The Wokingham Paper, September 24, 2020

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

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER WOKINGHAM.TODAY

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, September 24, 2020 No. 280

70p

GREAT NEWS FOR PLUS: OUR BIGGEST-EVER ALL READERS INSIDE READER CONTEST PAGE 3 COVID-19 LATEST

It’s war: Council crack down on illegal bonfires

‘IT’S AN OPEN DOOR’

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Since the beginning of September, a quarter of all nuisance complaints have been linked to 18 locations where acrid smoke is polluting homes and gardens.

The fires are all believed to be commercial waste and Wokingham Borough Council enforcement officers are taking action.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment said: “I am declaring war on the culprits who are burning commercial waste late in the evenings and on the weekends.

“The foul smells created are blighting the lives of many residents – and could cause health problems in particular for those with respiratory conditions. We have the powers to catch and punish those responsible – and we won’t hesitate to do so.”

The council’s Public Protection Partnership team has issued Abatement Notices at sites in the south of the borough where they found evidence of illegal burning. If more fires appear in these locations, the council could prosecute those involved.

Cllr Batth added: “If you are aware of illegal burning of commercial waste … just posting something on social media will not help us take action, but reporting the incidents can do.” � To make a report in real time, call Environmental Health on 01635 503242 or to report illegal bonfire concerns, visit: publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk/ make-a-service-request

Picture: Stuart Caie

THE COUNCIL has declared war on people starting illegal bonfires across the borough.

Amid second wave fears, Wokingham Citizens Advice reaffirms promise of support PANDEMIC PLEDGE AS COUNCIL PLANS TO BUY TESTS • P4-5

BIKERS CANCEL XMAS TOY RUN P9

DESIGNER GOES TO LONDON SHOW P3 SEND SCHOOL P6 PLAN PROGRESSES

BUSINESS CARDS GO HI-TECH P2 CLARION CALL TO SHOP LOCAL THIS AUTUMN P12

2 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

HOW TO GET IN TOUCH WITH US Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by emailing us Email news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Crowdfuding campaign to launch hi-tech business cards EXCLUSIVE

FOUR entrepreneurs from Wokingham are embarking on a new venture to bring business cards into the digital age.

Write to: The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

They have launched a £50,000 crowdfunding campaign to kickstart their new company, Only Card which offers contactless business cards.

Two of the businessmen are wellknown locally as they are councillors – Gregor Murray and Daniel Hinton. They are launching the product in a personal capacity and is not connected with their borough and town council roles.

Mr Murray said the team are building the company from the ground up, and are now appealing for support.

“We saw a similar product in a different market a while back, and wanted to bring it to the UK,” he explained.

Only Card will enable businesses to transfer their contact details, price lists and more by tapping their contactless business cards on people’s phones.

“We want to create a business where rather than having to reprint business cards all the time, we can host contact details, videos, brochures, price lists and anything else that is relevant to your business online,” Mr Murray said.

“You can then update those details as often as you want.”

It will be a subscription-based service, but those who donate to the crowdfunder will pay a one-time fee for lifetime access.

“Alongside our Essentials card, we also have Limited Edition cards on offer during crowdfunding,” Mr Murray said.

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAMPAPER

FAMILY NOTICES

THE WOKINGHAMPAPER Family Notices Classification (please tick)

Births Birthdays Engagements Weddings Anniversaries Other Death In memory

Your contact details

Name Address

Advert sizes 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT Postcode 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT Email 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT Phone number 6cm by 2 column –100 words £72 inc VAT Send your forms to: Family notices, The Wokingham Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 Deadline is Tuesday at 5pm for that 4LS. Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to week’s paper Wokingham.Today

� Deaths

PUZEY, Gillian Anne of Wokingham Sadly passed away on September 6th 2020 at the Royal Berkshire Hospital

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

From left: Daniel Hinton and Gregor Murray are involved in a new digital business card enterprise

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662

Editor • Phil Creighton Reporter • Jess Warren Sports reporter • Andy Preston

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

These include a Gold Lifetime card and a Silver Lifetime card for those who pledge at least £50 to the crowdfunder.

“Once you’ve paid the one-off fee into the fundraiser, you’ll never be charged again,” he explained.

And the vision behind Only Card is all about sustainability.

“Approximately 88% of business cards get thrown away within a week of being handed over,” Mr Murray said.

“Instead of cutting trees down, we want to help them grow.

“That’s why we will also plant a tree for every single card that we sell.

“As a business, taking an ethical, sustainable stance and giving back to the community is so important,” he added.

And Mr Murray hopes the cards will reduce the risk of catching the coronavirus, by reducing interaction with others.

The Only Card team are hoping

Police call for witnesses after indecent exposure TWO teenagers have been the victim of an

indecent exposure incident which took

place in Sindlesham on Sunday, September 13.

Now, Thames Valley Police said that they are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Officers said that the girls were walking along Mole Road towards Winnersh railway station when a vehicle went past.

As they joined King Street Lane, they saw the same vehicle, which had pulled up on the same side of the road that they were walking on.

When they went past, they could see that a man was in the vehicle and touching himself inappropriately. Police said that he drove off after the teenagers went past.

The offender is described as a white man, aged in his thirties with short, brown hair. He had a slim build and was wearing rectangular glasses and dressed in a black T-shirt and light brown trousers.

The vehicle he

to meet their £50,000 goal by Thursday, October 15.

“The purpose of this Kickstarter is to be able to move the business forward quickly,” he added. “The money will enable us to set up premises within Wokingham, install printers and print the cards ourselves.”

And the business proposal has received positive feedback so far.

“A lot of people have opened conversations with us about how we can support them going forwards,” he added.

“We want to sell cards anywhere in the UK, Ireland and across the whole world. Some of our supporters already have come from Australia, some from America and some from Europe.”

The team initially plan to work with businesses in the South East, but hope to reach customers across the UK. � To find out more, visit: kck.st/35BuAcM

drove is described as a silver, older looking car. There was a dog cage on the back seat, which prevented the boot from fully closing. The boot was held shut with two black straps.

On the back window there was a pink and blue coloured ‘baby on board’ sticker, and a tow bar attached to the rear of the car.

Investigating officer PC Kyra Trudgill, of Loddon Valley police station, said: “This was an appalling incident that happened to these two teenage girls, who were simply walking along a road during the day.

“Incidents like this can cause great amounts of distress and, as such, I am appealing for information to help locate this vehicle and the offender.

“This incident happened during daylight hours, on a road that would have been busy with pedestrians and traffic.

Along with the

detailed description provided with regards to the offender and the car, I believe that there will be witnesses or people with information that would assist with my investigation.

“If you were walking or driving along Mole Road, or King Street Lane at a similar time to this incident on Saturday, and believe you say something, please get in touch.

“If you have a dash cam in your vehicle, please review the footage and make a report if there is anything significant on there.

“Alternatively, if anyone recognises the description of either the offender or the car, please get in touch with Thames Valley Police by calling 101, quoting reference number 43200287390.

“You can also report online. Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to make a 100% anonymous report.”

NEWS | 3

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Introducing WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Next week there’s a big change to your Wokingham Paper – we’re changing our name to Wokingham.Today.

A lot has changed since we launched five years ago, particularly the last six months.

Our website has always been known as Wokingham.Today.

It has seen huge growth over this year,

as many of us look for our news online.

So from next week, the name of your paper will be Wokingham.Today.

You’ll still get the same great mixture of exclusive news, features and sport, it’s just with a brand-new name.

Demand will be high – order your copy today.

Finchampstead designer showcases her second collection in London

Vaishali Ragunathan (above) with the model wearing her show stopper piece Pictures: Colin Chau

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk AFTER MAKING her fashion week debut last year, a Finchampsteadbased designer has launched her second collection at London Fashion Week.

Vaishali Ragunathan showcased her latest work exploring messages of hope through vibrant colour on Saturday, September 19.

Closing the show, Ms Ragunathan unveiled 11 pieces from her Colours of Life collection, including a showstopper dress.

“They were based on emotions,” she explained. “I was trying to portray the emotions of the pandemic using colour. I used yellow, green, pink and coral, mixed with denim.”

Ms Ragunathan said she felt each colour represented a feeling; blue denim for calm, trust and integrity; yellow for happiness and optimism; green for health and growth; coral for change and pink for romance and playfulness.

Specialising in ballgowns and wedding dresses, Ms Ragunathan has been subject to the changing lockdown restrictions as a designer.

“It’s been scary and crazy over the last six months,” she said.

“I’ve had 11 brides who had to postpone their weddings this

year. I’ve helped and supported them. Weddings aren’t just an emotional and financial commitment, it's a symbol of moving into the next step of your life.

“We’re living in such an unknown world at the moment, for the bridal business it's been an emotional roller-coaster.”

Building on that experience, Ms Ragunathan said her Colours of Life collection could be worn as wedding dresses or cocktail dresses to many types of events.

“I incorporated denim with lace,” she explained. “We can’t have big weddings at the moment, and everyone loves a white gown.

“But I wanted to create something sustainable that people could wear again.”

She added: “My designs were so beautifully received. At the event, people said the collection was amazing and wearable — I’m so overwhelmed by it. It’s so different from last year's collection too.”

At her first London Fashion Week event last year, Ms Ragunathan explored symbols of female empowerment, and her showstopper piece featured 40 metres of silk, handembellished with sequinned dragonflies.

This year’s collection was more versatile, she explained.

And her eco-friendly ethos remained.

“All of my fabrics are from the

UK,” she added. “I used satin, silk, crepe, lace and denim.

“Sustainability is a key factor in the design of the collection — I want to get people thinking outside the box for bridal dresses as weddings are happening with so many restrictions; I wanted to create outfits which could be worn for different occasions; and to help reduce the throwaway culture.”

And profits from the event went to The Top Model Foundation, a children’s charity established within the fashion industry.

“I was blessed to be able to show off my creativity again,” Ms Ragunathan said.

“And if I can help and support a charity while doing so, why would I not join in?”

She added: “It was so different this year. Last year I was showcasing to 300 people, this year only 30.

“But now people are approaching me as a designer.

Last year, I was speaking to everyone to let them know I exist.

“This year, a photographer came all the way from Bristol, specifically to photograph my collection.

“Anyone can make a dress, but it's how it’s received — that tells you your value as a designer.” � For more information about Ms Ragunathan’s work, visit: www.vzperfection.co.uk

PLUS: OUR BIGGEST-EVER READER CONTEST WIN A YEAR’S MEMBERSHIP OF EACTIV & FLOATATION TREATMENTS FULL DETAILS NEXT WEEK

Hurst Post Office resumes services HURST’S Post Office is set to reopen after being closed for two months, writes Sue Corcoran.

Villagers have welcomed the news of the reopening on Monday.

It closed on Monday, August 3 following the sudden death at home of its much-loved manager Debbie Kaur.

There was an outpouring of tributes to her for all she had done for customers.

The Post Office is housed in Hurst Convenience Stores where manager Jayne Overington said: “Two people will be splitting between them the same opening hours that we had before: 9am to noon and 12.30-5.30pm on Monday

The Post Office on the A321 Picture: Sue Corcoran

to Friday; and 9am-12.30pm on Saturday.

“It’s nice that it will be back open again. The Post Office is an important part of the village. Customers also came from some distance away.”

The shop and office on the A321 from Wokingham to Twyford has easy parking outside and in the shop car park.

BME chair resigns THE CHAIR of Wokingham Borough’s BME Forum has resigned due to the time commitment and other responsibilities.

Ramnik Saund, who chaired the forum for a year, thanked the group for their support.

The forum was due to hold a meeting in September and Ocotber. But these sessions have been postponed to allow time to elect a new chair.

Vice-chair of the forum, Cllr Parry Batth, said he would like the council to find another resident to join the forum.

He said: “I don’t want the council to lead this – it must be independent – but I think it should support the process by feeding in the findings of its Tackling Racism Matters survey and helping to identify an expert community facilitator to lead the process.”

4 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

CORONAVIRUS LATEST Cases in Wokingham ACCORDING to latest data from public health organisations, there were 10 positive tests for Covid-19 in the borough from Saturday, September 12 to Friday, September 18.

This is five fewer positive cases than the week before.

In the same week, there were 14 positve cases recorded in Bracknell, 13 in Reading, 27 in Windsor and Maidenhead and 16 in West Berkshire.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been 688 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the borough. It is likely that the total number of people who have had coronavirus is higher, as the virus can be transmitted without symptoms present.

This means there is a chance that borough residents had the virus, but were not tested for it.

This may also be the case now, as more people find themselves unable to book a Covid-19 test.

And across the area, there have been 152 coronavirus-related deaths registered from the beginning of the pandemic to Friday, September 11.

When looking at other regions in England, Wokingham has fewer cases than average.

At the moment, there are six cases per 100,000 people in Wokingham, but the average area in England has 15 cases per 100,000.

Hotspots in the UK have more than 50 cases per 100,000 and there are currently local lockdowns in Bolton, Greater Manchester, Leicester, Northampton, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, Glasgow, in the North West of England and the South East of Wales.

This means at least 13.9 million people are now facing local restrictions in the UK. This includes 10.9 million people in England, 1.8 million people in Scotland, 854,000 people in Wales and at least 411,000 people in Northern Ireland.

How to get help:

Citizens Advice prepare for arrival of Covid-19 second wave EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk WE’RE GETTING our ducks in a row for the second wave. That’s the message from Jake Morrison, chief executive of Wokingham Citizens Advice.

The charity, which has been supporting borough residents since 1939, has been leading a triage service for coronavirus-related issues since March.

And Mr Morrison said the charity’s long history is a symbol of its commitment to the people of Wokingham.

“I don’t think it's unreasonable to say we’re preparing for a second wave,” he said. “The key message from me is that we’ll be here now and we’ll be there after — and we’ve proven that, by launching the One Front Door scheme in March, when we could see Covid-19 was going in a bad direction.”

He added: “We don’t want people thinking they can’t call. If you need help, you should call us. No matter what, we will help you. The culture

we have at Citizens Advice is to help people, and we don’t ever expect that to go away.”

Now, the charity is stepping up again, to prepare for a rise in Covid19 this autumn and winter.

“What we’re trying to do is mobilise people again, and get more people back on the phones,” Mr Morrison said. “We’re still here and repsonding, but we’re preparing for another influx if more people have to self-isolate.

“Regardless of whether someone has Covid-19 or not, almost everything we’re helping with now is a consequence of Covid. Regardless of someone’s circumstances, even if they’re not sure and they’ve never been in this situation before, we’re here to help.”

And that message has been felt from afar too.

“We’ve had people calling us from Manchester and Birmingham, who have family living in Wokingham,” Mr Morrison explained. “They’ve asked us to step in and check they've got everything they need.”

And the charity expects to help more people with debts, stress and

Jake Morrison, CEO of Citizens Advice Wokingham says his team are preparing to meet the demands of the second wave

mental health support.

“We just want to help people through these hard times,” said Mr Morrison. “Whether that’s a fiveminute phone call or more longer term support. We can help, and point people in the direction of further support.”

Looking forward to the season ahead, Mr Morrison said he’s

coordinating his team of volunteers and making appropriate plans.

“We’re making sure that we’re ready to go, and everyone has the capacity to help,” he said.

This may mean a renewed call for volunteers to help deliver food parcels and support charities across the borough as it responds to a second wave of Covid-19.

What you can do: Government issues new restrictions to last six months

To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizen’s Advice on 0300 330 1189 Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk

People must now work from home unless impossible, although a national lockdown has not been re-imposed Picture: Nickolay Romensky

For advice and assistance on Family Law matters including: • Divorce and separa�on

• Property/financial settlements

• Child arrangements

• Family disputes

• Cohabita�on agreements

• Prenup�al agreements

Contact our Family Law team today for a free 1 hour consulta�on

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

www.star-legal.co.uk

ON TUESDAY night, the Prime Minister addressed the nation, announcing tighter Covid-19 restrictions across the country.

Under new rules, people must now work from home, but health, education, construction and essential public service staff are encouraged to keep going to work.

Starting today, all customers in hospitality venues such as pubs, restaurants, bars and cafés must wear a face covering, except while eating or drinking.

Hospitality staff, shop workers and taxi passengers must also wear face-coverings. And all hospitality venues must now close by 10pm every night.

Rules on weddings have changed, with the 30 person limit halved to 15. Although funerals remain at 30.

Indoor sports involving more than six people have also been banned — this includes five-a-side football.

New laws will mean hospitality and retail premises are legally obligated to ensure customers comply with the rules.

And fines for breaching the rule of six limit on gatherings have doubled from £100 to £200. This can also be dished out to anyone failing to wear a face mask.

Speaking at the House of Commons on Tuesday lunchtime,

Boris Johnson said he expected the new rules to be in place for six months, which means that family Christmas celebrations will be limited to six people.

Addressing the nation, at 8pm on Tuesday, Johnson said “When the sickness took hold in this country in March, we pulled together in a spirit of national sacrifice and community.

“We followed the guidance to the letter. We stayed at home, protected the NHS, and saved thousands of lives.

“And for months with those disciplines of social distancing we have kept that virus at bay.

“But we have to acknowledge this this is a great and freedom-loving country; and while the vast majority have complied with the rules there have been too many breaches – too many opportunities for our invisible enemy to slip through undetected.

“The virus has started to spread again in an exponential way.

Infections are up, hospital admissions are climbing.”

He added: “The tragic reality of having covid is that your mild cough can be someone else’s death knell.”

He added that it was not realistic to “lock up the elderly and vulnerable” for the rest of the population to continue as normal.

“If we are forced into a new national lockdown, it would mean renewed loneliness and it would threaten once again the education of our children,” the Prime Minister added.

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 5

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

CORONAVIRUS LATEST

Council to buy Covid-19 swabs EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk “WE ARE preparing for the worst, and hoping for the best.”

That’s the message from the executive member for health and wellbeing on Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Charles Margetts.

He says that the council is doing everything it can to get ready for the second wave of the coronavirus, and is planning to spend £120,000 on privately sourced Covid-19 tests for the borough’s keyworkers if a plan is passed by the council’s executive tonight (Thursday).

The move comes after the government-backed system runs into problems, with people struggling to book tests or being asked to travel to the other end of the country to receive one.

Executive member for adult social care Cllr Charles Margetts said: “We could sit around and wait for the national system to be sorted out – but I’d rather we took action to protect our people.

“All through this crisis we have acted quickly to keep people as safe as possible and, once again, we are

having to act at a local level.

“We did the same thing with PPE (sourcing our own supply when the national supply was struggling) and with care homes when we instigated our own controls to stop hospital patients being admitted to homes with Covid-19 and put a task force in place to make sure homes were ready.

“The kits we are looking to buy provide the whole service – tests, transfer to labs, lab analysis capacity, results returned within 48 hours and notification of any positives to Public Health England – they are the real deal.”

It is anticipated that the tests will be ready to be used from October 5.

The private testing facility is just one of a number of measures that the council is currently preparing ahead of any second wave of the coronavirus within Wokingham borough. However, compared to other parts of the country, the number of cases is still low.

Last week, Wokingham Borough Council said that it had been lobbying the government for adequate local testing facilities, and it was asking residents to help by calling 111 if they felt they had Covid symptoms.

The council added that priority is being given to areas where there are more Covid cases, so Wokingham borough, with a lower number of reported cases, has less capacity.

While the government has argued that an increase in demand is being caused by people asking for a test when they don’t need one, there are also concerns that we are heading for a second wave.

In a statement, Meradin Peachey, acting director of Public Health Berkshire, said: “The testing system is prioritising areas of the country where there are higher levels of Covid infections.

“Berkshire has lower case numbers than elsewhere and in the last week over 97% tests on Berkshire residents were negative.”

At a virtual council meeting, held on Thursday, September 17, Cllr Charles Margetts told the chamber: “Wokingham is a very low-risk area for Covid and everyone is working very hard to keep it that way.

“The NHS Track and Trace app will be live on September 24, there

have been months of work to get this ready. We’ve looked at the other apps on the market and I’m convinced that this is by far the best one, I’d encourage all members, residents and local businesses to adopt it. It’s a key part of how we fight Covid.”

He added that the response to Covid in the Wokingham borough community will be changing and “what we call community response part two” will be launching soon.

“This has an emphasis on mental health, aimed at helping people who are at home, facing loneliness or “too scared to come out and need support”.

Speaking to Wokingham.Today after the meeting, Cllr Margetts said: “There are obviously well-known problems with testing, which we’re extremely cross about,” he said. “We have made the decision to buy testing, and reserve capacity for swab tests.

“Assuming the executive approve this purchase on Thursday, they will be available by early October.”

And he said that by taking this action, it ensures that the council’s keyworkers, such as adult services, social workers, educational staff, can receive Covid-19 tests if needed.

“If there is another outbreak, people can get access to testing quickly,” Cllr Margetts said.

If approved, the council will draw up criteria for the test allocation and will monitor the national testing capacity and local use of kits to decide if more are needed.

The social distancing rules

2M � In England, a maximum of six people from multiple households can meet up both indoors and outdoors — in private homes, pubs, restaurants and parks � If the six people are from one household, no social distancing is required � If the six people at a social gathering are from various households, each person from each household must keep two metres from each other.

This is the case for indoor and outdoor settings and all hospitality venues should be catering to this rule � In England, if someone cannot stay two metres away from another person they can stay one metre plus — this means wearing a face covering � A social bubble can be created when a singleperson household, or a single-parent household with children under 18 joins with one other household for support � Anyone who tests positive for Covid-19 must selfisolate at home for 14 days along with their entire household and support bubble � However, the person who tests positive must also keep two metres away from their household and social bubble

6 | NEWS

Broad Street offices to become rental flats OFFICES in Wokingham town centre will be transformed into new flats after approval was granted earlier this year.

London-based Weetman Developments will convert offices at 42 Broad Street into 16 rental apartments.

The site will have 26 parking spaces, bicycle, motorbike and bin storage and there are plans to install 14 electric car charging points, five of which will be active when tenants move in.

Director Hugh Mckay said the redevelopment of Wokingham town centre motivated him to invest in the borough.

He told Wokingham.Today: “I knew all about the redevelopment of the town including Peach Place and Elms Field. There’s lots of green space with the park just behind, and it’s very well connected.

“There will be 11 one-bedroom and five twobedroom apartments, but no studios. They’ll be proper apartments with separate bedrooms. And the living areas will be open plan.”

Mr Mckay said he hopes to have a show flat ready by the end of November, and welcome tenants into the building by late March next year.

Plastic Free Home Q&A REGULAR Wokingham.Today columnist, Dave Lamont, the founder of online community Plastic Free Home, will be hosting a live Q&A on Facebook tonight, at 8pm.

He will be joined by Kate Cottrell, the founder of Fleet-based zero waste business Scoop to answer questions about how we can all reduce our carbon footprints and live more sustainably.

He said: “We’ve already received some really interesting questions via plasticfreehome@ gmail.com, ranging from ‘I want to make changes but where do I start?’, to ‘which tea or coffee should I buy buying?’

“We look forward to answering these any many more this evening.” � To join the session or to ask a question, visit www.facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

Councils progress on plan for SEND school at Winnersh Farm EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS FOR a new school in Winnersh will take the next step this evening as the executive committee discusses a land lease.

The borough council is proposing to build a special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) school at Winnersh Farm, but the executive committee need to discuss the lease of the site to the Department for Education (DfE).

If approval is granted, the 125year lease will allow the DfE to prepare detailed designs for consultation with Winnersh residents later this year.

The free school would cater for 150 children and young people of all ages from Wokingham and Reading.

It has been backed by Wokingham

and Reading Borough Councils in partnership with Brighter Futures for Children.

And if built, it will be funded by the DfE and managed by the Maiden Erlegh Trust.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council, said the new school would bring huge benefits for young people and their families.

“Reducing the need to travel long distances out of the borough each day, allowing children to benefit from the wider school experience and a high quality education as well as reduce pressure on families who have to work their lives around a much longer school day,” she said.

“There would also be wider financial benefits for Wokingham which could see a saving of between £1.5 million and £2.2 million a year when compared to the cost of

providing more expensive out of area places.”

Cllr Ashley Pearce, Reading Borough Council’s lead member for education, said he is delighted to see the project progress: “High quality SEND provision close to home is essential for a child’s education and wellbeing.

“Alongside other new provisions, this new site would provide huge benefits to children and families in Reading. I look forward to further progress being made over the next few months.”

Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat lead for education and Winnersh councillor said she was happy to see the plans progress.

She told Wokingham.Today: “I think most people understand we need the provision in the borough.

It’s a win-win for everybody — it’s very necessary.”

If the lease is approved, public

consultation will begin later this year with a planning application submitted early next year.

It is hoped to open to pupils in September 2022.

And the plans to build approximately 150 new homes next door is still on the cards. Included in the draft Local Plan Update, some of the remaining site will be used for new homes with access off Woodward Close.

Cllr Bray said Winnersh Parish Council had suggested a SEND school and 20 to 30 affordable homes nearby. But she is concerned the borough council and private developers may build more than 150 homes at the farm site.

Any plans for housing development would be brought forward for public engagement nearer the time, and the borough council said new houses will not affect the existing allotments.

Earley mayor celebrates new shop opening on Silverdale Road ON SATURDAY, the Earley town mayor helped launch a new community store on Silverdale Road.

Cllr David Hare cut the ribbon to open Fad, a new fruit, vegetable and halal butchery shop.

And it will soon

operate as a Post Office as well.

Shop owner Fadi Ibrahim said: “I have been truly humbled by the many messages of goodwill received from residents.

“My dream of opening this type of business to serve people where I live has now finally come true.

“I am trying hard to get the Post Office open as soon as

possible. In the meantime, I look forward to meeting even more of our residents, who will all receive a very warm welcome.”

Cllr Hare said: “It is wonderful that you have chosen to invest within our local community. People have also told me how much they have been looking forward to shopping with you.”

Earley town mayor, Cllr David Hare (right) cuts the ribbon to open Fadi Ibrahim’s (centre) new shop, Fad Picture: Cllr Andrew Mickleburgh

Medical analysts win £75,000 research funding to help patients

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk HEALTH CARE data analysts from Reading have clinched a £75,000 funding award to study patient data at the Royal Berkshire Hospital Teams from the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Reading are working together to analyse the care of patients with pressure ulcers which, if not properly managed, can

Eghosa Bazuaye

be life threatening.

The grant from the Health Foundation charity will fund the research using hospital electronic records, to improve the clinical outcome and shorten the length of time someone needs to stay in hospital.

The team hopes their framework will prove useful in the future for clinicians dealing with other health care areas.

Eghosa Bazuaye (left), associate director of informatics at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust said: “The Royal Berkshire Hospital has been on an exciting digital journey over the last few years, and this programme offers a great opportunity to gain further value from our increasing wealth of electronic data by showing the potential and

benefit of using analytics to directly improve the care and outcome of our patients.”

The study is one of 10 across the UK to receive a funding boost from the Health Foundation as part of its Advancing Applied Analytics programme.

Ellen Coughlan, programme manager at the Health Foundation, said: “Analysis can help shape care for individual patients, as well as inform decisions for services or across organisations and health systems.

“Our Advancing Applied Analytics programme aims to increase capability and capacity with regards to analytics.

“The 10 projects we have selected will demonstrate how better analysis can lead to better patient care.”

NEWS | 7

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

No trees to be harmed in country park renovations

Hurst charity inundated with support after call for donations EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk A HURST charity has been inundated with support after a call for donations last week.

First Days Children’s Charity provides clothes and essentials for families across the borough, but has seen a recent demand for beds and bedding.

Last week, CEO and founder Emma Cantrell posted on social media calling for new single duvets and pillows.

Within an hour, all of the duvets the charity has storage space for were purchased, with donations arriving later in the week.

Charity staff said they were blown away by the influx of help, and Ms Cantrell said similar instances are increasingly common.

“Since the beginning of this year, whenever we’ve asked for things, they’ve come to us,” she explained.

“In the current situation, people are feeling powerless. They can see a lot of need, and are questioning what they can do to help.”

Ms Cantrell said the charity, which was founded almost eight years ago, has built up a “loyal band of supporters” who regularly donate items in short supply.

ways to help, Ms Cantrell said.

But she is apprehensive about the winter season ahead.

“We’re really bracing ourselves — it’s going to get pretty desperate,” she said. “There have been lots of requests for beds and I expect that over the next few weeks, essentials such as nappies and wipes will be in high demand.”

On Monday, Reading Toy Run announced the annual event was cancelled this year (see page 9).

“They’ve helped us the last couple of years too,” added Ms Cantrell. “This year I think there will be more demand than ever.

“And if supermarkets cannot host The Giving Tree, there will be more demand on us.

“We will be launching our Christmas wish list next month, as we need to get donations in and then back out again.

“We need to reassure families that they’ll have gifts to give.”

The charity issues a new donation list each month, as it has limited warehouse storage space.

Emma Cantrell in the First Days warehouse in March – the charity is receiving September donation requests around 20 Amazon parcels every day, as people buy items from its wish list include pressure fit stair gates and “Two weeks ago we ran out of “And we’re regularly receiving extenders, weaning items, new bottles, changing mats, baby baby toiletries,” she added. “And 20 parcels a day to our office.” there was the same outpouring of Part of the increase in donations monitors, toiletries and bedding. support. could be due to canceled charity � For more information about the exact “We make donating pretty simple events and fundraisers, needs, and to donate, visit: bit.ly/ with our Amazon wishlist. leading residents to find other FirstDaysSeptember

THE COUNCIL will not chop down any trees or hedges in its plan to upgrade a Finchampstead play area.

After launching a public consultation on plans to upgrade California Country Park, residents were concerned about the impact it would have on the natural environment.

Now, Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council has confirmed that these ecological issues will be prioritised.

“We asked residents for feedback on our proposals and they told us they wanted us to ensure we protected what is special about California Country Park,” he said. “We listened and made sure the existing trees and hedges will remain and that the new facilities do not impact the ecologically sensitive areas in the country park.”

Once built, the park will be filled with new equipment, an inclusive sensory and water play area, a new woodland adventure trail and tree houses.

There will be new surfacing and more seating, along with additional toilets. A new changing places was recently installed.

The play area will be closed from Monday, October 5, and construction will begin soon after, with facilities opening in the spring.

Cllr Batth added: “This is such an exciting time to live in Wokingham Borough. We are building so many new facilities, including schools, major new roads, nature parks, leisure centres and now another new destination play park for families to enjoy.

“The new play park at California Country Park will have something for everyone, including equipment for children with special needs and disabilities. We have already upgraded the car parking facilities and the toilets, in anticipation of an increase of visitors to the new destination play park.”

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Take One Small Step for free and discover a path to freedom ‘The 12 Steps gives you a system to change the way you think, feel, and relate—it can bring about total change in anyone who does it.’

Russell Brand I work in a rehabilitation centre for men addicted to drugs and alcohol – so I had heard of Alcoholics Anonymous and the 12 Steps.

It was for them: for those broken and desperate men to get back on track.

I could see that if they worked them properly it really did work, they changed. Over the years I have become fascinated by the Steps: the surrender, letting go, the making amends and the inevitable deepening of relationship with yourself, others and your higher power.

I have come to realise that we are all broken in some way or have some hurts, behaviours, relationships or habits that prevent us from being the best version of ourselves.

But going to a Steps group is scary and what would it be like? And what would people think of me? And my problem isn’t that bad or it really is admitting that there is something really wrong with me.

I had all these thoughts.

And so, I sat with my anxiety and let it fester and grow, and I let it affect my relationships and the way I do life and I hid it well and I could go on and on doing that.

But I want to live life to the full, and I want to find freedom from the anxiety that sometimes binds me, and I want to change so that this pattern isn’t passed down to my children.

At the beginning of the year I found a Steps programme called Celebrate Recovery – but due to COVID it can’t happen yet – like so many things!

And I want others to join me, but others are scared too, because they know even less about the Steps than me.

So, this is how I came up with One Small Step.

It is a free six-week online course.

Each week a guest speaker who is working the Steps will share with us their story and how the Steps are working for them.

Their stories vary massively, as all our stories do – stories around alcohol, anxiety, perfectionism, eating disorders, relationships etc.

The online course will honour the Steps tradition of anonymity, no one will ask why you are there and there is no pressure to do anything other than listen.

At the end of the course we can direct you to a Steps programme that might be suitable for you.

Come because you’re interested, come because you’re desperate to change, come because you want to help someone else … just come as you are.

One Small Step takes place on Wednesdays at 8pm from 7th October over Zoom. It is in partnership with Wokingham Baptist Church and the Salvation Army and is for anyone of any faith or none. � For further details and to book on email: anna@wokinghambaptist.org.uk

Are you stuck in rut, overworked?

Do you suffer with addiction, anxiety or an unhealthy habit?

Whatever the behaviour, however big or small, there is hope for change…

Have you ever wondered what the 12 Steps to recovery are?

Could working the 12 steps help you or someone you love?

See how it’s helped others and how it can help you Through the ease of a zoom call, in your own space, listen to other people’s stories to freedom through working the 12 Steps to recovery. Find out exactly what the 12 Steps are and how they can help you or a loved one do life better. ‘One Small Step’ is a

six-week

online course, starting on 7th October 2020 – more details soon. For further info contacts below anna@wokinghambaptist.org.uk 0118 978 7174

8 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

WiFi worry: ‘In today’s world, it’s important to have faster internet’ EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk A RESIDENT in Winnersh has spoken out about internet connectivity problems in the area.

According to Graham Bedwell, there are often phone and broadband outages, leaving the community with slow communication networks.

“There was a faulty telephone exchange in west Wokingham, and it was a week before the issue was resolved,” he explained.

“In general, neighbours and myself are often suffering from slow phone and broadband connections.”

The internet and telephone cables connected to Mr Bedwell’s property are supplied

by Openreach.

He added: “I find it really hard to get in touch with Openreach when there’s an issue because I’m with a different provider.

“They provide most of the infrastructure, and my provider

The Superfast Berkshire programme is progressing Picture: Sean MacEntee

buys a lump of usage from them, so I find it very hard to resolve any slow phone and internet problems.”

According to thinkbroadband, 97.2% of Wokingham borough is currently connected to superfast broadband — when internet runs at least 30 megabits per second.

But many residents say they experience connection problems when using the telephone and broadband networks.

And those who live in areas which are not currently connected to superfast coverage may be eligible for faster connections soon.

This is because the Superfast Berkshire programme, a project which has been running since 2013, is in its final stages.

The project intends to deliver faster internet coverage to 99.6% of buildings in the county, including homes in Wokingham borough.

It has now entered phase

three, which means more homes will have superfast broadband by next summer.

As part of the third phase, Openreach and Gigaclear are installing superfast connections to areas which are still without fast internet access.

Currently, Gigaclear is rolling out superfast broadband to Arborfield, Binfield, Finchamp-stead, Hurst, Swallowfield and Wargrave.

And Openreach will extend superfast-capable broadband to Barkham, Shinfield, Woodley and Winnersh.

“In today’s world, especially in the new world where a lot of people are working from home, I think it’s important for people to have the choice to connect to faster internet if they wish,” said Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development at Wokingham Borough Council.

“I think the borough’s internet access can only get better.

“A few months ago, I might have thought differently.

“As more networks expand in the region and competition grows, things are only going to improve,” he added.

Areas that are not due to receive faster broadband from the Superfast Berkshire programme are eligible to apply for the Government’s Gigabit Voucher Broadband Scheme.

It offers a £1,500 voucher to homes in rural areas with low broadband speeds, and £3,500 vouchers to small to mediumsized businesses, to support the cost of installing new broadband connections.

Residents who are not Openreach customers but are experiencing slow broadband and telephone connections like Mr Bedwell, can contact their communications provider about any issues they are facing.

Then, their provider will raise the problem with Openreach directly. � For more information about phase three of the Superfast Berkshire programme, bit.ly/ WokinghamInternet

NHS research patients double MORE THAN 8,000 people have been involved in medical studies at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust this year.

This is double the number of people who joined clinical studies last year.

There were also 1,195 participants in community settings such as GP practices, compared to 658 last year.

These studies included a drug trial to treat prostate cancer if the disease has returned following surgery, a survey on the experiences of adults with autism, surgery for tongue-tie to help babies breastfeed and collecting blood samples from people with Lewy body dementia to understand the genetics of the condition.

Leslie Mokogwu, research and development manager at Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is a credit to our patients who have altruistically contributed their time to participate in research and our research teams who have remained enthusiastic, compassionate and resourceful in delivering high standards of research care.” � For more information, visit: www.bepartofresearch.uk

Fireworks off in Earley

Bikers cancel toy run, but festive gifts still wanted

By PHIL CREIGHTON

Bikers wear fancy dress and decorate their bikes for the annual toy run – but this year’s event has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic Picture: Phil Creighton

news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

IT’S ONE of the biggest days in Wokingham’s calendar, but it’s also another casualty of the pandemic. This year’s Reading Toy Run is being replaced with a toy dump instead.

In normal times, around 2,500 bikers wear festive fancy dress to take part in a ride from the former Foster Wheeler building in Shinfield to High Close School.

Each one brings a toy to donate to Barnardo’s, which are then distributed to children across the country.

It’s a massive undertaking which sees thousands of people take to the streets of Lower Earley, Winnersh and Wokingham to watch the procession as it snakes through the borough.

Organiser Ben Spiller is devastated that the usual event has had to be cancelled because of Covid-19.

“With 2,500 motorbikes, we just can’t do it,” he said.

“With all the crowds on the sides of the roads, and the social distancing, it’s just not possible to do safely.

“We’re very sad, but it’s one

NEWS | 9

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

of those things we can’t do anything about.

“Some people come a hell of a long way to take part.”

To replace the ride, the Reading Christian Bikers Group is organising a toy dump, which will run on Sunday, December 6. Bikers can turn up at High Close School between 10am and 3pm and leave gifts in the car park. Places for this should be booked in advance so that the traffic can be staggered.

There will also be collection points set up across the region, and a Just Giving

page for donations will be launched so that people who can’t attend the event but want to donate a present can still do so.

Mr Spiller said: “The gifts will be left for 24 hours (for safety reasons) and then distributed across the country.

“We’re doing all we can to ensure children have a Happy Christmas.”

Mark Shears, principal of High Close School, added: “Children’s charity Barnardo’s is sincerely grateful for the continuing support of the

Reading Toy Run during these difficult times.

“Sadly there will be many families struggling to cope this Christmas and wondering how they can afford to provide some festive cheer for their children.

“However, these donations will remind them they are not alone and not forgotten, and will put a smile on the faces of lots of children.

“All of the toys will be safely quarantined before being sorted by our staff and distributed to families across the south east.”

AN ANNUAL fundraising event that raises thousands every year has been cancelled as organisers fear they cannot run the event safely during the coronavirus pandemic.

Woodley and Earley Lions usually hold a fireworks display in Laurel Park on the nearest Saturday to November 5. This year’s event had been planned to take place on November 7, but it has been axed.

It attracts hundreds of people every year and is run in conjunction with Laurel Park football club.

A club spokesperson said: “Continuing uncertainties around Covid-19 protocols and the ever changing circumstances and regulations which may apply right up to the day of the event with

regards to social distancing, make it impossible to sensibly complete in advance all of the detailed planning for this major charity community event.

“This is a major blow to Lions’ fundraising for this year, so we ask you to consider making a donation through our website to enable us to continue with charitable donations in support of our local community.”

Each year, the event costs £11,000 to organise — a cost the Lions say they cannot afford to lose.

In anticipation of better times, a firework event has been scheduled for Saturday, November 6, 2021. � For more information, visit: www.e-clubhouse.org

New coffee shop prepares to open THE BOROUGH is to get a new coffee shop.

Costa Coffee is making final preparations for its new branch which will open tomorrow (Friday).

Based in The Square off Chalfont Way in Lower Earley, the café will use Covid-safe measures to protect visitors and feature the chain’s usual menu of coffees, sandwiches and cakes.

A Costa Coffee spokesperson, said: “We’re delighted to confirm the opening of a brand new Costa Coffee.

“The store, which has created seven new jobs, will allow for coffee enthusiasts to easily pick up their favourite handcrafted coffee, such as the Flat White featuring Costa Coffee’s signature Mocha-Italia blend.

“Customers will also be able to purchase a delicious selection of sweet and savoury treats including our award-winning Vegan Smoky Ham & CheeZe Toastie, our classic Ham & Cheese Toastie and our bestselling British Smoked Bacon bap.

“Those with a sweet tooth will be able to sample the new Caramel Bramley Apple Tart or the mouthwatering Chocolate Torte.

“Customers can rest assured that enhanced safety measures and hygiene procedures that align with government guidelines have been put in place including perspex screens at counters and two-metre floor signs. We look forward to opening our doors and playing an active role in the local community.”

ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Warren Lodge: Caring for all our residents, in so many different ways

W

HAT makes a home special? It’s all down to care.

And care is something that we have an abundance of at Warren Lodge.

Our Finchampstead home is nestled in two-and-a-half acres with beautiful views of farmland. There’s plenty of space and fresh air, there’s some gorgeous countryside and it’s all in a secure environment so our residents can feel safe living here.

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

But there’s more to Warren Lodge than just a building and grounds.

What makes us special is our care. Over the past few weeks, we’ve looked at different ways in which our team keep on caring – and it all stems from a sign on the wall of centre manager Goce Kostadinovski. It reads, simply, ‘This is our residents’ home, I only work here’. It’s a reminder to the team that Warren Lodge is home for its residents, so they deserve to be treated with dignity, care and respect.

Goce says: “In our home, we have lots of people involved in the care of our residents. Apart from the care staff there are people who you hardly see or hear about, but you know they are there.

“They are that important part of the daily lives of our residents as they make sure the residents’ home is clean, safe and well looked after.

“This is the Team that goes above and beyond in everything they do especially through these difficult times.”

Here, he introduces his hidden heroes who make Warren Lodge a home.

0118 973 4576

Housekeeping Team You might not always see a member of the housekeeping team, but you know there are there as they keep our home a clean and safe place to live and work.

I have special admiration for each member of this team, led by the housekeeping manager Lin, for the wonderful work they are doing around infection control and keeping Covid-19 away from Warren Lodge. Over the past few months, they have gone above and beyond to keep us safe.

Lina and her team make Warren Lodge smell like a home and thanks to these wonderful people, we not just look good, but we are also safer.

Kitchen Department We continue to enjoy the delicious food prepared with love and care and delivered with a smile from each member of the kitchen team.

Our chef enjoys being creative – nothing is too difficult for him when a resident has a special request outside the menu.

With his team, he keeps everyone well-nourished not just with the tasty meal choices but with his upbeat and can-do attitude.

Warren Lodge, Warren Lane, Wokingham, RG40 4HR

Clockwise from left: Dragi paints a door, the Warren Lodge housekeeping team, the life enrichment team and the kitchen crew

www.foresthc.com

Maintenance Sometimes things don’t go to plan – a light bulb goes, or a fuse pops. When that happens, we only think of one person – that is our maintenance manager Dragi.

He is our painter and decorator, roof fixer, maintenance person and even gardener.

Thank you Dragi for your hard work and for keeping everything working as it should.

Life enrichment The life enrichment team under Melody’s leadership are certainly first in entertainment for our residents.

Her creative activities from singing to dancing, from quizzes to movie nights are an important part of what makes Warren Lodge special.

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

10 | BUSINESS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

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

Thousands of businesses sign up for youth Kickstart Scheme

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk HUNDREDS of organisations have signed up to the Government’s Kickstart Scheme.

The initiative, which supports businesses to hire young people on Universal Credit, has a £2 billion backing from the Government.

So far, more than 500 organisations have signed up to help small businesses with the scheme.

They will help firms with their applications and support young people in their Kickstart role.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), representing one in every 15 British employers was among the first to sign up.

With 165,000 members, it is helping small and medium sized employers to submit an application for the scheme.

Work and Pensions secretary, Therese Coffey said: “I am delighted that FSB has signed up to be a national gateway – their work across the country with small business will give SMEs the confidence and support to offer places through the Kickstart Scheme.

“Our Kickstart Scheme was designed with employers of all sizes in mind. It is extremely encouraging to see hundreds of organisations all stepping up to help Britain build back better.”

She added: “Our growing list of gateways will make it easier for smaller employers to find their local gateways who will support their application and help provide wrap around support for the young people who get onto the scheme.

“We are also encouraging more organisations to step forward as gateways to support this national effort and get behind the career ambitions of the next generation.”

FSB national chairman Mike Cherry, said: “Small businesses are embedded in local communities and disproportionately take on those who face barriers when finding work.

“The Kickstart initiative marks a crucial intervention, with young people’s job prospects now hit particularly hard by Covid-19, and small businesses under significant pressure.

“It will help small firms create thousands of good quality opportunities for young people at risk of long term unemployment.

“We have worked closely with Government to make Kickstart accessible for small firms, and look forward to announcing FSB’s own

plans as an intermediary very shortly, alongside a diversity of good quality local intermediaries through local authorities, the voluntary sector and others.”

Launched earlier this month, more than 6,000 employers started an application in the first 24 hours of the Kickstart Scheme opening.

The Government will fully fund each Kickstart placement — paying 100% of the age-relevant National Minimum Wage, National Insurance and pension contributions for 25 hours a week.

Employers will be able to top up the wage, and the Government will also pay employers £1,500 to set up support and training for people on a Kickstart placement, pay for uniforms and other set up costs.

It is hoped the jobs will give young people the opportunity to build their skills and gain experience to find long-term work in the future.

The contract lasts for six months and people will be enrolled by their Jobcentre work coach. � For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/guidance/find-someoneto-apply-for-a-kickstart-schemegrant-on-your-behalf

Paralympian joins motivational webinar ATHLETE and Paralympian for Great Britain, Aaron Phipps is making a virtual appearance with the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce.

On Wednesday, October 14, the Wheelchair Rugby player will take part in a motivational webinar to give an insight into his story and how he became the sportsman he is today.

“Having faced so much anguish and setback early in my life, I didn’t want it to ever detract me or hold me back from achieving my personal goals I set for myself,” Mr Phipps said.

“Over the years I’ve learnt a lot, and the motivation and drive needed to be a success in any field.”

Mr Phipps began his sporting journey when he completed a 10km fundraising wheelchair race for the Meningitis Research Foundation.

He then went onto wheelchair racing in two London Marathons.

“Then, I was asked to join the GB Wheelchair Rugby squad and subsequently selected for the 2012 London Paralympic Games,” he added.

Today, Mr Phipps is listed as one of the top 100 most influential people in the UK with a disability.

Gavin Spencer, head of membership at the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, said: “It's fantastic to have Aaron on board to present his webinar and get an insight into his life.

“It’s set to be a truly engaging and inspirational discussion.” � To book a space, visit: bit.ly/AaronPhipps

‘Get help before furlough scheme ends’ BUSINESS owners in Wokingham borough are being told to “act now” to avoid problems when the furlough scheme ends, writes Charlotte King.

This is according to Garry Lee (right), regional chair of R3’s South and Thames Valley region.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme closes at the end of next month, but Mr Lee is advising employers who are concerned about meeting wage commitments to seek advice now. “[The Scheme] has clearly made an existential difference to thousands of companies in the South and Thames Valley which would have undoubtedly faced financial distress had the scheme not been available,” he said.

But with support measures coming to an end, Mr Lee fears that insolvencies will rise and “the true impact” of the pandemic will become apparent.

According to the British Chambers of Commerce, two thirds of British businesses have used the Government’s furlough scheme.

“Business owners in Wokingham can’t afford to put their heads in the sand,” Mr Lee added.

“Taking advice early, rather than a ‘wait and see’ approach, will be the best way to keep job losses to a minimum, and could even be the difference which means the business remains viable.

“We would urge anyone in Wokingham who is concerned about the future of their business to seek advice from a qualified, regulated insolvency professional as early as possible.”

CEO joins Thames Valley LEP voluntary sector board THE CEO of a Slough-based film and Television production company has been appointed to the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Board.

Dominique Unsworth MBE, from Resource Productions CIC, said: “I am excited to help the LEP develop its thinking around People and Place.

“Making the most of the groups and skills we have and connecting them to a shared vision will benefit all Berkshire residents.”

Ms Unsworth has already spent three years on the LEP Forum, and is now joining the Board for the Voluntary and Community Sector.

“Our biggest challenge is our success,” she continued. “National government will be asking more and

more of us, while potentially reducing investment.

“We will need to focus our energies on those who most need economic support, whilst maintaining our international reputation.”

Ms Unsworth has been recognised for her work with young people and community groups in the past, being awarded a British Empire Medal in 2014 and an MBE in 2019.

Bob Beveridge, chair of Thames Valley Partnership LEP added: “Dominique’s affinity with Thames Valley Berkshire and passion for empowering underrepresented groups will be invaluable in helping the LEP drive key activities in the post-Covid-19 climate.”

Awards postponed

the lockdown period, so postponing the awards ceremony not only gives them more time to enter, but also ensures we can take the necessary safety measures.”

Businesses can submit entries for a wide range of awards, including Charity of the Year, SME of the Year, and Management Team of the Year.

The event will be held on Thursday, March 18, next year.

Nomination deadline is Friday, January 8.

THIS YEAR’S Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards have been postponed due to the pandemic.

The awards are open to all companies in the Thames Valley region. And businesses have been given extra time to submit entries.

David Murray, founder and managing director of Elcot Media & Events Ltd, said: “We understand that many businesses are only just getting back on their feet following

� For more information, visit: businessawards.co.uk

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Station bridge repairs rejected over historical material concerns EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokinghampaper.co.uk PLANS TO restore the Wokingham Station footbridge were rejected by planning officers on Tuesday, causing frustration for residents.

The Grade II listed walkway was due to be repaired by Network Rail, who submitted plans to replace the timber flooring with a hard-wearing fibreglass.

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, one of three ward councillors for Emmbrook — which boundary includes the station — said she had been campaigning for the repairs to be made for three years.

She said the modern materials caused concern for planning officers, who wanted the bridge to be restored to match the original timber.

But Network Rail said the fibreglass has a longer life span, which would extend the life of the structure.

Cllr Bishop-Firth told Wokingham.Today: “We are delighted that Network Rail are taking action. The bridge is a historical asset and the only one of its kind still in operation in the country.

“We’re now talking about some fine points, and I really hope that this can be restored for future generations.”

But Cllr Daniel Hinton, councillor for neighbouring Evendons and member of the Wokingham Town Council planning committee was less optimistic about the future repairs.

“I’m frustrated it didn’t go to the borough council planning committee,” he said. “It should have gone to local councillors to discuss. If it’s not repaired, what happens next?”

Cllr Hinton said he was unable to list the planning application to go to committee debate because the station falls within Emmbrook ward, not Evendons.

“I expected it to come to the borough’s planning committee as it recently came to the town council committee — where we sat down and went through it,” he said.

“I would question why the Emmbrook councillors did not list it.”

He added: “They could submit or appeal, but we’re talking about Network Rail — they’ve got the whole country to be looking after, are they going to be thinking about one bridge in Wokingham?

“It’s taken three years to get to

Woodley vandals snap community trees in half TWO TREES, which were planted as part of a fundraising initiative, were vandalised in Woodley earlier this month, writes Charlotte King.

The trees on Woodlands Avenue, near Addington School and The Bulmershe School, were found snapped in half.

Woodley resident Daniel Powell, who discovered the damage on Monday, September 7, said: “Seeing them really upsets me. It took a lot of time and effort, and a lot of emotion to put the trees there.

“The project is something for everybody to enjoy, so vandalising the trees is a horrid thing to do.

“It’s unnecessary, don’t do it.

Please don’t do it.”

In 2017, more than 60 trees were planted by a group of pupils in Woodley and Earley as part of CommuniTrees.

It was a project designed to encourage partnership between neighbouring schools in the area.

And the trees were planted with the help of many organisations, including Loddon Vale Rotary Club and Woodley Stars who collectively donated £1,000 to the initiative.

Melanie Eastwood, an organiser of CommuniTrees, said: “My heart went into that project and I’ve worked so hard to keep these trees alive.

“I’m personally invested in the trees, as are many other people, because so much work went into getting them planted.”

Ms Eastwood said that she was relieved to see that only two of the

Picture: Daniel Powell

64 trees had been damaged.

“We’re not impressed that the trees have been disrespected,” she added.

“But it’s been nice to see how many people are interested and are giving us support right now.”

Mr Powell has since reported the vandalism to the community policing team in Woodley.

Network Rail’s plans to refurbish Wokingham’s historic railway bridge were rejected due to the modern materials suggested Picture: Phil Creighton

this stage, is it going to take another three years?”

Cllr Hinton said the bridge repairs have become increasingly important to provide a safe walking route to the town centre, and questioned whether residents would take a detour via Molly Millars Lane or via Mount Pleasant on the Oxford Road if the bridge broke.

Peter Must, from the Wokingham Society, said he hopes Network Rail will submit amended plans quickly.

The society, which had strongly supported the application, also joined calls for the firm to use timber for the steps.

School donations A TWYFORD school is organising a fundraiser next month to help anyone with their lockdown clearout.

Polehampton School is collecting good quality clothes, shoes, accessories and household linens

Hearing the decision notice on Wednesday morning, he reached out to Network Rail about their plans to submit another application.

“They’re meeting on Thursday (today) to discuss it,” Mr Must said.

“We’re hoping for a quick reapplication that addresses planning officer concerns — we’ve got to be optimistic.”

The bridge was originally made from double-headed rails, with sleepers for the steps.

Some sleepers and rails were replaced in the 1980s (in the latter case by bull-head rails) during British Rail maintenance.

with the Bags2School initiative.

Residents are being encouraged to donate items cleared out during any coronavirus clearout.

The collection will be at Loddon Hall car park from 8am to 9am Thursday, October 1.

Donations can be delivered in a bin bag or suitable alternative.

NEWS | 11

Free winter flu vaccine criteria have increased MORE PEOPLE are eligible for the flu vaccine this year, as part of a drive to boost public health.

For the first time, children in Year 7, and household contacts and carers of those on the NHS shielded patient list, are all eligible for the free vaccination.

These groups are in addition to people aged over 65, those under 65 with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, children aged two and three and children in primary school.

By doing this, the NHS hopes around 4.5 million people in the South East will be vaccinated for flu this winter, almost a 50% increase from last year.

Vaughan Lewis, medical director for NHS England and NHS Improvement’s South East region said: “This year with both the flu virus and Covid-19 circulating flu immunisation is more important than ever to reduce infections, protect each other and protect the NHS. “There is an expanded list of priority groups this year and we are offering the vaccine to children aged from two to 11, as well as those over the age of 65 and anyone with chronic illness including diabetes and weight problems.

“So, if you have a Body Mass Index of more than 40 or a chronic illness or learning disability, look after yourself and protect the NHS by having the flu jab.”

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.

People aged between 50 and 64 who are not in a clinical at-risk group may also be offered a free flu vaccination later in the year, providing there is enough vaccine available.

To book a flu vaccine, contact your local GP.

Job support centre opens FOLLOWING temporary closure, Wokingham Job Support Centre has now reopened its doors.

The charity offers coaching and advice, including interview and CV training, and has helped nearly 11,000 people find employment over the years.

It is currently operating by appointment only. � To find out more or to speak to an advisor, visit: www.wjscadvisors.org.uk/contact

12 |

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Father & Daughter Run Business Based in Twyford Book your no obligation consultation today, or visit our fantastic showroom WOOD FLOORING LAMINATE FLOORING CARPET

0118 934 3328

High Street, Twyford, RG10 9AB

thefloorstorecompany.co.uk clare@thefloorstorecompany.co.uk

robert@thefloorstorecompany.co.uk

- Bouquets- Floral Arrangements - BespokeWedding Floral Design - Sympathy Flowers- Gifts for that specialoccasionDelivery in the local area.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

SHOP OUT TO ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

It’s safe to shop, and where

D

URING August, millions of us took advantage of the Government’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

The allure of a half-price meal was a good one and it saw people flock back to restaurants, cafes, pubs and diners.

After months of lockdown, it was a shot in the arm for the hospitality industry.

But there was an added benefit: it brought people back to our high streets, ensuring that local businesses received patronage and support from customers they hadn’t seen since February.

While the dining out offer has finished, shops remain open for business and, with Covid-safe measures in place, customers can buy with confidence.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the latest measures and stressed that he does not want to see a return to the full lockdown.

“We will ensure that businesses can stay open in a Covid-compliant way,” he said.

“We can draw some comfort from the fact that schools and universities and places of worship

are staying open, shops can serve their customers, construction workers can go to building sites, and the vast majority of the UK economy can continue moving forwards.”

Wokingham borough is blessed with several great shopping centres, offering a unique range of businesses that are the envy of our neighbours.

And with them being familyowned and small businesses, you can be assured of the very best service. After all, their reputations depend upon it.

Twyford might be a village, but it’s got a big heart and a wealth of businesses that can help you.

The Floor Store is run by father and daughter, Robert Bushnell and Clare Ryan. Between them they have 42 years’ experience in the flooring industry and promise excellent customer service with quality floor coverings. Ranges include wood, laminate, vinyl and carpets and the pair offer a noobligation consultation to help you find your dream floor.

If you want to cheer someone up, celebrate a birthday or another special occasion, then Beauty In Blooms will be the perfect place to head.

Formerly known as VFB The Florist, the independent, familyowned florist provides bouquets, arrangements and even workshops from its High Street store. Frankie, Sammie and the team can advise on the right flowers for every occasion.

If the Chancellor’s stamp duty holiday has made you keen to move, or lockdown has made you wish for a bigger home, Parkers will be a great place. Its experienced team can conduct a detailed, in-person valuation so you know how much your current home is worth, as well as advising you on some great homes to trade on up to.

FITFY 10 O % L 10 E QUA

T QUO

DO YOU NEED AN EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT DRY CLEANING SERVICE?

Duvet Cleaning from £15 Get winter ready by Dry Cleaning your coats and winter woollies Our dry cleaning and laundering processes kill Covid-19 (coronavirus) on all garments and linen.

0118 934 2497 7 Wargrave Rd, Twyford, Reading, RG10 9NY

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 13

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

HELP OUT

To advertise in this feature, call Claire on 0118 327 2662

With the weather this week being so pleasant, it’s hard to believe that colder days are coming, and that means winter coats and woollies.

Now is the time to get ready, and Quality Cleaners on Wargrave Road can help. It’s offering 10% discount if you quote QUALITY 10 – what better reason do you need to sort your winter wardrobe? It has implemented Covid-secure practises that will ensure your clothes are virus free.

Some of you will be wondering about how you can manage with loved ones miles away from you.

For those that need additional help, Right at Home is the perfect answer. It offers a range of home care solutions so that the borough’s vulnerable residents can enjoy the comforts of their own home while also having that assurance that help is at hand.

With demands on its services high, it is also recruiting staff.

No matter where you shop this autumn, shopping local helps the high street, supports local businesses and does the world of good for the local economy.

Shopping out really is helping out.

Seek fresh Inspirations for your hair INSPIRATIONS Hair and Beauty has moved to 8 Elms Walk, part of the new Elms Fields, development in Wokingham.

Formerly in Denmark Street and owned by Rosemary and Gary Palmer, we have been established for 30 years in Wokingham.

We have staff that has been with us for many years, including one stylist who has been with us for the whole 30 years.

When our lease was due to run out we thought it was time to move to Elms Fields and a brand new salon.

We’re surrounded by new shops and so near the park.

We are hoping that the new development will bring in new people to the area.

At present we have opening offers running: � Cut and Blow Dry £30, with a selected stylist, available Mondays to Fridays. � 20% off colour on a Tuesday � Lash Lift, for volume and lift, for £38, reduced from £48.

For more details or to book, call 0118 977 4066.

Every haircut should be unique

NOW IN ELMS WALK Celebrate our move with these offers 20% £30 CUT & BLOW DRY DISCOUNT OFF Selected stylists COLOURS Mon-Fri Tuesdays

LASH & LIFT

For added lift and volume.

Was £48, now £38

Call to book an appointment: 0118 977 4066 8 Elms Walk, Wokingham RG40 2FE

www.inspirationshairandbeauty.co.uk

Firefighters get stuck into a charity car wash at Crowthorne Fire Station on Saturday Picture: Steve Smyth

Fire crews scrub up nicely CROWTHORNE fire station hosted a charity car last weekend to raise funds for the Fire Fighters Charity.

Each year, hundreds of fire crews across the UK host car washes to raise money for the initiative, which provides vital health and well-being support to those who are in need in the fire and rescue community.

Last weekend was the first

VIRTUAL OPEN EVENTS

be‫מּ‬er than local?

time that the new station has been able to hold the event, and it had Covid-safe measures in place.

Staff and customers were kept two meters apart at all times and during car washes, staff wore PPE, including masks and gloves, and will only wash the exterior of vehicles.

Visitors stayed in their car and kept the windows shut

during the car wash, read signage and follow staff instructions.

Donations were placed in buckets at the station and also via a website.

The weekend, Maidenhead Fire Station will be hosting the event on Saturday, from 10am until 4pm. � To donate via the JustGiving page, visit: www.justgiving.com/ campaign/nationalcarwash

WAINGELS

Due to recent Government guidelines we are unable to welcome prospec�ve students and parents into our school this year. Instead, we have plenty of other opportuni�es for you to get involved with at our Virtual Open Events.

Boo Req king uire d!

Virtual Open Experience As well as our Live Events (below) explore our Open Experience webpage to find out more about Waingels. You can take a virtual tour and find out more from the staff and students at Waingels.

Coming soon… ‘A day in the life of a Year 7’, School welcome, subject presentations and more…

Tuesday 29th September: 4:00pm Thursday 1st October: 4:00pm & 6:00pm Monday 5th October: 10:00am Thursday 15th October: 6:00pm *Please note, you do not need to sign up to every event as the events are repeated.

To be involved in these events, please sign up on our website

www.waingels.wokingham.sch.uk @WaingelsCollege

@WaingelsOfficial

Better Never Stops

14 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

COUNCILNEWS Concerns raised over council’s debt levels THE AMOUNT that Wokingham Borough Council is borrowing was a concern raised by opposition councillors at a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council.

Cllr Rachel Burgess, the Labour member for Norreys ward, said that the council’s treasury outturn report showed that the council would have a “high level of debt for much longer than was presented (in the report)”.

“It’s disappointing that even in the commentary for the forward-looking elements there is not even one reference to Covid-19 and the potential impact on these forward-looking figures,” she said, adding: “I would also take issue with the presentation of £5m expenditure last year labelled ‘climate emergency’ – as we have seen, a lot of this expenditure overall is rebadged from other budgets so the presentation of this expenditure is arguably misleading.”

And Cllr Clive Jones, deputy leader Wokingham Liberal Democrats, said that the party had “very serious concerns” particularly over borrowing more to spend on “speculative commercial property ventures” and warned that the £700 million debt level wasn’t down to the pandemic.

“Here in Wokingham it’s the Conservative administrations of the past few years that have inflicted most damage on our councils finances.

Debt of £700million is too high,” he added.

He argued that councils, both parish and borough, were still waiting to hear what support they would receive from the government.

“At an overview and scrutiny meeting (Woodley Town Council leader) Keith Baker said that the hit Woodley has to take could be up to £1m. If this is right surely they need some support.”

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey, Lib Dem Emmbrook Ward, was next to speak, and said that “the level of debt that this council has created for itself is a serious concern.

“Combined with the necessary consumption of our reserves, it leaves us unprotected in an uncertain world and builds up problems for the future. According to this report, up until March 2020 we had externally borrowed £279m – which works out at £1,650 per man, woman and child living the borough.”

She wanted to know how useful the report would be to the council now.

Cllr Stuart Munro said that the Lib Dems comments on commercial developments were “nonsense … I cannot agree with what you said”.

This was echoed by Cllr John Halsall, who said that at a recent executive the Lib Dems said the council should not reduce capital spend, but on this report on what had been spent, “the opposition said the spend was too high” and that the opposition “was unable to read the report or understand it, and that is mind boggling.

“I’m not really sure what it is that you’re talking about, and a lot of illiteracy.”

Cllr Prue Bray said she wanted to correct Cllr Halsall, saying that the party wanted better information, “I really think that trying to opposition on false grounds is not becoming of you John and you should not have done it”.

The report had been presented by Cllr Daniel Sargeant, the deputy executive member for finance.

He said that many councillors had misunderstood the report, saying that while Covid would affect the future figures, it wasn’t within the scope of this report.

And he called on councillors to specify which bit of the report they would change.

The report was carried by a vote.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on the virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, September 17

Farce over bid to extend meeting A BID to extend the council meeting descended into farce – and a row over voting.

At 10.02pm, Cllr Prue Bray (Lib Dems, Winnersh) asked the mayor, Cllr Malcolm Richards, for a vote to extend the meeting by 30 minutes so that the final two motions could be debated.

One was on holding additional meetings to clear a backlog of council business that had built up, the second on pavements accessibility for people with visual impairments.

Cllr Stephen Conway (Lib Dem, Twyford) seconded it and Cllr Richards moved to a vote.

As this was a virtual meeting using Microsoft Teams, councillors were able to raise a virtual hand to indicate their vote.

Unfortunately, some Conservatives voted both for and against extending the meeting.

“It is quite confusing,” Cllr Richards said. “We have to do it again then.”

He was interrupted by Cllr Maria Gee (Lib Dem, Wescott), who said that if someone had voted twice, it was their first vote that should count. “Both Cllr Patman and Cllr Batth shouldn’t be counted the second time round.”

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey (Lib Dem, Emmbrook) accused

councillors of “messing around, not voting correctly”.

A call to run the vote again led to a firm “No,” from Lib Dem group leader Cllr Lindsay Ferris, who was followed by Cllr Bray: “You didn’t vote the way we told you, so now you have to vote the way we’re telling you,” she said.

But Cllr Richards said that the councillors’ debate was “just wasting time” and renewed calls to “start afresh” with a new vote. “Please do not vote twice,” he said.

Cllr Ferris said: “I will be asking (democratic services monitoring officer) Andrew Moulton to make an adjudication please. That’s what he’s here for.

“What does (the council’s) constitution say about when people have voted twice please?”

Cllr Ferris then complained about being muted on the virtual meeting, but Cllr Richards denied it was him: “I haven’t muted you, I don’t have the ability to do that,” he said.

There was then an adjournment to the meeting while the mayor sought advice from Mr Moulton.

On his return, he said: “The constitution does not say which way (to go). It is silent on this. But it does say that if people vote twice, that vote is invalid.”

Cllr Ferris then warned that if the vote was invalidated and had to be

Sensor query WHY A proximity sensor hadn’t been switched on in a bid to combat coronavirus was raised by resident Peter Humphreys.

He said that the crossing at Wiltshire Road had low energy bulbs as well as the sensor.

“Fomites are a significant factor in the spread of Covid-19 so anything that obviates the need to push a button to stop the traffic is obviously a good idea. But the Council’s Highway’s Department disagree for although paying for this potentially life-saving feature they are refusing to activate it, forcing pedestrians to touch a potentially infected button,” he said.

re-run: “I know what I will do next time – vote twice”.

Mr Moulton then came into the meeting, pointing out that councillors can change their vote up until the point that the actual decision is announced. “In the circumstances we’re in, I think we should start the process again so there is no confusion in terms of the vote,” he added.

A second vote was taken, and Cllr Ferris did vote twice, despite being asked not to.

When challenged by Cllr Pauline Jorgensen (Conservative, Hillside), he said: “Absolutely, it is invalidated.”

“I think you’ve invalidated your own (vote), I’m not sure (if you have for) anybody else’s,” Cllr Jorgensen said.

Cllr Bray said that her opposition member’s comment was “nonsensical”.

After a bit of tussle, Cllr Ferris gained control of the council chamber and said that a vote shouldn’t be held twice.

“This is a point of principle,” he said.

“This has to be dealt with by the constitutional review working group after the meeting.

“I want it to be on the agenda because it was obvious that there were two members of the Conservative group who voted for

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, the executive member for highways and transport, said that the button was deemed to create no greater health hazard than a cashpoint or door handles.

“The Council will review this decision should there be any deterioration the Covid situation that would require such measures to be introduced,” she added.

Mr Humphreys said that the decision was ridiculous, but Cllr Jorgensen said that the council would continue to follow government advice.

Petition over crossing RESIDENTS has been calling for a pedestrian crossing over Barkham Road and a petition

(the extension) because that’s what they thought.

“And then it was clear that it was to be voted again, that’s what happened, so they voted twice, and that’s what I deliberately voted twice the second time.

“You can do what you like … (the constitution) is silent on this so we can carry on all night because if you want me to, I’ll keep voting twice.”

Cllr Jorgensen argued: “You don’t know why people voted twice at all” saying that it could have been caused by sticky keys.

Cllr Richards, as mayor, suggested a recorded vote as people couldn’t vote twice. It was proposed by Cllr Jorgensen and seconds by Cllr Keith Baker (Conservative, Coronation), but Cllr Andy Croy pointed out that six members needed to ask for a recorded vote, but the mayor overruled him.

The Conservatives won and Cllr Richards moved to conclude the meeting by 10.30pm.

Cllr Ken Miall (Conservative, Maiden Erlegh) said that it was “10.30pm now” but other councillors pointed out it was actually around 10.20pm. As there was fewer than 15 minutes remaining, it was not possible to start debating a new motion, and – despite fresh protests – he brought the meeting to a close. � Tony Johnson page 21

expressing their wishes was presented to the virtual council meeting.

Cllr Sarah Kerr, Lib Dem ward councillor for Evendons, said that residents want to walk and cycle more, but found it dangerous to cross the road due to the high volume of traffic and the speed of the vehicles that go along it.

“Installing a safe pedestrian and cycle crossing would provide the connectivity between these residential areas and facilitate more active travel and less car journeys,” she said.

“This petition is a demonstration of suppressed demand for the need for a safe crossing.”

Although there were only 47 signatures on the petition, collection had been delayed as a result of the lockdown.

Wokingham faces an ‘existential threat’ PROPOSALS to see 1,600 homes built every year across Wokingham borough mean that residents are facing an existential threat and a dystopian future — with just two weeks left to try and save it.

That was the stark warning from council leader Cllr John Halsall, who was addressing a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, September 17.

He warned: “In just two weeks’ time, at the stroke of secretary of tate Robert Jenrick’s pen, we could be condemned to face 1,635 new houses being built in the borough each year – that’s a town the size of Wokingham in less than a decade.

This would come with less affordable housing because fewer developments would be required to provide it.

“There would be no appeal, no further debate. Two weeks: that is all we have got.”

In outlining what this would mean, Cllr Halsall warned that it

would lead to intolerance congestion, basic services such as medical services and schools would be stretched to bursting point, the green spaces in the borough would be lost, with 15% of the landmasses be converted into housing over the next 10 years.

The council would not be able to defend its five-year land supply, which would be 10,000 homes.

“The Government says all this destruction is necessary to get the economy going and to prevent nimbys blocking necessary housing, but that is a false position,” he said, adding that Wokingham was not “the nimbys of Government propaganda” as the council believed in building “genuinely affordable homes for all”.

“But we do not believe in, and will never accept, the imposition of a concrete swamp across our fields and villages,” he added.

In a bid to combat that, Cllr Halsall said that he has been working

ceaselessly to gain the widest publicity possible.

This has included appearing in his swimming trunks for a Daily Mail news video and canvassing MPs and council leaders and working with the Unitary Councils Network.

“It has been a little like chucking mud at a wall unceasingly in the hope that some sticks,” he said.

As reported in this week’s Wokingham.Today, Cllr Halsall last Friday spoke with the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, who accepted an invitation to visit

the borough, at a date to be set.

“That’s only the end of the beginning and is important that, now he is aware of the issue, he becomes aware of the strength of the feeling in the borough.

“We have appealed to all residents to write to their MP, the Secretary of State, sign up to the petition and respond to the consultation. And I am urging everybody to join me in this campaign.

“Time is running out, but hope is not lost. Please take action today.”

Join the protests: how to fight housing numbers � Before October 1, email your MP and copy in Wokingham Borough Council’s email address, fairplayinhousing@wokingham.gov.uk. MPs: theresa.may.mp@parliament.uk, john.redwood.mp@parliament.uk, matt.rodda.mp@parliament.uk, james.sunderland.mp@parliament.uk � Contact Robert Jenrick via forms.communities.gov.uk and tell the council by emailing fairplayinhousing@wokingham.gov.uk � Complete the Government Consultation at: www.gov.uk/government/ consultations/changes-to-the-current-planning-system. � For more details, visit www.wokingham.gov/uk/fairplayinhousing

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

COUNCILNEWS

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

NEWS | 15

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on the virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, September 17

Council’s support for schools during pandemic Approval given for new sprinkler policy NEW BUILDS and refurbishments of council-owned properties will have sprinklers fitted after a motion pushing for their installation was passed by the council.

Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons introduced the plan for Wokingham adopt Royal Berkshire Fire Authority guidelines. These recognise that sprinklers and automatic fire suppression systems save lives and should be installed into major refurbishments and new projects.

It also calls on the planning department to promote and support their installation. A final part of the motions sees the council commit to writing to the Government to make it a legal requirement to install these devices in buildings.

“The intent is reducing risk and the impact of fire on people, property and the environment,” Cllr Helliar-Symons said. “Evidence has shown that sprinklers will save lives, reduce the impact of fire on the environment and reduce interruption to business.

“We, as local authority members, can play an important role promoting the benefits of sprinklers,

ensuring they're actively considered is a positive risk reduction measure that mitigates the human impact of economic and environmental costs while maintaining firefighter safety.”

Seconding the motion, Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey said: “We have passed two previous motions on sprinklers and other fire suppression systems for school but apparently they weren’t prescriptive or clear enough to simply say that any new school building built in Wokingham greater than 15 square metres in area or above a single story is required to have a sprinkler system to preserve the lives and education availability of our children in the borough.”

Cllr Angus Ross, who sits in the fire authority, expressed some frustration at current building regulations and said: “We must support these proposals”. He added that he was delighted that sprinklers were proposed for the new Dinton Activity Centre.

With no one wishing to speak against, councillors went to a vote, which was passed by unanimously.

HOW SCHOOLS, staff, pupils and parents can be supported by Wokingham Borough Council was raised by Cllr Prue Bray.

She said “the turmoil (caused by the pandemic) is likely to continue for some time”.

“We have yet to see what the impact of lockdown has been on children’s mental health and on other issues which affect them, such as domestic violence, and families with significantly reduced incomes as a result of job loss or pay reductions.”

Responding, councillor UllaKarin Clark, the executive member for children’s services, said: “We have continued to work with schools and academies throughout the pandemic, providing advice, guidance and support in the light of national guidance as well as local learning.

“This has included daily communication to all school senior

leaders and key stakeholders, and bespoke responses where there have been issues or concerns related to potential outbreaks.

“We have worked closely with the Department for Education to inform and fully understand national policy in the changing context to which you refer, and have had a close relationship with Public Health.”

She pledged that the council would continue to engage with schools on coronavirus-related issues, and would offer support through the usage of the catch up premium and national tutoring scheme announced by the Government.

“We will be making best use of the additional resources we will be receiving in respect of supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing, and reorganising service delivery to support children back to school and back to class-based learning,” she said.

Cllr Bray pressed for more details on

the capacity for the borough’s mental health services.

Cllr Clark promised that there would continue to be support and hoped that online services would be used by children and young adults.

In a second question, the provision for hot meals in schools was raised by Cllr Caroline Smith.

Cllr Clark said that health and safety issues meant that delivering hot meals to classrooms was a risk, and that caterers are having to get used to new ways of working.

“This may mean at this time that for some schools the offer continues to be a sandwich style option as has been the offer throughout the pandemic,” she said.

“We recognise that for many children, access to a hot meal is important and we are working with (council contractor) Caterlink to ensure a return to hot meal provision as soon as is possible, and no later than October half term.”

Cycling in winter

Councillor Pauline Jorgensen, the executive member for highways and transport, thanked him for making a good point.

“We will be reviewing our approach to winter maintenance on cycle routes this winter in order to identify the key commuting routes that would benefit from being prioritised for winter maintenance,” she said.

“The council has purchased 10 small push along gritters which are capable of undertaking additional gritting in pedestrian areas such as outside schools or shopping centres.”

Cllr Fishwick said that there was an urgent need to include shared footway/ cycleway and remote cycleway networks, and Cllr Jorgensen said that they would be.

THE use of bikes during winter months was questioned by Cllr Paul Fishwick, who said that the council “does not promote the use of bicycles during periods of prolonged hazardous conditions” and wanted to know if this would change.

16 |

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

PARISH NOTICEBOARD

Parish and borough council meetings Assume meetings are online – contact councils for details Thursday, September 24 Wokingham Borough Council. Executive committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, September 28 Wokingham Town Council. Civic committee. 7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

Tuesday, September 29 Wokingham Town Council. Finance and personnel committee.

7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Full council. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, September 30 Wokingham Borough Council. Licensing and Appeals Committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, October 5 Hurst Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm.

Committee Room, Hurst Village Halls, School Road RG10 0DR. Sonning Parish Council. Planning committee. 7pm. Sports Pavilion, King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane RG4 6XE. Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Without Parish Council. Full council meeting.

7.30pm. wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk

Tuesday, October 6 Arborfield Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm.

Arborfield.org.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Recreation & Amenities Committee.

7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Planning and community. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, October 7 Finchampstead Parish Council. Finance committee. 7.30pm.

FBC Centre, Gorse Ride North RG40 4ES. Ruscombe Parish Council meeting. 7.30pm. William Penn Room, Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford RG10 9JA.

NEWS | 17

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks

FROMTHECOURTS � A WOKINGHAM man has been jailed for driving a car with false number plates.

Patrick Joseph Mongan, 31 and from New Acres, Nine Mile Ride, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on August 18.

He had been stopped on London Road on June 21, where officers found that he was driving while disqualified and without insurance.

The court sentenced him to 12 weeks because he was driving a vehicle deemed not to be road worthy, had false number plates, was planning to drive a significant distance and there were children in the car.

Magistrates noted that the sentence was warranted because of “aggravating features and previous disregard for court orders”.

Mongan was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £128 to victim services. He is banned from driving for 18 months. � A MAN who was in possession of a class B drug when stopped by police has been fined £280.

Aaron Kemp, 25 and from Church Lane, Three Mile Cross, had three deal bags of cannabis in his possession on June 18. He was charged by police under the misuse of drugs act 1971.

Reading Magistrates Court ordered Kemp to also pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services when he pleaded guilty on August 18. � FAILURE to provide a breath

For this, he was fined £232, and ordered to pay costs of £85 and £32 to victim services at a rate of £100 per month.

specimen means that a Shinfield man has been banned from driving for two years and fined £800.

Jaroslaw Kolodziej, 39 and from Downham Court, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on August 20, where he admitted the offence, which took place on December 22 in Reading.

He also admitted driving without insurance.

His ban will be reduced by 24 weeks on completion of a safe driving course, and he was ordered to pay £85 costs and £80 to victim services. � A WOKINGHAM man pleaded guilty to drunk and disorderly behaviour while in Reading.

Sam Young, 31 and from Sambourne Drive, had been stopped by police at Reading Station on February 15 this year. He admitted the offence at hearing held at Reading Magistrates Court on August 24.

� A 21-YEAR-OLD from Finchampstead has been given a community order after pleading guilty to possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Alexander Anthony Clark, from Finchampstead Road, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on August 25, where he pleaded guilty to two offences: on December 2, 2018, he had been stopped by police in Wokingham where he was found to have a quantity of cannabis in his possession.

The second offence took place between August 22 and December 3, 2019, and Clark was accused of being concerned in the supply of a controlled Class B drug, namely cannabis.

Clark must undertake 80 hours community service, pay £85 costs and £85 to victim services. He also had to surrender an iPhone and a burner phone as well as the drugs, which police wil destroy. � A FARNBOROUGH man was stopped in Wokingham for drug driving and has been banned from getting behind the wheel for three years.

Matthew Pinsent, 44 and from The Grove, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on August 25, where he admitted the offence.

He had been stopped on Finchampstead Road on January 24

this year. A test found cocaine and benzoylecgonine, a form of cocaine, in his bloodstream.

He was fined £147, ordered to pay £85 costs and £32 to victim services. � A WOODLEY man has been banned from driving for 12 months after being stopped by police.

Marc Andrew Robinson, 33 and from Hearn Road, was driving along Whitley Wood Lane in Reading on November 30 last year.

A blood test found traces of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinor, a form of cannabis, and he also admitted to driving without third party insurance in place.

In addition to the ban, Robinson must pay a fine of £120, £85 costs and £32 to victim services. � A LOWER EARLEY woman has been fined £40 after her car failed to meet insurance requirements.

Ceire Alder, from Trusthorpe Close, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on February 21, 2019 in Woking. She was the named owner of a vehicle that did not meet the insurance requirements of section 144A of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

She appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on September 1, to make a statutory declaration following a conviction at Brighton Magistrates Court on September 14 last year.

In addition to the fine, Alder was ordered to pay £30 to victim services.

Council launches survey for changes to school transport

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Our Services Across Wokingham Funding Advice > Trustee Recruitment > Support and Development > Training > Community Navigation > Cancer Champions

THE BOROUGH council is currently reviewing its travel assistance policies — and it wants to hear residents’ thoughts.

In a bid to improve home to school transport and travel assistance for children and young people in the borough, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), the council is consulting the public on two draft policies.

They have been designed to improve existing travel arrangements in a financially sustainable way.

The first policy is on home to school transport for children and young people aged five to 16.

Some of the measures the council are proposing include pick-up points within one mile walking distance from a child’s home, and a mileage allowance for parents, carers and guardians.

The second policy to be considered is on travel assistance for young people over 16 with SEND. The proposals include a specialist transport service to collect and drop-off young

We provide practical and affordable training courses for the local voluntary and community sector across Bracknell Forest and Wokingham Borough • Health and Safety Level 2 Onsite training September 29 9.30am-4pm £50

September 30 9.30am-5pm £150

• Suicide Awareness people at agreed locations, such as sixth form or college, and mileage reimbursements for those who wish to make their own travel arrangements.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services said: “We know how important this is for many families in the borough.

“We are doing our best to maintain and even improve our home to school and travel assistance services for eligible children and young people while ensuring the service is cost effective and sustainable into the future.

“In particular, those who have children with special educational needs and disabilities are being asked to offer their views on the council’s proposals,” Cllr Clark added.

The current policy arrangements for home to school transport will stay in place for the 2021/22 academic year, with new arrangements implemented in September 2022.

The consultation is open until Friday, November 6. � For more information and to take part in the survey, visit: bit.ly/ WBCSchoolTransport

• Mental Health First Aid (Day 2) Onsite training

Online training, October 15 9.30am-12.30pm £25

• Emergency First Aid Onsite training, November 4 9.30am-4.30pm £50

View our calendar for a lot more training courses: www.involve.community/events or contact Claire Page at Involve

Funding Alerts

Sign up to our Funding Alerts and other newsletters to keep up to date with us here at Involve

www.involve.community

01344 304 404

@involvevcs ‘Supporting,Encouraging and Developing Charities, Groups and Communities to Make a Difference Locally.’

18 | VIEWPOINTS

THEWOKINGHAMPAPER NEWS WITH A HEART FOR THE BOROUGH

Rekindle the spirit IT IS clear that preparations are being stepped up to manage a second wave of Covid-19 infections.

Over the last few weeks, more than 13 million people across the UK entered local lockdowns.

And on Tuesday night, the Prime Minister announced further national restrictions.

We’re back to working from home.

Pubs are closing early and we’ve gone from £10 off to 10pm bedtime.

Johnson’s speech on Tuesday suggested we all have a part to play when it comes to the spread of coronavirus.

In March, many of us were filled with a sense of national duty, and a burning desire to help the community.

Six months later, we must rekindle that spirit again. Facing tighter restrictions after a fleeting taste of freedom over summer is a difficult reminder that there is much we do not know about Covid-19.

The Oxford vaccine trial was temporarily paused due to side effects but research has restarted again.

It will take time for this to be finalised, and in the meantime it falls to the community to once again, do their best.

We must keep our distance from one another, wear masks more often and help to curb the infection rate. We can do this again.

CHURCH NOTES

Quakers everywhere

T

HE Religious Society of the Friends of Truth, as the Quakers were first called at their foundation in the 1650s by George Fox, have contributed to society nationally and globally.

Many have been unsung, but among those who are of note, the name William Penn (1644-1718) comes to mind. He founded the state of Pennsylvania in the 1670s on the Quaker values of peace, truth, equality and simplicity, which were held for many years after his death.

Abraham Derby and his son were the first to smelt iron in the early 1700s, paving the way for its use in the Industrial Revolution.

By 1750s there were calls by Quakers to abolish slavery. A committee of six sent a petition to Parliament, which was ignored. A later committee, including two Anglicans, succeeded in starting the process of abolition though it was many years before it became law.

In the early 19th century, a Quaker called Elizabeth Fry began her work in reforming the prison service, especially in regards to the treatment of women. In remembrance of her work she was pictured, until recently, on the back of the £5 note.

The chocolate industry has been dominated by the names of Quakers: Cadbury, Rowntree and Fry and, let us not forget, our own Huntley and Palmer’s biscuits.

During the First World War, a meteorologist named Fry Richardson, pioneered the development of weather forecasting, during quieter moments, when he was serving with the Quakers’ ambulance service on the Western Front.

In the 1920s, Arthur Eddington, the eminent astrophysicist, followed Einstein's development of his Theory of Relativity.

Quakers continue to work in promoting Peace, and Truth in Environmental and Social Justice. Oxfam and Amnesty are well-known.

Looking at a different angle, Mr Lloyd and Mr Barclay, originally Quakers, are on every high street.

We have been entertained by many Friends over the years, who have also given their names to good causes.

Thank you Dame Judi Dench, Joan Baez, Emily Deschel, David Lean and many more.

Martyn Towle from Wokingham Quakers on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 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

Don’t let the lorries have their way I'm sorry, but Wokingham Borough Council's efforts, introduced last week, to prevent overweight vehicles using Commons Road are not that effective.

Veolia trucks are now conspicuous by their absence but this week Biffa waste vehicles, scrap metal trucks, horseboxes, Arctics and other overweight vehicles continue to trundle along our road which has a 7.5 tonne weight limit.

A police presence from time-to-time (issuing penalty notices, or notices of intended prosecution) might be helpful; I'm sure that word would soon get around among drivers.

Commons Road is much used by parents and children en route, on foot, to and from the three schools in the area.

Oversized and overweight vehicles either have to drive on the narrow pavement, or force cars to do so.

More than 300 cars passed my house between 7.45am and 8.45am on one school day last week – along with at least six overweight HGVs, plus seven Horseman coaches busing pupils to the schools.

The closure of Old Forest Road will be in place until Spring 2021.

That is flexible – it could be April?

May? Even June – so for another nine or 10 months.

That’s plenty of time for a tragedy involving pedestrians to occur.

Name and address supplied

Ask again In his comments in the paper last week on the introduction of the non-hessian hessian sacks, council leader John Halsall had a pop at the Lib Dems for wanting more scrutiny of the decision, claiming that if we wanted more information “I would have given it to them – they just had to ask for it.”

Er, John, we did ask for more information.

So far we have asked for it at a meeting in July, another meeting in August and then again on September 11.

Without success.

Which you must know, because some of the time you were the person “answering”.

In fact, if I can prod John’s memory, on September 11, he actually told Cllr Paul Fishwick that he couldn’t have an answer to his question because he had asked it too late – despite it being about information which should have been to hand in July, when the Conservatives originally committed themselves to the sacks.

And despite him having submitted it well before the deadline, and before other questions which did get a response (saying they got an “answer” would be overstating it).

The reason we want more information is because we know that finances are tight and we want to make sure that decisions to spend money are made on the basis of sound evidence.

We don’t believe this one has been.

Even our suggestion that the sacks should be trialled first to check they would work okay was rejected.

Why? Because – and I am not joking

Picture of the week

I have just been down to Cally Park and took this picture of the geese on the lake as the sun went down. It was a very peaceful scene. Ray H Little, Arborfield � We welcome your pictures for this slot. Send your images to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk and we’ll do the rest

– according to the Conservatives, it would be a waste of time to trial it in case the trial went wrong.

This is no way to run a flea circus, let alone a council.

Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat councillor for Winnersh

... and again ...

I refer to your article on the introduction of the non-hessian hessian sacks, published in Wokingham.Today.

The Borough Council leader John Halsall is quoted as saying that if the Lib Dems wanted more information “I would have given it to them – they just had to ask for it.”

I therefore refer to my written question, submitted on Monday, September 7, to the Executive Committee meeting scheduled for September 11, which was well within the deadline for questions.

My question was as follows; Looking at Table 1 (pages 23 and 24) in the Wet Waste Options Appraisal (Appendix 1), could you tell me how these authorities collect paper and card, when they introduced this system and what impact it has had on recycling rates?

The reason I asked this question was to ascertain what evidence had been obtained from authorities that apparently use the proposed sacks that Wokingham Borough Council wanted to introduce as there was nothing in the appraisal report. As Cllr Halsall had said “I just had to ask for it”.

In response to my question Cllr Halsall said, “I am afraid that we are going to have to give you a written answer as the question came in very late. It is such a detailed question that officers have not been able to research those questions”.

Therefore, Cllr Halsall has admitted that the Council has not researched the authorities that apparently use these sacks but wants to introduce them for the residents in Wokingham.

My own research of all the authorities has shown that none of them collect waste and recycling the same as Wokingham Borough Council.

For example, Brentwood only started their new system on the August 3, and use a blue sack for paper and card, a white sack for cans and plastic and a red box for glass.

Cheltenham Borough use a blue bag for card only. All other recycling is collected in boxes with lids.

Monmouthshire, who commenced a trial of 2,000 homes, are now extending their trial until September 2021, so in my mind they are not convinced yet.

I could go on through the whole list, but I won’t now.

So, how could the Conservative Executive make an informed decision based on such lack of evidence and detail for its council taxpayers?

Cllr Paul Fishwick, Liberal Democrat councillor for Winnersh

… and again Wokingham Liberal Democrats are in complete agreement that something needs to be done to tackle the wet waste issue to ensure we can improve recycling in the Borough.

The reason why the decision to use the polypropylene sacks as the solution was called-in (a process to decide whether a decision should be looked at again), was because the Liberal Democrats believe that the Conservative-led council broke the constitution to make that decision, and thus acted in a financially irresponsible way.

The Conservative Executive approved funding for a solution to the problem without a business case.

Hardly fiscally responsible.

How can you decide on the best way to spend public money without having the information in front of you to make an informed choice?

John Halsall, Conservative leader of the council, is now claiming that the Liberal Democrats have held up the process of the purchase of these sacks, costing the council money due to the call-in.

The question is, were the Conservatives going to break the constitution and act in a financially irresponsible way by spending hundreds of thousands of pounds of public money without anywhere near enough information to make that decision, or we’re they going to purchase after the business case was approved, at a meeting four weeks after the call-in meeting?

They claim that they weren’t going to purchase until after the business case, so the call-in has not held up the ability to purchase these sacks.

Whatever the truth, it is the Conservatives who have held up this process.

They should have acted responsibly and produced all the necessary information to make an informed choice back in July when the money was up for approval.

They didn’t.

Is this really the people you want gambling with your hard-earned money?

Cllr Sarah Kerr, Lib Dem councillor for Evendons, Wokingham Borough Council

Farcial The full council meeting of Wokingham Borough Council last Thursday (September 17) descended into a farce as once again the Conservatives on the council used their majority to frustrate democracy.

The meeting had flowed pretty well which was an improvement on previous meetings.

At 10pm it was realised that with two motions to go before the end of the meeting there wasn't enough time to

debate them as the council’s constitution says the meeting has to stop at 10.30pm.

Liberal Democrats proposed an extension until 11pm, which is the maximum allowable under the constitution.

Had this been agreed its very likely that the meeting would have finished at about 10.45pm.

However, the Conservatives said NO. Following the line they take at most council meetings, they said NO to extending the meeting for 30 minutes.

In the subsequent vote that then has to be taken to decide whether there is an extension or not; two Conservatives first voted to extend the meeting.

After that vote was taken, the Mayor asked who was against extending the meeting, All the other Conservatives voted against an extension.

The two conservatives who had previously voted in favour of an extension now wanted to change their minds so they could vote with their colleagues and stifle debate.

An argument ensued about whether or not they could change their minds after they had voted, but sadly the Mayor allowed the vote to be taken again. A very strange decision which I don't think I have seen in any other organisation before.

Ironically the second to last motion was one about improving the democratic process of the council in the interests of better serving residents.

The final motion was about improving access around the town centre for vulnerable groups such as residents with sight problems and asking the council to draw up a policy like most other councils have. The Conservatives were unlikely to support either motion.

All the constitutional argument meant that there was no time to start any debate about the last two motions.

Once again the Conservatives had stifled democratic debate at Wokingham Borough Council and were on their way to bed early.

They successfully held up debate on the expansion of Heathrow Airport for

10 months and a motion on the rights of EU migrants for 11 months because they didn't want to discuss these topics as they are difficult for them.

Is this the right way to conduct a councils affairs? You can decide at the ballot box in May. Cllr Clive Jones, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Wokingham Borough Council

Within the rules The leader of Wokingham Borough Council is a Conservative whose Conservative group has run Wokingham Borough Council for the last 20 years.

The Prime Minster Boris Johnson is also a Conservative along with his discredited spin doctor Dominic Cummings as is Robert Jenrick, the Housing Secretary of State, ‘both within the rules sort of guys’.

Dominic Cummings is infamous for his “within the rules sort of guy” trips to Barnard Castle to visit SpecSavers while us minions were all in lockdown.

Jenrick is also a “within the rules sort of guy” who expressed his ‘regret’ at his involvement in a ‘cash-for access’ scandal involving a Tory donor who happened to be a Tower Hamlets developer who he had dined with.

The speculated loss of £30 million to £50 million in Developer Funding (Community Infrastructure Levy) by Tower Hamlets Council which is why Tower Hamlets residents don’t see Robert Jenrick as a ‘within the rules sort of guy’.

Both local and national Conservatives are all part of the same political party, which to be a member one must be a contributor.

Contributions are compulsory, as is abiding by the party rules.

By joining a political party it would seem that one has to give up ones right to freedom of speech and thought.

What confidence can Wokingham’s residents have in a Conservative-run council who did nothing when their Conservative masters at Westminster upped our approved housing numbers from the approved 662 to 789?

susanparsonage Chief executive’s eye

A partnership of help

I

’VE been in the role of CEO for Wokingham Borough Council for 18 months for Wokingham, and during that time it has been a real privilege to work with staff, councillors and partners.

In my first column I wanted to talk in particular about partnership working.

This was precipitated on receiving a letter last week from a couple in their 80s who live in the borough thanking the council and partners for the service they have received during the Covid-19 crisis, while they were shielding, saying what a difference it made to them.

Looking back, at the beginning of March, in the very early stages of the pandemic, voluntary and community groups and town and parish councils from across the Borough along with WBC got together to work out how we could together to respond effectively to people who were self-isolating and at the same time provide a single route for residents who had questions and potentially real worries about their personal circumstances.

After meeting, very quickly, the Wokingham Borough Community Response (WBCR) was born to provide a single point of contact for residents to access support during the Covid-19 pandemic.

VIEWPOINTS | 19

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

The threat of them leaping up again to 1,635 – thanks to their Conservative mates in Westminster – seems to have concentrated their minds at long last. Political suicide might have been the driver.

I understand Robert Jenrick has been invited to visit Wokingham Borough but so far he has not confirmed if he will come. Whether by having dinner with him, our Council leader can have any success we shall have to wait and see. Perhaps a £12,000 donation to the Conservative Party might be a thought.

Either way with their flagship plan of 15,000 houses Grazeley along with thousands more in Shinfield, Arborfield, Barkham and Winnersh, but not a house in their northern strongholds, it’s easy to see where the pain will be whatever the outcome of the housing consultation.

Wokingham Conservatives are making a real song and dance about the Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) Climate emergency activity which is seeking to safeguard and improve our Wokingham environment.

However the potential negative environmental impact on surrounding areas when15,000 houses at Grazeley along with thousands more in Shinfield, Arborfield, Barkham and Winnersh must not be forgotten.

Having opened Pandora’s Box is the damage already done?

I hope not.

Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough Council

Praise and concerns A sad occasion.

The Wokingham Waste collection that covers Arthur Road and environs on a Tuesday, has always been very satisfactory – when opportunity arises I have a quick chat with the lads and the driver, who shares the load with his team.

Last Tuesday he told me he was retiring. I did try to get his name so that I could tell readers, but the council will not reveal.

It’s been fantastic that Citizens Advice Wokingham has provided One Front Door for residents.

Also that WBC staff moved into Citizens’ Advice and worked alongside its staff and volunteers take phone calls and emails from residents asking for support. WBC staff in Adult Services, including many redeployed staff from across the council, pro-actively contacted more than 4000 residents who were identified as extremely vulnerable to the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the same time as the single point of contact via CAB, the Link Visiting Scheme’s Talking Buddies programme provided timely support to residents as a result of an extensive bank of volunteers. Providing a much-needed listening ear for people feeling isolated and lonely.

Wokingham Volunteer Centre supported collecting and delivering pharmacy prescriptions.

And the First Days children’s charity led a big operation at St Crispin’s school, with an army of volunteers and redeployed WBC Sports and Leisure staff, supporting the food hub to deliver food parcels across the borough along with the Wokingham Foodbank providing for those struggling financially to access food.

As well as this, Age UK expanded their Home From Hospital Scheme to provide additional support to those returning home from a stay in an acute hospital.

Links were formed with local Covid-19 community groups across the borough and they supported many local residents with their needs.

At least may I say ‘thank you’ on behalf of our community, served so well?

Thanks I feel should also apply to the emergency services whose sirens we hear more frequently it seems. That is due to our chaotic traffic and road works – by the way where is all the money coming from? Do they have a Boris licence to print it?

In January, Wokingham Borough Council allocated £187 million to tackle congestion.

Everywhere I drive is chaotic, with road works taking up too much of a road, causing traffic to stop/start – the very worst for our environment.

Fascinating that congestion means ‘to heap up’ or ‘clogged’.

Overall a real problem subject, so I will not bore readers with my ‘science’.

I would like to comment on yet another problem with people being on furlough or skiving – especially civil servants. To complete my SelfAssessment Tax return, I telephoned the Pension Service. I was told they could only deal with two subjects nothing to do with my query.

So, goodbye.

I help pay for these people. The gap between government employees and the working part of our society is widening – I exclude the Armed Forces and nurses etc.

That unavailability to talk to customers is typical of so many companies/organisations that one wonders if they are really interested in surviving.

Perhaps the Chancellor is pouring enough cash into their coffers, that they can ignore being a dynamic business who realises that customers are number one priority.

A final story that sums up my view of management in this country. I had a pharmacy flu jab scheduled for last Saturday in Wokingham – an appointment I made on the Thursday.

On the day, I was told I could not have the jab as there was no-one on site qualified to give it.

A true story.

Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham

Fundamental to the partnership community response was the action taken by Wokingham Volunteer Centre and The Link Visiting Scheme who drove the recruitment of many additional much needed volunteers.

I recently spoke at a webinar hosted by the Chief Exec of Citizens’ Advice Wokingham, Jake Morrison. It was a real pleasure to talk about the fantastic partnership work that has grown and developed during these unprecedented times of the Covid-19 crisis.

Over the period, thousands of residents have been supported via the front door scheme.

In terms of shielding and support to vulnerable adults the council has gone from helping 1,850 people to 5,000 almost overnight.

And the Wokingham Borough Community Response delivered to more than 800 households, with more than 4,000 deliveries of food and essentials; picked up and delivered hundreds of prescriptions.

Throughout my time in local government I have worked in partnership across statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations to deliver the services in communities.

I truly believe we can get the best working together. It can be hard to do at times but achieves the best outcomes. The work that has been done in Wokingham over the past months by many is incredible and sets a great foundation for the future.

I wanted to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all those involved.

Susan Parsonage is the chief executive of Wokingham Borough Council

gregormurray From the executive

It’s time to talk energy

L

AST Friday, I was given an opportunity to speak at the Wokingham Positive Difference business networking event.

Among some excellent presentations on corporate social responsibility, I was reminded of a piece of advice that I haven’t heard in a long time.

“The best time to plant a tree,” the speaker told us, “was 10 years ago. The second-best time is right now.”

It isn’t tree planting season at the moment, but those words got me thinking, so much so that I recycled the phrase at least three more times that day.

In the fight against climate change there are many things that I wish we had started doing ten years ago.

We all know that as a council we have taken some fantastic strides forward in terms of increasing our recycling rates over the last few years.

We have worked hard on tree planting, especially around our new housing areas, we have opened up some fantastic new parks and green spaces and recently we have introduced things like the recycled plastic curb stones as well.

An area where we need to make a lot of progress quickly is in energy, both in its usage and in its generation. A lot has been published about Wokingham Borough Council building our own solar farms, but this is just one of many initiatives in the works that collectively will transform energy generation and consumption across our borough.

I will be presenting one of these programs at the Executive Meeting tonight.

The Help to Heat and ECO scheme seeks to use money from the Energy Company Obligation fund and use it to pay for measures that will improve the energy efficiency of up to four hundred homes across Wokingham Borough this year.

Wokingham Council currently has 949 properties that are energy rated in bands E, F&G. This means that they are not very energy efficient at all. Older, private properties add almost 900 more properties to this number.

Unfortunately, many of these houses are occupied by some of the eldest, most vulnerable, most at risk or lowest income residents of our Borough.

For many of these households’ winter brings with it a choice between ‘Heating and Eating’. This is called ‘Fuel Poverty’ and it affects approximately 10.3% of all households in the UK. Fortunately, with this energy-based ECO scheme we can help to alleviate the impact of fuel poverty for many of our residents, by funding and installing energy efficiency measures that can help dramatically cut the cost of heating those properties. If successful we will hopefully be able to help more households next year, and into the future.

This is the first of many social energy programmes that will be announced over the coming months.

Don’t forget that the Government’s Green Home Grants are available to homeowners now. You can assess your eligibility and understand what improvements can be made at your property as well as apply for funding by visiting www.simpleenergyadvice.org.uk.

Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for climate emergency at Wokingham Borough Council

20 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

We came out strong

One day swan-der

FIVE months, 21 weeks, 147 days.

Covid-19 has changed our lives in so many different ways.

THERE was an unexpected visitor to Reading's recycling plant earlier this week.

Staff at the re3 centre said that a young swan decided to poke his beak around to find out more about recycling.

And the cheeky bird didn't even have a booking.

A spokesperson said: "Thank you so much to the Swan Support who responded to our call and came to site and collected him.

"He had some blood on his face so they made sure he’s okay before releasing him back into the wild."

No one could have anticipated, The immense shift in perspective.

Or the adaptations we’ve made, To cope with the life we’re left with.

Masks are now as mundane as a hat, And hand gel is the new norm.

These brand-new daily habits, Are fundamental to the new life we’ll form.

While masks are intended to cover, But in doing so they have revealed The alternate mask we wore, Our social, metaphorical shield.

But in order to make room, That mask had to fall.

Our barrier was let down, We had to bear it all.

Our vulnerable self, Scared and afraid.

Unprecedented times, Some cried, some prayed.

900,000 and counting, So many deaths, so much pain.

And while that is awful and tragic, There must be something to gain.

In the lowest of times Look deep for the light, That shines from the darkness Like a streetlamp at night.

We united, became one, In the midst of despair.

We genuinely listened.

We genuinely cared.

No more empty ‘how are you?’s Or a flippant ‘have a good day’.

We sat down and talked To hear what people had to say.

Because we weren’t all fine.

It’s not been easy, it’s been tough.

People are dying and grieving.

We need to acknowledge this is rough.

That’s why these conversations, Mean more than ever before.

We need to open our ears.

We need to open our door.

You never know what is coming.

Tomorrow is never for sure.

So hold those around you tightly.

Love them that little bit more.

Appreciate what you took for granted, The fresh air, a walk in the park.

Because once they’re taken away.

Life can be pretty bleak, and stark.

A coffee with a friend, The cinema, a date.

This pandemic has shown us, We do not have time for hate.

Life is so fragile, So susceptible to disaster.

When the only hope is a ventilator Not an ice pack or a plaster.

Take a second and step back.

View your life from the outside.

If everything were stripped from you, Would you walk away with pride?

Would you hold your head up high, Knowing you lived and loved each day?

Would you be satisfied, That you lived your life that way?

In a library full of books of life, Would you pick your one from the shelf?

Would you read it and smile, At your friends, your family, yourself?

Don’t waste this opportunity, To evolve and change what was wrong.

One day we will look back and say, Covid-19? We came out strong.

Anonymous, 16-years-old

We’re missing T-Rex time

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokinghampaper.co.uk THE STREETS of Winnersh are suddenly a lot quieter than they used to be.

This is because after 150 days, Christopher Elvin’s pet walks have finally come to an end.

Throughout lockdown, he could be spotted taking a variety of exotic animals out for an evening stroll.

His menagerie includes Jack the Giraffe, Agnes the Flamingo and Timmy the T-Rex, among others.

The IT genius would set off on his silly walks nearly everyday at around 5pm, embarking on 12 different routes all starting at Sainsbury’s in Winnersh.

But for now, his journey has come to an end.

“I decided to stop doing the walks after all of the routes got a chance to see each animal,” he says. “But it was so enjoyable to put a smile on people’s faces.

“That was the point of all – doing something silly, clowning about and making people happy.”

Christopher never expected the walks to become so popular – he even set up a GPS tracker, so people knew where to find him.

“A lot of people were waiting for me, every day,” he

says. “Even the cars on the road would be tooting and waving.”

And the walks didn’t only raise people’s spirits, they also raised £2,500 for charity.

“At the beginning, people were trying to give me money when I was out and about on the walks.

“So I decided to set up JustGiving pages for two local charities – The Cowshed and First Days Children’s Charity.

“It feels great, absolutely great to have raised all that money,” he says.

Christopher explains that because he is classed as in a vulnerable group, his daily walks were often his only interaction with the world.

“It was keeping me sane.”

But now he’s looking forward to spending more time with his wife and, he admits, eating his dinner at a normal time.

However there’s no need to worry – the band of colourful creatures won’t be going anywhere.

“They’re locked away in the cupboard at the moment, but I’m not going to get rid of them,” Christopher says.

“I haven’t suddenly become sane or anything like that. I still want to do special requests like birthdays, so they will be back.” � To donate to The Cowshed, head to www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/cowshedflamingo � To donate to First Days Children’s Charity, head to www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/firstdaysflamingo

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

Why Elvis nee and not blue

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokinghampaper.co.uk ALL good runners know you need trainers and not blue suede shoes, but Wokingham fundraiser Simon Williams must have been tempted.

On Saturday, he completed a weeklong challenge that was for the heart: he ran 72km (45 miles) in memory of his mother, who had passed away in July. She was 72, and had motor neurone disease for the past two-anda-half years.

Simon says that before the diagnosis, she had been one of the fittest 70-year-olds he had ever met.

Motor neurone disease is a fatal, rapidly progressing disease that affects the brain and spinal cord.

It attacks the nerves that control movement so muscles no longer work.

MND does not usually affect the senses such as sight, sound, and feeling.

And it kills a third of people within a year and more than half within two years of diagnosis.

For Simon, pledging his love was a real challenge, as before lockdown he had barely ran any distance at all, but he quickly built himself up and ran to a finishing line of Market Place, to the bemusement of shoppers as he was dressed as Elvis, his Mum’s favourite singer.

“My Mum went to the gym three or four times a week since she was probably in her 30s,” he says. “Then at the age of 70, she was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which shuts down your body. She lost the ability to speak, move around and eat.

“Sadly she passed away about eight weeks ago, on July 20.

“She was a big Elvis fan and I was thinking that I needed something to distract myself and throw my energy into, but I thought it would be a nice tribute to my Mum to get fit.”

He told a few friends, and then some more, and then “it quickly turned into reality”.

Simon Williams with his family in Market Plac Picture: Steve Smyth

Like all of us, lockdown presented particular challenges for Simon. “It was really hard, because not only could I not see my Mum for probably about 10 weeks early in the year, I also noticed a big, big change in her as she pretty much deteriorated a lot in that time,” he says.

You have goat to LESSONS were never like this when we were a kid …

Pupils at a Wokingham school have been celebrating the start of the fresh school year – not for themselves, but for some new arrivals.

No, we’re not talking about youngsters starting their educational journey, but animals.

For Holme Grange School has its own on-site farm, and at the beginning of the month, it welcomed two new kids.

As part of the Heathland Road school’s curriculum, it invites pupils to learn about country ways.

Their menagerie includes pigs, pigmy goats, chickens, geese, ducks, peacocks, quail, hens and even beehives, which produces honey.

The school says that the farm provides students with extracurricular opportunities in a unique setting.

The children have the opportunity to visit, feed and pet the animals –

a far cry from learning about equations, compound nouns and algebra.

A spokesperson for the school said: “The arrival of the kids meant the pupils were able to learn and understand the process of pregnancy and birth bringing the theory they learn in their science lessons to life.

“They were also able to see how a family develops and grows with a protective mother’s instincts.

“Pupils could then reflect with their own families, and understand further the dynamic of mother and child.

“Through the farm, the students are also educated into how food can be locally sourced and produced, including milk and eggs.”

They added: “Overall, the arrival of the kids at the start of the new school year provided a ‘Holme’ coming to remember.”

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

eded trainers, suede shoes

ce on Saturday, celebrating the end of his run

“It was very hard, and it was also really hard on my Dad, who had to be full-time carer for my Mum after the nurses stopped coming in, and we had to stop being able to go and visit.

“He really had no support network other than on the end of the telephone, so that was really tough.

“Thankfully, we managed to see my Mum again about two months before she eventually passed away, and we got to spend as much time as we could do within the rules.”

As he ran into Wokingham town centre dressed as his Mum’s favourite singer, he was spurred on by people clapping and cheering: “there were lots of people honking their horns, and people came out of their houses too,” Simon says.

“It really helped.”

And friends have been really generous, donating nearly double his target of £720 – £10 for every kilometre run.

“I’m delighted because that will make a big difference to other people with motor neurone disease,” he said.

“Some of that money will go towards trying to find a cure, some will go to support people currently living with it, that’s really good.”

In normal times, Simon is one of Wokingham’s musical stalwarts, hosting a regular music night at Broad Street Tavern, but it’s on hold due to the pandemic. However, on Sunday he sang at the Woodley Vegan Market.

“It’s been nice,” he says. “It’s the first gig I’ve done since lockdown. I’ve done a few online ones, but it’s really nice to be with a little bit of normality.”

Frances Morgan, Community Fundraiser at the MND Association, said: ‘’We are extremely grateful to Simon for his generous support and determination by running an incredible 72km in a week, dressed as Elvis.

“This was a special way for Simon to honour his late mum Barbara and her love of Elvis music.

“Without the incredible support like this from Simon and others taking part in Mission 5000, the MND Association simply would not be able to fund vital research to find a cure and achieve our vision – a world free from MND.’’ � To donate, log on to http://bit.ly/ SimonWilliamsMNDA

be kidding me ...

NEWS | 21

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

A trip to the docs can avoid a dicky ticker A TRIP TO the doctor can help detect heart problems early, says ex-Army engineer.

Ian Berry, 65, who served in The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers for 24 years, waited five years for a heart operation — but wishes it had been detected sooner.

In 2014, the Sandhurst resident had a heart murmur detected, which led to an Aortic Valve replacement surgery at The Royal Brompton Hospital last summer.

Ian says: “My quality of life gradually deteriorated until there came a point where exercise or reasonable activity was not possible.

“Eventually I was given a fiveday notice to move, and was admitted to The Royal Brompton in June, 2019.

“The care I had was superb but I was frustrated to have to wait for five years and suffer a reduced quality of life in the latter stages before my operation.

“Had it not have been for my employer having a Bupa scheme, this may have gone undetected for many more years, or even worse.”

Now, Ian says key to maintaining a high quality of life is early detection and intervention — where required.

He has joined the call for all over 65-year-olds to have an annual stethoscope check.

He added: “I’ve always been physically active as a keen cyclist.

I would experience chest pains and become short of breath but always

thought this was part of strenuous exercise.

“Today I’m very much back in the saddle and have planned some cycling challenges in the year ahead.

“As a heart valve disease patient, I would urge anyone over 65 to ask their doctor for a stethoscope check so that the disease can get detected, diagnosed and treated as early as possible”.

Recent data from the European Heart Health Survey revealed that one in three older British people have never received a stethoscope check during routine health checks — the lowest level in Europe.

Usually, the first indication of a problem with the heart valves is a heart murmur heard using a stethoscope.

Chris Young, chairman of the charity Heart Valve Voice said: “The senior population is a group at risk, and it is estimated that by the age of 75, one-in-eight people will have heart valve disease.

“Worryingly, we have also seen fewer patients come in to get their heart checked as a result of Covid-19, despite social distancing measures being put in place so they can go ahead safely.

“This may mean that they are missing out on life-saving procedures.”

Key symptoms include chest tightness, pain, abnormal heart beats and shortness of breath.

Anyone concerned about their heart should contact their GP.

rachelbradley Think local

So for that I need to smile.

My life lesson is that at a time when so much of our lives is out of our control, we need to find and delight in the things we can control.

I suppose because so much of my working life is controlled by my clients and no two days are ever the same, I’ve learnt how to deal with the unknown.

It’s something that’s really helping me at this time.

So what’s making me smile right now?

When I think about it, there are so many things. Yes, they might be little but they add up to be enough to lift a mood.

I live on the Reading Road.

The traffic noise usually drowns out any other sound. But right now I can hear the tweeting of the birds when I wake up and there’s even an owl that hoots in the trees behind my house when I go to sleep each night. I’m more than happy to say that I’m tuning in and it feels good.

I’m also cheered by the wonderful community I live in.

Businesses showing resilience and flex as they pivot and change in our brave new world.

It makes me feel proud that we have some great indie shops and businesses able to make the change.

I’m making sure I’m doing my bit to support them.

And if all else fails, there’s nothing that some great tunes can’t cure. Find your favourite playlist and turn up the volume. It honestly works every time.

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

Smile stories

T

ELL me a smile story? This question popped up on my Instagram feed this week and it really made me think.

Just as I was pondering the smile question, a producer from BBC Radio Berkshire called me to put me through to the presenter as I was that day’s guest on the Coffee Club feature.

And the question, what puts you in a positive frame of mind? Literally the same question, minutes apart.

I had no choice but to think about it and come up with an answer.

I’m ever the optimist and can usually find reasons to be cheerful. But I get that right now it’s a challenge for most of us.

I’m a freelancer so my life is made up of uncertainty and change.

Thankfully I’m able to roll with it. But this year has presented more than it’s fair of challenges and sometimes my smile has slipped.

With most of my family in the North West, our annual Christmas shindig has been cancelled.

As of this week they’re on local lockdown and unable to visit other peoples houses. I guess it’ll be just the four of us this year at home in Wokingham.

Yes, it’ll be a quieter affair and the fun and games won’t be half as raucous but it’ll be lovely.

If I’m honest, it’ll probably be far more relaxing and restorative.

tonyjohnson That was the week

Nob Reigns

L

IGHTS … camera … action … brains off, mouths in gear.

This was not their finest hour, nor even their finest three hours, but it was definitely their worst twenty minutes.

If Ricky Gervais were watching, the first draft of “The Council” would be ready next week, for filming in October and on telly for Christmas.

And while the real thing has already been released via YouTube, it’s not recommended viewing, even the part when the meeting goes to pieces near the end. But it should be mandatory for all 54 of our elected councillors to watch. Not only to see how they come across to the paying public, but also to mark themselves out of 10 for their contribution(s).

A meeting derailed The meeting had been coming apart long before its less than graceful ending.

Marking the start of the process is tricky as the technology went ‘feet-up’ only two minutes in. Councillors took quite a bit longer, starting with the leader interrupting the mayor.

Possibly well meant at the time, it set a poor precedent for later.

By the time 10pm came round, it was clear that more time was needed to finish the last two motions, so a thirty minute extension was requested.

Perhaps it’s the default Tory stance of voting for an early bedtime, but two of their number woke up … and voted the wrong way, but neither were man enough to admit their error and move on.

The mayor was interrupted during the voting process with a “who’s running the meeting Malcolm?” a rhetorical question from a leader who should know better.

With a point of order and some officer advice added in, by the time the leader of the opposition was re-declaring that he’d be voting twice, any resemblance to an adult discussion had totally vanished.

Self discipline And on the night, self discipline was probably furthest from people’s minds.

One senior politician talked of another’s “monologue of nonsense speech”, but didn’t follow his own observation. Others insisted on having their say and disrespecting as well as ignoring the mayor’s efforts to maintain order.

Indeed, many councillors seemed to lack even the most basic self-discipline of keeping their microphone switched off.

And when a councillor takes four minutes for a three minute speech, boring or annoying their colleagues into the bargain, then the meeting’s always going to over-run.

As one participant observed afterwards — a fellow councillor “might have the right to speak at a Working Group meeting, but they don’t have the right to interrupt”. Advice that participant would have done well to observe themselves.

A ray of sunshine One of the bits not yet hacked out by the current leader is the statements by executive members on their particular area(s) of responsibility within WBC. And after all the above, while you’d be forgiven for thinking that this particular full council meeting was the worst of times, it had within it one exceptional speech from Charles Margetts, exec Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Services.

Against a backdrop of almost total disaster from Tories on high at a national level, at a local level Cllr Margetts delivered the clearest, crispest and most well put together summary of what the council’s done recently during the Covid-19 pandemic — warts and all.

He gave a good account without exceeding his allotted time. Respect. caveat.lector@icloud.com

22 | EDUCATION

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

FROMTHECLASSROOMS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

We welcome contributions from pupils for this page– email stories, pictures and prose to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Wokingham nursery expands with new eco-friendly building

harrybradley Harry’s world

Back to the future

By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokinghampaper.co.uk A WOKINGHAM nursery says it is building on its success and creating 40 new places for children with the opening of a brand-new eco-friendly facility.

The new building at Merrydale Day Nursery & Pre-school, London Road, just off the A329 by Coppid Beech roundabout, opens this month and features a wide variety of different learning areas where a broad curriculum is offered.

It is attached to the main building to ensure children using it will still feel connected to the rest of the nursery community and features a bright and airy interior and a secure veranda for safe free-flow outdoors.

Nursery spokesperson Jacqui Szrejder said: “We’re excited to be opening this wonderful new space for the older children at Merrydale; not only is it great for them, but it allows the other age groups to spread out more in the rest of the nursery, so all the children will benefit.”

The new facility was built by a firm which specialises in designing modular eco-buildings

Jacqui Szrejder

Children enjoying activities in the new facility at Merrydale Day Nursery and PreSchool

for nurseries and schools.

It will be used by the pre-school age group, and has been freshly equipped with the best resources for enquiring young minds.

It has been designed to create spacious, enticing learning areas for children to prepare them for school.

Merrydale is part of the Complete Childcare group of 13 nurseries across Wokingham and the surrounding area.

Speaking about how the Covid-19

pandemic has affected the nurseries, Jacqui added: “We adapted operations in all our nurseries to meet government guidelines in response to the Covid-19 outbreak.

“We have been very appreciative of the flexibility of our staff and parents to how things have changed.

“When lockdown was announced earlier in the year, we kept five of our settings open to key worker

families, accepting children from sister nurseries also.

“As restrictions have eased, we have been able to open more settings over the summer period and are delighted to now have all of our 13 nurseries back open.”

Complete Childcare is fully registered with Ofsted and prides itself on its family-friendly features and inclusive fees, which include access to a wide range of activities, such as outdoor learning, phonics and numeracy.

The nursery is expanding at a time when nationally there are fears childcare places will be cut following the coronavirus lockdown.

School launches CHILDREN, teachers and the team from developer St Edward marked the official opening of Green Park Village Primary Academy – and the start of the autumn term – earlier this month with a celebratory balloon release in the school’s grounds at Green Park Village.

Sixty children are the first to enjoy the modern building and its outdoor space. When full,it will cater for 420 pupils, aged from two to 11 including nursery.

In keeping with Green Park Village’s sustainability credentials, the children released biodegradable balloons to celebrate the special occasion.

Jonathan Smee, Production Director, said: “The opening of the Primary Academy is a real landmark for Green Park Village and its place in the community.

“St Edward’s vision is to create a fantastic new neighbourhood for everyone to enjoy and use – for living, working and playing.

“The delivery of the new school shows our ambition really coming to life. We’re exceptionally proud of progress and the environment created to date.”

S

O WE’RE back on it. School has properly started. I’m right back into the swing of things and, to be honest, I’m loving it.

My lessons are actually In Real Life, in a classroom as oppose to on screen.

The sixth form common room is as busy as ever, and I’m moving through my A-level courses properly again.

Ah, it’s good to be back.

After so a long in lockdown, it’s strange to see so many people every day, but at the same time be limited to ‘the rule of six’.

I’m lucky, my classes are small, but the number of people I come into contact with daily is a lot higher than six.

The face coverings and designated classrooms do help ensure that proper guidelines are followed, but it’s a rather large bubble to be contained in.

And then as soon as I leave school, back to the magic number of six.

I count myself very lucky that I’m able to see all my friends every day because the parties and festivals that usually come around at the end of summer have either been cancelled or are slowly coming to an end.

Just having people and friends around feels good, no matter what the number.

September is filled with so many of my friends turning 18 but smaller garden parties are replacing the huge ‘big bashes’ with a lot fewer people getting together.

For me, last Sunday was the last big party.

My friend turned 18 and had a get together.

Out was the big do and in its place an afternoon tea at Milton’s Restaurant at Cantley House Hotel.

Not exactly the same thing, right?

Even my Gold Duke of Edinburgh expedition this weekend has been restricted to groups of five, with us coming home each night to avoid sleeping in tent.

But on that, I’m not going to complain about coming home each night to a home-cooked meal, hot shower and my own bed.

It’s a busy month and the beginning of the UCAS application process, with Personal Statements being sent off soon and university offers starting to come through (hopefully).

Coursework and revision also needs to be done, so all in all, it’s a busy start back into Year 13.

There’s a lot of change but I didn’t expect it to be anything other than busy.

And for that I’m grateful.

I love that I’m inching back towards normal life and moving towards my future. Getting out the house each day is a blessing on it’s own.

I’m glad for the new routine.

And for me, I’m counting down the days towards my 18th birthday this November.

I’ve no idea how or where I’ll be able to celebrate but whatever it looks, if there’s one thing this year has taught me, I’ll be sure to make the most of it.

SOCIETY | 23

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

community groups, clubs and societies INTHECOMMUNITY NewsSendfromyouryourreports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Wargrave Local History Society IT is not possible, under the present covid-19 restrictions, to hold Wargrave Local History Society meetings in the normal way.

As an experiment, September’s presentation was given using the Zoom internet programme.

The speaker was Joan Dils, respected local historian and President of the Berkshire Local History Association, who told members about Berkshire in the Civil War from 1642 to 1648 – how the county was affected, how the people reacted, and coped, during the period of conflict, rather than an account of specific battles.

The Civil War resulted from the conflicting principles of two political views. Most people did not want to fight at all. In Berkshire, the gentry had a divided allegiance, some for Parliament and others for the King. Families were divided and a few of the gentry remained neutral.

One of the problems for Berkshire arose from its geographical location. It was a wealthy area, and crossed by a major route from London to the west, and from Oxford to the south, with major towns sited at important river crossings.

There were few pitched battles in the county, but the major impact on the local population was a greatly increased rate of burials. Most were not soldiers, but local people who died from disease.

Armies from both sides destroyed houses, robbed markets and threatened the magistrates.

In addition, minor skirmishes led to the soldiers “pillaging the county of Berkshire”. In one example, they “had taken 150 sheep, five cart loads of hay and 100 quarters of wheat and barley, which were taken to Henley (a Parliamentarian stronghold) for the soldiers”.

Both sides would also seize property from the gentry or the church, and then demand payment for the owner to ‘redeem’ their property, as a way to raise funds for the conflict.

After the war ended, the situation began to return to normal, so that by the end of the century Berkshire had recovered much of its prosperity, and most landowners regained their property – the two notable exceptions locally having been signatories to King Charles’ death warrant.

While the current restrictions on holding meetings remain in place, the Society plans to have some further meetings using Zoom. The next one is due to take place on Tuesday, October 13, when Joy Pibworth will give a presentation on Heroes of Woodley Airfield – an area of pioneering aviation.

However, in this constantly changing situation, the most up-to-date information can be found on the Society website at www.wargravehistory.org.uk PETER DELANEY

Easthampstead Rotary TWO years ago, Easthampstead Rotarians launched the first Community Christmas Draw for local voluntary groups and schools to raise money for themselves.

That year, 18 local groups raised £7,075. Last year, 36 voluntary groups raised over £12,000.

And every penny raised goes to the participating groups – including local schools’ PTAs, Citizens Advice, Parkinson’s, Mencap, Stroke, Samaritans

helenabadger volunteer corner � Homestart Wokingham Borough provides home visiting support to vulnerable families with at least one child under five.

Our team of trained volunteers visit each week and provide a non-judgmental listening ear. We also run family groups to support children get ready for the learning environment and to reduce isolation for families.

We require a new treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. This is a key role in helping Home-Start Wokingham continue to provide its vital service into its 25th year.

Duties includ maintaining an overview of the scheme’s financial affairs, ensuring its financial viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

Must have financial/accounting experience.

Nigel Page (left), Wokingham Lions President, and Tim Hanton, the Lions’ treasurer, present a cheque for £2,715 to Fiona Devine, CEO and co-founder of Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service in its new sensory garden in Maidenhead

Wokingham Walk THE fifth annual Wokingham Walk on Sunday, September 6, was a great success, with all proceeds donated to Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, which provides essential support to children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families, across Berkshire.

“We are very pleased with the turnout, as well as the weather,” said Andy Slay, the event’s organiser.

“Participating in the walk were 250 people, of all ages.

They walked different routes of five-, 10- and 15-miles, starting and ending at Elms Field.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beautiful countryside around Wokingham and support a worthy cause.”

He added: “We raised £2,715 for the event, and all of it has been donated to Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service.

“In addition, a number of walkers raised their own sponsorships for different charities. Two walkers set up

groups, Guides and Scouts are among the beneficiaries.

After last year’s draw, Sandhurst Counselling’s Peter Hulbert said: “It helped us fund the recruitment of counsellors and provide more counselling, despite grant cuts.”

And Liz McDaniel, fundraiser for Me2 Club, which enables children and young people with additional needs to participate in mainstream youth activities, emailed Easthampstead Rotary Club “to say thank you for inviting us again to be part of this super initiative”.

This year, with so many fundraising activities cancelled due to COVID-19, but with our schools and communities now cautiously opening up again, do join the Community Christmas Draw 2020. � 100% of all ticket sale proceeds go to the participating charities, community groups and schools. � The prizes are: £500 first prize, £250 second prize, £100 third prize, £50 fourth prize and 10 £10 prizes. � The draw will take place at The Coppid Beech Hotel, Bracknell at 8pm on Monday, December 21. � Presentation of the proceeds to the participating groups and winners will be on Wednesday, January 13.

If your local charity, community group, school or youth organisation isn't part of the action yet, visit www.easthampsteadrotary.org and click DETAILS. You can also email Rob Hughes at robis62@btinternet.com or call 07951 816757 for more information.

New members always welcome. Post Covid, we meet most Monday evenings at The Coppid Beech.

For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526. Check out our website: www.easthampsteadrotary.org

team sponsorship pages for Alexander Devine and raised an additional £961, bringing the total to £3,676.

“The teams were the Moving Mamas (£385) and the Lloyd Family (£576).”

Alexander Devine’s CEO and co-founder, Fiona Devine, said: “Our deepest thanks to the Wokingham Lions Club for all their hard work in organising such a wonderful and fun event.

“It is no mean feat to organise an event like this in such challenging times, and

Or follow us at www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub PETER VON BERGEN

Wokingham Poppy Appeal POPPIES will be available for purchase in Wokingham town ahead of this year’s Remembrance Sunday.

Although the actual acts of remembrance will be different as a result of the coronavirus, exact details cannot be confirmed until closer to the time as these will depend on the latest

we really appreciate all the effort that went into making sure the event went ahead, and the amazing amount of money it raised for our charity.

“What a real difference this money will make to the seriously-ill children and their families that we support.

“Indeed, it could help fund over 100 hours of muchneeded respite for our families.” � For more, visit www. wokinghamlions.org.uk, and www.alexanderdevine.org.

government advice on social distancing and the spread of the virus.

The Wokingham Poppy appeal will make poppies available to purchase during the appeal from a table in Market Place on the Fridays and Saturdays closest to Remembrance Sunday.

There will also be poppies, wooden crosses and pin badges available from the Town Hall information centre.

Tesco in Finchampstead Road and the Nationwide Building Society in Broad Street will also have collection points.

� Berkshire Scouts are looking for adult helpers who want to help young people have a great time exploring the great outdoors.

After many months of being stuck inside, unable to meet together, Scout Groups around the area are able to get together – initially with outdoor, socially distanced meetings with restricted group sizes.

The Scouts is all about giving young people and adults skills for life through problem solving, working in a team and building resilience.

Volunteering is really flexible to fit around your work and home life. If you’ve got particular interest, skill or experience we’d love to make sure we get you involved. � Age UK Berkshire offers a Home From Hospital service free of charge to older people who are resident in the Wokingham Borough Council area.

The service is for people who are being discharged from hospital and live alone, to help them through the first couple of weeks and make sure they have what they need to regain their confidence, settle into a routine, and re-adjust to living back at home.

Our volunteer home visitors provide a few hours of social and practical support just after someone has left hospital. The volunteer coordinator makes an initial assessment before your visit, and will tell you what the client needs.

It could be as simple as a cup of tea and a chat, light shopping, accompanying someone to a GP or outpatient appointment, or picking up a prescription.

Qualities needed from the volunteers are; a kind, caring and friendly manner, a desire to make a difference to the lives of older and/or disabled people, an ability to listen to, and have empathy with, clients.

No previous experience is required. � Contact us: tel. 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or visit our website: www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk

24 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

TO SPONSOR THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON 0118 327 2662

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 25

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Love Letters straight from the heart

A new version of Madagascar will be coming to South Hill Park this December LIVE theatre is to return to Windsor next month with a Broadway hit.

Seasoned actors Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove – who worked together on the hit television drama Judge John Deed – are teaming up for a new production of Love Letters.

It will be directed by Roy Marsden, best known for his role of Adam Dalgliesh in the popular crime series.

The play focuses on two friends who share a deep closeness through writing intimate letters.

When Andrew Makepeace Ladd III accepts an invitation to Melissa Gardner’s birthday party, Melissa writes a thank you note, and a romantic friendship and correspondence that spans almost half a century is born.

Written by A R Gurney, Love Letters debuted in 1988 and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Celebrated American productions of this Broadway classic have seen huge star names such as Kathleen Turner, Christopher Walken, Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal take on this piece.

Martin Shaw and Jenny Seagrove are no strangers to the Theatre Royal, both recently having featured in outstanding Windsor productions – Martin in Patrick Hamilton’s classic Gaslight and Jenny in the starring role of the thrilling The Anastasia File. The pair last performed together in Windsor’s 2015 live radio adaptation of the iconic movie screenplay, Brief Encounter.

There are just eight performances of Love Letters, running from Tuesday, October 13 through to Saturday, October 17. Covid measures will include wearing face coverings, using a one-way system and limiting tickets to groups of six from one household or bubble. Other measures may be introduced closer to the time, look out for details from the theatre or the Government. � For more details, or to book Covid-safe tickets, log on to TheatreRoyalWindsor.co.uk or call the box office on 01753 853888 PHIL CREIGHTON

Festive adventure will be wild THE HOLIDAYS are shaping up to be pretty wild at South Hill Park this year.

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure will be returning the Bracknell-based arts centre just in time for Christmas.

After selling out in Easter in 2018, the show is one of its replacements to the pantomime, which has had to be cancelled this year.

The musical is based on the film Madagascar, so audiences can expect to see all of their favourite characters back in the spotlight, including Alex the Lion and Melman the Giraffe.

And many of the original community cast are returning too, in particular Michael Ayiotis who plays King Julian, and Laura Hartley who is cast as Gloria.

After having to postpone their pantomime Cinderella until 2021, South Hill Park is hoping audiences will now get to enjoy the theatre during the festive season after a slow period for the arts industry.

And, the Arts Centre is implementing a number of measures to protect audiences and staff from the coronavirus.

These include socially distanced seating and queuing systems, hand sanitising stations, and wearing masks in the building.

The show will be running at South Hill Park between Friday, December 11 and Sunday, December 13, as well as from Wednesday, December 16 until Sunday, December 20.

Tickets are on sale and cost £22 each. � To find out more, head to www.southhillpark.org.uk/events/ madagascar-a-musical-adventure CHARLOTTE KING

It’s a Christmas miracle – Scrooge returns to the stage THERE is no reason to say “Bah! Humbug!” this year, because Ebenezer Scrooge will be coming to Bracknell to say it himself.

This December, A Christmas Carol is coming to the stage at South Hill Park.

In a bid to get people in the festive spirit, the Arts Centre is putting the meanest, most miserable man in London under the spotlight to remind everyone what a beautiful time Christmas can be.

The brand-new adaptation of Charles’ Dickens’ classic Christmas tale is being brought to audiences

by Apollo Theatre Company, whose other productions include Round The Horne and Hancock’s Half Hour.

And to keep audiences and staff

safe, South Hill Park is hosting socially distanced performances.

It has also implemented a variety of Covid-safety measures, including distanced queuing systems, hand sanitising stations, and wearing masks when in the building.

Online booking for A Christmas Carol will open on Monday, September 21 for members, and on Wednesday, September 23 for non-members.

Performances are due to run from Tuesday, December 22 until Thursday, December 24, and are suitable for children aged three and older. � To find out more, visit www.southhillpark.org.uk/ events/a-christmas-carol CHARLOTTE KING

26 | LEISURE

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

WHAT’S Bottomless brunch starts a weekend of fun BREWING

IN FINCHAMPSTEAD?

Y

OU may have seen that a few weeks ago we released Hard Pour Broken Dream, a Nitro version of our 6.5% flagship Breakfast Stout and former Supreme Champion Beer of Britain, Broken Dream.

Well, we haven’t stopped there, and a new Nitro offering is out this week.

Introducing TWIN FLAMES

Until last year, we had a Red IPA sitting in our flagship range, Liquid Mistress.

With evolving styles and ever-changing industry trends the decision was made to retire the beer.

However, Red IPAs have always remained a firm favourite here at Siren. In fact, it was a Red IPA that inspired our founder, Darron, to start a brewery – BrewDog’s 5AM Saint.

If you missed our article from a few weeks back, Nitro beers replace the majority of the Carbon Dioxide with Nitrogen. Nitrogen is largely insoluble in liquids, so the beer takes on a really creamy character that’s very smooth to drink.

Red IPA combines an intriguing and complex malt bill with fruit forward hops. The result is a beer ranging between deep maroon and vibrant bright red that offers the drinker a captivating malt base, often with notes of burnt raisins and biscuit, finished with the fruity tropical hops.

Recently, we’ve been falling back in love with Red IPAs, with Here’s Johnny last year, Big Red Machine and an imperial version brewed with Vibrant Forest, Grand Designs.

Each interaction has proved popular, with demand for more.

What better beer to experiment with Nitro with then?!

For Twin Flames we’re releasing two versions simultaneously.We’re canning two versions of the same beer – Classic, and Nitro.

The classic version has the same treatment that any of our beers would – force carbonated and canned as normal. The Nitro version has the nitro treatment, and should be ‘hard poured’ – essentially, just turn it upside down and let the whole thing pour hard into the glass. It will settle with a beautiful creamy head.

Although they’re the same base beer, each version should bring its own characteristics to the table, and we can’t wait to see which people prefer.

Both Twin Flames Nitro and Twin Flames Classic will be available on the Siren webshop and Tap Yard from Friday.

The Tap Yard is now open for take away pints from Wednesday to Saturday, noon to 8pm.

Our table bookings are still available on Saturday (sirencraftbrew.com/bookings) but now you can grab a pint in a plastic cup and sit on the grass.

We suggest bringing blankets / camping chairs!

Cheers all! Have a great week, and stay safe.

SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF

0118 973 0929

sirencraftbrew.com

Pitcher and Piano 18 Friar Street, Reading RG1 1DB 0118 958 8964 pitcherandpiano.com

I

NVENTED as a cure for hangovers, brunch now has the ability to cause and cure a weekend of merriment.

Enter, bottomless brunch.

Think Mimosas over Bloody Marys, the fizz-fuelled event is being served up by Reading-based Pitcher and Piano for £25 per head.

With unlimited Prosecco, Bellinis and Mimosas, guests can choose from a range of brunch menu classics and some unique additions.

Entering the bar, visitors are guided to their pre-booked table after a customary coating of hand sanitiser.

With table service very much the new normal, the dining experience has become a more leisurely affair. Tables are spaced out and there’s less chance of restaurant eavesdropping.

On arrival, the Pitcher and Piano team are quick to deliver the first glass of fizz as the menu-browsing begins.

The Mushroom Madame (above) combined Croxton Manor cheddar, sautéed mushrooms and a fried egg to create a luxurious dish. And the Pitcher and Piano veggie breakfast (far right) was brilliantly seasoned and well portioned Pictures: Jess Warren Being vegetarian, I would usually dine with a meat-eating guest. But Covidconcerns meant I was joined by my vegetarian partner.

The menu did not disappoint. With five vegetarian options, five meat options and one vegan dish, there are a variety of brunch choices.

The Pitcher and Piano veggie breakfast, which includes; grilled halloumi, smashed avocado, fried egg, flat mushroom, confit of tomato, hash brown, baked beans and toasted sourdough struck a perfect balance between aesthetics and flavour. Where some brunch-serving establishments sacrifice taste for Instagram-ready pictures, the dish found harmony between the two.

wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

I

T’S GREAT to see so many local artists have been making the most of lockdown. This week’s chart features a returning act in the shape or local musician Bradley Watmore.

His song, Plain To See, is his second release, but it’s top of our pops this week, and it’s free to listen to on Spotify.

Each week, Chris Hillman from White Star Records curates our soundtrack features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene.

There’s a range of musical styles to enjoy meaning that there’s something for everyone You can listen for FREE via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/ wokinghamlovesmusic Bradley Watmore – Plain to See Local musician and songwriter Bradley, was featured in Wokingham.Today

Well seasoned throughout, the halloumi was faultlessly soft, the mushroom rich and buttery and the hash brown crisp.

But the showstopper was the Mushroom Madame. Based on the French dish, melted Croxton Manor cheddar and sautéed mushrooms were served in a grilled white bloomer topped with a fried egg and served with house salad.

Unlike the classic brunch dishes, the Madame felt unique and packed a cheese-filled punch.

Somewhere between a mac n’ cheese and peppercorn sauce, the mushroom and cheese mix was rich and creamy, impeccably seasoned and as luxurious as it sounds.

earlier in the year prior to the release of his excellent debut single Rock Bottom that also featured in one our first playlists. Now he releases his second single which again showcases the quality of his songwriting and performance. A great piece of bouncy feel-good indie-pop with a hook that will have you singing along - www.facebook.com/bradleywatmore Aaron Cilia – Meadows Aaron is an up-and-coming talent who, as well as working behind the scenes at a number of local gigs and festivals as a sound engineer and lighting engineer, is a record producer and musician, working with a number of artists including his parents’ band, Spriggan Mist.

This year he has also released some of his own music including his debut album on which he played every instrument. Here’s the wonderful atmospheric and melodic title track of that album www.facebook.com/AaronCiliaArtist Hester and the Heathens – Regenerate An energetic and powerful pop-punk sing-along anthem from this threepiece local band, who are definitely one to watch in the future – www.facebook.com/ hesterandtheheathens/ Rob James – West Coast Nights (Shuffla Remix) Here’s a track remixed by Finchampstead-based DJ, musician

Decadent flavours were balanced by a bright salad dressed in a light vinegar, bringing acidity to the cheesy mountain of food.

Paired with Prosecco and a Bellini respectively, the brunch was a fantastic way to start the weekend.

Served from 11am until 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays, guests may wish to travel by train or bus in order to make the most of the free-flowing drinks. � As of today, new Government restrictions mean that all visitors to pubs, restaurants, bars and cafés must wear a face covering when they are not eating or drinking.

JESS WARREN

and audio engineer, Sam ‘Shuffla’ Brice -– www.facebook.com/shufflamusicofficial Reliant – Antisocial The new single from this Wokingham and Readingbased four-piece is an exciting and uplifting anthem that the band describe as an unconventional love song – www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant The Gaslights – The Ocean They performed a great set at Wokingham Festival last year, and now, this up-and-coming indie band have a wonderful atmospheric new single – www.facebook.com/gaslightsuk The Room – Bodies on the Road Local melodic rock band The Room are back with the new single from their critically acclaimed Caught by the Machine album - theroom.band Wishbone Ash – Blind Eye A video of this track being performed live at last year’s Wokingham Festival by Martin Turner Ex-Wishbone Ash was recently released www.martinturnermusic.com Wille and the Bandits – Find My Way Here’s a dynamic four-piece band with a powerful immense sound who were due to headline this year’s cancelled Wokingham Festival – www.willeandthebandits.com Warmrain – Here Comes The Rain Again This band, also due to play at the festival, whose Back Above the Clouds album features this beautiful cover of the Eurythmics classic as you’ve never heard it before – warmrainband.com

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

PROPERTY | 27

28 | PROPERTY

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

PROPERTY | 29

30 | PROPERTY

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

PROPERTY | 31

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

what’s

new

The beginning.

In 2009, after 12 months of planning, one of the areas most respected estate agents decided to do things differently. The david cliff agency opened its doors with a carefully selected team of property professionals who were all passionate about property and with an enviable wealth of experience in local markets.

Since that time they have opened more offices; in Mortimer and Binfield and, as a selected member of The Guild of Property Professionals, they now have a ‘genuine’ base and presence in Park Lane, London.

They always said they wanted to bring a new level of service and presentation to the area and the growing number of stunning ‘david cliff’ offices and distinctive pink boards would suggest they are achieving their goal!

Sherwood Road, Wokingham SPACE RARE TO FIND

Pheasant Close, Wokingham FANTASTIC SPOT

• Flexible living accommodation • Six bedrooms • Family size garden • John Lewis kitchen • Great school catchment • Winnersh train station

• Large living room • Flexible accommodation • Converted loft • Potential • Great schools • Garage

£725,000

Alexander Close, Wokingham OH SO EXCLUSIVE

£525,000

Landen Grove, Wokingham A RARE OPPORTUNITY

• Great setting • Fantastic living space • Enormous entrance hall • Versatile living • Large kitchen/breakfast room • Four double bedrooms

£859,950

contact our wokingham office: phone: 0118 989 9770 email: wokingham@davidcliff.com visit: davidcliff.com A selected member of The Guild of Property Professionals

Offices also at Binfield, Mortimer and Park Lane, London

• Fantastic location • Attractive street scene • Charles Church built • Four bedrooms • Large living room • Study

£615,000

32 | CLASSIFIEDS

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

Classifieds

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3016 FINCHAMPSTEAD ROAD, B3430 NINE MILE RIDE AND WINDSOR RIDE, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 17th September 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329M, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. A329M Alpha, Winnersh between its junctions with A329M off slip and A329M on slip.

1. B3016 Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Barkham Ride and B3430 Nine Mile Ride;

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via M4 to Junction 11, Basingstoke Road Roundabout and return to M4 Junction 10.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3430 Nine Mile Ride, A321 Sandhurst Road and B3016 Finchampstead Road, or by this route in reverse.

2. A329M Bravo, Winnersh between its junctions with A329M off slip and A329M on slip.

2. B3016 Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3430 Nine Mile Ride and Warren Road; The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 Jubilee Road, B3348 The Village, B3348 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road, Biggs Lane, Park Lane and Nine Mile Ride, or by this route in reverse.

3. B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions B3016 Finchampstead Road and Manor Park Ride; Works requiring this restriction shall take place between 28th September and 3rd October 2020, between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3106 Finchampstead Road, B3348 Jubilee Road, B3348 The Village, B3348 Fleet Hill, A327 Reading Road, Biggs Lane and Park Lane, or by this route in reverse.

4. B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3106 Finchampstead Road and Kiln Ride.

Works requiring this restriction shall take place between 5th and 10th October 2020, between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3016 Finchampstead Road, A321 Sandhurst Road and B3430 Nine Mile Ride (eastern section), or by this route in reverse.

5. Windsor Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3106 Finchampstead Road and Summit Close.

Works requiring this restriction shall take place between 5th and 12th October 2020 between the hours of 20:00 and 06:00.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via M4 to Junction 8/9, A404 Roundabout and return to M4 Junction 10.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 17th October and 18th October 2020, May/June 2021 and October/November 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake bi-annual 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.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (GREENSWARD LANE, ARBORFIELD) (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: Greensward Lane, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Reading Road and Swallowfield Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Reading Road and Swallowfield Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th October and 23rd October 2020.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake installation of electrical cable and 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 17th October 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 12th October 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 24th September 2020

Dated this 24th September 2020

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3016 Finchampstead Road and Pine Drive, or by this route in reverse.

The reason for these prohibitions is enable Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake detailed surveys and highway improvement works in safety.

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 28th September 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application

Address

Reasons for Advert Description

202065

54-58, Reading Road, Wokingham

Major Application

Full application for the proposed erection of 34 no. retirement living apartments including communal facilities and associated car parking and landscaping, following demolition of existing 3 no. dwellings.

202104

3-5, Easthampstead Road, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed change of use from offices (Use Class B1) to residential (Use Class C3) to create 4 no. flats – 1 no. one bedroom and 3 no. two bedroom - plus the erection of a single storey front extension to form a bin store, part conversion of existing garage to habitable accommodation and cycle storage, erection of privacy screen in rear courtyard and changes to fenestration.

202105

3-5, Easthampstead Road, Wokingham

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

202303

land at Baird Road, Arborfield Garrison

Major Application

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed change of use from offices (Use Class B1) to residential (Use Class C3) to create 4 no. flats – 1 no. one bedroom and 3 no. two bedroom - plus the erection of a single storey front extension to form a bin store, part conversion of existing garage to habitable accommodation and cycle storage, erection of privacy screen in rear courtyard and changes to fenestration.

Outline application with Appearance, Landscaping, Layout and scale reserved for the proposed erection of a two storey building providing ten 1 - 2 & 3 bedroom apartments with consideration of means of access to be determined.

Dated this 24th September 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

For the latest news visit

SERVICES

Get your business seen!

Email advertising@ wokinghampaper. co.uk

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 15th October 2020. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 24th September 2020

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

SPORT | 33

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

NATIONAL LEAGUE ONE

RAMS’ BAKER RARING TO GO AHEAD OF NEW CAMPAIGN

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk

JAMES BAKER believes he used the summer productively as the tighthead prop prepares for Rams' second season in National One.

The front row received an honourable mention when The Rugby Paper picked their Team of the Season last time out, having previously been selected in the starting XV when Rams won National Two South in 2018/19.

And he is looking forward to producing even more destructive performances after healing from some nagging injuries and increasing his power.

He commented: "I was doing a lot of working out from home, body exercises when we were locked in.

“As it started to ease and the outside gym was available I was down here (Old Bath Road) most days trying to keep fit.

"I didn't do a lot of running so I put a bit of weight on, but for my position that's probably a good thing.

“Now, though, I'm back into the fitness

with the running outside and losing a bit of weight will ease the pressure on the knees.

“I'm just aiming to be fully match fit for when the season starts and we have our first game."

He continued: "the coaches were in touch a lot during the summer.

Joe (Southwell, strength and conditioning coach) had lots of things on the website, his HIITZ sessions to keep us going.

“He was also ringing me up and sending me emails to see how I was and giving me a few pointers and tips to help keep me ticking over.

"It was also a good time to get over any niggles I did have, like my shoulder where a nerve was pressing.

“But with that time off I'm fully recovered and my upper body is fine.

"It's great to be back and not stuck indoors any more."

Baker was part of a Rams side which enjoyed a memorable first campaign in National One as they finished runners up to Richmond in the shortened season.

RESULTS

Witney 1 v Sonning 1s (noon) Marlow 1s v South Berkshire 1s

Saturday, September 19

MBBO Regional 2 Aylesbury 1s v Sonning 2s

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship

MBBO Division 1

Reading 2-0 Barnsley Hellenic Premier Binfield 2-0 Westfields FA Vase Sumas 3-0 Cheltenham Saracens Eversley & California 1-3 Long Crendon HOCKEY Friendlies Marlow 2s 1-5 South Berkshire 1s Camberley 4-1 South Berkshire 2s South Berkshire 5s 5-0 Camberley & Farnborough 4s Wallingford 2s 3-2 Sonning 3s Sonning 5s 1-0 Sonning 6s Reading 4s 1-3 South Berkshire Ladies 2s Yateley Ladies 4s 0-5 South Berkshire Ladies 4s Sonning Ladies 2s 6-2 Marlow Ladies 3s Sonning Ladies 3s 1-0 Maidenhead Sonning Ladies 4s 1-2 Henley Wycombe 3-1 Sonning Ladies 5s

South Berkshire 2s v Bicester 1s MBBO Division 3 Marlow 3s v South Berkshire 3s Sonning 3s v Aylesbury 2s MBBO Division 6 Tring 1s v Sonning 4s MBBO Division 7 South Berkshire 4s v Windsor 3s MBBO Division 8 South Berkshire 5s v Oxford 8s MBBO Division 9 Sonning 5s v Sonning 6s South Women’s Division 3A Buckingham Ladies 2s v Sonning Ladies 1s Trysports Premier 2 Sonning Ladies 2s v Oxford Ladies 3s Trysports Division 1 Sonning Ladies 3s v Newbury and Thatcham Ladies 2s South Berkshire Ladies 2s v Bicester Ladies 1s Trysports Division 3

Sunday, September 20 Thames Valley Women’s Division One Wargrave Women 1-1 Banbury United Women

James Baker in action for Rams in their National League One campaign last season Picture: Paul Clark

"Last year was a whirlwind. Going into the higher league you never really know how you're going to size up against the other teams.

“National One is among the top 1% of rugby in the country and you think will we be able to do it.

“But we went into it

thinking, we'll take everyone one on and do our best to win.

"It showed from previous seasons how much we've progressed and a lot of the guys were the same as the years before.

"I've been here for 14 years and while there have been new

guys coming in, you've also got the vanguard who have stayed here even when money was offered to them.

“They never really took it and that showed what a good, cohesive bunch we have.”

And looking ahead to the coming season,

he concluded: "Being a front row scrummaging is very important so I'll be looking to dominate wherever I can.

“As a team there are certain losses we'll be looking to rectify.

“We want to win most games, move up the table and keep improving."

Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies 0-5 Caversham AFC Ladies Women’s FA Cup Woodley United Ladies 5-3 Milton United Ladies Wycombe Wanderers 2-1 Eversley & California Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Ladies 0-4 Mortimer Ladies

Tuesday, September 22 Hellenic Division One East Chalvey Sports 4-2 Woodley

Sonning Ladies 4s v Aylesbury Ladies 2s Trysports Division 5 Sonning Ladies 5s v Bicester Ladies 3s Ladies 3s Marlow 2s v South Berkshire 1s Marlow 3s v South Berkshire 2s Reading 4s v South Berkshire Ladies 2s

Sunday, September 27 FOOTBALL Thames Valley Women’s Division One Milton United Ladies v Eversley & California Ladies Tilehurst Panthers Women Development v Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies Wargrave Women v Caversham AFC Ladies

United

READING FC

GIBSON BECOMES NEWEST ROYALS RECRUIT VELJKO Paunovic has completed his first signing as Reading manager as Lewis Gibson joins on a season-long loan move to the Royals from Everton.

The 20-year-old central defender will wear the number 15 shirt this season.

“I am absolutely delighted that Lewis has come to join the group and to be part of what we are trying to achieve here at Reading,” said Paunovic.

“A confident and capable left-footed defender who is comfortable on the ball

and aware of the philosophy we are implementing out on the training pitch, he has promise and potential in abundance as well as the talent to make an impact as a Royal this season.

“I am sure he will add competition to our defence and a readiness to our squad.”

Gibson came through the youth ranks at Newcastle United but joined the Toffees at the age of 17.

Having already featured at the higher age group, Gibson quickly became a

regular under David Unsworth in Merseyside, routinely representing Everton’s Under-23s over the course of the next three seasons and captaining the side to a league and cup double in 2018-19.

And he earned his first minutes in league football when he joined Joey Barton’s Fleetwood Town on loan for the second half of last season.

He kept four clean sheets in nine League One starts for Fleetwood and remained unbeaten to help them finish sixth,

Holyport 0-4 Sumas

Thames Valley Women’s

FA Cup

Division 3S S4K Ladies v Thatcham Flames

Whyteleafe 2-0 Binfield

FIXTURES

Saturday, September 26 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Cardiff City v Reading

Tuesday, September 29 Hellenic Premier Division Binfield v Flackwell Heath Hellenic League Division One East Holyport v Woodley United Sumas v Kidlington Reserves Combined Counties Division

Hellenic Premier Division Longlevens v Binfield

One Eversley & California v Godalming Town

Hellenic League Division One East Sumas v Thame Rangers Combined Counties Division One Chessington & Hook United v Eversley & California HOCKEY MBBO Regional 1

34 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

THESPORTSPAPER Thursday, September 24, 2020

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

OLISE STUNNER DEFEATS � Continued from back page

The Tykes were reduced to 10 players just before halftime as Michal Helik was dismissed for denying Lucas Joao a goal scoring opportunity.

The Royals had to stay patient to find an opening against a well organised Barnsley side, but eventually found a breakthrough from substitute Yakou Meite who headed in from close range in the 67th minute.

Things went from bad to worse for the away side who were reduced to nine players moments after the Royals opener as Mads Andersen was shown a second yellow card.

Olise sealed the three points with his first goal for the club as he hit a stunning first time volley that crashed into the bottom corner.

Paunović was full of praise for his team’s efforts, and in particular goalscorers Meite and Olise.

“Yakou (Meite) came back from a small injury and worked very hard,” he continued.

“I’m happy for him that he had a good game, he increases the competition of the team.

“Michael (Olise) is maturing very quickly and he still needs to learn some moments where he can become more effective and take advantage of his skills.

The experienced players see a fantastic teammate in him.”

However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Reading who found themselves on the back foot for much of the first-half when the sides had the same number of players on the pitch.

Reading keeper Rafael had to come to his team’s rescue early in the match as he flew to is right to claw the ball away from goal after Dominik Frieser was left unmarked in the box with a free header.

“In the moments in 11 v 11, the opponent was consistent and intense and they won many of their battles,” continued Paunović.

“We exploited them at the back. It was an amazing job from the whole team.

“The team defended

fantastically, there were a couple of great blocks and then we turned over a counter attack and Lucas Joao gave us a game changing moment.

“In the second half our subs helped us. The most positive thing for me today was the spirit, effort, consistency and focus.”

Paunović’s faultless start to life in the Championship sees the Royals top of the pile in the league after two matches, with two wins and two clean sheets.

Reading face an away trip to Cardiff City this Saturday, who have won one and lost one of their opening two games.

READING: Rafael, Araruna, Moore, Morrison, Richards, Rinomhota, Laurent, Olise, Swift, Ejaria, Joao SUBS: Southwood, McIntyre, Baldock, Meite, Aluko, Holmes, Puscas BARNSLEY: Walton, Ludewig, Sollbauer, Helik, Andersen, Williams, Mowatt (c), Ritzmaier, Thomas, Frieser, Chaplin SUBS: Collins, Miller, Halme, Styles, Adeboyejo, Schmidt, Woodrow GOALS: Meite 67′, Olise 76′

Reading continued their perfect start to their Championship campaign with a 2-0 victory over Barnsley after they had

John Swift takes control in the midfield

George Puscas surges forward

Rafael makes a stunning save to come to the Royals’ rescue

Yakou Meite heads Reading in front from close range

Ovie Ejaria picks out a pass

SPORT | 35

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 THESPORTSPAPER

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

NINE MAN TYKES

FROM THE TILEHURST END

With Olly Allen

Reinforcements still to come for Paunović Ovie Ejaria hits the deck

two players sent off Pictures: Steve Smyth

Michael Olise glides through the Barnsley midfield

PREVIEW

ROYALS DEFEND PERFECT START IN BLUEBIRDS CLASH

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING will be hoping to protect their unbeaten start when they travel to face Cardiff City on Saturday.

The Royals ensured that they made it two wins from two in the Championship under new boss Veljko Paunović to go top of the table with a 2-0 win.

The Bluebirds got off the mark with their first win of the season on Saturday with an impressive 2-0 away win at Nottingham Forest after a brace from Kieffer Moore.

Neil Harris’ side started their 2020/21 league campaign with a 2-0 home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.

Cardiff enjoyed a solid season in the Championship last season which saw them make it to the play-offs after they finished in fifth position.

But they were denied a trip to Wembley and a shot at Premier League football after a 3-2 aggregate defeat to Fulham, who went on to win the play-offs.

Despite their contrasting

fortunes last season, it was the Royals who came out on top among the four meetings of the teams last season.

Reading are unbeaten in their last nine meetings with Cardiff as they defeated them 3-0 at the Madejski Stadium last year under Jose Gomes after a George Puscas brace.

Mark Bowen thenled them to a 1-1 draw away from home in the league.

The sides also met twice in last season’s FA Cup, which saw the Royals earn a replay after they came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw at the Madejski.

The replay in the fourthround was a much more entertaining affair which saw six goals scored across 120 minutes.

Yakou Meite’s 116th minute equaliser forced a penalty shootout, which the Royals won 4-1 to progress.

Reading will be without right-back Andy Yiadom after Paunovic confirmed that he had picked up an injury which will keep him sidelined for a ‘significant’ amount of time.

Andy Rinomhota in action against Barnsley

L

OOKING at the team sheet on Saturday afternoon against Barnsley, it really hit me just how good Reading’s strongest XI is.

Rafael is one of the best goalkeepers in the Championship and the statistics prove that.

Likewise, there are not many who can rival a fit Andy Yiadom at right-back and Omar Richards is continuing to go from strength to strength at left-back.

Liam Moore and Michael Morrison are an incredibly experienced centre-back pairing.

Andy Rinomhota and Josh Laurent provide energy and drive in midfield.

The attacking trio of John Swift, Michael Olise and Ovie Ejaria are as skilful and creative as they come at this level. Lucas Joao’s early season form has proven the quality that he has.

But it is behind that starting XI that I start to worry.

The Championship is a notoriously gruelling division, and this season will be the most demanding ever as the fixture list has been condensed due to the delayed start.

Clubs will need strength in depth in order to maintain a challenge at the top of the table through the campaign.

The second string eleven that Reading fielded against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup put in a relatively underwhelming performance and highlighted the need for squad reinforcements.

It was great to see so many young players involved, but whether 17 and 18-year-olds are ready to step up to the Championship when called upon is another matter.

The squad contains just 16 outfield players over the age of 21, and five of those are strikers.

Full-back appears to be an area where reinforcements are needed most, especially given Yiadom’s patchy injury record.

In midfield too, the only options beyond the starting

XI come from the academy.

Creatively, Sone Aluko is fine to bring off the bench to help see a game out, but he is hardly an inspiring substitution when you need a goal.

Meanwhile, Reading certainly have very talented striking options in the form of George Puscas and Yakou Meite, but Lucas Joao’s absence last season was incredibly noticeable in both results and performances.

It is true that a strong starting XI can win you the league – the first 11 names on Reading’s team sheet from the record breaking 2005-06 season practically roll of the tongue.

But even that side was supplemented by talent off the bench. 35 of Stephen Hunt’s 38 Championship appearances that year came as a substitute, while traditional understudies John Oster and Shane Long both scored in the 5-0 win over Derby County that secured the title.

This all means that any transfer business the Royals do in the next couple of weeks could make or break the season.

The signs are positive – Veljko Paunović has admitted that his squad is “not complete” and that “we have to increase our depth”.

Rodrigo Riquelme looks to be an exciting addition to the squad’s attacking options, while Lewis Gibson bolsters the defence.

Crewe Alexandra right-back Perry Ng would be a particularly good addition.

It’s been a perfect start, but the season’s hero might be a name we haven’t even heard of yet.

36 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, September 24, 2020

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

HELLENIC PREMIER DIVISION

BINFIELD ENDS WESTFIELDS UNBEATEN STREAK Binfield 2 Westfields 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

BINFIELD dealt last season’s table toppers Westfield their first league defeat in 28 games.

Before last season was cut short, Westfields were at the top of the division with a 13 point gap having avoided defeat all season.

However, the Moles ensured that they would not repeat the same feat this campaign as a superb team performance saw them keep a clean sheet against the title favourites.

Binfield were Westfields’ closest challengers for the title last season and the Moles showed their intentions for promotion this time around as they made the perfect start to the contest with an early goal.

Player/manager Jamie McClurg scored after just three minutes had been played as he beat Westfields’ keeper to the loose ball and rolled the ball into the unguarded net.

Both sides then took it in turns to hit the woodwork.

Chris Grace looked beaten in the Binfield goal but much to his relief Olly Butler’s shot bounced back off the post.

Asa Povey then hit the bar for Binfield before Sean Moore came close but he blazed an effort just over the bar.

Povey then capitalised on his next chance as he doubled Binfield’s lead as he met Ollie Harris’ cross from the leftwing and converted.

Despite going down to 10 players late in the game as Jack Broome was sent off, the Moles closed out the game to earn a huge three points.

Binfield co-manager Carl Withers said: “It was a tough game against

a strong, well organised Westfields team.

“But our boys keep delivering game by game and we come away with a pleasing win.”

Meanwhile, co-manager and goalscorer Jamie McClurg added: “It was great to get three points against a very strong, competitive, well organised and talented Wetsfields side.

“I can’t speak highly enough about this group of players we have at Binfield who I love and have the utmost praise for.”

The Moles will look to continue their faultless start to the Hellenic Premier campaign when they travel away to face Longlevens on Saturday.

BINFIELD: Grace, Hancock, Legg, Broome, Gavin, Willment, Povey, McClurg, Moore, Valentin, Harris.

SUBS: Gallimore, Short, Thomson-Wheeler, Howell, Johnson

Binfield captain Sean Moore against Westfields Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

FA WOMEN’S CUP

HIGH FIVE: KESTRELS FLY PAST MILTON

Woodley United Ladies booked their place in the next round of the Women’s FA Cup with victory over Milton United Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Woodley United Ladies 5 Milton United 3 WOODLEY United progressed to the First Qualifying round of the Vitality FA Women’s cup for only the second time in their history following Sunday’s home victory against Milton United.

Despite the scoreline, the home side were good value for the win and had it not been for fine goalkeeping by the visitors’ Vanessa Taylor the hosts would have led

by more than 3-1 at half time.

Milton started the game and were immediately on the back foot with Michelle Quinn failing to connect with a cross after three minutes before Maddie Sawyer opened the scoring in the sixth minute when she lobbed the advancing Taylor.

Taylor blocked Rosie Page-Smith when one on one on the quarter hour mark and when Freya Jenkins fired the loose ball goalwards, Taylor pushed it away for a corner kick that resulted in Jenkins

firing wide.

Woodley’s pressure paid off in the 25th minute when Jenkins fired into the far right corner to double the lead following a one-two with Page-Smith.

Nicole Haines was called on to concede a corner that saw the resulting shot skim the home cross bar before going out of play as Milton started to push forward, but Woodley’s third came in the 38th minute when Sawyer received the ball from a throw in, turned and

scored off the inside of the right post.

As the first half neared an end Holly Wilkins cleared a Haines save for a corner which Milton scored from when Mollie Dyer fired home unchallenged.

Woodley started the second half positively with Page-Smith heading an Ellen Surtees corner over the cross bar. Haines was required to make a full length save from Dyer and then flick a shot over her bar.

From another Surtees corner

Charlotte Crook saw her header saved by Taylor but Woodley scored their fourth in the 71st minute when Page-Smith was first to Jenkins’ cross to head the ball downwards before scrambling it over the goal line.

The match then saw three goals in as many minutes when Dyer scored her second from distance.

Woodley kicked off and played the ball to Wilkins whose cross was parried

by Taylor where Page-Smith reacted quickest to restore the

hosts three goal lead.

But immediately Milton scored through Sara Comley in the 79th minute to complete the scoring and see Woodley advance to the next round.

The Kestrels will play Fulham FC Women in the next round of the competition on Sunday, October 4.

WOODLEY UNITED: N Haines, M Haines, Wilkins, Sawyer, Gooch, Surtees, Poole (Scott), Crook, Page-Smith, Quinn (Pearson), Jenkins (Lambourne) Subs unused: Lemos, Bendall, Cooke

SPORT | 37

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

FA VASE

SUMAS SET TEMPO TO SINK SARACENS Sumas 3 Cheltenham Saracens 0

WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook maintained their perfect start to the season as they put three past Cheltenham Saracens to progress in the FA Vase.

The Sumas continued what has become a trademark in their recent performances by making a fast start as they took the lead after just four minutes as Carter’s cross was turned in at the near post.

Just five minutes after the opening goal, the Sumas were given the chance to double their lead as the referee pointed to the penalty spot after a handball offence in the box which came from a goalmouth scramble.

Jake White took responsibility and made no mistake as he dispatched the ball into the bottom right corner out of the keeper’s reach despite him guessing the right way.

But it didn’t all go the Sumas way as they had to dig in and stay resilient to keep their lead as goalkeeper Woodward made a superb save with his feet, before Saracens then went close again moments later to reducing the deficit.

The away side grew into the game as they looked to get back in the cup tie, but the Sumas defended with determination to ensure they had a two goal advantage going into half-time.

After enduring some pressure late

in the first half, it was the Sumas who came out on top early in the second as Scope’s volley was blocked to prevent a third.

But the Sumas did eventually find a third goal to put them in full control of the tie as Day fired home on the rebound after Byrne’s shot had cannoned off the post.

Both sides had chances to extend the scoring as Woodward made several fine saves to keep the clean sheet.

Sumas came close to adding a fourth but White’s effort hit the side netting after he had rounded the goalkeeper.

“We were very pleased with the performance, we were excellent all over the park,” said Sumas boss Dan Bateman.

“They were difficult conditions, the pitch was bobbly and hard and it made it difficult to get the ball down and play.

“But we were really strong in both boxes.

“Defensively we were excellent and we never looked like conceding.

“Similar to the first two games, we were clinical up front and scored three really good goals and could have had more had it not been for their keeping making some brilliant saves.

“We’ve scored a lot of early goals and I think it’s down to the hard work we put into pre-season. We had the longest pre-season we ever had and teams have found our intensity from the start hard to deal with.

“We scored two goals in the first 10 minutes on Saturday and that set the tempo for the game By the time they adjusted, they had an uphill battle.”

Bateman is determined for his side to have a cup run in the FA Vase, while also focusing on winning promotion after their strong start to the campaign.

“We’ve scored 12 and only conceded one so far this season,” he continued.

“We were disappointed with the one we conceded too against Chalvey as we switched off when we were 4-0 up.

“Defensively we look rock solid.

“We limited them to long shots from distance which is really pleasing.

“The Vase is the one competition at our level that adds a bit of magic.

It gives us the opportunity to play sides across the country.”

Sumas continue their FA Vase journey with an away tie against Longlevens in the second round qualifying on Saturday, October 10.

“We have every expectation to go to Longlevens and get a positive result.

“They’re a step five side so it will be a big test, but if it wasn't for the curtailment of last season, I think we’d be a step five side ourselves this season.”

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK: Woodward, Carter, W Day, Cummuskey, Guest, L Eagle, Harris, Mullan, Byrne, White, Scope.

SUBS: O’Connell, Clark, Rushforth, Badshah

Sumas progress in the FA Vase Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

FA VASE

BOARS ENDURE ‘BAD DAY AT THE RACES’ Eversley & California 1 Long Crendon 3

‘WE’RE going to dust ourselves off and get to training.’ That’s the view of Boars boss Matty Angell after his side crashed out of the FA Vase on Saturday.

The Boars were punished for their slow start as they away side scored after 10 minutes and then added a second just moments later.

The half got even

worse for Eversley who conceded again on the half-hour mark as they found themselves with a mountain to climb to turn the cup tie around.

After a disappointing opening 45 minutes, Matty Angell made two changes to his side as Ellis Wint and Sam Knight replaced Joe Pantony and Nick Holmes in a bid to try and reignite their performance.

The Boars did manage to claw a goal back in the 75th minute to put some pressure on Long Crendon as Connor Allston’s long throw into the box caused havoc and took a deflection on its way into the net.

But it wouldn’t be enough as the Board were made to pay for their lacklustre first-half display which saw them eliminated from the FA Vase.

Eversley return

to action in the Combined Counties Division One on Saturday with a visit to Chessington & Hook United, who have won three of their opening four fixtures.

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA: Vaughan, Allston, Mckernan, Edwin, Ambler, Stephenson, Holmes, Appleton, Pantony, Dickie (c), Moriarty SUBS: Robinson, Knight, Marsh, Gill, Wint, Small, Di Lullo

The Boars exited the FA Vase Picture: Richard Milam

36 | SPORT 38

To advertise email advertising@wokinghampaper.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, Thursday, September August 24, 13, 2020

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

LOCAL FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

BOARS AND BINFIELD BOW OUT OF THE CUP

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Hellenic League Division One East WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK kept their momentum going with another stunning win in the league.

Sumas boss Dan Bateman had predicted prior to kick-off that Tuesday’s fixture at Holyport would be the team’s toughest test yet.

However his side made light work of their opponents.

Jake White kept his scoring run going to give the Sumas a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The Sumas sealed the three points in the second half with three more goals as Luke Scope bagged a brace after an own goal had put them two ahead as they kept their place at the top of the division having won all three of their matches.

WOODLEY UNITED fell to their second league defeat of the season with a 4-2 away loss at Chalvey Sports.

The Kestrels took the lead before the break as Lamin Ceesay opened the scoring.

Two quickfire second half goals from the hosts saw them take the lead, before Jamie Williams’ side hit back with a 70th minute equaliser.

But they were unable to hold on for a point as Chalvey went ahead in the 76th minute, before adding another a minute before time to take the points.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK had a game to forget in the Thames Valley

Women’s Division One as they were beaten 5-0 by Caversham AFC Ladies.

The Sumas are in sixth place after two fixtures having won their first game of the season last weekend.

They face Tilehurst Panthers Women Development away from home on Sunday.

WARGRAVE WOMEN picked up their first point of the season with a one-all stalemate against Banbury United Women.

Wargrave went into the break a goal down, but an early second half goal from Hannah Sheehan ensured they would go share the points to take them up to eighth in the table.

They host Caversham AFC Ladies on Sunday.

FA Women’s Cup EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES crashed out of the Women’s FA Cup after they were narrowly defeated by Wycombe Wanderers Ladies.

The Boars went a goal behind but levelled the scores with 25 minutes to give them hope against the side two levels above them.

However, Wycombe ensured that they would progress as they converted a penalty 18 minutes from time.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K LADIES were dealt their first defeat of the season as they lost 4-0 to Mortimer Ladies in Thames Valley Division 3S, who went to the top of the table.

S4K are fourth having won one and lost one of their opening two league

games. They host Thatcham Flames on Sunday.

FA Cup BINFIELD’S adventure in the FA Cup was put to bed as they were defeated by step four side Whyteleafe FC. The Moles had caused a shock in the earlier round to make it to the qualifying-round.

But a 2-0 loss away from home meant that they exited the competition on Tuesday evening.

Friendlies EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA kept their match sharpness in a 1-1 draw against Sheerwater FC on Tuesday evening.

WARGRAVE FC stepped up their preparations for the season with a 4-1 pre-season friendly win over Virginia Water. Their league campaign kicks off against Slough Heating Laurencians on Saturday, October 3.

WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS were defeated 6-3 by Mortimer Village in an entertaining contest.

The Kestrels performed brilliantly to pull back a three-goal deficit to claw the game to 3-3 but a late flurry of goals from Mortimer saw them take the win.

AFC CROWTHORNE and WILLIAM TWIGG (red/black stripes) renewed acquaintances last Sunday, with the Bracknell-based side recording a 4-2 victory in a pre-season friendly at Locks Ride, Winkfield.

William Twigg have moved to the Reading & District Sunday League while Crowthorne are set to play in Division One of the Bracknell and District Sunday League.

Their league season is set to kick-off on Saturday, October 4.

AFC Crowthorne v William Twigg Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Laura Comerford and Rebekah Pantony celebrate Picture: Richard Milam

AFC Crowthorne v William Twigg Picture: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Eversley & California Ladies’ Karen Hoare shoots Picture: Richard Milam

To advertise call 0118 327 2662

Thursday, September 24, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SPORT | 39

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

HOCKEY ROUND-UP

SONNING LADIES 2S HIT MARLOW FOR SIX

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

SONNING and South Berkshire Hockey Clubs were in pre-season action ahead of the new season which kicks off at the start of October.

SONNING 3s were defeated in their most recent outing on Saturday against Wallingford 2s, meanwhile SONNING LADIES 2s fared better with a 6-2 victory on home to Marlow Ladies 3s.

SONNING LADIES 3s took the win in a low scoring affair against Maidenhead which saw a single goal enough to win the contest, however SONNING LADIES 4s were beaten 2-1

by Henley.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 1s enjoyed a big win away at Marlow 2s as they hit five past their opponents to take a 5-1 triumph. Tom King bagged a hat-trick, while Matt Temmink and a penalty from Ben Dudley rounded off the scoring.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 2s also

picked up a win and a clean sheet as they beat Marlow 3s 3-0 away from home. Two goals from Monty Neave and a third from Des Sanders ensured victory for the visitors.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE 3s suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Camberley, while SOUTH BERKSHIRE TERRIERS took a 4-0 win away at Henley 5s after goals from Marcus Longfield, Robbie Campion and a brace from Peter Swan.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 1s went behind early in their match against Staine but recovered brilliantly to record a 4-1 win after goals from Katie Oliver, Bethan Thomas and two from Ella Martin.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 2s also amassed a win with a 3-1 away triumph at Reading 4s, while SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 4s continued the winning trend with an impressive 5-0 away win against Yateley Ladies 4s.

Sonning Ladies 2s were victorious over Marlow Ladies Pictures: Steve Smyth

KESTRELS CUP MAGIC MOLES IN POLE POSITION

Binfield are early leaders thanks to their win Picture: Andrew Batt

The Moles will be full of confidence after they defeated last season’s runaway leaders.

Goals from Jamie McClurg and Asa Povey ensured that Binfield would go top of the table in a clash between two sides hoping to push for promotion. � Full story P36

SUMAS SUPER START

THE Sumas’ super start continued as they put three past Long Crendon in the FA Vase.

Dan Bateman’s side have won their opening three games in all competitions as they booked a place in the next round – away at Longlevens. � Full story page 37

Meite helped Reading on their way to a 2-0 win against the Tykes on Saturday – their first home win since February 2019 Picture: Steve Smyth

READING 2-0 BARNSLEY

FOOTBALL’S COMING HOME! ‘40 MONTHS OF HURT NEVER STOPPED US DREAMING’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk FOR FANS, it’s been a long time coming.

But this week, 40 months after their Wembley play-off final, the Royals have been sitting pretty at the top of the Championship.

It’s a sight that Royals fans haven’t seen for several seasons, leading some to joke that the contest should be

called off now, and the team given automatic promotion.

But new gaffer Veljko Paunović called for his side to keep their boots firmly on the ground after their early success, including Saturday’s 2-0 win over nine-man Barnsley.

Goals from Yakou Meite and Michael Olise ensured that the Royals picked up their first league win at the Madejski since February, and install

them as early leaders of the Championship.

It was a one-sided contest that swung Reading’s way after two Barnsley players were sent off.

“We have to stay humble, this is just the beginning,” said Paunović after the game. “It’s a good start, but it’s just the start.

“It’s a long season and we have to manage expectations.”

He added: “I’m enjoying it but we have to prove ourselves in every game throughout the season.

“I don’t look at this point at the table. We take one game at a time and this is very important. We have to be mature in our approach.”

The Royals will find out how long their season is when they travel to Cardiff on Saturday.

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

� Continued on page 34

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020

BINFIELD put down a marker in the Hellenic Premier Division as they broke Westfield’s 18-month unbeaten run.