Wokingham Today for April 22, 2021

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

WOKINGHAM.TODAY UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, April 22, 2021 No. 309

70p

ARBORFIELD FIRE SPECIAL REPORT

DESTROYED

PICTURE: TIM PRITCHARD

Firefighters tackle blaze that wrecks block of flats p2 PLUS: Community rallies round p4 What caused it? p5

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

2 | NEWS

How to get in touch with us

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

ARBORFIELD FIRE

Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email

BLAZE WRECKS

Email news@wokingham.today

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

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAM.TODAY HEAT: The blaze in its early stages Picture: Tim Pritchard

VISITORS to our website – Wokingham.Today – will have noticed a banner inviting you to support us.

Over the past six years, we have committed ourselves to providing the borough of Wokingham with trusted, reliable and comprehensive local news and sport. We are proud to be your voice in the borough.

We publish online seven days a week, and in print every Thursday, bringing you stories from all walks of life.

We are local, not owned by an international company, and Wokingham is our community too.

In common with most other news organisations, 2020 was a difficult

year.

We are committed to offering news for free online – no subscriptions, no registrations, just the news you need.

For online readers, we invite you to make a contribution to support our journalism. You can make a one-off gift, or you commit to a regular subscription.

Doing so will protect Wokingham borough’s access to local news not just through these difficult days, but for years to come.

Thank you for your support.

Phil Creighton, Editor, Wokingham.Today

For the latest news visit our website

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Family Notices

Classification (please tick) Births

Your contact details Name

Birthdays

Engagements

Weddings

Anniversaries

Other

Death

In memory

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 6cm by 2 column –100 words £72 inc VAT Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) Deadline is Tuesday at 5pm for that week’s paper

Phone number Send your forms to: Family notices, Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to The Wokingham Paper Ltd

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

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today FIRE CREWS were called out to rooftop blaze at a block of flats in Arborfield last week.

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham, Whitley Wood, Wokingham Road, Bracknell, Crowthorne, Caversham Road, Mortimer, and Dee Road raced to the fire in Millard Place on Thursday, April 15.

The flats were called Haylot House, and are part of The Cavalry, one of the new developments in Arborfield Green.

Tim Pritchard, content creator for Siren Craft Brew, saw the blaze when it started at approximately 2.15pm. He told Wokingham.Today: “Our operations manager, Jason, spotted the fire as it was massive, above the treeline.

“Initially it was a section of roof but then it caught, spread and went really full on very quickly. Fire crews seemed to respond pretty quickly and get it under control, but it didn't take long to look properly devastating.

"Heartbreaking to see so many new homes [affected].”

One resident told Wokingham.Today they heard a car alarm go off, before noticing the “big fire” from their garden.

They said: “The fire brigade came so fast, it was there in two or three minutes.”

Also at the scene was the Aerial Ladder Platform and Incident Command Vehicle, supported by crews from Surrey Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Police and ambulance crews were also there to support the fire service.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue teams stayed on scene for more than seven hours to manage the flames, with crews remaining at the scene to reinspect the site and monitor for hotspots for a further 24 hours.

At the time, they warned residents to avoid the area, and close all windows and doors to shut out the plumes of smoke.

As the emergency services tackled the blaze, residents stood in socially distanced huddles watching the work unfold.

Cllr Gary Cowan, ward councillor for Arborfield said it was fortunate the fire happened in the afternoon, as there were no injuries or deaths.

“It’s dreadfully tragic for all the families involved having lost all their possessions but on a positive note there was no loss of life in this tragic incident” He said families were rehoused in vacant flats and nearby hotels that evening.

The borough council sent officers to the site, to support those affected, and First Days Children’s Charity and SHARE Wokingham worked to offer supplies for all those involved.

A spokesperson said: “Council officers were on site and helped coordinate volunteers from

ACTION: Firecrews took to ladders in an attempt to tame the fire at The Cavalry last Thursday

AFTERMATH: This picture, taken on Friday, shows the extent of the damage

INSPECTION: Firecrews assessing the damage after the blaze had died down

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 3

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

NEW FLATS

ARBORFIELD FIRE

ACTION: Firecrews tackling the blaze from the front of the building

HIGH UP: The ladder was necessary to tackle the blaze from the rear

Pictures: Phil Creighton

SHARE, First Days, the Wokingham Foodbank and Cowshed who all went above and beyond to help.

“On the day of the fire, the families received welfare packs with duvets, bedding, toiletries, pet food and more. And it doesn’t stop there – the voluntary sector delivered fresh food boxes, clothing and other items the following day and helped organise the ongoing support these families will need in the coming days.

“We are lucky in Wokingham Borough to have so many fantastic voluntary sector organisations.

“This is what happens when we all work together.”

An investigation into the cause of the fire will soon begin, after fire crews have determined the structural safety of the building. � Churches and charities help page 4 � Looking at the possible causes

OPERATION: Several fire crews came together to act as one to quell the flames

SMOKE: The blaze could be seen for miles Picture: Tim Pritchard

Fire thought to have started in roof IT HAS been confirmed that the fire in Arborfield broke out in the roof of the Hayloft House apartment block.

On Thursday afternoon, fire crews were called to The Cavalry, a new build development in Arborfield Green, at 2.19pm.

A spokesperson for Savills, the managing agent for The Cavalry, has since confirmed the blaze started in the roof area of one of the buildings.

The emergency services evacuated

all residents and animals safely, and charities have been providing ongoing support to those in need since yesterday afternoon.

They added: “We can confirm a fire broke out in the roof area of one of the buildings on Thursday.

“The building was evacuated and all residents and staff are safe and accounted for.”

At the time, they said emergency services were still on the scene,

and restrictions are in place.

“Those residents who have been unable to access their homes have been found emergency accommodation, and significant community efforts from a local school and charities working with site staff have provided further support to the residents,” the spokesperson added.

“Please be assured that the health and safety of those impacted is of utmost priority.”

SHUTDOWN: Police closed roads to allow firecrews to act in safety

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

4 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

ARBORFIELD FIRE

Community rallies round to support the residents EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today CHARITIES from across Wokingham borough have pulled together to support residents made homeless by last week’s fire in Arborfield Green — and they have raised more than £2,000 so far.

The blaze, which tore through a block of flats in The Cavalry last Thursday, has left 19 households without homes.

On Thursday evening, a group of charities and churches banded together to coordinate a community response, and they are now appealing to the general public for help.

One of the charities contributing to the relief effort is The Cowshed, in Hurst, whose team has been distributing clothes and essential items.

Following the fire, the charity provided double duvets, pillows, blankets and towels to those who lost their homes to the blaze.

It has since been busy kitting residents out with new clothes and essentials, but has been running out of supplies.

“We had to go shopping at Primark on Sunday,” Sally Russell, the charity’s CEO, explained.

“We ran out of underwear and other essentials for families.”

She said the fire has left a lot of people “in shock”.

“It was very sad,” she added. “One family came in on Saturday who, from what I can gather, had only lived in their flat for a few weeks and they lost everything.

“It’s been very emotional listening to people and hearing their stories.

“We’re just trying to support them as best as we can, giving them clothes, a cuppa and someone to talk to.”

And Ms Russell has praised her charity’s volunteers for their work over the past week.

“The staff and volunteers have been incredible,” she said. “They’ve all worked evenings and weekends to try and catch up, and we’ve continued our normal service right the way through.”

The Cowshed has also been working alongside SHARE Wokingham, Church @ the Green, Wokingham Foodbank, First Days Children’s Charity and Finchampstead Baptist Church to support a wider community response.

Claire Revie, from SHARE Wokingham, said the charities sprung into action quickly on Thursday evening after hearing about the fire.

“It’s been a good response,” she said.

“We’ve all pulled together.”

Last week, SHARE Wokingham put together a range of food parcels for residents with the help of the foodbank

and Church @ the Green, before setting up a response unit at Arborfield Green Community Centre.

Over the past few days, Church @ the Green has continued to act as a “focal point” for those in need.

Ministry trainee Phil Rowlandson has been busy inviting people in to gather as many supplies as they need.

“Here at the centre, we’re compiling the resources provided by all the other charities,” he explained. “Anything that is brought in is being redistributed out to the community.”

This includes fresh and frozen food.

Ms Revie is also working with Savills and Citizens Advice Wokingham to support residents affected by the fire.

“Some people didn’t have contents insurance, so we’re trying to establish what people need,” she explained.

“We’ve also set up a Citizens Advice freephone at the community centre so residents can access advice.

“We’ve moved some supplies into a Savills showhome too, which are currently on the doorstep for people to collect from if needed.”

Now, Ms Revie is urging residents to donate to SHARE Wokingham’s fundraiser to support residents in need.

Last Thursday, it launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise £3,000 for the families — and so far, the charity has raised £2,100.

“There’s been an amazing response already,” Ms Revie said. “One of things people do in Wokingham is rally, which has made a huge difference.

“But there’s going to be a long-term impact for Arborfield Green residents, psychologically as well as mentally, and they will need as much support as they can get in the coming days, weeks and months.”

Ms Revie said the money raised will be distributed equally between the households, to spend on whatever they need.

The Cowshed is also asking the general public to show its support by donating a Primark gift voucher, or purchasing an item from the charity’s Amazon Wish List.

Ms Russell said this will enable the charity to continue offering residents essentials items.

“The problem we have when getting donations from the general public is that we have to quarantine, wash and iron everything,” she said.

“In a crisis situation we have to be reactive, and a week to wait for donations to be ready is too long.

“What we need is changing daily, so it makes sense for us to go and buy what we need in that moment.” � To view The Cowshed’s Amazon Wish List, visit: www.amazon.co.uk/hz/ wishlist/ls/ZUMH3LRIY1Y0 � To donate to SHARE Wokingham’s fundraiser, visit: gofund.me/191b71b5

WORKING TOGETHER: Wokingham Foodbank’s Annette Medhurst, SHARE Wokingham’s Claire Revie, and Church @ The Green’s Phil Rowlandson and the

READY TO HELP: Sue Walsh helps sort out bedding for residents of Hayloft House; Below: The Go Fund Me appeal

Where did this happen?

HAYLOFT HOUSE is part of the Arborfield Green development.

It is part of The Cavalry, a collection of lowrise apartments on Millard Place.

It sits within the wider garden village development scheme, and is close to Bohunt School Wokingham and Arborfield Green Leisure Centre.

The garden village began in 2015, and the development is ongoing.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 5

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

ARBORFIELD FIRE

Reassurance for borough’s renters EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today HOUSEBUILDERS are reassuring residents their properties are safe, following the fire in Arborfield Green.

Revd Piers Bickersteth have joined forces to help affected residents Pictures: Phil Creighton

Savills thanks emergency crews and community for ‘unwavering support’ THE ESTATE agency that manages Hayloft House has thanked the emergency services and the Arborfield community for their “unwavering support” following the fire last week.

Savills, which manages all of the privately rented flats at The Cavalry, said it is extremely grateful for the support of Bohunt School, Share Wokingham, Wokingham Food Bank, Church at The Green and the borough council.

With a full-time onsite team, Savills staff were there when the fire took hold.

“These individuals together with additional support personnel remained on site through the incident and in order to assist the residents,”

a spokesperson said.

“Alternative accommodation was secured for all affected residents on the evening of the fire.”

This included empty apartments and nearby hotels — depending on preference.

Some residents chose to stay with friends or family that evening.

The agency said permanent rehousing is being sorted for 39 residents affected, and some arrangements have already been finalised.

The 14 households in Saddle House, next door to Hayloft House, were also evacuated on Thursday evening.

On Saturday, they returned to their homes, after the fire service had inspected the

building and declared it safe.

The spokesperson added: “We were incredibly grateful to the emergency services who were extremely efficient as was the help from many local support groups “Our residents have shown incredible levels of patience, dignity and resilience through this extremely difficult event.

“Our thoughts are very much with all of those who have been impacted by this incident and we will continue to do all we can to support and assist.”

Savills said it was too soon to comment on the future of the block, but said plans will be shared with residents at an appropriate time.

Last week, 19 flats were destroyed after a fire started in the roof of Hayloft House, in The Cavalry.

Fire crews were quick to arrive at the scene, and spent more than seven hours managing the flames.

They will soon return to the site to investigate the cause of the fire. But first, they must confirm the building structure is safe to enter.

At the moment, the cause is unknown. While there has been some speculation the fire was caused by faults with the solar panels, this is currently unsubstantiated.

Savills, the agency that manages the building, said it would be inappropriate to speculate to the cause, but to wait for an investigation.

A spokesperson said: “Residents have been advised of a number of immediate, proactive precautionary measures that we have taken, one of which includes the temporarily decommissioning of the solar panels while the investigation is ongoing.

“This has not been done as a response to any previous faults

or issues recorded and is purely precautionary.”

At the time of the blaze, there were reports that alarms did not sound.

A spokesperson for Savills said the building is designed to operate with a “stay put” fire response policy.

They said the building has a smoke detection system in its communal areas, which activates smoke ventilation systems, but this does not sound an alarm.

They added: “The regulations state that the installation of communal audible alarms where a “stay put” policy is in place are undesirable as they would cause confusion if activated as to whether people should evacuate or stay put.”

Each flat is fitted with a smoke detector that has a warning sound.

All of the properties in the building were privately rented.

This has raised concerns over the safety of new-builds,

particularly for the rental sector.

Savills said it has brought in additional proactive measures for the other flats at The Cavalry while the investigation continues.

“We believe [these will] provide an enhanced level of risk mitigation in order to give comfort to all residents,” they said.

The properties were signedoff by an inspector from the National Homes Building Council (NHBC).

The Vistry Group, which includes Bovis Homes, has developments in Emmbrook, Winnersh, Shinfield and Binfield. Following the fire, it reiterated its pledge to safety.

A spokesperson for the company said: "Our homes – whether built for the open market or for our housing partners – are built to the highest standards and in absolute adherence to the current build regulations."

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

6 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

CORONAVIRUS LATEST How to get covid support in Wokingham borough To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizens Advice on 0808 278 7958 Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258

Booking opens for new park at California PARENTS can now book one-hour slots for the new play area at California Country Park.

Opening on Saturday, the Finchampstead park includes a sensory garden and wild wood.

The booking system will be in place at peak times to ensure social

distancing can be maintained and staff and visitors are kept safe.

Tickets are free but must be booked ahead of time between 10am and 4pm on weekends, school holidays and bank holidays.

Capacity is limited to 100 children.

The Sensory Garden

has been designed with younger children in mind, and includes a variety of water play equipment. It provides a space where children can investigate and discover their world through creative play or test their physical abilities in more active play.

The Wild Wood

is designed to physically challenge older children and teenagers.

It includes three different tree houses of varying heights.

There’s a rope and pole agility course climbing pyramid and a zip wire, as well as sound cushions and carved woodland

animals at ground level for younger children.

The play area includes a range of inclusive and interactive equipment – including a spinning disc, swings, musical chime walkway and a trampoline that are suitable for wheelchair users.

More seats have been installed for parents.

Clare Lawrence, assistant director for place services at Wokingham Borough Council, said the council is delighted to open the play area.

“If you’re planning to visit over the next few months, be sure to check whether to book in advance, especially if visiting at weekends or during the holidays, or face disappointment on arrival.”

Bookings can be made via the California Country park webpage and will be for one hour slots only.

Residents cannot book back-to-back slots.

Visits outside of peak times will not be ticketed and the play park will remain open.

‘Normal service’ for hospital EXCLUSIVE

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today A SIGNIFICANT drop in covid cases in the Royal Berkshire Hospital means it can now resume a more normal service.

The Reading hospital’s chief executive, Steve McManus, has expressed a “huge gratitude” from the level of support they have received from the community during the pandemic.

“We are in a good place now and we’re really positive about that being maintained,” he said.

“The team have coped really well with the second wave, even though that was more pressured with more patients coming through the hospital, particularly in certain areas such as intensive care, respiratory units and elderly care.”

Although it has been offering support for staff since the pandemic began last year, the trust will soon open a permanent wellbeing unit to cement that help.

This care has included providing meals, rest time, decompression sessions and psychological support.

The new unit, which will be on Craven Road opposite the hospital’s

main entrance, was created from a donation made by a member of the community and additional funding from Royal Berkshire Hospital charities.

Mr McManus said that the plan for the new unit is to provide somewhere “quiet to support volunteers” and to create a “space for relaxation”.

He said: “We have learnt a lot from the first wave and we were able to bring that into a way that clinical teams were able to manage the patients and the way we were able to organise ourselves in a way to be able to deal with the second wave.

“The teams are now in a place where they are looking ahead for non-covid services to get back up and running.”

The hospital is encouraging patients to turn up to their regular appointments and treatments.

Mr McManus explained the staff have been working hard to offer a safe environment as they begin to run their non-covid services.

He added: “Our hospital is a really covid-safe place for the people in our community and we can’t wait to see people back in our hospital again for their regular appointments”.

Residents urged to visit borough’s high streets RESIDENTS are being encouraged to shop local as lockdown eases.

“Our local businesses have put a huge amount of work into making sure they can keep their staff and customers safe and I’d really encourage local people to support them over the coming months,” said Bernie Pich, assistant director for commercial property at Wokingham Borough Council.

“Now is the time to show them just how much they are valued, and help them to survive and thrive.

“It’s especially important for our local independent stores who don’t have the same infrastructure as larger businesses for factors such as internet sales or deliveries.”

He said there are lots of positive stories coming out of Twyford, Woodley and Wokingham town centres, as new businesses open.

“We’re also noticing new market

traders showing a real interest in our markets at Wokingham and Woodley, meaning there’s something for everyone and lots of new sellers to visit when you do come in,” Mr Pich added.

The council has installed updated signage across the centres, as well as making new posters for businesses, and signposting them towards the latest guidance.

Covid support officers will also be around during busy times to offer advice.

Mr Pich added: “We know some of you are a bit more apprehensive and unsure about returning. So we’d like to reassure you that our town and village centres are safe places to visit.”

He said shops are reopening with hand sanitiser, screens and mask wearing. There will also be capacity limits to ensure social distancing.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

NEWS | 7

CORONAVIRUS LATEST Pregnant women given vaccine choice Covid cases rise as restrictions ease

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

PREGNANT women will now be offered the vaccine, following research from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Until this point, the vaccine was only offered to pregnant women when their risk of exposure to the virus was high. This included being a health and social care worker, or underlying health conditions.

In the US, 90,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated with mRNA vaccines created by PfizerBioNTech and Moderna.

These have not raised any safety concerns.

Professor Lucy Chappell, consultant obstetrician and Covid19 vaccine lead for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists,

said the news should provide some reassurance to pregnant women.

She added: “We are continuing to work with healthcare professionals so they are able to counsel pregnant women on the risks and benefits of having the Covid-19 vaccine based on their individual circumstances.

“We are also advocating for more data collection of pregnant women receiving the vaccine in the UK, and welcome the work that is going on to ensure that there is recording of pregnancy status in the national vaccination programme to enable linkage to outcomes.”

Dr Mary Ross-Davie, director for professional midwifery and Covid19 vaccine lead at the Royal College of Midwives, said it is a sensible step.

“It empowers pregnant women to make their own decisions about

whether or not to receive the vaccine,” she said. “Ultimately it will be a woman’s choice and midwives and obstetricians will be there to support them to make an informed decision that is right for them.

“It is now vital that the national vaccination programme, GPs and maternity services are supported to develop systems and procedures that support women who wish to have the vaccine to have it as easily as possible.

“We need to ensure that those providing counselling and information to women about the vaccine in pregnancy have up to date accurate information and have enough time to talk through questions and concerns with women.”

Dr Edward Morris, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians

Mobile tests to support events MOBILE Covid-19 testing vans will soon be supporting community events, as the borough council expands its lateral flow project.

The swap tests provide a 30-minute result, and could feature in busier areas of the borough, including country parks and markets, said Charles Margetts, the executive member for health and a Conservative candidate for Finchampstead North.

“We’ll be going to where the people are,” he said. “It’s a flexible service.”

Away from a mobile site, residents can also get a free Covid-19 test from the councils’ three

centres at Shute End, Sindlesham Court and the Microsoft Campus at Thames Valley Park.

This includes collecting a box of seven tests, to do at home.

Boxes can also be picked up from pharmacies involved in the scheme, and Woosehill Community Centre.

Mr Margetts said that regular testing, and the pace of vaccinations means the situation is improving.

“Thank goodness we’re in the place we are now,” he said. “We can look at Europe and see people going into another lockdown. Now I’m not

and Gynaecologists, said: “Vaccination offers pregnant women the best protection from Covid-19, which can be serious in some women.”

He said one in five pregnant women who become unwell with Covid-19 and are admitted to hospital will have a premature birth.

“We believe it should be a woman’s choice whether to have the vaccine or not after considering the benefits and risks and would encourage pregnant women to discuss with a trusted source like their GP, obstetrician or midwife, or a healthcare professional in a vaccination centre,” he added.

“This move will empower pregnant women to make the decision that is right for them, at the same time the population in their age group receive [the vaccine].”

saying that can’t happen here, but it would appear the risk is greatly diminished.”

To keep progress flowing smoothly, the council is now working on making the vaccination programme long-term, Mr Margetts said.

This would likely include booster jabs from September or October onwards.

Despite clear progress, Mr Margetts is urging residents not to “do anything that could compromise these benefits.”

He is calling on the community to stay sensible and follow all the government guidance. � Also standing in Finchampstead North are Martyn Foss, Green, Alex Freeney, Labour and Jordan Montgomery, Lib Dem

THE RATE of infections in Wokingham per 100,000 has risen as restrictions ease.

The latest figures for the borough showed the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents is 18.1, up from 14.6 last week.

There were four positive tests recorded on Tuesday, April 20, bringing the total number of infections to 8,185.

The figures in neighbouring Reading borough are higher than in Wokingham, with an infection rate of 25.3, down from 32.1 last week.

On Tuesday, Reading reported four new positive cases.

Bracknell Forest has seen its rate per 100,000 rise over the past seven days. It is now 25.3, up from 15.5 last week. On Tuesday there were four new cases.

Windsor and Maidenhead had four cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 is now 17.8, down from 29.1 last week.

West Berkshire recorded four positive cases, and its infection rate is 11.4, down from 13.3 last week.

Slough remains the highest in Berkshire, and its rate per 100,000 is 63.5, slightly down from 65.5 last week. It also recorded 10 covid cases on Tuesday.

For the latest news visit

8 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Keeping clean

THINKING GREEN: WOKINGHAM streets are a little cleaner thanks to a helping hand from the town’s mayor. Cllr Tony Lack joined DofE students, Carter Lawrence, Harry Thatcher and Connor Lawrence in their clean-up last week. Picture: Steve Smyth

Cantley wins award

By MARIE WILLIAMS

news@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM hotel has been celebrated in a countywide award.

Cantley House Hotel won the Best For Grown Ups Award, as part of the Little Ankle Biters’ Awards virtual ceremony earlier this month.

“We launched this year’s awards just after Christmas to offer a little hope and positivity when we were all plunged back into lockdown,” said Little Ankle Biters co-founder, Michelle Cairncross.

“We have been truly amazed at the response, with more than 8,000 people voting, and would like to thank everyone who got involved.

“We have fantastic community spirit in Berkshire and hopefully our awards will boost morale of those running family-friendly attractions and businesses as

WINNERS:( From left) Kate Gregory and Michelle Cairncross presenting the Little Ankle Biters Awards 2021

they continue to navigate through difficult times.”

Wellington Country Park in Riseley won Best Local Attraction.

General manager, Nigel Burnett, described the win as fantastic news.

He added: “A massive thank you goes to everyone that voted for us. We love offering a unique outdoor

space that allows family memories to be created and young imaginations to run free.”

Other winners included Fit Mums Berkshire, for Best Pregnancy Service or Business, Zero Joes, a zero waste shop in Windsor for Best Independent Business and Tinkers Gifts in Bracknell for Best New Product or

Service, for their lockdown boredom boxes.

Dan’s Kitchen, based in Burnham, won the Community Spirit Award, sponsored by B P Collins LLP, for businesses that went above and beyond to support the local community throughout the pandemic.

He adapted as Covid-19 restrictions took hold, to give thousands of free meals to families in need.

He said: “We watched the virtual ceremony on catch-up and were absolutely blown away when we heard we’d won. We never set out to achieve any recognition, but it is nice that people have noticed what we have been doing over the last four months.

“I’d especially like to thank all of our fantastic volunteers – it wouldn’t have been possible without their support. Winning this award is amazing for all involved.”

Little Ankle Biters is a website that reviews familyfriendly businesses. It is now established in six counties across the south.

Railway scheme helps victims reach safety DOMESTIC abuse victims are being supported through a new railway scheme.

Rail to Refuge, a new project created by Great Western Railway, is providing free train travel across the GWR network for domestic abuse victims who need to get to a safe place.

Together with domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid, Rail to Refuge launched in March 2020 and has helped more than 200 victims over the last year.

After receiving a great response, the scheme was then adopted nationally through the Rail Delivery Group and since then has assisted more

than 1,300 adults and children across the UK. Great Western Railway has also announced they will be extending the scheme to continue helping people.

Joe Graham, business assurance director at Great Western Railway, said: “When we launched Rail to Refuge we knew how important this scheme would be in helping victims get to a place of safety.

“The extension of the national scheme, added to our own permanent scheme, means we can continue to help get those who need help to a place

of safety anywhere in the country.”

Farah Nazeer, Women’s Aid chief executive, said: “Many women and children have to travel long distances to escape their abuser.

“There remains a serious shortage of refuge spaces, so it is vital that women are not prevented access to safety in a refuge by the cost of travel.

“We are delighted that train companies have worked with us to remove a significant barrier to people escaping abuse and it is incredibly welcome news that the scheme has been extended.”

New face THERE’S a new face at Samaritans, as the Wokingham branch appoints a new director.

Barbara Denyer is joining the team, which supports residents across the area.

Nominated by 135 volunteers, Ms Denyer will be responsible for managing operations.

“I’m honoured to have been chosen as director at my local branch,” she said.

Anybody can contact Samaritans for support on 116123.

Take on the runway for charity

By LAURA SCARDARELLA news@wokingham.today RUNNERS will take flight this autumn to boost the coffers of charities.

The Twilight Runway Challenge is to be held at Blackbushe Airport, Yateley, on Saturday, September 11.

The event, organised by Community Matters Partnership Project, based in Frimley, aims to encourage people to get active whilst raising money for a charitable cause.

The challenge is open to all abilities offering distances of 10km (6.2 miles), 5km (3.1 miles) and 3km (1.86 miles).

Participants can choose to run, walk, cycle, scoot or skateboard along the airstrip of Blackbushe Airport.

People taking part are asked to support a charity of

their choice and raise sponsorship for them.

Attracting a wide variety of participants, the event is for people looking to get fit, beating a personal best, in fancy dress or having fun with friends, family or colleagues.

The challenge welcomes individuals from Wokingham, Woodley, Earley, Crowthorne and the surrounding areas.

Tracy Jarvis, Founder of CMPP, said: “CMPP is all about community and collaboration, and our Twilight Runway Challenge embodies this.

“We are proud that this flagship fundraising event helps to raise vital funds for charities across Surrey and Hampshire.”

The event also has an array of charity partners including Parenting Special Children, in Reading.

READY TO GO: Fundraisers take on the runway challenge at Blackbushe Airport Picture: Twilight Challenge

Tess Eagles, business development and partnerships manager for Parents Special Children, said she is “delighted” to be a

charity partner for the event.

She added: “For a local charity it is an opportunity for us to be part of a larger event with no outlay and for

our supporters a local event to take part in to raise much needed funds for us through sponsorship.” � For more information, log on to twilightchallenge.co.uk

Youngsters mark Home-Start’s anniversary with art contest SIX LUCKY youngsters have been awarded for their artistic flair in a recent competition, writes Charlotte King.

Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Malcolm Richards, and Home-Start Wokingham District launched a family-themed art contest earlier this year.

Aimed at primary school children across the borough, the contest celebrated Home-Start’s 25th anniversary of supporting local families with young children.

Judged by Cllr Richards and the charity’s chair of trustees, Gareth Heard, six little ones were crowned champions and won their very own arts and crafts hampers last week.

“My congratulations to all children who took part in this fantastic competition and well

NEWS | 9

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

done to all the winning entries,” said Cllr Richards.

“I hope that the activity brightened up the gloomy lockdown period.”

He said the response to the competition was “terrific” and saw artwork entered from all corners of the borough.

Mr Heard added: “Our participants had good perspective and an eye for detail.

“All works were exceptional and the decision to shortlist our winners was particularly difficult.

“I’m delighted that the initiative helped us mark HomeStart’s milestone anniversary and recognise all the tireless work of our volunteers, who ensure that all families and children have the best possible chances in life.”

Golfers raise more than £4,000 for air ambulance DESPITE THE course being closed for months, members of Easthampstead Golf Club have raised more than £4,000 for charity.

Funds have been sent to Thames Valley Air Ambulance, chosen by 2020 captain, Mike Frawley.

He said: “I’m immensely proud that despite us being unable to hold our normal calendar of golf and social events, our members showed their true spirit of generosity in raising this magnificent sum.

“Despite the lack of raffles, they still put their cash into the collection buckets without hesitation when asked and thank them for the contributions they made.”

Nicola Bishop, from Thames Valley Air Ambulance, thanked Mr Frawley and members of Easthampstead Golf Club.

“In what has been an incredibly difficult year for everybody, we are truly grateful for the wonderful support and fundraising from all of the members,” she said. “Thanks to this support, we are proud to be an organisation that is committed to bringing the expertise, equipment, and treatment of the hospital to the most critically ill and injured patients across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire, giving them the best possible chance when the worst happens.”

Matt Irving, captain for 2021, said last year’s sum has spurred him on to raise as much as possible for Make A Wish Foundation, his chosen charity for the year. � For more information, visit: www.easthampsteadgolfclub.co.uk

300 more homes for Keephatch Gardens BELLWAY Homes has launched its next phase at Keephatch Gardens in Wokingham.

The 300-home development ranges from two- to five-bedroom properties.

Emma Jones, sales director at Bellway Thames Valley, described it as a “sought-after location” known for its good schools.

She said buyers looking to purchase in the second phase should sign up on the company’s website. � For more information visit bellway.co.uk

10 | NEWS

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Parish and borough council meetings Meetings online – contact councils for details

Tuesday, April 27 Winnersh Parish Council. Finance and general purposes committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Finance and Personnel meeting.

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

Wednesday, April 28 Finchampstead Parish Council. Planning Committee. 7.30pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk

Thursday, April 29 Shinfield Parish Council. Recreation and Amenities. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Monday, May 3 Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk

Tuesday, May 4 Winnersh Parish Council. Recreation & Amenities Committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk

Wednesday, May 5 Ruscombe Parish Council meeting. 7.30pm. www.ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk

Thursday, May 6 Local and PCC elections take place today. The count will take place over the weekend.

Shinfield Parish Council. Planning and Highways. 7.30pm. www.shinfieldparish.gov.uk

For the latest news visit

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

FROMTHECOURTS � A WOODLEY man who resisted arrest has been fined £777 and ordered pay £77 to victim services.

Jasbir Singh, 51 and from Colemansmoor Road, committed the offence on April 28 last year in Woodley.

He had pleaded not guilty, but changed this to guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 25.

He must pay £693 costs, but no order for compensation was made as the injury inflicted during the resistance was not considered to be serious.

Singh may pay at a rate of £20 per month.

The 53-year-old from Pennfields claimed innocence on February 12 last year, but was found guilty on February 17 this year.

Reading Magistrates Court sentenced her on March 26 to pay £200 compensation to her victim, £500 costs and £90 to victim services.

She is not allowed to contact her victim and one other person before March 25, 2024, and must comply with a rehabilitation activity as directed by a community order.

This must be completed by September 25 next year.

� A WOKINGHAM man who drove without a licence or insurance has been given a six-month conditional discharge.

David James Connor, 34 and from Bean Oak Road, was stopped on Reading Road in Winnersh on January 16, when police discovered he had been driving without the appropriate license.

He received a six-point endorsement, and was ordered to pay £22 to victim services.

� A WOMAN who harassed another person has been ordered to pay £100 to the victim.

Amy Peters, 36 and from Cricketfield Grove in Crowthorne had pleaded not guilty to the offence, which took place in the village on August 27, 2019.

Her case was proved in absence on January 6 this year.

A sentencing hearing was held at Slough Magistrates Court on March 26, where Peters was given a community order which must be completed by March 25, 2022.

She was also fined £100 and ordered to pay £90 to victim services, at a rate of £20 per month.

� A TWYFORD woman who pleaded not guilty to assault has been found guilty by magistrates.

Catherine Anne Doyle committed the beating on July 20, 2019.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks � A READING man who stole two bank cards and a bottle of perfume from a car in the Earley area has had his sentence deferred until June 1.

Paul Richard Thatcher, 45 and from Crown Street, pleaded guilty to the thefts, and also stealing £150 cash from his victim, on March 16.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 29.

His sentence will be passed on June 1 and until then magistrates said he should keep out of trouble, save up and be ready to compensate his victim.

Thatcher must also attend appointments with drug agencies and live at his home address. � A FINCHAMPSTEAD woman who drove while over the limit has been banned from driving for three years.

Elizabeth Tracey, 63 and from Pine Drive, was stopped in Crowthorne on December 12.

A test revealed she had 122 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the limit.

She pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 30.

Her ban will be reduced by 36 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

Tracey must also pay £85 costs, and £95 to victim services. � A WOMAN from Henley-onThames has made an indicative plea of guilty to allowing her dog to get out of control while visiting a Sonning beer garden.

Emily Craig, 28 and from Abrahams Road, was at the Coppa Club on August 4, with her dog Jeffery.

The dachshund crossbreed was ‘dangerously out of control’ and injured another person in the riverside venue.

At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on March 30, Craig was remanded on unconditional bail until June 2, to allow time for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.

A SHINFIELD man who stole meat and cheese has been fined £200.

On December 15, 2020, Daniel Chad Allaway took the food, worth £62, from the Budgens store in Mortimer.

The 39-year-old from Cirrus Drive pleaded guilty to this offence when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 30.

In addition to the fine, he must pay costs of £85, £62 compensation and £34 to victim services.

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Sultan Balti raises funds for operation with signature dish EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM family’s fundraiser has generated more than £7,000, with a bit of help from a town centre takeaway.

Sultan Balti Palace, in Market Place, has been pulling out all the stops to raise money for Dawson Gosling, a local youngster in need.

In February, Wokingham.Today reported on Paul and Nathalie Gosling who are hoping to raise £60,000 to pay for vital surgery for their two-year-old son, who has a rare form of cerebral palsy.

They are currently fundraising to pay for an operation and aftercare which will allow Dawson to walk on his own.

Last week, Sultan Balti Palace gave more than £1,400 to the cause at a covid-safe fundraiser, after setting aside £1 from every single order since February.

At the event, the restaurant also raised further funds for Dawson by selling its very own ‘Dawson Dish’ — a chicken biryani created by executive chef Kuldeep Singh.

The dish was offered to passersby for £8.50, and raised an additional £195 for the fundraiser.

Those attending last week’s event included Dawson and his family, and Wokingham town mayor Cllr Tony Lack.

Raja Majid, owner of the

ON THE UP: Nathalie Gosling and her son Dawson are presented with a cheque to help fund his operation Picture: Andrew Batt

restaurant, said he felt it was a big success.

“It went very well,” he said. “The family were very happy and Dawson even wrote me a card which was nice of him.”

At the fundraiser, Mr Majid handed Dawson and his mum, Nathalie, a cheque worth £1,425

from “customers and friends of the Sultan” — and they even got to try the Dawson Dish too.

“Everybody tried the biryani and I hope they enjoyed it a lot,” Mr Majid added.

Now, he hopes Sultan Balti Palace can hold more fundraising events for Dawson in the future.

So far, the Gosling family have raised just over £7,400 for Dawson’s surgery. � To find out more , visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ dawson-gosling-sdr-fundraising � To stay up to date with Sultan Balti Palace visit: www.facebook.com/ SultanPalaceWokingham

NEWS | 11

Greenways will be green WOKINGHAM Borough Council said installing a new greenways network will “contribute to the borough’s climate emergency goals”.

In 2013, the council launched its greenways project to connect local traffic-free routes, to allow residents to walk or cycle between towns and villages.

Funded by developer contributions from strategic developments in North and South Wokingham, Arborfield and Shinfield, eight separate greenways have been planned across the borough.

From connecting Shinfield with Arborfield and Barkham, to linking Arborfield Village and Arborfield Green, the council hopes the routes will support traffictree local travel.

One pathway, Route I or the California Greenway, is already in use connecting Arborfield and Finchampstead through California County Park – and according to the borough council, it has been well received so far.

“We have had a lot of positive feedback about the Greenway at California Country Park, including a resident who said that [it] is amazing,” they said.

Now, the council said it believes the project has the potential to benefit all borough residents.

“The network of greenways will provide non-car commuting journeys to work and school as well as new leisure opportunities to get out into the countryside,” the spokesperson said. “They will also provide a safe space for leisure and fitness activities including skateboarding and rollerblading.”

They said the new network will also support action against the climate emergency. “[The greenways] will contribute to the borough’s climate emergency goals by providing residents a sustainable alternative to the car for journeys around the borough,” the spokesperson added.

Each greenway will have a hard surface, where possible, to ensure residents with mobility impairments and those in wheelchairs can access the new paths.

The borough’s second greenway is currently under construction, to connect North Wokingham with Arborfield Cross via Cantley Park.

The council expects this route to be complete next year.

Any residents who are concerned about, or have queries on, the greenways project are encouraged to visit the council’s website at www.wokingham.gov.uk or contact greenways@wokingham.gov.uk

ALFRESCO APRIL

A tasty treat when you visit St Anne’s Manor

S

T Anne’s Manor in Wokingham is the perfect destination to enjoy outside dining.

Set within 25 acres of landscaped garden, the hotel’s Manor garden Terrace is now open from 11am until dusk and you don’t have to be staying at the hotel to enjoy both the grounds and the food.

You are invited to come and enjoy that long-awaited catch up with friends and family, and indulge in its all-new alfresco Afternoon Tea and barbecue menus.

The afternoon tea includes freshly cut sandwiches, freshly-baked scones

with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of cakes served with tea or coffee. Gluten free options are available, and children of all ages are welcome.

The barbecue serves traditional barbecue food and there’s salads.

Why not enjoy a cold beer or a glass of bubbles while you visit?

And as it is located in 25 acres, why not walk off that lunch or dinner with a wander and enjoy your new-found freedom?

The hotel has a CleanStay system, designed to keep you safe.

No need to book as we have plenty of space, but should you wish to speak to one of the team please call on 0118 977 2550.

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

12 | NEWS

Ridges closed for a year THE RIDGES in Finchampstead will be closed for up to a year to repair a collapsed section of road.

Last month, the road was shut between the junction with Jubilee Road, near the Finchampstead war memorial, and the Lower Wokingham Road/Wellingtonia Avenue roundabout after a section began to give way.

It has now been assessed by engineers, and work will take place in autumn between the Finchampstead war memorial and Dell Road.

The diversion route is Lower Wokingham Road, Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead Road and Jubilee Road, or this route in reverse.

Access will be maintained for residents living in the area.

Concrete blocks have been installed around the dangerous area to ensure no vehicles can pass along it.

And Lower Sandhurst Road, Dell Road and Cricket Hill have a width restriction to vehicles wider than 6 ft 6 in, which will be enforced while this closure is in place.

This is to help tackle “rat running” in the area.

Andy Glencross, assistant director for highways at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We have begun our surveys and technical assessments of the road and surrounding area as we look to get further information before designing and implementing a fix on the road.

“This will take time but the work being done now will ensure the long-term safety of the road and all those who use it.

“We will get the road open again as quickly as we can and once it is safe to do so as we know the closure will cause increased traffic on other roads in the surrounding area.”

The council will look at the underlying road structure, earth structure and drainage systems in the area.

It is believed the steep hill —which is moving — could cause the road to collapse further.

The council said fixing the road is not straightforward, and it may only open next spring, depending on the scale of work required. � For more information, visit: one.network/ ?tmi=GB20365874

Woodley phone mast rejected PLANS for a phone mast in Vauxhall Park have been rejected.

Cllr Shirley Boyt, who first drew the application to the attention of residents, called the decision great news.

“This is a well-used and well-loved park, the value of which has become even more apparent during the pandemic,” she said. “If this had been approved no park or green space in the borough would be safe.”

She said she hopes the operators look for a brownfield site instead.

The plans received more than 300 objections, including one from an 11-year-old who discovered the application while bird watching.

They said: “I was upset ... because the mast would be where I watch the wildlife and the birds almost every day with my sisters.

"When I look out of my window I can see the lovely cherry blossom trees the birds nest in.

Please don't let this take over the lovely park.”

Lib Dems call for redesign of distributor road for cyclists EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE LIBERAL Democrats are calling on residents to push for the Southern Distributor Road to be redesigned with cyclists in mind.

Last month, Rob Comber, a Liberal Democrat activist and candidate for Wokingham Without, presented a petition to the council to call for this.

“The new road network expects pedestrians and cyclists to share the pavement or cyclists to share the road,” Mr Comber said. “These houses are in the ideal walking or cycling range of the town centre.

“With 2,500 houses planned in this area, plus through traffic, congestion and safety concerns on the pavement will be a real barrier to people travelling on foot or by bike.”

He said the council should

redesign the road, to encourage people to walk and cycle, which will also reduce carbon emissions and boost the community’s health.

The current road layout has yet to be approved.

Last month, the borough council adopted new government guidance that “puts cycling and walking at the centre of future highways design plans”.

This aims to “radically increase active travel” by making routes safe, comfortable, direct, attractive and coherent.

At the time, Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways, and Conservative candidate for Hillside, said the council is committed to putting the infrastructure in place for residents to consider walking or cycling.

A spokesperson for the council said adopting the government guidance applies to new policies and new schemes.

“It is not realistic to redesign any schemes that have already been approved or are at an advanced stage of design, nor is it intended by Government that any new guidance should override decisions already made,” they said.

They said the highways team has assessed the design in the light of the new guidance and believe it is a “good fit”.

But Mr Comber said he was concerned about the councils response to his petition.

“The council deny that there are any issues with the design of the road layout,” he said. “The council is prioritising development considerations over safety and potential for active travel. I am shocked as I thought the council was committed to tackling the climate emergency and reducing air pollution.”

Ms Jorgensen told Wokingham.

Today: "The project has been through a stringent, independent

road safety audit already and has been assessed as compliant.

"It will continue to have safety assessments through the project and we will take the appropriate action if any issues are raised."

Cllr Paul Fishwick, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for highways, said the council “seems more intent on making it easier for people to drive their cars despite having declared a climate emergency”.

He said: “What we really need is choice and that requires safe and appropriate infrastructure to allow people to make that choice.

“We do not accept the response from the council on this matter as reasonable or in the interests of residents. We will continue to push and encourage residents to do the same.” � Also standing in Wokingham Without: Pauline Heilliar-Symons, Conservative, Brent Lees, Labour. Also standing in Hillside: Wes Budd, Lib Dem and Hari Sarasan, Labour

MP works on sensory garden LAST WEEK, one of the borough’s MPs lent a hand to help create a sensory garden.

Matt Rodda, whose constituency includes parts of Woodley and Earley, visited Redlands Primary School on Lydford Road.

He helped turn the playground into a more natural space.

He said: “I was thrilled to join the team at Redlands Primary School.

“The community of parents, climate change groups and the school have come together to create something really special and it was a privilege to be part of it.”

The volunteer team is aiming to bring more wildlife into the Redlands community to improve mental health and wellbeing.

It is hoped the project will also assist with urban cooling and provide an outdoor learning space.

The sensory garden project is still recruiting volunteers.

To get involved, contact Friends of Redlands. � To donate to the project, visit: www.GoFundMe.com/Redlands

Thank the hookers

A WOKINGHAM charity has praised a crochet group for its recent fundraising efforts.

Dingley’s Promise, which delivers early years support for children with special educational needs, has thanked the community for supporting their work over the Easter holidays.

The Barkham Hookers crochet group created colourful post box covers for families to enjoy, to raise money for the charity.

Sarah Gresty, a member of

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

the crochet group and early years teacher at St Paul’s Playgroup, Emmbrook, started the fundraising initiative by creating crochet hats for fun.

The group welcomed Ms Gresty’s idea and decided to increase the project to raise money for Dingley’s Promise.

Ms Gresty said she is “so pleased” the postbox toppers have taken off in the community.

She added: “As an owner of a local playgroup, myself and the early years educators in my

GREEN FINGERS: Matt Rodda joined 10 parent volunteers, Naomi German, gardener and founder of Erleigh Road Community Garden, volunteers from Reading Climate Action Network, landscape gardener Chris Cox, and Andrew Hornsby-Smith, Labour Party candidate for Redlands Ward Picture: courtesy of Matt Rodda BRINGING JOY: Sarah Gresty with one of the crochet decorations that has helped raise money for Dingley’s Promise

team have benefitted first hand from the expertise of practitioners at Dingley Promise, and from the online

training they offer.

“When I started making the toppers I had no idea that the Barkham Hookers would take it

to this next level of success, making over 40 toppers in total across Wokingham and to be able to incorporate fundraising for such a worthwhile charity makes the cause even better.”

Catherine McLeod MBE, chief executive of Dingley’s Promise, said: “We have been truly humbled by the amazing crochet efforts of the Barkham Hookers who over the last few weeks have continued to brighten the streets of Wokingham with their colourful and eye-catching designs.

“As a result of Sarah’s great idea and the work of many

skilled hands, people across the local community have been inspired to donate over £250 to our charity and vital awareness of the work of Dingley’s Promise has been raised.”

With centres in Wokingham, Reading and Newbury, Dingley’s Promise focuses on inclusion enabling more children to access mainstream settings.

During the pandemic, more families and children from the centres self-isolated meaning they now need to increase their level of support. � For more information or to donate, visit dingley.org.uk

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

‘Stop idling to help our air’ MORE THAN £250,000 will be spent on improving the air quality in the borough, after the council was awarded a grant by DEFRA. Given to the Public Protection Partnership (PPP), which includes Wokingham, Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire Council, the money will be spent on anti-idling projects and focus on the impact around schools.

The PPP revealed that nitrogen dioxide has been at “undesirable levels” in some areas of the borough, due to car pollution.

The council will be monitoring for harmful particulates, with help from the funding.

Clare Lawrence, assistant director for place at Wokingham Borough Council, said they are thrilled to be working with the PPP to improve air quality.

“We are committed to promoting a clean and healthy borough and we welcome help and guidance from the PPP to enable this,” she said.

“We can all play our part in improving the quality across the borough.

“Small changes like turning off your engine while sitting at traffic lights can have a big impact that will positively affect all of us.”

£6 million spent on roads The council has completed it’s annual road maintenance programme, spending more than £6 million.

Andy Glencross, assistant director for highways at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We’ve made the most of lockdowns … keeping disruption to a minimum for residents.

“We continue to invest in the borough’s roads and maintain them to the highest standards we can, to help keep journeys smooth for motorists and cyclists across our area.”

The roads were chosen based on data from council surveys and inspections.

In total, £13 million will have been spent on roads between 2019 and the end of the next financial year.

NEWS | 13

Cowshed expands prom dress hire helping girls go to the ball EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

A HURST charity wants to make sure every student can get dressed up to the nines this year.

The Cowshed is expanding its prom outfit scheme to all families in Wokingham and beyond, meaning people no longer need a referral to access the programme.

The charity, which launched in 2018, supports those in need with free clothes and essential items, to help people through times of crisis.

And in 2019, it created the ‘Prom at The Cowshed’ initiative to make sure all Berkshire students could attend their leavers’ balls, even if they could not afford to buy an outfit.

Until recently, the charity only offered free prom dresses and suits to families who had been referred for support — but now, low-cost garments are available to everybody in need of help.

Sally Russell, CEO of The Cowshed, said the team was inspired to launch the programme after hearing about a family who lost their home when they were unable to pay for their child’s prom outfit.

“We decided to start collecting outfits for families that couldn’t afford them,” Ms Russell explained.

“Every girl wants to feel like her

UNDER THE RAINBOW: The Cowshed has a large stock of dresses in all colours

friends, have the same prom experience and fit in.

“It’s really lovely to see girls’ faces when they come here and get the experience their peers get when trying on beautiful dresses.”

The Cowshed is currently offering a range of prom dresses and suits in all sizes, available to rent for a flat rate of £50.

Ms Russell said each item is either brand new or hardly worn.

“We were [initially] only offering them out to families in crisis, but there are also lots of people who

aren’t in crisis but are struggling financially,” she said.

“People were contacting us [about the scheme] but they didn’t quite qualify for our service, but it seemed silly not to support these families too.”

The Cowshed also offers shoes and accessories, available only to those who are referred for support.

“It’s a great way to recycle,” Ms Russell added. “Prom dresses are beautiful, and so many people have them sat in their wardrobes.

“Why not let another girl make

use of it? It stops the dress from ending up in landfill, too.”

All the money raised from the ‘Prom at The Cowshed’ initiative will be directed back into the charity to help it support people across Berkshire.

According to Ms Russell, the charity has seen a 400% increase in demand since the beginning of the pandemic.

“In the last financial year, we’ve helped more than 6,200 people,” she explained. “The need for our service has gone mad, which is sad, but I’m glad we can support those who need it.

“There’s also no sign of that need slowing, and when the furlough scheme ends I fear it will only get worse.”

Now, she is calling on local residents to donate any second hand prom outfits if they can.

“We’ve got a huge amount of interest already in the service,” Ms Russell said.

“We’ve got around 300 dresses at the moment, but we will need a lot more if demand is high.”

People can donate dresses and suits at The Cowshed’s donation centre in Winnersh, on King Street Lane.

To book an appointment for a fitting, contact info@thecowshed.org � For more information about the Cowshed, visit: www.thecowshed.org

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

14 | NEWS

Freedom Alliance stands two THERE are two candidates standing for the Freedom Alliance party in the Wokingham Borough Council elections: Karen Clyde in Winnersh and Fiona Morley in Bulmershe and Whitegates.

Launched last year it says it is a campaigning political party committed to the principles of personal liberty, sovereignty, and human rights.

Freedom Alliance prioritises personal liberty, and the rights and responsibilities of the individual to make their own choices.

Led by veterinary scientist and clinician, Carol Dobson, Freedom Alliance represents a coalition of individuals from across the political spectrum, who are opposed to the restrictions “commonly referred to as lockdown”, and to any and all curtailments of the liberties and human rights of free individuals. This includes any tier system, or policies such as “no jab, no job”.

The party also plans to push for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to understand what has happened since the pandemic began in March last year. It wants to know “why it happened and who, within and outwith the UK, is responsible”.

Dr Dobson, who runs a practice in Scotland, says: “I’m not a career politician, I'm a vet, a scientist, and a mother. But when the country started shutting down around me, disrupting my children’s lives, and causing great distress to colleagues, friends and family, I knew I had to take action.

“Closing down the country in response to an ordinary coronavirus is a dramatic and completely unnecessary overreaction.

“I have studied the data at length, and the statistics clearly show this is not an emergency that warrants this kind of draconian response.”

Ms Morley, a natural emphatic healer from Woodley, says that she wishes to put her energy into spreading awareness and actively involving herself with the Freedom Alliance Party.

She says that everyone has the right to medical autonomy, freedom of choice to travel, carry out business and socialise with friends and family; even in spite of apparent unprecedented times.

She perceives that this is a highly controversial topic however in fairness to the entire world population and the stats, he believes it is possible to live free – respectfully, with integrity and compassion.

And she says that if she was elected she would encourage a humane approach to living which includes allowing people to leave home whenever they choose, operating businesses, speak freely, associate, assemble, protest and the right to refuse medical interventions.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Women’s Equality Party says it pushes for a caring community

By LOUISE TIMLIN, Evendons candidate for the Women’s Equality Party

A snapshot of these actions are listed here: WE believe in creating a socially just and environmentally safe place for all residents. To achieve this WE will: � Campaign for a wellbeing budget that includes the value of unpaid care � Convene an annual citizens’ assembly to scrutinise the draft Council Budget and recommend changes prior to approval

� Establish Citizens Assemblies to ensure women’s and other marginalised voices are heard and heeded in local Carbon and Climate plans.

WE believe in the transformative power of childcare, and that social care is a human right and a crucial part of our infrastructure. WE will: � Develop a Childcare Strategy and push for inclusive provisions for accessible and affordable childcare � Campaign for a Real Living Wage for all social care workers � Ending Violence Against Women and Girls must become a political priority. WE will: � Lobby for statutory funding for women’s services and shelters, including ring-fenced funding for specialist services � Introduce monthly domestic abuse clinics signposting women to local support services � Seek to achieve White Ribbon accreditation, working collaboratively with male councillors and Council staff

To ensure our physical infrastructure works for everyone, WE will: � Ensure the Council’s housing strategy includes the needs and perspectives of minoritised women � Ensure that women and children at risk of homelessness are prioritised for local social housing � Lobby for our transport infrastructure to meet the needs of the majority and become accessible to all.

The Women’s Equality Party has seven core policy areas: Equal Pay and Opportunity, Equal Education, Equal Parenting and Caregiving, Equal Representation, Equal Health, Equal Media, and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

3. LOCAL TRANSPORT: Boosting walking and cycling with 20mph zones and car-free school streets will cut congestion and air pollution. Cycling is popular in Wokingham, we will work with cycling groups and residents to ensure safe and effective cycle routes are installed across the borough.

4. PROTECTING PUBLIC SERVICES: Libraries, swimming pools, arts venues and children’s play areas are vital to the physical and mental health of the town. We will campaign to ensure the Council becomes an Accredited Living Wage employer. All organisations should pay at least a Living Wage.

5. AFFORDABLE HOUSING: More council housing, funding for tackling rough sleeping,

licensing all landlords and a mass insulation scheme will mean a safe, warm home for all.

6. GREAT SCHOOLS: Putting local authorities back in control of school place planning and ending the free-school experiment will start to provide great local schools for all.

Mandatory changes to Academies and cuts to budgets will be fought.

7. BETTER CARE: Improved terms for carers will improve care. We will work with UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter in Wokingham to ensure that carers get a Living Wage, that zero-hour contracts are ended, and rushed 15-minute care visits are lengthened.

8. LOCAL BUSINESS: Investment in local shopping areas will

encourage variety in our local shops and support locally sourced, affordable food.

9. WOKINGHAM’S CULTURE: Support for local artists and our Conservation Areas will strengthen our culture and protect our heritage for future generations.

10. HEALTH: ensuring our public health with a great local trackand-trace system, and increased support for mental health wellbeing across the borough.

11. CLEANING UP WOKINGHAM: Kerbside glass collection and support for reuse groups will mean less waste, more reuse and better recycling.

THE Women’s Equality Party (WE) have always believed that a caring community is a stronger community.

The Covid pandemic has proved this to be true. Nobody has been left unaffected – many thousands have lost loved ones, livelihoods, jobs and their financial security.

Everyone agrees we need to build back better but WE say we need to do more – we need to Build Back Equal. The pandemic has laid bare the inequalities in our society and made many of them worse.

We must rethink how our communities work and we need a local government that is not afraid of radical change.

Our local election manifesto calls for actions in four key areas: the economy, caring infrastructure, ending violence against women and girls, and physical infrastructure (housing and transport).

Green priorities for Wokingham

By Martin Coule, Twyford Candidate 1. CLIMATE ACTION AND GREEN SPACE: Doubling Wokingham’s tree cover, zero carbon, and protecting our wildlife will protect our green spaces and environment.

2. OUR COMMUNITY: Greater support for residents organising community initiatives like the Big Lunch and Play Streets in their roads will bring neighbourhoods together.

� Find out more at www.womensequality.org.uk.

Louise Timlin is standing as the Women’s equality Party candidate in Evendons Ward. � Also standing in Evendons Ward are: Daniel Hinton, Conservative, Annette Medhurst, Labour and Ian Shenton, Lib Dem

� Also standing in Twyford are Lindsay Ferris, Lib Dem, Caroline Hill, Labour and Grant Woolner, Conservative

‘We’re here to police the streets, not the tweets’ Alan Robinson, independent PCC candidate

T

HE independent candidate for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections, said he has a “straightforward” message – to get police back on the streets.

Alan Robinson, who grew up in Witney, retired from the police force December 2018 after 25 years.

He said: “I put my heart and soul into policing. I am so passionate about it that I have written a book called Policeless, in which I evidence my frustrations with the

dysfunctional police service it went from serving the public to serving politicians, which has ultimately led to not only a broken police service but broken officers and staff.”

Mr Robinson said he couldn't “sit back” in his retirement, and is now campaigning to be elected next month.

He is pushing for “more bobbies on the beat”, as part of his pledge for an independent PCC, “free from political interference”.

He wants to improve police visibility, allowing officers to “use their common sense and discretion, instead of chasing meaningless targets”.

This, he said, can be done by better using existing resources.

Mr Robinson is calling for a

clearer line over where police responsibility begins and ends, in order to safeguard resources.

He would also like officers to push back, and encourage the public to take more personal responsibility for some issues.

“The scale of triviality is frustrating,” he said. “We need a common sense approach, and to become more selective in the jobs we go to. We’ve mollycoddled people, and we need to kick back on this.”

This could also include online hate crime, Mr Robinson said.

“We’re here to police the streets, not the tweets,” he said.

“We’re here for hurt bodies not hurt feelings.”

He also wants to realign officers

to neighbourhood teams, to resolve problems before they become issues.

Mr Robinson said he wants to boost community engagement with the force, to raise the morale of officers and police staff.

This, he said, will lead to a more effective and efficient service — and allow the police to “reclaim their identity”.

He added: "When I was growing up, there was a reassuring police presence, with a bobby on the beat.

“We need to use more common sense and discretion.

“If two lads were having a fight on a Friday night, when I joined the police force in 1993 I could step between them and say ‘lads either

shake hands now or go your separate ways, I don't want to see you together again for the rest of the evening’, and it worked.

“And they respected me for having that judgment. Policing is by consent, and by me arresting the pair of them for assault, just to bump crime figures and make senior officers and politicians look good — it’s taking away policing by consent.

“We’re losing the respect of the people we're supposed to be serving.”

He said police need to rebuild

public trust, by being fair, impartial, diligent and acting with integrity.

“We’ve got to go back to our core principles,” he said.

“We’re here to fight crime and protect the people in our communities – we’ve got to reclaim their trust.”

He added: “Look after the officers and they'll look after our communities. I am the only candidate who mentions officers and staff welfare in their manifesto.” � For more, search Facebook for ‘Alan Robinson for PCC’ JESS WARREN

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 15

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Retail abuse soars during lockdown year

By MARIE WILLIAMS

news@wokingham.today SHOP STAFF across the region have been abused more than ever before this year.

It has sparked a national campaign from Southern Co-op, the Home Office and Crimestoppers, asking people to ShopKind.

Mark Smith, Chief Executive at Southern Co-op, said: "Despite our colleagues going above and beyond to serve our customers and communities during the pandemic, they have still had to suffer verbal abuse, threats and violent attacks.

“We had nearly 18,000 reports of crime at our 201 stores in 2020 — an increase of 25% from 2019. This is unacceptable and must stop.”

Nationally, at least 400 shop workers are abused every day.

Last month, The Association of Convenience Stores' 2021 Crime Report revealed there have been more than 1.2 million incidents of verbal abuse, and around 40,000 incidents of violence against people working in convenience stores.

Of these, more than a quarter involved a weapon, such as a knife, hammer, axe, or syringe.

The chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, Helen Dickinson OBE, said some staff have also been spat at and racially abused.

Mark Hallas, chief executive of Crimestoppers, said the figures were “truly shocking”.

“Despite retailers' vital role in the community, at the frontline, there are a significant minority of people who believe that being courteous and polite isn't important,” he said. “Our message today is clear — despite what is going on in anyone's life, no shop worker deserves to be treated badly, let alone verbally or physically abused.

“We're asking everyone to take a step back and think about the true value of these workers — supporting individuals, families and entire communities.

So please ShopKind."

Two-thirds of retailers had experienced Covid-related threats, with the most common causes of abuse related to reminding customers of covid regulations.

The campaign is also supported by major high street retailers as well as the shopworkers Union Usdaw.

Minister for small business, consumers and labour markets, Paul Scully, said retail workers have worked tirelessly to put covid-secure measures in place to keep the community safe.

"Staff in our great shops, pubs, hairdressers and more should be treated with the utmost respect and gratitude,” he said. “After such a difficult

year, we all have a duty to treat each other with kindness."

Kevin Tindall, managing director of Tesco Convenience, said they’re installing new security measures in shops to manage abuse.

Paddy Lillis, General Secretary at shopworkers Union, Usdaw, said nine in 10 staff were abused last eyar, according to their own survey.

“We pleased that retailers, the trade union, Government and Crimestoppers have come together to tackle this important issue through the ShopKind campaign,” he said. “It is clear that retail workers deserve to be treated with respect.

"Retail workers have been on the frontline throughout the coronavirus crisis, ensuring we can remain fed, despite the risks of contracting the virus themselves.

“We owe these workers a debt of gratitude for their hard work and commitment to our communities. All workers have the right to feel safe and abuse should never be a part of the job.

“We hope that this campaign will highlight the incredible contributions of retail workers and promote the need for all customers to behave responsibly." � To report abuse, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Shinfield students spread Easter joy STUDENTS at Shinfield’s newest primary school spread Easter cheer with handmade cards.

Reception pupils at Alder Grove CofE Primary School created the celebration messages for residents of Parsons Grange Care Home.

Organised by Taylor Wimpey, the housebuilder delivered them to the nursing home.

Miss Norkett, reception teacher at the school said: “Our pupils really enjoyed creating their very own Easter cards for residents at Parsons Grange

Care Home and they came up with some really thoughtful designs.

“Something so simple, such as a card, can bring comfort and happiness to others so I’d like to thank Taylor Wimpey for organising this lovely activity.”

Ria, from Parsons Grange Care Home said the cards brought so much joy for the residents, helping them feel connected to the community.

“This year has been exceptionally hard due to the pandemic, so small gestures like this make such a big difference,”

she said. “The residents loved reading the heart-warming messages handwritten by the children, it brought a few tears to our eyes.

“We would like to thank all the children at Alder Grove CofE Primary School for taking the time to design such lovely Easter cards — they really put a smile on the residents’ faces.”

Gemma Bibby, of Taylor Wimpey West London, said it was great to hear that residents were “over the moon” with their individual cards, and thanked the pupils for their work.

HEAVYWEIGHT SUPPORT: Reading boxer, Michael Sprott, is spreading the Freely Fruity mission to make fruit accessible

Freely Fruity keeps up the fight A READING boxer has joined the mission to make healthy food accessible to the community.

Former British and commonwealth heavyweight champion, Michael Sprott, has become an ambassador for Sindlesham-based Freely Fruity.

The produce-growing charity hopes to spread their message further with the boxer’s support.

“I’m truly humbled that

Freely Fruity has asked me to represent them and the great work that they do within our community,” Mr Sprott said.

“It’s an honour to help the charity provide vulnerable people with fresh, organic produce.

“I hope I can help them raise their profile and gain support; firstly across the county, then hopefully nationwide.

“It’s a really great idea to get communities involved with growing their own

fruit for free.”

Freely Fruity co-founder, Ryan Simpson said: “We are honoured to have Michael join our team. We thought it would be a great idea to get some local heavyweight support to help us spread our message and gain further following from further afield.

“He spent the day learning that gardening is actually quite a good physical work out — if not considerably kinder to your face.”

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

16 | BUSINESS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Got a business story? Email news@ wokingham.today. or write to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Flight Logistics unveils new artwork to mark 30th year EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM courier group is cruising in style for its 30th birthday.

In January, Flight Logistics, which delivers artwork across Europe, announced it would be celebrating three decades of work with a twist this year.

Since 2016, the company has been running an Art On Wheels project which sees courier vans wrapped in artwork to bring it out of gallery spaces and directly to the public.

To honour its big birthday, the courier launched a competition earlier this year to offer one lucky artist the opportunity to wrap its next vehicle.

Now, Flight Logistics has revealed not one but two competition winners who are now busy decorating the next in the series of vans.

The first vehicle, revealed earlier this month, is being wrapped with artwork from

MOVING PICTURES: The art delivery company has unveiled its latest custom van Picture: Flight Logistics

South African artist Phumzile Buthelezi.

Her piece, titled Ngima Nawe, Sima Nawe, has been combined with one of her other creations called Zithole to display a message of “hope and celebration”.

“After almost 12 months in global lockdowns one way or another, we were looking for an artist with an uplifting message of positivity and joy,” said a spokesperson for Flight Logistics.

Ms Buthelezi’s work comes from her What Makes

Us Human series.

The second vehicle, which has been decorated by artist Lauren Baker, has not yet been revealed.

The spokesperson for Flight Logistics said the company launched its 30th birthday celebration to help artists showcase their work.

“It offered the winners the opportunity to get their art seen and enjoyed by the general public, collectors, buyers and gallerists on a daily basis for years to come,” they explained. “The criteria was that their work

had to be positive and uplifting.”

Ms Buthelezi’s vehicle can already be spotted on the streets of Wokingham and beyond, while Ms Baker’s van is expected to be revealed in coming weeks.

The company has already dolled up 16 transporters with work from a range of artists. � To see more of Ms Buthelezi’s work, visit: www.instagram.com/ phumziwami and to see more of Ms Baker’s work, visit: www.laurenbakerart.com

‘We’ve taken a compassionate stance on rates’ THE BOROUGH council said local businesses and residents have “taken a compassionate approach” to council tax and business rate collection this year.

Despite the pandemic, it said its rates have remained high, and has been working with Citizens’ Advice Wokingham to “support the entire community”.

From suspending recovery action for the first six months of the financial year, to making sure residents and businesses received discounts and exemptions, the council said it introduced a number of support measures.

In total, last year’s council tax collection rate was 99.1%, and its business rate collection

rate was 98.8%.

Graham Ebers, deputy chief executive, said: “We rely on good collection rates to fund all the vital services we provide — in particular looking after vulnerable children and adults.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has managed to make their payments in such a difficult year.

“Without maintaining high collection rates our ability to respond to the needs of the community throughout the pandemic would be impaired.”

He said the council took “a particularly compassionate and careful approach” to collection this year, and it has kept it “in a reasonable financial position”.

Pandemic shopping habits are here to stay says IA COVID-FUELLED shopping habits are here to stay, according to the Internet Association (IA).

After surveying 250 small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), it reported that 71% of small retailers plan to continue selling products online in the post-pandemic world.

And as nearly a third (29%) of consumers plan to incorporate more online shopping into their everyday lives, IA believes the pandemic has created new revenue streams for SMEs. IA also reported that nearly half (48%) of the public ordered food and drinks online during the pandemic,

and more than a third (36%) tried a local shop for the first time by ordering online.

“This new research shows how the internet has played a vital role during the lockdowns over the last 12 months,” said a spokesperson for IA. “Importantly, it also shows how the internet can help drive the UK recovery forward.

“The way people work, shop and do business may have changed for good — it is clear that the internet sector can help ensure that those changes boost the UK economy, communities and wider society.”

‘Plug the gap in key skills’ SKILLS are critical to having a competitive edge, said Thames Valley Berkshire.

Last week, its Local Enterprise Hub (LEP) published its first-ever local skills report to highlight how Berkshire can “build back better” in the post-pandemic world.

According to the LEP, the county needs to adopt four priorities to stay resilient as the coronavirus response unfolds.

From evolving “higher-level” skills, such as technical and managerial skills, to ensuring education meets the needs of the local economy, it said there are ways Berkshire educators and businesses can “plug key skills gaps” in the community.

Katharine Horler, chair of the Thames Valley Berkshire Skills Advisory Panel, said: “Berkshire is one of the most economically successful areas in Britain and has a wealth of talent within its population.

“However, to guarantee continued success, and to ensure local people can access high-quality jobs, there are skill and opportunity gaps that need addressing.

“Our Local Skills Report outlines how we will address these gaps through new and continuing

collaborative initiatives.

“Not only do businesses rely on skilled employees to thrive, but it is our mission to ensure local people have access to fulfilling and secure work.”

Thames Valley Berkshire LEP is also urging the region’s businesses to offer “inclusive, engaging and secure work”, and to “promote lifelong learning” to maximise their business potential.

Alison Webster, CEO of Thames Valley Berkshire LEP, added: “It is essential that we use our position to drive growth and support Berkshire’s economy to ensure employers and educators are tailoring skills and training provisions for those most impacted by the economic fallout from Covid-19.

“For young people and those in unsecure industries, we must focus on developing transferable skills and encouraging lifelong learning.

“Our ambition is that educators use this report to inform their curriculum planning, while businesses use it to inform workforce planning, identifying key areas for training, upskilling and continuing professional development investment.” � To read the full report, visit: bit.ly/ SkillsReport

Housebuilder gives £1 million to youth projects Ripples nominated for award A THAMES Valley housebuilder has pledged more than £1 million to support young people.

Persimmon Homes’ new Building Futures scheme has launched to support community groups working with under-18s in education and arts, health and sport.

It will see 128 grants of £1,000 awarded across the housebuilders 32 regional businesses.

Three projects will also win £100,000 each following a national public vote later this year.

The initiative is being delivered through the Persimmon Charitable

Foundation, in partnership with Team GB, the British Olympic Association, and gold medalist Dani Rowe.

“This initiative is a superb way of supporting young people across our communities and I would encourage anyone who is eligible to apply for funding,” Ms Rowe said.

“These sums of money can be life-changing and could make a real difference to the recipients.”

Applications will close on Sunday, August 15. � For more information, or to apply for support, visit: www.persimmonhomes.com/ building-futures

A WOKINGHAM showroom is a finalist in a prestigious industry competition.

Ripples Wokingham, based on Rose Street, has been nominated for New Bathroom Retailer of the Year at the kbbreview awards.

The retailer, which opened last year, offers a range of bathroom products and design advice.

Imran Azam, showroom director at Ripples, said: “I’m delighted that Ripples Wokingham has been shortlisted for such a distinguished industry award.

“We’ve worked hard to create

For the latest news visit GOING FOR GOLD: Dani Rowe is supporting Persimmon Homes’ scheme

a bathroom business which inspires our clients with products and design ideas they won’t find elsewhere, so it’s great to receive recognition from within the industry.

“I hope we’ll be able to add this award to the list of those achieved by the other established Ripples showrooms.”

The kkbreview awards seek to recognise the best in the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom industry.

The awards ceremony is due to take place in St George’s Hall in Liverpool, on Sunday, September 5.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

| 17

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

18 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

The why can wait, the help cannot

THE FIRE that swept through a block of apartments in Arborfield Green last week has shocked us all.

It has stunned a community in the process of being knitted together.

The Cavalry is just one part of this new village built on the site of REME, and is one of its jewels.

The homes in Millard Place are for rent, but the swish website advertising it make much of the attempts to foster a community, promising wine tasting sessions, yoga classes and other social events. It’s also pet friendly.

We are fortunate that we are reporting just a blaze: there are no casualties to report although residents will be facing many stresses and strains at this time.

In the darkness there is hope and signs that this new community is ready to come together. One resident told us that spare beds have been offered. The response to the Church @ The Green’s work has been amazing. And you have given generously to a crowdfunder.

The fire will be a stain on our borough.

The cause will be investigated – and reported on – but the bonds of friendship are strong and that is something to be proud of.

CHURCH NOTES

Flickers of colour

L

AST week I was asked to say what colour I was feeling.

After getting over my initial scepticism it actually turned out to be a good way for people to express themselves.

I work for the NHS and was with a group of healthcare workers. Understandably in the last year there have been very black days, especially when you can’t see a way out.

There have been bright white days when you are so overwhelmed you don’t know how you feel.

During these times there have been flickers of colour and the bright pinks and yellows have come through. They have been the times when patients who have been very sick, causing you to lose sleep, have started to get better.

When we played a favourite piece of music to a lady who hadn’t spoken she began to mouth the words. Times when members of the public have sent cards and letters of appreciation or during a long shift being given a sweet treat that someone has donated.

St Paul’s letter to the Corinthians speaks of faith, hope and love, the greatest being love.

At present we have to have faith in the vaccine. I hope for more colourful days and no need for further lockdowns. Acts of kindness have the effect of bolstering not just the person for whom it is meant but also the person who instigated it.

I believe it is showing kindness and love to others that will help us through this time giving us hope for a brighter future.

Hannah Johnson is a member of St Paul’s Church, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Time to change tack on cleaner and greener I have received election communications from both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat candidates in my ward in Earley.

Both have ‘cleaner and greener’ as the second headline on the front page.

The Liberal Democrat calls for ‘the affordable housing we need and for more money for roads and schools’.

The Conservative for ‘building major new roads and cycleways’ and ‘building 1,000 affordable homes’.

The Liberal Democrats outbid the Conservatives 300,000 trees to 250,000 trees (no timescales given), but the Conservatives do say their leader had said ‘enough is enough’ to government house building demands.

Where is the commitment to work to stop population and housing growth, and reduce traffic, so that we and future generations have a better chance to enjoy ‘cleaner and greener’ lives in a sustainable Wokingham?

John Booth, Earley

Think of a number I am completely baffled by the Liberal Democrat ‘pledge’ to plant 300,000 trees if they win control of Wokingham Borough Council, mentioned by a Lib Dem candidate in your paper last week.

The number seems to have completely plucked out of thin air – so that it can be 50,000 more than the 250,000 trees the Conservatives are saying they’ll plant.

At least the Tories have explained in their manifesto that the money has come from the Woodland Trust.

Considering the Lib Dems keep claiming that the council is in debt,

I

where are they going to get the money for another 50,000 trees? Or is this just a pie in the sky promise to get us to vote for them?

Judith Pritchard, via email

Used cars?

Bag your cardboard if you can reads an article in last week’s Wokingham.Today.

The alternative headline might have been ‘Would you buy a used car from Wokingham’s Conservatives’?

Wokingham Borough Council having introduced new blow-away green recycling bags without any input from us the users or the disabled in our community have now come up with a plan B or is it Z? The plan is as follows: Keep using your black boxes for plastics and if cardboard won’t fit but keep it dry (it never rains in Wokingham) and just leave it out anyway.

To stop the green bags blowing away that put the black boxes or food waste caddy on them to weigh them down.

If by chance none of this works for you them the Council will let you have lids for your black boxes to keep paper and cardboard dry.

What a novel idea to provide lids for our excellent black boxes which is a system used by many other councils.

I wonder what the saving might have been if the worst funded council in England just gave us lids for our black boxes? Yet Wokingham Borough Council has just raised our council tax by as much as they possibly could get away with. It certainly does not bode well for the future.

Think carefully before you cast your vote next month.

write this on the early morning train into Westminster.

Even at this ungodly hour, I am surprised by how many more people appear to be commuting into London, how much busier the trains are and the efforts that everyone is consciously making to ensure social distancing throughout the carriage.

This is of course a good thing.

Not only are we rightly continuing to return to some kind of normality after months of lockdown, but the economy requires our best effort to bring the resurgence that is needed and I am pleased that all those I meet are behaving responsibly.

For me, the vastly improving public health picture must be accompanied by an increased determination to get back to work and I remain confident that business confidence will return quickly.

We will get through this.

Across the UK, the Government's Roadmap has so far proven to be successful in easing our path to recovery and the vaccination roll-out has continued at its remarkable pace.

This is the fastest and most comprehensive inoculation programme anywhere in history and the impressive figures speak for themselves.

If anyone reading this does perceive that they have somehow slipped through the net or if those who have previously declined the vaccination are now having second thoughts, please contact your surgery immediately.

Even more spendthrift incompetence if one sticks with the same old lot who have been ruling the roost for more than 20 years now and to whom residents are just an inconvenience who pay council tax.

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

Where has it all gone?

Prior to Christmas, television news showed us the mountains of undelivered mail stockpiled at Royal Mail sorting centres.

I managed to catch up on a weekly and monthly publication that failed to arrive, it now transpires that a quarterly publication despatched during the same period has also vanished. They are the ones I know about.

I wonder what else is still awaiting delivery? I can only presume that it has all been dumped somewhere, though the cynic in me hopes they remembered to recycle.

Waiting in hope, Finchampstead

Stay awake for Crisis This past year has shown us more clearly than ever before just how important it is to have somewhere safe and secure to call home.

Having a stable base and somewhere to put down roots is good for our mental and physical health and that includes being able to get a full nights’ sleep.

Yet, on any given night, tens of thousands of families and individuals are facing the worst forms of homelessness across Great Britain. This includes

Westminster That was the week Diary

Tony Johnson James Sunderland

We each owe it to each other to keep our community safe and frankly, talk of blood clotting as a potential side effect with the Astra Zeneca vaccine has achieved little except to undermine public confidence.

Statistically, the proven benefits of being vaccinated against Covid-19 far outweigh any perceived negative consequences and I would urge everyone to embrace it.

In Bracknell, I have been taking advantage of the recent easing of restrictions to conduct more visits and meet constituents. The tempo has been fierce in campaigning for the forthcoming local elections and I know that activists from all parties have been pounding the streets in line with the new rules.

I have personally been out on several occasions to Finchampstead and Great Hollands and it has been great to see so many people at this lovely time of the year.

I have been taken by how positive the general mood is and while there is still so much to be done to get back

people forced to sleep on our streets, having to drift from sofa to sofa, or stuck for months in unsuitable temporary accommodation. In England alone, over 200,000 households are experiencing this right now.

Homelessness is not inevitable. Crisis works with thousands of people every year to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good. We won’t rest until homelessness is ended.

That’s why we need your help.

Without the safety or comfort of a home, it’s a struggle to get a good night’s sleep.

This Early May Bank Holiday (April 30– May 3), we’re asking you to give up your usual eight hours a night and Stay Awake for Crisis. The challenge is to Stay Awake for 24-hours, all to raise money for people experiencing homelessness, helping to put them on a path to a secure home.

We know that staying awake morning, noon and night won’t be easy.

Whether you chose to go it alone, do it as a relay with colleagues, or team up with family and friends, we’ve got loads of ideas and support to help you plan out how you’ll spend your hours and keep up your fundraising. From a 24-hour gaming marathon or midnight bake off, a yoga’thon or even some sponsored dog walks – you choose how you’ll keep yourself awake and make your 24-hour mission a success.

Join us as we Stay Awake and fundraise for those who do it night after night. To sign up, visit: www.crisis.org.uk/ stayawake Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive, Crisis

to normal and to recover lives and livelihoods, I am grateful to everyone in the constituency for their fortitude, patience and humour during what has been a tough year.

I do not underestimate the sacrifices that have been made.

And in Westminster, I have enjoyed the opportunity to chair the Armed Forces Bill Select Committee. Our careful line by line scrutiny has now been completed and the final report will be presented to the House imminently.

As stated before, working collaboratively with Labour, the SNP and other parties has proven to be worthwhile and I have learned much about Parliamentary procedure.

As Jo Cox MP famously said, far more unites us than divides us and I believe that politics works at its best when all sides come together for the common good.

Beyond this, the Government continues to press ahead with its manifesto promises and tackle the multitude of national challenges facing all of us.

Lastly, I would like to pay a quick tribute to Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. I watched his funeral on the TV with a mix of pride, respect and emotion and he will be much missed.

As the longest-serving consort in history and distinguished war veteran, his loyalty, dedication and service to the Queen will be recorded favourably.

I wish him a humble farewell.

James Sunderland is the MP for Bracknell

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

What do the independents stand for?

Wokingham Independents say Wokingham Borough Council change is much needed and long overdue.

Although they are not standing in this election, here they set out their vision for the council

A

LOCAL election is like an end of term for Wokingham Borough Council, with a third of council seats up for election.

How do you rate Wokingham Borough Council’s performance? What would you put in an end of term report?

If you feel it could and should be better, then take the opportunity to make a change in May’s elections.

Wokingham currently has three Independent Councillors, who have successfully campaigned on a number of topics, to improve the quality of life of Wokingham’s residents but it has been made harder than it needed to be to make any change by party politics.

Voting on all issues is strictly by party lines. You vote for a candidate to represent your community and they are ‘encouraged’ to vote along party lines.

Is this really representing your community?

Independents don’t think so.

Independents are part of the local

community, so their policies generally relate to their town, village, council ward or a combination of all three.

Most importantly they are not tied to any party-political dogma or ideology.

On the other hand, some party candidates don’t even live in the wards they are standing in. They are there simply to represent their party, not your community.

There are some really good Councillors and candidates from all parties. Independents recognise good work irrespective of political association, something others find difficult to do.

This ‘grown up’ approach is one of many behaviours that really differentiate Independents from the parties. We do what we believe is right for residents, not what we are told to do by a few party leaders.

Can Independents achieve?

There are already 33 successful Independent-run Councils in the UK. Why not Wokingham?

We believe it is time for a more grown up and up-to-date Wokingham Borough Council. Where residents come first not political parties. Where services are truly customer focused. Where residents have a voice that is listened to.

Where all Councillors and Officers work together for the benefit of all residents, not just a few.

Where decisions are reached in a democratic way, not decided by a ‘special

few’ behind closed doors.

Wokingham’s three Independent Councillors have campaigned continuously, with success to improve the quality of life of Wokingham’s residents. Working with others of all political persuasions, where it is right to do, and standing firmly against when it’s not right.

Some of the things we continue to seek to change or improve; � Ensure all residents have opportunity to have a voice and are listened to � Ensure residents are treated as valued customers � Improve transparency, especially in decision making � Review all processes, such as planning, to ensure residents get a fair and equitable opportunity to participate � Allow residents to be part of all Committees and Working Groups, that directly input into the council decisionmaking process. � Champion committees and decision-making bodies to be represented by the right person/s including residents (where appropriate) and not simply allocated to political appointees, allowing for proper resident’s participation � Learn from and build on the considerable Independent achievements across the country, including support for a climate emergency, fixing potholes so

From the stump

vaccination centres, staff so medical professionals can focus on their key roles and, with our partners at the Wokingham Volunteer Centre, provided an army of volunteers to help run testing centres.

Julian McGheeSumner – Conservative Candidate for Wescott ward

Loneliness We are concerned that many people spent huge periods of the last 12 months isolating at home with little social contact. We are helping their return to normal lives.

Our staff and our colleagues at The Link Visiting Scheme have made more than 5,000 phone calls to those at home over the last 12 months to support and befriend them.

Responding to the pandemic

T

HE covid pandemic has tested us all in the Wokingham community and changed everyone’s lives.

Conservative-led Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) has been conscious throughout of the need to be proactive and look after every resident.

Within a week of the pandemic starting, all the key players from the voluntary sector were brought together to work with the council.

This led to the WBC One Front Door system with the CAB, the friendship and support calls from the Link, prescription runs from the Wokingham Volunteer Centre and the Food Hub with First Days.

Our residents were amazing and many volunteered, as I did, to do whatever they could to help.

Our council acted swiftly to protect residents.

When the supply of PPE via central government broke down WBC purchased its own directly from suppliers.

Faced with several large care home outbreaks an investigation found all could be traced to discharges from the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

We lobbied MPs and the NHS to instigate immediate covid tests for all discharges.

However, with no firm commitment of change,

making roads safer, preserving trees, hedges and our green spaces, supporting care leavers, increasing recycling, and growing local democracy. � Encourage debate and freedom of speech so all Councillors can have their own opinion. True democracy over party politics. � Support moving away from the iniquitous Executive council-run model that puts all the power into a few hands at the expense of the majority of Councillors. � Champion collaborative working across all parties to protect and revive communities, working together to shape and influence local decisionmaking for the benefit of our residents. � Encourage Council to learn from the flexibility and speed of action that has been demonstrated through Wokingham’s Covid response and adopt lessons learned to benefit residents in the future. � Champion more ‘grown-up’ behaviours in Council meetings and decision making by reducing party politics and increasing focus on residents and action The only certainty in any election is that if we keep doing the same things in the same way we will keep getting the same results.

Independents ask you to use your vote wisely and make it count for an alternative way forward.

Mental Heath we put our residents first and refused to accept any hospital discharges into care homes without negative covid tests.

The Conservative-led council here were four weeks ahead of every other council in the country in taking this key step to stop the spread of covid.

We set up a specialist care homes task force to support our borough’s 53 care homes.

Visiting every home regularly, they ensure the highest possible infection control procedures are in place, and support and train staff.

We have now moved on to our covid recovery plan.

Testing We were one of the first councils in Berkshire to set up lateral flow testing centres, we now have three centres: at Thames Valley Business Park, in Sindlesham and in Wokingham, and four mobile testing vans travelling across the borough making this service accessible to all. Anyone can collect tests from our centres to use at home.

Vaccination Support The Conservative-led council has worked with local GPs from the start to help vaccinate residents as quickly as possible.

We have provided buildings for use as

We are very aware of the toll the pandemic has taken on the mental health of our residents and we have brought forward plans for an advanced mental health support service.

MIND is opening a new office in Wokingham and will be working with GPs across the borough.

Business Support These are incredibly challenging times for businesses of all sizes, and the information can often be hard to understand and digest.

Our council has proactively contacted local businesses to make them aware of the financial help that is available. Over £40 million has been paid out to help businesses survive and recover.

None of the above would be possible without well run council finances.

WBC has faced unprecedented financial pressure this year but thanks to sensible Conservative management has been able to weather the storm and retain significant reserves.

As we emerge from the pandemic, we need a Conservative-led council that can support our recovery and ensure that our borough continues to be a great place to live, work, learn and do business. � Also standing in Wescott ward: Peter Dennis (Lib Dem) and Colin Heath (Labour)

VIEWPOINTS | 19

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

20 | NEWS

Home cooking Kindness in lockdown loses its flavour as food fatigue sets in

T

AKEAWAYS are ruling the kitchen, as thousands suffer food fatigue.

According to research by Royal Voluntary Service and People’s Postcode Lottery, one in three people have lost their enthusiasm for home cooking, as the pandemic continues.

While many enjoyed baking and cooking last spring, a quarter of Brits are now turning to the takeaways to keep them going.

To help inspire the tastebuds, chef Phil Vickery has launched an Eat Well Week with a live cookalong at the Royal Voluntary Service’s Virtual Village Hall.

Mr Vickery says: “Throughout the pandemic and particularly during the lockdowns, food has been an important focus for our day.

Having more time on our hands has been a great motivation for many people to cook or bake, some for the first time.

“However, after a year of planning every meal, the joy of cooking has waned for many which means we’re reaching for less-thanhealthy alternatives, and no doubt feeling the effects.

“I’ll be shaking things up for Eat Well Week at the Virtual Village Hall to get people feeling positive about healthy home cooking again.

“Our talented panel of top chefs will be sharing some simple, healthy and delicious recipes to make at home that will be packed full of flavour but with a fraction of the calories of ready meals and takeaways.”

When people get stuck into their cooking, it has a positive effect on mental health.

More than one in five surveyed said they felt healthier, happier and more positive as a result of their efforts, with many reporting a sense of achievement.

Sam Ward, director of services and deputy chief executive at Royal Voluntary Service, says: “Whether you live alone or are cooking for a large family, we hope you’ll join Phil and our Virtual Village Hall chefs for one of our live Eat Well Week cookalongs.

“You never know, you might even be inspired to ditch that takeaway menu altogether.”

Eat Well Week ends on Friday, and is free to join. � For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/ VirtualVillageHall

KINDNESS has spread across the community since the pandemic began.

Thortful, a greetings card company and official sponsor for NHS Charities Together, analysed Google trends data since the first lockdown last year.

It found a huge increase in care packages and care package ideas seeing a 3,350% and 250% increase.

Thank you business card sales have also gone up by 400% since lockdown began with companies wanting to give back to their customers to show appreciation for their support.

During the Mother’s Day period,

between Monday, February 15 and Monday, March 15, Thortful raised £130,126 for NHS Charities Together.

With 5p of every Mothers Day card and £5 from every rainbow bouquet sold going to the charity, Thortful says it successfully achieved more than its target.

Andy Pearce, CEO and co-founder of Thortful, said: “We are so grateful to all our wonderful customers for helping us raise this huge amount of money.

“We wanted to show our support for all of the NHS staff who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic.”

Last Night HEATHER BONCEY won a scary story contest by Wokingham Writers’ Group.

Here’s her horror tale

I

opened my eyes slowly.

My head was pounding.

I couldn’t remember anything from the night before.

There was a sickeningly sweet, metallic smell in the room. My hands felt sticky. I looked down and saw they were covered in blood and so was I. I didn’t feel any pain, just hangover-rough. I turned my head and realised there was someone next to me. I sat up in panic.

Lying beside me was a young man with his face all caved in.

His blood was splattered everywhere, on the sheets, duvet, pillows, even on the walls. Who was he?

I stumbled into the ensuite and was violently sick. I cleaned my teeth, splashed my face with water in an attempt to wake myself up.

I walked back into the bedroom and sat on the chair. My bedroom

looked like a crime scene. Just like the ones you see on TV, I thought, quickly realising it really was a crime scene.

I closed my eyes and tried to think of events from the night before.

Vague visions of a bar, club, dancing, knocking back shots, came into my head. I opened my eyes but sadly the man was still there, dead.

An image of me waking up to the sound of birds sprang into my memory.

“You looked so much younger last night,” the man said. “Oh my, you’re older than my mother!” Then he fell back into a drunken sleep.

I remembered grabbing my grandmother’s old, heavy, brass bedside lamp and hitting him, over and over again. Oh, well, I thought, he won’t get a chance to say that to anyone else.

I started to laugh, slowly, unpleasantly and sardonically at first. With tears rolling down my cheeks, I threw my head back, laughing wildly, hysterically and uncontrollably. I couldn’t stop.

Listen up for birds IF YOU want to make your garden even more green, listen up.

Dobbies Garden Centre, which has a site in Hare Hatch, has teamed up with the RSPB to talk about all things nature.

The centre’s latest podcast episode looks at how residents can protect and care for their local garden wildlife.

Marcus Eyles, horticultural director at Dobbies, said: “A lot of us will be preparing our gardens for the warmer months, and we can all do our bit to make our outdoor spaces more wildlife friendly. Helping nature starts at home.”

And the RSPB wants to make sure residents are giving nature a home too.

Following on from its Big Garden Birdwatch in January, it wants to inspire all of Wokingham to engage in more nature-friendly practices outside.

Ally Lemon, conservation officer at the RSPB, added: “No matter the size or type of outdoor space you have, everyone can help wildlife in their local area.

“From planting wildflowers in flower pots to create a pond, small steps can give nature a big helping hand.”

Dobbies Garden Centre’s podcast is available to listen to now for all the latest nature tips and tricks, at: www.dobbies.com/podcasts

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

DJ Paula plans to fly

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

A DJ will be flying sky-high for a music charity fundraiser later this year.

DJ Paula Frost, from Way Out Radio, will be strapped to a plane as part of a charity fundraiser between Tuesday, September 28 and Wednesday, September 29.

Paula is hoping to raise £500 for Tonic Music for Mental Health, a charity supporting musicians suffering with mental health, to which she has already raised half of her target.

The charity promotes good mental health in the music industry by offering a range

of training, men guides and peer She will be jo of 40 people, as Flying Circus 20 Tuesday, Septem Wednesday, Sep of the charity’s programme.

Launched ea month, the aim programme is t free resources f on mental healt industry.

Barry Ashwo Tonic Music for and creator of t said:

Look Lively t work of c

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A RADIO station is embarking on a second charity fundraiser, following the success of its first.

Bracknell’s 2HI Radio, which serves the whole of Berkshire with drum and bass, techno and more, wants to get people talking about mental health with its new charity event.

Chris Scott, also known as Lively when on stage, is a regular 2HI Radio host who held a livestream to raise funds for Epilepsy Action last month.

Now, after generating around £450 for the charity, he has decided to give it another go.

Later this month, Chris is hosting another livestream night with a whole host of acts from across the UK, who will all play sets on the seven hour stream.

He organised the latest event in a bid to raise funds for Mind and Cancer Research UK. “These charities were chosen because they both hit home with me,” Chris explains. “I’ve been dealing with my own mental health issues for around five years now, so it’s something that is really important to me.

ON THE BILL: A great line-up is planned for 2HI

“I’ve also had several family members who have unfortunately suffered with cancer.”

Chris says last month’s fundraiser, held to support local listener Emma

Inspiration in lockdown Necessity is, as they say, the mother of invention. Here, ROBERTA TWEEDY explains how she invented bedtime bliss

Y

OU know how it is, summer nights, too hot for anything but a loose sheet under which you toss and turn, trying to get cool and comfortable.

As you turn, the sheet becomes wrapped around – and you are swaddled like a baby, dreaming you are trapped and trying to escape your bonds.

Last year, after several nights like this, I thought I’d try to find a way to anchor my sheet flat so I rigged up a very Heath Robinson

affair with a strap and some bulldog clips which I put under the mattress and clipped on to the edges of the sheets.

While far from perfect, my sheet stayed mostly in place – and I was no longer a captive in my dreams.

Unbeknown to me, four miles away my grandson was also having problems with a sheet – this time, a fitted bottom one that rode up at the sides.

‘Ah’, says I, ‘I may be able to help’.

I could – and it did – with an identical strap and some bulldog clips put under the mattress and clipped onto the edges of the sheet, it stayed in place.

So, the two of us put our heads together to see if we could come up with a much more permanent

solution – and we have done just tha First – a name: Second – a UK This was a bit mor we have found a lo in Yorkshire, smal family for the pas they are able to d we wanted, refini make it much mor Packaging has of a challenge as w make sure this pa recyclable – we th done it. As neithe previous experien we are learning as My grandson h the website – it ne development but attempt and few t perfect straight o

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

y high for musicians

ntal health r support. oining a team s part of Barry’s 021, from mber 28 to ptember in aid Tonic Rider

arlier this m of the to create for musicians th in the

orth, patron of r Mental Health the fundraiser,

“Among my music circle, it’s been devastating to lose friends to suicide since the pandemic.

“The need is urgent and I’m really honoured to work with an organisation that is providing practical support where it’s most needed – with the music industry on its knees, it is needed now more than ever.”

Paula said it feels great to be able to “give back and support other musicians”.

She added: “I am definitely quaking in my boots about being strapped to the top of a plane and flown around, I

mean it’s a pretty dangerous and crazy thing to do.

“I am so proud that Barry asked me to be a part of this, my fundraising has been soaring over the past few weeks and I hope to reach my goal of £500 very soon.

“It feels great to be able to give back and support other musicians.”

To donate to Paula’s Wing Walk, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/paulawingwalk For more information on Tonic Music for Mental Health, log on to tonicmusic.co.uk

to help boost charities

Radio’s fundraising livestream

Tomlinson who lives with epilepsy, “lit the fuse” for his latest event.

“After raising £450, it made me think,” the DJ says. “The line-up brought in a lot of views with around

4,000 people joining the stream.

“I also got to be able to be part of a great show, people got to listen to a great show, and we raised money for a good cause at the same time.”

Now, Chris is busy pulling together a killer set to play back to back later this month — and he said he is grateful for the acts’ support.

The main headliners include awardwinning garage artist MC Viper, as well as MC Hyperactive, and Dappz.

“It could cost several thousands of pounds to put this line up together,” Chris says. “But everyone is doing it for free, for the cause.

“I want to give a huge thank you to everyone for their support and involvement in the first and second events.”

Chris has also organised giveaways for those donating to the cause too, including a virgin experience pass.

The event, sponsored by All Time Roofing, Prime Landscapes, and Jay Printers, is taking place on Friday, April 30 between 6pm and 1am.

A link to Chris’ fundraiser will be put in the live 2HI Radio feed on the night of the event � For updates on the fundraiser and how to get involved, visit: www.2hiradio.com

n for a good night’s sleep

e think we may at. : Duvties.

K manufacturer. re difficult but lovely company ll and in the same st 20 years and do exactly what ing our design to re user-friendly. s been a bit more we wanted to art was hink we have er of us have any nce in this field, s we go along. has put together eeds further this is a first things are off.

The two of us are a disparate pairing – a retired CEO of a national charity with absolutely no experience of manufacturing whatsoever and a young university graduate with a degree in Business Management – but, among other things, it is this ‘sheet’ problem that unites us, and we work well together.

Duvties? Now they are made of durable, elasticated webbing.

The clips are firm and strong – and will attach to a sheet, duvet or any other type of bedding. A single Duvtie will adjust to fit a bed from 3ft to 6ft-plus wide and will go under a mattress any way you need it to. From corner to

NEWS | 21

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

corner of a bottom sheet (of course, you would need two ties for this) – from side to side or top to bottom.

To keep a duvet in place, adjust length of the tie so it is slightly wider than the bed and clip onto one side of the duvet, slip the tie under the mattress and clip onto the other side. For a firmer hold, use two ties spaced slightly apart.

And, with one - or two - in place, even your partner should not be able to hog the duvet during the night so both can stay warm and comfortable throughout.

It’s a Wokingham solution to a perennial problem. � www.duvties.co.uk

Ollie on the run, not from Honest his Mum, but for his Mum motherhood Angela Garwood

The dragon

I A READING teenager is tackling a 15km (9.3 mile) run to Wokingham this weekend, to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Ollie Gerring, 13, helped his Mum through two tough years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. Now, he wants to raise money to help other mums in the future, with better and “kinder” treatments.

It has been almost five years since his Mum, Vic, had treatment and surgery after noticing a dimple on her left breast.

She said: “It's been one heck of a journey that still continues today with injections and tablets. But throughout it all, Ollie has been amazing.

“At first, he was really scared that I might die and to be honest, so was I. “I answered his questions honestly — I've always figured if he's old enough to ask them, he deserves an age appropriate answer. Together, we fought our way through what was nearly two years of treatment, surgeries, recovery.”

POETRY CORNER Through our lounge window Our lounge window is both wide and tall It takes up most of one lounge wall.

Through it we see the world go bye And much of interest we espy.

The changing seasons are seen in the trees.

From Winter bareness there shoots Spring leaves.

The Summer shows them full of green.

Autumn tints follow with their colourful sheen.

The birds are busy all the time .

Their singing daily fills the air.

Our birdseed holder attracts them here.

Chirping, squabbling, nesting, their young Hopping about in the Summer sun.

Then the people who go to and fro.

All so different but with somewhere to go.

That couple there for a walk in the park.

The youngsters behind all set for a lark.

Shoppers with trolleys heading for shops The people passing never stops.

Ollie, who studies at The Wren School, has already raised more than £950 and is hoping to raise more.

Lucy Dennis, Cancer Research UK’s relationship manager for Berkshire, said the charity is delighted Ollie has decided to attempt the challenge.

“He has been doing lots of preparation and we’re sure he is going to have an amazing experience,” she said. “We can’t thank Ollie enough for his support and hope the people of Berkshire get behind him and show their support.”

She added: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer. The truth is Covid-19 has slowed us down — but we will never stop and we are absolutely determined to continue to create better cancer treatments for tomorrow and we could not do this without the support of people like Ollie.” � For more information, or to donate, visit: fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/ page/ollie10kforcancer

‘Til the evening comes and falls the dusk And a stealthy fox slinks quietly passed Looking for food to break his fast.

We are so happy with all we see there When through our lounge window we have time to stare.

Jim Horsnell

Bumble Bee You go about your business on your own, seeking out the colourful and sweet.

We hear your deep and vacillating drone, bending petals back as you complete your heavy-footed lurch between the leaves.

You stop and look like you are out of puff.

The dark fur of your giant body heaves.

You aren't exact or delicate enough.

In fact, there is a word for what you do, which isn't kind: you blunder, you're inept.

You've heard all this before: it isn't new.

But this is what we want you to accept.

Be your best self. Don't pander, fake or bluff You are on my bee-team. And you are enough.

Fred Sardo

We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today

T’S a beautiful Sunday morning. The sun is shining, the laundry is done and Joel has taken the children out to meet a friend for breakfast. I have the house to myself and therefore my mood has sky rocketed. I am ecstatic. I could quite literally do anything I please. The freedom.

So, I have done what any sensible, self-respecting mother in my position would do; I have taken to bed. *One lengthy nap later*.

My existence of late can be easily divided into two Mummy states: Pre-nap Mummy and post-nap Mummy. They are two very different women.

Pre-nap first-thing-in-the-morning-Mummy is most likened to a dragon and ideally should be avoided at all costs. She is not pleasant.

If interaction with pre-nap Mummy must occur, it should be kept to an absolute minimum, sticking to the pure necessities of vocal exchange.

“Are the car keys where you left them?”

“Has Leo had his porridge?”

“I have a work call at 11.”

That sort of thing. No loud or sudden noises, no pleasantries and, most importantly, no jokes. Pre-nap Mummy cannot stand attempts at lightening her mood. (Particularly jokes made by post-eight-hourstraight-sleep-Daddy, whom she resents vehemently for around the first 10 minutes of every single day.)

She wishes to remain in her dragon-like state until she naturally finds herself out if it. (Most likely after her nap, which may or may not happen). The first few minutes of any given day can be tricky for those cohabiting with pre-nap Mummy, who is both despondent and raging, but no one quite knows why.

She’s silent then snappy, morose yet vicious.

If she could actually breathe fire, she most definitely would. (She does so metaphorically through her glaring eyes, sharp tongue and generally hostile demeanour).

This is the sleep-deprived woman in her darkest hour.

Post-decent-sleep-Daddy doesn’t know whether to greet the dragon and ask her how her night went with baby dragon, or whether this will merely enrage her further.

Even in her seething state dragon-Mummy appreciates the thought, but more so the opportunity to tell the household exactly how her night went.

They cannot possibly understand or know how she feels and this fact alone infuriates her.

“HE IS TEETHING HOW DO YOU THINK IT WENT. I WOKE UP MULTIPLE TIMES. SO MANY TIMES. I AM EXHAUSTED. LEAVE ME ALONE.” There are tears. As a reply, slept-fine-thanksDaddy will regularly make the same wise offering, of which dragon-Mummy could go either way on: “Do you need a cuddle?” He is tentative.

“NO! GET OFF ME YOU WELL RESTED MAN, GO AWAY.” Is one possible reply.

The dragon is frustrated at how bright-eyed and bushy-tailed the man appears.

Where are his dark circles? His eye bags? Why is he so cheerful?

But often, knowing he is only doing his best to offer some form of comfort, she will momentarily rest her weary dragon-head on his chest before allowing his arms to gently wrap round her.

She is defeated.

The embrace softens her mood. Unable to maintain her ferocity any longer, she slowly, over the course of the morning morphs out of dragon mode and back into her usual, more level-headed and approachable self.

Post-nap Mummy has both these qualities, plus boundless energy and a strong desire to do all of the things, just everything imaginable.

She is how I wish I could exist all of the time.

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

22 | SOCIETY

INTHECOMMUNITY Abbeyfield Winnersh THE FIRST chief nurse for adult social care recently paid a virtual visit to a Winnersh care home.

Professor Deborah Sturdy OBE, pledged to get to know those working on the frontline, when appointed in December last year.

She had a 20-minute virtual tour of Abbeyfield Winnersh, a dementiafriendly care home run by The Abbeyfield Society.

Led by registered manager, Sue Smart, Professor Sturdy’s tour included the home’s garden, lounge, dining room, cinema, salon and resident Penny’s room.

She also saw the activities room, where residents were painting and making thank-you cards for the staff, and witnessed the end of a video call a resident had made with her family, with the assistance of a member of staff.

Professor Sturdy said: “I was delighted to meet staff today and hear about the incredible work everyone has done during the past 11 months.

“My virtual visit to Abbeyfield Winnersh and a walk around the home was really appreciated. There were so many activities taking place and it was fantastic to see both residents and staff having fun.

“I would like to thank Penny and her family, who let me see her lovely room.

It was really heartening to hear the many ways in which staff have supported residents across the organisation and each other, during such a difficult time.”

She added: “Thank you for all you are doing and I look forward to visiting again when we can meet in person.”

BMMHS The British Modern Military History Society is delighted to announce the publication of the first volume of its book Glimpses of War.. Realed on May

8, the anniversary of VE Day, It was born out of lockdown, and is a compilation of military stories and articles from our members and historians of experiences in wartime, both civilian and military in any role and any conflict.

All proceeds from this 550-page volume will go to the charity Blind Veterans UK (formerly St Dunstan’s) who have given full endorsement to the book. More details of the publication and how to contribute to future volumes are at: www.bmmhs.org/glimpses-of-war During 2021 BMMHS will continue Zoom talks twice a month and look to resume live meetings as soon as we can and it is deemed safe to do so. Please check our website www.bmmhs.org for up-to-date information.

Our afternoon meeting at 2pm on Tuesday May 4 will be entitled Ships, Stars and Isles - an illustrated talk based on a collection of some four hundred letters that the speaker’s father, Billy Taylor, wrote home to his parents whilst serving in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War. Long after his father’s death, Mark Taylor discovered the letters. As he read them, he saw that his father was a skilled and witty writer who had described a naval life, both routine and in action, from the Dover Patrol via the Dunkirk evacuation (where Billy was awarded the D.S.M.), Atlantic convoys, U-boat encounters, the invasions of both North Africa and France, and ultimately the Japanese surrender in the Far East.

Despite the constraints of the censor and his audience, Billy’s letters revealed his thoughts as well as his experience.

On Wednesday May 12 our evening talk at 7.30pm will be on Lawrence of Arabia: Man, Myth and Movie.

Lawrence was probably the most remarkable officer to have served in the British Army during the Great War. Today he is probably the most famous.

Yet it is now difficult to separate the man from the myth.

Wokingham Volunteering Helena Badger

www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk

A

GE UK Berkshire has offices in Reading and Newbury. This role is home based but can be undertaken from our Reading office.

Going home after a stay in hospital no matter how long or short it has been, can be very daunting. This can be even more so for those who had an emergency stay in hospital as they were unprepared to go in.

A “check in call” upon their return, and for a couple of weeks after, can really help support the individual and their family. It can also prevent a return visit or stay in hospital.

A friendly chat along with the opportunity to signpost the individual for additional support can really make all the difference.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital are supporting their patients who go home with “Check in calls “provided by Age UK Berkshire who are working with the Friendship Alliance with this important work.

Patients are called one to two days after they are discharged and follow up calls are undertaken as and when necessary, for a couple of weeks until the patients are fully settled at home.

Training will be provided and general information given as to how to look out for concerns and what can be undertaken to provide support.

Hours can be flexible but AGE UK is looking for volunteers who can make a regular, on-going commitment for a few hours on a weekly basis. � Scouts develops young people through fun, challenge and adventure.

Scouting in the UK is organised through The Scout Association.

Its purpose is to help young people, aged 6-25 years old, achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

News from your clubs and societies Send reports to news@wokingham.today As a result of recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, T.E. Lawrence has enjoyed a resurgence of interest among British and American army officers.

In his presentation, Dr John Peaty will try to disentangle the man from the myth, examine the various portrayals of Lawrence and try to explain how a junior British Army officer became, next to Mao, the most famous guerrilla leader the world has ever known.

Check out our website on www.bmmhs.org for details of all our talks, and to register for talks, email us on zoom@bmmhs.org

Wargrave Local History Society The Wargrave Local History Society embarked on its 2021-22 programme of talks in April, again making use of the internet Zoom system.

The presentation was given by Reading Library’s local history specialist, Katie Amos, on Prospect Park Mansion in west Reading – “The history of the Mansion House and its families”.

Katie’s thorough research began with the Benjamin Childs and Frances Kendrick. She had challenged Benjamin to a duel – either fight him or marry him.

He chose the latter, and they lived at Calcot Park. However, Frances died only a few years later, and Benjamin then arranged for Prospect Hill House to be built (now known as The Mansion House).

It was extended by John Liebenrood in 1800, to look much as it does currently, and had various occupiers over time – several renting it for quite short periods.

The stories of these occupiers included a the subject of a Lunacy Commission for his strange behaviour, running out of the house with no clothes on and thinking he was royalty, while his sister was also committed for lunacy.

Another lady, Angela Burdett Coutts, (said to be the richest woman in the

citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities.

With 450,000 members in the UK, Scouting is the largest mixed youth organisation in the country.

Scouting happens in over 130 communities across Berkshire, involving over 9,200 young people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Berkshire Scouts are currently looking for Youth Activity Organisers for our groups in Arborfield and Finchampstead.

This volunteer opportunity involves helping to plan and run the exciting programme of activities for the young people, as well as go on fun trips and outings.

You could get involved.

From abseiling to zorbing, Scouts do it all.

It can offer a free DBS check, free training, masses of career skills, and a great chance to improve a CV. There's also plenty of support from fellow volunteers and the chance to meet new people and engage with your community.

The most important part is that it's fun and incredibly rewarding.

If you would like to support the Scouts, but you would prefer a more ‘behind the scenes role’ then the groups are in need of a Treasurer and an Administrator for the 1st Arborfield Scout Group.

country after Queen Victoria) only lived there for a short while, but proposed marriage to the Duke of Wellington.

He was much older than her, but kindly turned her down. Other banking families also occupied the house, and then in the early 1880s it accommodated a school. That had been in nearby Parkside Road, but when those premises went up in flames, made use of Prospect Park House whilst their original school was rebuilt. There were strict rules on what the pupils were allowed to do – or not do.

The Liebenroods. who still owned it, offered it for sale several times towards the end of the 19th century, without success. In 1901 it was bought by Joseph Fidler, who had a business as a seedsman. He then offered it to Reading Council ‘for the public benefit’, in much the way the Palmer family had provided Palmer Park to the east of Reading.

The council decided that they were unlikely to get a similar opportunity again, so bought it for £14,000. Its uses changed over time, being used for agricultural shows, part for an infectious disease’s hospital. etc.

In the Frist World War, the house was taken over by the Board of Guardians, to re-house elderly from the Battle Hospital site, when that was required to treat injured men from the military, while in the Second, the National Fire Service made use of it. It then fell into a poor state of repair, especially after three arson attacks, but has subsequently been restored and made into a restaurant, with the surrounding ground a public open space.

Katie has written a book on it, published by the Scallop Shell Press.

The Society’s planned programme is at www.wargravehistory.org.uk, where the latest information can be found, or email info@wargravehistory.org.uk to confirm meeting details.

PETER DELANEY

For the role of Treasurer, you will need previous financial experience. � Wokingham Borough Council offers lateral flow tests to key workers and those who need to regularly leave their home for work.

The test centre sites are at Shute End, Wokingham and Sindlesham Court, Sindlesham.

Volunteer marshals are based outside and are required to direct people on arrival and check if they are booked in or a walk-in. Shifts are approximately four hours and two volunteers are required for each shift.

Please note: this is a marshal role and you will not be asked to perform any tests. You will be added to our distribution list and then you will be able to book on to shifts that run Monday to Saturday at your convenience. You do not need to commit to a set slot each day/week, so the role is very flexible and can fit around other commitments.

Reliability is essential.

The test centres vary in how busy they are, but this role is vital to help keep the community safe. � These are just a few of the opportunities on our books. Call: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wokvol.org.uk or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk to find out more and have a look at all the roles we have to offer.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

NEWS | 23

advertise in this section, CROWTHORNE FINCHAMPSTEADNEWS callTo Claire on 0118 327 2662 Future of Ravenswood under doubt

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

Springtime concert brings joy and sunshine to Wild Acres EXCLUSIVE

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today A SPRINGTIME concert lifted spirits at a care home last week.

Wild Acres Care Home, based in Finchampstead, was treated to a special afternoon of entertainment on Friday, April 16.

The Not Forgotten, a British Armed Forces charity supporting serving and ex-service men and women, hosted their Springtime Special outdoor concert to thousands of care homes across the country.

The residents at Wild Acres were lucky enough to be included in the tour, where they got the chance to sing-along to their favourites classics from the 60’s and 70’s era.

The charity entertainers sang a range of songs by Abba, Elvis and the Beatles.

Following the current government guidelines, the residents and staff were able to enjoy the concert sociallydistanced outside where they

could sing and dance in a covidsafe environment.

Michele Munro, activities coordinator at Wild Acres Care Home, said: “We had a magical afternoon in the spring sunshine, with a return visit from the wonderful entertainers from The Not Forgotten and their springtime specials show, raising smiles, raising dancers, raising voices, raising cuppas and most importantly of all, raising spirits.”

Brigadier James Stopford, CBE, CEO of The Not Forgotten, said: “We’re thrilled to embark on this morale boosting tour, building on the enormous success of last year’s events which had such a positive impact on so many care home residents during the pandemic.

“Music provides such a boost to individuals emotional wellbeing and over the years we have seen incredibly positive reactions from residents who delight in the entertainment and the connection of interacting, at a safe distance, of course, with our performers.”

SMILES ALL AROUND: Residents enjoy music from the 60s and 70s in the sunshine

‘Shared ownership ticks all the boxes’ SECURING a shared ownership home has been “seamless”, according to some of the soonto-be residents of Gorse Ride.

Heather Wickens, reserved a two-bedroom plot, built by council-owned Loddon Homes, as soon as she viewed it.

“I’d viewed several other shared ownership properties before I saw the show apartment at Redlands House and I immediately knew that this was the perfect home for me,” she said.

“Many of the other shared ownership properties I had viewed were not as modern and had a very cheap finish, so this apartment stood out and ticked all of my boxes, including the location.

“I am so excited to be

purchasing through the shared ownership scheme, which has, so far, been seamless.”

Loddon Homes has 20 shared ownership homes in phase one of the Gorse Ride redevelopment plan.

Nigel Bailey, managing director of Loddon Homes said he is delighted Wokingham is increasing its social housing provision.

“We are proud that Loddon Homes is able to provide modern and high-quality housing for local residents,” he said. “We always focus on being the best we can be, ensuring that our housing is also efficiently managed and maintained, with all profits directly ploughed back into the Wokingham borough, either

through the provision of additional housing or local services.

“The Gorse Ride development is such an example of how we focus on excellent quality and value, creating an improved environment for residents and providing them with homes they can be proud of.”

The Arnett Avenue scheme has a total of 46 properties, 10 of which are three-bedroom homes. They are for both social rent and shared ownership.

The 11 two-bedroom and nine one-bedroom apartments are expected to complete in late June. � For more information about shared ownership, email: info@loddonhomes.co.uk

A CONSULTATION is underway to decide the future of a Crowthorne disability centre.

Norwood, a Jewish charity supporting children and families with educational needs, has announced the three-month consultation to discuss the future of Ravenswood Village on Nine Mile Ride, Crowthorne.

Currently supporting 96 adults, Ravenswood Village’s consultation will determine the future of the site.

Established in 1953, Norwood says that Ravenswood now represents a dated model of care and is no longer commissioned by local authorities.

With increasing operating losses and running costs of over £13 million a year, investment is needed at the care home to improve infrastructure and manage unused areas.

Norwood had planned to redevelop the area, but in May last year it was refused planning permission to do so.

The charity says it will be conducting the consultation to understand the views of those closely involved with Ravenswood.

Residents and their families were invited to take part in a range of workshops to explore their opinions and suggestions on the future of Ravenswood.

After the consultation, the board of trustees will consider the information in full before making any decision, which is likely to be in the autumn.

Neville Kahn, chair of Norwood’s board of trustees, said: “We must continue to plan for the current and future needs of our community to ensure we have the right facilities in the right locations, providing the right kinds of care and support – in line with policy and meeting our community’s expectations.

“We know that any decision made about the future of Ravenswood will be of critical importance to the whole community, this is why it is so important we hear the views, priorities and suggestions of all those involved with the Village before determining the future direction of any services we provide.”

Norwood supports more than 2,500 people each year, with the aim of giving them the tools they need to live the most fulfilling lives they can.

It works with 56 local authorities, delivering wide-ranging services in a variety of residential accommodation and supported-living services, short-breaks facilities, therapy sessions, group support and family centres across London and the South East.

Dr Beverley Jacobson, chief executive officer at Norwood, said: “Recent decades have seen extensive changes in the way in which people with learning disabilities and/or autism are supported to live a fulfilling life.

“This full and meaningful consultation will ensure that issues of fundamental importance to our residents and their families, and our staff, as well as to others closely involved with Ravenswood, will form part of Norwood’s thinking as we consider the future of the Village.” � To take part visit, www.norwood.org.uk

24 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

SONNING, RUSCOMBE, TWYFORD&HURST, NEWS REMENHAM & WARGRAVE

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

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

Sisters save barbers from closing shop TWYFORD’s scissor sisters want to help residents get rid of their lockdown locks.

Sisters Sara and Michelle O’Neill recently launched O’Neills Barbers on Church Street, in a bid to save a much-loved barbers shop during the pandemic.

Formerly known as the Village Barbers, O’Neills offers traditional scissor cuts in a “family-oriented environment”.

And Sara O’Neill said the pair are excited to be open to the public.

“I can’t thank you all enough for your support,” she said. “It’s been hard, but we did it.”

Sara has previously spent time working with children with special needs, and said this inspired her to cater for families with children who may find haircuts a challenging experience.

“We provide a range of sensory toys, alongside social story books, designed around the processes involved in having a hair cut,” she said.

“Hopefully, this will make it as comfortable as possible.”

O’Neills is currently operating on an appointment-only basis due to the coronavirus pandemic.

And free tea, coffee, or a cold beer are available for customers.

The barbers is also offering a discount for key workers in the NHS and emergency services, and Sara said this will continue even once covid restrictions are lifted. � To find out more about O’Neills, visit: www.facebook.com/oneillsbarbers

Age Concern reopens A TWYFORD support group is ending more than a year of isolation this week.

Age Concern Twyford and District, which offers support to elderly residents across Wokingham borough, reopened its doors on Tuesday, April 20.

Helen Ferguson, a trustee at Age Concern Twyford & District, said: “We are so pleased to be reopening our day care services.

“It means that elderly people from Twyford, Charvil, Hurst, Wargrave, Ruscombe and Woodley areas can return to day time activities.”

The support group, based on Polehampton Close, offers a range of services including befriending, chiropody, Holy Communion and wheelchair support.

It also runs exercise programmes for residents, and runs support groups for carers too.

Ms Ferguson said the team will also be offering a home-cooked, hot meal at lunchtimes too.

New and returning members can find out how to get involved by contacting 0118 934 4040. � To find out more about Age Concern Twyford and District, visit: www.ageconcerntwyford.org.uk

Bells ring for the Duke A VILLAGE church bell team gathered to ring half muffled bells in the lead up to Prince Philip’s funeral 12 miles away in Windsor.

Hurst tower captain Graham Slade of Woodley, who has rung at St Nicholas Church for 20 years, said last Saturday: “As a team we have been limited by Covid as to how much we could ring in the past year.

“Despite being out of practice it has been our honour to join with other ringers around the country to toll the bells as a mark of our respect for the Duke of Edinburgh. We have taken turns in keeping the tenor bell [the largest of Hurst’s eight bells] tolling.”

The church’s other bells were rung alongside the tolling tenor for 45 minutes up to the minute’s silence before the funeral service.

“The church’s bells have marked significant occasions over 100s of years. The oldest bell, the second biggest, was made in 1613. Not that many church bells in this country are a lot older,” he added.

IT’S BACK: Marvellous Festival, a tribute band extravaganza is returning in July

Marvellous returns for summer

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today PUT YOUR dancing shoes on because Wokingham borough’s tribute festival is making a return this year.

Marvellous Tribute Festival, at Dinton Pastures in Hurst, is planned for the weekend of July 18 and 19, covid-permitting.

The popular, family-friendly event offers residents a chance to boogie to their favourite classics.

With a whole host of tribute bands already lined up to play this year, including Coldplace and Fleetwood Bac, co-organiser Steve

Stanton said he cannot wait to see acts return to the stage.

“We’ve got an identical line-up to last year,” he said. “But we’ve still got one band to announce for the Saturday.

“I’m particularly looking forward to ELO — I think it will bring back a lot of nostalgia.”

Last year’s festival was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic — a decision Mr Stanton said was “very hard” to make.

“Peter Lincoln [festival coorganiser] and I also own a pub in Reading, so it was a double whammy cancelling Marvellous and closing the bar,” he explained.

“It was hard for the acts too, because for many of them their sole income is performing.”

But he said approximately 90% of last year’s ticket holders held on for this year’s event.

“We want to say a massive thank you to everybody who did that — it’s amazing,” he said.

“We’ve also managed to sell a shed-load more tickets, so it’s been very emotionally moving for us.”

At the moment, the organisers are planning to limit the 2021 festival’s capacity in light of the pandemic.

While 7,500 people usually enter the festival per day each year, Mr Stanton said 4,000 people, including

staff, acts and volunteers, will be allowed on site each day.

And he said there is a lot planned for the youngsters too, including entertainment shows, a funfair, and a ‘big kids village’.

Marvellous Tribute Festival has been running since 2003, and has been held in Dinton Pastures since 2016.

Ticket holders for the 2020 event are granted entry into this year’s festival automatically.

Mr Stanton urges anybody who does not have a ticket to buy soon, with roughly 1,000 tickets left. � For more details, visit: www.marvellousfestivals.com

Turning the menopause into a melody

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today

A FUNNY, deceptively gentle song about a taboo subject is pulling in hundreds of appreciative viewers.

Sophie Vyse, using the latest lockdown to experiment with creativity, has written a melodic song about something faced by all women.

Many women won’t feel the menopause is a very melodic subject, but Sophie of Hurst has researched its positive effects, as well as its negative ones. A selection of both appear in The Menopause Comedy Song.

A former singer and soloist with Reading Phoenix Choir, she accompanies herself on her electric piano while performing the song.

“The menopause is a bit of a taboo topic that should be talked about more openly and acknowledged. The song has an

almost educational element on that.

“There is a real challenge in the words. Is the menopause a start or an end? It can almost be embraced and celebrated as being a phase,” she said.

“There’s a light heartedness in the song which I hope makes it more accessible. If it makes people smile then I‘ve achieved my goal.”

Some of the song words might be considered “brave” but Sophie wants to state the realities women face.

The project ties in with her work as a professional coach. Sophie, who holds a diploma in coaching from the UK College of Personal Development, added: “The song and video were a new kind of project for me.

“They link into my coaching about confidence and how we shouldn’t be afraid to try new things. You can be surprised at what is inside you.” Sophie works

TABOO: Sophie Vyse has written a song about the menopause

one-to-one and with individuals who come together for a workshop.

She also leads company workshops.

She is leading an interactive group workshop for women to explore confidence on Thursday May 20 from 7pm-9pm. It is called Confidence Kickstarter for Women Finding your Voice and is online.

She’s running it under the umbrella of the college where she studied.

The course costs £20. � For more information, visit: ukcpd.co.uk/product/confidencekickstarter-for-women-finding your voice � Watch the song at: youtu.be/ TAO7jHbAKDA

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

TO SPONSOR THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON 0118 327 2662

LEISURE | 25 5358

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

26 | LIFE / LEISURE

WOKINGHAM

Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK

Park life

Watercress & Sardine Salad

T Serves 4

HIS month you’ll find nutrient dense watercress available as it starts to come into season.

Pick up a bunch or two and head straight home and make this salad to benefit from its incredible vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals.

The salad is also packed full of good fats from the sardines and avocado and it takes moments to assemble.

If sardines are out of your comfort zone, buy fillets to minimise the bones and, when you combine them with balsamic vinegar, it does something magical.

Try it.

Ingredients � 2 x 120g tins sardine fillets in olive oil � 120g watercress, washed � 1 large avocado, peeled and cut into chunks � 300g cherry tomatoes, quartered � 1 red onion, peeled, halved and sliced � 2-3 tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar � Salt flakes � Freshly ground black pepper

BACK ON STAGE: Sara Dowling is on the bill

Method 1. Place the sardine fillets into a bowl including all of the oil from the cans 2. Add the remaining ingredients and gently mix together 3. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve immediately � www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk/

plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK

10 tips to help you #lovenature

L

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

AST year, Crystal Stanley, from Ipswich, created a Rainbow Trail campaign with her daughter Ariana, encouraging people to decorate their windows with rainbows in support of frontline NHS workers.

The campaign attracted the support of millions nationwide, while Crystal received a Point of Light award from Boris Johnson, who described the Rainbow Trail as “a symbol of hope for our whole nation”.

One year later, while continuing to thank NHS workers through the Rainbow Trail’s Facebook group, which has attracted nearly 200,000 members, Crystal is taking another important cause to heart.

She said: “My daughter, Ariana, is my world and as we all begin to look to the future with renewed hope, I’ve become increasingly aware that an even bigger challenge lies ahead for her generation and for all of us – climate change.”

“For some time I’ve been following another inspiring online community, Plastic Free Home, which aims to ‘seek and share ideas on living more sustainably’ and I thought it might be interesting if we could work together to promote a positive environmentallyfocused message.”

Inspired by Sir David Attenborough and his two young sons, Plastic Free Home was created in 2018 by David Lamont. Since then, he has continued to post and write extensively on the subject, including regular columns in the likes of Wokingham.Today and appearances in publications ranging

from Country Living to The Scotsman.

He has also appeared on BBC Radio and invited by local businesses, schools, charities and community groups to give talks on the subject.

David explained: “I was touched when Crystal got in touch and to learn that she had been following Plastic Free Home – what she has achieved is exceptional.

“Our sons proudly displayed their rainbow pictures in our front window throughout last year and we also have a framed picture of the four of us a woodland walk to which we added a rainbow and the message ‘The greater the storm the brighter the rainbow’.

“As parents, I think we share a belief that protecting our children, alongside their happiness and wellbeing, is our number one priority. Doing something, no matter how small, to acknowledge and to help address the problem of climate change would appear to fall under that remit.

“The past year, perhaps more than any other, has hopefully reminded so many of us of the crucial role that nature plays in our everyday lives, and of its positive impact on our mental and physical health.

“From gathering outdoors with our loved ones to countryside walks, cycling or jogging to a spur of the moment garden project, nature has been there for us when we most needed it.”

Crystal said: “That is why we are inviting families across the country to say thank you to nature, in the same way they thanked everyone in the NHS throughout last year.”

“We’d love to see children (and adults) placing a picture of a happy planet Earth in their windows, alongside their rainbows, and sharing these all over the internet using #lovenature. If you can use repurposed or recycled paper and materials – even better!”

Here are 10 tips to follow: 1. Reduce your energy usage through steps ranging from turning off lights and appliances to limiting use of central heating. Even lowering the thermostat a degree or two can make a difference.

And switch to a green energy supplier.

2. Consider, if you can, to reduce your intake of meat and dairy products, or become vegan or vegetarian.

3. Ensure that you fully understand what can be recycled in your local area and how. Whether it’s through kerbside collections, your nearest supermarket or a local TerraCycle scheme.

4. When making purchases, aim to consider the most eco-friendly and sustainable option available and affordable to you, based on where and how something has been made, the raw

materials or ingredients used, and how easily it can be recycled.

5. Turn your garden into a haven for nature by adding a compost bin, water butts, bird baths and nesting boxes, insect hotels and bee-friendly plants.

6. Shop local where you can and support independent businesses at the heart of your community.

7. The past year has reminded us of the fantastic holiday destinations we have here in the UK. Aim to reduce how far and how often your fly in the future.

8. Aim to give gifts that are ecofriendly and inspire others, or give experiences/your time. Avoid cards wrapped in plastic and use craft paper and paper tape when wrapping.

9. In normal times, look to reduce your annual car mileage by switching to public transport or enjoying days out closer to home and consider an electric or hybrid vehicle next time you are changing your car.

10. As well as at home, explore any changes that you and those around you may be able to consider making – at school, at work, through clubs and groups and so on.

For more tips and advice, join the online group at www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk Got a comment or question?

Email plasticfreehome@gmail.com

LIVE shows are being welcomed back on stage with open arms this summer.

South Hill Park, in Bracknell, is getting ready for its summer season jam-packed with shows and events for audiences to enjoy post-lockdown.

Kicking off with Comedy Cellar in the Wilde, on Wednesday, May 26, the whole season will include theatre shows, comedy, music and more.

Performances including Alice in Wonderland, The Wind in the Willows, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and A Midsummer Night's Dream will also have performances to keep people entertained throughout the summer months.

Audience members can watch a range of music concerts with Bracknell Jazz, The Supertonics Big Band, Israeli-born pianist Amit Yahav, and Keith James’ show, The Songs of Leonard Cohen.

To finish the season, South Hill Park will be hosting The Festival of Food and Music across its grounds on Sunday, August 29.

Craig Titley, chief executive of South Hill Park, said: “Having implemented a number of Covid measures to keep the public safe during their visit, our summer programme includes a season of socially-distanced indoor and outdoor live performances, more than 60 performing and visual arts courses and workshops, cinema screenings and the recent partial re-opening of the Atrium restaurant.

“There is so much affection for South Hill Park Arts Centre and I am delighted to welcome back our loyal audiences, staff, volunteers and partners this summer.”

Takeaways and outdoor table service is now available at the Atrium Bar with the aim to re-open indoors on Monday, May 17. � For more information visit southhillpark.org.uk LAURA SCARDARELLA

Got the blues A BLUES band will be making their way to Reading this autumn.

Proud Mary, a blues-rock band, will be celebrating 20 years of their album with a special anniversary gig, The Same Old Blues, later this year.

The band will be starting their Autumn tour at Reading’s live music venue, Sub89, on Thursday, September 9.

Fans are promised – covid-permitting – a night singing along to the band’s playlist including All Good Things, Very Best Friends, and Give A Little Love.

Lead singer Greg Griffin will perform alongside band members Paul Newsome (guitars, vocals). Tony Auton (lead guitar), Nathan Birkett (bass guitar) and Hani Abassi (drums).

When the album was originally released on Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash records in 2001, Greg Griffin’s vocals and Paul Newsome’s songwriting offered a definitive style creating them a large fan base from the outset. � For details, log on to premier.ticketek.co.uk LAURA SCARDARELLA

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

LEISURE | 27

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

LEISURE

Mighty Oak serves a royal feast

The Queen's Oak, Church Lane, Finchampstead RG40 4LS 0118 996 8567 theQueen'soak.com

A

LFRESCO is in. And with the sunny weather here, it’s perfect timing.

Pubs are now able to open their gardens to welcome back customers, and where better than The Queen’s Oak in Finchampstead, run by landlord and chef Paul Brotherton? Nestled in the beautiful Berkshire countryside, it is a country pub that’s also fairly close to Wokingham.

Paul has an impressive pedigree: he’s worked with Raymond Blanc, and he’s bringing that food knowledge to the borough.

Things are different: you need to book in advance and the experience is in the great outdoor.

On arrival, we were greeted by Tom. He checked us in, ensured we had sanitiser and took us to our garden table, before taking a drinks order, leaving us free to explore the mouthwatering menu and admire the beautiful garden.

While I sipped my drink, I was

skin but the flavour of the wild garlic, capers, Dijon mustard in the salsa verde bought a real depth to the dish. It has to be one of the best dishes I’ve had in a long time.

My husband chose The Queen’s Oak’s Sunday Roast (£16.95). It was a very generous portion of 28-day dry-aged sirloin of beef, served with braised red cabbage.

The secret to its tastiness? It was cooked in cider.

Crispy roasties were in abundance, along with carrot and swede mash, broccoli, and an enormous Yorkshire pudding. This was accompanied by a separate rich and flavoursome gravy so you can decide how much or little to add.

He swiftly cleared his plate to great satisfaction.

My teenage son is a burger connoisseur, so opted for the Queen’s Oak burger with streaky bacon, Monterey cheese, dill pickle, red onion relish and Parmesan chips (£16 or £14.50 with chunky chips).

FINE FARE: Meals at The Queen's Oak are well-presented and very tasty struck by the friendliness of The Queen’s Oak team: Tim, Paul and Harry take time to make customers feel valued, it was evident that they regard them as friends My main was a Fillet of Grilled Sea Bass, on a warm new potato

salad (£17.95). It came with citrus olives, confit red onions, sunblush tomatoes, crispy fried squid, green beans and salsa verde. It tasted as good as it sounded.

The seabass was cooked to perfection, with a beautifully crispy

Wokingham Loves Music

KING OF QUEEN: We love Marky Dawson’s take on Radio Gaga. Have a listen and see what you think Picture: Andrew Merritt

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

T

HE OLD ones are the best they say – but what about the favourites with a twist?

Heading up this week’s hit parade is Marky Dawson’s take on Queen’s classic, Radio Gaga.

We think you’ll go, well, gaga for it.

It’s one of two great new entries to enjoy, as part of the Wokingham Loves Music soundtrack.

You can listen for FREE, via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic

Katie Ellwood – Self Love We featured local musician, Katie, in the playlist a few months ago with her debut single, The Only Thing. She has just released this, her second single, and it’s another very good track so it just had

Celexa Streams, which was recorded during their critically acclaimed virtual shows. They will be appearing at a real show when they perform at Wokingham Festival in August – www.kyrosmusic.com/

CLAIRE WORSFOLD

Scream time

The Wave Machine – Ocean’s Brew Here’s an artist that will be at Wokingham Festival for the first time this year. He’s a Brighton based singersongwriter, originally from the local area, who writes songs with a summer feel – www.facebook.com/thewavemachine

The Room – Broken This band, who released their Caught by the Machine album to great acclaim, and appeared at Wokingham Festival in 2019. Festival organiser Stan Hetherington was so impressed that he invited them back this year – theroom.band

Marky Dawson – Radio Gaga Marky is a charismatic piano player with a huge voice who always goes down well live due to his exciting and entertaining style where he combines his musical skills with an ability to interact with the audience. He performs his own songs as well as his versions of classics, often taking requests. Here’s a great version of one of those classics and, although we’ve no idea what songs he will be playing when he is at Wokingham Festival in August, he will be well worth seeing – www.markydawson.co.uk

All food served at The Queen’s Oak is freshly homemade and this was evident with the chunky burger which oozed with succulence and tenderness. The relish was tangy and fresh, bursting with flavour, served in a lightly toasted brioche bun.

My daughter, who is younger, chose a Cheeseburger with Chunky Chips (£8) from the children’s menu, although Paul is always happy to offer most adult dishes as children’s sized portions, for those youngsters who want to be more adventurous.

Both children devoured their meals with delight.

It would be fair to say that my family has a sweet tooth, so desserts were much anticipated.

Both children immediately opted for the homemade Baked New York Style Oreo Cheesecake (£6.95), which was topped with an Oreo, and strawberry and chocolate sauce.

It was a generous portion with a

crumbly chocolate biscuit base, and a rich and creamy filling with crushed Oreo biscuits.

Based on the sounds of contentment from both children, this certainly hit the spot.

My husband and I decided to be romantic and share a sticky toffee pudding with toffee sauce and ice cream (£6.95) – one of the best I’ve ever tasted, making me wish I’d ordered it just for me.

It had a light and airy sponge, and a sweet, but not sickeningly sweet sauce made this indulgent but not heavy.

With regards to drinks, The Queen’s Oak offers a very impressive range of gins, along with draft beers, bottled beers, wines and, should the mood need it, Champagne.

The Queen’s Oak is highly recommended: The food was amazing, and the service was faultless. Just make sure you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

The pub is open seven days a week from noon, closing at 11pm nightly except Sunday (9pm).

Food is served weekdays noon2.30pm and 6-9pm, noon-8pm on Saturdays and noon-5pm on Sundays.

Moth Man – Fatal Blow A track from the band’s excellent debut album, Where The Dead Birds Go’released on Wokingham’s Billywitch Records – mothman.band to be included in the playlist this week.

It has a chilled feel with a hypnotic groove and a subtle melody that hooks you in the more you listen. There’s a wonderful closing string section too.

This feels like a progression from her first single so we can’t wait to see what Katie does next – www.katieellwood.com

Crystal Jacqueline – Rainflower Here’s the title track from an album released on Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records by an artist that we are looking forward to seeing at Wokingham

Festival in August – www.facebook.com/ crystaljacquelinemusic/

62 Miles From Space – Sentinel Music from Moscow but released on a Wokingham-based record label and it’s another from Mega Dodo Records. 62 Miles From Space are a duo from Russia and this is from their new double EP – www.facebook.com/62milesfromspace

Kyros – Cloudburst (Isolation Sessions) This is on the band’s new album,

A Better Life (ft. Pete Rawcliffe) – Wicked Game A beautiful new version of the Chris Isaak classic by an electronica collective from the local area recorded with the help of singer Pete Rawcliffe – abetterlifemusic.com

Keith Atack – Nine Lives Keith has visited the area to perform at WMC with his tribute to legendary guitarist Robin Trower, Bridge of Sighs. Here’s his new single in his own right – www.facebook.com/Keith-AtackMusic-104709838281012

A MUSICAL comedy duo is set to return to Maidenhead this spring.

Flo and Joan, created by sisters Nicola and Rosie Dempsey, are heading to Norden Farm on Friday, May 28 and Saturday, May 29 at 8pm.

The duo, previously appearing on BBC’s Live at the Apollo, ITV’s Royal Variety Performance and Russell Howard Hour, will perform their live show Before the Screaming Starts.

Audience members will have the option to watch the show at Norden Farm’s Courtyard Theatre or via their live streaming platform.

After their sold out performances last year, the show will feature a host of Flo and Joan’s dark and humorous songs, which will get the audience roaring with laughter.

Their comedy songs regularly go viral with their most recent song Handford Parish Council: The Musical, which was a take on the well-known Zoom meeting that took off earlier this year.

Jane Corry, chief executive and artistic director of Norden Farm, said: “We’re very excited to welcome back our favourite sister act, Flo and Joan, to Norden Farm.

“They’re such brilliant live performers who’ve also kept us laughing throughout these bizarre times with their music videos – we can’t wait to see them.” � Tickets are £14, suitable for aged 14+ and can be bought by logging on to nordenfarm.org LAURA SCARDARELLA

28 | PROPERTY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

PROPERTY | 29

30 | CLASSIFIEDS

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Classifieds

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Get your business seen!

Email: advertising@wokingham.today

PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 15th April 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Anderson Avenue, Earley from its junction with Culver Lane.

2. Sadlers Lane, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road.

3. Ravensbourne Drive, Woodley between its junctions with Butts Hill Road and Keane Close.

4. Denmark Avenue, Woodley from its junction with Waingels Road.

5. Perth Close, Woodley from its junction with Denmark Avenue.

6. Jubilee Avenue, Wokingham between its junctions with A321 Milton Road and Sewell Avenue.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Clifton Rd, Matthewsgreen Road and A321 Milton Road or by this route in reverse.

7. Ryhill Way, Earley between its junctions with Maltby Way and Catcliffe Way. 8. Forest Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Binfield Road and Warren House Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Maidenhead Road, The Straight Mile, B3018 The Straight Mile, B3018 Twyford Road, B3018 Church Hill, B3018 Church Lane or by this route in reverse.

9. Mohawk Way, Woodley between its junctions with Hurricane Way and Perimeter Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Miles Way, Spitfire Way, Hurricane Way or by this route in reverse.

10. Meadow Road, Earley between its junctions with Gipsy Lane and A329 Wokingham Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Wokingham Road, Mill Lane and Gipsy Lane or by this route in reverse.

11. Edgcumbe Park Drive, Crowthorne between its junctions with New Wokingham Road and Wokingham Borough Boundary.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 Dukes Ride and New Wokingham Road or by this route in reverse.

12. Eden Way, Winnersh from its junction with Churchill Drive 13. Isis Close, Winnersh from its junction with Eden Way. 14. Arun Close, Winnersh from its junction with Eden Way. 15. Garth Close, Winnersh from its junction with B3350 Robinhood Lane.

16. Church Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with Brookers Hill and Hyde End Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Brookers Hill, A327 Hollow Lane, B3349 Hyde End Lane, Basingstoke Road or by this route in reverse.

17. Church Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with Brookers Hill and A327 Hollow Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Brookers Hill and A327 Hollow Lane or by this route in reverse.

18. Grovelands Road, Spencers Wood between its junctions with B3349 Hyde End Road and Clares Green Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Clares Green Road, Basingstoke Road, B3349 Hyde End Road or by this route in reverse.

19. Broad Hinton, Twyford between its junctions with A321 Hurst Road and Saunders Close.

20. Broad Hinton, Twyford between its junctions with Hubbard Close and B3018 Waltham Road.

21. Burton Close, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

22. Hubbard Close, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

23. Poundfield Way, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

24. Coleridge Close, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

25. Gooch Close, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

26. Stephen Close, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

27. Cotterell Gardens, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

28. Harrison Close, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

29. Bolwell Close, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

30. Verey Close, Twyford from its junction with Broad Hinton.

31. Hilltop Road, Twyford between its junctions with Longfield Road and New Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via New Road, A4 New Bath Road, A321 Wargrave Road, Amberley Drive, Cheriton Avenue and Longfield Road or by this route in reverse.

32. Springfield Park, Twyford from its junction with A3032 London Road.

33. Wagtail Close, Twyford from its junction with Springfield Park.

34. Swallowfield Road, Arborfield between its junctions with Observer Way and Castle Hill.

35. Swallowfield Road, Swallowfield between its junctions with Castle Hill and Church Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by restrictions 34 and 35 shall be via Observer Way, A327 Reading Road, Church Road, Bunglers Hill and Church Road or by this route in reverse.

36. A4 London Road (Westbound), Earley between its junctions with Suttons Business Park Roundabout and Sutton Seeds Roundabout.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Wokingham Road, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Broadwater Lane, A321 Hurst Road, Church Road, A3032 Old Bath Road and A4 Bath Road or by this route in reverse.

37. A4 London Road (Westbound), Earley between its junctions with Shepherds Hill Roundabout and Sutton Business Park Roundabout.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Wokingham Road, B3350 Church Road and B3350 Pitts Lane or by this route in reverse.

38. Park Lane, Charvil between its junctions with Foxes Walk and Lands End Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Landsend Lane, Beggars Hill Road, Waingels Road, Denmark Avenue, Tippings Lane, Church Road, Glendevon Road, Butts Hill Road, A4 Bath Road and A3032 Old Bath Road or by this route in reverse.

39. Waingels Road, Charvil between its junctions with Denmark Avenue and Park Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Denmark Avenue, Tippings Lane, Church Road, Glendevon Road, Butts Hill Road, A4 Bath Road, A3032 Old Bath Road and Park Lane or by this route in reverse.

40. A321 Wellington Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Elms Road and Station Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A321 Market Place and A321 Denmark Street.

41. A321 Milton Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Glebelands Road and Matthewsgreen Road.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, Wiltshire Road, Bell Foundry Lane, A321 Twyford Road.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A321 Twyford Road, Bell Foundry Lane, Wiltshire Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Market Place, A329 Broad Street, A329 Rectory Road and A321 Glebelands Road.

42. A321 Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3016 Finchampstead Road and B3430 Nine Mile Ride.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3430 Nine Mile Ride and B3016 Finchampstead Road or by this route in reverse.

43. B3348 The Village, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3348 Fleet Hill and B3016 Jubilee Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3016 Jubilee Road, B3016 Finchampstead Road, Nine Mile Ride, Park Lane, Biggs Lane, Langley Common Road, A327 Reading Road and B3348 Fleet Hill or by this route in reverse.

44. A329 Wokingham Road, Earley between its junctions with B3350 Wilderness Road and Loddon Bridge Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3350 Church Road, B3350 Pitts Lane, A4 Shepherds Hill, A4 London Road, Reading Road, Headley Road, Headley Road East, Spitfire Way, Miles Way, The Bader Way, Loddon Bridge and the Bader Way Interchange and A329 Reading Road, or by this route in reverse.

45. Tag Lane, Wargrave between its junctions with A4 Bath Road and Blakes Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Blakes Lane and A4 Bath Road or by this route in reverse.

46. B3018 Waltham Road, Hurst/Ruscombe between its junctions with Stanlake Lane and Hinton Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Hurst Road, A321 Broadwater Lane, A321 Wokingham Road, B3034 Forest Road, Maidenhead Road, The Straight Mile, or by this route in reverse.

47. Southbury Lane from its junction with B3024 Ruscombe Lane.

48. Croft Road, Spencers Wood from its junction with Clares Green Road.

49. Church Lane, Grazeley from its junction with Mortimer Road.

50. Bunces Shaw Road, Farley Hill between its junctions with Castle Hill and Church Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Castle Road and Church Lane or by this route in reverse.

51. Redlake Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Honey Hill and Easthampstead Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Easthampstead Road, Heathlands Road and Honey Hill or by this route in reverse.

52. A327 Reading Road, Arborfield between its junctions with A327 Observer Way and B3030 Sindlesham Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Observer Way and Eversley Road or by this route in reverse.

53. B3349 Barkham Road, Barkham between its junctions with School Road and Bearwood Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bearwood Road, New Road, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road and Langley Common Road or by this route in reverse.

54. Bearwood Road, Barkham between its junctions with B3349 Barkham Road and Highlands Avenue The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via New Road, B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road, Langley Common Road and B3349 Barkham Road or by this route in reverse.

55. Park Lane, Finchampstead between its junctions with Commonfield Lane and Hogwood Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Reading Road, Langley Common Road and Biggs Lane, or by this route in reverse.

56. B3350 Pitts Lane, Earley between its junctions with Hilltop Road and Culver Lane.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A4 Shepherds Hill, A4 London Road, Reading Road. Headley Road, Headley Road East, Spitfire Way, Miles Way, The Bader Way, Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, A329 Reading Road, A329 Wokingham Road and B3350 Church Road.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via B3350 Church Road, A329 Wokingham Road, A329 Reading Road, Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way interchange, Miles Way, Spitfire Way, Headley Road East, Headley Road, Reading Road and A4 London Road.

57. Crockhamwell Road, Woodley between its junctions with Fosters Lane and Arundel Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Arundel Road, Wingate Road and Fosters Lane, or by this route in reverse.

58. Arundel Road between its junctions with Crockhamwell Road and Carlton Close.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Wingate Road, Fosters Lane and Crockhamwell Road, or by this route in reverse.

59. Lytham Road, Woodley between its junctions with Beechwood Avenue and Woodlands Avenue.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Woodlands Avenue, Howth Drive and Beechwood Avenue or by this route in reverse.

60. Walmer Road, Woodley between its junctions with Telford Crescent and Willowside.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bingley Grove and Telford Crescent or by this route in reverse.

61. Hurricane Way, Woodley between its junctions with Donaldson Way and Marathon Close.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Hurricane Way and Mohawk Way, or by this route in reverse.

62. Holt Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 Reading Road and Jubilee Avenue.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road and Jubilee Avenue.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Jubilee Avenue, A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, A329 Reading Road.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks

Reach local people We cover the whole of Wokingham borough

63. A321 Finchampstead Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Russley Green and Evendons Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Molly Millars Lane, B3349 Barkham Road, Barkham Street, Barkham Ride or by this route in reverse.

64. B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions with Range Road and Sandhurst Road.

65. B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions with Kiln Ride and Range Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by restrictions 64 and 65 shall be via Sandhurst Road and B3016 Finchampstead Road. or by this route in reverse.

66. Barkham Ride, Finchampstead between its junctions with Carolina Place and Gorse Ride North.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Barkham Street, Barkham Road, Langley Common Road, Biggs Lane, Park Lane, Nine Mile Ride and B3016 Finchampstead Road or by this route in reverse.

67. A327 Reading Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Park Lane and Wokingham Borough Boundary.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 Fleet Hill, B3348 The Village, B3016 Jubilee Road, B3016 Finchampstead Road, Nine Mile Ride, Park Lane, Biggs Lane and Langley Common Road or by this route in reverse.

68. B3270 Lower Earley Way, Earley between its junctions with Rushey Way and Beeston Way. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Beeston Way and Rushey Way or by this route in reverse.

69. A321 Broadwater Lane, Hurst between its junctions with Hogmoor Lane and School Road.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, A329 Reading Road, B3030 Robinhood Lane, Davis Street and Lodge Road.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Lodge Road, Davis Street, B3030 Robinhood Lane, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Wokingham Road.

70. Station Road, Earley from its junction with A329 Wokingham Road.

71. Barrett Crescent, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 London Road and Binfield Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 London Road and Binfield Road, or by this route in reverse.

72. A329 Rectory Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Glebelands Road and Wiltshire Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Wiltshire Road, Bell Foundry Lane, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Milton Road and A321 Glebelands Road.

73. Binfield Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Keephatch Road and Twycross Road.

CLASSIFIEDS |31

Friendly service Contact us for a price today

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3018 Waltham Road, Paddock Heights and A321 Hurst Road or by this route in reverse.

87. Easthampstead Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Denton Road and Murdoch Road.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Heathlands Road, B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Sandhurst Road, A321 Finchampstead Road, Molly Millars Lane, Barkham Road Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Peach Street, A320 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, Station Road, Barkham Road, Molly Millars Lane, A321 Finchampstead Road, Sandhurst Road, B3430 Nine Mile Ride, Heathlands Road.

88. Denmark Street, Wokingham between its junctions with Market Place and Langborough Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, Station Road and Wellington Road.

89. B3030 Robinhood Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with Danywern Drive and A329 Reading Road.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road A321 Twyford Road, A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Broadwater Lane, Lodge Road, Davis Street.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Davis Street, Lodge Road, A321 Broadwater Lane, A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End and A329 Reading Road.

90. Churchill Drive, Winnersh between its junctions with B3030 King Street Lane and Chatsworth Avenue.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Chatsworth Avenue, Baslow Road, A329 Reading Road and B3030 King Street Lane or by this route in reverse.

91. B3030 King Street Lane, Winnersh between its junctions with Hatch Farm Way and Bearwood Road.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road, Langley Common Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Station Approach and A329 Reading Road.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, A321 Station Road, B3349 Barkham Road, Langley Common Road, Eversley Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road and B3030 Mole Road.

92. Mayfields, Sindlesham between its junctions with Mole Road and St Marys Road.

93. Heathermount Drive, Crowthorne between its junctions with New Wokingham Road and The Paddock.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Edgcumbe Park Drive and New Wokingham Road or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Binfield Road, A329 London Road, Plough Lane.

94. B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue, Finchampstead between its junctions with A321 Lower Wokingham Road and B3348 The Ridges.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Plough Lane, A329 London Road, A329 Coppid Beach Roundabout, A329 London Road and Binfield Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 The Ridges, B3348 Jubilee Road, B3016 Finchampstead Road, B3430 Nine Mile Ride and A321 Lower Wokingham Road or by this route in reverse.

74. A3032 London Road, Ruscombe between its junctions with A4 New Bath Road and New Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4 New Bath Road and A321 Wargrave Road or by this route in reverse.

95. B3348 The Ridges, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3348 Jubilee Road and B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue.

75. Bath Road Layby, Knowl Hill between its junctions with Linden Hill Lane and Canhurst Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3348 Jubilee Road, B3016 Finchampstead Road, B3430 Nine Mile Ride, A321 Lower Wokingham Road and B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue or by this route in reverse.

76. Backsideans, Wargrave from its junction with B477 School Lane.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 1st May and 31st December 2021.

77. B3030 Lodge Road, Hurst between its junctions with A321 Broadwater Lane and Whistley Mill Lane.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake Structural Maintenance including Prepatching, Inlay Resurfacing, Microasphalt Resurfacing and Surface Dressing Resurfacing work in safety.

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A321 Broadwater Lane, A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, A329 Reading Road, B3030 Robinhood Lane and Davis Street.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Davis Street, B3030 Robinhood Lane, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Wokingham Road and A321 Broadwater Lane.

78. B3030 Lodge Road, Hurst between its junctions with Whistley Mill Lane to Whistley Green.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Lodge Road, A321 Broadwater Lane, A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, A329 Reading Road, B3030 Robinhood Lane and Davis Street.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Davis Street, B3030 Robinhood Lane, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A321 Glebelands Road, A321 Milton Road, A321 Twyford Road, A321 Wokingham Road, A321 Broadwater Lane and Lodge Road.

79. B3349 Hyde End Road, Shinfield between its junctions with Croft Road and Appleton Way. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A327 Hollow Lane, Brookers Hill, Church Lane and Basingstoke Road or by this route in reverse.

80. Hyde End Lane, Spencers Wood between its junctions with Church Lane and Ryeish Lane.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Church Lane, Basingstoke Road, B3349 Hyde End Road and Croft Road.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Ryeish Lane, Shiplake Drive, Fullbrook Avenue, B3349 Hyde End Road, Basingstoke Road, Church Lane.

81. Wyncote Close, Shinfield from its junction with St Barnabus Road.

82. Church Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with Brookers Hill and A327 Hollow Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Brookers Hill and A327 Hollow Lane or by this route in reverse.

83. Church Road, Farley Hill between its junctions with Castle Road and Church Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Bunglers Hill, Swallowfield Road, A327 Observer Way and A327 Reading Road or by this route in reverse.

84. Church Road, Swallowfield between its junctions with Part Lane and Nutbean Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Swallowfield Road, A327 Observer Way, A327 Reading Road, A327 Arborfield Road, B3349 Hyde End Road, B3349 Basingstoke Road, or by this route in reverse.

85. A3032 London Road, Ruscombe between its junctions with Ruscombe Road and New Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A321 Wargrave Road, A4 New Bath Road and A3032 London Road or by this route in reverse.

86. Winchcombe Road, Twyford between its junctions with A321 Hurst Road and B3018 Waltham Road.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times, however access may be restricted at 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 1st May 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 22nd April 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

32 | CLASSIFIEDS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 S17 APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE NEWSPAPER NOTICE

The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

210871

Remenham Barn, Remenham Lane, Remenham

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of a single storey garage and store to existing dwellinghouse.

211120

Worleys Farm, Worleys Lane, Wargrave

(Affect setting of) Householder application for the proposed erection Listed Building of a single storey outbuilding to form a poolhouse, a 1m high brick and flint wall, plus the installation of an outdoor pool.

C & H Foods Ltd of Unit 10 Peach Place, Wokingham, RG40 1LY proposes to carry on the following licensable activities at the above premisess: 1. Opening Hours 06.00 to 23.30 every day.

2. Sale of Alcohol for consumption on and off the premises 10.00 to 23.00 every day.

3. Recorded music (background music) 06.00 to 23.00 every day.

4. Live music on Friday and Saturday 19.00 to 22.30 and Sunday 12.00 to 22.30.

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 the 15th May 2021. 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: 22nd April 2021

Representations may be made in writing by any responsible authority or interested party in the vicinity of the premises to the licensing authority - Licensing Team, Wokingham Borough Council, POB 155, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WW or by email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk All representations made are open to public inspection.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329M / A3290, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

For the latest news visit

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 between its junctions with Showcase Roundabout and Wokingham Borough Boundary.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3290 Loddon Bridge and Bader Way Interchange, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road and A329 London Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3290 Bravo, A4 London Road Roundabout, A3290 Alpha, A3290 Alpha off to Bader Way, A3290 Loddon Bridge and the Bader Way Interchange and Wharfedale Road.

3. A329M, Wokingham between its junctions with A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange and A329 Coppid Beach Roundabout.

The alternative route for all eastbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, A329 Reading Road, A329 Shute End, A329 Rectory Road, A329 Wiltshire Road and A329 London Road.

The alternative route for all westbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 London Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Shute End, A329 Reading Road and A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange.

Works requiring these restrictions will take place between 14th May and 16th May 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.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 14th May 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 22nd April 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Please recycle me !

It’s good news for everyone

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: A321 Wargrave Road, Twyford between its junctions with Hermitage Drive and A3032 Old Bath Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A3032 Old Bath Road and A4 New Bath Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th May and 12th May 2021 between 19:30 and 05:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake new connection work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

Representations to be made by Friday 12th May 2021 (28 days from day after day on which application given to the licensing authority).

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.

This application has been made to the Licensing Team at Wokingham Borough Council where a register of applications is kept and a record of the application may be inspected. Contact 0118 974 6358 or www.wokingham.gov.uk

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 10th May 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Under S158 of the above act, a person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Dated: 22nd April 2021

2. A329M Bravo Off to Winnersh Triangle between its junctions with A329M Bravo and Wharfedale Road roundabout.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A321 WARGRAVE ROAD, TWYFORD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL LICENSING ACT 2003 S17 APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE NEWSPAPER NOTICE Ian Wisdom of Stanlake Meadow Recreation Ground, Waltham Road, Twyford RG10 0AB proposes to carry on the following licensable activities at the above premises: Plays 11.00 to 22.45hrs, Films 11.00 to 22.45hrs, live music 11.00 to 22.45hrs, recorded music 11.00 to 22.45hrs, performance of dance 11.00 to 22.45hrs, supply of alcohol 11.00 to 22.30hrs. The site will be open to the public 10.00 to 23.00hrs

Dated: 22nd April 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (PART LANE, SWALLOWFIELD AND BEAR LANE, WARGRAVE) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 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. Part Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with Church Road and School Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Church Road, Swallowfield Street, B3349 Basingstoke Road and Odiham Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 10th May and 12th May 2021.

The Festival to be held on Stanlake Meadow on up to 4 separate occasions in a calendar year and have a duration of between 1 to 4 days From Monday to Sunday that may include bank holidays.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th May and 15th May 2021.

The first event will be on the Friday 25th and Saturday 26th June 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake excavation to uncover and overhaul critical leaking trunk main valve in safety.

Representations may be made in writing by any responsible authority or interested party in the vicinity of the premises to the licensing authority - Licensing Team, Wokingham Borough Council, POB 155, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WW or by email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk .

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

All representations made are open to public inspection.

Representations to be made by : 18th May 2021 (28 days from day after day on which application given to the licensing authority) This application has been made to the Licensing Team at Wokingham Borough Council where a register of applications is kept and a record of the application may be inspected. Contact 0118 974 6358 or www.wokingham.gov.uk Under S158 of the above act, a person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to an unlimited fine.

2. Bear Lane, Wargrave from its junction with Blakes Lane.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 10th May 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 22nd April 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

For up to date news in the borough follow us on

Dated: 22nd April 2021

@wokingham.today

Get your business seen!

Email:

advertising@wokingham.today

@WokinghamToday

@wokingham.today

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CLASSIFIEDS | 33

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

PHOTOGRAPHER

WELL BEING

HEALTH & FITNESS TECHNOLOGY

THERAPY

KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION MOTORING

PET SITTING TV AERIAL & SATELLITE

PAINTING & DECORATING

34 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30 RUGBY UNION

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

FOOTBALL

BERKS COUNTY BEGIN WILDCATS SESSIONS RAMS’ NEW MAN HOPES TO BRING ‘SOMETHING SPECIAL’ BERKS County FC, with the help of partner club S4K Ladies, have launched a new pathway to help young girls discover a passion for football.

Named “Weetabix Wildcats”, Berks County have set up a non-competitive playing environment with the aim of ‘having loads of fun and meeting new amazing friends.’

The first Wildcats session, which ran last Saturday, saw 20 girls turnout where they were led by team members of S4K Ladies who helped to coach the players.

The sessions, which will take place at Garth Hill,run every Saturday from 11.30am-12.30pm and is open to girls aged five-11.

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today NEW signing Terence Babarinsa is looking forward to the next chapter in his career after moving to Rams RFC from Cinderford – and has hailed his first impressions of the club.

The dynamic back, who scored against his new side in both games last season, has moved into the area and has enjoyed training at Old Bath Road upon rugby’s return at the end of last month.

He revealed: “It’s been really enjoyable meeting the boys and working with the coaching staff and I’ve been made to feel really welcome.

“There’s a lovely atmosphere and everyone has come up to me, chatted to me, introduced themselves either with their real names or their nicknames, so it’s been really nice.”

He continued: “I understood eventually I’d have to move to Reading with work, and obviously the first club which came to mind was Rams – over my years with Cinderford they have always been one of our toughest opponents and the style of play was quite similar, so it seemed to be quite a good fit.”

Babarsina paid tribute to his former club, stating: “I had an amazing five years at Cinderford.

“I’d been dropped from the Gloucester Academy set-up after a year, but I think my development was sterling in terms of what I was given by the club, the coaches and the supporters.

“I really like to bring as much work rate as I can and I really pride myself on that.

“You can’t bring the fancy stuff without the hard work first, so I like to work on my defensive prowess and in attack, show the odd spin or two (out of a tackle).

“Hopefully I can bring something special to the club.”

Meanwhile stalwart back row

� For more information, contact girlsfootball@berkscounty.com

Berks County FC Wildcats session Pictures: Steve Smyth

HOCKEY Rams’ new signing Terence Babarinsa

Jamie Guttridge believes the squad are working harder than ever.

Last season’s Coaches’ Player of the Year is in his seventh campaign with Rams, having joined back in 2014, and was impressed when more than 40 of the group took part in an extra conditioning session after training recently.

He explained: “I used to use the optional sessions as a way to get ahead, but now everyone else is round you doing it as well, so you have to do even more outside of it to keep improving.

“But I think it’s one of the reasons we did so well in National One – everyone was putting the extras in and you need to do that to differentiate yourselves as a team.

“The new guys who’ve come in have fit in straight away – most of them have come up and introduced themselves or we’ve been introduced – and everyone just gets on. The family feel is as strong as ever.”

SOUTH BERKS 2S OVERCOME FIRST TEAM SONNING BERKSHIRE HOCKEY CLUBS’ first and second sides competed against each other in an interclub friendly.

It was South Berks 2s who came out on top against the firstteam on Saturday as they were 2-0 victors.

SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 1S suffered defeat on the road with a 4-2 loss against Reading 3s. Hannock and Woods netted for south Berks in the defeat.

Meanwhile, SOUTH BERKSHIRE LADIES 4s played out a 1-1 stalemate away at Reading Ladies 6s.

GOLF

THEALE GOLF CLUB RESTARTS WITH THE CAPTAINS DRIVE-IN THEALE Golf Club opened its season after the long wait of the lockdown with the annual Captains Drive-in.

This year’s captain, Lee Barrett, who has been a member for almost 20 years, was also Captain back in 2006 when the club was still in its formative years.

He has said how pleased he is to take the reins again at what has turned out to be a very good test of golf but still retains its unique atmosphere.

He dedicated the drive-in to the memory of another long-serving member, Del Stephens, who passed away at the beginning of the pandemic.

There was a very good turnout of over 50 members for the Drive-in Stableford Competition.

Taking first place with a very respectable 40 points was Mark Wiltshire who was followed closely in second place by Terry Dean with 39 points.

South Berkshire 1s and 2s competed in an inter-club friendly Pictures: Steve Smyth

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SPORT | 35

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk RESULTS Friday, April 16 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 1-1 Cardiff City

Saturday, April 17 FOOTBALL FA Vase fourth-round Fakenham Town 2-2 Binfield (Binfield win 4-1 on pens) Hellenic Challenge Cup Virginia Water 3-0 Sumas Thames Valley Premier League Berks County 4-2 Wraysbury Village Thames Valley Division One Hurst 0-1 Reading YMCA Wargrave 4-0 Rotherfield United CRICKET Friendlies Wokingham (236/3) beat Alton (211/5) Wokingham 2 (63/0) beat Alton 2s (60/ all out) Normandy 2s (215/9) lost to Finchampstead 2s (227/7) Crowthorne & Crown Wood (249/5) lost to Twyford & Ruscombe (251/9)

Crowthorne & Crown Wood in action against Twyford & Ruscombe Pictures: Steve Smyth

CRICKET

TWYFORD EDGE CROWS IN CLOSE CONTEST

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE sealed a narrow victory in a friendly fixture against CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD with just one-wicket to spare.

Crows batted first and thanks to a superb partnership from Will Avrili (63) and Gerhard Kruger (65), they recorded a decent first innings score of 249 from 40 overs.

But Twyford managed to surpass the target with just one wicket spare. Kiran Juluri top scored for Twyford with 59 runs to help them to victory despite a superb bowling effort from Kruger for the Crows as he claimed five wickets.

WOKINGHAM CC 1s were victorious over Alton CC in a friendly fixture.

Captain Danny Housego hit a half-century, before Andy Rishton top scored with an exceptional performance, scoring 89 runs from 90 balls as the Oaks lost just three wickets and scored 236.

The Oaks sealed a 25-run win as Alton finished their 40 overs with 211.

WOKINGHAM 2s were also victorious with a convincing 10-wicket win over Alton 2s.

Paul Dewick took four wickets, Jack Fisher took three and Jarrett Bobb took two in a brilliant bowling and fielding effort from the Oaks to bowl Alton all out for just 60 runs.

Wokingham strolled to victory without dropping a wicket as George Horsley (33) and Michael Cowdell (15) sealed the win.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 2s recorded a 12-run triumph away at Normandy CC 2s in a friendly fixture.

Finch batted first and tallied 227 from 40 overs. Harry King top scored with a remarkable score of 76 from just 46 balls, while Andy Lazenbury amassed 51 runs and Dilan Patel hit 42.

Lazenbury and Liam Bulteel took two wicket each as the hosts finished their 40 over spell just 12 runs shy of Finch’s total.

RACING

BOBBY AIMS TO ‘GIVE BACK’ IN NEW SEASON

Sunday, April 18 FOOTBALL FA Women’s Cup Reading Women 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur Women Southern Region Women’s Subsidiary Cup Abbey Rangers 1-1 Woodley United Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Division One Eversley & California Ladies 3-0 Milton United Ladies Wargrave Women 0-2 Badshot Lea Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wargrave Women Development 3-0 Caversham AFC Women Mortimer Ladies A-A S4K Ladies

Monday, April 19 � Continued from back page

Last year he moved up to GT4 racing in the Britcar Championship, driving the team’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4, taking a ‘driver of the day’ award and finishing strongly in each race.

During lockdown, Bobby has been racing in the British GT eSports championship against the likes of former F1 champion Jenson Button, former Le Mans winner Jonny Adam, the world’s fastest gamer, James Baldwin and reigning GT3 champion, Sandy Mitchell.

He has consistently finished in the top 10 and finished fifth in last Sunday’s race.

On Saturday, April 24, Bobby will open the season in the first race of the year at Silverstone, competing in the team’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4, alongside teammate Aaron Morgan from Basingstoke.

Aaron is a paraplegic after a motorcross accident and uses the team’s world-leading hand control technology.

“To me racing is so much more than

FOOTBALL Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions 1-4 Wargrave Hurst 3-1 Holyport Reserves

getting in the car and winning races,” said Bobby.

“Racing with Team BRIT has helped me move towards an independent and fulfilling future, wherever my path takes me.

“This year is about trying to give something back to all who have put their faith and trust in me.

“To the team who work incredibly hard for us drivers and to our vital, valued sponsors and supporters without whom none of this would be possible.

“2021 brings us closer than ever before to our shared dream, to race in “The 24 Hours of Le Man” where we will prove to the world that a diverse and inclusive culture promotes success in all walks of life.

“In the words of the legendary Steve McQueen ‘Racing is life’.

“Without racing and the inspirational people in my life where would I be now?” � Further information on Team BRIT can be found at www.teambrit.co.uk

Thames Valley Division One Hurst v Eldon Celtic Wargrave v Westwood Wanderers Reserves Thames Valley Division Two Twyford & Ruscombe v Hurst Reserves Berks County Reserves v Datchet Thames Valley Division Four Berks County Rovers v Harchester Hawks Finchampstead Development v Reading City Development CRICKET Friendlies Wokingham v Wargrave Wargrave 2s v Wokingham 3s Guildford v Finchampstead Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Twyford & Ruscombe 2s Eversley 1s v Cookham Dean 1s Cookham Dean 2s v Eversley 2s

Sunday, April 25 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Swansea City Women’s Super League Birmingham City Ladies v Reading Women Subsidiary Cup Woodley United Ladies v Ascot United Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Divison One Banbury United Women v Wargrave Women Eversely & California Ladies v Tilehurst Panthers Women Development Woking Ladies v Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wallingford Town AFC Ladies v Wargrave Women Development

Monday, April 26 FOOTBALL Thames Valley Premier League Berks County v Finchampstead

Tuesday, April 20 FOOTBALL Hellenic League Cup Sumas v Virginia Water

Tuesday, April 20 FOOTBALL Hellenic Challenge Cup Sumas 3-0 Holyport

FIXTURES Wednesday, April 21 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Luton Town v Reading (report online at Wokingham.Today)

Saturday, April 24 Bobby Trundley Pictures: Darren Cook, Scruffy Bear pictures

FOOTBALL Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Finchampstead Newbury v Berks County

Crowthorne & Crown Wood Pictures: Steve Smyth

36 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30 SOUTHERN REGION WOMEN’S SUBSIDIARY CUP

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

FOOTBALL

KESTRELS HELD IN RETURN BOARS LADIES HIT THREE WHILE Abbey Rangers 1 Woodley United Ladies 1 WOODLEY United Ladies played their first competitive game in nearly six months as they drew with Abbey Rangers.

Understandably the team were slow to start and then hindered by an early injury to Sophie Measham that saw her take no further part in the game after 10 minutes.

The first opportunity to score went to Woodley when Rosie PageSmith’s cross eluded Bethan Poole with Nicole Haines saving comfortably shortly afterwards to deny the hosts.

United gradually took the upper hand but were hit on the counter attack that led to the opening goal in the 31st minute. With Woodley looking for an offside, Abbey Rangers hit the woodwork and reacted the quickest with Megan McGarvey finding the back of the net.

A change of formation saw Woodley press forward and force a

series of corners.

It was not until the second minute of first-half stoppage time that the visitors levelled when Poole nudged the ball into the net from close range from an Eva Thomas cross following a cleared corner kick.

The second-half started in dramatic style as Freya Jenkins attacked down the left flank and won a penalty for her side.

Unfortunately, Jenkins put her spot kick wide of the left post.

For long spells Woodley enjoyed better possession and looked dangerous on both wings but were unable to force the decisive goal, despite Charlotte Crook and PageSmith putting headers over the cross bar from corner kicks and Jess Tripp shooting direct at the home keeper Roz Markham.

WOODLEY UNITED LADIES: Haines, Measham (Hunt), Wilkins, Quinn, Crook, Surtees, Thomas, Gooch, Page-Smith, Jenkins (Tripp), Poole (Pearson)

FC BRACKNELL

COLTS COMBINE TO PUT FOUR PAST WINNERSH

WARGRAVE MAINTAIN PERFECT START

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Thames Valley Women’s Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES moved up to sixth with a 3-0 triumph over Milton United Ladies.

Megan Averill scored a stunning volley to put the Boars in front. Laura Comerford doubled the lead before Chantelle Lawrence finished the scoring with a sublime effort to gift the Boars their third league win in six games.

WARGRAVE WOMEN dropped to eighth after they were beaten 2-0 at home by Badshot Lea Ladies, while TILEHURST PANTHERS WOMEN DEVELOPMENT took three points with a 1-0 away win at Woking Ladies to keep them level on points with league leaders Carterton Ladies.

Thames Valley Premier League BERKS COUNTY continued their excellent form to extend their unbeaten run in the league to 10 games.

Goals from William Kyeremeh and Callum Brighton ensured that the Swords won their ninth league game of the season to give them a four-point lead at the summit.

U13 Colts shared the spoils in a six goal thriller. The U13 Youth were on their travels to Maidenhead Utd Development Reds and kept up their unbeaten run going with a 4-0 win.

U14 Colts were at home against Ashridge and put five past the visitors in a 5-2 triumph.

FC Bracknell Youth U14 made it three out of three with a superb game against Burghfield Greens who were down 2-0 in the first 15 minutes but brought it to 2-2 with two quick breakaway goals.

But FC Bracknell held their nerve to finish the game as 5-4 winners with a superb performance from the Blues with Man of the Match Callum.

U15 Colts secured a win away

from home. The scoring continued to be shared around this week with goals from Charlie B, Ethan and a strike from 30 yards for fullback and Man of the Match Alan B. This meant the Colts went into the break 3-0 up. Colts saw the second half out with ease with the whole squad of 17 players getting plenty of minutes on the pitch.

U16 Colts had a weekend off, while the U16 Youth took all three points in a closely fought match against Bracknell Athletic, winning 1-0. With a clean sheet, Jack (goalkeeper) and Shane (centreback) both scooped Man of the Match.

The U16’s were on their travels to Bisham Abbey to Olay FAB Uts Academy. Previous meetings had been a tight affair, but this time, the Blues went down 6-0.

FC Bracknell travelled to Shinfield Rangers and were rewarded with a 6-2 victory.

Berks County (claret shirts) Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Thames Valley Divison One WARGRAVE continued their 100% winning start to the season with a 4-1 away win at FC Imaan Lions and are now three points clear at the top of the table.

HURST climbed up the table into eighth with their second win of the league season. Goals from Joseph Bonney, Joshua Hodgkins and Jake Horwood helped them to a 3-1 win over Holyport Reserves.

Thames Valley Division Two

FC Bracknell U12’s took on Winnersh Rangers at home and in a exciting match, with plenty of action and goals. The Blues took the early lead and never looked back, winning that match 4-1.

Eversley & California Ladies Pictures: Richard Milam

TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE are in seventh after they earned three points on the road against HURST RESERVES. BERKS COUNTY RESERVES were on the end of a 5-2 defeat against Henley Town to put them in fifth position.

Combined Counties Fripp-Smith Trophy EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA saw a two-

goal lead slip as they were defeated 3-2 by Frimley Green.

The Boars got off to a flying start when Chris Robson’s corner found Ali Dickie at the back post who squared the ball for Chinua Phinn Archer to put Eversley ahead.

Joe Pantony extended the lead just 10 minutes later as he found himself oneon-one with the keeper and made no mistake with his finish to give Eversley a dream start.

On the stroke of half-time, Frimley pulled a goal back and then just a minute into the second half, they were level.

The game ended in disappointment for the Boars as they saw their two-goal lead diminish and were left without any points as Frimley snatched an 88th minute winner.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S

Wokingham & Emmbrook beat Holyport on Tuesday evening Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

WARGRAVE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT moved closer away from the bottom of the league with their third win of the campaign.

Lucy Routledge starred for Wargrave as she bagged a hat-trick to help them to earn three points in a 3-0 victory over Caversham AFC Women.

Meanwhile, S4K LADIES’ away game at Mortimer Ladies was abandoned during the first-half after Mortimer’s goalkeeper sustained a serious injury.

Hellenic League Cup WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK earned all three points with a comofrtable victory over Holyport on Tuesday evening.

Josh Harris opened the scoring and Luke Scope quickly added a second to give the Sumas a healthy lead.

Jake White added a third to ensurethe Sumas took the points.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SPORT | 37

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Goalkeeper Chris Grace saves a penalty

I

Binfield made club history with an FA Vase fourth-round win at Fakenham Pictures: Neil Graham

FA VASE

BINFIELD STEP CLOSER TO WEMBLEY DREAM

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BINFIELD are a step closer to achieving their Wembley dream after a dramatic penalty shootout victory in the fourth-round of the FA Vase over Fakenham Town.

The Moles made club history by securing their place in the fifth round of the competition, where they will play Hadley away from home on Saturday.

As they did in the previous round against Deal Town, the Moles were on the end of an early goal to get the tie off to a tricky start. With just five minutes on the clock, Callum Brain puts the hosts in front.

But Binfield recovered from their poor start, held their nerve and fired themselves back into

the cup tie as Jesh Helmore pulled the visitors level in the 33rd minute.

The first-half ended with the tie hanging in the balance at 1-1 with both sides pushing to secure their place in the next round.

The second-half began with the same frantic tempo with both sides going close to taking the lead.

But it was the home side who took advantage to go ahead for the second time in the contest on the hour mark when Brain notched his second goal of the afternoon as he finished from close range.

Binfield fought back instantly and had an equaliser within two minutes as Helmore claimed his brace.

With neither side able to find a winning goal in the remainder of the 90 minutes, the game

Mourinho’s penalty winning masterclass

was decided by a penalties.

Josh Howell slotted the first penalty for the Moles, while Fakenham levelled.

George Short scored to put the Moles back in front and Binfield goalkeeper Chris Grace pulled off a big save to give his side the advantage.

Sean Moore converted his spot kick and Grace performed more heroics as he kept out the next Fakenham kick to put the Moles on the brink.

Jamie McClurg then slotted away his penalty to put Binfield through to the next round with a 4-1 penalty shootout victory to book their place in the fifth-round.

Binfield co-manager McClurg said: “Left the house at 6.30am, back at 8.30pm but worth every minute. This squad of players deserved everything they earned. From 1-18, these lads gave it all.”

N the Spurs v Manchester United match a weekend ago, there was an intriguing incident. Even If you didn’t watched the match or it’s highlights you may guess the one I am referring to, for the newspapers were full of it.

United’s Scot McTominay and Spurs Korean star, Son Heung-Min, were racing after the ball in midfield.

Son reached out his arm, looking as if he was attempting to catch the front of McTominay’s shirt.

McTominay was slightly in front and swung his arm out as though trying to push Son’s Arm away but caught Son in the face. I suppose the best way to describe it was a slap.

Certainly it was not a clenched fist which is how some Premier League referees judge intent. However Son went down writhing on the ground, holding his face as if he had been punched.

Play went on and led to what United players celebrated as the opening goal of the match. VAR drew the attention of referee, Chris Kavanagh, to the incident. After viewing the monitor, disallowed the goal and gave a free kick to Tottenham.

Why was this intriguing?

The Spurs manager, Jose Mourinho, was of course, the previous manager of United. United’s Marcus Rashford revealed that Mourinho, shortly before his short stay ended, had given them a masterclass in winning penalties. ‘If you are not savvy about the way you do it, you are not going to get it given’. Their number of penalties doubled, but it was the new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who benefitted.

Shortly before the Son incident, Rashford himself was flattened by a slightly more robust tackle and laid on the ground holding his face for some considerable time.

No goal was scored so VAR was not called upon but the question is, has Mourinho given Spurs players the same masterclass as he gave the United players, and did it include falling down and holding your face?

It makes you wonder, how many other managers train or at least encourage their players to fall down at the slightest provocation and fake a serious injury?

38 | SPORT

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 22, 2021

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated STAR PLAYER Tom Holmes

MÉÏTÉ RESCUES POINT READING 1 CARDIFF CITY 1

RAFAEL CABRAL Made a super save from Wilson in the firsthalf but couldn’t come up with a heroic save to stop Moore’s penalty.

OMAR RICHARDS A clumsy tackle to give away the penalty late in the game as he hung out a foot to trip Kieffer Moore.

TOM HOLMES Dealt with the physical presence of Moore excellently throughout the game and showed his exciting potential with an accomplished display.

LIAM MOORE A decent performance from the skipper as Cardiff were kept quiet in for much of the game until they struck late.

ANDY YIADOM Was well positioned late in the game to hook Wilson’s chip over Rafael off the line to stop a certain goal.

ANDY RINOMHOTA An uncharacteristically jaded performance form the midfielder. Was taken off late in the game and replaced by John Swift.

JOSH LAURENT Worked hard as usual but struggled to help Reading try and break Cardiff’s defence down.

MICHAEL OLISE A disappointing display that was crying out for a player of his quality to produce some moments of quality to get past a determined Cardiff defence.

OVIE EJAIRA Looked most likely to create something decisive for Reading. Had several blocked efforts at goal but couldn’t find the net.

YAKOU MEITE Poached from close range to rescue a point, which although may not be enough come the end of the season, it gives Reading a glimmer of hope.

LUCAS JOAO Still struggling to produce anything close to the form he showed in the first-half of the season. Went off after an hour with a dislocated shoulder.

6 4 8 7 6 5 6 5 7 7 5

SUBSTITUTES George Puscas 5, John Swift 5, Sam Baldock n/a, Sone Aluko n/a, Dejan Tetek n/a

By ANDY PRESTON at the Madejski Stadium apreston@wokingham.today READING'S play-off hopes were dealt a significant blow despite a last-gasp goal from Yakou Méïté to salvage a point after Kieffer Moore's 87th minute penalty.

The Royals couldn't find a way past a resilient Cardiff back-line until stoppage time despite Méïté having a couple of presentable chances.

A breakthrough looked unlikely for either side until Moore was brought down by Omar Richards and converted from the penalty spot with just three minutes of the 90 to play.

Reading finally found a way through in the 94th minute when Méïté converted the ball in from close range to salvage a point.

"The result is not what we wanted. We are unhappy about it.

We played a very solid game and confronted and matched their team well throughout the match," said manager Veljko Paunović.

"In the past we have struggled against a direct approach unfortunately we conceded the penalty that changed the game.

They blocked and defended very well.

"After we conceded, the reaction and the composure didn't crumble.

We understood it was time to put more numbers in attack even before their goal.

"We always work on our finishing. It comes to the urgency.

That decides almost everything.

Today Cardiff had a lot of urgency and blocked and defended very well."

Reading’s promotion hopes are beginning to fade with a four-point gap separating them and sixth placed Barnsley.

Cardiff flew out of the traps in the opening seconds to give Reading a scare as Liam Moore fouled Harry Wilson just inches outside of the box to give the Bluebird a free-kick in a dangerous position.

Thankfully for the Royals, their wall was well positioned to block Will Vaulks powerful drive to prevent an early shot at Rafael Cabral's goal.

The visitors had the first big chance of the match when Wilson burst through into the box, but Rafael came to the rescue as he reacted quickly to get down low to his right to keep out the Liverpool loanee in the 16th minute.

There were plenty of fouls throughout the half as both sides failed to find any consistent rhythm to their play.

Josh Laurent

Reading were only able to manage a draw as their play-off hopes took another big hit on Friday

Omar Richards loops the ball over a Cardiff defender

It took the Royals until the 27th minute to create their first opening when they had a few chances in quick succession.

Lucas João neatly flicked the ball to Michael Olise who opted to shoot instead of trying to find either João or Méïté who had both made runs ahead of him and had his effort blocked. The follow up fell to Ovie Ejaria who worked some space for a shot in the box but also his route to goal blocked by some determined Cardiff defending.

The Bluebirds stayed organised and compact at the back to limit any clear chances as Tom Holmes played a superb long ball to find Andy Yiadom on the right, but Flint stood in the way to divert the cross out of the box.

Omar Richards delivered a teasing ball to the back post to try and find Méïté but again the Cardiff defence were well positioned to nullify the threat as the first-half ended goalless in a so far uneventful affair.

Michael Olise competes with Cardiff’s Harry Wilson

Reading tried to step up the intensity in the second-half and won an early free-kick that led to some injury treatment for João and a booking for Cardiff's Curtis Nelson.

Ovie Ejaria had a half chance when he cut onto his right foot and

Match stats READING: Rafael, Richards, Moore (c), Holmes, Yiadom, Rinomhota, Laurent, Ejaria, Olise, Méïté, João SUBS: Southwood, Esteves, Gibson, Tetek, Semedo, Swift, Aluko, Pușcaș, Baldock CARDIFF CITY: Smithies, Nelson, Flint, Brown, Sang, Vaulks, Pack, Ng, Ralls, Wilson, Moore SUBS: Phillips, Osei-Tutu, Murphy, Williams, Ojo, M Harris, Hoilett, Colwill GOALS: Moore 87' (pen), Méïté 90+4'

curled an effort goalwards but it didn't trouble Cardiff keeper Alex Smithies who comfortably caught the ball.

João had another sight of goal in the 55th minute when Olise played a quick free-kick to find the forward who spun away from his marker and blasted a shot towards goal that was saved at the near post

by Smithies.

In the aftermath of the shot, João was left in discomfort after taking a heavy fall to the ground and had to be replaced by George Pușcaș.

Reading showed far more attacking intent than their opponents as they pushed to find a goal to keep their fading play-off hopes alive. Méïté tried to find the breakthrough but snatched a shot just inches wide of the post with a low drive in the 68th minute.

Méïté then had a brilliant to chance to put Reading in front just moments later when Josh Laurent fed the ball to him to hit first time in the box but the Ivorian forward

Thursday, April 22, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SPORT | 39

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

T IN DAMAGING DRAW

From The Tilehurst End Olly Allen

Super League kills chances of ‘impossible dream’

I Yakou Meite controls with his chest Omar Richards puts in a cross

Lucas Joao holds off Aden Flint night at the Madejski Stadium Pictures: Steve Smyth

Andy Yiadom hooks the ball off the line

Lucas Joao suffers a dislocated shoulder

spooned his effort high over the target.

Swift made his long awaited return to play the final 15 minutes of the contest as Reading searched for a much needed winner.

The Bluebirds had a rare foray forward in the 75th minute as three

players streamed forward in support of Kieffer Moore, but the striker hit a tame effort at Rafael's goal to waste a big opportunity.

Cardiff had another chance when Wilson burst through on goal and chipped the ball over the onrushing Rafael but Yiadom was well placed

Lucas Joao shrugs off a defender

Tom Holmes after the penalty decision

to get back onto the line and hook the ball away.

Reading were punished for not taking a chance and Cardiff broke down the other and won a penalty as Moore was brought down by Richards in the box.

Moore stepped up and blasted

the ball into the top left corner to give the Bluebirds a late breakthrough.

Méïté managed to salvage a draw late in stoppage time as he pounced from close range, but Reading weren't able to find time for a winner in a costly result.

FA WOMEN’S CUP

ROYALS WOMEN EXIT FA CUP IN EXTRA-TIME READING WOMEN 2 SPURS WOMEN 3 READING WOMEN were dumped out of the FA Women’s Cup as Spurs Women found a decisive goal in extra-time to win the cup contest.

Spurs went close to taking an early lead when So-Hyn Cho clipped a long range effort goalwards that hit the top of the crossbar.

But it was Reading who pulled ahead as Fara Williams capitalised

on a Spurs defensive error as they surrendered possession in their half, and with goalkeeper Becky Spencer off her line, Williams expertly lobbed the ball over her reach and into the net from distance.

The Royals’ lead lasted just eight minutes as the visitors levelled the game with a free-kick from Alanna Kennedy which soared past Grace Moloney.

Just three minutes into the second-half, Spurs got in front.

Reading this time gave the ball away far too cheaply in their own box and Rachel Williams took advantage as she looped a curling effort beyond the reach of Moloney into the top corner.

But Kelly Chambers’ side responded valiantly and were level just a minute later.

Rachel Rowe determinedly drove her way into the penalty box and stroked an effort into the bottom corner to add another twist to the cup tie.

The end of the 90 minutes saw the sides locked at 2-2 with a further 30 minutes required to find a winner.

And it was Tottenham who ensured their name would be in the next round of the competition as Jessica Naz broke behind the Royals defence and slotted the ball past Moloney to confirm Reading’s FA Cup exit.

Reading Women are on the road this weekend as they travel away to face Birmingham City in the WSL.

T WAS rather apt that plans for the European Super League were revealed on the sixth anniversary of Reading’s FA Cup semi-final with Arsenal.

That game epitomised everything good about football’s values of fair competition and equal opportunity. Unfancied and unfashionable underdogs going toe-to-toe with one of the country’s best teams – who were at that point second in the Premier League – and taking them all the way to extra time.

Pavel Pogrebnyak against World Cup winner Per Mertesacker. Alex Pearce against the South American flair of Alexis Sanchez. These should have been mismatches, but on that sunny day in the capital they were equals.

Just getting to the semi-final was incredible and a once in a generation feeling as a supporter. Sure, Reading may not have played any Premier League opposition in their run to Wembley, but it was only their second-ever appearance at that stage and first for 87 years.

Teams who place 19th in the second tier are not ‘meant’ to get to the last four of major cup competitions. But the fact that they can and they do is what makes football so unpredictable and compelling.

In that same season alone in the FA Cup, League Two Cambridge United took Manchester United to a replay. League One Bradford City beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Manchester City were defeated at home by Middlesbrough of the Championship.

Giant-killings that give fans of every smaller team belief that anything is possible.

It is that belief that any Super League threatens to kill, along with the ideals of integrity and sporting merit. A closed shop for clubs who think that money should equal success and that no one else should have a shot a glory.

Make no mistake: the teams involved would be doing it for the good of no one else but themselves, their own self-importance and the greed of their owners.

Watching these dishonourable owners announce their money-making plans and then sheepishly backtrack over the last few days has reminded me how lucky Reading were to have Sir John Madejski at the helm for over 20 years.

A man who not only had genuine love and care for the team, but who looked out for the town and the community as well.

One of Madejski’s last acts at the club was his contribution to promotion to the Premier League in 2011/12. That promotion was soundtracked by “The Impossible Dream” by Andy Williams.

That is what football is all about: impossible dreams.

As we have learnt this season, it is the hope that kills you. But it is also the hope that keeps us alive, that keeps us coming back for more and that fuels our love for the game.

We watch football and support our team in the hope that anything can happen.

That’s why I am proud to support Reading. They allow me to dream. They allow me that release every Saturday or Tuesday to let my emotions get the better of me.

We need that in our lives. We certainly don’t need a European Super League.

WOKINGHAMSPORT MATCHDAY PICTURE POWER

BEST FOR LOCAL SPORT

BINFIELD’S SHOOTOUT SUCCESS

RACING STAR GEARED UP FOR TRACK RETURN

A YOUNG RACING prodigy from Wokingham is preparing for the first race of the season with an alldisabled racing team, as Covid restrictions ease and allow them to get back on track.

Bobby Trundley, 21, is about to start his third season with Team BRIT, racing in the Britcar Championship.

Bobby was diagnosed with autism when he was four and first sat in a cadet go-kart at the age of 10, igniting his passion for the sport.

He soon found that it helped him manage the challenges that autism brings.

Having won a number of karting titles, Bobby joined Team BRIT in 2019 and in his first season, racing in the Gaz Shocks BMW 116 Trophy he won four out of his five races. � Continued on page 35 ISSN 2634-8330

9

772634

16

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BINFIELD GOALKEEPER Chris Grace was the penalty shootout hero as the Moles marched on.

The team made club history by booking their place in the fifth-round of the FA Vase where they face another away tie on Saturday, against Hadley.

Four goals weren’t enough to separate Binfield and Fakenham Town after 90 minutes with the entertaining game having to be decided

through the cruel fate of a penalty shootout.

But it was Binfield who best held their nerve from the spot, scoring all four of their spot kicks.

Keeper Grace stood tall between the sticks and made two vital saves to see them through on a memorable day as Binfield moved another step closer to achieving their dream of playing at Wembley. � Report and pictures page 37

833002

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk