CROWDS

from Wokingham Today, June 23, 2022

FILL-UP: The scheme sees businesses offer water bottle refills for free, and encourages the adoption of refillable containers and recyclable materials over singleuse plastics. Picture: Courtesy of Rachel Bishop-Firth Town takes lead in fight against plastic pollution

Call for help for families

WOKINGHAM brought the fight to save the planet from plastic on Thursday, June 16, celebrating World Refill Day.

After some downtime during the pandemic, the Wokingham Refill team has relaunched its efforts to cut down on the levels of plastic being used.

World Refill Day is part of a global scheme which seeks to tackle single-use plastics and promote reusable products which can then be refilled.

The team approached vendors and businesses during the day, encouraging them to join the scheme and help customers away from single-use plastics.

During the day, the team encouraged the Sultan Cafe to sign up to the scheme, also paying visits to Maya’s Refillables zero-waste shop, and the now-closed Blue Orchid.

Participating business offer free refills on water bottles, and reduce the use of plastic where possible.

Wokingham’s World Refill Day organiser, Rachel Bishop-Firth, said:”World Refill Day is part of a global campaign to prevent plastic pollution and help people live with less waste

“It would be great to see more people bringing refillable water bottles into to town this summer, to help cut down on litter and pollution.”

“We hope that businesses which take part also attract more customers,

“Instead of buying a bottle of water, we hope that people will use their money to treat themselves to something else from the café, and bring their own reusable bag to carry it home.”

With 300,000 participants across the world, the scheme has so far prevented more than 100 million pieces of plastic from polluting the environment. n To find out more about the World Refill Day scheme, visit: www.refill. org.uk

WOKINGHAM Conservatives want to see all families receiving Universal Credit to be eligible for free school meals, and are calling on the council to make a case to the Government.

The group says this will help with the cost of living crisis, and follows on from the support given during the covid lockdowns.

Cllr Laura Blumenthal, Shadow Executive Member for Levelling Up and Social Housing, said: “There are many families on Universal Credit who don’t get free school meals and who are now finding it difficult to make ends meet.

“We are calling on Wokingham Borough Council’s administration to show that it will stand up for families and lobby the Government for a review of the eligibility criteria.

“The previous Conservative administration worked hard to get support payments to individuals, families and businesses who were struggling.

“It’s important that the Council sends the message to residents that no-one in our community gets left behind.”

Bubbles, contests, circus skills and plenty of fun at fete

By Emma Merchant news@wokingham.today

IT WAS all tugs of war, wheelbarrow races, and bubbles at the Winnersh Fete last Saturday.

Crowds attending the event at Bearwood Recreation Ground were able to enjoy great atmosphere, and the arena events, which included a dance performance.

After plenty of competitive struggling with the tug of war, teams were able to recover with refreshements.

And an orange monster appeared to be driving the Woodley and Earley Lions Club car.

Organiser, Paul Fishwick was delighted with the way the event ran, and thanks all those who attended, participated in the arena events or provided stalls.

He said: “Congratulations to Winnersh Rangers who won the adults Tug of War for the 3rd year running beating Bearwood School in the final.

“Also, a thank you to all the school students that took part in the Winnersh Games, Bearwood School, Winnersh Primary, Winnersh Rangers FC and Devils.”

A very happy time appears to have been had by all. BUBBLE UP: Youngsters try and pop bubbles made by Circus Scene , just one of its many activities at the Winnersh Fete Pictures: Steve Smyth