Wokingham Today February 25, 2021

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

WOKINGHAM.TODAY LOCKDOWN WAY OUT WELCOMED THE NEW NAME FOR THEWOKINGHAMPAPER

THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, February 25, 2021 No. 302

EXCLUSIVE

DRAMA SCHOOL NOMINATED FOR BIZ AWARD P2

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today BUSINESS OWNERS across the borough have welcomed the phased approach to ending lockdown, because it “gives hope” for the future.

� Continued on page 5

LOCKDOWN3.0

PICTURE STEVE SMYTH

Colin George, a member of Wokingham Business Association, said the latest announcement is good news.

However, he questions whether it will come with additional support for small businesses.

“There’s no guarantee that Wokingham’s high street will open on Monday, April 12,” he said. “There’s also no guarantee that we don’t end up with another covid strain, but it’s good news that non-essential retailers should be able to open up soon.”

He said now, the Government needs to clarify what it will do to help local retailers get back on their feet.

“I think our small businesses have been unduly punished for covid, and they really need some massive help to regain their business,” he added.

“Our high street has been shut for nearly seven months, and people now need clarity to prepare for the future.”

Despite Mr George’s concerns, Sarah Zeneli, owner of Sparkle Vegan Events, welcomed the government’s announcement.

Pre-pandemic, her company organised vegan markets across the borough, and will be able to start hosting them again from Monday, April 12 — at the earliest.

Ms Zeneli said the plan to exit lockdown provided hope.

“We were waiting on tenterhooks for the announcement,” she said. “We had to cancel some upcoming markets.”

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PEBBLE HUNT WINS A FREE LUNCH P15 GRAZELEY PLAN SCRAPPED FOR HALL FARM P16 Why Wokingham man Sasan has big plans for a short back and sides: See p20

‘I can’t wait until April 12 for a haircut!’

BLUE BAG PROTEST OVER ROAD SAFETY EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

WARNING: Angry Reading Road residents left roadside litter outside council offices

FRUSTRATED residents in Finchampstead delivered three bags of litter to the council offices over the weekend to protest a lack of action on their street.

Since November 2019, Gareth Rees and residents along the A327 Reading Road have been calling on Wokingham Borough Council to implement improvements to road safety.

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In May last year the borough council’s School Safety Report recommended the pavements be cleared due to the mass of overgrown plants forcing residents to walk singlefile down their road.

Now, 15 months later, Mr Rees said no improvements have been made.

Over the weekend, Mr Rees’ wife, Helen, donned a high-vis jacket and cleared the litter along the road – and then left it on the doorstep of the Shute End offices. � Continued on page 4

CARAVAN BURNT IN THIRD ARSON ATTACK P9 PUPILS COULD FACE SUMMER SCHOOL P5

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

Concerns over felling of protected trees

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By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today NUMEROUS protected trees were cut down last month, near Bearwood Lakes.

They were chopped as part of a clearance operation but their removal sparked anger among residents and councillors.

In early December, the landowner applied for permission to carry out clearance works for “dangerous” trees.

This was approved by Wokingham Borough Council with a deadline of May. The lake is classed as a Category A dam — where failure or misoperation could result in loss of life of at least 10 people, cause significant economic loss and damage to downstream property, infrastructure and environment.

Due to this classification, work can be carried out on Tree Protection Order (TPO) trees for health and safety reasons.

But Cllr Gary Cowan, independent councillor for Arborfield questioned

whether replacements would be planted.

He said: “If the brutal tree felling was justified, which I doubt, why did not the council insist of replacement to at least achieve the lost trees to fit in with our Climate Emergency.”

He also questioned why ward members and the parish council was not told about the work in advance.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council, said the removal of trees that pose a health and safety threat are a necessary loss.

He told Wokingham.Today: “The council is working to ensure only the required removals have taken place and will take appropriate action if more trees than required have been removed.

“While the loss of significant trees has had an impact on the landscape, this has to be balanced against the risk to the lake, which is a key feature of the nationally important Registered Historic Park and Garden of Bearwood Park.”

Still time to become a mental health first aider MENTAL health first aiders are popping up across the borough thanks to new training from Citizens Advice Wokingham and there’s still time to get involved.

The charity’s chief executive, Jake Morrison, is running a two-day course to help people across the borough learn how to listen, reassure and respond, even in a crisis.

Participants include staff and volunteers from charities across the borough, as well as council staff.

A member of staff from Wokingham United Charities said the course was in-depth and gave them greater confidence in knowing how to respond to someone in crisis.

They added: “Jake is a knowledgeable instructor and encouraged a safe learning environment for participants to share experiences, which really helped transfer the learning into real-life scenarios.”

The course is delivered through a

mixture of online classroom and self-directed learning.

It covers the warning signs of mental ill-health and how to approach and support someone while keeping safe. Students also learn how to empower someone to access the support they might need to support recovery.

Citizens Advice Wokingham says it is supporting people holistically with issues around benefits, debt, housing, employment law and relationships, as mental ill-health has an impact on individuals across the community. The course aims to help charities support their service users, staff and volunteers.

The course has been funded by the Lottery Community Fund and Berkshire Community Foundation and there are free places available for charity staff and volunteers in the borough.

Registration is still open.

For more information, visit citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or email mhfa@citizensadvice wokingham.org.uk

School and leader put EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE FOUNDER of a Woosehill performing arts and dance school is thrilled to be nominated for a local business award.

Tracey Eley, who launched Platform YP in 2004, said being put forward for the best independent business category in the Little Ankle Biters Awards made her feel even more connected to the community.

“It’s so exciting just to think people took the time to nominate us,” she said. “It really does feel like a Platform family.”

She said being part of the community is one of the most important things for her students.

“At Christmas-time we usually perform at about 15 to 20 local events. We try to do as much as we can with local schools and perform at as many events as possible.

“It's about belonging to something, the children need that sense of connection — and it's lovely to see them form friendships outside of school.”

During lockdown, Ms Eley moved the classes online, and this brought some unexpected perks.

“We’ve been able to host about 25 West End workshops,” she said. “We wouldn’t usually be able to afford that, but with no travel costs we can.

“It’s really inspiring for the children to think ‘Wow, that’s what I could do’”.

Katie, 12, who attends the group, said: “While in lockdown, Platform YP has really helped me to work harder and challenge myself as it is online.

It has made lockdown more enjoyable for me because I have a passion that I can still carry on.”

Student Amelia, 13, said it was a “fantastic” way to retain normality in the pandemic and “forget about the bad things happening in the world”.

And Madison, 12, said the group is one of her “happy places”.

“We have been so lucky that we have been able to continue online,” she said. “I really love my Wednesday class as I still get to do improvisations in small groups with my class so it's like being together. I feel really happy after my classes, I am

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Deepak’s book aims to offer some pain relief

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

AUTHOR: Dr Deepak Ravindran is preparing to launch his book, The Pain-Free Mindset, which unpacks 20 years of learning about chronic pain and its affects on our health

A WOKINGHAM doctor hopes he can help relieve some pain with his latest book.

the gang: arts group forward for award really looking forward to when we can perform together after lockdown.”

The performing arts school has recently welcomed its first patron, Vinny Coyle (pictured right), as it continues to grow.

Mr Coyle, who started at Platform YP, now has a back catalogue of West End performances, including Les Misérables and Miss Saigon.

Originally from Ascot, Mr Coyle studied singing, acting and dancing at Platform YP for more than 10 years before undertaking a musical theatre degree at Arts Educational Schools, London.

Claire Revie, whose daughter joined Platform YP when she was five, said Ms Eley has worked “tirelessly” over lockdown to keep students motivated.

“Like all musical theatre and dance schools, they have not been able to have in person classes but this has not stopped

them putting on shows online,” she said.

And when live performances return, Ms Eley hopes some of her stars will be back on the West End stage.

The group has a talent agency, with many students taking to the London stages.

Some even performed in November, when the West End temporarily reopened.

Cleaning up the mess A RUBBISH collection company says the streets are dirtier than ever before.

Divert, which provides dog mess removal services in the greater Reading area including Wokingham borough, said pet waste litter is up by 200% since the start of the third lockdown.

Now, it’s calling on dog owners to pick up after their pooches, or they risk damaging public health.

Mark Hall, from Divert, said: “It is disgusting to see that some

And there are plans in place to attend the Edinburgh Fringe Festival next year.

“A few weeks ago, 25 of my students hosted a live YouTube concert to fundraise for the Edinburgh trip,” Ms Eley said.

“They managed to raise £1,300 all in one night — they are just amazing.”

To help more students reach their performing abmitions, Ms Eley is launching a performing arts BTEC from September, run

by Platform YP. It will be the only place in the borough students can gain the qualification.

To vote for Platform YP in the Little Ankle Biters Awards, visit: b e r k s . a n k l e - b i t e r s .c o.u k / 2021/02/02/best-independentbusiness-in-berkshire-finalistsvoting Voting closes on Sunday.

For more information about the performance school, visit: www.platformyp.co.uk

dog owners are failing to pick up after their pets, when it’s an offence and the waste can lead to serious illness.

“There’s more dog mess than people on the streets of Reading right now.”

Mr Hall said while walking your dog is important for the health of both pets and their owners, man’s best friend is now getting a bad reputation.

Anybody who does not clean up after their dog could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100.

“There really is no excuse for this behaviour, especially as the waste can be put into any public bin,” Mr Hall added.

Dr Deepak Ravindran, who works at the Royal Berkshire Hospital (RBH), has spent the past 20 years learning about all things pain-related.

Now, he is neatly packaging all of his knowledge into a selfhelp book in a bid to empower local residents dealing with chronic pain.

After moving to the UK in 2003, Dr Ravindran began training with the Royal College of Anesthesia where he discovered an interest in pain management.

“From a research angle, I found anaesthesia interesting because it is a form of pain relief,” he explained.

“Five years later, I knew more about the broader aspects of pain not just in theatres, but in communities too.”

Dr Ravindran then joined the RBH as a consultant and continued to specialise, and in 2017, after years of research, he had an epiphany.

“We realised that we needed to be giving patients more options and other techniques for managing pain, rather than just medications and injections,” he said.

“A lot of the reading I had been doing looked at nutrition and psychological therapies, as well as cognitive and behavioural factors.

“I realised that I was only helping 30% of my patients when prescribing prescriptions and drugs.”

The doctor said that after years of research, his understanding of pain changed and he began to see it as something which protects the body rather than damaging it.

“But the general public are not aware that our thinking around pain has changed, and that there are treatments they can already access,” he said.

This inspired Dr Ravindran to start writing The Pain Free Mindset, a self-help book which empowers readers with different ways to manage

chronic pain at home.

“I want to give people the tools to build a backpack of skills for when they do have pain,” he explained. “People should be able to draw their own pain plan and realise if and when they need to reach out to a professional.

“Pain is so complex, so individual and so personal that you can’t generalise anything.”

The doctor also hopes his book will help protect the NHS. “A lot of the time, we spend so long ‘over-medicalising’ pain and investigating too much into the causes of it, because we think it means something bad has already happened,” he added.

“If we reframe our thinking and see pain as a sign of protection, it allows people themselves to look at what they’re doing in their lives and change it.”

He said adopting this approach could stop so many people s e e k i n g professional help for pain which can be managed at home, saving NHS time.

The Pain

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Free Mindset was due to be published in April last year after Dr Ravindran spent years creating the book alongside his full-time job. However, the timeline had to be pushed back after he fell ill.

“I came down with covid pretty badly, and then because of the pandemic work at the RBH was crazy, I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to finish it,” the doctor said.

“I’m immensely relieved, and hugely pleased that it will finally be released because it’s been a huge part of my life.”

Dr Ravindran has worked across Berkshire over the past 10 years on outpatient clinics in Bracknell and Newbury, and has also worked with the University of Reading to launch a community pain service in Finchampstead. � The Pain Free Mindset will be published on Thursday, March 4.

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Mental health service consultation pays RESIDENTS can help shape the new mental health service coming to the borough.

Next week, Oxfordshire Mind is hosting a virtual event for local people to share their views on the new primary care project.

Andrew Grillo, Service Manager at Oxfordshire Mind said the new mental health service will be linked to GP practices.

The project will offer one-to-one sessions for people who are experiencing mental health issues or other social or lifestyle issues that are impacting on their wellbeing.

Mr Grillo said the charity wants to understand how people would like the service to work and what they need from it.

The meeting will run from 4.30pm until 6pm on Wednesday, March 3, via Zoom.

Residents will be reimbursed for their time at £8.72 per hour. � To book a place, email: wokinghamprimarycare@oxfordshiremind.org.uk or call 07776990311

£10,000 grants available IN A BID to help people look after their hearts, this food chain is offering more than just sandwiches.

Subway has teamed up with Heart Research UK to offer grants of up to £10,000 to charities across the Thames Valley.

Community groups that work to reduce the risk of heart disease are eligible for the duo’s Healthy Heart Grant.

The partnership hopes the money can help deliver health initiatives to keep people fit and promote positive mental wellbeing.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, chief executive of Heart Research UK, said the charity wants to encourage people up and down the country to make healthier choices.

“This grant is available to ensure everyone can benefit from a healthier, happier and longer life,” she said.

“We’re looking for new and innovative projects that really have an impact, especially if they aim to improve the health of at risk or hard to reach communities.”

The £10,000 has been raised in Subway stores throughout the South East.

The deadline for applications is Monday, March 8.

Finchampstead couple deliver litter to council in road protest � Continued from front page

“I’m just so frustrated,” Helen Dodsworth said. “I feel like they just see us as a bunch of houses at the end of the borough.

“The bags were a form of protest — we want to show them how much litter there was, and ask them to clean our streets and cut back the vegetation.”

Once collected, the rubbish was then delivered in three blue bags to Shute End, addressed to Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, the executive member for highways at the council.

“We delivered it with a note asking for the council to undertake the vegetation clearance on Reading Road,” Mr Rees said. “I made sure the bags had a to and from address so they could not be considered fly tipping and were in fact a delivery.”

He said: “We have tried everything we can to get action.

“We’re happy to help — we have cleared the litter on a road considered dangerous by the council.

“It’s the rubbish they failed to clear — this is a demonstration that nothing has been done.”

Cllr Jorgensen told Wokingham.Today: “Work to clear the vegetation in this area has been programmed for the week commencing Monday, March 8, for five days.

“This will take place in off peak hours, between 9.30am and 4pm, under two-way lights to allow work to be completed in safety.”

She added that each week,

IT’S RUBBISH: The couple deliver three bags of litter cleared from the A327 Reading Road protesting a lack of action Picture: Gareth Rees

council contractors clear more than 25 tons of roadside litter across the borough.

“We respond to every request as quickly as we can, prioritising the areas where the litter has the biggest negative impact,” she said.

“I would like to thank the residents who have assisted in this location, along with all the volunteers across the borough who help with litter picking.”

In May 2020, the School Safety Report highlighted the need to clear the overgrown vegetation and noted: “It is recommended that the footways on Reading Road are cleared to the back of the footway and all overhanging vegetation should also be trimmed.”

Ms Dodsworth questioned why

the council would spend money on commissioning a report, but “fail to follow up on the recommendations”.

She said: “Parts of the path are only 50cm wide, it’s impossible to walk side-by-side with someone, such as a parent and child — it’s very harrowing when large lorries pass by inches from your body.

“I challenge Cllr Jorgensen to walk down that road — would she be concerned for her safety?”

Cllr Jorgensen acknowledged the pavement along the A327 Reading Road is narrow and said she is looking at how this can be improved.

“There is no easy solution in this location but we hope to be able to consult with residents on some of our ideas next month,” she said.

Mr Rees said he met with Cllr

NARROW: Helen Dodsworth wore a high-vis jacket to be seen by drivers

Jorgensen on Wednesday, July 15 2020, where a promise was made to clear the pavements.

He said this promise was reiterated at a meeting on Monday, October 5, 2020. And in December, the council said it would take action in “early 2021”.

Recycling sack delivery starts DELIVERY of the new recycling bags began this week across the borough.

The plastic sacks will be dropped at doorsteps along with blue general waste bags and food waste bags over the next seven weeks.

It is hoped all residents will have their recycling sacks by mid-April.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at the council, said: “As soon as you get your new waterproof recycling bags you can start using them.

“If you need extra space for your recycling until you can get more waterproof bags, you can continue to use black boxes for non-paper and card items.”

He said once the bags are in use, he

� To apply, visit: heartresearch.org.uk/healthyheart-grants

Henley Arts Trail announces July dates DATES HAVE been announced for this year’s Henley Arts Trail.

The event committee has been busy planning the event, which will span 35 venues — including seven new venues.

It is due to be held on the weekends of July 10 and July 17. Organisers said it will be the biggest Henley Arts Trail to date. � For more information, visit: www.henleyartstrail.com

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

expects the borough’s recycling rate to rise as more paper and card will be kept dry.

“This will help us towards our goal of 70% recycling in the borough by 2030,” he added.

Each delivery will include two new waterproof recycling bags, 80 blue general waste bags and about 100 food waste bags.If residents need more than two recycling bags, the council said they should keep using their black boxes, but only for cans, tins and plastics.

Additional recycling bags will be available after the rollout is complete. � For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/rubbish-andrecycling/blue-bin-bags/annual-binbag-delivery

RECYCLING: Cllr Parry Batth smiles with his new bags Picture: Stewart Turkington

Shinfield Studios hosts consultation evening RESIDENTS can have their say next week over plans to develop a new film studio in Shinfield.

On Monday, March 1, the team behind Shinfield Studios is hosting an online public exhibition from 6pm until 8pm.

Their aim is to develop a film and television production complex over 65 acres at the Thames Valley Science Park in Shinfield.

This would include 18 purpose-built sound stages plus offices to service the largest blockbuster productions.

The first planning application is for four film stages and workshops, with 14 more following in a second planning application later this spring.

In a statement, Nick Smith, managing director of Shinfield

Studios said: “The proposed development of Shinfield Studios is a truly exciting opportunity to add much needed film and television production space to the UK’s studio infrastructure at a time when demand from customers seeking to film in

the UK vastly outweighs the supply of recognised film stages.

“Shinfield Studios will make a quantum difference to the number of projects able to film in the UK which in turn

will generate significant inward investment to the UK and create economic benefit to the local community.”

It is hoped the facility will enhance the Thames Valley Science Park and create around 3,000 jobs for local people, as well as 226 construction jobs.

Shinfield Studios said it is working closely with Shinfield Parish Council and the University of Reading

on its proposals.

It is hoped film students at the university, as well as students at nearby schools and colleges, will be able to gain hands-on experience at the studios.

Residents can register for the exhibition by emailing paulh@curtainandco.com or calling 07968 941 009 � For more information, visit: shinfieldstudios.com

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CORONAVIRUS LATEST

Business owners feel Lib Dems say four-step plan is a target to aim for ‘hopeful’ over plan to THE LEADER of Wokingham Liberal Democrats believes residents should see the four-step process for exiting lockdown as “target dates”, writes Jess Warren.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, said the four stages should be taken with some caution, and considered as target dates as opposed to fixed guarantees.

“We believe in a gradual staged approach to reopening the country,” he said. “As long as it is based on science — including there being a significant further fall in the number of Covid-19.

“Any confidence levels will obviously depend upon how this figure and also Hospital admissions change over time.”

He added: “While a set of four dates has been provided by the Government, it will not be possible to confirm these until a lot closer to the time.

And if there should be problems found, then we can expect a delay.

“We are all looking forward to a break from lockdown and Midsummer is a good time for this. Personally I feel it might be too optimistic, but there is nothing wrong in setting a target.”

He said in order to increase public confidence that covid infection rates will drop, vaccination for frontline staff should be prioritised.

“Teachers, police, firemen, supermarket staff all need to be vaccinated as soon as practical,” he said, “They are the people who come into contact with the public and are at a continued risk.”

As part of the four-step plan, schools in England will open from Monday, March 8.

Cllr Ferris said it is “necessary” to vaccinate teachers and school staff as early as possible, in order to avoid outbreaks of Covid-19 in classrooms or even a school.

He also warned about international travel.

“We need to maintain control of our border, certainly in the near term, particularly while many other countries have lower rates of vaccination,” he said. “Only then will full movement be possible — this might not occur until 2022.”

He said prematurely relaxing travel restrictions could cause extra problems, including the risk of new Covid-19 variants.

“It is vital that we support international vaccination programmes for all countries,” he said.

“This virus has already mutated several times. It would be a disaster if a new variant got into the country which was resistant to our vaccines. This would be like going back to square one.”

He also called for an assurance that all NHS and care home staff have been vaccinated, with priority given to the most vulnerable people in the community.

Year 7 pupils may be in summer school this year YEAR 7 pupils across the borough may be spending their summer in school, in order to catch-up on lost learning time, writes Jess Warren.

The Department for Education has allocated £200 million for secondary schools to spend on summer school programmes this year.

And it suggested schools initially target Year 7 pupils with this.

Also announced was a £302 million “recovery premium” for disadvantaged pupils, of which roughly £6,000 will go to each state primary school, and £22,000 to each state secondary school.

This can be used to fund additional clubs and activities over the summer, for disadvantaged children.

It is on top of the £200 million announced in January to expand tutoring programmes, with support totalling more than £700 million.

Prime minister Boris Johnson said teachers and parents have done “a heroic job with homeschooling” but said

the best place for children is the classroom.

“When schools reopen and face-to-face education resumes on March 8, our next priority will be ensuring no child is left behind as a result of the learning they have lost over the past year,” he said.

“This extensive programme of catch-up funding will equip teachers with the tools and resources they need to support their pupils, and give children the opportunities they deserve to learn and fulfil their potential.”

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said the package of measures will deliver “vital support” to the children and young people, and hopes it will ensure all children have the same opportunity to fulfil their potential “no matter their background”.

“I know that longer-term support over the length of this parliament will be vital to ensure children make up for lost learning,” Mr Williamson said.

“Our Education Recovery Commissioner, Sir Kevan

Collins, will be engaging withteachers, school and college leaders and families over the coming weeks and months to develop our longer term plans.”

Mr Williamson also said mask-wearing in secondary school classrooms would be reviewed over Easter. But it could continue until June 21 — the target date for lifting all covid restrictions in England.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services welcomed the funding.

She said: “Educating our children and young people is so important and their schooling has been dramatically disrupted this past year.

“This extra funding will allow schools to come up with innovative ways to help those pupils who need it to catch up on some of what they missed.

We will be working with our schools to support them on this.”

Additional online learning resources will be provided by Oak National Academy for all teachers and pupils.

leave lockdown behind

� Continued from front page

“But at least now we have a date that we can plan around,” Ms Zeneli said. “And we can tell our traders when they will be back.”

Sparkle Vegan Events has been running a series of “essential” vegan markets in Woodley, open to traders selling food items.

“It’s been dark and dreary and cold this lockdown, so it’s nice to see that things will slowly start to get back to normal,” Ms Zeneli added.

“We will be able to reintroduce all our nonessential retailers, but we will still have to be really careful.

“We’ll still have all the covid guidelines at the market, including hand sanitisers and social distancing.”

Steve Watts, owner of eActiv Wokingham, also embraced the plan with open arms.

He said he respects the government for making tough decisions, and believes the plan will ease people back into society safely.

“I’m happy gyms aren’t in the first phase of the roadmap,” Mr Watts said. “It’s given us a bit more time.

“Hopefully by April 12, people will feel more confident about entering society.

“I feel so sorry for pubs, restaurants and all the other operators that have to stay

closed, but I don’t think we can rush into these things.”

He believes his gym is safe, but questioned whether other centres are.

“A lot of people have been petitioning to open gyms early, but I don’t agree with them,” he added. “The reality is, not all gyms are safe, and the nation doesn’t feel safe using them.

“As much as I’d love to be running exercise classes now, the last thing we want is to go into another lockdown.”

But this didn’t get him down.

“All in all, I’m pleased with the roadmap and look forward to seeing people back in Peach Place soon,” he said.

Nationally, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the plan should help the UK economy get back on track. “[It] is a good starting point to the hard yards ahead,” said Malcolm Hyde, CBI South East director.

“Businesses in the South East back the step-by-step approach to reopening and an end to damaging stop-start restrictions.”

He said businesses now have an “anxious” six day wait for the Spring Budget announcement, which will clarify what economic support they can expect from the government going forward.

It comes as the number of

employees on payroll fell by nearly 830,000 last year, with more job losses in the South East than other areas.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) also reported the UK economy shrank by 9.9% last year, and saw the largest annual fall in gross domestic product (GDP) on record.

“Businesses and their suppliers are suffering from enforced closures and restrictions on social contact,” the Government said in its newly published plan.

It suggested easing restrictions will ensure the economy reopens safely, and gradually.

Restrictions will be revisited every five weeks, to monitor the spread of the virus.

On Monday, February 22, the prime minister announced a four-step process to get England shopping and socialising again.

In the House of Commons, he said the coronavirus infection rate is “only now falling below the peak of the first wave in April”.

He said while there is “no credible route to a zero covid Britain”, plans are now in motion to begin lifting the current restrictions and reopen England’s schools, leisure and hospitality industries. � For more information about the four steps, see page 7

6 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

CORONAVIRUS LATEST

‘There’s light at the end of t EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today THE public is flocking to the Madejski Stadium – not for matchdays, but for their coronavirus vaccine.

The football stadium has been repurposed as a mass vaccination centre for people who have appointments.

It opened on Monday, and has the capacity to deliver thousands of jabs every week.

At the moment it is focusing on the 65-69 age group. Once people receive a letter from their GP telling them they can get the first shot, they can book an appointment.

Even though it was its first day, it was already a wellorganised machine, set up by the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS).

The procedure is appointment only and those who have one are asked not to arrive early so that queues don’t build up. Face masks must be worn and hand gel is everywhere.

Marshals in the car park can help those with disabilities, while trained professionals can support those with mental health problems, or with the language barrier.

The route to the centre is well signposted with help on hand if you take a wrong turn.

The Mad Stad’s Voco Hotel ballroom has been repurposed for the centre, no doubt disappointing those who had hoped to be jabbed on the hallowed turf that the Royals play on.

There are a dozen cubicles set up offering complete privacy. Friendly staff are on hand, wearing face masks and shields, to explain the process, before the vial of the previous vaccine – all the AstraZeneca Oxford vaccine – is transferred from bottle to syringe and then into the arm.

Sadly, no lollipops for well behaved members of the public, but they do get a sticker and their vaccination

card before being sent on their way through a separate exit and back to the Mad Stad car park.

If non-essential retail is allowed to reopen soon, then a visit to the Royals Megastore might be on the cards afterwards.

It’s easy and quick and will help the NHS reach the targets for vaccinating all adults at least once by Saturday, July 31.

Among those getting their first shot was Jean McGuirk.

The 66-year-old from Wokingham said she found the stadium easy to get to.

“The experience was painless and very easy – the worst part of it was travelling here,” she said.

“The whole process is amazing, so quick and painless which is the most important thing for a lot of people.

“Everybody is so friendly and they make you feel at ease. I’m very happy.”

Tracey Collins, who works for the NHS’s equipment team in Reading’s Bath Road, was also receiving her first jab.

She said the process had gone smoothly.

“It was a quick experience, straight in and out,” she said.

“I’m very impressed with centre. From coming in to getting the happy jab, it was really good and very well organised.

“This is going to make a massive difference – the more centres there are, the more opportunities for people to have the vaccine, it’s brilliant.”

John Fletcher, Clinical Director at the Reading Vaccination Hub, said his mission was to ensure people had a “great experience” when they visited.

“They’ve been through a lot of emotions, wondering what it’s all about,” he said.

“We are a conveyor belt, we don’t want to deny that – we’re going to put lots of people through here but we can do that in a compassionate, caring and jolly way.

“Most people don’t even know we’ve put the needle in.

They ask, ‘Oh, am I done?’ It’s fantastic.”

How it works

ON MONDAY, Reading’s Madejski Stadium opened as one of the latest NHS vaccination centres.

The mass vaccination centre has capacity to deliver thousands of Covid vaccines each week, working through the prioritisation lists set out by the Government’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

It is being run by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, and joins a network of large-scale centres across the country

Covid Operations Director for Oxford Health, Tehmeena Ajmal, said the Mad Stad was the third vaccination centre that they had set up and it was an incredible feeling seeing it all come together.

“I came here when it was a completely empty room and now we’ve got up to 12 vaccination pods here, we’ve got spaces where people can rest, we’ve got space outside to expand if we need to.

“It just seems to work well.”

She added that her team understood their roles, which in turn made patients happy.

“The atmosphere has been really positive, but that’s something I’ve felt in all the vaccination centres,” she said.

“There has been lots of energy, from the staff and the people coming through. They can really see this contributing to us moving out of lockdown eventually.”

And the setup meant that the team can process high numbers. Ms Ajmal said: “We can confidently do 3,000 a day here and probably do

including the Kassam Stadium in Oxford and Bucks New University in Aylesbury.

Residents aged 65-69 can book appointments via the NHS national booking service either by ringing 119 or visiting the dedicated website once they receive their invitation letter.

Earlier eligible groups who have not yet taken up a vaccination offer can also book an appointment at the centre.

This includes those aged 70 and over, as well as frontline health and social care workers and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

more if we needed to.

“The stadium is quite easy for people to get to, there’s good parking and there’s good public transport as well.

“We really see that as a big opportunity to get through a large number of people receiving their first and then second vaccinations.

“At the beginning of the year, the idea of getting through 17 million vaccinations by the middle of February seemed like a really big ask, but we got to it.

“We’ve got more vaccination centres available now than we did at the beginning of the year, so it feels really possible to be delivering a vaccine to every adult who has been offered one by the end of July.”

That date is something for us to hold on to.

As Ms McGuirk said: “There is definitely light at the end of the tunnel now.

“My second vaccination is booking in for May already, so things are looking up.

“I’m very happy.”

Residents aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions or unpaid carers should wait to be contacted by their GP. Residents cannot arrive at the stadium without an appointment.

Marshals will direct residents along the short walk from the car park to the centre and will also assist those with disabilities.

There will also be trained professionals to support people with mental health problems and those who have language barriers. � To book, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirusvaccination/book-coronavirus-vaccination

Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 7

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CORONAVIRUS LATEST

the tunnel now’ Four-step plan out of lockdown EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today CHILDREN across the borough will return to school next month, as part of the prime minister’s plan to ease lockdown.

SPEEDY: Jean McGuirk receives her first coronavirus vaccination. The process took seconds Picture: Phil Creighton

On Monday, Boris Johnson told the House of Commons he wanted schoolchildren to return to their classrooms on Monday, March 8.

This gives school staff two weeks to prepare for the return.

He said restrictions would be revisited every five weeks, to monitor the spread of the virus.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services said the borough council supports the return of children and young people back into face-to-face teaching.

“Not only will this allow them to catch up academically, but it is also so vitally important for their social and emotional wellbeing,” she said.

“We believe teachers should be made a priority group to receive the vaccines and are lobbying the Department for Education and other government departments to support this.

“We are assured that our voices, along with others across the country, are being taken into consideration in decision making nationally on this matter.”

The Lib Dem group also supported the call to vaccinate all school staff as quickly as possible.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, leader of the group

said: “Teachers and teaching assistants need receive their vaccines earlier — potentially over the Easter break.

“We do not want a school to be impacted by teachers falling ill with Covid-19, with all the knock on impacts that would occur, particularly as the vaccine rollout is going so well.”

Cllr Clark said the borough council will “continue to monitor attendance” and work with schools and parents on supporting the safe return to school.

Along with schools reopening, from March 8, wraparound childcare can reopen and other children’s activities can restart for all children — where it is needed to enable parents to work, attend education, seek medical care or attend a support group.

There will continue to be restrictions on international travel, and holidays are not considered a permitted reason to travel.

And the rules on visiting care homes will change to allow regular indoor visits for a single named visitor.

From the same date, residents will also be allowed to meet one person outside of their household or bubble socially — albeit with social distancing measures.

This must be done outside and in a public place, such as a park.

It means residents do not need to exercise with a friend in order to meet with them, and can now sit on a bench and enjoy a picnic together.

However mixing in gardens and homes is still prohibited.

People on the shielding list are advised to carry on until at least the end of March.

Step two Mr Johnson said businesses are due to begin reopening their doors no earlier than Monday, April 12.

The second phase will see leisure restrictions begin to ease, including for cafes, pubs and restaurants outdoors, as well as hairdressers and salons.

Other places allowed to open include gyms, libraries and community centres, all retail, outdoor attractions such as zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas.

Step three In phase three, indoor entertainment centres, accommodation and organised indoor sport will commence, no earlier than Monday, May 17.

Any remaining outdoor entertainment events, such as performances, will also be given the go ahead, with limits on capacity.

International travel may also resume in step three, but has not yet been confirmed.

Step four On Monday, June 21 at the earliest, the government will launch the final step of its road to recovery.

This includes opening any businesses which are still closed, such as nightclubs, and allowing large events, such as theatre performances. � For more information visit: www.gov.uk

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Sangoma Tech: Helping local businesses work from home with same tools as in office

W

HAT IF working from home could be as seamless as life in the office?

Well now it can be, with a little bit of help from Sangoma.

The telecoms company, whose European Headquarters are based in Wokingham, has been working with local businesses for more than 20 years.

It operates in more than 150 countries across the globe and throughout lockdown, it has been working hard to help local businesses run more efficiently.

Sangoma offers a range of services to help companies unify their internal communications.

It does everything from revolutionising your work phone system to enhancing your customer’s experience.

Simon Horton, VP sales, said with Sangoma’s help, people can unify their communications to increase productivity.

“With our products you can work anywhere, be it your spare room or your local coffee shop,” he said. “Enabling flexible remote working is what we’re about here at Sangoma.”

And it seems local businesses have been making the most of the company’s Switchvox Phone System during lockdown, which allows people to work from the office without being in the office.

Sangoma offers an on-premise or cloud-based phone system, from £8 per user per month, which allows employees to answer calls from home with ease by taking their office extension with them wherever they go.

It gives them power to control what hold music customers

listen to, transfer phone calls, and access in queue callback features - and everything comes under one price.

“You name it, it’s included,” Mr Horton said. “Our system brings all communications together under one system.”

It also allows workers to manage internal communications, including conference calls and instant messaging with employees.

And Shaan Sood, Sangoma’s European marketing manager, said the company’s phone system doesn’t only help employees run their communications more smoothly. It can also help business owners overcome issues caused by the pandemic, including increased costs.

“Working from home must be costing business owners a bomb in additional mobile charges,” she said. “But our customers actually save on telecoms charges.”

And alongside saving money, she said the Switchvox Phone System can also help customers have a positive interaction with your business.

“Customers get the identical experience speaking to me as they would do when I am sat in the office,” Ms Sood explained.

“They’re not going to notice any difference, but now I can

receive calls wherever I like, including on my mobile, my headset and my house phone.”

But that’s not all. With Sangoma’s phone system, workers can also protect their personal information like never before.

“When lockdown first happened, employers sent their staff home with a laptop and phone and that was it,” Mr Horton said.

“We know that we’ll never go back to what ‘normal’ was, so we want to help those businesses that don’t return to the office.”

Ms Sood added: “As an employee, this is the biggest benefit for me.

“By using my work extension on my personal mobile, the only people that can call me out of hours are my family and friends, and it gives me that separation from work and home.

“Sangoma is helping people locally to have that work-life balance.”

So, why not give Sangoma a try and boost your workplace productivity today?

Any businesses within 20 miles of the company’s Wokingham office are eligible for 20% off the company’s Switchvox Phone System. � To claim your discount, contact uksales@sangoma.com or call 01344 269220.

8 | NEWS

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

On the hour: environmental boost for families in the great outdoors EXCLUSIVE

BACK TO NATURE: Part of the family activity pack being launched

by Earley Environmental Group Picture: Charlotte Allchin

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A NATURE group is launching a new lockdown initiative to make sure people are getting their muchneeded outdoors time.

Earley Environmental Group is distributing goodies to the first 130 families who pledge to spend one hour outside every single day.

The group, run by residents and supported by Earley Town Council, raises awareness of “all matters concerned with the environment” and encourages locals to take an interest in the great outdoors.

Earlier this year, it was inspired to create a range of ‘nature resource bags’ to help families who have been struggling during the pandemic.

“Post-coronavirus, nature schemes are really beneficial because they give families that opportunity to spend time outside where there’s no burden to spend money,” said Charlotte Allchin, Earley Environmental Group event organiser.

“The resources are very simple and just help children enjoy the outdoors.”

Each nature resource bag includes a sketchbook and a pencil, a guide for identifying small creatures and plants, as well as a nature reserve map.

Children will also receive a viewing lens to help them see creepy crawlies up close.

Ms Allichin said the group launched the initiative to support the Nature Premium Campaign, which promotes using the environment to improve children’s mental and physical wellbeing.

The Environmental Group applied for funding from The Earley Charity to turn the idea into a reality and received more than £1,500, but has

since returned over half of the grant to make sure other groups receive vital funds.

Ms Allichin said the project has been a huge success so far, thanks to the support of the local community.

“There’s been a really positive response to it,” she said. “One lady designed and printed loads of stickers to go on the nature journals, and she made some bookmarks as well.”

Fong Scott, a local artist, handsewed 93 of the 130 bags from scratch, and parents Kim Prior and Caroline Poll have lent a hand, too.

Earley Environmental Group is

now asking local families to register interest in the project by emailing nature@earleyenvironmentalgroup. co.uk.

Aspokesperson for Earley Town Council said: “[We are] delighted to see that Earley’s environmental volunteers are delivering this Nature Resource Bag initiative, a project designed to help young people deal with the impacts of the pandemic.

“The Earley Environmental Group and Charlotte Allchin’s Earley Environmental Junior Group are based at the Town Council’s Maiden Erlegh Local Nature Reserve and do wonderful work year-round, maintaining local habitats and promoting the importance of the natural world.”

Earley Environmental Group also organises a range of activities in the local area, including garden surveys, ‘walks and talks’, and litter picks.

Those eligible for the nature resource bags must live within The Earley Charity’s Area of Benefit: w w w. e a r l e y c h a r i t y. o r g . u k / Map.aspx � For more information about Earley Environmental Group, visit: www.earleyenvironmentalgroup.co.uk

SUPPORT: The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham

Bishop gives hope to jab campaign THE BISHOP of Reading – and one of her predecessors – has added her voice to a campaign urging people to have the coronavirus vaccine.

The clergy have joined forces to back the NHS #GiveHope campaign, which also calls on communities to seek accurate information on the vaccines.

There are concerns that some people, particularly from ethnic minorities, don’t trust the jabs. This, they say, means that younger agegroups may be less likely to roll up their sleeves when the time comes.

As part of their support, Bishop Olivia, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, and the Rt Revd Steven Croft, the Bishop of Oxford, feature in a video setting out their views.

The #GiveHope campaign aims are to Have a conversation, Offer information, Practical support, and Engage and share The united churches campaign is being convened by YourNeighbour.org in collaboration with the Government and the NHS.

Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Arson in Arborfield: caravan is third blaze in less than a year EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A COUNCILLOR is calling on Wokingham Borough Council to take action after a caravan was set alight in Arborfield, blocking access to a nearby estate.

In the early hours of Sunday, February 7, a trailer was reported on fire near Bound Oak Industrial Estate, adjacent to the A327.

The Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS) said it received word of the incident at 12.06am. Crews from Wokingham and Whitley Wood were sent to the scene, and two firefighters extinguished the blaze.

According to Gary Cowan, ward councillor for Arborfield, this is the third time vehicles have been discarded near Bound Oak Industrial Estate in the past two months.

He said it was also the second caravan discovered on fire in less than a year, after a trailer containing gas canisters was set ablaze on the site in May 2020.

Brian Alexander, owner of Roktops Worksurfaces in Bound Oak Industrial Estate, said these types of incidents occur often and have a huge impact on businesses in the area.

“We’ve had issues like this before, with this being the third vehicle on the scene recently,” he said.

“With coronavirus and the freezing weather, this was one more thing we could have done without.

“I literally could not get into work, and we had vehicles and deliveries arriving.”

Mr Alexander and his team had to move the caravan on the Sunday morning to regain access to the industrial estate, before it was then picked up by Wokingham Borough Council later that week.

He said Bound Oak Industrial Estate is a popular area for fly-

DEVASTATION: The caravan that was set ablaze (above right) is the latest in a series of arson incidents in Arborfield since May last year

tipping, and has seen people leave rubble and general waste on the site too.

Now, Cllr Cowan is calling on Wokingham Borough Council to reinstate visible CCTV in a bid to prevent future fires, after a nearby camera was removed in June last year.

“I worked with residents to get the council to place a visible CCTV camera on one of the lampposts in

January 2020, and once that happened the vandalism came to a grinding halt,” the councillor explained. “But six months later, the council took the camera down saying it was due to cost.”

Cllr Cowan said the council claims there is covert CCTV on site, but he is “not convinced”.

“The council is running a whole campaign about stopping fly tipping, but the reality is that CCTV is vital to catching people,” he added.

Without a visible camera, Cllr Cowan is concerned that the site is becoming popular for fly tipping and arson, and could be putting local residents and the fire service at risk.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, reaffirmed the council has a “zerotolerance approach” to fly-tipping. “[It is] an illegal activity that blights our borough,” he said.

Oh deer! RSPCA to the rescue A TEAM of rescuers were called to Wargrave over the weekend, after a deer got stuck misjudging the gap.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Rachel Edwards was called to Bear Lane on Sunday, after residents spotted a fallow deer stuck between a tree and a concrete fence post.

Ms Edwards said: “I believe the deer may have been running along the fenceline and thought she could squeeze through but misjudged the gap and got stuck fast.

“If she’d been spooked then that would explain how she’d ended up in a pickle.

“Unfortunately, deer are easily scared and can often bolt and end up in all sorts of predicaments.

“She was wedged very tightly and there was no way I could free her alone so I contacted Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service for assistance and was incredibly

STUCK FAST: The deer that the RSPCA helped release on Sunday

grateful when they sent a team to help.”

Ms Edwards covered the deer’s head — a tactic used to help calm them down — and then the fire team took over.

She added: “Fire and rescue services have teams with specialist training to help in these sorts of rescues and they also have vital equipment that we don’t have.

“They used hydraulic equipment to push against the

post and slightly widen the gap so that we could carefully push the deer free.

“I checked her over at the scene and, thankfully, she wasn’t injured so we released her and she darted off into the undergrowth.”

Residents that find a sick, injured or trapped wild animal are advised to keep their distance and contact the RSPCA emergency hotline on 0300 1234 999.

According to Cllr Batth, Wokingham Borough Council continued to monitor “hot-spot” areas and is using CCTV to take legal action against fly-tipping where necessary.

He said the council received a report of the abandoned vehicle in Arborfield on Monday, February 8 and cleared it the following day.

“There are cameras operating within the area but it is very difficult for our cameras to cover the whole area,” Cllr Batth explained.

“We have put measures in place within the area of Bound Oak Industrial Estate and Poperinghe Way to discourage fly tipping and other antisocial behaviour.”

This includes earth bunds, which are built up banks of soil.

He said Wokingham Borough Council is looking to purchase more mobile cameras in the future.

NEWS | 9

Free courses for autism support TO SUPPORT the local autistic community, Autism Berkshire is offering a whole host of virtual courses and training workshops - and they’re all free.

During February and March, the group is running six online sessions on Volunteering Skills.

Covering topics including understanding autism and local support, it aims to train future Autism Berkshire volunteers.

The charity is also running a free, virtual course on wellbeing and autism, including a session on positive thinking.

Designed for parents and carers of autistic children, it comprises six weekly sessions and covers supporting mental health before and after an autism diagnosis.

Jane Stanford-Beale, CEO of Autism Berkshire, said: “At a time when families of autistic children are under pressure from the impact of another coronavirus lockdown, these complementary support services aim to help parents and carers stay positive and boost the mental health of their children.”

Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and Refugee (BAMER) families with autistic children can also get specialist support during March and April.

Autism Berkshire is working with Alafia service to run three online workshops to help BAMER parents and carers.

Shagufta Ali, Alafia family support worker, said it’s important to raise awareness of autism within minority communities.

The Volunteering Skills course runs every Monday until March 29. The Wellbeing and Autism course is taking place each Wednesday until March 31.

The BAMER support workshops are running on the following Fridays: March 19, March 26 and April 23.

To register interest in these courses, email contact@autismberkshire.org.uk

10 | NEWS

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Parish and borough council meetings

Meetings online – contact councils for details

Thursday, February 25 Shinfield Parish Council. Recreation and Amenities. 7.30pm.

Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH. Shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Extraordinary executive. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk.

Monday, March 1 Hurst Parish Council. Virtual council meeting. 7.30pm. Committee Room, Hurst Village Halls, School Road RG10 0DR. www.hurstpc.org.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Without Parish Council. Full council meeting.

7.30pm. Wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. SACRE (Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education). 6.15pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk.

Tuesday, March 2 Arborfield Parish Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm.

Finance and general purposes committee. 8.30pm.

Arborfield.org.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Recreation & Amenities Committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Amenities committee. 7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Full council. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, March 3 Earley Town Council. Amenities & Leisure. 7.45pm. www.earleytc.gov.uk Finchampstead Parish Council. Planning Committee. 7.30pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk Ruscombe Parish Council. Meeting. 7.30pm. ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk

Thursday, March 4 Shinfield Parish Council. Planning and Highways. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

FROMTHECOURTS � A WOODLEY woman who stole cosmetics worth £929 from the Bracknell branch of Boots has been ordered to undertake a drug rehabilitation course.

Louise Sally Beasley, 27 and from Drovers Way, undertook the theft on May 20 last year and pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 1.

In addition to the fine, she must pay £85 costs and £95 to victim services, at a rate of £10 per fortnight.

� A WOODLEY woman has been jailed for 12 weeks and banned from driving for eight months after being found guilty of a string of offences.

Elizabeth Claire Mead, 46 and from Sherbourne Drive, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on Feburary 1, where she admitted failing to stop on Loddon Bridge Road on January 31, when ordered to by police.

She was also found to be driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Her jail sentence was because magistrates had already given her a community sentence, and felt that Mead had “a flagrant disregard for court orders”.

The previous order had been issued by Worcestershire

Magistrates Court on July 6, 2018, extended on October 2, 2019.

This had been made after she was found guilty of drug driving in Worcester on October 1, 2017.

Mead was also ordered to pay £122 to victim services. � A WOODLEY man has been ordered to pay compensation of £386.89 after being found guilty of damaging a window and door belonging to Wokingham Borough Council.

The incident took place on July 25, 2019 at an address in Wokingham.

John Peter Moring, 49 and from Hearn Road, pleaded not guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 1, but the bench disagreed and ordered the fine, which can be paid back at a rate of £5 per week. � A WINNERSH man has been fined for failing to comply with a community order placed on him.

At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on February 1, Daniel Stephen Chapman, 19 and from Baslow Road, admitted failing to attend an appointment on November 30, and missed a telephone contact appointment on December 22.

Chapman was fined £140 and ordered to pay costs of £60.

HOMES UNDER THE LOCKDOWN ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks � A WOODLEY woman has admitted breaching a community order made by Reading Magistrates Court on February 25 last year.

Ann Caroline Mahon, known as Caroline, appeared at the same court on February 1, where she accepted that she had failed to attend appointments on October 14, October 28, and November 4 last year.

The 37-year-old from The Beeches, was fined £80 and ordered to pay £75 costs. � A SHINFIELD woman has been fined after admitting breaching a community order made by Reading Magistrates Court.

Samantha Jayne Stanley, 34 and from Cirrus Drive, failed to attend appointments on April 2, April 7 and April 16 last year.

She was fined £100, and ordered to pay £60 costs by Reading Magistrates Court at a hearing on February 1. � DRIVING without due care and attention has seen a Crowthorne man banned from driving or seven days.

Gareth Simon George Davies, 50 and from Dowley Court, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 2.

Police had stopped him on

W

Curzon Street in Reading on September 8 last year. � A WARGRAVE man has pleaded guilty to being drunk and disorderly.

Adam Waite, 22 and from Highfield Park, was in Broad Street, Reading on October 13 last year when he was stopped by police.

He was fined £25, ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services.

Waite was given an additional £25 fine for committing a further offence: Reading Magistrates Court gave him a suspended sentence on September 13 last year.

He appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 2. � DRUG DRIVING has seen a Wokingham man banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months.

Jordan Dickinson, 21 and from Durham Close, was stopped by police on July 16, as he drove along Beech Lane in Earley.

A test found that he had traces of Benzoylecgonine, a form of cocaine, in his bloodstream.

In addition to the ban, Dickinson was fined £250, ordered to pay £85 costs and £35 to victim services.

ITH lockdown meaning we are spending more time at home, many of us have been looking at our sanctuary and wondering how can it be made better.

For some, the answer is to move on up, for others it is a makeover.

But to create those dream homes, it often requires people with more experience and expertise than watching an episode of Homes Under The Hammer. It is also a way of ensuring the work is carried out to all the requisite standards, complete with appropriate certificates.

This is where the benefit of experts comes in.

If you are planning to utilise your space better, be it creating a bigger kitchen or looking to extend upwards, then Koubou Interiors is a good place to start. Based in Crowthorne, the award-winning interior architecture and design practice promises plan, consult, liaise with local authorities and co-ordinate construction, giving you peace of mind.

Julie Jones Garden Design can perform similar transformations to your outdoor spaces. With more than 20 years’ experience, she can help with everything from wildlife-friendly gardens to paved terraces and landscaping.

Also helping with the outdoors is Ascot Driveway Design, which can help give your driveway a makeover.

And there’s a 30% discount on orders if you mention Wokingham.Today when you call.

Roofwise Specialists is a company that does what it says on the tin: if you need a new roof, repairs to your current one, changes to your fascia, soffits or gutters, they can help.

Heading back indoors and companies such as Rose Carpentry and Development can help turn your vision into a reality, including creating bespoke kitchens, office buildings and wardrobes. If you need something they can probably create it.

Plastering is an important skill, creating that perfect render is the difference between a home looking wonky and a home looking fantastic.

Appleton Plastering has more than 20 years’ experience and can help with projects indoors and out.

L Plowman Plastering Services is Wokingham based and is also at home working inside and outside.

Of course, there’s no point in creating extra room if you can’t see in the dark. If you need new lighting installed, electrical safety reports or even a new USB wall socket – so you need never let your phone charger hog the plugs again – Jason Oxley Electrical Services is the place to go.

And with all these companies, you are supporting local businesses who are here for you lockdown or not.

Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Repair work sees historic inn reveal some of it hidden secrets EXCLUSIVE

NEW LOOK: The Castle Inn in Hurst with its white render removed, revealing badly damaged beams and holes in the ancient brickwork. It is being restored

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today HIDDEN secrets going back 500 years have been exposed during major repairs to a Tudor pub which is said to be haunted.

Painstaking repairs to The Castle Inn at Hurst, opposite St Nicholas Church, started more than a year ago and should finish by the end of March. The final bill will be many £10,000s.

Landlord and lady Matt and Helen Brown plan a grand reopening when Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

The pub, said to have hosted Charles II, cricketing legend WG Grace and even two ghosts, is owned

by Church House Charity.

Charity treasurer Philip Payne of Winnersh has written a fascinating account of the repairs just published on the Hurst Village Society website: w w w. h v s . o r g . u k /c a s t l e - i n n refurbishment Philip gave Wokingham.Today a guide to key events: “Our builder started ‘straightforward’ window frame repairs only to discover the white render on the pub’s front had pulled away. Rainwater had got in and caused damage.

“With the pub closed except for takeaways during the lockdown, the render was taken off to assess the damage.”

Passers-by liked the new look with no render, and the Tudor beams and ancient bricks exposed.

But urgent work was needed.

“A lot of the wooden beams were rotten or badly eaten by beetle larvae and needed to be refaced in oak with hidden metal strapping to strengthen” said Philip.

“The brick infill between the beams suffered from brick decay quite badly with over 30% needing to be replaced.”

Strict conservation rules meant original material had to kept or repaired where ever possible – and it all had to go back in exactly the same place At least six different sizes and

shapes of bricks had been used.

Rotten bricks had to be replaced by ones of the same size and colour.

Wokingham Borough Council’s listings officer had to approve the work drawings and materials before repairs started.

The beams and bricks cannot be left exposed. It’s hoped this month to cover them with at least two coats of protective, traditional lime slurry and then lime wash. Using lime instead of cement means the covering will breathe and avoid water build up.

The bricks’ wash will be white, with the beams slightly darker and the outline of both still visible.

Painting beams black, a Victorian custom, is not in keeping with the pub’s history.

A main horizontal beam in the snug bar supported the first floor for 100 years, was in a potentially perilous state. It was discovered the beam was resting on a window frame instead of a sturdy upright.

A steel support was built inside the room. It frames the window, and is cleverly disguised with wood decorated to match the room.

ON THE CASE: Builder John Mitchell examines the Castle Inn’s main bar ceiling where poorly laid wooden laths have been exposed

An old doorway, discovered on the far right of the pub, looking at it, has been reinstated for emergency use or to help customer flow.

The main bar ceiling which fell

down when wallpaper covering was removed will be replaced.

The bar’s famous example of “wattle and daub” wall construction is being repaired.

The builder is John Mitchell of Mitchell and Sons, Old Basing, involved with the building for 10 years.

Philip added: “The aim of the work is to protect this beautiful building for another 100 years, so customers can continue to enjoy eating and drinking in its historic surroundings. During the work we learnt a lot about the building. Any ghostly inhabitants kept very much out of the way!”

Church House Charity, separate from St Nicholas Church, uses its funds to pay for church repairs and for church outreach work. It also owns and maintains the Grade II listed pub.

The Castle is still in action providing takeaway food on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

BBQ pork ribs, burgers, fish and chips and pizzas are available. � Full details are at www.castlehurst.co.uk.

Don’t dump it on the doorstep Showing some grit RESIDENTS should keep their charity shop donations at home, warned the Charity Retail Association.

The group has launched a campaign urging the public to stop leaving items outside of closed charity shops or already full donation banks.

Instead, residents are asked to hold on to their donations until shops reopen — unless alternative donation options are available.

At the moment, donations dropped outside charity shops or overflowing donation banks are getting destroyed by the weather or ruined by animals.

It will cost charities more money to dispose of ruined donations, instead of benefiting from the value of quality items.

Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association said: “With so many people using the lockdown as an opportunity to have a clear out, we are grateful to everyone who is putting aside items to donate to charity shops.

“We are optimistic that when charity shops reopen there will be a surge in donations of high-quality preloved items and strong customer sales which will raise much needed funds to help those in need.”

Allison Swaine-Hughes, retail director at the British Heart Foundation, added: “Since the more recent closure of our shops, we have had some incidents of donations being

left outside and although we appreciate the public’s enthusiasm to donate, we would kindly ask that no items are left at shops or donation bank sites, as we are currently unable to collect them, meaning they end up as waste which we have to pay to dispose of.

“We truly appreciate the continued support and would encourage those decluttering during this time to also consider posting us any unwanted, quality items such as jewellery, books or vinyl records via our freepost service.”

To donate via the British Heart Foundation’s freepost service, visit: bhf.org.uk/ postyourdonations

GRITTING crews covered more than 2,734 miles during the recent cold snap keeping the borough’s roads clear and moving for essential journeys.

The council’s five gritters sprayed more than 335 tonnes of grit in the process across roads, cycleways and footpaths.

Work was completed in 15 gritting runs including five on Sunday, February 7, when snow fell across the borough.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, thanked the crews who helped keep residents moving.

“Though fewer people are using the roads at the moment due to lockdown their journeys are essential,” she said. “Many including emergency services and delivery companies need our networks to be kept clear so our residents and communities can get what they need, when they need it.”

Alistair Thompson, managing director of VolkerHighways, said the team’s top priority is public safety. He added: “Our crews and gritters continue to be at the ready for when temperatures drop, helping to keep the road network safe and moving.”

NEWS | 11

12 |

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Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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‘Throughout this past year, police staff have been amazing’ EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WHEN John Campbell was announced as the top cop of Thames Valley Police on February 13, 2019, little did he know that what was in store for him.

In the two years since then, he and his team have had to cope with the death of PC Andrew Harper while on duty, the coronavirus pandemic and the Forbury terrorist attack last summer.

Last autumn, a Section 60 order – giving police more power to stop and search people – was used in Crowthorne over fears of knife crime and gang fights.

And since the start of this year, there have been three fatal stabbings in the Reading area, plus another two in Milton Keynes, which is also part of the Thames Valley Police patch.

It led to Detective Chief Superintendent Ian Hunter, Head of Crime for Thames Valley Police, issuing a warning: “Although none of these offences are linked in any way with no threat to the wider public, they all demonstrate to us the simple fact that knives ruin lives.

“If people carry knives as weapons, the consequence is that serious injury and sometimes death can be the tragic result.”

PRAISE:Thame Valley Police’s top cop John Campbell thanks his staff

Despite this, Chief Constable Campbell is looking for the positives.

“Knife crime is down 9% across the force area,” he said. “The nature of media today means that reports are across our screens, but the volume of numbers doesn’t reflect an increase.

“We do take these things very seriously, with Section 60 orders in place when a local area commander feels that there could be an outbreak of violence in the community and we need to do something about it.”

One immediate result of a Section 60 order is that people can see an increased police presence in the affected area.

“This can reassure people,” he said. “Public support (for these measures) has been strong, but we have to take them carefully. They are a tool that we have to use sparingly.”

The coronavirus pandemic has also seen police officers in a different role, having to react to new measures and an ever-changing situation.

The past year, that has meant lockdowns and tiers, with restrictions varying on a frequent basis.

“What I have seen is that Thames Valley Police has amazing staff, they’ve proven themselves to be outstanding,” Chief Constable Campbell said, saying they have dealing with regular policing issues, ensuring covid rules are enforced and looking after their families too.

“The staff have been outstanding,” he repeated, stressing his pride in his colleagues.

And while there has been lockdown fatigue in recent weeks, he said that on the whole people have been supportive and respectful of the restrictions, while some don’t follow the rules.

“That’s the nature of policing,” he said. “You always get people who don’t think what we do is right.”

But, he added: “Some forces have not quite got the enforcement right, but there have been thousands and thousands of interactions on covid

PCC awards £20,000 to help Search and Rescue teams SEARCH AND rescue teams in the Thames Valley have been awarded £20,000 by the police and crime commissioner.

Anthony Stansfeld, has awarded the funds to three Lowland Search and Rescue Teams and two Search Dog Teams in the region.

It will be used for advanced mapping system, MAPYX, and equipment for Search Technicians.

Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue, which is based in Arborfield, received £5,000 along with Buckinghamshire Search and Rescue and Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire.

MAPYX allows search teams to share maps digitally, and send out live track texts to lost or vulnerable missing persons.

Berkshire Search and Rescue Dogs received £2,500 as did Search Dogs Buckinghamshire to help with running costs, as well as equipment.

Mr Stansfeld, said he was delighted to award the funding to organisations that regularly help Thames Valley Police search for vulnerable, missing persons.

"The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has meant that some organisations are finding it increasingly difficult to secure funding,” the PCC added. “I am therefore delighted to be able to award this exceptional funding to help support these organisations and, in turn, keep our communities safe."

Thames Valley Police deputy chief constable Jason Hogg, said he hoped the money would help the organisations continue their “great work” with Thames Valley Police and other partners.

"These are volunteer organisations and the assistance they have provided to Thames Valley Police in a number of missing persons investigations has, on many occasions, been paramount to successful outcomes,” he said.

“We will continue to work with their teams, who will continue to provide valuable support to the force in the future.”

Teresa Archer, vice chair of Lowland Search and Rescue, said the funding is excellent

news for the teams, after significant fundraising losses last year.

She added: “All Lowland Rescue teams are independent charities and are available 24/7 to support their police forces in searching for vulnerable missing people.

“Most of them receive little or no secure funding to cover the annual running costs needed to maintain that availability and this grant will significantly help the Thames Valley teams.

“By making this award, the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner has demonstrated his commitment to Lowland Rescue teams across Thames Valley and that their service and partnership work with Thames Valley Police is truly valued.”

The £20,000 was largely secured through the Police Property Act Fund (PPAF), created from money recovered by the police and the proceeds from the sale of items that cannot be returned to identified owners, including seizures from criminals.

For the record

an article titled ‘Cleaning up for charity’ on page 17, which incorrectly stated that Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazing

Equines (SAFE) released horses into the wild. This should have said the charity re-homes the horses.

On Thursday, February 18, Wokingham.Today published

that have been perfectly well handled.

“The small wins (of policing) don’t always get the attention they deserve, but there’s lots of positive police work.”

And this comes against the backdrop of funding cuts over the past decade, working on budgets shrunk by £110 million, and having to adapt to the changing nature of crime. But it all comes back to the team around Chief Constable Campbell.

“In many parts of the world, people don’t want to see the police, but here they do. The endeavour of my staff is second to none.

“It’s a well-regarded force with strong public support.”

In May, there will be the latest PCC (police and crime commissioner) elections, allowing the public to choose the candidate.

It’s something that Chief Constable Campbell relishes.

“We need someone locally to hold us to account. It helps provide direct accountability to the public via the PCC,” he explained.

“People don’t always understand the role of the PCC, or their importance.

“It is absolutely right that someone can hold me to account. I am not an elected official, I’m here through my service. Policing is an important agency in the community and we have to be held to account.”

NEWS | 13

That’s a lot of clean hands …

CUSTOMERS on Reading Buses have used more than 2,500 litres of hand sanitiser on their travels.

The bus company said measures to keep customers and employees safe during the pandemic are under constant review. This includes monitoring the use of hand gel.

“We want to re-emphasise the message that at all times the prime objective at Reading Buses is to look after the safety of those people who have to travel,” said chief executive officer Robert Williams.

“In addition to the hand sanitiser, we have many other measures to help keep our customers, and our drivers, safe. Buses are cleaned even more so than ever before, with special attention paid to high-contact areas such as hand poles and bell pushes.

“Customers are reminded to wear a face covering for the entirety of their journeys and to keep the windows open to help with ventilation.

“It’s things like this, and more, that help to keep everyone safe and well on our buses.”

Reading Buses is also selling branded individual hand sanitiser bottles to raise funds for their charity of the year, Sport in Mind.

There is also a colourful face covering, a pen and ‘I love Reading Buses’ badge, are being sold at their Bus Shop, Broad Street Mall.

Mr Williams added: “The hand sanitiser is great because it comes with a handy clip and smells good too.

“All profits from these and individual protective items goes to Sport in Mind which means that all our fundraising efforts will help them.” � For more information, or to buy online, visit: reading-buses.myshopify.com

3 | XXXXXX 14 | NEWS

ToTo advertise email advertising@wokingham.today advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

TAKE OUT TO HELP OUT

Why ordering a takeaway is a huge help

LOCKDOWN 3.0

EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THINGS are heating up in Wokingham this week, as we talk to two Indian takeaways to find out how residents can support them through lockdown.

Turmeric Tales and The Tamarind Tree have both welcomed Wokingham.Today’s Take Out To Help Out campaign, and are pleading with readers to help get business booming again.

Anu Ghag, owner of Turmeric Tales, launched the Crowthorne-based Indian takeaway in 2016 and sells a range of curry dishes.

To make sure her food has that authentic look and taste, she uses spices straight from India.

“I cook all my food from scratch with fresh ingredients,” Ms Ghag said. “All the spices come from India when I travel back to see my family every year, so my dishes taste original.”

The owner decided to launch Turmeric Tales five years ago, after her friends persuaded her to turn her hobby into a vocation.

“They told me my food was outstanding and that I had a real talent,” Ms Ghag explained. “I decided to start doing dinner parties and curry nights, and then started cooking takeaways whenever there was work.

“During lockdown, I realised I could do this from home and in June, I started working on Turmeric Tales more regularly.”

But the owner said it has been difficult running her business during lockdown.

“I was lucky that people already knew me and my business, after doing events in Crowthorne over the years,” she said.

“Those people who had already tried my food have supported me since the

TASTY: A takeaway from Tumeric Tales uses spices straight from India, to create that authentic look and taste

beginning, but it has been slow.”

Ms Ghag said when people do place an order, it is a huge help.

“My husband sold his business during lockdown and then started a new one, so the support definitely helps us,” she explained.

“Orders have absolutely supported our family.”

And this has been echoed by the owner of another Indian takeaway, The Tamarind Tree.

Based on Peach Street in Wokingham town centre, Koush Miah has been running the takeaway for years but only recently turned to delivery.

“The Tamarind Tree has been delivering takeaways for four or five weeks now, but it’s been really tough,” he said. “The business is ticking along, but it’s a tough time.

“We’re just holding on until it’s all over.”

The Tamarind Tree offers a host of curry night favourites, which are available for delivery and collection.

Mr Miah said he appreciates the support of the local community as the lockdown continues.

“The local support is amazing,” he said. “We appreciate what people are doing, and they honestly keep me going at the moment.

“A lot of people have lost their jobs and everybody is struggling, so doing delivery helps me support residents and stop them needing to come out.”

To find out more about The Tamarind Tree and place an order, visit: the-tamarind-tree.co.uk To place an order with Turmeric Tales, search for the page on Facebook. Orders must be placed between Monday and Thursday for a weekend collection slot.

It offers delivery to the Crowthorne area and elderly customers only.

From South Africa to Denmark Street A NEW family-run business is bringing the taste of Africa to Wokingham.

Characters Cafe, which opened on Denmark Street last week, is hoping to bring some “South African flair” to local residents.

The independent cafe is run by Dianne Wiid, who used to manage her own coffee shop on a beachfront in South Africa.

After moving to Wokingham, the owner said she had always wanted to bring “something new” to the high street, and when she saw the unit on sale it was the “perfect opportunity”.

“We live in Wokingham so it was a nice and convenient location, and we already know quite a few of the people here,” she said. “Now we are up and running, we want to introduce South African food that you can grab and go, including things like melkterts.”

Ms Wiid runs Characters Cafe with her husband, their son and his girlfriend but said opening the shop during lockdown hasn’t been easy.

“Business is a lot slower than it would usually be, especially with people not being able to sit down,” she explained.

“But we decided to bite the bullet and go for it anyway.”

Despite coronavirus restrictions, Ms Wiid said the cafe has been overwhelmed by support from the

community.

“People seem excited that we’re open and they’ve all assured us that they’ll support us,” Ms Wiid said.

“Lockdown has not made it easy, but we’ve followed all the guidelines to get the cafe running as it should and we’ll keep going.”

Due to current lockdown rules, Characters Cafe is operating on a takeaway-only basis.

“People can come in and grab a coffee and pastry to take away with them,” Ms Wiid explained.

“But we can’t wait for lockdown to be over so we can offer eat in, get more involved with local people and get to know them better.

“For now, we are very excited to be open, even though it is a lot more challenging than in normal times.”

The coffee shop opened its doors on Wednesday, February 17.

To find out more about Characters Cafe, search for ‘Characters Wokingham’ on Facebook.

Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 15

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BUILDING UP: Malcolm Bray at work on the therapy allotment shed.

(Left and below); Bottom left : Teresa Ramsden helps install the new facilities

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Green scheme will give a boost to mental health EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today ALLOTMENT holders and other helpers are setting up a new project to give Green Prescriptions to boost people anxious or depressed after a year of pandemic.

Unlike usual doctors’ prescriptions, these green ones won’t be for medicines.

The scheme involves Twyford’s GP Surgery, but the healing will come via growing fruit and vegetables in the outdoors with a horticultural therapist.

All this will be at a place known for its friendly atmosphere – the allotments near Twyford Station in Hurst Road. It’s hoped the scheme will launch in the spring, the start of the growing season.

The existing growers have found their allotment gardening a huge boost to morale during Covid-19.

Inspiration about spreading that green-effect came during a talk to Twyford Allotment Tenants’ Association. The speaker described a Northamptonshire allotment therapy site and its benefits for mental health.

Led by Twyford parish councillor and allotment holder Rohana Abeywardana, work on the Twyford therapy scheme started.

Volunteers including Natalie Burton and parish councillors Teresa Ramsden Malcolm Bray have been clearing and preparing the scheme’s allotment.

Councillor Abeywardana, of Broad Hinton, said the council had brought people in the community together to start the “really exciting project” to provide help at a local level.

The past year of Covid-19 had increased anxiety for many.

Age UK Berkshire is running the scheme, backed by a £5,350 grant from Twyford Parish Council, the allotment owners.

Horticultural therapist Christina Hughes Nind of Caversham will work with the scheme’s clients.

The charity’s chief executive Fiona Price, who lives in Twyford and has a Hurst Road allotment, said: “We aim to help as many adults of all ages as possible.

“People have felt isolated, anxious or depressed particularly over the last year.

The scheme is for those with low-level mental health needs.

“It isn’t formal therapy. It’s getting out in the fresh air to do some physical activity, having a chat and meeting others. People on allotments are very friendly.”

Anyone interested in having help should email Jason Bowles, who works

with the Twyford Surgery GPs, at: Jason.Bowles@nhs.net Help is still needed to finish clearing and digging the allotment. A shed and a greenhouse have been arranged but seeds, gardening tools and large cardboard sheets to suppress weeds are still needed.

To help, send an email to: greenprescription@ twyfordparishcouncil.gov.uk Therapist Ms Hughes Nind wants to share the joy of growing and eating sweet, homegrown tomatoes and crunchy carrots and the fun of digging for the buried treasure of potatoes. “And there’s a lot you can learn about soil and growth,” she said.

“We try to make it all very welcoming. People can sit, relax, chat and have a cup of tea. We’ll even grow our own teas like mint, sage and chamomile.”

Find some Joy and Share the reward FOOD distribution group, SHARE Wokingham has teamed up with a town centre cafe for a delicious project.

The group is working with Joy Café, on Broad Street to give away vouchers — but residents have to find them first.

SHARE has decorated some rocks with the Joy Café logo, which have been left dotted across the area.

Volunteer, Claire Revie said: “As

spring approaches and hopefully lockdown is easing we wanted to SHARE Joy a little more around Wokingham.

“If the rocks with SHARE Joy on them are brought to SHARE or the café, they will be exchanged for a voucher for the Joy Café.

Joy Café owner, Valentin Radu said he was thrilled to be involved with such a “lovely project” with Share.

16 | NEWS

Search on for favourite tradesperson A CASH prize is up for grabs for any local heroes – and Wokingham residents are being encouraged to apply.

SGS Engineering has launched a nationwide search for tradespeople that have gone above and beyond for their communities during the pandemic.

The ‘local hero’ awards aim to celebrate generous and thoughtful tradespeople who offered valuable help to those in need over the past year.

And the best bit is, the general public will choose the winner.

Dave Gordon, general manager at SGS Engineering, said: “We’ve heard so many stories about tradespeople helping out their communities – whether that’s doing free MoTs for key workers or even gardening for those who are shielding – and we’ve felt incredibly proud to be part of such a committed and caring industry.

“We wanted to recognise those individuals and businesses who really went out of their way to support people in need in their local areas, so we decided to launch these local hero awards.

“We look forward to seeing all the entries and reading about all the amazing work that people have been doing.”

One national winner will be awarded a £1,00 cash prize, and five regional winners will each take home £250.

The deadline for nominations is midnight on Sunday, March 7, and a shortlist of finalists will be revealed on Monday, March 15.

The public will be able to vote for the winners, which will be crowned on Wednesday, March 31.

For more information, visit: www.sgsengineering.com/help-advice/sgs-local-heroawards-open-for-entries

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

Grazeley off the table – but more homes planned for Shinfield …

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE COUNCIL is considering two different areas of the borough to develop, after plans for a 15,000 garden town in Grazeley were scrapped.

Wokingham Borough Council is looking at the area south of the M4 corridor between the villages of Shinfield, Arborfield and Sindlesham and an area of land within the existing south Wokingham major development.

It comes as the Ministry of Defence objected to the plans, due to the expansion of the Emergency Planning Zone For AWE Burghfield.

Last week, a High Court judge ruled against a developers consortium challenging the expansion of the emergency planning zone —meaning Grazeley is off the table.

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement said: “The High Court decision reaffirms our need to look at other locations within the borough to meet our future housing and employment needs.”

Now, the borough council is master planning to test the potential for each site.

The new areas will be considered alongside others across the borough, to inform the future direction of the local plan.

Consultation on a revised local plan is expected later this year.

The process will include a detailed look at the highways

POTENTIAL: Hall Farm could be turned into housing Picture: Geograph

connections, as well as the environmental and flooding impacts. Infrastructure such as schools, community centres, parks and open spaces and sports facilities will also be considered.

The council said it will work with landowners, key stakeholders and the public to explore possibilities in the coming months.

Cllr Smith added: “The master planning process will allow us to look at the possibilities for the two sites and we will engage with residents as part of that process.

“We expect to have a revised draft local plan later this year. And of course residents will have the opportunity to tell us what they think.”

The University of Reading has confirmed it is in talks with the borough council over the new Local Plan.

Professor Robert Van de Noort,

vice-chancellor of the university said they are in the “very first stages of discussion” for building on land around Hall Farm.

“Any plans that lead to a change in the use of farming facilities and resources around Hall Farm would only occur alongside significant investment and improvement of academic and agricultural research and teaching capacity and facilities overall,” he said.

“We are only at the very first stages of discussion, but will ensure that students, staff and the wider community are engaged in the process. We are committed to working with and listening to others, particularly our partners and neighbours in Reading and Wokingham.”

He said the University of Reading is one of the world’s leading centres for the study of environment and climate change, and he hopes to

reflect this by committing to reducing emissions and move towards a zero-carbon society.

Cllr Clive Jones, the deputy leader of Wokingham Liberal Democrats, was pleased that the council was pushing ahead with its Local Plan Update.

“It was something we called for at the beginning of the year,” he said.

“We didn’t want it stalled because it could cause problems further down the line as we wouldn’t have a five-year-land supply.”

This, he feared, could lead to developers challenging the council over proposed developments in inappropriate places.

As to the proposal to develop around Hall Farm, instead of Grazeley, he said: “The council clearly needs to look at other sites, and find somewhere to build 4,000 homes relatively quickly.

“The question is are they just targeting the wider Shinfield area?

“I don’t know what is being planned, the university says they are in discussions.

“Although it sounds like a good proposal, the devil is in the detail.”

He also appealed for clarity after council leader Cllr John Halsall made comments earlier this month suggesting Grazeley wasn’t off the table, but now it appeared it was.

“The government says we have to build 785 homes every year in the borough. If we had successfully reduced this to 600, there wouldn’t be a need to find 4,000 homes quickly.”

…as solar farm planned instead

L

EONA’S Bespoke Catering is a small, family run business providing everyday meals, street food, afternoon teas, celebration cakes and bespoke catering services.

We take inspiration from cuisines from all over the world to create dishes inspired by every continent as well as a wide variety of afternoon teas so we will have something to cater for everyone’s palate. We are also the house caterers for Vibrant Forest Brewery and have a line of artisan pies and sweet treats featuring their beers which are available to order.

You may also know us from our Halloween display each year where we raise money for charity.

We have also partnered with Flowers by Design this Mother's Day. Jam jars of joy seasonal flowers dressed up in a Jam jar. Small £16, large £20. Aqua hand tied Bouquets at £50 All come in a beautiful presentation bag and heart shaped card. � For more information feel free to contact us on Facebook or Instagram @leonasbespokecatering

PLANS ARE forming for a 75 acre solar farm near Grazeley.

West Berkshire Council is hoping to host 45,000 solar panels on its land, bordering with the Wokingham borough.

Like Wokingham Borough Council, West Berkshire is also aiming to become carbon neutral by 2030.

It is hoped the new solar farm would generate enough electricity each year to power approximately 4,400 homes.

Councillor Steve Ardagh-Walter, executive member for environment at West Berkshire Council, said: "Last year we installed solar on some of our buildings and we are now looking to

build on this with the possibility of a new solar farm.

“It could significantly reduce our carbon footprint with any surplus income available to reinvest in other environmental projects.”

He said the council is committed to its Environment Strategy, and called the solar farm “a statement of intent” towards carbon neutrality in nine years.

Funding for the project, which is estimated to cost around £10 million is subject to further studies and procurement.

If funds are secured and the plans approved, construction could start on the site in next year.

It comes as West Berkshire Council pulled-out of plans for a garden town in Grazeley, after the Ministry of Defence (MOD) objected.

Located in the Emergency Planning Zone for AWE Burghfield, the MOD said building 15,000 homes would have “an adverse impact on the nation’s security” as it would limit the current and future operations on site.

As the only UK site to decommission, build and maintain nuclear warheads, the MOD said AWE Burghfield has “unique national strategic importance”.

Wokingham Borough Council confirmed it is no longer looking to develop the Grazeley garden town.

Dog walker warning over poisoned food THE WOKINGHAM dog warden has warned dog walkers to keep their pets in full view when walking in the borough.

It comes as last week, concern spread on social media about a bag of food found discarded in woods near Simons Lane.

Dog walkers were worried the food could have been poisoned with the intent to harm dogs in the area.

Thames Valley Police confirmed it received a report about Simons Lane incident, which was passed to the neighbourhood team.

Nicholas Pringle, animal warden for West Berkshire and Wokingham borough advised owners to keep their dogs in full view when walking to be safe.

“Don’t let them wander off unseen into the

undergrowth where they potentially could find and eat anything,” he said. “If your dog does become ill after walking somewhere take them straight to the vets.”

This was echoed by the RSPCA. A spokesperson for the animal welfare charity said: “If a pet owner is concerned that their pet may have been poisoned, they should contact their vet immediately.

“If anyone suspects animals are being poisoned deliberately and has seen anything suspicious they can contact us on 0300 1234 999, or the police on 101.”

They said signs of poisoning can include depression, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, appearing drunk and uncoordinated, twitching and seizures.

They added: “People should be careful when putting down any substances which are potentially poisonous to ensure that other animals are not affected — such as slug pellets — and substances are stored appropriately and properly disposed of, rather than dumping them on a roadside or in a park.”

Last June, Wokingham.Today reported on the sudden death of a pet Labrador.

At the time, there were multiple suspected dog poisonings in the Woodley and Earley area. But none of these were confirmed.

Anyone with information to call 101, quoting reference 43210068208. � For more help, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/ adviceandwelfare/pets/general/poisoning

Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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18 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Play our part on the road to recovery THERE is probably not a man, woman or child not looking forward to the end of the current lockdown restrictions.

Sadly there is a way to go before we can enjoy mingling as we did pre-2020.

The news that Reading Festival intends to go ahead is a welcome fillup and a promise of things to come.

It can only be hoped that this summer is warm, dry and cheerful. Sunshine is what we need right now after all this doom and gloom.

But the road to this promised land is a long and winding one. It won’t be as straightforward as the dates optimistically predict.

There will be outbreaks, setbacks and delays and we must mentally be prepared for them.

And while we crave being able to enjoy a scotch egg and a pint in our favourite local, it will be a while before they can reopen.

So in this interim period, as we wander through the desert of restrictions, searching for the oasis of normality, we must be prepared to carry on following the rules and supporting our local businesses.

We have made this plea several times before, we make no apology for repeating it.

Our economy relies on us using our wonderful retailers, businessmen, companies and contractors. That takeaway will keep people in work, it will help support their suppliers and it benefits the wider community.

Keep shopping, but where you can, shop local.

We all have our part to play on the road to recovery.

CHURCH NOTES

Dancing in the rain

O

NE of my teaching colleagues has this quote above her desk: “Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning how to dance in the rain.”

For almost everyone, the past year has been all about learning to live with circumstances we would never have chosen. It’s been a shock for those of us who have been used to having the freedom to live as we want, and the money and health to enjoy it.

As I write, there is the promise of effective vaccines to fight Covid, which is truly wonderful news for all of us.

But will we emerge from this experience changed for the better, or just desperate for things to return to normal?

We all know now how easily everything that matters to us can be lost overnight – work, health, family time, holidays, plans for the future. How can you learn to dance in the rain when you’re not sure what you’re standing on?

The God we meet in the Bible spans all of time and eternity, and holds our world in His hands. He alone is the one who never changes, and whose promises are sure. He says in Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.”

Let’s learn to dance in the rain, standing on the Rock who will never fail.

Helen Hotchkiss is a member of Christ Church Wokingham , writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

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

Send your thoughts to letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

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

The truth, the whole truth or nothing like it?

Across the world, minutes are kept and published as a record of what actually happened in meetings. In many organisations minutes are subject to scrutiny and even audit.

Not it would seem in Wokingham Borough Council.

At last week’s Wokingham Borough full Council meeting, a member pointed out a significant discrepancy. So significant, that in his view, the minutes bore no resemblance to what happened or what could be seen on the video recording of the meeting.

Having pointed this out you would expect, any organisation, to either rectify the obvious error or at the very least investigate the issue. Not in Wokingham. The Mayor simply stated the minutes were not verbatim and forced through a vote.

Despite there being an evidenced challenge highlighting a significant discrepancy.

Like all votes in WBC, it was voted through on strict political party lines.

It would appear that no one dares to vote against their party in Wokingham.

So, a majority of Cllrs have voted to state the minutes are an accurate record of the meeting, knowing this is not right.

This is not a one-off example.

Some might remember when Shinfield residents walked out of a Council meeting due to the disrespectful way they and their petition had been handled?

It made the front page of the local press. It even made the local TV news. It didn’t however even get a mention in the minutes.

Can we trust an organisation that knowingly publishes false minutes?

Can we trust an organisation that knowingly hides the truth?

Basic honesty is something we deserve from all organisations and even more so from public service organisations.

Are Wokingham residents getting this from WBC? Name and address supplied

I

SPRING DAWN: An iron cockerel welcomes the morning sunrise over Oaklands Drive, Wokingham Picture: Brian Moffatt

Council urged to divest pension investments in fossil fuel companies Wokingham Borough Council uses the Berkshire Pension Fund.

This pension fund, according to research conducted by Friends of the Earth, is investing around £27 million in fossil fuel companies.

This is despite the council declaring a climate emergency.

I for one would like to see WBC and other councils in Berkshire who have declared a climate emergency use their influence to ensure the pension fund makes a commitment to divest their investments in fossil fuel companies as a matter of urgency and invest the money into more socially useful investments.

T was tragic news from the US that the country surpassed 500,000 deaths this week from Covid-19.

The President and Vice President commemorated the sad landmark in a moving ceremony and with appropriate words.

The US and the UK make daily announcements of the deaths attributed to the virus, with Ministers and Administration representatives making regular statements of sympathy for the relatives of those lost.

The EU passed through the 500,000 deaths before the US. They have gone over to weekly reporting, and last announced 515,519 deaths.

The incidence of the virus and the death rate has been very variable around the EU. Belgium’s death rate has been more than three times that of Greece.

Luxembourg has had more cases relative to the size of its population than most, whilst Finland has low figures for cases and deaths.

The world figures released daily on the world o meter does not include EU figures so you have

Wouldn’t it be much better to create a new and better economy that puts the health of us all above the wealth of a few?

Don’t we all deserve a retirement we can look forward to?

Cllr Sarah Kerr, Liberal Democrat member for Evendons Ward.

On The Black Boy You are wrong in supporting the boss of The Black Boy (editorial, February 11).

They are just giving in to the nasty little racists.

It’s got nothing to do with Black Lives Matter.

The names have lasted for more than 100 years. How dare new people move in and want it changing.

Name and address withheld

Westminster That was the week Diary Tony Sir John Johnson Redwood

to add up all the relevant national figures.

This is surprising given the leadership role the EU has adopted over responses to the pandemic in member states.

It would be good to see more analysis of the reasons for the very different rates of cases and deaths among neighbouring states.

Asian countries led by Japan have had much lower case rates and lower death rates than the Americas and Europe.

I have yet to see a good account of why the spread of the disease and the fatalities have been so much lower in much of Asia.

The name change attracted a fair degree of comment from our Facebook page. � You can call it what you like, it will always be the Black Boy. What a waste of time and money.

Sue Wisdom � I really can't see why the name is rascist? It is purely a description ie.

A black boy, if it was the 'The black boy slave' then iI would agree the name should be changed.

'The slaughtered lamb' could indeed have people up-in-arms (no pun intended) as it depicts a lamb that has been slaughtered and it might upset vegans or vegatarians but 'The black boy' is just a description of a boy and iIwould of thought in these days of inclusion for everyone the BLM movement would

It would be good to know if it was to do with the nature of the response, or to the treatments, or to greater natural immunity from past exposures to similar viruses or to diet or other issues.

The UK after Israel has achieved much more in offering vaccines to people vulnerable to the virus and vaccinating most at risk.

In both France and Germany misleading negative briefings against the Astra Zeneca vaccine has held up acceptance of vaccination on top of the slower moves of the EU authorities to approve the jab and to buy enough for fast roll out.

We now learn that the UK is considering using vaccination certificates for other purposes.

Ministers accept there are practical and moral problems with such an idea.

I would be interested in your thoughts on this possible limitation on freedoms.

Sir John Redwood is the MP for Wokingham

welcome it in the same way that people of ethnticity are now more included in every walk of life and rightly so.

Jon Gilbert � Doesn’t matter what they change it to people will call it the black boy just like thatchers renamed waterside but everyone calls it the thatchers, still do as does the bus timetable etc Mary Henry � Who cares? So many people threatening never to go to a pub they've never been to. Life will carry on.

Mark Ellis � It was not a fair vote as there was no option to retain the Black Boy name.

Mike Skeats

Check in on a loved one With the promise of an end of lockdown looming, I urge your readers to continue to check in on loved ones.

One in six people live with an incurable condition called Raynaud’s that causes painful ‘attacks’ when it’s cold, so winter can be agonising. It’s likely you know someone with it, but may not realise it.

As the only charity supporting people with Raynaud’s, Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK is urging your readers to organise a virtual catchup with friends and family to check in with them. We would love you to grab your favourite mug, get online

and text CATCHUP to 70450 to donate £5 to help us continue our vital work.

Sue Farrington, chief executive Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK

Celebrating 80 years This month marks the 80th anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets and the RAF Benevolent Fund has joined forces with the youth organisation to help mark the milestone.

Throughout their 80-year history the air cadets have been inspiring their members to go on to great things, whether that be as part of the Royal Air Force itself or further afield. From Olympic medals and Oscar nominations to topping the charts or even becoming a NASA Astronaut.

Linford Christie OBE, Tom Fletcher, Dr Michael Foale, Rory Underwood MBE and Richard Burton were all members of this extraordinary youth organisation.

Throughout the years cadets have played a key role in helping us to be there for the RAF Family, whether that’s raising money, supporting events or helping to raise awareness.

To celebrate this anniversary, the RAF Benevolent Fund has launched an online book collecting memories from former and current members, asking them to share what their time as an air cadet meant to them. Visit rafbf.org/aircadets for more information.

We need to talk about last Thursday

H

ANDFORTH Parish Council has nothing to worry about, it’s been completely eclipsed by the four-hour long dust cloud that Wokingham council’s deliberations kicked up last Thursday night.

So if you’re of a nervous disposition, probably best look away now, ‘cos this is a commentary and some of the opinions might not quite line up.

The Best Bits While there weren’t many, credit to Cllr Pauline Jorgensen (Con) who led the turn-round on the final proposal to change parts of the constitution.

She may have robbed you of what would probably have been unpublishable commentary, her lead rescued the Council from what could have turned out even worse.

Credit to Cllr Prue Bray (LibDem) for her skilful use of humour to raise a matter of significant concern, also to Cllr Imogen Shepherd DuBey and Cllr Maria Gee for the best speeches I’ve heard either of them deliver.

Respect to the Chief Executive for her serene calm when called in to administer the “nonrecorded, recorded votes” (huh?) towards the end of the meeting, especially for her selfdeprecation after a spoonerism while calling names out.

Amusement to the councillor who offered that “proxy vote” with an audible smile in their voice in the final roll call of the night. They knew it wouldn’t be allowed, the chief exec tabulating the vote knew (and it wasn’t), and now you do too.

Admiration for, as well as commiserations to the mayor, Cllr Malcolm Richards.

My respect for him as the Borough’s first citizen has only risen for the unfailingly polite way in which he handled the meeting, grumpy councillors and all.

VIEWPOINTS | 19

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Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Mike Straney, director fundraising and communications, RAF Benevolent Fund

Having the best start When Bliss was founded in 1979 by a group of parents, our objective as a charity was set out “to support the life of babies in distress at birth”, and since our foundation we have always sought to deliver this for all babies admitted to neonatal care, whether they were born prematurely or at full term.

Over the past 41 years our reach has grown and we now work with many neonatal units in Southern England and across the UK. Having a baby in neonatal care can be incredibly distressing for families and Bliss offers emotional and practical support to empower families and equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to provide the best possible care to their baby, for however long they live and for however long their stay in neonatal care.

One in seven babies is born needing neonatal care in the UK, equating to 100,000 babies every year, but despite a common perception that neonatal care is only for babies born premature, more than 60 per cent of babies admitted to neonatal care are born at full term (at 37 weeks or more).

Our research shows these parents often feel that their experience on

That was the week

Tony Johnson

The Budget When politicians meet to discuss the allocation of funds or resources, there’s always going to be a debate.

There’s never sufficient money or resources to do all you like to, want to, or have to do - and that’s the same for individuals and companies, as it is for local councils and government.

What one always hopes for is a rhetoric-free discussion in which we hear clearly how the administration proposes to allocate the budget, followed by an expression of alternative proposals from those in opposition.

A bit of chest beating or opponent baiting is understandable.

But when the beating and baiting overtakes the facts, the virtual audience is left out, wondering what they’re all banging on about.

And boy – did they bang on. And on.

As an observer, I look to the revenue budget to tell me what services will be provided, the capital budget to tell me what projects will be delivered, the treasury budget to say how things are going to be funded and the MTFP (Medium Term Financial Plan) to say how everything pulls together to deliver what residents want.

But when looking at the top level stuff, if you don’t quite ‘get’ what’s going on, you might dig into the detail - ‘a bit’.

Having worn out my third ‘extra spare shovel’ this year, I can’t even explain to myself what’s going to be delivered when and where, how much it’s all going to cost, which department does the delivery and who’s accountable, nor when and how it’s all going to be paid for.

What I can say is that MTFP’s from previous years have had better explanations with longer timelines, even if they never achieved ‘great explanation’ status at the time.

the neonatal unit differs to the experiences of families with premature babies. Many feel out of place, or that they don’t ‘belong’ on the unit, as they are often the only family with a full term baby there at the time.

Some of those babies may only spend a few days on a unit, some much longer, but they all need the same specialist care as premature babies, and their parents’ practical and emotional needs should be treated with the same care and respect.

That is why we have launched Hidden Neonatal Journeys, our new campaign to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the parents of full term but sick babies.

If you have had a neonatal experience with your full term baby and been supported by Bliss, we would love to hear from you.

Sharing stories like yours helps Bliss to reach more parents in your local area, shows them that they are not alone, and also means we can continually improve the care provided to families.

Only with your support can Bliss continue to work to ensure every baby gets the best start in life for generations to come.

To find out more about the campaign visit bliss.org.uk/ hiddenneonataljourneys Caroline Lee-Davey, chief executive of Bliss

The Behaviour Once you get past the sticking point that “our” proposals are so much better than “their” proposals, everything else is plain sailing - if you’re a fan of white water rafting through the grand canyon that is.

Cllr Gee’s calm and collected way of raising of a point of order, over the agenda missing vital documents, should be a model. Telegraphed a week in advance.

Unresolved by the time of the meeting, it really should not have been the surprise it appeared as.

And independent of whether you rate her concern as correct or not, it didn’t deserve the reception it got.

Likewise, independent of whether or not anyone in the meeting believed the officer’s ruling that the Mayor had given her in response was correct: the Mayor’s decision is final and it didn’t deserve the reception it got.

The frequent unsolicited interruptions, cat-calls, jeering, banging of desks, clapping of hands, free-for-all arguments all added up to demonstrate why May’s elections are sorely needed, as is a fresh approach from elected representatives, from all sides, who are experienced enough to know better.

If that was the Riot – what’s the Act? For a patient to accept treatment, they first need to recognise that they’re unwell.

So Councillors might like to try sharing the videos from Thursday night with their children / grandchildren (or an elderly relative) while trying to explain why people acted as they did?

This might be kinder than holding a public inquiry into behaviour (Standards) and the rules (Constitution) to help set things to right - whatever that ‘right’ turns out to be and which councillors then choose to adopt.

Perhaps then the leading lights in our Council can shine out – guiding the way and providing confidence for residents at large as well as for Councillors and Officers. caveat.lector@icloud.com

Harry’s world

Harry Bradley

Counting down the days

E

LEVEN days until Monday, March 8.

I’m literally striking the days off as we get closer and closer.

March 8 is the day we finally go back to school.

Yes, I know anything could happen between now and then, but following the announcement this week from the prime minister, I hope that I’ll be back in Sixth Form with my friends (and even my teachers) and that hope is really keeping me going.

Pre-lockdown, the Christmas and Easter holidays always seemed far too short.

I never wanted them to end.

I was always reluctant to give up my lieins for the back-to-school routine. The Summer holidays were a different matter.

We had a whole chunk of time to fill, the days longer, and so when September rolled around each year, I was ready for the backto-school routine.

I think it’s fair to say that 12 months away from school is long by anyone’s standards.

It seems to have gone on forever and February 2020 seems like a lifetime ago.

I’ve missed school a lot. I miss seeing my friends, the group of us hanging around in the common room will be incredible.

I even miss my teachers.

It’ll seem unusual to see them at the front of the class rather than on a Teams call.

And now it seems that there’s not long to go until we’re all back school.

But in the meantime, there’s still a lot to do.

Yes, last week might have been half-term but it doesn’t really feel like a break.

With revision for mocks when we get back, as well as writing my EPQ, half-term was a working holiday.

When Monday, March 8 comes round and I eventually do get back to school, I’ll be counting down again.

To A-levels, whatever they look like, and my last few months at secondary school.

I’ve loved my time at school and so I really do want to leave on a high.

Who knows what’s going to happen with exams, summer holidays, university places.

Right now, I don’t really care, I’m just counting down the days.

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20 | NEWS

Not in Heaven but in Hull

Wokingham Writers Group run regular fiction writing contests for its members.

Here is LINDA FAWKE’S winning entry

I

T was an odd match. I never thought I’d be best man to this pair. I stood beside Phil and fiddled with the gold ring in my pocket.

She was a live wire, Beth. She’d danced on the table at New Year’s Eve, her skirt swirling high and her hair and mood higher. Phil had watched and nodded his head in time to the music, refusing to join her. He didn’t say he’d rather be at home with the book I’d given him.

He was kinder than that. Lily, now the bridesmaid, had danced with her instead.

Their parents had been neighbours for decades, happy in Hull. There they were, grinning in the front pew, best friends, soon to be related. Creating their dynasty.

As the ceremony continued, my attention wandered. I looked at the

vicar’s scuffed shoes; a wedding was too every-day to warrant shoe polish. The edge of his cassock was frayed and there was a dirty mark on his dog collar. A nudge brought me back to reality and I produced the ring, placing it on Phil’s large, shovel-like hand, brushing his fingers. He was a huge man, an imposing presence. I wondered, again, why he was marrying the butterfly that was Beth, his childhood sweetheart.

I glanced towards Lily. Wasn’t it usual for the best man to get off with the bridesmaid? The thought amused me. Not likely.

My attention must have wandered again. Before I realised it, Beth and Phil were walking down the aisle as man and wife. I caught Phil’s eye and the glance that passed between us spoke of times past. A similar look passed between Lily and Beth. No regrets – just sadness that it was over.

Although maybe not…

It wasn’t a match made in Heaven. It was a marriage manufactured in Hull. © Linda Fawke

Helena’s helping children at a stretch (and a Hannah can’t wait to show downward dog) off her labour of love THE health benefits of yoga have been known for thousands of years and on Monday a Wokingham-based yoga expert donated her time and experience to help benefit a children's charity in the area.

Helena Shirley, The Sports Yoga Coach, decided to use World Yoga Day to raise more than £550 for a local children's charity.

More than 80 supporters joined Helena’s online yoga fundraising event, which took place on Monday evening in support of The Link Foundation.

This is a charity based in Maidenhead supports underprivileged children and families in the area.

“I’ve supported this charity for a number of years but with fundraising events on hold due to covid, they need all the support they can get.

World Yoga Day seemed like such a great way to raise some money,” Helena said.

“The £550 will pay for a lot of family meals and school shoes for the children.”

Despite carrying on through the outbreak, The Link Foundation has also been hit hard by the Coronavirus.

Many fundraising events have been cancelled, including Let’s Rock The Moor and the annual Link Ball which normally raises thousands for the charity.

So naturally, Helena was delighted to be able to play her part.

“I raised more than £3,000 for The Link Foundation over the summer lockdown which enabled the charity to deliver 150 free meals a day to vulnerable families as part of a scheme set up by celebrity chef Tom Kerridge,” said Helena.

“I am thrilled that our clients have supported us in our fundraising efforts and in return we have enabled them to stay in touch and keep fit during lockdown. It really has been a win-win situation.”

Helena added: “What’s great about Sports Yoga is that you don’t need to be a sports person and you don’t need to be super flexible to do it.

“So almost anyone can do it and it was so great to see so many people get involved for such a great cause.” � For more on Helena’s yoga sessions, log on to www.vitalityhealth-fitness.co.uk � For more information about The Link Foundation visit: www.linkfoundation.co.uk

A WOKINGHAM mum has launched a website to help families find activities to do together.

Hannah Stewart, who has two children, created Wokingham Rocks to help families find parks, walks and things to do.

Hannah said: “After spending most of my maternity leave under lockdown, I wanted to do something helpful for the local community.

“As a family we are often looking for new places to explore with the kids, and nice local walks to discover, but struggled to find the information easily.

“I’ve created Wokingham Rocks to bring it all together into one place, for families to find ideas quickly with minimal searching” The website is searchable by day, category, age and aims to support parents with suggestions, inspiration and the information they need without having to trawl the internet.

It is split into categories including rainy day suggestions, craft activities and online classes.

“Building the website has been a real labour of love,” Hannah added. “I’ve really enjoyed finding out more of the wonderful things our town has to offer families.

“I hope it helps to give families some fresh ideas of things they can do to ease these final lockdown weeks, plus some inspiration of places to visit when things return to normal” � For more information, visit: www.wokinghamrocks.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

The date of Sa was written

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM resident is going clean shaven for charity – but it’s understandable as it’s been nearly a year since he last picked up a razor.

Sasan Starr-Padidar decided to stop shaving his beard in the first lockdown for a bit of fun, and now he’s planning to rid the facial hair next month in aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust.

The charity, which has bases in Crowthorne and Basingstoke, was created in memory of nine-year-old Sebastian Gates who died following a cancer diagnosis.

His last wish was to create a place where families could escape from hospitals and treatment programmes, and enjoy precious time together.

So far, Sasan has raised more than £1,000 for the charity, and says that if he reaches £5,000, he’ll shave his head too.

He decided to stop shaving when he began working from home on March 17, 2020.

“When the prime minister announced we were going into lockdown, I thought it would be quite fun to grow my hair and beard,” he explains.

And the Wokingham resident says that while his wife was keen on the facial hair at first, she now can’t wait for the big shave.

“She and my parents said they hated it, so I took the mature approach and decided to leave it for a whole year,” Sasan jokes.

However, he says living with the bushy beard hasn’t been easy and recently, it has been a “constant drama”.

“I can’t have a mouthful of food, I now have to eat with little spoons, and I really want a crepe from Joy Cafe but I’d have to eat it over the sink which isn’t fun,” he explains.

“So, over Christmas, I decided it was time to get rid of it.”

However, since his beard has grown so much, Sasan decided that rather than simply shaving it off, he would turn the event into a memorable charity fundraiser.

“My initial reaction was to raise money for a cancer charity, because I lost my mum to the illness in 2014,” Sasan explains.

Izzy and Lucy were stric OVER THE weekend, two best friends from Keep Hatch Primary donned their dancing shoes to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Izzy Sharp and Lucy Poll, both nine, danced for 10 hours from 8am on Saturday, and raised more than £1,800 in the process.

The duo share a love of dancing and performing and have attended Stagecoach classes since they were little.

Last year, Lucy lost her Aunty and Izzy lost her Granddad to cancer. With the charity close to their hearts, the danceathon was born.

Izzy’s Mum, Wendy said: “They danced so well for 10 hours — they had a few short breaks for food and water but they hardly stopped.

“They didn’t just shuffle in their dances either, they really went for it with twists, turns, high kicks and the splits.”

Wendy said the best friends struggled around the seven-hour mark but used a video call to keep themselves going.

“I don’t think they quite realised how tough it would be,” she joked.

The girls mostly followed dance routines they had choreographed themselves, but created freestyle

MASSIVE SET: Izzy (above) and Lucy (right) are best friends and danced for 10 hours straight to raise funds for Cancer Research UK

routines for any song requests they received.”

Throughout the day, dance videos were uploaded to social media to keep donations flooding in.

“People got in touch asking for a dance dedication for a particular song

asan’s haircut n in the stars CUT ABOVE: Sasan StarrPadidar is preparing to shave for the first time in a year – much to his wife Sasha’s delight. The cut will take place on March 20, the Persian New Year and first day of spring Picture: Steve Smyth

“Then I looked into Sebastian’s Action Trust and the story really hit me.

“Sebastian was so selfless, positive and more mature than I will ever be, and he made me realise how short life is.

“It was a reality check for me.”

Within the first five days of setting up his fundraiser, Sasan raised nearly £1,000.

“When I saw the money I couldn’t believe it,” he says.

“My initial goal was to raise £500 and to see that much come in within a few days was unbelievable.”

NEWS | 21

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Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Now, the Wokingham resident is very much looking forward to shaving his beard on Saturday, March 20 – and says he chose that specific date for a reason.

“It will mark pretty much one year since I stopped shaving my beard,” Sasan explains.

“It’s also the first day of spring, and it’s the Persian New Year as well.”

The holiday, called Nowruz, means ‘new day’. “It feels like the day was written in the stars,” he adds. � To find out more about Sasan’s big shave, or to make a donation, visit: justgiving.com/fundraising/sas-starr

ctly dancing for 10 hours

Superstar Dexter runs another marathon AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD from Woodley has tackled his second fundraiser for The Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Dexter Rosier raised £700 to support the staff at the hospital, by running another marathon – this time in just seven days.

He was initially inspired to start fundraising during the first wave of Covid-19 after seeing other people, including the late Captain Sir Tom Moore on television.

Last year, he raised £1,257 by holding a quiz and running a marathon in 10 days.

This time, he wanted to complete the 26.2 miles in just seven days, and, despite the rain, snow and ice he smashed it – along with his fundraising target of £100.

He said: “I’m really pleased I managed to finish my running in seven days. I didn’t always feel like going because it was so cold, one day it was -5°C, but reading the messages on my JustGiving page and knowing that what I was doing was helping my local hospital kept me going.

“I also wanted to do it in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who during the first lockdown showed me that if you want to do something, you should do it, and be proud and positive and happy that you are helping others.”

Mum Samantha kept Dexter company on his runs.

She said: “Dexter is such a lovely giving boy, he is always thinking of

POETRY CORNER A Chinese New Year Our Chinese friends have gone away And have shut their well-used takeaway.

It’s not for long- just a few days To celebrate New Year in Chinese ways.

They work so hard in their busy shop They need this break you must agree Like New Year for us with its annual spree.

The Chinese have a colourful time.

Gay costumes to dress in, they fill the street Where a colourful dragon you’re likely to meet Snaking along in swirling progression With colourful dancers in the procession.

Fire crackers keep popping which make you jump With fireworks lighting up the sky For all to enjoy as they’re passing by.

that was meaningful to them,” Wendy said. “Some of my old school friends even got involved and donated.

“Supporters sent lots of messages to keep them going and we video called grandparents too.”

Once complete, the girls enjoyed pizza and a much-anticipated bath to reward their efforts.

They’re hoping to raise £2,000 for Cancer Research UK and are still accepting donations.

For more information, or to donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/lucyizzydanceathonwendysharp

Friends and family meet with plenty to eat.

This Festival is a real annual treat.

Our Chinese friends will enjoy all this A special time of National bliss They’ll return renewed to their jobs once more And smilingly greet you at their busy shop door.

Jim Horsnell

To know You Still Mattered Sometimes you feel downhearted now you cannot do a lot.

In a busy world around you, you’re the one that time forgot.

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

A spot of decorating

L others and helping them where he can.

“As for many, lockdown turned his life upside down with the restrictions on social interactions, and doing these challenges has helped friends, family and others come together for a common good.

We are all so proud of him for encouraging people to be more thoughtful and to support our fabulous local NHS staff.”

Jo Warrior, director of Royal Berks Charity, said: “We think Dexter is an absolute superstar and a real inspiration to others who want to fundraise.

“Everyone at the Royal Berks would like to say a huge thank you for his thoughtfulness and an enormous well done for his fundraising achievement.”

Then the ‘phone’s sharp ring awakens you To a world that needs you still.

A voice asks, “Could you baby-sit”.

You reply of course you will.

In a conversation on knitting that is lying there to see She asks, “Oh, can you help me sort this out. I can’t. I’m that busy”.

A parent calling in from school asks, “Weren’t you an evacuee?

Well, we’ve got this new school project in History, you see, That needs to have the story of a person just like you With firsthand war experience from one who really knew Of those years away from home and Mum. A story really true”.

This gets you busy writing of those wartime days long past Which will always be with you as long as memory lasts.

So, with one thing and another, you days are once more filled And to know you do really matter leaves you satisfied and thrilled.

Jim Horsnell

The forgotten babies Lockdown baby Who’s that baby?

It’s your granddaughter, your niece Or maybe a myth I’ve seen no baby Could they really exist?

Maybe they wait at home Feeling really alone It takes a village to raise a baby they say But not during the global pandemic day Kelly Holmes

IKE many households, we have taken to a spot of decorating during Lockdown.

I say “we”, I’ve been the only one actually doing any painting. Joel keeps offering to help and I keep shooing him away. Not because I don’t think he can paint a wall, but because I relish the time alone. (I also don’t think he can paint a wall as well as I can, edges are fiddly and he hates fiddly.)

Plus I enjoy it, he doesn’t. I put on podcasts and feel smug because I am improving our home and having “me time” all in one go. I can pass it off as “housework”.

There’s also something therapeutic about the repetitiveness of the brush-stroke-motion. If it wasn’t so physically tiring it would almost count as self-care.

My most recent project has been the living room wall. I use the word “project” because the wall itself has been subject to debate on and off since we finished the kitchen wall, about two months ago.

We could not decide on a colour. Both my partner and I would get the beginnings of a headache every time it was brought up. The wall became a symbol of our general indecisiveness as a couple. A nutty visual representation of how tricky it can be to, well, agree.

We both respected each other’s wishes, and in doing so landed in a rather colourful limbo.

Our dear wall was covered in swishes and swashes of multiple testers; dark red, dark green, dark blue, bright blue, a sort of pinky beige clay colour.

Neighbours would note “most people test several shades of the same sort of colour, not you guys...”

One friend assumed it was intentional.

Joel had to blank it out every time he walked in.

As wacky as I like to consider myself to be, we made the joint decision to commit to a single colour.

(Plus, I already have my work-in-progress mural up on the landing, where any residual wackiness is freely expressed).

My partner had a dark inky blue in mind, after finding a house he believed has “the nicest living room” in a similar shade. He passes it in the evenings during his Couch to 5K, when it’s dark but they haven’t yet shut their curtains. There were attempts to sway me, so I emptied out an entire tester pot of Farrow and Ball’s Hague Blue, covering a vast chunk of the wall. I wasn’t keen. Maia agreed it looked black.

I decided to steer away from all dark colours. We tried a grey. Everyone seems to be going for grey. But it was just that, a bit, grey. We needed warmth.

I became obsessed with the Farrow and Ball website, much to Joel’s dismay.

“You can’t go wrong. There’s not one naff shade” my cousin would tell me, her entire home a Farrow and Ball showroom. I got carried away.

“Did your order £20 worth of tester pots last night?” Joel asks one morning, more confused than annoyed. How could we possibly need another four colours?

Yes, I had. It was around 1am, I was feeding Leo and drooling over their glorious selection of pinks.

Too exhausted to contemplate decision-making, I cheated and ordered all the shades in my basket, convincing myself they’d all get used somewhere.

Maia’s bedroom door could do with some sprucing.

We found our winning shade. (Or, I’d successfully worn Joel down).

After two long months of debate, we landed on the gorgeous, soft and calming: Pink Ground. It’s an offpink really, bang on neutral. Joel claims to love it, even suggesting we have the whole room done. I quickly agreed before he changed his mind. (The more you stare at it the pinker it gets.) He is most likely just relieved the wall is finally finished and that he no longer has to squint at it.

I am delighted with my handy work.

My seventh wall and counting.

22 | NEWS

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COUNCILNEWS

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council and its executive committee, held online on Thursday, February 18

Reports were all correct A REPORT was not altered between its appearance at a committee meeting and a council meeting.

Resident Philip Meadowcroft said he had watched the audit committee meeting of February 1, and said that “the Treasury Management Report which the Audit Committee had agreed in November 2020, and then forwarded to the Executive were replaced by new and materially different numbers whilst the approved November numbers were relegated to an appendix.”

He wanted to know if the changes made were “another honest mistake” or “further evidence which suggests that compliance with the Constitution takes second place to the political convenience of the ruling group?”

Responding, Cllr John Kaiser, the deputy leader of the council, said: “I can categorically confirm that this was not the case”.

He added: “Audit Committee is required to review progress against Treasury Management indicators (which they did) and note further information in the report”. This referred to a report agreed by the committee on November 23 last year, not February 1 and, as such, did not need to be presented back to the audit committee.

“The Treasury Mid-Year report presented to the Audit Committee was not changed, the Audit Committee discharged their responsibilities under the constitution and the Chief Finance Officer is required to provide a covering report in passing the Mid-Year report on to the Executive.

“There is no constitutional breach here whatsoever.”

Cllr Kaiser said that he found it “alarming” that the Lib Dems were marking reckless claims that the council’s debt

level is £10,000 per household.

“We get our roads, schools and other essential assets for our community at no cost to the Council Taxpayer, in fact they receive a credit,” he said.

“This is achieved because the income from our commercial and investment activities not only funds but exceeds all of the Council’s cost of borrowing.

“This is a remarkable achievement and should be applauded.

“We should be both assured and delighted about yet another indicator of our strong sound financial management, which is vital in us being able to meet the needs of our community, particularly during Covid-19. But incredulously this isn’t the issue being talked about and this isn’t what questions are being asked about, I wonder why?

“Do you think it is that our opposition find it galling that we are holding up so well during this pandemic and aren’t plummeting into the financial crisis so yearned for?

“This is so wrong and makes no sense to me, petty politics to detract from the fundamental issue – we are strong, ready and capable of being able to continue to step up to meet the needs of our community.”

Mr Meadowcroft said that the executive had not stuck to the rules, and Cllr Halsall had undermined his authority as a leader – but Cllr Halsall stopped him, saying he was making a statement rather a question. Mr Meadowcroft asked him to stand down.

Cllr Halsall said: “In your opinion.”

Mr Meadowcroft pushed for an answer and Cllr Halsall said that his response was just that.

Residents shunning cycle paths claim RESIDENTS are shunning cycle paths built on London Road, as they feel they are unsafe.

Cllr Rachel Burgess (Lab, Norreys) raised the concerns which included drivers ignoring a no right turn at Whitlock Avenue, issues with three junctions and a lack of pedestrian crossings at a point needed by parents on the school run.

“Residents have raised these issues out of a sense of community safety as well as the desire to support walking and cycling, and they are right to expect the Council to address their concerns,” she said.

“They have not received a satisfactory answer for months and feel ignored.

“What is being done to address these concerns?”

Responding, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, the executive member for highways and transport, said that the scheme had undergone a series of road safety audits conducted by independent experts.

“The Council is able reassure the residents that there are no immediate safety concerns with regard to the junctions of William

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

Heelas Way, Whitlock Avenue, Frog Hall Drive and Priest Avenue with the London Road,” she said.

For the no-right turn, she said that officers have been working on a solution, but “it was not possible to incorporate any additional physical barriers to the right turn without causing significant problems for people turning right into Whitlock Avenue and/or pedestrians and cyclists crossing Whitlock Avenue on the London Road footway“.

New signage was being considered, and for the pedestrian crossings, only one had been removed and the council considered those that exist served the “vast majority” of families wishing to cross the road.

Cllr Burgess said that if residents conclude that it’s safer to drive rather than walk to school, there’s something wrong.

She asked Cllr Jorgensen to meet with affected residents.

“Between us we can help explain things more clearly … I would be happy to meet them,” Cllr Jorgensen replied.

‘90% of stores in regenerated town centre have been let’ NEW retail units created in Wokingham’s town centre as part of its regeneration are nearly at full capacity – with 90% of them let by income and the housing is also selling well.

As a result, “the regeneration is already proving a huge success for the council and generating good levels of income. The income achieved in the current year is sufficient to cover the project costs”.

That’s the verdict of Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor, the executive member for regeneration on Wokingham Borough Council.

She was responding to a question by resident Peter Humphreys who said: “While Covid hasn’t helped, these units (in Elms Field) pre-date it and many created during the regeneration have been empty for well over two years”.

He said that some businesses have opened and he wanted to know how much income, if any, had been generated by the scheme.

Cllr Haitham Taylor said she didn’t recognise his statement that the units had been ‘empty for years’ as many businesses have signed up: “Forecasts currently identify income in excess of finance costs of £900,000, £1.1 million and £1.5 million for the next three years – this is money that will be used to fund council services across the borough.

“This includes the rent-free period.”

She added: “I’m pleased to confirm that out of the remaining units, four are already under offer, with two of them currently going through the legal process.

Why pesticides asks resident THE USE of pesticides to plant a wildflower meadow in a new country park was queried by a resident.

Jane Davenport asked Cllr Parry Batth, the executive member for environment and leisure, about the work by David Wilson Homes in Montague Park. She said that the house builder “have destroyed” the site “for the last two consecutive years to plant a wildflower meadow so that Wokingham Council will adopt the site”.

The area is home to roe deer and hedgehogs, which are protected species.

She also said that plant life was killed by “indiscriminately spraying glyphosate”, which she said is “a chemical that when ingested by humans or animals can cause internal burns, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, not to mention its links with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the decline of our bee population”.

Ploughing had turned the SANG into an “unusable mud pit”.

Cllr Batth said that David Wilson Homes was responsible for all planting works on the site and the 2019 attempt was “mainly due to a substandard seed mix being used for the site, compounded by the seed being planted at the wrong time”.

The company had “carried out the planting correctly” and council officers had monitored progress, which included verifying the seed mix purchased, checking the ground and ensured

LET: The new Elms Field shopping development is nearly at full capacity Picture: Steve Smyth

“Of the few that remain at Elms Field, we are keen to ensure we select the right tenants, ones that are a good fit for our town for the longer term.

“We continue to receive interest in these, along with the former Clintons unit, that remains with the business’s administrators.”

Beth Rowland, a former Lib Dem councillor, then said that the plan had been for money generated would then go on to regenerate the borough’s other retail centres. She asked for an update on this.

“The total cost of delivering all schemes will be ascertained upon final completion of all schemes. Based on the viability and financial appraisal established before work commenced and updated more recently, the total cost is expected to be £113 million,

creating assets valued at £162 million, £48 million of which is realised through residential sales,” Cllr Haitham Taylor said.

In addition, when the scheme is fully operational, the surplus income is expected to be circa £2 million per annum. Over the fullness of time, when debt is fully repaid, the surplus will be in the region of £5 million – £6 million per annum.

“Wokingham continues to ‘buck the trend’ with a lot of interest from potential tenants,” she added.

Responding, Mr Humphreys disputed the claim of 90% of units were let, and said that housing had had their prices reduced.

Cllr Haitham Taylor said that she didn’t have full details to hand on the housing situation.

planting was at the optimum time of year.

Cllr Dennis queried the cost and said the money would have been better spent on a cycle lane along London Road.

Cllr Jorgensen said the plan predated the climate emergency plan and the business case was not allocated on this basis.

Park and ride has a business case THE BUSINESS case for a new park and ride was queried by a Lib Dem town councillor.

Peter Dennis said that the Coppid Beech Park and Ride was a fallacy as “residents on that side of Wokingham do not need a place to park vehicles and residents from other parts of the town will drive past the town to get to it”.

“How will this park and ride contribute to the climate emergency action plan bearing in mind the continued need to monitor it to demonstrate its worth?”

Responding, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, the executive member for highways and transport, said that it had a WebTAG complaint business case which had been independently assessed and approved.

“That business case suggests that there will be users parking here and travelling to both Bracknell and Wokingham Town Centres which will reduce the number of single occupancy car journeys and hence can be related back to a carbon saving.”

She added: “The aim of the car park is to reduce the number of trips coming into both Town Centres, thus reducing mileage by private car, which will result in these Carbon savings as well as other benefits such as reduced congestion.”

New polling places approved AS PREPARATIONS continue for May’s covid-safe local elections, a number of changes to polling stations have been agreed.

Five new venues were given the nod at a virtual council meeting held on Thursday, February 18.

And councillors also gave approval for last-minute changes to be made should they necessary as a result of the pandemic.

The polling stations affected are: � Coronation Ward, Woodley: St John’s Church replaces St John Ambulance HQ � Hurst: Hurst Village Hall will be used instead of a mobile unit at The Warren pub � Norreys, Wokingham: The Cornerstone replaces Norreys Evangelical Church � Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe: Wargrave Pavilion instead of Hare Hatch Village Hall � Shinfield South: Shinfield Baptist Church in Fairmead Road replaces Shinfield Parish Hall.

NEWS | 23

Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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COUNCILNEWS

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council and its executive committee, held online on Thursday, February 18

Councillors debate finances for year ahead THE budget for 2021/22 is for Wokingham’s future – that’s the promise made by Cllr John Kaiser, the executive member for finance and housing.

“It is a budget that is designed to get the borough back on its feet and looks to address areas and deliver services which are important to residents not just today but also in the future,” he said.

It had been prepared by consultation across the political spectrum over the past six months and would “continue to help those residents who need help”.

It was “unashamedly driven by the needs of Residents of the borough” and “safe and deliverable”.

“I recommend this budget as a budget to help get the borough back on its feet and continue to deliver the high level of service residents deserve.

“As we come out of the shadow of Covid-19 you will see other initiatives, as we are well placed to pursue the goal to seek to eradicate poverty and provide high quality services for all the residents of the borough and will continue to do so by helping boost jobs and businesses throughout the borough.”

The debt level and the way in which the accounts were compiled were queried by Cllr Imogen ShepherdDuBey, the Lib Dem finance lead.

“On Page 85 of the MTFP, at the end of 2024 it has an expected closing balance of £678 million, but that is the General Fund Only,” she said.

“So, if you want to find the actual borrowing, you need look at the table above that to see that the Gross external borrowing is expected to be £580 million at the end of 2024.

“Due to the convoluted way that our finances are reported you then also need to then look at page 104 the Treasury Management Report to then find the Internal Borrowing of £166 millions. This totals a borrowing of over three-quarters of a billion pounds – and I don’t know how the average member of the public is supposed to find all of that in these reports? Perhaps they aren’t.”

Cllr Maria Gee, the Lib Dem’s deputy finance lead, said she was outraged.

“Sources of funding for capital spend last year were shown as percentages, with borrowing as 53% of the capital spend. We can all transparently work out from the table on page 84 in the MTFP that borrowing will be 78% of the 2021/22 capital spend. The percentages have been omitted this year; maybe a bit scary for those of a nervous disposition?”

Cllr Clive Jones, the Lib Dem deputy leader, called for a closer inspection of the council’s contracts with outside bodies, such as re3.

“There has been a suggestion from the council leader that we might be paying too much for it. Maybe he’s been too busy with the standards committee, constitution review working group or putting his foot in it somewhere else to have done anything about this,” he said, adding that if the Lib Dems took control of the council, the party would organise a review.

It was too early to understand the impact of the pandemic on the finances for children’s services, said

Leader sets out his vision “WE HAVE no purpose but to serve our residents,” promised council leader John Halsall. “We endeavour to be the natural and beloved, friend and partner of our residents, whose complaints, comments, and concerns are captured as valuable feedback and signals.”

Addressing the virtual chamber ahead of the council tax debate, the top councillor set out his vision for the year ahead, which sees the council navigate away from the coronavirus pandemic.

He promised that the council’s golden thread would see investments of £445 million over the next three years, of which council tax payers would be asked to pay just £11 million.

“In fact, as a result of a numerous innovative commercial ventures over the years the impact of all the Council’s borrowing will actually be an overall credit of £13.64 per Band D Council taxpayer next year, rising to a credit of £62.86 in year three. I consider this to be an immense achievement and a further reflection of our outstanding financial management,” he said.

The investments he planned were: � £160million Roads and transport: including new park and rides, Nine Mile Ride extension, Highways Investment Strategy, flood alleviation schemes, and traffic signal upgrade programme � £156million Housing, local economy and regeneration: including Gorse Ride estate redevelopment delivering over 200 affordable homes � £71million Climate emergency: including developing solar farms to create a renewable energy Cllr Prue Bray (Lib Dem, Winnersh). She called for a national reform for funding for special educational needs, saying that it is expected to reach £6 million next year.

She also said that the spending on Gorse Ride redevelopment was not listed in the accounts.

“This is public money being spent on council-owned development, but from what has been published, no-one can see the overall cost,” she said.

Cllr Sarah Kerr warned councillors not to mistake activity for achievement.

The Lib Dem spokesperson for climate change and air pollution said: “I am disappointed that this administration has failed to really grasp how to tackle the climate emergency and persists in misrepresenting other investments as such”.

Her party, she added, would “adopt a local plan based around 15-minute, sustainable neighbourhoods”.

Labour group leader Cllr Andy Croy called for more details on plans before the budget could be approved by councillors, and added that Woodley was being fobbed off by the council.

“Let’s be clear, regeneration is not about improving cashflow… where is the regeneration money going to?”

infrastructure, energy reduction projects at existing properties to make them energy efficient, managing congestion by improving traffic flow and reducing incidents which cause delays � £23million Environment: including refurbishment of leisure facilities, play area enhancement projects, and Carnival Pool redevelopment � £13million Internal services: including upgrades to cyber security and IT, to improve services to residents � £12million Children services and schools: including new schools (Arborfield Primary, Matthews Green Primary, and new Special Educational Needs at Winnersh Farm), maintenance of school buildings, and ICT equipment for children in care � £11million Adult social care: including a new dementia home, community equipment, Learning Disability respite centre, and supported living accommodation On borrowings he said: “Our net borrowings after taking into account of our cash balances will be somewhere between £200 million and £265 million.

“It surely must give us great confidence that backing this debt, we have total asset value rising to £1.4bn.

What an incredibly strong position to be in.”

He promised that the new Local Plan proposals would be released later this year. “After having fought against our own Government’s white paper proposals on housing numbers, whose success was contingent on our being a Conservative Council talking to a Conservative Government and lowered the target from some 1,650 houses per annum to less than half – but still too much.”

Parish precepts for band D properties Arborfield & Newland Barkham Charvil Earley Finchampstead Remenham Ruscombe St Nicholas Hurst Shinfield Sonning Swallowfield Twyford Wargrave Winnersh Wokingham Town Wokingham Without Woodley

2020/21 £72.91 £32.63 £36.29 £81.82 £26.96 £78.64 £60.58 £40.08 £72.92 £45.89 £19.19 £35.52 £89.69 £37.22 £57.48 £60.78 £112.88

2021/22 £78.22 £32.57 £48.09 £82.60 £27.93 £82.70 £55.53 £41.15 £72.92 £45.53 £24.01 £38.24 £91.48 £40.64 £59.20 £66.27 £119.65

Cllr Rachel Burgess (Lab, Norreys) queried the figures presented. She said that the mid-year treasury report reviewed at audit committee calculated that the cost of borrowing would be £7.52 per household, but the budget’s revised figure is a net credit of £13.64 per household.

“If you compare the two calculations, side by side, the calculation in the strategy adds back additional income from the town centre regeneration and commercial investments so that magically the final

It’s ‘business as usual’ for council THE BUDGET considered by Wokingham Borough Council is “business as usual” rather than than one that reflects the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

That’s the view of Wokingham Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Lindsay Ferris, who was speaking during the budget debate held during a virtual meeting held to set the council tax rate for the financial year 2021/22.

“We need to remember that many people will still have financial problems for a considerable while, even as things improve. Increased unemployment is forecast, and many local businesses will struggle to get going again, and unfortunately some that will not have made it through the pandemic,” he said.

“The Council needs to continue to assist in these areas as best it can and to encourage local people to support our local businesses again.

This will not be easy to achieve.

“We believe that there needs to be a structured Recovery Plan developed to ensure the Council is best placed to help. I do not see sufficient evidence of this happening in this Conservative Budget.”

He claimed that the Adult Social Care element of the Council Tax – which is due to rise by 3% – will now form 9% of the overall Council Tax collected.

“This represents somewhere between £150 and £300 of your annual Council Tax,” he told the chamber. “The Liberal Democrats believe this should only be a shortterm measure, and that a nationally agreed means of financing adult social care needs to be developed for

the future.”

The borough had also lost around £2 million of income as a result of the closure of leisure services.

He said that the Lib Dems would look at continuing to offer support for local businesses, and encourage residents to support shops, leisure facilities, libraries, Theatres and other activities within the borough.

The party would “continue provide what financial support it can to help our local residents who still have financial problems as a result of the Pandemic”.

The party would also make mental health and wellbeing a priority, support groups that tackle domestic abuse.

Responding to the debt levels, he said that the Conservatives had try to hide it from residents.

“The Conservatives have mortgaged the Council’s future for many years to come. Residents need to realise that they are the ‘last resort’ for the majority of the financial shortfall, should that occur, at some point in the future.

“Interest rates are currently low, but they will not remain that way for ever. The Council will now be burdened by this huge debt for many years to come and as a result the Council will have to generate additional income every year, just to stand still, and who could end up paying?”

“Local residents would have to pay more for services, and some services may end up being cut, or removed to make ends meet. This has been an appalling way to behave and it is our job (the Liberal Democrats) to let everyone know what legacy the Tories are leaving.

“No matter what mess you leave us, we will deal with it.”

cost of borrowing is not a cost at all, but income.

“If this calculation was done on a like-for-like basis between this year and next year, it would show a net cost of £28.65 per household for next year.

Put simply, it depends what figures you pick.”

Cllr Charles Margetts (Con, Finchampstead South) reminded councillors of the covid response on behalf of the borough, which included the One Front Door scheme, purchasing PPE and covid tests. He also said that mental health care projects were coming on stream.

Cllr Gregor Murray (Con, Norreys) said that the council was working to net zero carbon emissions.

Cllr Stephen Conway (Lib Dem, Twyford) criticised Conservatives, saying that the party had made plenty of political points during the evening.

He also said that some of the money was not new, but had been moved around.

Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons (Con, Wokingham Without) said that the Lib Dems were claiming credit for the SEND school plan when they weren’t involved in any of the decisions.

Cllr Guy Grandison (Con, Maiden Erlegh) said that the accusations of lack of transparency was an attack on the Community and Corporate

Overview and Scrutiny Committee, saying that the officers had played a blinder despite everything that had gone on, and the committee had gone over the details of the budget “with a fine tooth comb”.

“Officers should be commended.

Executive should be commended for the level of detail in this budget,” he added. “The first thing we should be doing is caring for our residents and that is what this budget does.”

Cllr Jim Frewin (Ind, Shinfield South) praised excellent work carried out by the council during the past year, as well as some things that could have been done better. “residents watching tonight would be wondering where our focus is,” he said of the political point scoring he had witnessed during the debate.

Cllr Carl Doran (Lab, Bulmershe and Whitegates) called for a amendment to move a £17 million project to reduce congestion from the climate emergency budget to the transport budget.

Cllr Murray said he didn’t get the rationale for it.

It was voted down.

Summing up, Cllr Halsall said: “Our budget is based on getting everything up and running.”

After a named vote, the budget was passed.

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Plan to knock down Visit company’s showroom Grade II listed barn from comfort of own home

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A HOUSING developer is hoping to knock down a listed barn as part of its work in Spencers Wood.

Taylor Wimpey has applied for planning permission to demolish Grade II listed barn and stables at Nullis Farmhouse on Ryeish Lane.

In the application, the developer said the building is in a “poor state of repair” and is “surplus to requirements”.

They said knocking it down is necessary for the wider redevelopment to create public open spaces.

Ryeish Green resident, Briony Randall, commented on the plans, concerned the barn had previously been deemed historically or architecturally important for it to be listed as Grade II. She said: “This is a unique example of agricultural heritage in the area and should not be granted consent for demolition in order to make room for mass produced houses with no architectural interest or integrity.”

Ryeish Green resident Jo Maycock questioned why the barn had been “carefully protected” for years by scaffolding, only to now be demolished.

She commented: “Please conserve it and make something of it to retain some of the character of the original village which is quickly being overwhelmed by the huge numbers of modern, nondescript houses and accompanying car traffic.”

Jackie Rance, Conservative

candidate for Shinfield South commented on the plans, and called for local history to be preserved.

She said: “It is surprising that a Grade II listed building is being targeted in this way. The barn has sadly been left over the years and had fallen into disrepair, however the building has important historic and architectural significance which is the reason for its grading.

“The villages surrounding this must have their historical integrity preserved.”

Spencers Wood resident Charlotte Parsons questioned why Taylor Wimpey was looking to demolish a listed building.

In her comment, she said: “What is the point of listing a building if anyone can just apply against the listing?

“The barn was there long before the developers. They knew what they were working with and what was involved when they took the land. It is not right to now demolish a listed building for their own gains.”

Other residents called for the barn to be preserved for future residents to enjoy. Although how this should be done was also contested.

Spencers Wood resident, Jemma Tigwell suggested it be transformed into a community asset, such as a pub, restaurant or cafe.

“It would be great to see it restored as something that would be used by the community,” she said.

A decision about the demolition has yet to be made by Wokingham Borough Council.

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A FAMILY-owned firm making bespoke furniture has turned to modern technology to help its customers dream.

Blueprint Fitted Furniture has launched a virtual showroom tour in a bid to help people shop from home and it’s been well received.

The furniture store, on Toutley Road, has been running for almost a decade and creates its own bespoke furniture in house.

From selecting colours to making unique items to size, everything is conducted from the store in Wokingham’s town centre.

Helen Vickers, co-owner of Blueprint Fitted Furniture, said it had not been easy navigating the pandemic over the past year.

“It’s made the sales side of the business really hard, because people might not want to buy our furniture when they can’t come and see it,” she explained.

ONLINE: Blueprint Fitted Furniture has created a virtual showroom tour

“This inspired us to put this virtual showroom tour together, to give people confidence that we are here and we are an established business.”

From showcasing handles in car parks to offering cabinet colours over Zoom, the business owner said Blueprint Fitted Furniture is doing everything it can to support customers within the coronavirus guidelines.

And she said that all in all, the past year has been a bit of a rollercoaster despite the business booming.

“During the first lockdown, we shut down completely for about six weeks,” she explained.

“It all felt so unclear, who was allowed to work and who wasn’t so we just stopped.

“The demand for home improvements has just been crazy though, and towards September time we were busier than we had ever been.”

Since the initial lockdown, Ms Vickers said Blueprint Fitted Furniture has adopted a range of covid-safe measures to accompany its

“Investing in new schools is vital for the borough and ensures we support families by providing a school place close to home.

“The Keys Academy Trust is proven to provide an excellent education to hundreds of students in our borough, running successful schools in Shinfield, Earley, Hurst, Sonning and Twyford.

“We look forward to seeing them provide this standard of schooling to more students in the borough when this school opens.”

In a bid to cut carbon emissions, 75% of the building work for the new block will be completed modularly offsite by council contractor Reds10.

Michael Ruddick, company director said he is pleased to

have reached an important milestone on another project with the council.

“Our partnership is shaping the future of the local community and Matthews Green is set to be one of the key projects, while helping the council reach its carbon agenda,” he said.

As part of the project, a 500sqm community facility will be built on the same site.

It will have a separate entrance but will be linked, with the school and community centre sharing facilities if and when needed.

The new school and community amenities are funded through developer contributions as part of the four major new communities at Arborfield, Shinfield and North and South Wokingham, and includes an

new virtual showroom.

From confirming customers do not have coronavirus symptoms to installing hand sanitising stations on delivery vans, she said it is vital everybody follows the regulations.

“I think it helps customers feel a lot safer,” she said.

“And a lot of people have been very understanding of the situation, and are open to doing things in different ways.

“As people get used to seeing things in a more virtual way too, we’re doing more Zoom consultations around the showroom.

“It’s all about finding different ways of doing things.”

Anybody considering a home renovation of their own should visit Blueprint Fitted Furniture’s website: www.blueprintfittedfurniture .co.uk � To watch the company’s virtual showroom tour visit: www.facebook.com/ Blueprintfittedfurniture

Call to donate laptops A WOKINGHAM company is helping provide laptops for children studying at home.

Tim Roedel, CEO of Simply Commerce, a recruitment agency based off Molly Millars Lane, has joined with two other recruitment companies for the scheme.

Project 500 aims to raise £80,000 — enough money for 500 laptops.

Launched this month, the project has already raised £34,036.

On the campaign page, Mr Roedel said: “I have the luxury of having immediate access to up-to-date laptops that I can use to home school my children.

“Having experienced first-hand how difficult it is to home school during the most recent lockdown, my thoughts were drawn to how much tougher it has to be for those who are not in the fortunate position I find myself in, those families without access to the right equipment.

“I work hard and sacrifice a lot to put myself in this position, irrespective however I knew that I could, and quite frankly should, do something to positively impact this awful situation.”

Mr Roedel has partnered with Chris Redmond, managing partner at RedHolt and Sean Anderson, CEO of Hoxo Media for the scheme.

On the campaign page, Mr Redmond said: “I’ve been witness to my daughter’s online learning and although it’s a lot more structured that it was last year, it has still been difficult.

“While my daughter has all the equipment she needs, I recently heard a story about a single mother with three children who had one tablet between them – I realised I couldn’t just sit back and let this continue.

“I’m also acutely aware of the impact this is going to have on some of these students who will be in the real world in the next fiveseven years applying for jobs.

“The effect of covid will be long term for these individuals unless we step in and help.

“I strongly believe the recruitment industry needs to help nurture the future of UK talent, now.”

This month, the trio hope to encourage the recruitment sector to join their scheme.

They said: “There are approximately 28,000 recruitment agencies within the UK, and in coming together, we truly believe we can have a massive impact on the future of 100’s of children’s lives.” � For more information, or to donate, visit: gogetfunding.com/project-500/

School’s in!

MODULES were lifted into place last week, marking the next step in building a school in the new Matthews Green development.

Phase one of the installation included 50 modular frames which have been landed in place and make up the majority of the primary school building.

The new multi-use games area is also nearly finished.

Once opened, the 210-place school off Queens Road will be managed by The Keys Academy Trust, which runs a number of schools in the borough.

“It’s great to see the buildings taking shape now the modules have arrived on site at Matthews Green,” Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services said.

investment of £98million in new schools.

In total these developments will bring seven new primary schools, with two already open at Montague Park in Wokingham and Alder Grove in Shinfield.

“New schools are one of the most important improvements we are seeing across the borough,” Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement said.

“It’s vital we support our current and future residents by providing the facilities they need nearby.

“The new school at Matthews Green is a great example of this with a community facility being provided at the heart of the new development, alongside the school.”

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Win for Guru’s partnership BRACKNELL’s Content Guru is busy celebrating its latest award ceremony win.

The leading customer engagement company was named Utility Partner of the Year at the Utility Week Awards 2020.

It was chosen for its “long and fruitful partnership” with UK Power Networks, the country’s largest electricity Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

Over the past 11 years, the partnership has seen Content Guru deploy 30 new utility services to the energy industry including storm, its cloud-based customer service platform.

Martin Taylor, deputy CEO of Content Guru, said: “It is fantastic to win this prestigious award for our work with UK Power Networks.

“Content Guru is delighted to be recognised for its contribution to UK Power Networks’ success as a hugely influential DNO, which is setting new standards in customer experience.”

The awards seek to highlight utilities companies working hard to improve services across the industry.

Content Guru received the Utility Partner of the Year award on Monday, February 8.

Call for NHS backing “DIRECT support for the NHS is waning”, according to a business confederation.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said that while goodwill among companies remains high, fewer are offering their support to the health service as lockdown continues.

Now, the CBI has launched its new campaign, #BusinessesBackingNHS, to encourage more South East firms to help the unseen heroes of the pandemic.

Malcolm Hyde, director of CBI South East, said: “British business has made remarkable contributions to the

national effort from the outset of the pandemic, from pivoting operations to meet the ventilator challenge in spring to donating PPE and food to those in need throughout the summer.

“However, while the NHS continues to struggle under incredible pressure, some of the early support has dried up.

“I would therefore urge every business in the South East to look again at how they can help – even the smallest gesture can make a meaningful difference to those who have toiled tirelessly to protect us all during the pandemic’s darkest days.”

Rapid recovery predicted THAMES VALLEY law firm Blandy & Blandy is offering businesses a muchneeded boost.

This is because Tim Clark (pictured), the firm’s joint managing partner, believes economic growth in the greater Reading area is set to “recover rapidly” over the coming year.

Thanks to the successful vaccination programme, he said consumer confidence and spending has been rising after the Bank of England reported a GDP increase towards the end of last year.

His positive outlook has also been bolstered by the latest Good Growth for Cities report, which ranked Reading as “best placed” for a strong economic recovery postpandemic.

Mr Clark said there are reasons to remain cautious, with an “immediate rise in unemployment” on the horizon when the furlough scheme runs its course at the end of April.

According to Blandy & Blandy’s partner, this could jeopardise the outlook for the local economy as the pandemic continues to evolve.

LOCKDOWN BUSINESS

How Melissa adapted to the pandemic challenge

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today FINDING new perspectives is key tackling the pandemic head-on, according to a local business owner.

Wokingham resident Melissa Chartan launched her own company, Planted Skincare, four years ago.

After revolutionising her own skincare routine, she wanted to bring natural products to the people - but she said the pandemic has not made things easy.

Her cruelty-free brand sells a range of nutrient-dense products including face cream and body butter, and relies on local suppliers and ethical sourcing wherever possible.

“I used to have skin problems and began looking into different ingredients including plant oils,” Ms Chartan said.

“Over the years, I began to get interested in what other ingredients could be of benefit, and I saw such an improvement in my own skin that I started handing out samples to friends.”

She said it eventually made sense to launch her own business and make her passion a vocation. Now, Planted Skincare currently carries four products, all made from bioavailable, natural ingredients.

But Ms Chartan said it’s not been easy leading a business throughout the pandemic, both literally and mentally.

Pre-coronavirus, Planted Skincare attended a lot of pop-up events, selling its wares at monthly markets and festivals.

“Instead, I’ve been getting lots of headaches with post getting lost and delayed,” the business owner said.

“Luckily a lot of my business is online, so everything has been fairly similar to normal, but of course life is still so different.

“I took a big financial hit over Christmas when I should have been doing non-stop events.”

Ms Chartan said while it was easy adapting her company to the pandemic because she already did the majority of her selling online, she struggled when it came to changing her mindset.

“I found it really difficult to deal with the pandemic emotionally,” she explained.

“Normally, when I’m sad about something, I give myself some time off but because of the first lockdown, I already had too much time off.

“I found I was struggling to sit in front of my computer and focus at first, so most of my adapting was learning how to maintain motivation with work when I’m not in the right headspace for it.”

While the first lockdown posed

a big challenge for her mentally, Ms Chartan said her loyal customers provided much-needed support.

“On social media, I was getting lovely responses from people, particularly customers who wanted to show support during what was a really difficult time,” she said.

“It really did make a difference and made me value the community we’ve built.”

She said reminding herself of how far the business has come gave her a huge sense of fulfilment and happiness, and the pandemic has taught her to welcome new challenges.

Now, Ms Chartain is advising anybody else who feels like they’re struggling to look for new perspectives.

“I’m happiest when I’m seeing things grow, and when I neglected my business it just made me feel worse,” she said.

“Finding new perspectives can help you get into that flow state.”

Sunshine for Winnersh New role Smarter at online summit for Andrew LOCAL businesses struggling with tech are being invited to an online summit, and there’ll be at least one guest who can fix it.

The current makers of Bob the Builder are guest speaking at an upcoming virtual conference, designed to teach firms about using digital tools.

‘The journey to digital manufacturing’ is open to manufacturers across the South East, and will teach small companies how to grow and recover in 2021 by sharing other people’s success stories.

MacKinnon and Saunders, whose roster of talent includes Bob the Builder and Postman Pat, will be making an appearance.

Other guest speakers include fast

fashion brand Creative Apparel, and plant-based retailer Nutree Life.

Juergen Maier, co-chair of the Made Smarter Commission, said: “For manufacturers by manufacturers, this summit is a must-attend event for anyone working in the sector to learn how to make their product or process smarter.

“In these tumultuous times Covid-19 has, without doubt, demonstrated that digital tools can enable and accelerate innovation, and create resilience.

“Grasping the digital opportunities has never been more important for businesses to recover and return stronger.” � To register interest, visit: www.madesmarter.uk/conference

REDROW Southern Counties is expanding its team.

The division has appointed Andrew Smith as Strategic Land Director, to help it make its long-term goals a reality in southern England.

With 18 years’ experience in land development, Mr Smith will join Redrow to progress complex and large sites while looking for new opportunities to grow.

“It’s an exciting time to get back into mainstream housebuilding and become part of Redrow, with its leading position in the market,” Mr Smith said.

WINNERSH Triangle has taken a big step in its sustainability drive.

The business park recently installed rooftop solar panels on buildings 1010 and 1020, as part of its commitment to a green future.

Frasers Property, owners of Winnersh Triangle, has committed to going carbon neutral by 2050.

In 2019, it launched its Rethinking Sustainability project and has committed to lowering consumption, finding innovative and sustainable solutions to business, and positively impacting the local community.

Over the coming year, the owners plan to install smart metres on site, install more electric charging points, and install solar panels on building 210.

A spokesperson for Frasers Property said: “We understand the importance of wellbeing and efficiency within your business and aim to

support our customers by providing a framework for sustainable and happy communities.

“We are committed to enhancing the condition of our buildings and business parts to support our customers and align with their goals.”

Winnersh Triangle uses 100% renewable electricity.

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SCHOOLS | 27

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

Pupils grill Theresa May about politics and Bitcoin

A WOKINGHAM nursery celebrated Shrove Tuesday in style last week.

Children at Bright Horizons Day Nursery and Preschool enjoyed a day of eating pancakes last Tuesday, and got to enjoy watching staff members have a go at tossing the treats too.

Keely Fletcher, nursery manager, said: “We always enjoy celebrating Pancake Day and it was great to see the children enjoying the traditions.

By YUSUF TOPCU Year 12 Student, Waingels College

ON Thursday 4th February, Theresa May, Maidenhead’s local Conservative MP visited Waingels, not in person but virtually on Microsoft Teams.

Year 12 students, members of Waingels Student Council and Year 10 Citizenship class were privileged to put forward questions to Mrs May about her political career.

These included a variety of topics such as Mrs May’s time as Prime Minister, fair representation of gender and race in Parliament, her biggest obstacles and challenges as well as Donald Trump and the rising of Bitcoin.

Mrs May described her time as Prime Minister as “a huge privilege and huge responsibility.”

Sadly Mrs May didn’t deliver the Brexit deal that she wanted to but focused on other areas that were successful in her time of office: “We set up and established the modern industrial strategy, the new domestic abuse act – which is going through parliament bill at the moment.

“I legislated for net zero emissions by 2050, so there are lots of things we have done but weren’t often seen because Brexit was the big issue that everybody was focusing on”.

Year 10 student Danielle asked about fair representation of race and gender in Parliament.

Mrs May said: “It’s become more representative in terms of gender, that’s been improving.

“Diversity in others senses has got better but there is more to be done by encouraging more people from a multiplicity of communities to want to come into Parliament”.

Mrs May extended this answer to say: “We need to encourage a fairer representation of people with more diverse experiences and background into Parliament – there is always an awful lot of lawyers, we haven’t had many nurses, teachers or doctors”.

SIR JOHN Madejski has launched a new annual scholarship to give an underprivileged Berkshire child a year’s worth of tuition to help secure their future.

And they’ll be found by Hurst-based First Days Children’s Charity.

On Monday, Sir John, the former owner and chairman of Reading Football Club, launched the programme, inspired by his time in a Berkshire children’s home as a baby.

It will provide a student with professional help to enhance their learning and confidence through education specialists Marie Redmond Tuition.

He said: “Every child has a right to equal education opportunities and it’s very important that we do what is needed to ensure that those from disadvantaged backgrounds can overcome the substantial barriers they face.

“I am a great admirer of Marie Redmond’s work and her personal passion for academic success in young people.”

Sir John’s own achievements in life

TUNE IN: Theresa May (middle right) joined Waingels College pupils for a chat

I asked Mrs May about the biggest obstacles she had faced during her political career.

With some thought Mrs May replied: “The initial challenge is actually sometimes the hardest thing- getting into politics.”

Head of Year 12, Mr Pembroke couldn’t resist asking Mrs May her views on Donald Trump.

“He was a businessman who came into politics, so he approached everything in a different way than everybody else.

“He and his Presidency were more unpredictable and I would say the Biden Presidency will go back to what I call ‘normal’ Presidency.

“I do think what we saw towards the end with the storming of the capital should give rise to concern.

“I think it is so important we and the US and those who believe in values of democracy, rule of law, freedom of speech, equality, reassert those values and work to protect those values.”

It was very interesting to hear Mrs May’s views on Bitcoin.

“I have a slightly different view

compared to many others. I am concerned about Bitcoin, I think Governments need to worry about these pseudo currencies as they are not backed by anything, a £10 note is backed by the Bank of England.

“When Bitcoin was getting started it tended to be the currency of choice for a lot of organised criminals, there is an aspect there that is problematic.”

After two 45-minute sessions with Year 12 and then Year 10 I felt I really learnt a lot about Mrs May’s political career, views and opinions.

We all have differences in our opinions; I do have some different views to Mrs May however I also believe that appreciating those differences is one of the things that makes us special.

As Scott Peck said, “Share our similarities, celebrate our differences.”

As a member of the Waingels Media Team, it was a privilege to ask Mrs May about the obstacles she has faced in her political career.

I would like to thank Mrs May for giving us her time and answering our questions. We hope we can welcome you back to Waingels soon.

Science Week workshops WITH British Science Week on the horizon, a Shinfield school is hoping to help students learn with a series of interactive workshops.

Leighton Park School is gearing up for a week of virtual classes on all things Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM).

British Science Week is an annual, 10 day celebration to get pupils talking about science and the role it plays in everyday life.

This year, the school is running a series of “hands-on activities” including building pop-up stage sets, learning morse code, and witnessing a real heart dissection – it’s not for the faint of heart.

A spokesperson for British

Science Week said: “Even without face-to-face events, we can still make British Science Week a success.

“Science is all around us everyday and there are lots of ways we can still engage and celebrate the role it plays in all our lives.

“With the backdrop of a global pandemic, now it is even more important than ever that we embrace and explore it.”

Leighton Park School’s STEAM Interactive 2021 programme is available to local students in Year 5.

British Science Week takes place between Monday, March 8 and Sunday, March 14.

To find out more, contact BeInspired@leightonpark.com

Sir John gives backing to scholarship scheme

include becoming Chancellor of the University of Reading.

He also rebuilt the former Thamesbridge College as the John Madejski Academy, initiated and funded The John Madejski Centre for Reputation at Henley Business School at The University of Reading.

He continued: “The fact that Marie’s

expertise is now available to children in Reading provides a great opportunity for parents who can see potential in their children that needs some extra help to be fulfilled.

“I am delighted to make that possible through the scholarship to what I hope will be a succession of children in similar circumstances.”

Ms Redmond has more than 20 years of education experience and recently expanded her Ofstedregistered tuition from Beaconsfield to the borough, with the opening of a new centre in Winnersh.

Marie said: “Sir John is one of the world’s inspirational people and his enthusiasm for what we do is really heartening.

“I am hugely grateful to him for supporting us with this new scholarship – it has real potential to change the lives of disadvantaged children.

“Every child has potential but what many need is extra help with their core skills. If we can boost their knowledge and skills for the 11 Plus exams, this will usually remain with them for life.”

The search is now on for this year’s candidate, who will be identified by First Days.

The children’s charity works to reduce the long-term effects of

poverty by equipping them with the essentials they need for their early years and school.

In this first year, criteria for the scholarship will include the effects of Covid-19 in widening the educational gap for individual children.

Emma Cantrell, CEO of First Days, said: “This new scholarship has the potential to give huge amounts of confidence to children, not just in their education but into adult life as well.

“We are really pleased to be working with Marie Redmond and Sir John Madejski to change the lives of disadvantaged children.

“We strongly believe that every child deserves the same start in life.

Our work focuses on helping parents ensure their children are safe, have fun and are confident in school.”

For more information about the scholarship visit www.marieredmond.co.uk/sirjohn or call 01494 956809.

28 | SOCIETY

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from your clubs and societies Send your INTHECOMMUNITYNewsreports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk WADE WOKINGHAM’s day centre for the elderly is appealing for volunteers to come forward.

Based on Reading Road, WADE is looking for new members for its Friends of WADE fundraising committee.

The committee has successfully raised thousands of pounds for Wade over the years, but in the last year, the group has been unable to hold many of its normal fundraising events due to Covid-19.

That combined with the estimated losses to Wade this year due to the enforced closures during lockdowns, has meant anticipated losses of just over £100,000 in its current financial year.

A spokesperson said: “Hence, with the possibility of some daylight ahead, we are seeking keen fundraisers to join our Friends of Wade fundraising committee” For more details, or to apply, email Philip Mirfin, chairman of trustees, at philip.mirfin@wadecentre.org.uk

CLASP Wokingham A BUMPER number of meetings are planned by a group that helps people in Wokingham who have learning disabilities.

CLASP will continue to hold virtual events from 10am to noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.

On Tuesday, March 2, there will be a book corner event. The topic will be spring and the special guest will be Heather Dyson from Wokingham Borough Libraries.

Cllr Sarah Kerr will be talking about her life on Friday, March 5.

A dancing to music session with Aby Jones is planned for Tuesday, March 9. At the same session, James Leggett from the Thames Valley Police Action Group will address the group.

Singhealthy Choirs will lead a singing session on Friday, March 12.

As it nears completion, Malkit Nihhar will give an update on the Winnersh Relief Road project on Tuesday, March 16.

The work of Wokingham Lions will be explained by Nigel Page on Friday, March 19. At the same session, there will be a Comic Relief quix, with entry costing £5. There is a prize for the winner.

On Tuesday, March 23, the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board will explain the transition from lockdown and what it will mean for CLASP members.

Singing is planned for Friday, March 26, and will again be led by Singhealthy.

The final event of the month is a look at annual health checks and will be given by Celia Fashesin from the NHS. Sessions take place using the Zoom networking platform, using secure measures.

For more details, or to book a place, log on to wokinghamclasp.org.uk

Dingley’s Promise

A CHARITY has started 2021 on the right foot, and is helping more families than ever before.

This is because Dingley’s Promise, which has a setting in Wokingham, has grown its outreach capacity to support more local children with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

The charity, founded in 1983, delivers lifechanging support to children under five in the form of specialist play, family support and training.

Now, Helen Hart has joined the Wokingham centre as its dedicated Family Support Worker, to aid more local families using the site.

A spokesperson for Dingley’s Promise said this move will ensure “no family is left behind”.

Shinfield View RESIDENTS at Shinfield View care home raised more than £1,000 for the NHS in memory of Sir Captain Tom Moore.

Jointly, the residents completed 100 laps of the care home garden, to honour the veteran’s life.

Amanda Tanner, general manager at Shinfield View said: “Captain Tom went such a

long way to proving just how valuable the older generation is, making a marked difference on the world, and having a hugely valuable contribution that he will always be remembered for.

“We are proud as a home that we were able to contribute to such an achievement, and such a wonderful message of solidarity and community

To find out more about Dingley’s Promise, visit: www.dingley.org.uk

West Oak care home

LIVE MUSIC may not have returned for everyone, but for residents of one Wokingham care home, concerts have come to them.

West Oak care home has opened a new visiting suite for residents to spend time with their loved ones. But it also means live entertainment is back on the agenda.

Staff welcomed back one of their regular entertainers, Gary Roman, singing in the Pod. Geoffrey Honour, senior general manager at the home, said the Pod has been a brilliant addition to West Oak. “It is wonderful to be able to offer live entertainment to our residents once again,” he said. “They have so missed being able to have performances in the home so this is a brilliant opportunity.”

The room is similar to a living room, with comfortable furnishings. It has an intercom system fitted so residents can talk or enjoy live entertainment through a glass divider fitted to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

British Modern Military History Society THE British Modern Military History Society (BMMHS) is to hold another afternoon virtual

spirit, through such a tough 12 months. It was a fantastic day, enjoyed by all.”

Together, they raised £1,219 which will go to the elderly care wards at The Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Fundraising manager for the NHS trust, Martin Butler, thanked the residents for taking part, and called it a great achievement.

meeting next week.

Taking place from 2pm on Tuesday, March 2, Bill Steadman will focus on The Intelligence, Deception and Communications for D Day. It will explore the intelligence picture prior to D-Day and the deception operations staged to protect the truth of Operation Overlord in June 1944.

The society uses the online meeting platform Zoom, and the session opens from 1.50pm, with the talk following and then a questions and answer session afterwards. It will last around and hour-and-a-half.

The society can offer help to people who are new to Zoom to get started.

Entry is by donation, which goes to the cost of the talks, which includes speakers, insurance and also contributions to military-related charities.

The suggested donation is £5 for a single talk, £20 for a block of five talks and £40 for a block of 10 talks. Payment can easily be made by bank transfer into BMMHS account or via PayPal. For more details, email info@bmmhs.org or log on to www.bmmhs.org The BMMHS Team

California Gardeners’ Club EARLIER this month, the club held a further online photo competition on the theme of A Winter Scene.

Congratulations to Inge Salter who won first place for her shot of the Queen’s Oak, Finchampstead under deep snow.

Congratulations also to Sylvia Hawes and Jill Gillott who came second and third respectively.

Our next event, on Monday, March 1, at 7.45pm, is again via Zoom. Graham Harding will give a talk on A Sandhurst Walk.

Membership is free for 2021, so it is a good chance to give us a try. Go to the website www.californiagardenersclub.co.uk for details of how to join and also a chance to see all the entries for the photo competition.

Julia Goodall

Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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LIFE | 29

Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK

Dirty Cauliflower Rice

C

AULIFLOWER rice is a great way to add more vegetables into your diet.

Forget rabbit food, this is seriously satisfying and moreish and goes brilliantly with a cold beer. Simply put chopped cauliflower (including the core) into a food processor and pulse until it has the texture of rice; in a few batches if needed.

For this ‘dirty rice’ recipe use a cast iron pan if you can; the sausage meat will catch on the bottom which is all good flavour and colour, making it ‘dirty’.

Dark brown is all good but adjust the heat and scrape the pan often so it doesn’t blacken.

Serves 4

Ingredients � Olive oil � 400g sausages, skin removed � 1 large white onion, diced � 1 green pepper, diced � 2 sticks of celery, diced � 3 cloves garlic, chopped � 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves � 1 tsp cumin seeds � Salt

� 1 large cauliflower, cut into chunks then pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice To garnish � 4 spring onions, sliced � 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges � Few stalks of fresh thyme � Dried chilli flakes � Freshly ground black pepper

Method 1. Add a glug of oil to a wide shallow cast iron pan and add the sausage meat to the pan; mash it into the oil with a fork to break it up.

Cook over a medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes to get it crispy and brown; scrape and stir it as you go.

Remove the meat from the pan, scraping some crusty bits from the bottom and set it aside 2. Add a glug more oil to the empty (but no doubt still brown) pan and fry the onion, pepper, celery, garlic, thyme and cumin with a good pinch of salt for about 8 minutes or until soft, scraping the bottom of the pan as you go

Wokingham Loves Music

as ‘a reflective tale of dealing with life in lockdown and all the chaos and frustration that comes with it.’ www.facebook.com/ rachelredmanmusic

Chris Hillman

Third Lung – Falling Stone The band describe themselves as ‘emotive, evocative and enchanting’ and will be streaming a live online performance from Generation Studio on Saturday – www.facebook.com/ThirdLung

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

F

OR people of a certain age, the modern technology is still space age stuff. .

The mobile phone in our hand is more powerful than the computers used to send a man on the moon. And it’s possible to record our own music at home using a laptop and the right leads.

One such person who has made the most of lockdown is Katie Ellwood, who created her debut single at home.

Her song, The Only Thing, heads up our Wokingham Loves Music soundtrack this week.

You can listen for FREE, via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic

Katie Ellwood – The Only Thing A debut single that shows the talents of this musician and composer from Wokingham being totally written, recorded, produced, played and sung by Katie at her home during lockdown.

She has played cello with orchestras from a young age and has a place studying a Music Technology degree at the respected Birmingham Conservatoire of Music. With this single having a wonderful atmospheric and electronic dream-pop feel, Katie clearly has skills across many musical genreswww.katieellwood.com

3. Mix in the cauliflower rice then add the meat back into the pan. Stir and cover the pan with a lid and cook over a medium-low heat until piping-hot throughout, about 4-5 minutes, scrape and stir halfway through 4. Serve garnished with a wedge of lime, chopped spring onions, fresh thyme leaves, chili flakes and black pepper and perhaps that cold beer! � www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk/

Milan Webb – It Never Snows in Spain The new solo single, mixed by Dean Nelson, from the man you’ll have seen as ‘Carlos’ at Oye Santana shows at Wokingham Music Club (WMC) – www.oyesantana.com

Marc Woosnam – Silver Lining (Piano Version) PERFORMANCE: Red Tape Resistance on stage at The Acoustic Couch Picture: Andrew Merritt Photography

Check out Marc’s beautiful new single and listen out for the wonderful string arrangement from WMC sound man Spencer Brooks – marcwoosnam.com

impressed with them when they visited the area to play at The Acoustic Couch before lockdown. The trio of Jamie R Hawkins, Phil Cooper and Tamsin Quin are all solo singersongwriters in their own right and they have also joined forces to form The Lost Trades.

Their new single shows what a great idea that was with the beautiful three-part harmony highlighting how well their voices work together – thelosttrades.com

Edward Naysmith – Fit Within Your Life

Red Tape Resistance – Hollow This Bracknell-based band will be releasing new material very soon and while we wait for that, here’s their single from early last year – www.facebook.com/ redtaperesistance

The Lost Trades – Hummingbird

Rachel Redman – Against the Tide

This one was recommended by local photographer, Andrew Merritt, as he was

Rachel has played at Wokingham Festival and here’s her new single which she describes

A great song from a singer / songwriter who has visited both Wokingham Festival and WMC – www.facebook.com/ EdwardNaysmithOfficial

Strawbs – Lay Me Down The Acoustic Strawbs played a set of classic tracks from The Strawbs extensive musical history at WMC early last year.

Here’s one of their most famous tracks as a reminder – www.facebook.com/strawbsweb

Astralasia (featuring Icarus Peel) – Green Man Taken from ‘The Darkest Voyage’ album.

Astralasia have had releases on local Magick Eye Records, while guest Icarus Peel has appeared on releases on local Mega Dodo Records – astralasia.co.uk

Authentic, tasty and Caribbean Jerk From Home facebook.com/ jerkfromhome jerkfromhome@ outlook.com 07710 196671

W

ITH lockdown continuing for a few more weeks, it will be a while before we can get out and explore the world around us.

So if we can’t go globetrotting, why not bring the world into your home?

Jerk From Home is a new business that aims to bring a taste of Jamaica to your plate.

It was launched by talented chef Lavelle, along with her business partner Humzell and on Lavelle’s Jamaican heritage.

Pre-covid, Lavelle’s family, who also live in Wokingham, hosted regular parties where every attendee would cook their own dish, a mish mash of cuisines from around the world all under one roof.

It was a great way for family and friends to get together, enjoying food and friendship together.

Of course, lockdown restrictions has put that all on hold for the time being but you can’t keep a good idea down.

Humzell enjoyed Lavelle’s food so much and suggested that Wokingham should enjoy it too.

And that’s how Jerk From Home was born: a Caribbean takeaway combining the staple dish of jerk chicken, providing the community with flavoursome food.

We might not be able to travel, but at least our taste buds can.

And, judging from a recent delivery from Jerk From Home to our household, it is a successful recipe.

To start with we sampled the sticky Island wings (£7 for three pieces). You should save the best till last, but these were my family’s top favourite.

They were so tasty and not too spicy for the children, although you can request the spiciness you are happy with.

For the main course, my nonspicy eating daughter enjoyed a three-cheese Mac and Cheese (£6).

It was a very large portion that was definitely big enough to serve to two people.

We had to try the jerk chicken (£7 for three pieces), after all, this is what the business is named after. It was accompanied with rice and peas £3.50 (plenty for two) and Jerk gravy (£1.50).

Our tastebuds were tingling as it was totally delicious.

The meal was accompanied with a healthy side salad and a delicious coleslaw (£2).

Our overall opinion: it was tasty, flavoursome, with great portion sizes, making it very good value for money. It was a very enjoyable taste of the Caribbean.

Pre-ordering is definitely recommended to avoid disappointment. Collection is free and delivery is £2.50 minimum order for delivery is £18.

The Jerk From Home kitchen is open on Fridays from 6pm-9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 3pm-6pm.

Follow on Facebook to place an order: Jerk From Home, or call 07710 196671.

30 | NEWS/ PROPERTY

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College loans 450 laptops to help children learn during lockdown

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today ACTIVATE Learning has loaned more than 450 laptops from the Department for Education to students who have had trouble accessing technology.

The laptops are part of the Government’s drive to ensure learners around the country are able to access teaching and learning during the pandemic and part of the effort to address digital poverty.

The 462 laptops were distributed to learners across colleges Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey.

Group executive director Bernard Grenville-Jones, said he

Hidden gems wins award

was delighted to support students and apprentices in this way, rebooting access to remote learning for those who previously had significant barriers to doing so.

He added: “We have set up a network comprised of different teams around the college group, to very quickly confirm those students who are most in need of these laptops and work out the best way of getting them into their hands.

“It is magnificent to see the Government’s speedy expansion of the initiative from schools, to include colleges, as we play a vitally important role in our local communities and economies.”

All the laptops have been tested and preloaded with

software by Activate Learning’s IT team.

Leia Mills, Group director of IT at Activate Learning, said: “It’s great for us to be able to support our learners in this way and my team were delighted to be able to work on this project.

“Throughout the pandemic we have done as much as we can to support learners digitally as they work remotely, including setting up an IT helpdesk and offering technical support.

“Digital poverty is a very real issue for some of our learners and these laptops will make a huge impact in addressing the needs of some of our most vulnerable learners.”

A PROJECT which revealed a local neighbourhood’s hidden gems has recently won an award.

Architects at the University of Reading have been busy surveying residents of Orts Road Estate, in neighbouring Reading, to find out what they value most about their neighbourhood.

The goal of the project was to map landmarks and assets that offer social value to the community.

Now, it has been named the

winner of the Cities and Community category in the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) President’s Awards for Research (2020).

Professor Flora Samuel, principal investigator of the project, said: “The social value of neighbourhoods has always been difficult to define, making it hard for architects to understand what impact their designs have on the community.

“Our approach engages the

community in helping create a map to lay out in a clear and visual way the undervalued or hidden assets that most benefit them, and why.”

The final report pinpointed that natural features are important to local residents, such as parks and the Kennet riverfront.

It also showed that people appreciate schools, religious sites, community centres and pubs for socialising and a sense of belonging.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

Pandemic puts pressure on women WOMEN in the South East are feeling the pressures of the pandemic, according to UNISON. The trade union has reported that local women in key worker jobs are losing sleep and worrying more, and said they should receive time off and a pay rise.

UNISON contacted nearly 3,500 women across the region, including teaching assistants and police staff, for its latest report: Women Working Through the Pandemic.

The survey found that nearly two thirds (64%) of key worker women are not sleeping well, and more than half (50%) feel stressed most of the time.

Some issues people reported worrying about include the impact of the pandemic on children’s education and mental health.

UNISON also reported that nearly half (46%) of women have seen their bills increase, despite the majority (54%) earning £18,000 a year or less.

Jo Galloway, UNISON South East head of equality, said: “Public services would have come to a standstill without the vital jobs done by women in our schools, hospitals, police forces and local councils. But employees are exhausted.

“They’re worn out from meeting work demands during Covid while caring for relatives, looking after children and dealing with debt.”

Ms Galloway said women on low wages are shouldering the burdens most of all.

UNISON is now calling on the government to ensure employers are more flexible with staff and to maintain the £20 increase to universal credit allowance.

Thursday, February 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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CLASSIFIELDS | 33

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LOWER SANDHURST ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Lower Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Dell Road and Wokingham Borough Boundary.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Ambarrow Lane, A321 Wokingham Road, B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue, B3348 The Ridges, B3348 Jubilee Road, B3016 Longwater Road and Cricket Hill or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 18th March 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Instalcom contractors to undertake the upgrade, exchange and removal of overhead lines and pole mounted transformers 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 18th March 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 25th February 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SANDFORD LANE, WOODLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

A copy of the order and of the accompanying map may be seen online at https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/majordevelopments/gorse-ride-estate-regeneration/. A copy of the order of the accompanying map may also be requested by email to gorseride@wokingham.gov.uk or telephone 07925 147786.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Davis Street, B3030 Robinhood Lane, A329 Reading Road, A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, The Bader Way and Mohawk Way, or by this route in reverse.

Any objection to the order must be made in writing to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government at the National Planning Casework Unit by email to PCU@Communities.gov.uk or by post to 5 St Philips Place, Colmore Row, Birmingham B3 2PW and before 24 March 2021 and should state the title of the order, the grounds of objection and the objector’s address and interests in the land.

DESCRIPTION OF LAND The Land to be Acquired

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th March and 16th March 2021 between 19:00 and 06:00.

4 Firs Close;

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow T-Mobile contractors to accept delivery and install new telecommunications equipment in safety.

29 Firs Close;

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

10 Dart Close;

6 Firs Close;

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.

11 Dart Close;

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 15th March 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

11 Orbit Close;

9 Orbit Close;

15 Orbit Close; 24 Orbit Close;

Dated: 25th February 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: Upper Culham Lane, Remenham Hill between its junctions with A4130 White Hill and Kenton’s Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A4130 White Hill, A321 Wargrave Road and Kenton’s Lane, or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th March and 19th March 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake new water connection work in safety.

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 15th March 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

5 Billing Avenue; 8 Billing Avenue; 9 Billing Avenue; 10 Billing Avenue; 11 Billing Avenue; 15 Billing Avenue;

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE

22 Gorse Ride South; 24 Gorse Ride South;

GTS (Reading) LTD trading as TGTS (Reading) LTD of Office 54, 62 Portman Road, Reading, RG30 1EA is applying for a licence to use The Yard, Fair View, Mole Road, Wokingham, RG41 5DJ as an operating centre for 9 goods vehicle.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

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

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Notice is hereby given that the Borough Council of Wokingham has made The Wokingham Borough Council (Land at Gorse Ride South, Finchampstead, Wokingham) Compulsory Purchase Order 2021 under section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. It is about to submit this order to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for confirmation, and if confirmed, the order will authorise the Borough Council of Wokingham to purchase compulsorily the land described below for the purpose of the development, redevelopment or improvement of land at the existing Gorse Ride South Estate comprising the demolition of existing buildings and replacement with 249 dwellings (mixed tenure flats and houses) together with associated access, parking, landscaping, public open space and drainage.

Sandford Lane, Woodley between its junctions with Mohawk Way and Colemansmoor Road.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (UPPER CULHAM LANE, REMENHAM HILL) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

Dated: 25th February 2021

THE WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LAND AT GORSE RIDE SOUTH, FINCHAMPSTEAD, WOKINGHAM) COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER 2021

26 Gorse Ride South; 30 Gorse Ride South;

Electricity substations at Whittle Close, Orbit Close, Dart Close and Firs Close; Gas governor at Whittle Close; and Unregistered land comprising subsoil under existing footpaths.

Dated: 25th February 2021 Sarah Morgan, Head of Development

SERVICES SERVICES

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PUBLIC NOTICES

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 25, 2021

JOB OPPORTUNITY

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 HEARING TO BE HELD AS A VIRTUAL EVENT OPENING ON WEDNESDAY 17TH MARCH 2021 AT 10:00AM REASON FOR HEARING

INTERCARE PRODUCTS LIMITED PENSION AND LIFE ASSURANCE SCHEME (“THE SCHEME”) NOTICE UNDER SECTION 27 OF THE TRUSTEE ACT 1925

Appeal by Sheldon Seal relating to the application to Wokingham Borough Council for the material change of use of the land for storage of vehicles without planning permission at Model Farm, Barkham Ride, Finchampstead, WOKINGHAM, RG40 4EX.

The Trustees of the Intercare Products Limited Pension and Life Assurance Scheme (‘the Scheme’) hereby give notice pursuant to section 27 of the Trustee Act 1925 that the Scheme is being wound up.

An Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State will hold a Hearing opening on the date shown above to decide the appeal. The Hearing will be held as a virtual event run by an Inspector in the normal way, but with the parties invited to join via Microsoft Teams or telephone.

The Trustees wish to trace any persons who believe that they may have any right to benefits from the Scheme and who has not received a letter from the Trustees of the Scheme dated 22 February 2021. Any such persons should write to the following address giving full details of their claim and any benefits that they think they are entitled to, including their full name, address, national insurance number and copies of any relevant documentation:

Documents relating to the appeal can be viewed on the Council website (201114).

Anyone wishing to attend the Hearing must make that interest known to the Planning Inspectorate Case Officer as soon as possible prior to the Hearing, either by email or telephone after reading the Hearing Attendance Information set out below. When contacting the Case Officer, it would be helpful if you could confirm whether you want to take an active part in the proceedings or attend only as an observer (see below).

Hearing Attendance Information Before deciding whether to take an active part in the Hearing, you need to think carefully about the points you wish to make. All written submissions from application and appeal stage will be taken into account by the Inspector. Re-stating the same points won’t add any additional weight to them.

If you feel that taking part in the Hearing is right for you in whatever capacity, you can participate in a number of ways: To take part using video, participants will need to have access to Microsoft Teams (via an app or web browser). This link gives further information: https:// support.office.com/en-gb/teams. Alternatively you can take part by telephone. Calls would be to an 020 number which will incur charges: https://www.gov.uk/call-charges If you just wish to observe the event, you should make that clear in your response to the Case Officer.

If you wish to take an active part in the proceedings, please make clear in your response whether you wish only to appear at the Hearing and make a statement or whether you would also wish to ask questions on particular topics.

If you want to take an active part but feel unable to for any reason, and/or the points you want to make are not covered in the evidence of others, consider whether someone else could raise them on your behalf.

Registered participants, in whatever capacity, will receive individual joining instructions, providing details of any requirements, guidance and support, whether joining by Teams or telephone. You should note that the event may be recorded by the Planning Inspectorate for training and quality assurance purposes.

Planning Inspectorate Reference(s): APP/X0360/C/19/3223247, APP/X0360/C/19/3223248 & APP/X0360/C/ 19/3223249.

Case Officer contact at the Planning Inspectorate: Opirim Agala Tel: 0303 444 5209.

Email: TeamE3@planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Ed Fowler, Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd, 2nd Floor, The WestWorks Building, White City Place, 195 Wood Lane, London, W12 7FQ Any claim must be registered with the Trustees by 24 May 2021. The Trustees will wind up the Scheme and complete the process of distributing the assets of the Scheme amongst the persons appearing to them to be entitled to them and without regard to the claims of any beneficiary of whom it has not had prior written notice. The Trustees will not be liable to or in respect of any person whose claim or entitlement has not been so notified to them by 24 May 2021.

Dated: 25th February 2021

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

YPWD (Berkshire) CIO is a vibrant and successful local charity, operating across Berkshire. We were established in 2012 to fill a much-needed gap in provision for those with young onset dementia and their families and carers.

We provide workshops and 1:1 support to those diagnosed with young onset dementia. In addition, we deliver an education course for those diagnosed, their families and carers. We also provide access to an Admiral Nurse and carer support groups, specifically aimed at the well-being of the carer.

We would like to strengthen our Board of Trustees by recruiting a new Treasurer. We are looking to recruit a professional with bookkeeping or accountancy expertise, and someone who shares our vision to help make a significant difference to the lives of people living with young onset dementia.

The role of Treasurer is an extremely important one and as a member of our Board you will have responsibility for overseeing the financial management of the organisation to ensure that it is legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.

This role is on a voluntary basis and you will be expected to attend six meetings each year, as well as our Annual Meeting, with an overall time commitment equivalent to approximately one day per month.

– all applications needed by 5pm on Friday 12 March 2021 – � For further information about the role please have a look at the role description on our website: http://ypwd.info/newsletter � To apply, please send an up-to-date CV with a covering letter to Mark Hainy via e-mail: mark.hainy@ypwd.info

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE James Whittingham trading as JRW & Sons LTD of Oakview, Mill Lane, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5DF is applying for a licence to use Oakview, Mill Lane, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5DF as an operating centre for 3 goods vehicle.

Younger People with Dementia (Berkshire) CIO Trustee Opportunity as a Treasurer

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YPWD (Berkshire) CIO, First Floor, Unit 9 Indigo House, Fishponds Road, Wokingham, RG41 2GY W: www.ypwd.info T: 0118 207 2880 E: contact@ypwd.info Charity Number: 1171720

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Dated: 25th February 2021

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

210191

Cutbush Manor, Cutbush Lane, Shinfield

(Affect setting of) Householder application for the proposed erection Listed Building of a summer house and poultry coop.

210450

Fox Steep, Highfield Road, Wargrave

(Affect setting of) Full planning application for works to curtilage Listed Building listed Pool House, including single storey extension to southern elevation for plant room, refurbishment and demolition of existing lean-to shed.

Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks

Description

Reach local people We cover the whole of Wokingham borough

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page.

Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before the 18th March 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: 25th February 2021

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BASKETBALL

ROCKETS FIND THEIR RHYTHM AS JAZ MAKES REMARKABLE DEBUT Oakland Wolves 77 Reading Rockets 98 ROCKETS’ transfer deadline signing Jaz Bains shone in a brilliant debut as he helped his side to a 98-77 triumph away at Oakland Wolves.

A 14 point haul coupled to six steals and a block saw Rockets ease past Wolves on their fourth successive away game.

Rockets went down by double digits in the opening few minutes at 4-14, but a 16-8 run saw head coach Alan Keane herald the changes to see the hosts have just a two point lead at the end of the first quarter by 22-20 with O’Showen Williams making a buzzer beating score to keep Rockets close.

Rockets trailed till midway through the second period before Reis Pinnock and Leome Francis made lay-ups off good approach play and Chuck Duru hit a pull-up and a treble to see Rockets have a six point advantage at 51-45 at the interval.

However Wolves came straight back to within a point and then drew level on 56 and 62 before a 10-2 finish by Rockets, including a buzzer beating treble from Bains saw Rockets with a 72-64 advantage going into the final stanza.

Academy player Lattrell Maitland hit a treble, mirrored by yet another Bains treble as Rockets shot out of the blocks at the start of the final quarter.

Power forward Kivuvu Live, another academy player made a layup and took down a key rebound before Pinnock and Bains each made steals from which they scored as Rockets opened up a 21 point lead at 91-70 which they were to maintain till the final buzzer as they took the deserved victory 98-77.

Rockets now look forward to three consecutive home games after a spell away from home as they prepare to host Leicester Warriors on Saturday.

FOOTBALL

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

SUMAS PROGRAMME GETS THE BID IN: RECORD PRICE FOR PIECE OF HISTORY

FISHLOCK TO BE RECALLED FROM LOAN SPELL AT READING

WHAT is believed to be a record price has been paid for a Wokingham Town FC programme.

The April 1957 four-page issue for a Metropolitan League match versus Chelsea at Finchampstead Road was eventually sold in an online auction last weekend for £292.

It cost just three old pence (about 7p today) on the day.

A ferocious bidding frenzy erupted in the final seconds of the 10-day online auction which ended on Saturday evening, with the price rising from £55 to £292 during the final 10 seconds.

It is understood that Chelsea programme collectors were responsible for the

frenetic activity and high price.

Chelsea’s ‘A’ team won the Metropolitan League in the

1956/57 season, with Wokingham Town finishing in 15th position in the 18-team league.

The London team also won the league cup.

Town had only emerged from local football two seasons earlier.

Copies of Wokingham Town’s 1957 FA Amateur Cup match against West Auckland, and the subsequent Football Association-ordered replay, also sold on the same night for a combined price tag of £41.

Wokingham Town was formed in 1875. The club merged with Emmbrook Sports in 2004 to become what is now Wokingham & Emmbrook Football Club.

JESS FISHLOCK will leave the Royals when her loan deal from OL Reign expires in April.

The Welsh international joined Kelly Chambers’ team in August 2020 from American side OL Reign and has proved to play a pivotal role in the heart of the Royals midfield in the Women’s Super League this season.

She was nominated for the FA Women’s Super League Player of the Month award in December after she netted twice against Bristol City.

“I have to thank OL Reign as always for being so understanding regarding the loan,” said Fishlock.

“The opportunity to train and play over the last few months has been super important to me.

“I will be giving everything for Reading until my last day with the club, as they have been brilliant with me and I am thankful for

the opportunity they provided.”

Her loan spell will officially end on April 5 2021 following the April international window.

SPORT | 37

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CHAPLEN SIGNS NEW DEAL WITH ROYALS FROM

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

READING Women forward Brooke Chaplen has signed a new contract to keep her with the Royals until June 2022.

Chaplen was signed by the Royals in 2017 from Sunderland, and became the club’s top scorer in her debut season.

She has played a vital part in Reading’s forward line over the past few seasons and has scored 16 goals in 37 league appearances for the club.

Chaplen has missed the vast majority of Reading’s Women’s Super League campaign this season with illness.

“I am very excited to keep Brooke at Reading,” said manager Kelly Chambers.

“Brooke has had a huge impact at the club, and she has been truly missed on the pitch this season.

“Brooke is a player that has a clear understanding of the way

we play and that has shown in her previous season records.

“It’s been an extremely frustrating season for Brooke, but she is working really hard to return and is doing really well. I can’t wait to have her back.”

Chaplen said: “I’ve been here a few years now, and this year I’ve had a tough year.

“I’m really excited for next season and looking forward to playing and being back playing with the team.

“I’ve had a few problems with the virus through the summer and have struggled to get back out on the pitch.

“Hopefully I’m heading in the right direction now and I can’t wait to get back out there. I’m working as hard as I can to get out there as soon as possible.”

THE MIDDLE

With Dick Sawdon-Smith

Brooke Chaplen has signed a one-year extension with Reading Picture: Tom Holmes

Why wasn’t Mitrovic punished?

GRASSROOTS SPORT MARKED L FOR MARCH RETURN DATE � Continued from back page

“We are waiting to hear from the league, but because of the step two announcement last week I think it’s inevitable that the season will be null and void,” said Woodley United manager Jamie Williams.

“There will be a knock on effect from that with no promotions or relegations and I can’t see any other result.

“Although we were struggling, I still want the season to be finished because of the work and effort that has gone into getting the games played and the money that all the clubs have spent.

“Its been so difficult to get any games played this year having to stick to the various rules. For that to have been a waste of time does seem unfair.

“I don't want it to sound like I'm not looking forward to football returning, but I think the return date of March 29 is totally irresponsible.”

Woodley United have currently managed to play six league fixtures in the Hellenic League Division One East this season, while Wokingham & Emmbrook have played eight games.

While it is currently unclear whether the league 2020/21 season will be able to be concluded at step six level, football for children and adults will return on March 29.

Williams continued: “It doesn’t make any sense to

me when we are potentially three months away from being to go back to what it was like pre-covid.

“We won’t be returning to training. If the league makes us do it with games to be played, which I think is unlikely, then we will find a way to make it happen but I think it's irresponsible and I feel sorry for the manager’s of the kids teams and the clubs.

“We had a breakout of covid before at the club in November, and we were really strict in sticking to the rules, but it's so difficult to avoid.

“It will be down to the league, but I’d like them to think about it and maybe have a long build-up to returning next season, I think that would make a lot more sense than rushing a return this season.”

Woodley United v Wokingham & Emmbrook Picture: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Other sports are expected to also make a return at the end of March, including rugby union.

Further details are expected to be released from the RFU in the coming days on the form of the sport which will be allowed, but it appears there is at last some light at the end of the tunnel.

Reflecting on the announcement, the RFU said: "This is good news for the game and for players, coaches and volunteers across the country, who will once again be able to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of being involved in team sport.

"We will work with DCMS on the Covid protocols for the community game, including the format of rugby that will be permitted in return to play.

“We also look forward to working with Government and other sports on the safe return of fans to stadiums."

Sport England chief executive Tim Hollingsworth, who said: "The Prime Minister's roadmap for the return of sport and physical activity is very welcome and a clear recognition of how important it is to the nation's physical and mental health.

“We know people are desperate to get back playing the sport they have so badly missed, and now it is at last in sight.”

Finchampstead FC v Burghfield Picture: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

Rams RFC hope to return to action in March

AST week I referred to Mike Dean’s family receiving death threats after the incident in the West Ham v Fulham game.

This week I would like to look at the incident itself as I think there was part of it that was ignored. Let me just refresh what happened.

A free kick was awarded to Fulham well inside the West Ham half and players of both side lined up just outside the West Ham penalty area.

As the players were jostling for position, Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic was holding on to the shirt front of West Ham’s Tomas Soucek.

As Soucek tried to pull away from this, his arm accidentally hit Mitrovic in the face.

Mitrovic then fell writhing to the ground, holding his head as if he had been poleaxed.

The VAR drew Dean’s attention to this and after consulting the monitor he sent Soucek off for Violent Conduct.

The glossary in the Laws of the Game describe Violent Conduct as, ‘an action, which is not a challenge for the ball, which uses or attempts to use excessive force or brutality against an opponent or when a player deliberately strikes someone on the head or face, unless the force used is negligible.

Mike Dean is a very experienced referee having refereed over 500 Premier League matches but like all of us he can make mistakes, and there is no doubt this was one.

It was appealed against on Sunday and repealed by the committee on Monday.

My point is, why was the incident then not handed over to the simulation panel, whose job it is to look at possible simulation not dealt with by the referee.

Many think of simulation as diving but it also includes acting to deceive the referee into giving an incorrect decision or disciplinary sanction.

The blow Mitrovic received may not have been particularly negligible but it was not deliberate nor was there the brutality or excessive force that Mitrovic’s play acting suggested.

Soucek said Mitrovic apologised afterwards, saying he wasn’t trying to get him sent off. If he wasn’t, what was he trying to do?

38 | SPORT

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

PAUNOVIĆ CRITICISES ‘UNACCEPTABLE’ FORM AFTER THIRD HOME DEFEAT IN A ROW Reading 0 Middlesbrough 2

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today GAFFER Veljko Paunović labelled the Royals’ home form as ‘unacceptable’ as they fell to their third consecutive loss at the Madejski Stadium.

First-half goals from Ashley Fletcher and Marc Bola allowed play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough to cut the gap to the top-six when they visited the Mad Stad on Saturday.

Despite favourable results in the table meaning that Reading stay in fifth in the Championship, they missed out on the chance to gain ground on their rivals after both Swansea City, Bournemouth and Brentford were also beaten.

“We can’t afford to lose games at home. We don’t have the supporters advantage. It’s unacceptable and I’m not happy with it,” said Paunović.

“We have to stay calm and bounce back immediately.

“Everyone in the league is fighting and there were a lot of results that were not expected.

“There are so many competitors in the Championship and we have to look at what was the reason for us not having a good start.

“In the second half there was a good reaction and the changes helped.

“That helped us play in their half, but we didn’t create clear or great opportunities.

“Not converting in the first 15 minutes of the second half prolonged our effort which was dissipated by their solid defence.”

The Royals made a promising start with a long spell of possession and had their first encouraging move forward when Alfa Semedo drove down the left-wing, breezed past a Boro defender with a piece of skill but couldn't find a teammate in the middle with his cross seven minutes into the contest.

Boro were looking to catch Reading on the break, but the persistent work of Andy Rinomhota ensured that Duncan Watmore didn't progress too far into the Royals half as he fouled the forward just past the halfway line.

Despite having the better of the play, the Royals were caught out in the 22nd minute when the visitors took the lead with their first meaningful attack.

A deep free-kick into the box left Dael Fry in space at the back post and he guided a header back into the centre which

was met by Ashley Fletcher who was left to convert from close range to punish Reading for their slack marking form the setpiece.

The Royals were put further behind when Boro notched their second goal of the afternoon just before the half hour mark.

Sam Morsy used his body to shield the ball in the box and laid the ball off for Marc Bola who was left unmarked on the edge of the box and made Reading pay as he smashed an unstoppable effort into the roof of the net past a helpless Rafael Cabral.

Reading were struggling to create clear cut chances against a tightly-knit Boro defence and were limited to set pieces chances as Tom McIntyre leapt well but headed wide from an Olise corner.

Boro had a superb chance to make it three on the stroke of half-time as they broke forward with a two-on-two situation Jonny Howson slipped the ball through to Paddy McNair for a one-on-one with Rafael, but he hit his shot too close to the Brazilian keeper who got down low to make an important stop.

Paunović made a double switch at the break as Tomas Esteves and Lewis Gibson replaced Omar Richards and Semedo.

Reading left themselves open at the back when searching for a way back into the game, and Watmore had the chance to punish them on a one-man charge after picking the ball up from a Royals corner.

With Rafael stranded out of his goal, Watmore delayed the chance to shoot and tried to take the ball round Michael Morrison, but lost possession and squandered the chance Reading thought they had a way back into the match when Ejaira played a beautiful pass to slice open the Boro defence and find Olise who placed the ball past the keeper, but the offside flag went up quickly to rule the goal out.

Boro kept the door shut to frustrate Reading and hold out for three points as the Royals’ home form continues to halt their progress.

READING: Rafael, Richards, McIntyre, Morrison (c), Yiadom, Rinomhota, Laurent, Semedo, Ejaria, Olise, Joao SUBS: Southwood, Esteves, Moore, Gibson, Holmes, Tetek, Aluko, Puscas, Baldock MIDDLESBROUGH: Bettinelli, Fisher, Dijksteel, Fry, McNair, Bola, Howson, Morsy, Kebano, Watmore, Fletcher SUBS: Archer, Hall, Spence, Coulson, Johnson, Saville, Mendez-Laing, Akpom, Assombalonga GOALS: Fletcher 22', Bola 29'

Ashley Fletcher opened the scoring as Middlesbrough condemned Reading to their third home defeat on the trot Pictures: Steve Smyth

Omar Richards ventures forward

Michael Morrison wins a header

Rafael Cabral punches the ball away

Michael Olise strides forward

Rafael comes out to make an important stop to prevent the Royals going further behind

SPORT | 39

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

JOAO’S MISSED PENALTY SEES 10-MAN WYCOMBE TAKE WIN Wycombe Wanderers 1 Reading 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING manager Veljko Paunović has vowed that his side will ‘bounce back’ after they were defeated by the Championship’s bottom club Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday evening.

Lucas João missed from the penalty spot as the Royals fell to a costly defeat as Wycombe Wanderers took the points through Fred Onyedinma’s decisive goal.

The Chairboys went ahead through Onyedinma early in the second half after Rafael fumbled the ball to concede a soft goal.

The game took a turn in the 69th minute when the Royals had the chance to go level when Ryan Tafazolli was sent off and gave away a penalty, but Lucas João hit the crossbar to miss his third spot-kick of the campaign.

Wycombe had a chance to wrap up the game with a penalty of their own but Rafael saved Uche Ikpeazu's effort, but the hosts held on with 10 men to take the points.

“We have to keep developing, keep supporting our guys. I know that we’re going to bounce back,” said Paunović.

“We are just in a bad stretch at the moment.

“The players care a lot. We have guys crying in the changing room. We have guys really committed and you can’t ask for more.

“We tried, we had opportunities. We failed that one (the penalty) and we have to be clinical.”

Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth named two former Royals in starting line-up, both of which had extensive spells at Reading. Jordan Obita graduated from Reading's academy and made 191 appearances in 10 years for the club, while Garath McCleary played 270 times in eight years at the Madejski.

Club captain Liam Moore returned to Paunović's starting eleven after a spell on the sidelines with injury, while Tom Holmes also returned to start.

Wycombe started strongly and attacked in the Reading half for much of the opening 10 minutes of the match to give the Royals an uncomfortable start at Adams Park.

Former Royal McCleary caused problems on the right hand side when he broke into the box and clipped an inviting ball to the back post which Uche Ikpeazu leapt for but couldn't reach to put the finishes touch on the move.

Tuesday night’s spot kick was not the first time that João has missed this season Archive photo

After a tricky start, Reading began to gain control in the match and create some chances of their own.

Ovie Ejaria picked out the run of Andy Rinomhota and perfectly weighted his pass to find his teammate, who looked to clip the ball over David Stockdale but the Wycombe keeper made a vital save.

Stockdale was called into action again in the 21st minute as Alfa Semedo took aim at goal from distance, but the keeper managed to clutch the ball safely.

A scramble in the box ensued after a Reading free-kick as Tom Holmes had a shot blocked before the ball dropped to Ejaria outside the box, but he could only skew an effort well wide of goal.

The two former Reading players in Wycombe colours combined with a clever free-kick routine as McCleary flicked the ball to Jordan Obita who tested the gloves of Rafael with a low strike, but the Brazilian got down to make a routine stop.

Ejaria was proving to be the bright spark in attack and linked well with Michael Olise and played a quick one-two, before he stung the gloves of Stockdale who had to fly to his left to prevent Ejaria's strike from flashing into the top corner.

Wycombe could count themselves lucky to still have 11 players on the pitch when Josh Knight flew recklessly into a tackle on Morrison and caught the Reading defender on the shin.

But the referee made his mind up quickly and produced a yellow card.

The half ended square after McIntyre's header rose high over the bar in the last action of the first 45 minutes.

Reading made an equally poor start to the second-half as they did in the first and found themselves behind just four minutes after the break.

It was a soft goal to concede as Reading failed to clear the danger and Rafael fumbled the ball at the feet of Onyedinma who poked the ball in from close range.

Semedo tried to play Lucas João in behind the Wycombe defence but a strong piece of defending from Anthony Stewart saw the Portuguese forward uncharacteristically shrugged off the ball.

Josh Laurent came inches away from equalising in the 66th minute when his shot whiskered past the far post.

The game took a dramatic twist in the 69th minute when Rinomhota looked to be through on goal after a superb through ball threaded through from Ejaria, and the Royals were awarded a penalty when he was shoved to the ground by Ryan Tafazolli who received a red card.

But with a golden chance to level the game, João stepped up to the spot and crashed his penalty off the top of the crossbar.

Wycombe then had a chance to seal the game when they awarded a penalty of their own after McIntyre brought down Ikpeazu.

But a second spot-kick of the game was missed as Rafael got down low to his left to keep out Ikpeazu's penalty.

Ainsworth's side held on valiantly to gain just their fifth win of the Championship season as Reading's miserable form continued.

WYCOMBE WANDERERS: Stockdale, Grimmer, Stewart, Tafazolli, Obita, Wheeler, Knight, Mehmeti, McCleary, Ikpeazu, Onyedinma SUBS: Gape, Kashket, Muskwe, Horgan, Thompson, Samuel, McCarthy, Ofoborh, Anderson READING: Rafael, Holmes, Moore (c), Morrison, McIntyre, Rinomhota, Laurent, Olise, Semedo, Ejaria, Joao SUBS: Esteves, Richards, Baldock, Yiadom, Aluko, Tetek, Puscas, Dorsett GOALS: Onyedinma 49'

PREVIEW: ROYALS LOOK TO STOP THE ROT AGAINST ROTHERHAM VELJKO Paunović has urged his side to fix their poor form when they face Rotherham United on Saturday.

The Royals are on a run of just one win from their previous six Championship games.

Despite their stuttering form, Reading remain in the top-six but will be looking

over their shoulders after Cardiff City’s recent run of consecutive wins to cut the gap.

Meanwhile, Rotherham are in the midst of a relegation battle and suffered their 17th defeat of the league season last night against Nottingham Forest.

Only Wycombe have lost more games than the

Millers this season in the Championship.

Paul Warne’s team are in 22nd place after suffering four defeats in their last five matches. However, there are just two points separating them from getting out of the relegation zone and they have two games on the side directly above them, Birmingham City.

Michael Smith has been Rotherham’s most productive player this season in attack, and has seven goals and three assists to his name after 28 appearances.

It was a one-sided affair when the teams met at the Madejski Stadium in October as the Royals romped to a 3-0 victory to

put them top of the table in a formidable start to the season. Yakou Méïté bagged a double, while Lucas João added to the score to give Reading a comfortable win.

Reading boast a strong recent record against Saturday’s opponents and are unbeaten in the last seven meetings, with four wins and three draws.

FROM THE TILEHURST END

With Olly Allen Time for Royals to sink or swim

I

T would be very easy for me to use the next 500 words to go on a tirade about Reading’s 1-0 defeat to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night. Trust me, I’ve thought about it.

Why we lined up so defensive against the team bottom of the table, why no substitutions were made until the 79th minute (see last week’s column for more on that) or why Lucas João should be firmly kept away from all future penalties.

But I’m not sure that would do me any good or make for a particularly enjoyable read.

Tuesday was as bad as it has been for Reading this season. It has been a largely positive campaign, certainly no one expected the Royals to be as high in the table as they currently are, but this is the low point.

Now it has to be the turning point.

The result at Adams Park was a shock, but it could be said to have been coming. Reading are now on a run of one win in six games.

If the 3-1 win against Bournemouth at the end of January was the top of the mountain, the Royals have been slipping down it ever since. We have lost three successive home games and suddenly a place in the playoffs is no longer so assured.

Some social media users would have you believe that Reading’s season is ‘over’ and there is no hope left.

Maybe that is a heat of the moment reaction.

The team are still in fifth and their destiny remains in their hands, but there is undoubtedly a worry that all the fantastic work earlier in the season will be undone if this current slump is not halted.

From an optimistic point of view, Reading have got themselves out of ruts already this season.

I suppose the worry is that Tuesday night is arguably the club’s most demoralising defeat of the season.

The squad as a whole have to shoulder the burden of losing to the side bottom of the league who had 10 men for the final 25 minutes.

Now is the time for the squad to stand up and be counted.

They have 14 games to make something of this season and qualify for the playoffs. It’s sink or swim.

Veljko Paunović’s man management has been talked about a lot this season and now is when it will be most crucial. It is time to see him bring the best out of the likes of João and Michael Olise whose body language after defeats has led to questions being asked.

For Reading not to finish in the top six after barely dropping out of it so far this season would be a disaster.

Let’s see what they’re made of.

WOKINGHAMSPORT

Grassroots sport to return next month WYCOMBE 1 READING 0

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

AFTER A THREE month pause grassroots sport is set to make a return at the end of March.

As part of the first stage of restrictions to be eased formally organised outdoor sports – for adults and Under 18s – can restart from Monday, March 29 and will not be subject to the gatherings limits enforced elsewhere.

However, after the news that football at step two level had been deemed null and void for this season, it is expected that levels 3-6 will face a similar fate.

An FA statement reads: “We welcome the UK Government’s update regarding the Covid-19 roadmap which means we can look forward to the safe return of grassroots football from 29 March for both adults and children.

“We can also confirm that the 2020/21 grassroots season has been extended until the end of June.

“The extension does not apply to the National League System, Steps 3-6, Regional NLS Feeder Leagues and the Women’s Football Pyramid from Tier 3 and below, as the process to determine the preferred route forward for these competitions is currently ongoing.”

This means that local clubs competing at step six level, such as Woodley United, Wokingham & Emmbrook and Binfield may not return to finish their campaigns this season. � Continued on page 37

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM RESIDENT Gareth Ainsworth led his Wycombe Wanderers side to victory over Reading on Tuesday evening.

Despite the contrasting fortunes of the two teams so far this season, with the Royals fighting in the Championship top-six and

Wycombe battling against relegation, the Chairboys took the points.

The game proved to tell a tale of two missed penalties after Lucas João missed from the spot, while Wycombe played the final 20 minutes of the match with 10 players after Ryan Tafazolli was sent off.

But Reading failed to make their one-man advantage count.

While Uche Ikpeazu missed the

chance the chance to double the lead from the penalty spot with just five minutes to go, the Championship’s bottom side held on for a valuable three points as Reading’s miserable recent form continued to hurt their play-off hopes. � Match report on page 39

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