Wokingham.Today for December 17, 2020 by Wokingham.Today

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Vandals wreck town for third xmas

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, December 17, 2020 No. 292

Michael Humphries, of Twyford, delighted to have the Covid-19 vaccine at Wargrave Surgery Picture: Steve Smyth

NATIONAL GOAL P2 FOR FOOD CHARITY

EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

FALCONRY CENTRE MAKES A MOVE P3

MEMBERS of Wokingham Business Association (WBA) are furious at the latest attempt to dampen the town’s Christmas spirit.

Colin George, of WBA, said he is devastated after Strange the Jewellers was a victim of vandalism earlier this week — and he hopes the “mindless thugs” responsible will be made known. On Monday, the power leads lighting up the store’s display on Bush Walk, including its famous Nutcrackers, were damaged. Now, the shop is going without its annual festive light and sound display this year. In a statement on Facebook, the store’s owners said: “We are really sad to say that unfortunately our Nutcrackers will no longer be lighting up Bush Walk or playing music this Christmas after somebody broke in ... and vandalised all the power leads to all of our decorations.” And Mr George says it will no longer feel like Christmas in Wokingham town centre. “Those decorations are a feature of the town,” he said. “You knew that if you walked by they would be there with the music. “It really lifted your spirits and it made it feel like Christmas. There was some real intent there to ensure that the vandalism caused permanent damage, since those responsible will have climbed over the gates at the end of Bush Walk.” � Continued on page 2

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RAMBLERS LAUNCH NEW ROUTES P4

WE WILL GET THE JOB DONE

GPs roll out covid vaccine this week

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN news@wokingham.today ON TUESDAY, Wargrave was the first GP surgery in the borough to administer the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.

It marks the beginning of community inoculation in the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history.

Dr James Kennedy, who has been with the practice more than 10 years, said he is incredibly optimistic about the process. “General Practices will get the job done,” he said. “We’ve got registered patient lists — they know us, we’re their first port of call.” It is the community connection Dr Kennedy believes is key to success. � Continued on page 7

SANTA SPREADS WINTER CHEER P5 COUNCIL DITCHES GRAZELEY PLAN P8

DESIGN GROUP P17 OPENS SHOWROOM

2 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

Council office Christmas closures THE BOROUGH council will close its offices over Christmas weekend, with revised hours throughout the festive season. Offices will be open from 9am until 3pm on Christmas Eve, and then close until Tuesday, December 29, when it will be open from 9am to 5pm. New Year’s Eve will be marked with an early closure at 3pm. The office will remain closed on New Year’s Day.

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The emergency out-of-hours telephone number during the holiday period is 0800 212 111. Social services emergencies out-of-hours telephone number is 01344 786 543. To report out-of-hours repairs to council properties, call 0800 515 287 for general repairs and 0800 389 8789 for heating repairs and gas servicing. The calls will be managed by the council’s out-of-hours call centre and passed to the appropriate contractor. And the community mental health crisis team will be providing out-of-hours urgent care service, available on 0300 365 9999.

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Advert sizes 5cm by 1 column – 40 words £30 inc VAT Postcode 3cm by 2 column – 50 words £36 inc VAT 4cm by 2 column – 60 words £48 inc VAT Email 5cm by 2 column – 80 words £60 inc VAT Phone number 6cm by 2 column –100 words £72 inc VAT Send your forms to: Family notices, Wokingham.Today, Photo – add £5 inc VAT (email only) Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Deadline is Tuesday at 5pm for that Please enclose payment by cheque, made out to week’s paper The Wokingham Paper Ltd THE Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokingham.today, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

All Wokingham Borough Libraries will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Sunday, December, 27, Holiday Monday, December 28, and New Year’s Day. Wokingham Library will be open on Tuesday, December 29, and Wednesday, December 30, from 9.30am to 1.30pm. Woodley Library will be open on Wednesday, December 30, from 9am to 1pm. Lower Earley Library will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

Waste and recycling The Civic Offices at Shute End in Wokingham will be open on the days stated above, with Covid-19 safe restrictions in place to allow residents to access essential waste and recycling items only. Those purchasing blue bags or garden sacks will need to pay in advance on our website and then bring the receipt with them. The only entry point will be via the main entrance off Biscoe Way, operating on a one-in, one-out basis. All enquires will be triaged on arrival and visitors will be asked to provide track and trace details. Social distancing must be followed at all times, with distancing signage in place.

Freely Fruity looks EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today ONE OF Wokingham’s youngest charities recently received a major cash boost, helping it support more people than ever before.

Freely Fruity launched earlier this year with a mission to make fresh fruit more accessible to the local community. On Saturday, December 12, it received a donation of more than £1,300 from The Masonic Lodge. Now, the charity is investing in a 60ft polytunnel to increase growing space. “We’re extremely grateful for the support of our local community,” said Matt Knight, one of the charity’s founders. “Structurally, The Masonic Lodge’s donation will allow us to improve our yield of vegetables somewhere in the region of 50%.

“It’s going to make a massive difference to the people of the borough and their families.” While Freely Fruity may only be six-months-old, it’s already got its sights set on helping the nation. The charity was born out of a need for more fruit trees, Mr Knight explained, and it launched with the intention of planting fruit trees on public land to give communities access to free food. But the coronavirus pandemic has led the charity towards helping local food banks provide more fresh items to vulnerable residents in Wokingham borough. “Covid has both founded us and hindered us all at the same time,” Mr Knight explained. “Initially, we dreamt of growing trees on as much public land as we could possibly get, but the virus made that a bit difficult. “That’s what inspired us to turn towards helping food banks.”

Vandals wreck town centre for third year � Continued from front page

According to Mr George, members of Wokingham Business Association are heartbroken to see Strange the Jewellers targeted in this way after the struggles the town has faced this year. “Like many retailers, the jewellers has been shut down due to the coronavirus restrictions before, because it counted as a nonessential supplier,” he explained. “They’ve done as much as they can by selling online, but they’ve taken a massive hit to their income. “Then, for somebody to do this and force them to pay out to fix everything is disgusting and whoever is responsible should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.”

Mr George fears that the latest incident will make others wary of putting up their own decorations and it threatens to ruin Christmas in Wokingham for years to come. “As the Business Association, we’ve spent time encouraging people to try and brighten up the streets with festive lights,” he explained. “People will be shy of doing these things in the future because they’ll think they’re going to get vandalised.” He says this type of attack could be “detrimental” to the town’s festive spirit, especially following on from previous attacks on Wokingham’s Christmas tree in the last two years. Despite Mr George’s fears, the owners of Strange the Jewellers

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Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY From left: John Pegler presents a cheque, on behalf of the Berkshire Masonic Charity, to Matt Knight, Ryan Simpson and James Whittingham of Freely Fruity on Saturday Picture: Steve Smyth

s to grow national Freely Fruity currently donates to between 10 and 15 charitable organisations and food banks in the local area. “I’ve worked with homeless charities and food banks in the past,” Mr Knight said. “A lot of the food they offer is long life and nonperishable. “There’s nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t always provide nutrition. “We’ve found that there’s a lot of demand for fresh food, so we’re just plugging that gap.” Throughout its inaugural six months, Freely Fruity has been met with overwhelming support from the community. It’s even had to put volunteers on a waiting list because so many people have signed up to lend a hand. The charity aims to grow in size and is collaborating with the University of Reading in the hopes

to start providing fresh food on a national scale. “Right now we’re just asking people to watch this space,” mr Knight explained. “Covid isn’t going to go away soon, so we’ll continue growing fruits and vegetables whilst trying to get more trees out there in the local community.” The charity is also creating packs which will enable residents to grow their own food, and these will be donated to local food banks. Mr Knight said Freely Fruity’s first six months were “a bit of a rollercoaster”. “There’s been a lot more highs than lows, and we’ve gone from just an idea to a fully fledged charity,” he said. “You couldn’t really ask for much more.” � To find out more about Freely Fruity and how to lend a hand, visit: www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk

Falconry centre raises £26,000 A POPULAR falconry centre is on the move, thanks to generous donations from visitors and local businesses. Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre is in the process of moving to its new home at Moss End Garden Village, Warfield. Having been served notice alongside other tenants at Ladds Garden Village, owner Sadie Shepherd was scouring the county for a new home over the last few months. She put out a call for suggestions, and has now struck a deal with the Moss End owners. But moving bears a heavy cost. With 23 birds to carefully relocate, Ms Shepherd and her team are hoping to build aviaries as quickly as possible at the new site. “There’s so much to pay for,” she explained. “Paint, nails, staples for the netting, replacement roofs and wood — plus rent at both sites.” To make this possible, she launched a fundraising campaign — which is currently totalling £26,000. The goal is to reach £30,000, although more would always prove helpful, she added. “I’m just so grateful for it all,” she said. “I’ve had lots of little companies donating, as well as visitors. “It’s blown my mind really. After the year we’ve had, I’d sort of forgotten

The incident has been met with an outpouring of public support. “You can see the strength of feeling everybody has by taking a look on social media,” Mr George said. He is now encouraging

Sadie is relocating her birds to Moss Green Garden Village Picture: Sadie Shepherd

there are people out there who love and support us.” So far, the team has built half of the first aviary at Moss End, and aim to be open in some form by February halfterm.

“It’s all weather dependent really,” she said. “Plus the birds need time to get used to their new location.” � For more information, or to support Feathers and Fur Falconry Centre, visit: gf.me/u/y238i3

Interactive map helps promote off-road cycling A NEW interactive cycling map has been created to help Wokingham borough residents get on their bikes this winter. And those who use it can enter a contest to win prizes including an e-bike. Published on the MyJourney Wokingham website, it shows on and off-road routes, as well as helpful information including places to securely lock up your bike. Wokingham Borough Council says that it hopes that the new map, together with new cycling infrastructure will encourage residents to sign up this year for Winter Wheelers. Run in partnership with Love2Ride, a

Christmas lights outside Strange the Jewellers, in Bush Walk were vandalised earlier this week

haven’t let the incident ruin their future Christmas plans, and are looking into replacing the vandalised leads. “We won’t be put off by this as we know how much people love the decorations,” the company said online.

NEWS | 3

residents to head down to Strange the Jewellers and buy some Christmas gifts to offer their support. “Put some money back in the trader’s pocket so they can buffer against this sort of thing,” he said.

cycling-inspired advent calendar will offer discount codes for Proviz, Beryl and Loffi as a reward to those residents logging a ride before Boxing Day. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways said, “The number of people taking up cycling this year has been inspiring and has encouraged me to get out on my bicycle, exploring the cycleways and feeding back on any problems I may find. “We continue to put the infrastructure in place, together with classes, bike checks and now our new interactive map, to help support those residents who want to get on their bikes. “Riding in the winter may not seem

Picture: Wokingham Borough Council

as appealing as a ride around the borough in the summer sun but with the right clothing, equipment and guidance, riding in winter can be just as much fun and even more rewarding. It’s great to improve your physical fitness as well as your mental health and wellbeing during these difficult times.” � For more details, log on to www.myjourneywokingham.com/cycling/ cycle-maps

4 | NEWS

FAMILIES are invited to hit a treasure trail this Christmas. My Journey Wokingham has launched the festive activity for children in Buckhurst Meadows at Montague Park in Wokingham. Families can follow the trail around the country park on foot, bike or scooter. There are eight seasonal clues to find. Entrants write down the correct name and number onto a questionnaire that can be downloaded from the My Journey Wokingham website. Completed forms can be emailed to myjourney@wokingham.gov.uk. After the closing date of Friday, December 18, four winners will be picked at random, and receive a goody bag courtesy of Tesco. , � For more details, or to find the entry form, log on to www.myjourneywokingham.com and click on events.

Find the Arborfield angels ANGELS are hiding in Arborfield Green and there are prizes if they can be found. St Eligius Church is running an angel-themed treasure hunt until Sunday, December 20. To take part, entrants need a mobile phone that can read QR codes. Seven angels have been placed around the green in front of the community church in Tope Road. Each has a different message which can be deciphered by using the code app. The message gives a clue to the location of the next angel and also something to write on an entry form. Completed entries should be posted through the letterbox at No 2 Oak Drive, Waterman's View, Arborfield Green. The first 30 correct entries will win prizes as well as a downloadable certificate. They include a selection box, a ceramic angel to decorate, and a knitted angel to hang in a window. � For more details, or to find the entry form, log on to www.myjourneywokingham.com and click on events.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

Loddon ramblers help mayor create new routes around Earley By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today EARLEY residents are being encouraged to don their boots and enjoy 14 accessible walks around their town.

Last week, Earley Town Council launched the collection of walks, ranging from one to eight miles in a bid to inspire local ramblers. Hoped to be accessible to all ages, the routes have been compiled with help from Loddon Valley Ramblers Association and cover Lower Earley, Maiden Erlegh, Whiteknights Park and Old Earley. Earley town mayor, Cllr David Hare, congratulated everyone involved in the project. “In these difficult times, when getting out to exercise is important, it’s great to see how quickly the Walks Around Earley project has produced some excellent walks,” he said. “I fully support its aims and would encourage all residents to download the walks and explore those parts of Earley with which they are less familiar.” Christine Harvey, chair of Loddon Valley Ramblers, said the group was delighted to be involved in the project, and hopes to share its passion for walking with the community.

Loddon Valley Ramblers Grant Kelly, Steve Vale, Keith Brill and Mary Bather with Cllr David Hare, Earley town mayor (centre) next to the River Loddon Picture: Earley Town Council

All walks are accessible by bus and car, and details of car parking, bus stops and refreshments outlets are included. A spokesperson for the town council said: “Lockdowns have emphasised the need for access to public green space for people who do not have outdoor space of their own.

“Earley is fortunate in having many attractive green spaces and an extensive network of paths. Our aim is to ensure that everyone is able to make full use of these to improve their general wellbeing. “Whether you are a parent with toddlers or teenagers, working from home or commuting during the week, retired or just have some time

on your hands, take a look at the walks on offer and choose one that suits your capabilities so that you can get outside and enjoy Earley.” Routes can be accessed through the Earley Town Council website, and can be printed or used on smartphones and tablets. � For more information, visit: www.earley tc.gov.uk/walks

Living next to a sewage treatment plant would be a ‘nuisance’ says councillor N

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impact report, and for some homeowners, the smell would be two to three times the level accepted,” Cllr Tebboth said. “It would become a nuisance. People wouldn’t be able to use their gardens in the summer. The play area and SANG would also be affected.” This was echoed by Cllr Rachel Burgess, Labour councillor for Norreys and Cllr Gregor Murray, Conservative councillor for Norreys on the borough council. Cllr Murray said having previously lived near Slough sewage works, the “awful smell” would get into the house easily. “Honestly, I am against it,”

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compromise too far.” Flood risk is also a concern. Cllr Tebboth believes the floodplain location is inappropriate for housebuilding. “Some of the homes are proposed for Flood Zone 3 — the highest risk,” she said. “This is a problem. “Building on farmland that would soak up water is also going to increase the flood risk to existing homes, by increasing surface runoff. And the problem is only going to increase as climate change worsens.” She said there residents in Norreys are also concerned about the blind corner on Warren House c r ton Road, the safety of families crossing the street and the nearby infrastructure to support rising resident numbers in the ward. “There has been lots of development in Norreys over the last five years,” she added. “There is a big concern over losing green spaces.” Also against the plans, Cllr Rachell Burgess questioned how many affordable and social rent homes will be created. This, she said, is a priority for the borough. The plans were debated at last night’s extraordinary planning committee meeting. A 12/06/20 MJW UPDATED IN LINE WITH PLN-1-1101 REV C

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he said. “I wouldn’t personally want to live beside sewage works, and I wouldn’t expect anyone else to do it either. “I know that there is a need for affordable housing in Wokingham, and that to make a home truly affordable there has to be a compromise, but usually the compromise is in size, or proximity to a town centre or transport links, it is not because the house is located next to a sewage works. “I accept that land is at a premium in our borough also, but just because this land is available and cheap doesn’t mean we should encourage homes to be built on it.” He added: “All our residents deserve to have a great quality of life and I feel this is a

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A WOKINGHAM councillor made a case against building 153 homes next to a sewage treatment plant, writes Jess Warren. Last night, Cllr Abby Tebboth, Labour councillor for Norreys East on Wokingham Town Council, spoke out about Barratt David Wilson Homes’ plan to build the houses on Ashridge Farm. The meeting took place after we had gone to press, a full report will appear next week. The site, which would be accessible via Warren House Road and Bell Foundry Lane, is directly next to Thames Water Sewage Treatment works. “I’ve been looking at the odour

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Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Oscar (4) had chance to meet Father Christmas with his parents, Beckie Baxter and Kevin Fitchett, protected by a plastic shield Picture: Steve Smyth

Santa comes to Sheeplands CHILDREN are still able to visit Father Christmas and whisper some secrets to him, thanks to a Hare Hatch-based plant nursery. Working in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh, Sheeplands has created a Covid-safe grotto to enable one of

the most important of festive traditions to carry on, just not quite as usual. Organisers say that Santa was very pleased to see all the children who came to visit him over the first two weekends of December. And the man in the big red suit

said: “I have been visiting this garden centre for many years and my newly designed area to greet the children is absolutely wonderful. “All my visitors promised to be good and helpful over Christmas and some are looking forward to sharing Christmas with their grandparents and other people in their family.”

Wargrave Pre-School faces funding losses EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today WARGRAVE Pre-School is facing an uncertain future due to £19,000 losses, warns its committee.

The registered charity cancelled its usual fundraising activities this year due to the pandemic. And staff say they need to act now to ensure a future for local youngsters. With an annual shortfall of £10,000, the pre-school has applied to Wargrave Parish Council for a grant of the same value. But more is needed to keep the community-run service afloat. Committee member Layla Pipe said the £19,000 losses were caused by a reduced capacity over summer, with less fee-paying youngsters in attendance. “We’re now back at full capacity, and the children are loving it,” she said. “We have a long waiting list, as there is no nursery or childminder in Wargrave.” As the only childcare service for miles, the pre-school offers

places to Sonning and Crazies Hill families as well. “It’s such an important service in the village,” Ms Pipe added. “We even have a ninemonth-old on the waiting list to join when they turn two.” The pre-school, which has 25 children and seven staff, meets in a building near the village recreation ground, hired from the parish council. “Lots more families moved to the areas following lockdown,” Ms Pipe said. “And lots of preschools have closed within recent months too. The competition for places is definitely increasing.” The four committee members are now drawing up plans to tackle the annual shortfall, as well as the covidlosses. “We’ve got two plans really. To create a long-term solution

Girls’ choir A CHOIR for girls and young women aged 10-18, is appealing for new members. Jewel Tones, which rehearses on Sunday evenings between 6.15pm and 7.45pm, has four spaces available.

to the annual problem, we're looking into grants and funding options. We don’t want that to hang over us each year. “And then we want to do some fundraising to improve our outside space.” The committee hopes to refurbish the garden and fences — if they can find the funds. This month, pre-school parent Emily Day is taking 12,000 steps each day to raise money for the centre. “She’s raised £600 so far, and is walking in all weather,” Ms Pipe said. They also have a donations page on CAF Bank. Ward councillor John Halsall said: “Wargrave Pre-school is an absolutely marvellous little preschool. “I’m trying to help them.” � To donate, visit: www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/emily-childs-1 The choir held a concert to mark its 30th anniversary in March. In normal times they meet at Charvil Village Hall, but for the moment they sing via Zoom. Informal auditions will be held over the Christmas holidays. For details, visit: jeweltones.co.uk.

Evolving services made safe with Optalis

The grotto helps raise funds for charities supported by the Rotary club and its Inner Wheel. There are still some slots available for a special breakfast with Santa on Saturday and Sunday and he will be in residence next week up until Christmas Eve. Booking is essential.

A DAY centre’s services for Wokingham residents with physical disabilities and long-term conditions is to evolve as part of an ongoing response to the coronavirus pandemic. Optalis says it has adapted services at Westmead in Rances Lane to ensure that it is a safe, welcoming centre, ensuring that its services can remain accessible to those most in need. Changes include enhanced Infection Prevention Control measures, including sanitising stations, extensive cleaning regimes and PPE compliance. And Optalis says that the changes have been welcomed by centre users, such as David. “I feel very safe and reassured by the measures staff have put in place at the centre,” he said. “From temperature checks on arrival to using separate rooms for activities and one-way traffic lines, it all helps build confidence and relieve any tension a visitor may have.” In line with Government guidelines, the number of people attending the building-based day services has had to be limited with priority places given to those living at home with relatives, enabling family carers to continue with their caring role, and individuals who may be at risk of social isolation. Julia Harris, head of non-regulated services at Optalis, said that they are looking at beyond the pandemic. “We recognise how important and valued our Day Services are to the people who receive them,” she said. “We have been working on a plan to be able to offer a day service to people living in supported living and residential care settings. “We have been talking with our customers about what community activities they would like us to offer. The second national lockdown has hindered our progress, but we are still committed to developing a community-based programme.”

� For more details, log on to www.harehatchsheeplands.co.uk

� For more information visit www.optalis.org/ support-during-the-day

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

CORONAVIRUS LATEST

Community spirit BRACKNELL’S MP has praised his constituents for their community spirit during the coronavirus pandemic. James Sunderland, whose constituency includes parts of Wokingham borough, made the comments during a parliamentary debate on Covid-19, on Monday. He opened his speech by thanking the Government for striking a balance between “conflicting priorities”. “For any journalists who may be watching, we are damned if we do and damned if we don’t, but I recognise resilience, pragmatism and unwavering dedication, having done a few tough jobs myself, so it is a big tick for the Government from me,” he said. Part of this praise was for financial support this year, but he looked ahead too: “The important thing is that we as individuals need to learn to live alongside the virus and not hide from it, so we have got work to do to get back to normal, putting the money back into the Treasury and carrying on next year alongside the virus.” While Mr Sunderland welcomed the Government’s planned relaxation of rules for five days over Christmas, he also had concerns about what lay around the corner: “these enhanced freedoms are effectively a gift; the risk of a third wave or further lockdown in the new year cannot be the price that we pay for losing our resolve and will over Christmas”. Mr Sunderland also told the house that earlier that day he had been in Bracknell’s Lexicon shopping centre to show support for its Christmas Wishes campaign,

noting that it was doing all it could to attract shoppers to its “fantastic” set-up. “I was struck by how vibrant and busy it was today; the car park was full and people were also parked on the high street. “The important thing is that it was safe,” he said. “People were wearing masks. Excellent measures were in place in shops and there was clear distancing down the aisles. “I am really grateful to Bracknell Forest Council for everything that it has done to ensure that supporting our high street can be done safely.” The new medical facility planned to open in the new year attracted praise. Brants Bridge will include a Covid-19 lighthouse laboratory, which will process 40,000 tests a day. “It is part of Britain’s largest-ever network of diagnostic testing facilities, and will create 300 new jobs for local people: 170 in logistics, 100 scientists, and 30 supervisors and managers,” he said. He pointed out the vaccine was being rolled out across the region, starting with Finchampstead on Tuesday, with up to 500 jabs a day being distributed. Mr Sunderland concluded by saying: “I want to thank the people of Bracknell, Crowthorne, Finchampstead, Sandhurst and Wokingham Without for their pragmatism, social responsibility, patience and community spirit. “We do not say thank you enough in this place. “Without being glib, I am proud of what has been achieved locally, and I am grateful; merry Christmas to you all.”

Help us avoid Tier 3 says council health leader EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today CORONAVIRUS transmission has rapidly risen throughout communities in the borough over the last week — and without precautions, this will continue.

Yesterday, the council’s health executive, Cllr Charles Margetts confirmed that infection rates are soaring through heavily populated areas in the lead up to Christmas. Woodley, Earley, Lower Earely, Shinfield, Winnersh and Wokingham town are all seeing a significant rise, with slightly lower infection rates in the north and south of the borough. Cllr Margetts said widespread community transmission is the cause, rather than it being focused in schools or care homes. “I’m appealing to people to social distance properly, wear their masks, and keep washing hands. We were doing these things much better in spring, but it seems to have lapsed,” he said. “The times I have been into Wokingham town centre, I am seeing more people not social distancing as they were in April.” Cllr Margetts warned that

following the key public health messages is the only way to drive down infection rates. He encouraged all residents to think carefully about their Christmas plans, and make a decision about what they feel is best. “My family have decided not to see any of our relatives this Christmas,” he said. “That is a personal decision to make and it’s not for me to say what people should do. “I have seen the national speculation about Christmas bubbles being cancelled, but at the moment that is not the case,” he added. “Everyone has to make their own decision about whether it is wise to see family. My decision is my choice, I would rather wait and leave it until summer when it is safer.” He said there had been no notification from central government to indicate Tier 3 status, but said it may come in the future, if infection rates do not slow. “The sad fact is, case numbers are rising in the borough and in Berkshire,” he said. “Slough has been in Tier 3 for some time now. It is very possible it will happen in the near future. Nothing is inevitable, but we have to be honest about where we are. “If we go into Tier 3, so be it

Reading 213 per 100,000 West Berkshire 135 per 100,000

Wokingham 167 per 100,000

— we will deal with it from there,” he added. “Better days are ahead, but in the shortterm we have to remember these basic things — hand washing, mask wearing and social distancing.” There was, however, some good news he said. Lateral flow tests are being used for the first time today, so that families can visit their relatives in care homes. “We are the first council in Berkshire to offer this,” Cllr Margetts said. Twenty care homes have agreed to take part, but he is

Weekly rate of confirmed cases per

Covid helpline reduces hours over Christmas THE One Front Door scheme will operate reduced hours over the festive period, but will be available to take calls. Run by Wokingham Citizens Advice, and supported by Wokingham Borough Council, the scheme helps link residents who need a helping hand, for whatever reason, to be linked up with charities and groups who can help. This could be financial advice, assistance with collecting prescriptions or food, or a listening ear. From Monday, December 21 through to Wednesday, December 23, it will be open from 9am to 5pm.

Kidney support A NATIONAL charity is calling for kidney disease patients to be moved up the priority list for the Covid-19 vaccine. The National Kidney Federation is calling for in-centre haemodialysis (ICHD) to be treated the same as elderly people in residential homes.

On Christmas Eve, it will open from 10am to 4pm. The service is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Sunday, December 27. Reduced hours of 10am to 4pm will be in operation from Christmas Monday, December 28, through to Wednesday, December 30. The service will be closed on New Year’s Eve and New Year's Day. It will be open from 9am to 1pm on Saturday, January 2, and then back to the usual hours of 9am to 5pm from Monday, January 4. � To access the service, call: 0300 330 1189 or log on to: citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk

Kirit Modi, NKF president, said: “Those who dialyse in a centre seem to have been forgotten in the prioritisation announced by the government.” The charity says the 24,000 patients with end-stage kidney disease.are vulnerable, due to the 12 hours receiving treatment per week. � For more information, visit: www.kidney.org.uk

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CORONAVIRUS LATEST

Slough 325 per 100,000

Windsor and Maidenhead 118 per 100,000

Data from Public Health Berkshire, Reported up to December 10

Bracknell 200 per 100,000

Wokingham England

encouraging others to sign up to the scheme. “If there is a care home you’d like to visit that isn’t offering lateral flow tests, contact them and ask them to do so,” he said. “We want to get as many on board with this as possible. When it comes to commercial homes, the customer is meant to be king.”

Infection rates

r 100,000 population up to December 10

Since the November lockdown, covid numbers have been creeping upwards. On Tuesday, the Covid-19 Dashboard set up by the local authorities in the Thames Valley showed that there had been 43 positive cases confirmed in Wokingham borough. By comparison, Reading borough had 65, Bracknell

Forest had 35, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead had 46, West Berkshire had 61 and Slough had 95. Up to Thursday, December 10, the number of confirmed cases per 100,000 was 167 in Wokingham borough. It was 112.2 on Monday, November 30. Bracknell Forest now has 200 cases per 100,000 people, up from 101 on November 30. Reading borough has 213 cases per 100,000 people, up from 147, and Slough has 325, up from 274. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead has 118 cases – up from 97. And West Berkshire has a rate of 135 per 100,000 people, up from 54. Decisions on tiers are made by ministers and are based on public health recommendations. Factors include the pressure on the NHS, local contest and how quickly case rates are rising or falling. On Friday, the Government announced the self-isolation period will reduce from 14 days to 10, while NHS Test and Trace, run by Serco, will operate throughout the festive period. Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “We continue to work night and day to ensure testing is accessible across the country. This vital work will not stop for Christmas, with minimal disruption to our services. Testing sites will operate reduced hours on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

‘Small and local Christmas’ NEXT WEEK, coronavirus restrictions change to accommodate Christmas celebrations — but yesterday the prime minister urged people to keep their socialising small, short and local. From Wednesday, December 23 until Sunday, December 27, residents are legally allowed to form an exclusive Christmas bubble composed of people from no more than three households. For the five-day period, borough residents will be allowed to travel between tiers and UK nations for the purposes of meeting their new bubble. But the prime minister is encouraging people to treat the rules as a maximum not a target. Residents have

been told to exercise personal responsibility and minimise contact with others. That means reducing socialising to fewer people, for less time, and travelling less across the UK, Boris Johnson said. Scientific advisor, Chris Whitty encouraged people to think of the most vulnerable and limit their journeys across the country. If residents choose to form a Christmas bubble, these must be exclusive to one another. Families cannot change or form different bubbles during the festive season. Once created, Christmas bubbles can meet in private homes and gardens, places of worship and public outdoor spaces. The Government

is encouraging hosts to ventilate their homes as much as possible, and limit the duration of stay. Christmas bubbles cannot go to pubs, shops, theatres and restaurants together. Residents must not meet socially with friends and family in their home or garden unless they are

part of a Christmas bubble. And the prime minister has encouraged anyone planning on forming a bubble to minimise all social contact from Friday, in preparation. Residents cannot form a Christmas bubble if they have symptoms or test positive for the virus.

GPs start using Pfizer vaccine � Continued from front page

Stored at -70°C, the drug is thawed and must be used within five days. The surgery is vaccinating people in groups of five, every five minutes. The slick operation has been timed, with staff overseeing each phase. Hannah Copus, head pharmacist at the surgery is leading the drug preparation. The volatile formula is carefully managed at each stage, with quality control checks at each stage, she explained. Once the nurses draw the drug into a syringe, it is used within one minute. “We’re extremely confident in the process,” said Dr Kennedy. “It takes a highly trained group of staff to make it happen. “It’s not something that can be rushed, which is why you need a good team.” Bernard and Brenda Gilder, patients of the surgery were both given the jab yesterday. The couple, who plan to have a quiet Christmas between themselves, said the process was quick and painless. “I never felt the needle,” Mr Gilder said. They will return in three weeks for their second injections. Also vaccinated at the

surgery yesterday was John Abraham. “It was brilliant,” he said. “For anyone concerned – don’t worry about it.” Patients are also receiving the Covid-19 vaccinations in Tilehurst. Over the next few weeks, other GP practices will be joining forces and contacting patients to offer them the vaccination – initially to patients over 80 and frontline health and care workers. Yesterday’s milestone marks significant work from practice teams across Berkshire West to quickly plan the vaccination programme, redesign their sites and meet the tough logistical challenges of offering the vaccination. Dr Abid Irfan, chair of Berkshire West CCG said it has been incredible to see the efforts of GP surgeries and teams across the clinical region, something he is proud of. “While the vaccine offers our best defence against the virus, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t mean we can start to relax our attention to the hands, face, space regulations,” he said. “I’d urge everyone to continue doing everything they can to comply with the

Government’s rules and play their part in helping to keep themselves and their families safe.” To support the process, Wokingham Volunteer Centre is recruiting vaccine clinic marshals, which will be based at clinics and community spaces. Volunteer services manager Helena Badger, said: “There is a huge task facing the NHS to roll out this vaccine and volunteers will be a massive part of enabling this.” Residents are asked not to contact their GP surgery about the vaccine, so that the team can focus on arrangments. Residents will be contacted when it is their turn to receive the vaccine. Priority will go to care home residents and staff, those over 80 and frontline health and social care workers, followed by those over 75, over 70 and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals, then anyone aged 16 to 64 with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk. The Pfizer vaccination has undergone rigorous scientific assessments trials to guarantee it is safe, effective and of a high quality. More than 137,000 people have been vaccinated in the UK so far.

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Embrace change and see results with 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan Alison lost five-and-a-half stone by embracing lockdown and changing every aspect of her life. � Alison Fraser, 41, Arborfield, went from a size 18 to a size 8 thanks to The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan. � Having a good social life of dining out, drinking and lack of exercise meant she piled on the pounds over the years. � She changed all of that with a meal replacement diet, lockdown walks and workouts at home. Alison looks unrecognisable after leaving her old eating and drinking habits behind to lose five and a half stone. Alison Fraser, who is Scottish and has lived in England for 20 years, piled on the pounds after being wined and dined in her sociable career and social lifestyle. Long working hours, sitting at a desk for years and lack of exercise meant she got used to being around a size 16-18. But, after completely changing to a healthy diet and exercise regime, she now radiates confidence and is a healthy size 8! In March 2020, two weeks before the world went into lockdown, Alison decided she was going to focus on losing weight after choosing to change her lifestyle. Her target, to begin with, was a two stone loss, just so her goal wasn’t too overwhelming. She began The 1:1 Diet on the full meal replacement step. The first stone came off in three weeks. Followed by stone after stone. She ditched alcohol for four months while she was on the strict diet, being a social person, this was certainly the longest she had ever gone without drinking but she says she felt so much better, healthier and more alert. Daily hourly walks during lockdown combined with

workouts via Facetime meant she became more physically active. She also took part in virtual workout classes with her niece and two nephews. These daily routines kept them all going, even when they couldn’t see each other in the flesh they could still exercise together. She then progressed to joining an online exercise programme for resistance training so she could tone-up while losing the weight. Getting fitter and stronger by the week was exactly what Alison needed to get through lockdown. The diet gave such fast results that it kept her motivated and focused on her main goal. To be fitter, healthier, and happier! She has certainly reached her goal and more! Alison has been a consultant for The 1:1 Diet throughout her weight loss journey so she knows exactly what it’s like to be overweight, unhappy and how to lead a healthier lifestyle. She has a large client base who she can relate to with her friendly, non-judgmental support. Her clients are achieving fantastic results giving her an incredibly rewarding job. Alison is now a glowing size 8. She knows the start of the diet, the journey and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle going forward. � For more information please contact Ali Fraser at aliofraser@hotmail.com or follow Alison on social media at @alifraserone2one on Instagram and Ali Fraser The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan Consultant on Facebook.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

Grazeley town plan scrapped ... … but a High Court judicial review may reverse this EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN & PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today PLANS TO build a 15,000 home garden city in Grazeley have been scrapped, following objections from the Ministry of Defence.

Back in March, the emergency planning zone around AWE Burghfield was extended to include all of the proposed Grazeley development, parts of Spencers Wood, Three Mile Cross and Shinfield. Now, the borough council said it is looking at alternatives, after objections from the Defence Nuclear Organisation, part of the Ministry of Defence. “This is a disappointment,” said Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning. “We believed a garden town at Grazeley was a great way to provide homes local people need in a way that would safeguard our environmental and economic future. “It seems that perhaps the Ministry of Defence isn’t in step with other parts of the government, as they awarded Grazeley garden city status in 2019.” He said the council has other “strong possibilities” to explore — and will bring new proposals to residents next year. But the Liberal Democrats are not convinced it's off the table. Cllr Clive Jones, deputy leader of the party said a judicial review has been lodged against the emergency planning zone extension. Developer Crest Nicholson was leading the charge, with Hallam Land Management and Wilson Enterprises representing local land owners at the High Court hearing on Tuesday and Wednesday. In a joint statement, the trio said “doubling” the emergency planning zone cannot be explained by regulation changes last year. “Aldermaston AWE zone has not changed at all, while the Burghfield AWE zone has effectively doubled,” they added. The judicial review will consider whether correct consultation and decision-making processes were followed. Cllr Jones said he believes the

The Ministry of Defence has objected to development in the village due to concerns about the AWE Burghfield emergency planning zone Picture: Phil Creighton

Grazeley project is not going away — it has just been delayed. “I don’t think it’s off the table,” he said. “Grazeley has been the council’s baby from the very beginning. I don’t think they’re going to let it go — they’ve been behind it since 2016.” Instead, he expects the plan will be returned to later down the line, after the appeal. Cllr Lindsay Ferris, leader of the Liberal Democrats said he is concerned such little action is being taken to form a new local plan. He said: “We have asked why — it is important to keep momentum going with such a large project.” His biggest concerns are in creating a five-year land supply, and the ageing current local plan — which may render it vulnerable to developers. Cllr Carl Doran, Labour spokesperson for housing, said the shift was a complete U-turn by the borough council. “The Ministry of Defence does not have the power to stop Grazeley but even the simple implication that they would object has been enough to see WBC fold,” he said. “If only WBC paid heed to residents' views in the same way and at the same speed.” He said the Labour group always thought Grazeley was the wrong plan. It was a garden town in name only and the marketing of its "infrastructure" delivery was always going to be greater than the reality. He added: “I think the idea behind Grazeley was for Wokingham Conservatives to put all their eggs in

one basket and put up with losing a few nearby councillors, while retaining enough councillors elsewhere to retain power at WBC — cynical politicking.” He suggested the shortfall of around 4,000 houses over the next five to 10 years could be made up by building enmass elsewhere. “That is predicated on the current housing numbers rules, which we know are about to be wiped out by the Government's planning reforms,” Cllr Doran added. “If those plans are realised, then there will have to be several areas taking an extra 4,000 homes over the next 10 years or so.” He said the new housing numbers are “almost entirely due to a lack of genuinely affordable housing” in the borough — something he blamed the council for “ignoring” for years. “They have pandered to developers by accepting sums in lieu of affordable housing and accepting larger amounts of shared ownership over social rent housing than even their own policy demands,” he said. “That wasn't enough for these rapacious developers, so they lobbied the Government to increase our housing numbers. And yet, WBC still bend over backwards for developers, as any reading of recent planning applications will show.” He said that current leadership made the future look “bleak” when it came to housing. AWE’s site in Burghfield is a former munitions factory where warheads are assembled and maintained while in service, and decommissioned when out of

service. It is one of four sites run by AWE. In March, West Berkshire Council said the emergency planning zones at AWE Burghfield were updated because of changes introduced as a result of the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (REPPIR 19). The same month, the £250 million of national Government funding, which was to be used for infrastructure in Grazeley was scrapped. The spring Budget declared the bulk of Housing Infrastructure Funding (HIF) would go to projects in the north of the UK, where demand for homes is lower, and more financial support is needed for local councils. Cllr John Halsall said: “The Grazeley Market Town may no longer be achievable. We are in the uncomfortable place of being in a limbo between the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the Ministry of Defence.. “The MHCLG declared in favour of a market town, which would have been the only one with a sustainable transport network and carbon neutral. We had quite a lot of money from them to work it up, bring partners together and yet the MoD has shot it down pretty viciously.” “We could continue to include the garden town in our local plan, but the risk is that the independent inspector would say it’s not allowed because the objection is there already. I've been continuously asking central government to sort themselves out and decide what they want to do. “The two departments have decided that they’ll just have to have a Mexican standoff. “We’ve sent a letter of objection, which is very comprehensive objection, to the MHCLG, and said, ‘What do you think?’ Silence has been the response. “I’m fully sympathetic that the Government has a lot on its plate at the moment so the little problems of Wokingham Borough Council must seem less important but it does create a problem for us. “We are now looking at alternatives.”

Charity's call for Christmas crafters Avoid walking by water after a drink CRAFTERS are wanted to help the NSPCC this Christmas, by creating items that can be sold to raise funds for the charity. The money raised will help its work with children and young people at risk of abuse and neglect. The charity says that 90% of its income comes from donations, and the pandemic has seen its income slip – but between March and September, its Childline division has delivered more than 43,000 counselling sessions to children struggling with pandemic-related mental health issues. And for those who can’t craft, but want to help, the charity

is asking people to take part in a sponsored walk on the shortest day of the year, Monday, December 21. Emma Alexandra, the charity’s community fundraising manager for Berkshire, said: “It’s time for us to work together and rebuild our society so it’s better for our children. “With your help, we can combat child abuse and create a better and safer world for the next generation — because no child should be left to cope alone. “We are here for children and you can be too by joining us today.” � For more information, visit www.nspcc.org.uk

BERKSHIRE has been ranked joint seventh highest county for drug — and alcohol — related drownings in the UK. Now, residents are being encouraged to think before they drink. The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) recently launched its Don’t Drink and Drown campaign in a bid to save lives this Christmas. And it’s asking people in Berkshire to avoid walking home alongside water after going out for a drink. RLSS UK named Berkshire a high risk area after it was revealed that last year, three of the six people who drowned in the

county were intoxicated. Over the last five years, 14 of the 34 people who have drowned in the area were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. “With more people choosing to drink at home this December, there is a real temptation to enjoy more generous measures,” said Robert Gofton, CEO of RLSS UK. Mr Gofton says that alcohol can “seriously impede” people’s ability to survive in water, and is urging residents to avoid walking near water in the dark. � For more information, visit www.rlss.org.uk or search ‘#DontDrinkandDrown’ on social media.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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PARISH NOTICEBOARD

Parish and borough council meetings Assume meetings are online – contact councils for details Thursday, December 17 Finchampstead Parish Council. Council meeting. 7.30pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Extraordinary Executive. 7pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Tuesday, December 22 Wokingham Borough Council. Extraordinary, Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 6pm. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 Arborfield Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. Parks Committee. 8pm. F&GP committee. 8.30pm. Arborfield.org.uk Woodley Town Council. Planning and community. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, January 6 Wokingham Borough Council. Individual Member Decisions: Sale of an HRA Asset, Executive. 11am. Slough – Local Plan Spatial Strategy consultation 2pm. Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee, CANCELLED. Details: www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, January 11 Wokingham Without Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm. wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Civic meeting. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

Tuesday, January 12 Woodley Town Council. Leisure services 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Amenities committee. 7.30pm. Details: www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk

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FROMTHECOURTS � A SHINFIELD man who drove while above the limit has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 20 months. Eric Newton, 74 and from Frensham Green, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 9. He had been stopped by police on Halls Lane in Lower Earley on September 1. A breath test revealed that he had 86 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. In addition to the ban, Newton must pay a £300 fine, £85 costs and £34 to victim services. � A SHINFIELD man who drove while above the limit has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months. Bradley Britton, 24 and from Rossby, was stopped by police in Lower Earley Way on September 1. A breath test found that he had 42 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. Britton pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 10. His ban will be reduced by 12 weeks on completion of a safe driving course. In addition to the ban, Britton was fined £138, ordered to pay £85 costs and £32 to victim services. Britton was also fined £200 for driving without insurance.

� AN EARLEY woman has been banned from driving for 27 months after being stopped by police. Agnieszka Bearpark, 39 and from Dunholme Close, had her breath tested at a BP garage on Wokingham Road on July 26. She was found to have 110 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. She pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 11. In addition to the driving ban, which will be reduced by 27 weeks on completion of a safe driving course, Bearpark has been ordered to undertake a curfew, staying at her home address between 7pm and 6am for two months from November 11. She must also pay £85 costs and £85 to victim services. � A WOKINGHAM man has been given a 14-week jail sentence,

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks suspended for 18 months, after beating a woman. Wesley Ken Potter, 25 and from Oxford Road, pleaded guilty to the offence, which took place on February 28 this year. Reading Magistrates Court felt that the sentence was warranted as a knife was used during the incident and he attempted to strangle his victim. In addition to his sentence, Potter is prohibited from entering any address of his victim, nor to contact them. He must also remain at home between 7pm and 7am for two months. Potter was ordered to pay £500 compensation, £115 to victim services and £200 costs. � AN EARLEY man has been given a 12-month conditional discharge after pleading guilty for possession of cannabis. Abbas Javed, 18 and from London Road, was stopped in Reading on July 4, where the class B drug was found on him by police. At a hearing on November 12, Reading Magistrates Court ordered him to pay costs of £85 and £22 to victim services at a rate of £50 per month. The drugs will be destroyed by police. � DRIVING while over the alcohol limit has seen a

Winnersh woman receive a 20-month ban. Menna Freeman, 55 and from Welby Crescent, was stopped by police on July 12 in Wokingham. A blood test found that she had 203 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, exceeding the prescribed limit. Freeman pleaded guilty when she appeared at Slough Magistrates Court on November 12. Her ban will be reduced by 20 weeks on completion of a safe driving course, and she must pay a £120 fine, £85 costs and £34 to victim services. � A WINNERSH teenager who assaulted two people and damaged a computer monitor has been ordered to undertake 120 hours of community service. Daniel Stephen Chapman, 19 and from Baslow Road, committed the offences on Septembeer 12. The monitor was worth £85 and belonged to the Local Authority, and he assaulted by beating a police officer and a man. For the monitor, Chapman was ordered to pay £85 compensation. For assaulting a police officer he must pay £50 compensation and £100 compensation to his other victim. Chapman may pay at a rate of £10 per month.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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New look for school lunches Get familiar with the new Henley hospital with single-use plastic ban EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today SCHOOL lunches have been reimagined to reduce single-use plastic during the pandemic.

The borough council has swapped disposable items used earlier this year, with a more sustainable alternative. Nearly 2,000 of the 5,000 school meals served each day have been packaged differently — sometimes using at least five items of single-use packaging per meal. “After investigating many different packaging options I’m really pleased to be rolling out a reusable black packed lunch box this week across our schools,” said Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for climate emergency. “These boxes allow us to serve cold or hot lunches in them which are then returned to the school kitchen to be put through the dishwasher for a life span of approximately 100 washes.

“They are more environmentally friendly and cost effective, as well as being covid-safe.” Cllr Murray said the council is working to eliminate non-essential single-use plastics — but cannot do it alone.

“By engaging with businesses, schools, and residents, we can achieve a greater impact,” he said. The decision was part of the council’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. This includes reducing single-use plastics from all council-controlled environments — including school kitchens. The council has already previously worked with catering contractor Caterlink to remove cling film, plastic cups, straws and bottles from 34 local schools. Cllr Clive Jones, Liberal Democrat lead for environment said the lunchbox switch is a good move. “I think it’s great that we’re not putting as much single-use plastic into landfill,” he said. “The fact you can use it 100 times, and its suitable for both hot and cold lunches is fantastic. “We’ll be getting a lot of use from them. The council has done pretty well here.”

‘Singing mannequin’ performs in boutique WOKINGHAM shoppers may be surprised to find a “singing mannequin” in the town centre on Saturday. Purple Butterfly, an independent boutique on Denmark Street, will be hosting singer Helen of The Vintage Singer. Performing in their shop window, Helen will be wearing a speciallymade visor during her set. Shop owner, Germaine Kelly, said last week’s musical rendition brought smiles to the people of Wokingham, as they passed by. “Helen sings in the window and waves at passersby,” she said. “A lot of people look up from their phones and smile, they don’t expect to see that. “We affectionately call her our singing mannequin.” And the shop has also created a rainbow Christmas tree, dedicated to the NHS. Decorated with hand sanitiser bottles as baubles, the tree is a homage to healthcare workers across the country, explained Ms Kelly. The boutique has always offered a 15% discount to NHS and emergency service staff. This Saturday, Helen will be performing from 11am until 3pm. In the window: Helen of The Vintage Singer will be performing at Purple Butterfly

TO HELP inpatients prepare for a 12-month trial of moving some NHS services to Henley, the Royal Berkshire Hospital has released a familiarisation video. Townlands Hospital has a stateof-the-art hub offering Ear Nose and Throat (ENT), audiology and plastic surgery. It opened in September, and is helping the NHS transfer services from dated and cramped buildings on its historic Reading site. The old ENT, plastics and audiology buildings were described as a cause for concern during a CQC Inspection last year, leading to the switch. The video, which features key clinicians now based at Townlands, gives a guided tour of the facilities and the services available to patients.

Borough Council, launching the market online paid off for local business owners. Naomi Cardy, owner of Homes with Nomes, said the project kept her busy during lockdown. “I couldn’t be happier with the market,” she said. “It’s great to see the community and local businesses come together in times of crisis.” And Catherine Wilkins, owner of Cath’s Attic, said being able to advertise online was a welcome

change from hosting a market stall. “Thanks to the online market and other virtual fairs, my business has grown and I’ve been able to make a larger profit than I would have done at physical events, saving me lots of time and logistics,” Ms Wilkins said.

� To watch the video, visit: youtu.be/ up5tW5chGbo

Keep the borough clean THE BOROUGH council is cracking down on fly-tipping this Christmas — and it says that ‘Santa is watching’. With the festive season here, it is asking residents to keep Wokingham “green and clean” by disposing of rubbish legally and responsibly. And it says it will be taking a “zero-tolerance approach” to offenders this Christmas. So far, 74 people have been issued with a fixed pandely of either £80 or £400 for dumping rubbish illegally. And as part of the ‘Santa

is Watching’ campaign, residents are being encouraged to report any fly-tipping they see out and about. Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We operate a zerotolerance approach to fly-tipping all year round – and the festive period is no different. “We will take action against this anti-social behaviour.” Residents can dispose of waste and recycling at the re3 recycling centres in Bracknell and Reading. � For information on Christmas and New Year opening hours, visit: re3.fccenvironment.co.uk

Beechwood PTA organise Woodley Christmas tree trail THE WOODLEY Christmas Tree Trail has returned, after a successful inaugural year. Organised by Beechwood Primary School PTA, the route includes 25 trees around the town — each featuring a letter of the alphabet. But there’s one missing. Entrants must find each tree to reveal the missing character. Trail maps can be photographed at Woodley News and Woodley Pets for a donation of £2. Once completed, entrants must email the missing letter to the organisers, and vote for their

Success for virtual market MORE THAN 1,400 people tuned into Wokingham’s Virtual Christmas Market this year – and the council says it was a great success. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wokingham Borough Council’s plans for a crafts Christmas Market in Cantley Park were scrapped. Instead, it created a Facebook group where local independent businesses could feature their wares, allowing residents ‘window shop’ from home. And according to Wokingham

ENT surgeon Rogan Corbridge said: “Our patients are so impressed when they see our new facilities at Townlands so we thought it would be good to produce this video to show off what we have and to give other people a look at what we are doing in Henley. “We also say a little about the advantages of virtual appointments and check ups which people can access conveniently from their own homes, without the hassle of journeys, parking, taking time off work and arranging child care.” The move to Henley is being trialled for 12 months and the views of local people will be sought if health officials felt it was appropriate to make the situation permanent.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, says the market was a “brilliant initiative”. “As always, Wokingham Borough Council officers have gone above and beyond for the residents of the borough, bringing alternative

favourite tree. Prizes will be drawn on Saturday, January 10 and the winner will receive £25. � To submit an entry, email: pta.beech@beechwood.wokingham. sch.uk

shopping ways and spreading happy cheer,” he added. “I’d like to extend my thanks to all of the customers who have decided to support small businesses at this time of particular hardship. “Your kind hearts and contributions meant that so many of them were able to stay afloat.” The Market, which launched in mid-November, is one of the longestrunning Christmas markets Wokingham has seen. � It remains open until Monday, December 21 and can be accessed via: www.facebook.com/groups/ 397296495009840

12 | NEWS

Getting gritty with it FORGET winter is coming, it’s already here and with it, colder temperatures. Wokingham Borough Council says its gritting lorries are primed and ready to go to help keep the road clear of ice. It has published its winter service plan, setting out how its contractor, VolkerHighways, will work when weather conditions are really poor or when temperatures are close to or below freezing. Five gritting vehicles will be on standby from November through to March, with 1,500 tonnes of salt at its Toutley depot. The council said that daily reports of its roads – around 252km worth in total – to ensure it can treat the right paths at the right times. Additional gritting of secondary routes will take place if a prolonged period of hazardous weather is expected. And the council said that if snow does fall, the most used roads will be cleared first. Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said: “The team is prepared for any weather condition in the months ahead and we will work alongside our contractor to monitor these every day and ensure roads receive the right preparation and gritting each night if required.” Alistair Thompson, managing director of VolkerHighways, said: “Keeping the local community safe through the winter months is a top priority for us and so, the gritters and our team are well prepared for when the harsher conditions arrive”. � For more information on snow, ice and safe winter driving residents can visit the council’s website.

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The Reddam House show goes on EXCLUSIVE By RACHEL BRADLEY news@wokingham.today PANTO season is well and truly here and this year it looks a little different.

For Reddam House, in Sindlesham, the performing arts department found a new way to ensure the annual end-of-year performances could still go ahead. The school car park was transformed into an American-style drive-in Movie theatre. Over two evenings, the big screen showed eight performances featuring more than 300 pupils from the Early Learning School through to the 6th Form Pantomime. "The atmosphere was electric as the students, their family and friends assembled for a night at the Drive-in Theatre,” said principal Tammy Howard. “Showing not just one performance, but four, the outstanding RHB Performing Arts team provided a wonderful evening of entertainment. A great start to the Christmas season.” Students from the Early Learning School and Reception performed a late afternoon showing of Robin Hood. Next on the line up was Robbin’ The Woods from students in Years 1 to 4. The audience was then transported to New York City for the much-loved story of Annie, with a cast from Years 5, 6 and 7. The finale on both evenings was the annual Sixth Form panto — Robin Hood as you’ve never seen him before. In the run up to the event, the performing arts team worked to pre-record each performance on site. As mini-movies in their own right, pupils enjoyed seeing themselves on the silver screen. Michelle Collier, director of music said: “Just when it looked like there was no hope on the

Student performances were pre-recorded and screened at a drive-in event Picture: courtesy of Rachel Bradley

horizon with the restriction on gathering, we swung into problem solving mode and decided on the Drive-In cinema experience. “And what a success it was. The atmosphere was electric. “It was wonderful to see the audience, in the safety of their own cars, beeping their horns to the baddies, flashing their lights and getting involved with the performances. “Our Sixth Form cast added a touch of 4D and

ran around the car park with sparklers during the last performance. “It was a joy to see the performers get their moment in the spotlight. The whole team worked their magic and it’s been a pleasure to be involved.” The two-day event raised money for Ataxia UK. It was in memory of Emily Adams, the daughter of Elaine Adams, who teaches LAMDA at Reddam House.

Burglar jailed for Twyford raids

Pizza offer will support Teenage Cancer Trust

A BURGLAR has been sentenced to more than four years in prison, after pleading guilty in court last week. Christopher Lamb, 28, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the three counts of burglary at Reading Crown Court, and was sentenced to four years and eight months in jail. Lamb broke into three properties in Twyford and Surrey and stole personal property between Sunday, May 17, and Thursday, July 16 this year. Detective Constable Naomi Padgett, based at Loddon Valley police station said she is pleased Lamb was held accountable for his offences. She added:“We work hard to protect our communities from offenders like Lamb and hope this is a warning to other offenders that we will investigate thoroughly, in order to bring offenders to justice. “I hope this also offers some reassurance to his victims and the communities where his offences took place.”

‘BUY A pizza and donate to charity’ – that’s the message from Domino’s Wokingham. This is because the pizza chain’s local store has teamed up with the Teenage Cancer Trust. The charity, which provides care and support for cancer patients aged 13- to 24-years-old, has launched its very own pizza Meal Deal in an effort to spur donations. For £23.99, customers can get one medium pizza, a side, cookies and a 1.5 litre drink – and £5 from each order will go directly to the Teenage Cancer Trust. “Now, more than ever, we are proud to be supporting our charity partner Teenage Cancer Trust and donating what we can to help our local units provide treatment and valuable support to the young people going through cancer,” said Luke Pope, area manager at Wokingham Domino’s. The offer runs until Sunday, January 3. For more information, log on to: www.dominos.co.uk

Equality survey to be launched THE COUNCIL is launching a consultation of equality and leader Cllr John Halsall wants to hear from as

many people as possible. The aim is to use the responses to create an equality policy which will be debated at the March meeting of Wokingham Borough Council. “The equalities policy is to create the architecture – I want the borough to be a place where anybody,

whatever their background, their issues, disabilities, are able to live happily, be respected and have a quality of life which they would hope for,” Cllr Halsall said. “By putting that architecture in place, making it robust, we can make the borough a better and better place.”

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Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

‘Devious plan redraws Winnersh boundary to fit more houses in’ EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today PLANS TO redraw the settlement boundary in Winnersh have been dubbed as “devious” by one of the ward councillors.

Last month, the borough council launched a planning application so it could seek public opinion for up to 100 new homes on Winnersh Farm. But Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal Democrat councillor, said the application falls outside of the Winnersh settlement boundary. “It’s not very principled to be manipulating the system to suit themselves,” she said. “The council would be redrawing the boundary simply to allow themselves to build there — it’s very poor from them.” The opinion-gathering application is used to decide

whether an environmental impact assessment is needed. But Cllr Bray said it would “look bad” if the council decided not to complete one, considering the build is on its own land. She said there are added complications for the site, including land contamination, and noise and pollution from the neighbouring M4. “Many years ago, when Wokingham was part of Berkshire County Council, stuff was dumped and buried on the land,” she said. “We don’t know what it is, or how much of it is there. It could be waste and rubble from building the M4, it could be chemical, it could be anything.” When it was initially discovered, an impermeable membrane was installed to stop any spread to the allotments. But Cllr Bray would like the area analysed before any homes are

Fence damaged in road arson attack THERE’S anger in Arborfield after the new relief road was subject to an arson attack. On Tuesday, December 8, debris on the bridge passing over Observer Way was set alight, damaging a gate and nearby fencing – just days after being opened. It’s believed a group of between 10 and 15 young people may be responsible. After more than 10 years in the making, the new road was built to direct traffic away from Arborfield to reduce congestion. It was deemed “an incredible milestone for the borough” by Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement. A concerned resident, who was near the site on Tuesday, December

Shopping safely this Christmas A WARNING has been issued to online shoppers as police say they’ve seen fraud cases rise by 30% during the coronavirus pandemic. Action Fraud figures show that more than 17,000 shoppers were conned out of almost £13.5 million during the 2019 festive season, an increase on the previous year.

8, said they saw a group of youths hanging off the bridge, “putting themselves and other road users’ lives at risk”. They believes the group are responsible for the arson attack. Cllr Gary Cowan, ward councillor for Arborfield, said he was “very disappointed” to hear about the damage to the bridge. “I am both very annoyed and disappointed that local youths who are really vandals and arsonists should act this way,” he said. “Observer Way and its bridge are very welcome additions that benefit the residents of the borough as a whole, whether you drive a car, cycle, walk or ride a horse. “Such vandalism and arson within days of it opening is very sad indeed.”

residents to take extra care when buying over the internet. It advises people to research a new shop before making a purchase. If creating an account with the website, only share the necessary information – be wary if asked for details that are not required for the purchase, such as mother’s maiden name, or name of primary school. When making payments, check that the website address

considered for the site. She is also concerned that a housing developer is looking to build in the area. “They’re now looking at the whole area for housing,” she said. “Over my dead body. I wouldn’t be adverse to a dozen homes, perhaps bungalows for older people wouldn’t be problematic. “If they have to build, it would be better to create affordable homes rather than market price.” Also concerning residents and councillors is how any new homes would impact local traffic. As part of the Winnersh Relief Road, the Woodward Close exit is being redesigned as a left turn only. With two roundabouts added to Reading Road to link to the distributor routes, there is concern this would create unnecessary congestion. Also planned for the site is a new

SEND school for children with additional learning needs. Cllr Bray, who is also the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for children’s services, said this would be a useful facility for the community, and is not disputing the need. “Funding for the school has already been secured,” she added. A spokesperson for the council confirmed that the draft local plan update, published in January 2020, proposed changes to the Winnersh settlement boundary for housing development. They said that environmental assessments would be carried out to accompany any planning application for this site and the current screening request, is part of the formal planning process. Planning applications for the SEND school and houses are expected in spring 2021.

And Cllr Cowan’s anger has been echoed by Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport. “Observer Way is always reducing residents’ journey times and providing a road, shared path and green bridge which is benefitting almost all who use it,” she explained. “This kind of irresponsible behaviour is extremely disappointing to hear of, can lead to serious incidents and we hope this will be the last of it.” A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council says that repairs must now be done to the bridge and will cost approximately £1,000, but there will be no impact on the local community. Now, Cllr Cowan hopes those who are responsible for the arson can be identified. “If such vandalism and arson is not stopped, how

far these vandals will go is a very big worry,” the councillor warned.

is secure – it will start with https. Use a credit card to make a payment to ensure that the bank account is not directly affected. Another tip is to be wary of emails received that contain links to fake websites. If in doubt, visit the website directly. � For more information about how to shop online securely, visit: actionfraud.police.uk/ shoponlinesafely

NEWS | 13

Parcel theft on the rise MORE PARCEL theft occurs in the Thames Valley than anywhere else in the UK, according to couriers PACK & SEND. Between December 2018 and December 2019, Thames Valley Police reported 705 parcel thefts — that amounts to 31 thefts per capita per 100,000 people. The courier company gathered data from 41 police forces up and down the country and used population data to work out how many thefts there were in each area per person. And the Thames Valley found itself at the top of the list, followed by Suffolk which reported 26 thefts per person, and then Essex with 25. At the opposite end of the scale, West Yorkshire Police filed the fewest reports of parcel theft with four incidents per person. “This research has highlighted the need for safe and secure delivery, especially during the festive season,” said Mike Ryan, UK CEO of PACK & SEND. According to the courier, more than 6,000 parcels were reported stolen in the UK from December 2018 until December 2019. And with the festive season upon us, the company is encouraging people to track any parcels they send to make sure they arrive safely. Thames Valley Police also offers a range of tips and tricks so residents can protect themselves from parcel theft. These include: � Tracking parcels to make sure somebody is home to collect the delivery � Installing a video doorbell � Installing a security light � Arranging for parcels to be delivered to neighbours or other family members � Using an off-site locker service for expensive items

Drop in charity donations

Debris on the bridge passing over Observer Way was set alight, damaging a gate and nearby fencing

THERE’S been a huge drop in charitable donations from people in the South East, says DSA Connect. According to the IT company, more than a third (34%) of the region’s residents are donating less since the coronavirus pandemic started. Meanwhile, 7% of people have donated more. “Like many organisations, charities are finding themselves under immense pressure because of the Covid-19 crisis,” said Harry Benham, chairman of DSA Connect. Mr Benham says that more people are leaning on charities for support this year, but donations have taken a big hit. According to DSA Connect, the drop in donations has been larger in the South East than the rest of the UK.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

| 15

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ADVERTISER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Dastarkhwan offers more than your usual Indian

ASTARKHWAN is a brand new, family run Indian home delivery service now open in Wokingham. After co-owner Saurabh lost his job due to the pandemic earlier this year, he and his wife Neha decided to become their own bosses and fulfill a dream of creating their very own culinary venture. Saurabh has always had a passion for food, growing up in a family who loved preparing traditional recipes from all over India. He worked in hospitality for many years in both India and the UK. Neha has also been brought up with a great love for food, with her Grandmother being the inspiration behind the Punjab dishes. With the opening of Dastarkhwan, Saurabh and Neha now have the opportunity to do what they love and create delicious, traditional Indian offerings in their own home, delivered to yours. Their menu is quite different from the average Indian restaurant, offering a range of meat and vegetarian dishes with really individual flavours. The Haridwar wali mutter ki tikki (green pea patty) starter is a delicious vegetarian starter option, packed full of flavor and has a wonderful texture. The Kerela Jheenga curry (prawns cooked with coconut milk, pictured) is a true taste of Southern India where a lot more coconut milk is used in the cooking, and something not found in a lot of Indian menus. The Kashmiri Pulao rice is a delicious alternative to the plainer rice options. It is flavoured with saffron and packed with a real variety of fresh vegetables, cashews and almonds. Saurabh and Neha are also very happy to create dishes that go down well with the younger palette too…they offer a beautifully cooked salmon fillet with a range of fresh vegetables.

This is really great as it means that the whole family can enjoy an Indian meal no matter what their particular tastes. When food is delivered, each dish is clearly labelled and any allergen is ticked on a label so it is very clear what is in the dish. A lovely extra touch is the wet towels and after dinner chocolates that come with the order. This really creates the restaurant at home experience. So far the Dastarkhwan venture has proved very successful in Wokingham, and Saurabh and Neha are excited about what the future will bring as word spreads of this Indian culinary delight. Dastarkhwan is open from Wednesday to Sunday noon to 9pm so it offers both lunch and dinner options.

� To read more about Dastarkhwan, or to view its menu, visit: www.dastarkhwanwokingham.co.uk, or call 07867 434750.

Operating time is Wednesday to Sunday 12PM till 9PM. Please place your order Between 12PM to 9PM for the next day delivery on 07867434750.

Weekly specials every Wednesday from India's most loved dishes Lunch time delivery between 12PM till 3PM. Dinner time delivery between 5.30PM till 9PM. Free delivery on order over £20. Order below £20 are subject to £2 delivery charge. We serve premium halal meat. We also take party orders. Please book in advance. We accept Cash and all major Debit/Credit card payments. Pleaseinform us if you are allergic to any ingredients. Delivery radius is 4.5miles.

Call us: 07867 434750 Email us: dastarkhwan.wokingham@gmail.com

www.dastarkhwanwokingham.co.uk

16 | BUSINESS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

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Inclusion talk for Thames Water SUPPORT and inclusion are the order at day at Thames Water, according to a leading charity. Carers UK has awarded the water company its Carer Confident workplace status. It has highlighted Thames Water’s support for staff who are, or may become, carers throughout the pandemic. According to Carers UK, one-in-seven people manage to hold down a job whilst caring for somebody who is either older, ill, or with a disability. But without support, one-in-six carers give up their job or reduce their working hours. Earlier this year, Thames Water introduced a number of schemes to help carers in the workplace, including offering time off to care for dependants and launching its Carers and Parents network. “Now, more than ever, there is a need for every organisation to play its part in supporting colleagues who are combining the role of a carer with their careers,” said Tess Fayers from Thames Water. “As a working mum, I know what it’s like to juggle work and parenting and I’m proud to work for an organisation that is taking positive steps to put in place the right support for caregivers.”

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Law firm’s festive jumpers help support hospital’s baby unit By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today IN A SHOW of festive spirit, a local law firm has been donning seasonal sweaters for charity.

Blandy & Blandy, the leading Thames Valley law firm with an office in Reading, asked colleagues to get dressed up to support two local charities. On Thursday, December 11, the firm raised more than £400 through staff donations for The Royal Berks Charity and Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS). Both charities are based at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, and support the NHS through their work. “Thank you to our team for supporting our charities at this much needed time,” said Brenda Long, chairman of Blandy & Blandy. “We are immensely grateful to all those on the frontline during this pandemic and we look forward to fundraising for BIBS and the Royal Berks Charity in the years ahead.” Earlier this month, Blandy & Blandy also made a festive donation of 31,000 to the two charities to continue its support for their vital work. Some of the festive attire worn by staff at Blandy & Blandy in aid of the Royal Berkshire Hospital’s work

Eviction ban IN AN effort to support struggling businesses, a ban on corporate evictions has been put in place. Business owners who have been impacted by the pandemic are protected until the end of March 2021.

It is hoped that the three month grace period will give landlords and tenants time to negotiate on unpaid rent before the spring. And Garry Lee, chairman of R3’s Southern and Thames Valley region, welcomed the news. “This will provide some breathing space for many

struggling firms in Wokingham that are currently trying to make the most of a choppy pre-Christmas trading period,” he said. “We would urge anyone who is concerned about their business’ financial future or is spotting signs that it is starting to struggle to seek advice as early as possible.”

Accounting firm’s vote of confidence Meal on the table A WOKINGHAM firm has received a vote of confidence from its customers. TaxCalc, based on Molly Millars Lane, recently took home two awards at this year’s Accounting Excellence Awards, after being voted forward by its clients. The company, which provides accountancy software, was awarded the Best Accounts Production Software and Best Professional Tax Software at this year’s ceremony. “It feels amazing to have all the hard work everybody in the whole of TaxCalc has been putting in over the last year be recognised,” said Pauline Smith, product director at Taxcalc. “Especially given everything that’s been going on with Covid and the constantly changing legislation, it’s great to finish such a tough year off with this kind of accolade.” Prior to the pandemic the TaxCalc team were all working out of the company’s office in

Wokingham, meaning coronavirus has caused a lot of upheaval for the firm. “Over the space of two weeks we moved to working from home which we did fairly seamlessly, but it relied on a lot of preparation and good foresight from our CEO,” Ms Smith said. And looking forward, the TaxCalc team plans to continue supporting its clients throughout the pandemic, through the impact of the Brexit negotiations and into 2021. “One of our key focus points now is to help our accountants with remote working,” Ms Smith added. “Brexit impacts the software we have available so we will be reprioritising a few things to accommodate for everything going on in the next year. “It just feels really good right now to know our customers have put a vote of confidence in us.”

IN A BID to stop food poverty in its tracks, a property company has raised more than £4,000 to fight hunger this Christmas. Frasers Property UK took on a virtual team triathlon last month to fundraise for FareShare, a charity tackling food poverty and waste. On Friday, November 27, teams of three took turns running, cycling and walking to meet a 40km (25 miles) target. And for each employee who took part, Frasers Property UK donated £100 to FareShare. “Giving back to local communities is something we put at the heart of our business and a charity such as FareShare really embodies that spirit,” said Ilaria del Beato, CEO of Frasers Property UK. “I am immensely proud of the funding we have raised for FareShare from this latest campaign.” Becky Ettinger, head of fundraising at FareShare said the funds would help at a critical point in time.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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BUSINESS | 17 Got a business story? Email news@ wokinghampaper.co.uk. or write to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

Interiors company opens new showroom in Binfield A FESTIVE treat for homelovers was unwrapped in Binfield on Saturday.

Bracknell Forest mayor Cllr Ash Merry cut the ribbon to declare the new Danetti furniture showroom open. Based at Octagon House on John Nike Way, the 6,752 sq ft showroom features contemporary furniture for bedrooms, living and dining rooms – all designed upstairs. The new showroom is part of ambitious growth plans for the company, which is spearheaded by Daniel Smith, who lives nearby. He said: “A physical space was always on the roadmap for Danetti. “Since 2006 we’ve built the brand foundations on our online offer – but now taking over this new building it’s the perfect opportunity to create something special. “With our whole team all under one roof at our new Head Office, and the huge benefit to the customer of being able to experience our products – we really feel like the showroom marks the next phase of Danetti.” The showroom, he said, offers a design-led experience, aimed at making it easier for people wanting to seek inspiration for their homes – and would be a different experience to visit larger retailers offering flatpack furniture. He said that the store has fully-trained staff on hand to help customers design their dream home. In the store there are ‘carefully curated’ examples of rooms, showing products that it feels its customers want to try out including sofas and mattresses. In stock, there are dining tables, chairs, benches and barstools, while new collections for spring and summer next year, are in the works. Part of the Danetti experience is being able to order swatches to try out at home, and gain advice on appropriate colours schemes so that everything matches. To ensure that the right advice is given, staff have more than 20 years’ experience and a passion for interior design. At the launch event on Saturday, customers could take part in one-to-one consultations in story with help from interior designer stylsists The Secret Styling Club. It also ran a contest to win a room makeover consultation and £500 to spend in store. “The showroom itself we hope will become a real destination for our customers,” Mr Smith said. “Somewhere they can come,

Daneil Smith from Danetti and Bracknell Forest mayor Cllr Ash Merry open the new store Pictures: Steve Smyth

be inspired and get advice from our product experts. “We’ve created styled roomsets for all of our collections; bedroom, dining and living – to showcase looks that you can create with our products. We absolutely understand that when we put something in our homes, now more than ever it’s got to be right and really add something to the space. “In the midst of what has been such a challenging time,

we’ve been working on designing the showroom and making big changes. Now that we can, we’re ready to open the doors and welcome everyone in, safely of course.” The showroom is open seven days a week, with Covidcompliant measures in place including limiting numbers in store, staff wearing face coverings and a track and trace QR system. � For further details, log on to: danetti.com

Selfless Santa BUSINESSES are being asked to take part in ‘Selfless Santa’ rather than ‘Secret Santa’. According to Centrepoint, a charity fighting youth homelessness, more than a third (35%) of people don’t want their usual ‘Secret Santa’ gifts this Christmas – and half would prefer a charity donation in their name. The charity is urging businesses and organisations to replace their annual gift giving celebration with a selfless act. It is asking companies to donate a Christmas dinner to a homeless young person instead, to help keep vulnerable people safe this winter. According to the charity, 23,000 young people are facing homelessness in 2020. “For the same price as many would spend on a Secret Santa gift, you could gift a homeless young person with more than Christmas dinner,” said a spokesperson for Centrepoint. “You can give a homeless young person a comforting, hot meal to enjoy over the Christmas period in a safe environment.”

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Good news, but have a quiet Christmas OUR FRONT page picture is something we’ve longed to see for a long time: the first vaccinations are rolling out across the borough. It is an astonishing achievement, and all involved – the scientists, the NHS staff, the council officers and councillors, and the marshals – deserve our fulsome praise. But it is not the end of the pandemic, just the beginning of the end. It goes without saying that this has been the most unusual Christmas of our lifetimes. No big events. No carol services. A few pantos and not a lot of festive cheer. Next week is Christmas week. We might be tempted to relax our guard, seeing family and friends and overindulging. But that can wait. After all, Christmas is more than a time of year. It is a season in our hearts. And even if you mark the religious side of it, the infant Jesus was though to be born in August, not December 25. So please, take it easy. Have a quiet Christmas. Call friends – Zoom if you must – rather than call on them. Raise a glass virtually. Eat, drink and order a takeaway. Celebrate from afar, and don’t let your guard down. The virus is spreading rapidly around the borough and Tier 3 is a possibility. We can all play our part in reducing it.

Early deliveries Next week and our New Year issue will come out a day early – Wednesday – due to Christmas. Our December 30 issue is intended to be a souvenir look back at this extraordinary year. Don’t miss it.

CHURCH NOTES

Destination in sight

S we continue our Advent journey towards Christmas, our destination is in sight. Our preparations are nearly complete: the decorations are up, Christmas cards have been written, the cooking is planned, our bubbles sorted and travel arrangements have been made. Just some last-minute present shopping and then the wrapping. In all the busy-ness it would be good to press pause and consider why we are doing all this and surely it is because of love: love of our families and friends. People in love want to share their joy and this is what we do. Now is a time to show our appreciation for each other and nurture those relationships which help see us through the difficult times. And because there is love, it is a time for making peace: asking for and offering forgiveness, and restoring broken relationships It is also out of love for all people and respect for their dignity that the foodbank has been swamped with contributions and donations to many other charities increase. Love makes us vulnerable as we open up to other people and it is as a vulnerable child that, Jesus, is born into our world. The God who is love, comes not in power, but in weakness. Jesus comes as a light into the darkness of the world to reveal God to us and show us the way, and that way is love. “God is love. In this, the love of God was revealed among us, that God sent his only Son into the world that we might have life through him” 1 John 4:8-9 (Revised New Jerusalem Bible) Sue Cooper is from Corpus Christi Church, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

Your letters

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

Cyclists are no longer welcome at Sainsbury’s Cyclists are no longer welcome at Sainsbury’s Winnersh. Yesterday, I noticed that the covered cycle racks for eight bikes have been removed. When I enquired I was told it was due to social distancing! I was kindly shown three new places for locking my bike. However, I found that they are so close together a maximum of two bikes will fit. But best of all, even with an extra long D lock you can not attach a bike. While the government are trying to encourage cycling Sainsbury's are doing their best to prevent it. Bridget Hobbs, Wokingham

An open letter to the Post Office In early 2019 a public consultation was held in Wokingham, Berkshire with regards to the moving of the Post Office from its premises on Broad Street into the WHSmith store in the Market Place. You may remember the level of dissatisfaction from many members of the community about this move. We were told that the move would not only secure the future of the Post Office, but improve the service the community receives, particularly with the longer opening hours promised, making the service

more accessible. The opening hours of Post Office in the new premises were published as follows: Monday to Friday: 8.30am-6pm, Saturday 8.30am-5.30pm and 10am-4pm on Sunday. This increased accessibility sadly was short lived. There is a sign up in the window stating that after December 30, 2020, the service will be reduced with half day closing on a Saturday and full closure on a Sunday. While service demand is increased at this time of year, this isn’t a particularly good message

when the queue to use the Post Office is stretched back through the town centre with an incredibly long wait, and goes back on a promise that was made to the people of Wokingham. On behalf of the community of Wokingham, we would like to understand why the decision has been made to reduce the opening hours of this well utilised service, why it has been done without proactively reaching out to the community, and when the promised level of service will resume. Wokingham Liberal Democrats

drop-in centre are so much fewer than normal. Wokingham Borough Council have kindly provided us with extra masks, and the Railway Staff have kindly donated Hand Sanitiser. I find that wearing a mask, indoors, is OK, but, outside, most irksome. My glasses steam up so much, that I can’t see, and there is no point in avoiding Covid-19 infection, if, being unable to see, one trips over, and breaks one’s neck. So I am longing to get my vaccinations, and I am encouraging our members, strongly, to get theirs done, as soon as they are called up. One of our members doesn’t believe in vaccination. He thinks that one’s immune system should fight off all infection, unaided. What nonsense! Does it all not go back to Louis Pasteur? Is not ‘vache’ the French word for ‘cow’ – from which the term, ‘vaccination’, derives? Was it not observed that dairy maids, who contracted the mild disease, cowpox, never caught the killer disease, smallpox – because their immune systems had produced antibodies? If we could fight off all diseases, unaided, we wouldn’t need a medical profession, at all. Unfortunately. we can’t have our usual big Christmas Party. It is a shame, because we like seeing Lady Elizabeth Godsal, and other dignitaries. But we are still having our Christmas tree, carols, mince pies, and presents. The drop-in centre is closed only on Christmas Day, and we re-open on Monday, December 28. We wish fellow readers a happy Christmas, and, hopefully, much better times in 2021. Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House.

While this Christmas will be unlike no other, most can look forward to some contact with loved ones, the exchanging of gifts and a home cooked Christmas dinner. But one in four people who are homeless will spend Christmas alone. This year there will be over 200,000 families and individuals across England facing the worst forms of homelessness. No one should be forced to live, or spend Christmas, shivering on the streets, sofa surfing with strangers or in a hostel with nowhere to call home and no-one to be with. That’s why, outside of our yearround services, Crisis supports thousands of people who would otherwise be homeless at one of the most challenging times of the year. While the pandemic means we’re having to do things differently, our frontline teams across the country will be working harder than ever to make sure people receive nutritious meals and festive treats, Christmas games and wellbeing packs, friendship and support from our volunteer befrienders, as well as somewhere safe to stay. This is just the beginning. We also introduce people to our year-round training, education and support with housing, employment and wellbeing. This long-term support helps people to rebuild their lives, giving them a future away from homelessness. But we need your help. To ensure we can be there for everyone who needs us, we’re asking members of the public to support our work this Christmas and year-round. So, whether you host a virtual karaoke night, become one of our essential volunteers or give a gift of a Crisis Christmas, you’ll be helping to ensure that this Christmas people facing homelessness aren’t alone. To find out more or to donate to Crisis this Christmas please visitwww.crisis.org.uk/support Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive, Crisis Jo Brand, Crisis Ambassador Al Doyle, Crisis Ambassador Jonathan Pryce CBE, Crisis Ambassador Ellie Goulding, Crisis Ambassador Alastair Stewart OBE, Crisis Ambassador

Hard to recycle I read in Wokingham Borough News that Oversized cardboard needs to be broken down and placed in the bags or taken to a recycling centre. More work for the householder to do, especially difficult for the elderly. Never mind, I suppose we should be thankful that the bags will be supplied ready for use. The council could have supplied us with a kit, and expected us to make the bags ourselves. Whatever happened to the good old days, when service was the keyword, and residents were not expected to do half the job themselves? Brian Morrish, Winnersh

What an ending You probably guessed that I refer to Brexit, but I feel some Christmas greetings are appropriate before Brexit. Our Editor gets embarrassed at receiving plaudits, but he has produced an excellent paper this year which is a very time-consuming and tiring job – well done Phil. Have a Happy Christmas with your family. Surely, we should once again thank Reading Buses for their services; our waste collectors; plus of course the NHS nurses and emergency services who fight on with their thankless tasks under often severe pressures. Not least the ‘unknown large number of ordinary folk’ including small businesses who have helped others in need; who have provided food and deliveries to the isolated elderly – et al. Now to Brexit. I just cannot believe or comprehend the continuing farce. The only way I know how to deal with the often-disgraceful behaviour of Macron and some other EU Leaders, is to end the discussions. What Boris is doing is simply encouraging the EU to have ‘further talks’, showing his pathetic weakness and desperation. What is needed is for us to leave them alone to cogitate their potentially awful situation without trade ties with us – what is really vital is to end their political wishes which are nothing to do with trade. All made up by arrogant Macron and others, that are going to affect

their populations rather more than they think. Similarly, it has to be admitted that no deal is potentially serious for us. As a nation, we have certainly learned much about the EU hierarchy and their anger and hate over our intention to leave them and the super power they wish to establish. But that is not ‘the people’ talking – I am sure our many friends, e.g. in France, Italy, Portugal and Spain are more concerned with living. Let’s hope they all ‘revolt’. Roll on the Elections. I am confident that one day, we will have a Trade Agreement, but it may be a long way off – we are still part of Europe. Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham

Vaccinations? Yes please I have not had much time, recently, to write letters to Wokingham Today, because I have been busy, completing my 30-year history of the Crisis House. I am writing now, to let fellow readers know how we are coping with the pandemic. I am touching wood, furiously, as I state that our strategy has worked successfully. During the past nine months, we have suffered neither any Covid 19 infections, nor any suicides. We are continuing to maintain our small bubble at the crisis house dropin centre, and supporting, by telephone, the very old, and vulnerable, who still have to isolate. I think that the risk of infection, at the drop-in centre, is very low, while the mental health risks to the socially isolated, remain very high. Everyone in our small bubble, without exception, lives alone, and most, barely mix, with anyone – never mind with large numbers of people. One member was so lonely, and isolated, that he took to dialling 1471 – just in the hope of hearing a human voice! How sad is that? Fortunately, he has now acquired a pet dog. There is nothing like an animal for keeping one company, and we have always had them at the crisis house. We are sticking to the safety rules, religiously. Social distancing is easy, because numbers attending the

Help us ensure no one is homeless and alone For so many of us, this past year has seen us spending more time at home than we ever have before. During these difficult times we’ve learnt how much we depend on each other for connection, hope and support – and how having somewhere safe to call home can be lifesaving.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

lindsayferris From the chamber

Looking back on 2020

WANTED to provide your readers with the view of the Leader of the Opposition regarding how Wokingham Borough Council has performed during 2020.

It has been one of the most difficult years that many of us can remember. There are two areas at WBC in particular that deserve a big thank you both from Councillors and the public. The Adult Social Care and Children’s Services areas have performed some of the most important roles this year, especially with regard to the Covid-19 Pandemic and how local people and Schools have been supported during this time. Their efforts should be applauded. One area in particular, that has saved local people lives, was the action taken in early April to prevent patients, especially elderly patients, being discharged from either the Royal Berks, or Wokingham Hospitals into Care Homes without a clear negative test. This was the first such action by a Council in the country. It, I believe, reduced the level of deaths in our local Care Homes. This action was followed closely by other Local Council’s across the Country including Reading Borough Council and predated the action taken on this topic by the Conservative Government by around two weeks. Why the delay you might ask? I would also like to thank the many members of WBC staff who have been prepared to move to other roles during the Pandemic and roll up their sleeves to make sure that we as local residents were safe, or provided with much-needed support, including food deliveries, collection of prescriptions and other. Here I would also like to thank the Citizens Advice (CAB) for all their good work and to the

tonyjohnson That was the week

A tale of two boroughs

ATIONALLY, it’s been a week where there’s been much publicity about the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine and the choices being made as to who gets it.

That a certain William Shakespeare was the second person to receive it has led to many a bardic comment in the press. The author of the programme, one Matthew Hancock-up, didn’t bleed when prick’d, he cried, though whether they were tears of joy or anguish isn’t clear. Opinions vary as to him not bleeding: a) because he’s a government minister (and therefore must be one the bloodless horde feasting on the jugular of a once great Britain); or b) because there was no prick. The latter hasn’t got much traction because it’s clear there were at least two at the time. Both of them verbal.

Sunny side up Locally, it’s been a week when Wokingham Borough’s planning committee has been deliberating the topic of the Borough’s first major solar farm, among other things. And while there’s no doubt that we as a nation need sources of electric energy to power the economy now that North Sea oil’s running down and nuclear’s very costly, there are misgivings as to where solar farms should be put. But because this one’s under 50 megawatts, by law it isn’t a matter for the secretary of state to decide, it’s a matter for the Local Planning Authority – WBC. Some of us might breathe a sigh of relief that it isn’t the right, the honourable, Robert Jenrick MP of Westferry printworks planning permission

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local councillors (of all persuasions) who helped with the activities at St Crispin’s School earlier this year. Many of these actions by the staff at WBC are despite the way the local Conservatives have run the Council over recent years. Both departments I mentioned above (Adult Social Care and Children’s Services) were allowed to be run down in recent years and it has taken a monumental effort by those involved to perform the actions that has occurred. I trust that lessons have been learnt, but these are two departments which the Liberal Democrats will provide additional support, should we have the opportunity to run the Council. During the Pandemic, the Government has provided a number of different pots of money (Grants/loans etc) to support a range of activities. This included support for local businesses, care homes, schools and more recently funds for free school meals for the Christmas and February 2021 Half Terms. Throughout the year my team has consistently supported these actions. The sums received were significant, but there are still many residents and businesses who have not received any, or only a small amount of support and I urge anyone still not receiving help or not sufficient help to contact the council. I do raise one area of significant concern and that relates to the way the Conservatives have raised the level of borrowing (what I call debt) at WBC over the past four-five years and have further plans to increase this level even further and subsequent party donation repute; nor of “numbers, what numbers, we didn’t publish any numbers” planning review fame. However it’s given the Borough an unenviable decision. Here’s a couple of scenarios to give you an idea of what’s at stake.

Boroughs of the First Kind This is a borough that’s followed the national planning guidance published in 2015 and which has sought public opinion, debated the options at full council and then decided its policy as well as its strategy for solar developments. It’s gone on to modify the local plan to show which parts of the borough are/aren’t suitable for solar and published a Planning Advice Note that guides developers as to what’s expected when they apply for planning permission. The solar farm sites have been located on land that isn’t suitable for agriculture or housing and which don’t become an eyesore because they’re tucked away out of sight. At the same time, consideration’s been given to the reflected glare and glint from the solar panels in a way which doesn’t inconvenience or harm neighbouring activities or people going by. This borough’s trained all of its planning committee councillors and staff on the issues to help them make well informed decisions, based on the agreed policies, strategy and guidance. Because the whole matter of solar farming is relatively new, they’ve decided to license solar farms for limited time periods, keeping a close watch on their environmental impact and using the license fee to fund any inspections or professional advice needed.

Boroughs of the second kind This is the borough that’s not given much thought to the business of solar farms but which is keen to have them ‘because they’re a good thing’ as they help get us to carbon neutral. They’ve decided to keep to a ‘light touch’ (pardon the pun) in terms of regulation and as long as a developer can show the amount of land needed for their

towards £700 million in the not too distant future. I believe this action is now stretching the Council’s ability to pay for these debts. WBC has now got to raise additional income to pay off this debt and as the level of debt rises, the level of income required increases. I see it like the position where a hamster is running in its wheel and has to run faster and faster just to stand still. Of significant concern is that the last time I was shown the state of the finances at WBC by the Conservatives was in June. It subsequently took over five months of lobbying senior members of the Council before any further information was provided concerning the state of the Council. During 2020, the Country has experienced its greatest downturn in GDP in 300 years. Many Businesses have folded, others are struggling and unemployment is set to rise to 2.6Million by early summer. The Council has also experienced a significant drop in income during this period, whether it is from leisure, car parking charges, rents and other income. I believe there needs to be a serious review as to how the Conservatives have been running the finances. If we are not careful we could experience significant financial problems. I am sure you have seen many once popular and respected businesses now going into administration with all the problems that cause. Such a review would be one of the first actions of an incoming Liberal Democrat administration. Finally, after nine months we all need to be able to look forward with hope. The first vaccines have now arrived and others are on the horizon. We need to be careful between now and the rollout of the vaccines. I ask everyone to be patient as hope and an end to this pandemic can now be only a few months away. I wish you all a Good Christmas and a much better New Year. Cllr Lindsay Ferris, Leader of the Liberal Democrats and leader of the Opposition on Wokingham Borough Council and member for Twyford

development, that’s about all that’s required. Of course, if the developer wants to bung in a few additional drawings to show what the finished item will look like and what its impact on the local landscape and biodiversity will be, so much the better. The planning staff haven’t been given any guidance, they’re professionals so they can learn national policy and understand and apply it. The planning committee’s completely in the dark, reliant on hearsay (or the internet) to help them make the correct choice. And just like houses, these planning applications are for keeps, so once a bit of land is zoned solar, it stays that way. Forever. When the solar farm’s next to (or either side of) a road, it’ll be hard to prove that glare from the panels temporarily blinded a motorist, so any subsequent crash must have been driver error. After all, the solar farm’s got planing permission, so it must be okay. There might a bit of agricultural land lost, or soil erosion from water running off the panels then down the hill, but those glorious solar panels perched high above hedgerows will be visible far and wide, a kind of civic tramp stamp (that later politicians will find just as hard to remove). And as long as the local bigwigs get some good publicity when it’s opened, job’s a good ‘un.

The last word The two borough’s comparison is an unashamed mix of fact and fiction and no political sensitivities were intentionally harmed in the writing of this commentary. But which borough do you want and which one do you think you’ll get? Meanwhile, Wokingham Borough has announced this week that it’s dropped its flagship policy to develop Grazeley, so the revised local plan that it’s been working on for these past five years has been unceremoniously dumped. Wonder if we’ve learnt anything? caveat.lector@icloud.com

nelliewilliams Nellie knows www.nelliewilliams.co.uk

Down a rabbit hole

INCE my last column I’ve gone down a rabbit hole, literally.

Through my family research and newly acquired genealogy “skills” I’ve learnt that there is a painting of Osborne Gordon, my third great uncle or second grand uncle to give him his Ancestry term, in the National Portrait Gallery by none other than Lewis Carroll. I have read about his links with Ruskin, Gladstone, William Morris and Burnes-Jones and potentially Rudyard Kipling so this is all fascinating stuff. Well it is to me. If I ever find out he knew Beatrix Potter or Charles Dickens then my day will be made.

Christmas traditions All this going back in time also led me to researching Christmas traditions, it’s been fascinating to read up on things we do because they’ve always been done and how far back they go. Take the wreath for example, as children we had one that was jammed full of garden greenery whereas this year I have two. A not so real one that I have been adding to as bits fall off and it’s possible that only the shape remains, and one made of dogwood and adorned with foraged beauty from the Brecon Beacons.

Looking back … and forward Looking back, the short story is in the 16th century Christmas trees were shaped to fit into the room and the excess was used to make wreaths. I was hoping to find some kind of romantic story with a happy ending unlike Apollo and Daphne, but no. It did however give me an idea for St Dwynwen’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Mothering Sunday and Easter. So now I’m looking forward.

Brighter days ahead There is much to look forward to, there really is. Shortest Day on Monday (December 21) leading to brighter days. Christmas for us this year won’t be a chaotic bedlam of fitting in seeing family. But it won’t be long before a new year beckons which will hopefully shine brighter and happier than 2020. Wherever you are, whoever you’re with and whatever you’re doing may you have a happy, restful, peaceful Christmas. And in the words of Liam Gallagher (cue earworm, his new single is beautiful) I hope it’s all you’re dreaming of. X Merry Christmas x Nadolig Llawen x God Jul x

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A dream job for every chocoholic Enjoy eating chocolate? This role from Cadbury owner Mondelez is based in Wokingham Picture: TK McLean from Pixabay

Louise Irvine is the UK Zoom Fairy, ready to help you make better internet video calls this Christmas

Louise is the good fairy for Zoom calls ONE-IN-THREE households are preparing for a Zoom Christmas this year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on household mixing, many people are celebrating virtually to stay safe. But how can people make sure their digital Christmas runs smoothly? The UK Zoom Fairy, Louise Irvine, has shared her tips and tricks for a stress-free virtual celebration. “Just like the royal family, this year families all over the UK will be turning to technology to safely connect with loved ones,” Louise says. “While many office workers have had to get to grips with it for months, millions of ordinary families are still unsure of how it works. “I want to reassure families that with a few tips and a smart set-up, anyone can enjoy great Zoom video calls and have a wonderful Christmas get together virtually.” In a recent YouGov poll, it was reported that one in three adults in the South East expect to celebrate online this year. And the pandemic has seen a 2,000% rise in people using Zoom in the UK, with 659,000 users in January rising to 13 million by April. Now, Louise is sharing her top five tips for a ‘Zoomtastic’ family Christmas: � Make sure your laptop is up high and the camera lens is clean � Choose a position where there is a lot of natural light so everyone can see you clearly onscreen � Find a simple background, like a blank wall or near the Christmas tree � Have your volume up to make sure you can hear everyone � And keep the space in front of your laptop clear so that everybody can hear you too � For more tips and tricks, visit: www.thezoomfairy.co.uk

IF YOU fancy yourself as a chocolate connoisseur, this could be the job for you. A leading chocolate company is on the hunt for the best taste buds in Britain – and it’s looking for people in Wokingham. Mondelez International produces some of the nation’s favourite chocolates, including Cadbury Dairy Milk, Oreo, and Green and Blacks. And it’s searching for four local chocolate tasters to make sure its products are suitably sweet before they hit the shelves. Mondelez International asks its chocolate tasters to work eight hours a week, making this the perfect side hustle for anybody with a sweet tooth. And to top it all off, the cocoa giant’s International Global Research Centre is based in Wokingham, meaning residents would only have to pop down the road. Amanda Greenwood, chocolate panellist at the company’s Wokingham site,

Digital benefits THANKS to the internet, more people than ever are improving their health and wellbeing online. This is according to Gigaclear, who says that the pandemic has prompted a “digital revolution”. The broadband provider says that nearly 90% of people living in the South East feel more connected to loved ones than they did before the pandemic, as they turn to the internet to stay in touch. It also says that lockdown has also caused a surge in people upskilling, with more than half (51%) of those in the South East learning a new skill online this year. And this ‘better connected’ trend is

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Santa drives the bus this winter COMMUTERS across the borough could get an early sighting of Father Christmas, as he joins Reading Buses throughout December. Santa will be driving buses instead of sleighs this month, in the hope of raising funds for the company’s charity of the year — Sport in Mind. Father Christmas says: “I’m really excited to be back behind the wheel of Reading Buses – I love the people both at the company and in the town itself. “It’s so lovely to see people’s

says that working as a taster is “hugely rewarding”. “There is so much more to eating chocolate than you would think,” she says. “It fills me with pride to see the final product on my local supermarket shelves.” Afsha Chugtai, senior group leader at Mondelez International, says that chocolate tasters are vital to make sure the nation is getting the products it deserves. For the time being, Mondelez International’s team of tasters are reporting from home, but the company hopes everybody can return to the lab soon. “We all miss the office camaraderie of discussing the products together,” says Afsha. “I can’t wait to see who joins us next to help us perfect the nation’s favourite treats.” If you think you know your Cadbury from your Galaxy and want to find out more, visit: careers.mondelezinternational.com The closing date for applications is January 6, 2021.

smiles as they get on board. Let’s get the Christmas spirit up.” Passengers who spot Santa are encouraged to text SIM 2 to 70085 to donate £2 to Sport in Mind.

set to continue post-pandemic with less than a fifth (17%) of people say they will go back to doing everything in person once social distancing measures are relaxed. Nick Rawlings, chief marketing officer at Gigaclear, says: “2020 has been an unprecedented year for the whole country. Spending lots of time at home has put a huge reliance on our internet, and without it, our financial, social and mental health struggles would have been significantly harder. “If we can take a few positives out of this bad situation, it is that as a country we are stronger and more resilient than we thought.”

A CALL to switch to healthier potatoes has been made by a leading charity. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fibre, and they can be mashed, baked, roasted and boiled in the same way as white potatoes. Dr Helen Flaherty, head of health promotion and education at Heart Research UK, offers some tips. � For a healthy lunch, swap a baked potato for a baked sweet potato (without butter). Choose a healthy filling, such as veggie chilli, tuna, baked beans or cottage cheese and serve with a healthy salad. � Try switching from regular mashed potato to mashed sweet potato. Alternatively, you could make your mash with 50% white potatoes and 50% sweet potatoes. Instead of cream, butter or salt, try a splash of milk or low-fat crème fraiche and a pinch of nutmeg. � Ditch your deep-fat fryer and switch from chips to sweet potato wedges, baked in the oven. Cut your into wedges and roast for 15-20 minutes. � For more, visit www.heartresearch.org.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

Starring role for in new prog-roc By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today IF YOU went down to the woods that day, you sure would have been surprised.

Kepler Ten, who are signed on to Wokingham’s White Star Records label, recently recorded their newest music video in a most unusual location. The progressive rock band created the video for its latest single, Weaver, in Simon’s Wood in Finchampstead after the coronavirus pandemic scuppered their plans to film further afield. “We’d been struggling to find a location that we were allowed to go to because of lockdown, and that would suit the video,” says Chris Hillman, co-founder of White Star Records. “One day, I was walking through Simon’s Wood and thought, ‘This would be perfect’ so I suggested it to the team and we all grouped together to make the footage.” Weaver is the second instalment in a song ‘series’, following on from previous single Falling Down, as Kepler Ten explores its protagonist’s journey through a 70s psychedelic theme. The song touches on themes of control and manipulation. “Weaver is about how we perceive our everyday lives and how we are often working away for the benefit of others, unaware of the control they have over our behaviour,” says Steve Hales, Kepler Ten’s dummer. “It is told lyrically through the story of a parasitic wasp preying upon a spider, and the video was originally going to feature plenty of insects. “However, when the opportunity

Kepler Ten filming a scene from the video for

presented itself to continue the story that we’d begun in the Falling Down video, we couldn’t pass it up.” Weaver is the latest single from Kepler Ten’s second album A New Kind of Sideways, which was released in November. And while it’s been a long wait for fans, Chris Hillman says it’s been well worth it. “A lot of people have been looking forward to the second album, but had to wait around three years or so,” Chris explained. “It’s been brilliantly received, and we were quite stunned by it all. “The reviews started appearing

Couple’s epic trek w By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM couple are putting themselves through their paces this Christmas for their one-year-old granddaughter who has cancer.

Nick and Jenni McDonagh are walking 540 miles to raise funds for children’s cancer charity, CLIC Sargent. Emily was diagnosed with infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia at five-weeks-old. Following the diagnosis, the family have received ongoing support from a CLIC Sargent social worker. She spent six months at Southampton General Hospital on intensive chemotherapy. She has been having daily remission chemotherapy at her home in Wokingham however last week, the family found out that Emily is no longer in remission. She will now be heading to Great Ormond Street Hospital to continue her journey, starting with immunotherapy followed by a round of chemotherapy and then potentially a bone marrow transplant. Jenni and Nick decided they wanted to do something to raise funds for CLIC Sargent, who they say have

Nick and Jenni McDonagh are walking 540 m Emily (inset), who was diagnosed with infant

supported their family tirelessly this year. “The journey we are all going through with Emily is a step by step, day by day journey, and the

Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

r Simon’s Wood ck music video

r their new song Weaver Picture: Andrew Merritt

a couple of days beforehand and they’ve been exceptional. “Some people are saying it’s the best progressive rock album of the year,” he added. And reviews have been cropping up from around the world, including the United States, Germany, and The Netherlands. Now, Chris says the band are itching to get back into live music after the pandemic scuppered live gigs across the globe. “None of the tracks from the new album have ever been played live, so it’s going to be great when that can happen,” he says.

“Looking forward, with the new album out, the band will focus on that throughout most of next year but there may well be another video and we’re hoping to do some more live shows too. “For now, we’re focusing on the album rather than the future, because that will come when the band is ready.” � To find out more about Kepler Ten and A New Kind of Sideways, visit: www.keplerten.com � To watch the music video for Weaver, visit: youtu.be/EHp_hiyrkxo

will help baby Emily

miles for their one-year-old granddaughter t Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia

walk is mirroring this,” says Jenni. “It’s not easy at all but we remind ourselves it’s for Emily and keep going. One step in front of the other.” She adds: “We want to raise as

much money as possible because cancer really turns families’ lives upside down and we want CLIC Sargent to be there to support everyone who needs it. “We’d love it if the kind people of Berkshire get behind our challenge and help to raise funds for this amazing charity.” Last year CLIC Sargent supported 88 Berkshire families and gave out 56 financial grants to the value of £10,270 to help them. The Cancer Costs report from the charity found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month. Rose Bailey, CLIC Sargent fundraising engagement manager for Berkshire, says: “I’m in regular touch with Jenni and know how hard the family has had it this year. “Jenni says the walking is saving her life right now and giving her and Nick something to focus on. We’re so grateful to Nick and Jenni for taking on this epic challenge for CLIC Sargent and hope that what they are doing will inspire others going through challenging times.” � To support Nick and Jenni’s challenge visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ granni-and-grumps.

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Santa’s secret helper

harrybradley Harry’s world

One week to go

SANTA has been getting a secret helping hand, all thanks to a widower looking to spread some Christmas cheer. Brian Pettifer, who lives in Woodhurst Park in neighbouring Warfield, is planning to handdeliver some special gifts to nearly 50 children. He is to team up with an elf, a reindeer and a snowman on Christmas Day, taking his sleigh for a ride around the Berkeley Homes’ development. Parents can donate presents to Santa who will handdeliver the special gifts to children on the day. Brian, a granddad of three, says that since losing his wife to cancer, the festive period has never been the same, so he’s decided to make others smile. He is a member of the development’s residents’ association and is counting down

the days to December 25 like, well, an excited child. “When you lose a loved one, the heart of Christmas Day disappears,” he says. “Christmas had to change for me and this is my way of keeping the community spirit alive. “Life has been hard for everyone this year so it’s even more important to keep morale up.” And the scheme looks like it will be a hit: “To date we have 49 children from 34 families signed up to take part this year,” he says. “It makes my morning to see smiling faces and family enjoyment. One neighbour says if we have any more sign-ups we might have to start after midnight mass.” And with so many children to visit, he’ll have to watch his sherry and mince pie intake, lest he has a visit from ‘elf and safety.

When Peter met the Prince A READING BUSES drive who has played an important role in the pandemic, says he is honoured to have met the royal family. Peter Ashford, 59, of Colnbrook was one of 20 key workers invited to Windsor Castle for the thank you in the presence of the Queen last week. During the hourlong stay he talked to Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and Princess Anne, in what he described as a “moment I will never forget”. He was the only bus driver in the group and has worked throughout the pandemic — which particularly interested Prince Charles. “He was very knowledgeable,” says Peter. “He knew of the buses through Windsor and had heard of Thames Valley as well as Reading Buses.

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

“The Royal Family were very praiseworthy of key workers and it was a fantastic afternoon. They put you at ease very quickly.” He says the Queen was on the steps of Windsor Castle while the Salvation Army played carols. “I am so proud to have been nominated as the person to represent Thames Valley and Reading Buses at the ceremony,” adds Peter. “It was a real honour.” He drives for Thames Valley Buses, part of the Reading Buses family and works on the Green Line 703 route from Bracknell to Heathrow; the no.2 from Dedworth to Slough; 10 and 10a Slough, Dedworth, Heathrow; the no.5 from Cippenham to Slough. His role during the lockdown was to transport key workers between the hospitals and Heathrow. 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

We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email your submissions to letters@ wokinghampaper.co.uk

DON’T know about you but it’s taken me a lot longer than usual to get in the Christmas spirit this year.

Perhaps it’s because I haven’t really been out as much. There’s been limited Christmas shopping, I’ve skipped the annual trip to see the Christmas lights in London and the family tradition of going to see a pantomime. Those little traditions always made it feel like the most wonderful time of the year. But finally, with one week to go, I can now declare that I’m in a very Christmassy mood. Getting to this point has been a lot of hard work because the end of the year has actually been really busy, and while this has been slightly exhausting, I think that this has played a part in boosting my Christmas cheer. I’m back at the Everyman Cinema where I work part-time. Now that it’s reopened and the Christmas movies are playing, I’m actually really enjoying my shifts there in the run-up to December 25. The complimentary mince pies and mulled wine that we’re giving to guests also have a part to play. Despite working part-time, school is out and now it’s time to relax. This last term has felt like the term that kept on giving. It was a long, hard few weeks of UCAS forms, University interviews and exams, not to mention A-level studies and coursework. I thought it would never end.

Oh yes it is Aside from all the studies it was great to be involved in the school’s annual Sixth Form Christmas Panto. While we had many obstacles in our way – not least the fact that we couldn’t perform in the theatre to a live audience due to Covid restrictions – it was a case of ‘the show must go on’. Instead of a live, theatre production, we filmed all our scenes in advance. The whole thing was expertly edited, and then shown on the big screen in a drive-in movie type format in the school car park. Our rather inaccurate portrayal of Robin Hood went brilliantly, and the two evening showings were a sell out. Actually being able to watch ourselves perform, and see ourselves on the big screen, made it even better than the old-school style panto that we’re all so used to. The drama department did amazingly to not only edit our panto into a movie short, but also balance that with teaching and organising the junior and middle school performances. So everything has come together to put me firmly in a Christmassy mood. Yes, it might be very different this year and while I still need to get a few presents for friends and family, Christmas has slowly but surely come around and lifted my spirits after what has been a pretty tough year. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and hopefully a happy, a much more socialable, New Year. See you on the other side.

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PLANNINGNEWS Solar delay AROUND 40,000 solar panels could be installed on nearly 20 hectares of land after the committee failed to come to a decision over a green energy proposal. Committee members heard that the proposed solar farm would be installed on previously undeveloped agricultural land in Farley Hill between Swallowfield and Arborfield and provide enough electricity to power 3,376 households. It would have permission for 40 years after which, the land would need to be cleared and returned to it previous state. Planning officers noted that the farm would have some impact on the environment, but the benefits outweighed those concerns. Jonathan Wheelwright from Swallowfield Parish Council objected, saying that this is not a farm, but a “hugely industrialised site” and changes the use of the land. “It’s hard to find a more obtrusive location,” he said, adding that there were alternative sites available nearby and that the planning officers had been wrong in their conclusions. Resident Harry Cannon spoke on behalf of 89 residents, saying it was a nice idea, but in the wrong place, and would be visible from miles around including Shinfield and Eversley. He said: “It’s put between villages and hamlets … and listed buildings”. Richard Wearmouth from Wessex Solar, which would build the site, said that the project would

help Wokingham Borough Council achieve its aims with tackling the climate emergency. “Additional screening is proposed and will be actively maintained through the lifetime of the site,” he said, promising fencing and tree planting. Ward councillor for Swallowfield, which adjoins the site, Cllr Stuart Munro, said that he had been comments from around 80 or 90 residents and that while he was in favour of solar panels, but “this may be in the wrong place … I urge the committee to listen to the residents”. As the committee was unsure whether the site was the correct location for such a farm, a decision was deferred so more information could be gathered ahead of a meeting that took place last night. A report on this will appear in next week’s Wokingham.Today.

Footpath move A REQUEST to divert a footpath in Shinfield has been given approval by the planning committee. Known as Footpath 12, it currently runs along Hollow Lane. It will be moved 12 metres and be two-metres. The proposal to move it was first made in 2012 when outline planning consent was given to the Shinfield West development. Chair of the committee, Cllr Simon Weeks, said that it was a very minor diversion and was a very straightforward matter. The vote was passed unanimously.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

PHIL CREIGHTON reports from a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s Planning Committee held on Wednesday, December 9

Next phase of Gorse Ride redevelopment approved THE NEXT step in the redevelopment of Gorse Ride was approved and will see 249 new homes built.

The council said that the homes will be energy efficient and almost threequarters will be affordable homes to meet local demand. Under the plans, 178 homes will be demolished to create the new development. Council officers noted that demolition and starting again was the best way forward as the existing homes were not economically viable to repair, and suffered from damp and condensation. In addition to the homes, there will be a landscaped public open space with play areas, retention of many existing trees – only 94 would be lost – and the planting for more than 200 new trees. The new homes would be of a contemporary design, with a mixture of homes, bungalows and flats over four main blocks. Garages will be kept and there will be electric vehicle charging points. Chair Cllr Simon Weeks pointed out that the existing homes had not been expected to last as long as they did, and that the council’s predecessors had felt that it was too big a project to take on. Now though, they had to act. Speaking in favour, Steve Bowers from the Gorse Ride Steering Group, pointed out that he had lived in the

estate for 36 years, and he wanted residents to be proud of living there. “We need to make that next step now,” he said, urging the planning committee to vote in favour of the project. “It is so critical for us to do this, I can’t emphasise this enough.” Cllr Weeks said that just seven letters of objection had been received, “quite unusual for a project of this size and scale. I think people who live in this state recognise that a change is needed.” He also pointed out that this was “a very expensive project” and that the building of apartments allowed the council to create more homes. Cllr Gary Cowan said he was supportive of the scheme, “I think it’s a step in the right direction”. “There are lots of good things about this application,” echoed Cllr Stephen Conway, who praised the level of affordable housing. Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey wanted to know why the homes needed demolishing. Cllr Weeks said that they were only expected to last 25 years, rather than the 60 they had had. She also queried the type of rents and was told they would be a mixture of affordable rents, social housing and shared ownership. Cllr Andrew Mickleburgh wanted to know if the garages would be large enough for modern cars, and they would be as the garages would be 3m by 6m.

When it came to a vote, the scheme was met with unanimous approval by the councillors. After the meeting, Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing, said: “This is a major milestone for the community and gives people confidence that we will keep moving forward at Gorse Ride and investing millions into the local community, delivering the properties that local people need. “We know council budgets are under pressure it’s important that we keep on moving forward with ambitious projects like this. “The existing properties are in poor condition and were never built to last this long. Yes, we could have simply refurbished them to bring them to a decent standard but this isn’t about simply meeting a decent standard. “This is about showing that we are committed to supporting this great and strong local community and giving Gorse Ride residents the homes that they need and that they deserve.” The first phase of Gorse Ride is expected to be completed by spring next year, and a tendering process for this new phase will begin next year. Under the terms of conditions, works will be allowed weekdays 8am to 6pm, 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, but not on Sundays or bank holidays.

Permission for Hogwood homes READING FC’s former training ground will be converted into 140 homes, despite falling outside the Arborfield Strategtic Development Location. The planning committee approved an outline proposal, which has originally been mooted in 2016 but withdrawn to allow for the Local Plan Update to be completed. As the football club has moved to its new site in Sindlesham, it asked for the application to progress. Of the homes, 56 would be affordable, mixed between social rent and shared ownership. There would also be a SANG parkland in one corner of the site. The existing entrance on Park Lane would be retained, while a second entrance would be created. Barkham Parish Council had raised concerns about the traffic and lack of pavements around the development. Planning officers said that appropriate footpaths would be created to connect the SANG to the northern part of the SDL, and a feasibility study has shown that it was not possible to create a footpath on Park Lane, a busy main road. Finchampstead Parish Council felt that it was an inappropriate development for the countryside, but planning officers said that benefits of the scheme outweighed the location. They also called on the council to let the site be considered as part of the Local Plan Update’s call for sites process. Planning officers said that the site has been recommended for inclusion and, as the application is sustainable

and does not result in significant harm, it should be supported. Graeme Dexter from Barkham Parish Council said that the development did not sit well with the existing homes and industrial estates. He also said there was no direct route to the estate except for Park Lane, which will force more traffic on to it. “I don’t believe sufficient thought has been given to this proposal,” he said and urged the committee to reject it. Nina Sharp, speaking on behalf of Reading Football Club, pointed out that the development was close to Bohunt School and there would also be a safe cycling route to local shops and amenities. The club would also upgrade the surfaces used in the SANG so it could be used all year round. “The application had no technical objections from planning officers,” she said. Barkham ward councillor John Kaiser spoke against the proposal: “This development drives a coach and horses through the council’s policy and if approved we might have well disregard the council’s local plan. It gives carte blanche for developers .. and will set a precedent that the council’s policy has no merit. “The development has been tacked on to the SDL … it is not in line with the overarching vision of the SDL.” He added: “Road access will be by a dangerous country lane, it is inconceivable that a development of 140 homes cannot provide safe crossing points or a safe pavement.”

There were also no photos from the adjoining industrial estate, he said, warning that the there would be unacceptable noise and air pollution to the site. “It is a poorly designed cul-de-sac,” he warned. Cllr Stephen Conway raised concerns that the infrastructure hadn’t been developed meaning that there was a risk the development could be built before the roads were. Planning officer Sophie Morris said that it was unlikely that the site would be available before 2023, so more of the infrastructure would be in place. Cllr Rachelle Shepherd-DuBey wanted to know if a Second World War pillbox on site would be protected. Planning officer Connor Corrigan said that there must be a mistake as there is one on Nine Mile Ride. After a long discussion about the site, which included concerns over smells and sounds from the nearby industrial estate, and whether it was possible to install a footpath on Park Lane, Cllr Chris Bowring moved to a vote. The committee approved the outline planning permission on the condition that Reading FC’s Section 106 commitment be completed within six months and that noise and smell from the nearby industrial estate would also be taken into account. Now it has outline approval, Reading FC’s agents can work it up into a formal proposal.

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Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Government U-turn could reduce borough house building target EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN news@wokingham.today HOUSE BUILDING targets in the borough will be reduced, in a U-turn announced yesterday.

Robert Jenrick has abandoned plans to build heavily in the south of England, after opposition from Conservatives MPs. Included in those were John Redwood, Theresa May and James Sunderland — all of which opposed the dramatic increase in house building targets for their constituencies. Instead, England’s 20 biggest cities will take the largest targets, in a shift to push investment up north. In the summer, the housing minister suggested more than 1,600 homes must be built in the

Wokingham borough each year. At the time, Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement called the increase “inherently unfair” on residents, businesses and communities. And council leader John Halsall invited fellow councillors to protest naked in Westminster in a bid to get housing numbers in the borough reduced. MPs and councillors criticised the algorithm used to decide housing figures, with Cllr Halsall suggesting the borough was a victim of its own success. He said the track record of meeting targets had opened the borough up to further development targets. Now, the council leader has cautiously welcomed the announcement, and said he will

“continue to put our case to Government to get the best deal for the borough”. He said: “We are cautiously optimistic about the news we are hearing, that the Government will amend the housing formula to achieve a better spread of homes across the country. “Nonetheless, we have to keep pressing our case with the Government. “I will continue working with the council’s executive and our local Conservative MPs to persuade the Government to provide housing numbers which are fair to our residents and sustainable for the borough.” Cllr Smith added: “This isn’t about stopping all new housing in our borough – indeed, we are putting together a Local Plan to deliver more

affordable homes that our residents desperately need. But we have to have housing numbers for our area that are reasonable and achievable, and which won’t see all our green space concreted over. “The Government understands this, and this is why they have announced a sensible review of their draft policy. “We are grateful for all the support we are receiving from local residents in this campaign, and I urge them to continue to help the Government to achieve the best housing formula for our area.” In October, the borough council lodged their formal objections to the plan, as part of the consultation. It has also opposed suggested reforms to the planning process, as part of the Planning For The Future white paper.

Hurst school celebrates its 50th anniversary Dr Ophelia Follett and Dolphin School headteacher Adam Hurst at the celebration of the school’s golden anniversary earlier this month Below: a school residential trip, and the school’s Christmas decorations

A HURST school held a celebration to mark its 50th anniversary. There were just 25 children when Dolphin School opened its doors on Saturday, December 5, 1970. Aged two, three and four, they learnt from the Gardener’s Cottage in the grounds of Hinton House. Over the next 10 years, the school grew numerically and in the age ranges, become a full preparatory school – teaching children until the age of 13 – in 1980. The school says it has always specialised in subject teaching, even for the youngest children, and based its curriculum around both a number of day trips and a uniquely organised programme of residential field trips and mountain walking trips from Year Three. Since 1981, it has been led since 1981 by one of its founders, Dr Ophelia Follett, who devised many of the residential field and walking trips and is an avid proponent of teaching by the Socratic method, which encourages discussion and debate, as well as making all learning cross-curricular. And Dr Follett says that she believes in maintaining the ‘steely edge of academic excellence’ and in teaching the classics, both ancient and modern, as well as

subjects such as Architecture and Art History. Today, Dolphin School says that it holds true to its founding ideals. Children do not wear a uniform and call the majority of teachers by their first name; far from creating any behavioural issues, the school feels this informal style enables a cohesive, friendly and warm environment, where behaviour and academic engagement is excellent. The majority of subject leaders are secondary trained, imparting their in-depth knowledge of their subjects to children as young as three. And the children continue to venture out on a large number of teacher-led day trips throughout the year, which are aimed at developing resilience and independence through these wonderful experiences. The school’s headteacher, Adam Hurst, said: “As we look ahead to what we all hope will be a brighter year in 2021, Dolphin is proud to have reached its 50th birthday. “We are currently booking tours and taster days for early in the New Year, from Nursery to Year 8, so please do take this opportunity to contact us to book a visit.” � For more details, log on to dolphinschool.com

Entertainer provides gift of Christmas MORE than 22,000 toys have been donated to a Salvation Army festive appeal. The charity has teamed up with The Entertainer, which has toy shops in Bracknell and Reading, to collect gifts that can be given struggling families. The Entertainer asked its customers, shopping online and via click and collect during lockdown, to donate an additional toy to a family in need this Christmas, so that all children can experience the wonder of opening a present from Father Christmas. And the company said that its appeal was its best-selling line during the Black Friday weekend event. It will now deliver the toys to The Salvation Army, who will distribute them in time for Father Christmas to visit on Christmas Eve. Gary Grant, the founder and executive chairman at The Entertainer, was thrilled with the response. “We are delighted with the amount of donations we have received for this year’s Big Toy Appeal and we are so grateful to our customers for their generosity,” he said. “Following a challenging year, many families are experiencing overwhelming difficulties trying to give their children a toy to open on Christmas morning. “We are delighted that we could team up with The Salvation Army again and provide some help and happiness for those families most in need.”

Catch bus to avoid traffic AVOID traffic by catching the bus, says Reading Buses. As national lockdown has come to an end and people have returned to work, the bus company is recommending public transport to overcome traffic jams. “With people working from home and shops being shut, the roads have, on the whole, been quieter than normal,” said Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses. But he says this could lull people into a false sense of security. “We expect traffic to increase significantly, so we are encouraging more people to travel by bus,” he added. “We have kept our buses clean and safe to ensure that, where possible, people can leave their cars at home and help reduce traffic on our busy roads.” Reading Buses is currently following Covidsafety guidelines, including asking customers to wear face coverings and cleaning buses regularly.

Christmas shopping going well says leader CHRISTMAS shopping appears to be going well in Wokingham borough as residents flock to support local businesses. Council leader John Halsall said that many residents were taking up the offer of free car parking on Saturdays, and that shoppers were returning. “I’m delighted that Wokingham, Tywford and Woodley are all vibrant,” he said. “We’ve worked hard to ensure that we favour independent boutique shops, and that seems to have worked in our favour. “Wokingham town centre is, quite honestly, a testament to my predecessors and particularly Cllr Charlotte Haitham-Taylor and (council officer) Bernie Pich, who have done a remarkable job.”

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Still time to help The Giving Tree

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, December 17, 2020

Sally Army’s hot lunches gets more than a little help By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today AS THE slogan says, every little helps. But the team at Wokingham’s Salvation Army is finding that the help is a lot, not a little.

IT MIGHT nearly be Christmas, but there’s still time to help the annual Giving Tree appeal.

Every year, children who would otherwise go without a present from Santa are able to share their festive wishes. Charities then turn these into gift tags that are placed on trees in a range of venues across the borough. In normal days, people would take a tag, buy the present listed on it and then return it to the tree. However, to be Covid safe this year, people are asked to take a tag and buy the gift voucher on it. This will then be used by a number of charities that the Giving Tree works with to ensure that the present of choice makes its way to the boys and girls of Wokingham borough in time for Christmas Day. It’s a massive operation and Santa’s little helpers have been incredibly busy since November in making this magic happen. Next week, we’ll share just

what a difference you have made to so many people. And Gillian McKernan, who helps Santa by overseeing the operation, wanted to thank people for their help. “The Giving Tree has once again been a success with the kind local people dipping deep to buy vouchers for disadvantaged children this Christmas,” she said. “With some of the venues which usually host a tree being closed due to the Covid Pandemic, unfortunately, there are still tags left on the trees. “The good news is, that there is still time to visit one of the trees and choose a gift voucher to buy. “I would like to thank the following companies and their employees for buying children gifts through an Amazon Wish List compiled by the charities: Dell UK Bracknell, RSA Security Bracknell, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Lumen Winnersh, Simply Commerce Wokingham, PEAC Bracknell and Wokingham Borough Council.”

Staff members at the Finchampstead Road Tesco store have teamed up with the Sturges Road corps to help them provide a hot takeaway meal for the borough’s vulnerable residents this winter. As we revealed last month, Churches Together Wokingham and the Salvation Army have launched the service as a replacement for its Bed For The Night scheme. People can visit the Army’s Wokingham town centre base to collect the food – because of the pandemic, they are unable to offer sitdown meals. Tesco has donated a range of items, including puddings, snacks, bottled water, and wooden knives and forks. More than 100 meals a week are being provided so far, but organisers expect this to rise as Christmas approaches. Captain Jan Howlin, of the Wokingham Salvation Army, said: “We’re just so grateful to Tesco for their help. It makes the world of difference to us. By joining together with partner organisations, we’re better able to help our community. “This initiative is proving very successful and there are lots of benefits to it as well as the act of handing out food. “There are a lot of people we see with mental health or addiction issues and when they come to us for their meal we can we can pick up on whether there’s a medical need.

Captain Jan Howlin with some of the food donated by Tesco Wokingham

“It’s also a chance to have a chat with them, make sure they’re okay and see if they need any additional support with anything.” The Wokingham Salvation Army has been running its outreach programme for eight years, and recently linked with Wokingham Borough Council, which has been putting homeless people in temporary accommodation during the pandemic. This partnership-working between the council, Salvation Army and Tesco is what’s making the scheme so effective.

Louise Jedras, community champion at the Finchampstead Road Tesco store, said: “We’re proud to be helping during such challenging times. “The pandemic has hit so many people really hard, and we’re very keen to help the vulnerable in our society as best we can. “We’ve always been communityminded here at the store and we will, of course, be continuing our essential community work during the run-up to Christmas and after.”

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

Enforcement successes THE NUMBER of planning enforcement notices issued has tripled this year, the council says. More than 600 cases have been resolved this year, and 35 notices have been issued. “We know that protecting the borough is something our residents will always fight hard for, and we’ve put more resources into planning enforcement to do just that,” Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement said. “The numbers speak for themselves. “It’s great to see the enhanced team working on breaches of planning control and serving enforcement notices when needed.” But he said the council cannot do it alone, and relies on residents reporting what they see. The council has recently been successful against unauthorised development in The Coombes woodland — with support from the Planning Inspectorate.

The popular area of countryside is a designated ancient woodland and has a Tree Preservation Order. Since 2018 it has seen unauthorised development with small plots marketed as potential development sites and sold at auction – threatening to destroy its special and unique character. “Around 90% of our enforcement notices end up at appeal and these appeals in The Coombes have been important successes for us,” added Cllr Smith. “We hope the Planning Inspectorate continues to support us to protect sensitive areas like this across the borough.” Last year, the council approved a £630,000 fighting fund to help defend these notices at appeal. Residents are being encouraged to act as “eyes and ears” for the council, and report any planning breaches. For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk and search planning enforcement.

Santa dashers help Hospice’s festive work AN ANNUAL charity run that sees people dress up as Father Christmas went virtual this year, after the coronavirus pandemic prevented the main event from going ahead. The Thames Hospice Santa Dash took place on Sunday, December 6, and is one of the charity’s major fundraising events, raising funds for its work helping Berkshire residents who need urgent hospice care over the Christmas period and beyond. The event had been due to take place at Swinley Forest, but instead supporters were invited to ‘do it their way’ and take on their

own local walking or running route, covering a distance of either 3k, 5k or 10k, while adhering to the UK Government’s social distancing guidelines. Alison Evans, head of community and events fundraising, said: “Our annual Santa Dash is always such a great event which really kicks off the Christmas season. “As sad as it was that we couldn’t be together as a community this year, it was so great to see more than 450 people taking part and supporting us this Christmas.

“Thank you to everyone who signed up and fundraised for us; the support we’ve been shown from our community and local organisations has been truly amazing in this challenging year.” To date, the Santa Dash has raised £45,000 for the Hospice. The charity is encouraging everyone who took part to share their Santa photos on its Facebook page and tag @thameshospcare, or tweet the hospice @thameshospcare. � For more details and future events, visit www.thameshospice.org.uk/events

helenabadger volunteer corner � With the news of the first vaccines being

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. Wokingham Volunteer Centre is looking to recruit volunteers as Vaccine Clinic marshals in locations across the Borough, who will be based at clinics and other community spaces. Shifts will be available Monday through to Saturday but will vary depending on the clinic and when they receive their vaccine delivery. If you are interested in finding out more, please visit our website www.volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk � Yateley Industries for the Disabled is a charity

providing housing, training and employment to people with disabilities, recognising that every person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and make a meaningful contribution to society. Its three-acre site in Yateley provides accommodation for up to 47 people and houses our factory building. This is one of the few remaining supported factories that help vulnerable adults to do paid meaningful work and training intended to help progress them into mainstream employment. Its reach goes beyond the Yateley site as it has coaches supporting those who are disabled or have a physical or mental health condition through the Access to Work programme. The charity is looking to recruit a new chair of trustees. The role and responsibilities will include; to provide leadership to the Board in its strategic role and give direction in terms of policymaking, chairing board and other meetings (including the AGM) and facilitate positive, solution-based discussion, represent the charity and act as spokesperson where appropriate, lead communication with external stakeholders, carry out annual reviews of the board; CEO and trustees and lead the creation, execution and monitoring of the organisation’s strategic plan. � Wokingham in Need (WIN) is a local charity,

set up to support the local community and make Wokingham a great place to live for all its residents. Founded just over four years ago, WIN was created to help the vulnerable and to benefit as many people as possible, including the homeless; those with learning disabilities, brain damage and mental health issues; the elderly; the terminally ill; and those affected by drug and alcohol misuse. Following the success of several local initiatives, the charity is growing and is in desperate need of someone to assist with its fundraising activities. WIN is looking for an enthusiastic person who loves the idea of helping the community. Experience of fundraising would be great, but passion and energy are just as important if you have never done this before. As well as funding for future projects, WIN also needs to ensure it can afford to maintain ones that are set in stone already like the Wokingham Drop-In Centre. WIN says it is a fun group who love what they do, and are passionate about helping people from any background.

� 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.

SOCIETY | 25

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community groups, clubs and societies INTHECOMMUNITY NewsSendfromyouryourreports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk Wargrave Local History Society

Berkshire Vision

WARGRAVE Local History Society’s December meeting normally takes the form of a Christmas Party. Of course, we could not hold this in the traditional way this year, but a similar occasion was arranged over the internet. Those who joined in were asked to ‘enter the spirit’ of the party atmosphere – maybe by wearing a Christmas hat or jumper, or having seasonal decorations around. Of course, we could not share Wendy Smith’s mulled wine and mince pies, so each participant was asked to bring their own for the evening. The evening included a presentation by Peter Halman on The History of Christmas, covering from the time of the Druids who celebrated the Winter Solstice at Stonehenge, to the Romans, with their feast of Saturnalia, which was then adopted and adapted by the Christians and developed into the kind of festivals that we have now. Some of the customs we still enjoy go back to the earliest times – mistletoe, for example, being thought by the Druids to have magical powers, whilst the Norse people had it as a sign of friendship and love, leading to the tradition of kissing under it – although maybe that will have to be somewhat restrained this year. The singing of carols was originally a folk tradition, rather than one associated with churches, and was banned by the Puritans, like many other Christmas traditions such as the eating and drinking, as introducing too much pleasure. Pantomimes have also been a long-standing feature of the Christmas season, being derived from the Italian Commedia dell’arte, and having its audience participation sections. It is ‘peculiarly British’ and probably incomprehensible to those of other cultures, with the leading ‘male’ part taken by a woman, and the leading ‘female’ portrayed by an (often portly) man. Other now common aspects of the season are more recent – such as the Christmas tree, a German tradition made popular in Britain when Prince Albert had one set up for the Royal household in 1840, while the very first Christmas card, although not in the form we now know, came in 1843. Other celebrations, though, such as the Frost Fairs held on the River Thames have now passed into history. “Retail therapy” however seems to have become a vital part of many people’s Christmas. One ancient tradition is that of Santa Claus. There are several suggestions as to his origins the most likely being that it derives from St Nicholas, who was a 4th century monk from Turkey who was renowned for his piety and kindness. As Peter explained, in order to deliver to all the children in the world, he needs many “helpers”. The evening also included a slightly crackers Christmas quiz, in a not too serious manner, with the questions all ‘Wargrave parish related’. Finding the answers to some of them, however, were more like solving the riddles on those little pieces of paper inside a Christmas cracker. The Society’s planned programme is at www.wargravehistory. org.uk, where the latest information can be found, or email info@wargravehistory. org.uk to confirm meeting details.

A CHARITY that supports blind and visually impaired people across the county has been playing Santa a little early this year, driving more than 450 miles across the county to make more than 70 deliveries a day. Berkshire Vision decided to spread a little bit of happiness this Christmas by giving each of the 500 people it supports a Christmas gift. Each gift has been handwrapped and delivered personally to their doorstep by a member of staff wishing them a Merry Christmas and checking on them. “This year has been challenging for everyone but for people who are visually impaired it has been particularly difficult” says CEO Laura Mitchell. “That is why we wanted to deliver a gift – so that people do know there is someone out there who cares and they are not alone.” Berkshire Vision said it wanted to thank its staff members for their help and Asda in Tilehurst. The gifting continues the work Berkshire Vision has been doing throughout the pandemic, which began with launching a remote

Peter Delaney

CLASP WOKINGHAM A WOKINGHAM charity that helps people who have learning disabilities is celebrating after winning a national award.

Berkshire Vision has delivered 500 hand-wrapped festive parcels activities programme within two days of the announcement of lockdown designed to combat isolation and loneliness. Activities included coffee mornings, gentle exercise and wine tasting. They were chosen to achieve specific outcomes including minimising the effects of lockdown on social isolation, mental

SME-News organised the 2020 UK Enterprise Awards and judges determined that CLASP Wokingham was the winner of the Best Charity Awareness Campaign Advocacy 2020 The charity was commended for its excellence, commitment, dedication even in the face of uncertainty. The group’s final event of 2020 will be a talk from Antony Thorn, who is the interim strategy and commissioning manager at Wokingham Borough Council. Taking place on Friday, December 18, he will share insights into work they are doing to make council services more accessible for people with learning disabilities. As this is the last meeting before Christmas, there will be a festive dress content and the chance to play some seasonal games. Sessions and membership of CLASP is free. For more details, or to book a place, call CLASP on 07780 749453, or email admin@claspwokingham.org.uk DEBS MORRISON

wellbeing and physical activity levels. And as we head into the holiday season, Berkshire Vision has launched a telephone befriending scheme. This provides regular calls to more than 250 of the most isolated people it supports across Berkshire, offering them support and a friendly voice to chat to.

Me2 Club Me2 Club are excited to invite you to our first Comedy Night Fundraiser on Friday, December 18, starting from 7.30pm and all from the comfort of your living room. Tickets are £12 with all proceeds going directly to us. You can purchase yours from: bit.ly/33TFEQL If you can't make the event, but you'd still like to make a donation this Christmas, you can visit our JustGiving page here: https://bit.ly/2VLrMDK Me2 Club is an inclusion charity for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities in the Wokingham and Reading Boroughs, operating a buddy scheme to allow the youngsters to take part in clubs, groups and activities. We'd like to say a special thank you to Hicks Developments Ltd who have kindly sponsored this event. Disclaimer: This event is intended for adults and the material and opinions shared by the comedians are their own and are not representative of the values of Me2 Club.

26 | LEISURE

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Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

FROMTHECLASSROOMS Pupils help name care home suites By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today A LOCAL primary school helped to name the suites at a brand-new care home in Shinfield.

Pupils from Crosfields School took part in a competition to name the four suites at Care UK’s new care home, Parsons Grange, on Westall Street. The children put their heads together to come up with a list of names that had cultural or historical significance to them and the local area. The home team unveiled the names when Parsons Grange opened its doors earlier this year, and revealed the suites will be known as the Hardy Suite the Aragon Suite, the Allfrey Suite, and the Cobham Suite, which were inspired by a local historical theme suggested by Lottie, one of the local pupils who put forward Thomas Hardy’s name. Care UK has presented the school with £250 towards new books to say thank you for the pupils’ hard work. Ruth Halls, home manager at Parsons Grange, said: “The allimportant naming of the suites

within the care home is a key consideration, and this presented an excellent opportunity to work with Crosfields School. “The ideas the pupils put forward were all of a very high standard and have truly inspired us – we’re really pleased with the four final names. We’re all looking forward to building upon our relationship with the local pupils in the future.” The new care home has officially been named Parsons Grange after Louisa Parsons, a nurse trained by Florence Nightingale. Decorated for her service in the British Army, she also founded the University of Maryland School of Nursing, before moving back to England and spending the latter part of her life in Shinfield. The home has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, the new care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. Care UK says that the layout of the building has been configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/ dining room to help facilitate the creation of close knit communities.

SCHOOLS | 27

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We welcome contributions from pupils for this page– email stories, pictures and prose to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Crosfields welcomes Santa’s reindeer PUPILS at Crosfields School in Shinfield were thrilled last week when two reindeer dropped by on their way to the North Pole. Prancer and Dancer, who are male and female reindeer respectively, actually belong to The Reindeer Centre in Kent, and were

brought into the school for a day visit. Visiting the reindeer a year group at a time, the littlest children in the school from the Crosfields Nursery, through to older pupils in Year 6 all listened carefully as Lee from The Reindeer Centre shared facts about

reindeer, their natural habitat and how they help Father Christmas. A spokesperson for the school said that it was a truly magical experience and a wonderful way to start the Christmas festivities.

New headteacher for St Joseph’s College By JOHN WAKEFIELD news@wokingham.today A SCHOOL has announced the appointment of a new headteacher.

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STUDENTS at Wheatfield Primary School have been creating Christmas cards for hospital and care home residents. Head of the Winnersh-based school, Tamara Brown, said: “We wanted to support this cause because it has been such a hard year for everybody and our children are always encouraged to think of others.”

Festive greetings will be sent to St Mark Hospital, Maidenhead and Abbeyfield Care Home, which sits opposite the school. Each year group is donating a gift to its chosen charity, with Year 4 purchasing a baby gift through UNICEF and Year 6 donating a book through the Book Trust.

Laura Stotesbury will take the reins of St Joseph’s College in Reading from September next year. She is currently a deputy head at Prior Park College in Bath, and taught economics and businesses. The Upper Redlands Road school’s chair of governors, David Hallé, is pleased with the appointment. “We were delighted to have such a strong field of candidates for the role of Head at St Joseph’s,” he said. “In Laura we have found someone with a deep faith, a clear vision and an infectious enthusiasm; someone with a real sense of vocation, not only to teaching but to everything she commits to in life. “Most importantly, we can be confident that Laura will build on St Joseph’s past and create an exciting and success-filled future for this very special school.” Ms Stotesbury said that she was drawn to apply to St Joseph’s because of its strong

Catholic and Christian ethos. “The size of the College is most appealing as it enables every member of the community to be known, and to thrive,” she added. “I have been impressed by the College’s remote music concerts, drama showcases and art exhibitions – St Joseph’s students are truly talented.” Ms Stotesbury will be succeeding Andrew Colpus, who has been headteacher of the school for the past eight years. “I would like to pay tribute to him and all that he has achieved in transforming St Joseph’s into a thriving, co-educational school,” Mr Hallé said. “Academic results improve

year-on-year, and the College was rated as one of the top 60 schools (state and independent) in the country for the valueadded progress between GCSE and A-levels in both 2018 and 2019. “During Andrew’s stewardship, St Joseph’s was named TES Independent School of the Year in November 2015 and Andrew was recognised as one of the top 25 influencers and innovators in education by iExcellence in April 2019. “He has made a huge contribution to the success of the College and on behalf of our whole community, I wish him all the very best in his retirement.” And Mr Colpus said it had been a real privilege to have led St Joseph’s as it went from being an all-female school to co-educational, seeing numbers rise from 350 to 600. “I look forward to working closely with Laura during the coming months to ensure a smooth handover,” he added. “St Joseph’s pupils, staff, alumni and friends are very dear to my heart and I look forward to watching the College continue to go from strength to strength under Laura’s leadership.”

28 | LEISURE

wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

N INNOVATIVE artist who has performed at the Royal Albert Hall has an unusual connection with Wokingham – and it’s here in our playlist.

Curated by Chris Hillman from White Star Records, The Wokingham Love Music soundtrack, features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene, including Steven Wilson. You can listen to his track and nine great others. all for FREE, via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic Steven Wilson – In Floral Green Steven is an innovative artist who has achieved major worldwide success including sellout shows at the Royal Albert Hall. His new album The Future Bites will be released in January following recent singles from the album including Eminent Sleaze which had In Floral Green as a bonus track on the CD and 12in formats. This is the local connection, as In Floral Green is a cover, written by local musician and producer John Mitchell for his Lonely Robot album, The Big Dream – stevenwilsonhq.com Kepler Ten – Weaver This dynamic and powerful trio of excellent musicians are signed to Wokingham’s White Star Records and their new album, A New Kind of Sideways has received rave reviews in music magazines around the world. They have just released a new video for this track from the album which was filmed locally and you can read all about it in the feature in this issue. The band performed a great set at last year’s Wokingham Festival – www.keplerten.com Catfish – Archangel (Live) One of Wokingham photographer, Andrew Merritt’s choices, Catfish are a quality blues band. This track is taken from their new album Exile: Live in Lockdown – www.catfishbluesband.co.uk Children of Dub – Om This trance, chill and dub outfit have recently released Evolution: 1993-2020 which covers their whole history including the albums released on Wokingham’s Magick Eye Records – 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 and this is one of his biggest hits – andyfairweatherlow.com

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Make it a green Christmas

OUR garden gives up some beautiful gifts of its own at this time of year - allowing you to bring the outside into the home with foliage and ‘green’ decorations.

By using your garden as a resource you can create some simple, yet beautiful decorative displays for the Christmas season. What better way to celebrate than by bringing festive cheer to your home and garden with two traditional Christmas favourites – Holly and Ivy? They are perfect garden plants, with many boasting beautifully variegated leaves along with fruits and berries that provide seasonal food for hungry birds. Holly is hardy and evergreen, making it an ideal shrub to form part of the backbone or structure that every garden needs. Most holly plants are either male or female, so to ensure you get a crop of berries you’ll need to grow a female variety and ensure there’s a male nearby to pollinate its flowers. With thick evergreen growth and spiny foliage, holly is also a good choice of shrub to form a dense and secure boundary hedge to your property and it can also be tightly clipped into formal shapes and topiary. Ivy is a valuable climber or ground cover plant, perfect for a shady spot or for cladding bare fences or garden structures. However, it must be kept under control with regular pruning to prevent it spreading too far or becoming invasive.

Established ivy carries flowers late in the season that provide valuable nectar for late-flying butterflies and bees, as well as great nesting site opportunities for blackbirds and others. As an alternative to the traditional red colour scheme of Christmas try mixing white and silver for planters inside and outside for a clean and stylish look. Put grey-leafed lavender and senecio together with white cyclamen and decorate with strings of silver beads and small LED white lights. Or, go for a beautiful Christmas rose – Helleborus niger – and plant with pale pink or white cyclamen and training ivy around the edges to make the container feel like it’s overflowing. December is definitely a time to catch up on some indoor gardening jobs and have a rest, but for those that are out and about here are some top tips from the Royal Horticultural Society... � Make sure there is food for garden birds � Check that greenhouse heaters are working � Prevent ponds from freezing � Prune acers, birches and vines before Christmas � Harvest leeks, parsnips, winter cabbage, sprouts and remaining root crops � Deciduous trees and shrubs can still be planted and transplanted � Take hardwood cuttings � Keep mice away from stored produce � Reduce watering of houseplants

The Christmas rose – Helleborus niger Potter's Wheel

healthwatchwokingham Joanna Dixon www.healthwatchwokingham.co.uk

Looking after mental health over the festive season

HIS year has been difficult for most people and many worries and concerns could continue or get worse over the festive

period.

If you are feeling low, try some of our top tips to boost your mood. � Try not to compare this year to Christmastime in the past. Start some new traditions. How about signing up to volunteer? The Wokingham Volunteer Centre can help to match you with a charity that needs help. Call 0118 977 0749 or email volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk � Get out in the fresh air for some gentle exercise. We have some beautiful local spots such as Dinton Pastures and Fox Hill Woods or why not take a walk around your neighbourhood to look at the Christmas lights? Mental Health Mates is a group who offer peer support from people who have had their own mental health struggles. They are running a group walk in Reading on Sunday, December 20 For more details, contact Abby, mhm.reading@gmail.com � Relax and enjoy the lower expectations this year. Who cares if you don’t decorate the house or you go to bed at 10pm on New Year’s Eve? � If Christmas music is making

Christmas can be a stressful time – and this year will be no different. Healthwatch Wokingham says that help is available Picture: Pawel Kozera from Pixabay

you feel low then try a moodboosting podcast. We like Happy Place with Fearne Cotton and How to Fail with Elizabeth Day. � Plan something new to look forward to in the New Year, Wokingham Recovery College has a whole host of free courses for people experiencing mental health difficulties. You could sign up for anything from mindfulness to managing your money workshops. Call 0118 989 0707, or log on to: www.wokingham.gov.uk/health/

health-services-and-advice/ wokingham-recovery-college/ for the prospectus. � Ask for help and support if you need it, The NHS have launched its Help Us to Help You campaign and many services will continue to operate over the festive period. Dr Heather Howells, Mental Health lead for Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “Throughout the pandemic the NHS has been here to support people struggling with their mental health

and we’re keen to reassure people that they aren’t burdening the NHS.” � If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis call 999. � Talking Therapies is a confidential service run by trained professionals, your GP can refer you or you can contact them yourself on 0300 365 2000. � You can make an appointment with your GP to discuss your mental health and the options available to you. GPs will be closed on bank holidays. (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day). If you need assistance then call 111. � Samaritans are open every day of the year to listen to people in need. Call 116 123. � Young people aged between 11 and 18 can visit KOOTH.com a free, anonymous and confidential online counselling and emotional wellbeing support. � Depression Xpression is a local friendly and welcoming peer support group holding weekly meetings on Zoom over the festive period. Details at: facebook.com/ groups/depressionxpression � You can call 0300 365 0300 24 hours a day seven days a week to speak to a mental health practitioner who will guide you ~ to the best service for you.

Thursday, December 17, 2020 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

COVID-19: CHECK WITH VENUES BEFORE VISITING

Escape Hunt is to hold a special Christmas Eve version of its Ultimate Game Night in a bid to raise funds for The Campaign To End Loneliness. Teams of up to six can take part in the virtual challenge, The Naughty List. Taking place over Zoom, teams can race against the clock solving puzzles and riddles to help Santa and his elves get ready for Christmas. Can you find festive words hidden in simple sentences? Crack the Christmas alphabet code? Help the clumsy elf stack presents in the least number of moves? Put your minds to the test and help raise money for this important cause. Escape Hunt says that this feelgood event is the ultimate way to bring the gang together or make new friends virtually this Christmas. Richard Harpham, the company’s CEO, says: “We’re excited to bring our first-ever night event to life.

“It’s the perfect way to spend Christmas Eve having fun with friends and loved ones, old or new, we can’t be with in person. “At Escape Hunt we are all about bringing people together and we recognise that this year, Covid-19 has had a monumental effect on society, only increasing the number of people who are currently or are at risk of suffering from loneliness. “With this event we want to bring people together to have fun and create memories, all whilst raising money for an important cause.” Tickets cost £20 per person, with 10% going towards The Campaign to End Loneliness, to help its work combating loneliness. Players can buy team tickets to enjoy with friends and family they are unable to see over the festive period, or single player tickets where they are put into teams. � Visit Eventbrite.co.uk for more information and to purchase, or email GameNight@escapehunt.com

Night of 1,000 stars

HEN you wish upon a star, amazing things can happen. And a Bracknellbased arts centre is hoping that a festive desire will come true.

South Hill Park has launched Star 1000, its latest campaign as it seeks to replace income lost during the coronavirus pandemic. It has already raised more than £310,000 thanks to donations and a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund. Now it is appealing for 1000 stars to come forward, each committing to give £5 or more a month to raise at least £60,000 a year. The money will help safeguard the range of entertainment, support and classes for many years to come. Sir Kenneth Branagh has shared his

support for South Hill Park saying in his appeal, “it’s vital that we do everything we can to protect the arts in our community and to protect South Hill Park… it inspires us, it connects us, and it enriches our lives”. The STAR 1000 campaign is also receiving support from the stars behind South Hill Park’s much-loved pantomimes, including Joyce Branagh, the writer of the 2018 production Dick Whittington, for which she received a Great British Pantomime Award, Aladdin (2019) and the postponed production of Cinderella, coming to the Arts Centre in 2021. Messages are being posted on South Hill Park’s Facebook page. To support STAR 1000, visit southhillpark.org.uk/donate

Santa heads to Legoland

AMILIES looking for something to do during the holidays will be able to enjoy a visit to Legoland – the Windsor-based park has reopened and welcomed Father Christmas.

Together with his elves, he will be in residence until Christmas Eve. And in Heartlake City there is a brand-new Holiday Harbour Lights Show. There will be music, dancing and a special appearance from Father Christmas himself in a 15-minute display. The Duplo Valley Theatre will see puppets re-enact the classic stories of Cinderella and Elves and the Shoemaker. And there are some twinkling lights, snow and much more to create a winter wonderland. Park bosses say that it has extensive hygiene and safety measures across the resort including temperature checks on arrival, enhanced cleaning, one-way systems, and social distancing markers in ride queues, shops and restaurants.

LEISURE | 29

Have a ball with Cinderella

Escape from it all FESTIVE puzzler will help tackle loneliness this Christmas.

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Karen Glassey, operations director at the Legoland Windsor Resort, said: “This year we’re pulling out all the stops to make Christmas extra special for families. “We’ve been working closely with Father Christmas and his elves and they are looking forward to spreading some festive cheer and saying hello to guests from a safe distance on their new sleigh. “Everyone’s health and safety remains our top priority as we prepare to reopen for Christmas and we ask all guests to visit our website before they visit so that they know what to expect and to play their part by observing Government advice and our own measures at all times.” Legoland Windsor is open daily until January 4, excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Tickets cost from £35, and if booked before December 23, they will include a free ticket that can be used next year. � For more details, log on to www.legoland.co.uk

Cinderella Until January 10, 2021 Theatre Royal Windsor 01753 853888 Theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

HE VERY idea of an all-singing, alldancing festive spectacular has been, for many of us this year, something to add to our Santa wish lists.

The great man at the North Pole has clearly found a way and said that Windsor can go to the ball. It’s not exactly the same as usual: Covid has seen many changes, but it is a fabulous night out and a chance to forget about our annus horribilis. Social distancing rules mean that there’s a one-way system, the auditorium is not packed to the rafters, and an incredibly wellorganised team bring snacks and drinks to your seat, both before the show and during the interval, while face coverings are worn when not eating. The Covid rules also mean that the show has a reduced cast, no panto babes and the most chaste romance since Shakespearan times: no close hugs or snogs for Cinders, while Buttons is blown a kiss rather than a smacker on the cheek. Sometimes you notice the enforced limitations, but most of the time the wit and charm shine through. The usual panto conventions are followed: the show opens with a sparkling prologue from an equally sparkling Debbie McGee, a big song and dance number that allows audiences to appreciate from the get-go the wonderful voice and graceful stage presence of Alice Fillary as Cinderella. Then comes the entrances for Windsor favourites: Kevin Cruise, this year as Buttons, Basil Brush as Baron Hardup, and Steven Blakeley as dame Lavitia, thorn in Cinderella’s side. Each of them has decent jokes, helped by a sparkling script from Blakeley’s pen – there’s also plenty of Strictly references for Debbie to enjoy.

Panto is on … oh yes it is! The Theatre Royal Windsor is currently staging Cinderella

Cruise and Blakeley have a formidable and hilarious on-stage partnership. Sadly, no messy slosh scene (thanks Covid), but plenty of jokes about bubbles, and their Dancing on Ice routine rightly brings the house down. Basil has been entertaining children since the 1960s, so has wisdom beyond his foxyears and knows exactly how to time his naughtiness and punchlines. Completing the main cast are Dominic Sibanda as Prince Charming and Joe Thompson-Oubari, returning after last year’s Aladdin, as Dandini. In a bubble of their own, they successfully team up for crown swapping hi-jinks and energetic dancing, Tik Tok style. They are engaging to watch – both have expressive faces that light up the auditorium when they sing. As Fairy Godmother, Debbie is delightful: warm, reassuring and, well, lovely. It’s a joy to see her on stage and take all the Strictly jokes with good grace.

There are some great touches. Cinderella’s transformation to the belle of the ball will make you book a trip to the opticians, as you won’t believe your eyes. A superhero dance routine segues seamlessly into a brilliant thank-you for our key workers, deftly done. And there are plenty of musical numbers to which the ensemble adds much delight. There are some bits that didn’t quite come together. The drama of Cinderella losing her ball invitation felt slight, while The 12 Days of Christmas routine – designed to be chaos – felt too rushed. It still got some well-deserved big laughs. But those are quibbles. To have any panto this year, let alone one of this quality – thanks to Carole Todd’s direction – is a Christmas miracle. Yes, we all look forward to showbusiness as usual next year, but this is a cracker of show that all ages will enjoy. PHIL CREIGHTON

Festive treats at the Kenton Theatre

HRISTMAS treats are being promised by the Kenton Theatre in Henley.

This evening, the Apollo Theatre Company will livestream their take on Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Starting at 7pm, the show is also being recorded and can be seen on-demand anytime until Sunday, December 27. First produced last year, this original adaptation by director Joseph O’Malley (The 39 Steps), sees a cast of four tell Charles Dickens’s most famous story in a traditional, yet unique production that combines classic storytelling with puppetry, physical theatre and music, using some of the most evocative traditional Christmas carols. Artistic director of Apollo Theatre Company, Tim Astley says: “This is a beautiful production that contains all the traditional elements of the original story, told in a fastpaced, incredibly creative manner that is sure to delight the whole family and put everyone in the Christmas spirit.” The Kenton Theatre welcomes any care homes within the local area to get in touch with generalmanager@kentontheatre.co.uk. For all other audiences tickets are only £5 per device/household. The show is also being performed at South Hill Park on Tuesday, December 22. And on Christmas Eve, veteran actor Simon Williams (Upstairs, Downstairs, Don’t

C Y Moore’s classic The Night Before Christmas. It will be available to watch from Christmas Eve on The Kenton Theatre’s Facebook page. Donations towards the Kenton For Keeps campaign will be warmly welcomed. The Kenton Theatre are still asking the public to generously donate towards their Kenton For Keeps campaign, which so far has raised £18,957.95 of its £35,000 public fundraising target. The Kenton Theatre received financial aid

from the Arts Council England’s Emergency Response Fund, supported by the National Lottery, in May. The theatre has set a target to match the £35,000 received through its own fundraising campaign. To donate, text KEEPKENTON and the amount to 70085, for example text KEEPKENTON 10 to 70085 to donate £10. Texts cost the donation plus one standard rate message. Alternatively, visit: kentontheatre.co.uk/ kentonforkeeps

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (CHURCH ROAD, FARLEY HILL) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 10th 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: 1. Church Road, Farley Hill between its junctions with Castle Road and Sandpit Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Castle Road, Holly Corner, Priest Hill and Bunglers Hill or by this route in reverse.

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

201644

Spice Lounge, 45 High Street, Wargrave

Conservation Area

201645

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 21st December and 23rd December 2020.

Spice Lounge, 45 High Street, Wargrave

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

2. Church Lane, Farley Hill between its junctions with Church Road and Bunces Shaw Road.

Full application for the proposed change of use of the existing restaurant (Use Class A3) to 6 no. dwellings (Use Class C3) consisting of 2 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 1 bedroom flats, plus internal alterations and changes to fenestration. Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed change of use of the existing restaurant (Use Class A3) to 6 no. dwellings (Use Class C3) consisting of 2 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 1 bedroom flats, plus internal alterations and changes to fenestration.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A327 READING ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 22nd 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: A327 Reading Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3348 Fleet Hill and Park Lane. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Langley Common Road, Biggs Lane, Park Lane, Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road, B3016 Jubilee Road and B3348 The Village or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 22nd December and 23rd December 2020 between 22:00 and 06:00.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Castle Road and Church Road or by this route in reverse.

203074

High Barn, Church Lane, Major Application Finchampstead

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 4th January 2021.

Full planning application for the proposed change of use from agricultural land to commercial land for the use by dog carers.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake structural maintenance work in safety.

203165

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake blockage clearance work in safety.

1 Church Street, Twyford

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Full planning application for the changes of fenestration. (Retrospective)

203254

Parcel V2s, Lakeside Bus Route

Major Application

Application for approval of reserved matters pursuant to outline planning consent O/2014/2280 for the construction of 36 dwellings with access from Lakeside Bus Route (LSBR) (Biggs Lane), with associated internal access roads, parking, landscaping and open space, footpaths/cycleways, and Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS). Details of access, appearance, landscaping, layout and scale to be determined.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

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 21st 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: 17th December 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

203302

13 Market Place, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed installation of 2 no. front dormer windows.

203439

36 and 39-48 Grovelands Park, Winnersh

Major Application

Full application for the proposed removal of 12 no. existing mobile homes and the erection of 11 no. two storey pre-fabricated temporary accommodation units (plots 39-48) and 1 no. single storey mobile house (plot 36).

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 22nd 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: 17th December 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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 10th 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: 17th December 2020

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RUGBY UNION

RAMS RARING TO GO AFTER CUP DRAW By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk FLYING wing Conor Corrigan is chomping at the bit to return to action when Rams take their place in a fascinating National Cup pool.

With the draw being done geographically due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rams have been placed in a thrilling six-team group which also includes Rosslyn Park and Chinnor – the other sides apart from champions Richmond at the top of the National One table at the end of the shortened last season. Corrigan’s former club Henley Hawks are also in the mix along with Barnes and Esher, making Pool Two one of

the ones to follow in the initial stages of a competition which could end with a Twickenham final in May. And the Aussie speedster revealed: “I’m very excited – there are a good few good derbies and I’m sure everyone will be up for it. “It’s been a while since we’ve played so I’m expecting a lot of energy from all the teams involved.” The competition will be played under adapted rules which mean no scrums or mauls will be allowed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. And while his side used those weapons superbly last season, forwards coach Owen Root revealed: “It’s really

exciting. Change can be something which makes you anxious, but it also demands the best from you and as coaches and players it will demand us to think outside the box to be creative and look at what we can do within the parameters that have been set out. “We’re grateful to the RFU who have allowed us to get back and play some rugby, the boys are up for it and as coaches and everyone involved with the club, it’s an exciting opportunity to develop and we need to make sure we do – it maybe an opportunity to find things which we can take into our next campaign.” He was also intrigued by the draw.

“It will be fantastic,” he said. “It’s exciting enough to get some rugby, even though it’s not the same, but when you add into that the possibility of playing Henley, Chinnor, derbies renewed, it’s great. “To hopefully get the chance to have a hit out against these guys is really exciting – but I’m sure they’re equally excited and that will make for a positive, which is something in these times we probably need. It is hoped the tournament will be played home-and-away in the group stage, before moving into the knock-out phases. Further information fixture dates will be announced in due course, with a target start date of February.

NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 READING ROAD, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING AND RIGHT TURN) ORDER 2021

Wokingham Borough Council Licensing Act 2003 S17 Application for Premises Licence NEWSPAPER NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle: 1. To turn right into Woodward Close, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading

OUR LADY OF PEACE CATHOLIC CLUB LTD. of 338 Wokingham Road, Earley, Reading RG6 7DA proposes to carry on the following licensable activities at the above premises: � The sale by retail of alcohol

Road.

� The provision of regulated entertainment

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, B3270 Showcase Roundabout and return.

Representations may be made in writing by any responsible authority or interested party in the vicinity of the premises to the licensing authority Licensing Team, Wokingham Borough Council, POB 155, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WW or by email to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk All representations made are open to public inspection

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 4th January and 6th June 2021. 2. To proceed along Green Lane, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 1st February and 8th February 2021. 3. To proceed along Sadlers Lane, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 8th February and 15th February 2021. 4. To proceed along Woodward Close, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th February and 22nd February 2021. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Wokingham Borough Council contractors to undertake construction of a new distributor road bypass 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 4th January 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Representations to be made by: 8th January 2021 This application has been made to the Licensing Team at Wokingham Borough Council where a register of applications is kept and a record of the application may be inspected. Contact 0118 974 6358 or www.wokingham.gov.uk. Under S158 of the above act, a person commits an offence if he knowingly or recklessly makes a false statement in connection with an application. A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale. Dated: 17th December 2020

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Dated: 17th December 2020 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Booking deadline for next two issues is Friday, December 18

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL A. PROPOSED PROHIBITION OF RIGHT TURNS: LONGDON ROAD ONTO KING STREET LANE; AND KING STREET LANE ONTO HATCH FARM WAY. WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PRESCRIBED ROUTES ORDER NO *, 202* 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make the above named Order under Sections 1 and 2 and Part III of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. 2. The effect of the Order would be to prohibit vehicles, on: (a)Longdon Road from turning right onto King Street Lane; and (b)King Street Lane from turning right onto Hatch Farm Way. 3. Copies of documents giving further information of the proposed Order can be viewed for a period of 35 days from the date of this Notice online at ‘www.wokingham.gov.uk/consultations’ reference P019-20. 4. Any person wishing to object to the proposed Order should send a statement in writing stating the grounds of the objection to Traffic Management Team, Place & Growth, P.O. Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to ‘TM.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ quoting the reference P019-20 to be received by no later than 21 January 2021. Dated 17th December 2020 Christine Traill, Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 13 OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION NEWSPAPER NOTICE. Proposed Development at: A321 Finchampstead Road/Molly Millars Lane roundabout located at (Easting 480820: Northing: 167810). Inclusive of land to the North of No 81 Finchampstead Road extending to Molly Millars Lane. For Planning Permission for the: Removal of existing 3 arm mini roundabout and construction of larger replacement 3 arm roundabout at the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road; demolition of 3 no. properties on Finchampstead Road (81, 83 and 85), associated landscaping and improvements to pedestrian crossing environment.

It’s good news for everyone

Dated 17th December 2020 Jean Mulovi Wokingham Borough Council Development Management P.O Box 157 Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WR

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FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

BOARS SUFFER SECOND With Dick Sawdon-Smith CONSECUTIVE DEFEAT Combined Counties Division One

EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA suffered their second defeat on the bounce as they were narrowly beaten away at Epsom & Ewell. The defeat leaves the Boars in 15th position in the table after 12 games. They look to get back to form when they host struggling AFC Hayes, who are in 18th place, this Saturday.

Thames Valley Premier League

CLUB OFFICIALS CAN ALSO GET CARDS

EADING Football Club supporters who have watched their games on their computers or televisions will have seen their new manager, Veljko Paunović, shown a yellow card recently.

Although referees have always had the authority to send managers to the stands, the use of yellow and red cards for club officials only entered the Laws of the Game in 2019. There are too many reasons for these actions to list in this column. These range from a warning, a caution (yellow card) and a red card, which means they must leave the technical area. On local parks where they have no technical area, officials must move away from the pitch. Let me just take dissent of the referees decision which is on the lists for all three categories. A minor/low level disagreement by word or action could result in a warning. For a yellow card, the dissent might include throwing or kicking drinks bottles or other objects and gestures which fail to show due respect for match officials, I think the Reading manager’s dissent falls into that category.

Red cards can be given for entering the field of play to confront a match official, (including at half-time or fulltime), showing dissent or remonstrating with a match official, or acting in a provocative or inflammatory manner. A couple of Premier League managers have been shown red cards this season. Slaven Bilic of West Brom, charged on to the field at half time waving his arms about. Carlo Ancelotti of Everton was much calmer when entering the field at full-time for a prolonged confrontation but obviously he wasn’t praising the referee. Most sanctions are probably due to club officials behaviour to the fourth official. Standing between club officials, he is an easy target for their dissatisfaction. His job however is not just to show the boards for substitutions and added time. It is to help the referee on the field, which is difficult when being harangued by complaints from team officials. In any case he’s never going to get the referees to change his decision.

FINCHAMPSTEAD remain top of the table despite suffering a setback with a draw agianst Mortimer. Finch went behind early when the away side opened the scoring after 10 minutes and found themselves a goal down at the break. But Finch hit back quickly with a leveller just a minute into the second half through Richard Dow as they earned a point to maintain their unbeaten record in the league. They have a two-point lead at the top over Wraysbury Village having played two more games. BERKS COUNTY continued their rise up the table as they maintained their 100% winning start to the season. Ebenezer Opuku-Ware and Eddie Lee netted to ensure a two-nil away victory at Cookham Dean to put Berks in third position in the table. Berks have won all four of their league fixtures and are in a healthy position having played the least amount of games in the league of any side. WOODLEY UNITED ROYALS fell back down to 10th in the table after they were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Westwood Wanderers.

Thames Valley Division One WARGRAVE made it three wins from three to stay at the summit of the table. They earned a convincing 4-1 win at home to Reading YMCA to deal their opponents their first defeat of the season. Sam Wild netted a brace, while Joseph Danelian and Stuart Moss added to the score to earn the three points.

Eversley & California have lost their two league fixtures Pictures: Richard Milam

Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY RESERVES moved up to third with their third triumph of the season. Callum Allen scored a quickfire double early in the second half to help his side to a 2-0 win.

Thames Valley Division Four FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT moved up a place into ninth after they earned an away point against Harchester Hawks.

Thames Valley Women’s Division One WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK LADIES earned a draw against high flying Woking Ladies. Two goals from Sarah

Leaonard ensured that the Sumas would earn a point to keep them in seventh position.

Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K LADIES climbed up to

the top of the table with their fifth win of the season. The Fawkes claimed a 3-2 victory over Taplow United Ladies with goals from Kiah Owen, Claudia Periquito and Samantha Sadler to give them the status as league leaders.

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FOOTBALL

ALL WHITE NOW – JAKE’S A GOAL MACHINE FOR SUMAS Wokingham & Emmbrook 4 Woodley United 0

By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokinghampaper.co.uk JAKE WHITE starred for Wokingham & Emmbrook as they took the bragging rights in their local derby clash against Woodley United on Saturday.

Both teams returned to Hellenic League action for the first time since the end of lockdown, with Sumas top of the table and Woodley second from bottom. After the game had started, Sumas then took possession of the ball – several headers went up and beyond the centre circle which developed into a low level passing into the box with a cross in from the right. Perry Howard in Woodley’s goal hooked the ball away from the foot of the far post. As play progressed, the speedy winger, Lamin Ceesay, made up ground quickly but when he was in a position to shoot.He sent the ball over the top of Sean Woodward’s crossbar. A free kick to Sumas went across the field and an ensuing shot flew over Howard’s cross bar. A corner kick went out of play by a deflection and Sumas next corner created a penalty. Once the Sumas’ player got up off the ground, Jake White scored from the spot in the eighth minute. Ben Anderson reached the Sumas end but his header to Sean Woodward was direct and he made a comfortable save.

A handball in midfield gave Sumas a free kick. Nick Bateman sent the ball into the box but Woodley’s defenders cleared it. A deflection provided a corner for Sumas after Mark O’Connell tried to defend and the ball was cleared into touch. On the counter, Chris Byrne put the ball over Howard’s cross bar and Sumas went back to defend. The ball was taken to Sumas area but Woodward was there to clear it into touch. A free kick was awarded to Sumas but again the Woodley defenders dealt with it. Jake White was sent a long through ball but it was beyond his reach after a sprinting chase. Luke Scope went across to the left flank and the shot passed the far post. Scope then kept up the good work but Woodley regained possession and went up to Woodward’s territory. Soon after, Jake White went on a good run through the Woodley defence and only had the keeper to beat with his cool finish as the game was nearing the break. A two goal cushion had been created. With half-time approaching, Jake White sealed his hat-trick as he added to his season’s tally with a stunning first-half display. The second half began with a boost to the score. Sumas gained a free kick a couple of minutes after the restart. Jake White curled the ball perfectly to swing away

Wokingham & Emmbrook stay top of the league with an unbeaten record Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

from the wall of defenders fairly low into the bottom left hand corner beyond the reach of any goalkeeper to make it four for him and four for the team. The next one he hit the cross bar from the spot and Will Day replaced Jake White. Another free kick produced nothing at all for the Sumas who must have been sensing victory although there was almost the entire half to play.

A corner for Sumas led nowhere and a free kick for Woodley taken by Musa Drameh curled conveniently for Woodward to collect. Three points, four goals and a clean sheet kept Wokingham & Emmbrook top of the table. Sumas manager Dan Bateman said: “Pleased with the win and the performance today for a first game back. “We had a few unavailable

so the squad was tested to the max. A great day for the club with three senior teams in action, three convincing wins and three clean sheets.” The Sumas will look to continue their reign at the top of the table when they face Abingdon Town away from home on Saturday, while Woodley United will be searching for form when they host Kidlington Reserves.

WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK: Woodward,[GK], Dan Carter, O’Connell, Guest, L. Eagle,[c] Cummuskey, C. Eagle, Byrne, Scope, Jake White, N. Bateman. Substitutes: Collier, Harris, W. Day, Good. WOODLEY UTD: Howard,[GK], Jamaal Whight, Carmichael, Alexander[c], Sissons, Wayhorn, Drameh [y/c], Briggs, Anderson, Hagger, Ceesay. Substitutes: Betts,[y/c] Shone, Tegg, A. Carter, Tyson. [Carter not used].

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FOOTBALL

FROM THE NEW EXPERIENCE AWAITS TILEHURST END

At face value, these are stats to be applauded. It could be used as an example of the club’s commitment to developing young players and Veljko Paunović’s confidence in giving them opportunities. But in reality, it starkly highlights the current lack of depth in the Royals squad. Recent injuries to Yakou Méïté, Lucas João and Omar Richards, who join John Swift, Andy Yiadom, George Pușcaș and Felipe Araruna on the sidelines, have left Paunović with a worrying lack of options. Given the busy Championship schedule – clubs will play 12 games between November 21 and January 2 (one every threeand-a-half days) – this was perhaps to be expected and Reading are far from the only team in the division to have suffered from a plethora of injuries. Ahead of Wednesday’s game against Norwich, the Royals had used just 22 players in the Championship this season. Only Cardiff City, with 21, have fielded fewer. In the absence of back-up in certain positions, Paunović is forcing square pegs into round holes. Lewis Gibson put in an encouraging performance at left-back against QPR, but it is still not his natural position, while Alfa Semedo – a holding midfielder by trade – has tended to be used as a 10 and was even shoved upfront late on at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium.

FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship QPR 0-1 Reading Hellenic Division One East Sumas 4-0 Woodley United Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California 1-2 Epson & Ewell

Thames Valley Division One Wargrave 4-1 Reading YMCA

Squad depth a concern for injury hit Royals

Saturday, December 12

Thames Valley Premier League Cookham Dean 0-2 Berks County Finchampstead 1-1 Mortimer Westwood Rangers 2-1 Woodley United Royals

With Olly Allen

EADING’S substitutes bench against Queens Park Rangers last Saturday had a rather youthful feel to it. All nine players were aged 23 or under, with eight having come through the club’s academy.

RESULTS

As discussed in a previous column, the Guinea-Bissau international lacks the creativity to play such an attacking role. But with João, Pușcaș and Méïté all out, Sam Baldock is Reading’s only fit first team striker. You can’t fault the 31-yearold’s work ethic, but he does not provide the same threat as that trio and the Royals may struggle for goals in the next few weeks. While it is good that Paunović is including academy players such as Jayden Onen and Nahum Melvin-Lambert on the bench, he is not going as far as to actually play them. Dejan Tetek’s 12-minute cameo against Watford at the start of October is the only time an Under-23s player has been trusted in the league. On Saturday against QPR, it was the four most experienced youngsters – Lewis Gibson, Michael Olise, Tom Holmes and Tom McIntyre that were brought on. Reading appear to have gone from one extreme to another: for the last few seasons they have had a bloated squad that left some players isolated on the sidelines, but now the squad is arguably too small to cope with the vigorous demands of the Championship. It raises the question of how much business the club will look to do in the January transfer window. As Adam wrote in this column last week, spending must be conservative as FFP guidelines still loom large, but equally, additions are surely needed if Reading are to maintain their promotion challenge. Come the latter part of the season, it will be the teams with sufficient cover that cope with the run-in better.

Thames Valley Division Two Berks County Reserves 2-0 Goring United Thames Valley Division Four Harchester Hawks 1-1 Finchampstead Development HOCKEY MBBO Regional 1 South Berkshire 1s 0-3 Reading 3s

Reading were beaten last season at the Madejski Stadium by Brentford Picture: Steve Smyth

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING will face their firstever trip to the Brentford Community Stadium to face the Bees this Saturday.

Brentford fell at the final hurdle last season as their dreams of moving into their new home as a Premier League outfit were dashed by Fulham in the play-off final. Thomas Frank’s side have made a decent start to the season as they look to push for promotion again. Just one point separates Brentford in sixth and Reading in fifth after the Bees took a

point away from Vicarage Road with a 1-1 draw against Watford on Tuesday night. Last night – after we had gone to press – the Royals faced a tough test against league leaders Norwich City on Wednesday evening (match report online at Wokingham.Today). Reading were beaten by the Bees on both meetings last season. Brentford took the points with a 1-0 win at Griffin Park thanks to a goal from Ollie Watkins. The reverse fixture was much more convincing as Brentford showed their superiority on the night with

goals from Bryan Mbuemo, Josh Dasilva and Joel Valencia securing a 3-0 win for the visitors at the Madejski in June. Veljko Paunović’s team have some notable absentees going into the weekend with Yakou Méïté, Lucas João and Omar Richards all likely to miss the trip to Brentford, while John Swift, George Pușcaș and Andy Yiadom are both recovering from long term injuries. Brentford’s Ivan Toney rose to the top of the goalscoring charts after he netted a penalty on Tuesday evening to take his tally to 16 goals in 19 Championship appearances and will likely be a big threat.

FOOTBALL

READING SEEK TO END WINLESS RUN AT BRIGHTON READING WOMEN manager Kelly Chambers praised her side’s ‘superb’ performance in a difficult late defeat to Manchester United Women.

“To take nothing out of the game was hard,” said Chambers as Reading conceded a late goal against United, who are top of the Women’s Super League. “I think that we were superb from start to finish. There were a lot of times when we were on top, but unfortunately, when you’re playing top of the league and you give them an opportunity nine times out of ten they are going to take them. “It’s disappointing that we’ve conceded from a set piece to lose the game. “Credit to my girls, they were outstanding, their performance was spot on as it has been for

the last few weeks. It’s just finding that moment where we can turn it into three points. “United are a great side and they have great momentum at the moment. if you look at where they are in the league and the wins they’ve been picking up against top sides. We knew that we’d have to be at the top of our game, which I felt that we were. “We were comfortable on the ball, we were great in terms of playing out and dealing with their press and I feel that we were great at all those aspects.” The Royals will be looking to get back to winning ways after five games without a win in the league when they travel away to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. “Our performances have

been magnificent, but there needs to be a turning point where we were turning those games into results,” Chambers continued. “Whether that’s a team nicking a draw that should have been our win as it was against Bristol, or losing a game when we should have got something out of it, like we should have against United. “In previous games, we haven’t been taking our chances to get the three points when we should have, which makes us put pressure on ourselves to get something against top of the league. “We need to stick together with Brighton coming up. We need to turn in a good performance hopefully go into the break with a win.”

MBBO Division 3 South Berkshire 3s 1-0 Milton Keynes 3s

Sunday, December 13 FOOTBALL FA Women’s Super League Reading Women 1-2 Manchester United Women Thames Valley Women’s Division One Badshot Lea Ladies 7-0 Wargrave Women Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies 2-2 Woking Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Ladies 3-2 Taplow United Ladies

Wednesday, December 16 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading v Norwich City (report online at Wokingham.Today)

FIXTURES Saturday, December 19 FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Brentford v Reading Hellenic Division One East Abingdon Town v Sumas Woodley United v Risborough Rangers Combined Counties Division One Eversley & California v AFC Hayes Thames Valley Premier League Burghfield v Woodley United Royals Finchampstead v Marlow United Windlesham & Chobham v Berks County Thames Valley Division One Wargrave v Cookham Dean Reserves Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves v Berks County Reserves

Sunday, December 20 FOOTBALL FA Women’s Super League Brighton & Hove Albion Women v Reading Women Thames Valley Women’s Division One Woking Ladies v Eversley & California Ladies

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FA WOMENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SUPER LEAGUE

ROYALS RUE WHAT MAY HAVE BEEN AS MAN UTD TAKE HOME THE POINTS

Reading Women are now five games without a win in the league after defeat to Manchester United Pictures: Neil Graham

Reading Women 1 Manchester United Women 2 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk READING WOMEN couldn't stop the momentum of league leaders Manchester United who found a late winner through Hayley Ladd to take three points at the Madejski Stadium.

United went ahead through Leah Galton in the first-half, but Fishlock's effort found the net after taking a cruel touch off Molly Turner. But the Red Devils hit back in the 82nd minute as Ladd headed in from close range to keep their lead at the top of the Women's Super League. The Royals are in sixth position having not won any of their last five league fixtures. United threatened early with a trio of corners in the first three minutes of the game, but the Royals stayed organised to

clear the danger. Reading then got forward to create a chance when Amalie Eikeland got down the right wing and fired a ball to the near post to try and find Tash Harding, before Jess Fishlock ballooned a shot well over the bar. Fishlock then had another strike at goal on the edge of the box which came inches away from finding the top corner. The visitors then had the best chance of the match so far 14 minutes in when Tobin Heath cut the ball back for Kirsty Hanson but she failed to capitalise and scuffed a shot wide. Both sides were cancelling each other out, but Fara Williams tried her luck wide on the right with a looping effort which landed on the top of the net. Emma Harries then had a shout for a penalty when she burst into the box from the left wing and fell down under the

challenge of Amy Turner, but the referee waved play on. But just a minute later, United broke forward and took the lead. Leah Galton sprinted forward from the left wing and beat Deanna Cooper before her shot beat Grace Moloney at the near post. United would have made it two before the break had it not been for a crucial interception from Moloney who flew off her line to tackle Galton after a pass split open the Reading defence. Reading found an equaliser early in the second half as Fishlock's strike on goal was taken past Mary Earps via an unfortunate deflection from Molly Turner to find the net to wrongfoot her keeper. Fishlock continued to cause problems and broke into the box after a mistake from Amy Turner, but the United defender made a superb recovery tackle with the Welsh international bearing down on goal. Kristine Leine, who was already on a yellow card, could count herself fortunate when United forward Lucy Staniforth stayed on her feet instead of going to ground in the box under Leine's mistimed lunge. United had a super chance to re-take the lead in the 78th minute but Molly Bartrip was well positioned in front of goal to make a vital block from close range from Jane Ross Kelly Chambers made her

first change with just over 10 minutes left as Rachel Rowe replaced Eikeland. But the Royals couldn't hold on to the point as Hayley Ladd was given a free header in the box just four yards out as she met the flick on and converted for the league leaders. Casey Stoney's side held out to claim another win to maintain their unbeaten run and strengthen their position at the top of the table. Reading are away against Brighton & Hove Albion next Sunday in their final game of 2020. READING WOMEN: Moloney, Leine, Batrip, Cooper, Woodham, James, Fishlock, Williams, Harding (c), Eikeland, Harries. SUBS: Nayler, Rowe, Roberts, Childerhouse, Bruton, Carter MANCHESTER UNITED WOMEN: Earps, Battle, A Turner (c), M Turner, Smith, Ladd, Groenen, Toone, Heath, Galton, Hanson. SUBS: Bentley, McManus, Okvist, Staniforth, Zelem, Fuso, Ross GOALS: Galton 32', Fishlock 56', Ladd 82'

38 | SPORT

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

LATE BUT IT’S GREAT: ROYALS TAKE BATTLE OF HOOPS WITH LAST GASP OLISE GOAL Queens Park Rangers 0 Reading 1 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk

MICHAEL OLISE netted a late winner in the 89th minute to snatch all three points for the Royals away at Queens Park Rangers.

Reading players celebrate with Michael Olise after he hit a late winner at the Kiyan Prince Stadium to earn the Royals a win Pictures: Steve Smyth

Tomas Esteves (left) and Tom McIntyre (right) jostle for possession

Veljko Paunović praised his squad’s resilient spirit as they earned a win to keep them in the play-offs ahead of their test against league leaders Norwich City on Wednesday evening (report online at Wokingham.Today). The game looked headed for a goalless draw, but Reading’s young star came up with a moment of magic as he bent the ball into the far left corner from 25 yards to give the visitors a vital away win. Veljko PaunoviĊ was forced to make changes to his team after Reading’s midweek defeat at home to Birmingham City. Lucas João and Yakou Méïté missed out through injury and were replaced by Sam Baldock and Alfa Semedo. Meanwhile, Tomas Esteves started at right-back ahead of Tom Holmes and Michael Olise dropped to the bench for Sone Aluko. Playing in front of 2,000 QPR fans at the Kiyan Prince Foundation, the hosts created a couple of early chances when Ilias Chair saw two efforts blocked, first from Andy Rinomhota before Rafael parried an effort away from target. Reading’s first chance came after 15 minutes as Michael Morrison headed just wide of the post from Ovie Ejaria’s corner. The Royals then had their best opening of the match when Josh Laurent picked out Ejaria on the left wing with a superb pass. He looked to pick out Sam Baldock in the middle with a low cross but the forward couldn’t make contact despite being at full stretch on the slide. There was more bad injury news for Paunović’s team, who are already missing several important

first-team players, as Omar Richards was forced off with injury and replaced by Lewis Gibson. Neither side created enough to find a breakthrough as Liam Moore blocked Tom Carroll’s effort just before the break to ensure that the team’s would go in at half-time with nothing to separate them. Rangers had half a sniff at goal when Chris Willock found Bright Osayi-Samuel in the box, but Royals’ skipper Moore got a vital touch on the ball to keep the winger’s shot away from danger. With the teams still locked 65 minutes into the game, Paunović made his first changes as Holmes and Olise replaced Esteves and Aluko. Rangers midfielder Carroll picked up the first card of the game when he was booked for a trip on Olise but the Royals failed to capitalise on the set piece. There was a huge let off in the 77th minute for Reading when they were saved by the post. Chair bent the ball around Rafael but the frame of the goal came to their rescue. With the game headed for a stalemate, defender Tom McIntyre came on in place of Baldock with just over five minutes to play. And the Royals came up with a winner in the 89th minute as substitute Olise marked his 19th birthday with a special goal. He was given space to shoot and fired the ball into the corner past Dieng to produce a moment of quality to take the points. The Royals held on during stoppage time to earn an impressive away win. QPR: Dieng, Kakay, Dickie, Barbet, Hamalainen, Cameron, Carroll, OsayiSamuel, Chair, Willock, Dykes SUBS: Kelly, Kane, Masterson, Ball, Battache, Adomah, Thomas, Bonne, Kelman READING: Rafael, Esteves, Morrison, Moore, Richards, Rinomhota, Laurent, Ejaria, Semedo, Aluko, Baldock SUBS: Southwood, McIntyre, Gibson, Watson, Holmes-East, Olise, Onen, MelvinLambert GOALS: Olise 89’

Thursday, December 17, 2020 THESPORTSPAPER

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: OLISE HITS WINNER

PAUNOVIĆ PRAISES SQUAD FOR PULLING TOGETHER

Josh Laurent charges through the midfield

Ovie Ejaria dribbles through QPR’s midfield

VELJKO PAUNOVIC praised his team’s spirit as they found an 89th minute winner through Michael Olise to take three points at Queens Park Rangers. Olise marked his 19th birthday by scoring a superb goal which proved to be decisive in a cagey game at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday. “It’s nice to have a team and a group of people that work together with an amazing spirit and fight to play every game until the end,” said Paunovic. “I’m very happy for Michael (Olise) to score the goal on his birthday and to give himself his own birthday present. “He delivered to the team and to our fans a fantastic performance with that stunner at the end. “It is the media’s job to lift him up but it is our job to keep his feet on the ground. “This win helps create another momentum which we’re looking to have moving forward. Playing in

front of our fans is going to help a lot.” Despite all of the positives surrounding the win, there are concerns for Reading who lost Omar Richards to injury during the first half, as well as Yakou Meite and Lucas Joao who both missed out on the game, sustaining injuries against Birmingham the week before. “It was a hamstring injury (Richards). We will see but we don’t see him recovering this week,” he continued. “In the collision against Birmingham, he (Yakou Meite) received multiple injuries. “One is his ribs, the other is not a head injury but the impact and the most difficult is his knee. “It’s going to take longer than we all wanted but we will have to wait until January to see. “This month he won’t be available. “Lucas Joao has a soft tissue injury. We are looking at three to four weeks to have him back.”

NO ONE CHRONICLES THE ACTION BETTER THAN US!

ROYALS GET THE ABBEY HABIT

BOARS SUFFER ANOTHER BLOW

ROYALS: THAT’S ONE WAY TO MARK A B-DAY!

SUMAS 4 KESTRELS 0

WHITE WASH FOURGOALS FROMJAKE SEES WOKINGHAM PAINTALLOVER WOODLEY

READING have tied down the future of young defender Nelson Abbey who has signed his first professional contract with the club.

Abbey made his first team debut for the Royals in September; just a fortnight after celebrating his 17th birthday, he came off the bench in the Carabao Cup to become the 63rd young player to add his name to the Academy Honours Board. His contract will keep him at the club until the summer of 2022.

BOXING DAY TIX ON SALE

READING FANS will be hoping for a late Christmas present when the Royals face Luton Town on Boxing Day.

Tickets go on sale this morning at 10am, with 2,000 fans permitted to attend the home game, as per the current tier two restrictions – but this could change if Reading is moved up or down a tier. All tickets will be refunded if a move to Tier 3 is made prior to kickoff. Reading marked last year’s Boxing Day fixture with a win over Queen’s Park Rangers and they will be hoping to do the same in front of the Madejski crowd this season. ISSN 2634-8330

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Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2020

WOMEN DEALT RED DEVILS DEFEAT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokinghampaper.co.uk JAKE WHITE was in scintillating form as he hit four goals to give Wokingham & Emmbrook the edge in the local derby clash against Woodley United.

Both teams returned to Hellenic League action for the first time since the end of the second lockdown after the originally scheduled fixture on Saturday, October 31, was postponed due to a covid outbreak.

Despite having had six weeks away from the pitch, the Sumas showed little signs of rustiness as White blasted the home side ahead with a first-half quickfire hat-trick. White added a fourth in the second half to seal the win. The Sumas remain unbeaten this season and at the top of the table. Meanwhile, the Kestrels are in 14th having won just one league game this season. � Match report on page 34

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Brilliant White: Jake scored all four goals for the Sumas during their derby game against Woodley on Saturday Picture: Steve Smyth / Charlotte Simpson