Wokingham Today, April 8, 2020

MORE WOKINGHAM NEWS THAN YOU’LL FIND ANYWHERE ELSE COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

VANDALS SET PARK ABLAZE

Thursday, April 8, 2021 No. 307

70p

UP FOR THE CUT: SALONS PREPARE TO REOPEN P4 VOTE 2021: LABOUR REVEALS PLANS P6

TOWN’S NEW BISTRO: WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT P8 SIXTH FORM CALL GROWS LOUDER P12

CHARRED: A slide melted under the blaze caused by vandals in the Latimer Road park

EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today FORGET the Easter bunny, it’s grinches that have visited Wokingham.

In the early evening of Easter Sunday, vandals struck in a playground, destroying activities that children would normally be enjoying.

Firecrews were called to tackle the blaze at the Latimer Road playground, off Barkham Road and quickly brought the fire under control.

The area was taped off to prevent children playing in the wreckage.

A rope bridge is charred and burnt, while a slide had scorch marks on it.

A slide has completely melted, leaving just charred plastic remains trailing to the ground.

Wokingham Borough Council installed temporary fencing around the damaged equipment on Tuesday, allowing the rest of the play area to be reopened.

Its staff will be working with police in a bid to catch the vandals.

A spokesperson for Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “At 7.23pm on Sunday, April 4, we received reports of a fire at Latimer Road Playground in Wokingham.

Two bailed over murder probe

Church treasurer steals £22,000

TWO MEN arrested in connection to a Lower Earley murder investigation have been released on bail.

The incident took place around 7.40pm on Wednesday, last week, in Chalfont Way. Thames Valley Police said they were called to an area outside the BP petrol station, and they cordoned off an area around the shops in the retail park, including the M&S and Iceland retail store.

The victim, a 51-year-old man, was taken to hospital for treatment, but died. His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

THE FORMER treasurer of a Wokingham church has pleaded guilty to attempting to steal more than £20,000.

Nicholas Scott Bornman-Hill, 50 and from Harrow Way in Sindlesham, admitted two counts of abusing his position when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 23.

He had served as treasurer of Wokingham Methodist Church in Rose Street between August 2013 and Christmas Eve 2017.

During that time, he stole collection plate money given by members of the congregation over a four-year period.

� Continued on page 11

� Continued on page 11

� Continued on page 6

Trails are full of the joys of spring

BUNNY SHARES SOME EASTER LOVE P15

FAMILIES flocked to Hurst and Spencers Wood over the Easter weekend to enjoy scarecrow trails with seasonal themes – and another is taking place in Crowthorne across the holidays. See pages 2, 15 and 22 for more fabulous pictures

DESIGNER’S NEW SPRING RANGE P20

SCHOOL’S LINK P9 WITH PREM CLUB

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2 | NEWS

How to get in touch with us Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email 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 VISITORS to our website – Wokingham.Today – will have noticed a banner inviting you to make a gift to support us.

We are proud to be your voice in the borough. Online, we publish seven days a week, and in print every Thursday, bringing you stories from all walks of life.

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

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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.

Thank you for your support.

Phil Creighton, Editor

BUCK, Tanya Michelle Tanya Michelle Buck 18th of September 1966 to 30th of March 2021.

Wife of Andy, mother to Jonathan and Georgia, daughter of Beryl.

At peace after a long illness so bravely fought.

Family flowers only.

Donations to Breast Cancer Now and Thames Hospice via Funeral Directors JB Hall Finchampstead Road, Wokingham RG41 2NU

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.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

Hospice’s plea for 300 new donors THAMES HOSPICE has launched a new fundraising appeal to recruit 300 new regular donors.

It hopes the Hospice Heroes project will help nursing teams continue to provide frontline care.

Sister Dee Dockery, who works in the Inpatient Unit, said the past year has been the toughest ever for staff.

“Just as we were settling into our new hospice

by Bray Lake in October last year, the coronavirus really took hold again,” she said.

“It’s been emotionally and physically demanding in so many ways.

“The pressure we’re under is extraordinary and many of us caught the virus during this most recent wave, including myself.”

The charity reports its costs are “significantly increasing” as it supports more people.

Medication to help patients manage their pain can cost upwards of £5,000 each month.

Ms Dockery added: “We really hope that our amazing local community will choose to become a Hospice Hero by making a monthly gift towards our life-changing care.

“I think I speak on behalf of all our nurses and doctors that we have been proud to step up, in spite of all the risks, to ensure our patients, with and without coronavirus, got the care they needed.

“As we move forward, it would be so reassuring for us to know that every month our local community is helping make sure our hospice care continues.”

Patient families are also joining the appeal.

Mike, whose wife Becky was diagnosed with bowel cancer, said the hospice gave his family space to be themselves.

“Any family that experiences Thames Hospice’s care will know that they do not need to be alone and do not need to walk that most difficult of paths alone,” he said.

“If you’re able to support nurse Dee and all the Hospice Heroes with a regular gift, you will be helping families like mine as we struggle through the unimaginable.

“I can think of no better way to give back to your local community.” � For more information, or to give to the Hospice Heroes Appeal, visit: thameshospice.org.uk/hospiceheroes

IN THE PINK: A colourful Easter Bunny

SNAP HAPPY: This crocodile was only too happy to pose

COW’S ABOUT THAT THEN: Smiles

GOOD SPOT: Caroline Fletcher with her entry, a leopard, in The Square

GOOD VIBRATIONS: Sonic the Hedgehog HANDIWORK: Palm prints brighten up this entry

SERVING UP: Jennifer King, Xuajuan Fan and Gillie York serve refreshments at the Village Hall Snack Shack

SKELETON CREW: A macabre display

NEWS | 3

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Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Fears new bags will blow away

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM resident is frustrated with how the new recycling sacks are being collected, and has accused the council of ‘not thinking this through’.

RODEO: A cowboy hitches a ride

NO RADISHES: This colourful Peter Rabbit had plenty of carrots to much on. Mr McGregor was not in sight from the Green family, posing with their cow creation Pictures: Steve Smyth

On the trail

STRAW is helping to raise the roof of a village hall this week – but it's not going on the building.

Residents in Spencers Wood have created a magical Easter trail featuring a range of scarecrows for people to enjoy.

The Easter trail runs until Saturday.

Homes across the village are taking part, with a range of tableaus to enjoy. They include elephants, crocodiles and characters such as Peppa Pig. Visitors can buy a map from the Fraser's Budgens store at Three Mile Cross and then visit the displays.

They can vote for their favourite display and take part in a rock hunt.

When completed, they can take the map back to Budgens to enjoy an Easter treat.

To help alleviate thirsty visitors, on Saturday, refreshments were available from a snack shack installed in the grounds of the village hall. It raised £200, and villagers will reopen it again this Saturday.

Organiser Jennifer King said: “It’s been really, really successful, so many people have come out even though the weather has been cold. There’s been loads of interest.”

She praised the villagers for joining in and creating a wide range of displays.

“We’ve had a really good take up and the residents have been really imaginative. We’ve got such a good variety, and not 30 Peter Rabbits.”

The event is raising funds for the renovation of the village hall including the kitchen, which Ms King says is run by the community for its benefit.

CHICK PEAS: These decoupage mother hens keep an eye on their young brood in one display NEVER FORGET: This elephant formed an eyecatching display for the Spencers Wood trail

“It’s a charity,” she explained, “And a real community hub.”

A Just Giving page has been set up for donations: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ easter-scarecrow-trail-sw3mx � For more details, log on to www.spencerswoodhall.co.uk/

Last week, David Stevenson took to Facebook with complaints that the new rubbish bags were getting blown away in the wind after being emptied.

Now, he is concerned residents will not be able to use the bags when winter comes.

“I put my bag out on Thursday morning, on the first week I got it, and the weather was relatively calm,” Mr Stevenson said.

“I hadn’t noticed that the wind got up after it was emptied, and a kind neighbour saw it disappearing down the road.”

He said he was lucky his neighbour retrieved the bag for him, otherwise he may have lost it.

According to Wokingham Borough Council, the new recycling bags are weighted at the bottom to prevent them being blown away.

Mr Stevenson said he is unsure if they have been properly weighted and worries the sacks are not heavy enough to stay grounded.

“This week, I’ve put the bag in a black box and hope the refuse collectors will put it back there,” Mr Stevenson said. “But these bags need to be heavier – this is a practical problem.”

“I don’t think Wokingham Borough Council has thought this through properly.”

The resident has since questioned whether the recycling sacks will survive in colder weather, and is calling on the council to take action. “[The council] either needs to educate refuse collectors to put the bags somewhere safe, or something needs to change,” he said.

“I appreciate why we’ve got the bags, but I’m not sure they are the solution.

“I can’t see an obvious solution to this, short of giving us all wheelie bins.”

A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said the change to waterproof recycling bags will increase recycling across the borough, and tackle the “wet paper problem”.

“The bags come with a 350g rubber pad at the bottom which should keep them in place after they have been emptied,” they said.

But they noted that in “extreme windy weather conditions,” the bags may be blown about.

“When the weather is like this, we have requested our collection crews to keep the bags in place in some way, such as with a food waste caddy,” the spokesperson explained.

“We remind residents to label their bags with their property number as soon as they get them.”

As of last week, more than half of the residents in Wokingham borough had received their new recycling sacks, with the rollout to continue this month.

The council hopes the bags will help meet its target of 70% recycling by 2030. � Letters page 18

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4 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

CORONAVIRUS LATEST Infection rate falls to level last seen in October THE RATE of infections in Wokingham per 100,000 is continuing to decline.

The latest figures for the borough showed the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents is 26.9, down from 37.4 last week.

These figures were last seen in October last year, before the second national lockdown in November.

In the borough, there were seven positive tests recorded on Tuesday, April 6, bringing the total number of infections to 8,156.

The figures in neighbouring Reading borough are now slightly lower than in Wokingham, with an infection rate of 22.3, down from 43.3 per 100,000 last week.

On Tuesday, Reading reported one positive case.

Bracknell Forest has seen its rate per 100,000 increase over the past seven days. It is now 33.5, up from 31 last week. On Tuesday there were three new cases.

Windsor and Maidenhead had seven cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 is now 41.6, down from 58.1.

West Berkshire recorded one positive case, and its infection rate is 20.8, down from 31.6 last week.

Slough remains the highest in Berkshire, and its rate per 100,000 is 79.6, up from 66.2 last week.

It also recorded 11 covid cases on Tuesday.

In England, 2,379 people tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday. This makes the infection rate 41.4 per 100,000 people in the country.

In England, 26,765,865 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, and 4,398,311 have had their second dose.

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

Salons open for client cuts

Little ‘luxuries’ to return next week EXCLUSIVE

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today HAIRDRESSERS are sharpening their scissors ahead of reopening next week.

All hair and beauty salons have been given the go ahead to open again on Monday, April 12 along with non-essential shops.

After being closed for more than three months, residents will finally be able to sort out their lockdown locks.

The Retreat, a Wokingham-based hair and beauty salon, started calling clients last week to book appointments.

The salon has changed its layout, removed its food and drink supplies and spaced out chairs in order to operate in a covid-safe way, said marketing manager Helen Lewis.

Following government guidelines, staff will wear masks and clean workspaces thoroughly in between each client.

All customers will be required to have a temperature check when they enter, to reduce the spread of the virus and will also be asked to use their Test and Trace system.

Ms Lewis said: “All the staff are

most looking forward to seeing their clients again and catching up with them after so long.

“Having a loyal customer base, the stylists normally see their clients every six weeks, so they’re excited to make them feel really special again.”

And staff are eager to have clients back in the seats.

Bryony Wicks, beauty team leader, said her role gives her “a huge sense of purpose”, knowing it’s a passion shared with the team.

“I can’t wait to work with our team again and make our clients feel looked after and pampered in every way they wish,” she said.

The staff at Marc Antoni hair salons are also excited to get back to work.

Julie Giamattei, company director at Marc Antoni, said: “It will be lovely to see all of our clients again and being a family business, we treat our clients like family and have such a great relationship with them all.

“Clients can finally enjoy a bit of ‘me time’ when they step foot in the salon again.”

Customers are also ready for their next trim.

In a straw-poll survey conducted

SCREENS: The Retreat is using clear dividers at the basis to separate clients

by Wokingham.Today, 95% of people said they were looking forward to getting their haircut.

Hannah Johnson, who took part in the survey, said: “I can’t wait to have my hair done in a salon, especially

having a shampoo and head massage — something that doesn’t quite feel the same when you do it at home. Having your hair done is a luxury and I’m looking forward to stepping into a salon.”

Lateral flow tests can now be collected from Sindlesham and Woosehill sites EARLIER THIS week, a new collection scheme launched for lateral flow tests, writes Jess Warren.

Now, households and bubbles of school, college or nursery staff or pupils can collect the quick tests

to use at home from several sites across the borough.

This includes Sindlesham Court, Microsoft Campus and Woosehill Community Centre.

Run by the council, the Community Collect scheme means

that residents no longer have to travel to Reading or Bracknell to pick up the lateral flow kits.

Matt Pope, director of adult services, said the council is working hard to meet the needs of residents.

“We were the first local authority in Berkshire to launch a mobile rapid testing programme and the uptake and feedback has been brilliant,” he said.

“We’re in a really strong position to complement our static and mobile test sites with Community Collect and to keep our communities as safe as possible with a comprehensive testing programme that meets local needs.

“Getting regular rapid tests is very important for people who do not have Covid-19 symptoms – especially if you’re going out for work, or you live with school, college or nursery staff or pupils.

“As restrictions continue to ease, we must take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves and others.”

Test kits can be given to up to two adults per household, and council staff are on hand to offer support and guidance.

Anyone that tests positive for Covid-19 using a lateral flow test is now required to book a follow-up test with the Government. This is a precautionary measure that the government has re-introduced.

“We need to do everything we can to keep cases down” Mr Pope said. “If you do test positive from your lateral flow test, you will need to self-isolate immediately and only leave home for your follow-up test and while you wait for the result.

This step is very important and will help us to stop the spread of Covid19 in our communities.

“If your PCR test comes back as positive, our team will be in touch to find out what support you might need while self-isolating.

“From food shopping, to walking the dog; we are on hand to organise any help required. If you are unable to go to work, you can also access financial support via a one-off payment – visit our website and search ‘Test and Trace Support Payments’ for more information.”

Home test kits can be collected: From Sindlesham Court on Mondays 9am to 4pm, and Tuesday to Saturday 8am to 4pm.

From the Microsoft Campus on Mondays 9am to 4pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am to 8pm and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 8am to 4pm.

From Woosehill Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays 8am to 7pm. � For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/health/ public-health-campaigns/lateral-flowtesting

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Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

CORONAVIRUS LATEST

OPENING UP: In June .last year, social distancing measures were in place along Broad Street, Wokingham. This time, residents will need to make space themselves, as shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants, bars, salons and gyms all reopen on Monday Picture: Phil Creighton

Shoppers urged to ‘find the confidence’ to return EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING

cking@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM residents are being urged to “find the confidence” to head to the shops next week.

On Monday, April 5, prime minister Boris Johnson gave the green light to ease the next wave of lockdown restrictions, meaning a whole host of businesses will be able start welcoming the public again for the first time in months.

Now, Colin George, from Wokingham Business Association, is encouraging residents to plan a trip to the town centre next week.

“It’s fantastic news that

the Government is able to stick to its ‘roadmap’ and open the shops again,” Mr George said. “It’s great that retailers have been given a date because it really gives them some certainty.

“But shops, especially our independent businesses, thrive on people’s confidence.”

Mr George said town centre retailers and Wokingham Borough Council will have to work exceptionally hard over the coming weeks to make sure residents feel safe returning to the high street.

“We need to encourage shoppers to come back to the town centre in whatever form they feel

comfortable,” he said.

Lifting these restrictions forms step two of the Government’s four-step approach to easing all covid rules, and Mr George said it could not come sooner.

“Take gyms for example,” he explained. “Some people need to go to gyms for medical reasons and they can’t wait to get back.

“People have been exercising at home, but opening these facilities brings some normality back.”

And he said there are a lot of exciting events planned for Wokingham town centre, which he hopes will spur people to travel in.

“There are great things happening in the town centre

soon, for example Sultan Balti is hosting an outdoor charity fundraiser next weekend,” Mr George said.

“I think market days will help bring people back too.”

Now, he said he hopes easing covid restrictions will go to plan in the long run.

“Let’s hope the vaccine works, lifting these measures works, and we stay out of another lockdown,” Mr George added. “I encourage anyone who’s saved a bit of money this lockdown to head out and spend a bit next week.

“Let’s help Wokingham borough businesses get their trading levels back up to a sustainable level while following the precautions in place.”

Which restrictions ease on Monday?

FROM MONDAY, Covid-19 restrictions across England ease again, meaning residents can now dine outdoors, visit hair salons and barbers, and shop for “non-essential items”.

Referred to as step two, under the Government's fourstep plan, public buildings including libraries and community centres will also be able to open.

Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms will also reopen on Monday, but only

for use by people on their own or in household groups.

Outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks, and drive-in cinemas will be able to reopen.

And self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets can be used by households.

Curfews have been scrapped for pubs, restaurants and cafes, and there is no requirement to order a “substantial meal” with alcohol.

But hospitality venues must offer table service and the rule of six applies.

Other personal care services also reopen, including beauty salons.

Funerals can continue with up to 30 attendees, and 15 for the wake.

Weddings, receptions and commemorative events are also limited to 15 guests.

As part of the changes brought in on Monday, March 29, people can also host six people, or two

households in their garden.

Next month, the Government will look to further ease restrictions, no earlier than Monday, May 17.

From this date, the prime minister will update residents on social distancing between friends and family, including hugging.

Until this time, residents are urged to keep their distance from anyone not in their household or support bubble.

NEWS | 5

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6 | NEWS

Church treasurer steals £22,000 � Continued from front page

Magistrates heard that between August 23, 2013 and July 6, 2017, Bornman-Hill pocketed the cash on numerous occasions and it was a total of £12,953.61.

He stole a further £9,200 from the church’s bank account by forging a signature of another of the church’s trustees on October 10, 2014.

The offences are fraud by abuse of position, and Bornman-Hill had been expected to safeguard and not act against the financial interests of the church. The total value of his thefts is £22.153.61.

Bornman-Hill has been committed to Reading Crown for sentencing.

The minister of Wokingham Methodist Church, the Revd Catherine Bowstead, said: “Once we became aware that funds had been misappropriated the matter was reported to the police and to the Charity Commission with our support given to the investigations.

“While the majority of the funds have now been reimbursed by our bank and our insurer, this matter has been the cause of much sadness within the church.”

The position of treasurer within a church is a voluntary one and churches are registered charities.

New name for bus company A BUS service has changed its name for the first time in nearly 50 years.

On Monday, Courtney Buses formally rebranded as Thames Valley Buses.

The travel provider, which was acquired by Reading Buses in April 2019, has made a number of investments in the region in recent years, including low emission vehicles for Wokingham and Heathrow, and new buses for Slough.

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, said: “The switch over will bring smart new branding to the rest of the Courtney Buses network in the coming months”.

After buying the company two years ago, Mr Williams said a rebrand was needed, after Courtney Buses had run under the same name since 1973.

“Although it had a good reputation, it was a family name without the family in the company,” Reading Buses CEO explained.

“We decided it would need to be phased out.”

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

Wokingham Labour aims to be the moral voice on the borough council As May 6 comes closer, our manifesto series sees Andy Croy from Wokingham Labour set out his party’s principles to PHIL CREIGHTON

A

VOTE for a Labour councillor is a vote for a local person who puts the interests of the residents first. That’s our strongest manifesto commitment.”

That’s the promise from Cllr Andy Croy, the leader of Wokingham Labour at Wokingham Borough Council He says that any Labour candidate elected on Thursday, May 6 will not be forced to vote as directed by Labour party whip, but by putting their ward first.

“Residents want councillors who speak up for them, they don’t want one who has to explain why they have voted along party lines. This is very important. “(Putting party first) has been a problem for many Conservative councillors and probably some of the Lib Dem councillors. The way the council operates means that people are saying we don’t want this in my ward, but my councillors voted for it.”

He adds: “If you vote for a Labour candidate, and you get a Labour councillor, that person will be around for the next four years. They won’t disappear until the next election.

“People who don’t normally vote Labour because they know that our councillors are there working for them all through the year. Labour councillors represent excellent value for money: they will always stand up for the area, they will always be around, working for the area.

“In Norreys ward, Cllr Rachel Burgess had dealt with more than 200 individual resident queries in the past couple of years – a huge number. It’s not the glamorous stuff and rarely makes the papers.”

Cllr Croy also pledges that his team will cap their councillors’ expenses to the 2010 levels.

“We have never voted for a pay rise, we have never taken a pay rise. We’re the lowest funded local authority in the country, we’ve had 10 years of austerity and the other councillors are happy enough to take the pay rises.

“There’s a moral voice there.”

This moral voice extends to issues such as climate emergency where, he says, the other parties voted in favour of a third runway at Heathrow – “an utterly appalling thing to do”.

“If you’re serious about cutting your carbon dioxide emissions, we have to be reducing air transport, not encouraging it. It probably took us about 10 seconds as a group to decide how we’d vote.

“We want the message to go back very clearly: the priority must be carbon dioxide emissions. That third runway will generate a massive amount of extra power.”

He also berates the Conservatives and Lib Dems for arguing over the number of trees planted, with the ruling

STANDING: Wokingham Labour at the 2018 count Picture: Tony Johnson

group pledging 250,000 and the Lib Dems wanting 300,000.

“It’s an absurd race to see who can put the biggest number of a leaflet,” Cllr Croy says. “We need to take the politics out of the climate emergency response, which is why all our candidates are committed to the idea of a citizens assembly, just one part of our environmental package.”

He says that Wokingham Labour councillors would push for the local plan update that would support sustainability in every single way, including building design, transport provision and energy.

“We as a borough council actually have a chance to influence what our new buildings will look like for the next half-century. This will be our last chance to realistically design a plan that will have an influence on housing.”

Housing numbers is a sore point for many in the borough. Cllr Croy says that the national Conservative government’s manifesto made it clear that they were going to increase housing numbers.

“The much bigger train coming down the track is the changes in planning laws,” he says. “The redesignation of the country of areas of protection, redevelopment and growth will effectively open up the whole borough to housing and it will be a disaster.

“There is no point having a plan where we’ve had buildings or settlements concentrated in several areas around the borough because the whole borough will be up for grabs.

“We have a government committed to ripping up so-called democratic control of planning in the name of making it simpler – it will be a developer’s charter.”

Cllr Croy wants there to be more democratic controls for local people, with councillors able to stand up for their residents.

“Having Labour councillors means you’ve got a much larger body of people willing to look for the planning reasons to oppose unwanted developments,” he says.

On transport, Labour would do what it could to encourage people to get out of their cars and on to bikes,

walking or public transport.

“Because of covid, public transport is quite hard, but it’s the easiest one to ramp up, it’s just a question of engaging with and supporting Reading Buses.

“The main reason why people don’t cycle is because the roads are dangerous, or they feel unsafe on the road. So you have to prioritise cyclists.

That’s a trade-off we have to make if we want to get people out of their cars and onto the bikes.

“Greenways are not a cycle superhighway. They’re nice, but pseudo bridleways I’m not sure are the answer to our community problems.

“One of the frustrating things we seem to have is a culture of trying to do the minimum: we’re not making our new roads as good as they can possibly be for cyclists or buses. That’s what we need to aspire to.”

Labour would also be pushing for more resourcing for school transport, calling for a joined-up approach on everything from walking to school, parking restrictions and enforcement and supporting home learners.

On adult social services, Labour would be looking to end ‘demand management”.

“It’s a policy of the borough to manage demand for its services,” he says. “We don’t want that. The demand must be driven by need not by the borough’s managing of need. There are some areas of care that aren’t regulated, we’re looking at a licencing scheme.”

This would make it easier to ensure council services were run to a gold standard.

Just before the council broke up for the elections, it passed an equalities policy, but Wokingham Labour would be seeking immediate changes.

“The first thing we would do is rewrite it so that people can actually understand it,” he says.

“We’re also selecting a slate of candidates that actually looks a little bit like the borough. I was appalled to see the Lib Dem slate (of candidates) and every single person is white. We’re getting into a quarter of the way through the 21st century in a borough that is a mixed population and it’s

increasingly diverse and they haven’t managed to find themselves a single black or minority ethnic council candidate. It’s a terrible state of affairs.”

Labour says it would also seek to take concerns from ethnic minorities seriously. Last summer, Cllr Croy called on councils to fly a Black Lives Matter flag in honour of George Flloyd, who died at the hand of US police officers.

“But neither council would do it,” he says.

Wokingham Labour wants to boost recycling rates and adds: “No one is threatening to cut weekly bin collections apart from the Conservatives. It’s almost like a straw man they’re raising unless they know something we don’t. The threat (of removing it) is imaginary and made up by the Conservatives so they have something to talk about.”

On education, Labour would seek to help pupils learn in a safe environment.

“One of the issues seems to be the appalling sort of misogyny that's going on in our schools and does not seem to be reported. The first thing we'd want to do is have an overview with the schools and see what was going on,” he says.

“We have been trying to get a system to report hate crime, but haven’t been able to do this yet. At the moment, we’ve got no idea what is going on because the schools all use or have different standards for reporting, you can’t compare one school to another.

“After the Black Lives Matter campaigns, one of the things we can do to make sure that black and Latino children feel safe in our schools is for them to know that if they report something as racist, or homophobic, or any other forms, then it’s taken seriously. At the moment we cannot give that assurance.”

Cllr Croy adds that Labour would switch the free school meal voucher system, used during holidays, to a cash payment system.

“We’re disappointed the Conservatives went for the easy option.

It’s a typical Conservative way of doing it: get a company to sort it out, let somebody else make a bit of a profit off it. We would much rather give the cash straight to the parents.”

And moving on, a Labour-run council would be looking to work specifically with poverty-facing charities to tackle the issues being faced.

“It’s a big issue. You have to engage with those charities specifically with the aim of alleviating or taking people out of poverty and alleviating the impact of poverty. Conservatives, every time there's an answer they don't agree with they hide (it) in something else.”

He adds: “We are standing up for the most vulnerable people across the whole borough.” � Andy Croy is standing for election for Labour in Bulmershe and Whitegates. His opponents are Shahdid Younis (Conservative) and Shelia Jordan (Lib Dem) � Next week: Indpendent candiates and the Women’s Equality Party

Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 7

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‘Council doesn't give a flying fruitcake about my listed home’ EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A SPENCERS WOOD resident has accused Wokingham Borough Council of “corruption”, and said its officers are letting “illegal activity” take place in her neighbourhood.

Gillie York is calling on the council to take action after nearby construction work on the Stanbury View housing estate allegedly damaged her Grade II Listed property.

However, Wokingham Borough Council strongly disputes these claims and said it has no power to intervene.

Ms York lives in Lieutenants Cottage, a protected building on Basingstoke Road which is set to become the site of Taylor Wimpey’s new estate.

In February, Wokingham.

Today reported on Ms York’s concerns after vibrations from the building work allegedly caused cracks in the walls of her house.

Now, she said more damage has appeared, and has accused the borough council of failing to act.

“There’s a new crack going across the main beams and one of the ceilings upstairs looks as though it’s about to fall in,” Ms York said.

“When the construction workers are digging or using the bulldozers, the whole house shakes.”

After contacting Taylor Wimpey about the alleged damage to her home earlier this year, the housebuilder installed a vibration metre on site and carried out a structural survey.

But the resident has since removed the metre, after accusing Taylor Wimpey of refusing to hand over the readings.

“My house has been shaking to buggery, but they are holding all of the data,” Ms York said.

“I’ve cut it off now and the metre is just sitting there, because there’s no point having it if they won’t release the readings.”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said the housebuilder is aware of Ms York’s concerns, and is under no legal obligation to share the data.

“We are in an ongoing conversation to resolve the

GIFT: Nick Harris from Quarters Residential donates a laptop to St Teresa’s Primary School in Wokingham

Agents’ IT gift to school PLEA: Gillie York points out building work from her back garden of her Grade II listed cottage in Spencers Wood Picture: Steve Smyth

concerns raised with us,” they said. “We would like to assure Ms York that we will continue to monitor the vibration levels using the vibration monitors.”

The Lieutenants Cottage resident has also accused Taylor Wimpey of setting up a car park next to her house, something she said was never on the original planning documents.

“There are loud vehicles turning up early in the morning which I can see directly from my property,” she said.

And Ms York believes the car park is causing water to be diverted onto her land, as the weight of the vehicles suppresses a pipe below ground.

Now, she is worried this could cause rising damp in her home.

“My house was built in 1810 so it has no foundations,” the resident explained.

“Water is being pumped out at the top of my garden, to the point where my lawn is now covered in moss so it needs to stop soon.”

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey has disputed Ms York’s claims and said the area where its contractors are parking their vehicles does not sit on top of a drainage system.

“We have reminded our contractors of their obligations to adhere to the site operating hours,” the spokesperson added.

“Some workers will arrive on site prior to these times in order

to start work promptly but we will do all we can to minimise noise disruption, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Now, Ms York is urging Wokingham Borough Council to “hold Taylor Wimpey to account” for what she calls “illegal activity”.

“It is illegal to damage a listed building, but the council hasn’t stopped the work,” she said.

“They don’t give a flying fruitcake and it makes me feel absolutely, utterly disgusted.

“Surely there should be some consideration for the people whose houses are being directly impacted by this.”

But Mark Cupit, Assistant Director Delivery and Infrastructure at Wokingham Borough Council, said the council does not have the power to intervene.

“The owner of the Listed property has already been advised by the council that this is a private matter between her and the developer,” Mr Cupit explained.

“However, council officers are aware of the issue and have been working with the developer to try and mitigate any impacts of their work on this property.

“Furthermore, we strongly dispute any allegations of corruption and it should be noted the scheme was approved by an independent planning inspector following an appeal.”

AN ESTATE agent has donated a new laptop to a local primary school.

Quarters Residential, a Wokingham-based estate agency, has given St Teresa’s Primary School a brand new laptop as part of a fundraising campaign led

by Stephen Brown Consultancy.

The campaign was started by Stephen Brown in memory of his wife to work with estate agencies across the UK to help schools in their local areas.

It aims to raise £200,000 to provide less fortunate children with computers, laptops and tablets to support their learning during lockdown.

Since January, the campaign has raised more than £63,000.

With a lot of its clients attached to St Teresa’s, Quarters Residential decided to donate the laptop to help them with their return to school after lockdown.

Nick Harris, co-founder of Quarters Residential, said: “We, and a number of industry colleagues and friends, made donations to the campaign and then we asked for a laptop to go to our local school and it went to St Teresa’s.

“It’s really heartwarming to be able to get involved, particularly when we know that it’s a small part of supporting

a much bigger campaign.”

Nick’s involvement came via the Federation of Independent Agents which linked him up with Stephen’s campaign.

Stephen Brown, creator of the home funding for schools fundraiser, said: “In memory of my wife, I am looking to raise as much money as possible to get more laptops and tablets to schools and clubs throughout the UK. “By donating much needed equipment to local schools, we will be helping children who need it most maintain access to education.” � To make a donation, log on to: gf.me/u/zfwmbr

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

COMING SOON: Rob Chasteauneuf and Dan Hardman, who are soon to open Hamlet, their bistro in Peach Place Picture: Steve Smyth

Get ready for a summer of grub with new bistro EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A FEAST fit for a chef is coming to Wokingham next month.

Hamlet, a new bistro and restaurant, is preparing to open its doors on Peach Place soon, and the owners said they want to offer high quality food that can please the most professional of cooks.

It is being launched by Robert Chafteauneuf and Daniel Hardman, who have worked together for nearly 10 years and have spent around 40 years in the food industry combined.

“We’ve both been chefs since we left school,” Mr Chafteauneuf explained.

“We’ve worked everywhere from Michelin star restaurants to hotels, and local pubs to start-ups.

“The one thing connecting us has always been food and the aspiration to progress into our own business.”

Now, the two chefs want to bring their mix of casual dining to Wokingham with their “simple, ingredient-led menu”.

“At Hamlet, we want to cook with seasonal ingredients to showcase the UK’s great local produce,” Mr Chafteauneuf explained.

“We want to create an atmosphere where people can come and have a proper dining experience.”

While by night, fine dining will be on the menu, by day the co-founders want to offer a more relaxed atmosphere with an on-site deli and coffee shop.

“We want to help people access our produce when it suits them,” Mr Hardman explained.

According to Mr Chafteauneuf, the deli will offer a range of bespoke wines, cheeses and meats, while the coffee service will provide a range of roasts, cakes and pastries.

“And in the summer months, we want to offer bistro-style dining for a couple of nights a week,” he added.

“People will be able to sit and eat at the bar, and we can showcase our cocktails and charcuterie.”

“We might even offer wine tastings and cheese and wine nights.”

And it’s good news for local suppliers, because Hamlet’s co-founders said they

do not want to import produce from overseas and would rather be led by small businesses.

“Locally, we have a massive amount of great suppliers,” Mr Chafteauneuf explained.

“We want to showcase their produce, and offer foods you might not find in a supermarket.”

Now, as Hamlet nears its grand opening, the duo have been looking back on their journey and said launching the restaurant has not been easy.

“Dan and I have been planning this for many years, and we took our time to find the right unit, town and demographic,” Mr Chafteauneuf said.

“Lockdown has given us the opportunity to not be rushed, and the town centre regeneration has been a massive blessing.

“We’ve got a great space inside, and an amazing area out front.”

“We cannot wait to open,” Mr Hardman added.

Covid-permitting, Hamlet is due to open its doors on Monday, May 17. � To find out more, visit: hamletwokingham.co.uk

Decent homes award SOCIAL housing stock in the borough has met the “decent homes standard” for the second year running.

Created by the government, the measure includes general repairs, heating and thermal comfort as well as having reasonably modern facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.

“Meeting the decent homes standard for two years in a row is a real reflection of the effort put in by the council’s housing team,” said Simon Price, assistant director for neighbourhoods and communities at the council.

“It’s impressive considering it’s been done despite Covid-19 restrictions during the past year.

“However it doesn’t stop here as this is about an ongoing programme of works, continuing to replace things like kitchens and bathrooms as they come to the end of their life or upgrading

windows to help keep tenants warm.”

The council said is has a rolling programme of annual works to identify improvements needed in the coming year.

When Covid restrictions allow, the council plans to carry out new condition surveys of all of its properties.

Mr Price added: “We want to make sure our tenants have great places to live so understanding the condition of our homes is incredibly important.

“While achieving the decent homes standard for all our homes this year is a good indicator we are doing well, we believe there is much more to be done and want to take a proactive approach to making our local homes even better.”

He said in the past five years, the council has invested more than £20 million on “improving council housing” and £15 million on “maintenance and repairs”.

Map snap happy CAMERAS AT the ready. A Winnersh group is awarding seeds to residents that complete a photo walk this weekend.

Wokingham Community Garden Projects is running the self-directed event to photograph six locations in Winnersh Meadows.

Residents should photograph six sites:.

These can then be emailed to areddy0313@gmail.com.

The photo walk runs until Sunday.

Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Football lessons thanks to school’s link-up with the Blues

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A TWYFORD school is linking up with a Premier League football team to create new opportunities for young women to get into the game.

The Piggott School has expanded its collaborative Girls’ Football Academy with Chelsea FC. Launched in September, the programme welcomed 15 students to train alongside their studies, following the “work hard, play hard” ethos.

It aims to inspire female footballers to reach their full potential both academically and in sport, with students typically studying three Alevels alongside the football.

Year 12 student Beau Burton joined the school at the start of the school year, after being pulled aside by one of the coaches at a match last winter.

“I came along to the open day,” she said.” I really liked the idea of playing football alongside my studies.”

She said the programme offers a “high level of football training”, that is balanced with academic work.

“The coaches always say that school

comes first,” she added.

Year 12 student Freya Gordon joined the school in September, first for its academic reputation and then heard about the coaching programme.

She said being part of the team has eased the transition to The Piggott.

“This girls course has been really good to put me more at ease, especially at the start of the year in a new school,” she said.

“There's no pressure, there's no hostility or anything, everyone gets on really well.

“The coaches from day one have been really welcoming and supportive.”

Chiana Clark, who was already studying at The Piggott prior to sixth form, said the training sessions balance professional football with the fun side of the sport, creating a “good break from the classroom”, that can also help manage study stress.

As part of the programme, students compete in a competitive league and two cups, take trips to the Chelsea Football training ground in Cobham, attend U23 matches and take part in tournaments with other football academies.

ON THE PITCH: The Piggott School has created a new soccer programme to improve opportunities for football-crazy teenagers

Staff at the Piggott School said they are seeing first-hand how the Girls’ Football Academy is enriching students’ academic studies by striking a balance between “first class education with first class coaching”.

Head of the academy Andy Freeman said the inaugural year has exceeded his expectations, and hopes that next year will be even better.

He said the programme was inspired by the pre-existing mixed coaching academy, which has been running for 14 years.

“Through our collaboration with Chelsea, we thought it would be good to launch a Girls Academy for more playing experience,” he said. “The girls

that have come on board are a really talented group, and we’ve played two games so far and are unbeaten.

“We're hoping to push on and get more fixtures played and get the league completed by the end of the summer term.

Ahead of the next academic year, the academy has already had 25 applications.

“We want to see more girls participating in football so ideally we would like to see that number grow over the coming years, but this is a great starting line-up,” Mr Freeman added.

The girls at The Piggott School are coached by Simon Jackson, who is the

Berkshire, Middlesex and Buckinghamshire development officer for Chelsea FC Foundation as well as the U16 Chelsea FC Women Academy coach.

Ahead of the next academic year, the academy has already had 25 applications. Although these have formally closed, Mr Freeman said the programme could still consider late submissions , and encouraged any girls in the borough interested to get in contact. � For more information about the Girls’ Football Academy and entry requirements, email: freemana@piggottschool.org or visit: www.piggottschool.org

10 | NEWS

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Parish and borough council meetings

Meetings online – contact councils for details

Thursday, April 8 Shinfield Parish Council. Annual meeting. 7.30pm shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Monday, April 12 Hurst Parish Council. Council. 7.30pm. www.hurstpc.org.uk Remenham Parish Council. 8pm. www.remenhamparish.org.uk Wokingham Without Parish Council. Full council meeting.

7.30pm. Wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk

Tuesday, April 13 Earley Town Council. Planning. 7.30pm. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Shinfield Parish Council. Staffing committee – meeting closed to public. 7pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk Sonning Parish Council. Council meeting. 7pm. www.sonningpc.gov.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Leisure services 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, April 14 Finchampstead Parish Council. Full council. 7pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk Shinfield Parish Council. Finance and General Purposes. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Planning and transport committee.

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

Monday, April 19 Shinfield Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Tuesday, April 20 Wokingham Town Council. Annual town meeting. 7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Planning and community. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

FROMTHECOURTS � A CROWTHORNE man has been given a 10-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Peter Anthony Terrance Hughes, 35 and from Kings Road, pleaded guilty to two offences when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 9.

He stole suits worth £440 from the Bracknell branch of Marks & Spencer on July 15 last year, and then stole jeans worth £292.50 from the same store on July 31.

The suspended sentence was given because the offence was serious enough to warrant a jail term, but there was evidence that Hughes was working with probation and rehabilitation was a real possibility.

Hughes must pay compensation of £440 at a rate of £50 per month.

There was no order for costs due to a lack of means and a priority given to the compensation.

At the same sitting, he pleaded guilty to stealing four bottles of alcohol worth £43.96 from Lightfoots Filling Station on John Nike Way in Binfield.

This offence took place on December 6 last year.

He must pay £43.96 compensation. � AN EARLEY man who was stopped for drink driving has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months.

Glasford George Bryan, 60 and from Stanton Close, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 16.

He had been stopped on London Road in Reading on February 13.

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

Bryan must also pay a £250 fine, £34 to victim services and £85 costs. � AN EARLEY man has been sent to prison for several offences including assault.

Gary Lee Smith, 38 and from Ramsey Close, had previously pleaded not guilty to the assault which took place on May 9 last year.

On the same day, he drove a car in Winnersh without a licence or insurance.

Smith has been given six points on his licence for these offences.

He has also been jailed for 14 days due to previous offences, and ordered to pay £115 to victim services. � A READING man who was stopped in Earley has been fined £60 for breaching lockdown restrictions.

Coste Flaviu, 29 and from Donnington Road, was stopped on Wokingham Road on April 18 last

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks

year by police. He was found to be outside his home address without reasonable excuse during the coronavirus emergency period.

Although Flaviu had previously pleaded not guilty, he changed his plea to guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on March 18.

In addition to the fine, Flaviu must pay £34 to victim services. � A WOKINGHAM man who assaulted another person has been given a 12-month conditional discharge.

Joe Godden, 26 and from Charwood Road, had pleaded not guilty to the offence, which took place on May 12, 2019.

However, Reading Magistrates Court found him guilty on March 19.

He must pay £775 costs and £20 to victim services. � A CONSTRUCTION company has been given multiple fines for tapping into water supplies

without consent of Thames Water.

At a hearing held at Reading Magistrates Court on March 19, Quattro Plant Ltd of Greenway Court, Stratford, pleaded guilty to the following offences: � On May 1 last year, attached a pipe to a main in Barrett Drive, Winnersh. For this, they were fined £500. � On the same day, in the same location used the main in a manner that it caused or was likely to cause erroneous measurement of water supplied. For this they were fined £666.

The fitting was installed in such a way that there were concerns it could cause water contamination.

They were fined £666 for this. � On October 21, at the junction of Addiscombe Road and Havelock Road, Croydon, they attached a pipe to a water main. For this they were fined £666. � On the same day, in the same location used the main in a manner that it caused or was likely to cause erroneous measurement of water supplied. For this they were fined £666. � The fitting was installed in such a way there were concerns it could cause water contamination.

They were fined £666 for this.

The company was also ordered to pay costs of £3,82.50, and £190 to victim services.

Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Anger as vandals damage playground

BURNT: The torched remains of the play equipment damaged in Latimer Road Picture: Peter Hornsby � Continued from front page

The spokesperson continued: “A Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crew from Bracknell was sent to the scene.

“Upon arrival, firefighters found a fire in the playground, so extinguished it before making the scene safe.

“They were on the scene for about 20 minutes.”

And the damage has upset

many Wokingham residents.

Some have pointed out that there has been a number of issues in the Latimer Road area in recent years, calling for street lights and cameras to prevent youngsters being put at risk from anti-social behaviour.

Another called for regular patrols in the parks.

Wokingham Town Council’s Cllr Peter Hornsby (Lib Dem,

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Emmbrook North) discovered the damage when he took his daughter to the park on Monday morning.

“It was taped off, and there were broken glass and gas cylinders around,” he said.

“This is a playground used by a lot of children.

“It’s a shame they (the vandals) felt the need to do this sort of thing.”

Tributes left to murder victim � Continued from front page

Floral tributes to him have been left at the scene by friends and family.

One wrote: “This crazy, funloving person we all knew and loved has gone, taken too soon, missed by all of us. Seems unreal that you are gone.

“You will be missed so much.

You will be remembered forever.”

Another, from the victim's younger sister, used "bright and colourful flowers for an even

brighter and more colourful character".

Police have yet to release full details or an official tribute from the family.

A 25-year-old man from Wokingham and a 42-year-old man from Reading have been arrested on suspicion of section 18 grievous bodily harm and murder.

On Sunday, police revealed that both have been released on police bail until Wednesday, April 28.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Dejan Avramovic, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “I would like to appeal to anyone who may have information about this incident to please contact us on 101, or by making a report online, quoting reference 43210136391.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

New leader for PACT

Fun activities at Dinton

A NEW leader is taking over family support charity Parents And Children Together (PACT).

Jan Fishwick OBE, retired at the end of March, after 13 years leading the Reading-based adoption charity.

During that time, the organisation has grown from a small adoption and fostering team to one of the largest voluntary adoption agencies in the country.

Ms Fishwick, who lives near High Wycombe, said she felt her retirement came at the right time for PACT as the charity “enters a new chapter” in delivering services.

She said: “It is also the right time for me.

“PACT will always remain a firm favourite and receive my ongoing support into the future because of the valuable difference it continues to make to so many children, women and families.”

Ms Fishwick said she is confident her successor, Natausha van Vliet, will bring “excellent and inspirational leadership” to grow the charity further.

Ms van Vliet has worked for the charity for almost eight years and was the chief operating officer.

FAMILIES across the borough can enjoy Dinton Pastures on the water.

Boat hire is back, with prices starting at £8.

Residents can choose from pedalos, paddleboards, kayaks and canoes.

Families intending to use the play are must pre-book. Tickets are free but limited to a maximum of six people per booking and 150 people per time slot.

Over the Easter holidays, children can join the sailing club with a series of sessions.

And the council’s libraries team have organised a programme of virtual events.

There is a Teen Writing session with an author visit from Simon James Green on Saturday, from 10.30am.

On Thursday, April 15, there is a Maths Wizard workshop for ages seven to nine. Hosted by Explore Learning, it starts at 11am.

There is a poetry-inspired art session on Friday, April 16, with artist Chris Holley. It is suitable for ages seven to 10 and starts at 11am.

For more information, or to sign up, email libraries@wokingham.gov.uk with the session, name and library card number.

12 | NEWS

Children’s coding club launches at St Crispin’s CHILDREN will be able to learn coding skills at a new after-school club launching later this month.

Code Ninjas has set up a new centre at St Crispin’s School on London Road, Wokingham.

Children can learn to code while building their own video games, improving their problem solving, critical thinking and STEM skills.

It is aimed at children aged seven to 14, but there is also a group for ages five to seven. � For more information, visit: codeninjas.co.uk

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

Bohunt parents launch second petition for sixth form in south EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today PARENTS of children at Bohunt School have launched a second petition calling for a sixth form to be built onsite.

In February, the school trust launched a consultation for expansion, but the council said it could not support it, due to a lack of resources.

UllaKarin Clark, the council’s lead for children’s services, told Wokingham.Today: “We are not able to build or provide funding for an

increase to the existing premises at Bohunt School to support the trust’s proposal."

It followed a petition last July that gathered more than 1,000 signatures in support of the project.

Now, parents at the school are pushing again.

Founder of the petition, Jonathan Smith, wrote: “Talks have been ongoing and generally favourable but seem to have stalled just when it looked like things were moving forward.”

The council said while it supports the “aspiration” for a sixth form, it can’t provide financial support.

“Wokingham Borough Council

supports the ambition to improve and enhance pupil outcomes for all borough schools. This includes Bohunt’s aspiration for a sixth form,” said a spokesperson.

“The council has been clear with the school, and with parents and carers, that when we looked at capacity for post-16 places, we found that we have enough places within the borough to meet the needs of post-16 learning through to 2023/24.”

The council said it could not finance temporary and permanent accommodation as part of the school's expansion plan.

The spokesperson added: “We are

not able to build or provide funding for an increase to the existing premises at Bohunt School to support the Trust’s proposal, due to these issues.

“We will continue to support Bohunt’s aspiration for a sixth form and will continue to work with the Trust on this.

“However, we are unable at this time to financially support the expansion.”

Despite this, the council said it is “supportive” of the ambition to develop a sixth form, and has continued to “work with Bohunt on the development of its plans for the future.”

School gifted grand by housebuilder A WOKINGHAM housebuilder has donated £1,000 to a school to celebrate the end of an era, writes Charlotte King.

As it prepares to finish work on its Montague Park development, David Wilson Homes gifted the money to Floreat Montague Park Primary School as part of its Community Fund scheme.

Patrick Pritchett, head teacher, said the school was “delighted” to receive the donation.

“It was a complete surprise and for schools, this sort

of surprise is very welcome,” he said. “Having this ongoing support has been valuable.”

The money will now help support the school’s plan to build indoor wall murals to help children understand diversity and community.

“The Community Fund scheme is a great idea,” Mr Pritchett added.

“As a community school, we see the value of developing relationships and supporting each other.”

During its time at Montague Park, David Wilson Homes has

worked with Floreat Montague Park Primary School on a range of projects, including Christmas and Easter card competitions and burying a time capsule for pupils.

Paul Crispin, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said he was delighted to donate the money.

“OuCommunity Fund scheme is designed to help the excellent within the areas in which we build and, as a leading developer, it’s a privilege to be able to offer our support,” he said.

CREATIVE: A group of pupils drawing their input in the school's mural

County’s new High Sheriff to launch community fund A NEW High Sheriff has been appointed for Berkshire.

Willie Hartley Russell was sworn in at a virtual ceremony on Friday, March 26 at the declaration ceremony.

He succeeds the outgoing High Sheriff, Mary Riall, of Ufton Nervet.

Mr Hartley Russell said it is a “great honour” to be appointed.

“As the Queen’s representative for law and order in the county I look forward to my dual role of supporting the criminal justice system and promoting social justice, particularly in respect of understanding the problems that confront our communities and supporting the voluntary sector in their valiant work for those in need,” he said.

He added: “I look forward to working with and supporting the judiciary, the police authority, local prisons, the probation service, the fire and ambulance service, local authorities and voluntary organisations.”

Mr Hartley Russell said his area of focus this year will be alsmhouses, the elderly, modern slavery, the 900th anniversary of Reading Abbey

IN OFFICE: Willie Hartley Russell was appointed High Sheriff last month

and building a new High Sheriff’s Fund at the Berkshire Community Foundation.

The office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular office in the United Kingdom after the Crown. The High Sheriff is appointed personally by the

Queen at a meeting of the Privy Council, by Royal Warrant.

The ceremony was presided over by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley, and witnessed by Chris Juden JP, chairman of the Berkshire Bench.

Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

for action Parent’s plea: put Call over polling the swings back into station venue children’s play park IN HAPPIER TIMES: The play area at Joel Park pictured last summer, before the swings were removed Picture: Phil Creighton

EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM resident is urging the town council to bring back play equipment at Joel Park, and has warned parents may launch a petition if demands are not met.

Earlier this year, three swings at the town centre park were removed in a bid to support social distancing measures.

Wokingham Town Council has said the park may not return to normal until June – when lockdown restrictions are due to end – but parents are insisting the swings be reinstalled now.

Ellie Pollitt, a Joel Park resident and mother of two, is one of the parents asking the town council to take action.

She said she is worried people are starting to “linger” with less play equipment to choose from.

“I think removing the swings has inadvertently caused an

issue that is best avoided,” Ms Pollitt explained.

“The absence of three swings causes queues to form and children to gather to wait their turn and this wouldn’t happen if all the equipment was in place.

“We are all responsible for social distancing, but parks are designed to be used by children.”

Now, she is calling on other Wokingham residents to ask for the equipment to return, too.

“With the Easter holidays here, it would be great to have the swings back,” Ms Pollitt said.

“I appreciate they were initially removed for social distancing reasons, but all other parks have been restored to full operation and it feels like Joel Park has been forgotten.”

And she said she will not hesitate to create a petition to bring the equipment back.

“I really feel [Wokingham Town Council] needs to review its stance because we are on an exit map,” she said.

“This is unfairly impeding

local users now, who are starting to travel to other parks.”

A spokesperson for Wokingham Town Council said it is following the Government’s ‘roadmap’ as it restores its own services, and there are no plans to bring the swings back soon.

“Lockdown is being eased, but it remains the guidance that social distancing should be maintained,” the spokesperson explained.

“Wokingham Town Council has removed one toddler, one junior swing, and the nest swing to support social distancing.

“The nest swing in particular, by its very nature, is designed for multiple children.”

They said the town council expects the park will be restored to normal by Monday, June 21, when the Government hopes all covid restrictions will cease.

“We appreciate the support of parents in ensuring their best efforts to use the park safely,” the spokesperson added.

Hospital launches new radiotherapy treatment NEW radiotherapy technology hoped to revolutionise the way some cancer patients are treated, is being launched at the Berkshire Cancer Centre.

Based at Reading’s Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, the therapy can be more effective than traditional radiotherapy for some cancers because it delivers a more powerful, targeted beam of high energy X-rays directly to a tumour.

This means the tumour receives a very large dose in fewer treatments and fewer visits to the department for patients.

Initially it will be used to treat lung cancer patients but

the trust plans to roll it out for more patients in time.

Dr Joss Adams, SABR clinical lead said it is a “very precise and effective radiotherapy technique” that will bring big benefits to patients.

Professor Colin Baker, head of radiotherapy physics and SABR project lead said introducing the technology is a “great achievement for the team”, involving hard work from radiographers, clinical oncologists and medical physicists.

The Berkshire Cancer Centre was also the first NHS site in the south of England to introduce Surface

Guided Radiation Therapy (SGRT).

This eliminates the need to put permanent markers, such as tattoos, on a patient’s body to aid treatment set up.

Steve McManus, chief executive of the RBH said he is “thrilled” the team are “leading the field in the treatment and care of cancer patients”.

He added: “They have put in a huge amount of work to ensure everything is in place and ready to be launched this week, and to achieve this while dealing with the demands placed on us by covid has been a real credit to everyone involved.”

A PETITION to move the Wokingham Without polling station this May has gathered more than 500 signatures.

Despite this, the creator said it was too late to see a relocation.

Lee Godwin, whose children attend Oaklands School, in Crowthorne, was calling for the polling station to be moved elsewhere, to ensure children would not “miss out on another day” of education.

He said the majority of parents at the school supported the push to relocate voters, but said it was “too late in the day” to see a change happen.

“Polling cards have been sent out now,” he said.

“So the council is saying it's too late to move locations.”

Mr Godwin said he hopes the borough council will review the site and consider other locations for future elections.

Andrew Moulton, assistant director of governance said the council has examined a number of possible alternatives including Pinewood.

“Regrettably, it has not been possible to identify a suitable alternative for these elections that meets the accessibility needs of voters as set out by the Electoral Commission,” he said.

“The council has been working closely with Oaklands to find ways to mitigate the impact on the schools site including the use of a temporary marquee in order to allow the schools to remain open to pupils.

“However, even with such a solution, the schools safeguarding priority which the council fully supports could not prevent the need for the schools to close to pupils on polling day.”

Mr Moulton said the council is writing to all parents to explain the situation in more detail.

He added: “In the longer term, and recognising the additional facilities that are planned in Wokingham Without ward, the council intends to review again the use of Oaklands as it fully recognises and sympathises with the desire to avoid future disruption to education.”

Buses to resume IT’S GOOD news for anybody planning to head to the shops next week.

From Monday, April 12, Reading Buses is reinstating Winnersh Triangle park & ride which takes travellers in and out of neighbouring Reading.

A number of other services will relaunch too, including the Green Line 702, ruby 10, greenwave 50, and Mereoak park & ride.

Jake Osman, marketing and communications manager at Reading Buses, said the operator is busy getting ready to welcome back more customers as non-essential retail and leisure starts to open up.

“We are delighted to be planning the return of many of our customers who have rightly been staying at home during the current lockdown,” he said.

Reading Buses says it saw customers rise to between 40 and 45% of ‘normal’ before the third lockdown, and hopes to see the same increase from next Monday.

“As non-essential retail shops reopen and restaurants and pubs serve people outdoors, it gives people more of a reason to get out and about again,” he said. “We have been here, ready and waiting to help out.”

The previously suspended services will be returning to their usual Monday to Friday timetables, as they currently run their Saturday times during the week.

Reading Buses will also reinstate the Leopard timetables back to normal, offering three buses an hour to Arborfield, and to Spencers Wood.

Face coverings must be worn for the duration of each journey. � For more, visit: www.reading-buses.co.uk

Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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NEWS | 15

advertise in this section, CROWTHORNE&FINCHAMPSTEADNEWS callTo Claire on 0118 327 2662 Colourful trail now on Tell ‘em about the bunny, mummy COLOURFUL displays will be giving Crowthorne a bit of sparkle this week.

The Crowthorne trails team, involving parents of children at Hatch Ride School, has invited families to get involved with their fun-filled colour trail this month.

The colouredthemed activity began on Tuesday, April 6 and will run throughout the Easter holidays until Sunday, April 18.

The team have asked residents to make their own colour themed display to show outside their homes.

Explorers taking part can purchase a £2 map from the Co-op on Crowthorne high street or the Pinewood Cafe on Old Wokingham Road, which will show the locations of each display.

There will also be extra displays

on Crowthorne High Street, Pinewood Centre and Hatch Ride School.

When they first started, the group solely raised funds for the school but this year the money will be donated to local charities including Crowthorne food bank.

Suzanne Higgins, a Crowthorne resident, said: “After such a difficult year, seeing our village brightened up with so many colourful and uplifting displays is very welcome indeed.

“I love seeing the little groups of explorers making their way around the local area trying to find the next creative display and having a chat with those who come to see ours too – such a nice way to meet others in our community.” � crowthornetrails.org

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today EASTER bunnies were hopping around Crowthorne for a special delivery last week.

COATS, a charity supporting the welfare of senior residents in the area, delivered Easter gifts to each of their regular visitors last week.

Staff dressed up as Easter bunnies to make their tour more exciting.

Gifts included an egg, donated by a supporter of the charity, cards, cakes, a crafted spring flower and an Easterthemed quiz.

David Wilson, trustee of COATS, said: “This has been a challenging year for all the COATS visitors.

“The Easter bunny round was just the latest in a series of events designed to keep in touch with the senior citizens

of Crowthorne and it was important to let them know that we are still thinking of them.

“The confidence of all our visitors has been given a huge lift by the two vaccinations doses they have now received, and they are all keen to get back to the COATS centre and meet up with their friends once again.”

With the senior citizens showing their delight for the gifts, the staff at COATS centre said they are “looking forward to returning” on Monday, May 17.

When the centre reopens, there will be limited numbers due to covid restrictions with existing visitors being accommodated initially. � For more details on the Pinewood Avenue centre, visit www.coatscrowthorne.org.uk

ALFRESCO APRIL

Enjoy the great outdoors with The Queen’s Oak

A

PUB is getting ready to reopen its doors after a full refurbishment over lockdown.

The Queen’s Oak, in Finchampstead, will welcome back customers with its newly decorated premises on Monday.

With a main focus on the garden area, landlord Paul Brotherton has been working hard to ensure the pub will be covid-safe.

Paul, who has worked at the Queen’s Oak for more than two years, previously trained and worked alongside Raymond Blanc in the early part of his career.

The spacious garden will include five booths and 25 benches comfortably fitting six people on each.

After using disposable menus last Summer, they will now have a large chalkboard outside, reducing paper waste.

Fully trained staff will wear masks, have temperature checks before each shift and thoroughly clean the premises throughout the day.

Customers will also be asked to use the track and trace system and they can expect clear instructions outside on where to go, with the pub’s barbecue space being repurposed as a meet and greet reception area.

The Queen’s Oak will be offering a summer menu, including a range of salads, home smoked trout, baked Camembert and the traditional pub classics such as burgers and fish and chips.

All the food is freshly made in-house, catering for all dietary requirements as well as vegetarians and vegans.

In March last year, Paul made home care packages for the vulnerable residents in the local area as well as offering free soup to key workers and people who were struggling throughout the lockdown.

He also started a call and collect service,

NEW LOOK: Paul Brotherton, who has trained with Raymond Blanc, has used lockdown to revamp The Queen’s Oak ready for Monday’s covid-safe reopening Pictures: Steve Smyth

running from Wednesday to Sunday, which he will continue with when he reopens the pub.

The dog-friendly pub is the start and finish for two picturesque walks, which take in the beautiful woodland, lakes and countryside around Finchampstead with one taking around three hours to complete – and there’s a beer to look forward to at the end.

Paul is looking forward to welcoming people back.

“All the staff here are fantastic, we offer a good delivery of service for the people that work here, they enjoy working here and definitely that shines through when serving customers,” he said.

“We also have a good following on our

Sunday roasts, we offer five or six options for it with a choice of desserts, which are all made by our staff here so everything is completely fresh.”

The pub’s opening times are noon-11pm on Monday to Saturday and noon-8pm on Sundays.

Food will be served from noon-2.30pm and 6pm-9pm weekdays, noon-8pm on Saturdays and noon-5pm on Sundays. Times may vary.

Booking in advance is recommended; walk-ins are subject to available space. � For more details, or to book, call 0118 996 8567 or log on to thequeensoak.com LAURA SCARDARELLA

Book now for the big reopening from Monday

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16 | BUSINESS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

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

Company builds back better with apprenticeship scheme

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM apprentice is encouraging his peers to consider switching from academia to on-the-job training.

UK housebuilder Redrow reported that 26% of 16- to 21-year-olds in the South East are more likely to consider learning on the job than pursuing higher education in the postpandemic world.

Now, Camden Belcher, 24, is urging people to give apprenticeships a try.

Mr Belcher is currently working as an apprentice for Redrow, training in Arborfield Green Garden Village.

He said while higher education is an option for some, it may not be right for everybody.

“I was keen to start working as soon as possible following school,” he

explained. “In my final year, I felt that other routes into work were definitely overlooked and as a result, we weren’t made aware of all of the training opportunities available to us.

“While this did mean I was late to the party, I am grateful now that I set aside the time to research the relevant housebuilder apprenticeships.”

For the fifth year running, Redrow has surveyed attitudes toward apprenticeships and careers in construction, and said the pandemic has “rocked” the nation.

Alongside declining interest in university, its survey also found that nearly half (45%) of the South East’s young people fear they would not access the same quality education with remote learning restrictions in force.

Nearly 30% of young

respondents also said that they are worried about their job prospects in the postpandemic world.

Now, Redrow is calling on the Government and industry to take advantage of these changing attitudes and find new ways to attract young people into the workforce.

Karen Jones, HR Director at Redrow, said: “The past 12 months have seen the nation rocked by the coronavirus pandemic, and the shockwaves are still being felt.

“Unemployment has reached its highest level in five years and six out of 10 employers stopped all new apprenticeships with immediate effect in April 2020.

“But as success from the vaccine rollout and lockdown restrictions clear the way for a roadmap for a gradual re-opening of UK PLC, businesses can now

start thinking about a positive and productive future.”

Ms Jones said it is “vital” that young people play a part in “building back better”, and apprenticeships will be crucial when tackling the UK’s skills gap.

“Educational routes that combine learning and earning will have an even greater appeal following this long period of social distancing we’ve experienced, and a more competitive jobs market,” she added.

“To help elevate apprenticeships as an option for young people, we must first address the more negative attitudes held by some teachers and parents, while highlighting the benefits to young people nationwide.”

Investments planned THE PANDEMIC is not getting small businesses down, according to Virgin Money.

It said more than one in four smallto medium-sized businesses (SMEs) plan to invest more money in the coming year ahead, as they gear up for a post-pandemic world.

Virgin Money reported 27% of entrepreneurs want to invest more than in a typical pre-coronavirus year. and more than a third (35%) of SMEs are planning to inject between £10,000 and £10 million.

It also found that more businesses were created than ever before in the last three months of 2020, as the annual growth rate for registered companies surged to 8.3%.

Gavin Opperman, group business director at Virgin Money, said: “It has been an incredibly challenging

environment over the last 12 months, but our latest research shows that many firms have adapted with incredible pace to the new environment, demonstrating extreme resilience and innovation to navigate through the difficult landscape.

“While there are undoubtedly significant challenges ahead, many businesses remain optimistic and intend to invest for the future as the economy recovers.

“We will always be led by our customers, evolving our approach to help them plan and finance the changes needed for whatever the future brings.”

Virgin Money’s research also reported that nearly one in five (18%) of SMEs plan to employ more people in 2021 as they look to grow.

Race for space continues

Police tackle cybercrime to help businesses A POLICE chief is turning his hand at cyber security.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter D’Oherty recently joined the Board of Founding Partners at the Cyber Resilience Centre for the South East (SECRC), to support regional businesses.

ACC D’Oherty joined Thames Valley Police in 2019, working in the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime division.

Over the years, he has worked in a number of roles including directing Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

He said is pleased to be joining SECRC board.

“Cybercrime is one of the biggest threats to our region’s businesses, so it’s fantastic that the SECRC has been established to help tackle the daily threats they face,” he said.

According to ACC D’Oherty, cybercrime cost South East companies more than £900,000 in 2020, and there were 264 reported incidents in the region.

Justin Torgout, director of the Centre, said he is “delighted” to welcome ACC D’Oherty to the team.

“His previous experience will be invaluable to me and the other Founding Partners, as will his knowledge of the wide threat facing businesses in the region and the emerging attacks taking place,” he said.

The SECRC supports businesses across the South East with, and is a partnership between police, academia and private industry.

It works to protect businesses in the region from cybercrime, and offers services, advice and legal support. � To find out more, visit: www.secrc.co.uk

Take action on insolvency WOKINGHAM businesses must take action on insolvency, a Berkshire trade body has urged.

R3 is encouraging employers to make the most of a range of temporary Government measures, to help prepare for the post-pandemic world.

The Government recently announced it will extend a number of insolvency rules, which were due to expire at the end of April, until the end of June to protect businesses for longer.

It has extended the Corporate Insolvency and Governance Act (CIG), which allows directors to continue

trading despite not knowing if they will become insolvent in the future, and also restricted windingup petitions which force companies into compulsory liquidation.

Garry Lee, chair of the R3 Southern and Thames Valley region, said: "The Government’s decision to extend the CIG Act temporary insolvency measures will be a welcome boost for Berkshire firms that are struggling as a result of the pandemic.

“It also provides directors of these

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firms with more time to plan for when these measures – and Government support initiatives like the furlough scheme – end, and we urge them to make the most of this.”

Mr Lee said Wokingham businesses have received “unprecedented” support from the Government throughout the pandemic.

“It will take time for the business environment to return to how it was before the pandemic started,” he added.

THE PROPERTY market is busier than ever, as buyers compete in the ‘race for the space’.

According to Zoopla, buyer demand for properties has grown by nearly 80% compared to the four-year average, following the spring budget.

Last month, Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the exchequer, included a stamp duty holiday extension and a mortgage guarantee scheme for firsttime buyers in his budget.

Now, Zoopla said the supply of new homes cannot keep up with the demand.

The property portal also found that on average, houses are selling three weeks faster than flats as buyers opt for more space.

It reported that demand for three-bed houses has also grown by 30%, and this is pushing prices up.

The average value of a house in the UK has risen by 4.9% in the past

year, compared to 1.9% growth for flats.

Gráinne Gilmore, head of research at Zoopla, said: “The search for space is driving continued demand for family homes, which means prices for houses are rising faster than flats, and houses are also selling more quickly.

“The prospects for the housing market over the next year have improved on the back of Budget. The continued search for space, the stamp duty extension and mortgage guarantees will support activity levels and headline house price growth.”

But Ms Gilmore said the pathway out of lockdown is unlikely to be simple or smooth.

“We still expect house price growth to moderate later in the year, but overall transactions are set to benefit from an additional boost following the stamp duty extension and tapering,” she added.

Lights out for Earth Hour WINNERSH Triangle has been busy going green.

Last month, it celebrated Earth Hour by turning off lights across the business park in a bid to support the environment and acknowledge the impact of wasting energy.

Earth Hour is a global, annual initiative which was launched by WWF in 2007.

The charity celebrates the event every year on the last Saturday of March,

encouraging people around the world to switch off their lights for climate change.

Winnersh Triangle went dark between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday, March 27.

A spokesperson for the business park said: “We’re turning our lights off to help amplify the mission to unite people to protect our planet.”

For more visit: www.wwf.org.uk

Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

The real cost of vandalism

The art of reframing

A

few years ago, I came across a paper-cutting shop, run by the artist.

Inside were some amazing pieces of art made from a single piece of paper cut carefully, gently, to form beautiful designs.

The paper was delicate and it must have taken a great deal of skill to place each one in their frame.

There was a papercut of a woman

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

THE PETTY vandalism of Wokingham’s Latimer Road playground has shocked many of us.

It is anti-social behaviour from a select minority of people. It is deliberate, it is pre-mediated and has a massive impact on our communities.

It is currently the Easter holidays. With schools out, parents appreciate the pleasures of the park as it gives their children somewhere to enjoy.

Every day while the play area is out of use during lockdown, it is depriving children of a space to play.

To have it taken away because of thoughtless vandals is beyond the pale.

Yes, we are grateful that no one has been injured and it is ultimately just a nuisance, but it is just a nuisance that happens far too often.

In recent months we have reported on a swathe of anti-social behaviour in this area. We constantly hear of readers who have not seen police on patrol and want them to be making a visible presence.

In a few weeks time, we will be electing a new police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley. Next week, we will feature interviews with the three main candidates.

They will have a lot on their plate – the Thames Valley is a big area after all – but tackling anti-social behaviour and getting Bobbies back on the beat must be their number one priority.

CHURCH NOTES

Your letters

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

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

No mandate for this horrible policing bill It’s sad to see British politics devolving into culture war gaslighting that would make former US President Trump proud.

A particularly egregious example was the column by James Sunderland, my MP, published in this paper on March 25.

Dripping with “us vs them” division, Mr Sunderland frames the Policing Bill in purely emotive terms, dismissing all contrary opinions and discussion.

Is the Policing Bill a dangerous power grab, as many claim? Of course not, Mr Sunderland assures that it’s “in response to a clear mandate from the electorate”.

An electoral mandate, really? It wasn’t in the Conservative manifesto.

This horrible Bill erodes civil rights with new and vague thresholds that criminalise noise, public nuisance and even failing to follow dispersal orders you didn’t know about.

But these aren’t amongst the anecdotes that Mr Sunderland claims are the source of public outrage – such as. “statues being ripped down”, “war memorials vandalised” and “wanton destruction” (all criminal acts already).

Perhaps some readers recall the downing of a single Bristol statue 10 months ago or a few publicised acts of vandalism, but does anyone genuinely believe urgent action is

above the door, showing the side profile of her face, she was looking down and it had been cut to look as though light was falling across her face.

The piece was called Compassion and when I asked the artist about it, he said that he would only put this piece in a white frame; when he changed the frame, it seemed to alter the whole picture so that the expression on her face changed from compassion to grief.

Last weekend we celebrated Easter and went through this exact reframing.

Good Friday and Holy Saturday are grief-filled days, before our outlook is reframed on Easter Sunday to one of joy and new beginnings.

I went down to Embrook Post Office on Easter Sunday to do some shopping and I noticed something different about their Outside Post Box. Barkham Hookers, a local craft group, had created some public art on post box tops in Wokingham, it looked like the group had been needed to stop wide-scale statuetipping?

Pure Trumpian politics – foster an irrelevant fear and distract

When I think of Jesus’ disciples, peering into the empty tomb and discovering that Jesus had risen from the dead, I imagine their sense of awe, wonder and fear.

The world was suddenly completely different to how it had been, and they had to work out what this meant.

Everything was reframed because of this amazing miracle of compassion, where love triumphs.

We are Easter people, and our lives are reframed because of this love.

Happy Easter.

Cara Smart is the assistant curate at St Paul’s, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

inspired by flowers (I guess the bee is a clue).

A couple of years ago the group had decorated the tops of Bollards in Denmark Street.

Later that day I did notice that one of the Broad Street post box tops had been given a similar treatment.

Harry Atkinson, Wokingham

from the actual Bill.

Projecting confidence, Mr Sunderland assures us “few would disagree that this is the right thing to do”, presumably based on “most lawabiding people I speak to”.

But, this law-abiding constituent wrote to Mr Sunderland opposing this Bill and never had the courtesy of a response.

I’m left to question how representative Mr Sunderland’s public polling is, because protests against the Policing Bill have spread nationwide.

Ultimately, the final line of the column seems to reveals Mr Sunderland’s true worldview.

In true Trumpian fashion, it’s us versus them.

I quote “So, this is actually about the silent majority, not the lawless minority.”

My very opposition puts me in a

fictional minority that becomes “lawless” only because of this Bill.

The existing law already protects against violence, property damage and “serious public disorder”.

Mr Sunderland offers emotion and distractions, not a shred of justification for criminalising a wide swathe of actions that are merely inconvenient. If you’ve ever felt the need to speak out for climate action, against housing developments, against racism or against mandatory face masks, you could now be criminalised.

Please join me in letting your MP know the Policing Bill must be abandoned.

Tom Ross, address supplied

Voting places In reply to Ian Pittock’s letter in last week’s paper about using Oaklands School as the polling station for

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Contact our Family Law team today for a free 1 hour consultation Evolution House, 53-59 Peach Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XP Tel: 0118 978 1017 Email: Michele.Jenno@star-legal.co.uk

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Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Wokingham Without ward local elections on May 6, we as the candidate and borough councillors for that ward wish to set the record straight.

We made strong representations both during the borough-wide review of polling stations in 2018 (this was subject to public consultation and we noted this our ward newsletter at the time) and in response to recent robust discussions from parents and governors of the schools at Oaklands.

We fully appreciate the concerns and earnestly wish there was a viable alternative.

It is not the local councillors’ decision to change the location and in detailed discussions we have had with the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) at Wokingham Borough Council, he concluded that, especially with the covid restrictions, there was no suitable alternative site or sites, including the ones Mr Pittock suggested.

The selection of polling stations must ensure a fair opportunity for eligible voters to reasonably and safely get to vote, and not to effectively disenfranchise numbers of voters because of excessive distance from the polling station.

In addition, St Sebastian’s Hall has very limited parking and Pinewood is remote from almost all ward residents.

For us, this is not the end of the story.

While it is now too late to change arrangements for May 2021, we will continue to work with the ERO to try to obtain a viable alternative place for May 2022.

We are genuinely sorry the pupils will lose another day of face-to-face teaching.

Our children’s education will possibly be the largest impact of the pandemic looking into the future.

We will continue our efforts to find a polling station that will not affect attendance at any school in future.

Pauline Helliar-Symons, Conservative candidate for Wokingham Without Cllr Chris Bowring and Cllr Angus Ross, borough councillors for Wokingham Without, Consverative

Consultations At Council last month a resident asked why THE COUNCIL had not undertaken a consultation with disabled groups ahead of the implementation of the new green recycling bags.

The ruling Conservative Executive member for environment blandly said the Council had undertaken a “full Equality Impact assessment in assessing the impact of this minor change to the waste collection service”.

He then indifferently added that “Testing has shown that the empty bags weigh less than the current boxes so will be easier to handle,” but he never said who did the testing so in his opinion and therefore that of the Conservative -un Council they are very convenient, practical and in some ways easier to use for those who are elderly or have a disability.”

The questioner added that she 'couldn’t even open the Velcro, She had zero force in her hands so she can’t open it, it is absolutely useless and she does not know what she

VIEWPOINTS | 19

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going to do with her cardboard’.

In reality they are much more difficult to use than the black boxes for the able bodied never mind the disabled.

I was quite surprised by his answer when he said that the bags were lighter I remembered having asked a question some time ago about the bags blowing away when empty only to be told as they were weighted they would weigh more than the black boxes and so less likely to blow away.

Like a fool I took the answer as being the honest truth so I never pursued it.

How wrong was I? Having just received my green bags I did the obvious thing and weighed one and it came out at 600g.

I then weighed a black box and that was over two-and-a-half times heavier at 1.6kg.

As we all know how easily a black box blows away weighing 1.6kg what hope have residents of keeping their green bags when a slightly puff of wind will send them sailing miles away.

Replacement costs will be astronomical but it’s only your money that will be wasting and do they care?

What happens to all the black boxes now?

Will be mainly consigned to landfill as the Council has no intention of taking them back.

How will our disabled residents manage?

With considerable difficulty I have no doubt.

There was a simple solution used by many councils and that was various lids to fit the black boxes which is a well tried and tested solution but not one for Wokingham’s spendthrift Conservatives.

Waste your money, tell porkies about the weight of the green bags, do not ask disabled residents to test them.

As the song goes the answer my friend is green bags blowing in the wind the answer is blowing in the wind.

Residents have the answer in their hands and that is to just blow them away on May 6.

You have one chance to vote for an independent candidate and get democracy back in Wokingham.

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

Vote for an independent I am writing again following my letter on road repairs Wokingham.Today (February 14) and am horrified to read Cllr Jorgensen’s article March 11 on potholes and resurfacing.

As reported previously we have many potholes and uneven surfaces on a busy school run in Radcot Close and Reading Road from Woodley Centre to Western Avenue.

She states in her article that everyone has a right to ride safely on a smooth road surface and that no part of the Borough is left behind.

Residents in Radcot Close have been trying since 2009 to get a decent surface in the road.

In 2015 I managed to get a small area covered but that wasn’t even the worst part of the road.

Six months after that a resident knocked on my door to thank me for that as she had spent some time in

RBH with a broken leg after a fall on the uneven surface.

How many more broken limbs do we need before the council act?

I telephoned Cllr Jorgensen at home two months ago and then again a month later and was given two minutes of her time over the roads in question.

She promised that a representative from Highways would meet me on site. But so far nothing has happened.

I have spoken to (council leader) Cllr John Halsall three times and have been promised the same, but as usual nothing ever happens.

The Tory way seems to be stick your head in the sand like an ostrich and the problem will go away.

To make matters worse, you can no longer speak to anyone at Shute End, so you send an email. No reply.

You ring the number for Highways 0118 974 6000. No answer.

Sadly since outsourcing came in and algorithms became favoured to score each road, technology has replaced a human being and it becomes farcical.

Three years ago we had a Highways Executive Cllr Wiseman who came and walked round with residents and marked areas with white chalk that were uneven.

He issued a works order for repairs.

Duly the workmen turned up and started filling the holes.

A resident taking photographs of the work was told by the Foreman on the job that the tarmac would all be out in six months. And it was.

You can’t even see where it had been.

The disasters that have destroyed Wokingham of any democracy are listed below.

1 The school crossing patrols were taken away despite protests and petitions by residents.

2. The proposals to build 800 houses per year will decimate the areas of Shinfield and Arborfield destroying many green fields.

There will eventually be a total of 15000 houses where the residents will have had no say.

The Council have just given in to Westminster where they should have argued that 600 houses per year would have been acceptable.

3. Cllr. Sarah Kerr requested a change in the law over permitted development in small spaces doesn’t need planning permission.

She even wrote to John Redwood but got no support from anyone.

Next are the masts which are soon to go up in Woodley.

4. The shambles over the breaching in the eyes of the law of the Council’s constitution over 21 months which was undemocratically handled.

5. A gang of four councillors were given the go ahead to spend up to £100 million on property investments without discussion.

6. In recent times an article said that Wokingham is the healthiest place to live with many green fields.

What they don’t say is that due to the size of the number of houses being built we won’t have many green fields left.

7. This is one of the richest boroughs in the country which is why there is no grant from the government.

We have many rich people in the area.

So why aren’t these people

helping the poor, sponsoring small businesses and organisations to help to keep the community together?

8. Council meetings are a complete farce. Opposition questions that don’t agree with Tory ideology are removed from the agenda.

The situation has got so bad that there must be a change. If people want democracy back in Wokingham then vote for an independent candidate in May to bring back sanity to this borough.

Cedric Lander, Woodley

Thank you school staff As we pass Easter and move towards the summer term, I would like to thank all the staff in our schools for their hard work during a very difficult spring term.

Although children are back in school, things are still very different.

We don’t yet know the full impact on their learning or their mental health.

Children who are moving from primary to secondary or moving on from school to college, university or work face extra challenges this year.

Teachers and support staff have been doing everything they can, not just to make sure their students continue to be educated during the pandemic but to keep them safe, equipped to learn, and prepared for whatever may come next.

So to all the staff in our schools, on behalf of the children and parents of the borough, can I say a heart-felt thank you, and best wishes for the summer term to come.

Cllr Prue Bray, Lib Dem lead for Children’s Services, Wokingham Borough Council

Sound fishy to me Had to laugh at John Redwoods diary (Wokingham.Today, April 1) particularly his comments about rebuilding the British fishing fleets and landing catches in the UK. He seems to have missed the point that unless they can sell to Europe, which is almost impossible thanks to Brexit, then any rebuilding is likely to be a waste of time and money.

Allan Payne, Wokingham

Representative democracy I understand that Cllr Anna Box has moved to Bath yet has decided she can still represent the views of her constituents.

How can she possibly understand the local issues of the people she represents from 85 miles away?

Clearly the Liberal Democrats care more for filling seats than they do for the needs of residents.

I could understand if she had moved to Maidenhead, Bracknell or Reading, but Bath?

I for one think there needs to be an immediate by-election.

Kay Moss, Wokingham

Did you guess?

Last week’s issue was published on April Fool’s Day and, as tradition dictates, we published a completely fictious story.

Many of you enjoyed reading about the petition calling on Wokingham to be renamed in light of Sir John Redwood’s Brexit support.

This was a completely true story.

The work of fiction was our report on parents calling for Tiger Close to be renamed Tiger Far Away.

Editor

From the stump

Daniel Hinton, Conservative candidate for Evendons

Tackling antisocial behaviour

I

T is sad to say, but anti-social behaviour and petty crime have become more common in our Borough, particularly during lockdown.

Like most I was appalled to see the play equipment which had been set on fire in the playground near Latimer Road. I’ve also heard reports of teenagers verbally abusing young children at a local play park, and we have all seen graffiti around our towns.

Those responsible will be a small group and it is important that we don’t tar all teenagers with the same brush. We should also recognise that there is not a large crime wave sweeping through our communities. Nevertheless, it’s clear that we must take appropriate action.

The Covid-19 pandemic hasn’t been easy for any of us, but it’s easy to forget that our teenagers really have pulled a short straw. Schools closed; too old to enjoy our playparks; and cinemas, leisure facilities, shops, workplaces and social spaces have all been shut down for our safety. Many of their opportunities to enjoy and occupy themselves have disappeared.

I’ve already spoken to Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate for the Thames Valley, Matthew Barber, about what can be done with the police to tackle anti-social behaviour after restrictions end.

He told me: “The top priority in My Plan to tackle crime in Thames Valley is strong local policing. That means increasing the visibility of police officers and PCSOs and working in partnership with councils to tackle anti-social behaviour when it occurs and seek to prevent it happening in the future.

“If elected, I will agree a new local policing strategy with the police, looking at everything from where officers are based and the resources available to neighbourhood teams, to how local officers work to tackle long term issues and prevent crime rather than just responding when things go wrong.

“We need to ensure the police are able to manage neighbourhood crimes such a vehicle crime and criminal damage that can make people feel unsafe and damage confidence in local policing. Working with the public, councils and the police we can be tough on crime for safer communities.”

But it can’t just fall to the police to resolve this issue. We must tackle the problem at its roots.

That’s why my fellow Conservative candidates and I have made tackling Anti-Social Behaviour a priority in this election. If elected, we will be calling on the council to work with us to increase youth provision in Wokingham Town and across the Borough.

We need to be speaking with our younger residents and ensuring we are representing them as much as we are their parents.

We need to find other avenues for our younger residents to express themselves and find spaces for them to socialise and entertain themselves without just hanging about on our streets or in parks.

We also need youth workers to support their growth and help them deal with the pressures of their lives. We shouldn’t forget the benefits of helping young people into work, which is why we will be focusing on increasing employment opportunities, starting with the first Employment Support Hub which was approved by the Council’s Executive last month.

I am pleased that there are already more police officers dedicated to Wokingham, but, while an increased police presence or more CCTV might help communities feel safer, they won’t solve the underlying issue.

All our teenagers need affordable leisure opportunities, social opportunities, employment opportunities and support.

We can’t police anti-social behaviour away, but by showing our positive intentions to our younger residents, we can get positive behaviour in return.

After all, we were all young once.

20 | NEWS

Think local

Rachel Bradley

Finally, I can see the good times around the corner

M

Y social life is back.

All in a very calm, sociallydistanced, small radius from my home, kind of way but wow, it’s

back.

Last week, I had an al-fresco dinner with friends to celebrate a birthday.

There’s been Easter brunches and coffees with the friends, plus the odd sundowner or three (I blame the mini-heatwave.).

And all within the guidelines because, if there’s one thing you should know about me, I’m a stickler for the rules.

Another plus is that corporate events are being booked in the diary for my husband, who is a photographer.

We’ve both won new corporate clients and we can’t wait to get started.

It seems like people are moving, slowly, back to some kind of normal and that feels good.

In fact, the last few weeks have felt good.

We’ve had a confirmed University place for my eldest son who is hoping to start at Exeter in September.

Both of my boys were due to take GCSEs and A-Levels this year and, for a while, everything seemed up in the air.

Their return to school has calmed things and they both have a bit of plan.

They know what’s needed of them which is a big relief.

To be honest, I think lockdown has been more stressful than I’ve given it credit. t’s only now, with things shifting in a more positive way, that I’ve realised I’ve been holding my breath for a long time.

So with the longer days, the promise of summer and the possibility that I can visit my (out of area) family soon, I feel lighter. I feel energised.

I know we’re not out of the woods just yet but we’re moving towards good times. It’ll be great to see our lovely town opening back up.

The wonderful independent shops, cafes and restaurants we’re lucky to have, are all preparing to open up and I can’t wait to visit them again.

I’ve even got a few dates booked in at the pub with my girlfriends.

Yes, good times are definitely on their way.

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

If you’ve yet to finish that DIY, you’re not alone WITH THE country spending a lot of time staring at the same four walls, as you do in lockdown, it should come as little surprise that there’s a lot of home improvements going on.

According to a recent survey commissioned by waste removal company HIPPO, a fifth of adults in the UK were planning to make the most of last Easter weekend to do some DIY jobs.

And the pandemic has made us a nation of home fixers as 29% of us are doing more DIY jobs than before.

In the South East, 39% of us are planning to revamp the garden, and 19% want to give a room a complete makeover.

But sometimes jobs get started and not finished: on average, people in the South East have three DIY jobs waiting to be completed, with 23% of people delay DIY jobs due to lack of time and nearly 34% of us are put off by the cost.

And with there being a charge for depositing DIY waste at re3 recycling cenres, it shgould be little surprise that 25% admit to using their bins, which goes to landfill, Original Changing Rooms presenter Linda Barker, who completed a big DIY job on her kitchen during the lockdown, offers her advice for sticking to time and budget: “It is all too easy for time and cost to escalate on DIY projects.

My advice is to have a clear and

Nasty Nick go Green Man to

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today YOU can take the boy out of the village, but the village never quite leaves the boy …

TIPS: Changing Rooms’ Linda Barker

detailed plan with generous time scales and realistic costs attached.

“Also, while money may not always stretch to paying an expert, it is important to know where your time simply isn’t worth the costsaving.

“So, for example, it makes sense to hire a HIPPOBAG with collection rather than head to the tip yourself; or buy ready-painted skirting boards and save time on painstaking painting.

“Finally, I always recommend building in a contingency. With the best will in the world, DIY projects often overrun in terms of time and money. By keeping a buffer in your budget and allowing a little extra on time-scales, any unexpected surprises will already be accounted for. Better still, you might find that you’ve got a bit of time and money left over at the end to celebrate your new creation.”

Mushrooms … the perfect brekkie treat

SPECIALLY treated mushrooms could be the key to adding more Vitamin D to your breakfast.

Celebrity nutritionist, Rob Hobson, says a humble breakfast of mushrooms on toast could deliver 100% of recommended Omega 3 and vitamin D. “British and Irish farmers and growers are enriching mushrooms with vitamin D, with just eight providing 100% of your daily recommended intake,” he says. “The latest NHS advice urges the public to consider increasing their vitamin D intake from five micrograms to 10 micrograms.”

Rob says residents that can’t find vitamin D enriched mushrooms can leave normal ones in the windowsill when the sun is out.

He recommends taking the fungi out of their wrapping and leaving them

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

outside for half an hour before eating.

“Any variety will work, and it doesn’t matter which way up they are,” he adds.

“It is best to do it between the hours of 10am and 3pm for up to 60 minutes.”

Mushrooms are the only vegetarian food that can make vitamin D as they contain a specific compound called ergosterol.

It is converted into vitamin D when exposed to the sun's ultraviolet radiation, similarly to how human skin synthesises the vitamin with sun exposure.

And adding two slices of soya and linseed bread provides 30% of the recommended calcium and 100% of the recommended Omega-3.

Other breakfast cupboard winners include Cheerios, Marmite, Kefir and malt loaf.

A new soap opera has been launched starring Hurst-born actor John Altman, and it’s right up his street.

Famous for his role as Nasty Nick Cotton in the BBC’s EastEnders, he is now playing Alan Godwin, the landlord of the village pub in Greenborne.

The radio drama launched last month and is thought to be the first new soap for the airwaves since Waggoner’s Walk ran from 1969 through 1980 on BBC Radio 2.

And the show, which also stars fellow EastEnder Louise Jameson alongside Emmerdale Farm’s Corrine Wicks and Raad Rawi, is being broadcast on community radio stations across the country, including Newbury’s Kennet Radio.

And there’s another local connection – it’s made by B7 productions, which is based in nearby Cookham.

Series producer Helen Quigley says: “It has been some years since a brand-new radio soap debuted on British radio and I’m particularly excited that Greenborne will have its inaugural broadcast on community radio stations across the UK. “Greenborne is meant to be familiar to all of us to some degree; whether it’s the location, the people or their stories, but mostly we hope it entertains.”

There are 12 episodes to the first series, each 15-minutes long and set in the fictional village.

NEW LANDLORD: Hurst-born John Altman is beh

John plays a pivotal role: as well as pulling pints at The Fox and Dragon, the rough diamond is a former Detective Inspector who used to work in the City before early retirement.

He is described as a rough, streetwise but honest man with a copper’s nose for trouble.

The show touches on the pandemic for its backdrop and openes as Evie (Jameson) returns from a covid-19 imposed exile, with some feathers to ruffle.

The pub, meanwhile, needs to get back into business and the mechanic, Arjun, is a widower after losing his wife to the virus.

Aparna’s positive fash

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM designer who created her business to support people across the globe has launched her latest collection – and it’s all about staying positive.

Aparna Jain, founder of fashion brand Yuniku London, released a new series of spring and summer wear today.

Inspired by the end of lockdown, she says the collection is “a celebration of positivity”.

“These outfits are a step forward from anything we created last year,” Aparna explains. “The collection is inspired by spring colours, and represents the bounceback of spring now that covid restrictions are easing.”

The series of dresses, loungewear and playsuits is full of floral prints, made out of a handspun fabric called khadi.

“I think each piece is so unique and different,” Aparna adds. “At Yuniku London, we are mindful that everything we do is sustainable, and that’s why we’ve used khadi.

“We just hope that with lockdown easing, this collection brings people

NEW STYLES: Two of the items in the spring/sum in Finchampstead

some happiness and represents everybody’s resilience throughout the

Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

oes from The o his own pub

hind the bar in Greenbourne, a new radio soap

It has all the elements that make a successful soap, including a great cast.

Recording the show has been different for John as the cast couldn’t get together.

While some of his castmates were able to work from home, John didn’t have the favccilities and he went into the studios to play his part.

“It wasn’t the same,” he admits. But then how could it be? No matter though, the end result is great.

John is pleased to play his part in the show, praising B7’s ability to pull together a talented cast.

“They have access to a huge pool of actors,” he says. “B7 knows some

very talented people.”

Hurst has a lot of affection for him.

The Green Man is, he thinks, where his Dad proposed to his Mum. “It’s all happening in The green Man,” he says. “But the pub in Greenborn was inspired by a pub in Cookham, the Jolly Farmer, which is owned by the community.

“They clumped together to buy it off the brewery. That’s where the idea came from.”

Andrew Mark Sewell, who helps produced the show, said: “It’s aired different times and different days to just over 50 community radio stations, spread around the UK. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for quite some while, and it was during the first lockdown when we went for it. The soaps really seemed to be missing the beat in terms of addressing the pandemic and we were getting frustrated with that.

“We also wanted to do something which had a sense of hope and fun about it. Some soaps can be a bit pofaced, we hope that we’re not.”

He adds: “The diversity (among the cast) feels relevant in both the stories we’re telling and the range and diversity of the characters.

“And we have a fantastic cast of both experienced actors and some upand-coming shining lights as well, with a nice mix in terms of age range, which is really important.”

Andrew adds: “I’ve always loved radio. For the last 15 years or so, we’ve been doing radio dramas and a couple of years ago we launched an audiobook division, which is how we ended up doing John’s autobiography, which was a hoot.” � You can hear episodes at www.greenborne.co.uk

hion for springing back

mmer collection from Yuniku London, designed

pandemic.”

The spring and summer collection

features 11 new pieces, and each item is supporting people on the other side of the world.

The fashion designer founded Yuniku London last year in a bid to help people in need. Her family lives in India, and said a lot of people lost their jobs when lockdown restrictions were brought in.

“My mum was helping people by distributing food and clothes, but that’s not sustainable,” Aparna explains. “So, me and my sister wanted to come up with an idea to help people in the long term.”

Combining her past experience in style consultancy and fashion production, the Wokingham designer was inspired to create her new, ethical and sustainable brand to create jobs for people in India.

“Seamstresses were left without any jobs and they were struggling to feed their families, but now they have an opportunity to sew the clothes which me and my sister design,” Aparna added.

“We just wanted to help people, and it’s been so rewarding.”

Now, Yuniku London’s latest collection is available online. � For more information, visit: www.yunikulondon.com

NEWS | 21

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It’s the Panda, pedalling with Paddington to Paris

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

Making the world go round

I

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today NO, YOU’RE not seeing double.

This summer, the Earley Panda is planning his biggest charity cycle ride yet – and he will be joined by none other than Paddington Bear.

The borough’s furry friend started making the rounds in Earley last year to campaign for safe cycling, male mental health awareness and simply putting a smile on people’s faces.

This July, he will embark on a 300-mile bike ride from London to Paris, in aid of Action Medical Research for Children.

The charity, which launched in 1952, helps fund research into a range of childhood diseases in a bid to improve the lives of children everywhere.

Now, Earley Panda will be doing his part to support the charity, and aims to raise £2,000 for the cause.

“I always wanted to ride for charity, and when I found out Action’s mascot is Paddington Bear I had to take part,” the bear says.

“It’s a big leap of faith because it’s not going to be easy, and I’ll have to train really hard.”

The 300-mile cycle is split into segments over four days, and

POETRY CORNER Recycling New arrangements are underway For recycling: and you May expect to get green waterproof bags Replacing the black boxes we presently use To separate recycling from other refuse.

These new green bags will keep all paper stuff dry As any wet paper the dealers won’t buy.

The black boxes no longer in use Are yours to keep and store away Until a use for them comes your way.

Collecting Waste Food? There’s no change here.

You’ll receive more bags to last a year.

Glass? Kerbside Collection of this is “No”.

To a Bottlebank this still must go.

Now, if you’ve a query about this or that Just ring the Council for a friendly chat.

luckily Earley Panda will be returning to the UK by train.

But he is already busy practicing, because he plans to ride the entire journey in the panda suit.

“I’ve checked with Action’s health and safety team, who said it’s okay to ride in the suit,” the bear explains. “I’ve also been in contact with some local cyclists who’ve done the route before, so I’ve been gathering tips on how to do well.”

The Earley Panda is now planning six practice charity rides, some across Wokingham borough and some further afield, to prepare for the big race.

And he says everybody has been very supportive, raising more than £500 so far.

The bear is also hoping to raise an extra £2,000 to support the entry fee.

“Donations will help me buy suitable clothing for the ride, a new panda suit, an upgraded bike and contribute towards my entry fee,” they add.

The Earley Panda will be riding from London to Paris in July, starting on Wednesday July, 14 and finishing on Sunday, July 18. � To support the bear, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ earley-panda-london-to-paris

Food Deliveries The Waitrose man has called again With bags of food for us He drives up in a special van And delivers with no fuss.

We’ve placed the order days before In a “slot” we booked On Line Pressed all the right key board numbers And the order went through fine.

Our list now at the store is lodged For the staff there to peruse Then to collect together the items for our use.

Next these get bagged and put in trays And stacked in order of delivery days.

And now delivery day has come Our driver’s work has to be done.

He loads our order on his van And drives here quickly as he can.

He knocks our door at the expected time.

All is delivered. All is fine.

Jim Horsnell.

We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today

was recently asked by another Mum at the park what it’s been like having a baby during the pandemic.

No one had asked me that question directly before and I was briefly stumped as to how to reply.

I think I went with something generic and aptly light and breezy for park-talk like “Weird! But manageable. You know you’re kind of in a bubble when you have a baby, you have a sort of minilockdown anyway.”

There is truth to this, we were in a lovely bubble for a few short weeks. But what I really felt like saying was: “Giving birth during a pandemic, being in and out of lockdown for the first year of my son’s life, has not been great. It’s been really tough actually.”

There was a lot of anxiety when I was pregnant, as to how things would be when I gave birth. Would Joel be allowed in during the birth? If there were complications and I had to stay in hospital, would he be able to come and visit? Would I still have health visitors coming to the house in the days after the birth? Would our parents be allowed to come and meet the baby? What does a birth during a pandemic look like? Would I have to labour with a mask on?

So many questions and the answers were forever changing.

Thankfully Joel was at the birth (along with his face mask) and we were complication free, so only one night in hospital. Visiting hours were restricted because of the virus and I bawled my eyes out when Joel was told he had to go home shortly after I’d arrived on the post-natal ward.

I wasn’t ready to be left alone yet. We’d just been through a life-changing experience and all we wanted was to talk about it, be there for each other and coo over our new baby.

But no special treatment for new Dads, he was to leave immediately. That wasn’t nice. But I was grateful he was there at all, and that our boy was healthy.

I tried not to focus on the fact I wouldn’t be having a baby shower. It seemed like a lovely but frivolous sort of affair that I could do without. Given what was going on in the world, my disappointment seemed nonsensical. Perspective please.

At least that’s what I told myself. Deep down I longed to get all my girlfriends together and somehow re-create the magical shower I’d had weeks before my daughter was born in 2013.

I wanted my baby’s impending arrival celebrated.

And obviously the gifts.

It was only when the January 2021 lockdown was announced that it really hit me how different things were raising a baby during a pandemic. I was refunded for a baby class I’d booked that I’d been looking forward to and felt a sinking feeling.

How exactly was I meant to make baby-mummy friends now? Put a call out on Twitter?

By March, it occurred to me I might be starting to feel a bit lonely. With Maia at school and Joel working, I was desperate to talk to other women in the same position. Desperate to have somewhere to be.

Thankfully in a few short weeks I’ll have that. With NCT walks, baby classes and countless coffee meetups, our social schedule is slowly forming. Leo will finally get to meet some other babies. (He is currently of the understanding that he is the only baby on this planet). And I, like Maia, will get to experience a world away from our kitchen table.

My heart goes out to new Mums who’ve had to navigate the minefield of motherhood on their own during the pandemic. Pregnancy, childbirth, newborns, it’s no walk in the park at the best of times.

Leo is my second baby and I’ve still relied heavily on my own Mum for words of encouragement and a helping hand. She’s been a lifeline.

Because pandemic or not, Mothers are goddesses and I sincerely believe make the world go round.

22 | NEWS

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SONNING, RUSCOMBE, TWYFORD&HURST, NEWS REMENHAM & WARGRAVE

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

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

Eggtacular fun as village celebrates Easter

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today HUGE fun was created by an Easter egg hunt featuring a large fried egg on a roof, a fabulous ‘Faberge’ egg over a metre tall, many burrowing bunnies and much free chocolate.

More than 500 people joined in the hunt last weekend, raising nearly £400 for St Nicholas Primary School, at Hurst.

Locals created 33 clever, funny and beautiful displays for the hunters to spot in front gardens, windows and a farm field. Some displays included free chocolate eggs and everyone with a trail map had a chocolate prize.

Professional artist Liz Chaderton is now looking for a good home for the amazing giant egg, covered in glistening gold and vibrant blue, that she made for the hunt. It’ll need to be a large home.

“On the internet, late at night and after a glass of wine, I saw a balloon which would blow up to 90cm wide.

I thought I could use it to make a large egg. It needed 10 layers of papier-mache [newspaper strips covered in PVA glue] and took almost a week to finish,” she said.

“It’s just over a metre tall and so wide it had to go out through the patio door. But what can I do with it now? Can anyone give it a good home or find a good use for it?”

You can email Liz on liz@chaderton.com The hunt’s organisers were the school’s interim PTA chair Dee Morley and Gemma Moore.

“We’re really chuffed with how it

Date set for Hurst Show HURST residents will want to save the date for this one.

The annual Hurst Show and Country Fayre is set to return this year, covid permitting, after last

ON SHOW: Alfie Phillips, 11, with Easter themed egg stall he helped create

went. It felt like a real community event involving everyone. People came from beyond Hurst.

Wokingham.Today’s story last week made a huge difference,” said Gemma.

Gemma’s husband Gavin balanced on their bungalow roof to display the giant fried egg Gemma had dreamed up. Dee and her children Clementine, seven and Ellis, two, made a Humpty Dumpty display for their garden.

At Hatch Gate Farm Laura Belcher, Kate Logan and Jack Belcher created a giant Easter bunny and sheep from round hay bales. Alfie Phillips, 11 and his half brother Charlie, five, helped their grandparents Jackie and Malcolm Phillips give their Sawpit Road egg stall an Easter theme. The eggs come from the family’s Hambridge Farm at Wokingham.

Hurst’s clever crochet makers created Easter bunnies, chicks and bunting for School Road fences. Holt School pupil Rosalyn Campbell, 11, and her mum Claire’s lockdown projects of colourful eggs and chicks were also on display. year’s event went digital.

The Show, which raises funds for local causes every year, includes a range of stalls, competitions and events for residents.

A weekend of fun is planned for June 26 and June 27, but organisers are not revealing much yet as they continue to plan.

Ellis (2) and Clementine Morley (7)

Holt School pupil Rosalyn Campbell, 11, and her mum Claire with their display

Jenny Forrsman & Emme Joseph (3)

Peter Turnbull (7) with Ted (8) and Jack Cowie (4)

Sonny Partridge (9) and Bonnibelle Barnett (1)

Gavin Boakes displaying a giant fried egg

Liz Chadderton is looking for a new home for her giant egg

A whole lot growing on at allotments

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today ALLOTMENTS in Twyford have become the venue for a new community project.

This spring, Involve Community Services, Twyford Parish Council, Twyford GP surgery and Age Uk Berkshire have come together to run a wellbeing service for residents.

The Hurst Road site will host weekly gardening and growing sessions, as part of a plan to increase options for ‘green prescriptions,’ or non-medicinal healing through growing fruit and vegetables with a like-minded group.

The sessions will be led by experienced horticultural therapist Christina Hughes Nind. Her aim is for people with low to mid-level anxiety and depression to experience the benefit to their mood, stress levels, and general

wellbeing that gardening is known to bring.

“I am really looking forward to welcoming our first gardeners and to seeing the act of growing work its magic,” she said.

The sessions will run every Thursday until October, Covid-19 rules permitting, from 10.30am until 12.30pm.

Ms Hughes Nind will be assisted each week by Natalie Burton, who has her own plot at the allotment, and experience working with groups.

Cllr Rohan Abeywardana has brought together a team for the project, including volunteers with plots who have, like him, felt the benefits of active involvement in growing food.

The plot will include a raised planter with plants to make tea from, sweet peas, edible flowers, and fruit and veg. It is not just about growing plants – the

social side is important too.

There will be a seating area for a socially-distanced tea break, and encouragement to connect with other local activities, including with other plot holders.

Current plot holders have been “overwhelmingly positive” about the plan, and the team is eager for other residents, particularly those with defined mental health needs, to benefit from the community atmosphere of the allotment site.

The team aims to receive their first referrals this spring. It is open to all ages.

Residents that know someone who could benefit from the project, including themselves, can contact Jason Bowles by emailing: jason.bowles@nhs.net at Twyford Surgery. Or call 01344 304 404. � For more information, visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/berkshire

Too good to waste A HARE HATCH garden centre has launched a new food waste scheme with a national app.

Dobbies is working with Too Good To Go, which lets people buy surplus food and drink from restaurants, grocery stores, pubs and producers to stop it from going to waste.

Consumers download the free app and search for nearby businesses with unsold produce.

They can then purchase a magic bag and collect it at an allotted time.

Customers in Hare Hatch can purchase a magic bag in the Dobbies food hall, filled with fresh surplus food that would ordinarily be thrown out.

They cost £3.99.

Archie Stewart, head of food at Dobbies, said the partnership is an innovative solution to work towards a shared goal of reducing food waste.

Paschalis Loucaides, UK country manager at Too Good To Go, said: “We’re thrilled to have partnered with Dobbies and help reduce food waste.

“We’ve already seen brilliant traction for the magic bags on our app and know together we can make a huge difference in making sure food is eaten and enjoyed instead of wasted.” � For more information visit dobbies.com

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WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS

NEWS | 23

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Alex’s sell-out cake stand helps fight against cancer

DISPLAY: Some of the 200 flower pictures created and laminated by Earley residents for Easter Pictures: Steve Smyth

In full bloom for a message of hope

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today AN EASTER parade is on show in Earley, bringing a sign of hope to the town.

More than 200 people from across the community have contributed to the display of flowers outside Earley St Peter’s Church in Church Road.

Each unique item has been painted, drawn or photographed, then laminated and installed outside the church and its halls, creating a colourful exhibition for people to enjoy on their socially distanced walks.

The church installed them in time for Easter Sunday, telling people that it was a sign of hope as lockdown conditions start to ease and a reminder that community life prevails despite restrictions.

Pupils from the neighbouring Earley St Peter’s Primary School were among those taking part.

Headteacher Hester Wooller said: “We are delighted that the

children at Earley St Peter's have created beautiful pictures of flowers to decorate the Church fence as a sign of hope and new life for all in our immediate community.”

And vicar of the church, the Revd Dr Philip Hobday, was equally pleased with the response.

“We wanted to show that despite the restrictions the church is still here, caring for and serving our community, building on our strong links with Earley St Peter’s School and with other churches in the Earley Help Hub,” he said.

“A pretty ordinary church fence has really come alive with

people of all ages contributing to a sign of hope for the wider community – hope that the amazingly successful vaccination programme is bringing us, and of course the Easter hope of new life through Jesus Christ.”

The display has been welcomed by Earley Town Mayor Cllr David Hare, who thanked churches for their work in reaching out to the community.

“Here in Earley, the churches have joined together to reach out to the local community with the Earley Help Hub, which initially obtained and transported food or pharmacy items for people and is now developing its work on debt, mental health, and more,” he said.

“The flower designs are one more avenue of involving the community in the life of the church, giving people a focus in lockdown, and seeking to make the Christian message available to everyone.”

New green route for Bader Way A WALKING and cycling route will link Woodley with Winnersh Triangle.

The first phase of the Bader Way project created a footpath and cycleway connecting east Woodley, Dinton Pastures and Loddon Bridge, providing an alternative to the busy road.

The second phase will directly link added between Winnersh Triangle and the first phase.

And the council is now looking to create additional routes to connect Winnersh

Triangle business park and railway station.

There will also be a new signal crossing on the A3290 near Showcase Cinema, along with a wheelchair accessible replacement bridge.

Pauline Jorgensen, conservative candidate for Hillside ward, said: “Phase one of the Bader Way project was one of many examples of the council adopting the Government’s Gear Change standards on footpaths and cycleways.

“The second phase will see us going further in creating a sustainable transport network allowing walkers and cyclists to travel across our Borough without having to use roads full of cars.

“This is really exciting work, and I would urge everyone to go to the council’s website to share their views through our many consultations on walking and cycling infrastructure.” � The Liberal Democrat candidate for Hillside is Wes Budd and the Labour candidate is Hari Sarasan.

A WOODLEY boy has raised more than £500 in his charity bake sale.

Inspired by The Great Celebrity Bake Off – Stand Up To Cancer, Alex Tustin set out on his own cupcake challenge.

Originally hoping to make just £20, he raked in sales from his driveway stall, near Woodford Park.

Cakes were baked by Mum, Aimee, and decorated with Alex’s artistic eye.

“I wasn’t sure people would buy any in a pandemic,” she said. “But they all sold out.”

After sharing their success on social media, Eamonn Doran, landlord of The Chequers doubled the funds.

“He reached out after seeing our post,” Ms Tustin added.

“He said they often do things for charity and hadn’t been able to do so much recently.”

This brought the total to £501.

“He even told Alex there’s a Diet Coke waiting for him behind the bar, when they open,” Ms Tustin said.

“Alex just can’t believe how well it went.”

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24 | SOCIETY

INTHECOMMUNITY BERKSHIRE FREEMASONS THE inaugural celebration of NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers’ Day is set to take place on Monday, July 5, with Freemasons leading the event.

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the governing body for Freemasons, is inviting its 200,000 members to fly specially designed flags at 10am, to celebrate this unique day dedicated to the NHS, social care and all those that work on the front line, who have saved so many lives during the pandemic. The celebration will also remember those workers we sadly lost.

The UGLE is one of the core supporters of the event alongside the Cadet Forces, English Heritage and the Women’s Institute. A £5 donation from every flag and length of bunting made will be equally divided between NHS Charities Together and the National Care Association.

Freemasonry for Women and the Order of Women Freemasons have also joined the UGLE in this initiative, as Freemasons aim to set a record for the number of flags raised simultaneously across the nation.

Subsequently, at 11am, Freemasons are planning a moment’s silence to remember NHS workers and all those who died from Covid-19.

The day continues with a toast to the NHS at 1pm, raising a cuppa to the NHS during afternoon tea at 3pm, followed by an address to the nation at 6pm.

At 8pm, the Freemasons will join the nation in an evening clap for NHS workers, while church bells are set to ring 73 times to celebrate 73 years of the NHS. Closing the celebrations at 9pm, there will be a #timetotoast for all NHS workers.

Bruno Peek, pageant master to the Queen and creator of NHS, Social Care and Frontline Workers Day, said: “We are delighted that Freemasons, whose members come

DRAWING on his wealth of knowledge and personal experience, Ian Gledhill, gave the members of The Arts Society Wokingham an informative and amusing talk on the origins, and development of stage scenery including the practicalities to be considered when designing stage sets.

The origins of theatre date back to ancient Greece.

Many of the words currently in use today are derived from Greek, including ‘theatron’ meaning ’a watching space’.

Greek and Roman amphitheatres were often built of stone and set into a hill side – the view beyond the stage providing the only scenery.

The origins of stage scenery in England date back to medieval times when simple painted wooden sets were mounted on wagons in front of which troops of travelling players performed mystery plays.

By the 16th century purpose-built theatres were being erected in London by entrepreneurs such as Richard Burbage. These wooden theatres offered scope for permanent and more complex stage designs.

from all walks of life, are playing such a high profile and active role to start this special day of celebration and commemoration of those within the NHS, Social Care and on the Frontline who undertake so much for us all, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 52 weeks a year, without any thought of their own safety.”

Since the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic, Freemasons have been supporting the NHS in a great many different ways.

They have donated more than £2.5 milion so far to the Covid effort and complete 18.5 million hours of volunteering to help those in need each year.

The donation is being used to

Around the same time in Italy, the Teatro Olimpico was built with stage scenery, made of wood and canvas painted to create the optical illusion of streets stretching off into the distance.

Ian reminded the audience that lighting played an important part in the evolution of stage scenery. In the Middle Ages and right up to the start of the 19th century stages were lit by candle light. Chandeliers hung from the ceilings of theatres giving off rather dim light which meant that the actors need to stand in front of the stage so they could be seen. The invention of gas lighting changed all that.

More elaborate and deeper sets could be designed including real doorways and, balconies and even bridges.

By 1881 gas lights had been superseded by electricity. For the first time the auditorium lights could be dimmed during performances.

help with food, personal protective equipment (PPE), supplements for hospitals and hospices, funds for NHS workers and ambulances.

Freemasons have also offered their Lodges as bases to administer the vital vaccinations and have provided PPE to protect the vulnerable and the NHS. For more details, visit: www.nhsfrontlineday.org

WADE ON THURSDAY, April 1, WADE held the latest draw in its 150 Club lottery.

The draw aims to help replace lost finances as a result of coronavirus.

The centre, on Reading Road, per week in this role but the hours could be shared by more than one volunteer.

Helena Badger

www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk

S

Send reports from your groups to news@wokingham.today

The Arts Society Wokingham

Wokingham Volunteering

OULSCAPE is a charity working in partnership with Wokingham and Bracknell schools, supporting young people’s physical and mental wellbeing.

It creates a safe space away from the pressures they face, where they can explore the issues that matter to them.

In 2019, it worked with 2,500 young people in 18 schools. It is looking for a volunteer to join its projects team during the Summer Term.

As someone having excellent presentation and facilitation skills in order to lead face-to-face delivery of the projects in schools, you will share the passion and vision of the charity with a desire to work closely with young people and the wider Soulscape audiences in a

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

creative, engaging way.

The charity says it can make a real lasting difference. You will have the opportunity to empower young people and volunteers and develop their skills.

You will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of the young people in our area. This will also be a real opportunity to use your skills and develop new ones, and expand your knowledge.

You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team, as well as leading others.

The role of the Project and Workshop Coordinator is 25 to 30 hours

� First Days Children’s Charity launched in 2013 in response to needs in the local community in Berkshire. Quite simply: there were people with stuff they didn't need and people who desperately needed it.

The charity grew quickly and now, it has helped more than 10,000 children, and distributed over 250 tonnes of donated goods.

To help as many families as quickly as possible it needs volunteer drivers to help deliver essential items such as pushchairs, toys, books and hygiene products from it warehouse in Molly Millar’s Lane to locations in Reading, Wokingham and the surrounding area.

It can work around whatever time you have available to offer to help deliver items. There is no requirement to go into any families homes unless preagreed.

You need your own vehicle and insurance confirmation, showing you are covered for such volunteering roles.

Nowadays stage scenery can range from the minimalistic through to the elaborate sets of West End musicals.

Technology has opened up many more opportunities. Ian explained how he used CAD and Photoshop software to create the backdrop for the SpiderMan show at Thorpe Park in a very short time frame.

His designs were printed onto vast sheets of plastic by specialist printers and hung on scaffolding towers.

Ian’s depth of knowledge and entertaining style left the audience wanting to hear more about his own theatrical experiences. Maybe the subject of a future lecture? .The society’s next lecture will be on a completely different topic: Power, Propaganda and Men In Tights: English Art Under The Tudors.

It was portraiture that dominated this period and Linda Smith will be considering the impact and function of some of the portrayals of the great monarchs and personalities of the Tudor age.

The talk will be streamed live to the society’s YouTube channel at 7.45pm on Monday, April 19.

To find out how to become a member of the society and have access to these varied monthly lectures please visit www.TheArtsSocietyWokingham. org.uk SUE BRYANT

provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources. It has reopened some of its facilities following the most recent lockdown.

Held monthly, there are three prizes for the draw. The more people who join, the greater the prizes.

First prize was £132, and went to member number 122. Second prize was £66 was given to member 28.

And the third prize was £33 and awarded to 40.

To join, call Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@ wadecentre.org.uk, or log on to the group’s website, www.wadecentre.org.uk. � The Wokingham Volunteer Centre is a locally focused charity, supporting the voluntary and community sector and many hundreds of vulnerable residents across Wokingham Borough.

With eight part-time staff and around 700 volunteers, it matches potential volunteers with the charities/voluntary groups that need them, as well as running transport and gardening services that help elderly and/or disabled residents to stay safely in their own homes for longer than might otherwise be possible.

It is seeking several volunteers to join and strengthen our Trustee Board. We would particularly welcome individuals with experience in any of: HR, Fundraising, Communications, Social Media.

Experience as a volunteer is highly desirable. � These are just a few of the opportunities on our books.

Contact us by calling: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wok-vol.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 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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LEISURE | 25 5356

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26 | LIFE

In the cellar James D O’Leary Semillon, Dessert, De Bortoli, Tesco Finest, 2017 Tasting Notes: dried apricot/honey/ marmalade

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OTRYTIS cinerea is a form of rot that certain grapes are susceptible to. The fungus encapsulates and punctures the fruit, leaving small holes over its skin.

This forces moisture to escape, leaving the grapes dehydrated, shrivelled and frankly looking rather hopeless.

While that might sound off-putting and unwanted, under the right conditions and with diligent winemaking, this malady can produce some of the very best and longestliving wines in the world.

The ‘noble rot’ concentrates the sugar, flavour and acidity of the grapes, resulting in an ultra-intense and flavourful sweet wine.

Semillon is a versatile, golden-skinned grape that can produce wine in a broad range of styles, from refreshingly dry to lusciously sweet. At one time it was the most commonly planted grape in the entire world.

It originates from just south of Bordeaux, where it plays the lead role, over Sauvignon Blanc, in the creation of world-renowned sweet wines such as Sauternes and Barsac.

In the early 1800s, Semillon was first cultivated in Australia, which remains its New World home to this day. This particular bottle hails from Riverina, the largest wineproducing region within New South Wales that has a reputation for outstanding botrytisedaffected wines.

It’s made by the De Bortoli family, a fourthgeneration of wine-makers who have been operating in the region for nearly a century.

This is a multi-award winning sweet wine of fantastic value, that needs to be served well-chilled. On the nose, notes of honey, peach and the slight spice of ginger, which all spill over on to the palate alongside chewy dried apricot and mango.

What follows is a generous finish, that develops into bitter marmalade on toast and orange peel.

Try it with roasted peaches and vanilla ice cream for a simple, indulgent finish to any meal, or likewise, pair it with some strong, funky English blue cheese.

The very best of which I’ve ever tried is Colston Bassett Stilton from Nottinghamshire, or Barkham Blue from Berkshire.

This wine is exclusive to Tesco, £6 a bottle at time of purchase.

James D O’Leary is a sommelier at L’Ortolan, Shinfield

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, April 8, 2021

Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK

Guinness & Gruyère Onions

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Serves 4 as a side ITH a bit of time the humble British onion can be transformed into a star side dish, the oven doing most of the hard work.

Delicious served with roasted meat like beef, chicken or duck.

Ingredients � 4 medium brown onions, skin on � 1.5 tbsp olive oil � 125ml Guinness � A pinch of salt � 4 sprigs of fresh thyme � 100g Gruyère Cheese � Black pepper

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4 2. Line an ovenproof dish with two crossed sheets of foil big enough to come together to form a parcel 3. Trim off the papery points of the onions so the flesh is just exposed and cut a cross in the top of each onion about 2cm deep; stand them upright on the foil 4. Drizzle over the olive oil and pour the Guinness around the bottom, sprinkle with salt and place a sprig of thyme on top of each onion

5. Fold the foil around the onions into a parcel and bake for 45 minutes 6. Carefully remove the foil parcel from the dish and transfer the onions back to the dish and pour over the juices; discard the foil. Return to the oven to for 30 minutes so the alcohol

can dissipate 7. Pop a bit of Gruyère cheese into the top of each onion and scatter some over the top; sprinkle with black pepper and cook for a final 15 minutes Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk/

plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK

Why not all soaps are clean and green…

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CCORDING to Conservation: “From cradle to gate, liquid soaps [also known as handwash] require five times more energy for raw material production and nearly 20 times more energy for packaging production than bar soaps do.

“A recent study on the environmental impacts of soaps and their associated packaging found that bar soaps have a lower environmental impact than liquid soaps in many important categories including carbon footprint, eco-toxicity, ozone depletion potential, and eutrophication potential.”

The message is clear – soap bars are the eco-friendly way forward.

So let’s take a look at the ingredients in the UK’s top three selling soap bars, according to Statista…

Carex – Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Aqua, Parfum, Glycerin, Palm Acid, Decylene Glycol, Palm Kernel Acid, Sodium Chloride, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Geraniol, Limonene, CI 77891.

Dove – Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Palmitate, Lauric Acid, Aqua, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin, Parfum, Sodium chloride, Zinc Oxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Alumina, Alpha-Isomethyl

Ionone, Benzyl alcohol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Citronellol, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77891.

Imperial Leather – Sodium Palmate, Aqua, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Talc, Glycerin, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Etidronic Acid, Coumarin, Eugenol, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Geraniol, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, CI 77891, CI 77220, CI 11680, CI 71105, CI 74260, CI 12490.

Lengthy lists, right? Straightaway, we can see that all three are using ingredients derived from palm oil (Sodium Palm Kernelate and Sodium Palmate, Palm Kernel Acid). Dig a little deeper and you’ll find ingredients including Benzyl benzoate (an organic compound which is used as a medication and insect repellent), Talc (mined from the Earth, it causes both environmental damage and health concerns), Butylphenyl Methylpropional (potentially a dermal and respiratory irritant), Lauric Acid (used in medicines to treat a host of viral infections), AlphaIsomethyl Ionone (again, health concerns are widely documented) and so on.

Many of the ingredients above aren’t biodegradable, potentially resulting in a longer-term negative impact on our environment. Ironically, some aren’t that kind to our skin or our bodies either. And it goes without saying that very few of

the top-selling soap brands (or their parent companies) can claim to be vegan or cruelty free/animal friendly.

In many cases, big brand soaps are made overseas too, increasing their (and your) carbon footprint – two of those above are produced in Germany and Thailand for example.

So what is the solution? We’re glad that you asked. Check out our top ecofriendly soap recommendations below…

Friendly soap: Sodium cocoate, Sodium olivate, Aqua, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder.

Gower Lavender: Aqua, Sodium olivate, Sodium cocoate, Sodium sheabutterate, Sodium almondate, Sodium castorate, Glycerin, Sodium lactate, Lavendula angustifolia, Lavendula angustifolia flower powder, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol.

Wild Sage & Co: Sodium olivate, Sodium cocoate, Sodium sunflowerate, Sodium Cocobutterate, Aqua, Lavandula

Angustifolia, Pelargonium graveolens, Pink ultra ventilated argiletz French clay, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool.

All soaps are vegan friendly, cruelty free and plastic free.

To make things easy, Sodium olivate = olive oil, Sodium cocoate = coconut oil, Sodium sheabutterate or Butyrospermum parkii = shea butter, Sodium almondate = sweet almond oil, Sodium castorate = castor oil, Lavendula angustifolia = Lavender essential oil, Aloe barbadensis = aloe vera, Sodium Sunflowerate = Sunflower oil, Aqua = water, Pelargonium graveolens = Geranium essential oil) Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool = naturally occurring in essential oils.

We’ve tried and tested all three brands and are more than happy to recommend them.

Each company also offers a selection of gift options, making them a nice ecofriendly present for someone too.

For more tips and advice, join the online group at www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk Got a comment or question?

Email plasticfreehome@gmail.com

LEISURE | 27

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Thursday, April 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

WOKINGHAMLEISURE Gallery goes virtual ART EXHIBITIONS will be presented online showing the work of talented artists.

The Reading Guild of Artists, a group of professional and amateur artists in Berkshire, has announced its new online exhibitions called While We Wait.

Members of the RGA have created a selection of artistic work for everyone to enjoy.

Included in the exhibitions are pieces by

Readipop on hold BIG FESTIVAL celebrations will be put on hold as future plans are announced for next summer.

Readipop, a Reading-based charity providing access to music for vulnerable young people, has revealed their next Readipop festival will be July next year, not this year.

The three-day event will be held at Christchurch Meadows, Caversham, from Friday, July 8, to Sunday, July 10 2022.

Some acts performing are Sugarhill Gang, Badly Drawn Boy, Jesus Jones, Stealing Sheep, Nigel Clark, Transglobal Underground along with more to be announced at a later date.

The charity has said that all existing tickets will remain valid for the festival next year and all current ticket holders are invited to attend a smaller day event

new members who joined last year but weren’t able to exhibit physically.

Along with a positive response, RGA chairman, Anthony Wilder, had pointed out how new members had taken the opportunity to “break new ground”.

In anticipation to reopen the gallery in person, the RGA hopes that with the online exhibitions it’ll help showcase new members and all their hard work.

For more information visit rga-artists.org.uk/

for free called Readipop Fiesta, on Saturday, July 10 this year.

Pete Wheeler, Readipop festival programmer, said: “We want to thank the many ticket holders, Readipop friends and donors who have helped support us through what has been a particularly difficult year for the charity sector.”

To find out more information about Readipop or to purchase tickets, log on to readipop.co.uk

Get on the quest FESTIVAL for the arts has created a special family-friendly activity for the school holidays.

Norden Farm’s Quest Family Fest, an annual festival holding a range of events for children and adults, has had a virtual makeover this Easter.

The festival began on Friday last week and is running throughout the school holiday until Sunday, April 18.

It includes live streamed events, on demand activities and live creative workshops via the online platform Zoom.

Families will be whisked away into an interactive audio adventure in the Mountain Goat Mountain experience, along with digital painting, book drawing, stop motion animation and a music and film editing workshops for children to take part in.

Quest Family Fest will also give children the opportunity to make their own sweet treats where families can collect a chocolate making kit from the takeaway team at Norden Farm. � Tickets are available from the Box Office on 01628 788997 or online at nordenfarm.org

LAURA SCARDARELLA

Wokingham Loves Music

FESTIVAL DATE: Kyros have been booked for Wokingham this August

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

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O FUNNY business his week, just great music.

Regular readers will have spotted that last week’s Wokingham Loves Music soundtrack started with an April fool – you’ll be pleased to know that not only is it business as usual, but The Room are sticking with their line-up.

This week, there’s two great new entries to enjoy, both to whet your appetite for the forthcoming Wokingham Festival.

You can listen for FREE, via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic

Kyros – Cloudburst (Isolation Sessions) Last year Kyros, who have a number of links to the local area, performed a series of innovative and critically acclaimed virtual shows. Now the band has released an album, Celexa Streams, which features remixed and remastered versions of the highlights of those shows.

This track is taken from that album and now the band are planning to play some real live shows later in the year, one of which will be their first-ever appearance at Wokingham Festival in August – www.kyrosmusic.com

The Wave Machine – Ocean’s Brew Here’s another artist that will be

appearing at Wokingham Festival for the first time this year.

The Wave Machine is the creative outlet for Angus Trott, a Brighton based singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Wokingham.

His songs have a summer feel as shown on this single which has a great feel-good vibe. We’ll look forward to sitting back and chilling to this talented artist at the festival – www.facebook.com/thewavemachine

The Room – Broken This was our April Fool’s track last week but there’s no joke about how good this band is. They appeared at Wokingham Festival in 2019 and festival organiser Stan Hetherington was so impressed that he invited them back this year – theroom.band

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

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 showcasing his excellent guitar talents – www.facebook.com/Keith-Atack-Music

Ben Portsmouth – The Only One He’s well-known as one of the best Elvis Presley tributes there are and here he is with a track he’s written and recorded in his own name from his EP, Worth Fighting For – www.facebook.com/ benportsmouthmusic

Kindred Spirit Band – No Smoke Without Fire Here’s a band that has graced the stage at Wokingham Festival with an inventive folk prog sound. This track is from their latest album, Elemental – kindredspiritband.co.uk

Red Tape Resistance – Time Hoopy Frood – Round is a Killer Shaped Hole The excellent brand new single from this Bracknell based band has a mellow atmospheric opening gradually building in intensity to a strong and powerful closing section – www.facebook.com/ redtaperesistance

This Wokingham-based band have just released their third album called Affirmations. Have a listen to their ‘psygroove electro rock’ on this track from the album – www.hoopyfrood.co.uk

When life gives you lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Progress Theatre March 24-26 Progresstheatre.co.uk

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ROGRESS Theatre hosted a virtual performance of Sam Steiner’s twohander play Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons last month.

The 90-minute play, involving a series of short, non-chronological scenes, portrays the struggles of Oliver (George Prove) and Bernadette (Evie Stannard), a couple whose already problematic relationship is made worse when the government introduces a new law giving everyone a limit of speaking 140 words per day.

This encourages them to think of new ways to communicate within the restraints of the law.

Through Steiner’s writing, he explores the themes of censorship, freedom of speech and democracy, which are presented in the quick fire scenes throughout the show.

The complexity of the script, which included 87 scenes, was an ambitious choice, especially as it was being performed online over Zoom.

However, director Caroline White had clearly thought a lot about the staging of the play to adapt it for the virtual performance.

From stage directions to eye line, every detail was very well executed and accurate throughout the show to make it feel more authentic.

The actors would look to the edge of their screen, George to the right and Evie to the left, which for the audience would make it look like they were in the same room, which was a really effective tool that helped to distract the audience from the fact that they were on separate screens.

Evie, who played the role of ambitious lawyer Bernadette, represents a natural characterisation showing the emotional journey she goes through during the play.

Alongside George, who played laidback musician Oliver, they both committed to creating a believable relationship, even though the actors were in two different houses throughout the entire performance, which was a really impressive accomplishment for the cast and team.

Whilst there is always a risk to performing live, especially on Zoom, Lauren Boys (stage manager) and Lawrence Bird (sound technician) worked well together to ensure the whole evening ran smoothly from start to finish with no technical issues.

The music and sound effects used throughout the performance added another layer to their production, which helped with the transitions between the scenes.

The structure of the performance was neatly assembled, beginning with a well-presented slideshow of upcoming shows before the play began, to an insightful and relaxed Q&A section with the cast and crew at the end.

These additional parts of the broadcast added much more value to the experience and there was real passion from every person involved with the production.

It is exciting to see that their next productions are a radio play of Brewster’s Millions in April, then an evening of monologues over Zoom in May and an openair theatre performance of Romeo and Juliet planned for this Summer.

To find out more information about Progress Theatre, visit progresstheatre.co.uk LAURA SCARDARELLA

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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 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. 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.

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.

14. Arun Close, Winnersh from its junction with Eden Way.

47. Southbury Lane from its junction with B3024 Ruscombe Lane.

15. Garth Close, Winnersh from its junction with B3350 Robinhood Lane.

48. Croft Road, Spencers Wood from its junction with Clares Green Road.

16. Church Lane, Shinfield between its junctions with Brookers Hill and Hyde End Lane.

49. Church Lane, Grazeley from its junction with Mortimer Road.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

76. Backsideans, Wargrave from its junction with B477 School 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.

77. B3030 Lodge Road, Hurst between its junctions with A321 Broadwater Lane and Whistley Mill Lane.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 1st May and 31st December 2021.

75. Bath Road Layby, Knowl Hill between its junctions with Linden Hill Lane and Canhurst Lane.

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 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.

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: 8th April 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Reasons for Advert

Description

210642

Conservation Area

Full application for the erection of 2No portable office/storage units and erection of a screen/fence.

Following the demolition of 3 existing sheds.

Salvation Army Hall, Sturges Road, Wokingham

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 29th April 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: 8th April 2021

Wokingham Borough Council S17 Application for a Premises License.

NEWSPAPER NOTICE Ian Wisdom of Twyford Beer Festival, Stanlake Meadow., Twyford RG10 0AB proposes to carry on the following licensable activities at the above premises: A Festival with live and recorded music together with plays, films and dance performances to be held on Stanlake Meadow on up to 4 separate occasions in a year over 1 to 4 days that may include bank holidays.

The Festival will be open to the public from 10,00 until 23.00. Performances will take place from 11.00 to 22.45 and Alcohol will be served from 11.00 until 22.30. These times are the maximum. Actual hours may be less.

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.

Representations to be made by : 10th 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 a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale Dated: 8th April 2021

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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (GIPSY LANE, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 1st 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: 1. Any vehicle from proceeding along Gipsy Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Fairview Road and Erica Drive.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Langborough Road, Murdoch Road and Easthampstead Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 17th April and 19th April 2021 and 1st May and 3rd May 2021 between 22:00 and 04:00.

2. Any person from proceeding along WOK FP 17 measuring 80 meters in length between its junctions with Gipsy Lane and WOK FP 10 Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th April and 2nd May 2021 between 12:00 and 20:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake railway track concrete works in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 17th April 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: 8th April 2021

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GET TO KNOW: AFC READING MIAMI BELLES Name: Daisy Position: Left wing Favourite team: Spurs Favourite TV show: Teen Wolf Best thing about playing football: Keeping fit and socializing with team mates Favourite song: Teenage dirt bag by Wheatus Favourite food: Chocolate Brownies

Name: Millie Position: Goalkeeper Favourite team: Spurs Favourite TV programme: The Simpsons but love all the Harry Potter Films Favourite thing about football: Working as a team and celebrating our wins Favourite Song: Another one bites the dust by Queen Favourite food: Ravioli or anything with chicken

� Any new players interested in joining can contact alan@afcreading.com

SONNING 10K CONFIRMS DATE participants to view the village of Sonning and the Thames Path.

Meanwhile, the children’s fun run will take place in the grounds of the club.

Last year’s event took place in September 2020 with Covid-19 mitigations in place, and will be similarly run this year with all government and UK Athletics guidance in place at the time of the event.

RAMS HAPPY TO TRAIN AGAIN

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS RFC Director of Rugby Seb Reynolds believes the players ‘would have been happy throwing a brick around’ as training resumed last week.

After three months away there were smiles all round the Senior Squad as they arrived back at Old Bath Road.

And Reynolds reflected: “With the weather it was as if someone knew we were all starting community sport again – it’s great

SIDES PREPARE FOR ACTION AFTER ANTICIPATED RETURN LOCAL cricket teams around the borough are preparing for the start of the cricket season in hopes of contesting a full fixture list.

Favourite team: Newcastle United Favourite TV show: Haikyuu Favourite thing about football: The thrill of winning Favourite song: Vivaldi by Storm Favourite food: Pad Thai

Entries are now open at www.sonning10k.co.uk and there are places for children in a special junior fun run event.

The family-friendly event has routes that start and finish at the Berkshire County Sports Club in Sonning Lane and have been designed for

CRICKET

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Name: Katie Position: Midfield Favourite team: Man City Favourite TV show: Brooklyn 99 Favourite thing about football: Working as a team Favourite song: Ride by Twenty one pilots Favourite food: Pizza

THE race is on as organisers of the Sonning 10k have announced that this year’s event will take place on Sunday, July 4.

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to be back and there was so much excitement and a real buzz around the group.

“They were so happy to be back – we could have asked them to throw a brick around and they’d have been happy because at last they were back outside with their mates.”

He continued: “The next few weeks will be mainly aimed at having fun, and we’ve identified a two-month period where we’re going to get the guys back into rugby and then we’ll play a couple of games at the end of May.

The pandemic caused major interruptions to last season’s cricket schedule which was curtailed in most local leagues.

However, this season is expected to be different with the local leagues planning for a full fixture list.

Before the league season gets underway, local sides are preparing to sharpen their skills in a series of friendly matches.

Wokingham will take two sides to face Bashley away from home this Saturday, before a Sunday XI hosts Wipro Corporate XI at home the following day.

Finchampstead 1st XI begin their first round of friendly fixtures on Saturday with an away trip to Normandy CC, while the second team will also travel to face Normandy the following weekend.

“It’s been a very long winter so the lads are raring to go,” said Finchampstead 1st XI captain James Woodford.

“We’re a relatively new group so we’re looking forward to seeing how we tackle the league this season.

“Having been stuck indoors for months, the whole cricketing community is excited to get back up and running and we are firmly part of that.”

Finchampstead Women’s 1st XI also begin their league season in the Home Counties Women’s Cricket League on Sunday, July 4 with an away visit to Chesham.

Eversley 1st XI host Burbage & Easton Royal CC on Saturday in preparation for their Thames Valley League campaign that begins in May. The Thames Valley Cricket League is set to commence on Saturday, May 8 for the opening round of fixtures.

Finchampstead 2s and Wokingham 2s begin their campaigns in division 2b with a local derby against each other as Finch host the Oaks.

Meanwhile, Eversley are away at Thatcham Town and Hurst host Binfield.

Crowthorne & Crown Wood 1st XI will play host to Twyford and Ruscombe 1st XI in a friendly fixture on Saturday, April 17.

The 1st XI then begin their league campaign in Berkshire Cricket League Premier Division when they host Twyford & Ruscombe 1s on Saturday, May 1.

In the same division, Woodley are away at Welford Park while Farley Hill 1s travel to face Woodcote on the opening round of games.

Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s and Earley 1st XI then begin their respective campaigns in Berkshire Cricket League Division 1 on Saturday, May 1.

“Crowthorne and Crown Wood are really looking forward to the start of the 2021 season,” said club captain, Will Avrili “It’s been a long winter for many reasons but we’ve put up with a lot rain and now we’re ready for that rainbow” “Last year we saw more players joining

the club and even set up a women’s team to cater for growing demand.

“The youth section has also continued to grow with local youngsters keen to get involved with the game, which is great to see.

“It is a testament to the club and the army of volunteers that give up their time to help, that we have been able to grow our numbers even with limited social contact being allowed and the season being shortened.”

“We expect this season to be equally successful with many players that have perhaps taken a season out to be champing at the bit to get back involved in the sport.

“It should be a fantastic season and the excitement at the club is palpable.”

Earley are at home against West Reading 2s, while Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s are away at Farley Hill 2s. Also in the same division, Woodley 2s host Shinfield 2s on the opening weekend.

Emmbrook and Bearwood kick off the new season on Sunday, April 18 when they take a Sunday friendly XI to face Sandhurst XI. They then begin their season in the Chilterns and Mid Bucks Division 1 on Saturday, May 1 with an opening day fixture at home against Winchmore Hill CC. “Everyone is chomping at the bit to get out there and play some cricket,” said Emmbrook and Bearwood 1st XI player Matt Booth.

“There was a real buzz and unity around the club last year in the games we were able to play.

“And when you add in a few of the new additions this year, we’re quietly confident that we can challenge for a title this year.

“We’ve also got the Village Cup, a ladies team and an ever-growing junior section at the club so it’s exciting times for the club going forward.”

RESULTS Friday, April 2

Monday, April 5

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Barnsley 1-1 Reading

Saturday, April 3 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Reading Women 0-5 West Ham United Women Friendlies Badshot Lea 2-0 Binfield Bracknell Rangers 1-2 Burghfield Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead 2-1 Wraysbury FC

Sunday, April 4 Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Wargrave Women Development 2-4 S4K Ladies

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 3-1 Derby County

FIXTURES Friday, April 9 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Watford v Reading (7.45pm)

Saturday, April 9 FA Vase Deal Town v Binfield Combined Counties Fripp-Smith Trophy Eversley & California v Ash United Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Newbury Thames Valley Division One Hurst v Cookham Dean Reserves Wargrave v Mortimer Reserves

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From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Another first for referee Rebecca

O

NE pleasing piece of refereeing news last week was that Rebecca Welch, was to take the middle of League Two match, Harrogate v Port Vale, over the Easter weekend.

S4K Ladies overturned a deficit to beat Wargrave Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Finchampstead beat Wraysbury in Thames Valley Premier League

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

S4K COMPLETE REMARKABLE COMEBACK

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

GRASSROOTS football made a spectacular and long-awaited return as several local sides contested in both competitive and friendly fixtures.

BINFIELD found some match sharpness ahead of their FA Vase cup tie at the weekend as they played a friendly fixture away at Badshot Lea that ended in a 2-0 victory for the hosts.

The Moles now look forward to their third-round tie away at Deal Town FC where a fourth-round tie against Fakenham awaits them

if they are successful in enacting revenge on the side that knocked them out of the competition in 2019.

FINCHAMPSTEAD made the perfect return to league action in the Thames Valley Premier League with their seventh win of the campaign.

The game looked headed for a draw after Wraysbury hit a wonderful equaliser, but Finch managed to snatch the three points in the dying embers of the game as Tiaan Coetzee netted a vital winner.

The win sees Finch extend their sizeable lead at the top of the table,

with a six-point gap separating them and second-placed BERKS COUNTY having played four more games than their nearest rivals.

Finch will be seeking to continue their unbeaten run in the division when they host Newbury on Saturday., while Berks County are at home against Marlow United.

S4K LADIES made a stunning return to action as they overturned a two-goal deficit to earn three points with a remarkable turnaround against WARGRAVE WOMEN DEVELOPMENT. After a goalless first-half, Wargrave capitlised to race into a two-goal lead in the second-half

as they looked to take control of the contest.

But the league leaders didn’t let that faze them and they hit back with goals from Megan Cox, a brace from Kiah Owen and a fourth from captain Samantha Sadler to earn three points away from home.

The victory keeps S4K at the summit of the Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S who have won six of their opening 10 fixtures in the league.

They will be hoping to protect their two-point lead at the top when they face Thatcham & Newbury Ladies this weekend.

FOOTBALL

ALFIE HITS LATE WINNER FOR FCB U14’s SATURDAY saw FC Bracknell return to football in their all new development friendlies fixtures, to get children playing football again.

FC Bracknell U12’s had a close match home to Woodley United Tornadoes as Woodley came away with a 3-2 victory.

It was honours even for the U13s youth at home against NPL Youth in an entertaining 33 draw, while the U13’s Colts put eight past West Byfleet Scorpions Yellows with the match ending 8-3 to the Blues.

FCB 14’s Youth were away in London taking on Hearts of

Teddlothian. In an end to end game against Tedds, the youth battled hard to come away with a well deserved 4-3 win.

Alfie scored the winner with a screamer of a shot just beyond the half way line with only seconds left on the clock.

Kwasi scored twice and Raul scored the other while Callum Cobb and Alfie Withers were awarded the joint player of the match award.

The U14’s Colts played brilliantly but the result didn’t reflect the scoreline as they were beaten 5-2 by Bracknell Cavalier Colts.

The U15’s were home at Locks Ride, Winkfield taking on Eversley and California Youth Lions in another end to end game, the Lions took the win, 3-2.

All three U16’s teams were in action. FCB U16’s lost 4-2 to Old Windsor, FCB U16 Youth lost 21. Bradley took Man of the Match for the Youth. FCB U16’s Colts had a long trip to West Byfleet and they narrowly lost 2-0 following a superb display from the team.

U17’s fought back from being 6-1 down at half time to Berks County to be beaten 7-6.

This meant she became the first woman referee to be appointed to referee a Football League match.

Another stalwart of women refereeing, Amy Fern, took over the whistle in 2010 when the referee of the Coventry v Nottingham Forest came off injured, but this was the first actual appointment. I’m sure it didn’t faze Rebecca, having already refereed eight National League games this season.

This is not Rebecca’s only first this season, for earlier she was the first English woman to become an Elite FIFA referee.

When I learned this, I suggested to the National Referees Association that they invite her to be guest speaker at one of their regular Zoom meetings.

I was delighted when she accepted their invitation and it was a pleasure to hear her explain, in her broad Geordie accent, her love of the game, coming from a football ‘mad’ family.

Her father, an ardent Sunderland supporter, now travels to give her support at her games.

I was once invited, along with Sir John Madejski, to the opening of a new pavilion at a local football club.

As we inspected the referees’ changing room, he confided in me that when they built the stadium that bears his name, they were forced to include two referees’ changing rooms, one for women officials. Cost us an extra £2,000 he said, and we’ve only had one woman use it.

That of course was Wendy Toms, another barrier breaker, being the first woman assistant referee on both the Football League and the Premier League.

There have been others since then, including Sian Massey-Ellis, who has been an assistant referee on the Premier League for over 10 years, and a brilliant one too.

Woman referees in other countries have been making such breakthroughs for many years. English woman referee have been slow off the mark, with the FA banning women from refereeing for most of the last century. Rebecca has shown that these opportunities now exist for English women referees.

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WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

ROYALS HAMMERED AT HOME READING WOMEN 0 WEST HAM WOMEN 5

By ANDY PRESTON at the Madejski Stadium apreston@wokingham.today IT WAS an afternoon to forget for Reading Women as they were thumped at home by West Ham United Women.

Carter looks to get into the West Ham box

The Hammers started the day as the bottom side in the Women’s Super League but raced into a 3-0 lead within the opening 11 minutes at the Madejski Stadium.

The Royals’ horror-show continued as they were stunned in a disastrous first-half that saw them 5-0 down at the break.

They managed to stop the flow of goals in the second-half but fell to a detrimental defeat.

Reading manager Kelly Chambers was left ‘gutted’ with the performance of her side.

"I don't think we came out with the fight and desire today that I ask the girls to come out with,” said Chambers.

“We tried to play our game but West Ham pressed us more aggressively than they normally do.

"I thought we caused our own problems in the first half. We didn't show the adaptability that we showed against Manchester City and it simply cost us today.

"The players are gutted with the result and we should have played better. We've got to show our pride to finish as high as we can in the league.

“We apologise to the fans for our first-half performance as it was unacceptable."

Chambers’ side stay in seventh place in the WSL table and have now gone five games without a win in the league.

West Ham took the lead just seven minutes into the game as Kenza Dali’s cross looped over the head of Grace Moloney and found the top corner.

The visitors continued their early pressure and added a second just a few minutes later as Katerina Svitkova was left completely unmarked at the back post and nodded in from close range from Kate Longhurst’s cross.

The Royals were stunned in the

Reading Women suffered a heavy home defeat as they conceded five goals against West Ham United Women Pictures: Neil Graham

Amalie Eikeland takes a strike at goal

early stages and the match was all but done just 11 minutes in as the Hammers added a third goal to maintain their superb start.

Reading gave up possession cheaply in their own half and were picked off by the potent West Ham attack. Martha Thomas chipped the ball over Moloney and the Reading defence couldn’t claw the ball off the line as their nightmarish start continued.

Reading looked to an unlikely route back into the game as Jess Fishlock, in her final appearance for the club before returning from her loan spell, looked to produce from magic from deep but her long-range shot was collected comfortably by the goalkeeper.

West Ham deepened Reading’s woes in the 29th minute as they sliced open the defence with some quick play to find the net for the fourth time. Thomas traded passes in the box and was left with a tapin to claim her second goal of the game.

Danielle Carter dribbles down the wing

Thomas sealed her first-half hattrick in the 37th minute and condemned Reading to the most miserable of first-half displays with a fifth goal.

Daly lifted the ball over the top of the Reading centre-backs to find the penetrating run of Thomas who

Match stats READING WOMEN: Moloney, Leine, Woodham, Harding (c), Cooper, Eikeland, Fishlock, James, Rowe, Williams, Carter SUBS: Jeon, Flores, Harries, Nayler, Roberts, Childerhouse WEST HAM UNITED WOMEN: Brosnan, Cissoko, Fisk, Flaherty (c), Longhurst, Svitkova, Brynjarsdottir, Kvamme, Egmond, Dali, Thomas SUBS: Mustafa, Pacheco, Ramsey, Barker, Denton GOALS: Dali 7’, Svitkova 10’, Thomas 11’, 29’, 37’

beat the offside trap and delightfully lifted the ball over Moloney to earn a stunning hat-trick.

The Royals looked to salvage some pride in the second-half and Rachel Rowe came close to clawing back a consolation goal as she was found by Danielle Carter on the edge of the box but curled her shot inches wide of the far post.

Rowe came close again when she hooked a ball goalwards but was denied by the fingertips of Courtney Brosnan who tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The second-half ended without any more damage to the scoreline as the Royals head into the latest international break having suffered their most disappointing defeat of the season.

There are just four games left in Reading’s WSL campaign, but they turn their attention towards the FA Women’s Cup with a home tie against Tottenham Hotspur Women on Sunday, April 18.

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E BY FIVE-STAR WEST HAM

Jess Fishlock takes aim from distance

Carter makes her way into the West Ham area

Rachel Rowe gets past her marker

Lily Woodham fights for the ball

ROYALS READY TO REPRESENT ON INTERNATIONAL DUTY NINE Reading Women players have been selected to represent their respective countries during the upcoming international break.

The Welsh contingent of Natasha Harding, Rachel Rowe, Angharad Jams, Lily Woodham, Bethan Roberts and recently departed loanee Jess Fishlock have all been called up to represent Wales during their upcoming games.

Roberts, who is a product of the Reading Academy, has won her first

call-up for her nation as Wales face Canada on April 9 and Denmark on April 13.

Amalie Eikeland and Kristine Leine has both been selected to represent Norway as they face Belgium and Germany.

Royals goalkeeper Grace Moloney has been chosen for the Republic of Ireland squad to take on Denmark and Belgium, while midfielder Silvana Flores will play for Mexico Under-20’s in a friendly match against Brazil.

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated STAR PLAYER Rafael Cabral

PLAY-OFF PUSH IN SIGH READING 3 DERBY COUNTY 1

RAFAEL CABRAL Made a really important double stop in the first-half, before he made a stunning save from Bird’s long range shot in the second-half.

OMAR RICHARDS Concerning to see him forced off with injury as he limped off the pitch. Had a relatively quiet game but did his job nicely.

LIAM MOORE Almost caught out when he left KazimRichards unmarked and he hit the post, but had a solid afternoon other than a few minor slip-ups.

TOM HOLMES Replaced the injured Morrison and did a fine job. His flick-on led to Lucas Joao slotting in the third goal to wrap the game up.

ANDY YIADOM A quiet game by his standards going forward but did an important job defensively.

ANDY RINOMHOTA A typical box-to-box display from the energetic midfielder. Covered well defensively on several occasions and also helped out in the final third.

JOSH LAURENT Another fine display in the middle. Played some incisive balls forward that could have led to goals and collected an assist for Olise’s wonderful strike.

MICHAEL OLISE His moment of magic opened the game up with a stunning drive from outside the box.

Had plenty of bright moments in attack throughout the game.

OVIE EJARIA Had a shout for a penalty early in the second half. Caused plenty of problems for the Rams’ backline and won the free-kick that led to the third goal.

YAKOU MEITE Had a big chance to score when he was played through by Olise but the keeper made a smart stop. Worked hard and played a vital role in the second goal.

GEORGE PUSCAS Used his striker’s predatory instinct to latch onto the rebound of Meite’s shot and convert from close range to get his goal.

LUCAS JOAO Showed a similar striker’s instinct to Puscas to grab the third goal and break his poor form to score a vitally important goal to seal the match.

9 6 6 7 6 7 8 8 7 7 7 7

By ANDY PRESTON at the Madejski Stadium apreston@wokingham.today READING maintained their place in the Championship top-six as Lucas João broke his scoring drought to add to goals from Michael Olise and George Pușcaș to earn a vital victory over Derby County.

In a lacklustre first-half, Olise produced a moment of magic to send an effort which soared into the top corner with Reading’s first attempt on goal with the last kick of the first-half.

Pușcaș then poached from close range in the 57th minute to covert from the rebound of Yakou Méïté’s shot.

Wayne Rooney’s team hit back to set up a tense final 10 minutes to the match as they countered from a Reading penalty appeal and Lawrence struck an unstoppable strike past Rafael from distance.

But the Royals wrapped up the game in the 84th minute as substitute Lucas Joao broke his poor form to net an important third goal to seal the points.

The Royals stay in sixth place, just a point above Bournemouth, who still have a game in hand to play.

Veljko Paunović made a big call prior to the game as top scorer Lucas João, who has suffered a dry spell in front of goal, was replaced up top by Pușcaș.

Meanwhile, Tom Holmes came in for the injured Michael Morrison and Omar Richards slotted in at leftback in place of Lewis Gibson.

Reading started with more possession as they looked to go direct with two early long balls, first from Andy Rinomhota to try and find Yakou Méïté, before Josh Laurent tried to find the darting run of Michael Olise through the middle only for Derby goalkeeper David Marshall to collect.

After a quiet opening quarter of an hour, the Royals looked to find the breakthrough when Olise took three Derby players out of the game to find a defence splitting pass to Rinomhota in the box, but his cross was turned behind for a corner.

Derby conjured up their first meaningful attack in the 20th minute and came close to taking the lead with three chances in quick succession.

Tom Lawrence dug out a cross to find Colin Kazim-Richards in the middle who struck the post with his header before Lawrence’s follow up was well saved at the near post by Rafael Cabral.

The Rams maintained their attack and again found KazimRichards who sat down to Reading

Tom Holmes celebrates with Lucas Joao

Lucas Joao nets from close range as Reading wrap up the three points against Derby County Pic

Ovie Ejaira (left) and Michael Olise (right)

George Puscas

defenders with a clever feint and tried to pick out the top left corner but Rafael made a flying save to claw the ball away.

Reading were struggling to find any impetus in attack to break down the Derby defence as neither side looked likely to find a breakthrough in the first-half.

Omar Richards surrendered possession in his own half to substitute Kornell MacDonald, but Rinomhota was there to provide defensive cover and prevent Derby from having a strike at goal.

It was a lacklustre first 45 minutes from Paunović’s side that looked headed for a stalemate. That was until Olise picked out the top corner with Reading’s first effort of the game on the stroke of half-time.

The mercurial French midfielder opened up space for a shot on the edge of the box and lashed a superb shot which flew into the top left hand corner.

The second-half started with an early shout of a Reading penalty as

Méïté charged down the right and found Ovie Ejaria in the middle, he tumbled to the ground under a challenge but the referee deemed the tackle to be fair.

Derby had their own half-hearted appeals for a spot-kick which were waved away before Reading found a

Match stats READING: Rafael, Richards, Holmes, Moore (c), Yiadom, Rinomhota, Laurent, Olise, Ejaria, Méïté, Pușcaș SUBS: João, Southwood, Esteves, Dorsett, Gibson, Tetek, Semedo, Aluko, Baldock DERBY COUNTY: Marshall, Wisdom, Forsyth, Shinnie, Bird, Lawrence, Byrne, Kazim-Richards, Mengi, Sibley, Knight SUBS: Aoos, Jozwiak, Roberts, Buchanan, Bateman, Baningme, McDonald, Stretton, Watson GOALS: Olise 45+2′, Pușcaș 57′, Lawrence 79′, Lucas João 84′

second goal to double their lead in the 57th minute.

Méïté drove down the right-wing, cut onto his left foot and hit a powerful strike towards goal, Marshall could only parry the ball out in front of him and Pușcaș latched onto the rebound and converted from close range to net his fourth Championship goal of the season.

Rooney’s side looked for a way back into the contest and came close when Max Bird slid an inviting ball through to Lawrence but Rafael was quick off his line to smother the ball and take it away from the Rams midfielder.

Derby kept the pressure up when Kazim-Richards fired a ball across the face of goal to try and find Jack Stretton who stretched but couldn’t get a toe to the ball.

There was another injury concern to contend with in defence as Omar Richards had to be replaced by Lewis Gibson.

Rafael was kept on his toes again

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HT AFTER HOME WIN

From The Tilehurst End Olly Allen

The striker conundrum

A

Liam Moore wins an aerial duel Reading celebrate Michael Olise’s opener

Lucas Joao scores from close range

ctures: Steve Smyth

Rafael makes an important save from Colin Kazim-Richards

Reading try to win the ball from a corner

Reading celebrate their third goal

Yakou Meite dribbles past a defender

Josh Laurent moves forward

Andy Yiadom blocks a cross

and made another stunning stop to fly to his left to get a hand to Bird’s fierce drive from 25 yards out that looked destined for the top corner.

The Royals had the chance to wrap up the points when Olise slid the ball through for Méïté who looked to plant the ball into the

bottom corner but was denied

by Marshall.

There was a tense final 10 minutes when Derby grabbed a goal back just moments after Reading were denied another shout for a penalty.

Méïté fell down in the box but

referee Jon Moss waved play on, and Derby capitalised as they transitioned into attack and Lawrence blasted a shot past Rafael to get the Rams back in the game.

Paunović made two changes as João and Alfa Semedo replaced Olise and Pușcaș.

The substitution paid dividends as João latched onto Holmes’ flick on and slotted the ball in to break his frustrating spell in front of goal and earn three vital points.

With just six games to go, Reading face a difficult test on Friday when they face Watford.

PAUNOVIĆ RELISHES PLAY-OFF CHALLENGE � Continued from back page

“Last game Cardiff didn’t get a result to prove that but it’s one game, one slip. They will still keep fighting. As long as you have a chance, you have to fight for those.

“We are determined and we go to our games with a plan and look to execute our strategy.

“The mentality is very important.”

Paunović confirmed that he is expecting to have Omar Richards

available for selection after he came off with injury against Derby County, and provided injury updates on his other affected players.

“He (Omar Richards) got a knock on his foot in the game against Derby. He is fine and trained today he will be available for Friday against Watford.

“John Swift is progressing very good. Other than that everyone else is in the same situation.

“Michael Morrison is still out and

will be out for the rest of the regular season but will be back for the play-offs.”

The Serbian boss also gave an insight into his decision to drop Lucas João in favour of George Pușcaș for Reading’s win over Derby in which both strikers found the net.

“It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make,” he continued.

“But I wouldn’t give any credit to me, it’s more to the team and to the

individuals, in this case Lucas and George Pușcaș.

“We need the guys to understand their roles.

“He (Lucas) had to press the restart button. Take the pressure off his shoulders because we’ve relied on him nearly every game this season. That rest helped him and helped the team.

“We communicated the decision to the players so they can understand what is going on.

“We communicate everything.”

LL the focus was on one man in the build up to Monday’s game against Derby County: Lucas João.

The striker’s open goal miss at a crucial time of the game against Barnsley on Easter Friday was as frustrating as it was unbelievable, and led to many supporters asking for him to be dropped from the starting line-up.

Whatever your view on the situation, it was undeniable that Joao had suffered a severe drop off in form, scoring just once in his previous nine matches and looking low on a confidence. He was a shadow of the player that terrorised Championship defences in the first half of the campaign.

We’ll never know whether Veljko Paunović had been reading comments on social media or not, but the Serbian did make the call to leave Joao out of Reading’s team on Monday and bring in George Pușcaș in his place.

The decision worked perfectly. Pușcaș netted Reading’s second goal of the game after Michael Olise’s rocket of an opener, giving the Royals a cushion against the Rams. When Tom Lawrence’s thunderbolt got the visitors back into the game, Paunović brought João off the bench and the Portuguese scored with his first touch to make it 3-1 and prevent a nervy end to the match.

It couldn’t have panned out much better. Pușcaș’ goal vindicated the decision to drop João, but for Reading’s top scorer to come on as a substitute and get on the scoresheet himself will have been a huge confidence boost.

But now Paunović faces the same João or Pușcaș conundrum ahead of the trip to Watford on Friday night.

Personally I would stick with the Romanian. It would seem harsh to drop him to the bench after he did what he was brought in to do on Monday, and now has two goals and an assist from his last four starts.

Pușcaș didn’t really do much wrong against Derby and his poacher-like nature may be well suited against Watford’s mean defence.

However something tells me that Paunovic might turn back to João. The two have a very good relationship, and the manager may have assured the Portuguese that he was simply taking him out of the firing line on Monday. We have seen that manmanagement is key with João and a start against Watford could be seen as a reward for scoring off the bench against Derby.

Of course there is the option to deploy both players upfront together – a system Paunović has experimented with on a couple of occasions this season – but that seems unlikely.

It would mean that a midfielder would have to drop out of the side and that neither seems fair on players who have been performing well, or logical, with Watford possessing the quality to seriously hurt Reading if the Royals were to be too expansive at Vicarage Road.

It makes you wonder what the long-term plan was for Pușcaș and João when they were signed for a combined £13 million within 24 hours of each other in August 2019. Was one set to play back up to the other?

Were they going to play together? Or perhaps, in true Dai Yongge megalomaniac style, it was just a case of packing in as much quality into the squad as possible in the hope of getting to the Premier League.

In fairness, that plan isn’t going too badly.

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ROYALS HURT IN HORROR SHOW TEAMS RARING TO GO • P34 READING V WATFORD

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING WOMEN were left stunned after they shipped five goals in a disastrous game against West Ham United Women.

The Hammers had all but sealed the points just 11 minutes into the contest as they burst put of the blocks and fired three early goals past the Royals.

Reading weren’t able to recover and the goals kept flying in, with West Ham adding two more before the break.

Martha Thomas bagged a hat-trick in the first-half.

Kelly Chambers’ side managed to stop the flow of goals in the second-half, which ended goaless, but were still left wounded after a heavy defeat against the side that started they day at the bottom of the Women’s Super League table.

Reading are in FA Cup action when they return from the international break with a fourth-round tie at home against Tottenham Hotspur Women. �Full match report on page 36

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKSFOR PLAY-OFFS

‘THIS IS THE BEST MOMENT OF THE SEASON ..

THE MATCHES AHEAD OF US ARE EXCITING’

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

READING manager Veljko Paunović is ‘excited’ ahead of the most important period in the Royals’ season as they face fellow promotion hopefuls Watford tomorrow night.

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

“This is the best moment of the season, we created this opportunity for ourselves and the matches ahead

of us are very exciting,” said Paunović.

“Playing against teams at the top of the table defines the moment and the importance of the games.

“We are in the final stage of our quest to qualify for the play-offs.

“We have to be ruthless in the opposition box and solid defensively in our box with the mentality to protect our goal.

We have to be solid and composed.

“I see the challenge in front of me and I want to go for it and want to secure the play-offs.

“There are more contenders, teams like Cardiff and Middlesbrough are still fighting.

“We only focus on ourselves and what we can control.” � Match preview on page 39

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