FIRE CREW’S NEW TRUCK ARRIVES

Hot wheels: Earley fire crew welcomes new Volvo engine

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today

THREE fire stations in the county have welcomed new additions to their teams.

Bracknell, Ascot and Wokingham Road stations have each been given a new Volvo fire engine, as part of a project between Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service (RBFRS), Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service.

It means that all wholetime fire stations in Berkshire now have a Volvo fire engine to serve their communities.

The Earley fire station received its red machine on Friday, May 14.

James Sunderland, MP for Bracknell was at the presentation for his town’s fire station on Friday, May 21.

Cllr Angus Ross, Conservative councillor for Wokingham Without and strategic asset lead member for Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said he was delighted to officially unveil the latest additions to the RBFRS fleet.

“It gives me immense pride that following a successful joint procurement process with our Thames Valley partners, the entire wholetime fleet in Royal Berkshire has now been upgraded to the new vehicle,” he said.

“These new fire engines offer a wide range of improvements and better equip our firefighters to serve the people of Royal Berkshire."

Cllr Colin Dudley, chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority, said one of the Fire Authority’s strategic commitments is to ensure a swift and effective response when called out.

“As part of our Strategic Asset Investment Framework, we continue to invest in vital assets that benefit the community,” he said. “The Fire Authority has prioritised investing in frontline fire appliances, recognising the importance of providing fit for purpose equipment to support the services provided by a modern fire and rescue service.”

The new fire engines have been built by Emergency One on Volvo FL 42R chassis.

The machines have larger hose reels to spray more water and battery-powered rescue equipment that are used at car crashes.

This is easier to carry and removes generator noise from rescue situations. The equipment is also quicker to deploy, reducing the time to rescue people.

NEW WHEELS: From left: Andy McLenahan, head of facilities, fleet and equipment; Cllr Colin Dudley, chairman of Royal Berkshire Fire Authority; Charlie Bell, watch manager; Cllr Angus Ross, lead member strategic assets at Royal Berkshire Fire Authority and Doug Buchanan, assistant chief fire officer

Sofa shopping supports community charity

A READING sofa store is giving children a fighting chance, with help from Berkshire Community Fund.

Sofology is supporting the charity’s Give A Child A Chance (GACAC) fund until October, by asking customers to make a donation with their purchase.

The fund supports disadvantaged children in Berkshire up to the age of 18, as well as young people with Special Education Needs until they are 25.

Launched in 2003, GACAC has awarded more than £500,000 over the last 18 years.

Jon Yates, CEO of Berkshire Community Foundation, said: “The value of a trusted, twoway relationship between communities and caring businesses is priceless.

“As one of the leading retail companies in this county, we’re proud to have Sofology as our fundraising partner for the GACAC fund.

“By enabling vital support for disadvantaged children, Sofology’s customers will be giving them a chance of a better future – being safe, happy and healthy, enjoying economic security, and ultimately making positive contributions to our society.”

Money raised for the GACAC fund will go towards helping children in need, particularly people with physical or learning disabilities, psychological or behavioural disorders, and those suffering financial hardship.

Previously, money has been invested in special equipment for children with disabilities and learning and activity sessions to help people develop their social, mental and physical abilities.

Infection rate climbs to 45.6 per 100,000

John Redwood calls for restrictions to ease again

THE RATE of infections in Wokingham per 100,000 has risen significantly, remaining above the national average.

The latest figures for the borough showed the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents is 45.6, up from 30.4 last week.

This is higher than the national rate of infection, which is currently 30.3 per 100,000 people.

There were 17 positive tests recorded on Tuesday, June 1, bringing the total number of infections to 8,455.

In the last month, there have been 50 recorded cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19 — formerly referred to as the Indian variant.

The figures in neighbouring Reading borough are significantly higher than in Wokingham, with an infection rate of 70.5, almost double the rate last week of 41.4 per 100,000.

On Tuesday, Reading reported 20 new positive cases.

Bracknell Forest has seen its rate per 100,000 increase fivefold, from 6.5 per 100,000 to 33.5.

There were 11 new cases on Tuesday.

Windsor and Maidenhead also had two new cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 is now 13.2, slightly up from 11.9 last week.

West Berkshire recorded five positive cases, and its infection rate is 30.3, down from 32.8 last week.

Slough’s infection rate has more than doubled, and now has 62.2 cases per 100,000, up from 28.1 last week.

It also recorded 13 covid cases yesterday.

Nationally, 39,477,158 people have been given their first dose of a vaccine in the UK. And 25,734,719 people have had their second dose.

In England, this is 33,009,444 first doses and 21,874,135 second doses.

On Tuesday there were no recorded deaths in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.

And there 133 patients admitted to hospital with the virus. This is up by 23.2% over the last seven days.

THE MP for Wokingham has called for the Government to speed up the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

On Tuesday, Sir John Redwood posted on social media and said: “Just get on with relaxing the lockdown.

“Vaccines have brought the serious cases and deaths right down which is what matters.”

Cllr John Halsall, leader of the borough council told Wokingham.Today the infection rate has been “marching up”.

It now sits at 45.6 per 100,000 people.

For the latest news visit

Health leader threatens ‘strongest action’ over borough’s quarantine hotel

EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today

THE COUNCIL has raised serious concerns over the Covid-19 quarantine hotel in Sindlesham.

Under government rules, people entering the UK from certain countries have to quarantine at their own expense in special hotels.

There are several in Berkshire, including the DoubleTree at Sindlesham, formerly known as the Moat House.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health at the borough council, said the Mill Lane site had a number of areas that needed improvement.

He told Wokingham.Today after the quarantine hotel was established at the end of April, the council’s Covid-19 taskforce were deployed to inspect the set-up and check infection procedures were being followed.

“The Department of Health and Social Care contacted us on Tuesday and promised to resolve all the issues,” Cllr Margetts said.

“We are aware of the risk [this hotel] poses to the community, and we will not hesitate to take the strongest action.

“We remain committed to getting the correct standards and everything is on the table as an option to achieve this.”

The councillor added: “We have been working to make sure the facility has robust covid safety protocols and practices in place, including through unannounced health and safety inspections.”

He said the council has also written to the Government to seek reassurance that the Department of Health and Social Care and hotel will work closely with borough teams to protect the community.

Last month, there were 50 cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19, formerly known as the Indian variant, in the borough.

Cllr Margetts said the cases were evenly spread across the borough, and predominantly in younger age groups.

Children under 18 made up 35% of the Delta variant cases.

“As of today, there are no covid cases in the quarantine hotel,” Cllr Margetts said.

However this could change daily.

QUARANTINE:

Foreign travellers have been staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton after arriving in Heathrow from red list countries Picture: Steve Smyth

Event organisers urged to contact council over plans AS COVID rates in Wokingham to the changes brought in as lockdown in confirmed virus cases, he said: “We did Surge testing may rollout for fornight borough continue measures eased. expect the numbers to rise, council leader “We’re asking go up because of the John Halsall people to be very increased social is warning residents careful of their social contact. to keep on being contact and not “We just got to careful. to assume that the watch this space and

In recent days, the pandemic has gone see whether number of people away. Even if you've it's a problem.” testing positive for been vaccinated, you However, he was coronavirus has may be asymptomatic hopeful that summer increased, with 20 new and passing on the events would be able cases reported on virus to other people to go ahead and urged Saturday, May 29 – 22 who are more companies and groups were reported on May vulnerable.” to communicate their SURGE TESTING to identify He said it was not the first time 26 and 21 on May 27. He said that the plans with the council. asymptomatic residents may be the borough council has “been on

The rate per 100,000 vaccination “We have told all rolled out across Wokingham the starting line” to launch surge is also increasing programme had been a the event holders that borough for a fortnight. testing, but warned this was “rather steadily, with 34.5 “tremendous effort by their events (going Earlier this week, an application more serious”. reported up to May central government” ahead) are contingent was made to start surge testing in He said the latest infection data 24 – there is a lag and was protecting upon it being safe,” Wokingham and Reading boroughs. suggests the majority of people in reporting this figure. a significant number he said. It comes as 50 cases of the Delta becoming infected with the virus

“We knew the rate of people, but there “We can't predict variant, previously referred to as have not had a vaccine. would go up,” Cllr were still millions not where we will be as the Indian variant, were identified “It's not necessarily those who Halsall said, referring protected. a country when those in the borough over the last month. haven’t been invited yet,” he said. “If you're in any events take place. Residents over 12 living in the The council leader encouraged doubt about whether “Event holders affected areas could be asked to get all those currently eligible for the you should have the should be capable and a Covid-19 test at pop-up centres or jab to get one as soon as possible. vaccine, the anecdotal aware that the event mobile testing units. “There is still a huge amount of data is that people might be closed Cllr John Halsall told the population fearful of getting the being hospitalised at short notice. Wokingham.Today “covid is not a vaccine,” he added. “But all the stats with the virus are “We're asking thing of the past”. show the unvaccinated are at risk. people who haven't anybody who “We are now looking at surge “Covid hasn’t gone away, it is still had the vaccine, so is holding an event, to testing for the first time in the here. The only protection is the please, please, please get in contact with the borough,” he said. “The case rate vaccine.” have the vaccine,” Cllr Borough Council, and has been marching up progressively He also asked residents Halsall said. tell us of your for the last few days. It is above the to encourage others to take up the As to the increase intentions.” national average.” offer.

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today BEEP! Helping hand for young jobseekers

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

A NEW education employer programme has launched in Berkshire this month.

Adviza, a careers charity supporting young people and adults to progress in learning and work, has announced the launch of the Berkshire Education Employer Partnership, BEEP.

It is a fully-funded programme, taking place over the next two years, helping young people and employers in Berkshire.

The aim of the programme is for businesses to create opportunities, nurture talent and develop employability skills in young people across the county.

BEEP will assist partnerships between education centres and employers, ensuring students can gain significant work experience and support alongside their study.

This could be work placements, internships or mentoring and Zoom chats, specifically adapting for the pandemic to make it accessible for everyone.

The programme will also help young people learn more about career options and develop their skills, exposing them to different opportunities.

Delivered by Adviza, the programme’s partners include Activate Learning, AIM Group, Learning to Work, Newbury College and West Berkshire EBP.

The programme is funded by the European Social Fund and the Department

of Work and Pensions. It is open to any young person aged between 15 and 24 and living in Berkshire. Intensive support will be available for young people with Special Educational Needs, low attainment rates and those not in education, employment or training. Sarah Jackson, project coordinator for BEEP within Adviza, said: “BEEP is a very exciting project and one of the most valuable Adviza has been involved in. “Its value stems from the fact that it’s a long-term project that will create opportunities for many young people in Berkshire, and I believe it will make a difference to many lives.” � For more information, email: Beep@adviza.org.uk MP hunts for members bill idea

ONE OF the borough’s MPs is calling on residents to tell him their ideas for a parliamentary bill.

Matt Rodda, Labour MP for parts of Woodley and Earley, has been drawn 13th for a private members bill in Westminster.

He said by “some incredible chance” his name was drawn from the ballot of 650 MPs, giving him a “fantastic platform” to change the law in some way.

Mr Rodda said he has specific interests in education and environment, and is calling for residents to submit ideas to him.

These will be considered before he settles on a bill later this month.

“It’s quite exciting really,” he said. “I’ve had massive amounts of emails already, and I’d like more people to get in touch.”

LAW: Matt Rodda is taking suggestio ns for a members bill

Mr Rodda is open to hearing from campaign groups, charities and residents that have a suggestion for a change in law.

The only caveat is that it shouldn't cost the Government money to implement.

This means the Reading Gaol campaign may not make it into a bill, Mr Rodda explained.

He said Reading Hydro has already reached out to discuss the benefits of hydroelectric power stations in the River Thames.

The Caversham Lock location aims to produce enough electricity for approximately 100 homes, Mr Rodda explained.

He is also considering a bill to encourage universities to take students after they have received their GCSE grades, as opposed to before.

He said many students can be put off applying to more prestigious institutions such as Oxford and Cambridge, if they fear they may not make the grades.

“This is often more disadvantaged students,” the MP said.

He suggested by changing the admissions process, more students may “aim higher” and not underestimate their capabilities.

Mr Rodda is open to receiving suggestions throughout the month.

He is contactable at: matt.rodda.mp@parliament.uk

Rain scientists visited by UAE ambassador

SCIENTISTS at the University of Reading were treated to a special visit last week.

Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE ambassador to the UK, visited the University of Reading’s weather scientists on Tuesday, May 25.

The ambassador visited the meteorology department to learn about research on rain and cloud electricity, which is part of a UAE-funded project.

The project explores new ways to understand and potentially increase patterns of rainfall.

Mr Abulhoul was welcomed by vice-chancellor Professor Robert Van de Noort and provice-chancellor Paul Inman, before visiting Professor Maarten Ambaum and Professor Andrew CharltonPerez in the weather department.

Professor Ambaum and his colleagues gave an overview of the rainfall enhancement project, where drones are being tested to deliver electrical charge into clouds to influence the conditions that lead to rain.

The ambassador also visited the university’s weather station, where he helped launch a weather balloon, which is used to feed data into the Met Office network of weather observations.

“My visit to the University of Reading was an inspiring example of the power of collaboration between the UK and UAE,” Ambassador Mansoor Abulhoul said.

“I’m proud that the UAE is able to support projects at an institution globally recognised for its excellence in climate science.”

Professor Robert Van de Noort, vice-chancellor, said it was a “great honour” to welcome the ambassador.

He said the research has the potential to bring much-needed relief to arid regions.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, June 3, 2021 Grade II bridge to open by end of summer says Network Rail

EXCLUSIVE

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today

RESIDENTS are being urged to be patient as work on the railway bridge is ongoing despite nothing happening for months.

Network Rail said it hopes to have the bridge open by the end of summer.

Last month, public consultation ended on some of the planning conditions for the bridge.

This included details of proposed repairs and replacements of the metal elements of the footbridge and the mortar mix to be used in re-pointing the brickwork, said Peter Must, from The Wokingham Society.

“Network Rail has not been able to proceed with its work meanwhile,” he said. “As I understand it, the steps and deck cannot be installed until final repairs to the metalwork have been completed.”

Mr Must said The Wokingham Society supported the most recent application and was the only respondent during the consultation period.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said the new hardwood deck, treads and minor strengthening works needed extra permission from the council.

“We are waiting for these from the local planning authority,” they said. “We plan to have the works completed for the benefit of passengers and to ensure the longevity of this bridge by the end of the summer.”

HISTORIC

REPAIRS: Steps at Wokingham Station collapsed in January last year. Network Rail hopes to open the bridge by summer Pictures: Phil Creighton

Council leader looks at ‘new solutions’ to anti-social behaviour in borough

THE council’s plans to bring its public protection partnership services back inhouse will see it work alongside police in a bid to stamp out antisocial behaviour, writes Phil Creighton.

Council leader John Halsall said that this partnership builds on its work with the voluntary and health sectors during the coronavirus pandemic.

And the work has already begun with the localities team patrolling parks, including the Carnival area.

“I think we have an obligation to find a way of getting through to them, I don’t have all the answers but nobody in 10,000 years of history has had the answers. Youth is by definition youth: funny and rebellious.”

“We need to find new solutions. My children were enveloped by sport. Nowadays, that means no smoking, no drugs, no regular drinking: it controls your behaviour. That’s the sort of activity we need to find.

“We’re very blessed, we’ve got a huge number of football teams, wonderful leisure facilities and a lot of open space.

“The task is to redirect energy into those positions.”

At the last council meeting, teenager Rio Elms wanted to know what the council was doing to help younger people find safe places to meet. Cllr Parry Batth suggested restaurants and cafes.

Cllr Halsall said: “The answer was that we’re looking at it. There’s some pressure to revive the youth centre which we own, whether that’s the right thing to do or not remains to be seen.

“There’s no point in the borough council recreating a youth centre if it’s not an activity which people of that age would want to participate in.

“But the question is very timely because we do have a problem, particularly in the urban areas, of people hanging out non-productively.”

He added: “The great thing about Wokingham Borough is these problems are not everywhere, they’re in pockets which should be solvable and that’s what we’re trying to do.

“The borough council has to be active in areas where residents see there is an issue or a problem. It’s not true that the borough council can resolve all these problems, but in a sense it needs to draw the line.”

And Cllr Halsall is excited at the possibility that the new inhouse PPP can bring.

“I’ve said before that we’re the golden thread that runs through the borough, the indispensable partner. We need to make that work as well as we can,” he said. “It’s a big programme, it’s a big ambition.”

How can Wokingham Borough Council afford it at a time when budgets are being stretched?

“We do a very good job of managing our finances,” Cllr Halsall said. “We are in rude health. The combination of (executive member for finance) Cllr John Kaiser and (deputy chief executive) Graham Ebers is second to none.”

Hunt for seedlings

A HARE HATCH garden centre is on the hunt for new ambassadors as part of its relaunch.

Dobbies Garden Centre has relaunched its Little Seedlings Club, in celebration of National Children’s Gardening Week.

Aimed at children aged between four to 10, and its new online format provides gardening and crafting projects.

As part of the relaunch, Dobbies is looking for child ambassadors across Berkshire.

The faces of the club, who will have the opportunity to create their own blogs about gardening.

They can also appear in Dobbies’ social media campaigns with photos of their gardening progress.

On Saturday there will be virtual Little Seedlings Club event at 10.30am. � For more information, visit dobbies.com/littleseedlings

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today Shinfield’s volunteer heroes given community awards

By MARIE WILLIAMS news@wokingham.today

TWO SHINFIELD residents have been awarded local hero status in a competition.

Louise Behan, who has raised thousands of pounds for children with cancer, and Sarah O’Neil, who founded a group called Helping Hand, were awarded the top two prizes by the team at Care UK’s Parsons Grange, in Westall Street.

First prize winner, Ms Behan won £300 after supporting Children with Cancer UK following her niece’s diagnosis as a baby.

Ms Behan works as a counsellor and devotes most of her free time to organising race nights, running half and full marathons, and organising cake sales.

Her young daughters have also supported her, by making craft items and cakes, and certificates for people who have

THANKS: From left: Louise and Sarah were celebrated for their work taken part in fundraising.

She said: “I was thrilled to be nominated, and being awarded first place is a wonderful surprise. I do what I can to help those in my community, striving to bring people together wherever I can, and it’s lovely to be recognised for my efforts.”

Second prize, of £200 went to Sarah O’Neil, who established the Facebook group Helping Hand.

It allows people to ask for help anonymously and get support from their community. Ma O’Neil, a mother of two, helped people source food, clothes, furniture and necessities this year while running her own personal training business throughout the pandemic. She also volunteers for her children's school's PTA. She also produced more than 50 Christmas hampers for struggling families in the area with the help of Shinfield Baptist Church.

Anthony Browne, home manager at Parsons Grange, said: “We are thrilled to award first and second prizes to Louise and Sarah who are worthy winners of our Local Heroes competition.

“The work they do is invaluable to the people of our community –particularly at a time when pandemic restrictions have meant that more people than ever can feel isolated and need additional support.

“The way they have both brought communities together in particular stood out.”

Mr Browne said providing help for sick and vulnerable people is important to the team at Parsons Grange.

“We are pleased to be able to reward local heroes who go above and beyond for their community, friends and family, and have a positive impact on the local area – well done to both our winners,” he said.

New head for Queen Anne’s

A NEW headteacher will be leading Queen Anne’s School, in Caversham.

Last week, the School Council announced Elaine Purves will succeed Julia Harrington as the next head, starting in January.

Ms Purves is currently head at St John’s International School in Belgium and was previously head of Rossall School and HEAD: Elaine Purves head of Ipswich High School, as well as five years as deputy head at the Royal High School, Bath.

“I am very excited to have been appointed to this role and look forward to starting at Queen Anne's School and returning home to the UK,” she said. “Queen Anne’s is a well-known and respected school with a bright future. I will be delighted to lead it during the next phase of its development and look forward to getting to know the school community.”

Ms Purves said she cares deeply about mental health and is a board member of CHS, a charity providing support and mental health services to the Brussels English-speaking community.

She is also an experienced ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) team inspector and has recently become a CIS (Council of International Schools) evaluator.

Fluent in German, Ms Purves began her career as a teacher of Modern Languages.

She graduated from the University of Hull with a joint honours degree in English and German before completing a PGCE at the University of Durham.

Jonnie Noakes, chair of Queen Anne’s School Council said the candidate pool was of an extremely high standard.

“We are very fortunate to have appointed such an experienced head with a strong track record,” he said.

“We are confident that Elaine will provide outstanding leadership and that she understands the values and ethos of our school. We look forward to welcoming Elaine to the Queen Anne’s community along with her husband and two children.”

Make it the happiest day of your life

FOR many would-be brides and grooms, the happiest day of their lives has been on hold for at least a year.

The big lavish weddings that many have dreamed of have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

While nuptials have been allowed to take place, numbers have been limited and with venues closed, there’s been little chance to celebrate with friends and family.

But this is all changing as the government’s road map out of lockdown is continuing.

Now, weddings with up to 30 guests are allowed to take place, and these can be outdoors or any indoor covidsecure venue that is permitted to open.

And it is anticipated that further restrictions will be lifted from June 21.

With the vaccination programme in full swing, when it lifts, it should mean that there won’t be a need to lockdown again.

That means the wedding can go ahead.

With wedding fayres unable to take place over the past 15 months, it’s been hard for brides, grooms and families to gain inspiration for their big day. So we’re delighted to draw your attention to three businesses, each one offering bespoke packages designed around your wishes. The Roseate is a luxury hotel in Reading town centre, making it easy for people to get to. With a wedding planner on hand, you can create the perfect day. Or, if you want something more intimate, why not talk to Sonning River Charters? Experienced skippers can make a memorable excursion, with sunset cruises or pre-lunch excursions. It’s a great way to bring people together. And for the bridal party, finding the right floral decorations can be hard work. The experts at Beauty in Blooms, a Twyford-based florist, can provide everything you need from buttonholes to ceremonial displays. Their knowledge can turn your ideas into reality. As you prepare for a wedding to remember, have fun. A bespoke, luxurious wedding at The Roseate Reading

Perfectly located by Forbury Gardens, The Roseate Reading has long been a host to spectacular weddings and celebrations.

Be it an elegant extravaganza, a beautiful, simple ceremony or vibrant engagement party, our events team is ready to plan the intimate day you've always imagined.

We would be delighted to be the venue for your special occasion.

For more details, contact: 0118 952 7770, email: events.tflr@roseatehotels.com

We are at: 26 The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ. A RECORDING studio is calling for music artists to use its newly built space.

Creation X Recording, a music production company, has built a new recording studio based at Birchin Inhams Farm, on Heathlands Road, Wokingham.

In March last year, owner of Creation X Recording Nikki McGuinness started building the hybrid recording studio from scratch.

With the help of VDC Trading, who supplied the custom-manufactured cabling for the build, Ms McGuinness learnt what materials to purchase and built to create her dream studio.

Offering new gear and plug and play facilities, the barn studio can be used by bands and artists who are looking to create new material.

She explained, being a recording artist herself, that she knew how “important the feel and position” of a studio is.

She said: “Building it was a labour of love and passion and a lot of pain but I did a massive amount of research into the best leads on the market and was subsequently introduced to VDC by a well-known pro-audio engineer.

“Once I had spoken to the team, I trusted them and it was obvious that I had to have Van Damme cables in my studio so I am thrilled with the sound and it has a sonic quality to it and I know the cabling will last well into the future.” � For more information, log on to creationxrecording.co.uk

18 | VIEWPOINTS WOKINGHAM.TODAY T H E V O I C E O F T H E B O R O U G H Covid is far from over this summer

This week marked the start of the summer months, and many will be looking at their calendars for the big reopen.

Monday, June 21, is just around the corner, and the Government will soon set out its plan for the next phase in lifiting Covid-19 restrictions.

Yet this weeek, the borough’s infection rate reached 45.6 per 100,000 people.

This is now higher than the national average, which sits at 30.3, and significantly higher than the South East, which has a rate of 19.2.

What has changed?

Last month, 50 cases of the Delta variant, previously referred to as the Indian variant, were identified in the borough.

And the council leader said many of those getting infected have not been vaccinated.

This includes a vast proportion of the population that have been invited for a jab, and declined.

The data reported in today’s paper reflects activites in the community from roughly a fortnight ago.

It can take three or four days for someone to develop covid symptoms, and even more for their condition to worsen.

And many people could be walking around the borugh asymptomatic.

So what is the advice to residents from the council’s health executive?

If you’re eligible, then get the vaccine, he said. That, and take twice weekly lateral flow tests — provided for free — to keep you and community safe.

CHURCH NOTES

Welcome again

I’M sure that like me, you are enjoying being able to see friends and family again.

When so much of the freedom that we usually take for granted had been taken away it’s been good to be able to share the simple pleasure of being with loved ones once more.

If you have been enjoying time in Peach Place, you may have noticed the fish mosaic on the wall of the Methodist Church.

This stunning artwork was commissioned in 2019 to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of our church community and it represents people being welcomed through the doors of our building.

Our strapline at Wokingham Methodist Church is “Where Christian love meets community need” and we are keen to work with the other churches in our town to be proactive in sharing God’s love in open and inclusive ways.

We were very pleased that our buildings in Peach Street – also known as the Bradbury Centre – were used as a vaccination centre for our local community.

Like the shoal of fish on the wall, people were welcomed into our building to receive a vaccination and if they had to wait their 15 minutes after the Pfizer jab would have spent time in either our repurposed café or worship area.

As life begins to return to normal, our buildings are being used for their more usual purpose one more.

Why not come back to visit our café sometime or join us for worship on a Sunday? You’d be very welcome. The Revd Catherine Bowstead, is the minister of

Wokingham Methodist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters

Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today

We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper Thank you from our hearing impaired

I AM a volunteer for Healthwatch Wokingham, an organisation set up to help make life a little bit easier for people who struggle.

I recently saw a small sign in Waterstones bookshop in Wokingham, telling hearing impaired people to ask the cashier to lower their masks to allow them to lip read.

As a wearer of two hearing aids myself I found this a wonderful thing for them to do.

Inspired, I contacted my Healthwatch manager and we printed off some signs bearing the hearing impaired mark.

We were bowled over by the number of businesses willing to display this sign on their clear screens.

These include Morrisons in Woosehill, British Heart Foundation, Millets, Card Factory and Coast to Coast.

I think these shops all deserve a pat on the back for helping our hearing impaired community.

Thank you.

Lynne Antink, Wokingham

Congestion plan is a flawed system

IN LAST week’s Wokingham.Today our council leader describes his plan to ease congestion on our roads by increasing capacity, using a “real time information system”.

This is a flawed plan.

There is a large and growing body of evidence that increasing road capacity fails to reduce congestion in anything more than the short term.

Congestion happens because people choose to travel by car.

Adding capacity merely makes this choice easier and, over time, congestion returns to the level at which people will tolerate it before making different choices.

Increased air pollution, CO2 emissions and lover levels of activity in people’s lives follow.

The only sustainable way to reduce congestion is to make the alternatives more attractive, be they public transport or improved facilities for walking and cycling, for the two-thirds of car journeys which are less than five miles in length.

The £18 million committed to this scheme is more than the total being invested in the alternatives.

We need to address congestion with solutions which look to the future, not those which embed the mistakes of the past.

Adrian Beמּeridge, Wokingham

Vaccination paranoia

ALL our service users have now received their covid vaccinations –with the exception of a handful of paranoid schizophrenics – who believe the vaccine to be poison, or that it would be injected so that their thoughts could be monitored by external forces.

My own local service was perfectly organised, and executed, so I have nothing but praise and gratitude for those delivering it.

I am immensely relieved.

As a result of our being here for people, throughout the pandemic, not only have we had no covid infections, but we have had no, actual, nor attempted, suicides, either – though the general rate for these, and all mental health problems, has increased enormously, as a result of the crisis.

One cannot argue with paranoid schizophrenia, because it is not amenable to reason.

It is no good asking sufferers why doctors would want to give them treatment that they don’t need –especially, judging by Wokingham.Today’s coverage of the situation at Wokingham’s Medical Centre, the doctors, here, are hardpressed enough, to give people the treatment that they do need, and are willing to have.

Paranoid schizophrenics, have, what is known in psychiatric jargon, as ‘fixed, false, beliefs’, and nothing can shift them.

This poses an interesting problem for the medico-legal experts.

Contrary to popular mythology, mental patients do not have to be, either a danger to themselves, or to others, to be treated compulsorily, under the Mental Health Act.

People can also qualify for compulsory treatment, on grounds of their own health.

Presumably, therefore, a paranoid schizophrenic, who is also diabetic, and is refusing insulin, because he believes it to be poison, can be sectioned, and given the treatment, compulsorily.

I am currently dealing with one such case.

But covid vaccination presents a different problem, and is less straightforward, legally.

Strictly speaking, vaccination is prevention, and not treatment.

We are dealing, here, with semantics, and this is where the legal argument comes into play.

Can one have ‘treatment’ , where there is, as yet, no illness?

Pubs, restaurants, and holiday resorts, may, legitimately, refuse entry to people who will not have the vaccinations, but the Wokingham Mental Health Crisis House, can hardly refuse entry to people because they suffer from paranoid schizophrenia, and we will not do so.

Nevertheless, I would greatly prefer, for everybody’s protection, that all our service users were vaccinated, and I would like the lawyers to look at this dilemma.

CAPTURED quickly on my phone, I did think Wokingham had a particularly awesome sunset, on Wednesday evening last week.

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Wokingham Town Council leader

Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House

Political pamphlets in Shinfield

MEMBERS of Shinfield Parish Council have become concerned by the factual content of various pamphlets and newsletters published by local political parties during 2020 and 2021.

Shinfield Parish Council is a non-political council formed by from a wide range of members of whom some may be affiliated to political parties outside the parish council. Members have been elected or co-opted on the basis of their independence with no members are serving with a political allegiance.

Shinfield Parish encompasses the South of M4 Strategic Development Location and has seen in excess of 3,750 new houses consented with 500 - 700 expected to follow. Shinfield Parish Council is working with developers and the University of Reading to build the best possible community for existing and new residents that can be created with this massive house building programme.

Members are concerned that political parties, who are not directly involved in these discussions, are giving inaccurate and sometimes misleading information.

Members have been concerned by the inclusion of parish council achievements, such as opening the new Spencers Wood Pavilion, in newsletters and pamphlets from which the residents may infer that the council is aligned to one political party or another which, as I have stated, it is not.

Members have been further concerned that newsletters and pamphlets have indicated that detailed work by the parish council to provide safe movement around the area is not happening at all.

One of our councillors has recently submitted an update on finalising producing maps, notice boards and wayfinding signage for cycleways and footpaths which the parish council will implement over the next few months.

The council has worked with developers and landowners to plan new routes, join up disparate sections of pathways, create alternatives to using busy roads and

improve existing routes. We are in the last four months of completing a new community centre at School Green and hope that this will provide the community with an excellent focal point. Members, who are unpaid, have made a tremendous effort to deliver this scheme for residents. I look forward to working with local parties and would simply ask that you are careful in your publications and indeed seek information from us to ensure accuracy of content and that they don’t imply points which in relation to the activities and achievements of Shinfield Parish Council, are incorrect.

Andrew Grimes, chair, Shinfield Parish Council

Unite against dementia with cake

EVERY three minutes, someone will develop dementia – that’s arguably how long it will take for you to read my letter. And this past year, life has become much tougher for those living with the condition and their families. I know how crucial Alzheimer’s Society’s work is and have been an ambassador of the charity for many years. As we finally see a way through the pandemic, it’s more important than ever for us to make sure no-one faces dementia alone. So if you’re one of the many millions who have spent this past year perfecting your banana breads and practising your piping, why not put those efforts to good use to help Alzheimer’s Society reach even more people? Join me in dusting off your aprons for Cupcake Day on June 17. Whether it’s the last hurrah before you give baking a break, or you need the perfect excuse to bring loved ones together, every Cupcake Day held will fund Alzheimer’s Society’s vital services, which have been used over five million times since the pandemic began. You could organise a delivery ‘drop off’ of goodies to your neighbours, host a driveway bake sale in your area or have a virtual ‘bake-off’ with colleagues, friends, and family. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, please join me in whipping up a treat on Thursday, June 17, and let’s get baking — or buying in my case — to beat dementia together. Sign up for free at alzheimers.org.uk/cupcake-day.

Another view

Neil Coupe

THERE is nothing like warm weather over a bank holiday to raise the spirits (and remind us that without prior planning lying in the sun for the first time in the year leads to red blotchy painful skin). It was good to see the town centre so busy, and I am sure that for the retailers, coffee shops and restaurants it must have easily been the busiest weekend of the year to date. The previous weekend was the Wokingham Walk, when the weather was very different, but a popular local event, and another example of people coming together as is customary in our community-focused town. The improvement in general footfall in our town centre, allied to the return of traffic throughout the south east surely points in only one direction, namely the full opening up of the economy on Monday, June 21, as life finally returns to normal after the most challenging 15 months, certainly of my lifetime. Or does it? When certain of the restrictions were lifted in the middle of May, I was able to

Jo Brand, comedian and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador

Welcoming back volunteers

IT IS Volunteers Week. The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on national healthcare charity, Sue Ryder, has been immense. Not only did it have a financial impact on the charity but it also meant that many of our incredible volunteers were unable to support us because of lockdown restrictions. We are extremely excited that plans are underway to welcome our much missed volunteers back into our hospices, and share a warm welcome back to our retail volunteers who’ve been able to return since the roadmap allowed non-essential shops to reopen. Sue Ryder has more than 7,100 dedicated volunteers across the country and every single one is an invaluable part of the Sue Ryder organisation; they enable us to continue providing the expert and compassionate palliative, neurological and bereavement support that we are so well known for. This Volunteers’ Week we wanted to recognise their fantastic contribution over the past 15 months, through what has been such a difficult time for so many. During the pandemic many of our volunteers have had to stay at home shielding at a time they’ve wanted to continue to be there; many other volunteers have worked hard developing new skills to help us continue to provide virtual support via our befriending, family support and bereavement services; and many volunteers have leapt into action taking on amazing fundraising challenges from home to help raise vital funds so our care can continue. We want to share our thanks with all our volunteers for sticking with us and supporting us during such difficult times. Our hospices are only part funded by the government, with just 30% of their costs covered on average. The continued support of our volunteers - whether volunteering their time and skills in our hospices, organising their own fundraising activities or working tirelessly in our Sue Ryder shops across the UK — play a critical part in helping the charity continue to be there when it matters. Sue Ryder is committed to making volunteering with us a rewarding, inclusive and empowering experience for everybody. We’d like to appeal to any of your readers who would like to find out more about joining our team. However much time you have, we’d love you to hear from you. To make a difference as a Sue Ryder volunteer, visit: www.sueryder.org/Volunteer for more information.

visit my mother who lives in the north west. One of the new variants was taking hold in her local town and driving through I saw several prominent road signs beseeching people to ‘Take Your Vaccination’, ‘Be Part Of The Solution’, etc. This is in the context of three year groups at my niece’s primary school being put in self-isolation due to another outbreak. As I understand it, there has subsequently been a stampede to take vaccinations and the level of infection is gradually receding, but will it really be fast enough for the Government to be able to stick to its original timetable? Even allowing for the historically complex relationship between the UK and France, the fact that UK nationals, with their credit cards, bundles of Euros and penchant for fine food and wine, are not permitted to travel there, except under the most exceptional of circumstances, is not a good sign. On the other hand, it appears that travel to the Republic of Ireland will be an option for fully vaccinated travellers from July 19. It must be so difficult for the Government to know what to do next. The roadmap was set out several months ago, and things have very admirably gone to plan. The vaccination programme, over which they have had control, has been a great success, but there must be the nagging doubt about how to deal with the latest developments. People desperately want to be back to normal, see people they like to see where they want to see them, go on holiday etc. I am even hearing of people looking forward to having business meetings in person. There are interested parties in the travel and leisure sector determined to see their businesses operate properly again. There are siren voices in the mainstream media, as well in social media demanding a return to ‘freedom’. There is information everywhere, there is news from other countries. Noise from all directions. As everyone knows, there will always be a panel of people with A-levels in hindsight waiting to pounce in a few months’ time, to say what should have happened. When asked what was the biggest difficulty in being prime minister, Harold MacMillan said ‘Events, Dear Boy, Events’. He led the country in the late 1950s. I wonder how our present incumbent would respond to the same question? ‘Events, Dear Boy, oh and Too Much Information, Data, Experts, Hindsight, Media.’ Fingers crossed that our leaders are able to navigate through the mass of data and come to the right decisions in the coming weeks.

Maria Turnbull, hospice director, Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice

For thirty years Colin’s been king Now he’s worried about his buttercream There’s a new caterpillar on the block Cuthbert! A cheap, upstart, impersonator! He’s not as good as me, Colin cries His shiny chocolate may deceive your eyes But look beneath his curvy shell You’ll taste quality far inferior. M&S in their wisdom all culinary Worry shoppers may confuse their bakery Cuthbert is not Colin we insist he’s removed Our standards are higher and we’re gonna sue!

Ha, ha, replied Aldi we don’t care There’s more than Cuthbert caterpillar out there. Cecil, Morris, Curly and Calli, need we go on Take us to court, your customers aren’t fooled. In steps Chris Packham to remind us all There’s a climate emergency, don’t be absurd Only first world could have cake caterpillar wars Send legal fees to butterfly conservation causes. I guess it’s been a little light relief From lockdown and the queen’s consort deceased But who cares where one gets their cake There’s enough to go round for goodness' sake!

Let’s hope common sense prevails And caterpillar cakes can avoid a trial Customers can choose what to buy Enjoy whichever you decide to try.

Juliet H, Wokingham

NEXT STEP: Later this month the Government will reveal plans for June 21 Picture: pxhere

Phil Creighton Big googly eyes

LAST month, the author and artist Eric Carle passed away. The 91-year-old was famous for his book The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which told the story of a group of war veterans wrongly imprisoned … no, of course it doesn’t. It’s the story of a very hungry caterpillar, who eats a lot. Almost as much as me in fact (may be a lie). It’s a glorious book, not least as it’s a masterpiece of printing: holes in the right places and some short pages. As a strange child, I was fascinated by this origami-like arrangement. As a grown-up reading the same story to my ankle-biters, it was the beauty of the words. It opens with the lyrical phrase “In the light of the moon a little egg lay on a leaf” and continues in the same vein until the very last words, “he was a beautiful butterfly”. It reads so well, each sentence so carefully constructed, that it was a pleasure to read. Certainly more so than a gigantic series of books about fairies that my daughter once insisted on. Each relied on slim coincidences where the heroes just happened to stumble on the baddie, who could have picked anywhere in the world to cause havoc. Don’t tell her, but I used to skip whole pages when reading them, just to reach the end. Some children’s books resonate long beyond they’ve been passed down to the next generation, such as The Tiger Who Came To Tea, the Mr Men series, Dear Zoo, among many, many others. Last week, we featured the street artist we dubbed Catsy, and our story has now reached national prominence, appearing on telly and even in some of the posher newspapers. For many of us, the sightings of Catsy’s work –pictures of cats painted on to walls and fences across

Wokingham – have brought us much joy during this ongoing wretched time. Each picture is playful, unexpected and delightful. The artist told us last week that they were originally painted to delight his godchildren: “I made a few in their back garden and one night, I decided

I would leave a few on their route home from school. “They loved it and their friends loved it, and it’s snowballed from there.” Although essentially just black paint, there is a clamour for this art. And it’s probably because of the finishing touch: a pair of big googly eyes. Nothing has delighted me more than this aspect of his work. After all, who doesn’t love a pair of big googly eyes? Here’s a little secret: when it comes to writing headlines, and trying to explain big concepts, it’s sometimes easier to break that cardinal rule of journalism and to write in cliche. I’m fluent in it. It makes me sick as a parrot when some people get their knickers in a twist overusing phrases as old as the hills. There’s a whole bumper book of words and phrases stored away in my noggin ready to be dressed for the occasion (bonus points if you get that reference). So Catsy and his big googly eyes? It comes from a book that the children loved about some critter who had, funnily enough, big googly eyes.

Can’t even remember what it was called, but unsurprisingly it had big googly eyes stuck on to the creature in question. And who doesn’t love those big googly eyes? They are wonderful additions to any craft box, instantly giving creations a personality. But for a writer, even a hack one like moi, goodness that phrase trips off the tongue so deliciously that it’s a sheer pleasure to write. More Catsy please. If only to have fun with the

English language.