The Wokingham Paper, September 10, 2020

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CHILDREN’S CHARITY FACES £50k LOSS – AND APPEALS FOR HELP

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Thursday, September 10, 2020 No. 278

Go slow: Speed signs to be installed after year’s campaigning

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EXCLUSIVE

CHARITY FACING £50K SHORTFALL P5

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD residents will soon see a response to their road safety concerns, after campaigning for more than a year.

The borough council has confirmed it will install signs that flash when cars drive past, to help slow traffic on the A327 Reading Road.

This comes after more than 17 months of campaigning from residents to make the road safer for families who live on the road.

Paul Weeden, who moved from London to Finchampstead three months ago, said he hoped his family would be able to walk or cycle the mile-long route to the nearby Post Office and play park.

Instead, his wife Cleo now drives the route with their two-year-old, feeling too unsafe on the pavement.

“Cars are travelling at such a speed, even when they see our pram they don’t slow down at all,” said Mrs Weeden.

Mr Weeden added: “The pavements are too dangerous to walk along due to the speed of the passing freight vehicles and other reckless drivers.

“I was almost sucked into the road by a lorry on a run one evening in July.”

The couple, who said they are used to walking and cycling being prioritised in London, have now contacted their MP, James Sunderland, calling for safe walking and cycling routes in their community.

Mr Weeden said: “We love the area, we’ve got to know our neighbours and we feel incredibly welcomed by the community.

“It’s just surprising to see how slow progress has been.” � Continued on page 13

NEW TERM: Students celebrate starting secondary • P12

COVID COULD HIT 10,000 CASES A DAY WARNS PROF

SACKS DECISION P6 PULLED FORWARD RESIDENTS WIN P16 BOLLARDS DISPUTE

‘Tough autumn ahead if swift action not taken’

EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WORLD Health Organisation professor from Wokingham borough has predicted as many as 8,000 to 10,000 new Covid-19 cases each day in the UK soon.

Sunday’s figure, 2,988, was the highest since May. Professor Ben Cowling, who studies disease spread,

expects UK pubs and bars will be closed “fairly soon” as Covid-19 cases resurge.

His work on virus superspreading in Hong Kong bars and restaurants is soon to be published in a medical journal.

Prof Cowling, an epidemiologist, who went to Sonning Primary School and Reading School, said: “A lot of Covid-19 transmission has occurred indoors in crowded areas like pubs and bars, and I would expect those

venues to be closed fairly soon as Covid-19 case numbers resurge in the UK.” Although outdoor seating could mean venues can stay open for longer.

He added: “I'd expect to see increases in daily case numbers over the next few weeks, perhaps 5,000 per day next week and as many as 8,000 to 10,000 per day the week after that. � Continued on page 9

WALK RAISES P11 £2K FOR HOSPICE THERESA MAY P15 SUPPORTS NEW DIABETES GROUP

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Councillors moot opening dates for Twyford library EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW library in Twyford is on the horizon after the Charity Commission transferred the building to the council.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

For 20 years, councillors in Twyford have been campaigning for a bigger and better library for the village residents.

Now, Cllr Stephen Conway said he hopes the new facility in the old Polehampton Boys' School will be ready in early 2021.

“It’s been a real team effort, and a lot of people have put in a lot of work to get her,” said Cllr Conway. “A lot of credit is due to a lot of people, especially Polehampton Charities Committee who have worked to develop a scheme with the council.”

The charity has now arranged a longterm lease with Wokingham Borough Council, who will manage the site and make alterations to create the library.

Previous planning permission to transform the site has expired, and new plans will now be submitted.

“I don’t think it's going to be difficult to get renewed permission,” said Cllr Conway. “And I was assured in July that

the plans are still on the capital monitoring programme. The council executive just needs to approve funding for the alterations.”

He added: “I’ve been campaigning for a new library in Twyford for about 20 years ... I never expected we’d get it in the middle of a crisis.

“This is really great news that we’re in sight of delivering the new library.”

Cllr Conway said the current library is in “old huts put up in the 1980s as a temporary solution.”

He added: “Various sites have been considered. What is now Twyford Snooker Club was a possibility for some time.”

He said the new library will have a bigger capacity, with space for meetings and the local history society to store its documents and archives.

“It’s been a battle to keep it on the agenda and in the public eye,” Cllr Conway added. “But it’s a credit to the current leader of the council for recognising this is a good thing to do.”

And Cllr John Halsall – whose seat is neighbouring Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe – was equally delighted at the transfer.

“I’m pleased it’s progressing, I made

The former Polehampton Boys School site is one step closer to becoming a library. Picture: Phil Creighton

the decision that we would make the library happen and I’m more than happy that it’s going ahead, and in this listed building.”

He thought a date for the new library would be a few years away.

“The borough council has resubmitted a planning application, but it’s not going to open in 2021 or 2022, it will probably be the year after.”

Housebuilder contributes £1 million to community infrastructure in Riseley ALMOST £1 million in infrastructure enhancements will be made as part of a new housing development on the southern border of the borough.

CALA Homes has been constructing Dukes Meadow, a new development around Riseley, which is mostly in neighbouring Hart District Council.

As part of its obligation payments, known as Section 106 money, will fund a string of community facilities.

They include more than £400,000 which will help support secondary education for schools within the catchment area of the new development.

The water meadow has been created using Section 106 funds from CALA Homes

There is also a £360,000 contribution towards a new leisure centre in Hart, and £61,000 to Riseley Parish Council to make important improvements to the local recreation ground.

And two new bus shelters will be installed on Odiham Road.

CALA Homes has also created Wellesley Water Meadow, an off-site Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) on the edge of Wellington Country Park.

It includes a 2.3km circular walk on both surfaced and unsurfaced paths, and a boardwalk.

The housebuilder also runs a Community Bursary scheme and a donation of £1,000 was made to The CycleSmart Foundation, a Reading-based organisation that provides an educational programme

For the record IN THE article titled ‘All Saints to move graves ahead of £3 million project’ published in Wokingham.Today last week, it states: Where necessary the remains will be relocated within the

to highlight the need for helmet use and safer cycling practice.

CALA’s funding was used to purchase vital helmets for a cycling proficiency programme which benefited children attending schools in the area.

Laura Powell, planning manager for CALA Homes Thames, said: “We take pride in being able to leave a lasting legacy in the communities in which we build.

“As well as creating new homes, we also want to make a difference to villages such as Riseley by enhancing infrastructure, education and amenities.

“The contributions that are now coming to fruition will undoubtedly improve many facilities for local residents and the wider community and will add value to the area.” churchyard, and gravestones kept alongside.

This was taken from a church document about the projects plans and mitigating actions.

A spokesperson from All Saints Church, Wokingham now says tombstones and memorials – not human remains — are being moved.

Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Wargrave children’s charity faces £50,000 funding shortfall EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WARGRAVE children's charity is appealing for donations as it faces a £50,000 shortfall due to the pandemic.

Camp Mohawk, a multifunctional day centre for children with special needs and their families, keeps activities running on £200,000 a year.

Now, Chris Cordrey, its corporate and community fundraising manager, has warned the charity has lost three months worth of funds to date.

“Everything we do to fundraise has come to a halt,” he said.

“We would usually host a bonfire night in November, and lots of fundraising activities in the autumn.”

And the financial hit has increased due to increased cleaning procedures.

“We’ve had to look at the whole process of sanitisation,” Mr Cordrey added. “It has cost about £10,000.”

Included in that, the charity has bought a £5,000 machine to clean the children’s ball pit.

“You just wouldn’t think of things like that,” he added.

Camp Mohawk moved all sessions online during the height of the pandemic, including one-to-one sessions and support groups, funded by Tesco Bags For Life and the Berkshire Community Foundation.

At the start of August, it

Isaac benefited from visiting the centre for just half a day after lockdown Picture: Claire Halls

NEWS | 5

Gravel views sought WOKINGHAM residents’ views are being sought over the future of gravel extraction in the region.

The borough council has launched a consultation on its Joint Minerals and Waste Plan which will guide future locations for sand and gravel extraction as well as waste management, such as recycling plants and waste treatment facilities.

The council is working in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council, Reading Borough Council and The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead on the joint plan.

And, in news that will come as a relief to residents who have successfully fought off plans for gravel extraction sites in the south of the borough, the council says that currently no gravel or mineral extraction or waste management sites are being proposed for Wokingham Borough.

The consultation will be submitted to the Secretary of State for an independent examination early next year and should provide greater certainty over where future sites for mineral extraction and waste management will be located across central and eastern Berkshire.

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said: “This consultation is an important milestone for our borough. The joint plan helps to ensure we will have the minerals we need to build important infrastructure in the borough, such as new roads and schools. It also identifies how we will deal with the waste we produce.”

The consultation runs until 5pm on Thursday, October 15. To take part, visit www.wokingham. gov.uk and search ‘minerals and waste’.

Shed thefts alert

Children who would usually visit the centre must now book visiting slots Picture taken by Camp Mohawk prior to Covid-19

reopened its five acre grounds to families.

“We would normally have about 60 children on site every day,” said Mr Cordrey. “Now we’re hosting eight families a day, four in the morning, four in the afternoon.

“Since reopening, we’ve had about 50 families visit — it’s very important for these families to get out of the house.

“Lockdown for parents of children with special needs is very different — they both need time to breathe and relax.”

Visiting the centre recently was Claire Halls and her son Isaac, who had been struggling without structure during lockdown.

Ms Halls said: “While many kids were glad to stay home and play play stations and watch endless movies, we have a little boy who just needs structure, stimulation, space and the outdoors, the freedom to shriek and flap.

“Isaac has zero understanding of social distancing, he misses swimming and going for a cake in a cafe, he has been frustrated and unsettled.

“We came to somewhere he is comfortable and familiar and the

effort [staff] put in to making our visit possible has lifted us all and made our week feel easier. Half a day is plenty.”

Ms Halls said the centre makes a difference to her family’s reality and improves their coping strategies.

The centre provides space for children to play indoors and out, using the sensory room, music room, art room and various outdoor play areas.

“We have about 1,000 children who know they can come to us from Wokingham, Henley, Reading and further afield,” he added.

“We really want to get the word out and show people what we’re doing.

“If you didn’t know about Camp Mohawk, you’d never find it. We’re the best kept secret in Wokingham.”

Camp Mohawk dates back to 1976, and was previously a registered care home and the respite centre.

In 2001 it re-opened as a day

centre, providing holiday activities for children with special needs.

And in term time it is used as a venue for special needs support groups and schools. Under normal circumstances, the charity runs short breaks and adventure days.

At the moment, the centre is open to local families, but they must register first and book a visiting slot to help with social distancing measures.

The charity asks for a voluntary membership fee of £4 per month for families, but Mr Cordrey said this isn’t compulsory if families do not feel able to pay.

Registration is open to any family who has a child or dependent with special need or disability.

Any members of the immediate family are welcome to visit the centre and join the activities. � The charity welcomes donations via its website: www.campmohawk.org.uk/donate

For advice and assistance on Family Law matters including:

Monthly councillor surgery resumes for Wokingham Without residents

• Divorce and separa�on

• Property/financial settlements

• Child arrangements

• Family disputes

WOKINGHAM WITHOUT residents can meet their ward councillors again as a monthly surgery resumes.

The sessions had been on hold due to coronavirus, but they now resume using Covid-safe methods.

These include social distancing and requesting that any residents wear face coverings.

• Cohabita�on agreements

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The sessions are held on the second Saturday of the month, from 10am, starting on Saturday September 12. No appointment is needed.

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Evolu�on House, 53-59 Peach Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XP Tel: 0118 978 1017 Email: Michele.Jenno@star-legal.co.uk

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POLICE are warning that there has been an increase in reported and attempted thefts from garages and sheds in Hurst.

They are appealing for anyone with information, such as CCTV, video doorbell or dashcam footage to come forward. Reports can be made online or via 101.

Residents are also reminded not to leave garage or shed doors unlocked or give thieves any opportunities or tools to commit a crime.

Tools should be stored in a locker or secured with a chain, while bikes should be secured to the ground or a lockable stand within a locked shed or garage.

Thames Valley Police makes available property and forensic marking, and items can be registered on the Immobilise website for free, via www.immobilise.com. � For more crime prevention tips, log on to www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention

6 | NEWS

High court appeal for sexual abuse victims after minister’s death AN APPEAL has launched urging victims of sexual abuse to come forward and file claims of compensation against a a former church minister who worked in Sandhurst.

Michael Studdert a former anglican minister died in 2017 and is believed to have committed significant sexual offences over several decades.

In 1988, Studdert was convicted on four counts of possessing indecent images of children while working as a chaplain at Eagle House School, in Sandhurst.

The school, just south of the Wokingham borough border, may have been attended by residents of Wokingham.

In September 2006, Studdert pleaded guilty to 26 counts of possessing, making and distributing indecent images of children, with more than 100,000 explicit images having been found in his home.

Specialist abuse solicitor at Simpson Millar, Nathalie Swanwick, said: “This is a truly horrific story which has left so many questions unanswered.

“Money from the estate has been set aside specifically to help anyone who may have suffered sexual abuse from Michael Studdert.

“We strongly urge anybody who feels they may have been a victim to look into making a claim.”

Studdert worked at Eagle House School between 1977 and 1988.

He died three years ago and left his £4.7 million estate to a charity he had set up.

But the High Court ruled that the funds must not be spent until any potential victims of abuse are found, with compensation claims likely to impact the funds destined for Studdert’s beneficiaries.

The High Court has found that there is a chance Studdert committed sexual offences which “may have given rise to personal injury claims against the deceased and hence his estate”.

The court wishes to give victims notice of Mr Studdert’s death, and the opportunity to seek legal compensation for their suffering.

Anyone who wishes to make a claim is advised to contact a lawyer to begin the process. � To speak to Nathalie Swanwick at Simpon Millar, call: 0345 357 9239

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

Garden centre launches local produce shop A WOKINGHAM garden centre has expanded its offering with a new food hall.

Squire’s Garden Centre on Heathlands Road is now selling a range of products from Berkshire, Surrey and Hampshire.

The garden centre, which was once part of Heathlands Farm, now stocks store cupboard essentials along with more decadent treats.

Visitors can buy fresh fruit and vegetables, home baking products, free-range eggs from Chapel Farm in Surrey, breads, jams, cakes, biscuits, cheese, yoghurts, and beers, wines and spirits, including an award-winning sparkling wine from Greyfriars Vineyard in Surrey.

Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “Working with the local community has been at the heart of our philosophy for more than 80 years, and the food hall brings the very

Pictures: Squire’s Garden Centre

best local food and drink together under one roof — reducing food miles and keeping the best flavours right here in our community.

“It takes our centre back to its Heathlands roots. Supporting local

growers is something we are committed to in our plant ranges, so taking this approach with our food offer is something that comes naturally to us and is core to our philosophy.

“I hope that customers old and new will come to discover our food hall — you’ll find it inside the garden centre.” � For more information, visit: www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Recycling sack decision called to urgent council meeting tomorrow EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN & PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS to change from black boxes to recycling sacks will be considered at an urgent executive meeting tomorrow.

Originally planned for Thursday, September 24, the recycling debate has been moved forward to 7pm on Friday.

Cllr Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat lead for environment, said he was very pleased the council brought the decision-making meeting forward.

He told Wokingham.Today: “They (the ruling Conservatives) got themselves in such a mess and tangle when they didn’t put all of the information in the

meeting on July 30.

“I think they hoped to just order the sacks straight afterwards.”

In July, the council’s executive agreed to set aside funding for the purchase of the waterproof recycling bags.

The decision was called-in due to concerns over the decision making process, and potential breaches of the constitution.

It was reviewed by the overview and scrutiny committee who agreed to uphold the decision, with six votes for and five votes against.

Tomorrow evening, the executive will be presented with more information about the plan.

If approved, procurement will take 12 to 16 weeks, and another five

weeks to deliver them.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment, said: “Now is the time for the council’s executive to look clearly at the issue and make a decision on it.

“Originally we were going to discuss this at the Thursday, September 24, executive meeting but we’ve brought it forward due to the urgency of the wet paper problem.”

But Cllr Jones believes the emergency meeting should have been set for mid-August.

“They should have done this three weeks ago,” he said. “They should have set the date for an extraordinary executive meeting to approve the plans. And if they had set the date close to July 30, there probably would not have been a callin.”

At the meeting, executive members will consider an independent report into recycling options, commissioned by the council in spring.

Cllr Batth added: “We are an ambitious council – we want to get to a 70% recycling rate by 2030, something no other council in the country has done yet. Solving the wet paper problem is an important piece of that puzzle. We can’t reach our target without first getting over this hurdle.”

He added: “The proposed change has the benefit of solving the wet paper problem and having a minimal impact on our residents, allowing them to keep the great recycling and waste collection services they expect.”

Cllr Jones said he doesn’t expect the executive to debate the pros and cons of each solution cited in the Resource Futures report: recycling bags, hard lids and shower-cap style covers.

Instead, he thinks the sacks will

be approved with little discussion.

“I think it's a rubber stamp job from the Conservative leadership,” he said. “There are still some outstanding questions to be asked.”

Council leader John Halsall welcomed tomorrow night’s meeting.

“We are trying to fix the damage – the call-in decision (by the Liberal Democrats) meant that we’d lost all the preparation work, which had to be thrown away. It wasn’t just paused, the call-in stopped everything,” he said.

“We hope to save residents £600,000 a year – that’s not to be sniffed at. It’s irresponsible to allow that money to be wasted and hopefully the Liberal Democrats will join us in supporting us not to waste that money.”

He warned that the call-in process meant that the order for the new recycling sacks had to be placed in a queue and there was no guarantee that they would arrive in time.

“We have to get it done as soon as possible – we’ll get the wet waste problem in winter, and I suspect it will be worse than last year as recyclers will be more selective to the waste they accept.”

And Cllr Halsall scotched rumours that the sacks had already been bought.

“The bags are not sitting in a warehouse, it’s nonsense to suggest they were – I wish it were true, but it’s not. We’ve had to start from scratch.”

The change from boxes to sacks is being suggested to solve the issue of wet paper and cardboard recycling being rejected.

Last year, changes in the European recycling market meant that wet paper and card were no longer accepted, and some truckloads were returned, costing thousands of pounds for the council.

Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Station bridge to be repaired – but what colour should it be painted?

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS are being made to restore one of Wokingham’s most iconic structures: the footbridge to Wokingham’s railway station – but one question remains, what colour was it originally?

The Grade II listed walkway has given people a safe way to cross the railway line for decades. It also had a starring role in the 1971 horror thriller See No Evil.

And the Berkshire Area Group of the N Gauge Society have spent several years creating a miniature replica of the famous bridge.

But no one knows what the original paintwork was like.

Now, Network Rail has submitted plans to give it a makeover after a 2017 inspection found that there were cracks in the stonework, damp in the stair tread, paint loss throughout and corrosion causing loss of thickness on the full length of the stairs.

They say that the bridge is in a poor condition, and the works will “ensure the asset continues to be safe for general public use as well as eliminating risks to the running services, passengers and all railway users.”

Under the plans, the timber deck and stair treads would be replaced with a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) alternative, a composite material

Wokingham’s historic railway bridge is to be refurbished

by Network Rail if plans are approved. The metalwork has corroded Pictures: Phil Creighton

created using a plastic reinforced by fine fibres made of glass. Network Rail says that this will be used instead of wood as it has a long-life span which would extend the life of the structure.

And with the metalwork, where possible, replacements will come from recycled wrought iron bull nose rails.

Network Rail’s application notes: “From afar, the appearance of the under bridge will look similar. At a closer distance it may be evident that the materials have been replaced where necessary.”

It adds: “The proposed

development would bring the bridge up to an acceptable level and extending the life and securing the restoration of the structure”.

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth posted on social media that she had been campaigning for the repairs to be made for several years.

In her submission to Wokingham Borough Council, she called for the bridge to continue to use timber rather than GRP. “I understand that this might take more maintenance, but given the fact that this is such a unique Victorian bridge I would hope that this could be justified,” she noted.

Peter Must, from the Wokingham Society, said that the group strongly supported the application, having met with Network Rail on site, but is also calling on the firm to use timber rather than GRP for the treads.

He said: “Members of the Wokingham Society have met representatives of Network Rail who will manage the project to discuss some of the detail. While the Society is likely to argue that seasoned timber should be used for the treads, covered with GRP, Network Rail argues that past experience has shown that timber requires frequent replacement due to it rotting and causing safety hazards. There is agreement, however, that the stone and brickwork should also be repaired.”

The bridge was constructed in late 1886 by enterprising navvies putting an old stock of rails and sleepers to good use, following concerns about accidents to people crossing the line. A number of such designs were built at that time but few, if any, survive and is therefore possibly unique to Wokingham. The bridge was originally made from double-headed rails, with sleepers for the steps. Some sleepers and rails were replaced in the 1980s (in the latter case by bull-head rails) during British Rail maintenance. � The closing date for comments in tomorrow. Search for application 201830 at planning.wokingham.gov.uk

NEWS | 7

Want to make a film?

A LOCAL film and TV production company is on the lookout for young people who are passionate about the creative industries.

Resource Productions, which works closely with Pinewood Studios Group, has opened its applications for the next British Film Institute Film Academy.

The programme covers the filmmaking process, including behind the scenes action, with students given the chance to shoot their own short film.

Amanda Dorsett, head of production at Resource Productions, said: “This opportunity connects local talent with Pinewood Studios Group and is a fantastic experience for all involved.”

This is the eighth year that Resource Productions has been selected to deliver the Film Academy to young people in Berkshire.

There are 20 places available on the course which is due to run next year. Applications close on Monday, December 14. � For more information visit: www.resourceproductions.co.uk

Online extortation RESIDENTS are being warned to be careful about who they interact with online after police have received reports of so-called sexploitation cases.

In one case, the victim received a friends request from someone he didn’t know on Facebook. He accepted and the person suggested they started video chatting. During those conversations, they became intimate.

Afterwards, the caller said he had videoed the incident and will be forwarding it to the victims, family and friends.

Thames Valley Police said that the scammer has not said they want money and have not forwarded the video.

They advise that people should not do, or say, anything online, or even on a mobile phone, that they would not want your parents, family, friends or work colleagues to see or hear.

8|

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NEWS | 9

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COVID-19: Tough autumn lies ahead warns Sonning’s health professor � Continued from front page

Prof Cowling added: “If swift action is taken now, the rise in cases might be blunted by the end of the month but it is going to be a tough autumn.”

On Tuesday there were 32 new UK deaths and 2,460 new cases.

In early February, with just two UK cases then, he told Wokingham.Today a UK epidemic would start by early March. He was proved right.

This week he said people were feeling fatigue with social distancing measures after the past six months.

“But social distancing measures are the only measures that are good enough to stop COVID from spreading,” he said.

Face masks and test and trace helped, he said, but strengthening of social distancing measures would be inevitable.

Professor Cowling, whose family still live in Sonning, is codirector of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease at Hong Kong University.

He added: “Unchecked Covid19 would lead to infections in vulnerable older adults and increases in deaths.

“Hopefully we have learnt from experiences back in March and are better prepared to protect homes [for the elderly] against Covid-19.”

Although hopes have been pinned on a vaccine, a trial has been paused after patient side effects were noticed.

“Once a safe and effective vaccine is available, we should start to see life getting gradually back to normal, although it may take years before we are back to 2019 normal," he added.

Asked whether we will be able to hug each other at Christmas beyond our bubble, Prof Cowling said: “Difficult to say, I hope so.”

Asked for a response to his comments, the Department of Health referred to statements on Monday.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “We are concerned about this rise in cases. It’s predominantly among younger people, but of course younger people can pass on this disease to their grandparents and we don’t want to see that.

“We have seen a rise in cases in other countries around the world, across Europe.

“It’s often first among

younger people and then they pass it onto others. It’s so important everybody follows the social distancing.”

England’s deputy chief medical officer Professor Johnathan Van Tam said that the recent cases figures were a big change.

“It’s of great concern at this point,” he said. “This is a virus we are going to have to live with.

“If we are not careful, if we don’t take this incredibly seriously from this point in we are going to have a bumpy ride over the next few months.

“People have relaxed too much. Now is the time to reengage and realise this is a continuing threat to us.”

In Bolton, where there’s been a significant rise in cases, food and drink venues are now takeaway only.

And Caerphilly was placed under a local lockdown on Tuesday night.

Nationally, there is a shortage of Covid-19 testing capability and Wokingham Borough Council is lobbying the Government for more local sites.

With demand currently exceeding supply, residents are asked to call NHS 111 if they

have Covid symptoms and seek advice before requesting a test.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for adult social care at the borough council, said: “This is a national issue that is impacting people across the country – but we need to act in the interests of our residents and that is why we are calling on Central Government to ensure everybody who needs a test in the borough can get one.

“We have written to our local MPs and raised this issue through all the appropriate channels and will continue to do so until it is resolved.”

Public Health teams say some of the increase in demand is from people seeking tests when they do not need to.

Meradin Peachey, acting director of Public Health Berkshire, said: “We understand that there are national constraints in the processing of test results which is limiting the availability of tests locally.

“The testing system is prioritising areas of the country where there are higher levels of Covid infections.

“Berkshire has lower case numbers than elsewhere in the country and in the last week

over 97% tests in Berkshire residents were negative.”

On Monday, there were 20 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the borough.

Cllr Margetts added: “I understand the desire to get tested ‘just in case’ or if you are self-isolating, but the truth is that is not helpful to you or our wider community.

“We need to push for more testing capacity locally, but we also need to be responsible in our use of that capacity, so I am urging residents to keep following the rules – as we have done so far — and leave tests to those who really need them.”

Anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 should isolate and seek a test by phoning 119 or booking online.

Symptoms include a fever, a continuous cough and loss of taste or smell.

Residents identified as a contact of a case should isolate for 14 days to covers the incubation and infectious periods of the virus. They do not need a test unless they have symptoms.

But anyone who is tested negative must also self-isolate for the 14-day period. This also applies returning from overseas.

LGA to run eco scrutiny class THE LOCAL Government Association (LGA) is running a webinar to help councils manage climate change next week.

Working with the Centre for Public Scrutiny, the LGA has published a guide to help councils play a leading role in tackling the climate crisis at a local level.

The resource includes 10 scrutiny questions and hopes to provoke environmental, social and cultural changes, including investment strategies and transport plans.

The LGA said that the questions are designed to invite further questions from council officers and members to understand local needs, including how councils will be adapting their climate change action plans in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The webinar session will run on Friday, September 18.

Cllr Liz Green, vice chair of the Local Government Association’s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: “Climate change and the challenges it brings have been thrown into sharper focus during the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrating the need for places and communities to become more resilient.” � To sign up two sessions, visit: lgaevents.local.gov.uk/lga/962/ home

10 | BUSINESS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

Got a business story? Email news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk. or write to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Government launch £2 billion youth employment scheme

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE GOVERNMENT’S youth employment Kickstart Scheme is now open to applications from businesses.

The £2 billion scheme aims to create hundreds of thousands of new, fully-subsidised jobs for young people across the country.

Those involved will see the Government pay 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.

Minister for employment, Mims Davies MP said: “Small and medium sized businesses once again thriving, is key to our economic recovery which is why I’m encouraging every single one to consider getting involved in our Kickstart Scheme as part of their next stage.

“We want to create as many opportunities for young people as possible and with representative bodies supporting SMEs to submit bids, they will be guided through the process so they can start recruiting Kickstarters.”

She added: “This innovative scheme is mutually beneficial for local employers, who get new access to an enormous pool of potential, and the young recruits will gain vital experience, confidence and a crucial boost to their career credentials.”

The scheme is open to businesses of all sizes, and the Kickstart roles cannot be used to fill existing or planned vacancies.

The contract lasts for six months and the Government will make £1,500 available per person to cover employment support, uniform expenses, training and admin fees.

Young people will be enrolled on the Kickstart scheme by their jobcentre work coach, and then matched up with vacancies that are suitable for them.

Kickstart applicants will then go through the company’s normal interview process.

Businesses applying for the Kickstart Scheme have two routes of access, depending on the number of people being hired.

To hire fewer than 30 people, businesses apply through an intermediary, such as other businesses, local authorities, trade bodies, Chambers of Commerce and charities.

Hiring more than 30 people can be done directly through the Government’s website.

Businesses can also apply to become an intermediary, but must have experience of managing partnership agreements with third parties and robust financial and

governance processes to manage the application.

Organisations acting as intermediaries for employers will be paid £300 for each placement.

To hire fewer than 30 people, businesses apply through an intermediary, such as other businesses, local authorities, trade bodies, Chambers of Commerce and charities. � For more information about finding an intermediary, visit: www.gov.uk/government/ publications/kickstart-schemeemployer-contacts/kickstartscheme-employer-contact � To hire more than 30 people, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/applyfor-a-grant-through-thekickstart-scheme � To become an intermediary, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/ check-if-you-can-apply-for-agrant-as-a-representative-of-agroup-of-employers-through-thekickstart-scheme

Growth hub launch support programme THE THAMES Valley Berkshire Growth Hub has launched a new initiative to help small and medium businesses recover from the pandemic.

The new programme is designed to bring business leaders together to discuss

Wokingham labelling company looks to North America for trade A WOKINGHAM-based label management solution company has welcomed a new director for its clinical trial sales in North America.

Robert Bowdish (right) has signed up to the Oaklands Parkbased company to help boost its operations on the other side of the pond.

He started as a pharmaceutical sales representative 26 years ago and spent the last decade specialising in regulatory and clinical software solutions and services market.

He has joined PRISYM ID from Parexel Informatics, where he was initially senior director for solutions consulting, becoming senior director for regulatory clinical solutions, global sales, where he led a team of sales directors working across diverse sectors.

Warren Stacey, senior vicepresident of sales at PRISYM ID, was delighted with the new appointment.

“Robert is a fantastic addition to our team at PRISYM ID,” he said.

corporate challenges whilst building a support network.

Martin Hall, manager of the Growth Hub, said: “The pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for businesses of all sizes and sectors, but there are many shared themes.

“As the Growth Hub for Berkshire, we are delighted to be able to offer this peer networking programme as part

“He will take the lead driving Clinical Trials Sales in the North American market, building on his relationships with pharma and CROs, demonstrating how our market-leading products can be integrated into a clinical trial supply chain to deliver a compliant labelling solution.”

of our wider package of support for local businesses.”

It is open to small and medium sized businesses that have been operating for at least one year, have at least five employees, and an annual turnover of at least £100,000.

There are 88 places available and the deadline to register is.Wednesday, September 30. � To find out more, visit: www.berkshirebusinesshub.co.uk

Cyber crime resilience centre offers free advice

‘Scaling up is key for Thames Valley economy’

LAST WEEK, a new partnership launched to protect businesses in the South East from cyber crime, writes Charlotte King.

On Thursday, September 3, the South East Cyber Resilience Centre (SECRC) was formed, consisting of police, the private sector and local universities.

It offers a range of memberships to businesses in Berkshire, giving them access to resources to identify cyber crime vulnerabilities.

And organisations with 50 or fewer employees can apply for a free membership package.

Justin Torgout, director of the SECRC, said: “Having worked closely with the force Cyber Crime Unit in Hampshire, I have seen first-hand the significant threat that businesses across our region face from cyber criminals.

“The SECRC team are committed to helping local businesses understand more about the threats they face and help them get better protected.”

The centre is funded by the National Police Chiefs’ Council Cyber Crime Programme.

The South East is now the fifth region to have a resilience centre in the UK.

A NATIONAL business institute believes economic success in the Thames Valley can be helped by the growing local companies.

According to the ScaledUp Institute, there are 655 fast growing companies in the Thames Valley which are generating £29.8 billion in turnover.

And 305 of these companies are being supported by ScaleUp Berkshire, a growth programme for local businesses, launched in 2018.

“Scale-ups have remained resilient in the face of the Covid19 emergency and

� To find out more, visit: www.secrc.co.uk

continue to be critical to local economics with many still planning to grow,” said Irene Graham, ScaleUp Institute chief executive.

“They are 54% more productive than other businesses, twice as likely to offer apprenticeships, are more than twice as innovative, and, significantly, they create high quality jobs.

“We recognise that Thames Valley Berkshire offers a number of services for scale-ups.”

ScaleUp Berkshire has helped businesses achieve a 20% growth rate year-on-year.

Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Successful Wokingham Walk makes great strides for hospice EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOKINGHAM’S walkers could have double the blisters if a plan to extend a popular fundraising event takes off.

Originally planned for May, this year’s Wokingham Walk took place on Sunday.

More than 250 people set off from Elms Field on five-, 10- and 15-mile routes around the borough, offering unique views of the Wokingham countryside. There was also a nature trail for under 12s to enjoy, inviting them to look for flora and fauna along the route.

And the success means that organisers are now considering two walks a year: in May and September.

This year’s walk was to raise funds for the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice services.

More than £2,000 has been raised but the exact amount was not known as we went to press.

Walkers could also receive sponsorship for their own favourite good causes.

The event is coordinated by the Wokingham Lions.

Andy Slay, who is one of the

Organisers (above) and participants (right) in this year’s Wokingham Walk.

A permanent autumn event is now being considered Pictures: Phil Creighton

original joint organisers of the event, said: “We’re delighted with the support that we’ve received in these difficult times.

“It has caused us to consider whether there is a place for an autumn walk as well as a spring one.

“We did talk to people who completed the walk to see what they thought of the idea and they were quite keen.”

He added that the event went smoothly and “without incident”.

“In all, we had 250-odd walkers.

Given we’re in these Covid-times

to have 250 is very pleasing.”

Mr Slay was also pleased that the event will help the Hospice. “It’s a very worthy cause.

“This children’s hospice service provides essential support to Berkshire families with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.”

And the walk, coronavirus permitting, will be back as usual next year on the Sunday after the Wokingham May Fayre, which the Lions also organise. � www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk

NEWS | 11

Cash to help commuters go green at stations WOKINGHAM commuters will benefit from an £87,000 grant to boost sustainable travel.

South Western Railway has made the gift to Wokingham Borough council as part of a fund aimed at improving walking and cycling access to and from stations.

The money is to cover improvements at Earley, Winnersh, Winnersh Triangle and Wokingham stations.

The new project will identify short, medium and long term solutions to encouraging commuters to greenify their journeys, including raising awareness of active and sustainable travel options.

Wokingham Borough Council is one of nearly 70 recipients for the funding from the train operator’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF).

Local authorities will match the funding with contributions from housing developments to enable schemes which look to provide new walking and cycling routes and improved transport interchanges.

SWR Commercial and Business Development Director Peter Williams said: “We recognise only too well the vital role that rail plays in the local as well as the national economy, and I am delighted that we have been able to further support the communities we serve through this funding.

“The first year’s recipients cover a wide range of, and in many cases innovative, projects, and I look forward to them all coming to fruition.”

The winning proposals were selected by a panel of representatives from SWR’s Social and Commercial Development Board, Transport Focus and SWR’s Board, before final approval by the Department for Transport (DfT).

12 | NEWS

RBH thanks private hospitals for support MANAGERS at the Royal Berkshire Foundation Trust have thanked the independent health sector for its “superb support” during the height of the pandemic.

During the last five months, teams from Berkshire’s three local independent hospitals – Spire Dunedin Hospital, Circle Reading Hospital and Berkshire Independent Hospital – have provided a range of help to the trust.

The majority of elective surgery at the trust’s Reading site was put on hold but vital life saving operations continued through the pandemic thanks to independent healthcare teams.

This included orthopaedics and gynaecology surgery at the Circle Reading Hospital, breast and general surgery at Spire Dunedin Hospital and orthopaedics and urology operations, urgent plastic surgery services and antenatal and postnatal clinics at the Berkshire Independent Hospital.

Now, the trust and independent hospitals are continuing to work together to provide surgery, diagnostic and outpatient services.

Nicky Lloyd, acting chief executive officer of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The pandemic has been an incredibly difficult time for everyone across the entire health system.

“The support we received from our colleagues in the independent sector has been second to none.

“By allocating space for some of our patients and support from their staff for our colleagues, we were able to focus our attention on dealing with the pandemic, reassured in the knowledge that our other patients were in very safe hands at Spire, Circle and Berkshire Independent.

“The speed at which we were all able to work together to safely lift and shift entire services to different locations has been truly outstanding and we’re very keen to continue our close working relationship with our partners in the local independent sector so we can provide local people with first-rate healthcare.”

Ms Lloyd said the trust has taken extensive measures to make hospital visits as safe and welcoming as possible.

Masks and face coverings are being worn by all staff, patients and visitors, strict social distancing measures are in place along with extensive infection control cleaning procedures.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

Council leader says challenging Tory ministers is a huge task EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WEEK after the council launched its campaign to fight housing numbers, leader John Halsall said he is determined to challenge his own party.

Cllr Halsall remains committed to making as much noise as possible over the threat to Wokingham borough, admitting that challenging his own party’s proposals was “a huge task”.

But he is attempting to step up to the plate, replicating some of the methods he used while running the Campaign to Protect Rural Wokingham a couple of years ago.

“I’m in the Unitary Councils Network, it is what is says on the tin.

I will be their spokesperson and chairing the group,” he said.

“I’ve been talking with South East strategic leaders, which broadly

comprises councils in the south.

“The borough’s MPs are on side, and there is the feeling that we might be getting somewhere.”

He vowed to also champion backbench Conservative MPs to explain the situation to them and get them to put pressure on the government to change their focus.

And while he had hoped to reemploy Christopher Katkowski, a QC of Landmark Chambers to launch a judicial review of the housing numbers, this won’t be happening.

“As leader I tried to take housing numbers to judicial review,” he said.

“I used him on Campaign to Protect Rural Wokingham. We said that we’d like him to lead the judicial review, but he said that couldn’t because housing numbers are at the discretion of the minister, and that you can’t take a discretion to a judicial review.”

For now, he wants residents to

write to their local MP – be it Theresa May, Sir John Redwood, Matt Rodda or James Sunderland – to air their concerns at the white paper plans.

“The more residents letters they receive the more likely they are to have to act,” he said. “The consultation responses will make the ministers sit up.”

And all this action, which also included a near-naked interview with Daily Mail journalist Michael Crick last week, has had one additional bonus for the council leader: “I think that Robert Jenrick knows who John Halsall is,” he said.

Supporting this call to action is Cllr Clive Jones, deputy leader of Wokingham Liberal Democrats.

He said the borough needs to respond to the Government's planning consultation as strongly as possible.

“This is such an important thing,” he said. “If these plans go ahead, it

will change Wokingham borough forever.

“Developers will build wherever they want, to whatever standard they want.

“We won’t be able to get enough affordable housing, or as much Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money, which helps provide our roads, schools and general infrastructure.”

Cllr Jones said it is important for the Liberal Democrats to back up the council leaflet, with a leaflet of their own.

“We’re delivering a Lib Dem leaflet asking people to take part in the consultation,” he said.

This, he hopes, will further highlight the importance of challenging the Government's planning reforms.

The leaflets will be delivered across the borough. � Labour view page 19

St Crispin’s welcome new cohort to secondary school LAST WEEK, St Crispin’s welcomed new Year 7 students with a celebration.

On Thursday, September 3, staff and students celebrated their first day with banners, bunting and music.

More than 200 students and their families attended the London Road school, with the welcome line snaking along the school building.

Headteacher Ginny Rhodes said: “We wanted to make our welcome special for our new students and

families and make sure the first step into school was a happy and confidence building event.

“It was lovely to see so many smiling faces and a hugely positive start to school.”

A spokesperson for the school added: “The atmosphere was wonderful - happy and positive – smiles all round. Mums and dads were able to give a farewell hug as students met their new tutors and were registered via personalised cookies and their school diaries.”

Parents worried over school route saftey in Emmbrook CONCERNS are rising over traffic safety, as roadworks coincide with the return to school.

Last week, six months of roadworks began in Emmbrook, closing Old Forest Road and offering an alternative route that heads into Wokingham town centre.

Motorists are asked to drive towards the town, turn left down Rectory Road, turn left on to Glebelands Road, then along Milton Road and Twyford Road before turning left down Queens Road.

But parents have been raising concerns on social media that drivers are using the Emmbrook Road to cut through, and may be putting school children in danger.

The 20mph road, which hosts an infant, junior and senior school, now has a one-way pedestrian system in place to help social distancing as children and parents arrive at the various school gates.

One parent claimed to see a car transporter using the route, despite the diversion signs instructing otherwise.

A council spokesperson said: “Emmbrook Road does not form part of the diversion route whilst Old Forest Road is closed. A number of

changes have now been made to stop unsuitable and illegal vehicles using Emmbrook Road.”

They added: “To maintain safety for pedestrians and other vulnerable road users, we have installed barriers to narrow Commons Road to enable people to walk and cycle to school safely, as well as additional signage and increased monitoring on these routes.”

Parents have also raised concerns about the Reading Road and Woodward Close junction in Winnersh, where roadworks are underway for the North Wokingham Distributor Road.

“Several measures have also been introduced on the A329 Reading Road while work takes place in the area to ensure it can be used easily by pedestrians, including two additional crossings near the BP garage,” said the council spokesperson. “These include drop kerbs with signalised crossings, so pedestrians can stop traffic to cross, which are able to be used by all.

“We will continue to carefully monitor the situation at both locations. We encourage as many students and families to walk, cycle or scoot to school if they can do so.”

Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Go slow: Council pledges speed signs after road safety petition � Continued from front page

The couple have joined other road residents in the call to change the speed limit from 40pmh to 30pmh.

Road resident Gareth Rees, who has spoken on behalf of the community at many council meetings, said he is still looking for clear timelines and wants a fresh meeting with the council’s highways team to discuss the petition details.

In November last year, Mr Rees and 35 residents of the road met with Martin Heath, who is the traffic management, parking and road safety team manager at the borough council.

At the end of August, Mr Heath said he believes the road can be improved and will continue to develop proposals as traffic conditions return to normal.

Pedestrian crossings and street lighting on the A327 are both being considered as part of a review into safe routes to school.

Mr Heath said: “These actions are being carried out despite the fact that the Finchampstead PC Speedwatch advises residents there

is not a significant speeding causation. Pedestrians don't get problem on Reading Road and injured, because no person walks Thames Valley Police have also along the road as they are too written to Mr Rees advising that scared.” they don’t consider this to be a case Mr Heath also said the council that merits enforcement activity. has to balance the needs of traffic “At the moment, and residents. the route has a “The role of the generally good A327 in the borough road safety record road network and we have means that it is confirmed that we likely to take more will continue to traffic and of a type monitor safety as with more strategic we come out of objectives (such as lockdown, for lorries) than local a n y residential roads,” he deterioration in said. conditions for “Therefore the those living on Highway Authority the route and has to balance these those using it.” wider traffic But Mr movement needs with Weeden said the How we reported on those of residents who lack of accidents is residents’ concerns in July have chosen to live due to people not on a strategic transport walking on the pavements. corridor.”

He said: “While Thames Valley Mr Weeden said he could not Police may be correct in that the understand why Hampshire County road is not inherently unsafe for Council and Wokingham Borough pedestrians, this is correlation not Council have set different speed

limits for the same road.

“There’s no downside to dropping the speed limit to 30mph in this short section,” he added.

A council spokesperson said: “The speed of traffic on the Wokingham section of the A327 is constrained by the alignment and character of the road, resulting in average speeds of between 40mph and 46mph, which demonstrates a generally good level of compliance with the existing limit.

“In the Hampshire section, perhaps the average speed is lower, that is a matter for the local highway authority there to comment upon.”

They added: “The A327 Reading Road is not a road that could reasonably support traditional traffic calming measures without adverse impacts, like noise and emissions, impacting on the quality of life of its residents.”

And the council spokesperson said the speed signs are effective when used for short periods of time.

They said: “The success of such measures vary from site to site, but it’s common to see a 2mph to 3mph reduction in speed.”

NEWS | 13

Race for Life team plans socially distanced event A SPECIAL Race for Life event will take place this month, in a format Cancer Research organisers could not have predicted.

This year, the national charity has cancelled all 400 events, including the Race for Life event in Reading.

The charity is expecting a £160 million drop in income this year, combined with an additional £44 million research funding.

People across the UK are encouraged to run a Race for Life 5K in their nearest green space on Saturday, September 26.

This can be done alone or in small, socially distanced groups.

Jenny Makin, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson for Berkshire, said: “Covid-19 has made the fight against cancer even harder.

“With around 51,400 people diagnosed with the disease every year in the South East of England, we will never stop striving to create better treatments and to ensure people affected by cancer get the support we need.

“But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need people to join us for a Very 2020 Race for Life.

“Vital cancer research has been delayed this year. Even though we have to Race for Life differently in 2020, nothing’s going to stop us running, walking and jogging to raise money and help beat cancer.”

There will be a live broadcast on the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Facebook page at 9.30am that morning with an energising session from a fitness expert and inspirational messages of support from people who have been through cancer. � To register, visit: raceforlife.org

14 | NEWS

PARISH NOTICEBOARD

Parish and borough council meetings

Assume meetings are online – contact councils for details Thursday, September 10 Wokingham Borough Council. Wokingham Borough Wellbeing Board. 5pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Friday, September 11 Wokingham Borough Council. Individual Member Decisions: Appointment of Wokingham Representative to the Citizens Advice Bureau. 1pm. Executive meeting. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, September 14 Remenham Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 5.30pm. www.remenhamparish.org.uk Wokingham Town Council. Arts and Culture committee.

7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

Tuesday, September 15 Arborfield Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm. arborfield.org.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Executive questions deadline.

1pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Amenities committee. 7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Strategy and Resources. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, September 16 Earley Town Council. Policy and Resources committee. 7pm. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Finchampstead Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk Sonning Parish Council. Planning committee. 7pm. www.sonning-pc.gov.uk.

Wokingham Borough Council. Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk

Thursday, September 17 Finchampstead Parish Council. Council meeting. 7.30pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk.

Wokingham Borough Council. Council meeting. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

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FROMTHECOURTS � AN OXTED man pleaded guilty to drug driving in Earley when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 18.

Eli Frederick Ainapore, 21 and from Bluehouse Lane, had been stopped in Church Road on November 13 last year. A test found that he had a form of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in his bloodstream.

Ainapore was fined £120 and banned from driving for 12 months.

He also had to pay £32 to victim services, but no application for costs was made due to Ainapore’s lack of means. � DRUG driving without insurance has seen a Binfield man banned from driving for 12 months.

Ashley March Callard-Brooks, 37 and from Park Lane, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 18, where he admitted two following offences, which took place on November 28 last year on Oldfield Road in Maidenhead: driving without insurance and a test found that he had a form of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, in his bloodstream.

In addition to the ban, CallardBrooks was fined £120, and ordered to pay £32 to victim services. No application for costs was made due to his lack of means. � AN EARLEY woman was banned from driving for 12 months for drug driving.

Christine Glover, 49 and from Doddington Close, pleaded guilty

when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 18.

She had been stopped on February 2 in Meldreth Way, Lower Earley. A test found that she had a form of cannabis, delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol in her bloodstream.

Glover was fined £130 and ordered to pay £32 to victim services. No application for costs was made due to her lack of means. � A SHINFIELD woman has been given a 12-month driving ban for drug driving.

Jade Kelly, 18 and from Ducketts Mead, pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 18.

She had been stopped in the car park of Sainsbury’s in Winnersh on November 4 last year. A test found that she had a form of cannabis, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in her bloodstream. In addition to the ban, Kelly must pay a £193 fine, plus £32 to victim services.

Police also confiscated a quantity of the class B drug cannabis, for which she was fined £128.

Kelly can pay at a rate of £20 per month.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks � DRUG DRIVING in Wokingham on New Year’s Eve has seen a Hillingdon man banned from driving for 12 months.

Aiden Jade Lacey, 32 and from Priory Close in Hayes, was stopped by police on Milton Road at the turn of last year. A test found that he had a form of cannabis, delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol in his bloodstream.

In addition to the ban, Lacey must pay a £350 fine, plus £85 costs and £35 to victim services, at a rate of £50 per month. � A KENT man has been given a community order after pleading guilty to assaulting another person in Wokingham.

The incident took place on June 6. Thomas Moss, 18 and from London Road in Tunbridge, admitted beating his victim.

Reading Magistrates Court ordered him to undertake 40 hours of community service, pay costs of £85 and £95 to victim services. � A FINCHAMPSTEAD man has been sent to prison for a total of 26 weeks for motoring offences.

George Ionut Petcu, 27 and from Park Lane, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on July 21.

He had been stopped on the A327 in Arborfield on June 24.

A breath test revealed that he had 57 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Petcu was also driving without insurance and driving while

disqualified. For these offences, he was also banned from driving for 48 months, and ordered to pay £115 to victim services.

Petcu also pleaded guilty to failing to appear at the court on July 11, having previously been released on bail pending his hearing. He was given a two-week jail sentence for this, which is part of his 26-week sentence.

Magistrates also heard that Petcu had been stopped on March 4, 2018, on Kiln Ride in Finchampstead, with no insurance.

He was also stopped on July 18, on Nine Mile Ride in Finchampstead. Police found that he had 81 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. This drink driving offence saw him receive a 12-week jail sentence, which runs consecutively. � A FARLEY HILL man has been jailed for series of offences.

Reuben William Reed was stopped on Shinfield road on May 9.

A breath test found that he had 50 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

Police also found that he was driving without insurance.

Reed, 37 and from Church Road, also pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive, insulting words and behaviour towards two police officers, and damaging a police van.

Collectively, Reed was jailed for eight weeks, banned from driving for four years and ordered to pay £128 to victim services.

Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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MP supports launch of Berkshire Young People Diabetes Council

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE FORMER Prime Minister gave her support to a young people’s diabetes group, by joining their launch event last week.

Theresa May, whose constituency includes Wargrave, Sonning and Twyford, filmed a video message to celebrate the launch of the Berkshire Young People Diabetes Council.

Thought to be the first diabetes peer support group of its kind, Mrs May encouraged young people to not let the condition stop them achieving their goals.

Speaking at the Friday event, Mrs May, who also has Type 1 Diabetes, said: “Be ambitious, go out there and do whatever you want to do.

“You are at a stage of moving on in your life, taking more control of your Type 1 Diabetes. Control is important, but it doesn’t stop you doing what you want to do for the rest of your life.

“Don’t think it is going to restrict you. You can do what you want with your life.”

The council includes 10 young people who have been, or are under the care of the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s Paediatric and The Young Adult Diabetes Teams, and will soon transfer from the children’s clinic to the young adult department.

It was created to support the transition from leaving school to university, college or entering the world of work.

The specialist diabetes team at the Royal Berkshire Hospital said these major life events can be a challenge for young people trying to manage glucose level checks, carbohydrate counting, insulin injections and hypo episodes.

The team usually holds an annual event for young patients and their families to meet clinicians outside of the hospital setting.

This year it was held virtually on Friday to coincide with the launch of the council.

Diabetic university students gave advice about cooking, health and what to expect at university.

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust’s acting CEO, Nicky Lloyd, said: “We are so grateful to Mrs May for her support and encouragement for the young people who are embarking on new and exciting chapters in their lives but with the added responsibility of dealing with their diabetes.

“Her video is a real boost for the young people and proof that having Type 1 diabetes doesn’t hinder you from achieving things you’ve really set your heart on.”

Boikie Osupeng, young people diabetes specialist at the RBH, said:

Theresa May speaking at the virtual launch event last Friday

“The Berkshire Young People Diabetes Council came about during chats with our team and the young people we look after.

“They felt that while they very much appreciate the medical advice we provide, they also wanted to access support from their peers who have already made the transition from paediatric care to the adult clinic.”

He added: “As young people reach the age of 11 years we start the

process of preparing them for taking ownership of their care from their significant other.

“This instils a sense of empowerment which will see them through, with the right support, as they go into their young adulthood.

“At 17- to 18-years-old they transfer to the Young Adult department and at this point in their life they should be well capable of managing their diabetes with minimal support.”

NEWS | 15

£145,000 bus costs funded

by Government grant THE COUNCIL has launched seven new school buses to help with social distancing, funded by a grant from the Department for Education.

Using the £145,000 fund, the borough council has altered bus services to separate students from different schools.

This includes four additional services for students travelling along the A329 to The Forest, The Emmbrook and The Holt schools.

And there are extra bus routes for children with special educational needs and disabilities at SEND schools.

Last week, morning restrictions for concessionary bus pass holders were reintroduced, making them valid after 9am.

It is hoped this will reduce the number of residents using the bus during school travel hours and to help buses maintain a reduced capacity for social distancing.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said: “These additional services are helping the council to get all pupils to school who live two miles or more away from where they attend school.

“We’re grateful to all residents who have adjusted their own transport to avoid the school travel times and make it easier to get all children to school on time and as safely as possible.”

In school, classroom bubbles and staggered start times have been introduced, in line with Public Health England guidance.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, said: “We continue to work with schools, staff, parents and pupils to enable schools to reopen safely, including ensuring the journey to and from school is safe. I hope those who have already returned are enjoying being reunited with friends and look forward to those who return in the coming days having the same experience.”

The council will monitor how the services are used over the next few weeks and may alter times and additional services to meet demand.

16 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

Residents make a tasty saving of £5.89 with Eat Out To Help Out

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE AVERAGE amount saved by Wokingham borough residents during the Eat Out to Help Out scheme was £5.89 per meal.

The scheme, which ran throughout August across the country, saw restaurants offer up to £10 discount on food and soft drinks for every diner. It has been so popular that some restaurants are offering similar discount schemes this month.

And the Government has said that more than 100 million meals were eaten as part of the scheme.

Of these, 39,000 were in Wokingham parliamentary constituency restaurants, 29,000 in Bracknell, 60,000 in Maidenhead and 90,000 in Reading East.

Across the four constituencies, all of which have parts in Wokingham borough, there were 303 different restaurants taking part, ranging from fast food outlets such as McDonald’s and KFC, to local businesses including Rossini’s, The Tamarind Tree and The Elephant.

The total discount claimed across the four constituencies was

Chancellor Rishi Sunak promoting the Eat Out to Help Out meal deal

£1,308,000 – the data has not been broken down to borough council level.

Reading East had the largest participation, with 128 restaurants taking part, and the average saving

Eat out venues VENUES BRACKNELL 40 MAIDENHEAD 77 READING EAST 128 WOKINGHAM 58

MEALS 29,000 60,000 90,000 39,000

DISCOUNT £5.58 £5.92 £6.30 £5.75

of £6.30 per diner. Maidenhead had 77 restaurants and £5.92 saving, Wokingham had 58 restaurants and £5.75 saving, while Bracknell had 40 restaurants and a £5.58 saving.

These are not the final figures, as the restaurants have until the end of the month to claim back the 50% discount from the government.

The Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, said that the scheme’s popularity had helped protect the 1.8 million people working in the hospitality sector and

Residents will get bollards – thanks to Wokingham.Today RESIDENTS of a new housing development in Wokingham are looking forward to using their green space thanks to Wokingham.Today.

Last month, we highlighted problems for people living in Mulberry Grove, off Keep Hatch Lane.

They said that vehicles had been using a gravel pathway off Culver Grove. It was meant to be a footpath to a green used by dog walkers and playing children, but rogue sat navs were sending motorists that way.

The residents wanted developer Crest Nicholson to install bollards to prevent vehicular access.

They told us that they had been trying to get the safety measures installed for months, only to be informed that they would have to foot the bill themselves.

“Vehicles are driving along a gravel pathway which cuts through a green where people walk their dogs and children play,” Claire Soden said.

“It’s been a problem since the houses were built.

“It’s a clear health and safety issue, they could hit a child.”

Crest told us that safety was its upmost priority that it was investigating the issue with the management company.

Last week, they came back with the results: they would place the necessary measures at

Flashback … Mulberry Grove residents highlight the gravel path that some drivers are using. Bollards will now be installed Picture: Steve Smyth

their expense and not charge the residents.

A spokesperson for Crest Nicholson commented: “We can confirm that the management company at Mulberry Grove have been instructed to install bollards on Culver Grove, which will be covered at the expense of Crest Nicholson.

“Within the long term, sustainable communities that we build, safety is our number one priority and we are in close discussion with the management company to ensure this is resolved as quickly as possible, while also ensuring the bollards are in keeping with the design of the development.”

A delighted Ms Soden said: “That’s such a relief, I’m really pleased.

“They acknowledge that it is

a health and safety issue and they’re willing to address the matter. It’s brilliant.”

She also added that since our story, her local councillors – including the mayor – had visited to see if they could help.

“Even though the development hadn’t been handed over to the council, they were still quite conscious about it, so it’s been good to have their support.”

And she was certain that the good news about the bollards’ impending installation will be welcomed by her neighbours.

“I’ve no doubt that everyone will be delighted that Crest is taking these measures.

“The story in Wokingham.Today definitely made Crest sit up and take notice.

“It’s a great result.”

also boosted restaurant bookings across August, with the discounts exceeding expectations.

According to OpenTable data, restaurant bookings increased by an average of 53% on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the whole of August, compared to the same days in 2019.

In July 2020, restaurant bookings were down 54% on average from Mondays to Wednesdays compared to 2019.

And on Bank Holiday Monday, the final day of the scheme, bookings were up 216% compared to the equivalent day in 2019.

Chancellor Sunak said: “The figures continue to show Eat Out to Help Out has been a success. I want to thank everyone, from restaurant owners to waiters, chefs and diners, for embracing it and helping drive our economic recovery.

“The scheme is just one part of our Plan for Jobs and we will continue to protect, support and create jobs to ensure we come back stronger as a nation.”

Other measures introduced by the chancellor include cutting VAT to 5% for the hospitality industry until the new year.

Call to talk organ donation FAMILIES are being urged to talk about organ donation by the NHS, as part of an awareness week.

Launching its campaign on Monday, the NHS Blood and Transplant department is calling for people to discuss their donation choices with family.

Last year, 44 people in Berkshire had their lives saved by a transplant.

And on Wednesday, May 20, the law around organ donation in England changed to an ‘opt out’ system.

This means everyone will be considered willing to donate their organs, unless they have opted out, are in one of the excluded groups or have told their family they do not want to donate.

Everyone has a choice over organ donation and family members will still be consulted before anything goes ahead.

And the NHS says families are more likely to support organ donation decisions, when they know what people want to happen.

Anthony Clarkson, director of organ donation and transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We need more people in Berkshire to talk about organ donation to increase the number of lifesaving transplants.

“Even now the law has changed, families will still be approached before organ donation goes ahead.

“So it remains so important to talk to your families and make sure they know what you want to happen.

“Register your organ donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register and tell your family the choice you have made. If the time comes, we know families find the organ donation conversation with nurses or medical teams much easier if they already know what their relative wanted.” � For more information and to register a decision, visit: www.organdonation.nhs.uk

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Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Non-intimidating health lounge’s 30-minute path to fitness success EXCLUSIVE

Hi-tech equipment has been installed in eActiv’s Peach Place health lounge, including a flotation tank

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW health lounge that has opened in Wokingham’s Peach Place development says its use of modern technology means a 30-minute workout can be life-changing.

eActiv, which opened just before lockdown, offers a 30-minute eGym circuit that incorporates personalised programmes suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

The centre, on the first floor of the new Peach Place, offers a Covid-safe facility.

Temperatures are checked on entry, there are plenty of anti-viral sprays available and equipment is wiped down after use.

Members are able to use a special device that looks a bit like a wristwatch. This stores details of the clients’ goals and levels, as well as information about how to use each of the machines in the circuit.

Once the information is shared with the machine, it automatically adjusts the equipment to suit the user including a training pattern showing when to exert and when to take it easier.

The health centre’s owners say that two 30-minute sessions twice a week will help strengthen and tone, change shape and boost metabolism.

This can be combined with specially designed calorie-controlled meals that aim to be balanced correctly, with correct portion sizes.

The aim is to help users to eat healthily without any hassle.

The third plank of the eActiv philosophy is relaxation and it has installed a special flotation tank.

The i-sopod offers 60-minute sessions that aim to improve sleep, eliminate fatigue and alleviate stresses and anxieties.

eActiv also offers a state-of-theart eFlexx range of equipment that increases joint mobility and reduces aches and pains.

Members are also able to access online fitness classes from their own home.

But above all else, said director Steve Watts, the aim is to create a centre that is non-intimidating and supportive of everyone who joins.

“We want eActive to be a safe space whether your goal is weight

loss, improved strength, sporting performance or just to lead a healthier and happy life,” he said. “eActiv is designed to save you time while giving you maximum health and relaxation benefits. We believe that by using our four-step process we can guarantee results and our motivating team is here to help.”

He added: “We don’t want to be an intimidating place, we’re a health lounge, not a gym. To support you, we offer education, networking events and send out weekly, informative newsletters.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re fit already or you’ve got out of shape during lockdown, come back in.

“And for those who are worried about the coronavirus, we have every measure we can to ensure it’s safe, including the air: it’s filtered, not air conditioning. It’s one of the safest systems around.”

And the concept, he feels, is different to anything else on offer in Wokingham. “There is a uniqueness to what we do, it’s not conventional,” Mr Watts said. “It’s about what will make a difference (to our clients), what will make them comfortable.”

The health lounge is offering a free week-long trial membership.

NEWS | 17

Befriending service to help with sight loss A BEFRIENDING service has been launched to support residents with sight loss during the coronavirus pandemic.

RNIB Talk and Support connects people for weekly chats using a phone or computer. Trained staff and volunteers facilitate the calls and match people together for general conversations.

RNIB confidence building coordinator for the South East, Jan Foster, said: “Coronavirus has made life more difficult for a lot of people, but measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including social distancing, have had a dramatic impact on the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

“We know that many have been discouraged from visiting friends and family because of worries about social distancing, and isolation and loneliness has become a real issue.

“Our Talk and Support service has been able to offer some light relief to people with fun quizzes and wellbeing calls and we have had some really positive feedback.

“I would encourage anybody in the South East of England who is interested in finding out more to get in touch.”

Alongside the weekly befriending phone calls, RNIB Talk and Support has helped people to combat isolation by organising virtual quizzes since mid-July.

Short story groups and wellbeing courses have also been offered. � For more details, visit rnib.org.uk/talkandsupport or call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999

For the latest news visit

� For more details, log on to: wokingham.eactiv.co.uk or call 0118 977 5512

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Warren Lodge: We strive to make every resident feel special and at home

I

T’S ONE of the biggest decisions that can be made in a lifetime.

Deciding where to spend your twilight years is choice that has to be made carefully. All kinds of considerations need to be made – everything from the food, the ambience, the staff and the fellow residents all need to be explored.

And this is where Warren Lodge in Finchampstead aims to step in.

Set in two-and-a-half acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, it is surrounded by farmland.

Staff aim to provide bespoke care to the highest possible standards, focusing on the needs of the individual in a caring environment.

This includes quality care 24 hours a day from trained staff, working with personalised care plans, regular visits from medical staff and an excellent nurse call system.

Each of the 51 rooms have ensuite facilities, and 22 of them are specially designed for people with dementia.

With many years of experience – and staff members who have been on the team for close to 20 years – Warren Lodge aims to provide quality care that ensures every resident feels valued.

Centre manager Goce Kostadinovski explains: “The main goal that we’d like to achieve is for the resident to feel like they’re in a home from home. We want them to feel that one of the hardest decisions in life is actually one of the easiest.

“We assess their needs and see if we can meet them with dignity, with quality and with choice.”

0118 973 4576

Goce says that the Warren Lodge team strive to make every person they look after feel important – “We listen to them, everything that’s important to them becomes important to us as well. Their likes, dislikes, preferences, and choices. At Warren Lodge, we want to empower those in our care.

“In large letters on the wall is my office is this message: ‘This is our residents’ home, I only work here’. It’s to ensure I never forget to treat residents with respect. Even in my role as manager, I never forget, this is where our residents live. It’s something I instil into all our team.”

The Warren Lodge team receive regular training and work closely together to ensure that the care given is always to the highest possible standards.

And Goce says that he carefully chooses his team: “Not everybody can be a carer – it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation. You’re empowering people.

“I have been working in care for 16 years and I have enormous job satisfaction. I wake up every day looking forward to going to work, knowing the difference we can make in somebody’s life. It gives you such a boost, such a reward.

“In our morning meetings, I always remind the team that we are here only for one reason: to make a positive, amazing difference in our residents’ lives.”

Warren Lodge, with its countryside setting, regular programme of activities, carefully designed menus and dedicated team of carers, creates a place with an amazing atmosphere Goce says. “The facilities we have is something to be proud of,” he

Warren Lodge, Warren Lane, Wokingham, RG40 4HR

continues. “But the biggest asset we have is the staff that work here, ensuring that every resident that comes here with new expectations and needs has them met.

“Everybody, from the start, is looked after so that when they move in they feel like they belong here and are part of the Warren Lodge family.

“We aspire to enrich the quality of life of our residents, every day.”

Goce welcomes you calling to find out for yourself. � Nothing we can write here can convey the understanding, warmth and care that Warren Lodge staff have for their residents. Our reputation is one we are very proud of. It is best if you meet with us at your earliest opportunity to register your interest. � Please visit Warren Lodge at any time, however as we are a busy home it’s best to telephone and arrange a visit with our manager, or administrator, who will show you around. � Call 0118 973 4576 or email us at warrenlodge@foresthc.com or visit www.foresthc.com

www.foresthc.com

18 | VIEWPOINTS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

Covid: no time for complacency THE national surge in coronavirus cases reminds us that we must remain wary of its spread.

The local lockdowns that affect parts of the country can seem frightening, especially as many of us will have friends or relatives living in these areas.

With schools and offices now starting to return, there are concerns that Covid-19 might start to spread here again too.

And to compound to the sense of frustration, it has proved hard for people to get tested locally – the system does not appear to be working.

Our borough has been fortunate in that there has been – so far – precious few cases compared to other regions.

That said, many of us will know someone who has died with the virus, either locally or nationally.

Now is the time to take calls to socially distance ourselves seriously. We must avoid the temptation to hug friends and those outside our bubbles.

We need to keep washing our hands, wearing masks and follow the scientists’ advice.

There has never been a greater time for us to listen to the experts – we can’t get enough of them.

Together we can beat this virus, but we must keep taking it seriously.

CHURCH NOTES

The great outdoors

T

HE good news is that Ride and Stride 2020 is going ahead on Saturday.

Last year it raised more than £20,000 for the Berkshire Historic Churches Trust and we would welcome your support again this year.

Given the current restrictions, entrance to churches may be more limited than usual and toilets and refreshments will not be on offer.

Ride and Stride is a nationwide church-crawl where you can visit as many (or as few) churches on the day between 10am and 6pm as you can. You can walk, run, cycle, ride or drive, following your own route and enjoy visiting some of our county’s fabulous churches.

Ride and Stride is open to all participants – young and old. The money you raise is divided equally between the church of your choice and the Berkshire Historic Churches Trust.

Any Christian church can apply to the trust for financial help to maintain or improve the church building.

Each year the trust awards thousands of pounds worth of grants.

Ride and Stride is just one way in which the trust raises money to help them.

The money you raise helps to save historic churches, chapels and meeting houses for future generations by helping to fund urgent repairs and the installation of modern facilities.

Borough churches taking part include St Nicolas and St Peter’s, both in Earley, Emmanuel in Woodley, St Catherine’s in Bearwood, St Nicholas in Hurst, St James in Ruscombe, St Mary The Virgin in Twyford, the Twyford URC, St Mary’s in Wargrave, St Mary’s in Winnersh, St Bartholomew’s in Arborfield, St James in Barkham and also in Finchampstead, All Saints, Corpus Christi, the Quakers, the Methodist Church, St Paul’s, the Baptist church all in Wokingham.

In Crowthorne, churches taking part are St John the Baptist and the Methodist Church.

The Berkshire Historic Churches Trust helps the churches of Royal Berkshire

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020 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

Our lovely little town of Wokingham At this unprecedented time of world wide pandemic may I focus on our little town of Wokingham?

Nearly 30 years ago my husband retired from his life as a busy surgeon and we moved to Wokingham to be near the larger part of our family.

We have seen many changes here over those years in the growth of population and new housing and indeed some of those changes are proving rather difficult to assimilate.

However, I find that the basic sense of wellbeing in the town still remains.

During this time of Covid people have still helped their immediate neighbours and then included many others in need.

Older residents living alone have been cared for by schemes such as The Link; churches, shops, charities and others joined forces; individual folk delivered medicines from our pharmacies to the housebound along with the social services who still retained most of our vital needs.

Although the Shute End offices are still closed, employees work from home to maintain the services we take for granted.

May I make a personal tribute to my local borough councillor for Norreys Ward, Rachel Burgess?

We had no working landline phone from late February up to last week. The provider involved ignored my attempts to contact them because only my husband’s name was on our bill. He was then in hospital and on returning home lockdown ensued and they became even more intransigent. Countless, frustrating contacts proved useless until Rachel took over in August.

Meanwhile, I had to bring my ignorant self up to speed with Androids and smartphones etc. which proved easier than I feared and I now have a reasonable level of competence.

Again, thank you to my longsuffering, younger techie-friends.

Keep going Wokingham ‘cos you're well worth it!’

Name and address supplied

Traffic routes You may be aware of Wokingham Borough Council’s current consultation on traffic in Arborfield. It is not clear just how widespread this consultation has actually been outside of Arborfield itself. The consultation closes on September 14.

It is surely unbelievable that WBC are consulting on changes to the traffic flow in Arborfield before the Arborfield Relief Road has even been opened.

Considering the costs involved to justify and then to build the new road, there must be business case studies estimating as to how much it will reduce through traffic in the village.

I assume that the reduction will be substantial thus negating any requirement for further measures at least in the short term.

The consultation should therefore be suspended for six months or so until after the full opening of the road.

The closing of School Road to vehicle traffic is perhaps the most contentious of the proposals.

Peter Major, Barkham

Plastic not fantastic I was horrified to read in the August 20 issue of Wokingham.Today (on page 2) that the Borough Council is going to use Plastic Kerbstones on London Road (or anywhere).

We have all seen the pictures on TV of what effect the plastic has on the organisms in the oceans of the world (such as in David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II) when (not if) it gets into those Oceans.

It is “Green Washing” to suggest that 88% of these kerbstones are truly recycled materials, what happens when you recycle plastic? you produce more plastic of a degraded sort.

What is required is to stop using plastic, not start using plastics for other purposes.

I have resided in Wokingham since 1994 and I continue to see the place littered with plastic forks which may well have been around for the same amount of time as me and show no signs of biodegrading, a donation to the Council from casual food vendors.

The new plastic curbstones Picture: Stewart Turkington

The council could not have dreamt of a more efficient way of transporting plastic to the oceans of the World, even if they intended to. If the use of plastic kerbstones becomes more widespread then vehicle tyres “clipping” kerbs will shed plastic flakes into the gutter, the next rainfall will

take the plastic into drains and sewers, then into rivers, then into Seas and finally into Oceans.

If you really want to know how perverting, insidious and invasive plastic is, use BBC’s iPlayer to view War on Plastic: the Fight Goes On. Harry Atkinson, Wokingham

Campaign matters

Leaping to conclusions

Gifts in wills really help

Well done to the totally ill-named Liberal Democrats (they are neither Liberal nor Democrats as proved by their post Brexit Vote stance) for their Black Lives Matter (BLM) event over the August 2020 Bank Holiday weekend.

It now turns out that they may have been inadvertently campaigning for another political party.

In a popular Sunday newspaper (September 6) an article stated that a BLM supporter is “spearheading the Taking The Initiative Party (TTIP)”.

The BLM supporter is quoted as saying “We are tired of being let down

by Labour, Conservatives, Lib Dems and all of them...”

I suspect that TTIP may even adopt the slogan “TTIP-Winning Here”.

I am not surprised that some BLM supporters feel let down by the Lib Dems. I feel let down by the Lib Dem hypocrisy of their complaining about "privilege" whilst supporting having a large number of peers in a very privileged, unelected, and rotten House of Lords!

I am still waiting to read a letter in Wokingham.Today, from the local and national Lib Dems, as to why they have not unilaterally, and immediately, scrapped their very privileged peers.

I think that they may be frightened at having to defend the indefensible.

Never mind Lib Dems.

When the TTIP becomes a fully fledged political party you can assuage your guilt about being so “privileged” by voting for TTIP at every opportunity. It might mean the end of the Lib Dem Party but, hey ho, sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. Don’t they?

Over to you Lib Dems, the party of privilege.

Paul Clarke, Wokingham

I note the attack on me by Tim Lloyd about a simple question why a picture published by Wokingham.Today (on its Facebook page after the Black Lives Matter event on Saturday, August 29 – editor) clearly suggested social distancing was not adhered to.

I made no comment other then that question.

He suggested it was a 3D effect and said that the photographer could not avoid creating this misleading image.

Well a later photo published by Wokingham.Today a few days afterwards illustrated the social distancing was okay, thus proving it was possible.

To then leap to the conclusion that I am an out-and-out racist from asking that simple question is absurd. I repeat I made no comment on the protest either its content or whether it should have been held.

Mr Lloyd in his rush to condemn anyone who asks a question as a racist does his cause no good at all.

Cllr Keith Baker, Conserative Councillor for Coronation Ward, Wokingham Borough Council

Gifts in Wills have always been important to charities but never more so than this year.

During Covid-19, blind and partially sighted people have struggled to access essentials like food and medicine. Social distancing has made it hard for some people to get out at all.

Over the last six months, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has supported people with sight loss in numerous ways, including extending our helpline opening hours, offering new telephone services, such as Talk and Support, and securing priority supermarket delivery slots.

Gifts in Wills have been hugely important in funding this work – it’s half of our voluntary income.

That’s why we’re supporting Remember a Charity Week, to celebrate all the amazing people who support blind and partially sighted people across the UK by leaving a gift to RNIB in their Will.

No matter how big or small, every gift counts and has a valuable impact.

You can pass on something amazing to people in years to come by leaving a gift in your Will.

Eleanor Southwood, Chair, RNIB

What are the chances?

What’s the betting Wokingham.Today has received a letter from Keith Baker claiming his innocence over his Facebook comment?

Whether intended to be racist or not, it was a snide remark to make over a photo where the people in the foreground are very clearly spread out.

You couldn’t tell about the rest of the people pictured because there were so many there.

It is disappointing that anyone would try and make capital out of a well-intentioned protest that aims to bring equality to Wokingham.

Had Keith Baker attended, he would have seen this for himself.

Name and address supplied

In the bag Why do US shoppers use brown paper bags for their purchases? These surely are more environmentally friendly than plastic ones? Can’t we in Britain do the same?

I am sure there are people out there who will say paper bags will kill the planet as well, as trees will suffer.

I would prefer brown paper bags to plastic bags, but I guess the plastic bag manufacturers will cry if they are not allowed to make any more bags and then the government will be asked to save them from bankruptcy.

A crazy world.

Gordon Holmes, via website

VIEWPOINTS | 19

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Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

andycroy From the chamber

neilcoupe Another view

The naked truth

The new normal makes the simple complex

F

OLLOWING on from the letter from the leader of the Lib Dems two weeks ago, supporting the Tories, and the comments reported by the leader of the council last week, I wanted to outline the position of the real opposition on Wokingham Borough Council.

The Labour group of councillors recognises that the Tory proposals to increase the number of houses built in the borough are unsustainable and unwanted.

There is a pressing need for much more council housing to eliminate the current waiting lists, to have more people be able to access housing which can rented at a reasonable price, put downward pressure on private rental rates and cut the housing benefit bill.

The extra houses proposed by the Tories will not achieve any of these aims.

It is clear to that the main aim of the current Wokingham Borough Council campaign is to try and put clear water between the policies of a Tory government and the local Tory councillors who campaigned for the same government in the general election.

These proposals were clear to see for anyone who actually read the Tory manifesto. I presume our local Tory councillors DID read the manifesto.

The Tories are more concerned with protecting their council seats than protecting our borough and, once again, they are using the council to campaign for them.

Last year the same gang blew £50,000 on a waste of time a survey which had exactly the same purpose, again they were backed by the Lib Dems.

That survey, we were told, would empower our council leader to talk to his Tory friends in government.

Well that ended well.

Cllr John Halsall has been reduced to threatening to parade naked in front of Dominic Cummings’ Whitehall Bunker. Dominic will be focused on his data displays, not John’s.

Housing in the area is unaffordable due to high demand.

The Tories are trying to fix this problem by increasing supply – but they are ignoring the demand side.

Demand is high as the borough benefits from its location close to London, close to Heathrow and close to the M4.

To reduce demand in this area we need to better share out economic prosperity from the South East to other regions. We need to oppose developments that accelerate the concentration of prosperity in this area – such as a third runway at Heathrow.

Yet a few months ago, almost every councillor outside the Labour group voted to support the third runway. This is an extreme form of cakeism.

The Tory consultation document presages disaster for the borough. The document itself seems to have been written in the belief that maximum repetition of the words “beautiful” and “data” will somehow make everything fine.

The proposed revisions to the planning system, on top of changes introduced in the Business and Planning Act 2020, will rip up any semblance of local control.

The division of the borough into three zones – for protection, for growth and for renewal would see our tiny designated Green Belt protected, the continuing unsuitable conversions

of offices and shops to flats and great swathes of the rest of the borough opened up for more housing.

Proposals to remove small developers from some rules combined with stricter rules around Section 106 and CIL payments increase the threat.

There is no good outcome to the borough from this plan.

Our local MPs do not need to be told this, they know it.

The Tory MPs have only just been elected on a manifesto which presumably they did not read either, but they must now work against the government and get these plans changed.

The challenge facing our Tory MPs and councillors is that Dominic Cummings does not care what they think and Boris Johnson is too incompetent to act on what they think. They do not, John Halsall’s parade included, have a means to make them care.

Our local Tories – at all levels – need to start thinking about the ‘nuclear’ option – removing themselves from the Conservative party.

This, and only this, might have the required impact.

Until such time as the local Tories start to put our borough before their party, the Labour group of councillors will view the use of Wokingham Borough Council resources for what it is – Council Tax payers’ money being used to protect the seats of Tory councillors.

tonyjohnson That was the week

2020, indicate a moving average of 690,000: delivering over 60,000 per year for 10 years.

should have a say in what goes on in their area – street, neighbourhood, locality or region – as appropriate to the size of the development and based on better access to higher quality information than is available today.

And when housing numbers above organic growth are proposed, local communities need to benefit in a way that they understand, want and value, especially in essential infrastructure for utilities, roads, health and leisure (in that order).

This avoids the total infrastructure overload of the ‘it’s only one more house’ routine.

Making our way home

H

OUSING has reached a point where, up in Yorkshire, the boss of Persimmon Homes was paid a £75 million bonus.

Down in Essex, homeless families are warehoused in tiny flats in a permitted development with a “known reputation” (according to Harlow Police).

But things could be worse and, under the planning reforms being made by Robert Jenrick’s Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) they probably will be.

If ever there was an issue to take up with your MP, this is it.

So here’s five groups of factors you might want to consider when asking them to make a difference.

Better home delivery Primary legislation can improve delivery in three steps: � Revive the public sector building programme to deliver the houses that we actually need to give our children a home of their own and our senior citizens a place to downsize to that’s near to family and friends: delivering over 150,000 per year � Require developers and property promoters to build all of the properties that they’ve got planning permissions for already. The LGA reports the number as 1 million homes: delivering 100,000 per year for 10 years. � Return long term empty homes to the active property market. MHCLG numbers from April

Housing made viable Take land out as a factor in house pricing via a process of modern compulsory purchase as the sole source of greenfield development land, ensuring there’s sufficient land available for public sector, small builders, self-builders and large developers, based on their ability to deliver.

The country also needs to put infrastructure first (rather than last or not at all).

Public sector providers need the ability to fund public housing via the sales of a proportion of the properties they build, giving commercial developers better viability by removing their affordable housing obligations.

This also needs primary legislation to ensure that developer contributions are ring fenced by law.

Rewards for system reform We’ll know when the system has been simplified when residents and small builders can get their planning applications right first time, every time.

But those system reforms need to be made via legislation to stop the ministerial tinkering that the trail of 300+ statutory instruments since 2010 reveals.

Developers can be rewarded via a simple league table to ensure that those who do deliver their housing numbers on time and snag free are amply rewarded with the choicest opportunities, while those who fail to perform are penalised.

Building communities to a plan However, if we want to build effective and pleasant local communities, then everyone

Cllr Andy Croy, leader of the Labour Group on Wokingham Borough Council

Knowing what ‘right’ looks like …

Only central government can lead simplification by setting clear and unambiguous quality standards, space standards and performance metrics for all to follow, giving clear separation of powers of inspection, approval and indemnity (warranty) to form open system of checks and balances to keep it all above board.

The planning system should support any individual’s level of understanding and participation in planning decisions, adaptable by the individual to their choice.

The last word Please feel free to adopt, adapt or ignore the above when you write your MP letting them know what you want them to change the planning reforms. � Bracknell: james.sunderland.mp@parliament.uk � Maidenhead: mayt@parliament.uk � Reading: matt.rodda.mp@parliament.uk � Wokingham: john.redwood.mp@parliament.uk “An expanded version of this commentary will be appearing online on Sunday). caveat.lector@icloud.com

T

HIS MONTH feels important as it sees a step towards something at least resembling normality, when after nearly six months, the children are finally returning to school.

In the past, going back to school meant anxieties about preparing uniforms and buying new school shoes, getting back into the daily routine, meeting new classmates and booking the all-important after-school activities.

This time it feels much more complex.

Relatively few of us experienced a six-month interruption of our school career, and it is unclear how we prepare our children to be back in the classroom after such a long break.

Maybe the best thing to do is emphasise the need to sanitise, wear masks and observe social distancing, and trust the children to adapt their behaviours to changing circumstances in the same way as they have throughout the pandemic.

The start of the school term has always heralded the end of summer and the build-up to Christmas, in recent years punctuated by Hallowe’en. Will either of these festivals be recognisable if we need to continue with the existing measures?

It is difficult to imagine socially distanced ‘trick or treating’ let alone socially distanced nativity plays or carol concerts.

It would be such a boost to the country’s morale if somehow we are through Covid-19 by December, and this most terrible of years somehow ends with a traditional and recognisable Christmas and New Year.

The question of how the pandemic has changed our society remains to be seen.

Some things do not appear to have changed.

For example, the Eat Out to Help Out campaign seems to have worked well, with the busy Wokingham restaurants over the past month demonstrating that we still have the appetite for a bargain.

The pubs are attracting customers, but my experience is that most people prefer to sit outside in a beer garden, which is extremely appealing on a sweltering July evening but rather less so on a drizzly November night.

There are mixed messages around the future of office work. At various times we have been urged to work from home whenever possible, and at other times, as circumstances change, we have been told to return to the office.

The technology exists for people to work from wherever they are.

However, particularly for people already living alone, being stuck at home all day can cause other problems around loneliness and lack of social interaction.

It seems most likely that there will be a mix of working from home and being in the office.

There has to be an opportunity for coffee shops and cafes in commuter towns such as Wokingham where face-to-face meetings which previously would have taken place in an office, and are not necessarily appropriate via Zoom can be informally hosted.

I believe that one permanent change is that there will be a far greater level of respect for key workers whose endeavours are so crucial in the country’s operation.

Another point that I heard last month was that some nine million people were put on furlough, and were paid when, through no fault of their own, there was no work for them to do.

It was funded by the Government, and although it was paid via an employer, the scheme was effectively a benefit.

If, in the near future, people are unfortunate enough to lose their jobs as a direct consequence of the pandemic, and go on to claim benefits, it would be good to think that there would be a greater understanding and support of people facing adversity caused through no fault of their own.

Can we really look forward to a more compassionate and less judgemental society?

20 | NEWS

rachelbradley Think local

Gratitude is the new attitude

I

S IT JUST me or does anyone else feel like someone has thrown a whole load of balls at them just recently?

I’m trying my best to keep them in the air, along with all the other balls I was juggling.

The summer seems to have gone by in a hot flash. lockdown life, in the (not-so) slow lane, is putting it’s foot down.

I’m flying by at 100% miles an hour and the next stop will be Christmas. I’m already planning to be a festive puddle on the floor.

Rejoice, the teenagers have gone back to school but where is the calm? Where is my day at Nirvana?

Not a chance, it’s business as usual in this house.

I’m a freelance PR and right now I’m utterly grateful to have clients and I’m working like the clappers to keep them all happy.

And really, despite my moans, I am very happy too.

Because now is the time to be grateful.

Yes, school might be different but at least they’re back. Work is crazy but I’m glad I have it.

As much as I want to feel like I’ve come out of the summer a different person, with a new take on life, I’m pretty much just the same old me.

Whizzing around in the fast lane, slamming on the breaks from time to time.

I slowed things enough to jump over the Berkshire borders into Henley at the weekend.

I was at Tom Kerridge’s Pub In The Park, part of the Henley Festival. In truth, it was a pub in a car park.

Row upon on upon of people sat in camping chairs next to their cars.

Socially-distanced festivals have a touch of the 1970s about them.

Pitching up on an A-road for a picnic, drinking out of plastic. Or maybe that was just my family.

But on Saturday I was with my friends, drinking wine and having fun. We even had Soul II Soul on stage and they rocked.

And last week I managed to step away from the laptop to have a coffee with a client in Peach Place.

If you’ve not managed to hang out there yet, you really need to.

It was like summer in the city.

Such a buzz about the place and I was super impressed with all the seating. Find a friend and take five with coffee and cake before the sunshine really disappears.

But when it does we’ll have a new Winter Wonderland opening in town.

I can’t wait because that means Christmas is around the corner and I can stop again.

When that time comes, if you see a woman balled up in the corner of the store, you’ll know that it’s me.

You’ve been warned.

Rachel is founder Gossip Girl Gang, a networking group for women in business in and around the borough

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Empty nesting THERE’S been a wave of understandable negative noise around A-levels and we feel immense compassion for everyone who is finding it tough right now.

However, we are compelled to wave a small hand in the air and whisper quietly for one thing that is not as newsworthy, but carries with it trepidation and uncertainty.

What does it feel like to watch our only daughter pack up her room and leave for university?

We’d like to share some thoughts, as they tumble from our brains.

Firstly, we didn’t think of ourselves as natural parents.

We felt love and connection, however having the responsibility for another human being was odd and super scary.

We had to grow up quickly and come to terms that we really didn’t know ourselves at all.

The first few years were a blur of firsts; steps, words, tantrums, cuddles, teeth, nursery.

Once one first was achieved, it paved the way for another and another.

During that time, we felt like we were constantly holding our breath and hoping we didn’t mentally or physically drop her.

As teenage years hit, it was clear to us that she knew her own mind and was destined for greatness, if only she would give herself a break and stop punching herself in the face for what she felt was lacking; appearance, self-worth, self-confidence.

She excelled at acting which is just as well given what she will be studying for three years.

Secondly, we didn’t choose to have one child. Fertility issues threw a spanner in the works of a sibling and that must have held its own challenges for her.

Suffice to say the specialist that we saw after six years said; “Well in my medical opinion it is quite clear that you were not meant to have children and the fact that you have one is quite the miracle.

How you managed to do that is quite remarkable”.

With hindsight, parenting didn’t have to be natural but rather remarkable and a miracle, but we’re digressing.

As she approached her adult years, we offered support through the extreme highs and lows of sixth form, and then the pandemic hit.

As the output of the global crisis unfolded, we became a small secure unit made of impenetrable steel, nothing could get to us.

We lived in close proximity for weeks and relished in the gift of having each other and the opportunity of life.

Not everyone was that fortunate.

So when the chance came to study acting, something that she loved, she jumped at the chance.

We applauded her charge and determination and watched in awe and wonder as she paved the way for her next adventure.

An adventure that would not include us.

When we realised she would be leaving home, it was like having the rug pulled out from under us.

We’d worked diligently to raise her well and now it was time to let go of our greatest achievement.

We were initially unsure what that would mean for us. Would we exist as people without her?

We’d identified as parents for so long, which would never change, however that identification would have a new definition. We’d still be Mum and Dad, just in a different way.

We asked her about stability just before she left and she reassured us that just the very thought of us would always comfort her.

We would always be her safety net however she needed to discover her own net and we needed to let her go and allow her to do that.

We thought that the firsts would only come in the early years but here we were faced with many more.

So as we rest into “empty nesting”, we’re feeling fearful yet excited.

We’re not going to lie, after the rug was pulled we fell to the floor and bruised our bottoms.

However, what we failed to notice straight away was a beautiful wooden floor underneath that we can walk on, creating new footprints.

We told you to live your best life and we need to give ourselves permission to do the same.

We take the next breath with you sweetheart and as we close our eyes and lift our chin, we see new surroundings filled with hope emerge.

Hope and possibility.

Sarah Sylvester

Gone, but not forgotten LIKE many of you, we were sad to see the Winnersh Spoonyville taken down last week – but also pleased that it will be archived.

It appears that the village of colourful wooden spoons has been appreciated so much that a sign pointing visitors in its direction has been installed on Robinhood Lane. Don’t worry, it’s not the real thing, just a very witty and clever fake. At least we think it is …

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

Baby steps: Fa fundraising wa

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk A GROUP of self-proclaimed misfits and vagabonds will be passing through the borough this weekend on a 100km (62 miles) “ultra challenge” — all for a cause close to their hearts.

Anthony Mackey and his friends are walking from Fulham to Henley along the Thames Path to raise awareness for a condition that affects one in every 2,500.

Téo, Anthony’s son, was diagnosed with Sagittal Craniosynostosis in June.

It happens when the plates in a baby's head fuse too early, and Téo must now undergo major surgery to reconstruct his skull.

To raise awareness of Téo’s diagnosis, and to fundraise for charities that support families affected

by Sagittal Craniosynostosis, the group of nine are aiming to walk the 100km distance in 24 hours.

And they have already raised more than £6,500 of their £10,000 goal.

“We struggled to come to terms with (Téo’s diagnosis),” Anthony said.

“We felt so many emotions, one of the utmost being helplessness.”

“I was looking for a way to get some control back,” he added. “I took Téo on a lot of walks to help him sleep, and I decided a charity walk would be a great way to feel like I was doing something good.”

Anthony and his friends had two months’ worth of training for the big event.

“It’s not a lot of training. But everyone has been fantastic, giving up weekends to do 60km (37 mile) training walks,” he said.

And they’ve received a lot of support.

“Overall, we’ve just been blown away, not just in terms of the money raised but we got so many messages from people asking if we are okay,” Anthony added.

Téo’ has been diagnosed with Sagittal Cranios

Anthony and his wife Marianné initially set a target of £5,000, but after raising that in only two weeks, they decided to double it.

Some of the money raised will be donated to Headlines, a charity which Anthony describes as “small but amazing”.

They are currently supporting the family by teaching them about Téo’s condition.

Despite Covid-restrict to explore Wokingha COVID might be curtailing activities, but thanks to modern technology a new spin on the past can be offered.

Wokingham Town Council is teaming up with a host of local businesses to celebrate this year’s Heritage Open Days.

Running from Saturday until Sunday, September 20, the week-long event is based on the theme of Hidden Nature.

Using social media, the council will make daily suggestions for days out, share fun facts and a host of information all on the theme.

And there’s also a contest with a top prize of a £50 voucher to spend in town centre stores.

Activities are for all ages to enjoy and will include nature spotting and ‘plogging’ – litter pick jogging.

And the town council is hoping that residents will share their photos.

Wokingham town mayor Cllr Tony Lack is a keen nature lover and

is looking forward to sharing some of the borough’s beauty spots with participants.

“Wokingham is full of the most wonderful nature, be it wildlife, plants, trees or beautiful locations to sit, play or walk,” he says.

“We do hope you’ll join in and take

Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

amily’s 100km alk for charity

synostosis, and needs major surgery to reconstruct his skull Picture: Anthony Mackey

And the rest of the funds will be split between two other organisations.

Some will go to Ronald McDonald House, who provide housing for families next to the hospital, and some to Cranio Ribbons, an unregistered charity who send children personalised teddy bears and care packages when they are in hospital.

“It’s very real now,” Anthony said.

“I’m keen to get it done because we’ve

done the training, but I’m still a bit nervous.

“All in all, this has been a coping mechanism for me and I’m so grateful to my family and friends who have given up hours on end for this.

“As for Téo, he is the happiest child you’ll ever meet, and it’s just fantastic coming home to him,” he added. � For more information, or to donate, visit: gf.me/u/ygdz36

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Just popping down the shop, want anything?

By CHARLOTTE KING news@wokinghampaper.co.uk POPPING to the shops has never been easier for the people of Sonning.

This is because a new convenience store has opened its doors on the village high street.

Kathy Drogemuller, owner of La Bas Co., opened her new shop called The Village Hamper on Saturday, September 5.

“I’ve lived in Sonning for 10 years and I’ve always felt that the one thing it lacks is a local convenience store,” Kathy said.

Rather than having to drive to the nearest shop, she wants the people of Sonning to be able to walk down the road to get their fresh bread, groceries, and bits and bobs for the pantry.

Kathy said the opening day “was absolutely delightful”.

“We made a good number of sales and we got some great feedback on what people want to see in the shop.

“It was a lovely day,” she said.

And there’s more than just cakes and groceries on offer.

The Village Hamper has also been set up with the environment in mind.

The store has bulk dispensers for items like pasta, flour and oats, and is avoiding plastic packaging wherever possible.

“I’ve always been an avid recycler,” Kathy added.

“I’m very eco-conscious and I hope it works for customers.

“I think there’s a lot of responsibility on shops to reduce the amount of plastic packaging they use.

“If I can limit what goes on the shelves, I hope it will have a positive impact down the line.”

The store was initially due to open on Saturday, August 29.

However, technical issues put a spanner in the works.

On Sunday, August 30, Kathy organised a pop-up shop to showcase the freshly baked cakes that will soon be on offer in The Village Hamper.

“It was very successful,” she said. “Each day we had people lining up before we even opened.”

And after receiving a lot of requests for vegan baked goods, Kathy said that the store will be testing out a variety of recipes in order to expand the menu.

And The Village Hamper is set to expand in the future, too.

At the moment, the shop offers customers a convenience store and a deli counter.

But Kathy said that soon, a tearoom will be opening for people to sit down and have coffee and cake.

Then, in spring 2021, she plans to open up the store’s rear patio so that customers can sit out in the garden too.

The Village Hamper can be found at 6 High Street, Sonning. � For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/VillageHamper

tions, it’s still possible am’s hidden heritage

part in the Heritage Open days Hidden Nature activities this year.

“While we sadly have no physical event, autumn is full of colour and a fantastic time of year to head out and explore.”

It’s a very different Heritage Open Day to last year’s event, which

celebrated the 800th anniversary of the market.

Traders were encouraged to dress up in medieval costumes and a range of ye olde England events were organised.

“We were blessed with sunshine, crowds and activities such as archery, dressing the knight, mock spear drills, music and puppetry for all the family to enjoy last year,” Tony recalls.

“When we find the new normal, we look forward to bringing residents together once again.”

For now though, it’s all eyes on the virtual event.

Those wanting to win the shopping voucher will need to keep an eye on the Wokingham Town Council’s Facebook page – a different clue will be shared each day at 10am. The answers will spell a word.

Entries need to be submitted

by Tuesday, September 22, and the winner drawn by Tony shortly after.

Dreaming ‘Hey, Hey, We’re having a party’ Come on over to mine No more worries about distancing We’re back to normal and we’re fine

But now I wake from dreaming Of as it was before This virus called Corona Came marching through our door

Come all our friends and neighbours Come relations far and near Forget about the virus There’s nothing more to fear

When will our lives be free again Is there a beam of light that gleams Or will ‘Hey, Hey, Let’s Party’ Be forever in our dreams.

Jean Hill

We’ll hug and kiss each other And pass round plates of food And laugh and sing together In a good old party mood

� Have you written a verse you’d like to share? Email your poems to: news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

NEWS | 21

22 | NEWS

Fire council launch safety campaign in Wokingham A MONTH-LONG campaign has been launched in a bid to improve fire safety in Wokingham borough homes.

Organised by the National Fire Chiefs Council, the campaign has a different focus during each week of September.

Last week focused on chimney safety, which aimed at getting homes that have chimneys to learn how to look after their lums ahead of January to March, the peak season for chimney fires.

This week, it is business safety, with an emphasis on checking fire risk assessments and ensuring escape routes are clear. Fire safety features should also be tested.

From Monday, it will be gas safety – there are 23.2 million gas users in the UK, and the fire service warns that t badly fitted and poorly serviced appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

The final week in September looks at fire door safety, particularly as introducing one-way routes around buildings to make them covid-safe can make it tempting to prop open doors to avoid touching surfaces. This, the fire brigade warns, can pose a danger in case of fire.

James Whitton, West Hub Protection Manager, said: “We are urging residents and business owners to take care in their homes and with their businesses.

These last few months have been challenging for many, but we want you to know that our teams continue to be on hand to support you. � For more information, visit rbfrs.co.uk/ coronavirusbusinesssafety, or rbfrs.co.uk/your-safety

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Play village opens soon EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW children’s play area is arriving in Wokingham and sessions are being run at a discounted price under a Try Us Out To Help Out scheme.

The Pop Up Play Village runs roleplaying events for young children to explore jobs including builders, vets, teachers and shop owners.

Its newest franchise is launching soon which covers Wokingham, Henley and Ascot.

Janine Pegg, director of the new play village, believes that role-play gives children an emotional and physical utlet, and lets them explore different behaviours through the guise of a character.

“I think at this

uncertain time, roleplay is so important to children,” she said.

“It provides a form of escapism. During lockdown, a lot of parents have been anxious about teaching their children, but we need to make sure kids are playing too.”

And the Wokingham, Henley and Ascot franchise is currently offering a Try Us Out To Help Out scheme.

The scheme, backed by the Children’s Activities Association, is designed to support the children’s activity sector following the pandemic.

It is not a Government-funded programme, meaning the franchise is not recovering any of the discounted funds.

The Wokingham, Henley and Ascot franchise will be

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

helenabadger volunteer corner

A

T Me2Club, our young people want to attend weekly clubs, but their additional needs and disabilities can make it difficult for them to take part in swimming lessons, Beavers, football, Brownies and more.

The level of support our children need varies, due to the range of additional needs they have. By volunteering and becoming friends with one of our young people you can help them overcome their barriers to be included.

The children attend activities in Wokingham Borough and in Reading. You will need to travel to and from the activity each week via public transport or other transport methods such as: lifts, car, bike and we will reimburse any cost incurred. We have the following training courses coming up, you only need to attend one. They take place on: Saturday, September 19: 9am-5pm in Earley, Monday, October 26 and Tuesday, October 27: 5pm-9pm in Woodley and Saturday, November 28: 9am-5pm in Earley.

offering a 5% discount on customers’ first booking, and returning customers receive a 10% discount.

Ms Pegg initially planned to launch the Pop Up Play Village in February, but lockdown put this on hold.

Now, she is planning to open her franchise in the first week of October with the first round of play sessions held in Hurst.

And strict coronavirus policies will be in place.

“It’s very difficult to get children aged nought to five to socially distance,” she said. “But, parents are going to be in masks

and will have to socially distance.”

At the moment, people are being asked to book on to a block of three sessions over the month of October.

This is to ensure that the same group of people are attending the Play Village each week.

Ms Pegg says that all of her Pop Up Play Village’s coronavirus policies have been assessed by VisitEngland, and have been given the ‘We’re Good To Go’ industry standard mark. � To find out more, visit: popupplayvillage.co.uk/ organiser/wokinghamhenley-and-ascot

� It’s About Time is a wellbeing service focusing on positive conversations of hope and possibility without appointment or wait time. We’re all just one thought away from where we want to be.

It’s About Time aims to provide an environment to evolve and explore the possibility of life in HD, a broader and more enriching experience.

We are looking for a volunteer Host for an online chat. Skills that are desired but not essential: listening and empathy, comfortable with facilitating group discussions, IT (familiar with Gmail and Zoom), supportive and comforting. � At ABC to Read, we believe life is better when everyone can read and express themselves confidently. Our trained reading mentors provide children with the skills and confidence they need to do just that.

We are waiting to place volunteers in schools that are requesting our support, but we need more volunteers to come forward to help with this vital service. Volunteers would be volunteering within a local school, ideally twice a week for 90 minutes in the afternoons but once a week will be considered.

Our next online training is being held on Tuesday, September 22. � We will be holding a Virtual Volunteer Recruitment Fair on Wednesday, September 26, at 11am. Visit our website or Facebook page for more details. � Contact us: tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit our website: www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk

Plans to build 260 homes on golf course ‘highly concerning’ A RECENT survey has shown that residents are highly concerned about the impact of building 260 houses on part of Reading Golf Course, writes Charlotte King.

In May, a planning application was submitted to demolish the existing clubhouse and ancillary accommodation and storage at the site.

And it was proposed that a residential area made up of market and social housing, and a new non-residential area, be built on the grounds.

Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East, has since carried out a survey to gather public opinion on the proposed development.

Mr Rodda said, “The survey clearly shows a high level of concern among people living in Caversham and Emmer Green.

“I hope the developers will consider local residents’ views and withdraw the plan.”

So far, more than 1,700 people have completed the online survey.

And initial results suggest that residents are extremely concerned about the plans to build on Reading Golf Course.

But responses from paper surveys circulated

in Caversham have not yet been included in the results.

The survey asks respondents how concerned they are about the impact of the proposed development in terms of increasing traffic, affecting local services, impacting the environment, and causing disruption through building work.

In response to whether they have general concerns about the proposed development as a whole, 81% of respondents so far have said they are very concerned.

Over 80% of people are also very concerned about increased traffic, the impact upon local services, and the impact on the countryside.

Disruption caused by building work is of least concern, according to the survey results, with 58% of respondents very highly concerned about it.

To find out more about the Reading Golf Course planning application, search application number 200713 on the Reading Borough Council Online Planning website. � To fill out the survey, visit: mattroddamp.com/ content/reading-golf-course

Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

INTHECOMMUNITY Easthampstead Rotary Club OVER recent weeks, more than a dozen Easthampstead Rotary volunteers have been helping with a project to feed families in need over this summer holiday period, before our schools start up again in September.

The Box of Hope initiative is run by nationwide charity TLG Transforming Lives for Good, in cooperation with the Kerith Community Church which has hosted the volunteers sourcing, packing and delivering the Boxes of Hope now to scores of families in and around Bracknell – more than 200 hungry mouths to feed.

“WOW— what a week it's been for our Box of Hope team,” said project leader Lynn Davidson, after the first week's operation.

"We have delivered food and family necessities plus selected games and treats to more than 60 families in need of help and support over this summer holiday period."

And she added: “Just last week we reached - 98 adults and 150 children. We've had some wonderful reactions from the families."

Lynn said that typical comments include: “The boxes have been an amazing help to me and my young family. The children really love the games and the little surprises they get. We're so grateful.”

Families were referred to the project by local schools, churches and community groups.

"One Mum" Lynn recalls "had

CLASP Wokingham PEOPLE with learning disabilities who live in Wokingham borough are invited to join in a four-day virtual roadshow, running online later this month.

It is organised by CLASP Wokingham, a charity that seeks to help this community. It has been running twice-weekly Zoom calls, using a secure line, to hold its meetings and between Tuesday, September 22 to Friday, September 25, it will run a series of special events all based on the theme of health.

Debs Morrison, CLASP’s manager, said: “The subject is health and we have some great speakers along with some fun – singing, dancing and a quiz.

“We are blessed to have so many enthusiastic speakers who care passionately about our learning disabilities community.”

The programme opens with a teaser day, which includes a quiz.

Aby Jones from Wokingham Borough Council’s sport and leisure departments will be leading a Dancing to Music exercise session.

On the Wednesday, Gemma White, a public health project officer from Wokingham Borough Council, will talk about the latest guidelines. This will be followed by Shane Venn, a mindful health and wellbeing physical activity coordinator from Wokingham Borough Council. He will speak about staying healthy.

Carol Price, who is a health care assistant from the NHS Learning Disability Community Health Team

been very anxious about where the meals for the next few days would come from. Our Box of Hope arrived at the door the very next morning — she was overwhelmed."

The Easthampstead Rotary volunteers are helping pack the Boxes of Hope. With their 'gettogethers' suspended during Covid-19, members have been donating their time and meal costs to the Bracknell and Wokingham Foodbanks, The Cowshed, and now to the Box of Hope initiative.

Before Covid-19 shutdown, Easthampstead Rotary normally get together most Mondays at The Coppid Beech, and visitors are always welcome. Call Brian on 07720 321 526 for details.

For information on our upcoming events, check out our website www.easthampsteadrotary.org or www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub.

For more information on the TLG Box of Hope initiative, go to: www.tlg.org.uk/more/campaigns/ box-of-hope Peter von Bergen

The Ridgeline Trust A HARVEST celebration will take place online this Sunday.

The Ridgeline Trust helps people with disabilities or facing mental or physical health issues by introducing them to gardening, from its East Reading base.

Usually, it holds a harvest fete, but Covid-19 means that it is going virtual for one year only.

will talk about hospital passports and DNR; and Josh Hancock from Optalis Supported Employment Team will speak on returning to work if you have a learning disability.

There are seven speakers on Thursday, September 24, all looking at different types of transition.

Nakita Baptiste and Amanda Brierley, two social workers at Wokingham Borough Council, talk about their support to people. Then Gail Fletcher will give an update on the council’s autism and learning disability strategy.

Emer Moore from Addington School in Woodley will share insights into how the school prepares students for a life outside of its buildings.

Terri Lazzari, who is the chief executive of Support Horizons, will be sharing experiences of its clients, and Zoran Matric, a community engagement officer at Wokingham Borough Council, will talk about activities in the area.

The final day’s events start with Carol Price, from the NHS’s Learning Disabilities Community Health Team sharing the latest coronavirus updates, coping strategies is the focus for Shannon Wilson’s session.

The town clerk of Wokingham Town Council, Jan Nowecki, will then share insights into the council’s Covid situation.

And, to end on a high note, Sing Healthy Choirs will be on hand to lead a singing session.

For more details, log on to www.wokinghamclasp.org.uk

SOCIETY | 23

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News from your community groups, clubs and societies Send your reports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Wokingham Horticultural Association THE Wokingham Horticultural Association’s Trading Store renovation plans have been given a generous boost through the generosity of Bob Mould, a longserving member of the committee who sadly passed away last month.

Mary Jenno, his widow, and also a long-standing committee member, presented a cheque for £1,000 to Pauline MacBrayne during a ‘tentative steps’ coffee morning held at the Ormonde Road allotment site.

Bob had been a pivotal figure in refurbishing the horticultural store in recent years and would have appreciated the venue, a peaceful garden space claimed back from a neglected area next to the Store.

The aptly named Garden Room has hosted several coffee mornings since mid-July, offering a safe outside venue to members who may just be stepping out of shielding or self-isolation and are

Pauline MacBrayne, Mary Jenno, Janice Morris and Nigel Booth in the Wokingham Horticultural Association’s Garden Room taking tentative steps back into the community.

Jointly funded by Wokingham Town Council and a Tesco Covid grant, the work to develop the space was undertaken by WHA members

who are maintaining the flower beds and pots.

As the usual autumn Show can no longer be held at St Paul’s Parish Church Rooms the Association has arranged for four mini-shows to be held at the

Organisers say it will be an opportunity to enjoy Ridgeline’s gardens while supporting its work.

And there will also be a set from Ridgeline’s resident guitarist, Marc Bartsch.

Other activities will include a plant auction and some shout outs to those watching at home.

It will be streamed from 2pm on Sunday, and can be watched by logging on to Ridgeline Trust’s YouTube channel.

A shortcut to the webpage is: bit.ly/ RidgelineHarvest

Prizes will be drawn on the first Friday of each month.

This month’s jackpot was £110 and goes to membership number 132.

Second place was 23, who has won £55.

Third prize went to number 116, who scooped £27.50.

To join the draws, call 0118 978 7025 or email wade150club@wadecentre.org.uk Sign up forms are also available to download on the Wade website, www.wadecentre.org.uk

WADE 150 Club

AUTISM Berkshire is running free online workshops for parents and carers of autistic children and young people, looking at different aspects of autism.

The workshops are for parents of children with an autism diagnosis and for those whose children are on the Berkshire CAMHS waiting list for an autism assessment.

The topics to be covered are: Thursday, September 10: Understanding More About Autism –

THE first prizes have been drawn in a new fundraising lottery have been drawn.

The Wokingham and Districts Day Centre for the Elderly (WADE) has launched the draw in a bid to replace lost income.

There are still some memberships available, for a donation of £10 per month.

Autism Berkshire

Ormonde Road site on four Sundays throughout September; weather and regulations permitting.

More details can be found on www.w-h-a.org.uk.

Sheila McKeand

10am to 11.30am. Food Refusal in Autistic Children – 1pm to 2.30pm.

Thursday, September 17: Meeting Sensory Needs Part 1 – 10am to 11.30am.

Managing Anger Part 1 – 1pm to 2.30pm.

The second part of both these workshops will take place at the same times on Thursday, September 24.

Autism Berkshire’s chief executive officer, Jane Stanford-Beale, said: “Demand from parents and carers for our autism advice workshops has remained strong throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

“While the format differs from our normal group sessions around the county, the support and advice provided by our family support teams remains the same, providing targeted advice about key issues for families with autistic children.”

More details, visit www. autismberkshire.org.uk/coronavirussupport-from-autism-berkshire, email contact@autismberkshire.org.uk or calling 01189 594 594 (option 1).

24 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

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Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Whodunit? Tune in to Radio Berkshire for new play

W

E MIGHT not be able to go to the theatre at the moment, but a local theatre company has devised a simple way of bringing the stage to our homes.

Rabble – formerly the Reading Between The Lines Theatre Company – has teamed up with BBC Radio Berkshire to stage a new whodunit.

And it will be broadcast daily in fast-moving chunks from Monday, September 21.

Called Who Killed Alfred Oliver? the play is based on an unsolved murder that took place nearly a century ago.

The titular character was a tobacconist who, in 1929, was found bludgeoned to death in his Cross Street store.

On the same day, the star of the box office smash hit The Monster is spotted near the scene…

Could he have killed Alfred Oliver?

This new original play, recorded under Covid-secure conditions, hjas been written by Beth Flintoff and is brought to life by professional actors including the group’s artistic director Toby Davies.

It’s directed by BBC Radio Berkshire’s assistant editor, Duncan McLarty.

Toby said: “We at RABBLE are delighted to be producing work in these difficult times and we’d like to thank our partners at the BBC as well as Arts Council England, Macbeths Chartered Insurance Brokers and The Head Partnership Solicitors for enabling us to continue.

“Long may culture reign in Reading” The show’s executive director, Dani Davies, was proud that the show has been made by local people.

“This is a 100% #MadeInRdg production, which is fantastic,” she said.

“We are also delighted to be producing a play that has absolutely nothing to do with contagious viruses.”

The show will be broadcast daily at 10am, from Monday, September 21 on BBC Radio Berkshire, with an omnibus aired on Sunday, September 27, at the same time.

Kevin Cruise, Basil Brush and Stephen Blakeley at last year’s Theatre Royal Windsor pantomime Aladdin. The trio are reuniting this year for a Covid-safe production of Cinderella

Have a ball with Basil

Here’s something to spread some festive cheer – Cinderella is coming to Windsor this Christmas. PHIL CREIGHTON explains

A

FAIRY GODMOTHER has turned up, with one message to bring some festive cheer this Christmas season: ‘You shall go to the ball’.

The Theatre Royal in Windsor is preparing to stage a pantomime this year – complete with social distancing measures in place.

Cinderella will star Britt Ekland as the Fairy Godmother, while regulars Basil Brush, Kevin Cruise and dame Steven Blakeley will also be reporting for duty.

While most theatres have had to cancel their festive shows, the Theatre Royal Windsor has cracked a formula that allows it to go ahead with Covid-safe measures.

With a reduced capacity in place, there will be an additional week added to the panto programme – curtain up will be from Thursday, November 19. And the show will go on until Sunday, January 10.

The aim is to give as many people as possible the chance to see the show, which will fuse traditional pantomime comedy capers, with a sprinkle of fairy dust, dazzling dancers, colourful costumes and a glittering star cast.

Britt is probably best known for

playing legendary Bond Girl Mary Goodnight in The Man with the Golden Gun alongside Roger Moore. She has also starred in many other iconic movies including The Wicker Man, Get Carter and The Night They Raided Minsky’s amongst others.

On television Britt can be seen as herself in the latest season of BAFTA nominated series The Real Marigold Hotel.

This will be her third panto at the Theatre Royal.

Joining her is children’s favourite Basil Brush, who will play Baron Hardup of Frogmore Hall – echoing his TV Comic strip of the 1970s.

Panto is a favourite time of year for Basil – and he is a firm favourite at Theatre Royal Windsor. He says he is looking forward to causing mayhem wherever he goes and

always an opportunity to include a BOOM! BOOM! Playing the dame, Lavita Hardup, is Steven Blakeley. This is his 12th year at the Theatre Royal, and he can’t complain about the script – he wrote it.

Joining him as Buttons is local comic legend Kevin Cruise (aka Martin Cabble-Reid). The actor recently toured with Basil and is also the founder of the Kevin Cruise Foundation providing theatre tickets and workshops to disadvantaged children within the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

He’s also the founder of Ramble Happy, encouraging fitness through walking, mindfulness and the great outdoors.

Theatre Royal Windsor’s CoDirectors Anne-Marie and Jon Woodley said: “After such a difficult year for all of us, we have been absolutely overwhelmed by the support of our audiences and are thrilled to be able to repay their kindness by finding a way to present our much-loved pantomime.

“It goes without saying, that the safety of our audiences, staff and performers is paramount and we will be following government advice at all Check with times ensuring venues for latest your Covid guidance enjoyment and peace of mind! � For more details, visit: TheatreRoyalWindsor.co.uk

Reading Film Theatre goes online

Pirates still coming

READING FILM THEATRE, which shows a mixture of recently released hit movies and arthouse shows, will not reopen for physical screenings this month.

A statement on its website says that the University of Reading will not allow it to use its venues during the autumn term: the group usually screens films in the Palmer Building.

But with campus limited to core activities as a result of the coronavirus, screenings are on hold.

PLANS for an indoor soft play area in Wokingham have been delayed — but not scrapped.

Pirates Landing, a nautical-themed soft play centre in Camberley had previously announced plans to open a second premises in Elms Field.

The plans have been put on hold due to the pandemic, with an opening date planned for early next year. In a statement, a company spokesperson said:Our focus is getting our Camberley site back up and running and then look at timelines for Wokingham.

“We are sorry to say that we can’t be specific but would like to get up and running early 2021 — that seems a long time away, but it’s just around the corner.”

The decision will be reviewed for next year.

“As you can imagine this is very disappointing for all of us at Reading Film Theatre as well as our friends and supporters. We are greatly missing the big screen experience and the opportunity to celebrate our 50th year with you,” the statement reads.

“We are hopeful that the university will allow us to re-open in Spring 2021.”

However, all is not lost: the cinema is continuing to screen world cinema gems using the internet.

It has recently streamed Papicha, Coup 53 and Socrates, with more being planned.

The group, which is member-led, is asking supporters to buy a Reading Community Lottery ticket, and also to sign up to its newsletter. � For more, visit: readingfilmtheatre.co.uk

LEISURE | 25

26 | LEISURE

Dark nights of the soul

W

E ALL have dark nights of the soul – but what if our tormented alter egos became fact rather than fiction?

That’s the premise for a new play being performed in Bracknell next week.

South Hill Park will be offering a livestream of Blackeyed Theatre’s new take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s dark psychological fantasy, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde.

Set in 19th century London – the days of Jack the Ripper, peasouper fogs and jellied eels – it explores the researches of one Doctor Henry Jekyll.

Successful within his field and respected by his peers, he’s close to a neurological discovery that will change the face of medical science forever.

However, his methods are less than ethical, and when a close friend and colleague threatens to expose and destroy his work, Jekyll is forced to experiment on himself, whereupon something goes very wrong … or very right.

And suddenly Jekyll has a new friend, the brutal Edward Hyde, who unleashes the forces of love, betrayal and murder.

Who will win the ultimate battle of wits?

The play has been adapted by Nick Lane, who was inspired following a car accident left him, at the age of 26, with a permanently damaged his neck and back.

He says that he imagines Jekyll as a physically weakened man who discovers a cure for his ailments, a cure that also unearths the darkest corners of his psyche. It led him to ponder whether, if offered a similar potion, he would drink it.

He says: “In this chaotic period in our history, the arts serve as an oasis of peace and I'm absolutely delighted to be working with Blackeyed again to bring autumn chills down the spines of any audience member with Jekyll and Hyde.

“It's a timeless story that we've put into historical context, adding detail that will intrigue people who know the novel and those coming to it fresh”.

It will be performed live in front of a sociallydistanced audience on Friday, September 18, with live streaming tickets available. It will also be recorded for schools to use. � For more details, log on to southhillpark.org.uk

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 10, 2020

Enjoy a roast dinner without the cooking Roast Wokingham www.facebook.com/ roastbusterswham

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VERYBODY loves a Sunday roast … but not everyone loves the work that goes into it.

So, a new home delivery service will be right up the street for many of us – all the trimmings, some succulent cuts and even the right wines to go with it. All for collection or delivered to your door.

And with all the hard work prepared for you by a chef with Michelin star experience, the only thing you’re left with is full bellies and minimal washing up.

Sorted.

Chris Murray is the genius behind this idea, launching Roast Wokingham during lockdown to enable people to enjoy a high-quality Sunday lunch.

There’s a menu posted weekly on Facebook, simply order in advance and let Chris and his team do the hard work for you.

Options for vegetarians are included and there’s also desserts as well.

Paired with those wines carefully selected by The Tasting Barn from Holme Grange and it’s the perfect way to relax and unwind – a top Sunday, in other words.

Our meal was delivered in a Covidsafe way, bang on the time we’d been advised, perfectly packaged and ready to serve.

Both my husband and son enjoyed roast beef, perhaps the quintessential Sunday favourite. The portions were generous and came with crispy roast potatoes, peas, broccoli, cabbage,

You can’t beat a proper roast on a Sunday – and Roast Wokingham produces meat, veggie and child portions to enjoy carrots, parsnips and cauliflower cheese.

Oh, and a yorkshire pudding. I had heard that Chris was the Yorkie Master and he certainly lived up to his reputation: it has to be one of the most amazing puddings mankind has ever seen or tasted.

A thick and tasty beef gravy comes in a separate container – not everyone likes gravy in the same place and quantity after all.

The Veggie Beef Option is made to a closely guarded secret recipe that Chris has spent time perfecting. Flavoursome and impressive, it includes wheat gluten, tofu, lentils, marmite, thyme, bay, star anise and seasoning.

And my daughter enjoyed a children’s chicken roast. Another generous portion, we had to keep some back for the following day.

Main courses cost £15, or £7 for a children’s portion. There’s also side dishes you can order, including meat £2.50, yorkshire pudding £1.50, cauliflower cheese £2, carrot and swede mash £2.50, pigs in blankets £2.50, extra roasties £1.50 and extra gravy £1. The recommended wine included a Domaine D’Hondrat Cuve Elle et Lui Rose 2019 – £15 per bottle – which had been well chosen.

Roast Wokingham specialises in generous portion sizes and manages that

difficult trick of serving a wide variety of vegetables that have been cooked to perfection; the fresh quality produce is reflective in the taste.

For more details, or to see this week’s menu, visit www.facebook.com/ roastbusterswham � In the last couple of weeks, Chris has launched Bears Burgers and Chicken, which delivers bespoke burgers within a five-mile radius of the RG40 postcode. This service is available noon to 10pm Wednesdays to Saturday.

For more details, visit www.facebook.com/ bearsburgerandchicken CLAIRE WORSFOLD

Rediscover the past as MERL looks to the future

A

NOTHER milestone in the big reopening has taken place: a popular museum is now welcoming visitors with Covid-secure measures in place.

On Tuesday, after almost six months in mothballs, The Museum of English Rural Life (The MERL) once again invited people in to explore our heritage.

The Reading-based centre now operates a booking system so that free entry can be arranged in advance.

This ensures social distancing and limited numbers to ensure safety.

And the coffee shop has seen most seating moved outside, with crop circles for socially distanced picnics now on the lawn.

There will also be plenty of hand sanitiser and a one-way route through the galleries, with contactless payments the new normal.

All of the new measures mean that The MERL has achieved VisitEngland’s ‘Good to Go’ status, meaning that visitors can return with confidence.

While The MERL has been closed, a lively online programme of events has been delivered for audiences both near and far, and visitors have been able to enjoy a virtual visit to the museum.

Over the coming months, this diverse digital programme will continue so The MERL’s offer will be

Sharon Davey and Angela Brown are ready to welcome people back to the Museum of English Rural Life in neighbouring Reading Picture: MERL/ University of Reading accessible to everyone, and face-to-face events will resume later in the year.

Kate Arnold-Forster, director of The MERL and Head of the University of Reading’s Museums and Special Collections, said: “Throughout this extraordinarily difficult year and The MERL’s closure, we have focused on the many different ways in which we have been able to support and entertain our (digital) visitors and audience.

“All of us at The MERL have missed our visitors hugely.

“We are all incredibly excited to welcome people back to the museum and to return to being part of the wonderful cultural life of the town.

“We've had to rearrange things slightly, but the warm and friendly welcome and wonderful visitor experience will still be just the same.” � For more details, log on to merl.reading.ac.uk

wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

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ART of the fun of Top of the Pops was discovering bands you’d never heard of before. And that’s exactly what we’re doing with Wokingham Loves Music.

Each week, Chris Hillman from White Star Records curates our 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 Reliant – Antisocial The new single from this Wokingham four-piece is an exciting and uplifting indie poppunk anthem that the band describe as an unconventional love song. It was recorded at Pyramid Studios in Reading and it has been gaining radio play in Germany, Australia, Canada and of course, here in the UK. The band are due to play live at The Underbelly in Hoxton, London on October 17, lockdown permitting. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for them — www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant The Gaslights – The Ocean Here’s another up-and-coming indie band who describe themselves as loosely inspired by the 80’s with melodic guitars and catchy lyrics that will get you dancing. This Aldershot based six-piece certainly showed that when they came to Wokingham last year and performed an impressive set. This new single is a more atmospheric piece that showcases the mellow side of their songwriting and performance in fine style — www.facebook.com/gaslightsuk The Room – Bodies on the Road Local melodic rock band, The Room, with the new single from their critically acclaimed Caught by the Machine album — theroom.band Wishbone Ash – Blind Eye A video of this track being performed live at last year’s Wokingham Festival by Martin Turner ExWishbone Ash was recently released — www.martinturnermusic.com Wille and the Bandits – Find My Way Here’s a dynamic four-piece band with a powerful immense sound who were due to headline this year’s cancelled Wokingham Festival — www.willeandthebandits.com Warmrain – Here Comes The Rain Again This band, also due to play at the festival, whose Back Above the Clouds album features this beautiful cover of the Eurythmics classic as you’ve never heard it before — warmrainband.com Fred’s House – Walls And Ceilings From their self-titled EP here’s an excellent live band with gorgeous vocal harmonies and very good musicianship, who were due to be at Wokingham Festival this year — Fredshousemusic.co.uk/ Cafe Chaos – Seventh Heaven Another from the festival. The band are a group of excellent musicians from Henley who describe themselves as a progressive rock/fusion band, with a track from their debut album‘Shifting Sands cafechaos.net Flutatious – Wendel the Witch Festival faves who 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 This track is from Jacqueline’s latest album, A Prayer for the Birds which was released by Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records www.facebook.com/crystaljacquelinemusic

LIFE | 27

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Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Meal plan your week and bring it in on budget

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ESEARCH by supermarket Aldi has revealed that more than a third (35%) of families are adopting meal planning now that children are returning to school and with a seven-day meal plan from Aldi, this will be easier than ever.

The supermarket chain says that its recipe ingredients can be bought for just £51.40.

Spanish Chicken Thighs Cost per serving: £1.18 � 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil � 1kg pack fresh Chicken Thighs � 400g tin Chopped Tomatoes � 1 tsp Garlic Granules � 1 small handful of fresh Basil � 2 tsp Paprika � 300g Rice � 350g Cherry Tomatoes � 8 Black Olives � 1 Red Pepper, sliced � 1 squeeze of fresh Lemon Juice � 1 tsp Dried Parsley � Freshly Ground Salt & Black Pepper Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4.

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a frying pan and brown the chicken on all sides. Drain and place in an ovenproof dish.

Fry the pepper until lightly coloured.

Add into the dish with the chicken. Add the garlic, a handful of basil, paprika and tinned chopped tomatoes to a pan. Heat gently for 3-4 minutes.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and bake for around 35-40 minutes.

Cook the rice as per instructions, then drain. While the rice is cooking, prepare the salad by halving the cherry tomatoes and olives. Mix the two ingredients together.

To make the salad dressing, whisk together 1 tbsp of oil, lemon juice and parsley.

Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and piping hot throughout.

Serve the Spanish chicken with the rice and salad and top with the dressing.

Turkey Mince Enchiladas Cost per serving: £1.75 � 500g pack British Turkey Mince � 2 Peppers � 200g Mushrooms � 1 tsp Paprika � 1 tsp crushed Chillies � 2 small handfuls of fresh Basil � 400g Multipack dips Tex Mex selection � 200g Mature Cheddar, grated � 1 x pack 8 Tortilla Wraps � A little Olive Oil � Salt and Black Pepper Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/Gas Mark 4.

Chop the peppers finely, discarding any white pith or seeds. Wipe the mushrooms then chop finely.

Fry the mince in a large frying pan or wok, in a little oil until sealed, breaking up the mince with a wooden spoon as you cook. Add the chopped peppers, mushrooms, crushed chillies, paprika and basil and cook for a few minutes.

Add the salsa from the Tex Mex Selection then season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring for a few more minutes. Ensure product is thoroughly

Turkey Mince Enchiladas cost £1.75 per serving and will be a hit with the family cooked and piping hot throughout.

Put the tortilla wraps out flat, divide the mixture between them, putting it in the centre of the wraps.

Put a teaspoon of sour cream from the Tex Mex Selection on the top then add a handful of grated cheese.

Fold the wraps into parcels then put them on a baking tray and bake in the oven for 15 minutes.

Sprinkle with a small handful of basil over the enchiladas and serve.

Chickpea and Pepper Curry Cost per serving: £0.95 � 400g can Chickpeas � 1 Pepper, sliced � 2 Red Onions � 2 cloves Garlic � 20g piece of fresh Ginger, peeled � 25ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil � 500g Greek Yogurt � 1 tsp Ground Cumin � 1 heaped tsp Paprika � 4 Spring Onions � 2 heaped tsp Curry Powder � 1 Lime, juiced � 200g Rice Peel, halve and slice three quarters of the onions thinly. Sauté, along with the pepper, in a large frying pan or wok in the oil for 5 minutes on a low heat.

Peel the garlic and mince, then finely chop 15g of the ginger. Add these to the pan, along with the paprika, curry powder and cumin. Cook for a minute on a low heat, stirring as you cook.

Add the yogurt, lime juice and drained chickpeas, heat through for 15 minutes.

Cook the rice. Thinly slice the remaining 10g ginger and four onions.

Serve the curry and rice with remaining red onion, ginger and spring onions.

Chicken and Tomato Pasta Bake Cost per serving: £1.60 � 650g pack Chicken Breast Fillets � 300g Fusilli Pasta

� 1 Red Onion � 1 6 pack Tomatoes � 500g Passata � 300ml Crème Fraîche � 1 Lemon, juiced � 2 small handfuls of fresh Basil, chopped � 2 tsp Paprika � 100g Cheddar Cheese, grated � 40ml Olive Oil � Black Pepper Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6.

Cook the pasta as per instructions on the pack. Meanwhile, peel and chop the onion finely. Chop the tomatoes into small chunks. Cut the chicken fillets into bite-sized pieces.

In a large frying pan, sauté the onions and the chicken in the olive oil until just slightly brown.

In a large bowl, mix the crème fraîche, passata, lemon juice, 1 small handful of chopped fresh basil and paprika, then season with plenty of black pepper, mixing well.

Add the cooked chicken and onion into the mixing bowl, along with the other ingredients and mix well.

Pour into an ovenproof dish, sprinkle over the grated cheese and bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

Ensure the dish is thoroughly cooked and piping hot throughout before serving.

Baked Sausages and Sweet Potato Mash Cost per serving: £1.68 � 2 400g packs Caramelised Onion Sausages � 1kg Sweet Potatoes � 1 head of Broccoli � 80g Butter � 15ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil � A little Milk � 300g Gravy Granules � Salt Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/Gas Mark 6.

Put the sausages in a roasting dish and add 15ml olive oil, then cook for 40 minutes. Meanwhile, peel the sweet potatoes, cut into large chunks and boil for 20 minutes, until tender, in some

lightly salted water. Drain the liquid from the sweet potatoes and mash them, along with the butter and a little milk.

Cut the broccoli into florets and cook in boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain any excess oil from the sausages. Boil some water to make the gravy.

Ensure sausages are thoroughly cooked and piping hot throughout.

Serve the sausages alongside the sweet potato mash and broccoli, then cover with gravy.

Homemade Fish & Chips Cost per serving: £1.74 � 2 packs 250g Cod Loin Fillets � 2 tbsp Plain Flour � 4 slices of White Bread � 2 Eggs, beaten � 4 Maris Piper Potatoes (around 600g) � 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil � 250g Garden Peas � Juice of ½ a Lemon � Salt & Pepper Heat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas Mark 6. Slice the potatoes into chips, then boil for 5 minutes. Drain the water from the pan and leave the potatoes to cool. Once cool, place on a baking tray and coat with the olive oil.

Toast 4 slices of bread. Once toasted, grate the slices into a bowl using a cheese grater. Season the flour with a dash of salt and pepper, then roll the cod fillets in the flour until covered. Pat off any excess.

Dip the cod fillets into the beaten eggs, ensuring to coat evenly.

Place the fillets into the breadcrumbs and lightly toss so that they become totally covered. Lift out gently and then place onto a lightly oiled baking tray.

Bake both the cod and the chips in the oven for 25 minutes, until the fish is cooked and the chips are lightly browned. Boil the garden peas for 3 minutes.

Plate the breaded fish fillets alongside the chips and peas, with a squeeze of lemon and dash of pepper to serve.

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (HOGMOOR LANE, HURST) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (PART LANE, SWALLOWFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 3rd September 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 3rd September 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

Hogmoor Lane, Hurst between its junctions with A321 Broadwater Lane and Poplar Lane.

Part Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Church Road and School Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Poplar Lane, Hinton Road and A321 Broadwater Lane or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Trowes Lane, The Street and Church Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 16th September and 17th September 2020 between 09:30 and 15:30.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th September and 21st September 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake Openreach cabling work in safety.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake BDUK Superfast Broadband work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

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 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 16th September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 18th September 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 10th September 2020

Dated this 10th September 2020

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert Description

202009

Land Adjacent To Yewcroft, The Bothy, Wargrave Hill, Wargrave

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed subdivision of the site and erection of a 3 no. bedroom detached dwelling with associated parking and access, following demolition of existing 4 no. outbuildings.

202103

Land At Maidenhead Road, Wokingham

Major Application

Full planning application for the change of use of land from agriculture to the keeping of horses, plus erection of a hay barn and stable building.

202203

Bird Place, Henley Bridge, Henley On Thames

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Application for Listed Building consent for proposed demolition of the existing coach house following partial collapse of the building

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 1st October 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: 10th September 2020

Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks Reach local people We cover the whole of Wokingham borough

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (EDNEY’S HILL, BARKHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A3032 OLD BATH ROAD, TWYFORD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 3rd September 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 3rd September 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

1. Edney’s Hill, Barkham between its junctions with Barkham Road and Edney’s Hill, Wokingham.

1. A3032 High Street Twyford between its junctions with A3032 Old Bath Road and A321 Wargrave Road.

2. Edney’s Hill, Wokingham between its junctions with Edney’s Hill, Barkham and Nash Grove Lane.

2. A3032 Old Bath Road, Twyford between its junctions with A3032 High Street and A4 New Bath Road

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by these restrictions shall be via Edney’s Hill, Evendons Lane, Blagrove Lane, Doles Lane and Barkham Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 New Bath Road and A321 Wargrave Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th September 2020 and 17th September 2020 between 20:00 and 06:00.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 14th September and 9th October 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake a new customer connection works in safety.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake materials delivery and bridge strengthening work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

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 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 15th September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 14th September 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 10th September 2020

Dated this 10th September 2020

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 as amended Notice pursuant to Article 4 of the confirmation of an Article 4(1) (Direction with immediate effect) relating to Land South of Whistley Bridge, Whistley, Mill Lane, Hurst RG10 and North of Public Footpath 30 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL made an Article 4 Direction with immediate effect on 19 March 2020 under Article 4(1) of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) (the Order). The Direction relates to: Development comprising any building operation consisting of the erection, construction, maintenance, improvement or alteration of a gate, fence, wall or other means of enclosure being development comprised within Class A of Part 2 of Schedule 2 and any building operation consisting of the provision on land of buildings, moveable structures, works, plant or machinery required temporarily in connection with and for the duration of operations being or to be carried out on, in, under or over that land or on land adjoining that land being development comprised within Class A of Part 4 of Schedule 2 to the said Order.

The Direction removed permitted development rights for the type of development referred to above. The Direction had immediate effect from 19 March 2020 and was due to expire on 18 September 2020 unless confirmed before expiry.

This Notice confirms that the Council consulted on the Article 4 Direction from 19 March 2020 until 9 April 2020 and has now considered representations received during this period. The Council confirmed the Direction on 3 September 2020 therefore it will remain in force permanently after 3 September 2020 (unless cancelled).

Planning permission on an application made to the Council under Part III of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 will therefore continue to be required for development referred to in the second paragraph of this notice on over or under the Land South of Whistley Bridge, Whistley, Mill Lane, Hurst RG10 And North of Public Footpath 30 shown edged in red on the plan attached to the confirmed direction.

A copy of the confirmed Direction, including a plan can be viewed on the Council’s website at https:// www.wokingham.gov.uk/planning-policy/planningpolicy- information/local-plan-and-planning-policies/ Chris Traill Director of Customer and Localities Dated 10th September 2020

Thursday, September 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SPORT| 31

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3016 FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD, B3430 NINE MILE RIDE AND WINDSOR RIDE, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 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: 1. B3016 Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Barkham Ride and B3430 Nine Mile Ride; The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3430 Nine Mile Ride, A321 Sandhurst Road and B3016 Finchampstead Road, or by this route in reverse.

2. B3016 Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3430 Nine Mile Ride and Warren Road; The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 Jubilee Road, B3348 The Village, B3348 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road, Biggs Lane, Park Lane and Nine Mile Ride, or by this route in reverse.

3. B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions B3016 Finchampstead Road and Manor Park Ride; Works requiring this restriction shall take place between 28th September and 3rd October 2020, between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3106 Finchampstead Road, B3348 Jubilee Road, B3348 The Village, B3348 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road, Biggs Lane and Park Lane, or by this route in reverse.

4. B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3106 Finchampstead Road and Kiln Ride.

Works requiring this restriction shall take place between 5th and 10th October 2020, between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3016 Finchampstead Road, A321 Sandhurst Road and B3430 Nine Mile Ride (eastern section), or by this route in reverse.

5. Windsor Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3106 Finchampstead Road and Summit Close.

Works requiring this restriction shall take place between 5th and 12th October 2020 between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3016 Finchampstead Road and Pine Drive, or by this route in reverse.

The reason for these prohibitions is enable Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake detailed surveys and highway improvement works in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 28th September 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 10th September 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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ROYALS SHOT DOWN BY GUNNERS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING WOMEN fell to defeat on the opening day of the 2020/21 Women's Super League season to Arsenal as Jill Roord netted a hat-trick in a six goal thrashing.

Arsenal's captain Kim Little gave them the lead in the 15th minute before Roord and Vivianne Meidema scored to give the Gunners a 3-0 lead going into half time. Roord added two more to claim her treble while Meidema scored a magnificent goal.

The hosts put the pressure on early and forced a chance after three minutes when Beth Mead brought the ball down well with a cushioned touch to tee up Jill Roord who dragged a first timed shot just wide of the post to give Reading an early warning sign.

Reading debutantes Carter and Fishlock linked up swiftly as the latter drifted through the midfield after a clever nutmeg but the attack was broken up with the Royals in a good position.

The Gunners made their dominance count when they

took the lead in the 15th minute.

Leah Williamson strode through the midfield and floated an inviting ball into the box which found Arsenal skipper Kim Little who found the bottom corner with a beautifully controlled volley.

The persistence paid off for Joe Montemurro's side as Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute through Vivianne Miedema.

Jordan Nobbs squared the ball to the Dutch striker who opened her account for the season after she took a touch to take the ball around goalkeeper Grace Moloney and finished into the empty net.

Moloney then had to make a brilliant one-on-one save from last season's top scorer Miedema as she looked to dink the ball over the Royals goalkeeper who stood up tall to prevent her.

But Arsenal did make it three before the half-time break as they continued their clinical streak. Mead sped down the right touchline before squaring the ball to Roord who took a touch into the box before tucking the ball into the bottom

corner with a neat finish.

After a disappointing firsthalf, Kelly Chambers made two changes going into the second half as Lauren Bruton and Rachel Rowe replaced Fara Williams and Kristine Leine.

And substitute Rowe had Reading's first half chance as she lashed a 30-yard effort at goal which sailed over the bar.

Mololney had to make another superb stop to thwart Miedema who looked almost certain to double her personal tally had it not been for a spectacular diving save from the keeper.

Fishlock was then shown a yellow card as she pulled back Roord's shirt as she looked to burst through on goal.

Arsenal added a fourth in the 63rd minute as Roord played the ball to Little with a first timed pass and was returned the favour as Little found the Dutch midfielder to give her a simple tap in.

After a few wasted chances , the Gunners did eventually add a fifth goal with the pick of the bunch from Miedema. She received the ball 20 yards from goal

and blasted it past Moloney off the underside of the bar.

Miedema was instrumental again as she held the ball up and showed superb footwork before she laid the ball off and Roord was found in the middle for another tap in as she claimed her hat-trick to seal a brilliant team goal.

Carter almost found a consolation goal against her former club as her low drive from 20 yards smacked off the post, but moments later she did find a goal as goalkeeper Zinsberger was caught in possession as Carter slid in and found the net.

GOALS: Little 15', Miedema 33', 79', Roord 40', 63', 80', Carter 88' ARSENAL: Zinsberger, Maritz, Williamson, Schnaderbeck, Catley, Roord, Walti, Nobbs, Little, Mead, Miedema SUBS: van de Donk, Evans, Maier, Gut, Stenson, Foord, Mace READING: Moloney, James, Mitchell, Leine, Bartrip, Fishlock, Williams, Cooper, Carter, Harding, Eikeland SUBS: Jeon, Bruton, Nayler, Rowe, Woodham, Skeels, Roberts, Quirk, Harries.

HELEN SETS SIGHTS ON TRANSPLANT GAMES HELEN Wilson is aiming to compete for Team Great Britain again after this year’s British Transplant Games were cancelled.

Organ Donation Awareness Week, which runs from 7-13 September highlights the importance of organ donation and encourages people to share their organ wishes and help save lives.

Helen has competed at the transplant games for the last five years after having two transplants.

She said: “I am only here today thanks to having been lucky enough to receive transplants.

I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2000 and was lucky to receive a new kidney in February 2007 from my amazing brother, Steve.

“He totally gave me my life back, however, a few years later, I was

diagnosed with polycystic liver disease and once again became very ill.

“I was lucky again, thanks to the courage of an amazing donor family, and received a new liver in December 2013.”

Helen has been given the opportunity to try out several new sports, including archery, in which she has pursued a keen interest which led her to become a member of Crowthorne Archers where she is coached

by Nick Lee. “In the years leading up to both my transplants, I was not living, more like existing, and my health was desperate,” continued Helen.

“Now things are totally different.

“Unfortunately, it was cancelled this year due to Covid-19, but it will be back again next year.

“The World Games which were due to

take place in Houston in May 2021 have also been cancelled but I am not giving up hope of being able to represent my country again.

“I’ve met the most amazing people including other transplant recipients and donor family members who are the most generous and brave people I have ever met.

“I tried archery thanks to The Games and I have also tried 100m, 200m, long jump, shot put, discuss and javelin and train at Bracknell Athletics Club.

“I had not done any of these events before my second transplant and have medalled in all of them at The Games and I’m really proud of that.”

Helen had the honour of representing her country at the World Transplant Games in 2019 and is pushing to do the same again.

“Teams from about 57 countries were taking part and it was the most incredible experience – especially as I came back with silver in discus and bronze in shot put.

“Was it not for organ donation and transplantation, I would not still be alive – it is as simple

as that.

“My next goals are The Westfield Health British Transplant Games 2021 which will be in Leeds from 5-8 August, to hit the qualifying distances in discus, shot and javelin and be selected for Team GB&NI again for The World Games in 2023.”

32 | SPORT

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HAT-TRICK HERO: JOAO FIRES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk A HAT-TRICK from Lucas Joao helped Reading to book their place in the second-round of the EFL Cup as they came from behind to beat Colchester United.

The visitors Colchester went ahead after a superb back-heel flick from Jevani Brown before Joao levelled a minute before half-time. He added two more in the second half to cap a superb afternoon for the Portuguese striker.

After a turbulent few weeks which saw manager Mark Bowen replaced by Veljko Paunović, Reading were led out

by Eddie Niedzwiecki as their new boss was in quarantine.

Three players received their Reading debuts, with academy products Luke Southwood and Ethan Bristow in the starting line-up, while new signing Josh Laurent was picked in midfield.

It was the visitors who had as Michael Morrison had to get across the box to put the ball out for a corner to extinguish the danger from a low cross.

Liam Moore then got in the way of former Royal Callum Harriott's powerful effort to prevent a first shot on target of the game.

Harriott looked to cause problems against his former side and Southwood stayed alert to make a fine reaction save after Harriott's cross deflected off Morrison and almost found its way into the net.

Reading then had their first shot at goal as Moore's long diagonal ball was taken down and found Sam Baldock who worked space for a low drive which was held by Gerken.

Michael Olise looked to find an opening as his clipped ball searched for the run of Lucas Joao who was just beaten by the run of the ball as it ran on

through to the U's goalkeeper.

On 35 minutes, Joao strode forward dangerously and tried to slip a through ball to McNulty to put him through on goal, but he was caught by the offside trap after a well held line from Colchester.

Just two minutes later, Colchester took a deserved lead through Jevani Brown. Cohen Bramall broke down the leftwing and fired a cross into the box which was met at the front post by Brown who audaciously beat Southwood with a back heel flick to open the scoring.

The Royals found a lifeline as Joao equalised on the stroke of half time. Felipe Araruna's cross was met by the Portuguese forward who climbed highest and powerfully headed the ball down into the bottom right corner.

The hosts made one change before the start of the second half as Andy Rinomhota replaced McNulty.

Laurent squandered two brilliant chances to mark his debut with a goal early in the second half. Olise's corner found him unmarked at the back post but he fired a volley over the bar from close range, before he blazed another shot high over the target just minutes later.

Reading took the lead in the 58th minute as Joao found his second of the match. Olise found the forward who finished past Gerken to put the Royals in front.

Joao then bagged his hattrick in the 75th minute. With his back to goal in the box, the forward showed his immense strength and clever footwork as he spun his marker before lashing the ball past the keeper to claim his treble.

Joao's fine afternoon was ended 10 minutes before time as he was replaced by Nahum Melvin-Lambert who came on

Sone Aluko charges towards the Colchester box

Lucas Joao netted his first treble in a Royals shirt to set up a second round tie at home to Luton Town in the EFL Cup Pictures: Steve Smyth

to make his debut.

Reading should have made it four in the 88th minute when Melvin-Lambert was put through one-on-one with the keeper who made a terrific save to prevent the youngster from getting a debut goal.

After a much better showing in the second half which saw the Royals dominate against their lower league opposition, Reading sailed through to the next round of the EFL Cup as

they began their season with victory.

The Royals begin their Championship campaign for the new season away at Derby County on Saturday.

Hat-trick hero Joao said: “It was an amazing feeling to be out there. The team helped me to score the hat-trick, without them it’s impossible.

“The time I spent off was very important to allow me to come and do what I did today

Andy Rinomhota (left) and Omar Richards (right) compete in the midfield

“I am back on the pitch to do what I want to do, what I love to do. I hope that I can help the team as much as I can “This is a club with a great academy. The young players need to feel like they can play in our team, because they work with us every day. As soon as they get the chance, they need to do what they did today.

“On the pitch, we didn’t feel like they were young players, it felt like we were all together.

READING: Southwood, Araruna, Bristow, Moore, Morrison, Laurent, Olise, Aluko, McNulty, Baldock, Joao.

SUBS: Andresson Richards, Rinomhota, Tetek, Samuels, Abbey, MelvinLambert COLCHESTER: Gerken, Bramall, Smith, Pell, Brown, Harriott, Chilvers, Scarlett, Eastman, Poku, Stevenson SUBS: George, Welch-Hayes, Sowunmi, Senior, McLeod, Hutchinson, Marshall-Miranda GOALS: Brown 37, Joao 45', 56', 75'

Michael Morrison competes in the air

SPORT | 33

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ROYALS THROUGH

PAUNOVIĆ: ‘WE HAVE MANY CHALLENGES AHEAD’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE ROYALS kick off their 2020/21 Championship campaign on Saturday with a trip to Derby County under new manager Veljko Paunović.

The late change in management sees the Serbian take the place of former manager Mark Bowen who led the Royals to a 14th place finish in the Championship last season after replacing Jose Gomes in October 2019.

Paunović’s first taste of management in England comes as he leads his Reading side to Pride Park to take on Derby, who finished the 2019/20 season in 10th position under manager Phillip Cocu.

The Rams earned a 2-1 win over the Royals when the sides met in June at Pride Park after a quickfire double from Tom

Lawrence and Wayne Rooney.

However, Bowen’s side were the victors when the teams faced off in December 2019 at the Madejski Stadium as goals from Charlie Adam, Lucas Joao and Yakou Meite led the Royals to a comfortable win after the Rams were reduced to 10 players early in the contest.

New signings Josh Laurent and Ovie Ejaria, who signed on a permanent deal from Liverpool, are expected to be in contention to start on Saturday. Meanwhile, forward Lucas Joao and defender Andy Yiadom, who missed much of the conclusion of last season, are also back to full fitness.

Ahead of his first game as Royals manager, Paunović said: “I was delighted at the possibility of coming to work in England and in the Championship with Reading from the very moment

I heard it.

“It’s something which has been on my list of career goals for a long time and this is a step that I believe is one of the most important in my career so far.

“We start the season in unprecedented times and we have many challenges ahead, but I’m eager and ready for the challenge.

Reading’s Serbian manager is excited at the prospect of a challenging season in the Championship as he prepares for his managerial debut in England.

He continued: “It’s very competitive. It’s demanding.

It’s intense. Everything that is important for me. It matches my characteristics as a person and as a coach.

“That is the only way to reach our goals, meet the demands of the game and the expectations of our fans.

“Our fans deserve to see that on the field, a team where everyone is on the same page, everyone wants to win, nobody gives up and every individual gives their best.

“I’m very happy to see people here very enthusiastic about the continuation of the long history of our club “That is another ingredient to my philosophy, my way of doing things, tradition is very important.

“I want to mix with our fans, get a sense of their expectations and enthusiasm within our club.

“As soon as we have our fans back in the stadium, that is going to be a big boost for our team.

“We have to connect with our fans, our people “And I want our fans t know we need them ,we need their love and support.”

Player ratings: How the Royals performed LUKE SOUTHWOOD 7: A solid showing on his Royals debut.

Made a superb reaction save to keep out what would have been an unfortunate Michael Morrison own goal. Made a few comfortable saves and couldn’t have done anything to prevent Colchester’s opener FELIPE ARARUNA 7: Got forward a fair amount to offer support from right-back and got an assist for the equaliser with an inviting cross which was converted by Lucas Joao.

MICHAEL MORRISON 6: Put in some vital blocks and looked to start attacks from the back by trying to pick out the forwards from deep. Was caught out of position for Colchester’s opener.

LIAM MOORE 6: Likewise to Morrison, the skipper put in plenty of important tackles and one brilliant block in particular in the first half as former Royal Callum Harriott looked poised to get a shot on target.

ETHAN BRISTOW 6: Another debutant in the Royals line-up.

Looked suspect on a couple of occasions early in the match but grew into the game and put in a decent display at leftback.

JOSH LAURENT 7: Looks to be an astute signing if the early signs are anything to go by. Provided plenty of industry in the middle of the park and improved throughout the second half when he was joined in the middle by Andy Rinomhota.

MICHAEL OLISE 8: Showed his impressive foot work on several occasions and was

always willing to take defenders on. Expect this to be a breakthrough season from a young player with plenty of talent.

SONE ALUKO 4: A quiet display from a man who has been on the periphery at Reading for the last couple of seasons.

Switched from being played centrally to the left-wing in the second half but struggled to mark his stamp on the game.

MARC MCNULTY 4: Another player who hasn’t featured much since signing for the Royals but may get his chance of redemption under a new boss. He will have to do much more to force his way into the side. Taken off at half-time after struggling to make an impact.

SAM BALDOCK 5: Looked to make runs behind the Colchester defence but looked a yard off the pace and was left frustrated on more than one occasion after losing the ball.

LUCAS JOAO 10: Header. Left foot. Right foot. Joao took the matchball after his stunning display fired Reading through to the next round. Will be vitally important this season if they can keep him fit and firing.

Subs: ANDY RINOMHOTA 7: Gave the Royals much more control in the midfield after coming on as a half-time sub and provided a better balance to the team.

MELVIN-LAMBERT 5: Replaced the hat-trick hero and should have got himself on the scoresheet but the keeper won the battle of wits from a oneon-one and made a smart save.

Michael Olise conducting play in the midfield

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Theale & Tilehurst 3s (1101) beat Finchampstead 5s (109-9)

CRICKET Championship West Reading (198-1) beat Shinfield (194 all out)

Thames Valley Division 9a Sonning 3s (294-5) beat Yateley 2s (135 all out)

Home Counties Premier League Burnham (196-7) beat Finchampstead (194 all out) Datchet (121 all out) lost to Wokingham (122-4) Chilterns Division 1 Harpsden 2s (39 all out) lot to Emmbrook and Bearwood (41-0) Chilterns Division 2 Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (202 all out) beat The Lee 2s (145 all out) Thames Valley Division 2b Binfield (168 all out) lost to Eversley (171-5) Finchampstead 2s (186-7) beat Bagshot (185-9) Hurst (112 all out) lost to Reading (232-7) Wokingham 2s (183 all out) lost to Kidmore End (184-7) Thames Valley Division 3a Sonning (170-5) beat Boyne Hill 2s (164-9) White Waltham (228-3) lost to Finchampstead 3s (229-2) Thames Valley Division 4a Bagshot 2s (158-9) lost to Wargrave 2s (295-4) Eversley 2s (142 all out) lost to Theale & Tilehurst (204-9) Purley-on-Thames (177-7) beat Wokingham 3s (146 all out) Thames Valley Division 6b Aldershot 2s (171 all out) lost to Sonning 2s (2107) Theale & Tilehurst 2s (184 all out) beat Hurst 2s (57 all out) Wargrave 3s (175-8) lost to Sulhamstead & Ufton 2s (199-8) Yateley (172-5) beat White Waltham 2s (170 all out) Thames Valley Division 7a Bradfield 2s (113-8) lost to Eversley 3s (150-8) Finchampstead 4s (304-3) beat Maidenhead & Bray 3s (130-9) Wokingham 4s (110 all out) beat Binfield 3s (107 all out) Thames Valley Division 8a Eversley 4s (164 all out) lost to Bagshot 3s (181-8) Newbury 2s (92 all out) lost to Wokingham 5s (1328) Thatcham Town 3s (167-7) lost to Wargrave 4s (168-5)

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COMBINED COUNTIES DIVISION ONE

BOARS DENIED IN TALE OF LATE GOALS

FOOTBALL EFL Cup first-round Reading 3-1 Colchester United Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 1-1 FC Deportivo Galicia FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Arsenal 6-1 Reading Women

FIXTURES Saturday, September 12 CRICKET (1pm unless stated) Chilterns Division One Little Marlow v Emmbrook and Bearwood Chilterns Division Two Emmbrook & Bearwood v Little Marlow 2s Thames Valley Division 2b Bagshot v Binfield Eversley v Hurst Wokingham 2s v Finchampstead 2s Thames Valley Division 3a Aldershot v White Waltham Finchampstead 3s v Royal Ascot Sonning v Sulhamstead & Ufton Thames Valley Division 4a Maidenhead & Bray 2s v Wargrave 2s Newbury v Eversley 2s Wokingham 3s v Reading 2s Thames Valley Division 5b Binfield 2s v Boyne Hill 3s Thames Valley Division 6b Hurst 2s v Yateley Sulhamstead & Ufton 2s v Sonning 2s Wargrave 3s v Falkland 3s White Waltham 2s v Aldershot 2s FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Derby County v Reading

Lewis Robson scored to give Eversley a late lead but they were pegged back by an even later equaliser in their league opener Pictures: Richard Milam

Eversley & California 1 FC Deportivo Galicia 1 EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were denied the perfect start to their league campaign by a last ditch equaliser from FC Deportivo Galicia in the Combined counties Division One curtain raiser.

In a cagey first-half, Eversley forged their first good chance after 25 minutes as Ross Mckernan found Cam Edwin in the middle but he was denied by a fine save from the opposition goalkeeper.

Eversley keeper Liam Vaughan then made a two superb saves of his own to ensure that the scores would be level at the break as he flew to his right to keep the ball out, before he made another vital stop on the stroke of half-time.

Eversley had another good chance on the hour mark after Ellis

Wint did well on the right wing to work some space before King fired his effort just wide.

Both sides pushed hard to find an opener but Vaughan was determined to keep a clean sheet as he made another stunning save from close range to keep Deportivo out.

With just five minutes left in the contest Eversley found the breakthrough. Cam Blackie fought to win possession before he played Ali Dickie who then unselfishly played it to Lewis Robson who applied the finishing touch.

The hosts thought they had done enough to take the win from their opening game of the season but they were cruelly denied victory as the visitors found the latest of equalisers as they ensured that the points would be shared

in the 93rd minute.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA: Vaughan, Mckernan, Pantony, Allston, Ambler, Small, Smith, Dickie (c), Wint, Edwin, L Robson.

SUBS: C Robson, Blackie, Moriarty, Knight, Appleton

Cove FC 2 Eversley & California 1 In their first away fixture of the league season, the Boars suffered their first defeat of the campaign against Cove.

Eversley fell victim to a well worked counter attack which saw Cove break the deadlock in the 18th minute.

Eversley missed a big chance to level the game when Joe Pantony’s

strike cannoned off the post, but the Boars made up for it just moments after with an equaliser.

Cam Edwin opened his account for the season as he got on the end of Harry Stephenson’s low cross.

After a promsiing spell which saw chances missed by Eversley, they were caught out by a long ball as Cove retook the lead in the 64th minute.

And that goal proved to be decisive as the Boars couldn’t penetrate the Cove defence for a second time as they slipped to defeat.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA: Vaughan, Stephenson, Moriarty, Allston, Ambler, Pantony, Dickie, Wint, Smith, Robson, Edwin.

SUBS: C Robson, Appleton, Marsh, Di Lullo, Knight

Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v Bedfont & Feltham FA Cup Binfield v AFC Totton Hellenic Division One East AFC Aldermaston v Sumas Abingdon Town v Woodley United

Sunday, September 13 FA Women’s Super League Reading Women v Aston Villa Women (2pm)

Robson takes a strike at goal

Josh Smith wins back possession for Eversley with a sliding challenge

Connor Allston competes against a Deportivo player to win the ball

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FA WOMEN’S CUP EXTRA PRELIMINARY ROUND

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

LAMBOURNE TREBLE SEES KESTRELS PROGRESS

SUMAS SINK SIX PAST BERKS COUNTY

WOODLEY United Ladies progressed in the FA Women’s cup following a comfortable victory against neighbours Wargrave in a match that saw some quality goals scored.

United started strongly with Holly Wilkins and Molly Lambourne seeing efforts go wide before Wargrave opened the scoring with their first goal attempt against the run of play in the thirteenth minute.

With Woodley looking for a free kick following a challenge in the centre circle, play continued to Wargrave’s right wing where a cross was met and fired into the top right hand corner of Nicole Haines’

goal from twenty yards.

74th minute when she reacted first to Nicole Haines’ clearance but her shot was cleared off the goal line.

A minute later Woodley scored as Lambourne beat the Wargrave keeper to a Becca Gooch cross.

Hamblin was again denied with another goal line clearance before Ellen Surtees hit a free kick from 25 yards in the eightieth minute for Woodley’s fourth.

Woodley completed their scoring a minute from normal time when Lambourne completed her hat trick with

a penalty following Mollie Haines’ cross being headed goalwards by Jade Scott only to be handled.

In the fourth minute of stoppage time Wargave won a free kick, which was met on the edge of the penalty area and volley past Haines.

Woodley will host Milton United on Sunday, September 20 in the preliminary round.

WOODLEY UNITED LADIES: N Haines, Crook, Measham (Cooke), Surtees, Gooch, Sawyer, M Haines, Poole (Quinn), Lambourne, Hamblin (Hunt), Wilkins (Scott)

Mollie Lambourne bagged a hat-trick against Wargrave to help Woodley United Ladies qualify for the next round of the Women’s FA Cup Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

HELLENIC FOOTBALL DIVISION PREVIEW

HELLENIC SIDES PREPARE FOR SEASON CURTAIN RAISER WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook, Woodley United and Binfield are ready and raring to go ahead of their Hellenic Division campaigns which kick off this weekend.

The Sumas will face AFC Aldermaston away from home on the opening day of their 2020/21 Hellenic League Division One East campaign.

They then host Chalvey Sports at Lowther Road on Tuesday.

Dan Bateman’s side will be looking continue their momentum after a brilliant last campaign which saw their bid for promotion cut short after the season was deemed null and void.

“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.

Meanwhile, Woodley United manager Jamie Williams is hoping that his team can push up the table after this season after they

struggled near the bottom of the table for much of last season before finishing above the drop zone in 15th.

The Kestrels open their season with a trip to Abingdon Town on Saturday, before they host AFC Aldermaston on Tuesday.

Williams said: “I've kept the main core of the squad for next season which is exactly what I wanted to do.

“I’ve got a lot of belief in this group of players and I think in the past they’ve let themselves down a little bit.

“I’m more than happy to go again with what we have, so we don’t want too many new players because it's already a good group.

“I don't want another season where we are struggling to stay in the league and I think ability

wise with the players that we have, we should be looking to be better than that.

Binfield are poised for an exciting season under their new management duo of Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg in the Hellenic Premier Division.

The Moles were superb throughout the 2019/20 campaign which saw them cruelly denied promotion after the null and void decision, having been second in the division at the close of play.

McClurg and Withers made a brilliant start to management with victory on their managerial debut as Binfield progressed through to the FA Cup preliminary round.

Binfield are away to Ardley United on Tuesday,

The Sumas put six past Berks County in their final pre-season friendly Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK put in a stunning display as they put six past BERKS COUNTY in their final pre-season game.

The Sumas went behind but hit back with goals from Ellis Day and Elliott Rushforth to take a 2-1 lead into the break.

A penalty just one minute into the second half was converted by Clarke, before Josh Harris and Scope added the fourth and fifth. Berks clawed a goal back before Joe Cummuskey headed in the final goal of the afternoon to give the Sumas a 6-2 victory.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS recovered from a 2-1 deficit after a second half double from Max Laschok earned them a win over Westwood Wanderers.

WARGRAVE came out as 3-2 victors in a well contested game against FINCHAMPSTEAD. S4K LADIES earned their first win of pre-season just a week before the start of their league campaign with a 2-1 win over AFC Caversham Women. S4K begin their league season on Sunday in the Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League Division 3S with a home match against Slough Town Rebels.

Meanwhile, in Division 1, WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK LADIES stat their campaign against Banbury United Women.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES travel to City Belles Women and WARGRAVE WOMEN make the trip to face Milton United Ladies in the opening weekend.

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THAMES VALLEY CRICKET LEAGUE ROUND-UP

BINFIELD’S FINE BATTING PROWESS SHOCKS EVERSLEY

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s (22 points) climbed up to third place in division 2b and are just two points behind HURST in second after they beat Bagshot by three wickets.

Finches chased down a first innings total of 186 to win the match set by Bagshot and achieved victory thanks to 59 from Ed Oliver and 43 from Michael O’Donahue.

Ollie Armstrong 5* and Cameron Ellis 5* saw them over the line as they surpassed Bagshot’s total with the final ball of the innings to cap a dramatic win.

HURST (six points) stay in second but their gap was cut as they were thrashed by league leaders Reading by 120 runs.

Abhir Joshi (3-43) and Smith (3-42) both had good spells but couldn’t help to keep the total down as Reading showcased their impressive batting to take their 40 over innings score to 232.

Lovegrove (35) top scored for Hurst but they were removed well short of the target after 31.5 overs for 112.

EVERSLEY (seven points) dropped down to fifth after they suffered a five-wicket defeat to eighth placed BINFIELD (22 points).

Eversley batted first but struggled to get into their batting rhythm as James Magowan top scored with 39 as their innings was ended just shy of the 40 overs as they finished with 168.

Matt Humphrey was the highest scorer for Binfield with 43 before he lost his wicket, but Tom Andrew (36*) and Mike Staves (34*) guided Binfield to seal victory as they surpassed Eversley’s total after 37.4 overs to earn their third league win of the season.

WOKINGHAM 2s (22 points) stay just a place above the bottom after they were beaten for the fifth time this season.

The Oaks enjoyed a fine innings which saw George Horsley hit a half century on the way to the team notching a score of 183 from 39.1 overs.

Ryan Pogson took 3-38 but Kidmore End managed to wrap up the game with three wickets to spare after 37.5 overs in a well contested game.

SONNING (22 points) are in third position in Division 3a after they defeated Boyne Hill 2s by five wickets in their fifth win of the campaign.

Ghulam Abbas took 3-35, while Mark Richards was the batting start as he scored 55 to help Sonning to a comfortable victory as it took them just 30.2 overs to surpass Boyne Hill’s total of 164.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s (22 points) stormed to their fourth win of the season with an eight wicket win over WHITE WALTHAM (seven points).

Nikhil Jathavedan scored a first innings half century for White Waltham as they lost just three wickets to finish with an impressive score of 228.

However, a Finch batting masterclass saw them take the win as Wesley Roberts smashed a century and ended on 115 not out, while Richard Reed added a half century.

WOKINGHAM 3s (seven points) are still top of Division 4a despite losing to second place Purley-on-Thames who closed the gap on the league leaders.

The Oaks were removed all-out for 146 despite a score of 36 not out from Wilson as they

Tom Nichols at the crease for Eversley in their defeat to Binfield

James Magowan (pictured middle) batting for Eversley Pictures: Steve Smyth

attempted to chase down 178 to take the game. But they fell short in their first defeat of the season.

WARGRAVE 2s (22 points) moved up to third after they thrashed Bagshot 2s by 137 runs.

Taylor was the star with the bat as he proved unstoppable with a score of 111 not out, while Ormond fell just short of completing his century with a superb innings of 91 as Wargrave hit 295 from 40 overs.

Wallace (3-20) and Hands (3-35) got the job done with the ball as Wargrave bowled Bagshot all out for 158 to claim a huge win.

EVERSLEY 2s (nine points) were beaten for the fifth time this season after they fell to a 62-run defeat to Theale & Tilehurst.

Rigg was on top form with the ball to take 4-31, while Surrall hit

82 but it was in vain as Eversley were bowled all out for 142 after 37 overs.

BINFIELD 2s (22 points) are in second position in Division 5b after they earned victory in a tense affair against Henley 3s which saw them win by just two runs.

Hector Williams smashed 86 runs to help Binfield to 192 in the first innings, while Henley fell agonisingly short as they ended on 190-7 at the end of the 40 overs.

YATELEY (22 points) still lead Division 6b after they beat WHITE WALTHAM 2s (seven points) who fell down to eighth position.

Harry Maxfield also managed a half century for Yateley as they earned victory after 32 overs.

SONNING 2s (22 points) won their fourth game of the season with a 39-run triumph to cut the points gap to third place Aldershot 2s.

Tom Andrews bowling for Binfield against Eversley

Oliver Armstrong-Wood bowling for Finchampstead 2s against Bagshot

Peter Dean amassed 82 as Sonning hit 210 from 40 overs, while the clinical bowling of Duncan Parr (3-43) and Dan Anderson (3-21) helped them to victory.

WARGRAVE 3s (10 points) lost their fourth game of the season after they fell 24 runs short against Sulhamstead & Ufton 2s.

Charlie Moss took 3-29, while Venu Gopal top scored with 40 in Wargrave’s loss.

EVERSLEY 3s (22 points) maintained their position at the top of division 7a after they beat Bradfield 2s to claim their sixth win of the season.

Bill Burnett hit a half century, while James Berger-North was the outstanding bowler of the day as he took 4-18.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 4s are just a point behind Eversley after they

stormed to a 174 run triumph over Maidenhead & Bray 3s.

Taylor (81), Rose (91) and Brinsford (84) showed their immense batting skills to help Finch to a massive total of 304, while they bowled Maidenhead all-out for just 130.

WOKINGHAM 4s (22 points) moved up to seventh after a three win run in a thrilling game against BINFIELD 3s (eight points), who stay at the bottom of the table.

WOKINGHAM 5s boosted themselves up to second in division 8a after they beat Newbury 2s by 40 runs.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 5s (three points) dropped to sixth after they were thrashed by nine wickets against Theale & Tilehurst 3s.

Meanwhile, EVERSLEY 4s (22 points) and WARGRAVE 4s (22 points) were both victorious.

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CHILTERNS CRICKET LEAGUE

ALBOROUGH’S SUBLIME SIX SEES EMMBROOK WIN

HONOURS BOARD The team each player represents is listed first

BATTING *Not Out Jameel Ahamed: Sonning 3s v Yateley 2s - 138* Wesley Robers: Finchampstead 3s v White Waltham - 115* L Taylor: Wargrave 2s v Bagshot 2s - 111* D Ormond: Wargrave 2s v Bagshot 2s - 91 I Rose: Finchampstead 4s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s - 91 Hector Williams: Binfield 2s v Henley 3s - 86 A Brinsford: Finchampstead 4s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s - 84 T Surrall: Eversley 2s v Theale & Tilehurst - 82 Peter Dean: Sonning 2s v Aldershot 2s - 82 C Taylor: Finchampstead 4s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s - 81 Ravi Balakrishnan: Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s v The Lee 2s 74 Jason Soames: Finchampstead v Burnham - 66 Simon Jessup: White Waltham v Finchampstead 3s - 62 Sabya: Wokingham 5s v Newbury 2s - 62 Ed Oliver: Finchampstead 2s v Bagshot - 59 Mark Richards: Sonning v Boyne Hill 2s - 55 Ali Damirchi: White Waltham 2s v Yateley - 54 Nikhil Jathavedan: White Waltham v Finchampstead 3s - 52 Harry Maxfield: Yateley v White Waltham 2s - 52 J Benton: Wargrave 4s v Thatcham Town 3s - 52 George Horsley: Wokingham 2s v Kidmore End - 51 Richard Reed: Finchampstead 3s v White Waltham - 51 Bill Burnett: Eversley 3s v Bradfield 2s - 51

Iwan Parry celebrates taking a wicket in Emmbrook’s win Pictures: Steve Smyth

Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s (202 all out) beat The Lee 2s (145 all out) EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2s (35 points) moved up to fourth in Chilterns Division 2 after they defeated The Lee 2s by 57 runs.

Stuart Fairhead and Iwan Parry opened the batting for Emmbrook after The Lee won the toss and put the hosts into bat first.

Fairhead went for seven, and Parry shortly followed after after hitting two boundaries but only totalling 10 runs.

Ravi Balakrishnan’s innings proved to be pivotal for Emmbrook as he smashed 11 fours and

Harry Ramsey bowling for Emmbrook & Bearwood Iwan Parry takes a catch for Emmbrook & Bearwood

two sixes on his way to scoring 74 runs. Mark Lazenbury hit four boundaries on his way to amassing 20 runs.

Thomas Alborough (17) and captain Paul Hunsdon (35) added a vital boost to the score near the end of the order with Emmbrook finishing on a decent total of 202 before they lost their final wicket.

The Lee’s opening pair got them off to a promising start and it looked as if victory would be difficult to come by when Neil Hollister hit a half century for the visitors.

However, Alborough’s bowling proved to be too much for The Lee’s as his ruthless spell

saw him collect 6-48 from eight overs in a superb display to help decimate their batting line-up.

Emmbrook wrapped up victory by taking the final wicket after 35.2 overs to claim a 57 run win.

EMMBROOK BATTING: Fairhead 7, Parry 10, Nair 4, Balakrishnan 74, Lazenbury 20, Trueman 1, Ramsey 1, Alborough 17, Hunsdon 35, McNab 0, Mead 6.

EMMBROOK BOWLING: Hunsdon 1-15, Alborough 6-48, Balakrishnan 2-3, McNab 0-14, Mead 0-20, Nair 0-18, Ramsey 0-9.

BERKS ABANDONED AFTER POSITIVE TEST BERKSHIRE'S final match of the season against Oxfordshire at Falkland CC on Sunday was abandoned due to a positive Covid-19 test, writes Dave Wright.

It came after the Bob Willis Trophy match between Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire at Bristol had been called off after lunch when it was learned a non-playing member of the visiting team had tested positive.

A small number of Oxfordshire players revealed they had played in a recent game which also involved the same Northants player, who is now self-isolating at home.

The news came through at Falkland whilst the teams were off the field sheltering from a short, sharp shower.

It looked close to being concluded as Berkshire were struggling at 92-9 from 33 overs (of 50) as they replied to Oxon's 146 all

out in 43.3 overs having been 94-2.

Wokingham's Sukhi Kang was the home side's top scorer with 25, while Wargrave youngster Rhodri Lewis was next highest with 16.

Middlesex professional Josh De Caires, making his Berkshire debut a week after he had played against them at Henley, was among the first three batsmen all dismissed with just one run to their name.

The game was dominated by spin bowlers with Luke Bevan (3-22),

Chris Peploe (3-20), Matt Rowe (1-17) and De Caires (1-7) all among the wickets for Berkshire.

Oxon's spinners also made full use of a helpful wicket, claiming seven victims with Ollie Clarke returning 3-14 and Max Mannering 2-1 the pick of the bowlers.

Among several Berkshire regulars missing was Henley's Tom Scriven, who this week has been playing for Hampshire in the Bob Willis Trophy.

BOWLING: Thomas Alborough: Emmbrook & Bearwood 2s v The Lee 2s 6-48 Tim Vines: Binfield 3s v Wokingham 4s - 4-15 James Berger-North: Eversley 3s v Bradfield 2s - 4-18 O’Keefe: Wokingham 5s v Newbury 2s - 4-18 Alexander O’Keefe: Wokingham 4s v Binfield 3s - 4-23 Max Uttley: Wokingham v Datchet - 4-25 Rigg: Eversley 2s v Theale & Tilehurst - 4-31 Jason Soames: Finchampstead v Burnham - 4-35 Shahid Imtiaz: Sonning 3s v Yateley 2s - 4-39 Will Wells: Emmbrook & Bearwood v Littlewick Green 2s 3-6 James Gibbs: Emmbrook & Bearwood v Littlewick Green 2s 3-9 F Meader: Wargrave 4s v Thatcham Town 3s - 3-9 Richard Cole: Emmbrook & Bearwood v Littlewick Green 2s 3-11 Chris Peploe: Wokingham v Datchet - 3-17 M Arnold: Finchampstead 4s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s - 3-17 C May: Finchampstead 4s v Maidenhead & Bray 3s - 3-19 J Wallace: Wargrave 2s v Bagshot 2s - 3-20 Dan Anderson: Sonning 2s v Aldershot 2s - 3-21 Gerhard Pienaar: Yateley v White Waltham 2s - 3-27 Harrison Boultwood: Hurst 2s v Theale & Tilehurst 2s - 3-29 Daniel Hubbard: White Waltham 2s v Yateley - 3-31 Will Tucket: Eversley 4s v Bagshot 3s - 3-31 A Hands: Wargrave 2s v Bagshot 2s - 3-35 Ghulam Abbas: Sonning v Boyne Hill 2s - 3-35 Ryan Pogson: Wokingham 2s v Kidmore End - 3-38 Krishal Maru: Eversley 4s v Bagshot 3s - 3-42 Duncan Parr: Sonning 2s v Aldershot 2s - 3-43

ALL THE ACTION EVERY WEEK

SUMAS SMASH SIX PAST BERKS WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK rounded off their pre-season with a superb performance which saw them dispatch six past Berks County.

Dan Bateman’s side impressed with a ruthlesss second half showing.

It meant that they were comfortable winners against their Thames Valley Premier League opposition, who begin their league campaign at the end of the month.

The Sumas will be hoping

BINFIELD GET THE BETTER OF EVERSLEY

that they can replicate their clinical showing when they begin their Hellenic League Division One East campaign on Saturday with a visit to AFC Aldermaston. � Match report on page 35

RIGHT ROYAL HERO

Joao’s perfect hat-trick gives Reading flying start

Tom Nichols batting for Eversley BINFIELD pulled off a shock result in Thames Valley Division 2b as they ended Eversley’s winning form.

Although Eversley went into the match up as favourites, boasting good form which had seen them in third position, Binfield came away with the spoils – a boost considering they were stuck near the wrong end of the table.

An astute batting display saw Binfield take an impressive victory with wickets to spare in their third triumph of the league campaign.

The loss means that Eversley have dropped down two places into fifth with one game remaining in the shortened league season.

READING 3 COLCHESTER 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk LUCAS JOAO was on perfect form as he fired in a hat-trick to send Reading through to the second round of the EFL Cup on Saturday.

The Portuguese striker made a case to new boss Veljko Paunovic as to why he should have the starting forward spot as he scored with his head, his right foot and

� Full report on page 36 Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020

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then his left to seal the perfect hattrick.

His goals meant that the Royals came from behind to beat League Two side Colchester United.

This Saturday Reading travel to Derby County, and on Tuesday face Luton Town in the EFL Cup secondround at the Madejski Stadium where victory will earn them a third-round home tie against Manchester United. � Report on page 32