Thursday, July 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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Under carters orders: sign up for soapbox race EXCLUSIVE By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today A WHEELY good day at the races is on the carts – sorry, cards – if residents sign up to take part in a family-friendly challenge this September.
The inaugural Farley Hill Soapbox Derby will see teams race each other from the top of Priest Hill, vying to be the fastest, the greatest and even the most creative. The event, organised by Farley Hill resident Ben Teale, takes place in the afternoon on Sunday, September 19. It’s open to homemade carts, no longer than 2 metres. The carts must also have a minimum of three wheels, brakes and a rigid steering system. However, any wannabe Dick Dastardlies are warned that they can’t use any catapaults, pedals, or jet engines to give them an unfair advantage. Each entrant in both the junior and adult categories will take part in timed heats, with the quickest receiving a trophy – and bragging rights – while the cart deemed to have the best design and construction will also be up for an honour. Half of the funds raised from the event will go to The Victory Hall, on Church Road, and Mr Teale has been actively involved with its supporting society, helping at previous events such as quiz nights. Mr Teale said it would be “amazing” to get around 20 carts racing in the soap box derby, which will run from 1pm on the day, and see a diversion for motorists in place to allow the derby to take place safely. Everyone Mr Teale has spoken to has been “really enthusiastic” about the event. “Although I’ve had a few challenges, the council have been brilliant and they have offered to do (the road closures) for free which has been great,” he said. Mr Teale encouraged people to take part and said it is just a “bit of fun” for the day. “We just want people to have lots of fun, have a cool day out, and the carts don’t need to be of a high level,” he said. “You don’t have to have built the world’s best cart, as long as it has brakes and it’s safe that’s all that matters.” Along with Malcolm Pridmore from Speedweld Engineering, on Parson’s Farm, Ben has offered to support to any participants needing help with the
IMAGES: CCTV stills showing thieves trying to break into Heathlands Road business units
Thieves point ‘shotgun’ during late night raid POLICE have released CCTV of three men following a burglary on Tuesday, June 29. Officers would like to speak to them about the incident. At around 11pm, three offenders were seen walking on Heathlands Road breaking into business units. The victim, a man in his 50s approached the offenders, when one reached into his car and turned and pointed what is believed to be a shotgun at the victim. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The car is described as a silver Nissan X-Trail with no registration plates and a dent in the rear driver’s panel. Investigating Officer, PC Philip Davies, based at Loddon Valley police station, said: “I am releasing these images as I believe the individuals may have information
CONSTRUCTION KINGS: Ben with his son, William (14) sitting in a very early mockup of a possible soapbox cartie ahead of the Farley Hill event on September 19 Picture: Steve Smyth
construction of their vehicle ahead to the event. And to make the derby a big event, Bluebell Box, a vintage horsebox catering cafe and bar, will provide teas and coffees for spectators on the day. In addition to the funds raised for The Victory Hall Trust, proceeds will be shared with a charity chosen by one of the event’s sponsors, Woodley-based
Healthy Start help PARENTS are being given a helping hand if they use Healthy Start vouchers – the Co-op is adding £1 on to their value. At the moment, each voucher is worth £4.25, but the Southern Co-op, which has branches in Wokingham’s Market Place and in Binfield, is promising to top them up as part of its commitment to tackling food poverty. The vouchers are for families on lower incomes with children aged four and under, or pregnant women, and can be used for fresh, frozen or tinned fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried or tinned pulses, cow’s milk and certain infant formula. Holly Bramble, Southern Co-op's Community and Campaign Co-ordinator, said: “It breaks my
audio-visual production supplier SFL. Entry fees cost £30 for a cart entered in the adult category and £15 for juniors. Spectator tickets cost £4 for adults, £2 for children and £10 for families. Tickets will go on sale at the end of this month. � For more details, or to register visit farleyhillsoapbox.co.uk
heart to know that 4.28 million children in the UK were living in poverty last year, according to data published by the Department for Work and Pensions. "Poverty and food inequality are issues that we have been working with our communities to tackle through food donations, our Feed a Family Fund, and other financial support. But while there are children still going hungry, then more needs to be done.” Once families have received their vouchers, they simply need present them at the till when buying any eligible food items at a Southern Co-op store and the value will automatically be topped up to £5.25. � Locations of eligible Co-operative Food stores, can be found at stores. thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/ search.html.
about what happened. “If you recognise these people or if you think one of them is you, please get in touch.” PC Davies is also appealing for witnesses to come forward with any information about the events. Residents can make a report online or by calling 101, and should quote reference 43210287313. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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