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FLORAL SHOWCASE FOR BIRTHDAY
CANADIAN AFFAIR: Joanna Brown (Assistant Church Warden) and Muriel Sheehan (retired Church Warden) with their Canadian arrangement Church’s floral festival marks its anniversary
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ROYALS: Debbie Brunt (Church Warden) with her football themed arrangement. A SINDLESHAM church celebrated its 175th anniversary with a flower festival – the first in its history.
St Catherine’s had intended to hold a series of special commemorative events but covid put paid to that.
However, it was able to welcome visitors to a flower festival last weekend and will, next month, hold a talk.
One of the organisers, Roberta Tweedy, said that the arrangements helped tell the story of the church.
Founded by former editor of The Times, John Walter II, the church was named after his daughter Catherine who had died of enteritis in 1844.
Arrangements included a display from The Times, featuring roses made from newsprint.
Also included were displays for Bearwood Mansion, football, and the First World War, when the church was used as a convalescent hospital for Canadian soldiers.
Visitors could also enjoy music from the church organ, before enjoying refreshments in the church grounds.
Ms Tweedy said that there was also a “very successful” flower stall and raffle.
“While most of the team behind the event came from St Catherine’s, we would not have been able to do it without the expertise and support of Alison Vacher, her mother, Theresa Wingfield and some of a wonderful team of flower arrangers from as far afield as Crowthorne,” she added.
“It was an amazing two days. (We had) such positive reports from visitors and helpers alike made it a day unlike any other.”
Its next event is a talk by historian Oliver Bing, called The Hidden History of St Catherine’s Church.
It takes place at the church on Friday, June 25, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £5 and include light refreshments.
“He is very knowledgeable about the Walter family and the church and I know it will be a fascinating evening,” Ms Tweedy said.
DISPLAYS: St Catherine’s touched upon all its connections for the display, including navy and The Times (right)
WELCOME: Roberta Tweedy was on hand to greet visitors and ensure they were covid-safe during their tour
A production error last week meant that this column incorrectly printed. We are delighted to reprint it in full.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 17, 2021 Morag does the Miles: New lease of life for movie star car
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
A CLASSIC Austin hearse has been restored to her former glory to mark her 65th birthday this summer.
Morag, believed to be one of only three or four Austin FX3 hearses still in existence, is the pride and joy of Miles and Daughters Funeral Directors.
Bought by former owner Adam Miles more than 10 years ago, Morag became affectionately known as the Heartbeat hearse, due to her appearance in the 1990s TV show.
She has also been hired for Midsomer Murders, Father Brown and one of the recent Batman films.
When Miles and Daughters became part of Funeral Partners in late 2019, the company promised to restore Morag so she could remain the flagship vehicle.
Sarah White, area development manager for Berkshire, said: “Morag is so special to us all, she’s beautiful and quirky.
“When you see her, you can’t help but smile. She is part of who we are and is well-known in the area, people recognise her.”
Between 1948 and 1958, 12,000 Austin FX3s were built for use as taxis in London and major cities, with a small number converted to hearses.
The Miles and Daughters team believe Morag originally came from Scotland, where she was named after a previous owner’s wife.
Last year, she made the journey to Coway Prestige in Bolton, which specialises in restoring ceremonial vehicles.
Terry Jarvis, who supports Funeral Partners’ fleet management, said there were significant structural repairs to remove rust and corrosion.
“She’s been fully restored and repainted with some modern safety improvements like seat belts and LED lights,” he said.
“Her former owner had collected some lovely pieces of chrome for the roof rails and a chrome spotlight, and there are some period light fittings on the coffin deck which have been restored, they will look spectacular.
“There is also some beautiful original beveled glass, which we’ve taken great care to preserve.”
The team at Miles and Daughters are delighted by Morag’s return.
Ms White said: “She looks absolutely stunning, the restorers have done a fantastic job and everyone was really excited to see her.
“Morag is very popular and we’re hoping, if Covid-19 restrictions allow by the late summer, to have an open day at our Winnersh funeral home where she will be on display.
“We also plan to use the event to fundraise for Thames Hospice.
“Many family members who ask to use Morag for their loved one’s funeral explain that their first car was an Austin. We’re looking forward to taking her out into the community again, people always notice her and she makes us different.” � For more information, visit: milesfunerals.com
RESTORED: Morgag, an Austin FX3 hearse, has been restored and is in use by Miles and Daughters funeral directors
Digital champions wanted for healthcare help
Carers raise more than £1,000 for dementia
DIGITAL champions are being recruited for a health scheme across Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning group (CCG).
Those that sign up will help people access healthcare services via their phones or laptops, for two hours a week.
Champions don’t need to be an IT whizz, but have the enthusiasm to support others to use the internet to manage their health.
Full training will be given to champions, covering the basics of computers and the internet, giving advice, information and support to patients.
The role works with learners on a one-to-one basis or in a small group, usually in a doctor’s surgery, hospital waiting area, WiFi enabled café or community centre.
They can also help people remotely, over the telephone or via Zoom.
Kamal Bahia, who is leading the work at the CCG, said: “One in five people nationally don’t have essential digital skills for everyday life, and the most frequent users of health and social care are the least likely to be online.
“It’s really important people are given support to start accessing their healthcare digitally. It means they can look after their own health and wellbeing and support others they care for. They are able to access health services quickly and easily, find vital information and support and be more connected to their friends and family.
“We know some people need a helping hand and that’s where our Digital Health Champions come in.
“And by volunteering, people can develop their own skills and knowledge as well as getting huge satisfaction from knowing they’ve made such a difference to someone else.”
The key areas of their work are to understand and overcome people’s barriers to managing their health online, supporting people to use the internet safely, developing basic digital skills for patients and engaging older people with the technology.
Champions will receive certificates which may be useful for CVs.
There will be support from fellow champions and other mentors from across the NHS. � For more information, email: kamalbahia@nhs.net
CARERS raised more than £1,000 for Alzheimer’s Society as part of Dementia Action Week.
Team members at Bluebird Care Reading and Wokingham organised three events to support the charity.
This included a sponsored walk around Woodley and Earley. Office staff and carers donned their walking shoes and covered 20km, or 12.5 miles, collectively.
This raised £505 through sponsorship.
They hosted a cake sale at Crayshaw Court in Caversham, giving residents the chance to venture out and socialise again after the recent easing of social distancing restrictions.
Sophie Purdy, care coordinator at the Bluebird Care office said the face-to-face contact was enjoyable.
“It has been great to be able to support our community and introduce safe socialising again,” she said.
“It means a lot to be a part of this.
“To be able to hold conversations with people who have missed out on interacting with others and felt isolated for so long has been terrific.”
Carer Julie Veerappan said: “It was amazing to see people coming together and socialising again. The buzz in the room was just magical.
“After so long in lockdown it made me feel so happy for everyone. It was amazing.
“I’m so proud to be a Bluebird and to be part of an amazing, kind and caring team.
“Well done to all the cake makers and donors.
“What a fantastic amount to have raised for the Alzheimer’s Society.”
On Friday, May 21, the care team hosted their last event, taking part in Denim for Dementia Day.
This occasion was organised to generate awareness of a petition launched by Alzheimer’s Society called #CureTheCareSystem.
The week of action aimed to highlight social care injustices associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and to refocus attention to inequalities, cost and funding issues.
Wellbeing programme
TACKLING mental health is the focus of Wokingham Borough Council’s new wellbeing programme launched last week.
The Mindful Health and Wellbeing scheme aims to combat mental struggles through sport and physical activity by alleviating stress and anger.
Delivered by the council’s sport and leisure team, residents can sign onto 10 sessions to try a range of activities including pilates, badminton and table tennis.
According to the borough council, it could help people improve their mood, sleep better, and feel more positive about themselves.
“This is a fantastic programme, with a great initiative in mind,” said Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health and wellbeing and adult services.
“Exercise is one of the best natural ways to reduce stress but taking the first step to look after our mental wellbeing can often be the hardest.”
Residents need a referral from their GP or mental health profession, and must have a mild to moderate mental health condition, to participate in the scheme.
“I highly encourage all Wokingham borough residents to talk to their GP or mental health professional if they would like to be referred and take advantage of the programme,” Cllr Margetts added.
Ten sessions cost £37.60.
For more information, email sport@wokingham.gov.uk or call 0118 974 3728
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
PLANS for 130 more homes and a dementia care home in Emmbrook have been submitted by the borough council.
The Toutley East scheme, adjacent to Toutley Depot, are up for consultation under an outline planning application.
“With Grazeley no longer a realistic option for housing we need to look at locations where we can deliver the new homes our borough needs with the least impact on residents,” said Cllr John Kaiser, executive member for finance and housing.
“The Toutley East site was already identified for employment development under the current local plan, however our review showed this was no longer viable, and we proposed to change the site to residential in the local plan update in early 2020.”
The councillors said feedback from the masterplan consultation at the start of the year showed mixed views over the site.
“Some people support the idea of carbon neutral development, and others are concerned about the impact of noise from the road or about historic flooding in the area,” he said.
“We’re confident the proposals we have submitted show how things like this can be addressed, and we will also demonstrate this in more detail through the reserved matters process should we be granted outline consent later this year.”
The dementia care home is subject to the approval of the final business case.
The borough council said it aims to “showcase energy efficient residential development” by introducing solar panels, air source heat pumps and high levels of insulation.
The deadline to comment is Tuesday, June 29.
To view and comment on the application, search for planning application number 211777 on www.wokingham.gov.uk
GREEN FIELDS: The area in Toutley currently being considered for 130 homes and a care home Picture Steve Smyth
