CONCERNS OVER ORCHID CHOP

CYCLISTS will be hopping on to their bikes for this year’s wheelie-good bike ride event.

The Rotary Club of Easthampstead is hosting its Three Counties Cycle Ride event on Sunday, September 12.

Starting and finishing at Garth Hill College, cyclists can choose distances of either 15 miles, 33 miles or 54 miles following scenic routes through Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The routes will be clearly signed throughout with marshals and drink stations.

At the finish line, riders will receive a medal, certificate and refreshments.

Organiser Dave Donaldson said: “The Three Counties Cycle Ride is an event for cycling families and the seasoned enthusiast alike, with a choice of three routes weaving through picturesque country lanes”.

Having raised £15,000 for various charities two years ago, Mr Donaldson says that many organisations in the community benefit from the event.

“Since the cycle ride was founded in 1983, well over £500,000 have been raised for our charities and this year’s principal beneficiaries will be Thames Valley Air Ambulance, Breakthrough Learning, Daisy’s Dream and NHS Berkshire Healthcare.”

Previous charities include Macmillan Cancer Support, British Heart Foundation, Stroke Association and Alzheimer’s Society.

Entry costs £20 for advance booking for anyone over 16, and £25 for entry on the day.

For under 16s, entry costs £10 and a 20% discount applies to all groups registering online.

Closing date is Friday, September 10.

Supporters include Tesco, Fraser's Retail, Print Room Group, Cycling UK Reading, Berkshire Cycle Co, Garth Hill College, The Old Manor Bracknell, The Stag and Hounds Binfield, and local Guides and Scouts. � For more information or to register, log on to 3CCR.org

Bee careful! Council sorry for mowing down rare orchids

EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

A SONNING conservationist has called on the borough council to “get its act together” after its contractors mowed down a field of protected plants — just one day after it was asked to safeguard them.

On Tuesday, June 8, village resident and director of ecology charity Rewilding Britain Alastair Driver discovered a patch of Bee Orchids on Shepherds Hill on the Earley/Woodley/Sonning border.

He said they were “a pretty incredible” find, and has now urged Wokingham Borough Council to reconsider its biodiversity strategy to stop “unnecessary mowing”.

“Bee Orchids are pretty unusual, and there are none in Sonning that I’m aware of,” he said.

“I’ve lived here a long time, I’m a professional ecologist and naturalist, and we’ve never come across them.

“So, to find 27 flowering in an area of grassland on the Shepherds Hill Roundabout was pretty incredible.”

Mr Driver said despite contacting the council and receiving confirmation the flowers would be protected, he was sad to hear they had been mowed down only a day later.

“It’s not difficult to spot them — they’re quite striking,” he said. “It’s a pretty sad state of affairs.

“And it doesn’t matter how hard people tried to [protect the plants]. If the end result is the flowers get mowed down, the council may as well not care at all.”

Wokingham Borough Council said it will now consider additional measures to “safeguard” certain species, and is grateful Mr Driver highlighted the plants.

“We had been made aware of the Bee Orchids by Mr Driver,” a spokesperson said. “We confirmed the location and asked our contractors Tivoli Group not to mow the area and be aware of wildflowers generally in the area.

“We apologise they were cut.”

Bee Orchids are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means nobody can intentionally uproot the flowers.

Mr Driver said the council has a “legal duty” to protect the species, and all wildflower meadows in the borough.

“We’ve got a climate and a biodiversity crisis, so local authorities have to go to do their bit,” he said.

“They need to get their act together and quickly. They mow a lot of buttercups and daisies but it’s completely unnecessary.

“In many places, mowing isn’t done because of visibility issues but a historical tidiness mentality.”

Now, the charity director is calling on the council to reassess its mowing practices to better support wildflowers and pollinating insects.

“This was an area that didn’t need mowing,” he said. “So it’s got to be sorted.

“Another year will go by where lots of wildflowers and pollinating areas have been mowed unnecessarily in the middle of flowering season.

“A lot of Thames Valley farmland doesn’t support wildflower grasslands, so these are some of the best bits we have left.”

Mr Driver said in the past 100 years, the UK has lost 90% of its wildflower meadows to development.

Wokingham Borough Council said it welcomes residents and community members to let it know when they find a plant of interest.

The spokesperson said the council will try to pinpoint the plant’s location before sending the details over to its contractors.

“We request that the area is left uncut providing the plant the opportunity to bloom and disperse their seeds,” they explained. “At the start of each grass cutting season a reminder is sent out to contractors of previously reported wildflower areas.”

CUT BACK: The area by Shepherds Hill where bee orchids were seen growing

School helps clean up Sonning’s streets

MORE THAN 200 youngsters have joined forces to keep Sonning clean.

Students at Sonning C of E Primary School took part in a litter pick on Thursday, June 10, to tidy up the school and surrounding streets.

The 210 pupils collected 6 bin bags of rubbish in total, with each student heading out for 30 minutes to do their bit.

They also tidied up King George V Field, and parts of Berkshire County Sports fields — and the school said the youngsters enjoyed themselves.

One pupil, Harry, said: “This is so much fun. Can we do it every day?”

And Kieran, added: “I can’t believe how much rubbish I picked up.

“I will never litter as it can harm the environment.”

Fellow student Maeve said the area looked “so much nicer” when their work was done.

Daisy’s curry and mango pie wins peculiar competition

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

A NINE-YEAR-OLD girl from Shinfield has won a national competition to design a pie.

Darcy May suggested a chicken curry and mango combination to Vale of Mowbray, a Yorkshire-based pork pie company, in its Peculiar Pies competition.

Mum, Abby May, said the dish was created by using up leftover chicken curry from the night before.

“Darcy was homeschooling at the time, and we thought it would be a nice fun thing to do after the maths and English homework,” Ms May said.

“I said look in the fridge, and using the leftover chicken curry, she made these puff pastry pies.

“When we have curry, Darcy always finds it quite spicy, so she has mango chutney with it.”

After photographing the pies, these were sent off to the Vale of Mowbray.

Jason Crowe, from the company, said Darcy’s effort to make and photograph her pie put her in first place.

“The sweetness against the spice mixed together really works,” he said.

“Darcy’s sample pie made it much easier for our development chef to understand her concept and make it here.

“The only change we made was to put a curry leaf design on top.”

As part of her prize, the company will bake a batch of 100 chicken curry and mango pies, to be enjoyed by family and friends.

The Shinfield St Mary’s CE Junior School pupil is even considering selling some of the pies at school, to fundraise for its PTA.

WINNER: Darcy May cuts up a mango, part of her winning entry in the Vale of Mowbray’s Peculiar pies contest University rises in major league tables

THE UNIVERSITY of Reading has gone up in two major league tables.

The institution has risen three places in the QS World University Rankings 2022, bringing it to 202 in the world, from more than 1,300 institutions.

It is the 27th highest among 90 UK universities.

In a separate table, the Complete University Guide 2022, Reading placed 36 in the UK from 130 institutions.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “Excellence in teaching, learning and research is one of our core principles and I am glad to see our focus on quality reflected in these latest league tables.

“I am immensely proud of all our students and colleagues, who have overcome many of the challenges of the past 18 months to continue to work hard, to advance knowledge, and to do something about some of the biggest issues facing our planet.”

The Complete University Guide 2022 highlights improvements in scores for Reading around student satisfaction, entry standards and degree completion.

Agriculture and Forestry ranked second in the UK, as well as Land and Property Management.

Speech and Language Therapy, and Town and Country Planning and Landscape Design were both ranked third.

Building was ranked fifth in the UK, Art and Design sixth, and Italian tenth.

Of the 34 subject areas listed, 19 subjects improved their position compared to 2021, 11 declined, and three remained at the same position.

For the QS World University Rankings 2022, the improvement is believed to be due to a boost in Reading’s reputation with academics and employers.

Thursday, June 17, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today Winnersh pupil helps create a better future for Zimbabwe

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

A WINNERSH girl is leading the charge to fundraise for students in Zimbabwe.

Jasmine Dix, 11, has spearheaded a fortnight of fundraising at Winnersh Primary School for Creating Better Futures, a charity that sponsors children to go to school.

It was founded almost nine years ago by her parents, Dorothy and Michael Dix, after Dorothy was sponsored through her own education in Zimbabwe.

Jasmine is the vice president of RotaKids, a primary school citizenship programme.

As part of her activities, she organised a week of fundraising from Monday, May 24, which grew into an additional fundraiser for the half term.

The RotaKids team raised £752.70 through charity buckets, pin badges, a quiz and an Africa Day music gig.

“Lots of the parents also completed a May 5k challenge,” Mrs Dix explained.

For every 5km distance walked, ran or cycled, parents donated £5 and challenged each other to complete the same – raising £212.

“£5 is enough to feed a child for a week in school,” Mrs Dix added.

Two years ago, Jasmine gave a presentation to the school after visiting Zimbabwe.

“I took lots of pictures of the classrooms,” she said. “They’re older, smaller and have less resources. But what they learn is very similar to us.

“I was trying to show them not to take things they have for granted,” she said.

The concept behind Creating Better Futures began years before it was founded.

Jasmine’s Grandmother Beverley, who still lives in Zimbabwe, had been identifying children in need of support in the community, and helped out where possible.

It was from here the charity was launched.

After studying in Zimbabwe, Mrs Dix received a scholarship for United World Colleges in Norway, and later the University of Reading.

She said the charity is her way of

FUTURE BUILDERS: The Dix family have been helping to raise funds to help children in Zimbabwe have an education giving back to the community she grew up in. It currently supports 3,008 children through its feeding programme and 200 children through child sponsorship. Mrs Dix estimates the number of lives indirectly impacted by other projects is in excess of 6,000. � For more information, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ winnershrotakids

NEWS | 13 Scarecrows to take over village

SUPERHEROES are on their way to Winnersh as the village holds its annual Scarecrow Trail later this month.

Bearwood PTA is hosting a heroes and villains themed trail in a bid to raise funds for the Sindlesham primary school.

This is the second event that has been held in the village.

Rebecca Barker, secretary, said: “We are very excited to be hosting another Scarecrow Trail this year, after last year’s was cancelled due to covid.

“We are finally getting back to ‘normal’ and hope this event will bring the community together and be fun for all the family.”

Residents are being invited to get involved by making their own scarecrows and taking part in the trail on the day.

“Scarecrows can be well known superhero characters and real-life superheroes, like Sir Captain Tom Moore,” Ms Barker said.

“We have a real mix of characters and people to spot on this year’s trail.”

The Scarecrow Trail will take place between 9am and 5pm on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27.

Tickets cost £3, which will be donated to Bearwood PTA.

To access the digital trail map, visit www.facebook.com/BearwoodScarecrowTrail for more details.

To apply to build a scarecrow, residents must send their contact details, address and two choices of scarecrow characters to PTA@bearwoodpri.wokingham.sch.uk

Got a business story? Email news@ wokingham.today. or write to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS

TOGETHER: A1 Loo Hire has acquired Portsmouth-based Convenient Hire A1 spends a penny

WOKINGHAM-based firm A1 Loo Hire is growing its empire in Portsmouth, after acquiring Convenient Hire.

Earlier this month, it absorbed the south coast business, bringing seven new staff under its wing and more than 400 toilets.

The portable toilet firm, which launched in 2004, now has five sites across the South East and Wales.

Clive Owen, director of A1 Loo Hire, said: “Having taken on a considerable amount of work along the south coast, expansion with a fixed depot in this area felt like the next move for the business.

“Convenient Hire has a great reputation and it’s a great opportunity for A1 Loo Hire to take on their clientele and also service our own contracts from the depot.

“We look forward to bringing the two companies together and expanding our services further along the south coast.”

Buy, sell and close

ANYBODY looking to make a business change can get a helping hand from Wokingham Positive Difference.

Next week, it is hosting its Buying, Selling or Closing a Business session to support residents coming to the end of their working lives.

Three business advisers will also give advice on how to make the life changing decision, including Michael Sharp from Winnersh-based FLB, and Graeme Hobbs from Hobbs Granger Roitt in Wokingham.

The session will take place at 8.45am on Friday, June 25.

Tickets cost £11.37. � For more information and to book a space, visit: bit.ly/WPDJune21

Teens’ covid launch helps recycling of glass bottles

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

TWO BERKSHIRE teenagers have turned their pandemic misfortune around after launching a new recycling business.

Paul Studd, 19, from Bracknell, and Oliver Hewitt, 19, from Reading, co-founded BottleJobs Recycling in February to help the environment and the county’s residents.

They created the firm which collects and recycles empty bottles for people in a bid to take charge of their own futures, after losing their jobs during the pandemic.

“We’re trying to do it for a good cause,” Mr Studd explained.

He said that on average, between 10% and 15% of people struggle to access bottlebanks.

“If we can provide the service, we can help the environment and help people get past the burden of the bottle run,” he added.

“In my eyes, that’s a winwin.”

Mr Studd said losing his job during the pandemic was hard, but it spurred him on to think about taking charge of his own future.

“When you lose a job throughout covid, you still have stuff to pay for,” he said. “I then spent a lot of time wondering what would be the best option for me.

“I thought of working for myself but didn’t know what to do, until Oliver came up with the idea for BottleJobs.”

Dave Hewitt, nonexecutive director at BottleJobs Recycling, said the two teenagers both found themselves in “a very common scenario faced by young people” last year.

“People think the young have very little to offer, companies are risk averse as they do not come with previous experience, and they question their reliability and work ethic,” he said.

“But Paul and Oliver wanted to build and create something professionally organised, and together they formed a partnership and rely on each other’s strengths.”

Mr Studd said the teens’ business venture is going well so far, with 30 customers currently on board.

“I love the ability to be able to be in control of everything,” he said. “I also get to drive around in the car all day, listening to music in hot, sunny weather.

“We love what we’re doing.”

And Mr Hewitt said the trio have big plans for BottleJobs Recycling, and hope to become a contractor for Reading Borough Council in the near future.

“There has been speculation that local councils are reviewing the fact that Berkshire councils do not collect residents’ discarded bottles,” he said.

“Their current [recycling] contract is paid up to 2025 so at best, any expansion for BottleJobs Recycling is probably four years away.

“The hope is that, in 2025, [we] may be invited to bid on a possible contract with local councils, to cover every household in the area.”

GET TOGETHER: BottleJobs will recycle glass Picture: SatyaPrem/Pixabay

Shoppers want to stay local IT’S GOOD news for Wokingham has become an increasingly Aromatherapy firm picked by dragon borough’s high streets as more than important way for businesses to half of South East shoppers pledge connect with customers.” A WOKINGHAM firm to support small businesses. The insurance company also has been dealing

A new report by NFU Mutual found three in 10 shoppers in the with dragons, found the majority of residents South East increased their business after receiving an want to help local retailers with small retailers over the past award from Theo following the coronavirus year. Paphitis. pandemic. “By maximising the benefits they One

After surveying 2,000 shoppers, see from their social media Aromatherapy Co, it reported more than two thirds channels, local retailers can have which offers (34%) of people also find new, local meaningful interactions with products to improve businesses through social media. customers, develop business wellbeing and health,

Zoe Knight, commercial resilience and potentially drive has been named one of the Dragon’s top six insurance expert at NFU Mutual, sales, helping them to bounce back businesses in his Small Business Sunday awards. said: “Social media has changed the after the pandemic,” Ms Knight Wokingham resident Jeanne Butcher launched way we communicate and shop, and added. the company in November 2020. Wokingham restaurant to “Being recognised is such an achievement,” she said. “I had to pinch myself twice.” Mr Paphitis launched the weekly initiative in curry on expansion plans 2010 which sees him ‘retweet’ the six winners to his 500,000 followers to increase their business exposure. THE OWNER of a Wokingham town experience to enhance deliveries to One Aromatherapy Co was chosen in March centre takeaway has announced he the large number of loyal Balti King 2021, and is now featured on his Small Business is embarking on a business project customers, and provide an Sunday website. in Bracknell. enhanced and unmatched service That is not the only success for Ms Butcher,

Raja Majid, owner of Sultan Balti to them.” after her newly-launched company was also Palace and director of Range Super In the coming weeks, he will also showcased in London’s ‘BlowOut Magazine’ Cuisine Limited, is expanding his launch Balti King’s services on earlier this year. takeaway business outside of the UberEats. Ms Butcher said it was “an amazing surprise”. borough “We are in the fortunate � To find out more about the Small Business Sunday

He has purchased Balti King position to be able to look to awards, visit: www.theopaphitissbs.com takeaway, in Easthampstead, and acquire and develop new business � Find out more about One Aromatherapy Co at kept on all its existing staff. ventures, with Balti King being the www.onearomatherapy.com or find Ms Butcher at

Mr Majid said: “We will use first of many we are planning,” Hurst Country Fayre on Saturday, June 26 and our existing knowledge and he added. Sunday, June 27.

Thursday, June 17, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today California dreaming … new restaurant to open soon

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM’S NEWEST restaurant is on track for opening soon.

RYND, a California-inspired restaurant, is preparing to open its doors at Wokingham Town Hall.

Having taken over the former Courtyard site, owners Tom Anderson and Jay Robinson said they want to “bring a West Hollywood vibe to their hometown”.

Hiding behind the historic walls of the town hall, the restaurant is filled with green plants, marble benches and finished with oak.

Customers can eat inside, or dine al-fresco on Market Place.

The restaurant recently applied for an alcohol license, to serve cocktails from the bar.

The duo said they hope their eatery will become a “retreat from the daily grind”, and will serve brunch, lunch and dinner.

Food will include a range of vegetarian and vegan dishes, alongside grazing boards, and freshly-baked cakes and pastries by head bakery chef, Lara Thompson.

The restaurant is a reincarnation of the brand’s previous cocktail bar on Castle Street, in Reading, which closed in 2016.

During that time, it featured on the World's Best Bars website.

Last month, they began hiring and training staff in preparation for the opening date.

Mr Anderson and Mr Robinson announced their new restaurant in November last year.

At the time, Wokingham town mayor, Cllr Tony Lack welcomed the duo and their new business to our town.

“We were delighted to receive a very high level of interest when The Courtyard space became available in the summer; this showed us the great confidence business has in Wokingham, even during these difficult times,” he said.

The mayor said Mr Anderson and the team “stood out” when considering the next use of the town hall.

“They will be bringing something new and different in terms of their food offer, approach to locally sourced food and their intention to become part of, and work with, our community,” he said.

“As they open in the heart of the town they will be a great addition to Market Place and the town as a whole. The council wishes them every success and I would encourage everyone to come and support this new local business in the months and years ahead." � For more information, visit: www.rynd.co.uk

ON ITS WAY: RYND will be opening in Wokinghham’s historic Town Hall over the coming weeks Picture: Phil Creighton

NEWS | 15 Musculoskeletal patients can join virtual session

RESIDENTS living with musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) have been invited to share their experiences with health leaders.

Later this month, there are two meetings for charity leaders and sufferers to discuss service improvements.

Carl Davies, director of MSK and Orthopaedics for Berkshire West Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), said MSK is an umbrella term that includes conditions affecting joints, bones, muscles, soft tissue problems, rheumatology, chronic pain and orthopaedics.

“A large number of GP appointments are MSK related and we are committed to providing our local people with a wide range of services that deliver the right care, at the right time, in the right place,” he said.

“We also believe it’s important to consider the wider social factors affecting people’s health and establishing something that reaches patients who may traditionally fall between clinical services but still need additional help.

“This could include things like social support, further education about their condition or information and signposting to existing services.”

He continued: “To make sure the services and support we provide is properly tailored to people’s needs means that we must talk to them about what’s currently available, find where there may be gaps, what’s stopping people accessing the services and whether there are support networks already established,” he added.

“This is why we hope as many people as possible will be able to join us for the events so we can work together in the co-design and delivery of additional community support for people with musculoskeletal conditions.”

The session will run online via Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, June 22, from 4pm to 6pm and on Thursday, June 24, from 10am until noon.

The deadline to book is tomorrow (Friday) � For more information, and to book a slot, email: karen.grannum@nhs.net and indicating the desired session.

ADVERTISER'S ANNOUNCEMENT Castle Royle launches new health studio with exclusive giveaway

KNOWL Hill’s premier country club has announced an exclusive giveaway ahead of the launch of its new, state of the art health studio.

Castle Royle Golf & Country Club, on Bath Road, has revealed a range of refurbishments and improvements to support residents coming out of lockdown.

Now, to gear up for the launch of its holistic studio, it is offering two winners the chance to enjoy its new services for free to help them on their mindfulness journeys.

Castle Royle, which formed in 1994, is on a mission to give people a “feelgood experience” through wellness, golf and relaxation.

It offers a whole host of luxury services including a private members’ golf club with a championship quality course, as well as a swimming pool, indoor spa, restaurants and more.

Mark Allden, general manager of Castle Royle, said “exciting times” are on the horizon as the Club gets ready for lockdown restrictions to lift and the opening of its new space.

He said the coronavirus pandemic created “the perfect storm” for the holistic development.

“We’ve got roughly 3,000 members and a huge demand for classes,” he explained. “But we found that we were oversubscribed because our classes are so strong.

“Our office is continuing with flexible, remote working so we had space available to move forward with a third studio.”

Castle Royle, which currently runs 150 classes a week out of two studios, offers a variety of sports from high energy fitness regimes to mindfulness practices.

The new, holistic space will focus on calming exercises for the mind and body.

“Research has shown a huge spike in demand and interest in mindfulness,” Mr Allden explained. “Covid has taken its toll on people and been a real mental strain, so the demand is there.”

The new site will also increase capacity from 18 to 35 participants per session, and will run on a “dedicated holistic timetable”.

“It will have all the latest equipment and more variety than before, for example we’re looking at launching tai chi,” Mr Allden added.

Now, two residents are in with a chance of winning one month’s worth of free access to all of Castle Royle’s facilities, including the new studio.

The Club is giving away a 30-day Full Health Club Membership, worth £208 per month, for two people for free — which includes unlimited use of its pool and sauna, access to the gym overlooking the golf course, and more than 150 weekly fitness classes to choose from.

“If people are interested in exploring mindfulness and holistic classes further, there’s no better place than our dedicated space, with instructors to help them on their journey,” Mr Allden added.

And that’s not the only big news from Castle Royle, as the country club plans to invest and improve in other areas too.

“Overall, we’re really excited about the future here,” Mr Allden said. “It’s exciting and encouraging that post-covid we have investment coming our way.”

The Club is also planning to expand its spin class studio, install a range of new bikes, and double its capacity to 25 people.

“We are also rolling out a better food offering, expanding reception, and refurbishing the golf club house as well,” he added. “This will give us the best golf practice facilities in the county.”

Castle Royle’s holistic studio will open towards the

WELLNESS, GOLF AND RELAXATION: New health studio set to launch at Castle Royle, Knowl Hill

end of July.

The Club is running its giveaway with Wokingham.Today until 5pm on Monday, June 28. � Find out more about Castle Royle online at www.castleroyle.com or call 01628 703894

Sky diving will support Dingley

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

SUPPORTERS of Dingley’s Promise will be facing their fears this weekend in a skydive challenge.

The 13-strong will come down to earth on Saturday, after setting off from Chiltern Park Aerodrome during the event organised by UK Skydiving Adventures.

Those taking part include charity staff, community supporters and business professionals.

Two of them include Sheridan Jansky and Joanne Gavaghan, who are parents of children who attend Dingley’s Promise Wokingham Centre.

The aim is to raise vital funds towards the charity’s lifechanging services supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities during their formative years.

Ms Jansky said: “My beautiful daughter Callie (pictured) is autistic and she struggles a lot with understanding the world around her and communicating how she is feeling.

“Dingley’s Promise has been an invaluable source of support, comfort, and fun for her and they help her thrive and give her an opportunity to develop in her own unique way.”

She added: “With patience, care and understanding, I can't thank them enough for what they do for us all as a family. "

Jo Evans, fundraising manager at Dingley’s Promise, said she is “thrilled” to have so many supporters taking part in the challenge.

“It will be an extremely special event, with staff, parents and supporters joining forces to raise much needed awareness and funds for our charity and we want to thank them all”, she said.

“We wish all of our 13 skydivers the best of luck and hope that they enjoy every minute of the experience.”

Follow Dingley’s Promise on Facebook for profiles on each skydiver and to donate to their individual fundraising pages. � For more information, visit dingley.org.uk

Staying vigilant: plain clothes police to patrol the streets in bid to make nights out safer for all

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

PLAINCLOTHES police officers will patrol Reading town centre from next week as Thames Valley Police expands its “pioneering” programme to tackle violence against women and girls.

Project Vigilant will see uniformed and non-uniformed officers hit the streets from Monday, June 21 to reduce sexual offending, working with town centre venues to spot predatory behaviour.

It follows a Government push to improve women’s security and detective chief inspector James Senior said the force is “confident” it will see positive results.

“Until we’re in a position where nobody is sexually assaulted or raped in our night time economy, we’re not going to be happy,” he said.

“Thames Valley Police is pioneering in this area, and a lot of forces are trying to catch up with what we’re doing.”

A watchful eye

The project aims to make Reading town centre a safe space for people enjoying a night out at the pubs, clubs and bars.

Uniformed and nonuniformed officers will patrol the town centre to identify predatory behaviours such as loitering, sexual harassment and inappropritate touching — but they will not enter any venues.

Instead, the force will work with pub staff and taxi drivers who will report unusual behaviour.

“The Home Office has made it very clear that tackling violence against women and girls is at the forefront of its strategy,” DCI Senior said.

Businesses sign up

According to Thames Valley Police, a lot of businesses have been eager to help with the project.

“They have really bought into this,” the detective chief inspector said.

“Project Vigilant isn’t just a ‘one man band’ where the police are saying ‘we’re going to save the world’. It’s a joint approach because we can’t solve this problem alone.

“If we make the streets really safe but someone can’t go into a bar or club without being harassed, it doesn’t solve the problem.”

In the future, the force may also lead a training programme to support venue staff identifying unusual behaviour.

A long-term approach

And DCI senior said the project is not just focused on tackling sexual assault in the moment, but reducing the risk to women in the long-term.

“We are also looking to develop it in other areas,” he added. “There is scope to have this operation evolve [because] it can move around easily, so we will divert resources accordingly.”

At the moment, the initiative is focused on keeping the streets safe at night, but he said it could be extended to other public events in the future, including Reading Festival.

Staying vigilant: plain clothes police to patrol the streets in bid to make nights out safer for all

Clearing up misconceptions

The launch of Project Vigilant follows a pilot programme held in Oxford in 2019, which saw a 50% reduction in rape and a 30% reduction in sexual assaults in the night time economy.

DCI Senior said at the time, there were “a few misconceptions” about what the initiative hopes to achieve — and has stressed it will keep people safe.

“There was a suggestion that plainclothes officers would approach vulnerable women,” he said.

“But officers will identify predatory behaviour and uniformed officers will then come along to engage.

“We want to reassure people that they will not be approached by anybody claiming to be a police officer, but rather by friendly, uniformed, male and female officers.”

He said he is sure next week’s relaunch in Reading will be a success.

“I’m confident that the tactics we adopted in Oxford are scalable and we will see the same types of results in other areas,” he said.

“It’s perpetrator-focused and moves away from victim blaming, instead putting the onus on the perpetrators out there.”

Thames Valley Police is also expanding Project Vigilant to Windsor and Maidenhead on Friday, June 25.

We are here to help

As pub-goers return to Reading town centre this summer, DCI Senior is now encouraging residents to contact the force if they feel in danger.

“If you’re on your own and don’t feel safe, the expectation is that the officers dedicated to this project will be able to assist you,” he said.

“We can also signpost people onto other charities and organisations that can help. If we can’t respond immediately, CCTV will help us to follow that up.”

Anybody who sees somebody acting suspiciously is urged to call Thames Valley Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency, or approach an officer.

Pics make point over dog meat

TWO PHOTOGRAPHY students have teamed up with an animal rights charity to model its merchandise.

Alfie and Bex, who attend Bracknell and Wokingham College, have created promotional images for the London-based charity, NoToDogMeat.

The organisation, which works with campaigners in countries with a dog and cat meat trade who want to make a change, placed an advert in the Metro newspaper.

The advert encouraged film makers and creatives to come forward to help with the charity’s marketing.

Alfie and Bex, currently studying a photography Level 3 Extended Diploma at the Church Road campus, took up the challenge to produce a range of portraits modelling the merchandise.

Alfie said that it was a “good opportunity” for them to learn something new.

He added: “We had a look at their website to see what they’d previously done and tried matching it to their level, so we used each other as models because we thought it would be easier and we could have fun with it.”

Nicholas Brewer, photography lecturer at Activate Learning, said he approached the pair because they were “capable, professional and doing well” in their course.

He added: “I knew they were both dog owners, so this helped, and I am delighted with the work they produced and look forward to seeing what they do next.”

Julia de Cadenet, CEO of the NoToDogMeat charity, also showed her support for the students.

She said: “NoToDogMeat is about building compassion one brick at a time, and brilliant projects like this are all part of that.

“These pictures are absolutely wonderful, well done Bex and Alfie and thank you.”

For more information, visit notodogmeat.com

18 | NEWS

Summer Fun

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How you could spend your summer

IT WON’T be long until this strangest of academic years is over and the cry of ‘School’s out for summer’ rings across the land.

With it comes the eternal cry of ‘what we can do?’ in the bid to beat that other eternal cry of ‘I’m bored!’

It’s even harder to organise events this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Not everything is running and not everything is running at its usual capacity.

However, given that we know it’s safer to enjoy the big outdoors, there’s never been a better time to explore activities on our doorstep.

For value days out, there are many walks to try, including 16 routes across the Woodley area. Organised by the Loddon Valley Ramblers, they aim to help residents access green spaces and utilise a network of quieter footpaths. Most are circular, so they start and end in the same location and some are suitable for wheelchair users.

For more details on these, see our news story on page 24.

One of the first events to take place this summer is the Hurst Show and Country Fayre. It was online last year, but it’s an annual celebration of rural life along with a heap of fun.

Organisers are also setting up craft stalls, animal petting for children, and archery in the Community Orchard.

There will also be a food court at the Village Hall, with performances from musical groups including Ukuladies Plus One and Second Wind.

It aims to raise funds for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

Entry is free and parking will be available.

For more on this, log on to hurstshow.uk or see our news story on page 26.

For a memorable day out, why not head to the river?

Paddleboard Maidenhead offers rivertrips, lessons and hire all year round, but what could be nicer on a summer’s day that just enjoying a day on the river?

Children of all ages are welcome, and can ride on their parent/guardian’s boards or, if they are eight or older, use their own.

Beginners are welcome, parties are available, and there’s also opportunities to try yoga, meditation and mindfulness.

Sessions run from Wargrave, among other places.

For full details, and to see the extensive range of activities, log on to www.paddleboardmaidenhead.uk

If paddleboarding seems too exhausting, then how about pushing the boat out?

Sonning River Charters offers a private charter on luxurious chauffeured boats, all based in Sonning.

Its launch can carry up to 12 passengers and an experienced skipper will take care of everything. All you have to do is relax and enjoy one of the most picturesque stretches of the River Thames.

You can order hampers, afternoon teas, aperitifs and sparkling wines to enjoy while on the river, it’s all very civilised.

The company can offer special occasions, pre-lunch excursions, romantic afternoons and an evening sunset cruise. Perfect for family day trips, ideal for transport to and from restaurants, theatres and hotels, it’s a day that will be remembered for many years to come.

Puzzalogical Escape Rooms offers immersive adventures for everyone to enjoy. It’s a race against the clock to find all the clues and, eventually the key you’re looking for to escape.

Puzzles are suitable for groups of between two and six and a gamesmaster will help guide you if you need hints.

The Bracknell-based company promises an away day that will never be forgotten.

And for fun for younger ones all through the summer, Ultimate Activity Camps is a perfect summer smash hit.

It provides Ofsted-regulated activities for ages four to 14 from a variety of locations, including Luckley House School in Wokingham and Crosfields School in Shinfield.

It aims for a very high level of care and welfare for all the children it looks after, through a range of exciting activities whether these be in the art room, the sports hall, playing fields or in the woods.

These include archery, badminton, basketball, climbing, fencing, handball, nature trail, netball, tag rugby, yoga and zorbing.

New activities this year include combat archery, a combination of Dodgeball, Laser Quest, and Archery. Children aged 8+ are put into teams and fire at their opponents with large safe foam tip arrows and score points for their teams.

Whatever you do to enjoy summer this year, ensure it’s covid safe and have a brilliant time.

FUN IN THE SUN:

There are loads of activities you can enjoy this summer – and they are suitable for all ages Picture: andreas160578 from Pixabay

Thursday, June 17, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today Beat the Street campaign sees 4,000 tapping the beat boxes

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

MORE than 4,000 people have walked an impressive 22,000 miles since Beat The Street launched earlier this month.

The game sees people walk, scoot, wheel, cycle or run between different ‘beat boxes’ placed around the borough.

Each one registered counts towards a total, with prizes on offer for schools.

At the moment, Evendons Primary School is at the top of the total points leaderboards for schools and Windmill Primary School is at the top of the average points leaderboard for schools.

Entry is free and next week it is offering double points during the commuting hours of 7am and 9am and 3pm to 6pm.

Today, it will mark Clean Air Day, a national campaign to encourage everyone to ditch the car and find healthier ways to get around.

Beat the Street and MyJourney will be at Elms Field between 4pm and 6pm for a Dr Bike session where players can bring their bikes for maintenance; plus a member of the MyJourney team will be leading an orienteering trail from 4.30pm.

Beat the Street runs until Tuesday, July 20, and has an overriding aim of improving the air quality while encouraging people to use greener forms of transport.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport said: “We are really enjoying seeing people getting out and playing the game.

“Beat the Street is a really positive initiative that is inspiring the community to get active in a safe, socially-distanced way.

“In particular, the game is showcasing the green spaces and parks that are such an assety to the area and provide a great place to go for a walk or cycle as well as a safe route to get to school or work.”

To find out more about the Beat the Street game, including where to collect a card, visit www.beatthestreet.me/wokingham

GREEN DREAM:

Pupils from Windmill Primary School , who are playing in this year’s Beat the Street Wokingham contest Picture: Stewart Turkington

NEWS | 19 Online workshops come with benefits

TWO new online workshops are being launched next week aimed at helping people with autism cope with benefits.

Places are free and the sessions are being run by Autism Berkshire.

They are for autistic young people and adults aged 16 upwards, as well as their parents and carers in the Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire council areas to understand their entitlement to benefits, how to apply, and the appeals process.

Autism Berkshire’s chief executive officer, Jane Stanford-Beale, said: “Many autistic people and their families find that applying for benefits they are entitled to is a challenging process.

“Our advisers guide them through the dos and don’ts and explain what evidence is needed.

“In 2019-20, clients of our Benefits Service received benefit awards and back payments totalling more than £235,000.”

The workshops both run from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Mondays, using video links.

From Monday, June 21, there will be a session on applying for Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

And from Monday, July 19, the focus will be Applying for Universal Credit and Employment & Support Allowance (ESA).

They also look at related issues, including employment advice and support available to autistic adults.

To find out more, or to register, log on to: www.autismberkshire.org.uk/benefits-service

Summer Fun

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20 | NEWS Life of Brian

Brian Hicks

The Schlager Phenomenon

WHEN I lived in Germany, I was impressed by its music and became a fan of what they call Schlager. These are pop songs with a catchy melody and musical accompaniment, easy to sing along to and usually about love and related themes. Two of my UK cousins also got hooked after visiting and seeing live concerts. Germans have mixed opinions about Schlager and many of my friends teased me about my interest. One of my favourites is Howard Carpendale, a South African who has been making hits for 50 years. His latest CD has new recordings of his best hits accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra. Schlager fans are primarily in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Some of the stars have released English versions of their songs, most notably Helene Fischer, 36, Germany’s leading female singer, but with limited success. She released The English Ones in 2010, but has never given a concert in the UK or US. Helene had ballet training and dances in many concerts, most notably in her 69-show tour featuring dancers from Cirque du Soleil. Her 2013 hit, Atemlos (Breathless), became an unofficial anthem of the 2014 World Cup. Despite the limited fan base, Helene Fischer was ranked as the eighth top earning pop singer in the world in 2018 with $32 million in a list headed by Katie Perry and Taylor Swift at about $80 million each. If English had been Helene’s mother tongue, she might well be topping those charts by now. For the past decade, Helene Fischer has hosted a Christmas Day TV spectacular on Germany’s ZDF channel at 8.15pm, lasting over three hours. These are filmed beforehand in Düsseldorf, with many star guests. One featured Olly Murs and Tom Jones. Ironically, the Irish-American Kelly family, on the German scene for nearly 50 years, sing in English and are an important part of the Schlager scene as are Italian and French acts. Bonnie Tyler enjoys performing in Germany and has sung some great duets with Schlager stars such as Matthias Reim and Ben Zucker, as have Lionel Ritchie and Chris de Burgh. One of the leading male Schlager stars is Roland Kaiser. He recorded a recent big hit, Warum hast du nicht nein gesagt? (Why didn’t you say no?), with Maite Kelly, now a solo artist and previously part of the Kelly Family. A video of it has attracted over 130 million hits on YouTube. Germany’s gossip and women’s magazines love to speculate and report on the Schlager stars, usually with several stories in each edition. Helene Fischer’s first public appearance was in a programme of TV channel ARD in 2005 with the German Schlager star, Florian Silbereisen, and they soon became a pair. They never married, to the disappointment of fans, and split up a few years ago after Helene fell for one of the dancers in her show. Silbereisen started out as an accordion player and now comperes many Schlager concerts and TV shows. He also recently set up a new band, Klubbb3, with two other male singers, one a star from Holland, Jan Smit. Sales of Schlager music have been booming over the last five years, although live Schlager concerts have ground to a halt with coronavirus. The Austrian singer, Nik P, composed and recorded a top hit, Einen Stern, den deinen Namen trägt (a star that bears your name) in 2007. Fellow Austrian, DJ Ötzi, liked it so much he persuaded Nik to release another version with both singing together. It became an even greater hit, topping the German singles charts and staying there for a record 106 weeks. They both still sing the song frequently on shows and other stars have recorded it in different languages, but not English. Why not see if you like Schlager too?

Fizzy ways to reduce your plastic footprint

IT’S ESTIMATED that more than 40kg of plastic waste a year is generated for each of us. To help cut it back, Soda Stream is offering some tips:

Clean up your beauty routine:

Cotton pads often contain synthetic fibres that don’t break down –switch to a reusable alternative.

Ditch disposable face masks.

Opting for a reusable one will help protect the planet, saving disposable masks from being sent to landfill or ending up in the sea.

Smell good and save the planet:

Switch your shampoo, conditioner and body wash to bar alternatives for a no-waste option. They can last longer too.

The must have accessory is

totally a tote: We all have those moments where we have to buy a 10p plastic bag at the supermarket because we forgot our own. Why not buy a tote that folds up and you can take with you on the go?

Shop seasonally and get creative

in the kitchen: Asparagus, broccoli, carrots, spinach are in season right now. Make the most of restrictions easing and cook up a fun, seasonal feast.

Make water sparkling at the

touch of a button: Switch to SodaStream to save thousands of single-use plastic bottles.

The company says one gas cylinder makes up to 60 litres of bubbles. What’s more, the entire SodaStream Spirit range has been certified as reducing carbon by the Carbon Trust.

SodaStream’s Spirit machine is available via the SodaStream website or through selected retailers in a range of colours, including Icy Blue, Black, White and a chic Urban Grey.

Eco-conscious consumers can also exchange their SodaStream gas cylinders and save £10 on the cost of a new one from retailers including Sainsbury’s, Currys, Argos, Ryman, Robert Dyas and Lakeland.

Wisdom beyond her years

REMINISCING ON lockdown in the countryside, a Wokingham football commentator has published his first book.

Phil Blacker, originally from Yorkshire, has written a children’s story inspired by his daughter, Jessica, during many hours spent reading together in lockdown.

As the grandson of a published poet, Phil says he has a passion for the English language — whether talking live into a microphone or writing a children’s book.

Published by Nightingale Books, Jessica and the Neighbour is available from Thursday, June 24.

It follows the story of a noisy, fun-loving toddler and her parents living next door to a miserable, bad tempered neighbour.

Jessica's party doesn’t go down well with the elderly lady on the other side of the fence, until the birthday girl takes matters into her own hands and an act of generosity changes their

relationship and the neighbour's life for the better. Phil says it is a story of a little girl’s wisdom beyond her years, proving it's never too late to change. He lives in Wokingham with his wife, Claire. Jessica was recently joined by her younger brother, Alfie. Jessica and the Neighbour costs £5.99. � To pre-order a copy, visit: pegasuspublishers.com/books/all/ jessica-and-the-neighbour Bubbly fun at the fun run

RUNNERS can join in some good clean fun this weekend with a Bubble Rush at Prospect Park in Reading.

The course starts in a sea of foam, and includes four different coloured bubble stations, where foam cannons create a four ft bubble bath.

The 5km (3 mile) course is suitable for all ages, as well as pushchairs and wheelchair users.

The Sunday, June 20, event is in support of Marie Curie. On registration, attendees will be sent an email about how they can help the charity.

A spokesperson for Marie Curie said: “We would be delighted if you could include some fundraising or make a donation to show your support for the charity.

“Your ticket price only covers the cost of putting on the event. However, all proceeds from fundraising, individual and corporate sponsorship and event day activities will go to the charity.”

Registration closes tonight.

A family ticket for two adults and two children costs £54. Individual adult entry is £20 and it’s £10 for children. All entrants will be given a Bubble Rush T-shirt, and finishers receive a medal.

Under threes go for free but don’t receive a T-shirt or medal.

Under 16’s must be accompanied by a paying, participating adult. One adult can accompany two children under 16. � For more information, visit: www.njuko.net/bubble-rush-reading

Vickie’s running to help Kim keep Sean close to her

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

A BOROUGH champion is hoping to raise money in memory of her nephew this June.

Vickie Robertson, founder of domestic abuse charity Kaleidoscopic UK, will be running the Brighton Half Marathon on Sunday, June 27, in memory of her nephew.

Sean Myers, from Bracknell, passed away two months ago after battling bladder cancer. He was just 17.

Now, after running in the event last year to help fund Sean’s treatment, Miss Robertston wants to extend her support to the family by raising more money for them this year.

She is hoping to raise around £500 to enable Sean’s family to create a special memento of him.

Sean’s mother, Kim Sharman, wishes to turn his ashes into jewellery stones to keep him by their side.

Miss Robertson explained her nephew was the “most kind-hearted person” she knew.

“Seano was so caring and he always thought about others, I really wish we could emulate that kindness onto everyone”, she said.

Having spent his last four weeks at Thames Valley Hospice, Miss Roberston spoke of how the staff were “fantastic” with Sean.

She explained the hospice arranged special video calls from his favourite rappers to put a smile on his face during his stay.

Praising the hospice for their care, Miss Robertson said they supported Sean really well during his final weeks.

She added: “I really want to do this to, not only help my family, but to also raise awareness that cancer can affect anyone at any time.

“Last year, I had such a lovely response from the community so I want to thank everyone for their continuous support towards our family and I’m looking forward to running again for Seano this year.”

Teachers cheered on as they do the moon walk STAFF from a Woodley school made it just over four hours. to the finish line for a virtual charity Emma Caswell said it was walk last month. “incredible” to receive so much

Beechwood Primary School’s Emma support from Beechwood Primary Caswell and Rachel Minter, and School. Wokingham-based residents Gill She added: “We all have such a Manton and Jan Harrison took part in good team spirit at Beechwood the Virtual Moonwalk London on Primary and it makes me really proud Saturday, May 15. to be part of the school.

They raised money for grant- “Having all the parents and making breast cancer charity, Walk children from the school cheering us the Walk, in memory of their friend Mandy Wildley.

Between them, the group have raised over £1,800 for the charity so far, which will go towards supporting those living with cancer.

With different distances to choose from, ranging from 6.55 miles to 52.4 miles, they all stepped up to the Half Moon challenge, which was 13.1 miles.

Starting in Woodley at 6.20am, they made their way around Southlake and across the footbridge towards Earley.

Children and parents from Beechwood Primary School cheered them on by waving banners and providing refreshments for them as they passed them throughout the morning.

Greeted by Mandy’s daughter Olivia at the finish line on Kingfisher Drive, WE DID IT: Beechwood Primary School members took part in the Walk The Walk challenge to raise funds in memory of a friend the ladies completed the challenge in

Thursday, June 17, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today Vickie’s running to help Kim keep Sean close to her

READY TO

RUN: Vickie Roberston at the previous Brighton Half Marathon in February last year

Kim Sharman expressed her thanks towards Miss Roberston for her fundraising efforts and said she has the “purest and kindest heart ever”.

“Vickie always continues to be by our side and is always supporting and looking after me and the family”, she said.

“She is truly an inspiration and I couldn’t be more proud of her, she’s the best auntie and sister ever and she continues to not only keep helping me but loads of other families.” � To donate, visit gofund.me/c3efb025

Teachers cheered on as they do the moon walk on as we walked through Woodley Rachel Minter said she felt “very was amazing and it gave us that boost proud” of the team for raising money to complete the challenge.” for Walk the Walk. Mrs Caswell explained they never She said: “I loved the walk through expected to receive this amount of Woodley not only because we were donations. walking for the beautiful Mandy but “I want to say a massive thank you because of the incredible support that to everyone who has supported us we received around every corner from and has helped us raise money for a the Beechwood community.” charity that is very close to our � To donate, visit walkthewalk. hearts.” enthuse.com/pf/gin-tonic-pink-on-it

Forget the 5k, David’s run an impressive 500k

A BRACKNELL man has run 500km to raise money for South Hill Park Trust.

Last year, the centre launched a fundraising campaign to raise £500,000 to help cover the impact of the pandemic.

On Sunday, June 12, last year, David Baker pledged his support for the cause.

Last week, he completed the 310 mile challenge 365 days later, ending at South Hill Park.

At the start of his journey David set a goal of £1,000 — which he surpassed with £1,095.

“South Hill Park Trust has served the community for almost five decades and the aim of raising this money is to help it continue for many years to come,” he said.

“Am I crazy? Maybe I am but someone has to do something to help South Hill Park.

“I’m not much of a runner but I’m going to try my best.”

The trust has raised more than £120,000 over the last year with the help of more than 3,000 residents, organisations and businesses.

It has also been given a further £345,072 from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Arts Council England (ACE).

It brings the total to more than £465,000.

South Hill Park Trust chief executive, Craig Titley said: “The love shown for South Hill Park Arts Centre over the past year has been humbling.

“David is just one of hundreds and hundreds of people who stepped up in the venue’s hour of need.

“The support shown by the public and central government meant the trust did not have to

FEET UP: David Baker & Craig Titley make any of its staff redundant and was even able to offer some online and in-person performances and courses throughout the lockdowns.

“Saving South Hill Park, protecting jobs, keeping the arts alive, supporting general well-being and mental health and reducing isolation and loneliness were central to the trust’s covid plans.

“On behalf of the trust, a very big thank you to David and all of our supporters.”

Money donated meant the trust was financially strong enough to re-open, welcome back audiences and visitors and make plans for the future.

It attracts more than 200,000 people to the centre every year for an arts, entertainment and education programme.

There are more than 70 staff and 150 volunteers. � For more information, visit: southhillpark.org.uk/donate today.

POETRY CORNER

Stage Three – Padlocked

Today is June fourteen, Boris has made a speech. Covid cases are rising Stage four is out of reach. He wanted to free restrictions, And let the economy recover, But the virus changed direction Just like our British weather!

So now stage three stays put, For a week or four at least, While many more arms are jabbed To protect them from this beast. We pray no more mutations Throw a spanner in the works, To ruin our best intentions And deprive us again of perks. So here we are still hampered, With businesses in despair, We certainly don’t feel pampered, More inclined to tear our hair ! Stage four is now postponed, And all of us must lump it, Covid keeps on spreading, And we can’t find ways to dump it. So on we grind with tedium Whilst trying to remain quite stoic, We’ll put our best foot forward And pretend that we’re heroic. But we mustn’t forget the main fact, That this disease has passed us by, Give grateful thanks to the Lord for this, And heave a collective sigh…. Lorna Minton

Zooming

I’m going to a meeting at Two this afternoon But I’m not going out, you know, I’m staying in my room, Everyone attending will be doing just like me And we’ll enjoy each other’s company until it’s time for tea.

I don’t know how this Zoom thing works I just do what I’m told. I register my name on line and then receive a code And, when the given time comes round, I go into Zoom mode. My iPad screen the tells me, “Wait. The host will let you in”. Then faces on my screen appear And I give them all a grin!!

If you’ve not been “a’Zooming” yet, well,

I think it’s time you should For meeting up with folk this way does one a world of good.

Jim Horsnell

We love receiving reader’s poetry. Email your submissions to letters@wokingham.today

22 | VIEWPOINTS WOKINGHAM.TODAY T H E V O I C E O F T H E B O R O U G H Vaccinations are a welcome step

THE CORONAVIRUS rate remains high across the borough despite the surge testing campaign.

It seems stubbornly stuck around the 90 per 100,000 people mark meaning this wretched virus is lingering.

The government had no alternative but to delay the June 21 unlocking. If the virus continues to stick around then July might not be the end that we wish for.

The delay is unwanted, but also totally necessary. The data – and what happened at Christmas – shows that.

So we applaud Wokingham Borough Council’s swift action in ensuring those aged 18-24 across the whole of our region can get their first vaccination.

Time and time again over the pandemic, officers and councillors have taken swift, decisive action to help try and protect us, even if that has put them at odds with Westminster. A genuine well done to all involved.

The surge testing campaign runs until Monday, but the need to keep on our toes remains. Encourage all young adults to get their first jab. We need it.

CHURCH NOTES Are you a mumpsimus?

YOU can find this wonderful word in Susie Dent's book: 'Word perfect –etymological entertainment for every day of the year' where she describes it as 'a 500-year old epithet for someone who insists they are right, despite clear and incontrovertible evidence to the contrary'. It goes back to the 15th/16th century when religious debates roused strongly worded divisions of opinion. Those who believed they were right and cited their 'incontrovertible evidence' described their opponents as 'mumpsimuses of divinity'. Which of course, applied to both sides of the divide. These days, the debate seems to be between the evidence of science, which though not always incontrovertible is supported by observation and careful experiment, and the teachings of religion, which is backed by nothing other than tradition, feeling, emotion and spirituality. We cannot prove the existence of God; we cannot uphold the stories of Creation, angelic visitations, prophetic words or the history of biblical narrative by scientific means. Scholars have delved into such evidence as there is to find the proof of, say, the life of Jesus, the disciples, the spread of the early Church. They have tried to be 'scientific' in explaining this evidence, but when it comes down to it, we have to take it in faith. And there we have it – faith. Faith that we cannot prove nonetheless is real. All of which we can ‘prove’ to exist in the lives we lead. Science can take us far in our understanding of the world, its beginnings, its substance, its working, but science cannot tell us how to live in harmony with all those around us. For that we need faith with action. As the little letter of James has it: ‘What good is it for someone to say he has faith if his actions do not prove it? Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and food. What good is it to say “God bless you” if you don't give them the necessities of life?’ (James 2:14 - 16) So we need to hold on to that faith, active faith, which is as real as love, kindness, grace – and if that makes us mumpsimuses – so be it. Rosi MorganBarry is a member of Wokingham

Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

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 We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper

Where are the flowers?

In last week’s issue, Sue Farrington asked where the flowers had gone. Here is a response to her: Dear Sue, I feel your pain about the flowers being cut down. Last year I emailed Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) to ask the very same thing, and to ask that verges like those at Cantley weren’t cut. (Reported in this paper). This year I’ve had to do the same as I’ve seen reckless mowing taking place again, but it seems unless it’s specified which roads the others still get cut. It’s a shame that our council (and government) only pay lip service to our climate emergency. On one hand gardeners are being asked to leave patches of lawn unmowed for wildlife, whereas they happily go round cutting verges unnecessarily. Makes no sense. They’re better off using the manpower to collect the litter that’s around the borough. Especially as mowed cans leave dangerously sharp edges for dogs, foxes, hedgehogs and children to cut themselves on. So I urge everyone to use the WBC email address (customerservice@wokingham.gov.uk) or through their website to tell them to stop mowing and start litter picking. Thank you

Juliet, via email

When is it busy?

Alan Rouse asserts that the "No right turn" signs are unnecessary, suggesting that they should only apply "in busy periods" and that your earlier correspondent has misunderstood their purpose. So a driver approaches a minor junction and has to read the cited rules on "busy periods", as we are obliged to do with bus lanes on major routes? "Am I here after 0900? Is it a schoolday? Is it half-term?" As an example of a potentially burdensome imposition of a "No right turn" requirement, he cites Holt Lane, as having "No convenient means of turning back". How about a right turn into Station Approach, a loop round the taxi rank and back up to the Reading Road, adding less than a mile to one’s journey? If you're driving into e.g. Reading , that's an increase of less than 6% in the round trip distance – and a reduction in the time spent, polluting away, at the end of Holt Lane waiting to turn right, and waiting for gaps in the traffic – both ways. Emmbrook Road "No right turn"? Adds less than half a mile to one's journey. Oxford Road "No right turn"? Ditto. And finally – "no right turns" should be enforced, if only to prevent Thames Valley's finest from flouting them at the end of Peach Street, as I observed a few years ago. Keep it simple. It works. Name and address supplied HERE is a photo of last Thursday’s partial solar eclipse taken from Woosehill, Wokingham at 11.13am, around the time of the middle part of the eclipse. For safety I used a special mylar solar filter in front of the camera lens to cut out most of the strong sun's rays. There was quite a lot of cloud about during the eclipse, but I managed to see it at times when gaps in the cloud came along.

George Anderson, Woosehill

Proud of my Grandson

It was back in 2017 I received the dreaded and shock news, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. My Grandson, Jonathan Weston, son of Christopher Weston, ex Forest school pupil decided to create something positive out of this unwelcome event. He made the decision to create the David Weston World Cup, a five-a-side football competition with each team entering representing a country of their choice, Jonathan choosing England given that he was organising the event. This first game in 2017 created great interest and raised a few hundred pounds for Cancer Research U.K. The tournament has continued each year with much needed money raised for the charity. This year the wings were spread with the game being held on Friday 11th June at Colliers Wood FC, no longer the fiveside format but a full-blown England V The Rest of the World (make believe, of course) England lost 5-2. It was a great game played in high spirits with the main goal, to raise as much money for Cancer Research. Jonathan put down a target to raise of £1,600. At the time of writing he has raised £3,480. no less than 217% of his target, a direct result of generous donations from many friends, family and colleagues. The Cancer Research UK giving page remains open up to early July should anyone wish to donate to this vitally important organisation, there of very few of us who have not encountered either personally, or friend and family the unwanted visit of the big " C ", it is only by continuous support of research that one day we will beat cancer.

David Weston, Winnersh � For more on this, see sport

Flying the flag

I write on June 10. The Union Jack is flying above Wokingham Town Hall. A sign on the noticeboard says it is to mark Prince William's birthday. Really? Today actually marks 100 years since the birth of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who died in April. In April the notices marking his death were also inaccurate. They referred to Her Majesty the Queen as Her Royal Highness. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were married for 73 years. Several years ago they didn't seem to know the difference between Her Majesty's Accession to the Throne and her Coronation. What will the notice say if and when the flag is hoisted for her Majesty's Official Birthday later in June? Prince William's birthday is on 21st June. Heaven only knows what the notice will say then. Does anybody in the Town Hall know the difference regarding any of the above? Perhaps you should contact Wokingham Town Hall about this and see what they have to say. Did they put a flag up for St George's Day?

Name and address supplied

NIMBYism

Last week’s Wokingham Today had a very interesting letter from Fiona Talbot asking why very few houses are built in the Northern Parishes which is a question I have been asking for some time now. Fiona goes on to allege that at the Hurst Parish Council AGM the Borough

Macron’s revealing view

WHEN President Macron said that sending supermarket supplies from Toulouse to Paris was different from sending them from Liverpool to Belfast because in the first case they were in the same country he revealed a common international misunderstanding about the constitutional status of Northern Ireland.

Fed on a diet of EU and Republic of Ireland spin they all see the issues in Northern Ireland from the Irish Republican viewpoint. They ignore or simply do not understand the majority community in Northern Ireland who are strongly of the view that Northern Ireland must remain an integral part of the UK, as much a part of the UK as Toulouse is part of France.

There are quite a lot of Americans who also need to be told this.

They sometimes seem to think the UK is holding on to some colony in Northern Ireland against the will of the people.

As the Good Friday Agreement makes clear Northern Ireland is fully part of the UK by virtue of popular majority support. It could be changed by a referendum or border poll. Recent polling shows an insufficient level of support for any

That was Westminster the week Diary

Tony Johnson John Redwood

such change showing there is no need to hold a poll.

When challenged by the UK view that the current arrangements over trade between GB and NI are not working, the EU argues two contradictory soundbites. They say the UK entered into an international Agreement called the Northern Ireland Protocol, and that must be fully enforced and can never be changed. They also argue that the Good Friday Agreement is central to the wider issues of good peaceful government on both sides of the border on the island of Ireland.

The truth is the EU’s aggressive and excessive approach to implementing their view of the Protocol is undermining the Good Friday Agreement. Their actions have alienated the majority community in Northern Ireland, who see the EU trying to force them into dependence on the Republic, severing important links with their own country, the wider UK.

Nor is it true to say that the EU’s view of the legal requirements of the Protocol are correct. The Protocol, like the Good Friday Agreement, seeks to balance the interests of the UK and of the Republic/EU.

It is meant to uphold Northern Ireland’s s full membership of the UK’s internal or single market, yet the EU is doing everything it can to stop goods, animals and plants passing from GB to NI.

The UK government needs to set out its legal view of the EU’s need to respect the UK single market to comply with the Protocol, and its various suggested fixes for the restrictions and frictions deliberately placed in the way of GB/NI trade by the EU.

I did not myself vote for the final UK/EU Agreement, fearing bad faith by the EU especially on fish and Northern Ireland.

The Withdrawal Act I did vote for contained the crucial sovereignty clause which gives us the legal basis to act unilaterally if the EU refuses to negotiate a sensible compromise.

We also have such rights under the Vienna Convention on Treaties should we need to renounce the Protocol.

The EU/UK Agreement also gives us the right to suspend the Protocol if it is not being fairly and sensibly enforced. It is time to take control of our own internal trade and demonstrate that is legal as well as right.

Councillor for Hurst was practically bragging how he had dumped 3,500 houses in another Ward while discussing preventing building in Hurst.

If true It would suggest that Wokingham’s Conservatives are not as fair and balanced as they should be to the Borough as a whole.

Fiona added that she cannot understand how the man responsible for planning in Wokingham Borough can protect his ward so well he can dump huge amounts of housing in other wards and get away with it?

What a good question which shows an unacceptable level of contempt for Wokingham’s residents in the South of the Borough, in particular Shinfield, Arborfield and Winnersh by their complete lack of concern the impact of more houses have on our communities.

At a recent Workshop for Hall Farm Arborfield to consider 4,500+ houses stretching from the Loddon Bridge to Winnersh, the same Member for Hurst was present so perhaps NIMBY should have been his message at that Workshop.

At least from his perspective Hall Farm is not Hurst or a Northern Parish so bring it on. Nobody wants more houses in their communities but if one was forced to take them then a Conservative bias that heaps them into already overdeveloped and unsustainable parts of the Borough, who have taken more of their fair share to date at the expense of more suitable areas such as Hurst is disgraceful.

I have no doubt the Executive Member for Planning will have lots of excuses but one question he may want to answer is how many houses have been given planning permission in Hurst in the last 10 years and how many have been given planning permission in Arborfield and Shinfield in the same period?

Answer on the back of a fag packet will suffice.

Whatever housing number the Conservatives in Westminster decide is right for Wokingham Wokingham’s fellow Conservatives may tut tut in public but will then deliver them anywhere but not in the North of the Borough. No part of Wokingham other than places like Hurst and the North will be safe from the loss of more green fields.

If they have any now they won’t soon.

Anyone who votes Conservative in the South of the Borough is saying bring on more houses on our green fields only along with all the ensuing misery and chaos that will bring. How unfair but Wokingham's Conservatives don’t care.

It's really time for independent minded residents to stand up in the next local elections and say enough is enough. Cllr Gary Cowan, Independent Borough Councillor for Arborfield at Wokingham Borough

From the chamber

Cllr Paul Fishwick

Thank you to our volunteers

As St John Ambulance approaches delivery of an extraordinary one million volunteer hours given in support of the Covid-19 response and the vaccination programme, our charity’s volunteers continue to demonstrate their value to local communities throughout the country.

I would like to pass on my sincere personal thanks through Wokingham.Today to all of our volunteers and staff, particularly as we approach St John’s Day on 24 June, a focal point for the St John family year, when this year we celebrate the work of our charity over the past year of the pandemic, and plan our support to communities who need our help in the future.

I am delighted that many buildings and local landmarks around the country will be lit up in green on that evening to celebrate the tireless work of St John volunteers and staff. Everyone at St John is immensely grateful to the owners and custodians of those buildings for helping us to make the day a special one.

Meanwhile, we remind everyone of St John

OVER the next three years, Wokingham Borough Council is planning to spend £17 million on improvements to traffic flow and easing congestion through measures including the use of CCTV and intelligent traffic signals.

Back in the 1970s to the 1990s building a by-pass to relieve traffic seemed to be the solution to ease congestion. This turned out to be a short-term fix as the capacity enhancement just attracted more traffic and congestion returned with the added pollution and noise.

However, analysis indicates that around 60% of car journeys are only up to 5km. Looking at a map of the borough, the vast majority of residents live within a 5km radius of the geographic centre.

Evidence shows that with the good and safe infrastructure, walking (up to 1km) and cycling (up to 5km) can be used to take up a large proportion of these shorter journeys, including connectivity with bus and rail.

By contrast the Borough Council are planning to spend £5.8 million on the Local Walking and Cycling Infrastructure Plan and Borough Cycling Network over the same three-year period, despite most journeys being short and could easily be catered for by walking and cycling.

Sadly, history shows that the Borough Council has continued with a policy of building poor quality infrastructure that does not attract new users. There is a significant suppressed demand for cycling with more bikes bought than cars each year. However, cycle use is low at around 2-3% of journeys.

The Cycling Infrastructure Design Guide sets out these benefits based on research for the Department for Transport (DfT). And with the right cycling infrastructure the walking improvements can be carried out at the same time.

Enabling more people to cycle will help local authorities to achieve a broad range of positive transport outcomes and wider environment and public health goals. Local land use and transport strategies provide the opportunity for local authorities to plan how to increase cycling to help deliver these goals.

Cycling brings many economic benefits, reducing some of the external costs of congestion and pollution associated with motor traffic, and reducing the healthcare costs associated with physical inactivity and poor air quality.

Cycling improves physical and mental health, reducing healthcare costs and costs of absenteeism. Many people simply find it a pleasurable activity that can be easily combined with the daily journeys that they need to make for other purposes.

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that cycle and pedestrianfriendly streets can boost footfall and retail sales, helping to revive traditional high streets and town centres by creating more pleasant conditions.

It should be noted that research has found that regular exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and obesity by 50% and the risk of high blood pressure by 30%.

Around 50,000 die annually in the UK from heart disease. Research has also found increases in productivity and general well-being among people who exercise regularly.

Active travel is not just for the young and fit. Research shows that no matter your age or fitness, increasing activity levels has benefits to health and longevity. Also, with e-bikes, the boundaries on where you can, and distance travelled are expanding.

Just imagine what the school run would look like if most students walked and cycled to school using a safe good quality network.

The DfT state in their Cycling Infrastructure Design Guide under Air Quality, meeting the targets to double cycling and increase walking would lead to saving £567 million annually from air quality alone and prevent 8,300 premature deaths each year.

The spending of £17 million on improving traffic flow will be a shortterm fix. We are in a Climate Emergency and the focus must be on improving walking and cycling not encouraging more car use, it has failed before and will fail again.

Ambulance’s work through our nationwide Ask Me campaign (www.sja.org.uk/AskMe) which launches on 14 June.

I am sure that our powerful combination of billboard posters and advertisements will keep our volunteers in the forefront of everyone’s minds and encourage your readers to get involved with St John, or to find out more about our charity’s work in their local area. Surgeon Rear Admiral Lionel Jarvis CBE KStJ

DL, Prior of England and the Islands of The Order of St John & Chair of St John Ambulance

A helping hand for dads

Having a child can be the most wonderful thing in the world but we also know that the daily responsibilities and challenges it brings can be daunting. This is especially true for those parents who don’t have a big support network around them.

This is why, with Father’s Day fast approaching, Barnardo’s, the leading children’s charity, wants to remind dads that we have an innovative online family centre to support them on their parenting journey.

Barnardo’s Family Space, which is partly funded by the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, is a digital service for parents looking for information and advice. There is a special section for dads whether they are new to parenting or experienced but facing a new challenge. The advice covers not just the importance of cuddles, talking to your children, playing together and helping with homework – but also on how to look after your own mental health and wellbeing too.

In our busy lives it is good to know that Barnardo’s Family Space will always be on hand, available day or night, to help make the toughest, but greatest, job in the world easier.

Visit https://families.barnardos.org.uk/ to access Barnardo’s Family Space. Emma Bowman, Barnardo’s, South East Regional Director

READ LETTER DAY: Oaklands pupils enjoy dressing up for a belated World Book Day event Reading brought to book

SCHOOL children dressed as their favourite book characters for a belated celebration last month.

Oaklands Infants School, on Butler Road, Crowthorne, hosted a replacement World Book Day for its students at the end of May.

The school celebrated the annual day, which was originally on March 4, on Friday, May 28 for the pupils to enjoy dressing up as various book characters.

The Year Two students were firstly treated to a drama workshop in the morning, led by Perform Drama Company.

Throughout the day, the children participated in a range of reading activities which included a whole school video call to read the story, The Gruffalo. The Year One pupils also dressed up, made their own bookmarks as well as sharing their favourite books with the class. Headteacher Hannah O’Neill said their World Book Day was a “really positive” event. She added: “The school had a great buzz about it and all the children loved seeing all the fantastic costumes of other children and staff.” Garden centre donates

A CROWTHORNE centre for older folk has been given a donation from a Wokingham garden centre.

COATS, based in Pinewood Avenue, received the gift following a sunflower campaign run by Squires in Heathlands Road.

The garden centre gave customers sunflower seeds in return for a donation to charity.

The campaign, which ran across the chain of stores, raised more than £2,500. COATS will receive £85.

The charity’s trustee, David Wilson, said: “This is just the latest example of the support that Squire’s have been giving to COATS for the last few years having previously hosted our collection boxes on their tills, donated money from their Christmas Santa’s grotto visits and donated some spectacular house plants for our day centre lounge.

“COATS would like to thank Squires for their support and look forward to continuing the close relationship with Squire’s garden centre at Heathlands.”

Cool way to hydrate

COOLING down is a care home’s main focus this week as they adjust to hotter weather.

Pinehurst Care Centre, on Duke’s Ride, Crowthorne, has been marking Nutrition and Hydration Week, which finishes tomorrow.

The care home is running various activities each day to show residents how to keep cool in the heat.

The week began with Mocktail Monday followed by Tasty Tuesday, providing residents with an afternoon tea on Wednesday.

Today, the care home is holding Thirsty Thursday, before finishing the week off with Fruity Friday.

Pinehurst Care Centre will also have guidance from Public Health England on Beat the Heat informing people how to keep cool and hydrated in the hot weather. � For more information, follow Pinehurst Care Centre’s Facebook page. OPEN: The Earl and Countess of Wessex with Eagle House School pupils celebrating the launch of a new pre-prep and music school Pictures: Steve Smyth Prince helps school celebrate 200th birthday

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

IT WAS a royal day out for pupils at a Sandhurst school last week, as the Earl and Countess of Wessex helped open their new learning centre.

Eagle House School, on Crowthorne Road, marked the launch of its Early Years area with a visit from The Royal Highnesses.

They opened the new centre, which has been in the works for 12 months, and unveiled a plaque at its entrance.

Prince Edward and his wife, the Countess, were welcomed to the school by headmaster Mr Andrew Barnard and Martin Rickard, head of the Board of Governors.

The Countess also received a posy from one of the pupils, and the pair posed for pictures with students in front of the new plaque and building.

A spokesperson for Eagle House School said it was a lovely occasion.

“The pupils and staff were really taken with the Earl and Countess,” they said.

James Puxley, the lord-lieutenant of Berkshire, was also present, as were representatives from the Darwin Group who designed the new learning centre.

The new building forms part of Eagle House School’s birthday celebrations: it recently marked its 200th anniversary in Sandhurst.

It includes an early years area, an outdoor learning space, refurbished pre-prep classrooms and a new Music School.

COMING DOWN: The Earl and Countess unveil the plaque

DONE IT: The banner is removed

ROYAL WAVE: The Countess greets children

Richard becomes new League of Friends chair

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

A FORMER Woodley councillor has become the new chairman for League of Friends, supporting the Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Richard Dolinski said he was delighted and surprised to be elected, after only six months as a trustee.

“It’s a big honour for me,” he said. “There is a long line of exceptional people that have led the charity.

“The league is loved by a lot of people. Only the other day I found out someone left us £5,000 in their will.

“We make a real difference, and people want to leave something behind so we can carry on our work.”

Mr Dolinksi said his vision is to grow the charity, and expand volunteer membership into more ages, ethnicities and cultures, to reflect the diversity of patients at the RBH.

Its core aim is to support the trust with projects that benefit patients.

“The league can make a real difference,” Mr Dolinski said. “One of our projects is funding skylights in the ICU. If you’re a long term patient in the ICU, you have no concept as to whether it'’ day or night, if you’re staring at a ceiling.”

As the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust undergoes changes to its estate, with more satellite clinics popping up, Mr Dolinski said the charity must become smarter in the way it supports patients.

“There’s the potential to even extend our presence into the High Street for events, as other leagues have done,” the chairman said.

“We are fortunate to have had a continuous stream of income over the last year, through our shops.”

The league runs a coffee shop in the Battle Block, and a grocery store, maternity shop and coffee outlet at the Maternity wards — both of which have been busy feeding patients, visitors and staff over the last year.

To boost fundraising initiatives, Mr Dolinksi is looking for a major, highprofile sponsor to support the charity, and help direct funds into specific projects.

League of Friends was formed in March 1957, by the Royal Berkshire Hospital Management Committee.

Over 64 years, the charity has fundraised through membership, shops, fetes, collection days, donations, sponsors and special events.

Its first major project was to build an overnight stay unit at the Battle Hospital for mothers whose children had to be admitted to hospital suddenly.

NEW ROLE: Richard Dolinksi (second from right) is the new chair of the RBH League of Friends BLOOMING MARVELLOUS: Posys are being left in Earley for Loneliness Awareness Week

Walks prepared for summer challenge

LODDON VALLEY ramblers have mapped 16 Woodley walks ready for the summer.

The group wanted to help residents access green spaces in and around the town, following a network of quieter footpaths.

Each walk has comprehensive route notes, photographs and maps, while some include tracks and waypoints for GPS use.

All start and finish points are shown on the map and all of the routes can be downloaded, ready to be printed or used on a smartphone or tablet.

The majority of the walks are circular, starting and ending in the same location.

There are two linear walks that may require a bus to get back home or to the car.

For these routes, details of bus routes, stops and numbers, and train alternatives, are included.

Walks have been created to suit a variety of age groups, with some specifically designed for wheelchair users.

All pushchair friendly walks include gravel or dirt paths, which may be muddy and puddled, and across parkland that may be soggy.

Extremely muddy paths have been excluded from this category.

Woodley Town Council thanked the University of Reading University for allowing the use of its campus, and Loddon Valley Ramblers for their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm.

Anyone that has found a problem with the walk is encouraged to email: paths@lvra.org.uk � For the walking routes, visit: www.woodley.gov.uk/woodley-walks-2

Saying it with flowers

THEY do say you should say it with flowers – and that’s exactly what an Earley-based florist has been doing this week.

Forget Me Nots Florist, based in St Peter’s Road, has been placing bouquets across the town to surprise people by spreading some joy.

It’s part of their support for the fifth annual Loneliness Awareness Week.

Direct2Florist, which works with ForgetMeNots to ensure people can send flowers to friends and relatives, has teamed up with the Marmalade Trust for the initiative.

More than 800 florists across the country will be taking part, all leaving a posy to find. On each bunch there is a message of goodwill, and a request for the finders to pass on the flowers to someone else, to help spread a message of giving and connection.

Wendy Rea from Direct2Florist said: “We may be getting round to some sort of normality but there are still people out there with no one to talk to or be with and we want to raise the awareness not just by sending flowers but by perhaps just saying hello.”

And Helen and Alex Belcher, from Forget Me Nots Florist, said: “If you find one of our poseys this week, please remember to take a picture and share on social media before you pass them on to someone who you think will appreciate them.”

A chance to thank carers

RESIDENTS at a Lower Earley care home thanked staff for their work, during last week’s National Carers Week.

Austen House celebrated the annual event with a summer party in the garden.

Residents also created handmade cards and letters for carers with a small thank you gift.

This year, the theme was making caring visible and valued. It aimed to shine a light on all people who work tirelessly behind the scenes.

Manager Natsayi Dunira said: “It is so wonderful to be able to celebrate Carers Week and thank our fantastic carers with a summer party in our garden this year, and to be able to welcome the community, relatives and friends back again, while adhering to government guidance, of course.

“It really does feel like life is getting back to normal now that we can have events and entertainment again.

“Everyone has had such a fantastic day, we’re all so happy to be able to see each other face to face.”

Summer show will celebrate the wonderful

HURST Show and Country Fayre is set to return this year, to celebrate “all wonderful things” about the village.

After running online last year, the village show will take place on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27 — Government covid guidelines permitting.

Run in a number of locations across Hurst, the Fayre will include the Garden Gate Arts Trail to showcase local artists’ works, and a family treasure hunt.

Organisers are also setting up craft stalls, animal petting for children, and archery in the Community Orchard.

There will also be a food court at the Village Hall, with performances from musical groups including Ukuladies Plus One and Second Wind.

Suzy Turner, chairperson, said: “Given the crazy 12 months we have all faced and how important the support and kindness of the village has been to so many of us, we are carefully crafting what we hope will be a celebration of all wonderful things about Hurst.”

She said by setting up activities across the village, organisers will limit the number of people in any one area.

This year’s Fayre will raise money for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

Entry is free and parking will be available. � To find out more, visit: www.hurstshow.uk or search for @HurstShow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Future views wanted

CHARVIL Parish Council is asking villagers to share their views on the future, after launching a survey on its new neighbourhood plan.

It is in the process of producing a document that will suggest how Sonning should develop from 2026 and 2036.

The proposals will cover everything from green spaces and leisure, to schools and housing needs.

The parish council is in the second phase of developing the plan, which involves working with the community to find out what residents want to see in the coming 15 years.

A spokesperson said: “[It is] your chance to influence what your neighbourhood will look like in the future.

“Wokingham Borough Council must take [it] into consideration when planning future development for the village.”

It has launched a series of online surveys to compile people’s views.

These include surveys on: Young residents, Living in Charvil, The environment, Housing, and Business and infrastructure � To learn more about the proposed neighbourhood plan and fill out a survey, visit: www.neighbourhoodplan.charvil.com New cat shelter opens

RESCUE cats that need rehoming now have a new place to wait, thanks to Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre (DBARC).

Earlier this month, The Hurst-based charity opened its new cattery, Whiskers Way, to give its cats some home comforts.

The new unit, which has been in the works for several years, is larger than the old home.

A spokesperson for DBARC said: “Our old cattery has served us well and has housed hundreds of cats over the last 19 years.

“But time was definitely catching up on it, and we knew we needed to replace it for the comfort and safety of our cats.”

DBARC is currently fundraising to cover the cost of the new home. � To find out more, visit: www.dbarc.org.uk

Bigger, better and covid-safe, beer festival ready to return

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

TWYFORD Beer Festival is “bigger and better” than ever this year, organisers said as they gear up for the big day.

After cancelling last year’s event due to coronavirus concerns, organiser Ian Wisdom said the 2021 celebration will have “more beer, more bands, and more open hours”.

The annual event brings the community together for food, drinks and dancing to raise money for male cancer charity Orchid.

“I sensed the need for the festival in January,” Mr Wisdom said.

“We’d had a real dark period and I thought let’s put something on and make it even bigger and even better.

“Organising this event has been quite stressful in some instances but we’re nearly there.”

So far, more than 3,000 tickets have been sold for the event which will offer nearly 100 different barrels of beer to festival-goers.

“We have a huge variety of different flavours and tastes for everybody,” Mr Wisdom said.

According to the organiser, the team has also arranged a range of ciders, pure apple juices, and enough Pimms for nearly 2,000 people.

While ticket numbers soar, the organisers are putting covid-safety first and have adopted a range of measures — including a 33-metre long bar.

“We are already pretty covid safe with the way we designed the layout this year,” Mr Wisdom explained.

“The bar itself is a metre deep meaning you’re distanced from bar staff and from each other.

“We will also keep the tent open on multiple sides.”

A range of musical acts are also lined up to perform throughout the weekend — and the organiser said they are “gagging” to return to the stage.

Artists include Bottle Kids and Playhouse.

The last festival raised roughly £10,000 for Orchid. This year, organisers hope to raise as much as they can.

“If we can get anywhere near £10,000, I’d be made up,” Mr Wisdom said. “I hope to raise as much as we can.”

Twyford Beer Festival is taking place on Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26.

Saturday’s event has almost reached capacity, and organisers

IT WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR: Fun at the 2019 Twyford Beer Festival. This time, covid restrictions will be place to ensure people can enjoy the event safely. Activities include live music Pictures: Steve Smyth

are encouraging people to book Friday tickets to make the most of their single-barrel beers. Tickets cost £10 and all profits will be donated to Orchid. � For more information, visit: www.twyfordbeerfest.co.uk Plans for 200 homes on Bridge Farm

HUNDREDS of new homes could be built in Twyford, after developer Croudace Homes revealed an outline planning application last week.

The housebuilder wants to build 200 dwellings on Bridge Farm, after the land was earmarked as a possible development site in the borough council’s draft local plan update.

It would replace 29 acres of agricultural land.

Croudace Homes has since launched a survey to gauge residents’ views on the proposal.

If approved, the new homes will include flats, terraces, townhouses and larger family homes.

The developer is also proposing a riverside park, nearly 450 parking spaces, and new cycling and pedestrian pathways.

Residents would access the estate from a new roundabout on the A4.

Lindsay Ferris, ward councillor for Twyford, said Croudace Homes should expect “considerable” objections to its proposals, which he said would be “isolated” from the rest of the village.

“There is significant concern about access from the site onto the A4, which I share,” he said. “With 200 properties being proposed, which I feel is far too many for the site, traffic will cause added problems along a road that is already extremely busy.”

Cllr Ferris said the proposals would encourage more car journeys at a time when the climate crisis should be a priority.

He is also worried any development near the River Loddon would be affected by regular flooding.

He added: “There is also a need to keep, if not improve, the wildlife corridor associated with the River Loddon and I have concerns that this development, on what is good quality farmland, would have an impact on this.

“I do not feel this is an appropriate site for such a major development.”

A spokesperson for Croudace Homes said residential development is needed in the Twyford area.

“Wokingham Borough Council is obliged by the Government to allocate land to meet housing needs,” they said.

“The council has identified Twyford as a sustainable location for some housing growth, because of the range of local services available in the village and the availability of public transport facilities, most notably Twyford Station.”

Croudace Homes is holding an online public consultation on its outline planning application which is open until Wednesday, June 23. � To take part, visit: www.bridgefarmtwyford.co.uk/ haveyoursay