Wokingham Today, February 4, 2021

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

WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Thursday, February 4, 2021 No. 299

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Family need £60,000 for specialist surgery Look out: clothes shop shuts doors

CLOSED: New Look has left Wokingham

HELP FUND TODDLER’S VITAL OP EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM town centre clothes store has closed down.

Signs pointing out the closure went up last week in the window of New Look in Market Place, and the company said that it shut its doors for good yesterday.

It is one of a number of clothes stores that have left the borough in recent years, including Marks & Spencer and Wallis.

A WOKINGHAM family has issued a call for help in a bid to change their young son’s life.

Paul and Nathalie Gosling are raising money to pay for life-changing surgery for their two-year-old son Dawson, who is suffering from an incurable condition.

“Dawson was born prematurely,” Mrs Gosling explained. “Everything seemed fine until he was about a year old and we noticed that he wasn’t meeting basic milestones and couldn’t sit up on his own.”

After getting him checked over, Dawson was diagnosed with dystonic spastic diplegic cerebral palsy. The condition affects movement in his legs, including his ability to walk.

“He’s got full understanding which is brilliant, but that means he wants to run around and he can’t understand why he can’t,” his mum explained. “We’re really lucky that it doesn’t affect the top half of his body.”

Now, the Gosling family have launched a fundraising campaign with the help of children’s charity Tree of Hope to raise money for life-changing spinal surgery.

“It would allow him to walk independently,” Mrs Gosling explained.

While the procedure is currently free on the NHS, she said it periodically gets taken off the list and has to be carried out privately.

This month, Dawson is due to be put on the waiting list but there’s no telling whether the surgery will be available, or when he can be booked in.

� Continued on page 5

Water firm’s job boost A WATER supplier plans to create more than 1,000 jobs over the coming year – and around 350 of them will be in Reading.

This means that Wokingham borough applicants will be welcomed

by Thames Water.

The company said it aims to recruit more than 1,000 new employees in London and across the Thames Valley region.

While half of the jobs will be based in London, approximately 35% will be located in the Reading area.

Over the next 12 months, the company hopes it can create jobs and boost access to new career pathways for local residents. � Continued on page 20

DAD SEES BLUE TO HELP OLLIE P16

CAMPAIGN: Dawson Gosling needs a specialist operation to help boost his mobility

� Continued on page 2

LOCKDOWN3.0

TAKEOUTTO HELPOUT THE TREAT THAT HELPS SMALL BUSINESSES P8 CONCERNS OVER 5G MAST PLAN P11

LAUNCH OF THE BOOZE-FREE COCKTAIL P20 FAB BROWNIE RECIPE TO TRY P24

2 | NEWS

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FAMILY NOTICES

WRIGHT Nita Margaret of White Waltham/latterly Winnersh, 84, passed peacefully 25th January 2021.

Her humour and courage will be missed by sister Julie in South Africa, 5 nieces, and 7 great nieces and nephews.

Funeral service 19th February 14:30 at Haycombe Crematorium, Bath.

Enquiries to participate in the Zoom service or in person, please contact lora_juliet@yahoo.co.uk.

Burial and memorial service to be held at White Waltham Church at a later date.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made via www.rspca.co.uk

The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokingham.today, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 2021

A Lidl concern over meadows home plan EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today LAST week, residents took part in a virtual consultation event to discuss future development in Lower Earley – but the leader of Earley Town Council said it was “a shambles”.

Lower Earley Properties organised the online village hall to hear residents’ feedback on its proposals.

More than 200 people tuned in.

Three weeks ago, the developer revealed plans to submit an application for a multi-million pound development off Meldreth Way, including a Lidl foodstore and a housing estate.

In November last year, it cleared what was formerly Swallows Meadow to prepare the site for future work after purchasing it from the University of Reading.

Cllr Clive Jones, leader of Earley Town Council and ward councillor for Hawkedon, said the consultation was anything but “satisfactory”.

But Andy Jansons, CEO of Lower Earley Properties’ parent company, Jansons Property said it was a success.

What was revealed?

The project leaders outlined their vision for Swallows Meadow, which includes 42 new homes, a landscaped green space, and a new supermarket.

Mr Jansons said a Lidl would provide “choice” to local residents as well as employment opportunities, bringing around 40 full- and parttime jobs and apprenticeships to the area.

According to Mr Jansons, Lidl chose Swallows Meadow as a potential site for a foodstore after identifying Lower Earley as “underprovided” by existing supermarketsm although there is an Asda, an Iceland and an M&S foodstore.

James Mitchell, Lidl’s regional head of property, said: “We are extremely excited about the prospect of opening a new Lidl store in Earley, bringing new jobs to the community.”

The consultation also revealed that Lower Earley Properties hopes to build 42 new homes off Meldreth Way. These would be a mixture of one- and two-bed apartments and two-, three-, and four-bed houses.

At least 40% would be considered affordable housing, and the developer said they would be built to match the look and feel of nearby houses.

The estate would also provide charging points

for electric vehicles, and come with new pedestrian and cycle links.

Mr Jansons said if approved, the development would also create hundreds of construction jobs by employing local workers to build the estate.

Lower Earley Properties has not yet submitted a planning application, but is having preapplication talks with Wokingham Borough Council planning officers.

Why has the consultation been criticised?

Cllr Jones said the virtual village hall event failed to address residents’ concerns about safeguarding the former green space.

Swallows Meadow was an area known for its woodland walks before it was cleared last year.

“We don’t want to know that they’re providing the right number of parking spaces or homes that are in keeping with the rest of the area,” the councillor said. “We want them to restore the area to what it once was.”

Last November, Lower Earley Properties felled 38 trees at Swallows Meadow to prepare the site.

According to the project team, most of the trees were “low quality”.

At the consultation, they revealed plans to plant 123 new trees, all hailing from a specialist nursery.

However, Cllr Jones believes the former trees were perfectly fine and it was unnecessary to clear them in the first place.

“They could have got rid of some of the undergrowth to maybe improve the quality of the trees, but with it being a stone’s throw away from so many local people we don’t really want them to do anything,” he said.

“We don’t want development on this green space because we want it to be protected.”

According to Mr Jansons, Lower Earley Properties undertook “all legal due diligence” when clearing the site last year, and reiterated that it is not public land.

Wokingham Borough Council has since confirmed there is no Public Right of Way through the site.

When will the planning application be submitted?

Following the consultation, Cllr Jones said he will continue to encourage residents to voice their opinions on the development.

Nearly 900 people have now signed the petition launched by Wokingham Liberal Democrats to protest against the plans.

“We will continue to oppose this,” Cllr Jones added. “And we hope to get as many residents as possible to oppose the planning application when it comes in.”

Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said the council is aware of “strong public views” about the proposal and encourages residents to use the consultation to make their opinions known.

“At the moment, no planning application has been submitted to the council, but if and when one is submitted, local residents will be consulted and given the opportunity to submit their views prior to a decision being made,” he said.

“It may be able to help shape an application if one comes forward.”

Lower Earley Properties said it will use feedback from the consultation process to submit a Statement of Community Involvement alongside the application later this year.

“We received lots of feedback, which we will be reviewing over the coming weeks as we finalise our plans and submit a planning application,” Mr Jansons said. � To watch the Virtual Village Hall, visit: lowerearleyplans.co.uk � To view Wokingham Liberal Democrats’ petition, visit: www.wokinghamlibdems.org.uk/meadow � Letters page 14

SLOTTING TOGETHER: An activity

It’s a r � From front page

“As part of the recovery programme, he will also need to have at least one year’s worth of daily physiotherapy,” Mrs Gosling said.

“The NHS will supply us with one physio session a week, so we will have to fund the rest through private therapies.”

And it’s a race against time.

Ms Gosling said the surgery is only suitable for children aged two- and three-years-old, meaning Dawson needs to have the op sooner rather than later or risks needing further operations in the future.

“We’re now trying to raise funds to cover his physio and his surgery in case they both have to be done privately, so we need to raise around £60,000,” she explained.

If the family meets its target and the surgery is available on the NHS, leftover donations will fund items needed to strengthen his muscles, including a new walking frame.

The Gosling family is currently arranging a sponsored raffle and has

Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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NEWS | 3

Mods rocking Dinton build

centre being built at Dinton Pastures uses modular methods to save construction time. It will be opened this spring Picture: Stewart Turkington

race against time to help tot

LEFT: Dawson (centre) with his siblings at Christmas ABOVE: A portrait of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury will be raffled

received donations from artist Richard Williams, of Richard Williams Creations, and Wokingham’s Blueberry Toys.

Mr Williams is producing an artwork which will be a raffle prize, which he hopes will get some celebrity attention.

“Nathalie messaged me about raising awareness for the raffle, and I immediately thought we could go one step further,” he said.

“I’m painting a portrait of (boxers) Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, who are fighting at some point this year, with the hope that we can get it signed by them both.”

He hopes his contribution will

help raise a big donation for the family’s cause.

And Ms Gosling said Blueberry Toys has also donated an “incredible” amount of toys to the raffle.

“We were very happy to support a fellow local resident,” said Sally Brown from Blueberry Toys in Demark Street.

“As parents ourselves, we can fully empathise and understand her wanting the best for her son.

“It’s a very worthy cause and Blueberry Toys wish Dawson and the Goslings the best for the future.”

The family is also planning a sponsored virtual run.

In less than 48 hours after launching the fundraiser online, Ms Gosling raised more than £2,000, and said she can’t believe the level of support Dawson has received so far.

“I’m so overwhelmed by how many people are happy to help us,” she said.

“We’ve always been really lucky that we’ve been able to give our children everything they need, and now it feels awful to not be able to do that for him.

“The support has been incredible and to see people step up and help is just amazing.”

Looking to the future, Ms Gosling said if the surgery can go ahead, it

would have a massive impact on her family’s lives.

“Dawson’s two big brothers, Reuben and Aulay, are desperate for the day when he can run around and kick a ball with them,” she said.

“It’s really heartbreaking watching him, but Dawson is a very happy little chap.

“He doesn’t know any different, but to be able to play in the garden and walk unaided would be wonderful.”

As we went to press, the family has raised more than £3,200 for Dawson’s surgery.

To find out more, visit: w w w. t r e e o f h o p e . o r g . u k / dawsoncandoit

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THE NEW multi-million pound activity centre at Dinton Pastures has passed a major milestone.

Last week, modules were lifted into place at the borough’s first net zero carbon building.

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council, said he is pleased with the progress made as the building takes shape.

“With the centre’s lakeside views, wonderful watersports facilities, fully accessible changing facilities and coffee shop, we can’t wait to open our doors to residents later this year,” he said.

With 75% of the new activity centre building completed offsite by modular building specialist Reds10, this reduces the carbon emissions from the construction process.

Each unit is constructed in the Reds10 factory in Driffield, Yorkshire. They are transported to Dinton and lifted into place.

Cllr Gregor Murray, executive member for resident services, communications and emissions, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see us move one-step closer to our ambition of being carbon neutral by 2030. Not only will the activity centre provide the community with state-of-the art facilities, but it will also be our first energy positive building.”

Michael Ruddick, director at Reds10 said it is a significant project.

“The Activity Centre incorporates state of the art technology and boasts a design that truly complements the surroundings it sits in,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to see the project’s progress and look forward to seeing the positive impact it is set to have on the area.”

Alex Pullin, project architect at HLM Architects, said: “We’ve designed this new centre with the community’s needs at the front and centre.

“Working closely with the team the design sensitively sits within the natural landscape while creating a sense of place and having a positive impact on future users.”

The new building features windcatchers and solar panels on the roof, and air source heat pumps, which will reduce the energy demand.

The outer building’s Siberian larch cladding is expected to weather over time to blend with its natural surroundings, and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

The two-storey centre will also include an activity hall, coffee shop, lakeside terrace, meeting rooms, changing spaces facility and cycle parking. The new centre is expected to open in the spring.

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Plans made for homes near Coppid Beech roundabout EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today MORE THAN 50 homes could be built on land close to London Road, if plans are approved.

Beaulieu Homes is proposing to build 55 homes off St Anne’s Drive, near Hilton St Anne’s Manor.

This would be six houses and 13 flats for affordable housing in one corner of the estate, and 36 three- to four-bedroom homes for the commercial market.

In the planning statement, the developer said: “This revised application follows extensive consultation with the council following the refusal in January 2020. The proposals have seen significant changes in response to this which have resulted in a reduction in unit numbers from 74 to 55.

“This has meant that the site layout is much more open and benefits from greater space around the perimeter of the site as well as more internal open space.”

Cllr Gregor Murray, ward councillor for neighbouring Norreys, has commented on the plans, saying that they were a “marginally revised resubmission of a previously rejected planning application” that doesn’t address any of the previous reasons for refusal.

He said the new layout of London Road, does not allow for safe access in and out, which would impact road safety.

He was also concerned plans would

PLANS: An application has been submitted to Wokingham Borough Council to create 55 homes on land near St Anne’s Manor hotel Picture: Steve Smyth

further reduce natural green space in the borough, and cut down mature trees.

There was also fears about urban sprawl as the site is on the borough’s boarder.

One resident commented: “The development fails to demonstrate how it would maintain the separation between Wokingham and Bracknell.”

Residents were also worried over the lack of SANG — suitable alternative natural greenspace — in the plans.

In the documents, Beaulieu Homes

cited Buckhurst Meadows and Keephatch Meadows as nearby SANGs. But one resident said: “We can not see how acces can be provided to the adjacent SANG land as this is private property and not managed by WBC — therefore no benefit to this application.”

Another resident said he feared the community would be isolated, as “the nearest shops and doctors are well over a mile away”.

Public consultation ends on Thursday, February 18.

NEWS | 5

New Look closes its doors � Continued from front page

In August last year New Look launched a second restructuring round in two years, calling on landlords to agree a turnover rent model in a bid to reduce costs.

It said that the group’s financial position had been hit by the coronavirus pandemic, accelerating the permanent structural shift in customer spend and behaviour from physical retail to online.

In November, this process was completed and the company had received a cash injection of £40 million to support its rescue plan.

Nigel Oddy, New Look’s chief executive officer, said that the deal gave it an enhanced financial

strength for future trading and investment.

“Looking ahead, notwithstanding the challenging market conditions, we are focused on delivering our strategy to enhance our position as a leading convenient broad appeal fashion destination,” he added.

However, that was not enough to save the Wokingham clothes shop.

A spokesperson told Wokingham.Today: “I can confirm our Wokingham branch is due to permanently close on 3rd February”.

Sindlesham works warning THERE WILL be temporary water outages in Sindlesham, starting next month.

Thames Water said it will be working to “reinforce the local water network” on Mole Road.

The road will be closed between Mole Lodge and the roundabout junction with New Road and Mill Lane, between Monday, February 8, and Wednesday, April 28.

There will be access only to the properties in the area.

In a letter, the company said: “The work will take place during the day and there will be very little disruption to your water supply, however there will be some temporary water outages to allow us to make the permanent connections.”

It also asked residents not to park near the location, as cars may be blocked in otherwise.

For details, email: developer. services@thameswater.co.uk

6 | NEWS

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CORONAVIRUS LATEST

120 residents and families supported by council’s covid grants

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today ROUGHLY half of the council’s £100,000 Covid Winter Grant has been distributed to families in the borough.

The council has supported 120 residents and families struggling to access food, fuel and other essentials this winter because of the pandemic.

In December, Wokingham Borough Council approved how the £205,000 Winter Grant Fund would be used to support residents over the winter months.

Roughly £100,000 of the funding was allocated for food vouchers for children who receive benefits-related free school meals during the Christmas holidays and February half term.

Care leavers were supported with £5,000 for food and utilities and the remaining funds were allocated to support other families and individuals.

Cllr John Kaiser, deputy leader of the council, said: “This is one of the most important tools we have this winter to help our residents – no family or individual in our borough should go hungry or be cold this winter. This has been a difficult year for all of us, but for those with financial difficulties the stresses must be unbearable. We are here to help.”

A borough resident who was helped by the grant, said: “I really appreciate the help in such difficult times. I am so lucky to have support from Citizens Advice and Wokingham Council and I really could not fault their service.

“The Winter Grant scheme has benefited me and my children so much and I honestly don't know what I would have done without it.”

Another resident praised the One Front Door response, and said the Citizens Advice team were “very compassionate” about their personal situation.

They added: “This grant will really help us keep out of the red in these next coming months and help us provide meals for our children without worrying when I can go shopping again.

I can't explain how helpful this is to us.”

All residents in Wokingham borough are eligible to apply for the programme which runs until Wednesday, March 31.

It can be used to help pay for food and utility bills, but can also apply to other essentials such as sanitary products, warm clothing, blankets and boiler service and repair. The programme does not cover rent or mortgage payments.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, said: “The Covid Winter Grant provides support to our most vulnerable families and individuals. It allowed us to provide free schools meals during the Christmas holiday and will do the same for the upcoming February half term. It also supports our young care leavers with food and utility costs, and helps our most vulnerable residents in the ways they need.

“We feel so strongly that all children should have access to free school meals that we’ve written to the secretary of state for education, Gavin Williamson, asking him to consider extending the temporary expansion of the programme to give all primary school children free school meals.

“Feeding our young people should be our number one priority. No child in the borough should go cold or hungry and this grant is helping make sure of that. This has been a difficult year for all of us, and we need to support those most in need.”

She said the Covid Winter Grant runs until the end of March, but the council has agreed to fund free school meals for school holidays for the rest of this year, using a combination of government funding and council funds.

To apply, residents should contact the One Front Door, run by Citizens Advice Wokingham by calling 0300 330 1189 and mentioning the Covid Winter Grant or by visiting citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk/coronavirus.

The One Front Door will assess resident needs and where appropriate make a recommendation to the council for funding from the Covid Winter Grant scheme.

Residents in need can also be signposted or supported to apply for the scheme or a representative can apply on their behalf.

GOOD PROSPECTS: New testing sites are opening across the Royal

How to get help in Wokingham borough: To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizen’s Advice on 0300 330 1189 Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258

First jab for care Coronavirus rates continue to decline home residents RESIDENTS at a Shinfield care home have been celebrating after receiving Covid-19 vaccination.

With the support of Shinfield Medical Centre, the majority of residents and team members at Care UK’s Parsons Grange, on Westall Street, have been given the first dose of the vaccination.

One of the first in the queue was 75-year-old Phyllis, who said: “Well, I feel just great and didn’t feel a thing.

This is an exciting time for everyone and moment to remember.”

Shelby Ratcliffe, customer relations manager at Parsons Grange, said: “We were so pleased that residents in our home have had the vaccination. I would like to offer my thanks to the NHS team at Shinfield Medical Centre. They were incredibly efficient, friendly, and made sure everything went smoothly.

“This is the first step towards getting back to normal.

We’re looking forward to receiving our second dose of the vaccine as soon as we’re able.”

The home will continue to follow infection control measures including regular deep cleaning, testing, the use of masks and PPE, social distancing, air purifiers and temperature checks to keep everyone safe.

For more information about Parsons Grange, visit careuk.com/parsons-grange

WOKINGHAM borough’s coronavirus rate per 100,000 people has come down again this week.

The latest figures as we went to press, showed that the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents, is 206.9, down from 256 last week.

Although Wokingham borough’s rate has been reducing, there were 29 positive tests recorded on Tuesday, February 2, bringing the total number to 7,354.

The figures contrast with neighbouring Reading borough, which has an infection rate of 416.6 per 100,000. This is down from 540.2 last week.

On Tuesday, Reading reported 25 positive cases.

Bracknell Forest has also seen its rate per 100,000 reduce.

It is now 243.2, down from 332.9 last week. On Tuesday there were 46 cases reported.

Windsor and Maidenhead had 32 cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 is now 200.8, down from 301.1 last week.

West Berkshire recorded 20 positive cases on Tuesday, and its infection rate is 193.1, down from 266.3 last week.

Slough remains the highest of Berkshire, with its rate per 100,000 at 544.3. However this is down from last weeks’ 722.2.

For the latest coronavirus news visit our website

The UK recorded 16,840 positive tests on Tuesday and the rate of infection per 100,000 is 261.9, down from 346.1 last week.

Sadly, 1,499 people died on Tuesday, within 28 days of a positive covid test. This is 7,851 over the last seven days. In Wokingham, there were two covid-related deaths on Tuesday, and 18 in the past seven days.

By Monday, there were 9,646,715 people in the UK to have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccines.

And there are 496,796 people who have received their second dose.

Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 7

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CORONAVIRUS LATEST

Council taskforce saved lives

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE manager of a Shinfield care home said the loss of life in a Covid-19 outbreak would have been “significantly higher” if the council’s taskforce had not stepped in.

county, including a centre that opened in Reading’s Prospect Park last week Picture: Steve Smyth

New rapid testing centre opens in Thames Valley Park

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today THAMES Valley Park will be home to the council’s second rapid testing centre from this week; enabling more keyworkers to access regular lateral flow tests.

It follows the launch of rapid testing at Shute End, which has had nearly 900 bookings in the last three weeks, and more than 1,600 scheduled using the prebooking facility.

The site will operate from the Microsoft Campus and will be open to keyworkers who live or work in Wokingham borough, and who are regularly leaving home to go to work.

This includes delivery workers, pre-school staff, those working in supermarkets and others.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services said: “Throughout the pandemic, our aim has always been to restrict the spread of Covid-19 as much as possible; and regular rapid testing can help with this.

“We are delighted to be opening another rapid test centre and are extremely grateful to the team at Microsoft for providing the building.

“It is situated in a prime location on the Wokingham and Reading border and is easily accessible with plenty of free parking.”

The service will run from Mondays to Saturdays, with slots available 48 hours in advance.

Signage is in place to direct visitors to the right entrance and exit points, and council employees will be on site to check people in.

The site will be open until the end of March, with the council reviewing an extension nearer the time.

It is open from 9am to 4pm on Mondays and 8am to 4pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays, with the last test at 3.45pm.

The council will extend opening hours to 8am to 8pm twice a week, with more information about this coming soon.

Clare Barclay, UK CEO at

Microsoft said: “We are proud to be providing our office facilities for the Covid-19 testing program, supporting our local community and the incredible work of the NHS.” Cllr Margetts added: “We are urging any keyworkers who live or work in the borough, and who are regularly leaving their home to go to work, to come forward for testing.

“This really can make a difference in the fight against Covid-19.

“The tests only take 15 minutes, and they are crucial for identifying people who have coronavirus but are asymptomatic and could be spreading it without realising.

“There is financial support available to anyone who may lose income as a result of having to self-isolate. You can find out more information about this on our website.”

For more information, or to book a test slot, visit the electronic booking system for the Microsoft Campus, or the electronic booking system for the council’s Shute End testing centre.

Amanda Tanner, general manager at Shinfield View, said she could not fault the “quick action, clear guidance, and abundance of support” from the Adult Social Care Covid-19 Taskforce, when the home experienced an outbreak in November.

At the time, Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health at the council, told Wokingham.Today that 49 staff and 40 residents at the home had the virus, of which 10 people were more seriously affected and four died.

He said the ratio of staff and residents infected was unusual, and unlike previous patterns of infection in care homes that saw three staff to one resident infected.

Cllr Margetts said this raised more questions about the spread of a “major outbreak” but said there was no evidence of operational failure.

The care home looks after 66 residents, meaning 60% of

Workplace testing is key says CBI WORKPLACE testing is the key to enabling businesses to reopen safely.

This is according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which said that ensuring staff can access coronavirus tests is vital for a “safe economic restart” in 2021.

Recent data released by the

residents were infected with the virus.

Once the news of the outbreak emerged, the taskforce said it had to act fast.

A multi-disciplinary meeting was set-up on the same day, which pulled together employees across public health, NHS staff, social care, the care home, the Integrated Care Home Service, infection control and the CCG, to organise help.

That weekend, the home was filled with medical and staff support.

Ms Tanner said the council team never took a “culture of blame or shame” and supported care home staff emotionally.

She said: “I cannot thank them enough for their help and support, and expertise, and I strongly attribute our managing through this situation to them. I believe had they not been involved so early on the loss of life could have been much higher than it currently stands.”

Cllr Margetts said: “From the very start of the pandemic, our aim has always been to support our communities and most vulnerable residents as much as possible.

Our ASC Covid-19 Taskforce has worked tirelessly to help our local care homes and the Shinfield View outbreak is a

good example of how they’re always willing to go the extra mile.

“During what was truly a harrowing time for all those at the care home – residents, staff and families – our team stepped in and were able to help them navigate through this period.

“The feedback from the care home manager, Amanda, speaks for itself and we’re very grateful to her for this.”

He added: “I’m immensely proud of the work that our ASC Covid-19 Taskforce are doing and this will continue in the year ahead; particularly as we support the NHS with the rollout of the vaccine across Wokingham Borough, and within our care homes.”

The Adult Social Care Covid19 Taskforce includes council staff that work with external healthcare partners.

During the pandemic, it has been supporting with risk assessments, taking daily calls to help solve issues and concerns, and assess the needs of each care home - acting quickly to put support in place when needed.

The work of the taskforce has since been expanded to provide support to all Adult Social Care providers, not just care homes.

CBI suggests nearly nine in every 10 businesses are not testing in the workplace – and nearly 70% do not plan to offer tests to workers in the next three months.

The Confederation is now calling on the government to collaborate with businesses to improve access to regular Covid-19 tests.

Matthew Fell, CBI chief UK policy director, said: “Rapid mass testing in an essential element of the UK’s fight against Covid-19, helping those unable to w

ork from home to operate safely, while also catching new cases.”

Mr Fell said that right now, the number of tests being taken in the workplace is “a fraction” of what it needs to be.

“Lockdown and the work from guidance explain some of this, but not all,” he added.

“Encouraging businesses and helping them prepare to roll-out workplace testing should form an essential plank of a return to normality in 2021.”

8 | NEWS

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TAKEOUTTOHELPOUT CAKES BEER CURRY FINE DINING ORDER A TAKEAWAY & SUPPORT THESE GREAT LOCAL BUSINESSES 01183272662 www.Wokingham.today

TAKE OUT TO HELP OUT

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 2021

Estate agency puts its TAKEOUTTO HELPOUT money where its mouth is

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A LOCAL business has joined our latest campaign to encourage Wokingham residents to support independent retailers this lockdown.

David Cliff, owner of David Cliff Estate Agents in Peach Street, Wokingham, has been trying to help as many local businesses as possible.

And he has pledged to support Wokingham.Today’s Take Out To Help Out campaign.

“I, alongside many other independent business owners, have been worried about what’s happening out there,” he said.

“We’ve got staff to pay, families to look after, and it’s a scary time.”

Mr Cliff (pictured) said he watched friends in the hospitality industry suffering as a result of the pandemic and felt compelled to help.

“We’ve all tried so hard to get Wokingham back on its feet and independently owned, so we decided from now on to support as many local businesses as we can,” he explained.

On social media, David Cliff Estate Agents has been taking part in Support Local Fridays by ordering breakfast and lunch takeaways from businesses across the borough.

“It’s not just about the takeaway, but the social interaction too,” Mr Cliff added.

“When somebody pops in with a takeaway, we stop and have a chat, check in on how each other is doing and remind each other that everything is going to be okay.

“It helps everyone feel a little bit better and gives people some positive thoughts.”

Aroma Wokingham, the familyrun cafe based on Denmark Street, is one of the local takeaways David Cliff Estate Agents has been supporting.

Nathan Street, the cafe’s owner, has welcomed the support after his business was hit hard by covid.

“During November and December, Aroma decided to stay open and it was a disaster,” he said.

“We decided that when we went under lockdown again, we wouldn’t open because nothing was even covering the bills.

“We’re relying on Wokingham Borough Council’s discretionary grant to pay our rent.”

Mr Street has welcomed the Take Out To Help Out campaign, and said it’s vital that residents support local traders if and when they can.

“If you choose to buy from us rather than a big chain, you’re helping put food on our table,” he said.

“You’re helping a family with kids who go to local schools, and when our business is thriving we give back to the community.”

Aroma Wokingham’s doors are still shut due to the ongoing lockdown, and it is selling takeaway cream teas to cover bills at the moment.

Mr Street said the café will be reopening this coming Monday with

LOCKDOWN3.0

a wider takeaway menu and reduced hours.

Sharon Smith, owner of Wokingham’s Corins Cakes and Crafts, also welcomes Wokingham.Today’s campaign.

Her company creates extravagant cakes for celebration events, and also runs a takeaway service on the side offering hot breakfasts and lunches. Ms Smith said Covid has had a big impact on her business.

“I make wedding cakes and birthday cakes so orders have been cancelled everywhere over the past year,” she said.

So it should be little surprise that takeaway orders are her lifeline at the moment.

“They keep my head above water,” she explained. “I rely on cake orders coming in, but I’ve also been running a takeaway business along the side which has taken over.

“People ordering hot food have been helping out a lot.”

To find out more about Aroma Wokingham and Corins Cakes and Crafts, search for them on Facebook.

Michelin star retained again

THE BOROUGH’S only Michelin star restaurant has retained its award for the 19th year in a row.

James Greatorex, head chef at Shinfield-based L’Ortolan, said keeping the star was an emotional moment for all of the staff.

“It has been an incredibly tough year,” he said.

“Having taken over at the beginning of 2021 we have had to constantly change and adapt our approach due to the current pandemic.”

He said it was his first experience of keeping a Michelin star.

“I really cannot put into words how grateful and humbled I am,” he said. “It is the best birthday present I could have wished for.”

The 24-year-old added: “We are a very young team but we have a strong brigade of brilliant chefs whose dedication and passion have brought us this far.

“We are now more fired up than ever and cannot wait to open our doors again and continue to push the boundaries further.”

Owner Peter Newman said he was once again very proud to have retained the star.

“I am grateful for the way in which the team have all pulled together during a very difficult year,” he added.

Mr Greatorex worked at Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck when he was 19. While there, he learnt modern techniques and three Michelin star standards.

He said: “Once I had learnt everything I could from there I felt it was time to start developing my own style and management skills.

“I came to L’Ortolan as a Junior Sous chef and worked my way around the kitchen quickly on all sections.”

Having developed his creativity, Mr Greatorex said he focuses on traditional French cuisine, lightly influenced by Asian flavours.

Last year, the restaurant launched a L’Ortolan At Home service in response to the pandemic.Residents can choose from a bronze, silver or gold hamper, which range from £70 to £120 and feeds two.

Next week, the restaurant is also offering a Valentine’s hamper, which includes a single red rose, tea lights and a sweet treat, on top of the multiple courses.

Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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10 | NEWS

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Parish and borough council meetings

Meetings online – contact councils for details

Monday, February 8 Wokingham Borough Council. New Premises Licence: Our Lady of Peace Social Club. 10am. Write off of Non-Collectable Business Rates Debt, Executive - Individual Member Decisions 4pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Tuesday, February 9 Earley Town Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Shinfield Parish Council. Staffing committee – meeting closed to public. 7pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk Sonning Parish Council. Council meeting. 7pm. www.sonning-pc.gov.uk Swallowfield Parish Council. Parish Council Meeting. 7.30pm. www.swallowfieldpc.gov.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Executive questions deadline.

10am. Council questions deadline. 10am. Personnel Board.

7.30pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Full council. 8pm. www.woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, February 10 Shinfield Parish Council. Finance and General Purposes. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Planning committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Thursday, February 11 Wokingham Borough Council. Wokingham borough wellbeing board. 5pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, February 15 Shinfield Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Tuesday, February 16 Arborfield Parish Council. Full council. 7.30pm. Arborfield.org.uk

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

FROMTHECOURTS � AN EARLEY man has been banned from driving for two years and given six penalty points.

Kalin Petkov, 42 and from Hartsbourne Road, was stopped on Lower Earley Way on November 30 last year.

Police found that he was driving without an appropriate licence or insurance.

At a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court, held on January 5, Petkov pleaded guilty and was fined £500, ordered to pay £85 costs and £50 to victim services, at a rate of £200 a month from February 2.

The driving ban is for repeat offences. � A READING woman has been given a six-week jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, for assaulting a police officer.

The incident took place in Wokingham on July 16, and the victim was a police custody health care professional.

When Georgia Bailey appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on January 7, she pleaded guilty.

The 21-year-old from Gasworks Road received the suspended sentence on account that she has had similar recent convictions.

Bailey was ordered to pay £100 compensation, £128 to victim services and £85 costs at a rate of £20 per month.

� USING A mobile phone while driving has seen a Wokingham man receive a £300 fine.

George Tony Reed, of Nine Mile Ride, was stopped by police on Finchampstead Road on March 18 last year. He pleaded not guilty but magistrates proved his case in his absence when they sat on January 7.

Reed, 33, was ordered to pay costs of £620 and £34 to victim services. He also had three points added to his license. � A MAN from East Reading has been given a two-month curfew after pleading guilty to credit card fraud.

Lukasz Josef Otto, 40 and from Liverpool Road, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on January 12, where he admitted using the cards between October 20, 2019 and December 4, 2019.

They belonged to Abbeyfields Care Home in Woodley and were used to order goods from the online retailer Amazon. This was contrary to sections 1 and 2 of the 2006 Fraud Act. Otto must wear a tag to ensure he remains at his home between the hours of 7pm and 6am. This order is in place until March 11.

Otto must pay compensation of £990.44 at a rate of £50 per month. � AN EARLEY man has been fined £100 and given a restraining order

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks after pleading guilty to assault.

Steven Green, 61 and from Amber Close, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on January 12, where he admitted the offence, which took place on January 20 last year.

He must not contact, directly or indirectly, his victim.

In addition to his fine, he must pay £775 costs and £32 to victim services. � A WOKINGHAM man has been given an 18-week jail sentence, suspended for two years, for assaulting a woman.

Ionut Marius Ababei, 27 and from Pineridge Park Homes, off Nine Mile Ride, changed his plea to guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on January 13. The incident took place on July 7 last year.

Ababei must also undertake 120 hours of community service within the next 12 months, and must not contact his victim.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £85 and £95 to victim services. � A MAN has received eight points on his driving licence after being stopped for driving without insurance or an MoT. Akbar Hayrullaev, 38 and from Curzon Street in Reading, was stopped on the A4 Bath Road in Hare Hatch on May 12, 2019.

He had pleaded not guilty on September 24, 2019, but his case was proven in absence at the hearing on January 15, held at Reading Magistrates Court.

Hayrullaev was fined £660, ordered to pay £620 costs and £66 to victim services. � A ROAD sweeping company from London has been given multiple fines and ordered to pay £4,291.50 in costs after connecting their equipment to a water main in Shinfield.

Supa Sweep Ltd pleaded guilty to the charges when their cases was heard at Reading Magistrates Court on January 15.

The company was working at the Shinfield Meadows Development in Shinfield on June 4 last year.

Magistrates heard that the company attached its apparatus to a Thames Water mains water supply. It also installed, connected, arranged or used a water fitting in such a manner that it was likely to cause the erroneous measurement of water.

The offences were repeated on August 24, August 28, September 4, last year.

For each offence, they were ordered to pay £500.

In addition to the four-figure costs, they must also pay £190 to victim services.

Bikes stolen from Spencers Wood shed MOUNTAIN bikes worth £3,500 have been stolen from a shed in Spencers Wood.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they’d like to speak to in connection with the incident. It took place around 11.50pm on Sunday, January 17.

Two men entered a garden on Clares Green Road, and broke into a shed, taking the bikes with them.

Investigating officer, PC Rory Pratt, based at Bracknell Police Station, said: “We are releasing an image of a man we believe may have information in connection with this incident.

“If you recognise this man we would ask you to please contact Thames Valley Police via 101 or online quoting the reference 43210022440.”

Residents petition calls for phone mast plan rethink EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today RESIDENTS are furious after a new phone mast was proposed in south Wokingham – and they are now petitioning to stop the development.

At 27.5m tall, it would be placed on land at Knoll Farm, behind Gipsy Lane.

On behalf of EE, technology company Harlequin Group requested planning approval from Wokingham Borough Council last month.

It said the mast would bring improved 4G services to the local area, and improve coverage over the railway.

But, a group of residents are urging people to oppose the development by taking part in the ongoing public consultation.

Philip Lawman, who lives on Gipsy Lane, has expressed numerous concerns about the application.

“My house backs on to the railway line there, so I will have the sight of that mast from my backyard,” he explained.

“It is such a prominent feature on the landscape, so it will be quite overbearing.

“People will also be able to see it from Langborough Rec, the only village green left in Wokingham, which is currently surrounded by beautiful trees.”

A spokesperson for EE said it

has sought to minimise the visual impact of the mast.

Mr Lawman is also worried about the mast’s environmental impact, and fears it could interfere with wildlife including bats and birds.

But Harlequin Group said the mast should not affect local fauna, and it has not been asked to provide an ecological survey.

Maria Gee, ward councillor for Wescott, is also worried the development could impact the conservation area near the Emm Brook.

And she wishes the developers had given a perspective of the mast from Gipsy Lane in the planning application.

“We can’t actually see the visual impact on the local area,” she said. “I’m just not convinced it’s going to be hidden.”

Cllr Wescott is now questioning why two masts, both at 15-metres tall, were not proposed.

“The existing mast at the end of Easthampstead Road is being decommissioned, but I want to know why they can’t make use of that one instead,” she added.

“It’s already there and everybody is used to it – it would solve a bunch of problems.”

In an effort to stop the development, residents have now created an online petition which has received nearly 300 signatures.

“There are so many other places that could be considered,” Mr Lawman said.

“Why not put it on the Molly Millars Lane industrial estate?

“There’s also a stack of land near the South Wokingham Distributor Road, so why not put the mast further away where it’s not impacting any residents?”

The owner of Knoll Farm, the site where the mast has been proposed, has also objected to the planning application and called it a “monstrosity”.

In a letter to Harlequin Group, they said: “At this present time I look out onto fields and trees.

“It is proposed to be situated in sight from not only the garden but from my lounge, dining room and bedroom windows.”

The owner also said that in order to build the mast, contractors would need access to their single-track driveway where they park their vehicles.

“If at any time there was an urgent need to get to the mast, they would probably not be able to gain access to it with any sort of vehicle or heavy equipment,” they added.

The public consultation ends on Monday, February 8. � The planning application can be found on wokingham.gov.uk’s planning portal, ref: 203607. � The residents’ petition is at bit.ly/KnollFarmMast

Thieves punch teenager and steal his moped A TEENAGER was pulled off a moped which was then stolen in an assault in Woodley on Tuesday evening.

The incident took place outside the Tesco Local store in Loddon Vale Centre around 5.55pm and now police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The victim was approached by two men as he sat on the moped in the car park.

One of the offenders grabbed the victim round the neck and pulled him off.

The other offender then punched the victim in the face several times.

Both offenders then got on the moped and rode off.

While the victim suffered minor

NEWS | 11

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Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

cuts and bruises to his face he did not require medical treatment.

Thames Valley Police said that the offenders are both male. One was Asian and the other white. They were both wearing all black clothing and had balaclavas covering their faces.

Investigating officer PC Stephen Johnson, based at Loddon Valley police station said: “I am appealing for any witnesses of this incident, or anyone who has any information, to please get in touch.

“You can make a report online or by calling 101 and quoting reference 43210045698.

“You can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”

Leaflet deliveries WOKINGHAM Conservatives say that they will respect the lockdown to protect residents and the NHS, and not campaign until government advice changes.

Party chairman David Edmonds said: “We do not want anyone to put at risk”. He was responding to our story last week about Lib Dem activity.

He added: “The Conservatives will continue to lead the local fight against covid and making residents’ lives better. That is the message that counts.”

Relentless rain floods village with sewage EXCLUSIVE

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today RELENTLESS rain flooded a community, causing sewage safety fears and traffic diversions for days.

Residents said the floods overloaded the sewers, forcing sewage out onto lawns, pavements and the road. Toilets backed up and wouldn’t flush properly.

Dismayed families watched as defiant drivers ignored the road closed signs and surged through the deep water. The floodwater waves crashed down inches from some front doors.

The closure signs went up on a stretch of the A321 Wokingham to Twyford road at Hurst at the weekend and were still there yesterday..

The road, here fittingly called Broadwater Lane, was flooded badly just a year ago.

Wokingham Borough councillor Wayne Smith was out in the sodden village at the weekend, organising sandbags and liaising with Thames Water.

The water was over the top of his wellies.

“I saw the foul waste flowing round the side of one house. It is sewage – you can see the toilet paper in it. It’s a health hazard,” he said.

Children would normally play in a back garden now flooded with foul water.

He has contacted area MP, Theresa May, about the problems. Cllr Smith and Wokingham Borough’s lead environment councillor Parry Batth have urged Thames Water’s chief executive for a solution.

On Monday Cllr Smith said: “People in places including Tape Lane and Lodge Road are having problems flushing their toilets.

“Thames Water have a statutory obligation to tank out (empty) the waste from

manholes if toilets won’t flush.

But instead residents were told to wait for the levels to go down.

“We believe some of the (Thames Water) pumping stations in the area are too low in the ground, so when there’s lots of surface water it gets in and the pump can’t cope with that and the foul water.”

The pumping stations should be completely watertight.

Resident Matt Brown whose home is close to the road said: “We’re OK, the water hasn’t quite been through the front door.

“But people driving through seem to think it’s a bit of a laugh. Wayne (Councillor Smith) has worked tirelessly to help, including getting sandbags very quickly.”

Cllr Smith added: “I’d appeal to people not to drive along here while the road is closed.”

Villager Mark Wilkin fears this second year of flooding may force a move from his Grade II listed home, in his family for 100 years.

He said a “delightful cocktail” of rainwater and sewage now flooded his front lawn.

He was concerned about the safety of untreated sewage. He claimed that new houses going

up near him and houses being proposed for opposite his home would remove natural drainage land.

Councillor Batth said: “The council was alerted to the flooding over the weekend. We sent our highways contractors to close the road and an officer to speak with residents. The flooding was caused by the river bursting its banks and backing up through the drainage system, which caused localised flooding. The Thames Water sewage system became inundated with floodwater, which then caused sewage to back up in the area.

“Thames Water are responsible for the sewage system. We are liaising with Thames Water to ensure they take action to repair the damage done in this instance, but also to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “We understand sewer flooding is unpleasant and disruptive and we sympathise with everyone affected by flooding caused by the recent heavy rainfall.

“We’re working hard to support any customers affected by sewer flooding, and we’re sorry this is taking longer than normal due to a higher than usual workload. The sheer amount of rainfall over the weekend means our sewers are carrying far more wastewater than they have capacity for and the system is full.

“Heavy rainfall can also cause groundwater levels to be higher than normal and this can increase the chance of excess water entering our network either through surface water drains or through infiltration.

“The village of Hurst has been particularly badly affected by rising groundwater levels, which as well as flooding fields and roads has overflowed into the sewer network. Once the levels subside we’ll attend to clear up any sewage.”

Could covid spread through sewage?

REASSURANCES over suggestions that the Hurst flood could lead to sewage spreading Covid-19 have been given by Wokingham’s World Health Organisation professor and Thames Water.

Last year an academic study concluded that: “Our investigation has for the first time pointed to the possibility that SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) might spread by sewage”.

WHO Covid-19 expert Professor Ben Cowling, brought up in Sonning, commented exclusively to Wokingham.Today on the A321 flood in Broadwater Lane, saying: “I think (the study’s conclusion) is still an active hypothesis, but it is not likely to be a major

route of Covid-19 transmission.

“If drinking water is contaminated with sewage, I would be very concerned about public health, there could be outbreaks of various infectious diseases as a result.

“I don’t think there would be an outbreak of Covid-19 in Hurst as a result of the leak you mentioned, as I doubt that (sewage) will enter the drinking water.”

A Thames Water spokesperson said: “There is no widespread evidence that coronavirus can be spread through sewage.

In a report in March 2020, the WHO declared there was “no evidence that the Covid-19 virus

has been transmitted via sewerage systems”.

The WHO had also said Covid19 cannot survive in disinfected drinking water and has not been transmitted in this way.

“At Thames Water, we test our treated water regularly to maintain its quality,” he added.

The clean and wastewater networks were completely separated from one another so there’s no risk of sewage entering the clean network.

It is important to stress that there was no evidence that flooding in Hurst would put residents at risk of catching Covid. � Details of last year’s study are at: bit.ly/CovidSewage

12 | NEWS

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What a curry on

Drug taskforce has 900 arrests

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A JOINT policing operation has now made more than 900 arrests.

British Transport Police launched the County Lines taskforce in 2019 to prevent more vulnerable children and teenagers being drawn into County Lines gangs.

Since December 1, 2019, officers have seized more than £300,000, made nearly 500 drug seizures, and have removed more than 150 dangerous weapons from Britain's railways.

The taskforce has also secured 15 modern slavery charges to date, and arrested 934 people.

Research conducted by the British Transport Police shows that County Lines gangs target vulnerable teenagers. They are exploited by older men and women who lure them in with promises of money and status, then threaten violence if they try and leave.

They are employed to move drugs and money between locations, sometimes travelling hundreds of miles.

Gareth Williams, the Taskforce’s lead detective superintendent, said

that since its inception, the Taskforce has painted a “very strong picture” of how County Lines gangs use the railways.

“We know where they are operating and the young age groups they target,” he said. “We’ve used the Home Office funding to bring in experts in child exploitation from notable charities committed to tackling County Lines.”

Superintendent Williams said the taskforce aims to put pressure on gangs wherever they operate, while working with the railway industry to look for signs of exploitation.

“We use their reports to identify where we should target next,” he added.

Home secretary Priti Patel said the County Lines taskforce has delivered “impressive results”.

“It is fantastic to see that in just over a year, their important work has led to the arrests of 934 people suspected to be involved in the drugs trade,” she said.

“I am immensely grateful to all officers for the work they are doing to break up county lines drugs gangs, helping to prevent vulnerable young people from being drawn into a life of crime.”

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 2021

PARADE OFF: Woodley Carnival has been postponed again due to the covid pandemic

Carnival is cancelled WOODLEY’S carnival will not go ahead this year, as the effects of the coronavirus pandemic continue to be felt.

The annual event was cancelled last year as well, and would have celebrated its 60th anniversary.

Now all eyes are on Saturday, June 11 next year.

Although the main event is a day of celebrations in Woodford Park, including a music concert, a classic car show and procession through the town, the week leading up to it also features smaller events, including quizzes and party nights.

The carnival also appoints princesses to spearhead the parade, meaning that for two years in a row, youngsters will not have the chance to be treated like royalty for a day.

In a statement, organisers said that they were sorry that the event had to be postponed again.

“These continue to be incredibly difficult times for many people and until we can ensure our event is safe for all in the community to enjoy we have made the decision to cancel,” the committee said.

“This decision will incur a loss for the year as many of our suppliers had carried forward our deposits from last year and sadly some of these have not survived these unprecedented times.

“We feel it important to stress that the Carnival will be returning.

“We have always maintained reserves in the event of a cancellation, therefore, are able to weather these turbulent times.”

HOMES UNDER THE LOCKDOWN ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

A CHILDREN’S hospice is fundraising later this month with its 12th annual curry night.

Alexander Devine will be turning the event digital, with the Big Curry Night In. The tradition started back in 2007 when Fiona Devine, mother of Alexander Devine and charity founder, held her first Scrummy Mummy curry night to remember her son, serving a homemade curry to local supporters in the hall of Alexander’s school.

To take part in the Big Curry Night In, residents can purchase a kit from its website.

It includes family activities, recipe cards for three curry dishes, all the spices that are needed, cocktail recipes and a voucher for local business But First, Cocktails!.

Kate Wright, fundraiser at Alexander Devine, said: “Our annual Scrummy Mummy night is one of the smaller occasions we host but nonetheless, very special. It was one of the first fundraisers our charity organised and we want to keep the tradition going despite current restrictions.

“Our Big Curry Night In event is something that can be enjoyed by the whole family and we hope it will raise some much-needed vital funds as well as awareness of the lifeline work our children’s hospice provides to so many children and their families.”

The charity said it has been a long standing tradition that Alexander’s favourite pudding, his granny’s trifle, is served at the fundraising event.

Also included in the kit is the recipe for residents to recreate the pudding themselves at home.

The charity is encouraging residents to host their curry night on Friday, February 26, but it can be held at any time. � For more information, log on to: www.alexanderdevine.org/events

As seen on TV PLANS FOR a TV studio in Shinfield have been submitted to the borough council.

The proposal, submitted by the University of Reading, is part of the University’s plan to form a ‘Cine Valley’ at the Thames Valley Science Park.

In December, the University announced a deal with a US film studios investor to develop a major film studios and creative media campus, to be known as Shinfield Studios.

The TV studio, which aims to be operational early next year, will host a range of popular shows and is being developed to accommodate the latest broadcast and media technology.

Darren Browne, commercial director at the University of Reading, said: “The location of the Thames Valley Science Park, and its proximity to the University’s Department of Film, Theatre and Television, make for an attractive proposition to an industry that desperately needs extra studio space.

“The proposal of this new purpose-built TV studio fits in with our aims to bring a wealth of knowledge and opportunity in the film, TV and creative media industries to our local area.

“We are in talks with a prospective tenant for this new studio and hope to share more details on this soon.”

The finished studio would bring new jobs in the creative industries to the Thames Valley Science Park, but expects less of staff and traffic than a traditional office development.

Professor John Gibbs, professor of film and head of the School of Arts & Communication Design, said: “This is a very welcome project to create a modern TV studio facility in Reading, hot on the heels of the deal already announced with a Hollywood movie studio to create a film studios complex at Thames Valley Science Park.

“I am particularly excited about the potential opportunities it could create for students and the local community, not only by bringing another leading creative industry to the area and creating jobs, but for the opportunity for people to take part in entertainment programmes that we normally only see on TV.” For more information, search for application 210210 on the Wokingham Borough Council planning portal.

Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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MP joins remembrance act

GREEN FOR GO: Work to revamp Cantley Park,including a new pavilion and 3G pitches, has begun

Cantley Park makeover underway WORK TO improve facilities at Cantley Park is underway, after contractors started on the pavilion last month.

Local firm Morris & Blunt Ltd has started to remove the internal walls, to create new changing facilities, a viewing balcony and café.

Work on the 3G pitch has also started, with the council appointing synthetic manufacturer Tiger Turf and sports surface construction company, McArdle Sport Tec, to the job.

Heras fencing has been placed around the area for the new pitch and contractors will start to strip the pitch this week.

They will also be forming the bank for the new parking bays.

Soon, access to the pitches adjacent to the houses will be closed for safety reasons and signage will be displayed to let park users know.

As part of the scheme, an additional 39 parking spaces will also be created, bringing the total to 164, including four larger spaces to accommodate minibuses.

It is hoped this will alleviate parking issues on the site and in neighbouring residential areas.

Four electric vehicle charging points will also be installed.

“I am delighted work has started this month on the improvements at Cantley Park,”

Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure said.

“While this investment in Cantley is great news for our footballing community, it also brings a lot of benefits to the wider community.

“The park is so well-loved by many who not only come to play sports, such as cricket, hockey, archery, and tennis as well as football, but also to walk their dogs and take part in their daily exercise.

“The new 3G pitch is a great addition to our fantastic sporting facilities on offer in the borough and is another great example of the council investing in our communities

to improve people’s health and wellbeing.”

In recent years, Wokingham has seen a rise in the number of football teams and there are currently 534 active teams across the borough.

Cantley Park would be the fifth 3G pitch built in the borough to help meet this demand.

It will also mean they no longer have to travel outside the borough for matches or training.

Last year the borough council successfully bid for a £616,619 grant from the Premier League, The FA, and the government’s Football Foundation.

The council is investing £1.6million into the project.

Company helps elderly gain more independence EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today IN A BID to help Wokingham’s elderly gain more independence, this formerRoyal Berkshire Hospital (RBH) worker created an entire support network from scratch.

Therapies on Thames is a rehabilitation service which was founded in 2012.

Raj Senniappan, co-founder and lead occupational therapist at the organisation, said he was inspired to launch the company after realising the impact specialist care can have on eldery people.

“In 2012, I treated this lady in care who was being hoisted around but could actually walk,” he explained.

“I worked with the care home, trained the staff and this lady continued to walk for a year before passing away.

“This made me realise that a lot of elderly people could benefit from ongoing rehab outside of the NHS and social care, so I launched Therapies on Thames.”

Mr Senniappan worked as an occupational therapist at RBH for a decade before branching out to create his own company.

Therapies on Thames offers a range of services to the borough’s elderly population – the co-founder

calls it a “one stop shop”.

From home care therapy visits to daycare centres, the rehabilitation service aims to give the elderly more independence.

In Wokingham, the company has been collaborating with WADE since 2019 and uses some of the centre’s previously empty rooms as clinics to offer targeted help.

And in Twyford, Therapies on Thames has partnered with Bridge House to support people after surgeries and illnesses, and accidents.

Mr Senniappan said working for the service has proved extremely rewarding over the past nine years.

“By helping people privately, we can

help reduce the workload on the NHS and social care,” he said.

And he believes the company’s work has innumerable benefits for Wokingham’s elderly population too.

“Even if we can make a difference for 10 elderly people, we’ve achieved what we set out too,” Mr Senniappan added.

“We want to enable people to be independent and safe, and live in their own home for as long as possible.”

While the coronavirus pandemic carries on, he said Therapies on Thames has received more referrals than ever to alleviate pressure on the NHS. To find out more about Wokingham.Today’s newest columnist, visit: therapiesonthames.co.uk

READING EAST MP Matt Rodda lit a candle last week to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Due to the lockdown, there was no formal gathering this year.

Instead, organisers held a virtual ceremony, narrated by BBC newscaster Naga Munchetty.

It includes a reflection by the Prince of Wales, the charity’s patron, who said: “As I speak, the last generation of living witnesses is tragically passing from this world, so the task of bearing witness falls to us.

“This is not a task for one time only; nor is it a task for one generation, or one person. It is for all people, all generations, and all time. This is our time when we can, each in our own way, be the light that ensures the darkness can never return.”

There were also testimonies from survivors Rachel Levy and Renee Bornstein, as well as contributions from people who survived genocide in Darfur, Cambodia, Rwanda and Bosnia.

In a tweet, Mr Rodda said: “We

#LightTheDarkness with a candle to remember the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust.

We must stand against hate, racism and prejudice.”

Last year, he signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment.

He said at the time: “Holocaust Memorial Day is an important opportunity for people from Reading East to reflect on the darkest times of European history.

“As the Holocaust moves from living history, to history, it becomes ever more important that we take the time to remember the six million Jewish victims and pay tribute to the survivors.”

Leona’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 which is why we 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 annual Hallowe’en display where we raise money for charities close to our hearts to raise awareness and much needed funds for worthy causes. � For more information feel free to contact us on Facebook or Instagram @leonasbespoke catering

14 | VIEWPOINTS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Look again at where and how we shop IT IS always sad to see a business leave the borough.

Saying goodbye to New Look is, for many of us, going to be hard.

And it’s not just for the clothes that it sold, popular though they were.

As many comments on our social media have pointed out, it was because the staff who worked there worked hard to ensure the Market Place store was warm, welcoming and accessible.

Buying clothes is not always an easy task. So many choices, and trying to find what we like can be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Yes, shopping online can be convenient, particularly in a pandemic, but it’s never the same.

That experience is guided and shaped by the atmosphere generated by those who work in the store.

We mourn the loss of a good shop for Wokingham town, just as we mourn the closing of Woodley’s HSBC, Peacocks and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill.

But it is important to remember the brilliant people who worked in them. We hope they find new employment quickly.

It is an important reminder that we have a duty to support our local businesses – use them or we lose them.

CHURCH NOTES

Living generously

F

ROM December to March The Salvation Army and Churches Together in Wokingham have committed to serve a meal seven days a week to those who are in temporary accommodation and our regular service users, you may have seen the features about it in this paper.

It started off as a takeaway service but because of the latest lockdown it changed into a delivery service to keep as many people at home as possible. We have been overwhelmed by support both in volunteer, food and monetary donations from across the community.

I think we would all recognise the benefit of a good meal and how that would help if we didn’t have much in the way of cooking facilities and for some living on their own cooking a meal for one seems a waste of effort. But as with all things that we do, it has to be more than just a meal delivery service.

Dropping off a meal to someone gives us a chance to see how they are going, it may be a quick exchange as the meal is placed on the doorstep as you move back out of the way but you can quickly gauge how someone is doing.

This contact is vital during the lockdowns, it is very hard to tell how someone is over the phone or email.

We can then provide other support to that person.

Helping someone with food is the easy bit, but helping them out of that dependence is a long term investment of friendship and love.

Sharing the resources that we have is nothing new, communities have survived on this principal throughout the ages.

The first churches were communities of people just sharing the resources they had, everyone giving what they had to create equality. Acts 2:44-45 says “And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.”

I am very grateful to live in a town that is so generous, kind and willing to share what they have.

Take care, Captain Jan Howlin is from Wokingham Salvation Army, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Your letters

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 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

Supermarket plan makes me very anxious Proposals to build a supermarket and 40 homes in designated countryside adjacent to my Lower Earley home are causing me and other residents unimaginable anxiety.

I have lived in my home and valued this important green space since 1988.

I and others are greatly distressed that the proposals would greatly harm our lives for ever. But, this is not a case of NIMBYism (Not In My Back Garden). It is simply and demonstrably the wrong site for a supermarket and housing.

The supermarket building would back on to homes in Witcham Close and would be as tall as our homes.

I am also concerned about the noise and light pollution this will cause. Supermarkets like this also have long opening hours with deliveries at unsocial hours.

This whole proposal would impact on traffic and road safety – especially It would impact on traffic and road safety – especially with access to the supermarket via Meldreth Way very close to the busy and at peak hours often gridlocked Lower Earley Way. I am worried about the impact on the nearby part of Chatteris Way that already floods.

Many of my neighbours are outraged at the damage already done clearing the site of much vegetation, the impact it had on the abundant wildlife, and recent fencing to stop dog walkers and others who have used the site for decades.

I hope the owners will respect the overwhelming opposition of residents to any building on Swallows Meadows, abandon their plans and help to secure protection of this vital green space in perpetuity.

Malcolm G, Lower Earley

Leader should resign I refer to the letter from Gary Cowan in the January 21 edition.

This just confirms how badly the council is being run under the dictatorship of Councillor Halsall.

Councillors, its officers and its leader have a duty to behave and be accountable to its electorate.

Their responsibility is to act impartially and to promote confidence. But while you have a leader and a Prime Minister who dismiss any questions they do not like, democracy is totally destroyed.

What is desperately needed is an independent system like in Henley I’m afraid Cllr Halsall’s attitude to Mr Meadowcroft, reported in Wokingham.Today of January 28, is typical of my experience when tying to deal with him. As requested, I sent him copies of my letters 29/6/19, 4/3/20 and 4/4/20 regarding complaints about our road surface.

I asked for contractors to return to Radcot Close/Western Avenue to put right the work they had done three years ago.

We have many holes and uneven surfaces on a busy school run.

Despite three phone calls and his

My tribute to a real Englishman – our Captain Sir Tom Moore We have lost one of the best.

In a week when Germany threatened us again, I cannot help but recall the days just after the war.

I was lucky to meet many of the Services’ personnel who had rescued this country from the Nazis. (Did they not also rescue the French and many of the EU nations?)

What was special about our Services, were the ‘characteristics’ of those men and women involved – loyalty to the King and Country, teamwork and the fundamental principles of looking after your mates, honesty, doing your best, obeying your leaders even though facing death, being reasonable to those we defeated – and so on.

Captain Sir Tom was one of those I describe – he personified the sort of people we used to be.

Little wonder he became a star, loved and appreciated by all.

With the rest of the UK population, I pray for his family as they grieve and that OUR Tom is in a better place.

Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham promise to meet we are still waiting.

What makes a mockery of all this is that we have Cllr Jorgensen writing in the paper saying that everyone has a right to ride safely and on smooth surfaces and that £800,000 will be spent going this.

There are just two roads in Woodley on the list for repairs.

Woodley folk pay very high Council Tax and seem always to be at the bottom of the list for repairs.

Reading Road from Headley Road to Western Avenue is in a very dangerous state as complained about by other residents. WE WANT ACTION NOW, NOT EXCUSES. The main reason that roads are not being repaired is the dreadful algorithm system that scores each road and then saying it’s not dangerous or it’s little used.

The normal response to requests for repairs is that there is no money.

The money borrowed for commercial property – £100 million – could have repaired many roads.

A prospective Councillor standing will tell you that they are the representative for your area and what they will do for you.

Once they get elected they become a member of a political party that comes first. When voting party lines are paramount and residents views are of little importance.

One example of this was the school crossings. Patrols were got rid of despite protests and petitions by residents.

Political parties are a disaster and the only hope is for resident representatives or independent representatives.

Yes Cllr Halsall and his staff have served us well in the pandemic.

Tory ideology is destroying the borough.

All sides should be working together for the benefit of its residents.

Cedric Lander, Woodley

Safety at the roundabout Along with many others, I have objected to the design of the new Western Gateway roundabout at the junction of Molly Millars Lane and Finchampstead Road.

My objection is more than theoretical, it is also personal.

At the age of 15 I was knocked from my bike by a car which failed to see me on a large roundabout.

When I spoke with BBC Radio Berkshire about the new roundabout they asked if I knew any others with similar experience.

Within a few hours three other people told me their stories.

Alastair, in a similar incident to mine, was knocked through the air over the bonnet of a car which hit him. Wendy, riding with her young daughter in a cycle seat, narrowly escaped injury on another Finchampstead Road roundabout when a car joined the roundabout having not seen her, despite her lights and dayglo jacket.

Carl was hit at speed from behind on a roundabout on the A4 in 2016 and, since his prolonged hospitalisation and recovery, he has never ridden on the road again.

And we only need to look back to December 2019 to the tragic death of a 52-year-old man following a collision with a car approaching the Heatherwood roundabout in Ascot.

Large roundabouts are designed to help vehicles get through junctions quickly.

The inherent dangers to slower moving cyclists are well understood

by road designers, and government guidance expects safe alternative routes to be provided.

It can be hard to implement this at existing junctions, but it is relatively easy when designing new, as is the case here.

With this new design also replacing a traffic-light controlled pedestrian crossing with an alternative of either a long diversion or crossing using only a road island, I simply do not understand why the designers are failing in their duty to make this new development safe for walkers and cyclists.

Adrian Be‫מּ‬eridge, Wokingham

What’s in a name?

Last week there were letters regarding Greene King’s proposed name change of the Black Boy pub in Shinfield over concerns of racist connotations.

Charles II inherited dark eyes and black hair from his half French, half Italian Mother, Henrietta Maria who nicknamed him Black Boy. He was also unusually tall which, combined with his uniquely continental complexion, meant that he looked strikingly different to his fair and pasty subjects.

Charles’ reign followed a period of religious extremism under Cromwell, where dancing, theatres, drunkenness and Christmas were all banned.

People (largely women) were hanged for adultery. Some pubs and inns, which increased hugely after the Restoration, were named after Charles.

The Shinfield area has a number of links to Charles and his family.

His Father, Charles I, stayed there during the siege of Reading, and

Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Cutbush Lane is believed to be named after a bush shaped like the Prince of Wales’ feathers (the symbol of Charles II in exile) was cut by a Roundhead.

It was also the home of the Hyde family, influential courtiers who owed their advancement to Charles and his restoration.

Anne Hyde married Charles’ brother and was the Mother of Mary II and Queen Anne.

A local publican may have sought to please their powerful neighbours by paying tribute to the source of their success.

Greene King does not have a single black person among its directors (12 men, three women).

Like all hospitality companies they have had a terrible year but in 2019 generated £2 billion revenue.

Greene King could use their staggering profits to help end current inequality in a tangible way, like diversifying their board, or investing in support for black women who are shockingly five times more likely to die in the UK from childbirth.

Jessica Hosmer-Wright, Wokingham

Trees in the borough I submitted a Motion to Council about 16 months ago asking that Wokingham Borough Council evaluate its existing policies on trees to ensure its policies are fully open and transparent.

Keeping residents and parish councils informed was the basic requirement.

Like the constitution it has not lasted very long under this

Conservative administration.

The first signs of it all going wrong was when a veteran oak with a 4 metre girth and a Tree Preservation Order on it was given permission to be cut down on the December 16.

It transpired permission was granted for the felling of this oak under a five-day emergency notice.

The Council used the reservoirs act to grant permission but told none of the local parishes or Ward members (Winnersh, Barkham and Arborfield) as required by my motion.

The reason given was as it was an emergency the council did not have to tell anyone but the permission was marked ‘must be complete by 16 May 2021’ so they gave five months to do the work but could not inform us. Why? Although the planning permission 203483 referred to a single oak an attached drawing showed the removal of every tree along the length of the bank of Bearwood Lake facing Mole Road and that is hundreds of mature trees.

Why did the text not show the extent of the devastation to come?

There was no sign of a tree felling licence listed on the paperwork either and there is some possible issues on land ownership.

In addition the grade II listed sawmill is falling derelict with its roof removed and open to the elements. Plus several of the old farm labourers cottages all occupied until recently have been demolished.

Does the Council care I wonder?

Every planning application along

The end of the pier show

C

that stretch of the road has never referred to the lake/reservoir/dam in their applications as far as I can remember.

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

The Tragic loss of 100,000 lives to Covid According to official figures, the UK became the first country in Europe to record, unfortunately, 100,000 coronavirus-related deaths.

Currently, the UK has the fifthhighest number of deaths globally, after the US, Brazil, India and Mexico (as a percentage of Covid deaths to population, the UK percentage is higher than the US).

To put this into perspective, the 100,000 deaths registered are higher than the civilian death toll during all of the Second World War. "I am deeply sorry for every life that has been lost and, of course, as Prime Minister, I take full responsibility for everything that the government has done,” said Boris Johnson.

Richard Horton, editor-in-chief of The Lancet, stated that we were struggling to contain the pandemic because the government “has steadfastly refused to follow the science, despite claims that it is doing so". He went on to say, “At every stage, the government has delayed and delayed and delayed locking down, with the result that the virus has got out of control”.

After being warned, again and

That was the week

Tony Johnson

OMIC: “I say, I say, I say, my dog’s got no nose”.

Foil: “How does it smell?”

Comic: “Bloomin’ awful” Yes, it’s January’s Wokingham Borough Council’s Executive sketch and skit show, but it’s unclear whether the scriptwriters were having an off year or a year off. (For a report on the meeting, see page 18).

Salty powers Oh. The irony. With extra iron...

The conduct of the Standards Committee was brought into question in a ‘once more unto the breach dear friends’ sort of a way and the declamation that followed was inspirational...

Errr … better make that perspirational and you’ll get the picture. The bow-tied one apologised for the “honest mistake” – honest, he did. The composition of the committee was awful … the committee was awfully established … its decisions … are awful … and it was awful for the council to change it the way it did …

Eh? What’s that?

Oh, I see.

Apologies to one and all, I appear to have genuinely misheard the eeder and many ‘l’s are missing from the above quotes of what the eeder actually said. It’s an ‘L’ of an error on my part and nothing to do with the shockingly bad audio – honestly. It’s an ‘honest mistake’.

Rather Fed Up, along with the “honest [John] mistake”, there followed a contrite admission that despite the awfulness of the situation (or its legality) for two years “neither had any member of the committee, nor officers, nor members, nor the press raised this issue previously”. Then, “If there is a fault it is jointly and several of all”.

VIEWPOINTS | 15

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Hmmm, jointly and severally responsible?

That puts a new light on things – that the press should be jointly and severally liable for the “honest mistake”.

So in case you weren’t aware of the roles that a single “honest mistake” could be responsible for … … until a member of the public brought matters that had been artfully hidden, entirely awesome, in plain sight, awfully agreed by council etc, etc, and so on and so forth … that a single person could be: � Deputy Exec Member for Planning � Deputy Exec Member for Highways � Chairman of the Standards Committee � Primary consultee on Member Conduct Complaints � Chairman of the Personnel Board � Vice Chairman of the Constitution Review Working Group � Member of the Special Executive Committee � Chairman of the Executive Committee � WBC nominee for the Local Government Association (LGA) General Assembly � Leader of WBC’s Conservative Group And who, in their “spare” time also happens to be … Leader of Wokingham Borough Council.

If anyone wanted to control everything that goes on in WBC, the phrase “Think you used enough dynamite there Butch” might come to mind about now. Provided it wasn’t an “honest mistake” of course.

again, not to relax the restriction at Christmas, we re-entered a national lockdown on January 5 - another delayed action.

The roll-out of the vaccines is very welcomed.

However, the government wants to extend the length of time between the first dose and the second to 12 weeks.

Pfizer says it has not tested the efficacy of its jab after such a long gap. World Health Organisation recommend six week gap between administrating the vaccines.

We all know the consequences of this virus are massive, apart from the tragic loss of 100,000 people.

Now new research finds that almost nine million people in the UK, that's about a fifth of the UK's adult population, had to borrow more money by the end of 2020 to help them through the coronavirus crisis.

These findings show that the young and lowest paid who are the most vulnerable in our society have taken the hardest economic hit during the pandemic.

There has been a tragic loss of life.

It’s also heart-rending to hear about struggling businesses and vulnerable people taking on debt.

This government needs to listen to their experts – with less emphasis on politics – to make better data driven scientific decisions as it has cost many unnecessary lives.

Councillor Tahir Maher, Liberal Democrat councillor for Maiden Erlegh, Wokingham Borough Council

Are you being Swerved?

But we weren’t done. No sireee, not by a long chalk, as the member of the public then went on to the supplementary with such choice morsels as “You chose to pack the Standards Committee with three very senior members of the executive” on the way to “requires you to consider your position as leader of the council” … … “Er, no I don’t Philip, for the reasons I’ve given” came the reply and that was it.

Except that it isn’t – or wasn’t at the time of writing.

Because for Standards, the Leader as chairman and two of his Executive colleagues have now been replaced by the Deputy Leader and two Deputy Executive colleagues.

However, full council doesn’t appear to have approved these appointments, nor was the chairman elected by full council either (the fourth sentence of clause 9.1.1 a).

So that’s OK isn’t it?

Ah, but word from January’s kerfuffle, aka the Full Council meeting a week earlier, has it that one of WBC’s Scrutiny committees will be considering the role of the Standards committee.

Nobbles, sorry – nibbles anyone?

The last word And there was so much more – WBC’s finances with ‘free’ town centres, a cost that doesn’t know if it’s a benefit or not, some quick-fire comedy on traffic modelling and a proverbial ‘good question’ that was and is entirely silent.

Oh, and 22 householders will be having their homes bought then demolished as WBC undertakes its most ambitious building project yet.

So future topics such as Words of a Blether; The Loyal – Clammily; Absolutely Fibulous; and so on … will all have to wait for another week.

Until then, and on behalf of taxpayers, please would WBC revisit its rules then play by them, remembering that that foul play, whether intentional or not, should have meaningful consequences? caveat.lector@icloud.com

From the chamber

Cllr David Hare

Care concerns

A

DULT Care Services are, at the moment, mainly working with the problems of covid.

Other work is going on and continues to be monitored but covid and attendant questions have taken most of the directors attention.

That is not to say he and his team feel that other things are not important, if you see something you think is wrong concerning adult services it must still be reported, immediately.

Apart from the implementation of the vaccine it is generally agreed that everything concerned with the covid pandemic has probably been at least four weeks too late.

If the first lockdown had been called just one week earlier it would have saved 21,000 lives, and there would not be such a catastrophic spread of the virus.

But we are where we are as an authority.

All GPs in Wokingham are vaccinating and have offered the vaccine to their patients over 80. There have been some problems with the reliability of vaccine delivery, practices having to cancel appointments when the vaccine didn’t arrive, and then make new appointments rapidly.

The director of adult services has prioritised care staff being vaccinated at Wokingham Hospital.

The take up of care home staff has only been 45% on the first call but more are coming forward on a second call, partly because of excellent Public Health webinars.

Care homes seem to be doing better this lockdown than the first, adult services have done much work to ensure they’re as safe as possible.

They will never be totally safe as staff come and go into the homes, but cross-infection between homes has been quashed as staff can only serve one home.

The transfer of covid patients to care homes from hospital was also stopped in the first lockdown thanks to Liberal Democrat observation and incisive work by the director of adult care.

A problem adult care services and I worry about is that some people don’t seem to understand the fact that, although you’ve had the vaccine, you must still follow covid rules.

The vaccine will, in a very high percentage of cases, mean that if you are infected with covid your reaction to the virus will be decreased.

There is no evidence how infectious you still are, even though you’ve had the vaccine, if you get covid. I have heard people say they would think you would be less infectious, but there is no proof at the moment.

People must take care not to put others in danger.

The other problem is that the vaccine isn’t tested on children.

I know GPs hope a nasal spray can be produced, but this took years for the flu vaccine.

The Lateral Flow Test cannot be relied to on to be 100% accurate or as a way of getting out of covid restrictions. But these tests are better than nothing and, especially, an indication if you are asymptomatic.

They are useful for people working on the front line with the public as they will pick up some, but not all, people carrying the virus.

There is a site at Shute End and they are setting up other sites in the authority. People who use this service must have at least one, and preferably two, tests every week, a signed deal.

This time of the covid pandemic has been very stressful for most of us but especially the director of adult services and his team working with problems.

I, and my Liberal Democrat colleagues, would like to thank them for all their hard and dedicated work, often beyond the call of duty.

Adult care services officers have endeavoured to ensure that Wokingham is as safe a place as possible, considering the difficulties brought by the pandemic and rapidly changing Government directives.

Cllr David Hare, is the Liberal Democrat lead for Adult Care Services at Wokingham Borough Council

16 | NEWS

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How part Simon feels blue when exchange can he touches his head help you move

T

HERE’S no denying that it has been an extraordinary year, and months of working from home has pushed many of us to reconsider where and how we want to live.

Buying a house is an exciting time, but if trying to sell your current home is one of the most stressful things you can ever do, pandemic or not.

For some, the answer is to look at new developments, were deals including part exchange are available. The advantage is being a chain-free move, as well as moving into a freshly minted house.

One such housebuilder, Legal & General Homes, is creating Finchwood Park and Buckler’s Park, both in the borough and surrounded by countryside.

Here, Alison Deakin, regional sales and marketing director for Legal & General Homes, explains what part exchange means from their developments.

What is Part Exchange?

Part Exchange is when Legal & General Homes can act as a guaranteed buyer for your current property, meaning you don’t have to worry about a chain falling through or someone else holding up the process.

After an independent valuation has taken place, Legal & General Homes will make an offer on your existing home, organising a survey on the property and appointing an estate agent to sell it.

Is everyone eligible for part exchange?

The value of your existing home must be sufficiently lower than the price of the Legal & General Homes property.

That means it’s perfect for couples or families hoping to upsize from a smaller home to a bigger property.

This also works well for buyers who are moving from an area where property prices are lower.

What money can I save?

Because you’re selling directly to Legal & General Homes, there are no estate agent and advertising fees, and you will avoid needing to negotiate with buyers.

Its Part Exchange calculator can tell you how much money you can potentially save compared with selling privately.

Will I receive a fair offer?

To determine a price for your current home, Legal & General Homes will obtain two independent valuations of your property and ensure a fair market value. Legal & General Homes also pays up to 100% of market value.

How long does it take?

The beauty of Part Exchange is that it allows you to secure your new home without unnecessary delays. Legal & General Homes secures an independent valuation of your home based on achieving a sale in a four to six-week period – leaving you with more time to focus on the best bits about moving home.

If Part Exchange sounds like it could be the solution to your moving woes, you can find out more about Finchwood Park, near Finchampstead, and Buckler’s Park in Crowthorne, by logging on to www.landghomes.com

FORGET the January blues, a Wokingham-based charity is hoping you’ll have them this month instead.

The Ollie Young Foundation is running its annual #feBLUEary campaign, inviting people to share a photo on social media of them wearing something blue and make a donation at the same time.

The charity was launched in memory of Wokingham lad Ollie Young, who had an incurable brain tumour. He was just six when he died, 12 weeks after first displaying symptoms.

Since then, his family have worked tirelessly to raise funds for research and support.

Wanting to get ahead is Ollie’s Dad, Simon, who lives in Winnersh.

He has shown his support for the campaign by dying his hair bright blue and raised more than £1,500.

The idea came from his stepdaughter. “She just says to me, ‘Can I do it?’ and I thought, well, I am a nutter, so yeah, crack on,” he says.

With the help of his wife, who is a hairdresser, they chose the exact shade she needed, and the process took about four hours: a change from his usual short back and sides.

“My stepdaughter did a brilliant job, under my wife’s watchful eye,” Mr Young says.

“I feel different, but I’m not

The author in writes what

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM resident has made a splash in the book world with his first-ever novel.

ashamed, I’m not embarrassed – it is a bit in your face, but I like it,” he says. “Ollie was definitely laughing his little socks off yesterday.”

The charity uses #feBLUEary for two reasons: to raise awareness for its work and hopefully encourage others to undertake fundraising activities, and also for bittersweet reasons.

“This is Ollie’s birthday month and the anniversary of his passing,” Mr Young says.

“With my hair, now when people see me it’s a talking point,” he says.

“I can talk to them about my son, it keeps his name alive and most importantly, it’s going to help others. That’s why we’re doing it.” � To take part in Febluary, take a photo of yourself wearing something blue and share it on social media with the hashtag #feBLUEary. To donate, log on to www.justgiving.com/ ollieyoungfoundation

School’s screen test IN A BID to support students during lockdown, one local school is sending the message that everyone is #StrongerTogether.

And to prove it, Maiden Erlegh School has made a new, uplifting film.

Paul Gibson, the school’s headteacher, took to social media to remind students that the school is here for students no matter how tough life gets.

Posting a video, he wanted to show students that their hard work has not been wasted.

“School looks different,” the video says. “Life has altered. It is a time of change.”

It says that while the end of school may look different, young people can rest assured their future is not cancelled.

Mr Gibson says: “We know how hard the students are working and those in examination years still

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 2021

have the uncertainty of how their grades, which they have studied hard for, will be awarded.

“We felt this video, made by PiXL, was a timely reminder that we are all in this together and that we will continue to support them every step of the way.”

The headteacher says he is “incredibly proud” of the support the school’s community has shown to one another throughout the pandemic.

“Students and staff have been fantastic at adapting to an ever changing picture,” he adds. “#TeamMaidenErlegh really is stronger together and we want those taking exams to know that their hard work, commitment and dedication has not been wasted.”

To watch the video, visit: twitter.com/MesHeadteacher/ status/1355129911774736384

Wokingham resident Pete Davies published his tale, The Mallorcan Bookseller, in December last year and it’s already proven to be a big hit.

Inspired by family trips to Mallorca, his career in law enforcement, and his love of reading, Pete says that when he thought about writing the novel, it was a no-brainer.

“For me, reading has always been about getting some relaxation,” Pete says.

“I never got a lot of time to read when I was at work, so I started reading on holiday in Mallorca to relax.

“Books have always provided a bit of escapism for me.”

Pete describes The Mallorcan Bookseller as a fast-paced action thriller, which centres around the death of a woman who has fallen victim to an IT scam.

The book takes readers from Mallorca to Armenia and is full of unexpected twists and turns as the characters try and solve the murder mystery.

“There are even some real-life places mentioned in the book, and one character, Miquel, is based on a real man living out there,” the newfound author adds.

Pete says the storyline had been tinkering away in his head over the past few years before putting pen to paper.

“Writing the book involved a lot of research,” he says.

“I started off putting my main

FIRST OF THREE: Wokingham writer Pete Da

characters down on paper and giving them biographies so I could inhabit their whole being.

“I was also busy researching Scam Busters on YouTube figuring out what’s within the law and what isn’t.

“I also had to research what it’s like to fire a gun, and I spoke to colleagues to find out more about organised crime gangs. I wanted the novel to be as up-to-date as possible.”

The story is currently Amazon’s number one Action Thriller in the Top 100 Free Charts.

The Mallorcan Bookseller is available to buy or download on the site, and Pete says that when he published the story, he only expected to sell a few

Whatever the weath A GROUP of friends from Wokingham and Bracknell tackled the rain, snow and ice last month to cover 200 miles for a Sue Ryder.

Anne Marie Jackson, Anuszka Ransley, Geraldine Ward and Sheilagh Lord pulled on their trainers and each ran or walked 50 miles during the month, raising more than £700 for Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice.

The quartet took on the challenge to show their support for the hospice during the pandemic, and thank them for the support they have provided to friends and loved ones over the years.

Anne Marie, who lives in Arborfield, says: “One of my best friends sadly lost her husband in 2017, just a few weeks after he received a terminal diagnosis.

“She was struggling to meet his care needs at home, as well as look after two young children, so it was a huge relief when he was able to go to the hospice.

“This challenge was my way of giving something back to say thank you for the amazing care and support that many people close to me have received, including another friend who lost her husband in October last year.

“I know January is a difficult

month, but people have been so generous and thank you to everyone who has supported us.”

Anuszka was inspired to take on the challenge after her Father received end of life care at the hospice in June 2019.

She says: “The team were wonderful at caring for my Dad, my family and also providing support after he passed away. The kindness from everyone who works there is something I have never experienced before in a medical setting.

“It’s unbelievable that these centres rely on charity in order to function, which is why I took on the 50-mile challenge, wanting to help raise much needed funds. Thank you to everyone at Sue Ryder and to all those who donated to this challenge.”

Hannah Richards, community fundraiser at the hospice, thanked the team for “braving the weather” and supporting the hospice.

“The funds they have raised will help us to continue to provide compassionate expert palliative care and support, and be there when it matters for local people and their loved ones,” she says. � To donate, visit: justgiving.com/ fundraising/50forDuchessofKent

Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Mallorca just t he oughta

Davies has written a thriller, The Mallorcan Bookseller

copies to family and friends. Instead, the appeal has been wider.

“For me, as a first time author, I only wanted to get a book out and have something to present to my grandchildren on their 18th birthdays,” Pete explains.

“But everyone has been so supportive, and I’ve had a lot of downloads and purchases.

“People have also been leaving lovely reviews, and it’s so hugely humbling.”

The author says he has received support from people across the world, including in Spain, Germany and Canada.

And Pete hasn’t slowed down since publishing The Mallorcan Bookseller,

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with the second instalment in the series already on the go.

“The first novel includes this character called Greg, who sets up a business called 3R,” the author explains.

“For this reason, I’m calling the books the 3R series and book two is already underway.”

And one day, Pete hopes there could be a third chapter, too.

“I think we’ve all got a story inside of us, but the move is actually putting it from pen to paper,” he says.

To find out more about The Mallorcan Bookseller, visit: www.amazon.co.uk/MallorcanBookseller-PETE-DAVIES-ebook/dp/ B08QDSLFMC

her, the walks are on

Shelagh’s brushstrokes impresses the judges IF YOU’VE ever watched a television show and thought, I’d like to do that, why not take a leaf out of Shelagh Casebourne’s sketchbook.

The Wargrave-based artist, who is a mainstay of the Henley Arts Trail, applied to be a wildcard contestant in this year’s Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year competition.

She appeared in the first heat, aired last month on the Freeview channel, and brushed off her competitors to get through to the next heat.

“I’m a great fan of the programme and its sister contest, Portrait Artist of the Year, they’re terrific programmes and a really great format,” she explains.

“I thought I’d apply to be one of the wildcard artists.”

There are 50 such contestants in the contest, which is judged by Stephen Mangan and Joan Bakewell.

“These artists look like they have such a great time, a great community of artists just painting along together,” she says. “At the end of the heat, one of those wildcard artists goes through to the semi-final.

“It never occurred to me in a million years that I would be one of those selected.”

But it wasn’t as a wildcard – Shelagh was to be one of the main competitors.

“What an amazing opportunity,” she says.

And like all those preparing to take part in a big contest, Shelagh took time to ensure she was match fit.

“You’ve only got four hours to paint, usually I only do two,” she says, explaining that conditions can change and that in those two hours she might create a sketch that could then be turned into something in the studio.

But for the contest, with restricted time to create the

I See Only What I Don’t I see the birds of the sun, like empty cages they call to me, in their absence I find stability, for what is there to find but loneliness in a world as blocked as mine.

I see the birds of the sky, how their wings are now louder than planes, in their noise I find reassurance, I have not seen the wits of my peers, and yet I am blessed with theirs.

I see an empty road and I remember progression, I know it to be an illusion but it is a temptation of a quieter world than I see now.

I see.

I see broken promises on the news, witness carelessness, I feel.

I feel emptiness in a cage created by something unseen.

WALK ON: Anne Marie Jackson and Anuszka Ransley completed the last few miles of their Sue Ryder challenge on a socially distanced walk together

Another view Neil Coupe

En route to history

T paintings, Shelagh knew she had to practise to make perfect.

“I did try and set myself targets of painting in a certain amount of time to a finished standard,” she says.

“As an artist, I’m quite impatient, I like to do mine quite quickly and not spend too long on any one work.”

To help her nerves, she opted not to look at her fellow competitors’ works until she finished, which also helped.

For now, we have to wait until the semi-final is aired to see how Shelagh progresses through the contest and we’ll next see her on February 24. She remains tightlipped and she’s had good practice.

“I told nobody about taking part,” she says. “Nobody could ask if I won the first heat because they didn’t know I was doing it.”

The finished piece is a masterpiece, so it is hanging in pride of place on her wall?

No, she laughs. “It’s just propped against the wall in my studio. I look at it and think, ‘Oh, I wish I could have done that’ or ‘That would have been better’.

It is this hidden devil I curse every night when I go to sleep, in its claws I find the strength of disregarded keys and the abandonment of speaking words of goodbye to a screen.

I don’t see the birds of the ground, but in time many more will.

I see.

I feel. � Yuval Arbel is a 21 and currently completing a Ba (Hons) in English and Creative Writing at the University of Lincoln. She says she plans to advance on to complete an MPhil and PhD to become a Professor of English.

When she isn’t spending her time in her university residence, she lives back home in Wokingham with her family and two (slightly spoiled) dogs.

Yuval has been published 16 times and says she has uses her platform as a poet to raise awareness for social and political issues.

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

HE vaccination programme in the UK is going very well.

Those of us with elderly relatives can see that the programme is reaching the right people and is giving the community as a whole a valuable commodity: that of hope.

I believe that the Government should be commended for its decisive and important action here. The roll-out has been done without huge fanfare and has been a great success to date.

It is far better to quietly go about a process, and perform well at it, rather than announce say a ‘worldbeating’ Track and Trace system, without any evidence of its supposed excellence. There is much to be said for under-promising and over-delivering.

That may prove to be one of the key lessons of our approach to future crises.

The high penetration of vaccination compared with most of our immediate neighbours is being reasonably presented as one of the benefits of Brexit, where we have the agility to make quicker decisions.

My day job involves importing goods from European suppliers. Throughout my working life, we have ordered goods and they have arrived.

Last year in preparation for Brexit, we were told to ensure that we had a Customs Agent and an EORI number, so that we could deal with the forthcoming changes in doing business.

When changes occur, a few teething problems are inevitable, and unsurprisingly there have been occasional news stories about the challenges, in particular around the fishing industry.

In the real world, the red tape, form filling and archaic manual processes around Commodity Codes and countries of origin necessitated by the changes imposed around Customs Declarations are simply overwhelming.

Business contacts talk of only 10% of their deliveries arriving, of continental hauliers doing anything to avoid having to come to the UK for fear of being delayed, and for example consolidated loads from say 20 different suppliers being delayed because of one line on a piece of paper being incorrectly completed. There is a massive problem occurring beneath the radar, and I am not sure when this will become a significant news story.

I have a book, Baedeker’s Touring Guide to France, which was published in 1961. I have always intended to use it to plan a holiday. There are little maps, words in very small print suggesting scenic routes and rural stop-overs.

Sixty years on, it would be enjoyable to do a tour of France using the sat nav technology we have today, the autoroutes and road signs, with the book as a source of quirky ideas.

Unfortunately, the new Customs processes we are being forced to follow feel like the business equivalent of using a 1961 touring guide. An interesting curiosity, but not a sensible permanent solution.

It does feel as though there will need to be some intervention, otherwise real damage will be done to the economy, at a time when we can least afford it.

I once took a call from a polling company asking if I felt there was too much red tape in business.

“Yes, of course,” I confidently asserted. The caller asked me what red tape I would like to get rid of.

Needless to say, I was stumped, as I thought about our first aid processes, our fire emergency extinguishers, our waste disposal, our welfare facilities etc. Most of the ‘red tape’ is for a reason and is worthy of support.

This does not mean we actually want any more.

What an irony if the main visible effect of Brexit on business is an avalanche of yet more red tape.

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EXECUTIVENEWS EU citizens can still vote EU CITIZENS will be able to vote in local elections unless there is a change in the law from Parliament.

Morag Malvern raised the issue during residents’ question time during the virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s executive committee, held on Thursday, January 28.

Responding, council leader Cllr John Halsall said: “The Borough Council continues to monitor any changes to the voting franchise and makes the latest information available on its website for both voters and potential candidates”.

This, at the moment, sees that status quo remain in place despite Brexit.

“The UK Government had wanted to make reciprocal voting rights part of the negotiations for the UK’s exit from the EU,” Cllr Halsall added.

“However, they did not form part of the negotiations and instead the UK Government is negotiating reciprocal voting rights with individual EU countries.”

Standards row continues THE ONGOING row over the composition of the Standards Board was raised, again, by the person who made the council aware of the issue.

At the meeting of the board on Monday, January 11, Philip Meadowcroft attempted to inform its chair, Cllr John Halsall, that he was not entitled to chair the meeting due to the council’s constitution prohibiting it.

During the virtual meeting of the borough council’s executive meeting, he asked: “Were the breaches indicative of a wider disregard of the stipulations of the Borough’s Constitution?”

Cllr John Halsall, the leader of the council, said it was an honest mistake and he had apologised to the council at last Thursday’s meeting and he thanked Mr Meadowcroft for raising the issue.

“Immediately on being aware I corrected the membership to the rule.

“I apologise to members and officers for the inconsistency.

“The chief executive has assured members that, although an inconsistency existed, the appointments were made by full council and therefore were constitutional.

“The chief executive has also pointed out that the composition and operation of the standards board are not statutory but local preference,” he said.

Mr Meadowcroft responded by saying that the “honest and genuine apology was destroyed by the fact that (Cllr Halsall

chose) choose to pack the standards committee with three very senior members of the executive”.

This, he argued, meant that decisions would always go in the Conservatives’ favour.

He again called of Cllr Halsall to resign, asking him if he agreed that the row had “fatally undermined the respect and authority for your leadership”.

Cllr Halsall said, “No, I don’t.

Thank you very much for your question.”

Turning around A NO RIGHT turn from a Winnersh road will be implemented from July this year, assuming the plan is approved.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen said that Woodward Close would have the ban in place as part of its wok on the North Wokingham Distributor Road and follows a consultation made in 2013 and technical studies made in 2015.

“It is normal to make the Permanent Traffic Regulation Orders in a timely manner just before execution to avoid any confusion about the new regulations due to the passage of time,” she said.

“The order was made in October 2020 and enabled us to inform all residents likely to be directly affected by the banned turns at the appropriate point in time.

“This statutory consultation ran until 14th January 2021 and subject to approval will enable the restriction to be put in place prior to scheme opening in July 2021.”

Uniform costs THE COST of school uniform was raised in the virtual meeting by Lib Dem councillor Rachel Bishop-Firth.

She said: “Parents on lower incomes struggle to give their children the expensive blazers, jumpers with logos, sports kit with logos, and dress shoes which schools require.

“While one local supermarket could provide a full generic school uniform for £4.50 last September, parents at some of our schools are paying multiple times that amount for just one item of uniform.

“What action will the council be taking to encourage maintained and other local schools to ensure that uniforms and other school costs are kept genuinely affordable for parents?”

Responding, Cllr UllaKarin Clark, the executive member for children’s services, said: “It is for the governing body of a school to decide whether there should be a school uniform policy and if so what that should be.”

Cllr Bishop-Firth said that children could wear items in

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 2021

PHIL CREIGHTON reports from a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council’s ruling executive, held on Thursday, January 28

Renewed calls to protect green space CAMPAIGNERS hoping to protect an historic green space from being turned into a single lane bus bridge over the River Thames again called for the site to be protected.

Resident Helen Palmer asked Cllr Wayne Smith, the executive member for planning and enforcement, if a statement could be struck out, saying it was inaccurate.

She was referring to the Draft Local Plan Update consultation for land between Thames Valley Business Park, in Wokingham borough, and Napier Road, in Reading. It is called LGS09 in the Local Green Space topic paper, but is known by residents as Kennetmouth.

The report says that overhead electric cables and pylons lead to some “visual intrusion” to the landscape, and as such does not warrant Local Green Space designation.

Ms Palmer argued that photographs she took showed otherwise.

“Walking in this pleasant area, I never notice the cables.

What I notice is trees, bushes, flowers, grasses, the river, water fowl, other birds, insects, fungi, lichen, people on the water and the land, dogs, boats, fresh air and the weather. It is

both restful and interesting,” she said.

Cllr Smith said that it was not appropriate for him to comment on the merits on an individual scheme at this time, but he promised that the view of all residents would be considered.

“Where necessary and justified, our draft proposals will be amended,” he said.

Supplementary – they are looking at a larger area, which is much stronger.

And Dani Esposito pointed out that resident groups had been trying to save the land since the 1980s. The recent campaign to protect the land from Reading Borough Council’s planned bus lane bridge saw a range of objections, including Earley Town Council, The Whitegates Residents Association, ACER and the Berkshire Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust.

She said: “It was commented on that the number of objections received to these plans was unprecedented.

“At the public consultations held, the overwhelming majority of comments were against the MRT. “The description in the Topic

standard colours that could be bought from a supermarket, and then have the school crest sewn on.

She also called on the council to use the covid winter grant scheme to help fund supplies where necessary.

But Cllr Clark suggested that it was up to the school governors to make that decision.

“I would suggest that parents get together and they speak to the governing body.

Nobody should suffer because they have to buy a school uniform,” he added.

The council had tried to make the application process as easy as possible, which included considering unsuccessful applications for a discretionary grant.

“We are pro-active in contacting businesses who may be eligible and encouraging them to apply.

“There are no doubt some businesses who may not be aware or for whom the current grants are not suitable. I urge them to check the grants page on our website or contact our economic development team or the Growth Hub to discuss their situation.”

He concluded: “With infection rates in Wokingham starting to fall and vaccination numbers increasing we can hopefully see a light at the end of the tunnel and can begin to look forward to recovery.

“However, our hard working businesses still need and deserve all the help we can give them and I can assure you we will continue to do what we can to support them.”

Business support THE COUNCIL has gone the extra mile to try and support businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

That’s the view of Cllr Stuart Munro, the executive member for business and economic development.

He was given an update of the council’s support, following a question from Cllr Michael Firmager (Con, Sonning).

“In terms of direct financial support, the Council has to date disbursed around £42.5million of grants and are currently administering 8 separate grant streams,” he said. “In the fortnight up to 22nd January alone we have paid out a further 365 grants totalling £2.5m with a further 380 applications in the process of being assessed.”

Better planning A CALL to inform has been raised following resident complaints.

Cllr Caroline Smith (Hillside, Lib Dem), said that Earley Town Council were “often receiving complaints from residents that they have not been informed

by Wokingham Borough Council Development Control

SWANNING ABOUT: Flooding at the Kennetmouth submerged the footpath on Sunday, giving the swans more space to paddle Picture: Phil Creighton

Paper as, ‘the site is not considered to be of particular local significance’ is incorrect.

Will they ask the officers to substitute a statement that reflects the local significance of this site?”

Cllr Smith that throughout the Draft Local Plan consultation, “various views have been expressed regarding the assessment of the areas promoted for consideration as Local Green Space”.

He added: “With regard to the Kennet Mouth area, some responses provided additional information and some promote a wider area which incorporates the river frontage and the area north of Thames Valley Park.

“These will all be considered as we move forward in updating our assessments and producing the next version of the local plan for consultation later this year.”

about any planning application near to their property” and that this situation had been ongoing for some time.

Responding, Cllr Wayne Smith said that the council’s requirement included writing to adjoining owners or occupiers and placing a site notice on or near the application site.

He added that residents had 21 days to provide comments, while where a resident has not been directly consulted by the Council about an application, they are able to respond and their comments will be taken into account in determining the application.

Cllr Smith promised that officers would carry out spot checks to ensure the processes were being followed carefully.

“Rest assured, we are looking into this”.

the majority now ordered.

“Some primary schools are still waiting for laptops to arrive that they were only able to order recently,” she said.

“The estimated total shortfall of laptops for WBC schools/academies is approximately 500, however the Department for Education announced on Tuesday 12th January that a further 300,000 laptops being made available which we anticipate will contribute to meeting this gap.

“We are further working with the voluntary and community sector on the provision of recycled IT equipment to families where this is needed.

“Since March 2020, WBC have provided 235 laptops to Children with a Social Worker and 50 laptops to Children in Care/Care Leavers.

“We are aiming to provide laptops to children with a social worker using our funds.”

Laptops for schoolchildren THE PROVISION of laptops or iPads for children homeschooling was raised by Cllr Lindsay Ferris.

The Lib Dem group leader wanted to know if there was any allowance either within children’s service budget or government grants to the council to cover the costs for families who need the facilities.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, the executive member for children’s services, said that 700 laptops had been allocated to the borough’s schools, and

Briefly The Executive approved the Chief Finanical Officer’s report, the Revenue Budget monitoring report, the Capital Monitoring report, and the Treasury Management Mid-Year report.

The Healthy Child programme and an approach to poverty were approved, as was a procurement push for a new domestic abuse support contract.

And a compulsory purchase order in Gorse Ride was given the go-ahead.

Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

SHARE Wokingham benefits from M&S’s 130,000 meal giveaway

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM food charity has been benefiting from M&S’s food redistribution programme.

SHARE Wokingham, based in Norreys, is one of the many local causes to use the scheme.

Since 2015, M&S Reading has donated more than 130,000 meals through the scheme.

This was more than 27,000 meals during the pandemic so far.

Last year, the retailer joined distribution app, Neighbourly, to make it easier to coordinate donations.

Available in all 585 M&S stores, the supermarket has doubled its food redistribution rates.

Charles Pinner, store manager at M&S Reading said: “At M&S we’re proud of the role we play in our local community, and we’re continuing to do our

GIVEAWAY: M&S staff have been sharing surplus food with charities

bit to support where we can.

“Our goal is to halve our food waste by 2025, but when

there is food surplus our priority is for it to end up on someone’s plate through our redistribution

programme with Neighbourly.

“This has never been more important than it is currently and we’re delighted that the food is reaching those who need it through our brilliant charity partners.”

COO of Neighbourly, Zoe Colosimo, said: “Local charities continue to be under immense pressure and need support now more than ever as the pandemic continues to affect communities.

“Surplus food and donations have delivered essential help quickly to where it's needed most – at the heart of our local neighbourhoods.

“It's fantastic to see the phenomenal effort that has been put in by M&S store teams and good local causes.”

Local charity and community groups that would like to get involved in the food surplus programme can email mandsfood@neighbourly.com

Twyford receives Plastic Free recognition TWYFORD has been awarded Plastic Free Community status for the action it has taken on single-use plastic.

The village has joined a network of communities across the country who are trying to tackle discarded plastic at source.

The award was granted by marine conservation charity, Surfers Against Sewage (SAS).

Gordon Holmes, co-ordinator for Twyford Rethinks Its Plastic (TRIP), started the campaign in June last year.

Mr Holmes registered with the SAS Plastic Free Communities movement, and coordinated organisations and businesses in the town to put in place a five-point plan.

This included setting up a community-led steering group, instigating the SAS Plastic Free Schools education programme, getting local council commitment and working with local businesses, organisations and community groups to spread the word and minimise the number of disposable plastics they use.

“We have had tremendous support from the community of Twyford,” Mr Holmes said.

“The businesses we have approached to give up or substitute single use plastic items have not hesitated in doing so, in fact many had already started the process before we even approached them which is very encouraging.”

Companies have replaced plastic VISIT: Samantha Harper providing a tour of the Berkshire MS Therapy Centre for David Wilson Homes Representatives – Photo taken before social distancing measures

A year of giving generously A HOUSEBUILDER is celebrating the second year of its Community Fund.

Over the past 12 months, staff at David Wilson Homes selected an organisation each month to receive £1,000.

Charities receiving the donations included Promise Inclusion, Daisy’s Dream, Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, Wade and Floreat Montague Park Primary School.

Paul Crispin, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said: “The second year of our Community Fund scheme has been a great success and it’s been a privilege to support a

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number of excellent charities and organisations in what was a difficult year for everyone.

“We’re proud of our team for nominating the charities in need of funding as we continue to build strong relationships within the local community.

“As a leading housebuilder we are committed to creating a positive legacy. We want to lead the industry not just in the quality of the homes and developments we build, but also in our work with charities and good causes throughout the UK.” It also donated to Wokingham Foodbank last year.

cutlery, takeaway food bags, and medicine bottles.

The group also set up Terracycle drop off points for crisp and biscuit packets, as well as medicine blister packs.

It has also arranged litter pick sessions for waste in the streets.

Mr Holmes added: “The steering committee is proud to have achieved the Plastic Free Community status and we want this to continue.

“The journey doesn’t stop here, the five-point plan needs to be maintained and the objectives need to be refreshed all the time.

“Hopefully the pandemic will end soon, so that we can do more in the coming year as we would really like to

get the schools to take a more active role in the fight against plastic pollution.”

Rachel Yates, project officer at SAS Plastic Free Communities, said: “It’s great to see the work that Twyford has done to reduce the availability of avoidable plastics, raise awareness and encourage people to refill and reuse.

“We have more than 600 communities across the UK working to reduce single use plastic and the impact it has on our environment.

“Every step those communities and the individuals in them take is a step towards tackling the problem at source, challenging our throwaway culture and encouraging the habit and system changes we need to see.”

Listening ears wanted NEW FIGURES released today show 40% of people in the South East have felt the need to take time off because of their mental health during the pandemic.

Marking Time to Talk Day today, data from a survey of more than 4,700 people said only 12% actually took time off work for their mental health.

Nearly one in five said they have fewer people to talk to since the pandemic. This was mostly due to being isolated from a support network, and not being able to meet to talk face-to-face.

The national campaign day was launched eight years ago by Time to Change, the mental health antistigma campaign, led by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.

According to the new research, a simple message of support from a colleague, friend or family member can make all the difference.

This year, the campaign focuses on The Power of Small – the difference small conversations or gestures can make.

Jo Loughran, director of Time to Change, said: “The last year has been hard and it’s perhaps made more people realise that we can all struggle with our mental health at times. Let’s take this opportunity to ensure that we all feel comfortable talking about it, too.

“Lots of small conversations can add up to a big difference.

“So, this Time to Talk Day, play your part – send a text, reach out, have a conversation.”

Time to Change suggested three tips to help people talk: residents should ask questions and listen, think about the time and place of the conversation, such as talking on a walk. They also suggest friends don’t need to try and fix the problem – as listening can often be enough.

Time to Change is running a virtual festival, which includes virtual laughing yoga class, a drawalong art class and a lunch and learn for employers. � For more information visit: www.time-to-change.org.uk/getinvolved/time-talk-day

Harry’s world

Harry Bradley

Things to look forward to ...

I

remember sitting at my desk during the first lockdown, writing about all the things I was looking forward to doing when our collective imprisonment was over.

When we could venture back out into the big wide world. I remember that a haircut was the priority.

And now I find myself still at my desk, still in lockdown and once again wishing for a haircut.

This lockdown feels a lot like the last one – the absolute worst version of déjà vu I think any of us have ever experienced.

Almost a year on, we’re back here again.

In lockdown but if anything, this one is worse don’t you think?

Unlike last time, the days are much shorter, the skies are grey and leaving the house for daily walks requires a lot more layers and tonnes more motivation than it did last time.

But, ever the optimist, I’m once again waiting (hoping) for the day of freedom.

I’ll even take a return to the tier system at this point!

So, without too much going on in my teenage life, I’m left thinking about all the places locally that I miss.

I miss going to the gym.

The pull bar and weights that I bought for home workouts just aren’t the same.

Atmosphere I miss being able to actually sit down in a coffee shop with my friends.

Yes, I can make a mean Americano but again, it’s just not the same.

Takeaways are a treat but going out for dinner with my friends is something I can’t wait for.

Dressing up, the atmosphere, being able to buy a drink.

And I miss working at the Everyman Cinema.

I really loved my job there, not only because I’m massive film fan but because I got to make cocktails, which I’ve now started to do every Friday night at home.

(My parents are actually really pleased about that one).

So, in this time of boredom and board games, which still seem to appear every night after dinner, I am left waiting.

I’m still waiting for a response from my first choice Uni, waiting to get back to work and school, waiting for summer.

But if I’m honest, the waiting and hoping is really keeping me going.

Don’t they say the longer you have to wait for something, the more you appreciate it when it actually arrives?

For me, looking forward is really keeping me sane.

It can seem a little bleak, especially on the rainy days, but in the end I’m hopeful that all the little things we miss will seem even better after the wait.

And when that wait is over, I know the first place I’ll be heading too.

Yes, I’ve got my barbers – Headcase in Denmark Street – on speed dial.

It’ll be a weight off the shoulders.

20 | BUSINESS

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Extra covid help available EXTRA support has just become available for businesses in Wokingham borough.

The council’s Additional Restrictions Grant (Discretionary) Scheme has launched a second phase.

It is to support businesses impacted by restrictions since December 3, 2020, but do not qualify for a mandatory grant.

Support packages of £1,500 are ready to be administered to companies, with a one-off discretionary grant of £2,000 available to successful applicants.

So far, more than 400 businesses have applied and 100 have already been paid out.

Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development, said: “We recognise that this is a very challenging time for businesses of all sizes, and the information can often

be hard to understand and digest.

“We are here to support as much as possible and are proactively contacting local businesses to make them aware of the financial help that is available.”

Wokingham Borough Council is now urging eligible businesses to come forward.

“The current national restrictions are helping to bring Covid-19 rates down, and it is hoped that this will eventually mean businesses can start to open up again in the coming months,” Cllr Munro added.

Phase two of the Additional Restrictions Grant (Discretionary) Scheme is live and accepting applications until Friday, April 2.

To find out more, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/health/ public-health-campaigns/ coronavirus-grants-and-payments

Thames Water job boost � Continued from front page

This includes offering employment in customer service, operations, digital, HR, finance, and innovation.

Sarah Bentley, Thames Water chief executive, said: “The ongoing pandemic means it’s a really tough situation for many people who have lost their jobs and are looking for work.

“In these difficult times, reaching out to areas of society who have been most affected is the right thing to do.”

She said the company has employed more than 750 new starters since the coronavirus pandemic began, in a bid to increase social mobility in the area. Its Reading base is on Vastern Road.

Award success for Collard A WASTE company says it is proud to have been recognised twice at a prestigious, national awards ceremony.

Collard Group, which has a base in Old Forest Road and a plant in Eversley, was recently named the best Recycling Facility and Independent Operator at the Recycling Awards last week.

The National Recycling Awards, held by MRW, bring together recycling and waste management professionals, to celebrate best practice and innovation in the sector. More than 17 categories were up for grabs at this year’s event.

Collard Group, which operates

throughout the South of England, was also named Operator of the Year.

Robert Collard, founder and managing director, said: “I am so proud that we have won these awards.”

He said they not only recognise the investment the company has made to innovate the waste sector, but also the hard work of its employees.

Judges at the Recycling Awards said Collard Group’s concrete recycling plant was the “stand out winner”, and said the company “has shown growth, been dynamic, adventurous and is making a difference in the industry”.

Ceramex cleans up with new plant A GLOBAL diesel cleaning and refurbishment company is opening a multi-million pound facility on Acre Road in neighbouring Reading.

The £3 million site in Whitley will be used by Ceramex to process more than 2,500 diesel particulate gilters every week, which captures soot to reduce emissions from diesel engines.

The 67,000 sq ft property was used as Ceramex’s logistics hub during the first lockdown last year.

Dr Colin Lewis, managing director of Ceramex, said: “As early signs of market recovery emerge,

we are starting to return to prepandemic levels of DPF cleaning volume, due in part to increased logistics fleet activity.

“As this continues, Ceramex is therefore delighted to open the doors to its new DPF refurbishment facility in Reading, which will enable the business to service the growing needs of our pan-European customer base.”

Studies have shown a decline in air pollution since the coronavirus pandemic began, and Dr Lewis said it is vital Ceramex can continue to support diesel drivers and reduce emissions.

LOCKDOWN BUSINESS

David’s alcohol-free cocktails pick up pandemic following

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today HE’S FRESH out of university, and this Wokingham entrepreneur isn’t letting the pandemic stop him.

David Brown launched non-alcoholic drinks company Nocktails last summer, after spending a year dreaming of the brand.

“Because of the first lockdown, I ended up finishing university three months early, and I was always planning on launching Nocktails once I graduated,” he explained.

“I had invested so much time into researching and building the brand before the pandemic was even a thing.”

He said he was inspired to launch Nocktails after witnessing groups of young people ditching alcohol for health and lifestyle reasons.

“There wasn’t a brand on the market that was talking to younger people,” Mr Brown said. He felt a lot of non-alcoholic drinks were marketed as premium, luxury products.

But Nocktails wasn’t his first business venture, after starting a clothing line at 15 and then launching his own record label a few years later.

“I’ve always been quite entrepreneurial,” he said.

As the coronavirus hit, Mr Brown was forced to take a step back and figure out if launching Nocktails was still a sensible idea given the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality industry.

“It was a bit scary because the virus closed off an entire potential distribution channel,” he explained.

“Lots of people kept telling me I had a great brand and great drinks, but it wasn’t the right time for

them to bring in new products.”

And Mr Brown said that something he had to grapple with when setting up his own business was not only whether to launch it at all, but learning to balance a lot of new responsibilities.

“I was organising all of my sales, my marketing, my packaging, my website and more, but I quickly realised that there’s only so much I can do,” he said.

This prompted him to adapt his entire business approach to take advantage of the pandemic, and he devoted all of his attention to ecommerce and captivating customers online.

“In lockdown, everyone’s attention turned towards the internet,” Mr Brown said. “We found that we could capture all of that attention, and put all of our focus and effort on growing the brand online.

“We were able to build a strong community of loyal customers, and it’s become a really powerful thing as we

Business club’s meet to look at stretching help WHILE working from home can be appealing, it also has some downsides.

Aside from back-to-back virtual meetings and sharing workspaces with loved ones, it can also create a few aches and pains.

This is where Woodley Business Club is here to help.

The Club’s upcoming meeting is being led by Susan Martin, a soft tissue and scarwork therapist in Lower Earley.

She’s taking the stage to teach people handson techniques they can use to make working from home more manageable, including deep tissue massage and assisted stretching.

“Being stuck at your desk all day either for work or school can lead to neck, shoulder and arm problems as well as low back pain and headaches,” she said.

After more than 30 years working in an office, Ms Martin decided to retrain to help people avoid dreadful working posture and improve their physical wellbeing.

The 90-minute virtual networking session will take place on Tuesday, February 9 at 8am.

The event is free, and more information visit www.woodleybusinessclub.org.uk

look to working with retailers again.”

He said having an online presence is essential for business success during lockdown, because it allows brands to forge relationships with customers and get instant feedback.

So far, Mr Brown says Nocktails’ feedback has been “amazing”.

“We’ve built a massively engaged community on Instagram and the interest is huge,” he said.

“Everyone’s got amazing things to say about our drinks, and we’re even already exporting to Australia, as well as a few local shops too, including Phil’s Good Food.”

So, what’s his top tip for anybody starting their own business journey during lockdown?

“Do you research”, Mr Brown said.

“Think about where the opportunities are.

“If we didn’t focus on our online presence, I don’t think we would be surviving this.

“Normal social interaction has gone out the window, so think about how you can get word of mouth going and how you can talk to people about your business in a new way.”

And Mr Brown says if he’s learnt anything from the pandemic, it’s that every business has its low points.

“People never warn you of the roller coaster that business is,” he said. “They never speak about lows, only the highs.

“But it’s important to have that perseverance to keep going and be confident in your vision.

“You’ve chosen to do something for a reason, and just because something bad happens it doesn’t mean you’re a failure.

“Ride out those lows and enjoy those highs when you get to them.”

Entries open for SME National Business Awards WOKINGHAM’S small businesses have a chance to be recognised for their sterling achievements.

The SME National Business Awards, created to highlight small, hardworking businesses up and down the country, has reopened entries for its 2021 ceremony.

Organisers said they made the decision to accept more nominations after being inundated with requests from business leaders.

“They were looking to either enter themselves or nominate someone else for their great work during the pandemic,” a spokesperson for organisers Events & PR said.

There are nearly 20 awards up for grabs at this year’s ceremony, including Innovation, Best New Business, and Family Business of the Year.

“Last year, we received so many

entries from companies and individuals doing amazing things in a difficult year,” said Damian Cummins, awards director.

“We were so inspired by these entries that we decided to add two new categories – Lockdown Leader and Business Chameleon.

“We had such a great response to these that we will include them again this year too.”

This year’s awards ceremony will be the fifth annual SME National Business Awards.

It is due to take place on Friday, December 3, at Wembley Stadium.

For more information or to nominate a business, visit: smenationalbusinessawards.co.uk

Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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| 21

22 | LEISURE

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 2021

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Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

advertise in this section, WOKINGHAMLEISUREcallTo Claire on 0118 327 2662

Enjoy a Middle Eastern feast

Mysk Open Thurs to Sat 5.30pm - 9pm 07721 081100 bit.ly/MyskWokingham myskcatering@ gmail.com

L

OCKDOWN means that opportunities to see the world are few and far between. But what if the world could come to you?

Here’s a chance to enjoy cuisine that is more unusual over here, but no less delicious.

Mysk Catering is a labour of love that was born out of November’s lockdown, and its menu is inspired by Lebanon, but made in Barkham.

Head chef Maya moved to Wokingham eight years ago, but has been cooking for her family for two decades, perfecting a wide range of Lebanese dishes helped from learning the recipes passed down from her equally talented mother.

Now she has switched from entertaining for friends and family helping special occasions and dinner parties to catering for Wokingham’s foodies.

The menu, is available for collection on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings only, slots are limited and the food is made specially.

There are classic and modern

dishes to choose from and Maya’s Facebook page contains tantalising photos and menus.

We tried a selection on a busy Saturday night.

Many will want to start with Maya's Hommos (£4.50), a staple of any Middle Eastern cook.

A combination of chickpeas with tahini, garlic and fresh lemon Juice, we enjoyed it with two Lebanese pitta breads (£1.50). The freshness, texture and flavours were a delight.

I was dubious about trying the lamb kofta wrap (£7), as it’s not my first choice meat.

This was a Grilled Lamb Kofta

E

VERY CLOUD has a silver lining, and this week so does our Wokingham Loves Music playlist.

Curated by Chris Hillman from White Star Records, the Wokingham Love Music soundtrack features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene, including a special piano version of Marc Woosnam’s song Silver Lining.

It’s just one of 10 great tunes you can enjoy when you log on, tune in and listen up.

You can listen for FREE, via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic

Marc Woosnam – Silver Lining (Piano Version)

skewer made with onion and special spices, wrapped with tahini sauce, onions and gherkins – and totally delicious.

My children were delighted with their choice: the Sheesh Tawouk Wrap (£7.50). This is grilled chicken cubes, marinated with special spices, wrapped with garlic sauce and gherkins.

The garlic wasn't too overpowering, the spices made it ever so flavoursome.

Another staple Middle Eastern dish is falafel. Maya’s – at £12.50 for a dozen – are very different to the ones you would buy in a supermarket.

Check out Marc’s beautiful Wokingham new single and listen out for Spencer’s wonderful string Loves Music arrangement too –

Chris Hillman marcwoosnam.com

bit.ly/wokingham Edward lovesmusic Naysmith – Fit Within Your Life Here’s another wonderful song from an up-and-coming singer/songwriter who has visited the area to play live including Wokingham Festival and WMC. He was due to appear at last year’s cancelled Festival and release a new album but sadly both were put on hold due to the virus.

While we look forward to new music and live appearances when circumstances allow, here’s an opportunity to remind us of how good Edward is, with one of his earlier singles – facebook.com/EdwardNaysmithOfficial

Strawbs – Lay Me Down SOUND: Marc Woosnam at Wokingham Music Club Picture: Andrew Merritt If you’ve been to a Wokingham Music Club (WMC) show it’s likely that you would have seen Spencer Brooks behind the sound desk ensuring crystal clear sound quality.

Spencer is also a producer and mixing engineer and here’s a single he worked on with Marc Woosnam, a talented local singer/ songwriter who featured in our playlist last year.

The Acoustic Strawbs played a set of classic tracks from The Strawbs extensive musical history at WMC last year before lockdown.

Here’s one of their most famous tracks as a reminder – www.facebook.com/ strawbsweb

In a dome shape, with a crisps outer shell, the friend croquettes of chickpeas, garlic and onion, with a special blend of spices, served with Tahini sauce and vegetables. We enjoyed them with a garlic sauce (£3.50), and Baba Gannouj (£4.50), roasted Aubergine with tahini, garlic and vegetables.

Another top hit with my family was Batata Harra (£6.50), a spiced potato which is a classic Lebanese side dish. It can also be served as one of the mezze dish, and is vegan.

It is cubes of roasted potato tossed with garlic, spices and coriander and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.

Accompanying these treats we enjoyed Lebanese Vermicelli rice (£3.50) a rice pilaf made with long grain rice, white rice, and sprinkled with herbs and pomegranate seeds.

And there’s dessert options too: Mysk’s mouthwatering baklavas were quickly demolished, my family enjoying the filo pastry, layered with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey.

Mysk Catering's venture has proven very popular so far, and no wonder. It is varied, flavoursome, fresh and beautifully presented cuisine.

The company’s full menu is on its Facebook page, bit.ly/MyskWokingham CLAIRE WORSFOLD

Mega Dodo Records – astralasia.co.uk

The Salts – Drunken Sailor It’s one of the most well-known sea shanties of all from a favourite of Wokingham Festival and WMC. It’s a track from The Salts’ Brave album, released on Wokingham based, Braccan Records – www.thesalts.co.uk

Mordecai Smyth – Tonight, You Belong To Me This local artist released his wonderful cover of a 1920s song on Wokingham-based Mega Dodo Records. It features a guest appearance from Icarus Peel (see above) – www.facebook.com/stickytapeandrust

Deva St.John – Reckless This talented singer was at No.3 in our Top 20 of 2020 with her Split the Dealer duet.

Here’s her excellent new single – www.facebook.com/dayvasaintjohn

Split the Dealer – Chinchilla This talented singer was at No.3 in our Top 20 of 2020 with his Deva St.John duet (see above). Here’s his excellent new single – www.facebook.com/splitthedealer

Kyros – ResetRewind The international band with Wokingham links were No.1 in our Top 20 of 2020. They have released a new EP, Four of Fear, which features this track – www.kyrosmusic.com

Astralasia (featuring Icarus Peel) – Green Man

Hester and the Heathens – Money

Taken from The Darkest Voyage album.

Astralasia have had many releases on local Magick Eye Records, while guest Icarus Peel has appeared on many releases on local

This powerful pop-punk trip were No 2 in our Top 20 of 2020 with their brilliant single, Regenerate. Here’s their previous single – www.facebook.com/hesterandtheheathens

LEISURE | 23

24 | LIFE

In the garden February

I

T MAY be cold outside but there is plenty of gardening you can do with your feet up inside at this time of year.

If your garden is in a mild location in the UK then snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils will be showing their heads in February, but beware – the weather is changeable and can still be bring days that are extremely cold and full of frost.

Time to give your garden a little bit of love with a quick tidy up and you could also start sowing seeds and planting – weather permitting. Growing your own plants from seeds is one of the most rewarding and economical ways of getting your garden going after the winter months.

For grow your own gardeners February is all about cultivating and prepare seed beds (if the ground isn’t frozen) and covering them with clear polythene, cloches or fleece to warm up the soil before sowing.

From mid-February you can sow tomato and cucumber seeds for growing in greenhouses, and plant out garlic and shallots in light soils. This is also your last chance to winter prune apples, pears and autumn fruiting raspberries and to plant bare rooted raspberries.

A simple garden solution for February is to make a mini-woodland glade in your garden.

If you haven’t any dappled garden shade you are missing out on some amazing plants.

Plant a couple of small trees such as weeping willow and twisted hazel and then add lots of leaf mould to the ground to make these woodland natives feel at home. Then plant some hellebores, a couple of pots of dwarf daffodils and some native cyclamen into the ground and fill in the gaps with ferns.

Finish the whole thing off with a covering of bark chippings.

Another woodland plant to consider, that does best when planted in a sheltered or shady position, is the Camellia. It’s also ideal for the romantics among you looking for a floral gift for your loved one as the fragrant Camellia represents desire, passion and perfection.

Camellias are also one of the best garden plants to use for adding a real splash of colour in the dark winter months. They are a wonderful plant to grow in the garden or a container. They can be grown in a more exposed position if watered carefully and thrive in a free draining spot with plenty of humus in the surrounding soil.

Depending on the variety, you can have flowering from November through to April and the range of colours is vast, from light pinks to dark reds and stunning whites with single, double and other flower forms.

For other to-dos for this month, here’s a useful checklist from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for February … � Prepare vegetable seed beds and sow vegetables under cover � Chit potato tubers � Protect blossom on apricots and peaches � Net fruit and vegetables to keep the birds off � Prune winter flowering shrubs that have finished � Divide bulbs such as snowdrops � Prune Wisteria � Prune hardy evergreen hedges � Prune conservatory climbers � Cut back deciduous grasses and remove dead grass from evergreen grasses

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, February 4, 2021

Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK

Beat the Blues Beetroot Brownies Makes 16 brownies Fresh beetroots are in season right now and they don’t have to be confined to pickling or salads; beetroot goes brilliantly with chocolate. Try them in these brownies, perhaps for Valentine’s Day after all it’s not much difference to carrot cake.

Ingredients � 175g raw beetroot, peeled and very finely grated (prepared weight) � 200g dark chocolate, broken into squares � 200g unsalted butter � 1 pinch of salt � 3 eggs � 175g light brown sugar � 125g plain flour

Method 1. Grease and line a 20cm x 20cm tin with greaseproof paper 2. Place your grated beetroot between a couple of sheets of

kitchen paper press down to remove the excess moisture; set aside 3. Put the chocolate and butter into a bowl and sit it above a pan of simmering water.

Once melted set aside to cool a bit 4. Preheat your oven to 170°C/gas mark 3 5. In a large bowl beat the eggs and sugar really well until thick, paler and all the sugar is dissolved about 5 minutes with electric beaters 6. Mix the cooled chocolate into the egg and then mix in the beetroot 7. Sift in the flour and fold together very gently with a big metal spoon 8. Transfer the mixture into the lined tin 9. Cook for 25 minutes then leave to cool completely and cut into 16 pieces. � www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk/

plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK

Give your garden visitors a helping hand this winter

A

T the end of January, temperatures plummeted and the white stuff even made a brief appearance.

But, when the snowmen have long since melted and the snowball fights are over, spare a thought for the wildlife in and around your garden this winter.

Firstly, garden birds need a high fat, high energy diet at this time of year, to see them through the colder and leaner months and to prepare them for the breeding season.

If you don’t already have a bird feeder (or as many as you’d like) in your garden, consider adding a few. These can either be hung from secure tree branches or on a purpose-bought feeder pole, widely available.

If you know which types of birds currently visit your garden, you may want to ensure that you are buying feeders and food aimed at their needs and preferences.

The RSPB website is a great source of information on this.

It’s also an excellent wildlife charity that we support monthly, along with several others – further food for thought in case of interest.

If you want to feed and attract a range of garden birds, popular staples in winter include suet (fat) balls, Sunflower seeds, Nyjer seeds, mealworms and peanuts, but not

salted or dry roasted as these may be harmful.

Certain leftovers, ranging from apples and pears to grated cheese can also be good. As we move into spring, and breeding season, peanuts and fat balls should be avoided as they aren’t suitable for birds to feed to their young.

Again, see the RSPB website for details.

And add a birdbath or similar if you can, to provide birds with a drink all year round.

It’s also important to ensure that feeders and baths are regularly emptied and cleaned to avoid food becoming contaminated and harming birds.

Some will worry about attracting cats and other predators by welcoming more birds to your garden but the reality is that they may pose a threat to garden

birds anywhere. Simply try to place your feeders in locations that cats or other animals may find it harder to reach and at least four or five feet from the ground. If you are aware that squirrels frequent your garden, consider purchasing or adding a ‘baffle’ if you are using a feeder pole or place feeders in harder to reach spots.

And, even if you are surrounded by trees, consider adding a couple of nesting boxes to your garden. Again, pick ones to suit your current visitors or the birds you hope to attract. Boxes should ideally be facing between north and east and in a sheltered spot with easy access at least six feet high. Always ensure that they are securely placed to avoid accidents down the line.

As I’ve shared in a previous column, one of our highlights during lockdown last year was watching fledgling Blue Tits leaving their nesting box in our

garden for the first time. A moment we’d have missed during more normal times.

That same group of Blue Tits (we think) have been regularly spotted in our garden ever since and we hope they will return to nest in the coming months.

Don’t forget about other visitors too.

For example, you may want to invest in a hedgehog house, a place for a hedgehog to hibernate or find safe haven. Ensure that you buy (or indeed make) one that is recommended by a wildlife charity – some can be too small and result in hedgehogs becoming trapped.

For more on how to help these beautiful but endangered animals, visit the RSPCA or Woodland Trust websites.

The latter also has some great information on adding insect ‘hotels’ and creating other habitats in your garden.

We’ll be back in two weeks’ time with a reminder of the garden birds to look out for at home.

For more tips and advice, join the online group at www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk Got a comment or question?

Email plasticfreehome@gmail.com

SOCIETY | 25

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Thursday, February 4, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

from your community groups. Send your INTHECOMMUNITY Newsreports to news@wokinghampaper.co.uk The Arts Society Wokingham

O

N a cold and dark January evening, members of the Arts Society Wokingham were transported to sunny Barcelona to revel in the ravishing extravagance of Gaudi's Catalan Modernista architecture.

PLEASED: South Hill Park’s chief executive Craig Titley

Easthampstead Rotary Community Christmas Draw MESSAGE just in from Craig Titley, South Hill Park’s chief executive: “Hello, I wanted to thank and congratulate the Rotary Club on behalf of South Hill Park Arts Centre for the success of your Christmas Raffle especially during these challenging times.

“The Raffle is a great initiative and was an ideal opportunity for the public to support their arts centre.

“Many thanks from everyone who works and visits South Hill Park.”

The Draw raised almost £10,000 for a total of 20 local charities, schools and youth groups at a time when Covid-19 has stopped all public fundraising events and this year's awards ceremony.

Draw winners and all the participating groups have now been notified and the funds distributed.

Draw organiser Rob Hughes reported: “We’ve received so many messages of thanks.

“It’s heart-warming to read about all the Community projects we’re helping.”

Here is a small selection: From Me2 Liz McDaniel’s New Year message: “We were delighted with the total we raised and although it was hard work the funds will definitely be very useful this year.”

The Friends of Kennel Lane School in Bracknell said: “Thanks again for running the draw and saving us the effort of printing, sourcing prizes etc, it’s much appreciated.”

Brian Willatts of Red Diamonds wrote “Sounds like the draw was a big success again – we were certainly pleased with the outcome.”

And from the Friends of The Pines – PTA: “Thank you for letting us participate in your raffle. It makes a lot of money for our school.”

During Covid Easthampstead Rotarians are meeting bi-weekly via Zoom with worldwide guest speakers.

For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526, log on to www. easthampsteadrotary.org., or visit www.facebook.com/easthampsteadrotaryclub PETER VON BERGEN

Wokingham Lions MasterMind DO you have what it takes to become a #Woky MasterMind champion?

As lockdown continues, the Wokingham Lions Club is planning its next virtual competition #Woky MasterMind.

Lion Ian Grange is the organiser.

He says: “We are looking for eight local contestants who will be virtually tested on both a specialised subject of their choosing and their general knowledge.

“Each participant will dial into the quiz via Zoom, and the whole competition will be broadcast live on our Facebook page at www.fb.com/WokinghamLions/live, where friends and family will be able to watch.”

The first #Woky MasterMind quiz is scheduled for Thursday, February 18.

It will be in aid of The Cowshed, www.thecowshed.org, a local charity which

Live from Andalusia, Dr Jacqueline Cockburn shared her enthusiasm for Gaudi, illustrating her lecture’s theme, Fantasy comes from the ghosts, with glorious images, many of which were her own photographs.

She explained how Moorish architecture was one of the ‘ghosts’ that inspired Gaudi.

The slender columns and filigree work of the Alhambra and the Islamic ‘muquarnas’ style ceilings feature in many of his buildings.

The influence of Gothic architecture can also be seen in his design of the soaring spires of the Sagrada Familia.

Although drawing inspiration from the past, Gaudi used modern materials such as concrete, stone, steel and glass in his buildings.

His style was truly innovative while embracing the principles of the Art Nouveau movement, using flowing and asymmetric lines and showing great attention to detail by the use of decorative ironwork and woodwork.

In 1882 Eusebi Guell, a wealthy entrepreneur and

COLOURFUL: Jujol's tiled ceiling created by the artist Gaudi

friend of Gaudi’s, commissioned him to build a palace, Palau Guell. This was the first of several commissions which culminated in the creation of Park Guell.

This project gave Gaudi full rein to combine his love of nature and his innovative design capabilities to create a hillside community on the outskirts of Barcelona.

It involved collaboration with many other Catalan Art Nouveau craftsmen who specialised in different media.

The illustration show’s one of Jujol’s exquisite ceiling mosaics.

Jacqueline’s love of her subject and wealth of knowledge inspired her audience to look at Gaudi’s work in greater depth.

As one member commented, “I immediately had to look up

provides support to people of all backgrounds in a time of personal crisis.

The aim of The Cowshed is to provide good quality, cleaned and ironed clothes, and other essentials – free to anyone in need.

Mr Grange says: “We are now looking for eight contestants to participate.

“You’ll need a specialised subject for us to quiz you on, the ability to use Zoom, be a Facebook user and be free at 8pm on February 18.

“But, better be quick, as the closing date for entrants is Friday, February 5.”

The cost of entry is a minimum £10 donation.

Interested? Then log on to: www.fb.com/ WokinghamLions and use the Message button to send us your details.

Over the last year, Wokingham Lions have created a series of virtual quizzes, run via their Facebook page.

Hundreds of teams from throughout Wokingham Borough and beyond have participated.

These have been run for free, but have raised more than £6,000 for local charities through donations from participants.

CLAIRE MANGERS-PAGE

Dog-themed treasure trail FINCHAMPSTEAD families can enjoy a dogthemed treasure trail.

The council’s My Journey team has organised the hunt at the California Country Park, with the closing date on Sunday, February 14.

Children can enjoy the trail of 12 pups on foot, by bike or scooter.

To complete the trail, youngsters must work out each dog breed, and write the correct name and number in the boxes in the questionnaire.

Then return the completed form by emailing: myjourney@wokingham.gov.uk for a chance to

photographs, notes and guide books of previous visits to Catalonia and Andalusia.

Reliving the wonderful sites was a joy and the lecture added a further dimension.”

The society’s next lecture will be on the work of Eric Ravilious, one of the bestknown of Britain’s 20th century artists. It will explore whether his art could have existed without the friendships and social networks which inspired and employed him. The talk will be given by Julia Musgrave, a well-known art historian and streamed live to the society’s YouTube channel at 7.45pm on Monday, February 15.

To find out how to become a member of the society and have access to these virtual lectures, visit TheArtsSociety Wokingham.org.uk SUE BRYANT

win a goody bag – donated by Tesco.

Families can download the questionnaire and map on the council website.

To download, visit: myjourneywokingham.com/events

CLASP Wokingham CLASP Wokingham is continuing to meet virtually during the coronavirus pandemic and welcomes new faces.

The group, which supports adults with learning disabilities in Wokingham borough, holds sessions on Tuesday and Friday mornings starting at 10am.

It uses the Zoom video calling platform, with secure log-ins for protection.

On Tuesday, February 9, Aby from Wokingham Borough Council’s sport and leisure team will lead a fun dancing to music sessions.

A look at the new Dinton Pastures Activity Centre will be given by Tanya Lee on Friday, February 12.

This session will include a singalong with the Sing Healthy Choirs – something that will be repeated on Friday, February 26.

The executive member for wellbeing and adult services at Wokingham Borough Council, Cllr Charles Margetts, will visit on Tuesday, February 16. He will ask CLASP members for their thoughts on a voluntary sector Facebook page.

On Friday, February 19, work will continue on a project that the team are producing in conjunction with South Western Railways.

And the Wokingham Learning Disability Partnership Board roadshow will take place on Tuesday, February 23.

Guests are welcome.

For more details, log on to the charity’s website, wokinghamclasp.org.uk

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PUBLIC NOTICES WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Reasons for Advert Description

203456

Major Application

203485

203486

203639

210130

Waingels College, Waingels Road, Woodley

The Old School House, Thames Street, Sonning

Conservation Area

The Old School House, Thames Street, Sonning

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

The Malthouse, High Street

Conservation Area

Full planning application for the proposed construction of a 3G synthetic pitch funded through the FA framework consisting of sports fencing, LED floodlights, storage container, spectator area and pedestrian access.

Householder application for the proposed replacement of existing asbestos sheet roof with plain tiles to match the house.

Listed Building Consent for the proposed replacement of existing asbestos sheet roof with plain tiles to match the house.

Application for Listed Building consent for the proposed repairs to the brick panels and the wood timbers South Gable end of the Grade 2 listed building.

1 The Leander Club, Conservation Area Henley Bridge, Henley On Thames

Full application for the proposed erection of new external decking area consisting of an upper and a lower deck with associated balustrading, following demolition of existing external decking area.

210150

Northbury Farm, (Affect setting of) Castle End Road, Hare Listed Building Hatch

Householder application for proposed changes to fenestration and external door openings, plus internal alterations.

210151

Northbury Farm, (Affect setting of) Castle End Road, Hare Listed Building Hatch

Application for Listed Building consent for proposed changes to fenestration and external door openings, plus internal alterations.

TV Studio @ Cine Valley, Thames Valley Science Park Reading

Full application for the erection of TV Studio Building including studio space, workshop/storage area and production/office along with parking facilities‘potential departure from the Local Plan’.

210210

Major Application

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 25th February 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: 4th February 2021

SERVICES

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (LOWER SANDHURST ROAD, FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A321 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:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 28th January 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

1. Lower Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Dell Road and Wokingham Borough Boundary.

1. A321 Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3016 Finchampstead Road and Tintagel Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Dell Road, B3348 The Ridges, B3348 Wellingtonia Avenue, A321 Wokingham Road and Ambarrow Lane or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3430 Nine Mile Ride and B3016 Finchampstead Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 22nd February and 26th February 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake to undertake a new connection work in safety.

2. White Horse Lane, Finchampstead between its junctions with Nine Mile Ride and Church Lane.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 26th February and 11th March 2021.

2. A321 Sandhurst Road, Finchampstead between its junctions with Tintagel Road and B3430 Nine Mile Ride.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3430 Nine Mile Ride and B3016 Finchampstead Road or by this route in reverse.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road and Church Lane or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th March and 25th March 2021.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th March and 19th March 2021.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Maidenhead Road, B3034 Forest Road, Terrace Road North, B3018 Church Hill and Carters Hill or by this route in reverse.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to undertake works on their assets.

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 22nd February 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: 4th February 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

SERVICES

3. Maidenhead Road, Hurst between its junctions with The Straight Mile and Carters Hill, Hurst.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 8th February and 12th February 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake BDUK Superfast Broadband work 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 8th February 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: 4th February 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

SERVICES Please recycle me !

It’s good news for everyone

28 | CLASSIFIED/SPORT

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (THE DEVILS HIGHWAY, RISELEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 28th January 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. The Devils Highway, Riseley between its junctions with School Road and School Lane.

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

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 15th February and 19th February 2021.

2. Aldbourne Avenue, Earley between its junctions with A329 Wokingham Road and The Knapp.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Wokingham Road, B3350 Wilderness Road and Ramsbury Drive or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 9th February and 12th February 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake new connection work 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 8th February 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: 4th February 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

PAUNOVIĆ CHALLENGES SIDE TO MAINTAIN MOMENTUM

By ANDY PRESTON

apreston@wokingham.today

READING boss Veljko Paunović has tasked his side to ‘continue their momentum’ when they face Stoke City on Saturday.

The Royals suffered a shock defeat in their last meeting with Stoke, at the Madejski Stadium in November as the Potters ran out as 3-0 winners.

Reading were the Championship leaders at the time, but Stoke’s victory after goals from Tyrese Campbell, Steven Fletcher and Jacob Brown condemned the Royals to their third consecutive defeat.

Reading have been in superb form in recent weeks and climbed back up the table and are currently in fourth position after six games without defeat in the league.

Nick Powell is the Potters top scorer this season with seven goals and two assists from 23 games, while Campbell is just one behind in the goals department with six, and has also recorded five assists from just 16 games.

Despite being 10th in the table, Michael O’Neill’s team have been on a horrible run of form which has seen them go seven league games without a win, which leaves them nine points behind the Royals having played one more game.

The last meeting between the sides at Stoke’s Bet 365 Stadium ended in a goalless draw.

The Royals have had a torrid record against Stoke in recent seasons and haven’t beaten the Potters in their last eight matches, a run which Tomas Esteves challenges John Obi Mikel against Stoke City Picture: Steve Smyth extends back to April 2006.

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

PREVIEW: ROYALS WOMEN LOOK TO HURT TITLE HOPEFULS READING Women are back in Women’s Super League action this weekend with an away trip to title challengers Manchester United Women.

Kelly Chambers’ side have had a turbulent run of results in the league which leaves them in sixth place in the division after just three wins from their 13 matches.

Despite their position in the table, Reading have played more games than all of the sides below them, other than Brighton & Hove Albion.

A frustrating season has

seen the Royals struggle, and despite holding both Manchester City and Arsenal to draws at the Madejski Stadium, the Royals have failed to pick up any consistent form which has led them to draw six and lose four matches this campaign.

Meanwhile, in just their second season in the topflight, Casey Stoney’s United side are flying high as they look to push for the title.

The Red Devils had led the table for a considerable amount of time before they were beaten by last season’s

champions Chelsea – their only league loss so far. The Blues are now above United on goal difference.

Reading manager Chambers was left frustrated in their last fixture as the Royals managed 24 shots against Villa, but failed to take their chances and were punished by a stoppage-time equaliser from the hosts.

Chambers said: “Unfortunately, it has been the story of our season so far that we are just not good enough in front of goal, and that is what

has cost us games.”

The Royals put up a strong test against United when they played at the Madejski in December and looked set to gain a hard-earned point.

However, Hayley Ladd ensured that United would take all three points back to Manchester as she bagged an 83rd-minute winner.

Royals fans can watch Reading’s trip to Leigh Sports Village to face United live on the BBC Red Button Service or the FA Player on Sunday, (12.30pm kick off).

@wokingham.today

FA CUP HERO PRAISES BINFIELD DEVELOPMENT

@WokinghamToday

FORMER Binfield player Connor Hall has praised his development at the Moles after his starring role in Chorley’s FA Cup run this season.

@wokingham.today

The non-league side were one of the shock stories of this year's FA Cup after they punched above their weight to beat League One Wigan

Athletic, Championship Derby County, before being narrowly beaten by Premier League Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 in the fourthround.

And Connor was one of the stars of their side. He originally made an impression in the youth football scene when he

played for Binfield FC, Binfield Lions, Eldon Celtic and Ascot.

“A lot of lads these days go through academy football and don’t get the experience of playing with their mates,” said Hall.

“I got to play with the people that I had grown up, my friends from primary

school. You have to be physical at that level and learn to put yourself about, and that ends up helping in men’s football.

“That has really helped me since dropping down to nonleague football. It was all a great experience and it was so fun, it’s where I got my enjoyment of football.”

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ROCKETS FIRE TO VICTORY FROM THE AFTER SEVEN WEEK BREAK MIDDLE

BASKETBALL

Nottingham Hoods 79 Reading Rockets 98 AFTER a seven-week enforced lay off, Rockets returned to action with a convincing away victory at Nottingham Hoods.

Head coach Alan Keane looked to introduce recent signing Jonny Foulds into the game together with the ever-improving Kivuvu Live and four other Academy players after the Rockets went behind 17-21 in the first interval.

The second period opened with more confidence and despite having been by six points throughout most of the first and early part of the second period, settled into a more cohesive unit displaying encouraging aspects.

Foulds had a purple patch where he hit six consecutive points which gave Rockets the lead for only the second time at 32-31.

The Rockets were 49-40 ahead through some great defence

With Dick Sawdon-Smith

including 24 second stops and control of the boards, especially from birthday boy Reis Pinnock.

Though the hosts had first possession at the start of the third quarter, it was a steal and finish by Rockets that saw them increase in dominance and confidence.

A resounding winning period of 25-19 had Rockets taking a 74-59 advantage into the last stanza.

Rockets saw themselves 21 points up at 82-61 quite early so more opportunity for Coach Keane to give all his senior players much rest time too as they recover from the coronavirus.

With Rockets American guard O’Showen top-scoring with 23 points and giving five assists to be the Player of the Game, coupled to Rockets seasoned professional Leome Francis hitting 18 points, as did 6ft 9in Academy guard Sam Grant as Rockets took the victory.

Rockets next game is also away, to Bradford, and is on Saturday.

KESTRELS RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL CAUSES THE SENIOR section of Woodley United Football Club, both mens and ladies, have been busy in organising quizzes and raffles to raise money for good causes.

One of the organisers, head of football development and ladies assistant manager, Nuno Antunes said: “It was a great opportunity to get everyone together over (online networking tool)_ Zoom, and give something to those who have worked so hard through this pandemic.

“The idea came from our

Royals manager, Christian Parker, to organise a quiz night for his squad and raise some money, and from there on it expanded out to other senior squads.

“We identified that this would be a great opportunity to say thank you to all those who have tirelessly put their life at risks to care for others, and without forgetting anyone, the likes of NHS staff, care home workers and all other groups within the critical workers group.”

They added that other

proceeds will go towards Movember – the annual facial hair charity – which raises funds for mental health charities.

The club also arranged for some cake donation boxes to be delivered to NHS and key workers, giving them a sweet treat. Customers order them at cost price, and these are then sent out.

Nuno said: “I was made aware of a local café – Robyn’s Nest based in Warfield – making these donations boxes through

my manager at work.

“The cost of the boxes are the cost of production, so the business makes zero profit from these.

“For me, it was a no brainer to reach out to such a great local business, and a nice gesture of us as a collective saying ‘thank you’ to our heroes.”

The first set of boxes were delivered this week to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, and the club hopes to arrange delivery for another set soon.

JOIN WOODLEY TO TOYKO CHALLENGE A WOODLEY-based sports company is asking people to help them travel 5,690 miles from Woodley to Tokyo to raise money for charity Sport In Mind.

The miles can be collated from walking, cycling or running to get to the Japanese city that are due to host the Olympic Games this summer.

USports director, Charlie Hiscox who organised the event said: “Once you have finished your walk, cycle, run or anything else to get you moving, then just take a screenshot and send this through to us via our Instagram page and we will

add your contribution to our total distance covered.

“You can send in as many contributions as you like, the more the better.” uSports are donating 5p to mental health sports charity, Sport In Mind for every mile completed.

“With another lockdown in place, we hope to give motivation to more people to stay active,” Charlie continued.

“We hope that if people know that for every mile they run, they are contributing 5p to a local charity it might just get a few more feet stomping the pavements across Berkshire.

“We understand that a lockdown will have an impact on people’s mental health and through supporting Sport In Mind we know our donation will have a positive impact on the people of Reading.

“I’m extremely proud to have uSports leading this event for such an amazing local charity.

“The impact physical activity can have on our mental health is huge and we know that Sport In Mind are doing fantastic things for those across Reading.

“The initiative was brought to my attention by one of our

coaches, Ollie Harris.

"We are very thankful to UTC Reading, Shinfield Running Club, Reading Athletics Club and Pulse Football Woodley.

“We are welcome to more organisations becoming partners of the initiative, all they need to do is send us a message.

“Through the challenge we hope to encourage more people to get active and stay active.

“We can’t wait to see people tagging us in their walks, runs and cycles.” � For more details or to take part in the campaign, log on to: www.u-sports.co.uk.”

Debate about City’s ‘offside’ goal goes on

T

HOSE who read my column last week, will know that I disagreed with the decision to allow a goal in the Manchester City game against Aston Villa.

For those who didn’t, here’s quick recap.

City’s Rodrigo came back from an offside position and won the ball from Villa’s Tyrone Mings who had stopped it from getting through.

Rodrigo then passed it to Bernardo Silva who scored.

The referee considered that Mings and not a City player had last touched the ball.

My contention was that Rodrigo had challenged Mings for the ball from an offside position, which the Law says is an offence.

I was surprised that so many people in football’s higher spheres supported the referee, including former head of the PGMO, Keith Hackett.

However his successor, Mike Riley, agreed with my interpretation.

What’s more he took the unprecedented action of writing to all Premier League referees saying that if they should encounter a similar situation, they should rule it offside.

Tottenham manager, Jose Mourinho, was quickly on his high horse saying it was ridiculous to change the Law halfway through the season.

But of course that wasn’t the case, in fact Mike Riley has no authority to do that.

What he said was, that one of his referees had made a mistake in his interpretation and he didn’t want any more of his referees to make the same mistake in future.

Others have said that Villa shouldn’t complain as they had been the beneficiaries of a similar decision recently, but the video of that game shows that to be nonsense.

A defender had tried to intercept a pass to a Villa player in an offside position but only succeeded in playing it to the offside player who was 15 yards away.

That’s covered by a separate part of the law, nothing to do with challenging for the ball.

None of this of course, is any consolation to Dean Smith, the Aston Villa manager.

His team still lost the game and he won’t be refunded the £8,000 he was fined for protesting to the referee about his decision.

30 | SPORT

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

‘PERFECT PERFORMANCE’ PUTS CHER FIRST-HALF GOAL RUSH SEES OFF PROMOTION RIVALS Reading 3 Bournemouth 1

By ANDY PRESTON at the Madejski Stadium apreston@wokingham.today READING manager Veljko Paunović labelled the Royals’ win over promotion rivals Bournemouth as the ‘perfect performance’.

A stunning first-half display saw Josh Laurent, Tom McIntyre and Lucas João find the net to give Reading a three-goal advantage going into the break.

Junior Stanislas clawed a late goal back for the visitors with a free-kick, but Reading held out to claim a vitally important win.

“It was the perfect performance. I’m so happy for the team. I’m very happy for our fans, I believe this was our best performance so far,” said Paunović.

“The first half was the perfect performance. We executed the game plan with perfection and enthusiasm and enormous energy.

“We had an imperfectly perfect second half. We were deeper and it was effective and we could have scored a couple of more.

“We have worked so much and our approach was to work towards our goals and prepare the team to have performances like this.

“We are in a good spot. There is a long way to go and we have to keep our feet on the ground.

“We know how easy you can slip from these spots. We will be very cautious to keep our feet on the ground and keep working.”

Paunović had the boost of being able to welcome Andy Yiadom and Yakou Méïté back to the squad after they both returned from injury to bolster the Royals bench.

Michael Olise returned to the starting eleven in place of Sone Aluko, after the French midfielder was left on the bench during Reading’s 0-0 draw at Preston North End. Meanwhile, Bournemouth named a strong squad, with several experienced Premier League players who are trying to help them to promotion after their relegation from the top-flight.

Reading tried to play over the top of the Bournemouth defence early on as Tom McIntyre searched for Lucas João with a long ball.

It looked as if he may have found him when Chris Mepham missed his header, but the weight on the ball was slightly too strong as it ran through to goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Arnaut Danjuma looked to hurt the Royals defence as he did in the reverse fixture. He found his way into the box after a return pass from Philip Billing, but Andy Rinomhota got across in the middle to make a vital interception from the resulting cross.

Reading left Danjuma with far too much space on the edge of the box just moments after his dangerous run and he hit a fierce effort towards goal which Rafael Cabral palmed away after he sprung low to his left.

The Royals began to take control of the contest and looked as if they would score an opener when João charged down a short backpass from Lewis Cook, and he faked to shoot before he laid the ball off for John Swift in the middle, but he dragged a shot wide of the far post to miss the best chance of the match so far.

A spell of pressure followed as Reading won two corners in quick succession and they capitalised to find the breakthrough after 24 minutes.

McIntyre hit a shot goalwards which was blocked, but Josh Laurent followed up on the rebound and slammed the ball into the roof of the net to give Reading the lead.

With the confidence of scoring the first goal, Paunović's side looked to further damage the Cherries when the tireless running of Rinomhota was stopped when he was cynically taken down by Diego Rico on the edge of the box, who received a yellow card.

Michael Olise lined up the free-kick and aimed at the goalkeeper’s side, and despite keeping the ball out, Begovic could only palm it in front of him where it found McIntyre who pounced on the loose ball and fired into the back of the net to double the advantage.

Reading’s dream half got even better when they added a third before the break with the pick of the goals.

Ovie Ejaria and Swift shifted the ball forward with a slick move and Ejaria slid the ball through to João who fooled Steve Cook with a ball roll before he sent the ball past Begovic into the corner.

Paunović knew his side would have to guard against complacency after they surrendered a two-goal lead in their last match against Bournemouth.

Meanwhile, Cherries boss Jason Tindall responded to a disastrous half for his team as he made three changes at the break as Jack Wilshere, Adam Smith and David Brooks replaced Jefferson Lerma, Rico and Danjuma.

Two of Bournemouth’s substitutes, Brooks and Smith almost combined when Smith headed over the bar from a corner just a minute into the second-half.

Michael Morrison put in two committed tackles on the right to win possession before going on a surging run down the right-wing. Reading kept possession to work an attack and Swift lifted the ball just over the bar after Ejaria's cut back.

Bournemouth worked their best chance of the game and looked certain to score when the ball dropped to Mepham in the box, but Tom Holmes

put his body on the line to make a crucial block before Josh King smashed the ball over the bar on the rebound.

The Cherries began to turn the heat up as they looked for a way back into the game and Rafael had to make two smart reaction saves.

First, he turned the ball behind from Billing's shot from just eight yards out, before he made another save from Solanke’s header to maintain the clean sheet.

Paunović made his first change in the 71st minute as Alfa Semedo replaced Swift.

His first contribution was to play in João, who tried to find Semedo with a return pass, but the ball fell back to the Portuguese striker who forced a save from Begovic.

Wilshere was brought down by Laurent and they took advantage and grabbed a goal back in the 85th minute as Junior Stanislas found the corner as he placed a 20-yard free-kick past Rafael to give his side a glimmer of hope.

Tomas Esteves, Méïté and Yiadom came on for Olise, Holmes and João to shore up the game late on.

Esteves had a chance on the counter to finish the match with a fourth and relieve the pressure of six minutes of added time as he sprung forward from a quick free-kick but hit his shot high and wide.

Reading showcased a disciplined display in the second-half to nullify the threat from the visitors as they picked up three vital points in their push for promotion and extended their unbeaten run to six matches.

The Royals travel away to face Stoke City this weekend before a midweek home game against Brentford.

Tom McIntyre wheels away in jubilation after scoring Reading’s second goal in their 3-1 victo

Rafael Cabral is beaten as

READING: Rafael, Holmes, McIntyre, Morrison (c), Richards, Rinomhota, Laurent, Swift, Ejaria, Olise, João.

SUBS: Southwood, Esteves, Yiadom, Gibson, Semedo, Tetek, Onen, Aluko, Méïté

Lucas João celebrates after netting his 15th Championship goal of the season BOURNEMOUTH: Begovic, S Cook (c), Mepham, Lerma, Solanke, Danjuma, L Cook, Stacey, Rico, King, Billing SUBS: Dennis, Smith, Simpson, Carter-Vickers, Wilshere, Stanislas, Brooks, Riquelme, Surridge GOALS: Laurent 24', McIntyre 31', Lucas João 43', Stanislas 85'

Josh Laurent opened the scoring from close range with his second goal of the campaign

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RRIES TO THE SWORD

FROM THE TILEHURST END With Olly Allen

All quiet on the transfer front

T

HE transfer window shut at 11pm on Monday evening, but Reading fans would have been forgiven for not knowing it had even opened.

ory over fellow promotion hopefuls Bournemouth at the Madejski Stadium on Friday evening Picture: Steve Smyth

Junior Stanislas’ free-kick finds the corner

Lucas João uses his frame to shrug off the challenge of two Bournemouth players

McIntyre fires in from close range

Michael Morrison competes against Solanke

For the first time since January 2014, the club did not utilise the window to bolster the squad.

Several players were linked, most notably Diego Rossi from LAFC on deadline day, but in the end no one checked into the Madejski hotel late in the day.

Instead, the most important thing that happened on Monday was not any transfer business, but Watford’s 2-1 defeat to Queen’s Park Rangers that moved Reading up to fourth place without the Royals even playing.

That provides perspective on where the club currently finds itself, and what the existing squad has already achieved so far this season.

Sure, a backup to Lucas João or another option on the wing would have been nice, but we are by no means in trouble by not investing.

Reading are not in a relegation battle where reinforcements are desperately needed. Additions are always useful when fighting for promotion, but players who will make a real difference will more than likely cost money that Reading don’t have – for example the rumoured €10 million fee for Rossi.

This Reading squad has been built on team spirit, and it seems like a really tight-knit group with the right balance of leaders and listeners.

With no transfers being made, that equilibrium has not been upset, there are no new players to bed into the side and no one will be booted out of the team just for the sake of it. anuary has brought no added pressures or distractions and the focus remains clear: finish in the top six.

Arguably more important than bringing any players in was

keeping hold of those that Reading already have. One of the main concerns going into the transfer window was the future of Michael Olise, with rumours of an £8 million release clause refusing to go away as he was linked with some of Europe’s top clubs.

But ultimately the teenager didn’t even come close to leaving and he remains a Royal at least until the summer.

Really, there never seemed to be any concrete interest in any of Reading’s players last month and Veljko Paunović will be happy that he no longer has to answer any questions on the future of specific individuals. Well, for a couple of months at least.

Equally, no one kicked up a fuss and asked to leave, which has happened in previous windows and maybe would not have been a surprise in this one given some of the clubs that certain players have been linked to.

This squad have a real desire to play for Reading and that has shone through in recent performances.

They believe in Paunović’s project and want to get to the Premier League with the club.

Too often in previous seasons that mindset hasn’t been in place, and as a result the club has dithered in the bottom half of the table.

That might be the biggest change that Pauno has implemented.

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By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING’S academy graduates continue to make their mark in a remarkable Championship campaign.

Tom McIntyre netted his second Royals goal in the home victory against Bournemouth on Friday evening, while fellow academy graduates Tom Holmes, Omar Richards, Andy Rinomhota and Michael Olise played a pivotal role as the home side took the points against a fellow promotion rival.

The academy stars have cemented their places in the first-team as Veljko Paunović continues to revolutionise a Royals side that have struggled over the past few years and look set to battle among the top-six in the division.

“Tom (McIntyre) had a perfect game. I’m

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UP-AND-COMING: Tom McIntyre (main picture) and (from below left): Omar Richards, Tom Holmes Andy Rinomhota and Josh Laurent Pictures: Steve Smyth

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very happy with his progress,” said Paunović after Reading’s win over Bournemouth.

“He is very humble, he always seeks advise and wants to improve.

“Wherever he can get better he prepares himself and recovers very well.

“We are young and hungry and very professional.”

Rinomhota also won the praise of his manager for his continued superb performances which has seen him build a formidable partnership in the heart of the midfield alongside Josh Laurent.

Paunović continued: “They (Rinomhota and Laurent) are the engine of the team. They are absolutely brilliant in every game they play: how much ground they cover and how many duels they win.

“They are hard-working and have an amazing winning mentality.

“They execute every task we give them.”

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Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

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