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WHO’S THE GRINCH STEALING CHRISTMAS?
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Thursday, December 10, 2020 No. 291
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FULL STORY P8 CHILD SELLS TOYS FOR FOODBANK P4
HEARTS OF GOLD: Bikers donate toys for Barnardo’s girls and boys • Page 7
WHO’S THE GRINCH STEALING CHRISTMAS?
Callous thieves take decorations EXCLUSIVE
MRS MAY LIGHTS UP TWYFORD TREE P12
FIRST DAYS DELIVER TO MANCHESTER P5
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THIEVES have been spotted stealing Christmas decorations in Shinfield – and reindeer seem to be the target.
Residents were alerted to a spate of thefts last week when several people reported that their outdoor festive displays had been taken. At the time of writing, three people have taken to social media to warn others about ongoing robberies, however residents suspect that many more properties may have been targeted. Now, the streets of Shinfield are bare as residents remove decorations to avoid becoming the next victim. � Continued on page 4
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Shinfield residents’ stolen Christmas � Continued from front page
One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, discovered that their light-up reindeer had been taken from their front doorstep last Tuesday – December 1. And their three-year-old child, who chose the decoration at a local garden centre, is absolutely devastated. “We live in a gated property and left the gates open for a short while as we waited for a delivery,” the resident explained, “and a lady on a bike stole it and rode down the street. “We didn’t notice until our child came home from pre-school and went to turn the reindeer on. “The worst thing for me was being unable to explain to my child why someone would take their possession,” they added. The resident hopes that their child’s beloved reindeer will be returned, but fears it’s “highly unlikely” and says it has probably been sold on for a small profit. And another Shinfield resident, who also wanted to remain anonymous, says that for the first time in 21 years they no longer feel safe in the village – and it’s all because of the spate of thefts. They also fell victim to the reindeer thieves, losing two of their precious decorations. “We have two reindeer left, and we’re not going to put them outside now because somebody could jump over the fence and grab them,” the resident explained. “It’s such a shame because Shinfield never used to be like this. “I feel angry because if I knew it was happening, I wouldn’t have put my Christmas decorations up at all.” Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor for Shinfield South, says he feels heartbroken for all of the village’s residents. “I think it’s disgraceful,” he said. “I just don’t understand the mentality of somebody doing this, especially in the current climate. “Some people have locked themselves away for weeks and months on end, and being able to put some Christmas lights up was a bit of cheer at the end of the tunnel.” And the councillor believes that the fact people are taking their decorations down out of fear is even worse than the actual theft. “I think it’s terrible that it’s had a knock on effect. I would like to see the person caught, and somebody should name and shame them so hopefully it stops.” Anyone with information on the thefts in Shinfield is encouraged to contact Thames Valley Police and quoting reference 125603122020.
Alfie’s trolley-full EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A THOUGHTFUL youngster turned his much-loved toys into a trolley-full of food to help others this Christmas.
Seven-year-old Alfie Ferguson from Finchampstead decided to sell some items from his collection, and use the cash to have a supermarket sweep. Mum Catherine said: “It’s always difficult to get children to part with old toys before new ones come at Christmas, so this year I said I
thought it would be a good idea to try to sell some to help others that were not as fortunate as we are. “He thought that was a great idea and just started to sort out the things he didn’t want. “We had also had a few things at school where they had raised money for charities and I think he now understands the importance of helping others.” She felt that some of this understanding came from lessons at Waverley School, where he is a Year 3 pupil. “They are brilliant and really talk
Care home enjoys stout sampling BEER infused with chocolate and marshmallows were on offer for residents of a Wokingham care home. A stout tasting afternoon was one of the events organised by West Oak Care Home in Murray Road. There were a number of flavours on offer, and staff said that there were some mixed opinions about each of the tastes. The success of the afternoon means that more tasting sessions
are being planned for next year. It is not the only activity the home has organised. A Covid-safe corridor sing-a-long ensured everyone could enjoy the sound of music. Geoffrey Honour, the general manager at West Oak Care Home, said that singing brings so much joy and happiness to the residents. “In these unprecedented times, providing a range of engaging physical, mental and spiritual
FAMILY NOTICES COUSTON, Colin of Ruscombe, Twyford. Died peacefully in hospital on November 27th 2020, aged 76, after a long illness, borne with fortitude and courage. He will be greatly missed by his many friends all over the world. Private Funeral. Enquiries to Haine and Son, 19 South Street, Eastbourne 01323 727801.
Thursday, December 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY Seven-year-old Alfie sold his toys and used the profits to give to the foodbank
of love to the children about kindness and helping others which I think has been great,” she said. Some of the items that Alfie parted with were given away, but Ms Goad said that the people collecting them were “very kind” and asked to donate to the collection. The sale raised around £70, and Alfie turned that into a shopping list. “We looked on the foodbank website to see what they needed most, as well as things they were specifically looking for for Christmas,” she said. “He helped to find them in the
activities for our residents is more important than ever,” he said. “Our residents really enjoyed this past week’s events.
store, and once we went through the checkout we handed the trolley over. “It’s a nice feeling knowing that you are doing something good.” Ms Goad is incredibly proud of Alfie’s generous spirit, something that isn’t just for Christmas. “We are really proud of him, it’s lovely to see he now has an understanding that the small things can make a big difference to others,” she said. “He loves this time of year and it's nice that he has been able to make other people’s Christmas a little better.” The gift has been well received by Wokingham Foodbank, which is now working hard to ensure that families receive food parcels for Christmas. The centre’s manager, Annette Medhurst, said: “We are constantly overwhelmed by the level of support we receive from people in Wokingham but the generosity from such a young member of the community truly warms our hearts. “The kindness Alfie has shown will go a long way towards helping households who find themselves struggling to afford food this Christmas.” Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the foodbank, which is based off Broad Street is not currently open to the public for dropping donations in on an adhoc basis. Items can be left at: � Morrisons, Woosehill Shopping Centre, Wokingham � Tesco, Finchampstead Road, Wokingham � Waitrose, Rectory Road, Wokingham � Sainsburys, King Street Lane, Winnersh Ms Medhurst said: “If people have larger donations please can they contact us in advance to arrange a delivery slot so that we can manage donations coming in safely.” It is appealing for long life milk and hot dogs.
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Charity elves organise gift delivery A HURST-BASED children’s charity is spreading Christmas cheer near and far with its gift appeal. First Days, which has been collecting toys for children over the last month, delivered 100 bags of presents to Manchester last week. It comes as the charity closed its appeal, securing more than £60,000 worth of toys. “Home-Start Manchester contacted us to ask for gifts for the families they’re supporting,” said Emma Cantrell, charity founder. “They’re on our email distribution list, and we occasionally ship to them.” She said the charity often receives donations from and supports families in regions across England — as well as
those closer to home. “Most families we support are local to us,” she said. “But when we have a request for support from further afield we find a way to help.” Last Friday, volunteer Simoon Hards drove to the city to deliver the Christmas presents. He has been supporting the charity since the beginning of the pandemic. “There has been a phenomenal response to the appeal,” Ms Cantrell said. “It’s been so heartwarming. We’ve had more than £60,000 worth of toys donated. “We’ve now got all of the donations we need, and our Christmas elves are busy packing and delivering.” The presents will be gifted to 1,300 children.
Volunteer Simon Hards delivers 100 bags of gifts to Home-Start Manchester Picture: First Days Children’s Charity
Visit Santa’s helpers at Riverways Farm SANTA’S reindeer have ditched the North Pole for a new home in Twyford — and they’re patiently awaiting visitors. Riverways Farm, on New Bath Road, is home to 16 of Santa’s furry friends and is inviting residents to pop down and say hello. The herd of reindeer live on the site all year round, and the farm’s founder says they’re attracting a lot of attention this year. “They’re proving really popular — I mean they always are,” said Andrew Cardy of
“Our varied life enrichment programme for residents includes ways to stay in contact with relatives digitally, such as Skype, and we have new ways to keep residents active, while ensuring that the group activities are smaller, adhering to social distancing advice” And Mr Honour added that West Oak is still able to take admissions for those that need care over the next four weeks. � For more details, call the home on 0118 979 5100
Eddie Cardy (9) helping to look Cloudy and the other reindeer at Riverways Farm Picture: Steve Smyth
Cinema premieres new gin CHEERS! Wokingham’s movie lovers can now enjoy a new gin while watching some festive films. Everyman Cinemas in Elms Field is offering the premiere of The King of Soho’s pink berry Variorum gin. The venue offers waiter service while the films are playing. To celebrate, it has created a Pretty In Pink cocktail, a blend of the gin with strawberry and coconut syrup and lime juice. The King of Soho’s founder, Alex Robson, said: “We’re incredibly excited. Everyman is known for redefining and enhancing the
cinema experience; their venues are the perfect home for our gins that are rooted in the creative and nonconformist spirit of Soho. “A good measure of Variorum pink to lift the spirits as we all come out of lockdown – now that’s what I call pretty.“ And Everyman is excited about the link up. “The King of Soho is a brand that is very much in line with our innovative lifestyle approach, we expect the Pretty in Pink to be a huge hit with our customers,” said Richard Linford, head of beverages.
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Riverways Farm. “People are just desperate to see the reindeer this year. “Kids always love them because there’s something so unusual and mystical about them, and adults get really intrigued as well because they’re such interesting animals.” While residents are unable to stroke or feed the reindeer this year, they can watch them roam the paddock or hire them in pairs for educational talks. � For more information, visit: www.riverways farm.co.uk
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Thursday, December 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Generous motorbikers gift thousands of presents
EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THOUSANDS of bikers near and far delivered Christmas presents to children supported by Banardos over the weekend.
The annual Reading Toy Run was altered this year, to reflect coronavirus restrictions. Instead of the regular drive from the Foster Wheeler building in Shinfield to High Close School, Wokingham, bikers delivered their gifts to five different dropoff locations. The decision, which minimised the number of people congregating in one place, meant organisers had to play Father Christmas by organising gift delivery from drop-off to destination. One of the organisers, Ben Mead, said it was the most awkward event they’ve ever had to coordinate. “It was a challenge to say the least,” he said. “But with lots of help from everybody, it went very well.” And the pandemic didn’t dampen the
Cantley secures £600,000 in Football Foundation funding THE FOOTBALL Foundation has granted the council more than £600,000 to build new sports facilities at Cantley Park. The project will include a 3G artificial pitch with floodlights, and the current pavilion will be refurbished with new changing facilities, a viewing balcony and café. The £616,619 grant from the Premier League, The FA, and the government’s Football Foundation will be added to the council’s £1.6 million investment to make the project a reality. Work will begin in January, with the aforementioned work in the first phase, and improvements to the other existing grass pitches in the second half. There will be 39 more parking spaces, bringing the total to 164 — and will include four larger spaces for minibuses as well as four electric vehicle charging points. The artificial sand-dressed pitch and 12 tennis courts will be unaffected by the works. Over the last few years, the number of football teams in the borough has grown to 534, but there isn’t enough training space. To meet the demand an additional nine 3G pitches are needed for local teams. Cantley Park will be the fifth 3G pitch built in the borough. “It’s fantastic news we’ve been
Lag your pipes
Bikers delivered presents to Wokingham and Sindlesham Masonic Centres, Pinewood Cafe, High Close School and Harley Davidson in Earley Pictures: Steve Smyth
spirit of giving. “We had a phenomenal response,” Mr Mead added. “There were a lot more donations than expected. Barnardos was overwhelmed with the whole situation —
they didn’t think we’d get enough. “When it comes to bikers, you only have to mention a charity and they come out in droves — they’re nice people, all of them.”
re3: Free paint for community IT’S THE ultimate in recycling: a new scheme offers free paint that would otherwise have been sent to landfill. The re3paint scheme aims to share full or partly used pots, with a view to them being used by charity and community groups. Re3, which operates recycling centres in Reading and Bracknell on behalf of Bracknell Forest, Reading and Wokingham borough councils, says that more than 100,000 litres of water-based paint – enough to cover 180 football pitches – are dropped off by residents every year. And almost two-thirds of that is good enough to reuse. To ensure health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, all tins of paint that are deemed
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for reuse will be sanitised before being made available to residents. Cllr Dorothy Hayes, Bracknell Forest Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Chairman of the Joint Waste Disposal Board, Cllr Adele Barnett-Ward, Reading Borough Council’s Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods & Communities and Cllr Parry Batth, Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Leisure, said in a joint statement: “Redistributing tins of paint to individuals, families, communities and charities is a win-win for everyone. “The re3paint initiative prevents paint from going to waste and can help individuals redecorate their
homes or communities brighten up their shared spaces without spending money on paint. This could be particularly needed in response to the difficulties caused by the coronavirus crisis. “We are hoping that this initiative will become popular, with tins of paint quickly disappearing from the recycling centres’ paint shelf. “We are also looking forward to hearing about any projects that may benefit from the reclaimed paint so we can share with the wider community.” Residents, charities, schools and other groups operating locally, who are interested in using reclaimed water-based paint, can collect free tins of paint from both recycling centres.
DON’T FORGET to wrap up warm this winter. This is the message from national plumbing register WaterSafe, which has partnered with the Met Office to make sure homeowners in Berkshire have their plumbing ready for the cold season. Residents are being advised to keep exposed taps and pipes wrapped up to stop leaks in their tracks. And WaterSafe is asking them to make sure stop taps are working, and to repair leaky taps and valves before frost sets in.
awarded a Football Foundation grant for our enhancement project at Cantley Park, and we’re very grateful for their support,” Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure. “This grant will give our local footballers the chance to play football each week at improved facilities. It will also mean they no longer have to travel outside the borough for matches or training, which is crucial if we want to tackle the climate emergency. “Cantley is a very popular and well-used park. It’s not just a place for football but also home to hockey, cricket, archery and tennis, to name just a few. It’s loved by many who spend time there exercising, walking the dog or meeting friends.” Robert Sullivan, interim chief executive of the Football Foundation, said the organisation is committed to transforming the face of grassroots football facilities. “Working with our partners — the Premier League, The FA, government and Sport England — we’ll be investing in more than £1 billion worth of local facilities across the country during the next decade,” he said. “We believe we can transform lives and strengthen communities by unlocking the power of pitches and this is another project that brings us closer to that ultimate goal.”
“Wrapping up pipes doesn’t just help prevent them from freezing and bursting but keeps the heat in, so you’ll benefit from savings on winter bills too,” said Julie Spinks, director of WaterSafe. “Tackling such an important job before cold weather sets in can reassure us our homes will stay as cosy, warm and safe as possible.” Will Lang, head of civil contingencies at the Met Office, added: “Anything you can do now to prepare for and limit the impacts of severe winter weather on your family home is well worth the effort.”
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Men jailed for GBH charges TWO MEN have been jailed for stabbing a man in Wokingham, and causing life-long injuries and disability. Adam Clark, aged 19, from Richmond-uponThames, London and Malachi Hutchinson, aged 19, of no fixed abode, both pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm — Clark pleading guilty in March 2020 and Hutchinson in July 2020 at Reading Crown Court. Returning to the same court for sentencing today, Clark was jailed for two years and four months and Hutchinson for two years and six months. The incident happened on Monday, April 1, 2019 near Wokingham train station. At roughly 9.45pm, a 29-year-old man was attacked by a group sustaining multiple stab wounds to the lower torso and legs. He required multiple blood transfusions and has sustained life-long injuries and disability. Clark was arrested on April 18, 2019 and was charged the following day. But Hutchinson was arrested on June 19, 2019 and was charged on September 17, 2019. Investigating officer Detective Constable Alex Gillett said: “This offence was linked to drug dealing activity and the convictions are a result of a serious and complex investigation that spanned 18 months. “This was a brazen, abhorrent and sickening attack whereby the victim was assaulted next to the train station in Wokingham. “He was stabbed numerous times in full view of busy commuters, leaving him with life-threatening injuries that have become life-changing.” He added: “Thames Valley Police is committed to stamping out knife-related crime and this investigation shows the extraordinary lengths we will go to in order to hunt down and convict those responsible. “We have worked tirelessly in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service and this demonstrates that criminals cannot hide behind county borders. “Our message is clear. Committing crimes of this gravity will not be tolerated, and we will be resolute, using all our resources and expertise to bring those that do the most harm in our communities to justice.”
John English and Pauline Hart on the Wade Day Centre stall
FUNDRAISER: Festive market held
The stall, the merrier Katie (5), Emma (11) and Jack Coney (7) enjoying the Wokingham Christmas Market held on Sunday Pictures: Steve Smyth/WT20121001
For the latest news visit Gail Scholey having a bit of fun while selling wreaths on the 1st Wokingham Girls’ Brigade stall
Sue South and Pat Murden on the Helen & Douglas House stall
CHARITIES from across the borough received a much-needed fillup thanks to a festive market.
The team behind Wokingham’s Winter Carnival organised a smaller, outdoor affair in the town centre on Sunday. There were 18 different groups and charities involved and crowds flocked – at a suitable distance – to browse their wares. To help make the event Covidsafe, stalls were placed in both Peach Place and Market Place and there were marshals on hand. Mask wearing was encouraged where possible. Philip Mirfin, chairman of the Winter Carnival committee, was delighted. “It went exceptionally well, we’re all really pleased,” he said. “All stalls did their utmost to sell Christmas gifts. “Everyone who came out to see the stalls and they were good at social distancing, so we didn’t
need to use the marshals at any time.” And the use of Peach Place as a venue was welcomed. “A great thing is that the borough council has said we can use Peach Place again next year, which means we can do even more,” he said. Due to Covid, stalls had to minimise contact, and that meant no tombolas or similar games. This meant that there were many hand-made and unique gifts to purchase. Mr Mirfin said that this was so well received that the committee could consider expanding the Winter Carnival to maintain this Christmas market aspect. “The charities raised a lot of money, earning a good amount – it proved worthwhile for them,” he added. Now the committee starts work on planning for next year’s Winter Carnival, which will take place on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
Anna Wijkman and Bev Thompson on the Wokingham Borough Council Sport and Leisure stall
Tracey Abbott, Clare & Alex Dando (12) and Debbie Meredith on the Alexander Devine Sagun Gurung, Laise May and Iain McDougall on Children's Hospice stall The Redan’s stall
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CORONAVIRUS LATEST
First vaccine jabs given EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today ROUGHLY 150 people across the borough will be given the Pfizer vaccine this week, as part of a nationwide roll-out.
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health at the borough council revealed the first dosage was given yesterday to care home staff across Wokingham. The fast roll-out meant staff were transported to Oxford for the jab, but plans are in place for Wokingham Community Hospital to take over the process soon. Cllr Margetts said he was pleased to see the vaccination programme begin, calling it the “beginning of the end” for coronavirus. “Our priority is to first work through care home staff, then
Emmbrook to remain closed THE EMMBROOK School will remain closed until January, following a positive Covid-19 case. Headteacher Nick McSweeney said he has taken the difficult decision to keep the site closed until the end of term, with students studying at home. It comes as a member of the
the over 80s.” he said. “After that, those on the shielding list and who are eligible for the flu jab will be vaccinated by their GPs.” The general population will then be given the jab at Wokingham Community Hospital — which will act as a community hub. “At the speed this is coming through, we’re looking at the new year for the general public,” Cllr Margetts said. “Our message is sit tight, because you will be contacted as soon as possible. It’s a case of logistics ensuring the right people get it at the right time.” He reiterated the need for mask wearing, social distancing and hand washing to keep the virus at bay, and reduce community transmission in the interim, and suggested it could be spring when a notable difference in
covid-spread is documented. Across the borough, transmission figures are at 132 cases per 100,000 people, with the total number of cases at 2,390 since the beginning of the pandemic. Cllr Margetts said that care home figures are impacting the overview of the borough. Last month, Shinfield View Care Home suffered the largest care home outbreak, and cases are still being managed there. This week, Cllr Margetts said there are two more care homes with outbreaks. The two homes have recorded between 40 and 50 cases of Covid-19 between them. But he said there was also good news for the 52 care homes in the borough. The council will be trialling lateral flow covid tests, which provide a quick result, to help families visit their relatives before Christmas.
catering staff testing positive for Covid-19 last week, causing the majority of the senior leadership team and a high number of our teachers to self-isolate. Vulnerable children and children of key workers will still be allowed to attend the school, and will be taught by the available staff. Mr McSweeney said: “This decision has not been taken lightly and we know that this
will cause disruption for many families. The safety of our staff and students is always our prime concern and is why we had to make this difficult decision.” Remote online learning began on Monday and will continue until Friday, December 18. He thanked the community for their support and said he looks forward to welcoming the students back soon.
Covid marshals deployed to town streets FOUR NEW covid marshals will be patrolling towns and villages across the borough to encourage compliance with covid-rules. Although they will not have any enforcement powers, the Covid support officers will be promoting social distancing and the wearing of face coverings. They will also ensure businesses are following Covid19 secure guidelines and signpost to specialist advice if needed. Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for adult social care and public health at Wokingham Borough Council (WBC), said: “Our Covid support officers will provide a reassuring presence, ensuring that there are people on the ground who can offer advice and support directly to businesses and the public. “It is a crucial step in making it as safe as possible for people to visit our town and village centres, especially as we come out of lockdown and the nighttime economy picks up in the run-up to Christmas.” Starting this month until March, the marshals will focus on Wokingham, Woodley and Twyford as well as other hot
The covid support officers will be in town and village centres until March Picture: Wokingham Borough Council
spots across the borough, including shopping centres, pubs, cafes and restaurants. They cannot issue fines, or touch members of the public but can escalate enforcement action from Thames Valley Police or the Public Protection Partnership if necessary. Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development at WBC, added: “Our officers will be signposting businesses to relevant organisations, while also providing us with feedback and
intelligence on their general support needs. “This will help to ensure that we’re providing as much support to the local economy as possible. “We also want to assure our residents that the officers are in place to educate and encourage the right behaviours, not enforce them. “Any serious breaches of regulations can be reported via our online form.” The four staff members have been provided by NSL Services.
Earl of Wessex studies life science on university visit SCIENTISTS working on coronavirus-based research had a royal visitor last Friday. Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, paid a socially-distanced visit to the University of Reading’s Health and Life Science Building. He met scientists working on new testing technology for the coronavirus, and had a chance to see different prototype diagnostics kits in action. Dr Sakthi Vaiyapuri spoke to The Earl about his work to protect snakebite victims, by developing a new simple test to see if a snakebite victim has been injected with lethal venom, and encouraging people in rural India to seek lifesaving treatment. And the royal visitor joined the School of Biological Sciences students as they took part in practical biology class studying the physiology and evolution of birds. The Earl also visited the revamped Cole
From left: Dr Sakthi Vaiyapuri and Prince Edward study a sample of blood
Museum of Zoology and met its director, Professor Amanda Callaghan. James Puxley, the Lord Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, was one of those who accompanied the prince during his visit. “Today we saw firsthand the passion among those at the University of Reading who are applying their ingenuity and skill to the problem of the coronavirus,” he said. “I am extremely grateful to His Royal Highness for expressing his support and interest in this vital work. This is our Berkshire community
at its best, with individuals and institutions working together for the common good.” And the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort, was grateful for the royal visit, saying it had been an honour to introduce
him to students and staff. “I am proud of the work they and many others at the university have done, both to find innovative solutions to the pandemic, and in maintaining our worldclass research and teaching.”
How to get help in Wokingham borough: To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizen’s Advice on 0300 330 1189 Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258
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Reading to fare better than London in Covid-19 recovery READING is set to recover quickly from the coronavirus pandemic while London will be nursing an ‘economic hangover’. This is according to the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), which expects strong economic growth for London’s commuter belt next year. The Centre’s latest report, produced with law firm Irwin Mitchell, says that Reading’s employment is expected to grow by 6% yearon-year when the government’s furlough scheme comes to an end. And the CEBR expects the town will see the smallest economic impact of any city in the UK. According to the Centre, the secret to Reading’s success is the Thames Valley’s communications sector which has enabled the region to adapt to home working quickly. “While the south recovers better overall from the coronavirus crisis, it is clear from this report that there will be something of a hangover for larger cities,” said Vicky Brackett, CEO of Irwin Mitchell’s Business Legal Services team. “With strong pharma, IT and tech sectors, the London commuter belt has been able to weather the storm better than most and this is shown in their resilience and the robust recovery they are expected to enjoy over the coming year.” � To read the report, visit: irwinmitchell.turtl.co
‘Patchy’ economy should bounce back says local enterprise leader By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today COVID-19’S impact on the Thames Valley economy has been “patchy” – but Wokingham is set to bounce back quickly.
This is according to Alison Webster, CEO of Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), who says that Wokingham and Reading are both projected to recover swiftly from the pandemic. “There are reasons to be optimistic within Berkshire because we entered the pandemic with a very strong economy, and because of that we will emerge sooner than other parts of the UK,” Ms Webster explained. “Historically, we’ve had a very strong jobs market in the Thames Valley.” Since September, the LEP has been working on its Recovery and Renewal plan for Berkshire, and has been planning how to build economic resilience while
Alison Webster, CEO
supporting people and businesses over the next five years. But according to the CEO, this does not mean that everything will be rosy right away and the local economy is still weathering the storm of Covid. There are currently 29,000 people employed in retail, hospitality and catering in Wokingham borough alone – and they have all been impacted by the pandemic. “It’s not been great for those tens of thousands of people, of course, because they all have lives and livelihoods,” Ms Webster said. “For every one of those people, it’s a personal tragedy which makes you feel deskilled and undervalued, but there are reasons to stay optimistic.” According to the CEO, despite the pandemic there are
more job vacancies throughout Wokingham borough than there were this time last year. “There’s been a huge number of employment opportunities in the NHS, health and social care sectors, and even in the public sector,” Ms Webster explained. “When you take a step back, you can see that there are hundreds of vacancies across a diverse range of sectors. “Last week, there were over 2,000 unique live job vacancies alone, which is more than there were in November of last year,” she added. And there are a number of secrets to Wokingham’s success, including its close proximity to Heathrow Airport and its high number of communications, scientific and technical jobs. “We’re blessed with a number of things really,” Ms Webster explained. “We’ve got good geography, we’re close to London, and it’s a nice place to live.” Now, the CEO is working hard to try and connect people with employment opportunities to get the local economy booming again. “We don’t want people to be disheartened if they’ve lost their job because there are opportunities there,” she said. “While some people will regrettably have to leave or lose jobs that they love, this is a chance to reskill.” Thames Valley Berkshire LEP is currently working with local authorities across the Thames Valley
region for its Berkshire Opportunities Portal. The online platform which offers information on job opportunities, career pathways, and advice on how to succeed in a job search launched earlier this year. “What we’ve attempted to do is really try and support people looking for a job with a ‘one stop shop’,” Ms Webster explained. “This should be your first port of call to find employment, training information, opportunities and support,” she said. “And we want to encourage people to think about how their skills will present opportunities too, alongside advice on how to switch sectors.” Looking to the future, Ms Webster believes that there are a number of lessons that both businesses and employees can take away from the pandemic. “I think the biggest lesson is to be resilient,” she said, “and that’s not just a lesson for companies but for people too. “If you’re furloughed at the moment, think about your own strength.” And this is the main advice Ms Webster has for anybody on their job search – to take charge. “Rather than just sitting there worrying, I’d encourage people to take a bit of control and access any support available to them,” she said. � To find out more, visit: www.thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk and www.berkshireopportunities.co.uk
Investment: Thames Valley plays Silicon Valley IN A VOTE of confidence for the Thames Valley, Pegasystems has renewed its lease in Reading. And local law firm Boyes Turner assisted the software company in completing its renewal at 3 Forbury Place. Mark Appleton, partner at Boyes Turner who advised Pegasystems on the new deal, says it is interesting that companies are deciding to stay in the local area despite the coronavirus pandemic and believes it speaks volumes about the region. “This really does show that the Thames Valley continues to be the UK’s Silicon Valley in the eyes of companies located here,” Mr Appleton said. “Reading continues to appeal strongly as a location to tech companies - it’s an ideal location for a regional office.” In light of recent events, Mr
Appleton says that some London-based tech firms are moving to regional premises to save money and that the coronavirus has been a “catalyst” for new ways of working. Dan Ryan, vice president of real estate and facilities at Pegasystems which has been based in Reading for more than 10 years, added: “Our employees value their Reading location and, while we envisage that the office of the future will be more flexible than today, we see 3 Forbury Place as the perfect foundation for that new work space. “Reading’s easy transport connectivity to London, its reputation as the UK’s ‘silicon corridor’ and lower costs compared to some other locations means that the Thames Valley is where we want to remain.”
Keeping warm A BOROUGH business park has donated more than 150 blankets to The Cowshed. Frasers Property UK, the owner of Winnersh Triangle and management team, MAPP, provided the charity with surplus branded picnic blankets. Nancy Apperley, marketing manager at Frasers Property UK, said it was important for the business park to have a sense of community. “We are delighted that we were able to come together with our management partners to support The Cowshed — an excellent charity that does so much to support the local community and some of the most vulnerable people in society,” she said. “As we move into the Christmas and the New Year period we look forward to starting our latest fundraising campaign across our portfolio of business parks which will allow us to further support important and vital community support groups.”
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BUSINESS | 11 Got a business story? Email news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk. or write to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
South Western appoints new managing director
A NEW managing director will take the reins of South Western Railway early next year. Claire Mann (pictured) will
take over from Mark Hopwood, who will return to being MD of GWR from January 4. The new boss – who has more than two decades’ experience in the transport sector – says that she is looking forward to joining the team. “This is a railway close to my heart and one that is vital for connecting so many diverse communities,” she said. “I am passionate about delivering an excellent customer experience and building on the great work already underway to transform this railway. People are the most important part of any successful operation and I am
Independent estate agent wins regional enterprise award A WOKINGHAM company has found success at this year’s Southern Enterprise Awards. Quarters Residential, based on Broad Street, has been awarded the Best Independent Estate Agent in the entire South East of England in the awards run by SME News. “I was very surprised to
receive an award as I wasn’t aware that we’d been nomainted,” said Nick Harris of Quarters Residential. “I was delighted. As a new business it’s always nice to receive these types of messages – and saying that we’re an Award Winning Agency has a nice ring to it.”
looking forward to meeting the teams and individuals across the SWR network.” And Mr Hopwood said: “It has been an honour to lead the team at SWR and I would like to thank all my colleagues for their professionalism, dedication and commitment in what has been a challenging year. “I feel we have made real progress with our performance, our investment programme and improving our customer experience. “I know that I head back to GWR leaving SWR in very capable hands.”
This year was the fourth annual Southern Enterprise Awards, which aim to recognise small- to medium-sized businesses in the region which are working hard to improve their industry. And despite of the coronavirus pandemic, SME News says it has been a very successful awards ceremony. “As always, it has been a pleasure and a privilege to contact those that have been awarded in the SME Southern Enterprise programme,” said Holly Morris, award coordinator. � To find more visit: www.quartersresidential.co.uk
Ethical packaging for medicine A LOCAL business is helping supply medicines faster thanks to a new global partnership. PRISYM ID, a content and label management company based in Wokingham, has partnered with RxSource, a global clinical trial supplies specialist. RxSource prioritises ethical sourcing, packaging and delivery of medicines, and it will now create labels in-house using PRISYM ID’s own labelling solution. The company has offices
in Ireland, Canada and the US, and has been working under pressure throughout the pandemic. Now, it hopes that by partnering with PRISYM ID, it will be able to deliver medicines faster. Rhys Evans, senior director of global supply at RxSource, said: “We work closely with our customers to provide bespoke drug supply solutions and we have played a critical role in supporting them during the challenges faced
Shoppers urged to support rural companies SHOPPERS are being urged to celebrate Berkshire’s rural businesses and buy from local companies this Christmas. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) is asking people to support farmers, landowners and retailers in the county by investing in their festive produce. Michael Valenzia, CLA regional
as a result of the pandemic. “This will enable us to package and supply medicines in as little as 48 hours.” Warren Stacey, senior vice president of global sales at PRISYM ID, added: “We are very pleased that RxSource has invested in our cloud-based clinical trials labelling solution. “It mitigates the complexity and risk involved in clinical labelling, enabling them to take control of the design and printing process in-house.”
director, said: “This year has seen many rural hospitality and tourism businesses heavily impacted by Covid, and we would encourage the public to support their local businesses in our countryside as they contribute greatly to the economy. “Buying locally, whether it is seasonal festive food and drink, gifts or decorations, helps to contribute to a vibrant rural economy. “These businesses provide jobs, goods and services for local communities, attract tourism and provide a real boost to our economy.”
Coronavirus fund Caring employees grants £2 million take the spotlight to county charities MORE THAN £2 million has been granted to small charities across the county thanks to the generosity of local businesses. Berkshire Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Fund has supported 200 organisations with financial aid since March of this year. And nearly three quarters of the grants have funded projects which are tackling isolation by improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing. In all, 291 projects have received donations so far including Home-Start Wokingham, which is supporting 55 vulnerable families by delivering prescriptions and essential supplies. Jon Yates, chief executive of Berkshire Community Foundation, said: “The picture of need continues to change but one thing remains constant and that is the tremendous support we have received from the business community. “The willingness of businesses dealing with all the operational challenges presented by the coronavirus crisis to direct time and money into supporting local people exhibits how integral corporate social responsibility has become to our daily lives.” � For more information on the Foundation, visit: www.berkshirecf.org.uk
A WOKINGHAM-based social care provider has been putting its employees in the spotlight. Optalis, which provides care and support services on behalf of Wokingham Borough Council, recently held its fifth annual STAR Awards. The Awards recognise employees who have gone the extra mile and have shown empathy and commitment in their care. Eight awards were up for grabs, including Unsung Hero, Outstanding Team, and an award nominated by those supported by Optalis Customer Choice. “In our organisation, recognising and celebrating outstanding staff achievements and innovation is one of our priorities - the STAR Awards are a brilliant opportunity to do just that,” said David Birch, Optalis’ chief executive officer. “We hope that those who won feel our genuine appreciation for the hard work, commitment and dedication they bring to their jobs and meeting our customers’ needs.” The awards ceremony was due to take place in the summer, but was put on hold as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
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‘Concerning’ rise in young people on universal credit EXCLUSIVE
from 175 people in January to 780 people in October. And the biggest claiming group was 18- to 21-year-olds, which received more than 2,500 payments during the 10-month period. Nigel Richards, chair, Wokingham Job Support Centre (WJSC) said: “It is concerning, but no real surprise, to be seeing
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE NUMBER of young people on universal credit quadrupled this year, as people across the borough struggled to find work.
Claims for income support among 16- to 24-year-olds rose
a steep increase in the unemployment figures for young people in the borough, given the effect on the local economy of the Covid-19 pandemic. “The WJSC had to close during the first lockdown, but since it reopened in September we have seen a steady increase in enquiries and visitors.”
He said the centre, which has been supporting the community for almost 30 years, can provide guidance including help with CV writing and interview skills. Others are also concerned. Alison Webster, CEO for Thames Valley Berkshire LEP — which has recently launched Berkshire Opportunities, a website to explore jobs,
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 10, 2020 apprenticeships and training — said the trends are very worrying. “We know that young people, not just in Berkshire but throughout the country, have found coronavirus particularly hard and this rise in unemployment will undoubtedly further knock their confidence,” she said. “Our message to young people in Berkshire is that while this is a really difficult time, there are still options and opportunities out there for them. “Employers are actively recruiting, exciting training options are open to explore and young
people shouldn’t give up hope.” Ms Webster said there are hundreds of vacancies being advertised on Berkshire Opportunities, as well as career information, virtual work experience, online training, apprenticeships and career coaching. She added: “Berkshire is a place that is focused on providing great opportunities for young talent and we are here to make sure support, information and inspiration is available for all.” � For more information or support finding empployment, visit: www.wjscadvisors. org.uk or www.berkshire opportunities.co.uk
MP lights up Twyford village Former prime minister Theresa May switches on the lights Picture: Steve Smyth
Celebrate Christmas with your local church All Saints Church, Wokingham
In these challenging times Christmas means light and life, peace and love, help and hope. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus who is with us in all our troubles. To explore more of Jesus’ message visit a local church this Christmas, in person or online.
Please pre-book (free) tickets on our website: wokinghamchristmas.com
Sunday 6th December 4pm Christingle Service
Sunday 20th December 3pm Children’s Nativity
Christmas Eve 11am, 2pm & 4pm Crib Service 7pm Nine Lessons & Carols 11.15pm Midnight Communion
Christmas Day 8am Holy Communion 10am Parish Communion 10am Family Communion (The Cornerstone)
We do hope you can join us for one of our Christmas services this year. Due to the current restrictions it is essential that you book in advance. To find out more and book a seat, please visit our website: www.abch.org.uk
Sunday 20th December Friday 25th December 10am Christmas Day Service
Christ Church Wokingham at St Crispin’s School (Sixth form block) Sunday 20th December 4pm Outdoor Carol Service. Come and join us for some carol singing and hear a talk about Christmas. There will be hot chocolate for all, as well as treat bags for kids.
Sunday 20th December
10am Christmas Day Service. We will be meeting outside for a short morning service for all ages – don't forget to wrap up warm.
10am Communion via Zoom 6pm Nine lessons and Carols via Zoom
Kings Church Wokingham
St Bartholomew's, Aborfield
4pm, 6pm, 8pm Candlelit Carol Services at
Christmas Day
All our services are on Zoom. To attend, or for details, email admin@kingschurch.org.uk telephone 0118 961 9876 or find us on Facebook.
Sunday, December 13 10.30am The Greatest Journey, an online Nativity service,
Sunday 20th December
Christmas Day 10am Celebration – Richard Bailey via Zoom
Sunday, 27th December 10am Simeon’s Delight – Dominic Squibb via Zoom.
St Paul’s Wokingham Services livestreamed via www. stpauls-wokingham.org.uk. Numbers are limited for some services, please check our website for details.
10.30am Christmas Hope: A service with carols & drama.
Saturday 19th December
Christmas Day
Sunday 20th December
10.30am Christmas celebration
Norreys Church If you want to join any of our Zoom services email norreyschurch@gmail.com
Sunday 6th December
4pm Crib Service 6.15pm Nine Lessons and Carols
Christmas Eve
Wokingham Methodist Sunday 20th December Video Carol Service on the website
Christmas Eve 4pm Christingle on Zoom 11.30pm Midnight Communion
Christmas Day 10.30am Worship for Christmas Day See our website for further details and to book a place, www. wokinghammethodist.org.uk
Woosehill Church All services will be live streamed on YouTube. To attend in person please email stewards@woosehillchurch.org
Sunday 6th December
4pm Christingle (livestream only) 11pm Midnight Mass
10am Christingle Service
Christmas Day
10am Christmas Reflections with Communion
8am Early Morning Communion (in church only) 9.30am Christmas Day Eucharist
10am Christingles with Jonathan Brain via Zoom and Facebook
Wokingham Baptist Church
Sunday 13th December
Sunday 20th December
10am Communion via Zoom 3.30pm A Lantern walk called ‘Norreys lights the way to the new year’
Tuesday 22nd December Christingle Craft and Carols in the church for families with young children. 45-minute sessions throughout the day. Make your own Christingle to take home, and listen to children’s carols and the Real Christmas Story. Please go to www. wokinghambaptist.org.uk/ christmas to book or to find out more about how to take part from home.
7pm Christmas by Candlelight Carols and readings for Christmas, in the church and livestreamed.
Sunday 20th December Christmas Eve 4pm The Christmas Story (livestream only)
Christmas Day 10am Morning Worship All details subject to change along with Covid restrictions. Please check church websites near the time.
Find out more at www.wokinghamchurches.org.uk
TWYFORD’S Christmas lights switch-on attracted thousands of online viewers last weekend. Rather than asking the community to gather in the village centre to light the tree together, people were told to stay home and stay safe this year. Instead, on Sunday, December 6, Rob Yeadon from Twyford Together was accompanied by former prime minister Theresa May to light up the village tree.
“Thank you to everybody who’s made this possible this year,” said Mrs May. “I hope the lights on this tree prove to be a beacon of hope for everybody for 2021.” And the event attracted around 2,000 viewers online. Gordon Holmes, secretary of Twyford Together, said: “2,000 people is more than we’ve ever had at our in-person switch-ons.
“And we’ll probably do the same sort of thing next year too, live streaming the gathering so that people can watch it from home.” This year’s tree, on Bell Corner, is decorated with wooden stars covered with messages from students at The Colleton Primary School and Polehampton Junior School. It is sponsored by Goodall-Smith Wealth Management.
NHS warns of flu risk IT’S MORE important than ever to have a free flu vaccination if you have a long-term health condition. That’s the message from the NHS, which warns that its research shows that if people get flu and coronavirus at the same time, they are more likely to be seriously ill or be admitted to hospital. They say that an average of 11,000 deaths occur annually due to flu-related complications. Of these deaths, many were in people with underlying conditions. People with chronic heart disease are approximately 11 times more likely to die if they catch flu than individuals who have no other underlying health condition. Dr Raj Thakkar, Long Term Condition Lead for Hampshire and Thames Valley Strategic Clinical Network at NHS England and NHS Improvement, said it’s important for people with long-term health conditions to get the vaccine. “If you have diabetes, a long-term respiratory, heart, kidney, liver or neurological condition, are
immunosuppressed, morbidly obese or have problems with your spleen, you are more likely to experience serious complications from flu, like pneumonia, and end up in hospital,” he said. “The flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. “GP practices and pharmacies have worked hard to put social distancing and other measures in place so you can have the flu vaccination in a safe environment.” People with a long-term health condition should have received a letter to invite them for their flu vaccination and can speak to their GP to arrange an appointment. Nick Carter, who is retired, said: “I’m a type 1 diabetic, have heart failure and recently got my flu jab at my local GP surgery. I had a letter through the post to say I was eligible for a free one so booked in. “I don’t always remember to do it but this year I wanted to make sure I did as I was warned having Covid and flu together can be dangerous. It took a few minutes and now there’s one less thing to worry about.”
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Pen pals spread festive cheer Gadgets galore for town PUPILS at a Crowthorne primary school have been sharing some festive cheer by creating cards for residents of a retirement complex. More than 70 Christmas messages have been made by children at Crowthorne CofE Primary School and handed to people living at McCarthy and Stone’s Birch Place development on Dukes Ride. Staff say that the project has helped strengthen the bond in the community. Nicki Beswarick, divisional marketing manager for McCarthy and Stone Southern, said: “This year it is important for us to get creative and find
Winter photo competition WOKINGHAM shoppers could be in for a win, by demonstrating their support for small businesses. Wokingham Town Council has launched a Christmas photo competition, calling on residents to pose outside their favourite town centre spot. Entrants are in with a chance of winning one of
new ways of bringing the community together, despite the challenges we’re all facing. “The pupils at Crowthorne CofE Primary School have written some really heartwarming messages inside their Christmas cards, which have truly brought some yuletide
comfort and festive cheer to homeowners at Birch Place.” To thank the children, the residents sent back some chocolate coins. Ruth Jackson, the school’s headteacher, said that the pupils enjoyed the project. “It was certainly a great way to get us all into the Christmas spirit and help to foster relationships between the generations,” she said. “We’d like to thank all of the homeowners at Birch Place for sending their kind treats. The delivery was a wonderful surprise for the children, and they were absolutely delighted they enjoyed their cards.”
three hampers packed full of gifts and vouchers donated by Wokingham retailers. To take part, shoppers must head into town and take a picture of themselves, family or pets in front of their favourite shop, salon, restaurant, pub or cafe. This must be sent to We Love Wokingham, with a description about why they love that business. Bonus points are available for creativity, inventiveness
and fancy dress. The competition closes on Sunday at 6pm. Winning pictures will be selected the next day, and prizes presented outside the Town Hall on Wednesday, December 16, between 9.30am and 11am. To enter, email a picture and description to: marketing@lovewokingham. co.uk We Love Wokingham will share the entries across social media.
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A NEW gadget store has come to Wokingham — and just in time for Christmas.
Bracknell-based company Fonehouse has opened its newest shop in Wokingham town centre. With 19 UK stores already, the mobile phone retailer welcomed customers to its 20th site, in Market Place, last week. And franchise owner David Simmonds hopes Fonehouse will be able to boost Wokingam’s retail sector. “Despite 2020 being such a challenging year, we never lost our ambition to grow and increase our presence on the high street,” Mr Simmons said. “The new store is very exciting to be a part of, as we’ll be recruiting locally and taking on the now-empty Carphone Warehouse site.” Fonehouse has launched in Wokingham town centre as part of the company’s ambition to open more sites across the country. The new store offers a range of mobile phone handsets and tariff deals, as well as tutorials on how to
Staff at the new Fonehouse shop are excited to welcome customers
use new devices. Ben Branson, the company’s CEO, is local to Wokingham and says he is delighted to be opening a new shop in the town. “While 2020 has been difficult for everyone involved in retail, we have been determined to remain as accessible as possible for our customers,” he said. “This new store represents our desire to support local
communities such as Wokingham, and our hope is that it helps to boost the town’s high street, as well as the retail sector.” The new Market Place shop is already welcoming customers, and is following a number of Covid safety guidelines including installing a hand sanitising station. � For more information, visit: www.fonehouse.co.uk
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We’re not acting in secret, says Woodley council leader EXCLUSIVE By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOODLEY’S council is not being run secretly, says its leader.
He was responding to claims made by Lib Dem town council group leader Cllr Carol Jewell, who alleges that since the pandemic, some are being held in secret and the council can operate without public scrutiny or councillors being made aware of decisions made. Since March, like many councils, meetings have been held regularly among senior leaders and politicians, a process in Woodley called the Urgency Committee. There are four councillors on this and the Lib Dems argue that they are making “important financial decisions with consulting the council. Cllr Jewell said: “We have been strongly objecting to the Urgency
Committee making decisions outside of the normal committee process, which has meant that facts are being hidden from councillors,” she said. “It completely excludes the public and the Labour representatives on the council. This is an afront to democracy.” She added that the Lib Dems wanted to see more transparency in the process but said that its proposals were voted down without discussion. But Cllr Keith Baker, who leads the council, said at the early stages of the pandemic the council had agreed to the Urgency Committee’s launch and its makeup comprised himself, the leader of the opposition and chairman from three sub-committees. The committee made recommendations which then go back to the relevant committee and then on to the council itself. “The leader of the opposition is there so that she can communicate with her
‘Stick to the limit on Nine Mile Ride’ A FINCHAMPSTEAD resident has accused Wokingham Borough Council of “playing Russian Roulette” with children’s lives. Spencer King, who lives on Nine Mile Ride, is frustrated at the “constant speeding” up and down his road and says he has contacted the council twice to raise the issue with no response. And he fears that if drivers do not abide by the speed limit, children, pedestrians and cyclists will be at serious risk. “At some point, a death will occur,” the resident warned. According to the borough council, Nine Mile Ride is a “strategic link” within Wokingham borough. But Mr King says that people “persistently travel up and down the road in excess of the 30 miles per hour speed limit.” And he says that he has contacted the council twice to request traffic calming management, once in August
and again in September, and was furious when he heard nothing back. Now, Mr King has accused the council of “gross neglect in communicating with residents on the matter” and says his frustration lies in the process of reporting the issue. Wokingham Borough Council has since been in touch with Mr King, apologising for the delay in response. “There was a system failure with our online form, which meant that the resident’s requests were not passed to the council’s traffic management team,” said a spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council. “The error has been fixed and we are looking into whether the system failure has impacted any other requests. “We have apologised to the resident and have responded directly to him about his concerns.” Simon Weeks, ward councillor for Finchampstead South, shares Mr King’s
Arborfield primary makes progress PROGRESS is being made on a new primary school for Arborfield Green residents. The 420-place venue is due to open next year, and will be the new home for Farley Hill Primary School. It will include community facilities including an all-weather sports pitch and a nursery. And 70% of the new school is being completed using a modular process offsite. This reduces carbon emissions. “We’re now almost six months away
councillors about what’s going on,” he said. “Clearly a lot of the information discussed is confidential. When something needed to be in the public domain, the Urgency Committee made a recommendation, which they did. “What I’m talking about here is we’re the only council, town or borough, to ask every one of our residents about increases in council tax next year. Sending the card to every household – nearly 11,000 of them in Woodley – is hardly being secret. “And we have had a phenomenal response.” He added that agendas for the three committees and full council were in the public domain. “I don’t see how that can be classified as being secret,” he said. “This is purely a political stunt. They want to make mischief and they do it by not telling the population of Woodley the full story.”
concerns about traffic safety on the road. “The road is pretty straight, it has good visibility and it’s lined with trees so a lot of drivers feel like they’re in the countryside rather than an area where people live, so they tend to drive quite quickly,” Cllr Weeks explained. And he has been advocating for better safety measures on Nine Mile Ride for more than 10 years. In 2007, the councillor campaigned to have the road’s speed limit reduced from 50mph to 30mph. And prior to the coronavirus pandemic, volunteers were monitoring traffic up and down the road once a week, passing on the details of those who were exceeding the speed limit to Thames Valley Police. “People were not prosecuted, but it was a form of education,” Cllr Weeks said. “And now it’s stopped, speed limit levels have crept back up.” Now, Mr King and Cllr Weeks both hope road safety can be improved and are urging people to stick to the speed limit. Cllr Weeks added: “There’s
from welcoming the borough’s young people into this fantastic brand new facility,” said Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services at Wokingham Borough Council. “It will grow organically, as the community in Arborfield develops as more people move in, with the capacity to grow further if extra places are needed. “Opening this school at the heart of the new development will undoubtedly be popular with those who live in the area and help minimise traffic congestion and carbon impacts of residents driving their children to school further from where they live.”
no likelihood of the speed limit being reduced again because clearly it’s a busy road that’s used by a lot of traffic — 30mph is deemed an appropriate limit so what we need to do is persuade people that the limit is there for a reason.” A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council says that it acknowledges the negative impact speeding can have on residents. And says that earlier this year, the council undertook a borough-wide consultation on speed limits which included Nine Mile Ride. “Although our data shows off-peak traffic speeds in this area are slightly above the 30mph speed limit, compliance levels at other times are high,” the spokesperson explained. “The road has a generally good road safety record, given the significant number of vehicles it carries each day, and benefits from a number of traffic calming measures like raised junctions and central hatching, that the council has already installed.” The council said it will continue to work closely with police to ensure speed limits on the road are enforced.
The modular construction takes place at the Reds10 factory in Hull, with 44 modular frames being built as part of the first phase, transported to the Arborfield site and lifted into place. “This is a hugely significant project that will benefit the growing community of Arborfield with a much needed new school,” said Michael Ruddick, Commercial Director, Reds10. Internal fit-out of the building has now begun and will continue over the next six months. Facilities were funded by developer contributions. Cllr Clark added: “In total, these developments bring seven new primary schools, with two already open.”
Sonning care home residents virtually visited by former PM By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A SONNING care home has form. A couple of years ago, they managed to persuade George Clooney to pop in to meet residents and last month they welcomed a former prime minister.
But Covid-19 restrictions meant that rather than a personal visit, it was a virtual one instead. Near-neighbour and MP Theresa May took time out to meet with residents of Sunrise of Sonning, where she shared insights into life since Downing Street and how she has coped with lockdown. She also praised the home for its Covid-safe visiting measures, which the home said met with cheers from residents. Other care homes from across the Sunrise Senior Living UK and Gracewell Healthcare group also joined the call, which was chaired by the care home provider’s UK CEO, Dr
Natalie-Jane Macdonald. Mrs May, who lives in Sonning, said it had been a pleasure to speak with residents. “Although social distancing guidelines meant that I was unable to visit the care home in person, it was wonderful to learn about the remarkable efforts of team members at Sunrise of Sonning to protect their residents during this difficult time,” she added. “Sunrise of Sonning is leading the way in enabling meaningful contact between residents and their loved ones and I thank the care home for their unwavering commitment to protecting the safety of all. “I look forward to visiting the care home in person once it is safe to do so.” And Carmela Magbitang, general manager of Sunrise of Sonning, added: “She was as amazing as ever. She has visited us a few times in the past and it is great to see her again,
Residents at Sunrise of Sonning joined a video call with Theresa May
albeit over video call. “It is very easy to talk to her and I am very happy that our residents were able to have a very pleasant and warm conversation with her in such an informal manner. “I know she is very busy, so we are very grateful for the opportunity. We hope she will be able to come and visit us again sometime soon.” The call was welcomed by residents. Rosemary Thorpe, who is 88, said: "I am very glad that the stress and pressure of being a Prime Minister
Ross Kemp visits patients at the new Thames Hospice
Ross Kemp joins festive hospice event AN EASTENDERS hard man proved that he has a decent bedside manner when he visited patients at the new Thames Hospice in Maidenhead. Ross Kemp has been a supporter of the palliative care charity for a number of years and one of the reasons for visiting was to record a video which will form part of a festive service that the hospice will webcast this Sunday.
A spokesperson for Thames Hospice said: “Ross has been involved with the Hospice for a few years now, including supporting our Raise the Roof fundraising campaign last September 2019 to help us complete the build of the new hospice. “He spent much of his visit meeting and chatting with our inpatients and their families. He really did brighten up so many
NEWS | 17
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Thursday, December 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
lives here and injected a real buzz and excitement amongst our staff and volunteers.” The Light Up A Life service will be streamed from 4pm on Sunday, December 13, and includes performances by Sue Holderness, Claudie Blakely and a tribute to Tim Brooke-Taylor by his friend and Goodies co-star Graeme Garden. � To watch, visit: www.thameshospice.org.uk
during a very difficult time has not changed her. “She is still very empathetic, caring and very kind. She clearly cares for everyone in her constituency and we cannot wait to see her again.” And 85-year-old Doreen Maddock, said: “I have known her for many years as I used to live in Wargrave village, just down the road from Sunrise of Sonning. “She is a lovely person, and it is great to see that she has not changed at all during these difficult times.”
Alexander Devine launches appeal A CHARITY based in Maidenhead has launched its Christmas Appeal — and it features a friendly face from Bracknell. Children’s hospice Alexander Devine is pleading for year-round support after the coronavirus pandemic slashed its funding. Eleven-year-old Marcus Rooks is helping lead the charity’s festive appeal. Marcus has been diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare progressive muscle wasting disease – and this year, he found out that he will never walk again. But he is busy fuelling the charity’s campaign with his positive attitude. “Marcus is amazing and just faces life with such positivity,” said his mother Marie. “Nothing fazes him and he is always smiling and trying to make us laugh.
Enjoying the sofa safely A LOWER EARLEY care home has launched a bespoke suite to help residents see their families. Austen House, run by Barchester Healthcare, has opened a visiting suite to keep families safely connected throughout the winter. Adapted from a back entrance accessible internally by residents and externally by visitors, the room has been designed to replicate a lounge. It uses an intercom system so that residents and their guests can chat through a Perspex divider. Natsayi Dunira, general manager at the home, said: “The visiting suite has been a much welcomed
development for our residents to continue to receive much looked forward to visits from their loved ones, as the weather changes. “Alongside the continued offer of outdoor visiting, the visiting suite visits are well organised, and a lot of safety measures have been put in place to keep everyone safe. “It was wonderful to see how happy it made the residents and their relatives in a warm and cosy environment.” Infection control protocols and social distancing are in place for every visit, including a hand sanitiser station before entry. After each visit, the room is cleaned down before another guest arrives.
“We are concentrating on making amazing memories with him so that when the dark days hit, we can reflect on all the good times we had. “Being at Alexander Devine means so much to us as it gives Marcus the chance to do everyday things that he loves but sadly can’t do elsewhere anymore.” Amelia Parker, nurse and clinical team leader at Alexander Devine, says that this year, the charity wanted to remind people about the joy and excitement it offers to children and their families all year round. “Sadly for many of the children that we support, they may not have the time to wait a whole year for the magic and sparkle of Christmas,” she said. “But we can’t do this alone.” According to the hospice, 96% of funding used to support local children with life-limiting or life-threatening diseases comes from donations and fundraising. � To find out more, visit: www.alexanderdevine.org/ christmas
18 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Christmas spirit outlasts the Grinches THIS WEEK’S front page really is a tale of two Christmasses. On the one hand, there’s the callous thieves who are stealing people’s festive decorations. What goes into their minds? These items, including reindeer, Santas and snowmen, brighten up these dark days and bring pleasure to youngsters. Stealing them is cowardly, thoughtless and pathetic. We hope the police catch the thieves quickly so that no one’s Christmas is spoilt. Contrast that with the picture of the bikers who, despite there being no formal toy run this year, still made every effort to get gifts to Barnardo’s. Thousands of presents have been given to ensure that the children in the charity’s care still have something to open on Christmas Day. It’s just one example of many in our pages this week of people who have gone above and beyond to share the blessings of this time of year. From donations to foodbanks, creating Christmas cards or giving even more toys, ordinary people are doing everything they can, despite the coronavirus pandemic, to spread some Christmas cheer. That is what makes Wokingham borough so special – ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This truly is the most wonderful time of year. We’re not going to let those Grinches steal our Christmas spirit – the hope of the festive season outlasts the misers.
CHURCH NOTES
Limitless
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O doubt this Christmas many books will be given and received as presents.
This year I decided to buy my own Christmas book to open on Christmas Day and it is Tim Peake’s autobiography Limitless. I enjoy reading autobiographies to learn more about the author’s back story and to find out what motivates them. The bible could be referred to as “limitless”. It’s full of love stories and romance, broken promises, war stories, adultery, jealousy, deceit, family feuds, poetry, mystery, suspense, shipwrecks, long journeys, supernatural powers, children’s stories, good verses evil. What more could you want from one great book? No wonder it is still the world’s bestseller and translated into more languages than any other book. This year the bible in many versions will be given and parts of it read many, many times as we listen to the Christmas story again. It is God’s autobiography written with the help of the Holy Spirit, where you can read about God’s back story and God’s motivation to love. It is summarised in a few words as a direct quote, “For God so loved the world”. CHRISTMAS SPOILER ALERT – despite all the nativity plays depicting the scene of everyone gathered around the crib with angels singing praises to God – the shepherds never met the wise men in a stable. Read the truth for yourself and do not judge the book by its cover until you have read it. Ralph Higson – Norreys Church on behalf of Churches together in Wokingham
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Your letters
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 10, 2020 We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to The Wokingham Paper, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper
Rants, swipes and articles of this nature Over the past few weeks the Leader of the Council has made statements, sometimes quite lengthy ones about all sorts of issues. I am quite happy to have updates on the Covid-19 Pandemic and how it impacts the Borough and the Council. However the Leader of the Council has now taken to having a swipe at anyone and anything he feels fit to speak about. You have also reported these in your Paper, so can I suggest a new title for your articles of this nature. As the Leader of the Council lives in the far north of the Borough in Remenham. Can I suggest they are called “RANTS FROM REMENHAM” Cllr Lindsay Ferris, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on WBC
Marie Curie is here for you this Christmas With Christmas just around the corner, this year more than ever we will want to celebrate and spend quality time with the people we love, even if that might look different than we expected. People who are approaching end of life or coping with a bereavement might find the festive season a difficult and overwhelming time of year. More than one million people in the UK are expected to be caring for someone with a terminal illness this Christmas, during what could be their last one together. Millions of people have also been bereaved since lockdown began and with every death, comes grieving friends and family. Many of your readers in these situations may find themselves struggling to cope with the demands and pressures of the festive season or feel isolated and don’t know who or where to turn to for extra support. Marie Curie trained Support Line Officers can provide practical information on everything from managing day-to-day with a terminal illness, to planning ahead. We also offer emotional support if someone needs a safe space to talk. We have a dedicated bereavement service where callers will be paired with a volunteer, who can offer a regular listening ear, as well as a Check-in and Chat befriending service that lets you arrange a call back from our support line at a time that suits you, whether you need support or just someone to talk to. If your readers have been affected by dying, death and bereavement and need support over Christmas and New Year, then please urge them to contact Marie Curie for free on 0800 090 2309. Alternatively, visit mariecurie.org.uk/support to chat online or to find out other ways we can support you. The support line is also open to doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals dealing with end of life care this Christmas. Our online information platform, the Palliative Care Knowledge Zone, includes guidance for professionals on palliative care which is updated regularly. Marie Curie Information and Support Line Christmas opening hours:
Picture of the week I took this picture on my phone, of Wokingham's tree last week - the sky was perfect with purple and damson hues Hope this year, of all years, the Christmas trees in
Wokingham will be left alone from mindless vandalism for us to have some sort of cheer amid the doom and gloom of awful 2020! Keep up with printing our local paper, we need it. Fiona Anderson, Wokingham We also received these pictures of the Wokingham town tree from Ray H Little and Harry Atkinson. – editor
21, 22 & 23 December (8am - 6pm) 24 December (10am - 4pm) 25 & 26 December (10am - 2pm) 27 December (closed) 28 December (10am- 4pm) 29 December (8am – 6pm) 30 December (8am - 6pm) 31 December (10am - 4pm) 1 January (10am - 2pm) 2 January (11am – 5pm) 3 January (closed) Ma מּWilliams, Marie Curie Head of Information and Support
Give carers a helping hand this Christmas For many of us, the festive season is a time for giving and sharing. I’d like to take a moment to share with your readers how in choosing to give to our charity, Revitalise, based in Chigwell, Essex, you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of the disabled people and carers that we support. As a charity we know that however tricky this past year has been, life is about spending time with the people we love, and everyday life can so easily get in the way of that. Hilary has cared for her son Shaun since he had an accident on holiday in Ibiza, aged 19. Caring is simply something she does for the person she loves.
As she explains: “For the last 15 years I’ve been caring for Shaun but I definitely wouldn’t call myself a carer, it’s just something I do as his mum. I’m never, ever, going to give up on my son. Life is too short you know; you need to keep fighting.” On top of the difficulties this year has presented, disabled people and the elderly have also been left with far less support than usual, as the Emergency Coronavirus Act allowed Local Authorities to axe their duty of care responsibilities. Feeling vulnerable and abandoned, many carers are close to breaking point. This is why we have launched our campaign, Care For Carers and the fundraiser Raise a Million, aiming to raise £1 million to support carers and their loved ones to access respite care breaks following lockdown. We have provided respite care breaks – a vital lifeline to so many unpaid home carers and their disabled loved ones – for over 57 years. So, why not pledge to give something special to our charity this festive season? I am so proud to work for Revitalise as we amplify the voice of carers, and will continue to do so until carers stories are heard. Please support our campaign if you can, and help us spread the word about the struggles carers are facing right now.
To find out more about Revitalise, our breaks, or the ways that we may be able to support guests, please visit: www.revitalise.org.uk or call: 0303 303 0145. Devon Prosser, Revitalise www.revitalise.org.uk
CHRISTMAS WISH Dearest Father Christmas This year my wants are few I’m busy going nowhere And there’s nothing much to do So bring perfumed sanitiser And a mask with pretty flowers And perhaps a little puzzle book To while away the hours But there is one special present That would mean so much to me If you could bring a vaccine So the world is Covid free And dear Father Christmas In your magic I believe We know you fly around the earth Each year on Christmas Eve So if anyone can do it Distribute vaccine far and near To global destinations And free us all from fear It’s you, dear Father Christmas With your reindeer and your sleigh Put some vaccine in our stockings And we’ll rejoice on Christmas Day Jean Hill
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angelagarwood Honest motherhood
johnhalsall From the executive
A
Go big or go home
S we near the Christmas holidays, I wanted to briefly take the opportunity to set out a clear commitment to everybody that we, Wokingham Borough Council, will not allow any of our residents go hungry or cold during this Covid-blighted winter.
Last week, the council’s executive agreed on two important initiatives to make sure we target support to children, families, individuals and businesses most in need. The first was to provide more than £208,000 to help families with food and bills during the winter, including £100,000 for children on free school meals during the Christmas and February holidays. The second is to allocate £3.4million over the next two and half years to help small businesses, including £400,000 immediately for businesses affected by the recent lockdown. We are prepared to go further – indeed, as far as is necessary – to make good on the commitment that we will help all those who are struggling. We are not starting this from scratch, but the impact of Covid-19 has made this an even more important issue for us. Here are just some examples: � Our various green energy and insulation schemes have brought direct savings of up to 25% on fuel bills and helped alleviate fuel poverty for more the 500 households. � Our local welfare provision scheme provides emergency help to people in financial crisis. � Our borough’s businesses have been helped by over £19 million in business rates relief during the pandemic � Our Council Tax Reduction Scheme helps people on low incomes. I am delighted to say, following a recent consultation, we have announced that
tonyjohnson That was the week
Archive before reading
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S the government stands poised to announce ‘a triumph, a triumph’ no matter which way the blocked, blistered or bogged down Brexit talks go (it would banal to mention ‘deal or no deal” so I won’t) it’s high time that something interesting in local politics turned up.
Fortunately, Wokingham Borough Council came up trumps with not one, but four press releases this week.
Cycling for Health If you’ve been anywhere in the early mornings over the past few days, you’ll have noticed how cold and foggy it’s been. Driving slowly along the Reading Road through the icy fog this morning before sun-up, it was really difficult to see the difference between the cycle lane and the main carriageway. So a press release encouraging cycling with a lovely image with four kids on their bikes was a bit of a facer - but it was a salutary reminder to get more active so that we can work off all the Coronaspeck we’ve accumulated this year. But cycling in foggy weather should be reserved for the brave, and those with good bike lights.
Election fodder Good news! Wokingham Borough’s won a £600k grant for new footie facilities according to the second press release.
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we will been extending this scheme for carers, as well as exempting care leavers from Council Tax up to the age of 25. We will soon be launching the Kick-Start programme, which will help young people move from Universal Credit to secure jobs, and a digital inclusion project to collect unused IT equipment and recycle it for those people currently unable to access digital technology. In all these vital efforts, we are working with voluntary sector organisations in a genuine and strengthening partnership that brings mutual benefit to all: we gain from the expertise and community connections the voluntary sector
brings and they gain from the financial and other support a local authority can provide. We are also working in close partnership with health institutions, the CCG, NHS and GPs and with the blue light institutions, the police, the fire service and the ambulance service. It is a win-win arrangement that is bring tangible benefits to residents, which we will continue to develop. While I lead the Conservative administration running your council, I will ensure that we are always there to offer a hand up to those in need, and that no-one gets left behind.
So they’re investing in a revamp of sports areas and the accompanying photo shows the Executive Member for Environment and Leisure holding a spade up with a bit of turf on it. This is the same exec member who in the past I’ve described as the one responsible for Rubbish decisions as Waste and Recycling are part of his portfolio. However I wasn’t going to mention that until reading on and discovering that a) WBC will be ‘investing’ £1.6 million in the project and b) it’s in Cantley Park – less than a mile from Shute End’s front door. Hang on – £1.6 million – I thought the grant was £0.6 million? Blowing, sorry ‘investing’ as WBC’s Exec for Finance is wont to claim, another million quid of public money on sports facilities so close to the town centre doesn’t seem the right thing to do when apparently WBC’s finances are a bit stretched on Covid-related stuff. Perhaps that was why WBC’s Director of Corporate Services (and borough finances) was in the picture. But it’s good news for strawberry pickers too, because it’ll be a bit longer until footballs start hitting the nets at the Gray’s Farm sports and leisure facility – first promised by WBC’s Executive back in July 2014 then delayed ever since.
If on the other hand they just end up as supernumerary jobsworths who tell businesses what extra provisions they’ve got to make (and pay for) then that’ll perhaps not be the most desirable outcome. And if they can get the local supermarket to be safer places to shop than they are today – that would be a blessing.
Hitting the streets
By way of follow up on its other activities, WBC’s consultation on the Code of Conduct for Elected Councillors ends this week so if you want the current system to continue – where complaints are dealt with in private and keeping decisions all under wraps, you don’t need to lift a finger. But if you’ve a desire for change and don’t mind penning a few words, the consultation closes at midnight on Friday.
The third release announcing that WBC’s hired some extra people to take on the challenging task of providing Covid support is a welcome one, even if the costs aren’t. The small print reveals that they don’t have any enforcement powers, but if they can get people to observe social distancing while ensuring that face masks in shops are being worn effectively, they will have truly worked a minor miracle.
Cllr John Halsall is the leader of Wokingham Borough Council
Santa’s fly-tippling As well as knocking back the Xmas offering, this year Santa’s on the look-out for fly tippers, according to the Executive Member for Rubb … errrr … better make that the Eexcutive Member for Environment and Leisure. This was the fourth press release of the quartet and it was announcing a Christmas cracker, sorry, crack-down on fly tipping and that WBC regularly inspects all fly-tips. And as the release says that “74 people have been added to Santa’s naughty list” this year, it might be instructive if publicity about the 74 were to go a bit further. So that the rest of us can understand how, where and why 74 selfish individuals ended up choosing to make the Borough a less pleasant place to live for the rest of us? And perhaps discourage others from doing similar in 2021.
The last word
caveat.lector@icloud.com
E went Christmas tree shopping this weekend. I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic at first as I find decision-making tiresome and knew this could end up being a rather drawn out process. But I didn’t want to dampen my partner’s eager inner-child, so we all went along to stare at trees together as a family. (I also had the mild concern that he might actually return with the 10-footer he’d joked about, should he be left to conquer any indecisiveness alone). Tree selection requires quite a bit of consideration, there’s a lot to it. There’s height and shape, weight distribution, colour, the odd bent branch at the top that you can’t help but notice. Some trees look evenly balanced, others seemed slightly wonky. There was lots of tree spinning and “imagining what it might look like” in various corners of our home. After some wandering and quiet contemplation, we got it down to two. One rather sweet, short and plump tree and one taller, more equally distributed one. It began to rain and I was getting cold so I pushed for the larger tree. Go big or go home and I just desperately wanted to get home. So we did both.
Missed From one important decision to another, we were finally able to register Leo’s birth a few weeks ago. Though we very nearly missed it due to traffic and bad planning. Thank you to Joan at the Reading Registry Office for letting us in 25 minutes late. It was a stressful 20 minutes crawling down the London Road, made better only by documenting the scene on my Instagram stories. Several people took a genuine interest in whether we’d made it to the appointment. Then there was the last minute panic as to whether to stick with Leo or stretch to Leonardo on his birth certificate. I had this panic in front of the registrar. “Well it’s not locked in yet…” she said kindly, completely unperturbed. “Do you get this a lot? People changing their minds at the last minute?” I asked, knowing her likely answer but specifically wanting the reassurance that I wasn’t the only dithering indecisive parent to walk through her doors. “Oh yes” she replied, grinning. I felt comforted, but still rather ridiculous. Who walks into a registry office not being crystal clear on what exactly they’re putting on the paper? Me, actually, the first time we tried to register Maia’s birth. The whole affair was very much a result of poor communication. Her father and I thought we’d agreed on what our daughter’s surname would be. It later transpired we very much hadn’t. So when the gentleman asked and we each had different responses, which we then tried to clarify right then and there in the room, he said, in the nicest of ways, that it would probably be better if we came back another time. I was mortified. And fuming. We walked downstairs to meet my Dad (our chauffeur, neither of us had a driving licence at this point) and asked if he could possibly bring us back in a fortnight when we’d agreed on our baby’s name. Years later I asked my Dad if he was annoyed having to drive us back and forth. He replied that he found it all “rather amusing”. Back to November 2020, another registry office, another last minute debate. Though thankfully this time no audible negotiations in front of the registrar. This was between me and me, all inside the comfort of my own head. Part of me wanted to be a bit out there, just for the official record. But another part knew I was connected to the name “Leo” and felt nothing whatsoever for “Leonardo”. It’s a beautiful name, more elaborate, more exciting; but it wasn’t my son’s name. We stuck with Leo. It felt right.
20 | NEWS
rachelbradley Think local
It’s time to fall in love with local
I
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A mystery that needs sowing and solving Left: The Suttons Seeds Reading, Womens Land Army, with Joan Rackley second from left. BOTTOM:, Joan Rackley is on the left
’M a massive cheerleader when it comes to supporting small businesses.
As the founder of Gossip Girl Gang, a network for women in business, I’m passionate about all things small and indie. This year, against the backdrop of the continuing Covid pandemic, I truly believe shopping small and shopping local has never been more important. As tempting and easy as it is to dive into Amazon (hands up I can be guilty of this too), just take a minute to consider giving your much-earned cash to a small indie business instead. Last Saturday was Small Business Saturday. It’s exactly what is says on the tin – a campaign to highlight small business success and encourage consumers to shop small and local. I popped into town and was cheered to see small local businesses bustling (in a Covid-19 friendly way). The market was thriving, and the shops seemed to be doing a roaring trade. It seems that we as come out of our second lockdown, there is a new found love for small businesses in society. Small businesses bring colour, uniqueness, thought and creativity to our shopping. They are more sustainable, more passionate, and more interesting. Whether it’s what we eat drink, or buy our loved ones (and ourselves) for Christmas, there is very little that beats the pleasure of buying something from a small business. Your custom is helping sustain dedication and serious hard work. Plus you get a product or experience that’s that little bit different from what you may find in a chain-store. How is that not a win-win? Right now we need to help independent retailers. Gosh, post-Covid, they may once again become the backdone of our high streets. We just need to give them a chance. When it comes to finding interesting indie brands and shops, we’re pretty spoilt here in Wokingham. And before I get shouted at, I would urge everyone to not only pop into town to check out what’s on offer, but get creative and search online too. So with just a few weeks left until the big day, whatever it is you’re buying, consider this your rallying call to do something that can, and if we all get behind it, will, change shopping, and potentially our local community society, for good. Rachel is founder Gossip Girl Gang, a networking group for women in business in and around the borough
By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today A HIDDEN history hunt has been launched into a band of smiling young women pictured 80 years ago striding along a farm track, hoes in hand. Another photo shows young women round a handsome shire horse, two astride its back. Some facts are already known: they were members of the Women’s Land Army at Suttons Seeds, Earley. The seeds they helped produce went to farmers keeping Britain fed during the Second World War. The tall young woman, pictured left in the photo with hoes, is Joan Rackley (then Enfield) who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, as reported in Wokingham.Today. Joan (pictured inset) taught for 16 years at Polehampton Infant School. Her daughter, Patsy Smith, is appealing for help to find out about her mother’s WLA colleagues. “The Museum of English Rural Life at Reading is excited about our mum’s photos – the only ones known of the WLA at Suttons. The WLA museum at Dover is also very interested,” she said. “Our family and the museums
Is this too much? I feel like it could be, but I could be missing something …
would very much like to hear from anyone who can identify the other people and tell us about them.” Joan, second from left in the horse photo, enjoyed looking after shire horses Laddie and Jolly. Patsy, retired assistant head of Furze Platt Junior School, is researching her mother’s autograph book signed by Norah South in 1944, E M Curd in 1942 and Joan Hunter on November 10, 1942. An internet search shows a Joan Hunter married a Norwegian, Kare Rodahl. It’s said they met when he parachuted onto pasture close to where she was milking a cow. In an article in The Land Girl magazine Joan Rodahl recalls bringing cows in for milking for six years in Wiltshire as part of the WLA. “Although this Joan worked in the WLA in Wiltshire I do wonder if she and my Mum met up somehow through WLA contacts and became friends, signing each others’ autograph books,” said Patsy. In 1948 Joan Enfield married her husband Ted Rackley, a Post Office engineer from Caversham and they lived at Charvil. After her husband died she moved to Twyford and later to Cookham Dean. � To help Patsy trace the staff email: patsy_asmith@hotmail.com
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 10, 2020
How Alina’s h helped save a t By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today LIKE any good parent, East Reading-based Mary Chambers likes those little conversations with her children. But one conversation went way beyond a little chit-chat … it became a picture book.
One morning, Mary says, she was trying to get her three-year-old daughter Alina ready for school. But the infant school youngster had other ideas. For out of her Newtown window she could see the historic gas tower, and in it was the moon. “It looked like it was in the tower,” Mary says. “Alina went, ‘Oh, it’s stuck. We must rescue it, I’ll just go and get my helicopter’. “I just thought it was brilliant. It was so completely unexpected. She hadn’t really talked about helicopters or anything like that before, but that was her solution.” So struck by this idea, Mary scribbled it down. Later, she read the germ of the story to Alina, while they had friends round and, to her surprise, everyone started listening. The story, Alina Saves The Moon, tells how Alina launches her toy helicopter – with her in it – and ropes in her sister to let the moon find freedom. It features not just the gas tower, but the Kennetside familiar to anyone who has walked the Thames Path from Sonning to Reading. Helping turn the story into reality was local artist Leslee Barron, who had been talking with Mary about the gas tower, which is due to be demolished and turned into flats. “We were trying to organise a community art exhibition, and we
An illustration from Alina Saves The Moon sh the Kennet and Avon canal Picture: Leslee Baro
thought we’d make the story part of it,” she says. “But then Covid came along and that put a stop to that. “Leslee and I continued our conversation, she created a few illustrations for it, and one thing led to another and we decided we’d selfpublish it. “She expanded it, and put massive amounts of work into those pictures. I think she’s done a wonderful job.” Leslee is just as thrilled with the link-up, as it gave her a chance to use the Victorian-built estate of Newtown as a backdrop for the pictures, particularly the gas tower. “I know it’s odd, but I have fallen in love with that chunk of metal at the bottom of Cumberland Road,” she says. “Someone bought a painting of the
Salon celebrates i By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM TOWN centre salon has been busy celebrating its 30th birthday.
Three decades ago, hair and beauty parlour The Retreat opened its doors on Denmark Street for the first time. Its owner Helen Belcher was just 20, and she’s still running the salon today. Originally called Raffles, Ms Belcher opened the parlour with just one treatment room. At first it was solely a beauty salon, but in 1995 she met a business partner who helped her turn the site into a destination for hair care too. “I can still picture it now,” she says. “All 80s decor with wicker chairs and sliding doors, I thought it was the bees’ knees.” Fast forward to today and The Retreat spans two floors, has four luxury rooms, and provides a variety of beauty and hair care services. Looking back on the last 30 years, Ms Belcher says all she wanted was to offer a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. “I wanted clients to feel at ease and relax knowing they were receiving the highest quality treatments and professional service,” she explains.
“Thirty years later, the beauty industry has transformed and we are constantly evolving and training to provide the latest treatments, but I can see that the underlying need for the client remains the same.” Over the years, Ms Belcher has won multiple awards for The Retreat, including being named Decleor Salon of The Year. And while 2020 has been unusual to say the least, Ms Belcher says she is overwhelmed by the response from clients and thanks them for continuing to support the parlour.
Thursday, December 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
helicopter ride trapped moon
howing the young hero riding over on
tower at sunset and posted their thanks on the East Reading Community Facebook page. People were kind in their comments. One was from Mary, whom I didn’t know, saying she’d written a story about the tower. “I asked if I could read it, I thought it was thoroughly charming and very visual. “As I went about my day I kept seeing the images in my head and had to sit down and paint the first image which was of Alina pointing at the moon in the gas tower from her window.”
The rest is a bit of social history, showing off Newtown today, and a real collaboration between two neighbours. “Actually holding the book in my hands is just wonderful,” Leslee says. “We’ve had great feedback so far.” And Mary says: “Alina loves it that it’s her story, it’s got her name on the cover. The look on Alina’s face when she saw it and realised that it was her book, a real book, that was quite special.” Now she’s thinking about a possible sequel, which could involve a swan. The book is available to buy from RISC and Tutu’s Ethiopian Cafe in Reading, as well as on Mary’s website, with proceeds going to the work of Reading Refugee Support Group. Nick Harborne, CEO of the charity, said: “We're incredibly grateful to Mary, Alina and Leslee for choosing to donate some of the funds from this beautiful little book to help refugees. “Reading Refugee Support Group is proud to have been working in Reading and the surrounding area for over 25 years, and like the gas tower, we feel like a part of the fabric of the local area. “It's been a tough year for everyone, and for refugees especially, so it's genuinely inspiring that this wonderful book about the town will help refugees rebuilding their lives here. “We couldn't be more thankful and we can't wait to read through our copy.” � For more details, or to see a preview, log on to www.readinggastower.co.uk
its 30th birthday
Have you spotted the baby on the streets? A FAMILIAR face has been appearing all over Lower Earley recently, thanks to a church. This is because Operation Silent Baby is in full swing, to spread some Christmas cheer and remind people about the true meaning of the holiday. Lower Earley Baptist Church is inviting its members to draw a picture of the baby Jesus, or go one step further and paint a pebble, and then place it around Lower Earley. “As a church, we wanted people to think about the real meaning of Christmas,” said the Revd Keith Wilson, minister of Lower Earley Baptist Church. “And we wanted to brighten up what has been a difficult time for many people.” Mr Wilson says people often get very stressed at Christmas time as they scramble to find presents for people. “The real meaning for Christians is, of course, celebrating the birth of Jesus, and we want to help people stop and think for a moment about what Christmas really means and why it’s so special,” the minister added. Pebbles have already made their way out into the local community, which Mr Wilson says people are welcome to take home. He hopes that the initiative will also encourage more people to join in with Lower Earley Baptist
LITTLE green balls of hate. Or love? Brussels sprouts are the Marmite of the Christmas dinner, but here’s a dish of the vegetables that everyone will love. Prezzo, which has branches in Bracknell and Reading, has teamed up with Global Radio’s Make Some Noise campaign to launch Secret Sprouts to its festive menu. The idea is simple: customers can order a plate of sprouts, and nothing will be brought to the table. Instead, the cost of the empty plate will go to the campaign, which supports small and local charities across the country, including Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, which provides support to families of children with lifelimiting and life-threatening conditions. And Prezzo is also producing
“Day-to-day life can be very stressful and it is a privilege to be able to provide a wide range of services that enable our clients to look and feel their best while focusing on their health and wellbeing,” she says. The Retreat has been closed for the past month as per coronavirus guidelines, but reopened last week when national lockdown came to end and Wokingham borough fell under Tier 2 restrictions – ready for the next 30 years. � To find out more about the salon, visit: www.retreat-wokingham.co.uk
To the Tune of: ‘Deck The Halls’. Deck the walls with Jolly Loo Rolls, Tra-La-La-La-La And flush once more. Off we race to stuff our trolley, Pile them in a heap Across our floor. We can spray them Gold and silver, Tra-La-La...Tra-La-La Twirl them high, Dangle them from doors and windows – While our worried neighbours Scream and sigh.
WHAT’S BREWING
IN FINCHAMPSTEAD?
C
HRISTMAS is only a few sleeps away and if you’re anything like us, you might be starting to think about last minute shopping options. Well, we’ve got your back, so check out what’s on offer from your friendly local world top 100 craft brewery. Now is the time for coming together and giving gifts, but seeing as 2020 hasn’t exactly been amazing, we’ll forgive some self indulgence as well. Don’t forget,you can get these things from either the webshop to be delivered to you direct, or you can come to the Tap Yard in Finchampstead to either collect orders or browse the fridges and merch.
12 Beers for Christmas.
Church’s Christmas services, which will all be taking place online via YouTube this year. These include an online Christingle service on Sunday, December 20, and Carols by Candlelight which is being held on Christmas Eve. For more information on how to take part in Operation Silent Baby and for details on upcoming services, log on: www.lowerearleybaptistchurch. org.uk
You’ll love these sprouts
Deck The Walls Helen Belcher now and then
NEWS | 21
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Christmas cards for children to colour in; they can be downloaded from the website. Karen Jones, Prezzo’s chair, said: “This year has been tough on everyone, so we really want Prezzo to be a welcoming, covid-secure escape this Christmas. “We also want to do our bit to make a difference. “Global’s Make Some Noise is supporting community charities up and down the country, working with those most affected by the pandemic. “One of our core values is ‘community’, so this partnership is a perfect fit. Here's to selling lots of secret sprouts.” The Prezzo Christmas menu is available from via Click & Collect, Deliveroo and Just Eat, although the Secret Sprouts are only available via Click & Collect.
Hang our garlands round the staircase, Tra-La-La-La-La And use them all. We have looped them from our tree-top, Where the fairy frowns And needles fall. We are feeling rather clever, Tra-La-La...Tra-La-La Oh what fun! Wait a minute – I am bursting, Where are all the loo-rolls? What? Not one! Clare Bevan
We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email your submissions to letters@ wokinghampaper.co.uk
Hopefully some of you managed to pick up our Advent Calendar and are already enjoying the beers. If not, check out our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@SirenCraftBrew) posts to see the beers each day… a teaser for if you fancy giving it a go next year. If not, then we’re also putting together a very special set of 12 Barrel Aged beers. With a mix of currently available, totally sold out and super rare old beers (and even one shipping over from Sweden!) this is the ultimate serious beer box. At the time of writing, this set isn’t even available. By the time you read this it could already be sold out it’s going to be highly sought after! If that’s the case, check the website and grab our latest Fairground Trio of funfair inspired barrel aged beers, guaranteed to make any Christmas extra special. sirencraftbrew.com/barrels
Mixed Cases If you’re unsure what to get for the beer lover in your life then go for one of our pre-made mixed cases. We have a variety of Christmas Movie themed Bright Side mixed cases, with a delectable mix of light, dark and sour beers. Each case comes at different price points, depending on how much you want to spoil someone! sirencraftbrew.com/mixedcases
T-shirts and Merch Keep warm in style with some of our latest T-shirts, jumpers and hoodies. From our Carl Sagan inspired Lumina T-shirt, to our variety of pullover and zipped hoodies in grey or black, featuring or “Siren Illusion” on the back, hopefully you find something to suit. Our merch is always good quality stuff – our staff pretty much live in our hoodies because they’re so comfortable. Come and join the gang. sirencraftbrew.com/merch
eVouchers Last and by no means least, we have brand new eVouchers available online. You can choose however much the voucher is for and it will be emailed directly to the recipient. Or, get it emailed to yourself to print and send on. We also have vouchers for the Tap Yard. You can gift your friends Tap Yard credit for them to get stocked up. sirencraftbrew.com/vouchers
SIREN CRAFT BREW 18 Marino Way, Hogwood Lane Industrial Estate, Finchampstead RG40 4RF 0118 973 0929
sirencraftbrew.com
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Lighting up Christmas
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 10, 2020
Celebrities support call for Reading Gaol as arts centre By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today A FORMER Reading Blue Coat pupil has joined an artistic chorus of voices calling for Reading Gaol to be turned into an arts and heritage centre.
Eye lit up … Two children enjoy Sunday’s Christingle service Picture: Steve Smyth FAMILIES were welcomed to All Saints Church in Wokingham on Sunday for a Christingle service. The annual event was slightly different to normal as a result of social distancing measures introduced to be Covid-safe. Participants received a Christingle which could be lit at the appropriate point in the proceedings; it is an orange with a candle in the middle, and cocktail sticks contain sweets around the outside. For Christians it is symbolic of Jesus as the light of the world. It is one of a number of festive services taking place at the Wiltshire Road church in the run-up to Christmas.
A children’s nativity will take place at 3pm on Sunday, December 20, giving youngsters a chance to hear the Christmas story. And Crib services will take place at 11am, 2pm and 4pm on Christmas Eve. There will also be Nine Lessons and Carols at 7pm, which will be broadcast over the internet, and an 11.15pm midnight communion. Places for these services are limited and need to be booked online: www.allsaintswokingham.org.uk/adventand-christmas-2020. Tickets are free, and there are up to six seats in each booking to maintain family groups and bubbles.
Natalie Dormer, famous for her role as Margaery Tyrell in Game of Thrones, grew up in the area, so knows the significance of the site, which was closed by the Ministry of Justice in 2015 and is next to the historic Abbey ruins. She said that the opportunity to turn the site into a “cultural gem” was a massive opportunity. “I so hope that Reading Gaol can achieve its huge potential as a thriving arts and culture centre,” she said. “The historic significance of the building with its Victorian architecture, its association with the brilliant Oscar Wilde and indeed its site location upon the rich, textured history of the medieval Reading Abbey is of great local and national interest. “It deserves to be protected and supported as a venue for thriving community spirit, education and creative ideas.”
Natalie Dormer and Kenneth Branagh are both supporting the Reading Gaol arts hub plan Pictures: FameFlynet and Melinda Seckington
This view was shared by Sir Kenneth Branagh – who attended Whiteknights Primary School and Meadway School, as well as Progress Theatre when he was younger – is also lending his weight behind the campaign. “Reading is an amazing place, it deserves to preserve and transform its worldrenowned link with a unique piece of social, political and artistic history,” he said. “Reading Gaol can be a cultural hub that exponentially develops the remarkable stories of the people of Reading. “It will further cement a position on the world stage by looking to its own beautiful
backyard, and its own rich community life. “In Oscar Wilde’s iconic poem, written within these very walls, he says, ‘Each man kills the thing he loves’. “Despite the undoubted challenges, don’t let this wounded beast of a building be killed when it can be cured. “Instead let its restoration and transformation be the driver of increased economic, social, and cultural power at the very centre of this great City-town, and let its proud citizens understand that The Ballad of Reading Gaol can be a sad song from the past, that is ready to sing proudly for generations to come.” The support has been
welcomed by Reading East MP Matt Rodda, whose constituency includes parts of Woodley and Earley. He said: “I am very pleased that Kenneth Branagh is supporting the campaign to save Reading Gaol. The growing support from leading figures from the arts underlines the importance of the campaign. “The Gaol is a unique building which should be saved, not turned into luxury flats.” The support comes after Dame Judi Dench expressed her backing for the campaign. She said: “It is vitally important that Reading Gaol, a place of such culture, be used in a way that pays tribute to its artistic history. “Namely, to become a cultural and artistic centre. It would be a great gift not only to Reading as a town and growing population centre of the South, but also to the UK and the world as a whole. “The idea of plays being performed, people learning and enjoying themselves, and a community coming together in a space that represented so much sadness and inspiration for Oscar Wilde himself is a beautiful one.”
Be a ray of sunshine by joining The Giving Tree appeal Vickie Robertson and Louise Jedras at The Giving Tree in Tesco Wokingham – there’s still time to help the appeal by taking a tag and make a child’s Christmas
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM’S charities are now making preparations to get festive gifts to their clients, and it’s all thanks to The Giving Tree.
Over the past few weeks, you have been playing your part to ensure that the annual appeal is yet another smash hit. Giving Trees have been placed in shops and venues across Wokingham, each with tags on. In normal times, the request would be to buy the gift, but this year the charities are asking that you buy the appropriate gift voucher
which then enables them to get the gifts in time for December 25. This means that the appeal can continue and be Covid-safe. Organiser Gill McKernan said: “The Gift Vouchers are being returned to The Giving Trees in huge numbers thanks to the generosity of the local people. “There are still plenty of gift tags left on the trees
asking for gift cards for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. “The charities will use these to buy the gift of their choice. “Christmas is not far away so please chose a tag and buy that gift voucher to ensure that these children have a present on Christmas Day. “Thank you so much.” The main Giving Tree is in the Tesco store in
Finchampstead Road and Vickie Robertson from Kaleidoscopic UK earlier this week to meet with its community champion, Louise Jedras and explain how much the appeal means. “We are absolutely thrilled and grateful to be part of such an amazing scheme that creates smiles for miles at Christmas,” Ms Robertson said. “Financial abuse is a huge part of domestic abuse and rates increase dramatically at Christmas time, The Giving Tree provides more than presents, its knowing others care, a ray of hope and happiness. “Massive thanks to organiser Gill McKernan, Tesco and all who have bought gifts, what an amazing community we live in.”
Find a Giving Tree at Tesco Wokingham, Tesco Warfield, Tesco Martin Heron, Morrisons at Woosehill, Nirvana Spa, The Oakingham Belle, Sedero Lounge and Newbury Building Society
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COUNCILNEWS Covid support for businesses until 2022 MORE THAN £500,000 of support has been paid out to Wokingham borough businesses so far – and there will be additional payments to come. Cllr John Kaiser, the council’s executive member for finance and housing, said that they wanted businesses to submit applications for its Discretionary Grants scheme. “Wokingham Borough has been awarded £3.4m of Additional Restrictions Grant to support companies over the next 16 months and we want to make sure we listen to businesses so that we target the monies when and where it is most needed,” he said. “With Wokingham moving into Tier 2 we are already looking at extending the current Discretionary Grants scheme to cover businesses who will continue to be impacted as a result of the additional restrictions that higher tier means. “With Cllr Munro I have already asked officers to develop options for additional grant or other support schemes to be launched in the newyear aiming to support businesses through what is always a challenging time even without the additional impact of Covid.” He was responding first to a question by Cllr Barrie Patman (Conservative, Shinfield Souith). Cllr Graham Howe (Conservative, Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe) pointed out that many of
the businesses impacted by Covid have “great dependency” on the grants. He asked: “Can you assure us that those that are vulnerable, as a consequence of short falls in business or indeed any other families, will not suffer homelessness within the Borough of Wokingham?” Responding, Cllr Kaiser said that the council had placed 64 households into temporary accommodation in response to the pandemic and pledged to ensure that all homeless people in the borough would have accommodation over the winter months. “Unfortunately there will almost certainly be cases of homelessness as a result of the economic impact of Covid, but I can assure you the team will continue to do everything in its power to try and prevent them and, where unable to do so, will support the affected households,” he said. The council has received a £675,000 grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). This, he said, would be used to buy five homes to house “vulnerable rough sleepers”. “We also have received £150K in revenue funding from MHCLG to provide intensive in-reach support to our Housing First cohort for the next three years,” he added.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 10, 2020
PHIL CREIGHTON reports from a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive held on Wednesday, December 2
‘No one will go hungry or cold this Covid-blighted winter’ NO ONE in Wokingham will go hungry this Christmas and during “this Covid-blighted winter”.
That was the promise made by leader Cllr John Halsall at the start of the executive meeting. The special gathering had been called to allowed the ruling body to vote on a proposal to provide help for vulnerable residents over the next few weeks, as well as agreeing a package that will allow the council to offer grants to businesses. Cllr Halsall said that this hungerbusting pledge was “a clear commitment” to everyone. “Wokingham Borough Council will not allow any of our residents to go hungry or cold,” he promised. “The two initiatives ... will help us make sure we target support to children, families, individuals and businesses most in need. We are, however, prepared to go further, indeed, as far as is necessary, to make good on that commitment. “Should it be necessary, we will find more funding – via a properly accounted supplementary estimate – to support those most in need.” The Executive approved plans to provide £100,000 worth of food vouchers to families who receive benefits-related free school meals. This support is to cover the Christmas holidays and February half-term. There will also be £5,000 for food and utilities for young adults who were in the council’s care, but have left – known as care leavers. The remaining £100,000 will be used by supporting those who need additional support, and will often be referred to the council via the One Front Door Covidsupport scheme. The funding was provided by the Government as part of its £170 million Covid Winter Grant Scheme, and will help an estimated 2,100 children and young people in the borough. Families will receive £15 of food vouchers per child per week of the holidays. In a statement issued after the meeting, Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, said: “We are so happy to have this new grant programme to support our most vulnerable families and individuals. No child in the borough should go cold or hungry and this grant will help make sure of that. “This has been a difficult year for all of us, and we need to support those most in need.” Before the executive voted on the measures, there were a number of questions. Wokingham Town Council councillor Philip Cunnington wanted to know if the payments would help residents with their mental health. Council leader Cllr John Halsall said that the funds were to help with food, energy and related items only. He added: “The support is designed to help relieve financial pressures and associated stress and hardship
experienced by families and individuals”. Wokingham foodbank manager Annette Medhurst wanted to know how residents would know how “this scheme is fully understood and accessible to its front line staff working with vulnerable households across the Borough such that they refer into this scheme rather than the Foodbank?” Cllr Halsall said that the council wanted to be sure it would reach those most in need and would have a “comprehensive communication campaign” to facilitate this, while a representative would be able to apply on their behalf. “We are very keen to work with our partners from the charity and voluntary sector to identify families who are in need and signpost them to the scheme for support or assist them in their application. “We are very, very keen to ensure we meet every need,” he promised. Claire Revie from Share Wokingham said that the organisation distribute food to households hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. She wanted to know how the council would help affected families who were self-isolating and couldn’t get to the shops to spend their vouchers. “There will be the option for families to email or provide the vouchers to a representative who can use the vouchers on their behalf and deliver food and groceries safely to their door,” Cllr Halsall said. Cllr Alison Swaddle (Conservative, Coronation ward) wanted to know if the grants would be distributed before Christmas. Cllr Halsall said that there would be three ways to distribute the vouchers. For those who receive means-tested free school meals, the council would be working with schools to ensure that the vouchers are distributed before the end of this term. For care leavers, the council’s care team will be providing support. And for families and individuals who do not fall into those two categories, the council’s frontline service works will be able to refer people, while the One Front Door scheme operated by Wokingham Citizens Advice will also offer help. “We will monitor carefully the demand from families and individuals for support, and should the need exceed the funds available, a further paper detailing the need and proposed response will be considered by the Executive,” he said. “We have plans in place to distribute grant funds to those in need from December 14, so that those who need support in time for Christmas are able to access it. The scheme will continue into the New Year and end on March 31, 2021.” He added that he was confident that all the issues for a previous scheme had been ironed out and a helpline would be set up for schools to use.
On our website: Council leader discusses his comments on Arcardia
Cllr Abdul Loyes (Conservative, Loddon ward) asked: “Will the Covid Winter Grant Scheme ensure that no child in the Borough will go hungry this winter?” Cllr Halsall reiterated his previous response, saying: “We are committed to ensuring that no child goes hungry over the winter months”. The issue of fraud was raised by Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons (CON, Wokingham Without), who wanted to ensure that the funds would not be misused. Cllr Halsall promised to validate applications to mitigate the risk. Labour group leader on Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Andy Croy wanted to know how many of the parents were expected to spend cash on tobacco and alcohol when the proposals were being considered. Cllr Halsall said that the voucher scheme was already in place, “which means that we can put arrangements in place quickly to ensure that families benefit from support without delay” and that the vouchers could be used in nine supermarkets in the borough. “We want to support families who may be struggling with debt to be able to ringfence these funds for essential food and grocery items so that no child goes hungry over the Christmas and February half-term breaks,” he said. “The means of distribution of vouchers is designed to be nonstigmatising. Parents and carers exchange voucher eCodes for store eGift vouchers of their choice.” He added: “This scheme is being used by Reading Borough Council.” Cllr Croy said that it was the Executive was making the decision about using vouchers over cash, and said that Cllr Halsall hadn’t answered the question. Cllr Halsall said “We are faced with the task of trying to ameliorate hunger, poverty and destitution during the pandemic” and that the council had to reach as many people as quickly as possible. He added that if the council put money into account that had an overdraft, it might not be used for the purpose it had been intended. During the discussion, Cllr Richard Dolinski asked that if there was a problem distributing the vouchers before the end of term, whether they could be backdated to ensure families benefited from them. Cllr Clark said that children receiving free school meals would automatically receive the vouchers, which are administered by the company Edinred and sent to the school. She added that if families needed support, they could approach the Citizens Advice via the One Front Door scheme, while Cllr Halsall promised that if there were any problems issuing the grant, the council would step in. The Executive approved the motion.
We are very, very keen to work with our partners to help signpost families in need for support
Thursday, December 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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FROMTHECLASSROOMS It’s the puppet show
SCHOOLS | 25
We welcome contributions from pupils for this page– email stories, pictures and prose to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
Colleton’s marathon effort
Children at Floreat Montague School enjoyed activities during Children’s Day
By NANCY EMERY and FREYA LYNAM Floreat Montague School
ON FRIDAY the 20th November 2020 Floreat Montague Park took part in Children’s Day.
In year four Alana Dwyer brought a puppet to school and taught a lesson on ventriloquism. Alana is very good at using puppets and giving them funny personalities. The puppet’s name was Floss. She is eight-years-old and has pink and green hair. We asked the puppet questions and found out that her favourite animal was a unicorn, her favourite film is Wreck It Ralph and her favourite hobby is Swimming. She was the funniest puppet the class has ever met and everyone loved her. After Alana had showed us Floss, we all had the chance to make our own puppets. We used lots of different shiny
Pupils from The Colleton School prepare to run a leg of their all-day marathon in aid of the Royal Marsden Hospital Picture: Phil Creighton
paper, sequins and stickers to decorate them. When we had made our puppets, we practised ventriloquism with them. It was quite hard at first but we kept practising. There were some very funny parts of the lesson. We loved it when Alana said, “You are nothing without me!" Also, Alana was going to sing with Floss then Floss covered Alana’s mouth. We couldn’t stop laughing! We had so much fun on Children’s Day and we hope Floss can come and visit us again.
Online tours now available FOR many parents choosing the school for their child is a difficult decision, made even harder this year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. But one Wokingham school has found the solution: it has created a video offering a full insight into what life is like in its classrooms. All Saints CE Primary in Norreys Avenue made the 13-minute tour, showcasing every aspect of its facilities and giving a glimpse of everyday life at the school. One of the school’s governors, Rob Briggs, said: “Covid restrictions and lockdowns has made it very
difficult for parents new to the area, those with children looking to join the school’s nursery or reception years to get a good overview of the school. “To support them and show what an amazing place All Saints school is, we have just created our own School Tour which is available for anyone and hopefully new parents to view and experience. “This was all created by members of the school and is a great demonstration of the inclusiveness of All Saints.” To see the film, visit www.allsaints.wokingham.sch.uk/ virtual-tour
School receives laptop donation ONLINE learning will hopefully become a bit easier for one Winnersh school. The Hyve Group has donated 20 laptops to The Forest School. The team of global technology educators has partnered with LetsLocalise, a start-up company providing computers to schools across the country, to deliver over 70 laptops to students – including 20 pupils from The Forest School in Robinhood Lane. And it has done so to help make studying from home a bit easier for teachers and pupils alike. A spokesperson for The Hyve Group said: “The laptops will help
pupils to keep up with the increasing digital curriculum and to cope with the difficulties of remote learning during these trying Covid times, to ensure that students can continue learning from the safety of their homes”. It comes following The Forest School’s request for laptops from LetsLocalise after seeing that some students did not have the means to work from home. A spokesperson for the school said: “We are so grateful to Hyve Group who pledged to provide 20 laptops to help our students get the resources they need”.
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today PUPILS at a Twyford school put their best foot forward last month to help raise funds for children who will be in hospital this Christmas. An all-day marathon was held in the grounds of The Colleton Primary School. Members of the Middle Team took part in hour-and-a-half relays around the fields. The fundraiser saw them collectively run 26 miles, a challenge linked to their studies of Ancient Greece. In recent weeks, the Middle Team bubbles had had assembles about the children’s wards of the Royal Marsden
Hospital, which specialises in cancer treatment. This included learning about the Brave Boxes of toys and games that patients receive to help them cope with their stay. And the children also receive Christmas presents and stockings if they receive treatment of the festive season. The Colleton pupils learnt that toys and games have to be new, and not second-hand, to minimise the risk of infection. However, the coronavirus meant that donations are running low, and the pupils decided to raise funds to help the patients receive new toys for the Brave Boxes. One year four pupil, enjoyed the
event, which took place on Wednesday, November 25. “When they said that we running a marathon, I was excited for it,” they said. “I like the fresh air, and I enjoy doing lightning squats.” “I’m most excited about giving toys to the hospital.” And Lily, who is also in Year Four, said: “We’re running the marathon to help the children, I’m mot really a running person I just normally ride my bike. “But I want to do this to help the children, (fundraising from the running) is, I think, going to make a lot of difference to them. I’m pleased that we can do this to help them.”
Amie’s festive design is a winner A PUPIL from Nine Mile Ride Primary School has beaten more than 1,100 others to be crowned the winner of a festive art contest. Eight-year-old Amie caught the judge’s eye for her drawing of a green stocking, decorated with snowflakes and reindeer. She had entered a content run by Bracknell’s The Lexicon shopping centre. Entrants were asked to create a fun Christmas stocking design, with the winning designs placed on show for shoppers to admire. The display is on Braccan Walk, opposite Office. Shoppers admiring the entries can win a gift card to spend in the New Year. In addition to seeing her design showcased in the town centre, Amie won a £50 Lexicon gift card and £200 worth of Giotto art products for her school, plus a Giotto set including coloured pencils and felt pens to use at home, courtesy of Daler Rowney. In second place was nine-year-old Neve, who won a £25 gift card and a Giotto art pack for Ascot Heath Primary School, and a Giotto set to use at home. She created a colourful Christmas scene design. Ali Brown, headteacher, Nine Mile Ride Primary School, said: “I am so proud that Amie has won first prize. She has a wonderful imagination and creative talent which is evident through the high
quality work she produces in school and I am pleased that this has been recognised within the local community. “To be the chosen winner out of 1,100 entries is an amazing achievement and Amie should be very proud of her accomplishment.” She added: “At Nine Mile Ride Primary, our school culture places great emphasis on art as we believe that it is our duty to promote creative education within a broad, vibrant and enriched curriculum so the art products from Daler Rowney will be very much appreciated and put to very good use.” Sue Boor, head of marketing at The Lexicon says: “We were blown away by the number of amazing, creative entries
to this year’s competition, up 46% on last year. “The judges certainly had fun shortlisting the entries down to our 11 brilliant, winning designs.” NINE RUNNERS-UP WILL ALSO RECEIVE A £10 GIFT CARD FROM THE LEXICON: Talia, age 5, Newbold Primary School; Erin, age 6, Jennett’s Park C of E Primary School; James, age 12, Garth Hill; Isabel, age 7, King’s Academy Oakwood; Ruby, age 10, Our Lady’s Prep School; Isabella, age 10, Ascot Heath Primary School; Jack, age 9, Our Lady’s Prep School; Holly, age 9, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School; and Amy, age 4, Jennett’s Park CofE Primary School
� For more information, visit www.thelexiconbracknell.com
26 | LEISURE
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SOCIETY | 27
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helenabadger volunteer corner
community groups, clubs and societies INTHECOMMUNITY NewsSendfromyouryourreports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk
� With the news of the first vaccines being
The Arts Society Wokingham
administered in the UK this week, things are looking more positive for us all in the coming few months. There is a huge task facing the NHS to rollout this vaccine and volunteers will be a massive part of enabling of this. The Wokingham Volunteer Centre will be looking to recruit volunteers as Vaccine Clinic marshals across the borough, who will be based at GP surgeries, clinics and other community spaces, which may be used if needed. Four-hour shifts will be available Monday through to Saturday. If you are interested in finding out more, please keep an eye on our website www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk over the next couple of weeks for more information. � Thames Hospice is the local charity providing
expert care for people living with life-limiting illnesses in East Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. A vital part of its work is also supporting their families and carers. It costs £8 million every year to keep the Hospice running. The charity relies on the community for over 50% of the funds, so come and volunteer in one of our shops to help contribute. Thames Hospice’s Wokingham shop in Peach Street is looking for volunteers to help. It was recently refitted. Volunteers will be helping and serving customers, sorting through donations and keeping the shop colourful. The charity has all the necessary Covid secure measures in place. Pop in the store and have a look for yourself. � The Link Visiting scheme aims to reduce
loneliness by providing friendship to those who need it. It relies on volunteer Befrienders to improve and enhance the lives of older people. It does this through quality time and focused attention; a chance to hear stories of days gone by and build a connection. With the Covid-19 situation this year, it has not been able to provide our normal face-to-face service unfortunately. The Link plans to resume this as soon as it can. In the meantime, it would like to recruit and train new volunteers who will be ready to go when the time is right. It asks volunteers to give one or two hours per week or per fortnight to visit and offer friendship and support. Regular visits are our minimum requirement for at least six months. It can provide training before you start visiting and on-going training if you need it. The Link has a support structure in place so you can always call on someone if you have any questions or concerns. Volunteers from The Link stay in touch regularly and put on events so you can meet other volunteers too and it is hoped that these can start back up again next year. � These are just some of the latest opportunities on our books. Contact us: tel. 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.
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On November 16, members of The Arts Society Wokingham were invited to ‘Sing we Yule’ along with Sarah DerreJones. She set the scene by describing the long cold winters of the Middle Ages. The Little Ice Age culminated in England in 1410 when the Thames stayed frozen for more than 12 weeks. By means of illuminated manuscripts and reference to contemporary accounts she showed that despite the cold and harsh conditions Christmas was celebrated in style in a medieval manor house. Carols featured in these festivities, some of them such as the Coventry Carol we still sing today. Drinking songs were also greatly enjoyed by the peasants and Sarah was joined by her husband, Baldrick, (aka Phil) singing and playing a selection of rowdy drinking songs. However, the highlight of this virtual lecture was Sarah’s collection of reproduction medieval instrument s whose names may be known to us but which are rarely seen or heard: the hurdy-gurdy, the plucked psaltery, the hammered dulcimer and the medieval harp among others. Sarah explained in great detail how each of these fascinating instruments worked. Members were particularly interested to see her demonstrate the complexities of the hurdy- gurdy which she nick-named the ‘medieval synthesiser’. Despite a few technical glitches, courtesy of the rather ‘cobbled super highway’ connection from deepest Cornwall, Sarah captured the essence of a medieval Christmas and started the festive season with a flourish. Carrying on the Christmas theme, the Society is offering its members a special bonus event: ‘The Spirit of Christmas – a festive virtual Christmas Extravaganza’. This will be an interactive event hosted by Pepe Martinez and Simon Whitehead who are both Blue Badge guides with theatrical connections. In the first part they will explore the origins of our Christmas traditions. After a short interval the fun really begins with a virtual performance of A Christmas Carol with a strong Dickensian theme. This exciting event will take place on Friday, December 18, at 3pm so It is not too late to join the Society in time to take part. For more information, please visit our website www.theartssociety wokingham.org.uk SUE BRYANT
Rushmoor Writers Group The UK’s second oldest writing group, Rushmoor Writers in Hampshire, is this year celebrating its 70th birthday with the publication of its latest anthology, The Thing About Seventy. In this celebratory collection – by new, seasoned, published and award-winning writers – their tales encompass love, loss, lockdown, dragons, abandoned houses, dead people, mystical crystals,
Easthampstead Rotary This is a call to inspire all young people at school or in a youth group - a club, Scouts or Guides, and of course all parents, teachers and youth leaders. Easthampstead Rotarians are launching four Youth competitions – Young Artist, Young Photographer, Young Writer and Young Environmentalist. These are open to all young people aged seven to 17, attending school. Organiser John Faherty said: “I have already received early replies from schools expressing their wish to enter Young Artist and Young Photographer, a really encouraging start.” Each competition has a topic. These are: � Wild Nature for the Young Artist and Young Photographer competitions
� My happiest day for Young Writer � And for the Young Environmentalist: Climate Change / Carbon Reduction. Ahead of this latest Environmental initiative, two years ago 100 native oak, hornbeam and wild cherry saplings were planted by Easthampstead Rotarians assisted by park rangers and young volunteers from local schools and youth organisations, and the latest survey showed most saplings are growing well. Full details of all four competitions are on our website at www.easthampsteadrotary.org And if you have any questions, just email organiser: johnfaherty@hotmail.co.uk If you're a student or teacher, parent of youth leader, go on, be an inspiration to our young people! And we're in good company. The theme of this year's United Nations
supermarket rebellions and vanishing numbers. And in each, there’s a thing about 70. Despite Covid-19 scuppering plans for physical launches and signings, and the online literary world currently saturated with new books, this group has overcome these and other challenges to produce this 148-page tome. It costs £7.99 in print or £2.99 as an e-book from Amazon. "It's exciting and gratifying to be part of a writers' group that's 70,” said chairman, Christopher Berry. “I thank the members who’ve contributed to and helped produce this anthology. “Our most difficult problem – pandemic or no pandemic – was always going to be how to publish this. So, it was a massive weight off our minds when Midnight Street Press run by a former member agreed to step in. “Being backed by an independent press gives us a platform we wouldn’t have had otherwise, but the fact it’s a former member is a lovely touch. “It feels like a birthday present. “I also thank all our members, past and present, who've kept the group going these past 25,550 days. “I’ve learned a lot since joining, and the way my own writing has improved and matured is largely down to the feedback I've received from these awesome and friendly folks. “I vehemently encourage all writers to join a local writers' group because it really does work."
International Youth Day 'Youth Engagement for Global Action', highlighted the importance and value of young people’s contributions locally and globally. � This year, during COVID-19, Easthampstead Rotarians are still having fun with visiting speakers at our zoom meetings. Last week a Gin Meister, and still before Christmas, MP James Sunderland. Our recent support has focused on the Foodbanks in Bracknell and Wokingham, and The Cowshed, a relatively new charity in Berkshire that provides clothing and other items for individuals and families experiencing hardship in these difficult times. New members are always welcome. For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526. Check out our website or follow us: www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub/ PETER VON BERGEN
Rushmoor Writers is also currently open to new members. � To find out more, visit: rushmoorwriters.org
WADE ON FRIDAY, December 4, WADE held a festive draw in its 150 Club lottery. The draw aims to help replace lost finances as a result of coronavirus cancelling many of its fundraising activities. The centre, on Reading Road, provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources. Held monthly, there are three prizes for the draw. The more people who join the 150 Club, the greater the prizes. First prize was £160, and went to member number 96. Second prize was £96 was given to member 44. And the third prize was £64 and awarded to 85. A spokesperson for WADE said: “Congratulations to the three lucky winners. “Thanks again to everyone who has joined and supported WADE so far. Please spread the word.” There are still some places available for the lottery draw, but once it reaches 150 members, it will be closed for the rest of the draw year. For more details, call Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@wadecentre.org.uk, and log on to the group’s website, wadecentre.org.uk.
28 | LEISURE
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 10, 2020
Father Christmas and his Elves checking letters
Don’t miss out on Santa IN NORMAL times, Santa would be in the grotto at South Hill Park anxiously awaiting wish lists from good boys and girls. This year, he’s gone digital. He is offering the chance for youngsters to join him for a personalised Zoom call this Saturday and next, and his Elves can also deliver a gift box in the run-up to December 25. Father Christmas said: “It was really important for me to be able to keep the Christmas Magic alive this year after a rather testing year for all, including Mother Christmas, myself, and my Elves. “Snowflake the elf, alongside Twinkle both helped train me up on the technology to ensure the good girls and
boys could still see me, while ensuring that everyone is kept safe and well, which especially at Christmas time is very important. “I can’t wait to see who will be visiting me virtually this year, and hopefully back in person in 2021.” Calls can be booked for Saturdays, December 12 and 19, at £10 per call. For an extra £5, Santa will create a personalised Christmas Morning Video message. There is an additional fee for gift boxes. Places are strictly limited on a firstcome, first-served basis. � For more details, log on to www.ticketsource.co.uk/ fatherchristmasinbracknell
Make a date with Arts Trail ARTISTS from across the Thames Valley are showcasing their work through 2021, thanks to a new calendar. Members of the Henley Arts Trail have teamed up to create the A3 calendar, which features 12 ful-colour images. Organisers said that with so many artists to chose from it was a difficult task, and hope to make it an annual tradition.
As well as dates for the year ahead, it will include reminders of the dates for next year’s Henley Arts Trail and information about its sponsors. Sales of the £10 calendar will help raise funds for the annual event. It is free for collection from Twyford and Hnely, and it costs £3 to post out. � For more details, or to order, log on to artsfindlay.co.uk/product-category/ calendar
In a Windsor wonderland Debbie McGee is loving being the Fairy Godmother in Windsor’s pantimime this Christmas. She casts her spell on PHIL CREIGHTON
F
ORGET a winter wonderland, Debbie McGee is walking in a Windsor fairyland. The ever-popular Strictly Come Dancing finalist is playing the fairy godmother at the Theatre Royal this Christmas and is determined to bring some festive cheer to families. She joined the theatre’s production of Cinderella fairly late in the day after US-based actor Britt Ekland had to withdraw, but, she says, she was made to feel welcome not just by the rest of the cast but by the theatre’s team as well. For Debbie, the magic starts as soon as she gets out of her car and starts the walkthrough Winsdor’s streets: festive lights and a light show projected on to the castle get her in the mood. “Every day I drive to work as if I'm in a dream,” she says. “I park my car, and I walk past the castle to go to the theatre. You feel something special. “When we were rehearsing, I remember the first time I came out when it was dark, and they have projections on the power of the castle. And then they introduced Christmas lights everywhere. It really is like being in Fairyland. I feel like I'm in the middle of some movie or other. It’s just wonderful. It will be a time I will always remember.”
There’s magic inside the theatre too – but of a different kind. Every effort is being made to ensure that the theatre is Covid-safe, and while that means no sneaky dressing room parties, it also means that entries are staggered, there are temperature checks, masks worn everywhere … it’s a different panto experience for everyone. “I am the first person to go on the stage,” Debbie says, recalling the opening show last week, in which she gives the prologue. “It was an amazing feeling to actually be able to walk out on the stage and see the audience – it was electrifying. It’s felt incredibly special this year. “As a performer, it’s a weird thing looking out on the audience where 80% are wearing masks, the only ones who aren’t as children under 11. “When would you ever see that?” And the script has been adapted to suit these austere times: there’s no shouting out from the audience, but there’s plenty of stomping of feet and clapping of hands. There are other changes too. Debbie has to look after her own props, there’s hand sanitiser everywhere and even set pieces, such as the hilarious 12 Days of Christmas routine, have been reworked to ensure as few people as possible are touching anything. “On stage, we still have to socially distance,” Debbie says. “Everybody is in couples too, like in a bubble. “So the six dancers are all in twos, and when Cinderella and the Prince are singing together they’re at a slight angle so they’re not as close and singing into each other’s eyes.”
There’s also marks on the floor – strips of coloured tape – so that cast members know where to stand, something that Debbie likens to being on television and having to hit their spot. “Audiences are absolutely loving it, and I’m very proud to be part of this production.” Debbie is full of praise for her co-stars, which includes Steven Blakeley and Kevin Cruise – “They’ve been doing Windsor for years and are both absolutely brilliant” – and the behind the scenes team. “I feel like I’ve been part of the Windsor Theatre family from day one,” Debbie says, singling out Jon and Anne-Marie Woodley, the co-directors of the venue. “The people that love the theatre, who made this happen, they deserve so much credit. “They have worked so hard with a team of people to get this together. “I can’t tell you the months and hours of work (that has gone into Cinderella). They are on hand every day. They have been incredible and made me feel really welcome.” Despite all the Covid measures, despite no shouting out and despite the changes to being on stage, Debbie McGee is having a ball with Cinderella. “It is something very special that we’re doing,” she says. “I’ve performed all my life and all I’ve ever wanted to do was make the audiences happy. “We’re making people feel good and they can forget about their what’s going on in the world for a couple of hours. It’s incredible.” � Cinderella is at the Theatre Royal Windsor until Sunday, January 10. For more details, or to book tickets call 07453 853888 or log on to www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk
Thursday, December 10, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
LEISURE | 29
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A
new play fro m Rabble will be available to view over the internet next weekend
wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman
bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic
B
LUES lovers will enjoy this week’s Top 10 – it features a quality band that’s got plenty of them. Catfish are a major force on the blues scene thanks to their live performances and they’re making their appearance at the top of our playlist of Wokingham-inspired music curated by Chris Hillman from White Star Records. It one of 10 great tracks you can enjoy this week. You can listen for FREE via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic
Pinocchio will be performed and live streamed at Norden Farm this Christmas
Wooden it be lovely HE’S THE little boy who can never lie to Father Christmas about whether he’s been bad or good, and now he’s coming to the stage for a festive treat. Norden Farm is welcoming the Indefinite Articles theatre company to present a new take on Pinocchio. It will be both a live performance in the Maidenhead-based theatre and a live stream that people can enjoy at home. The story needs little introduction: a carpenter wishes for a son, and his dream comes true when a puppet comes to life. In this special one-man show, puppeteer Steve Tiplady is Pinocchio’s father, Geppetto, and he will carve him live on stage.
During the show, Steve will also enjoy a brush with a fox, and show how saws can become a giant shark. Puppetry, shadows and illusion will combine with specially composed music to create a show for all ages. Suitable for ages four upwards, it is performed from Tuesday, December 22, through to Christmas Eve, at 11.30am and 2pm. Tickets are £13.50, £11.50 under 16s and Family & Friends Ticket (4 people) £46. Livestream tickets are £15 per household. � To book, log on to norden.farm/ events/pinocchio-78
Watch it in your PJs A PLAY while you wear your PJs – that’s the promise from a theatre company gearing up for a festive show like no other in a festive season that’s like no other. RABBLE is to perform The Office Nativity, a special live-streamed show from award-winning playwright Anna Wheatley. And unlike previous performances, the show will be live-streamed so audiences can watch from home, rather than visit the theatre. Set this year, it looks at the office politics of producing a nativity over Zoom. With wise men and women behind the scenes to make the magic happen, it is bound to be a good piece of festive entertainment.
Toby Davies, the artistic director of RABBLE, says: “This is live theatre, not a Zoom event, and we’re having such a laugh making it. “After a tough year for everyone, we can’t wait to back up doing what we do best.” And the company’s executive director, Dani Davies, adds: “Buying tickets is the best way that you can support the arts, so please do book now for this fabulous show”. There are two performances: 8pm on Friday, December 18, and 6pm on Saturday, December 19. Tickets cost £20 per device. � For more details, or to book, log on to rabbletheatre.com
plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK
10 Tips for a Greener Christmas
M
AYBE Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means just a little bit more.” It’s not often that I quote The Grinch, but in this case, and perhaps this year more than any other, case Dr Seuss’ fictional character is spot on. Ordinarily, Christmas is a magical time of year but on the flip side it’s also potentially one of significant excess and unnecessary waste. If we are to get serious about tackling the many issues facing our planet, then even the festive season shouldn’t be immune to big changes. After all, I think the one thing that most of us really want from Santa, this Christmas or perhaps before the next one, is to be able to safely spend time with friends and family again and to watch grandparents hugging their grandchildren. Below are our top tips on how you can make a difference this Christmas… 1. Avoid the gimmicks From pre-packed ‘reindeer food’ (what’s wrong with a good oldfashioned carrot?) that’s bad for wildlife, to Christmas Eve boxes full of unneeded items, try not to get sucked in. 2. Presents Think quality not quantity and perhaps introduce shared gift lists and secret Santa’s to encourage everyone to buy less. Consider what gifts are made of, who by and where. Swap
plastic toys for wooden ones, big brand toiletries for kinder alternatives. And give homemade gifts or experiences too. 3. Wrapping It’s not an exact science but if you scrunch wrapping paper into a ball and it stays that way, it’s more likely that it’s plastic free and can be composted or recycled. Even better, use recycled brown (“craft”) paper and/or reusable gift bags. And, crucially, avoid plastic sticky tape! Paper tape is readily and cheaply available online. And cut out the bows, gift tags and ribbon or find reusable and recyclable alternatives. 4. Cards Of course, the obvious answer would be to avoid cards. Otherwise, aim to buy cards that are made from recycled, FSC (sustainable) or seed paper and free from nonbiodegradable glitter, badges and plastic wrapping. 5. Crackers Again, you could opt to avoid crackers completely or why not make your own, often reusable, ones? If you do decide to buy some, try to ensure that they are both recycled and recyclable and free of plastic toys. 6. Trees If you already own an artificial tree, enjoy it year after year for as long as you can. If you are in need of a new one, consider instead a real tree that is FSC or
Soil Association approved. Or, you can now even rent a real tree. 7. Advent calendars Make or buy a reusable advent calendar and fill it with homemade goodies or plastic free treats. Anything wrapped in foil or delicious Divine chocolate are among the better options. The growing trend towards more expensive, toy-filled calendars means more unnecessary waste. 8. Food Can you buy your meat (or consider a vegetarian lunch?) plastic free from a local butcher, and your vegetables unwrapped from a local greengrocer, farm shop or certain supermarkets? Wherever possible, aim to avoid unnecessary packaging and only buy and prepare what you really need to avoid food waste. 9. Drinks Wine bottles with a cork are a better option than a screw top. If you’re
buying beer, avoid plastic packaging and opt for cans over glass or plastic. When it comes to soft drinks, swap plastic bottles for glass or cans. 10. At the end of it all Please try to ensure that you recycle and dispose of everything correctly when the fun is over. If in doubt, look online, contact your local council or drop Plastic Free Home a line. Prepare beforehand by getting bags or boxes ready for things like wrapping paper, cardboard and recyclable plastic. Remember to donate any unwanted leftovers to a charity shop or food bank. Not everyone can do everything but if we can each make some changes, they really do add up. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy Christmas and let’s all cross our fingers and toes that Santa brings us a more normal year in 2021.
For more tips and advice, join the online group at www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk Got a comment or question? Email plasticfreehome@gmail.com
Catfish – Archangel (Live) It’s one of those choices of Wokingham photographer, Andrew Merritt, of fave bands that he’s photographed. It’s a fine choice as Catfish are a quality band who have established themselves as a major force in the blues scene with their live performances and album releases. This track is taken from their new album Exile: Live in Lockdown which as Catfish Picture: Andrew Merritt the title suggests, was recorded during a live stream in the summer and is available as a CD/DVD set from the band’s website – www.catfishbluesband.co.uk Children of Dub – Om In the 1990s Children Of Dub released three albums and a number of singles on Wokingham-based Magick Eye Records and became well-known on the trance, dub and chill club scene of the time. They have recently released Evolution: 1993-2020, which covers their whole history including the Magick Eye years and this track is included on that collection and on their Digital Mantras album – childrenofdub.com Kyros – Fear of Fear An international band with local links, signed to Wokingham based White Star Records, and this is from their new four-track EP, Four of Fear – www.kyrosmusic.com Astralasia (featuring Eric Bouillette) – Distant Voyage Eric Bouillette from local band, The Room, joins Marc Swordfish from Astralasia on a track from the new 35 track epic album, The Darkest Voyage – www.astralasia.co.uk Mark Harrison – What Son House Said Here’s a London based blues artist who has visited Wokingham previously to perform some great gigs at the Wokingham Music Club (WMC) – www.markharrisonrootsmusic.com Sarah Jane Morris – On Solid Air A track suggested by Stan Hetherington who runs WMC. Unfortunately, Sarah Jane’s Songs of John Martyn show was cancelled due to covid – www.sarahjanemorris.co.uk Focus – Hocus Pocus This legendary band performed a brilliant WMC show in 2018. They were booked to return again this month but unfortunately yet another casualty of the virus – focustheband.co.uk Andy Fairweather-Low – Wide Eyed and Legless Another legend who was due to play at WMC this November with his band The Low Riders with one of his biggest hits – andyfairweatherlow.com Will Wilde – Love That Burns Contemporary blues artist Will Wilde who has visited WMC and Wokingham Festival. Here’s his tribute to the late great Peter Green – www.willharmonicawilde.com The Honey Pot – Walk A While Psych pop-folk single from the band formed by Icarus Peel and Crystal Jacqueline released on Wokingham based record label, Mega Dodo Records – www.facebook.com/thehoneypotband
30 | PROPERTY
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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
203138
55 High Street, Wargrave
Conservation Area
Full application for the proposed change of use of part of the existing ground floor and part of the existing first floor (Use Class E) to one, 1no. bedroom residential dwelling (Use Class C3), plus internal alterations.
203177
Garth House, 53 Denmark Street, Wokingham
Conservation Area
Full planning application for the change of use of strip of land to residential, plus single storey rear extension with balcony including railing above, changes to fenestration, roof canopy above the front entrance and a roof top safety railing. (Retrospective)
203221
The Old Swan, Eversley Road, Arborfield
(Affect setting of) Listed Building
Application to vary conditions 2 and 4 of planning consent 201068 and conditions 2 and 3 of Listed Building Consent 201069 for the proposed part conversion of existing garage to create habitable accommodation, plus changes to the fenestration. Condition 2 refers to the approved documents and conditions 3 and 4 to the submission of joinery details and finishes, and the variation is to allow the new ground floor window in the south elevation to be double-glazed.
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 2nd January 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: 10th December 2020
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (WARREN ROAD, WOODLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 3rd December 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Warren Road, Woodley between its junctions with Old Bath Road and Western Avenue. The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via Western Avenue, Reading Road, A4 London Road, A4 Shepherds Hill and A4 Bath Road. The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by the restriction shall be via A4 Bath Road, A4 Shepherds Hill, Reading Road and Western Avenue. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 14th December and 18th December 2020. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake installation of vehicle incursion fencing in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 14th December 2020 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated this 10th December 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
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32 | SPORT
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COMBINED COUNTIES DIVISION ONE
COLLIS HOPES MISSED PENALTIES TO ACHIEVE RAMS’ HUGE COSTS BOARS WIN AMBITIONS Eversley & California 0 Dorking Wanderers 0
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA were left to rue missed chances as they missed two penalties to surrender the chance to return to league action with a win.
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk YOUNG Rams back row Josh Collis believes the proposed National Cup has helped focus minds at Old Bath Road after the players returned to training following the second lockdown last Thursday.
It is hoped subject to Government policy that the regional group stage – where Rams will take on neighbours Henley Hawks and Chinnor among others – will begin in February, although friendlies are permitted from December 18. And Collis is optimistic that some kind of contact season – albeit without scrums and mauls – can be saved. He said: “It’ll be interesting playing touch, and one-on-one tackle bags can only go so far to scratch the rugby itch. “You can tell in training as soon as we get a little taste of contact everyone starts licking their lips, so getting into a bit of rough and tumble in will be welcome. “The new rules will add a different dynamic, and I’m sure the coaches will come up with some imaginative Barbarian-style plays to keep everyone guessing. “Hopefully we can welcome crowds back at OBR, see what the club have been working on in the last nine months, and see some familiar faces on the sidelines.” Collis – who switched to Old Bath Road from Henley at the start of the 2017/18 season – admitted it will be a struggle to get into the starting XV with Robbie Stapley, Tom Vooght and Jamie Guttridge forming a brilliant back row.
He said: “You have the captain, vice-captain, and the player of the season in the mix, so saying it’s tough is an understatement. “The problem with those three especially is each of them are great blokes, and better players, so you can’t even get annoyed.” He continued: “They all bring something unique to playing the game, and often it’s a case of just learning from them, and trying to improve with each training session and hope to get the chance. “I love how competitive it is, as much as I want to play week in week out, selection is something that’s out of our hands. “And you’ve got to be happy to see your mates and the team succeed. With the new signings as well, it only adds to the healthy competition already in the club.” And while Collis remains in the early stages of what will hopefully be a long career at Rams, he has high hopes for the future. He concluded: “I’d just like to ride this wave for as long as possible - the club has great aspirations, and I’d like to contribute to that for as long as I can. Rams are always pushing forwards, and have a clear vision of what is needed to do to get there, and this gives us immense confidence as players. “The group of players we have at the moment are a pleasure to be around and as much as they are demanding of standards, what more is there to do than get caught up in what this club is trying to achieve?”
Up against Dorking Wanderers Reserves in their first game in the Combined Counties Division One for a month, the Boars went into the half-time break with the game locked at 0-0 with neither side creating enough clear cut chances to break the deadlock. Eversley keeper Laim Vaughan made a crucial save to keep Dorking at bay as they looked to go ahead early in the first half but he made a one on one save. The Boars pressed to find
a winner and were awarded a penalty with just over 10 minutes left. Reece Buckett stepped up to take the spot kick but had his effort saved to keep the score at 0-0. And just as the game looked as if it would end goalless, the Board were handed a lifeline with another penalty in the 90th minute. But they were left frustrated as they missed their second spot of the game and had to settle for just a point. The draw leaves Eversley in 14th position in the table after 10 matches. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA: Vaughan, Knight, Marsh, Mckernan, Blackie, Buckett, Smith, Ambler, Pantony, Dickie, Moriarty. SUBS: Allston, Gill, Holmes, Appleton, Kouadio
Eversley & California v Dorking Wanderers Pictures: Richard Milam
WOODLEY SAINTS POSTED EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT By DAVE WRIGHT sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk WOODLEY SAINTS FOOTBALL CLUB Under-15 team have received a very welcome early Christmas present.
Zafar Ali, who runs the post office and MAS News in Brecon Road, has proudly become their new shirt sponsor. "Club members and
players are among our customers, so I am delighted to be putting something back into the local community," said Ali, who has a framed shirt hanging on the wall behind his post office counter. He is now hoping the young Saints will produce some first-class performances in Division Four of the East Berks Football Alliance.
Woodley Saints players and officials with Zafar Ali (centre)
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FOOTBALL
SUMAS TEST THE WATERS WITH FRIENDLY WIN OVER VIRGINIA
By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK dusted off the cobwebs with their first action for six weeks with a friendly triumph over Virginia Water as they prepare for the restart of the Hellenic League this weekend.
Both sides had quite a strong representation of players who were somewhat rusty as they looked to find sharpness in preparation for the restart of the league when they face Woodley United in a local derby on Saturday. The earlier kick off time allowed the first half to be played without floodlights. Sumas went straight for goal in a first minute dash but the ball went out for a goal-kick and gave the visitors possession and they had a chance from close range but the ball went out off a Sumas defender for a corner kick. From a throw in by the visitors, there was a long
angled shot from the left wing that by-passed the far post beyond Woodward. There was almost an own – goal which won a corner for Sumas. In the 19th minute, the ball entered the box and was headed on to Callum Eagle who was quite close, to head the ball beyond the reach of keeper Matt Jones. With the Sumas leading 1-0, Jones made a good save and Virginia Waters approached Sumas’ goal again gaining a corner kick which was headed away, An angled shot from the left wing at Woodward’s goal missed the target. Free kick to the Sumas was cleared away but Sumas were passing quite well and one did not quite connect with Jake White. A following attack brought skipper Ryan Blake in front of goal in the 45th minute and he squeezed the ball over Woodward for the equaliser. The second half involved
rolling substitutes but Sumas continued the game by mounting an attack which brought out some good defensive play by Virginia Waters which was mirrored at the Sumas end by Mark O’Connell although a corner kick was conceded. Five substitutes replaced Guest, Curtis, Clark, Bradshah and Carter. Cummusky, Rushforth, O’Connell, Harris and Collier. The game rounded off unexpectedly with just a few minutes left the ball was whacked in beyond the substitute keeper Shay Honey in the 86th minute. Two minutes later, Josh Harris scored a third goal for the Sumas.
Wokingham & Emmbrook returned to action with a win over Virginia Water Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK: Woodward, (GK), Carter, Day, Guest, L. Eagle,(c), C, Eagle, Badshah, Curtis, Clark, White, N.Bateman. SUBS: Collier, Rushforth, Harris, Cummusky, Byrne, O’Connell.
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES STAGE FIGHTBACK AGAINST SUMAS Thames Valley Premier League
Eversley & California Ladies v Sumas Ladies (above) and Finchampstead v Reading City (below) Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire
WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS picked up their first win of the season with a 4-1 triumph away at Windlesham & Chobham Windlesham & Chobham enjoyed the greater possession in the opening twenty minutes with WUFC having to defend resolutely. Woodley opened the scoring in 21st minute when Liam Wilson converted a penalty following a foul on Reece Probert. Wilson extended the lead with a shot seven minutes later. The hosts scored in the 60th minute when Luke Edmondson rounded Karsten Arnold to score into an empty net. The two goal lead was restored in 81st minute when Nathan Locke curled a low shot into the far bottom right hand corner of Bill Wilson’s goal following a pass from debutant
substitute Frank Barnard. The 83rd minute saw W & C reduced to nine men following a foul on Stuart Birkett. One was a red card for a second caution and one was for dissent to the sin bin. The first minute of stoppage time saw Barnard staba shot into the net following good play from Adam King that the home defence failed to clear. FINCHAMPSTEAD remain at the top of the table with their fourth win of the season. Finch are four points clear of second place after a 4-0 win over Reading City U23’s. Callum Vallance netted twice, while Stephen Hunt and James Payne added to the score to earna convincing win.
Thames Valley Women’s Division One EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES overturned a two goal deficit to earn a point against
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK LADIES. The Sumas took a two goal lead going into half-time after a brace from Sarah Leonard put them in control. However, the Boars fought back to make sure that they would share the points after Chantelle Lawrence scored in the 53rd minute before Lauren Niblett snatched an equaliser in the 69th minute. Eversley are in 10th after four games, while the Sumas are in sixth having played seven league matches.
Friendly WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOKmade their final preparations before the restart of the Hellenic League with a friendly win over Eversley & California Development. Joe Cummuskey, Jake White and Elliott Rushforth scored to earn the Sumas a 3-0 win at Lowther Road.
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FROM THE MIDDLE
With Dick Sawdon-Smith
CONCUSSION LAWS OVERDUE
T
WO weeks ago, there was an horrific clash of heads between Arsenal’s centre back, David Luiz, and Wolves star striker Raul Jimenez, when they both went to head the ball in their Premier League match.
Raul Jimenez left the pitch on a stretcher but David Luis carried on, his head heavily bandaged. Surprisingly, the referee allowed him to continue, with blood still dribbling down the front of his bandages. The Laws of the Game say that the referee ensures that any player bleeding leaves the field of play. He may only return when the referee is satisfied that the bleeding has stopped and there is no blood on the equipment, (i.e. clothing). I was also surprised because such head injuries can easily lead to concussion. The problem is that there is often not enough time to ascertain the severity of a head injury and a player may return too quickly. The IFAB and FIFA said earlier this year that they, were very committed to solve this problem. One idea is to have temporary concussion substitutions, giving medical staff more time to make the assessment. They intended to trial it at the Olympic Games but the games were postponed due to the virus. This year the FA issued all referees with Maddocks concussion questions: Five questions to test players
faculties after head injuries. Some years ago, concerned with local clubs lack of first aid knowledge and equipment, usually little more than a bucket and sponge, I decided to write a book dealing solely with treatment of football injuries. I recruited fellow referee Terry Gibbs, who was a trained first aider, and we called our book, So You Carry The Sponge. We gave a full page to head injuries and concussion. “A major problem with head injuries,” we wrote, “is that complications often arise after the incident. So-called delayed concussion or compression can be a real danger.” I had to smile when the FIFA President, Gianni Infantine, said after their meeting: “I know we have sometimes been accused of being slow but we will tackle this.” Our book highlighted it, in 1985 – 35 years ago.
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FOOTBALL
PREVIEW: THE CLASH OF THE HOOPS By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING will look to continue their upsurge in form when they travel away to face Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
The Royals’ recent good results has seen them claim wins over Bristol City and Nottingham Forest in front of the Sky Sports cameras as they moved back up to third in the table – slipping to fifth after Tuesday night results, prior to their midweek battle at home to Birmingham City on Wednesday night (report online at Wokingham.Today). Meanwhile, QPR have had a difficult start to the season under manager Mark Waterburn and are 18th in the table prior to their Tuesday night match at Millwall. Rangers have lost their last three Championship fixtures with defeats to Huddersfield Town, Bristol City and local rivals Brentford to put them in the bottom half of the table. QPR finished just one place above Reading in the 2019/20 season in 13th place, collecting two more points.
However, it was Reading who took the points when the sides last met at the Madejski Stadium, in December 2019, when John Swift scored a stunner with the only goal of the game to triumph. The team’s last met at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium in October 2019 in just Mark Bowen’s second game in charge of Reading, playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw. QPR went ahead through Nakhi Wells before George Puscas replied with an instant equaliser. Rangers took the lead again through Jordan Hugill, but Sam Baldock ensured that Reading would return with a point with a 74th minute strike. There is positive news on the injury front for Veljko Paunović’s side as the Serbian boss confirmed that Swift is in the final stages of recovery and is expected to return to action in the new year. However, Andy Yiadom is expected to be sidelined for much longer having re-injured himself against Stoke, while Felipe Araruna and Puscas are also facing spells on the sideline.
John Swift scored the only goal when Reading met QPR at the Madejski last season Picture: Steve Smyth
ROYALS SHOW SUPPORT FOR RAINBOW LACES CAMPAIGN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING FC showed their support for the Rainbow Laces campaign during Saturday’s win over Nottingham Forest by sporting a rainbow logo on their shirts and rainbow coloured goal nets. The Royals made it an afternoon to remember as 2,000 fans returned to the Madejski Stadium for the first time in nine months, and they marked the occasion with a comfortable 2-0 victory. The usual Casumo sponsorship on the Reading shirt was coloured in
a rainbow logo, while the goal nets were also coloured rainbow to show support for Stonewall’s initiative. Both the match worn shirts and goal nets will be donated to charity by the club. Reading’s sponsor Casumo also pledged to donate £10 for every pass made by a Reading player during the win over Forest, with a further £100 donated for each goal. A statement on the club’s website reads: “Reading and Casumo are excited and proud to support such an important initiative by Stonewall and continue to increase awareness around the subject of inclusion in football.
“It will also help Stonewall to reach their goal of spreading awareness around a very important aspect of our lives.” Rainbow Laces day took place yesterday – Wednesday, December 9. A statement about Rainbow Laces day on Stonewall’s website says: “Following sport and taking part can give us community, energy and a sense of belonging. That’s why Rainbow Laces is as important as ever, and why we all need to play our part to make sport everyone’s game. “This year, we’ll be celebrating the impact that sport has on LGBT people, and the impact that LGBT
people have on sport.” To find out more, visit: www.stonewall.org.uk
WOMEN FACE LEAGUE LEADERS READING WOMEN host league leaders Manchester United at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday, live on BBC red button (12.30pm kick off).
The Royals’ disappointing start to the season continued with a frustrating draw at home to bottom side Bristol City last Saturday, despite having 33 shots. Meanwhile, United continued their excellent start to the campaign
with a 2-0 win away at Aston Villa. Casey Stoney’s United side lead the FA Women’s Super League after eight matches, boasting an unbeaten record with six wins and two draws to put them one point above second placed Arsenal. Meanwhile, Reading’s misfiring form in front of goal has seen them net just nine goals from eight matches to put
them in seventh place in the table. The Royals boss was left having to go back to the drawing board after her side were punished on the counter by Bristol. “The problem is that at the moment we can’t put the ball in the back of the net and that’s costing us points on the board, so we need a way of fixing that,” said Chambers.
“It’s obviously not the easiest thing to fix, but we are in the process of building. When you’re creating that many chances, you’ve got to be scoring goals. “When the opposition have one chance and score a goal, we really need to be defending those moments better. “We’ll be looking to work hard to change that as we look forward to the United game.”
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FA WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
ROYALS FRUSTRATED BY FROM THE TILEHURST DETERMINED BRISTOL END With Adam Jones
Yes, we can do things on the cheap!
O
Reading were held to a draw playing in front of fans for the first time this season Pictures: Neil Graham
Reading Women 1 Bristol City 1 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk CROWDS returned to watch Women’s Super League action at the Madejski Stadium for the first time this season but the Royals stuttered to a draw against bottom team Bristol City.
Kelly Chambers’ side were looking to build momentum on what has so far been an inconsistent start to the campaign, but despite dominating the game, they were unable to break down the Robins. Reading had the first chance when the ball spilled out to Jess Fishlock who hit a fierce effort at goal but Bristol keeper Sophie Baggaley was on hand to keep it out.
The Royals worked a nice move as Danielle Carter and Amalie Eikeland combined but again the Bristol keeper parried the shot away from goal, before Baggaley made another crucial stop to deflect Tash Harding’s effort onto the crossbar. Having had all of the attacking play, Reading were almost caught out on the counter as Ebony Salmon burst forward into the box but couldn’t apply the finish as her shot went agonisingly wide of the far post much to the Royals’ relief. Fishlock again knocked on the door when she hammered a half volley towards goal after a clearance fell kindly to her feet but again Baggaley continued to frustrate the home side. And having missed a chance to go in front, Reading were again hit on the break and this
Fara Williams struck the leveller for Reading
time they were punished. The Robins worked a slick move forward as Charlie Wellings squared the ball for Williams who stroked the ball past Grace Moloney to give the visitors an unlikely lead before the break. After a frustrating opening half, the Royals found an early breakthrough in the second half as Fara Williams levelled the score in the 52nd minute as she lashed the ball into the top corner from close range to finally find a way past the Bristol keeper. Harding made a brilliant run through the heart of the Bristol defence but skewed her shot wide of the target as another chance went begging, before Baggaley denied Fishlock for a third time. Reading looked the more likely to find a decisive goal but
Baggaley’s imspsired performance kept the bottom side in the game as she stuck out a leg to deny Reading skipper Harding to add to her collection of saves. And despite having 33 shots, and 14 on target, Reading couldn’t find a way past Baggaley for a second time and had to settle for a frustrating point as Bristol earned just their second point of the season. READING WOMEN: Moloney, Leine, Cooper, Bartrip, Woodham, Williams, Fishlock, James, Eikeland, Harding, Carter SUBS: Bruton, Nayler, Roberts, Childerhouse, Harries BRISTOL CITY WOMEN: Baggaley, Allen, Layzell, Evans, Purfield, Daniels, Humphrey, Mastrantonio, Wellings, Bissell, Salmon SUBS: Bryson, Rafferty, Haland, Collis, Wilson, Harrison, Jones
N the night Reading beat Fulham 1-0 in the 2017 Championship playoff semi-final second leg to take one step closer to the Premier League, a major change took place at the Madejski Stadium. After months of speculation, billionaire siblings Mr Dai Yongge and Ms Dai Xiu Li (now Hawken) were announced as majority shareholders at Reading Football Club. Our previous Thai owners had helped to steady the ship after Anton Zingarevich’s departure – and provided us with a good platform to build on after a very successful season despite heartbreak in the final. However, regardless of whether the Royals went up or not, there were always whispers that our new owners would spend big – something us fans had never really witnessed before with the prudent John Madejski and the empty promises of Zingarevich. Like kids in a sweet shop, a lot of fans, including myself, were excited for this. Would we finally be able to spend our way back to the Premier League and watch some of the best players in the world come to the Madejski Stadium again after being relegated in 2013? Perhaps we would see world class players make the move to Berkshire to both secure promotion and establish ourselves as a top tier side? Foolishly, that was my shorttermist mindset. Well, that plan between 2017 and 2018 did not work. Ron Gourlay took centre stage after his appointment in the summer of 2017, two summers came and went with little success, tens of millions of pounds had been spent on transfer fees and wages. And guess what? The club were in a worse position than they were before. Brian Tevreden, a key architect in a very successful 2016 summer
transfer window when we signed John Swift and Liam Moore for a combined total of just £1m, was pushed to one side and inevitably left the club. Finally, Gourlay resigned too in November 2018. But over two years on, we are still feeling the effects of a previously bloated squad, an eyewatering wage bill and overspending in the transfer market. Our recent acquisitions since then, including the club-record signing of George Puscas in 2019, have not helped – but I can finally feel the tide turning in Berkshire with some of the other signings we have made, including the likes of Rafael, Michael Morrison and Josh Laurent. Let’s take a look at our starting lineup against Nottingham Forest for example. The only players we have spent considerable fees on are Liam Moore who joined for just £1m in 2016, Ovie Ejaria and Lucas João – the rest are either free transfers or academy graduates. Sometimes, to add that bit of extra quality, you need to spend an extra few million and there is no doubting that. However, the club has shown in the past that when you have a fantastic academy, a good mix of youth and experience and an excellent team spirit, it can take you places – and I still hold this belief in the present day. And if I had one message I could send to Mr Dai, I would say this: please remain modest in the January transfer window even if the EFL’s profit and sustainability rules are changed. After a much-needed clearout in the summer, we are now building our way back as a force to be reckoned with. Your huge investment in the club deserves success – but stick with the long-term plan and you may just bear the fruits of this.
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How Reading rated v Forest
SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
SUPPORTERS ROCK ROYALS PUT ON SHOW AS TERRACES FILLED ONCE AGAIN Reading 2 Nottingham Forest 0 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk
READING put a smile on the faces of their returning fans as goals from Lucas João and Michael Morrison saw them breeze past 10-man Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
RAFAEL 6: Had barely anything to do all day as Forest only had one shot on target in the whole match. However, the one shot they did have on target forced a brilliant safe from Rafael who flew across his goal to keep out Lyle Yaylor when the game was 0-0. TOM HOLMES 7: A good defensive display to keep Forest quiet and was unlucky not to bag his first Reading goal when Ryan Yates clawed the ball off the line with his hand, leading to the red card. Also came close with a shot in the second half. MICHAEL MORRISON 7: Doubled Reading’s lead early in the second half with his first goal of the season. LIAM MOORE 7: Constantly shouting instructions at his team mates and leading from the back. A very solid performance to help Reading to their first clean sheet in nine matches. OMAR RICHARDS 8: Got forward well to provide support to the attack and kept Knockaert quiet all game. ANDY RINOMHOTA 8: Provided endless amounts of energy in the engine room alongside Laurent in the midfield as usual. Responded well to the crowd and the crowd showed their appreciation after several pieces of hard work. JOSH LAURENT 8: Has formed a neat partnership with Rinomhota in the middle and is a main stay in the team. Won the ball back several times and kept the team ticking in midfield. OVIE EJARIA 7: Showed is excellent dribbling on several occasions in the first half to fool the Forest defence. Went close to scoring and probably would have done had Méïté’s pull back been slightly better. MICHAEL OLISE 9: Another sensational display from the young Frenchman. Collected two more assists and his value seems to be rising every game. Reading will be desperate to keep hold of him with the January window looming. YAKOU MÉÏTÉ 6: Had a really big chance to score when Olise found him with a perfect through ball in the first half. Worked hard but his delivery in the final third was disappointing. LUCAS JOÃO 7: Bagged his tenth goal of the season as he converted from the penalty spot to continue his excellent scoring form.
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Supporters made their return to the Madejski Stadium for the first time in nine months as 2,000 supporters watched their side move up to third in the Championship table. Forest were reduced to 10 men when Ryan Yates handled on the line and Lucas João converted from the penalty spot in the 14th minute. Michael Morrison doubled the lead early in the second half as the Royals recorded their first clean sheet in nine games. Veljko Paunović made one change from Reading’s frustrating draw at Sheffield Wednesday last week as Yakou Méïté returned from injury to replace Alfa Semedo. The Reading players were met to an exceptional ovation from the 2,000 home fans who made their long awaited return to the Madejski Stadium, for the first time since March. Energised by the crowd, who were in great voice, the Royals started brightly as Michael Olise brought his team forward before Andy Rinomhota’s shot was deflected behind for the first corner of the game. Reading applied some early pressure as Ovie Ejaria showed his quick feet to win a free kick 25 yards from goal, but Liam Moore struck the set piece into the Forest wall. Yakou Méïté then tried his luck from distance wide on the right and fired a fierce effort at Bryce Samba which the Forest keeper parried away from goal. Forest then forged their first chance of the match after nine minutes and should have gone ahead when Lyle Taylor found himself free at the back post after a deep delivery from a free kick, but Rafael got across his goal quickly to make a vital stop. Olise was continuing to provide the creative spark for the hosts as he stole the ball from a Forest corner and charged up the field to win Reading a corner of their own. The game then took a dramatic twist in the 14th minute as Reading were awarded a penalty and Forest were reduced to 10 men. Olise’s inswinging free kick was met by Tom Holmes who beat Samba to the ball and his goal bound header was
flicked off the line by the hand of Ryan Yates, who was shown a straight red card. Lucas João walked up calmly with a slow run up before firing the ball into the net to send Samba the wrong way to give Reading the lead with his 10th Championship goal of the season. Olise sliced open the Forest defence with a perfect through ball to find Méïté, who swivelled to lose his marker but got the finish all wrong as he scuffed his shot wide of the target to miss a big chance. A sumptuous flick from Olise got Reading flowing in attack again as Omar Richards beat two defenders to drive into the box, but Forest managed to clear for a corner. Méïté almost caught out Samba at his near post when he burst down the line and hit a shot towards goal which was scrambled off the line by the Forest keeper. The visitors had a better spell towards the end of the half, but were unable to create any clear cut chances as Reading stayed organised to maintain their one goal lead going into the break. The Royals made a positive start to the half and doubled their lead in the 52nd minute when Michael Morrison met Olise corner and flicked the ball past Samba into the corner. Olise’s remarkable form has seen him collect more assists than any other teenager in Europe’s top five leagues. Reading controlled the second half with the lion’s share of possession and created several chances to add to the score as Tom Holmes and Ejaria both came close. Paunović’s first change saw Méïté replaced by Alfa Semedo with the Royals looking more than comfortable with just over 15 minutes remaining. Sone Aluko, Alfa Semedo, Sam Baldock and Lewis Gibson all made their way on as late substitutes as the Royals saw out a convincing victory at home.
2,000 lucky Reading fans were at the Madejski Stadium for the first time since March to witness t
Ovie Ejaria takes a strike at goal READING: Rafael, Holmes, Morrison, Moore, Richards, Rinomhota, Laurent, Olise, Méïté, Ejaria, João SUBS: Southwood, Tetek, Esteves, McIntyre, Baldock, Gibson, Aluko, Semedo, Onen NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Samba, Christie, McKenna, Worrall, Ribeiro, Ribeiro Dias, Yates, Arter, Lolley, Taylor, Knockaert SUBS: Figueiredo, Ameobi, Smith, Jenkinson, Guerrero, Dawson, Sow, Ioannou, Swan GOALS: Lucas João 14′ (pen), Morrison 52′
Josh Laurent slides to win the ball
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AS FOREST ROLL OVER FANS THE KEY TO VICTORY SAYS PAUNOVIĆ
the Royals’ win over Nottingham Forest Pictures: Steve Smyth
Ryan Yates is sent off for Forest
Michael Morrison’s header puts Reading two goals ahead
Tom Holmes’ header is handled on the line
Sam Baldock keeps his eye on the ball
READING MANAGER Veljko Paunović highlighted the importance of the fans' support as the Royals’ fans returned to the Madejski Stadium for the first time in nine months. Reading moved up to third in the Championship table with a convincing win after goals from Lucas João and Michael Morrison earned them three points over 10-man Nottingham Forest. “We are feeling great with the fans back, playing good football, it’s a special moment, getting a win with a solid performance,” said Paunović. “Having fans back was better than I expected. From the moment we stepped on the field, we felt the warmth and support and the eagerness of our fans. It was unique. “The red card changed the game in our favour and I felt a challenge to get the most out of it. We had a few more opportunities that we have to convert and maybe lost our focus. “We went out with a purpose in the second half to go out and win the game. We have to remind ourselves that we are here to compete. “We learned that we have to be patient but have to have impact and finish our actions. We had a lot of shots on goal but most importantly they were purposeful. We could have scored more if we had more concentration and control. “We re-focused in the second half. The key today was our fans. The team understood we had to deliver and we cannot lose the opportunity to build a new momentum and today helped us do that.
“I’m very grateful for the support and the warmth. It was special and unique. It was organic and it was unforgettable. “During the game, I wasn’t aware until someone told me the fans were cheering my name! Thank you to the fans for that.” Michael Olise impressed again as he collected two more assists to help the Royals to victory, and the Reading boss wants his star man to keep striving for improvement. “Michael (Olise) is super talented. He had a very good game. “When the team plays good, individuals will pop up and show their performances,” he continued. “Everyone had their moments on the ball to shine during the game and showed their talent. “Michael has to keep learning and he still needs to grow. He has things he can implement to be an even better player and that’s what we encourage. “We see huge potential in him and him having an impact in our club and delivering for the team.” Paunović also confirmed that John Swift close to a return from injury. “Swift is in the final stages of his recovery. Yiadom is longer term, he re-injured himself against Stoke and it will take a little bit more time. “We have a fantastic team and we have to give them love, support and everything they need. “We want to build a culture where the club gives support to the players and the members of the club give support to each other.”
NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US!
MANYHAPPYRETURNS! By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk TWO THOUSAND Reading fans were at the Madejski Stadium to witness the Royals triumph over Nottingham Forest.
The returning spectators, attending a game for the first time since March, were treated to three points after Reading brushed aside Forest. The visitors were were a man light for
much of the game after Ryan Yates was sent off for handling the ball. The win sees Reading push their way back up the Championship table. Last night Veljko Paunović’s side hosted Birmingham City (report online at Wokingham.Today). Now the Hoops are preparing for a trip to Queens Park Rangers on Saturday (3pm). � Match report on page 38
DERBY DAY TAKE II
ROYALS HELD BY ROBINS
KNOCK ON WOOD Rivalsto takeeach otheronthis Saturday
NON-LEAGUE BACK IN ACTION
HELLENIC LEAGUE action returns this Saturday with Wokingham & Emmbrook and Woodley United facing off in a local derby clash.
The teams were due to battle on October 31, but the match was cancelled due to a positive test of Covid-19 among the Woodley team. With lockdown now over, all being well, they will meet this Saturday (2pm) at Lowther Road in a meeting of teams at contrasting ends of the table. The Sumas have enjoyed a remarkable start to their Hellenic League Division One East campaign and are unbeaten at the top of the table after seven matches, with five wins and two draws. Sumas boss Dan Bateman said: “We had the Woodley game postponed and the week before we didn’t have a game so it’s almost been as if our lockdown began two weeks prior to everyone else. “So when the league resumes this Saturday, most teams will come into it having not played for four weeks, whereas
The Sumas and the Kestrels have clashed frequently in recent years, including this 2007 game – the teams meet again on Saturday
we won’t have played for six. “For us, we need to get up to match sharpness as quickly as possible and I think you will be able to see the teams that have done more preparation and have tried their best to keep themselves sharp during lockdown.”
Meanwhile, the Kestrels have struggled to find any early form, with just one win from their opening five fixtures. Currently in 14th, they will be hoping to turn their fortunes around against their local rivals. Woodley United boss Jamie Williams said: “Wokingham &
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Emmbrook are absolutely flying so it will be a massive test for us, just as every game is in this league. “We have played our best football against the better teams so that gives us hope. “It will be very difficult, but I'm concerned about focusing on us. “
Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020
PENALTY WOE FOR BOARS
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk