Wokingham.Today March 25, 2021

MORE WOKINGHAM NEWS THAN YOU’LL FIND ANYWHERE ELSE COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS

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THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

Thursday, March 25, 2021 No. 305

FESTIVAL FRESH LOOK TO RETURN Graffiti artist Pistol IN AUGUST creates vivid art

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By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM FESTIVAL is returning this summer for a weekend of family entertainment.

The three-day event will take place over the August bank holiday, starting on Saturday 28.

Stan Hetherington, one of the organisers, said he is looking forward to the return of live music.

“Covid has been a rollercoaster, and the ride hasn’t finished yet,” he said.

“We’ve got a few more twists and turns to go, but we’re going full steam ahead.”

He said even if the government’s plan to reopen the country on June 21 goes awry, he is still hopeful the August date is suitable.

“As long as the roadmap doesn’t change, I’m very optimistic we will get there,” he added.

Until large public gatherings become legal, the borough council cannot grant a licence for the event, but Mr Hetherington is not worried.

“Every festival in the country is in the same position right now,” he said.

“We’re all desperate to get back out and have a good time with our friends and family. We just need to drive covid down in time.”

The festival will have multiple stages featuring artists from across the borough, and further afield. There will be three bars, also run by borough names. The Beer Festival Bar, run by the Twyford Beer Festival team will stock specialist craft beers, ciders and perries from local and national breweries; The Redan Cocktail Bar will serve cocktails, prosecco and lagers; and the Wokingham Music Club Bar will be stationed inside one of the performance tents, for those that don’t want to step away from the action.

There will also be food stands and children’s entertainment.

“I can only really talk about live music from my personal view,” Mr Hetherington added. “I’ve missed the atmosphere of fellow human beings, the tension in the air at a live music gig that you don’t get at home.

“In lockdown I’ve watched a video of a concert every Friday night — that’s my enjoyment. � Continued on page 3

COUPLE PLAN SUMMER HOLIDAY ON WHEELS P20 FORCE EXPANDS PLAIN CLOTHES CLUB PROJECT P2 FILM STUDIOS’ P12 £100 MILLION PLAN

ON TARGET! Celebrations as Thames Hospice hits £6 million fundraising goal

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

AFTER more than five years, Thames Hospice has reached the fundraising target for its new Maidenhead facility.

The charity has been building support for the £22 million state-ofthe-art hospice since 2017, aiming to raise £6 million in donations.

In 2019, it launched a public fundraising campaign to raise the remaining £3 million for the build, and has finally reached its target.

Debbie Raven, chief executive at Thames Hospice, said the charity has been overwhelmed by the community’s support.

“Whether you gave to the Raise the Roof campaign or to help us continue to deliver our vital services during and after the pandemic, we would not be here without you,” she said.

“Thanks to our fantastic fundraisers in the community we are now one of the UK’s leading hospices, and our staff and volunteers will be able to care for thousands of people and their

loved ones now and for years to come.”

The centre – used by borough residents – opened its doors in October 2020, and has allowed Thames Hospice to support twice as many patients across Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire with end of life care.

Set in eight acres of landscaped gardens and overlooking Bray Lake, the charity aims to support patients and their loved ones in a “relaxing, friendly and welcoming environment”. � Continued on page 12

MUCKY PUPS ENJOY NEW DINTON DOG WASH STATION P12 LINK WINS HIGH SHERIFF AWARD P8

TOWN MAYOR STICKS AROUND P6

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2 | NEWS

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CLUBS: Plainclothes officers will be there to ‘intervene quickly’ with incidents Picture: ericbarns via Pixabay

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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 Sports reporter • Andy Preston Graphic designer • Charlotte Simpson

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FAMILY NOTICES WWW.ABWALKER.CO.UK

SIMPSON, Mary Elizabeth Sadly passed away on March 10 at the age of 91.

Mrs Simpson died peacefully in her sleep at Kennet Court, Wokingham.

She will be dearly missed by all of her friends and family.

The service which was held at Easthampsted Park crematorium in Bracknell, took place on March 24 where family and friends gathered to remember the life of Mrs Simpson.

Donations for Basingstoke Hospice can be made via www.memorygiving.com

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

Thames Valley Police expands plainclothes club project EXCLUSIVE

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A PROJECT that could see plainclothes police officers placed in nightclubs across the country, was initially founded by Thames Valley Police two years ago.

Last week, Boris Johnson announced a range of “immediate steps” to improve womens’ security, after the national gaze turned to male violence against women, in the wake of Sarah Everard’s death.

The prime minister suggested extending pilots of the programme, which was launched by Thames Valley Police in 2019, and includes police patrolling nightclubs to protect women from predatory offenders.

Project Vigilant also involves increased police patrols as people leave clubs at closing time.

Detective Chief Inspector James Senior, of Oxford CID based at St Aldates police station, said the scheme meant officers could “intervene more quickly” when it was piloted in the area.

And he believes that recent “tragic” events had reinforced the need for such an approach.

The force said it saw a 50% reduction in rape and 30% reduction in sexual assaults in the night time economy in Oxford, and will now be expanded across the rest of the Thames Valley as lockdwon restrictions ease.

DCI Senior said: “My team and I are committed to ensuring that the local community can have an enjoyable night out without the fear of being sexually assaulted.

“Through the pilot in Oxford, we found that utilising undercover officers and deploying them on the street meant that we were able to witness this behaviour first hand and intervene more quickly.

“That is completely unacceptable and the recent circumstances, as tragic as they are, have only reinforced the need to have an approach like this.

“From my perspective, and from the force’s, it’s good that the Government has recognised this as something that should be adopted.”

In October last year, the project received a crime prevention award from the International Association

of Chiefs of Police.

“It was a real privilege to receive an international award for this initiative,” DCI Senior said. “It is fantastic that the work of our officers and staff has received international recognition and those involved in its implementation should be very proud.”

He added that the force had received “really positive” feedback from the community, but that “tweaks” could be made to make the operation more effective, if needed.

“Ultimately as part of our tactical plan we do engage with our communities, particularly with our student community in Oxford, and we will always listen to their concerns,” he said.

The DCI said there had not been any “major issues” with the programme and that there was “very little scope” for problems.

In a straw poll conducted by Wokingham.Today, 79% of young people said the project “would not make them feel safe” in a nightclub.

“There will be some concern, but the benefits of an operation like this will outweigh that in the sense that we are tackling predatory behaviour before it leads to sexual offence and the traumatic events that that will mean for the victim,” he said.

“These operations are really heavily scrutinised, quite rightly, and they are supervised at quite a senior level.

“I’m confident that if other forces were looking to implement this type of policing model… with the safeguards we have in place to run this operation sensitively and effectively, then that would easily avoid any issues around our officers.”

He said the force trusts its officers to “act professionally”.

“I have no reason to have any concerns about the professionalism of the police that would be deploying these types of tactics,” he added. “They’re highly trained and very good at what they do.

“It’s absolutely something that works and the tactics are relatively simple and can be replicated across sexual offending and other crime types.”

Chief Constable John Campbell, said the Thames Valley Police is committed to making the streets safer and Project Vigilant is just one of the ways the force does so.

NEW LOOK: Wokingham town centre cocktail bar The Redan has a

‘Redan is like a

By SALLY BRYANT news@wokingham.today THE Redan is resplendent and ready for reopening, thanks to Pistol.

The Wokingham-based street artist has been hard at work with the aerosol cans for a week in Peach Street.

The result is a stunning gallery of designs throughout the cocktail bar. Pistol has repaired or redone some of his works that used to adorn the walls before redecoration.

New designs are the result of his collaboration with London-based graffiti artist Rottenpunk.

And now Pistol and Redan owner Andy Rogers, Wokingham’s longest-serving landlord, can’t wait for customers to see the new look when Covid restrictions are lifted and customers can raise a glass in the bar again.

Pistol told Wokingham.Today: “It’s bright and it’s vibrant – in most pubs, you just see blank walls when

Community-led speedwatch scheme expands

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

A NEW partnership has launched in a bid to tackle speeding traffic.

Following a successful pilot scheme, social enterprise Community

Speedwatch (CSW) Online will partner with Thames Valley Police (TVP) to improve road safety across B e r k s h i r e , Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

CSW Online was founded by Jan Jung

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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NEWS | 3

LET’S DANCE: Performers at Wokingham Festival will be welcomed back to the stage this year Pictures: Andrew Merritt

Wokingham Festival returns for August bash � Continued from front

great new look, thanks to street artists Pistol, but it customers will have to wait for lockdown to end before seeing Pictures: Pistol

a gallery in my hometown’ you walk in. I loved doing it. Andy had redecorated and it was pretty bare, he said he would love the paintings on the wall again, it didn’t feel like home.”

And Mr Rogers said: “It’s amazing, it feels like The Redan again. Pistol is amazing, he is a brilliant artist.”

The enigmatic master of the spray cans first brightened up The Redan more than a decade ago, after he contacted Mr Rogers and offered to do something better than a design on the bar’s courtyard wall.

The challenge was taken up, the result was a huge success and the rest is history.

Pistol says he is delighted The Redan is now like a gallery of his work in his hometown.

Customers through the door when the musicorientated bar reopens will see the image of David Bowie Pistol created at Glastonbury Festival in the year Bowie died, as well as another of the artist’s Bowie pieces that was displayed during a major exhibition at the V&A Museum.

New works on the walls include an image of great train robber Ronnie Biggs based on the logo for the cult

film Trainspotting and a piece inspired by the recent period drama, The Queen's Gambit.

Mr Rogers said he is “excited, but nervous” to reopen The Redan outside only on April 12.

“It’s going to be about retraining the customer base about what is allowed and we will be going from a 224 capacity inside to 40 outside, with six tables out into Peach Place at the back.”

When customers can step inside again, Mr Rogers promises the new artwork means they are in for a treat.

“It’s going to be big, a massive ‘wow factor’ – it’s breath-taking, so good and I am so pleased with it.”

While Wokingham waits to see The Redan’s new look, Pistol is on to his next project. Street art is being seen more and more as art, rather than graffiti, as the rocketing value of Banksy's work shows.

And Pistol and Rottenpunk are in the process of setting up a website to sell the work of urban artists, offer services to paint and advise investors. � You can view Pistol's work on Instagram @pistolart or contact him via email, pistol@pistolart.com

and Simon Mansfield in 2012 to help local speedwatch groups organise their activities.

Now, it could provide the model for all community road safety schemes in the Thames Valley, as TVP looks to trial its online platform across the region.

Mr Jung said he is “delighted” to be working with the force.

“The Thames Valley is strategically important to the

well-being.

“We appreciate that the police cannot be everywhere all the time, but the public can and that is exactly where the strength of well-organised community speedwatch steps in to play a vital role.”

Under the new partnership, TVP will now begin offering training and support to local speedwatch volunteers, as well as launch a new pilot scheme to trial the

joined-up speedwatch organisation, not only because it is a highly active commuter belt but also because it is the gateway between the north and south,” he said.

“The road network across the three counties consists predominantly of narrow rural roads where way too many vehicles speed dangerously through villages without concern for the residents’ safety or

system across the three counties.

Beginning with one pilot in Buckinghamshire, it will be extended to Berkshire over a sixmonth period.

Matthew Barber, Conservative candidate for the role of police and crime commissioner for the Thames Valley, said: “I’m really excited about this new scheme and the additional support that we can provide to volunteers.

“I just feel better on a Saturday morning having been to a gig on Friday night,” he said.

“Some people run, or cycle, but for me, live music gives that bodily sensation of feeling good.”

And the team of organisers share that passion.

“This isn’t Reading Festival, we can’t do what they do. We only charge £8 for a ticket, but we deliver stages much bigger than we should be able to because of our volunteers,” Mr Hetherington said.

“Cutting speeding across Thames Valley can save lives and a strong community-led speedwatch scheme can make a real difference.

“Not only will the new scheme provide better backing for volunteers, comprehensive training, and new equipment, but it will also feed information directly into the police.”

Mr Barber said persistent offenders and hotspot locations

“It’s created by the community, for the community, and it’s bloody good fun.”

The event promises covid-secure risk assessments, increased cleaning and PPE where necessary, and Track and Trace details for festival goers.

Early Bird tickets are now on sale, and cost £8 for a day, or £19 for the weekend. All accompanied children under 18 go free. � For more information, or to buy tickets, visit: www.wokingham festival.co.uk

can be identified and followed up for police enforcement.

“Together, we can make our streets safer,” he added.

Before community speedwatch teams can be deployed to the roadside, they will undergo a number of online and outdoors training sessions, and risk assessments. � To find out more about CSW Online, visit: communityspeedwatch. org/FRONT-v2Home.php

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4 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

Recycling rate rises to 50% thanks to food waste scheme THE BOROUGH had the second largest increase in recycling rates across England last year, according to government data.

The recycling rate jumped to 50.3% according to data for 2019-20 from DEFRA. The council believes its food waste service, introduced in April 2019, is the cause.

The Isles of Scilly saw the greatest increase, of 11.2 percentage points. And only four councils in England increased their recycling by more than five percentage points.

“We know our residents have really embraced our food waste recycling service with just over half of households now using it on a regular basis,” said Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure. “I’d like to thank every resident who makes the effort on a daily basis with their food peelings, meat bones and other items, which is the cause of this huge jump in recycling rates.

“This data showcases the huge impact it has had on recycling rates in our borough and it’s a trend we hope to see continue in the years ahead. If we can get even more residents to start using the service regularly we will see even more of a positive impact so go onto our website to find out more.”

Since the collections started, more than 9,000 tonnes of food waste has been recycled.

Covid roll of honour celebrates borough heroes THE BOROUGH mayor has launched a roll of honour to recognise people that have made a difference in the pandemic.

Residents can nominate as many people or organisations as they like. All those nominated will receive a letter of thanks from the mayor and have their name added to the roll of honour on the council’s website.

The council is looking for nominations of all types – whether it’s somebody who has volunteered for a charity, helped a friend or neighbour, or has just been a positive force in the community — it wants to hear about individuals and groups.

Borough mayor Cllr Malcolm Richards said: “Throughout the pandemic, there has been a brilliant sense of community spirit in Wokingham borough, which is extremely heartwarming; especially as Covid-19 has brought great tragedy to many local families and communities.

“There are so many individuals and groups who have made a difference and gone the extra mile for their loved ones and neighbours.

“We’d love to celebrate each and every one of them for the selfless work and are urging fellow residents to nominate the people they want to thank.

“Our initiative seems particularly fitting now that infection rates are continuing to drop and there is hopefully an end in sight. So please do take a moment to think about someone who is deserving of this recognition.”

Nominations must include a short summary, no more than 200 words, explaining why the person or group should be included.

All nominees must live, work or volunteer in the borough. � To nominate someone, visit the council website.

Care working positions open THE COUNCIL is helping recruit carers across the borough.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing, and adult services, said: “Working as a carer can be very flexible. People can work around other commitments and many providers offer a range of working patterns. Care workers support a variety of people and develop rewarding relationships.

Residents interested in starting a career in care can view live vacancies on the council website by searching ‘social care jobs from other providers.’

Liberal Democrats promise £230,000 to shorten youth mental health waiting times Leader unveils manifesto pledges for May EXCLUSIVE

Economy and housing

By JESS WARREN news@wokingham.today

Cllr Ferris said the group is aiming to survey the council finances, and then create a covid recovery plan, if it is voted into control.

“We will be pushing very strongly to ensure that not only does the council open up its services in a coordinated and constructive manner when the time allows,” Cllr Ferris said. “We will set up the arrangements where we can help businesses, self-employed people and residents across a whole range of services.

“There’s going to be people that are going to need a lot of help, I think we need to put some focus in that.

And that’s what we mean, when we say we will do what we can to promote the local economic recovery investment.”

Cllr Ferris said the group has a “really good finance team” that could “come up with some quite innovative and useful ways” of managing the books.

Cllr Jones said the Lib Dems would also engage with business owners more, to find out “exactly what they need from the council”.

And there is a focus across the borough.

Cllr Ferris added: “We would want to upgrade Woodley Town Centre — when we have got the opportunity to do that.

“The high street needs that extra help to get people to go in and use the services and the shops and the facilities that are there.”

The group also plans to prioritise arts and culture in the borough.

“That part of the community has been really badly hit [by the pandemic] and that they are going to need a lot of help to be able to get up and running,” Cllr Ferris said. “So many of us are just looking forward to having something that we can enjoy and go to and be entertained by.”

Cllr Ferris also called for a “cross section” of housing that would meet the needs of the community.

He said this would include affordable one- to three-bed homes, including bungalows, flats and more social housing.

“It’s so expensive around here,” he said. “There are so many people who cannot get onto the housing ladder.”

He said new developments need to be “future proofed” for climate change.

“We will be pushing developers to make sure they up their standards,” he said.

And the Lib Dem group would

BRINGING greater transparency to the borough council is the plan from the Wokingham Liberal Democrats, who have exclusively unveiled their manifesto to Wokingham.Today.

It includes plans to pump more than £200,000 into Children's & Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), to drop assessment wait times from two years to six months.

Ahead of the elections on Thursday, May 6, the leader of the group, Cllr Lindsay Ferris, and deputy leader Cllr Clive Jones, revealed their approach to local politics.

Cllr Ferris, who is also a ward member for Twyford, said his ambition is to see his party take control of the borough council The biggest change to residents, he said, would be the culture of the council.

“We want to be open, consultative,” he told Wokingham.Today. “We want to do consultations properly and provide high quality services in an efficient way.”

He said in 2019, there were just 170 votes that lead to the current Conservative leadership – with some contests being really close – and argued that it is “not unrealistic” for the Lib Dems to push for control.

“There is lots of work to be done, but we have well-organised, capable people, bringing an alternative vision,” he said.

“I would be a very different style of leader, I’m a very collegiate person.

“We have a really good team that are willing, ready and able to take on the running of the council.”

In an opening statement, Cllr Ferris said in the group’s manifesto: “Our vision is to establish Wokingham as a great place to live for all its residents with high quality service delivery, sustainable and appropriate development, a vibrant arts programme and the cleanest and most sustainable environment possible.

“Residents will be at the heart of all our actions.

“We believe that listening to residents is one of the most important aspects of being able to deliver the services you need and want.”

The group’s manifesto falls under four categories.

also call for reduced housing numbers in the borough.

Cllr Ferris added: “Too many houses will just destroy our area, the very nature of where we are. And once we’ve destroyed it, then it’s impossible to return to it.”

Environment Cllr Ferris said ensuring a flood alleviation scheme is in place for the River Loddon is a priority for the Lib Dem group.

It also wants to focus on improving biodiversity across the borough, and optimise “carbon capture” through planting 300,000 trees and improving hedgerows.

Cllr Ferris said: “We have gone with a figure of 300,000 trees, which is more than what the Conservatives have gone for, because that will mean that we will meet our DEFRA target for tree cover within the borough.”

He said the group has already got “a lot of support” from the Woodland Trust.

“We need to do proper action on climate change,” Cllr Ferris said.

“Most of the the activities that are currently in the climate change proposals are either not really climate change proposals, and some of them are just being shifted from the environment projects into climate change and calling it climate change.

“If the council gives the impression that we’re doing lots of things for climate change, then the public will think, ‘oh, aren’t we doing well’, and then suddenly find in five to 10 years’ time that we haven’t, and we’ve really got a big problem.

“I think it is better to be open and honest about it and say, we really do need to move these things forward,” Cllr Ferris added.

Community The Lib Dem group is proposing to invest £230,000 in the children’s services budget, to improve Children’s & Adolescent Mental Health Service, (CAMHS) assessment waiting times.

Cllr Jones said: “Waiting times have gone up from one year to two.

This could be six weeks, if we hired three people to help schools process these assessments in six weeks.”

He added: “It was just absolutely disgraceful that the Conservatives voted against it. And the Labour party, of all parties, abstained because they couldn’t support the Liberal Democrat motion.”

Cllr Jones said the group predicts

a “saving down the line” for other services, if it invests in young people’s mental health.

Cllr Ferris said this is one of the group’s main priorities, following the effect of the pandemic on the mental health of the community.

The group is also proposing to support the development of community centres as a preventative measure for antisocial behaviour.

Transparency ethos Cllr Ferris said he is worried about the council’s previous level of borrowing, and the transparency around financial sums.

“The figure in the last medium term financial plan is the borrowing of the council is rising to £750 million,” Cllr Ferris said – the Conservative dispute this figure.

“You can’t find it in one place, but you have to go through two or three places to get it. And that leads on to another issue we have, which is what I call transparency.”

He is proposing to change the way that council finances are presented, to be “absolutely clear”.

He added: “I have had different figures quoted by the ruling group over the last four months, just shows that there’s a lot of confusion and uncertainty as to the exact borrowing.”

He also believes that “more can be done” when communicating with residents, and said “several things have happened in the recent past where the council has hidden behind legalities”.

“I feel it’s the integrity of the council at stake,” he said. “And that has to change.”

He said the group is creating an implementation plan, that would include the fine details of actions within the first 100 days of a Lib Dem leadership.

Coalition Cllr Jones said he doesn’t think there will be a need for a “formal” coalition.

He said: “If it is no overall control, the Conservatives will present their plans for the coming year. Lindsay will present Liberal Democrat plans for the coming year and it is up to the 54 councillors who are elected to decide then who is running it.”

Over the next few weeks, we will bring you as much information as we can to help you as you decide who to vote for on May 6

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 5

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MP ‘delighted’ to receive vaccine

FIRST JAB: Matt Rodda, MP for parts of Earley and Woodley urged everyone eligible to book their ANOTHER borough MP has been given their vaccine as soon covid jab, as part of the vaccine roll-out. as possible

Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East which includes parts of Woodley and Earley said he was “delighted” to have a dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine on Tuesday.

“Like many people it is something I have been looking forward to, and I want to thank our NHS in Reading and across the country and all those working on the vaccination programme, both as paid staff volunteers,” he said.

The MP said residents should be “very proud” of what is being achieved by the NHS, scientists and the whole team working on the “incredible programme”.

He urged all residents eligible to get their vaccines as soon as possible. � For more information about the vaccination programme, visit: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/ coronavirus-vaccine

Borough marks day of reflection, one year after entering lockdown TUESDAY marked one year since borough residents entered lockdown.

Everyone’s world has changed since then, and many will have experienced loss and grief as a direct result of Covid-19.

Since the pandemic hit the UK, the borough has sadly recorded 313 covid-related deaths. And there may be many who were not included in the official figures.

Marking the day, Cllr John Halsall, leader of the council said: “Our lives have changed, unrecognisably for some, and many lives have so sadly been lost.

“I can only express my condolences for those that have suffered so much.

“The weekly rate in Wokingham is around 40 today, which is well below the peak of 606 on January 4, but still compares very badly to the below five in August.

“I would like to send a big thank you again to all the carers, doctors, health staff, social care staff, health, police, fire, rescue, ambulance, teachers, school staff, charities, volunteers, our staff …in short everybody who has stepped up to the plate and made it possible for life to continue during these appalling times.

“It has never been more vital that we play our role and observe the rules so that we do not have a third wave.”

Cllr Charles Margetts, the council's health executive said it has been a very difficult year for the community as a whole.

"We all know the toll this has taken, and the impact of lockdown goes far wider than the covid-related deaths," he said.

"We should also reflect on the way our community has come together and supported those in need."

Cllr Lindsay Ferris, leader of the Liberal Democrat group said he sent his condolences to everyone affected by the loss of a loved one.

Cllr Andy Croy, leader of the Labour group said: “Everyone will have reflected in their own way.

“I will never forget the awesome response of our underfunded NHS and local volunteers.

“I will never forgive the appalling decision making before and during lockdown which made the death toll in the pandemic so much worse here than anywhere else in Europe.”

Mobile lateral flow testing available at supermarkets MORE rapid testing units are cropping up across Wokingham as the borough council expands its coronavirus testing programme.

It is currently trialling new testing sites in a number retail car parks where there is a high footfall, including Aldi in Wokingham and Asda in Lower Earley.

Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member of adult social care and wellbeing, said: “We are continuing to work hard to keep our communities as safe as possible.

“Regular rapid testing is crucial for finding asymptomatic cases and helping to slow the spread

of Covid-19 in the borough.

“By placing our mobile units in key locations, we can target [people] and encourage them to get a rapid test.”

Testing will be available to staff members of the supermarkets, as well as customers visiting the stores and surrounding retail units.

The mobile units have launched in addition to the borough council’s test centres in Shute End, Sindlesham Court and the Microsoft Campus in Thames Valley Park.

“We must all play a part in protecting our loved ones, colleagues and neighbours,” Cllr Margetts added.

Residents will not need to wait for their test result

TEST: Picture: fernandozhiminaicela via Pixabay

before entering the supermarket or surrounding stores, but anybody testing positive must self-isolate immediately.

The mobile testing units are currently being trialled in Aldi in Wokingham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and in Asda in Lower Earley on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Covid cases on rise THE NUMBER of coronavirus cases in Wokingham has passed 8,000, and the case rate per 100,000 has risen.

The latest figures for the borough showed the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents is 39.7, up from 32.1 last week.

There were nine positive tests recorded on Tuesday, March 23, bringing the total number of infections to 8,066.

The figures in neighbouring

Reading borough are slightly higher than in Wokingham, with an infection rate of 42 per 100,000. This is up from 37.7 last week.

On Tuesday, Reading reported 10 positive cases.

Bracknell Forest has seen its rate per 100,000 decrease over the past seven days. It is now 30.2, down from 37.5 last week. Windsor and Maidenhead’s rate per 100,000 is now 50.2, up from 48.9 last week.

West Berkshire has an infection rate of 25.2, a decrease from 32.2 last week.

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

www.star-legal.co.uk

6 | NEWS

Wokingham Walk sets May date

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

These moonboots were made for walking … virtually

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

BRAVO: Participants in a previous Moonwalk event – this year, people are being asked to take part from their own homes, rather than heading to London

A POPULAR charity walk is planning a virtual return this year, to enable people the chance take part without breaching any lockdown restrictions.

PUT YOUR hiking boots on because the Wokingham Walk is back again.

Now in its sixth year, the annual event sees residents walk five-, 10- and 15-mile routes around the borough while raising money for charity.

Starting at Elms Field, groups of up to six people from two households will be allowed to walk together.

And there will also be a free Nature Trail to keep the little ones occupied, asking them to spot nature and wildlife along the way.

Last year’s event saw 250 people take part, and raised more than £2,700 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

Andy Slay, one of the event organisers, said the Wokingham Walk has not nominated its 2021 charity yet.

“Let’s hope the weather is kind, so that all ages can enjoy the beautiful countryside around Wokingham,” he added.

The Wokingham Walk will take place on Sunday, May 23 and all proceeds will be donated to local charities.

Entry costs £15 for walkers over 18, £5 for those aged 12- to 17-years-old, and is free for children aged 11 and under.

To find out more, visit: www.wokinghamwalk.co.uk

The annual Moonwalk event usually takes place in London overnight on Saturday, May 15.

While last year’s event was nixed due to covid, this year organisers are asking people to do it from the safety of their own homes.

The event raises funds for Walk the Walk, a grant-making charity for breast cancer awareness, and promotes the benefits of walking and to show the positive effects it has on people’s mental and physical health.

The walk is open to all abilities offering distances of 6.55 miles (New Moon), 13.1 miles (Half Moon), 26.5 miles (Full Moon) and 52.4 miles (Over the Moon).

Nina Barough is the Wokinghambased founder and chief executive of Walk the Walk.

She said: “We have taken the decision for the health and safety of all our supporters and fundraisers to make the MoonWalk London a virtual experience.

“While we can’t come together physically, we know that many people doing a little bit is a powerful force so in true Walk the

Walk spirit let’s raise money, get fit and have fun uniting virtually together for the same incredible cause.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, more people have been walking, and NIna says the virtual MoonWalk can be carried out by keeping to social distancing guidelines.

Walk the Walk events attract thousands of entrants each year and the money raised goes to charities and organisations as well as funding the charity’s own projects.

Originally running the MoonWalk in London, Nina then developed the brand further in Scotland and Iceland.

Since Walk the Walk began 25 years ago, the charity has raised more than £133 million for organisations across the UK. This year, it is hoping to raise £1 million to support frontline cancer services.

Nina added: “Covid may stop live events but it doesn’t stop the effects of cancer.

“Our need to raise essential funds and to help where we can

has never been greater.”

Walkers who complete the Over the Moon challenge will be asked to raise a minimum of £200 while the others will need to raise a minimum of £100.

Each participant will be sent a Walk the Walk bra t-shirt, a bra to decorate, a cap, a space blanket, a downloadable walker number, training advice and a certificate and medal to award them for their efforts. � To sign up for MoonWalk London or to make a donation log on to walkthewalk.org.

Charity CEO to move on

CHAIN GANG: Cllr Tony Lack with his wife Claire

Mayor again TONY LACK is getting ready for another year as Wokingham town mayor after being reelected.

At a recent meeting, Wokingham Town Council voted for him to remain in the role for a second year.

Cllr Lack said: “It is with pleasure and pride that the town council has shown confidence in me to serve them for another year as mayor and chairman.

“My mayoress, my wife Claire, and I really hope that as a town we can all enjoy some great traditions and events as we reconnect with each other over the forthcoming year.”

He will be formally ratified at the council’s annual meeting in May. Cllr Maria Gee will be ratified as Wokingham’s deputy town mayor.

THE CHIEF executive of a Reading homeless charity is moving on.

Ian Caren has been the CEO of Launchpad for more than 15 years and is leaving to resume his work in criminal justice with the National Probation Service Under Mr Caren’s leadership since 2006, the charity launched legal advice and drop-in; opened Reading’s first work and life skills centre; built new long-term accommodation for those in housing need; rebranded from Reading Single Homeless Project to Launchpad and raised money to support the charity’s work.

The charity also expanded staff and volunteer teams to support more people in the area.

Mr Caren said: “It has been an honour to serve as CEO of Launchpad and it’s a time in my career that I will always cherish.

“I am proud to say that Launchpad now offers more support to the community than ever before.”

Suzanne Stallard, chair of trustees thanked Mr Caren for his “outstanding contribution” to the charity.

“He has transformed the charity in both scale and ambition during his 15-year tenure, and he leaves a strong and lasting legacy at Launchpad,” she said.

The charity board is now recruiting a permanent CEO to lead it into the future.

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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|7

8 | NEWS

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

Link is vital: High Sheriff’s reward for visiting scheme EXCLUSIVE

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM charity has been rewarded for its “remarkable response” to the coronavirus pandemic at this year’s Berkshire High Sheriff Awards.

The Link Visiting Scheme won the Supporting the Isolated Award for its work supporting the borough’s elderly and vulnerable residents over the last 12 months.

The charity offers a befriending service for people in Wokingham who are suffering from loneliness, which has been more pronounced than ever during the pandemic.

Marjie Walker has been managing The Link Visiting Scheme for the past 14 years, and said she was “absolutely delighted” to see the charity recognised at this year’s Awards.

“It’s been such a busy year and we’ve worked so hard,” she said. “It really boosted our morale to see that acknowledgement of the volunteers and team.

“Everyone has gone above and beyond to support people feeling isolated throughout lockdown.”

Ms Walker said The Link Visiting Scheme has grown by approximately 35% in size since this time last year, and its volunteers made more than 16,000 phone calls during the first lockdown.

“We contacted just under 3,000 people who were shielding to make sure they had access to food and medication, and expanded our telephone befriending service to take on an extra 200 people,” she explained.

“Not having that face-to-face contact has been difficult because it’s at the core of what we do, but we’ve managed to visit some people as their support bubble.”

But looking back on the pandemic, the scheme manager said there have been some positives too.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of the community to help our older residents,” Ms Walker said. “It’s been really moving.”

The Link Visiting Scheme has also partnered with Wokingham Borough Council, and other voluntary sector organisations, to increase funding and

make it easier to refer people in need.

More than 10 individuals and charities from Wokingham borough were nominated for this year’s Berkshire High Sheriff Awards, which were tweaked to reflect the pandemic with new award categories, including the Supporting the Isolated Award and the Good Neighbour Award.

A spokesperson for the High Sheriff said: “The Awards are a way of giving recognition to people whose work might not otherwise have attracted appreciation from the normal sources — they are our unsung heroes.”

The spokesperson said all leaders and groups nominated have “gone the extra mile”.

Other winners included Helen Vaughan-Graham, who won the High Sheriff Award for keeping Family Courts running throughout the pandemic, and Shah Mohammad Nawaz won the Good Neighbour Award for his “outstanding demonstration of care” for this elderly neighbour.

The award winners were announced a virtual ceremony on Thursday, March 19. � To find out more about The Link Visiting Scheme, visit: www.linkvisiting.org

Road closure MOTORISTS undertaking essential journeys are being warned to watch out for overnight clousres next week.

The Reading Road will be shut to traffic between 8pm and 6am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The stretch of road affected is between junction of B3030 Robinhood Lane and the junction of Old Forest Road.

This is to allow work to continue on the construction of the North Wokingham Distributor Road and Winnersh Relief Road Phase 2, both of which are nearing completion.

Picture: Steve Smyth

Resurfacing will make journeys smooth THE COUNCIL will refurbish more than 60 roads over the coming year in an effort to “keep the borough moving smoothly”.

It recently revealed its £4.8 million resurfacing programme, which will see 67 roads improved throughout Wokingham borough.

Some key transport routes will be subject to resurfacing work, including Reading Road in Winnersh, Lower Earley Way, and Denmark Street in Wokingham.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said: “We have an unwavering

commitment to invest in our road network, with £13 million invested or earmarked for spending on maintenance across the borough over the last few years.

“We know our motorists and cyclists expect their journeys around the borough to be smooth and keeping our roads maintained to a high standard helps us to do this.

“But they also expect journeys to be smooth even when we’re carrying out these improvements, so we work overnight or off-peak during the day to ensure we aren’t

disrupting journeys on key routes.”

The borough council said the 67 roads have been chosen based on surveys conducted by its highways team, and it has selected the routes “most in need of attention”.

In total, there will be 28 full resurfacing projects, 20 surface dressing schemes, and 19 microasphalt schemes.

The council will also arrange footway repairs in 14 different sites which are yet to be announced.

The latest project is part of its £124 million major highways programme and

over the last two financial years, the council has worked on more than 220 roads.

The latest round of resurfacing work will be conducted in phases throughout the financial year, with the first phase beginning in May. Council contractors will work overnight between 8am and 6pm, and during off-peak hours between 9.30am and 4pm. Residents living on streets where works are taking place will be notified in advance. � For more information, visit Wokingham Borough Council’s website, www.

Wokingham.gov.uk

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Council plans to launch new employment hub AN EMPLOYMENT hub may be opened in Wokingham, as the number of out of work residents more than doubles.

The borough council is drawing up plans to create the hub in or near the town centre, and a decision will be made tonight.

It will involve the Department for Work and Pensions, National Careers Service, Wokingham Job Support Centre and the Optalis Supported Employment Service, who will all help provide advice.

It will be open on weekdays, and have space to deliver training and digital skills, space for sessions run by outside groups, access to computers to help with job searches and a reception.

Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “Our employment hub will provide a onestop shop for anyone looking for work in our borough.

“Rising unemployment is a problem we’ve seen grow in the last year across the country, which may still get worse as we come out of lockdown, so we have stepped up to provide the facilities our residents will need to help them get back into work.”

The nearest Jobcentre Plus is in Bracknell or Reading, although there is Wokingham Job Support Centre offering help and support from The Cornerstone in Norreys Avenue. It is currently closed to

NEWS | 9

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visitors, but operating virtually.

The council said visiting the Reading and Bracknell centres creates additional barriers and costs for those out of work.

Over the last year, the unemployment rate in Wokingham has more than doubled — although the base rate was lower than other areas in the UK. Services will focus on teaching skills to get into work, retraining older people and maximising opportunities in high demand sectors such as care workers, the green economy and film production.

There will also be short training opportunities for high demand sectors, such as the CSCS card required for work on construction sites, safe lifting, for work in the care sector and food hygiene.

The hub will cost roughly £80,000 to refurbish and is expected to cost £10,00 each year in running costs and maintenance.

It will be staffed by the council’s property, adult education and not in employment, education or training (NEET) teams, with ongoing support from the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus.

Optalis, which provides employment support for people with disabilities, will also be involved. The centre will also work in partnership with the council’s youth services and education and training providers.

A decision on the employment hub will be made by the council’s executive tonight.

Residents urged to report rogue driveway cleaners

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today ROGUE TRADERS have been “intimidating” borough residents into paying more than £1,000 after cleaning roofs and driveways.

Borough resident Charles Chang told Wokingham.Today his 83-year-old elderly mother was approached by a group who were working on the roofs of neighbouring homes.

He said the first neighbour was approached by the group, despite living in a no cold-calling zone.

He said they cleaned a “test patch” on the front of the house without the owner’s consent. After seeing the work, the neighbour allowed the traders to continue.

Mr Chang said this persuaded other neighbours to allow the group to work on their property.

He said his mother allowed the traders to work on her roof, after which they attempted to charge more than £1,000 for three hours labour, to be paid in cash.

Ahead of the money collection, Mr Chang called Mike Allpress, of Trident Power Cleaning, for a second opinion about the work.

“I found Mike through Check A Trade, and he was shocked by their approach,” Mr Chang said.

Mr Allpress told Wokingham.Today: “The quality was appalling and they didn't re-sand the drive. “Costs should have been half that and the work would

have taken an entire day plus a second two-hour visit to apply sand on the drive.

“I offered advice as best I could but in the end they were all very scared and parted with the money.”

Mr Chang said he managed to negotiate a lesser fee, but still paid over the odds.

“You felt as though if you didn’t agree, something might happen later,” he said.

Mr Allpress called the incident “abhorrent” and an “expensive waste of time”.

“In a time of isolation generally, it makes people feel further isolated and vulnerable,” he said. “It's a despicable thing to do to older people.”

Mr Allpress said he was so frustrated by the incident, he sent his own team to sand the driveway and check the gutter for free.

“I’ve lived in Wokingham all my life, I love the place and I wanted to reassure these people that it’s a great, safe place to live and we are the kind of community that rallies around and looks after each other,” he said.

“I take it personally when someone drops a crisp packet in Broad Street, let alone intimidates and scams an 83-yearold lady.”

Mr Allpress said it took some time to convince the family to take up his offer.

“I think their confidence in human nature has taken a significant dent,” he added.

And this wasn’t the only incident he knows about.

“I did a drive survey in Twyford last week, and he’d been visited by them too,” Mr Allpress said. “He had the ‘test patch’ to prove it.”

A spokesperson for the Public Protection Partnership, which oversees Wokingham, Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire, said they had not received any complaints about the incidents, and urged residents to come forward.

“Our Fraud Victim Support Officer can also provide support, and possible security equipment, to the affected residents post incident if the matter is reported to us,” they said.

The PPP advised residents that think they are at risk, not to open the door to cold callers, and report a live incident to them, so they can attend the scene.

They added: “Report the matter to Thames Valley Police on 999 if the householder is in imminent danger or being threatened or coerced into handing over money.”

Other advice included getting three quotes from reputable companies before agreeing to work, and searching for traders through the Buy With Confidence scheme.

The organisation also suggested setting up a no cold calling zone through them. Once established, the incidents can also be reported to citizens advice. � For more information, visit: publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk/ trading-standards/no-cold-calling-zones and to report a live incident to the PPP, call 01635 519930.

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Sangoma Tech: The entire working world has turned upside down

M

EET THE Crowthorne resident who came off maternity leave to find the entire working world had turned upside down.

Lauren Ruff, account manager at Sangoma, has been on quite the journey over the past year.

After taking maternity leave in January 2020, she returned to the office in the midst of a global pandemic which changed the nature of work forever.

Adjusting to remote working, and all the while caring for 10 month-old baby Axel, was no easy feat but Lauren was able to rise to the challenge with a little bit of help from Sangoma.

The telecoms company, whose European Headquarters are based in Wokingham, has been supporting local employees for more than 20 years.

As the pandemic continues to fuel the biggest work-from-home movement anybody has ever seen, it has been helping businesses run smoothly while the rest of the world stands still.

And Lauren said the company’s Switchvox Phone System is a one stop shop for anybody transitioning to remote working.

Sangoma’s cloud-based business phone system allows employees to work from home with ease by answering calls on their personal devices, including mobile phones, desktops and headsets.

“As a new mum, it’s hard to switch back to working life and you often feel guilty when sending your kid off to nursery,” Lauren said. “But thanks to our Switchvox Phone System, being able to work from home takes some of that guilt away.”

When employers subscribe to Switchvox, employees can access an app which allows them to take their office extension with them wherever they go.

They can also manage internal communications, choose what hold music customers listen to, and transfer phone calls - all for a low monthly fee.

Lauren said it has been essential in her transition from full-time mum back to account manager.

“In December, I simply popped into the office to get my work gear, picking up my laptop and keyboard and then headed straight home again,” she explained.

“I simply had to plug my laptop in, scan the QR code Sangoma emailed me, and my extension was set up.

“Switchvox made it so easy to adjust from maternity leave into work life as a new mum.”

Now, Lauren is urging local businesses to give

Switchvox a try and see the benefits for themselves, as she predicts remote working is here to stay.

“I always knew the world would shift towards more employees working from home, but I didn’t think a pandemic would cause it,” she said. “It’s a revolution that has definitely saved companies a lot of money.

“If you want a phone that allows you to work from home as well as the office, then call us to find out more.

“Even if you don’t understand technology, we are a team of normal people using normal terms to help you adjust, and we will talk you through the entire process.”

Every single feature of Sangoma’s Switchvox Phone System is included for just £8 per user per month, and any business within 20 miles of the company’s Wokingham office is eligible for 20% off. � So, what are you waiting for? Enquire today by emailing uksales@sangoma.com or calling 01344 269 220.

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10 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

Donation boost for mental health charity FUNDRAISERS have donated £400,000 to Sport in Mind, thanks to a winter mental health programme.

Earlier this year, the Reading-based charity partnered with RED January, a nationwide movement, to encourage people to get moving every day during the cold season.

The scheme, launched by Hannah Beecham, runs every year to raise awareness of the positive impacts of

regular physical activity.

This is the first time Sport in Mind has partnered with RED January, and charity founder and CEO Neil Harris said he is “overwhelmed and humbled” by the support.

“With our programmes being in demand throughout the country, this new funding should help us take our support to those that have suffered from mental health difficulties to more people in more places,” he said.

As of 2021, more than 200,000 people have taken part in RED January and raised more than £3 million for various mental health charities.

Hannah Beecham, founder and CEO of RED January, said she was inspired to start the scheme after seeing the effect regular exercise had on her mother’s mental health.

“We are thrilled to be in partnership with Sport in Mind,” Ms Beecham said.

“It’s fantastic to know that the RED community’s fundraising efforts is helping the charity reach and empower more people to experience the benefits of physical activity for themselves.”

Sport in Mind is the UK’s leading mental health sports charity, and promotes mental wellbeing, builds self-esteem and empowers people to move in a positive direction.

Matt to run four marathons in a day

By JONNY FORDHAM news@wokingham.today

ON THE RUN: Matt Jackson will do 96 laps of a special 1.75km route on Saturday in a vid to raise funds for Sport In Mind

MARATHON-MAN Matt Jackson is attempting the biggest challenge of his life by running more than 100 miles in 24 hours.

The 36-year-old estate agent is running FOUR marathons this weekend and will be fuelled by 30 bananas, five pizzas, 20 flapjacks, 10 protein bars and gallons of water and energy drinks.

Jackson, who lives in Henley and went to Shiplake College, will be pounding the streets for charity Sport In Mind as jogs an incredible NINETY-SIX laps of a 1.75km route.

After already raising more than £1,300 for the charity based at Rivermead Leisure Centre in Richfield Avenue, Jackson told Wokingham.Today: “This is the biggest challenge of my life and the only guarantee is that it’s going to hurt like hell.

“I reckon I will burn up to 20,000 calories and will probably need a new pair of shoes after it all, but it will be worth it to help Sport in Mind continue with the great work that they do in the area.

“I’ve been trying to talk myself out of this one since the idea popped into my head, but I guess great personal achievements are not meant to be easy.

“So I’m going to get after this in my usual all or nothing way and hope to raise a bit of cash for charity while I’m at it.”

He added: “Sport In Mind are brilliant at promoting sport and an active lifestyle to aid people in their recovery from mental health problems.

“These guys do such a fantastic job in reaching out to people with organised sports activities. The work they do is proof that living an active lifestyle has a real impact in boosting everyone's mental well-being.”

Jackson starts at 10am on Saturday and will run through the night before

Going, going, gone! finishing on Sunday morning.

“It’s the equivalent of running from Reading to Birmingham,” he said.

“So that’s 168km or 104miles … I guess however you cut it, it's a long way.”

Jackson, a director at Briarswood Property which he runs with an old school friend Iain Duckworth, added: “I’ve had a few people promise me they will come and do a few laps to support me on the way, which is fantastic.

“Because we all have to look after our mental health, just like our physical health.

“It varies between all of us, but something I know to be true is that the power of regular exercise and being active is vital to keeping our mind and bodies healthy.

“Which is why I want to help promote the message and support this charity as much as I can.

“Mental health is something that touches us all in some way shape or form, especially over the last year with Covid.

“So if there is anyone else who would also like to show some support in person and run a few miles with me, then they are also more than welcome.

“Even though it’s in Henley, there are no hills and the pace will be slow 7km/ hour… I promise.” � Follow Matt's run progress on Instagram at @mjlondon and anyone who wishes to donate can do so at www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/matt-jackson2021

Help find owner of these two medals POLICE are searching for the owner of two medals found on the Reading Road last week.

They believe they were stolen.

One medal is a punctual attendance King Edward VII medal from London County Council in 1907.

And the other is a George VI victory celebration medal from 1946, given by Croydon County Council.

Any residents that recognise the medals are encouraged to call Thames Valley Police using 101 with reference 43210111133 or visit: http://orlo.uk/f0DQU

A WOKINGHAM resident has raised thousands of pounds for charity, and it’s all because of a clean shave.

On Saturday, Sasan Starr-Padidar shaved his beard for the first time in a year in aid of Sebastian’s Action Trust, raising nearly £3,000 in the process.

The charity, which has bases in Crowthorne and Basingstoke, was created in memory of nine-year-old Sebastian Gates who died following a cancer diagnosis.

His last wish was to create a place where families could escape from hospitals and treatment programmes,

Primary school open delayed by a year THE OPENING of a new primary school in Matthewsgreen has been delayed due to Covid-19.

The council and Keys Academy Trust, which will be running the school, and deferred the opening until 2022.

Originally due to open this September, the council decided to postpone due to the risk of Covid19.

The building work has also been delayed due to pandemic pressures.

In a statement, the council said: “Despite the best endeavours of all involved the completion of the school has been delayed until after the start of the new school year in September.

“Opening the new school in 2021 in these circumstances would create a range of risks to children and their education that the council sees as unacceptable.”

The council said the main reason for delaying, is to stop builders and pupils from being onsite at the same time.

“In normal times, opening the school with the contractors on site may have been acceptable, provided that a safe environment could be achieved

and conflict with construction activity avoided,” the statement continued.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, said: “We’re lucky to have excellent primary schools across the borough which will be able to provide a place close to home for children in the area near the Matthewsgreen site.

“Though it was a difficult choice it is better to know for certain children will be on a safe site where construction work is not ongoing.

“I look forward to seeing progress on construction at Matthewsgreen continuing ahead of it being due to open next year.”

Hester Wooller, chief executive at The Keys Academy Trust, added: “We have been working closely with the council and the contractors during the last year.

“We are delighted to have the opening date of September 2022 confirmed and we will be launching the school’s website with information about the school and inviting prospective parents to a series of open events in the summer and autumn terms later in 2021.”

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Bright sparks wanted

and enjoy precious time together.

Mr Starr-Padidar, who decided to stop shaving his beard when he began working from home in March 2020, said he became quite nervous to part with the facial hair.

“The night before the Big Shave felt like the first day back at school,” he said.

“I was looking at myself in the mirror, trying to make the most of the beard.

“But Saturday was really exciting and a nice, covid-safe congregation turned up outside our house to watch.

“We also put balloons up and just tried our best to raise as much

awareness and publicity for Sebastian’s Action Trust as possible.”

Looking back on the fundraiser, the Wokingham resident said he feels very overwhelmed by the community’s support. While aiming to raise £1,000 for the charity, he is now well on his way to hit the £3,000 mark.

“I just feel so very humbled and very proud,” Mr Starr-Padidar said.

“The fact that Sebastian's Action Trust came from the vision of a child, who will be more mature than I ever will because he is so selfless, is incredible.

“Big up the local community.”

Now, Mr Starr-Padidar said he is enjoying life without the beard and was even able to try a crepe from Joy Cafe on Saturday afternoon, which he has been craving for months.

“After the Big Shave, I went straight to the cafe and ordered the biggest crepe I could find,” he said. “It didn’t even hit the sides of my mouth.

“It feels quite liberating to live without the beard now too - I’m like a bird flying free from its cage.”

Now, even though the Big Shave has been and gone, the resident will

continue to fundraise for Sebastian’s Action Trust – and if he manages to raise £5,000, he plans to shave his head.

“This means the clippers are still on standby,” Mr Starr-Padidar said.

“But I’m already so proud of what we’ve achieved, the support we’ve received, and the laughter we’ve had.

“If you want to improve the world, start with your own community.” � To donate to Mr Starr-Padidar’s fundraiser, visit: justgiving.com/ fundraising/sas-starr Pictures: Steve Smyth

Bloom volunteer call Day centre reopens doors A HORTICULTURAL group is on the hunt for any residents with green fingers Wokingham in Bloom is looking for volunteers to help develop new green sites in the borough.

The group, which launched in 2013, is part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s community gardening campaign which has more than 25,000 volunteers across the country.

Now, the team wants to support more of the local wildlife but needs some extra pairs of helping hands.

Keith Warwick, aged 80, is one of Wokingham in Bloom’s newest volunteers. He has been busy helping spruce up Howard Palmer Gardens.

“I love the camaraderie of working with the other volunteers at Wokingham in Bloom,” he said.

“I like to keep myself physically active and enjoy the instant results of making things look nice.

“I’ve started to enjoy learning more about plants as well.”

Wokingham in Bloom is looking for volunteers to offer 30 minutes each week for watering and planting across the borough.

It is also looking for people willing to help with some of its larger projects, and no experience is necessary.

For more information, contact marketandbloom@ wokingham-tc.gov.uk

WADE Day Centre reopened its doors for the first time since the latest lockdown restrictions were introduced.

The day centre, on Wokingham’s Reading Road, supports residents aged 60 and over with a team of professional carers.

It offers a range of activities and support services.

A spokesperson for WADE said the team are delighted to be working with the community again.

“We have missed you all,” they said.

WADE Day Centre is currently welcoming 15 day-visit members per day, in order to adhere to social distancing measures.

To find out more about WADE, visit: wadecentre.org.uk

THE BOROUGH council wants to hear from residents on all things electric.

To understand which areas in the borough would benefit most from electric vehicle charging points, it wants the community, businesses and visitors to share their views.

It has launched an online survey to gather feedback, which will be used to plan where to locate new charging spots.

The responses will also be used to demonstrate there is a demand for more charging points in Wokingham, because the council plans to seek funding from an on-street residential chargepoint scheme.

Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said: “We’re dedicated to making active travel more accessible to our residents, businesses and visitors across the borough, but we realise that this may not be appropriate for every journey you need to take.

“We want to help make sustainable transport like electric vehicles a valid consideration within the borough and we want to understand how we can help to achieve this.”

The Government announced last year that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars would end in the UK by 2030.

Two years ago, Wokingham Borough Council also declared a climate emergency and its plan to become carbon neutral by 2030.

The council is currently working towards eight key steps to reduce its carbon emissions, including transport, generating more renewable electricity, and creating a local plan dedicated to net zero construction and infrastructure.

To complete the survey, visit: www.wokingham.gov.uk and search for consultations.

Mast application rejection THE APPLICATION for a 4G mast in Knoll Farm has been rejected, following a resident petition.

On behalf of EE, technology company Harlequin Group applied to build the mast off Gipsy Lane in January.

The council rejected the application, and cited the petition, which gathered more than 350 signatures, as one of the reasons. Other concerns included the impact on the nearby trees, impact on the South Wokingham Strategic Development Location, and lack of looking for alternative sites.

At the time, Cllr Maria Gee, ward councillor for Wescott, was worried the development could impact the conservation area near the Emm Brook.

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12 | NEWS

Thames Hospice reaches £6m fundraising target � Continued from front page

Shinfield Studios plans £100 million investment A NEW film studio could bring £100 million of inwards investment to Wokingham borough, writes Jess Warren.

Last night, the council’s planning committee discussed an application to build the first phase of Shinfield Studios.

Based in Thames Valley Science Park, off the Eastern Relief Road in Shinfield, the first phase is a temporary application to build a studio space for five years.

A spokesperson for Shinfield Studios said the reason for pushing forward with a shortterm application, is because a Hollywood based production company wants to start filming

by September this year.

Once the initial plan is in

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

place, Shinfield Studios then aims to follow-up with the main application for the wider film and TV studio site.

The entire site is estimated to create around 3,000 jobs, and bring inward investment of £500 million each year.

The company spokesperson said the initial application alone would bring 600 jobs, and 220 construction jobs to the area.

Shinfield Studios hopes to incorporate the first application into the wider plan, and said the two “complement each other”.

Shinfield Studios is expected to cost more than £200 million to create according to Nick Smith, the managing director.

“We must build on this incredible swell of support, ensuring that the new hospice has the funds and resources it needs to provide urgent care for patients and their loved ones now and into the future,” Ms Raven said.

“Many of us will know someone who could benefit from hospice care at some point in our lives, so Thames Hospice is critical frontline support for the local community.”

Over the coming year, the charity aims to reopen all of its day therapy and wellbeing

services. It also plans to open its on-site shop and cafe, and its 22 high-street shops, as lockdown restrictions ease.

Ms Raven said thanks to the community’s generosity, more patients can now access beds when ill and can “die with dignity”.

“After this terrible year, everyone understands the importance of care when facing a bereavement,” she added.

“Once restrictions are eased, please visit us and take a moment to feel proud of what you have achieved — the power to look after those who need it.”

Bath time made easy

SQUEAKY CLEAN: Owners can now hose off their pups after a walk at Dinton Picture: Polygon Pets

MUCKY PUPS can now enjoy bath time before they get home, thanks to a new dog washing station.

Installed at Dinton Pastures last weekend, the dog wash machine has a warm water hose, a range of shampoos, and dryer.

Users can choose how many minutes they need, and the machine also accepts contactless card payments.

It was created by Polygon Pets, and is one of 11 washing stations in the country.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We are delighted to be working alongside the friendly team at Dinton Pastures to introduce our new service within the park for local residents and visitors alike.

“Feedback is always encouraging - we love to hear that our self-service Dog Wash machines truly make life easier. Dinton Pastures is a beautiful setting — perfect for dog walks and has a great range of activities for all the family.”

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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Charity’s egg decorating contest KALEIDOSCOPIC UK is running an Easter egg competition with chocolate prizes.

The borough-based domestic abuse charity is encouraging people to get crafty and create an egg design.

Entries can be drawn, painted, cooked, made of clay, paper mache, lego or anything else to hand.

Photographs should be emailed in with the entrant’s name, age and a suitable contact number. Categories are under 5s, 5-8, 9-11, 12-14 and 15-18.

The competition is free and a winner and four runners up will be chosen per category. Each winner will receive a giant chocolate egg, and runners up a medium chocolate egg.

Charity founder Vickie Robertson, said: “Our patron Michelle Jordan will be picking the winners.

“And a huge thanks to Tesco for providing lots of the prizes.”

To enter, email a picture to kaleidoscopicuk@gmail.com by Tuesday, April 13.

History group looks for stories A HISTORY group is on the lookout for residents with a story to tell.

Winnersh and District History Working Group is keen to hear from residents, past and present, with tales or treasures to share.

The team wants to collect and archive

information to preserve it for future generations.

Anybody with a story to tell, and those interested in volunteering for the Group, should email history@winnersh.gov.uk for more information.

Easter egg hunt planned for families THIS scavenger hunt is fun for all the family.

On Saturday, April 3, an Easter Egg hunt is taking place in Charvil and Sonning for household groups.

Residents will be sent on a trail around the village guided by a handy

clue sheet, with Easter Eggs awarded at the finish line.

The event is running between 10am and 12pm, and entry is free.

To register interest, contact youthmininster@sonningparish.org.uk.

Residents must include which village hunt they will be taking part in.

Earley man pleads not guilty AN EARLEY man accused of knife crime has pleaded not guilty.

Eddie Beaumont, aged 64, of Finch Road, was charged on Tuesday, March 16, with a single count of possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Thames Valley Police said that it

relates to an incident which occurred on Monday, March 15, in Whitley Street, Reading.

Beaumont appeared at Reading Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday last week where he entered his plea.

His next court appearance will be on June 1.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

Students aim to make growing food easier EXCLUSIVE

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today STUDENTS have launched a new project to encourage residents to grow their food indoors.

The Hectar project aims to remind people of ways to grow their food locally without the help of smart gardening products.

Wokingham-based Felix Wieberneit and Simone Suresh have designed a hydroponic vertical farm which is free for residents in the borough to access online.

The pair hope that with the support of the community, their project will educate people about their way of growing food in an easy, accessible way.

The Hectar hydroponics unit can grow up to 120 plants in a space the size of a cupboard.

The design of the unit means it can be built using standard parts from local hardware stores.

Simone, co-founder of the Hectar project, said: “I was one of the many people who started taking up gardening last year as a result of having to find new homebound hobbies.

“Come winter I didn't want to stop so I urged Felix to help me move the operation indoors.”

Inspired by successful open source companies in electronics and 3D printing, Hectar was set up for the students to

ULTIMATE HOME-GROWN: Felix Wieberneit and Simone Suresh have designed a vertical farm system

share their knowledge with others.

Co-founder of the project Felix said: “Through the Hectar project we are trying to nurture the next generation of local growers by being open source about our learning.

“We are determined to present hydroponics technology in an accessible and honest way that doesn't hide behind complicated technology jargon and subscription models.”

Teachers, makers and designers from the Reading Hackspace have shown their interest in building the unit themselves.

Felix and Simone hosted a pre-launch

event on Monday evening last week to present their new unit to people who are interested in testing it out.

Over the coming months, the beta testers will be helping them develop and improve the design of the unit to make the project successful.

After being selected as one of 25 companies to be part of the Imperial College venture catalyst accelerator programme, Felix and Simone want local’s help to support their project. � More information on the Hectar project can be found by logging on to hectar.co.uk.

Hats on for the Hookers!

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

CROCHET hats have been spotted on post boxes to brighten up people’s lockdown.

The Barkham Hookers crochet group have been making colourful post box covers in the area for families to enjoy.

Sarah Phillips, one of the group’s members, started the idea by making a couple of hats for fun as part of book week.

After receiving a positive response from the community the group decided to turn it into a bigger project.

Gaynor White, founder of the Barkham Hookers, said: “It’s nice to see when people have

discovered one of our post box hats and we try to go out when it’s dark which makes it more fun for families to find them the next day.

“We wanted to create this as a fun thing to brighten things up and the children seem to enjoy getting involved too.”

The project is linked to Wokingham-based charity, Dingley’s Promise, to support their work with young children with special needs.

The covers have a QR code on them for people to donate to the charity.

Jo Evans, fundraising manager at Dingley’s Promise, said: “The amazing crochet work has not only brightened many people’s day during the pandemic, but also increased much needed awareness of our charity.

“We are thrilled to be part of such an innovative project.” � To find out more about the project visit The Barkham Hookers Charity page on Facebook.

Search on for stars of the month READING Buses is on the lookout for more stellar frontline heroes.

The bus operator, which runs services across Wokingham borough, has revived its Star of the Month Awards ito recognise its employees’ hard work.

With the past year dominated by the pandemic, it replaced the monthly scheme with a Star of the Year ceremony, which took place in January.

Now, Reading Buses is

restarting its monthly awards programme and is asking customers, employees and managers to nominate their frontline heroes from within the company.

It is looking for anybody who has been “consistently excellent, gone the extra mile or done something above and beyond”.

Robert Williams, CEO of Reading Buses, said: “After the success of the GEM Awards this January we decided that the time was right to bring back

our Star of the Month scheme to help recognise the hard work and dedication of our wonderful employees.

“We are looking for any of our amazing employees who have gone the extra mile to make your journey amazing; dazzled you with their kindness; gone beyond the call of duty; or done something remarkable.”

The first winners of this year’s Star of the Month Awards will be announced next month.

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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SCHOOL PLACES

Surprise for parents as some pupils admitted to Piggott

By SUE CORCORAN news@wokingham.today PARENTS battling for places at their local secondary school had surprise good news this week – 25 children have been offered spaces there.

Wokingham Borough Council yesterday revealed 19 extra places have been created at the school. In addition, six other places have been offered to other children on the waiting list.

It means though that there are still lots of children, many living in the school’s catchment area, still on the list.

Of 159 children on the original waiting list for the Piggott School at Twyford, 58 lived in the catchment area but had no sibling at the school.

Twyford parents battling for places had worked out that 25 places had been offered earlier this week.

Their spokesperson said: “From our perspective this is great news and we are pleased that Piggott and the council have worked together to find

Parents’ questions answered A PARENT who sent in parents’ questions about the Piggott places allocation has had replies from Wokingham Borough Council children’s services director Carol Cammiss.

The director referred to the increased demand in the area for secondary places.

In the letter, written before the places were offered this week, she said that increased demand this year could mean children in south Twyford being left without Piggott places, but places at other schools.

She said it was likely the places issue would continue for a number of years. Though there was good evidence “local demand will fall sharply from 2026 onwards, indicating a permanent increase in capacity may be inappropriate,” she said.

The council had found places for all children using available space, in accessible schools.

“These may not be parents’ preferred schools, but they are good schools, where we can be confident children will thrive,” she added.

Parents asked about travel to school.

One said: “There is no safe walking route to Waingels from here.”

Walking down an unlit road in the dark was unacceptable for an adult, let alone a child.

a resolution for us as we always felt we were the innocent victims of wider policy decisions that did not support the local communities.

"We hope that the Piggott will be given additional funding to support this additional number of students and we thanks them for doing this.

"This issue has raised many questions and concerns as to the planning for secondary places and we hope a review will take place so that parents next year and in future years won't be in the same awful situation as us."

This week’s offers were a sudden surprise to parents. The spokesman said: “It’s really odd, I’d been told it was a really long process.

“There are worries now that no more places will be offered. But some parents now feel they are near the top of the new list.”

The spokesperson reminded parents about the March 31 deadline for appeals for places.

They added: “As a group of parents we are working together to

help the other parents with children still on the waiting list to get places."

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, said yesterday: “The published admissions number for The Piggott School is 206 but 225 children have now been allocated to the school.

“After ongoing discussions with the school, the headteacher and its academy trust, they have agreed to take an additional 19 pupils this year. These places have been filled by those at the top of the wait list and families were contacted earlier this week.”

The School Admission Code 2014 allowed admission authorities to admit above their admission number during the admissions process to meet parental demand.

“We have also had several families which were offered places but have subsequently refused their place in order to go elsewhere.

“Therefore, we have been able to offer some additional places to those on the wait list. Any further places

which become available will be because an applicant has now refused the place they were initially offered at The Piggott School.”

Last week area MP Theresa May said she was taking up the issue of secondary school places locally with the council again. Yesterday morning she was waiting to hear from them. The Piggott School headteacher Derren Gray and Governors Chair Richard Thiele had not replied to Wokingham.Today requests for comment before we went to press.

Councillor Lindsay Ferris (Twyford Lib Dem) said: “We can’t have this situation [about school allocations] happening again. If there is a change of administration in May’s elections and Lib Dems are in control we would want to have a much clearer, more open approach to what happens.”

He added: “The Piggott needs to think through its position regarding its two traditional feeder schools, Polehampton and Colleton.”

Carol Cammiss said children would be given transport to their closest available school and if it was more than three miles away by a safe route.

Roads used did not have to be lit.

Each child’s case would be considered individually. Parts of Twyford were within walking distance of Waingels, so children from there would not be eligible for transport. Twyford was served by a range of buses.

Parents asked if The Piggott had been offered enough funding to accommodate extra pupils.

The director said the school had proposed an additional number of places which was twice that suggested by the council.

There was a risk that numbers would have ended up so that the council would had to make

additional payments to the school and more accommodation would be needed. These would have been challenging for the council to provide.

Parents complained they were not consulted about giving 15 Crazies Hill children the right to Piggott places.

The director said the parents should ask the Piggott about this as the school had run the consultation.

A parent said the admissions policy was changed after parents had applied. “Is this fair or right?” they asked. The director said the school had a legal duty to comply with the School Adjudicator’s decision.

The parents’ spokesperson said: “We did not feel the answers to the parents’ questions cared. They were

dismissive. These children are expected to walk 2.7 miles down unlit roads.” One route involved a road flooded by the River Loddon in winter.

“We are curious to know what the Piggott offered. They did propose to solve the [places] problem in some way. The council should plan and provide for additional need in the area. Our children shouldn’t be disadvantaged.”

And the spokesperson added: “Twyford’s buses are not regular at all.” Parents had been completely blindsided by the reduction in Piggott places caused by allowing 15 automatic places for Crazies Hill children.”

The spokesperson praised the council’s admissions department for their help.

NEWS | 15

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16 | NEWS

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS Plans for new nature reserve announced A NEW nature reserve may be established in Lower Earley, to protect wildlife living in the area.

The Earley Environmental Group has submitted a proposal to the borough council for a reserve running from The Grove at Shinfield Road to Loddon Bridge on Wokingham Road.

It would be bounded by Lower Earley to the north, and to the south by the M4 and River Loddon.

Earley Town Council’s Amenities and Leisure Committee recently gave its unanimous support to the plan, and the town council has written to Wokingham Borough

Council stating its support.

If accepted, it would go to Natural England for legal adoption.

By declaring the site as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) – a place to learn, explore and play, giving significant mental and physical health benefits – the environmental group hopes to also establish relationships with national and local nature conservation organisations, invite residents to look after their environment and protect the site from development.

It is hoped the site would also contribute towards the borough’s sustainable environmental policies.

Town council starts work on local plan EARLEY TOWN Council has revised its priorities for its town plan.

The new document, Earley Town Plan 2021, will be revised every two years and residents are encouraged to share their ideas each time.

It covers topics including management of public spaces, climate issues and its role in the planning process.

The new document has been sent to the Earley

Environmental Group, Maiden Erlegh Residents Association (MERA) and Whitegates Residents Association (ACER) who have been invited to comment.

Other residents and local groups can find all the information on the Earley Town Council website.

Comments can be emailed to administration@earley-tc.gov.uk For more information, visit: www.earley-tc.gov.uk/2021/03/15/ new-town-plan-for-earley

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William’s epic runs for Me2Club

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today A RUNNER will be racing to the finish line in not one but two fundraising feats this year.

William Bevis will be taking part in two different running challenges to raise money for the Me2Club, a Woodley-based charity supporting children and young people with additional needs and disabilities.

He has chosen to support the Me2Club to show the importance of ensuring children with disabilities are still able to experience everyday activities.

The first challenge William will run is the 100km (62 mile) Dixons Carphone Race to the Stones which will start in Lewknor and finish in Avebury.

Following The Ridgeway, the oldest path in the country, William aims to complete the route on Saturday, July 10.

William will also be taking part in the virtual London marathon, being held on Sunday, October 3, where he will be joined by 50,000 other participants to run 26.2 miles wherever they are in the world.

After a few weeks off training in December, William gained motivation in the New Year to get moving again and now aims to run a distance of 50-60km each week.

William said: “I usually train around four to five times a week making the runs longer and working at a higher intensity each time.

“I’ve still got a lot of work to do but I’m really excited to take on the challenge and raising money for the Me2Club charity has given me that drive to get to the end.”

Setting himself a fundraising goal of £1,000, William is hoping that with the support of the community he will be able to reach that

JOG ON: William Bevis is in training for two diffeent running challenges to help the work of Woodley’s Me2Club, which helps children additional needs to enjoy everyday activities such as Scouts and other clubs

target by October.

He added: “It’s a great opportunity to support this charity and the work they do for children and I hope by doing this challenge it will encourage more people to help them too.”

Shaun Polley, chief executive officer for the Me2Club, said: “It’s really clear that Will is as passionate as us about making sure that children and teenagers with additional

needs have the same opportunities as their peers.

“We’re really grateful for Will’s support in helping us raise vital funds that will enable us to recruit and train high quality, passionate volunteers who will help make sure all children can take part in mainstream leisure activities.”

To support William’s fundraising efforts log on to w w w. j u s t g i v i n g . c o m / fundraising/william-bevis1

Care home’s dementia training A LOWER EARLEY care home has been getting friendly with dementia.

Residents at Austen House have been invited to become Dementia Friends in a bid to support others living with the syndrome.

The initiative is being supported by volunteers from Alzheimer’s Society, which has been running training sessions up and down the country to change people’s perceptions of dementia.

A session was recently held for Austen House residents, who learnt about the small ways they can help those living with the condition.

Natsay Dunira, general manager at the care home, said: “We’re really looking forward to making more Dementia Friends in our local community.

“The condition itself can be quite lonely and frightening, and the more understanding we have the better.

“Our team here at Austen House are always available to provide support and advice about care to anyone who needs it.” � RESIDENTS are “over the moon” after reconnecting with their loved ones indoors.

They have been able to reunite with one family member in their bedrooms.

Mr Zaheer, a resident at Austen House, said seeing his

FRIENDLY: A resident from Aysten House after receiving training from the Alzheimer’s Society

wife from the comfort of his room was “a special moment”.

“The staff here have been so wonderful supporting me to use video calls, having window visits and creating the visiting suite so I could keep in touch with my family, but nothing beats seeing my wife [in person],” he said.

A spokesperson for Barchester Healthcare, which runs Austen House care home, said it is proceeding with a “safe and cautious” approach to visiting.

All visitors must have a negative lateral flow test before entering the home, and social

distancing rules are in force.

Ms Dunira said: “This is the first cautious step towards having a buzz of visitors in the home again.

“It was wonderful to see how happy it made the residents and their relatives.”

Austen House currently has a booking system in place to make sure visitors can follow the covid safety measures.

For those that are not able to come inside the home we are pleased to be able to continue to offer visits in our visiting suites or outdoors when the weather allows,” Ms Dunira added.

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

NEWS | 17

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‘Don’t use school as a polling station’

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today PARENTS of children at Oaklands Infant and Junior Schools in Crowthorne are calling on the council to choose a different location for the polling station.

A taste of summer ICE WORK: Ellie Parry, Penny Kennedy and Charlotte Madison ready to serve up ice cream and coffee thanks to the Jackson'’ California Lake Cafe Picture: Steve Smyth A TASTE of summer has come to Finchampstead, writes Charlotte King.

Jackson’s California Lake café reopened its ice cream hut earlier this month to make sure residents can satisfy their sweet tooth cravings, and it’s just what the doctor ordered, Penny Kennedy, café manager, said she is excited to see it up and running again.

“It brings a feeling of warmer days ahead and some normality coming back after the year long pandemic we have lived through,” she said.

“It’s also great being able to interact with all the customers and see the kids get excited about the different Yarde Farm ice cream flavours we have available.”

The café’s ice cream hut has now been open for two weekends running, and Ms Kennedy said it is already proving popular.

“We noticed about a month ago there was a big uptake in ice cream sales at the café, so we decided that it was definitely time to open up the hut for our ever popular soft scoop flavours,” she explained.

“We also thought it would be

helpful for the hut to be open at the weekends as we are able to serve coffee from it too, which will hopefully alleviate some of the pressure off of the usual coffee rush at the café.”

Anybody craving an ice cream cone of their own can turn up on the day, and covid-safety measures are in force.

The hut is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11am until 4.30pm, weather permitting, and is located in California Country Park. � For more information, search for ‘Jackson’s California Lake’ on Facebook.

The site has been selected as the Wokingham Without polling station, for the local elections on Thursday, May 6.

Lee Godwin, who has two children at the school, created a petition against the location choice. He said closing the schools and a nursery would “deny approximately 450 children another day of education”.

“In this year of Covid and the amount of school days lost, I can’t believe they are even considering closing the school again,” he added.

New rector for parish

“Not to mention the contamination risk and cost of deep cleaning so the school can open again on Friday.

Residents signing the petition cited “bringing potential covid germs” onto the premises as a concern, combined with “disrupting” education.

It has gathered more than 480 signatures so far.

Mr Godwin suggested alternative venues including

THE PARISH of Finchampstead and California is to welcome a new rector.

The Revd Dr Leonard Onugha, his wife Joanna, and their three teenage children, will move in towards the end of July, to tie in with St James’ Day. “I am excited by the opportunity to reach out into the community in

Pinewood and East Berkshire Golf Club.

“This could utilise existing buildings or use a marquee and a number of traffic marshall’s if required,” he said.

A spokesperson for the borough council said: “We appreciate the need to minimise any further disruption to children and young peoples’ education and are working closely with the governors of Oaklands School to achieve this.

“The council continues to assess the limited alternative accessible polling places in Wokingham Without ward that could safely accommodate voters, candidates, agents and staff on May 6.

“At the current time, Oaklands School remains the designated polling place for voters in Wokingham Without ward.”

engaging ways as we regather following the difficulties of the last year," said Dr Onugha.

"I would be especially pleased for us to be well placed to embrace the new families that are moving into the parish.”

He is currently a curate serving in Emmer Green, Caversham.

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH

A year on: plenty of lessons to learn

THIS week marks the first anniversary of lockdown. It’s not a milestone many of us wish to celebrate.

It has been a grim year, with families and friends separated. Loved ones have been taken from us. The economic cost still needs to be counted. Education has been difficult, home schooling or no schooling.

Dreams have been put on hold: weddings cancelled, anniversaries unmarked, holidays pulled and hair left uncut.

We’re at the stage where people fantasise about the mundane. Even pulling teeth at the dentist seems like an exotic day out.

While there does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to the NHS’s amazing work with the vaccine roll-out and the new lateral flow tests that can be carried out at home, the talk of a third wave is disconcerting and dismaying.

However, it is even more disappointing that Boris Johnson has refused efforts to launch an inquiry into the early stages of the pandemic.

There is much we need to learn and improve on quickly in case a similar virus strikes us again.

We have to ensure that the right systems are in place to protect us, from PPE, track and trace and ways to manage lockdowns. That can only come from an investigation – it is needed now.

CHURCH NOTES

Reconnections

I

WRITE this as we reflect that it has been a whole year since we first went into lockdown.

We have faced a lot of disconnection over the last 12 months, and as we see the light and hope gleaming on the horizon of doing life together again, it does not come without this sense of awareness of those in our local community who are suffering from isolation and loneliness.

There is something precious about doing life together and this pandemic has shown us more than ever our reliance on our neighbours and community, and for me, God’s love.

Through God’s love, no one can fall through the cracks of isolation. If you find yourself feeling lonely or disconnected, be encouraged that God’s love reaches out to you.

His love knows no limits. In fact, it is through these gaps and cracks that God’s light pours through more abundantly than ever if you let it.

Yes, there is beauty in our wholeness and our togetherness. But even in our darkest moments of loneliness, God’s love is there shining through.

So, my prayer for you is that you find hope and know love this week; a hope knowing that God’s love reaches beyond all these earthly divisions.

Romans 8: 38-39: “For I am convinced, that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Savannah Cook is pioneer minister in training at Wokingham Baptist Church, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham

Your letters

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

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In this local election, focus on the local issues Councillors, I am calling on you to make the upcoming local election about local issues .

In previous years your flyers have had input on national issues.

As a local voter I do not want to be told what your parties are fighting or doing on a national level.

If you are struggling I can give you a few pointers. � What is being done about social houses for persons who need them and cannot do affordable � What is happening about social care � Climate change emergency � Solar panels on new builds from a set date a policy � Solar on council owned buildings � Air source heating on new build from a set date a policy � Action on speeding not the stock answer this is a police issue our council needs to work with police to find solutions � Increase of Doctors surgery so we can get a appointment quickly I am sure readers of Wokingham.Today could add to this list.

Perhaps there are people out without a political bias that would like to be a independent candidate Rod Needs, Wokingham

On the level It’s interesting to see the Conservative party and how it operates at national and local level.

At national level, the health secretary is linked to his friend, Alex Bourne, whose expertise is running a pub and his company, Hinpack, miraculously landed a £30 million contract to supply the NHS. At local leevl, the Conservative-run Wokingham Borough Council has a toxic culture where they don’t speak to or work with other councillors for the good of the borough’s residents.

I question this approach and say it is unhealthy.

E

It was really fascinating to see on my Monday walk, the old Wokingham footbridge framework without all the plastic sheeting and stonework. The bridge is currently being refurbished.

Ian Hydon, Wokingham How much debt is building up?

How many housing developers are making money in the borough with contracts being signed with friends who are happy to have far too many homes built with too little infrastructure to support the new population moving in?

Conservatives … who’d have them?

Who’d vote for them? I won’t.

Re: Cllr Lindsay Ferris’ excellent letter on the Wokingham Borough local plan.

Building 16,000 new homes in the area is of concern but not to greedy developers who would like to see 900 homes per year being built.

ARLY Spring is now upon us and the days are thankfully starting to get lighter again.

Given the ongoing lockdown, the Winter has seemed particularly long, but I am confident that the Government's Roadmap will ease our path to recovery and that the vaccination programme will continue at its remarkable pace.

I am about to have my first jab in Bracknell and I know that I can speak for everyone by expressing my thanks and admiration to all NHS and care staff for the wider effort. This has been a world leading and unprecedented success.

In Westminster, I cannot recall a busier tempo during my short time as a MP. Having been asked to chair the Armed Forces Bill Select Committee, this has fixed me for the past few weeks, but I have enjoyed bringing this bill to statute. Working collaboratively with Labour and the SNP has proven to be worthwhile and I have learned much about Parliamentary procedure.

Beyond this, the Government is pressing ahead with its manifesto promises. The UK faces many challenges right now, not least Covid-19, but I am confident that we will bounce back quickly. Our vaccination programme also means that we should be able to lift restrictions soon and adopt a less risk averse posture but as always, we follow the science.

In recent weeks, the new Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill has attracted a lot of attention. In

Hurst, Shinfield, Charvil, Arborfield, Sindlesham … the list goes on.

Why don’t they ever put in more infrastructure?

It may be we are seeing our local areas change forever.

We need a council really committed to sustainable development and, with the climate emergency in mind, more and more new houses with no local infrastructure put in will not do it.

Greg Bello, Woodley

some areas of Wokingham that is blighting the lives of residents.

Please report the noise when it is heard and every time it is a nuisance The contact numbers for the agencies to contact are as follows; Environment Agency Incident line 0800 807060 (freephone number, all personal data is protected).

Environmental Health 01635 503242 Name and address supplied

Reporting noise pollution in your area

Keep picking up

There has been a substantial increase in daily industrial noise pollution in

Westminster That was the week Diary

Tony Johnson James Sunderland

response to a clear mandate from the electorate, the Government has promised to get tougher on law and order and few would disagree that this is the right thing to do.

The appalling murder of Sarah Everard has brought into focus that yet more needs to be done to protect women and girls. It is of course wrong that anyone should live in fear and I have been working with Thames Valley Police to ensure that there is always a maximum police presence on the ground.

The Domestic Abuse Bill, which is soon to be passed into law, will also show that the Government has zero tolerance to those who perpetuate violence. Please do report crimes, even if you may not want to.

Lastly, and contrary to what some people have been led to believe, there is no question that the right to protest is enshrined in UK law and that peaceful activities will always be permitted.

This is been a fundamental premise of the freedoms

With reference to the article about Tidy Tony's litter picking team (Wokingham.Today, March 18), I do the

that we enjoy and long may it continue.

I would however urge readers not to conflate the recent peace vigil on Clapham Common with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.

The decision by the Metropolitan Police to disperse people from the bandstand was made in line with Coronavirus legislation and has nothing to do with any new powers.

People were asked repeatedly to move on after several hours, it is known from reports already received by the Police that the atmosphere had become more hostile, that the vigil had been hijacked by divisive elements and that a total of 24 Police – including women – had been assaulted.

To be clear, the new bill does give new powers to the Home Secretary, the Police and local stakeholders to limit or restrict protests where there is a legitimate threat to others, property and life or where the actions of a vociferous minority affect wider freedoms and democracy.

We have seen many examples of this, notably in London, and most law-abiding people I speak to are fed up with it. The images of statues being ripped down, war memorials being vandalised, ambulances being prevented from getting to hospital, people unable to get to work, wanton destruction and appalling abuse of our Police require no explanation.

So this is actually about the silent majority, not the lawless minority.

James Sunderland is the MP for Bracknell

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

same, as do several others, around Keephatch area.

Where I agree it is satisfying it is also very depressing that there is so much litter to pick, and to know our fellow residents or visitors are not disposing of it properly.

Today, within quarter of a mile I collected 20 glass bottles, a sack full of non-recyclable rubbish e.g. sweet wrappers, cups and of course dog’s mess bags), and a whole black box full of cans and plastic bottles for recycling.

I'd much prefer not to have to do this, but I do so to help protect our wildlife, environment, and the planet. I know there's lots that is buried that I miss, and is poisoning our earth and seas, so as a plea to 'whom it may concern' PLEASE take your bottles, cans, wrappers, trays, takeaway cups, dog poo, etc, etc, home with you, and make Wokingham and beyond a safer place to live.

Juliet, Keephatch

(Green bags) Blowin’ in the wind How many roads must the bags blow down Bags that cost three hundred grand?

How many streets must those green bags sail Before we all take a stand?

Yes, and how many times must the green bags take flight Before they're forever banned?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind The answer is blowin' in the wind.

Yes, and how many years will used green bags persist In a dump, landfill or the sea?

And how many years must the green bags exist Before we say they’re idiocy?

Yes, and how many times will the council turn away And pretend that it just doesn't see?

The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind

The answer is blowin' in the wind Cllr Maria Gee, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Wesco‫ מּ‬Ward, Wokingham Borough Council

30 year anniversary of crisis house My thirty year history of the Wokingham Crisis House – sequel to my 25 year history – is now published, in time for our March 2021 anniversary.

It is entitled There’s A Place For Us – Thirty Year History Of The Wokingham Mental Health Crisis House – Told Through Stories And Songs.

This was my original idea – 30 years ago – to create a place of sanctuary.

In Wokingham, you have people who have done very well in life, but say a person’s business begins to fail, his wife dies of cancer, and his only son is killed in a skiing accident – all in the space of a year.

This causes a mental breakdown, and the only place available to him, was the mental hospital.

There, very disturbed patients are slitting their wrists, and bleeding all over the place; they are screaming in their distress.

Such a person can get his life back on track, given a place of quiet tranquility – hence the Wokingham Crisis House.

One such person features in both my books, because he illustrated the point, so perfectly.

This man’s business started to fail, and his marriage broke down – both within a short space of time, so he attempted suicide.

He was Sectioned into the mental hospital, and when he saw the terribly ill, and broken down patients, around him, he feared that he would end up in the same state.

Under the Mental Health Act, alternative places must be considered, by law, so he begged for somewhere else, and was brought to the crisis

house.

He stayed for exactly one year.

In those days he could park his van outside Station House, so he quickly reestablished his business contacts in Wokingham.

He found a new partner – out in the normal world, and eventually they moved into a flat, together, fully restored to health, and with his business flourishing, once again.

There’s A Place For Us – a most romantic title song, from West Side Story.

Other of the 120 songs that enliven my narrative, are somewhat less romantic – such as – You’ve Got To Have Something In The Bank, Frank!

My Thirty Year History is on Amazon, and is available, price £11.99, from the Publishers, The June Press, P.O Box 119, Totnes, Devon. TQ9 7WA. Telephone – 08456 120175. E-mail – info@junepress.com Pam Jenkinson, The Wokingham Crisis House

Poetry corner extra: The Census 2021 I’ve just completed the Census A marathon On Line for me I was glad to get it finished Then relax with a cup of tea.

The details I was asked for Kept me busy for some time.

At last all questions answered And none did I decline.

I hope you’ve done your Census It’s a task we’ve all to do And if I’ve been able to do it I’m sure you’re able too.

Jim Horsnell, Wokingham

Living with breast cancer Living with or beyond breast cancer is never easy – treatment, scans and the physical and mental impacts can take their toll.

Entering the first national lockdown a year ago today, people affected by

From the chamber Concerns That was Frewin theJim week for residents Cllr Tony Johnson mental wellbeing

I

T might be difficult to see how a local plan can be a mental health risk but yet again Shinfield residents are being targeted by Wokingham’s unequal planning process.

Another few thousand houses being already indicated as directed towards the Shinfield area via the latest local plan update.

This on top of the already thousands of houses over and above the original agreed strategic plans, a huge British Museum warehouse and a film studio.

The vast majority of this on working farm land owned by a single land owner and being built by a single development consortium.

The local plan ‘call for sites’ gathered over 300 site proposals, yet it would appear there are only two options.

How has that been achieved?

What due diligence has been

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applied to all the other landowners and sites?

It is already being indicated that there is no choice. Just like Grazeley, no transparency and decided behind closed doors.

So how does this impact resident’s mental well-being?

There are currently multiple simultaneous large developments, across Shinfield, all in progress at the same time with more to be squeezed in this year.

Imagine how it must feel to finally see a possible end to lockdown only to find you cannot sit in your garden, due to constant developer noise and disruption.

Not just from one site but from multiple sites, all within earshot of each other.

Imagine construction traffic from multiple sites, using the same local roads, morning and night.

Not just this summer or even this year but for the next five, six or seven or more years.

It is little wonder that residents are feeling the strain.

Once planning is approved, agreements from approved plans are subject to subsequent nonconsulted changes or simply ignored.

Residents simply cannot trust what is approved.

Add to these multiple examples of inconsiderate developer practices such as working outside of agreed hours, removing trees shown as retained, not installing things like noise reduction fencing, contractors being verbally aggressive or antisocial towards residents, parking of huge machinery and vehicles across existing driveways or footpaths etc.

Plus, issues such as repeated sewerage flooding, inconsistent water pressures, power cuts etc and perhaps you can understand resident’s anxiety levels.

What support do residents get with these issues?

breast cancer faced additional challenges, such as appointments and treatments being paused or cancelled, and at a time of social isolation and separation from loved ones.

As a Clinical Nurse Specialist on Breast Cancer Now’s Helpline, I hear daily how the pandemic has exacerbated an already worrying and uncertain time for people affected by breast cancer.

That’s why, when Covid-19 paused our face-to-face events and courses, we rapidly moved our services online, so that we could continue to be there for people who we know need our support now more than ever – our Online Services mean we’re one click away for anyone, at any time, following a breast cancer diagnosis.

Thanks to support received from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, our Moving Forward Online courses help people adjust to life after hospital treatment, offering specialist information and the chance to connect in a safe space with others who understand.

Through Younger Women Together Online, women aged up to 45 join small groups to meet and hear from experts on issues including treatment, fertility, exercise, and mental health.

For people living with incurable secondary breast cancer, we know how valuable it is to connect with others who share similar uncertainties and challenges, so our Living With Secondary Breast Cancer Online course is available 24/7, offering emotional wellbeing support and information.

No-one should face breast cancer alone; we’re always here, via our Helpline and our Online Services. Sign up now: breastcancernow.org/online-services Rachel Rawson, Breast Cancer Now Clinical Nurse Specialist

The answer is very little is available.

Enforcement is almost nonexistent.

It would appear responsibility for residents after planning approval is anywhere other than the local planning authority.

Officers tell me they are limited in what they can do, that it takes a lot of time and effort to investigate breaches and, even if developers are found in breach, the minimal fines are not a deterrent.

I actually believe this frustrates Officers as much as residents Wokingham’s planning appears to be unbalanced and not transparent.

It continues to focus on southern wards and appears to prioritise on a few landowners and developers.

It continues to focus the stresses of development on a few communities. It approves and then leaves residents with little support.

Is it time for a complete review of Wokingham’s planning system to get greater transparency, fairness and balance into local planning?

If for no other reason than to protect the mental well-being of Shinfield and Wokingham residents..

Cllr Jim Frewin is an independent councillor for Shinfield South at Wokingham Borough Council

From the executive Cllr Gregor Murray

The future of energy

T

HE climate emergency is one of the biggest challenges facing our Borough, our country, and the world.

While there is a long way to go before we have reversed the damage from climate change, there has been a lot of progress for us to be proud of.

Just a decade ago, 75% of the UK’s energy requirement came from fossil fuels, either coal or gas. Ten years later, more than half of our energy comes from ‘Low Carbon’ sources, with roughly 20% coming from wind alone.

Over the last decade, energy companies have been some of the most proactive in adopting ‘Green’ practises, in driving forward the decarbonisation agenda and, as a consequence, lowering the nation’s carbon footprint.

But we still face a challenge. The demand for energy in our everyday lives continues to grow, and, as new technologies become available and more commonplace, such as Electric Vehicles, our demand for energy is only going to increase further.

In Wokingham Borough, we are choosing to take action on energy as part of our Climate Emergency Action Plan. Many of you will have seen and participated in our recent consultation on building a solar farm in Barkham.

The proposed site on its own would be able to power around 6,000 houses, significantly reducing our carbon footprint in the process.

How that is possible? Surely the energy generated will only benefit houses signed up to ‘green energy tariffs’ and they may be in vastly distant areas of the nation? The answer is that this simply is not how our electricity grid works.

We have a national grid. Energy is generated and enters the national grid supply, to be used as and where it’s needed. No matter what energy tariff you are on, whether for a domestic or commercial property, you receive your energy from your nearest electricity substation, which receives it from the nearest energy generation site.

Energy doesn’t work like Amazon.

Just because you pay for a green tariff doesn’t mean you only receive ‘green energy’ at your house. That would require direct supply lines, linking point of generation to point of consumption. In the UK you get the energy from your nearest substation which gets it from its nearest generation site.

Because of this system, energy generated at a solar farm in Wokingham Borough would get sent to the nearest energy substation where it becomes part of the National Grid energy supply.

In turn, this energy would get directed to homes and properties nearby as and when required. This means that whether they are paying for a green tariff or not, homes nearby to a Wokingham Borough solar farm would utilise the energy generated at that site.

Because of this, we can also say that Wokingham Borough will benefit from the carbon savings that the solar farm creates.

Solar farms in Wokingham Borough will play a crucial role in tackling the climate emergency, cutting our carbon footprint and providing ‘green energy’ to nearby homes. I hope it won’t be long until we are generating electricity and feeding it into the national grid for the benefit of nearby homes and properties.

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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20 | NEWS

Think local

Rachel Bradley

There’s no time like the present

S

O it’s been a year. In some ways it feels way longer than 12 months since the start of lockdown.

In other ways I‘m left thinking, ‘Where did that time go?’

I think it’s fair to say that for most people the last year has been one of our hardest.

The whole world has suffered, as a national we’ve been locked in our homes, on a personal level we all know someone who has been directly affected by Covid.

My heart breaks for everyone and as a mum of two teenage boys, I’m sad for the things our kids have missed out on.

Those milestones of life – festivals, holidays, birthday parties and the pure joy of kicking a ball around with mates in the park.

All those times they’ve lost.

I think it’s okay to feel to sad about that.

So the anniversary of life in lockdown is an opportunity to look back and be aware of the things we have taken away.

I’ve not seen my family up North for what feels longer than 12 months.

I’ve worked from home in all that time and my husband’s business has been dealt a serious blow.

The children have spent far more time than they perhaps should on screens and their A-Level and GCSE exams have gone too.

But, one year on I think it’s also a great chance to reflect on all of the good things that have come out this time.

Things have been taken from us, but in their place we’ve been gifted some pretty special moments.

This is purely personal but I‘ve actually cherished the slower pace of life, I been so grateful having my children around.

I’ve enjoyed the more-regular-than-usual family movie nights, the Facetime calls to friends and family far away, and the daily walks through the woods.

We’ve all done things and accomplished things that I know for a fact we wouldn’t have done pre-lockdown. Because life was just too damn busy.

So as I navigate my way out of lockdown, I will do so with hope of better days ahead.

True, it’s still a long and uncertain path, so I will walk it with care.

But I know for certain that there are some things I want to take with me.

Time has played tricks on me, on us all perhaps, during lockdown.

Some days have felt endless, some weeks have passed in a flash.

The last 12 months have shades of a Twilight Zone about them. But one thing I know for certain is that time, no matter how it presents itself or how it feels, has become the most precious thing to me.

And those small little moments of time that I’ve leaned into over the last year, well those are moments that remind me just how wonderful time can be.

A Scout during the Second World War Reader Alan Sandall, who is 94, has been reflecting on his Second World War memories. Here’s his fascinating recollection

George and C their speci

By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today

W

A CAMPER van-loving couple from Wokingham have turned their dream into a reality during lockdown.

AR came into my life as a 12-year-old Boy Scout several busy days before the September 3 declaration, 1939.

Hapless young boys and girls, labels tied to their clothes, for identity, and clutching tiny bundles of possessions, came to our church hall in Reading. Evacuees escaping the expected blitz bombing of London.

My job to help guide them to homes – and new “mums and dads”.

I rode with the Mayor, in his posh limousine, taking him to back streets he would never visit.

I caused panic when I unloaded his newly issued Service gasmask as one of the bundles.

I hotfooted to retrieve it.

There was no wireless at the hall, so I pedalled home to hear the Prime Minister’s announcement.

I remember vividly, without real understanding, my father’s concern.

He knew about war, wounded and taken prisoner in the First one.

Dramatically, the siren sounded for real.

Everyone was ordered off the street by the air raid warden.

A strange new sight, sweating visibly in his yellow gas protection suit, topped by steel helmet, as he tried to persuade people to go indoors.

Back at the hall, I noted wandering dogs would not eat biscuits provided.

School was closed.

My books taken home tied in an insecure bundle, with strong string we had all been instructed to carry in expectation.

Two schools crammed into mine when it reopened, the other became a military hospital.

Scouting continued, leaders in the forces, senior teenagers kept meetings going.

One evening an Army officer marched in. He spoke of the Dunkirk crisis.

A civilian army, Local Defence Volunteers (LDV, and soon renamed Home Guard) was being formed to resist invasion.

“Would Scouts be scouts for the LDV?”

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

We all said yes.

“Would two start now?”

My hand went up. I went home late, I joined before Dad. Organised confusion as any weapons and more volunteers were sought. There were few telephones then and Scouts became human versions, cycling miles.

I watched pillboxes being dug out, learnt to strip a Lewis machine gun, throw a Mills bomb.

The need for Scout messengers ended.

As patrol leaders two of us kept another troop alive until super leader arrived.

Five of us became King Scouts, tough in wartime.

The sky in the east became vividly red at night. I put on my Scout uniform and joined the Auxiliary Fire Service, at 14, in the thick of the 1941 bombing. With my badges such as, Ambulance, Fire fighter, Handyman, I was not asked birth year.

Officially a messenger, immediately trained as a fire fighter.

I would rush to fire station when siren sounded; night duty at station meant hazardous turnouts in overloaded cars, or cycle thrown on top of all equipment if it was a lorry.

I started work at 16, lucky to survive a daylight bombing. In National Fire Service appointed Senior Leading Messenger for Fire Force 15, the three counties of Berks, Bucks and Oxon.

Then, Royal Navy, secretarial staff of Admiral at Gibraltar.

Yes, so many memories.

At the start of lockdown, George Douglas and Chloe Moore, who will get married this autumn, decided to buy a Citroen Relay delivery van and turn it into a camper van.

They’ve been thinking about launching the project for around six years but didn’t get into gear until last September.

The couple had hoped to use the van for a honeymoon adventure, but their original wedding date was postponed due to covid. A second date was set for Saturday, May 8, but this too has been delayed – all being well they will now tie the knot in October.

“There are so many nice places which are on our doorstep which we’ve never been to or thought about, and with covid that has shifted our perspective on how nice the areas are around us,” George says.

“In doing this project, it gives us the freedom to be able to say on a Friday night, let’s pack our bags, get on the road and see where we end up.”

To log their progress the couple created Living Slow n’ Wild, which features on Instagram and YouTube.

And it’s helped them find others who are doing the same, or can offer support.

George and Chloe’s dads have also helped them, along with a neighbour who completed a similar project a year before, giving them lots of advice.

“It’s going to be nice to look back on it all and be able to remember the things that we might have forgotten if we hadn’t been filming it all,” she

DIY ON THE MOVE: George Douglas and Chloe M

Paul’s latest book is 5

By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today IT’S A book 50 years in the making and it’s going to be invaluable in 50 years time.

Early Independents of the Bracknell, Crowthorne and Wokingham Area is by Woosehill author and speaker Paul Lacey.

It’s the second of a trilogy devoted to the Thames Valley bus and coach operators and details a mixture of one-man outfits to more enduring concerns.

The self-published book is packed with pictures and helps form a social history of this neck of the woods, showcasing how public transport helped people get to work, school and leisure activities, as well as days out to the coast and other attractions, all at a pioneering time when the majority of people didn’t have a car.

For Paul, it is the culmination of many years of research and his 17th book on transport-related subjects.

“While it was 50 years in the making, from the decision that I was going to bring the book out to putting it all together took a couple of years,” he says. “Having done all the research, I didn’t want these stories to be

TICKETS PLEASE: Woosehill author Paul Ladcey of bus companies across the borough

forgotten. It’s social history, an essential element of local history.”

The expansion to the transport network has many reasons, including a baby boom meant additional school transport was needed, while the end of the First World War saw men came back from the trenches with practical experience of motor vehicles.

“This is why you find so many companies starting from 1919

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

Chloe rev up ial delivery

Moore are converting a van into a motorhome

explains.

Although George and Chloe work full-time, when the whistle blows they down tools and start work on the motorhome.

“We want to do this in order to be close to nature and be able to have the freedom to escape to the wilder parts that you may not be able to go to if you were staying in a hotel,” Chloe says.

And others looking to follow in their tyre tracks are advised that they need to have patience and an expectation that the project will overrun.

Chloe adds: “Working on it together has been really fun, we’ve learnt a lot and it’s been much harder than we thought.

“We’ve spoken about this for so long and now we’re actually making it happen and I think so many people see it and think, that looks too hard, but if you take it step by step it’s completely possible.”

50 years in the making

y has compiled a comprehensive social history

onwards in any history you pick up,” Paul says. “Many of them used to be domestic servants, but they didn’t want to go back into it, they wanted to be their own boss.”

And some of this is personal to Paul, who is approaching 70.

“I was sent to secondary school by bus when I was 11. In 1962, I had to travel from Bracknell to Windsor every day and that got me interested

NEWS | 21

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in the buses I travelled on. There were still some independent operators in Windsor and I saw coaches from other parts of the country in the riverside car park.

“I realised there was a whole world of this … and I matured from being a bus spotter to an historian.”

The books, Paul says, came from realising no one else had written on the subject before and “I wanted to sit down and read about it”.

It is something of a busman’s holiday: Paul used to be a school transport officer for Wokingham for 10 years, and he admits his “deep knowledge of the area made it easier to do”.

Like any author, Paul was delighted to hold the book in his hands.

“It’s always a great thrill to smell the freshly painted volumes,” he says.

“I’ve had a good reaction to it.”

The book is available for £15 and there are copies in Wokingham’s Waterstones and the Town Hall, when they reopen.

If you can’t wait, send a cheque to Paul Lacey, with your address, to 17 Sparrow Close, Woosehill RG41 3HT. For more details, log on to www.paullaceytransportbooks.co.uk/

Scribble and you’ll find you’ll sleep better

By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today WHAT GETS worse the more you think about it? Sleep.

Dr Lindsay Browning, who studied insomnia treatment at the University of Oxford, says the worst thing people can do to improve their sleep is think about it too much.

Instead, she suggests creating a wind down time in the early evening, to relax the mind and work-through any challenges from the day.

The Wokingham psychologist has also written a mental health handbook called Navigating Sleeplessness: How to Sleep Deeper and Better for Longer.

It focuses on steps to improve the quality of sleep, and helps readers reflect on their own sleep habits — whether good or bad.

“It’s about putting the day to rest,” she explains.

This can help create a distinction between time to work and relax, before the head hits the pillow.

She suggests even a simple trick, writing down a to-do list for the next day, can help get it out of the brain, and avoid late-night thoughts.

For many that have turned to working in their bedroom during the pandemic, Dr Browning suggests clearing the desk away at the end of the day.

“Lying in bed looking at a pile of unfinished work isn’t going to help,” she says.

Instead, best practice is to work in a different room, or if that’s unrealistic, to work at a desk instead of on a bed — which can blur the distinction between a restful and active mind.

She also recommends free writing, which involves writing down anything and everything that comes to mind, a few hours before bed.

“This can bring up some things in the forefront of your mind that

POETRY CORNER Crowthorne’s Colourful Easter Trail Our Planet’s a treasure chest – jewelled with light.

Stars of the evening. Songbirds in flight.

Colours to dazzle And blossoms to glow; Mornings so FIERY you gasp at the show...

RED is a letter-box, homely yet bright, Sending your love with the cards that you write.

A TAWNY fox creeps Where her cubs like to hide, While cars wait for AMBER - Get ready to ride!

A Sunflower turns to the sparkling beams, Bees hunt for YELLOW. A butterfly gleams...

GREEN finches fly over Forests and lawns, Where grasses grow high - and a small lizard yawns.

Forget-me-nots gather like rivers of BLUE, While harebells and pansies

Honest motherhood Angela Garwood

De-frazzling

you weren’t even aware of,” she says.

It can help encourage reflection on issues or challenges while awake, instead of bringing the problems into the duvet.

Since the pandemic started, Dr Browning has seen more people struggle with their sleep, either due to increased anxiety, or lifestyle changes.

Having studied the link between worry, ruminating thoughts and sleepless nights, Dr Browning also offers Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) for those whose sleep problems continually persevere.

She says the therapy can help unpick damaging habits such as taking daytime naps, going to bed earlier or staying in bed for longer in the morning. Those that spend longer trying to sleep, as less likely to do so successfully.

“Some people might buy a lavender sleepy spray, a new pillow, a weighted blanket or download an app to help,” she says. “But what they’re actually doing is spending the whole day thinking about sleep.

Especially if you’ve spent loads of money you don’t have on trying to solve the problem, that is only going to make you more stressed.”

She says those tools can help, as long as they relax the mind, rather than fuelling the anxiety.

Dr Browning runs a sleep clinic at Wokingham Therapy Clinics, on Denmark Street. � For more information, visit: troublesleeping.co.uk

are smiling at you!

The Peacock is proud of His shimmering tail...

His PURPLES, his LAVENDERS. How can he fail ?

But look ! On the path - there’s a SILVERY trail, A gift from a silent and secretive snail!

And last, come the SPECKLED As freckled as fishes, Who gaze at the Moon when you whisper your wishes.

For even the Darkness can warmly enfold YOU In your Dreamworld where straw turns to GOLD. So gather each glory Each spangled surprise, And remember your RAINBOWS With HOPE in your eyes.

Clare Bevan

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

I

T’S Saturday evening and I am, for the first time all week, completely alone.

No seven-year-old asking me to play dominoes, no baby vomiting on my dungarees (his favourite place to regurgitate) and no partner wishing to decide on dinner together.

One of the hardest and most demanding decisions of this entire year has been what to have for our next meal. It’s a guaranteed mind-blank every time. I now walk into supermarkets and deliberately pick things up without letting myself think it through at all. If I don’t do this, I stand frozen in indecision for far too long, staring at shelves, getting flustered and silently resenting my partner for not giving me more guidance in the form of a list. Thankfully, he does most of the cooking and between his imagination and my now decisive shopping, we’re good.

Plus now we have one less mouth to feed at lunchtime as Maia is back at school.

It’s been just over two weeks since the longawaited return and the shift in gears has helped us all feel that bit more normal. (If anyone can recall what “normal” actually feels like).

We had some tears on day one. She didn’t want to go in without me and I wasn’t at all surprised, she’d just spent months with me by her side every day and now all of a sudden she was expected to waltz in there without me? Just like that? It was all a bit much.

Surrounded by the chaos of children saying goodbye to their parents at the gate, she stood sobbing, tears rolling down as I cuddled and comforted, trying to reassure her in every way I could.

“I don’t want to go in Mummy!”

I almost didn’t want her to either, I half-wished I could go in there and hold her hand for the day.

Magic Then seemingly out of nowhere one of her best friends appeared, put her arm around Maia and walked her in. Like magic. I couldn’t believe this girl’s confidence, and apparent emotional maturity.

She seemed to have said all the right things because a minute later Maia was smiling and chatting away to her teacher.

I paused for a moment, peering through the railings, unable to bring myself to leave.

It was a strange and fleeting transition from being needed hours on end each day, week after week, to “Okay bye then”.

Now for six hours with just the one tiny human.

The first few days were blissful. A space emerged in my mind and I could feel myself begin to de-frazzle.

It was quiet. But just the right kind of quiet. A guiltfree, everything-is-as-it-should-be, type of quiet.

And then of course the novelty wore off and I quickly adjusted to life at home with my sevenmonth-old, minus the headache of educating Maia.

Other headaches inevitably appeared. I noticed how little conversation I had with anyone for hours if Joel wasn’t around. I’d talk to Leo, and myself. Sing to Leo, and myself. And then get overly enthusiastic when the Amazon delivery person came and feel disappointed when they left after mere seconds of interaction.

As baby groups aren’t currently running, I realised I hadn’t actually made friends, in person, with one new mother with a baby. This was not good.

I immediately booked onto a local NCT walk and began researching when exactly the baby classes would return. The last thing I wanted was to become isolated, if I wasn’t already. I couldn’t really tell.

I’d been chatting to a few Mums on our NCT WhatsApp group, but the closest I’d come to meeting them was through Zoom, and we can all agree one is rather Zoomed out at this point.

I yearn for actual faces. Real in person connection.

You can’t really beat it.

Thankfully as I keep reminding myself, it won’t be long now.

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22 | NEWS

PARISHNOTICEBOARD Parish and borough council meetings

Meetings online – contact councils for details

Thursday, March 25 Shinfield Parish Council. Recreation and Amenities. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Executive committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Monday, March 29 Wokingham Borough Council. Community and Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 7pm. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Wednesday, March 31 Earley Town Council. Council meeting. 7.30pm. www.earley-tc.gov.uk Finchampstead Parish Council. Planning Committee.

7.30pm.www.finchampstead-pc.gov.uk Wokingham Borough Council. Individual Member Decisions: Tree Inspection Framework. 11am. www.wokingham.gov.uk

Thursday, April 1 Shinfield Parish Council. Planning and Highways. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Monday, April 5 Winnersh Parish Council. Planning committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk

Tuesday, April 6 Winnersh Parish Council. Recreation & Amenities Committee meeting. 7.30pm. www.winnersh.gov.uk

Wednesday, April 7 Ruscombe Parish Council meeting. 7.30pm. www.ruscombeparishcouncil.co.uk

Thursday, April 8 Shinfield Parish Council. Annual parish meeting. 7.30pm. shinfieldparish.gov.uk

Monday, April 12 Hurst Parish Council. Council meeting.

7.30pm.www.hurstpc.org.uk Remenham Parish Council. 8pm. www.remenhamparish.org.uk Wokingham Without Parish Council. Full council meeting.

7.30pm. Wokinghamwithout-pc.gov.uk

FROMTHECOURTS � AN EARLEY woman has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 12 months for drug driving.

Emma Sally Goodchild, 21 and from Redhatch Drive, was stopped on the A4 Bath Road on September 4 last year.

A test found a quantity of Delta9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, a form of cannabis, in her bloodstream.

She pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 18, and was fined £300, ordered to pay £85 costs and £34 to victim services.

� DRUG DRIVING has seen a Three Mile Cross woman banned for 12 months.

Chelsea Francesca Organ, 28 and from Hayes Drive, was stopped on Shinfield Road on July 23 last year.

A test found she had a quantity of Benzoylecgonine, a form of cocaine, in her bloodstream.

Organ pleaded guilty when she appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 18.

In addition to the ban, she was fined £100, and ordered to pay costs of £85 and £34 to victim services. � A FINCHAMPSTEAD man has been jailed for 12 weeks after being caught driving while disqualified.

Thomas Ian Birch, 31 and from Billing Avenue, was stopped by police while driving on Harmanswater Road in Bracknell on December 24, 2019. He had previously been banned from getting behind the wheel, and he

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

Cases heard in Reading and Slough Magistrates Court in recent weeks On June 24 last year, he was been on Norreys Avenue when police ordered him to a take a test, which revealed traces of Delta-9Tetrahydrocannabinol, a form of cannabis, and benzoylecgonine, a form of cocaine.

In addition to the ban, McDonald was fined £207 and ordered to pay costs of £85 and £34 to victim services.

was also guilty of driving without insurance.

He pleaded guilty at a hearing on December 28, 2020 and was sentenced at a hearing at Reading Magistrates Court on February 19.

In addition to his three month jail term, he must pay £85 costs and £122 to victim services. Birch is also banned from driving for three years.

At the same sitting, Birch pleaded guilty to stealing toiletries worth £35.46 from the Wokingham branch of Boots on August 31, 2020, and failing to appear at the court on November 9.

For both offences he was jailed for two weeks. These sentences are to run concurrently with his 12-week sentence. � A WOKINGHAM man has been banned from getting behind the wheel for 17 months after being stopped by police for drug driving.

Marcus McDonald, 20 and from Norreys Avenue, pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 20.

� A HOMELESS man who stole items of food from a convenience store has been fined £50.

Daniel Paul Spencer, 31 and of no fixed abode, took the items worth £39.50 from a branch of One Stop in Wokingham on November 2 last year.

He pleaded guilty when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 22.

At the same sitting, Spencer admitted breaching supervision requirements imposed on him, after failing to appear at appointments on January 14, 22 and 27 this year. For this he was jailed for seven days. � AN EARLEY man convicted of assault has been ordered to get treatment for an alcohol addiction.

Alexander Hames, 20 and from Redhatch Drive, admitted the assault, which took plae in Bracknell on August 2 last year.

Hames was ordered to undergo a six-month programme, pay £75 compensation to his victim and £85 costs, plus £95 to victim services.

� A READING man with a sweet tooth stole six boxes of chocolates from the BP M&S garage at Shepherds Hill.

Jermaine Keith Walker, 36 and from Callington Road, admitted the offence when he appeared at Reading Magistrates Court on February 23.

The bench heard that the incident took place on November 12 last year and the chocolates were worth £165.

He was ordered to pay £110 compensation.

Walker also admitted to failing to appear at the court on January 13. For this he was fined £120 and ordered to pay £34 to victim services and £85 costs, at a rate of £10 per fortnight from March 15. � A CROWTHORNE man who kept birds has been fined £600 for nuisance noise.

Stephen Michael Burns, 63 and from Sandhurst Road, had pleaded no guilty at a hearing on September 20, 2019, but was found guilty by Reading Magistrates Court on February 23.

Magistrates heard that Bracknell Forest Borough Council had served Burns with an abatement notice under Section 80(1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, on dates between March 9, and March 14, 2019.

He had failed to comply with the order, caused by caged birds.

In addition to the fine, Burns was ordered to pay costs of £2,500 and £60 to victim services at a rate of £100 per month.

TAKE OUT TO HELP OUT

Order direct and support businesses

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today

A WOKINGHAM restaurant owner is encouraging residents to order food directly, in a bid to support local businesses.

Raja Majid, owner of Sultan Balti Palace, said takeaway orders have been a lifeline for the borough’s eateries over the past year.

Now, he is calling on customers to try and contact restaurants directly, rather than use third-party delivery services which he said can claim up to 30% of businesses’ profits.

Sultan Balti Palace has a contract

with Just Eat, which receives 14% commission per order.

“The use of these platforms has grown so much in recent years,” Mr Majid said. “Our customers can order via telephone, through our website or on our own app, but the majority of our takeaway and collection orders right now are coming through these platforms.

“It’s also easy to build a personal relationship via telephone, and to make any special requests,” he added.

Mr Majid said he understands that online ordering platforms do offer “a huge degree of convenience”.

LOCKDOWN 3.0

“They’re easy to use and offer a massive choice of cuisines in one place,” he said. “They also have massive exposure and large marketing budgets, and some restaurants are not experienced or equipped to handle significant levels of deliveries.

“But, there is a price to be paid.”

A spokesperson for Just Eat, which works with Sultan Balti Palace, said: “Just Eat is only successful if our restaurant partners are successful. We believe our commission rates are aligned with the value we provide to our partners and we have a track record of helping restaurants prosper.”

They said since the beginning of the pandemic, the delivery service has given more than £11 million worth of support to thousands of independent restaurants through its emergency covid support package.

“We’re committed to adding value to our partners’ businesses on a daily basis, and many grow and flourish through working with Just Eat,” they added.

In October, Just Eat launched a range of measures, including removing commission on collection orders for independent restaurants in areas significantly impacted by the pandemic.

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

BUSINESS | 23

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

Keep networking to build for business success

By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today “DON’T be afraid to put yourself out there,” said local business owner Debra Harris, who has shared her tips and tricks for handling the pandemic.

Ms Harris is the founder of local virtual assistant firm Complete VA, and launched her lockdown business at the start of 2020.

She took the plunge after being made redundant from her former job, and now offers freelance admin, public assistant, marketing and event support to small businesses across Berkshire.

“Going freelance has been a long-term goal of mine,” Ms Harris explained. “Initially, I was unsure about going freelance in the middle of a global pandemic, but decided to go for it.”

While she didn’t launch Complete VA with the coronavirus in mind, she said the pandemic made her services essential for a number of local businesses.

“There are lots of situations which could arise during the pandemic where Complete VA could step in,” Ms Harris said.

“Some businesses may need assistance but are not in a position to recruit more staff, and for others special projects might come up which they don’t have the bandwidth to take on.

“I can provide valuable and flexible support in these circumstances.”

She said Complete VA has also been helping provide temporary cover for employees who have been sick with Covid-19, or were juggling work and homeschooling.

And after spending more than a year on the local business scene, Ms Harris is now advising other entrepreneurs on how to keep the momentum going as lockdown restrictions start to lift.

As for her top tip?

Keep networking.

“Reaching out to people who look like they may need help has been invaluable to Complete VA,” she said.

“Spending time on social media to look for business opportunities, and joining local business groups, has been great too.

“And remember: don’t be afraid to reach out to people or ask for help.”

A BRACKNELL-BASED firm is going global with its latest appointment.

Software provider Content Guru recently announced its new country manager in Germany, as part of its worldwide expansion programme.

Thomas Vogel will be taking on the role in the company’s regional headquarters in Munich, armed with more than 20 years of experience in technology sales.

“I’m looking forward to joining a talented team that boasts a best-inclass cloud solution, and I’m committed to widening the company’s global reach moving forward,” Mr Vogel said.

In his new position, he will help Content Guru grow its presence in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Martin Taylor, deputy CEO and founder of Content Guru, added: “We are very excited to welcome Thomas to the Content Guru team, and are delighted that he will be using his experience to provide strong leadership in the region.

“Covid-19 has made cloud technology a necessity for organisations seeking to thrive in turbulent times, and are ready to take our storm solution to a booming German-speaking market which has overcome its traditional conservatism when it comes to cloud.”

Med-tech start-up launch

‘Change or face a crisis’

Don’t be afraid

A CARE specialist is urging Wokingham Borough Council to find technical solutions to support its vulnerable residents.

According to Netli, “radical changes” need to be made when planning and recruiting social care workers in the borough – or it will face an “impending care crisis”.

Stephen Wilson, CEO and co-founder of Netli (pictured), said the country’s care sector is not growing fast enough to keep up with demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“People are already being denied virtual care,” he said. “But that position is only going to get worse if we don’t change the failed ways of the past and look to digital technology to sort out this workforce problem.”

The care specialist is now planning to propose a new way of supporting local care services to Wokingham Borough Council.

It wants to collect workforce data from local care providers and make this information available to the council, to help it identify risks and

WOODLEY Business Club is all about visibility next month.

Guest speaker Deborah Winyard is joining the Club’s upcoming virtual networking meeting, and will be taking to the digital stage to teach entrepreneurs how to improve their reach online.

As a long-running member of Woodley Business Club, Ms Winyard is a hypnotherapist and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapist who helps others overcome their fears and anxieties.

After spending years working away from Reading, she moved back into the local community and now helps residents “be less fearful [and] more confident”.

Now, she is taking her knowledge and experience to teach Woodley Business Club how to become more present online, after successfully launching her own hypnotherapy firm.

The free event is taking place on Tuesday, April 13 between 8am and 9.30am.

For more information, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/woodleybusiness-club-virtual-networkingevent-tickets-144165084649

threats to the industry when planning for the future.

“Our proposal will enable local authorities like Wokingham Borough Council, and those across the country, to gather and access valuable data which will help them understand how to better manage the planning, recruitment and retention of social care staff,” Mr Wilson explained.

“Having continual access to real-time workforce data, combined with other integrated workforce tools we have devised will help to attract applicants to the care sector, improve staff retention and build upon care as a career, and mitigate the risk of provider failure, lost revenue and unmet needs.”

He said the pandemic has “shone a light” on the importance of good social care.

Netli is now in the process of contacting all local authorities in England in a bid to get the whole country turning to tech to manage the care sector.

Guru goes global

A MEDICAL technology firm has its sights set on Reading, and wants to help young people kickstart their own careers.

Occuity, a start-up company researching optical technology, is planning to make more jobs available to local residents, including those in Wokingham borough, soon.

After launching in 2019, the company now has more than 20 employees and plans to grow its team with an extra 30 members in the coming year.

With plans to grow its research and development work, it will soon open up a range of technical roles as well as seven Kickstarter Apprentice opportunities.

Dan Daly, founder and CEO of Occuity (pictured), said he is pleased to be able to bring jobs to the Reading area.

“I’m particularly happy that through the Kickstarter programme we can offer young people the opportunity to learn from and work alongside some of the UK’s leading

engineers,” he said. “I also could not be more pleased to have already built such an experienced and knowledgeable team [at Occuity].

“They are bringing us closer to our mission to revolutionise disease detection and monitoring, by making it non-contact and pain-free.”

To find out more about Occuity, visit: www.occuity.com/careers

Emma heads to THP A THAMES Valley law firm has just grown in size.

THP Solicitors, which has an office in neighbouring Reading, is welcoming Emma Willoughby (pictured) to its residential property team.

After working in a regional law firm since 2014, Ms Willoughby already has experience with new build purchases and plot sales.

Rachel Gaylor, head of residential property, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Emma to our busy team.

“Her existing local knowledge and track record of client service dovetails very nicely with our own and with a huge increase in demand for excellent conveyancing skills she will make a great addition.”

Make a positive difference LIKE-MINDED business owners are being encouraged to get together for a special networking event.

Wokingham Positive Difference is hosting a virtual session to help entrepreneurs connect

with business peers in the borough.

With break out rooms and business speakers, it wants to help retailers engage with the community and each other as lockdown

restrictions begin to lift.

The free event is taking place tomorrow from 8.45am.

For more information, visit: www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/opennetworking-eventtickets-143983046167

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24 | NEWS

COUNCILNEWS Leader praises borough GPs over vaccines

WOKINGHAM’S coronavirus rate might be down on January, but it is still above last summer’s.

Council leader Cllr John Halsall was looking ahead to the forthcoming first anniversary of the first lockdown as he made remarks on the pandemic during the executive meeting held online on Thursday, March 18.

He said that the weekly rate per 100,000 residents was, to March 11, 35.1 people, “well below” the January 4 peak of 606.

But, he warned it still compares very badly to the below five figure in August.

He added: “We suspect that it will be adversely affected by the schools going back and conversely favourably by the rollout of the vaccinations”.

At the same time, both hospitalisations and deaths are declining and he also said: “We must, however, nervously look across the channel at what seems to be a third wave, which is bedding in with ever increasing new lockdowns”.

Minutes after he spoke, it was revealed that parts of France would return to lockdown status as this third wave took place.

Cllr Halsall took time to praise GPs for their “magnificent” efforts with the vaccination programme and the government “who has had the foresight and acumen to establish the research into the vaccination programme and the unequalled roll-out”.

“Again a big thank again to all the carers, doctors, health staff, social care staff, health, police, fire, rescue, ambulance, teachers, school staff, charities, volunteers, our staff … in short everybody who has stepped up to the plate and made it possible for life to continue during these appalling times,” he said.

And he urged Wokingham residents to continue to follow government rules, which will start to change over the coming weeks as some restrictions are eased.

“It has never been more vital that we play our role and continue to observe the rules,” he said.

Terror threat over tree plans

THE threat of terrorism means that the council cannot reveal details of its plans for reservoir emergencies.

Cllr Parry Batth, the executive member for environment and leisure, was responding to a question about dams. It was asked by resident Jim Murphy at a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council held on Thursday, March 18.

Mr Murphy said he had been horrified at the recent destruction of healthy, mature trees at Gravel Pit Hill Lane and the surrounding area, saying he was unaware that the lake was a category A dam and despite this, he couldn’t find any documentation showing this in the Borough Strategic Flood Risk Assessment.

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council and its Executive, held on Thursday, March 18

PPPexit: council to go it alone to improve help to residents IT’S PPPexit!

Wokingham Borough Council is planning to quit a joint body that aims to help residents with problems such as nuisance neighbours.

For the past decade, it has been part of a joint body with other local authorities, known as the Public Protection Partnership or PPP. Now it is intending to hand in its notice, giving 12 months for it to organise its own solution.

The partnership is with West Berkshire council and Bracknell Forest, but following the vote, the services will be brought back inhouse, over the next 12 months. Some services would be outsourced or shared if appropriate.

Introducing the plan, council leader Cllr John Halsall said that it was “our neighbourhoods’ policy”, and that the council’s ambition was “to provide a wraparound service to our residents that keep them safe, secure, and happy”.

He added: “To provide that wraparound service, we need to repatriate the control of the more than 100 pieces of legislation, which we delegated to West Berks and then subsequently to the PPP. Indeed, currently our residents blame us and hold us responsible for these duties. They are more than a little puzzled that we do not have any authority at the moment; the PPP works at our request, but we do not have the power to set their priorities to ensure that any resident has the service that they have the right to expect nor that which we wish to give.”

This would, he argued, allow the council to tailor the service delivery which would give a clearer response to issues that communities face, such as anti-social behaviour, fly tipping, unauthorised encampments, noise, bonfires, neighbourhood disputes.

It would be integrated into other council services, such as Localities, Community Safety, Legal, and Children’s and Adults.

Cllr Halsall said: “This will make better use of

“Can you please confirm these plans exist and advise how I can gain access to them?” he asked.

Cllr Batth said that the Environment Agency was responsible for monitoring compliance in England.

“The Environment Agency also holds reservoir flood inundation maps which show the route of flooding if a reservoir dam were to breach,” he said. “These maps are publicly available via the Environment Agency website.”

He added that the council, as a category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, the council had to hold off-site plans for all the borough’s reservoirs.

“These documents are highly sensitive due to the threat from terrorism. Therefore, they are not publicly available and are exempt from Freedom of Information requests.”

Mr Murphy called for an investigation into the work, which had been undertaken at Bearwood.

Cllr Batth responded, but Mr Murphy was unhappy with the reply, saying “you didn’t answer my question”.

the capacity of existing locality officers offering earlier incisive intervention and prevention. It is also anticipated that this will engender effective joined up professional responses across the Council’s service specialisms (safety, enforcement, environmental health), with swift responses, resulting in increased resident satisfaction, and potentially efficiencies.

“The increased crime rate in Wokingham town and the death of Sarah Everard underwrite our need to be active in all areas in our community. We cannot leave it to others. We have to take responsibility.

“Initially, we shall replicate what currently exists but no doubt in time the service will dynamically respond to resident demands on a real time basis.”

Lib Dem leader Cllr Lindsay Ferris called for an amendment to the motion, saying that his party agreed a change was needed but a back-up plan was needed should there be a problem with the year-long timescale and they had concern over the costs.

“These two issues are the main differences between the two groups, we both want a better, much more locally focused service that meets the needs of our local residents,” he said.

Cllr Prue Bray backed up Cllr Ferris, and said: “Why is abandoning the shared service the answer? We will have a less resilient service with fewer specialist staff, and less ability to spread overhead costs.”

She added: “We are being asked to vote through an irreversible process of leaving the partnership before we have any concrete plans for what we would replace it with, and only a few months to come up with them.”

And she also called for cross-party involvement in setting this new service up.

Cllr Stephen Conway (Lib Dem, Twyford) said that the amendment was the right way forward.

Cllr John Kaiser said: “This is one of the things residents are asking for … these are things neighbours need urgently. As a council we have the resources, we have the legal services already. I’m all in favour of supporting the original paper.”

Cllr Gary Cowan (Independent, Arborfield) said that Cllr Kaiser had made very valid points, and that Cllr Ferris was right to raise concerns over the withdrawal being the nuclear option. As such, he supported the amendment.

Cllr Halsall said that the council needed an agreement that worked well and the council had huge problems with issues such as fly-tipping and they needed to be unfeterred by bringing it back in house, and he couldn’t support the amendment.

After a vote which saw this amendmen dismissed, Cllr Rachel Burgess (Lab, Norreys) raised a number of issues including staffing, whether it would lead to redundancies, and whether there were benefits from being part of a larger group for example tackling modern slavery and smuggling.

Cllr Andy Croy (Lab, Bulmershe and Whitegates) argued that the decision to quit the shared partnership should be subject to debate by the overview and scrutiny committee, but nothing had been raised in its meetings.

“This has dropped out of nowhere, which makes us uncomfortable,” he said, warning that it could lead to privatisation of services rather than genuinely bringing services in house.

Responding, Cllr Halsall said that: “My policy over the past two years has been to encourage staff to be bold .. and to be proud of working for Wokingham borough. Covid has shown the success of that policy.”

The motion was passed.

No consultation over green bags

Batth had previously promised to speak with her outside of the council meeting and hadn’t done so.

Cllr Batth said he couldn’t remember that he had promised to contact her.

THE COUNCIL had not undertaken a consultation with disabled groups ahead of the implementation of the new green recycling bags.

Cllr Parry Batth, the executive member for environment and leisure, said that it had instead undertaken a “full Equality Impact assessment … this demonstrated that all groups were carefully considered in assessing the impact of this minor change to the waste collection service”.

He was responding to a question from former Lib Dem councillor Beth Rowland and now resident, who wanted to know “how many disability groups were consulted as part of this work, and what difficulties did they raise regarding using these bags?”

“Testing has shown that the empty bags weigh less than the current boxes so will be easier to handle,” Cllr Batth said. “The assisted collection service will continue as well as providing advice for residents who may have specific issues.

“I am therefore confident that these new containers are very convenient, practicable and in some ways easier to use for those who are elderly or have a disability.”

In her supplementary question, Ms Rowland shared her frustration with the bags.

“I couldn’t even open the Velcro, I had zero force in my hands. I can’t open it, it is absolutely useless. I don’t quite know what I’m going to do with my cardboard,” she said, adding that Cllr

Petition presented

A PETITION aimed at making changes to the planned South Wokjngham Distributor Road to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists was presented to the council meeting by Lib Dem candidate for Wokingham Without Rob Comber.

He said that the design was not safe, and with 2,500 homes planned for the area, safety concerns would be a barrier to encourage greener transport.

“Make it safe and encouraging for non-motor vehicle users, and help prepare us for the next 20 years,” he said. “A small amount of time and money now will save us a fortune in the future and provide for a better standard of life right from the start.”

In a statement after the council meeting, the Lib Dems said that if they won control of the council in May’s local elections, they would develop a network of high-quality walking and safe cycling routes to link residential areas, local businesses, shops, schools and transport hubs.

“We will prioritise this over investment in schemes that will only encourage additional motorised traffic onto the roads, as a part of our commitment to addressing the climate emergency and poor air quality,” the statement added.

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Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

COUNCILNEWS

PHIL CREIGHTON reports on a virtual meeting of Wokingham Borough Council and its Executive, held on Thursday, March 18

‘Equality is a serious issue and deserves a serious strategy’ EQUALITY is a serious issue and this is a serious strategy.

That’s the verdict of Cllr Laura Blumenthal (Con, South Lake) who was seconding the new equalities policy that was approved

by Wokingham Borough Council at a virtual meeting held on Thursday, March 18.

Speaking to all residents, she added: “This equality plan is a real step up and helping ensure that everyone can live happy lives where they feel safe, and part of a supportive community in which they can flourish.

“Equality is a serious issue. And this is a serious strategy with the right balance of targets and timelines and the flexibility that complex issue needs.”

She said it would help benchmark the council’s polices against other councils, so that people knew how it was performing.

“How we promote the quality of the borough needs to be guided by the people who live, learn and work here,” Cllr Blumenthal continued.

“The plan will be reviewed every year, so it’s a living document, always looking for improvement.

“To those of you who are aware of something the council could do better in this area, we want to hear from you. Do not sit in silence, reach out – only with the insights of all residents can we deliver the quality we need,” she said.

“Our friendly door is always open, we will listen to you.”

She added the policy had been devised by a cross-party working group – one of the most constructive and positive she had been part of – and she looked forward to seeing its impact in future years.

Moments before, council leader Cllr John Halsall said the equality policy looked at protected characteristics, such as age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

“All of them are all equally important,” he said.

“The Council is the golden thread that runs through our borough, the indispensable partner for our residents and businesses. Diversity, equality, antiracism and addressing need must be at the heart of everything we do and of the example we set. No rational person would take any other point of view.

“Every one of our residents must be able to lead the life that he or she wishes without fear from harm and without harming others. The Equality policy that we put in front of you today is the first step in this continuous journey in which every day we must strive to do better.”

Cllr Shirley Boyt (Lab, Bulmershe and Whitegates) was also on the committee and said that the report “contained far too much council speak” and was therefore discriminatory as some of the people this policy was for had English as a second language or had learning difficulties.

“I feel the plan is unfinished work and short on accessibility,” she said, and asked the council not to approve the plan as it stood to give the council officers more time to adjust the wording so it was more accessible.

Cllr Richard Dolinksi (Ind, Loddon) – who is stepping down in May’s elections – thanked officers and his colleagues on the committee for their efforts on the policy, and said it was unfinished work and that the if the council failed to deliver on the plan “you will hear from me”.

Cllr Andy Croy (Lab, Bulmershe and Whitegates) said that the plan was clearly not finished but instead an effort by the Conservatives to appear as if they are on the same side as activists and protestors involved in last summer’s Black Lives Matter protests, as such would be voting against it.

Admitting that the plan was a work in progress, Cllr John Kaiser (Con, Arborfield) said that the council had to start the journey with a step and it was far greater than a committee. The council would always be learning from it.

Cllr Imogen Shepherd-Dubey (Lib Dem, Emmbrook) said that the report was “a noble intention” and was at risk of being “shoved into a dark corner and forgotten about”.

“While building this report has involved lots of good work, in a very short space of time — it clearly has been rushed and that is why it does not go anywhere near far enough,” she said.

“We know that 34% of our school age students have an ethnic minority background – so, for the sake of our future, we need to ensure that this council properly honours, respects and celebrates the differences in our community, going forward.”

She added: “Time after time we are seeing projects being carried out without consulting with relevant groups who are being affected who would provide practical advice into making our communities suitable for everyone.”

And she concluded: “One of the positive things to come out of this process was the cross party Members Equality Steering group that helped put it together. It felt like we were making some progress and would I very much like to see a commitment to this continuing.”

Summing up, Cllr John Halsall said: “We should work very hard in every aspect …. We have a long way to go, but as my colleagues have said this is one of the first steps. It’s one of the hardest and we need to build on that.”

The vote was passed and the policy is now in place.

Residents probe leader over policy

BEFORE the council discussed its Equality plan, there were a number of questions from the public.

Liz Mayers wanted to know what the timescale would be for obtaining the various levels of the LGA Equality Framework.

Council leader Cllr John Halsall thanks residents for their interest in the policy: “The more engagement that we as a council can have by groups with protected characteristics and our residents generally, the better that we will be able to make progress in this vital area”.

Responded to Ms Mayers’ question, he said the council would carry out a self-assessment in the fourth quarter of the first year of the plan and that would help provide a comprehensive guide to tackling these issues.

Ms Mayers felt there was a need for meaningful action rather than a box ticking exercise.

Cllr Halsall said it was certainly not a box ticking exercise and the equalities policy had to be for the whole borough.

Kiran Nar wanted to know if she had been invited to participate in the equality review

so the council could “keep us quiet and on-side”.

Cllr Halsall said he very much appreciated her time and sharing her involvement.

“As regards being on-side, I certainly do hope we are on the same side as what I want is a borough council that tackles inequality, celebrates diversity and challenges all discrimination,” he said.

“As the Equality Plan being discussed tonight sets out, we are committed to improvement through collaboration with the community.

“It is work that can only be progressed with consent, with a genuine wish to improve the lives of our residents and with cooperation of the whole community. We need all of you to actively participate in the solutions enthusiastically, cooperatively, and collegiately.”

Cllr Halsall said that it was just the first steps in a very long journey.

Pol Exeter wanted to know how the search for an independent facilitator for the council’s BME forum had gone.

NEWS | 25

Cllr Halsall said that he had been engaged and would undertake a mixture of one-to-one sessions and focus groups, with invites going to stakeholders.

“The findings will be due in May and, at that stage, we will work with the BME Forum to implement recommendations.”

Jeffrey Hinds wanted to know what percentage of the council’s budget was allotted for equality initiatives.

Cllr Halsall said more than £45 million went on to adult social care, and its core aims include helping older residents and those with disabilities. On top of this there were disability grants, support for Gypsy Roma travellers, learning disability accommodation and support for children with special educational needs.

The final question came from Keith Kerr, who said that under 12% of the borough’s population were from BAME backgrounds and “are generally clustered in concentrated areas of the borough”.

“As the current ceader of the council, what will you tell them about how you and the Conservative led council has

positively engaged with the nonwhite community since their indignation about your Facebook post and your negative statements about Black Lives Matter last spring/summer?”

Cllr Halsall said that the equality plan was not political, and the council wanted questions and scruntiny on the plan.

“Since last summer I have repeatedly stated, at every available opportunity, my own and the council’s commitment to tackling racism.” he said.

“We have consulted the public on what we need to do to eradicate racism and celebrate diversity; we have signed the Race at Work Charter to increase equality for our staff; I have met you and other interested residents to positively engage on these issues and will continue to do so; we have worked to restore the BME Forum, including by funding an independent, highly experienced facilitator to help the forum function well for everybody; and we have ensured that our commitment to stamping out racism is at the heart of the Equality Plan that is on tonight’s agenda.”

Query over dementia home THE COUNCIL’S decision to build a new care home for people with dementia in Emmbrook was praised by Lib Dem councillor Rachel Bishop-Firth (Emmbrook ward). She wanted to know if it would be in addition to Suffolk Lodge and not a replacement.

Cllr Charles Margetts, the executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said that the number of residents with dementia was expected to increase and Suffolk Lodge provided care for 36 people.

“While Suffolk Lodge has served the community well since the 1980s, the building itself does not provided the level of facilities to meet the projected need for the community. This includes sufficient provision of nursing care. “ The replacement would be in place by 2023 and would provide 68 beds.

Cllr Bishop-Firth wanted to ensure that the closure of Suffolk Lodge was managed to protect residents.

Cllr Margetts said he would come back with a written answer, but discussions had already started to ensure it went through as smoothly as possible.

“We are already engaging with people,” he promised, adding that the new home would add to an improved quality of life.

Resurfacing

ROAD RESURFACING works in Earley was raised

by Lib Dem councillor Tahir Maher, who wanted to know when a stretch of Silverdale Road would be treated.

“The road is at best patchy, with numerous badly worn ‘joint lines’ which run from one side of the road to the other,” he said.

“The zebra crossing which is heavily used by children who attend Maiden Erlegh and Aldryngton schools is in a poor state and needs repair.”

Responding, Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, the executive member for highways and transport, said that the road was a medium priority, which meant it would be treated within the next two to five years.

“In the meantime the road will be regularly inspected and kept safe for public use,” she promised.

Shops and homes THE AMOUNT of affordable housing in the Elms Field development was queried by resident Peter Humphreys.

He wanted to know why, when the council required 35% affordable housing quotes on major planning applications, this didn’t apply to the town centre plans, owned by the council.

On the shops, he said that the council had provided a glowing account of the financial side of the project in response to a question he had asked at the last meeting.

“You painted such a rosy picture, claiming 90% of the units have been let … businesses are so keen to be a part of the place that they are not even bothering to fit-out their empty units,” he said.

Responding, Cllr Charlotte Haitham-Taylor, the executive member for regeneration, said the council had been open about the limited amount of affordable housing in Elms Field, while there were 22 keyworker homes in Peach Place.

“The community benefits of the regeneration are so much bigger than anything anyone who wasn’t the local authority would provide,” she said.

As to the shops, she said: “A simple walk around the town would show someone that the majority of the regeneration units are already up and trading, or simply waiting for permission to reopen their doors.”

26 | LEISURE

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SOCIETY | 27

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California Gardeners Club GIFTED: Sue March from Warfield CE Primary School receives some tablets from Easthampstead Rotary

Easthampstead Rotary Club WITH schools closed for many weeks during Covid-19 lockdown, and home-schooling becoming the norm, Easthampstead Rotarians clubbed together to purchase laptops/tablets for puipls.

On Thursday, March 11, Rob Hughes delivered three Amazon HD 32gb tablets to Warfield CE Primary School and three to Holly Spring Primary School.

Jo Brown the IT specialist and Sue Marsh the Head respectively were delighted with our donation and thanking the Rotary Club said: “They will be a useful addition to the tools available for the younger children and may be lent out should a child need to self-isolate”.

Rob added: “We are expecting another four tablets to arrive soon and these will be given to the same schools”.

The laptops for home-schooling initiative follows the continuing support during the lockdowns by Easthampstead Rotarians for the Wokingham and Bracknell Foodbanks, who together have now received almost £10,000 and the Cowshed over £3,000 for bedding, clothing and other vital items for local families in need.

Easthampstead Rotary volunteers have, in addition, assisted with the packaging and distribution of food parcels and other everyday essentials called Boxes of Hope organised through the Kerith Centre for TLG (Transforming Lives for Good).

A spokesperson for TLG said: “We work closely with local charities and schools, who have referred some of our most vulnerable families to receive these parcels, and are providing the surplus of some of our food products to them. The boxes not only contain food, but also toiletries and toys appropriate for the children’s ages in the household.”

Easthampstead Rotary volunteers have supported the Bracknell and Wokingham Covid vaccination centres, acting as parking and vaccination marshals.

IN EARLY March, the club held another photo competition on the theme Spring has Sprung.

These are becoming more and more popular with our members. � Ray Little won first place with this charming shot of a goose and gosling � Pauline MacBrayne won second place with a colourful close-up of purple crocuses � And Julia Goodall came third with this sea of snowdrops taken at Welford Park.

Sandhurst Walk was the title of our March Zoom talk, given by Graham Harding.

He and his wife walked from Sandhurst, to Sandhurst to Sandhurst.

You are maybe wondering if they walked around in circles but

Martin Kittel, Clinical Lead for Bracknell Forest and local GP at Forest Health Group, said: “Local GPs, nurses, pharmacists and paramedics have done a tremendous job in ensuring that our residents in the priority groups 1-4 have received their first dose of the vaccine over recent weeks.”

He added: “I’d also like to pay tribute to our local volunteers, who continue to play a pivotal role in ensuring that both sites run smoothly. I know I speak on behalf of all my colleagues in saying that their time and effort is very much appreciated.”

Rotarian Rob said: “We are 45-odd (and not-so-odd) local men and women who have fun helping others locally and globally.

“To find out more, visit www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub/ or call Brian on 07720 321 526.”

Wokingham Volunteering Helena Badger

www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk

T

HE Wokingham Cancer Support Network has been established to support people living in and around the borough that are affected by cancer.

Meeting other people with similar experiences can be invaluable.

Self-help and support groups offer a chance for people to talk to others and come together to share experiences and concerns.

The aim of this project is to support people in a number of ways including direct peer-to-peer support, monthly meet-up groups, an online chat facility and an information/signposting hub.

The group is looking for Cancer Champion Volunteers who will be recruited and trained to deliver support

did you know that there are in fact three Sandhursts in England?

He and his wife set themselves the challenge of walking from the Sandhurst in Gloucestershire to our local one and from there to the Sandhurst in Kent, doing the walk in sections.

He illustrated his interesting talk with a variety of photographs to show some of the interesting and quirky things they found along the way.

Our next talk, again via Zoom on Wednesday, April 7, will be Rocky Mountain Railroad: the colours of Colorado, and given by Paul Whittle.

The club is organising a Virtual Spring Show which will be judged independently by a professional judge.

It is open to amateurs, nonmembers as well as non-members, so if you are proud of your spring flowers, why not consider

in the home or where needed.

At the moment, this support with be virtual, over the phone or via video call, with the aim to meet up in person in the future.

As a volunteer you will receive professional training to support you in your role. You will be asked to make a regular commitment to help a person you will be matched with. This will vary around discussions and needs of the person being supported. � Crossroads Care Wokingham is looking for a new trustee to join its board of directors.

It is a network partner of Carers Trust, and has been a leading provider of home-based respite breaks for unpaid carers, and the people they care for, in

PETER VON BERGEN

entering?

Entries can be made by photo submission from Monday, March 29 through to Thursday, April 1.

Go to the website to find further information and the rules.

Why not have a look at our website where you will find the March newsletter which includes a longer article about the talk, including a quiz, as well as a topical tip for your garden on how to test your soil. Membership is free for 2021, so why not consider joining?

It includes the monthly meetings with talks currently via Zoom, a monthly newsletter, access to the trading hut at reduced prices and more.

As a club, we are going from strength to strength, even in lockdown and always welcome new members.

Visit californiagardenersclub. co.uk for more details.

JULIA GOODALL

WADE ON FRIDAY, March 5, WADE held the latest draw in its 150 Club lottery.

The draw aims to help replace lost finances as a result of coronavirus.

The centre, on Reading Road, provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources. It has reopened some of its facilities following the most recent lockdown.

Held monthly, there are three prizes for the draw.

The more people who join, the greater the prizes.

First prize was £128, and went to member number 34. Second prize was £64 was given to member 122.

And the third prize was £32 and awarded to 3.

To join, call Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@wadecentre.org.uk, or log on to the group’s website, www.wadecentre.org.uk.

Wokingham, Bracknell and the surrounding areas since 1994.

Its mission is to give unpaid carers the peace of mind to enjoy life alongside caring, by allowing them to take short breaks to enhance their quality of life, and that of those they care for.

This is a non-executive role, and the Board is responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring good governance, sound finances, efficient operation and compliance with legal and professional frameworks.

There are currently seven other trustees. The time commitment is seven two-hour meetings per year, plus a small amount of work to be undertaken outside meetings.

The meetings are held bi-monthly at Wokingham Hospital, on Wednesday evenings.

To help achieve a good balance of skills within the Board’s membership, we are particularly keen to recruit someone with a background in procurement, IT or related areas of business.

This is a chance to help make a difference in an important communitybased service operating to meet the needs of local carers in a challenging environment. � The Wokingham Recovery College gives people with mental health

problems the chance to access education, workshops and training programmes designed to help them on their road to recovery.

These courses will be co-produced, devised and delivered by people with personal experience of mental illness working together with mental health professionals. Do you want to use your mental health experience to educate others?

Wokingham Recovery College is looking for a capable and enthusiastic Peer Trainers with excellent organisational, presentation and people skills to join the team.

The role will involve directly teaching students attending the Recovery College, delivering a range of courses, taster sessions and workshops.

You will be engaging and empowering students in their own recovery, helping them to develop a sense of hope, self management skills and control over their own lives.

Training and ongoing supervision will be provided. � These are just a few of the latest opportunities on our books. Contact us by calling: 0118 977 0749, send an email to: volunteer@wok-vol.org.uk or log on to volunteerwokingham borough.org.uk to find out more and see the roles we have to offer.

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

28 | LIFE

plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK

How is the council’s climate action plan going?

B

ACK in July 2019, Wokingham Borough Council, as many other local authorities have done before and since, declared a “climate emergency”. The Council went to on publish its subsequent Climate Emergency Action Plan.

We caught up with Cllr Gregor Murray, Executive Member for Climate Emergency, to find out how the Council’s strategy and plans are progressing nearly two years on.

“I think we are doing and planning a lot of great initiatives, but I am sure you will agree that it is important to do everything properly and completely, rather than just quickly,” he says.

“My focus is on making sure that all our actions are themselves sustainable into the future. This might frustrate people, and I can understand why, but we have to do things properly and make sure they last. Similarly, we can’t just tell people to do things – we have to help solve their root cause issue and change behaviours.

“Food waste recycling is a great example.

We saw recycling rates start to drop off and food waste in blue bags start to increase as residents ran out of food waste bags.”

Looking at the national picture, Cllr Murray (a Conservative), feels that the Government has “taken some fantastic steps forward on climate change”.

He adds: “While I would like to have seen faster progress, I believe that taking extra time to implement laws/policies properly and to ensure no bigger problems are created down the road, is the right approach.”

The rollout of the already much-debated recycling bags, set to replace the existing kerbside boxes, is now underway – a move that as well as saving a substantial amount of money “should increase recycling rates by between 3-6%,” says Cllr Murray.

Originally described as “hessian sacks” by the council, Cllr Murray confirms that the bags are actually made from polypropylene (a plastic) and that they have “a target life span of around five years.”

Households will receive two bags, which have a greater capacity than the boxes, with their new allocation of blue sacks but can request more from the council.

He highlights that unwanted boxes can be returned, to be recycled and made in to “street furniture, such as picnic tables, tree posts, park benches and flower troughs”.

Wokingham Borough’s current recycling rate (the proportion of recyclable waste that is collected and recycled) is 52% says Cllr Murray, pointing out that this is “more than both Reading and Bracknell”, but the Council is “working on a plan to take us to 70%.” The average rate in England is 42% (Defra).

Disappointingly though, half of the waste still found in blue bags by RE3 (who manage waste in the area) is recyclable.

We have been left horrified by a mix of news and documentary footage in recent years, exposing where some of the UK’s waste ends up so it is reassuring to know that this is not an issue in Wokingham.

Cllr Murray explains: “Currently less than 6% of our total waste goes to landfill. This is typically items that there is no market for recycling, such as ashes, animal waste, sanitary products and soiled general waste.

“In 2019/20 only plasterboard, mixed paper and baled paper are not recycled in the UK. They are recycled in Europe.”

We asked Cllr Murray about residents’

concerns over any potential further development in the areas of Shinfield, Arborfield and Sindlesham, following the collapse of plans for a ‘garden village’ in Grazeley.

He says: “Right now we are in the process of proposing, consulting on and agreeing a new local plan. This is a legal requirement. This involves consulting on new sites and assessing the feasibility of them.

“Planning sites for development, choosing areas to build and not to build gives us the greatest control over the future of our Borough.

“We are required to build a certain number of houses every year - at the moment this is just over 800 per year (at one point, it could have been 1,600).

“While we are building to the required level we have control of our planning process, can set our local planning requirements and decide where we do and don’t want to build and what standards builders have to build too.

“As soon as we stop building to those target levels then firstly, the Government can step in and take control of our planning process, and second, the planning appeals inspectorate may start to approve a lot of applications that wouldn’t fit with our desired plan or with our existing infrastructure.”

Watch this space then.

Cllr Murray discussed the progress that is being made when it comes to ensuring existing homes and buildings are greener: “We launched the Wokingham Community Energy Fund in January which will help support the installation of solar and other alternative energy projects across the Borough on community, charitable and other small scale project basis. We are looking to launch the initial fundraising in the summer.

“Before Christmas we launched the eco and green home grants project which fund energy efficiency measures on private homes.

This includes cavity wall insulation and loft insulation as well as other upgrades, all provided at zero cost to home owners.

“As part of the local plan process we will be setting out new local planning guidance to increase the use of solar, heat pumps and other green technologies in new buildings.

“Once we have more details of the Government’s green infrastructure bank, we will be able to progress other initiatives.”

Continuing the theme of development, we have seen a good number of residents raising concerns, in local news and through social media, about the number of trees being cut down in the Borough and what they perceive to be inaction on the issue by the Council.

“Losing any trees is always regrettable.

The Wokingham District Veteran Tree Association do a fantastic job of identifying trees that should be TPO’d and WBC is very

quick to action these when they come in,” responds Murray, who points out that, in some cases, such work is essential. For example, to prevent a breach of a dam at Bearwood Lakes.

“Cutting down trees in advance of a planning application to build a discount supermarket in Earley was elective and is something that we are actively working to prevent going forward,” he continues.

“The process takes time, but it also means that it is legally binding for developers to adhere to and there is legal enforcement possible if they breach it.”

Again, it has become apparent in the past year that there is a perceived shortage of managed green spaces and country parks in the Borough, with reports of overcrowding and the likes of Dinton Pastures having discouraged “non-local” visitors.

Cllr Murray disagrees: “There are more than 90 parks and managed green spaces in Wokingham Borough. In fact, almost all of our residents live within walking distance of one of our parks, SANGs or green spaces.”

He says that the situation at Dinton Pastures was a “matter of public safety” and makes the excellent point that “we have many acres of countryside and more than 170km (105 miles) of greenways and public rights of way for residents to enjoy.”

We have certainly spent the past year doing just that and avoided the more obvious locations.

In slightly better news for those who like to ‘grow their own’ and live a little more sustainably: “Many of the recent new developments have included allocated space for allotments. Mulberry Grove in Wokingham is a prime example of this. And more is planned.”

We touched briefly on the Council’s plans to make transport greener in the Borough but an upcoming tender means that is a question for another time.

We also asked Cllr Murray what the Council is doing to support ‘greener’ and more eco-friendly businesses to establish themselves in Wokingham.

“There will be announcements on this shortly that I don’t want to pre-empt,” he says.

“In the post-Covid recovery plans there is a focus around attracting more businesses to the community and we have also discussed creating green economy zones.”

Asked what else might be on the way, Cllr Murray says: “We have some great behaviour change initiatives in development right now, some of them in collaboration with other organisations and charities. I still want to hear ideas from anybody who has one.

“In terms of climate change, the only bad ideas are ones that are kept in your head because we can’t do anything with them.”

For more tips and advice, join the online group at www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk Got a comment or question?

Email plasticfreehome@gmail.com

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/ freelyfruityUK

Purple Sprouting Broccoli & Lemon Pasta

P

URPLE Sprouting Broccoli has a short season and its time is now.

Rich, sweet, earthy stalks and leaves make for a meaty winter green that can match bold flavours.

It does lose its vibrant purple when cooked but still retains a deep green colour especially when blanched as described below.

This is perfect for a lunchtime or light supper.

Serves 4

Ingredients � Salt � 300g purple sprouting broccoli, cut into separate florets � 350g dried pasta, trofie pictured � 6 tbsp olive oil � 4 cloves garlic, crushed and sliced � 130g Parmesan cheese, finely grated plus extra to serve � 2 lemons, zest of 2 and juice of 1 � Freshly ground black pepper

Method Fill a large bowl with cold water and a few ice cubes if you have some; set aside Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and add the purple sprouting

broccoli for 3 minutes then remove with a slotted spoon and place into the cold water for a few minutes then drain on kitchen paper Add your pasta to the still boiling, now blue-green water and cook as per the packet instructions Meanwhile put a large frying pan over the lowest possible heat and very gently warm the olive oil and garlic for about 5 minutes Then add the drained broccoli, parmesan, lemon zest and juice and when the pasta is cooked add it to this pan with a few splashes of pasta cooking water Mix well until combined and once hot serve with black pepper and a bit more Parmesan if you like.

Recipe by CHARLOTTE SIMPKINS for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/freelyfruityuk/

In the cellar

James D O’Leary Brouilly, Louis Latour, 2018 Tasting Notes: strawberry/red cherry/ forest floor

A

NY poser can stumble into a wine shop, spend £50 on a bottle and bring home something world-class. In a lot of cases sure, you get what you pay for.

It is however, a bit more of a challenge to spend little over a tenner on a bottle that’s versatile, delicious, and punches well above its weight.

Beaujolais is a region to the South of Burgundy, and is the world’s leading producer of the Gamay grape varietal, a cousin to Pinot Noir. There are only 10 villages awarded the title of Cru de Beaujolais, with Brouilly being the largest and most Southerly.

It’s named after Mount Brouilly, which occupies the landscape, and in turn takes its name from ‘Brulius’, a Roman Lieutenant who was overseeing the area over two centuries ago.

This style of wine is not to be confused with Beaujolais Nouveau, the first wine release of each year that saw immense popularity in the 1970s and 1980s.

They tend to have youthful and sprightly flavours of banana, bubblegum, blackberries and kirsch. A very different product indeed from the structured, elegant wines that are produced in the Beaujolais Cru. When grown on fertile, nutrientrich soil, Gamay can produce high yields that result in dull, low quality wines. This particular bottle is made from vineyards planted on unforgiving pink schistous granite which controls the yield and concentrates the flavour of the fruit.

The wine is garnet in colour, and has pungent musky aromas of damp earth and fresh strawberries. They carry over to the palate, accompanied by raspberry, cherry, blackberry, and a mushroom/forest floor character, with an aftertaste of ripe juicy peach.

Being a fragrant, light-bodied red, you can opt to serve it slightly chilled. In this instance the wine takes on a freeze-dried forest fruit character that is refreshing, very easy-drinking and perfect for slightly warmer evenings.

With good acidity and soft tannins, it’s a food-friendly wine. Try a bottle with your next Sunday lunch, with Roast Chicken, duck-fat potatoes, and all the trimmings.

Louis Latour’s 2018 Brouilly is available at Costco, priced at £10.18 a bottle at time of writing, or online.

James D O’Leary is a sommelier at L’Ortolan

Walking to keep Watermill turning AN IMPRESSIVE fundraiser has been launched to raise money for 16 charities, including a Newbury theatre.

Oxfordshire-based Simon Coates has decided to walk 2,000 miles to support organisations close to his heart.

Simon’s hike began on March 1 and he is aiming to finish on October 31. For every month of his challenge, Simon has selected two charities to feature as headliners to focus on, and the Watermill is one of them.

The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge effect on the theatre industry but The Watermill hopes to continue planning for the future with the support of the local community.

Simon has been a regular visit to the theatre for many years.

He says: “I think it’s really important to support artistic organisations whose work is important to you.

“Despite having seen countless shows at the theatre, it still seems magical that at the end of a narrow rural lane, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, there is a theatre that produces such fantastic quality theatre in beautiful surroundings.”

Charlotte Stroud, development officer at The Watermill Theatre, says: “Any funds raised from Simon’s hiking challenge will help to support our recovery and create future productions and activities for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

“We are so thankful to our amazing community, and kind individuals like Simon, who are helping The Watermill get through this time.”

To support Simon’s fundraising efforts log on to charityhikes.org.uk LAURA SCARDARELLA

WOKINGHAMLEISURE Acting royalty at Theatre Royal

T

ICKETS have gone on sale for a new take on Hamlet starring Sir Ian McKellan, as theatres start preparing to reopen, pandemic permitting.

The veteran actor is to star in an age-blind production of Shakespeare’s famous play, from Monday, June 21 at The Theatre Royal Windsor.

It will be directed by Sean Mathias, and is one two plays starring Sir Ian that the Windsor theatre will be staging: he will also appear in Martin Sherman’s adaptation of Anton Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard.

Hamlet went into rehearsal eight months ago but could not proceed due to the UK’s second wave of Covid-19. Rehearsals have resumed, with strict measures remaining in place to ensure the safety of the company.

Sean Mathias said: “The return of British theatre from the long dark night of Covid-19 has rightly been one of our biggest cultural conversations of the last year.

“Now, as more rays of hope begin to appear, everyone in the industry is determined to help our precious artform explode back into life.

“We trust that by bringing together this exceptional ensemble to present two of the greatest plays

NO HOLDS BARD: Sir Ian McKellan is to play Hamlet this summer of all time we will play our part in this revival, and on a personal note I can’t think of a more invigorating way to mark my first season as artistic director of the Theatre Royal Windsor Season.”

And SIr Ian says: “I’ve acted in both these masterpieces before – and seen them scores of times.

“They are in that select group of classic plays which bear, even demand, a regular look, even reappraisal, by actors, directors, producers – and audiences.

“How can Hamlet be played by an 80-year-old?

I hope theatre-starved audiences

Wokingham Loves Music bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic

PHIL CREIGHTON

Kindred Spirit Band – No Smoke Without Fire Here’s a band that has graced the stage at Wokingham Festival with an inventive folk prog sound. This track is from their latest album, Elemental – kindredspiritband.co.uk

IFE, Forrest Gump famously said, is like a box of chocolates. You never quite know what you’re going to

get.

He might also have been talking about our Wokingham Loves Music soundtrack. It features 10 amazing tunes that showcase the diverse brilliance of our local music scene.

You can listen for FREE, via Spotify.

There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic

Hoopy Frood – Round Shaped Hole This Wokingham-based band have just released their third album, A‘ffirmations. Have a listen to their ‘psy groove electro rock’ on this track from the album – www.hoopyfrood.co.uk

Moth Man – Fatal Blow Their first single, The Water, was included in our playlist feature last year and now Moth Man, a band from Reading and Manchester, have just released their debut album Where The Dead Birds Go on Wokingham’s Billywitch Records.

It’s a great album with a moody atmospheric feel and it includes The Water and this track, Fatal Blow, which features a guest appearance from vocalist Elysia Lake who performs a wonderful duet with the band’s lead vocalist Simon Findlay – mothman.band

will want to find out.”

Hamlet will run from June 21 throughf to Saturday, September 4, 7.30pm nightly except Sundays.

There will be 2.30pm matinees, with no evening performances, on Saturday, July 24 and August 21.

The Cherry Orchard runs from Firday, September 10 through to Saturday, October 23, again 7.30pm nightly except Sundays and 2.30pm matinees on Thursdays and Saturdays. � For more details, call the box office on 01753 853888 or log on to theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

He’s well-known as one of the best Elvis Presley tributes there are and here he is with a track he’s written and recorded in his own name from his EP, Worth Fighting For – www.facebook.com/ benportsmouthmusic

Chris Hillman

L

LEISURE | 29

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

MOTH AROUND THE CLOCK: Fatal Blow is the moody song heading up our hit parade collective from the local area called A Better Life.

On their debut ‘vocal’ single they enlist the help of singer Pete Rawcliffe, who provides a unique vocal performance which fits perfectly with their chilled sound.

As the band says on their social media, ‘chill out, relax and unwind with A Better Life’ and with music as good as this, that sounds like a great idea – abetterlifemusic.com

Trower, Bridge of Sighs. Here’s his new single in his own right showcasing his excellent guitar talents – www.facebook.com/Keith-Atack-Music104709838281012

Red Tape Resistance – Time is a Killer

A Better Life (ft. Pete Rawcliffe) – Wicked Game

Keith Atack – Nine Lives

The excellent brand new single from this Bracknell-based band has a mellow atmospheric opening gradually building in intensity to a strong and powerful closing section – www.facebook.com/ redtaperesistance

Many will know the original Chris Isaak version of this song but this is a beautiful new version by an electronica

Keith has visited the area to perform at Wokingham Music Club with his tribute to legendary guitarist Robin

Ben Portsmouth – The Only One

Elementary, Watson RUSSELL Watson will take to the stage for a special evening of music this summer. writes Laura Scardarella The opera singer is coming to Englefield House, to perform his outdoor concert Last Night Of The Proms on Sunday, July 25.

Together with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra, composer and producer Mike Moran and soprano singer Christina Johnston, along with The NHS Choir, will also join Russell for the show.

Russell will be performing much-loved classics such as Swing Low, You Raise Me Up, Bring Him Home and a special Phantom Of The Opera medley.

For every ticket sold, £1 will be donated towards the NHS Charities Together, the collective supporting the work of the NHS official charities.

Peter Carson, house and events manager at Englefield House, said: “The magnificent grounds, with the house as a backdrop, provide the perfect venue for the Last Night of the Proms with Russell Watson and special guests.

“We hope that after such a difficult year everyone will be able to enjoy some much-needed entertainment, and we’re very much looking forward to having audiences back at Englefield.” � For more information or to purchase a ticket visit ticketmaster.co.uk.

Unleash the beast A BRAND new children’s book will launch at a special online event next month.

South Hill Park Art Centre will be celebrating the release of their new book The Beast of South Hill Park through online platform Zoom on Friday, April 2 at 3pm.

The book tells the story of a mischief-making monster who has taken up residence as South Hill Park and an explorer who is determined to track it down.

The launch event, hosted by children’s playwright David Wood, will include a meet and greet, a chance to ask questions and a short reading from the book.

Former South Hill Park employee Jane Howard wrote the book with illustration by her mother, Lynne .

Jane Howard says: “Like many families, Mum and I were unable to see each other for months during the first lockdown, so we decided to embark on a creative project together to stay connected.

“When we heard about the financial pressures faced

by South Hill Park due to the pandemic, we both felt that we wanted to give something back to the place that has enriched our lives so much.”

While the event is free, booking is required and a link will be sent to attendees the day before. � For more details, log on to southhillpark.org.uk/ events/the-beast-of-south-hill-park-online-booklaunch LAURA SCARDARELLA

Alfie Griffin – Fi-Lo

Award honours Ben

Some mellow grooves here from a Reading based musician who has previously appeared live at Wokingham Festival – www.facebook.com/ alfiegriffinmusic

UNIVERSITY students can be nominated for a special music award.

It is to be given in memory of Ben Pedley who died following a road collision in Earley, and is open to any second year students who has made an outstanding contribution to the community through music.

This could be someone who has volunteered with music activities, shared joy through performance or helped others achieve their musical dreams.

The winner will receive a certificate and £150.

Victoria Ely, artistic director of University of Reading’s music department, said: “It has been difficult for many musical groups to meet as they would normally, but music is still a lifeline for many people during tough times.

“I am honoured to work with such an array of musical talent and dedication among the University students, and I urge anyone who knows a worthy second-year to nominate them for this award.”

The closing date is 5pm tomorrow (Friday). � For details visit reading.ac.uk/ben-pedley-award

Katie Ellwood – The Only Thing A wonderful debut single written, recorded, produced, played and sung by this talented young musician at her home in Wokingham during lockdown – www.katieellwood.com

Third Lung – Falling Stone The band describe themselves as ‘emotive, evocative and enchanting’ and they recently streamed a live online performance from Generation Studio – www.facebook.com/ThirdLung

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

30 | CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds

WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (GIPSY LANE, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (A329 LONDON ROAD, WOKINGHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021

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:

NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 18th March 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. Any vehicle from proceeding along Gipsy Lane, Wokingham between its junctions with Fairview Road and Erica Drive.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Langborough Road, Murdoch Road and Easthampstead Road or by this route in reverse.

Works requiring this restriction will take place between 17th April and 19th April 2021 and 1st May and 3rd May 2021 between 22:00 and 04:00.

2. Any person from proceeding along WOK FP 17 measuring 80 meters in length between its junctions with Gipsy Lane and WOK FP 10 Works requiring this restriction will take place between 18th April and 2nd May 2021 between 12:00 and 20:00.

1. A329 London Road, Wokingham between its junctions with Seaford Road and A329 Peach Street.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Berkshire Way, Vigar Way, Peacock Lane, Old Wokingham Road, Easthampstead Road, A329 Peach Street, A329 Broad Street, A329 Rectory Road and A329 Wiltshire Road.

2. A329 London Road, Wokingham between its junctions with A329 Wiltshire Road and Seaford Road.

WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION 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

Reasons for Advert

210317

32 Broad Street, Wokingham

(Affect setting of) Householder application for the proposed changes Listed Building to fenestration.

210318

32 Broad Street, Wokingham

(Affect setting of) Application for listed building consent for the Listed Building proposed changes to fenestration.

210656

The Poors House, Part Lane, Swallowfield

(Affect setting of) Householder application for the proposed closure Listed Building of existing main vehicle/pedestrian access and modification of existing second access gateway with new drive, entrance gates and improved crossover from public highway.

210705

Fishponds Close, Wokingham

Major Application

Full application for the proposed erection of 2 no. industrial buildings (Use Class B2) comprising a total of 4 no. units together with associated infrastructure, parking and landscaping, following demolition of 2 no. existing industrial buildings.

210815

Evolution House, Easthampstead Road, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Full application for the proposed erection of a single storey Timber clad outbuilding for use as meeting room/office

210850

14 Sturges Road, Wokingham

Conservation Area

Householder application for the proposed erection of a single-storey wrap-around extension with insertion of 4No.rooflights following the demolition of the existing conservatory.

The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A329 Peach Street, Easthampstead Road, Old Wokingham Road, Peacock Lane, Vigar Way and A329 Berkshire Way. Works requiring this restriction will take place on 29th March 2021 between 20:00 and 06:00.

Description

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Network Rail contractors to undertake railway track concrete works in safety.

The reason for these prohibitions is to allow South East Water contractors to rectify consequential damage in safety.

Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.

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 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 application is available to view online at wokingham.gov.uk � Planning � Search planning applications and typing in the application number above. All libraries in the Borough have internet access in order to view this page.

Comments on the application can be made online from this web page.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 17th April 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 29th March 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier.

Any comments must arrive on or before the 17th April 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: 25th March 2021

Dated: 25th March 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Dated: 25th March 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR’S LICENCE JRW & Sons Ltd trading as JRW & Sons Ltd of Oakview, Mill Lane, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5DF is applying for a licence to use 41 Bearwood Road, Wokingham, RG41 4SX as an operating centre for 2 goods vehicle and to use Oakview, Mill Lane, Sindlesham, Wokingham, RG41 5DF as an operating centre for 1 goods vehicle.

Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings near the operating centre(s) who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice. Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice. A Guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s office.

Advertise regularly and save ££££s Special rates for 4, 12, 26 and 52 weeks Reach local people We cover the whole of Wokingham borough Friendly service Contact us for a price today

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PUBLIC NOTICE LICENSING ACT 2003 We TRUE LIONS LTD do hereby give notice that we have applied to the Licencing Authority at Wokingham Borough Council for a new Premises Licence, at GLOBAL FOODS AND GROCERIES 203, Wokingham Road, Earley, Reading, RG6 7DT and known as: THE GLOBAL FOODS AND GROCERIES. The application is to: The supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises: Monday to Sunday 08.00am to 11.00pm Premises opening hours: Monday to Sunday 08.00am to 11.00pm Any person wishing to make representations to this application may do so by writing to : The Licensing Authority, Wokingham Borough Council, PO BOX 152, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WJ not later than Monday 19th April 2021.

Representations received after this date cannot be considered.

All representations MUST BE IN WRITING.

@wokingham.today

A copy of the application can be viewed at the Licensing Authority's address during normal office hours or on the Council's web site: www.wokingham.gov.uk

@wokingham.today

1. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make the above named Orders under Sections 1, 2, 81, 83, 84, Part III and Part IV of Schedule 9 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

2. The effect of the proposed Orders would be to: (a) reduce the existing 40mph to 30mph on a length of Reading Road and to consolidate the existing speed limit Orders for Reading Road, Wokingham and Winnersh; (b) impose on lengths of North Wokingham Distributor Road30mph and 40mph speed limits; (c) impose on the lengths of: North Wokingham Distributor Road; Old Forest Road; Reading Road and Toutley Road at any time waiting restrictions (double yellow lines).

3. Copies of documents giving further information of the proposed Orders can be viewed for a period of 21 days from the date of this Notice online at ‘www.wokingham.gov.uk/consultations’ reference P015-21.

The maximum fine on summary conviction is unlimited.

4. Any person wishing to object to the proposed Orders should send a statement in writing stating the grounds of the objection to Traffic Management Team, Place & Growth, P.O. Box 153, Shute End, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG40 1WL or via email to ‘TM.consultations@wokingham.gov.uk’ quoting the reference P015-21 to be received by no later than 16 April 2021.

Dated: 25th March 2021

Dated: 25th March 2021

Disnika Amarasinghe Director , True Lions Ltd. On behalf of the Applicant Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL

Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth Wokingham Borough Council Shute End Wokingham, RG40 1WL

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with this application.

@WokinghamToday

ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 A. Proposed speed limits on North Wokingham Distributor road, Old Forest Road & Reading Road Wokingham.

B. Proposed waiting restrictions on North Wokingham Distributor Road, Old Forest Road Reading Road & Toutley Road Wokingham.

Wokingham Borough Council (North Wokingham Distributor Road Wokingham, Old Forest Road Wokingham & Reading Road, Winnersh & Wokingham) (30 & 40mph Speed Limit) Order No *, 202* Wokingham Borough Council (Various Roads, Wokingham Borough) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Resident Permit Parking Places) (Civil Parking Enforcement) (Consolidation) Order 2017 (Amendment No. *) Order 202*

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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HEALTH & FITNESS

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TV AERIAL & SATELLITE

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KITCHEN DESIGN & INSTALLATION PAINTING & DECORATING

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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PROPERTY | 33

The Flatman Partnership Multi-Award Winning Estate Agency he Flatman Partnership first opened its doors for trade in January 2006 with founding Partner Jamie Flatman at the helm.

Shortly afterwards Jamie teamed up with Nick Barker who brought his inspiration and talent to bear, the rest as they say, is history.

With a joint wealth of local contacts garnered from the previous 30 years in the property industry, the business rapidly blossomed and thrived.

Today the Flatman Partnership is a progressive modern and diverse business with offices in Reading, Wokingham and Langley, an enviable client base and huge customer focus.

The commitment to a high standard of ethics and core values remains at the heart of the firm.

Properties Available to Rent Cornwall Close £950 PCM – To Let

Ellison Way £900 PCM – To Let

� Semi Detached Pproperty � Woosehill Development � Two Bedrooms � Cul De Sac Location � Allocated Parking

� Split Level Maisonette � Wokingham Town Centre � Recently Refurbished � Refitted Kitchen & Bathroom � Communal Gardens

Recently Let Properties Chatsworth £1300 PCM – Recently Let

King Street £995 PCM – Recently Let

� Spacious Detached House � Three Double Bedooms � 29ft Lounge � Downstairs Cloakroom � Garage and Driveway Parking

� Newly Renovated � Delightful Terraced Cottage � Walking To Local Amenities � Easy Access To Winnersh Railway Station � Large Rear Garden

Woodhouse £1050 PCM – Recently Let

Elizabeth Court £900 PCM – Recently Let

� Temple Park Development � Mid Terrace House � Two Double Bedrooms � Gardens � Driveway Parking

� Two Double Bedroom Apartment � Walking To Wokingham Town Centre � Close by to Wokingham Mainline Station � Communal Gardens

More properties needed for registered tenants, call us now to discuss THE FLATMAN PARTNERSHIP WOKINGHAM: 0118 978 5478 READING: 0118 966 0055 LANGLEY: 0175 359 3888 www. flatmans.com t: @Flatmans

34 | PROPERTY

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

To advertise email advertising@wokingham.today

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

|4 SPORT XXXXX|35

Our Woodley showroom is open 7 days a week

0800 30 50 30

www.trademarkwindows.co.uk

BASKETBALL

ENERGETIC ROCKETS EASE PAST ESSEX ESSEX REBELS 90 READING ROCKETS 102

ROCKETS showed too much energy for Essex Rebels as they battled hard to earn a vital win on the road.

Head coach Alan Keane welcomed back his power forward Leome Francis after missing four games, while O’Showen Williams showed why he’s so cherished by the Berkshire outfit as he hit 29 points.

Sam Toluwase and Sam Grant scored early for Rockets whilst a Dixon treble kept Rockets close to Rebels who led 14-13 midway through quarter one.

Some great team play saw Chuck Duru drain a treble to keep Rockets still a single point behind at 23-24 before the game was tied three times in the period at 25, 27 and 29 as Rebels hit a buzzerbeating score to see the scores level on 29 at the period end.

Rebels scored from their first possession of quarter two, but Jaz Bains hit a treble, Williams made a steal and score moments before he sent a length of the court pass to Toluwase to finish and see Rockets with a 36-31 advantage.

Rebels spun to score but a Francis defensive rebound was quickly sent to Williams to stroke another treble edging Rockets further ahead by six points.

A 7-2 Rebels run got them to within a single point of Rockets at 42-43 before they tied again on 43 and 45 before hitting a treble to lead Rockets.

Kivuvu Live received an assist from Williams which was repeated moments later but for the second period running Rebels hit a buzzer-beating score to go to the interval with a 52-48 lead.

Toluwase scored from Rockets first possession and Reis Pinnock hit a free throw before the sharp shooters on both sides got in on the action

as together six trebles were shared equally in a high scoring quarter of fifty points with Rockets taking it 32-18.

As they found even more energy and quality in their finishing as Toluwase hit a buzzer-beater and Bains gave an assist for Pinnock to hit his first treble which was matched by Duru and ever reliable Williams as Rockets went on a 17-4 run to open the game up.

A brilliant team defence stopped a Rebels score and a Bains step back score coupled to a Williams assist to Duru saw Rockets enjoy a double digit lead at the end of the third quarter by 80-70.

A Pinnock drive and Bains buzzer-beater kept Rockets noses ahead but Rebels fought back with a 7-0 run pegging Rockets to a slender four-point advantage just under three minutes into the period.

Toluwase sent an assist to Williams to drain another treble and a big defensive rebound from Francis, which he finished with a drive and score, aided by a Dixon assist to Bains to score with a treble saw Rockets ahead 92-82 midway through the final stanza.

O’Showen Williams again shone brightly with 29 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals ably assisted with Sam Toluwase with 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Jaz Bains continues to show what a good late signing he was on transfer deadline day just five weeks ago with 12 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Chuck Duru hit 10 points and Leome Francis hit seven points.

ON THE BALL: Leome Francis

ROCKETS READY FOR LIFT OFF WITH NEW PLATINUM PARTNER TIPPING-off in 2021, Reading Rockets have announced a new partnership with digital economy company MVINE.

MVINE has become the Rockets’ platinum partner, supporting both the community programmes and performance activities.

This partnership is the culmination of years of work between all parties. Both sides faced delays due to COVID-19, but the hard work and dedication shown by all has finally paid off. Credit to all those involved to make this happen from both MVINE and the Reading Rockets.

Mvine Ltd is an established British Digital

company headquartered in London. Best known as innovators, aggregators and integrators MVINE transform its customers’ IT estate and across the value chain they depend on. They strive to make businesses more cyber-secure and more affordable to run, whilst also developing technology to enhance the digital experience for all.

"MVINE is one of the most forward-thinking organisations in the UK, we are proud to be working with them and glad they have chosen to join our Rockets family," Reading Rockets director Matthew Johnson.

"We share a common vision: passion, vision, quality, motivation and commitment. Now, our club will be ready to bounce back in 2021, stronger and better than before."

Frank Joshi, executive director at MVINE, also expressed excitement for the alliance between the two organisations: "Our partnership with Reading Rockets furthers our commitment to investing in our communities that help prepare our young citizens for tomorrow through sport. Reading Rockets have demonstrated the impact the club has made to families through basketball, driving success on and off the court.”

FOOTBALL

WOKINGHAM FOOTBALL STAR WINS INTERNATIONAL CAP � Continued from back page

Duncan qualifies for the team through his grandfather, and his Mum couldn’t be prouder.

“He was captain of the team all the way through his time at St Crispin’s, then he played for Wokingham and Emmbrook FC,” she said.

“He has always aspired

to be a footballer, he applied himself, choosing the college after sixth and things like that because football is his dream.

“It shows to children that amazing things can happen.

“He’s not playing for a team in the Premier League, but he’s still got this opportunity to play for

a national team that are aspiring to better things and they’re doing everything they can to do that.

After helping Anguilla to earn a superb result in their draw against the US Virgin Islands, Duncan added: “‘It was a good game and great experience. The team played well and could

have come away with a win.

“The team are in good spirits and preparing well for Saturday.

“I’m excited to get over and start playing with the team and looking forward to it.

“It should be a good game and great experience as we are preparing well.”

36 | SPORT

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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, March 25, 2021

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RUGBY UNION

GET TO KNOW: AFC READING MIAMI BELLES BERKSHIRE BRIGANDS ARE BACK

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

Name: Abi Position: Central midfield Favourite team: Tottenham Favourite TV show: The vampire diaries Favourite thing about football: Matches and seeing friends Favourite song: Meet me halfway by Black Eyed Peas Favourite food : Salt and pepper chicken

MIXED ability rugby club Berkshire Brigands are raring to go as they prepare for a return to training on April 1.

Berkshire Brigands are a community team who welcome players with learning disabilities, autism and other barriers, and those without, from age 17 years and above.

Players are not classified by any physical, intellectual or mental abilities and the game is played using all the usual laws of rugby.

The team are welcoming new players to join when they return to training in April.

Name: Gabe Position: Midfield Favourite team: Chelsea Favourite TV show: The vampire diaries Favourite thing about football: Keeping fit and scoring goals Favourite song: Black by Pearl Jam Favourite food: Chicken curry Name: Lucy Position: Striker Favourite team: Tottenham Favourite TV show: Brooklyn 99 Favourite thing about football: Working together as a team to get the win Favourite song: Whistle by Flo Rida Favourite food: Pasta Name: Bella Position: Striker Favourite team: Liverpool Favourite TV show: Can’t sit still enough to watch TV! Favourite thing about football: The competitive side Favourite song: Anything with a nice beat Favourite food: Pringles and sausage rolls

Their training sessions, which begin on Thursday April 1, run from 6.30pm to 8pm at Reading Rugby Club in Sonning, while Saturday sessions are also run between 11am to 12.30pm. � For more details, log on to www.berkshirebrigands.co.uk

� Any new players interested in joining can contact alan@afcreading.com

WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE

ROYALS OUT FOR MANCHESTER MIRACLE

RUGBY UNION

RAMS RARING FOR RETURN

By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today RAMS Under 15s coach Mark PettRidge is hoping the return of rugby will put smiles on people’s faces from next week.

The easing of lockdown on March 29 a return to rugby action, and Pett-Ridge can’t wait.

He said: “We’ll be looking to make the most of the months ahead and bring smiles to people’s faces both on and off the pitch.

“I’m glad lockdown is coming to an end because we only had a bakeoff left to keep them engaged.

“But the boys and parents have been great. We raised £1,500 for Dani (Watts) and the Injured Players Foundation and had regular Zoom meetings.

“We did Nick Heath’s rugby quiz and we were guessing the Six Nations scores every weekend – for the record the coaches are pretty rubbish, losing to both the parents and the players.”

He continued: “I’m really looking

Berkshire Brigands Picture: Richard Angell

forward to getting back to OBR, with the boys, their parents and other age groups, because the social side is really important and has been missed by many.

“My main aim will be to reengage with as many boys as possible from the current squad and welcome new boys on board, and the sessions will be fun, engaging and competitive.

“After so long away from the pitches we have a great opportunity to re-works skills and build up their fitness.

“I’m also look forward to getting the boys an opportunity to play on the first team pitch under the new lights.”

With first-team hooker Ben Henderson joining the coaching team, Pett-Ridge has revealed what he expects to see next week.

He said: “A lot of energy and excitement. It’s going to be interesting to see how the boys have grown up since December.

“It will be games, followed with a sprinkle of skills.”

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING WOMEN face a stern test when they travel to title-chasers Manchester City on Saturday.

It has been a monumental week for women’s football after the Women’s Super League announced a groundbreaking TV rights deal with Sky Sports and BBC to begin from next season.

Meanwhile, the Royals will be hoping for a monumental week of their own to break the tremendous form of Manchester City.

The Royals put in one of their best displays of the season when they last met City as they earned a draw at the Madejski Stadium in October.

Kelly Chambers’ side flew out of the traps and took an early lead through Amalie Eikeland who turned in from Brooke Chaplen’s delivery to give Reading a dream start.

City eventually found a way past when Sam Mewis

scored in the 56th minute, but Reading held on to earn a well deserved point.

Gareth Taylor’s City side are in scintillating form going into the game on Sunday with nine consecutive competitions.

City haven’t suffered defeat since January when they were knocked out of the FA WSL Cup by Chelsea and have been on a path of destruction ever since which has seen them score an astonishing 32 goals in their last nine games.

They have also been formidable at the back and have only conceded two goals in their previous nine fixtures in all competitions and have their sights on the WSL title and European glory in the Women’s Champions League.

City breezed past Fiorentina in the round-of-16 with an 8-0 aggregate win to set up a quarter-final tie against Barcelona, where they compete in the first leg on Wednesday prior to their

league game at home to Reading.

After Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal last Friday, it appears to be a two horse race for the WSL title with City and Chelsea engrossed in a tense title battle.

Chelsea currently have a two-point lead over City after 18 games each with just five games left to play.

Reading have won just two of their last eight games as their inconsistent form sees them in a disappointing seventh position in the league table as they enter the final period of the campaign.

Reading Women’s manager Chambers wants her side to build on the clean sheet against Spurs when they face City on Saturday.

Chambers said: “We need to build, in terms of

continuing to push, making sure that we keep working on defensive detail that we had, but also making sure we are working on our intensity.

“We create chances week in, week out. It was the same against Bristol, we had so many opportunities to put that game to bed, as we did against Tottenham, so we need to keep working and learning.

“There’s no hiding it, we haven’t been good enough in either box this season.

“So if I can make sure that we defend our box better, then hopefully we can produce more higher up too and keep building from now.

“It’s all about keeping momentum going. We had a lot of it after our good run of games recently.”

Thursday, March 25, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY

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From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith

George Puscas

When can free-kicks be given?

I Liam Moore will represent Jamaica during the international break Picture: Steve Smyth

Alfa Semedo

FOOTBALL

ROYALS SKIPPER EARNS FIRST INTERNATIONAL CALL

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today

IN the final international break of the 2020/21 season, several Reading players will be representing their nations including captain Liam Moore who won his first call up for Jamaica.

The Reading skipper has impressed with his performances this season under Veljko Paunović, which has led to his first ever

inclusion in the Jamaica squad.

Moore has earned vast experience since joining the Royals from Leicester City in 2016, becoming a first-team regular since his transfer.

The club captain has over 200 appearances for the club.

He will now be hoping to add some international appearances to his list of career achievements after getting the long awaited international call from Jamaica.

Jamaica prepare to face USA on

Thursday, March 25.

Alfa Semedo, on loan for the season from Benfica, has also earned a first international call-up after he was selected in the GuineaBissau side.

Semedo is in line to make his international debut as GuineaBissau compete in two crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

George Pușcaș will also be in action for Romania in a busy schedule that sees them play three times in seven days.

The Royals striker has become a regular for his homeland and boasts a strong scoring record on the international stage with eight goals in 20 appearances.

Three young Royals players have also been selected to represent their respective nations at youth level during the international break.

Midfielder Dejan Tetek has been called up to Serbia under 21’s, goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke for England under 18’s and Ben Purcell for Wales under 17’s.

FOOTBALL

LOCAL LEAGUES PLAN FOR RETURN TO ACTION EVERSLEY & California are set to resume their season in April in a cup competition to conclude the season.

The Boars have been drawn into Group A of the Combined Counties Football League Fripp-Smith Trophy.

It was decided that the 2020/21 league campaign was to be deemed null and void, and replaced by a cup competition, which will be contested by 23 clubs.

Eversley now have several fixtures to look forward to in the coming months where they face Ash Unite FC on Saturday, April 10 before playing Cobham, Frimley Green, Ascot United, Sandhurst

Town and Fleet Town in the following weeks.

Binfield FC are poised for a return to the pitch when they continue their journey in the FA Vase on Saturday, April 10.

The Moles will be away at Deal Town FC in the third-round of the competition with a chance to enact revenge of the side that eliminated them from the FA Vase in the 2019/20 season.

The Thames Valley Counties Women’s Football League is also set for a return after a unanimous vote at a SGM meeting on Monday evening to continue the league season.

League matches will resume on Saturday, April 4 and the season is set to be completed on May 31.

Meanwhile, the Bracknell Sunday League voted to void the league season and put on a supplementary cup competition.

The League’s general secretary Tony Hardy said: “Clearly we considered resuming and completing our league programme, but with only 25% of fixtures played, this was always going to be a tall order.

“So, to provide our teams with football, we decided to play out our League Senior and Junior Cup competitions and to put on two

supplementary cup competitions to be played on a Champions League basis.

“There is huge support amongst our clubs to continue the season and the hard work of making necessary arrangements and scheduling fixtures has started.”

Eversley & California Picture: Richard Milam

T is odd that people can be involved in football all their life and can still misunderstand its laws.

I’m thinking about Jose Mourinho and the recent North London derby, Arsenal v Tottenham, of which he is the present manager.

Being interviewed after the match, Mourinho made a special point about the penalty, awarded by referee Michael Oliver to Arsenal late in the game.

It was given after one of his players clashed with an Arsenal player who had sliced the ball in the penalty area.

The Tottenham player, Davinson Sanchez, came from behind with his foot high and caught Alexandre Lacazette’s ankle bringing him down. ‘Where was the ball? Mourinho asked. ‘The ball had gone,’ said the interviewer. ‘Gone where?’ insisted Mourinho.

‘In front of the players’, was the reply, ‘Exactly’, said a smug Mourinho.

What on earth did he mean? Did he believe that a player can only be fouled when he is actually playing the ball?

Let’s look at what the Laws of the Game say, ‘Direct and indirect free kicks and penalty kicks can only be awarded for offences committed when the ball is in play’. Did Mourinho think that the ball had gone out of play?

‘The ball is out of play, says the Law, when it wholly passes over the goal line or touchline on the ground or in the air’ or is stopped by the referee’. The ball in this case had not gone outside the field of play, in fact, it was still inside the penalty area when Oliver blew his whistle.

Prospective referees when in training, are often tested with the question. ‘What action would they take. if after a corner, the ball is booted upfield but two opposing players, still in the penalty area, clash and the defender strikes the attacker’. The answer is that although the ball is in the other half the referee would give a penalty.

The Arsenal v Spurs incident is the same. The ball is still in play and the infringement takes place in the penalty area.

How could Mourinho think it could be anything except a penalty?

38 | SPORT

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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP

How they rated STAR PLAYER Ovie Ejaria

PLAY-OFF PUSH TAKE READING 1 QPR 1

RAFAEL CABRAL Made some super saves in the final 10 minutes, most notably from Johansen’s shot from inside the box late in the game.

OMAR RICHARDS Got forward in attack in the early stages of the game but struggled to maintain that as the game went on and had more defensive work.

LEWIS GIBSON Hasn’t featured much recently but came for the injured McIntyre. Lost his marker for the QPR goal but defended well for most of the game.

LIAM MOORE Was unlucky to have a goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision. Put in some vital blocks and tackles in the second-half.

TOM HOLMES Reverted to right-back to replace the injured Yiadom. Got caught out by the overlapping run to create QPR’s goal but defended relatively well after that.

ANDY RINOMHOTA Set up the equaliser with a pinpoint ball over the top to find Meite . An important part of the side in his first game back since injury.

JOSH LAURENT A consistent display, won plenty of tackles in the heart of midfield to break up QPR’s attacking play.

OVIE EJARIA Far and away the best player on the pitch.

Created several chances for his teammates with his silky footwork and incisive passing.

MICHAEL OLISE Spurned a brilliant chance to score from Ejaria’s pull back in the first-half. Created plenty of chances but his set-piece delivery was lacking.

YAKOU MEITE Did well to squeeze the ball past Dieng to equalise. Now has three goals in the last three games to show his importance up top for the side.

LUCAS JOAO A disappointing afternoon as his sticky patch of form continues. Missed a couple of good chances, most notably when he took the ball around the keeper but missed the target.

7 6 6 7 6 6 7 9 7 7 6

SUBSTITUTES George Puscas 5, Alfa Semedo 5, Tomas Esteves 5

By ANDY PRESTON at the Madejski Stadium apreston@wokingham.today READING had to settle for just a point as their hopes to finish in the Championship play-offs took another blow.

Yakou Méïté levelled early in the second-half after Lyndon Dykes broke his long scoring drought to put Queens Park Rangers ahead on the stroke of half-time.

The Royals fought to find a winner as Ovie Ejaria created several superb chances.

However, QPR also had their fair share of chances near the end as Rafael Cabral was forced into a superb save to keep out Stefan Johansen.

Reading move a point closer to fifth-placed Barnsley after they suffered a surprise defeat at home to Sheffield Wednesday and now move within two points of the Tykes.

After dropping more points, Reading are now only three points ahead of Bournemouth who now have a game in hand.

Reading have collected a disappointing return of two points from their last three matches with just eight matches to play after the international break.

Veljko Paunović was forced into changes as both Tom McIntyre and Andy Yiadom missed out on the squad through injury.

However, there was some good news on the injury front too as Andy Rinomhota and Ovie Ejaira both returned to the starting lineup, while Lewis Gibson came into the back four in place of Yiadom.

Meanwhile, former Reading academy graduate Rob Dickie, who made one senior appearance for the Royals, lined-up for QPR. Reading made a bright start and won two corners in the opening minutes when a cross was headed out only as far as Andy Rinomhota, but QPR keeper Seny Dieng got fingertips to turn his shot over the bar.

Lucas João had his first sight of goal when he took a perfect first touch in the box, feigned to shoot to work space for a better angle, but Dickie got across to make a vital block from his eventual effort.

QPR had their first attempt when they worked a corner routine to the edge of the box but Charlie Austin scuffed his shot harmlessly wide.

Omar Richards attacked down the left and looked to pick out Joao in the middle and his cross caused uncertainty for the Rangers defence before Yoann Barbet managed to beat the striker to the ball and turn

Yakou Méïté celebrates his equaliser

The Royals came back from a goal behind to salvagae a draw against QPR as the race for the top

Ovie Ejaria goes on another mazy run down the wing

it behind the post for a corner.

Ovie Ejaria was the brightest spark in attack for the Royals throughout the half and played a brilliant ball through the heart of the midfield to pick out Michael Olise in the box, but the Frenchman was tightly marked and had his shot blocked.

QPR worked a chance on the break as Lyndon Dykes knocked the ball down for his strike partner Austin, but the experienced forward snatched at his shot which whistled over the bar.

Reading’s best chance of the half came in the 37th minute through more excellent work from Ejaria who persisted to break into the box on the left flank and pulled the ball back for Olise in the box, but he fired his shot high over the bar.

Despite having the better of the ball and chances, Reading were made to pay for their lacklustre finishing as QPR took the lead on the stroke of half-time.

QPR unpicked the Royals defence

Rinomhota clings onto possession in midfield

down the left as Ilias Chair played Lee Wallace in down the left and he squared the ball for Dykes who finished from close range.

The QPR striker had been on a barren run having not scored since November, but finally ended his drought to give Rangers

Match stats READING: Rafael, Gibson, Holmes, Moore (c), Richards, Rinomhota, Laurent, Olise, Ejaria, João, Méïté SUBS: Esteves, Baldock, Southwood, Aluko, Semedo, Tetek, Onen, Pușcaș, Camara QPR: Dieng, Dickie, de Wijs, Barbet, Kakay, Field, Johansen, Wallace, Chair, Austin, Dykes SUBS: Lumley, Kane, Bonne, Ball, Thomas, Cameron, Willock, Hamalainen, Adomah GOALS: Dykes 45’, Méïté 57’ '

a half-time lead.

The Royals thought they had salvaged an equaliser in the 55th minute through their captain when Liam Moore had the ball in the net, only to be flagged for offside.

More superb skill from Ejaria saw him tee the ball up for Méïté, his shot was parried out by Dieng into the path of Moore who stabbed home from close range only to be denied by the flag.

But just two minutes later, the Royals were level.

Méïté broke behind the QPR defence, held off the challenge of Dickie as he turned onto his right foot and squeezed the ball through the legs of Dieng to equalise.

Ejaria split open the Rangers defence again with a pass to find the run of João, he took the ball past the keeper but couldn’t finish on his left foot as he hit his shot wide from a narrow angle.

Reading continued to threaten as they searched for a goal to take them in front and Tom Holmes

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ES ANOTHER TWIST

From The Tilehurst End Olly Allen

The calm before the storm

T Liam Moore challenges QPR keeper Dieng Lucas Joao rises high to power a header towards goal

The Royals miss a chance to take the lead

p-six took another dramatic twist Pictures: Steve Smyth

QPR celebrate after taking the lead

Meite takes a swipe at goal

Lucas Joao tries to hit a shot through a crowd of QPR defenders

Andy Rinomhota leaps to head the ball

Rafael and Moore try to clear from danger

came inches away from doing that when his shot from 20 yards flew past the post after a surging run from João to set him up.

Paunović made a double change with just over 10 minutes left as George Pușcaș and Alfa Semedo replaced João and Olise.

glanced a header just wide of the post.

QPR looked the more likely to snatch a winner in the final 10 minutes as the chances dried up for the Royals, but the points were eventually shared.

After the international

break,Reading have a tricky away game against fellow play-off hopefuls Barnsley, who are currently one place and two points above the Royals.

Reading’s game against Barnsley on Friday, April 2 will be live on Sky Sports (5.30pm kick-off).

Rafael Cabral made a crucial save to keep the game level as he reacted to keep out Stefan Johansen after Wallace pulled the ball back for him to hit a powerful strike.

The visitors went close again just moments later as a cross into the box found Dominic Ball who

REACTION

PAUNOVIĆ ‘HAPPY’ TO SEE FRUSTRATION AT DRAW READING boss Veljko Paunović expressed concern at the Royals’ lack of finishing as they had to settle for a point against Queens Park Rangers.

"It was a good game. We played against a very good opponent,” said Paunovic.

“I'm obviously not happy with the draw but there were a lot of positives in our game.

"It's concerning that it's repeating that we are creating so many chances and not executing.

We have to connect the final part moving into the final part of the season, it will be crucial.

"We had other big chances, and a goal disallowed, that could have changed the outcome, I like the character and the spirit. I'm proud of the effort of the team."

"I'm happy to see us frustrated at not winning the game.”

Despite the frustrating result, Paunovic was pleased at some aspects of his teams performance as they recovered after going

behind to take a point.

"Our approach changed and we wanted to be more direct. We missed some calmness and we needed to build momentum to get into their half,” he continued.

“Overall, there are a lot of positives and things that we have to polish during the break and come back in the best possible shape.

"Yakou (Méïté) is a proven goalscorer and asset for our team.

It's a shame we've lost him for so much of the season.”

Reading manager Veljko Paunović

HE international break provides a good opportunity to take stock ahead of the final eight games of the campaign. Eight games that will decide whether Reading qualify for the playoffs or if they’ll agonisingly drop out of the top six.

The general mood around the fanbase has leaned towards the latter in the last couple of weeks, and for the first time, I’m sadly also beginning to take that view.

The last three games should have provided Reading with the chance to head into the run-in with the pressure off a little and with room to make a few errors in difficult games. Instead, the pressure has increased.

Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers are all sides we should have been beating. I hate the phrase ‘should be beating’ because no team has a divine right to win a game of football, but given their respective league positions, those were three games a side chasing promotion ought to have been getting maximum points out of. But Reading trailed against all three sides and picked up just two points.

For the first time, finishing in the top six this season is not in our hands, due to Bournemouth being three points behind in seventh with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

There’s no getting away from it, Reading’s run-in is very tough. Five of our remaining opponents are in the current top eight; that’s the top three of Norwich City, Watford and Swansea City as well as our play-off rivals Barnsley and Cardiff City. That is incredibly daunting. In the words of Tom Holmes, it’s “crunch time”.

It is worth pointing out that Reading picked up an impressive 19 points against their eight remaining opponents in the first half of the season – if they can replicate that then they will hit 81 points and be as safe as houses in the playoff places.

However that would seem fanciful, considering that the majority of those teams – Cardiff and Barnsley being the obvious ones – are in far better shape than when they faced Reading earlier in the campaign, while the Royals have headed in the opposite direction and regressed.

Ultimately I am always left asking myself the same question: would I be happy with finishing just outside of the playoffs?

The rationalist inside me would insist yes, as it would represent significant progress from last season that no one really expected before a ball had been kicked and hopefully provide a foundation to really push for promotion next year.

Yet it would be hard to get away from a nagging feeling that Reading had blown an incredible opportunity.

Having been seven points clear at the top of the table, no matter how early in the season, and inside the top six for almost all of the campaign, to then miss out would be tough to take.

Perhaps that feeling is already creeping in after recent results, and a glance at the remaining fixtures does not help.

I don’t know whether I am looking forward to the final eight games or absolutely dreading the inescapable nerves and tension, but they certainly won’t be dull.

Strap in.

WOKINGHAMSPORT YOUR GUIDE TO ALL THE ACTION

BOARS UP FOR THE CUP

KIAN ON THE BALL IN WORLD CUP CLASH A WOKINGHAM family are looking forward to this weekend’s World Cup qualifiers as they get to see their son in action.

Kian Duncan will be in the line-up for Anguilla as they take on the Dominician Republic in the crunch fixture.

The game kicks off at 10pm and will be the 20-year-old’s second game for the squad, following a friendly against the US Virgin Islands on Monday evening, which ended in a 0-0 draw.

And he could be in action again next Wednesday, as the team play Barbados at 12.30am.

Duncan lives in Wokingham and is currently captain of Burnham, but he previously played in St Crispin’s youth team, and also turned out for the Sumas before a spell at Basingstoke Town.

“He’s quite young, he’s only 20,” said Mum Anita. “It’s quite a significant thing to be called up to play for the national team.”

Due to covid, Duncan flew out last month so he could quarantine and, because Anguilla is a smaller footballing nation, they have been playing games at the home of Inter Miami, Fort Lauderdale.

“He absolutely loved it,” Ms Duncan said. “The facilities are out of this world, and he was absolutely buzzing from it.

“They can’t wait for the weekend for the first match.” � Continued on page 35

PUSH FOR PROMOTION

‘WE HAVE EIGHT CUP FINALS’

GAFFER URGES TEAM TO FIND BEST FORM

By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today VELJKO PAUNOVIĆ gave a rallying cry to his players after they stumbled to a home draw against Queens Park Rangers.

The Royals missed the chance to close the gap on fifth-placed Barnsley, who were beaten by

Sheffield Wednesday, but still gained a point to move within two points.

It has presented the chance to seventh placed Bournemouth to leapfrog Reading into the play-off places if they win their game in hand after the international break.

“We have eight finals,” said Paunović.

“We have to be at our best. We have to adjust and recover with enthusiasm to find form moving onto Barnsley.”

The Royals face a potential season defining game when Championship football returns after the break with an away trip against Barnsley on Friday, April 2. � Full story on page 38

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Yakou Méïté Picture: Steve Smyth

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By PHIL CREIGHTON pcreighton@wokingham.today

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