COVERING WOKINGHAM, FINCHAMPSTEAD, EARLEY, WINNERSH, SHINFIELD, WOODLEY, TWYFORD & SURROUNDING AREAS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY UPDATED DAILY AT WWW.WOKINGHAM.TODAY
THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Thursday, May 13, 2021 No. 312
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#BACKBINFIELD WITH OUR GREAT POSTER INSIDE
MOLES ARE OFF TO WEMBLEY! Life on the open road
HOW CAN WE SEE A DOCTOR? Special report on medical centre p10-11
Wokingham Borough Mayor Malcolm Richards opens the new Winnersh Relief Road on Monday – full story page 4
BLUE SEATER: TORIESWINPOLL � Seven new faces for Conservatives � Three gains for Liberal Democrats � Labour leader loses Woodley seat
By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today
FOR WOKINGHAM’S Conservatives, they are the magnificent seven: the new councillors elected to the borough council, giving them a majority.
On their way to victory in last Thursday’s local elections, Shahid Younis regained the Bulmershe and Whitegates seat he lost in 2019, kicking out Labour leader Andy Croy in the process. The party regained Loddon and Finchampstead South after the seats switched – to independent or Lib Dem – during the past four years. Newcomer Sam Akhtar was elected in Charvil, while Norman Jorgensen
won a seat in Maiden Erlegh, two years after he was voted out. Cllr Jorgensen is not the only spouse to be given the seal of approval by voters: Rebecca Margetts won in Finchampstead South. Also coming into the council for the first time is Jackie Rance, who takes over Charlotte Haitham-Taylor’s Shinfield South seat for the party. In Norreys ward, Phil Cunnington beat Labour’s Nick Fox to claim former mayor Malcolm Richards’ seat. And Anne Chadwick was elected into Loddon, another newcomer. The results mean the Conservatives have 31 borough council seats, three over the majority of 28. � Continued on page 2
PUB FORCED TO SHUT COVID HUTS P9
TONY CHRISTIE: THIS IS THE WAY TO WOKINGHAM P13 MAYORS MADE BY COUNCILS P15 & 22
A NEW VISION FOR WOODLEY P5
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2 | NEWS
How to get in touch with us
VOTE 2021
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READ, Phyllis Mary nee Jackman Born 31st October 1929 Died peacefully on 6th May 2021, at home surrounded by her family and friends. Beloved wife of Bill, and a treasured mother, sister, nanny and great nanny. She will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. A private funeral service will be held on Thursday 20th May at 11.30am at Easthampstead Park Crematorium. Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, donations for Sue Ryder in Phyllis' memory may be made via www.abwalker.co.uk All enquiries to A.B. Walker. Tel: 0118 957 3650
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Conservatives enjoy � Continued from front page
There were comfortable wins for council leader John Halsall, and executive members Wayne Smith (Hurst), Charles Margetts (Finchampstead North). Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons enjoyed a strong victory in Wokingham Without, and Cllr Pauline Jorgensen saw off a spirited challenge from the Lib Dems’ Wes Budd to hold on to her Hillside seat. However, it didn’t all go the Conservatives’ way. The Lib Dems took the scalp of executive member UllaKarin Clark in Emmbrook ward with Morag Malvern triumphing, while former council leader Julian McGhee-Sumner failed to win a seat in Wescott. Peter Dennis was elected by voters. And in Evendons ward, Wokingham Town Council Conservative leader Daniel Hinton was pipped to the post by Ian Shenton. The Lib Dems also saw leader Lindsay Ferris win comfortably in Twyford, with the same outcome for deputy leader Clive Jones in Hawkedon. Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey saw off a spirited challenge from Bernadette Mitra to hold on to her Winnersh seat. The new faces ensured that the Conservatives held steady, losing three
Bulmershe and Whitegates Andy Croy, Labour – 1,443 Sheila Jordan, Lib Dems – 256 Samuel Langlois, Green Party – 186 Fiona Morley, Freedom Alliance – 23 Shahid Younis, Conservatives – 1,489 Rejected – 22 Turnout 48%
Sam Akhtar, Conservatives – 728 Martin Alder, Lib Dems – 367 Brian Scott, Labour – 81 Kathy Smith, Green – 55 Rejected – 9 Turnout 52%
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seats but gaining three, meaning that they have 31 seats. The Lib Dems have 18, Labour three and two independents. Cllr John Halsall was pleased with the polls. “I’m delighted,” he said. “Obviously, I’m disappointed that we lost UllaKarin Clark in Emmbrook and we didn’t get Julian (McGhee-Sumner) back in.” The party, he added, had seen a positive swing over its 2019 polling. “In the overall numbers, we are substantially ahead of our rivals,” he said. “Our central message is to ensure that Wokingham borough continues to be a great, safe and happy place to live, work and bring up a family.” He paid tribute to the councillors who stepped down, including Diane King, Charlotte Haitham-Taylor, Ken Miall and Oliver Whittle: “Thank you to all of you”. Cllr Halsall felt that the elections showed what he had set out to achieve while he had been leader. “My ambition was to create a unified team of the Tory group. I’ve always emphasised this,” he said. “The four Conservative associations have worked more closely together. I believe our success is due entirely to
COUNTDOWN: Loddon Valley tellers in action
RESULTS
Charvil
Classification (please tick)
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
Ullakarin Clark, Conservatives – 1,454 Morag Malvern, Lib Dems – 1,675 Llewelyn Reed-Jones, Labour – 320
Evendons Daniel Hinton, Conservatives – 1,277 Annette Medhurst, Labour – 299 Ian Shenton, Lib Dems – 1,390 Louise Timlin, Women’s Equality Party – 175 Rejected – 17 Turnout 44%
Finchampstead North Martyn Foss, Green – 130 Alex Freeney, Labour – 170 Charles Margetts, Conservatives – 1,341 Jordan Montgomery, Lib Dems – 283 Rejected – 17 Turnout 45%
Finchampstead South Mike Eytle, Lib Dems – 454 Rebecca Margetts, Conservatives – 1,188 Grace Tapping, Labour – 172 Rejected – 13 Turnout 39%
Hawkedon Mark Craske, Labour – 339 Clive Jones, Lib Dems – 1,411 Eileen Kessel, Conservatives – 869 Rejected – 13 Turnout 38%
Hillside Wes Budd, Lib Dems – 1,354 Pauline Jorgensen, Conservatives – 1,472 Hari Sarasan, Labour – 303 Rejected – 15 Turnout 49%
Hurst Paula Montie, Labour – 100 Brent Smith, Green – 68 Wayne Smith, Conservatives – 749
NEW COUNCIL MAKE-UP Conservatives 31
Labour 3
Liberal Democrats 18
Independents 2
Sam Turvey, Lib Dems – 211 Rejected – 3 Turnout 50%
Loddon Anne Chadwick, Conservatives – 1,377 Majid Nagra, Labour – 689 Beth Rowland, Lib Dems – 741 Eric Towell, Greens – 163 Rejected – 16 Turnout 39%
Maiden Erlegh Andrew Gray, Labour – 676 Norman Jorgensen, Conservatives – 1,235 Russell Seymour, Greens – 161 Mike Smith, Lib Dems – 931 Rejected – 29 Turnout 45%
Norreys Jane Ainslie, Lib Dems – 481 Phil Cunnington, Conservatives – 1,610 Nick Fox, Labour – 1,375 Rejected – 23 Turnout 42%
Remenham, Wargrave and Ruscombe Martijn Andrea, Lib Dems – 425 Stuart Crainer, Labour – 239 John Halsall, Conservatives – 1,137 Rejected – 12 Turnout 42%
Marcus McDowell, Labour – 359 Jackie Rance, Conservatives – 1,423 Rejected – 19 Turnout 35%
Twyford Martin Coule, Greens – 124 Lindsay Ferris, Lib Dems – 1,677 Caroline Hill, Labour – 118 Grant Woolner, Conservatives – 562 Rejected – 17 Turnout 54%
Wescott Peter Dennis, Lib Dems – 1,052 Colin Heath, Labour – 288 Julian McGhee-Sumner, Conservatives – 1,011 Rejcted – 28 Turnout 43%
Winnersh Karen Clyde, Freedom Alliance – 91 Bernadette Mitra, Conservatives – 1,002 Allan Murgungi, Labour – 258 Rachelle Shepherd-Dubey, Lib Dems – 1,627 Rejected – 25 Turnout 38%
Wokingham Without
Chris Johnson, Lib Dems – 1,152
Keith Comber, Lib Dems – 1,005 Pauline Helliar Symons, Conservatives – 1,616 Brent Lees, Labour – 210 Rejected – 12 Turnout 44%
Wescott West, Wokingham Town Council
Coronation East, Woodley Town Council
Michelle Douglas, Conservatives – 449 Mariangela Ferrai, Lib Dems – 415 Colin Heath, Labour – 158 Rejected – 19 Turnout 44%
Gregory Bello, Labour – 183 Robert Horskins, Conservatives – 845 Paddy Power, Lib Dems — 294 Rejected – 8 Turnout 44%
Shinfield South
Thursday, May 13, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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successful elections working as a team, despite the unprecedented times of the pandemic.” This was backed up by Bracknell MP James Sunderland, who met with the new Bracknell Forest councillors as well as Cllr Rebecca Margetts and Cllr HelliarSymons at Trilakes Park in Sandhurst on Monday. “A massive well done,” he said to them on being elected. Their election, he added, was about supporting local people. “The Conservatives are delivering both locally and nationally and the result locally is a reflection of national politics,” he said, adding that the byelection result in Hartlepool was “a seismic shift” and that voters switching to the Conservatives was “happening all over the north”. The votes were cast last Thursday, but not counted until Saturday, using covidsafe protocols to protect the tellers. This included limited the number of people allowed into Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, and holding the count over two rooms with strict social distancing measures in place. Facemasks were worn at all times. The new council will meet for the first time on Thursday, May 20.
Lib Dems ‘worked their socks off’ THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS ‘worked their socks off’ to gain three seats in the Wokingham local elections, according to the party’s leader. Cllr Lindsay Ferris added that he was very proud of his team in the face of the unusual election they had had. “Bearing in mind what’s been happening across the country where, without question, the Conservatives seem to have had a bounce, I think we’ve done incredibly well,” he told Wokingham.Today. “We have worked our socks off over the last couple of months since we were allowed to start campaigning again, which was March. I am very proud of them. “We now have an expanded group of 18 on the council and it is our job to provide the opposition to the ruling Conservative group. Yes, there were several seats that we missed, but I think in the overall scheme of things across the country, we’ve done incredibly well.” Cllr Ferris was a candidate and was delighted to be reelected. “I really want to thank the residents of Twyford, I’m quite humbled at the vote we’ve received and I’m very proud to be able to represent Twyford. It gives you a lot of energy to keep going and fighting for our village,” he said. He said that the support had ‘gobsmacked’ him. “So many people came up to with
GROWING FORCE: The Lib Dems gained three councillors in the elections
me thumbs up, saying they’re voting for me. When I was walking my dogs, people asked me if we had had the result yet. “It’s just so encouraging to get such a positive response.” He pledged to serve all residents, regardless of whether they had voted for him or not. “If somebody has a problem, it doesn’t matter how they voted or whether they voted at all. We are councillors to represent them.” Now, he needs to look ahead to the new municipal year and what the party will do. “I think that one of the things the council has to do is to change its culture. It seems to be so arrogant about things,” he said. “It seems to take the line that, ‘no, we couldn’t have possibly done anything wrong’. If somebody makes a mistake – anyone can – just say so, move on and get it sorted.
“That’s one of the things we would focus on.” He said that the party had prepared an implementation plan in
case it won control of the council in the elections, but that was not to be. With a bigger group, it will start looking ahead to next year’s local elections. “We’ve got another opportunity and we’ll be putting together proposals and plans as the opposition over the coming year. “We now have a strong, strong voice for the residents of Wokingham borough, we have got good representation and we will push on that so that the residents can get the best for their area. “We will push the Conservatives to provide services as good as they can and we will be pushing hard at them.”
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STILL STANDING: Wokingham Labour candidates
Labour vows to regroup after election defeats “SEATS are only lent to politicians by the people of a particular area. It’s been withdrawn from me and lent to somebody else.” That’s the verdict of Wokingham Labour group leader Andy Croy, who lost his Bulmershe and Whitegates seat to the Conservatives in the 2021 Wokingham local elections. It was a close contest: Mr Croy polled 1,443 votes, while the winner, Shahid Younis, received 1,489 – just 46 votes difference. Will he be back? “Let’s see what happens in the future,” he said. Overall, it had been a disappointing set of results for Wokingham Labour, failing to gain target seats in Norreys or make inroads elsewhere. “I’m desperately disappointed for activists,” he said, “They work very hard, they put a lot of effort into the campaigns. I’m also a little bit saddened that the size of the group has come down so there will be less opposition on the council. It will be more of a one party sort of shop, if you like.” And while the party will has not had a good election this year, Mr Croy said they would be back. “We will regroup, we’ll have a look at the numbers. I lost by 46 votes, in Norreys it was 235. So in those two areas in particular there is a lot of potential for us to bounce back. “But that will take hard work. It always takes hard work.”
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Winnersh relief road opens THE SECOND phase of the Winnersh relief road is now open, writes Jess Warren. The route from King Street Lane to Reading Road cuts out the Winnersh crossroads, and was included in the council’s 2010 local plan. It means drivers will no longer be able to turn right from King Street Lane onto Hatch Farm Way, or turn right from Longdon Road onto King Street Lane. Mark Cupit, assistant director delivery and infrastructure at the council called it an incredible milestone for the borough and thanked all that have been involved in the project. “The project has been successfully completed despite having the disruption of a global pandemic,” he said. “We have seen a lot of change in recent years, through the development of new communities and we are committed to ensuring we build the right infrastructure in the right places. “The council is investing £1 billion in new schools, community and leisure facilities, parks and open
spaces and roads to ensure our new communities have what they need to thrive. “This final phase of the Winnersh Relief Road is a key piece of the puzzle to help relieve the congestion we have at the Winnersh Sainsbury’s crossroads.” The new road is part of the council’s major highways project which will see an investment of more than £100 million from developer contributions and the Berkshire-wide Business Rates Retention Pilot (BRRP2). The BRRP2 is part of a Government pilot which allows councils in Berkshire to retain a percentage of the business rates paid by businesses in the borough. Some of this is then allocated to the Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) for infrastructure projects, and distributed to the authorities following a bidding process. The BRRP2 contributed £6.26 million to phase two of the Winnersh Relief Road. Bob Mountain, vice chair of the Berkshire Local Transport Body and board director at Thames Valley Berkshire LEP
said the road aligns with LEP priorities by helping to relieve congestion issues across the wider area. “It also meets the infrastructure needs by supporting delivery of the Hatch Farm Dairies development of more than 400 houses as well as the wider need for housing growth in the area. “The scheme delivers on many levels – not only reducing existing and future peak hour congestion in Winnersh by providing an alternative route for through traffic but also reducing journey times on the A329 Reading Road through Winnersh. Importantly, it also encourages active travel through the provision of cycle lanes and footpaths.” The road connects the A329 Reading Road, via a new roundabout, to the B3030 King Street Lane. The final section of the relief road links to the west of Old Forest Road via another new roundabout on Reading Road. This is due to be completed by late summer. For more information, visit the council website and search for ‘major new roads’.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
Former addict opens
New brewery tap room for town SOMETHING is brewing in Wokingham town centre, as a new tap room prepares to open its doors on Denmark Street next month, writes Charlotte King. Part of the Elms Field redevelopment, independent business The Outhouse Brewery will brew its beers on site. Owner Peter Rhodes said it should be one of a kind and something never seen before in the town centre. “The pub will just be one room,” Mr Rhodes explained. “In essence, people will be sitting in the brewery itself, having a pint and looking at the vessels that made the very beer they’re drinking.” Mr Rhodes toyed with the idea of launching his own brewery after being made redundant at the start of the pandemic. As a “casual brewer” in his spare time, he said coronavirus pushed him to turn his hobby into something more. “This is brand new to me,” he said. “I’ve been a hobby brewer for years and I always wanted to do this, so when covid came along I took the opportunity.” Since creating The Outhouse Brewery brand last year, the
Wokingham resident spent months looking for the perfect premises before finding Southgate House. Construction at the site, opposite The Gig House, has already begun and the micro pub is currently taking shape. “I’ve lived in Wokingham for years now and I really like the place, so I wanted the brewery to be based here,” Mr Rhodes said. “I did look at other options, but Wokingham was my preference.” When The Outhouse opens its doors, residents can expect “fresh” beer which is unfiltered and unpasteurised, to ensure the hops and grains taste “as they should”. “The beauty of it is that the beers will be changing all the time,” Mr Rhodes said. “We want to avoid being just another bar.” The micro pub will offer a range of craft beers, including pale ales, IPAs and stouts, as well as wines and spirits which will be bought in. “We’re the makers of our own goods,” Mr Rhodes added. The last brewery to be based in Wokingham town centre was the Wellington Brewery, which closed its doors in 1928. “There are plenty of pubs in
Wokingham, but I want people to know that I’m not part of a chain,” he added. “This is me, my journey, my start-up company and my hobby I enjoy, and I want to take it to the next level. “I hope people will enjoy that journey with me.” A range of other businesses are set to open alongside The Outhouse Brewery, including a new art gallery and deli. Last month, interiors shop Peacock House opened its doors, and deli-bistro Hamlet will soon launch in Peach Place. Cllr Stuart Munro, executive member for business and economic development, said the borough council is “really pleased” to be welcoming new, independent businesses to Elms Field. “It’s a testament to the town centre that businesses continue to want to locate here and that Wokingham continues to see strong local recovery as people come back to shop in the town,” he said. “These latest businesses will be fantastic additions to the town centre.” � For more information, visit theouthousebrewery.com or search for ‘The Outhouse Brewery’ on Facebook.
EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today A CHARITY that supports former addicts is looking for more premises in Woodley.
Hope and Vision Communities provides move-on accommodation to people that have completed a residential rehabilitation programme for an addiction.
Barber for PCC MORE THAN 30,000 ballots were rejected in the Thames Valley police and crime commissioner election. In the count, which saw former deputy PCC Matthew Barber elected, there were 16,011 ballots rejected at the first-round stage. Of these, 7,533 were unmarked, 3,165 were void and 5,234 saw people vote for more than one candidate. In the second round, 15,388 didn’t have a second preference, and 173 made more
Last month it secured £10,000 from the National Lottery, which will help the charity expand to meet its waiting list. Formed in September by Tony Attwood, the charity launched its first Woodley property in December. Mr Attwood has 25 years of experience with addiction and crime, and 15 years of community, prison and
residential treatment. He is now an active Christian, after spending time at Hare Hatch-based Yeldall Manor, a Christian drug and alcohol rehab centre. Inspired by his time there, Mr Attwood said the setting was “perfect”. He described it as a “beautiful place with wonderful people and a love I’d never experienced before, or never
than one vote. The combined figure, of 31,761, was nearly half that of fourth placed candidate, independent Alan Robinson. The former police officer polled 77,210 votes. In third place, with 110,072 votes, was Liberal Democrat John Howson. They were both eliminated from the contest, and their votes redistributed among the first and second preference choices, Labour’s Laetisia Carter (175,123 first round votes) and Mr Barber’s 267,404.
The Conservative candidate picked up 45,744 votes in the second round, giving him a total of 313,148 votes, while Ms Carter had 58,323 votes, taking her to 233,446. Mr Barber said: “I am delighted to have been elected as the next Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley”. His priorities include fighting organised crime, cybercrime and fraud, and tackling illegal encampments. � For more details, www.thamesvalley-pcc.gov.uk
Thursday, May 13, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
post-rehab centre
CHEQUE: Tony Attwood is thankful for £10,000 from the National Lottery Picture: Matthew Fennell
noticed, or knew how to accept if I did”. He believes the combination of community living, the Church and counselling led him to sobriety. “Change was difficult within the system,” he said. “I was a hopeless case, a lost cause —
nobody thought I could change. But I have had this journey out of prison and into treatment, and then into my new life. “It’s been long-term, but short term solutions cost more money to society, because nothing changes. People need the whole package, a holistic approach, to produce real change.” As part of his rehab programme, Mr Attwood was required to be of service to others. “It’s removing me from myself,” he explained. “Addicts can be very self-centred people, it’s part of the trauma. “Service is very important in all parts of my life now, it's fulfilling in an unexpected way. I spent my whole life searching for that fulfilment in other things — always chasing something else — I finally found what I was looking for in service.” This spurred him to launch Hope and Vision Communities, a place for people who have demonstrated change. “When I was coming to the end of my time at Yeldall Manor, I had a lot of anxiety about moving on. I couldn’t find anywhere to live. “Many private landlords are reluctant to rent to people who are on Universal Credit, and there’s a big stigma with addiction — it can be really hard to find housing.” In the end, Mr Attwood found a home through word of mouth, but wants to remove the anxiety over the next step for others. “We help people build up references, the income to move on and new networks in their community,” he said. The accommodation is mostly funded through benefits, but the rent reduces for all tenants that find themselves work, as an incentive. The charity also offers emotional support, help to
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secure a job, education and training. The homes have random drug and alcohol testing to maintain accountability and safety, house meetings to encourage peer support, set goals and resolve issues, a cleaning rota to share the responsibility for the living standards. Mr Attwood said the charity is soon hoping to secure allotments in Woodley to support its residents. “I’ve found gardening very therapeutic,” he said. “My experience with God has transformed my life. Being out in the natural world and working the ground is part of that.” With recent sponsorship from Reeds Solicitors in Reading, the charity has acquired a van to help pick up donations and move furniture for residents. Judy Matthews, whose husband works at Reeds, is also fundraising for Hope and Vision. This summer, she will be taking on three sporting challenges, Bike Oxford, an 80-mile race, along with the London Triathlon and the Blenheim Triathlon Sprint. She aims to raise more than £800 and is currently £500 under target. Mr Attwood said he hopes Ms Matthews will smash the goal, in her activities this summer. Hope and Vision is also supported by Share Wokingham in Norreys and Kerith Community Church in Bracknell. He is looking to speak to any landlords, property developers or investors that would be interested in supporting the charity as it expands its services. � For more information, visit: www.hopeandvision.org.uk � To donate visit: www.justgiving. com/fundraising/judy-matthews
Sports charity launches journal for mental health awareness week A BERKSHIRE sports charity has launched a self-help journal to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week. Sport in Mind, which promotes recovery through physical activity, has launched the journal to help residents improve their wellbeing. It contains tips and ideas about becoming more active, feeling more in control and identifying positive actions. “Research shows that keeping a journal can help us feel more in control of our mental health.” said Neil Harris, founder of Sport in Mind. “As
the UK moves to a new stage in the pandemic, millions are still struggling. “We wanted to create something tangible to help people build healthy habits into their daily life and support them to become more active to improve their mental health.” The charity delivers weekly sport and physical activity programmes that focus on the power of movement and exercise to improve mental health. The journalprovides structured activities and exercise ideas, combined with
personal stories from participants who have benefited from the sport and physical activity sessions run by Sport in Mind. It was previously trialled in a pilot programme, where one participant said: “Reading other peoples’ stories in the Sport in Mind Journal reminded me I am not alone in experiencing these difficulties.” Others said it helped them establish a “much-needed” routine, and helped to reframe thoughts more positively. It is free to healthcare professionals supporting residents. Or it can be purchased via: www.sportinmind.org/shop
6 | NEWS
Helping Hands are down the road with new branch A HOME care specialist opened the doors of a new branch for the Reading area. Helping Hands, a family-run home care provider across England and Wales, have launched its news base on Greyfriars Road, in our neighbour’s town centre. This is part of a larger project which has been launched across the country for the home care provider which specialises in dementia. Octavia Allen, area care manager for the Reading branch, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to work alongside our branch manager Katriona Beeton to get our Reading branch off the ground. “She is an exceptional manager who is dedicated to providing top quality care to the customers in her area and on top of that, her understanding of dementia and how it impacts peoples is a huge advantage to those that she and her team take care of.” Katriona Beeton, branch manager at the new Reading office, said working in home care is an “extremely fulfilling” role. She added: “Not only can you provide entirely person-centred care to those who you are supporting, but you can also improve and aid peoples’ independence. “Home care is still not a service that is widely known about, and so it’s really important to me that new customers, or people looking for care for themselves or loved ones know that care in their own home is a valid and achievable option.” The company has more than 140 branches in England and Wales. � For more information visit helpinghands.co.uk/our-locations/reading
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
Tony says walk one million metres to win a £150 bar tab EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A WOKINGHAM resident has launched a new fitness challenge to tackle heart disease one step at a time.
Earlier this year, Tony Eames launched the Million Metre Challenge in a bid to inspire one million people from across the globe to improve their wellbeing. Now, he has opened the programme up to shop workers and is encouraging the borough’s to get moving this summer for the Wokingham Retail Shop Challenge. The challenge asks shop workers based in the area to work as teams and travel one million metres by walking or running over the coming months. The challenge is virtual, meaning staff can track their progress through an online portal and compete with one another. “I’ve worked in retail all my life and it’s been through quite a difficult time during the pandemic,” Mr Eames said.
“I thought it’d be good to create a wellbeing programme to get retail workers out and about, and make other people aware that the shops are back so they should get out and support them.” Now, Mr Eames hopes it will help bring Wokingham’s business community together while promoting physical health. “I’m local, I shop in Wokingham and I think it’s important to support our community,” he said. “I want to bring retailers together and engage people.” He took part in his own million metre rowing challenge in 2017 and said it “changed [his] life”. “I’m a totally different person now,” he explained. “I’m more focused and fitness is part of my everyday life. “My objective with the Wokingham Retail Shop Challenge is to get more people involved and help them kickstart their own fitness process. “My primary objective is to get people doing more fitness.” The first shop team to complete their million metre challenge will win a £150 voucher to spend at a nearby pub.
GET MOVING: Tony Eames is calling on retail staff to walk or run in his wellbeing challenge
The organiser said the Wokingham Retail Shop Challenge is the first of many and said he is planning to launch a range of community competitions in the future — including a Walk 300km Summer 2021 Challenge. Mr Eames, who lives in Wokingham with his family, launched the Million Metre Challenge as part of his ongoing mission to raise awareness for heart charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY). He was diagnosed with a
potentially fatal heart condition, known as Long QT, when he was 12. The Million Metre Challenge has worked with CRY over the past three months on a 25 Million Metre Challenge too. The Wokingham Retail Shop Challenge is taking place from Monday, May 31 until Sunday, July 25 and entry is free. � For more information and to sign up, visit: www.millionmetre.com/ wokingham or email info@millionmetre.com
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NEWS | 7
Kids go back with a splash EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today MORE THAN two million youngsters missed out on the chance to go swimming due to the pandemic – with some now fearing a return.
Simon Balaam’s three children attend swimming lessons at Bracknell Leisure Centre. He said two of his children, Megan and Harry, were nervous about returning to the pool after shielding. “During the lockdown our kids became less active due to leisure centre closures and this wasn’t good for them or children in a similar position,” he said. “Being able to go back to swimming helped them get active again and was a real benefit for our youngest, Charlie. “He was just beginning to develop his swimming skills
before lockdown began and his lessons unfortunately came to an abrupt halt as he was building momentum and confidence in the pool. “We believe that this may have pushed his swimming ability back a little but he certainly has been trying hard and enjoying his lessons.” He said Megan and Harry are now “much happier” about being back in the water. “The return to swimming was a great thing for our children and will help them progress towards the valuable life skill we want them to learn.” It comes as Swim England launched a #LoveSwimming campaign to encourage parents to ensure children have a “safe and secure” return to the pool. New data shows that almost a quarter of a million children in the country cannot swim the length of a standard swimming pool.
The organisation warned many youngsters might miss out on learning a valuable life skill. Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said people have been returning to the water in droves, since pools reopened. “We are absolutely thrilled to see pools across the country reopen their doors and it’s been great that
parents and children are returning to their lessons in a safe and Covid-secure environment,” she said. “Swimming is a fantastic way for children and young people to be active and reap both physical and mental health benefits.” � For more information, or to find nearby swimming lessons, visit: swimming.org
INTO THE WATER: Megan, Harry and Charlie are now much happier
MP calls on Government to act quickly over GWR train cracks RAIL LINES into London have been disrupted this week after Great Western Railway (GWR) pulled its fleet from action, writes Jess Warren. The railway company found hairline cracks on its high-speeds trains that travel into the capital. The issue was discovered aboard the Hitachi Class 800 trains, which were taken out of service on Friday. GWR advised passengers not to use the London Paddington route, as rail replacement services are “extremely limited”. Disruption is affecting services to Reading, Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Penzance, Oxford, Eversham, Worcester, Great Lamvern, Hereford, Swindon, Gloucester and Cheltenham Spa. On Monday, Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East spoke to rail minister Chris Heaton-Harris about the issue. “He confirmed that the trains were being checked due to an issue with metal fatigue,” the MP said. “I am chasing the
Government and I want to see them act swiftly to provide assurance to passengers and businesses that rely on the rail network, that things will be back to normal as soon as possible.” Although no longer part of the shadow transport team, Mr Rodda said the need for reliable alternatives to driving is important to him. He said it would be more reassuring if the
faults were found to be “not safety critical”, but at the moment, it could go either way. Hitachi told The Observer the problem on its trains, which were commissioned by the government for GWR and the East Coast LNER services for £5.7 billion, was still under investigation. The cracks were found in the “lifting points” under the carriage. It comes after cracks were
discovered in brackets linked to the suspension in GWR trains in recent weeks. Mr Heaton-Harris, said routine checks had identified the issue. “Safety is always our absolute priority, so these trains have been taken off the network to undergo full and rigorous checks,” he told The Observer. “Hitachi are working to complete these strict
precautionary checks. Trains will be returned to service as quickly as possible once they are fully approved as safe by the manufacturer. “While some trains are starting to be reintroduced, disruption is likely for a prolonged period, particularly on GWR.” The minister has called on the industry to carry out a comprehensive review to resolve the issue.
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ELCOME to the first of a regular column where I plan to cover topics of interest to a wide range of people. Care matters, but it can be a bewildering subject for many. Whether you have current need for care or are thinking ahead to a time when you or a loved one may need a bit of help or support, I hope you will find this column helpful. If you are researching options for a family member, friend, or neighbour I will share lots of helpful advice and resources that you should tap into. And if you are a carer or considering a career in care, I hope you too will find the column of interest. I am the owner and managing director of Right at Home Reading & Wokingham District, the local branch of a leading UK network of 65+ quality home care providers. I will share ideas and information about Care, with a focus on “domiciliary” care which has grown rapidly in popularity as a flexible cost-effective and attractive alternative to residential nursing or care homes. When I made the decision some years ago to open my own care company after seeing first-hand how different approaches to care affected family members (both receiving care and working in care) in different ways, I was determined to build a quality care company that I would be proud to recommend to my own family and friends. A good thing to have come out of the horrendous Covid-19 pandemic has been a wider public appreciation of the role of Social Care keyworkers, who have been an important support for the wider NHS as well as the people they have been directly caring for. Social Care done well relieves pressure on the NHS in normal times too of course – attentive well-trained caregivers with a diligent support structure backing them up can provide a highly effective “early warning system” for the NHS. Working in partnership with GPs, Pharmacists, District Nurses etc, we find it’s possible to catch many medical issues before they result in hospital stays, expensive, intrusive and time-consuming medical treatment. And thus, contribute to the health and well-being of our clients. Lots of topics then for future issues, but today, I thought I’d recap on what Home Care is, the types of services available, and how this approach to care is attractive to those reluctant to leave their home or for whom residential care is an unnecessary step at this time. Put simply, Homecare is a service where carers visit your own home and provide the support you need to live independently and safely there. For some that may be one or two visits a week, for others, several visits a day, or even live-in care. This is both flexible and cost-effective because the number and frequency of visits, and their duration, can be tailored to your needs and preferences. The overheads of home care agencies are lower than that of care homes (no large expensive buildings to purchase and maintain), so the overall costs of the care are typically lower too. Many Right at Home clients start with us long before there is a need for what many people think of as “care”. They are perfectly capable of looking after themselves day-to-day, but perhaps find certain aspect of life more difficult than they used to be. This is why companies like ours offer a very broad range of services, from light housekeeping and help with weekly chores like shopping; someone to have a chat or go on trips out with; help with medication; as well as things like help with dressing, washing and other aspects of personal care. More on all that in a future issue. Meantime, stay safe… Kevin Kevin Lancaster Right at Home Reading & Wokingham District
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
Back to work
Got a business story? Email news@ wokingham.today. or write to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS
Nigel Richards Wokingham Job Support Centre
Are you worried about your job?
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ONE are the days when finding a job meant perusing the job adverts in newspapers, sending the recruiter a CV and covering letter in the post and, if all went well, being invited to come in for an interview. If you haven’t dipped your toe into the job market for a while, you might find things are a little different. Nowadays, you are more likely to search online for a vacancy and email in a short CV with a crisp cover letter explaining why you are the best person for the job. If you make it to the interview stage, then this is likely to be online – but more about that next week. There are several online channels that you should consider utilising in your job search, not just for finding a suitable role but also to raise your profile. These include: LinkedIn: specifically for the business community, LinkedIn is a good place to start your search – 94% of recruiters use the network. Employers view a LinkedIn profile as your personal brand, so it is crucial to keep your details up to date. You can also include testimonials from colleagues and clients, and add links to your CV, website and other social media accounts. Instagram: more than 25 million companies worldwide use Instagram for business, and some 200 million users visit at least one business profile every day. The site is regarded as a key tool to discover what is going on in a marketplace, area or industry. Google: for research, links and leads don’t forget this stalwart search engine. But, remember, it takes practise to research efficiently and drill down to the precise details you need. A personal website: there are many free platforms and simple templates available to help you create a website and they are relatively cheap to host. Ensure your site is clean and simple with clear contact information. Social media links and regular updates help create traction and pushes you up the Google search algorithm. Job-search websites: specialist job-search engines – such as Office Angels, Indeed, Total Jobs, Hays, Reed, Prospect and Monster – offer the ability to specify job type, salary and location in your search; register and let them work for you. Company and newspaper websites: it’s cheaper and easier for companies to advertise vacancies on their own website, so it’s worth keeping an eye on those that interest you; while those jobs advertised in newspapers will also appear online. Facebook: useful for networking, researching companies and following those organisations of interest, as well as raising your own profile. Twitter: the microblogging service enables you to make connections, find job listings and build a personal brand that will help boost your career and further your job search. If you would like to learn more about looking for work in today’s market, contact Wokingham Job Support Centre – a free and confidential local service for job seekers. Until next week, good luck with your job hunting. � For more information, visit www.wjsc.org.uk, tel: 0118 977 0517 or email jobsearch@wjsc.org.uk. Nigel Richards chairs Wokingham Job Support Centre
Award for village store’s good cheer By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A SONNING convenience store has been awarded for its ‘good cheer’.
The Village Hamper, which offers groceries and pantry supplies on the village’s High Street, recently won R&A’s Good Cheer Award for independent and community stores. Kathy Wright opened the shop in September 2020 in a bid to ‘fill a gap’ in the village. “I’ve lived in Sonning for 10 years and I’ve always felt that the one thing it lacks is a local convenience store,” she said. Rather than driving to the nearest shop, she wanted the people of Sonning to be able to walk down the road to get their daily bread. She said she was “over the moon” to hear The Village Hamper had won this year’s Good Cheer Award. “I was absolutely thrilled — it was such an honour,” she said. “We’ve only been open for a short period of time, so it’s really amazing and the support we’ve had from the community has been incredible.” Ms Wright said opening the store in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic has had its ups and downs. “I’ve had to take my time and progress the shop slowly,” she explained. “We’ve had to adapt,
RANGE: Some of goodies on sale at The Village Hamper in Sonning
but we’ve also proven extremely popular.” Last month, The Village Hamper also opened its patio area and has been serving customers coffee and cake outdoors. “The Award was very much a team effort and I couldn’t have done it without the team behind me,” Ms Wright added. The Good Cheer Awards are hosted annually by Round & About Magazine. Residents from across the Thames Valley and Surrey are
invited to nominate their favourite pubs, restaurants, stores and more which bring “good cheer” to local communities. “There’s clearly a lot of love out there for those in the hospitality industry who’ve worked so hard to get through the past year, even when they haven’t been able to open,” a spokesperson said. � To find out more about The Village Hamper, at 6 High Street, Sonning, visit: facebook.com/ VillageHamper
Become a recovery ambassador WOKINGHAM Borough residents have the opportunity to help kickstart Reading’s economy. Reading UK is urging the local community to volunteer as Welcome Ambassadors to support the reopening of Berkshire’s shops and services. The community interest firm is launching a mobile visitor information service at Reading Station and wants residents to share their local knowledge with travellers. According to Reading UK, from July 2021, the Ambassadors will “represent” Reading and the surrounding area. Nigel Horton-Baker, executive director of Reading UK, said: “If you are looking for a stimulating volunteer role and want to help Reading’s recovery by helping people and sharing your pride in Reading, why not consider becoming one of our Welcome Ambassadors?
KICKSTART: Volunteers are needed to help people return to shops and services in Reading
£1 million project in blood testing HENLEY Business School is leading research into the future of medical testing. The school, at the University of Reading, is heading up a £1 million project to see if blood testing could be conducted remotely. It will also research new digital technologies to address challenges in community health and care. Dr Weizi Li is leading the project, and is proposing Network+: a community dedicated to exploring the future of remote, more affordable and more inclusive blood monitoring. The research is majority funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). “This grant will enable us to build a community to address multi-disciplinary challenges … to achieve the vision of future blood testing,” Dr Li said. “[It] will eventually enable new digital systems to support real-time blood monitoring, self-management and timely intervention, where we will co-develop real-world applications with our clinical and commercial partners.” According to Henley Business School, the Network+ would address three key challenges in blood testing: remote monitoring, ICT, and personalising data. Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust has also partnered with the three-year project, which is due to start in September.
For the next gen A WOKINGHAM education group is urging local employers to support the next generation of workers. Activate Learning, which works with schools and colleges across Berkshire, is calling on Wokingham’s digital, science, technology and healthcare firms to help students and teachers upskill. The group’s Educational Trust, backed by the European Social Fund, is supporting companies through their regional development over the next three years — and it wants to hear from local small- to medium-sized businesses (SMEs). It said it wants to help firms address the gap between “curriculum design and industry requirements”. A spokesperson for Activate Learning said: “Our SME partners will get the chance to raise their profile through our network of employers and stakeholders, while also engaging with students through T Level placements, and with teachers through knowledge exchange and upskilling. “By working together, we want to reconcile the needs of digital, science, technology, and healthcare employers with our curriculums and create work-ready young people who will be the candidate pool for future employment.” For more information, call 0800 488 0285 or email istkep@activatelearning.ac.uk
Networking time “We want to welcome visitors back to Reading, ensure they can get to wherever they need to go and take away an understanding of what there is to do and see while they are here.” Reading UK said it is now looking for people with good knowledge of the area and its geography. The Ambassadors will operate in a covid-safe manner,
following Government guidelines, and will be based inside the train station at a mobile tourist information stand. On Wednesday, May 19, Reading UK is holding a virtual session for anybody who wishes to find out more about volunteering as a Welcome Ambassador. To register, contact alex@livingreading.co.uk
NETWORK to your heart’s content at this upcoming meeting. Next week, Wokingham Positive Difference is hosting a networking event for businesses and charities across the borough. In a bid to “build community relationships”, it hopes the event will help local entrepreneurs meet other professionals and make business connections. Open Networking will take place on Friday, May 21 between 8.50am and 9.50am. Entry is free. To find out more, and to book a space, visit: www.wokinghampositivedifference.co.uk
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CORONAVIRUS LATEST
Landlord ‘devastated’ as new huts closed by covid marshals EXCLUSIVE
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today FORCED TO shut down his covered dining area, a Wokingham landlord said he was devastated when covid marshals visited his pub earlier this month.
Clive McNelly, from The White Horse, said he hadn’t received any guidance about outdoor dining regulations when setting up his musician-themed huts. The family-run pub invested heavily over the last year in its garden to improve the setting and create a space perfect for live music nights. On Saturday, May 1, Mr McNelly welcomed two covid marshals to the pub, who then told him the huts had to be closed to the public, as they were not 50% exposed. This is the same requirement for outdoor smoking areas. “Greene King has put them up in loads of pubs,” he said. “I was absolutely devastated, we spent all that time making the place look fantastic. It had a real buzz, but they’ve pulled the rug out from underneath us.” A spokesperson for Greene King said the company has kept all tenants up to date with the latest
information from the Government, including guidance that structures need to have 50% of sides open to be considered as outdoor structures. They added: “These beach huts were originally installed last year when indoor hospitality was permitted.” The brewery added that any Greene King managed pubs have installed structures that comply with the requirements. Mr McNelly said he was told the huts could not stay open, even for solo customers or family units. “I would really like to have a logical explanation, and I don’t think anyone could supply one,” he said. A spokesperson for the council said: “If a structure has a roof, at least 50% of the sides must be open for it to be considered outdoor space and therefore usable. “In this case, officers visited and advised that some of the structures in use had roofs and more than 50% solid sides and so could not continue to be used. It will, of course, be permissible to use the beach huts in step three [of lifting lockdown] and we are always willing to provide advice.” After being told to close the huts, Mr McNelly said he phoned customers booked in for the next day.
“Sunday is our busiest day,” he said. “People come for their roasts. I had to phone them at 10.30 pm at night to cancel their Sunday dinners.” This was made all the more bitter as he watched the snooker on the television. “There were 2,000 people in that room,” the landlord said. Since closing the covered space, The White Horse has had a second visit from covid marshals, to ensure the huts have remained closed. A spokesperson for the council said enforcement is being carried out through the Public Protection Partnership (PPP). “At every step of the way, the council and PPP have worked with businesses to help them operate within the legislation, including providing online briefings, responding to requests for advice and carrying out advisory visits if requested,” they said. “We have also carried out many compliance checks as part of our overall response to the pandemic. We would urge all businesses to contact us for advice and support before making changes as a result of Covid legislation.” Despite his frustration over the incident, Mr McNelly said he has been overwhelmed with support from punters.
Boy injured in Police investigate stalking road collision POLICE have released images of Woodley and North Earley POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 10-year-old boy was seriously injured in a crash on Tuesday. Just after 3.40pm, the child was hit by a black Renault Master minibus travelling towards the town centre using the bus lane on the A329 King’s Road in east Reading. The route is used by bus services from Earley, Woodley and Wokingham into central Reading. The boy suffered multiple injuries, including a broken leg and arm, a bruised lung and a facial injury. It happened next to the Hope and Bear pub, in the area of the pedestrian crossing. The boy was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he remains at this time. Investigating officer PC Brendan Austin of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit based at Three Mile Cross, said: “This was a serious collision which has resulted in a child suffering extensive injuries. “I am appealing to anybody who witnessed the collision to please make contact with police.” PC Austin urged anyone to get in touch by calling 101, or making a report online, quoting reference number 43210202270.
a man they would like to speak to in connection with a stalking and harassment investigation in Woodley. In the early hours of Monday, May 3, and Friday, May 7, between 1am and 3am, an unknown man visited a property in Dunbar Drive Woodley, ringing the doorbell and looking through windows and doors and into the garden. Officers say the man “may have vital information that can assist the investigation”. PCSO Danielle Fry of the
Neighbourhood Team urged anyone that recognises the man to get in touch. She said: “I am releasing these images, as I believe the man in the pictures can assist me with this investigation. “I am urging anybody who recognises this person, or if you believe this is you, to please call the 24-hour nonemergency number 101, quoting reference number 43210188016. “Alternatively, you can make a report online.”
Man dies in crash A MAN has died after a crash on the Crowthorne Road on Tuesday morning. Just after 8am, a lorry, four cars and a tractor collided on the stretch of road between Ringmead and South Hill Road. The driver of the lorry, a 56-year-old man from Thatcham, died at the scene. No others were seriously hurt. Investigating officer Sergeant Matt Cadmore of the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, based at Taplow, said his thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this very
difficult time. He said the man’s next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specially trained officers. Sgt Cadmore added: “This collision occurred at a busy time of the day, and I am appealing to anybody who witnessed it to please make contact with police. “I would also urge anybody who has dash-cam to please check this and contact us either on 101 or online, quoting reference number 43210199242.”
OPEN AND CLOSED: Clive McNelly (right) opened the huts last month and closed them a fortnight ago Pictures: Steve Smyth
“The response has been incredible – it actually made me quite emotional,” he said. “We’ve been so busy, with the exception of a few nights we closed due to bad weather, people have been coming out in the cold to support us. “And the staff have been fantastic too, it's been freezing and they’re just soldiering on.” He is now counting down the days until Monday, when indoor dining at pubs can resume. “Working in the kitchen, I sometimes come out to the bar for five minutes to chat to punters,” he said. “I come out at the moment and the bar is soulless – it’ll be nice to have people in and sat at the tables again.”
Borough’s infection rate drops to 11.7 per 100,000 THE RATE of infections in Wokingham per 100,000 has dropped slightly. The latest figures for the borough showed the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases per 100,000 residents is 11.7, down from 18.7 last week. This is slightly lower than the national rate of infection, which is currently 21.1 per 100,000 people. There were six positive tests recorded on Monday, May 10, bringing the total number of infections to 8,280. The figures in neighbouring Reading borough are higher than in Wokingham, with an infection rate of 24.1, up from 21.6 last week. On Monday, Reading reported eight new positive cases. Bracknell Forest has seen its rate per 100,000 decrease over the past seven days. It is now 13.9, down from 20.4 last week. On Monday there were five new cases. Windsor and Maidenhead had five cases reported that day, and its rate per 100,000 is now 24.4, marginally down from 25.1 last week. West Berkshire recorded two positive cases, and its infection rate is 29.7, up from 25.9 last week. Slough remains the highest in Berkshire, and its rate per 100,000 is 35.4, down from 47.5 last week. It also recorded seven covid cases on Monday. Nationally, 35,472,295 people have been given their first dose of a vaccine in the UK. And 17,856,550 people have had their second dose. In England, this is 29,651,554 first doses and 15,031,521 second doses. On Monday, there were four recorded deaths in the UK within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test. And there 101 patients admitted to hospital with the virus.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
SPECIAL REPORT
Doctor no: Your problems getting care at Wokingham Medical Centre EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today PATIENTS are concerned that Wokingham Medical Centre is failing to meet its duty of care obligations.
Hordes of residents have contacted Wokingham.Today, concerned that the centre is struggling to help its 22,000 registered patients. It has already been flagged as needing improvement by the Care Quality Commission. These include one resident who lost out on a room at university after a £79 doctor's note was not sent on, and another who may lose their license if they are not signed off as fit to drive. But a volunteer at the surgery told Wokingham.Today staff have been in floods of tears due to the situation. The medical centre has declined to comment. Lorna Shipton, who has type one diabetes, said if there was another surgery within walking distance, she would “switch in a flash”. When she joined the medical centre in 2019, an error was made on her repeat prescription for insulin. “It took three months to resolve it,” she said. “I was running out.” Now, she is three months away from her driving licence expiring, because a doctor has yet to complete the fit note. While her licence expired in September, Ms Shipton is fast approaching the extension expiry date. “[The DVLA] wrote to my doctor on October 6, 2020, requesting he complete the medical report, but as yet have heard nothing back,” she said. “I have called the surgery twice and have been told the
SHUT OFF: Standing in the doorway, a patient attempts to speak to a receptionist at Wokingham Medical Centre Picture: Ben McClure
request from the DVLA is sitting on his desk and there is nothing they can do. “I have 14 weeks until this extension expires, and at that time I will be unable to legally drive.” Ms Shipton said when she last phoned the surgery, she was told her named GP was busy giving vaccines. “I thought they had a whole army of volunteers for that,” she said. “If he has time to do vaccinations, surely he should do patient forms.”
“I've seen staff in tears because of their desire to support all their patients … they are trying to do two jobs and have stretched resources and a lack of support” She also said as part of her diabetes treatment, she should
have a HbA1c blood test conducted every three to six months to monitor her glucose levels. “I had my last check in July 2019,” she said. “I haven’t had any notification for another. “Patients with diabetes are not getting the care they need.” She added: “The service provided by Wokingham Medical Centre has been impacted by covid without a doubt, but these issues started prior to the pandemic, and things have only got worse.” Sharon Holmes, whose name has been changed for her privacy, said her son lost out on specialist accommodation at his chosen university, after the centre did not send the medical note in time. After paying £79 in February for a doctor’s note detailing her son’s extensive allergies, Ms Holmes said she was told it would be sent to Nottingham Trent University within two weeks.
“It’s been two months, and we’ve had no reply at all,” Ms Holmes said. “On March 12, they told us it would be two weeks. We've emailed, and phoned, and we can’t get through. “All of the medical rooms at Nottingham Trent have now gone, and we’re sitting here worrying whether or not we can get a room that meets my son’s needs.” Ms Holmes said if an alternative cannot be found, her son will have to live at home, and look for a place at the University of Reading. “People say money talks, but in this case it hasn’t. We’ve paid for something and not received it.” She believes if the medical centre was better at talking to patients, many of the issues would be resolved. “If the communication was there, people might understand a bit more,” she said. “As a community we want it to work well — we could even fundraise to support them. “But it’s not being addressed and the surgery continues to get worse.” Benjamin McClure, from Wokingham, said he was referred by the NHS 111 service for an urgent, same-day face-toface appointment with a GP. He said NHS phoneline advisers were concerned that his swollen elbow could develop sepsis. After calling the medical centre repeatedly to confirm his appointment, Mr McClure said he was unable to get through. Instead he visited the site, worried about the urgent need to see a doctor. He said on arrival, the building was dark inside, with no cars parked in the doctor’s bays, and shutters drawn across the entrance. “Besides the receptionist, the clinic looked completely empty,” he said. “She was a bit like a robot, and said ‘sorry, we are not seeing anyone face-to-face due to Covid-19’ and just repeated that.” Concerned that NHS 111 sent an urgent message to the clinic for a referral, Mr McClure said he phoned the national service again while stood in the car park. “I reported the matter to NHS 111, who told me the clinic is not meeting its duty-of-care obligations,” he said. Fearing the urgency of his situation, Mr McClure reached out to a private doctor who prescribed two rounds of antibiotics the same day to resolve the infection. He said he “gave up” calling
Wokingham Medical Centre, and never heard from them to confirm his emergency appointment.
Volunteering on the ground Lindsey Reece-Smith has been volunteering at Wokingham Medical Centre for a few months in various roles. She told Wokingham.Today staff in GP surgeries across the country are tired and are desperately trying to support their patients. “They have to have staff on the phones many days of the week trying to get patients supported and booked into clinics,” she said. “One of the many challenges is the number of patients who don't answer their phones when you ring them. Also the number who phone asking when the next clinic is or what is happening about the vaccine roll out. “The reality is that there has been little guarantee or control of when vaccines arrive and some deliveries have turned up almost unannounced.” She said staff at the medical centre have been crying due to the pressures of the situation. “I've seen staff in tears because of their desire to support all their patients and the reality is that they are trying to do two jobs and have stretched resources and a lack of support,” she said. This is due to balancing the demands of the vaccination programme and day-to-day patient needs. “The latest government information is often announced on the BBC in the evening and surgeries are supposed to be putting it into operation the following day,” Ms Reece-Smith said. “I have a whole new respect for GP surgeries and what they have to do day in, day out. They often get no thanks and only criticism.” Instead, she encouraged residents to celebrate the surgery. Lesley Jameson, whose name has been changed, told Wokingham.Today it is “complete rubbish” for the medical centre to say the “service decline” is due to the pandemic. “We need to understand why it's so bad,” she said. “There don’t seem to be other surgeries struggling in the same way. “The problem is all with the admin side. “I went to the surgery to book an appointment, and the person at reception said they haven’t got the facilities to make appointments at the surgery.
The only way to do it is by calling. That seems ridiculous.” Ms Jameson, who requires blood tests every four weeks due to complex medical conditions, said without regular tests, the impact could be fatal. “I was standing there at reception, and I told them, ‘If I don’t get this, I could end up in a coma and die’. I explained I needed regular tests and couldn’t get through on the phone — this is a real risk to patient life.”
Sir John’s concerns On Monday, Sir John Redwood, MP for Wokingham spoke to Matt Hancock, secretary of state for health and social care, about the issue. “I asked that GP surgeries should have a phone and internet booking system which allows a patient to get an online or face to face consultation as appropriate,” he said. “I have been getting complaints where a surgery requires someone to ring at a single specified time each day to see if they can get an appointment that day. “In the worst cases there is great difficulty in getting through at all. “NHS surgery services should allow forward booking with good phone access as many good practices already offer.” Sir John believes this is a national issue, and was told senior NHS management is working on the problem. He also suggested a minimum standard across NHS England.
Impact of the vaccine roll-out Kevin Morgan, who is registered at Wokingham Medical Centre, said he fears that access to primary care has declined as the centre’s GPs were administering vaccines. “I have seen medical staff from local surgeries at the Bradbury Centre giving injections during times that they maybe should have been giving primary care,” he said. “The reason this makes me very annoyed is that in response to calls from the Government last year to join the Covid Army, I spent more than five months retraining as a vaccinator.” Mr Morgan trained through NHS Professionals, an organisation that has been responsible for recruiting the community as vaccinators. “This involved a massively complex process of online training, security clearances and face-to-face training, for which I had to go to
Thursday, May 13, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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SPECIAL REPORT Southampton at my own cost, before I qualified at the end of April,” Mr Morgan said. “Since this time I have not been able to book a single session as the system just shows no availability until the end of this year.”
“The person at reception said they haven’t got the facilities to make appointments at the surgery” Mr Morgan said he was left fuming after escorting an elderly neighbour to Wokingham Medical Centre for her second vaccination last week. “The queue was up Rose Street past the Bradbury Centre,” he said. “I spoke to a gentleman doing inoculations in the car park and I mentioned to him about my training. “He said they are so short of staff they could only open three positions in the medical centre and said ‘we could do with you here now’.” Mr Morgan said he fears the country has trained an “army” of vaccinators, and is instead “taking frontline medical staff to do the job”. Cllr Charles Margetts, executive member for health at Wokingham Borough Council,
said the Government has just created a new contract that requires GPs to meet all of their obligations alongside the vaccination programme. “The new programme places a requirement on GPs to fulfill all their other obligations if they take the contract.” He said this could result in some surgeries in the borough choosing not to take up the second contract, with vaccinations being moved to pharmacies so that GPs can care for other patient needs. However this would only impact people who have yet to have any doses. At the same time, Cllr Margetts said the vaccination programme is shifting from short-term, immediate response, to a medium- to longterm strategy, focussing on mass vaccination centres instead. Part of this plan involves moving the mass vaccination centre at Madejski Stadium to another nearby location. “I expect the demand for people who have been trained as vaccinators will increase from this point,” the councillor said.
Experience of the elderly Jane Frances, whose name has been changed, said she fears her 93-year-old mother will see the quality of service
decline. “My Mother does not have a computer or a mobile phone where she can use apps and video conferencing,” she said. “When I took [her] for her vaccinations, we had a form to read and a questionnaire to fill out which noted that the medical centre wanted to make changes so that they didn’t have to see people face-to-face as often.” She is worried older people in Wokingham will struggle to access the same services with this change. “The elderly must have had an awful time trying to get help during the pandemic with doctors holding them all at arms length or just not communicating,” she added. Ms Holmes said her parents who live near to the surgery have struggled to get an appointment via telephone. Instead, they have sometimes walked to the surgery to try to speak to someone. “It’s hard for the elderly to cope,” she said. Ms Frances said she is also concerned that with the digital changes, the Wokingham Medical Centre website has not been updated, and contact information removed. “It has only noted the first round of covid vaccinations which were in January and has not been updated since,” she
said. “There used to be emails you could contact staff with … these have disappeared.” Nick Durman, from Healthwatch Wokingham, said they will be monitoring the issue closely. “We are aware that nationally there is an issue of how GP services and other Health Services restart and reset following an unprecedented year,” he said. “We will be monitoring this closely and feeding back the experiences of patients and where appropriate highlight issues with the Care Quality Commission and Healthwatch England.” A spokesperson for the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust & Berkshire West CCG said the surgery has been open throughout the pandemic and has been seeing patients faceto-face “when appropriate” following a telephone or online consultation. They added: “We apologise if anybody is having difficulty speaking to somebody at the practice, the surgery is receiving a higher number of phone calls than usual which their reception team is working hard to answer as quickly as possible."
Patients per doctor Ms Holmes said she would consider moving to another surgery, and was concerned
about the number of patients registered there. “Something has to change,” she said. “As a town, we haven’t got the infrastructure to support all of these people.” Wokingham Medical Centre has 13 registered doctors for its 22,764 patients. Research has shown that taking on more than 2,000 patients per GP can result in a decline in care. In England, the average GP has 2,253 patients, and Wokingham Medical Centre fares better than average, with 1,751 patients per GP. Across the borough, Swallowfield Medical Practice
has the highest patient-todoctor ratio, with one GP for every 2,366 patients. This is followed by Woodley Centre Surgery which has 2,176 patients per doctor, Finchampstead Surgery which has 2,102 patients per doctor, and Loddon Vale Practice, which has 2,101 patients per doctor. Wargrave Surgery has the fewest patients per doctor, with 1,045 people per GP. � What is your experience? Email jwarren@wokingham.today to share your story � Wokingham Medical Centre, NHS 111 and NHS Professionals were contacted for comment but declined, in favour of the CCG.
12 | NEWS
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Places open for Walk day By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today PUT YOUR hiking boots on because there’s still time to register for the Wokingham Walk.
Now in its sixth year, the annual event sees residents walk five-, 10- and 15-mile routes across the borough. The hike, organised by Wokingham Lions Club, raises money for charity each year — and registration is open now. “We’re very much looking forward to it, and it’s looking like our biggest walk ever,” said Andy Slay, one of the event’s organisers. “We’re putting this down to the various lockdowns, everybody’s newfound fondness for walking, and people’s yearning desire to get out and support local charities.” Starting in Elms Field, the
15-mile route takes walkers down to the outskirts of Yateley, across to Eversley and Finchampstead, and back up to Wokingham. Those walking 10 miles will walk down towards Crowthorne and Little Sandhurst before looping back to town, and anybody trekking five miles will head to Nine Mile Ride and walk back up to Elms Field. So far, 250 people have registered for the walk. Mr Slay said the organisers will be enforcing covid-safety rules on the day to keep people safe. This includes hands-free registration, offering bottled water at refreshment stops, and encouraging residents to stick to groups of six people or fewer. Starting times will also be staggered to maintain social distancing.
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
There will also be a free Nature Trail to keep younger walkers occupied, asking them to spot wildlife along the way. “The Trail is for younger children and it asks them to spot a number of things, including wood ants, squirrels and magpies,” Mr Slay explained. “Litter is also on the list, and we hope it will create a discussion point with parents about how bad it is for people to leave litter in the countryside.” Last year, the Wokingham Walk raised more £2,700 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, but the Lions Club has not nominated a particular charity this year. Instead, funds raised from the event will be shared between a whole host of charities which are yet to be decided. “The money we raise will be distributed to local charities and individuals in the area as the need arises,” Mr Slay said. “This includes residents suffering hardships and
charities in the local area whose normal fundraising routes were closed by lockdown.” “We also have an ovenready fundraising opportunity for charity supporters to raise sponsorship for their own charity and in doing so, they will also be raising money for charities through their participation.” Mr Slay said some walkers have already pledged to support certain organisations, including Parkinson’s UK, CLASP, and Breast Cancer Now. The Wokingham Walk will take place on Sunday, May 23 with a rolling start time from 8.30am onwards. The finish will be manned until 5pm. 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 For more information about Wokingham Lions, visit: www. wokinghamlions.org.uk
New chaplain is a friendly face for town’s community WOKINGHAM TOWN has its own chaplain to provide a listening ear to the community. The Revd Judi Hattaway, of Churches Together Wokingham and part of the ministry team of St Paul’s Church, is walking around the town each week, dropping into shops and cafes to get to know the workforce. With a background in chaplaincy and currently serving as the mayor’s chaplain, Mrs Hattaway is now here to support the community to. Cllr Tony Lack, Wokingham town mayor said he is delighted about the scheme. “After her first visit, Judi told me that she was very well received by everyone and they really appreciated the time she was offering. “If you see Judi while out and about, do stop to say hello, I know she will be happy to share her time and her listening ear.” Churches Together Wokingham said it
recognises that the pandemic and successive lockdowns have been “incredibly stressful for everyone in many different ways”. If, in her conversations, Mrs Hattaway finds that residents need further help, she will be signposting to Citizens Advice Wokingham or more pastoral support. “Judi is a trained counsellor and would be alert to the situation and know where to refer onto,” a spokesperson from Wokingham Town Council said. “Churches Together Wokingham has done a great job of supporting the foodbank over many months, and it is envisaged that this new initiative will be further outreach from the team of clergy and laity to help those in our town, working in partnership with the civic authorities.” In the long term, the town council hopes Mrs Hattaway will grow a team who will provide this outreach service A LISTENING EAR: The Revd Judi Hattaway, of Churches over the next months. Together Wokingham is supporting the town’s workers
Teen chops hair for charity in first salon cut
A 12-YEAR-OLD girl that hasn’t had a haircut since she was three is donating her locks to The Little Princess Trust. Jessica Widdicombe will be cutting off at least 18 inches of her hair next month, and raising money to cover the cost of wigmaking.
“It costs £550 to make one wig so I would like to raise money as well to cover the cost of it being made,” she said. Mum Rachel said her daughter has been growing her hair since she was tiny. “She’s never been to the hairdressers,” she said. “And she’s
not had it cut since she was three or four, so this is her first big one.” Although Jessica initially took a bit of persuading, Rachel said she is now very excited about the chop. Their fundraiser is still open, and has raised £310 of the £550 target.
The Little Princess Trust creates wigs for children with cancer to restore their confidence and identity. � For more information visit: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/ HowMuchShouldWeChopOff
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Thursday, May 13, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Tony Christie puts on a show for town EXCLUSIVE By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today FORGET Amarillo, Tony Christie is on his way to The Whitty.
Wokingham Music Club is gearing up for a variety of gigs this year, including a performance from Tony Christie. The club, founded by Stan Hetherington in 2012, is hosting 17 gigs this year, kicking off with Toyah on Friday, July 16. The line-up includes Never The Bride, Oye Santana, Andy Fairweather, Slim Chance and many more. Concerts will be held at the Royal British Legion Club, in Winnersh, The Whitty Theatre
and Emmbrook Sports and Social Club, Wokingham. The pandemic has meant that live music gigs had to be put on hold over the past year. Mr Hetherington said he is most looking forward to seeing live music in person again. He added: “Watching music on TV is not the same as being there watching it in person and smelling the crowd. “There’s just something unique about a crowd of people all looking in the same direction, looking at the same thing and experiencing something personal together.” Having spent time building clients and relationships with artists across the UK and overseas, Mr Hetherington said
he has “built up trust” with wellknown musicians over the last few years. With notable singer, Tony Christie, taking to the stage in October, Mr Hetherington said he was excited for the performance. “Everybody knows Tony Christie and he’s one of the few artists where everyone in the UK knows him thanks to his very popular song, Amarillo,” he said. “When he comes on stage and tells the audience to singalong to his next song we just know everyone’s going to cheer and smile and that’s going to be a very special moment.” Together with Music Venue Trust, an organisation
representing small music venues across the UK, Wokingham Music Club has worked to ensure venues will be a covid safe place. Mr Hetherington said: “We can reassure people that Wokingham Music Club have worked tirelessly to make sure that we will have a programme of measures in place so that our venues are as safe as they possibly can be. “We will do everything to make sure live music is back up and running again and we want the audience and artists to have a really good time.” � For the full list of concerts or to purchase tickets visit: ticketsource.co.uk/ wokinghammusicclub
PARTY TIME: Tony Christie will be performing at The Whitty Theatre Picture: courtesy of Stan Hetherington
Children learn to wash hands with help from tech CHILDREN can be taught the importance of hand-washing with a free session in school. The Public Protection Partnership, which oversees Wokingham, Bracknell Forest and West Berkshire councils, is offering the class. Using UV light, the activity helps children spot missed areas on their hands, so they know where to focus in future. The PPP is lending its UV light box and UV responsive cream for the session. One teacher said: “The children loved this activity and were amazed at how carefully they needed to wash their hands to get rid of the germ’. “I also used the germ lotion to show how germs can be passed so easily from one child to another, to highlight the importance of washing hands regularly.” Another said their pupils thought more carefully about their hand-washing after the session. � For more information, visit: publicprotectionpartnership.org.uk
Surface dressing for 17 roads SURFACE dressing is being applied to 17 roads in the borough as part of a £4.8 million road repairs scheme. At the weekend work started in Finchampstead, Barkham, Wokingham, Arborfield, Shinfield and Earley. It is expected to be finished by mid-May. The full resurfacing programme will focus on 46 different sites. And night works to improve the surface on the Lower Earley Roundabout at the junctions with Mill Lane and Rushey Way will continue into next week. Some areas will also have improvements to the paths, including Denmark Avenue in Woodley, to help children travelling to Waingels College. “We know investing in our road network is important to all our residents and more than 60 roads are earmarked for improvements in the months ahead,” said Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport. “We’re spending money in areas where the work is most needed based on surveys of and data about our roads, to help keep the network safe and moving smoothly for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. “Since April 2019 we’ve invested, or earmarked for spending, more than £13 million in maintaining or improving the borough’s roads, as well as our £120 million major new roads programme and £20 million congestion improvement plans over the next five years.” � Closures can be found via One.Network website
Ready for May 17! MONDAY is going to be a red-letter day for many of us as it’s the next step in the unlocking of society. Coronavirus restrictions are easing and we can meet up with friends and family at last – not just outdoors but indoors too. Up to six people or two households can meet indoors, up to 30 outdoors. And common sense rules allow us to make informed, personal decisions on close contact, such as hugging, with friends and family. Venues that can reopen include cinemas, museums and children’s play areas, as well as outdoor entertainments such as open-air cinemas. And up to 30 people can attend weddings, receptions, and commemorative events. It’s the most freedom we’ve had since the autumn and many of us will want to make the most of it. Covid-safe measures will be in place in venues, with testing and vaccination considered by the government to be essential to the continual easing of restrictions. The recommendation is that all adults take a Covid-19 test twice a week. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “This unlocking amounts to a very considerable step on the road back to normality and I am confident we will be able to go further (from June 21)”. He added: “Please remember hands, face, space and fresh air”. Wokingham borough has many great
NEWS | 13
places for you to visit next week, whether you want a quick drink and a gossip, or a longer, more leisurely, catchup. Crumbs café in Woodley is offering readers 10% discount, which is great. The café is perfect for a cuppa or a bite to eat, and is perfect after a shopping visit to the town. In Twyford, Lincoln Coffee House and Roasters is open for business in Station Road. Buy a takeaway and go and enjoy it with friends in one of the village’s picturesque parks. You can also sit in and enjoy a bagel or its freshly ground coffee. Bar+Block at Winnersh is ready to welcome you again. With ample parking and the promise of Sunday roasts as well as hand-cut steaks, the restaurant is popular with all ages. The Hive in Crowthorne promises more than 250 craft beers which can be drunk on site, or taken home. If beer isn’t your thing, there’s gin, rum and English wine to try, or coffee and cake. It is taking bookings to meet demand. And if you want to meet friends at home but not have to cook, Bears gourmet burgers is the place to head: they deliver gourmet burgers to Wokingham using the best ingredients they can procure. Whatever you choose to eat, wherever you choose to meet and whoever you choose to catch-up with, have a safe, happy reunion thanks to the big reopen.
craft beer and coffee
We are looking forward to welcoming you back into the Hive. • Over 250 craft beers to drink in or take away • Coffee and Cake • 6 taps, Gin, Rum and English Wine • Cheese and Charcuterie platters
We are taking booking for the evenings, please contact us on 01344 771199 www.thehivecraft.co.uk f c: @thehivecrowthorne
208-210 Dukes ride, Crowthorne, RG45 6DS
14 | NEWS
Have your say on sports across the borough A NEW consultation into the role of sports and recreation has been launched – and residents are being invited to drop-in sessions next week. Wokingham Borough Council says it recognises the benefits for all ages, including boosting mental and physical wellbeing. Its new Leisure Strategy for 2021-2025 is currently in draft form and the consultation will help shape it. Members of its sports and leisure team will be holding drop-in sessions from Tuesday next week. These are: � Tuesday, May 18, 9am to 8pm, at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre its 8 – 8pm � Thursday, May 20, 9am to 8pm, at Ryeish Green Leisure Centre 8 – 7pm � Saturday, May 22, 8am to 4pm, Peach Place, Wokingham Town Centre � Tuesday, May 25, 9am to 8pm, at Bulmershe Leisure Centre 8am – 8pm � Saturday, June 5, 8am to 4pm, Woodley Town Centre � Wednesday, June 9, 9am to 8pm, at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre 8am – 8pm � Saturday, June 12, 8am to 4pm, Peach Place, Wokingham Town Centre � Wednesday, June 16, 9am to 8pm at Arborfield Green Leisure Centre 8am – 7pm � Saturday, June 19, 8am to 4pm, Woodley Town Centre � The survey is also available online, at: cutt.ly/ 4bSsgV3
Autism resource to open at Maiden Erlegh school A NEW resource has been launched for secondary school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Opening in September, it will be based at Maiden Erlegh School in Earley and will welcome children from across the borough who require dedicated support. The school was awarded the provision after a competitive process. Paul Gibson, headteacher at Maiden Erlegh School said: “Students who come to Maiden Erlegh as part of this new provision will benefit from a dedicated resource space, therapy room, sensory room and specialist SEND classroom. “As well as benefiting from a specialist SEND teacher, they will also spend time, with support, in the mainstream classes, and have full access to extracurricular trips and activities.” Sal Thirlway, assistant director for learning, achievement and partnerships, said: “We are delighted to see the enthusiasm and excitement from the school in providing this essential resource for young people with ASD. “The resource base demonstrates our ambition for all our resource bases to become centres of excellence, and for all our young people to thrive at school to achieve their full potential.” � For more information about help and support available to families of children with special education needs and disabilities, visit wokingham.gov.uk and search SEND
Enjoying the outdoors THE BOROUGH council is supporting a mental health campaign about connecting with nature. Charles Margetts, executive member for health, wellbeing and adult services, said: “Small changes to our everyday lives can have a big impact on our mental health. “We have many green spaces across the borough and we encourage all our residents to support the Connect With Nature campaign and take a walk or cycle with nature in their local area.” The council’s My Journey team has set up a QR code trail around the lake at California Country Park as part of this. Residents can scan the codes with their phones and learn about how to use their senses to appreciate the nature around them.
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
Renewed calls made for safe crossing in Spencers Wood EXCLUSIVE By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today “I don’t want to see someone bouncing over a bonnet outside the office.”
That’s the concern of Ben Mitchell, from Parkers estate agents in Spencers Wood. The co-owner of the firm said drivers have been speeding up the road since they opened in July 2019. “At that time, people were parking cars and vans on the road in a makeshift chicane to slow drivers down,” he said. “But I was picking up a lot of broken wing mirrors.” Basingstoke Road is 40mph, and repeated calls have been made to reduce the limit to 30mph. Mr Mitchell is now pushing for a Pelican Crossing, to help villagers cross the street. “There’s a lot of elderly in and around the village,” he said. “I see near misses all the time. People have nowhere to cross the road safely.” With the village hall, The Farriers Arms and St Michael & All Angels Church clustered together, Mr Mitchell said there are a lot of “big amenities” villagers are trying to
reach without a safe route. “In the last month, I’ve seen five or six near misses,” he added. “You hear this screech of brakes.” After contacting the borough council, Mr Mitchell said he was told to expect a crossing within a year to 18 months. “The council should just get it sorted,” he said. “Get it done and claim it back off developers if you have to, but don’t wait for someone else to fund it.” Mr Mitchell believes cars are regularly exceeding the 40mph limit, and reaching speeds of 50 and 60mph. “There’s no traffic calming at all – no speed cameras,” he said. “As soon as people drive up the hill, they put their foot down.” Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, executive member for highways and transport, said: “We’ve been working with the parish council and housing developers in Shinfield on proposals for a number of improvements across the road network, serving both the new development areas as well as the existing resident and business communities. “This includes pursuing many of the measures requested by the community to support walking
BUSY: Ben Mitchell is calling for a pelican crossing to reach the church, pub and village hall Picture: Ben Mitchell
routes to schools, access to shops and employment and safe, accessible connections to public transport and the major road network.” Cllr Jim Frewin, independent councillor for Shinfield said he supported Mr Mitchell’s calls. “We’ve been pushing for a change of speed limit for years,” he said. “It’s a very fast road.” He would also like to see the roundabout where the Basingstoke Road meets Church Lane in Three Mile Cross to be improved. “It’s not very safe,” he said. “They need to deliver what was promised and change it to traffic lights.” Cllr Jorgensen said the next year to 18 months, the roundabout will be
changed to traffic lights with pedestrian crossing. She said there will also be a project to install traffic calming measures and reduce the speed limit on Basingstoke Road, between the A33 junction and Beech Hill Road. “As each of these measures progress, residents affected by the proposals will be consulted directly and others will have the opportunity to comment via the council’s online consultation portal,” she said. “As your highway authority, we are always pleased to receive recommendations for improvements that make it safer and easier for people to get around, with residents able to make requests via our website.”
Edna’s super Saturday celebration SATURDAY girl Edna Kind celebrate her 100th birthday at the White Horse last weekend – and she wasn’t going to let a bit of cold weather beat her. Edna had been coming to the Easthampstead Road pub every Saturday for a two course meal, whiskey and ginger ale (no ice mind) and a game of cards with her daughter Lynne for a number of years. A spokesperson for the pub, which refurbished its premises during lockdown, said: “All at the pub wish Edna a very happy birthday and hope to see her for many Saturdays to come.”
Council to decide on South Wokingham plan WOKINGHAM Borough Council’s planning committee will consider plans for a major development in South Wokingham, writes Charlotte King. On Tuesday, May 18, the planning committee will hold a special meeting to discuss proposals for 1,800 new homes towards the south east of the town. The development forms part of the council’s local plan, laid out in 2010 to propose how the borough could develop up until 2026. It suggests roughly 2,500 new homes in South Wokingham in the hopes of concentrating development in one location, to protect “the character” of the borough’s other towns and villages. The first phase has already taken place in Montague Park, north of the railway.
According to the council, it has created a “thriving, new community”, which includes a primary school, nature park and community orchard. Now, the planning committee will consider the second phase of development, south of the railway, which includes 1,800 new homes, a second primary school, community facilities, parks and play areas, as well as the remainder of the new South Wokingham distributor road. Cllr Wayne Smith, executive member for planning and enforcement, said: “With these planning applications, our vision from 2010 is nearing completion — it is the last piece of the puzzle to create four self-contained new communities, each with the right infrastructure to serve its population.
“By carefully planning new development, we have been able to ensure developers pay for the roads, schools, parks and open spaces and community and sports facilities necessary for the new homes.” Wokingham Borough Council said the South Wokingham distributor road will serve the new homes and ease traffic in the town centre. The first phase of the road, William Heelas Way, is already open. The Eastern Gateway is now under construction, and will connect it to Waterloo Road via a new bridge over the railway line. Cllr Smith said that Wokingham borough is “a great place to live” and hopes the development will create a thriving new community. “It will also bring new facilities
and open spaces to be enjoyed by our existing residents,” he said. The planning applications to be considered at next week’s meeting: � 191068 – up to 1,434 new homes, a primary school, a community facility, and nature parks; � 190914 – up to 215 new homes to the east of the development; � 190900 – St Anne’s Sang, a nature park connecting to Buckhurst Meadows; � 192928 – South Wokingham distributor road main section � 203535 – Western Gateway � To view the applications, visit www.wokingham.gov.uk � Residents can participate in the meeting, in person or virtually, by emailing democratic.services @wokingham.gov.uk � It can be watched live via the council’s YouTube channel
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Thursday, May 13, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
Tony is mayor for second year By PHIL CREIGHTON news@wokingham.today WOKINGHAM TOWN COUNCIL has reelected Cllr Tony Lack for a second year of office.
FOSTER CARERS: Kevin and Charlotte Dryden
Information event for potential foster carers FAMILIES interested in fostering can find out more in talks next week. Foster Care Fortnight started on Monday and runs until Sunday, May 23. Wokingham Borough Council is always looking to take on new foster carers who can provide a secure, happy environment for a child to thrive. It is looking for people who can provide homes for school-age children, teenagers, siblings and children with disabilities. Residents Charlotte and Kevin Dryden have been fostering with the council for more than three years. They also have two children of their own. “We have experienced a wide range of children in age and the type of care each individual child needs,” they said. “We have found fostering challenging at times but also very rewarding. We keep in touch with many of the children we have cared for. It's lovely to see how they are getting on and so nice that the families keep in touch with us too.” The Drydens became foster parents after attending a council information event and talked to other carers. “We came away from the event feeling confident that we could make a difference to children who need security in a loving environment,” they added. The couple completed council-led training as part of the scheme. “Our main concern with fostering was how our own children would adapt towards different children coming to live with us,” they said. “Our girls have been amazing. There have been challenging times but the good times outweigh the bad. “Both girls really enjoy fostering and are a credit to both Kevin and I, they are truly amazing with every child we have had the pleasure to care for and are still caring for now. “Fostering is a very challenging job but overall, we see such positive changes to the children who have passed through our doors and we look forward to welcoming many more children in the future.” Cllr Graham Howe, deputy executive member for children’s services, said: “All our foster carers are exceptional people who go above and beyond in supporting children and young people to get through hard patches and achieve wellbeing. “If that sounds like you now is the perfect time to get in touch as we enter Foster Care Fortnight.” He said fostering takes “great courage” and applauds all those who enquire about the process. “We need more foster carers like Charlotte and Kevin to provide homes for young people from our borough,” he said. There will be an information session on Wednesday, May 19 from 12.30pm until 2pm, and on Thursday, May 20, from 6pm to 7pm. � For more information, email fostering@wokingham.gov.uk, call 0118 974 6204 or visit fostering.wokingham.gov.uk
At its annual meeting, held virtually on Tuesday, May 4, his fellow councillors gave him the seal of approval. And joining him as mayoress will be his wife, Claire. Cllr Lack has been a town councillor since 2015, representing the ward of Evendons West. Since this time, Tony has been vice-chairman of the planning and transportation committee, chairman of the Elms Field working party and he has also been deputy mayor. In addition, Cllr Lack plays a very active role in litter picks and removing graffiti in the town. The deputy town mayor for the forthcoming term will remain as Cllr
Maria Gee and her Consort is Mr Chris Gee. A small civic service is being held at St Paul’s Church in Reading Road on Sunday, May 16, at 2pm for the mayor, his family and a few councillors and guests. The service, held under covid conditions, will be livestreamed for anyone who wants to watch. To tune in visit: https://youtu.be/ qKfLmt6YoFM Cllr Lack said: “I feel privileged to be chosen as Mayor for a second year and to be given another chance to perform many of the mayoral duties that were curtailed over the last 12 months. “During the last year Claire and I visited all sorts of groups and organisations but were particularly impressed by the efforts and successes of all the charities that are working to make Wokingham a wonderful place to live. “We are praying that the recovery
Make it the happiest day of your life
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OR many would-be brides and grooms, the happiest day of their lives has been on hold for at least a year. The big lavish weddings that many have dreamed of have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. While nuptials have been allowed to take place, numbers have been limited and with venues closed, there’s been little chance to celebrate with friends and family with a reception. But this is all changing as the government’s road map out of lockdown is continuing. From Monday, weddings with up to 30 guests are allowed to take place, and these can be outdoors or any indoor covid-secure venue that is permitted to open. And it is anticipated that further restrictions will be lifted from June 21. With the vaccination programme in full swing, when lockdown lifts, it should mean that there won’t be a need to go through this again. That means the wedding can go ahead.
With wedding fayres unable to take place over the past 15 months, it’s been hard for brides, grooms and families to gain inspiration for their big day. So we’re delighted to draw your attention to three businesses, each one offering bespoke packages designed around your wishes. The Roseate is a luxury hotel in Reading town centre, making it easy for people to get to. With a wedding planner on hand, you can create the perfect day. Or, if you want something more intimate, why not talk to Sonning River Charters? Experienced skippers can make a memorable excursion, with sunset cruises or pre-lunch excursions. It’s a great way to bring people together. And for the bridal party, finding the right floral decorations can be hard work. The experts at Beauty in Blooms, a Twyford-based florist, can provide everything you need from buttonholes to ceremonial displays. Their knowledge can turn your ideas into reality. As you prepare for a wedding to remember, it’s your day, have fun.
A bespoke, luxurious wedding at The Roseate Reading Perfectly located by Forbury Gardens, The Roseate Reading has long been a host to spectacular weddings and celebrations. Be it an elegant extravaganza, a beautiful, simple ceremony or vibrant engagement party, our events team is ready to plan the
intimate day you've always imagined. We would be delighted to be the venue for your special occasion. For more details, contact: 0118 952 7770, email: events.tflr@roseatehotels.com We are at: 26 The Forbury, Reading RG1 3EJ.
NEWS | 15 MAYOR AGAIN: Claire and Tony Lack – mayoress and mayor of Wokingham Town 202122
from the pandemic continues to be successful, so we have chosen the theme of reconnect for our year as we all reconnect with the ones we love as well as our favourite retailers in town.” A mayoral tradition is to raise funds for a chosen charity, but covid meant this has not been possible to date. “This year, we hope to do a bit better,” Cllr Lack said. “In keeping with my wish to help youngsters in the town I have selected the 3rd Wokingham, Mayor’s Own, Scout Group as my charity.
“This Group is based in Norreys and I hope that by supporting them we can help them reconnect with their activities.” He added: “Our Council has worked hard to perform all its duties in the last difficult year and I am very proud that it remains in a sound financial position. “My thanks go to both Councillors and staff for their hard work. “Claire and I look forward to serving once again and to meeting as many of our residents, volunteers and traders as we can throughout the year.”
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16 | NEWS
Join storytime with Elmer YOUNGSTERS can tune into a storytime event later this month. Wokingham Borough Council libraries will be sharing springtime tales on Tuesday, May 25, at 11am. Stories are suitable for families with children aged seven and younger. On Friday, May 28, there will be an Elmer the Elephant storytime, with a downloadable
activity pack. The session will run from 11am for 15 minutes and is suitable for the same age group. For more information, and to register for an event, email: libraries@wokingham. gov.uk with the name and library card, and session name. � For more information about planned activities, visit: wokingham.gov.uk /libraries
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
Police collect 250 knives with amnesty bins across region By MARIE WILLIAMS
news@wokingham.today MORE THAN 250 knives were collected during an anti-knife campaign last week.
Of the blades collected, 96 were from Berkshire, collected at police stations in Loddon Valley in Lower Earley, Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading and Slough. A Thames Valley Police chief said a key part of the success of Operation Sceptre – the national scheme launched to reduce the threat of knife crime – came from the amnesty bins.
Assistant Chief Constable Christian Bunt said: “A large number of the seizures came from our amnesty bins. It’s good that we are now coming out of lockdown so we're able to use that tactic. “We are looking around [to see] whether we can put them in more locations that will make them as accessible as possible to people that may want to use them which is some work we're doing at the moment but they proved hugely successful. “The issue with knives is the prevalence of them. So that’s one of our tactics that we deployed.” Thames Valley Police also investigated 85 retailers to work out how easy it is for residents to buy knives. ACC Bunt said: “We went to shops and retail premises that sell knives, with a view to checking they're not selling them to people underage. “[We’re] trying to reduce the number of or the availability of knives on the streets, particularly for young people, so that’s also an important part of the work we are doing.” Another goal of Operation Sceptre was to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of carrying a knife, with a focus on reducing serious youth violence. ACC Bunt said knife crime has a huge impact on communities. “We’ve seen the very tragic consequences of knife crime, played out nationally and also within the Thames Valley area,” he said. “We’ve had a number of murders relating to knife crime and some of those have been, unfortunately, and very young people. “So that just goes to show the significant and tragic consequences of knife crime within our communities. “It's for that reason that we made this a key priority for the force but also, it’s a wider societal issue.” ACC Bunt said police are also working with community groups and voluntary groups to address issues relating to knife crime.
“We're working with stores, we’re working with our local authorities and we’re working with health [authorities] as well to make sure that we are working collectively to address the root causes of knife crime, which is really important,” he added. “There is the enforcement action and deterrence and high visibility patrols that we need to be conducting, as we did last week, and there’s a longer-term approach that needs to be adopted here, early intervention, working with children in schools and educating them and diverting them away from getting involved in knife crime is going to be absolutely key to our approach.” Operation Sceptre also included patrols in areas where intelligence suggested people may be carrying knives, search warrants, plainclothes officers and stop-and-search. ACC Bunt said he was “very pleased” with the “successful” operation. “This is ongoing activity for us,” he said. “We are running operations all of the time to tackle knife crime because we have got a Violence Reduction Unit here and that enforcement activity is a key part of the work that we're doing as business as usual. “We made 35 arrests, we took 256 knives off the streets that could have been used for criminal offences. “And we will undoubtedly get a number of prosecutions following those arrests as well.” He said the operation had raised the profile of police work. “For people that are carrying knives on the streets, we want to make sure that they know that if they do there’s a good chance you'll be stopped and dealt with by Thames Valley Police,” he warned. � To report a knife related crime to police, dial 999 if there is an immediate danger to life � Alternatively, call 101 or visit the Thames Valley Police website
Mobility programme helps residents get moving WOKINGHAM Borough Council has launched a new scheme to get residents “moving with confidence” — and it’s received glowing reviews, writes Charlotte King. The new programme helps those who have been shielding, or remained isolated, during the coronavirus pandemic to regain their independence and mobility. Following a pilot scheme last year that supported 87 residents, the council began a 12-month trial in February 2021 and has helped 89 people so far. Graham Ebers, deputy chief executive of Wokingham Borough Council, said: “The council’s Moving With Confidence scheme is just one of the many ways we are adapting to the current needs of our residents. “Many of us have had a difficult year and none more so than the elderly who have not had the opportunity to be out and about for much of the last year.” So far, the scheme has had 150 referrals and the council’s team has made 315 visits in the community. Jill Lawrence, a resident who has used the programme, said: “The mobility help has
been so useful. “My walking had declined massively over the last year and to have this help has not only boosted my confidence but made a massive improvement to my physical health.” And Valerie Moon said the support she received was “a most positive form of help”. According to Wokingham Borough Council, it decided to trial the Moving with Confidence programme last year after witnessing older residents suffering physically due to covid restrictions keeping them indoors. It said people were at risk of falls, loss of muscle strength and declining confidence. It launched a new team comprising sports and leisure specialists, community physios,
occupational therapists, and volunteers from local charities The Link Visiting Scheme and AgeUK Berkshire. Marjie Walker, CEO of The Link, said: “After the first lockdown, it was clear that many of our Link Friends hadn’t left their home for many months and no longer felt confident to do the usual things they used to before the crisis hit. “It has been a pleasure to work with [the council] to improve mobility and confidence with our members and we’ve heard first-hand what a difference it’s made. “We can’t wait to begin our programme of weekly and monthly activities again and this initiative will ensure we can do that safely.” The programme is open by referral only. Residents who could benefit from the Moving With Confidence programme should contact Citizens Advice Wokingham’s One Front Door team on 0808 278 7958 for an assessment or visit citizensadvicewokingham. org.uk/coronavirus Callers can contact Link Visiting on 0118 979 8019 or AgeUK on 0118 959 4242.
Thursday, May 13, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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18 | VIEWPOINTS
WOKINGHAM.TODAY THE VOICE OF THE BOROUGH
Seats are on loan, hold them carefully WOKINGHAM Labour leader Andy Croy made a strong point following his defeat in last week’s local elections: seats are lent to politicians. The electorate will choose their representation, their voice for the community. And this can change year on year. Wokingham borough might feel as if it is a safe Conservative seat, but as we saw in Hartlepool last week, the electorate can and will change their mind. At the start of a new municipal year, with 10 new (and not so new) faces stepping to the council chambers, it is worth remembering — seats are not permanent, councillors exist to serve the community. Being a politician is often a thankless task, with abuse heaped on you. Councillors carry out a civic duty. The allowance is a pittance, the hours can be long. And sometimes the electorate can be fickle. But candidates stand up to be counted, and become public servants. The municipal year is young, these new councillors are at the start of their terms. And there will be more elections next year — seats could change again. To all those elected, thank you for stepping up. Good luck, but never forget your seat is lent to you.
CHURCH NOTES
Getting back together again
T
HE joyous sunshine, the feel of spring in the air and optimism rising has made us reflect on how grateful we are for God’s provision during these unprecedented times.
Kings Church Wokingham has supported financially two overseas churches, one in Vietnam and one in Nepal for many years and thanks to the wonders of technology we have been able to connect via Zoom throughout the lockdown and join together for Sunday worship and prayer. It is now really shocking to watch as covid now rampages throughout India and into Nepal and we can feel so helpless at the pictures of death and despair. As Christians we can open and read the Bible, which gives us confidence by reminding us that God is our refuge and strength. One of the most beautiful verses is in Romans: ‘I’m absolutely convinced that nothing – living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable can get between us and God’s love.’ But we need the human contact too and Kings Church is slowly opening up to provide some of its services face to face, our children and family groups already meet in the local park and Soulscape, which is run from Kings Place, our church office, is back providing support to students as they settle back into the classroom and transition from junior to senior school. If you feel you need support in any way please do get in contact with us via our website contact form, or join us on Zoom on Sundays to learn a little more about us. Carol Adkins is a member of Kings Church, Wokingham, writing on behalf of Churches Together in Wokingham
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Your letters Send your thoughts to letters@wokingham.today Rules for living in Wokingham RULE 1 – All roads leading into Wokingham Town centre will have at least two roadworks on them. Very occasionally, workers will be found actually working. Traffic grinds to a halt. RULE 2 – Green fields near your house will quickly be built over, removing open spaces for walking and recreation. RULE 3 – Wokingham is regularly voted one of England’s best places to live. Oddly, most voters are British Gas or Southern Electricity engineers, or property developers. RULE 4 – Some potholes, after rain, are deep enough for small children to paddle in. They are not in danger from fast moving traffic (see Rule 1) RULE 5 – If you will live in Lower Earley, part of Wokingham constituency and once the biggest housing development in Europe, you will still find it has no public transport links to Wokingham. RULE 6 – Local councillors, tasked with sorting this out, seem to spend an awful lot of time writing mildly insulting letters to each other through the letter pages of the local paper. Michael Strutt, via email
Temporary or not? Recently Reading University was granted planning permission for the erection of TEMPORARY workshops for a film studio. The workshops, according to the application, are to be available for a period of five years after which the land is supposed to be returned to its original state, open fields. The area concerned is along Cutbush Lane East, where the buildings for the British Museum have been erected extending to the old farm at the rear of these buildings. This was an area of open land which, in autumn last year, my wife and I watched deer bound across the open landscape during a walk along the footpaths that abound in this area of Earley. But this is NOT a temporary facility, instead a permanent site and yet another example of the University covering open spaces with yet more buildings, belaying their repeated claims of Climate Champions, rather a case of “do as I say, not what I do”. Repeatedly the university is more interested in lining their pocket, rather than being part of the community. B Wedge, via email
Clean up the roads When my wife’s car was serviced recently, it was found that one of the tyres had been cut through, almost to the core. This was something I had failed to spot, despite regular checking. I am not trying to connect the two but, in March, I discovered numerous trapezoid/circular metal shards scattered on Oxford Road in Wokingham. After trawling the road down to the Woosehill roundabout and back up into Holt Lane to the Twyford Road, I had collected at least 3kg of these shards. Since then I have also found some in Tanhouse Lane. I sometimes find piles of nails and
screws by the kerbside. This sort of carelessness puts all motorists at risk. Can I ask that workmen clear up properly, and ensure that such hazardous items cannot spill from their vehicles? Arthur Road resident, Wokingham
When Democracy is a danger to us I am very disappointed with the voting results last week, not because I have particular views on the actual results, but how we now have no opposition parties. True democracy can only be practised if powerful opposites are offering their party principles and plans for the whole country if they are elected. They also keep the government under a form of control against extremes. A second and the most important issue today concerns doctors and the NHS. Apparently, after a serious moan to my local surgery last Wednesday, I found their modus operandi has been dictated from above. The NHS is so full of clerks, managers and know-alls, that we the general public who so frequently depend on our local medical services, are suffering daily hell in many cases. Apparently, some MPs are of the view that the NHS requires a total reorganisation. About time. The NHS is so top heavy with expensive managers, huge administrations which are virtually remote from the doctors and nurses, plus emergency services. Get back to pre-Foundation ideas, to the great services we were provided with by people who knew something about health care. Local people may recall Professor Anne Sheen, the CEO at the RBH. What an amazing lady, who was also a qualified nurse. In the meantime, revert all Surgeries to their pre lockdown states – see a doctor, not wait ages to talk to him or her by telephone, and not being obliged to send through a video/photo of your symptom. Reg Clifton, Wokingham
Thank you for your support I thank all Wokingham Borough residents for your support. If you did not vote Conservative in the local elections, I would like to assure you will not be ignored. To the best of our ability, we will serve all our residents. Our principal aim is to ensure that Wokingham borough continues to be a great, safe, and happy place to live, work and bring up a family. If you would like to share your views, raise an issue of concern, need help with a problem or want to be of help, please contact me john.halsall@wokingham.gov.uk or on 07939 041227. Cllr John Halsall, Conservative member for Rememham, Wargave and Ruscombe, Wokingham Borough Council
Moment to reflect Now that elections are over, I wanted to take a moment to reflect. While I didn’t get over the line, I’m incredibly honoured to have had the opportunity to work with the Wokingham Conservative team. They are a splendid group, and I know that their hearts are in the right place. Their intentions are always to do
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
We love to hear from you! Send us your views on issues relating to the borough (in 250 words or less) to Wokingham.Today, Crown House, 231 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS or email: letters@wokinghampaper.co.uk We reserve the right to edit letters Views expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the paper good things for the people of this Borough. Despite not being able to campaign face to face due to the pandemic, I was still able to hold the Lib Dems to account. My campaign highlighted the oblivion of the current councillors and shone a spotlight on the many issues ignored. Some people in Winnersh are genuinely worried about their local area and their house prices being affected by the blight of graffiti and littering. I earnestly believe Winnersh can be better, cleaner and safer. The area can be enhanced by the elected councillors. There should be less passing the buck and a lot more tangible improvements. The three Lib Dems have yet again another opportunity to deliver for the residents in Winnersh. I hope this time they live up to their responsibilities. Bernadette Mitra, via email
I appreciate the support Thank you to everyone who voted for me last week in the local elections in Evendons. It was hugely appreciated that so many people supported my campaign and I managed to double my vote. Unfortunately we were close but not close enough this year but every Conservative vote I received was amazing and I appreciate the support. As I’m still a town councillor, I’m here to offer my help to any resident needing assistance Cllr Daniel Hinton, Evendons town councillor and Evendons Conservative Candidate for WBC in 2021 local elections
Thank you Wescott West I would like to sincerely thank everyone in Westcott West Ward who has supported me, and trusted me with their vote in this election. Being a Conservative candidate is a huge honour and while I am obviously disappointed that I will not be representing you, I am extremely proud to have fought for election in such a fantastic place to work and live. I will continue to support the great work the Conservatives are doing and congratulate all those hard working Councillors who were elected over the weekend. Michelle Douglas, Wescott West Town by-election candidate
I feel very privileged I feel very privileged to have been elected on May 6 as a Wokingham Borough Councillor for Loddon ward in Woodley. I’d like to thank everyone who supported me very much indeed, but please be assured that I will represent all residents of Loddon at the Borough Council to the best of my ability. I look forward to playing my part in improving our environment and council services. Thanks very much Cllr Anne Chadwick, Conservative member for Loddon, Wokingham Borough Council
next three years. I wish to thank all the residents of Bulmershe and Whitegates for giving me the privilege to serve them again. I am pleased to be back. Thank you for placing your trust in me. In my previous eight-year tenure as a councillor, I actively campaigned to bring investments in this area, add value and improve the lives of our residents. I will continue to stand up for the issues that matter and be the strong voice for our residents. I want to thank everyone who voted for me, Conservative and nonConservative, and assure those who did not vote for me, that I will not ignore your concerns and worries. I will always be there to serve all residents of Bulmershe and Whitegates. If I can be off any help, please get in touch with me on shahid@woodleyconservatives.com or give me a call on 07775 655630. Cllr Shahid Younis, Conservative member for Bulmershe and Whitegates Ward, Wokingham Borough Council
I will do my utmost I would like to say a big thank you to all the residents of Shinfield South who voted for me on Thursday last, and I will do my utmost to honour your commitment. It was a difficult contest taking 18 months to introduce myself and get to know you I worked hard against stiff opposition. I was very lucky to have a great supporting team. Thank you Shinfield. Cllr Jackie Rance, Conservative member for Bulmershe and Whitegates Ward, Wokingham Borough Council
I am so humbled I am so proud and humbled to have been elected as Wokingham Borough Councillor for Norreys. I must say thank you the team who supported me with so much hard work, especially in such unusual times. I have been overwhelmed by the number of residents who engaged with me during the campaign by letter, email and phone. Most of all, thank you to all the residents, my neighbours, who put their faith in me and voted for me. The work starts now on behalf of Norreys and I won’t be hiding. Cllr Phil Cunnington, Conservative member for Norreys Ward, Wokingham Borough Council
Thank you Hawkedon A big thank you to everyone who came out and voted and supported me in the May local elections. I would also like to thank the Earley team who helped with delivering the many leaflets and letters. Sadly we were not successful but we did pick up the vote this time. Over the weekend I have received some great messages and calls from so many for which I am most grateful. It is for this I thank you all once again. Eileen Kessel, Conservative candidate for Hawkedon Ward
Hotly contested
It was a huge honour
In the hotly contested local elections on May 6, I was re-elected as a councillor for Bulmershe and Whitegates for the
I would like to express my thanks to all who voted for me by post and in person on May 6 and to all those who have been
so supportive of my activities as a councillor over the last five years. It was a huge honour to have worked for the people of Bulmershe and Whitegates and an honour for which I will be forever grateful. Andy Croy, Wokingham
Just a line … Just a line to thank all those who voted for me in the recent by-election for Woodley Town Council. I've got a list of things to be done. Best wishes to everyone. Robert Horskins, via email
Our Once-in-a-Generation Moment To End The Need For Food Banks We stand at a once-in-a-generation crossroads. Earlier this week, a thoughtprovoking poem, ACCEPTABLE? by the Anonymous Mother – judged for needing a food bank to feed her child – started a nationwide debate about whether the world’s fifth richest country should need food banks to feed children. This conversation needed to happen as our food bank crisis has become critical. Last year food banks in the Trussell Trust’s network handed out 980,000 emergency food parcels for children in the UK. This surely cannot be acceptable. However, fate has given us a rare opportunity, as history shows us that the best time to create a brighter future is after times of great darkness. The pandemic has been the most devastating event to hit our country since the Second World War, but it also brought out the very best of our nation. We recognised our real community heroes, we protected the vulnerable, we didn’t stand by when kids went hungry. But now, as we prepare to wake up from the pandemic nightmare, millions of British families still cannot afford food on their table. As the Anonymous Mother poetically says – it doesn’t need to be this way. In 1945, Britain woke up to its new dawn at a similar crossroads – go back to the old broken way, or use this golden opportunity to make things better. That great generation chose hope, and created a better, fairer society for all – including founding the NHS. This pandemic has been our
Full-time job It’s a full-time job at the moment for coot parents to feed their newly -hatched and very hungry chicks on the lake at California Country park. There are at least three families of coots, each with four or five chicks, nesting on the café side of the lake. They paddle out as a family for an all-day breakfast, the protective parents in the lead, ever
vigilant and ready to fend off inquisitive geese and ducks. The adult birds, distinctive by white patches above their beaks, work together to hatch and feed the chicks. In this family, one parent dives to find the food – anything from vegetation to insect larvae – and passes it, beak to beak, to its mate to feed the demanding youngsters. They will continue to feed
generation’s darkest hour. This is now our new dawn, our choice. Will we choose the old broken way, or use this golden opportunity to eradicate hunger in the UK? I urge you to do just one thing today, and that is to seek out the poem that started all of this, and reflect. If afterwards you agree with me, and the hundreds of thousands of other supporters of the Trussell Trust, that we can do better, join us as we collectively create a Hunger Free Future. Len Goodman, Supporter of the Trussell Trust
Miserable night flights must end Night flights affect many thousands of people across many parts of Berkshire, Surrey and London. There are major negative health implications of being disturbed by these flights, including to both physical and mental health. We agree with World Health Organisation guidelines which strongly recommend that people get eight hours sleep per night. However, the current night flights regime for Heathrow, which has been in place for many years, does not allow for this vital break from noise. Many residents are unable to get to sleep until well after midnight and are being awoken by planes scheduled to arrive from as early as 4.30am. Early arrivals often mean this time is even earlier. I n the immediate area around Heathrow, many residents are kept awake not only by departing and arriving aircraft but also from the noise created by ground operations generated by these night flights. This is an unfair and destructive
Wokingham Volunteering www.volunteer wokinghamborough.org.uk
E
Honest motherhood Angela Garwood
the chicks for about two months when the chicks will be able dive for themselves. By then a second brood of brothers and sisters will have
approach, which must change. In this consultation, we, along with many other organisations, are asking for night flights to be banned completely to allow for an eight-hour period where residents are not disturbed. The health implications of being continually disturbed by night flights must be prioritised and were the Government to make such a shift it would be a real, tangible change for everyone affected. It is important for people to make their views known to the Government. You can send them your views by emailing night.flights@dft.gov.uk. If you would like to respond in more detail to the consultation, we have produced some guidance you may wish to use that can be viewed on the homepage of our website – www.stopheathrowexpansion.co.uk The consultation closes on May 31. Such large numbers of people have put up with night flights for so long – it is time to give people back a good night’s sleep. Geraldine Nicholson, Stop Heathrow Expansion
Stamp out grooming Across the country, thousands of children and young people are subjected to horrific exploitation and abuse every year. They are groomed by predators with offers of friendship, gifts, cash and status then coerced using terrifying threats and violence into crimes like trafficking drugs in ‘county lines’ operations. Children are also exploited for sex and some are forced to work in premises like car washes and nail bars. In the South East in 2019/20, gangs were identified as a risk 1,860 times in assessments of children referred to knowledge that there is a challenge to be met, and if successful, could see a major step in providing a significant improvement in community-based resources for this group. The volunteer would be selfmotivated though guidance will be provided from other volunteers of the charity.
Helena Badger
PILEPSY Berkshire exists to give support to those living with epilepsy. This is to educate the community and organisations about epilepsy, to facilitate a sense of community ensuring that people do not feel isolated, to bring those together in a social environment where they can feel safe and supported giving support to the newly diagnosed, with help where necessary, such as guidance to organisations that can help them. Epilepsy Berkshire is now looking to recruit a volunteer, for approximately two hours a week, to help support adult members of a recently-formed charity. It is looking for an enthusiastic person who has the aptitude and approach required for this social role.
VIEWPOINTS | 19
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Pre-covid, the charity had taken its first steps, in setting up a support group at St Nicholas Church, Earley. Sessions were provided to meet others in a safe environment. This is currently via Zoom due to Covid-19. Its ethos is to encourage all members to adopt an inclusive, friendly approach. In addition, other social activities are planned and take place post Covid. The volunteer would benefit from meeting those who are living with epilepsy. Initially, this would be via Zoom and later face-to-face. The volunteer would have the
� The Link Visiting Scheme aims to improve and enhance the lives of older people. It does this through quality time and focused attention; a chance to hear stories of days gone by and build a connection. With the covid situation this year, we have not been able to provide our normal face to face service. The charity plans to resume this as soon as it can. In the meantime, it would like to recruit and train new volunteers who will be ready to go when the time is right. The Link asks volunteers to give one or two hours per week or per fortnight to visit and offer friendship and support. Regular visits are a minimum
arrived and there will be five more hungry beaks begging for food. Ray H Little, Finchampstead
social services, while trafficking was deemed to be a factor on 340 occasions, both indicators of child criminal exploitation. Risks of child sexual exploitation were highlighted in 2,640 assessments and in 2,550 instances, children going missing, also a sign of exploitation, was pinpointed as a factor. Many children are too scared to tell adults what is happening. That’s why we need your help. From Monday, The Children’s Society is running a ‘Look Closer’ Awareness Week with the National County Lines Coordination Centre and police forces across the country including British Transport Police. Our ongoing #Look Closer campaign urges everyone – from commuters and delivery drivers to hotel and shop staff – to look out for signs of child exploitation in public spaces and their neighbourhood and report any concerns. Signs could include children carrying large amounts of cash, appearing under the control of others, looking lost, or travelling alone at night. Trauma may lead to children appearing angry or aggressive rather than vulnerable or upset as people might expect – so look beyond the obvious. Anyone worried about a child can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. If there is an immediate risk to a child dial 999. If you are on a train text British Transport Police on 61016 You may not be sure about your concerns, but trust your instincts. Your phone call could be a crucial first step in helping a child escape a situation of terrible abuse and unimaginable trauma. Mark Russell, Chief Executive, The Children’s Society
requirement for at least six months. The Link provides training before you start visiting and on-going training if you need it. It has a support structure in place so you can always call on someone if you have any questions or concerns. The Link stays in touch regularly and puts on events so you can meet other volunteers too. � Children with additional needs and disabilities across Wokingham and the surrounding areas are struggling to take part in activities as they need a little extra help to get involved. By volunteering with Me2 Club, you can help these children make friends, increase their confidence and independence while learning valuable skills yourself! You need to be a minimum of 16 and able to commit for a couple of hours on an ongoing basis. � These are just a few of the opportunities on our books. Call: 0118 977 0749, email volunteer@wokvol.org.uk or visit our website www. volunteerwokinghamborough.org.uk
A colourful life
W
E are now just days away from the next phase in the lockdown lifting roadmap. I am thrilled yet tentative. The last few weeks have felt like another life. I’ve embraced the changes and made every plan logistically possible. My diary hasn’t been this full since, well 2019. Baby classes, lunches, numerous coffees and various appointments, my world is finally starting to feel like a colourful one again. I am slowly coming back to life and actually enjoying my existence. We’ve been for picnics by the river, had a day on the beach and watched Maia go up and down an inflatable slide in Henley. I hadn’t seen her smile so much all year. Instead of just “what shall we eat” and “when shall we go for our walk-that-no-one-really-wants-to-goon-but-what-else-is-there” it’s been: “Can we do the 15th? Julie is having a barbecue.” “I’m booking a hair appointment can you have the children that morning?” “WHERE do you want to go for your Birthday meal?” We have things to look forward to, people to see and food not cooked by us, to eat. There is excitement in the air again. I knew lockdown life was draining, but I didn’t realise just how much I missed social interaction until I went for lunch with a new friend and her baby boy of a similar age to Leo. We chatted births and babies whilst wolfing down our burgers and sweet potato fries. (If you don’t eat fast with a baby, you don’t eat at all). It felt good to connect with another Mum face-toface. I’d forgotten how necessary and important it was. I came away feeling refreshed and energised, buzzing from the entire experience. I both love and detest humans in equal measure for obvious reasons, but recently I have become increasingly grateful for the simple acts of listening to, and being listened to by, another person. Preferably over food. The same notion goes for baby classes, which are like a twice-weekly ray of sunshine. They’re not every Mum’s cup of tea, but I always leave smiling. The lights, the music, the happy, enthusiastic and animated class-leader, what’s not to love? It’s 45 minutes of focused-baby-time where I’m not putting laundry away, tidying toys or driving along to the soundtrack of a tiny screaming human. If anything it’s an escape. Plus at the moment we’re sat on mats and socially distanced, so there’s no real pressure to actually talk to anyone if you don’t want to. I do recall, back in pre-historic-pre-covid times, sitting in a circle in classes with Maia, pretty much toe-to-toe with other Mums, making it tricky not to strike up a conversation. Of course I have convinced myself, spurred on by Joel, that I will start my own baby class one day. It will be called The Colourful Kind (or something equally spritely) after my beloved blog, and it will be just that, colourful. All the usual music and props plus performances by yours truly. It will be nothing if not unique and I hope to spend the next few years working on this lucrative business venture. Stay tuned. I am proud to say Joel took Leo to his Baby Sensory class last week. “I’ll be the only Dad, won’t I?” “Yes, yes you will, but it will be worth it because you’ll love it.” He reported back that it was just as magical as I’d claimed and that he was shy at first, to do all the hand movements and signing, but it didn’t take long before he felt he could lead a class. Perhaps I’ll rope him into my rainbow class vision.
WEMB HEREW
PICTURES: Neil Graham
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
WOODLEY&EARLEYNEWS
Have your say on town future
By JESS WARREN jwarren@wokingham.today
WOODLEY residents can have their say about town facilities and events at a meeting later this month.
The Town Elector’s Meeting will give people a chance to have their say and ask any questions on the areas of Woodley the town council looks after. Town mayor Cllr Janet Sartore said: “We want residents to have the opportunity to have their say on the areas that Woodley Town Council looks after and put forward suggestions on events or other community benefits. “We are therefore encouraging residents to attend the virtual meeting via Zoom to ask a question, or send questions in advance and watch it live on YouTube. It’s important we work together to continue to improve our great town.” These include Centre Stage, the Oakwood Centre, the Garden of Remembrance, allotments at Reading Road, community activities and events, halls for hire, youth work, Woodford Park Leisure Centre and The Gym on the Park, Woodley Town Centre Management Initiative, parks and bus shelters, the public toilet, street lighting, noticeboards, and public seating.
The town council said suggestions could include more youth activities and events, an annual Picnic in the Park or a Music Festival at Centre Stage. The meeting will run from 7pm on Tuesday, May 25 via Zoom. It will also look back over the last year, and the way the community has responded to the pandemic. Cllr Sartore added: “The council is very proud of its community and how residents pulled together during the pandemic, demonstrating such great support and care.” There will be presentations from Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens’ Advice Wokingham, Peter Absolon, from Readibus, Mrjie Walker from The Link Visiting Scheme and Jayne Streak, Friendship Alliance, Richard Davies from Woodley Foodbank, Tracy Ward, Woodley volunteer for Covid-19 Facebook Group and Deborah Mander, Woodley Town Council town clerk. The deadline to submit questions in advance and request a meeting link is Monday, May 24. To join the meeting, email: Matthew.Filmore@woodley.gov.uk Residents that cannot attend but would like to submit a question can send an email to: communications@ woodley.gov.uk
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Janet steps up to mayoral role
HANDOVER: Outgoing town mayor Cllr David Hare presenting to new town mayor Cllr Anne Bassett
Anne takes up the chains
WOODLEY has a new mayor in town. Last week, Cllr Janet Sartorel (top) was elected as the town mayor, in her first mayoral position. Also joining her is Cllr Kay Gilder, deputy town mayor. This will be Cllr Gilder’s fifth time in the role.
A NEW MAYOR has been elected by Earley Town Council, at its recent annual meeting. Cllr Anne Bassett, town councillor for Redhatch ward, was presented with the mayoral chain by Cllr David Hare, outgoing town mayor. Cllr Anne Bassett, who had previously served as deputy town mayor, said she is honoured and proud to be in the position. “It is a great privilege and responsibility and I look forward to serving our residents in the year ahead,” she said. “I would like to thank our outgoing mayor Cllr David Hare for all his work over the last two years and particularly for steering the council
through this last difficult year. “It is a credit to our officers, staff and councillors that the work of our council has continued throughout the pandemic, maintaining our facilities and green spaces, enhancing them and making improvements. “Earley has a lot to be proud of, not least its community groups and volunteers who have continued to give support to residents throughout. “As we cautiously take the next steps along the Government’s roadmap, I am hopeful we will return to more normal times.” Cllr Bassett said she is looking forward to meeting and thanking groups and volunteers who have supported the town.
“I am proud of this community and grateful for the way people have followed the rules and looked out for each other over the past year,” she added. “I urge everyone to continue to do so and we will emerge as a stronger community as a result.” At the same meeting on Tuesday, May 4, Cllr Tahir Maher was elected as the new deputy town mayor. “I look forward to working with our very able mayor Cllr Anne Bassett,” he said. “I would also like to thank our outgoing mayor Cllr David Hare for all the hard work he’s done over these last two years for the residents of Earley.” Cllr Maher said he was honoured to be granted the position.
Panda drops in on Captain Tom THE EARLEY PANDA marked Captain Tom Moore’s birthday last month, by cycling to and from his house in a 100-mile challenge. On Friday, April 30, people across the country joined in Captain Tom 100 Challenges, to remember the war veteran who championed the NHS last year. In his own mark of respect, the Earley Panda peddled the 55 mile distance to Bedfordshire on Friday, before cycling back on Saturday. “I don’t think I can do 100 miles in one go,” he joked. Along his journey, the bear dropped off 100 hand-decorated pebbles, decorated by Earley Rocks. “They painted slightly smaller ones than usual, on my request,” he said. “I’ve left a trail of 100 rocks.
ROCK ON: The Earley Panda rocks I’m calling it my 100 miles 100 rocks challenge.” On Sunday, the Earley Panda was joined by cyclists from Rangers Sports for a celebration lap of Earley as part of the Captain Tom 100 Challenge Ride. “We started from Reading University and while doing the lap
of Earley, we created a Bear Cub GPS Doodle,” said the panda. “First it was Earley Rocks and now it's Rangers Sports, I’m overwhelmed with the support given by local community groups.” In July, the Earley Panda will cycle from London to Paris. “It’s going to be hot, but I’ve got people to support me,” he said. “Last summer I cycled a lot, and this outfit saved me from sunburn actually – although I haven’t done a full day in the heat.” He has raised 30% of his fundraising target, and hopes for more donations as the event moves closer. For more information, and to follow the Earley Panda’s journey, visit: www.earleypanda.com
Town council’s climate plan EARLEY Town Council is the latest group to declare a climate emergency and published an action plan. At the council meeting on Wednesday, March 31, the climate emergency working group presented and received full backing for the Earley Climate Emergency Action Plan. Working group Chair, Cllr Caroline Smith, said at that meeting: “This action plan is a live document and will evolve as we go forward – it is definitely neither cast in tablets of stone nor is it highly
prescriptive because that would make us a hostage to fortune. “There are many uncertainties, and we will need to remain agile. And we are keen to receive input from residents and stakeholders.” Cllr Marion Shaw said the town council aims to achieve a new and greener vision to improve the lives of Earley residents. She said: “Key activities will include securing financial and expert support, reducing plastic use and disposal,
enabling the provision of allotments and other outdoor green activities, limiting energy consumption, the intention being to contribute to the carbon dioxide mitigation rates of 13.19% required by Wokingham Borough Council to stay within our recommended carbon budget.” A spokesperson for Earley Town Council said it will play its part in stopping and reversing [environmental] damage from human activity in recent times.
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SONNING, RUSCOMBE, TWYFORD&HURST, NEWS REMENHAM & WARGRAVE
Annabelle’s challenges will help Buscot babies EXCLUSIVE By CHARLOTTE KING cking@wokingham.today A YOUNGSTER from Twyford is raising money for a charity close to her heart, after it helped save her and her two siblings’ lives.
Five-year-old Annabelle Trimble is embarking on 100 ‘Captain Tom 100 challenges’ over the next 100 days, in a bid to raise money for Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS). From sowing 100 sunflower seeds in a day to completing a 100-piece puzzle, she will be taking on one unique challenge every day with the help of her mum, Jane. BIBS, which supports special care babies and their families in the Royal Berkshire Hospital, helped Annabelle when she was born eight weeks early, weighing just 4 lbs. Jane said all three of her children were born premature after she developed preeclampsia, a condition which can cause complications for mother and child. “All my babies were in intensive care,” she explained. “They needed constant monitoring, assistance with their breathing and they were fed through a tube until they were able to feed on their own. “BIBS looked after us like a family throughout and without them, I wouldn’t have my children.” Since Friday, April 30, Annabelle has completed a whole host of challenges with her mum’s help to raise awareness and support for BIBS. “She’s loving it so far, and so am I,” Jane said. “It’s giving us something to work towards and we feel like we’re doing something to help the charity. “It also helps us spend quality time together — we’re buzzing to do our challenges every day.” Since starting the challenge, Annabelle has already hit her £100 fundraising target, but Jane said she plans to raise even more money. “Everybody has been so kind and encouraging — the support has been amazing,” she said. “It’s spurring us on to do more.
CHALLENGE: Five-year-old Annabelle Trimble, with Mum Jane, is raising funds to support premature babies at the Royal Berkshire Hospital with her 100-day challenge
“All we want is to raise awareness for BIBS and help them save more little lives.” According to her mum, Annabelle was inspired to take on a fundraiser of her own after taking part in a Captain Tom 100 Challenge at school. Jane said she was ecstatic, because the family had been looking for a way to support BIBS since the pandemic began. “I’ve been wanting to do something for the charity for years,” she explained. “We used to visit the hospital every single Christmas and drop off gifts because we think about BIBS literally every day. “We haven’t been able to visit during covid so I thought Annabelle’s idea was fantastic.” She said she “can’t put into words” how proud she is of her daughter. “She’s a very giving, very wonderful little girl and I’m awe of what she’s doing,” Jane said. “She is so determined and doesn’t give up.”
Now, Jane said she is looking forward to completing the rest of the 100 days with Annabelle and the duo is taking on every challenge as it comes. “To say the nurses, doctors and BIBS volunteers are incredible people would be a gross understatement,” she said. “Anyone that’s had a premature or poorly baby in the NICU will know how hard it is, and to have such incredible people supporting you at every turn means much more than words can say.” “Without BIBS, I don’t know how we would have coped.” Some of BIBS’ work includes supporting families with loungers and overnight accommodation, as well as supplying equipment needed to support babies in care. � To find out more about Annabelle’s fundraiser, and to make a donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/janeyand-annabelles-captain-tom-100-challeng (there is no e at the end of challenge)
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
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Festival’s year absence AS THE borough looks forward to a summer of festivals and fun, residents must wait until next year for one big event. Wargrave Festival, which has been taking place every other year since 1975, has been postponed over coronavirus concerns. Due to take place this summer, the 23rd festival promised a whole host of events, including a variety show, quiz, and Shakespeare on the green. Ally Holloway, one of the festival’s organisers, said it was a “really tough decision” to hold off on this year’s celebration. “Wargrave Festival has gone ahead every other year since 1975 — it’s the first time we’ve had to cancel or postpone it,” she explained. “We start planning a long time prior to the event and nail down a lot of contractors and businesses early, but because of the financial commitment required and the uncertainty around covid, we thought it would be safer to postpone this festival until 2022. “We didn’t want to let people down and cancel at the last minute.” Ms Holloway said the committee is looking forward to next year’s event and plans are already in the pipeline, but residents will have to wait until June 2022 before celebrating the festival’s next theme: summer of love. “The theme represents the warmth of summer, the joy of
ON HOLD: Wargrave Festival will be back next year Picture: Tim Hodges
friendship and the vibrancy of this wonderful village,” Ms Holloway said. “It’s funny that we went with summer of love because I think it’s so relevant in the current climate. “We hope everybody is looking forward to coming together next year and putting on a big party.” For the past 45 years, the 19-day festival has also raised money for community organisations to improve life in Wargrave — and next year will be no different. “The primary focus of the festival, on top of uniting the community, will be raising money for essential businesses,” Ms Holloway confirmed. “People can definitely look forward to some of their old favourite events, and there are quite a few new activities on the horizon too.” Tickets are expected to go on sale in April next year. � For more information, visit: www.wargravefestival.org.uk
Get ready to ramble
Churches prepare to launch vision
RESIDENTS can go rambling through Ruscombe and Remenham later this month. St Mary’s Church Wargrave is hosting two Ramblin’ with Bob events to get people walking, talking and enjoying “lovely views”. The first walk through Ruscombe will take place on Sunday, May 30. The second, in Remenham, is scheduled for Sunday, June 27. Anybody interested in taking part should meet at 12.30pm outside St James’ Church, Ruscombe. For more information, contact: austenrobert@hotmail.com
RESIDENTS are invited to celebrate at St Mary’s Church in Twyford. Next week, Thru-Christ is hosting a celebration service where it will launch its new vision for the future.‘ Thru-Christ is a group representing a family of churches, comprising St Mary’s, St Nicholas in Hurst, St James in Ruscombe, and Twyford URC. The event is free, and will take place on Sunday, May 23 at 1pm. For more information, search for ‘Vision Launch Celebration Service’ on Facebook.
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CROWTHORNE&FINCHAMPSTEADNEWS
Covid’s impact on food bank By LAURA SCARDARELLA lscardarella@wokingham.today A FOOD bank is calling on its supporters to continue their efforts as lockdown eases.
Crowthorne Food Bank, at Wellington Business Park on Dukes Ride, has seen the pandemic have a huge impact on its services over the past year. It serves families in Crowthorne and surrounding villages including Yateley and Sandhurst. More people in the community have offered their support to the food bank throughout a difficult year for families and individuals. Vicky Lawford, manager of Crowthorne Foodbank, said there has been an “amazing sense of community” at the food bank. She added: “So many people have offered to volunteer, I've never had to turn down so many offers before but it shows the generosity of our community. Mrs Lawford explained they have also seen a rise in donations from the local community. “Donations have also been coming in thick and fast which has not only allowed us to serve our community and families but we have been able to spread further
afield to areas that are struggling for donations to ensure more families are supported,” she said. At Easter, a four-year-old boy made a donation of chocolate eggs to the food bank, inspiring other schools and nurseries to do the same. Having received a high volume of eggs, Mrs Lawford said she felt “blessed and amazed” at the generosity of the children. She added “I find it truly uplifting that even our youngest generation see the need to help others and display such selfless acts of kindness.” Remaining open throughout the pandemic, Crowthorne Foodbank were able to provide services to families who were struggling with redundancies and other issues caused by the pandemic. Mrs Lawford said: “Food banks were and continue to be a lifeline for a lot of families and a pandemic only increases this need so there was absolutely no way we could shut and we are very grateful that our volunteers were willing to continue throughout.”
MAYPOLE: Residents enjoyed singing some traditional songs as part of their celebration
Pinehurst’s May day fun
� For more information, log on to crowthorne.foodbank.org.uk
MAY DAY celebrations were enjoyed by care home residents last week. Pinehurst Care Centre, on Duke’s Ride in Crowthorne, held a special daytime event for May Day on Monday, May 3. Staff and residents at the care home took part in a full day of festivities to honour the bank holiday. The celebration included a maypole with colourful ribbons, where residents sat around it singing and dancing along to traditional music. Residents enjoyed shaking bells and
banging claves together as part of the event. The care centre also re-opened its garden pub for residents where the cost of drinks differed to the usual pub price list. A gin cost one smile, a beer cost a wave, for two hugs residents enjoyed a glass of wine and a Pimms cost three kisses. Victoria Pembroke, head of activities at Pinehurst Care Centre, said there was “lots of fun and laughter” on the day.
a day between May until July. The intrusive plant can lie dormant but alive under the ground for up to 20 years. Japanese knotweed can reduce a property’s value by 10% and make it difficult to sell, unless a professional treatment plan is in place. This spring, homeowners spending more time in their gardens could notice purple or red asparagus-like shoots coming from the ground and growing into green shrubs with heart or shovel-shaped leaves and pink-flecked stems. Environet, an invasive plant specialist, says approximately 5%
of homes are currently affected by Japanese knotweed. Luke Walton, Environet’s regional director for Berkshire, said: “Knowledge is power when it comes to Japanese knotweed and this heatmap is invaluable to homeowners and buyers who want to assess the risk in their local area. “With the stamp duty holiday extended and lockdown restrictions beginning to ease, the property market is busier than ever – but failing to carry out the appropriate checks for knotweed can turn out to be an expensive mistake. “Despite its fearsome reputation, with professional help, the plant
can be dealt with and the value of a property largely restored. “I’d urge anyone buying or selling a property, or homeowners wishing to preserve the value of their home, to be vigilant for signs of spring growth and check Exposed to see whether they live in a high-risk area.” Environet UK website visitors can search their postcode to discover the number of reported knotweed sightings, with hotspots highlighted in yellow or red.
Knot good news: village is plant hotspot
AN INVASIVE plant is taking over Crowthorne – one of many hotspots in Berkshire this year. New research shows that Japanese knotweed has spread across the county and the village is said to be one of the worst affected areas. Reading, Windsor and Slough are also affected by the plant: Reading having 63 infestations within a 4km (2.5 miles) radius, Windsor has 44, Slough has 32, Sunningdale 17 and Crowthorne has 15. Standing up to three metres tall when fully grown, Japanese knotweed grows quickly – it can shoot up at the rate of around 10cm
Coffee time to resume Gin will be a big tonic Residents ‘yes’ to local plan everyone to wear a mask on entry until seated. For more, log on to the Legion’s website, Crowthornerbl.co.uk
COFFEES will be poured all round at the reopening of a Crowthorne club. The Royal British Legion, on Wellington Road, will host a coffee morning to celebrate reopening its doors on Tuesday, May 18. Entry is £3 which includes one tea or coffee and one slice of cake, further purchases will be £1.60 for hot drinks and £1.40 for cake. Everyone is welcome, but due to covid restrictions indoors spaces will be limited so some may be asked to sit outside. On entry, the club will be asking
A GIN night will be hosted by Crowthorne’s British Legion club this month. The Royal British Legion Club Crowthorne, on Wellington Road, is welcoming members and nonmembers to join its gin night on Saturday, May 22. With premium gins available to try at £10 for three gins and one tonic.
Numbers will be limited so booking is advised. Social distancing will be followed in line with the current government guidelines. For details or to book a table visit: Crowthornerbl.co.uk
RESIDENTS in Crowthorne voted in a referendum last week for the parish’s local plan. Crowthorne Parish residents voted on key planning and
� To view Japanese knotweed infestations or to report a sighting, visit: environetuk.com/exposedjapanese-knotweed-heat-map
environmental policies as part of the Crowthorne’s Neighbourhood Plan on Thursday, May 6. The Plan contains details of projects which the Parish will look to secure resources to fund. In the event of a majority vote in favour, the Plan will be adopted as part of the statutory development plan for the area. If adopted, the plan will be referred to the Local Planning Authority to determine the outcome of planning applications. The polling result, announced on Crowthorne Parish Council’s Facebook page on Friday, May 7, showed that 1,185 residents voted in favour, with 184 voting against. To find out more information, visit crowthornepc.org.uk
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INTHECOMMUNITY
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The Arts Society Wokingham THE Arts Society Wokingham’s April lecture had an intriguing title, Power, Propaganda and Men in Tights. Members soon realised that they were in for a real treat as Linda Smith took them on a visual journey exploring the symbolic details of portraiture in Tudor times. Many of the audience were familiar with the portraits of the Tudor monarchs but had not realised their original significance and purpose. First Henry VIII and then Elizabeth I embraced the idea that portraiture could be used as a means of communication and propaganda. Realism was not as important as symbolism. Throughout her long reign Elizabeth commissioned a series of portraits by different artists to mark occasions or emphasise aspects of her personality. Her Coronation portrait was rather formal but the Phoenix portrait of 1575 shows her dressed in an opulent gown encrusted with pearls (the symbol of chastity) and gold thread. She is wearing a large phoenix jewel round her neck which was a symbol of rebirth. In her hand is a rose which was a symbol of virginity. The Armada portrait is perhaps the most symbolic and features many different images celebrating the defeat of the Spanish fleet. Elizabeth is in the centre with her hand firmly placed on a globe – emphasising her role as the Warrior Queen. It was not only royalty who commissioned portraits. Aristocrats
commissioned family portraits to illustrate their dynastic power. There are also examples of portraits of pregnant ladies commissioned by their husbands, maybe as a memento in case the wife should die during childbirth. Linda is an entertaining and knowledgeable speaker. She wove together the historical background of the paintings, all beautifully illustrated, and their symbolic details in such a way that it kept her audience enthralled. As one member summed up the lecture, ‘Brilliant speaker. I could listen to her for hours’. The society’s next online lecture is entitled, Underground Cathedrals – The
World Class Art, Architecture and Design of the London Underground. Ian Swankie will reveal the unique architecture, ingenious design, powerful advertising posters and iconic calligraphy of the world’s first underground railway. He will also take a peek at a few of the new Crossrail stations, designed by some of the world’s top architects. The talk will be streamed live to the society's YouTube channel at 7.45pm on Monday, May 17. To find out how to become a member of the society and have access to these varied monthly lectures, visit our website www.TheArtsSocietyWokingham.org.uk SUE BRYANT
WADE
Rotary Club of Easthampstead: Learning about Cerebral Palsy “AROUND 110,000 people in the UK are living with Cerebral Palsy,” Emma Darlington told Easthampstead Rotarians at their recent Zoom meeting. Emma, who fundraises for the National Bobath Cerebral Palsy Centre in Watford, explained: “We are a specialist treatment and training centre, and a charity dedicated to supporting children and families living with Cerebral Palsy and similar neurological conditions.” Cerebral Palsy describes a disability caused by damage to those parts of the brain that control muscles, movement and posture. “It usually occurs during pregnancy, around the time of birth or within the first three years, and affects around two in every 1,000 live births. It can have multiple causes, but early diagnosis is now possible.” While there is currently no cure for Cerebral Palsy, the NHS and several Cerebral Palsy charities support children and parents affected.
The Bobath Centre, founded in the 1940s by physiotherapist Berta and Dr Karel Bobath, is based in closeby Hertfordshire, and provides a holistic approach offering physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy tailored to each patient. In addition to its therapy sessions, the Bobath Centre also provides training for families, teachers and healthcare professionals. For more on Cerebral Palsy go to www.nhs.uk/conditions/cerebral-palsy And for the Bobath Centre go to www.bobath.org.uk/about-us/welcome � During the Coronavirus, Easthampstead Rotarians have been funding local Foodbanks, assisting the Covid vaccination programme, providing tablet computers for homeschooling, supporting The Cowshed crisis charity and continuing to meet via Zoom New members always welcome. For more information, call Brian on 07720 321 526. Check out our website: www.easthampsteadrotary.org or follow us at www.facebook.com/ easthampsteadrotaryclub/ PETER VON BERGEN
� ON FRIDAY, May 7, WADE held the latest draw in its 150 Club lottery. The centre, on Reading Road, provides daycare facilities for the borough’s older residents, including hot lunches, entertainment and resources. The draw is held monthly, and there are three prizes. The more people who join the 150 Club, 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. A spokesperson for WADE said: “Congratulations to the three lucky winners. “Thanks again to everyone who has joined and supported WADE so far. Please spread the word.” For more details, call Jess on 0118 978 7025, email wade150club@wadecentre.org.uk, and log on to the group’s website, wadecentre.org.uk � WADE has set the date for its summer fete – Saturday, July 3. It will take place in the grounds of its Reading Road base between 11am and 2pm. There will be a variety of stalls, all with social distancing measures in place. They include plants, raffles and games. Refreshments including a barbecue will be available and there will be some tombolas as well. Entertainment will come from a ukelele band and parking will be available in the masonic hall car park opposite WADE. Entry is £1 for adults and free for children. � For more details, log on to www.wadecentre.org.uk
SOCIETY | 27
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28 | LIFE
In the cellar James D O’Leary Lustau, Pedro Ximenez, Murillo Tasting Notes: dried fruit/caramel/ walnut
W
ITH any luck, that archaic notion of a glass of sickly Cream Sherry wrenched from the back of your grandmother’s dusty liquor cabinet once a year at Christmas has been swiftly put to bed.
Sherry is in fact incredibly versatile and a joy to pair with food, whether it be a bone-dry Fino, a nutty Oloroso, or in this case a luscious Pedro Ximenez. Pedro Ximenez, or PX, is the name of a white grape native to the South of Spain, and is used in making what might be the very sweetest wine in the world. The berries are picked and dried in the sun, in a process known as ‘asoleo’, which concentrates their flavour, and turns them into raisins, before they are pressed. The wine then enters a ‘Solera’ system, which allows winemakers to blend lighter and youthful wine with aged veteran PX that offers rich tertiary characters. As for Bodegas Lustau, they can boast the honour of having been named the Best Sherry Producer in the world in 2016, and regularly sweep up awards for their winemaking. The nose is warm and expressive, with an unmistakeable perfume of dates, raisins and prunes, soaked in caramel. The palate is lusciously sweet, rounded and rich, with notes of dried fruit, coffee, chocolate, walnuts and brown sugar that coat the palate like a thick syrupy blanket. Finally, a long luxurious finish that evolves into nutty burnt toffee and molasses. This sherry is best served chilled, or the alcohol and the viscosity feel out of whack. So brilliant and complex is Lustau’s Pedro Ximenez Murillo that it could stand alone as a dessert within itself, but I think it cries out for a salty blue cheese to mitigate its sweetness. For something really indulgent and worldclass, try it with proper homemade sticky toffee pudding, or poured straight over good quality vanilla ice cream, for a pairing that you ought to have in the locker for your next dinner party. This wine is available at Waitrose and online, £16.99 at time of purchase. James D O’Leary is a sommelier at L’Ortolan, Shinfield
WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
Inthekitchen Freely Fruity facebook.com/freelyfruityUK
British Asparagus & Cashew Cream
B
Serves 4 as a side or starter RITISH asparagus season has started so take advantage and eat locally grown asparagus or perhaps find somewhere to pick your own. These nutritious green spears are an incredibly versatile ingredient and can be shaved and eaten raw, simply steamed or boiled, or oiled and griddled on the barbecue or roasted. Here they are served with a rich creamy sauce, perfect for vegans and
certainly greater than the sum of its parts. But don’t delay – the British asparagus season firmly finishes on Midsummer’s Day, June 21.
Method
bring to the boil for 10 minutes 2. Carefully transfer the mixture with all of the water to a blender. Add a pinch of salt and blitz until very smooth and velvety, tip into a serving bowl and set aside 3. Bring a large pan of water to the boil and add the asparagus to boil for 2-4 minutes (dependent on their size) then remove and place onto kitchen paper 4. Serve drizzled with the cashew cream and a twist of black pepper
1. Place the cashew nuts and garlic into a small saucepan with 300ml water and
Recipe by Charlotte Simpkins for Freely Fruity www.facebook.com/ freelyfruityuk
Ingredients � 100g unsalted cashew nuts � 2 cloves of garlic, peeled � Salt & freshly ground black pepper � 600g asparagus, woody ends snapped off
plasticfreehome Dave Lamont facebook.com/PlasticFreeHomeUK
Introducing BoxRoll
Y
OU may have read our recent review of recycled toilet roll brand BoxRoll: we gave the brand and its products nine out of 10. As you know, at Plastic Free Home we like to do our homework and, whenever possible, put our questions directly to the brains behind the brands. We spoke to the BoxRoll’s Steve Brown to find out more. “BoxRoll is a response to our local and B2B customers in Leicestershire, who were seeking a UK manufactured, plastic packaging free, everyday product at an everyday price as part of their journey in reducing plastic usage,” he said. “Our ethos from day one has been to concentrate on direct supply to independent businesses and private individuals, with a view to serving the local economy, providing access to UK manufactured products, supporting local employment and keeping the value within these areas, rather than the corporate high street and online retailers.” There are two toilet tissue products in each range, a two-ply made from recycled paper, and a three-ply made from pure virgin pulp. Both come in boxes of 24. Steve says that many aren’t aware that the UK imports much of its tissue paper reels, with the country using around 1.15 million tonnes per year, but only making 730,000 tonnes. “In other words, the UK has the capacity to convert paper into finished products and to meet demand but lacks the tissue manufacturing paper mills to support that demand,” Steve said. “As a result, procurement for paper can prove to be difficult when guaranteeing that the reels used in conversion are manufactured in the UK
and this has become increasingly difficult in the last 12 months. “Our connections within the tissue industry have meant that all parent reels used in the conversion for BoxRoll have, to date, been manufactured within the UK.” Who do you see as your immediate competitors? “Most of our ‘competitors’ on a likefor-like basis manufacture their products outside of the UK and their carbon footprint far exceeds that of BoxRoll, while they are also not using UK labour and materials to make their products,” Steve said, adding that he doesn’t see BoxRoll as in competition, instead they are an alternative. “BoxRoll originated as a result of people looking for ‘an everyday product at an everyday price, that is plastic packaging free and manufactured in the UK and it is important to us that our focus and ethos stands firmly on those basic principles and does not get diluted by trying to compete with everyone else.” How does recycled toilet paper compare to bamboo toilet paper? “I think we firstly need to look at what we are doing with these products in that they have no ‘after life’ so once they have been used, that’s it they are gone and cannot be recycled,” Steve explained. “The question we need to ask ourselves is why you would want to use, what appears to be a more environmentally sustainable product,
manufactured halfway around the world and then flush it down the loo after its one use application? “The product could be made of banana skins, dock leaves or bamboo but it still only has a single life after travelling all that way and we don’t see the sense in that.” He thinks bamboo would be better pressed into use for products with a longer life cycle. “Bamboo can only be harvested once per year [sometimes longer] and forests offer a better use of land in terms of habitat value, biodiversity, water quality protection and soil carbon storage,” he explained. “So, is recycled paper better than bamboo? At least with a recycled paper product it’s on the last leg of its journey rather than a fibre that has just started its lifecycle, on the other side of the world, and can never be used again.” BoxRoll’s minimum order is for three boxes – 72 rolls – for £39.65. Steve said that this is because they want people to shop at their local store to support that business. He also wants people to look at the length rather than the number of sheets. Each 2-ply recycled toilet roll has 300 sheets and is 31.5 meters long; the 3 ply luxury [virgin pulp] toilet roll has 150 sheets and is 17.25 meters long. “You asked what the cost per sheet is,
but the question is better answered by what the cost per meter length is, as sheets lengths vary from brand to brand,” Steve said. “For example, the Eco BoxRoll is 105mm long per sheet and the Luxury BoxRoll is 115mm long per sheet. Other brands vary from 100mm-125mm, so what appears to be a good purchase actually isn’t always as competitive as we are led to believe by counting sheets. “One leading brand had 400 sheets until recently [WGAC] and was 40 meters in length. Our current recycled product has 300 sheets and is 31.5 meters in length. The 400 sheet brand has now been reduced to 370 sheets and is retailing at the same price which makes it even more expensive in comparison.” The company will be expanding its range, including recycled kitchen towel and toilet roll. There’s more to come: “The next major project for us is using UK-grown hemp fibre, but the issue at the moment is the capital investment required to use this in tissue products and if anything it will be more suited to a kitchen towel product rather than toilet tissue due to the fibre length and strength. “We expect this to be another two to three years away but it’s certainly something we are aiming for” � www.ruraltrading.co.uk
For more tips and advice, join the online group at www.facebook.com/ plasticfreehomeuk Got a comment or question? Email plasticfreehome@gmail.com
Thursday, May 13, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
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WOKINGHAMLEISURE It’s panto time … Oh yes it is!
W
ISHES will be granted this month with a special outdoor pantomime. Wokingham Pantomime Group will be presenting an open air performance of Aladdin on Saturday, May 22 at 5pm. Weather permitting, the production will be held in the Howard Palmer Gardens, off Howard Road, Wokingham. Scripted by local writer Bart Lee and music by Ron McAllister, the show features Wokingham pantomime regulars Nici Maxwell, Sarah Devon, Simon Shaw and Anthony Allgood, along with young local dancers. Families will be whisked away to the city of Agrabah to meet Aladdin, his brother Wishee Washee, his mum Widow Twankey, the Genie of the Lamp and panto baddie, Abanazer. The audience will be seated in household bubbles, in line with covid regulations, and although booing and cheering will be restricted, audience members will be given
Go outdoors for the big screen AN OUTDOOR cinema is coming to Wokingham this summer. Go Cinemas, a Wokingham-based outdoor cinema company, is presenting six open air cinema showings during the summer months. Back for its fourth year, the showings
READY FOR FUN: Wishee Washee (Simon Shaw) & Aladdin (Nici Maxwell)
props to interact with the show. Stan Hetherington, producer of Aladdin, said: "Most of our rehearsals have been held online, which has been a big challenge, and we are particularly grateful to the young dancers and their parents for their dedication over the last few months. “We would also like to thank Wokingham Town Council and everyone
who has bought tickets for their support. “There are only a few tickets left, so we're hoping the show will be a sell out.” Tickets cost £40 for a bubble of four or £50 for a bubble of six. � For further information visit the group’s Facebook page, to book email wokinghampantomime@gmail.com
will be held at Dinton Pastures Country Park, in Hurst, between Friday, July 30 and Saturday, August 28. Audience members can grab their picnic blankets and popcorn while watching the films in the grounds of Dinton Pastures. Starting with Back To The Future on July 30 followed by Dirty Dancing on July 31, The Dark Knight will be showing on August 13 along with the Greatest
Showman on August 14. The final weekend includes a chick flick double bill of Mean Girls and 10 Things I Hate About You on Friday, August 27 and finishing with Grease on Saturday, August 28. The movie nights will begin at 6pm so attendees can enjoy an evening under the stars. � For more details, log on to gocinemas.co.uk
LAURA SCARDARELLA
Wokingham Loves Music
One Eyed Man – Ode to the Beast A Berkshire-based singer songwriter who will be appearing on the WMC Stage at this year’s Wokingham Festival. This track is taken from his wonderful Autumn Winds EP – www.facebook.com/ OneEyedManOfficial
bit.ly/wokingham lovesmusic
W
Fred’s House – Steal the Night
A COMEDIAN is warming up on stage in Maidenhead this month. Ahir Shah, London-born comedian, will take to the stage at Norden Farms’ Courtyard Theatre on Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, June 3 at 8pm. Twice nominated for Best Show at Edinburgh Comedy Awards, Ahir will present his new work in progress show Dots. Dots is a show about the necessity, utility, and absence of certainty. Ahir will be filming the show for HBO Max in early June and practising his material at Norden Farm. Having performed stand-up on Live At The Apollo and Comedy Central’s Stand Up Central, Ahir has also appeared in BBC1’s Have I Got News For You and Channel 4’s Catastrophe. Regularly performing on BBC2’s The Mash Report, audiences can expect Ahir’s usual blend of philosophical inquiry, personal examination and real jokes. Tickets cost £12, to purchase log on to nordenfarm.org
www.thesalts.co.uk
Chris Hillman
E’RE very excited about next week, as events can start happening again. The roadmap to reopening means live music indoors is back, and events from June are looking promising. With that in mind, our Wokingham Loves Music playlist continues to look ahead at some of the great tunes coming our way. This week includes Fred’s House, who will be at Wokingham Festival this August. We can’t wait. You can listen for FREE, via Spotify. There’s a special page set-up at bit.ly/wokinghamlovesmusic
Ah ha, it’s Ahir
Marky Dawson – Radio Gaga Marky is a charismatic piano player with a huge voice who will be appearing on the WMC Stage at Wokingham Festival in August. Here’s his unique version of a Queen classic – www.markydawson.co.uk
Katie Ellwood – Self Love
ON SONG: Fred’s House performing at The Whitty Theatre for Wokingham Music Club Picture: Andrew Merritt Photography They describe themselves as an indiefunk duo from Berkshire and this is their latest single which showcases their cool grooves and wonderful melodic song writing. They are another act that will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August. What a line-up it’s going to be. The duo of Paddy Spiers and Tom Lane met at Reading Blue Coat School and recorded this single and their album Torrent in Paddy’s own studio in his bedroom – www.facebook.com/ mississippi.voss
Here’s a band that hasn’t visited the area since their Wokingham Music Club (WMC) show a few years ago. The good news is that they will be appearing at Wokingham Festival in August so while we look forward to that, here’s a track from their Walls and Ceilings EP. It’s a great track and with the silky smooth and powerful vocal talents of Vikki Gavin combined with the quality musicianship of the rest of the band, it will have you singing along to the hooky chorus – fredshousemusic.co.uk
John Coughlan’s Quo – Lockdown (Stir-Crazy Mix)
Mississippi Voss – Stranger in Paradise
This band featuring the ex-Status Quo drummer visited the town to play a great show at WMC in 2019. If you ‘lost
Here’s a Wokingham musician and songwriter with an excellent new single. Get hooked in with Katie’s chilled grooves and subtle melody and check out that closing string section – www.katieellwood.com
your mind in lockdown’ put this track on, turn it up, sing-along and rock out – www.johncoghlan.com
Crystal Jacqueline – Rainflower
The 286 – One Way Love
Here’s the title track from an album released on Wokingham’s Mega Dodo Records by an artist that we are looking forward to seeing at Wokingham Festival in August – facebook.com/ crystaljacquelinemusic
The 286 are a rock ‘n’ roll orchestra who perform their unique interpretations of classical pieces and more as well as their own self-penned songs. They will be at Wokingham Festival in August – www.the286.co.uk
The Salts – Drunken Sailor (A Cappella) It’s a brand new ‘a cappella’ version of the sea shanty classic released on Wokingham based Braccan Records. The band will be live at Norden Farm in Maidenhead on June 25 –
62 Miles From Space – Sentinel Music from Moscow but released on a Wokingham-based record label and it’s another from Mega Dodo Records. 62 Miles From Space are a duo from Russia and this is from their new double EP – www.facebook.com/ 62milesfromspace
LEISURE | 29
History in the making A THEATRE company is heading to Reading’s abbey ruins for an outdoor show next month. Rabble Theatre will return to live performance with its first production since the pandemic – The Last Abbot Of Reading. The company’s new play will be performed in the Chapter House of Reading Abbey Ruins from Wednesday, June 16, to Saturday, July 3. Located next to Reading Gaol, the Abbey will also be celebrating its 900th anniversary at the same time as the show itself. Written by Beth Flintoff, who also wrote the company’s productions of Henry I, Matilda the Empress and Henry II, the play tells the story of Reading’s unlikely last Abbot, Hugh Faringdon, and his devastating relationship with Henry VIII. With support from the Arts Council England, Rabble Theatre is now back on its feet after a challenging year. Toby Davies, artistic director and co-founder of Rabble Theatre, said this is a “significant moment” for the theatre company and the whole of Reading. He added: “We were forced to close at the start of the pandemic and since then have lost our base and almost everything else, but now, thanks to Arts Council England and others, we return with a fascinating play that celebrates our local history on the 900th birthday of our magnificent Abbey.” Following support from well-known names including Dame Judi Dench, Kate Winslet and Sir Kenneth Branagh, the company have also been campaigning to transform Reading Gaol into a theatre space. Mr Davies said: “Amazingly, the Abbey sits immediately beside Reading Gaol, which, of course, we hope will one day contain Reading’s theatre. It will be an emotional experience.” For more information, log on to rabbletheatre.com LAURA SCARDARELLA
Outdoor at The Watermill OUTDOOR shows will be back in full swing this summer. The Watermill Theatre, in Newbury, is hosting three open-air productions for its summer season starting this month. To kick off the season, the first show opening on the front lawn will be Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes tale, The Hound of The Baskervilles on Friday, May 21. The production, directed by Abigail Pickard Price featuring a trio of actors, will run until Saturday, June 19. This show will be followed by a sustainability focussed production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, featuring 12 actor-musicians creating a modern folk soundscape from Thursday, June 24. Using responsibly sourced and recycled materials to create the set, props and costumes, the show will celebrate the environment of The Watermill gardens. Running until Saturday, July 24, the show is inspired by the music of Mumford and Sons, Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver and Taylor Swift. The final production will be a new semi-staged concert version of Stiles and Drewe’s Just So from Friday, July 30 to Saturday, September 4. The family musical blends five of Rudyard Kipling’s Just So stories telling the tale of courage, friendship and the power of an individual to make a difference. With a focus on eco-friendly practices both on and off stage, this season marks a new direction for the venue in terms of sustainability and access for future generations. All shows will take place outside with a socially distanced audience adhering to the current government guidelines. � Tickets are on sale and can be purchased at watermill.org.uk or call 01635 46044
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WOKINGHAM.TODAY Thursday, May 13, 2021
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PUBLIC NOTICES ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BARGE LANE, SWALLOWFIELD) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (BEARWOOD ROAD, BARKHAM) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on the 6th May 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:
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
Barge Lane, Swallowfield between its junctions with A33 Swallowfield Bypass and Welsh Lane. The alternative route for all southbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via A33 Swallowfield Bypass, Mereoak Lane, Mortimer Road, Lambwood Hill, Bloomfield Hatch Lane, Cross Lane, The Street, Station Road, Park Lane, Beech Hill Road, Trowes Lane and Chequer Lane. The alternative route for all northbound vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via Welsh Lane and A33 Swallowfield Bypass. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 21st May and 25th May 2021. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Gigaclear contractors to undertake blockage clearance work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 21st May 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 13th May 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Bearwood Road, Barkham between its junctions with Highlands Avenue and Hermes Close. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Mole Road, B3030 Sindlesham Road, Eversley Road, Langley Common Road and B3349 Barkham Road or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 5th June and 6th June 2021. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow Thames Water contractors to undertake trial holes and carriageway excavation work in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times. The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed. The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 31st May 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 13th May 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
Please recycle me !
The following application(s) have been submitted and are advertised for the reasons below:
211398
Former Showcase Cinema Car Park/Park & Ride Site, Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, Loddon Bridge
211496
Aldi Foodstore, Wellington Road, Wokingham
Description
Major Application
Application to vary condition 17 of planning consent 153125 for the Full application for the erection of mixed-use development for Town Centre uses comprising A1 shops including a food store, A2 Financial and Professional Services, A3 Cafes and Restaurants, A4
Full application for the proposed change of use of the former car park to the storage of materials, shoring and temporary works equipment and vehicles associated with civil engineering business (Use Class B8), including welfare unit, gates and fencing.
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. Any comments must arrive on or before the 27th May 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: 13th May 2021
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Sandford Lane, Hurst between its junctions with B3030 Davis Street and Colemansmoor Road. The alternative route for all vehicles affected by this restriction shall be via B3030 Davis Street, B3030 Robinhood Lane, A329 Reading Road, A3290 Loddon Bridge and The Bader Way Interchange, The Bader Way and Mohawk Way, or by this route in reverse. Works requiring this restriction will take place between 3rd June and 7th June 2021 between 9:30 and 15:30. The reason for these prohibitions is to allow BT contractors to cut back trees to access overhead cables to renew and replace damaged telegraph pole in safety. Access for residents and businesses within the boundaries of these restrictions will be maintained at all times.
The restrictions contained in the Order shall come into operation on the 3rd of June 2021 and shall continue in force for a period not exceeding 18 months or until the works have been completed, whichever is the earlier. Dated: 13th May 2021 Mark Cupit Assistant Director – Delivery and Infrastructure Wokingham Borough Council Civic Offices Shute End Wokingham Berkshire RG40 1WL
The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 AND/OR Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990
Reasons for Advert Major Application
NOTICE IS HEREBY given that Wokingham Borough Council as Traffic Authority proposes to make an Order under Section 14 (1) (a) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 the effect of which is prohibit any vehicle from proceeding along:
The restriction imposed by the Order shall only apply during those periods when traffic signs complying with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 are lawfully displayed.
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL PLANNING APPLICATION
Application Address
ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (SANDFORD LANE, HURST) (TEMPORARY PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER 2021
Phone: 0118 327 2662
WOKINGHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL (VARIOUS ROADS, WOKINGHAM BOROUGH) (STOPPING, WAITING, LOADING AND UNLOADING PROHIBITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS, PARKING PLACES, PARKING PLACES AND RESIDENT PERMIT PARKING PLACES) (CIVIL PARKING ENFORCEMENT) (CONSOLIDATION) ORDER 2017 AMENDMENT NO. 3, 2021 1. NOTICE IS HEREBY given that on 11 May 2021 Wokingham Borough Council ("the Council"), made the above Order pursuant to sections 1, 2, 4 and 124 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as amended, and all other enabling powers, and after consultation with the chief officer of police in accordance with Part III and Part IV of Schedule 9. 2. The effect of the above named Order which comes into operation on 13 May 2021 made permanent the provisions contained in the Wokingham Borough Council Experimental Order No. 3 2020, which introduced or extended the existing double yellow ‘at any time’ waiting restrictions on a lengths of Duffield Road Reading, Elms Road Wokingham, Holt Lane Wokingham, Hurricane Way Woodley, Silverdale Road Earley, Stanley Road Wokingham, The Terrace Wokingham, Wellington Road Wokingham and Wilshire Road Wokingham to facilitate access for large vehicles such has refuse lorries. 3. A copy of the above-named Order, plan(s) and statement of reasons for making the Order may be viewed online at ‘https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/roadworks-andoutdoor-maintenance/traffic-management-road-signs-and-markings/trafficregulation-order-consultations/’. 4. If you wish to question the validity of the Order or any provision contained in it on the grounds that it is not within the powers conferred by the Act, or on the grounds that any requirement of the Act or any instrument made under it has not been complied with in relation to the making of the Order, you may, within 6 weeks of the date of the making of the Order, apply to the High Court for this purpose. Dated: 13th May 2021 Andy Glencross, Assistant Director Place & Growth, Wokingham Borough Council, Shute End, Wokingham, RG40 1WL.
Thursday, May 13, 2021 WOKINGHAM.TODAY
TREE SURGEONS
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RACING
RESULTS
BOBBY TAKES TROPHY FOR TEAM BRIT WOKINGHAM racing driver Bobby Trundley’s 2021 celebrations are continuing after winning his race with Team BRIT in the Britcar Championship last weekend.
Bobby, 21, set the bar high in round one of the Championship at Silverstone on Saturday, April 24 and more than met the challenge in round two at Snetterton on May 8. Team BRIT aims to be the first all-disabled team to race in the Le Mans 24 hour and supports people with physical and psychological challenges in accessing motorsport through its Racing Academy. On Saturday, Bobby teamed up once again with paraplegic racing driver from Basingstoke, Aaron Morgan in Class four of the Endurance Category, driving #68, the Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT4. Despite the horrific weather conditions with driving wind and heavy rain, the pair started as they meant to go on, qualifying in position two in Class four. Bobby learnt his craft racing karts on slick tyres, so was right at home in the wet conditions. An incredible team effort resulted in them finishing 10th overall, ahead of many faster
cars in classes one, two and three. The first race of the afternoon saw battle after battle as cars struggled with the wet track. Bobby and Aaron didn’t let up for a second, and held on to their second placed position as the track started to dry out, with Bobby securing the fastest lap in class. Race two began as early evening approached, with the pair starting once again up front in second. Sadly, a spin from Aaron on the slippery first lap, which alongside a 10 second ‘winner’s penalty for coming second in the first race, sent the pair right back down to last place. Aaron pushed hard to move the car up the timing screen from the back of the pack to seventh before the pit window opened. A solid strategy and slick stop from the crew under a safety car then saw Bobby start his stint in fifth, having gained two positions in the pitlane. Bobby then called upon his racing experience and fought his way right up the grid, unbelievably passing every car in class and finishing in first at the chequered flag. “After the high of race one at
Thames Valley Division One Wargrave 2-2 Slough Heating Laurencians Eldon Celtic 2-0 Rotherfield United Thames Valley Division Two Twyford & Ruscombe 1-5 Berks County Reserves Thames Valley Division Four Phoenix Old Boys Development 0-2 Berks County Rovers
Bobby Trundley (pictured right) Picture: Peter Markwick
Silverstone I wasn’t sure we could better the emotions and happiness we felt, but I was wrong,” said Bobby. “We faced a tough race weekend with severe wind and rain, but our crew know exactly how to plan our race and set up the car to give us the best chance possible. “It was then up to Aaron and
I to show what we could do and I’m so pleased that we did just that. “It doesn’t get much better than podium finishes two races in a row. I’m beyond delighted and would like to thank everyone who has supported me and believed in me so far.” Bobby races again in round three at Oulton Park on June 12.
ROCKETS GROUNDED BY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS READING Rockets Ladies were defeated as the newly crowned league champions visited the John Madejski Academy and took the points.
Ipswich Women arrived in outstanding form with their two most excellent players hitting 30 of the 38 points their team scored in the first half, including seven trebles between them. The game began in a frantic way with fast basketball, end to end, many shots and sound defences from both teams. However it wasn’t long before Harriet Welham and Cameron Taylor-Willis got their eye in stroking six
trebles out of the 25-9 first break advantage. Nothing was dropping for Rockets on a day when they needed everything to drop but hard defensive work in the second quarter restricted Ipswich to just 13 scoring points but still they had a 38-15 half-time advantage. Coach Joan Portero Luque Lliria used the interval very effectively and Rockets came out blocking shots and finishing well themselves as Rockets went on 7-3 and 11-8 runs. Two more stops disturbed Ipswich but they used their fire power to hit three more trebles and hurt the hosts again.
Rockets had only been to the free throw line twice in the first half compared to nine for Ipswich and still Rockets just weren’t getting the drops they deserved and needed. A buzzer beating score didn’t put Ipswich out of their stride nor a couple of great blocks by Rockets and though Ipswich only took the third period 18-13, they still were comfortable with a 56-28 lead. The final quarter saw Ipswich drain five more trebles making the final score appear more emphatic. Rockets now look forward to the play-offs which start next weekend, where they face Loughborough Riders Women.
RUGBY UNION
RAMS TO BEGIN NEW SEASON IN SEPTEMBER RAMS will begin the 2021/22 National One campaign at Cambridge when the league begins on Saturday, September 4.
Newly-promoted Tonbridge Juddians will be the first visitors to Old Bath Road a week later, while round three sees Rams make the
long trip to Plymouth Albion, before former Premiership side Leeds Tykes are the guests on Saturday, September 25. Rams will renew hostilities at Taunton seven days later, before a mouth-watering clash at home to Rosslyn Park – which was one of the highlights of last season – takes place on Saturday, October 9. Back-to-back away trips to
FOOTBALL Sky Bet Championship Reading 2-2 Huddersfield Town Thames Valley Premier League Marlow United P-P Finchamptead Berks County 0-0 Newbury
BASKETBALL
By RICHARD ASHTON sport@wokingham.today
Saturday, May 8
Bishop’s Stortford and Darlington Mowden Park are then followed by a home game against Sale to round out the first batch of fixtures. After a week off at the start of November, Rams will be back in action at Old Elthamians on Saturday, November 13, before playing Cinderford (h), Birmingham Moseley (a), Blackheath (h), Caldy (a) and finally local rivals Chinnor in
the final game before Christmas. The second half of the season begins at TJs on Saturday, January 8, with the fixtures then played in the same order before Rams conclude the season at home to Cambridge on Saturday, April 30. This means the penultimate weekend of the season will see Rams travel for the the second derby at Chinnor.
Sunday, May 9 FOOTBALL Women’s Super League Chelsea Women 5-0 Reading Women Thames Valley Women’s Division One Caversham AFC Ladies 1-1 Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies Eversley & California Ladies 0-4 Carteron Ladies Wargrave Women 0-2 Woking Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K Ladies 2-0 Newbury Ladies Development Newbury Ladies Development 0-1 S4K Ladies Thatcham & Newbury Ladies 11-2 Wargrave Women Development
Monday, May 10 FOOTBALL Hellenic League Challenge Cup Sumas 1-0 Langley Thames Valley Premier League Berks County 2-3 Reading City U23 Thames Valley Division One FC Imaan Lions 5-2 Westwood Wanderers Reserves
Sumas Thames Valley Premier League Finchampstead v Berks County Thames Valley Division One Eldon Celtic v Slough Heating Laurencians FC Imaan Lions v Cookham Dean Reserves Wargrave v Hurst Thames Valley Division Two Henley Town v Hurst Reserves Twyford & Ruscombe v Datchet Windlesham & Chobham Reserves v Berks County Reserves Thames Valley Division Four AFC Corinthians v Finchampstead Development Reading City Development v Braybrooke CRICKET Home Counties Division 1 Finchampstead 1s v Aston Rowant 1s Home Counties Division 2 Oxford Downs v Wokingham 1s BCM Championship Shinfield 1s v Braywood 1s BCL Premier Division Goring on Thames 1s v Crowthorne & Crown Wood 1s Farley Hill 1s v Stratfield Turgis 1s Woodley 1s v Twyford & Ruscombe 1s BCL Division 1 Crowthorne & Crown Wood 2s v Earley 1s Waltham St Lawrence 1s v Farley Hill 2s Shinfield 2s v Peppard Stoke Row 2s Reading Lions v Woodley 2s Thames Valley Division 2B Wokingham 2s v Fleet 1s Eversley 1s v Finchampstead 2s Thames Valley Division 3A Finchampstead 3s v Taplow 1s Thames Valley Division 4A Wokingham 3s v Reading 2s Maidenhead & Bray 2s v Eversley 2s
Thames Valley Division Two Twyford & Ruscombe 5-6 Maidenhead Town Reserves
Chilterns Division 1 Harpsden 2s v Emmbrook and Bearwood 1s
Wednesday, May 12
Sunday, May 16
FOOTBALL Thames Valley Women’s Division One Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies v Eversley & California Ladies
FIXTURES Saturday, May 15 FOOTBALL Hellenic League Challenge Cup Flackwell Heath Reserves v
FOOTBALL Thames Valley Women’s Division One Carterton Ladies v Tilehurst Panthers Development Eversley & California Ladies v Caversham AFC Ladies Wargrave Women v Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S Caversham AFC Women v S4K Ladies
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FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
FC BRACKNELL U12s SUMAS SQUEEZE PAST LANGLEY IN SEVEN HEAVEN By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
Hellenic League Challenge Cup WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK booked their place in the quarter-finals of the competition after a single goal was enough to see off Langley. James Clarke scored the winner in the first-half to gift Sumas victory as they set up a quarter-final tie away against Flackwell Heath Reserves on Saturday.
Thames Valley Premier League
THERE was another fantastic team performance from the FC Bracknell U12s with a 7-0 home win against Reading Women FC.
The U13s Colts lost 3-1 away to Winnersh Rangers Arrows, while U13 Youth maintained their unbeaten run in the Development groups with an outstanding performance against Pinewood Panthers coming out 6-3 winners. Daniel Pring equalised against his old club with a 25-yard power drive before a Charlee Martin hatrick and a goal from Alfie Bryne made it 5-1 at the break. The second half followed the same pattern enabling the full squad quality time on the pitch. Regan Hurley completed the scoring from the penalty spot. U14 Colts we’re beaten 6-1 at
home to Hearts of Teddlothian Puma. The boys go again this weekend away to AFC Henley U14 Youth maintained their good run with a 2-0 win against Finchampstead Flyers. In a closely fought match, the U15 Colts narrowly lost to Eversley & California Youth Lions 3-2. U16 were away to Laurel Park. In horrible weather conditions, the Blues run out 4-2 winners with Oliver C scooping Man of the Match. U16 Colts lost 4-1 at home to West Byfleet, Sam P picked up Man of the Match. The U16 Youth were edged out 2-1 after taking the lead in a rematch against Teddington Tigers. U17 were home against Burghfield Blues. after an end to end boths teams cancelled each other out with the game ended 1-1.
CRICKET
BERKS FALL TO OXFORDSHIRE SPIN BERKSHIRE lost to Oxfordshire by three wickets in a friendly match dominated by spin bowling at Challow & Childrey on Sunday, writes Dave Wright.
Put in to bat on a greenish wicket, they made a steady start, reaching 31, only to lose three wickets for the addition of one run, including that of Archie Carter, whose 22 was to prove the team's highest score of their innings. The next highest was skipper Richard Morris with 18, while Euan Woods and Andy Rishton both contributed 14 runs, and Luke Beaven was left unbeaten on 13 after he had helped raise the total from 89-8 to 123 all out in the 45th over. The chief destroyer was spinner Joe Thomas who returned excellent figures of 5-22 from his 10 overs.
Berkshire also relied heavily on spin, but they were unable to prevent Oxon from getting off to a flying start with Tom Cosford racing to 54 off 39 balls with four sixes, including three in an over from Euan Woods. But Berks stuck doggedly to their task and, with Chris Peploe taking a return catch off his own bowling to end Cosford's innings for 66, they sent their hosts tumbling from 81-0 to 108-5. Max Uttley ripped through the middle order, taking 4-24, but despite wickets for Peploe (2-26) and Woods (1-21) Oxon reached 125-7 with skipper Jon Cater (17no) guiding his side home in the 37th over. Berkshire's next fixture comes away against Wiltshire at Thatcham CC on Saturday, May 23.
BERKS COUNTY took a one-point lead at the top of the table after they were held to a goalless draw at home to Newbury. The Swords are now a point above second placed Finchampstead having played two fewer matches than their title rivals, and are four points ahead of third placed Wraysbury Village, who have played the same number of games as Berks. FINCHAMPSTEAD remain just behind the league leaders after their fixture away at Marlow United was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.
Thames Valley Division One WARGRAVE’s 10-match winning streak came to an end as Slough Heating Laurencians snatched a point with a last-gasp equaliser in a 2-2. Despite dropping points for the first time this season, Wargrave stay at the summit with a one-point lead over Reading YMCA. ELDON CELTIC climbed up to fourth with a 2-0 victory over Rotherfield United.
Thames Valley Division Two BERKS COUNTY RESERVES moved up to third after they claimed an emphatic 5-1 win away against TWYFORD & RUSCOMBE. Alex Platt, Ano Mucherahowa, Joe Burrell and a brace from William Mabukwa sealed the win, while Adam Parker netted a consolation goal for the hosts. Twyford are now just one place off the bottom of the table but with a sizable 12 point lead over Windlesham & Chobham Reserves.
Thames Valley Division Four BERKS COUNTY ROVERS moved up to fourth after they defeated FINCHAMPSTEAD DEVELOPMENT 2-0 away from home.
Wokingham & Emmbrook beat Langley Pictures: Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire
Sam Burling and Chris Searle scored the decisive goals to gift Berks three points in their sixth win in 12 matches, while Finch are in ninth with 12 points.
RESERVES took victory.
Bracknell Sunday League Sultan Cup
WOKINGHAM & EMMBROOK LADIES were held to a draw by Caversham AFC Ladies in a 1-1 stalemate as they earned a point on the road. EVERSLEY & CALIFORNIA LADIES fell to their fourth defeat of the season as Carterton Ladies put four past them without reply. The Boars are in sixth but with several games in hand on the sides both above and below them in the table. WARGRAVE WOMEN were beaten twice in a double header against league leaders Woking Ladies, 2-0 in the first game before a 4-1 loss.
WOODLEY SAINTS KITES earned their second win in the cup with a 2-1 triumph over BRACKNELL RANGERS. CROWTHORNE INN defeated SANDHURST 5-3, while RAGLAN took a 2-0 away win over FREEMAN ROYALS. BRACKNELL ROYALS FC put nine past BRAYBROOKE ATHLETIC with a 9-4 triumph. BRACKNELL CORINTHIANS edged BRACKNELL CAVALIERS in a five-goal contest with a 3-2 win. WOODLEY UNITED SUNDAY took the win over ASHRIDGE PARK SUNDAY with a 5-3 victory. FC SHOWCASE beat 3M 3-1, while WOODLEY SAINTS TIGERS defeated HARTS OF BRACKNELL 2-1 away. SILVER BIRCH A were beaten by a solitary goal as BRACKNELL ATHLETIC
Thames Valley Women’s Division One
Thames Valley Women’s Division 3S S4K LADIES regained top spot after a double header triumph over Newbury Ladies Development. Goals from Megan Cox and CharisseEllouise Tegear sealed a 2-0 win before Claudia Periquito netted in a 1-0 victory.
Wokingham & Emmbrook Ladies (pictured left and middle), Silver Birch against Bracknell Athletic (pictured right) : Andrew Batt FootballinBerkshire
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From the middle Dick Sawdon-Smith
A referee’s seldom seen duty
Sam Baldock Picture: Steve Smyth
Michael Morrison has signed a one-year extension with the Royals
Sone Aluko (left) Picture: Steve Smyth
READING FC
MORRO STAYS AS FOUR ARE RELEASED By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today READING FC has exercised a clause in Michael Morrison’s contract to keep him at the club until 2022.
Morrison, 33, has played a vital role in the heart of the Royals defence since joining on a free transfer from Birmingham City in 2019. He made 35 Championship appearances last season, scoring four goals, but missed the crucial end of the campaign as the Royals missed out on the play-offs. Goalkeeper Luke Southwood has also signed a new contract with Reading FC until 2023. Southwood, 23, graduated from the Royals academy and has played back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Rafael Cabral in the Reading first-team this season.
He was handed his first appearance for the first-team earlier in the season in Reading’s Carabao Cup win over Colchester United, and went on to make two more cup appearances in the 2020/21 season, both of which were against Luton Town. He was then handed his league debut on the final day of the season at home against Huddersfield Town. “Luke is a fantastic character. A very talented keeper and a patient and positive influence within the first team group who I know will always give his best in every session at Bearwood or in any game he plays,” said Reading manager Veljko Paunović. “A child of this club, he fully deserves this new contract at Reading and I am sure he will grasp this opportunity to challenge for the goalkeeper shirt next season.”
Chief Executive Dayong Pang added: “I am very pleased that Luke has signed this new deal at the club and, as one of nine Academy graduates to make their first team debut this season, he represents more proof of the success of our investment in youth and the time and effort that goes into the development of young talent at Reading Football Club.” Meanwhile, four first-team players have been released by the club after the expirations of their contracts. Striker Sam Baldock, forward Sone Aluko, goalkeeper Sam Walker and defender Tennai Watson have all left the club. Alfa Semedo, Tomas Esteves and Lewis Gibson will all also return to their parent clubs after respective loan spells with the Royals for the 2020/21 season. The club has also confirmed that
they have offered new deals to Tom McIntyre and Omar Richards, with their contracts set to expire next month. However, it is believed that Richards has already signed a precontract agreement to join Bayern Munich. Amongst the Under-23s group, the club have offered new deals to striker Thierry Nevers, goalkeeper James Holden and forward Femi Azeez, while left-back Ethan Bristow remains at the club after a clause in his current contract was mutually triggered. Ryan East, Conor Lawless, Olly Pendlebury, Jayden Onen and Sam Smith have all previously featured for our first team but will seek a new challenge away from the club next season, while Joseph Ajose, Josh Hewitt, Omri Luzon and Augustus McGiff have also been released.
R
ECENTLY I was surprised, to learn that the start of Bayern Munich’s game with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga was delayed when their goalkeeper tried to patch a hole in his goal net with his towel.
The referee didn’t judge this was good enough and wouldn’t start until a member of the ground staff made a more permanent repair. I was surprised because a referee’s duty is usually to check that the pitch and its accoutrements are up to standard and safe. Goal posts in particular can be a problem. I remember arriving at a local village ground where at one end, a goal post was eight foot six (instead of eight foot) and one only seven foot six at the other. It was rectified but I would have played on, providing both teams agreed. I always give the posts a good shake to ensure they are secure, as goal posts falling on players have caused 10 deaths in the UK. Nets sometimes have holes or are not pegged down well enough. I always carry some string and spare tent pegs in case they are needed. When professional clubs used to have A teams, I remember refereeing Swindon A, where the nets were the worst I have ever seen. They took most of my ball of string to repair. Height of corner flags and pitch markings have to be checked; it’s surprising what greenkeepers can sometimes forget. Any rubbish has to be cleared off the pitch, the most unusual I found was a dead fox. I was once prepared to call off a game in Wokingham, as the goalmouth was thick mud. The home coach asked me to wait and jumped in a car, coming back with bags of sand and we played the game. This duty is seldom seen as it happens about an hour before kick-off but I remember refereeing at Oxford City when some early spectators watched me carry out the checks. As I walked back to the changing room, one shouted out loudly. ‘Hope he is half as keen when the match starts’. As a referee you can never win.
WOMEN’S SUPER LEAGUE
ROYALS THUMPED BY CHAMPIONS (WE WON’T MENTION THE SCORE) FORMER Royal Fran Kirby once again came back to haunt Reading as Chelsea Women captured the Women’s Super League title in style.
On the final day of the 2020/21 season, the Blues fired past Kelly Chambers’ side who finished an underwhelming campaign in seventh. Emma Hayes’ team showed no signs of nerves, needing a win over the Royals to retain the WSL title and they got on the scoresheet within two minutes.
They worked a clever corner routine as Melanie Leupolz met Jess Carter’s cross and fired a shot past Grace Moloney to give the hosts a dream start. After a poor start, Reading recovered to keep their opponents at bay for much of the half until Kirby struck her fifth goal against her former side this season just before the break. Sam Kerr squared the ball back to the penalty spot for her strike partner and Kirby arrowed a perfect
shot into the top corner to double the advantage. Reading had chances in the second-half as Fara Williams almost marked her final appearance before retirement with a goal as she looked to catch out Ann-Katrin Berger and squeeze the ball in at the near post but the keeper got down to keep it out. Kirby punished Reading again with a sensational effort as she took control on the edge of the box and lashed another shot that soared into
Moloney’s top corner with her 16th league goal of the season. Danielle Carter came close to claiming a consolation goal as she profited from the smart work of Brooke Chaplen to back heel the ball in the box, but the Royals forward missed the top corner by a few inches. Kirby unlocked the Reading backline again to set up Kerr who stroked the ball in on the volley to continue the home team’s dominance. Erin Cuthbert rounded off the
scoring as she pounced from close range and bundled the ball over the line despite Moloney’s best efforts to prevent another as Reading fell to a heavy final day defeat. CHELSEA WOMEN: Berger, Charles, Bright, Eriksson, Carter, Leupolz, Ingle, Kirby, Harder, Ji, Kerr SUBS: Musovic, Blundell, England, Reiten, Fleming, Cuthbert, Spence, Andersson, Telford READING WOMEN: Moloney, Leine, Cooper, Bartrip, Roberts, Harding, Williams, Rowe, James, Carter, Harries SUBS: Jeon, Eikeland, Nayler, Chaplen, Flores, Childerhouse
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FA VASE SEMI-FINAL
MOLES ARE ON THE R US PORTSMOUTH 1 BINFIELD 1 (BINFIELD WIN 4-3 ON PENS)
By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today BINFIELD made more history as they booked their place in the FA Vase final where they will make their first ever appearance at Wembley Stadium.
Jack Broome scores the winning penalty
The Moles have become away day specialists and they flexed their expertise once again on the road with victory over United Services Portsmouth in the semi-finals on Saturday. For the third time this season in the Vase, Binfield progressed via a penalty shootout as they once again managed to hold their nerve from the spot. Binfield will play either Warrington Rylands or Walsall Wood, who play their semi-final tie on Saturday to decide who will meet the Moles for the biggest game in the clubs history. It wasn’t all plain sailing for the Moles down on the South Coast and after both sides began to find their feet in an intense contest, it was the hosts who pulled ahead. James Franklyn beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past Chris Grace to give Portsmouth a 20th minute lead. Binfield had chances to level the game before the break as Liam Ferdinand came closest but US held out to preserve their lead. Carl Withers and Jamie McClurg’s side piled the pressure on as they looked for a route back into the cup contest. They came within inches of equaliser on two occasions as the striking duo of Ferdinand and captain Sean Moore both struck the post within minutes of each other. But Binfield were eventually rewarded for their dominance as Ferdinand showed exceptional composure to take the ball past the keeper and covert into the empty net to put the Moles level with just 10 minutes to play. A tense shootout then ensued to decide who would progress to the final. US Portsmouth dispatched their first three penalties successfully and had the advantage when Moore was the first to have his shot saved for Binfield. But goalkeeper Grace pulled off a vital save from the next spot kick before McClurg scored to level the shootout. Grace made another heroic save
Goalkeeper Chris Grace
Binfield ensured their place at this year’s FA Vase final at Wembley Stadium with a penalty shoo
to give Jack Broome the platform to book their Wembley ticket as he coolly controlled his penalty into the corner. “Still sinking in what our lads have achieved and been overwhelmed by the well wishes from everybody,” said Binfield manager Withers. “I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, these boys never know when to give up and they proved it again yesterday and now this club is on its way to Wembley.” Co-manager McClurg added: “Wow. So happy for our Molemen, our club and supporters, thank you all. Amazing game to be part of. This is football and, wow, I love these Molemen.” Former Moles boss Roger Herridge said: “Amazing day in the history of Binfield FC.
“This is a very special squad, a special group of people, a very special club. “James McClurg and Carl Withers told me at the end of November we will go to Wembley, they convinced us all, they were spot on. These boys are winners.”
Match stats US PORTSMOUTH: Price, Birmingham, Jeffes, Cain, Chandler, Hazell, Glen, Sergeant, Franklyn, Saiden, Todd SUBS: Pile, Quirke, Paige, Turnbull, Ripiner, Sibley BINFIELD: Grace, Hancock, Legg, Valentin, Willment, Gavin, Harris, McClurg, Ferdinand, Maloney, Moore SUBS: Howell, Chamberlain, Helmore, Johnson, Broome, ThomsonWheeler, Veal GOALS: Franklyn 20’, Ferdinand 80’
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ROAD TO WEMBLEY
otout win over US Portsmouth Pictures: Neil Graham
BIG WEMBLEY PREVIEW NEXT WEEK
FA VASE
HOW YOU CAN BACK BINFIELD AT WEMBLEY STADIUM
1,500 fans from Binfield FC will be permitted to attend Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 22 to watch the Moles in the FA Vase final.
The Moles will face either Warrington Rylands or Walsall Wood, who play each other in the semi-finals this weekend, and each club in the FA Vase final will be allocated 1,500 fans each to attend. Binfield will sell tickets in scheduled slots to allow
priority to club officials, volunteers and sponsors before they go on general sale. All tickets will be required to be purchased from the clubhouse at Binfield FC. Binfield fans will be located to blocks 123-128 and 227-233 in the west corner. Face masks will be mandatory to be worn and kept on at all times All fans will also have to record a negative lateral flow
test 24 hours prior to the match. The final will also be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 (12.15pm) kick-off. Don't forget to pick up next week’s edition of Wokingham.Today (out on Thursday May 20) with an eight-page pull-out to preview the action and how you can #BackBinfield for Binfield's big day out at Wembley Stadium.
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SKY BET CHAMPIONSHIP
How they rated STAR PLAYER Michael Olise
LATE GOAL PREVEN READING 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2
LUKE SOUTHWOOD A disappointing league debut for the young keeper. Beaten by a brilliant free-kick but should have done better with the equaliser.
TOMAS ESTEVES Very promising in an attacking sense. Created penty from the right and had a chance to score but blasted over.
ANDY YIADOM In an unfamiliar role at centre-back but looked comfortable. Put in plenty of crucial blocks and tackles and got forward well.
TOM HOLMES Recovered well after a poor showing last weekend. Composed in possession and solid defensively.
OMAR RICHARDS Bright going forward providing an outlet on the left-wing in what was his final appearance for the Royals.
ANDY RINOMHOTA Pushed out wide in Ejaria’s absence. Showed good energy to cover defensively but couldn’t create enough in attack.
JOSH LAURENT Another typically strong game from the man who was deservedly awarded with the Player of the Season award before the match.
ALFA SEMEDO A poor tackle to give away the free-kick that led to Huddersfield’s first goal. Made amends by winning the penalty.
JOHN SWIFT Popped up in some good attacking positions and had a couple of long shots at goal but couldn’t trouble the keeper.
MICHAEL OLISE Bagged a goal and an assist on what’s likely to be his last game for the club. A young player with a very bright future.
YAKOU MEITE Showed excellent composure in the air to guide his header into the far corner. Again showed his importance in providing goals to take his tally to 12 in the league.
SUBSTITUTES Lucas Joao 5, Dejan Tetek 5, Liam Moore 5
4 7 7 6 7 6 7 5 6 8 7
By ANDY PRESTON at the Madejski Stadium apreston@wokingham.today READING concluded the 2020/21 Championship season with a draw as Rarmani Edmonds-Green stole a late equaliser for Huddersfield Town in stoppage time.
The Royals went behind in the 15th minute from a Josh Koroma free-kick but responded quickly as Olise levelled from the penalty spot just three minutes later. He then set up Meïté who headed in the winner in the 26th minute to put Reading in front but Edmonds-Green scored a stoppage time equaliser as the teams shared the points. The Royals finish the Championship season in seventh place. "I have really enjoyed it," said Paunović as he reflected on his first season as Reading boss. "It's been intense and hard but I didn't expect any less. I have worked to my full capacity and have learned so much. "I can’t wait for next season to start. I’m so enthusiastic about the future and apply everything I’ve learned this year. "I enjoy it here with the team and the people I have worked. “I understand that's also something I don't control so I always give my best. "I expect to be here next season. I work as if I will be here. “I understand how everything works and I always give my best. I treat this club as my club. "We have to build on this going into the club’s anniversary. We have finished one season and we have to make the next one memorable." The Royals were prevented from ending the final day of the Championship season with victory as Huddersfield Town snatched a stoppage time equaliser in a 2-2 draw. "We didn’t finish in the best possible way. I wouldn’t say it’s a success but I would characterise it as a huge improvement. "It’s hard for us for the whole season other than the last few games in the play-offs to not see it as a disappointment. "The team have worked hard and given their best. I’m happy for the first 60 minutes of the game where we played some very nice football. There were good partnerships all over the field. "It was not what we wanted. It was disappointing to concede in the last seconds of the game. It’s a reflection of how we felt when we lost the opportunity for play-offs.
Olise scores from the penalty spot
Reading conceded in stoppage time on the final day of the season in a draw against
Meite leaps as Paunovic watches on from the touchline
“This point helped us achieve 70 points so that's something. “On the other side, I’m proud of the team and everyone’s effort throughout the whole season. “The injuries are what went wrong. They were the only consistent thing this season. “They kept coming and we have to look at how to minimise them in the future.” Paunović handed goalkeeper Luke Southwood his first Championship start, while Josh Laurent, who was voted by fans as the Royals Player of the Season, was handed the captain's armband. The visitors created the first half-chance of the game in the third minute when Duane Holmes got a sight of Southwood's goal but miscued his shot that flew well over the target.
John Swift strides forward with Laurent and Holmes
Southwood then had his first save to make when Josh Koroma hit a tame effort at goal that didn’t test
Match stats READING: Southwood, Esteves, Holmes, Yiadom, Richards, Rinomhota, Semedo, Laurent (c), Swift, Olise, Meïté SUBS: Boyce-Clarke, Gibson, Moore, Tetek, Camara, Aluko, Azeez, João, Baldock HUDDERSFIELD TOWN: Schofield, Vallejo, Hogg, O’Brien, Holmes, Keogh, Aarons, Koroma, Sarr, Ward, High SUBS: Pereira, Bacuna, Stearman, Eiting, Thomas, Crichlow, Edmonds-Green, Phillips, Headley GOALS: Koroma 15', Olise (pen) 18', Meïté 26', Edmonds-Green 90+3'
the Royals shot-stopper on his first league start. Reading began to grow into the contest and had their first attempt at goal in the 12th minute when John Swift dug out a shot from the edge of the box that almost snuck into the bottom corner, but was well stopped by Ryan Schofield. Huddersfield went inches away from taking the lead when they countered on the right-wing, and Scott High looked to bend the ball into the far corner after the ball was pulled back into his path but struck the frame of the goal. But the Terriers maintained their dangerous attack and were awarded a free-kick in a favourable position as Alfa Semedo was booked for a late challenge on High just outside the box. Koroma stepped up to take the
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NTS FINAL DAY WIN
From The Tilehurst End Adam Jones
New contracts a priority this summer
S Josh Laurent keeps possession Royals concede a stoppage time leveller
Huddersfield Town Pictures: Steve Smyth
Luke Southwood concedes the Huddersfield opener
Dejan Tetek argues with Richard Keogh
Swift challenges Jonathan Hogg for the ball
set-piece and arrowed a clean strike beyond Southwood into the far corner to give the away side the breakthrough in the 15th minute. Having gone behind, the Royals fought back and won a penalty just three minutes later as Semedo latched on to Josh Laurent’s knock down in the box and was brought down as he looked to swivel away from his marker in the box. Michael Olise took responsibility from 12 yards and sent the keeper the wrong way as he convincingly blasted the ball into the top-right hand corner to equalise. Reading looked to capitalise and go in front with the momentum of their leveller as Tomas Esteves battled past two defenders and drove into the box, but instead of opting to cross, the Portuguese full back lashed a shot over the target
from a tight angle. Esteves threatened again as he smashed a ball across the face of goal, and the ball fell kindly for Yakou Meïté after a loose Huddersfield touch, but Terriers’ keeper Schofield got across to make a smart save to turn the Ivorian’s effort behind for a corner as he looked to squeeze the ball in at the near post. From the resulting corner, Meïté latched onto Olise's cross as he looped a header into the far corner to score his 12th Championship goal of the season to put Reading in front. The Royals almost gifted Huddersfield an equaliser just minutes after going in front as Semedo gave up possession cheaply in his own box, but High smashed a shot over the top.
Meite puts Reading in front
Michael Olise bombs down the wing
Olise looked to cause more hurt to the Huddersfield defence having already bagged a goal and an assist, as he hit a shot from distance to sting the gloves of Schofield as Reading went into the break with a 2-1 lead. Reading created a few half chances towards the start of the second-half but Huddersfield defended determinedly to block a few efforts before Omar Richards’ had a deflected strike stopped by Schofield. Paunović made a double change in the 67th minute as Lucas João and Dejan Tetek replaced Meïté and Swift. João had a chance to extend Reading's lead in the 74th minute but glanced a header just wide of the far post from Olise's accurate corner delivery.
Huddersfield then looked to level when Carel Eiting found space in the box but Andy Yiadom was well placed to make a crucial block to protect his goalkeeper. Club captain Liam Moore came on for the final 15 minutes to replace Olise as the Royals looked to preserve their lead. The Terriers went close again when Laurent lost the ball deep in his own half but when Kieran Phillips tried to pick out the top corner from 20 yards, the ball sailed just wide. The visitors piled on the pressure late in the game to try and steal a point and they were rewarded with a draw when Edmonds-Green smashed the ball in to find a stoppage time equaliser as the points were shared on the final game of the season.
o, here it is then, the summer has finally arrived. You can guarantee several Championship teams are already planning the business they want to do in the transfer window, as they look to take themselves to the next level. For some clubs, they want to establish themselves as a Championship outfit after recently being promoted from the third tier. For others, they have aspirations of reaching the Premier League. But at Reading, the story is very different for one simple reason: finances. In normal times, EFL profit and sustainability rules allow clubs to lose £39m in a three-year period. The Royals have lost over £90m in their last three accounts and even without the costs of Covid, we would be well over the limit. In normal times, we would be in trouble but with the pandemic, where does that leave the football club? Well, it looks like we will be restricted in what we spend at the very least we would even be lucky to get away with just that. And at a time when the Royals need to rebuild after a turbulent couple of years under Ron Gourlay, that's a bit of a blow. Because of this, I can feel a sense of nervousness in the Reading fanbase as we head into the final few months as we look to make additions to a Reading squad that desperately needs reinforcements in certain positions. However, there is something else the Royals need to focus on and that's getting players signed down to new deals. Last week, it was announced that Luke Southwood had signed a new deal to keep him at the Madejski Stadium until 2023. If FFP/the EFL allows it, we must focus on our current players before going into the transfer market. Michael Morrison is someone we need to keep at the club, alongside academy graduates Tom McIntyre. Their contracts run out this summer and without all three extending their stay in Berkshire, the fanbase's mood will only worsen from our current state of nervousness and hesitance. But get all three tied down and we are in business. Let's look ahead to the summer of 2022 though. When Tim Dellor asked me if I was worried about potential departures in the summer, I immediately turned my attention to the next. We know the consequences of not handing out/not being able to hand out new contracts, just look at the situation with Omar Richards. If we were going into a season with one senior left back, it would make sense to put our full faith in them and give them a deal, but we didn't do that with the 23-year-old. The longer we leave it to tie players down, the harder it will get to get them signed. Look at the number of players that are currently set to depart in 2022: Andy Yiadom, Tom Holmes, Michael Olise, Andy Rinomhota, John Swift and Josh Laurent and others. If we are to secure the long-term future of the club, we need a summer of new deals galore. Mr Dai, Dayong Pang, Bryan Stabler, Michael Gilkes and Veljko Paunović, get it done.
WOKINGHAMSPORT
ROYALS WOMEN: WE WON’T MENTION THE SCORE P35
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SUMAS SETTLEFOR STALEMATE P34 By ANDY PRESTON apreston@wokingham.today
BINFIELD: FA VASE FINALISTS
BINFIELD made their Wembley dream a reality as they booked their place in the FA Vase final.
ROCKETS BEATENBY CHAMPIONS P33
Carl Withers’ and Jamie McClurg’s side were taken down to the wire by United Services Portsmouth in the semi-finals, but Binfield prevailed with another penalty-shootout victory again away from home. The Moles now face the biggest game in the club’s history on Saturday, May 22 where they will play either Warrington Rylands or Walsall Wood under the famous Wembley arch. � Full match report – page 37
RAMS RARINGFOR RETURN P33 ISSN 2634-8330
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BUNDLES OF JOY: Binfield celebrate after booking their place in the FA Vase final Picture: Neil Graham