SINGALONG IS ALLWRIGHT

Watchdog star Matt Allwright pays a visit to the delight of CLASP

MUSIC TIME: CLASP members were delighted when TV star Matt Allwright dropped in to their regular meeting at The Bradbury Centre and played their signature song. Picture Emma Merchant

By EMMA MERCHANT emerchant@wokingham.today

TV PRESENTER of consumer programmes Watchdog, and Rogue Traders Matt Allwright delighted members of a Wokingham group by dropping in to their meeting.

He shared stories about his work and life with CLASP, a self advocacy group for people with learning disabilities, and ended with a sing-along session of their favourite songs.

Matt talked about growing up in the area, and about his TV career challenging rogue traders and operators.

Matt was born in Wokingham and lived in Woodley, attending local schools before studying English at Manchester University. His first job was teaching English, in Japan.

Returning to the UK, Matt worked for the BBC in Southampton.

He moving into presenting consumer programmes.

“It’s thanks to my mum,” he says.

“Her tumble dryer broke, so she shopped for a new one.

“No machine manufacturers would recommend using the fabric conditioner sheets she liked, and she was cross that people would sell something you couldn’t use.”

Matt contacted Watchdog, whose editor invited them both to come to the studio to make a film.

“And I’ve been with the programme ever since,” he says, “helping people who are getting a bad deal.”

After four years with Watchdog, Matt had an idea for Rogue Traders.

“We decided to seek out dishonest businesses and builders.

“We’d follow them, see what they were doing, and expose any wrongdoing.

“Like when a plumber charges by the hour, says they’re off to buy a part, and then sits eating sandwiches in the park.

Rogue Traders has been running for 20 years.

“We invite people to work in our TV house. If they do a good job, there’s no story, but if not, we ask them why they’re not being honest.”

He added: “When we confront people they may run away, stop and argue, stand very close, or even push us.

“I don’t like bullies, dishonesty, or those who get away with treating others badly.

“I want people to know there is someone on your side.”

To close, Matt brought out his guitar for a mini-concert of CLASP’s favourite songs, including their signature song, Reach For The Stars.

“I love my TV work, but my passion is music,” he says.

He plays with two bands: charity raiser, The Walnuts, and country music group, Band Of Hope.

CLASP members were soon on their feet, dancing and singing.

Debs Morrison, founder of CLASP, says: “My gosh, Matt’s amazing.

“He’s a busy man, but he’s taken the time to come and see what we are about.

“It’s so joyful to see our members having such a lovely time.”

Members Tim and Vicky thought he was fantastic, really friendly, and a great singer.

Steve added: “He was fun and informative - I loved his music, and it’s great that he’s from Woodley.”

Matt says: “It’s lovely to be back.

“I’m still surprised by all the things that are going on here.

“The more charities I work with, the more people I discover putting their hands up, and making connections - which is what we all need.

“Debs, with CLASP, is doing just that.

“I’ve had a great time with these fabulous people - what a really lovely bunch they are.” n www.claspwokingham.org

Crumbs, comics to visit Woodley

FLASHBACK: A previous awards ceremony: From left, Cllr Bridget Ditcham, Gerry Wise, Chris Wise and Cllr Roy Mantel, chair of Twyford Parish Council Picture: Natalie Burton

Nominate Twyford heroes

CHALK RESTAURANT, WOKINGHAM

Weekend Get-Togethers, Special Occasion and Informal Meets

A COMEDY night featuring four criticallyacclaimed comedians is set to take place in Woodley next month.

The Comedy at Crumbs event returns after two sold out shows and will be hosted at the Library Parade coffee shop and cocktail bar on Wednesday, February 1.

Opening the line-up is south coast comedian of the year James Ellis.

He will be joined on stage by Kathryn Mather and Jonathan Elston, who have both received praise from industry critics.

Headlining the show is Matt Richardson, a multi award-winning comedian who has appeared on television for nearly a decade.

Doors open at 7pm with the show getting underway at 8pm.

Tickets cost £12 plus a £1.20 booking fee. n For more information, or to book tickets, visit: www.wegottickets.com THE Twyford Together Community Awards are set to return in March with nominations open now.

The awards celebrate individuals, groups and businesses who go that extra mile and make a difference to people’s lives across a number of categories. n The Edwin Ackers business of the year is for a local business that goes out of its way to support the community or deserves recognition for any other reason. n Retailer of the year is for a local shop, pub or café where punters consistently enjoy helpful service with a smile. n Young achiever of the year recognises a young person, aged 11 to 25, who has done something extraordinary in the local community. n Community group of the year is for any club, society, church or other interest group which voters deem the best. n Neighbour of the year is for that special someone who goes above and beyond to help others. n Charity of the year is for an organisation which deserves particular recognition for their tireless work in the local community. n The go green together Award recognises an individual or initiative dedicated to improving the local environment, whether through protecting the natural world, enhancing public spaces or educating others. n Sportsperson of the year is for someone who has been championing, promoting or performing sport or fitness activities in the community.

Organisers have advised that nominees can come from the wider RG10 area as long as their influence is felt strongly within Twyford.

There is no limit on the amount of nominations an individual can make, so long as the reasons are outlined in the online form.

Once nominations close on Sunday, February 5, a panel of independent judges representing different sectors of the community will compile a shortlist.

Finalists will then be invited to an awards ceremony starting at 5.15pm on Monday, March 13 at Buratta’s in Ruscombe.

Winners will be announced on the night alongside the Twyford Parish Council citizen of the year, which had a round of voting in November last year. n For more information, or to make a nomination, visit: twyfordtogether.org

Chalk is a new neighbourhood restaurant and bar based in the heart of Wokingham, only a stone ’ s throw away from the Town Hall.

Chalk Restaurant offers residents and locals the perfect place to come together and catch up while enjoying a range of quality drinks or some food from our mouthwatering menu that focuses on simple fresh ingredients done well. www.chalkrestaurants.com

FUTURE:

The Royal Berkshire Hospital is set for a complete rebuild from 2025. Picture: Phil Creighton

Have your say on RBH revamp plan

THE team behind ambitious plans to rebuild the Royal Berkshire Hospital for the 21st century are seeking views as it prepares to draw up a shortlist of sites.

As we exclusively revealed in 2020, the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust is considering relocating to Shinfield, but other sites are possible such as Green Park. Alternatively, it could seek to rebuild its existing site in the heart of Reading.

Its taskforce, called Building Berkshire Together, is currently working on its business case application to the government’s New Hospital Programme scheme, and as part of the case that will go to the treasury, it is seeking views on a preferred option.

Representatives from Healthwatch, the local Councils, the University of Reading, patient representatives and community organisations have collaborated to develop a survey to help with the shortlisting process.

“It is a complicated process to get to a shortlist and we want to make sure we have the latest intelligence about what health services the local population would like to receive, where and how” said Alison Foster, the Building Berkshire Together programme director.

“We are working hard to reach every corner of Berkshire and South Oxfordshire to speak to communities who will use and benefit from a modern, fit for purpose, healthcare facility to deliver excellent clinical care in the 21st century.”

The Trust says it has yet to hear what the financial investment will be from the Treasury, but an announcement is expected next month.

The New Hospital Programme team are developing a national approach which is expected to reduce costs for all the new hospitals with standardised and centralised approaches to deliver economies of scale.

The survey is open until Monday, March 6, while and feedback events are being arranged in the coming weeks.

The survey is available at: www. buildingberkshiretogether.co.uk/survey. Printed copies can be requested by calling: 0118 322 6630 or emailing: bbt@royalberkshire.nhs.uk

Food drive surpasses 500,000 items ... now for a million

EXCLUSIVE

By DANIEL BLACKHAM dblackham@wokingham.today

A COMMUNITY food drive has surpassed another milestone as it continues to help residents facing difficult times.

The Woodley Food Drive, which started at the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, has now provided more than 500,000 items to people in and around the town.

The project, founded by Ronnie Goodberry, was set up as Woodley Volunteer for Covid-19 to support those shielding with food and medicine deliveries.

Mr Goodberry said: “The whole idea was going and getting and shopping for people, just to be a good neighbour really.”

It soon became clear to Mr Goodberry and his fellow volunteers that people were in need of more support than was initially expected.

He said: “When the furlough scheme started people were falling through the cracks as they were self-employed or whatever the case may be.

“People started asking us for advice of where to get food from, so we were pointing them to food banks and then we thought, ‘well hang on, can’t we do something here?’”

It started with donations being dropped at various locations across Woodley before a decision was made to create a single drop-off point that could be used seven days a week.

Mr Goodberry wasn’t expecting the scheme to take off as quickly as it did and he was surprised at the number of donations he received.

“I didn’t think it would go down that well as people were struggling,” he explained.

“At one point I was getting a thousand items a day delivered – we had vehicles and lorries turning up.

“I was still taking things in at half nine or 10 o’clock at night. It was crazy.”

Once people realised the food drive was able to help, demand for the items also grew.

Since then demand has remained high and there has been a number of targeted campaigns as well as delivering specific items Easter and Christmas.

The first Christmas saw around 15,000 products distributed to hundreds of people.

The food drive has also helped staff on the frontline with one appeal to support an NHS nurse gaining significant traction.

Mr Goodberry said: “All of her money was going on bills so she couldn’t eat properly.

“Within 20 minutes of putting that appeal out I had nine bags of food delivered ready to help.”

Mr Goodberry thanked everyone who had helped quality check items and was keen to pay tribute to residents of Woodley and the surrounding areas of Wokingham, Reading and beyond who have shown an appetite to help complete strangers.

“Without them, none of it would have been possible,” he said.

“What these people have done is fantastic, honestly we couldn’t have done it without their support.”

In February last year, the group marked passing 200,000 items with a ceremony to celebrate donors and donations at an event held at the Oakwood Centre.

With 504,000 items delivered at the end of 2022, the target is now to reach one million.

Mr Goodberry said: “When we passed 100,000 items, I tongue-incheek said ‘lets go for a million’.

“Two years later we are at half a million, so why not go for it.”

FLASHBACK: Ronnie Goodberry (front) with Woodley volunteers and councillors celebrating last year’s milestone. Now they have received 500,000 donations, he is going for a million. All items of food are shared among the town’s community from people who need a helping hand Picture: Phil Creighton

‘Nothing has been preordained’: Parish clerk assures residents ahead of public consultations

SHINFIELD residents will have the chance to offer their thoughts on two key areas at an upcoming public consultation.

The School Green Centre will host meetings on reducing traffic volume and speed within Shinfield Parish Council and plans for new sports and leisure facilities.

Shinfield Parish Council clerk Bruce Winton invited residents to attend the sessions, adding that their views will go a long way in shaping plans going forward.

He said: “I’ve seen comments from people saying the plans are a done deal but that’s far from the truth of it. “Nothing has been preordained.

“The consultation will be a positive opportunity for residents to engage with the university and parish council.

“We want to hear what people need and we will put something in place which will have benefits for decades to come.”

Although the two consultations will take place at the same time, they will be divided into separate rooms.

Representatives from the University of Reading will be present to hear any issues raised by residents for the sports and recreation meeting.

Both sessions take place from 10am-3pm on Saturday, January 28, with the sport and recreation consultation taking place in the Ryeish Green Room and local traffic being discussed in the Pound Green Room. n For more information, visit: www.shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Choir’s come and sing day

A MUSIC group is holding a singing workshop in Wokingham, that will lead to an informal concert.

Singers are invited to join Reading’s Phoenix Choir for an afternoon rehearsal that will prepare them for an evening performance of Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man -–a Mass for Peace.

The concert programme will include selected movements from the work.

Jenkins wrote the piece in 1999, in memory of those who died in the recent Kosovo conflict, it continues to resonate in present times.

Choir director Christopher Hann says: “The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins is undoubtedly one of the most popular choral works of the last 30 years.

“Whether you’ve sung it before, or it’s a piece you’ve always wanted to sing, our Come and Sing on Saturday afternoon will provide a wonderful opportunity to join with many other singers from the community to rehearse and perform this great work.”

The choir will use the full score.

Singers wishing to participate should complete a booking form.

Under 18s are welcome, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

The event will take place at St Paul’s Church, Wokingham on Saturday, January 21.

The rehearsal runs from 1pm to 5.30pm, and leads to the performance at 6pm. n For details, log on to: www. readingphoenixchoir.com