Wokingham.Today November 5, 2020

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

WOKINGHAM.TODAY SUPPORT LOCAL THIS LOCKDOWN THE NEW NAME FOR THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, November 5, 2020 No. 286

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CHARITIES LAUNCH FESTIVE APPEALS P2

EXCLUSIVE

Hallowe’en horrors

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today AS THE borough enters a second lockdown, shop owners are calling on residents to shop local and keep supporting small businesses.

� Continued page 7

New owner for Courtyard EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A NEW owner will be taking over a town centre restaurant, and they’re bringing a taste of Hollywood.

FOUR-YEAR-OLD twins Morar and Emiko Tate enjoying the Twyford Hallowe’en Trail on Saturday. Find out more on page 26

COUNCIL BEGINS P6 NEW VIRUS PLAN MAYOR HONOURS VOLUNTEERS P12

Picture: Steve Smyth

Although non-essential retailers have been instructed to close doors, the Government is allowing them to operate click and collect and delivery services This means companies across the area can keep tills ringing during the next four weeks, and the crucial lead up to Christmas.

The news is a silver lining for retailers who have already lost a quarter of their year after the first lockdown in the spring.

In a bid to encourage borough’s shoppers to support their businesses at retail centres that includes Wokingham, Woodley, Twyford and Maiden Place, Love Wokingham will be collating a list of retailers who will be operating collection or delivery services during the lockdown.

They include TG Art Gallery, which says it will be framing pictures as usual during lockdown, Wokingham Decor, which will be providing its usual ironmongery services, and Sultan Balti House, which will be offering collections and deliveries lunchtimes and evenings seven days a week.

Joining the call was Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack.

He said he was excited by the new retailers that had come to Wokingham town in recent weeks.

MP HELPS WOODLEY LUNCH BUNCH P4

Tom Anderson and Jay Robinson will be opening a California-inspired restaurant in Wokingham Town Hall, which was previously home to The Courtyard.

The co-owners said they want to “bring a West Hollywood vibe back in their hometown” with their eatery, RYND. Mr Anderson said he is looking forward to creating a welcoming space. � Continued on page 5

‘No place for poverty here’ THE LEADER of the council believes there is no place for poverty in the borough.

Cllr John Halsall, said: “Regardless of whatever statutory benchmark used to analyse poverty levels across the borough, Wokingham is one of the lowest in the country. But that doesn’t

mean we’re complacent. It is certainly not okay. Even if one person or one child does not have fair and equal opportunity in our borough, that is one too many.

“We already have a wide net of support for low income families and are introducing even more.”

He pledged to launch a new AntiPoverty Strategy, to encompass all of these issues. � Continued on page 11

RUNNERS DONATE HALF MARATHON FUNDS P3 COUNCILMEETING SPECIALREPORT P14

CHILDRENDIGINTO LEARNING P5

2 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

CHRISTMAS PRESENT APPEALS

Cowshed plans to support 1,000 children with gifts

Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Jess Warren, Charlotte King Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson

From the editor Today sees the start of a new lockdown.

Wokingham.Today will continue to publish every week, just as we did during the spring.

However, with limited sport or arts events taking place, we will be producing slightly smaller papers as a result, and thank you for your understanding during this time. We thank also our advertisers who are sticking with us through these strange and difficult days.

We are making every effort to ensure that your favourite local newspaper is available to you in printed form throughout the lockdown – you will be able to buy Wokingham.Today from all good supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations as normal. They are essential retailers and we, after all, are essential reading.

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

And our website is updated seven days a week.

At times like this, it is important that the community has a local voice and we are proud to be yours. The best way for you to support us – lockdown or not – is to buy a copy each week.

Thank you for your support.

THE Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokingham.today, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

A HURST-BASED charity has launched its second Christmas present appeal, and the donations are already flying in.

The Cowshed, which supports people across the borough with high-quality, secondhand clothes is working to make the festivities special for families in need.

General manager Sally Russell said each family referred to them over December will automatically be given a Christmas present, but she expects there to be more than usual.

“We launched our appeal early this year, as we’ve already had 170 requests from families,” she explained. “I think we’ll be sending presents to 700 to 1,000 children this year.”

The charity recognises the importance of shopping locally, but with specific gifts in mind, and a lockdown to contend with, staff are appealing for donations through its Amazon Wishlist.

Once delivered to its Winnersh warehouse, the presents will be prepared ready for giving.

“Our arts and crafts group are making Christmas sacks to put

them in,” Ms Russell explained.

“We’ll be putting five presents in each sack, one bigger gift and four smaller ones.

“Morrisons are also donating boxes of chocolates to include.”

The Cowshed is being supported by seven borough churches, and it’s working with The Giving Tree and the Toy Run to bolster donations.

“It would be awful for a child not to have a gift this Christmas,” Mrs Russell said. “We will be accepting referrals throughout December. We know it could be tough for families, especially with a second lockdown.”

The charity accepts referrals from 150 organisations across Berkshire, including local authorities, other charities and churches. This also includes the One Front Door scheme, via Citizens Advice Wokingham.

It is now partnering with Hillsong Church, in London as part of its Love Your Neighbour scheme, and will be offering food parcels to all its clients for the next 12 months, starting soon. � To donate to the gift appeal, visit: amzn.eu/2swdIGd

First Days launches EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CHILDREN’S CHARITY launched a Christmas stocking campaign on Monday, and has already had more than 500 requests for gifts.

First Days, based in Hurst, is preparing stockings to give to children whose families are struggling this winter.

Emma Cantrell, charity founder, said: “I’m feeling nervous about getting enough donations in, as we know there is so much need.

“It feels like we’ve reached a critical mass, where people can’t ignore the need anymore. Whether it's the Marcus Rashford effect or because more families are being impacted by the pandemic — it can only be a good thing for those who are struggling.”

Ms Cantrell added: “We believe that every child should experience

the magic of Christmas and with more families than ever struggling this year, we really need help.

“This year, we are creating Christmas stockings that our referrers — childcare professionals — can request for families that they support.

“Christmas stockings will be available for families, primarily for babies to 11-year-olds however we will also be providing stockings for older children within these families.”

There are different ways to get involved, from donating a gift at one of the charity’s drop off and collection points, to collecting an empty Christmas stocking from the charity.

“We’re hoping people will pick up a stocking, take it away, fill it and bring it back,” Ms Cantrell explained.

Stockings have a tag attached with the gender and age of the child, along with a list of items to include — to ensure all children

Addiction charity launches gift scheme A HARE HATCH-based centre that works with men recovering from addictions has launched a festive appeal.

Yeldall Manor accepts gifts for Christmas stockings given to residents on December 25. These include stationery, pens, minigames, books, chocolates – but not liqueurs, and savoury snacks.

Other items that they welcome include clothes such as hats, scarves, gloves and socks, and good quality toiletries.

Donations are welcomed by Monday, December 14, and should be wrapped with a Post-It note attached to let staff know what is enclosed.

However, the charity asks people not to donate items if they, or anyone in their household, has tested positive for Covid-19 in the fortnight before the donations are left at the centre.

To help, it has launched

an appeal to raise £10,000.

A note on its JustGiving page says: "We rely upon your support to keep on providing a warm, homely environment where our residents can address their addictions to drugs or alcohol."

The money raised will help Yeldall’s team to rebuild its rehabilitation programmes in response to Covid-19. � To donate, log on to: www.justgiving.com/campaign/ YeldallChristmas

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Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

CHRISTMAS PRESENT APPEALS The charity is giving out sacks to be filled with gifts for vulnerable children this Christmas

Members of South Reading Trail Group donated more than £200 worth of food to Helping Hands Picture: Fiona Joyce

Helping Hands: Runners donate half marathon funds

Christmas appeal receive equal gifts.

The gifting list includes shampoo, body wash, toothpaste and toothbrush, story book, two small toys, crayons and a colouring book or craft item.

“We’re encouraging people to shop locally,” Ms Cantrell said. “Even through lockdown, lots of small businesses are offering click and collect, or delivery services.

“That way, they’re supporting a small business and a small charity.”

If that causes difficulty, residents can donate via the charity’s Amazon Wishlist.

The charity will also be donating larger Christmas presents through its standard referrals process.

� First Days Children’s Charity at

Memorial Park, Yorktown Road, Sandhurst from 9.30am until 3pm every day. � Haahoos Ceramics, 19 Church Street, Twyford on Wednesday to Friday 10am until 5pm or Saturdays 10am until 4pm. � Christmas Wonderland Shop, 1-2 Bush Walk, Monday to Saturday, 9am until 4.30pm. � Norreys Church, Norreys Avenue, Wokingham, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from noon until 3pm. � Re-flection Wellness, 205 High Street, Crowthorne on Monday and Wednesdays from 9.30am until 6pm or on Tuesdays 9.30am until 7pm.

The charity plans to deliver all stockings directly to families with help from their volunteers, with all deliveries planned to finish on Friday, December 18.

2 Broadwater Lane, Hurst on Monday to Friday, 10am until 2pm or Saturdays from 10am until noon. � Pistachios in the Park, Sandhurst

� For more information, or to donate, visit: www.firstdays.net/ christmasgiving � To refer, email: info@firstdays.net

Gifts can be delivered to:

LAST MONTH, a local running group set off to raise money for an athletics course — and 13 miles later found themselves donating to a local foodbank instead.

On Sunday, October 18, South Reading Trail Group organised a half marathon around Shinfield, Arborfield and Farley Hill.

The group raised more than £200 from ticket sales, which was going to help their runners enrol on the England Athletics Run Leader Course.

But at the last minute, they decided to send the money in an entirely different direction.

“Following the recent news coverage regarding children going hungry during the half-term, we decided as a team that this money should go towards supporting local families,” said Fiona Joyce, a member of South Reading Trail Group.

The team instead decided to take their £200 profit to the supermarket and purchased a range of tinned fruits and vegetables, cereals, nappies, toilet rolls and more.

And then they donated it all to Helping Hands with the help of Wokingham Baptist Church.

“We chose Helping Hands because they’ve helped hundreds of people this year,” Fiona continued.

“I previously assisted them with some deliveries during the pandemic.

“They do such a marvellous job of supporting people within the local community, working like a family to ensure their basic needs are met.”

Thirty runners took part in the half marathon split over two separate routes.

The course took people down local footpaths and bridleways, with a sweeper following the runners to make sure that they left the environment untouched.

“I’ve always been into trail running,” Fiona explained.

“I personally find it a challenge to run on the roads, and I like the escape of being out in the countryside.

“There’s so much wildlife around us and people miss it,” she added.

Each runner was charged £10 to cover the costs of medals, refreshments and first aid provisions, leaving the team with a £200 profit.

“If we had used the money to fund the athletics courses, it would have just sat there,” Fiona said.

“There are no courses

Giving Tree ready to return NEXT WEEK sees the launch of the annual Giving Tree Appeal. Give Wokingham residents the chance to make a local child smile this Christmas.

For nearly 20 years, the generous people of Wokingham and the surrounding area have dug deep to make sure less fortunate youngsters stay on Santa’s list.

The idea is simple, but it sparkles with the true spirit of the festive season – something needed more than ever during the pandemic.

Under Covid-secure conditions,

there will be present suggestions which can then be bought and taken (unwrapped) to a Giving Tree.

Big-hearted volunteers then go to work to get the presents to the local charities benefiting from the appeal and make sure they go to children whose stockings might otherwise have been empty on Christmas morning.

Full details – including tree locations and how to take part during lockdown – will be available in next week’s Wokingham.Today.

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at the moment because of Covid so the money just wasn’t being used, and we thought why not do a good thing for people within our local community?”

And the runners hope that South Reading Trail Group will run more events in the future.

“I had such a great morning running with a lovely team — thoroughly enjoyed it,” said runner Simone.

Fellow runner Dean added: “Thank you to Fiona and her boyfriend Tom for thinking of this, and a big shout to everyone who met us at each marshal point with a smile.

“The route was amazing even with the fog and mud.”

According to Fiona, the team hopes to run more low cost, charity fundraisers soon whilst allowing runners to experience nature at its best.

4 |NEWS

Hollywood for The Oracle HOLLYWOOD Bowl is planning to open a new centre in The Oracle.

The company is currently applying for a licence to trade in the Reading-based shopping centre, adjacent to The Riverside.

If approved, the centre will be open from 9am until 1am every day, and will serve alcohol and late-night food too.

A spokesperson from Hollywood Bowl Group, said: “We are really excited to bring Hollywood Bowl’s unique family entertainment experience to Reading, in what will be the first bowling centre in the town.

“We are working with the landlord of The Oracle to agree an expected opening date and will be able to share more details soon.”

It comes after an announcement in March that Hollywood Bowl would be moving its Bracknell centre from The Point to The Deck, in The Lexicon. This is currently being constructed on the former Bentalls site close to Princess Square. � For more information, visit: www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk

Starbucks launch delivery THIS WEEK, a Wokingham coffee shop launched a delivery service.

Starbucks, on Elms Field, is keeping the caffeine flowing with doorstep delivery by Uber Eats.

Managed by franchisee Cobra Coffee, the partnership has already proved popular across the country.

Gwyn Kennett, head of operations at Cobra Coffee, said: “With so many people currently self isolating, the Uber Eats delivery service has been warmly welcomed.

“We have definitely seen a high number of deliveries to students and families who are being asked to stay inside at the moment.

“It’s times like these when we appreciate the small things - for some of us, this is having a pumpkin spiced latte delivered to our door.”

Coffee lovers with the largest orders were in Horsham and Tonbridge where the average order was between £1 and £1.50 higher than other areas.

The new service started on Monday, October 19, with nine stores across the country and Wokingham joined the scheme on Monday. � For more information, visit: www.cobracoffee.co.uk

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

Family condemn RBH for ‘failing’ elderly dad who caught Covid-19 EXCLUSIVE

Ahmed Faruk tested negative for Covid-19 before visiting the hospital Picture: Nisha Green

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM family says that the Royal Berkshire Hospital has “completely failed” their father after he caught Covid-19 on their ward.

Nisha Green said her 79-year-old father, Ahmed Faruk, visited the hospital after a mild stroke, but was placed in a ward with two confirmed and two suspected Covid-19 cases.

“My Dad’s last words to me in person were, ‘Don’t worry I will be okay, just pray for me’”, she said.

On Tuesday, October 13, Mr Faurk was admitted to the acute medical assessment unit for the night, before being moved onto the Mortimer Ward the next day — a ward specialising in elderly patients.

The next day, the family went to drop off some essentials but were stopped from entering.

“We were told the ward had been closed to visitors due to there being two positive Covid-19 patients on the ward and two suspected cases,” Mrs Green explained.

“We asked if these patients were being kept on the same ward, and not in a specific ward for covid patients.

“The ward clerk informed us that the two positive cases were put into side rooms but the two suspected cases were left on the ward. This made absolutely no sense to us.

“It would have made far more sense if the suspected patients were put into side rooms too, and isolated until they received a negative result.”

Mr Faruk was discharged from

hospital that Friday but seven days later, he was showing signs of a Covid-19 infection.

The week before he became symptomatic, Mr Faruk and his wife, Shama (71) decided to self-isolate, just in case they had caught the virus.

“He is fatigued, he has an awful hacking cough, he cannot eat, he had cold shivers that literally rock his entire body, he is confused, hallucinating, and does not even have the strength to make it to the bathroom on his own,” Mrs Green explained. “On top of that my Mum also tested positive for Covid-19 and is not well herself.

“They are literally on their own.”

Mrs Green said she was surprised that 10 days after leaving the hospital, her father was asked to selfisolate after being in contact with the virus.

“Thankfully my Dad and Mum are sensible and self-isolated on their own, as they knew there had been Covid-19 on the ward.

“However, others may have walked out of the Mortimer Ward completely unaware and may have

gone on to infect numerous others before receiving the isolation letter.

“This, in my opinion, is a complete failure on behalf of the RBH.” Last Thursday, Mr Faruk was again admitted to hospital, after paramedics were called to the house when his breathing worsened.

He contracted pneumonia by Monday and the family said staff “will not revive him or put him on a ventilator should he get worse”.

“We are really struggling as a family and would not wish anyone else to go through this,” Ms Green said. “We have been told to expect deterioration.”

“As a family we are really disappointed that the one place where you think you should be safe, is the one place that proved to be the complete opposite.

“Royal Berkshire Hospital is not keeping elderly, vulnerable patients safe from Covid-19.

“My dad wore a mask when he slept on the ward, used hand gel and washed his hands regularly.

However, he still managed to contract this potentially deadly infection that he spent eight months trying his hardest to avoid.

“He followed all the Government guidelines, only to be let down by the hospital in the worst way possible.

“No one should have to go into hospital for something completely unrelated to Covid-19, and walk out with a potentially deadly infection.

A Royal Berkshire NHS

Foundation Trust spokesperson said: “We’ve sorry to hear about Mr Faruk’s illness and send the family our warm wishes.

“We have implemented very strict infection control measures at the hospital to ensure the highest standards of safety and social distancing for our patients, staff and visitors.

“This includes a new waiting area outside ED (formerly known as A&E) which helps us maintain safe, socially distanced seating in the department, strict policies on wearing masks and widely available hand sanitisers around the site.

“Everyone admitted on to the wards is tested before admission and then again up to twice more during their time with us, depending on how many days they are in hospital.

People displaying Covid symptoms are cared for in separate and safely distanced areas to minimise any risk of infection.

“Our staff are very vigilant when discharging patients and take time to explain self-isolation rules and answer any questions before the patient leaves, and we’re now checking to confirm this happened with Mr Faruk. We’ll also look into his concerns about the self-isolating letter.

“We are doing our utmost to protect all our patients and staff during this pandemic, limiting footfall on to the site and keeping visitors down to the minimum to prevent any spread of the virus.

“We’d urge everyone to continue following the ‘hands, face, space’ rules and do all they can to support our local healthcare system during these very difficult times.

“If they do have appointments at clinics or for surgery it’s very important that they keep them.

“We are managing the situation extremely carefully and closely, and implementing lessons learned from the first wave of the virus, so people should feel reassured that it is safe for them to attend.”

Crowthorne bowls club gift A CROWTHORNE bowls club has been gifted £1,000 to keep it safe and accessible for members.

Donated by Barratt Homes, which is building Cricket Field Grove, money will go towards a new shed and base for the Bowls Club, alongside a new step onto the green.

Works are due to take place later this year, and will be completed ahead of the spring competition season.

Ken Perrett, treasurer of Great Hollands Bowls Club, said: “Covid-19 has presented many

challenges to us all but we are glad to have kept the club open during this time – giving many local people a chance to socialise from a safe distance and enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise.

“The generous donation from Barratt Homes will go a long way at the club and we are extremely grateful for their generosity in giving back to the local community. We are looking forward to unveiling our new

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 5

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School children start growing project

New owners take on Courtyard � Continued from front page

PUPILS at a school in Wokingham have been busy enjoying their new outdoor classroom, writes Charltte King.

Floreat Montague Park Primary School has begun hosting a series of gardening projects, taking outdoor learning to the next level.

And it has been able to do so thanks to David Wilson Homes, which donated Montague Park’s 30ft polytunnel to the school.

Now, Floreat Montague is using the space to teach its pupils all about harvesting fruit and vegetables.

Patrick Pritchett, headteacher at Floreat Montague said: “The polytunnel is a fantastic resource to have and will make all year round gardening projects possible.

“It has always been important to work outdoors in primary schools and this

ed £1,000

shed and steps in the new year.”

The donation was made through the housebuilder’s Community Fund which sees the division donate £1,000 per month to clubs and charities.

Mr Anderson said: “We are very excited to open and have already started creating what we hope to be a welcoming space, and will share our menu and opening details with you soon.”

The restaurant aims to become a “retreat from the daily grind”. It will be open throughout the daytime and evenings, serving brunch, lunch and dinner.

The menu will include local market produce, a house blend speciality coffee, freshly baked cakes and pastries, plant-based dishes and grazing boards to share.

Head bakery chef Lara Thompson will supply customers with fresh cakes, desserts and doughnuts.

The restaurant is a reincarnation of the brand’s previous cocktail bar on Castle Street, in Reading, which closed in 2016.

During that time, it featured on the World’s Best Bars website.

The duo will bring back old favourites to their drinks menu, and launch a range of house cocktails as well.

Inside, the restaurant will be filled with green plants, marble benches and finished with oak.

Customers can eat inside, or dine al-fresco on Market Place.

Wokingham Town Council mayor, Cllr Tony Lack, said: “On behalf of Wokingham Town Council I would like to offer RYND a very warm welcome to our town.

“We were delighted to receive

generous gift will make a significant contribution to children’s wellbeing.”

Rob Allen, sales director at David Wilson Homes Southern, added: “We’re

thrilled to see the pupils at Floreat Montague Park Primary School fully benefitting from their new outdoor learning space.

“We hope the pupils are

enjoying using this outdoor classroom and we look forward to hearing more about their harvesters in the future.”

Picture: David Wilson Homes

Jay Robinson, Lara Thompson and Tom Anderson will be opening RYND soon

a very high level of interest when The Courtyard space became available in the summer; this showed us the great confidence business has in Wokingham, even during these difficult times.

“The council went through a rigorous process to fairly consider all parties — Tom and his team stood out.

“They will be bringing something new and different in terms of their food offer, approach to locally sourced food and their intention to become part of, and work with, our community.

“As they open in the heart of the town they will be a great addition to our Market Place and the town as a whole. The council wishes them every success and I would encourage everyone to come and support this new local business in the months and years ahead.” � For more information, visit: www.rynd.co.uk

6 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

CORONAVIRUS LATEST How to get help in Wokingham borough: To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizen’s Advice on 0300 330 1189 Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258

Keep your eyes healthy SPECSAVERS has confirmed that its stores will be staying open during national lockdown — including for routine eye and hearing care appointments.

According to the retailer, a third of people in the UK noticed a deterioration in their eyesight during lockdown earlier in the year.

And over the coming month, it will offer a full breath of services to the local community alongside its remote services for those who are self-isolating, vulnerable, and unable to leave home.

This includes the branches in Wokingham’s Market Place and Woodley’s Crockhamwell Road.

“We understand the concern customers have as we move back into lockdown and want to reassure them that it is safe to go ahead and book an appointment or come in as scheduled,” said Giles Edmonds, clinical services director.

“As providers of an essential health service, we have played a key role in looking after people’s eye and hearing health throughout the pandemic, and are delighted that we can continue to do so.”

Changes to church visits CHURCH services will once again be suspended as a result of the new lockdown restrictions.

The Bishop of Oxford has written an open letter to Anglican churches within the diocese, which includes Wokingham borough, outlining the new restrictions and what they will mean – particularly as this coming Sunday is Remembrance Sunday, while the final Sunday in November is the first in Advent, which churches use to countdown to Christmas.

In his letter, the Rt Revd Stephen Croft, said: “We could well be entering the most difficult phase of the pandemic. Many will be anxious and exhausted. The Church needs to be strong and, as much as we can, continue to be a light shining in the darkness.”

He added that the new Government guidance says that people should only leave home for certain limited reasons. Worship services, weddings and civil partnership ceremonies are not permitted, except in exceptional circumstances.

As such, places of worship will be closed unless they are being used for funerals; broadcasting acts of worship; individual prayer; essential voluntary and public services.

Bishop Stephen asked church leaders to prepare for online services and thanked congregations for their efforts during the pandemic.

“Churches, schools and chaplaincies have been amazing through this most difficult of years in dedication and commitment, built on the service of tens of thousands of teachers, clergy, lay ministers, officers, wardens and volunteers,” he wrote.

He added: “Remember to watch over ourselves so we can continue to care for others.”

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‘It’s a case of executing our plans and getting on with it’ EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE BOROUGH council has been planning for a lockdown for weeks, said the health executive.

Cllr Charles Margetts said the team is now ready to execute its plan “and get on with it”.

Yesterday, the council began working with The Link Visiting Scheme to phone people who were asked to shield back in March, and check on their wellbeing.

Although shielding has not returned formally, those at risk have been asked to take extra precautions and stay home as much as possible.

“This time our focus is different,” Cllr Margetts explained. “We are here to support people with their mental health. It could just be a conversation with another person.

As we turn into winter, things are going to get harder.

“Some people may have spent three-quarters of their year indoors.”

He is encouraging anyone in need of help, support or just a chat on the phone to call the One Front Door, run

by Citizens Advice and funded by the council.

The charity works to answer calls and support residents with their concerns, often referring those in need to additional support.

Cllr Margetts said the council will not be restarting the food distribution hub, as the public and those who were previously shielding can still go to the supermarket.

“We will be sending a letter to everyone who was on the shielding list to remind them of the numbers to call if they need help,” he added.

The town centre will also look different. The council will be launching community champions — also known as Covid marshals — to chat to people on the streets and “secure lockdown”.

Cllr Margetts said: “They will be door knocking and checking on people who are meant to be selfisolating to check they are following regulations and understand the guidance.

“If you’re asked to self-isolate, do it — it could benefit someone else in your community.”

Council leader, John Halsall has asked residents to “be an evangelist for the rules” as the borough enters lockdown.

He is urging all residents to observe the spirit of the rules, including social distancing, staying at home and washing hands, in a bid to get bring coronavirus levels down.

“We know that Covid is transmitted by contact, the rules are designed to minimise that contact,” he said.

As part of his campaign, he will be

Picture: Venita Oberholster via Pixabay

speaking with organisations across the borough over the coming days, including schools and parish councils, to get them to encourage all residents to follow the guidelines.

And he wants people to ensure they have the NHS Test and Trace app installed on their phones and use the QR codes when visiting any venues that use them.

“We will look after people as much as we can,” Cllr Halsall said, citing the new mental health provision as an example of this (see pages 14-17).

But he also said have England put into this new lockdown was “a disappointment”.

“The recent rises in confirmed cases have been blips for Wokingham, West Berkshire and Bracknell,” he added.

“The new lockdown is disappointing to all our businesses which will be compelled to close down.”

And soon, the council will be able to help residents with more business support grants, once received from central government.

Libraries and leisure centres close for lockdown THE COUNCIL has closed its leisure centres and libraries for the four-week lockdown.

Staff at Wokingham and Woodley libraries, and the council’s sport and leisure team will be redeployed into other front-line services.

Any overdue fines will remain suspended while both library sites close and residents are encouraged to continue using the libraries’ online services for e-books and audio during this time.

Alternative arrangements are being made with regards to waste receptacles and bags, which have been available for collection from the libraries.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure said: “The Government has clearly stated that leisure centres will not remain open to the public for leisure activities during the national lockdown.

“While there hasn’t been any specific guidance for libraries as of yet, we feel it’s important to act now. As such, on top of the temporary closure of our leisure centres, we have made the decision to close our library buildings in Wokingham and Woodley and they will remain closed for the foreseeable future until infection rates reduce and it is safe to reopen them.

“We apologise to residents for

Library staff are being redeployed to frontline work during the lockdown

an inconvenience this may cause.

However, this is an important step we are taking to ensure we are set-up in the best way possible to cope with the second wave of Covid-19 and protect our most vulnerable residents, particularly as infections are rising by the day.”

He added: “Library employees and those working in the borough council’s sport and leisure team will be re-deployed to critical roles that will help support our efforts in tackling community spread as quickly as possible.

“In particular, we need extra resource in our dedicated tracing

team, who are following up by phone with anyone who NHS Test and Trace has been unable to get hold of and ask to self-isolate, and are even visiting homes if they’re still not able to reach people.

“This is critical to slowing the transmission of the virus across the borough.

“The resilience and flexibility of our staff has been key throughout our Covid response, while also ensuring that residents have access to a helpful online offering where possible. We have increased the number of eBooks available for library members, broadcasted

Rhymetime and StoryTime videos on our Library Service Facebook page for children and families, launched a new music streaming service, given access to Ancestry.com to research family histories and provided the ability to watch concerts, documentaries, ballets and more online. These services have proved popular with our residents and we will continue to expand our online offering.”

Each week, residents have been accessing more than 6,000 virtual items, with more than 4,000 residents watching Rhymetime and StoryTime sessions.

To join Wokingham Borough Libraries online and find out how to access eBooks, eMagazines, eNewspapers, eComics, audiobooks and more, visit the council website and search libraries.

During the lockdown, all leisure centre membership and lesson payments from (and including) Wednesday, November 4, will be automatically suspended.

Annual members will have an extension to their membership, equal to the length of the lockdown.

All paid for advance bookings — gym, swim, class, sports and climbing — will be refunded automatically within 14 working days from today. � For more information, contact the leisure centre directly

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Call for residents to support independent Twyford volunteers traders by click and collecting in lockdown review help provided � Continued from front page

Cllr Lack said: “We’ve welcomed a number of fantastic new businesses in the last few months — Phil’s Good Food, Mumbai, Blueberry Toys, Joy Cafe, and Chalk to name a few.

“They along with our other businesses will need everyone’s support over the next month.

“Whether it’s taking advantage of a local cafè, restaurant or food businesses new takeaway and delivery service, ordering from local retailers online sites, apps or Facebook pages, please exercise that wonderful Wokingham community spirit and do what you can.

“Like last time, Love Wokingham’s Facebook page will be publishing lists with details of how our local businesses will be trading.

“Their lists make life a bit easier and you may well find a few new businesses to try too.”

The British Independent Retailers Association is also encouraging members to switch to click and collect services.

A blog post on its website offers help and advice to those looking to set up this new service quickly.

“If you are a retail business required to close, you are still allowed to operate a click and collect, or delivery service, as long as customers do not enter your premises,” it says.

“If you don’t already provide a click and collect, or delivery service, even if you don’t have an ecommerce platform, Bira has created a simple guide to get you started.”

Twyford’s Covid-19 support volunteers are finding out what help is needed now the new lockdown has started today .

They helped with shopping, fetching medicines and other tasks more than 800 times between March and August.

At the peak of the first lockdown there an amazing over 800 generous volunteers on their books.

Twyford Covid Community Support Group spokesperson Sam Bramwell said: “We are

Tips stay open The interior of Blueberry Toys in Wokingham town centre Picture: Steve Smyth

This guide can be found at bira.co.uk The British Retail Consortium warned earlier this week that the new lockdown, announced by 10 Downing Street on Saturday and which came into effect at 12.01am this morning, would create problems for retailers after an already difficult year.

Helen Dickinson, the consortium’s chief executive, said: “Retail faces a nightmare before Christmas as the Government proposes to close thousands of retail premises under this new national lockdown, denying customers access to many of their favourites shops and brands.”

She added: “The announced closure will have a significant economic impact on the

viability of thousands of shops and hundreds of thousands of jobs across the country. The previous lockdown cost ‘nonessential’ shops £1.6 billion a week in lost sales; now that we are entering the allimportant Christmas shopping period, these losses are certain to be much bigger.

“We have no doubt that retailers will comply with the rules and play their part to ensure the British public can remain safe and have access to the goods they need.

Nonetheless, Government must also play its part, providing support to businesses that will be forced to close, otherwise the consequences for local retail will be dire.” � For more information, visit: lovewokingham.co.uk

Reading Buses to maintain services READING BUSES has said it will not reduce its service levels over the coming month to ensure people can travel with ease during lockdown.

The company has pledged to maintain its normal services unless the Government or local authority guidance changes.

“The main thing we want people to know is that we are still here for them,” said Robert Williams, Reading Buses chief executive officer.

“People will still need to make journeys to shops for essential items, to work if they

can’t work from home and to get to places of education.

“For this reason, we need to make sure that we have enough buses to get people to where they need to go and provide plenty of space for social distancing.”

Customers continue to be required to wear a face covering whilst travelling unless exempt, and are encouraged to use the onboard hand sanitiser when getting on and off the bus.

Business fined for trading after curfew THE FIRST borough-based business has been fined for breaking the 10pm curfew rules.

The council’s Public Protection Service issued its first fine of £1,000, following an earlier prohibition which was not complied with.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services said: “We aren’t issuing fines to make money or to target any particular business. The regulations are in place as part of a range of measures to protect our residents from the spread of Covid-19.

“The law requires that all walk up customers to hospitality businesses have to leave the premises by 10pm.

“After 10pm, businesses can make deliveries to homes,

workplaces or to customers who remain in their vehicles having pre-ordered.

“The vast majority of businesses have followed the rules and are working hard to keep within the regulations and still offer customers a great service.

“Therefore, a business not doing so, especially when they have already been warned, is not acceptable because it creates the perfect breeding ground for the virus to spread as large numbers of people will gather there because it’s the only place open.

“It is in the interest of the entire community to drive down the increase in cases, and businesses must play their part by following government guidelines, encouraging social

distancing and operating in a Covid-safe manner.”

Cllr Margetts added: “We’re all in this together. We all need to follow the rules – every single one of us, businesses and residents alike. And when people don’t follow the rules voluntarily, it’s our job to enforce the rules.

“That’s what happened here – we gave them a prohibition first, but when they ignored that we issued a £1,000 fixed penalty, as is set out in the law.

And, if they do it again, the fine will go up.”

The council has issued two other warning prohibitions to businesses in the borough.

For more information or to report a concern, visit www.publicprotectionpartners hip.org.uk.

LOCAL recycling centres have pledged to stay open during the second national lockdown.

The re3 centres in Bracknell and Reading will remain open to the public with enforced safety measures and booking systems in place.

Residents are asked to use re3’s ‘Click and Tip’ service, and to only visit centres if they cannot store their waste at home.

And people are being encouraged to use kerbside waste collection services whenever possible over the coming month.

currently in review. We have continued to support people since August.

“We expect to resume some services, but not to the extent of the last lockdown as there isn’t particular guidance on shielding etc.

“Our plan is to recontact everyone we had helped to ensure they have support and if not, we will step in. We will also support anyone who requires help e.g. they are quarantining, need prescriptions delivering.”

“We want to continue to offer our services and as always ask everyone to follow staff advice,” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council.

“We expect some difficult months ahead and as we do appreciate that using the Click and Tip service is an extra step people need to take, thank you for understanding, compliance and simply for being kind.”

Bookings can be made between 8am and 6pm and can be booked a week in advance. � For more information, visit: re3.fccenvironment.co.uk/clicktip-services

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Remembrance at home: honouring the fallen with online services this lockdown WOKINGHAM Town Council has changed its plans for Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day due to a second lockdown starting today.

Working with its partners, the council will be hosting an online two-minute silence at 11am on both Remembrance Sunday, November 8, and Armistice Day, Wednesday, November 11.

These can be accessed from the town council’s social media accounts.

Physical church services have been cancelled, and the Revd Canon David Hodgson of All Saints Church, Wokingham has organised a pre-recorded service which will be online at 3pm on Remembrance Sunday.

Residents can place personal Remembrance crosses on a stand in front of the Town Hall, next to the soldier silhouette.

Crosses are available from Newbury Building Society in Broad Street and McColls newsagent in Peach Street.

But residents are asked to follow new lockdown rules, and only visit the stand with their household or support bubble, keeping two metres from all others.

Wokingham Town Council mayor, councillor Tony Lack said: “It is with a very heavy

heart that, following the Government’s announcement to introduce another lockdown, the council has had to reconsider the arrangements for Remembrance in the coming week.

“I am pleased that the community will be able to join an online pre-recorded church service and that they will be able to access a two-minute silence, albeit remotely.

“These are very difficult times for everyone and we know how much marking Remembrance means across our community; while we are unable to be together in our annual acts of Remembrance I am sure you will join me by continuing to hold in our hearts and minds those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We are encouraging everyone to Remember from home, perhaps joining in the silence from your own doorstep

and displaying a poppy in your window.” � Four churches from Hurst, Twyford and Ruscombe have joined together for an online service.

St Mary’s Church, Twyford, St Nicholas Church, Hurst, Saint James the Great Ruscombe and Twyford United Reformed Church will be live on YouTube just before 11am.

Scouting and Guiding movement members, local councillors and others are being asked to join in as an online community this year, following the new government lockdown restrictions. � To access the All Saints Church service, visit: www.allsaints wokingham.org.uk/events/ wokingham-civic-remembranceservice � To view the Hurst, Twyford and Ruscombe service, visit: www.youtube.com/channel/ UCnCAP-9SvIlZJDeIDiA1L7A.

Kim Murray and her dog Molly fundraising for the Poppy Appeal outside Tesco in Finchampstead Road LAST WEEK, a poppy-wearing pup helped spur donations to the Poppy Appeal.

Kim Murray was joined by her dog Molly, who was wearing a poppy created by the barkham Hookers group. Within two hours, Ms Murray had raised upwards of £100.

She said: “The general public were ridiculously generous, with many people donating £10 on our card machine.

“I believe we raised a few hundred in the first hour and a half. I truly believe this year those that can give

have been very much giving and it is very much appreciated.

“Molly was well received and brought a lot of happiness to people’s faces for sure.”

Local collectors have new ways for people to donate including unique QR Codes and contactless machines to ensure the safety of those collecting and those choosing to donate in person.

Alternatively, log on to www.rbl.org.uk/ poppyappeal and click on ‘Donate’ or call the fundraising team on 0845 845 1945.

Picture: Barbara Young

Poppies planted at Twyford supermarket A SUPERMARKET in Twyford is sporting poppies to mark Remembrance Day. This is thanks to local resident Patrick Henesey, who has planted 60 poppies at the local Waitrose.

“I wanted to stimulate people’s interest and remind them that November 11 is a specific date in our calendar, so that’s where it all started,” Mr Henesey said.

“I didn’t expect that we would still be in lockdown at this point, so I think it’s even more important now to remind people that we must remember who created this country.

“Not only have people given their lives, but there are lots of people who fought alongside them to create this country and we should be proud of that.”

There are 52 poppies, mostly

Poppy display VOLUNTEERS for The Royal British Legion were collecting donations at The Lexicon this week.

To commemorate those who have fallen and to show support for those currently serving, The Lexicon installed a Poppy Display on Braccan Walk North.

Pictures: Patrick Henesey

red, but eight white and blue flowers nod to leaving the European Union at the end of this year, Mr Henesey explained.

“When I was making the poppies, I realised we are due to leave the EU in a matter of weeks, so I thought I would incorporate that into the display,” he added.

And alongside the poppies, Mr Henesey has attached a poster which reads: “In loving memory of all who have given their lives in the creation and defence of our freedoms, democracy and civilisation by all who now embrace and benefit from these values.”

From left: Rob Morris, general manager at The Lexicon with father and daughter volunteer team Bill and Dawn Kimpton, from Bracknell Picture: The Lexicon

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Dolphin School’s pupils take time to remember Coronavirus means that the annual commemorations have to be handled differently this year. But pupils at the Hurst-based school have been busy visiting the borough’s war memorials, creating poppy pebbles and preparing for a special assembly which will be held on November 11.

PHIL CREIGHTON finds out more

P

UPILS at a Hurst school have marked Remembrance in a special way this year, despite the coronavirus restrictions.

Last month, Year Five at Dolphin School painted poppies on to pebbles, which they then left at locations across the borough.

Each place visited, using Covid-secure measures, was part of the Wokingham Remembers Heritage Memorial Trail, and helped the youngsters understand the significance of Remembrance.

Siân Moore, who heads up the middle school, said that the pandemic had curtailed the usual traditions, which included a threeday trip to visit a Commonwealth War Graves cemetery in France, and Year Five leading a school assembly.

“We still wanted Year Five to have the experience,” she said. “I came up with a plan for doing it locally, inspired by the Wokingham Heritage Memorial Trail. We started in Hurst as that’s most local to us.”

They visited the village church, where there is a war memorial and six war graves.

“We talked to the children about the importance of memorials and how people had to have something to remember (the war dead) as most bodies remained in France,” Ms Moore said.

After leaving poppy pebbles there, the pupils went on to Twyford, and Sonning’s Reading Blue Coat School where they have their own war memorial.

“We wanted to take the children there because they remember people from conflicts since the Second World War as well as the First and Second World War – we wanted to show children the importance of continuing to remember,” Ms Moore said.

Other sites visited included the war memorial in Woodley in the memorial grounds – residents raised funding for it back in 1918.

“But then 100 years later, in 2011, local people felt there needed to be some sort of proper memorial. So Woodley has got one of the newest war memorials in the country, which is just to Woodley’s war heroes.

There are no names on it.

“We explained to the children that means that we can remember those from the past, but it's also future-proof so we can continue to remember people who continue to die in the service of their country.”

They also visited All Saints and St Paul’s churches in Wokingham, again leaving pebbles in all locations.

The children will next week lead a small assembly for their year bubble.

“We can’t do it for the whole school at the moment,” Ms Moore said. “But we will

hold our assembly on Wednesday, November 11, at 11am so that we can join with the nation in a two-minute silence.

“The children will talk about the importance of remembrance, the things that we use to remember and the people that we remember.”

As well as the pebbles – which have a 50 in middle of the poppy to denote Dolphin School’s 50th anniversary – Year 5 have been making poppies and blue cornflowers, a symbol of France. They have also been looking at other countries’ flowers in addition to this.

It’s all part of the ethos that Dolphin School has for learning: getting out of the classroom where possible and engaging children as much as possible.

“We have got a lot of local resources on our doorstep,” Ms Moore explains.

“We talked to the children about the Heritage Trail being bigger than the places we visited, and they could do the other bits of it with their families.

“I think one of the things that Dolphin School children love doing is teaching their families and friends about what they've learned in school.

“We don’t keep them in a classroom to teach them – we take them and show them because we believe it has a greater impact on their learning, they get a greater understanding from having seen it.”

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Help to manage stress STRESS and how businesses can cope with it is the subject for a new session from Woodley Business Club.

Taking place online from 8am on Tuesday (November 10), it will be led by Phil Growler, a local therapist who helps people with a wide range of emotional and coaching needs.

He is also a tutor and author, a previous committee member of the Woodley Business Club and a regular attendee of club meetings.

The session will explore stress, its effects and how to manage it. Mr Growler will also look at how Covid-19 has

Call to join peer networking group

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today A CALL has been made for the borough’s ambitious business leaders to come together and spearhead growth across the royal county.

affected people.

There will be an opportunity to share stress-relief tips and also to network after the talk.

The session is open to new members as well as existing ones. � For more details or to book a place, log on to www.woodleybusiness club.org.uk

The Thames Valley Berkshire Business Growth Hub is championing a peer networking programme with the aim of sharing business experience in a noncompetitive, exclusive, private and supportive setting over nine twohour sessions open to groups of just eight.

Trained facilitators will lead the high-impact sessions whose agendas are driven by the business leaders themselves based on their own challenges and opportunities covering topics including finance, HR, exporting, business and product development, sales and marketing.

Further one-to-one business support from specialist business advisers is

another key benefit of the programme.

Expert Innovation Coach and Leadership Facilitator, Jenny Plaister, said: “Peer groups provide an opportunity for leaders to step back and focus on the important issues that may be getting in the way of progress.

“Peers form a supportive yet challenging group to assist with the thinking. This is a powerful process designed to provoke thought and to embed an action orientation."

Smalland medium-sized businesses that have been operating for at least a year, have at least five employees, and an annual turnover of at least £100,000 are urged to register online to guarantee a place in the next set of cohorts. The closing date is tomorrow – Friday, November 6.

Julian Mobbs, Berkshire Peer Networks Project Manager said: “2020 has been a year of

unprecedented challenges for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors but there are many shared themes.

“We know that businesses that seek external advice or undertake formal training are more likely to improve their overall performance, but many prefer to take advice from trusted sources, such as their peers, when presented with external

challenges and opportunities.

“Peer Networks enables you to make connections that go far beyond traditional networking, this is about building a trusted network of connections to support you both now and in the future, improving your long-term personal and business performance.”

Through interactive action learning, the programme enables business leaders to discuss their challenges, gain and reflect on valuable feedback and implement practical solutions to overcome them.

Together, business leaders collaboratively work through common business issues, share learnings and network effectively. � To register your interest, visit: pnp.berkshirebusinesshub.co.uk � For further details contact Project Administrator, Jaydon Richardson on 07511 082 248 or email: JRichardson@oxin.co.uk

AO open depot in Bracknell

AN ONLINE electrical retailer has opened a new depot in Bracknell.

The Sterling Centre on eastern Road is the home to the 20th warehouse for AO, which supplies home appliances and electronics such as washing machines, cookers, laptops and vacuum cleaners.

The 20,000 sq ft site following on the heels of opening depots in Kent and Yorkshire, and increased demand as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic seeing people switch to online retailers.

The company says that by expanding its logistics network, it can continue to provide the best possible delivery service across the country.

The depot, known as an outbase, are supplied by main distribution centres in Crewe, Stafford and Stoke, and the aim is to ensure that AO’s stock is never more than an hour away.

Seven jobs have been created at the depot and there will be vacancies for delivery drivers.

HS2 impact unpacked THE IMPLICATIONS to the borough of the new HS2 railway project is explored in a new online webinar.

David Ashwell, managing director of AO Logistics, said: “It’s fantastic that we’ve reached the milestone of 20 depots after opening three new sites in quick succession.

“The rapid expansion of AO Logistics is really a testament to the hard work of our people and we’re proud of how much we’ve grown in the past six months.”

He added: “The eases of shopping online for appliances has really stuck with customers and by owning our own logistics network, we’ve been in the best position to meet this increased demand.

“The new depot is in an ideal location to support our growth as a business – we’ll be able to serve our customers in Berkshire even better than before and it means we’re securing the best infrastructure for the future.” � For information about jobs, visit: www.aojobs.com/locations/logistics-depots

The Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce Group ran the session to give an update on the project, which will ultimately deliver 345 miles of new track, new stations and new rolling stock.

Its session will look at

procurement opportunities for businesses and the seminar looks at how the supply chain will work and how companies can register their interest. � To access the youtube webinar, visit: bit.ly/HS2seminar

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Council leader warns no place for poverty in Wokingham borough � Continued from front page

MP joins lunch bunch to deliver meals THE MP for Reading East helped deliver free lunches to children last week.

Matt Rodda, whose Reading East constituency includes parts of Woodley and Earley joined the Woodley Lunch Bunch to deliver free lunches to children who receive free school meals during term-time.

Mr Rodda said: Matt Rodda said: "Children and families are under real pressure because of the

pandemic and, without school dinners, many parents struggled to provide proper meals during the holidays.

“The Lunch Bunch is doing vital work to help more than 100 children in Woodley and Earley and it was a privilege to be able to learn more about the impressive work the group is doing and to help deliver meals to local families.

“I am calling on the Government

to now pay for free school meals during the Christmas Holidays to provide more support for families.”

The Lunch Bunch was founded this year by Woodley woman Juliet Sherratt, who noticed a need for help in her neighbourhood.

Having previously volunteered with Wokingham-based Grub Club, Ms Sherratt organisaed a similar scheme in Woodley.

Picture: courtesy of Matt Rodda

Councillor code of conduct under public review THE COUNCIL is asking for resident’s views on changes to the councillor code of conduct.

Each year, the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) publishes a set of best practice principles for standards in local government and recommends local authorities carry out an annual consultation.

These are known as the Seven Principles of Public Life which are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Elected councillors should act with integrity and honesty,

treat people with civility and impartiality, avoid conflicts of interest and ensure public resources are used prudently in the public interest.

The code also sets out the process to register and declare their financial and other interests. And it states they must not do anything which may cause the council to breach the 2010 Equality Act. “We welcome your overall views on the Code of Conduct as well as your specific views on the proposed changes,” said Andrew Moulton, assistant director for governance at Wokingham Borough Council.

Woodley neighbours celebrate lottery win A TRIO from Woodley have been celebrating this week thanks to their lucky postcode.

The neighbours on Oak Way all won £1,000 in Monday’s People’s Postcode Lottery when RG5 3QS was chosen in the daily draw.

Matt Johnson, People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador, offered his congratulations to the prize winners.

“What a great way to start the week. I’m sure they’ll enjoy

“The role of councillor in all tiers of local government is a vital part of our country’s system of democracy.”

The closing date for the consultation is 11.59pm on Friday, December 11.

Residents can access the consultation on the borough council website and respond to it by emailing neil.carr@wokingham.gov.uk or by post to Democratic Services, Wokingham Borough Council, PO Box 151, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1WH. To access a paper version of the consultation, email: neil.carr@wokingham.gov.uk Matt Johnson, People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador congratulates the winners

spending the cash and treat themselves to something special,” he said.

Monday’s draw was promoted on behalf of WWFUK, which has received more than £18.4 million in funding from the People’s Postcode Lottery.

The conservation organisation works hard to

reverse the effects of climate change, plastics, the illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss.

Many good causes close to the winners have also benefitted from players’ support, and local charities can apply for funding next year. � For more information about the People’s Postcode Lottery, visit: www.postcodelottery.co.uk

Cllr Halsall said: “Wokingham borough is one of the best places to live and work in the UK and as such what poverty we do have, it has no place in the borough.

“We are unswerving in our mission to fight and work with our partners to drive up the living standards and drive out poverty for all our residents.”

Responding to the negative effects of the pandemic, the borough council has worked with partner organisations to launch a range of initiatives.

These include flexible repayment plans for council tax and funding the One front door via Citizens Advice Wokingham.

The council says it will also be introducing Eco-Flex and Green Home Grants schemes to help tackle fuel poverty, and will hire a full-time debt management worker.

A spokesperson from the council said: “The causes and effects of low income are wide ranging and damage standards of living and accessibility to health and wellbeing – in particular mental health and social inclusion.

Wokingham Borough Council says it has measures in place to help families on low incomes

“Poverty level trends are driven by changes in the employment rate, earnings, benefits and other income such as pensions, and housing costs.

“Although these factors cannot always be influenced locally, and might be restricted by central Government policy, local council knowledge of its residents is crucial knowing where best to target support.

“Depending on which definition of poverty is used – whether based on before or after housing costs are taken into account — Wokingham Borough has consistently been one of the least deprived unitary authority areas in England, ranking least deprived in 2019 Indices of Multiple Deprivation.

“But people and families on low incomes do exist in the borough so the council has a number of measures in place to ensure the borough’s opportunities can be accessed by everyone.”

It comes as research from Loughborough University stated there were 5,649 children in poverty across the borough between 2018/19.

The number is calculated by analysing the number of children living in relative poverty, as researched by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), combined with housing costs.

This would suggest one-insix children were living in poverty in 2018/19.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

Resident builds speed bot to fight road concerns

Thousands tune in for borough’s first Youth Climate Conference

EXCLUSIVE

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today FINCHAMPSTEAD residents fed up with speeding drivers are using data to prove their case.

For two-and-a-half years, people who live along the A237 Reading Road have been calling for safety improvements.

The road has been flagged as unsafe and in need of crossing areas as part of the council’s Safe Routes to School report, but improvements are yet to be put in place.

Campaigning for change, Gareth Rees has been meeting with the highways executive at the council to push for clear timelines for improvement.

Last month, he used his previous knowledge as a computer programmer and built a computer programme known as a bot that would Tweet when cars exceeded the speed limit along the 40mph stretch of road.

Using his data, Mr Rees said the council could have earnt £47,900 in speeding fines in one week, if they placed a camera along the road.

“I was working on the assumption that every car travelling 46mph or more would receive a speeding fine of £100, and the bot Tweets the hypothetical daily fine total,” he said.

The data is sourced from iOS and Android GPS tracking systems, and the highest speeds recorded were from two vehicles driving 76mph, one towards Arborfield, the other towards Eversley.

“I’m just trying to provide information for residents,” he said. “There are enough cars travelling at reasonable speed to make it a scary road to cross. Walking from your house to the pub, there is a high probability that a car will go past at a rapid speed.”

A council spokesperson said: “Speeding enforcement and the location of speed cameras are matters for Thames Valley Police. We monitor average traffic speeds, which are within the existing limit in this area.

“We have reviewed the speed limit on all A- and B-roads in the borough this year as part of our borough-wide speed limit review. This includes the A327. Results from this will be published later this autumn.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said: “We deliver targeted enforcement and education, providing a deterrent designed to make roads safer.

“We use prevention campaigns such as our “It’s Not Worth the Risk” campaign to try and ensure that all road users behave appropriately and keep themselves safe.

“Further, we carry out effective, information led patrols and engagement in partnership, to deliver a safer and more secure road network.

“During the Covid-19 pandemic, this has clearly provided the force with extra challenges on resourcing, and we do rely on the public to provide information and would encourage anyone with information about speeding or poor driving to please report it so that we can gather information about a particular area and take action where appropriate.

“We would ask people to report online via our website at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/ report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident.”

All of the speed data Mr Rees records is available in a spreadsheet on his campaign website: readingroad.org

For the latest news visit

MORE than 5,000 views have been recorded so far for the first-ever Wokingham Youth Climate Conference, held virtually last month.

The event, organised by Wokingham Borough Council, featured a mixture of panels, speakers and video clips to help youngsters engage with issues relating to the climate emergency.

Originally planned for March at the Council’s Shute End offices, it had been postponed as a result of the pandemic.

The sessions were pre-recorded and uploaded to use when suited schools and students.

And as it was a virtual gathering, the footage will live on: the council says that more than 10,000

secondary school students have been provided with the videos so that teachers can use them as a resource in the months ahead.

One such example is Addington School in Woodley, which has already used clips in lessons.

There has also been constructive engagement between students and council officers, with more than a dozen getting in touch to raise various issues. Speakers included Oxfam’s Ruth Gibbs, who spoke on the issue of fast fashion.

Africa Bauza Garcia-Arcicollar and Dr Alex McLaughlin from the University of Reading led a session on climate justice, and sustainable transport was discussed by Domhnall McFarline and Julie Pillai from My Journey Wokingham.

There was also a panel covering the council’s work relating to climate

emergency on areas including public health, waste and recycling, energy and biodiversity.

This ties in with the council’s climate emergency action plan, which wants to encourage climatefriendly behaviours through school visits and educational projects as well as facilitating young people to lead behaviour change across the borough.

Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for resident services, communications and emissions, including climate emergency, was delighted with how the event went.

“I’ve had nothing but positive feedback on our youth climate conference and I hope everything we have put together will have longterm value for the borough’s young people and teachers,” he said.

“We’ll continue to engage with

young people on this important topic, as we know they have a keen interest in protecting our planet and leading on carbon-cutting behaviours.”

And Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, added: “I’d like to thank all the young people who have already taken time to look into this topic with us through our fantastic panel of staff and guest speakers.

“It’s vital these young people feel empowered to go on and become ambassadors within their school communities and the borough, encouraging others to engage with this important topic. With all the keynote speakers and panels available online and easily accessible, I hope even more young people making the most of their expertise and watching the talks.”

From left: Jen Chalis collects the Mayor’s Roll of Honour award on behalf of the Involved Tenant volunteers of the Neighbourhood and Communities Gropu from borough mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards Picture by Stewart Turkington

Borough mayor honours community champions with awards THE MAYOR of Wokingham borough is celebrating those who go above and beyond in their community.

A volunteer who runs a recycling programme, the chairman of the Wokingham Town and Evendons Neighborhood Action Group, and the Involved Tenant volunteers are all receiving the Mayor’s Roll of Honour awards for outstanding commitment and contributions to the area.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the awards have been put on hold since March.

However, Wokingham borough mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards wanted to honour those who are still due to receive their awards.

The three recipients of the mayor’s Roll of Honour awards this year are: Alison Chaney, from Ali’s Recycling for the Local Community, has been included in this year’s Roll of Honour awards for raising more than £14,000 for local schools and community groups.

She was nominated by three people for her recycling work, where she approaches local businesses

Council crack down on fly-tipping THE COUNCIL has launched a new campaign to crackdown on fly-tipping.

and asks them to host recycling schemes.

Ms Chaney then collects the recycling, sorts it and sends it to TerraCycle which makes the waste into recycled products. She then earns points that are turned into money to be donated to charity.

Ken Rowlands, chairman of the Wokingham Town and Evendons Neighbourhood Action Group has also received the Mayor’s Roll of Honour award.

Mr Rowlands works with residents, councillors and the police through the

We Are Watching reiterates the council’s commitment to keeping the borough clean.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping and will not hesitate to take action against this criminal and anti-social behaviour. We Are

Neighborhood Action Group to enrich the lives of his community.

He also organises a number of community events, such as local litter picks.

And the Involved Tenant volunteers of the Neighborhood and Communities Group have been included too.

The mayor has recognised the group for its work organising community fun days, including Carols in the Courts which takes place every year.

“It is clear from these nominations that we have

Watching – and we will prosecute”.

“We know our residents take pride in our borough’s clean neighbourhoods and beautiful green spaces.

“Each and every one of us can play our part in tackling this issue by reporting fly-tipping and disposing of our own household items responsibly.”

many committed volunteers in our borough who take enormous pride in their local communities and work tirelessly to make a difference,” said Cllr Richards.

“I am delighted to be able to honour these unsung heroes in our community and thank them for all their hard work and commitment.”

Due to the pandemic, the current Roll of Honour award has been paused until further notice.

All previous nominations will be kept on file and considered once restarted.

So far this year, 45 people have had to pay a fixed penalty of either £80 or £400 because their waste was dumped illegally.

As part of the campaign, residents can help by reporting illegal dumping to the council Residents can share information, location details and photos confidentially online.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

COUNCILNEWS

JESS WARREN reports on the virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive held on Thursday, October 29

Leader warns poverty stats are not accurate

Citizens Assemblies to tackle climate change

LAST THURSDAY, the leader of the borough council said he does not believe reports that one-in-sixchildren living in poverty in the borough is accurate or responsible.

Speaking at the start of the executive meeting, Cllr John Halsall began his statement by reiterating calls for the public to follow Covid-restrictions and pledged to “eliminate poverty in the borough”.

He said: “It is now eight months since we had the first outbreak of coronavirus almost to the day. Since mid-September the cases in Wokingham have been rising. Sadly, also deaths are rising. The hope that we would be able to return to normal for Christmas is fast receding.

“Our policy is to ensure as far we can to remain in Tier 1. This is consistent with our neighbours notwithstanding press reports to the contrary.

“We believe that Tier 1 gives our businesses the best chance to recover and allows for our residents to lead as full a life as possible.”

He said the council is working with care homes to keep residents safe. And is asking schools to champion the Covid rules.

“If we recruit every school child as an evangelist, then the message will get into homes as it is in the homes where it is believed most of the transmission occurs,” he said.

“Schools can also help by ensuring that when children leave school settings they remain separated and parents picking up children do not mix.

“Our trace system is now working well and this week we have started door knocking.

“We will be auditing our commercial and recreational premises to ensure the proper application of QR codes and adherence to regulation. This week we fined various establishments for nonobservance.”

And the council will be launching Covid community champions and marshals “to lead by example, spread the word and provide factual information about the impact of the virus across the borough”.

Cllr Halsall said: “We are calling upon you, as our councillors to join this initiative and we will arm you with all the stats, advice and comms messaging you need to disseminate through your networks on a weekly basis.”

He added: “I am nervous to say that the curve is decelerating and flattening off.

My nervousness is because I do not want to tempt fate but there are very cautious signs for optimism.”

“We as a borough and borough council must plan for the winter and spring and be in hope that next summer we will return to normal – if we remember what that is.

“We have been at pains to reintroduce all the democratic processes as soon as possible and I point out to the naysayers that some of our neighbours have yet to have a full council meeting and many of our neighbours are still working to a scheme of delegation. It could be said of Wokingham that politics has returned with a vengeance, both in the second and third estates.

“This administration has worked very hard to ensure that homelessness in the borough is very low and to ensure that those who are homeless are looked after. We have housed all the rough sleepers except for one who insists that he prefers not being housed.”

Speaking about poverty levels, he said: “We will do the same with poverty, especially food and fuel. We are determined to eliminate poverty in the borough.

“It is extremely important throughout this emergency that our residents have confidence in the council. Statements that there are 6,300 children in poverty and rising and that there are one-in-six children living in poverty in the borough we do not believe to be accurate or responsible.

“The indexes based after housing costs compared to median income have less to do with poverty and more to do with house prices and the structure of employment in the home counties.

“Poverty measured by reference to the median income will, by definition, always be there.

“We need to work with a definition of absolute need specifically with reference to hunger and warm homes. It is not a position of virtue signalling but of practical help.

“The borough is measured by ONS in the index of multiple deprivation 2019 as being the lowest after Hart in the table and the disparity between the highest Blackpool and Wokingham is huge.

“We enjoy and have enjoyed the lowest funding of any unitary authority for many years consequently. It is inconceivable that we are the second to lowest in the index of multiple deprivation and that there are 6,300 children in poverty and rising or one-in-six children.

“Having said that, one vulnerable person, child or family is too much. And this is

an area that I am taking very seriously. Especially so, in the light of the impact of Covid.

“Our model has been for the council to work with the voluntary sector using the CAB as the front door. We get the best when we work together with our partners and we do not plough our separate agendas; otherwise it's confusing for our residents.

“The executive, and the voluntary sector will create the architecture for this important piece of work; both the chief executive and I will be intimately involved.

“We must clearly identify where there exists need in the borough so that we can tackle the root causes of that need and support it until we have done so.

I will consult with the leader of the opposition and keep other group leaders appraised of our progress.

“We shall hold special executive meetings to authorise the strategy and expenditure as we go along as this exercise must be at pace.

“As for this half-term, I am extremely grateful to all the restaurants, shops and pubs who have extended their services for free or subsidised school meals and to the food banks and our voluntary sector partners.

“The pressure for the council to extend food vouchers came after it was feasible to undertake this through schools.

“The council would have had to act unilaterally without the appropriate notice or case being made in the executive. This could have resulted in another expensive call in.

“I want to effectively plan for the coming months and deeply understand poverty in this borough and the causes of poverty. I am also confident that we can more fully meet the spirit of the Government’s National Food Strategy.

“It must be remembered that although current publicity is being given to free schools meals, the biggest cohort of the vulnerable are likely to be the old where we may be required to shield again depending on Government Policy. It is this cohort, children and any others, whom we will be addressing in our Poverty Strategy.

“Finally, please help me to help you. Those (watchin this meeting) are councillors, the press and interested members of the public. What you do and say will have an enormous impact on public behaviour towards this virus.

“Please do not make things up because it is politically expedient or provides a good story.”

At the meeting, Cllr Gregor Murray, previously the executive member for climate emergency and now the executive member for resident services, communications and emissions said the council was considering forming Citizens Assemblies to advise the council.

He was responding to a question from Wokingham Town Council councillor Phil Cunnington, who said: “The Climate Emergency Task and Finish Group calls on the council to include progress of measures aimed at reducing consumption emissions coming into the borough.

“Other than asking residents to buy less, what can be done to reduce emissions that seem to

me to sit outside of the council's control?”

Cllr Murray said he hoped residents would make “informed purchasing decisions” and look at the ways their household generates carbon emissions.

He said: “The role of the council should be to focus on educating communities and businesses about the impacts of consumption emissions and encourage by making buying decisions that will reduce them.

“Therefore, the council wants to bring together residents, in the form of a number of Citizens Assemblies, to investigate, discuss and make recommendations to Wokingham Borough Council on how to respond to consumption emissions and other areas of our

climate emergency and in particular to what needs to be done to change our current behaviours.

“We believe that this will significantly strengthen our Climate Emergency Action plan and our efforts to promote behavioural change that promote new lifestyle choices.”

Cllr Cunningham questioned how the groups could be kept free from political bias, and Cllr Murray said he hoped the members would be anonymous, so not to use their role for career advancement.

He said members would be chosen to create a “demographically balanced group” that would also include a vast number of our schoolchildren.

‘Errors and gaps’ in the climate report LATER in the meeting, Cllr Andy Croy, leader of Wokingham Labour asked Cllr Murray why “serious errors and gaps” in the Climate Emergency Action Plan have not been properly addressed.

Cllr Murray said the plan is a “working document” and changes will be worked into it.

He said: “The plan is comprehensively monitored on a three month basis and as promised the highlight report will be shared with the Climate Emergency Task and Finish Group.

“Not only is progress monitored but changes to the methodology and the form of the plan will also be reported.

“The first highlight report will be ready to be shared in November. Going through the democratic process every six months will make additional demands on officer resources and given the existing regular reporting mechanisms and where we are with Covid — this may not

be the best use of officer time.

“As suggested at the Climate Emergency Task and Finish Group members are encouraged to get in touch with officers to have discussions about specific issues that they feel would improve the plan. These will then be incorporated into the action plan on an ongoing basis.”

He said the plan is a “tool which is continuously being updated and helps give direction to what the residents, businesses, town and parish councils, charities and the council need to do to achieve net zero carbon by 2030.”

Cllr Croy said: “I think the fact is, the reason those gaps and errors in emissions won’t be corrected is because it’s politically embarrassing.

“Now it’s great to hear your newfound enthusiasm for Citizens Assemblies — to do a Citizens Assembly does cost money.

“Have you told Cllr John Kaiser

how much the Citizens Assembly that you say you are planning will cost?”

Cllr Murray said he is working through the process, and is talking with environmental groups across the borough to run them in partnership.

“I’m not concerned in terms of the cost of running Citizens Assemblies because it's an important thing for us to do, and will help us address some of the challenges we currently face.”

Cllr Murray countered concerns over gaps in the plan, citing the prime minister’s announcement earlier this month that by 2030, all homes in the country will be powered by off-shore wind farms.

Towards the end of the meeting, Cllr Murray presented the recommendations from the Climate Emergency Task and Finish Group, which were approved by the council executive with no votes against, or abstentions.

Trees Cities of the World status JOINING climate discussions, Cllr Anne Chadwick, Conservative councillor for Loddon Airfield on Woodley Town Council,ok asked Cllr Murray whether the borough would apply for Tree Cities of the World status, as part of their commitment to planting 250,000 new trees.

Cllr Murray said the council is keen to work towards that status, but must first “demonstrate that various standards have been met in relation to the protection, maintenance and planting of our trees”.

He said: “The first step towards achieving this recognition in Wokingham is underway through the proposals to plant an additional 250,000 trees within the borough.

“As part of the proposals to deliver this number of new trees and maintain our existing tree

stock, we propose to develop a Wokingham Tree Strategy.

“This would set out how Wokingham could maximise the wide range of benefits that trees and woods can deliver in relation to health, amenity, climate change, and water management.

“It will also explain how the council could protect and maintain council-owned trees and how we will engage with the asset holders in the council, other landowners, and the community to protect all of the

trees across the borough.

“An action plan will be produced along with the strategy, part of which will cover how we will work towards achieving the standards required for a Tree Cities of the World Status.

“We intend to begin work on the strategy as soon as the proposals are finalised and once worked up to a stage suitable for public consultation we would very much value feedback and input from residents, including plans to achieve Trees Cities of the World status.”

Cllr Chadwick asked about plans for urban forestry rather than planting on existing greenland.

And Cllr Murray said he is committed to planting more trees in town areas, as they help to improve air quality, reduce noise, absorb carbon, reduce wind speed, lower pollution and look quite nice.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

COUNCILNEWS

JESS WARREN reports on the virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive held on Thursday, October 29

One-in-six people are diagnosed with depression DURING the meeting, resident Ian Shenton asked Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, what the council is doing to support mental health provision during the pandemic.

Cllr Margetts revealed that in the borough, 15% of residents have a formal diagnosis of depression and more than 40% of GP consultations relate in some way to mental health issues.

He said: “The borough’s community response has sought to reach out to those isolated and vulnerable. Adult Social Care made over 6,000 initial welfare checks with some 16,000 follow up welfare calls via WBC Link Visiting Scheme and there have been some 4,000 calls to the One Front Door, supported by WBC and Citizens Advice.

“The One Front Door (scheme) takes calls of any nature, many of which impact on mental health. These initiatives will be repeated or stay in place over the next few months as Covid cases rise.”

Cllr Margetts explained the council is launching a pilot mental health programme in partnership with Earley Plus PCN and Citizens Advice.

The project will encourage people to call One Front Door if their wellbeing is suffering.

“Citizens Advice will try to resolve some of the underlying issues causing depression and anxiety, such as financial

NEWS | 15

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stress and relationship breakdowns,” Cllr Margetts said. “And part of their service is they can signpost to other specialist services, be it formal mental health services or other voluntary organisations. If successful, the project will be rolled out across the borough.”

Cllr Margetts said the council is also sourcing a “specialist voluntary sector partner” to provide support for people with mild to moderate mental health issues, which is hoped to be ready early next year.

He said the council set up a Recovery College that provides courses and workshops to understand mental health issues, manage mental health in a positive way and generally keep well.

They are open to the public and take place online.

“These resources are available for both children and adults and include information, guidance, access to voluntary sector services and apps,” he said.

Also questioning mental health provision was Cllr Andrew Mickleburgh, Liberal Democrat councillor for Hawkedon. He asked what is being done “when it comes to responding effectively to culturally-specific mental health needs”.

Cllr Margetts said he recognised that “older, deprived, male and from BAME groups have a higher prevalence and

poorer outcomes” when it comes to mental health, and said that: “there is also evidence that BAME, older isolated, carers, LGBTQ+ and young mothers have suffered from a higher level of distress than the population as a whole.”

“Non-paid carers as well. The increased sense of isolation, lack of face to face support and respite as well as anxiety related to caring for those at very high risk from Covid-19, has had an impact on this group. And 72% of carers said they had suffered poor mental health as a result of caring, prior to the pandemic.”

He said these groups have been supported by the Wokingham Community Response, with welfare check calls to the vulnerable and to carers.

He added: “Additional support for young mothers was also put in place from WBC and Primary Care, for example, additional Health Visitor surveillance.

“Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust jointly provides Community Mental Health Services in Wokingham Borough with Wokingham Borough Council and has BAME and LBGTQ+ leads and forums.

“The trust is committed to improving access by hard to reach groups and are connecting to local community groups in Berkshire to assist people in accessing and navigating mental health services.”

‘I encourage people to use their GP’ Resident Mike Smith asked whether there were any groups of the population proving hard to reach when it comes to public messaging about visiting the GP, having checkups and tests done.

He pushed to find out whether any additional action could be taken to reach out to vulnerable groups.

Cllr Margetts said that it is important all residents of Wokingham continue to access their routine healthcare and screening appointments as well as seek medical care for new, concerning symptoms.

“GPs are open, and I encourage people to use them,” he said.

“To promote this message the Public Health team at Wokingham Borough Council have been working on a health promotion campaign with healthcare as usual as a core message.

“This campaign focuses on four main areas; childhood vaccinations, routine screening for breast, cervical, bowel, pregnancy and newborn baby, seeking help for concerning symptoms and asking for help

with mental health issues.

“These public health messages will be disseminated over the coming weeks through a variety of channels including social media, email newsletters to residents and WBC housing magazine.

“In addition there is an active involvement of WBC Public Health Team in both regional and local work around health and well-being in the recovery phase of the Covid pandemic.

“This work will provide early insight into groups that have been particularly disadvantaged with regard to accessing routine healthcare during the pandemic and allow us to work effectively to address these issues.”

Mr Smith said he was “slightly dismayed” that a lot of the messaging is “aimed at the digital approach” and he cited his elderly mother as an example of someone hard to reach.

Cllr Margetts said the council’s housing magazine arrives in the post, adding that the council has been ringing around 4,700 people who may be considered vulnerable.

Age specific mental health support Later in the meeting, Cllr Caroline Smith, Liberal Democrat councillor for Hillside asked what age specific strategies and actions the council has in place to identify and support the pandemic-related mental health needs in the borough.

Cllr Margetts reiterated his

response to previous questions, adding: “Services have been delivered via telephone and online by using the NHS One Consultation facility.

“There have been face to face contacts with PPE being used when needed.”

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COUNCILNEWS

JESS WARREN reports on the virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive held on Thursday, October 29

Changing the lived experience of black people AT THE start of the meeting, resident Keith Kerr questioned the leader of the council over his previous postings and statements on Black Lives Matter.

Mr Kerr cited the Equalities Act 2010, with reference to subsection 149 that places a particular duty on the public sector.

He asked whether Cllr Hallsall believed he has “complied with the letter or the spirit of the law”.

Cllr Halsall said he was pleased to restate the position of both the council and himself: anti-racist, promoting equality and celebrating diversity.

He said: “You are correct in stating that the council has a legal duty under the Equalities Act 2010 to have due regard to eliminating discrimination, advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations as you set out in your question.

“The council is committed to equality of opportunity and the delivery of high-quality services for all our residents.

We seek to ensure compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty through policy development, staff training, service delivery and work with our partners and stakeholders.

“We are currently reviewing and updating our Equality Policy with a view to examining how we can improve.”

He said the council has produced an equality monitoring workforce report which will go to the personnel board in November.

“We have committed to zero tolerance of harassment and bullying within CLT which will come to the executive in due course “We have signed up to the Business in the Community’s Race at Work Charter demonstrating our commitment to ensuring that equality in the workplace is the responsibility of all leaders and managers.

“We take action that supports ethnic minority career progression and we will support this activity by

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

whatever external resource is necessary.

“We are working through the implementation of the Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG) in all that we do.

“The council has made a commitment to facilitating a discussion on the future purpose of the independent BME Forum and this group, as well as the council’s Black BME Employee Group, would be important contributors to future work on equality and act as critical friends, and we hope you’ll serve on it.

“We are determined to be a beacon of best practice and good race relations. Black Lives Matter in Wokingham.

“With regard to my postings and statements on BLM I have previously apologised publicly for any unintended offence I caused to residents who may have misconstrued my comments.

“I would like to repeat this apology but I would also like to reiterate my request to you Keith, and all residents, to work with the council in

ensuring all parts of our community are represented and their voices are heard.

The prize of all our residents and employees feeling valued and included is very great and one to which we earnestly aspire.”

Mr Kerr said: “Of course I welcome, and I'm sure the whole community will welcome, the change of tone.

“But of course at the heart of the matter is credibility.

And what action will you take to educate yourself and direct Wokingham Borough Council that will change the lived experience of people of black heritage in terms of their interface with the council, and living in Wokingham itself?”

Cllr Halsall said that at the age of 70, it was “quite hard” but he is “doing his very best to understand”.

He added: “I think in the last six months, I’ve come a long way.

“As far as the council is concerned, we need to work through the Equality Framework for Local Government.

Fixing the roads Cllr Chris Bowring, Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without asked the highways executive to summarise the road resurfacing programme in the borough.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen said: “Work originally scheduled to start in May

was brought forward to early April, with the programme accelerated.”

She said the council is “really getting cracking on the structural maintenance” and will be doing more resurfacing into the winter months.

Roads were selected after a survey, and works for 2020/21 cost £6.1 million.

Carers Strategy approved Cllr David Hare, Liberal Democrat councillor for Hawkedon asked whether the budget for the Carers Policy will be sufficient for any potential increase in demand.

Cllr Margetts said: “The Carers Strategy gives direction as to how we will improve services for carers by fostering a more joined up approach across adult social care and our voluntary sector partners.”

This, he said, would ensure the council’s duties continue to be met as determined by the Care Act. He said in 2019/20 the council spent £1.124 million supporting carers through a variety of payments.

At the end of the meeting, the council executive approved the council’s Carers Strategy 2020-2025 with no votes against or abstentions.

Profit for housing companies Cllr Graham Howe, Conservative councillor for Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe asked the executive member for finance, Cllr John Kaiser, to detail the profits made by the council’s housing companies.

Cllr Kaiser said: “It gives me great pleasure to inform you, that following considerable work undertaken over the past year

including streamlining what we do and making our delivery more effective, the financial position of our council housing has improved tremendously.”

He said for the financial year ending in March 2020, the council saw a total profit of £657,000 from its four housing companies.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 17

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JESS WARREN reports on the virtual meeting of Wokingham COUNCILNEWS Borough Council’s Executive held on Thursday, October 29 Home to school transport spending ‘Good quality homes create stability and help avoid poverty’ LATER in the meeting, Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing, presented the borough’s housing strategy, which was approved for consultation.

Presenting the document, he said: “Housing is something which is close to my heart and everybody has a back story, having been born in the early 50s into an extended family with four families all related living in the same council house, as they were called at the time.

“Living like this for the first three years of my life, with my parents on the waiting list of the local council, it was only when my sister was born they got a twobedroom flat with their own garden.

“Being so young I did not really understand the impact that had on my Mum and Dad but over the years I saw my aunts and uncles also given the opportunity of having their own homes in which to bring up my cousins.

“It was not unusual at that time and many lived in poor and overcrowded conditions, but decent housing changed the lives of those families forever.

“Forwarding on nearly 70 years to Wokingham, it is a different world where it is no longer common for people to live in those conditions, in fact, quite the opposite.

“We have driven the number of homeless down in the borough and have no rough sleepers. Our housing waiting list is the lowest of all our neighbours with the number of people with real need being

An artist’s impression of the new Gorse Ride development

matched by the number of affordable homes we have built over the last few years. Which are currently band one 155 and band two 104.

“We have also developed our housing companies who have delivered affordable homes across the borough and are engaged in our most ambitious project to date a £100 million scheme, the delivery of new homes on Gorse Ride and to top it all they have made a profit rather than cost the council, profits which can be reinvested in services in the council.

“Good quality homes give more to residents than somewhere to live. It creates an environment to bring up

children and bring stability to their lives and help to avoid poverty.

“I also wanted to talk about the impact that Covid has had over the last six months and although it is referenced in the paper it is reality difficult to ascertain the long term problems it may leave us with — but rest assure we are dealing with the short term issues as they a arise so hopefully we should help residents avoid any long-term impacts.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues and officers to eradicate true homelessness in the borough and look to improve lifestyles for the most vulnerable. This includes other areas such as expanding council tax discounts.

“We have no rough sleeper on our streets, and it should be beholding on all of us to ensure that this continue. There was a something I saw the other day in which I was accused of being shamed into doing something for council tax payers let me just say it is just rubbish, as I do not need to be shamed into doing anything which help the poorest in our community.

“In fact quite the opposite, I am proud of anything I can do to help resolve poverty in the borough so get your facts right.

“The politicising of poverty does nothing to solve it in fact it detracts from the objective we all should have which is to work towards eradicating it especially in these complex and difficult times.”

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Liberal Democrat councillor for Emmbrook asked why there was an overspend in home to school transport, while schools were closed in the spring.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services said that many SEND schools continued

to remain open, including Addington School.

She said: “Payments to providers were made, as with other council contracts, under the Cabinet Office’s Procurement Policy Note.”

This, she said, helped keep some of the contractors in business.

General fund predicted at £8 million After resident and member questions had finished, the executive moved to discuss items on the agenda.

Along with the climate recommendations and Carers Strategy previously mentioned, the executive were also asked to note the council’s finances.

Cllr Kaiser presented the capital monitoring report for quarter two of the current financial year.

He said the impact of coronavirus was calculated at £2.629 million, an improvement on the £5.732 million reported in July.

“This improvement has been driven mainly from additional emergency government funding and reimbursement of lost income from the government,” he said. “These figures do not include at this stage the impact of any second wave of the

Costly car parks Cllr Daniel Hinton, Conservative councillor for Evendons West on Wokingham Town Council, questioned how much revenue had been lost from parking fees since

pandemic and any associated local lockdown that may be imposed.

“If this were to occur, then the cost estimates above are likely to increase.”

He said the general fund as of March, 32, 2021 is estimated to be £8.631 million, but he would like to see the council finances at £10 million plus.”

The executive also approved the capital monitoring report for the end of September.

This means £6 million of ringfenced funded capital budget planned for next year was brought forward for the Winnersh Relief Road.

And £115,000 from a Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management grant will be used to fund a flood alleviation scheme in Shinfield.

the start of the pandemic.

Cllr Kaiser said the estimated loss from parking fines is more than £700,000.

But £300,000 will be reimbursed by central government after “successful lobbying”.

18 |

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

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Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Residents warn suburbs at risk in planning reform

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today ONE OF the borough’s MPs has met with Earley residents concerned about the national planning reform.

Matt Rodda joined members of ACER, the Whitegates resident’s association over plans to rip up planning regulations and replace them with a system that steps away from local consultation.

The association responded to the Planning For The Future white paper and met with their MP to talk about the pressure on existing suburbs.

Tim Marsh, vice-chair of ACER, said: “The principal pressure on established suburbs is to accommodate more people in a given area.

“This is only possible to do sympathetically when careful planning

rules are in place and enforced, and must include the effect on local infrastructure.

“Government proposals are targeting Wokingham with huge increase in housing development, much of which is likely to fall on suburbs such as Whitegates because of greenbelt protection.”

He said: “Whitegates is already under pressure through loss of Greenspace due to development and overdevelopment of housing plots.

“Some neighbourhoods now suffer from inconsiderate parking, loss of the street-scene gardens, trees and grass verges, plus overbearing rear extensions and outbuildings which do not blend in.”

Mr Marsh explained that the association finds some merit in the reform. Particularly the need to prepare Local Plans quicker, focus on design quality and to better

NHS push £600,000 into BAME organ donation campaigns NEW funding is to be made available to help encourage blood donations among black, Asian, mixed heritage and minority ethnic communities The £600,000 funding aims to address a shortage of organs for those waiting for a transplant from all BAME backgrounds, and the lack of Black blood donors whose blood is used to treat conditions like Sickle Cell Disease.

Research shows that as of last month, 1,408 people from BAME backgrounds are actively waiting for a transplant, almost one third of all patients waiting in total.

Family refusal continues to be the biggest obstacle to organ donation amongst the communities. Around half as many BAME families approached about organ donation agree to go ahead, this is significantly lower compared to families from other backgrounds.

The Community Investment Scheme is run

by NHS Blood and Transplant, which is responsible for blood and organ donation, and will fund community and/or faith/belief

organisations to drive awareness, understanding and behaviour change.

NHS Blood and Transplant is now seeking applications to engage diverse communities on the issue of blood donation Three funding bands are available for projects: � Funds up to £2,499 � Funds between £2,500£10,000. � Funds between £10,001 and £20,000 As part of the scheme, NHS Blood and Transplant is launching the Community Engagement Leads initiative.

This will work in conjunction with key community-based organisations to create grassroot networks to promote organ and blood donation.

Since its 2018 launch, the Community Investment Scheme has supported 43 organisations to deliver 50 community-led projects, reaching 4,000 people with conversations and information leaflets, while 8,000 attended a talk or workshop.

NHS Blood and Transplant said that Covid-19 means that

Town centre shops launch closing sales THE OWNERS of two fashion stores in the borough have placed closing down signs in their windows.

The EWM Group operates Peacocks in Woodley’s Crockhamwell Road, and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Wokingham’s Market Place.

According to Retail Gazette, the company has set aside a number of

train planning officers in design.

But the group believes that gentle densification in areas marked for renewal is not a credible model.

He said: “We fear that it would trigger the dumping of excessive numbers of new houses and ad-hoc extensions into the suburbs on the back of unfettered development, including replacing existing two-storey houses with fourand five-storey residences.

“There is no indication as to how such a strategy is to be achieved in an acceptable way. The suburbs offer more spacious living and more privacy than living in town centres. Government proposed gentle densification will cram more housing into the suburbs.”

The organisation will be meeting with Reading East MP Mr Rodda again this month.

making innovative approaches to community engagement is essential.

As a result, applicants are asked to demonstrate consideration of the current uncertainty caused by the pandemic.

Applications focused on a digital delivery are encouraged, while digital contingency planning will be expected for any face-toface work.

Health minister Lord Bethell said:“This new funding will help organisations carry out vital work within local BAME communities by opening up and informing the conversation about organ and blood donation.

“Often a person’s best donor match will share their ethnicity, but too many donation opportunities are missed because families aren’t discussing the subject.”

He added: “We know when it comes to organ donation, these conversations save lives, which is why it is so important to help individuals make an informed decision and talk about it with their families.”

NHS Blood and Transplant is keen to work with trusted voices and organisations who can help address barriers, normalise blood donation and drive behaviour change within Black African and Black Caribbean communities.

stores for closure after being granted a 10-day extension of creditor protection.

At the moment, 50 stores are to close with the loss of 600 jobs.

Across the company’s 1,100 stores, more than 20,000 jobs are at risk if it files for administration.

Last month, Edinburgh Woollen Mill chief executive Steve Simpson told the BBC: “Like every retailer, we have found the past seven months extremely difficult”.

Altaf Kazi, head of faith and belief engagement at NHS Blood and Transplant, said: “We are delighted that this year we saw an increase in people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds saying yes to organ donation when approached.

“This shows great progress, however overall BAME donor numbers are still very low.

“With people from BAME communities more likely to need a transplant, and the best chance of a match often coming from a donor of the same ethnicity, there is still a need for greater awareness and understanding.

“We are asking more people from BAME communities to find out about both blood and organ donation and help us to address the health inequalities that many members of these communities may face.

By giving your support you can help save lives.” � More information about the Community Investment Scheme can be found at: www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/cis/ or by emailing: community.funding@nhsbt.nhs. uk � Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Wednesday, December 2.

Projects will need to be completed by Saturday, October 1, 2022

Baptist church launches new community focused role A WOKINGHAM church is launching a new, community-focused role to help people feel supported and connected.

Savannah Cook, of Wokingham Baptist Church, has become their first pioneer minister in training.

Building on her role as a church youth worker, Miss Cook will be working extensively with Emmbrook Secondary School to support young people.

“It’s very community-focussed, rather than church-based,” she explained. “I’ll be out and about a lot really. And I’m open to all other possibilities, not just working with schools, but community groups too.”

Miss Cook started her training for the position this September, at Bristol Baptist College, which specialises in ministry in modern day settings.

“I’m excited about my new role,” she said. “In youth work, there is a sense of new innovative ideas, and it’s grown from that.”

Currently, Miss Cook works to provide spaces for young people to reflect and ask questions.

“I run a project in collaboration with Soulscape at Emmbrook School, called The Lounge,” she said.

“It’s a drop-in, safe space for young people at school.

“Students come as they are, and chat about things on their mind.

Although it’s more structured at the moment, with year groups allocated different time slots to prevent mingling outside of their bubbles.”

Miss Cook said she also plans to work with Soulscape to create a multifaith prayer room at the school.

“My hope and prayer is that something of God is accessible to everyone,” she added. “People don’t have to go to church to experience and encounter God’s presence — that can happen within the school walls.

“We find that reflective, contemplative spaces tend to work quite well for people. It’s about creating a space to explore and ask questions, whether about their identity, or sexuality — whatever is on their mind.”

Miss Cook said that by reflecting on one’s identity, people can see God as part of who they are.

She added: “We encourage peer support and resilience in young people. Through community, people find a sense of belonging and I believe faith can have a role to play there as well. It’s about feeling like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

Have a greener Christmas this year AS WE get closer to what will be the most unusual Christmas the country has faced since the Second World War, a new online session will help families make it as ethical as possible.

Dave Lamont, who writes Wokingham.Today’s Plastic Free Home column and runs a Facebook group of the same name, is to hold the free session later this month.

He will be joined

by Kate Cottrell, founder of Fleet-based zero waste business Scoop, for the How To Have a Greener Christmas event,

which runs from 8pm on Thursday, November 19. � To register for the session, log on to www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk

20 | NEWS

PARISH NOTICEBOARD

Parish and borough council meetings Assume meetings are online – contact councils for details Thursday, November 5 Wokingham Borough Council. Children's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committe. 7pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, November 9 Remenham Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 5.30pm. www.remenhamparish.org.uk Wokingham Borough Council. SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education). 6.15pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Tuesday, November 10 Barkham Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm.

Barkham Village Hall, Church Lane RG40 4PL. Earley Town Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. Earley Town Council offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. Finchampstead Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm.

FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Sonning Parish Council. Council meeting. 7.30pm. Sports Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane RG4 6XE. Swallowfield Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm. www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Council questions and motion deadline. 10am. Licensing and Appeals Committee. 7pm.

Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Planning and transport committee.

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

Wednesday, November 11 Wokingham Borough Council. Planning Committee. 7pm.

Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, November 16 Wokingham Town Council. Arts and culture committee.

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

Tuesday, November 17 Arborfield Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm.

Arborfield.org.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Leisure services 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

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FROMTHECOURTS � A RUSCOMBE man has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months after pleading guilty to drink driving.

Kevin Michael Leslie Brown, 61 and from Church Lane, was stopped by police in The Grove, Twyford on September 9. A breath test revealed that he had 55 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, over exceeding the prescribed limit.

The ban will be reduced by three months on completion of a safe driving course.

Brown must also pay a £400 fine, £85 costs and £40 to victim services. � AN ARBORFIELD man has been banned from having a driving licence for 12 months after pleading guilty to drug driving.

Adam Kovacs, 22 and from Faraday Close in Arborfield, was stopped by police on May 4 in Eton Road, Datchet.

A test revealed that he had traces of delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, a form of cannabis, in his bloodstream. He was also found guilty of driving without a licence.

In addition to the ban, he was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services. � BEING drunk and disordered has seen a woman from Woodley fined £40.

Kelly Stacey, 31 and from Hearn Road, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on October 1, where she pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place in Drovers Way on July 15.

In addition to the fine, Stacey must pay £40 costs and £34 to victim services.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks Javed, also known as Abbas Javed Hussain, was ordered to pay £21 to victim services and to forfeit the drugs so that they could be destroyed by police.

No action was taken on a breach of her conditional discharge, imposed on September 19, 2019, for a similar offence. � ASSAULTING three police officers has seen a Woodley man receive multiple fines.

John Peter Moring, 49 and from Hearn Road, had pleaded not guilty to three charges of assaulting two police constables and a special constable. All offences took place on August 27.

Reading Magistrates Court considered his case at a summary trial, held on October 1, and found him guilty.

For the assaults, he was fined £120 each, and ordered to pay £240 costs and £32 to victim services. � A 34-YEAR-OLD man from Earley has been banned from driving for 12 months.

Jacob Peters, of St Peter’s Road, was stopped in Middlefields, Twyford, on May 11.

A test revealed that he had traces of delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol, a form of cannabis, in his bloodstream.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 2.

Peters was also fined £120, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services. � A SHINFIELD man has been ordered to undertake 60 hours of community service after pleading guilty to assault by beating.

Adam Playle, 30 and from Oatlands Road, carried out the offence in Reading on February 14 this year.

He must also pay £100 compensation to his victim, £90 to victim services and £85 costs. � AN EARLEY teenager has been given a 12-month conditional discharge for possession of drugs.

Abbas Javed, 18 and from London Road, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 6.

He had been stopped in Reading on March 9, where officers found a quantity of cannabis on his possession.

In addition to the discharge,

� A WOKINGHAM man has been banned from driving for a year after being stopped by police.

Dumitru Jubea, 47 and from Agincourt Close, was spotted by officers on June 21, in Wokingham.

A breath test revealed that he had 79 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on October 9.

His ban will be reduced by three months on completion of a safe driving course. Jubea must also pay a fine of £440, £85 costs and £44 to victim services.

He was also given a six-month conditional discharge for failing to surrender to the court, having been released on bail on September 1. � A FINCHAMPSTEAD man has pleaded guilty to possession of several types of drugs.

Karl Glynn Walsh, 37 and from Arnett Avenue, was stopped by police in Finchampstead on October 12 last year.

He was found to be in possession of a quantity of the class A drug diamorphine and a class B drug cannabis, contrary to the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act. At Reading Magistrates Court on October 13, Walsh was given a 12-month conditional discharge, and ordered to pay £85 costs and £21 to victim services.

Trio jailed for violent robbery

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today

From left: Samir Sheikh, Gareth Inglis and Muhammed Faraz Akram

A TRIO of robbers has been jailed after a raid on a Shinfield home.

Muhammed Faraz Akram, 25 and from Southcote Lane, Reading, Samir Sheikh, 36 and from Wildmoor Lane, Hook, Hampshire, and Gareth Inglis, 39 and from Grafton Road, Reading, were all convicted of one count of robbery by a unanimous jury at Reading Crown Court, following a 14day-trial.

On Friday, October 23, Akram was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, with Inglis and Sheikh both being handed prison terms of four years’ and nine months.

Their raid took place around 10pm on Thursday,

Ex-teacher guilty of child sex offences A FORMER school teacher is to be sentenced today, after being found guilty of child sex offences.

Graham Tattersall had taught at Garth Hill School in

February 13. The court heard that the three men entered the residence, all wearing face coverings, one of whom was in possession of a knife.

They assaulted a man in his thirties, who suffered bruising and swelling to his cheek.

The punches to the victim’s face caused an earring to be pulled out of his ear, and he also sustained scratches to his neck where he was held.

There were two women at the address, one of which was subjected to a physical assault. Neither sustained any injuries.

The men left with cash and drugs and then arrested the same day and charged the following day.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Rebecca Cartwright of Thames Valley Police, said: “We take offences of this nature very seriously.

“This was an offence where someone suffered an injury and I am satisfied that having been convicted and sentenced by the courts, these individuals will no longer a threat to the public.”

She added: “I hope that this outcome serves as a reminder that if you choose to involve yourself in violent crime we will investigate fully, we will arrest you and we will seek to bring you before the courts.”

Bracknell between 1979 and 1991. During that time, he carried out numerous offences against a number of female victims aged between 12 and 16.

Thames Valley Police said that after a victim contacted them in 2017, they launched an investigation and more victims came forward.

Tattersall, 68 and from Church Street, Windsor, was first arrested in July 2018 and, following an investigation, charged with the offences on January 17 this year.

At Reading Crown Court on Friday, October 30, Tattersall was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict of one count of attempted rape,

seven counts of indecent assault and four counts of indecency with a child in a trial that lasted seven days.

He was found not guilty of one count of rape.

He was remanded in custody to re-appear at the same court on Thursday, November 5, for sentencing.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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| 21

22 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Let’s get through this together SO, HERE we are – another lockdown.

The sense of deja vu with March is inevitable.

While some are frustrated that there has to be any lockdown at all, it is clearly needed to ensure that the NHS is not overwhelmed as we come up to its usual winter pressures.

But this is a different lockdown to the spring. Schools are still open, and from the get-go, non-essential retail can still offer click and collect services, so they’re not completely closed.

And we’re being encouraged to stick to hospital appointments to avoid any new backlogs developing.

Locking down during one of the darkest times of the year, as we hurtle towards the shortest day, is unsettling.

But at the same time, we have to provide hope for each other.

We can provide hope for our independent retailers by standing by them. We can provide hope for our restaurants by enjoying takeaways.

We can provide hope for our children by setting an example over social distancing, and exercising patience over the current situation.

We can provide hope by donating to the many groups that offer support to the vulnerable and isolated.

We can provide hope to each other, with encouragement and following the rules.

We can do this – together.

CHURCH NOTES

Churches unite in call to reset the debt

A

N estimated six million people in the UK have fallen behind on one or more household bill as a result of Covid-19, with the biggest increases in debt amongst the poorest households.

People who were previously able to keep their head above water are now in severe difficulty. Others, who had been just staying afloat, now face being overwhelmed by circumstances entirely beyond their control.

This is an urgent problem that demands a solution. It is not right that those with the fewest resources should bear the heaviest burden of the lockdown, potentially for years to come.

Now is the time for a solution to be found.

We believe people swept into debt by Covid-19 now need a Jubilee. It’s time to #ResetTheDebt.

We’re proposing that the Chancellor creates a Jubilee Fund.

This would provide grants to pay off and cancel unavoidable debt accrued by households during the lockdown period, giving them a more stable platform from which to face the future.

Could you join us? Write to your MP, calling on them to ask the Chancellor what the Government’s plans are to address the crisis.

The campaign grew out of our listening and learning to communities during the lockdown of 2020, as part of our Gleanings project. We heard that debt was becoming an increasing problem for households and communities across the UK. Reset The Debt is a campaign launched by the Baptist Union, the Church of Scotland, Church Action on Poverty, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. For more, visit www.rese‫מּ‬hedebt.uk

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Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 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

The inevitable second lockdown In March, the head of the WHO said the key to effectively managing a pandemic was to “test, test, test”.

Immunology experts agreed, nations had to start massive testing (to identify the infected), widespread tracing (to prevent spread) and ultimately containment of those with, or suspected of, infection.

Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and many other nations heeded the call and now enjoy a fairly normal, though cautious, lifestyle.

But not the UK. This government started lifting the lockdown while there were still hundreds of new cases a day, insufficient testing and no genuine tracing programme in place.

We were promised world-beating tracing apps and testing moonshots, but months later, the bluster has dissipated and the reality is woefully inadequate. …and now we have the inevitable second lockdown.

Will we use this time to do what we should have eight months ago?

Will we sustain lockdown long enough to lower the numbers to a level that we can test/trace – or will we declare success again because the hospitals didn’t collapse?

Will we reopen pubs, restaurants and businesses when we can safely contain the infected – or when we’re simply bored?

In short, will we finish the job of containment?

I believe this nation survived the Blitz and can certainly survive a disease that simply requires us to stay home.

But this threat can only be contained, not defeated.

We deserve a government that prioritises the essential truth of a test/ trace strategy; exercises competence in its duties and sacks the inept. And through these challenges, the government must support all the citizens who need help – not just support the profits of business interests.

Mr Johnson has a sizeable majority in Parliament, which has insulated him from any accountability for his government’s failure. Please join me in writing your MP, particularly if they are Conservative, in demanding competence and demanding the lockdown be linked to sufficiently high volume, effective track/trace programmes.

Tom Ross, via email

Thank you Woodley As we approach another “lockdown” I would like to put on record my sincere thanks to the wonderful people of Woodley for all their efforts to help the vulnerable residents in Woodley.

Back in April a special Facebook group, Woodley Volunteer for COVID19, was set up specifically to provide support for residents in Woodley who found themselves in difficulty.

It currently has more than 1,400 members who have connections with Woodley. Its two core activities are to provide a single point of contact for residents and a major collection point for donations to the Woodley Foodbank.

The future I hope you will help me and my family in our plight.

Attached you will find a picture by my four-yearold son, it's him in the future. You may not be able to tell but he is standing next to an apple tree surrounded by bugs and animals like a centipede, bees, owls, a frog and a badger.

I want to make sure this is possible for him. Alas, just 2.5% of the UK is ancient woodland. 98% of UK meadows are gone. The world’s wildlife populations have plummeted by 68% in the last 50 years largely due to habitat loss. At what point is enough enough? At what point do people stop saying “just a little bit more won’t matter”? It matters and I want to make sure the government do better to protect his future.

The Wellbeing of Future Generations Bill is to be

debated in parliament soon.

I urge everyone who reads Wokingham.Today to contact their MP and the government to support this Bill, without it the government can keep prioritising short term gains over the

Woodley residents have donated nearly 40,000 items since the beginning of this pandemic and are continuing to donate in similar numbers which is simply fantastic.

But this is only one side of the equation the other being the loneliness and vulnerability of many residents across Woodley.

To address this a plan was created to have Road Co-ordinators or Volunteers to cover every one of the 312 roads in Woodley. Their role, in a nutshell, is to be there for residents.

They act as a single point of contact for any resident in the road they are allocated to. It might simply a request for a chat, collect groceries or medicine or something more complex like changing a bed for an elderly person.

This is where the kindness of Woodley residents came highly visible.

273 volunteers stepped forward to take on that role including many who are acting as back up volunteers.

Recently in light of the new “lockdown” we embarked on the task of refreshing that list as many things have changed since April with some volunteers finding they could no longer carry out that role for a variety of reasons ranging from moving away to returning to full time work or university.

Approximately 85% of existing volunteers confirmed they were still willing to carry on in their role.

This meant an additional request was needed for new volunteers to fill the gaps.

As before Woodley residents stepped forward to fill those gaps showing yet again the compassion that exists in our community.

We still have not fully filled all vacancies but we will continue our search.

So to all those residents who have helped in the past and are continuing to

well-being of future generations.

The current plan of ‘build, build, build’ fills me with dread for the country our children will inherit, a green and pleasant land no more.

Please will you ensure

help now can I say a massive thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to help Woodley residents get through this tragic period we all find ourselves in.

Cllr Keith Baker MBE Coronation Ward, Woodley Deputy Mayor Wokingham Borough Council 2020/21 Leader of Woodley Town Council

Confused of Wokingham I’m confused by the article in last week’s paper and also the letter that went with it from our local Labour Party.

It seems that Wokingham Labour have had a big idea in calling for a citizens assembly. However, several weeks before their leader was in a meeting of the overview and scrutiny management committee where it was stated, and minuted, by an officer that Wokingham Borough Council where considering the potential of a Citizens assembly in order to increase awareness and engage with residents.

This was on September 16, and then six weeks later the Labour Party come up with this fantastic idea.

Needless to say not only have the Conservative-run council already started on this but also I’m sure Extension Rebellion have been calling for this for years.

Why are Wokingham Labour trying to claim responsibility for something they already know the council plan to do? If this is their only plan I am confident that in six weeks’ time they will have a letter in this paper letting us know who won the US election?

Cllr Daniel Hinton, Conservative group leader, Wokingham Town Council

Citizens U-turn?

In last week’s Wokingham.Today, it was reported that Wokingham Labour

your readers know of the importance of this Bill and that they must take action to protect our children's future?

The Titchiner Family, Laura, Nathan, Cooper age 4 and Monty age 1, Winnersh.

formally requested Wokingham Borough Council to conduct a Citizen’s Assembly on the Climate Emergency.

Eight hours later at an executive meeting of Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Andy Croy voiced disapproval of Cllr Gregor Murray for his intention to run Citizen’s Assemblies siting “these can be expensive”.

Either Wokingham Labour support Citizen’s Assemblies or they do not.

Within half a day Mr Croy has shown his inconsistency. T his gives the lasting impression Wokingham Labour are merely concerned with “engaging in politics” with reference to the Climate Emergency, since they resist all projects and ideas presented by the Council and Cllr Murray.

Jackie Rance, Shinfield

Overweight vehicles I wrote some weeks ago to highlight the problem of the significant number of overweight vehicles flouting the 7.5 tonne weight limit on Commons Road.

I noted the borough council’s efforts to control this and welcomed them, but as I pointed out, they were not that effective – on average, there’s one offender every 10 minutes.

I suggested that an occasional police presence might dissuade truck drivers from using this route, but I’ve yet to see any Thames Valley officers flagging down vehicles exceeding the weight limit. The closure of Old Forest Road, the cause of this offending, is going to continue for many months.

What a contrast between the indifference of Thames Valley officers, and the performance of their “country cousins” in rural Norfolk. The latter learned that they had a problem with drivers failing to stop at a stop sign at a junction in a fairly remote village so

in just over an hour, stopped and spoke to 28 offending drivers.

Surely Thames Valley Police could put a car and an officer or two in Old Forest Road for an hour, once or twice a week, to divert overweight vehicles back to the Reading Road? And if they can't, perhaps they should be invited to explain why not?

Name and address supplied

Ponder the future After the lovely old pictures of school children in the October 22 edition of Wokingham.Today, I could not but fear their future on the announcement of yet another shutdown. This country cannot take any more punishment.

In a few years’ time, the opportunities for employment may be very limited, and will lead to serious stress and mental problems for the young who have to pay for the criminal profligacy of today/this year.

Consider the vast number of small businesses that have provided one or two jobs over the years, traditionally providing some paid activities for the young or unemployed. Possibly by the end of this year, they may have used up all their savings trying to survive but failed. Will they ever return to or restart their defeated businesses? And that in a vastly different world where ‘money’ means better times, but for the majority of our ignored society, offers little or nothing.

I paint a terrible scenario – I just wish to face the truth.

When I started writing this letter, I drafted a way to rid us of the virus – then I thought people would call me arrogant and presumptuous.

Having witnessed this weekend the behaviour of the ‘potential spreaders’ in Wokingham, their ignorance, total lack of any concern for others or the set rules – especially separation, I thought I should make a statement based on such experiences.

We need absolutely clear rules

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Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

charlesmargetts From the executive

Picture of the week This picture of a sunset over Stokes Farm was taken as I was returning the Wokingham community apple press to its storage place after what may be the last apple press of this year which took place at St Nicolas Church and Centre, Sutcliffe Avenue, Earley, on October 27. It was the third time the new electric crusher unit was used in place of the previously used manual crusher unit giving a doubling of the amount of apple juice produced.

Harry Atkinson, Wokingham made law, and enforce contraventions with appropriate financial punishment.

To do that, because we do not have enough police, we need to use our military services – all of them if necessary – operating 24 hours a day.

At least one policeman per team to help enforce the law.

Unless people learn to behave and we get the ‘spreaders’ off the streets, the virus will be unmanageable and cases will be up and down just as recently, for months or years.

It would seem that the government has ignored the fundamental causes of virus spreading, preferring to dictate ruinous alternatives as easier solutions.

We need to ‘kill’ this virus as soon as we can, and that needs tough sensible management.

Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham

Child poverty help As one of the more than a million people who have signed Marcus Rashford's petition calling for children from poor families in England to get

tonyjohnson That was the week

Thirteen percent

I

T WAS a week when the PM headed for lockdown while the BBC headed for showdown, Starmer headed for slap-down while Corbyn headed for Sandown. Wider afield, the United States prepared for meltdown and Ireland’s parliamentary email system was taken down.

Tensions at Number Ten were reaching peak peeve this week as Prime Minister Boris Johnson was bounced into announcing a second countrywide lockdown after details of a discussion got leaked – allegedly to prevent the PM from changing his mind.

While the public briefing drifted later and later on Saturday afternoon, it got to the point where allegedly Boris had wanted it to go out at 7pm. On being told that he wasn’t bigger than ‘Strictly’, by starting at 6.30pm he escaped being interrogated ‘live’ on telly. Well, BBC One anyway.

That was lucky wasn’t it?

Meanwhile, following the publication of the EHRC’s (Equalities and Human Rights Commission) investigation into antisemitism in the Labour Party, Labour’s leader Sir Keir Starmer offered an unequivocal apology for his party’s having “failed the Jewish people” His immediate predecessor Jeremy Corbyn commented that “the scale of the problem was also dramatically overstated for political reasons”, seeming not to understand the word ‘unequivocal’.

So he was promptly expelled from the Labour party, which led to the usual taunts and debate

Our priorities for our borough’s well-being

T

free meals in school holidays which says "no child should be going hungry” I was appalled by the reaction of the Conservatives to his petition.

Wokingham’s three Conservative MP’s voted against helping children in poverty during school meals while Sir John Redwood ponders over the question ‘does shopping spreads the virus’.

At local Conservative Borough Council level there is no reaction to following the lead of many other councils and business and who are just continuing with delivering school meals/vouchers. Wokingham Borough Council’s Conservative leader does not accept the child poverty figures for the Borough yet he thanks business and others for providing free schools meals and fails to put his hand in the council’s pockets to support the scheme at an estimated cost of £60,000 to £80,000.

He even suggested at last week’s Executive meeting that if the Executive took such or a similar course of action it might be called in at great expense to

the Council when in fact its every opposition group who are demanding that the Council continues to support the school meals/vouchers scheme.

No one should go hungry in Wokingham whoever they are.

Wokingham’s Conservatives seem to forget it’s their Conservative Government and their own three Conservative MPs who are all tarred with the same ideological brush that said no. Not the Lib Dems, nor the Labour Party or for that matter the Independents on Wokingham Borough Council who all say yes, yes, yes.

Marcus Rashford’s drive that no child should go hungry deserves all our support as it’s a most worthwhile cause. A proactive Council should be leading from the front not dragging its feet. But we are talking about Conservatives both local and national.

Why won’t Wokingham’s Conservatives do the right thing?

Cllr Gary Cowan Independent Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council

about ‘Labour schisms’ of the sort that party political opponents delight in.

After all, the pot’s already boiling over, what’s not to enjoy from stirring it a bit more?

Or could it be they’ve forgotten what a political leader setting a moral standard looks like?

Apropos of which, it has become all too clear this week that shops and businesses in the United States are preparing for disruption and riot in the wake of whatever activist clashes follow the presidential election results.

However, what was arguably the most welcome development of the week was when Ireland’s parliamentary email system crashed under the load of an estimated 100,000+ incoming emails.

These were from citizens protesting about the government rushing in a new law to prevent families caught up in the mother and baby scandals from ever finding their true identity.

Sadly, the new law appeared to be yet another step in the Irish state’s ongoing attempts to cover up past atrocities.

Wokingham shows the way?

A positive step

The last word

Locally in Wokingham, there was a significant ray of sunshine in last week’s Executive meeting.

While talking about the Council’s housing strategy Cllr John Kaiser, WBC’s deputy leader, executive member for housing as well as for finance spoke about the regeneration of the Gorse Ride council estate.

Referring to the current tenants and owners he stated that the Council “would be giving everybody the right to come back”.

And while this statement is only one elected representative’s fine words at present, it’ll be interesting to see it combined with past promises from WBC officers and councillors, then turned into published policy and implementation.

The other interesting comment from last week’s Executive meeting came from WBC’s Leader, Cllr John Halsall, when he made an observation to the effect that politics had returned with a vengeance, particularly among the second and third estate.

While his sentiments didn’t seem to be aimed at the first estate (the clergy) or the fourth estate (press and news media) perhaps someone might try a bit of fence-mending with the local nobles, bourgeoisie and peasants of the second and third?

Still, at least the 80% furlough subsidies will continue nationally for another month.

While the proposed regeneration of Gorse Ride will be coming to WBC’s Planning Committee shortly, it’s worth noting that here in Wokingham Borough this regeneration could become the model for councils across the country – providing Public Housing through Public Enterprise.

The basic proposition is that a proportion of the homes on the rebuilt estate will be for tenants while the sales receipts from the rest will go towards funding the regeneration.

Depending on the attractiveness and value of the houses and flats for sale, along with rigorous cost control during the build, it’s possible that the majority if not all of the costs could be covered without increasing WBC’s borrowing.

And if this regeneration can become an economically successful one, then it signposts a return for other councils to lead the way in rehousing the nation as they did for 30 years after the Second World War.

caveat.lector@icloud.com

HE main priority for the adult services brief since February has been leading the Wokingham Borough Council fight against Covid-19.

I cannot praise enough the care home staff within the borough, council officers and voluntary sector for their tireless work on behalf of all of our residents The last few weeks have been spent preparing for the winter against a backdrop of rising Covid cases locally and nationally We have prepared for the winter in several ways � We have restarted the Wokingham community response which worked so well in Phase 1 of Covid 19.

This will see WBC work with its partners in the voluntary sector work such as Citizens Advice, The Wokingham Volunteer Centre and others for the benefit of the community.

We have restarted the One Front Door system as a contact point – it will deliver services such as collection and delivery of prescriptions to those who cannot leave home. � We will make weekly phone checks on the 4,700 adults in the borough who where shielding in phase 1. These phone calls are to support people who are vulnerable with any thing at all they need. There will be a particular focus on supporting the mental health of these residents � We are now responsible for some elements of track and trace locally. Our officers are phoning and door knocking on residents who the national system cannot reach.

Our track and trace system locally is getting a high response rate of approx 90% � We have maintained our care home task force which will remain in place until the Covid threat has passed.

Their role is to support our care homes and to ensure that our elderly and vulnerable residents are kept as safe as possible.

They do this with regular visits to ensure care homes have the right infection control, are using PPE correctly and are supported through this difficult period. � We have started a schools task force to support our schools and keep our children as safe as possible from Covid. Their role is to help manage covid in our schools and support our staff with correct PPE, infection control procedures and guidance � We have procured our own supply of Covid tests. We will use them if a delay in national testing slows our ability to respond to potential outbreaks in Wokingham � We have appointed Covid wardens to help with guidance and enforcement of the lockdown.

Their role will be support our business community and to ensure that those who are isolating know what they should be doing.

We are asking our residents and businesses to work with us to help us get through this period by isolating when asked to do so and following government guidance I would like to reassure all residents that we are here to help. We realise the next few months will be difficult for many people.

I would encourage anyone who needs help to contact us via the One Front Door system or directly.

Our aim is to ensure we help all members of our community and that no one is left behind – the sole purpose of the council is to serve its residents and we will not let them down this winter.

Cllr Charles Marge‫מּ‬s is the Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services at Wokingham Borough Council

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neilcoupe Another view

Looking forward

E

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Every cloud has a silver lining...

VERYBODY was probably expecting this day to come but even so the return of lockdown is so very dispiriting.

At the time of first lockdown, it felt as though it would be a temporary arrangementthe Premier League had originally planned to be back within the month, and the Prime Minister said that we would be through the worst within 12 weeks.

I do not suppose that many people are confidently making that assertion now.

This lack of freedom is an unprecedented challenge for those of us who have not had the misfortune to live through a war. Facing it during the short dark rainy days of an English winter, when a pleasant walk through Ludgrove or Joel Park is not so alluring, makes the whole situation even more difficult, particularly when there is no end on sight.

On top of that, we face the looming prospect of a uniquely bleak and bereft Christmas.

Back in March, there was a widespread view that this was an action that needed to be taken to protect us for a disease that could affect any of us.

The TV pictures of people dying in hospital corridors in Northern Italy were fresh in the mind at the time. I also vividly recall the shock when the Prime Minister was rushed to hospital and was put into an Intensive Care Unit. This was a disease that could affect anyone of us.

What is increasingly clear is that the country is now far less united on what we should be doing.

Some mainstream commentators and politicians are now questioning whether the negative impacts of lockdown, in terms of mental health, loneliness, delays on other hospital procedures and general economic harm, particularly on people with low levels of savings, are of greater damage than the spread of the virus.

Concern As I understand it, the original lockdown was delayed as there was a concern that people would be unwilling to follow the rules for a prolonged period of time.

The reality was that the rules were generally observed, we were all in it together, and there was a greater appreciation of the often invisible work carried out by the key workers in society.

The handful of people in the public eye, with influence on policy who broke the rules, were dealt with.

Unfortunately, this treatment did not extend to the Prime Minister’s Special Advisor, and we will probably never know how much of an effect this had on shattering the consensus, and reminding us that no matter what the scenario is, there is always one rule for certain people and another rule for everyone else.

As the news cycle has been so dominated by the continued impact of Covid-19 and all the tough decisions being made, it has been easy to forget that we have more change round the corner with the implementation of Brexit on January 1.

It had completely slipped my mind, or maybe I had genuinely thought it was a joke, that the Government is planning to lavish £120m on a special ‘Festival of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’, in a slightly left-field way of bringing the nation together after Brexit.

Surely a more appropriate celebration or commemoration that people could genuinely unite around would be to mark an anniversary of the day when we find a working vaccine for Covid-19.

This could be a solemn occasion, remembering people lost to the disease, or a celebration of restoring the freedoms that we had hitherto taken for granted, or maybe a combination of the two. Having something, anything, to look forward to would be good.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

So that’s why spend all day pl

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THERE’S no need to travel when helping Santa with gifts this year.

THOSE talented scribes at the Wokingham Writers Group have kept scribbling away this summer.

And they held a members contest based on the theme of Stormy Weather.

All entries were sent to Miranda Lloyd for judging.

She is a freelance writer, editor and proofreader who says that she specialises in helping authors tell the best possible stories. She knows what she’s doing – Miranda has been writing since she was a child.

The winner was Tom Williams, a psychologist who has been published in the past on a variety of subjects including special needs and mental health, and is now looking to become known as a fiction writer.

His entry is below. Over the next two weeks, we’ll print the highly commended entries.

Wokingham Writers says they are a friendly group of individuals with a common interest in creative writing. Members range from keen hobbyists to aspiring novelists and published authors. The group supports and encourages members with their writing projects, large or small.

Meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month. In happier days, meetings were in Wokingham Library but are currently being held via Zoom.

Anyone interested should contact the chairman, Keith Sheppard bny emailing keith@writerman.org.uk or asking in Wokingham Library.

Stormy Weather by Tom Williams I had been here before, a lifetime ago. The summer before I went up for my third year. Six idyllic weeks

walking the Normandy countryside, drinking cider out of cups in tiny cafés, trying out my French. Mont Saint-Michel in the dawn or squinting in the moonlight at my battered copy of Proust until I fell asleep under the stars.

A lifetime and a war away.

In the darkness of the night sky there was a liminal band of warm orange above the horizon. It would be dawn in an hour or so. The German groaned in his sleep. I had found him in the shell-hole and fired first.

I didn’t want to know his name, I didn’t want to make it personal, but he told me anyway. He wanted to talk. His English was rather good.

We talked about literature, art and jazz, mainly jazz. He had seen Cab Calloway play in Berlin and the Hot Club play in Paris. ‘They were wonderful.’

I said I had seen Elisabeth Welch just before the invasion.

‘Elisabeth Welch, very good, Richard, but Ethel Waters’ version of Stormy Weather is so much better.’

I begged to differ. I knew both versions well but he was stubborn.

I noticed that he was blowing little bloody bubbles when he spoke.

I had thought he would die in the night.

I was leaving him my water bottle and the last few cigarettes, when he woke. His eyes were clear but his complexion was deadly pale.

I said some guff about meeting in better times, maybe going to listen to some jazz. He laughed painfully, more bloody bubbles.

‘Isn’t life strange, Richard. You can kill me, ja, but you cannot make me change my mind about Stormy Weather.’

I couldn’t say anything. I left.

This is because local residents Sally and Rob Brown have launched a new children’s toy store in Wokingham town centre.

Blueberry Toys opened its doors to the public last Tuesday, and according to Sally, they’ve had a whirlwind first week.

“The store has been absolutely manic,” Sally says.

“It’s been really well received overall, and we’ve had a lot of quite positive feedback so far.”

The couple set up Blueberry Toys to try and fill a gap in Wokingham’s market.

“We have a five-year-old son and whenever we’ve bought toys for him, we realised there’s nothing in Wokingham,” Sally explains.

“So, we decided to set up a toy shop ourselves.

“This is a completely new venture for us and it’s all really exciting.”

Blueberry Toys sells all manner of unique children’s gifts, and specialises in sustainable and wooden pieces.

Rather than selling plastic toys, the owners wanted to offer slightly more unusual trinkets from independent suppliers.

“We didn’t want to compete with the big toy stores,” Sally explains.

“Instead, we wanted to offer gifts from suppliers who are less wellknown, and we’ve got quite a lot of sustainable products too.

“This was important to us when setting up the store because we’re so used to getting big, plastic toys and not knowing what to do with them when our child doesn’t need them any more,” she adds.

Sally and Rob Brown in their new store, Blueb

“It’s quite nice for people to have something which they can dispose of responsibly.”

Alongside their sustainable crafting and construction toys, the owners have also invested in a range of educational pieces, to help parents through lockdown.

“We’ve got quite a lot of home learning toys because I think as we head towards another lockdown, people want a bit more of that,” says Sally.

As of today, Blueberry Toys has closed its doors until Wednesday,

As seen on TV: Kerry NOT MANY of us can say we’ve baked a cake for the gogglebox – but one baker from Winnersh sure can.

Kerry Smith is an award-winning cake maker and cake artist who runs The Berkshire Bakesmith. She was recently asked to make a birthday cake for comedian James Acaster – and it was presented to him on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch programme.

Kerry was approached by Stand Up To Cancer, the fundraising partnership between Cancer Research UK and Channel 4, to make a cake that was as pretty as a picture.

“I had a bit of panic, as you do when your cake is going to be on TV, but I love James Acaster and knew I had to do it,” Kerry says.

“I had a lot of work on, and only had about two weeks to make the cake, but I found a way to fit it in.

“I’d never actually made a cake of someone’s face before, but I like a bit of challenge.”

In the end, Kerry baked a vanilla Madeira cake for James, with a bright orange inside as per Stand Up To Cancer’s request.

Once the cake was completed, it was presented to the comedian on live television on Sunday, October 25.

While it was not actually Mr Acaster’s birthday, the cake was gifted as part of a running joke, and he loved it.

“We can see how good she is at icing and making things look like people,” the comedian joked.

“So she could have made it look just like me, but instead, she’s gone ‘that’s what I think of you mate’.

“We can see how skilled she is, which makes it even more of an insult,” he added.

And Kerry thought his reaction was brilliant.

“I knew there was a potential he was going to be mean because that’s his type of humour, so I was expecting a much worse reaction,” she says.

“I was really pleased because he was actually very complimentary about my cake decorating skills.” � To see more of Kerry’s work, search for ‘The Berkshire Bakesmith’ on Facebook.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Sally and Rob laying with toys

berry Toys, which has opened in Wokingham’s Denmark Street Picture: Steve Smyth

December 2, to comply with national lockdown measures, but Sally says the pandemic won’t be getting them down, especially as they have plans to keep trading online.

“It’s disappointing that we have to close because the majority of toy sales do happen in the run-up to Christmas, but we plan to have a grand reopening in December – we’re here for the long term.

“There’s an amazing community amongst businesses in Wokingham and we’re all supporting each other through it,” Sally says.

The owners are now in the process of setting up a website and are considering running a click and collect service throughout lockdown to make sure people can still get their holiday gifts.

“We are looking to go online,” Sally explains, “but it’s all a bit up in the air at the moment.

“All in all, we’re really looking forward to opening up again in December, just in time for Christmas.”

Blueberry Toys can be found on Denmark Street in Wokingham town centre.

y bakes for funnyman

NEWS | 25

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How to put your children Javed spells out on a see food diet his success IT’S THE common refrain of parents everywhere: ‘Eat your greens!’

But if you’ve got a pea-hating 10-year-old or a daughter who turns her nose up at broccoli, help is at hand.

And it’s all thanks to a see food diet.

The University of Reading has partnered with the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Food to help children get to grips with the fruit and vegetables.

Call See and Eat, it is a website with activities and eBooks to download, all designed to help make mealtimes fun.

Initially launched last year, the project was developed by Professor Carmel Houston-Price and is based on research showing that visual familiarity in the form of picture books is an effective way to increase a child’s willingness to try and liking of vegetables.

Activities on the website include a flash card game where children are asked to match pictures to the names of vegetables; VeggieSense, a guess-the-vegetable activity where parents encourage their children to explore vegetables through their sense of sight, touch and smell; instructions on how to grow your own cress; and shopping lists to involve children when choosing vegetables during the weekly shop.

Dr Natalie Masento, a collaborator on the project at the University of Reading, said: “Vegetables can be particularly difficult to introduce into young children’s diets as they’re less sweet than fruit and can often be rejected when they’re first offered.

“It has been shown, however, that children’s acceptance of vegetables can be boosted purely through increasing visual familiarity, and therefore our project’s aim is to build on this research, while developing a series of accessible resources to help parents introduce more vegetables to their children.

“With the launch of the new website, we hope more parents from

The soldier’s love song “I’ll give you my life and my glory to share If you bring me a dowry a soldier can wear.”

I drew a white plume From the wing of a dove To wear in his cap As a symbol of love.

across Europe will find the eBooks easier to access, and will enjoy the new evidence-based activities we have developed.”

Helena Gibson-Moore, Nutrition Scientist, BNF, said it is important to include a variety of vegetables in a child’s diet.

“Encouraging healthy eating habits from a young age will help your child make healthier choices as they get older, therefore it’s key to introduce lots of vegetables early on,” she said.

“Eating a variety of vegetables is important as different types and colours contain varying combinations of essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, as well as dietary fibre, which our bodies need to stay healthy.

“Trying a wide range of different vegetables introduces children to an array of various tastes and textures and can be an opportunity to include vegetables as snacks and in different dishes from salads and soups to curries and pasta bakes.”

There’s more growing from the See & Eat project team – they are currently conducting a study to understand whether extra interactivity and personalisation through eBooks, such as adding photos or videos of shopping for, preparing or eating vegetables, can support children to become even more receptive to new vegetables.

The study covers a range of nationalities and languages, with results due to be launched in 2021.

The resources can be downloaded at: www.seeandeat.org To feel at his throat When he murmured my name.

He said: “These are fetters my flesh cannot bear.

Now bring me a dowry a soldier can wear.”

I chose a red bloom As fierce as desire To blaze at his heart With its petals of fire.

He flung down my feather in rage and despair: “Now bring me a dowry a soldier can wear.”

He laughed and he kissed me as drums drilled the air: “Now this is a dowry a soldier can wear.”

I sewed a green shirt With a fine, woollen thread To soften his nights Far away from my bed.

He took up my poppy And wore it with pride Then left to lie down With a cold, foreign bride.

Clare Bevan

“I’ll trade your fine wool for a shirt made of hair – Now bring me a dowry a soldier can wear.”

I brought him a charm, Newly forged in the flame,

We love receiving reader’s poetry.

Email your submissions to letters@ wokinghampaper.co.uk

THEY say that teamwork makes the dream work and that’s exactly what a Reading Buses control room operator has found to be true.

Javed Kayani is now 40, and came to the UK from Pakistan back in 2001.

He initially worked for a cash and carry in High Wycombe, but switched from picking products from shelves to driving buses in 2004.

He’s not looked back since, working his way up to his current role as duty manager.

Not bad for someone who had to learn the intricacies of the English language.

And Javed says that while sometimes people have been racist towards him, it has been balanced out by the good people who have helped him adapt to life in this country.

He confesses to still having problems with his spelling even today, but that his colleagues in the Reading Buses Control Room are always willing to help him out.

His cash and carry role saw him picking and placing products on shelves.

“I didn’t speak much English and therefore experienced problems with some people,” he says.

“I sometimes couldn’t explain things properly.

When someone spoke rudely to me I would say something nicely back to them – I don’t believe in racism and don’t stand by it.

“I have come across some bad people, but racism wasn’t generally the case when I joined Reading Buses as a trainee driver in 2004. There was a good mix of nationalities and ethnicities.

There were people from Nepal, a few from India and Pakistan, some mixed race and, of course, lots of English people.”

This diverse mix of people means that racism is rare at the company, which runs a number of services across the borough including the Leopards, Lions and Orange routes.

“Racism hasn’t come to me at Reading Buses and all nationalities have been increasing which is a good thing,” Javed says. “Black History Month is also a good thing. It brings something positive once a year and black and minority ethnic people, working in roles such as doctors and police, have done a lot of good things in this country.

“I like to think I have worked hard for my company and the majority of my colleagues are very friendly and helpful.”

He added: “When I got my bus licence I went on the night shift and after about three years I became a union rep for the drivers on the late shift. I left that position in 2012 when I became a driver buddy and then in 2014 I was made an inspector.

“I did that for 13 months and then a vacancy arose for a duty manager. I applied, was successful and I’m still in that job. We have people from different nationalities in the Control Room including three from Pakistan and another from South Africa and we all get on very well.

“The majority of my colleagues are white and the conversation we have is good. But sometimes my spelling isn’t so good and they will help me.”

He recalls how, even to this day, he continues to support his parents in Pakistan and how grateful he was to Control Room colleagues when his father suffered a heart attack.

“I was told to leave my work immediately and get on a plane,” added Javed who lives with his wife Tabsum, a housewife, in Coley Park.

26 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

Residents set up spooktacular Hallowe’en trails across towns

I Ghouls delight on the Earley Hallowe’en Hunt Picture: Chloe Hughes

T’S BEEN a year we will never forget – and Hallowe’en is no exception.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many families cancelled their annual trick or treat outings this year, and instead marked Hallowe’en by making a new tradition.

Across the borough, special trails were set up in villages and communities to make sure children could still take part – and they proved to be extremely popular.

Here is a reflection on some of the community Hallowe’en events which ran this year.

Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross Hallowe’en Trail A spooky scarecrow trail was put on in Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross, organised by Jennie King.

She says she was inspired to organise the event after seeing a

lot of confusion about trick or treating on social media – and she used it as an opportunity to raise some money, too.

“It started off as something quite small and grew very quickly,” Jennie said.

“I can’t believe how many people were coming down the road, following the trail.

“And there are already loads of people saying they’re interested in doing it again next year, so I think I’ve got myself in now to arrange an annual event.”

The trail saw houses put out scarecrows and pumpkins which people then had to venture out and find.

It gave children a chance to get all dressed up, and Jennie made sure to organise an array of prizes to keep the momentum going.

From the best scarecrow to the biggest family effort, there was a range of prizes from local sponsors, including a family

voucher to Beale Park and discounts at Joy Café.

“I loved the idea of having prizes. It added a little something extra and definitely pushed people forward to aim high,” she said.

Jennie also managed to turn the event into a fundraiser to help renovate Spencers Wood Village Hall.

“I knew that the hall had a lot of fundraising events planned for this year in order to do some much needed renovation,” she said.

“So I set up a JustGiving page so that people could give something back from taking part in the Hallowe’en trail.”

Initially, Jennie aimed to raise £250 for the village hall, but the community has come together and managed to raise more than £600.

“None of it would have happened without the support of everyone,” Jennie added.

“What’s definitely come from

coronavirus is community cohesion and working together.”

Earley Hallowe’en Hunt An events organiser from Earley was also busy putting together a Hallowe’en Hunt – and it attracted over 5,000 people.

Sally Evans began arranging a Hallowe’en trail in September and it quickly grew in size, expanding to cover Woodley, Lower Earley and Winnersh too.

“I thought it went absolutely amazing,” she said. “I think everybody’s efforts were incredible and I’m so proud.”

The Earley Hallowe’en Hunt had families follow a series of local trails to find haunted houses in their neighbourhoods, much like the Spencers Wood scarecrow trail.

And the community response was so great that Sally plans to do it all again next year, too.

Ghosts were wandering along Askew Drive Picture: Jennie King

A witch on her broomstick won first prize in the Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross Hallowe’en Scarecrow Trail Picture: Jennie King

Residents spotted a witch hunt along the Earley Hallowe’en Hunt Picture: Donna New

Spiders had been at work along Simonds Grove Picture: Jennie King

Ghouls haunt a tree Picture: Steve Smyth

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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NEWS | 27

School House surrounded by spiders Picture: Jennie King “I’ve learnt a lot of lessons and there are some things I’d like to introduce next year to be able to keep it going,” the organiser said.

“I want to make sure that nobody has to miss out, so I’m definitely interested in doing it again next year.”

Twyford Hallowe’en Hunt A Twyford resident arranged a Hallowe’en Hunt – and it went down a treat with the village community.

Rebecca Meuuwissen hosted a similar event to the Hallowe’en trails in Spencers Wood and Earley, and has already been asked to make it into an annual event.

“I’m absolutely exhausted,” Rebecca said, “but the event was really well received.

“The most positive thing that came out of it was the consensus that the village wants to continue celebrating Hallowe’en this way.”

According to Rebecca, over 130 houses took part in the Twyford Hallowe’en Hunt, decorating their homes for children to find last weekend.

And due the nature of the event and the fact that people could register their interest online, more people were involved in Twyford’s Hallowe’en activities than usual.

“For people who live a bit more remotely, it was great because we could point people in the direction of houses so that they could join in, too,” Rebecca added. “All in all, it was great.

“We didn’t have any negativity, there was no mischief making.

It was really awesome.”

CHARLOTTE KING

A dancing skeleton preovides a spooky performance along a Twyford street Picture: Steve Smyth

Michael and Rachael Bowyer with their son, Magnus (5) on the Twyford Hallowe’en Trail Picture: Steve Smyth

Four-year-old twins Morar and Emiko Tate enjoying the Twyford Hallowe’en Trail Picture: Steve Smyth Picture: Jennie King

Treats offers in buckets Picture: Steve Smyth

Picture: Jennie King

Spiders surround a home Picture: Steve Smyth

Jack Skellington makes an appearance on Beatty Rise Picture: Jennie King

Spooky sightings along the Spencers Wood and Three Mile Cross Hallowe’en Scarecrow Trail Picture: Jennie King

A collection of pumpkins mark the entrance to a haunted house in Twyford Picture: Steve Smyth

28 | NEWS

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New bus routes into Reading town centre THE GREENWAVE bus network that serves the Mereoak park and ride is to welcome new routes into Reading’s town centre.

Run by Reading Buses, the network serves both commuter and residential routes along the A33 in South Reading.

The company said that the aim is to simplify the corridor to make journeys easier and utilise the new bus priority lanes on the road.

The new routes are the Ruby 10 between Kennet Island and Central Reading; the Greenwave 50 between Green Park and Central Reading; and the park & ride 600 direct between Mereoak and central Reading including journeys via Reading International Business Park and Tesco Depot at key times.

All three routes will utilise carbon neutral biomethane fueled buses.

Robert Williams, chief executive officer at Reading Buses, said: “We want to use this opportunity to support the rebirth of travel postCovid in the most attractive and sustainable way possible – by bus.

“The change will now be more gradual, but no less exciting with the greenwave service being more like a tram than a bus.”

All three routes will benefit from the bus priority measures along the A33 and will be introduced from Monday (November 9).

The fares on these services will become part of the simplyReading family with any current period or carnet-type products being honoured for six months after the new routes begin.

For the latest news visit

Bricks and beams to stay visible in historic pub restoration plan EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today THE SECOND lockdown closed an historic local pub last night, but customers pleading to keep a dramatically new look to the outside have won something of a victory.

The Castle Inn at Hurst, said to have hosted Charles II, cricketing legend WG Grace and even two ghosts, is undergoing a big repair job.

This summer the front of the pub was stripped of its white rendering, exposing ancient beams and beautiful, old, red bricks.

The popular new look was revealed thanks to a maintenance project which proved a bigger job than expected.

Sue Payne, trustee of the pub owners, Church House Charity, said: “Many locals have commented on how much better the pub looks without the render finish and with the wooden frame and brick facade visible.

“Unfortunately, the bricks themselves are porous and the timbers have suffered from beetle attack over the centuries, so neither can now be left exposed to the elements and need protection.

“The Wokingham Borough Council Conservation Office have agreed we can apply lime slurry as a

The Castle Inn had its white render removed as part of the repair works, and will be restored with a lime slurry protective coating Pictures: Duncan Kendall

protective coating.”

Reapplying rendering was not an option.

Ron Putt, celebrates his 100th birthday with a glass of wine Picture: Lord Harris Court

Second World War veteran marks 100th birthday A SINDLESHAM care home resident who served in the Second World War recently celebrated his 100th birthday, writes Charlotte King.

Ron Putt, a resident at Lord Harris Court care home, hit triple figures last Friday — and he was delighted to receive a card from the Queen.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, staff at the home made sure it was a day to remember with a special lunch, cake, and a prosecco toast.

And they also surprised him with a homemade sign post of his very own life history.

Mr Putt was born and raised

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

in East London in the 1920s.

Then, in the early days of World War II he was bombed out of his house in Poplar.

At 20-years-old, Mr Putt was called up for national service and began his military training, working on a radar tracker for Second World War bombers.

And during his time with the army, he used a seven-day pass home to marry the love of his life, Beattie.

In 1946, he was then released from the armed forces with only £39 to show for it.

After the war, Mr Putt and his wife went into businesses on their own, running The

Chelsea Hotel in Bournemouth before enjoying a happy retirement together.

Beattie passed away 10 years ago.

Mr Putt has three grandchildren and six great grandchildren, and was able to enjoy his 100th birthday with his family in a Covidsecure manner.

“It was an honour to celebrate Ron’s 100th birthday at our home,” said Tracey Esteve, activities coordinator at Lord Harris Court.

“He’s a remarkable person and a true gentleman.”

Unlike with the rendering, the outline and some 3D shape of the beams and bricks will still be visible.

The bricks will be finished in white and the wooden beams in a slightly darker colour to help them stand out.

“We had hoped we could have the outside beams, now their natural wood colour, painted black as they often are. But we were told that wasn’t in keeping with the history of the pub,” said Mrs Payne.

The work has exposed an old doorway which had been converted into a window. This doorway is to be reinstated, so there can be a one way system through the pub. This will help Covid-19 safety measures. The Grade II listed Castle dates back to the 16th century or earlier.

Renewed lockdown means the builders may be able to make faster progress on indoor structural repair because there will be no customers sitting inside, said Mrs Payne.

She added: “We’re hoping the work will finish early next year.

Meanwhile we look forward to welcoming people for takeaways, and also, hopefully, when lockdown is lifted in December and the pub can reopen.”

The pub now plans to serve takeaways, as allowed under the rules, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The takeaways proved popular during the last lockdown. � Details will be on their website: www.castlehurst.co.uk

Tesco’s new £1 fruit and veg coupons TESCO IS expanding its food donation programme to help Wokingham families eat more fresh fruit and vegetables this winter.

From Monday, November 16, the supermarket will give any of the 500,000 families who use the weekly Healthy Start vouchers a £1 coupon to spend on fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables.

Every time a customer hands over their vouchers at the checkout, they will automatically receive the money-off coupon to redeem off their next shop.

Marcus Rashford’s Child Poverty Task Force, of which Tesco is a member, is currently pressing the Government to increase the value of the Healthy Start vouchers to £4.25 per week from £3.10.

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK & ROI CEO, said: “Right now, many families are facing hardship as a result of the pandemic, and we want to help by providing nutritious food to those who need it. In addition to topping up the Healthy Start vouchers by £1 each week, we’re providing an extra £4million of food to FareShare in the run-up to Christmas, on top of our regular monthly food

donations, to support food banks and community groups with vital supplies at a time when so many people are relying on them.”

Mr Rashford, said: “We all have a role to play in the community and I’m thrilled that another one of the Taskforce members has proactively stepped up to support our most vulnerable in their time of need.

“Increasing the value of the Healthy Start vouchers is a key ask of this Taskforce, but in the true spirit of togetherness, and with true understanding of need, Tesco has not waited for action but, instead, has taken action. I’m extremely grateful, as this move will make a big difference to the lives of nearly 500,000."

Lindsay Boswell, chief executive at FareShare, said: “Demand for food has more than doubled at FareShare

as a result of the pandemic, and 90% of the charities we serve expect demand to remain the same as crisis levels or increase through the winter.

“That’s why we are so grateful to Tesco for helping us to support families in need and the extensive support they are offering, which will make a big difference to so many people’s lives during the tough winter months ahead.”

Henry Dimbleby, independent lead at the National Food Strategy, said: “The problem of food poverty is real and serious, and the pandemic is only increasing that pressure.

“That’s why one of the recommendations of the National Food Strategy is for the government to increase the value of the Healthy Start Vouchers – a great way to help children get the fruit and vegetables they need to thrive.”

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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FROMTHECLASSROOMS Thames Water's education team teaching primary school pupils about the water industry

Talking toilets online THE BOROUGH’S primary schools are being invited to join in the water industry’s first-ever live virtual learning event taking place later this month.

It is to celebrate World Toilet Day, and sees Thames Water’s education team come together with 11 other water companies to launch We Are UK Water – Celebrating World Toilet Day to learn about the fascinating industry on Thursday, November 19.

World Toilet Day takes place every year to raise awareness of the importance of sanitation across the world and the online learning event is accompanied by a comprehensive resource pack for teachers, which includes engaging and cross curricular activities for Key Stage 2 pupils.

From learning about the

water cycle to the importance of using water wisely, the content has been designed to support various subject areas across the National Curriculum, including maths and science.

Paul Hampton, Thames Water’s education manager, said: “We provide an essential service and World Toilet Day is a great opportunity to show how important this is for maintaining hygiene and health.

“Every drop of water we all use comes from the environment and it’s important we teach future generations about the water in their taps and in their toilets, so they understand how to use it wisely.

“This one-of-a-kind event is a fantastic way to bring the water industry together to benefit

some of our youngest customers.”

Anne Reed, chair of the water company education forum and education manager at Yorkshire Water, said: “Life is pretty different for everybody at the moment and, because of Covid-19, we’ve had to think differently about how to deliver our important messages.

“Through our Education Forum water companies already collaborate on many initiatives but we haven’t attempted anything on a nationwide scale before.

“We hope this event paves the way for more innovation and further supports schools at what is a very challenging time for them.”

Schools can register for the event and download an activity pack from: bit.ly/37j0ZWf

Prep school to welcome girls A READING-based prep school is making preparations to go co-ed.

From January, girls will be welcomed to the pre-reception class of St Edward’s Prep.

The school has been for boys only since 1947, and the Little Griffins will be making history.

And there will be a new headteacher, current deputy Jonathan Parsons is stepping up to lead the new-look school.

He said: “We have thought very carefully before taking this decision.

“The school has been exploring the option of moving to co-education forsome time, and recently carried out a consultation process with our current families, who were overwhelmingly in favour.

“We are extremely proud of thequality of learningwe havealwaysofferedtoour boys, and of theexcellentoutcomes achieved by them.

“However,there has beenashiftof opinionin our community, in education and the wider world, thata moreinclusive environment,

oneinwhichboys and girls work side-by-side,is better for the development of the whole childboth pastorally and academically.”

He added that over the next few months, the school will plancarefullyto ensure a smooth and successful transition.

SCHOOLS | 29

We welcome contributions from pupils for this page– email stories, pictures and prose to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Pumpkin Day Yay Yay Yay!

By HANNAH, ARJUN, BLANKA and ZACK in Nightingale class, year 3 , Floreat Montague Park School

ON Thursday October 15, the children of Floreat Montague Park Primary School celebrated the upcoming harvest with an extraordinary pumpkin day.

First, we went into a room full of pumpkins and did observational drawing. The pumpkins were all different colours, shapes and sizes.

There was a stripy, green pumpkin and an enormous, orange one!

After that, we picked pumpkins grown at Floreat’s own pumpkin patch and we took them to Mr Pritchett (our headteacher) in the soup room.

In the afternoon, we helped chop up some of the ingredients for the delicious pumpkin soup.

We got to try raw garlic but we did not like it because it was very spicy on our tongues.

We finally tasted the scrumptious soup and Mr Pritchett made a toast to the harvest.

We had a great day celebrating harvest and we can’t wait to grow more pumpkins in 2021.

30 | SOCIETY

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INTHECOMMUNITY

The Arts Society Wokingham THE ARTS SOCIETY WOKINGHAM’S October virtual lecture celebrated the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth.

Our lecturer, Sandy Burnett, is one of BBC Radio 3’s core team of presenters; his professionalism is obvious from the image above of his home recording studio.

The society’s technical team are really jealous and are demanding an upgrade.

In his relaxed style, Sandy took us through the life and times of the great composer.

Beethoven came to Vienna in 1792 as ‘an unlicked bear cub’ but soon won the support of rich and important sponsors.

His increasing deafness which started in his late 20s, stopped him performing as a pianist but did not stop his prolific composing of string quartets, piano sonatas, concertos and symphonies.

Sandy‘s choice of musical excerpts perfectly illustrated the different stages in his composing journey. Surprisingly the lecture did not end with the famous choral Ode to Joy from the final movement of the ninth symphony but with the lesser-known poignant piano Bagatelle no. 3 opus 126.

At the start of the lecture Sandy had posed the question – Beethoven: Romantic or Revolutionary?

By the end of this virtual lecture, we were convinced that Beethoven was truly a revolutionary as well as a romantic.

By expanding Mozart’s elegant Classical style of music he blazed the trail to Romanticism.

He inspired his successors, such as Mahler, Brahms and Schoenberg, to take classical music in previously unimagined directions.

Our next lecture will also include some music, but with a seasonal theme. Sarah Deere-Jones will be bringing alive the spirit of a medieval Christmas. Her lecture is entitled Sing We Yule – A Musical Portrait of a Medieval Christmas and will include music on reproduction medieval instruments as well as illustrations from illuminated manuscripts, contemporary accounts and haunting songs.

The lecture will be available to members on the society's YouTube channel at 7.45pm on Monday, November 16.

To find out how to join the society and have access to these interesting and varied lectures on all aspects of the arts, visit www.theartssocietywokingham.org.uk Sue Bryant

Greenpeace Berkshire Local Group On October 14, Greenpeace Berkshire Local Group hosted an online event to discuss the improvements needed to local transport and the role that investing in zero-carbon public transport, walking and cycling has to play in a Green Recovery from the pandemic.

This event was generously supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

There were 24 participants, including Leendert Van Hoogenhuijze, a representative from The Reading Cycle Campaign, and Jamie Whitham, the Green Party councillor for Reading.

Hoogenhuijze discussed how he felt current cycling routes in Reading are often

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

News from your community groups, clubs and societies Send your reports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk confusing and inaccessible. He said that the council have not consulted with Reading Cycle Campaign, or other experts, when designing cycle schemes.

Whitham called for more electric charging points for households with cars that do not have their own driveways and for 20mph speed limits in residential areas.

Jane Owen, co-host of the event, from Sandhurst, said ‘We held this event to call on the UK Government to invest £10 billion more every year to transform public transport, walking and cycling and re-direct the £27 billion they’ve committed to new road building. Here in Berkshire we need a linked cycle network across Reading and the Berkshire county, creating safe and accessible routes for cycling.”

The Government is expected to spend many billions on new infrastructure to boost the economy as a result of the Covid crisis, including £27 billion on roads. Transport is the UK’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, so building more roads only adds to this problem and will encourage more people to buy cars, and drive more miles.

Recent polling carried out by YouGov asked people in South East England to choose their top two from a range of seven proposed transport improvements. New roads were the least popular choice, featuring in just 6% of residents’ picks for what they’d like to see.

In contrast, 53% want existing roads to be better maintained, 38% want less traffic on the roads, and 36% want cheaper bus and train tickets.

When asked if they’d support or oppose low traffic neighbourhoods, 57% of people in the South East were in support of the measures, designed to reduce traffic in certain streets, improve air quality and encourage walking and cycling, and just 17% oppose.

Mr Van Hoogenhuijze said: “Cycling is not a silver bullet but it’s hard to imagine a clean, safe and low carbon Reading where cycling does not play a major role.

“That means we need to work on the assumption that in 10 years’ time cycling will be a major form of transportation the majority of our residents are happy and comfortably using on a regular basis.”

Ms Owen added: “We ask our MP, (Reading East’s) Matt Rodda, to push for greener, accessible transport across Berkshire, and to join us in calling on the Chancellor to reverse his commitment to road-building in favour of zero-carbon public transport and active travel.”

Sarah Simpson collects a cheque from Wokingham Lions

Wokingham Lions PROCEEDS from the Wokingham Lions Club virtual pub quiz in September have been donated to the Ollie Young Foundation (OYF), a local charity which funds targeted paediatric brain tumour research and support.

Nigel Page, president of the Lions club, presented a cheque for £320 to Sarah Simpson, founder of OYF. Sarah Simpson said: “We are extremely grateful to the Wokingham

Autism Berkshire A NEW series of online workshops to help parents and carers of female autistic children launches today.

Led by Berkshire Autism advocate Carly Jones they are open to people who live in the Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire borough council areas.

Carly, who is from Arborfield and has two autistic daughters, will lead two sessions on Friday, November 6, and Friday, November 20, covering topics including the different presentation of autism in girls, the importance of having a diagnosis and how anxiety can particularly affect autistic girls.

The workshops are suitable for parents and carers of primary and secondary school-age girls and young women who already have an autism diagnosis or are on the NHS waiting list for a Berkshire CAMHS autism assessment.

They are provided on behalf of the Berkshire West NHS Clinical Commissioning Group.

The programme:

CLASP Wokingham CLASP Wokingham is offering a prize a day during Advent thanks to a fundraising raffle.

Running from December 1 through to Christmas Eve, there will be 24 winners. Entry for the entirety of the draw is £5 per ticket.

Prizes have been donated by Wokingham businesses and include a bouquet from Funky Flowers by Kate Thomas; a roast turkey Christmas dinner worth more than £100 from COOK; two main courses and a bottle of wine from Zizzi; £25 voucher for the Oakingham Belle pub; and a cut and finish from Stylora.

For more details, or to buy a ticket log on to virginmoneygiving.com/fund/ CLASPadventraffle The group will be continuing to meet online during November, with sessions running on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10am.

Lions Club for their support through this extraordinary time.

“Their efforts and selflessness are what gives charities like ours the little boost we need.

“Thank you to all those who took part in the virtual quiz.

“Thank you to Ian for hosting yet another great evening, and to all those who donated to our charity too. We very much appreciate it.”

For more on the quizes, log on to fb.com/wokinghamlions/video. � Thursday, November 5: Understanding More About Autism, 10am-11.30am. � Thursday, November 5: Food Refusal in Autistic Children, 1pm2.30pm. � Friday, November 6: Autism in Girls, 1.30pm-3pm. � Thursdays November 12 and November 19: Meeting Sensory Needs, Parts 1 and 2, 10am to 11.30am. � Thursdays November 12 and November 19: Managing Anger, Parts 1 and 2, 1pm to 2.30pm. � Friday, November 20: Autism in Girls, 10am-11.30am. � Thursdays November 26 and December 3: Meeting Sensory Needs, Parts 1 and 2, 10am to 11.30am. � Thursdays November 26 and December 3: Managing Anger, Parts 1 and 2, 1pm to 2.30pm.

More details of the workshops and booking information are available online at www.autismberkshire.org.uk/ 2020/09/30/autism-in-girls-workshops/ or by emailing contact@ autismberkshire.org.uk or calling ~ 0118 959 4594 and selecting option 1.

Members can tune in using Zoom software on their computer or smartphone.

Tomorrow (Friday, November 6), Maddy Mills will talk about her role at Southeast Communities Rail Partnership, and how CLASP members can be involved.

On Tuesday, Wokingham Borough Council's sports and leisure team will hold a movement to music session.

There are two singing sessions led by Sing Healthy Choirs - these take place on Fridays November 13 and 27.

On Friday, November 20, Tanya Lee will give an update on the Dinton Pastures regeneration project, and on Tuesday, October 24, Jenny Pape and Sandra Symms from Guide Dogs will talk about puppy training and being a guide dog owner.

For more details, or to sign up, call CLASP on 07780 749453, or log on to www.wokinghamclasp.org.uk

Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Clockwise from above: Terry Miller and Paul Jarvis setting up the show; Maureen Spence with her prize-winning decorated pumpkin; Joanne Harris’ craft; Jan Headley’s decorated pumpkin; and some the entries to the Wokingham Horticultural Association’s Hallowe’en show

Wokingham Horticultural Association HALLOWE’EN saw Wokingham Horticultural Association stage a Pumpkin Extravaganza in the Garden Room at Ormonde Road Allotments. Stalwart members braved the wet and windy weather to showcase pumpkins and squashes that they had been nurturing all year.

In the horticultural section, Marek Lokuciewski took first prize with the heaviest pumpkin, at 17.7kg, and also grew the one with the largest circumference.

Kevin Morris’s heaviest squash weighed in at a healthy 12.4kg while Lao Holland grew the longest squash. On her Ormonde Road

allotment, Janice Morris grew the two most alike squash There were five entries in the decorated squash class, won by Maureen Spence whose painted pumpkin with a graceful swirl of white flowers caught the judge’s eye, and was also awarded Best in Show.

Jessica Lambert’s impressively carved pumpkin won in the Young Exhibitor’s section with her sister Charlotte being runner up.

There were some inspirational entries in the Hallowe’en Craft section which was won

by Joanne Harris with a beautifully crocheted spider web, complete with big black spider.

Runners up in this section were ‘the three witches’ who between them had entered

SOCIETY | 31

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a knitted hat in bright orange pumpkin colour complete with leaf and stalk.

The WHA is grateful to Louise Jedras, community champion at Tesco Wokingham, for her help with prizes.

The class winners each received a chocolate treat disguised beneath a novelty knitted pumpkin The Craft Group, who work year-round to make gift items for sale at Christmas, presented their wares on a stall inside the Trading Store.

Due to new lockdown regulations, these items will be offered for sale via the website www.w-h-a.org.uk and include baskets of hyacinths planted up to flower for Christmas.

Pauline MacBrayne

COATS THERE was something strange in the neighbourhood, but it was the ghosties that were doing the calling.

A team from Crowthoren’s COATS centre for the village’s elderly dressed up in Hallowe’en costumes to share treats with some of the regular visitors.

The centre, in Pinewood Avenue, has been closed since March, although until today’s lockdown has been used as the venue for its charity shop as the space allows ample social distancing measures.

Throughout the pandemic, the staff have been calling its community to ensure they are safe and well, and making doorstep visits.

Last Wednesday, they used their broomsticks to fly around to deliver treats rather than tricks.

A spokesperson for COATS said: “The ladies attracted a lot of attention in their spooky costumes from everyone they passed and brought fun and laughter to everyone they visited”.

Although the new lockdown means

that the centre will remain closed for the foreseeable, plans are being made for the run-up to Christmas to ensure that its users can enjoy some festive cheer.

For more details, log on to www.coatscrowthorne.org.uk

32 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

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Thursday, November 5, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Myths and legends

HERE’S SOMETHING to look forward to: next spring a brand-new section will open at Legoland offering rides created by children.

The new Lego Mythica: World of Mythical Creatures marks the Windsor-based resort’s biggest expansion since it opened 25 years ago.

It will include new attractions and experiences, including a never-before-seen UK ride.

Working in partnership with Kids Industries, the Legoland Windsor team spent a year discussing and testing ideas and concepts with children aged seven to 11 and their parents, who influenced everything from the final ride experiences, names and characters.

Legoland says that the area is set in a parallel universe and will see children’s imaginations and creativity run wild as mythical Lego creatures come to life in front of their very eyes.

Last week, a teaser video was released, showing huge mysterious footprints shaking the resort, while a winged shadow flies overhead.

It ends with an ice storm taking over the entrance to the park.

What does it mean? We’ll have to wait and see.

Thomas Jellum, divisional director at the Legoland Windsor Resort, said: “What better way to celebrate our 25th birthday than by unveiling a completely unique experience like nothing else we have launched at the resort since we opened?

“At the heart of Lego Mythica: World of Mythical Creatures will be epic rides, including a UK first, and breath-taking mythical creatures designed to capture children’s imaginations and inspire them to build and play.

“Our new land has been two years in the making and co-created with families to make sure it delivers what children and their parents want from a theme park in 2021. We can’t wait to share more details soon.” � For more details and to book tickets, visit www.legoland.co.uk/mythica

The Mill at Sonning’s Covid-safe auditorium has seen rows of seats turned into beautiful tables

Mill starts preparing for its return IT’S BEEN a sell-out but for now the curtain has fallen again.

The Mill at Sonning had just launched a run of Covid-safe productions in a revamped auditorium set up for social distancing. But the new lockdown means that it has closed again until December.

The planned performances for November are currently being rescheduled.

It is hoped that the restaurant will reopen on Wednesday, December 2, with a comedy night taking place on Thursday, December

3. A Fright Night is planned for Friday, December 4.

There are just 66 seats available for each performance.

In an open letter, The Mill’s owner Sally Hughes said that its first two shows since reopening – Some Enchanted Evening and an evening with Simon Williams and his daughter Amy – had both sold out.

“I cannot tell you the joy, the emotion I felt to see and hear a real live audience laughing, clapping and cheering. We all felt it – the cast, the backstage crew – who have worked tirelessly for weeks preparing a

beautiful Covid-safe auditorium – and the audience. Many tears of happiness were shed,” she wrote.

“And what about the auditorium?

Check it out below. Everyone who stepped into the space for the first time were just blown away by the stunning transformation.”

She added: “We will get through this. We will enjoy entertainment again. Not stuck in front of a screen, but in a magical space called a theatre where we can laugh and cry and sing – together.” � For more details, log on to millatsonning.com

Watermill’s new appeal

ticket-holders will be contacted by the box office.

The theatre plans to reopen once restrictions are lifted. A revised schedule will be published shortly.

They also hope to reschedule cancelled performances of Lone Flyer for the New Year.

Artistic and executive director, Paul Hart said: “There is no doubt that this has been a difficult year, but we are proud that since

March 17, when we first closed our doors, we have engaged with 1,774 people through our online outreach and education workshops, created four brand new productions, two held outdoors, and presented 103 performances.”

The Watermill has launched an appeal, Full House, to support its work. � For more details, log on to www.watermill.org.uk

THE WATERMILL in Newbury has closed temporarily, and Lone Flyer has been cancelled.

Also off are the November 26December 2 performances of A Christmas Carol.

The theatre says that affected

wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

W

E’RE BACK in lockdown and what better way to while away a dark evening with some great music that’s free to listen to?

There’s 10 great songs for you to listen to, featuring bands with a connection to Wokingham borough.

And with a great music mix, you’re bound to discover something new that you’ll love.

They’ve been chosen by Chris Hillman from White Star Records. He curates the Wokingham Love Music soundtrack which features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene.

New entries this week are Quatum Pig, who were due to appear at Wokingham Music Festival, and Moth Man, who have released their debut single.

You can listen for FREE via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic Quantum Pig – Dirty Old Engine This London-based band, formed around the duo of Ian Faragher and Mark Stevenson, were due to perform this song in a headlining set on Wokingham Festival’s Wokingham Music Club stage.

Sadly, of course, that didn’t happen but we can still listen to their album, Songs of Industry and

Sunshine which was released on White Star Records and picked up a Progressive Music Awards nomination.

Mark also joined comedian Jon Richardson in an excellent series of podcasts earlier this year – quantumpig.net Picture: Will Ireland Moth Man – The Water Another great track on a local record label. This time it’s on a new label called Billywitch Records which is an offshoot from Wokingham based Mega Dodo Records.

It’s the debut single from a Reading and Manchesterbased band and, if this is anything to go by, we’ll definitely look forward to their debut album Where the Dead Birds Go in March next year – www.facebook.com/mothmanbandpage Split the Dealer (Feat. Deva St. John) – XV Recommended by Wokingham rock photographer

Andrew Merritt, this track is an example of modern indie pop at its best – www.facebook.com/ splitthedealer www.facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn Mother Vulture – Tell Me This ‘hectic blues punk’ band from Bristol featured at last night’s Jamma Presents: The Everyman Everyjam event – www.facebook.com/ MotherVulture Kepler Ten – Falling Down This prog-rock trio has just released their new single on Wokingham-based White Star Records and it’s a melodic, uplifting and powerful rock anthem. www.keplerten.com Astor Wolfe – Emerald Green Psych chamber folk from Sweden as featured on a compilation album called ‘From A Distant Shore’ released on Wokingham record label, Mega Dodo – www.facebook.com/astorwolfemusic The Veras – Paper Cup Telephones A wonderful pop singalong from this local band, that you may have seen in their other guise as Small Faces tribute, The Small Fakers – theveras.co.uk Marc Woosnam – Unspoken Marc is a local acoustic singer/songwriter who plays gigs in music venues and festivals across the South East of England – marcwoosnam.com Helta Skelta – Meanie Powerful guitar riffs, a driving rhythm section and a great vocal performance in the debut single from this Wokingham and Blackwater-based rock band – www.facebook.com/heltaskeltamusic The Orange Drop – Make It Her, Forever Here’s some psychedelia from Philadelphia in the United States, brought to you by Wokinghambased record label, Mega Dodo Records – www.facebook.com/OrangeDrop

LEISURE | 33

34 | PROPERTY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

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PUBLIC NOTICES 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

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: 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:

Application

Address

202713

Nutbean Farm, Nutbean (Affect setting of) Lane, Swallowfield Listed Building

Householder application for the proposed single storey side extension to dwelling with glazed infill, plus the erection of basement with 1no. rooflight.

202714

Nutbean Farm, Nutbean Conservation Area Lane, Swallowfield

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed single storey side extension to dwelling with glazed infill, plus the erection of basement with 1no. rooflight.

202757

202845

202787

26 - 38 Peach Street

Land To The West of Trowes Lane, Swallowfield

Balcombe Nurseries, Basingstoke Road, Swallowfield

Reasons for Advert Description

Major Application

Major Application

Major Application

Full Planning application for the proposed external alterations, refurbishment and part change of use of existing buildings to provide a mixed-use development for town centre uses (Class E) including shops, offices and gym; and continued use of car park as a town centre car park.

1. Finchampstead Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Carey Road and Oakey Drive.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction contained in Article 2 hereof shall be via A321 Wellington Road, B3349 Barkham Road and Molly Millars Lane.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction contained in Article 2 hereof shall be via Molly Millars Lane, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road and A321 Wellington Road Works requiring this restriction will take place between 26th November 2020 and 27th November 2020 between 21:00 and 05:00.

Stepen Vokes trading as Vokes Construction Ltd of 1 Langley Pond Farm, School Road, Barkham, RG41 4TN is applying for a licence to use 1 Langley Pond Farm, School Road, Barkham, RG41 4TN as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

2. Barkham Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Oxford Road and A321 Wellington Road.

Application for the approval of reserved matters pursuant to outline planning consent 162498 for the erection of proposed erection of up to 20 dwellings with associated access, parking, open space and landscaping, access to be considered, all other matters reserved. Details of Layout, Appearance, Landscaping and Scale to be determined.

The alternative route for all cars and light vehicles (Southbound) affected by the restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Molly Millars Lane, A321 Finchampstead Road and A321 Wellington Road.

Application to vary condition 2 of planning consent 193356 for the Full application for the erection of 5 No detached dwellings, one with separate garage and four dwellings with internal garages. Associated landscaping works including one balancing pond. 2 No accesses with entrance gates and 1.2m post and rail fencing. Condition 2 refers to Approved details This permission is in respect of the submitted application plans and drawings and the variation is to substitute plans 15A and 16A with plans 10 and 11.

The alternative route for all HGV’s (Southbound) affected by the restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Bearwood Road, B3030 King Street Lane, A329 Reading Road and Station Road.

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 26th November 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: 5th November 2020

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

The alternative route for all cars and light vehicles (Northbound) affected by the restriction shall be via Station Approach, Reading Road, Station Road, A321 Wellington Road, A321 Finchampstead Road, Molly Millars Lane and B3349 Barkham Road.

The alternative route for all HGV’s (Northbound) affected by the restriction shall be via Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, B3030 King Street Lane, Bearwood Road and B3349 Barkham Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th January 2021 and 14th January 2021 between 00:01 and 05:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake bridge examination and barrier maintenance work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 26th November 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 5th November 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SOUTH LAKE CRESCENT, WOODLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 29th October 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. South Lake Crescent, Woodley between its junctions with The Close and Crockhamwell Road.

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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2. South Lake Crescent, Woodley between its junctions with Pearson Way and Crockhamwell Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by these restrictions shall be via South Lake Crescent or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 9th November and 17th November 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake new water connections and new meter existing supply work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 9th November 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 5th November 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, November 5, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (MILESTONE AVENUE, CHARVIL) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BIGGS LANE, ARBORFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 29th October 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 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:

Milestone Avenue, Charvil between its junctions with B478 Charvil Lane and Thames Drive.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 9th November and 23rd November 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake byway maintenance work, excavation of existing surface, vegetation clearance, drainage works and resurfacing work in safety.

Biggs Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with Oak Drive and Princess Marina Drive.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Langley Common Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Molly Millars Lane, A321 Finchampstead Road, B3016 Finchampstead Road, Nine Mile Ride and Park Lane or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 23rd November and 18th December 2020.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Power On Connections contractors to undertake the excavation and laying of HV cables in safety.

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.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 9th November 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 5th November 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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 23rd November 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 5th November 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SANDFORD LANE, WOODLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 29th October 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: Sandford Lane, Woodley between its junctions with Mohawk Way and Colemansmoor Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Mohawk Way, The Bader Way, A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, A329 Reading Road, B3030 Robin Hood Lane and B3030 Davis Street or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 10th November 2020 between 09:30 and 15:30.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake carry out periodic pole test examination work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 10th November 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 5th November 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LONGDON ROAD, WINNERSH) (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: 1. Turning left onto Longdon Road, Winnersh from its junction with King Street Lane.

2. Proceeding along Longdon Road, Winnersh from its junction with B3030 King Street Lane.

3. Proceeding along Sandstone Close, Winnersh from its junction with Longdon Road.

4. Proceeding along Laburnum Road, Winnersh from its junction with Longdon Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by the restriction in item 1 shall be via B3030 Mole Road, New Road/Mill Lane Roundabout and return.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 23rd November and 19th December 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake new bypass construction work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 23rd November 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 5th November 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

SPORT |41

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‘I LOVED PLAYING: RAMS MAKE RUGBY SO ENJOYABLE’

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk

CONNOR HAYHOW believes his debut season with Rams ‘helped him enjoy rugby again’ as he bids to kick on whenever the sport can resume.

The young centre scored eight National One tries last term, including a brilliant hat-trick at Rotherham and a brace at Canterbury a fortnight later.

The former Bracknell junior, who later played for Henley Hawks and switched from London Scottish at the start of last season, also scored in his final two games against Old Elthamians and Cinderford before the RFU called a halt to proceedings as the coronavirus pandemic took hold of the country.

While the governing body confirmed on Friday there will be no competitive league action below the Championship this season, there is still hope of a regionalised cup campaign starting in January.

And reflecting on last season, the former England Counties Under 18s man said: “It was really enjoyable.

“It was nice to be fresh and back enjoying rugby again, playing weekin, week-out with the boys and I just loved it. We had a great laugh.

“As soon as I met the lads and the same with (director of rugby) Seb (Reynolds) and the other coaches, it was a no-brainer in terms of being here and what’s to come.

“I knew from the start it was going to be enjoyable and I certainly wouldn’t change it.”

While talks are ongoing between the Government, the RFU and the NCA to finalise what kind of season is to be expected, Hayhow has been stunned by the number of players at training and revealed what he hopes to achieve.

He commented: “(When training was made optional), I don’t think anyone really expected to have so many, but week-on-week we just keeping getting people here and I think everyone’s just glad to be back.

“I’m looking forward to getting back out there and the attacking style of rugby we had, and hopefully picking up a few more tries.

“But I’ll also be looking to sort out the defensive side of my game which (defence coach) Danny (Batty) is constantly badgering me about.”

Hayhow is part of one of the most competitive positions in the club, with the experienced Andrew Humberstone and Stevie Bryant having starred last season alongside the more youthful Ellis Jones and Kieran Leicester.

And he believes the competition for places plays a huge part in driving standards forwards.

He concluded: “It’s brilliant to have the quality of centres we do – you never know if you’re going to be in the team or out of the team so you’ve always got to prove yourself at training and the games.

“It’s great to look at Drew and Scuba who’ve been at the top of their game – they’re fantastic for me to learn off.”

Connor Hayhow touches down for the Rams Picture: Paul Clark

HANG ON A MO: CLUB’S CHARITY TEAM UP

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MEMBERS of Rams RFC are pulling together in a bid to raise awareness and money during Movember.

Jack Rossiter’s Movember effort from last year Picture: Paul Clark

For the past few years, members of the club have taken part individually in the challenge, which aims to shine a light on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention, but co-ordinator Stevie Bryant says this year they will all be working together for the next 30 days.

The club stalwart said: “I spoke to Josh Collis and Tom Vooght and we thought it would be a good thing to do as a whole club – as a group we want to raise awareness and money.

“In these tough times

we’ve pulled together as a group and now with the help of friends, families and supporters we want to do a bit more.”

The importance of Movember’s focus is shown by the fact unchecked, prostate cancer rates will double over the next 15 years, while globally, testicular cancer is the most common cancer among men aged between 15 and 39.

Across the world, one person dies from suicide every minute of every day, with males accounting for 75%.

It is with this in mind that Stevie said: “It would be nice to hopefully raise at least £1,000 and the odd £10 here and there will accumulate so if we can get more great. But if we don’t then we will still

be out raising awareness.

As part of the campaign, those taking part will be providing regular updates at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ ramsrfcmovember And Stevie said there are a few individuals to look out for from the start.

He said: “Jak Rossiter has always had a good effort by the end although I’m not sure he is always completely clean shaven so benefits from a bit of a head start, but hopefully a few of the others will step up.

“At the other end of the scale, Josh tends to be lacking the testosterone needed for much growth, while club favourite Andy Amor looks like he’s 16, but he’s actually 36.”

In a further bid to attract

funds, Stevie and others will also complete an 82-minute run from the rugby club around Woodley, Charvill, Twyford and finishing back at the club later this month.

Rams’ Stevie Bryant

42 | SPORT

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FROM THE TILEHURST END With Olly Allen Is promotion the new goal after Reading’s stunning start?

O

VER the last couple of weeks, I have been fortunate enough to be invited on to a couple of radio stations and podcasts to discuss Reading’s season so far.

It’s great talking about such an incredible start to the campaign and far more enjoyable than similar radio appearances I have made in recent years when the agenda has firmly been why the Royals are quite so bad.

After the praise for Veljko Paunović and the form of Lucas João, attention has always turned to what the rest of the season holds.

Can Reading keep this form up?

Should promotion be the goal now?

Where do you think they will finish?

It throws me every time because I genuinely haven't thought about it. I have been so caught up in simply enjoying what has been the most remarkable start to the campaign that I haven’t even entertained the fact that promotion to the Premier League could be a real possibility.

But as we near the quarterpoint of the season, it is worth assessing what the level of expectation should now be.

Because, let’s be honest, all this talk of promotion was fantasy stuff back at the start of September.

Reading had just made a managerial change that appeared to throw preparation for 2020-21 into absolute chaos.

The man they hired was an unheard of Serbian with a patchy record in MLS and only two new signings had been confirmed.

In our pre-season predictions piece, the highest position one of our writers had the Royals to finish in was 10th and that was considered optimistic.

Others went as low as 19th.

Among the fanbase in general, I think the general hope was for some sort of progress from last season. Build on a 14th place finish, keep giving opportunities to youngsters and set the club up for a promotion push in the next couple of years.

I’d imagine that’s what Veljko Paunović envisaged too.

But if that is how the season transpired, after what has been a record-equalling start, would supporters be happy?

If Reading regressed from where they are now to finish 10th for example, would that be considered a success?

I think it would all depend on quite bad the drop off was, but there’s no doubt that there would be a sense of disappointment if Reading didn’t at least make the top six from the position they are currently in.

But equally, if you offered me 10th before a ball had been kicked, I would have taken it in a heartbeat.

Before the game against Preston North End on Wednesday, the Royals had 22 points from nine games.

Last season, Swansea City finished sixth with 70 points.

Using that figure as a benchmark, Reading would only need to average around 1.3 points per game across the reason of the season to get into the playoffs.

That’s certainly achievable and gives the Royals a realistic aim for the next six months.

So what did I go for when asked for a prediction of where Reading will finish? I settled on fourth – not too ambitious but still a position that would mark a superb debut campaign for Paunović.

I didn’t specify whether we would win the playoffs, but why not?

The last year has taught us to expect quite frankly anything and everything.

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ROYALS BROUGHT DOWN TO EARTH SKY BLUES END UNBEATEN RUN IN POURING RAIN Coventry City 3 Reading 2

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

READING’S unbeaten start to the Championship season came to an end ;ast Friday after second-half goals from Matt Godden and Sam McCallum gave the Sky Blues victory.

João struck an equaliser from outside the box to cancel out Gustavo Hamer’s first half opener but Godden and McCallum netted to condemn Reading to their first league defeat under Veljko Paunović despite a late goal from George Pușcaș.

The Royals are still clear leaders at the top of the table despite defeat, even including last night’s result which came in after we had gone to press.

Going into the game as the unbeaten leaders, the Royals made one change after their 4-2 win at Blackburn Rovers as Sone Aluko came into the starting eleven to replace Yakou Méïté.

Battling against a Coventry City side that have won just once in the Championship this season, the in-form Royals made the stronger start and almost broke through after just three minutes.

Coventry defender Fankaty Dabo played a risky pass across the box that almost back fired as Sone Aluko was inches away from intercepting the ball in the box and surely would have made them pay.

Reading’s first chance of the match came when Omar Richards and Michael Olise combined smartly down the left wing but Alfa Semedo smashed the ball high over the bar from just outside the box.

Coventry then had a sight of goal when Matt Godden rose above Liam Moore to win the header but it sailed just over Rafael’s crossbar.

Sone Aluko got in behind the Sky Blues defence and tried to find Olise at the back post for a tap in, but the ball took a slight

deflection to take it away from the Frenchman’s path.

Lucas João has been in clinical form this season but was left rueing a missed chance in the 21st minute. He stole the ball from Coventry and broke into the box but his heavy touch didn’t allow him enough room to poke the ball over the keeper as it was blocked.

And Coventry made Reading pay with their first shot on target as Gustavo Hamer guided the ball into the bottom right corner from distance with a pinpoint finish.

It was an unfamiliar position for Veljko Paunović’s side who went behind for the first time this season having conceded just their fourth goal in nine games.

The Sky Blues almost had a golden chance to double their fortunes when Godden slipped the ball through Max Biamou loose touch took the ball through to Rafael.

Two players went into the referee’s notebook as Ostigard slid in recklessly on Semedo before Hamer fouled Omar Richards.

The Royals had control of the ball for much of the half and had two speculative appeals for handball turned away and went frustrated to the dressing room for half-time a goal down.

Reading should have been punished early in the second half when Olise sloppily gave away possession deep inside his own half to Godden but the Coventry forward rushed his shot and fired it high over the bar.

Lucas João had another chance to get on the scoresheet when Aluko’s inswinging cross was aimed towards the Portuguese striker, but Rose got a vital touch to the ball with his head to take it away from João.

But João capitalised with his next sight of goal as he spun 20 yards from goal, shrugged off a defender and fired the ball low into the corner past the reach of the keeper as his excellent scoring form continued.

Coventry then missed a huge chance to re-take the lead in the 75th minute as Biamou hit the crossbar from just five yards out.

But just moments later, Godden pounced on the rebound of Dabo’s long shot as he dispatched the ball into the corner after Rafael could only parry the ball towards the striker.

George Pușcaș was called on from the bench in the 79th minute as Reading searched to level the game.

Aluko came close with a free kick which he bent around the wall but Coventry keeper Marosi got a hand to it to keep it out.

But it was the Sky Blues who wrapped the game up in the 85th minute when Sam McCallum struck from distance which beat Rafael after the Royals keeper made a mess of the shot.

João should have claimed a second in the 90th minute to set up a nervy finish for the hosts when he brought down the ball in the box and tried to cleverly loop the ball over the keeper but got his execution wrong.

But substitute Pușcaș found the back of the net in the second minute of added time from close range to set up an exciting finish to the match.

Despite the late goal, the Sky Blues held on for just their second win of the season.

The Royals are looking to get back to winning ways.

Last night they faced Preston North End – see our website for a match report – before they welcome Stoke City on Saturday. This game will be shown on Sky, coverage starts at noon.

COVENTRY CITY: Marosi, Ostigard, Rose, Biamou, Sheaf, Hyam, Giles, Daro, Godden (c), Shipley, Hamer SUBS: Wilson, McFadzean, Kelly, Allen, O’Hare, Walker, McCallum READING: Rafael, Esteves, Morrison, Moore (c), Richards, Rinomhota, Laurent, Semedo, Olise, Aluko, João.

SUBS: Southwood, Bristow, Watson, McIntyre, Gibson, Tetek, Pușcaș GOALS: Hamer 23′, João 66′, Godden 74′, McCallum 84′, Pușcaș 90+2′

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PREVIEW: READING TO

WELCOME POTTERS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

READING will be hoping to return to winning ways when they host Stoke City in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Saturday — with a 12.30pm kick off.

The Royals surprisingly strong start to the season sees them at the top of the table, while Stoke are in 10th going into their midweek fixture away at Watford.

The Potters, who are managed by former Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill, have made a promising start to the season. They finished just one place behind the Royals in last season’s Championship table in 15th, level on points with 56, but falling behind because of their negative goal difference.

Tyreese Campbell has been Stoke’s most productive player so far this campaign with two goals and four assists, accounting for half of their 10 Championship goals this season.

While their relatively sturdy backline has seen them conceded nine goals in their opening 10 games.

While, the Royals most potent attacking threat has seen Lucas Joao score six and assists has been a major asset to the success of Veljko Paunović’s side in the early stages of the season.

However, Reading will need to overcome their recent poor record against the Potters having not beaten them since April 2006.

The team’s have drawn their last four fixtures against each other, including a 1-1 draw at the Madejski Stadium in June 2020 and a goalless game at the Britannia Stadium in December 2019, both under the management of Mark Bowen.

Reading may be without skipper Liam Moore who sustained an injury in the defeat at Coventry City, while Andy Yiadom and John Swift are both still recovering from long term injuries.

Meanwhile, the Royals will be hoping to have Ovie Ejaria and Yakou Meite back to full fitness and available for selection in the squad after the pair missed Friday’s game against Coventry at St Andrews which saw Reading’s unbeaten start to the season end.

Reading manager Kelly Chambers Picture: Neil Graham

WOMEN READY FOR PAUNOVIĆ ‘HURT’ BY FIRST DEFEAT SPURS

READING manager Veljko Paunović admitted he was ‘hurt’ after the Royals’ first Championship defeat of the season.

“Today it hurts, it is difficult when you lose but we will recover,” said Paunović after Friday night’s game.

“We have a very good spirit within the players and staff and we want to keep fostering that.

“We are not going to let anyone get down after the defeat, because small defeats lead to big victories.

“Our guys gave everything, so attitude wise I think we had a very good game.

Technically, we did very well with the ball.

“And defensively we did well too except for defending the shots from outside the box. They cost us. But we pushed until the end for an equaliser and that’s the mentality we want in our team.

“Those shots killed us. Other than that we just have to congratulate them when they do well and today they were better in executing their opportunities – I will say that.

“Scoring two goals on the road is an accomplishment but if you concede more then it brings you into this situation where we are all feeling a defeat from a game that we were doing pretty well in.

Ovie Ejaria competes for the ball in Reading’s fixture against Stoke City at the Madejski Stadium last season Picture: Steve Smyth

“We were excellent today. Even taking the lead would have given us a big opportunity. We have to look for that, being more ruthless.

“It is a hard loss but it is even harder knowing that we may have won it.”

Despite still having a lead at the top of the table after enjoying a long undefeated run, the Royals boss is eager for his team to keep on striving for improvement.

“When we win we say we can improve and when we lose you have to acknowledge you can improve too,” he continued.

“There are no excuses, only possibilities to keep learning and growing as a team and improving.

“Nobody is happy when you lose, but I want to tell our fans that we will recover and get back to the winning streak as soon as possible. And hopefully that will be the next game.

“We were on the attacking side with the ball. We had a fantastic dynamic and a good flow “Unfortunately we conceded goals from outside the box, we did not block those well and that is something we have to improve. But everything else was there.

“The guys know that we played good football that would normally bring

victories, but we must defend better now.

We scored two goals on the road – which is never easy. So there are some things we can be satisfied with and others we can improve on and do better.”

“We have a busy stretch now and with two games at home we want to immediately erase what is behind us.”

Despite the defeat, there were some positives for the Royals including the purple patch of striker Lucas João which continued after he scored his sixth Championship goal of the season.

“Another goal for him, yes. He is doing his job, a striker’s job.

“His work-rate has improved a lot and his fitness too. We have to be careful with his fatigue and accumulation but he is in a very good place right now.”

Meanwhile, the defeat may not have been the only bad result of the game after captain Liam Moore picked up an injury which forced him off late in the second half to be replaced by Tom McIntyre.

“Liam Moore has picked up that injury so we will have to see how that goes.

“We are going to get the opinion of a specialist in the coming days and we hope that it will not be a long time.

“We will see how he is.”

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

READING WOMEN return to Women’s Super League action on the weekend after the latest international break with a trip to face Tottenham Hotspur Women.

The Royals have made a mixed start to their WSL campaign which has seen them win two, draw one and lose two of their opening six fixtures.

Despite a disappointing defeat to Birmingham City Women, Reading bounced back prior to the break with an impressive draw against title challengers Manchester City Women at the Madejski Stadium.

“I think that our performances have been fantastic since our disappointing result against Arsenal,” said Reading manager Kelly Chambers.

“Bouncing back from that was the most important thing for us, and since then our performances have been

outstanding, even against Birmingham, we just weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal.”

After the Blues defeat, Chambers was delighted with how the Royals executed their game plan against Man City.

“We put our game plan into action against City,” she continued.

“Fair play to the girls, obviously we scored very early on, but our defending was second to none, it was outstanding.

“I believe City played their strongest eleven against us “We got one-nil up from a set piece that we’d worked hard on.

“We know the quality in the City side and we knew we were going to be on the back foot at times, but for us, the result is the most important thing.

“As much as everyone wanted to win the game after going a goal up early on, a point on the board against Manchester City is a positive result for us.”

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COMBINED COUNTIES DIVISION ONE

THE FAST SHOW: SPEEDY GOALS GIVES BOARS A BOOST Eversley & California 4 Westside 1

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk BRADLEY BROWN struck a hattrick as Eversley & California fought their way to an impressive victory over Westside FC.

The Boars had been battling near the bottom end of the table prior to the match, while their opponents were fighting near the top in third.

But despite their contrasting league performances, it was the Boars who put in an immense performance to climb the table with their third win of the campaign.

Eversley made a fast start to the match and were rewarded with a penalty kick just eight minutes into the game after Allston was brought down in the penalty area.

Brown stepped up to take the kick and sent the Westside keeper the wrong way to give the Boars an early advantage.

But Westside hit back to peg Eversley back after their positive start to the match to cancel out their opener after

the visitors split the Boars defence open and equalised in the 22nd minute.

But Eversley responded brilliantly and ensured that they would restore their lead before the break.

Brown found his second goal of the match in the 27th minute when Ross Mckernan worked hard to win a corner, before his resulting cross was finished sweetly by Brown who turned and volleyed the ball past the keeper.

And it wasn’t long before Brown marked his superb firsthalf performance by completing his hat-trick on the half hour mark.

Mckernan played a ball through to Brown who hit a thumping shot into the top corner from a tight angle to secure his treble with an outstanding effort to put the Boars 3-1 in front at half-time.

Brown wasn’t able to add to his tally as he was forced off with an injury in the second half and replaced by Chinua Phinn Archer, before Kelvin Kouadio replaced Cameron Blackie as the Boars looked to consolidate the win with

15 minutes left to play.

And they did exactly that when they added a fourth of the afternoon in the 78th minute. Joe Pantony was played through and unselfishly squared the ball to Mckernan who provided the finish to gift wrap the three points.

The Boars were reduced to 10 players before full-time after Dale Small was dismissed for a second yellow to put a small blip on an otherwise stunning performance.

The win moves Eversley up to 14th in the Combined Counties Division One table after nine games.

Eversley & California manager Matty Angell said: “That was some performance by the lads, they worked so hard for each other and on another day it could have been even more.

“I’m pleased with the progress being made but even better to see the bond they have together.”

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA: Vaughan, Knight, Mckernan, Blackie, Small, Allston, Stephenson, Brown, Appleton, Pantony, Dickie (c)

Bradley Brown scored a treble to guide the Boars to victory Pictures: Richard Milam

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FINCH AT THE TOP AFTER FROM THE UNBEATEN RUN CONTINUES MIDDLE

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

With Dick Sawdon-Smith

Finchampstead v Bearwood Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Thames Valley Premier League FINCHAMPSTEAD are still unbeaten at the top of the table after they earned their thor win of the season with an away win at Westwood Wanderers.

The game looked headed for a stalemate with the sides locked at 1-1, but Finch came up with a winner in the 87th minute to take all three points with the decisive goal being scored by Stephen Hunt who claimed his second of the afternoon.

Finch have a one point lead over Mortimer having played five matches in the league.

Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY RESERVES took their second victory of the campaign to move up to fourth.

The Swords took a two goal advantage after Lloyd Jacques and Brandon Mayeur put them two ahead, before Phoenix Old Boys grabbed a goal back.

But Berks went on to take the win after Jacques bagged his second goal of the game to seal a 3-1 victory.

Thames Valley Division Three WOODLEY UNITED A claimed their second win of the campaign with an away win over Phoenix Old Boys Reserves.

Shaman Goswell opened the scoring for the Kestrels after just three minutes but the hosts found a leveller to see the sides locked at 1-1 at half-time.

But a goal-filled second half saw Woodley battle to win the points after Goswell added a second, before Kyle Millard added a third in the 73rd minute to consolidate a 3-2 victory.

The win puts Woodley United A up to sixth in the table after three games.

Thames Valley Division Four BERKS COUNTY ROVERS were beate for the second time this season as they fell to defeat to league leaders

Reading City Development.

Chris Searle and Richard Cumner netted for Berks but they were beaten 4-2 as Reading who climbed to the top, while Berks are in ninth position.

FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT suffered a heavy home defeat as they lost 5-1 at home to Reading YMCA Rapids.

Cameron Pritchard scored for the hosts but they fell to a thumping 5-1 defeat to put them in 10th in the table.

Results BRACKNELL AND DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION: Bracknell Rangers 4-3 Fleet, Finchampstead Athletic 0-2 Raglan, Woodley Saints Kites 5-1 FC Fernhill DIVISION ONE: Athletico Forest 5-6 Panthers FC, Bearwood Wanderers 3-2 Finchampstead Athletic Reserves DIVISION TWO: Winnersh Town 0-1 Bracknell Cavaliers, Woodley United Sunday 1-4 Silver Birch DIVISION THREE: Bracknell Cavaliers Reserves 0-2 Bracknell Spartan Vets, Bracknell Royals 2-5 Harts of Bracknell, Bracknell Saint-Germain 1-0 Woodley Saints Tigers, FC Harmanswater 3-2 Newbold FC DIVISION FOUR: Bracknell Athletic Reserves

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

14-0 Bracknell Titans, Bracknell Spartan

S4K LADIES suffered their third loss of the campaign after they were beaten by Wallingford Town AFC Ladies.

The Fawkes went ahead with a goal from Charisse-Ellouise, but Wallingford bounced back to resurrect a win with two second half goals.

Despite the defeat, S4K are in second place in the table after a positive start to the season after four wins, a draw and three defeats in their opening eight games.

Athletic A 0-3 Silver Birch A, Harts of

2-4 Hope & Anchor, Crowthorne FC 1-0 AFC Dukes Reserves, Finchampstead Bracknell Stags 2-4 3M READING & DISTRICT SUNDAY LEAGUE: DIVISION ONE: Woodley Saints Hobnob 3-2 South Reading DIVISION TWO: Racing Club de Woko 1-6 Burghfield Reserves DIVISION THREE: Romania United 1-3 Shinfield Rangers, Sanctuary Strikers 3-6 Woodley Wanderers A DIVISION FOUR: Hurst 2-3 Woodley Saints Hobnob Reserves, Give Back 9-4 Barkham Athletic

COLTS U15’S BACK TO WINNING WAYS TWO second half goals from Billy Thorne saw the Bracknell FCU13 Youth home in atrocious conditions against Eversley Raiders.

Maya Adams and Charlee Martin were also on target in the 4-2 win, while Aidan Fry was Man of the Match.

FC Bracknell U15 Colts got back to winning ways as Bumpass made it 14 goals in six games with a second hat-trick with a 6-2 win.

The Colts ended a three game losing run with a comprehensive victory over Eversley & California.

After falling two goals behind in the first 25 minutes they sparked to life with two goals in two minutes from Edward Bumpass the second being a penalty to draw level into half-time.

With the slope and wind in their favour in the second half the Colts made full use of their

advantage as they hit the post twice through Captain Ethan Callaway who eventually got his reward for his hard work with the sixth goal.

Man of the Match Bumpass scored the fourth goal to take his tally to 14 in the league with goals either side from new signing AJ Saliba and Freddie O’Shea.

It was a disappointing afternoon for all the U16 teams.

The Colts were away to AFC

Henley and fell to a 4-0 defeat, while the U16 travelled to Twickenham to only suffer a 50 defeat.

The U16’s fared even worse in the appalling weather conditions suffering a 9-2 loss at the hands of Aldershot Boys & Girls Reds, their biggest loss in some years.

While goalkeeper Sam English did his very best, the Shots were just too good all over the park.

R

ECENTLY. I received a question from a football fan, who asked if I thought that Jordan Pickford, Everton’s England goalkeeper, was lucky not to be sent off for his tackle that severely injured Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool.

One thing that has surprised me over this incident, was to hear Everton’s world-renowned manager,Carlo Ancelotti claim that Pickford’s intention was to play the ball.

Surely he knows that intention in relation to tackles, was taken out of the Laws of the Game in 1995, 25 years ago.

This relieved referees of having to mind read and it is the consequences that matter, not the player’s intention.

In that year, the Law was changed to include three categories of a tackle: casual, reckless, and using excessive force.

The term casual may seem a little odd but it means the every-day run-of-the-mill foul, such as a trip, or a push where no one is likely to get injured.

Reckless is described as when a player acts with disregard to the danger to, or consequences for, an opponent.

Yellow Card.

Using excessive force is when a player exceeds the necessary use of force and/or endangers the safety of an opponent.

Red Card.

So how does a referee distinguish these two from one another?

It is an amalgam of all the aspects of the tackle, but in main the control the offender has over his actions.

It includes the speed and the distance the offender takes to make the tackle.

Did he make a lunge for the ball? Was the offender’s feet off the ground in making the tackle?

If so, he has lost any control as he won’t be able to stop. Is he leading with his leg outstretched, studs showing and worst of all is it a straight leg which can cause the greatest injury If you saw the tackle by Pickford, you’ll know it ticked many of the boxes.

We can only guess what his intentions were, but we know what the consequences were, a severely injured fellow player.

I think Pickford was lucky the referee was unsighted.

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YOUTH FOOTBALL

BILLY’S BRACE WINS THROUGH THE STORM FC Bracknell U15 Colts Pictures: Neil Graham

TWO second half goals from Billy Thorne saw the Bracknell FCU13 Youth home in atrocious conditions against Eversley Raiders.

Maya Adams and Charlee Martin were also on target in the 4-2 win, while Aidan Fry was Man of the Match.

FC Bracknell U15 Colts got back to winning ways as Bumpass made it 14 goals in sixgames with a second hat-trick with a 6-2 win.

The Colts ended a three game losing run with a comprehensive victory over Eversley & California.

After falling two goals behind in the first 25 minutes they sparked to life with two goals in two minutes from Edward Bumpass the second being a penalty to draw level into half-time.

With the slope and wind in their favour in the second half the Colts made full use of their advantage as

they hit the post twice through Captain Ethan Callaway who eventually got his reward for his hard work with the sixth goal.

Man of the Match Bumpass scored the fourth goal to take his tally to 14 in the league with goals either side from new signing AJ Saliba and Freddie O’Shea.

It was a disappointing afternoon for all the U16 teams.

The Colts were away to AFC

Henley and fell to a 4-0 defeat, while the U16 travelled to Twickenham to only suffer a 5-0 defeat.

The U16’s fared even worse in the appalling weather conditions suffering a 9-2 loss at the hands of Aldershot Boys & Girls Reds, their biggest loss in some years.

While goalkeeper Sam English did his very best, the Shots were just too good all over the park.

U7 Whites Player of the Match Cian Kennedy-Phillips

RESULTS

Newbury & Thatcham 4-2

Friday, October 30

South Berkshire 3s 1-7 Aylesbury 2s

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Coventry City 3-2 Reading

Saturday, October 31 FOOTBALL Hellenic Division One East Wokingham & Emmbrook P-P

Sonning 3s

South Clubs Women’s Division 3A Salisbury Ladies 1s 0-2 Sonning Ladies 1s Trysports Premier 1 South Berkshire Ladies 1s P-P Oxford University Ladies 2s

Woodley United Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 4-1 Westside

U11 Youth Player of the Match Ewan Walker

FC Bracknell U11 Youth

‘NON ELITE’ FOOTBALL TO PAUSE DURING LATEST LOCKDOWN THE Football Association has confirmed that grassroots football will be put on hold in the duration of the next lockdown from Thursday November 5 to Wednesday, December 2.

The FA said that as a result of the country’s closure, ‘non-elite’ football including training and matches will be off.

A statement said “As a result of the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions, the impact on ‘non-elite’ football in England will include the suspension of the following: “� All fixtures and

training for Steps 3-6 of the National League System. “� All fixtures and training for Tiers 3-7 of he Women’s Football Pyramid. “� All fixtures and training for the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues, The Barclays FA WSL Academy League, FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs and training for indoor and outdoor adult grassroots football.”

Meanwhile, the Government has confirmed that school sport will be able to continue throughout the lockdown period as an exemption.

The FA will also aim to provide further updates to fixtures regarding the FA Women’s Cup, The FA Youth Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase as soon as it can.

This means that both Reading’s male and female teams can continue to compete in their respective leagues.

However, football at grassroots level will be put on pause meaning that several local sides will not be able to train or play throughout the next month.

Binfield co-manager

Jamie McClurg was disappointed.

He said: “No football for a month or so but it’s all about being safe and doing the right thing.

“Although only a break, me, Carl Withers (fellow Binfield FC co-manager) will still miss seeing these lads, the staff and all the great fans and characters.”

The Moles have made a superb start to their Hellenic Premier season and are in second place after their first seven fixtures, boasting an unbeaten record with five wins and two draws.

And Wokingham & Emmbrook and Woodley United’s Hellenic Division One East season’s will also be on ice throughout the second lockdown.

The two teams were scheduled to face each other last weekend, but the fixture was postponed after a positive Covid test in the Woodley squad.

The Sumas currently unbeaten at the top of the league after their first seven fixtures.

Other sports on hold include hockey and rugby, meaning our teams have to stay at home.

Sunday, November 1 FOOTBALL Southern Region Women’s Premier Woodley United Ladies P-P

Thames Valley Premier League

Oxford City

Westwood Wanderers 1-2 Finchampstead

Thames Valley Women’s

Woodley United Royals P-P

Division 3S Wallingford Town AFC Ladies 2-1

Berks County

S4K Ladies Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Reserves 3-1 Phoenix Old Boys Thames Valley Division Three Phoenix Old Boys Reserves 2-3 Woodley United A

Wargrave Women Development 1-2 Slough Town Rebels Wednesday, November 4

Wednesday, November 4 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship

Thames Valley Division Four Berks County Rovers 2-4 Reading City Development Finchampstead Development 1-5 Reading YMCA Rapids HOCKEY MBBO Regional 1

Reading v Preston North End (match report online wokingham.today) FA WSL Cup West Ham United Women v Reading Women

Newbury & Thatcham 1-0 Sonning 1s

FIXTURES

South Berkshire 1s 3-4

Saturday, November 7

Ashford 1s MBBO Regional 2 Sonning 2s 3-2 Marlow 2

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Stoke City

Sunday, November 8 MBBO Division 1

FOOTBALL

Henley 2s 2-8 South Berkshire 2s

FA Women’s Super League Tottenham Hotspur Women v

MBBO Division 3

Reading Women

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HOCKEY ROUND-UP

EIGHT IS GREAT AS SOUTH BERKS 2s SMASH IT HOME

By ANDY PRESTON

apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MBBO Regional 1 SONNING 1s disappointing form continued as they were beaten for the fourth time in five matches away at Newbury & Thatcham 1s.

Sonning were edged out

by Newbury by a single goal during a 1-0 defeat that put them 10th in the table after five matches.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s also suffered a setback with their fourth defeat in five games.

Tom King netted a hat-trick for South Berkshire but Ashford 1s took the points with a treble from Shujah ur Rehman and a goal from Freddie Cottrell to take a narrow victory.

South Berks are 11th.

Noel Plant scored a brace, while Colm Hanlon added a third to earn an important three points for Sonning to extend the gap between them in 11th and Oxford Hawks 3s at the bottom of the table.

MBBO Division 1 SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s scored eight goals as they earned a stunning away triumph against Henley 2s.

Desmond Sanders scored a hat-trick, Daniel Ray netted twice and Monty Neave, Paul Kaplanski and Mike Baylis got on the scoresheet to cap a superb afternoon for South Berks with an 8-2 win.

The win puts South Berks in second place after five wins in their opening six matches in an impressive start to the campaign.

MBBO Regional 2

MBBO Division 3

SONNING 2s won for the second time this season with a home win over Marlow 2s.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s were dealt a thrashing at home against Aylesbury 2s as they

dropped to sixth in the table after their third defeat in six games.

Tom Scott netted a consolation goal but South Berks fell to a heavy defeat as Aylebury 2s recorded a 7-1 victory.

SONNING 3s were also beaten as they dropped down to seventh position.

Matt Poulton and Tim Preston scored for Sonning but they were defeated 4-2 in their away fixture at Newbury & Thatcham 3s.

South Clubs Women’s Division 3A SONNING LADIES 1s kept up their fine start to the league season as they earned their fifth win in six matches.

Sonning took all three points with a 2-0 triumph away at Salisbury Ladies 1s to maintain their position in second place, level on points with first placed Eastcote Ladies.

Sonning 2s earned their second win of the season with victory over Marlow 2s in MBBO Regional 2

South Berkshire 1s fell to a home defeat against Ashford 1s Pictures: Steve Smyth

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US

HAT TRICK HERO

AS SEEN ON TV: ROYALS ON SKY

WITH LOCKDOWN turning us all into armchair spectators, Royals fans will be delighted that Sky has selected them for four more televised fixtures.

In addition to Saturday’s 12.30pm game against Stoke, the high-flying squad can be seen in action against Bournemouth on Saturday, November 21, also at 12.30pm.

And the Royals will host Bristol City, at the same time

on Saturday, November 28.

On Wednesday, December 2, Reading’s visit to Hillsborough to take on Sheffield Wednesday at 7.45pm.

The final game announced

by Sky is on Saturday, December 5, at 12.30pm, and is against Nottingham Forest. � Royals home game against Coventry will now be Tuesday, January 19, kick-off at 7pm. � Match report on page 42

BRADLEY BROWN netted a stunning first-half hat-trick for Eversley & California as they clibmed up the Combined Counties Division One table

The Boars have had a mixed start to their league campaign but triumphed with their most impressive performance of the season so far with a 4-1 victory over third placed Westside FC to put them up to 14th in the table after their third win in the league this season. � Full report on page 44

GREAT EIGHT FOR 2s SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s enjoyed a tremendous Saturday as they hit eight past Henley 2s in a thumping away victory.

Desmond Sanders scored a hat-trick, Daniel Ray netted twice and Monty Neave, Paul Kaplanski and Mike Baylis got on the scoresheet with an 8-2 win to put them up to second place in MBBO Division 1. � Full report on page 46 ISSN 2634-8330 45 ISSN 2634-8330 45

LOCKDOWN 2

HOLD ON Grassroots sport mothballed again in bid to halt virus WHAT IT MEANS FOR OUR CLUBS: SPECIAL REPORT P46

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