COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER Q How did the children cross the road? A In a taxi
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Thursday, July 2, 2020 No. 268
Shock over sudden death of councillor
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Cllr James Box passed away suddenly on Monday evening
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EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk TYPICAL ways of getting to school include walking, cycling, and catching the bus or train. But not for pupils of Bohunt School.
Since September 2016, some of their students have been travelling to school in a taxi — paid for by Wokingham Borough Council. This would still be happening now, if the coronavirus pandemic had not hit the country. The reason for the taxis is simple. Students cannot cross their road to catch the bus — it is too dangerous. For more than two years, residents of A327 Reading Road have been campaigning for a reduced speed limit, road safety measures and a safe crossing for local school children. The street is checkered with a history of accidents and the most recent crash was on Friday, May 29, when a van’s door was ripped off with the impact. � Continued on page 6
Call for changes to accident-hit road Picture: Charlotte Simpson
TRIBUTES have been paid to a town councillor who passed away suddenly on Monday night. Cllr James Box was elected to Wokingham Town Council last year and served on Wescott ward – the first such representative for the Labour party in that seat. He has a wife and two young children. He worked as a senior engineer for a company in Winnersh and was a regular sight at community activities including litter picks and participating in the Norreys and Wescott NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group). Elected last May for Wescott ward, he was one of a number of younger faces to join the town council. Wokingham Town Council said in a statement that he was very committed to his responsibilities as a Councillor, keen to learn about what the council does and how he could help shape new ideas together with preserving its traditions and heritage. Cllr Box served on the Amenities and Civic Committees together with the Strategy Working Party and represented the Council at Wokingham Theatre.
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2 | NEWS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
Shop owners donate their thank you gift to community hub EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk WHEN neighbours across Evendons went to thank owners of the corner shop, they got an unexpected response.
Like many streets across the borough, residents have come to rely on the Evendons Convenience Store for their daily essentials — and not so essentials. Road resident Emma Chatterton said shop owners Mahel, Thaya and their son Sadeev have “been amazing providing an invaluable service to the local residents”. She told Wokingham.Today: “They have worked so hard ensuring we all had what we needed without having to venture to the large stores. “Whenever something was out of stock in the big supermarkets you could rely on our local store for having it. “From toilet roll, pasta and flour to avocados and chorizo, they had it all.
They really excelled themselves.” To thank the family, residents started a JustGiving page and raised £310 as a gift. Mrs Chatterton said: “As a community we had a collection to show our appreciation to them … we went to give them the card, flowers and money.” But arriving at the shop last Friday, the couple turned the money down. Mrs Chatterton added: “We were all a bit gobsmacked really. “Once again they showed what amazing people they are by, without hesitation, asked for the money to be donated to the Wokingham Community Hub. “They said, ‘We should be thanking you for supporting us’ during the lockdown. “It was totally selfless.” (From left) Sadeev, Thaya and Mahel were presented with flowers, a card and £310. Picture: Emma Chatterton
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MP James Sunderland says he welcomes news that schools in his Bracknell Constituency will receive share of the Government’s £434 million investment to expand classrooms, upgrade facilities and improve the education of children across the whole country. He said: “Coronavirus has taken a toll on us all, not least our children, who have been kept from their friends, their teachers and their schools. “As we exit lockdown we must focus on getting children back to school – and ensure that schools have the facilities and classrooms they need to support the high-quality education our children deserve. “This funding will help ensure all children have the very best possible schools and education.” Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said: “Replacing and upgrading poor condition buildings with modern, energy efficient designs will give our students and teachers the environment they deserve, and support them to maximise their potential.” Muhammed 'Mushi' Mushtag, from the Sultan Balti Palace with Wokingham Paper editor Phil Creighton Picture: Andrew Batt
Giveaway is hot stuff FOOD LOVERS are getting a little extra thanks to a new team-up between a Wokingham business and your favourite weekly paper. The Sultan Balti Palace in Market Place is delivering a free copy of Wokingham.Today with all takeaways ordered from its restaurant. The popular venue is preparing to reopen, but has seen demand for its curries soar during lockdown. Arthar Ali, the restaurant’s manager, said: “We are delighted to partner with the Wokingham Paper to help deliver important news and information during these unprecedented times.” Editor Phil Creighton added: “Throughout the pandemic we have sought to make the paper available as widely as possible, including offering free digital editions and updating our website.
“But we think giving away a copy with a curry is a world-first. We’re sure it will be a popular addition to the Sultan’s menu.” The restaurant will reopen for diners on Saturday, and has a range of Covid-secure measures in place, including contactless menus and hand sanitisers available. Its takeaway business has grown over the past few weeks, with the restaurant having its own app as well as appearing on major food ordering websites. Mr Ali said that Chicken Tikka Masala has been its most ordered dish, Butter Chicken in second plae and a Korma – chicken or lamb – in third place. “Chicken Tikka Masala has always been a firm favourite for dine-in customers before the lockdown, and for our delivery and collection customers,” Mr Ali said.
Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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MALE BREAST CANCER: Reading man joins largest campaign in Britain
‘I thought there had to be a lump’ ruled it out. I thought there always had to be a lump,” he explained. “The pain went away, but months later it came back and my wife Michelle forced me to get myself checked out. The speed with which the GP referred me to the breast clinic at the Royal Berkshire Hospital was my first inkling that something was wrong. “I had a biopsy and a mammogram and a couple of weeks later, went back for the results. It turned out that I had a tumour, but not one which I could feel — I was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer, which had spread to my lymph nodes. It’s like the cliché – you never expect it to be you.” Six years later, Mr Manson said he is “passionate about raising awareness that men get breast cancer too”. He said: “There are still large numbers of people who don’t know — I’ll tell anyone who wants to listen and I even show them my scar, just to prove it.” He wants people to learn about the other signs of breast cancer, in the hopes of spotting it early. “There’s a lack of information about what to check for,” he explained. “I had an inverted nipple, and pain. But other signs include discharge, and pain towards the armpit — where the lymph nodes are. “I’m now taking Tamoxifen — a hormone suppressant. But even the pharmacist was confused as to why I was being prescribed it. “The awareness about male breast cancer is so much smaller due to the fewer cases. There’s about 350 a year, before I was diagnosed, I started that's one every day. “I just felt I had to get the word out, feeling some stabbing pain in my left not just to men, but for women to nipple. “My immediate thought was that help their dads, husbands, boyfriends the pain was probably something and brothers know what to look out bad. I was aware at the time that for.” Mr Manson has also helped men could get breast cancer – I knew it existed, but I didn’t know what to fundraise for Breast Cancer Now by abseiling from the Madejski Stadium, check for. “I just had pain and no lump and taking part in a charity which I could feel – so at the time, I fashion show. Andy Manson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014. He’s now raising awareness of the disease. Pictures: Walk the Walk
EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A READING man has joined the largest campaign for male breast cancer in Britain.
Andy Manson has joined 14 men — 12 from the UK — to talk about his experience with stage four breast cancer.
The campaign, men get breast cancer too, was created by Walk the Walk — a national breast cancer charity founded by Wokingham woman, Nina Barough. The group of men hope that by speaking with “one voice” they can make more noise and raise more awareness of the issue. Mr Manson — who is now in remission — said: “About six months
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£3 million lottery win for Wokingham ALMOST 200 neighbours across Wokingham will be toasting the weekend after learning that they are to share £3 million. They are all players of the People’s Postcode Lottery and earlier today, the postcode sector RG41 1 was drawn. In all, there are 182 homes that are in the June draw of the popular lotto. Three Cantley residents will be able to spread £200,941 each after their full postcode was drawn. And the remaining 179 players will receive cheques ranging from £11,985 to £35,955 depending on how many tickets they have. It follows on from last month’s draw, when RG2 8NZ, in neighbouring Whitley, was the winning postcode. However, the Postcode Lottery has decided not to have any official celebrations in light of the Reading terror attacks last weekend that saw three people, including Holt School teacher James Furlong, lose their lives. Lottery ambassador Danyl Johnson, who lives locally, said: “Last weekend’s tragic events in Reading deeply affected the community in Wokingham. “While I offer my congratulations to our winners, I’m sure they will also understand that on this occasion we won’t be celebrating this Postcode Millions in the usual way. “I am proud to call this area home and I have seen at first-hand how the community has come together in the aftermath of the attack. “On behalf of the entire Postcode Lottery team, I would like to extend our condolences to the families and friends of those who died and those who were injured.” The People’s Postcode Lottery manages multiple society lotteries promoted by different charities and good causes. People play with their chosen postcodes for a chance to win cash prizes. The company says that a minimum of 32% from each subscription goes directly to charities and good causes in Britain and internationally, with players raising more than £500 million so far.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
PARK ATTACK
Post-mortem reveals cause of deaths A POST-mortem examination has revealed the cause of death for the three men who died in Reading last month. Counter Terrorism Policing South East (CTPSE) released the information on Friday, June 26, and confirmed that there were three people who suffered injuries as well as the three people who died: David Wails, aged 49, Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, aged 39, and James Furlong, aged 36. The incident which took place in Reading’s Forbury Gardens on Saturday, June 20, was declared an act of terrorism by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dean Haydon, Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing. CTPSE said that David, Joseph and James each died of a single stab wound, and the three other victims sustained stab injuries. They have since been discharged from hospital. Detectives from CTPSE continue to appeal for anyone with information about the incident on Saturday evening to come forward. Anyone with any information about this incident or who was in the area before, during or after it and hasn’t already spoken to police, is asked to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting Operation Vaselike. Images and videos can be submitted to the police via the reporting portal on www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk.
Families release new tributes THE FAMILY of James Furlong have thanked people for their tributes and messages of support. The Holt School history teacher was one of three men who died in an incident in Reading’s Forbury Gardens on Saturday, June 20. James’ family said that they wanted to thank emergency services for their support in the wake of last weekend’s attack, and also spoke of how proud they are of him. They added that he had a real passion for his job. “We would like to start by thanking the Police for their ongoing help, including their remarkable bravery. They have been a pillar of support. “Equally, we would like to express our gratitude to the emergency services, members of the public and the wider Reading community, who did all they could to help and save the lives of those who had been injured that night. “Lastly, we are very grateful for the vast number of tributes and messages of support we have received. It has given us so much strength. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of Joe and David. We share your pain and your heartbreak. “To James' colleagues and pupils at the Holt School. He spoke often of how much he loved where he worked and his passion for developing the students. He cared so much and was very proud of each and every one of you. “James was passionate about creating a more loving and caring society. His time with us was cut far too short but the impact he made will live on, long long into the future. His family, his friends and those who have met him — he made us all a better person. “We are so proud of him. James was, and always will be, so very much loved by us all. “Thank you. From the family of James Furlong.” � The family of Joe Richie-Bennett have also issued an additional tribute. They said: “We LOVED Joe so much and we are in such deep sorrow. “We need all the prayers for Joe and the Ritchie and Bennett families.”
Town vigil sees families By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CIRCLE of love.
The families of James Furlong, David Wails and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett came together and linked arms after lighting candles to remember their lives. They were joined by civic leaders from across the spectrum for a special vigil held in Reading’s Buttermarket on Saturday night. It was broadcast live on BBC Radio Berkshire and on the Reading Borough Council’s YouTube channel. The event was to allow residents to come together and pay their respects to the three men who lost their lives in Forbury Gardens on Saturday June 20. The vigil was introduced by the mayor of Reading, Cllr David Stevens and saw a number of people come forward to light candles, including the headteachers of The Holt School in Wokingham, where Mr Furlong taught. Other guests included home secretary Priti Patel and Reading’s two MPs, Alok Sharma and Matt Rodda. Cllr Stevens said: “This evening gives us the opportunity to bring people together and to reflect on a week, which has left Reading feeling a mixture horror disbelief,” reminding people of the location’s proximity from Forbury Gardens. “(They were) just a few yards
from here, making the most of the warm weather, the summer’s evening, enjoying one another’s company.” He addressed the three friends’ families: “We can only imagine your grief. “After the initial shock, there's been an outpouring of sadness in Reading, across the whole country and indeed the rest of the world. “For those of us that know Reading, we're not surprised to see all sections of our community, pulling together and supporting each other
in a way that has demonstrated the remarkably united spirit we all know exists in this town. “Reading will always be an inclusive and diverse town, we stand together as a community, and shall not be divided. “On behalf of the people of Reading, I’d like to extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to the families, and everybody else affected by the dreadful attack.” The next speaker was James Puxley, the Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, who represents the Queen.
Appeal opens for memorial fund AN APPEAL has been launched to raise £20,000 for a memorial. This will be dedicated to James Furlong, Joe RitchieBennett and David Wails, and also those who were harmed by the event, whether physically, mentally or psychologically. Reading Borough Council has launched a Crowdfunder appeal in conjunction with the
Berkshire Community Foundation. Funds raised will be used to support the families of the men who died, those who were injured in the attacks, and to put towards a permanent memorial. The appeal will run until August 7, and already donations have been flooding in.
One person who has donated wrote: "I hope this might help in some way to heal the people affected by this appalling act". And Reading borough deputy mayor, Cllr Rachel Eden, wrote: "We will not forget the victims or the survivors". To donate, log on to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ reading-together
Help and support available SOULSCAPE — a Wokingham charity who support young people at school — are available to support Holt School students. Operations manager, Michelle McLeish said: “Soulscape has offered our support to the students and staff at The Holt and will do our utmost to support them anyway we can. “We are in the process of creating a ‘take home’ resource for the students and staff which we hope will be helpful. And we have offered to set up a PAUSE space for reflection at the school, to help students and staff to reflect on their loss and find helpful ways to
process what they are feeling and what has happened.” Anyone affected by the events is advised to contact specialist support lines. Students and young people affected by the included events can also contact Childline, who offer confidential information, advice and support to people under 18. They can be called on 0800 1111 and messaging services are available on their website, with a number of resources: www.childline.org.uk Support U, a Reading-based LGBTQ+ help and support service is open to anyone who has been affected by the weekend events.
Lorna McArdle, Support U CEO said: “Our phone lines are open from 10am until 4pm, Monday to Wednesday, and 10am until 8pm on Thursdays. “We are also offering a chat facility on our website: www.supportu.org.uk” To speak to someone from Support U, call: 0118 321 9111. Other organisations to speak to include Mind, the mental health charity, and the Samaritans. To contact Mind, ring 0300 123 3393 or visit: www.mind.org.uk/informationsupport/helplines And to speak to the Samaritans, ring 116 123, or visit: www.samaritans.org
Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
NEWS | 5
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PARK ATTACK
in a circle of love
“I wish so much that circumstances that have led me to be here had not occurred,” he said. “They were just lovely upstanding people and good law-abiding citizens. “They don't deserve what happened to them – they had so many years ahead of them.”
John Campbell, the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, also spoke. “On behalf of the force and the wider police family. I send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of David, James and Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” Bishop Olivia Graham, the Bishop of Reading read a poem by Irish poet John O’Donohue before leading a prayer. And Reading Borough Council leader Cllr Jason Brock said: “Reading is a big bustling successful town, but what really sets it apart is that we are this maintaining that sense of togetherness that is more typical of a small village. “A Little Big Town, if you will, a town like no other, and I'm sure that none of you would have it any other way. “Over the past week that spirit and pride shone through like never before. The response has been dignified and it has been magnificent – Reading has never been more together. “To those who have lost their lives, we must say, you will never be forgotten.” Cllr Brock then invited families, councillors, MPs, Priti Patel, Police officers and civic leaders to light candles of remembrance for James, Joe and David.
Suspect appears in court A MAN accused of fatally stabbing three men in Forbury Gardens in Reading appeared at The Old Bailey yesterday. Khairi Saadallah, 25 and from Basingstoke Road, Reading, is accused of murdering three people – James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and 39-year-old Joseph Ritchie-Bennett – in the town centre park around 7pm on Saturday, June 20. He appeared via video link and confirmed his name, age and his nationality, which is Libyan. The court remanded him into custody ahead of a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, July 10. No trial date has been yet been set. Saadallah appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, where magistrates heard that the alleged attack lasted less than two minutes and that three men were declared dead at the scene: Mr Furlong and Mr Ritchie-Bennett were both stabbed once in the neck, while scientist Mr Wails was stabbed once in his back. Three other people were injured in the assault: Stephen Young was with them, while Patrick Edwards and Nishit Nisudan were in a nearby group. Mr Young received 28 stitches for a head wound, Mr Edwards was stabbed in the back and Mr Nisudan suffered wounds to his face and hand. Prosecutor Jan Newbold said that Saadallah had bought the alleged murder weapon, a kitchen knife, from a supermarket the day before the incident and that he had stabbed his alleged victims without any warning. He was also alleged to have shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is great) during the incident.
School’s bright tribute STUDENTS at Emmbrook Junior School have created a floral display in memory of one of the Forbury Garden attack victims. On Thursday last week, pupils from the school drew, coloured and crafted to show their support for The Holt School, where James Furlong worked as the head of history. The schools are close to
each other. An abundance of sunflowers have been scattered across the school entrance in his honour. In a post on social media, students and staff from the school said: “The children of Emmbrook Junior School have made these sunflowers — we are thinking of you.”
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
Wargrave fire station ROAD SAFETY: Reading Road used as 90mph race track by ‘Neanderthals’ closes to save £1.3 million WARGRAVE fire station is to be closed despite crews improving their response rate over the past year. The on-call station will be mothballed in a bid to save £1.3 million. Plans to close the station were first mooted in 2017, but were deferred and it was hoped that the necessary savings would be found by making cuts elsewhere. And the firefighters who serve from Wargrave were asked to demonstrate an increased availability. But Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said that despite the stay of execution and the best efforts of the community, the authority and the service, neither of the two criteria were met. A consultation is to take place with staff, and all will be offered an alternative role in the service. The fire authority’s chairman, Colin Dudley, said in a statement that he wanted to reassure Wargrave residents that they will continue to receive a high-quality service. He added: “For many years now almost all incidents in Wargrave have been attended by crews from our whole-time stations at Wokingham Road and Maidenhead. Of the 42 incidents that have occurred in and around Wargrave, the Wargrave fire engine responded to one. “Even when the Wargrave appliance was available, it was very likely that the whole-time appliances from the other fire stations could still be the first to arrive. This is due to the fact that whole time stations are crewed 24/7 and immediately available to go out on blue lights.” Wargrave’s on-call crews had to live and work within seven minutes of the station, and there needed to be at least four firefighters in attendance to send out the truck. “Our commitment is to reach 75% of the incidents we are called to across the county within 10 minutes of the initial phone call. “We have seen a significant improvement in our performance against this standard across the whole county over the past 12 months. “I want to thank the local community, local teams and everyone who has tried so hard to make Wargrave a viable response fire station. “ Unfortunately, it is no longer practical to use our limited public funds to try to keep such a limited response capability operating from there.”
Children chauffeured to school in council funded taxi service
� Continued from front page
The campaign for a safer road began with a series of complaints in 2018, which grew into a petition presented to Wokingham Borough Council in March last year. But 15 months later, there have been no improvements to the road safety. Instead, Wokingham Borough Council launched a borough-wide speed limit review. Road resident Gareth Rees, who has spoken on behalf of the community at many council meetings, told Wokingham.Today: “More than 80% of the road residents signed the petition. But it has generally been ignored. We’re asking for a reduced speed limit from 40mph down to 30pmh — and there's evidence of cars going 90mph along the road.” Mr Rees added: “Residents have highlighted concerns to the council and Thames Valley Police since March 2018. “Since this time there have been a number of accidents, one where a BT worker on the pavement died and another on Friday, May 29 at the dangerous junction at Park Lane. “The last accident could have been prevented with a reduction of the speed limit before the bend into our street.” The stretch of road in question is 500 metres long, but mostly straight — something Mr Rees said encourages speeding and “dangerous overtaking”.
On Friday, May 29, a BT van had its doors ripped off in a collission by the Park Lane and New Mill Road crossroads. Picture: Gareth Rees
And one smaller section of the road is already 30mph, towards Eversley. Mr Rees added: “WBC commissioned an independent safe routes to school review for Finchampstead. This highlighted several safety concerns with Reading Road, including the walking route, pick up and drop off locations for Bohunt School and the 40mph speed limit on Reading Road. But no improvements have been
made to date.” The current spot where children are expected to cross the road to catch their bus is a 40mph bend with a busy T-junction. A location that already bears the mark of a crash, with dented bollards along the pavement. Since September 2016, some children have been driven the two mile journey school in taxis funded by the council for their own safety. Zhenya Thornhill, whose son is in Year 7 at Bohunt school hoped he would be able to cycle to school when they moved to the area. She said: “We moved here for the school, and I would love him to be able to cycle or walk there but it’s just not safe — even crossing the road. “In April last year, before he started we started asking what the options were. We heard about the taxis and requested one. We were sent to the school, then the council, then the school. “And finally in August, we got a letter from the council to say he was eligible for the taxi.” She added: “In December, we were told the taxi would be stopping, but
enough parents wrote letters and they reinstated it. “In winter it’s so dark, it wouldn’t be safe.” Alison Smith, whose son also attends Bohunt School said one of her biggest worries is the amount of lorries driving “so much faster than the speed limit”. She told Wokingham.Today: “The traffic on this stretch of road is horrendous. This road is used as a trade route — so much of the traffic includes lorries, skip and car transporters all weighing several tons and that would be catastrophic if involved in an accident.” And Claire Pascall, whose daughter has been driven to Bohunt school via taxi since September, said she hopes two safe crossing points will be built on the road. She told Wokingham.Today: “The ideal scenario would be to get the speed limit down to 30mph. Although there is no street lighting, this is a residential road. “Then I’d hope they put two safe crossings for each school bus stop location. One at the Tally Ho pub, and the other at Horns Farm.” She added: “It’s not safe walking
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Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
to Bohunt, once you’ve passed Park lane there’s no footpath. Even down Reading Road, the number of HGVs are intimidating. “And the curve on the road is a bit of a blind spot. It’s risky, especially if the weather is bad and the visibility poor. They come down so fast, and the traffic is relentless in rush hour. It can take me 10 to 15 minutes just to pull out of our driveway.” Rita Carr, an elderly resident of the road, said she feels they’ve been “forgotten” when it comes to road safety. The 72-year-old told Wokingham.Today: “In the village they’ve got a 30mph limit, and I’m glad for them, and pleased they have. But we just feel forgotten. “We quake at the speeds of some neanderthal boy racers, the other day they probably went past at about 60mph. “And the noise from it all drives my husband, Les mad. We can’t open the windows at the front of the house. And our property quakes with the vibrations caused by large, over-
laden lorries.” Now, Mr Rees is calling for “some form of plan” to improve the road, and said there has been a “lack of transparency on an expected timeline” for this. He hopes the latest crash is enough to motivate the council, and speed up the decision making process. “A car pulled out of Park Lane and hit a BT van driving from Arborfield ripping the door off it,” he said. “The driver of the car said he looked both ways and the van came out of nowhere. “The van driver said he was not speeding and doing 40mph when he came around the bend.” In November last year, Mr Rees and 35 residents of the road met with Martin Heath, traffic management, parking and road safety team manager at the borough council to agree four actions. These were to contact Thames Valley Police about reducing the speed limit, to erect poles on the straight section of the road for
KEY NO FOOTPATH
ARBORFIELD
A3 27 BOHUNT SCHOOL
CHURCH ROAD
Graphic: Charlotte Simpson
PARK LANE FINCHAMPSTEAD
NEW MILL LANE
EVERSLEY
TALLY HO PUB
The car that collided with the BT van in May. Picture: Gareth Rees
temporary Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs), review the proposal for a pedestrian crossing or pedestrian refuge island and review other suggestions in the petition. Now, Mr Rees is concerned the council is “backtracking” on previous agreements. In an email, Mr Heath said: “Whilst we shall certainly be looking to utilise interim speed management equipment, such as the SIDs devices we discussed when we met a few months ago, progress on the implementation of any engineering measures will be subject to the priority determined by safety rating assessment, as informed by collision history records. “At the moment, the route has a generally good road safety record and we will continue to monitor for any deterioration in safety for those living on the route and those using it.” Mr Rees challenged Mr Heath on Wednesday, May 20, asking: “Are you now saying that you are not planning or considering implementation of measures as suggested and agreed in the November meeting last year and February this year? Please can you clarify as this sounds like a backwards step on an issue which has been highlighted for nearly two and a half years.” But clarification has not yet been given — six weeks after the question was posed. Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat lead for children’s services said the borough council was not taking a holistic approach to the issue. She told Wokingham.Today: “Part of the problem is that the home to school department wasn’t part of children’s services. “At the moment, the council is conducting a home to school transport review. Now the department falls under children’s services, it enables them to look at the issues better. “What’s infuriating is how long it takes them to act on this. “I’m not in the administration so I can’t guarantee anything, but we need to sort this out, it’s taking too long.” Cllr Andy Croy, leader of the Wokingham Labour group said: “As a borough we need to be putting pedestrians first, if we’re serious about more people making journeys by foot or cycle. “There should be no road in our
borough that’s too dangerous for children to cross. “And this is a road that’s mainly being used to travel through the borough to Camberley. “If it's too dangerous for children to cross, it can’t be a route that encourages cycling either.” Cllr Croy added: “The south of the borough needed a new school. But this is a transport issue that affects children across the area, such as Nine Mile Ride too.” Cllr John Halsall, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “From September 2016, the council provided transport for a number of pupils at Bohunt School who were entitled to free home to school transport under the council’s home to school transport policy, due to concerns raised about the safety of their walking route to their allocated bus stop. “Following an initial safety assessment, some walking routes were deemed acceptable. “The council notified the affected parents that their door to school transport would be ending and that those pupils would now need to walk to their allocated bus stop to catch the council bus service to the school.” He added: “The parents raised a petition which was submitted to the council. “The council commissioned an independent assessment of the safe walking route for these pupils from their homes to their allocated bus stop. “The report was completed in April 2020 and has been shared with the petitioner. “The council is currently reviewing the report and will contact all of the affected parents with the outcome prior to September.”
The debris left from an accident in 2018. Picture: Phil Creighton
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Call for clarity over Black Lives Matter UNISON — the country’s biggest trade union — has called on the leader of Wokingham Borough Council to clarify whether the authority will continue to support the Black Lives Matter campaign, as a matter of urgency. The call comes after Cllr John Halsall announced at a council meeting on Tuesday, June 16, that the Black Lives Matter campaign group had “become a political organisation” and the borough council could not support the movement at the risk of becoming “a political football”. Now, the union has written to the council chief executive, Susan Parsonage to raise concerns about Cllr Halsall’s remarks and ask that she consider the message that this sends out to council staff and residents. Unison is also asking for assurances that Cllr Halsall’s remarks do not represent council policy, but merely his own views. Central and East Berks Unison will also be writing to leaders of neighbouring councils to ask them for their support. Speaking on behalf of Unison at the council, branch secretary Miriam Palfrey said: “As a union we see first hand the disparity faced by our Black members. “We are committed to challenging racism where we find it and to educate when we see ignorant statements that misrepresent people or put up barriers to equality and justice. “Members feel angry and hurt at Cllr Halsall's words and we would like to see him re-examine his position”. Last week, Cllr Halsall apologised for linking the events in Forbury Gardens on Saturday, June 20, with the Black Lives Matter campaign. And he has also released a statement outlining why he feels the council cannot support the movement. “I completely support the message, principles and all the aims of Black Lives Matter in the UK,” he said. “I have always been opposed to discrimination in all its forms and understand the need today to have a clear focus of tackling racism wherever it is found. “I recognise the pain that racism has caused across the borough and beyond; I sense the injustices. “I commit myself and this authority to understanding them and combating them.” � Letters page 22
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Tributes paid to town councillor James Box after sudden passing Wescott ward town councillor James Box, who died suddenly on Monday evening
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There was also praise for his considered input and support for events such as Heritage Day, and ensuring that parks and other open spaces offered positive experiences for residents. Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Tony Lack felt that Cllr Box was both respected and well-liked by his councillor colleagues and council officers, and, on behalf of the town council, wanted to offer condolences to his wife Lynn, their two daughters and family. He said: “In the short time he was a Councillor James showed how much he cared for our community and wanted to make a difference through his role as a Councillor. “He was enthusiastic and keen to work with all his colleagues and we will miss his contribution. A life cut too short and our thoughts and condolences go to all his family.” This view was echoed by Cllr Abby Tebboth, the Labour group leader on Wokingham Town Council. She said: “James was a dedicated friend and colleague, whose energy and enthusiasm to serve his residents was evident to all who knew him. “His commitment and passion was truly remarkable, and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.” And Conservative group leader Cllr Daniel Hinton said: “I joined the council at the same time as James and we were both new to local government. “I always found him a very focused outgoing person who felt the responsibility for his position extremely strongly. I was lucky where I didn’t know too many of the
new councillors myself and James had a link through our wives who lived next door to each other growing up. “The fact he was the first-ever Labour candidate to win a seat in Wescott shows how focused and well he ran his campaign, and this is a huge credit to him. “Once elected it was clear that he wanted to ensure the very best for the residents who put him there. I personally admired his passion and the forethought James put into each discussion. “He was extremely proud to be a councillor and you could see that every time he came to full council or put on his robes. “The thoughts and deepest condolences of my wife, the town Conservative party and I are with his wife, daughters and his friends and colleagues. James’ enthusiasm and drive will be sadly missed.” Another tribute was paid by Cllr Andy Croy, the chairman of the Wokingham Labour Party and leader
of the party on the borough council. Cllr Andy Croy, the chair of Wokingham constituency Labour party and leader of the Labour group on Wokingham Borough Council, said: “On Monday night, our friend and comrade, Councillor James Box, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. “He was loved and respected for who he was. Caring, principled, full of energy and with a zest for life that lifted those around him. “The loss felt by (his wife) Lynne and the children must be unbearable.” He continued: “James was a town councillor for Wescott West ward of Wokingham Town Council and was the first Labour councillor at any level to be elected in Wescott – a remarkable achievement. “As a local party, we will also remember him for his boundless enthusiasm, energy and love of door knocking. There was no weather too foul or night too dark that would put James off in his insatiable drive to
talk to – and listen to – residents. “It is a testament to his hard work, determination and drive to succeed that his election defied the national political swing that occurred the same day. He earned his place in Council by sheer hard work. He was a hero to us. “We were all so proud of James and his achievements. We hope his family can take a tiny crumb of comfort to know that we all held him such high regard. “We also know that he loved and doted on his family and our thoughts are with them.” As a mark of respect, a minute’s silence was held at the town council’s Amenities Committee meeting on Tuesday and the House Flag was flown at half-mast on the town hall yesterday. And a book of remembrance is open to contributions from all those who knew Mr Box. To leave a message, visit: www.wokinghamlabourparty.org/ news/councillor-james-box
Keep surgery dates plea from hospital HOSPITAL patients are urged to keep their surgery dates and keep attending appointments. The Royal Berkshire Hospital revealed that low numbers of people turning up for allotted clinic slots or operations that were put on hold. In one case, 200 people waiting for cataract surgery were contacted and told there were slots free — but only three took up the offer. Doctors are worried people with potentially life-threatening illnesses like cancer, heart disease and stroke symptoms, are also staying away. Steve McManus, chief executive of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are now almost a covid-free hospital. “We’ve implemented major safety procedures. “Our staff have been tested for covid, we have strict social distancing rules in place, clinical rooms are thoroughly cleaned after each patient has been seen, everyone is wearing a mask or face covering, hand sanitisers are in place around the site, new rules on using the lifts are in place – everything possible has been done and I can reassure people they are in very safe hands when they come here.” People booked in for an operation must selfisolate for 14 days along with the rest of their household. When they are called in for a swab before their surgery, they are advised to avoid public transport — as this effectively takes them out of the 14 day isolation period. For more, visit: www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk
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Cancer clinical trials to begin in Thames Valley Science Park By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk A NEW partnership will see cancer trials take place at Thames Valley Science Park.
Cancer care organisations Panthera and Rutherford Health plc will work together on a series of clinical trials for the development of new cancer treatments. The collaboration, titled Panthera@theRutherford, will combine Panthera’s clinical trial management with Rutherford’s network of UK centres and oncologists. CEO Rutherford Health PLC, Mike Moran said: “We are delighted to partner with Panthera to provide professional cancer research in our centres. “By collaborating with Panthera and our team of oncologists, we will be at the
forefront of research into innovative therapies and we’ll be able offer more opportunities to patients and access to life-saving treatments.” In addition to the Shinfield site, Rutherford has cancer treatment centres in Newport, Bedlington and Liverpool offering diagnostics including MRI, CT, and proton beam therapy as well as chemotherapy, Immunotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. These facilities combined with Panthera’s clinical trial and cancer care professionals, will ensure patients receive a high standard of care throughout the trials at the Shinfield location. The partnership will feature patients from more than 170 referring oncologists.
Panthera’s chief medical officer, Dr Ian Smith said: “This really is a breakthrough partnership. Over 30% of all global clinical trials planned for 2020 are cancer trials; bringing research and cancer care together in one place will provide pharma and CROs the opportunity to undertake clinical trials with unrivalled access to more than 40 types of cancer and have access to millions of potential patients when there is a great shortage of top class sites.”
The Shinfield Rutherford Cancer Centre (above) uses proton beam therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Teacher nominated for regional award A WOKINGHAM language teacher has been nominated for a children's activities award. Kate Sleeman, owner of BilinguaSing, has been nominated for her work teaching babies and children French and Spanish using music, singing and sensory play. The regional category, South/South West’s Most Loved Activity Leader is part of the What's On 4 Little Ones awards. Ms Sleeman said: "I am absolutely over the moon to be recognised in this way, especially at this time which is so tough for many small businesses like mine. “Before the coronavirus pandemic, I was teaching Spanish and French to 200 children a week in the local Wokingham area including at various local nurseries and primary schools. “I really love running my classes and was devastated when the lockdown forced me to suspend all my sessions. “Like many others I've been forced to adapt my business in order to survive during these challenging times and I've been running my weekly classes online instead. “It's been a brilliant way to keep in contact with many of the local families who I usually enjoy singing with each week. “Music and song is such a great way to keep our spirits up during these unprecedented times for many families so I hope that my online classes have helped local parents juggle all the demands of homeschooling, working from home and keeping the little ones entertained." To vote, visit: whatson4kids.co.uk/awards.
‘Build better high streets with community value charters’ A TOWN centre review has revealed that communities need a bigger voice post-Covid-19. The Grimsey Review ‘Build Back Better, Covid-19 Supplement for town centres, released on Saturday, June 20, recommended that Localis’s ‘Community Value Charter’ model should be adopted by all local authorities to help communities unlock their potential. Based on the format of the Local Plan, this model would require councils to give communities a greater say in the benefits received in the commissioning of local services from commercial suppliers. Localis chief executive, Jonathan Werran said: “In the teeth of the biggest recession in recorded history, our underthreat high streets must make maximum use of social value from public service commissioning to aid their necessary transformation for survival. “The social value agenda presents the most direct and immediate route to building back better socially and making the government’s ‘levelling-up’ agenda for rebalancing the economy come together. “The Grimsey Review’s
support for Localis’s ‘Community Value Charter’ model — which requires councils to give communities a greater say in the benefits received in the commissioning of local services from
commercial suppliers — will, we hope, inspire local government and the wider public sector to pick up and run with a simple and effective way to kickstart the long journey from lockdown to recovery.”
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Mandatory MOT testing returns in August DRIVERS need to make sure their cars, bikes and vans are road legal, as MOTs become mandatory next month. From Saturday, August 1, drivers across England, Scotland and Wales need to keep up to date with MOT tests. And with an expected increase in demand, the Government is encouraging people to book their test in advance. Anyone with an MOT due date before Saturday, August 1 will still receive a six-month exemption. Roads minister Baroness Vere said: “As people return to our roads, it is vital that motorists are able to keep their vehicles safe. “That’s why as restrictions are eased, from 1 August MOT testing will again become mandatory. “Garages across the country are open and I urge drivers who are due for their MOT to book a test as soon they can.” Now, more than 90% of garages are open across the UK, and testing capacity has reached 70% of normal levels. Although exemptions are still available for vehicle owners with an MOT due date before August, it is essential that drivers who notice something is wrong take their vehicle to be checked in the same way that they usually would. And the Government asked that drivers who are vulnerable or self-isolating to contact their local garage as many are offering pick-up and drop-off services — so people can get their car checked without having to visit a garage. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has also issued guidance to all MOT testers about safely conducting tests in line with the latest Government advice.
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Charities team up for domestic abuse awareness campaign By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A REGIONAL victim support charity has launched an awareness campaign for reporting domestic abuse anonymously.
Victims First, which supports victims of crime and abuse across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire is working with national charity Crimestoppers to raise awareness of the support available. Crimestoppers has an anonymous reporting service for people who are concerned about others, and Victims First provides emotional and practical support directly to those affected. Matthew Barber, deputy police and crime commissioner, said: “We know that the lockdown measures put in place due to Covid-19 have increased the risk for people in abusive relationships. “While some restrictions are now easing, many victims will still be living with their abusers. “Some people may not feel comfortable reporting to the police so we hope this campaign will help by raising awareness within communities on how to report
domestic abuse anonymously to Crimestoppers, and by helping victims themselves reach out for support through our service, Victims First.” Annabelle Goodenough, Crimestoppers south east regional manager, said: “It is shocking to think that even in normal times, two women a week are killed by a former or current partner. “This is a serious crime, and victims feel trapped, alone and powerless. They are often too scared or vulnerable to seek help or speak out. This is where we, as a community, can step forward and speak out about any concerns.” The campaign — consisting of radio and social media advertising — will run across the Thames Valley. To find out more, or to access support through Victims First, call 0300 1234 148 or visit: www.victimsfirst.org.uk. Anyone concerned that someone else is experiencing domestic abuse, can report it to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/ personal-safety/domestic-abuse. In an emergency always call 999.
In a non-emergency, people can: � Call 101 or make a report on the Thames Valley Police website � Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 � Contact Women’s Aid via: www.womensaid.org.uk � Call the Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327 � Call Mankind, a helpline for male victims: 01823 334244 � Call Galop, for members of the LGBT+ community: 0800 999 5428 � Contact Victims First via: www.victims-first.org.uk � Call Flag DV for free legal advice for Domestic Abuse: 0800 731 0055 � Call SAFE! For victims of crime aged 5 – 18: 0800 1337938
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Borough mayor cuts the ribbon for Winnersh surgery renovation By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk DOCTORS at Winnersh Surgery will be able to treat more patients, after a successful refurbishment of their premises.
Over the past six weeks, renovations on the building have included moving a wall and building a new clinical room. These improvements will also mean the Brookside Group Practice — who manage three
local surgeries — will be able to train more staff on site. Dr Matthew Pearce (right) said: “Our Brookside and Chalfont surgeries have had renovations already, so we made the most of the opportunity during the coronavirus lockdown.” And to mark the occasion, Cllr Malcolm Richards, Wokingham borough mayor (below) cut the ribbon for the newly refurbished Winnersh Surgery. Pictures: Tash Poller
The Revd April Beckerleg has joined Earley St Nicolas
April in July for St Nicolas A CHURCH welcomed its new vicar at a special online service yesterday. The Revd April Beckerleg was installed at Earley St Nicolas by the Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham. The Sutcliffe Avenue church said that Mrs Beckerleg is excited by the appointment and is looking forward to getting to know both the congregation and the parish. It added that diversity and inclusivity are close to her heart, as well as a concern for creation. “Participating in God’s love for all people, and the whole of creation is the key to becoming all we are meant to be,” said April, pointing to the church’s motto: “Open to God, Open to each other, Open to the community.” Mrs Beckerleg comes to Earley St Nicolas from St Edburg’s Church in Bicester, where she was assistant curate. Married, she has three-grown children, and was a primary school teacher at a secondary school before she went into the ministry.
Nigel takes over the Lions THE LIONS has a new king of the pride. But he’s not been able to meet his team properly yet. July 1 is usually the day when Wokingham Lions Club holds a special annual charter celebration lunch, but this year it was cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The group, which raises thousands for good causes across the year, both at home and abroad, still needed to pass the baton over of the presidency. So outgoing president Lyn Baily and new President Nigel Page met outdoors for a handover ceremony. And to ensure that social distancing was maintained the chain of office was presented on a twometre tape measure. Ms Baily said: “My biggest challenge was obviously leading our response to the Coronavirus epidemic. Decisions had to be made regarding the cancellation of our May Fayre in this special year, which was scheduled for Friday, May 8, the same day as the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe. “Although I was personally disappointed, it was necessary to unite members in our response, and to ensure that we managed the financial risk, whilst at the same time maintaining our goodwill. Fortunately, the May
Mind the gap … Nigel Page and Lyn Baily from Wokingham Lions
Fayre team made sure that this was managed superbly.” She continued: “With the support of Ian Grange and his now legendary virtual quizzes, plus a £1,000 grant from Lions District, we have now donated £4,900 to the Wokingham Borough Community Hub. The Hub and their volunteers distribute much-needed food and essential supplies to those in need in our community. “We are a happy club, and one of the main reasons I became a Lion was to extend our friendship group. “We have enjoyed a great deal of social outings with fellow Lions, as well as balls, treasure hunts and themed evenings. We have also enjoyed parties, dinners, barbecues and drinks with good friends we have made through the club.” And the new pride of the Lions, Nigel Page said: “Taking
over the reins from Lyn is not easy. Lyn has been an excellent president over the last 12 months. “Her enthusiasm for projects like supporting local scouts and youth, charities like School Days, and more recently the Wokingham Hub, have been an inspiration. Thank you, Lyn, you have been great to work with. “We now find ourselves in a different world, full of change. Raising funds will be our most challenging task, and Ian’s brilliant Woky Pub Quiz has shown the way that we can find different ways to raise money. “The remaining months of 2020 are still unpredictable, but I know that we will adapt and succeed in our efforts. We have an amazingly experienced and dedicated team, and I for one, greatly value the friendship, humour and energy of my fellow Lions.”
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Get the pints in: Wokingham pubs reveal plans for reopening EXCLUSIVE By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk BAR TEAMS across Wokingham are prepared to welcome back customers this Saturday — with several social distancing changes in place.
As the long awaited visit to the local edges closer, Wokingham.Today has spoken to landlords as they dust down the cobwebs and reopen their doors after three months of closure. Significant changes may include staggered entry times, booking systems, one way routes, queuing and reduced bar contact. Opening times and menus may change and toilets will be managed, with many operating a one-in, oneout system, and additional hygiene measures will be in place. Peter Biancheri, general manager of The Dog and Duck, Emmbrook said: “We can’t wait to re-open this Saturday and slowly get back to normal. “We’ve made a lot of changes to ensure the safety of our staff and customers such as segregated tables, sanitising stations, a one way system and queuing to get into the venue. “We’re also asking our customers to book in advance so we can monitor the number of people coming into the venue. He added: “Saturday is completely booked and Sunday is almost full, so we encourage visitors to plan ahead to avoid disappointment. “Our garden area is also available for customers to sit in — which is looking great now we’ve finished cutting the metre tall grass.” The Government has asked pubs to keep a temporary log of customers for 21 days to assist with the NHS Test and Trace service. In preparation for this change, Emmbrook’s Rifle Volunteer has designed a website for customers to register their details before visiting. Landlord of the Reading Road pub, Graham Howarth said: “We’re really looking forward to opening and serving our regulars again. “We aren’t taking bookings but every customer will need to be added to our attendee list before entering the pub. “Due to social distancing laws we have had to reduce our capacity, move tables further apart and mark off certain areas. “We are lucky, however, to have a garden which customers can enjoy their drinks in.” Mr Howarth — who has spent the last 14 weeks renovating the pub — added: “We’ve also introduced a one-way system which will see customers enter via the front door where they will register their details before placing their order and paying. “They will then move further down the bar to collect their drink and be directed to either a table or the garden area. “We will be updating our Facebook page regularly to keep
(Clockwise) Andy Rogers, owner of The Redan and Bar 56 says reopening was a difficult decision. The Rifle Volunteer prepares to welcome punters with its new customer register. The Dog and Duck is asking customers to book their visit in advance.
customers informed about the changes and what they can expect when visiting.” But not all pubs share the same enthusiasm for Saturday’s reopening. Owner of The Redan and Bar 56, Andy Rogers said: “The re-opening of pubs is a double edged sword. “It’s good that we can re-open again and earn the money we need to keep our bars going, but a difficult decision in terms of the safety of our staff and customers. “In my opinion the Government has handled the situation badly. We’ve gone from being closed for three and a half months to suddenly being told we can open in a week and a half.” “With all the changes that we’ve had to make in this short space of time, it’s become a very stressful period rather than an exciting one. “In my opinion pubs should have been shut for another month — but we have to reopen to save our businesses.” Since the reopening date announcement, Mr Rogers has adapted his bars by reducing capacity from 224 to 50, and ordering PPE for his staff. He said: “The most important thing for me is keeping my team safe.
“I have staff members who have vulnerable family members and partners so need to ensure they feel comfortable with the changes. “We have also altered our opening times, so where we used to open at 4pm or 5pm, we will open much earlier at 12pm. “The reasoning behind this is that lots of people are still working from home or furloughed, so customers who would visit us on the weekend can now come to us mid-week to avoid disappointment on Saturday or Sunday when it’s likely to be busier. “I’ve also made arrangements for customers to collect takeaway drinks and enjoy them in Peach Place. One of my bars has been open for 14 years, and the other for three years but it feels like I’m preparing to open two new businesses this Saturday. “We are returning to a very new norm. I fear we will have to face failure before success during this very big leap.” Punters are advised to check their local’s website or social media page before visiting for information about changes to their services. And some pubs are remaining closed to make changes for everyone’s safety. Executive member for business and economic development Cllr Stuart Munro, said: “We have been
working closely with Thames Valley Police, our town and parish councils, Wokingham Business Association, Love Wokingham, Twyford Together, Woodley Town Centre and the licensees of pubs and restaurants across the borough to plan the safe reopening of our hospitality industry. “We want to reassure the public that is safe to come together to drink and dine in all our venues, and we hope everyone approaches the reopening with a sense of kindness, understanding, and shared social responsibility. “Our partners at Thames Valley Police and the Public Protection Partnership will be out and about on Saturday, particularly in Wokingham town centre, to support our local businesses by ensuring they have all of the appropriate measures in place and also to reassure our residents that it’s safe to come back into town. “Pre-planning your pub or restaurant visit is crucial – not only to check whether your chosen venue will be opening, but also to find out whether you need to reserve a table and understand any systems the venue has in place to keep you safe. “We expect to see high demand for pubs particularly in our town and village centres this weekend and we strongly advise booking in advance.”
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
A NEW APPROACH TO NIGHTS OUT IN WOKINGHAM TOWN CENTRE From this Saturday, 4th July, Wokingham pubs and restaurants will begin to reopen their doors, and those rushing out to enjoy a pint or a spot of dinner will find a very different experience to the norm waiting for them. Wokingham’s landlords and restaurateurs have put in a huge amount of effort behind the scenes to prepare for their long-awaited reopening, meticulously following guidelines to ensure their customers stay safe and can adhere to social distancing requirements. They can’t wait to welcome back their regulars and newcomers, whilst being mindful of managing customers’ expectations with regards to what to expect. Planning ahead will be key, with many pubs taking advance bookings. Prebooking will be particularly important at weekends, when venues are expecting demand to be high. Capacity will be limited in all venues and customers will only be able to enter the premises once a table is available for them, so they are advised to be prepared to queue if they don’t have a reservation. Instead of being served at the bar, drinks will be ordered from tables via an app or waiter service, and there may be a time limit on how long tables can be reserved
for. Additional outdoor seating will be available at some venues and, in most cases, contactless payment will be necessary. Venues will be required to record customers’ contact details to assist with NHS track and trace, and systems will be in place to enable this. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced, with all venues maintaining 2 metres between tables where possible, or 1 metre plus other mitigating factors such as Perspex screens where 2 metres isn’t possible. Toilets will be managed, with many operating a one-in, one-out system, and additional hygiene measures will be in place. To ensure the safety of all customers, a zero tolerance view will be taken towards any customers breaching the guidelines. Anyone planning to head out in Wokingham this weekend is encouraged to read the latest guidance on social distancing and mixing with other households: www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alertand-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safesocial-distancing-after-4-july Opening hours may be shorter than the public are used to, with some pubs opting to close early initially, and some choosing not to open at all yet. Events such as live music are off the agenda for now, but fun and togetherness are most certainly on the agenda, and it is hoped the reopening of the hospitality sector will bring our community together in a way that’s been sorely missed in recent months.
Executive member for business and economic development Cllr Stuart Munro, explains “We have been working closely with Thames Valley Police, Wokingham Town Council, Wokingham Business Association and the licensees of Wokingham’s pubs and restaurants to plan the safe reopening of Wokingham’s hospitality industry. We want to reassure the public that is safe to come together to drink and dine in town centre venues, and we hope everyone approaches the reopening with a sense of kindness, understanding, and shared social responsibility. Pre-planning your pub or restaurant visit is crucial – not only to check whether your chosen venue will be opening, but also to find out whether you need to reserve a table and understand any systems the venue has in place to keep you safe. We expect to see high demand for pubs in Wokingham this weekend and we strongly advise booking in advance.”
Make sure you stay up to date with the latest accurate information @wokinghamboroughcouncil @wokinghamBC www.wokingham.gov.uk
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MOVING FORWARDS TOGETHER… Helping everyone adjust to the new normal Lockdown has meant different things to different people, and it’s important to understand that some people have found it more difficult than others. It’s essential that we all continue to follow the guidance so we can keep ourselves and each other safe. We all need to remember to be kind and understanding as lockdown measures ease – some people are more confident than others and may need some extra support to feel comfortable.
We understand that this has been a frightening and difficult time for many, even still as lockdown measures are eased, so we want to be there to support those who may need some extra help. The guidance can be confusing and with so much information out there, we want to help everyone to get the right help and advice and to feel safe. As lock down restrictions begin to lift, Wokingham Borough Council along with partnership organisations such as the NHS and the Voluntary Sector will be working hard to help the vulnerable and previously shielding residents. Many people have had little exercise and have not left their home in nearly three months. This may have led to people losing their mobility and confidence.
The community has pulled together in a wonderful way during this time and we want to see this continue as we move forwards together. We encourage you to keep checking on neighbours and friends, keep up the virtual interaction with family and loved ones, and if you are meeting friends or family please make sure you follow the advice from central government. As the crisis moves on to the next stage, we want everyone to know that we are still here to support our residents. No one will be left behind and we encourage everyone to reach out if they need help.
We want to make sure that shielded residents feel safe and confident to go outside once a day for exercise. This can be with another person from a different household, as long as they stick to government advice for people who are shielding. A team from Adult Social Care, including occupational therapists, voluntary sector specialists and rehabilitation coaches from our sports and leisure team, will be providing an outreach service to those that may need a little help getting back to normal activities.
We continue to work with the voluntary sector to provide a Covid-19 response service, including Citizens Advice, who are organising this helpline.
TO GET HELP YOU CAN: VISIT www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk EMAIL admin@citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk CALL 0300 330 1189
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Autism consultation A NEW consultation will help shape the council’s autism strategy. Launched by Wokingham Borough Council’s Adult Social Care (ASC) in partnership with local charity Promise Inclusion, it aims to ensure that borough residents with autism are offered same opportunities as other residents across the borough. “We welcome the council’s consultation which offers a great opportunity to hear directly from local residents with autism across the borough and their carers about how we can continue to best support them to live healthy, active and independent lives,” said Mary Durman, chief executive officer at Promise Inclusion. The council says it is offering residents living with autism and their families an opportunity to share their thoughts on what is currently available and the improvements they would like the see. Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “Throughout the current crisis our Adult Social Care Team have continued to support out most vulnerable residents, enabling them to live healthy, active and independent lives by securing the support they need to live their lives to the fullest. “We are looking to deliver a strategy that has vulnerable residents at its heart, connecting people, places and services in the community. “This is a time of great change in the delivery of health and social care service, both locally and nationally and our in-depth consultations, with key partners and residents, will help us to deliver a co-produced strategy with our residents, leading the way in helping us to bridge the gaps with services that they think are important for them and their carers”. To take part in the consultation which closes on August 31, visit www.wokingham.gov.uk and search consultations. For assistance completing the survey, contact Promise Inclusion by emailing Projects@ wokinghammencap.org or call 0300 777 8539.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
Denmark Street pedestrianisation trial to take place this weekend By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk DENMARK STREET is to be pedestrianised to help shoppers get around Wokingham town centre and help pop-up pavement cafes to launch.
It’s one of a number of measures that are being made to Wokingham’s town centre in response to changing guidelines over the coronavirus pandemic. And last weekend, Wiltshire Road and Rectory Road were narrowed to become one lane of traffic. Wokingham Borough Council says that the changes will allow on-street parking on Rectory Road, and make it easier for pedestrians. The merging of London Road and Wiltshire Road to become Peach Street no longer have traffic lights, to speed up the flow of traffic. In a move that will help pizza delivery firms and Wokingahm Decor, a delivery bay will be created outside the parade of shops at the northern end of Peach Street. And in the biggest change, there will be a trial run of pedestrianising Denmark Street on Fridays and Saturdays. This will cover between Market Place and the entrance to the car park by the library. This trial run will take place on Friday, July 3 between 9.30am and 4pm and from 8am to 4pm on Saturday, July 4.
Denmark Street will be a car-free zone on Friday and Saturday Picture: Phil Creighton
Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development on Wokingham Borough Council, said “People are already adapting to the requirements such as queuing safely and sanitising their hands in shops, and we’ve been pleased to see so many businesses taking up the offer of the support packs with posters and floor stickers to encourage safe shopping. “We’ve also had positive feedback from shoppers about the social distancing ambassadors in the town centres. “They provide a friendly face and reassure our residents that it’s safe
to come back to our high streets.” The pedestrianisation plans were welcomed by Labour councillor Andy Croy, who said that his party had been pushing for this move for some time, and he hoped the pedestrianisation would help the town centre become a “vibrant, thriving cultural place”. He told Wokingham.Today: “We put the idea in our manifesto a couple of years ago. It’s good to see those ideas are acceptable to the administration. “The worst feature of Wokingham town centre is the streams of traffic running through it. “And only being two days, it
provides flexibility and minimises driver disruption. “It’s great news, and it’ll make more space too, so that people can social distance and use the road to walk on.” Wokingham Borough Council said that it will continue to adapt its plans as feedback comes in and Government advice is tweaked. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, an executive member for highways and transport at the council, said: “When it comes to implementing such a major package of support changes it’s inevitable that not everything will work perfectly first time, or that it will make every resident or business owner happy. “We continue to review our plans, listen to feedback and make sure they work as best as they can, especially as we adapt to changing government restrictions as lockdown relaxes. “There are also some cases where we can’t make changes as the impact on safety or the wider network is too high. “While we know some residents are keen to see the short stay bays reinstated at the northern end of Peach Street we’ve continued to review it and it simply isn’t practical as we can’t support traffic reversing out onto a single lane of a busy road, or blocking all traffic while they wait for a space.” � Editorial page 22
Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Test and trace concerns THE Covid-19 test and trace service has not been able to reach a quarter of people who’ve tested positive for the virus. Since its launch on Thursday, May 28, the test and trace programme has been criticised for not being the “world-class” service promised. And latest data shows NHS tracers have been unable to contact 24% of people since it began. This means at least 5,062 people with Covid-19 did not provide their close contacts to the NHS between Thursday, May 28 and Wednesday, June 17. Speaking to ITV, Keith Neal, Professor of epidemiology of infectious diseases at the University of Nottingham, said: "One in four positive people can’t be contacted – this is surprising and worrying – these people need to provide details to get the result of their test and they have a responsibility to be contactable.” Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the Local Government Association’s community wellbeing board, said: “It is good that the NHS Test and Trace scheme is up and running and vital that the system works as planned and that the majority of people continue to do their civic duty and share their contacts.” Cllr Hudspeth called the situation “concerning”, adding that “those testing positive for the virus have a responsibility to help halt its transmission and protect those most at risk, including older people and those who are most vulnerable.”
NEWS | 19
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Campaigners call for action over British Airways restructure plans By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk CAMPAIGNERS are calling for British Airways to change its restricting plans and are hoping that MPs and residents will offer their support.
In April the airline announced plans to reimagine and reshape the airline in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Alex Cruz, the company’s chairman and CEO, said: “We do not know when countries will reopen their borders or when the lockdowns will lift, and so we have to reimagine and reshape our airline and create a new future for our people, our customers and the destinations we serve.” The proposals include making at least 12,455 redundancies and asking staff who remain to accept pay cuts and new terms and conditions to their contracts, including accepting a term that would allow BA to suspend staff for up to six weeks a year without pay. Earlier this week, members of Unite the Union visited Wokingham to raise awareness for their campaign against the proposals. It says that hundreds of BA
staff live across the borough, where people have been showing their support for the staff and are calling on their MP sign a pledge which calls for a Government review of British Airways’ control UK land ing slots amid the airline’s betrayal of its workers and the British public. It argues that there should be consequences to BA’s plans. Unite executive officer Sharon Graham said: “Friends and neighbours have been showing their support for BA staff and are calling on John Redwood to act. British Airways’ workers face an unprecedented attack on their jobs, pay and conditions in the middle of the worst health crisis in a century. “There should be consequences to BA’s actions. The company is essentially creating a new and unrecognisable airline – it should not automatically have the legacy slots. “BA controls over half the landing slots at Heathrow. “It is simply wrong for BA to have privileged access to landing slots while its workforce are being sacrificed for shareholder profits.”
Unite the Union has been in Wokingham to gain support for its campaign
And the actions are supported by Country Cleaners and Cobbler, based in Wokingham’s Denmark Street. In a statement, they said: “We have around 25 BA crew who use us for dry cleaning and about six pilots. “Since lockdown began our average turnover has gone
down by 50%. If these staff are laid off we will feel the weight of it.” When announcing the proposals at the end of April, British Airways said that the changes were necessary. Mr Cruz said: “The scale of this challenge requires substantial change so we are in a competitive and resilient
position, not just to address the immediate Covid-19 pandemic, but also to withstand any longer-term reductions in customer demand, economic shocks or other events that could affect us. “However challenging this is, the longer we delay difficult decisions, the fewer options will be open to us.”
20 | NEWS
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
Call to fly the flag for Wokingham Pride
Snappy Snaps in Peach Street is flying Pride flags
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WAVE of support is being made for Wokingham’s first-ever Pride celebration later this month.
Although not a fully-fledged event as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, there will be virtual events running over social media. Pride is an event that celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and queer (LGBTQ+) social and selfacceptance, and usually includes a parade and a one-day outdoor festival featuring singers, stalls and celebrations. Wokingham councils are planning to fly a flag in support and organisers have create a print-out flag for people to
display in their windows. They have also been visiting shops, churches and businesses to share flags. “I’ve been giving out pride flags in the town centre”, says Rachel Bishop-Firth. “They’ve been very well received, and a lot of businesses are putting them out already. “Those who want to buy a larger flag should be able to pick up a huge 5x3 flag online for under £5 with free postage.” Anna Box, who set up the Wokingham Pride Facebook group two weeks ago, says: “We already have 145 members who are sharing messages supporting the event. There’s a free poster on the page which people can print off and put in their windows.”
And Wokingham resident Lizzie Bishops said that she has changed her plans for Pride this year, because of Covid-19. “I usually go to a big event such as Pride in London,” she
said. “That won’t be possible this year, but I’m getting ready for a Pride in the back garden celebration with my housemates.” Organisers said that the lockdown means that there is to be a more sombre side to the Pride event this year. Many young people have found the lockdown difficult and young LGBT+ people who feel cut off from a supportive community have found it particularly hard. The Reading and Wokingham community is also mourning the loss of the three local men who lost their lives in Forbury Garden on Saturday, June 21, who were all LGBTQ+ supporters. “We’re gathering and publishing sources of help and support on the Wokingham Pride Facebook Page,” said Anna Box. There is support from across the spectrum. Lib Dem councillor Prue Bray has printed out a Pride poster to display in her window, and Labour is also backing the event. Wokingham Labour’s Cllr Abby Tebboth said: “The Labour Party has a proud tradition of supporting LGBT+ issues and Wokingham Pride is a wonderful way of demonstrating the town’s inclusivity and welcoming nature in these difficult times. “All local Labour Councillors join with me in supporting Wokingham Pride” Last month, Cllr Halsall told Wokingham.Today that the borough council will continue to offer its support to the initiative. “A Pride event would be quite fun,” he said, expressing sadness that the event can’t go ahead
Pride flags are on show in cafes in Wokingham town, including Blue Orchid (left) and GAIL’s Bakery (below)
this year. “Equality and diversity has to be in our DNA, it has to be part of who we are and what we do.” And there is support from organisations too. Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham, said: “I'm really delighted to support Wokingham LGBT+ Pride on behalf of Citizens Advice Wokingham, but also as a gay man working to support our communities. “The Citizens Advice service champions equality, LGBT+ pride is one way to support that in our communities. But we
must also remember that pride is much more than just a celebration, our LGBT+ communities still disproportionately experience mental health problems and experience hate crime. “Standing together, supporting each other and valuing others is important, as well as recognising the efforts of those in the movement before us.” And Thames Valley Positive Support, a charity that works with people who are affected by HIV, is also getting behind the event. It aims to build awareness for preventive interventions, and uses advocacy services for people with positive status as well as empowering individuals who have been impacted by the disease. CEO Sarah Macadam, CEO of TVPS, said “We are delighted to be supporting Wokingham’s first pride event to show support to, and to celebrate, our LGBTQ+ community. We urge as many people as possible to support this event - it would be great to see Wokingham covered in rainbows.” For more details, search Facebook for “Wokingham LGBT+ Pride – 11th July 2020”.
Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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87 houses are ‘inappropriate’ for flood risk zone in Sindlesham EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk RESIDENTS across Sindlesham and Winnersh are concerned about the flood risk of building 87 new houses on Mill Lane.
The road — which is almost annually closed due to flooding — was heavily impacted in the January floods this year. The plans include building a new roundabout on Mill Lane, with the development straddling the road with arching cul-de-sacs. The ecological impact assessment included in the application notes there are seven waterbodies nearby — five of which are 250 metres away. And the River Loddon flows 120 metres north of the site. Since consultation began, residents have objected to the plans on a number of grounds. Sindlesham resident, Jenny McCurry objected to the plans, stating: “Mill Lane is closed several times a year due to flooding which puts additional pressure on Mole Road and King Street Lane which are already at or close to capacity. “With provision for 186 parking spaces this represents an increase in traffic which will have a further detrimental impact on existing road users.” Ms McCurry added: “Such a large
development would have a major impact on the open space and feel of the local neighbourhood. It is also out of scale in comparison to other nearby developments and out of keeping with the historical character of the area.” Other nearby residents said the newly approved Nirvana Spa hotel would put increased pressure on the roads — and that this should be taken into consideration too. Mark Heppelthwaite wrote: “Nirvana Spa has planning already which will greatly increase traffic… access to and from this site will be a disaster on our already busy roads in the area.” Winnersh resident, Catherine O'Nyons questioned how any of the potential new homeowners would be able to insure their properties for flooding, because “Mill Lane and the surrounding area floods at least once a year.” And due to the houses’ proximity to the M4, the traffic is too loud to open windows. The noise risk assessment concluded that “target internal noise levels would not be achievable with open windows for ventilation for any plot.” This means that “alternative means of ventilation” would need to be used for each home instead. Cllr Paul Fishwick, Liberal Democrat councillor for Winnersh,
The site proposal includes a roundabout before the single lane bridge underpass. Picture: submitted on behalf of Hatch Farm Land Ltd
said: “The proposed development of 87 dwellings at land known as Hatch Farm, Mill Lane, Sindlesham is an awful lot and is partly within the countryside on both sides of Mill Lane adjacent to the M4 motorway. “Mill Lane is a country lane with several bends and a narrow footway on one side only and no street lighting. “It is a busy road, and traffic congestion along with other local roads such as Mole Road, King Street Lane and Bearwood Road is normal at peak times and the congestion can get so bad that it becomes one big queue. This development will only add to this problem.
“Between the motorway and Lower Earley Way roundabout, Mill Lane is often closed to all through traffic several times a year due to flooding by the River Loddon, adding to further pressure on an already congested road network. “Access to the nearest public transport — buses and trains — is around a 1.8km walk, along narrow footways adjacent to the busy B3030. “This distance is too far for most to walk and therefore the majority of residents would only drive, adding to the current issues of congestion.” The consultation ends on Thursday, July 23.
NEWS | 21
Appeal for witnesses to August GBH assault
POLICE are now appealing for information following an incident of grievous bodily harm in Wokingham. At 1.28am on Friday, August 16, 2019, around fifteen people were involved in a fight outside the Gig House on Denmark Street. The victim — a man in his twenties — was knocked unconscious and suffered a bleed on the brain. He required hospital treatment and has since been discharged. Thames Valley Police has released two CCTV images of a man that officers would like to speak to following the incident. Designated investigator Alison Dixon, based at Reading police station, said: “We have been conducting a thorough investigation into this incident, and I am releasing these CCTV images now as I believe that this man may have vital information that could assist with my investigation. “If you recognise this man, or believe that it might be you, please get in touch. “You can contact us using our online reporting © form, quoting reference number 43190252824. If you cannot report online, call the nonemergency number 101. “Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
22 | VIEWPOINTS
THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH
Let’s get behind the Denmark Street plan TOMORROW and Saturday, Wokingham’s town centre will look a little different. The news that Denmark Street will be partially pedestrianised on Friday and Saturday should be welcomed. It is a trial and for limited hours, but it’s enough to see what difference it would make, not just to the new normal, but in the longer-term too. We love shopping in Wokingham, Woodley and Twyford. Each has their charms and each their benefits. We should be proud of the range of independent shops, chain stores and, yes, the charity shops and coffee shops. But both Twyford and Wokingham suffer from not being able to offer a completely safe shopping experience. While Twyford’s crossroads are an essential route through the village, Wokingham town centre can, with some ingenuity, be bypassed. It will get easier once the new distributor roads are complete, but for now we have to make do. The plan to allow pedestrians to use the road, and cafes and bars to create pop-up pavement cafes is a great one. Yes, it will be a little different, but we think once we’ve given the changes a go we will wonder why we’ve never done it before. Let’s give it a go with confidence.
CHURCH NOTES
Connections
F
OLLOWING the horrendous incident in Forbury Gardens last weekend, it seems that many in our town have felt the impact either through a personal connection to one of the victims, or simply through the connection of something like this happening ‘on our doorstep’. The death of Holt teacher James Furlong has had a particular impact on our local community and Monday saw The Holt School cancel the day’s lessons and offer the school community the chance to grieve. St Paul’s Church was able to open its doors for people to light a candle and to pray, and many were on hand at St Paul’s and at the school to give people the chance to talk. I was very moved to hear that more than 1,000 people entered the church that day, and also to see the photos of students, staff and other members of the school community gathered together, united in their grief and shock, but also in their determination that James Furlong’s memory should be honoured and his life celebrated. It struck me that it is so important in times of grief that we are able to come together, and that is something that we have all been deprived of during lockdown. There is something powerful in the physical coming together of people, the comfort and understanding offered in a hug or even a hand on a shoulder, and the strength that is felt as people stand together, united. These are things that we have sorely missed over the last few months, and there are many who have lost loved ones during the pandemic who have been unable to grieve with others in this way, and so their loss has been all the more agonising. My hope and prayer, as the country begins to emerge from lockdown over the coming weeks and months, is that we will once again be able to physically stand together and comfort one another in our grief, and that perhaps we will appreciate the value of that all the more. The Revd Hannah Higginson, associate priest at All Saints Church in Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
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Your letters
Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 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
Council must take action on Black Lives Matter LAST week, BBC South aired a package on their lunchtime news. It was repeated throughout the news cycle that day and followed on from the front page story of June 18. The message in the package was that Wokingham Borough Council does not support “Black Life Matters”. The thrust of Mr Halsall policy, if there is one, was his opposition to the Black Lives Matter movement demand in the United States for the police to stop killing, predominately unarmed, black men. The latest example was the eight minutes 46 second public lynching of Mr George Floyd by former Mississippi police officer Derek Chauvin. Sadly, Mr Halsall has benefited from white privilege which has allowed him to cast a blind eye over the intense and perpetual suffering of black people at the hands of authority around the world. Furthermore, he has demonstrated his tone deafness to the zeitgeist on the issues that matter to Wokingham 12% BME population. He has conflated the demands of this global movement for equality, fairness and Justice with a specific call in the USA for greater police accountability. Clearly he does not understand what is meant by the term ‘defunding the police’ in the American context. My principle objection in the news item is the substitution of his personal views and opinion on Black Lives Matter to be those of the Council. Furthermore, the comments were made more incendiary by using Mr Parry Batth, an Asian Councillor to project fascist/racist views as Council Policy. This cannot be allowed to stand as it has caused great offence and hurt to Wokingham’s black community. Wokingham Borough Council Equalities Policy was adopted on 17 March 2017. The policy requires the council policies to comply with the Race Relation
A wise way to spend money during a pandemic? Love 'em or loathe 'em, politicians both locally and nationally certainly have the knack for laying themselves open to ridicule. The recent announcement by 10 Downing Street that the grey RAF Voyager A330 Aircraft used for, among other purposes, official ministerial business is to be ‘rebranded’ with a new Union Flag themed paint job – at a cost to the public purse of the best part of £1 million – follows on the heels of the suggestion that it would be a good idea to build a new royal yacht costing around £100 million. I suggest that most people, in the midst of a pandemic, the nation's economy in danger of heading for a meltdown, care workers paid a pittance, the use of food banks, homelessness and child poverty at unacceptable levels, will view these spends as unnecessary and inappropriate extravangancies. Nearer home, I seem to recall, not so long ago, the inmates of Shute End Towers expressing the desire to introduce more
‘street art’ to the town centre. If the array of colourful red and white crowd (what crowd?) barriers stretching around the notorious oneway system are anything to go by, then they have exceeded all expectations. Keith Carter in his letter (Wokingham.Today, June 18) asks in respect of these barriers, "Why do they (Wokingham Borough Council)
Act 2010 and the Public Sector Equalities Duty. I have now reviewed the Council’s Equality Policies and found nothing on Black Lives Matter. However, I was able to find a policy on AntiSemitism adopted by the Council on 18 July 2019, which we the BME community fully support. Clearly, Mr Halsall was not tone deaf to the Jewish lobby call-out of AntiSemitism in Britain. I want Wokingham Borough Council to reverse the claim by Mr Halsall that the Council as a matter of policy does not support Black Lives Matter. Furthermore, lessons should be learned. Never again should the personal view of
the Leader, purport to be the policy of the Council. It was extremely harmful and offensive decision to put forward a person from another ethnic minority to publicly relay the message that Wokingham council would not be supporting Black Lives Matters. It is clear that council members felt this choice would placate the anger of constituents but has instead simply demonstrated how out of touch the council are to not truly understand the aims of the movement – a demand to respect and protect black lives, through institutional change and a law enforcement system which does not
johnredwood Westminster diary
A new marker
M
ICHAEL Gove’s lecture makes interesting reading. He says he wants a civil service which is better at delivering and places more emphasis on the implementation of agreed policy.
Previous governments too have sought to make distinction between the civil service as policy advisers to Ministers, and the civil service administering large programmes of tax and grants, or managing public services and investment programmes. Tony Blair set up a Delivery unit in the Number 10, to reflect his frustrations that things he wanted done were delayed or diluted. When I was Margaret Thatcher’s Policy Adviser I always regarded getting the policy worked out and agreed by Cabinet and Parliament as the start, not the end of the process. It then had to be turned into practical administration or spending. Margaret embarked on a substantial reform of the civil service, encouraged by Michael Heseltine who ran a Ministerial information system based on big data.
Michael was right that Ministers often were not shown the key data any business person would expect at the top of a large company. The purpose of the reform was to separate the implementation or administration of various activities from the policy work and Cabinet level decisions over priorities and resources. A set of Next Steps Agencies were set up under professional public sector chief executives to run substantial services or programmes. The CEOs were set targets, offered bonuses for good performance, and were responsible for the day to day detail. Ministers remained responsible for the policy, the overall results and the financing. A service like the NHS has long had professional and medical management running it. There is management at the national level, at the regional level, at the local level and in each hospital and surgery. They have large budgets and considerable devolved power. Ministers do not expect to be making decisions about which cleaning services to use or how much protective clothing to buy. Ministers are never involved in awarding huge contracts to suppliers. During the recent crisis responsibility moved upwards, and Ministers were drawn into procurement of ventilators and clothing, blurring the divisions between overall responsibility and the day to day judgements about how to spend budgets and provide for staff in each unit.
treat us like two-year-olds?" Quite simple Keith – we know best egotism. Finally, those particularly who lives through the war years will have been saddened by the loss of Dame Vera Lynn, at the age of 103. Thanks for the memory Dame Vera, thanks for the memory. J W Blaney, Wokingham view them as cannon fodder and instead conflate them with an extreme American view point to dismantle policing. It is no longer acceptable to say I am not a racist; you need to be actively antiracist. I believe that Wokingham Borough Council has erred. However, there is a fast closing window of opportunity to redeem itself. Wokingham Borough Council must bring a positive motion forward to full Council for adoption that Wokingham Council positively believes that “Black Lives Matter”. Keith Kerr and Sharon Harrioמּ-Kerr
Ministers had asked for plentiful supplies of PPE and tests and had offered the money to pay for them, but found they were pulled into how to do this at a time of world scarcity and rapidly changing views of how to defeat the virus Under Labour some hospitals had scandals over high death rates or poor levels of care. Ministers had not ordered those to take place, and had not designed policies likely to produce such results. Once these issues became important national arguments, they of course had to step in, make decisions, and take some blame. It went to prove that in what can become a very centralised large service it is difficult to keep responsibility and remedial action at the local level, even though it was individual hospitals that created these problems. It would be good to sharpen Whitehall’s focus on delivery again, and to learn from recent experiences in adapting a large public service to the hostile conditions of Covid 19. The call for better data is also a wise one. Often in the public sector the data is there but it it is not available to decision takers in a timely and accessible way, or it comes in data series where the basis of computation is not properly understood. The data at the regular press conferences on the pandemic kept changing with different definitions and different aggregates, which made good decision taking more difficult.
Running the new normal With the pandemic raging the word on the block is the how our future life will be under the new normal. In Conservative-run Wokingham Borough Council that new normal has taken a nasty anti-democratic twist. At Annual Council the Conservatives used their in house block vote of 31 Councillors to shoehorn in everything they wanted. Was every one of the party’s group of block voters supporting as their leader shouted 31 for or against at every opportunity? It’s an interesting thought. I expect to see the Conservative block vote being used at every opportunity as their dictatorship takes more control in all the councils business. Democracy gives democrats rights but these rights must be balanced with truth, fairness, openness and honesty and once that is lost democracy as we know it is over. A system of block voting backed by the Party three line whip under the guise of the new normal is an open indication of goodbye democracy all pretence of democracy is now gone. Anyone who believes in democracy will see straight through what the Conservatives are doing at Wokingham Borough and that is not to represent all its residents equally but to enforce their own party dogma on all of us. Its classic Conservative dictatorial dogma ruthlessly imposed on all of us by an uncaring ruling elite. Let's not forget how much they don’t care about us next May. Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council
Why I’m worried I’VE just heard on a BBC radio programme that of people over 70, 80% who catch coronavirus die from it. Another very worrying point I head is that 95% of the population have not had the virus.
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Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
neilcoupe Another view
Picture of the week Reader Paul Phillips enjoyed Sunday’s changeable weather as it produced this rainbow over Wokingham, with even the hint of a double rainbow. It is certainly a positive from a day of rain. Thanks for sharing Paul. There’s another picture from reader Ian Hydon over the page. We welcome your images for this slot. All you need to do is email them, along with a brief description, to: letters@wokingham paper.co.uk I am in my late 70s, I feel vulnerable. With restrictions coming off quite quickly, I think we older folk are going to be thrown to the virus, expendable people. We are ruled by economists, not by protection and thought,. I don’t wish to be sacrificed to herd nonsense. Think again Tories. Many believe we have not been spoken to truthfully. Most of us are not from public schools, not that well off. We do have a voice, a floundering around government does not help ordinary people. Name and address supplied
Showing we care On Friday, June 26, we were all set to celebrate our annual Care Home Open Day. Sadly, this is no longer possible, so instead we are thanking our local community for the support we have received over these last few very tricky months. We gifted wildflower seed to those in our local area. We preparid wildflower seeds for you to pick up outside our care home from Friday 26th June, available for everyone
tonyjohnson That was the week
Free Dom for all
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N the United States, it was a week in which The Rolling Stones told Mr Trump, ‘You can’t always have what you want’. In the UK, it was a week in which the dead cat strategy was replaced by a ‘live lion’ strategy and the fur began to fly. In the Borough, it was a week in which the Council started to scrutinise itself again.
Getting Stoned The campaign team for the ‘leader of the free world’ didn’t understand that ‘free’ referred to ‘the world’ not to ‘its music’. At the failed Trump rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma the music was being played without the band’s permission. New York based BMI (Broadcast Music Inc) has warned the campaign team, who should have learned from 2016’s complaints, as well as from BMI’s recent success with lawsuits. The list grows as Rihanna, Queen, Pharrell Williams and others all detest Trump using their music.
Going, going, gone Finally Transcript Central has been told that it can take a rest – the Coronavirus daily briefings are finished and they’ve managed to post the transcript of Boris’ last briefing. With five slides and ‘led by the science, driven by the politics’, the PM proved that the we’d passed the tests and could be excused lockdown provided we kept “one metre plus” apart.
in our local community as a symbol of appreciation and hope for the future. It is extremely important now more than ever to keep our residents’ spirits high and for them to continue engaging with team, their community and loving every day – this lovely initiative is helping to do just that. We hope that next year we’ll be with of our friends and neighbours from the care homes local areas, to celebrate our Care Home Open Day together and continue to build the community that has supported us so wonderfully. Best wishes from everyone at The Berkshire The Berkshire Care Home, Barkham Road, Wokingham
Co-oping together AS one of the independent co-operatives operating in your area, we'd like to invite your readers to join us and work together to rebuild our economy and communities with responsibility, fairness and kindness at its core. During Co-op Fortnight, many of the UK's 7,063 co-operatives are coming together and pledging to ‘build
But the nation’s swimming pools were still closed so we went to the beach instead, where local authorities in Bournemouth, Brighton and Bognor were left to cope with the crowds without any extra help. At Durdle Door, a local councillor was spat at by an angry motorist. Last year, this was disgusting. This year it’s being punished by six months in jail.
But not forgotten Last week’s hope that “Dependence day” would be the “dead cat” strategy that actually worked has been proved totally wrong as the number of articles about Dominic Cummings has risen sharply to 350 in the week just gone. Of these, 150 were still about Mr Cummings having driven to Durham then to Barnard Castle, breaking the rules in lockdown. Enter the lion, and Cummings was determined to shake up the civil service; to reform the planning system; to add to his closing of the Department for International Development. By the end of the week the head of the Civil Service was gone. That wasn’t enough, so Brexit was revived; Cummings was in control; SpAd-in-chief who controlled other SpAds (Special Advisors) … … then Cummings name started cropping up alongside Boris’ defence of Robert Jenrick and the growing entanglement of the Westferry property development scandal. Then there was the other 50pieces with Cummings name as a behavioural byword. All spirited stuff, helping us believe that Dominic’s in charge, driving the agenda, keeping things jumping. And what of Dominic’s opinions on Boris you might ask? Probably much like King George V’s on Bognor (allegedly).
something better together'. The global societal and environmental challenges we face can't be achieved alone and there is power in co-operation. The statement, which can be viewed at bit.ly/Co-opCo-operation, highlights the immense challenges faced by our communities throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Co-operatives have always thrived in periods of social and economic change and, the shared principle of ‘concern for the community', has been at the heart of our response to this crisis. We have a part to play locally and globally through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which are in effect the ‘to do list' for the world, focusing on, and addressing, the world's biggest challenges and a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. We remain committed to continuing to work together as co-operatives and with others, so we can build a better future together. Mark Smith, Chief Executive at Southern Co-op
Council Leader voted out On Thursday night’s Extraordinary Meeting of the Borough Council last week, the agenda was short. First item: remove the Leader. Second item: elect a new Leader. It was partly because the Council’s debts were of the order of £1 Billion and partly due to a Covid-19 related ‘rental deal’ being about to cost the Council £4.5M of much needed income. In the end, the Leader resigned the day before the meeting so an Ex-Conservative was replaced by a current Conservative. That was the Borough Council at Spelthorne in Surrey, with the second highest public debt-per-head in England.
Screw, Tin, Knee, Ring Here in Wokingham Borough, the first of the Council’s virtual Scrutiny meetings got underway and finished a mere three hours later. Amazingly either the individuals’ e-meeting discipline or the ‘electric string’ in and out of Shute End had been strengthened and everyone’s audio was audible and videos viewable. The chairing of the meeting was good and the electronic “hands up” function was managed well. Sincere applause for all involved – a real improvement on the Annual Council meeting.
Barbecue of the vanities – the broken promise Back in 2016, late one night a Police Inspector was passing by the BBQ King van and noticed one of the staff’s cars illegally parked next to the van. Leaving an instruction to move the car and getting a promise that it would be, he was exceedingly disappointed to discover it was still there several hours later and that the bus stop lay-by had become a customer car park. caveat.lector@icloud.com
Work together to keep Wokingham tidy
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T FEELS as though life is gradually returning to something resembling normality, (or a ‘new normal’ to use the vernacular), as the roads become busier, people start returning to work and a few lucky pupils return to school.
There is increased activity, more people out and about, and regrettably, annoyingly, and wholly unnecessarily, more litter. Walking toward the Co-op at the weekend I saw a mother and daughter walking in the opposite direction. They stopped at a pile of litter dumped gratuitously out of a car onto the side of the road. There were two bottles of a well-known isotonic drink, two cans of an energy drink and two discarded paper bags from a well-known purveyor of sausage and vegan rolls. I could see a shake of the head, a thoroughly reasonable and warranted few seconds of tutting, and then off they strolled lamenting the selfishness and laziness of whoever had dropped this into the road. The people walking by had not dropped the litter but there was a bin 20 yards away. How much effort would it have taken to pick it up and move it off the street? By the way, in case people would like to see this pile of debris for themselves, it is too late as my wife and I spent 10 seconds of our life relocating it to the afore-mentioned bin. One of my friends spends some of his Sundays collecting litter in his neighbouring streets and was stopped and thanked by a passing woman for such public-spiritedness. When he was asked whether someone could start picking up litter on her road he mentioned that the Council will happily supply a litter picker, bags, and hi-viz jackets on request, and perhaps the lady and her neighbours would like to volunteer, the lady scuttled off without another word. Litter is completely unnecessary and, to state the obvious, is the fault of the people making the mess. Life would be slightly more pleasant for all of us if there wasn’t any. What I noticed about these anecdotes is that we as a society are very good at recognising a problem, but it does not always cross our minds that they can be part of the solution. For many of us, litter is a problem to be solved by other people, or of course by the Council or the Government, when it can be dealt with much closer to home. At Bournemouth last weekend, even before the relaxation of the rules, there was apparently 10 times as much litter as during the same weekend the previous year. Three quarters comprised glass and plastic bottles, not just the expected strong lager but also heritage gin and prosecco. It was pointed out that the people obliged to tidy up after everyone else are among the key workers, to whom we have been expressing gratitude for keeping the country going over the past 100 days or so. Expressing our appreciation by unnecessarily increasing their workload is unusual to say the least. There is a view that if there were more bins, then there would be far less mess. As Saturday, July 4, approaches, whether there are any bins, or even if they are full, it would be great to think that the ‘new normal’ would mean that people exercising their right to congregate and have food and drink together in a public place, will be as diligent at taking away their waste as they will have been in planning and buying their supplies in the first place.
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nelliewilliams Nellie knows www.nelliewilliams.co.uk
100 days and counting
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UESDAY marked 100 days of lockdown. It’s been a period of many feelings and emotions for sure. I was asked what one word I would use for this time, now that’s hard as I’m not known for my few words but I would say maybe exploration, and not just on my daily 10 mile walks with my dogs. Over the last 100 days I have ventured further afield, listening to podcasts and audible, watching the changes in the seasons, seeing the fields turn from ploughed earth to crops. Sounds idyllic I know but in that time of solitude I have explored both inwards and outwards when listening to different writers, authors and presenters whilst getting a different perspective, I’ve cleared my mind of inconsequential nonsense, worked out what really matters to me and done some mental space juggling, giving me energy to tackle the life laundry at home. The bookshelves have been cleared out, the childrens’ clothes have gone to First Days, bed linen was made into scrubs for the NHS, odd bits of material are now face masks, cupboard contents have been streamlined and I’m patiently waiting to have enough stuff to make my trip tip worthwhile. In those 100 days I have spent more time with my family than ever, watched no end of nonsense on the telly, listened to a cacophony of music from the girls’ rooms (I’ll never understand rap), read and listened to more books than normal, gardened, cooked, slept, yearned and mourned. Now though restrictions are lifting, shops are re-opening and soon I’ll be heading west on the M4. The lockdown in Wales eases on Monday 6th and self catering properties, self contained b&bs, campervans, caravans and motorhomes should re-open on the 13th, in time for the summer holidays.
GIFT Homeschooling has been “interesting” and I have been very impressed with the support and guidance from the Holt. However the past few weeks have been hard for lots of people. My girls and their friends have been brave, strong and united in their grief following the death of Mr Furlong, a much loved and well respected teacher. To have been taught by such an inspirational teacher was truly a gift and the life lessons Mr Furlong taught them has been of great comfort as they struggle on in this swirling darkness, unable to hug their friends and sob into their shoulders. There have been such wonderful tributes and from my limited interactions with him and hearing what the girls have said he truly was a wonderful teacher. He didn’t just teach history he brought it alive - none more evident than donning a Henry VIII costume at Options Evening. As we stumble into July I’ll be continuing my walking with the added buzz of walking in Wales with a few familiar Welsh faces in aid of Prostate Cancer and I’m very much looking forward to catching up with Terry Walton at his allotment. Next year for Wales Week / Berkshire (20 February to 7 March) Terry will be prised away from said allotment in the Rhondda Valley for an event here in Berkshire and we can’t wait to welcome him here. For more information on Wales Week Berkshire and St David’s World have a look on the internet or get in touch. If you’re Welsh in Berkshire do join the Facebook group to connect with the Welsh diaspora, before lockdown we were looking forward to meeting up, please be patient. And if you’ve got an interest in Wokingham from way back or want to know more about where you live do join Memories of Wokingham, in years to come people will be writing about these 100 days as just a memory. I hope that as lockdown eases and we begin a different pace of life, normal or familiarity the transition is easy, safe and healthy. Thank you to the local food producers and businesses that have kept us fed and watered, the charities that have come together to create a hub, the community champions who have worked tirelessly to make a difference, the farmers and landowners who have allowed us to walk through their fields, the Ramblers and Countryside Services who have maintained gates, stiles and pathways, the keyworkers and essential service providers. When all this is over, there will be hugs and cwtches, albeit awkwardly but definitely heartfelt.
Debbie goes from helping brides to nurses THE pandemic has caused many to repurpose their skills and talents. But Debbie never predicted she’d be swapping wedding dresses for medical scrubs. Debbie Rees, from Wokingham’s Keep Hatch area, had her bridal shop dreams paused in March as the Covid-19 lockdown caused many local businesses to close. Having only launched the Rances Lane business last September, the Government measures led Debbie to furlough her new staff as dress enquiries and bookings grounded to a halt. It reopens this weekend. And despite working as a onewoman team to keep the business going behind the scenes, Debbie has been volunteering her skills to community initiatives in a mission to keep the borough’s NHS workers equipped with PPE. Debbie, who started her career at 18 as the first female cutter on Savile Row, says: “I joined the local Hot Scrubs project when I saw they were looking for helpers. “The group brought together 65 local seamstresses to make much needed protective wear for Royal Berkshire Hospital. “For three weeks, we carried out shift work at Phyllis Court in Henley. I’d volunteer there in the morning and then go back to the shop in the afternoon to do my own work. In total, we made 5,000 intensive care gowns for hospital staff.” In addition to her work for Hot
Scrubs, Debbie has joined the Scrub Hub programme which produces scrubs for keyworkers including hospital, prison and care home staff. Ms Rees says: “I’ve made scrubs for all sorts of places and in various colours and patterns. “The system is extremely organised. We pick up the pre-cut material from a collection point and then put the scrubs together. “I’ve never made anything like this before so it took some getting used to at first but the organisation provided us with a YouTube tutorial which was helpful for working out where the various pockets went. “It’s been a great experience through which I’ve made friends and been part of an incredibly encouraging community.” And reflecting on what would have been the busiest period for her dress business, the creative says: “Having only opened in September, the lockdown was unsurprisingly a kick in the teeth. “I have such a fantastic team of staff which I’m very grateful for and miss dearly so I am definitely looking forward to business starting again. “I have used this time as an opportunity to check stock over and sort out the new dresses coming in.” She plans to reopen her shop, Debbie Rees Bridal, on Saturday. � For more information about the scrub projects or to donate to the Just Giving pages visit their Facebook pages.
This is the easiest quiz: How many pennies in a pound? THE quizzes we’ve been publishing over the past few weeks have ranged in difficulty, and some have had you stumped. We’ve listened to your concerns and we’re presenting our easiest quiz ever. Not that you’ll need them, but answers next week. 1. What was King George VI’s first name? 2. In which month do Russians mark the October Revolution? 3. How long did the Hundred Years War last? 4. How many pennies are in the pound? 5. The Canary Islands are named after which animal? 6. Which seabird has the zoological name Puffinus puffinus?
7. From which material are moleskin trousers made? 8. Which country makes Panama hats? 9. Louis XVIII was the final King of France – how many of his predecessors were called Louis? 10. What colour is a purple finch? 11. In the original Star Trek series, how many times did Captain Kirk say, ‘Beam me up, Scotty’? 12. Which country are Chinese gooseberries from? 13. What did Vikings have on their helmets? 14. Which animal gives us catgut? 15. How long did the 30 Year War last?
Charlie
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
Sabastian get fundraising for ch By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk MOST seven-year-olds might need pointing in the right direction when it comes to fundraising, but one Earley lad didn’t need to be led.
Sabastian Sly, a Year 2 pupil of Aldryngton Primary School, has spent lockdown personalising pencils to raise money for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service. And so far he’s raised more than £580 for the cause. Following a visit to the hospice, the generous youngster decided to sell pencils to neighbours featuring the name of the road they live on. The deliveries have been carefully made to meet social distancing requirements, involving some ingenuity and lateral thinking. And Sabastian has so far sold 300 pencils to residents on Ramsbury Drive, Aldbourne Avenue, The Knapp and Maiden Erlegh Drive. Mini-fundraiser, Sebastian says: “It has been good fun using my fishing net to hand over the pencils and take the money because of the virus. “I can't believe how much money I have made for the charity.” Praising her son’s fundraising activities, Mum Tiffany Forshaw says: “We are so proud of him that he took the initiative to raise some money for charity and thought of such a successful way of doing so. “Everyone has been so engaging and keen to support the charity and we couldn't thank them more." The praise has been shared by Aldryngton Primary School headteacher Elaine Stewart.
A little bit of magic is comi By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk ONE OF the casualties of the coronavirus has been Woodley Carnival.
The hugely popular event, which takes over Woodford Park for a day of fun, games and music, has had to be cancelled as rules on large gatherings prohibit such a day. And there’s one particular bit that people will be missing: the carnival procession. It usually goes through the streets of the town and features schools, clubs, groups and marching bands, all wearing bright costumes, and spreading cheer wherever they walk. It’s all headed up by princesses – but alas, not to be this year. Stepping into the gap, and aiming to bring some sparkle, is the Snow Princess Parties team. This weekend they’ll be making Sunday special for Woodley youngsters thanks to a magical princess parade. Seven princesses and two superheroes will be making their way through the town from 3pm, stopping off at several places where they will dance, sing and wave to youngsters (and the young at heart) from a
socially distanced space. And for those who are unable to be there for whatever reason, the event will be broadcast live on its Facebook page. The stopping off points is planned to be Nightingale Road, Campbell Road, Woodlands Avenue, Howth Drive, Arundel Road, Church Road and Comet Way. It is hoped that children watching will dress up as their favourite character as well as joining in with the singing.
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ts the point of hildren’s hospice “This is a fantastic achievement,” she says. “What a clever way of raising money, for a very worthy charity, whilst also following lockdown rules. “Well done Sebastian – I wonder if I will be seeing you on the School Council sometime in the future?” The donations raised will make a big difference to Alexander Devine, which has just re-opened its Maidenhead base. It says that 96% of its income comes through fundraising and donations, but the coronavirus lockdown has meant that supporters have been unable to take part in the usual challenges and fundraising events, so it needs the support of our community now more than ever. The charity says that it has adapted its service to support families in the community and provides symptom management, respite visits, clinical assessments, virtual contact, music therapy, specialist play and bereavement support. It is also aiming to be responsive to provide end-of-life care when it is needed. Fundraising manager at Alexander Devine Harjit Bola said: “Thank you so much to Sebastian for all his hard work – we love how creative he has been. “Thank you also to his family and wonderful neighbours for getting behind him and supporting him in his mission to raise money for Alexander Devine. “Thanks to the efforts of this incredible young man, he has raised enough money to pay for 15 community respites for seriously-ill children and their families.” � For more on the work of the charity, log on to www.alexanderdevine.org
ing to Woodley on Sunday The team from Snow Princess Parties are preparing for a socially distanced parade on Sunday, stopping at various points in Woodley
And if it all goes well, it could be an annual event, just like Woodley Carnival. Sarah Zeneli, regional director of Snow Princess Parties, says: “We are very excited to be bringing a Princess Parade to Woodley. “Our aim is to bring some magic, love and joy to young ones who have been stuck inside during lockdown. “I love to see children’s faces light up when they see their favourite princesses.
“We want to give them an unforgettable experience right on their doorstep.” And if Sarah’s name rings a bell, it’s because she’s behind the hugely successful vegan markets that are now returning to action. The Wokingham town centre one will be back on Sunday, July 12, while the Woodley one is back the following Sunday. For more or to watch Sarah’s parade, log on to facebook.com/ snowPrincessParties
One thing that’s hard to predict is when you’ll see a ranbow. But Sunday night’s sudden heavy shower meant that borough residents were treated to a double rainbow. Reader Ian Hydon caught the moment on camera, at about 8.40pm. He said: “The setting sun was in the perfect angle and the intensity of the rain as well for the double rainbow to shine brightly.” Thanks for sharing Ian – we wonder how you’ll get on with the University of Reading’s prediction game?
Predict the rain, win the game By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk GUESSING the sun is all part of the fun in a new game launched for wannabe weather forecasters.
The Weather Game run by the University of Reading offers aspiring weather experts the chance to practise their skills in exchange for prizes. The competition invites participants of all ages to submit their predictions for global locations using data from world-leading organisations. Head of the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading, where TV forecasters Laura Tobin and Tomasz Schafernaker studied, Professor Andrew Charlton-Perez says: “Many people will be playing football fantasy league again now matches are back on our screens, but this is a chance to show that you know a thing or two about science as well as sport.” The game launched on Friday, June 26 and will run for six weeks. It aims to give school pupils a taste of the science used on both television forecasts and to monitor the impacts of climate change. Points are awarded to participants who make correct
forecasts, and contestants can compare their progress with friends and experts in the field. Professor Charlton-Perez adds: “We all notice when weather forecasters get it wrong, so why not try and beat them at their own game? “We want players to think about why some forecasts are different to others, and to learn from both good and bad forecasts, just as we scientists do. “The game provides a glimpse into meteorology teaching and research carried out at the University of Reading, where the next generation of weather and climate scientists are created.” Players of the Weather Game are tasked with predicting how much rain, wind and sunshine there will be at certain times in four different locations around the world including Oklahoma and China. Forecasts from leading sources like the Met Office and BBC Weather can be used as a basis for predictions, but players are encouraged to follow their own intuition on where weather might differ from what is expected. � To register for the Weather Game, visit rdg.ac/weathergame
A tale of two coronas
Crated empties were carted away An idea fantastic Unlike tons of plastic That sea creatures choke on today
Alas and alack the corona attack Has shaken the world with alarm Now I turn back the clock To my youth and unlock A Corona in days of more calm
A glass now I clink To the soda pop drink Not that plague That has shocked one and all And remain ultra wary Of virus bad fairy That’s pinning the world to the wall
It arrived in a crate Once a week at our gate By delivery man in a van No invisible blight But a most welcome sight Of Corona I was quite a fan In glass bottles it came And attached to no blame
Gloria Elizabeth Griffiths � Have you written any lockdowninspired verse? We’d love to be able to share them with our readers, email news@wokingampaper.co.uk
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26 | SOCIETY
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
News from your community groups, clubs and societies helenabadger Send your reports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk volunteer corner
Easthampstead Rotary Club
Help with shopping
T WITH so many people staying at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, our roads have been much quieter than normal in recent weeks. One might think that calls on our Air Ambulance would reduce. Not so.
Thames Valley Air Ambulance team member, Nicola Bishop, reported. “Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, Thames Valley Air Ambulance is continuing to provide our pre-hospital critical care service across the Thames Valley. “In April and May, we also supported our NHS colleagues with our paramedics and doctors working a total of 616 hours in the John Radcliffe Hospital, the main regional Covid-19 treatment centre, and our crew spent 276 hours on shift available to provide a patient transfer service between hospitals to help stop them being overwhelmed.” TVAA supporter, Easthampstead Rotarian Peter von Bergen has also being doing his bit. The grandpa in his 70s is continuing with his Community Challenge in support of their work. He has been cycling on an exercise bike, walking with Pickle his Bichon Frise rescue dog and rowing – Pilates-ing. He has already exceeded his original goal of 200 miles, and beaten his £500 fundraising target. To date 372 miles completed and still going strong. “And people have been so generous,” he said. “Donations from near and far – including Australia.” Nicola of TVAA has emailed Peter: “Thank you for continuing with your fundraising and clocking up those miles. “Our frontline staff have
undergone retraining, so that they can work seamlessly alongside our NHS partners in the Emergency Department, transporting patients in and out of Covid-19 Intensive Care Units and transporting critically ill coronavirus patients around our region. “The crew completed two intensive training days at RAF Benson in full PPE. “The professionalism of our crew and their dedication and resilience is second to none. Now, as the restrictions are being slowly lifted we are seeing our number of call outs pretty much back to what we would expect for this time of year – so the support and fundraising from our community continues to make a big difference.” Since the UK lockdown measures were introduced in mid-March, Easthampstead Rotarians have been holding online Zoom meetings with outside speakers including one member who lives in the US. Club donations have included more than £2,000 to both the Bracknell and Wokingham Foodbanks, and money and clothes to The Cowshed, a new Berkshire charity which provides good quality cleaned and ironed clothes and other essentials free to anyone in need. For more details go to www.thecowshed.org For more on Easthampstead Rotarians, visit www. easthampsteadrotary.org or www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub � To make a donation, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/pabergen
HAMES Hospice is the local charity providing expert care for people living with lifelimiting illnesses in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire.
The charity shop in Wokingham helps them to raise vital funds. We have just re-opened and are looking for new volunteers. We are flexible with our shifts and you can be doing tasks such as: customer service, till work, sorting donations, steaming clothes, pricing goods or window displays. Tasks and shifts are available to suit all.
Sweet surprise for Sunrise staff By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk STAFF of a Wokingham care home had a sweet surprise last month as leaders made the most of a distanced celebration.
Sunrise of Sonning marked annual Carers Week by baking 140 personalised cakes for their staff. The generous gesture, organised as an alternative to the raffle draw usually run for the occasion, was well received by colleagues including those who currently are unable to work. General manager of sunrise of Sonning, Carmela Magbitang, who personally delivered the cakes to her team members, said: “I was contemplating how I could make everyone happy, so I came up with the idea of extending our gratitude to the families of our team members. “For me, the families of our staff play a vital role in maintaining the wellbeing and sanity of our team
members. Cakes were suggested as a way for our team members to share a gift with their whole families. “I also believe that those who have been isolating or who have been unable to come to work for whatever reason, definitely miss us here at Sunrise. “I wanted to let them know that they haven't been forgotten as they are still members of the team.” And reflecting on the day she received her delivery, team member Nathalie McLeish said: “Being at home for three months sounds like a dream. “However, the reality is it’s very tough. Knowing that because your family is shielding you cannot do the job you love and support your wonderful colleagues through this tough time, leaves a lot of guilt. “To know that, considering everything that is happening and how tirelessly everyone is working, they are still thinking about you and appreciate you, cannot be described in words. The cake is delicious and I’m sure won’t last long, but the gesture will never be forgotten.” Another staff member at Sunrise of Sonning, Habiba Gara added: “I was expecting it to be an ordinary day, but then I was visited by my lovely manager. I didn’t know what to expect from the visit but I was still happy to see her. “I saw something in her hand and it was a cake, a delicious vanilla cake with strawberry. “I loved it more than my kids did but that message made my day. “It was so cute and heart-warming to read it, knowing I wasn’t forgotten. “I was so, so happy and thankful.”
� The Link Visiting Scheme supports older people who are isolated across Wokingham Borough, They are looking for new volunteers in several areas. Coaching people with IT/phones, Welfare check volunteers and Telephone Buddies. Are you patient with good communication skills? Do you have enough computer and phone knowledge to help an older person with minor IT issues over the phone? More older people are looking to connect with online groups or conference calls but need a little bit of coaching to help them get started. As a response to Covid-19 the Link Visiting Scheme are calling people in our borough on the shielded list who will need to remain at home as much as possible. We are looking for volunteers to call up to five people a week for a quick chat to check they are OK and point them in the right direction for extra support if needed. Full guidance, help and support will be given before and during your role. To volunteer for this role, you will need at least one hour a week on a specific day with calls to be completed by 2pm. A DBS check and references are required. Could you be a friendly voice at the end of the phone line? We are looking for volunteers to make regular informal calls to those in need of conversation and a listening ear. This can be at a time to suit you. An ongoing commitment of at least an hour a week is ideal. This is aimed at volunteers who can commit on a long-term basis. Guidance and full support and training will be given to ensure you have all you need for your role. � The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is a registered charity that works with and places volunteers in a wide range of community, voluntary and charitable groups across the borough. We work with, and support, groups and organisations that require volunteers (including providing training). We promote the benefits of volunteering to the local community and run a number of schemes including the Wokingham Transport Scheme and the Green ‘n’ Tidy community gardening service. The Trustees of Wokingham Volunteer Centre need a volunteer to take minutes at their monthly meetings. These take place once a month on Monday mornings and last no longer than two hours. After the meetings, the role includes writing up the minutes and circulating to the board. Key skills for this invaluable role are attention to detail, an interest in the work of the Volunteer Centre and an appreciation of the need for confidentiality. � These are just some of the latest opportunities on our books. Contact us: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and see all the roles we have to offer.
jakemorrison Good advice
We’re looking for four new trustees — come and join us
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VERY day over the last 20 months I’ve been proud to work as Chief Executive here at Citizens Advice Wokingham. As we begin our search for four new trustees to join our board, I wanted to tell why I think you’ll be joining a great charity and some of the challenges we face.
What is Citizens Advice Wokingham? We are a small charity making a big difference. We have 80 volunteers, 12 part-time staff and eight trustees. We exist because people in our communities often need a helping hand — some because there has been a significant impact on their life, others need regular support. Our service is free, confidential, impartial and available for all. Last year, we supported 2,585 people with 7,017 issues. Securing £606,530 of income gain and £298,511 of debts written off.
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Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Our top five issues for clients were Benefits and tax credits, Universal Credit, Housing, Relationships and family, and Debt. Our core service provides advice and information on a wide range of areas including welfare benefits, debt, housing, employment law, consumer, relationships and families. We provide this through two offices in Wokingham and Woodley, a five-day a week adviceline and in pop-up locations in all 17 parish and town councils. We equip people with the advice, information and support that they need to move forward. We also campaign for change, through our volunteer research and campaigns team. We also have projects such as: � Home visitors — a new 12- month project funded by Wokingham United Charities and The National Lottery Community Fund — two part-time staff will provide complex casework support to vulnerable individuals
and families in their homes and communities across the borough � Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)— a project funded by Berkshire Community Foundation. To ensure we can better understand and respond to those experiencing mental health problems � Our response to Covid-19 Way-back in mid-March, we started working with Wokingham Borough Council and lots of brilliant local charities, community groups, religious groups and parish and town councils to form the Voluntary Sector Action Group. From that, we put ourselves forward to run a One Front Door for anyone who needs help during the pandemic. Our volunteers and staff, working with re-deployed council staff took to the phones from over 90 homes across the county to support people, assessing what help they need and who could provide it. This included food deliveries, furlough advice and even helping getting a smoke alarm changed.
The challenges we face We want to have more voices, backgrounds and experiences at the table — helping to drive our agenda. We will focus on, with your help, building a great team of trustees. We want to be the go-to charity
for anyone across our communities who are facing problems. We do not have a monopoly on helping people — we are a generalist advice and information service but our team have the skills and training to triage and assess needs of clients. Effective partnerships are key in this, ensuring that our clients get the support they need will always be at the top of our agenda. We need stability to survive and thrive. Almost all of our project funds end within the next nine–12 months. We are confident that we will continue to secure support next year — but we need to think differently to ensure there is longevity in what we do .
Why join us? The team demonstrated how brilliant that they are through the coronavirus pandemic, with no pause or suspension in our core services In our annual people survey in 2019, 98% of our staff and volunteers said that they would recommend this as a place to work or volunteer (up from 83% in 2018). We are shaping our services regularly to ensure they are as meaningful and effective as possible for the people who need it. For the last two years running we have scored the highest possible
score in our annual audit from national Citizens Advice to retain our membership, scoring 5s all round (excellent) in all nine leadership areas, including people management, governance, financial management, operational performance and equality leadership. We have a highly skilled and supportive board of trustees, ready to support new trustees. Funders like us — and you would hope so! Our core funder classes us as a high performing contract, and we are open with funders about when things are not working, how we could do things differently and always going that extra mile. We also think other charities like us! We have worked hard over the last two years to build relationships, and recently we were voted in joint second place to receive £12,500 of unrestricted funds, voted for by the 11 other local charities in the room. We are putting mental health at the centre of our strategy — we will deliver Mental Health First Aid training to all of our team. We also put wellbeing at the heart of our day-to-day work, empowering our staff and volunteers to lead a new wellbeing group. Our goal is to secure Investors in People accreditation soon.
There is so much more I could say about what we are doing, about our impact and the reasons you should join. If you are looking to have a key influential role in supporting our communities, give this role a thought. We operate an open door policy for anyone who wants to find out more about our services — get in touch if you would like to visit and meet me and my colleagues. We are not specifying skill gaps — because this can be learnt. We want to hear from a wide range of people, including those who have never been a trustee before — or never even given it a thought. You’re not left alone to figure this all out, you’ll be helped by a supportive board of trustees and a passionate management team. To arrange an informal chat with one of our trustees or find out more information, email admin@ citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or call 0118 978 7258. If you are interested in applying — please submit a letter to our email above just outlining why you want to join our charity and information about you so that we can review and make contact. For more about about work, visit our website www. citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk
Jesus said ‘love God and love your neighbour’. To everyone in our Wokingham community who is finding ways to love your neighbour at this challenging time: you are doing an amazing job! May God bless you with strength for today and hope for tomorrow www.wokinghamchurches.org.uk
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020 RMBI Home Lord Harris Court resident, Margaret Bradley is reunited with her daughter, Meriel, and her granddaughter Hannah, in the Home’s new visitor room
Ted’s brush with success
Care home open for visitors By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk By SUE CORCORAN news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A TEENAGER who became passionately enthusiastic about painting during the coronavirus lockdown has just exhibited his work. Ted Barnard, 19, who has cerebral palsy and lives in Hurst, uses a brush attached to a head pointer device to paint with. Since the lockdown began he has created 12 pictures. He exhibited some of them at Hurst Show & Country Fayre’s front garden art show which also
featured work by members of his family, Mum Sarah Barnard, Grandmother Pamela Barnard and Jeremy Carpenter. Ted, who enjoys visits to the Isle of Wight, explained his enthusiasm: “I enjoy painting landscapes, especially scenes of the sea. I find acrylic paint easier to use because of my disability. I paint most weekends and hope to get good enough to be able to make more detailed paintings.” Ted mixes his own paints, but just needs help to wash his brushes. � For more see page 33
RESIDENTS of a Wokingham care home have been reunited with their loved ones this week after four months without visitors.
Lord Harris Court is one of the first in the country to build a covid-secure visitor room, so that residents can safely meet their families again. Before the national lockdown began, Lord Harris Court closed its doors to all but essential visitors. Instead, residents were having regular phone or video calls with their families. The newly created, partitioned space has an airtight glass screen to ensure the safety of residents, their families, and the home’s staff.
Visitors enter and exit from the outside to minimise the risk of infection. And residents access the room from a different door inside. It has an intercom system to allow residents and their visitors to speak with each other easily. And both sides of the room are deep cleaned between each visit. Home resident Margaret Bradley said she was thrilled to see her daughter Meriel and granddaughter Hannah. She said: “It was much nicer being able to see my family in person and not on a screen. We were able to have a good chat. It has made my week and I cannot wait for our next visit.” Meriel said: “It was wonderful to see Ma, we were all so happy. Lord Harris
Court has looked after Ma so well throughout the pandemic. The new visitor’s room is wonderful.” Speaking on behalf of Lord Harris Court, Steve Stace, said: “It means the world to our residents to be able to have their loved ones visit and chat to them. In normal times, they are able to have visitors whenever they like, so not being able to do that has been heart-breaking for everyone. “We’re all looking forward to the day when they can hug each other, but until then, we hope that our new secure room will make it a bit easier for our residents and their families.” The Home is currently able to safely welcome new residents. For more information, visit: www.rmbi.org.uk
Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
100 youths break into turf farm to swim in Thames EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk POLICE were called to Charvil last week to disperse teenagers “lighting fires and drinking” on the bank of the River Thames.
On Wednesday, June 24, residents of Loddon Drive called police after finding approximately 100 young people trespassing on the turf fields owned by a local farmer. Road resident Don Elliott said that since Monday, June 22 there has been a number of “15 to 17-year-olds coming down the road to swim in the Thames”. He told Wokingham.Today: “Our concern was they’re unsupervised, trespassing, lighting fires, drinking and smoking marajuana and swimming in the river. “It's only a matter of time before something happens — someone could drown.” Mr Elliott was also concerned that cars and bicycles have been parking in the designated passing spaces along the private road. “People are having to back up quite considerable distances,” he added.
Appromixately 100 young people were found swimming in the Thames, drinking and lighting fires on private land last week. Picture (below): Kenneth Allen
“An ambulance got stuck trying to get through recently.” Last week, one man drowned and another died in hospital died after an incident 25 miles downstream, near Odney Weir, Cookham. Mr Elliott said he was worried that something similar could happen in Charvil. He added: “There were four big cans of rubbish left, and
NEWS | 29
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the Twyford Fishing Club committee to clear the mess. “After the incident, residents have put up no parking signs, and there have been more signs put up by the turf farm.” Charvil parish clerk, Miranda Parker said she was concerned the good weather was promoting littering across their parks. She said: “We never had to do daily cleans of the parks
Cinema to reopen on Saturday A BARGAIN is being offered to mark the return of the big screen. On Saturday, Showcase Cinema is to reopen its doors to offer movie lovers a Covid-secure viewing experience. The Winnersh venue is going Back To The Future with a selection of old favourites and new classics. Over the past few weeks fans of Showcase Cinemas on social media voted for their favourite films, with The Shining and The Shawshank Redemption winning their categories. These will be screened at a later date. Guests are advised to book tickets online in advance or use self-service ticket machines in the cinema lobby. And the cinema has a thorough cleaning regime in place, plus multiple hand sanitising stations for guests to use. Tickets cost £5. A spokesperson for the cinema said: “Whether you want to revisit 2020 Oscar winners in all their glory, take a trip down memory lane, catch a film you didn’t get chance to see first time round or get the kids out of the house, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your favourite movie on the big screen for just £5.”
Saturday’s highlights 1917 (15): Shown at 6.10pm, this drama is set during the First World War BACK TO THE FUTURE (PG): Two screenings: 11.25am and 2.40pm. BATMAN BEGINS (12A) : Christian Bale stars at 11.40am. The Dark Knight (12a) follows at 3.15pm & The Dark Knight Rises (12a) at 7pm BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (PG): The live-action version, 4.30pm and 8pm BLACK WATER ABYSS (15): Starting at 7.50pm,
the film tells the story of adventures trapped in a cave but they are not alone BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (12A): Oscar-winning biographical drama of the band Queen is screened at 12.40pm and 4.20pm DEADPOOL (15): The sassy anti-hero origin story is shown at 3.35pm DESPICABLE ME (U): Animated fun at 1pm DUNKIRK (12A): The story of the Dunkirk evacuation. Shown at 3pm EMMA (U): 11.30am and 2.50pm FAST & FURIOUS 7 (12A): Cars at 6.20pm GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (12A): The Marvel movie is shown at 12.15pm HARRY POTTER & THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE (PG): 11.15am and 2.25pm IT (15): Horror film featuring the evil clown Pennywise. 7.15pm screening JUMANJI THE NEXT LEVEL (12A): Sequel to the rebooted franchise is shown at noon JURASSIC WORLD (12A): Dinosaurs at 4pm JUST MERCY (12A): 6.50pm LA LA LAND (12A): A modern take on the Hollywood musical, 1.10pm and 4.50pm LITTLE WOMEN (U): 11am MAMMA MIA! (PG): Musical, 5.30pm & 8.30pm MISSION IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE NATION (12A): Tom Cruise is back at 6.35pm PADDINGTON (PG): 1.45pm and 4.40pm PAW PATROL READING, RACE, RESCUE (U) 2.30pm POKEMON DETECTIVE PIKACHU (PG): Live action version. Screened at 2pm PULP FICTION (18): Cult classic from Quentin Tarantino, shown at 3.25pm and 7.25pm TERMINATOR 2 (15): Arnie is back at 6pm THE GREATEST SHOWMAN (PG): Two screenings: 5.15pm and 8.45pm THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (15): A classic tale from Stephen King at 7.40pm THE SHINING (15): Stanley Kubrick’s tale stars Jack Nicholson and is on at 8.20pm THE SOUND OF MUSIC (U): The popular musical about the Von Trapp family is shown at 1.30pm
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NEED HELP?
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
Call 0300 330 1189
Charities still available to help as lockdown is lifted EXCLUSIVE By ANGELA GARWOOD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE Wokingham Borough Community Response group is continuing to support the community as lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Over the last 15 weeks, Citizens Advice have handled over 12,000 calls, and helped more than 2,129 households through One Front Door. Of those households, 633 are classed as extremely vulnerable. The organisation offers guidance on a range of issues from benefit and employment enquiries to food and prescription requests. Chief executive Jake Morrison, said:"I continue to be so proud of the efforts of all of our volunteers, staff and partners who are doing a brilliant job providing wrap-around support for anyone who needs our help right now. “What we're seeing recently is an increase in employment enquiries, which we expected, we have a team of volunteers specially trained in this enquiry area so please do get in touch with us if you require any help and advice." A shielded family living in Spencer’s Wood contacted Citizens Advice at the beginning of April when they ran out of food and were unable to get a supermarket delivery slot. They said: “I’m on the Government’s list because I have a pancreatic tumour, so I am mostly bed bound. My wife wasn’t able to drive and there are no local shops, nothing near where we live. We have a three year old daughter. “We got to the point where we had nothing, we were told more supermarket delivery slots would become available at midnight, so we’d wait up but then get nothing. “We were getting quite desperate, we didn’t know what to do.” The family were directed to Citizens Advice by the borough council. “We spoke to Citizens Advice, and within a day or two they popped over with bags of food, more than we needed, we were able to share some with my parents, who are in their eighties and also unable to access food. “They were fantastic, without them we’d have been in trouble. “They sent us a link for Tesco delivery slots that were reserved for people in need, so now we can get a slot and do it ourselves. “We were overwhelmed with the support we got, I won’t forget how good they were. Even at Easter, they brought a chocolate Easter egg for our daughter. “It was the worst time and thanks to them we got through it. They were a lifeline for us.” Anyone who needs support should contact Citizens Advice on 0300 330 1189 (entering 0118 978 7258 if prompted) Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Or visit citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/ coronavirus/ and complete the online form.
Wokingham Volunteer Centre The Wokingham Volunteer Centre has been delivering prescriptions, tackling
unruly gardens and from early July will be helping those who cannot drive themselves. Now with approximately 10 active volunteers across the borough collecting medication, staff report the service has delivered more than 835 prescriptions since they started. Green and Tidy, the centre’s gardening service has started back up again and volunteers are working on approximately 5-6 gardens a day. The centre’s Transport Scheme will be back up and running from Monday 6 July. For updates on specific roles that are needed visit: wokinghamvolunteercentre.org.uk.
The Link Visiting Scheme The charity is running a telephone buddy system offering social support and friendship over the phone. The organisation has 1,200 people on their records for a fortnightly welfare call and 357 on their telephone buddy system for calls two to three times a week. Marjie Walker, manager at Link said: “We are very keen for more people to get in touch if they could do with a friendly chat to help ease lockdown loneliness.” One volunteer said: “I personally like making the calls some people are very appreciative even though they have family support just knowing someone is checking up on them is reassuring to them.” To refer someone for support or to apply to be a Link volunteer visit www.linkvisiting.org or call 0118 979 8019 on weekdays from 9am until 5pm.
Wokingham Distribution Hub The Wokingham Community Response’s distribution hub, run by First Days Children’s Charity, has recently relocated to Cantley Park. The hub has fed more than 2,300 people, making 4726 deliveries to 892 households over the last 14 weeks. And has helped 835 households access their own food shopping. Donations can be left in the black boxes under the fire escape outside the Ashridge Room, Monday to Saturday 9am-3pm. To contribute financially to the response visit the Justgiving page: w w w. j u s t g i v i n g .c o m /c a m p a i g n / WokinghamBoroughCV19 All money raised will fund food parcels and any funds left over will be distributed to the voluntary sector organisations involved in this combined response. For more information and the latest updates visit: www.facebook.com/ wokinghamcommunityhub
Wokingham Foodbank The Wokingham Foodbank continues to distribute an average of one ton of food per week, and has fed 2200 people, over 940 of which were children, over the last 15 weeks. Food parcels are available to households unable to afford to purchase food and other household essentials such as toiletries and cleaning products. Since the start of lock down, the organisation has received over 750 referrals.
Annette Medhurst, manager of Wokingham Foodbank said: “Our premises are very small and with the significant increase in demand we have needed to adapt our processes to maintain social distancing. “However, for the last couple of weeks we have been inviting clients into the Foodbank to collect their food parcels and so far everything has gone very smoothly.” The Foodbank is currently offering a delivery service but has recently started inviting clients back into the premises to collect their food. It is open for food donations on Monday and Friday 10am-12pm and for collection of food parcels (for those who have received a referral) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 2pm4pm. From Monday 6 July, the Foodbank will be reverting to their pre-Covid-19 opening hours and will be open for clients to collect their food Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Donations can also be left in the collection bins located at Sainsburys, Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose. The Foodbank is currently in need of soap, deodorant, washing up liquid, toilet roll, tinned potatoes/instant mash, long life hotdogs, snacks, chocolate, sponge puddings, rice pudding and custard. It reports an abundance of long life milk, baked beans, pasta, rice, tea bags, soup and tinned fish. Many local organisations, schools and charities are able to refer people to the Foodbank. Contact Citizens Advice on 0300 330 1189 to discuss being referred. For more information on how to get help and the latest updates visit: wokingham.foodbank.org.uk or w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / WokinghamFoodbank
Earley Help Hub With support from Earley Town Council, the Earley Help Hub links volunteers with vulnerable people in the area. The service has dealt with 120 requests over the last three months and has helped over 86 individuals. The hub has more than 30 volunteers who help with practical and social support, such as collecting shopping and prescriptions or a friendly chat over the phone. Keith Wilson, Minister at Lower Earley Baptist Church, said: “We are still keeping going, still available for people. We’ve still got lots of volunteers and a steady stream of people phoning up. “We do want to encourage people if they need help to give us a call. We are around.” If the service cannot help with a particular matter, they are able to signpost people to the most appropriate agency who can. Churches involved in the project include Trinity, Brookside, Lower Earley Baptist, St. Nicolas, Bright Hope, Our Lady of Peace and Earley St. Peters. To volunteer for the Earley Help Hub or access the service, contact 07493 784 091, email earleyhelphub@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/earleyhelphub/
Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Presspack News from schools | Stories from pupils At school? This is the page you can write! We welcome your articles, poems, pictures and stories for this page. Send your articles to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
BENNY’S CONFLICT
By James Lomax Part 23 of 26 After what has seemed like months, Benny, Shana and Carlos have successfully rescued Carlos’ parents from the prison planet they have been imprisoned in for over thirty years. Unfortunately, this may be a very temporary rescue as the hatch leading to freedom is securely sealed.
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VERYONE in the ship stared in silence for a moment at the unrelenting hatch above their heads. The thick concrete would not be opening in a long time. Benny looked over at Shana, and he could tell she had no idea what to do. Then he looked over at Carlos, who was beginning to form a plan in his head. Carlos explained that the superlaser he had could destroy the concrete, but the ship would have to be out of the way or it would get crushed by the rubble, and the security bots were waiting for them on the ground. Shana sat deep in thought, before she explained her idea. It would have worked, if the Freedom Cube had survived. Then Benny pitched in, explaining the Freedom Cube was still with them, and not lost forever somewhere in the stairwell. This was what Shana needed to fulfil her plan. After some tinkering and hacking on the cube, she managed to get into the prison system, just like Izen had done. After a silent few seconds, she twisted it like a Rubik’s cube. Immediately, a screeching and grinding could be heard across the planet, the collective opening of every cell door. They wanted chaos to distract the security bots, and what more chaos could they create than setting free every prisoner on the planet? The bots would certainly round most of them up, but now they were occupied with the planetwide crisis and not the initial escapees, who managed to land The Golden Dawn out of the way of the hatch. The bots were gone, but the alarms across the prison was deafening. Carlos leant out the door and aimed at the hatch that had blocked their way. After the laser booted up, it fired, and with a spectacular smashing noise and a few rumbles the rubble fell.
Everyone on the ship celebrated, but not for long, because they needed to leave as quick as possible. Once everybody was strapped in, the ship’s engines booted up and it flew through the hole out into the planet’s atmosphere. Shana piloted it past the laser turrets on the surface as fast as she could, but they detected the ship and started firing. She began yelling down to the crew to disable the turrets, but Benny realised that nobody here could hack. That was when Carlos revealed what his laser had actually been, and it folded and twisted back into the shape of his android, Carlson. With haste, he attached the Freedom Cube to the back of Carlson’s head, and told the android to disable the turrets. Immediately afterwards, the laser fire stopped, and Shana breathed a sigh of relief. Benny could tell that Carlos’ parents were impressed at his escape plan, and he understood why. He also thought what other bad situations Carlos had planned for, and was about to ask, but Carlos was distracted by their final obstacle, the rapidly closing forcefield in front of them. It was clear they were not going to make it, and once again Benny was confident this was the end. It disturbed him how many times he had been sure going to die in this adventure, but that must be what came with this kind of lifestyle. Shana, however, was not prepared to give up. Benny watched as she began preparing the ship for full speed, the insanely fast speed these ships could travel, faster than the speed of sound. Manually flying this fast was extremely hard, and Benny was about to protest, but then the ship accelerated. The speed it travelled always made Benny feel sick, and he felt more sick due to the emotions of the day. But they sped past the forcefield and far away from the prison planet. Immediately, they stopped with a jolt. Benny was confident he had nine lives, and he was about to thank Shana for her help when she announced there was something she had to do. With that, she turned around and aimed her shield-rifle at Carlos’ cowering parents. To be continued…
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EDUCATION | 31
Pupils benefit from laptops arranged by new group By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A FUSION of technology, community spirit and a willingness to help has seen a Wokingham-based start-up help provide 20 laptops to a school.
LetsLocalise, a social initiative that aims to help the learning establishments team up with local communities, launched an appeal to help get the IT equipment to Theale Green School. The resulting kit is now helping pupils access online resources while the schools are in lockdown. The team found four companies – Redstor, Social Dimensions, AVR International and A to Z Fresh – willing to help. Jo Halliday, Headteacher at Theale Green School said, “We know that the barrier to online learning for some of our students is lack of IT facilities in the home, so we put out a plea on our new platform and we have been thrilled to find that local companies have been keen to help. “This has made a real difference to
Head start for sports day at home A THAMES VALLEY housebuilder is giving families a head start with its sports day at home kits. Persimmon Homes launched the project to lift children’s spirits as well as praising the homeschooling efforts of parents across the borough. In partnership with the British Olympic Association and Team GB, the company is offering families the chance to download sports day packs for free.
these students and we are very grateful for the support that has been offered.” The school is one of seven able to use LetsLocalise’s website to let people know of its needs. Co-founder Gaurav Garg said that once this has been received, the team then take the appeals to the community, going beyond the school’s parent network, to fulfil that request. “We then go out to the local community, to local organisations and businesses and urge them to register, look at what their local schools need and see where they can help most. “This is not just about financial support. We want people with skills, expertise and spare time to go into schools to share experiences and volunteer effort. “We know that many companies want to help local communities in the most effective way but often don’t know how. What could be better than helping out a local school and building a long-term relationship with that school?” And the scheme helps companies fulfil their corporate social responsibility
budgets. Now Theale Green is preparing to present its incoming Year 7 pupils with an inspirational book ahead of the new school year. Ms Halliday said: “Thanks to the generosity of the community, we are going to able to give all of our new Year 7 students a brilliant book called You’re Awesome by Matthew Syed. “The move between years is going to look very different for both students and teachers this year, and we have really enjoyed live webinars, videos made by our staff and students, road maps and lots more to help our Year 6s make the best possible start in September.” The school is now planning an online quiz on Sunday, July 12, starting at 6.30pm. The 45-minute family-friendly event will include 100 questions looking at general knowledge, sciences, technology, and English, among others. Entries should be registered online by Friday, July 10. For more details, or to sign up, log on to: bit.ly/ThealeGreenBigQuiz
The campaign, launched by World Championship silver medallist Laviai Nielsen, also includes a social media competition asking people to take a picture or video of their home sports day. Entrants are asked to either share their content on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #PersimmonSportsDay to be in with a chance of winning a £250 Amazon voucher. Director in charge of Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, Ben Felton, said: “We are all going through unprecedented times, and we hope that our sports day campaign will bring a smile to people’s faces and help
households plan a day of fun and activity. “These packs are designed to help inspire the sporting passion of the younger generation.” The sports day packs support the British Olympic Foundation’s youth engagement programme, Get Set, created to inspire a generation of young people and celebrate the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship. Last year the housebuilder supported schools by sending out free Team GB sports day packs, to help give events a special Olympic and Team GB twist. To download a pack, log on to www.persimmonhomes.com/sportsday
32 | LEISURE
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Vintage-look gardens are on trend
W
HEN life is uncertain we tend to look back to the golden days because we often associate nostalgia with positive feelings. The themes of nostalgia and vintage have become some of the biggest trends over the past few months – not only in the fashion world but also for interiors. Vintage style doesn’t just work in your home though – you can extend the look to your garden as well. With selective planting, timeworn furniture and some nostalgic touches it’s easy to create a beautiful old-world garden. Vintage gardens aren’t defined by any set of rules; rather, a lack of rules and structure seem to characterise them. There is often an air of informality which is associated with organic, curved and irregular forms. Planting is more free and easy. Borders are mixed and climbers scramble up and over vertical structures and surfaces. Use lots of plants, especially bedding plants to give that wonderful vintage feel. When it comes to plant selection pick ones that are robust and tough as there is lots of competition for space in a vintage cottage garden and don’t forget to add in scented plants like honeysuckle, roses and lavenders. Also, a vintage garden looks amazing in summer but will have a quiet season in winter so make sure
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
inthekitchen Lana McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com
Layered Vegetable Lasagne Ingredients Serves four
Even gardens can look old-fashioned you plant winter and spring bulbs to give colour all year round. Classic vintage plants include ones that provide a bit of height such as delphiniums, lupins, foxgloves and hollyhocks which are usually scattered through the borders. Roses are also essential – both bush and climbers – and the more highly scented the better. Try using perennials rather than annuals. Perennials come back each year and are much less work – which is why roses, geraniums and lavender are popular choices. And don’t forget to deadhead – every couple of days in the summer – to keep the garden looking fresh and colourful and to help plants to produce more flowers. You can also be creative in your choice of containers … pansies in metal pots, geraniums in large teacups and rambling roses in old tin baths or barrels growing up over an
arch. Place marigolds and petunias in old vintage patterned jugs or use old metal kettles to plant up lobelia and impatiens. Whatever style of garden you have, it’s time to sit back and relax a bit – with just a few jobs still to be done when you have a moment! Here are some top tips for this month from the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)… � Check climbers are secure and pest free � Care for houseplants if away for a few days � Water containers and new plants if dry but be water-wise � Deadhead bedding plants to ensure continuous flowering � Clear algae and weed from ponds and keep topped up � Give the lawn a quick-acting summer feed � Harvest soft fruits � Don’t forget to weed.
� 250g fresh lasagne sheets � 1 Large Onion finely diced � 4 Cloves of garlic grated � ½ TSP Black Pepper Powder � 2 TSP Dried Oregano � 1 400g Tin chopped tomatoes � 2 TSP Sugar � 2 TBSP Tomato Puree � 50g butter � 50g plain flour � 150ml milk � 300g grated cheddar cheese � 2 sliced aubergines, 1cm slices � 2 sliced courgettes, 1cm slices � 500g sliced mushrooms � 4 finely sliced onions � Salt to taste � Extra Chilli powder to taste just a little at a time � Vegetable oil
Method Fry the 4 finely sliced onions in vegetable oil over a low heat until golden brown and starting to caramelise and then reserve to one side. Fry the aubergine slices in a small amount of vegetable oil over a medium heat to soften, as they begin to brown, reserve to one side. Repeat this for the sliced mushrooms and the sliced courgettes. Fry the diced onion until cooked without browning over a high heat. Then add the garlic and stir fry
for 1-2 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, spices, tomato puree and sugar and stir to deglaze the cooking pot. Bring the pot up to a boil and then reduce to a low simmer, add water if needed to gain the desired consistency. Simmer for as long as possible, adding water when required, until it is a rich tomato sauce. In a separate cooking pot, melt the butter over a low heat. Once melted, add the plain flour to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture is a smooth white sauce. Slowly add the
Petsandvets With Michael Morrow
grated cheese, stirring continuously. In a large dish layer the aubergine and generously cover with tomato sauce, then top with a single layer of fresh lasagne. Repeat this, but with courgettes. Then layer the fried mushrooms, and cover with the cheese sauce, before topping with another layer of fresh lasagne. Repeat this again but with the caramelised onions. After the final layer of fresh lasagne, top again with cheese sauce and some grated cheese, and bake in the oven at 180°C for about 40 minutes. Lana McArdell www.CurryFrenzy.com
Providing personal care for all your pets
Call the vets if you spot cherry eye in your young 0118 puppy 979 3200
Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD
C
HERRY EYE is a disorder in which a tear gland that is normally positioned at the base of the third eyelid protrudes and swells, appearing as a lump in the inner corner of the eye. Other terms for cherry eye include prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid or prolapsed nictitans gland. Cherry eye is seen primarily in dogs, and rarely in cats. Cherry eye can affect any dog, but some breeds are more susceptible, including the Beagle, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Cocker Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Poodle, Shih-Tzu, and Shar-Pei. Brachycephalic dogs with short, flat faces and large breeds generally seem more susceptible. Cherry eye is usually seen in young dogs. Susceptibility to cherry eye may be inherited. In rare cases cherry eye may occur as a result of a tumour of the tear gland requiring resection of the third eyelid, but in most cases it is a simple prolapse of the gland. While cherry eye is not thought to be painful, the exposed tear gland may become increasingly irritated and inflamed if left exposed for too long. Don’t delay making an appointment with your vet if your dog has signs of cherry eye – a large pink mass noted at the inner margin of the eye in one or both eyes. The recommended treatment is surgery to return the gland to its proper position and stitch it in place. Removal of the gland should be avoided, as the gland makes a significant contribution to tear production, and its removal increases susceptibility to dry eye (which can
head) will be necessary if your dog tries to rub the affected eye after surgery. Michael Morrow owns and runs St. Vincents Veterinary Surgery, a family-owned practice providing personal care for all your pets in and around Wokingham. For more information visit www.stvincentsvets.co.uk or call us on 01189793200.
Providing personal care for all your pets Cherry eye happens when the tear gland swells and protrudes as a lump in the inner corner of the eye socket
have serious consequences). Medication alone is not considered an effective treatment for cherry eye. The surgery involves creating a pocket to suture the gland back into place and careful post op care to ensure healing and no damage to the cornea.
There may be some swelling of the third eyelid for a week or so after surgery. Eye drops or ointment are normally prescribed to help with swelling and prevent infection. An Elizabethan collar (the big plastic cone over the
Oaklands Park, Wokingham RG41 2FD
0118 979 3200
Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Fresh start for Home Start By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk A CHARITY which helps vulnerable Wokingham families has relaunched its services this month. Home-Start began its remote aid on Wednesday, July 1 following a period of restrictions due to the pandemic. The adapted service includes emotional support via video call, audio call and text message, as well as some practical support in the form of essential deliveries and doorstep chats. The help is available to struggling families with at least one child under five and is a temporary alternative to the weekly home visits that the charity’s volunteers traditionally carry out.
Scheme manager of Home Start Wokingham, Emma Roberts said: “We are delighted to be reopening referrals this week as we know lockdown has been tough for many families.” The team is also recruiting volunteers for its next preparation course which will begin on Monday, September 21 as a series of eight 2-3 hour weekly Zoom sessions. Ms Roberts added: “If you would like to volunteer to support families across the Borough please do get in touch for a chat.” For more details or to refer yourself or a family to the charity contact 0118 988 8025 or a d m i n @ h o m e -s t a r t wd .o rg .u k . Alternatively, log on to Home Start’s new website www.homestartwd.org.uk.
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NEWS | 33
Sensory garden helps spread joy By TAZ USHER tusher@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOKINGHAM care home is spreading joy with its new sensory garden.
Woodbury House, based in Farley Hill, created the dementia-friendly space to lift residents’ spirits during lockdown. The garden features wildlife-themed sensory boards focused on noise, touch and colour, as well as items designed to generate conversation. One section of the boards is focused on noise and the ability to remove items from the walls, while the other section is nature focused to attract birds and other insects. Both areas are full of colours and scents such as lavender and include items which allow residents to participate in familiar activities such as planting flowers. Care home manager Samantha Bell said: “During this period of lockdown, we
decided during a discussion with our residents that we should focus some love on our garden and had the idea to make it more sensory and interactive. “The aim of this was to make the garden a more recognisable and reassuring place, in which everyone can experience a sense of freedom and relax. “In these unpredictable times, mental well-being is extremely important, which is why it was a key focus for us to make a safe and enjoyable space for our residents to enjoy.“ And the Jouldings Lane care home has taken several other steps to ensure residents’ safety in the wake of Covid-19. It has limited visitation to essential circumstances only as well as implementing crucial social distancing measures that safeguard residents without removing their daily interactions. The teams are also developing a variety of ways for residents
to stay in touch with loved ones such as emails and video messaging. Coffee mornings, birthday celebrations and regular activities have been carried out where possible to maintain the residents’ sense of normality. Group head of product development at Four Seasons Health Care Group, Sally Harrison-Exton said: “It is extremely important now more than ever to keep our residents’ spirits high and for them to continue engaging with the team and their fellow residents. “These are extraordinary times; our residents are unable to receive visits from their loved ones. “So aside from our core focus of keeping them as safe and as healthy as we can, our biggest goal is to keep a sense of joy within the care homes. “We want to want ensure this time is as comfortable as it can be.” � For more information about the care home log on towww.brighterkind.com.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
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Thursday, July 2, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
wokinghamlovesmusic
bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic
W
E’RE back with another collection of diverse music for you to enjoy – it’s all compiled by Chris Hillman from White Star Records. It’s your chance to discover bands you’ve not heard of and to explore some tunes you’d never normally hear. Each and every track listed has some connection with Wokingham’s blooming music scene. You can listen via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic 1. The Paradox Twin – Planeta This Reading-based band are celebrating the second anniversary of the release of their debut album, The Importance of Mr Bedlam on Wokingham-based White Star Records. Since the release of the album they have gained a worldwide reputation and have been nominated two years running at the prestigious Progressive Music Awards. As they can't tour due to lockdown they will be celebrating the anniversary with a special gig on their Facebook page this coming Sunday, where they will be performing the whole album live at 5pm – www.theparadoxtwin.com/ 2. Spriggan Mist – Magical Ways
Arts trail artist Elizabeth Scales with her father James holding the portrait she created of him
Spirits high at virtual show
S Chris asked local music photographer Andrew Merritt to pick a track from one of his favourite bands that he has photographed at a Wokingham gig and he chose this track from Bracknell-based Spriggan Mist. The band with their magical blend of rock and folk have played at Wokingham Music Club and the Wokingham Festival on a number of occasions and Andrew said their distinctive stage show is a great subject for good photos. He loves their music and it is certainly worth a listen. www.sprigganmist.com 3. Reliant – Broken People This single, recorded at Pyramid Studios in Reading is from a four-piece indie band from Wokingham and Reading who have been championed by BBC Berkshire Introducing – www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant 4. Dennis Siggery and Neil Sadler – Don’t Want Your Tears Dennis and Neil are a local blues rock duo and this is the opening track from their album Half & Half which was recorded at Wokingham’s No Machine Studios – www.ericstreetband.com/dennis-solo.html 5. The Room – Broken Here’s a local band that has built up a great reputation with their live appearances and album releases, a reputation that has grown following the release of their third album Caught by the Machine. www.theroom.band 6. That Joe Payne – End of the Tunnel Following a wonderful appearance headlining the Wokingham Music Club (WMC) Stage at last year’s Wokingham Festival, Joe is due to be visiting us again on November 21 to perform his solo acoustic set as special guest to the legendary band Focus – www.thatjoepayne.com 7. Kepler Ten – Two from the Top One-off lockdown single created by this three-piece trio of excellent musicians on Wokingham-based White Star Records - www.keplerten.com 8. Green Seagull – Simeon Brown Single of wonderful psychedelic pop from this London based band who’s second album Cloud Cover is released on Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records later this month – www.facebook.com/greenseagull 9. Bradley Watmore - Rock Bottom Debut single from local indie acoustic singer and songwriter – www.facebook.com/bradleywatmore 10. Kyros – Rumour The first single from the band’s new album Celexa Dreams on White Star Records – www.kyrosmusic.com
PIRITS were high at the first-ever Virtual Hurst Show and Country Fayre. The mixture of many virtual and real events proved that the popular annual show could continue to be highly successful even during the Covid-19 pandemic. Show chair Suzy Turner said: “We were determined to keep the show going and were delighted at the success of the weekend and events running up to it. “So far we have raised an impressive £8,500 for local good causes. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed.” In spite of the threatening black clouds, there was a real buzz around the village last Saturday as show goers enjoyed socially distanced events. These included an ice cream van, a coffee & cake van, plant & books stalls and the art trail, showcasing high quality paintings, photography and craft. Many events continued on Sunday when the weather was more promising. There was a great turnout for the classic vehicle display as many cars drove through the village hooting horns as they went. For those who stayed in the comfort of their homes, there were online events from the virtual quiz to wine tasting and a kids’ disco.
Classic cars drove through the village Spectacular online performances included Hurst Morris People’s display, Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs, Occasions Singers, and Reading Scottish Pipe Band Youth Section. Ukuladies Plus One provided a fun sing-a-long and Wokingham charity Just Around the Corner a virtual meet the animals session. There were many entries for the competitions. Visitors said the Online Pride and Joy dog show was a delight to watch with Luna being the overall winner. There were some great entries for the poster competition from St Nicholas CofE Primary school. The KS1 winner was Amelia in Year 2 and the KS2 winner was Yvie in Year 6. Homemade hobby horses were exhibited in front gardens and judged by BBC sports presenter, Mike Bushell. Adult winner was Charlie Boy and children’s winner Candy Floss. The Castle Inn and the Vintage Hog Roast Co provided a large
number of takeaways over the weekend. The Young Reporter Competition is still live and closes on Friday, July 3. There is also still time to complete the 26K fitness challenge around the village, which closes at the end of the week. There will be a Hurst 2020 souvenir magazine, produced by Alexis Jaworski Photography, available to purchase, capturing photographs and memories of the year including the show. Show goers said there had been lots of fun, celebrating a fantastic community spirit. Good causes to be supported will include Alexander Devine Hospice, Just Around the Corner, Red Diamonds, Scouts, Guides, Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs, St Nicholas CofE Primary School and St Nicholas Pre-school. All details can be found at www.hurstshow.uk. SUE CORCORAN
Sir Ian in preparations for theatre’s return SIR IAN McKELLAN is preparing to tread the boards once again for a new production of one of the Bard’s greatest plays. Hamlet is to enter rehearsals at the Theatre Royal in Windsor from Monday, June 29 – the first movements in the famous venue since the coronavirus pandemic. It’s part of a new season of plays produced by Bill Kenwright, and Sean Mathias is the artistic director. This is a special production as it’s an age-blind show, meaning that Sir Ian will play the young prince. And Sir Ian is committed to the historic theatre: later in the season whenever it is allowed to start - he
will have a role in Martin Sherman’s adaptation of Anton Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard. Hamlet is the first major UK production to begin rehearsals and is a boost for the theatre industry, which is facing an uncertain future. Monday’s rehearsals will follow strict safety measures, including social distancing, screening, hygiene, and PPE, with close adherence to the latest government guidelines. The Theatre Royal will undertake daily reviews to ensure that everything is to the letter. Sean Mathias said: “I have always been a fan of ensemble work so when Bill Kenwright asked me to be
his Artistic Director at Windsor I saw a perfect opportunity to create a company and direct two of the greatest plays ever written. “The disappointment at being halted by COVID 19 has now been replaced with encouraging signs that we can at least start to work on these beautiful plays with an exceptional company. “We walk a tight rope through the forest while we await news of when we may actually perform in front of a live audience, but it will be invigorating to leave the house and get into a rehearsal room and be a part of British Theatre returning to the boards.”
LEISURE | 35
36 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 2, 2020
Henley Festival is a laughing matter THE comedy line-up for this year’s Henley Festival has been announced – belly laughs will be the order of the day. The drive-in alternative to the annual event will feature comedy sets from Dane Baptiste, Hal Cruttenden, Suzi Ruffell and Christian Reilly. Dane Baptiste’s TV credits include hosting Live at the Apollo (BBC Two), Mock the Week (BBC Two), 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4) and his own BBC sitcom, Sunny D. Hal Cruttenden is one of the UK’s top stand-up comedians, as well as being a highly accomplished writer and actor. He’s filled our screens recently on Have I Got News For You, The Apprentice: You’re Fired, Bake Off: Extra Slice, and Live at the Apollo. Suzi Ruffell, winner of the Best Club Comic at the 2019 Chortle Awards, most recent appearances include Live at the Apollo, Mock The Week, Roast Battle, Ultimate Worrier, Hypothetical, Stand Up Central and Comedy Central at the Comedy Store. And musical comedian Christian Reilly has appeared at numerous international comedy festivals, on BBC radio and TV, and in four series of the Chortle Awardwinning stand-up and sketch show ‘Richard Herring: As It Occurs To Me’. Comedy award winner Stephen Grant will also join the line-up as host. The rest of this year’s Henley Festival will feature entertainment including an American drive-in movie experience and car park Karaoke. The drive-in car park party will run for three nights from Thursday, July 9 until Saturday, July 11. For more information about the event or to buy tickets log on to www.henley-festival.co.uk. TAZ USHER
Mozart via a megabyte modem
LIVE MUSIC is returning to a local arts centre thanks to modern technology. Norden Farm is looking forward to a special streamed performance from the St John’s Ensemble. The programme of much-loved works by Mozart, includes the effortlessly lyrical Kegelstatt Trio featuring clarinet and viola, and the dramatic and intense G minor Piano Quartet. Soprano Miriam Allen (pictured) will sing during the socially distanced performance. She is a leading specialist in Early Music (European classical music from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Baroque). She makes a welcome return to Norden Farm, having last appeared as Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute in 2017. Pianist Nigel Wilkinson founded the Ensemble. He is a former senior producer for BBC Radio 3 and now works mainly as a pianist, teacher and music examiner. Nigel has performed complete cycles of the Mozart piano concertos (directed from the keyboard), the Beethoven sonatas, and most of the major chamber repertoire. The Maidenhead-based St John’s Ensemble will be live from 7.30pm on Thursday, July 16. Tickets are £15 per household. The programme will be introduced from the Courtyard stage by the musicians. Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01628 788997 or online at nordenfarm.org
Star backing for arts centre appeal He’s a local lad who knows the value of the arts in all its forms – Kenneth Branagh wants to see South Hill Park reach its £500,000 fundraising appeal target. JOHN WAKEFIELD finds out more
A
S A child, he enjoyed performing in school plays. When he was older he joined the Reading Film and Video Makers society. And he has also performed with amateur group the Progress Theatre. Now he’s known for Hollywood blockbusters of the Shakespearean kind: Hamlet, Love Labours Lost, As You Like It and Much Ado About Nothing, among others. But he’s not forgotten his roots. Sir Kenneth Branagh has joined the campaign to help keep South Hill Park going through the coronavirus pandemic. Last month, we reported that the Bracknell-based arts centre needs to raise £500,000 to secure its future. It says that despite receiving funding
from Bracknell Forest and Town councils and taking part in the Government’s furlough scheme, it lost 86% of it income when it was forced to close its doors in March as lockdown began. Now it is looking to life on the other side and it needs a helping hand. Sir Kenneth, who is a patron of the centre, said: “South Hill Park has been at the heart of the community in Bracknell for almost 50 years. Each year over 200,000 people enjoy all that this Art Centre has to offer, but that could all disappear. For so many reasons it’s vital that we do everything we can to protect the arts in our community and to protect South Hill Park.” And he values the centre’s role in making all forms of art accessible, be it theatre, dance, drama, photography,
pottery, music, cinema, or comedy, all of which is on offer at South Hill Park. “The arts have the power to transform lives,” he said. “It brings our communities together, reduces social exclusion and isolation, has a positive impact on health and well-being, celebrates diversity, improves learning and education especially amongst the young and contributes to our local economy… but South Hill Park offers so much more. “Members of our community living with dementia can enjoy special cinema screenings, young carers and some of our most vulnerable young adults can learn new skills, which builds confidence, improves career prospects and opens horizons, and there are opportunities for people of all ages to volunteer and make new friends. “South Hill Park inspires us, it connects us, and it enriches our lives.’ And it seems that Sir Kenneth is not alone – the appeal has raised more than £36,000 already. But there’s a long way to go before the £500,000 donation is reached.
Craig Titley, the chief executive of South Hill Park, said: “When the Government tells us that we can open our doors, it will not be like turning on a tap. “We will need to pay staff – once the furlough scheme ends – generate an audience, create a programme, sell tickets and resume our community engagement work and as yet we do not know the full impact of social distancing in performance spaces. “At first we will have all the costs but very little income, and it is likely to take several weeks, if not months to return to normal.” He added: “We recognise that this is a time of uncertainty for everyone. However, if you can, your donation – however large or small – will play a significant part in helping us resume our role as a vital and much-loved venue and service.” For more details, or to make a donation, log on to southhillpark.org.uk/ donate today. Make a one-off or regular donation and save your Arts Centre.
Badly Drawn Boy joins Readipop’s virtual festival line-up
I
T’S ONE of the sounds of the summer and it was meant to be a big party – this year Readipop Festival turns five. But the event, due to have been held in Reading’s Christchurch Meadows, can’t go ahead as planned. So it’s going online. The line-up for the Virtual Readipop Festival 2020 has been unveiled. The three-hour live show takes place on Saturday, July 11, between 2pm and 5pm. Music lovers can tune in via the internet and enjoy some special lockdown live sets from a host of acts including Mercury Music Prize winner Badly Drawn Boy. There will be fun for children, a celebration of poetry, cooking lessons and a host of other surprises. And best of all, the event will be free to enjoy. But there’s a serious side too: the event aims to raise funds for its work providing access to music for vulnerable
young people and other underrepresented communities through donations and the Readipop Friends scheme. Joining Badly Drawn Boy, will be world-renowned human beatboxer Beardyman and Jay-Z sampled soul powerhouse Hannah Williams & The Affirmations head up the line-up with Beardyman performing a live, improvised and interactive set, similar to his mainstage headlining set at Readipop Festival 2017. And there’s a diverse array of new and established musical talent including Nigel Clark, frontman of 90s indie favourites Dodgy, eighties reggae chart topper Musical Youth, 6Music championed newcomer Freya Beer and T.S. Elliot prize winning poet Roger Robinson Supporting local talent is a key goal of both Readipop Festival and Readipop’s charity work. The virtual Readipop Festival 2020 line-up reflects the quality and variety of local acts including
powerful soul from Tabi Gazele, reggae from The Drop and Culturemix, singer songwriters Amya Ray, Siôn Sollis and Ophelia Ray, Vocal Networking’s hip hop and rnb artists and indie rockers Searchlight Sun. All of Readipop’s community bands make special appearances too. “We were so disappointed to have to reschedule our fifth Birthday Readipop Festival until next year as it was set to be our best one yet” says Readipop Festival Director Gavin Lombos. “However, the positive response and overriding support we received from ticketholders, artists, staff and volunteers inspired us to mark the occasion with an online Readipop Festival experience which brings together all the elements that make the festival so special. “Over three hours, we’ll be presenting a unique mix of special lockdown performances. “We’re particularly excited to have such strong headliner in Badly Drawn
Boy, whose new album is up there with his best, Beardyman, who blew us away with his incredible vocal looping skills when he headlined our second Readipop Festival in 2017 and Hannah Williams & The Affirmations who will bring the full sound of her funk/soul ensemble through the wonder of split screen.” In addition to the music, younger viewers can take part in a Jellytots arts workshop hosted by local art collective Jelly, Readipop’s WOMAD craft workshop and enjoy Professor Queen Bee’s puppet show. Also, budding cooks of all ages can learn how to make the perfect meatball naan wrap with award winning food stall holders The Bowler. The virtual Readipop Festival will be available to stream at www.readipop.co.uk and on Readipop Festival’s Facebook page facebook.com/ readipopfestival and Youtube channels youtube.com/readipop from 2pm-5pm on Saturday, July 11. JOHN WAKEFIELD
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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 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application
Address
Reasons for Advert Description
201116
23 Milton Road, Wokingham
Conservation Area
Full application for the proposed reinstatement of the property to one 2 no. bedroom dwelling from two 1 no. bedroom flats.
201346
Hatch Farm, Mill Lane, Sindlesham
Major Application
Outline application for the proposed redevelopment of existing buildings to provide 87 residential dwellings, neighbourhood centre, public open space, access into the site and highway alterations along Mill Lane and landscaping, with Access and Layout to be determined.
Newlands Farm, New Bath Road, Twyford
Major Application
201444
Full planning change of use of buildings and land from agricultural use to general industrial use (Class B2). Removal of two unlawful structures.(Retrospective)
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 23rd July 2020. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.
Date: 2nd July 2020
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (MILL LANE, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 25th June 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. Mill Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with B3030 Mole Road and B3270 Lower Earley Way North, Earley. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via via B3030 Mole Road, B3030 King Street Lane, Winnersh Relief Road and B3270 Lower Earley Way North or by this route in reverse Works requiring this restriction will take place between 20th July to 25th July between 20:00-07:00 and 4th August to 6th August 2020. 2. A329 Reading Road, Winnersh between its junctions with Green Lane and Woodward Close. The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via King Street Lane, Bearwood Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach and A329 Reading Road The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Bearwood Road, and King Street Lane Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th July to 11th July between 20:00 - 07:00 and 27th July to 30 July 2020 between 20:00-05:30. 3. B3030 King Street Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with Winnersh Relief Road and Bearwood Road The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bearwood Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach and A329 Reading Road. The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road and Bearwood Road.. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th July to 18th July between 20:00-07:00 and 30th July to 3rd August 2020. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Highways England contractors to undertake upgrading and installation of fencing to the bridge parapets 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 6th July 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated this 2nd July 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 (B4446 SONNING LANE, SONNING) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WARGRAVE ROAD, TWYFORD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
1. B4446 Sonning Lane, Sonning between its junctions with B4446 Pearson Road and A4 Bath Road.
Wargrave Road, Twyford between its junctions with A3032 Old Bath Road and A4 New Bath Road.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B4446 Pearson Road, B478 Charvil Lane and A4 Bath Road or by this route in reverse.
The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3032 Old Bath Road and A4 New Bath Road or by this route in reverse.
2. B4446 Pearson Road, Sonning between its junctions with B4446 Sonning Lane and Pound Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B478 Charvil Lane, A4 Bath Road and B4446 Sonning Lane or by this route in reverse. Works requiring these restrictions will take place between 22nd July and 23rd July 2020 between 21:00 and 06:00. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to undertake Openreach underground structure 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 22nd July 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated this 2nd July 2020 Mark Cupit, Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Works requiring this restriction will take place between 26th July and 30th July 2020 The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake new water connection 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 July 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated this 2nd July 2020 Mark Cupit, Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
SERVICES
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 25th June 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: A321 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Molly Millars Lane and Oakey Drive The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Molly Millars Lane, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road and A321 Wellington Road. The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Wellington Road, Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road and Molly Millars Lane. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Southern Gas Network contractors to undertake gas main replacement work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 6th July 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated this 2nd July 2020 Mark Cupit 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 EXPERIMENTAL WAITING RESTRICTIONS - DUFFIELD ROAD READING, ELMS ROAD WOKINGHAM, HOLT LANE WOKINGHAM, HURRICANE WAY WOODLEY, SILVERDALE ROAD EARLEY, WELLINGTON ROAD WOKINGHAM AND WILSHIRE ROAD WOKINGHAM. THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL EXPERIMENTAL ORDER NO. 2 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on 30 June 2020 Wokingham Borough Council ("the Council"), made the above named Orders pursuant to sections 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and all other enabling powers. The effect of the Wokingham Borough Council Experimental Order No. 2 2020 which comes into operation on 9 July 2020 will be to amend and vary the Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017, by introducing or extending the existing double yellow ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions on a lengths of Duffield Road Reading, Elms Road Wokingham, Holt Lane Wokingham, Hurricane Way Woodley, Silverdale Road Earley, Wellington Road Wokingham and Wilshire Road Wokingham to facilitate access for large vehicles such has refuse lorries. A copy of the above named Order, plan and statement of reasons for making the Experimental Order may be inspected at Traffic Management Team, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL, during Mondays to Fridays between 9am-5pm. Any person requiring further information with connection with this Order should contact the Council's Traffic Management Section on telephone number 0118 974 6000. The Order provides that the Director Customer and Localities or a person authorised by him, may, if it appears to him or that person essential in the interests of the expeditious, convenient and safe movement of traffic or for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which any road affected by the Order runs, modify or suspend the Order or any provision thereof. The Council shall be considering in due course whether the provisions of the experimental Order should be continued in force indefinitely. Within a period of 6 months beginning with the day on which the experimental Order came into force, or if that Order is varied by another order or modified pursuant to Section 10(2) of the Act, beginning with the day on which the variation or modification or the latest variation or modification came into force, any person may object to the making of an order for the purpose of such indefinite continuation. Any person desiring to object or to make other representations in relation to the making of an Order for the indefinite continuation of the experimental Order under Section 9 may within the aforementioned period of 6 months send a statement in writing of their objection and the grounds thereof to Traffic Management Team, Civic Offices, Shute End, Wokingham RG40 1WL or via email to ‘TM.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’. Dated this 2nd July 2020 Christine Traill, Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL.
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www.trademarkwindows.co.uk ICE HOCKEY
FOOTBALL
More than £6,000 raised for injured Binfield player
Jackson commits to Bees full-time BRACKNELL Bees have announced another new signing for the 2020/21 season with the signature of young defenceman Luke Jackson.
Jackson has committed to the Bees full-time for the upcoming campaign, having made several appearances last season. The 21-year-old Reading-born player started his playing career at Guildford, before coming to Bracknell in the summer of 2013 playing both Under 16 and Under 18 games. He repeated this in the following season before heading to Canada and playing Midget hockey in the Ontario Hockey Academy and the following for two seasons. He also made five appearances for the Great Britain Under 18s in 2016/17. Throughout his junior career, Luke developed a hugely powerful shot which went on to delight Hive regulars last season when he released it in the black, white and gold of the Bees. He made his Bees debut in 2017/18 upon his return to the UK, scoring his first goal plus an assist in 29 games. The following season he played both Bees in NIHL1 and Hornets in
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
MORE than £6,000 has been raised for Binfield FC player Tom Melledew after he was injured in a work accident.
The incident left the Binfield player needing an operation on his elbow and hand, while he also suffered a pelvis fracture, a chipped bone in his back, two broken ribs and a punctured lung. A Go Fund Me page set up by Gareth Thomas in support of Melledew is currently on £6,225, smashing the initial target of £1,000. A statement on the fundraising page reads: “On Tuesday, Mellers had an accident at work. “He fell 20ft-plus through a corrugated roof down on to concrete. He is currently in John Radcliffe hospital recovering. “He had an operation yesterday on his elbow and hand, with pins and screws. The rest of his injuries don’t require surgery. “A fracture to the pelvis, and chip to a bone in his back, two broken ribs which punctured his lung, and a nick on the liver, but they are happy internally is all OK now.
Binfield FC’s family are supporting Tom Melledew following his injury. Picture: Neil Graham
“I’m trying to help in anyway I can, so if we could help financially as well as mentally, and physically then why not. “He will be out of work football etc. for a while so every little will help with the family and life in general. Please help him out.” Former Binfield manager
Roger Herridge was among many to send out a message of support to Melledew. He said: “So sad to hear this. Just one of the best people you could ever meet. “Wishing you a speedy recovery Mellers.” And current Binfield gaffer Carl Withers said: “Awful news regarding Mellers and
I’m sure I speak on behalf of all the first team lads at Binfield in wishing him a speedy recovery. “Please, if you can, during these tough times give what you can in helping him and his family during his recovery.” To donate, visit: bit.ly/ Mellers
NIHL2 as well as Stingers in the England Under 20 league. Head coach Doug Sheppard said: “Luke has improved as much as anyone over the past two seasons. He’s worked extremely hard to get his game where it is now. “I’m looking forward to see what Luke can do playing a prominent role for the Bees next season.” And Luke was pleased to be putting pen to paper on the deal. “I’m looking forward to the new season and excited to see what our team can do,” he said.
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LONDON IRISH
READING WOMEN FC
Exiles to ‘consider options’ as Skivington named as Gloucester’s new head coach
Utland makes Royals departure
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
LONDON IRISH has said the club will ‘consider all its options’ after Gloucester announced the appointment of George Skivington as their new head coach.
But Skivington is under contract with the Exiles until the summer of 2021 and the club claims that there was no formal approach from Gloucester to speak to the Irish coach about the position. He has been a forwards coach at Hazelwood since retiring from the field in 2016. London Irish chief executive Brian Facer says it appears that Premiership Rugby protocols have been broken. “To say we are disappointed with Gloucester’s announcement is an understatement,” said Facer. “However, the protocols are clear that a club must be approached in writing when there are more than six months remaining on the relevant contract, regardless of whether it is a player or coach. “George is under contract with London Irish until June 2021 and has not served us with the required notice period, nor have the terms of his contract been breached. “More importantly, at no point have we received any proactive
communication whatsoever from Gloucester. “We therefore believe that Gloucester have breached the Premiership Rugby Code of Conduct regarding inducement and approaches to a contracted player, member of coaching staff and other contracted person. “This is a most serious issue so, accordingly, we are reserving our rights to consider all our options under the Premiership Rugby governance protocols and other avenues of redress.” Meanwhile, a statement released by Gloucester Rugby claims: “Gloucester Rugby openly advertised its Head Coach role in the usual way. George Skivington (“GS”) was the stand out candidate following that process “Gloucester Rugby understood that GS was not restricted contractually from joining the club. Gloucester Rugby, nevertheless, directly and straightforwardly sought clarification of London Irish’s position. That clarification has not been forthcoming. “Gloucester Rugby is therefore surprised and disappointed by both the contents of statement from London Irish.” The club added that it would continue to seek to engage with London Irish.
FITNESS
PE lessons with that liמּle bit Xtra – pupils enjoy pod-sized coaching By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
A BERKSHIRE-based sports company has worked throughout lockdown to ensure that vulnerable children across the county have had access to PE lessons – and no, it doesn’t involve Joe Wicks.
Since the start of the lockdown at the end of March, Sports Xtra has been working in partner schools across Berkshire to support the key worker and vulnerable children. At the beginning, some coaches were running sessions for very small groups, sometimes between one to four children. and continued to work tirelessly so all these children still had their weekly PE sessions. As the lockdown has eased, the staff have had to now adapt to the changes in schools, and are now working with the pods or bubbles of children.
“In school things have been quiet,” said Thatcham-based Spurcroft School headteacher Kate Flowerfew. “We are still being supported by the brilliant staff at Sports Xtra “Having PE lessons with children from Nursery to year six in one group has become a bit of a highlight for many of us. “Seeing children of different ages mix and enjoy being with each other has been great, and I am sure that for families who have had different aged children at home, you are seeing times when they co-operate and learn together too.” The company is pleased with the service it has been able to operate during lockdown. Sport Xtra team member Phil West said: “We made the decision not to take any government help, not furlough any staff, as we wanted to keep all of our staff in gainful employment as best as
we could. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsor, Rutherford Cancer Centre in Shinfield. “Rutherford has been working with us since 2017 to provide funding for after school clubs across a select few schools in our region. “Despite us not being able to offer a traditional after school programme during the lockdown. It has continued to support us, and we have utilised the funding to run group after school, or lunch sessions for the Key Worker families. These are offered to the children at a fraction of the price compared to the usual cost of a club. “Rutherford has regularly checked in with me over the last three months and I am delighted we are extending our partnership with Rutherford going forward. If you are a school looking for some funded clubs in this area. please get in contact and I will happily talk about funding options for your school.”
Lisa-Marie Utland bagged five goals in a single match against Crystal Palace in November. Picture: Neil Graham
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
LISA-Marie Utland has become the latest player to depart Reading Women as she joins Norweigan side Rosenborg for the 2020/21 season.
Utland joined the Royals last summer and scored seven goals in eight starts, including a memorable night in the Continental Cup where she bagged an incredible five goals in a 6-0 thrashing over Crystal Palace. However, the Norweigan forward will be moving back to her homeland to play with Rosenbog after just one season in the Women’s Super League. Several first team players have already departed the Royals squad this summer, with plenty of fresh faces expected to be seen for the WSL side next campaign with just 12 senior players left in the squad.
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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Quickfire Derby double sinks Royals Derby County 2 Reading 1
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
TWO quickfire Derby County goals at the end of the first half condemne d Reading to defeat, with goals from Tom Lawrence and Wayne Rooney.
Lawrence fired a shot into the top corner before Rooney struck from the spot to give the Rams a two-goal lead at half-time. An improved second half showing saw Andy Rinomhota nod home for the visitors but they were unable to find an equaliser and were left empty handed. Derby started the quicker of the two sides as Lawrence fired two efforts at Rafael’s goal early in the game. The first of which flew over the bar before Rafael got his body in front of the second and held on. Reading’s first big chance of the match came after 19 minutes when Chris Gunter found Ovie Ejaria on the left wing who squared the ball for George Puscas, but the forward fired his shot over the bar. The Royals stepped up their attacking intent and almost broke the deadlock just before the half hour mark. John Swift and Michael Olise linked up beautifully before Yakou Meite hit his volley over Hamer’s goal. Olise continued to impress and saw his curling effort held onto by the Rams goalkeeper to keep the scores level.
Ejaria then struck the post as Mark Bowen’s side threatened once again. He dribbled past Waghorn and smacked the frame of the goal from a tight angle. But just as the Royals looked to have been getting on top, they were dealt a blow just before half-time. Sibley fed the ball to Lawrence who picked out the top corner to beat Rafael. Things then went from bad to worse in a dreadful few minutes for the Royals just before the break after Liam Moore brought down Waghorn, resulting in the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Wayne Rooney stepped up from 12 yards and sent Rafael the wrong way to double the hosts’ advantage in a prolific spell before the break. With a two-goal deficit to come back from, the Royals had an uphill task on their hands as they fought to try and get something out of the game. With half-an-hour to salvage something, Sam Baldock replaced Puscas. And the change bought about a goal as Reading got themselves back into the game. Hamer cleared Swift’s corner with a punch straight to Rinomhota, who from just inside the box looped a header over the keeper to get his side back into the game with just under half an hour remaining. With a new reinvigorated confidence and belief, Olise curled a goal wards bound shot which was deflected behind for a corner kick, but Derby defended
more efficiently this time to clear the danger. Reading’s second change came in the 75th minute as Olise was replaced by Garath McCleary. McCleary made an instant impact as he drove down the right wing and delivered a cross which was met by Ejaria, but Hamer got down low to keep his header out. Bowen’s final changes saw Ayub Timbe Masika and Charlie Adam come on for Omar Richards and Ejaria with just under 10 minutes remaining. But Reading were unable to salvage a point as they fell to defeat in their second back since ‘project restart’ began to conclude the 2019/20 Championship season. The final whistle was met by confrontation as Lawrence and Miazga were both shown red cards after squaring up to each after the end of the game. READING: Rafael, Gunter, Miazga, Moore, Richards, Rinomhota, Swift, Ejaria, Olise, Ejaria, Meite, Puscas. SUBS: Walker, Morrison, Baldock, Obita, McCleary, Blackett, Masika, Adam, Pele. DERBY COUNTY: Hamer, Wisdom, Forsyth, Wghorn, Lawrence, Clarke, Martin, Rooney, Bogle, Sibley, Bird SUBS: Roos, Shinnie, Jozefzoon, Holmes, Lowe, Davies, Knight, Huddlestone, Whittaker GOALS: Lawrence 44′, Rooney (pen) 45′, Rinomhota 62′
Andy Rinomhota netted for the Royals but couldn’t prevent defeat Picture: Steve Smyth
READING FC
FOOTBALL
Loader leaves Royals aﬞer rejecting contract offer
Forest given green light to build new air dome
By ANDY PRESTON
A WINNERSH school has launched a new building project aimed at boosting its sporting prowess. Work has started on The Forest School and Reading Football Club’s Dome Project, which includes an AirDome and 3G pitch. The project sees a new access road, car park, Air Dome and new 3G pitch being built over the coming months. The project has taken several years of planning, but support from Wokingham Borough Council, Sport England, Department of Education sees partners Reading Football Club and The Forest School get the green light. Forest School Headteacher, Shirley Austin said, “We are absolutely delighted to have begun work on the Dome construction; it’s going to be such a great asset to the school, to Reading Football Club Academy players and to our
apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
READING manager Mark Bowen has confirmed Danny Loader has rejected a contract extension and will depart the club at the end of his current deal.
Loader will play no further part in the conclusion of the 2019/20 Championship and will leave the club next week, Bowen confirmed. “The lads who are out of contract have signed extensions for the remainder of the season, apart from one. “The only one who has turned down a contract extension is Danny Loader.” “From Tuesday, he (Loader) is finished with the club, I’m 99% certain he’ll be moving on to pastures new.” Loader joined Reading’s academy in 2012 and has gone onto make 29 league appearances for the team. However, the club and the 19-year-old forward have failed to reach an agreement despite having contract talks throughout the season. “Danny is a good lad and a good pro, never a moment’s trouble. He went through two or three different agents, I spoke to him and felt he had a future at the club,” continued Bowen. “I felt next year could have been a big year for him. I understand his reasons.”
Danny Loader left the royals after his contract expired on Tuesday. Picture: Steve Smyth
local community. “It’s been an incredibly complex project to put together, but now we’ve started we can’t wait to see it take shape. “Since coming here three years ago we have achieved so much, this project will give our students another excellent learning environment. “We anticipate the new football dome will be completed by late October.” Sport at The Forest School
is encouraged, there are many teams and sports for students to become involved in, including football, swimming, rugby and basketball. Alongside the new football dome, as part of the same project the school is also enhancing their Arbor Lane sports pitches, used for rugby, football, cricket and athletics. When completed, local groups will be able to hire the facilities out too.
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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
Promotion-pushing
With Olly Allen No two ways about it, that was embarrassing
I
T’S fair to say that the season’s restart has not gone to plan for Reading. One point from three games stands as one of the poorest returns in the Championship, and the Royals may well now be wishing that the campaign had been curtailed instead. The draw with Stoke was agonising, the defeat to Derby was frustrating, but Tuesday’s 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Brentford was simply embarrassing. There is no doubting that the Bees are one of the best sides in the division who could be playing in the Premier League next season, but the lack of fight from Reading was alarming. Going forward, they managed just one shot on target in the entire game, whilst at the back, the defending for the first two goals was worrying. Only two weeks ago, the excitement supplied by football’s return had filled supporters with optimism that Mark Bowen’s men could mount a late play-off challenge, but that prospect is now firmly off the table. Some fans are even suggesting that relegation remains a possibility. While I feel this is a little farfetched – there are too many clubs who will need to go on good runs to see Reading fall into real danger – the team do need to start picking up points to avoid ending the season with a whimper. Reading’s next four games come against sides currently in the bottom seven – Luton, Huddersfield, Charlton and Middlesbrough. These will certainly not be easy fixtures considering that they will all be desperate for wins to climb away from relegation trouble, but they provide good opportunities for the Royals to show what they are capable of and give fans something to shout about. Bowen needs to use this final group of fixtures to give his side a head start going into the new campaign. So far in the restart, he has rigidly stuck to a similar system in all three games, only changing formation for the second half against Brentford. Now is a time for experimentation, and after such a poor defeat, the side needs freshening up. Any players who are not expected to be at the club next season should be politely pushed to the side. For example at right-back, Chris Gunter looks set to move on to pastures new, so why not give an academy option such as Tennai Watson or Marcel Elva-Fountaine the chance? Perhaps even Felipe Araruna, who is yet to even be included in a matchday squad after lockdown. Meanwhile, the Royals are crying out for a natural winger, but Ayub Masika and Lucas Boye have barely been given a sniff. Both may be loanees, but reports suggest that talks are ongoing about keeping the pair on beyond the summer. There may be little on the line, but Bowen needs to provide the fanbase with some sort of excitement and hope to take into next season, otherwise supporters could begin to turn. The reaction to Tuesday’s loss suggests that some already have.
Reading fell to a 3-0 defeat at the Madejski Stadium in theirsecond consecutive defeat as Brentford strengthened their promotion push. Pictures: Steve Smyth
John Swift is toppled to the ground in a physical challenge.
Charlie Adam looks on in disappointment. Yakou Meite battles for possession.
Reading 0 Brentford 3 By ANDY PRESTON at the Madejski Stadium apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
BRENTFORD look like a side determined for promotion and they strengthened their case as goals from Bryan Mbuemo, Josh Dasilva and Valencia Castillo earned them three points against the Royals at the Madejski Stadium.
Mbuemo nodded home from close range in the 23rd minute before Dasilva reacted quickly on the rebound before Castillo scored a late goal to seal the points for Brentford. The Bees move within two points
Michael Olise clutches his ankle in pain.
of the automatic promotion places as a result. The Royals are in danger of being dragged back into a relegation fight after picking up just one point from three games since the Championship restart. Meanwhile their opponents continued their push to begin playing Premier League football next season having won three on the bounce since the restart. Both sets of players and playing staff observed a minutes silence relating to a matter very close to home to pay their respects to the three people tragically killed at Forbury Gardens. Michael Morrison and Sam
Baldock made their way into the starting line-up and the Royals started positively in the early exchanges. Baldock had options left and right streaming forward but chose to go for goal from distance but dragged his shot well wide. His early movement kept the Brentford defenders on their toes as Morrison came inches away from finding the forward with a searching long pass but David Raya was quick off his line to nod the ball away. The visitors ventured forward with purpose for the first time after eight minutes as joint Championship top scorer broke
down the right and won a corner for his side which was cleared by the Royals. Brentford began to grow into the game and enjoyed large spells of possession with the dangerous Josh Dasilva and Said Benrahma finding each other in the final third. And it was the Bees who broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with the Royals on the ropes. The home side failed to mark properly from a corner as a flick on found its way to Bryan Mbuemo who headed the ball past Rafael to net his 15th league goal of the season. With Brentford beginning to
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Bees sting dour Royals Rafael is beaten as Brentford open the scoring.
Royals players observe a minute’s silence to mark the tragic events in Forbury Gardens.
Meite fights to win the ball from the Bees. Chris Gunter looks on as Rafael is beaten by a stunning third goal to seal Brentford’s win.
find their rhythm, they worked a smart short corner routine which caught Reading off guard, but Benrahma fired is shot high and wide after Dasilva had fed him the ball. Michael Olise was at the heart of everything positive for the Royals and swung in a dangerous cross to the back post, but Yakou Meite couldn’t make a strong enough connection as it fell behind harmlessly for a goal kick. Brentford looked to push home their advantage when Dasilva found Watkins with a superb long pass, but Rafael rushed off his line quickly to snatch the ball off the feet of the striker. Reading’s best sight of goal came in the 41st minute when a rebound from
John Swift’s free kick fell invitingly for Olise who struck a powerful effort which was deflected over the top for a corner. But Brentford still looked dangerous going forward with Watkins as he cut in from the left wing and fired a low drive into the side netting as the Royals went into the break a goal behind. After Ovie Ejaria won possession in his own box, Reading worked the ball forward to Baldock who tried to slip in Meite behind the Brentford defence only to be denied by the offside flag. Brentford had a golden chance to double their lead when a blocked shot fell into the path of Watkins who looked destined to score, but Rafael his body in the way of his effort.
Bowen opted to make his first changes just after the hour mark as George Puscas and Garath McCleary replaced Baldock and Olise. The away side did double their lead in the 64th minute through Dasilva. He reacted quickest after Rafael had parried away his initial shot and lifted the ball high into the roof of the net from close range. Reading's third change saw Charlie Adam replace Swift with the Royals needing two goals to try and salvage a result. Brentford went in search of a third and a quick counter saw Watkins with another chance to get a strike away at goal but Morrison
threw his body in the way of the ball to block it behind for a corner. Looking to find an unlikely route back into the game, Ejaria broke into the box and pulled the ball back for Puscas, but the Romanian forward couldn’t sort out his feet quickly enough and was dispossessed. Brentford asserted their dominance with a third goal late in the game as substitute Valencia Castillo drove a powerful shot past Rafael to put them three goals ahead. A second consecutive defeat leaves Reading in 15th with sides below them still to play. On Saturday, the Royals will
search for their first win since the restart against relegation-threatened Luton Town in an away fixture. A home game on Tuesday evening sees the Royals welcome Huddersfield Town to the Mad Stad. READING: Rafael, Gunter, Morrison, Moore (c), Obita, Rinomhota, Olise, Ejaria, Swift, Meite, Baldock. SUBS: Walker, McCleary, McIntyre, Blackett, Masika, Adam, Pele, Osho, Puscas BRENTFORD: Raya, Henry, Pinnock, Norgaard, Benrahma, Watkins, Dasilva, Marcondes, Jansson, Mbeumo, Dalsgaard. SUBS: Daniels, Mokotjo, Valencia, Dervisoglu, Jeanvier, Fosu, Baptiste, Zamburek, Roersley. GOALS: Mbuemo 23', Dasilva 64', Valencia 90’