruelly denied a top four place by the curtailment – in normal times that would have been enough to see them promoted. So when the new season starts, hopefully early next month, Bateman is urging Wokingham & Emmbrook FC to climb to the top of the table and stay there. “The aim is promotion, we want
to return to step five football as quickly as possible,” said Bateman. “We had a brilliant season last campaign and we were almost guaranteed a top four place which would have seen us promoted into the new Thames Valley League that had been planned with the games we had left to play. “We had put ourselves in a really strong position to achieve a top four finish. Unfortunately due to the circumstances that wasn’t to be and the new league will be pushed back by a year. “But the plan for this football club is to get back to step five football and we’ll do our best to be in the promotion places come the end of next season. “There is still a lot more work for us to do and the club has been punching above its weight in the last few years but we’re delighted to be back at Lowther Road.”
Once again, the top four clubs in the Step Six leagues will be promoted, making Bateman’s plan conceivable. The first team have been back in training as they make preparations ahead of the new season with several friendly fixtures planned before the beginning of a brand new Hellenic Division One East campaign. On Saturday, the team lost a friendly to Kintbury Rangers 4-3. Playing in the blistering heatwave, there was a brace from White, and a third from Mark O’Connell. They were in action last night in another friendly against Isthmian league side Ashford Town. “It’s been great to get back to training after such a long time
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away, everyone is raring to go and we’ve got some friendlies planned ahead of the season,” Bateman said. “It was a bit of a challenge with the social distancing guidelines that were in place when we returned but we’ve now been able to return to contact training in the last couple of weeks. “It gave us a chance to get everyone up to full speed with their fitness.” He added: “We’ve got a really good core of players here which allowed us to get some really positive results last season and we were able to win a lot of games in the league and thankfully we’ve been able to keep most of the players together.” � Continued on page 34