43 minute read
PRIDE PICNIC THIS SATURDAY
A CALL has gone out to return unused medical equipment due to high demand.
Councils across Berkshire have urged residents to check their homes for NRS Healthcare items.
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The supplier loans more than 35,000 items of equipment each year on behalf of the council or NHS.
It supports people in living full, active and independent lives.
During the pandemic, many people weren’t able to return the items while others have sold them on.
Because of this, there is a lack of hoists, perching stools, commodes, rollators, profiling beds and mattresses.
Returning this equipment not only helps those in need but helps save public money.
NRS Healthcare cleans the equipment and carries out safety checks for it to be reused.
Equipment can be ready for redistribution in just three days.
Paul Callaway, NRS Healthcare’s service manager for Berkshire, said: “There is an urgent need for medical equipment within the community and we are asking those who no longer need it to please return it.
“This is vital and helps people live the best independent life that they can.”
To arrange a free equipment collection, call 0344 8936 960 or email enquiries@berkshire.nrs-uk.net
Or it can be returned to NRS Healthcare at Units 1 to 3 Ely Road, Theale Commercial Estate, Theale, Berkshire, RG7 4BQ. On sale every Thursday in all good newsagents
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, July 8, 2021 Wokingham Pride hosts picnic and parade this Saturday
EXCLUSIVE
By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today
FLAGS will be flying across the borough for Wokingham’s Pride picnic in the park this weekend.
Taking place this Saturday, the celebrations will begin with a group photo outside Wokingham Town Hall at 11.30am.
Attendees will be joined by Wokingham town’s mayor, Cllr Tony Lack and borough mayor Cllr Keith Baker.
The group will then make their way down to Elms Field at noon where people can bring their own food or grab a takeaway from a business in the town.
Rachel Bishop-Firth (Lib Dem), Wokingham Borough Councillor and admin for the Wokingham LGBTQ+ Pride group, is looking forward to the event saying it’s going to be “absolutely fantastic”.
“It’ll be really nice that we’re able to celebrate pride on a local level and it’s great that we’re now able to do these things in person,” she said.
“We really do encourage everyone to come along, you are all welcome, and just come and enjoy the picnic with us in the town.”
Wokingham Library is also getting involved in the celebrations by providing information on charities and support groups and highlighting LGBTQ+ authors and subjects.
Attendees of the event will be able to pick up an LGBTQ+ themed book recommended by the Wokingham Library staff.
“We have some great food stalls in the marketplace,'' said Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey.
“We hope that as many participants as possible will support these and our independent town centre businesses.”
Cllr Bishop-Firth explained they have also received “lots of support” from businesses, churches and schools in the area.
They have given out more than 100 flags to businesses so they can show their support on the day.
Displays of rainbow flags in windows will also be welcome and residents are encouraged to share empowering messages on social media.
Children, dogs and musicians are encouraged to come along to add to the friendly atmosphere.
Wokingham borough mayor, Cllr Keith Baker said the pride flag is an “important symbol” to which they are proud to promote.
“Whether you live, work or study in the Wokingham borough, we recognise, support and celebrate the diversity of our communities,” he said.
“Together we look forward to a bright, colourful future where inclusivity is the foundation.”
And Wokingham Borough Council leader John Halsall has pledged to attend Pride on Saturday.
“I will be there,” he said. “It’s important for Wokingham to support anyone who wishes to do whatever they want to do as long as it doesn’t harm anyone else.
“We have one aim which is to support residents in whatever they want to do, I’m very happy to do that.”
Picnic goers will be reminded to put litter in the bin or take it home. � To find out more, visit the Wokingham Pride Facebook group.
PRIDE: Saturday’s event will be at Elms Field
BEAT THE STREET: Familes have been walking, scooting and cycling between Beat Boxes to track their journey. In Go Explore week, there were bonus points for some new routes along Wokingham’s Blue Plaque Trail Pictures: Stewart Turkington
Explore heritage on the street
FAMILIES taking part in the Beat the Street challenge can hunt out the area’s heritage and cultural gems for Go Explore week.
So far, 5,626 people have signed up, covering 65,122 miles across Wokingham, Woosehill and Finchampstead.
Teams could win vouchers for books or sports equipment by scoring points as they travel between beat boxes.
The further players travel, the more points they score for their community or school team, racking up 10 points for each beat box reached.
Players can also donate their points to help one of two charity teams; Home Start Wokingham District and First Days Children’s Charity.
Last weekend, some randomly-selected boxes gave away 30 points.
There is also a double points trail around the Historic Wokingham Blue Plaque Trail.
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport said: “It’s great to see how people have embraced the Beat the Street game and have clocked up an impressive number of miles.
“There are bonus points on offer on some Beat Boxes to help you get out and about and to find new routes to school or work, plus other local areas that you may not have known about.”
Last week’s Go Wild event saw hundreds head to the parks and green spaces in Wokingham.
Beat the Street coordinator, Alison Flawith was found in California Country Park by 49 players.
She said: “I wasn’t expecting so many of you to find me and it was lovely to meet children from Gorse Ride Infant School, Gorse Ride Junior School, Nine Mile Ride School and two students from Keep Hatch Primary School.
“One of the pupils said that he hated walking to school before Beat the Street and used to beg his mum to drive him but now he is really enjoying playing Beat the Street and loves walking to school with his friends.” � For more information, visit: www.beatthestreet.me/ wokingham
Thursday, July 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today
| 9 New garden centre, The Berkshire Gardener welcomes Summer
CELEBRATE the summer with a visit to Wokingham borough’s newest garden centre.
The Berkshire Gardener, based on Bath Road, is continuing to expand its offerings after opening its doors earlier this year.
The new, family-run business relaunched from Ladds Garden Village in March 2020 — and it has now become a one stop shop for anybody heading on a family day out. Colin Bridgen, chairman of The Granary Group, took over the centre last year to support his granddaughter, Amy Siddall, who is now managing director of the new site. Mrs Siddall said she was inspired to take on the business after taking stock of what was important to her during the pandemic.
The Berkshire Gardener offers a whole host of high-quality products and services to people in Wokingham and beyond.
From horticultural items and home goods to outdoor dining experiences, the family business does far more than just retail.
Its offerings include The Terrace cafe for anybody looking for a quick bite to eat, an outdoor dining area so people can enjoy the restaurant and the grounds, and even a private dining experience for families celebrating a special occasion.
The Berkshire Gardener is gearing up to open a butchers and a fishmongers in October too, as well as partnering up with Tesla to help residents repair and test drive vehicles on site. “We even have a hair salon which we are looking to launch in September,” Mrs Siddall added. “It’s one of the first, eco-friendly salons that will use environmentallyconscious products.”
When it comes to the environment, she said The Berkshire Gardener puts sustainability at the heart of everything it does.
Alongside its new, eco-friendly salon, Mrs Siddall and her team are taking a number of steps to support the environment on site, including creating hedgehog pathways, installing solar panels and reclaiming rainwater for the plants.
She said the centre is also working towards becoming a certified B Corporation to cement its commitment to the planet. The certification is a gold standard award for socially- and environmentally-conscious businesses across the world.
“Ultimately, we’re not a large chain”, she explained. “We’re designed to be different, we’re designed to excite and engage.
The Hare Hatch centre has also pledged its commitment to the Wokingham borough community by regularly partnering with local and national charities to raise funds for a whole host of projects.
So, why not plan a visit to The Berkshire Gardener today and celebrate the summer in style? � To find out more about the garden centre and its offerings, visit: www.berkshiregardener.co.uk
Ollie Young Foundation scoops share of £1million fund
THE OLLIE Young Foundation is one of 500 charities to have scooped a share of a £1 million fund.
The Wokingham charity was one of seven in Berkshire to win £1,000, alongside Berkshire Autistic Society and Launchpad Reading.
Awarded as part of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group’s Movement for Good awards, more than 3,500 county residents nominated their chosen charities.
The 500 winning charities were picked at random from those nominated.
Mark Hews, group chief executive at Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, said: “We have seen an overwhelming public response to our Movement for Good awards for a third year in a row and I would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause.
“It’s clear that people care deeply about those in need in their region during what has been an incredibly testing time for many.
“We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”
He said Ecclesiastical is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK.
“As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business,” he added. � For more information, visit: www.movementforgood.com
4-0 to the Eng-er-land? That’ll do very nicely
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
IT WAS one of the best performances England have made since 1966, and Wokingham turned out to celebrate – in a covid-safe way.
On Saturday, pubs across the borough were full of football fans ready to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s squad as they took on Ukraine in the Euro 2020 quarterfinals.
The game saw England score four goals, two from Harry Kane, plus one each for Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson.
The squad also kept a clean sheet.
Our photographer Steve Smyth visited pubs in Wokingham’s town centre to capture fans enjoying the moment.
And for once, England didn’t put us through the wringer, earning their most comfortable win in decades and scoring the second-highest number of goals in a tournament.
Fans out in force included former Woodley player and Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth, families and friends in bubbles.
After the game, manager Southgate said: “It’s fabulous … we want to go two steps further.”
He added: “It’s fabulous for our country – a semi-final at Wembley,.
“Everyone can really look forward to that – it’s brilliant.
England have only twice reached the semi-finals in the Euros: 1968 and 1996.
And while pubs have been restricted in numbers due to coronavirus restrictions, fans have still been visiting to enjoy the games together.
England played in Rome last night, but their semi-final game will be back at Wembley, as will the final.
Their opponents last night were Denmark and you will know the result by now, as it was after we had gone to press.
We’re hoping we’ll be celebrating an England victory, setting them up for Sunday’s finale to the festival of football. If they do, we’ll be out taking pictures again.
12 | NEWS ‘Finances are in good health’
THERE is no chance of Wokingham Borough Council following neighbouring Slough into halting all non-essential spending according to leader John Halsall.
On Friday, Slough Borough Council announced it had filed a Section 114 notice with the government, seeking financial support.
Chief executive Josie Wragg, who used to work for Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Slough’s financial problems result from a range of challenging financial issues that have grown in scale over a number of years”.
Cllr Halsall said that similar circumstances couldn’t happen here due to the council’s strong financial team.
“Our financial reporting system has got a clean bill of health from the auditors, our financial controls are very good,” he said.
“We’ve got an excellent finance director and an excellent executive member for finance and, if I may say so, the leader of the council with some experience.”
And the council ended the financial year with a “pretty solid” reserve level.
“The Liberal Democrats confidently stated that our borrowings were £750 million at the end of the year, actually, the outturn was £131 million, which is covered by our assets –about 10 times our revisable assets.
“The £131 million is almost, in its entirety, supported borrowing which will be repaid by income.”
He concluded: “I can reassure residents there is no chance of (Slough) happening here.
“The finance team is really very, very good.
“Our finances are in rude health.” Don’t forget to place an order at your newsagent for
CORONAVIRUS LATEST CORONAVIRUS LATEST ‘Vast number of covid cases in unvaccinated young people’
� Continued from front page
On Tuesday, Wokingham borough’s rate per 100,000 people was 125.6, Reading’s was 270.1.
The figures come after the councils launched a surge testing programme in a number of wards and postcode areas in a bid to stem transmission of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
Cllr Charles Margetts, the executive member for adult services at Wokingham Borough Council said: “Surge testing and surge vaccination had been a big success.
“There has been a nationwide trend of increasing cases, that trend accelerated in Wokingham first. Now, it looks like the effect of surge testing is bringing us back in line with the national trend, rather than being ahead of it.
“The vast majority of our cases are in the younger age group –nobody over the age of 60 in Wokingham has tested positive for covid (recently). We’re dealing with rising case numbers, yes, but in totally different age groups from last year.”
And as part of the council’s longterm response, he is hopeful that it can work with West Berkshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to launch the vaccination centre.
“We all know that the only way out of this really, in the long run, is vaccinations,” he said. “We are working with our partners in the CCG to sort out a permanent vaccination centre in Wokingham.
“It’s an ongoing discussion at the moment, no commitment has been offered but we’re going to continue to push this case as we saw what a big success Bulmershe was.
“Even if we could get to the point where we’re doing half the number of vaccinations as we were doing in Bulmershe, that would still be a significant improvement.
“Vaccine take-up among 18 to 24year-olds in the surge testing wards was 17% before opening and 53% after.”
As the prime minister alluded to in his press conference on Monday, covid is not going away.
“We’re seeing cases rise fairly rapidly – and there could be 50,000 cases detected per day by the 19th and we’re seeing rising hospital admissions and we must reconcile ourselves sadly to more deaths from covid,” Mr Johnson said.
Cllr Margetts is prepared for this.
“I can understand the logic of the government’s position and I’m supportive of it, but obviously I’m also mindful of rising case numbers. As a council, as a community we must do everything we can to drive that down,” he said.
“The advice we’ve received from Public Health England is numbers are going to keep rising till probably August but that not necessarily mean we’re in the same situation we were in last year because the number of people in hospital is minuscule in comparison, the number of people seriously ill is very small.
“I’m not trying to diminish this to that one or two people, it’s obviously a big problem, but we’re not dealing with the number of cases rising to the level nationally does not massively mean everything is going to grind to a halt round here.”
He said that as part of the council’s drive to keep covid under control, the marshal scheme will be extended to cover the evening economy.
“We’re also going to be putting in covid marshals around Wokingham at nighttime, going into pubs and restaurants, finding places where there could be problems and hopefully trying to stop that kind of thing going on. A bit of carrot, a bit of stick,” he said.
And he urged everyone to get vaccinated.
“There is an NHS website called grab a jab where you can, if you’re eligible for a vaccine, it will tell you the nearest place you can get vaccinated. If people want to get vaccinated, this website is very good,” he said.
Common sense is needed says borough council leader
AS COVID rates per 100,000 rise, council leader John Halsall is urging residents to do all they can to avoid spreading the virus, writes Phil Creighton.
While issuing a cautious welcome to the planned national ending of lockdown from Monday, July 19, he said common sense was still needed.
“It should be remembered why we started the lockdowns and processes in the first place: we started them not because people had covid, people were going to hospital with covid and dying. Now deaths in Wokingham are zero and they have been for some time.”
He said that there had been a small spike in May, but have now fallen away.
“It means that cases of covid are in an age group or cohort where, while they might get covid it’s not necessarily going to harm them,” he continued.
“That’s not universally true, obviously and I have to admit that it’s beyond my paygrade to make the decision whether we’ve got to the point that we have to live with covid or not, but so far statistics reflect that we started the restrictions to protect the NHS, protect hospitalisations and protect deaths and that has been fulfilled.”
He wanted residents to remember that they may not know if they or, if transmitting the virus to someone else, have underlying health conditions.
“Even if restrictions are lifted, please maintain the disciplines that you have had for the past 16 months in so far as you are able,” he said.
“We’ve got a very sophisticated, intelligent, compliant group of residents, they need to use common sense, ensuring that they keep safe. The disciplines will go a long way to do that.”
Self-isolation to be eased for fully vaccinated adults
FROM NEXT month, double-jabbed adults, and anyone under 18 will no longer need to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of someone with Covid-19.
As part of step four of the Government’s roadmap, double vaccinated people will no longer be legally required to self-isolate, confirmed health secretary Sajid Javid on Tuesday.
This will come into effect from Monday, August 16, if the Government moves to step four as planned.
Children and young people will also be exempt, in a bid to limit disruption to education.
The NHS Covid-19 app will update in August in line with the new guidance on selfisolation for close contacts.
Those identified as close contacts will continue to be advised to take a PCR test, to detect the virus and variants of concern.
Anyone who tests positive following the PCR test will still be legally required to selfisolate, irrespective of their vaccination status. The exemption is only for those that test negative.
Mr Javid said: “Asking people with Covid-19 and their close contacts to self-isolate has played a critical role in helping us get this virus under control, and I’m so grateful to the millions of people across the UK who have made sacrifices to keep the virus at bay.
“Thanks to the UK’s phenomenal vaccine programme and the huge wall of defence, we can safely take steps to reduce self-isolation for people who are fully vaccinated, and those aged under 18, and instead advise people to take a PCR test. Positive cases will still need to self-isolate.
“Step-by-step, and jab-by-jab, we’re replacing the temporary protection of the restrictions, with the long-term protection of a vaccine.”
Alongside PCR testing, everyone in England is encouraged to take up the government’s offer of free, twice weekly rapid testing.
Currently, more than 86% of adults have received their first doses of the jab. If someone gets their second dose just before, or after Monday, August 16, they need to wait two weeks after their second jab to benefit from the new freedoms.
The Government will make an announcement about step four on Thursday, July 12.
Children under five need only take a PCR test if there is a positive case in their home.
Thursday, July 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today
NEWS | 13 CORONAVIRUS LATEST CORONAVIRUS LATEST Pandemic dubbed ‘fake’ in ‘inappropriate’ publication
EXCLUSIVE
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
RESIDENTS are being warned to check that they really are picking up their favourite newspaper after copies had been replaced with a different publication.
Every week, Wokingham.Today distributes copies to the borough’s leisure centres so that customers can enjoy a free read.
But we’ve been warned that someone has been removing the papers and replacing them with The Light, a publication which contains alternative views about the pandemic.
It has been spotted in both Bulmershe and Loddon Valley leisure centres.
The current issue has an article that argues the smallpox vaccine was “modern medical propaganda” and blames India’s recent spike in coronavirus cases on vaccines rather than the Delta variant.
It also features a column by former News of the World medical columnist Dr Vernon Coleman titled ‘Join my army to win this war’, in which he calls the pandemic “fake” and “it was a hoax to claim that we are facing the greatest threat to human health since the Black Death”.
The views expressed have dismayed some people who have picked up a copy.
Cllr Shirley Boyt, councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates, said: “I’m utterly appalled this is anywhere in the borough.
“People are entitled to free speech, but they wouldn’t dare to knock on (the centres’) doors and ask if they would hand it out. They know it’s not welcome.
“I was shocked to learn from a resident that this was in our leisure centres.”
Wokingham resident Paul said he was left confused and “disgusted” when his wife brought home a copy from Bulmershe Leisure Centre on Tuesday.
“She usually gets Wokingham.Today and thought they didn’t have any copies, so she brought this home instead,” he said. “I looked at it and realised it is really inappropriate.”
He said the newspaper includes adverts likening the coronavirus vaccine to “an app that would screw up a £1,000 iPhone”.
“It’s quite ironic it’s at Bulmershe, given they held a vaccine clinic there,” Paul added. “It’s pretty horrendous.
“I’m not an expert but I know enough about it to know some of the stuff in there, while not lies, is a distortion of statistics.
“They shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it.”
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, well-being and adult social care at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Permission was not given for The Light to be made available at the leisure centres and copies were removed as soon as we were aware of it.
“We support the vaccine programme and would very much encourage anybody eligible to get the vaccine.”
REMOVED: The publication has been taken out of council-run leisure centres after residents flagged their concerns about its content
20,000 tested in surge action
MORE THAN 20,000 tests were completed as part of the council’s surge testing programme at the end of last month.
Between Monday, June 7, and Sunday, June 20, 60 positive Covid-19 cases were found, which may have otherwise been missed.
Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health at the borough council said the response was nothing short of incredible.
“Nationally, the uptake among residents has been around 20 to 30%, but in Wokingham borough, well over 50% of people living, working or studying in the affected wards came forward for a test.
“This truly demonstrates everyone’s commitment to stopping the spread of the virus and keeping each other safe — we are very grateful for this.”
Following the fortnight of surge testing, case rates in the borough, particularly at the border with Reading borough have risen significantly.
In the week leading up to Thursday, July 1, there were 122 cases recorded near to Wokingham Road, in Earley.
The area has a case rate of 1,494.5 per 100,000 people, more than six times the national average.
Cllr Margetts said he is thankful for the hard work that went into coordinating surge testing.
On top of the programme, the council also worked with NHS partners to organise a surge vaccination site in Bulmershe Leisure Centre.
From Tuesday, June 15, to Sunday, June 27, 4,000 people over 18 were given a dose of the vaccine.
“Thank you to everyone who came forward for their first or second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at our walk-in site”, said Cllr Margetts.
“It was fantastic to see so many young adults stepping up and playing their part/
“Remember, you need two doses for maximum protection, and you can easily book and manage your appointments through the NHS website.”
Got a business story? Email news@ wokingham.today. or write to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
Hopes for Reading’s city status bid
FUTURE HOPES:
Reading UK is backing a bid to see the town granted city status to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
A BUSINESS development firm has welcomed the possibility of Reading being granted City Status.
Last month, Reading Borough Council put in a bid for the town to be made a city, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Now, Reading UK, the businessled economic development group for the town, said it will support the council’s team preparing the bid.
Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director of Reading UK, said: “Reading UK has been promoting Reading as a ‘defacto city’ for several years, a status that is wellrecognised in the business world in which Reading competes with UK and international cities as an economic powerhouse.
“Reading boasts all the hallmarks of a successful city, from a great quality of life to global companies, excellent transport infrastructure to a clear sense of identity powered by its people.
“It is now time for the UK political process to acknowledge that reality by designating Reading a city in 2022.”
Reading UK said one of the town’s key strengths is its economic performance.
“The future looks bright for Reading and we hope all of Reading will get behind the council in championing it for City Status,” Mr Horton-Baker added.
SWAPS is working
THOUSANDS of jobseekers across the South East have been busy retraining with a helping hand from the Government.
Its Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP), which helps people start new careers and fill vacancies in growing sectors, has seen more than 8,000 participants since March last year.
The project lasts six weeks and teaches jobseekers new skills, gives them hands-on experience and helps them build contacts in a new line of work.
There is also a guaranteed job interview at the end of the course for a live vacancy.
Minister for employment Mims Davies MP said the pandemic has given people a chance to explore new careers. “SWAPS offer them a vital chance to get back into training for a job that’s linked to a real vacancy.” Rishi Sunak, chancellor of the exchequer, added: “It’s fantastic to see the scheme is helping tens of thousands of people towards a bright new career as we emerge from the pandemic.” The programme forms part of the Government’s multi-billion pound Plan for Jobs aimed at protecting, supporting and creating employment across the country. New scheme to help farmers retire
A NEW retirement scheme is coming to the South East to support the region’s farmers.
Last month, the Government announced new plans to encourage more environmentally-friendly farming.
Currently, farmers receive a flat rate per acre, but this will be phased out over the next six years.
The new retirement scheme could see participating farmers get a lump sum payment next year instead.
Simon Pallett, partner at Carter Jonas property consultancy, said it would encourage succession and support farmers who are thinking about retirement.
“The average age of farmers is around 60 and a major hurdle to succession planning is a lack of retirement provision and housing, particularly for tenant farmers,” he said.
“This is an all-or-nothing scheme with a commitment to leave the industry, preventing partial or phased retirement.”
But Mr Pallett said the scheme will not suit everyone.
“The principle is right, providing the farmer receives an adequate net sum,” he explained. “Sole traders in the South East who are approaching retirement age should be considering their future and making succession plans, and they stand to benefit the most.
“But it probably won’t suit those businesses with complicated structures.”
He added: “As always, the devil will be in the detail and there are some significant questions still to be answered,” says Mr Pallett.
Further details are expected by November.
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
HENLEY Business School has revealed the UK’s most disadvantaged workers in a new report on equity.
The Equity Effect, which explores race in the workplace, has discovered ethnic minority women aged 45 years and over, who work in the public sector, are the most likely to be disadvantaged.
The research looked at who is treated fairly and with respect, who can bring their “true authentic selves” to work, and whether racial discrimination still exists in UK offices.
The report showed that three quarters (74%) of women in this category do not feel safe speaking up at work or challenging the way things are done.
It also said three quarters (75%) are also “less respected” by their colleagues, compared to just under two thirds (63%) of younger, ethnic minority men.
Dr Naeema Pasha, director of equity, diversity and inclusion at Henley Business School, said The Equity Effect reads between the lines and shows how an entire sub-group of ethnic minority women are facing “a triple assault” of racism, sexism and ageism.
“Our report shows that racism is experienced much more in the public sector than the private sector, despite public sector organisations often having the most strongly worded diversity campaigns,” she said.
“This means the messages in the strategy are not coming through the organisation as an experience.”
Henley Business School’s report also found that public sector employees are twice as likely to report discrimination (58%) compared to those in the private sector (25%).
“Business leaders need to keep in mind that talent, skills and engagement drives productivity – which in turn drives revenue,” Dr Pasha added.
“To innovate and deliver on equity, diversity and inclusion, we must look at the bigger picture and intersectionality, not view
diversity groups in silos. “To make a difference that helps businesses build back better, senior leaders need to put their equity plans at the heart of the business strategy.” Now, she is urging companies to take steps to tackle discrimination in the workplace, including creating race strategies and hosting training sessions. According to the report, two in five employees in the UK would like to see workers from all ethnic backgrounds treated fairly, including by treating people differently. It also said one-in-four employees and two-in-five business leaders believe their firms can achieve racial equity within the next two years. Commuters are returning to the Big Smoke
THE GREATER Reading area has seen more commuters return to London following the pandemic than nearly everywhere else in the UK, according to Huq Industries.
The data research firm revealed both Reading and Horsham West in Sussex have seen the number of travellers heading to the Big Smoke rise by more than 200%.
Reading has seen a 218% increase in London commuters, while West Horsham has seen a 234% rise.
Huq Industries measured trips into central London and Holborn covering more than 177,000 travellers.
Conrad Poulson, CEO, said: “Although many people are continuing to work from home, the siren call of the post-lockdown return to the office has been heard by employers and employees alike.
NATURE IS HEALING: Commuters are heading back to London Picture Tomas Anton Escobar from Unsplash “Many are keen to get back to some level of normality, which includes commuting to work – even those companies that are moving towards ‘hybrid working’ models with some staff at home and some at the office. “The Home Counties commuter belt is seeing some significant rises in outbound traffic, although it’s still not back to prepandemic levels. But as more employers re-open their offices, we could well see the rush hour on road and rail start to re-emerge.” Praise for Southern Co-op’s climate plans
SOUTHERN Co-op has been praised for its “ambitious” climate plans by worldleading environmental organisations.
The regional firm has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030, and to reduce emissions by 17% across its managed training businesses.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which supports companies trying to reduce their environmental impact, has since approved its targets.
According to Southern Co-op, its ambitions support the steps taken to limit global warming to 1.5°C — the maximum temperature scientists said the earth must stay within to limit the impacts of climate change.
Mark Smith, who chairs the firm’s Climate Action Group, said: “The SBTi independently assesses companies’ targets, so it is a significant step forward having our latest emissions reduction goals approved.
“We all need to be bolder and accelerate action given the climate emergency.”
He said the targets provide a “vital step” for SouthernCoop on its pathway to net zero carbon.
“Our aim is to get emissions down as low as we possibly can,” Mr Smith added. “Alongside exploring longer term reduction opportunities, we will also look at other ways to compensate for our emissions and impacts.”
The SBTi is a collaboration between the Carbon Disclosure Project, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature.
Meetings may also be online – contact councils for details Thursday, July 8
Wokingham Borough Council. Individual Member Decisions:
Wokingham Borough Council’s Active Travel Fund Tranche 2
Scheme Proposals. 5.30pm. Wokingham Borough Council,
Shute End RG40 1BN. www.wokingham.gov.uk
Monday, July 12
Remenham Parish Council. Parish Hall, off Remenham Lane,
Remenham. 8pm. www.remenhamparish.org.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Health Overview and Scrutiny
Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End
RG40 1BN.www.wokingham.gov.uk
Tuesday, July 13
Shinfield Parish Council. Staffing committee – meeting closed to public. 7pm. Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH. shinfieldparish.gov.uk Sonning Parish Council. Council meeting. 7pm. Sports Pavilion,
King George V Playing Field, Pound Lane RG4 6XE. www.sonning-pc.gov.uk Winnersh Parish Council. Parish council meeting. 7.30pm.
Winnersh Community Centre, New Road, Sindlesham
RG41 5DU. www.winnersh.gov.uk Wokingham Town Council. Finance and Personnel Committee. 7.30pm. Wokingham Town Hall, Market Place, Wokingham
RG40 1AS. www.wokingham-tc.gov.uk Woodley Town Council. Planning. 7.45pm. The Oakwood Centre,
Headley Road, Woodley RG5 4JZ. www.woodley.gov.uk
Wednesday, July 14
Earley Town Council. Policy and Resources committee. 7pm.
Earley Town Council offices, Radstock Lane, Earley RG6 5UL. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Schools Forum. 10am. Planning
Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End
RG40 1BN. www.wokingham.gov.uk
Monday, July 19
Shinfield Parish Council. Full council meeting. 7.30pm.
Mitford Close, Three Mile Cross RG7 1AT.
Shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Standards Committee. 7pm. Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End
RG40 1BN. www.wokingham.gov.uk � A WOODLEY man who stole a bike from Reading has been ordered to pay his victim £150.
Ian Devereaux, 37 and from Hearn Road, pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates Court on May 7.
The theft took place on January 20 this year.
Magistrates ordered him to undertake rehabilitation activities, but no fines were imposed as priority was given on paying compensation, at a rate of £20 per month from August 7 this year.
� A WOKINGHAM woman has been given a conditional discharge for possessing a Class A drug. Sahiba Kaur, 35 and from Ashridge Road, appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on May 10, where she admitted having 11 wraps of cocaine.
The offence took place on January 12 last year, and was contrary to section 5(2) and Schedule 4 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Her discharge is 12 months, and she must pay £85 costs and £21 to victim services. The drugs were confiscated and destroyed.
� A WOKINGHAM man who was found guilty of obstructing a police officer has been fined £160.
Matthew John Teal, 35 and from Ormonde Road, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on May 11.
The offence took place on May 9 in Bracknell. Teal had been preventing an officer who had the power to detain, search a person, a vehicle or vessel under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
In addition to the fine, Teal must pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services.
� A CROWTHORNE man has been fined £2,304 for drink driving, and banned from getting behind the wheel for 20 months.
Robert John Patrick Westell, 36 and from New Wokingham Road, appeared before Reading Magistrates Court on May 11.
He had been stopped in the Riverside Car Park of The Oracle in Reading on April 16.
A test revealed that he had 87 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, exceeding the limit.
Westell’s ban will be reduced by 20 weeks if he undertakes a safe driving course.
He was also ordered to pay £190 to victim services and £85 costs.
� DANGEROUS driving has seen a Crowthorne woman sent to prison for 12 weeks.
Rebecca Jane Docherty, 38 and from Dial House Hotel, was stopped by police on London road in Bracknell on July 7 last year.
She was found to be driving without a licence and insurance, and driving dangerously.
Docherty was jailed for breaching terms of a conidtional discharge imposed on her on September 9, 2019, for stealing.
She also pleaded guilty to failing to surrender to custody of the court on December 15 last year and April 22 this year.
Docherty must pay £122 to victim services and was banned from holding a driving licence for 25 months.
Due to the time she had already spent in custody, she was ordered to be detained in the courthouse.
� A BRACKNELL man who was stopped for drug driving on a Wokingham road has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months.
Aaron Paul Liversidge, 27 and from Ashbourne, was on London road on November 2 last year when police pulled him over.
A test found traces of benzoylecgonine, a form of cocaine, in his bloodstream.
Liversidge was also driving without insurance.
In addition to the ban, he was fined £120, ordered to pay costs of £85 and £34 to victim services. � A MAN from Riseley who was found guilty of assault has been fined £100.
Harrison Bryson, from Basingstoke Road, committed the offence on November 15 last year.
Although initially pleading not guilty, the 23-year-old changed his plea when he appeared at Slough Magistrates Court on May 12.
In addition to the fine, he was ordered to pay £32 to victim services.
There was no order for compensation as it was felt that Bryson was of limited means.
� DRIVING without insurance has seen a Sandhurst man given a three-month conditional discharge.
Rhys Richard Thomas, 38 and from College Road, was stopped on Easthampstead Road in Wokingham on April 23, 2019, where it was discovered that he was driving without appropriate insurance policies in place.
Although Thomas pleaded not guilty at an initial hearing on January 27, 2020, Reading Magistrates Court disagreed when they met on May 14.
No endorsement was made on his licence as magistrates agreed that Thomas had made efforts to obtain insurance via an online purchase before driving and that he had been reasonably misled by the purchase confirmation summary he saw on his computer screen.
He was ordered to pay £150 costs and £20 to victim services.
Thursday, July 8, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today PROPERTY: Estate agents see frenzy as 0% holiday comes to an end Demand for housing still strong despite changes to Stamp Duty
EXCLUSIVE
By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today
THE WOKINGHAM property market has been “frenzied” as buyers rushed to make the most of the tax holiday, two of the town’s estate agents have said.
Last week, the Government’s stamp duty holiday entered its next phase — a move which both David Cliff Estate Agents and Hat and Home said should stabilise house prices in the area.
Introduced in June last year in a bid to boost the property market following the first lockdown, the stamp duty holiday stopped buyers paying tax on the first £500,000 of their purchase, saving up to £15,000 on the price of their new home.
But from Thursday, July 1, the Government started winding back its support to phase out the tax holiday from October.
“There was, without a doubt, this frenzy as far as the market’s concerned,” David Cliff, of David Cliff Estate Agents, said.
According to the agent, the tax holiday combined with people saving money from not going away created the ‘perfect storm’ for spending.
“All of a sudden, most people had more money in their pockets,” he said. “Wokingham is an affluent area, and I think people felt they wanted to do something and be proactive, so made the most of the savings.”
This has been echoed by Ben Gee, founder of new agency Hat and Home, who added: “The demand was absolutely exceptional.
“The extension of the stamp duty holiday from the end of March to June brought a bunch of fresh new customers to the market. People came out in droves.”
According to the two Wokingham agents, the tax holiday also prompted property prices to skyrocket in the area as supply failed to keep up with demand.
“There weren’t enough properties available,” Mr Gee said. “There was so much competition among buyers and prices increased.”
Mr Cliff said this made it a great time for sellers. “Most properties had multiple people interested,” he added. “We saw between two and seven offers on most properties, so we could choose who to sell to.”
As the stamp duty holiday came to an end last month, the duo said their teams were working around the clock to sign off as many purchases as they could.
However, the support has not ended yet. From now until Thursday, September 30, buyers must start paying stamp duty above £250,000.
And from Friday, October 1, the Government will end the tax holiday completely and bring rates back to normal, meaning only the first £125,000 of a property purchase is tax-free.
Both Mr Cliff and Mr Gee said they are not anticipating anywhere near as much demand in this next phase of the scheme.
“The fact that the saving in most cases will be £2,500, rather than £15,000, means it’s not enough to fuel a rise in demand like we saw before,” Mr Gee explained.
“However, demand in Wokingham is still huge and supply is still low, so I expect we’ll see prices remain strong for the rest of the year.”
Mr Cliff added: “There’s less property coming onto the market than we normally expect.
“There’s a lack of stock, but we are still selling and we don’t see any reason for prices to change.”
The Government has also introduced measures to support first-time buyers, including scrapping stamp duty on the first £300,000 of purchases and launching a 95% mortgage scheme.
The two agents said this prompted lots of younger people to get on the property ladder this year, too.
STRONG:
Demand for property in Wokingham borough is still high say two estate agents Picture: Shahid Abdullah from Pixabay
Police commissioner sets out vision
THE NEW Police and Crime Commissioner has announced his four-year vision for the Thames Valley.
Matthew Barber said he will hold the Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police to account, as he focuses on fighting serious organised crime.
Mr Barber’s priorities also include local policing, tackling cybercrime and fraud, improving the criminal justice system, and combating illegal encampments.
“I have not met a single police officer who does not understand the need for the police to be scrutinised and held to high standards,” he said.
“In return, they expect strong leadership, both from their senior officers and the PCC, as well as a clear vision.
“Officers put themselves in harm’s way every day, in order to keep the public safe and uphold the law.
“They deserve the respect of politicians and the public for their work.”
Mr Barber said his priorities have victims at heart.
“Bringing criminals to justice is vital, but preventing people from becoming
victims of crime in the first place is even more important, both through proactive crime prevention and through reducing reoffending,” the PCC said. “I am excited about delivering this plan, working with stakeholders from across our region, and look forward to getting out and meeting members of the public to discuss my priorities for the next four years.” Mr Barber was elected in May and follows on from his predecessor, Anthony Stansfield. For more information, visit: www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk Meet-up helps men with breast cancer
A CAMPAIGN is breaking the taboo of breast cancer in men, thanks to grant-making charity Walk the Walk.
Last month, the organisation arranged a special meet-up for men diagnosed with breast cancer.
It was part of Men’s Health Week, which ran from June 1420, and called Men Get Breast Cancer Too. The aim was to raise awareness of the illness.
Wokingham-based founder of Walk the Walk, Nina Barough CBE, met with the group of men to chat about their experiences of living with breast cancer.
Ms Barough said it was an “absolute honour” to meet the men who supported the campaign.
She said: “At the start of our campaign, there was an understandable uncertainty about being so open and public about something so personal, but every time the group gets together you can see just how much their courage and confidence to speak out has grown.
“They are all incredibly passionate about raising awareness, but just not used to sharing their own experiences, and with new members of the group joining each time I’ve noticed how much they enjoy getting together and how relaxed they’ve become in each others’ company.”
Those taking part were encouraged to share their stories and meet others in the same situation.
For some of the men it was the first time they’d spoken to others with the same diagnosis.
“There is still a stigma and ignorance around male breast cancer, but the growing bond between the men, as well as their trust in Walk the Walk and the collaborating charities, has formed a united determination which is set to change that,” Ms Barough said. � For more information, visit walkthewalk.org
NEWS | 17 Four needed to step up to parish council
WINNERSH Parish Council is looking for four new councillors on a volunteer basis.
Based at Winnersh Community Centre, at Bearwood Recreation Ground, the council maintains the open space, sports pitches, play areas, outdoor gym and community centre.
It also manages the allotment garden in Woodward Close.
Chairman of the council, Cllr Paul Fishwick, encouraged those that like to help their community to apply.
“There is a lot of satisfaction to be gained from helping run local services for local people,” he said.
From the applications, a shortlist will be created.
All those on the shortlist will be invited to a meeting of full council on Tuesday, September 14, in the evening.
It will be an opportunity to meet councillors and staff, and to present the application.
Applicants are welcome to attend and observe a full council meeting on Tuesday, July 20, to learn some background to how the council operates.
An application form is available from the parish clerk, Philip Stoneman, at: clerk@winnersh.gov.uk.
It can also be downloaded from the parish council website.
The deadline for applications is noon on Monday, August 30.
For more information, visit: www.winnersh.gov.uk or call 0118 989 3769.
