6 | NEWS
Libraries host online events WOKINGHAM borough libraries are running three online activities for youngsters later this month. Two creative writing groups and virtual a storytime will be both taking place online. The teen writing group, for 11- to 18-year-olds, will be joined by author Lisa Williamson on Saturday, February 12. Her books include First Day of My Life and All About Mia. The session runs from 10.30am to noon. The children’s creative writing group, for those aged eight to 10, will meet on Thursday, February 10, from 4pm to 4.45pm. Virtual storytime promises lots of fun for families with children aged seven years old and under. It takes place on Thursday, February 15, at 11.30am. n For more information, email libraries@wokingham.gov.uk
Book signing ONE of the comics behind the hit sitcom Not Going Out will be signing books in Wokingham on Saturday. Paul Kerensa has written several books for children, including Planet Protectors, and will be at Quench in Holme Grange Craft Village from 3.30pm. Entry is free.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 10, 2022
Renters feel the sting of commercial electricity rates By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
WOKINGHAM residents say they have been left feeling the sting of their electricity bill, after moving into new apartments.
Andrew Carr moved into Parkview House, off Oaklands Park along Fishponds Road in November. The property was converted from a commercial building into 24 flats, and overlooks Leslie Sears Playing Field. Mr Carr said that he and his neighbours are paying “top dollar rents”, with his exceeding £1,400 per month, for “amazingly ineffective management”. He believes that they have been misled over energy bills by Prospect Estate Agents, which manages the property on behalf of the landlord. When a property is changed from commercial to residential, the postcode also changes. But Mr Carr said that issues with the new postcode meant that the switch-over from a commercial electricity supplier to residential was delayed. Commercial electricity can
cost around 64p per kilowatt hour, plus a daily charge both at 20% VAT instead of 5% for residents. While Mr Carr and his neighbours were waiting for the switch to happen, he said they were hit with a bill for more than £500 for two months of power. “A Prospect staff member said we should bear with them until the end of November,” he said. “But then I got a bill that included a late payment surcharge, even though we were originally told not to worry about paying any bills, as these were being covered by the landlord.” Mr Carr said he visited the branch to speak to someone about the costs. “They said it was all sorted and the landlord would pay until it was all sorted out,” Mr Carr said. But in the new year, Mr Carr was told by Prospect to pay the late payment bill, and that other tenants had. He says they told him the landlord had not agreed to pay the electricity bill during the transfer. Mr Carr said that he feels that Prospect has been “deceitful”
over the bills, with different agreements made in person and in writing. “Up to last week, my electricity bill was £1,241,” he said. “I expected to move in and really enjoy it, but it’s been nothing but hell.” Had he not paid upfront for seven months rent, Mr Carr said that he would be looking to move out now and get out of any agreement that had been made. The landlord of Parkview House said: “I am surprised that [Wokingham Today] finds this to be somewhat newsworthy. “Although there was initially an issue with energy bills for eight of the 25 apartments, where they were switched to a business account, instead of residential, the energy company accepted fault and have already released the apartments to the new suppliers. “They have also applied a discount on the total usage on final invoice to reduce their bills further. “As this matter has been resolved satisfactorily, we will not comment further.” Prospect Estate Agents did not comment further.
LEADS: Rob Barlow and Maddie Deeks star as Bonnie and Clyde in the musical retelling of the American criminals’ lives Picture: Simon Drake
Platform YP returns to The Whitty Theatre STUDENTS at a Woosehill theatre school returned to the stage last month as they fundraiser for their place at Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Almost 250 pupils at Platform YP performed five shows at The Whitty Theatre on Saturday, January 29, and Sunday, January 30. These included Bonnie and Clyde, Singing in the Rain, Bugsy Malone and two shows with different casts performing James and The Giant Peach. For many of the younger students, this was their first time on the stage. Delivering the shows to an
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A NATIONAL charity is appealing for help as its Great Daffodil Appeal returns. End of life charity Marie Curie is calling on residents to give two hours of their time to hand out daffodil pins in return for donations. This year will be the first Great Daffodil Appeal in two years, due to covid. Last year, the charity provided direct support to more than 69,000 people – a 15% rise on 2020 and more than ever before. Fiona Turner, community fundraiser for Berkshire said the team is excited to get back out there for its collections. She added: “We rely on
Trust shortlisted for portering awards
PORTERING staff at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust have been recognised as among the best in the country. The team has been shortlisted for two awards in this year’s MyPorter Awards These include the Portering Team of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year. Kenneth McIntyre was nominated by his colleagues for being a newcomer who makes the whole team stronger, pushes others to even
volunteers to help us raise as much money as we can so that we can continue to ensure Marie Curie is there for terminally ill people, and their families in their final days, weeks, months. “Volunteering is not only a great way to support Marie Curie but also a chance to meet new people in your community.” On Wednesday, March 23, the charity is encouraging everyone to wear a daffodil pin and take a moment to show their support for the millions of people bereaved during the pandemic.
n For more information, visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/collect
better work, and has great ways of communicating with colleagues and patients that bring a smile to everyone’s face. Jose Antunes, portering services coordinator at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said that all of the portering teams play a vital role in keeping the Trust running smoothly. Steve Sellwood, facilities manager responsible for Portering Services, said that he is delighted the department has been shortlisted. The award ceremony is later this month.
audience of almost 900, the interval refreshments raised £704 for the group’s Fringe fundraiser. The school is now £2,400 away from its £6,500 target, which will be used to get its team to Scotland this summer. They will spend seven days performing Madagascar JR, based on the DreamWorks film series. School founder Tracey Eley said that she is so proud of her students. “We have started rehearsing for our Fringe show and it already looks and sounds amazing,” she added.
Comedy night back A COMEDY night is being held to raise money for Wokingham charities. The Wokingham Lions Club is hosting its third comedy night on Friday, March 4, at the Wokingham Theatre. There will be three comedians taking to the stage: Mike Gunn, Sarah Callaghan and Tom Ward. The night will be led by David Ward, with all proceeds going to charities in the area. Members of First Days Children’s Charity will be selling raffle tickets on the night. Organiser John Cleary said: “It’s been a long time coming, but it’s great to be able to bring back the Comedy Nights in Wokingham after a two-year break. “We would like to thank the trustees of the Wokingham Theatre for letting us use their fantastic venue. “The demand for tickets has been incredible, with most of the tickets already sold. “It shows what a tremendous appetite there is for comedy. It promises to be a great night, and we hope to be running more comedy nights in the future.” Tickets cost £16, plus a £1 booking fee. n For tickets, visit: wokinghamlions.org.uk
