Wokingham Today, June 24, 2021

COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, June 24, 2021 No. 318

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JOBS BOOST FROM FILM STUDIO PLAN: HAVE YOUR SAY P4

PICTURES: STEVE SMYTH

BRINGING THE HARVEST HOME P5

‘They say time is a great healer, but I don’t think we will ever recover from the loss of David, James and Joe’

THERESA MAY P19 OPENS NEW CENTRE BOROUGH’S HIGH COVID RATES P13

COMMUNITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO FORBURY VICTIMS • PAGES 2-3

WHEREFORE ART THOU ROMEO?P29

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FORBURY MEMORIAL

Due to the coronavirus, our offices are closed to the public. The best way to contact us is by email Email news@wokingham.today

Newsroom: 0118 327 2662 Advertising: 0118 327 2662 Write to: Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Editor • Phil Creighton Reporters • Jess Warren, Charlotte King, Laura Scardarella Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson

FACEBOOK & TWITTER: WOKINGHAM.TODAY YOUNG, Debra Shearine Debbie passed away peacefully on the 13th June 2021.

Family Notices

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

Much loved Mother to Charlotte & Anton.

Beloved Grandmother to Lashanté, Romiero, Nyomi & Kylian.

She will be very sadly missed by all her family & many friends.

WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK

McGUIRE John Anthony Passed away peacefully at home on 16th June 2021.

Beloved husband of Marah and treasured Dad of Scott and Alicia.

He will be truly missed by all his loving family.

A requiem mass will be held at Corpus Christi RC Church, Wokingham on Wednesday 7th July at 11.30am. Numbers are restricted due to COVID. Please advise the family or funeral director if you wish to attend.

No flowers please.

Donations welcome for Macmillan Cancer Support or Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent via www.abwalker.co.uk All enquiries to A. B Walker, Tel: 0118 978 4040.

WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK

PESTER, Joseph Passed away on 15th June at Glebelands Care Home, aged 87.

He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends.

Funeral service to be held on Friday 2nd July at Easthampstead Park Crematorium.

Family flowers only please.

Donations in Joe's memory for The Royal British Legion may be made via www.abwalker.co.uk All enquiries to A.B. Walker. Tel: 0118 978 4040.

The Wokingham Paper Ltd publications are regulated by IPSO – the Independent Press Standards Organisation. If you have a complaint about a Wokingham Paper Ltd publication in print or online, you should, in the first instance email: pcreighton@wokingham.today, or telephone: 0118 327 2662. If it is not resolved to your satisfaction, you should contact IPSO by telephone: 0300 123 2220, or visit its website: www.ipso.co.uk. Members of the public are welcome to contact IPSO at any time if they are not sure how to proceed, or need advice on how to frame a complaint.

A community gathers to h

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today

FLAGS across Reading were at half-mast on Sunday as Reading paused to remember the first anniversary of the Forbury terror attack in which three people died.

More than 200 family, friends and members of the community gathered in Reading’s Forbury Gardens for a memorial service to the lives of James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails.

Also attending were Reading MPs Alok Sharma and Matt Rodda, members of the emergency services, including Thames Valley Police, as well as representatives from various religious and community groups from the greater Reading area.

The service was broadcast live on BBC Radio Berkshire.

It opened with an introduction and welcome from the mayor of Reading, Cllr David Stevens.

“It was on Saturday, June 20, a year ago today, that Reading so needlessly lost James Furlong, Joe Ritchie-Bennett and David Wails a few yards from here in Forbury Gardens,” he said. “I think I speak for all of us here now … it doesn’t feel like a year.

“To the families and friends of James, David and Joe we can only stand beside you as we did in the days and weeks which followed their death and share in your continued grief and sadness. We thank you for offering us the opportunity to do that with you today.”

Cllr Stevens concluded: “To those who lost loved ones or close friends that day, you should know that Reading will always stand with you. David, James and Joseph, you will not be forgotten.”

There were three tributes, one for each of the three victims.

Ken Murphy spoke about David Wails, thanking the council and the organisers for arranging this anniversary event, and to those who had given to a memorial fund.

“We appreciate your kindness and caring,” he said, before reading his tribute.

“They say time is a great healer, but I don't think we will ever recover from the

loss of David, James and Joe, in such a terrible way in these gardens,” he said.

“However, we pray that they are now at peace and are able to look down on us and are happy with the love shown for them, and the tributes being paid to them by everyone here today.”

Gary Furlong spoke about his brother James.

“I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to be here to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, and everyone who has been impacted by the terrible events that happened here a year ago,” he said.

“The impact that James has in his life makes it feel that so many people lost someone close to them last year; in that sense, it means so much more.

“James's gentle soul, kind and caring.

His morals were impeccable, never swayed by personal incentives no matter what the cost of consequences to him.

He was truly a selfless man.

“His life was story of triumph over adversity; coming out is a gay man so young and society’s acceptance was not as it is today. James never deterred by the challenges he faced, and he prospered through grit and determination, achieving his lifelong goal as a schoolteacher heading the history departments, which was his passion.

“In his life, James always stood for those who needed support and understand that the most through his work with the local LGBT communities and for those who simply cried out for help, James was always there. And this has been echoed so loudly after his passing in the countless stories and letters from those who felt that support.

“James brightened all our lives, and we are grateful for the gift that was James.

“He was a great conversationalist, so well read, a witty sense of humour, stubborn to a fault.

“He always had the amazing ability to put you at ease. And you always came back feeling a little wiser, a little humbler.

“The impact and memories of James cannot be defined or altered by his death. Life is tough without him here,

but the memories and experiences of all the good times strengthen us.

He added: “He would also be humbled by how the way the Reading community have rallied both in the aftermath of his passing and to this day.

“Reading was his home where he was making his life, where he was happy.

“All who have known James, I encourage you in all the weeks, months and years to come to continue to share stories and memories in this way, (this) will keep the gift of James alive.”

Martin Cooper read a tribute to his

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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FORBURY MEMORIAL

Pictures: Steve Smyth

honour David, James and Joe

School to unveil its tribute

friend Joe Ritchie-Bennett on behalf of his family.

“Our lives were changed forever on Saturday, June 25 2020. We did not learn of the horrible events in Reading, England until 7am on Sunday, June 21 2020, which happens to be Father's Day. “Since Joe was not planning on coming home for Father's Day, he had sent a card and we planned on having a family telephone call on that day. Joe had a quirky sense of humour, and he was known among his family and friends for finding the funniest of cards, inevitably making you laugh.

“It was during the pre-planned call that we were supposed to open Joe’s cards and all have a good laugh together. Little did we know that call would never happen.

Instead of the learning of Joe's murder, we opened the card.

“As was typical, Joe sent a hilariously funny card. However, he wrote a nice message inside of the card to Dad. The last line of that message was, ‘I'll be thinking of you from afar’.

“Little did Joe know when he wrote with that, how far he would be.

“This began our year long, long nightmare that we have been living, and one we realise now will continue forever.

“The next few days were a blur.

Joe was lying dead over in England.

And due to Covid-19 pandemic we were told that we could not fly over there as we will be locked down and placed in hotel on quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. This added

heartache to heartbreak.

“All we wanted to do was get on a plane and be with Joe. It didn't seem real.

“We were all waiting for a telephone to ring and for Joe to tell us that this was a huge misunderstanding.

“Days turned into weeks and the realisation registered that Joe was gone forever.

“We made a family decision to bring Joe home and bury him here.

We visit him every day at the cemetery. Our entire family purchased plots next to him so that he will not be alone, and so that we can all be together again some day.”

“Joe was born and raised in Philadelphia and resided there for 25 years prior to meeting the love of his life, Ian Bennett, on a trip to London.

“During 2004, Joe went to England to meet a female family friend that he attended college with when by chance he met Ian Bennett. What began his friendship quickly turn into love. And in spring of 2006, Joe announced to our family that he was moving to England to further his relationship with Ian. “Ian was truly Joe’s soulmate. He and Joe share the unification ceremony on November the 11th 2006. And were happily together for six wonderful years before Ian was taken from us too early from cancer to the young age of 32 years on December 6, 2014.

“Between 2006 and 2014 laws in England had changed and Joe and Ian had applied for a marriage

licence. Yet in another ironic twist of fate, on the very day Ian died – December 6, 2014 – they were supposed to be married. Joe loved England and made it his home.”

He added: “We love you Joe. We are so very sorry this happened to you. Our heart aches for you every day. Rest in peace our son and brother. We will all be with you again some day. We are so proud of you and the way that you lived your life.”

Members of Wokingham’s Holt School, where James Furlong was a teacher, played an important part in the memorial service.

Niha Roy Choudhary performed John Rutter’s A Clare Benediction, Kripa David sang Oceans, and Tamanna Steven read The Peace Prayer.

A Bible reading – 1 Corinthians

13:1-7 and verse 13, was given by the Revd Sonya Wratten, vicar of the Reading Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin, in St Mary’s Butts.

Members of the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied Florence Price in a performance of Adoration, arranged for strings by Tyler Merideth.

The orchestra also performed two pieces, Grieg’s The Last Spring and Elgar’s Larghetto, during a flower laying ceremony that followed a minute’s silence. The bouquets and single yellow roses were left at the bandstand, just as they were a year ago by a devastated community.

The tributes to David, James and Joe continued throughout Sunday.

The Maiwand Lion in the gardens has been lit up, and three white beams of light shone into the sky.

For advice and assistance on Family Law matters including:

• Divorce and separation

• Property/financial settlements

• Child arrangements

• Family disputes

• Cohabitation agreements

• Prenuptial agreements

Contact our Family Law team today for a free 1 hour consultation Evolution House, 53-59 Peach Street, Wokingham, RG40 1XP Tel: 0118 978 1017 Email: Michele.Jenno@star-legal.co.uk

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STUDENTS at The Holt School will have a permanent memorial to their teacher, James Furlong.

On Monday, the school is unveiling a mosaic memorial in Mr Furlong’s memory.

He was one of the three victims killed in the Forbury Gardens terrorist attack on Saturday, June 20, last year.

A spokesperson for the school said: “His death was a sudden and tragic loss which was felt far beyond The Holt School community.

“We are immensely grateful for the support we received and the donations given so generously towards the James Furlong Memorial Fund.”

The artwork was created by international award-winning artist, Gary Drostle.

“He created the design in collaboration with the students of The Holt School and the memorial team,” the spokesperson said. “The final design will incorporate the many passions and interests of James and reflect his aweinspiring legacy.”

The unveiling is not open to the public, and is by invite only.

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Shinfield Studios submits plans for 18 permanent stages

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today SHINFIELD Studios has submitted its formal application to create a permanent film studio at Thames Valley Science Park.

JEWELLERY: Janet Richardson’s work has been in Vogue

Art on display this weekend for Whiteknights Studio Trail AN ART-FILLED weekend is promised thanks to the Whiteknights Studio Trail.

On Saturday and Sunday, residents can explore a range of exhibits from 20 artists around the University of Reading.

Two artists taking part in this year’s trail are Janet Richardson and Nina O’Connell.

POTTERY: John Peacock Ms Richardson, working on his stoneware whose work will be shown on Shinfield Road, has 40 years’ experience making jewellery.

Her pieces have been shown in the UK and abroad, including the Dallas Museum of Art. She has also featured in magazine Vogue.

She said: “I’m so pleased lockdown is slowly been lifted so I can go back to showing my work and teaching my skills to others. I’ve really missed the face to face contact I so enjoy.”

Ms O’Connell, whose work will feature on Talfourd Avenue, is a full-time painter and Batik artist in Caversham.

Using hot wax, she paints dyes to reflect her thoughts and the climate crisis and humanitarian crises, influenced by trips to Peru, India and Egypt.

"It's great to be taking part in the 21st Whiteknights Studio Trail show which gives me the opportunity to exhibit my new Batik artwork created during lockdown using exciting and experimental techniques,” she added.

Regular exhibitor, John Peacock, will be showing stoneware pots at his studio, Venue 10 on Wychwood Close.

“I am very excited about exhibiting his latest black and white stoneware bottles and vases,” he said.

The trail is open between 11am and 6pm. � For more information, visit: www.studiotrail.co.uk

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

Owned by Los Angeles-based company Commonwealth Real Estate LP, it is also developing studios in Southern California and Atlanta, US. A spokesperson for the company said: “Shinfield Studios currently has one of the most experienced teams in the industry including senior management that turned Pinewood into the world’s premier studio facilities brand with operations around London, Atlanta, Toronto and Malaysia.”

It is expected to create 1,500 direct jobs and 1,463 indirect jobs, creating a regional gross value of £46.4 million and £113.3 million nationally.

Building the site will also create 1,399 direct and 1,355 in-direct construction jobs, over the 27month build time.

Based off the Eastern Relief Road, in Shinfield, the site would have 18 film sound stages, eight workshops, five offices, a cafe with an outdoor courtyard, and evening drinks terrace, equipment storage, and a 150-seat screening room.

This may be open to the public at weekends for a cinema club.

There will also be a four-and-ahalf storey decked car park with

1,375 spaces. These will include electric car charge points, 83 blue badge spaces and 60 motorbike spaces.

Cyclists will be able to store their bikes in one of 160 covered bays.

A new bus stop is also suggested for the main entrance.

Shinfield Studios has already been approached by multiple US film production companies looking for filming space close to London, and said there is a high-demand for film production sites in the UK. “Shinfield Studios is being strongly encouraged to develop new facilities ...on a similar scale to Pinewood studios,” the application stated.

“Over the past five years, the creative industries sector has been the fastest growing in the UK, with film and TV production as one of the UK economy’s great success stories.

“However, there is now a significant pent-up demand for film and television production in the UK and [there is a] lack of studio infrastructure. This clear pressing demand for such space has been made ever more apparent by the pandemic.

“In addition to the severe shortage in studios space, there is a similar lack of skilled human expertise, ranging from the set building trades to camera and lighting operatives, actors, directors and digital post-production.”

Supported by the University of Reading, Shinfield Studios said the

BIG PLAN: It is predicted the site would bring £46.4 million to the borough economy each year, generating 2,963 jobs Picture: Shinfield Studios

institution offers “significant, renowned media studies and filmmaking qualifications” to help close the talent gap.

The chief executive of the British Film Commission (BFC), Adrian Wootton, has also submitted a letter of support.

He wrote: “Studios in the home counties of England have hosted some of the highest-profile and most commercially successful film and TV productions of all time.

“The region benefits from the UK’s largest crew base, leading creative talent, iconic locations and cutting-edge production, postproduction and visual effects facilities, all of which contribute to the area’s reputation as one of the best places in the world to produce high-end content.

Horse rescue charity’s gift A HORSE rescue charity has been gifted £1,000 to help meet demand.

Saving Abandoned Fly-Grazed Equines (SAFE) supports landowners to legally rescue and rehome abandoned and neglected horses.

The charity was given the money by Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme.

Kirsty Mackie from the charity said: “The fundamental objectives of SAFE are to Rescue, Rehabilitate and Rehome abandoned and neglected horses. “[They] come into our care with a range of health issues, frightened and timid having had little or no human contact.

“Volunteers look after them, gain their trust over time and with help from vets and farriers, nurse them back to full health.”

Ms Mackie said the charity is currently caring for more than 30 horses.

“We are trying to raise funds to

keep our charity functioning with our regular costs of hay, feed, bedding and vet bills,” she said.

“Due to the pandemic, we were unable to hold our biggest annual fundraiser and have struggled to meet these ongoing costs.”

In February volunteers raised £5,700 to make up for the lost annual event.

“It was an amazing success, but that doesn’t go far enough,” Ms Mackie said.

“Thank you to Persimmon Homes, this money will really help towards the upkeep of the equines in our care.”

Persimmon Thames Valley sales director, Rachel Faulkner, said SAFE does amazing work.

“Like many other organisations, they have been hit financially by the pandemic – while struggling to cope with an ever-growing demand,” she said.

“We are delighted to be able to help out with a donation from our Community Champions programme. SAFE is run entirely by volunteers, so we know that this funding will go directly towards the welfare of these poor animals.”

The charity was founded in 2014 when 38 horses were left abandoned in Binfield during the winter.

“With the renewed demand for content, the need for additional studios and appropriate stage space has never been greater and we are fully supportive of the above application for the construction of film studio stages and workshops at Thames Valley Science Park.”

It is also supported by Alison Webster, chief executive of the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership, as well as the Department for International Trade and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Consultation began on Friday, June 18 and ends on Friday, July 9. � For more information, or to comment on the plans, search for application number 211841 on the borough council website.

Praise for school’s covid lessons

A NEW social networking platform that allows people to say thank you has seen messages sent to Winnersh Primary School.

TAP (Thanks and Praise) says it has seen more than 4,700 such missives sent since its launch.

It was started by a Sunningdale couple who adopted a son with additional needs and said they had found it hard to acknowledge healthcare and education specialists who had helped them.

“Our culture often seems driven to look for the worst, to highlight what is wrong, instead of giving thanks and praise for the good that can be found in so many, especially in unsung heroes, said TAO co-founder Sandie Curtis.

The message to Winnersh Primary took time to praise staff for their work on live lessons during pandemic homeschooling.

“Your motivation and caring nature has helped us all to stay a little more focused, to get through these tough times,” the message added.

So far more than 90 areas are using the TAP system. � For more, log on to www.thankandpraise.com

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Freely Fruity digs up the summer harvest EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A SINDLESHAM charity is harvesting the start of the summer crop, to fuel nearby food banks.

Freely Fruity, which grows free produce for the community, formed last summer.

Co-founder Ryan Simpson, said volunteers picked and washed more than 30kg of organic fresh produce over the weekend.

It has been delivered to food banks in Woodley, Wokingham and Basingstoke, with help from Reading charity, Love Your Neighbour.

“Food banks are brilliant, but they can only offer mostly dried or tinned foods,” Mr Simpson said. “Everybody deserves to eat right — that’s our aim.”

Mr Simpson said the charity has planted 4,000 strawberry plants and 300 tomato plants, along with hundreds of broccoli, peas, beans, sweet corn, peppers, and cucumber and courgette.

Salad leaves and herbs are also growing on site.

FRESH: Chris Gaskell, from Love Your Neighbour helps deliver the harvest with his daughter Picture: Freely Fruity

“We’re struggling to keep up with the strawberries,” he said.

“We’re picking them once or twice a week.

“This year we have started weighing all our produce to document the harvest,” he said.

“The weight of the harvest will go up and up as the fruit and veg becomes ready.”

With more statistics in their armoury, Mr Simpson hopes this will help the charity secure grants and funding.

This will help demonstrate the charity’s reach and impact on the community.

“Once we get to the summer holidays, we will also be supplying the Woodley Lunch Bunch, and Wokingham’s Grub Club, through Share

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Wokinham,” he said.

Youngsters will be given strawberries, small cucumbers, and berries in their lunches to help reach their five a day.

Food will also go to New Beginnings in Reading, and the Camberley All Night Café For The Homeless.

Last month, the charity planted 12 apple trees at Wheatfield Primary School, in Winnersh.

The aim is to establish orchards in schools across the borough, for future generations to enjoy.

The University of Reading recently donated more than 300 apple trees to the charity, which will be given to even more schools around the area.

Test an e-bike this weekend CYCLISTS looking for a boost in power are invited to an e-bike event this Saturday.

AW Cycles and Velospeed will be at Shute End car park between 10am and 2pm with e-bikes to test-ride.

There will also be a range of stalls offering free bike checks, cycling clothes and accessories, discounted helmets, balance bikes for young children to try and advice from WATCH community group.

Residents can pre-book a 15-minute session to test an e-bike. Signs ups are also required for the free bike checks.

Cllr Peter Dennis, vice chair of the Amenities Committee at Wokingham Town Council, said

e-bikes are a brilliant way to get around for commuting and shopping, as well as leisure.

“The power assist takes the effort out of cycling while still retaining the freedom cycling offers you,” he said. “Since purchasing one, I’ve found there’s no need to use the car for council meetings.

“The event is the ideal opportunity to investigate and test-ride e-bikes and explore the benefits of leaving the car at home for some or even most of your journeys.”

A spokesperson from the borough council’s My Journey team said they are pleased to work with the town council on the event.

“Using an e-bike does not

mean being lazy as you can get all the health benefits from pedalling normally for much of the journey and, with better weather on its way, why not get in the habit of ditching the car for short journeys and improving air quality,” they said.

“In the last year, bike shops have been selling out of e-bikes for all ages, even more quickly than children’s bikes so join the new revolution.”

OBE: Dr Emma Vaux was celebrated for services to medical education Picture: RBH

spotlight on the importance of education and training at the heart of how we work and learn.

“It is a big shout out to all those who also work so hard in this area to make a difference and who I have been fortunate to work alongside.”

Dr Vaux lives in Reading with her husband, Phillip, and two children Abbey, 19, and Henry, 15.

CEO of the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, Steve McManus, said: “I speak for the whole trust board and colleagues when I say we are immensely proud of Emma and extend our congratulations to her on receipt of her OBE.”

Kidney doctor awarded OBE A READING kidney doctor has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’ Birthday Honours.

Dr Emma Vaux, consultant nephrologist and GP at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust was recognised for her services to medical education.

She leads the Berkshire Kidney Unit, is clinical director of integrated medicine, and medical associate director for patient safety.

Alongside this, she is the vice president for education and training at the Royal

College of Physicians and is currently its chief examiner.

Dr Vaux is also co-chair of the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Joint Academy Training Forum.

She said: “[This is] such an unexpected and huge honour for which I am very thankful and which importantly puts the

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Job Support Centre reopens JOBSEEKERS can now access more support in the borough, after Wokingham Job Support Centre (WJSC) fully reopened its services.

The charity, based on Norreys Avenue, is offering help to anybody seeking a new job as more young people and the over-50s are hit with unemployment.

It said there has been an increase in people claiming unemployment benefits.

Nigel Richards, chair of WJSC, said the organisation has helped approximately 11,000 jobseekers in the last 29 years.

“While Wokingham has proved fairly resilient throughout the pandemic, there will always be those who now want to work or who want a better job and we want to remind people that we’re open and ready to help,” he said.

“Job hunting can be hard work and a lonely experience if you are based at home.”

The centre is offering one-to-one coaching sessions, CV tips, interview coaching and advice on using the internet to find work.

It hopes the guidance will support anybody looking for a job in the post-covid market.

“We currently live in uncertain times and if you are considering changing jobs or you’re currently not working, don’t forget that there is a totally free community service based in Wokingham town centre,” Mr Richards added.

“Please feel free to pop in and speak to an adviser – there’s absolutely no charge or commitment. Some people may have been put off using the service because of concerns over Covid-19, but our offices are fully Covid secure.”

WJSC also offers residents access to computers, the internet and telephone lines, and has staff on hand to answer questions. � To find out more, visit www.wjsc.org.uk, call 0118 977 0517 or email jobsearch@wjsc.org.uk

Call for Armed Forces Day SATURDAY'S Armed Forces Day will be marked in Wokingham with a bugle call.

Wokingham Town’s honorary bugler, Damon Eames, will be taking part in a short ceremony at the Town Hall with town mayor Cllr Tony Lack.

It starts at noon.

The Armed Forces Day flag will also be flown.

The ceremony will be broadcast on YouTube.

Cllr Lack said: “On behalf of Wokingham Town, I thank those who are serving or have served, and I offer my respect to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, all in order to keep us safe whilst also contributing towards world peace and security.

“We have many from Wokingham who serve in the mainstream Armed Forces — Navy, Army and Air Force but we have even more who are in the Reserves or Cadets.”

He added: “There is another group to thank – the charities that support our military personnel – they do so much to help servicemen adjust to a civilian life after serving. We civilians can only imagine some of the horrific events servicemen see during their service. Thank you all.” � To watch the ceremony, visit youtu.be/ 3Doxvm1Vz04

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

Cotton Pony founder takes on period poverty EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today TACKLING poverty in Wokingham borough is the focus of a new nonprofit.

Founded by resident Vashaili Patel, Cotton Pony is on a mission to stop period poverty in its tracks and protect the environment from single-use plastic.

The firm was launched in March 2021 after Ms Patel spent time learning about the impacts of periods when preparing for a hysterectomy.

She says it inspired her to open her own business after seeing how rife period poverty was in the UK. “Wokingham is seen as an affluent area but there are parts which aren’t,” she said.

“Period poverty is something I’ve always taken for granted but the more I read, the more shocked I was. I find it horrendous.”

She offers a range of reusable, eco-friendly period products — including free supplies for those in need.

This includes reusable pads, period pants and menstrual discs. Customers can

buy their own supplies, donate them to somebody else, or request products for free if they are in need.

Ms Patel said without access to sustainable period support, people up and down the country would barely get by each month.

“People are using dirty rags, they’re using toilet roll, they’re using newspaper, and this is in the UK,” she said. “This isn’t a third world country and I just find it really heartbreaking.

“Periods are not something we have a choice in and there are

vulnerable people out there who don’t know how to get help.”

As a software manager, the Wokingham resident said this is her first venture into business, but she is loving it so far.

“I’ve become part of a community,” she said.

“And to know I’m out there helping people with something so fundamental to them makes me so happy.

“If I can help just one person a month, it’s amazing.”

As a community organisation, Cotton Pony is open to donations

PERIOD POVERTY: Vashaili Patel offers reusable products

from the public. � For more information,

visit: www.cotton pony.co.uk

Royal Berkshire Fire service donates truck to Gambia FIREFIGHTERS in Berkshire have donated a vehicle and equipment to Gambia.

Royal Berkshire Fire Authority gave a Dennis Elite Water Carrier to The Gambia and Avon Fire Services in Partnership (GAFSIP). The charitable trust will arrange for the equipment to be delivered overseas.

The tanker can be deployed when water resources cannot meet the requirements of a fire.

It is designed to work with either one or two pumping appliances and can carry 8,000 litres of water or foam.

Light portable pumps, positive pressure ventilation fans (PPVs) and other ancillary equipment was donated as well.

Cllr Colin Dudley, chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and Cllr Angus Ross, lead member for strategic assets and Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without were at the handover.

Cllr Ross said he was delighted to donate to such a worthy cause.

“We have a programme of investment for maintaining our frontline equipment,” he said.

“This additional equipment is now surplus to our needs, so we are happy to pass it on for the benefit of communities living in the Gambia.”

Mick Crennell, chief fire officer of Avon Fire and Rescue Service and GAFSIP trustee, said he is honoured and privileged to be able to have this partnership with Gambia.

“Thank you Royal Berkshire Fire Authority for donating the water carrier and essential fire safety equipment, it is only with donations such as these that we can continue to make such a difference to communities.”

KIT DONATION: From left: Cllr Colin Dudley, chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority; Simon Shilton, assistant chief fire officer at Avon Fire and Rescue Service and Paul Kirk, GAFSIP trustee at Avon Fire and Rescue Service Picture: RBFRS

West Oak enjoys hits from Elvis in summer party GARDEN parties are back on the agenda at West Oak Care Home, in Wokingham.

Earlier this month, residents enjoyed live music, singing and chair dancing in the garden as the sun came out.

Regular entertainer Gary Roman visited the Murray Road home to serenade residents with some of their favourites, including hits from Elvis, Cliff Richard and John Denver.

Geoffrey Honour, senior general manager at the care home, said: “In these unprecedented times, ensuring residents feel engaged and connected within our local community is more important

than ever. Our residents really enjoyed the live music.

“We provide a wide range of physical, mental and spiritual

activities at West Oak as part of the life enrichment programme for residents, and this one was very popular.”

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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SWITCH: Council ditches Berkshire Women’s Aid for new provider

Domestic abuse survivors will still receive support EXCLUSIVE

NEW CONTRACT: BWA warned women are losing out to non-specialist domestic abuse services Picture: Caroline Heza via Unsplash

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today SURVIVORS of domestic abuse in Wokingham will continue to receive support, the CEO of Berkshire Women’s Aid (BWA) has reiterated, after the charity lost its contract with the borough council last month.

In May, the borough council announced national charity Cranstoun, which specialises in perpetrator intervention, will take over the contract for domestic abuse support.

Andrea West, CEO of BWA, said losing the tender was “disappointing and devastating”, but her charity will do everything it can to support the handover.

“Survivors are at the centre of everything we do,” she said. “It’s not a business for us.

“We’re here because they sadly exist and therefore it’s critical we ensure their safety and their risk is managed as much as we can going forward.”

‘We’re losing focus’ Ms West said the decision to award Cranstoun the £1.5 million contract forms part of a larger pattern of women-specialist support “losing out” to “nonspecialist” organisations.

“We have spent the last 18 months delivering specialist domestic abuse services during a global pandemic,” she said. “Everybody will have seen the rise in and need for our services.”

According to the CEO, smaller charities are being replaced up and down the country in an effort to deliver broader services to all survivors.

In February, specialist firm Rise lost its contract with Brighton and Hove City Council. The following month, a Scottish council removed more than £350,000 worth of annual funding from women’s aid organisations.

“BWA works with men and we know domestic abuse can affect them,” Ms West said.

“But in this drive to expand services we are losing the focus on women and girls.

“It seems that [menfocused and women-focused] services can’t be accommodated together and they absolutely can.”

She said specialist organisations can provide tailored services to domestic abuse survivors.

“That’s something we’ve learnt over 30 years,” she

added. “We know domestic abuse is individual and there are nuances.”

New contract Wokingham.Today asked Cranstoun whether there would be any differences between its and BWA’s services, and its provision going forward, but Cranstoun declined to answer.

The organisation was also asked how refuge centres will be organised, and whether they will be same-sex. It also declined to comment on this.

Instead, a spokesperson for the organisation said: “Following a robust competitive tender process Cranstoun are delighted to have been awarded the Domestic Abuse Support Service for Wokingham Borough. The £1.5million contract starts on Thursday, July 1, and will run for five years.

“Cranstoun has vast experience of delivering domestic abuse services across the country for victims and their children as well as supporting those who want to break the cycle of abuse and change their behaviour.

“We are delighted that domestic abuse is a priority area for the borough council and in recognition of this and increasing demands on services, funding has been significantly increased.”

‘Reconsider your decision’ Wokingham borough resident Jennifer Johnston has called on the council to reconsider the change in contract.

She said she has “watched in horror” as women’s domestic abuse services have lost out to “generic, ‘inclusive’ companies”.

“Naturally, I believe that everyone in need deserves support,” Ms Johnston said. “I acknowledge that's what the council is trying to achieve.

“But women make up more than 90% of the users of these services and they often have their children in tow when fleeing violence.

“I do hope there's something positive in the pipeline that I just don’t know about yet or that Wokingham Borough Council will reconsider their decision to defund Berkshire Women’s Aid — which has a proven track record of supporting local women in need."

‘Survivors come first’ Ms West, of BWA, is concerned the handover will be tough for survivors of domestic abuse in the borough.

“We will work to be as smooth as possible,” she said, “but that transition will be incredibly challenging.

“The work we do with survivors requires a really strong, robust relationship based on trust.

“To have to tell their story again is really difficult.”

She said her charity will continue to offer refuge accommodation in the borough for women and children, as well as its other support services including preventative work with children and young people, and a 24/7 helpline.

“Refuge is not just a roof but a place to recover and rebuild,” she added. “It’s a place to imagine a life without abuse and learn to live like that.

“It’s a critical resource and one we are committed to ensuring we continue to deliver.”

‘Services are still there’ The CEO is also reassuring survivors of domestic abuse that Wokingham borough will still provide vital support.

She said Cranstoun offers an alternative, “very

important”, type of domestic abuse work by changing the behaviour of those who perpetrate abuse.

“The services will still be there,” she said. “The contract will still provide refuge and outreach support.

“For us, this is not a competition and we are hugely supportive of the council and the new provider.”

But Ms West said it will take time for Cranstoun to build up its support networks to ensure families’ needs are met.

“You can’t recover from domestic abuse if you have health issues or you can’t afford to feed your children, and we help survivors navigate this,” she said.

“We are local so we know the demographics and the geography, and have worked here for a long time with our partners. Cranstoun will have to build up those networks.”

‘Support is our priority’ Cllr Bill Sloane, executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said domestic abuse is a “priority” for the borough council.

“Funding has been significantly increased from central government to allow us to provide a wider range of support for victims and their families,” he said. “This includes helplines for individuals and practitioners, specialist advocates and a range of outreach and support programmes.”

The councillor said BWA is a “key stakeholder” in the borough and worked hard to deliver victim-focused services locally.

“We hope to continue working closely with BWA,” he added. “The council’s primary focus is the ongoing support for victims and ensuring a smooth transition and mobilisation of the new local provider.”

NEWS | 7

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University weather machine up for space mission A RADAR developed by University of Reading scientists could end up in space.

WIVERN, also known as the Wind Velocity Radar Nephoscope, is one of four ideas recently shortlisted by the European Space Agency (ESA) to be sent to the stars.

The radar, which measures wind within clouds to help predict extreme weather, could be used in the 11th Earth Explorer mission and measure wind over the entire planet.

Professor Anthony Illingworth, atmospheric physicist at the University and leading the WIVERN project, said: “Weather forecasting has come a long way in recent decades, but we need observations of the winds inside hurricanes and the winter storms as they develop over the Atlantic to better predict when and where they will hit Europe, so that teams can be mobilised and be ready in time to take action in the regions likely to be affected.”

The radar was one of 15 proposals submitted to the ESA and will now go through a series of studies to see if it could feasibly be used in the space mission, with further selection to take place in 2023 and 2025.

The mission is scheduled for launch in 2031 or 2032.

Work from neighbour’s home RESIDENTS can now turn their home into a flexible office space, after new firm Jarvo launched in Reading.

The company helps people transform their patios and libraries into co-working spaces.

Founder Daniel Hillman, said: “So many of us have spent time, money and energy creating these [working] spaces for them to only become disused now the pandemic is easing, or we’re just sick of sitting in them. Jarvo connects people that are looking for a beautiful workspace that is local to home, with those who are looking for someone to fill theirs safely and securely.” � To find out more, visit: www.joinjarvo.com

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

‘We can’t cross the speedway’ EXCLUSIVE

SLOW DOWN: Haley Parker said Eldridge Park residents fear crossing the road to Cantley Park Picture: Steve Smyth

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM’S Bell Foundry Lane has become a “speedway”, said residents of Eldridge Park, who are urging the borough council to reduce the speed limit.

Last Tuesday, resident Haley Parker launched an ePetition calling on the council to take action against alleged dangerous driving — out of “fear a child will be [hit] next”.

But Wokingham Borough Council and Thames Valley Police said the road has a good safety record.

According to Ms Parker, despite being a 30mph stretch of road, a lot of motorists travel through Bell Foundry Lane in excess of the limit.

She said drivers are not given enough time to drop down from nearby 60mph and 40mph zones, and feels the speed limit signs are too hidden.

“It’s been frustrating a lot of us,” she said. “In the summer, if we sit with the doors open, we can’t hear each other speak. “[The cars] are so noisy and at all hours, and it’s getting busier and busier.”

The Wokingham resident said she first complained about alleged speeding two years ago — but nothing has been done.

Now, she and others on the Eldridge Park estate are worried people can no longer safely cross to Cantley Park without traffic lights or

“other slowing down” measures in place.

Ms Parker said a number of cats have been killed by motorists.

“On the day I made the petition, a neighbour’s pregnant cat was knocked over and left to die,” she said.

“They were devastated. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said Bell Foundry Lane is not renowned for dangerous driving.

“We monitor speeds in the area and the average speeds are below the 30mph limit,” they said.

According to Thames Valley Police, there has only been one “slight injury collision” on Bell Foundry Lane in the last five years.

Residents said they are also worried for their children’s safety once Matthews Green primary school opens in 2022.

“There will be a lot more kids

walking to and fro,” Ms Parker said.

“Most of us are young families already, with young kids who play football in the fields over the road.

“We’re in such a lovely location, but it’s becoming a real concern for us.”

She has now called upon Wokingham Borough Council to make the 30mph road signs more visible, and to consider installing speed bumps in an effort to slow drivers down. “[The road] is so long and straight and there’s nothing to slow people down,” the resident said. “There’s no give-ways, no islands and no obstacles.”

She also hopes the ePetition will encourage residents in other areas to think about road safety and demand change, too.

“If we can show people really care about this, maybe it will help other areas too,” she added.

“If we all support each other to

get these things done, maybe we can get a few more voices heard in other places.”

The borough council spokesperson said it will consider the outcome of the petition once it has closed.

“The council has no enforcement powers with regards to speeding on any road in the borough, as this is the responsibility of Thames Valley Police,” they added.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police said the force takes action based on “threat, risk, opportunity or harm”.

“The road has not been subject to a high level of incidents,” they said.

Ms Parker’s ePetition currently has 80 signatures. It needs 1,500 to trigger a debate at the next council meeting.

It is accepting signatures until Monday, September 13. � For more information, visit: www.bit.ly/3gyEPDQ

Bird box stunt highlights A327 speed concerns A FRUSTRATED Finchampstead resident built a bird box to help slow the traffic along his road, writes Jess Warren.

Gareth Rees has been campaigning for road safety improvements for more than three years.

Last week, he built a speed camera-inspired bird box for his front garden, to raise awareness of the issue.

“It’s a nesting box for birds,” he said. “It just so happens to be the same colour as a speed camera.

“I think it raises awareness of the speeding issue,” he said.

“Some neighbours seem to think it’s working.

“We had a staycation at home last week, and I didn’t hear any cars overtaking each other during the whole time.”

Mr Rees has since removed the box, following a report from a resident that the box was too convincing and caused a car to brake suddenly.

“The last thing I ever wanted was to make our road less safe after campaigning for so many years to improve safety,” he said. “I did try and make it less convincing but clearly that was not the case — so it’s been removed.”

Mr Rees hopes the stunt will

ACTION: The bird box was up for a week Picture: Gareth Rees

trigger action to tackle speeding and safety on the 40mph route.

“The speed of cars on the road has already returned, so maybe the council can consider a real one with appropriate warning signs like they have on Barkham Road,” he said.

“I would just like them to deliver on some of the things they have promised,” he added.

“The two speed indicator devices haven’t gone in yet, they were promised at Christmas.

“Six months is a long time.

So many times WBC said it will do something, and nothing has happened. I’ve stopped chasing now as quite frankly, it’s pointless.”

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for

highways said the council installed a vehicle activated speed limit sign last autumn and cleared vegetation on paths earlier this year.

“We are also looking at a wider set of speed management recommendations, which include locations for additional signs, she said. “We will consult residents on the recommendations soon and we apologise for the length of time it has taken us to get these proposals in place.”

She added: “We are aware that some drivers exceed the speed limit on the road, but average traffic speeds continue to lie below the current 40mph speed limit. While the council can look at speed reduction measures and strategies, speed enforcement is the responsibility of Thames Valley Police.”

In October last year, Mr Rees built a computer bot that would Tweet when cars exceeded the speed limit.

He ran the system for six months, and collected data to prove his case about speeding along the road.

“If there was a speed camera there, it would have collected £5 million in fines,” he said.

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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ADVERTISING FEATURE | 9

Arena Reading officially opens after £10 million transformation

T

HIS week saw the official opening of Arena Reading by Keith Baker, Wokingham Borough Mayor, who was joined by Gary Cranford, Economic Development Officer, for Wokingham Borough Council.

This exciting state of the art centre provides an inspirational working environment and flexible offices from 2 to 500 desks.

Cllr Keith Baker commented: “I’m extremely pleased to be invited to this brand new building owned by Arena Business Centres.

“It’s an amazing facility that’s really flexible and can cater to almost anyone’s requirements whether they are a small

0330 124 6598

SME or a large corporate.”

Arena Reading is conveniently located in Winnersh Triangle and within a short walk of the train station, it becomes Arena’s 10th location across Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset.

Purchased by Arena in 2019, the former Microsoft Head Office has undergone a £10 million transformation.

It is now welcoming its firm clients including Evertz, Yoh Solutions, Inomize and Olax Engineering Consulting just to name a few.

For a tour of the centre call 0330 124 6598 � To find out more, visit: www.arenabusinesscentres.com

CUT THE RIBBON: Wokingham Borough Mayor, Keith Baker cuts opening ribbon at Arena’s new work space.

100 Berkshire Place, Winnersh, RG41 5RD

www.arenabusinesscentres.com

10 | NEWS

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Police awarded £1.8m to reduce violence earlier MORE THAN £1.8 million will be spent on tackling the root causes of violence in the Thames Valley.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber welcomed confirmation from the Home Office the bids were successful.

Money will be used by the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to work with representatives from local authorities, education, health, youth offending, probation and prison services.

It aims to tackle serious violence at its earliest point.

More than £700,000 will also be used on targeted policing in specific hotspot areas.

Previously known as surge funding, it has been renamed the grip fund, and will be used to run high visibility patrols, weapons sweeps and targeted police operations on specific streets.

Mr Barber said: “Tackling serious violence and knife crime remains a priority for the police, our partners and the communities we serve.

“This latest funding will allow it to continue to deliver early intervention and prevention programmes, while the additional resourcing for operational policing

activity allows us to increase focused enforcement in those areas that are most at risk of serious violence.”

Deputy chief constable Jason Hogg, said: “Our officers and staff are committed to keeping all our communities in the Thames Valley safe and we continue to work closely with the Violence Reduction Unit to deliver the operational policing response.

“This latest funding further supports our work to bear down upon those small numbers of people who carry weapons, particularly young people, and to deliver a focused deterrent to those most at risk of offending.”

Stan Gilmour, the director of the Thames Valley Violence Reduction Unit said knife crime has been down 11% since launching the unit two years ago.

“This comes from working across all partners, not just policing, as together we seek to address the factors that cause violence in the first place,” he said.

“We are looking ahead, just a year to go until the Serious Violence Duty passes into law and we will use this latest funding to coordinate activity across local partners to ensure we are ready.”

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

Piggott’s one school one site plan leads to petition EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today PETITIONERS are calling on Wokingham Borough Council to “invest in the future” of education in Wargrave.

The Robert Piggott Infant and Junior School has launched a petition to merge the two schools to one single site, or improve the existing buildings.

It said it has been working with the borough council since 2008 on the One School, One Site project, but has not made any progress “for a number of reasons”.

Now, it is petitioning for the programme to take a step forward, which would see both schools sit on one plot within the village.

Karen Robinson, whose children attend the school, said people want to see their children “thrive educationally”.

“The One School, One Site project has been going on for

years,” she said. “Now, we want to push it forward.

“It’s a fantastic school but it could be better, [so] parents want to talk at the council meeting and see if we can get a yes or a no to the project.”

The ePetition also urges the council to invest in the existing buildings at both schools, if they cannot be merged.

It said during the time it has taken to pursue the One School, One Site programme, the current buildings have “deteriorated and are in need of repair”.

“Both schools are in desperate need of modernisation to meet the educational needs of the children,” it reads.

Ms Robinson agreed, and said the Junior School is “very lacking” in outdoor facilities.

“Children can’t see the whiteboards in all of the classrooms,” she said. “And over the years, as there has been greater inclusion of children with disabilities, there is not enough support

for them to get in and out of classrooms.

“These are modern times and they need to be able to go to the toilet on their own for their own wellbeing.”

A spokesperson for Wokingham Borough Council said it is not against merging the schools but there is “no space” within Wargrave village.

“The proposal requires a new school site and there are planning constraints on the site identified by the schools,” they said. “The most significant of these is that the land is located in the greenbelt.”

National planning rules say developments in

greenbelt areas will likely be refused, unless there is an “exceptional educational case”.

“There are other factors such as highways and flood risk, which would also make getting planning permission challenging,” the spokesperson added.

“The council continues to invest in its schools to keep them safe and operational, but has limited resources available as there is no national funding stream to improve the suitability of schools.

“National funding is focused on ensuring every child has a school place, on special educational needs and to deal with disrepair of school premises.

So far, nearly 300 people have signed the petition — but it needs at least 1,500 to trigger a debate at the next council meeting.

It is accepting signatures until Friday, July 2. � For more information, visit: www.bit.ly/3vID8Ip

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Wet waste drops to zero in May EXCLUSIVE

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today RESIDENTS have been thanked for their efforts after the borough had no wet waste rejected by recycling plants.

Last week, Wokingham Borough Council leader John Halsall shared data on social media showing that despite May being one of the wettest in years, the new green bags had helped residents to prevent their recycling from being sodden.

This helps the council meet stricter standards placed by paper and card recycling companies, who want dry waste to make it easier to reuse.

In December last year, also a wet month with 73.7mm of rain falling, the council saw 500 tonnes rejected, mostly for being too wet.

The council said this is equivalent to almost 40 double decker buses in weight being sent to landfill.

This was one of the last months under the old black box scheme for recycling.

Since the spring, residents have been using the new

green bags which have a Velcro seal. And the council said that in May, despite 85.3mm of rain, they worked as nothing was rejected.

Residents have also been recycling more: rates for April and May are more than 50% higher, and on track to increase in the years ahead.

“The data shows our switch to waterproof recycling bags will help boost the council’s recycling rate throughout the year ahead, without concerns about the wetter months,” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council.

“I’d like to thank residents for their patience while deliveries took place and praise everyone for making use of them, which will have a lasting positive impact on the borough, its recycling rate and wider climate emergency goals.”

This was a view echoed

by Cllr Halsall, who said that residents had embraced the new scheme.

“They’ve really stepped up to the plate,” he said. “My postbag is full of people who say the green bags are really good, much more

NEWS | 11

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DRY SOLUTION: The new green recycling bags are keeping paper and card dry Picture Stewart Turkington

manoeuvrable.

“We were going to pick up all the black boxes, but we’re not going to do that now because nobody seems to want to really relinquish them.

“All in all, it’s rolled out well, which is very, very pleasing. Thank you to all residents for doing, notwithstanding May being the wettest one for decades,

we seem to have avoided any rejected loads.”

But Cllr Clive Jones, the Lib Dem spokesperson for environment, said: “In May the amount of wet waste was zero. I find it very, very difficult to believe as it was so wet. They should show evidence from re3.

“I assume it was also zero wet waste for Bracknell Forest and Reading Borough

councils. I do find it all very difficult to believe.”

And Cllr Jones also didn’t agree that residents were happy with the green bags.

“We are beginning to hear complaints from some that the green bags don’t do anything. Some are saying that the bags are wet inside (after being left out) and they are having to dry them out.”

Business launches online puppy training courses A DOG training course will be helping new puppy owners enjoy a stress-free summer.

Click-2-Heel, a Bracknell-based puppy training business, has launched its Online Puppy Training Course to help owners fit around their daily lives.

The course offers lifetime access to over 10 hours of short videos and printouts to provide owners with the tools, knowledge and understanding they need to raise their puppies.

It covers puppy body language, communication and training processes, relationship building, leadwork, sit, stand and down, crate and toilet training and more.

Click-2-Heel is encouraging all family members to watch the course and join in with the training, including children.

As well as providing the essential foundations for behaving, puppies will also learn how to chill out at home and behave around other people.

Di Martin, Click-2-Heel’s founder, said: “Owners want more than standard training and are now actively seeking an online solution that easily fits into their lifestyle and allows them to learn at their own pace.

“I am passionate about helping people understand how their canine friends think, feel and learn, ensuring they raise confident, emotionally resilient and happy dogs”, she said.

“This has always been the Click-2-Heel ethos and is key to shaping a puppy’s character from day one.” � For more information, log on to click2heel.thinkific.com.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Walk-in covid jabs available to all adults

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

OPEN TO ALL: Bulmershe Leisure Centre is a drop-in for covid jabs until Sunday

ALL ADULTS in the borough can now receive a first dose vaccine of the Covid-19 vaccine at a pop-up centre at Bulmershe Leisure Centre.

The centre is also open to all University of Reading students and staff over 18.

The surge vaccination programme, run by Wokingham Borough Council and the NHS, launched on Tuesday, June 15, and has vaccinated more than 2,650 people.

It is open from 9.30am to 8.30pm until Sunday.

No booking is required, however the queue will close once daily capacity has been reached, which is generally around 6.30pm or 7pm.

Parking is available at the Woodley United FC and University of Reading car park on Woodlands Avenue. This closes at 5.30pm.

After this time, residents can park at the leisure centre.

The vaccine doses were initially only available to 18- to 24-year-olds living in the surge tested wards of Bulmershe and Whitegates, Evendons, Norreys

and Wescott. It can now accommodate everyone over 18.

Anyone going for a jab must bring proof of address and proof of ID. Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health at the borough council, said: “We had a great first week, vaccinating 2,650 people.

“There are busy periods in the morning and early evening when the queues get a little longer, so if you don’t want to wait, plan your visit during the quieter times from around noon to 3pm.

“Although the centre is open to anyone over 18 in the borough, we especially want young adults aged 18 to 30 to come out and get vaccinated.

“It’s so important – the

sooner you get your first jab, the sooner you’ll get your second and so the sooner you will be well-protected.

“We don’t know what the rules will be for university students in the autumn or on foreign travel and other opportunities later in the year, so better to get protected as quickly as you can. To protect yourself and your older family and friends, get the jab.”

Cllr Margetts said the council worked with the NHS to bring the walk-in service to the borough.

“I am sure we will see a lot more coming along in the coming days,” he added. � For more information, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk/covid19-vaccinations

NEWS | 13

Infection rate falls to 72.5 Surge testing shows no ‘runaway problem’ THE RATE of infection in the borough has in covid Delta cases decreased slightly since last week.

MORE THAN 20,000 came forward for surge testing over the last fortnight, in a bid to track the Delta variant in the borough.

Cllr Charles Margetts, health executive at the borough council said so far, 18,000 samples have returned, and 35 cases of the Delta variant were identified.

“That’s pretty good,” he said.

“We found 35 people who didn’t know they had covid, and we wish them a speedy recovery.

But we don’t have a runaway problem.

“If the results came back with a couple of hundred cases, we would have a very different situation.”

Last week, the council also launched a surge vaccination programme in collaboration with the NHS (see left).

Launched within three days of its approval, the centre has a capacity for 500 people everyday. The aim it to vaccinate more than 10,000 people there.

Cllr Margetts said the aim is to get as many young people vaccinated as quickly as possible.

In three weeks time, the Government may lift all covid restrictions.

In preparation for this, all over 18s are urged to get their first dose of the jab.

“The message is to get vaccinated as quickly as possible, keep doing the twice-weekly lateral flow tests, and isolate properly if you test positive for covid,” the councillor said.

“We’re not out of the woods yet, we know how quickly this can spread.”

Cllr Margetts said the borough council would look to national government to make the appropriate decision when it comes to relaxing restrictions.

“We have to respect that decision,” he said.

On Tuesday, June 23, there were 19 positive cases, and the infection rate was 72.5, lower than 85.3 last week.

It brings the total case number to 8,875.

This is lower than the national rate of infection at 89.3 per 100,000 people, which has risen 31% in the last week.

On the same day, Bracknell Forest saw its rate per 100,000 fall from 80.8 to 80. There were 11 new cases on Tuesday.

The figures in neighbouring Reading borough are higher than in Wokingham again this week, with an infection rate of 133.5, significantly more than last week's 94.6.

On Tuesday, Reading reported 18 positive cases.

Windsor and Maidenhead had seven new cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 has risen from 35.7 to 46.2 this week.

West Berkshire recorded 11 positive cases, and its infection rate is 58.7, more than double last week’s 27.1.

Slough’s infection rate is down to 64.2, compared to 86.9 last week. It recorded 17 covid cases on Tuesday.

Nationally, 43,127,763 people have been given their first dose of a vaccine in the UK, and 31,449,915 people have had their second dose.

In England, this is 36,101,778 first doses and 26,534,936 second doses.

On Monday, there were five deaths in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.

There were 226 patients admitted to hospital with the virus.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

Earley man jailed for six months over drug driving

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

Dehydra�on At the �ming of wri�ng, the temperatures in the Wokingham area have dropped a�er the recent extremely hot weather.

As we can expect more hot days in the coming weeks, I thought I’d share a few �ps about how to look a�er ourselves (and support family friends and neighbours who may need your help to cope be�er) through the summer months.

Especially during the ho�er seasons, dehydra�on (not ge�ng enough fluids) can be a big problem – for all of us, and especially for the elderly. Becoming dehydrated can result in various symptoms that can quickly escalate and result in more serious health issues.

This includes ge�ng: dizzy (and wobbly on your feet), confused or disoriented, a rapid heartbeat, feeling restless, or easily irritated about things.

AN EARLEY resident has been jailed for six months following a string of driving offences in Wokingham.

Grzegorz Drews, 40, of Hornbeam Drive, was sentenced on Wednesday, June 16 at Reading Magistrates’ Court for being in charge of a vehicle while over the legal drug limit; driving while over the legal drug limit; driving without

insurance, failing to surrender to court and two counts of driving while disqualified.

He has also been disqualified from driving for three years and seven months, after which he must take an extended driving test.

In June 2019, Mr Drews was arrested in South Drive, Wokingham, after officers spotted him in Denton Road car park.

He was sitting in a car playing loud music and threw

the keys into the footwell before running off after seeing the police.

The Earley resident was also arrested in September 2019 by officers patrolling Barkham Road, when a car activated their number plate camera for having no insurance.

The vehicle, which drove off at speed, was found abandoned in Rowan Close.

The police then searched the area and found Mr Drews hiding face down in mud.

Reddam students help Kenyan town

You can have a lack of energy, feel sleepy and may even faint.

Ge�ng plenty of fluids keeps these risks at bay and helps avoid serious medical problems or accidents.

How do you know you are becoming dehydrated?

Signs of dehydra�on becoming an issue are any of the above, but before then obviously feeling thirsty, going to the toilet less than usual, plus your urine having a darker colour and being stronger smelling are obvious signs.

You may no�ce your skin being drier in general, but especially your lips; and may feel light-headed or be prone to headaches.

It is also o�en the case that cons�pa�on can result from a lack of fluids in the body.

People with diabetes, sick with other condi�ons, and those of us that have spent more �me in the sun or been swea�ng a lot a�er exercise will also be more prone to dehydra�on.

How can you avoid all this?

Well, obviously drink more. And before you start to suffer these symptoms. Get into the habit of drinking regularly throughout the day. Aim to get to the point that you are regularly going to the loo, and the urine is a pale colour and clear.

Remember that while drinking plenty of water is the obvious thing to do, there are lots of more interes�ng and enjoyable ways to increase your fluid intake. Squash can make a glass of water more interes�ng for many, and we all love a cup of tea.

How about an ice-lolly or having jelly for pudding (or a snack during the day), trea�ng yourself to strawberries and ice-cream, and ea�ng more juicy fruit – melons, oranges and peaches? All have a high water content and make a refreshing snack in the summer�me.

Have soup with your hot meals – a delicious bowl of soup can also help you keep hydrated.

If you care for someone, or even pop into a neighbour to give them a hand each day, you can do your bit by making sure there is plenty of opportunity to get fluids. Offer to stock up the fridge with nice treats.

Sit and have a chat with a cup of tea and make drinking a sociable thing. Leave a drink in their eye line. You’ll be amazed at the difference you can make to that person’s health and well-being.

One more thing We find many of our clients seem reluctant to open windows to ven�late homes and may even s�ll have their hea�ng set to come on, despite the ho�er weather. If you are a carer, or friend of an elderly person, why not help them to keep their homes cooler on hot days?

Kevin Lancaster

Right at Home Reading & Wokingham District

PC Jamie Payne, of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said he was also caught driving while over the legal drug limit in 2019.

Mr Payne said: “[Mr Drews] has shown little regard for driving and repeatedly tried to evade officers. Driving while under the influence of drugs is dangerous and can put the driver and others at great risk.

“Drews will now have time to reflect on his actions while in prison.”

INSPIRED: The Year 7 pupils raised £1,400 for Kibera after a geography lesson about the Kenyan town Picture: Reddam House

SINDLESHAM students have been busy fundraising for a community across the globe — and one even put in a mountainous effort.

Year 7 pupils at Reddam House have raised nearly £1,400 for Kibera, a Kenyan town, after being inspired by a geography lesson.

As part of their fundraising efforts, the youngsters arranged a sponsored walk around the school’s 120 acre site.

Pupils Imogen and Elliot also raised money in Botswana, while Callum took on a sponsored climb of Mount Snowdon.

The money will now be donated to the Amuka Foundation, a charity which works with young people to improve their education and life chances.

Kay Dain, a geography teacher at Reddam House, said: “It’s so important that our students understand their global responsibility to help others who don’t have the same life chances our students enjoy.”

Pupils meet authors in library scheme SCHOOL students were treated to a range of author events as part of an ongoing project.

Wokingham Borough Libraries, supported

by More Arts, hosted online sessions with authors throughout May for 18 schools across the borough.

Students got to know the authors, explored the behind-the-scenes of their books, and had the opportunity to ask questions.

From Stories from the Heart and the Hearth with Sita Brahmachari to Alex Wheatle’s Cane Warriors and writing comedy with Clare Rees, the sessions were a special addition to the schools’ usual curriculum.

Cllr Bill Soane, executive member for Neighbourhoods and Communities at Wokingham Borough Council, said the project is “continuously thriving”.

He said: “Meeting the authors, hearing them describe and introduce their books in their own words is a fascinating, enriching experience.

“My huge thanks to our dedicated library staff – thank you for inspiring and nurturing the love for literature in our youngest generations.”

Jim Stockley, from More Arts, said he is “pleased” to continue supporting the initiative.

“The numbers of young people who have been engaged is testimony to the hard work done by the organisers,” he said.

“It is an important element in enhancing their own personal well-being. Our applause to the library service at and here’s to next year.” � For more details, visit wokingham-tc.gov.uk/ bookfest/authors-into-schools

DONOR: Robert Woodward was the 1,000th donor at Kennet Place Picture: NHS Blood and Transplant

Plasma centre hits 1,000 donations A PLASMA donor centre hit the thousand donations milestone on Tuesday, just two months after it began collecting.

Kennett Place, on Kings Road, in neighbouring Reading, accepted its milestone donation from Robert

Woodward, 60, from Maidenhead earlier this week.

The plasma will be used to make lifesaving medicine for people with immune diseases.

Mr Woodward is a regular donor at the site. “It’s a very pleasant experience,

Pleased with planning consent

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Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

the staff are very welcoming,” he said.

“Plasma donation is nothing to worry about. I hope my donations go on and help treat people with diseases.”

Donna Blofield, the centre manager, said it has had a great response from the

1,456 homes, a primary school and shops on 250 acres of farmland. It will also include the 2.7km South Wokingham THE DEVELOPERS building on distributor road. farmland in South Wokingham Kier Property will develop said they are pleased to have approximately 620 of the been granted planning homes, with Miller Homes permission. building 836 homes.

Kier Property, working with “We are very pleased to have partners Miller Homes, will build been granted planning

Reading community so far.

“The staff here at the donor centre are really friendly, and we’re all set to welcome even more plasma donors,” she said.

People can register to donate plasma by calling 0300 123 2323.

permission for this important scheme which will deliver much needed homes in the area,” said Andrew Storey, managing director of regeneration at Kier Property.

“We look forward to working in close collaboration with our partners and Wokingham Borough Council going forward.”

University’s climate stripes go global

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today CLIMATE change images were shared across the globe on Monday, to mark the summer solstice.

Created by the University of Reading, the latest climate data has been illustrated in coloured stripes.

They show the continued heating of Earth over 150 years, and include annual temperatures for last year.

Each stripe represents the average temperature for a year.

Blue indicates cooler-thanaverage years, while reds show years that were hotter-thanaverage.

Earlier this week, weather presenters, scientists, campaigners and the public shared their stripes on television and social media.

Professor Ed Hawkins, a climate scientist at the university, created the visuals.

Last week, he was named in the Sunday Times Green Power List of the UK’s 20 most influential people in

CLIMATE DRESS: Circle: Laura Davies, Alumni office colleague wears a warming stripes dress she created from scratch at a climate strike demo in Oxford. Dress above designed by Tammam London fashion studio Pictures: UoR

environment.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor of the university, said: “Acting on the climate emergency is much harder and will require everyone to play a part. As one of the world’s leading universities for the study of climate change and education, it is absolutely right for the University of Reading to take the lead in helping young people to discuss, debate and learn about climate change.”

The university has launched a new campaign called Partnering for the Planet, to encourage working together to tackle the climate emergency.

As part of this, it will host a Climate Education Summit on Wednesday, September 15, to discuss changes to teaching children about the issue.

It is hoped the summit will create an action plan on climate education, which will be presented to leaders at the COP26 conference in Glasgow.

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Two new faces join LEP to help with green agenda

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today THERE are two new faces on Wokingham’s business scene, following appointments at Thames Valley Berkshire this month.

Mayor opens flexi-workspace WINNERSH Triangle’s new, flexiworking suite has been opened

by Wokingham borough’s mayor.

Cllr Keith Baker launched the “state of the art” business centre on Friday, June 11, which brings a new working environment to the area.

“I’m extremely pleased to be invited to this brand new building owned by Arena Business Centres,” he said “It’s an amazing facility that’s really flexible and can cater to almost anyone’s requirements whether they are a small

SME or a large corporate.”

The firm moved to Winnersh Triangle as part of an £8 million project, and includes workspaces for groups of two people up to 500.

It said this will help businesses relocate, upsize and downsize with ease.

Helen Deverill, marketing director at Arena Business Centres, added: “This is an exciting project to help businesses around Reading and the Thames Valley find a new way of working in the coming months.”

Firm connects qualified home chefs with customers A MAIDENHEAD firm has raised more than three quarters of a million pounds to support home chefs.

Cook My Grub, which launched at the end of last year, connects qualified home chefs with customers to deliver food not available on the high street.

It has since raised £750,000 in four weeks to expand across the UK. Founders Dinesh Patil and Shabbit Mookhtiar, said: “It’s been an outstanding start to 2021 as we seek to build healthier, happier, and wealthier communities across the UK. “The speed at which we’ve

secured our funding proves that our simple solution fills a clear gap in the market for diners looking to order authentic home-cooked food from local chefs in a safe and controlled marketplace.

“Not only are we making the genuinely home-cooked food market accessible, Cook My Grub provides a platform for up-andcoming chefs to build their reputation and chase their ambitions to make a living out of cooking.

“With hospitality being one of the hardest hit sectors by Covid-19, there has never been a greater need for a service such as ours.”

Sunil Shah and Tracey Rawling Church will be joining the Local Enterprise Partnership’s (LEP) team in a new job-share to support Berkshire’s “green recovery agenda”.

The duo will lead TVBLEP’s own Net Zero strategy, as well as supporting the Government’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

TVBLEP has also commissioned a study to look at the sustainability strategies of Berkshire’s six local unitary authorities, including Wokingham Borough Council.

It will work with local businesses too in a bid to identify and agree any next steps in the “race to net zero”.

Mr Shah has more than 25 years’ experience in the environment sector and in 2012, he launched Wokingham sustainability firm Acclaro Advisory.

“I am looking forward to helping Berkshire understand the opportunities

that it has to deliver a low carbon agenda and to be able to support them as they progress down this route,” he said.

“Covid-19 has accelerated a number of changes that have been developing slowly over the past few years such as the work-life balance, improved air quality and the societal gaps that have become more pronounced.”

Mr Shah said coronavirus has helped us “reset” how we live.

“Harnessing this new-found enthusiasm will be critical as we look to build our way forwards from the

pandemic,” he added.

Ms Rawling Church also has two decades’ experience in the sustainability sector, before joining Acclaro Advisory.

She added: “I’m looking forward to helping Berkshire harness the opportunities of the low-carbon transition and play a leading role in driving innovation that can help unlock potential in other parts of the UK and even worldwide …Climate change represents a threat that is equally serious but less immediate and the challenge will be to ensure that the learnings from covid are not lost.”

Call for businesses to apply for Brexit funding WOKINGHAM’S small businesses should apply for Brexit Support Funding soon, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has urged.

With one week to go before the deadline, small- and medium-sized firms are encouraged to get help for when new customs and tax rules come into effect.

The £20 million support fund, which closes on Wednesday, June 30, can offer businesses trading with the EU up to £2,000 for practical support.

This includes training and

professional advice on new customs, rules of origin and VAT processes.

Katherine Green and Sophie Dean, from HMRC, said: “Smaller businesses who trade with the EU have a vital role in our economy.”

They said small firms may have faced more challenges over the past few years as they adapt to changes.

“We would encourage small and medium businesses impacted by new importing and exporting rules to apply for funding today” they added.

Since launching in March, more than

12,000 businesses have registered for the fund. This includes 449 in the South East.

To be eligible for the grant, firms must have no more than 500 employees and turnover of less than £100 million.

They must only import or export goods between Great Britain and the EU, or move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. � More information on the fund, including how to apply, can be found by logging on to: www.gov.uk

Racial equity is critical for business success says survey BUSINESSES which support ethnic minority employees earn more money than those which do not, according to new research from Henley Business School.

Last week, it revealed that firms which offer targeted support to workers and strive for racial equity earn, on average, 58% higher revenue.

It also found these companies are more likely to benefit from staff loyalty and creativity.

The school surveyed more than 500 business leaders and 1,000 employees as part of the project.

Lead researcher Dr Naeema Pasha, director of equity, diversity and inclusion at

Henley Business School, said: “Racial equity and business success should not be separate conversations: it is critical to any organisation wanting to achieve its aims and ambitions in this challenging world of work.

“Of course, we all want to say that racism has no place in business, education or society.

“But the experience of the pandemic and social movements like Black Lives Matter have shown us that we need to shift our organisational, cultural thinking to ensure we work on racial equity – not just because it is a good thing or seen as worthy, but because it is valuable and essential to organisational success.”

Henley Business School found Black employees are the worst off when it comes to racism in the workplace.

They are more than twice as likely to experience discrimination (19%) compared to Asian (9%) and mixed ethnic minorities (8%).

The research also found the leading form of discrimination is in how work is allocated (41%0, followed by verbal abuse (33%).

Henley Business School defined racial equity as “striving to promote fairness by treating people differently depending on their need.” � Read the full report here: www.henley.ac.uk/equity-effect

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Law firm donates £8,000 to hospital

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

CASH BOOST: Babies in Buscot Support and The Royal Berks Charity will both benefit from the donation Picture: Blandy & Blandy

TWO ROYAL Berkshire Hospital (RBH) charities have received thousands of pounds in support, thanks to a Thames Valley law firm.

Blandy & Blandy donated a further £6,000 to Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS) and The Royal Berks Charity — and has now given £8,000 to the two organisations.

BIBS provides support to special care babies and their families in the hospital, and The Royal Berks Charity also works with patients and their families.

In July 2020, the law firm ‘adopted’ the two charities for three years in an effort to support their work.

Nick Burrows, chairman of Blandy & Blandy, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting these two fantastic local charities and to continue to fundraise in support of their incredible work.

“The vital role that both the Royal Berkshire Hospital and its staff and the wider NHS play in our lives has never been more evident than during the past 15 months.”

Sarah Critchley, chief executive of BIBS, said the £3,000 donation is a “substantial” gift for the small charity.

“The funds will be of huge benefit to us in our charitable activities: buying lifesaving medical equipment and refurbishing facilities on the neonatal unit, funding nurse training and providing regular emotional support for families of sick and premature

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babies,” she said.

Jo Warrior, director of The Royal Berks Charity, added the funds will support two of the organisation’s projects. “[They will support] our paediatric appeal to update the current overnight bedside facilities on our children’s ward from not so comfortable camp beds to very comfy reclining chairs, and our new staff health and wellbeing centre,” she added.

The centre will support staff wellbeing.

In recent years, Blandy & Blandy has donated nearly £100,000 to charities in the Thames Valley.

Theresa May cuts ribbon for eco builder THE FORMER prime minister has opened an eco-conscious office in Wokingham.

MP Theresa May, whose Maidenhead constituency includes parts of Wargrave, Sonning and Twyford, cut the ribbon for Thakeham Group’s new zero-carbon space in Ashbridge Business Park earlier this week.

The Sussex-based housebuilder will use it when working on any Thames Valley development projects.

Mrs May said: “Thank you to Thakeham for inviting me to open their new premises.

“Throughout my political career I have taken a keen interest in planning and am keen to see the development of sustainable homes.

“I welcome any business that is serious about understanding the unique challenges of the Thames Valley area and is committed to establishing partnerships that help residents with the wide range of challenges we face.”

Thakeham Group has

NEW SHOP: From left; Thakeham Group operations director Julian Rooney, Thakeham CEO Rob Boughton, Theresa May MP, Thakeham chief operating officer Steve Cresswell, John Bell managing director Thakeham Thames Valley

opened its new office as part of its expansion work in the region. Rob Boughton, CEO, said it will help the firm understand and deliver projects for residents in Wokingham and beyond.

“Thank you to Theresa May MP for honouring us by opening our new Thames Valley office,” he said. “Like many UK regions, Thames Valley is faced with a diverse range of challenges old and new: the demand for affordable housing is more acute than ever [and] climate change and new regulations as a result of

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the covid pandemic prompt urgent innovation.

“More than ever before, residents of Thames Valley are turning to their local authorities, planners and developers to create thriving new communities.”

Thakeham, which launched in 2003, was the UK’s first housebuilder to sign the SME Climate Commitment to join the UN’s Race To Zero campaign.

It delivers social, affordable and retirement housing for associations and local authorities across the country.

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Teenagers clim for The Stroke

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today FOUR teenagers have been undertaking an epic quest, including climbing a mountain, to raise funds for The Stroke Association.

FRESH: Home grown raspberries are all the rage

Grow it yourself

W

HAT could be tastier than delicious juicy fruit picked straight from your garden?

Squire’s Garden Centres says it has seen a big increase in the number of people wanting to grow fruit at home this year, with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackcurrants all being popular choices.

As well as the great taste, growing your own fruit also has environmental benefits – you know where your food has come from, there’s no need to visit the supermarket, no plastic packaging and you’ll be eating seasonal produce with zero fruit miles.

Most fruit can be grown in pots, so very little space is needed to give you delicious fruit and berries all summer long. Growing fruit in containers also means that you can control the growing conditions, positioning the plant to give it optimal sun or shade.

Most fruit trees like free draining soil, so planting in a pot ensures that they’ll have plenty of drainage. And in winter you can move delicate plants away from frost, perhaps putting them into a greenhouse or garage.

Berry bushes grow very successfully in pots, so they are ideal for small gardens and patios. Try: Blueberries – They are acid-loving plants so need an ericaceous compost. Keep them well-watered as they are thirsty plants. They need sun and some shade.

Strawberries – Brilliant for first-time gardeners as they are so easy to grow. There are lots of varieties to choose from to give you juicy fruit all summer long.

Blackcurrant – Easy to grow, they like a rich John Innes compost, and will reward you with berries in midsummer that are rich in Vitamin C. Raspberries – Raspberry plants will give you fruit from mid-summer through to autumn. For best results plant in a sunny position in well drained soil. If you don’t nibble them all straight away, they freeze well.

Blackberry – Grow in a sunny position, although they can tolerate some shade. Will produce berries from mid-summer onwards.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Lucy Boardman (10) pictured before and after she had 15in of hair removed – her first cut for three-and-a-half years

Lucy’s finest cut will create two fab wigs

A SHINFIELD girl has donated her locks to charity, after going for a 15in chop.

Lucy Boardman, 10, donated 16 locks of hair following her cut at Z&Co Hair and Beauty in Winnersh on Saturday.

Lucy had her last big cut threeand-a-half years ago, and said she wanted to cut it off for charity.

Dad, Mike, said: “With the pandemic meaning she couldn’t get her hair cut, it was an easy decision

to raise funds for the Little Princess Trust.

“It was a no brainer really.”

The Shinfield St Mary’s CE Junior School pupil raised £1,103 which will cover the cost of making two wigs.

Mr Boardman thanked Shinfield residents for donating, alongside four teams from Rams RFC. To donate, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ alison-bailey17

Youngsters take to Dinton for Cyclocross

stay on track with their hike completing 15 miles every day.

The boys packed just four T-shirts, a medical kit, a camping roll mat, socks and ration packs for emergencies.

Wave the hankies … m

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today HURST Morris People have rediscovered the joy of practising their dancing for real with their fellow dancers and musicians.

How to Grow Your Own Juicy Berries � Prepare your pots For bush fruits like blueberry and blackcurrant, use a pot slightly larger than the roots. Strawberries can be grown in pots, window boxes or hanging baskets, and a large pot or trough is ideal for raspberries. � Choose a compost Choose peat-free or reduced-peat compost.

Blackcurrants and raspberries like a rich John Innes compost, while strawberries will thrive is a multipurpose compost. Blueberries are acid-loving plants, so they need an ericaceous compost. � Water and feed Growing fruit in pots is great as you can control the amount of water that they need. Give plants a good soak when you plant them into pots. Water daily in hot weather and make sure the soil never dries out. � Protect your fruit Birds love summer fruit too. Protect your plants with a layer of fine netting, secured tightly to avoid birds being trapped inside. � Enjoy your harvest Harvest your fruit when it feels soft and ripe, and comes away from the plant easily. � For more, visit www.squiresgardencentres.co.uk

Wokingham-based friends George and Joseph Hemming, Dan Wakelin and Sam Timms have taken on a 170mile trek from Swansea to the top of Mount Snowdon.

Starting their journey on Saturday, June 12, the group is set to complete their trek today.

The quartet have a personal reason for taking part: Dan, who is an ambassador for The Stroke Association, had one when he was 12.

Now, he is hoping to raise more awareness for young stroke survivors who have experienced the same as him.

Jaime Hemming, mother of twins George and Joseph, said she is “immensely proud” of the boys’ dedication to their walk.

She added: “They’ve all really proved themselves as capable young men, they set off on their own with no help at all and they’re just getting on with it and are on track with it all.”

Having raised more than £2,000 so far, the group are hoping to raise even more for the charity.

“The boys check their phones each day to see how much they’ve raised, it’s a huge thing for them and seeing the money go up just keeps encouraging them to keep going until the very end,” Jaime said They trained twice a month to practice setting up camp in preparation for the challenge.

Having struggled with the heat on the first day, the team managed to

PEDAL POWER: The family event is a success so far Picture: Stewart Turkington

RIDERS have been cycling their way to the finish line for this year’s Summer Cyclocross events.

Sprockets Cycle Club, in Wokingham, has hosted three short bike riding events at Dinton Pastures Country Park this month, with the final race on Wednesday, June 30.

Open to all ages, organiser Lloyd Watkins described the events as “amazingly successful” as they welcomed many first time riders.

Head coach and event organiser Lloyd Watkins said: “We knew that lockdown had increased the number of people riding bikes, and

we wanted to put something on to introduce them to cycling as a sport.

“It takes quite a bit of effort from our wonderful and unpaid volunteers, but seeing so many first time riders is an absolute thrill.”

Jim Charlesworth, an entrant in the V40 Men’s race said it was a “fantastic” event.

He added: “It was exactly what cross should be in terms of getting people involved, a fun course, nice venue, family atmosphere, fast and easy course and inclusive.” � For more information, visit: sprockets.club

It’s more than a year since covid meant the end of face to face dance practices at Hurst Village Hall.

The group’s squire (leader) Karen Ricketts said: “We’re delighted that the rules now mean we can stop remote practices.

“Zoom did a good job keeping us in touch. And our teaching team and musicians did marvels keeping our dances fresh in our minds, as we tried to avoid furniture in our homes.

“But now the rules allow, and thanks to St Nicholas Primary School for letting us use their playground, it’s so good to be practising with each other in real life.

“We still need to keep extra distance between each other and we’ve adapted dances to enable that.”

The side is looking forward to when it can be out performing to audiences.

Everyone is welcome to have a go at morris dancing at taster sessions on Thursdays September 23 and 30 at 8pm at Hurst Village Hall, School

BACK IN THE OLD ROUTINE: Members of Hurst

Road, Hurst RG10 0DR. Everyone is welcome and no

mb a mountain e Association BOYS ON TOUR: Wokinghambased friends George and Joseph Hemming, Dan Wakelin and Sam Timms have taken on a 170-mile trek from Swansea to the top of Mount Snowdon, so they can raise funds for The Stroke Association

They have each been living off just £7 a day for food and drink.

Sleeping in a farmers field one night and a community village hall green another, the group have mainly spent

their nights in woodland areas.

Rebecca Broad, fundraiser at The Stroke Association, said: “A stroke can happen to anyone at any time and it turns lives upside down, however, with the support of people like Dan and his friends, we can help more stroke survivors and their families as they look to rebuild their lives.

“Their enthusiasm for the challenge was a real inspiration and we would like to say a huge thank you to the team, not only for their fundraising efforts, but their passion to raise awareness of stroke.”

To donate, log on to gofund.me/ cf43f6f5

morris dancing is back!

Heather knows pain on paper is therapeutic A WOKINGHAM resident has put heartbreak into words with a new poetry book.

Heather King is releasing her anthology Love Lost next week, which draws upon the pain of losing her husband, Graham.

After meeting her would-be partner in London in the sixties, Heather and Graham got married and started a life in Essex.

They then settled in Lincolnshire and raised a family, before he fell ill in 1998.

“When I lost the love of my life, the pain was indescribable,” Heather says.

“I moved just before it all happened so was away from all my friends, who although sympathetic could not imagine how afraid and lonely I was.”

After a counsellor suggested finding a way to express her pain on paper, Heather began writing poetry.

“It is my wish that others going through the worst time of their

Heather Boncey won this month’s short story contest, organised by the Wokingham Writers’ Group. We are pleased to present it here for your enjoyment

I

was so excited I couldn’t sleep. We were going to the seaside today. I looked across at my sister. Her thick auburn hair splayed out on the pillow. In comparison, my boring, mousy hair hung in thin, straight, rats’ tails around my face and refused to grow past my shoulders.

As an aunt had once commented, “Linda should have had the green eyes as she will envy Laura, always stuck in her shadow”. I added this to the long list of things I hated about my little sister.

It was a long car journey and Mum wasn’t feeling well. She handed us some sweets. I grabbed most of them.

As usual, Laura never told on me.

When we finally arrived, Mum lay on a towel under a parasol and Dad took us to explore the rock

Today is an Umbrella Day. It’s been raining hard and fast.

I should be watching tennis So I hope this rain won’t last

t Morris People get dancing in person, rather than on Zoom

providing covid rules in place at the time allow them to do so.

The forecast hasn’t cheered me.

There’s flooding on the way.

I thought the forecast favourable But that was yesterday.

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

Dangerous escapades

L PERSONAL: Heather King wrote Love, Lost to help others find comfort in their grief

lives might find comfort in the poems,” she said.

Love Lost will be published on Wednesday, June 30. � To find out more, visit: www.austinmacauley.com/book/ love-lost

My Perfect Little Sister

POETRY CORNER Raindrops

experience is necessary.

The sessions will go ahead

NEWS | 21

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Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

pools. He carried the inflatable lilo.

After a while, Dad said he was going to check up on Mum but we could stay and play for a while.

Then we would go and get ice cream.

He blew up the lilo and left.

We both felt tired after our early start and laid down in the glorious sunshine and instantly fell asleep.

When I woke up Laura was still sleeping soundly. I don’t know why I did it, but I pushed the lilo into the inlet.

The current was strong, quickly taking the lilo out to sea.

Bye, bye Laura, I thought, sitting on the rocks gazing out at the sea.

When the lilo eventually disappeared from view, I got up and went to find Mum and Dad. “Where is Laura?” they asked in unison.

“I don’t know,” I replied. “We both fell asleep and when I woke up, she had gone.” I crossed my fingers behind my back.

“You stay here and don’t worry,” said Dad. “You need to rest and look after the baby.”

“Baby?” I screamed.

“Yes, you’re going to have another sister.”

I know some rain is needed But do we need much more?

Why in the tennis season Does it so often seem to pour?

When Queens and much loved Wimbledon Come only once a year Am I asking too much, Please, do send good weather here.

Jim Horsnell

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

EO is now 10-and-a-half months (we’re still doing the halves) and wonderful but also a terror.

He is everywhere.

He can climb the stairs, bring himself to stand and has successfully negotiated the tricky multi-level junction at the top of our landing.

While he’s mastered standing, getting back on to his bottom is still proving problematic.

We do get some tears when he’s unsure of quite how to bring himself down, often landing on top of something hard and block-like.

Mostly, like all babies, he is fearless. I on the other hand carry enough fear for the both of us.

I don’t even like him playing near the landing stairgate. What if, with all his tiny strength, and possible poor fixtures, he manages to whack it right off? What if someone left it wide open, or worse, dubiously shut but un-clicked, therefore precariously open. This happens a lot and has been the root of several conflicts already.

“JUST BECAUSE IT LOOKS SHUT DOESN’T MEAN IT ACTUALLY IS,” I roar to no one in particular, but also always to my partner Joel.

To buy myself some time in the mornings, I’ve lined the corridor on the landing with toys and a box of things I know Leo likes to play with/study intently.

Ideally we’d have a cage (playpen) on every floor, but a selection of random objects can often see him through my rather basic routine. (Teeth, face and a shower if I’m lucky.)

It’s all fun and games until he inevitably comes across something potentially harmful. A chest of drawers (hello teeny jammed fingers), a full-length mirror (he finds his reflection so amusing he often wants a closer look, attempting to pick up the long adult mirror and survey his features in more detail) and an unavoidable household necessity; door hinges.

The boy will sit for as long as he can, opening and closing a door (ideally with me on the same side), before discovering the riveting gap that exists between the door and its frame. He’ll spend a merry moment with his fingers in the gap before the suspicious silence prompts me to get up and ruin his fun. And ruin I do. Like anyone really, the little man does not appreciate being removed from his dangerous escapades.

If he’s having a particularly good time, he will wriggle and cry (loudly, in my ear) as I haul him away to safer territory.

We’ve had some hairy moments. In a hurry one morning, I thoughtlessly left him just by the cage (playpen) while I dashed to the toilet. When I returned, he was halfway up our stairs. We made arrangements for a downstairs stairgate that evening.

Recently, Leo has audibly resisted playing in his pen (where he is safest) alone, but seems perfectly happy when accompanied, specifically by his big sister. Unfortunately the feeling is not always mutual.

In my fleeting attempts to get anything done around the house, I have taken to occasionally bribing the older child to help me with the younger one. The ethics is questionable but it works out well for us.

Yesterday I managed to shower (no hair wash), change the nappy bin, put on laundry, clear the kitchen and make dinner whilst Maia sat with Leo. She wasn’t thrilled about it, and kept trying to leave to go and watch TV. “No wait. He’ll cry if you leave. PLEASE STAY.” Maia, milking the situation for all its worth: “What can I have?”

Me, desperate: “You can have MALTESERS ... as a snack…PLEASE ... I need you ...”

Maia: *Exaggerated eye roll* “Fine Mummy … How many am I allowed?”

“ALL OF THEM.” Win win.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

A year on, the shock hasn’t lessened ON SUNDAY, a poignant and carefully prepared memorial service took place in Forbury Gardens, in Reading.

It was to mark the first anniversary of the terror attacks that shocked us all.

It was also a chance to honour and remember the lives of the three men who died: Joe, David and James, as well as those injured.

Members of The Holt School, taught by James, led songs and prayers, while the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra performed in public for the first time in the pandemic, providing fitting music as yellow roses were laid around the Forbury bandstand.

Those of us who tuned in online, or were in the Forbury, were moved by these tributes, given by friends and family.

Each song, each word, each flower chosen specially to give honour to Joe, David and James.

Even in these covid-times, it was possible to organise and create a safe, and effective memorial service.

Thank you to all involved who made this touching tribute possible, and for Sarah Walker for her thoughtful commentary on Radio Berkshire’s broadcast.

Many of us knew, directly or indirectly, the three victims. Our thoughts remain with their families and friends.

Importantly, we all have a part to play in ensuring Joe, David and James are never forgotten. The events of last June will be with us all forever.

CHURCH NOTES

Do as you would be done by

I

am not Jewish so I have never known antisemitism, or the persistent fear of the older generation that the genocide could recur. I am not black so I have never experienced racism.

I have never been on the losing side in a key cup final, so I have never been targeted by the hatred on social media from “supporters” who feel let down.

I can only rely on the testimony of those who have been in that position and try to imagine what it must feel like.

And then I can respond by treating people in the way I think I would like to be treated, if I were in their situation.

When asked which was the greatest of the commandments, Jesus stressed first the importance of worship and then “you shall love your neighbour as you love yourself”. But this saying didn’t start with him – the demand for compassion goes back to the early days of the Jewish faith and is found in other religions and cultures too.

“Do as you would be done by” is the Golden Rule enabling society to function in a very practical way.

Football supporters are free to take a view on the appropriateness of the anti-racist gesture by the England football team at the start of their games.

We should certainly respect the experience of black footballers in the public eye.

American Indians did not wear football boots, but they did have the saying, “Don’t judge your fellow man until you’ve walked six months in his moccasins”.

David Morgan is a member of Wokingham Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

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

Spare us from these constant road closures SO, Nine Mile Ride is closed for a prolonged period… again.

Having been closed for the thick end of a year for installation of new water mains, it is now closed again for five months to build the Nine Mile Ride Extension.

Why were these two major works not carried out at the same time?

WBC Planning Department could not organise a heavy drinking session in a brewery.

Part of Finchampstead Road and now part of Nine Mile Ride are being resurfaced, but why are only part of these roads being resurfaced? The rest of these roads are just as bad.

What about Denmark Street?

The road surface leading out of town is like something you would find in the third world.

The roundabout at Windsor Ride/ Barkham Ride has been patched for the last two winters and the potholes are hard to avoid in a car so how do cyclists and motorbikes manage?

My bookmaker will only give me even money that Finchampstead Road and Nine Mile Ride will be dug up by one utility or the other within weeks.

Disgruntled Motorist

Grass cutting I read with interest Juliet’s letter last week on the subject with great interest while I understand the need to leave some grass long we need a balance.

I read also in the paper an article on mowing of a stretch of grass containing rare orchids.

This brings me to the crux of the matter: there does not appear to be a schedule to cut it when people moan.

I believe WBC grass cutting needs a complete look at as the existing set-up is

Earlier this month, I was at the Broad Street Pedestrian Crossing on the Old Post Office side of the street, waiting for the lights to go green, when I noticed that there was an embroidered sign on the Crossing Button Panel inviting me to ‘Enjoy Wokingham’.

I looked at the back of the sign and noticed that the invitation came from the Wokingham Embroiderers' Group – wokinghamembroiderers. org Harry Atkinson, Wokingham

not working. While I do not subscribe to the let it all grow thought we need an agreed compromise. Long grass is not without problems for pets and humans be it ticks and Lyme disease.

We also need short mown spaces so youngsters can put down two jumpers and kick a ball about.

Regarding litter picking, I am a member of Adopt-a-Street and have a regular route that I pick litter up from.

Long grass conceals it and makes it more difficult but I can live with it if it’s designated long grass.

We get good support from WBC on litter picking supplying hi viz pickers and plastic bags.

Personally, as WBC do not have endless resources, I would like to see a proper organised approve grass scheme taking on board both views.

Changing of the boundaries

I

As a suggestion, once we have a clear idea what needs to be cut and left put it out to tender to local contractors by area putting the money back into local business.

Rod Needs, via email

Eye-rolling all round LAST Wednesday, I watched the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee of Wokingham Borough Council.

The purpose of Scrutiny is to hold the Executive of the Council to account; to aid policy development and review; to monitor performance and to provide external scrutiny.

The Council’s constitution also makes clear that party Whips (or being instructed how to vote by political parties) are “incompatible” with Scrutiny.

Westminster That was the week Diary

Tony Johnson James Sunderland

write this on a beautiful day of sunshine and ambient heat. Summer is thankfully now here after weeks of poor weather and I am certainly looking forward to spending more time outdoors.

While the tempo in Westminster and constituency workload continue to be fierce, I do hope that we will soon be able to put Covid-19 behind us and capitalise fully on the success of the vaccination programme. As ever, much will depend on the science and the Government's appetite for risk.

I do hope that common sense prevails quickly.

I was asked recently to outline my position on the initial findings of the Boundary Commission.

I do not profess to have all the answers as this is beyond the control or influence of most MPs, but I am happy to share a personal view.

To start with, it has been suggested to me that the Government has attempted to drive its own outcome for political reasons, but this is just not the case as the Boundary Commission is entirely separate from any political party.

While it is legitimised by central Government, it is actually independent of Government and its decisions are strictly subject to well-defined statutory criteria.

To start with, this is not about honouring or redefining extant battle lines but equalising all 650 Parliamentary constituencies so that they

are of an equal size and ideally coterminus with existing borough boundaries.

As the population has expanded in recent decades and new housing has sprung up everywhere, some constituencies have grown well beyond the mandated tolerance of circa 77,000 voters and some are well below it.

This has benefited all political parties in different parts of the UK and it is right to redress the imbalance.

The fact that more people live in the South than the North is a key factor but it is the need to equalise the importance of every vote and regulate the size of each constituency so that no advantage is conferred on any party that ultimately drives change.

Given too that the initial findings have been subject to rigorous stress-testing and independent review, I am comfortable that fairness has been employed and that the fundamental principles that underpin it have been robustly honoured.

Before I am accused of nepotism, people who know me well will tell you that I am a man of integrity and would soon call it out if I believed it

Councillors are supposed to use their own brains and judgment and not vote on party lines.

The main agenda item at the meeting was the Climate Emergency Action Plan and was presented by the Executive member responsible for the Plan.

The newly-elected Conservative councillors proceeded to ask what can only be described as planted and preagreed questions, designed to give the Executive member an easy time.

Not only was it embarrassing to watch, the councillors are undermining the very purpose of Scrutiny.

It is bad enough that the Conservative councillors clog up “question time” at full Council meetings with this nonsensical and antidemocratic approach.

To spread this contagion to Scrutiny

to be unfair or politically biased. So this is an electoral not a political imperative.

In respect of Berkshire, the increasing population has ensured that there is a need for one new seat so this has mandated the re-drawing of boundaries and the reduction in size of the eight extant constituencies.

Further details can be found at www.gov.uk but the upshot is that Bracknell is probably least affected, even though it sadly loses Finchampstead North, South and Wokingham Without. But all of the other Berkshire constituencies, namely: Wokingham, Windsor, Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading, Slough and the 'new' seats of Mid Berkshire and Earley and Woodley (both re-drawn from Reading West and East), will see more significant changes.

The ‘Northern’ parishes of Binfield, Warfield, Winkfield and Ascot North also migrate from Windsor to Maidenhead, although part of Warfield comes into Bracknell.

I am yet to conduct any rigour into how this might translate into votes but I believe that the new boundaries confer no particular advantage on any party in Berkshire.

I also suspect that it's ‘swings and roundabouts’ across the UK depending on where you look.

Either way, constituents will still vote for who they want and it is up to politicians to earn these votes, rather than take any for granted To see the proposals, log on to www.electoralcalculus.co.uk/ boundaries2023.html James Sunderland is the MP for Bracknell

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

and to infect new councillors with this party-above-residents approach is unforgivable.

The meeting was further sullied by the behaviour of the chair. While correctly pointing out the meeting was not political, the chair’s eye-rolling when opposition councillors asked questions gave lie to where her head was.

The opposition councillors DO ask lots of questions. That is their job.

And they also highlighted several challenges to the Plan.

That is also their job.

Perhaps if the Conservative councillors actually did their job, rather than just being paid to turn up, the eyerolls would be shared around more evenly, residents would be better served, and effective Scrutiny would be more likely.

Andy Croy, Wokingham

Bigger is not better I am following local mental health developments, as reported in Wokingham Today, with interest.

A recent World Health Organisation Report on Mental Health Services highlights, once again, the need for crisis houses, and it was suggested that I submit a blog about ours.

The following is a shortened version of what I submitted.

‘The Wokingham Mental Health Crisis House opened in March 1991.

Detailed histories of the House are narrated in two books – firstly, Triumph and Tragedy – the 25-year history, and, secondly, There’s A Place For Us, the 30year history. The most important decision ever made, before setting up the crisis house, was to ensure, in the Rules and Constitution of the Association, that all that anyone involved could be, was either a mental health sufferer, or the informal carer of a mental health sufferer.

This remains the case, to this day. The idea was that there should be a place for people in mental distress – which was

exactly like a comfortable, and welcoming, home.

For the first 20 years, we were able to provide four crisis beds – so that people could come and stay, while they sorted their problems out. Lack of funding forced us to reduce our service to a day facility, but, fortunately, we still provide people with a comfortable home, as a day drop-in centre.

Nevertheless, I lament the closure of our beds. I believe that a person who is experiencing mental health problems – exacerbated by unfortunate living conditions, needs to be provided with a stress-free sanctuary, where there is peace and quiet, and all the support needed, so that they can resolve their problems, and then go on to set up a new life for themselves.

I would go further, and say that sometimes, people who are living in very adverse environments, are not always aware of how bad things are, because they are used to them, but their mental health suffers, nevertheless.

Frequently, I say to service users, ‘I don’t think that it matters what your diagnosis is – whether it be schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, or bipolar affective disorder. What is important, is the quality of life that you are able to achieve, and, if unable to recover, completely. from the illness, then – the best quality life – WITH the illness.’

Quoting from the first success story in Triumph and Tragedy, to the final success story in There’s A Place For Us, I said to the first service user, ‘You don’t need to remain a chronic mental patient for the rest of your life.’ She took my word for it, and went on, successfully, to train for a profession, and remarried, happily.

The second service user said, ‘This crisis house is the only place where I can get any help’, and also resettled happily – albeit with a great deal of support from us. Reports, invariably, focus on a ‘person centred’ approach, but such is only

From the chamber Cllr Lindsay Ferris

Tory reforms will dump houses on us

O

VER the last 12 months, right in the middle of the Pandemic, at a time when most of us were concerned about other issues, the Government consulted on a number of planning reforms.

The Government is now proposing to introduce a number of these proposals, but I doubt if many of you reading this are aware of these reforms.

We did hear about proposals to double the number of homes being proposed for Wokingham Borough (up to 1,635 properties from circa 800 per annum over 20 years), which have I acknowledge been scrapped. However, linked in with this were reforms that are nothing short of a developers’ free-for-all.

These reforms would stop local communities from protecting

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cherished green spaces and do nothing for first-time buyers in areas like Wokingham Borough.

These reforms would also remove requirements on affordable homes, take power from local communities even to have a say on planning applications, and hand it to wealthy property developers instead. You have not heard anything about this from the local Conservatives, who I believe have tried to keep this issue low-key.

What is so worrying for our area is that we are in the middle of developing a new Local Plan (to take us to 2036). We already have a far too high housing target (circa 800+/- per annum for 20 years) which means the new Local Plan has to accommodate for circa 15-17,000 new properties during this period, although

possible, if one is working with small numbers.

To quote from the back cover of Triumph and Tragedy, ‘We should promote the development of small, local, volunteer-run, mental health crisis houses, throughout the UK. If you are one of six, you are a person. If you are one of 60, you are a number.’

So, I maintain, that we don’t need bigger crisis houses. We need more of them.

Pam Jenkinson – The Wokingham Crisis House

Just one week to go for our EU citizens EU citizens – including the elderly and children – MUST apply for settled status by 30th June in order to retain their rights to live in the UK, unless they already have British citizenship.

Your local Lib Dem councillors are concerned that with just one week to go, not all EU citizens living here have applied for settled status. The government’s own estimates show that tens of thousands of people are yet to apply.

Many may not realise that they need to apply, especially if they have been living here for many years. We are also concerned that parents may not realise that children need to have had an application for settled status, and that being born in the UK or having parents with settled status will not automatically grant them the right to stay in the UK. We have been urging the council to do all that they can to help in past months, and we ourselves have been contacting schools and care homes directly.

With just one week to go, we are asking for all Wokingham residents to look out for their EU neighbours and friends, especially those who may not have access to technology and those who don’t have fluent English.

If you are an EU citizen who needs to apply, there is more information on the

some have already been built.

This is on top of the over 13,500 that have already been built, or in the pipeline from the current Local Plan which runs until 2026. When this is taken into account we will be forced to take an increase of circa 25% in new properties in this area. I believe these numbers would destroy the semi-rural nature of our area and turn it into sprawling inner and outer suburbia.

We have already seen the impact of the existing 2026 Local Plan, thousands of houses have been built in North and South Wokingham, Winnersh, Barkham, Arborfield, Wokingham Without and Shinfield, while other areas like Woodley, Earley and Twyford are already almost covered in housing, with few green open spaces left.

If we are to receive the volume of housing mentioned, then other areas of the Borough will be under threat.

I heard a Tory MP over the weekend, say that voters in Amersham and Chesham misunderstood the planning reforms as most homes were to be built on Brown Field Sites.

Well in Wokingham Borough, the developers have their sights on many of our green spaces, including valuable farmland and some areas that have strong connections with the local community.

Very little of the land identified

Wokingham Borough Council website at www.wokingham.gov.uk/births-deathsand-marriages/citizenship/eusettlement-scheme/ (or search for "wokingham EU Settlement Scheme").

If you need help in making an application, please let one of the Lib Dem councillors know and we will be happy to help.

The Liberal Democrat group on Wokingham Town Council

Create happy memories Summer is a time when we look forward to being with our families.

After such a challenging year, I think we are all hoping this summer will be extra special and will give us a chance to reconnect with loved ones, rebuild lives, make up for lost time and move forwards.

Yet the summer holidays can also be a time when many parents find themselves under additional pressure.

Perhaps due to juggling work commitments with childcare, or providing entertainment for the family when the bank balance is already stretched.

That’s why I’m delighted to share Family Action’s Creating Happy Memories Summer Activity Pack to help families make the most of summer. It celebrates everything positive about family life while also taking a bit of pressure off parents by providing simple, practical, fun activities and guidance for everyone to enjoy this summer. The digital pack is free and can be downloaded at www.familyaction.org.uk/creating-happy-memories.

Families are amazing – we’re not always perfect but we are resilient, adaptable and loving. I know that together we can put a difficult year behind us and create new happy memories.

Anna Williamson, Broadcaster, bestselling author and life coach, C/o Family Action, 34 Wharf Road, London N1 7GR

in Wokingham Borough is Brown Field sites. These have already been built on.

I ask readers to contact/lobby our four local MPs who cover the Wokingham Borough, especially the three Conservative MPs, to get these proposals scrapped. If we do not then our area will be overrun with thousands more houses, which I fear the current administration is likely to deliver with few objections.

“Expect homes to be dumped near you” is my warning message.

We in the Lib Dems want a community-led approach, one that puts local residents at the heart of the system and where residents are taken notice of and listened to, not taken for granted, or even worse simply ignored and certainly not a free-for-all for some landowners and developers.

We would also ensure that the Climate Emergency was fully taken into account when proposals for any new homes were being proposed. Without such action we could be in a far worse situation in a few years’ time, but with less green spaces to meet these urgent requirements.

We have to plan for your Children and Grandchildren otherwise they will have little left to protect.

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on Wokingham Borough Council and member for Twyford

From the executive Cllr Gregor Murray

Cutting carbon through sustainable behaviours

C

LIMATE change is a directly related to human behaviour. The only way we can possibly reverse the impact of climate change therefore is to change our behaviour.

While that sounds overwhelming it doesn’t have to be. In combating climate change no action is too small to make a difference and many small differences soon add up to large benefits.

For the last two years, Conservatives have been leading Wokingham Borough’s climate initiatives through their planning and development phases.

During this time, we have set out expressly to solve the root cause of issues with the intention of not indirectly creating other problems further down the road. Through this approach WBC have: � Submitted the planning application for our first solar farm � Established a Community Energy Fund � Begun programmes to upgrade residential properties � Almost completed construction of our new carbon neutral Dinton Pastures Activity Centre � Won funding for a variety of our initiatives including from the Woodland Trust � Begun detailed work on new, sustainable planning guidance.

Looking ahead, the single most important thing we can all do is to change our behaviour. To achieve this, there are two essential steps we must take. First, we must understand and then remove the barriers that prevent us all from acting more sustainably. Second, we have to provide and encourage the adoption of alternative solutions that satisfy the needs of our daily lives.

Conservatives have asked Wokingham Borough Council to focus their behaviour change initiatives around eight primary focus areas. These are: 1) Engaging our children to live sustainably, 2) Working with our businesses to help them operate sustainably, 3) Enabling a shift in transport and the way we move around our borough, 4) Reducing the volume of waste we each produce, 5) Reducing the amount of Energy we waste, 6) Reducing food waste and encouraging sustainable sourcing and consumption, 7) Reducing or repurposing the amount of clothing that is thrown away each year, and 8) Reducing water waste.

We have instructed WBC to engage with a number of experts in the field of behaviour change and ask them to work with us on programmes and initiatives that will help move us all, step-by-step, towards a more sustainable and lower carbon way of living.

To support this, we will also be looking to inform and engage cross sections of our population to understand the need for behaviour change in more detail and understand the types of change that could be possible. They will be asked for recommendations on how that change could be achieved, what obstacles currently prevent that behaviour, and how the council can assist in turning the behaviour into action.

Wokingham Borough Council can’t force you to give up your car, buy less or install solar panels on your roof. Changing behaviour, for some, is also not going to be easy or practical. Hopefully though, through a programme of initiatives and education we can remove the barriers to behaviour change and demonstrate that sustainable living can be easier, more cost effective and more environmentally friendly than you think.

In the meantime, if you have any ideas of how we can deliver behaviour change across our borough, if you have any ideas on how we can reduce our carbon footprint or, if you know of any obvious barriers that are preventing you from living a more sustainable life right now please contact me at gregor.murray@wokingham.gov.uk.

Cllr Gregor Murray is the Executive Member for Resident Services, Communications and Emissions and Conservative councillor for Norreys Ward at Wokingham Borough Council

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WorcesterObserver

Readertravel CHATSWORTH Country Fair

Credit:shoot-lifestyle.co.uk

YorkLeeds&HarrogateExplorer_D.pdf

Departing Sat 4 Sep ‘21 Join us as we head to the Chatsworth Country Fair, one of England’s most spectacular annual outdoor events, set against the backdrop of Chatsworth House. There are plenty of attractions and entertainment on offer making this a memorable day out for all the family!

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham Overnight stay at a selected3 or 4-star hotel with dinner & breakfast Admissionto ChatsworthCountry Fair En-route visit to Buxton

2 Days by Coach

only £139

Single Supplement £35

THURSFORD

Christmas Spectacular ThursfordChristmasSpectacular_D.pdf

Departing Fri 26 Nov ‘21 The Thursford Christmas Spectacular is the biggest Christmas show of its kind in Europe! Set in a lavishly decorated auditorium, this celebration of the festive season delivers an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, dazzling costumes, music and variety.

Your break includes Return coach travel from Wokingham 3 nights at the Warner Corton Coastal Village, Lowestoft with dinner & breakfast Entertainmentevery evening Entranceto the Thursford Christmas Spectacular Excursion to Norwich

4 Days by Coach

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

SONNING, RUSCOMBE, TWYFORD&HURST, NEWS REMENHAM & WARGRAVE Police seek man after distraction theft THAMES Valley Police (TVP) has released footage following a “concerning” distraction burglary in Twyford, in which an elderly woman lost her purse.

It has released an image of a man officers would like to speak with, as they believe he may have vital information on what happened.

At around 8.50pm on Saturday, May 8, a man knocked on the door of a home in Springfield Park, posing as a community officer.

He asked to go through the house and into the garden, before leaving the property claiming to get

a call from a colleague.

The victim, an elderly woman, then noticed her purse containing cash was missing.

Investigating officer, detective constable Robert Chevalier, based at Loddon Valley police station, said he believes the man could have key information.

“If you recognise these people or if you think one of them is you, please get in touch,” he said.

“Further, I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, or anyone with information about what happened, to please come forward.”

TVP is also urging residents with private CCTV or doorbell cameras to check their footage from Saturday, May 8.

“This is a concerning incident whereby an individual has claimed to be working for the police,” DC Chevalier added.

“To confirm the identity of a police officer, please ask to see their ID badge or if you are unsure, ask for their shoulder number and call 101 to check their validity.”

Residents can make a report online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43210198094.

Alternatively, they can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

Trio’s 10k will be joyful

Hurst show is a go

THREE youngsters are collecting junk for joy in Charvil this weekend as part of a school fundraiser.

Jessica Hilling (10), Rose Brown (10) and Megan Jefferey (9) are doing “10k their way” to raise money for Charvil Piggott Primary School’s new sensory garden.

The school recently launched a fundraising challenge for pupils to complete a 10km (6.2 miles) challenge to support the new space, which it hopes will promote students’ emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Jessica’s mum, Sarah, said the three girls wanted to do something different for sponsors in a bid to help the planet at the same time. “[They] have recently shown an interest in recycling and looking after their environment,” Sarah explained. “They collectively decided that their 10 ‘K’ would be 10 kilograms of litter from the local parts, to benefit their local area at the same time as raising money for the cause.”

She said the trio are “really excited” about the challenge.

THE ANNUAL Hurst Show and County Fayre is set to go ahead this weekend — and there is a lot for residents to look forward to.

The event, which is taking place on Saturday and Sunday, will take place across the village.

Events include a dog show and hobby horses, and the Village Hall is being set up as a food court and music venue.

In the Community Orchard and on Castle Hill, residents can “guess the crushed car” and try their hand at archery and skittles, while on the School Field there will be craft stalls and painting.

Road closures are also planned from Saturday to Monday to support the show.

These include: � School Road except for resident access � A northbound one-way system on Church Hill � Access along Church Hill will be for show parking and access to The Castle Inn and Hurst Bowls club only � A northbound diversion along Lodge Road to Whistley Green and Broadwater Lane � A southbound diversion down Orchard Road and Sawpit Road, onto Lodge Road.

The Hurst Show and County Fayre is taking place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday, and Sunday.

The road changes will be in place from 7am on Saturday until 8am on Monday.

JOYFUL: Jess, Rose and Megan “Family and friends will be behind them,” she said.

“Although I think they may have underestimated how much litter they need to gather.

“We [parents] are really proud that they want to support their school and we are impressed with their initiative and creativity.”

So far, the girls have raised £35 of their £100 target.

They will be embarking on their litter pick from tomorrow (June 25) through until Sunday.

To find out more about their fundraiser, visit: www.donate.giveasyoulive.com/ fundraising/junk-for-joy-with-jessmegan-and-rose

‘Stop treating Whistley Green as if it’s a race circuit’ warning

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today ‘STOP treating Whistley Green like a race circuit’, Hurst residents have urged after describing the village as “one of the most dangerous stretches of racetrack in Berkshire”.

Villagers in Hurst Parish have alleged motorists continue to drive down Lodge Road in excess of the 30mph speed limit in the village — and they fear somebody will get hurt.

Nigel Osgood, a Hurst resident, said “careless” drivers often pass through the village and put walkers, cyclists and children at risk.

“A view held by all local residents is that a very serious accident is inevitable,” he said. “Such an awful event will then and only then, it seems, stir the council and police into creating stronger safety

measures, particularly, along the Lodge Road stretch of the racetrack.”

Jo Newbold, chair of Hurst Village Society, said speeding is an issue faced by towns and villages up and down the country.

She said the Society is currently creating a plan to try and reduce dangerous driving in the area.

“In Hurst, we’re a thoroughfare from Wokingham to Twyford so people put their foot down — it really is an issue,” she said. “They see a long, straight road and boy do they speed.”

According to Ms Newbold, people “whistle” down the village’s high street, failing to slow down from the previous 40mph and 60mph limits outside of Hurst and Whistley Green.

“It’s happening every single day,” she added. “Whenever I’m out walking, somebody is speeding.

“There are a lot of children

around, people walking their dogs and horse riders coming through the village, so we are very concerned an accident is going to happen.”

Hurst Village Society is drafting a strategy to improve road safety in the parish, which it plans to present to Wokingham Borough Council and Hurst Parish Council in the future.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said Wokingham Borough Council takes its road network seriously. “[We] continually monitor traffic speeds and speed limit compliance across the borough,” she said. “When we find issues, we will investigate the cause and the potential need for any highway engineering interventions.”

She said the majority of drivers comply with the 30mph speed limit in Whistley Green.

“There is some evidence of speeding on the A321 Wokingham

Road in Whistley Green and the B3030 Lodge Road during late evening overnight periods, when there are few pedestrians about but the roads have very good safety records,” she explained.

“We work closely with Thames Valley Police on speeding issues, as the police are responsible for speeding enforcement.

“We also support several Community Speedwatch groups across the borough with a variety of schemes to help reduce speeding traffic through local roads.”

Cllr Wayne Smith, chairman of Hurst Parish Council, added: “Hurst has a well-established Community Speedwatch group including parish councillors and residents.

“Data from this work is passed to Thames Valley Police to help them with patrols in the area, as the police are responsible for enforcement of speed limits.”

NEWS | 25

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Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS

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Matt Rodda prioritises childcare in MP’s bill

Town mayor joins Lower Earley Way litter pick LITTER PICKERS were joined by Earley town mayor on their latest route.

On Sunday, June 13, Cllr Anne Bassett joined more than 40 residents to help clear along Lower Earley Way. “I was delighted to be able to join and thank the group who attended the Earley Litter Pick,” she said.

It was part of the wider Great Britain Spring Clean Campaign and was jointly organised by the Earley Adopted Street Initiative, Earley Environment Group and the town council.

Led by ranger Grahame Hawker, residents spent the morning clearing litter, and reported several fly-tipping spots.

Cllr Bassett said: “This land has delightful green spaces by the River Loddon with open meadows and woods to stroll through.

“It is a vitally important green corridor for wildlife. As well as picking litter, I was able to take pictures of beautiful, rare bee orchids hidden in the trees.”

She said Earley Environment

Group and the town council have written to the borough council to propose a Lower Earley Local Nature Reserve all along the strip of land.

“We are all increasingly aware of the importance of our green spaces for our wellbeing and climate and I urge residents to write in support of this proposal,” she said.

MPs will debate childcare arrangements after Matt Rodda’s private members’ bill was picked in a ballot, writes Jess Warren.

The Reading East MP had canvassed people for ideas as to what he should present to parliament, and he chose the Childcare Bill.

This Bill aims to enable appeals to be made relating to free childcare for young children of working parents to be settled by agreement.

It is hoped that this would make it easier to create free childcare schemes, including to disadvantaged groups.

“Families are entitled to 30 hours free childcare per week, and lots of people don’t take this up, or don’t even know it exists,” Mr Rodda said.

“I want to remove unnecessary hurdles, and find ways of making it easier for families to access this support.”

He added: “I also want to raise awareness of how important childcare can be for getting back to work.

“There is also a lot of evidence to show kids who have had good quality childcare do better later on.

It’s an opportunity to play, develop and learn in a bigger group in preparation for school.”

The Bill has been scheduled to have its Second Reading on Friday, October 29.

FREE SUPPORT: Matt Rodda wants to remove barriers to accessing childcare

“In the lead up to this, I am working with the childcare sector to draw up the details of the bill,” the MP said.

Mr Rodda, whose constituency includes parts of Woodley and Earley, was one of 20 MPs drawn in the ballot.

Other south east MPs chosen include Runnymede and Webridge’s Dr Ben Spencer, who wants to make it an offence to repeat breaches of planning controls.

Mr Rodda has invited nurseries and childcare groups to get in touch with him, if they have ideas for the details of his members’ bill. � They can contact him by emailing: mattroddampcasework@ parliament.uk

Temporary lights due for Loddon Bridge

GIFT: Left: Austen House General manager, Natsayi Dunira with Norman and Ethima Lawrence. Above: Ms Dunira gives Mrs Lawrence a gift hamper Pictures: Austen House

LODDON BRIDGE Road will have temporary traffic lights over the summer due to gas works.

SGN started working on the road on Monday, and works are expected to continue until Tuesday, August 31.

A spokesperson from SGN said: “We’re upgrading our gas network to ensure local properties continue to enjoy a safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.

“For safety, temporary traffic

Car boot sale returns for July WOODLEY’S car boot sale is returning next month.

Starting on Sunday, July 11, it will

‘Thank you carers’

By MARIE WILLIAMS

news@wokingham.today A LOWER EARLEY carer has been celebrated for supporting her husband alongside her professional role.

Ethima Lawrence began caring for her husband Norman three years ago, after he suffered a stroke.

At the time, Ms Lawrence was already working as a carer professionally.

She began to look after her

husband in their home.

Mr Lawrence has visited Austen House care home occasionally for respite, which has given his wife a break.

“Ethima is a strong and powerful woman, with immense love and faith,” said a spokesperson for Austen House.

“Earlier this month was Carers Week.

“While we were pleased to celebrate our own wonderful carers in the home, we also found it important to celebrate

and thank those in the community who often go unorganised as carers for their loved ones.”

General manager, Natsayi Dunira visited Ms Lawrence at home with a gift hamper to celebrate her work.

“Ethima was truly thrilled and grateful for the surprise, and Norman agreement carers like his wife, are often overlooked as valuable assets within the community,” they said.

lights will be installed around our site.

“We’ve got extra safety precautions in place to protect your community and our engineers, in line with government coronavirus guidance.” � To report a concern, call 0800 912 1700

run every second and fourth Sunday of the month after.

Running in the town centre, visitors are urged to maintain social distancing, and act responsibly.

It starts at 8am and finishes at 1pm.

No. 5367

Your weekly puzzle challenge To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

26 | LEISURE

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

TO SPONSOR THIS PAGE, CALL CLAIRE ON 0118 327 2662

Quiz Challenge

18

4

10 10

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10 18

22 13

16 26

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9

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19 23

6 11

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18 19

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NONAGRAM

15 12

M G T

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 1

2

3

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5

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9

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17

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O

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D

L E A

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

MAGIC SQUARE

How many words of four letters or more can you make from this Nonagram? Each word must use the central letter, and each letter may be used only once. At least one word using all nine letters can be found.

Guidelines: 22 Good; 26 Very Good; 30 Excellent.

Any word found in the Concise Oxford Dictionary (Tenth Edition) is eligible with the following exceptions: proper nouns; plural nouns, pronouns and possessives; third person singular verbs; hyphenated words; contractions and abbreviations; vulgar slang words; variant spellings of the same word (where another variant is also eligible).

I TAKE LAKE HUT UNIT Using all 16 letters of the phrase above, form four words each of four letters which will fit in the grid to form a magic square in which the words can be read both horizontally and vertically.

EA

FM

IE

IT

VN

UE

EU

GB

DE

LA

GO

SUDOKU Easy

7

8 2

6 4 8

2

5 4

5 2

1 6

9

7

6 8 9 1

3 6

R D

S

E M

I

H M

A

Here are two miniature fivesquare crosswords using the same grid – but the letters have been mixed up.

You have to work out which letters belong to which crossword.

YS

11

12

18

19

13 14

14

15 15

16

17

21

4

5

5

6

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9 11

10 11

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20 18

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21 26

28 24

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SOLUTIONS

3

7

This puzzle page is supplied by Sirius Media Services Ltd.

© Sirius Media Services Ltd

2

8

17

To try our new puzzle, Zygolex, go to www.zygolex.com

DOWN 1. Being in it means trouble of course (4) 2. I leave English girl for Frenchman (4) 3. Preference for an alternative (6) 4. Turn up with new mesh for the basket (6) 5. Pat entered maybe – definitelyentered(10) 6. School subject, thematic with variations, includes religious education (10) 10. Defendant again sent across the Atlantic (10) 11. Payment for a colony (10) 15. Deny any connection with row about pig (6) 16. Dorset town provided home for old Penny Barker (6) 18. Excited to be scheming (2,2) 19. Rent to one of the services (4)

QUICK CROSSWORD 1

Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

1

8

ACROSS 5. Right beside a vegetable is a fruit (4) 7. Work for a long time to make a home in the theatre (5,5) 8. Boy out of line (4) 9. Has foresight before a school lesson (10) 12. Fly in the jet set separately (6) 13. Plays unskilfully on the fringes (6) 14. Being out of fuel, Edward had a hard job (6) 16. It’s a tricky problem if this vegetable is hot (6) 17. First man is to lead the band in bad behaviour (10) 20. Nothing but a lake (4) 21. From all quarters landlord receives an informal report (10) 22. In haste tried to ignore correction (4)

Place the four signs (add, subtract, multiply, divide) one in each circle so that the total of each across and down line is the same.

2

6

22

EQUALISER 9 1 8 3 1 4 1 10 2 0 1 4

Hard

Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box.

1

N

DT

ED

5

11

21

A

SE

GE

10

24

AH

RD

4

20

TS

AE

3

17

FIVE ALIVE RW

3

12

10. Hobart is capital of which Australian state?

Spell out a 15-letter word or phrase by moving from one chamber to another within the pyramid. You may only enter each of the chambers once and may only proceed E through openings in the walls. The L first letter may appear in any chamber.

K C

3

10

WORD PYRAMID

E N N

5

9

9. Which garden food plant has edible stems but toxic leaves?

5. The home ground of the Saracens rugby union team is in which English city?

2

8

8. Fred Sirieix rose to fame as the Maître d’ of a restaurant on which reality TV show?

4. What A is the name of a ship in Greek mythology and the title of a 2012 filmstarringBen A ffl e c k ?

18

2

7

7. The takahe, kakapo, mohua and kokako are birds from which country?

3. What is the Japanese word for the art of flowerarranging?

18

1

6. Like a Rolling Stone, Mr Tambourine Man and Just Like a Woman were all hit songs for which musician?

2. Europe’s longest river the Volgaflowsintowhichsea?

9

5 3

21

1. How many tricks are required to score a small slam at bridge?

10

5 15

18

22 10

14 9

14 20

4

8

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

PZ1P5367

CROSS CODE

5367

28

22. Ancient Peruvian (4) ACROSS 24. ---- von Bismarck, 1. Cheeks (8) German 5. Cleanser (4) statesman (4) 7. Vehicle for 26.

Covering a wide competitions (6,3) area (9) 9. Ale (4) 27. Cereal (4) 10. Wheat disease (4) 28. Group of 11. Social class (5) performers (8) 14. Stadium (5) DOWN 15. Narcotic leaf (5) 1. Light source (4) 16. Japanese city (5) 2. Rip (4) 17. Make a speech (5) 3. Porcelain (5) 18. Mother-of-pearl (5) 4. Vision (5) 5. Strikebreaker (4) 19. Sortie (5)

6. Small sweet, lozenge (8) 7. Significance (9) 8. Suspend from college (9) 11. Gateaux (5) 12. Group of fish (5) 13. Hard, dark wood (5) 14. Spray (8) 20. Die away (5) 21. Leans (5) 23. Wheel shaft (4) 24. Egg cell (4) 25. Leer (4)

3 8 7 6 1 5 9 2 4

5 1 9 2 8 4 3 6 7

4 6 2 3 7 9 8 1 5

1 9 3 5 2 6 4 7 8

2 4 6 8 3 7 1 5 9

8 7 5 4 9 1 6 3 2

6 2 1 7 4 8 5 9 3

9 3 4 1 5 2 7 8 6

7 5 8 9 6 3 2 4 1

1 9 6 4 7 2 5 3 8

4 5 3 8 6 9 1 2 7

7 2 8 3 5 1 9 4 6

3 4 7 1 8 6 2 5 9

6 1 9 5 2 4 7 8 3

5 8 2 7 9 3 4 6 1

8 6 1 2 4 7 3 9 5

2 3 5 9 1 8 6 7 4

9 7 4 6 3 5 8 1 2

WORD PYRAMID: Hammer and sickle.

EQUALISER: Clockwise from top left – subtract; multiply; add; divide. Total: 5.

QUICK CROSSWORD: Across – 1. Buttocks, 5. Soap, 7. Racing car, 9. Beer, 10. Bunt, 11. Caste, 14. Arena, 15. Betel, 16. Kyoto, 17. Orate, 18. Nacre, 19. Sally, 22. Inca, 24. Otto, 26. Expansive, 27. Rice, 28.

Ensemble.

Down – 1. Bulb, 2. Tear, 3. China, 4. Sight, 5. Scab, 6. Pastille, 7.

Relevance, 8. Rusticate, 11. Cakes, 12. Shoal, 13. Ebony, 14.

Atomiser, 20. Abate, 21. Lists, 23. Axle, 24. Ovum, 25. Ogle.

QUIZ CHALLENGE:1 Twelve; 2 Caspian Sea; 3 Ikebana; 4 Argo; 5 London; 6 Bob Dylan; 7 New Zealand; 8 First Dates; 9 Rhubarb; 10 FIVE ALIVE: Tasmania.

(1) Across – Remit; Verbs; Elegy.

Down – Revue; Merge; Tasty.

CROSS CODE CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Across – 5 Pear; 7 Opera house; 8 Neil; 9 Prescience; 12 Tsetse; (2) Across – Wafts; Nudge; Dados.

Q F V W Y B U I O E A L Z 13 Thrums; 14 Toiled; 16 Potato; 17 Misconduct; 20 Mere; 21 Down – Wined; Faded; Sheds.

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Newsletter; 22 Stet.

P R X M S N J K T G D H C Down – 1 Soup; 2 René; 3 Choice; 4 Punnet; 5 Penetrated; 6 NONAGRAM: agent; aglet; angel; angle; eagle; Arithmetic; 10 Respondent; 11 Settlement; 15 Disown; 16 eaglet; elegant; entangle; gale; EASY SUDOKU HARD SUDOKU MAGIC SQUARE: leak; étui; aunt; kith. Poodle; 18 Up to; 19 Torn. game; gamete; gannet; gate; gean; gelt; gene; genet; gent; gentle; GENTLEMAN; gleam; glean; glee; gleeman; gleet; glen; gnat; legate; legman; mage; magnet; manège; mange; mangel; mangle; mega; melange; ménage; metage; negate; tang; tangle; tenge.

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 27

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CROWTHORNE&FINCHAMPSTEAD

STAMP DUTY HOLIDAY ENDS IN JUNE – HUGE POTENTIAL FOR DISPUTES

CATS prepare for open-air return to stage ACTORS are busy rehearsing for Crowthorne’s pop-up pantos, coming next month.

Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society (CATS) have been getting into character for their outdoor summer productions.

The shows, being performed at Morgan Recreation Ground, include Little Red Riding Hood, from July 3 to July 4, and Treasure Island, running from

July 10 until July 11.

Audience members can enjoy a picnic in the park while watching the 60-minute shows.

The society has also secured support from traders to supply food and drink on the day, partnering with many organisations in the community to make this happen.

With all performances now sold out, the society is looking forward to performing in front

of a full, socially-distanced audience.

Charlotte Gouldsmith-Leigh, chair of Crowthorne Amateur Theatrical Society, said: “I cannot describe how rewarding it’s been the last couple of weeks getting back together and doing what CATS do best, perform.”

She added: “I won’t lie, we were a bit apprehensive at first but now it's like we have never been away.

“The sun has been shining which means all of our rehearsal time has been outside, and we are all set to bring a bit of sunshine to Crowthorne this July.”

CATS will also be announcing its winter pantomime soon, in which they are welcoming new members who are looking to take part. � For more information, log on to catscrowthorne.com

Revamped church opens doors for community

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

CHURCH visitors were welcomed with open arms for its first Sunday service last month.

Crowthorne Baptist Church, on Crowthorne High Street, finally reopened its doors on Saturday, May 22, for its open day event, before worshippers could return on the Sunday.

After 16 months of renovation work, the church greeted visitors with live music performed in The Heart room and members on hand to talk about the fellowship’s plans for the future.

The church said it welcomed a steady stream of visitors. Many passers in the village were interested to see the refurbished building.

Following the open day event, on Sunday, May 23 the church also held its first live Sunday service.

With covid-safety measures in place, the church welcomed 50 people into the building to enjoy its first service since

the pandemic began.

The Ark Pre-school, will also be returning to the church’s premises in September.

Parents and families of the pre-school came along to support church members at their Sunday service.

A recording of the service was also made for those who wished to view it from home.

Church pastor, the Revd Kevin Mills, said they all had a “great” open day.

He added: “It was a true blessing to see people in the community taking some interest in the building, it gave us a sense of happiness as we talked about what our desire is for the church and how it can be used for the people around us.”

Mr Mills (pictured) explained he received comments from guests on how warm and comfortable the space felt.

He said: “We had some people who came to our service for the first time which was very encouraging, a lot of the congregation was moved and were thanking God for what he has provided for us.

“I truly believe that the church building should be a place where anyone can come and feel welcomed and accepted and we look forward to the plans God has for us here at Crowthorne Baptist Church.” � For more information, visit crowthornebaptist.org.uk

Revamp plans for Finchampstead pub A PUB is hoping to expand its outdoor area to become more accessible for its customers.

The Greyhound pub, on Longwater Road, Finchampstead, has applied to refurbish parts of its premises.

Owned by Greene King

Brewing, the pubs’ changes will include an addition of bi-fold doors at the rear of the building, which will be kept closed during controlled entertainment.

It has also applied for licensing of a small outdoors area outside the bar area for alcohol to be sold.

External elevations and a new pergola to provide covered outside seating is also due to be added.

The opening hours and licensable activities will remain the same.

Representation to the application should

be made in writing

by Thursday, July, 8 2021 to the West Berkshire Council Licensing Authority, Newbury.

Emails should be sent to licensing@wokingham.gov.uk � For more details on the application, visit wokingham.gov.uk

The housing market is charging towards the end of June 2021 with many buyers and sellers hoping to complete before the stamp duty rules change. This in turn is creating a huge demand on removal firms and will place significant strain on the banking system as money is being transferred up and down chains.

Agreeing a June completion date on exchange of contracts and particularly a date towards the end of June carries with it the potential for a lot of extra dispute. Once the completion date is fixed and contracts have been exchanged on that basis – both the buyer and seller are legally committed to comply. If one party cannot complete on the required date, there is a process by which notice is given demanding completion take place. If it is the buyer who fails to complete and cannot do so within the notice period; the seller can retain the deposit.

In most cases where something does delay completion; it is mainly only by several days and the loss claimed tends to consist of interest on the delayed payment, additional removal fees and possibly some hotel expenses.

The loss will be significantly higher however if the delay takes a completion from just before the stamp duty change to just after. Additional stamp duty will then apply and that could be a significant sum. The duty change after 30 June 2021 is that that the 0% threshold drops from £500,000 to £250,000 on completions from 1 July 2021 to 30 September 2021. From 1 October 2021 it will return to the standard amount of £125,000.

If your Removal company lets you down, or you cannot book any removers at short notice – you at least have the option of trying to do it yourself; getting your household goods into storage etc. If it is the banking system that cannot cope with the demand for transfers of money – that is wholly outside the control of both buyer/seller and their conveyancing solicitors.

A completion that cannot take place on the required date will generally have a knock on effect. The contractual responsibility remains with the buyer and seller. Claims on late completion will inevitably include additional stamp duty as it is plainly a foreseeable loss if a buyer cannot complete in June when anyone involved in a transaction at this time is only too well aware of the importance of the 30 June 2021.

All conveyancing solicitors can do is get the money in the banking system once it arrives with them. They cannot make it arrive at the other end on time.

Our Dispute Resolution Team can assist anyone who gets caught up in this sort of scenario and can be contacted on DRTeam@herrington-carmichael.com or 01276 686222.

Full article online - Read in full at www.herrington-carmichael.com

01276 686222

info@herrington-carmichael.com

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LEISURE | 29

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Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

WOKINGHAMLEISURE

Friendship through the trenches

The decision to delay end of lockdown has meant that Henley’s Summer Fling has been cancelled – but the festival will go ahead in September

WRITE ON: Clare Balding will be part of Henley’s Literary Festival this autumn

AN UNLIKELY friendship is the focus of a play that will be streamed for free this weekend to mark Armed Forces Day. Blackeyed Theatre’s production of Not About Heroes tells the story of two First World War poets, Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, who met when they were patients in a hospital in 1917.

The pair were being treated for ‘war neurosis’, unspeakable psychological trauma from their time in the trenches and formed a common bond.

Not About Heroes looks at that friendship, which continued to their final meeting in August 1918, shortly before Owen returned to the frontline. The play interweaves extracts from diaries, letters and poems to paint a vivid and moving picture of the friendship between Siegfried Sassoon and Wilfred Owen, as well as the conflict that brought them together.

The play stars Old Vic alumni James Howard and Ben Ashton and this production is directed by Eliot Giuralarocca. It was first performed by the team in 2014.

Blackeyed Theatre are based at South Hill Park in Bracknell and are making this show available to watch on YouTube from 8pm tomorrow (Friday) for 24 hours.

Schools will also be able to tune in until Friday, July 2.

Adrian McDougall, Artistic Director of Blackeyed Theatre said: “Looking back on our 16 years of touring, Not About Heroes remains one of my highlights, a production that took a wonderful script and created a unique, visually-stunning and beautifully performed piece of theatre.

“It’s a performance that deserves to be seen and, as we emerge from the pandemic, a piece that will I’m sure chime with audiences.”

To watch, search YouTube for Blackeyed Theatre’s channel Schools wishing to access the play should email info@blackeyedtheatre.co.uk to request log in details.

LAURA SCARDARELLA

Funky, family fun TWO classic fairy tales have merged together for a new family-friendly show this weekend.

South Hill Park in Bracknell will be presenting Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Funky Pigs in its outdoor amphitheatre.

Join Little Red Riding Hood and her Karate Granny on their adventures with the Three Funky Little Pigs, but watch out for Mr Wolf who is always on the lookout for his next meal.

The show aims to be a modern twist on two fairy tales packed with songs and fun for all the family. It’s from the creators of The Haunted House Halloween Show and Mother Goose.

Performances start on Saturday at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm and Sunday at 1.30pm and 3.30pm.

Tickets are available for adults £14, a family of four £11 each, and under 16s £10.

Audience members should bring a chair or blanket to sit on and wear appropriate clothes and shoes. � For more details, or to book, call the box office on 01344 484123 or log on to southhill park.org.uk

Page turners head to Henley

J WHEREFORE: Romeo and Juliet is to be brought to life thanks to Progress Theatre Picture: Richard Brown

Shakespeare back in the Abbey habit

I

T’S THE most famous love story ever written, and it’s being performed as part of one of the biggest events in the Thames Valley arts scene.

Next month, Progress Theatre will once again present its open air Shakespeare after covid forced them to take a year off.

Following on from 2019’s King Lear, the theatre company will be setting up camp in Reading’s Abbey ruins for a 10-day run of Romeo and Juliet.

The company has been performing open air Shakespeare in the Abbey Ruins – and Caversham Court Gardens – since 1995.

The play, which needs little introduction, tells the story of two youngsters who battle to keep their

love alive in the middle of a crossfamily feud.

Even a kiss is forbidden.

The classic play, with its tragic ending, has been a hit ever since it was first performed in the 16th century.

Now it is to have a fresh take, courtesy of the Reading-based theatre group.

A spokesperson for the theatre said: “Toxic machismo, street violence and polarised mindsets all find parallels in the present-day, giving this story a freshness and relevance to audiences of all ages.

“With comedy and music, and modern language semiimprovisations that never compromise the work itself, this production will also appeal to those who rarely visit the theatre or read

Shakespeare.

“In the historic setting of Reading Abbey Ruins, watch this performance of Shakespeare's most-performed tragedy as the sun sets.”

As this is an outdoor performance, audience members will need to provide their own low back chair, or hire one from the theatre for a small charge. They should also come dressed for the weather as the show must go on.

Blue Collar will be providing a bar selling craft beers, Prosecco, wines, spirits, soft drinks and bar snacks, while picnic boxes can be reserved.

Covid precautions will be in place, including a one-way system.

Tickets prices start from £16. � For more details, or to book, log on to progresstheatre.co.uk

Pass the popcorn, movies are back!

MOVIE LOVERS will be able to stock up on popcorn again as a popular club makes plans for a postcovid return.

The lights will go down in the auditorium of The Whitty Theatre from next month as Wokingham Film Society launches monthly movie nights.

First up is Pain and Glory, a Spanish film that tells the story of a reflective film director who sees the past and present

come crashing down around him.

This will be shown on Thursday, July 8.

On Thursday, August 12, Summerland will be shown. This is written by Wokingham-born playwright Jessica Swale and stars Gemma Arterton as a reclusive writer who is forced to bond with a young boy.

And Minari closes the season on Thursday, September 16.

This focuses on a Korean American family who moves to an Arkansas farm in search of their own American dream.

All screenings will begin at 7.30pm with the option of online streaming for Pain and Glory.

Tickets will be limited due to social distancing and cost £6.50 or £4 for members.

For more information, visit wokinghamfilmsociety.com LAURA SCARDARELLA

EFFREY ARCHER, Clare Balding, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Michael Morpurgo are among the page turners for this year’s Henley Literary Festival.

The popular event, usually a bestseller, will once again take place across our neighbouring town in October.

Last year, covid meant sessions were virtual, but this year it’s planning more than 130 events for all ages, taking place in Phyllis Court, Christ Church, Henley Town Hall and the River & Rowing Museum.

Also appearing will be, among others, Dame Stephanie Shirley, cricketer Michael Holding, Tom Allen, scientist Richard Fortey, Nikesh Shukla, Elizabeth Day, royal expert Ingrid Seward, Candice Brathwaite and Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio.

Many people will be keen to hear from covid vaccine creators Dame Sarah Gilbert and Dr Catherine Green talk about their achievement.

Other health guests lined up include doctors Rachel Clarke, Alex George and Lucy Pollock.

Harriet Reed-Ryan, Henley Literary Festival’s director, said she is “thrilled” with this year’s line-up.

“We look forward to seeing both audiences and authors again, as well as reaching viewers across the country and beyond online,” she said.

“At the moment, we are planning a festival that could happen now – so we will go on sale with socially distanced audiences, but we will continue to review the government guidelines.”

After the festival, actress Joanna Lumley will also be making her way to Henley on October 28 to talk about her new book A Queen for All Seasons, to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee next year.

Tickets go on sale to Friends of the Festival on Monday, July 12 at 10am, and on general sale a week later. � For more details, or to book tickets, log on to henleyliteraryfestival.co.uk LAURA SCARDARELLA

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30 | LEISURE

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

Howzat! Gourmet burgers are a real treat Bears Burgers and Chicken Wokingham Cricket Club Sadlers End, Sindlesham RG41 5AW www.bearsburgersand chicken.co.uk 07368 551358

W

HAT can be more quintessential to summer than the sound of leather on willow? Why, the barbecue of course.

Now you can enjoy both thanks to a team-up between Bears Burgers and Chicken and Wokingham Cricket Club.

Bears, which offers Sunday lunches under the name Roast Wokingham and gourmet burgers from Tuesday to Saturday, has been a hit for six ever since it launched last year. And it has expanded: initially a delivery service, in addition to a call and collect service it is now offering gourmet burgers cooked on the barbecue for people who visit the Sindlesham-based cricket club. Be quick though as some of the best items on the menu do sell out, such is the company’s popularity.

To be covid-safe, you can eat indoors or out. Of course, if you’re al fresco, you can

AL FRESCO DINING: Bears Burgers and Chicken has got the barbecue started

watch the action on the pitch while enjoying summer - and yes, the blue skies will return again soon.

There’s plenty of parking and there is a bar onsite, so you can find the perfect drink to accompany your meal.

Service was with a smile, efficient and just on the right side of prompt. We weren’t made to feel rushed, which was a blessing when we had come to enjoy the game as well as the food.

My husband opted for a chicken burger

£8, with a choice of sauce and toppings. He was very pleased with the succulent chicken breast served: crispy on the outside and perfectly coated in Bears’ signature seasoning. This is a game changer, in my opinion. It was served in a soft and lightly toasted brioche bun.

To accompany, he had a delicious homemade coleslaw (£3.50), a side salad (£3), fries (£3), corn ribs (5). That’s a mighty feast for anyone.

I opted for the classic homemade burger (£8) with Bears’ signature burger relish, cheese, tomato and burger relish. This was simply heaven in a bun. The burger was so flavoursome and tender, I wanted to eat another one.

My son and daughter also opted for the classic burger. Based on the speed that they were devoured, they were in agreement with my prognosis.

But don’t just take our word for it: Bears has recently been nominated for The Best Covid New Business 2021 category in the Muddy Stilettos awards for Berkshire.

Howzat? Definitely a hit for six.

The barbecue is running on set dates across the summer, call for details. Prebooking is not essential, but spaces are limited while covid restrictions are in place.

Wokingham Loves Music

CLAIRE WORSFOLD

SONG AND DANCE: Neil Sadler and Dennis Siggery head up our hit parade this week

Chris Hillman

bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

Y

OU CAN’T beat quality music and that’s exactly what we bring you each week with our Wokingham Loves Music playlist.

You can listen for FREE, via Spotify and with 10 great tracks to enjoy, you’re bound to discover something new.

This week features two new entries, with the first being two well-known local geniuses, Dennis Siggery and Neil Sadler.

Make sure you have a listen at bit.ly/ wokinghamlovesmusic and search for our group of Facebook to join in the music chat.

Discover Qawwali A MYSTICAL Qawwali music concert will be performed at Norden Farm this week.

Asian Arts Agency and Norden Farm Centre for the Arts will present an evening of Sufi Qawwali music on Saturday, June 26, at 8pm.

Taken from Islamic and Sufi poetry, Qawwali is a form of Sufi music where audiences will experience an evening of powerful vocals, traditional clapping and hypnotic tabla rhythms.

Led by Ustad Haji Ameer Khan Qawwal, the group originates from a long tradition of qawwals, and his band has been performing for more than 30 years internationally.

This includes several major festivals and venues such as WOMAD 2018, World Sacred Heart Festival, London and Birmingham Mela and Trafalgar Square London.

This event will run at reduced capacity with socially distanced seating.

An encore screening online will also be held on Friday, July 2, via live streaming platforms at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £15, encore tickets cost £15 per household.

For more information, log on to norden.farm LAURA SCARDARELLA

Dennis Siggery and Neil Sadler – Gypsy Woman More quality blues rock from Dennis and Neil who follow up their Half and Half album with Higher Ground, which features this track.

Dennis’s voice, combined with Neil’s guitar playing, go together perfectly on the album, recorded at Neil’s Wokingham-based No Machine Studios. They say the album was ‘designed to lift up your spirits’ and they’ve certainly achieved that.

Dennis and Neil were the creative force behind those classic Eric Street Band albums and Neil is also in Blue Touch – ericstreetband.com

Modesty Blue – Time of Your Life Go back in time to the 80s with Ascot-based Modesty Blue who have just released this Stock Aitken and Waterman inspired track with a retro feel and a hooky chorus. Many bands from the local area who have had CD’s manufactured by Torch Music Productions will know one of the members of the band.

It’s Torch mainman Sean Lynch, who you may have also spotted playing live in a few bands locally over the years – www.heavytrafficmusic.co.uk/artists/modestyblue

The Wave Machine – Slow Right Down The Wave Machine is the creative name for singersongwriter Angus Trott, who grew up in Wokingham before moving to Brighton. He will be returning in August to perform at Wokingham Festival – www.thewavemachine.co.uk

Josh Okeefe – We’re All the Same

Bank Holiday Monday – warmrainband.com

Josh, who currently resides in Nashvile, Tennessee, has led a nomadic lifestyle and in August his journey brings him to Wokingham to appear at the festival – www.joshokeefe.com

Rachel Redman – Ready, Waiting for Me

Reliant – When She Goes They have members from Wokingham and Reading and appeared in our Top 10 of 2020 as well as being runners up for best band in Radio Wigwam’s Awards 2020 – www.facebook.com/WeAreReliant

Third Lung – Hold the Line It’s Third Lung with their latest single and it’s another uplifting sing-along anthem. The band, who has local links, is releasing a series of singles of which this is the latest – thirdlungband.com

Warmrain – Absent Friends Beautiful, personal and emotive melodic rock with a Floydian feel by a band that will be visiting the area for the first time to play at Wokingham Festival on August

Berkshire-based singer songwriter with her country pop style which is going down well with radio shows and music listeners in the USA as well as the UK – www.facebook.com/rachelredmanmusic

Aaron Cilia – Infinitum Aaron will be one of the team working on the sound and more on Wokingham Festival’s Wokingham Music Club (WMC) Stage and he is also a talented musician and producer as his new single shows – www.facebook.com/AaronCiliaArtist

Spriggan Mist – Arborfield Witch Here’s a song about a local ghost recorded live at the band’s Ghostly Tales Show at The Acoustic Couch.

There’s a link to Aaron above too, as his parents are in the band and Aaron mixed the sound – www.sprigganmist.com

At the theatre Due to coronavirus, performances may change at short notice. Check with box offices before heading out Bracknell – South Hill Park www.southhillpark.org.uk 01344 484123 Rope. Until Sat. Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Funky Pigs.

Sat-Sun. The Supertonics Big Band. Wed. R’n’Beatles. Thurs 1.

FILMS: Mank. Fri-Sun. The Three Tenors: Voices for Eternity. Sat. Apples. Wed-Thurs. Nomadland. Fri 2-Sun 4. Raya and the Last Dragon. Fri 2-Sun 4.

Camberley – Theatre www.camberleytheatre.biz 01276 707600 Musicals In Concert. Fri. Paper Aeroplane. Sat. Honey. Fri 2. The House That Jackson Built. Sat 3.

Guildford – Yvonne Arnaud www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 01483 440000 Donmar Warehouse presents Blindness, a socially distanced sound installation. Until Sat. Gag House Comedy Superstars: Rich Hall, Stephen Bailey, Dane Baptiste, Ria Lina. Fri 2. Ballet Central. Sat 3.

High Wycombe – Wycombe Swan www.wycombeswan.co.uk 01494 512000 REOPENS JULY 4: The Bowie Collective. Sun Jul 4.

Maidenhead – Norden Farm www.nordenfarm.org 01628 788997 The Salts. Fri. Pop Up Bowie. Thurs 1. Omid Djalili: The Good Times Tour. Fri 2-Sat 3. Uncle Vanya. Fri 2.

Newbury – The Corn Exchange www.cornexchangenew.com 0845 5218 218 Paradise Lost. Thurs. Ed Gamble and Friends. Fri. NEXT SHOW: Forever In Blue Jeans. Sat Jul 17.

Newbury – The Watermill www.watermill.org.uk 01635 46044 As You Like It. Until Jul 24.

Reading – Abbey Ruins, The Forbury www.rabbletheatre.com 07917 673370 Rabble Theatre presents The Last Abbot. Until July 3.

Reading – South Street www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 NEXT SHOW: Kerry Godliman. Fri, Sept 3-Sat, Sept 4.

Reading – The Hexagon www.whatsonreading.com 0118 960 6060 The Bowie Collective. Thurs. Frank Skinner: Showbiz. Fri.

Reading – Progress Theatre www.progresstheatre.co.uk 0118 384 2195 Rotterdam. Until Fri. NEXT SHOW: Romeo and Juliet – Outdoor Shakespeare in the Abbey Ruins. July 14-24.

Shinfield – Shinfield Players www.shinfieldplayers.org.uk 0118 975 8880 NEXT SHOW: No Naughty Bits. Wed, Sept 22-Sat Sept 25.

Sonning – The Mill www.millatsonning.com 0118 969 8000 Relatively Speaking. Until July 30. Sing For Your Supper. Fri. Just Williams. Sat. The Searchers and Hollies Experience. Sat. An Afternoon With Debbie McGee. Sun. Sounds of the 70s With The Zoots. Sun. Magic: A Kind of Queen. Fri 2. Big Girls Don’t Cry. Sat 3. The Bourne Again Shadows. Sun 4.

Windsor – Theatre Royal www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk 01753 853888 Ian McKellen in Hamlet. Until Sept 4.

Wokingham – Theatre www.wokingham-theatre.org.uk 0118 978 5363 NEXT SHOW: September in the Rain. Jul 7-17.

Wokingham – The Whitty Theatre www.thewhittytheatre.org 0118 974 3247 NEXT SHOW: Wokingham Music Club presents Toyah Wilcox in concert. SOLD OUT. Fri Jul 16.

LIFE | 31

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Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK

Charred greens

T

HIS is a delicious way to prepare an array of seasonal greens.

It’s perhaps unusual to find lettuce and peas on a barbecue but once tried you won't look back; like all vegetables the humble lettuce is transformed when charred and the smoky peas, grilled in their pods, are to be eaten like edamame.

Cook alongside barbecued meats or to keep it vegetarian, serve with quinoa and top with grilled halloumi or crumbled feta cheese.

Serves 4 as a side

Ingredients � Light in colour olive oil � 1 little gem/romaine lettuce, quartered long ways � 1 large courgette, topped and tailed and sliced long ways � A handful asparagus

� A handful garden peas in their pods � A handful tenderstem broccoli � ½ a lemon � Extra virgin olive oil � Salt flakes

Method 1. Heat/light the barbecue for medium-high heat 2. Toss the lettuce, courgette, asparagus, peas and broccoli in a glug of light olive oil 3. Place the courgette on to the hottest part of the grills and arrange the rest around the edge with the lemon to cook with the lid down for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally to cook on all sides until charred and soft 4. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and salt flakes and serve with the lemon Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk/

plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK

For peat’s sake end extraction for horticulture Peat and its use by gardeners has once again featured heavily in headlines this year. In this two-part feature, find out why going peat free is important, what garden centres and retailers are doing and how you can make your own compost

O

N A RECENT trip to a local garden centre to buy ericaceous compost, the more acidic variety which we have found harder to make ourselves, we were once again reminded of the lack of available peat free options.

When asking a member of staff for help, they appeared oblivious as to the reason for the question and we left empty handed on that occasion.

At home, we aim to produce our own compost through two large compost bins (bought at a discount through Wokingham Borough Council) and another dedicated solely to leaf mould.

It’s a challenge to make enough so we’ve tracked down and tested a small number of peat-free options over time.

So, what is the problem with using peat, I hear you ask? Earth is home to 10 billion acres of peatlands (including bogs and fens) and they are the world’s largest carbon store on land, drawing down more carbon than all of the planet’s forests combined. Peatlands also provide unique and intensively biodiverse habitats for wildlife, insects and plant life.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), it takes a century for just 10cm of peat to form, from partially decomposed plants, while up to

22 metres of peat can be extracted for use during that same timeframe.

The UK is home to over five million acres of peatlands, placing it among the top 10 countries globally by area. These wetlands hold a similar amount of carbon to that collectively found in the forests of the UK, France and Germany.

Yet, according to Forestry England, “In the UK, at least 80% of peatland habitats have been lost or damaged,” for a variety of reasons, ranging from energy to horticultural use.

In May, the Government announced plans to ban the sale of peat compost to gardeners from 2024. It will also consult on how peat can be phased out in the horticultural sector. But, to an extent, we have been here before. In 2010, the UK Government introduced a target to end the use of peat in gardens by 2020, and commercially by 2030.

In fact, the volume of peat sold in the UK actually rose by 9% in 2020, due to increased demand and the impact of the pandemic on alternative supply chains.

Television personalities including Chris Packham and BBC Gardeners’ World host Monty Don, who last year described the extraction of peat for horticultural use as “an act of environmental vandalism”, have also lent their voices to the cause, while charities including WWF UK, Friends of the Earth, The Wildlife Trusts, The Woodland Trust, The RSPB and Plantlife have campaigned heavily on the subject.

In the lead up to May’s International Compost Awareness Week, I was keener than ever to learn what progress is being made. I contacted garden centres, supermarkets and DIY retailers in and around the Borough. Find out in the next edition how they responded.

Meanwhile, why not give making your own compost a go…

Even if you are making good use of the food waste and/or green waste collections in our area, home composting can help to reduce your footprint even further, while providing you with nutrient rich compost for your garden.

Compost bins are widely available from DIY stores, garden centres and other retailers. They (and water butts) come in a range of sizes and at a discount via Wokingham Borough Council. Order via www.wokingham.gov.uk Once it has arrived, positioning your compost bin correctly is really important. It won’t be easy to move when in use. Aim for a sunny semi-shady spot, on bare soil. This will allow the worms and insects easy access and ensure good drainage.

You will also need easy access, both to add waste but also to turn things (using a spade or similar) roughly every two-four weeks. If you notice the contents drying out, you can also add a couple of full watering cans every now and then – especially in warmer months.

A 50/50 mix of green and brown materials is ideal, to keep your compost bin healthy and help the contents to break down.

Green materials to add include grass cuttings, leaves and soft prunings, houseplants and cut flowers, fruit and vegetable scraps, tea leaves and coffee grounds (many tea bags still contain plastic, so we would avoid them).

Brown materials include paper and cardboard (including paper junk mail, toilet rolls and egg boxes), egg shells, straw and hay, woodchip and bark, small twigs and woody prunings, wood ash, hair and fur, the contents of your vacuum cleaner and waste from small pets, such as guinea pigs, gerbils and rabbits.

Avoid things like meat, cooked food, dairy products, pasta, bread, sweet treats, ash from coal fires and cat or dog waste.

Unwanted visitors shouldn’t be an issue if you have a healthy compost bin, only add the suggested items and keep it well sealed.

It may take up to a year for your first batch of compost to be ready but persevere – it’s rewarding when you get there. When you have what looks like moist and earthy compost, simply use it as you would normally on your plants and around your garden.

Get composting.

Created in 2018 by blogger and voluntary hack David Lamont, Plastic Free Home is an online community with over 32,000 followers, that aims to seek and share ideas on how we can all live more sustainably.

Visit www.theplasticfreehome.com or www.facebook.com/plasticfreehomeuk

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS BARKHAM AND FINCHAMPSTEAD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 17th June 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: 1. Barkham Street, Barkham between its junctions with B3349 Barkham Road and Commonfield Lane.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Langley Common Road, Biggs Lane, Park Lane, Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road and Barkham Ride or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 12th July and 13th August 2021.

2. Church Lane, Finchampstead between its junctions with B3016 Finchampstead Road and B3016 Jubilee Road.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Church Lane and B3016 Jubilee Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 2nd July and 5th August 2021.

3. White Horse Lane, Finchampstead between its junctions with Church Lane and Nine Mile Ride The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Nine Mile Ride, B3016 Finchampstead Road and Church Lane or by this route in reverse.

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A327 EVERSLEY ROAD, ARBORFIELD) (TEMPORARY 40MPH SPEED LIMIT) ORDER 2021 NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 17th June 2021 Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority made an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is to prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:

The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990 The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below: Application Address

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 2nd July 2021 and 1st January 2023.

Toutley East, Land adjacent to Toutley Depot, West of Twyford Road, Wokingham

211801

Weir House, Thames Street, Sonning

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of a part single part two storey rear extension following the demolition of existing conservatory additions, plus changes to fenestration and replacement of existing windows.

211841

Land South Of, Cutbush Lane, (West Of Oldhouse Farm Lane)

Major Application

Full planning permission for the Science Park Creative Media Hub comprising the erection of film stages and associated workshops and office space; and ancillary uses including equipment stores, café, post-production screening facility. Formation of associated access, decked and surface parking, and landscaping at the Thames Valley Science Park (TVSP).

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

211975

Nutbean Farm, Nutbean Major Lane, Swallowfield Application

Full application for the proposed change of use of land from agricultural to equestrian plus erection of 2 no. stable buildings with associated hardstanding, the creation of a manège and extended vehicular access.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 2nd July 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

211995

Evolution House, Easthampstead Road, Wokingham

Full application for the removal of existing 13 no. windows and 2 no. doors and replacement with new windows and doors including modification of openings to 2 no. windows w11 and w12.

(Retrospective).

Dated: 24th June 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

WELL BEING

Evolution House, Easthampstead Road, Wokingham

Outline application for up to 130 residential units and a 70 bed care home (all matters reserved except access to the site).

The application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

Any comments must arrive on or before the 15th July 2021. Any comments made are not confidential and can be seen by anyone as they form part of the public record. The comments, unless offensive, discriminatory and/or racist, will appear on the Council’s website within 24 hours and include the submitted name and address. Due to the high volume of comments received we do not provide individual responses.

Date: 24th June 2021

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

Dated: 24th June 2021

Description

211777

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Crest contractors to undertake construction of temporary site access road, Installation of signage and bollards and raising of crowns of trees in safety.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake BDUK Superfast Broadband work in safety.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 2nd July 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Reasons for Advert Departure from Development Plan

At a speed exceeding 40 mph along the section of A327 Eversley Road, Arborfield between its junctions with Nine Mile Ride Extension and Poperinghe Way.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 6th August and 26th August 2021.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 24, 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (B3349 BARKHAM ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

More Eyes than a sack of potatoes!

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along: B3349 Barkham Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Oxford Road and A321 Wellington Road 1. The alternative route for all cars and light vehicles (Southbound) affected by the restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Molly Millars Lane, A321 Finchampstead Road and A321 Wellington Road.

2. The alternative route for all cars and light vehicles (Northbound) affected by the restriction shall be via Station Approach, Reading Road, Station Road, A321 Wellington Road, A321 Finchampstead Road, Molly Millars Lane and B3349 Barkham Road.

3. The alternative route for all HGV’s (Southbound) affected by the restriction shall be via B3349 Barkham Road, Bearwood Road, B3030 King Street Lane, A329 Reading Road and Station Road.

4. The alternative route for all HGV’s (Northbound) affected by the restriction shall be via Station Approach, A329 Reading Road, B3030 King Street Lane, Bearwood Road and B3349 Barkham Road.

Works requiring this restriction will take place on 13th July 2021 between 00:01 and 04:30.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake railway inspection work in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 13th July 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Dated: 24th June 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

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CRICKET ROUND-UP

WOKINGHAM SLIP TO HOME DEFEAT

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

BCM Championship SHINFIELD 1s fell to defeat away at Ley Hill as they remain in the bottom half of the table.

Shinfield had a disappointing innings but 24 from Sarim Zafar and 27 from Agastya Pothapragada boosted the total at the end of the order to finish on 100 at the end of 45 overs.

Arun Pothapragada took two wickets, but the hosts batted their way to victory with six wickets to spare after 22.2 overs.

BCL Premier Division FARLEY HILL are in second after they beat Mortimer West End by seven runs in a close contest.

Farley openers Peter Weston (17) and Michael Sheridan (30) gave them a solid start.

Bilal Hussain (35) and Oli Sankey (34) added to the score as they finished on 179 after 40 overs.

Mortimer started well as they looked to chase down the total set by Farley.

Adeel Razaq collected three wickets as Farley bowled Mortimer all out with just seven runs left.

TWYFORD AND RUSCOMBE dropped down to second bottom after they lost to Sandhurst.

Kiran Juluri top scored for Twyford with 63 a they finished on 169.

But Sandhurst dropped just two wickets on their way to surpassing the target after 33.5 overs.

Wokingham 1s were defeated by Burnham in the Home Counties Division 2 Pictures: Steve Smyth

BCL Division One WALTHAM ST LAWRENCE got the better of CROWTHORNE & CROWN WOOD 2s with a 38-run win.

The middle order pairing of Ravi Sainani (42) and Harikrishnan Balakrishnan (52) kept the score ticking over as Waltham ended on 196.

Crows attempted to chase it down as Tom Nash opened with 33 runs but they fell short after 40 overs.

EARLEY’s consistent batting display saw them earn a 47-run triumph over Peppard Stoke Row 2s.

Vish Shende was the star with the bat as he scored 47, while several other solid batting displays saw Earley total 224.

Peppard lost only four wickets but fell short as Earley took 32 points.

FARLEY HILL 2s suffered a heavy 145-run loss against West Reading 2s.

Dan Davies performed superbly as he took four wickets for Farley, but West Reading posted a big total of 236.

Farley were then removed all out for 91.

WOODLEY fell 18 runs short as they were beaten away at Warfield.

Harsha Shastry took two wickets for Woodley and he also scored the most runs for the team with 31.

Home Counties Division 1 FINCHAMPSTEAD were pushed down to second bottom in the table after a

seven wicket loss against Banbury.

Finch batted first but the wickets fell quickly and despite 26 from Alex Crawford, they totalled 64 runs.

Banbury batted their way to victory after 19.3 overs with seven wickets left.

crease, with Wokingham finishing with 118.

Jacob Clark (3-20) and Andy Rishton (4-52) were both impressive in bowling attack for the Oaks but the visitors took the points after 34.1 overs.

seventh after they lost by 21 runs to league leaders Reading.

Jack Fisher took 3-18 for the Oaks, while Anthony Clapham posted the highest total with 26.

Home Counties Division 2

Thames Valley Division 2B

WARGRAVE were beaten away at Great Brickhill as they missed out by 69 runs.

Jarryd Wallace was in exceptional form with the ball for Wargrave as he had five wickets to his name by the end of the first innings.

Toby Greatwood put in a stunning batting display as he scored 76 from 45 balls but Wargrave were removed all out for 155 after 48.3 overs.

WOKINGHAM are bottom of the pile after Burnham edged them out by two wickets.

Ben Myles scored most runs for the Oaks with 26 after a long spell at the

EVERSLEY stay in third despite being beaten by one wicket in their battle against Bagshot.

Tom Howorth was the most clinical with the bat for Eversley as he scored 69 not out.

Edward Campion bowled a tremendous spell as he ripped through the Bagshot batting order to take six wickets, but Eversley fell just short in defeat.

HURST climbed up to fourth after they triumphed by three wickets against bottom side Kidmore End. WOKINGHAM 2s are down to

SONNING moved up to fifth after they earned a 69-run win over Taplow.

In a low scoring affair, Sonning were bowled out for 118 but bowled brilliantly in response to Taplow as Andrew Niblett (4-16), Jamie Tidbury (3-6) and Peter Higginbottom (3-26) helped to remove Taplow all out for 49.

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3s climbed off the bottom of the table after they shocked league leaders Royal Ascot.

Finch batted magnificently to chase down a strong total of 224 posted by Ascot as Tom Potter smashed 112 runs for Finch and Gary Loveday hit 49 to secure a four wicket victory.

Thames Valley Division 3A

Thames Valley 4A WARGRAVE 2s are still on top of the table after they defeated Purley on Thames by seven wickets.

Alex Hands collected four wickets for Wargrave, while Oliver Newton was 65 not out in the triumph to maintain their status as league leaders.

WOKINGHAM 3s went up to third after they got the better of Maidenhead & Bray 2s by seven wickets.

Mohammed Ghafoor took three wickets for the Oaks, while Craig Beales hit a stunning 98 not out to see Wokingham to victory.

Despite tasting defeat, EVERSLEY 2s moved up to eighth after a four wicket loss against Theale & Tilehurst.

John Matthews struck 73 runs, while Harry Leach knocked a half century to see Eversley claim a healthy total of 14 points in defeat.

Thursday, June 24, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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www.trademarkwindows.co.uk RESULTS Saturday, June 19 FOOTBALL Thames Valley Premier League Richings Park 2-3 Finchampstead Thames Valley Division One Rotherfield United 2-8 FC Imaan Lions Thames Valley Division Two Twyford & Ruscombe 5-7 Richings Park Reserves Berks County Reserves 4-3 Hurst Reserves CRICKET BCM Championship Ley Hill 1s (103-4) beat Shinfield 1s (100-9)

Maidenhead & Bray 2s (161 all out) lost to Wokingham 3s (165-3)

Monday, June 21 FOOTBALL Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves 3-4 Goring United

FIXTURES Saturday, June 26 FOOTBALL Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Windlesham & Chobham Thames Valley Division One Cookham Dean Reserves v FC Imaan Lions

Emmbrook and Bearwood 1s are still league leaders after another win Pictures: Steve Smyth

CRICKET

BEARS STAY ON TOP AS WINNING STREAK CONTINUES

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD made another strong statement of intent in Chilterns Division 1 with an eightwicket win over Little Marlow.

The Bears elected to field first and justified their decision as they began to claim some early wickets.

Richard Cole removed both of Marlow’s openers as Umar Islam (1) and Anwar Mahmood (6) couldn’t form a long partnership at the middle.

James Gibbs enjoyed an exceptional bowling spell for Emmbrook and ended with four

wickets to his name, conceding just 26 runs in the process which saw him keep the run rate down to a minimum with five maiden overs.

Greg Davis joined Cole by adding two more wickets, while Tom Stevenson and Charles Sawyer took one each.

Syed Waqas added a vital score of 32 to boost the total for Little Marlow but Emmbrook’s superb bowling skittled them out for 85 after 31.3 overs.

With 86 to chase to take the points, Marlow claimed an early Emmbrook wicket as opening batsman Alex Cobb was caught out for five.

Fellow opening batsman Ollie

Williams stayed at the crease for the entire innings, and was joined

by Davis who added 22 to the score before he was bowled out by Islam.

Joe Smart then partnered Willliams as they batted their way to victory, with Williams finishing on 30 and Smart on 23 to seal a comfortable victory.

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD BOWLING: Cole 26, Gibbs 4-26, Sawyer 1-40, Davis 2-14, Stevenson 1-0 EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD BATTING: Cobb 5, Williams 30no, Davis 22, Smart 23no

EMMBROOK AND BEARWOOD 2S rounded off a winning weekend for

the club with a 70-run triumph over Hurley.

Several impressive batting performances helped Emmbrook to post a solid total as Adrian Trueman top scored with 63 runs, while Jamie Goodwin (20), Ravi Balakrishnan (22) helped to keep the score ticking over.

Aditya Kuchimanchi turned out to be Emmbrook’s driving force in their bowling attack as he took a five wicket haul.

Paul Hunsdon also contributed three wickets as Hurley were bowled all out after 28.5 overs for 101.

Emmbrook are in sixth after eight matches.

BCL Premier Division Farley Hill 1s (179-8) beat Mortimer West End 1s (172-8) Twyford and Ruscombe 1s (169-8) lost to Sandhurst 1s (170-2) BCL Division 1 Peppard Stoke Row 2s (1774) lost to Earley 1s (224-8) Waltham St Lawrence 1s (196-9) beat Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s (158-9) Warfield 1s (112-4) beat Woodley 2s (94 all out) West Reading 2s (236-9) beat Farley Hill 2s (91 all out) Chilterns Division 1 Little Marlow 1s (85 all out) lost to Emmbrook and Bearwood 1s (91-2) Chilterns Division 2 Emmbrook and Bearwood 2s (171 all out) beat Hurley 2s (101 all out) Home Counties Division 1 Finchampstead 1s (64 all out) lost to Banbury 1s (66-3) Home Counties Division 2 Great Brickhill 1s (224 all out) beat Wargrave 1s (155 all out) Wokingham 1s (118 all out) lost to Burnham 1s (120-8)

Jamie Goodwin hits a shot in bat for Emmbrook and Bearwood Pictures; Steve Smyth

Thames Valley Division 2B Hurst (170-7) beat Kidmore End (169 all out) Reading (124 all out) beat Wokingham 2s (103 al out) Eversley (168 all out) lost to Bagshot (169-9)

David Painter making a run

Ravi Balakrishnan in beat for Emmbrook

Thames Valley Division Two Hurst Reserves v Maidenhead Town Reserves Berks County Reserves v Twyford & Ruscombe Thames Valley Division Four Reading City Development v Finchampstead Development CRICKET BCM Championship Downley v Shinfield BCL Premier Division Crowthorne & Crown Wood v Farley Hill Sandhurst v Woodley Welford Park v Twyford & Ruscombe BCL Division 1 Earley v Warfield Farley Hill 2s v Shinfield 2s Peppard Stoke Row 2s v Waltham St Lawrence Reading Lions v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s Woodley 2s v West Reading 2s Chilterns Division 1 Emmbrook and Bearwood v Chalfont St Giles Home Counties Division 1 Datchet v Finchampstead Home Counties Division 2 Chesham v Wokingham Thames Valley Division 2B Thatcham Town v Hurst Binfield v Kidmore End Bagshot v Finchampstead 2s Eversley v Wokingham 2s

Thames Valley Division 3A Taplow (118 all out) lost to Sonning (49 all out) Finchampstead 3s (227-6) beat Royal Ascot (224-7)

Thames Valley Division 3A Sonning v Sulhamstead & Ufton Windsor v Finchampstead 3s Royal Ascot v White Waltham

Thames Valley Division 4A Wargrave 2s (158-3) beat Purley on Thames (155 all out) Theale & Tilehurst (221-6) beat Eversley 2s (220-7)

Thames Valley Division 4A Reading 2s v Wargrave 2s Eversley 2s v Newbury Falkland 2s v Wokingham 3s

36 | SPORT

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THAMES VALLEY CRICKET

RUGBY LEAGUE

OAKS FELLED BY READING IN TIGHT MATCH

RAIDERS TASTE DEFEAT BUT STAY AS LEAGUE LEADERS

By ARTHUR STRAND sport@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM 2s dropped down the table after they were edged out by 21 runs in a tight contest against Reading.

Wokingham took to the field first, and dismissed the openers in the last over, as Matthew McDonald bowled Pavandeep Chima for a duck then Callum Creighton trapped Sanjit Jheeta LBW for nought.

Dom Whitlock stuck to the task but lost partners with the score on 27-3.

Jack Fisher dismissed Phil Brennan caught Callum Creighton when he had added 10 runs. Jack Beaven was caught by George Horsley bowled Fisher for 10.

Number six batsman, Amandeep Dosanjh, fell LBW to Callum Creighton for nought then Rehan Akram was bowled by Jack Fisher when on seven as the wickets continued to fall cheaply.

When Whitlock was caught by George Horsley bowled by Matt McDonald he had reached 43and was the highest scorer of the match. Khalid Z. Malik went for 18 when he was caught by Jarrett Bobb, bowled by Amandeep Singh.

Atif Nasim was dismissed LBW bowled by Bobb and last man out was Vipin Taliyan when he was caught by Michael Cowdell, bowled Bobb for nine.

107 runs came from the bat but Wokingham 2s conceded 17 extras as Reading ended on 124 all out.

With a low total to defend, Reading players were apprehensive about the outcome but set about the task nonetheless.

Ben Green was caught by Khalid Malik for one, bowled Aditya Srinivasan then Khalid caught for seven by Khalid.

Fisher was bowled by Taliyan for two but Oaks skipper Stuart Hayter built up 22 and was caught and bowled by Taliyan.

Anthony Clapham, 26, was bowled by Jack Beaven having scored most runs for the visitors. Mac Desouza made 11 before Dom Whitlock caught him, bowled Khalid. Beaven took the wicket of Bobb for four.

Callum Creighton then caught Akram, bowled Khalid for three.

Jack Beaven had Amandeep Singh trapped LBW for nought and Matt McDonald was not out 0.

Wokingham 2s could not make the 124 and finished on 103 after 33.2 overs.

WOKINGHAM BOWLING: Creighton 2-26, McDonald 2-22, Fisher 3-18, Bobb 2-22, Singh 1-20, Clapham 0-8 WOKINGHAM BATTING: Green 1, Horsley 18, Cowdell 7, Hayter 22, Fisher 2, Clapham 26, Dsouza 11, Bobb 4, Creighton 3, Singh 0, McDonald 0no

Somerset Vikings 62 Reading Raiders 24

By DAVE PART sport@wokingham.today READING Raiders were dealt their first taste of defeat this season to Somerset Vikings but stay top of the table.

With a three-quarter line significantly changed for the third time in as many matches, Reading Raiders were hit very early on by Somerset’s expansive passing, resulting in a well-worked try for Joel Gibson, goaled by Cam Hellier.

A barnstorming break by Raiders’ left centre, Brad Thomas, brought Raiders straight back into this opening period of the game with an immediate response.

However, It was to be a succession of tries from Gareth Simpson, Connor Vickery and Dan Hinton which exposed Raiders’ lack of a sweeping defence.

With a 34-6 half time score, it looked like one-way traffic with the Raiders facing a huge uphill struggle in the second half.

Exemplified by Zac Mayo and Gavin Egan’s straight running, the pack continued to storm into attack, only to be met by some well-organised cover defence.

An Ollie Radford individual try came from an elusive, weaving run, gave Raiders the glimmer of hope they needed.

Ollie’s brother, Ben added the goal and the possession enjoyed by the Raiders brought more of a morale boost when Brad Thomas went in for his second of the match.

Another Ben Radford goal brought the margin closer to 34-18 but the Vikings jumped on loose balls and fumbled

Raiders’ Brad Thomas scored a hat-trick in the defeat to Somerset Vikings Pictures: Glen Tyreman

passes to step back into gear.

Two tries by Cam Hellier and his own conversions quickly brought the 50 up and, at 50-18, the Raiders were becoming drained with constantly having to defend.

It took another Brad Thomas try from the Raider’s centre, making up for one which he hadn’t managed to touch

down, a few minutes previously.

But Vikings found the final two tries from Liam McKenna and Dan Hinton to seal off the home side’s 62-24 f inal scoreline.

In spite of a heavy defeat, the Raiders still managed to hold on to the top spot in the West of England League in the early stages of the season.

TEAM BRIT RACING

BOBBY LAPS UP MORE SUCCESS FOR TEAM BRIT

WOKINGHAM racing driver Bobby Trundley has stormed to victory once again, with yet another race win with Team BRIT in the Britcar Championship last weekend.

Bobby’s season is going from strength to strength, attaining silverware in all three rounds of the Championship so far, with his most recent success in round three of the champion at Oulton Park on Saturday, June 12..

Bobby teamed up once again with paraplegic racing driver Aaron Morgan in Class FOUR of the Endurance Category, driving #68, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4.

The weekend couldn’t get off to a better start, when the pair clocked the fastest lap in the early morning practice session. In qualifying Bobby then posted the fastest lap of the session, securing

the pair a P1 start for the first race.

He started for the team in race one, using every inch of the track to keep the fierce competition at bay.

A flawless pitstop gave Team BRIT the edge they needed and Bobby handed over to Aaron for the remainder of the race.

An almighty battle ensued for the next 35 minutes with Aaron holding on, bringing the team home P1 in class, and in second overall.

The are team sitting fifth overall in the Britcar Endurance Championship, only seven points behind the leaders on 141 points.

Aaron and Bobby are now second in class four, just five points behind first.

Bobby said; “It was a mega weekend. We thought Oulton Park wouldn’t suit our GT4 car compared to other cars with lighter front ends,

due to the high number of corners on the circuit, but the team pulled it off.

“We were fastest in practice, fastest in qualifying and first in race one. The hat trick.

“I can't thank the crew enough.

They worked so hard all throughout the weekend and gave us the best car possible.

My teammate Aaron Morgan was also incredible and did a stellar job of holding off the chasing EDF car at the end of race one.

“Also, it was a pleasure to see some of the team’s sponsors enjoying the action on the track.

“I can’t wait to get out there again.”

Bobby races again in a special two-hour race at Silverstone on Saturday, July 3.

Bobby Trundley getting ready to race Pictures: Darren Cook Scruffy Bear Pictures

SPORT | 37

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Woodley Saints Hobnobs beat Hype Train in the Reading Social Sunday League final Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

WOODLEY SAINTS MARCH TO CUP SUCCESS

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Reading Sunday Social League final WOODLEY SAINTS HOBNOBS FC took home the trophy after a solitary goal was enough to see them to victory against Hype Train FC. Woodley took an early lead as they struck just 11 minutes into the match.

Chances came the way for both sides in a close contest as

both goalkeepers were tested frequently.

Saints came inches away from doubling their advantage just before the break as they smacked a shot against the post before the rebound was blazed over the target.

The game took a twist when Hype Train were given the chance to level the final from the penalty spot, but the Woodley goalkeeper made a heroic save as he dove to his left to keep the spot kick out.

Woodley held on to their one

goal lead to be crowned as RSSL cup winners.

Thames Valley Division One WARGRAVE kept their title hopes alive by putting four past Rotherfield United away from home in midweek.

They were rewarded three more points at the weekend with an away win over Cookham Dean Reserves.

Sam Wild was in the scoring mood as he bagged a hat-trick against Rotherfield, and Stuart

Moss added the fourth to seal three points.

Wargrave still have a chance of securing the league title going into the final game of the season and are currently in second position, just two points behind league leaders Reading YMCA. This weekend sees a title showdown between the two teams as they face each other with the title on the line.

Wargrave will need to secure an away victory against

Reading YMCA to be crowned as champions.

FC IMAAN LIONS confirmed a third placed finish in the table as they smashed eight goals past Rotherfield United in an emphatic victory.

Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY RESERVES got the better of HURST RESERVES in an entertaining spectacle.

Seven goals were required to separate the sides as Berks

came out as 4-3 victors.

Berks are fifth in the table with two fixtures left, while Hurst are in ninth and also have two games left.

TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE were beaten in a 12-goal game by Richings Parks Reserves.

In a game full of goals, Adam Parker, Sean Kelly, Alfie Alleyne and Richard Bennett got on the scoresheet for Twyford, but four goals from Mikolaj Kapala saw Richings win.

READING FC

ROYALS TO HOST IMPS IN OPENING PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY READING FC begin their pre-season campaign on Saturday, July 10 with a friendly match against Lincoln City.

The match will take place in a behind closed doors setting at the Royals’ training ground at Bearwood Park.

Reading also faced the Imps in their 2019 preseason in Marbella, where Lincoln ran out as 1-0 winners.

Michael Appleton’s Lincoln team narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship last term.

They finished in fifth position in the League One table and made it to Wembley Stadium for the play-off final, but were beaten by Blackpool, who won a place in the second tier of English football with a 2-1 triumph.

Reading and Lincoln haven’t faced each other in a competitive fixture since April 1999, where the sides shared the points in a 2-2 draw.

After their match against Lincoln, the Royals will face Premier League opposition when they line up against West Ham United on Wednesday, July 21.

Veljko Paunović’s team will also be able to step up their preparations ahead of the 2021/22 Championship season when the fixtures are released on Thursday (log on to Wokingham.Today to see Reading’s full fixture list).

Reading faced Derby County on the opening day of last season and came out as 2-0 winners which kickstarted a tremendous start to the campaign as the Royals won their opening seven games under their new boss.

Reading against Huddersfield Town last season Picture: Steve Smyth

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FOOTBALL

THAMES VALLEY PREMIER LEAGUE

HASHTAG MOLES WIN: PRE-SEASON PLANS

FANTASTIC FINCHES SEC

BINFIELD FC have released their pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

The FA Vase finalists will return to action on Tuesday, July 6 with a visit to Chalvey Sports.

The Moles then have six more fixtures to look forward to throughout July, against Slough Town, Virginia Water, Windsor, Winchester City, Metropolitan Police FC and Ascot United.

Their final pre-season match comes against Hashtag United on Wednesday, August 7 at Hill Farm Lane, subject to the Moles not being involved in FA Cup action that weekend.

The game against Hashtag will

grab the attention of fans, with Binfield up against a side that have risen through the non-league ranks and have attracted a huge social media following since being established in 2016 by online football personality Spencer Owen.

The club is coowned by Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta and also earned a promotion of their own and will play in the North Division of the Isthmian League from next season.

Binfield face several tough tests ahead of their promotion to step five football which came as a result of the FA league restructure.

FOOTBALL

SUMAS SEARCH FOR GIRLS TO JOIN TEAMS

Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies FC in action Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire WOKINGHAM & Emmbrook FC are searching for new players to join their girls’ and ladies’ sides for various different age groups.

The Sumas are keen to recruit new keen footballers ahead of the new 2021/22 season.

An open day for the U17 and U18 girls teams will be held on Saturday, June 26 from 11am-1pm at Emmbrook Secondary School..

Anyone interested should contact lisawhitehouse9966@sky.com or w.graham@sky.com Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies

senior team are also looking for new players and are holding an open day, inviting new players to come and try out on Sunday, from 11am-1pm at Emmbrook Secondary School.

The Sumas are also holding girls only football sessions for five-11 year olds at Emmbrook Sports and Social Club on Saturday mornings from 10.30am-11.30am.

The fun football based sessions are led by FA qualified coaches. � Anyone interested should contact: emmbrooksportsandsocialclub@ outlook.com

RICHINGS PARK 2 FINCHAMPSTEAD 3

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today FINCHAMPSTEAD FC wrapped up top spot confirming them as Thames Valley Premier League champions.

With one game still left to play for the season, Finch ensured that they claimed the three points they needed to secure their status as title winners on Saturday.

It came from an away victory at Richings Park.

In a game packed with goals, a brace from Joel Day, who scored in each half, gave Finch an advantage as they closed in on the title.

Substitute Ethan Simons netted a vital third goal for Finch, who then had to show their defensive resilience as they held off waves of attacks from Richings in the final minutes of the match to secure a 3-2 victory.

Finch have enjoyed a remarkable campaign, taking 30 points from the last 34 available.

They are one point above second placed Berks County, but cannot be caught with one game left to play as the Swords have already completed their 26match season.

Finch boast a formidable record in their league campaign having won 18 of their 25 matches with five draws and just two defeats, which sees them on 59 points heading into the final day at the weekend.

The league champions have shown their prowess in both attack and defence. They’ve scored 53 goals in 25 matches and have the joint best defensive record in the division having conceded only 23 goals in the entire campaign.

“The last three years at Finchampstead FC from having three years out of the game myself, and to win the TVPL is such an achievement,” said Lewis Francis.

Finchampstead FC first-team were crowned as Thames Valley Premier League champions with an away w

“The hard work we’ve all put in over the last two years especially, really does show the character of this group.

“All the supporters that come down every week, it’s appreciated by us all and a massive shoutout to the club and all three of the Payne’s.

“Personally and for all the hard work

behind the scenes you’ve done especially this year, we’re all so grateful.”

Finch conclude their campaign at the weekend at home to Windlesham & Chobham where they will be hoping to earn their 19th win of the season before they lift the league title.

SPORT | 39

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CURE LEAGUE TITLE VICTORY

win over Richings Park on Saturday Pictures: Andrew Batt - FootballinBerkshire

From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

Handball laws take a step back

Y

OU may have noticed in watching EURO 2020 that there has been a change in the handball law.

Not another change I hear you say, well this is one different for a few recent changes have been rescinded.

Gianni Infantine, the President of FIFA, says it is a step back, not a climb down.

Changes to the Laws of the Game were agreed at the annual meeting of IFAB in February and normally come into force from June.

This year that has been extended to July. However, competitions that span that date can use the new Laws and that is what is happening at EURO 2020.

The referees have had pre-tournament training on the changes.

Until 2019, the handball law was simple, deceptively simple. Handball was an offence when a player deliberately made contact with the ball with his hand or arm.

The referee was told to consider the movement of the hand to the ball and not the ball to the hand, as well as the distance between the opponent and the unexpected ball.

In 2019, accidental handball was made an offence, if it resulted in a goal or created a goal scoring opportunity for a team mate.

That last part has been erased. Remember a Spurs player falling down while chasing the ball and accidentally knocking it forward for Harry Kane to score.

That goal would now be allowed, but scoring by a player who accidentally handles the ball, remains an offence.

In 2019, the phrase ‘making the body unnaturally bigger’ was introduced. This in a way legitimised how most referees operated for some time.

For instance, if a player stood with arms stretched out sideways, or dived to stop a kick but with arms stretched above their head or of course in a wall, jumping with hands above the head.

This is now described using a lot of long words but basically it means if a player's hand/arm would not normally be in that position for the action he’s taking.

Not every touch of the ball with hand/arm is an offence. A step back indeed.

WOKINGHAMSPORTYOUR GUIDE TO ALL THE ACTION

WOKY HALF MOVES RACE DATE WOKINGHAM’S half marathon will now take place in February next year due to the uncertainty surrounding Covid-19.

The organisers of the event hope that the race will be able to take place without any restrictions, choosing to postpone the September date in order to not disrupt the training of the participants.

Race organiser Chris Sumner said: “We’re concerned that if we had to social distance, that it would be particularly difficult as Cantley is quite a tight sight.

“So many people have changed their dates to September and around that time, so we feel the calendar is too crowded.

“The February date that we have traditionally is a really good time to hold it, we were hesitant to move away from it in the first place.

“It’s perfect pre London half marathon preparation, lots of people use it for that.

“We’ve been approached by British Masters Athletics to hold their championship race, and that’s specifically because it’s a good, fast race in February when they need it so there were plenty of reasons that came together that made sense to get back to the traditional date.

“And hopefully at that point we will be much more certain about where we are so it seems like the most sensible decision.

“Hopefully by February, people will be able to come and spectate and it's an exciting thing for Wokingham, because we’ve never had the race go through the town before.

“It’s a superb race that attracts runners from all over the country and has had some very fast times posted.”

Any racers who have already signed up will be offered a refund, but are encouraged to hold onto their entry place if they are able to make it for the revised date.

Entries for any new athletes who wish to race in February will be open to book at the end of July 2021.

Any entries are also backed by a 100% refund guarantee in case of Covid-19 cancellation.

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EMMBROOK STAY ON TOP P35

WOODLEY SAINTS P37 MARCH TO SUCCESS

FINCHAMPSTEAD 3 RICHINGS 2

: S N O I P CHAM RE TITLE U C E S H C N I F

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Finchampstead celebrate sealing the TVPL title Picture: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire

FINCHAMPSTEAD FC achieved glory as they were crowned Thames Valley Premier League champions for the 2020/21 season.

Needing three points from their

final two matches to confirm the top spot, Finch grabbed the title with a game to spare after their weekend win at Richings Park.

Finch had been locked in a two-way title battle with Berks County throughout the season, but managed to overcome the

Swords in a hotly contested battle.

Finch conclude their season this weekend against at home to Windlesham & Chobham, looking for their 19th league success before they are able to hold aloft the league title.

Published by The Wokingham Paper Ltd, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS. Printed at Reach Watford © The Wokingham Paper Ltd, 2021

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� Full match report on page 38