Wokingham Today, January 7, 2021

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Thursday, January 7, 2021 No. 295

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Tributes paid to sport-loving John Wood WINNERSH GIRL P16 LAUNCHES BOOK MAYOR’S DISMAY OVER GRAFFITI P9

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today ONE of Wokingham’s sporting greats has died.

John Wood, who ran John Wood Sports in Market Place from 1971 through to 2017, passed away on New Year’s Day. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s, but also had covid.

He had just marked his 85th birthday, on Christmas Eve. A big sports fan, Mr Wood was born in 1935 and remembered the start of the Second World War. Evacuated to Birmingham, he left school at 15, before heading to Fleet Street as an apprentice. He then did his National Service in the Medical Corps and served in Germany.

From an early age, he was a keen footballer, playing for Fulham Juniors in 1951/52, then at Wimbledon in 1952-56 and Sutton United in 1957-60.

He also opened a squash club in 1975, helped create Wokingham’s first skateboard park, and worked on the town’s half-marathon.

When closing his store, he told Wokingham.Today that he had served generations of customers: “It’s the end of an era. Children came in and then they grew up and came back for their children’s football boots”. � Continued on page 2

FLYING HIGH: Pilot Jim receives MBE honour P2

KEEP IT LOCAL

Borough in third lockdown

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN &CHARLOTTE KING news@wokingham.today

CHARITIES across the borough have reaffirmed their pledge of support for residents during the pandemic.

Citizens Advice Wokingham, which has been running the One Front Door

service since March, is pushing forward community mental health provision and will be training specialist first aiders.

Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham said: “There are lots of people facing mental health issues for the first time.”

� Continued on page 7

SPORTS CHARITY ENCOURAGES P20 ACTIVE JANUARY

CASH BOOST FOR DAISY’S DREAM P20 COUNCIL CALLS FOR VACCINE CLARITY P6

TEEN WINS WITH PIGEON SHOT P17

2 | NEWS

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FAMILY NOTICES

THE WOKINGHAMPAPER Family Notices

Births Birthdays Engagements Weddings Anniversaries Other Death In memory

Borough’s best receive honours

A NUMBER of borough residents have been named in the New Year Honours list for 2021, recognising their work for charity and the country.

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NEW YEAR’S HONOURS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

Across the Commonwealth, 1,239 people have been awarded an honour, and the Government says that nearly two-thirds of recipients have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity.

They added that this is the most ethnically diverse honours list, with 14.2% of recipients from a black, Asian or minority ethnic background. The list also includes public sector workers including firefighters, NHS staff, teachers and police officers.

They include Constable Philip Hanham, an executive support officer from Thames Valley Police, who receives the Queen’s Police Medal, and Trevor Ferguson, the chief fire officer from the Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

PC Hanham works with the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, and his honour is in recognition of his service to the force, including his work as a family liaison officer.

He established the Road Death Memorial Service within the Thames Valley in order to offer further support to numerous bereaved families since its inception.

Chief Constable John Campbell, said: “I am delighted to see PC Hanham recognised for his outstanding work for Thames Valley Police. Through his tireless work and dedication to his job, he has impacted so many people’s lives for the better.

“His work as a family liaison officer has been significant, and he has played a key role in supporting the families of Thames Valley Police officers who have tragically been killed on duty, including PC Andrew Harper, PC James Dixon, PC Daniel Clayton-Drabble and PC Kevin Flint.

PC Hanham said: “It is a huge honour to be awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.

“I am proud to accept the award today to recognise my achievements but mention must go to my family, and in particular my wife Caroline who have been the source of wonderful support during my career.”

Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ferguson has been awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service (QFSM) for services to the fire and rescue sector.

He said: “It is a privilege to accept the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in recognition of the diligent work of the team at Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

“Since I joined the Service in 2014, the team have been working tirelessly to ensure that we provide the high-quality, trusted public service the residents of Berkshire deserve. In accepting the QFSM, I do so on behalf of all the amazing public servants at RBFA and RBFRS.” Two youth group leaders have been awarded MBEs. Norman Boxall, who has been involved with the Scouting movement as well as Boys’ Brigade, has been recognised for his voluntary service to young people. The 83-year-old has been a Scout since he was eight, and helps lead a troop in Lower Earley.

And one of the leaders of the 1st Wargrave Girlguiding unit has also been recognised for her work with the movement.

Tamsin Phipps, from Wargrave, was also given the MBE for her water works: she has chaired the Kennet & Avon Waterways Partnership since February 2013, and helped promote canoeing within the Canal & River Trust.

It’s not the only accolade she has received: in March last year, she received the Sue Ryder Woman of Outstanding Achievement Award.

Wokingham-based George Royle, a head of delivery for HMRC, has been awarded an MBE for his public service.

Nichola Hay, from Yateley, is the chief

Chief Fire Officer Trevor Ferguson

operating director of Estio Training and has been awarded an MBE for his services to apprenticeships and charity.

Richard Thomas, from Finchampstead, received an MBE for his services to Healthcare and to the community in South Oxfordshire and Berkshire.

Patricia Jane Pease, who is associate Chief Nurse for Safeguarding, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities at the Royal Berkshire Healthcare Trust, received an MBE for services to Nursing, Children, Young People and Safeguarding particularly during the Covid-19 Response.

And there is an MBE for Jim Trott, the founder and executive director of Wokingham-based charity Brass For Africa, which works in three countries bring lessons and instruments to more than 1,000 children and young people.

Earlier this year, the charity received £1,000 from specialist insurer Ecclesiastical, as part of its Movement for Good awards.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “In a year when so many have made sacrifices to protect our NHS and save people’s lives, the outstanding efforts of those receiving honours today are a welcome reminder of the strength of human spirit, and of what can be achieved through courage and compassion.

“The 2021 New Year Honours offer us an opportunity to salute their dedication and recognise many who have gone above and beyond in their contribution to our country.”

From the editor ON Monday evening, the Prime Minister announced a new national lockdown for England.

Schools have switched to home learning, and the instruction is to stay at home unless there is a ‘reasonable excuse’ to go out.

One very reasonable excuse is exercise by walking to your newsagent to get your weekly copy of Wokingham.Today.

Alternatively, it is possible to order a copy for home delivery for a small fee – ask your newsagent if they offer such a service, or call Brighton’s News on 0118 966 7788.

Throughout this new lockdown, we will continue to publish every week, keeping you up to date with everything that is happening across Wokingham borough.

However, with limited sport or arts events taking place, we will continue to produce slightly smaller papers, and thank you for your understanding during this time.

We look forward to this changing.

We thank also our advertisers who are sticking with us through these strange and difficult days.

We are making every effort to ensure that your favourite local newspaper is available to you in printed form.

You will be able to buy Wokingham.Today from all good supermarkets, newsagents and petrol stations as normal.

They are essential retailers and we are essential reading.

We acknowledge that some of you may find it difficult to get to a news vendor. To help, there is also a digital version, which will be available on Friday evenings.

And our website is updated seven days a week.

At times like this, it is important that the community has a local voice. We are proud to be yours.

The best way for you to support us – lockdown or not – is to buy a copy of the paper each week.

Thank you for your support.

Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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NEW YEAR’S HONOURS

Pilot awarded for music charity work with disadvantaged youth EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM pilot said he was “shocked” to have been awarded an MBE for services to disadvantaged children.

Jim Trott, director of Brass for Africa founded the charity in 2009 to support communities in Uganda, Rwanda and Liberia.

The organisation, which has 45 staff, supports more than 1,000 young people with music lessons twice a week as well as social awareness issues such as equality, disability inclusion and community engagement.

Included in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours, Wokingham-born Mr Trott hopes to collect the MBE later in the year.

“It was such a surprise opening the email at the beginning of December,” he said. “Of course, you have to sit on it throughout Christmas and not tell anyone.”

The charity first began when his two children were studying with Berkshire Maestros.

An amateur trumpeter himself, Mr Trott organised a donation of 30 tarnished, brass instruments to Kampala, the Ugandan capital.

Used as part of its rental services,

Jim Trott, founder of Brass For Africa performing with young musicians

Maestros had planned to throw the instruments away.

“It grew organically from there,” Mr Trott said. “The instruments seemed to have a very profound impact on these young people’s lives.”

With music as its key message, the charity works to promote life skills as part of the teaching programme.

“Learning an instrument takes grit, perseverance, teamwork and leadership,” he said. “We use these

skills, and build exercises and games into the lessons.

“Then it’s about showing how these are transferable.”

With roughly 55% of Ugandans under 18, Mr Trott believes it is important for young people to move their education forwards and get ready for the workplace.

The charity also promotes gender equality and disability inclusion. It is supported by the US Embassy with its HIV and Aids programme, that creates youth health ambassadors.

“It’s really exciting to see how we can bring about change,” Mr Trott added. “This wasn’t something I set out to do — it grew.”

Throughout the pandemic, the charity has supported 500 households in Uganda with food and sanitation.

Mr Trott said this was due to the trust and support that students place in their music teachers.

“You build that relationship with your conductor or teacher, they’re someone with you through many years of your life. It was through this, we discovered a number of people in need in the pandemic.”

Mr Trott grew up in Wokingham and attended Keephatch Primary School.

He now lives with his family in the town.

Wargrave Guide leader ‘speechless’ over gong A GIRL Guides leader from Wargrave said she feels “very humbled” to receive an MBE for her life-long commitment to community work, writes Charlotte King.

Tamsin Phipps, 61, was recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours for her Girl Guiding leadership and work on British waterways — and she says she’s still a bit speechless.

“I’ve always done community work, ever since I was a young girl,” she explained. “And I’ve always been a Girl Guide or involved in Guiding.

“When my daughter was quite young, I got involved in Rainbows and led her unit.

“As she grew up, I followed and opened up a Girl Guides unit, and then a Rangers group.”

Ms Phipps work for the Girl Guides has taken her all over the world, to places including Switzerland and Canada.

She hopes her dedication to the Movement has helped many young girls in a positive way by opening up greater opportunities.

government and public affairs manager for British Canoeing, which calls for more inland waterways to be accessible to the public.

Now, she hopes her award will encourage other people to do something good for their community.

“I’ve always been inspired

to volunteer because I found it so much fun when I was younger,” she said.

“And it feels very humbling to be awarded an MBE; it was a real honour for someone to do that.

“I really recommend volunteering to people because it’s brilliant fun so please go out and make a difference.”

Tamsin Phipps

But that’s not all Ms Phipps is receiving an MBE for. She has also been recognised for her work promoting greater public access to rivers and waterways.

“I’m also volunteer for the Canal and River Trust,” Ms Phipps explained. “I’m an active canoer and I’m very keen to promote the outdoors.

“I even helped rebuild Reading Canoe Club in 1998 to get young people involved in canoeing.”

Ms Phipps also spearheaded the Rivers Access campaign as

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MBE for delivering 10,000 prescriptions RICHARD THOMAS, a Finchampstead man who received an MBE in recognition of his life-saving work during lockdown, has to pull over his car when we talk, writes Phil Creighton.

For he was out delivering medicine to vulnerable and shielding patients – on New Year’s Eve, when most people were preparing the shortbread and black bun for their parties.

“It’s good to be recognised,” he says. “It was a big surprise.

“I got an email from the Cabinet Office, I thought, ‘Oh, what’s this?’ and it wasn’t a scam, it was a proper Government thing. It was a pleasant surprise.”

He was nominated for his work in the medical sector, delivering medicines to vulnerable people.

“Back in March, when (health secretary) Matt Hancock stood up and said your community pharmacists will deliver to you, we thought we’d better do that,” he said. “So we delivered to all the shielding patients in South Oxfordshire and everyone over 70.

“I’ve delivered about 10,000 prescriptions over 2020, it’s quite a lot.

“I’ve been pretty well full-time all year.”

Mr Thomas owns the pharmacist, which works across the South Oxfordshire area. He said that shielding patients were having great difficulty getting their medicine and if he hadn’t started his delivery service, they would have worried.

“It’s been peace of mind for them,” he said.

“I’ve got job satisfaction from it, getting around and seeing people. A lot of the people I see are extremely ill, some are end-of-life patients, and we’re doing them good.

“They wonder where their pain relief is going to come from suddenly I turn up and they say, ‘thank goodness you’re here in time before we get really sick again’.”

And he was very modest about his MBE. “It’s recognition for what we’ve been doing – it’s for community pharmacy, which is often the forgotten bit of the NHS. “Somebody, somewhere has noticed it and appreciated it, and I’m very pleased.”

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

Residents condemn Hare Hatch garden centre green belt plans EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE NEW owners of Ladds Garden Village have submitted plans to reshape the site to suit their vision.

The Granary Group aims to launch The Berkshire Gardener, a “contemporary gardening retail village” to replace the “outdated” site.

But numerous residents have objected against the plans, which have been published on Wokingham Borough Council’s planning website, calling for the green belt site to be protected.

In September, tenants were served notice after the new owner took over from the Holliman family.

Since taking over the site the Granary Group began demolition in the main building, pulling down walls inside.

Twyford resident, Sally Driver

commented on the plans, concerned about the recent building works.

She said: “I am a huge lover of conservation and green belt land and have witnessed [them] chop huge trees down that have been there for many years.

“There are pictures of these trees that have been removed on the original drone shot in the plans and now on the new application they are gone.”

She added: “I was at the garden centre only three weeks ago and noticed a very large area of concrete has been already laid to a huge pathway, which is green belt land.”

Wargrave resident Rebecca Smith likened The Berkshire Gardener to Dobbies Garden Centres.

In her comment, she said: “Why would the community need a site that follows another Dobbies business model when there is a Dobbies less than half a mile down the road?”

And Wokingham resident, Bev Yates, questioned why a further garden centre is needed along the road.

It is currently home to Hare Hatch Sheeplands, Dobbies Garden Centre, The Floral Garden Centre and Wargrave Nursery Plant Centre, with Primrose Nursery around the corner.

Other residents were concerned about the business owner’s actions, since taking over from the Holliman family.

Reading resident Chris Best called the owner a “disgrace”.

And Bracknell resident, Mel Parker said: “Any plans should be made a stop to straight away and a visit from health and safety would not go omiss (sic).”

Managing director of The Granary Group, Jon Burke, said on the website: “We will be reinvesting in this site for the next three years with many new jobs created.”

Forbury attacker visited by police JUDGES have heard that the man accused of killing three men in Reading’s Forbury Gardens was suffering from psychosis.

On Saturday, June 20 last year, Khairi Saadallah, 26, stabbed James Furlong, 36, David Wails, 49, and Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, as they were enjoying a night out with their friends.

He also injured three other people during the incident, Stephen Young, Patrick Edwards and Nishit Nisudan.

He had previously admitted the attack and the Old Bailey is currently conducting a hearing as part of his sentencing. It is to

explore whether Saadallah was motivated by a religious or ideological cause.

The Libyan asylum seeker had criminal convictions and had been visited by police the night before the attacks.

The prosecution is calling for Saadallah to have a whole-life prison order, meaning that he would not be considered for release.

However, his defence laywer argues that the sentence should be one of life imprisonment of at least 30 years, due to a lack of serious premeditation, and his mental health.

The court heard that Saadallah,

According to the plans, the new business will create an additional 52 jobs, with the site employing 80 staff in total.

The new centre will include a food hall, farm shop and cafe among other changes.

Mr Burke said he hopes to launch the new site in March which will include “a major redevelopment of the current frontage, plant area and main store, the centre can become a contemporary gardening retail village attracting customers from far and wide.

Phase one of three will include replacing the asbestos roof on the main building, re-cladding the outside creating a larger outside cafe space, and demolishing 14 buildings to “tidy up the site and open up the frontage”.

Planning consultation closes on Thursday, January 14. � For more information, search for planning application number 203085 on the borough council website.

Police outside Forbury Gardens on Saturday, June 20

who lives on Reading’s Basingstoke Road, had a mobile phone that had downloads of extremist material, including an image of the Islamic State flag and the 9/11 Twin Towers attack.

They also learnt that Saadallah has been on the radar of authorities on “hundreds of occasions”, due to a frequent history of interventions from police, the criminal justice system and mental health services.

CCTV shown to the court by Counter Terrorism Policing South East showed Saadallah buying the knife used in the attack from a branch of Morrisons, as well as footage of him fleeing Forbury Gardens after the incident. He was running down Friar Street.

He also smashed his mobile phone as he knew that his search history would be incriminating.

The hearing continues.

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Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

CORONAVIRUS LATEST Wokingham borough passes 5,000 cases

Clockwise: Volunteers at Share Wokingham and Wokingham Foodbank are working to feed the borough. Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham is leading mental health training courses Pictures: Jess Warren, Tom Headon-Poole and Jake Morrison

Still here for you

Charities reaffirm their pledge of support � Continued from front page

Mr Morrison said: “We’re working to upskill people, and I’ll be delivering training to 192 people over the next six months to become mental health first aiders.

“That includes 60 council staff and some of the elected members too.

“There are still roles and spaces available, so anyone interested can contact us to find out more.

“Having mental health first aiders across our community can only help ensure we’re getting to people as soon as possible.”

Last year, it supported Earley residents and helped them receive additional wellbeing support.

The town has the highest rates of depression and anxiety across the entire borough, with more people suffering from those mental health conditions than anywhere else.

In partnership with the local NHS groups, the charity has helped improve the wellbeing among all those who were supported.

This week, the council is launching its new partnership with Mind, the mental health charity.

The 18-month pilot scheme will aim to help ensure early intervention and timely referrals for residents in need of help.

Mr Morrison said the charity aims to lead with positivity, and support

residents continuously with their needs.

“If the voluntary sector doesn’t step up, who else will,” he said. “We owe it to ourselves and to our clients to move forward positively.

“We’re dealing with some of the saddest situations people can be in, but we want to be a place to come and push forward.”

He added: “We know the consequences of the pandemic will roll on for a few years. We are prepared to take that on with our open door policy.

“We are far more equipped now than ever before to help people throughout the pandemic.

“There’s nothing arising that we haven’t already dealt with, and we have absolute confidence in supporting people and knowing what resources are out there.”

Wokingham Foodbank Wokingham Foodbank is also encouraging anybody who is struggling for food to seek help.

Under the new coronavirus restrictions, it is continuing to offer its usual support including providing food and fuel payment top-ups.

“We are very much open and we will remain open throughout this lockdown period,” said Annette Medhurst, manager

How to get help in Wokingham borough:

of Wokingham Foodbank.

“If you’re struggling and don’t know where to go, get in touch with us and we can signpost you or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham’s One Front Door scheme, please.

“We are here for you.”

Wokingham Foodbank has also extended its collection hours throughout lockdown, and is open for people to pick up food parcels on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.

It will continue to deliver to those who are self-isolating or cannot access the foodbank on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, too.

To access these services, residents must get a referral.

Anybody wishing to donate to Wokingham Foodbank is encouraged to drop donations off at local supermarkets.

“If people are out on their daily exercise or on their way to walk we will accept drop-offs, but coming to the food bank is not an essential journey so please go through the supermarket.”

Share Wokingham Those that do not wish to go through the referral process can also make use of Share Wokingham.

Born out of lockdown, the charity, which works with supermarkets to

turn products destined for the bin into food parcels.

It says it will continue to operate until there is no more demand, and is ready to support anybody who needs help throughout lockdown.

“Our team is extremely dedicated,” said Claire Revie, one of the charity’s volunteers.

“We are absolutely ready to carry on, with extra measures in place so we can still serve those that need the help.”

Anybody is able to collect a food parcel from Share Wokingham, which operates out of Norreys Church, without a referral.

Food parcels are available for collection from Norreys Church in Wokingham town centre, but Ms Revie says the charity is considering arranging booking slots so people can stay safe while getting help.

“We will continue to be here for as long as there is a supply and a need,” she added.

“There’s no judgment, no preconceptions, we are simply here.

Come and get the help because nobody is going to ask any questions.” � For more information on Share Wokingham, visit: www.facebook.com/sharewokingham � For more information about donating to Wokingham Foodbank, visit: wokingham.foodbank.org.uk

To access the ‘One Front Door’ service, call Citizen’s Advice on 0300 330 1189

ANOTHER record high has been recorded for positive coronavirus tests in the UK, as the number of cases in Wokingham borough passed the 5,000 mark.

On Tuesday, January 5, the government reported 60,916 positive cases, and sadly 830 people died with Covid-19 symptoms.

Hospital data has been updated and there were 3,075 admissions on December 28 – 17,175 over the past seven days.

In Wokingham borough there were 178 positive tests reported on Tuesday, up from Monday’s 114. The total number of cases in now at 5,125 – it reached 4,000 cases just seven days ago, showing how quickly the virus has been increasing its transmission in recent days.

On Monday night, the government placed the UK into a new lockdown.

“With most of the country already under extreme measures, it is clear that we need to do more, together, to bring this new variant under control while our vaccines are rolled out,” prime minister Boris Johnson said.

Measures include closing schools, and restricting reasons for why people can leave their homes.

High figures have been reported across Berkshire, which was placed into Tier 4 Stay At Home restrictions on Sunday, December 20.

Slough, which has been at the highest level of restrictions since the Tier system was introduced in December, reported 289 (Monday 266), and its rate per 100,000 is now at 1,003.8, up slightly from Monday’s 1,001.1.

Windsor and Maidenhead reported 219 cases, up from Monday’s 156 cases, and has a rate of 685.7 up from Monday’s 663.7 per 100,000.

Reading had 188, an increase from Monday’’s 110 positive tests and its rate per 100,000 people is 558.8, up from Monday’s 548.9.

Bracknell Forest had 145 cases up from 138 on Monday, and its rate per 100,000 people is 784.2, up slightly from 780 the same day.

West Berkshire reported 63, down from 109 cases on Monday. Its rate per 100,000 people is now 390, up slightly from Monday’s 377.4.

Although national hospital figures have been updated, local trusts has yet to do so.

According to the latest data, up to Sunday, December 27, 34 patients were admitted to the RBH. There are 18 patients on ventilation, and, as of December 30, 179 patients with covid symptoms in the hospital.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, which includes Frimley Park and Wexham Park Slough, have 28 patients on ventilation, and 487 patients admitted.

Hospital pauses non-urgent operations THE Royal Berkshire Hospital has paused non-urgent operations apart from cancer, urgent care and endoscopy procedures.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Healthcare Trust which runs the hospital said this was due to national requests to redeploy staff.

Despite the additional pressures caused by the increase in positive cases, RBH staff are keen to reassure people that the site is under control and managing ‘hot and cold’ areas to help manage demand.

A spokesperson said in a statement: “The situation is being monitored regularly to ensure patients and staff are kept safe and infection control measures are followed.

“We are working hard to ensure safety for all patients.”

Those calling from a mobile phone should enter if prompted: 0118 978 7258

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

CORONAVIRUS LATEST Stay and shop local says business group RESIDENTS are being encouraged to stay local and shop local as lockdown 3.0 gets underway, writes Charlotte King.

Colin George, a member of Wokingham Business Association (WBA), is busy urging people to support Wokingham’s small and independent retailers over the coming months.

“If we don’t use them, we’ll lose them,” he warned. “So shop local if you can.

“If you can find a business online and get a delivery or do a click and collect — do it.”

Under the new coronavirus restrictions, many retailers and those in the hospitality and leisure industries must close, but may offer takeaway or delivery services where possible.

Mr George is now encouraging businesses to “explore and pull together their resources” to find safe ways of trading under the limitations.

The government has also announced it will be paying retail, hospitality and leisure businesses one-off grants worth up to £9,000 to help them survive until the spring.

In total, an extra £4.6 billion has been set aside to support businesses impacted by the pandemic.

But Mr George says that it’s vital businesses have customers too.

“I hope that everybody will keep supporting local traders as much as possible through this lockdown – they’re there for you so please use them.”

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

Party leaders lobby for teacher vaccine priority EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today “WE’RE lobbying for teachers to be given priority when it comes to Covid19 vaccinations.”

That’s the message from Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services at the borough council.

On Tuesday, Cllr Clark told Wokingham.Today the council is pushing for school staff to be prioritised over the general public.

“They should be included within the top four priority groups,” she said. “Wokingham’s Public Health Director is also helping lobby for this.”

This was echoed by Wokingham Liberal Democrats, who said their councillors are also pressing school staff to be included in the early stages of the national vaccination programme.

Responding to school closures, Cllr Clark said the prime minister made the “difficult decision” based on the Public Health information available at the time.

She said: “Clearly they didn’t have enough data to close schools earlier.

I think they must have had some new information on Monday — politics doesn’t come into it.

“Any government would have found this difficult.”

This was echoed by health executive, Cllr Charles Margetts.

But Cllr Prue Bray, Liberal

Democrat lead for education said it was “appalling” decision-making from the prime minister.

“It’s just another example of the Government making a decision at late notice,” she said. “It’s an appalling way to treat children and schools.

“Everyone else has been talking about closing schools for weeks — they didn’t even suggest it was a decision under constant review.

Their say was final.”

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, party leader added: “Communication locally has not been helped by a statement from the council, confusingly headed ‘School Re-opening in Wokingham’ – the opposite of what is happening.

“The decision should, and could, have been made much sooner, as many were urging.

“But dither and delay is what we have come to expect from this government.”

Cllr Andy Croy, leader of Wokingham Labour said it was a shame the prime minister allowed schools to open for a single day, “spreading the virus”.

He added: “Teacher time has been wasted and parents have not been able to prepare their children for something which any competent administration would have anticipated.”

Cllr Bray said she was glad the summer GCSE and A-levels had been scrapped, and said it was “ludicrous” to try and pursue them.

But she is calling for clarity over BTEC and Key Stage 2 SATS, as many

BTEC exams are currently underway for secondary pupils.

She was in agreement with Cllr Clark, and said it is sensible for schools to close, to prevent children spreading the virus.

Both councillors praised teachers across the borough for their continued hard work throughout the pandemic, and said they were sympathetic to parents who have been thrown back into homelearning.

Over the weekend, leader Cllr John Halsall and Cllr Clark wrote to headteachers giving them their backing to delay reopening of primary schools to ensure they had more time to prepare for a safe return to the classroom.

Cllrs Halsall and Clark wrote an open letter to parents, carers, school staff and key stakeholders reaffirming their support as lessons are switched from the classroom to online.

“We understand that each school setting is different, and staffing availability will be different for each school and so we are clear that there is no one size fits all in respect of school arrangements,” they wrote.

“This is why we believe that the best place for decision making is with the headteacher and we still support this.”

Speaking to Wokingham.Today, Cllr Clark said she stands by each school and its ability to undertake a risk assessment.

Wokingham Borough Council will

ensure that free school meal provision entitlements are met once again, as they did during the first lockdown.

Cllr Clark said the council would dig into its own funds if necessary, to ensure no child goes hungry in the borough.

In March, many schools were able to secure extra laptops and technology for home learning.

Cllr Bray said the borough council has done well to support schools, but encouraged leaders to help schools secure more IT equipment for home learning.

“The priority now is to catch children whose families are suffering the effects of the pandemic, but may not be highlighted through the free school meals scheme.

“I know the council staff are working flat out to support people — we need to catch anyone around the edges and ensure support.”

Cllr Clark said the council has a scheme with First Days Children’s Charity, helping to source refurbished laptops for local children.

Cllrs Halsall and Clark said they will look at the wider picture, as the restrictions will be in place for some weeks.

“As your council, we continue to engage with all schools and settings and have a clear dialogue with the Department for Education, Public Health England and Government, and look to work with them to respond to the developing picture for Wokingham and support the right decisions for children and young people, their families, school staff and the wider community,” they said.

Key worker parents, or those with vulnerable children will need to contact their school.

Redwood’s fears over lockdown WOKINGHAM MP Sir John Redwood belives lockdowns need to be weighed-up against the damage to the economy.

Sir John is concerned that while the government has presented the case for lockdown, they had not looked at wider issues: “(They) do not present the case about the damage lockdowns do to many people and businesses so we can weigh the balance of the arguments,” he wrote on his blog on Tuesday.

He also called for information on NHS bed occupancy and deaths from other lung diseases.

“I do not doubt that (Covid-19) is a nasty disease and some people catch a serious version of it which can be life threatening,” he said.

“We need to target our response based on improving knowledge of it, and offer good safeguarding to all those most vulnerable to it.”

Sir John vowed to press the government for better treatments, isolation and infection control and said that the Nightingale

hospitals should be in use.

He also queried lockdowns in other parts of the world.

“There is no sign from the international numbers that those locking down more for longer have been more successful in reducing case numbers or deaths,” he wrote.

“The 20 countries with most cases per million so far are mainly continental European ones that have imposed tough lockdowns, and the USA with severe lockdowns on the populous Democrat controlled east and west coasts,” he added.

Sir John ended his blog post by stating: “I will seek more information about the capacity of the NHS before deciding how to vote on new controls.”

Sir John took a similar stance on December 1, when the second lockdown ended and the Tier structure was introduced, which placed Wokingham into Tier 2.

“We need to cheer up the country up as well as control the virus,” he said.

Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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CORONAVIRUS LATEST

Health leader outlines Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca plan EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today THE COUNCIL is pushing for clear timelines for the covid vaccine roll-out as the borough enters the third national lockdown.

As borough residents are asked to stay home, Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, is calling for clear information from the NHS about the vaccination timetable.

He said the plan is to vaccinate 65,000 people in the borough by the end of March, across the four primary care networks (PCNs).

“It will be roughly two thirds Pfizer, one third Oxford vaccine, and the first jabs only,” he said.

“There is a plan in place. We are reliant on GP surgeries, and the stable supply of the vaccine.

“Before Christmas, we had vaccinated 3,000 people,” he added.

“We have now reached 3,500 people, and all four primary care networks (PCN) will be vaccinating by Friday.”

Wokingham East PCN, which includes Wokingham Medical Centre, Burma Hills, New Wokingham Road and Woosehill surgeries is the last borough PCN to begin the vaccination process.

Numerous residents have told Wokingham.Today they are concerned about the lack of clarity in the vaccination programme.

One Wokingham woman said:

Vials of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine are kept cold before administration Picture: Jess Warren

“The distribution of the vaccine is the single most important issue for us all at the moment … and yet there seems to be a distinct lack of information about who is doing what and when.”

A Woosehill man also said he was concerned “there is no mention of a vaccination plan or programme on the Woosehill Medical Centre website”.

“The provision of NHS services in Wokingham is a growing scandal,” he said.

Cllr Margetts said: “We understand the frustration of residents, and why people are

asking questions about when their GP surgeries will start vaccinating — it is in everybody’s interest to get the vaccine rolled-out.

“That is why we are putting pressure on Berkshire West CCG to tell us what capacity they have for vaccines and provide a clear timetable.”

Nationally, media reports have speculated whether the Pfizer vaccine and the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine would be mixed and matched among recipients, with people receiving one of each.

“We have asked the CCG,” Cllr Margetts said, “and we have been

told there will be only one vaccine type per person — no mixing.”

He added: “The CCG also said that a 12-week gap is perfectly safe for both vaccines.”

This means patients who were given the Pfizer jab may wait longer for their second dose than they were originally told.

Cllr Margetts said every resident will be on the list for a vaccine, with the NHS contacting people by text or phone when it is their turn.

He said West Berkshire CCG was quicker than East Berkshire CCG, where Windsor and Maidenhead is yet to receive the first jab.

Opposition critical of Prime Minister THE new coronavirus lockdown is “all really frustrating because you could see it happening”.

On Monday evening, Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation to announce the changes.

It takes Wokingham borough from Tier 4 restrictions to this new lockdown, which is broadly the same but with one key instruction: to stay at home unless necessary to leave for limited, but specific reasons.

He said that the new strain of coronavirus was thought to 70% more transmittable than the previous strain.

“The government is once again instructing you to stay at home,” he said.

You may only leave home if you cannot work from home, for exercise, medical reasons.

Those who are clinically vulnerable will be asked to shield again.

“Since the pandemic began last year the whole United Kingdom has been engaged in a national fight,” he began, saying that progress had

been frustrated by the new variant strain of covid, which was putting pressure on hospitals.

For schools, exams will be cancelled and Mr Johnson promised alternative arrangements would be made.

Mr Johnson said that the country’s vaccination programme would continue.

He ended his address in the same way that he ended his announcement of the first lockdown: stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives.

Cllr Clive Jones, the deputy leader of the Lib Dems in Wokingham borough said that before Christmas he tried to “push the borough council to do something about schools” before Christmas.

“Now they are closed for six weeks – this could all have been done before Christmas,” he said. “It’s more incompetence from an incompetent government.

“They were too slow to lockdown (in March last year), too slow to get PPE, too slow to start testing and too slow to the second lockdown.”

He also criticised the

government’s handling of the NHS. “They’ve spent £20 billion on the nightingale hospitals, but they’ve known since April that they’ve not had the staff to work in them. What have they done?” he asked.

“They haven’t done enough to be in a position to protect the NHS.” Cllr Jones felt that while no one wanted to see schools close, it was the right thing to do, but added that people would be “very angry and very upset” about this third lockdown.

And Wokingham Labour leader Cllr Andy Croy said that Monday’s new lockdown announcement by Boris Johnson was “so typical of the mismangement of whole pandemic”.

He said: “The Conservatives have adopted a fingers-crossed approach to the pandemic and yet again we find ourselves presented with a surprised-looking Prime Minister.

“The current situation has been over a month in the making - and it’s not just the new variant. Test, track and trace still does not work.”

Cllr Croy called on the

government to offer more support to businesses and people affected financially by the lockdowns.

“His announcement also excluded crucial information about support to businesses, many of which have been inadequately supported to date,” he said, adding that the ban on rent evictions, the mortgage holiday scheme and the Self Employment Income Support Scheme “must also be extended”, while there should be an increase in Statutory Sick pay.

Reading East MP was in favour of the new restrictions.

Matt Rodda said: "The new lockdown is difficult but necessary due to the rising number of cases and the easier spread of the disease caused by the new variant.

“The Government now needs to offer real help to families and businesses and Ministers should make sure that the vaccination programme is rolled out as quickly as possible.

“Our community is facing a difficult few weeks but we are pulling together to get through this challenging Winter.”

8 | NEWS

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Parish and borough council meetings Meetings online – contact councils for details

Thursday, January 7 Shinfield Parish Council. Planning and Highways. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Monday, January 11 Remenham Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 5.30pm. www.remenhamparish.org.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee meeting.

7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Standards Committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Civic meeting. 7.30pm. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Wokingham Without Parish Council. Full council meeting.

7.30pm. wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk

Tuesday, January 12 Earley Town Council. Planning committee. 7.30pm. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Sonning Parish Council. Council. 7pm. 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. Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. Council Questions and Motions deadline.

10am. www.wokingham.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Amenities committee. 7.30pm. . www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Leisure services 8pm. woodley.gov.uk

Wednesday, January 13 Earley Town Council. Amenities & Leisure. 7.45pm. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Finchampstead Parish Council. Finance Committee. 4pm. www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk Shinfield Parish Council. Development Board. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Schools Forum. 10am. Planning Committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

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FROMTHECOURTS � DRIVING while over the limit has seen a Twyford man banned for 12 months.

Lewis Joel, 28 and from Springfield Park, was stopped by police on Hurst Road on September 5.

A breath test revealed that he had 40 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, exceeding the prescribed limit.

Joel pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 17.

His ban will be reduced by three months on completion of a safe driving course.

He must also pay a £440 fine, £85 costs and £44 to victim services at a rate of £100 per fortnight. � A SHINFIELD man has admitted failing to comply with an order to undertake community service.

Berke Baris Ersoy, 23 and from Wychelm Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 23, where he admitted breaching the requirements on September 23, and also failing to provide evidence of a reasonable excuse.

He has had seven additional hours added on to his requirement to undertake 107 hours by January 27, 2022.

Ersoy must also pay costs of £60.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks failing to provide a reasonable excuse for non-compliance with a community service order.

Charlie Burgess, 23 and from Bladewell Drive, admitted not complying with an unpaid work requirement on November 1, and 8, 2020.

He appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 30, where he was committed to prison for a term of 26 weeks, suspended for 18 months. This is in relation to a convicted for ABH made on February 28, 2020.

Burgess was ordered to pay £75 costs at a rate of £40 per month.

� A CROWTHORNE man who assaulted a police constable has been fined £100.

Connor Jack Green, 22 and from Lower Broadmoor Road, pleaded guilty to the attack on October 10 last year when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on November 30.

In addition to the fine, he must pay compensation of £50, costs of £85 and £34 to victim services.

At the same hearing, Green was fined £50 for possessing cocaine.

The offence took place at Loddon Valley Police Station, also on October 10. The class A drug was destroyed, under section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

� A TWYFORD man who pleaded not guilty to assaulting another person has been ordered to undertake 150 hours of community service.

Craig Michael Morgan, 44 and from Crest Close, was found guilty

by Reading Magistrates Court when he appeared before them on December 1.

The incident took place on February 20 in Reading.

In addition to the community service, which must take place over the next 12 months, Morgan was ordered to pay £150 compensation, £90 to victim services and £85 costs, at a rate of £40 per month.

� A WOKINGHAM man has had a suspended sentence imposed after

� DRINK driving has seen a Crowthorne man banned from

getting behind the wheel for 16 months.

Tommy Chivers, 22 and from Napier Close, pleaded guilty to being over the limit when he appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on December 1.

The court heard that on September 13 last year, Chivers was stopped on Ellis Road. A breath test revealed that he had 55ug microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

For this, he was fined £500, ordered to pay £85 costs and £66 to victim services. His ban will be reduced by 16 weeks on completion of a safe driving course.

Chivers was also fined £166 after being caught in possession of the Class B drug cannabis, on the same day. The drug was destroyed. � AN EARLEY man has been banned from driving for 12 months after being stopped by police and found to be over the limit.

Surjit Singh, 43 and from Melling Close, was driving along the A329 Wokingham Road on July 31, when police requested a breath test. He had 44 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath.

His ban will be reduced by 12 weeks on completion of a safe driving course and he was fined £300, ordered to pay costs of £150 and £34 to victim services.

Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Graffiti in Erftstadt Court was also sprayed across the town Pictures: Nicholas Campbell-White

Mayor left frustrated with ‘relentless’ graffiti in town EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM’S town mayor says he is “frustrated” at the “relentless” graffiti in the town centre, after a Grade II listed building was targeted.

According to Cllr Tony Lack, a string of graffiti attacks took place in Wokingham from Wednesday, December 23 through until the New Year.

Tags were painted throughout the town, including on Wokingham’s historic town hall on Market Place — a protected building.

Graffiti also appeared on Peach Place, Erftstadt Court, Elms Field, Cockpit Path Car Park and Elms Road Car Park.

“Frustrated would be one word to describe how the graffiti makes me feel,” said Cllr Lack, “but I also feel for the youngsters who do it.

“They’re either making a protest or they want to become famous or they’ve got nothing better to do, so I am concerned for them.

“But they still make me angry and frustrated.”

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, leader of Wokingham Town Council, is also furious about the graffiti attacks.

“It doesn’t stop,” she said. “Tags were appearing every day and they’re not Banksy, nobody wants to see it.”

Now she is concerned about the cost of having the buildings cleaned, which has eaten into the town council’s £7,500 annual budget for graffiti removal.

“The town council has a full budget, but it’s not huge,” she said.

“It comes out of taxpayer’s money, and we had to get the graffiti removed quickly – we didn’t want to

More funds approved for domestic abuse charities in borough DOMESTIC abuse charities across the county have been awarded more than £120,000 to support victims during the pandemic.

Anthony Stansfeld, police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley granted the extra funding to Berkshire Women's Aid, The Cowshed, Thames Valley Partnership and Parents and Children Together (PACT) at Alana House, and its Bounce Back 4 Kids programme.

He said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic, and with the aid of the first round of emergency funding, domestic abuse and sexual violence services have successfully adapted their support and continued to meet the needs of victims.

“However, the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt across the Thames Valley with some organisations experiencing loss of fundraising income coupled with an increase in people seeking support.

“I am therefore delighted to be able to award this additional funding to help support organisations, and in turn victims, and to ensure

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encourage any more attacks.”

Because of the town hall’s listed status, Wokingham town council hired professional cleaners to remove graffiti from the building.

But Cllr Lack said he spent the festive period cleaning tags elsewhere.

“I actually went out and removed some of the graffiti myself because I want my town to look a bit nicer,” he said.

“I’ve had training in it, so I always go out and remove it where I can.”

Speculating on who may be responsible, Cllr Lack and Cllr ShepherdDuBey say the string of tags may have been painted by one person, who was spotted on CCTV defacing the town.

“We’re not completely sure whether it’s all the same person, but it all seems to be the same image,” Cllr Lack explained.

Footage has been passed onto Thames Valley Police, which is now investigating the string of tags.

Now, the town council hopes to paint murals on a number of popular graffiti spots throughout Wokingham to try and discourage further vandalism.

Residents that spot new graffiti can email: amenities@wokingham-tc.gov.uk

that people who need support in the future are able to access it.”

Organisations will use the funding to support training, frontline staffing costs for face-to-face and helpline support, PPE and cleaning supplies and emergency supplies for victims of domestic abuse including food, clothing, toiletries and travel costs.

In a non-emergency, people can: � Call 101 or make a report on the Thames Valley Police website � Call the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 � Contact Women’s Aid via: www.womensaid.org.uk � Call the Men’s Advice Line: 0808 8010327 � Call Mankind, a helpline for male victims: 01823 334244 � Call Galop, for members of the LGBT+ community: 0800 999 5428 � Contact Victims First via: www.victimsfirst.org.uk � Call Flag DV for free legal advice for Domestic Abuse: 0800 731 0055 � Call SAFE! For victims of crime aged 5 – 18: 0800 1337938

‘Boxing Day parking fines were underhand’ RESIDENTS received an unexpected Christmas surprise in the form of parking tickets, writes Phil Creighton.

Wokingham borough’s traffic wardens were working on Boxing Day – Saturday, December 26.

When the holiday was established in 1871, it would be moved to the first working day after December 26 if it fell on a weekend.

However, in recent years, it has become accepted practise to refer to the day after Christmas as Boxing Day, regardless of whether it was on a weekend or not.

One resident took to social media asking how Boxing Day is not a bank holiday, with commentators saying that Wokingham Borough Council was ‘underhand and mean spirited’, another felt it was ‘disgusting’ and a fourth said it was a kick in the teeth at a time when people were already struggling.

Some did defend the council, pointing out that the Saturday was a normal working day and that the wardens were just doing their job.

Parking website Appealnow.com has a section dedicated to the subject after tickets were issued on Boxing Day 2009, which was also on a Saturday.

It offers a template letter for anyone who was ticketed to send to the parking appeal.

It refers to parking signs that “free parking on public and bank holidays”, pointing out that in a case heard in 2010, a parking adjudicator deemed that the words were “sufficiently ambiguous to confuse a motorist when parking on a Boxing Day that falls on a Saturday as to whether charges are required.

“If the authority wishes to enforce charges on Boxing Day when it falls on a Saturday, the machine should clearly state so.”

The issue has also been queried

by Wokingham Town Council leader Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey who said that she was dismayed people received the tickets, pointing out that as the borough council offered free parking in its car parks on the Saturdays running

up to Christmas, many residents would have been led to believe Boxing Day would also be free.

“The official Boxing Day bank holiday was Monday, December 28, which meant that many people were given tickets on Saturday for failing to pay the full parking fees,” she said.

“In a disgraceful lack of communication, there were no signs or warning from Wokingham Borough Council that this would happen and there should have been posters in each car park, clearly showing what dates were free.

“We feel that these parking fines should be refunded, and we need to make sure that this does not happen again.”

She also wanted to know if the council would treat Christmas Day 2021, which falls on a Saturday, in the same way.

“If the Liberal Democrats were to gain control of Wokingham Borough Council in 2021, we would make sure these important dates were respected and charges would not apply to Christmas Day or Boxing Day, no matter which day of the week they fell on,” she added.

A Wokingham Borough Council spokesperson said: “Charges in our car parks apply from Monday to Saturday except for bank holidays.

“While we get a bank holiday for Christmas Day and Boxing Day they do not always fall on December 25 and 26, as was the case this year.

“The council had already made parking free in all its car parks on the three Saturdays leading up to Christmas in order to assist local businesses and residents in what has been a very difficult period.”

“If people feel that the penalty charge notice has been incorrectly served then we would encourage them to challenge it through the normal processes, outlined on the PCN itself or through our website.” � Residents appealing tickets can visit: www.appealnow.com/parking-tickets/ boxing-day-parking-ticket

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‘Southern Distributor Road will endanger our children’ EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today RESIDENTS of Montague Park fear the opening of the Southern Distribution Road will increase the accident risk to their children.

For more than two years, families along William Heelas Way say they have been calling for increased road safety as their children walk to Floreat Montague Park Primary School.

Mark Calmiano, who moved to the area five years ago with his family, said it is extremely frustrating being “batted between developer and council with nobody taking responsibility” for the road safety.

With the estate still unadopted by the council, and David Wilson Homes still completing construction work, Mr Calmiano believes neither side is taking action.

He said residents are trying to be proactive to stop a serious accident from happening in the future, but thinks the council and developer only act after such an accident occurs.

His six- and seven-year-olds both attend Floreat Montague Park Primary School, and he is worried about them crossing the road safely.

Although the developer has installed one toucan and two zebra crossings, residents say there is a third location that requires white stripes.

Cllr Peter Dennis is calling for an additional zebra crossing near the school

“Pedestrians are expecting cars to stop but cars do not realise it is a crossing,” Mr Calmiano said.

In December, Cllr Peter Dennis, Liberal Democrat councillor for Wescott East on Wokingham town council, presented a petition to the borough council.

He called for a review of the safety of estate roads, before William Heelas Way becomes the Southern Distribution Road.

He also said the road design, that was thought to slow traffic, is not working and would like to see some additional traffic calming.

Wokingham.Today has spoken to residents who did not wish to be named.

They said they fear their children may be hit by lorries once the relief road opens, and felt that neither the developer nor the council were taking road safety seriously.

They said that children were walking

into the road, and vans were seen driving on paths and pavements, something that they felt could be avoided if railings were installed.

A spokesperson for David Wilson Homes Southern said the safety of Floreat Montague Park Primary School pupils has always been an absolute priority.

“Vehicle activated signage has already been installed, which signal a 20mph speed limit at the beginning and end of the school day and 30mph during the day and night,” they said.

“While we would be more than happy to install a pedestrian barrier, we are currently in the process of having the road adopted by Wokingham Borough Council and any new additions or alterations must be approved by the council prior to installation.”

Cllr Dennis believes the estate adoption process itself is flawed.

“Once plans are put into practice and actually used they need to change,” he said. “The council's stance has been to say that the plans are done and there can be no changing.

“The developer has been saying that they are developing to the council's plan.

And so the residents, who are living in the place, are left without recourse and stuck in the middle.”

He suggests the adoption process is reformed, to allow for continuing assessment once the project has reached a habitable stage.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

Tributes to teenager TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager from Reading who died following an incident in Emmer Green on Sunday.

Around 3.50pm, 13-year-old Olly Stephens was attacked in Bugs Bottom park, near St Barnabas Road.

He died of his injuries, thought to be stab wounds, and police have arrested four boys and one girl aged between 13 and 14.

Reading East MP Matt Rodda said: “I'd like to offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the boy who died in a dreadful incident in Bugs Bottom on Sunday.

“This was a truly shocking crime, committed in a peaceful park on the edge of Reading.”

“Bugs Bottom, for those people who don't know it, is full of dog walkers, the odd runner, and families going for a Sunday walk, and (for) it (to be) happening here is particularly disturbing to the local community.

“Please help if you can. If you were in the Bugs Bottom area between 3pm and 4.30pm on Sunday, or if you have any information whatsoever, please do report it to Thames Valley Police.”

And Olly’s family have said that they are now facing every parents’ worst nightmare.

“My wife, daughter and I would like to wholeheartedly thank a Good Samaritan that tried valiantly to

save Oliver, an off-duty doctor who also offered her help, all the emergency services that attended the scene who have been exemplary, the forensic team and all staff that are still on the case, and our families, neighbours, friends and colleagues who have sent their valued love and support.”

They added: “Oliver was an enigma, having both autism and suspected Pathological Demand Avoidance he became a challenge we never shied away from.

“He was hilariously funny, charming and beautiful.

“He could get his own way with a wry smile and a cheeky grin.

He always stood his ground and fought for the underdog while having an amazing depth of love, warmth and wit.

“In his final moments, he must have been terrified. Fighting to get home, he had everything to live for.

We now have only memories.

“An Olly-sized hole has been left in our hearts.

“Gentle shoulder charge, love ya mate XXX.” On Monday, January 3, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “I would urge anybody who has any information to make contact by calling 101, quoting incident number 1069 of 3 January or by calling Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Remembering ‘Mr Wokingham’ � From front page

Mr Wood was a passionate support of the local sports scene, serving as chair of Finchampstead Sports Club for more than 30 years.

His daughter, Melissa Brant said that the family had been overwhelmed with messages from former customers, staff and friends – more than 1,000 had come in.

She added that when he retired, he started to go downhill.

“He missed driving, he missed the company, he missed the shop and he missed Wokingham,” she said. “His Alzheimer’s really took over.

“Covid and lockdown is not good for anyone with Alzheimer’s. He also had stomach cancer in the end, he had prostate cancer and diabetes – he had so much wrong with him.”

And because he contracted covid before the end, it will end up on his death certificate.

Ms Brant said: “He was in hospital from the beginning of December. He wasn’t eating by that point and his body and mind were tired and he gave in basically.”

Mr Wood’s family made a decision to take him off a ventilator before he passed away.

Although he had been in

declining health, Ms Brant said that in August he had been able to return to Finchampstead Sports Club for a day out.

“He loved it, he had such a good day,” she said. “There was a cricket match going on, he loved it and we couldn’t get him away. There was an outside bar and everyone bought him a drink – he was quite plastered.

“My Dad had the most magnificent afternoon watching the cricket and talking to all his old mates.”

With lockdown restrictions in place, the funeral will be for close family only but the club hopes to hold a memorial service for him later in the year.

“He is being called Mr Wokingham, and people are asking if there will be a plaque or a bench, and where would it be – the sports club or by the

town hall. There will definitely be something to mark his presence in Wokingham.”

Ms Brant says that she has lots of happy memories of her Dad, who she says had a lovely character and he was a very generous man, who used to run beside her when she went horse riding.

“We went on a lot of holidays,” she recalled. “He was very naughty and took us out of school in February.

“It was a quiet time for him: the football season had started, back to school had been in September, so it was a quiet time at the shop and we had magnificent holidays.”

It is not just Ms Brant who has fond memories. “Lots of people worked for him. One, who worked for him was 18, my Dad found him accommodation and looked after him.

“Lots of people have said it’s a shame we can’t come to the funeral, so I think Finchampstead Sports Club’s idea of a memorial for him after covid is really good.

“They didn’t want him to step down as chairman, they were very supportive of him.”

Mr Wood is survived by a son John and two daughters, Melissa and Michelle. � What’s your favourite memory of John Wood? Email letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk

Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Students benefit from university hardship appeal STUDENTS at the University of Reading have received more than £60,000 in donations to help them through the pandemic.

This is thanks to alumni and supporters who have banded together and raised tens of thousands of pounds for the University’s Student Hardship Appeal.

The money will now be used to help fund the academic year and provide free financial advice to all students enrolled at the university.

Dylan Parkes, director of alumni and supporter engagement at the University of Reading, said: “The generosity of donors giving to the Student Hardship Appeal has been tremendous.”

According to Mr Parkes, the University received five times the normal requests for emergency help at the beginning of the academic year, and these donations will make sure students who need additional financial support will

get it when it matters the most.

“Although our work is far from done, we could not have made it this far without the support of our community. To all our donors — thank you for your ongoing support,” he added.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vicechancellor of the University of Reading, said that students today are facing some of the most challenging circumstances in the University’s history.

“Our donors responded to these exceptional times with exceptional generosity,” he added.

“Every donation, no matter its size, has contributed to the success of our students this term.

While the challenge isn’t yet over, the response of our alumni has shown how much we can achieve when we work together.” � To find out more, visit: sites.reading.ac.uk/ imagine/project/ supporting-students-inurgent-financial-need

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

Forest sports dome anger: I can’t escape it says frustrated resident EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A GROUP of Winnersh residents are furious about the new sports dome at The Forest School — with one woman saying she would never have lived there if she knew it was coming.

Laura Beasley has expressed anger over the new development and believes it breaches the terms of the original planning proposal.

But this has been refuted by planning enforcement officers at the borough council.

The Dome Project is a joint initiative between the school and Reading Football Club, and it has seen a 10-metre-high air dome installed on the school grounds.

The project will also deliver a new access road, car park and 3G pitch, and the planning application was given the go-ahead in 2017.

Work began on the site earlier this year, and now residents have complained that the original proposal, which said the site would “not be harmful to the street scene or character of the area”, was “misleading”.

“With lockdown, I’ve been spending more and more time at home, and the dome is always there — I can’t escape it,” Ms Beasley explained.

“The original planning application said the dome would blend in with the surroundings, but I think it’s quite obvious that it doesn’t blend in at all.”

The resident, who lives in view of the dome, says that since it has been inflated, less light has entered her house because the structure “dominates” the skyline.

She said if the dome had existed when she

The new air dome at The Forest School can be seen from neighbouring gardens Picture: Laura Beasley

viewed her property in Winnersh, she would have chosen to live elsewhere.

Now, Ms Beasley is concerned that the site breaches the terms of the original planning application, which said the dome would be a maximum of 10.45 metres tall.

“They raised the ground level before inflating the dome by maybe two or three metres,” she said, “so nobody ever expected it to tower over us like this.”

Bernadette Mitra, Conservative prospective candidate for Winnersh in May’s local elections, also has concerns about the development.

“This big structure has suddenly appeared out of nowhere and it’s a lot bigger in scale than what was anticipated,” she said.

“I think for the majority of people, it’s a shock to the system to suddenly have this view from your back garden.”

Ms Mitra says her biggest worry is the dome’s impact on the surrounding environment.

“This structure isn’t permanent,” she said. “The materials will need replacing.

“And to keep it inflated day in day out means a lot of electricity will need to be generated.

“I think the school had a golden opportunity to set an example to children about how sport can be played in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way, and they missed it.”

However, Cllr Paul Fishwick, Lib Dem ward councillor for Winnersh, says it’s unlikely any changes will be made to the dome at this stage.

“The planning application for the site was received over three years ago, and a consultation took place with residents at the time,” he explained.

“Only three objections were received by planning officers, and only two of them said the dome would be unsightly.

“Residents have contacted me about the dome since, and I requested planning officers to check the points they were raising — none of those are a breach of planning.”

£12 million for police force THAMES Valley Police will receive more than £12 million in extra funding next year.

The 2021/22 Police Funding Settlement announced by the government proposes a £636

According to Cllr Fishwick, officers have also investigated the raised floor level and confirmed it is in accordance with the planning permission.

He says the new facility will be a welcome addition to Winnersh.

“It will be a benefit to the area — it’s a good use of the site,” he said. “It’s a facility which will be well-used by local people and the local school.”

And Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement at Wokingham Borough Council, echoed Cllr Fishwick’s comments.

“Our planning enforcement officers have been out to measure the height of the sports dome and The Forest School have determined that it is in line with the approved plans,” he said.

“I understand that some nearby residents may not like the sports dome, but the impact on the environment was considered as part of the planning application, which was approved.”

Cllr Smith says that the only action the council can now take is to ensure that the site continues to comply with what was approved.

“We as a team take planning enforcement complaints seriously and so we sent out an enforcement officer to assess the complaints — in this case, our team did not find anything that breached planning approval,” he added.

Shirley Austin, headteacher of The Forest School, says that despite resident concerns, the completion of the dome is a “real positive” for the school and the community.

“It will safeguard our pupils as the entrance at the back of the school has been redone, meaning residents can see the pupils coming on and off site, so it’s a lot safer now,” she explained.

“And the students are so excited about the whole thing. For some of my sixth formers, these plans have been years in the making.”

When the project is complete, it will be used by The Forest School pupils, Reading FC and be available for community hire.

million increase for policing across England and Wales.

For Thames Valley Police, it could see an increase of £12.6 million in direct funding, compared to 2020/21.

Anthony Stansfeld, police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley, said: “The announcement from the Home

Office means a good settlement for policing in England and Wales. It is great to see that the government has recognised the important work police forces have made this year, including dealing with the pressures of policing a global pandemic.”

By September 2020 the force had recruited 260 new people.

Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Spare a thought for hard-working teachers BEFORE Christmas, the government’s advisers, SAGE, recommended that schools should not reopen in January.

Instead, on the day the term ended the government announced that secondary schools would have to launch lateral testing on their return.

Headteachers and senior staff spent much of their festive break organising this major logistical operation.

They were then told on Wednesday, December 30, that the reopening of secondary schools would be delayed to January 18, earlier for those who have exams. Primary schools would reopen as planned from Monday, January 4.

Despite concerns from parents and teachers, Boris Johnson appeared on the BBC on Sunday to say schools were safe.

Just over 24 hours later, and one day at school for many youngsters, the very same Prime Minister announced a new lockdown, the closure of schools and the cancellation of exams.

The days before lockdown felt like a re-run of last March, where the nation stepped up to lockdown days ahead of the Boris Johnson.

Our teachers work incredibly hard.

Juggling the demands of covid means they’ve worked even harder. That their holidays were ruined is a disgrace: they needed that break.

Wokingham Borough Council deserves praise for standing in support of schools as they prepared to navigate the mess they had been left.

But it should never have come to this.

Our brilliant teachers deserve better.

CHURCH NOTES

Life begins at 30

T

HE decorations are packed away for another year and Christmas is just a memory as we try to return to some sort of routine among all the restrictions.

It is a fallow time, a time of waiting: waiting for covid to release its grip and wondering what the post-Brexit world will be like.

Sunday sees the celebration of the Baptism of Jesus, which marked a turning point in his life at about the age of 30.

Before this there is little in the Gospel accounts about Jesus’ life.

We believe that during these hidden years, he led a normal life, growing up under the guidance of Mary and Joseph and later following Joseph’s trade as a carpenter.

After his Baptism, Jesus’ life changed radically.

Driven by the Holy Spirit into the desert, he reflected on the course his life would take and then commenced his ministry of teaching and healing culminating in his death on the cross and his resurrection all in the space of about three years.

But I wonder why the delay until 30?

Perhaps the time was not right before.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we read “There is a season for everything, a time for every occupation under heaven.” In the current situation, we need to have patience and await the right time to recommence our normal lives.

That does not mean we should do nothing.

Like Jesus in the wilderness we can reflect on the course of our lives and our relationship with others.

Sue Cooper is from Corpus Christi Church, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

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Your letters

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

How you can help protect the NHS this winter As 2020 drew to a close, I, like others, reflected on what a different year it has been.

You may have experienced for the first time concerns about your or your family’s physical and mental health, uncertainty over your job and livelihood and may be worried about your children’s education and futures. Holiday plans were cancelled, and we all got used to communication via screens rather than face-to-face.

But in the midst of such difficult times, we have seen some amazing acts of kindness, with communities coming together to support the vulnerable and lonely, and tens of thousands of people showing their support for each other and the NHS. The clapping for carers, rainbow pictures and overwhelming donations of home-made masks, gowns, food and support have touched all of us who work and volunteer at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust.

In many areas, neighbours have rallied round those who are living on their own or in need of help with day to day living, such as food shopping or collecting prescriptions.

These community spirited actions are helping many to stay well and out of hospital, and are helping to reduce the spread of infection by keeping vulnerable people shielded.

It is so heartening to know that while you may have been worried about the virus, you are still taking time to follow the guidance and take action to help others, which helps to reduce the demand for your local health and care services.

We’re seeing a rise in Covid positive patients, so it is more important than ever to follow the ‘hands, face, space and fresh air’ rules and adhere to the lockdown regulations.

This will help to reduce the spread of infection (remembering that many who test positive have no symptoms but can spread infection to those who may experience severe symptoms).

Restricting the spread of infection will ease pressure on our NHS services and enable our doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to devote their time to treat those in urgent need of help.

As always, if you have a life threatening health emergency requiring immediate assistance, please phone 999 or attend our Emergency Department (ED).

You may need urgent care or advice, for symptoms like a lump that has appeared and not gone away, unexplained bleeding or severe respiratory problems, or if you have long term and multiple conditions that need regular monitoring.

If so, please seek medical help by contacting 111 or your local GP. In many cases, a telephone call can resolve things, or 111 staff can arrange a timed appointment for you to attend the Walk in Centre or other setting, including ED. This avoids the need for

An open letter to Sir John Redwood Dear Sir John, This open letter is written on behalf of a number of Wokingham residents, who are classed as vulnerable or clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) to Covid-19 and who are parents of school age children.

We are asking that you represent us at parliament and ask for a review of the mandatory attendance at school of children of CEV parents.

As new cases of Covid-19 rise dramatically in Wokingham and across the UK and as the impact and transmissibility of the new variant unfolds, the concern and anxiety of CEV parents in Wokingham also increases.

The ONS has reported a significant shift in the distribution of Covid-19 cases, with a significant portion of cases involving under-15s in recent weeks. overcrowded waiting rooms or long waits.

All of our Trust sites – the Royal Berkshire Hospital, West Berkshire Community Hospital, Townlands Hospital, Bracknell Healthspace, Prince Charles Eye Unit, Windsor Dialysis Unit and the Dingley Child Development Centre – are open and staff and patients are following strict infection control and health and safety rules.

Covid has generated some huge and unfamiliar challenges, and we have seen our communities and the NHS at our very best.

I speak for all my colleagues when I say how proud we are to be part of our National Health Service and all it has achieved in the last year.

Our teams of staff and volunteers, as well as those in GP practices, ambulances, pharmacies, local authorities, and community settings have shown devotion, dedication, and innovation to make sure we continue to see and treat as many patients as safely as possible.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our colleagues and to say how proud I am of them and how grateful we all are for the support shown to us by the communities we serve.

We are heading into 2021 with hope in our hearts as we see the roll out of the covid vaccine to those over 80 years of age and care home staff.

I’d like to thank all our local healthcare teams for the way they are delivering the vaccine locally.

With more vaccine supplies on the way soon, we are looking forward to the roll out of the vaccine programme to give protection for the rest of the population.

We are continuing our work on ‘Building Berkshire Together’, our hospital redevelopment proposals, and look forward, as an anchor institution, to continuing our engagement with our communities over the coming weeks and months

In a tier 4 area CEV children are advised not to attend school, however, children who have CEV parents are still required to attend school with the threat of fines or deregistration for non-attendance.

We have repeatedly been told that, while children may transmit the virus, they appear to only be mildly affected by the disease.

This does not take into consideration the effects on the child, indeed the whole family, if the CEV parent were to fall seriously ill, be hospitalised, or die.

The effect of this on the child would not be mild. It would be devastating and permanent.

Additionally, CEV adults in a tier 4 area have now been asked to shield again.

It is not possible to shield, if a CEV parent needs to take a child to school, and if that child is coming into contact with 30 others before returning to the house.

As parents, we have an

understanding of the importance of education and mental health for children, so would not willingly keep children off school unless there was a significant risk to life (such as the infection rates in a tier 4 area) But where Covid-19 presents a life threatening risk to a parent they should be able to make the decision, with the support of the school and GPs, about their child’s attendance, and have access to the same online educational provisions that are available for isolating children.

Please support the CEV residents of your constituency and raise this question in the House of Commons on our behalf.

Yours faithfully, Clinically Extremely Vulnerable Parents of Wokingham Editor’s note – This letter was received before the current lockdown was announced for England

to further shape these proposals for the creation of a built environment from which we will run our services for generations to come.

I’d like to wish you all a safe and peaceful New Year.

Nicky Lloyd, Acting Chief Executive, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

relatives ability to exercise their right to vote. He, of course, defers to law makers.

The only conclusion that can be made is that democracy is good only for a select few.

He only had to say, in a public forum, that he supports and encourages our European colleagues to exercise their vote and will endeavour to uphold their democratic right.

Cllr Peter Dennis, Liberal Democrat Councillor, Wokingha Town Council

An interesting year 2020 has been an 'interesting' year (as the Chinese proverb says). Many people are feeling unsettled and uncertain about the future.

One such group is that of European citizens residing within the UK. The UK government is failing to follow up on its promises to our Europeans friends and relatives.

Part of the support is ensuring that democracy is available to all (no taxation without representation) and indeed getting the message out.

As we know the local elections of 2020 were cancelled due to the covid situation and have been postponed to May. What happens to the right to vote ? Can people who were due to vote in the 2020 elections be able to vote in 2021?

It turns out the answer is yes, however material is hard to find.

The Liberal Democrat group within Wokingham Town Council brought forward a motion to ensure that adequate communication is provided on who can vote.

This motion was passed unanimously with positive votes from Labour, Independents and Conservatives. The Town Council formally asked for support from Wokingham Borough Council and the local MP, John Redwood. WBC has confirmed that they will be making provision.

Sadly John Redwood has made no such affirmation, rather weakly saying he encourages people to vote but will not make any positive statement about our European friends and

Chaotic decisions I am writing to express my deep frustration with the government’s handling of the covid crisis. What we require from government during these times is clear, decisive, inclusive and forward-thinking planning. What we have is confusing, contradictory and chaotic management.

I am not claiming that managing all the conflicting needs in a pandemic is easy. However the countries that have had clear government goals, have acted decisively and quickly, and as a result, have managed to inflict the least damage, and not just measured by lives lost.

The goals that members of our society have are varied and conflicting: • We need to protect those most at risk; the elderly, the vulnerable and those with underlying health conditions. We also need to protect those with mental health issues.

• We need to protect the NHS. A full ICU does not just mean there is not enough room for the next covid patient, it means not enough room for the next critical victim of a car crash, or for a patient requiring ICU care following heart surgery.

The need to prioritise critical care is drawing resources away from other vitally important health

services, including in some cases surgery for cancer.

• Our children deserve to be safe.

They also need to be schooled.

Online education just doesn’t work for some for a multitude of reasons. Not everyone has access to the right tech (a device for every child), high speed broadband, a safe, warm environment and a parent/ carer available to support homelearning.

• Our teachers deserve to be safe.

As do all other key-workers.

• Business owners, including child-care providers, want to maintain their businesses, which will be vital to re-build the economy.

This government has had access to credible, scientific data and advice which they fail, time and time again, to act on. Lessons have not been learned from the first lock-down, or the second.

Decisions are taken at the lastminute causing confusion and chaos.

The impact of decisions on many sectors of our society are not considered, or support is reactive, too little and too late. The advice given to schools is just one example; prepare (over holidays) for mass testing, then one day after opening given 12 hours to prepare for mass online learning.

I believe whole-heartedly that the current lockdown is necessary, however this has been clear since the previous one ended.

Vaccines are now being rolled out.

This will take some time but where the government has failed, science will lift us out of this crisis.

I implore everyone to consider how this government has

catastrophically failed its people when next at the ballot box.

Louise Timlin, Branch Leader, Women's Equality Party, Reading and Wokingham

Vaccine disaster?

Following the proposal last week to vastly increase the period between the first and second Pfizer vaccine injections, I had difficulty restraining myself.

The issue caused me to write to the BMA and plead that doctors were instructed not to act, but stick to the practises they have always applied. In general, doctors apply the manufacturer’s instructions, for which they ask patients adhere to.

Can you imagine being treated for many ‘nasty things’ with an antibiotic, for which the body requires a daily dose until a course is completed, only for the doctor to say it does not matter if you miss a few days?

A doctor sets a discipline based on proven facts and testing for every medicine etc. that he prescribes, so who on this earth would take a nonmedical and pure political view and alter our standards?

The answer in my view is solely based on the failure of the politicians to provide vaccines in the desirable volume, despite all the promises we keep hearing. Spread it more thinly would enable Hancock and mates to claim a vast increase in vaccinations.

I believe the Oxford vaccine may be unaffected by delays between the first and second injections – provided the company authorise that, but concentrating on the Pfizer vaccine, the ramifications/risks of disobeying

tonyjohnson That was the week

Kissing Grandma goodbye

I

F ever there were a time for common sense, the start of the year would be it.

And while central government seems bereft of anything as common as sense, our Borough isn’t.

Never mind the Brexit It won’t have escaped your attention that the country finally left the EU after a deal was agreed, with less than a week until trade relations would have descended into complete chaos.

Rumours that aerial photographs of Manston Airfield are now illegal need to be shut down fast, otherwise Johnny Foreigner’s going to find out where all his HGV lorries have been hidden.

The Brexit deal is so good that some would have us believe that “no Tories voted against it”.

Which is rather different from “all Tories voted for it” especially as at least one veteran Eurosceptic abstained.

Whatever your views about his vote, you’d be hard pressed to deny that Sir John Redwood’s opposition to the European project is deep rooted and founded on experience. So for him to abstain on “taking back control” (something he’s strongly advocated) is a real facer.

This is the pandemic In the push-you pull-them of politics, Boris’ undoubtedly very fine and wide ranging talents are being stretched.

In a Sunday interview we learned that ‘Following the science’ had been replaced by ‘being guided by the public health advice’. If you

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Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

the manufacturer’s instructions, are potentially serious.

As Pfizer say, there is no evidence that if the 21-day follow-up is not applied, that the initial vaccine remains effective or for how long.

Risk assessment suggests that a patient may lose any valid protection, especially from the latest version of Covid-19.

Such predicable results could mean that patients catching the virus could take the view that their doctor is guilty, there is a case of negligence by the NHS, or that the manufacturer provided unsuitable treatment. Pfizer may consider that to be an attack on their moral and quality product standards. In essence we would be in Breach of Contract and they could therefore stop supplying us.

We may vaccinate more people, but we could in parallel, cause more to catch the virus. How about that for a policy?

Reg Cliﬞon, Wokingham

Heat for highways We are concerned that the council’s highways team are not taking the climate emergency declaration seriously. There are many areas that the council needs to work on to fulfil its obligations to reduce carbon emissions as well as tackle air pollution that is shortening the lives of Wokingham Borough residents, and highways is a big piece of the puzzle.

One of the key areas that highways needs to focus on is improved infrastructure for walking and cycling. There is a planning application currently open for public

were expecting well thought out policies and crisp communications you’d have been disappointed.

With the NHS on the brink of being overwhelmed, the PM’s answers had all the hallmarks of ‘pretty poor preparation’.

After saying seven times that schools were safe, it was clear they weren’t, but finding the reason was going to take some digging.

Meanwhile, the smirk-athon continued – vintage gattox from a PM who delivers complete bollow. Interview over, confusion reigned.

Leadership is as Leadership does On Sunday afternoon, WBC got its act together despite the miasma of misimpression from Downing Street.

John Halsall (WBC’s Leader) and the executive member for Children’s Services, together with two of the most senior staff, published a statement saying that the Council would support local Primary Schools if they decided to stay closed for the first two days of the new term.

This gave headteachers some wiggle room and was published mid-afternoon on social media, then around an hour later on Wokingham.Today’s website. It went up on WBC’s own social media feed before 8am on Monday morning in time for everyone’s return to work in the new year.

The statement made it clear that WBC would continue to ‘seek clarification’ from the Department for Education in London.

Make no mistake - this is a national problem not a local one. But on Sunday our council provided clarity and flexibility for schools to use the following day.

And the real issue?

On Christmas Eve, the average rate of infection the previous week had been 320 per 100,000 of population. Among the young the figures were: University age ~7x average, bumpy but even Secondary School age ~10x average and rising Primary School age ~6x average and rising.

This shows why secondary school dates have

consultation (application number 203535) which is the redevelopment of the roundabout that intersects Finchampstead Road with Molly Millars Lane, known as the Western Gateway to the South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR).

The junction is already at capacity for cars, and has poor infrastructure for those wishing to walk or cycle.

The SWDR is being built to access the 2,500 houses being built along it.

The junction redevelopment is an opportunity to not just upgrade it, but to look holistically at the road network in the area and how a variety of road users can move about the area.

Sadly, now that we’ve seen the submitted plans, it is evident that a holistic approach has not been taken, we struggle to see how the plans will actually alleviate the pressures from vehicles on the junction from the 2,500 additional homes, and worse still, walking and cycling infrastructure is not improved.

In fact, we were horrified at the removal of the safe pedestrian crossing on the Finchampstead Road which is heavily utilised, particularly as it went against the advise of independent safety experts who state that there is a safety risk to members of the public.

We are firmly supportive of the need to do something, but what has been presented is woefully inadequate. Should you wish to comment on the planning application, you have until February 1 to do so.

Cllr Sarah Kerr and Cllr Maria Gee Liberal Democrat Councillors for Evendons and Wesco‫ מּ‬Wards

been put back, while the trends from July to December show that primary school infection rates are only a few weeks behind their elder brothers’ and sisters’ rates.

Vaccinations give choices While the current vaccination priorities are laudable, they don’t make sense. Mortality statistics from 2020 show that NHS staff are saving even more lives than they did in the first wave. Hard though each death is, the NHS isn’t being overwhelmed by the dead, it’s being overwhelmed by the living: lots of patients who need lots of care.

So instead of using vaccines for retired older folk like me, they should be for people who have to come into close proximity by keeping key workers healthy and cutting the disease vectors, where the virus spreads rapidly: � Healthcare and food sales � Education and nursery schools � Secondary and Primary school students � Expand to other essentials � Lastly – General population ‘Key workers’ are those in direct contact with patients, foodstuffs, customers and students. Not the back-office, or those working from home.

Cutting the disease vectors will reduce the NHS’ overload and get the UK economy back to working far more quickly than today’s approach.

Much like you fix a flooded bathroom more quickly by shutting the taps off than you do by mopping up or taking the plug out.

The last word Anyone who’s ever had a senior role can tell you that wanting the job and doing it are two different things. It’s easier to observe than to do.

Which is why it’s a pleasure to see Cllr John Halsall, Cllr UllaKarin Clark, Susan Parsonage and Carol Cammiss providing clarity and guidance, so that grandmas and grandpas will one day be able to kiss their offspring goodbye again, rather than the other way round just the once. caveat.lector@icloud.com

jimfrewin From the chamber

Your council needs you

T

HE past year has shown how communities can and must work together.

It has highlighted the good and the bad in our politicians and within political parties.

I strongly believe that we have proven that when we really work together things can get done.

Yet even in these very difficult times we have seen those who behave in a purely selfish way. There have been many examples of “Not Being In It All Together”.

Some who obviously think their misplaced self-importance absolves them from any community responsibility.

I’m sure you will all have at least one notable person in mind.

Indeed, we can also recall those businesses who prioritised greed above community.

However, we have also seen many heroic and selfless behaviours, especially from our NHS workers, emergency services, care workers, our schools, support service workers, community volunteers and the many more who have all stood up to the challenges.

Borough councils were called upon to undertake significant levels of activity, not only delivering the complex services but also helping to fight the pandemic on many fronts.

I believe this has resulted in the link between local councils and the community has been redesigned but more importantly re-energised.

If the past year has strengthened your sense of community why not help build on this relationship between the Wokingham Borough Council and the community.

Consider standing as an Independent candidate in the upcoming May local elections.

Whether it's as a concerned resident, a member of a residents’ action group, or as a Parish/Town Councillor, Independent Candidates will certainly send a message to the established political parties that more is expected of them.

The important message is, that you care about the community you live in.

There are too many candidates and elected politicians who are not truly representative of the communities that they should be serving.

Their loyalty is to their political party, ‘ideology before the community’.

This is not right if we are truly going to all be in this together, we need people who prioritise the community over political rhetoric.

Simply, your local council needs you.

To find out more about becoming a Councillor visit:www.gov.uk/government/getinvolved/take-part/become-a-councillor or www.local.gov.uk/lga-independent/ourwork/be-councillor Alternatively contact any of the Independent Councillors who will be more than happy to help, guide and support you in standing for election.

Cllr Jim Frewin in an independent councillor, representing Shinfield South at Wokingham Borough Council

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nelliewilliams Nellie knows www.nelliewilliams.co.uk

A better new year?

W

ELL this year has surely got to be better than last year.

Possibly the only redeeming features of 2020 for me was starting Wales Week Berkshire, the good weather when it was dry, hot and sunny, the miles I walked and the people I met on my walks.

Apart from that it was a year I never want to repeat.

Here’s hoping that the new lockdown restrictions and the vaccine make a real difference and we can start enjoying the things and people we have missed.

A calm local Christmas Christmas was one that I will remember as being calm and uncomplicated with no hoofing it down the M4 or cross country to see family or Bacchanalian feasts to recover from.

In previous years I’ve ordered my fruit and veg from Fletchers and hung out in the meat aisle Turkey gamble on Christmas Eve. This year I caved in and bought it on the 23rd – even that seemed touch and go in the morning.

The tree and decorations are down, I’ve got a slot booked at the tip so the house is getting back to normal which is just about the only thing that is as we begin the next lockdown.

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Cat’s amazing!

TEN thousand cats have been homed in a charity’s matchmaking milestone.

During the pandemic, Cats Protection launched a door-step delivery solution to overcome lockdown restrictions.

The hands-free homing process matched prospective owners with cats in need using online video technology and safely delivered them to their new homes.

Mike Elliott, Cats Protection’s director of field operations, said: “Everything changed overnight.

Lockdown forced us to rethink how best to support the welfare of cats in need. We had to find new ways of working and fast.

“Hands-free homing has allowed us to find homes for more than 10,000 cats; that’s an achievement worth celebrating.

“This milestone is testament to the teamwork, commitment and dedication of our volunteers, staff and fundraisers who pulled together for the sake of the cats and delivered when we needed them most.

“We couldn’t be more proud of everyone who represents Cats Protection and helped us remain here for the cats.”

The charity has homed 10,859 cats since lockdown began.

Nurture/nature During lockdown I got into my family history.

While neither my parents nor grandparents are Welsh, my fourth great grandfather was born near Tintern, my 14th great grandfather was the first Earl of Pembroke and way way back I am a descendant of King Brychan Brycheiniog.

All of this explains my fascination and passion for Wales and opens up the nature/ nurture debate. There has been much mirth and merriment about red carpets but I’ll settle for a Cwtch and some banter.

We WILL meet again Oh I miss real life banter. I miss wandering into town, catching up with friends, enjoying a mug of hot water (no coffee for 28 months now) and spontaneity. When everything changes for the better we will be able to do those things we unknowingly took for granted, until then I’m going to hunker down and keep safe.

Farewell to a Wokingham legend Over the years I have enjoyed many a banter with John Wood of John Wood Sports and was saddened to learn he has died. John was an absolute treasure and joy to know.

I first met him as a child in the 1970s when I was getting my sports kit and he became a joy to banter with when I became an adult.

A true townsman through and through.

The town is a sadder place without him.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory. � Nellie writes about all things at www.nelliewilliams.co.uk

Teenager’s bid to fall in love with

� For more information, visit: www.cats.org.uk

Lockdown leads to David reigniting the past

YOUNG MASTER: Nikita Jamthe has created these stunning landscapes, but will she w

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

Some things to look forward to Planning has been going on for Wales Week Berkshire (Saturday, February 20 to Sunday, March 7) and while we may not be able to do all we had hoped to we can still celebrate St David’s Day with online events.

It might be we can only do events online but we really hope we can go ahead with events at Pudding Lane Nursery in Arborfield as planned.

There seems to be plenty on the telly to keep us going during this lockdown. I have binged The Serpent, started Traces, can’t wait for The Pembrokeshire Murders and Keeping Faith returns in the spring.

The garden is showing signs of change, the day are getting a tiny bit longer and without being flippant there’s no school uniform panics for a while. Simple pleasures but there’s a few things to look forward to and be grateful for.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

A 16-YEAR-OLD from Winnersh is pushing her art career ahead, after featuring in the new Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year series.

IF YOU’VE ever pondered over the details of Wokingham’s past, now’s your chance to find out more.

This is because the author of berkshirehistory.com has published a new series on the region’s story, and it includes Wokingham borough.

David Nash Ford has spent the last 20 years sharing the history of Berkshire online, and he has now written three books exploring different local communities up and down the county.

“Lockdown in Wokingham gave David the time to share the local knowledge he has gathered over the past 50 years,” said a spokesperson for Nash Ford Publishing.

“And he has expanded his popular histories of Berkshire places to include detailed information on places large and

small across the entire county.”

Now, people are able to learn about the histories of East Berkshire, Mid-Berkshire, and West Berkshire towns and villages through the author’s three latest works.

Each book delves into how communities have developed, and how buildings, landscapes, people and events shaped their history.

And in his book called Mid-Berkshire Town & Village Histories, the second instalment in the series, Mr Nash explores the past of Wokingham borough.

In total, through photographs, drawings and maps, the author covers the history of over 300 local towns, suburbs, villages and hamlets across the three-part series.

Airing on Wednesday, February 10, Nikita Jamthe was one of the wildcard artists to paint in the grounds of West Wycombe Park.

If judges Stephen Mangan and Joan Bakewell rate her work, she could reach the competition’s semifinal.

“I was the youngest there and was worried about being less experienced,” she said.

“But what I’ve learnt is that age doesn’t really matter.”

Having practised her landscape

skills over lockdown, Nikita said she enjoyed the challenge of painting in the country house grounds.

“The judges all came to look at my work and they really liked it,” she added.

The sixth series sees 36 artists, selected from thousands of applicants, challenged to create works of art at some of the UK’s most spectacular vistas.

Contestants have just four hours to complete their landscapes, which range from historic houses, to modern cityscapes.

Phil Edgar-Jones, director of Sky Arts and Entertainment said: “As we face a long, cold January and February hiding from the weather, what better way to while away the time than indulging in Britain’s

Will you be staying healthy when this is all over?

� For more details, visit www.nashfordpublishing.co.uk

ONE IN three people will maintain their new healthy habits after lockdown, according to new research.

National life insurer AIG Life Limited revealed that pandemic restrictions have driven a rise in healthier living which people are keen to maintain when the crisis is over.

Many plan to keep up their healthy lifestyle habits, with 48% aiming to live more healthily in the aftermath.

Those under 35 were most likely to commit to their new lifestyle,

with the most popular change being regular walks.

Others said they’d eaten better, and cut down their alcohol consumption — something they want to continue.

Sue Helmont, marketing director at AIG Life, said the data was a testament to people’s resilience and willingness to adapt.

She added: “This pandemic has shown us that we need to consciously manage our health and wellbeing. If people stick with it, they will see the benefits to their health over time.”

Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

neilcoupe Another view

o make TV judges h her landscapes

Shock of the new

W

Now that’s a picture

wow the judges in the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year contest?

glorious landscapes, beautifully captured by our brilliant cohort of painters.”

The prize for the series winner is a £10,000 commission to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the first land donation to the National Trust, at Dinas Oleu in Wales.

Before joining the series, Nikita spent lockdown creating a colouring book — which has proved popular since its release in December.

Cool Jungle Adventure includes 64 pages of illustration, ready to be filled with colours and patterns.

The Abbey student said: “I came up

with the plan in July, and spent my summer holiday drawing the pages.

“My favourite creature to draw was the crocodile, as I hadn’t done that before.”

The inspiration, she said, came from her family visits to the zoo and National Trust sites across the country.

“I know lots of people in school who received it for Christmas, or gave it as a gift,” she added.

“I would love to do a series of colouring books. I’m planning my next book now.” � For more information, visit: www.nikitajamthe.com

A big thanks to the NHS WHILE last year may be the one people want to forget, it made everybody kinder and more caring than ever before, according to hand sanitiser brand ZOONO. Now, residents from across the South East have highlighted the most touching moments of 2020, with Captain Tom’s fundraising efforts and the national ‘clap for the NHS’ taking the top spots.

Seeing key workers reunite with their loved ones, spotting rainbow paintings in windows, and having socially distanced Victory in Europe Day celebrations also made the top 10 for the region’s residents.

According to ZOONO, almost a third of people in the South East were brought to tears by a random act of kindness last year.

And residents said that the challenges posed by 2020 taught them to value their lives more, take more time to appreciate the little things in life, and be more caring and considerate to others.

James McCleary, general manager of ZOONO, said it was heartwarming to see people come closer together last year.

“We noticed a surge in people

A READING teenager has won first prize in a national contest for his photograph of squabbling pigeons.

Thomas Scott, 17, was picked as the winner from a record 11,000 entries to the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards this year.

He won the 16-to-18 category with a close-up shot in Caversham.

Thomas said: “I am so pleased the judges liked my photo, which shows two feral pigeons battling for dominance by the riverside.

“To make this photograph, I used a low perspective and wireless trigger so as not to disturb the pigeons.”

He said he used a wide-angle lens to give the perception that the viewer is another pigeon watching the action.

The awards were blind-judged online by a panel of experts in wildlife photography, including photographer and TV presenter and RSPCA vice-president Chris Packham.

Thomas has won an exclusive photoshoot at an RSPCA animal centre, a trophy, £500 worth of Amazon vouchers and equipment from Camtraptions.

Judge and awards host Chris Packham said: “The quality of entries this year as the competition celebrates its 30th anniversary has been astounding.

“We felt the lockdown worked in the young photographers’ favour; they entered fantastic pictures.

Welcome New Year!

This year has been dreadful It feels like a curse Brexit, pandemic Could it get much worse?

buying our hand and surface sanitisers for key workers and vulnerable people as gifts,” he said.

“Hundreds of people have gone the extra mile to keep others safe and protected for longer.

“That’s why we were interested to find out whether the pandemic has strengthened our relations with others, even when we’d had to social distance, and made us all more caring and considerate despite the challenges we have all faced.”

NEWS | 17

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It’s been strange and hard We’ve all had enough Miss hugging our loved ones Masks stifle, life’s tough We feel so very glad To wave the old year away Let’s shake out our doormats Welcome in New Year’s Day! For a New Year is dawning And beginnings bring hope Better testing, vaccinations Brexit deal gives some scope.

Yet I feel we need magic To help things turn out well

“I’ve been judging the RSPCA Young Photographer Awards since they started. It’s exciting to have seen it move with the times, with new options regularly being introduced.

“We didn’t want our young photographers to feel limited by lockdown, so we devised this to inspire them to record what was close to home. We needn’t have worried though, as lockdown saw our entrants’ creativity and imagination soar.”

The winning images across nine categories, including three different age groups and an Instagram category, were announced just before Christmas “I’m really pleased to see everyday, overlooked animals given some leverage here,” Mr Packham added. “It’s a new take on something very familiar that normally gets a bad press.

“From a wonderfully commanding image of a woodlouse that looks like an alien to the dynamic composition of two pigeons, one with a scabby foot, it’s nice to see so many creative photos of a range of wildlife and people’s pets in such a strong competition.

“It needs real imagination to make commonplace species interesting, and demonstrates that the photographer has been really innovative.” � To see the winning images, visit: young.rspca.org.uk/ypa/home

Perhaps a sliver of stardust For a kind, loving spell?

Well, I have a little recipe A very simple notion It comes from the heart Needs no mixing nor potion Just sprinkle some kindness Into our daily lives Smile and nod to strangers Be patient, limit strife.

Keep taking basic measures To keep us safe and well Practice care and compassion And if you’re lonely, please tell …

Loss and hardships aren’t over But there will be an end Let’s plan for the future New Year’s greetings I send!

Tina Cathleen MacNaughton

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

HAT a strange festive period we have just experienced.

Under normal circumstances, after a busy and sociable Christmas, it feels as though there is somehow a clean break with the past, and a new start.

Not so this year, after a lethargic break, punctuated by the occasional Zoom call, a brisk muddy walk or the illicit joy of a socially distanced coffee outside the home.

We were very grateful for the public spaces we now enjoy both at Elms Field in the town centre and in the surrounding area.

January is usually the time of looking forward to whatever might be important to us, be it a new year’s resolution, a dry January or even a time to start thinking about holidays.

This year, alas, it all feels different.

So far, 2021 seems like a continuation of 2020 as we are still in the tunnel of Covid misery and the news continues to get worse.

The vaccine offers hope, and a potential roadmap to a brighter future, yet somehow it feels premature to start putting anything in the diary and daring to look forward to anything pleasurable.

To plan or not to plan, that is the question.

This week’s news, delivered with alarming solemnity by the Prime Minister, on Monday evening that we are now entering the most difficult phase of the pandemic was not unexpected, yet the fact that we could be on course to experience up to 12 months of lockdown still shocks.

It was striking that the statement was couched in caveats, that we will see some improvement, but only if lots of positive things happen around the spread of the virus, the roll-out of the vaccine, and of course, if people stick to the rules.

This was not the ever-optimistic Prime Minister of 2020.

Bombs At least with a return to the constraints of last March the rules are unambiguous.

People are being asked to stay at home or if they need to go out, to wear a face mask.

It is not easy, it is not fun, there are issues around loneliness and mental health, but there are reasons for it.

I’m sure that in the 1940s some Londoners did not enjoy spending their evenings in an air raid shelter, especially if they believed that the bombs would probably not hit their house.

Certainly, they would rather be at home listening to the wireless, playing backgammon by a roaring open fire, but they conformed for the greater good. It is disappointing that some of us in 2021 seem unable to moderate their actions very slightly and help everyone else.

So, what is there to look forward to this year? I know some people have used their spare time to learn a language, others have become ingenious cooks.

Walking, while appreciating the natural environment has become de rigueur as a social activity, especially when accompanied by a recently acquired puppy. They may be simple pleasures, but at least they are pleasures and can continue.

Amid this doom and gloom, there are some positives, in that it is now relatively straightforward to be tested and to obtain the results with 36 hours. The vaccine is the genuine game-changer that gives us a potential signpost towards normality. At the beginning of the pandemic, it was unclear whether there would ever be a vaccine, so that is progress.

In the meantime, all we can do is play by the rules, look after each other, keep in touch with our families and friends and support those who may be vulnerable.

Welcome to 2021.

18 | BUSINESS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

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Bus company drops travel fare for Heathrow staff HELP is on hand for Heathrow Airport workers, thanks to Reading Buses.

The bus operator is offering discounted tickets for workers after the airport suspended its employee travel scheme.

Reading Buses has launched a discounted four-week Green Line ticket for Heathrow staff members, which began on Saturday, January 1.

It includes unlimited travel on routes 10/10A, 459 and 703 to Heathrow Terminal 5, and costs £31 — half the price of a normal ticket.

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses said: “We are happy to offer Heathrow employees this new deal to encourage them to continue using public transport to get to and from their work.

“It’s really important that public transport remains a viable option.”

Mr Williams says that staff will need to show their ID to the driver when boarding the bus to claim the discount.

“We hope that this helps to increase customer numbers on Green Line 703,” he continued, “especially once the current situation with coronavirus has eased.

“In the meantime, it offers a slight relief for workers who may otherwise have found themselves out of pocket with their new travel arrangements.”

Matthew Wooll, route development lead at Heathrow Airport added: “Heathrow colleagues have demonstrated over the last 20 years that they will switch to public transport if it is convenient and good value.

“We are very pleased to hear about the 50% discount.”

The discount will only be available on the Green Line 702 app.

Confederation calls for six month furlough

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today EXTRA support for businesses is “sorely needed” in light of the third lockdown.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) says that new lockdown grants will come as a relief to companies up and down the country.

And this has been echoed by the Local Government Association.

On Tuesday, January 5, the UK

government announced a new grants scheme to protect jobs as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

This includes an extra £4.6 billion to support retail, hospitality and leisure businesses which have been impacted by the pandemic.

This includes one-off grants worth up to £9,000, and nearly £600 million to support other impacted enterprises.

Rain Newton-Smith, chief economist at CBI said: “With businesses facing a third lockdown,

take part in a real job interview at the end of the course.

“SWAPs are a brilliant way for jobseekers in the South East to quickly find a route into a new sector,” said Therese Coffey, secretary of state for work and pensions.

“And with everyone guaranteed an interview, this is a programme that offers real hope and gets results.

“Opening up opportunity to all is a key focus as we level up across the country and build back better.”

Sales coach talks attitude BUSINESS owners will soon learn how to turn potential into profit, thanks to Woodley Business Club.

Dave Davies, owner of Sandler Training Thames Valley, will be using his 35 years of experience in sales and business development to teach local enterprises about selling success.

Mr Davies is an award-winning sales coach and has spent his career helping small businesses sell on a multi-national level.

The meeting is taking place virtually on Tuesday, January 12 at 8am. Booking is essential and new members are welcome. � To book. visit: www.woodleybusinessclub.org.uk

and the funding to distribute as soon as possible.”

But the CBI is calling for more support.

Ms Newton-Smith is pushing for the government to extend the furlough scheme until the end of June to offer more breathing rooms for struggling businesses.

She added: “With the vaccine rollout now underway, and increasing mass rapid testing, there really is a brighter future within reach.

“Maintaining steadfast support for firms during this painful period will help ensure the recovery is delayed for as short a time as possible.”

For the latest news visit

Design company launches colours of the year art prints HERE’S something that a Wokingham-based company hopes will make people happy when skies are grey.

Claude & Leighton has launched a series of specially curated wall art prints to tie-in with the newly announced Pantone Colours of the Year for 2021: Pantone Ultimate Gray and Pantone Illuminating.

The prints are designed by artist and co-founder of Claude & Leighton, Jayne Leighton Herd and include stylish ampersand typography posters, line drawings, abstract faces, and botanical prints.

Fellow co-founder Laurent Stadelmann states: “We were particularly excited to see yellow announced as a key colour for the year ahead.

“It gave us a creative boost to think about how we can use the colour to add bright, happy splashes to people’s homes, to lift spirits and bring a sense of anticipation for hopefully happier times in spring and summer next year.”

5,000 sign up to national upskilling programme IT’S GOOD news for jobseekers, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.

More than 5,000 people in the South East have now taken part in the government’s Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP).

The scheme helps those looking for a job by supporting them in upskilling, retraining and undertaking work experience.

The six-week programme allows jobseekers to learn new skills and

there are other steps that can help provide a bridge to the all-important economic recovery.

“For some, demand evaporated overnight.”

Cllr Richard Watts, of the LGA, says he is pleased to hear about the new scheme but further details need to be released as soon as possible.

“Councils continue to work tirelessly to support communities and businesses through this crisis,” he said.

“Emergency grants have been a vital lifeline to businesses struggling and worried about the future.”

According to Cllr Watts, local councils distributed more than £11 billion to 880,000 small businesses across the country in grant schemes last year.

“Councils stand ready to work again to get this new government funding out to businesses, but need details on how the scheme will work

� For more details, log on to www.claudeand leighton.com

Growth Hub offers free start-up course to budding entrepreneurs

Clifton Ingram welcomes new associate to family department

THOSE WHO long to be their own boss have a chance to turn that dream into a reality.

Berkshire Growth Hub is on the hunt for budding entrepreneurs to take part in its free business start-up course.

It’s fully-funded Pre-Accelerator Programme, which teaches aspiring entrepreneurs tips and tricks to launch their own business, is now taking applications The three-day, online course is fully-funded and offers a series of interactive workshops on everything from registering a business to marketing products.

Peter Fleming, manager of Berkshire Growth Hub, said: “Our Pre-Accelerator course is ideal for

A WOKINGHAM and Reading law firm just got a bit bigger.

Danielle Bentley has joined Clifton Ingram’s Family Department as a senior associate in the company’s Reading office, and hopes to help both married and unmarried couples with financial issues.

Kate Grant, head of Reading Family at Clifton Ingram, said the team is looking forward to working with Ms Bentley.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has seen an increased demand for our services in the Family department, and Danielle’s arrival will ensure that we continue to be able to meet clients’ expectations in a timely manner,” she said.

anyone looking to start a business for the first time.

“It is designed to empower individuals with the knowledge and confidence they need to get their new venture off to the best possible start.

“Last year, we received an unprecedented number of enquiries from individuals wanting to be their own boss, and we expect this January programme to be very popular.”

The programme begins on Wednesday, January 27 and runs every Wednesday for three weeks.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday, January 10. � For more information, visit: www.berkshirebusinesshub.co.uk

Danielle Bentley has joined Clifton Ingram as a senior associate

“On a positive note, the pandemic has taught us all to work better remotely and flexibly, and therefore it is undoubtedly the case that Danielle will also be able to assist the Wokingham team as necessary.

“We are confident that Danielle is a perfect fit for this role, and we look forward to her being with us for many years to come.”

Thursday, January 7, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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| 19

20 | NEWS

Teens assaulted in New Year’s Eve attempted robbery TWO TEENAGE boys were assaulted on New Year’s Eve in an attempted robbery.

At around 8.30pm, the victims were sat on a park bench off Latimer Road, when they were approached by a man.

Police said the man demanded the boys hand over their phones, and when they refused he punched one of the victims on the back of his head.

The man then chased after the second teenager and punched him several times causing a cut below his eye.

The man was described as roughly 19, 5ft 11in and white.

He had a slit in his right eyebrow and short black hair. He was wearing all black at the time.

Investigating officer PC Akram Wasim, based at Loddon Valley police station is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or saw a man matching the description provided to get in touch.

He said: “You can make a report online or by calling 101 and quoting reference 43210000457.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain 100% anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Wokingham company donates to The Link A LOCAL tech firm has been helping the vulnerable on both sides of the Atlantic.

PRISYM ID, a Wokingham-based pharmaceutical labelling company, donated to two local charities supporting people during the festive period.

Instead of spending money on corporate cards, it made two donations this Christmas — one to The Link Visiting Scheme, based on Wescott Road, and another to Westborough Food Pantry, a US food bank based in Massachusetts.

Richard Adams, chief executive of PRISYM ID, says he hopes the cash will help the charities reach more vulnerable people this winter.

“We felt this was a more meaningful and appropriate way of using this money at the end of an extremely difficult year,” he said.

“The Link Visiting Scheme provides a wonderful service for our community and we wanted to make our own contribution to support its brilliant work, which is particularly important over the festive period.”

Changes to Help to Buy CHANGES to the government’s Help to Buy scheme give new hope to first-time buyers, says a Winnersh-based housebuilder.

According to Persimmon Homes, those stepping on the housing ladder for the first time will be met with fresh opportunities as the government plans to alter the programme.

Introduced in 2013, Help to Buy enabled people to put down a 5% deposit on a newlybuilt home.

Up to 20% of the full cost of the home was funded by an equity loan, which is interest-free for the first five years. Originally aimed at both first-time buyers and existing homeowners, the loan scheme will only be offered to those new on the housing market from April next year.

Ben Felton, deputy managing director at Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, says the changes will bring home ownership within reach of thousands who might have struggled otherwise.

“Across the UK, Help to Buy has already helped more than 270,000 into home ownership, of which four-in-five areas are first-time buyers,” he said.

“The revised scheme aims to build further on this success.” � To find out more about the updated Help to Buy programme, visit: www.persimmonhomes.com

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

Sport in Mind becomes charity partner for RED January scheme

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A MENTAL health charity has teamed up with Red January this year to promote the perks of staying active.

Reading-based Sport in Mind, which supports people with mental health conditions to use sports to improve their wellbeing, is the charity partner of Red January.

Throughout the month, residents are encouraged to join people across the country to get moving and form healthy habits.

Last January, the campaign saw more than 50% of RED participants experience less stress and reduced signs of depressive symptoms.

“With the recent impact of the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, we

have been unable to offer all the sessions we usually would, however RED January gives us the opportunity to encourage everyone to stay active during this time,” Neil Harris, CEO of Sport in Mind said.

“We are excited to be the official charity partner this year and hope we can help motivate everyone to move daily and improve their physical and mental wellbeing throughout January and beyond.”

Hannah Beecham, CEO and founder of RED January and RED Together, was inspired to start the campaign after witnessing the effect that regular exercise had on her Mum’s mental health.

“By providing a free event for all fitness abilities, we believed we could encourage people like my

Mum to support their mental health by building movement into their daily lives,” she said.

“January seemed like the perfect month for such an initiative, providing an opportunity to kickstart the year in a positive way.

“It’s a time when many are setting new goals, are low on funds and motivation, with less social occasions to keep us connected.

“I am delighted to have found a charity, Sport in Mind, which fits perfectly with RED January as getting active can help with your physical and mental health.”

Sport in Mind’s innovative programmes are delivered in partnership with the NHS and are co-designed by people with personal experience of mental

health problems and healthcare professionals.

Since its launch, they have supported over 12,000 people experiencing mental health problems.

The charity delivers sessions for inpatients and those at home.

“In June 2019, Sport in Mind’s work received the highest honour a charity can receive by winning the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service,” said charity ambassador Paul Owen earlier this year.

“The charity has grown steadily, working in close partnership with Berkshire NHS, to deliver weekly sport and physical activity groups in the community and in inpatient care at Prospect Park Hospital.” � To sign up, visit: redtogether.co.uk

Daisy’s Dream gets helping hand A TWYFORD bereavement charity has been gifted £500 to help support families facing the death of a loved one.

As part of its Community Fund scheme, David Wilson Homes Southern is supporting Daisy’s Dream.

Gill Stevens, director of the charity said she was delighted the housebuilder chose Daisy’s Dream.

“This kind donation will make an immediate and positive impact on the lives of the children and families we support across the Berkshire area.

“David Wilson Homes’ Community Fund is a wonderful way of providing ongoing support to charities operating in our local communities “We appreciate that businesses and their employees are currently facing many challenges of their own, so to take the time and trouble to choose us for a charity donation is especially poignant at this moment in time.”

Since 1996, Daisy’s Dream has supported those facing

Staff and volunteers support families facing the death of a loved one Picture: Daisy’s Dream

bereavement by flexible services delivered by their team of therapeutic practitioners, which includes telephone support for parents and carers, one-to-one sessions in the home or at school, whilst also providing training.

The charity does not charge for its service and relies primarily on

support from local businesses and communities to fund its projects Paul Crispin, managing director at David Wilson Homes Southern, said he is proud to support the charity’s admirable work.

“Our Community Fund scheme~ is designed to support the excellent work of local charities and, as a

leading housebuilder, it’s a privilege to be able to do our bit in the communities in which we build.”

The £500 donation will allow a child or young person and their family who are facing bereavement to be supported for up to a year. � For more information visit: www.daisysdream.org.uk

Museum of Computing offers virtual learning sessions to students STUDENTS across the borough can learn from The National Museum of Computing thanks to a new scheme.

The charity is offering 400 students from deprived areas in the UK two live, hands-on interactive sessions – provided online through a virtual classroom.

There are two themes to choose from. Second World War codebreaking or modern electric computing – or students can

choose to do both.

Places are available in Wokingham, Bracknell and Reading thanks to sponsorship from RAF Youth and STEM team and Flint International.

Squadron leader Emma Clamp from The RAF Youth & STEM team, said the pandemic has affected face to face STEM activities.

“We are delighted to offer this exciting new remote learning programme developed by TNMOC.

400 children can join the scheme Picture: r. nial bradshaw via Flickr

This will allow us to continue our aim to provide free STEM educational opportunities to the most disadvantaged students.”

Keith Barker, founder of Flint, said they are trying to give back to the industry and spark excitement in young people.

He added: “I was lucky enough to serve a technology apprenticeship, and we have a

small apprenticeship programme running in Flint. In our small way, we want to help grow the competence in our technology sector for the betterment of all.”

Teachers who think their students would benefit from the free remote learning packages can email the museum at: education@tnmoc.org. � www.tnmoc.org

New workshops to help autistic families

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today HELP is at hand for autistic people and their families.

This is because Autism Berkshire is launching a series of free online workshops to advise autistic adults, and parents and carers of autistic children, on their entitlement to benefits.

The charity is running Understanding Your Benefits Rights workshops from next week to help people understand which benefits awards they may be eligible for, and how to apply for them.

Jane Stanford-Beal, chief executive officer of Autism Berkshire, said: “Our Benefits Service has an outstanding track record of helping autistic people in the county and their

Jane Stanford-Beale

families to secure vital financial support.”

Last year, the charity helped clients receive benefits and back payments totalling more than £235,000.

“Our workshops help autistic people in Berkshire and their families to navigate the benefits system and find out about all the support that our expert advisers can provide,” Ms

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Stanford-Beal added.

The Understanding Your Benefits Rights workshops will take place as follows: January 11: For autistic young people and adults aged 16+ and their parents and carers, about applying for Personal Independence Payment.

February 8: For autistic young people and adults aged 16+, and their parents and carers, about applying for Universal Credit and Employment & Support Allowance.

March 8: For parents and carers of autistic children aged up to 15, about applying for Disability Living Allowance (DLA). � For more information and to register for a space, visit: www.autismberkshire.org.uk/ benefits-service

Festive feast for charities

New chair for Lib Dems WOKINGHAM’S Liberal Democrats have elected a new chair.

At its recent AGM, it was agreed that David Cornish would take on the role.

His predecessor, Stephen Newton, is stepping down after five years – three as borough chair and two as constituencybased chair – and has been appointed as the group’s honorary president.

During the meeting, the party’s parliamentary spokesperson, Dr Phillip Lee, made a presentation, as did the group leaders from the town and borough councils.

Mr Newtown said: “Our guest speaker was Baroness Dorothy Thornhill MBE who shared from her wealth of experience from when she became elected Mayor of Watford and from leading a winning campaign and retaining power once you attain it.

“My successor is David

Cornish, who was elected unopposed and will now chair the Wokingham Liberal Democrat’s party to even greater success.

“The party honoured my five years of service by appointing me Honorary President of the Wokingham Liberal Democrats for the coming year. I will of course be remaining active.”

He added that he was looking forward to May’s local elections: “I hope we might see an even more momentous occasion than we witnessed in 2019.”

LOCAL AUTHORITIES (MEMBERS ALLOWANCES) (ENGLAND) REGULATIONS 2003 MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES INDEPENDENT REMUNERATION PANEL PUBLICATION OF THE PANEL’S RECOMMENDATIONS 2020-21 Wokingham Borough Council has received recommendations from an Independent Remuneration Panel in respect of its scheme for the payment of allowances to Members.

The Panel recommends to the Council that: (1)

No changes are made to the basic allowance for the financial years consisting of 2020/21 and 2021/22;

(2)

The £500 component of the Basic Allowance for the provision of IT should only be claimed by those Members who provide facilities which allow constituents and Officers to communicate with them by e-mail, in addition to having adequate equipment and connections to allow for effective participation in virtual meetings, and the self-certification process related to this component of the basic allowance be continued;

(3)

No changes are made to any of the existing rates for Special Responsibility Allowances;

(4)

No changes are made to the Travel and Subsistence Allowances;

(5)

No changes are made to the Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral Allowances;

(6)

The Dependent and Carers allowance be restructured to the following, from April 2021: i) A maximum claimable rate of £10 per hour be instated, to rise with the national living wage rate as and when this overtakes the stated figure. This rate is claimable by Members with direct caring responsibilities, and should primarily be used for non-specialist childcare (e.g. babysitting); ii) A maximum claimable rate of £20 per hour be instated, to rise by the same monetary increase as granted to part i of the Dependent and Carers allowance. This rate is claimable by Members with direct caring responsibilities, and should be used for specialist care (e.g. medically trained staff care including mental health, care for a number of young children for which a babysitter would not be appropriate, care which includes lifting or moving an adolescent or adult). An invoice, of any description, is required to claim for this rate.

Both of the above are claimable up to a combined maximum of 35 hours total per month, and the carer must not be a member of the Councillor’s family that lives at the same address.

In exceptional circumstances, claims above the 35 hour monthly limit can be agreed with the Lead Specialist for Democratic and Electoral Services, subject to provision of suitable evidence.

(7)

During the next municipal year, when a review of Members’ Allowances is not required, the IRP are given permission to publish a press release in local news and via WBC media sources, with administrative support from Democratic Services Officers. The content of this piece will focus on the views of Panel members, both before and after appointment to the Panel, on Members’ Allowances and the work of a Councillor.

For more information and copies of the Panel’s report please visit the Council’s website at www.wokingham.gov.uk. The full report will be published alongside the Council agenda on 13 January 2021.

SIX charities across Berkshire enjoyed a festive feast, thanks to a supermarket chain.

Aldi, which has branches in Earley and Wokingham town, donated an estimated 1,600 meals on Christmas Eve. It paired its stores with local charities, community groups and food banks to make the most of unsold fresh and chilled food after stores closed for the Christmas break.

Around 210 tonnes of food were donated throughout the UK, with more than 500,000 meals donated and over 750 UK causes benefitting from the initiative in total.

Aldi said this is its largest to date and helped more than six charitable causes in Berkshire at a time when more people are experiencing financial hardship and food insecurity due to Covid-19.

This year, for the first time, the initiative also extended to New Year’s Eve, when Aldi expects to donate a further 200,000 meals to

charitable causes across the country.

Aldi worked with Neighbourly to prioritise donations to charities and community groups focused on feeding children over the school holidays.

Luke Peech, managing director of corporate responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “We’re proud to support good causes in Berkshire this festive period, helping them to provide fresh and filling meals over the Christmas period.

“The feedback has been overwhelming and we’re really pleased to have extended the initiative, so we can do what we can for those in need within the community in what was an incredibly tough year for so many.”

Steve Butterworth, from Neighbourly, added: “Sadly, this festive season has been the busiest on record for the nation’s charities and food banks.

“I’m sure Aldi’s donation has been a lifeline for many.”

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The soldier who worked for peace ROBERT Baden-Powell died 80 years ago this month but his legacy and principles live on

Robert Baden-Powell who founded the world’s largest youth movement, died in January 1941. He was born on 22nd February 1857 to Henrietta and Reverend Baden-Powell. He went to Charterhouse school at the age of 13 where he became well known for his acting skills and artistic talent. He continued to paint until a few days before his death. He was also goalkeeper for the school’s first XI. At 19 he joined the army with 12th Hussars in India, where he took part in sport, playing polo for the regimental team and amateur dramatics.

When the 12th Hussars returned to England he became an ADC in South Africa and Malta. When he re-joined the 12th Hussars in England he was the youngest Colonel in the British Army. When he had to leave his beloved Hussars again to return to India, a Sergeant of the regiment was asked if he was liked by the men he replied, ‘No I wouldn’t say they liked him, they worshiped him’.

On arrival in India he reduced the drill and ceremonial and to improve the men’s health, built a bakery, a dairy, a temperance club and supper rooms where the alcohol was served. Whilst there, a trip to Kashmir convinced him that the outdoor life ’without any military objective,’ was immensely valuable.

His next move in 1899 was to South Africa where the situation had deteriorated so that firm demands had to be made of the Boers and enforced by the British Army. It was here that he made his name at the siege of Mafeking where he outwitted a Boer army, much superior in numbers and weapons, He became a hero back in England and the country’s most popular soldier.

After the hostilities ceased he formed the South African police force and issued them with moral guidelines.

It was on his return to England and appointment as Inspector General that he started work on what was to become one of the world’s bestselling books, ‘Scouting for Boys’. When his appointment

ended, he took the opportunity to further his ideas to develop amongst boys of all creeds and classes, the power of sympathy with others, the spirit of selfsacrifice and patriotism and to prepare them to be good citizens. He believed this could be done with outdoor pursuits.

To test his ides he organised an experimental camp on Brownsea Island with 22 boys aged between 13 and 16. 13 from public schools and 9 from working class families.

After lecturing extensively on his Boy Scout scheme he retired from the army in 1910 to devote himself entirely to the Scout movement. The Scouts spread rapidly throughout the world and he inaugurated the Wolf Cubs 8-11, basing their training of Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book. He wanted girls to become Scouts but others felt this would coarsen young girls, so he created different programmes and a separate organisation. the Girl Guides and his wife became the Chief Guide.

He instituted international jamborees and as he ended the first, he asked them that through the worldwide spirit of

Scouts working in Uganda

the Scout Brotherhood to help bring peace and happiness in the world. From that time, the promotion of peace became his first priority.

He was determined that Scouts and Guides should be open to all faiths arguing that no religion held the monopoly of the truth.

By 1929 there were 4 million Scout worldwide and 300.000 attended the Jamboree celebrating 21 years of Scouting from 71 different countries.

Although Scouting has changed to keep up to date, Robert Baden-Powell’s

Inner Wheel Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh

Christmas around the world FRIENDS from across the world were brought together by the annual carol service run by St Thomas More Catholic Church, Twyford and our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Wargrave.

Holding the service online by Zoom meant joyful, and emotional, reunions between former parishioners now living in the United States, Canada and Italy and the current congregation.

Among them was Francesca Kimbell, formerly Kelly, from Twyford who now lives in North Carolina with her husband Jeff and their two children.

MC for the evening was Peter Needham with Quentin Knowlson organising Zoom.

Children and other young people did readings from the Christmas story, sang, signed and danced. The congregation sang carols. As traditional and muchloved, the service ended with everyone singing The 12 Days of Christmas.

“As Zoomers will know, different broadband speeds mean communal singing on Zoom sounds fairly chaotic unless songsters all mute themselves.

We decided for this song we’d chance everyone leaving their microphones on,” said Peter Needham.

“It was a bit chaotic, but actually wonderful to sing together. We’ve been holding masses in church, as allowed, with people booking their places, but the Covid restrictions have meant we can’t sing together as a congregation.

“People have joined the masses online as well.

Carols at home: Amy Buxton with her children Erin (5) and Rosie (3) taking part in an online service with St Thomas More Catholic Church in Twyford

“The carol service was great, it was so good to all be ‘together’ for our traditional annual event.”

The church held a children’s Christmas Eve mass and Christmas Vigil mass at St Thomas More and Christmas Day masses at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Wargrave and at St Thomas More.

In the summer, when rules relaxed, the church’s open air masses in the

principles are still very much part of the movement, as illustrated by Berkshire Scouts.

Last year was the third time that Mick Stocks of Woodley arranged for young Scouts from the County to travel to Uganda, at their own expense to work on community projects.

105 Explorer Scout and 29 Leaders carried out renovation and construction work to three primary schools and the District Scout Camp. They also helped make bricks to build teachers’ houses, The Scouts made many new friends, learnt some skills for life and

St Thomas More car park had an average of over 100 people attending.

Mass times and other details are at the church website www.catholicchurchtwyford.org.

To receive the weekly email bulletin contact Jane Kelly at stmtwyford@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.

Details for Zooming masses and booking a place at services are in the bulletin.

SUE CORCORAN

WE are always busy and having fun and fundraising whichever Tier – or lockdown – we are in.

Before Christmas we were helping the Rotary Club of Reading Maiden Erlegh to plant bulbs, clear pathways and sweep up fallen leaves in the grounds of Camp Mohawk.

A very satisfying day was had by all.

There was great disappointment when the Woodley Christmas Charity Day was cancelled but we decided to have an online sale of the goods and hold raffles instead and raised a worthy amount for our president’s charity this year JAC, Just Around the Corner in Wokingham.

Our Christmas meeting was replaced by an afternoon of watercolour art led by Lynn from Quirkybirdswatercolours.

We were amazed by the results of the simple but effective paintings we produced and had a good laugh at our attempts at a robin.

Every year we assist the Rotary Club with Santa and Elf at Hare Hatch Sheeplands during December.

This year was different and they created a Covid-19 safe Santa experience where we all felt very safe.

With timed sessions and Breakfast with Santa everyone was thoroughly enjoying their visits to

experienced Ugandan culture.

Baden Powell and his wife retired to Africa, to Nyeri in Kenya, where his grave is still visited by Scouts from all over the world. Logic dictates that he died of old age and illness but for the man whose dream was by that bringing young people together, from all over the world at his Jamborees, they would make friends, and friends wouldn’t want to fight one another, is it too fanciful that with the world once again at war, he died of a broken heart.

Dick Sawdon Smith

Santa 2020 until the sudden news that we were going into Tier 4.

Everything came to a halt and Santa had to make a hasty retreat.

Rotary organised a Zoom ‘Christmas Chart Hits since 1952’ evening with interesting facts from those times.

We all enjoyed taking part.

We held a New Year’s Eve Zoom together and then at the beginning of this month, we will be celebrating our International Inner Wheel Day with a Zoom coffee morning.

With breakout rooms we can actually chat to each other but obviously still not allowed to hug.

If you are interested to find out more about our organisation and our club we are always pleased to welcome new ladies to see if they like what we do and hopefully become members.

Please visit our website www.innerwheelrme.org and contact us via our email: iwcrme@gmail.com.

We would love new members in 2021.

Toni Trathen, Club Correspondent

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Easthampstead Rotary Club

Rotary Club of Bracknell

I

T is with great sadness that we announce the demise of one of the oldest and most successful service clubs in our area.

The Rotary Club of Bracknell, which has served the community locally, nationally and internationally for nearly six decades, closed on December 31.

The club has struggled but soldiered on in recent years with membership dwindling through old age and healthrelated issues coupled with the lack of recruitment of new, younger members.

The club was formed in 1962, established by the Rotary Club of Ascot which, at that time, was the only Rotary Club in the area. The new club was presented with a large brass bell with the date clearly marked.

In its turn, Bracknell

formed a new club, the Rotary Club of Easthampstead in 1980, which has become the largest Rotary Club in the locality.

The Rotary Club of Bracknell has raised large amounts of money for charity through its many fund-raising initiatives over the years. People will remember the Bracknell Show, Water Aid, Shelter Boxes and many other worthwhile events.

In recent years, the club organised an extremely popular Service of Nine Lessons and Carols in December in the beautiful Chapel at Wellington College in aid of the Borough Mayor’s Fund and every January for 10 years organised a Gala Burns’ Night Dinner at Sindlesham Court raising money for Help for Heroes and the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Probably the most wellknown of all its activities is the Three Counties Cycle Ride which was started 37 years ago in 1983 by Bracknell Rotaract Club (a sort of junior Rotary Club).

When Rotaract folded the Rotary Club took responsibility for it and it grew from strength to strength raising well in excess of £600,000 for local charities over the years.

The cycle ride is held on the first Sunday in June and has three routes: 15, 33 and 54 miles.

Anything from 500 to 800 cyclists take part all raising money for good causes.

We are incredibly pleased to announce that our daughter club, the Rotary Club of Easthampstead has agreed to take over responsibility for the Three Counties Cycle Ride taking under its wing the existing

Steering Group. This assures the survival of the event.

It is hoped that another Rotary Club may take over the running of the Service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The future of the Burns’ Night Dinner is uncertain.

As the club winds down towards the end of the month, all the financial assets have been donated to a range of worthwhile charities.

On behalf of President Nigel Boshier and the members and Honorary members of the Rotary Club of Bracknell, we would like to thank the people of Bracknell and District for their tremendous support over the lifetime of the club and we hope that the Rotary motto of ‘Service before Self’ will continue to flourish in Bracknell.

Thank you.

Dave Donaldson

JUST four days before Christmas, the children and families at Building for the Future (BFTF) in Wokingham were treated to a visit from Father Christmas.

“It was lovely to welcome Santa to our specially decorated grotto,” says Julie Lyons BFTF General Manager.

"The children’s faces lit up when they saw Santa, and one excited child sang ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ to him.

“And we were so pleased we could give the parents a gift too.

They haven't had it easy this year either.”

Nine families visited the grotto – socially-distanced – each spending up to fifteen minutes chatting to Santa.

One mum emailed Julie afterwards: “I just wanted to say a very big thank you for enabling us to meet Father Christmas today.

“The children loved seeing him, he was brilliant.

“Thank you too for all the gifts and goody bags. They were so excited to see what was in their goody bags that we've been able to save the presents until Christmas Day. Thank you again and Merry Christmas.”

And Santa said: “A good time was had by all, especially me, ho ho ho!

“It was a great event that was well-organised and it ran really smoothly in such difficult times.”

In these hectic days for Santa, he

Home-Start Wokingham AS one of the Mayor of Wokingham Borough’s Charities of the Year, Home-Start Wokingham District were thrilled to welcome him just before Christmas as volunteers packed 50 festive hampers for the vulnerable and disadvantaged young families they support all over the borough.

The hampers contained all sorts of festive goodies much of which had been generously donated by local supermarkets.

was helped by the white-bearded and bespectacled President of Easthampstead Rotary Club, Les Howard, and a couple of elves who introduced the children to Santa and gave out the goody bags to the children and to the parents.

Building for the Future is a parent-led charity in Wokingham which provides activities, support and therapy for children with disabilities and/or additional needs and their families.

Based at Our House which is a fully accessible play centre, where families can meet, and all children are celebrated.

It is a safe haven where disabled children can relax, have fun and be truly valued and accepted for who they are.

To help, or find out more, visit bftf.org.uk/help-us Julie emailed the Rotary Club thanking Les and explaining: “During lockdown, BFTF has run a couple of Stay and play sessions but we have been hit hard by not opening the doors to our families.”

Easthampstead Rotarians aim to make a difference in the Community New members always welcome.

Post-covid, we meet most Monday evenings at The Coppid Beech.

For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526.

Check out our website: www.easthampsteadrotary.org Or follow us at www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub

The children’s games and toys were bought by local residents as part of the Giving Tree campaign and some were also donated by Reading Family Aid. Home-Start is incredibly grateful to everyone who has made it possible to bring some joy into the homes of their families this Christmas.

Scheme manager Emma Roberts said: “The families we support face bigger challenges than ever this Christmas.

“Many single parents are feeling extremely isolated due to Covid-19

PETER VON BERGEN

and it’s vital that they know we care and are here for them.

“It is a joy to see the smiles on their faces when we deliver the hampers.”

Upon receiving their hamper one mum said: “Bella has just taken great pleasure in unpacking the wonderful basket of goodies.

“Thank you all soooooo much – there’s so much amazing stuff in there! We are blown away by this.

“Thank you and the team for everything you have done for us.

“It’s been so kind and an amazing help to us.”

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021

wokinghamlovesmusic Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

H

APPY NEW YEAR!

Here’s your chance to blast away any remaining hogmanay hangovers with 10 of the very best tracks on our Wokingham Loves Music playlight.

Curated by Chris Hillman from White Star Records, The Wokingham Love Music soundtrack, features songs from bands and artists with some connection to Wokingham’s music scene, including Steven Wilson.

You can listen to his track and nine great others. all for FREE, via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic Kyros – ResetRewind The band that were No.1 in our Top 20 of 2020 with Rumour from their Celexa Dreams.

This new track is taken from their recently released Four of Fear EP which sold out its limited edition CD within two days of release. However, it is still available on digital and streaming formats ad has received rave reviews around the world. We look forward to seeing the band perform live in 2021 once covid restrictions allow it – www.kyrosmusic.com Hester & the Heathens – Money This powerful pop-punk group create melodic and uplifting singalong anthems and were No 2 in our Top 20 of 2020 with their brilliant single, Regenerate. Their 2020 recording and live plans were scuppered by coronavirus restrictions but we hope they can get back into the recording studio soon to create tracks as good as Regenerate and this track, their earlier single, which is also great – www.facebook.comhesterandtheheathens Frost* – British Wintertime Progressive rock band, Frost*, which includes local musician John Mitchell on guitar with a track from their recently released eight CD Box Set, 13 Winters – frost.life Skeleton Goode – Never Going (Back Home) Here’s a bit of psych-pop from an English artist living in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam released by Wokingham-based label Mega Dodo Records – www.facebook.comskellygood Steven Wilson – In Floral Green Steven has had sell-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall. Here’s his cover of a song written by multitalented John Mitchell – stevenwilsonhq.com Kepler Ten – Weaver This trio of excellent musicians are signed to Wokingham’s White Star Records and their new album, A New Kind of Sideways has received rave reviews in music magazines around the world – www.keplerten.com Catfish – Archangel (Live) One of Wokingham photographer, Andrew Merritt’s choices, Catfish are a quality blues band. This track is taken from their new album Exile: Live in Lockdown – www.catfishbluesband.co.uk Children of Dub – Om This trance, chill and dub outfit have recently released Evolution: 1993-2020 which covers their whole history including the albums released on Wokingham’s Magick Eye Records – childrenofdub.com Astralasia (featuring Eric Bouillette) Distant Voyage – Eric Bouillette from local band, The Room, joins Marc Swordfish from Astralasia on a track from the new 35 track epic album, The Darkest Voyage – www.astralasia.co.uk Mark Harrison – What Son House Said Here’s a London-based blues artist who has visited Wokingham previously to perform some great gigs at the Wokingham Music Club (WMC) – www.markharrisonrootsmusic.com

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Plan for the year ahead

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.

Now is the best time to see the overall structure and shape of your garden which means you can assess what you already have and plan on how to improve it.

You don’t have to spend a fortune and your garden can be any size whether in the country or in a town.

Have a good look through the seed catalogues for summer flowers you can grow from scratch and flick through gardening books and manuals for ideas and easy to implement garden tips.

If you’re thinking of growing your own fruit and veg then it’s a great time to plant seeds indoors for some early crops such as lettuces, summer brassicas such as cabbages and cauliflowers, spinach and salad onions.

A job for January is to get seed beds ready and now is also the time to prune currant and gooseberry bushes.

A simple garden solution for January is to bring colour to container evergreens. It’s a good idea to invest in a basic collection of container evergreens – box, conifer, holly and bay – that you can customise through the seasons by adding bedding plants around the base of each bush.

You can create a mix of containers that look great grouped together or scattered through the garden with a variety of colourful plants decorating them such as white cyclamen for winter, lavender blue pansies in spring and white and pink daisies in summer.

Another plant great for instant winter-spring colour and perfect for containers, window boxes and borders is the Primula.

The majority bloom in the spring, but they have been known to flower through mild winters. There is a wide range of colours available from bright yellow to pastel reds and blues and they can grow in most soil types and be planted in sun and semi shade.

They can be used very effectively in bedding schemes with tulips and other winter-spring bedding plants or planted alone in blocks of colour.

When planting Primula in containers, use multi-purpose compost and ensure that they never dry out – and remember to dead head the plants regularly as this will encourage a longer flowering period.

January’s garden checklist … � Clean and oil garden tools � Scrub pots so they are disease free and don’t infect new plants � Sharpen secateurs � Take the lawnmower in to be serviced � If it snows, shake it off evergreens, hedges and conifers to stop the weight causing any damage � Treat timber fences, archways and sheds with wood preservative � Bring mature shrubs to life by pruning older branches as close to the stem as possible � Keep container plants protected from frost and check to see if they need watering � Remember to put out food and water for birds.

Primula offers some winter colour

Make a date for The Hollies

Sadly, the show can’t go on

N W

ITH lockdown here and theatres closed once again, we all need something to look forward to.

And here’s one such event: The Hollies are planning an autumn tour.

The band need little introduction: 60s heavyweights, their hit parade includes songs that still resonate today including The Road Is Long, which forms the name of their tour.

All being well, the show will start at the Aberdeen Music Hall on Sunday, September 19, snaking across the country including two nights at the London Palladium, as well as a visit to The Hexagon in Reading on Sunday, October 10.

The line-up includes powerhouse drummer Bobby Elliott, and singer, songwriter, and

lead guitarist Tony Hicks, both of whom are original members of the band. They are joined by lead singer Peter Howarth, as well as bass player Ray Stiles, Keyboardist Ian Parker, and Steve Lauri on Rhythm Guitar.

Celebrated as one of the most influential bands from the 1960s British Invasion era alongside the likes of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, the Hollies have had over 20 world-wide hits, including number one singles in both the US and UK. They have spent an astonishing 263 weeks in the UK top 40 official singles chart, and have been performing continuously since their formation in 1962.

Their cultivated musicianship, coupled with the Hollies’ extensive back catalogue of memorable rock ‘n’ roll tunes, has ensured the longevity of one of the greatest

groups to emerge from the early 1960’s British Rock Revolution.

In 1995, they were bestowed the coveted Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution To British Music, and in 2010 were inducted into the American Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame for their ‘impact on the evolution, development and perpetuation of Rock and Roll’.

The show will include some of the biggest hits, including He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, The Air That I Breathe, Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress), Bus Stop, CarrieAnne and Sorry Suzanne.

Tickets are available from ticketmaster.com or whatsonreading.com. VIP packages also available including meet and greet with the band, photo opportunity, a signed photo and VIP laminate. � TheHolliesOfficial.com

OT EVEN a Fairy Godmother can help – the government’s latest review of coronavirus restrictions means that theatres must remain closed and that includes the Theatre Royal Windsor.

The final curtain has come down on hopes that its pantomime, Cinderella, will be able to reopen after being forced to shutdown when Berkshire was placed under Tier 4 restrictions on Sunday, December 20.

Now lockdown means people can’t go to any balls, let along theatrical ones.

The theatre will issue refunds, or move tickets to next Christmas’ planned production of Jack and the Beanstalk, which will once again see Steven Blakeley team up with Kevin Cruise for some festive fun. It asks people not to contact the box office but to wait for the theatre to get in touch.

The news was met with sadness by the theatre’s staff.

Co-directors Jon and Anne-Marie Woodley: “We are deeply saddened that our much-loved annual pantomime that has run each year for over 82 years, is not able to complete any further scheduled performances.

“For many families, this is a massive annual tradition and even more so at the end of what has already been such a terrible year for everyone.

“We are proud to have been one of the few theatres to have played nearly 30 performances of the pantomime, albeit to socially distanced audiences, enjoyed by more than 7,000 people in early December.

“Public safety must be paramount, however devastating it is to be entering the new year with the theatre’s doors closed once again.

“We very much hope that we can resume our 2021 programme as soon as we are able to and would like to thank our audiences, staff, and our fabulous pantomime company for all their support, patience and hard work during these trying times.”

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WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Reasons for Advert Description

203436

Hobbs Moorings, White Hill, Henley

Conservation Area

203482

The Old School House, Thames Street, Sonning

(Affect setting of) Listed Building

Listed building consent for the proposed internal alterations to add a shower to the existing WC.

192928

Land south of Wokingham, East of Finchampstead Road and west of Waterloo Road, Wokingham.

Major Application

A full planning application for the construction of the South Wokingham Distributor Road (SWDR) between Finchampstead Road and Waterloo Road, including a link to Heathlands Road, together with associated works including demolition of Nos 76A and 76B Finchampstead Road. The SWDR will comprise a single carriageway, approximately 2.7km length and will also include a shared 3m wide cycle lane/foot way.

Full application for the change of use of the land for the temporary (5 years) siting of a caravan for purposes ancillary to the mooring of boats and river craft. (Retrospective)

This is a re-consultation because revised/additional information has been received including clarification of the description of development (2.7km in total rather than 2.4km) extension of the application site boundary to incorporate additional land for Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS); and changes to the design of the Southern Distributor Road (including a larger roundabout at the junction with Finchampstead Road at Tesco) and associated drainage, as set out in i) 2020 12 17 covering letter other matters; ii) 2020 12 17 covering letter transport matters; iii) 2020 12 17 covering email from agent listing new and superseded drawings; and iv) 2020 12 17 covering email from agent explaining which ES chapters have been revised. For an overview of the revised proposals see Drawing No WMHP-TG-SRWG1-SK-HI-0110 P04 Scheme Layout Drawing and WMHP-TG-SRWG1-DR-HI9101 to 9106 General Arrangement Sheets 1 to 6.

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (KING STREET LANE, WINNERSH) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2020 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 31st December 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: King Street Lane, Winnersh from its junction with A329 Reading Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, B3270 Lower Earley Way North and Winnersh Relief Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 13th January and 14th January 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Vodafone contractors to deliver and install telecommunication equipment and conduct essential maintenance 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 13th January 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 7th January 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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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 28th January 2021 for applications 203436 and 203482.

Any comments must arrive on or before the 8th February 2021 for application 192928. 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: 7th January 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BROADCOMMON ROAD, HURST) (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: Broadcommon Road, Hurst between its junctions with Islandstone Lane and Nelson’s Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Islandstone Lane and Nelson’s Lane or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 27th January and 29th January 2021.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake Ferrule Exchange 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 27th January 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 7th January 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (ARBOR LANE, EARLEY) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 31st December 2020 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Arbor Lane, Earley for a distance of 20m on either side of the level crossing.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Reading Road, B3030 Robinhood Lane or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 17th January 2021 between 09:00 and 14:30.

2. Culver Lane, Earley for a distance of 20m on either side of the level crossing.

The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Palmer Park Avenue, A329 Wokingham Road and B3030 Church Road.

The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Church Road, A329 Wokingham Road, Grange Road and Wykeham Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th January and 13th January 2021 between 21:00 and 05:00.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake bridge investigation and examination 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 12th January 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 7th January 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today Sales Terms and Conditions Orders for insertion of advertisements in The Wokingham Paper and associated websites are accepted subject to the following conditions:1. Advertisement copy shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful; shall comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice and all other codes under the general supervision of the Advertising Standards Authority; and shall comply with the requirements of current legislation. In placing the Advertisement the Advertiser agrees that the Company may at its option publish the Advertisement in electronic format.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, January 7, 2021 Finance surcharge payable by advertisers to help finance the selfregulatory control system administered by the Advertising Standards Authority.

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The due date for payment is as shown on the invoice submitted by the publisher.

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SPORT | 29

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FA CUP THIRD-ROUND

PREVIEW: ROYALS FACE HATTERS IN CUP CLASH

THE Royals begin their FA Cup campaign this weekend against a familiar foe with an away tie against Luton Town.

Reading have already faced the Hatters twice this season, with a defeat in the EFL Cup before the Royals earned revenge with a win over them in the Championship on Boxing Day at the Madejski Stadium.

The meeting at Kenilworth Road on Saturday will be the third meeting in three different competitions as both sides will be hoping to book their place in the fourth round.

The Royals are in fine form having started the new year with a victory at Huddersfield to put them in fifth position in the Championship table.

Meanwhile, Luton ended 2020 with a victory over Bristol City to put them in 14th, while their cup meeting with Reading will be their first fixture of 2021.

Reading have the upper hand in recent meetings, boasting eight wins in their last 11 fixtures against Luton – dating back to 2000.

Despite meeting in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, the two sides haven’t faced each other in England’s oldest cup competition since 1963,

which is their only meeting in the contest.

Luton came out on top that day with a 2-1 victory over the Royals in the second round.

Reading had a decent run under previous manager Mark Bowen last season before being knocked out by Premier League Sheffield United, which was subsequently the final game at the Madejski Stadium with fans for nine months.

Meanwhile, the Hatters’ run in last season’s FA Cup was ended abruptly when they were thumped 4-0 by Bournemouth in the third-round.

Therefore, Veljko Paunović’s side will be out to avenge their 58-year-old cup defeat when they make the trip to Luton on Saturday.

Paunović was dealt a boost over the last week as some senior figures have returned to the fold having been on the sidelines injured over the past few weeks.

John Swift made his first start in almost three months in the win at Huddersfield, while top scorer Lucas João made a triumphant return to the team by hitting a brace.

George Pușcaș made a return to the bench on Saturday having recovered from a hernia and is expected to feature in the tie at Luton having not been used against Huddersfield/ However, there are still a few injuries to tend to, with captain Liam Moore, Andy Yiadom and Yakou Méïté the most notable absentees. � Luton v Reading has a kick-off time of noon, coverage on ifollow and BBC Radio Berkshire

Tom McIntyre celebrates his goal against Luton Town Picture: Steve Smyth

Leaving the field after a head PREVIEW: WOMEN TO injury TAKE ON CHAMPIONS WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

D

URING the Swansea v Reading match, which I watched on Now TV, Michael Olise, the Reading midfielder, had a breakaway and was sprinting towards the Swansea goal with only their goalkeeper in front of him.

However, a chasing Swansea defender realised the threat and brought him down from behind.

Although it wasn’t a violent offence, Olise was injured by his fall and the offender received a yellow card.

After Olise received treatment, the TV commentator said, “Hang on, he received treatment so he should go off”.

That however is not what the Law says.

The Law, covering injuries is a rather contentious one, in that it actually says, “A player may not be treated on the field of play but can only re-enter when the ball is in play from the touchline”.

We all know that this part of the Law is never adhered to and that players are treated on the field of play.

To make up for this, the injured

player has to go to the touchline after treatment and wait for a signal from the referee to re-enter.

There is however quite a long list of exceptions which occasionally gets added to.

Players don’t have to go off after treatment for the following reasons: It’s the goalkeeper who is injured, a goalkeeper and an outfield player are injured, players from the same team collide and need treatment, a severe injury has occurred. (I’ve not been able to find out exactly what constitutes a severe injury), a player is injured as a result of a physical offence for which the opponent is cautioned or sent off, and a new one added last season.

A penalty has been awarded and the injured player will be the kicker.

Many ask why we have this unfair Law that deprives a team of an innocent player, if only for a short period, while the perpetrator remains of the field.

Sadly, I fear it is used as a deterrent because players cheat.

We see so many injuries faked to gain some form of advantage, stop play, waste time, get an opponent punished.

READING Women make their return to Women’s Super League action this weekend as they host current champions Chelsea.

The teams meet at the Madejski Stadium on Sunday in their irst fixture of 2021.

They ended 2020 with an away victory at Brighton & Hove Albion to put them in sixth position.

Defending champions Chelsea are currently third, six points behind leaders Manchester United having

played two less games than their rivals in first, and also Arsenal in second.

The Blues join United as the only two teams in the league yet to taste defeat, with Emma Hayes’ side possessing a record of six wins and two draws so far in the league this season.

The Royals faced Chelsea twice last season, once in the league in the FA WSL Cup. Chelsea came out on top in the league fixture with

a 3-1 victory on their way to winning the title after the season was ended abruptly and decided on a points per game basis.

However, the Royals avenged their league defeat by knocking Chelsea out of the cup in January 2020, progressing on penalties with a 4-2 shootout victory after a 1-1 stalemate after extra-time.

“It’s been such a long year, this break is warranted,” said Reading Women manager

Kelly Chambers after they defeated Brighton.

“It’s a quick turnaround when we do get back, the first one is against Chelsea so they won’t be doing nothing over the break.

"It’s been a transition year for us in terms of the players, we've been bedding in and improving. We want to step into 2021 and turn good performances into wins.” � Reading v Chelsea has a kickoff time of 2pm on Sunday.

Watch on FA Women’s player.

NON-ELITE SPORT ON HOLD THE announcement of the latest lockdown across the country has resulted in the suspension of all ‘non-elite’ football.

Non-elite sport had already been put on hold in areas under tier four restrictions, however, the latest government announcement on Monday evening has impacted all

non-elite football training and matches to be suspended with immediate effect.

This means that Steps three to six of the National League System, Tiers three to seven of the Women’s Football Pyramid, FA WSL Academy League, FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs and all indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football,

except organised outdoor football for disabled people, has been suspended with immediate effect.

A statement on the FA website reads: “It is extremely important that clubs, players, coaches, match officials, league officials, volunteers, parents, carers and facility providers adhere to the Government’s

new national Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and we implore everyone to follow these.

“We would like to thank the football community once again for its hard work, resilience and understanding during such an incredibly challenging period for both the game and wider society.”

30 | SPORT

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

RICHARDS TARGET FOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS

RETURN OF THE JOÃO: ROYALS STAR STRIKER HITS DOUBLE Huddersfield 1 Reading 2

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today LUCAS JOÃO made an instant impact on his return from injury as he bagged a brace as Reading came back from a goal down to beat Huddersfield Town.

Reading full back Omar Richards Picture: Steve Smyth

READING left-back Omar Richards has emerged as a shock target for Bayern Munich, according to reports.

The 22-year-old full-back has put in numerous impressive displays since breaking into the Royals side which has put him on the radar of several big clubs – one of whom is believed to be current Champions League holders Bayern Munich.

The European champions are said to be interested in signing Richards, who has only six months left on his current deal.

He is free to enter pre-contract negotiations with any club, which means he could leave on a free transfer.

Richards has already made 70 Championship appearances for Reading since making his debut in the 2017/18 season and has two league goals to his name.

The Royals will be keen to hold on to their young talents which is looking increasingly difficult with big clubs circling for the signatures of both Richards and Michael Olise, who have been two of the brightest stars in the Championship this season.

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Fraizer Campbell gave the Terriers an early lead with a header, but João replied with two goals in the second half to get Reading off to a winning start in 2021.

The win puts Reading up to fifth in the Championship table at the halfway stage of the season after 23 games.

“It was a fantastic result, especially coming from behind after conceding a goal early,” said Veljko Paunović.

“It affected our plans a little bit but we were focused and mentalised to win the game.

“With this win, not only the belief and the confidence is going to grow, but even the mentality, which wraps up everything together.

“I was reminding the guts it was 0-0 when it was 0-1. I told them to brush off your shoulders and play the game like it was the start.”

Paunović was handed a boost with injury news which allowed him to make four changes from Reading’s draw at Swansea City in midweek.

Omar Richards, Lucas João and John Swift all made a return to the starting line-up after respective spells on the sidelines while Sone Aluko replaced Michael Olise in the starting eleven.

George Pușcaș also made a recovery from a hernia injury to return to the substitutes bench.

Reading had the first attack of the game just three minutes in when Lucas João spun on the halfway line and sprinted at the Huddersfield defence.

He played a pass out wide to Swift who was stopped in his tracks as he tried to cut into the box.

But Huddersfield got off the mark with their first chance of the game, in the sixth minute.

Isaac Mbenza whipped

an inviting cross into the middle of the area and Fraizer Campbell leapt ahead of Tom Holmes as he headed the ball into the ground and into the corner past Rafael to give the hosts an early lead.

The Royals had chances when Ovie Ejaria stole possession from the Terriers and found Sone Aluko, but Terriers keeper Ryan Schofield made a comfortable save.

Aluko had another big chance after the half-hour mark, this time from the edge of the area but he arrowed his shot inches wide of the target as Paunović’s side pressed for a leveller.

Swift began to stamp his creative influence on the match as the game grew, and he found Josh Laurent with a defence splitting pass, but Naby Sarr made an excellent recovery tackle to prevent a shot at goal.

With the last play of the half, Reading came agonisingly close to finding an equaliser, only to be kept out by Schofield.

Swift’s free-kick was met by the head of Holmes at the back post but Schofield put his leg out at full stretch to deny Holmes a first Reading goal.

Despite having the better of possession in the first half, Reading couldn’t find the cutting edge to take advantage.

However, just seven minutes into the second half, Lucas João marked his return to the lineup with a goal, with his 12th Championship goal of the season.

Tom McIntyre curled a brilliant ball behind the defence for João to chase, and having reached it, João shrugged a defender out of his path before he opened up his body and stroked the ball coolly past Schofield into the bottom right corner.

Paunović’s first change of the game came in the 60th minute as Olise replaced Swift.

The Terriers should have put themselves back in front when a chance presented itself to Sarr, but he somehow missed the target from just a few yards out.

But just moments after missing the chance, the

Lucas João is Reading’s top scorer with 13 Championship goals this season Picture: Steve Smyth

hosts were made to pay as Reading went up the other end and capitalised.

João spun on the ball, took a touch to work some space for a shot and fired a rocket past Schofield from 25 yards out to again show his paramount importance to the Royals side with his 13th league goal.

Rafael got down low to make a superb stop from Mbenza who hit a volley from the edge of the box which looked destined for the corner as Huddersfield searched to find a result with 10 minutes to go.

Another golden chance fell Mbenza’s way when Campbell slipped a through ball through to him but he poked his shot just wide of

the post after Rafael had rushed from his goal.

João managed 80 minutes, and those two vital goals, before he was replaced by Alfa Semedo.

Another golden chance fell Mbenza’s way when Campbell slipped a through ball through to him but he poked his shot just wide of the post after Rafael had rushed from his goal.

Esteves almost wrapped up the points and marked his substitute appearance with a goal when his shot box rattled the crossbar in stoppage time.

But the Royals held out to claim all three points at the John Smith’s Stadium to kick off the new year with a victory.

Reading are in FA Cup action this weekend with a third-round tie away at Luton Town before they host Brentford the following weekend in their next league fixture.

HUDDERSFIELD: Schofield, Pipa, Toffolo, Hogg, Bacuna, O’Brien, Eiting, Mbenza, Campbell, Sarr, Edmonds-Green SUBS: Hamer, Vallejo, Pritchard, Duhaney, Circhlow, Brown, Rowe, Jackson, Phillips READING: Rafael, Richards, Holmes, Morrison, McIntyre, Rinomhota, Laurent, Swift, Ejaria, Aluko, João SUBS: Southwood, Esteves, Dorsett, Watson, East, Semedo, Olise, Baldock, Pușcaș GOALS: Campbell 6′, Lucas João 52′, 65′

SPORT | 31

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‘IF WE’D LOST, I TOLD TEAM I WOULD HAVE WALKED HOME’

FROM THE TILEHURST END With Olly Allen

The highs and lows of Reading’s 2021

I

HAPPY MAN: Reading manager Veljko Paunović was pleased with their performance at Huddersfield Picture: Steve Smyth

READING manager Veljko Paunović hailed Royals’ win at Huddersfield as ‘one of the best’ performances of the season.

Despite going behind to an early Fraizer Campbell goal, the Royals hit back as they came from behind for the first time this season to claim three points as Lucas João fired in two second-half goals.

“Despite conceding the early goal, I think the guys had one of the best performances this year, especially on the road,” said Paunović after the game.

“I’m so excited, to be honest by the performance we put in together and I’m very happy and grateful to the guys for everything they did.

“We’ve spent a lot of time saying after conceding first that we don’t win games,

so this is a huge improvement in our mentality and our identity.

“We’ve always been addressing that and we know we win games when we take the lead but we also knew results were not good when we did concede first.

“We knew it was an area we had to improve this year and it took time.

“I heard that it was a problem last year as well, so it takes time but we always look at explaining how to react after conceding first and ensuring it doesn’t affect us.”

There was a slight scare for Reading fans when prolific goal scorer Lucas João, who added to his seasons’ tally with his 12th and 13th Championship goals of the campaign, went down

and was substituted.

However, Paunović put the minds of the fans at ease when he explained that he had only suffered cramp at the end of the game having only just returned from injury.

“He (Lucas João) was cramping.

“His performance was fantastic and he impressed with his fitness after being injured for three weeks.

“Coming into the game with this sharpness, which usually takes a couple of games.

“Maybe he didn’t have the fuel to play for 90 minutes but the 75 minutes he did play, he almost played a perfect game.

“The two goals are proof of his improvement in mentality, waiting for his opportunity when we face

adversity, he was patient and took the opportunity.”

The away win puts Reading in fifth position in the Championship table at the halfway stage of the season.

“As a coach, I don’t want to only improve the results and culture, but I also want to improve mentality because if you do that, we will get an amazing, strong team, a solid team with confidence.

“We were looking for the opportunity at half-time and I told the guys if we don’t win today, I am walking back to Reading.

“They are a fantastic group of young people, all on the same page. And when you have performances like this, I can’t wait to see the data because it’s so important we have complete performances.”

N the first column of 2021, it seems only right to look back on the highs and lows of the last 12 months.

The year started off in sensational fashion with a 2-1 win away at Fulham complete with a Charlie Adam goal and knee slide.

The penalty shoot-out win against Cardiff in the FA Cup in early February might mean more to me because I was there, but no game this year has matched the drama that night provided.

Reading’s post-lockdown form was poor, but a rare highlight was the 5-0 win over Luton – the club’s biggest win in over six years.

Despite no fans being in attendance, Reading’s incredible start to the 2020-21 season under a new manager should not go unmentioned.

Clinching 22 points from the first 24 available ranks among the best starts to a campaign the Championship has ever seen.

The form had dipped slightly by the time supporters returned to the Madejski Stadium in early December, but that in itself was a special and long-awaited moment which was made sweeter with victory over Nottingham Forest.

In contrast, the 3-0 home defeat to Wigan in February was one of the most embarrassing Mad Stad nights in recent years.

Reading put in an inexcusable performance, capped off by Liam Moore simply giving up as the Latics scored their third.

Equally, the capitulation on the final day of the campaign as Reading lost 4-1 to Swansea marked a sorry end to a season which had long been over for the Royals.

Finally, even though the change of manager has clearly worked, the way in which Mark Bowen’s dismissal was handled – the timing and apparent lack of respect for the Welshman – still leaves a slight sour taste.

There are a few contenders for best player. So far this season, Lucas João, Michael Olise and Josh Laurent have all stood out, but that is only half of the year.

Similarly, Rafael stood out in the second half of 2019-20 and won the club’s player of the season award, but has seen mistakes creep into his game with alarming regularity this term.

Yakou Méïté often doesn’t get enough praise, but top-scored for Reading in 2020 with 17 goals – an impressive tally considering he is usually deployed on the wing.

He also became the first Reading player since Kerry Dixon in 1982 to score four goals in one game when he did so against Luton.

But for me, in terms of consistency and reliability throughout 2020, Michael Morrison tops the list.

The centre-back has missed just one league game all year and has barely put a foot wrong.

Despite the rise of academy centre-backs and the arrival of Lewis Gibson on loan, Morrison has kept his place in the backline and been a dependable and reassuring presence.

I don’t particularly want to use the term ‘worst player’, but I will put forward a few suggestions for the most underwhelming.

Danny Loader, once lauded as the academy’s greatest-ever product, left the club for free in the summer with barely a whimper, having failed to live up to the hype that surrounded him.

It has been a year to forget for Andy Yiadom who completed only seven league games due to a torrid injury record, while January loanee Ayub Masika had more of an impact off the pitch, as he brought a wave of Kenyan fans to Reading, than on it, as he played just 100 minutes.

I’m sure 2021 will produce many more moments to remember and to forget, hopefully in the presence of fans.

Happy New Year.

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2021

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LUCKY 13

JOÃOBACK WITHABRACE

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

STAR STRIKER Lucas João returned from injury with a flourish as he fired the Royals to a comeback win at Huddersfield Town last weekend.

João has been sorely missed during his threeweek absence as he helped Reading recover from goinng 1-0 down, to turn the match around.

The Portuguese forward has been in scintillating form in front of goal this season and has now scored 13 goals, and also has four assists, in just 17 Championship games.

“The most important is the victory,” said João after his brace at Huddersfield. I am happy I could score two goals and help this team achieve its objective and win.

“At half-time, the feeling was like we could come back. We knew we were 1-0 down away from home but we knew we wanted the three points and we went for it.

“For the first goal, I was thankful to Tom Mac to see my movement and it was a great ball. He made my job easy by finding me with a good pass.”

João’s match winning performance saw him earn a spot in the Championship Team of the Week.

“It’s not good when you get injured and you can’t be here with the lads and help them,” he said.

“But the most important thing now is I’m back, I’m here and ready to do what I know best and help the team.

"I came off near the end, but it was just a cramp, I have just come back and it was a hard game played in difficult conditions. Now I’ll just recover and get ready for the next game.

“We need to enjoy where we are at this halfway mark, but still take it game by game.

“Saturday’s win has gone and we are already looking to the next one and focusing on three more points.”

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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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